China reaffirms sovereignty over Xianbin Jiao, denounces Philippines' false accusations

Xinhua) 08:05, December 18, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday condemned the Philippines' "thief crying stop thief" behavior after Manila organized vessels to illegally intrude into the lagoon of China's Xianbin Jiao in the South China Sea.

Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to Philippines' false accusations about Chinese maritime law enforcement actions against Philippine personnel near Xianbin Jiao.

"China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Xianbin Jiao. This is fully grounded in both history and law," emphasized the spokesperson.

Jiang said that the Philippines deliberately organized and dispatched a large number of vessels to intrude into the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao illegally. Personnel on the Philippine vessels even brandished knives to threaten Chinese coast guard officers conducting lawful operations, an act that was "utterly egregious in nature".

"The measures taken by the Chinese side were necessary actions to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the spokesperson emphasized. "They were reasonable, lawful, professional, and restrained."

"Confronted with the facts, certain individuals in the Philippines are telling barefaced lies, resorting to sophistry to deny their own infringing and provocative acts, and even making false accusations against China. This is a complete reversal of right and wrong, and a case of the thief crying 'stop thief'," Jiang said.

The spokesperson noted that for some time, the Philippines has frequently created incidents at sea, repeatedly staged self-orchestrated farces, and persistently made unwarranted accusations against China in a deliberate attempt to smear China's image, muddy the waters in the South China Sea, and undermine regional stability.

"We solemnly warn the Philippines: staging incidents, playing the victim, and hyping propaganda will not alter the nature of the Philippines' illegal infringement and provocations, will not mislead the international community, and will not shake China's resolve to safeguard its rights in accordance with the law," Jiang stressed.

"China will continue to take resolute and effective measures in response to all acts of infringement and provocation," the spokesperson concluded.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Chinese-made toys expand global footprint

People's Daily Online) 10:48, December 18, 2025

Foreign buyers discuss and finalize orders with local merchants at the Global Digital Trade Center in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Photo/Wang Yijie)

China's total goods imports and exports rose to 41.21 trillion yuan ($5.82 trillion) in the first 11 months of 2025, up 3.6 percent year on year, according to the General Administration of Customs (GAC). As China pushes forward with high-quality development in foreign trade, its toy industry continues to perform strongly on the global market, underpinned by a complete supply chain and sustained innovation.

"Transform  go!" At Xiaole Intelligent Technology, a store located in the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center in Yiwu city, east China's Zhejiang Province, store manager Chen Meng gives a brief command. Instantly, a robot toy on the display platform lights up blue. Its mechanical joints unfold, rotate and lock into place, completing a full transformation in just seconds and drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

Yiwu, the world's largest hub for small commodities, produces one out of every four toys sold worldwide. From January to October this year, Yiwu's toy exports totaled 21.81 billion yuan, up 19.5 percent year on year.

A businessman operates a transformable smart toy at the Global Digital Trade Center in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Photo/Wang Yijie)

Inside Xiaole Intelligent Technology, an AI companion robot called "K Bao" has become a standout product. Designed with a rounded, friendly appearance, the robot is equipped with electronic eyes and a camera embedded in its nose. It can listen and respond, sing, tell stories and even recite classical Chinese poetry. Powered by the DeepSeek large language model, the robot supports communication in more than 60 languages, delivering personalized content and emotional companionship. The product has already been exported to markets including Myanmar, Bangladesh and Spain.

In recent years, the rapid expansion of China's low-altitude economy has also fueled demand for drones and model aircraft. At Yushi Electronics in Yiwu International Trade City, drone demonstrations are now a daily routine.

"Based on overseas customer demand, we've developed single-camera, dual-camera and even triple-camera aerial models to deliver wider coverage, clearer images and longer range," said store owner Zhao Junjie. He added that a South American client recently placed a single order for 1,800 dual-camera drones.

A staff member at Jaki Toys introduces globe-themed toys to a client. (Photo/Ke Xiao)

At the showroom of Jaki Toys in Chenghai district, Shantou, south China's Guangdong Province, Spanish buyer Alex examines a semi-transparent, aerospace-themed building block set.

"This building block series not only replicates the exterior of various spacecraft but also allows users to see their internal structures through modular, mechanical disassembly," said Chen Xinmin, vice president of the company.

The interior of the workshop of Shantou Gooders Precision Technology Co., Ltd. in Chenghai district, Shantou city, south China's Guangdong Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Shantou Municipal Committee)

Chenghai district hosts over 10,000 toy companies. Ninety percent of toy components can be sourced locally, with more than 1,000 new products introduced every day. Some designs can move from concept to delivery in as little as seven days.

Data from Shantou Customs shows that the city's toy exports reached 8.56 billion yuan in the first three quarters of this year. The European Union was the largest export market, with exports to the bloc rising 11.4 percent year on year.

"As our overseas clientele has continued to grow, we have relocated our toy showroom four times. Now it spans more than 20,000 square meters," said Weng Xusheng from Shantou Jinchengfeng Exhibition Ltd.

In recent years, Chenghai has drawn an increasing number of international buyers, while local toy manufacturers have expanded steadily in scale and capacity. Buoyed by confidence in China's manufacturing strength and a rising interest in Chinese culture, overseas partners are now taking Chenghai-made toys to more than 150 countries and regions worldwide.

At the 20th International Bicycles, Baby Strollers and Toys Fair held in November in Pingxiang county, Xingtai, north China's Hebei Province, a Saudi buyer  clutching orders for 800 shipping containers  noted the popularity of Chinese-made children's bikes in his country. Since first sourcing children's bicycles in Pingxiang six years ago, he has returned twice a year to visit factories, review new products and place orders, often staying for more than 10 days each trip.

A foreign buyer learns about a product at the International Bicycles, Baby Strollers and Toys Fair in Pingxiang county, Xingtai city, north China's Hebei Province. (cpanet.cn/Chen Lei)

Pingxiang is home to 5,285 companies across the bicycle, children's bicycle and toy supply chain. The county produces 155 million units annually, and the industry generates over 30 billion yuan in annual revenue.

Hebei Hengchi Bicycle Parts Group Co., Ltd. started as a family workshop making bicycle saddles and has since grown into an integrated manufacturer of bicycles, children's bicycles and components. Its products sell well in Europe and North America.

Staff members showcase products to international buyers at the International Bicycles, Baby Strollers and Toys Fair in Pingxiang county, Xingtai city, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo/Han Zhengzheng)

"We offer customized, differentiated products tailored to the needs of customers in different markets," said General Manager Dong Hongzhi. The company now launches over 60 new products annually and holds more than 260 patents.

Pingxiang county bicycle and children's bike exports reached 799 million yuan in 2024, according to Xingtai Customs.

U.S. clients visit the material room of Yangzhou Diteng Toy & Gift Co., Ltd. in Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo/Zhang Yaguang)

December marks the beginning of the busy holiday gift-giving season. A U.K. client recently requested a dolphin-themed plush toy, and at Yangzhou Diteng Toy & Gift Co., Ltd., designer Cai Xiao brought the design to life, transforming a 2D sketch into a 3D model using specialized design software.

The company generates 200 million yuan in annual sales, driven by a steady rise in eco-friendly products. Platforms like the Canton Fair and the American International Toy Fair help the company expand its global reach.

Local young visitors try out plush toys by Cozy World at the 2025 Torino International Book Fair in Italy. (Photo/Wei Hualiang)

At Cozy World, a toy brand in Yangzhou, R&D is in full swing. According to Tang Lili, the company's R&D head, to stand out globally, the company focuses on three lines: cube companions, sequin unicorns, and a specialized series for cross-border e-commerce.

Designer Liu Jinfeng explained that research on overseas social media showed young consumers prefer toys with distinctive shapes and personalities. Launched in April, the cube companions series features boxy forms, bold colors and expressive faces, selling over 200,000 units worldwide in less than a year.

Yangzhou's plush toy industry, which began in the 1960s, now boasts a complete industrial chain. The industrial chain comprises approximately 2,000 registered companies, generating over 30 billion yuan in annual output and employing more than 150,000 people, according to the Yangzhou Plush Toy Association.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
The Azerbaijani government said that the shipment, the first of its kind, was carried in out in line with understandings reached by deputy prime ministers of the two countries during a November 28 meeting in Azerbaijan. It said the nearly 1,300 tons of fuel produced by the state oil company SOCAR was sold at a market-based price.

None of Armenias fuel importers acknowledged the purchase in the following hours. Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan declined to name the private buyer or buyers.

If the businesses continue the import and the prices fall, then [Azerbaijani gasoline] is competitive, Papoyan told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. If the prices dont go down, then I suppose they wont import it anymore.

Armenia imported 490,000 tons of petrol and other fuel last year. About two-thirds of it came from Russia.

Lets just note that we trade [with Azerbaijan,] instead of waging a war, said Papoyan. War is a loss, trade is prosperity.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian also welcomed the Azerbaijani shipment. He said it was made possible by peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Georgias government was the first to reveal the upcoming delivery last week with the announcement of its one-off exemption from Georgian transit fees. Pashinian implied on Thursday that the fees are too high to justify possible further imports of Azerbaijani fuel via Georgia.

In a related development, Azerbaijan allowed Kazakhstan last month to export 1,000 tons of wheat to Armenia through its territory. Pashinians government found itself on the defensive when it emerged afterwards that Armenia imported low-grade Kazakh wheat which is mainly used as animal feed. Opposition figures and other critics rang alarm bells, saying that it must not be used for bread production.
18 December 2025 13:41 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued on December 18.

According to Azernews, the hearing took place at the Baku Military Court, where the prosecutor presented the states case.

During the proceedings, the prosecutor called for Ruben Vardanyan to be sentenced to life imprisonment.
18 December 2025 13:55 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan is on the verge of realising the biggest cotton harvest since the country gained its independence. This represents a kind of breakthrough within the agricultural sector and further enhances the position of the country within the global cotton industry. Cotton production begins to take on the sense of an important agricultural crop for Azerbaijan again. Almost complete harvests of the 2025 harvest suggest a revival of the industry after a few years of shrinkage.

According to a statement made by Azerbaijans Ministry of Agriculture by early December, 353,914 tons of raw cotton were gathered from 100,468.1 hectares of agricultural land, and this year's crop average of 35.23 centners of cotton per hectare is a record high in Azerbaijan after independence.

In US dollar value, the amount of raw cotton is measured in tens of millions of agricultural products, thus accentuating the significance of cotton beyond its simple nominal value of export.

This increase has come against the background of various harvest decreases experienced in previous years. To give a proper comparison, Azerbaijan harvested just over 307,000 tons in 2024, while in 2023, harvests decreased to 276,300 tons. This shows that in 2022 and 2020, harvests stood at approximately 323,000 and 337,000 tons, respectively, making 2025s harvest a definitive turnaround in renewed focus on this sector.

Cotton farming has been conducted in 16 areas during the 2025 economic year, with the largest area of agricultural land allocated towards cotton farming in nine traditional cotton-growing districts: Aghjabedi, Beylagan, Barda, Bilasuvar, Imishli, Neftchala, Saatli, Sabirabad, and Salyan. The nine areas comprise approximately 86,000 hectares of cotton plantations.

As of December 8, the Beylagan region showed the highest level of productivity in the country with an average harvest of 41.07 centners per hectare, with a total output of 36,543.9 tons from 8,898.3 hectares. The list includes a number of high-performing areas, such as Neftchala with 39.64 centners per hectare, Bilasuvar with 39.45 centners per hectare, Tartar with 37.46 centners per hectare, and Barda with 35.80 centners per hectare

In the cotton belt, Barda recorded an average harvest of 30,249.4 centners from 8,448.8 ha of land, yielding 35.8 centners per ha, one of the better performances in the country.

The reinforcement of cotton lint and yarn output indicates improvement in the field. In January-November 2025, Azerbaijan manufactured 76,856.5 tons of cotton lint, a rise of 33.8 per cent from previous years, and cotton yarn worth 19,737.4 tons, a rise of 22.9 per cent. The large storage stocks, measuring 28,308.2 tons of cotton lint and 5,214.7 tons of cotton yarn on December 1, indicate growing material availability.

The trend is also seen in the export results. The total export of cotton yarn from January to October 2025 was 12,029.40 tons, with a value of US$27.45 million, which indicates a rise of 17.8 per cent and 8.8 per cent over the same period of the previous year, respectively. All these figures clearly indicate how the growth of the cotton crop itself contributes to the generation of more value-added exports instead of remaining basic exports.

Further information from mid-2025 reveals that raw cotton production in the first half of the year had shown a substantial increase of more than 46,000 tons, and that cotton yarn production was up by nearly 25 per cent in the first seven months.

Expectations for further expansion led the Agricultural Subsidy Council to announce an increase in the support levels for cotton crops in the 2026 agricultural year very recently. Farmers will get 215 manats per ton (approx US$126) for irrigated cotton and 200 manats per ton (approx US$118) for non-irrigated cotton, thus pragmatic efforts are being promoted through this upliftment too.

The subsidies will be applicable in specific regions, including Aghjabedi, Beylagan, Barda, Neftchala, Saatli, Sabirabad, and others, while other regions will be denied yield subsidies. Justification is based on promoting both yield and specialisation.

There have been new state standards set for cotton in 2025. These seek to enhance the quality control of cotton lint assessment, ranging from maturity to purity. This paves the way to better export revenues.

Regardless of the bright spot, there are still issues that need to be addressed. The problem of water, especially in regions where cotton is grown, has been seen as an issue. The need for irrigation systems has been advocated by the growers, especially for the purposes of yield. Development of local high-quality varieties, as well as having improved protection against diseases, is another priority.

There are also some international efforts for the modernisation of agriculture in Rwanda. For example, FAO and IAEA-funded schemes have implemented the use of climate-resilient agriculture and nuclear-supported soil and fertiliser optimisation methods, whose potential for yield expansion and soil and climate change resilience is evident in some pilots.

Apart from cotton fibres, Azerbaijan is slowly developing the textile chain. This is seen in the cotton processing factory in the Sabirabad Industrial District, churning out lint and technical fibres for both domestic and export markets. Using imported technology from countries like Turkiye, Germany, and Italy, the factorys annual production capacity stands at 8,000 tons of lint and 10,000 tons of fibres, already seeing exports and job creation.

On the one hand, new joint ventures are coming to fruition. Joint projects with Uzbek textile companies aim to create clusters of cotton farming, yarn, textiles, and clothing to make Azerbaijan, besides being a raw material provider, a participant in the textile sector supply chain.

The cotton harvest of 2025 is an indicator not only of quantity growth but also of the qualitative change in Azerbaijans agricultural economy. Indeed, thanks to record harvest volumes, growing processing production, supportive policy and rising levels of international partnership, cotton is re-emerging as a driving force not only in rural jobs but also in non-oil exports. If the trend is any indication, particularly with improvements in irrigation systems and the use of modern cultivation methods and textile manufacturing linkages, cotton could become an innovation catalyst for the farm sector in Azerbaijan from its current status as a traditional crop.
18 December 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Relations between Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates have steadily evolved into a strong and forward-looking partnership grounded in mutual respect, trust, and shared values. What makes this relationship particularly notable is not only the depth of political dialogue, but also the way both countries are aligning their long-term national strategies in response to global economic and technological change.

As traditional oil-gas producing countries, Azerbaijan and the UAE share a similar economic history. Today, however, both are actively redefining their development models. While hydrocarbons remain an important pillar of their economies, Baku and Abu Dhabi are investing heavily in renewable energy, green technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovation-driven sectors. This shared transition from resource-based growth toward sustainable and knowledge-based economies has become one of the key drivers of closer bilateral cooperation.

The personal commitment and strategic vision of President Ilham Aliyev and President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have played a decisive role in elevating bilateral relations. Their regular high-level contacts have helped transform traditional friendly ties into a comprehensive strategic partnership. President Aliyevs visit to Abu Dhabi on December 1617 to attend the opening ceremony of the Future Games 2025 was a symbolic reminder that the relationship is increasingly focused on the future, like technology, innovation, and youth engagement.

This political momentum was institutionalised with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership in January 2024, followed by the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Relations in September 2025. These documents marked a new stage in bilateral ties, expanding cooperation across political, economic, energy, trade, and investment spheres. With more than 50 bilateral agreements signed to date, the partnership now rests on a solid and well-structured foundation.

Growing economic ties and investment cooperation - Economic relations between Azerbaijan and the UAE have shown clear and measurable growth. Trade turnover increased by more than 80 per cent in JanuaryOctober 2025 compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching nearly $147.5 million. While there is still room for expansion, this sharp increase reflects rising business interest and improving connectivity between the two economies.

One of the most significant developments has been the establishment of the Joint Investment Fund in 2023 by the Azerbaijan Investment Holding and Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company. Rather than focusing on short-term returns, the fund is designed to support long-term, strategic investments. This approach was further strengthened by the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in July 2025 in Abu Dhabi, which aims to boost trade, diversify investment flows, and encourage cooperation in innovation and green technologies.

Energy cooperation in a time of transition - Energy remains at the heart of AzerbaijanUAE cooperation, but the nature of this cooperation is changing. Both countries recognise the need to balance energy security with environmental responsibility. As a result, renewable energy projects have become a cornerstone of bilateral engagement.

The Garadagh Solar Power Plant, developed in cooperation with the UAEs Masdar, marked an important milestone as Azerbaijans first large-scale solar project built with foreign investment. This was followed by the launch of even more ambitious projects, including the Bilasuvar and Neftchala solar power plants and the Absheron-Garadagh wind power plant. With a total planned capacity of 1,000 megawatts, these projects reflect Azerbaijans commitment to green energy and the UAEs growing role as a global renewable energy investor.

At the same time, cooperation in traditional energy continues. ADNOCs acquisition of a stake in a major Caspian gas field - Absheron, represents a rare example of truly reciprocal investment. This two-way model signals deep mutual confidence and marks a new phase of economic interdependence between the two countries.

Innovation, technology, and new opportunities - Beyond energy, Azerbaijan and the UAE are increasingly finding common ground in technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence. The UAEs global ambitions in AI and smart governance align closely with Azerbaijans efforts to modernise its economy and develop advanced infrastructure. Cooperation in these emerging sectors opens new opportunities for joint ventures, startups, and knowledge exchange, further diversifying the economic partnership.

Shared values and an open business environment - Cultural and social similarities also contribute to the strength of bilateral relations. Both Azerbaijan and the UAE are Muslim-majority countries that place a strong emphasis on tolerance, multiculturalism, and coexistence. This inclusive approach not only shapes their domestic societies but also enhances their attractiveness as destinations for foreign investment and international business.

People-to-people contacts are expanding alongside economic ties. Direct flights between Baku and Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah have boosted tourism and business travel. This year alone, nearly 39,000 UAE citizens visited Azerbaijan, further strengthening mutual understanding and economic interaction.

The AzerbaijanUAE partnership is no longer defined solely by diplomatic goodwill or shared traditions. It is increasingly shaped by common responses to global challenges, from energy transition and climate change to technological transformation and economic diversification. By aligning their strategic priorities and investing in each others long-term development, Azerbaijan and the UAE are building a partnership that is pragmatic, forward-looking, and resilient.

In this sense, their relationship offers a compelling example of how energy-rich countries can successfully adapt to a changing global landscape, by working together, embracing innovation, and turning shared values into shared opportunities.
18 December 2025 20:19 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Relations between the United States and Venezuela have become increasingly tense, and the trend is expected to follow an upward trajectory. Washington accuses the Maduro government of supporting drug trafficking and illegal activities and has imposed sanctions on the countrys oil sector. Furthermore, the US has deployed naval and air forces to the region, striking several vessels and blocking oil tankers. Maduros government calls these actions an attack on state sovereignty and hints at possible countermeasures. Energy markets face uncertainty, while regional leaders urge calm. The UN Secretary-General and international organisations are calling for a peaceful resolution, as the crisis impacts Latin America and the global community.

Speaking to Azernews, Peter Marko Tase, Honorary Professor at AUL and Founder of the Azerbaijan-US Economic and Education Council, noted that President Trumps Proclamation 10949 fully restricts entry for nationals of twelve countries. Additionally, the proclamation directed the United States Government to partially restrict and limit the entry of nationals of the following seven countries.

The proclamation directed the US Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, to immediately engage each of the countries identified in the proclamation on measures that must be taken to comply with United States screening, vetting, immigration, and security requirements. In this backdrop, the bilateral relations of Washington and Caracas are not an exception; the Trump administration has publicly acknowledged that fighting drug trafficking and organised crime is its top priority, Peter Tase said.

He recalled that over the past four months, the United States Southern Command has successfully led major operations in the Caribbean Sea that have neutralised over 94 per cent of drug trafficking sea routes that aim to flood the U.S. territory with dangerous amphetamine, cocaine and other dangerous drugs.

As of December 17, US President Donald J. Trump has publicly announced that "a total and complete" blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. This decision is characterised by Caracas as "warmongering threats". Currently, Venezuelas authorities are in complete disarray and are heavily relying on their Brazilian partners, who are expected to provide shelter to Mr. Maduros trusted associates, the Honorary Professor underscored.

He opined that the current escalation of military operations led by the U.S. Navy nearby the Venezuelan coast is a clear testimony of Washingtons strategic interest to overthrow the Government of Nicolas Maduro. The next foreign government that could receive a similar punishment to that against Caracas is Gustavo Petros Government of Colombia.

The Trump Administration is determined to reduce and neutralise the presence of Russian Military bases and intelligence personnel coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Cuba, the Russian Federation and P R China in the territory of Venezuela. By overthrowing the Government of Nicolas Maduro, Washington is expected to establish a new era of geopolitical priorities that are suitable to the defence of US National Security, with Moscow and Beijing leaving South America. Given the ongoing turbulence in the bilateral relations between Brazil and the United States of America; in 2026 the U.S. Department of War will establish a major intelligence and military operations base in the territory of Paraguay, a strategic initiative that will effectively fight the presence of drug cartels and Terrorist organizations (with ties to Islamic State circles in the Middle East) including their financial operations arms, in the region of South America, he added.

He emphasised that the recent decision of President Trump to conduct a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers arriving in the maritime space of Venezuela will further embolden the bilateral relations between Venezuela and Brazil and certainly increase Colombias regional share in Oil exports. Crude Oil Production in Colombia was over 770 thousand barrels per day (2023) with the US-imposed oil embargo against Venezuela; Colombia, as Latin Americas third largest oil producer, will experience a greater global demand for its oil products in the next few years, as a consequence of the ongoing Trump-Maduro Conflict, he noted.

The pressuring dynamics of US - Russia - Ukraine Negotiations for a durable peace in Ukraine, are constraining the political future of Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Honduras. The global spheres of influence are still not determined, and Maduros political future is in line.

In concert with Actions against Venezuela, the US is planning additional sanctions on Russia's energy sector  including its "shadow fleet" of oil tankers - if President Putin rejects a peace deal with Ukraine, he concluded.
18 December 2025 17:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Farman Aydin I Azernews

In recent months, the European Unions (EU) policy toward the South Caucasus has increasingly come under scrutiny. Although official Brussels continues to emphasise its commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation, the actual steps taken and the documents adopted often point in the opposite direction. This contradiction becomes especially evident in the context of AzerbaijanArmenia relations, where new realities are emerging after years of conflict. Instead of embracing these developments and supporting genuine normalisation, the EUs position appears inconsistent, selective, and at times openly biased.

One of the clearest examples of this inconsistency is the recent document signed between the EU and Armenia. Strikingly, the text makes no reference to the peace agenda shaped with the mediation of US President Donald Trump, nor to the TRIPP project proposed within that framework. This omission is not accidental. Rather, it reflects Brussels deliberate attempt to sideline the Washington platform and elevate the ParisBrussels axis as the primary channel of influence in the region. Such a move reveals the EUs preference for geopolitical manoeuvring over genuine support for reconciliation.

It is also no longer a secret that influential liberal and globalist circles within the EU, including networks associated with George Soros, are uneasy about the real peace process taking shape in the South Caucasus. For these groups, the emergence of an independent regional balance is less attractive than the preservation of a controlled tension. Managed instability allows external actors to maintain leverage, while genuine peace would reduce their influence. In this light, hearings on Azerbaijan held in the European Parliament are less about human rights concerns and more about applying political pressure.

The European Parliaments approach to Azerbaijan has long been characterised by systematic double standards. Before the 2020 Patriotic War, the institution often failed to support Azerbaijans territorial integrity to the same extent as it did for Georgia, Ukraine, or Moldova. Instead, baseless accusations and slanders were frequently directed against Baku. This selective approach exposes the existence of a distorted understanding of law within the European Parliament, where principles are applied inconsistently depending on political convenience.

Another contradiction lies in the EUs activation of the EUMA mission in Armenia, which operates without a legitimate mandate. Far from contributing to trust-building or real security, this mission serves to freeze existing tensions and legitimise external interference. By strengthening such mechanisms, Brussels undermines the very peace agenda it claims to support.

The EUs loyal stance toward Armenia is also evident in the sphere of sanctions. On the one hand, five ships linked to Azerbaijan have been subjected to restrictions. On the other hand, similar activities carried out through other countries, such as Cyprus and more, are overlooked. Germanys continued large-scale energy imports from Russia, the transfer of European-produced electronics to Russia via Armenia, and their subsequent use in the war against Ukraine further highlight Brussels selective principles. Such contradictions weaken the EUs credibility and raise questions about its true priorities.

Equally troubling is the European Parliaments silence regarding human rights abuses in Armenia. While the institution regularly organises hearings on Azerbaijan, it has failed to respond to the imprisonment of dozens of opposition figures, religious leaders, and public activists in Armenia in 2025 on fabricated charges. These cases neither become topics of hearings nor appear in official documents. The double standard is glaring: Azerbaijan is constantly criticised, while Armenias violations are ignored.

Moreover, over the past four years, Armenia has become one of the main channels for parallel imports and exports to Russia under the sanctions regime. Yet this reality is overlooked by European structures. At the same time, while the European Parliament calls on Azerbaijan to release alleged war criminals, it adopts a contradictory stance regarding Ruben Vardanyan, presented as one of the oligarchs who financed the war against Ukraine. Such inconsistencies further erode trust in Brussels declarations.

Taken together, these developments suggest that the EU is once again attempting to redraw dividing lines in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijans growing regional and international influence is causing visible concern in Brussels. Yet the reality is that the EU itself is experiencing a deep political and institutional crisis and is gradually losing its subjectivity in global politics. References in the new US National Security Strategy to the erosion of values in Europe openly confirm this decline.

Under these circumstances, the European Parliaments biased debates on Azerbaijan have no real legal or political impact. At the core of Azerbaijans foreign policy lie national interests, and there is no turning back from this course. Unless the EU abandons its outdated narratives and embraces a more balanced approach, it will not be able to gain the status of a reliable partner in the South Caucasus.
18 December 2025 12:56 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Within the Ambassadors Cultural Club project, a creative workshop titled "Czechia Through the Eyes of Azerbaijani Artists" has been organized by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Azerbaijan in cooperation with the NGO Arts Council Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The event took place at Crescent Mall in the format of an open live show. Guests had the opportunity to observe the artistic process in real time, interact with the artists, and ask them questions. This format made the workshop accessible and engaging for a wide audience. Representatives of other diplomatic missions as well as media personalities attended the event. The distinguished guests viewed the exhibited artworks.

At the opening ceremony, Czech Ambassador to Azerbaijan Milan Sedlacek expressed his satisfaction with the high level of organization, praised the professionalism of the participants, and emphasized the important role of international cultural projects in strengthening ties between countries. The ambassador thanked project head Dadash Mammadov for the partnership and support, and congratulated the artists on the successful workshop and the upcoming New Year.

In turn, Dadash Mammadov, Head of Arts Council Azerbaijan, thanked the Czech Embassy for its cooperation and noted that the main goal of such initiatives is to promote the work of Azerbaijani artists to a broad audience.

The exhibition featured works by artists Leylifer Museibova, Nigar Muslimova, Oksana Kazimova, Asmar Asadi, Leyla Orujova, Eldar Babazade, Nailya Maharramova, Roya Hasan, Aydan Mammadli, Tarana Aliyeva, Raul Sadigov, Sevinj Ahmad, and Ulviya Kheyrullazade.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.
18 December 2025 18:04 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Praesidium of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) has held its next meeting, Azernews reports. The session was opened by ANAS President, Academician Isa Habibbayli, who informed participants about the agenda.

The first issue discussed concerned the approval of dissertation topics and scientific supervisors for doctoral students admitted to the doctoral program in 2025 for the preparation of PhD candidates at ANAS. By decision of the Praesidium, the dissertation topics and scientific supervisors of these doctoral students were approved.

The meeting also announced the results of the competition for young researchers on the theme "Opportunities for the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies in the Fields of Humanities and Social Sciences," held within the framework of ANAS's 80th anniversary events. Academician Isa Habibbayli noted that the main purpose of this decision is to reveal the creative potential of young scientists, to encourage the application of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to the humanities and social sciences, and to ensure the development of scientific activity in line with modern challenges.

Later, Head of the Department of Science and Education, Doctor of Philology Serkhan Khaveri, presented the results. He emphasised that, according to the Praesidium's decision, a commission was established to organise the competition, and an announcement was posted on ANAS's official website.

Submitted articles were evaluated by the commission based on established criteria, and the results were finalised. According to the results, first place was awarded to Leman Rustamli, an employee of the Institute of Architecture and Art. Second place went to Orkhan Isayev of the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Literature and Roya Mirzabeyova of the Ziya Bunyadov Institute of Oriental Studies. Third place was awarded to Jahandar Jabarov of the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Ilaha Asadzade of the Ganja Branch, and Ruzgar Jamal of the Nakhchivan Branch of ANAS. In addition, thirteen participants received incentive awards. By decision of the Praesidium, the winners of the competition were awarded cash prizes and diplomas.

At the event, a decision was also made to establish a Department of Digital Sociology and Sociological Research within the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, based on internal resources and existing staff units. Furthermore, a decision was adopted regarding the 75th anniversary of ANAS corresponding member Elshad Gurbanov.

During the meeting, academician Rasim Aliguliyev, professor Ilham Mammadzade, Doctor of Philology Hikmat Guliyev, PhD in Philology Sebuhi Gahramanov, and others expressed their views and proposals on the discussed issues.

The Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) is the leading scientific institution in Azerbaijan, responsible for conducting fundamental and applied research across a wide range of scientific fields.

Established in 1945, ANAS plays a crucial role in the development of science and technology in Azerbaijan and supports the countrys educational and research infrastructure.

ANAS consists of various research institutes, laboratories, and scientific centres specialising in fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It collaborates with international scientific organisations and academic institutions to promote scientific exchange and innovation.

The Academy also organises conferences, publishes scientific journals, and supports young scientists.
18 December 2025 12:02 (UTC+04:00)

by Qaiser Nawab

In an era marked by geopolitical uncertainty, economic fragmentation, and accelerating climate pressures, meaningful diplomacy is no longer defined by rhetoric alone but by clarity of purpose and convergence of vision. The recent high-level engagement between Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev and the United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi stands as a compelling example of how modern statecraft can transcend traditional alliances and build resilient, forward-looking partnerships.

At its core, the AzerbaijanUAE relationship reflects a shared understanding that sustainable national progress today requires diversified partnerships, economic foresight, and diplomatic agility. The meeting between the two leaders was not merely ceremonial; it symbolised a maturing relationship grounded in mutual trust, strategic alignment, and a common commitment to stability and development in a rapidly evolving global order.

President Ilham Aliyevs leadership has consistently demonstrated Azerbaijans capacity to pursue a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy. Over the past decade, Baku has emerged as a confident regional actor, one that is increasingly shaping its global footprint through strategic connectivity, energy diplomacy, and engagement with both East and West. Azerbaijans approach is defined by national interest without isolationism, sovereignty without rigidity, and cooperation without dependency. This diplomatic posture has enabled Azerbaijan to cultivate meaningful relationships across regions, including the Gulf.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, meanwhile, has positioned the UAE as one of the most influential middle powers of the 21st century. Under his leadership, the UAE has evolved beyond a regional economic hub into a global actor committed to diplomacy, innovation, humanitarian engagement, and climate action. His governance philosophy reflects a deep understanding that long-term national strength is rooted not only in economic growth but also in human development, regional stability, and global cooperation.

The convergence of these two leadership styles, Aliyevs strategic realism and Sheikh Mohameds visionary pragmatism, has created fertile ground for a partnership that extends far beyond conventional bilateral ties.

Economically, Azerbaijan and the UAE share complementary strengths. Azerbaijans energy resources, strategic geography, and growing emphasis on diversification align naturally with the UAEs investment expertise, global financial networks, and innovation-driven economic model. Discussions between the two leaders underscore a shared ambition to deepen cooperation in energy, infrastructure, logistics, and emerging technologies. Importantly, this cooperation is not limited to hydrocarbons; it increasingly embraces renewable energy, green transition, and sustainable development.

This is particularly significant at a time when global energy systems are undergoing profound transformation. Azerbaijan, with its experience as a reliable energy supplier and its growing renewable energy ambitions, and the UAE, a global leader in clean energy investment and climate diplomacy, are well-positioned to collaborate on shaping a balanced energy future. Their partnership sends a strong signal that energy security and climate responsibility need not be mutually exclusive.

Beyond economics, the political dimension of AzerbaijanUAE relations reflects a shared commitment to sovereignty, non-interference, and multilateral engagement. Both countries advocate dialogue over confrontation and stability over short-term gain. In a region often characterised by volatility, this approach offers a model of calm, constructive diplomacy, one that prioritises long-term regional balance and global responsibility.

Cultural and people-to-people ties further enrich this relationship. Both Azerbaijan and the UAE place strong emphasis on cultural heritage, social cohesion, and national identity while remaining open to global engagement. Expanding cooperation in education, culture, and youth exchanges will not only deepen mutual understanding but also invest in the next generation of leaders who will sustain this partnership in the decades ahead.

Leadership, however, remains the defining factor behind the success of this relationship. President Ilham Aliyev has demonstrated a steady hand in steering Azerbaijan through complex regional and global dynamics, ensuring national resilience while expanding international partnerships. His diplomatic outreach reflects confidence in Azerbaijans place in the global system and a clear vision for its future.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyans leadership, on the other hand, embodies adaptability and foresight. His emphasis on innovation, social cohesion, and diplomacy has allowed the UAE to navigate global uncertainty with remarkable agility. By prioritising dialogue, economic diversification, and global engagement, he has ensured that the UAE remains not only prosperous but also influential and respected.

Together, these leaders exemplify a form of diplomacy that is increasingly rare yet deeply necessaryone that balances national interests with global responsibility. Their engagement reflects an understanding that in todays interconnected world, sustainable progress is achieved through cooperation, not isolation; through partnerships, not polarization.

For countries like Pakistan and other emerging economies, the AzerbaijanUAE partnership offers valuable lessons. It demonstrates how strategic vision, institutional stability, and leadership continuity can translate into international credibility and economic opportunity. It also highlights the importance of diversifying partnerships and embracing a multi-vector foreign policy in an era of shifting global power dynamics.

As the world grapples with economic uncertainty, climate challenges, and geopolitical realignment, partnerships like that of Azerbaijan and the UAE provide a glimpse into a more cooperative future. One where states invest in dialogue, prioritise sustainable development, and recognise that leadership is measured not by dominance, but by the ability to build bridges.

The meeting between Presidents Aliyev and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was therefore more than a diplomatic engagement; it was a reaffirmation of a shared belief in constructive statecraft. It reflected confidence, mutual respect, and a commitment to shaping a stable, prosperous, and inclusive future.

In a time when global politics often feels reactive and fragmented, such moments of clarity and cooperation deserve recognition. They remind us that visionary leadership and principled diplomacy can still chart a path forwardone partnership at a time.

The views and opinions expressed by guest columnists in their articles may differ from those of the editorial board and do not necessarily reflect its views.

---------

About the author: Qaiser Nawab is Chairman of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), an international platform focused on fostering cooperation and innovation across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
18 December 2025 11:45 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The export of oil products from Azerbaijan to Armenia is set to begin today within the framework of the peace agenda, Azernews reports via local media.

The decision follows an agreement reached during the meeting between Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigorian held in Gabala on November 28. Under the agreement, 22 railway wagons of AI-95 gasoline produced by SOCAR will be dispatched to Armenia.

It was emphasized that the export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia is purely commercial in nature, with gasoline sold in line with international market prices.

Earlier, on December 8, the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development stated that it had received an application on December 5 from its Tbilisi partners regarding the implementation of a one-time fuel transit from Azerbaijan to Armenia via Georgian territory. According to the statement, by the decision of Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgian Railways was instructed to immediately implement a one-time, completely free transportation of cargo by rail.

The launch of fuel exports demonstrates that the peace agenda is not limited to political declarations but is being implemented at a practical level.

The delivery of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia reflects the concept of economic dividends stemming from the peace process and represents an important step toward the gradual establishment of economic and trade relations between the two countries.
18 December 2025 15:52 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said he asked Russia to urgently restore several key railway lines, Azernews reports via Armenian media.

According to Pashinyan, the request concerns the railway line from Yeraskh (Arazdeyan) to the border with Nakhchivan, as well as the AkhurikTurkiye border railway section. He also noted plans to raise the issue of restoring the GazakhIjevan railway line, expressing hope that Russia would respond to the appeal as soon as possible.

At the same time, Pashinyan welcomed the start of oil product supplies from Azerbaijan to Armenia. Speaking to journalists, he confirmed that a train loaded with Azerbaijani oil products had departed and was en route to Armenia.

Trade is carried out between private companies, but it is the peace established between the Republic of Armenia and Azerbaijan that has created political conditions for this, the Armenian prime minister emphasized.

It should be noted that SOCAR has, for the first time, delivered locally sourced oil products to Armenia. A total of 1,220 tons of AI-95 automotive gasoline, loaded into 22 wagons, was dispatched by an Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) freight train from the Baku Freight Station to the Boyuk Kesik station, from where it will be transported to Armenia via Georgian territory.

The first batch is being shipped in line with the agreement reached at the meeting of Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigorian held in Gabala on November 28. The export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia is purely commercial in nature, with gasoline sold at international market prices.

Earlier, on December 8, Georgias Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development stated that on December 5 it had received an application from partners in Tbilisi for a one-time fuel transit from Azerbaijan to Armenia via Georgia. By the decision of Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgian Railways was instructed to immediately implement a one-time, completely free transportation of cargo by rail, the statement said.

The developments demonstrate that the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia is being implemented not only at a political level but also through practical economic steps. The export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia reflects the economic dividends of the peace process and is seen as an important move toward establishing broader economic and trade relations between the two countries and across the wider region.
18 December 2025 10:21 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Elchin Amirbayov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Special Assignments, held a series of high-level meetings during his working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Azernews reports.

Within the framework of the visit, Amirbayov met with the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Aukje de Vries; Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Christiaan Rebergen; Deputy Foreign Minister Marcel de Vink; Deputy National Security Adviser to the Dutch Prime Minister Joost van Deutekom; Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Development, Senator Koen Peterssen, as well as other committee members and prominent political and public figures.

The meetings focused on key areas of AzerbaijanNetherlands bilateral relations. The sides noted the positive dynamics observed in political ties throughout the year, highlighting as a major outcome the agreement reached between President Ilham Aliyev and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof at the European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen to strengthen cooperation in several fields. It was also emphasized that meetings between foreign ministers, inter-ministerial consultations, and reciprocal visits at the level of deputy foreign ministers and other officials have contributed to maintaining a sustained political dialogue.

Particular attention was paid to the organization of high-level reciprocal visits, the continuation of regular political consultations, and the identification of new areas of cooperation. The current state of cooperation across various sectors was reviewed, alongside discussions on future prospects and mutually beneficial priority areas.

The parties stressed that, in addition to intergovernmental dialogue, interparliamentary cooperation could play an important role in strengthening trust and deepening mutual understanding. Possible steps to enhance relations between the parliaments of the two countries, including reciprocal visits by lawmakers and the activities of parliamentary friendship groups, were discussed.

During the meetings, Amirbayov briefed his counterparts on the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the conditions necessary to ensure lasting peace in the South Caucasus, and Azerbaijans consistent political approach and concrete steps in this direction. He also provided information on large-scale reconstruction and rehabilitation works in the liberated territories, as well as the challenges posed by extensive mine contamination. The Dutch side welcomed progress toward normalization and expressed its full support for the peace process.

The discussions also covered the current state and future prospects of AzerbaijanEU relations, ongoing bilateral documents under consideration, and the development of regional transport connectivity. It was noted that 2025 has been marked by positive momentum in EUAzerbaijan relations, and the importance of preserving and further strengthening this trend in the coming months was underlined.

Amirbayov expressed concern that the recently adopted EUArmenia Strategic Partnership Agenda does not reflect the realities on the ground in the region. He voiced hope that the European Unions efforts to support the normalization process would contribute to lasting peace and stability between Azerbaijan and Armenia, would not undermine mutual trust, and would not complicate AzerbaijanEU relations.

The visit was also significant in terms of enhancing economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands. A broad meeting attended by Head of the MFAs Europe Department Erik Weststrate, Special Envoy for Trade Mark Hasselaar, and senior representatives of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) focused on cooperation in agriculture, water management, port infrastructure, transport, logistics, renewable energy, high technology, and urban development. Opportunities to expand trade turnover and promote mutual investments were discussed. The Dutch side expressed strong interest in comprehensive cooperation with Azerbaijan and supported deepening ties in potential areas in the near future.

As part of the visit, a roundtable discussion was organized by the Netherlands leading think tank, the Clingendael Institute. Addressing experts specializing in the region, representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and leading media outlets, Amirbayov spoke about geopolitical developments in the South Caucasus, the AzerbaijanArmenia peace process, and Azerbaijans relations with the EU, NATO, and the Netherlands, answering numerous questions from participants.

During his stay, Amirbayov also gave interviews to The Holland Times and representatives of analytical centers based in The Hague.
18 December 2025 11:43 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the occasion of Qatar's national holiday, Azernews reports.

"Your Highness,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to you and, through you, to your brotherly people on the occasion of the national holiday of the State of Qatar.

The level of Azerbaijan-Qatar relations, rooted in common religious and cultural values, brotherhood, and Islamic solidarity, is gratifying.

I am confident that we will continue to make joint efforts to strengthen our interstate relations, built on mutual trust and support, and to fully benefit from the potential of our mutually beneficial cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

On this festive day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your high state activities, and the brotherly people of Qatar everlasting peace and prosperity," the letter reads.
18 December 2025 16:21 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

On December 18, a Turkish military delegation led by Army General Levent Ergun, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, continues its official visit to Azerbaijan to participate in the 17th AzerbaijanTurkiye High-Level Military Dialogue Meeting on December 18, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Defense.

According to information, First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, met with the Turkish delegation.

During the meeting, Colonel General Valiyev emphasized that the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkiye continues to develop along an upward trajectory. He underlined the importance of increasing the intensity of joint military exercises aimed at further enhancing the knowledge and professional skills of military personnel.

Army General Levent Ergun noted that the activities carried out within the framework of the 17th AzerbaijanTurkiye High-Level Military Dialogue Meeting, which has been ongoing in Baku for two days, have had a positive impact on creating new opportunities for cooperation. He also stressed the significance of reciprocal visits in further expanding bilateral military ties.

The meeting included an in-depth analysis of the current state of AzerbaijanTurkiye military cooperation, as well as extensive discussions on issues of mutual interest and future plans.
18 December 2025 16:10 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Cooperation among states, societies, and expert communities within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) creates a solid foundation for a collective fight against disinformation, said Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of Azerbaijans Media Development Agency.

As reported by Azernews, speaking at the Forum on Combating Disinformation among Turkic States in Ankara, Ismayilov noted that merely monitoring social media platforms is no longer an effective tool in countering modern information threats.

Today, we increasingly understand that simple observation of social networks is insufficient. There is a growing need for deeper analysis and more accurate identification of information, he said. If information confrontation was once largely confined to political platforms, the situation has now fundamentally changed. What was previously local and episodic has evolved into a systematic, multi-level phenomenon.

Ismayilov stressed that the rapid development of modern technologies, digital platforms, and media tools has turned the spread of manipulative content into an almost continuous process, making individual states, often unknowingly, direct targets of disinformation operations. In this context, Turkic states face rising risks from new-generation information and digital threats.

He added that as fake content becomes more sophisticated, the scale and reach of disinformation campaigns continue to expand.

The more actively falsifications are used, the wider their target audience becomes. The only effective response lies in public awareness, protecting societies from intellectual confusion, and freeing people from imposed ignorance. This is both a measure of societal maturity and the effectiveness of state institutions, Ismayilov emphasized.

According to him, disinformation in Azerbaijan is increasingly disguised under neutral or humanitarian narratives, particularly during periods when the country is implementing large-scale strategic projects. Such campaigns, he said, aim to create uncertainty, distrust, and hidden pressure, often promoting fabricated narratives under the guise of alternative viewpoints.

Ismayilov recalled that Azerbaijani government representatives have repeatedly warned that global disinformation toolsincluding fake news, deepfakes, algorithmic manipulation, and the misuse of artificial intelligenceare increasingly being employed as instruments of pressure and interference.

These challenges require not only national responses but also coordinated, collective defense mechanisms, he said. Public awareness and high levels of trust between states must form the backbone of such defenses.

He underscored that education, analytical platforms, media literacy, and critical information assessment skills should be regarded as integral components of national security. A strong, independent, objective, and professionally managed information ecosystem, he added, is essential for every state.

Ismayilov also stressed the importance of protecting the new generation of journalists, experts, and analysts from professional degradation and value distortion.

Training programs, specialization, professional expertise, and ethical standards form the foundation of the future media environment. The fight against disinformation must be based on continuous dialogue, joint research, and experience-sharing, rather than fragmented efforts, he said.

Highlighting the importance of AzerbaijanTurkiye cooperation, Ismayilov noted that joint initiatives aimed at strengthening information security, along with Turkiyes recent steps in this field, are of strategic significance. Consultations, expert engagement, technological solutions, and rapid response mechanisms have already marked important progress.

These efforts contribute to fostering responsible public behavior, preventing the spread of manipulation, and reinforcing ethical standards in both national and international information spaces, he added.

Concluding his remarks, Ismayilov emphasized that close cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, as well as collaboration among states, societies, and expert communities within the OTS, provides a strong basis for a collective response to disinformation.

This direction should become one of the key priorities on the agenda of joint platforms and coordination mechanisms, he said.

The forum in Ankara brings together representatives of state institutions, leading media organizations, and experts in the field. Azerbaijan is represented by senior officials from the Media Development Agency, the Presidential Administration, leading analytical centers, and major news agencies.

Within the forums framework, participants will discuss the impact of disinformation on national security, public opinion, and regional stability, as well as practical mechanisms for joint action in the modern information environment. In line with the OTS Action Plan for 2025, the forum aims to serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge and experience in media literacy, information security, countering disinformation, responsible use of digital technologies, international broadcasting, and next-generation journalism.
18 December 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The United States will impose a complete ban on entry for citizens of seven countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Laos, and Sierra Leone, Azernews reports.

Previously, partial restrictions applied to citizens of Laos and Sierra Leone, but the new measures will fully prohibit their entry into the United States.

In addition, the U.S. has implemented partial restrictions on visa issuance for citizens of 15 other countries: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

At the same time, Washington has decided to lift restrictions on issuing nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Turkmenistan, although the suspension on immigration visas will remain. According to a White House statement, Turkmen authorities have constructively cooperated with the United States and demonstrated significant progress.

At the end of November, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to suspend migration from third-world countries, emphasizing that he intends to cancel federal benefits and subsidies for non-U.S. citizens and to revoke citizenship for migrants who "undermine order in society."

These measures mark one of the most extensive visa restrictions in recent U.S. history, potentially affecting tens of thousands of travelers and raising concerns among human rights groups and international organizations about the humanitarian impact.
18 December 2025 22:23 (UTC+04:00)

First Lady Emine Erdogan sent a video message to the program Building Resilience in Women and Girls Against Climate Change and Conflicts.

Congratulating Fatima Maada Bio, the wife of Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, for her strong leadership on behalf of women and children, Emine Erdogan said: Her work as President of the African First Ladies Development Organization, as well as the founder of the Hands Off Our Girls initiative, is truly commendable.

Erdogan expressed her gratitude to Bio, with whom she collaborates in her capacity as Chair of the United Nations Zero Waste Advisory Board, for her extraordinary efforts in contributing to solutions for humanitys common challenges. She also celebrated the seventh anniversary of the Hands Off Our Girls initiative.

Referring to the campaigns theme for this anniversaryEnhancing the Resilience of Women and Girls Against Climate Change and ConflictsEmine Erdogan emphasized that it shines a light on one of the most vital issues of our time. She stated:

As you know, climate change is one of the most significant global challenges of our era, affecting all countries regardless of their level of development. Increasingly severe natural disasters, droughts, desertification, rising sea levels, and similar crises profoundly shake societies. In addition, over 120 ongoing conflicts worldwide exhaust humanity and unfortunately push it toward a breaking point. Sadly, the heaviest burden of these crises is borne by women and children. Tragically, in 2024 alone, 676 million women and children were forced to live their lives amid conflicts. In the last two years, the number of women who lost their lives in wars has doubled compared to previous years.

She highlighted projections showing that, due to the impacts of climate change, 158 million women could fall into extreme poverty by 2050. Millions of women and children struggle for survival, deprived of basic human rights such as the right to life, food security, access to clean water, and education. Their plight is the primary reason the worlds record of justice is so fractured. Let us remember that women are key actors in building a prosperous and just world. They are not merely recipients of aid in the face of humanitarian crises; on the contrary, they must actively participate in the solution process. When we look at stories of female entrepreneurship worldwide, we see that women emerge with ideas that serve humanity and drive it forward, Erdogan said.

Emine Erdogan also pointed to research indicating that in countries where womens representation in parliament is high, international environmental agreements are more likely to be ratified. She continued:

Inclusion of women in mediation and peacebuilding processes increases the likelihood of ending violence by up to 24 percent. In countries where women enjoy higher social and political status, carbon emissions are 12 percent lower. Women make up half of the agricultural workforce, and when they have equal access to resources as men, they have the power to reduce global hunger by up to 17 percent. Many such examples highlight a very important reality: increasing the resilience of women and children in the face of global crises is only possible through womens leadership.

As the year draws to a close, Emine Erdogan expressed hope that this call rising from Africa would serve as a catalyst for global solidarity that can change the lives of women and children everywhere. She wished that the new year would mark a beginning in which humanity achieves lasting peace and collectively builds a sustainable future.
18 December 2025 23:31 (UTC+04:00)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a keynote speech at the 16th Ambassadors Conference held at the Bestepe National Exhibition Hall, emphasizing Turkiyes strategic diplomacy, regional stability, and global responsibilities.

Speaking on the importance of consultation in governance, Erdogan said, In our state tradition, consultation holds a distinct place and importance. The concept of state wisdom is the practical application of a consultation culture, refined through a rich experience. He expressed satisfaction that the conference, held annually since 2008, provides a platform for discussion, deliberation, and debate on crucial issues. As every year, I thank those who contributed to organizing this years conference, he added.

Paying tribute to fallen diplomats, Erdogan noted, I commemorate with mercy all members of our Foreign Ministry who lost their lives in treacherous attacks by terrorist organizations while proudly representing our country abroad.

This years conference, Erdogan explained, centers on foreign policy that promotes peace, stability, and prosperity, a theme he described as particularly timely given regional and global developments. Reflecting on nearly four centuries since the Peace of Westphalia established the foundations of modern diplomacy, he observed, Over this period, humanity has witnessed crucial events not only in Europe but in our region and across the world.

On contemporary diplomacy, Erdogan emphasized the expanded scope of international relations, saying, In recent years, technology and globalization have extended international relations, traditionally led by states, to a much wider field. Multinational corporations, civil society organizations, think tanks, international media, and investors are carrying traditional diplomacy to a digital, dynamic, and increasingly complex terrain.

He also addressed the evolving global order: Over the last 30 years, the international system has shifted from bipolarity to multipolarity, and now power struggles are set to intensify. While noting that concepts such as human rights and global justice have gained attention, Erdogan warned that all these developments, instead of resolving humanitarian crises, global inequality, wars, conflicts, and instability, have often deepened the problems.

Recalling historical tragedies, he said, In the first half of the last century, two world wars took millions of lives, 20 years apart. The Holocaust left a profound mark in the collective memory of humanity. The post-World War II global governance and security architecture aimed to prevent similar atrocities, yet we cannot claim full success. Rwanda, Bosnia, Iraq, Arakan, Somalia, and the Central African Republic witnessed horrific losses, often as the unjust system protected the powerful and oppressed the innocent.

Turning to Syria, Erdogan stressed the human cost of conflict: Over 600,000 Syrians lost their lives to attacks by the Assad regime and terrorist groups. Hundreds of thousands were tortured in places like Sednaya, and millions were forced to flee their homeland. Criticizing international silence, he said, While the massacres continued for 13 and a half years and barrel bombs rained on civilians, not a single voice was heard from those claiming to champion democracy and human rights, except from a handful of conscience-driven countries.

On Turkiyes approach, Erdogan stated, We determine our strategies carefully, plan our steps, and never leave anything to chance. Step by step, we are implementing a multi-dimensional policy to make this century the Century of Turkiye. He emphasized the expanding role of the Foreign Ministry: As Turkiye grows in economy, exports, tourism, defense, and international standing, the responsibilities of our diplomatic corps naturally increase. With 264 overseas missions, we proudly raise our flag across the world. He assured that Turkiyes foreign policy remains steadfast: No shift in axis, no change in course, no detachment from our rootsthese are and will never be part of our policy.

Erdogan highlighted Turkiyes regional initiatives: We are striving to establish a belt of peace and stability in a region often associated with crisis and conflict. What we do, we do for this purpose. After our meeting with President Trump in New York, the process culminated in a ceasefire agreement on October 10. Despite Israels escalating violations, Hamas calm approach has largely preserved the ceasefire. Humanitarian aid, exceeding 103,000 tons, continues to reach Gaza.

Addressing Syrias stabilization, he added, Since the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024, Syria has a historic opportunity. Over 580,000 refugees have returned voluntarily. The pace will increase as security and peace consolidate, though Israeli incursions remain the biggest obstacle. He reiterated Turkiyes role in combating ISIS and supporting the implementation of the March 10 Agreement, stating, As the only NATO ally to fight ISIS head-on, we provide all necessary support to the Syrian government.

Erdogan also referenced the Ukraine conflict: This year, we brought Russia and Ukraine together three times in Istanbul. Through the Istanbul process, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and prisoner exchanges, we achieved tangible humanitarian results. By meticulously applying the Montreux Convention, we prevented the war from spreading to the Black Sea.

Highlighting the South Caucasus, Erdogan said, Azerbaijan and Armenia are closer than ever to signing a peace agreement. In parallel, we are advancing normalization with Armenia and will take symbolic steps early next year.

On economic achievements, he credited diplomats: If Turkiyes annual exports grew from $46 billion to $270 billion, your efforts played a major role. Tourism revenue reached $61.1 billion, with 60.5 million visitors, thanks to your contributions. Erdogan outlined defense industry ambitions: We are currently the 11th largest defense exporter in the world. In the first ten months of the year, we achieved $6.7 billion. By 2028, our goal is $11 billion and to enter the worlds top 10 defense exporters. We will achieve this together.

He stressed continued vigilance against terrorism and organized crime: We must persist in combating FETOs overseas networks. We cannot allow this treacherous organization, a tool of Turkiyes enemies, to threaten our country or democracy again.

Erdogan also addressed environmental commitments: Under the 2053 vision, we have taken responsibility in global climate action. The Zero Waste project, under the leadership of my wife Emine Erdogan, has become a global example. Next year, Turkiye will host the COP31 Summit in Antalya.

He concluded by acknowledging ambassadors dedication: I know the difficult conditions under which you serve, far from your families and homeland. Your sincere efforts are deeply appreciated by our state, government, and nation. I thank you all for your invaluable service and urge you to continue with the same dedication and sense of duty. May your journey back to your posts be safe and blessed.
Central Oregon Coast Landslide Worsens; How to Report Personal Belongings Finds

Published 12/16/25 at 10:35 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff





(Siletz, Oregon)  Landslide issues remain on the central Oregon coast as Lincoln County officials reiterate a go-now order for the area around the slide on Highway 229. (Photo of debris washing up in Lincoln City / LCSO)

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) just sent out notice the landslide area is settling today and starting to destabilize the area around it.

They've also sent out instructions on what to do if you find any personal belongings, and one family in particular is looking for a lost item.

UPDATED 8 A.M.: Large areas of north coast with power outages. Residents along Hwy 229 report much tree debris near slide area.

The impacted area remains in a LEVEL THREE  GO NOW evacuation order, said LCSO. Due to the dangerous nature of the situation and unstable ground, community members are asked to stay out of the impacted area.

The go-now order is for around ten addresses on Highway 229, extending for about a mile on either side of the slide, LCSO told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. It is not a wide area affected by the order.

Accessing these areas put yourself and first responders at risk. Heavy rains are expected to worsen conditions and carry additional risk, the agency said.



Photo of the slide Jenny Nelson

The massive slide occurred last week after rain and flooding hit the area, loosening the soil and damaging two homes.

Local and state agencies are closely monitoring the slide and preparing emergency response plans as the situation develops. Experts say the full impact cannot be assessed until the ground stabilizes.

Debris from the landslide has entered the Siletz River and is washing up along riverbanks, Siletz Bay, and nearby beaches. Officials caution residents against climbing on or disturbing debris, which may be unstable or hazardous. With two homes lost, personal belongings may also begin to appear along the shoreline.

Sheriff Shanks acknowledged the communitys desire to help, noting, Our community members are eager to help comfort those that have lost their homes and are motivated to clean up some of the debris.

During this period of uncertainty with the landslide and expected weather, it is crucial community members remain safe, LCSO said.



Photo Jenny Nelson

We share empathy for those affected and ask that any found personal items or items of value be reported to local law enforcement so we can work on returning meaningful possessions to our community members. Sheriff Shanks said.

Items with identification or personal value should be reported through non-emergency lines: Lincoln City Police Department at 541-994-3636 or the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office at 541-265-0777.

One particular item of sentimental value is being sought. Jenny Nelson, a resident of the area, said one of those families who lost their home is looking for a piece of door trim that has their grandchildrens height on it. Those wandering the area riverbanks or Lincoln City beaches should contact Jenny if they find that piece: Siletz2025flood@yahoo.com.

Flood waters have receded in the area, Nelson told Oregon Coast Beach Connection, but they're expected to rise again with this week's rainstorm.

Officials confirm there are currently no threats to public drinking water systems downstream from the slide along Highway 229. Oregon Drinking Water Services, through the Oregon Health Authority, continues to monitor water safety. Residents with domestic wells who suspect contamination are advised to follow OHAs shock chlorination guidance at www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/healthyenvironments/ drinkingwater/operations/ pages/shockchlorination.aspx

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Oregon Coast Whale Watch Week Comes as Scientists Worry About Latest Population Numbers

Published 12/16/25 at 7:35 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff





(Depoe Bay, Oregon)  From the grand top of Shore Acres near Coos Bay to the tip of the state at the wreck of the Peter Iredale, hundreds  if not thousands  will gather at high vantage points across Oregon's coastline from Saturday, Dec. 27 through Wednesday, Dec. 31.

It's then that Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week along the region, as trained volunteers will be stationed at 14 sites from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day to help visitors spot gray whales as they migrate south toward the calving lagoons in Mexico.

This is a great time to see one of the worlds longest migrations, as the gray whales are traveling by our coastline, said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

Winter Whale Watch Week offers a chance to view not only gray whales but also coastal birds and other marine mammals, with guidance from volunteers and park rangers. These sites are among the best vantage points for whale watching on the Oregon Coast. A map of volunteer-staffed locations is available at the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do= thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching.

So where to go?

On the north coast, volunteers will be at Fort Stevens State Park near the Peter Iredale Shipwreck, the Neahkahnie Mountain Overlook at Manzanita, and Cape Meares Lighthouse near Oceanside.

Currently, Ecola State Park is closed because of a broken road. N. Oregon Coast's Ecola State Park Closed Due to Landslides That Cracked Road

Central coast sites include Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint, the Whale Watching Center, Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport, Yachats State Recreation Area, the Cape Perpetua Turnout, and Heceta Head Lighthouse near Florence.

On the south coast, visitors can watch from Umpqua Lighthouse at Reedsport, Shore Acres State Park near Coos Bay, Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint in Bandon, and Harris Beach State Park at Brookings.

Newport's Leigh Torres, associate professor from the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Oregon Sea Grant Extension, said the entire population of gray whales along the western continental shelf is more like around 15,000. Most of them will be on the move during this season, which means not quite that number will be roving past the Oregon and Washington coastline in that time.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ended an Unusual Mortality Event for gray whales in 2023 when the population appeared to be recovering. Since then, however, numbers have dropped to their lowest level since the 1970s, with NOAA now estimating about 13,000 gray whales along the West Coast.

That was something Torres told Oregon Coast Beach Connection about last year: that the population is not bouncing back in spite of that declaration at the time.



Not much evidence of that, she said in early 2025. In fact the latest news from the Baja wintering lagoons is observations of many dead whales, and very few calves.

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the event, featuring interactive exhibits, panoramic ocean views, and binoculars for visitors. Park rangers will also be available to answer questions.

Attendees are encouraged to dress for winter conditions, bring binoculars, and follow beach safety guidelines such as staying out of fenced areas, checking tide schedules, and keeping watch on the surf. Safety tips can be found at https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/. For more information about coastal parks and campgrounds, visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/.

Visitors are invited to share photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch Week on social media using #ORWhaleWatch.

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Manzanita Declares State of Emergency After N. Oregon Coast Rains Begin Landslides

Updated 12/19/25 at 1:55 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Manzanita, Oregon)  A serious downpour and saturated soils are making for uneasy to dangerous conditions throughout much of the Pacific Northwest, and on the north Oregon coast the Manzanita City Council has declared a local state of emergency after one hillside has begun to move.

UPDATE: "The City of Manzanita would like to reassure residents and visitors that the area of concern related to recent erosion and soil instability is isolated to a specific location on city-owned property and does not pose a widespread risk to the community."

The declaration was announced late Tuesday night, after erosion was discovered on city-owned land, which had been causing soil instability and surface failure. Saturated ground conditions have led to sections of sedimentary material breaking apart and sliding downslope, leaving exposed soil and debris. The site is currently being assessed and actively worked on as crews stabilize it.



The region is in the middle of an atmospheric river, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), which has issued a variety of flood alerts for the coastline as well as warnings of greatly increased possibilities of landslides in western Washington.

Officials in Manzanita warn that unstable land conditions combined with the forecasted storm bringing heavy rain and strong winds could increase the risk of landslides, falling trees, and damage to homes and public infrastructure. The situation, they said, poses a threat to both residents and emergency responders.

This declaration allows the City to act quickly and responsibly to protect public safety, said Mayor Kathryn Stock. Our priority is ensuring we have the flexibility to respond immediately if conditions worsen.

Under the declaration, City Manager Leila Aman has authority to take necessary actions to safeguard life and property. That includes coordinating with county and state agencies, expediting emergency contracts and repairs, deploying personnel and resources, and taking preventive measures where needed.

At this hour (3 a.m.), there does not appear to be a change to the tourism industry or for visitors. In the overnight hours there have been some traffic delays near Tillamook, Cloverdale and south of Astoria - but nothing affecting Manzanita. [UPDATE] As of 8 a.m., there are numerous power outages in the area because of high winds, now including a large area around Cannon Beach. See Oregon Coast Highway, Coast Range Passes Traffic, Road Conditions

The declaration was made under Oregon Revised Statutes 401.309 and 279B.080, which allow local governments to respond swiftly when public safety is at risk. It also ratifies actions already taken by city staff in preparation for the incoming storm.

The local state of emergency will remain in effect through at least January 8, 2026, and may be extended if conditions require. City officials urge residents, especially those in areas with steep slopes or drainage issues, to stay alert. There may be possible power outages or road closures, not just because of current high winds but trees and soil may move, displacing power lines. Official said to be on the lookout for more safety guidance issued by the City or emergency services.

Updates will be posted on the Citys website and official communication channels as the situation develops. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency police assistance, call 503-815-1911.

See Oregon Coast Weather - Manzanita Weather - Nehalem Bay / Wheeler - Rockaway Beach Weather



There is a flood watch out for the majority of the Oregon coast and south Washington coast, including the Tillamook Coast, Clatsop County towns and the nearby Coast Range. This is in effect from late Wednesday through late Friday night.

The NWS issued the alert, saying excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas, the NWS said in its bulletin. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. Landslides and debris flows are possible during this flood event. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes, in canyons, and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk from rapidly moving landslides.

The Lincoln City area along Highway 229 is dealing with landslide issues, and more flooding may become a problem Thursday. Central Oregon Coast Landslide Worsens; How to Report Peronal Belongings Finds

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Winter Solstice and What It Brings to Oregon / Washington Coast Sunsets

Published 12/18/25 at 6:55 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff





(Bandon, Oregon)  Only four more days: four more sunsets before things may start to feel different. Days will start getting just a bit longer. (Winter sun in Lincoln City)

The Winter Solstice arrives on Sunday, December 21 at 7:03 a.m. Pacific Standard Time, according to Jim Todd, astronomy expert with OMSI. On top of the fact the days start to inch longer by a few seconds afterwards, this season is better for coastal sunsets than you may realize.

December 21 marks the moment when the sun aligns directly over the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees south latitude, Todd told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. This astronomical event occurs as the Earths northern pole tilts away from the sun, producing the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

In Portland, the sun will reach its lowest point in the southern sky, just 21.5 degrees above the horizon. Between December 17 and 25, daylight will last about 8 hours and 42 minutes.

On the day of the winter solstice, the sun will be directly over the Tropic of Capricorn at noon and at the same time, the region above the Arctic Circle will be in total darkness for 24 hours, Todd said. Incidentally, the Tropic of Capricorn is so named because a few thousand years ago the sun resided among the stars of the constellation Capricornus on the solstice date.

For those weary of winters 88 days, 23 hours, and 42 minutes, the solstice offers a reminder that brighter times lie ahead. From December 21 onward, daylight will gradually increase as Earth continues its orbit around the sun.

Even so, way back in the dim and distant past, Todd said ancient cultures often viewed this pause with apprehension, fearing the sun might continue its descent and leave the world in perpetual night. To counter such fears, widespread solstice celebrations took root across Western traditions. The early Christian church later aligned Christmas with this seasonal turning point.



Photo Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts

A quirk of all this is that sunrise remains the same for a day or two as sunset starts to tick along by another minute or so. The two don't automatically shift on December 21

Visitors interested in exploring the solstice and the night sky can attend Starry Nights Live! at OMSIs Kendall Planetarium, where daily shows highlight celestial events and seasonal changes.

A funky little fact: sunset on the Oregon coast or Washington beaches happens a few minutes to 10 minutes later than the I-5 Corridor, depending where you are along the shoreline. The difference is more pronounced between the beaches and valley on Oregon's northern half. That spread between sunset times gets less and less as you go further south or north of Portland and Warrenton  but not much farther. By the time you get down to Bandon, sunset is often only about four minutes later than the I-5 Corridor directly east. Seattle and Forks only differ by a few minutes as well.

Now for another tasty sunset tidbit: colors this time of year along the Oregon and Washington coast actually be better for dusk photos.

In fact, one scientist, NOAA's Stephen F. Corfidi, called winter sunset peak season.

Sunsets are actually more intense in winter, say experts like Todd and Corfidi. There's real data to support that.

Because of the low angle of the sun's arc, it will produce the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets of the year, Todd said.

However, the biggest factor is likely the cleaner air this time of year. The haze of spring's damp air or summer and fall's more particle-filled skies tend to subdue colors of the sunset. When it's cold out, there's less of that.

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

For full weather forecasts as well as wave forecasts for each area:

Washington Coast Weather

Astoria / Warrenton Weather

Seaside Weather

Cannon Beach

Manzanita Weather / Waves

Nehalem Bay / Wheeler

Rockaway Beach Waves, Weather

Oceanside/Tillamook

Pacific City Weather, Waves

Lincoln City Waves, Weather

Depoe Bay Weather

Newport Waves, Weather

Yachats

Florence

Coos Bay - North Bend - Charleston

Bandon Weather

Port Orford Weather

Gold Beach Weather

Brookings Weather

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VodafoneThree has announced it is creating 200 customer contact jobs in Belfast, with recruitment and training of staff already underway.

The roles, which used to be based in India, are part of 400 being relocated to the UK in specialist customer care and sales for mobile phone giant Vodafone and Three.

The company is calling the recruitment drive its biggest both prior to, and since, the merger of the two brands six months ago.

The new roles are to be delivered through call centre company Concentrix.

Belfasts 200 new staff will be joined by the same number based in Sheffield, and will add to the 830-plus existing customer care staff the firm has in Stoke and Glasgow.

Recruitment has already begun, and staff are currently being trained in Belfast to perform a range of tasks including assisting vulnerable customers, the company said.

VodafoneThree says it is investing in all regions, with its mission to build the UKs best network set to boost connectivity and economies in local towns and cities.

It claims that building a standalone 5G network will add 2.9bn in mean economic output in Northern Ireland over the next decade.

VodafoneThree will create 200 new customer contact jobs in Belfast.

News Catch Up - Wednesday 17 December

Jon Shaw, consumer operations, VodafoneThree, said: We firmly believe in having care teams where our customers are, and that means having teams based across the UK.

Its an exciting time to join VodafoneThree as we build the UKs best network and set new standards for customer care in the industry.

Lord Stockwood, UK Minister of State for Investment, said: This is a major boost for our digital and tech sector, which will not only create over 400 jobs in Sheffield and Belfast but open up new opportunities for local communities and put more money in peoples pockets.

Our modern industrial strategy is all about unleashing the potential of our cities and regions, so its great to see VodafoneThree investing and creating opportunity in every part of the country.
Irish League

Live |

Updates from The Oval as Glentoran and Coleraine fight it out for place in BetMcLean Cup Final
Devices part of pilot trial in London could protect children from flu and safeguard the economy

Campaigners have called on Education Minister Paul Givan to introduce air cleaners in schools

Northern Ireland is missing a trick by not rolling out air cleaners across its school estate, an industry expert has said.

A group of campaigners sent an open letter to Education Minister Paul Givan on Monday, urging him to make the devices available in schools to provide cleaner air in classrooms.

A surge in flu in recent weeks has caused disruption, with one school almost forced to close after some 170 pupils were absent due to the virus.

Read more Education Minister is pressed to install air purifiers in all NI schools

Earlier this year, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan launched a 2.7m pilot programme to deliver air cleaners to some 200 schools across the English capital after research revealed levels of the key pollutant PM2.5 were up to 68% lower in classrooms with the devices installed.

The scheme comes at an average cost of 13,500 per school.

A scheme with similar costs here would cost in the region of 15m.

Campaigners have called on Education Minister Paul Givan to introduce air cleaners in schools

News Catch Up - Wednesday 17 December

In January 2022, then-Education Minister Michelle McIlveen faced calls to bring in air cleaners to ease some of the disruption caused in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ms McIlveen told MLAs that providing air cleaners in 20,000 classrooms would cost an estimated 40m.

Education Minister Paul Givan

John Muir, co-founder of the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation, a UK charity campaigning for the improvement of clean indoor air, said any investment in the devices was well worth the money.

That 40m figure looks high to me. I dont know if they are factoring in things like operating expenses, because obviously an air cleaner has a cost over time, he told the Belfast Telegraph.

I think if you were actually doing a tender process, a purchase process, presumably you would be able to get some very attractive costings from manufacturers if you were going to do it.

I think they would be missing a trick. Very simply, its a huge public health opportunity.

We control our indoor spaces in terms of the temperature. We keep them dry, we heat or air-condition them.

The one thing we dont do is we dont pay a whole lot of attention to the air that we breathe inside of them.

Mr Muir noted a 2022 cost benefit analysis by the Royal Academy of Engineering had estimated that using air cleaners to ensure buildings remained infection-free would be worth 1.3 trillion to the UK economy over a 60-year period. He said any investment in cleaner air would be worth it in the long run.

John Muir, co-founder of the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation UK

What price do you put on health? We spend 90% of our time indoors, he added.

PM2.5, a tiny nanoparticle in air pollution, is associated with a whole range of issues, and reducing exposure to it is already a public health focus.

You cant control what happens outdoors, but if you if you are cleaning the air indoors, its impact is lower because the air inside might be better than the air outside.

A Department of Education spokesperson said earlier this week that uptake to date on mechanical air filtration in schools had been low.

Good, natural ventilation to keep air flowing via open windows and doors is essential, they added.

If a school considers it has an issue with ventilation, it should contact the Education Authority helpdesk, who will arrange a visit to determine whether any action is necessary, other than local action by the school.
Watch: Car on fire on the Belfast road

There is knock on traffic disruption on a busy Belfast road this morning as a result of a car on fire.

The vehicle was on fire on the A2 Belfast Road towards the city, close to the Tesco store at Knocknagoney.

Pictures seen by the Belfast Telegraph showed flames and smoke coming from the engine of the silver vehicle.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said one appliance attended the incident before the fire was extinguished.

News Catch Up - Wednesday 17 December

A NIFRS spokesperson said: Firefighters were called to a report of a car on fire on the Sydenham Bypass, Belfast.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used 1 hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.

"The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental ignition and the incident was dealt with by 11.12am.

Police confirmed one lane of the road was blocked as a result of the fire.
Connor Pollock, 38, from Croob Park, in Ballynahinch, Co Down, appeared via videolink from HMP Maghaberry for a bail hearing on Thursday

A man in Northern Ireland charged with terror offences linked to a cross-border police investigation into a planned attack on a Galway mosque has been denied bail.

Connor Pollock, 38, from Croob Park, in Ballynahinch, Co Down, appeared via videolink from HMP Maghaberry for a bail hearing at the Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Pollock is charged with three offences under the UK Terrorism Act.

The charges relate to an alleged 15-point plot by a group styling itself as the Irish Defence Army (IDA) to attack the mosque and also target accommodation facilities used to house migrants.

Two men, including Pollocks brother, Garrett, have appeared before the courts in the Republic of Ireland charged in connection with the alleged planned attack.

In Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday, a member of the PSNI argued that Connor Pollock had sent messages showing affiliation to the IDA including our oath and we exist.

Opposing bail, the PSNI also said it believed Pollock had been contacted by his brother as part of a search for pipe bombs and firearms.

However, his defence lawyer said he held no strongly held political views and was trying to ingratiate himself with his brother.

In the bail proceedings, the PSNI detective constable outlined the circumstances of An Garda Siochanas investigation into extreme right-wing terrorism.

She said gardai in the Republic of Ireland had arrested Pollocks brother and another over their suspected involvement in the preparation of acts of terrorism, relating to a planned attack on a mosque.

Connor Pollock arriving at Downpatrick Magistrates Court on December 11 (Liam McBurney/PA)

Garrett Pollock, 35, with an address at Kilhorne Green, Annalong, Co Down, was charged in Ireland with two offences: possession of the components of three pipe-bomb type improvised explosive devices and four incendiary-type improvised explosive devices; and with possession of six litres of hydrogen peroxide.

Karolis Peckauskas, 38, of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, was charged in Ireland with one offence of possession of six litres of hydrogen peroxide.

Connor Pollock 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.

He 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.

The court heard, on Thursday, that police were strongly opposing bail.

A detective constable told the court that Pollock was arrested on December 9 and his phones were seized by the PSNI and it is believed he holds the same anti-immigration ideology as his brother.

Most of the evidence against him comes largely from his phones.

The detective constable told the court that police believe he supports IDA ideology, and that he had sight and possession of the claim of responsibility on his phone  which he sent to his partner in two different parts on October 24.

The court heard this was accompanied with messages that indicates his clear prior knowledge of the planned attack.

She said there were further messages to his partner which showed affiliation to the IDA, including our oath, we exist, and this is our attack.

The court heard that Garrett Pollock sent a voice message on the Signal app stating his brother could source pipe bombs and firearms, before calling Connor Pollock on WhatsApp for two minutes and nine seconds, and sending a further message stating: Just spoken to my brother, who will get prices.

The police said the defendant had denied involvement in acquiring firearms for the organisation.

The detective constable said the investigation was still live and at an early stage, with one arrest outstanding against an active service unit of the IDA which one document showed five members with codenames.

Connor Pollocks defence argued there was a lot of conjecture and speculation in the objection to bail, adding that his client was not charged in relation to the intended attack nor possession of explosives and was suitable for bail.

He said his property had been searched and no right-wing paraphernalia nor explosives had been found.

He said there was no evidence he had contacted any other member of the IDA other than his brother.

He said Pollock had not drafted either of the IDA documents and that police did not suggest in any way that he assisted the organisation in preparation of the attack.

He said the case amounts to an expression of ill-informed views, and that Pollock was a middle-aged man living with his mother and trying to ingratiate himself with his brother.

In truth, this is a man devoid of any strongly held political views.

However, the judge said the prosecution case that this was a dangerous organisation preparing to carry out attacks had traction with the court, as did the belief that not every suspect was within the grasp of authorities.

He denied bail stating that he had been persuaded by the fact the investigation was at an early stage and there were realistic steps to be taken in the immediate future that could be frustrated by a willing friend, if hes only a friend.

He said Pollocks messages seemed to import he was a little more than simply a bystander.

He was remanded until January 15.

Connor Pollock was arrested on December 9 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.

Last week, a man in his 30s was arrested by An Garda Siochana in Co Laois as part of its investigation and was later released without charge.

On Thursday gardai arrested a man in his 30s as part of the investigation. He was detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939.

He has since been released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Independent investigation of PCIs safeguarding failings and judicial and administrative processes long overdue says ex-elder

Wider concerns around church governance need to be addressed, says former senior Presbyterian ahead of Special General Assembly

Steven Smyrl (left) with his husband Roy Stanley

Angela Davison Thu 18 Dec 2025 at 07:22

A former Presbyterian elder who claims he was bullied by the church says it must consider wider issues of central governance as well as its admitted safeguarding failures.
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rt Rev Dr Richard Murray, addressing the Special General Assembly of the Church during this mornings opening service of worship.

Presbyterians meet at Church House in Belfast City Centre, the headquarters of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, for a special General Assembly. Acting Rev Richard Murray(left) and the Very Rev Dr David Bruce - the Convener of PCI pictured during the assembly Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) must show it is wearing sackcloth and ashes over a safeguarding scandal that has highlighted significant failings in its processes and procedures, the Acting Clerk of its General Assembly has told members.

It comes after the PSNI last month launched an unprecedented criminal investigation after the church acknowledged those failures. A Charity Commission probe is also underway.

Former Moderator Rev Trevor Gribben stood down earlier this year after a review found serious and significant failings in central safeguarding functions from 2009 to 2022.

That is what this is seeking to show the world. A broken and contrite heart. Sackcloth and ashes

During an almost five-hour General Assembly on Thursday, hundreds of ministers and elders met in Belfasts Assembly Buildings to debate and vote on a report that contained a number of resolutions agreeing new measures on safeguarding.

The Assembly was chaired by Rev Richard Murray, who opened the proceedings  which were streamed live online  by saying the church is deeply ashamed and sorry.

Presbyterians meet at Church House in Belfast City Centre, the headquarters of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, for a special General Assembly. Acting Rev Richard Murray(left) and the Very Rev Dr David Bruce - the Convener of PCI pictured during the assembly Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Acting Clerk Rev David Allen later told the congregation the church had to now show its contrition over the failures.

Discussing the Moderators public role, Mr Allen said invitations to some public events should be respectfully declined.

"In our hearts and minds, we are wearing sackcloth and ashes as a denomination, he said.

"That is what this is seeking to show the world. A broken and contrite heart. Sackcloth and ashes.

"That is how we are as a denomination being investigated by the PSNI and this resolution is here so there can be no hint of us carrying on unthinkingly, business as usual.

One of the resolutions before the Assembly also explored the possibility of the Church setting up a financial redress scheme for victims affected by the failures.

We will not hesitate to bear the costs of our failures

Sir Bruce Robinson, who was a trustee from 2012-2022, said discussions over redress could not wait until the Churchs traditional General Assembly in the summer.

"I suggest we reconvene to monitor progress on all of these issues. I would suggest we need to start that discussion with a clear undertaking that we will not cause any further suffering and that we will commit to bring forward a scheme of financial redress, he added.

Rev Ben Preston, of Craigyhill Presbyterian Church, said providing redress was about putting our money where our mouth is.

Biblical repentance is more than words and feeling sorry. Harm is not just emotional or spiritual, for many it may be financial, he said.

"Paying for private therapy, those who have lost earnings because of the trauma that they have suffered due to our negligence.

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rt Rev Dr Richard Murray, addressing the Special General Assembly of the Church during this mornings opening service of worship.

"Establishing this designated survivor redress scheme is not about paying people off, it's about taking responsibility for the destruction we have caused. We will not hesitate to bear the costs of our failures.

Resolutions on improving the standard of safeguarding training and having a dedicated focus on adult safeguarding were also passed, as well as a resolution that sought to explore the level of financial compensation that could be made available to victims.

Towards the end of the meeting, a robust discussion on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) ended with the Church committing to discuss their future use.

Former head of safeguarding Dr Jacqui Montgomery-Devlin last month revealed she was unable to discuss her departure in June 2025 due to an NDA with the church.

I wonder are they going to give the money back that they got on the back of those (NDAS)?

Rev Susan Moore of Rathmullan, Milford and Fanad told the Assembly she was deeply exercised that PCI uses such clauses at all given its status as a charity.

"When PCI enters into agreements with NDAs attached, we are treading on murky moral ground, she said.

"When we use NDAs to silence people we are in danger of shutting down information or trends which might help us to see patterns which alert us to problems.

"We can then make better informed governance decisions, but at the moment we are in the dark.

Presbyterians meet at Church House in Belfast City Centre, the headquarters of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, for a special General Assembly. Acting Rev Richard Murray pictured opening the assembly Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

PSNI launch a criminal investigation into Presbyterian Church safeguarding concerns

The Assembly then heard from Mr James Livingstone of Templepatrick Presbytery, who said to dispense with NDAs would be tying the hands of those dealing with the situations.

"I've heard from a very worthy commentator in the media who said some people who were subject to these would like permission to unfold themselves," he added.

"Well maybe that's fine, but I wonder are they going to give the money back that they got on the back of those?

"They don't only protect the reputation of the PCI, very often it protects the other individuals as well in those situations and circumstances.

The PCI solicitor, Stephen Gowdy, told the Assembly that the Church had to recognise the reality of NDAs.

"NDAs are a very common tool nowadays and it would be very foolish of us to exclude ourselves of using them," he said.

A lot of people want to settle but don't want the fact or amount of settlement to be known and there are good commercial reasons for that.

"The critical word there is 'agreement'. They are not imposed; they are agreed. NDAs are not entered into by people without advice.

"We have got to recognise the reality that settlements take place where terms are kept confidential.

The Church said a further timeline for a report on the safeguarding process will be brought to a second Special General Assembly in February 2026.

Heres how the days events unfolded in real time:
14th June 1939  11th November 2025

Hugh ONeill came from one of the most distinguished Ulster families, the ONeills of Clanaboy, who could trace their line back to Niall of the Nine Hostages who was killed on a raiding party against Roman Britain in the 4th Century.

The ONeills were celebrated by the genealogist Sir Iain Moncreiffe of the Ilk as the oldest traceable family in Europe, and remained in positions of influence until modern times.

One of his cousins was Terence ONeill, the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland from 1963 to 1969. His uncle, the distinguished diplomat, was Sir Con ONeill.

His grandfather, the first Lord Rathcavan, was the first Speaker of the Northern Ireland parliament at Stormont and his father, Phelim, was a senior Ulster Unionist politician.

Although the name ONeill is a commonly known password used by the IRA for informing the police of a bombing attack, Hugh was a wealthy Anglo-Irish aristocrat. He was educated at Eton, an officer in the Irish Guards, a journalist, a successful restaurateur and a public servant.

Hugh had a difficult upbringing during the Second World War, being moved from pillar to post by his quarrelling parents and saved only through his relationship with his sister Mary Rose and the love of his grandparents.

In March 1958, he was commissioned into the Irish Guards, spent several months in Cyprus before becoming ADC to the General Officer Commanding in Singapore, where he lived in considerable style. He returned overland via China and Russia to take up a job with Schroders in the City of London.

At the age of 34, while driving across France, his car was hit by a wild boar. He lay in a heap, very badly injured until an hour and a half later, when three men pulled up, stopped, got out, threw the boar into the boot and drove on, leaving Hugh to languish in the wreckage. He was later rescued by a passing Englishman.

Hugh was in hospital for some seven months and it was an injury that continued to trouble him throughout the rest of his life. Surprisingly, the boar incident didnt affect his love for everything French, including a French wife, French cooking, French wine and the language, which he spoke well enough to be rude to his mother-in-law.

In 1980, he started the Brasserie St Quentin (named after his cousin, the restaurant critic Quentin Crew) on the site of the old Brompton Grill. It very quickly became one of the best French restaurants in London.

He was very much front of house. On one occasion, he threw out David Bailey for being shabby. Every morning, he would stick his fingers into the flower bowls on each table to make sure they had enough water and on Saturdays, he would sit down with Didier Garnier, his partner, to discuss the weeks trading with an orange juice laced with vodka. The Chieftains played at his and Sylvies wedding reception hosted in the restaurant.

Over the next five years, he opened a further three French-inspired venues, which were sold to the Savoy for some 2 million in 1989.

Hugh O'Neill, Lord Rathcavan

By then, he had decided to move back full-time to manage his estate at Cleggan in Co Antrim. It was during the dark days of the Troubles and a brave decision to come back and raise a family, particularly given the familys involvement in unionist politics.

In 1986, ONeill became chairman for Northern Ireland Airports. He was just the right man to transform them given his experience and flair in the London restaurant scene. Before long, Ulster oysters, Ulster-smoked salmon and Irish whiskey were being sold with a vast increase in profits and fun. In a short time, he had transformed the airports and made them into places of which the people of Northern Ireland could be proud.

Hughs next project was to run the Northern Ireland Tourist Board  which in the days of the Troubles was an unenviable job. Against the odds, within a few years, the numbers of tourists had nearly doubled. The sector was also in a much better position to make the most of the surge in tourism after the 1994 ceasefires.

At the same time as the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, Hugh pioneered The Taste of Ulster scheme in a bid to raise restaurant standards and to promote local sourcing across the country.

It exemplified everything he believed passionately about, and he set about raising the quality of food and drink throughout Northern Ireland to make people proud of fresh, locally produced products.

No one could tell the difference between a Catholic cauliflower or a Protestant one. The Taste of Ulster remains as a badge of culinary excellence to this day.

On occasion, Hugh could be sharp and abrasive. He did not suffer fools gladly, but there wasnt a grain of malice in him. He was a kind, generous, understanding father and stepfather to Francois, Hugo and Oliver. He loved them all equally. Most of all, he loved Sylvie. He realised how much he owed to her and there was never a family more rooted in trust, affection and respect.

He cared passionately about Northern Ireland and all its people. He had faith without bigotry, which is why he sat on the cross benches in the House of Lords, where his best friend and drinking partner was Gerry Fitt, founder of the SDLP.

There have been many distinguished ONeills in Irelands troubled history, but few more so than the third Baron Rathcavan.

He is survived by Sylvie, Francois, Hugo and Oliver.

This article was amended on December 29 2025, correcting the spellings of Clanaboy and Niall of the Nine Hostages, and amending a reference to Phelim ONeills position in the Ulster Unionist Party.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin was attending an official dinner at the annual EU-Western Balkans Summit on Wednesday evening (Liam McBurney/PA)

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he will highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and argue in favour of using frozen Russian assets to benefit Ukraine at a meeting of EU leaders.

The European Council is to discuss Russias invasion of Ukraine, and the Middle East, as well as EU enlargement, security and defence and combatting antisemitism.

The EUs next multi-annual budget (2028-2034), competitiveness and migration are also expected to be discussed.

Mr Martin will attend the meeting in Brussels after defending his handling of his partys disastrous presidential election campaign, where their candidate withdrew from campaigning just under three weeks from polling day over a 16-year-old tenancy dispute.

After engaging in two major interviews on Irish airwaves to discuss an internal party report into the issue, Mr Martin attended an official dinner at the annual EU-Western Balkans Summit on Wednesday evening.

Ahead of the meeting with EU leaders, Mr Martin said he looked forward to hearing from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met Mr Martin in Dublin earlier in December.

I fully support plans to use frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine, and I hope it will be possible for the meeting to reach agreement on that, he said.

I will also be arguing strongly in favour of accelerating Ukraines EU application.

Membership of the EU for Ukraine is also important for its future security.

Our meeting is an opportunity to send a clear message that EU enlargement will happen, and that the reform efforts by countries aspiring to join our union will be matched by our ambition to advance their path towards EU membership.

There are malign actors, including Russia, who are seeking to destabilise the EU and our neighbours, attacking our shared values and posing a real threat to our security.

Referencing sightings of drones near Dublin as Mr Zelensky arrived in Ireland, Mr Martin added: As recent events have shown, Ireland is not immune to these threats and we must continue to work with our EU partners to combat them.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Taoiseach Micheal Martin during Mr Zelenskys visit to Ireland (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Martin also said he would highlight the critical humanitarian crisis facing people in Gaza.

Two months into the ceasefire, aid has still not reached the levels required and as agreed in the peace plan, he said.

I will be stressing the need for the EU to do all it can to get this much-needed assistance to the people of Gaza, especially as winter closes in, and to contribute to the next phase of the peace plan, which supports a two-state solution.

Addressing Sundays Bondi Beach attack, he also said he welcomed that the European Council will look to intensify efforts to rid our societies of the scourge of antisemitism.

We were all deeply shocked and appalled by the terrorist attack on the Jewish community in Sydney, he said.

There can be no place for antisemitism and hatred in our societies.

He said he would argue that the EU should be open to trade and invest in innovation, and said Ireland wanted a ringfenced and fully funded CAP and Common Fisheries Policy.
People attend an event in Westminster to honour victims of a terrorist attack, which targeted a Jewish celebration at Bondi Beach (Yui Mok/PA)

Australia will introduce reforms to tackle hate speech as police conduct further searches in the aftermath of the Bondi terrorist attack, the countrys worst massacre in almost three decades.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner Krissy Barrett also confirmed additional searches would be carried out in the coming days after alleged Bondi terror attack gunman Naveed Akram was charged with 59 offences over the attack that killed 15 people.

Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, are suspected of opening fire on crowds of more than 1,000 people as they celebrated Hanukkah in the Archer Park area of Bondi Beach on Sunday evening.

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Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while two officers were also non-fatally wounded during an exchange of gunfire.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Ms Barrett said the New South Wales Joint Counter Terrorism Team would execute further search warrants to support the investigation.

There is a lot of material to be examined, and the AFP continues to work with both domestic and international partners to build a more complete picture of the movements and who the alleged offenders had contact with, both in Australia and offshore, she said.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese announced his government would work on a series of legislative reforms designed to crack down on those who spread hate, division and radicalisation and said there was no place in Australia for antisemitism.

We have seen a series of appalling attacks targeting Australias Jewish community, he said.

That culminated, on Sunday, in one of the worst acts of mass murder that this country has ever seen.

Among the proposed measures are increased penalties for promoting violence, the creation of a new aggravated hate-speech offence for preachers and leaders who promote violence, and the development of a regime to list organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech that promotes violence or racial hatred.

Mr Albanese added: It is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge, much more.

Ms Barrett also confirmed the Australian Federal Police would continue to investigate individuals described as hate preachers.

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It comes amid news the state government of New South Wales is also considering introducing tougher gun-control measures in the wake of the attack.

Naveed Akram remains under armed guard in hospital, having awoke from his coma on Tuesday afternoon.

Along with the murders, he is accused of 40 counts of causing wounding/grievous bodily harm to a person with intent to murder, discharging a firearm intending to cause grievous bodily harm, a public display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol and placing an explosive in/near a building with the intent to cause harm.

Mr Albanese said a special 12-month taskforce would be established, and the countrys home affairs minister would be granted new powers to cancel or refuse visas for people who spread hate and division in Australia, or who would do so if permitted to enter the country.

The first funerals of the victims took place on Wednesday, including that of London-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger.

Gideon Fakter with Minister for Public Health and Prevention Ashley Dalton as she speaks to mark Hanukkah and honour victims of a terrorist attack on Sunday (Yui Mok/PA)

Father-of-five Mr Schlanger, 41, grew up in Temple Fortune, north London, and his funeral service took place at Chabad of Bondi, where he was assistant rabbi.

During a tearful address, his father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, told the congregation it was unthinkable we talk about you in the past tense.

On Thursday, the funeral of the youngest victim, 10-year-old Matilda, was held in Sydney.

She was so young. She was so innocent. My heart is so heavy for her family. I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families who are mourning and who continue to bury loved ones, Ms Barrett said.

I say to Jewish Australians, you do not share this grief alone. I will share the weight of this unfortunate grief with you.

NSW Health confirmed 16 people were still receiving care in the aftermath of the attack on Thursday afternoon local time.

Two people remain in a critical condition, while three people have been listed as critical but stable.

NSW Police lifted the crime scene at Bondi Beach on Thursday.

The families of victims of including French national Dan Elkayam, Boris and Sofia Gurman, Boris Tetleroyd, Peter Meagher, Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, Marika Pogany, and Adam Smyth, paid tribute to their loved ones with public statements on Thursday.

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During a mass shooting, Dan was shot in the back while trying to run away, Mr Elkayams family said in a statement.

He was murdered because he was Jewish.

He leaves behind his partner in Australia, as well as his parents, brothers, nieces, and nephews in Paris, France, where he was born and raised. He was deeply proud of his community back home in Le Bourget.

The family of Mr Kleytman, who was born in the former Soviet Union in 1938, said he loved his wife, Larisa, with an unparalleled passion, the kind you only see in the movies.

Alex tragically died on 14 December 2025, doing what he loved most: protecting Larisa, standing proudly as a Jew, and celebrating the Festival of Lights, their familys statement read.

The two gunmen killed him, but his memories, his legacy, and his books will bring light for generations to come.

The family of Mr Meagher, a retired police officer, said their lives had been changed forever following his death.

Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Peter, a statement from the family said.

He was a cherished brother, husband and uncle whose kindness, generosity and love touched everyone who knew him.
President Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing regarding marijuana in the Oval Office (Evan Vucci/AP)

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that would reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug and open new avenues for medical research.

The move is a major shift in federal drug policy that inches closer to what many states have done.

The switch would move marijuana away from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD.

Cannabis would instead be a Schedule III substance, like ketamine and some anabolic steroids.

Reclassification by the Drug Enforcement Administration would not make it legal for recreational use by adults nationwide, but it could change how the drug is regulated and reduce a hefty tax burden on the cannabis industry.

Similarly, the Justice Department under Mr Trumps Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, proposed reclassifying marijuana to a Schedule III substance.

President Donald Trump listens as Dr Mehmet Oz speaks during an executive order signing (Evan Vucci/AP)

Unlike Mr Biden, Mr Trump did not have open encouragement from across his party for the move.

Some Republicans have spoken out in opposition to any changes and urged Mr Trump to maintain current standards.

Such a switch typically requires an arduous process, including a public comment period that has drawn tens of thousands of reactions from across the US.

The DEA was still in the review process when Mr Trump took office in January. Mr Trumps order is expected to speed the process along, though it was not immediately clear how long it might take.

Many states have legalised the recreational use of marijuana for adults or allow it for medical purposes. But US laws have remained stricter, potentially leaving people subject to federal prosecution.

Polling from Gallup shows more Americans back a less restrictive approach: Support for marijuana legalisation has grown significantly, from just 36% support in 2005 to 68% last year.

Mr Trumps order also calls for expanded research and access to CBD, a legal and increasingly popular hemp-derived product whose benefits are debated by experts.

More than 20 Republican senators, several of them staunch Trump allies, signed a letter this year urging the president to keep marijuana a Schedule I drug.

Led by North Carolina senator Ted Budd, the group argued that marijuana continues to be dangerous and that a shift would undermine your strong efforts to Make America Great Again.

They argued, too, that marijuana negatively affects users physical and mental health, as well as road and workplace safety.

The only winners from rescheduling will be bad actors such as Communist China, while Americans will be left paying the bill, the letter said, referring to Chinas place in the cannabis market.

As for decriminalising marijuana, Mr Trump has not previously committed to such a move, though he had considered reclassifying it for much of his second term. He once said as a candidate that it should remain a state-by-state issue.

As president, he has made his crusade against other drugs, especially fentanyl, a feature of his second term, ordering US military attacks on Venezuelan and other boats the administration insists are ferrying drugs.

He signed another executive order declaring fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.
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Yoga helps make "room for gratitude by quieting the mind, says Todd Norian, founder of Ashaya Yoga and a Kripalu legacy faculty member. Our culture pushes us to keep going at a frenzied pace, while practicing yoga helps us get back to our natural state."
Residents wrote down ideas and added stars to the concepts on large pieces of paper as a way of contributing to the input that will go into the towns open space plan, which is due in June.
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new regulations that would remove federal protection from vernal pools like this one in South Williamstown.
Gov. Maura Healey didn't say whether she shares House Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz' assessment of a ballot question reducing the state income tax as 'irresponsible.'
It is the shock that comes up when another man leaves his wife and kids over an affair. It is the deepening pit of anxiety to feel like you are in control. It is the violent movies and video games that motivate a young boy to buy a gun. It is the tiny bit of credit card debt over online shopping that slowly adds up over time. A little grass here, a little grass there, sunshine here, sunshine there, then we all walk into the slaughterhouse of the devil.

I am by no means saying that we will lose our salvation. However, we can lose our way like prodigals. We can choose to live our lives by the flesh instead of the Spirit.

Romans 8:31 says, For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

But what if, instead of selecting lives that receive great praise from the world in which we live, that we graze in Gods pasture? It is not always easy, there are times when we will walk through the valleys and when the grass looks greener on the other side. But we have to remember that our ultimate destination is leading to a greater reward in heaven. Our Farmer is not out to kill us, He is out to rescue us and restore us.

Proverbs 24:11 says, Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. David Guzik says, Surely we did not know this: We shouldnt be indifferent towards those headed toward death. Since they often reject Gods wisdom and are hostile, it is easy to give up on them or ignore them. Yet God, He who weighs the hearts, does know and consider this.

Are you roaming in a territory that is going to end badly? Is a loved one straying from the pasture of God? Cry out to the Lord today on your behalf or on theirs. Confess and turn away. I think about the prodigal son. He may not have even had the strength to run to his Father, but when his Father saw him, he ran to his son and embraced Him. May we all look with discernment in every season to make sure that we are restoring and resting in the presence of the Lord and living out His best for our lives.

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Lupin enhances gastroenterology portfolio and expands presence in emerging markets

December 18, 2025 | Thursday | News

Plasil is widely acknowledged for its efficacy in treating nausea, vomiting, and motility disorders that affect millions of patients

image credit- freepik

Global pharma major Lupin Limited has announced that its subsidiaries in the Philippines (Multicare Pharmaceuticals) and Brazil (MedQuimica) have signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Neopharmed Gentili S.p.A, an Italian pharmaceutical company, for marketing and promotional rights for the Gastroenterology brand, Plasil (metoclopramide), in their respective markets.

This agreement will enhance Lupins gastroenterology portfolio and expand its presence in emerging markets. Neopharmed will oversee product supply in the Philippines, ensuring quality and compliance with global standards. In Brazil, production will be shifted to Medquimicas manufacturing facility.

Our partnership with Neopharmed represents a significant milestone in Lupins commitment to expand access to Plasil, one of the most potent anti-emetic treatments, across key emerging markets. Our extensive local presence, regulatory expertise, and strong commercial capabilities in the Philippines and Brazil, together with Neopharmeds distribution network and reach, will broaden patient access and deliver meaningful health outcomes, said Fabrice Egros, President of Corporate Development, Lupin.

We are pleased to partner with Lupin to bring Plasil to two strategic and rapidly growing markets, such as Brazil and the Philippines. This agreement reflects our commitment to expanding Neopharmeds international footprint, while leveraging Lupins strong local presence to ensure that Plasil is available to every patient in need, said Matteo Meazzini, Director of Business Development, Neopharmed Gentili.


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Pre-tax profits at the Cork-based company that operates Trabolgan Holiday Village last year increased 12 per cent to 8.4 million on the back of record revenues.

New accounts for Trabolgan Holiday Centre Ltd show that pre-tax profits increased as the company enjoyed its best revenues of 14.41 million in the 12 months to the end of December 26th last.

Revenues increased by 11 per cent from 12.59 per cent to 14.4 million on the back of the firm providing accommodation to Ukrainians.

The pre-tax profits of 8.4 million last year follow pre-tax profits of 7.49 million in 2023.

The company recorded post-tax profits of 7.33 million after incurring a corporation tax charge of 1.06m.

Figures from the Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth show that Trabolgan Holiday Centre last year received 15 million (incl VAT) for accommodating Ukrainians while payments for the first three quarters of this year show that the company has received 8.59 million (incl VAT).

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The directors state that the principal activity of the company is the ownership and operation of a holiday centre.

They state that since March 2022, the holiday centre made some accommodation available to The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) for the provision of accommodation to Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) and the level of accommodation provided increased following closure of the holiday park for extensive renovation works in November 2022.

In their report, the directors state that while the holiday village remains closed to the general public to facilitate extensive renovations, it has made available to Ukrainian BOTP its accommodation units.

They state that the holiday village will remain closed for the 2025 financial year.

On future developments, the directors state that the company has extended its services to include the purchase and sale of mobile homes for use on a serviced mobile home site that it has developed and from which it will earn service fees.

The Ukrainian business has greatly increased the companys balance sheet, with shareholder funds increasing from 13.99 million to 21.3 million. Cash funds increased from 2.2 million to 3.57 million.

Numbers employed in 2024 decreased from 56 to 54 as staff costs increased from 2.58 million to 2.9 million.

Pay to directors last year increased from 718,994 to 935,610, made up of directors remuneration of 515,254 and pension contributions of 420,356.

The profit takes account of non-cash depreciation costs of 784,645.
Actor James Van Der Beek has been described as a ray of positivity amid his bowel cancer diagnosis.

The 48-year-old was pictured smiling with American TV presenter Craig Melvin ahead of an interview for NBCs Today Show.

Melvin said of the Dawsons Creek star: Spent the day in TX on James Van Der Beeks ranch.

Overcast and dreary outside but James is quite the ray of positivity these days. It was refreshing and inspiring.

We talked about where he is on his journey, the importance of cancer screenings, and how hes finding joy in family and faith.

In November 2024, the Dawsons Creek star said in an interview with US outlet People that he was privately dealing with the diagnosis and taking steps to resolve it.

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In the interview he said he had been prioritising time with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

He also acknowledged his diagnosis in an Instagram post to his 1.6 million followers, where he apologised to his loved ones who had learned about his cancer through the press.

Van Der Beek missed a Dawsons Creek reunion event, which was organised in support of him and the charity F Cancer, in September, due to two stomach viruses.

The series, which ran for six seasons from 1998 until 2003, follows a group of friends as they navigate different stages of their adolescence together, with Van Der Beek playing the titular character, Dawson Leery.

Van Der Beek is also known for his roles as a fictional version of himself in Dont Trust The B- In Apartment 23; in CSI: Cyber as FBI agent Elijah Mundo; and as Matt Bromley in the first season of the FX drama Pose.

Bowel cancer can develop in the rectum or colon and is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK.

The charity says it is sometimes called colorectal cancer because it affects the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum, with symptoms including bleeding from the back passage, blood in poo or a change in someones normal bowel habit.
The firm that operates the countrys most celebrated nightspot, Copper Face Jacks, this year recorded pre-tax profits of 2.52 million - or 48,645 on average per week.

New accounts show that Breanagh Catering Ltd recorded a 10 per cent drop in pre-tax profit from 2.8 million to 2.52 million as revenues dipped from 11.78 million to 11.7 million in the 12 months to the end of January 31st this year.

The new accounts for Cathal and Paula Jacksons Breanagh Catering show it clocked up nightclub and bar sales of 10.45 million this year which was down marginally on the 10.46 million under that heading in the prior year.

The Jackson Court Hotel on Dublins Harcourt Street houses the night-club and Breanagh Catering recorded a further 1.24 million in accommodation sales which was down slightly on the 1.3 million recorded for the 12 months to the end of January 2024.

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Numbers employed by the business last year increased by nine from 144 to 153 as staff costs increased from 4.57 million to 5 million.

Pay to directors increased from 1.43 million to 1.62 million made up of remuneration of 622,061 and a 1 million contribution into the Jacksons pension pot.

The 1 million in directors pension contributions follows a cumulative 2.15m made in directors pension contributions in the prior two years.

The firm last year generated 2.6 million in cash from its operations.

The company last year received other operating income of 77,321 which followed 80,122 under that heading in the 12 months to the end of January 2024.

The profit takes account of non-cash depreciation costs of 454,046.

Operating lease charges totalled 175,592. The firms costs were made up of cost of sales of 1.26 million and administrative expenses of 8.24 million.

The accounts - signed off on October 23rd - show that the business recorded a post tax profit of 2.19 million after incurring a corporation tax charge of 330,816.

Addressing the risks facing the business, the directors state that there continues to be increased competitiveness in the hotel and licensed trade sector while the companys sales are also exposed to changes in general economic conditions in Ireland.

Ireland 37 state-owned artworks reported missing since the start of the year Read more

They state that the company has considered the risks prevalent and is continuously working on managing its overheads to reduce costs and improve profitability

At the end of January last, the companys accumulated funds totalled 17.59 million. The companys cash pile increased from 8.48 million to 10.88 million.

Mr Jackson - who celebrated his 70th birthday this year - opened Copper Face Jacks in February 1996 and he put the business up for sale in March 2019 with industry sources at the time speculating the business might realise 40 million.

However, staff were told in a company memo in November 2019 that the business was no longer for sale as Mr Jackson has decided to stay actively involved in the business.
A Dublin mother has received a six-month prison sentence for sending social media messages to Tanaiste Simon Harris, branding him a murderer and saying, I hope somebody does something to your family."

A distraught Sandra Barry, 40, from Tor an Ri, Balgaddy, Co Lucan, broke down when her case was heard at Dublin District Court on Thursday, and her messages were described as having occurred during three minutes of madness.

Her solicitor, Tracy Horan, told Judge Michele Finan her client was pleading guilty. The charge stated that on August 30th, 2025, at her home address, she sent a threatening or grossly offensive communication to Simon Harris with intent to cause harm.

The charge falls under the 2020 Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act. Harris did not attend due to the guilty plea.

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Sentencing, Judge Michele Finan said: These crimes are committed behind closed doors and in the comfort of people's homes and yet they have such huge and very catastrophic impact on the individuals who are the recipients, she said, adding that she had to impose a custodial sentence.

Barry was charged after a Garda Special Detective Unit investigation.

After sentencing, the mother of one was released on 200 appeal bail, and the defence said the case would be fully contested before the appeals judge in the Circuit Court. A date has yet to be set.

In evidence, Detective Garda Richard Markey said the injured party received messages on his Instagram account on August 31. Gardai obtained a warrant to examine an account and identified Barry. Further analysis led them to find the messages sent on August 30.

The investigation team believed certain terms were used to circumvent online safety protocols, and butlet stood for bullet. Some of the messages were blocked.

Detective Garda Markey read the messages aloud at Judge Finan's request for the court record:

What are you going to do about the attempted kidnapping of a child in Dublin, Lucan, Balgaddy, by a foreigner?

Butlet

You need a bullet.

Butlet in the head you need.

Blood on your hands, you murderer

F*ck you

I hope somebody does something to your family, and she asked if one of his relatives was raped, would you sort the country out?

The Director of Public Prosecutions directed summary disposal, and Judge Finan accepted jurisdiction to keep the case in the District Court rather than sending it to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers.

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Barrys home was searched on September 2nd. Detective Garda Markey agreed with Ms Horan that the accused was cooperative and made some admissions. The solicitor said her client was apologetic and brought a letter addressed to the injured party.

Barry, an equine hand from west Dublin earning minimum wage, has eight prior convictions since 2019, mainly for traffic offences and one for drug possession, resulting in fines.

A victim impact statement was handed into court but not read aloud during the hearing. Testimonials on behalf of the accused were also provided to Judge Finan.

Pleading for leniency, Ms Horan stressed that her client had no recollection of sending the messages, which happened over three minutes late at night.

The solicitor said Barry had been on a new anti-depression medication and had since gone back to her doctor for answers to what went wrong following the change of medication, why she did it and why she had no recollection of her actions.

The court heard Barry believed a child had been abducted, and that was playing on her mind at the time, and in her past, she had been the victim of a serious assault.

Ms Horan described her client as distraught and appalled by her behaviour. This was three minutes of madness that should never have happened, and she was very upset when she saw the content of the messages, the court heard.

Ireland Boy (12) settles High Court action for 900k over injury at birth Read more

The solicitor said Barry has not come to further garda attention, was doing a full-time course, working as an equine hand, living with her partner, who is in employment, and who came to support her in court.

Barry did not give evidence.

Judge Finan noted the mitigation and the early guilty plea and took into account her good character, remorse, and a CV showing involvement in community work.

Refusing to suspend the sentence, the judge said she had considered all the options, and the court had to balance that with the contents of a victim impact statement and evidence which aggravated matters
Tributes have poured in for a young and popular man who was killed in a two-car collision on Thursday morning.

The deceased, named locally as Simon Sammy McInerney, died when the car he was driving impacted with another car on the N21 at Templeglantine, west Co Limerick, shortly before 1am.

Mr McInerney, (21), with family links in Rathkeale, was pronounced dead at the scene, while three youths travelling in the same car were seriously injured.

The three youths, including two juvenile girls and an older male teenager, were rushed from the scene by ambulances to hospitals across the Munster region.

One of the juvenile girls was left with life-threatening injuries.

A man and woman, believed to be from Ukraine, were travelling in the other car involved in the fatal collision. The man, 20s, was also taken to hospital by ambulance with serious lower limb injuries.

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A sister of Mr McInerney shared photographs of her late brother and told of her shock at his sudden death in an online tribute.

The woman posted a photograph of her and her brother, and stated: You will always be number one to me.

Please will someone tell me why is life so cruel, its just so unfair what happened, I love you so much, my lovely brother Sammy.

Its like a bad nightmare Im not waking up from, my lovely brother that I love with all my heart, god why did you take him from us, a child of 21 years of age, Ill never stop asking god why this happened.

You didn't deserve to go when god took you, he really did take the best, because thats what you are to me, my baby brother, the best brother.

I love you so much Sammy, you broke my heart in a million pieces our child, it will never be goodbye, just until we meet again, fly high my brother, forever 21.

One of Mr McInerneys friends stated: I cant believe Im writing this. Rest in peace Sammy Mac one of my best friends it just don't feel real Sammy.

"Was chatting to you yesterday, youre in a better place now my friend, I hope you have a golden bed in heaven please god, watch over your family at this hard time, they stated.

Friends shared their grief and pictures of Mr McInerney.

One said: Rest in peace Sammy Mac, only a young boy with his whole life ahead of him, I hope you have a golden bed in heaven.

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Another wrote: Lord in heaven, grant onto his soul to say the world is heartbroken would be an understatement. A lovely young boy 21, youll forever be 21 Sammy Mac, may your soul be in eternal paradise forever.

One friend, who had spent time with Mr McInerney shortly before his untimely death, said: Rip Sammy Mac, my friend, I cant believe (we were) just getting food a few hours ago together in Limerick.

"Hope you get the best bed in heaven, until we meet again, my prayers got out to all your family.

Another wrote: RIP Sammy Mac, please god give your mother and father strength to get through this hard time.

Another of Mr McInerneys relatives shared photographs of him in a heartfelt online tribute, stating: Please look at my beautiful (cousin) Sammy Mac, loveliest child in the world...Only a few days ago we were in my mamas...oh god you were so full of life, you're after breaking so many hearts, Rest In Peace.

Local Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey said the town of Rathkeale was in shock and a deep sadness at Mr McInerneys passing.

The community is crestfallen and in deep mourning at this sad occasion.

Mr Teskey said it was the second consecutive fatal incident involving a car in the locality at Christmas time and he reiterated his condolences to the family of local Traveller woman, Marguerita ORourke nee Sheridan, who died one year ago next Sunday, in Rathkeale, when a van collided with gates that she had been standing by at the time.

Appealing for witnesses to this mornings fatal collision, Gardai said: Any road users, who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were traveling on the N21 between Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West between midnight and 1am are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 206 50, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
The Department of Foreign Affairs spent more than 1.3 million on the fit-out of a new embassy in Tokyo, including 43,000 for a tapestry and 1,100 for umbrella stands.

The new Ireland House in Japan was officially opened by the Taoiseach this summer, with overall costs of around 35 million.

New figures detail spending of 1.35 million on furnishing costs ranging from six-figure contracts for furniture to 95 hardware purchases and Amazon Japan orders.

Spending on art made up a sizable chunk of the bill with 110,000 worth of items bought from the RINN exhibition, stated as part of Irelands presence at Expo 2025 in Osaka.

Separately, a 10,782 deposit was paid for a specially made tapestry by artist Isabel Nolan with the department saying the final bill was 43,130.

Another commissioned painting by Sophie Gough for the new Ireland House cost around 8,400 while moving artwork from the old embassy building in Tokyo cost nearly 6,800.

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There were three payments to MJ Flood Interiors for the supply of furniture and equipment, including delivery and installation.

The first invoice was for 516,600 and the second was for 566,000, according to documents released under FOI.

A further 31,500 was paid to the firm bringing the overall cost of the contract to around 1.11 million.

Purchase of various soft furnishing items came to 2,463 while 605 was spent on bins and other miscellaneous bits and pieces.

A dryer cost 539 and 550 was spent on two gripped floor mats. Other bills listed included 12,242 for white goods and 4,951 for pots and pans.

Another invoice for 3,034 covered the cost of three coffee machines, four microwaves, three large refrigerators, and four smaller fridges.

There was an outlay of just under 6,000 for bins and umbrella stands in common areas and 450 for tablecloths and napkins.

The fit-out bill was part of around 35.2 million in costs for the development of the new Ireland House in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo.

The site itself was purchased for 7.74 million under a special deal with the Japanese government.

When legal fees, due diligence, and archaeology were included, that rose to 8.54 million.

The design and build of the landmark embassy, residence and office space has cost around 26.7 million with some invoices still outstanding.

Asked about the project, a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman said: Ireland House in Tokyo will contribute substantially to raising Irelands profile in Japan and represents a significant commitment by Ireland.

[The department] uses art to showcase Ireland, highlight links and engagement with the host country, draw out similarities between our countries, highlight Irish artistic culture, and facilitate positive engagement with visitors to Ireland House.

Under the 1% for Art scheme, the Department allocated an amount of money within the project budget for the purchase of Irish Art for Ireland House Tokyo.
Greta Thunberg will be speaking at a Dublin fundraiser event for Gaza on Thursday evening.

The Swedish activist will be joined by Medecins Sans Frontieres deputy medical co-ordinator for Palestine, Dr Mohammed Abu Mughessib, who will be in conversation with Irish human rights campaigner Caoimhe Butterly.

Organised by Bohemians FC, the "unique night of conversation and music" will look at the recent flotillas to Gaza and the genocide, as well as a forward-looking conversation about what can be further done in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Musical guests include Roisin El Cherif, Sorcha Richardson and Kevin Corcoran, with more to be announced.

All proceeds from the event will go to Grassroots Winter Aid for families in Gaza, and more than 800 tickets have already been sold for the event.

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Tickets for the event are available here.

Ms Thunberg has been seen sporting Bohemians merchandise and was given a limited edition shirt launched earlier this year, the Irish Times reports.

Combining Irish and Palestinian motifs, it features the Palestinian flag and the phrase Saoirse don Phalaistin (Free Palestine). The words I thought it was love  a lyric from a Fontaines DC song  are printed around the neck.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Swedish activist visited President Catherine Connolly during a courtesy call at Aras an Uachtarain, with Kneecap rapper Moglai Bap leading a 10km run through Phoenix Park in solidarity with Palestine.

Some have criticised President Connolly's reception of Ms Thunberg, after the Swedish activist posted shortly after the Bondi Beach terror attack against the Jewish community, that activists must "mobilise and escalate".

World Greta Thunberg among flotilla activists deported from Israel Read more

Former Minister for Justice of Ireland Alan Shatter was critical of the meeting in a post on X: "Deeply disturbing that President Connolly reportedly hosted Greta Thunberg who is visiting Ireland to speak at a Daniel Lambert/Irish Sport for Palestine event.

"Irish Sport for Palestine advocates the elimination of the State of Israel & the denaming of Herzog Park.

"In the immediate aftermath of the Bondi Beach massacre Thunberg called for an escalation of the anti Israel campaign & said nothing about those slaughtered & injured on Bondi Beach.

"The lack of sincerity of the Presidents condolences & condemnation of the Bondi atrocity is sadly now starkly illustrated. Yet again Irelands international reputation is destined to be sullied."
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has accused the government of a "damaging U-turn" after it abandoned plans for a substantive reform of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), despite committing to the changes following a high-level report in 2024.

IRHA president Ger Hyland said the decision not to reform the RSA would result in more road deaths, prolong dysfunction in the driving test system and leave a publicly funded body in place that has been widely criticised and is unfit for purpose.

Mr Hyland said the reversal showed a government "unwilling to confront rising road fatalities or deliver meaningful reform in the transport sector".

It comes after three people lost their lives in separate road traffic collisions across the country in the last 24 hours, with the number of road deaths as of Monday, December 15th, having surpassed the figure for all of 2024.

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Minister of State for Transport Sean Canney defended his decision not to disband the Road Safety Authority despite an independent external review of the RSA by Indecon Economic Consultants last year that recommended it be reformed by separating the authority into two agencies.

Mr Canney told RTE Radios Morning Ireland on Thursday that the U-turn had come about because of improvements in the RSA, such as the reduction from national waiting times for driving tests from 27 weeks to 10 weeks.

"It's better to solve the problems that are within the organisation than to be just splitting it up," he said.

From his experience in the private sector, he said, sometimes it was better to look at what the problem was rather than just doing something to change it".

I think the biggest area of non-delivery would be in the area of road safety campaigns being more visible. The Road Safety Authority is an authority that should be out there and should be more engaging in relation to the fight against road collisions and road deaths," Mr Canney said.

I do believe that from my experience over the last year, a lot of things. If I waited to split the organisation before, which I directed them what to do with the drive-in testing, we still would have a 27-week lead in time.

So what I'm saying is that it's better to solve the problems that are within the organisation than to be just splitting it up. It's a small organisation, it's a maximum of 500 people, creating two boards, two chief executives, creating all of that, but what actually are you achieving by it?"

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Mr Canney added that he has read the Indecon report and has taken on board what it said.

"They've produced a number of different options, and I've decided at this stage it is better to try and work within so that we actually get a more efficient and a more working road safety authority.

"They do a huge amount of work, the driving testing, the truck testing, they're responsible for all of that as well as the road safety messaging and I think there is a lot of room for improvement, and I would be working with them, with my department officials to make sure that we bring in these changes.

Mr Hyland called on Mr Canney to outline the cost of the Indecon Consultants report into the RSA that recommended that the organisation be dramatically reformed, following the government's decision not to follow its recommendations.

The IRHA said that it notes "with alarm" that road fatalities in Ireland are "ever-increasing", and that independent reviews recommended structural reform of the RSA "precisely because the current framework is failing the public and the transport sector".

The handling of RSA reform by Mr Canney was described by Mr Hyland as "both baffling and irresponsible.

"The roads are our workplace and we are frightened at the escalating dangers our drivers are facing every day," Mr Hyland said.

The IRHA has previously warned that delays and inefficiencies in driver training and testing, and broader RSA operations, including issues highlighted previously by haulage companies, impose real costs on businesses, drivers, and the performance of the rural economy.
Two brothers from Limerick have been jailed for 14 years in total after they admitted carrying out a gun attack on a house last June.

Roy Roche (35), who fired six rounds at the house from a sawn-off double-barrel shotgun, was jailed for eight years. Pa Roche (33), who carried the gun, was jailed for six years.

Both men, with an address at Cliona Park, Moyross, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a 12-gauge, sawn-off, over-and-under, breach-loading shotgun, with intent to endanger life; and one count of suspicious possession of the firearm; as well as one count of causing criminal damage.

Pa Roche. Photo: Facebook

The intended targets of the early morning shooting, carried out on June 6th, were brothers Willie Doran (20) and Joe Crawford, aka Joe Doran (17), the court heard.

Bottles and other implements were thrown at the Doran-Crawford family home at Altamira Court, Thomondgate, the night prior to the gun attack, as tensions flared between the two Roche brothers, their associates, and the two Doran brothers.

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Other members of the Doran-Crawford family, including young children, had decided to temporarily move out of the house following the bottle attack to keep themselves and their children safe.

Roy Roche fired the six shots at 5am.

The court heard the shots blasted through windows at the front sitting room and through an upstairs bedroom window, and peppered the interior walls.

Joe Doran, who was in the sitting room at the time, dived for cover as the bullets came through the downstairs windows, it was heard.

Joe Doran shouted out to his brother, Willie, who was asleep in an upstairs bedroom.

John OSullivan, prosecuting barrister, said the Doran brothers recognised the Roche brothers voices outside, who were shouting come out, come out.

Joe Doran used his mobile phone to record live CCTV images on a security system at the property, showing the two Roche brothers with the gun.

The Roche brothers had also been tracked via CCTV cameras carrying the gun as they walked from their family home to the Doran Crawford household.

Following the shooting, the defendants fled on foot, and dumped some of their clothing as well as the gun and cartridges at an area nearby, known locally as Donnelans Field.

A short while later the defendants walked back to the scene of the crime to collect some of the spent shells from the discharge of the sawn-off shotgun, in an attempt to remove any forensic link to the shooting, however gardai arrested them at the scene.

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At this point, Willie Doran shouted at the two Roche siblings: Are ye picking up the bullets boys, are ye?

John OSullivan, prosecuting, said gardai also harvested CCTV footage, which he said had captured a flash prior to the gun attack, that gardai believe was a practice shot in preparation for the job at hand.

A photograph of the firearm used in the shooting was shown to sentencing judge Colin Daly.

Mr OSullivan said the two barrels of the shotgun had been sawn off to make it easier to conceal the firearm as the men walked to the Doran house.

Garda Aoife Keane, Mayorstone Park Garda Station, agreed with Mr OSullivan that six spent shotgun cartridges that were recovered at the scene was significant in terms of the serious nature of the shooting because it showed that Roy Roche repeatedly reload the gun, which could only fire two rounds at a time.

A significant amount of gunshot residue was found on a hooded top worn by Roy Roche on the morning of the shooting, it was heard.

While in custody following his arrest, Roy Roche was asked by gardai if his DNA would be found on the gun, and he replied: Probably my fingerprints, but I don't know where they came from.

When asked by detectives why he went to the scene, Roy Roche said: Because I heard loud bangs and I thought my brothers house was shot in.

The Roche brothers, between them, had previous convictions for possessing drugs, trespassing, failing to appear in court, affray, handling stolen property, burglary, road traffic offences.

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Their barristers, Amy Nix BL, for Roy Roche, and Liam Carroll BL, for Pa Roche, sought leniency for the pair, and told the court the two defendants had experienced a difficult upbringing.

The two defendants were separated from one another and the rest of their siblings and taken into care separately when they were aged 11 and nine following the death of their father.

They have both also struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, the court heard.

The Doran brothers declined to make victim impact statements. The court heard there was no longer any animosity between them and the Roche brothers.
A man has been jailed for six and a half years for the rape of a woman while she was sleeping in her own home.

Kevin McGovern (28) of Main Street, Castlefinn, Co Donegal was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of one count of rape on August 21st, 2021.

A nolle prosequi was entered in respect of two other charges the jury could not agree on. These were one count of sexual assault and one count of burglary on the same date.

The court was told that the injured party, Lauren Holmes, wished to waive her right to anonymity so McGovern could be named.

Passing sentence on Thursday, Ms Justice Melanie Greally said the aggravating factors include the grave breach of trust, the impact on the victim and the fact that the offence took place in her home.

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She said there was no doubt that McGovern decided to return the injured party's home, and that he got into her bed and violated her while she was asleep. The judge noted that McGovern has no previous convictions and has not come to other garda attention.

Ms Justice Greally said the court had given minimal regard to the odium he experienced in his community in the aftermath of the offence, noting that part of the punishment for a sexual offence is the stigma associated with being a known sex offender and on the sex offenders register.

She imposed a seven-year sentence with the final six months suspended to encourage rehabilitation.

The judge directed McGovern to place himself under the supervision of the Probation Services for 12 months post-release and backdated his sentence to November 18th, when he went into custody.

Reading her victim impact statement to the court, Ms Holmes said she never had any interest in McGovern and that after the rape she tried to take her own life.

If it wasnt for my children, I wouldnt be here today to tell my truth. I was such a happy go lucky girlhe has changed that.

Im medicated daily and probably always will be. I will never sleep peacefully again, she said.

Ms Holmes said he put her through a second trial and showed no remorse. She said she would continue to campaign for victims of sexual violence.

Detective Garda Sean Barrett gave evidence that the victim knew McGovern locally, as he was a year or two ahead of her in school.

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He told Eileen OLeary SC, prosecuting, that the victim had been drinking shots and described herself as being drunk on the night. She did not engage with McGovern on the night, the court heard.

She went back to her house with another man, and the court heard there was a romantic interlude between them in the sitting room in the house.

The victim said she was tired and put her pyjamas on before she went to bed. She woke up with McGovern on top of her.

She said she just had her top on and her pyjama bottoms were beside her bed on the ground. The victim said there was never anything romantic between her and McGovern, but he made suggestive remarks a few weeks previously, and she told him it would never happen.

The next morning, she rang her friend and said McGovern was having sex with her when she was asleep and asked her friend to stay on the phone while she got him out of the house.

She shouted at him that he had to leave, and McGovern asked her, Why are you so thick? meaning Why are you so angry? the court was told.

He left, and a short time later, he contacted her by messenger and denied any sexual intercourse saying, But I didnt do f**k all, like.

He said in messages that youre making out that I wanted to sleep with you and I have a woman. The victim told him, Youre not my type, and asked him to leave her alone.

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She rang her friend, and she was taken to a sexual assault treatment unit (SATU). The trial heard from a number of witnesses.

When McGovern was arrested in January 2022, he denied rape and said he had consensual sex. He was later charged with three offences.

Under cross-examination, Det Gda Barrett agreed McGovern made a number of admissions which helped with the smooth running of the trial.

He also agreed with Paul Murray SC, defending, that his client was on trial in Carrick-on-Shannon earlier this year, but an issue arose, and the jury was discharged.

Mr Murray told the court that McGovern had taken cocaine on the night. Counsel said he was surprised the DPP had placed it in the higher category of offences and submitted that, because the victim was not beaten or restrained, it was not in this category.

Ireland Man jailed for breaking into Donegal holiday homes after watching TikTok videos Read more

Ms Justice Greally said the element of alcohol was a feature of the case and asked had the drugs been addressed on the rehabilitation side.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.

Alternatively, the contact information for a range of mental health supports is available at mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support.

In the case of an emergency, or if you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or self-harm, dial 999/112.
A 64-year-old man who sexually abused and raped two of his sisters and his niece until they ran away from home, before going on to rape his own two daughters, has failed in his bid to have his convictions overturned.

At the Court of Appeal on Thursday, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy ruled that there had been no prejudice to Richard OBrien by the trial judge allowing the victims in the case to give their evidence via video link. The court also rejected the appellants argument that there was no evidence of a lack of consent given by some of the complainants.

OBrien had denied all the offences but was convicted unanimously by a jury following a trial in 2023.

His five victims  OBriens sisters Theresa and Anne, niece Mary and his daughters Sonya and Agnes - indicated that they had waived their right to anonymity so he could be named.

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The Central Criminal Court heard that the abuse of his two sisters and his niece occurred at his family home at OMoore Road, Ballyfermot and continued until each of the three women ran away as teenagers. The women also gave evidence of physical abuse and emotional torture at his hands.

The women described growing up in a dysfunctional home where there was neglect, physical mistreatment and little point in disclosing the abuse they were suffering at the hands of their brother.

OBrien went on to sexually abuse and rape his own two daughters until they were taken into care.

One of his daughters later told her foster mother that she had been sexually abused by her father, and the gardai were alerted. Her sister, aunts and cousin then also came forward.

The Central Criminal Court heard that OBrien also wrung the necks of a puppy and a kitten belonging to his sisters during their childhood.

OBrien of Cremona Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 11, was convicted by a jury of 63 counts of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault against the five victims on dates between 1975 and 2011. He was sentenced to life in prison by Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring in May 2023.

Launching an appeal against his conviction earlier this month, Paul Murray SC, for OBrien, argued there was a risk of unfairness to OBrien in allowing the victims to give evidence by video link where the natural reaction of the witness would not be clear.

He said in order for a court to grant leave for a witness to give testimony by video link, there must be sufficient evidence that it is necessary.

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Mr Murray also argued that certain rape counts on the indictment should have been withdrawn from the jury because no evidence of a lack of consent was given by some of the complainants.

In response, Seoirse O Dunlaing SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said Theresa was receiving treatment at the time of the trial and there was a risk of infection if she was to leave her house. He said Theresa gave her evidence from home, and An Garda Siochana attended to make sure no one else was present.

Mr O Dunlaing said the judge had discretion in deciding whether to allow each of the victims to give evidence by video link. "Theres no suggestion that the jury did not have an adequate opportunity to assess the demeanour of the witnesses," he said.

Regarding the lack of consent ground, Mr O Dunlaing pointed out that OBriens position was that the instances of sexual abuse simply never happened. He argued the issue of consent simply did not arise in OBriens interview with the gardai nor in the cross-examination of the complainants.

In delivering the courts judgement today, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy noted that the appellant had argued that there was an unfairness in allowing the witnesses to give their evidence remotely, as this would not convey their body language and allow the jury to see how they reacted to cross-examination.

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However, Mr Justice McCarthy said that the court could not see any prejudice to the appellant by allowing the evidence to be given by video link.

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He went on to say that, given the ages and circumstances of the victims and the nature of the offences, the court was rejecting the ground of appeal regarding the issue of consent.

Accordingly, the court rejected the appeal.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.
Speed limits on two of Carlow's busiest and most dangerous routes have been reduced from today.

Limits on the N80 from Carlow Town to Enniscorthy, and N81 to Tullow will drop from 100km/h to 80km/h.

Gardai have appealed to road users to slow down and take note of the new speed limits.

Superintendent Anthony Farrell from Carlow Garda Station told Newstalk that they hope the change will save lives.

"We would remind motorists that the reason for this reduction in speed limit is the prevalence of serious and fatal traffic collisions on these particular routes. This reduction in speed limit has been the result of extensive consultation with communities in the affected areas, Carlow local authority and indeed, Transport Infrastructure Ireland," he said.
A taser pilot among members of An Garda Siochana is to begin today.

Officers at Store Street and Pearse Street Garda stations in Dublin, as well as stations in Waterford, are to be given the equipment on a trial basis.

The tasers have been introduced in a bid to reduce the number of assaults against officers after an increase in recent years.

A total of 128 uniform gardai have been specially trained on how to use the devices, and must log every use during their policing.

It is the first time frontline gardai will get to use them, after they were previously reserved for use by the Armed Support and Emergency Response units.

Joe OBrien, Executive Director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, told Newstalk that Gardai have a good relationship with the public because of their lack of weapons.

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"Whats being proposed here, in a very rushed manner, I would say as well, is a fundamental shift really in the relationship between the Irish police force and the public. Its been done in quite a rushed manner, without proper debate, without consultation, not really clear what the aimed-for purpose is, weve heard bits and pieces," Mr O'Brien said.

Ireland Gardai ramp up security preparations ahead of EU presidency Read more

Irish Council of Civil Liberties spokesperson Emily Williams added that people need more information about how and when the tasers will be used.

"While we do welcome the safeguards that have been announced regarding the use of tasers, including mandatory recording to Fiosru, the three-day training and the recording of usage for oversight purposes, we still dont have clear parameters on when they will be used," she said.

Ms Williams added that tasers may have the opposite desired effect on the public.

"Weve seen research which found that the use of tasers can actually increase violence against police, and may not be an effective deterrent to reduce violence, so what this means is that the use of tasers may not actually solve the problem which the guards seek to achieve."
Australia will introduce reforms to tackle hate speech as police conduct further searches in the aftermath of the Bondi terrorist attack, the countrys worst massacre in almost three decades.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner Krissy Barrett also confirmed additional searches would be carried out in the coming days after alleged Bondi terror attack gunman Naveed Akram was charged with 59 offences over the attack that killed 15 people.

Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, are suspected of opening fire on crowds of more than 1,000 people as they celebrated Hanukkah in the Archer Park area of Bondi Beach on Sunday evening.

Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while two officers were also non-fatally wounded during an exchange of gunfire.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Ms Barrett said the New South Wales Joint Counter Terrorism Team would execute further search warrants to support the investigation.

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There is a lot of material to be examined, and the AFP continues to work with both domestic and international partners to build a more complete picture of the movements and who the alleged offenders had contact with, both in Australia and offshore, she said.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese announced his government would work on a series of legislative reforms designed to crack down on those who spread hate, division and radicalisation and said there was no place in Australia for antisemitism.

We have seen a series of appalling attacks targeting Australias Jewish community, he said.

That culminated, on Sunday, in one of the worst acts of mass murder that this country has ever seen.

Among the proposed measures are increased penalties for promoting violence, the creation of a new aggravated hate-speech offence for preachers and leaders who promote violence, and the development of a regime to list organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech that promotes violence or racial hatred.

Mr Albanese added: It is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge, much more.

Ms Barrett also confirmed the Australian Federal Police would continue to investigate individuals described as hate preachers.

It comes amid news the state government of New South Wales is also considering introducing tougher gun-control measures in the wake of the attack.

Naveed Akram remains under armed guard in hospital, having awoke from his coma on Tuesday afternoon.

Along with the murders, he is accused of 40 counts of causing wounding/grievous bodily harm to a person with intent to murder, discharging a firearm intending to cause grievous bodily harm, a public display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol and placing an explosive in/near a building with the intent to cause harm.

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Mr Albanese said a special 12-month taskforce would be established, and the countrys home affairs minister would be granted new powers to cancel or refuse visas for people who spread hate and division in Australia, or who would do so if permitted to enter the country.

The first funerals of the victims took place on Wednesday, including that of London-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger.

Gideon Fakter with Minister for Public Health and Prevention Ashley Dalton as she speaks to mark Hanukkah and honour victims of a terrorist attack on Sunday (Yui Mok/PA)

Father-of-five Mr Schlanger, 41, grew up in Temple Fortune, north London, and his funeral service took place at Chabad of Bondi, where he was assistant rabbi.

During a tearful address, his father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, told the congregation it was unthinkable we talk about you in the past tense.

On Thursday, the funeral of the youngest victim, 10-year-old Matilda, was held in Sydney.

She was so young. She was so innocent. My heart is so heavy for her family. I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families who are mourning and who continue to bury loved ones, Ms Barrett said.

I say to Jewish Australians, you do not share this grief alone. I will share the weight of this unfortunate grief with you.

NSW Health confirmed 16 people were still receiving care in the aftermath of the attack on Thursday afternoon local time.

Two people remain in a critical condition, while three people have been listed as critical but stable.

NSW Police lifted the crime scene at Bondi Beach on Thursday.

The families of victims of including French national Dan Elkayam, Boris and Sofia Gurman, Boris Tetleroyd, Peter Meagher, Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, Marika Pogany, and Adam Smyth, paid tribute to their loved ones with public statements on Thursday.

During a mass shooting, Dan was shot in the back while trying to run away, Mr Elkayams family said in a statement.

He was murdered because he was Jewish.

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He leaves behind his partner in Australia, as well as his parents, brothers, nieces, and nephews in Paris, France, where he was born and raised. He was deeply proud of his community back home in Le Bourget.

The family of Mr Kleytman, who was born in the former Soviet Union in 1938, said he loved his wife, Larisa, with an unparalleled passion, the kind you only see in the movies.

Alex tragically died on 14 December 2025, doing what he loved most: protecting Larisa, standing proudly as a Jew, and celebrating the Festival of Lights, their familys statement read.

The two gunmen killed him, but his memories, his legacy, and his books will bring light for generations to come.

The family of Mr Meagher, a retired police officer, said their lives had been changed forever following his death.

Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Peter, a statement from the family said.

He was a cherished brother, husband and uncle whose kindness, generosity and love touched everyone who knew him.
Belgium has insisted its European Union partners must provide ironclad guarantees that it will be protected from Russian retaliation before it would back a massive loan for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded for a decision now to keep Ukraine afloat in the new year.

At a high-stakes EU summit in Brussels, the 27-nation blocs leaders are set to decide on whether to use tens of billions of euros in frozen Russian assets to underwrite a loan to meet Ukraines military and financial needs over the next two years.





This EUCO comes at a decisive time.



We have one ultimate goal: peace for Ukraine through strength.



And covering Ukraines financial needs for 2026-27 is essential for that.



Two proposals are on the table.



We agreed that we will find a solution today. pic.twitter.com/sVUStPaXxL  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 18, 2025

The bulk of the assets  some 193 billion euros as of September  are held in the Brussels-based financial clearing house Euroclear. Russias Central Bank sued Euroclear last week.

Give me a parachute and well all jump together, Belgian leader Bart De Wever told members of the Belgian parliament just before the summit began. If we have confidence in the parachute that shouldnt be a problem.

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Belgium fears that Russia will strike back and would prefer that the bloc borrow the money on international markets.

It wants frozen assets held in other European countries to be thrown into the pot as well, and for its partners to guarantee that Euroclear will have the funds it needs should it come under legal attack.

European officials say Russia is waging a campaign of sabotage and disruption across the continent. The Central Bank lawsuit ramped up pressure on Belgium and its European partners ahead of the summit.

The reparations loan plan would see the EU give 90 billion euros to Ukraine. Countries such as the UK, Canada and Norway would make up any shortfall.

Russias claim to the assets would still stand, but the assets would remain locked away at least until the Kremlin ends its war on Ukraine and pays for the massive damage it has caused over four years of war.

In mapping out the loan plan, the European Commission set up safeguards to protect Belgium, but Mr De Wever remains unconvinced.





Together with Prime Minister of Belgium @Bart_DeWever, we discussed mechanisms for using frozen Russian assets. I understand all of Belgiums concerns; however, a decision on the reparations loan must be made. It is fair and will ensure long-term predictability for Ukraine.



We pic.twitter.com/fCIQa50k9Z  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) December 18, 2025

I have not yet seen a text that could satisfactorily address Belgiums concerns, he said. I hope to see one today.

Mr De Wever insisted that Belgium remains a faithful ally of Ukraine and wants to continue to help.

Soon after arriving in Brussels, Mr Zelensky sat down with the Belgian prime minister to make his case for freeing up the frozen funds.

The war-ravaged country is at risk of bankruptcy and needs new money by spring.

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Ukraine has the right to this money because Russia is destroying us, and to use these assets against these attacks is absolutely just, Mr Zelensky told a news conference.

In an appeal to Belgian citizens who share their leaders worries about retaliation, Mr Zelensky said: One can fear certain legal steps in courts from the Russian Federation, but its not as scary as when Russia is at your borders.

So while Ukraine is defending Europe, you must help Ukraine.

Whatever method they use, the leaders have pledged to meet most of Ukraines needs for the next two years.

Now we have a simple choice. Either money today or blood tomorrow Donald Tusk, Polish Prime Minister

The International Monetary Fund estimates that would amount to 137 billion euros. The war-ravaged country is at risk of bankruptcy and needs the money by spring.

We have to find a solution today, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told reporters. We will not leave the European Council without a solution for the funding of Ukraine for the next two years.

EU Council president Antonio Costa, who is chairing the meeting, has vowed to keep leaders negotiating until an agreement is reached, even if it takes days.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said: Now we have a simple choice. Either money today or blood tomorrow.

He insisted that all European leaders have to rise to the occasion.

EU envoys have worked around the clock in recent weeks to flesh out the details and narrow differences among the 27 member countries. If enough countries object, the plan could be blocked. There is no majority support for a plan B of raising the funds on international markets.



European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Germanys Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a round table meeting at the EU summit (Olivier Hoslet/AP)

At this stage, it depends on political will, Mr Zelensky said in a WhatsApp chat with reporters while flying to Brussels.

I very much hope that we can obtain a positive decision. Without it, Ukraine will face a major problem.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that he hopes Belgiums concerns can be addressed.

He said: The reactions of the Russian president in recent hours show how necessary this is. In my view, this is indeed the only option. We are basically faced with the choice of using European debt or Russian assets for Ukraine, and my opinion is clear: we must use the Russian assets.

Hungary and Slovakia oppose Ms von der Leyens plan for a reparations loan. Apart from Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy and Malta are also undecided.

I would not like a European Union in war, said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who sees himself as a peacemaker. He is also Russian President Vladimir Putins closest ally in Europe.

He added: To give money means war.

Mr Orban described the loan plan as a dead end, and said that the whole idea is a stupid one.
Farmers in tractors have blocked roads and set off fireworks in Brussels outside a European Union leaders summit, prompting police to respond with tear gas and water cannons as protesters rallied against a major free trade deal with South American nations.

Farmers fear an agreement with the trade bloc known as Mercosur will undercut their livelihoods, and there are broader political concerns it is driving support for the far-right.

The farmers brought potatoes and eggs to throw  along with sausages and beer for nourishment  and waged a furious back-and-forth with police.





We are fighting to defend our jobs across all European countries against Mercosur, said Armand Chevron, a 23-year-old French farmer.

Police in riot gear staffed barriers just outside the European Parliament, which evacuated some staff due to damage caused by protesters.

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In the Belgian capital, protesters burned tyres and a faux wooden coffin bearing the word Agriculture.

Their fire unleashed a black cloud that swirled with white tear gas.

We will not die in silence, read one sign.

The dictatorship starts here, read another.

Hundreds of farmers such as Pierre Vromann, 60, had arrived on tractors, which they parked to block roads around the key institutions of the EU.

The Mercosur deal would be bad for farmers, bad for consumers, bad for citizens and bad for Europe, said Mr Vromann, who raises cattle and cereals in the nearby Belgian city of Waterloo.



Police try to disperse protesters during a demonstration of European farmers near the European Parliament in Brussels (Marius Burgelman/AP)

Other farmers came from as far away as Spain and Poland.

The clashes between the farmers and police raged just a stones throw from the Europa building, where leaders of the 27 EU nations discussed the trade pact as well as a proposal to seize Russian assets for use in Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Italy signalled it had reservations, joining the French-led opposition to signing the massive transatlantic free trade deal between the EU and the five active Mercosur countries  Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia.

The deal would progressively remove duties on almost all goods traded between the two blocs over the next 15 years.

French President Emmanuel Macron dug in against the Mercosur deal as he arrived for Thursdays EU summit, pushing for further concessions and more discussions in January.

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He said he has been in discussions with Italian, Polish, Belgian, Austrian and Irish colleagues among others about delaying it.

Farmers already face an enormous amount of challenges, he said, as farmer protests rock regions around France.

We cannot sacrifice them on this accord.



Protesters burn rubbish near a statue and tractor during a demonstration near the European Parliament in Brussels (Marius Burgelman/AP)

Worried by a surging far-right that rallies support by criticising the deal, Mr Macrons government has demanded safeguards to monitor and stop large economic disruption in the EU, increased regulations in the Mercosur nations such as pesticide restrictions, and more inspections of imports at EU ports.

Premier Giorgia Meloni told the Italian parliament on Wednesday that signing the agreement in the coming days would be premature.

This doesnt mean that Italy intends to block or oppose (the deal), but that it intends to approve the agreement only when it includes adequate reciprocal guarantees for our agricultural sector, Ms Meloni said.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is determined to sign the agreement, but she needs the backing of at least two-thirds of EU nations.

Italys opposition would give France enough votes to veto Ms von der Leyens signature.

In Greece, farmers have set up roadblocks along highways across the country for weeks, protesting over delays in agricultural subsidy payments as well as high production costs and low product prices that they say are strangling their sector and making it impossible to make ends meet.

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The accord has been under negotiation for 25 years.

Once ratified, it would cover a market of 780 million people and a quarter of the globes gross domestic product.



Police try to disperse protesters in Brussels (Marius Burgelman/AP)

Supporters say it would offer a clear alternative to Beijings export controls and Washingtons tariff blitzkrieg, while detractors say it will undermine both environmental regulations and the EUs famed agricultural sector.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said ahead of the Brussels summit that the EUs global status would be dented by a delay or scrapping of the deal.

If the European Union wants to remain credible in global trade policy, then decisions must be made now, Mr Merz said.

The deal is also about strategic competition between Western nations and China over Latin America, said Agathe Demarais, a senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

A failure to sign the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement risks pushing Latin American economies closer to Beijings orbit, she said.

Ms von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa are scheduled to sign the deal in Brazil on Saturday.

The political tensions that have marked Mercosur in recent years  especially between Argentinas far-right President Javier Milei and Brazils centre-left Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the blocs two main partners  have not deterred South American leaders from pursuing an alliance with Europe that will benefit their agricultural sectors.



Protesters stand next to tractors as tyres burn during a demonstration of European farmers outside an EU summit meeting in Brussels (Marius Burgelman/AP)

Mr Lula has been one of the most fervent promoters of the agreement.

As host of the upcoming summit, the Brazilian president is betting on closing the deal on Saturday and scoring a major diplomatic achievement ahead of next years general elections, in which he will seek re-election.

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He said he was surprised by Italys hesitancy, and had spoken about it directly with Ms Meloni.

At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Mr Lula was clearly irked by Italy and Frances positions.

He said that Saturday would be a make-or-break moment for the deal.

If we dont do it now, Brazil wont make any more agreements while Im president, Mr Lula said, adding that the agreement would defend multilateralism as Mr Trump pursues unilateralism.

Mr Milei, a close ideological ally of Mr Trump, also supports the deal.

We must stop thinking of Mercosur as a shield that protects us from the world and start thinking of it as a spear that allows us to effectively penetrate global markets, he said some time ago.
The US government admitted on Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Army played a role in causing the collision last January between an airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter near the nations capital, killing 67 people.

The official response to the first lawsuit filed by one of the victims families said that the government is liable in the crash partly because the air traffic controller violated procedures about when to rely on pilots to maintain visual separation that night.

Plus, the filing said, the Army helicopter pilots failure to maintain vigilance so as to see and avoid the airline jet makes the government liable.

But the filing suggested that others, including the pilots of the jet and the airlines, may have also played a role.

The lawsuit also blamed American Airlines and its regional partner, PSA Airlines, for their roles in the crash, but those airlines have filed motions to dismiss.

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At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after the helicopter apparently flew into the path of the American Airlines regional jet while it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport in northern Virginia, just across the river from the nations capital, officials said.

The plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members, and three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.

Robert Clifford, one of the attorneys for the family of victim Casey Crafton, said the government admitted the Armys responsibility for the needless loss of life and the FAA failure to follow air traffic control procedures while rightfully acknowledging others  American Airlines and PSA Airlines  also contributed to the deaths.

The families of the victims remain deeply saddened and anchored in the grief caused by this tragic loss of life, he said.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will release its report on the cause of the crash early next year, but investigators have already highlighted a number of factors that contributed, including the helicopter flying too high on a route that allowed only scant separation between planes landing on Reagans secondary runway and helicopters passing below.

Plus, the NTSB said, the FAA failed to recognise the dangers around the busy airport even after 85 near misses in the three years before the crash.

World 11 killed in Kenya plane crash while en route to Maasai Mara National Reserve Read more

Before the collision, the controller twice asked the helicopter pilots whether they had the jet in sight, and the pilots said they did and asked for visual separation approval so they could use their own eyes to maintain distance.

FAA officials acknowledged at the NTSBs investigative hearings that the controllers at Reagan had become overly reliant on the use of visual separation.

That is a practice the agency has since ended.

Witnesses told the NTSB that they had serious questions about how well the helicopter crew could spot the plane while wearing night vision goggles and whether the pilots were even looking in the right spot.
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Advance drills deeper as Mexican silver-gold play opens up Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Doug Bright December 18, 2025  3:05pm 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

Advance Metals has completed five diamond drill holes across three targets at its high-grade silver-gold project in Mexico, targeting extensions to known mineralisation and new prospects, with assays pending. The fully funded program builds on earlier results obtained throughout the year that have already confirmed the systems depth potential, with assays from all five holes pending. Advance Metals diamond drilling rig set up at the companys San Francisco prospect, part of its Yoquivo silver-gold project in Chihuahua, Mexico. At the companys Pertenencia prospect, two deep holes have tested down-dip extensions below the existing 17.23-million-ounce foreign resource estimate grading 570 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent. The first 402-metre deep hole probed the central part of that resource envelope, 20m above its lowest boundary. In comparison, the following 500-metre hole tested about 150m below all previous intercepts within the same envelope and well below its interpreted lower boundary.

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Previous drilling at Pertenencia has produced several highlight intercepts, including one hole that cored out 4.87m at 544g/t silver equivalent. A second hole delivered 4.42m at 446g/t silver equivalent, while a third produced 3.07m at 203g/t silver equivalent. Advance is now planning additional drilling early next year to the north and south along parts of the 1800m-long strike trend of the Pertenencia structure. A further two holes, 237m and 235m deep, were completed at the companys San Francisco vein structure, which sits 400m northwest of and parallel to Pertenencia, with a defined north-northeasterly strike length of at least 1100m. A fifth 239m-deep hole was put into the 400m-long La Esparanza vein, which roughly parallels but lies about 2700m west-north west of Pertenencia. Advance says drilling will continue into 2026 and will include an inspection of the newly-discovered high-grade vein systems southeast of the Dolar system, between the La Esparanza and San Francisco vein systems, where earlier surface sampling returned startling grades of up to 1594g/t silver equivalent.

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In separate related work, Advance is close to completing an extensive resampling program comprising more than 4000m of previously unassayed historic core from Pertenencia. Initial results have confirmed strong upside, with grades up to 848g/t silver equivalent. Including the new drill cores, a total of 4500 samples are now waiting on assays. Recent high silver and gold prices have resulted in extended laboratory turnaround times, however, most results are expected from about mid-January. The company has also completed a high-resolution airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) survey, with data processing ongoing. LiDAR can create highly detailed 3D models as point clouds of terrain and objects, and is ideal for mapping dense vegetation, infrastructure, mining, and complex sites where conventional surveying can sometimes struggle. Since the existing Pertenencia resource is a non-JORC foreign estimate, all drilling and resampling results will be used to refine the geological model and underpin a maiden JORC-compliant resource estimate, targeted for completion early next year.

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As Advance Metals continues its aggressive exploration at Yoquivo, the project could be set for significant resource growth amid current strong precious metals markets. The punters are likely to be laser-focused ahead of the upcoming assays from the ongoing diamond drilling and the imminent JORC-compliant resource update. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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Updated BusinessCompaniesMergers & acquisitions Huge conflict of interest: Trumps $600 million windfall after nuclear deal Matt O'Brien and Jennifer McDermott Updated December 19, 2025  5:21am ,first published 4:40am 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 parent company of US President Donald Trumps Truth Social media platform is merging with a fusion power company, an unusual pairing of the Trump name with a futuristic clean energy venture that aims to power the next wave of artificial intelligence. Trump Media & Technology announced its merger with TAE Technologies in an all-stock deal that the companies said was valued at more than $US6 billion ($9.1 billion). Donald Trump is by far the largest stakeholder in Trump Media, owning 41 per cent of all outstanding shares. AP The combined company says it plans to find a site and begin construction next year on the worlds first utility-scale fusion power plant, with aims to provide the electricity needed for artificial intelligence. Nuclear fusion is seen as a promising solution to climate change caused by burning fossil fuels, but one that is a long way off compared to todays clean technologies like wind and solar. It will need huge investment as well as regulation to advance, which makes Trumps ties a major conflict, said Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer in the George W. Bush administration. Hes jumping into this industry just like he jumped into cryptocurrency a couple of years ago, Painter said. Just as the United States government is gonna get all involved in it. And its so obvious that theres a huge conflict of interest.

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Devin Nunes, the Republican congressman who resigned in 2021 to become the chief executive of Trump Media, will be co-CEO of the new company with TAE CEO Michl Binderbauer. Related Article Analysis

Russia-Ukraine war Putins war chest struck with a double blow Shares of Trump Media & Technology have tumbled 70 per cent this year but jumped 34 per cent in afternoon trading on Thursday. Trump is by far the largest stakeholder in Trump Media, owning 41 per cent of all outstanding shares. The share surge has added about $US400 million ($605 million) to Trumps net worth, according to Forbes. Backed by Google and other investors, TAE is a private company and the merger with Trump Media would create one of the first publicly traded nuclear fusion companies.

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Were taking a big step forward toward a revolutionary technology that will cement Americas global energy dominance for generations, Nunes said in a prepared statement. TAE focuses on nuclear fusion, a technology that combines two light atomic nuclei to form a single heavier one. It releases enormous amount of energy, a process that occurs on the sun and other stars, according to the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency. TAE and Trump Media shareholders will each own approximately 50 per cent of the combined company. Nuclear fusion is seen as a promising solution to climate change caused by burning fossil fuels, but one that is a long way off compared to todays clean technologies like wind and solar. AP In October, the US Department of Energy released what it called a road map for fusion technology, with the aim of fostering a burgeoning fusion private sector industry in the US toward maturity on the most rapid timeline. A number of tech companies, including Google, Microsoft and OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, have shown interest in fusion technology as a way of powering the energy-hungry data centres needed to build and run their AI products.

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Related Article Energy Wind and solar, and not nuclear, the key to cheaper energy: CSIRO Andrew Holland, chief executive of the Fusion Industry Association, said that a new source of funding and the creation of a publicly traded nuclear fusion company can only be positive because any technological breakthrough is a function of time and resources. It allows TAE to move forward and build its pilot plant, at a location still to be announced, as fast as they can, he added. Its exciting when any of our member companies raise new capital and secure their pathway towards building what is our ultimate goal, a fusion-powered future, Holland said. Fusion could meet the vast energy demands of AI, Holland said. He said that was because fusion was clean, safe, sustainable energy that, when commercialised, would be able to scale.

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Before this deal, $US10 billion had been raised globally by private fusion companies racing to make fusion commercially viable for the first time, Holland said. The vast majority of the fundraising and development is happening in the United States. Devin Nunes, the Republican congressman who resigned in 2021 to become the CEO of Trump Media, will be co-CEO of the new company with TAEs Michl Binderbauer. AP Holland said the Trump administration has said it strongly supports fusion, but has yet to make any new financial support available. In the associations surveys of the industry, companies are saying they expect to see fusion energy on the electricity grid in the 2030s, with most saying they expect it in the first half of the 2030s, Holland said. TAE and Trump Media say the transaction values each TAE common stock at $US53.89 per share.

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BusinessMarketsEmissions Opinion The death of petrol has been greatly exaggerated

Javier Blas December 18, 2025  7:57pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Petrol was meant to be Exhibit A of the energy transition. And it is  but not how the green intelligentsia ever anticipated. Rather than becoming the fuel to display the earliest and most pronounced peak in demand as the world embraced electric vehicles, petrol is instead signalling the endurance of fossil-fuel consumption. The stronger-than-expected demand comes even before significant pro-petrol regulatory changes announced in both the United States and Europe in recent days take effect. In Washington, US President Donald Trump has rolled back the fuel-economy targets set by his predecessor Joe Biden. Instead of achieving 50.4 miles per gallon (81 kilometres per 3.8 litres) by 2031, US cars will only need to meet 34.5 miles per gallon. Earlier, Trump hit the EV sector by removing federal subsidies. Over the past 15 years, there has been an increase in the dominance of large Australian firms in their respective markets. James Davies European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, meanwhile, this week bowed to intense pressure from Germany and Italy to abandon an effective ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars beyond 2035. Brussels, which initially mulled delaying the ban five years to 2040, ultimately decided to abandon it completely without setting a new target. In London, the British government has announced a new tax on EVs starting in 2028 that could reduce sales by hundreds of thousands of vehicles.

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Put this all together, and it means the energy markets barrel counters will need to increase their petrol forecasts for the rest of the decade. Its an exercise they are getting used to. After the pandemic, the International Energy Agency said petrol demand wouldnt ever surpass its 2019 level. The theory was that as EV cars became more popular, appetite for gas guzzlers would be disproportionally impacted. This means that the fuel is likely to exhibit the earliest and most pronounced peak in demand of all elements of the oil market, the IEA wrote in an influential report in 2023. But demand quickly surpassed the pre-pandemic peak and kept on growing. Rather than becoming the fuel to display the earliest peak in demand as the world embraced electric vehicles, petrol is signalling the endurance of fossil-fuel consumption. Last year, petrol consumption posted an all-time high of 27.36 million barrels a day. The IEA initially thought again that was the peak, and suggested consumption would drop in 2025. Instead, year-to-date petrol demand has jumped to a fresh record high of 27.62 million barrels a day. As things stand, the peak has been delayed already by six years, to 2025 from 2019. And I wouldnt be surprised if, once forecasts are updated, its pushed even further forward.

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Surprisingly, some of the greatest thirst for petrol comes from Europe, supposedly a region thats an energy transition champion, but one where consumers are shifting from diesel cars into brand-new petrol and plug-in hybrids. Spain and France have seen consumption reaching heights unseen for two decades. Related Article Opinion

Trump's White House Trump has changed the future of the car industry Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist So demand is probably running more than 700,000 barrels a day higher than what was thought to mark the consumption zenith. That may not sound like a lot, but it equals the total oil demand of a medium-sized European economy such as the Netherlands. The surge is particularly significant because it happened despite four notable headwinds: Western governments subsidising EV adoption; high petrol prices, particularly between 2022 and 2024; the persistence of people working from home post-pandemic; and Chinas weak economic growth. Ultimately, petrol demand will decrease as people swap their fossil-fuel cars for battery-powered ones. The peak will probably arrive a decade later than initially thought, perhaps by about 2029 or 2030.

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For now, the consumption surge indicates that the fancy graphics governments use to point to declining fuel use are a mirage. Exhibit A shows how disorderly the energy transition will be, firing in fits and starts and delivering illogical trends like record EV sales and record petrol consumption happening side by side. After the regulatory changes in Europe and the US, those perplexing moves will be even harder to track. Javier Blas is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy and commodities. He is coauthor of The World for Sale: Money, Power and the Traders Who Barter the Earths Resources. Bloomberg The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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Analysis BusinessThe economyRussia-Ukraine war Putins war chest struck with a double blow Julian Lee December 18, 2025  12:14pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Russias war chest is being hammered by the double-whammy of a slump in oil shipments and a continuing decline in prices, sending the value of crude exports to the lowest since January 2023. Four-week average crude flows fell in the period to December 14, driven by the biggest week-on-week slump in flows since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Offloading cargoes is proving even more of a challenge, with crude at sea jumping 40 per cent since the end of August and at least 20 cargoes loaded at the countrys western ports in September and October still undelivered. The slide in Moscows revenues coincides with the US piling the diplomatic pressure on Ukraine and its European allies to strike a peace deal. AP Numerous tankers have disappeared from tracking systems in the Riau archipelago, north-east of Singapore, a favoured location for transferring sanctioned Iranian barrels between vessels thats growing in popularity among carriers of Moscows crude. Tracks suggest that at least six Russian cargo switches have taken place there since November, with another six fully laden tankers disappearing in the area so far this month. The slide in Moscows revenues coincides with the US piling the diplomatic pressure on Ukraine and its European allies to strike a peace deal, even as the Kremlin keeps up its bombardment of its neighbours gas and power infrastructure. Kyiv in turn continues to strike Russias oil assets, extending its attacks to production platforms in the Caspian Sea, and hitting more tankers hauling the countrys oil.

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Moscow shipped 3.61 million barrels a day in the four weeks to December 14, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. Thats down by about 70,000 from the period to December 7, driven by a 1.24 million barrel a day decline in weekly shipments. Related Article Visual story

Blood Oil How Putins ghost ships put billions worth of blood oil into Australian cars An 11th straight drop in crude prices has added to Moscows difficulties. Urals is down by about $US20 a barrel, or more than one-third, since its recent peak in mid-July, dropping to the lowest since the war began. Pacific-loading ESPO has fared a little better, losing about 22 per cent of its value over the same period. But even here, sanctions are weighing on demand, allowing at least one Chinese buyer to snap up a cargo at what traders say was the steepest discount this year. Crude shipments A total of 27 tankers loaded 20.98 million barrels of Russian crude in the week to December 14, vessel-tracking data and port-agent reports show. The volume was down sharply from 29.65 million barrels on 38 ships the previous week.

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On a daily average basis, shipments in the week to December 14 slumped to 3 million barrels a day, down by about 1.24 million barrels a day from the previous week, the biggest week-on-week drop since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Separately, one cargo of Kazakhstans Kebco grade was shipped from Novorossiysk during the week. The slump in flows was driven by a sharp drop in shipments from the Baltic port of Primorsk. There is now more crude on tankers yet to show a final destination than the combined amount on ships signalling that they are heading to China, India or Turkey. Export value On a four-week average basis, the gross value of Moscows exports fell to $US1.09 billion ($1.65 billion) a week in the 28 days to December 14, with the impact of the lower export quantities magnified by the 11th straight drop in average prices.

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Using this measure, the export prices of Russias Urals from the Baltic fell by about $US1.10 a barrel to $US40.07, while prices for Black Sea cargoes were down by $US0.90 a barrel to $US37.41. The price of Pacific ESPO crude dropped by $US1.40 to average $US50.97 a barrel. Delivered prices in India also fell, down by $US0.70 to $US56.99 a barrel, another new low for the period since March 2023. All prices are according to numbers from Argus Media. Related Article Opinion

Oil Americas new sanctions on Russian oil may be biting too late Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist On a weekly basis, the value of exports averaged about $US883 million in the 7 days to December 14, down by 30 per cent from the period to December 7, with prices and quantities both down week-on-week. The weekly export value was the lowest in three years. No final destination Observed shipments to Russias Asian customers, including those showing no final destination, slipped to 3.36 million barrels a day in the 28 days to December 14, down from a revised 3.41 million in the period to December 7.

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While the amount of Russian crude heading to both China and India appears to be falling sharply, thats mostly being offset by growing quantities on vessels yet to show a final destination, allowing for much of that pattern to be reversed. Tankers are increasingly showing no final destination until they are well across the Arabian Sea, while some never show a final calling point, even after mooring to discharge. Vessels are also spending longer at sea, with several tankers diverting from initial destinations on the west coast of India or in Turkey. They are also getting held up waiting to discharge at Chinese ports. Offloading cargoes is proving even more of a challenge, with crude at sea jumping 40 per cent since the end of August and at least 20 cargoes loaded at the countrys Western ports in September and October still undelivered. AP There is now more crude on tankers yet to show a final destination than the combined amount on ships signalling that they are heading to China, India or Turkey. Flows on tankers signalling Chinese ports stood at 840,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to December 14, down from 920,000 for the period to December 7. The amount destined for India fell to 800,000 barrels a day from a revised 980,000 barrels a day in the period to December 7. But there is the equivalent of 1.72 million barrels a day on vessels yet to show a final destination.

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Of that, about 1.62 million barrels a day is on ships from Russias western ports showing their destination as Port Said or the Suez Canal, or those from Pacific ports with no clear delivery point, and a further 100,000 barrels a day is on tankers yet to signal a destination. Related Article Explainer

Central Asia Beyond the eccentricities: Why the ex-Soviet Stans are having a moment In the past, those cargoes have almost all ended up in India or China, but tougher US sanctions may keep that oil on the water unless, or until, workarounds can be found by the Russian sellers. Flows to Turkey in the four weeks to December 14 edged down to about 230,000 barrels a day from a revised 260,000 barrels a day in the period to December 7. Shipments to Syria remained at zero. Tankers hauling Russian crude to the east Mediterranean nation rarely signal their destination and usually disappear from automated tracking systems when theyre south of Crete, making it difficult to estimate flows in advance of ships arriving off the port of Baniyas, where they can usually be picked up on satellite photos. The last Russian ship to discharge its cargo there left Murmansk at the end of September, arriving at the start of November. Bloomberg The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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BusinessWorkplaceWorkplace culture I made a bad decision: The woman at the centre of the Coldplay kiss cam scandal breaks her silence Lisa Miller December 19, 2025  7:49am 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

Kristin Cabot has come to believe that her silence no longer serves her. It made sense in the beginning, after she appeared on the Jumbotron, aghast, in the arms of her boss at a Coldplay concert on July 16, 2025, a moment that caused an international furore. The original TikTok received 100 million views within days. Cabot retreated, trying to make things right with the people who mattered most: her two teenage kids; her employer, the tech company Astronomer; and her second husband, Andrew Cabot, from whom she was separated and negotiating a divorce settlement. In the initial phase, all she could think was: Oh, my God, I hurt people. I hurt good people. After months of laying low, Kristin Cabot has opened up. NYT Five months after the TikTok bomb became the defining disaster of her life, she described in her first interview since the concert what it feels like to be a punchline and a target. In online comments she has been called a slut, a homewrecker, a gold digger, a side piece  the usual tags for shaming women. Her appearance has been scrutinised, specific body parts evaluated and found insufficiently pretty. Some of the most famous people in the world have made her humiliation their material. She was doxxed, and for weeks received 500 or 600 calls a day. Paparazzi camped across the street from her house and cars slowly cruised her block, like a parade, she recalled. She received death threats. So while #coldplaygate, as it came to be called, cycled out of view, she lives with it every day. Her children are reluctant to be seen with her. Just before Thanksgiving, a woman recognised her while she was pumping gas. She called Cabot disgusting and said: Adulterers are the lowest form of human. You dont even deserve to breathe the same air that I breathe.

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Related Article Luxury property CEO from Coldplay kiss cam video sells New York apartment for $8.9m I travelled to her home in New Hampshire on a snowy weekend this month, and we hashed over the events of July 16 for hours. For weeks Cabot had been debating, on her own and with family and friends, whether to talk about what happened. Any attempt to correct the record put her at risk of being shredded all over again. But Cabot, 53, came to want to tell the truth, and her children, her mother and her closest friends stood behind her. Cabot hired a communications consultant to help her tell her story while minimising further damage to herself and the people she loves. The two of us started the day in the kitchen. Cabot, her hair twisted up in a bun, was nervous, referring to bullet points as she unspooled her tale. She was not in a sexual relationship with her boss, she said. Before that night, they had never even kissed.

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I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss, she said. And its not nothing. And I took accountability and I gave up my career for that. Thats the price I chose to pay. I want my kids to know that you can make mistakes, and you can really screw up. But you dont have to be threatened to be killed for them. Cabot came to human resources through advertising and sales and always presented herself as hyper-professional, said her friend Alyson Welch, who worked with her at the tech company neo4j. When, in 2024, Cabot interviewed with Andy Byron, at the time Astronomers CEO, she found they clicked, stylistically. She started as Astronomers chief people officer in November. Cabot filed for divorce from Andrew Cabot, who released a statement confirming that they had been separated at the time of the concert and asking for privacy. NYT In 2025, while grabbing a sandwich near Astronomers New York office, Cabot made reference to her marriage in a tone, as she remembers it, and Byron asked what was up. She was going through a separation, she said. It was stressful, and she worried about her kids.

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Im going through the same thing, she recalled him saying. Reached by phone, Byron declined to be interviewed for this article. For Cabot, the shared acknowledgment sort of strengthened our connection, she said, and a close working relationship grew even closer. At work, they shared confidences and made each other laugh, and for Cabot big feelings grew fast. She began to allow herself to imagine the romantic possibilities, though she knew she couldnt keep reporting to Byron if the relationship progressed. Cabots separation from her husband was still new when she agreed to go with friends to see Coldplay. She liked the band well enough, but what really appealed was being out, with friends, on a summer Wednesday. I hadnt been out in ages, she told me. She asked Byron to be her plus one. Before the concert, Cabot and Byron met up with a small group of Cabots close friends at the Stockyard, an old-school steak joint. The vibe of the evening was open and giddy, agreed two attendees who asked to be anonymous because of what they saw happen to their friend. Loading

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Was any part of her concerned about this outing from an HR perspective? Some inside part of my brain might have been jumping up and down and waving its arms, saying, Dont do this, Cabot replied. But, generally, No. She was pumped to introduce Byron to her friends. I was like: I got this. I can have a crush. I can handle it. On the ride to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Cabot learned, by text, that her soon-to-be former husband was attending the concert, too. It threw me, she conceded. But she and Byron were not an item. Related Article Opinion

Workplace Coldplay kiss cam lifts the lid on an astronomically common issue Tim Duggan Work columnist The seats were on a VIP balcony offering a sweeping view of the stage. Cabot remembers that the setting felt dark and private. She and Byron each had a couple of tequila cocktails, and as the concert went on they began to look like a couple. She made a point of saying that night was the first and only time they kissed. Byron was dancing behind Cabot when she took his hands and wrapped his arms around her. When Cabot saw her own image, and his, on the Jumbotron, it was like someone flipped a switch, she said. Ill never be able to explain it in any articulate or intelligent way, she said. What an instant before felt like joy, joy, joy turned to terror. Cabots hands flew to her face, and she whirled out of Byrons arms. Byron ducked. At that moment, she had two thoughts. First: Andrew Cabot was somewhere in the dark stadium and she did not want to humiliate him.

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And: Andys my boss. I was so embarrassed and so horrified, she said. Im the head of HR and hes the CEO. Its, like, so cliche and so bad. Cabot and Byron fled back to the bar. We both just sat there with our heads in our hands, like, What just happened? Even before leaving the stadium, they began to discuss how to manage their public transgression. And the initial conversation was, We have to tell the board. Cabot has an apartment in the Boston area for when she has custody of her kids, and she and Byron went there to strategise. Who would write the email? What would it say? In her minds eye, she saw the loss of her job and complications in her amicable parting with Andrew Cabot, whom her children adored. And, then, about 4am, Cabot received a text. It was a screenshot of a TikTok. She drove to see her kids, who were staying with their father in Boston. She wanted to talk to them about what happened before they heard it elsewhere. They knew who Andy was, obviously, she told me, and I said, He and I got very swept up in a moment, and now its on social media. Her daughter, who was 14, started to cry.

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Then she drove back to her apartment for a conference call with the Astronomer board. In that conversation, she recalls, they said: Listen. Were human beings. We all make mistakes. But you understand we have to step away and talk about this and figure it out. The company soon began an investigation. On Saturday, Byron resigned. Cabot did not sleep. She spent the weekend pacing, crying and talking on the phone. It felt to her that every producer from every television news show was texting. At some point that weekend, Cabot was doxxed, and her phone flooded. Andy Byron and his chief people officer Kristin Cabot and (right) Chris Martin. She had security cameras installed at her house, and local police boosted their surveillance. After Astronomer concluded its investigation, the company asked Cabot to return to her role, she said. But she could not imagine how she could stand up as HR chief when she was a laughingstock. She negotiated her resignation, which was announced on July 24. (Astronomer declined to comment for this article.) Late summer brought some relief. Cabot filed for divorce from Andrew Cabot, who released a statement confirming that they had been separated at the time of the concert and asking for privacy. (He did not respond to requests for comment. He has been nothing but a gentleman, Cabot said.) She found therapists for the children, who went back to school and were treated with kindness there.

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She and Byron had been in touch all summer. They exchanged news about Astronomer and updates on their families. In early September, they met and agreed that speaking with each other was going to make it too hard for everyone to move on and heal, Cabot told me. Since then, she said, their contact has been minimal. Cabot wants to rebut the assumption that she slept her way to the top. She has worked from the age of 13, having decided she never wanted to depend financially on a man or worry, as her mother did, about a heating bill. Related Article Workplace culture Stunning 24 hours after CEO of $1.5b tech firm appears to be caught out on Coldplay kiss cam In the middle of the worst of it, when she was hiding in her bedroom, she had a fantasy of redemption. Cabot wished for someone with visibility and power to interrupt the spinning, endless, ruthless cycle. She yearned for a rational voice to step in and say, Wait a minute, as she told me. Can we start a conversation where there might be room for a different version of this story? This has gotten really wild. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.

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LifestyleLife & relationshipsChristmas Opinion I tried to find the genius inventor of Secret Santa to say thank you

David Free December 18, 2025  2:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

At this festive time of year, ones thoughts turn to a great historical figure who led humanity out of the darkness and into the light. Im talking, of course, about whoever invented the idea of the Secret Santa. This person rejuvenated Christmas for me; they reconnected me with the joy of giving, specifically the joy of only having to give things to one person instead of about 20. For my money  which this year is capped at $100  Secret Santa is the greatest Christmas breakthrough since the invention of wrapping paper. I say this because Im old enough to remember what Christmas was like before the Secret Santa era. It was in serious danger of starting to suck. Whoever said its better to give than receive must have let their spouse handle the bulk of their Christmas shopping. I doubt they ever found themselves in a crowded megastore on Christmas Eve, holding a sweaty checklist with more names on it than a rugby team-sheet. The Secret Santa model is about reciprocity, not altruism. Getty Images Giving was never part of the equation when you were a kid, of course. For the first decade or so of your life, you ran a massive Christmas surplus. Gifts were things you received, and that was it. All you had to do at Christmas was show up, and presents would fly at you from all sides. Then came the day when your parents announced that you were old enough to start giving presents too. At that moment, a dark shadow descended on the concept of the Christmas present.

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Then, before you knew it, there was a new generation of kids around, and you were one of the grown-ups showering them with unrequited gifts. This was only right. It made Christmas feel magical again, from a whole new angle. The less magical thing was that you had to keep buying presents for the adults too. That gift surplus youd enjoyed as a youngster had become a howling and eternal deficit. And then some unsung genius invented the Secret Santa. Who was it? Where did the glorious concept come from? I recently put these questions to Google. The answers it gave me were, Im afraid, less than convincing. First it tried to tell me that the Secret Santa derives from a Swedish tradition known as Julklapp. Apparently the Swedes, in the 17th century, had an unusual way of distributing Christmas gifts. They would knock on their neighbours doors, open them, throw a gift inside, then run away before they could be seen. Whoever said its better to give than receive must have let their spouse handle the bulk of their Christmas shopping. Try as I might, I cant see many parallels between this Nordic free-for-all and the crisp symmetries of the Secret Santa system. The Secret Santa involves no element of home invasion, for a start. Moreover, the Julklapp tradition seems to have featured no wish lists, no spending cap, no mechanism to ensure that if you tossed a quite pricey gift into your neighbours house, they would lob something of equal dollar value into yours.

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Finally, the Swedes never seem to have made the breakthrough that is the Secret Santas key reform  the bit where you get to discharge all your Christmas obligations by giving things to one person, and one person only. If you push Google some more, its AI will tell you that the modern Secret Santa system is widely attributed to philanthropist Larry Dean Stewart. Stewart, it seems, was a Kansan businessman who starting in 1979 anonymously gave out $100 bills to people in need during the holiday season. This is AI at its daftest. With all due respect to Larry Dean Stewart, I dont think he invented the concept of giving away money anonymously. More to the point, the Secret Santa system has got nothing to do with helping the indigent. On the contrary: its designed to stop the rest of us from joining their ranks, as a result of shelling out way too much money on Christmas gifts. The Secret Santa model is about reciprocity, not altruism. If we cant say who invented the system, can we at least pinpoint when it came in? The Oxford English Dictionary, which is usually reliable on such questions, isnt great on this one. After defining Secret Santa in the modern sense, it cites historical uses of the phrase going back to 1933. On inspection, few of these examples match the way the phrase is used now. The OEDs earliest relevant citation comes from a 2001 novel by Canadian author Marilyn Lightstone. The past two Christmases, Lightstone wrote, they had done Secret Santa, a sensible face-saving device when there are lots of gifts to buy and cash is in short supply.

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Finally we have a bullseye. Lightstone is describing the system we use today. And the fact that she has to explain it to her readers suggests that it was still, in 2001, a relatively new thing. That sounds about right to me. I recall a Christmas from the early noughties when my family used the system for the first time. We drew the names of our giftees from a hat. If we drew our own name, we would put it back and redraw. We soon realised this was happening with suspicious frequency. Evidently, some of us were returning names to the hat because they were the names of people we didnt want to give presents to. Editor's pick Good Weekend Forty books for 10 types of reader  heres what to read this summer This of course isnt on. For the system to work, the name you draw must be sacrosanct. If you dont like it, you have to take one for the team. Once, at a crazily large Christmas gathering, I had to be the Secret Santa of my brothers wifes mothers cousins husband. I didnt know him from Adam, although his name did coincidentally happen to be Adam. I cant recall what I gave him, but it wasnt one of my finer efforts. This year Im doing Christmas with a much tighter crew. We drew our names online, by spinning a virtual chocolate wheel containing everyones name except our own. Watching the wheel revolve, I realised there was no name on it that I didnt want to cop. What more can you ask for at Christmas than that? Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
AFP warns raids imminent as authorities move in on hate speech

The head of the federal police has warned that raids are imminent, as officers move in on "hate preachers".
Man accused of wife's cold-case murder granted bail

Melbourne man Craig Freeman, who is accused of murdering his wife Melinda more than three decades ago, has been granted bail.
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NationalBondi shooting Opinion My son had planned to be at Bondi. Will hate follow him wherever he goes? Samantha Selinger-Morris Morning Edition podcast host December 19, 2025  4:00am

December 19, 2025  4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Follow our live coverage of the Bondi shooting here. Before I say what Im about to say, I need to tell you one thing. Which is that I, too, know the rapture that seems to spread like liquid through your chest when your toddler sits on you and declares brightly, but matter of factly: I was going to pee on you, but then I realised  youre my joy! Still, as I walked to work on Monday morning, a thought bloomed. Maybe I should never have had my three children. Because, just the night before, on Sunday evening, I had spent hours scrolling through WhatsApp messages from Jewish friends and acquaintances on a group chat. Have they got the shooters? My eldest daughter is there, wrote one. This was only minutes after Naveed and Sajid Akram started shooting their long rifles aimed at Jewish people at Bondi Beach. Mourners embrace at the Bondi memorial. Oscar Colman

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Another wrote of having escaped Bondi on foot, leaving her car there, after running and hiding with her 12-year-old daughter. Yet another friend, who was at the same Hanukkah celebration with her niece, had taken her to the emergency department to remove shrapnel from the childs head. A family member texted to say that a colleagues father had been murdered. My son had planned to be there. He was getting ready to leave for Bondi with friends when he heard the news. As Jews, we know that hate stalks us wherever we go. So, by the next morning, after circling through the immediate, scratchy feelings of panic  what if my son had been there? Do I need to tell my children to not go to communal Jewish gatherings? Ever?  the thought dawned on me: why bring yet another generation of Jewish children into this world?

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Countless leaders and analysts have been saying, on repeat, for the last two years, that we mustnt let overseas hatreds and battles snake their way onto our shores. We cant let our social fabric tear. Each time, Id think: Must be nice to feel that you can escape hatred; simply move out of its path, as you would to let someone pass by on the footpath. Related Article Bondi shooting As if our own daughter were taken from us: Matilda farewelled in funeral for little ray of sunshine Because, as Jews, we know that hate stalks us wherever we go. By the time my grandmother and her family left Poland in 1929, nationwide boycotts of Jewish businesses were being encouraged, and anti-Jewish violence was growing. She moved to Canada, where she was taunted for her foreign accent, and Jews were banned, along with dogs, from visiting Torontos most popular beach. And of course, the hate follows me here, too.

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To think that Jewish people could somehow, if we just tried hard enough, insulate ourselves from hatreds that we see play out overseas. That is a fatal misunderstanding of the threats that Jews, and other groups who are hated wherever they go, have always faced. And now, after the tragic murder of, at the time of writing, 15 innocent people at Bondi, I wonder whether other Australians understanding of who they are, and where we all live, might have changed forever. The lucky country? Maybe, the deluded country? For decades, most people here have lived with a foundational identity myth: that Australians are first and foremost, far away. From everything. So far away, as Robert Hughes put it in The Fatal Shore. Into the 1600s, maps didnt even feature Australia but, rather, an outline with the phrase, Great Southern Land. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets Bondi hero Ahmed al Ahmed at St George Hospital on Tuesday, Prime Ministers Office via AP

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And, of course, Australia hasnt moved. The country is still bloody far away from the rest of the world. But that didnt stop the rain of bullets that spilt blood on Australias most famous beach on Sunday. And its no comfort to Peter Meagher, a non-Jewish, and beloved, member of Randwicks Rugby Club, in Sydneys eastern suburbs, who managed to survive the dangerous work as a police officer for nearly 40 years, only to be gunned down at the Hanukkah celebration where he was enjoying his later-in-life passion, photography. Neither he nor any of those killed, such as Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman, or 10 year-old Matilda, were saved by the 17,000 or so watery kilometres between Australia and Britain, the so-called Tyranny of Distance, as historian Geoffrey Blainey put it, that kept Australia from the influences of Europe. Related Article Opinion

Bondi shooting PM must return to Bondi and meet the moment James Massola Chief political commentator That this tragedy has brought to light the horrific reality that non-Jewish Australians, too, are now vulnerable to the evil unleashed by ancient hatreds might just be iconically Australian. Its long been said that distance made everything come to Australia late. Colour TV. Contraband copies of Lady Chatterleys Lover. Even the 1960s came to Australia in the 1970s, as the saying goes.

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But this is where my children were born. And its where Ive chosen to raise them. Perhaps we are the canary in the coal mine, a sound of alarm to the rest of you, that you, too, could get caught in the crossfire, as so many non-Jewish Australians were on Sunday evening. But we are truly, tragically, in this together. As are all of our children. Related Article Opinion

Israeli-Palestinian conflict Australia is right to support a two-state solution: former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert Ehud Olmert Former Israeli prime minister As one non-Jewish colleague wrote to me on Monday, to express empathy over the violence that had struck the Jewish community: You despair for the kids who think this is how the world is now. I remember being seven, and the only thing I had to worry about was finding a tap in somebodys front yard to drink from after riding my bike around unsupervised all day.

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His was just one of countless messages Ive received from friends and colleagues. Of support, and love. Some wrote to pass on messages to my children, to let them know: We are standing with Jewish Aussies. We may be in this horrific new (and old) world together. But lets really be in it together, in the best of ways. Lets help keep each others children safe. Because, like yours, mine are truly the best of me. Samantha Selinger-Morris is the host of The Morning Edition for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
North Sydney Boys tops the HSC for the third year in a row

Students at North Sydney Boys High School celebrate after learning they had again received the highest proportion of top band results at an assembly on Thursday.
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Queensland Health officials took secret payments from a companys representatives in exchange for the use of its medical devices in public hospitals, the Crime and Corruption Commission has alleged.

The corruption watchdog said on Thursday that its probe had found a group of public servants failed to declare their conflicts of interest or involvement in the company to Queensland Health.

Four people were facing serious criminal charges including fraud, official corruption and misconduct in relation to public office. An arrest warrant has been issued for a fifth person.

The CCCs Investigation Barzona has led to charges against four people and an arrest warrant for a fifth. Dan Peled

The accused group will appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 15 and January 28 next year.
Road to normality begins after Bondi Beach terror attack

Beachgoers have returned to Bondi as the police tape is lifted from Sydneys most iconic stretch of sand and the red and yellow flags return.
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PoliticsFederalBondi shooting Editorial PMs inaction on antisemitism comes back to haunt him The Herald's View Editorial Updated December 18, 2025  9:02am , first published 6:30pm

Updated December 18, 2025  9:02am ,first published 6:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

A new marriage and world acclaim over the teen social media ban put Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on top of the world just a few days ago. But his inaction on antisemitism has made him a guilty bystander to the Bondi Beach shootings. And he knows it, too. He knows he has not done enough and has lost kudos defending his dismal record as though he had done everything possible. He also looks increasingly isolated as Labor colleagues, including Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and one of the ALPs most prominent Jewish voices, Victorian MHR Josh Burns, admit the obvious: more should have been done. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaking to the media at Parliament House after the shootings. Alex Ellinghausen Albanese is unlikely to attend the funerals of the 15 people killed at Bondi Beach. His failure to return to the scene of the crime has allowed others to fill the void and instead of uniting the nation at a time of crisis, has turned national tragedy into political circus.

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Current and former Opposition MPs have paid their respects, and even One Nations Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce fronted up. The residual anger was so palpable that Hanson received a round of applause when she declared Australia didnt have a gun problem, but a radical Islamic extremism problem. Amid mounting attacks on synagogues and Jewish homes and businesses, last July, he personally chose a woman as his special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism. She carried considerable family baggage that dented her credibility and her subsequent 28-page report, released in August, proved so problematic that months later, many of her recommendations remain unimplemented and the government has yet to fully respond. In September last year, Albanese announced the appointment of an Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. Meanwhile, a perception arose that the prime minister had indulged the Palestinian protests as he tried to satisfy all sides. Albaneses problem is that, in the shadow of the Bondi Beach killings, his attempts to calm fears about rising antisemitism now look little better than window dressing. It is not easy being in the eye of a storm. But others manage to rise to the moment. Albanese has been defensive, evasive and flatfooted throughout the week, but Premier Chris Minns, who also faces questions about the role of NSW authorities at Bondi Beach, has been far more surefooted, candidly admitting responsibility and wishing he had done more in retrospect.

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And John Howard declared Albaneses proposed gun law reforms an attempted diversion from tackling antisemitism. The former PM said his [Albanese] greatest failure is not to provide the moral leadership that a prime minister can in denouncing antisemitism  a sobering reminder of how Howard faced down the National Party after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre to introduce strict, uniform laws across Australia. Albanese had his own rump in the Palestinian protests, but in his quest to be something for everyone he failed to stare them down. Being more proactive on antisemitism could have hurt Labors western Sydney vote, but leadership requires courage, vision and integrity. Instead, we have a prime minister who appears frozen. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.

CORRECTION This editorial has been updated to clarify that the Envoy to Combat Islamophobia was established after the Envoy to Combat Antisemitism.
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TechnologyTelecommunications Inexcusable: Optus staff face sack after review into Triple Zero outage David Swan December 18, 2025  11:14am 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

Optus workers face the sack or financial penalties after an independent review exposed a litany of failures behind Septembers deadly Triple Zero outage, with the telcos chairman calling the findings a sobering read for everyone at Optus. The Schott Review, released on Thursday, found at least 10 separate mistakes by Optus engineers and contractor Nokia during what should have been a routine firewall upgrade on September 18  failures that left 605 people unable to reach emergency services for almost 14 hours, and two people dead. The review stopped short of calling for the dismissal of Optus chief executive Stephen Rue. Sitthixay Ditthavong The review found that of the 605 callers who tried to dial Triple Zero across South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and parts of NSW on that September day, just 150 got through  a 75 per cent failure rate. The Optus board accepted all 21 recommendations from the review, led by corporate veteran Dr Kerry Schott, at a meeting on Tuesday.

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Related Article Telecommunications Optus customers remain without service 12 hours after connection restored I have made it clear the Optus failures were unacceptable, chairman John Arthur said. The board is taking further action in relation to individual accountabilities flowing from the incident, which will extend from financial penalties through to termination in appropriate cases. The review recommends sweeping changes to Optus risk management, contract oversight and crisis response procedures. It calls for the operations centre to be moved onshore to Australia, for more robust Triple Zero testing, and for a cultural shift away from siloed working. The withering findings of Dr Kerry Schotts review into the Triple Zero outage add to a horror run for Optus. Oscar Colman Schott stopped short of calling for chief executive Stephen Rues head, noting he had only started in the job in November 2024 and has been leading a five-year transformation program. Calls to replace the current CEO are not helpful at the start of this large program of change, the report states.

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The 41-page report details a cascading series of errors that began when Optus engineers sent incorrect instructions to Nokias offshore operations centre for a firewall upgrade at the Regency Park exchange in Adelaide. Nokia then selected an outdated 2022 procedure that omitted a critical step: diverting call traffic before locking down equipment. Despite three peer reviews at Nokia, nobody noticed the traffic diversion was missing. The work was incorrectly classified as no impact and urgent, allowing it to bypass senior engineering review and approval by the Change Advisory Board. Optus chairman John Arthur: I have made it clear the Optus failures were unacceptable. SMH When the gateway was locked just after midnight on September 18, regular voice calls quickly found alternative routes on the network, while emergency calls did not. Two alerts triggered at the Network Operations Centre within 30 minutes of the work commencing were given only cursory attention, with staff dismissing them as related to the ongoing upgrade. Post-implementation checks at 2.40am showed call failure rates increasing, and not decreasing as expected. Again, nobody acted.

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Meanwhile, five customers called Optus offshore call centre between 10am and 2pm to report they couldnt reach Triple Zero. Each customer correctly spotted the problem, but none of their calls were escalated. Optus initially told Communications Minister Anika Wells office that just 10 calls were affected. Alex Ellinghausen To have a standard firewall upgrade go so badly is inexcusable, the review says. Execution was poor, and seemed more focused on getting things done than on being right. Telecommunications analyst Paul Budde said the incident revealed a governance failure rather than a technical problem. Ten separate failures dont happen by accident. What failed at Optus was risk governance  the discipline that should protect essential services when routine work goes wrong, he said. You can outsource operations, but you cant outsource responsibility. If contractors and internal teams both miss obvious red flags, that points to a systemic failure of oversight, not human error.

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The report found risk management within Optus was materially deficient across all three lines of defence, with the networks division operating in silos that prevented information flowing to senior executives. Rue was not informed of the fatalities until 8.13am the following day, more than 30 hours after the outage began. Even then, Optus initially told Communications Minister Anika Wells office that just 10 calls were affected, a figure that ballooned to 600 by the time Rue faced cameras that Friday evening. Related Article Investigation

Telecommunications The emails that reveal how Optus downplayed the Triple Zero disaster The Schott Review underlines the critical importance of this work and the need to accelerate and embed key reforms, Rue said in a statement. Our commitment is not just about compliance  its about setting a new standard for our performance as a critical infrastructure provider. The findings add to a horror run for Optus, which was fined $12 million after a nationwide outage in November 2023 left more than 2000 Australians unable to call Triple Zero. Just days before the September outage became public, the telco was ordered to pay $100 million for predatory sales practices.

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Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens communications spokesperson and chair of the Senate inquiry into the Triple Zero outage, called for a government review of Optus operating license. This is a damning report of the culture within Optus, their contractor Nokia and the entire Triple Zero system, she said. Optus failures were systematic and widespread. For too long, Optus has put profits ahead of safety and its customers. The company must face serious consequences for its failure. The government must now review Optus licence and licence conditions. Going soft on the telco is not an option. She said Optus and parent company Singtel representatives would be called back before the Senate inquiry in early 2026. The review also raised broader concerns about the emergency call system itself, noting some devices take 40 to 60 seconds to connect to Triple Zero. A separate ACMA investigation into whether Optus breached emergency call regulations is ongoing, as is a broader Senate inquiry into the Triple Zero system. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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WorldMiddle EastIsraeli-Palestinian conflict Opinion Australia is right to support a two-state solution: former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert Ehud Olmert Former Israeli prime minister December 18, 2025  10:47am

December 18, 2025  10:47am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Australias support of a two-state solution in the Middle East is better for securing Israel than the messianic desire of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus partners to annex the territories and ethnically cleanse Gaza of its inhabitants. The atrocious terrorist attack that befell Sydney on Sunday was not a random act of violence. It targeted the peaceful Jewish community of Australia and was fuelled by hatred spread intentionally and insistently by a web of malignant anti-Jewish actors. Unfortunately, there has not always been a forceful enough reaction by senior Australian government authorities to some violent anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish events. A lifeguard places flowers at the memorial for the mass-shooting victims at the Bondi Pavilion. Jessica Hromas It is precisely because of the real and deadly threats faced by Jews around the globe that leaders of the Israeli and Jewish communities have a sacred obligation to address these threats with candour, intelligence and rigour. This is a test that Netanyahu failed utterly in his recent disingenuous, opportunistic broadside against the Australian government. And it is why I want to react to some of Netanyahus most blatant and counter-productive fallacies. Netanyahu baselessly asserted that the Australian governments position in favour of a Palestinian state poured fuel on the antisemitic fire that caused this horror. This is worse than nonsense.

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While I am not always on the same page with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese  and I was disappointed several times when his reactions sounded more anti-Israel than against the Israeli government  I share with him the same perception that a two-state solution is the only possible solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And it is essential for Israels long-term security. If supporting a non-militarised Palestinian state alongside the state of Israel is antisemitism, then many, many Israelis  I being one of them  are in that same place. Related Article Updated

Bondi shooting You let the disease spread: Netanyahu accuses Albanese of failing to curb antisemitism Australia, and particularly Sydney, a city I love, were the focus of some of the most aggressive riots against Israel and Jews immediately after the carnage on October 7, 2023. The antisemitic chants emanating in those days from a hateful few can never be forgotten or forgiven. However, to accuse the government of Australia or its prime minister of promoting and fuelling antisemitism is outrageous, ugly and unjustified. Much more absolutely must be done to counter intolerably rising antisemitism in Australia. But contrary to Netanyahus assertions, the Australian government has taken some important steps under current leadership. To accuse the government of Australia or its prime minister of promoting and fuelling antisemitism is outrageous, ugly and unjustified.

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Some highlights to date include the Australian Federal Polices Operation Avalite to investigate antisemitic acts, unmasking Irans role behind antisemitic arson attacks and then expelling the Iranian ambassador (the first since Japans ambassador was expelled in World War II), assuming new powers to tackle state-sponsored terrorism and domestic hate crimes, and spending $25 million to increase security at Jewish community sites. The appointment of Jillian Segal as Australias first special envoy to combat antisemitism was another important step  one that must now be quickly followed by rigorous implementation of her recommendations. All of Australian society must work against antisemitism. Thankfully, the reactions this week give reason for hope. The weeping crowds at the Bondi memorial have included all of Australias renowned multicultural community. Clergy from every faith have condemned the violence, offered love to Australias Jews, and asked everyone to transcend hate so that we may live together in peace. Though it follows an unspeakable horror, this week in Sydney the loving majority rose up to drown out the hateful few. May it continue to be so. Related Article Updated

Bondi shooting All we know five days after the Bondi terror attack The ultimate lesson from Bondi, and from our broader conflict in the Middle East, remains this: We must live together as brothers, or perish together as fools, as Dr Martin Luther King Jr wisely put it. In living that lesson, I hope you take inspiration from the selfless example of Ahmed al Ahmed, the brave Syrian-born Australian Muslim father-of-two, who risked his life by rushing in to save Jews and all endangered innocents at Bondi. Please tune out Israels PM Bibi Netanyahu, who exploits tragedy to attack allies, only to deflect from his own profound failures as a leader. His spurious inflammation and many leadership failings effect Jewish safety everywhere. Australias Jews  just like Israels Jews  deserve far better leadership than that.

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Our urgent mission, which Israelis and our allies must pursue together, is to keep working for a lasting, secure peace, including a two-state resolution. May your painfully fresh imperative to ensure Jewish safety spur these efforts forward, rather than derail them. Our shared future depends on it. Ehud Olmert served as Israeli prime minister from 2006 until 2009.
An annotated version of the image of 3I/ATLAS captured by NASAs Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows the trajectory of the interstellar comet along with a scale bar. The image was captured by the spacecrafts High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on Oct. 2, 2025..



(Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona)

Astronomers studying the interstellar object known as 3I/ATLAS say new observations from the Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii have revealed a striking chemical transformation as the comet exits the inner solar system, underscoring how little is known about material formed around distant stars. The object, first detected by NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System on July 1, 2025, is only the third confirmed visitor from outside the solar system, following 1I/'Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019.

Data collected after the comet's close pass by the Sun show that 3I/ATLAS has shifted in appearance from a muted red to a faint green glow, a change scientists attribute to the release of diatomic carbon as solar heat penetrates its icy nucleus. The observations were captured by Gemini North on Maunakea as the object receded from the Sun, offering one of the clearest chemical signatures yet recorded from an interstellar comet.

The comet reached solar conjunction on Oct. 21 and made its closest approach to the Sun on Oct. 29, passing at a distance of roughly 12.9 million miles, or 0.139 astronomical units. During that encounter, rising temperatures triggered the sublimation of volatile compounds, producing emissions rarely observed in objects originating beyond the solar system.

Astronomers say the green hue is a classic marker of diatomic carbon, an extremely reactive molecule commonly seen in comets but seldom documented in interstellar objects with this level of clarity. The detection adds to a growing list of chemical anomalies that distinguish 3I/ATLAS from comets formed within the Sun's gravitational influence.

The object's velocity has further heightened scientific interest. Even after slowing slightly due to solar gravity, 3I/ATLAS is racing out of the solar system at roughly 150,000 miles per hour, or about 67 kilometers per second, making it the fastest and most energetic interstellar object observed to date. Its hyperbolic trajectory confirms that it is not bound to the Sun and will never return.

Researchers are also puzzled by what the comet does not show. While nickel has been detected in its coma, iron-typically present in similar amounts in solar system comets-has yet to appear. That imbalance suggests the object may have formed in a chemically distinct environment, potentially offering rare insight into planet-forming processes around other stars.

Public engagement has become a notable part of the campaign to study 3I/ATLAS. Through a program called Shadow the Scientists, students in Hawaii and Chile have been invited to observe data collection sessions remotely alongside professional astronomers. Bryce Bolin, a research scientist at Eureka Scientific involved in the initiative, said, "Sharing an observing experience in some of the best conditions available gives the public a truly front-row view of our interstellar visitor."

Bolin added that exposing the public to live observing sessions helps demystify astronomy and underscores the collaborative nature of modern space science. The program has allowed participants to watch telescopes reposition in real time as data from Gemini and other facilities are gathered.
Somalia marks 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China

Xinhua) 10:49, December 18, 2025

MOGADISHU, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Somalia and China on Tuesday marked the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, vowing to elevate their mutual cooperation and pursue more productive and shared interests.

Addressing the event held in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said, "We gathered to celebrate a truly historic milestone, 65 years of diplomatic relations between Somalia and China. This is an important anniversary, a testament to enduring friendship between our two peoples, a friendship built on mutual respect, sovereignty and shared understanding."

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960, Somalia and China have pursued together through changing times, through moments for progress and moments of challenges, through regional and global transformations, Abdi said.

He noted that over decades, China has remained a trusted partner of Somalia, a partner that respects Somalia's independence, supports national priorities and a partner that believes in the country's future.

"Our cooperation has been practical and impactful, it has supported infrastructure development, it has strengthened health, education, public services and capacity building and it has responded to humanitarian needs during difficult moments," Abdi added.

Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu said that the establishment of diplomatic relations between Somalia and China on Dec. 14, 1960, opened a new chapter in the history of friendly exchanges between the two nations.

"That year Somalia became independent and China was among the first few countries to recognize it; meanwhile, Somalia was the first country in East Africa to establish diplomatic ties with China," Wang said.

He said China appreciates Somalia's consistent adherence to the one-China principle and will continuously and firmly support Somalia's efforts in safeguarding its national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

The China-Somalia friendship is a demonstration of mutual beneficial cooperation and common development, he added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
By David Young, Press Association

A coroner has vowed the delayed inquest for schoolboy Noah Donohoe will begin on its rescheduled start date in January.

Mr Justice Rooney told lawyers involved in the case he does not want to encounter any fresh obstacles ahead of the substantive hearing, which is listed to begin on January 19th.

Noah, 14, was found dead in a storm drain in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after he went missing as he cycled to meet friends.

The inquest, which will be heard by a jury, has been hit by several delays in the years since.

I want to assure everyone that we are and will be ready for the commencement of the inquest Mr Justice Rooney

Noahs mother, Fiona Donohoe, is hoping the coroners case will provide answers to some of the outstanding questions surrounding the death of her son, who was a pupil at St Malachys College in Belfast.

Justice Rooney and legal representatives involved in the case took part in a review hearing in Belfasts Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday.

The parties went through a series of matters requiring attention prior to the full inquest commencing.

During the hearing, a lawyer representing the PSNI was asked to seek clarification from commanders on why a piece of body-worn video of an officer speaking to an individual linked to the case was no longer available to view due to operator error.

Justice Rooney also considered a request from Ms Donohoe that she could be accompanied by her solicitor when she is interviewed by an expert psychiatrist commissioned by the coroner to make an assessment of Noah.

Fiona Donohoe, the mother of Noah, outside the Royal Courts of Justice following a previous preliminary inquest hearing (PA)

The police had objected to the request, insisting it was abnormal for legal representatives to attend such discussions, but the coroner accepted Ms Donohoes argument that she wanted her solicitor in attendance for moral support, and he approved her request.

After addressing a range of other outstanding issues on the case, Justice Rooney stated a determination to keep the timetable on track for the January 19 start.

Legal representatives are scheduled to meet several times in the first half of January to focus on unresolved matters.

I dont want any obstacles, this inquest must go on, said the coroner.

I want to assure everyone that we are and will be ready for the commencement of the inquest.
By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

A man in Northern Ireland charged with terror offences linked to a cross-border police investigation into a planned attack on a Galway mosque has been denied bail.

Connor Pollock, 38, from Croob Park, in Ballynahinch, Co Down, appeared via videolink from HMP Maghaberry for a bail hearing at the Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Pollock is charged with three offences under the UK Terrorism Act.

The charges relate to an alleged plot by a group styling itself as the Irish Defence Army (IDA) to attack the mosque and also target accommodation facilities used to house migrants.

Connor Pollock arriving at Downpatrick Magistrates Court on December 11th (Liam McBurney/PA)

Two men, including Pollocks brother, Garrett, have appeared before the courts in the Republic charged in connection with the alleged planned attack.

In Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday, a member of the PSNI argued that Connor Pollock had sent messages showing affiliation to the IDA including our oath and we exist.

Opposing bail, the PSNI also said it believed Pollock had been contacted by his brother as part of a search for pipe bombs and firearms.

However, his defence lawyer said he held no strongly held political views and was trying to ingratiate himself with his brother.

In truth, this is a man devoid of any strongly held political views Defence for Connor Pollock

In the bail proceedings, the PSNI detective constable outlined the circumstances of An Garda Siochanas investigation into extreme right-wing terrorism.

She said gardai in the Republic had arrested Pollocks brother and another over their suspected involvement in the preparation of acts of terrorism, relating to a planned attack on a mosque.

Garrett Pollock, 35, with an address at Kilhorne Green, Annalong, Co Down, was charged in the Republic with two offences: possession of the components of three pipe-bomb type improvised explosive devices and four incendiary-type improvised explosive devices; and with possession of six litres of hydrogen peroxide.

Karolis Peckauskas, 38, of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, was charged in the State with one offence of possession of six litres of hydrogen peroxide.

Downpatrick Magistrates Court, where the case was heard (Liam McBurney/PA)

Connor Pollock 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.

He 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.

The court heard, on Thursday, that police were strongly opposing bail.

A detective constable told the court that Pollock was arrested on December 9th, and his phones were seized by the PSNI, and it is believed he holds the same anti-immigration ideology as his brother.

Most of the evidence against him comes largely from his phones.

The detective constable told the court that police believe he supports IDA ideology, and that he had sight and possession of the claim of responsibility on his phone, which he sent to his partner in two different parts on October 24th.

The court heard this was accompanied with messages that indicates his clear prior knowledge of the planned attack.

She said there were further messages to his partner which showed affiliation to the IDA, including our oath, we exist, and this is our attack.

The court heard that Garrett Pollock sent a voice message on the Signal app stating his brother could source pipe bombs and firearms, before calling Connor Pollock on WhatsApp for two minutes and nine seconds, and sending a further message stating: Just spoken to my brother, who will get prices.

The police said the defendant had denied involvement in acquiring firearms for the organisation.

The detective constable said the investigation was still live and at an early stage, with one arrest outstanding against an active service unit of the IDA which one document showed five members with codenames.

Connor Pollocks defence argued there was a lot of conjecture and speculation in the objection to bail, adding that his client was not charged in relation to the intended attack nor possession of explosives and was suitable for bail.

He said his property had been searched and no right-wing paraphernalia nor explosives had been found.

He said there was no evidence he had contacted any other member of the IDA other than his brother.

He said Pollock had not drafted either of the IDA documents and that police did not suggest in any way that he assisted the organisation in preparation of the attack.

He said the case amounts to an expression of ill-informed views, and that Pollock was a middle-aged man living with his mother and trying to ingratiate himself with his brother.

In truth, this is a man devoid of any strongly held political views.

However, the judge said the prosecution case that this was a dangerous organisation preparing to carry out attacks had traction with the court, as did the belief that not every suspect was within the grasp of authorities.

He denied bail, stating that he had been persuaded by the fact the investigation was at an early stage and there were realistic steps to be taken in the immediate future that could be frustrated by a willing friend, if hes only a friend.

He said Pollocks messages seemed to import he was a little more than simply a bystander.

He was remanded until January 15th.

Connor Pollock was arrested on December 9th 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.

Last week, a man in his 30s was arrested by An Garda Siochana in Co Laois as part of its investigation and was later released without charge.
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A lineup of animation historians, filmmakers, and industry veterans will gather in L.A. next month to celebrate one of animations most influential studios, UPA.

A Night of UPA: Mid-Century Modern Animation Classics on the Big Screen! will take place on the evening of Thursday, January 15, at Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo, California.

The evening centers on a panel discussion featuring Cartoon Brew co-founder and animation historian Jerry Beck, Sylvie BosRau (granddaughter of UPA co-founder Stephen Bosustow), director Jorge R. Gutierrez (The Book of Life), David Silverman (The Simpsons), animator and historian Tom Sito, and documentary filmmaker Kevin Schreck. Together, the group will discuss the enduring legacy of United Productions of America, the studio that helped redefine animation aesthetics in the postwar era.

In a release, Beck said:

UPA changed the course of animation during the 20th Century as the studios influence is still being felt in practically every film and series made ever since. This tribute to the artists and their films, 75 years since winning their first Oscar for Gerald McBoing-Boing, is long overdue. An important reminder of the pioneers and their projects that shaped the medium, which is more popular today than ever before.

Schreck added:

UPA is a name that many animation aficionados recognize, but its films remain rarely seen and appreciated. I am honored to join an amazing lineup of speakers to help celebrate the legacy of this revolutionary studio which has been underrepresented for far too long.

Following the discussion, attendees will see rare theatrical screenings of key UPA shorts, including Gerald McBoing-Boing (1950), Rooty Toot Toot (1951), and Ragtime Bear (1949), the first appearance of Mr. Magoo. Films will be shown in the historic Old Town Music Hall, accompanied by its Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the panel beginning at 7:00 p.m. Seating is limited, and tickets are priced at $10, available now here.
A disciple of Christ sent by St. Thomas to the court of King Abgar the Black, the second century Osroene ruler. Legendary accounts claim Abgar wrote to Christ asking Jesus to cure him of an intolerable and incurable illness. Abgar's court was in Edessa in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Addal cured Abgar and converted the king and his people to the faith. One of these was Addai, who became Addal's successor. Addal is also supposed to have sent another disciple, Man, to various sites along the ... continue reading

An archbishop and scholar, Ado was born in Sens and educated at the Benedictine abbey of Ferrieres. Abbot Lupus Servatus, an outstanding humanist of the time, trained Ado, and was impressed with the obvious holiness of the young man. A noble by birth, Ado renounced his inheritance and became a Benedictine, in time assigned to the monastery of Prum, near Trier, Germany. Ado's holiness made him enemies, and he was forced to leave Prum. He went to Rome on a pilgrimage and remained there for two ... continue reading

Browse All Saints Fun Facts
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Mbeya Cement Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the Amsons Group, has signed an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract with Sinoma International (Nanjing) Engineering Co of China for the development of two new clinker production lines in Tanzania. The agreement was formalised on 12 December 2025 and represents a significant step in the groups expansion strategy within the countrys cement sector.

Under the contract, Sinoma will construct one clinker production line in the Mbeya region and a second line in the Tanga region. Once completed, the new facilities are expected to substantially increase Mbeya Cements clinker output, strengthening the companys ability to meet growing demand from domestic cement producers and regional markets.

The project aligns with the Amsons Groups long-term plans to expand its footprint in cement and building materials across Tanzania. By boosting local clinker production, the new lines will help reduce dependence on imported clinker, lower production costs, and improve supply security for the countrys cement industry.

Tanzanias cement sector has experienced steady growth in recent years, supported by infrastructure development, housing projects, and industrial expansion. Mbeya and Tanga are strategically important locations due to their limestone reserves, established transport links, and proximity to key domestic and export markets, making them well suited for large-scale clinker production investments.
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Taiwan Cement Corp (TCC) Chairman Nelson Chang has called for tighter controls on cement imports, warning that Taiwan risks becoming a dumping ground for overseas excess capacity, a move that could undermine the domestic cement industry and threaten tens of thousands of jobs.

Chang said he strongly supports Minister of Environment Peng Chi-mings appeal to reduce reliance on imported cement, stressing that the issue goes beyond environmental protection and carbon reduction to include industrial competitiveness and employment stability. He cautioned that allowing surplus foreign production to flood the local market would have serious consequences for Taiwans cement sector and workforce.

Citing Ministry of Finance customs data and domestic pricing figures, TCC said imports from countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Japan show clear signs of dumping. The company noted that Japanese cement sold domestically at around TWD3800/t (US$120.6) was exported to Taiwan at just TWD1400/t, implying a dumping margin of up to 106 per cent. Indonesian clinker was reportedly sold locally at about TWD1200/t, but exported to Taiwan for roughly TWD$680.

TCC added that despite anti-dumping duties imposed on Vietnamese cement in July, import prices continued to decline, with Vietnamese cement and clinker prices falling by 15 per cent and 22 per cent respectively. Indonesian suppliers subsequently cut prices by a further five per cent.

Chang also criticised Taiwans zero-tariff policy on imported cement, describing it as unfair and non-reciprocal. As new carbon footprint reporting rules are prepared, he urged stricter controls on cement used in public projects, including traceable single-source requirements and mandatory compliance with internationally recognised, third-party-verified carbon standards.

TCC highlighted investments at its Heping and Suao plants to process industrial waste into alternative raw materials and fuels, responsibilities it said imported cement suppliers do not share.
The law firm of Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan, PLLC is pleased to announce that attorney William M. Leech has joined the firm in their Chattanooga office.

Will Leech has joined as Of Counsel in the Chattanooga office. He is a native of Santa Fe, Tn. and attended Millsaps College in Jackson, Ms., where he studied history.

In 2008, Will attended law school at the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in Memphis, Tn., graduating in 2011 with his Juris Doctor. He has argued before multiple state Circuit and Chancery Courts, the Tennessee Court of Appeals, and the Tennessee Supreme Court.



Will is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, is licensed in the State of Tennessee, and is authorized to practice before the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

Mr. Leech has been listed as a Best Lawyer in America Ones to Watch in Insurance Law and

Transportation Law. His areas of practice include insurance coverage and defense, transportation

law, general liability, and workers compensation law.
Friends, family and the community gathered in the Conference Center at Georgia Northwestern Technical Colleges (GNTC) Gordon County Campus in Calhoun on Dec. 16 to honor 16 students graduating from Basic Law Enforcement Training Class #BL11-2025-02.

The Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) program is designed to train and prepare graduates for employment as entry-level Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) certified law enforcement officers.

Your badge does not define you; your actions do, said GNTC Campus Police Lt. Kayla Franks, guest speaker, urging the graduates to remember that protecting the integrity of the badges protects us all.

Today you leave here with a badge, authority and responsibility, but also opportunity, she said. Your career can be long and fulfilling. Protect your integrity as fiercely as you protect your safety.

Chase Cole served as the student speaker for the ceremony.

Edwin Newman was presented with the Academic (Honor Graduate) Award for having the highest grade point average; William Locke received the Top Gun award for excellence in marksmanship.

Graduates recited their Oath of Honor at the conclusion of the ceremony, vowing On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the Constitution, my community and the agency I serve.

Graduates of Basic Law Enforcement Training Class #BL11-2025-02 are Chase Cole, Blake Delay, Cristian Deleon, Devon Dornan, Robert Edwards, Robert Heck, William Locke, Castulo Molina, Owen Morales, Edwin Newman, Jacob Roberts, David Sarellano, Larry Silvers, Zachary Sugden, Trent Thompson and James Weesner.

Delay, Molina and Sugden are employed by the Catoosa County Sheriffs Office.

Heck is employed by the Murray County Sheriffs Office; Roberts is employed by the Walker County Sheriffs Office.

Cole and Edwards are employed by the Whitfield County Sheriffs Office.

Silvers is employed by the Adairsville Police Department. Locke is employed and Morales is provisionally employed by the Dalton Police Department.

Deleon, Dornan, Newman, Sarellano, Thompson and Weesner are preservice.
Rodolfo Mayorga Rangel was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Wednesday for the drunk driving deaths of his younger brother and neighbor. The car crash was in December of 2023.

Rangel, 32, was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Bert Poston for two counts of felony vehicular homicide and one count of driving under the influence. Rangel was represented by Dalton attorney Jerry Moncus.

District Attorney Benjamin Kenemer represented the State at the sentencing hearing.

Numerous family members spoke on behalf of Rangel at the sentencing hearing. In addition to Rangels family, the neighbor's family also spoke.

The Georgia State Patrol conducted the crash investigation in this case. They found that Rangels blood alcohol content was .11 at the time of the crime. The legal limit in Georgia for blood alcohol concentration is .08.

State Patrol Troopers also determined that Rangel was speeding during the crash, reaching above 90 miles per hour. Rangel was traveling in the county on Dawnville Road at the time of the crash.

One eyewitness saw the crash occur, and other emergency personnel responded to find that Rangel was ejected from the vehicle. Both occupants who passed away remained in the vehicle.
The County Commission on Wednesday passed a resolution allowing commission members to give the invocation when needed at the start of their weekly meetings.

Chairman Ken Smith said the commission will still invite representatives of different local faith groups for the weekly invoications.

However, he said there are occasions when the appointed person does not appear.

Chairman Smith said in the past the chairman has been able to call on either County Attorney Rheubin Taylor or County Clerk Bill Knowles for the invocation. He said attorney Taylor is an ordained minister and Mr. Knowles is also ordained.

However, he said attorney Taylor retired and Mr. Knowles is also retiring.

Commissioner David Sharpe said he was "bothered" by the prayer issue, noting that the Bible says, "When you pray go into your room and pray in private."

He said of the weekly prayers, "It's just not my style. I'm not a real big fan of it."

However, he voted in support of the resolution, though he said he had some misgivings.

Commissioner Greg Beck, a minister himself, noted that only commissioners who volunteer to do so would take part.

Commissioner Steve Highlander, another minister, said, "If you need me, I'm willing to pray - in public or in private any time."

Commissioner Joe Graham said, "I've learned a lot from the different ministers we've had. Some of the groups I didn't even know existed."
The other day I saw an Instagram post of a beautiful young woman with her dog in a field. The caption read, Im 90 years old and woke up in my 32-year-old body today. The post went on to describe everything this woman would do in a day given this miraculous transformation. As you can probably guess, what she chose to relive didnt revolve around material things or fleeting thrills, but around spending time in nature and at home with the ones she loved.

Similarly, in the play Our Town by Thornton Wilder, Emily Webb, who dies in childbirth, receives the opportunity to relive an ordinary day in her lifeher twelfth birthday. When she returns as a spirit to the cemetery after observing this ordinary day, she laments, Oh, earth, youre too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live itevery, every minute? She is heartbroken over the gift of lifeeveryday lifethat slips right through the fingers of the living.

The Instagram post and Emilys realization got me thinking about what I would do, what I would realize, as a ninety-year-old or as a spirit reliving a dayno, a morning, a snippet of a morning often too wonderful for me to perceiveas my current thirty-five-year-old self:

The cats are chasing each other in the living room in the shadowy light of dawn, and Im shushing them, coffee in hand, then rising from my writing station on the couch to open the mudroom door and shoo them out before they wake the kids. The April air chills my face, and I stand with the door open a minute to let it wash over me and into my bones. I glimpse the neighborhood fox crossing the street into the woods and say a prayer for the cats. The fox is gorgeous and free, red coat aglow. She steps intentionally, whole being alert. She lives awake.

The fresh air wakes me all the way up, and now Im ready to write, or simply sit and listen for God. What I hear are the heavy footsteps of a little girl, her pink blanket dragging behind her. Youre up early, I say to Virginia when she reaches the couch. She cuddles up next to me. Thats because Im an early bird like you.

Oliver wakes next and calls out for Caleb or me. Hes naked when Caleb carries him to the couch, his blond hair a swirl of cow licks, blue eyes big and deep: Mom, he says in his gravelly voice, placing his little hand on the back of my neck where he likes to pick my mole. Me love you. Hell probably start to whine or shout in the next two minutes because hes cold and wants to help make the pampakes Caleb has started in the kitchen. But in this moment of him touching me, we are warm and full.

When Ivy coos and I go to her in our bed, she waves her arms and legs wildly and smiles so big I cant help but do the same, thinking how wonderful it is to love someone so much that your whole body comes alive whenever that person appears. I nurse her on the living room couch while Virginia and Oliver eat the pancakes at the kitchen island that Oliver did help make, and while Levi barrels around in his room, putting on his camo pants and camo shirt before checking that the dozen or more carabiners clipped to his army-green backpack are secure.

All too soon its past time for Levi and Virginia to leave for school, and now comes the flurry of hustle and the clanging of carabiners as they pull on their jackets and backpacks and fly out the front door, down the street to the bus stop for another day of learning with their teachers and peers.

For another day of doing what they do almost every day.

Another day that is also a brand-new day and, despite its ordinariness, a gift. One full of the small wonders of life that present themselves to us every minute, every, every minute, whether we realize them or not. And one that will pass. Pass too quickly and leave us wondering as ninety-year-olds or as spirits, Why didnt I realize every bit of beauty of this day while I was there?

Well get another stab at it tomorrow, thoughso long as we still have breath in our lungs. So long as we at least try to live awake, focused on whats good and lasting and true.

I take a deep breath by the open door as Levi and Virginia run out of view, as Oliver sits with Ivy on the floor in front of the woodstove and shows her his Matchbox cars, and as Caleb puts water in the pan to let it soak because Oliver didnt flip a pancake in time and it left a burned residue.

Left evidence that someone was herenot perfectly, but here.

And thats the beauty of it all in the end. That we get to be here. That we get to live.

I let out my breath.

As I start to close the front door, the cats slip back in.

* * *

Claire Henley Miller is the author of memoir Mile 445: Hitched in Her Hiking Boots and the writer behind the Substack newsletter Tennessean in Maine. She holds a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and currently lives in Maine with her husband and four young children.
Entrepreneur, small-business leader, and Dalton City Councilman Nicky Lama announced his candidacy for Congress in Georgias 14th Congressional District. He said he is running "as a results-driven conservative committed to execution, accountability, and America First leadership."

His campaign said, "Like President Donald J. Trump, Nicky Lama built his career in the private sector - starting businesses, taking risks, solving problems, and delivering results. He says Washington is broken not because challenges are too complex, but because too many politicians refuse to decide, lead, or take responsibility."

Career politicians spend their time explaining why things cant be done, Councilman Lama said. Entrepreneurs figure out how to get them done. Washington doesnt need more talk - it needs leaders who know how to execute.

His campaign said he "comes from a multi-generational entrepreneurial family rooted in Dalton and Northwest Georgias business and manufacturing community. Raised in a family shaped by faith, legal immigration, entrepreneurship, and military service, Lama says his values were formed long before politics.

"As a member of the Dalton City Council, Lama delivered measurable results, including rolling back property taxes by cutting waste and responsibly using surplus funds, while making local government more accessible to everyday citizens.

"Lama is running on core conservative principles: limited government, fiscal discipline, support for law enforcement, border enforcement, and protection of constitutional rights. He believes Congress must return to governing - producing outcomes instead of performing politics."

Conservative values only matter if they produce results, Councilman Lama said. President Trump showed what business-minded leadership can do. Now we need a new generation in Congress ready to deliver.

Nicky Lama is described as "a Dalton-raised entrepreneur and local public servant shaped by hard work, family, and a strong sense of civic responsibility. He began working construction alongside his father at a young age, learning trades, job-site management, and what it means to take responsibility when outcomes are real. After high school, he earned a degree in construction management and purchased his first commercial property, reinvesting cash flow and equity to grow additional long-term real estate investments. Today, Nicky owns and operates multiple ventures, including construction and real estate businesses, a local restaurant in Dalton, a farm, an aviation charter business, and a gym. Coming from a family of legal immigrants and multi-generational entrepreneurs - including Chilean and Korean heritage - he developed a deep respect for free enterprise, disciplined risk-taking, and the role small businesses play in creating opportunity.

"Nickys commitment to public service was inspired by his grandfather, Ed Painter, a Dalton native, U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, and longtime conservative grassroots leader who believed citizens should step up rather than leave leadership to career politicians. That influence, combined with years of involvement in campaigns and the bold leadership of President Trump, led Nicky to run for Dalton City Council in 2023, where he was elected and quickly delivered results. On the council, he has focused on responsible growth, job creation, and fiscal discipline, playing a leading role in achieving a full rollback of property taxes by cutting waste and using surplus funds responsibly. Known as approachable and accessible, Nicky believes leadership is about execution, accountability, and service - not age, politics, or insider access - and he remains committed to staying directly connected to the people he represents."
A site at 710 Manufacturers Road with a number of fuel tanks has sold for $5.8 million.

The 6,634 square foot fuel tank farm was constructed in 1960.

The sale is to Chattanooga 706 Land Co Llc from Atlanta Terminal Co. Inc.

Officials of the Atlantic Companies of Atlanta told the City Council in September that it had this property under contract as well as others nearby.

The firm plans a mixed-use development with an affordable housing component at the sites.

A number of large apartment complexes have been constructed along this section of Manufacturers Road, with frontage on the Tennessee River opposite downtown Chattanooga.
A Red Bank man is facing rape, kidnapping and unlawful photographing charges.

Roy Charles "Charlie" Robertson, of 3914 Pickering Ave., was indicted by the Grand Jury on two counts of aggravated rape, three counts of rape, aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated domestic assault, filing a false report and 18 counts of unlawful photography.

Red Bank Police said they arrested Robertson after a brief standoff during which he refused to come out of his home after being advised that warrants had been issued for his arrest.

Police said the arrest comes after a three-week investigation into allegations that Robertson assaulted a former girlfriend over a span of more than 10 hours in an incident that began on Tuesday night, Nov. 26, and lasted until the morning hours of Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Robertson is currently being held in the Hamilton County Detention Center and Jail on a total bond of $940,000.

The Red Bank Police Department said it "would like to thank our partners at the Hamilton County District Attorneys Office, The Hamilton County Sheriffs Office Fugitive Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) for their assistance with this case. Special thanks also to the Chattanooga Partnership for Families, Children and Adults for their ongoing and tireless work with the victims of Domestic Abuse and their families."
A long and wonderful life, that began in McMinn County in 1932 for Dillard L. Edgemon, ended on this earth on December 11, 2025. The most treasured parts of his life were his family, church, vocation, and community volunteerism.

He served two years in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. He spent his entire working career, of more than 44 years, with the American Water System beginning with the Tenessee-American Water Company and serving a total of 25 years during two separate assignments locally. Other assignments were in Pennsylvania, Indiana, New Jersey, and West Virginia. This responsibility included serving as president of Americans operating companies in Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Following retirement, he returned to Chattanooga and devoted himself to volunteer work including serving on the board of directors and as president, vice-president and treasurer of the Orange Grove Center, on the noard and as treasurer of Team Centers, Inc., and on the board and treasurer of Engstrom Services, Inc.

He was a longtime member of the Chattanooga Civitan Club, serving in the offices of treasurer, vice-president, president-elect and president. He also served two terms as governor of the Appalachian District of Civitan International, receiving the District Honor Key and the Civitan International Distinguished Governor Award for both years as well as the Foundation Fellow Award.

Mr. Edgemon was a long-time member of St. John United Methodist Church during which time he served in many capacities including the pre-school committee, assistant scout master of the Boy Scout Troop, treasurer of the building program, finance committee, treasurer of the trustees, co-chair of the trustees, and chairman of the Church Council. For the past several years he was a member of Ooltewah United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Mary Katherine (Kathy), son, Steven, and brother Deward.

Survivors include his son Randal (Karlene) living in Tazewell, Tn.; daughter-in-law, Angela, living in Woodbridge, Va.; five grandchildren: Randal Jr. (Emily) of Greenwood, In., Ashlee (Colin) Wasmund of Sylva, N.C., Kyle (Tracey) of Leesburg, Va., Kelsey (Craig) Blankenship and Klint of Woodbridge, Va. along with four great-granddaughters: Riley Blankenship, Fiona Wasmund, Eleina and Eleanor Edgemon and three great-grandsons: Asher Blankenship, George Edgemon and Everett Edgemon. Also surviving him is a sister, Alfreeda of Athens and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, between the hours of 4-6 p.m. at the Valley View Chapel of the Chattanooga Funeral Home. A graveside service will be at the National Cemetery on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be welcome at St. John United Methodist Church, 3921 Murray Hills Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37416, Orange Grove Center, 615 Derby St., Chattanooga, Tn. 37404, or Ooltewah United Methodist Church 6131 Relocation Way, Ooltewah, Tn. 37363.
Solid, liquid and gaseous - these are the known main forms of matter. Scientists at Ulm University and the University of Nottingham have now demonstrated a completely new state of matter in which matter has both solid and liquid properties. Liquids trapped by stationary atoms thus remain liquid even far below their freezing point. The discovery could lead to more efficient and sustainable catalysts.

When metal melts, atoms in it actually move around freely like individuals in a crowd. However, a German-British research team involving the University of Ulm has now made a surprising discovery: In liquid metal, some atoms remain firmly in position and thus influence the solidification process. As a result, characteristics of solids and liquids can be found combined in the same material. The study was published in the specialist publication ACS Nano.

"Using our unique low-voltage microscope SALVE, we were able to observe for the first time how molten metal droplets behave at the atomic level," explains Dr. Christopher Leist. The first author carried out the experiments in Ulm using the SALVE electron microscope. "We heated metal nanoparticles such as platinum, gold and palladium, which were deposited on an atomically thin carrier - graphene." As the particles melted, their atoms began to move rapidly, as expected. "To our surprise, however, we found that individual atoms remained stuck in certain places." The reason for this is defects in the crystal structure of the substrate material, where the fixed atoms are strongly bonded to the graphene.

The researchers also discovered that the number of these defects in the carrier material and thus the number of stationary metal atoms can be manipulated and increased using the electron microscope beam. "If only a few atoms are fixed, the liquid forms a crystal that gradually grows," explains Senior Professor Ute Kaiser, Head of the SALVE Center at the University of Ulm. "However, if there are many stationary atoms, the solidification process is slowed down and crystal formation is prevented." This solidification phase is also particularly important for industrial applications, as it determines the structure and functional properties of a material.

It becomes particularly exciting when the fixed atoms form a circular fence around the liquid matter, as the research team has succeeded in doing. "Once the liquid is trapped in this 'atomic enclosure', it can remain liquid even when the temperature drops far below the point at which the material normally solidifies," emphasizes the head of the research team, Professor Andrei Khlobystov from the University of Nottingham. In the case of platinum, this means that it can still be liquid at 350 degrees Celsius - a completely unexpected behavior, as this is more than 1000 degrees colder than the point at which platinum usually solidifies. Professor Elena Besley, an expert in theoretical chemistry at the University of Nottingham, adds: "Using our molecular dynamics approach, we were able to show that the fenced liquid is indeed stable."

Dr. Jesum Alves Fernandes, catalysis specialist at the University of Nottingham, sees great opportunities in this. After all, platinum on carbon catalysts are among the most widely used catalysts in the world. "If we understand how the fixed atoms arrange and move, we could potentially develop catalysts that clean themselves and remain effective for much longer," says Alves Fernandes.

"Our achievement could herald a new form of matter that combines the properties of solids and liquids in one material," the team is convinced. The researchers hope that by manipulating the positions of the stationary atoms, longer and more complex enclosures can be formed in the future. This could allow rare metals to be used more efficiently, for example in energy conversion and storage.
The image of a crying Nigerian woman. | Photo Credit: Open Doors South Korea

A religious freedom advocate is sounding the alarm over what he describes as credible intelligence pointing to a possible new wave of mass violence against Christians in Nigeria around Christmas, warning that the scale could rival or exceed previous atrocities.

The warning was issued during an Emergency Summit on Crimes Against Christians held at the U.S. Capitol last Tuesday, where lawmakers, human rights advocates and persecution experts reviewed data documenting the global scope of anti-Christian violence and discussed policy responses.

Participants included Gia Chacon of the advocacy group For the Martyrs; Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.; Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J.; Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind.; and Mark Walker, President Donald Trumps nominee for ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.

The summit was co-hosted by worship artist Sean Feucht, who leads the ministry Light a Candle, alongside Chacon, Hawley and the office of Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va.

Judd Saul, founder of the advocacy organization Equipping the Persecuted, told attendees that his group began in 2019 and later launched TruthNigeria.com to address what he described as widespread underreporting of violence against Christians.

Saul argued that information about attacks in Nigeria often fails to reach Western audiences. He said theres a lot of journalists and a lot of attacks happening and a lot of incidents happening that were not getting out to the public, adding that coverage is frequently filtered before reaching mainstream outlets.

Truth Nigeria gained a lot of credibility and a lot of trust amongst locals in Nigeria, Saul said. Our organization has issued over 100 terror alerts since 2023 with 89 percent accuracy. So we knew where the attacks were going to happen. We knew when they were going to occur, and weve notified the Nigerian government at every instance, and every attack has been ignored, every alert, every warning has been ignored.

Saul said intelligence gathered just before the summit indicated coordinated militant movements near multiple Nigerian states.

We have intelligence right now, as of today, before this meeting, Ive talked to my contacts. The Fulani are gathering on the border of Nasarawa and Plateau. Theyre gathering up on the border of Nasarawa and Benue. Theyre gathering up on the border of Nasarawa and Kaduna. They plan on hitting these villages. They plan on hitting Bokkos in Plateau. They plan on hitting Barkin Ladi. They plan on hitting Riyom in Plateau. They plan on hitting the community of Agatu in Benue, and they plan on hitting Kafanchan in Kaduna, all on Christmas.

They [are] planning another Christmas massacre, he said, referencing the coordinated attacks in Plateau state in December 2023 that killed more than 160 Christians.

Pointing to a June massacre in Yelwata, Benue state, Saul warned, If you want to see a Yelwata times five, times 10 happen, intervention has to happen now to prevent this.

Franc Utu, a researcher at the University of Central Oklahoma and a former principal special assistant to the Benue state governor, provided further context about the Yelwata killings. Chacon introduced Utu as a survivor of Fulani violence.

Utu asserted that the severity of the attacks is linked to what he described as deep infiltration of extremist ideology within Nigerias institutions. They infiltrated the politics, they infiltrated the Army, the military, every segment, he said, alleging that jihadist actors have penetrated multiple layers of governance.

Both Utu and Saul said intelligence warnings were issued ahead of the Yelwata massacre. Before the night of June 13, we got the intelligence that these guys are coming, Utu said, adding that the attackers prayed to go and carry out successful execution of my siblings, of my relatives.

Saul echoed the claim, stating, We knew 30 days out; we notified the government, and 24 hours before the attack happened, we notified the government. He added, Nothing happened.

Utu said the violence has taken a devastating toll on Christian communities. This year alone, over 7,000 Christians have been killed. More than 500 churches have been destroyed in my community. In my community, between June and December this year, weve lost more than 500 people due to what he described as daily attacks.

Opening the summit, Chacon cited long-term data showing the scale of destruction. Since 2009, over 19,000 churches in Nigeria have been set on fire or destroyed, she said, describing the pattern as a systematic attempt to obliterate an entire people.

Utu went further, characterizing the violence against Christians in Nigeria as a genocide, and called for direct military intervention to exterminate these terrorists.

He concluded by expressing skepticism that Nigerian authorities would act. The people heading the government in many areas are the sponsors of this, he claimed.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern, citing what his administration described as an existential threat facing Christians in the country.
Lee Strobel is pictured outside a Hobby Lobby, holding his book 'The Case for Christmas.' | Photo credit: X/ Lee Strobel

Hobby Lobby is once again highlighting its Christian identity by distributing hundreds of thousands of free faith-based books to customers nationwide during the Christmas season.

Christian author and apologist Lee Strobel announced in a Dec. 3 post on X that the arts-and-crafts retailer is giving away 500,000 complimentary copies of his book The Case for Christmas at Hobby Lobby locations across the country. Im praying God uses them to point people to Himself! Strobel wrote.

In a follow-up post shared on Dec. 6, Strobel clarified that the giveaway will continue until all 500,000 copies have been distributed.

The book being offered is a newly revised edition of The Case for Christmas: A Journalist Investigates the Identity of the Child in the Manger, which Strobel released in September as a completely revised and updated version of the original work.

The Case for Christmas is part of Strobels broader Case for series, which began with his best-selling 1998 book The Case for Christ. That work chronicles how Strobel, then an atheist journalist, set out to disprove Christianity and instead became convinced of its truth.

Strobel reflected on that spiritual journey while accepting the Museum of the Bibles 2023 Pillar Award for history, an honor recognizing individuals who reinforce the Bibles history by discovering, preserving and communicating the authenticity of Gods Word to the world.

I was an atheist for much of my life, and I lived a very immoral and drunken and narcissistic and profane life, Strobel said during his acceptance speech.

I never could have anticipated, first of all, coming to faith. I thought religion was a crutch, that it was based on make-believe. I thought faith was believing in something even though you knew in your heart it couldnt be true.

Strobel explained that his effort to disprove Christianity began after his wife embraced the faith following an invitation to church from a neighbor.

I thought maybe I could rescue her from this cult that shes gotten involved in if I could just disprove the resurrection of Jesus, he recalled.

After two years of investigation, Strobel said his conclusions shifted dramatically. He found that based on the avalanche of evidence that points so powerfully toward the truth of Christianity, it would take more faith to maintain my atheism than to become a Christian.

God changed my values, my character, my morality, my worldview, my philosophy, my attitudes, my marriage, my parenting, my relationships, he added. I never could have anticipated what God would do, and so I give Him all the glory.

Hobby Lobby, which operates more than 1,000 stores across the 48 contiguous United States, has long been known for openly integrating Christian faith into its corporate identity.

The company states that its mission includes honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with biblical principles, as well as sharing the Lords blessings with our employees and investing in local communities. As part of that commitment, all Hobby Lobby stores remain closed on Sundays.

For more than 30 years, the retailer has also placed Christmas and Easter advertisements in newspapers nationwide, which it describes as a form of public testimony about the spiritual meaning of those holidays.

This years Christmas message features the phrase Jesus is the Gift, alongside a Nativity scene displayed inside a snow globe and a citation from Luke 2:11: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Home News 5 Christian Leaders' Reactions to Trump's UN Speech: 'Trump Was Churchill'

President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday in New York City and didn't hold back from using bold language to address issues such as North Korea, terrorism and Iran.

Trump's speech was wide-ranging and addressed many different topics such as radical terror, the nuclear threat of North Korea, Iran's funding of terrorist groups, Iraq, Syria, Cuba, socialism, and United Nations reform.

Not only did the president threaten to "totally destroy" North Korea if the United States is forced to defend itself or allies from the Kim regime's nuclear threat, he also called out Iran for using oil profits to fund terrorism instead of serving its own people and lambasted the fact that the U.S. accounts for a substantial chunk of the U.N. budget when it is only one of 193 nations in the international body.

Although many critics have been quick to voice their disapproval with Trump's bold language and threats in the speech, some evangelical and Christian leaders praised the speech and some even compared Trump to former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Here are five evangelical leaders' reactions to Trump's U.N. speech.
Home News Christian charged with blasphemy after posting Bible verses acquitted

A court in Pakistan in September acquitted a Christian charged with blasphemy, but his supporters did not reveal it until this month due to security concerns, his lawyer said.

Sargodha Magistrate Syed Faizan-e-Rasool acquitted 47-year-old Haroon Shahzad on Sept. 27 of the false blasphemy charge by Muhammad Imran Ladhar on June 30, 2023, after the Muslim complainant retracted his allegation, Christian attorney Aneeqa Maria said.

Ladhar made the allegation after Shahzad posted Bible verses on Facebook. Shahzad, who was granted bail on Nov. 6, 2023 and has been in hiding since then, did not make the acquittal public earlier due to security concerns, Maria added.

Though the complainant, who was also the prime prosecution witness, exonerated Shahzad of the allegation, the public prosecutor insisted that remaining prosecution evidence was sufficient to convict the accused, she told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. However, the magistrate noted that cross-examination of the prime witness by the public prosecutor had also failed to favor the prosecution and the case had been dented beyond repair.

The verdict also observed that the Bible was undisputedly revered by Muslims, and that the Quran also called on Muslims not judge those who believe in the gospel. The magistrate then went on to acquit Shahzad of the charges framed under sections 295-A and 298 of Pakistans blasphemy statutes, the attorney said.

Section 295-A relates to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs and is punishable with imprisonment of up to 10 years and fine, or both. Section 298 prescribes up to one year in prison and a fine, or both, for hurting religious sentiments.

The verdict lays bare the profound fragility of justice itself, Maria said. It reveals a system in which an individuals liberty, dignity and entire future can be held hostage by a flawed process, where an accusation alone can unleash turmoil, turn lives upside down and leave families shattered.

The court has rightly highlighted the injustice in this instance, she noted.

Yet we are compelled to ask: How many others, without such a clear retraction, endure the same grinding ordeal? Maria said. How many lives are left scarred by a process that should protect, not punish, the innocent?,

Shahzad, a paint contractor, on June 29, 2023, posted on his Facebook page 1 Cor. 10:18-21 regarding food sacrificed to idols, as Muslims were beginning the four-day festival of Eid al-Adha, which involves slaughtering an animal and sharing the meat. A Muslim villager took a screenshot of the post, sent it to local social media groups and accused Shahzad of likening Muslims to pagans and disrespecting the Abrahamic tradition of animal sacrifice.

Though Shahzad made no comment in the post, inflammatory or otherwise, the situation became tense after Islamic Friday prayers when announcements were made from mosque loudspeakers telling people to gather for a protest. Fearing violence as mobs grew in the village, most Christian families fled their homes, leaving everything behind.

Previously, Shahzad told Morning Star News that the complainant, Imran Ladhar, said to be a member of the now proscribed Islamist extremist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan and also allegedly connected with the banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, filed the charge because of a grudge.

According to Shahzad, he and his family had obtained valuable government land and allotted it for construction of a church building, and Ladhar and others had filed multiple cases against the allotment and lost all of them after a four-year legal battle.

Regarding the social media post, Shahzad said he had no intention of hurting Muslim sentiments by sharing the biblical verse on his Facebook page.

I posted the verse a week before Eid a- Adha [Feast of the Sacrifice] but I had no idea that it would be used to target me and my family, he said. In fact, when I came to know that Ladhar was provoking the villagers against me, I deleted the post and decided to meet the village elders to explain my position.

Pakistan, whose population is more than 96% Muslim, ranked eighth on Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of the most difficult countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.

This article was originally published by Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
Home News Christian prisoners released in Eritrea, but many remain jailed after years without charges: Open Doors

Several Christians were among a group of prisoners recently released in Eritrea, though seven senior church leaders remain in detention after two decades without charge or trial, a watchdog group has announced.

The Christian persecution advocacy organization Open Doors reported this week that the release appeared to include believers, businesspeople and politicians. The names of those freed have not been made public, and the group confirmed that none of the seven church leaders it has advocated for over the years were among them.

The leaders  Rev. Dr. Tekleab Menghisteab, Rev. Million Gebreselassie, Rev. Kidane Weldou, Rev. Gebremedhin Gebregiorgis, Dr. Kuflu Gebremeskel, Dr. Futsum Gebrenegus and Rev. Haile Naizge  have each been detained for more than 20 years without legal proceedings.

Open Doors said they have not been permitted to see family members, access a lawyer or appear before a court.

Some observers believe poor health may be a factor in the governments decision to release select prisoners. Former detainees have reported developing serious conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes after prolonged exposure to the countrys harsh prison conditions.

The released prisoners, including Christians, had also been held without charge. The countrys prison system is known for arbitrary detention and inhumane conditions.

Open Doors International Global Advocacy Director Tiffany Barrens said earlier this year that thousands of prisoners of conscience remain behind bars without legal representation or access to families, including those imprisoned for religious activity.

Open Doors spokesperson Jo Newhouse welcomed the release but warned that concerns remain about the physical, emotional and spiritual condition of those who were freed. She urged continued international advocacy for the church leaders still imprisoned.

Menghisteab, Gebrenegus and Gebregiorgis were arrested on Nov. 19, 2004, for their involvement in a renewal movement within the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which is one of the countrys four legally recognized religious bodies, according to Christian Daily International. All three have been detained without charges or trial since.

The three priests had served at the Medhane Alem Church in Asmara and are believed to be held incommunicado at the Wengel Mermera Criminal Investigation Center, a maximum-security facility. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has called it one of Eritreas most abusive prisons.

Over the years, the detainees have suffered personal losses. Gebrenegus wife and father died during his incarceration, and Gebregiorgis wife died of cancer in 2022. Menghisteabs wife and daughters fled the country for safety.

Two of the detained leaders, Naizge and Gebremeskel, were arrested in pre-dawn raids on May 23, 2004. Naizge was then chair of the Full Gospel Church and Gebremeskel chaired the Eritrean Evangelical Alliance and was a visiting lecturer. Both are reportedly held incommunicado at Wengel Mermera.

Naizges mother died without seeing her son again, and his wife and children eventually sought asylum in North America. Gebremeskel was last seen at hospital visits in 2021.

Another detainee, Gebreselassie, led Rhema Evangelical Church in Massawa and was an anesthetist at a local hospital. He was arrested at a police checkpoint on June 3, 2004, held at Asmaras 2nd Police Station for two months, and later transferred to Wengel Mermera.

The most recent of the seven detentions was that of Weldou, who was abducted on March 18, 2005, in Asmara. He was the senior pastor at the Church in Asmara and a member of the Executive Committee of Gideons International in Eritrea.

Eritrea recognizes four religious groups: the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Sunni Islam, the Roman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church. All other groups are required to register, but no new registration has been approved since 2002, according to the U.S. Department of State.

The USCIRF estimates that 51% of the countrys 6.3 million people are Sunni Muslims and 41% are Eritrean Orthodox. Roman Catholics make up about 5%. All other groups, including Protestants, atheists, Bahais and followers of traditional religions, account for less than 5% combined.

Eritrea, often dubbed the North Korea of Africa, is ruled by President Isaias Afwerki, who has maintained power since the countrys independence from Ethiopia in 1993. The regime enforces indefinite military service, suppresses dissent and has not held democratic elections. It views independent religious expression as a threat to state authority.
Home News City planning committee denies hearing for proposed Islamic community north of Dallas Project includes plans for 3-story school, funeral home, 500-parking space shopping center

Officials in a Dallas suburb have rejected a proposal by a mosque to build a large Islamic development across from a local church that would include a three-story school, a retail shopping center and a funeral home.

The city of Carrollton, located about 15 miles north of Dallas, held a meeting on Dec. 4 to hear several proposals from the community, including a proposal to consider an ordinance that would rezone a nearly 9-acre tract owned by Madinah Masjid, also known as the Islamic Center of Carrollton.

According to documents filed with the citys planning and zoning commission, the proposal would amend the zoning on the tract at the corner of Old Denton and West Jackson Roads to allow for an event center as well as revised conceptual plans.

Commissioners voted unanimously against the proposal and gave the mosque 10 days to appeal to the city council.

The Islamic school project is described on the mosques website as a planned full time Islamic School where Muslim children can get education in an environment in which they can learn and live Islam in an environment where they not only follow the regular local ISD curriculum but also preserve their rich Islamic heritage.

According to the site, construction plans include a three-story K-12 school, community center, playground, banquet hall, medical clinic, funeral home, and a retail shopping center with 500 parking spaces. Utility lines, the parking lot, the K-12 school and community center would be built under the first phase of the proposal.

In recent years the population of Muslims in Dallas Texas has grown into many folds, a statement on the mosques website reads. Mosques and Islamic Centers are now in almost every major city in America where Muslims can practice their religion but what they are lacking now are Islamic Schools.

The website states the 9-acre tract of land has been purchased and fully paid for and will be located directly across from the mosques current location, which is less than a mile from St. Marys Orthodox Church of India, which identifies with the tradition of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India.

A CP review of Carrollton city documents show the proposed development would likely be visible directly across the street from St. Marys church. The surrounding zoning map also includes the Dallas Elm Fork Water Treatment plant, one of three city treatment plants, which delivers 900 million gallons per day of potable water to customers across the city of Dallas and nearby communities.

The church did not respond to a request for comment as of Thursday afternoon.

The proposal drew comparisons to another controversial  and still nascent  plan for an Islamic-inspired development near Josephine, about 30 miles northeast of Dallas.

The 400-acre project originally branded as EPIC City  an initiative from the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC)  might be eyeing approval under a new name after developers scrubbed their original website and revised marketing materials amid a storm of state investigations and legislative crackdowns.

Initially planned for unincorporated areas of Collin and Hunt counties, the project, which is now called The Meadow, has a stated vision of 1,000 homes, a mosque and community center, a school, and other facilities tailored to Muslim families.

With an estimated Muslim population of over 400,000 according to Texas Almanac, the state has one of the largest Muslim communities in the U.S., with nearly 150,000 Muslim residents in North Texas.
Home News Food Network star Aarti Sequeira challenges Christians to rethink hosting as a ministry

Aarti Sequeira, winner of The Next Food Network Star and judge on the television show Cooks vs. Cons, does not believe hospitality is optional for Christians. She believes it is foundational.

Jesus sat at tables that were radical. He broke bread with people who wouldnt even make eye contact with each other today, the 47-year-old cook told The Christian Post.

In a cultural moment marked by isolation and anxiety, Sequeira wants to reinforce the notion that opening ones home, no matter how imperfect or unpolished, is a biblical practice and a way of loving neighbors well.

Being hospitable should flow out of the heart of a believer, because the heart of a believer is a generous heart, she said. It doesn't necessarily have to look like much. When you look at the spine of our faith, Jesus did so many miracles, and the fact that one of them was to feed people, should inform us that that is important to Him, that there is a message that is communicated that goes deeper than just, I'm going to feed your belly.

Sequeiras new series, Made to Share, a six-episode YouTube series, launched just in time for the holidays, in partnership with Compassion International, drives that truth home. Each episode pairs approachable recipes with storytelling and reflection, inviting viewers, particularly moms and young adults, to rethink hosting as presence and a ministry.

As Christians, practicing hospitality sets us apart from other people, especially right now, the Food Network personality said.

I think everyone's so lonely and so isolated. When we invite people over, its a defiant fist in the air, saying, 'We're not buying into this nonsense that we need to be isolated and sitting around bed rotting or doom scrolling. Were built different.' The Bible says you will know we are Christians by our love. One of the ways that you can show that love is by opening up your dinner table to people.

According to Sequeira, food has always been her familys love language. Born in India, raised in Dubai, educated in a British school, Sequeira grew up as what she dubbed a third culture kid, constantly navigating overlapping identities that never quite settled.

Food helped us connect with people who were far from home, she said. But it also helped my parents say, This is where you come from. Dont forget it.

Though Sequeira now describes herself as a non-denominational Protestant, her family belongs to a historically Christian Catholic community in India, with specific foods tied to specific holy days, with meals marked celebration, grief, affection and belonging. Long before she articulated it in spiritual terms, food communicated meaning, she said.

It was never just fuel, she recalled. It was identity.

When it comes to hosting, Sequeira said she hears the same objections repeatedly from friends who love to cook but avoid hosting: My house isnt clean. What if the dish doesnt turn out? Its too small.

Social media, she lamented, has amplified the anxiety. Every food video is beautifully styled and lit, reinforcing the idea that food must look a certain way to be worthy of sharing. Even Sequeira, she admitted, sometimes feels the pressure.

Ill catch myself thinking I have to make something fancy, she said. Because Im a Food Network person. But when Jesus fed people, it didnt take much, she says, referencing the loaves and fishes. And yet it became a feast.

But hospitality, she contended, is not about proving competence but about practicing generosity. It doesnt have to be fancy, she added, as boxed mac and cheese can be elevated, for example, with scallions, sour cream, frozen peas and breadcrumbs.

Nobody needs to know, she said. But theyll feel cared for. It doesnt have to look like much. Its that someone opened the door.

For the chef, her partnership with Compassion International grew out of her heart for caring for the least of these.

As a mother of two, Sequeira says feeding took on new meaning when children entered her life. And when she learned more about Compassions work  providing food, education and spiritual care to children living in poverty  she was drawn to the ministry.

They feed kids in every sense of the word, she said. And thats where my calling starts.

Having grown up moving between extraordinary wealth and extreme poverty, with Dubai one year and rural India the next, Sequeira said shes always had an awareness of the global spectrum of childhood. Sponsoring a child through Compassion has been part of her familys life for years.

In Made to Share, food becomes the connective thread between donors and children they may never meet. Cooking a dish from another culture, Sequeira explained, creates a form of empathy and an intangible connection that bridges distance.

You can understand a cultures geography, history, even personality just by cooking their food, she says. Its kind of amazing.

Through her platform, the cook said she wants to encourage viewers to see hosting as a way to practice generosity, build genuine community, and reflect Christs love through everyday acts of welcome. Communion, she noted, is a meal, the central act of remembrance in Christian worship.

It has been my experience that when I have a meal with someone who believes completely different things than I do, it's actually so much easier for me to care about them and to love them and see them as a three-dimensional person, she said.

It doesn't necessarily change my opinion, she added. It might soften it a little bit. It might help me understand them and help them understand me. It's not a new concept, but I think it's more vital than ever.

Watch Made to Share on YouTube.
Home News Missionary pilot remains missing 2 months after kidnapping in Niger

Nearly two months since American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout was kidnapped from his home in the highly secure Chateau 1 neighborhood of Niamey in the capital of Niger in West Africa, local Christians say they are worried about the silence around efforts to rescue him.

[This] leaves a feeling of apprehension, fear and uncertainty, Father Augustine Anwuchie, a Nigerian Fidei Donum priest serving as a missionary in the Diocese of Maradi in Niger, told OSV News, a Catholic outlet, in a recent interview. This case seems to be taking longer, and no one knows the culprits nor the whereabouts of the victim.

Rideout, a 48-year-old married father, was working with the United States-headquartered Serving In Mission, also known as SIM, when he was kidnapped in October. A report from Radio France Internationale said the missionary pilot was reportedly abducted on Oct. 21 by three men near the grand Bravia Hotel, in the city center, just a few hundred meters from the presidential palace.

SIM did not immediately respond to calls from The Christian Post on Thursday, but a source working for SIM in Niger, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they havent received much information either.

Until now, we havent heard [much about] the news of the kidnapped pilot. We only heard he was kidnapped.  We dont know the name of the group that kidnapped him yet, the source stated.

Officials with the U.S. State Department in Niamey previously stated that securing Rideouts release was a top priority for the Trump Administration. The Washington Post reported last month, however, that diminished diplomatic relationships in the predominantly Muslim country with growing Islamic State influence have made rescuing Rideout more challenging.

We have fewer partner relationships and fewer assets, a former U.S. official involved in past hostage rescues in the Sahel region of Africa told the newspaper. We are less equipped than we would have been in the past to find him.

Last year, U.S. troops were unceremoniously booted out of Niger, and American drone bases were shut down. Since the missionary pilots kidnapping, current and former officials with knowledge of the situation told The Washington Post that interagency calls were being held three times a week with more than 200 people.

This administration is very practical, one of the current U.S. officials said. The questions are: What do we need to do to get him back? What are the steps?

Both Rideout and his brother Ian have worked as pilots for SIM, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, according to a 2014 report from The Wellesley Townsman.

"The brothers fly mission personnel and equipment and supplies within Niger and across west Africa, helping to facilitate the work of numerous organizations in one of the world's least developed countries," that report said.

"Their work involves supporting drilling wells to provide clean water; aiding refugees from war-torn countries; reforestation and land reclamation projects; hospitals; aiding flood victims; teaching literacy; enabling widows to start micro enterprises or caring for orphans, all bringing hope to people across the region."
Home News Ex-Together Church pastor Micahn Carter to launch new church while fighting rape allegation

Former megachurch pastor Micahn Carter and his wife, April, have announced plans to start a new church in Indianapolis, Indiana, as he continues to pursue a defamation lawsuit against his former assistant, who alleges he raped her in a church office in 2019.

The couple announced their plans in an Instagram post on Dec. 5 and expect to launch the church in the fall of 2026. The announcement comes more than a year after the former leader of Together Church in Yakima, Washington, returned to public ministry.

Carter and his wife led Together Church for 13 years until he resigned in June 2019 due to what was described as an inappropriate incident, which was later alleged to be sexual assault.

According to the Yakima Herald-Republic, Carter blamed the incident on previously undiagnosed bipolar disorder, for which he later sought treatment.

He later went to the Church of the Highlands in Alabama to participate in a ministerial restoration program in July 2020. During his time there, the woman sent a letter to Church of the Highlands Pastor Chris Hodges, accusing Carter of raping her. She also published her allegations in a post on Medium titled Moving Forward. Carter resigned from Church of the Highlands due to the allegations.

In the post, the woman alleged that Carter raped me in my office while most of our staff, teams and my family stood just outside the door on April 29, 2019.

This nonconsensual and horribly traumatic event left me unable to function, the young woman who described herself as a single mother wrote. I remember feeling so disoriented and like my skin was crawling.

She said she was too afraid to report the alleged rape to police or church officials or even go to a hospital.

Carter has maintained that the alleged rape was a consensual sexual encounter and sued the woman in Alabama for at least $500,000 in damages, but the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice because the alleged assault happened in Washington, reports the Yakima Herald-Republic.

When Carter mounted the lawsuit in Washington, the woman sought to have the case dismissed, but Yakima County Superior Court Judge Kevin Naugh denied that request in February 2024. The case has not yet been settled, but Carter continues to preach at churches around the country.

During a recent sermon at Revere Church in Placentia, California, Carter framed the rape allegations as infidelity.

In 2019, I made the biggest mistake of my life. Through infidelity, I was unfaithful to my wife. I lost an amazing church that I built, amazing group of people that I got to pastor. I lost the city I was born and raised in. We lost the house we were building. I lost my reputation. I lost trust. I lost longtime friends, he said.

For the past seven years, all I've been doing is trying to make sure that my roots were secure in God and that I could build the trust of my wife, who is still with me, he continued.

Carter, 46, says he has been haunted by his past and a multitude of voices.

It's the voices. It's the voices of others and the voices in your own head that try to remind us that what we've done  and disqualify us from anything good. And I still hear those voices. Some of those voices are in this room. Some of those voices are online. Some of those voices are in my head, he said.

And what I've realized is for some people, your repentance will never be enough. The new way of living, the life you're trying to build will never be enough. Your desire to please God and get it right will never be enough. But one thing I'm certain of is your yesterday, your past is not the deciding factor of your tomorrow or your legacy.
Home News NASCAR champion Greg Biffle and family perish in fiery plane crash in NC

Just five days before he was supposed to celebrate his 56th birthday, former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle perished with his wife, daughter and son in a fiery plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday.

Biffle reportedly crashed his Cessna C550 business jet at about 10:20 a.m. at the end of a runway while landing at Statesville Regional Airport, the FAA and local authorities said, according to WSOC-TV.

The death of Biffle and his family was publicly confirmed by YouTuber Garrett Mitchell, who said in a statement on Facebook that the family were on their way to spend time with him.

Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. Im so sorry to share this, Mitchell said.

Statesville Regional Airport is located about 45 miles north of Charlotte, and AccuWeather noted that the weather conditions at the location at the time of the crash were adverse.

Heavy drizzle and a cloud ceiling near 1,200 feet were reported at 10:15 a.m. The cloud ceiling had reportedly lowered to around 400 feet, with heavy rain reducing visibility to less than 2 miles at 10:30 a.m., Dan DePodwin, AccuWeather Vice President of Forecasting Operations, told The Charlotte Observer.

He added, Weather conditions are often a critical factor that investigators carefully review after a plane crash. It may take months to a year or longer for investigators to determine if the weather conditions contributed to the crash.

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., said he was devastated by the tragedy and remembered Biffle for his talent and generosity in using his plane for rescue missions in North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. They also sought to help in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa in October.

I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them. They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others, he wrote in a statement on Facebook.

Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track, he continued.

The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. Thats who the Biffles were. Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.
Home News New York pastor pleads guilty to $3 million tax evasion scheme

Quick Summary AI Summary New York pastor Paul Mitchell pleads guilty to a $3 million tax evasion scheme.

Mitchell used church and daycare funds for personal expenses from 2015 to 2022.

He faces up to five years in prison, restitution, and fines up to $250,000. 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

A New York pastor has pleaded guilty to a tax evasion scheme that resulted in more than $3 million in losses of state and federal taxes.

Paul Mitchell, who served as the lead pastor of a church and president of a daycare, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a charge of one count of tax evasion.

According to a press release from the United States Department of Justice, Mitchell operated a church and a daycare center. From 2015 to 2022, he used the credit cards of both the church and the daycare to pay for personal expenses, including thousands of dollars in clothing, jewelry, luxury watches and life insurance premiums.

According to the DOJ, Mithcell also wrote checks from the church's bank accounts to pay his credit card bills and personal income taxes.

Mitchell often withdrew substantial amounts from the church and daycare bank accounts, sending the funds to his personal bank accounts. He also failed to report these transfers on his personal tax returns.

As a result of his conduct, Mitchell caused a tax loss of approximately $2,906,072 to the IRS and approximately $316,699 to New York state between 2015 and 2022, stated the DOJ.

Mitchell faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, restitution and fines of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The litigation was handled by the Public Integrity Section, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Miranda Gonzalez for the Eastern District of New York and Trial Attorney Catriona M. Coppler of the DOJs Tax Section of the Criminal Division prosecuting the case.

Last November, Influence magazine cited research from the Center for the Study of Global Christianity of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, which estimated that embezzlement will cost Christian ministry organizations worldwide approximately $70 billion this year.

As a contrast, the Center report estimated that, over the course of the same period, congregations globally will receive only about $60 billion in foreign missions funding.

As an auditor who has investigated fraud in churches and nonprofits for more than 30 years, Ive seen firsthand how these issues impact all areas of ministry, wrote Rollie Dimos for Influence.

Damage from financial scandals typically extends far beyond the immediate loss. Donor confidence also takes a hit, along with the churchs reputation in the community.
Home News Brown U shooter, former student from Portugal, found dead in storage unit

Updated at 9:46 p.m. ET, Dec. 18, 2025: Authorities reported that the suspected Brown University shooter was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire.

At a press conference held Thursday evening, Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez explained that authorities were able to find a vehicle that belonged to a rental place in Massachusetts, which helped them locate the person of interest.

The suspect was identified by Perez as Claudio Neves-Valente, a 48-year-old former student at Brown University who was from Portugal with a last known address in Miami, Florida.

Original Report:

Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a suspect in the Brown University shooting that resulted in the deaths of two students and nine others being wounded.

Two sources within law enforcement told CBS News on Thursday afternoon that a suspect has been identified by authorities, a warrant for their arrest has been issued, and a search is underway.

Additionally, authorities are looking into a possible link between the mass shooting last Saturday at Brown and the murder of Nuno Loureiro, who taught plasma physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Loureiro, who was also the head of MITs Plasma Science and Fusion Center, was shot while at home in Brookline, Massachusetts, and died at a local hospital the following day.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person responsible for the Brown shooting, reported CBS News.

An unknown gunman entered the Barus & Holley building at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, at around 4 p.m. Saturday, and began shooting at students. Two students  Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov  were killed, while nine others were wounded.

A person of interest was initially interviewed by police shortly after the shooting; however, the individual was later released. Brown canceled all remaining exams and classes for the semester.

Authorities released video clips and still images of an unknown person of interest on Monday, with the figure wearing a facemask, jacket and walking along a nearby neighborhood sidewalk.

The Providence Police Department distributed on Wednesday an enhanced image of an unknown individual who could provide more information about a person of interest in the investigation.

Investigators are asking for the publics help in identifying and speaking to the individual shown in this photo who was in proximity of the person of interest, stated PPD. Anyone with information is urged to contact the tip line at 401-272-3121.

University officials have been criticized by some for their apparent lack of good footage of the shooter, even though the campus has approximately 1,200 security cameras.

At a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Brown Provost Francis Doyle III was asked by a reporter how a school with a $9 billion endowment does not have cameras on one of the older buildings at the edge of the campus where this happened?

Doyle replied that we dont publish the locations of cameras for security reasons and that the building in question did have cameras and that all footage has been handed over to authorities.

The reporter followed up, citing how the state attorney general had said at an earlier press conference that the scene of the crime was an old building, no cameras, attached to a new building with cameras.

I believe he said that there were two different phases of the building that might have two different levels of technology. Again, all video imagery has been turned over to law enforcement, Doyle said in response.
Home News Providence police releases image of person who might help them catch Brown University shooter

Authorities have released an enhanced image of an individual they are asking to speak with as they continue to search for the suspect who fatally shot two Brown University students and wounded nine others.

The Providence Police Department has distributed an enhanced image of an unknown individual who could provide more information on a person of interest in the case.

Investigators are asking for the publics help in identifying and speaking to the individual shown in this photo who was in proximity of the person of interest, they stated. Anyone with information is urged to contact the tip line at 401-272-3121.

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez explained at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that authorities believe the person in the enhanced photo may have relevant information to the investigation.

Perez also implored the public not to rely on or circulate AI-generated images that are currently being shared on social media as they're not verified or credible.

According to officials, among the wounded individuals, two have been discharged from the hospital, one in critical but stable condition, while five others are in stable condition.

During the question-and-answer portion, one reporter accused local officials of not releasing university video footage to federal authorities because it purportedly included information on illegal immigrants, as Providence is a sanctuary city.

Mayor Brett Smiley responded that university officials have been fully cooperative with authorities and have been forthcoming with all data and evidence that they have.

The city of Providences experience is the same, which is that Brown has been entirely cooperative and collaborative and fully sharing with us, Smiley continued.

Another reporter asked Brown Provost Francis Doyle III about the security camera situation on campus, inquiring about how a school with a $9 billion endowment does not have cameras on one of the older buildings at the edge of the campus where this happened.

Doyle responded that while Brown has around 1,200 cameras all over campus, we dont publish the locations of cameras for security reasons. Additionally, the provost said that the building in question did have cameras and that the footage has been turned over to authorities.

The reporter followed up, citing how the state attorney general had said at an earlier press conference that the scene of the crime was an old building, no cameras, attached to a new building with cameras.

I believe he said that there were two different phases of the building that might have two different levels of technology. Again, all video imagery has been turned over to law enforcement, Doyle replied.

An unknown gunman entered the Barus & Holley building at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, at around 4 p.m. Saturday, and began shooting at students.

Two students  Ella Cook, president of Browns College Republicans chapter, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a student from Uzbekistan  were killed, while nine others were wounded.

A person of interest was initially interviewed by police shortly after the shooting, but was later released. The university decided to cancel all remaining exams and classes for the fall semester.

On Monday, authorities released video clips and still images of an unknown person of interest wearing a facemask, jacket and hat, and walking along a nearby neighborhood sidewalk.
San Diego Schools Gender Identity Hub, Nicki Minaj Slams Gavin Newsom, Therapist Defends Choice In LGBT Therapy

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:55 06:55

Top headlines for Thursday, December 18, 2025

In this episode, we explore San Diego Unifieds new online hub that guides students through gender changes while listing nine genders and 28 sexual orientations. A licensed therapist shares insights on clients seeking help for unwanted same-sex attractions and the importance of personal choice in therapy. Plus, rapper Nicki Minaj takes aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom over his support for children identifying as transgender.

00:11 San Diego school district helps students hide gender identity

01:06 Psychologist defends therapy for unwanted same-sex attraction

02:02 Operation Christmas Child aims to give over 12 million giftboxes

02:53 Nicki Minaj criticizes Gavin Newsom over remarks on 'trans kids'

03:38 Pro-life leader: We must create 'social tension' to end abortion

04:30 Texas school districts decline to adopt prayer, religious study

05:19 Fernando Mendoza thanks God after winning Heisman Trophy
Home Opinion Massacres and mass shootings are everywhere. How can Christmas bring hope?

A mid-December weekend punctuated with mass shootings reminds us that a world plagued by sin is a world plunged in darkness. Worldly solutions focus on human action and therefore offer no hope for eradicating the evil afflicting the world. Yet this Advent season reminds Christians that true hope is found in the One who is light, who came to earth on a divine rescue mission, whose birth first established the meaning and the significance of Christmas.

On Saturday, two students at Brown University died and nine were injured when an unknown assailant began shooting at a review session for final exams. On Sunday, 16 people died and 40 were hospitalized after two gunmen with Arabic names opened fire on a crowd of 2,000 Jews gathered for the first night of Hannukah at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

The Australian mass shooting  a rarity in the country  was particularly disturbing given the victims and context. More than two years after October 7, Jews around the world still face threats of violence from those who hate them, for reasons that have nothing to do with the modern nation of Israel, but simply for the fact that they are Jews.

The incident also carries symbolic significance. Hanukkah (or the Feast of Dedication, John 10:22) celebrates the rededication of the temple after the Maccabean revolt, when one days supply of oil lasted for the eight required to dedicate a new batch under the requirements of the Levitical priesthood. The temples lampstand signified Gods presence shining as a light on the people of Israel (Numbers 8:2, 6:25). To commemorate the festival, Australian Jews gathered to light a candle in the darkness. Then gunmen arrived to snuff them out.

As leaders of this world sought to grapple with the tragic event, their thoughts turned to only worldly solutions. The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary, promised Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose anti-Israel policies have only emboldened Australian anti-Semites. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws, he insisted. On Monday, the Australian cabinet agreed unanimously to push for tougher gun control legislation.

But more gun control is not the answer. Australia already boasts strict gun control laws, but that did not stop a father-son duo (one of whom is a citizen) from casually shooting more than four dozen people on a crowded beach with a pump-action shotgun and bolt-action rifle. Official protections for Jews have not protected Jews from a breathtaking 1,650 anti-Jewish incidents in a 12-month period. Rhode Island also boasts some of Americas strictest gun laws, but that did not stop a campus shooting there either.

The fundamental problem is that governmental leaders are placing too much trust in the powers of human government. Mass shootings and anti-Semitism are moral problems rooted in spiritual decay. At best, human government can deter wrongdoers and alleviate suffering. But they cannot change the fallen human heart. In fact, humanitys fallenness has marred the character of human government itself.

God created human government as an agent for good within its assigned role. But when people  whether public officials or citizens  wrongly idolize government as a savior, it proves too fragile to support the divine weight thus thrust upon it.

No, salvation is not found in fallen human governments. Given enough time, these only lead to oppression and corruption, creating in human society distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish (Isaiah 8:22).

But, long ago, the prophet predicted, there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish  The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone (Isaiah 9:1-2). This light would come when to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder (Isaiah 9:6).

Here, at last is a promised one capable of bearing the immense responsibility of government, the immense task of implementing perfect justice.

The Maccabean revolt established a Jewish political state, but it did not usher in Gods promised Kingdom. Within 150 years, their leaders had compromised with Rome, making way for a brutal king who would massacre babies to quash the very rumor of a rival (Matthew 2:16). Within 250 years, the Jewish nation was crushed and scattered as the temple lay in ruins.

Yet, in that period, God worked his own plan to redeem history, sending a king unrecognized by his own people. Matthew attests directly that Isaiahs prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus (Matthew 4:16). John writes that Jesus was the light of men, which shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:4-5).

Thus the human atrocities that darken this season only serve to expose the emptiness of human solutions. Political schemes that trust in human government cannot correct the real problem  sinful hearts. Even religions that aim for a political solution will fall short. The only sure repository of hope  for forgiveness of sins, for true justice, for the redemption of creation  is in Jesus Christ, the one true light of the world.

Originally published at The Washington Stand.
Home Opinion What will Christmas 2025 look like for Christians in Nigeria?

As Christmas approaches in Nigeria, millions of Christians are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ which is a season traditionally marked by joyful worship, family reunions, feasts, and community gatherings. Unfortunately, this years celebration seems to carry a heavy weight of mourning, pain, fear and anxiety because the country is not a safe place for Christians.

Many Nigerian Christians are presently grappling with the pain and uncertainty of loved ones still in captivity due to ongoing violence and kidnappings across the country. Terrorists on Sunday, Dec. 14, killed four and abducted more than 20 worshipers after attacking the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro Kiri. This is the latest in the spate of church attacks and kidnappings of worshipers in Nigeria, at the time of this writing.

Nigeria continues to face persistent and deadly attacks against Christian communities from militant and bandit groups, including Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), armed Fulani militants, and Lakurawa bandits. These groups routinely target villages, schools, families, and congregations, often abducting Christians and holding them in camps. Unfortunately, no one can estimate the exact number of Christians killed and the number kidnapped this year in Nigeria because many of the killings and kidnappings are not reported, especially those that occur in remote communities.

Last week, the Nigerian government announced that it had rescued 100 children who were abducted from a Catholic boarding school last month and promised to secure the release of over 200 others and their 12 teachers who remain in captivity. What will Christmas look like for the parents of these children, as well as for these children held in captivity? How can they sing the Lord's song in a strange land? (Psalm 137: 4).

This Christmas will be a time of deep prayer and remembrance, rather than a celebration. Churches should include prayers for captives and victims of persecution in their Advent and Christmas services.

There should be community response and solidarity amid fears and uncertainty. Every Christian in his or her small way should try to reach out to these victims in a practical way during this season of joy. Afri-Mission & Evangelism Network, a faithbased humanitarian and missions organization, is presently compiling names of displaced Christian families that fled into Nyanya, Karu, Jikwoyi, Kurudu, Orozo and Karshi communities in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria to extend the arm of practical solidarity to them in this season of joy.



When one member of the body suffers, all should sympathize. Caring about Christians in Nigeria who face persecution in a time like this strengthens the bond of Christ.

No matter the situation, Nigerian Christians should not lose hope because we know Immanuel is with us. Our hearts might ache, our body might be in pain but our soul should rejoice in the Lord our God because:

unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, King James Bible).

This unshakable fact can bring inextinguishable light into any set of dark and hopeless circumstances. We should never forget that.
A new report from Statistics Canada suggests that non-permanent residents (NPRs) play a far smaller role in Canadas housing market than public perception might suggest, despite ongoing debates around immigration levels and housing affordability.

According to the report (released on December 11, 2025), less than 1% of all homeowners in Canada were NPRs at the start of 2022.

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NPRs, in this context, include individuals who hold valid temporary permitssuch as work or study permitsor who had claimed refugee status as of December 31, 2021.

The report draws on 2022 data from the Canadian Housing Statistics Program (CHSP) and covers all provinces except Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Quebec. Statistics Canada has not published figures for the territories due to small sample sizes.

What percentage of homeowners in Canada are non-permanent residents?

At the start of 2022, NPRs accounted for a very small share of Canadas total homeowner population.

While the exact proportion varied by province, the share remained well below 0.5% in every province analyzed.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) recorded the highest share of NPR homeowners, while Alberta had the lowest.

You can view the table below to see the percentage of homeowners who are NPRS, by province:

Province Percentage of homeowners who are NPRs Prince Edward Island 0.39% Manitoba 0.25% Nova Scotia 0.17% British Columbia 0.13% Ontario 0.13% New Brunswick 0.10% Alberta 0.10%

Further, NPR homeowners were generally concentrated in the largest city of each province, such as PEIs Charlottetown or Calgary, for Alberta.

Even in provinces with the highest proportions, NPRs make up a negligible share of homeowners overall, reinforcing the reports conclusion that their presence in the ownership market is minimal.

The report also makes clear that the homeownership rates were lower than the shares of NPRs in the total population for each province featured above.

What percentage of non-permanent residents own homes in Canada?

The report also examines homeownership rates among NPRs themselvesand finds them to be very low.

Among individuals who held a valid temporary permit at the start of 2022, only a small fraction owned a home.

The report highlighted two of Canadas largest provinces to illustrate this point: Ontario and British Columbia.

In Ontario, just 1.64% of NPRs were homeowners, while this dropped to 1.41% for British Columbia.

By comparison, 40.3% of recent permanent residents (those who gained permanent resident status within the previous five years) and 47.8% of Canadian-born individuals owned homes in Ontario during the same period.

This stark contrast highlights the gap in housing outcomes between temporary residents and other population groups in Canada.

Why are non-permanent residents less likely to buy homes?

Statistics Canada notes that these findings are largely unsurprising, given the temporary nature of non-permanent resident status, which may discourage long-term financial commitments such as homeownership.

Other contributing factors identified in the report include:

Many international students face limits on how many hours they can work, restricting income and employment stability.

NPRs often have limited Canadian work and credit histories, which can affect mortgage eligibility.

NPRs tend to be younger on average than Canadian-born individuals or permanent residents, leaving less time to accumulate savings for a down payment.

Together, these factors help explain why non-permanent residents remain largely absent from Canadas homeownership market.

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Federal prosecutors in Manhattan unsealed an indictment on Wednesday charging executives of bankrupt Tricolor with systematically defrauding creditors ahead of the subprime lenders billion-dollar collapse.

Tricolor CEO and founder Daniel Chu and former Tricolor chief operating officer David Goodgame were charged in an indictment with scheming to falsify auto loan data and double-pledge collateral to make near-worthless assets appear to meet lenders requirements.

Fraud became an integral component of Tricolors business strategy. The resulting billion-dollar collapse harmed banks, investors, employees and customers, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement.

Chu and Goodgame were charged with wire fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy. Chu was also charged with participating in a continuing financial crimes enterprise.

Former Tricolor executives Jerome Kollar and Ameryn Seibold pleaded guilty to fraud charges in connection with the scheme on Tuesday and are cooperating with the government.

Attorney information for the defendants was not immediately available Wednesday.

Tricolor had filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Texas in September, moving to liquidate its business a day after Fifth Third Bank FITB.O warned of alleged fraudulent activity at the company.

JPMorgan JPM.N, the largest U.S. bank, wrote off $170 million in the third quarter related to Tricolor. The banks chief executive, Jamie Dimon, described the exposure as not our finest moment.

(Reporting by Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Louise Heavens and Nick Zieminski)
Erin Geters toddler son became trapped inside her Tesla in May when the electric doors lost power. A few weeks later, she was at a Honda dealership buying a new family car.

I was very traumatized, said the 39-year-old from Huntersville, North Carolina. These days, she prefers to transport her kids in the CR-V, which has standard door handles.

Geters case is a particularly extreme example of the lengths Tesla owners are now going to deal with a problem most had never imagined: being unable to open malfunctioning doors. Some are buying glass breakers in case they need to escape through the windows. Rideshare drivers are proactively showing passengers where to find Teslas built-in manual door releases, which vary substantially by model. Sellers on Amazon and Etsy are listing emergency pull cords and other third-party accessories to make the releases easier to use, and Reddit boards and YouTube videos have cropped up to provide step-by-step installation instructions. Nearly 35,000 people have signed a Consumer Reports online petition calling on automakers to fix their electronic doors.

The matter has gained urgency after numerous incidents in which people were severely injured or died when they were unable to escape vehicles. A Bloomberg News investigation found more than 140 consumer complaints to US auto safety regulators related to door handles on various Tesla models getting stuck, not opening or otherwise malfunctioning, particularly after crashes, since 2018. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a safety probe into whether the doors on certain Model Ys are defective, and Teslas chief designer said the company is working on a redesign of the mechanism behind the hallmark flush handles.

Tesla was a pioneer of electrically controlled doors and flush handles, which have proliferated in the auto industry in recent years and have become a symbol of cool, futuristic car design. But when power is lost, Teslas doors lose function. Manual releases inside the companys vehicles can be unmarked, hidden under mats or in door pockets, or available in only one row.

As owners learn of the potential hazards, many say they want better guidance.

Tesla does not educate its consumers about how to fully operate the car, said David Ward, a San Diego-area resident who bought his Model 3 in 2021, adding that hes otherwise happy with the car. I had to learn how to operate everything on YouTube.

Tesla didnt respond to a request for comment for this article, but board Chair Robyn Denholm said in a recent interview that the company takes any questions about safety seriously. Many people know where the manual release is, she said, but Tesla is working to raise awareness about where theyre located and examining the design of the backup mechanism.

We are continuing to look at, is there a better way? Denholm said during the October interview with Bloomberg.

Its not just owners who are worried. Because Teslas make up a notable portion of rideshare and rental car fleets, the doors have become a concern among passengers, too.

Chad Lincoln, a Tennessee-based Uber driver, recently rented a 2022 Model 3 from Hertz after his car was involved in an accident. During the two weeks that he drove the Tesla, he said riders asked him on three occasions how to escape if needed.

We went over my flight attendants pitch on how to get out, and the strap to pull, he said.

Although Lincoln, 47, likes the sophisticated technology in the Model 3, he said he is not considering a Tesla as he looks for a replacement for his totaled car.

The safety concerns around the manual release is really big for me, he said. I really take the responsibility of my passengers safety seriously.

Michael Brooks, executive director at the Center for Auto Safety, said hed like to see NHTSA set new standards for doors, including making it clear where releases are located. Consumers are unlikely to know or consider door design when theyre car shopping, he said.

Theyre not thinking, How am I going to escape this vehicle on the off-chance that Im in a crash or have a battery fire?' Brooks said. The way the doors operate and the potential emergency consequences of that is very, very far down the list for most car buyers.

Teslas have two batteries: a high-voltage pack that propels the car and a low-voltage pack that operates the windows and doors. If the low-voltage battery dies or is disabled, the doors may not unlock.

US auto safety rules do have requirements for doors to prevent passengers from being ejected in a crash. But they dont require vehicles to have a manual backup should battery-operated handles lose power.

NHTSA said failing to provide drivers and passengers with an adequate ability to get in and out of their cars could constitute a safety defect requiring a recall. The agency also said it has investigated electronic or battery issues involving door handles, and influenced recalls by Ford Motor Co. and Fisker Inc. over defective electronic door handles.

Some owners are taking it upon themselves to spread the word as a public service. After reading about college students who were unable to escape a Tesla after a crash, Bri Policarpio realized she wasnt sure how to exit her 2023 Model Y in the event of an emergency. So she made an informational TikTok video.

I looked up what youre supposed to do and I saw that every model has different manual releases, said Policarpio, 27, a start-up marketing manager from Los Angeles. Thats one thing you would assume is very intuitive.

In the video, which she captioned mandatory safety briefing, Policarpio demonstrates how to use the front manual release. The clip has racked up 1.4 million views.

Owners are also bolstering their releases with straps, cords and brightly colored handle attachments to make them more accessible.

I wish Tesla would have provided something like this, reads a November review from a verified purchaser who bought a pair of nylon pull cords on Amazon. How is anyone supposed to find this release in an emergency?

Product images for another item, a Model Y-compatible manual door release kit, show a Tesla with smoke billowing out of the car and another partially submerged in water. Dont get trapped! the listing says.

Geter, the Tesla owner from North Carolina, had already bought a glass breaker for her 2021 Model Y before her son became stuck in the car this spring. But the tool was locked inside, too.

Over the next several minutes, she made a series of phone calls: First to her husband and then to her dad, who can normally unlock the car on their phones using the Tesla app. That feature doesnt work when the low-voltage battery dies, so Geter tried the automaker, which she said was also unable to immediately help, followed by 911.

Geter was able to reach her son after first responders arrived and attempted to break the windows  one of the doors suddenly opened on its own, she said.

I dont know what we were going to do if that door didnt pop open, she said. I just felt so helpless at that moment.

Top photo: Tesla was a pioneer of electrically controlled doors and flush handles. Photographer: Travis Dove/Bloomberg.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
Rotunda Rumblings

Hospital funding: Ohio Republican lawmakers are urging Gov. Mike DeWine to direct incoming federal health care dollars to independent rural hospitals, rather than large hospital systems. The funding is meant to support rural healthcare, but the guidelines do not prioritize one type of hospital over another. Anna Staver reports the 16 lawmakers in the Ohio House Rural Hospital Caucus want this money reserved for hospitals that dont have other financial backstops. Ohio is expected to get at least $500 million before the year ends, but estimates are as much as $1.3 billion.

Scam alert: Secretary of State Frank LaRose on Wednesday warned Ohioans they need to stay alert for a surge of scams targeting consumers during the holiday season, Mary Frances McGowan writes . The scams include fake shipping alerts with phishing links, false charity videos asking for donations, fake, emails promising free gifts and prizes, and fake public internet hotspots that capture passwords and data.

Air lift: Attorney General Dave Yost tells Pelzer that he has asked his office to assess how to help local law enforcement expand and improve their fleets of unmanned aerial surveillance drones. Yost, a Columbus Republican, said some smaller departments dont yet have drones, while larger departments could use a boost with getting more sophisticated drones with features like infrared cameras. Such aircraft, he said, can be a game-changer for police in circumstances like hostage situations.

Show me the money: Ohios five Democratic Congress members are pressing the Trump Administration for answers after federal money for the states Manufacturing Extension Partnership was abruptly suspended last week , threatening six centers that support more than 14,000 manufacturers across the state, Sabrina Eaton writes . U.S. Reps. Shontel Brown of Warrensville Heights and Marcy Kaptur of Toledo led a Wednesday letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick seeking information about the funding freeze, which came as the Department of Commerce awaits results from a years-long audit by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The letter was also signed by Reps. Joyce Beatty of Columbus, Emilia Sykes of Akron and Greg Landsman of Cincinnati.

Baby, you can drive my car: Ohio has joined several states and Washington, D.C., and the district attorney for Alameda County, California, in suing Uber over its Uber One subscription service that combines food delivery and rides. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said that the service doesnt deliver what Uber promised and was hard to cancel, Laura Hancock reports .

IV for the 1st? Damon Lynch IV, a 41-year-old Cincinnati businessman from a family of pastors and civil-rights activists, is considering challenging U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman in next years Democratic primary for the newly redrawn 1st Congressional District. As Erin Glynn of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports , Lynch said that, if elected, he would prioritize universal health care, getting money out of politics, and banning lawmakers from trading stocks. Landsman, whos seeking a third term in 2026, already has one minor primary challenger: Lindsey Ferreira of Newtown.

XXX-empted? Yost told Laura Bischoff of the Columbus Dispatch that he expects to decide early next year whether to accept arguments made by Pornhub and other X-rated sites that they dont have to follow Ohios new law requiring adult websites to verify that users are at least 18 years old. The sites argue they are interactive computer services, which are exempted by the age-verification law. Yost said if he finds their legal arguments have merit, hell ask lawmakers to close the loophole; if he decides they dont hold water, hell sue them.

Post-Senate odd jobs: During Democrat Sherrod Browns brief hiatus from politics since leaving the U.S. Senate seat in January, he made $16,500 from writing freelance pieces for the New York Times and New Republic, as well as from a part-time teaching role at Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government. Andrew Tobias of Signal Ohio found that info in Browns latest financial report, as well as that the Columbus-area Democrat disclosed assets worth somewhere between $497,000 and $1.18 million, including a state pension worth somewhere between $100,001 and $250,000. Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, also of suburban Columbus, reported that he and his wife had assets worth somewhere between $1.3 million and $3 million.

Full Disclosure

Here are five things we learned from the May 9, 2025 ethics disclosure form filed by Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, a Lakewood Democrat, about her 2024 finances:

1. Besides Antonios 2024 legislative salary of $107,870.64, she also received somewhere between $25,000 and $49,999 in retirement benefits from the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, as well as less than $1,000 each in interest from two savings accounts.

2. Antonio served on the board of the Giving Tree Project, which offers toys, infant supplies, health supplies, and other items to those in need.

3. Besides her OPERS retirement account, Antonio  a former special education teacher  held more than $1,000 in a State Teachers Retirement Fund account, as well as an individual retirement account with Pax World Funds and a certificate of deposit with First Federal of Lakewood.

4. Antonio accepted gifts worth at least $25 last year from the Childrens Hunger Alliance and the Ohio Childrens Alliance.

5. She also accepted free meals from several Ohio-based groups in 2024, including the Cleveland Foundation, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, United Way of Greater Cleveland, and the Ohio Business Roundtable.

On The Move

David Meyers, former Ohio House Democrats communications director, will start Jan. 5 as communications director for Columbus City Council and Council President Shannon Hardin.

Aaron DiCenzo has been named chief investment officer, of the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio. He served as interim CIO since February 2025, while leading STRS Ohios private equity and private credit strategies. The previous CIO, Matt Worley, resigned in late 2024 amid ongoing turbulence on the pensions board.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry, and Springfield Mayor Rob Rue were each elected Dec. 11 to join the Ohio Mayors Alliances board of directors. They replace outgoing mayors Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown, Fairfield Mayor Mitch Rhodus, and Kettering Mayor Peggy Lehner.

Americans for Prosperitys Ohio chapter has endorsed six Republican Ohio House candidates running for open seats in 2026: Mike Kahoe in House District 31, Vik Sandhu in House District 35, Jesse Styles in House District 57, state Sen. Andrew Brenner in House District 61, Patti Rockey in House District 81, and Wezlynn Davis in House District 86.

Birthdays

Stacey Hauff, associate attorney, McTigue & Colombo

William Allen, Ohios 31st governor (1803-1879)

Straight From The Source

If, like Mr. Fuentes, you believe that Hitler was really f------ cool, or if you publicly call [Second Lady] Usha Vance a jeet, then you have no place in the conservative movement, period.

- Vivek Ramaswamy, the presumptive Republican nominee for governor, in a New York Times op-ed on Wednesday criticizing the rising prevalence of racism and anti-Semitism on the right, as espoused by white supremacists like commentator Nick Fuentes. Ramaswamy and Vance, who are of Indian descent, have been the target of numerous racist comments deeming them un-American even though they were both born and raised in the United States.

Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. Subscribe to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free.
Hainan FTP starts island-wide special customs operations: A new chapter in openness

People's Daily Online) 10:51, December 18, 2025

China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) officially begins island-wide special customs operations on Dec. 18, marking a major step toward higher-level opening-up.

Under the new customs system, the southern island province of Hainan will operate as a relatively independent customs zone featuring a special supervision model described as "freer access at the first line, regulated access at the second line, and free flows within the island."

The "first line" refers to Hainan's connection with overseas markets, while the "second line" refers to the customs boundary between Hainan and the mainland, according to relevant officials.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a decision by the CPC Central Committee to support developing of Hainan into a pilot free trade zone and support Hainan to gradually and steadily push ahead with the building of a free trade port with Chinese characteristics in April 2018 at a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hainan Province and the Hainan Special Economic Zone.

The strategic goal of building the Hainan FTP is to make it a key gateway driving China's opening-up in the new era, Xi pointed out at a recent conference on the Hainan FTP.

The island-wide special customs operations represent a key institutional arrangement outlined in the overall plan for the building of the Hainan FTP, released by the central authorities in 2020.

It is an important step in the building of the Hainan FTP, according to Zhou Mi, deputy head of the Institute of American and Oceania Study of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under China's Ministry of Commerce.

The step bears fundamental significance for attracting high-quality global resources to Hainan and supporting the province's innovation-driven development, Zhou said, noting that it will significantly boost market vitality.

Located at the crossroads of the Pacific and Indian oceans, and backed by China's vast domestic market, Hainan enjoys natural advantages in connecting global markets, particularly those in Southeast Asia.

Taking the island-wide special customs operations as an opportunity, Hainan is steadily expanding institutional opening-up, further promoting the free flow of goods and factors, establishing a more open talent mechanism, and deepening administrative reform, all aimed at advancing the high-quality development of the Hainan FTP.

Fullsing Internet Industrial Park in Haikou, capital of Hainan Province, now hosts more than 10,000 enterprises, with total revenue exceeding 160 billion yuan ($22.7 billion) in 2024, according to Wu Qingji, general manager of the industrial park.

The Hainan FTP's low tax rates, simplified tax systems and zero-tariff policies have significantly reduced operating costs for businesses, Wu said.

Duty-free consumption is also expected to benefit. Following the official launch of the island-wide special customs operations, the number of zero-tariff product categories will expand from around 1,900 to approximately 6,600, enabling more market players to benefit from the zero-tariff policy.

Feng Chonghan, deputy general manager of Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex in Sanya, Hainan, said the new customs system would bring infinite possibilities to the shopping complex, by lowering procurement costs, enriching product offerings, and optimizing business models.

With the full rollout of preferential policies for the Hainan FTP and the comprehensive pilot zones for cross-border e-commerce across the island, companies engaging in cross-border e-commerce will see sharply reduced tax costs and greatly improved logistics efficiency, according to Li Mingtao, chief e-commerce expert of the China International Electronic Commerce Center.

Yangpu International Container Terminal in Danzhou, Hainan, has opened 59 domestic and international shipping routes, forming a network that connects both near and distant markets.

Haikou Meilan International Airport in Haikou has introduced streamlined cargo clearance procedures, cutting customs declaration times to as short as five minutes.

The special customs operations are also expected to accelerate talent and resource inflows.

Lin Guangming, chief planner of the management committee of Hainan's Yangpu Economic Development Zone, is one of the foreign professionals deeply involved in the building of the Hainan FTP.

He has witnessed how the Yangpu Economic Development Zone has gradually emerged as a model for the Hainan FTP.

"Over the past five years, we were 'laying the foundations,'" Lin said, noting that with the special customs operations officially in place, policy dividends will be released faster, attracting more international talent to Hainan.

In health care, visa-free entry policies and streamlined approval procedures have enabled deeper international cooperation, allowing the Haikou People's Hospital to collaborate with doctors in Australia and the United States, and helping more hospitals establish international medical centers and general practitioner-based health care systems.

As of November 2025, the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Hainan had introduced more than 520 innovative medicines and medical devices and used them for the first time in China, benefiting over 200,000 patients, said Fu Zhu, deputy head of the pilot zone.

With special customs operations allowing "freer access at the first line," the pilot zone will enjoy better connections with the international market, Fu noted.

Following the launch of special customs operations, customs clearance for urgently needed imported medicines and medical devices for clinical use will become more efficient, Fu said.

Policies including more convenient entry and exit for personnel, visa-free entry for nationals of 86 countries, and a shortened approval process  taking as few as 15 days for foreign physicians to be allowed to practice in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone  will create unprecedentedly favorable conditions for international patients and top-tier medical professionals, according to Fu.

According to the overall plan for the building of the Hainan FTP, China aims to initially establish the free trade port policy and institutional system, which focuses on trade and investment liberalization and facilitation by 2025, develop the province into an economy with a new height of openness by 2035 and a high-level free trade port of global influence by the middle of the century.

Hainan is not only a gateway for China's opening-up and a testing ground for innovations in opening-up, but also a window through which the world can gain a better understanding of China's opening-up, said Chen Bo, a senior researcher at Hainan University.

As global challenges persist, the Hainan FTP offers new space for China and the international community to explore shared development opportunities and innovative pathways to development, Zhou said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
CNBC's Jim Cramer reviewed Medline , a medical supplies giant that made its market debut Wednesday, saying that he'd wait for a pullback to buy the stock after shares soared more than 41%.

"We had the largest IPO in over four years today, and it generally went pretty darn well," Cramer said. "In fact, it went so well that Medline looks a little too expensive for me."

Medline was the biggest IPO of the year globally. The company managed to raise $6.26 billion, and the stock opened up $35, up from its initial pricing of $29.

Cramer looked at Medline's business strategy, noting the way that CEO Jim Boyle described the company as a sort of Costco for healthcare, with a membership model and its own branded products. The company's revenue is split fairly evenly between selling its own surgical products as well as handling supply chain for the industry as a whole, Cramer pointed out. Medline has put up solid revenue growth over the past few years and is solidly profitable, he continued.

While manageable, Medline's balance sheet isn't ideal, Cramer said, noting that the company needs to pay down debt. He also pointed out that a majority of shareholders are private equity firms who bought the company before the IPO, and indicating he's somewhat wary that these entities wield most of the voting power. The private equity firms will want to "ring the register," sooner or later, Cramer continued, and cashing out will put pressure on the stock. While he said the selling likely won't be an issue in the near future, he said "longer-term, there's a ceiling on this one until the private equity guys have fully liquidated their positions."

Even though Cramer likes the company, he said he'd wait until the stock comes down to $29 or $30, as he doesn't want to "chase it after this huge first-day move."

"Given the current share price, the stock's trading at something like 45 times my back of the envelope earnings estimates," Cramer said, which he deemed a lot for "a company with low double digit revenue growth."

Medline did not immediately respond to request for comment.
(EDITORS NOTE: Image contains graphic content) In this U.S. Coast Guard handout, the Coast Guard investigates aircraft wreckage on the Potomac River on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.

The United States government admitted liability in the deadly midair collision in January between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an arriving American Airlines regional jet over the Potomac River that killed all 67 people aboard the two aircraft.

"The United States admits that it owed a duty of care to Plaintiffs, which it breached, thereby proximately causing the tragic accident on January 29, 2025," the Justice Department said in a court filing on Wednesday.

American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at an altitude of about 300 feet when a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three people collided with the commercial jetliner.

The Jan. 29 crash was the worst air disaster in the U.S. since 2001 and prompted restrictions on helicopter flights around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where the airspace is one of the most congested in the country,

The National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the crash investigation, criticized the FAA during a hearing over the summer about the crash for failing to address safety risks in the area as well as chronic staffing shortages.

The crew of the U.S. army helicopter failed to avoid the American plane, which was operated by the carrier's subsidiary PSA Airlines, the Justice Department said in the filing.

The crew also didn't abide by altitude restrictions in the area, the Justice Department said in its filing. It admitted that the Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic controllers failed to keep aircraft apart and issue alerts when planes were in proximity to one another.

"Out of respect for the deceased, their families, and the ongoing investigation, it is inappropriate for the Army to comment on litigation," the Army said in a statement. "Once the NTSB completes its work and legal proceedings are complete, the Army looks forward to sharing updates about the changes implemented, lessons learned, and actions taken to honor the victims."

The FAA didn't immediately comment.

American Airlines didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The airline is also named a defendant in the lawsuit brought by the family of one of the crash victims, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Washington.
The economy cabin of American Airlines A321XLR. Leslie Josephs/CNBC

American Airlines on Thursday flew the first customers on a skinny, long-range plane that it hopes will change air travel. The airline's head of network planning now has to decide where else it should fly. The first Airbus A321XLR for a U.S. airline took off from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Thursday at about noon ET, bound for Los Angeles International Airport. The XLR stands for extra long range, and with the ability to go up to 4,700 nautical miles, the plane can fly much farther than cross-country, though New York to Los Angeles is a highly lucrative route.

American will focus on routes to smaller European cities from its Philadelphia hub or from New York City that might not warrant the planes in its fleet that are larger and more expensive to operate, like a Boeing 777 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner. American's senior vice president of network and schedule planning, Brian Znotins, suggested in an interview with CNBC that he is considering destinations like Bordeaux and Marseille in France; Oslo, Norway; Stockholm; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Mallorca and Seville in Spain. "It really opens up the menu for all these destinations that are just too small for a widebody," Znotins said. The airline will debut the planes in Europe starting in March with a nonstop flight from New York to Edinburgh, Scotland.

American Airlines A321XLR. Courtesy: American Airlines

Airlines are increasingly turning to smaller planes for longer, nonstop flights. JetBlue Airways said it would push its Airbus A321LR  a plane that sits between a regular 321neo and an XLR, for flights to Barcelona, Spain, and Milan next year. The XLR first debuted on American's partner, Spanish airline Iberia, in November 2024.

Premium seats

American rolled out its new interior and configuration for the jets with the first flight Thursday. The carrier is focusing heavily on premium seats that will take up a fifth of the plane as its executives try to catch up to more profitable rivals Delta Air Lines and United Airlines . Those two airlines in the first nine months of the year together accounted for nearly 98% of the profits of the four biggest U.S. carriers  which also include American and Southwest Airlines .

American Airlines' Airbus A321XLR features 20 business-class suites with lie-flat seats. Leslie Josephs/CNBC

Unlike American's Airbus 321T that has 102 seats and separate first-class and business-class cabins, the 321XLRs will have 155 seats: 20 in business class, 12 in premium economy and 123 in main cabin. That is still fewer than the standard Airbus A321s that are in American's fleet and have 190 seats. The new interior, with dark blue and caramel hues, is meant as an "ode to Americana," said Rhonda Crawford, American's senior vice president of customer experience design, who previously worked at Delta. The privacy doors on the suites, however, won't be able to be closed until early next year because of a certification hold up, an issue that has delayed deliveries of new planes as airlines seek more and more premium seating.

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American ordered 50 of the XLR jets in 2019. The carrier said it expects to have 40 XLRs by the end of the decade. United also has the planes on order and expects to receive the first next year. American retired its Boeing 757s and 767s, planes used often for international routes, during the pandemic and is now looking to rethink its network, while United  and Delta to a lesser degree  held onto older long-range jets. American has also been increasing its investment in cabin refreshes and larger lounges. The airline said Wednesday that it will revamp its Admirals Club at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to grow seating by 50%. As it makes those investments, the company's executives are now trying to balance spending money  on items including new lounges and Champagne  with making money.

The American Airlines Airbus A321XLR premium economy cabin has 12 seats. Leslie Josephs/CNBC

"You're not going to close the margin gap by just continuing to drive only cost," Nat Pieper, American's newly appointed chief commercial officer and a longtime airline executive, told CNBC. "Is American going to spend more to be able to go chase premium revenue and improve our top line? Yes, we are, but let's do it smartly." Meanwhile, American this week it quietly killed the ability for customers on its cheapest tickets, basic economy, to earn frequent flyer miles and status-earning Loyalty Points. American was the first of the U.S. carriers to place an order for the XLRs more than six years ago. The planes have an extra fuel tank that gives them longer range, ushering in an era of leaner flying for long routes that can easily top eight hours, and testing passengers' willingness to take a smaller jet. The 321XLR also shows how airplane manufacturers Airbus and Boeing have continued to build upon older designs of aircraft over creating an all-new plane.
People watch the first sunrise of the new year from a footbridge overlooking the city skyline in Seoul on January 1, 2024.

Other stocks tied to the AI trade also fell, including chipmaker Broadcom , AI darling Nvidia , and Advanced Micro Devices .

Artificial intelligence-related stocks dragged indexes after the Financial Times reported that Oracle's primary investor, Blue Owl Capital, pulled out from funding one of its data center projects. Shares of the AI stock tumbled 5.4%.

Asia-Pacific markets tumbled Thursday as investors on Wall Street continued to rotate out of tech.

Over in Asia, the Bank of Japan will kick off its two-day meeting, with the central bank expected to raise rates to 0.75% Friday, its highest level in 30 years.

Japan's Nikkei 225 lost 1.03% to close at 49,001.5, leading losses in Asia, while the Topix fell 0.37% to 3,356.89. Softbank Group Corp was among the top losers in the benchmark Nikkei 225, falling as much as 7.25%. The group pared some losses and was last trading 3% lower.

Other Japanese tech stocks also fell. Semiconductor equipment supplier Advantest, dropped as much as 5%. Counterparts Lasertec, Renesas Electronics and Tokyo Electron declined between 3% and 4%.

South Korea's Kospi was down 1.53% to 3,994.51, and the small-cap Kosdaq was 1.07% lower at 901.33.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 closed flat at 8,588.2.

Shares of Australian energy giant Woodside Energy declined 1.84% after the firm announced that CEO and managing director Meg O'Neill had resigned and accepted the role of CEO at British oil and gas major BP .

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index traded 0.76% lower, while the mainland CSI 300 declined 0.59% to 4,552.79. Shares of Chinese chipmaker MetaX Integrated Circuits slid as much as 7% after soaring nearly 700% in their market debut in Shanghai on Wednesday. The company raised nearly $600 million in its initial public offering.
In this article BP.-GB Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT

Meg O'Neill, chief executive officer of Woodside Energy Group Ltd., attends the company's annual general meeting in Perth, Australia on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Photographer: Matt Jelonek/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

BP is changing its CEO again, but not its direction. The appointment of Woodside Energy boss Meg O'Neill as its fourth new leader in six years suggests continuity, not course correction, after Murray Auchincloss's tenure of less than two years. I would suggest that Auchincloss didn't necessarily do anything particularly that Meg O'Neill won't be doing as well. When I first met him in 2011, Auchincloss was chief of staff to Bob Dudley, BP's immensely successful CEO who joined in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Dudley was replaced in early 2020 by Bernard Looney, who sought to transform the company into a green energy giant. Then, the company came under pressure from investors amid share price underperformance.

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon BP shares over the last five years

Looney left his role in 2023 following the revelation of undisclosed relationships with colleagues. Some people saw other contenders internally, because BP has always picked key people internally, up until this moment. Other names were floated as contenders to lead the energy giant. Auchincloss was CFO when he stepped up to be CEO in January 2024. He was instrumental in reversing Looney's strategy and focusing on the company's core gas and oil units, and trying to get down some of the company's enormous debt. Carol Howle, BP's executive vice president for supply, trading, and shipping, is to be interim CEO until O'Neill takes over on April 1. Auchincloss is set to remain until the end of 2026 in an advisory capacity. Many would suggest that a lot of the reasons why he's stepping down are not necessarily his fault.

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Copper supply constraints have led to soaring prices and stockpiling in 2025  and according to the CEO of one of the world's largest mining firms, elevated prices aren't likely to climb down anytime soon. Copper prices hit a record high of $11,952 per metric ton on Friday, the latest record high this year driven by supply concerns, mining disruptions and fears of U.S. tariffs . Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange ended Wednesday's session at $11,592 per metric ton. In New York, copper futures have surged by around 34% since the start of the year, putting them on track for their best year since 2009, when copper gained 137.34%. @HG.1 YTD line Copper futures Speaking to CNBC at the Conference de Paris in the French capital on Wednesday, Mike Henry, CEO of mining giant BHP stressed that copper is a "critically important" metal, underpinning the functioning of the everyday economy while also being a crucial component in decarbonization and digitalization technologies. The red metal is used in electrical equipment, construction and industrial machinery. "It's about a $300-400 billion per annum market versus rare earths, which you all would have heard about, which is about $20 billion per annum. So it's a very large market," Henry said at the conference, which was organized by the Inernational Economic Forum of the Americas. Copper, like rare earth minerals  which also play a critical role in the production of various goods from semiconductors to military hardware  is coming under pressure as supply is being outpaced by surging demand. With "demand growing strongly," Henry suggested it was possible that the bull run on copper could be extended for years to come. "We expect [demand's] going to be up by 70% between now and 2050, but supply is becoming more and more difficult to bring on," he told CNBC on Wednesday. "Fewer mines are being found. The mines that are being found are oftentimes smaller, lower grade in tougher jurisdictions, and so it's hard to bring those mines on quickly." BHP is the world's biggest copper producer. CEO Henry said that over the course of the past year, the market had gone from a slight oversupply to bottlenecks, noting that 12 to 18 months ago market watchers were expecting 2025 to be "a little bit soft" for the red metal. "All it took was a few disruptions at a few copper mines around the world to all of a sudden send the market into deficit, and to see copper prices reach record highs," he said. We're expecting that between now and the end of the decade, that crunch is only going to get tighter." Pressed on his expectations for prices, Henry stressed that predicting price moves is difficult. However, he also emphasized that a resolution to the supply shortages was not imminent. "What I can say with a high degree of confidence is that the market's tight right now, and it doesn't take much to send prices north," he said, also noting that other metals  including gold and silver  had been on record-breaking runs this year. "Growing attention [on] the broader basket of commodities could be supportive for copper pricing as well," Henry said. Read more Copper could hit stratospheric new highs as hoarding of the metal in U.S. continues How to play further gains in copper using options on this mining stock Various market watchers have predicted that prices are likely to continue rising in 2026. UBS said in a late November note that it sees a "structural bull case unfolding" for the metal. "Copper (and aluminum) remains our top pick among industrial metals and is a key driver behind our upgrade of commodities to Attractive from Neutral," Strategist Wayne Gordon and Dominic Schnider, head global FX and commodity at UBS Global Wealth Management, said. They hiked their price forecasts and now see copper hitting $12,000 per ton by the end of the first quarter of 2026, and $13,000 by the end of next year. In a note last week, analysts at Deutsche Bank said they expected weak supply to continue into 2026. "Based on our global copper coverage and latest company guidance, mine supply from the world's largest producers is expected to drop ~3% in 2025 and rebound only 1% in 2026 (still below 2024 levels)," they said. The projected growth of around 1% does not account for typical disruptions, which could push global mine suply back into negative territory in 2026, the analysts said. They said they see the market in clear deficit, with supply at its weakest at the end of 2025 and in the first quarter of next year. Predicting peak prices in the first half of 2026, Deutsche's researchers said mine supply could potentially recover from mid-2026, but this was "dependent on operational improvements / restarts at several large mines." Meanwhile, Citi analysts said in a recent note that they expect to see hoarding of copper inventory by the U.S., giving the metal a target price of $13,000 per ton in early 2026. By the second quarter of next year, the investment bank's analysts said copper could rise as high as $15,000.
The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill aimed at making it easier to get federal permits to build infrastructure for artificial intelligence projects.

The bill, known as the SPEED Act, is backed Big Tech giants such as OpenAI, Micron and Microsoft

The bill cleared the House in a 221-196 vote, overcoming a conservative rebellion that nearly sank the legislation in a procedural vote earlier this week.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is likely to be part of a larger conversation around permitting reform.

The SPEED Act's proponents argue it is critical to help the U.S. outpace China and other global competitors in the race for AI dominance.

"The electricity we will need to power AI computing for civilian and military use is a national imperative," said Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., the bill's sponsor and chair of the House Natural Resources Committee.

The SPEED Act would reform the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act, which mandates federal reviews for projects that would impact the environment.

It would tighten the timelines for NEPA reviews and shrink the statute of limitations for NEPA litigation to 150 days from the current six years.

Permitting reform has drawn bipartisan support recently as clean energy projects supported by Democrats became ensnared in permitting delays.

Pressure has built on Congress to act as AI has emerged as a key sector and power-hungry data centers have placed an increased strain on the electric grid.
Micron is set for a strong performance heading into the new year, according to Bank of America. Analyst Vivek Arya upgraded the memory chipmaker to buy from neutral. His $300 price target, up from $250, implies a gain of 33% from Wednesday's close. Micron shares were up more than 11% in the premarket after the company posted fiscal first-quarter results that easily cleared expectations. On top of that, Micron issued much stronger earnings and margins guidance than the Street anticipated. "We are changing our view about 1) durability of the memory cycle (persists into CY26E on restrained supply additions and AI demand and [high bandwidth memory] 3x by CY28E), and 2) quality of MU's balance sheet (30% FCF margin, net cash positive, can start to buyback stock significantly in another year as Chips Act requirements get over)," Arya wrote. MU 5D mountain MU 5-day chart Micron shares have surged nearly 168% in 2025, as memory chip demand for artificial intelligence shows no signs of slowing. However, there are risks to Micron's outlook going forward, Arya pointed out. "While mgmt. expects overall favorable pricing environment for both DRAM/NAND throughout 2026 and into early 2027, the current abnormally high spot price ($25-50 DDR4/5) is likely to converge closer toward contract (sub-$10), potentially creating volatility for memory stocks," he said. Most analysts covering Micron are bullish on the stock. LSEG data shows that 40 of 46 assigned it a buy or strong buy. The average price target also points to a gain of more than 10%.
First responders tend to the scene of a reported plane crash at a regional airport in Statesville, N.C., Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025.

Seven people were killed Thursday in the crash of a Cessna 550 business jet in Statesville, North Carolina, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, NASCAR said.

The plane crashed at the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol said it is believed that Biffle and members of his immediate family were among those killed but because of a severe post-crash fire a formal confirmation has not been completed. The plane was registered to a company tied to Biffle.

Officials will provide a list of the seven occupants once confirmation has been made by the medical examiner's office.

The plane had been bound for Florida but soon after takeoff attempted to return to the North Carolina airport in severe weather around 10:15 a.m. (1515 GMT) according to FlightAware, an airplane tracking site.

A picture posted by local media and social media showed a large fire on the runway amid the plane wreckage. The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a go-team to the scene and will brief media on Friday on the investigation.
In this article NKE Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT

A shopper carries Nike bags in San Francisco, Dec. 17, 2025. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Nike shares fell more than 10% in premarket trading on Friday morning, as concerns about its performance in China outweighed the sportswear giant's earnings beat. On Thursday, Nike posted quarterly earnings and revenue that topped Wall Street's estimates, as strength in North America helped to offset a plunge in China sales. The stock movement comes as investors digest the weakness reported in China and the sustained hit Nike is taking from higher tariffs.

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Nike share price

Here's what Nike reported for its second fiscal quarter of 2026, according to consensus estimates from LSEG: Earnings per share: 53 cents vs. 38 cents expected

53 cents vs. 38 cents expected Revenue: $12.43 billion vs. $12.22 billion expected The athletic apparel retailer said sales in North America rose 9% to $5.63 billion. But revenue in its Greater China market dropped 17% to $1.42 billion. The company reported net income of $792 million, a 32% drop from $1.16 billion in the prior-year period. Revenue rose 1% to $12.43 billion from $12.35 billion. Shares of German athleisure giants Adidas and Puma also took a small hit on Friday morning, as concerns about Nike's performance spilled over to companies across the Atlantic. Investors in Western consumer discretionary companies, like sportswear and luxury goods makers, are closely monitoring the shape of the critical Chinese market, where consumer demand has been volatile for some time after slowing sharply in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Adidas reported 10% growth in China revenues in its third-quarter earnings report. In its third-quarter earnings report, Puma said sales in the Asia Pacific region fell 9% due to a "significant decline" in the Greater China wholesale business.

Nike's turnaround progress

Nike is just over a year into CEO Elliott Hill's turnaround strategy, focusing on regaining its growth and market share, clearing out old inventory and investing in wholesale relationships. "Fiscal year '26 continues to be a year of taking action to rightsize our classics business, return Nike digital to a premium experience, diversify our product portfolio, deepen our consumer connection, strengthen our partner relationships and realign our teams and leadership," Hill said on a call with analysts. "And I say we're in the middle inning of our comeback." "We're nowhere near our potential," he added. Hill said Nike's improvements in its China market are "not happening at the level or the pace we need to drive wider change," though he said the country remains one of the company's most powerful long-term opportunities. Nike expects fiscal third quarter revenues to fall by a low single digit percentage, with modest growth in North America. It also anticipates gross margins will drop 1.75 to 2.25 percentage points  including a 3.15 percentage point hit from tariffs. The company said wholesale revenues climbed 8% to $7.5 billion during the quarter. But direct sales  which were a focus for Nike in the years before Hill took over and moved away from the strategy  fell 8% to $4.6 billion. Nike has also been feeling the impact of tariff increases. It said Thursday that its gross margin decreased by 3 percentage points and inventories dropped 3% primarily due to higher tariffs.

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Starbucks and Burger King are betting big on a partnership model that's gaining traction in China: selling majority stakes to local private equity firms as the battle for market share rages on. Foreign food-and-beverage chains once thrived in China without adapting much  premium Western products practically sold themselves. Today, decisions made from distant headquarters no longer cut it. Chinese private equity firms tend to move fast, revamping menus, adjusting prices and scaling rapidly, including into lower-tier cities. "Their involvement enables the business to operate at 'China speed,'" said Kei Hasegawa, partner at consulting firm YCP. Starbucks is selling a 60% stake in its China unit to Boyu Capital in a $4 billion deal, projecting its value will more than triple over the next decade, including licensing fees to the Seattle-based giant. CPE Capital is investing $350 million in Burger King's China operations, taking an 83% stake. Both joint ventures are pending regulatory approval in China and expected to complete next year. This month, Hong Kong-headquartered IDG Capital acquired a controlling stake in French yogurt brand Yoplait's China business in a deal valuing the unit at about $250 million . That's just a taste of things to come. General Mills is reportedly considering selling its Haagen-Dasz stores in China. Swedish oat milk brand Oatly Group AB has also been reportedly exploring divesting its China business . Western brands have seen their fortunes shift as homegrown players surge ahead with competitive pricing, smart digital strategies and a sharper read on local consumer preferences. Luckin Coffee overtook Starbucks in both sales and store count in 2023 . Restaurant Brands International has struggled with Burger King in China, with average per-store sales ranking the lowest among its major markets. Domestic PE firms' readiness to shake up management and stronger ties to local suppliers, distributors, landlords and regulators also make partnerships more appealing. Beyond funding, local partners bring turnaround experience, deep sector knowledge and a network of talent to lead the next stage of growth, said Hao Zhou, partner and head of Greater China private equity practice at Bain & Company. "Even before the deal is closed, they will go into the company, all ready to start focusing on a few key initiatives," Hao added. To be sure, Western companies forming joint ventures to navigate China's vast, complex market is not new. But the recent tie-ups highlight the pressing need for an overhaul to survive the country's cut-throat food scene. As requirements on speed to market  how soon can a company launch a new product  localization and innovation keep intensifying, multinationals face a difficult calculus: whether to keep pouring more money into China to defend market share, or bring in a local partner for support, said Joe Ngai, chairman of McKinsey in Greater China. For instance, 90% of the ice-cream products sold at Dairy Queen in China are tailored for the local market and unavailable in the U.S., Frank Tang, chairman of FountainVest Partners, said at an industrial panel in Hong Kong last month. FountainVest operates the ice-cream chain and Papa John's Pizza in China. Royalty arrangement in focus This partnership model is meant to benefit both sides. More global companies may choose to hold minority stakes while retaining IP-licensing rights, leaving day-to-day operations to PE partners, said Ansel Tan and Melanie Tng, APAC private capital analysts at PitchBook. For Starbucks, royalties from Boyu could potentially form the most lucrative part of the $13 billion valuation the coffee chain projects for its China unit. The royalty fees payable to Starbucks proposed during the bidding process were above what several other bidders were prepared to pay, according to two people familiar with the matter. Starbucks declined to comment, while Boyu did not respond to CNBC's requests. While coffee is typically a higher-margin business compared to the wider F & B sector, even a one-percentage-point change in royalties can make a large difference, experts said. Higher royalties also often make up for a lower upfront payment and signal a growth plan built on expanding store count. Lowering or deferring royalties in the initial stage can help improve cash flows and fund faster expansion, Hasegawa said. But Starbucks can command higher royalties, thanks to its strong brand and leverage in negotiating prime locations and favorable terms with malls and developers, he added. Boyu could draw on its recently acquired stake in SKP, which operates luxury malls in Beijing, to offer more favorable lease terms for the chain's typically spacious stores. Why PE chases subsidiaries China subsidiaries of multinational brands have become prized targets at a time when PE firms face pressure to deploy idle capital after years of tepid dealmaking, pushing them toward stable, cash-generating businesses. For instance, the Starbucks deal initially drew interest from over 20 buyers , mostly PE firms, to size up the business. "These businesses come as very attractive" with strong cash flows, existing brand equity and a clear path to capture the potential upside, said Bain & Co's Zhou. Private equity investors can earn decent returns, if the businesses grow, by re-selling it to another buyer or through an initial public offering at higher valuations. Many businesses look to McDonald's as a successful case in China. In 2023, McDonald's China bought back its stake from Carlyle after six years of ownership, giving the PE giant a 6.7 times return on its investment. As of Dec. 9, PE-backed carve-out deals  where firms buy stakes in large corporations' subsidiaries  in China this year surged to $39 billion in combined value from $23 billion for the full year of 2024, according to Jess Zhou, head of M & A China at consulting firm ARC Group. This year's resurgence was also boosted by several mega-deals, including a PAG-led acquisition of 48 shopping malls under Dalian Wanda Commercial Management for $6.9 billion. The Starbucks deal reflects a broader trend in foreign businesses divesting non-core or underperforming units in China, Zhou added, as firms navigate rising geopolitical uncertainty, sluggish consumer demand and stiff competition. "Some Western firms face shareholder pressure to exit the slow-growth China segments," she noted, creating an opportune window for PE funds to seize the units that their parent companies no longer prioritize.
Micron Technology is likely to get a big boost over the coming year if its blockbuster fiscal first-quarter results are anything to go by, even as some investors shrink from the AI trade, according to several Wall Street researchers. Micron shares rose almost 16% in early trading Thursday after the Idaho-based computer memory and storage company posted top and bottom-line results that topped Wall Street estimates in its November quarter. The semiconductor makers earned an adjusted $4.78 per share on revenue of $13.64 billion, topping analysts' consensus expectations of $3.95 on $12.84 billion, according to LSEG data. Led by CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, Micron also gave stronger-than-expected forward guidance, forecasting earnings of $8.42 per share on revenue of $18.7 billion in its fiscal second quarter, executives told investors. The bullish outlook drove Wall Street firms to raise their own estimates for Micron, with many analysts pushing up their 12-month price targets on the stock to $300 or more. "All told, tonight's results reaffirm our structural thesis on MU, and we continue to see the company as strongly positioned to continue benefiting from the ongoing memory super-cycle, especially given its strong execution and unique ability to prioritize profitability over market share," Deutsche Bank analyst Melissa Weathers said Wednesday in a client note. UBS analyst Timothy Arcuri echoed that optimism. "MU reported strong results and guided well above even our high-end Street and any of the investor bogeys we heard into the call. Forward commentary also suggests gross margin will continue to move higher through C2026 - enough of a runway for the bias on the stock to remain to the upside," Arcuri wrote Thursday. Here's what Wall Street is saying about Micron: Bank of America: buy rating, $300 price target The bank raised its rating on Micron to buy from neutral, increasing its share price target to $300 from $250, implying 33% upside. "We are changing our view about 1) durability of the memory cycle (persists into CY26E on restrained supply additions and AI demand and [high bandwidth memory] 3x by CY28E), and 2) quality of MU's balance sheet (30% FCF margin, net cash positive, can start to buyback stock significantly in another year as Chips Act requirements get over)," analyst Vivek Arya said in a note to clients. UBS: buy, $300 UBS raised its price target on buy-rated Micron to $300 from $295. "A momentum investor would rightly argue that this is as good as it gets in terms of upward revisions, but memory is becoming a key strategic asset in an AI-driven world and we think the cycle proves more durable than traditional consumer-led cycles so we are not getting off this train yet. Net, we raise C2026 to ~$41 and C2027 to ~$42 and PT from $295 to $300," Arcuri wrote. Wells Fargo: overweight, $335 The bank hiked its price target on overweight-rated Micron to $335 from $300, suggesting almost 50% upside from Wednesday's close. "MU's results + guide reinforce positive thesis - HBM sustainability, demand > supply beyond CY26 (MU meeting half to two-thirds of demand at several key customers), and tech / portfolio execution. PT to $335 (9x increased CY27 EPS @ $37.40/sh.)," analyst Aaron Rakers wrote Wednesday in a client note. Deutsche Bank: buy, $300 The bank, which has a buy rating on Micron, raised its share price target to $300 from $280. "On much higher estimates (CY26 EPS rises to ~$39; CY27 EPS rises to $46.80), we raise our P/T to $300, on what we view to be a refreshingly low P/E multiple of ~6.4x our CY/27E EPS," Weathers said.
President Donald Trump's social media company will provide the capital needed to bring TAE Technologies' first fusion power plant online in the United States by 2031, TAE CEO Michl Binderbauer told CNBC on Thursday.

Binderbauer spoke shortly after his privately held company and Trump Media and Technology Group announced plans for an all-stock merger valued at more than $6 billion.

The CEO said the deal would combine Trump Media's "fortress balance sheet" with TAE's technologies.

"We've got capability and technology to really scale this," Binderbauer told CNBC.

"We've got the engineering prowess to do that, but the last piece of the puzzle was the capital," he said. "Now, you're marrying capital with that underlying base of technical capability."

Fusion is a form of nuclear power that could one day generate enormous amounts of energy by fusing atoms. The process, which powers the Sun, does not produce the long-life radioactive waste that is the byproduct of fission, the process created in traditional nuclear reactors.

Despite decades of research, scientists and companies have so far been unable to commercialize fusion technology. Fusion ignition was only achieved for the first time in a laboratory setting in December 2022.

But Binderbauer said he is bullish on his company's prospects to reliably generate  and sell  fusion power, now that it can tap funding from Trump Media.

Trump Media, which operates the Truth Social app, will invest up to $200 million in TAE with another $100 million coming after filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Binderbauer said.

Trump Media has meager revenue relative to its market capitalization, which was above $4 billion on Thursday, and to its balance sheet.

For the third quarter that ended on Sept. 30, Trump Media had financial assets of $3.1 billion, which included cash and digital assets, the company announced last month.

Trump Media for that quarter reported a net loss of $54.8 million, with sales of just under $973,000.

TAE and Trump Media said that their merged company in 2026 plans, subject to regulatory approval, to "site and begin construction on the world's first utility-scale fusion power plant," which would generate 50 megawatts of electrical power, an industry measurement.

TAE has plans to scale up future fusion power plants to generate between 350 to 500 megawatts of power, Binderbauer said. A traditional fission nuclear power plant can generate about two to three times that much power, depending on the reactor.

"Fusion power will be the most dramatic energy breakthrough since the onset of commercial nuclear energy in the 1950s," Trump Media CEO Devin Nunes said on a call Thursday.

"An innovation that will lower energy prices, boost supply, ensure America's AI supremacy and revive America's manufacturing base and bolster national defense," Nunes said.

Trump Media's investment comes as the artificial intelligence boom has left utilities scrambling to find enough power to fuel the build-out of data centers across the country.

In October, the Energy Department launched a national strategy in October to accelerate the commercialization of fusion.

Nunes said, "Together with TAE, we will have the capital and public market access to scale TAE's vision to put abundant nuclear energy on the grid."

Nunes, who is a former House member from California, and Binderbauer plan to serve as co-CEOs of the merged company.

"Nunes will continue to lead all Trump Media brand operations. Binderbauer will manage TAE Technologies," a news release said.

TAE, whose board members include Ernest Moniz, who served as Energy secretary in the Obama administration, was founded in 1998.

Since then, the company has raised more than $1.3 billion in private capital in a dozen rounds of funding, from investors such as Chevron and Alphabet's Google .

Asked why TAE did not strike a deal with one of its prior investors, Binderbauer said Trump Media moved quickly and boldly.

"We have these partnerships, but this is the one that moved," Binderbauer said.

"I just have to reduce it to that simple sort of factor. That's really the difference," he said. "We're going to build a power plant. We're going to take this technology to the commercial level."

TAE has not yet made siting decisions or reached offtake agreements for its planned plants, Binderbauer said.

"We're in the process on that," he said. "We're going to announce that when we're ready with that, but we have a game plan."

Michael Schwab will serve as chairman of the combined company's nine-member board.

Donald Trump Jr., Nunes and Binderbauer will serve as directors. The five other members are yet to be chosen.
Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a meeting in Moscow, Russia, November 28, 2025. Alexander Nemenov | Via Reuters

One of Russia's last remaining allies in the European Union told CNBC he believes there is no way forward for proposals to fund the rebuilding of Ukraine via frozen Russian assets. The European Commission  the EU's executive arm  is considering using seized Russian assets held in Europe to provide further financial support to Ukraine. Speaking to CNBC as officials arrived at a European Council meeting, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said proposals to use the immobilized assets as a means to assist Ukraine had been "killed." "It's [a] dead end. It's over," he said. "There is no sufficient level of support behind it." Orban is widely seen as Russia's closest ally within the EU, and has been a vocal critic of plans to use potentially hundreds of billions of euros of frozen assets to fund reparations loans for Kyiv. Hungary isn't alone in having doubts over the measures, however. Belgium, whose support is critical given that huge amounts of frozen assets lie in the Brussels-based clearing house Euroclear, has expressed concern over possible legal and financial risks. Italy and Bulgaria have also supported Belgium's resistance to the proposals.

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For its part, the Kremlin has said such a move would be tantamount to justification for war, and Russia's central bank announced last week it was suing Euroclear in a Moscow court "for recovery of losses caused to the Bank of Russia." The European Council meeting, due to conclude Friday, will have funding options for reparations loans to Ukraine high on the agenda. "Without new additional financial support from the EU and other international donors, Ukraine is expected to run out of funds early in 2026," the European Parliament said in a briefing Wednesday, adding that Hungary had already blocked the option to use the headroom in the EU budget to provide funding to Kyiv. Decisions on use of the EU's own finances require a unanimous vote from all 27 member states to be passed. "If both options proposed by the Commission are blocked, a 'coalition of the willing' could be the option of last resort," the European Parliament said Wednesday.

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The U.S. on Thursday approved $11.15 billion in arms sale to Taiwan, reportedly its largest deal to the island as it faces growing threats from China and has been a subject of diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo.

The move drew a sharp response from Beijing, with its foreign affairs spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, accusing the U.S. of violating the "one-China principle."

"By aiding Taiwan's independence through arms sales, the U.S. will only end up harming itself. Any attempt to use Taiwan to contain China is doomed to fail," Guo said, according to a CNBC translation of his speech in Mandarin.

The Taiwanese defense ministry said the sale  comprising artillery systems, antitank missiles, as well as spare parts for helicopters and antiship missiles  falls under the $40 billion supplementary defense budget announced by President Lai Ching-te in November.

Lai last month vowed to build up Taiwan's self-defense capabilities in the face of growing threats from Beijing, seeking to achieve a high level of combat readiness by 2027. He also warned that China was aiming to seize the island by 2027.

Lai cautioned of an "unprecedented military buildup" by Beijing and "intensifying provocations in the Taiwan Strait, in the East and South China Seas, and across the Indo-Pacific."

On Wednesday, Taiwan's defense ministry said in a post on X that China's Fujian aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait, adding its armed forces had "monitored the situation and responded."

In response to Taiwan's supplementary budget, a spokesperson for Chinese foreign ministry said at a press briefing that "the Democratic Progressive Party's plan of resisting reunification and seeking independence using armed forces is doomed to fail," referring to Taiwan's ruling party.

China has been piling pressure on Taipei and has conducted several military drills off the coast of the island over the past few years, issuing stern warnings over Taiwan's "provocations for independence."

Beijing considers democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and Chinese President Xi Jinping regards its reunification with the mainland "a historical inevitability." Taiwan rejects those claims.

Speaking to CNBC on Thursday, Matt Gertken, chief geopolitical strategist at BCA Research, said that the U.S. move was President Donald Trump's way of "restoring some deterrence to Taiwan," while continuing to negotiate on trade with China.

"So he's saying to China, we're willing to trade. We're not going to cut off your semiconductors completely, but we're not going to let you attack Taiwan," Gertken added.

The U.S. package, the biggest on record as per Reuters, comprises 82 HIMARS rocket artillery systems and related equipment worth $4.05 billion, including 420 ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers, as well as unmanned surveillance systems and military software.

It also includes 60 M109A7 self-propelled howitzer systems and related equipment worth more than $4 billion, as well as Javelin and TOW antitank missiles worth more than $700 million.

"It [arms package] seriously infringes upon China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It gravely undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and sends a seriously wrong signal to the separatist forces for Taiwan independence," Guo said.

The U.S. does not have a mutual defense treaty with Taiwan and is not obligated to defend the island.

However, the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act states the U.S. "will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services" as may be necessary to "enable Taiwan to maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities."

In November, China unleashed fiery rhetoric against Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, after she said that an attempt to seize Taiwan by force could trigger the intervention of Japan's Self-Defense Forces.

Beijing, which has called on Takaichi to withdraw her statement and apologize, has advised its citizens not to visit Japan as it continues to be locked in a diplomatic spat with Tokyo.

 CNBC's Anniek Bao and Yulia Jiang contributed to this report.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Oman and the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) marks a potentially significant reset in IndiaOman economic ties, with experts pointing to clear gains in exports, investment flows and Indias broader Gulf strategy.Under the agreement, nearly 99% of Indias exports will enter Oman duty-free, a provision that could give a meaningful boost to labour-intensive sectors even as overall bilateral trade remains modest at around $10 billion.Former Ambassador to the WTO Jayant Dasgupta said the current composition of IndiaOman trade leaves ample room for expansion, particularly on the Indian side. Omans exports to India are dominated by petroleum, gas and fertilisers, while India exports products such as refined petroleum, machinery, iron and steel.The real scope for India lies in labour-intensive sectors like textiles and clothing, leather footwear, leather garments and other leather products, Dasgupta told CNBC-TV18. With duty-free access, these sectors could become more competitive in the Omani market, potentially translating into higher volumes and employment generation at home.While Oman is not among Indias largest trading partners, analysts say preferential access can still matter for specific industries looking to diversify export destinations beyond traditional markets.Beyond goods trade, the agreement is being viewed as a catalyst for deeper two-way investment ties, an area where both countries have underperformed relative to their long-standing relationship.According to official data, foreign direct investment flows between India and Oman have remained limited over the past two decadesaround $600 million in each direction. This is despite the presence of over 6,000 IndiaOman joint ventures operating in Oman.With the signing of the CEPA, one can expect significantly higher capital infusion, Dasgupta said, adding that the pact could give investors greater confidence and regulatory certainty. For India, higher Omani investment could help balance the trade relationship, which is currently tilted in Omans favour.The agreement also allows 100% FDI by Indian companies in Oman, a move experts say could encourage Indian firms to use Oman not just as a market, but as a production and investment base.Strategically, the CEPA fits into Indias broader push to strengthen economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Having already signed a trade agreement with the UAE, India now sees Oman as a complementary hub for accessing the wider Gulf market, including Saudi Arabia and other GCC economies.Dasgupta noted that Oman offers several structural advantages for Indian investors, including abundant land availability and a policy push towards large-scale industrial production. The country is also emerging as a promising destination for renewable energy projects, including green hydrogen, where Indian companies are already exploring joint ventures.Oman could act as a springboard for Indian investors looking to access other GCC markets, he said, underlining the strategic value of the CEPA beyond bilateral trade numbers.Prime Minister Modi has described the IndiaOman trade deal as historic, saying it would boost trade, instil confidence in investment and open new opportunities across sectors. While experts caution that gains will materialise over time, they agree that the agreement creates a framework for a deeper, more diversified economic partnership.If duty-free access helps labour-intensive exports, fresh FDI flows follow, and Indian companies use Oman as a gateway to the Gulf, the CEPA could mark a shift from a relatively small trade relationship to a more strategic and forward-looking economic engagement.
In today's edition, we take a look at US President Donald Trump's year-end address and break down what SEBI's new mutual fund cost framework mean for investors and track stock market movements with focus on TCS, Meesho, and Ola Electric this morning.

India 'highly strategic potential partner' in supply chain security-related efforts: US

The US views India as a highly strategic potential partner in supply chain security-related efforts and welcomes the opportunity to engage with the country, following New Delhi's exclusion from a recently launched Washington-led initiative on silicon supply chain.

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Trump lists his administrations successes on migration, ending wars in year-end address to nation

US President Donald Trump touted his administrations successes on immigration and in ending eight wars as he listed the various accomplishments of his second term in the White House in a year-end address to the nation.

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Meesho shares fall 10% from highs after doubling from IPO price, hitting 1 lakh crore market cap

Shares of Meesho Ltd. fell as much as 10% from their intraday high on Thursday, December 18, giving up all the gains from the start of trade. The initial intraday gains took Meesho's shares past 100% returns from their IPO price of 111. During this move, the company also crossed 1 lakh crore in market capitalisation.

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Wobble in US AI stocks may benefit India, says Geosphere Capitals Arvind Sanger

Amid cautious sentiment across Asian markets following a wobble in the US artificial intelligence (AI) trade, Arvind Sanger, Managing Partner of Geosphere Capital Management, offered a nuanced view on why a cooling of AI-led exuberance could ultimately work in Indias favour.

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Sun Pharma shares under pressure after the USFDA flags a key unit

Shares of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. are trading 2.4% lower on Thursday, December 18, after the US Food and Drug Administration classified the company's Baska facility as an Official Action Indicated, or OAI.

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India, Oman set to sign FTA during PM Modi's visit today

India and Oman are set to sign the India-Oman FTA during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the gulf country on Thursday, December 18. PM Modi is in Oman for the last leg of his three-nation tour that covered Jordan and Ethiopia.

Read More

SEBIs new mutual fund cost framework: What changes for investors

The Securities and Exchange Board of Indias (SEBI) latest changes to mutual fund expense rules are expected to improve cost transparency for investors, even as they introduce operational adjustments for asset managers and distributors.

Read More

Ola Electric shares fall for third day after founder Bhavish Aggarwal sells more shares on Wednesday

Shares of Ola Electric Mobility Ltd. fell another 2% on Thursday, December 18, after founder Bhavish Aggarwal sold an additional 4.2 crore worth of company's shares in the open market on Wednesday, December 17.

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PNB scam: Belgiums top court rejects Mehul Choksi appeal, clears path for India extradition

The highest court of Belgium -- Court of Cassation-- has rejected the appeal of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi against India's extradition request, while endorsing a lower court's view that there are no grounds for his claims of flagrant denial of justice, torture or inhuman and degrading treatment in India, according to the order released on Wednesday.

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Seagull with Chinese GPS tracker found on Karnataka coast: What we know

A migratory seagull with a Chinese-made GPS tracking device was found injured on the Karwar coastline in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, close to the INS Kadamba naval base. The discovery was made on Tuesday by the Coastal Marine Police Cell at Rabindranath Tagore Beach, sparking curiosity and concern among locals and security agencies.

Read More

Maharashtra to decide on Ola, Uber, Rapido bike taxis after 36 police cases filed

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday said the State Transport Authority will take a decision about the bike taxi aggregators found violating rules, and said his department has so far filed 36 complaints against the erring operators.

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Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has launched sharp attacks on the interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus over the worsening "security situation" in her country. Meanwhile, India has shut down two Visa Application Centres in the neighbouring country.In an exclusive interview to News18 India, Hasina said that Yunus lacked both the mandate and experience to conduct diplomacy, while criticising his outreach to Pakistan terming it "desperate".She also reportedly expressed appreciation for India's "patience" amid the ongoing security situation, stating that the New Delhi-Dhaka relations have seen a setback due to the current Bangladeshi government."Yunus has neither the expertise nor the mandate to conduct diplomacy, which is about long-term partnerships and the nations strategic interests. I appreciate Indias patience as it waits for a leader who can represent our nation, rather than just a handful of unpopular extremists," Hasina told News18."I have no doubt that our relationship with India can withstand the silliness of the Yunus interlude, which will be temporary. India is not just a strategic partner, it is a friend with whom we share cultures, histories, and a 4,000km border. Once Bangladeshis can vote freely, they will elect a leader that can be the friend India deserves, and I appreciate our neighbours patience as it waits for common sense to prevail," she added.India on Thursday, December 18, closed its Visa Application Centres in Bangladesh's Rajshahi and Khula due to the "security situation" in the country."In view of the on-going security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will be closed today (18.12.2025)," an official notification on the IVAC website read."All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be given a slot at a later date," it added.Earlier on December 17, India had also shut down the IVAC in Bangladesh capital Dhaka.India had also summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to register a formal concern over the deteriorating security situation and threats to the Indian High Commission and Posts in his country.
India and Oman are set to begin implementing trade arrangements agreed under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed on Thursday, December 18, from the first quarter of the next financial year. Both countries are expected to complete procedural formalities by then.

With this, India is targeting to increase merchandise exports to Oman by 50% in the next three years, according to sources. The goal is to increase from the current $4.06 billion to over $6 billion with a medium-term goal of $10 billion.

To safeguard domestic agriculture and manufacturing, India has placed 2,789 tariff lines on the exclusion list. At Omans request, products such as alcohol, tobacco, plantains and pork have also been kept outside the agreement due to social sensitivities.

India has excluded gold and silver bullion, petroleum products and non-ferrous metals from the IndiaOman CEPA, government sources said, drawing lessons from Indias earlier free trade pact with the UAE. The agreement is expected to serve as a template for Indias future free trade negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Under the pact, enhanced market access for Omani exports is expected to make downstream petrochemicals, dates, decorative marble and frankincense cheaper in the Indian market.

Also Read: PM Modi, Sultan Tarik sign India-Oman FTA in Muscat

Government sources also said Omans Omanisation policy will not be altered in a manner that adversely affects Indian workers. The CEPA provides for equal employment opportunities for workers from SAARC countries.

Omanisation, which aims to increase local hiring across sectors, is periodically revised, including changes in sector-wise localisation targets.

On trade facilitation, sources highlighted that the agreement includes regulatory fast-tracking for pharmaceutical exports. India sees scope to expand its export share in Omans import basket, particularly in agriculture, where India currently holds a 10.24% share, and textiles, where its share stands at 22%. Omans geographical proximity to India and the availability of land have also been identified as opportunities for co-location of Indian industries and workforce.
Pharma major Lupin Ltd on Thursday (December 18) said its subsidiaries in the Philippines and Brazil have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Italy-based Neopharmed Gentili S.p.A for marketing and promotional rights of the gastroenterology brand Plasil in their respective markets.Under the agreement, Lupins Philippines subsidiary, Multicare Pharmaceuticals, and its Brazil subsidiary, MedQuimica, will market and promote Plasil, which contains metoclopramide. The arrangement is aimed at strengthening Lupins gastroenterology portfolio while expanding its presence across emerging markets.Neopharmed Gentili will be responsible for overseeing the supply of the product in the Philippines, with a focus on ensuring quality and compliance with global standards. In Brazil, production of the product will be shifted to MedQuimicas manufacturing facility.Fabrice Egros, President of Corporate Development, Lupin, said, "Our partnership with Neopharmed represents a significant milestone in Lupins commitment to expand access to Plasil, one of the most potent anti-emetic treatments, across key emerging markets.Our extensive local presence, regulatory expertise, and strong commercial capabilities in the Philippines and Brazil, together with Neopharmeds distribution network and reach, will broaden patient access and deliver meaningful health outcomes."Matteo Meazzini, Director of Business Development, Neopharmed Gentili, said, "We are pleased to partner with Lupin to bring Plasil to two strategic and rapidly growing markets, such as Brazil and the Philippines. This agreement reflects our commitment to expanding Neopharmeds international footprint, while leveraging Lupins strong local presence to ensure that Plasil is available to every patient in need."Plasil is widely acknowledged for its efficacy in treating nausea, vomiting, and motility disorders that affect millions of patients. Shares of Lupin Ltd ended at 2,116.00, down by 2.90, or 0.14%, on the BSE.
A warning from Microsoft that a Windows patch issued last week may cause the Message Queuing (MSMQ) function in the operating system to malfunction could be behind multiple reports of internet of things (IoT) applications failing.

David Shipley, head of Canadian security awareness training provider Beauceron Security, says he saw a query on a Microsoft learning forum today asking if the MSMQ problem is behind the failure of a firms point of sale system to issue sales receipts.

Another person posted a query on a different Microsoft forum about a building in an unnamed city being without its fire alarm or smoke detector systems.
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Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more

A 'holy grail' item created by a former beauty advisor to the royal family has been flying off shelves, selling more than 150,000 units globally.

Australian brand Basics by B has been shaking up the beauty world with its must-have products - including its best-sellers Liquid Glow Drops and Body Glow.

What sets the glowing drops apart is their lightweight, silky formula that blends effortlessly into the skin, delivering radiance without the oily, greasy feel. If you're looking to get a summer glow all year round, the brand has launched a 25 per cent off sale on Liquid Glow Drops and Body Glow - but you'll need to be quick.

Loved by makeup artists and beauty lovers alike, the Liquid Glow Drops - available in three versatile shades: Marbella (glowy pink), Tulum (champagne), and Miami (warm bronze) - have earned cult status all over the world.

The multi-use glow drops are flattering on every skin tone and can be used directly on your cheeks and eyelids for a fresh, natural dewy finish, or mixed into foundation for an all-over glowing complexion.

Five years ago, Basics by B founder Bonnie Gillies created what is believed to be the world's first pink liquid glow drops after spotting a gap in the market.

'There were lots of bronze and skin shades of glow... but I wanted to create my favourite pink glowy shade of powder blush in a liquid form,' Bonnie told Daily Mail.

'We made Marbella Liquid Glow Drops before anyone else was doing a pink shade. It literally changed my business, everyone wanted it and we couldn't keep up with the demand.'

Basics by B Liquid Glow Drops Loved by makeup artists and beauty lovers alike, the Liquid Glow Drops are lightweight and buildable, offering a natural or intense glow. Available in three universally flattering shades - Marbella (glowy pink), Tulum (champagne), and Miami (warm bronze) - each formula comes in an easy-to-use wand-style applicator for precision and control. Suitable to all skin tones, the multi-use formula can be wear alone, mix with foundation, or layered over other products. RRP: $40 Shop

Basics by B founder Bonnie Gillies, a celebrity makeup artist, has been shaking up the beauty world with her best-selling 'holy grail' products

Not only is she a beauty entrepreneur, but the celebrity makeup artist is also the face behind Oz Beauty Expert on Instagram where she shares her insider tips and tricks with more than 110,000 followers.

What made her start-up business stand out was how Bonnie helped consumers see the value of her Liquid Glow Drops, showing that it wasn't just another makeup product.

'The difference was that I wasn't just pushing a product,' she said.

'I was showing women how to totally reinvent their look with a new product they probably wouldn't have purchased if they weren't shown how to use it and how transformative it could be.'

Basics by B's Liquid Glow Drop shade guide Marbella  a soft pink glow for a fresh, youthful radiance Tulum  a champagne glow, perfect for mixing into foundation or wearing alone Miami  a warm bronze that adds sun-kissed luminosity to deeper complexions Advertisement

The buildable formula can be used alone or layered over other beauty products.

'It's great for a super easy makeup look, you can use the one product on the cheeks and eyes for a modern, fresh look,' Bonnie said.

And it's no surprise the Liquid Glow Drops have received hundreds of five-star reviews, boasting a near-perfect rating of 4.9 out of 5.

'Liquid Glow Drops definitely live up to the name! And SO versatile! Not just for cheeks but lips and eyes too. I don't leave home without it,' one raved.

'These drops are everything you'll ever need. I no longer have to worry about buying multiple products. Cheeks and eyes sorted for a natural glowy look. Perfection in a bottle! A must-buy,' another shared.

'Hands down the number one makeup product I own. It is so versatile, goes on beautifully, stays on the whole day and gives an entire face glow! I love it,' one added.

'I've never really been a makeup girl, so application for me has to be easy. This product is fantastic, I use a tinted moisturiser and my Liquid Glow Drops and damn... I'm hot, been loving the compliments,' another revealed.

Loved by makeup artists and beauty lovers alike, the Liquid Glow Drops have earned cult status all over the world. The multi-use glow drops are flattering on every skin tone

The Body Glow has been a fan favourite as a luxurious, nourishing body lotion that leaves skin glowing from head to toe. However, the body formula was an accidental hit that went on to become one of brand's best-selling products after 75,000 bottles were purchased

In the line-up, the Body Glow has been a fan favourite as a luxurious, nourishing body lotion that leaves skin radiant, hydrated, and glowing from head to toe.

However, the body formula was an accidental hit that went on to become one of the brand's best-selling products after more than 75,000 bottles were purchased.

'The Body Glow was actually a fluke,' Bonnie explained.

'We made a really beautiful formula of glow but didn't manufacture it for a couple of years. I wasn't sure if Body Glow fit with a makeup brand.'

The formula was put on hold until she realised it would actually complement her makeup range for a summer launch in 2023.

'And oh my God did it pop off,' she said.

'We sold out over and over and that made people even more crazy for it. It's just a really unique formula no other brand can compare - stunning glow, not too glittery, hydrating but not greasy.

'Most formulas on the market were body oils that feel slimy and gross on a hot day. Body Glow just sits so beautifully, and is loved by all ages.'

Basics by B Body Glow Body Glow is a luxurious, nourishing body lotion that leaves your skin radiant, hydrated, and glowing from head to toe. Perfect as the final touch to any look, it enhances your natural beauty when applied to the arms, legs, and decolletage, leaving a luminous, healthy finish. The skin-perfecting formula uses a super-fine, milled illuminiser to deliver a soft, all-over sheen without looking glittery or heavy. Designed for minimal transfer, Body Glow provides a natural, buildable glow that lasts all day. RRP: $42 Shop

Perfect as the final touch to any look, it enhances your natural beauty when applied to the arms, legs, and decolletage for a luminous, healthy finish.

Enriched with antioxidants and jojoba seed oil, it has a rich yet silky texture that melts into the skin while deeply hydrating and improving its appearance.

The illuminiser is perfect for anyone looking for a summer glow all year round - and it's also ideal for special occasions such as weddings and birthdays.

The best part? The formula lasts all day on the body with minimal transfer so you don't have to worry about it getting on your clothes - or even other people - a common problem shoppers face with other brands.

Shoppers have rated the Body Glow a stellar 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Not only does it leave your body looking radiant all day, but many have even ditched their fake tan in favour of this formula.

'Throw all of your fake tanning products away and buy this! It takes seconds to put on. The golden colour is beautiful. No more fake tan smell, stickiness and hours of development time. I highly recommend this product,' one shared.

The celebrity makeup artist has worked as a beauty advisor to the royal family

'I absolutely love this product! Super easy to apply with the brush and blends beautifully into your own skin. I used it for a special occasion and it left my skin looking fresh, healthy and glowing, without the tacky glitter look - very age appropriate for 40+ skins. Little goes a long way and so good value for money too,' another raved.

Bonnie said she's just 'blown away' to see tens of thousands of shoppers buy her products - particularly Liquid Glow Drops and Body Glow.

'I've built this brand from nothing, I've worked hard for six years, so to see it getting traction not just in Australia but in other markets like the US and UK is amazing,' she explained.

'I stand in my warehouse and think 'wow, I'm just a girl from Newcastle in the big smoke... and I did all this?!'

Basics by B Alter Ego Concealer Step into your Alter Ego with a concealer that's more than makeup - it's a confidence boost in a tube. Created by a professional makeup artist for real life, the Alter Ego Concealer hides dark circles, reduces redness, smooths skin texture, and keeps your complexion hydrated, all while looking natural and seamless. The lightweight, breathable formula blends effortlessly into the skin and wears like a second skin, delivering real, buildable coverage that lasts all day. Shop

If she had to choose just one Basics by B product, Bonnie said the Alter Ego Concealer is her all-time favourite. 'It is the best concealer you will ever try,' she said

If she had to choose just one Basics by B product, she said the Alter Ego Concealer is her all-time favourite.

'It is the best concealer you will ever try. Hydrating, but high coverage, and fine line friendly. It's so good you actually don't even need foundation a lot of the time,' she said.

Liquid Glow Drops, Body Glow and Alter Ego Concealer have been wildly popular among beauty fans - and all for good reason.

'I'm a makeup artist who has painted thousands of faces over the years, I've worked in every aspect of beauty, from hands on, to business, and I give my formulas so much consideration,' Bonnie explained.

'I only make products I think people need - but they just don't know it yet. My gift is taking trends and great products that might be new to them and not just selling them, but making people understand how they can use it to look and feel amazing.'

Basics by B was launched in 2019 with just one product.

Basics by B was launched in 2019 with just one product. Today, it's an award-winning, multi-seven-figure business stocked online and in Adore Beauty

After flying all over the world to promote big makeup brands - including appearing in TV commercials, Bonnie knew she wanted to start her own beauty line.

'I wanted to offer something that was mine, that shoppers could buy and learn along with me,' she explained.

'So I made a makeup palette with multiple blush, bronzer and eyeshadows so it would suit as many people as possible.

'At the time, I could only afford to make one product to start with. Now I have more than 60 products. They are all easy to use, designed to make looking and feeling great easier and faster, while being cleaner, and vegan and cruelty free.'

Today, Basics by B is an award-winning, multi-seven-figure business stocked online and in Adore Beauty, with a rapidly growing international following.

'We are launching into US and UK physical retail soon. The biggest project is our foundation range - I get asked several times every day when it's coming by our customers,' she said.

'It's just taken me years because I'm a perfectionist and foundation is tricky, you need multiple types, and many shades. It's coming and it will be our biggest launch yet.'

To shop the Basics by B range, click here.
Barely a day goes by in the run-up to Christmas without another senior military or intelligence figure warning us to prepare for war with Russia.

The Secretary General of NATO says we must be ready for the kind of conflict our grandparents and great-grandparents were forced to endure between 1914-18 and 1939-45.

The new head of MI6, Modesty Blaise, warned in a speech this week that Russian aggression and expansionism is the defining challenge of the 21st century.

Starmer talks about sending British troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, but starves our depleted military of money. Not a penny more on defence in the Benefits Street Budget.

Every time he promises to put boots on the ground, Ive asked: You and whose army?

Britains Armed Forces have shrunk to their lowest level since the Napoleonic wars. Theyd have trouble rustling up an It Aint Half Hot Mum concert party to send to Ukraine.

Even if Surkeir did splash the cash and launch a Lord Kitchener-style Your Country Needs You recruitment drive, it would probably be doomed to failure.

Surveys show that the selfish, mollycoddled Generation Z are not prepared to fight  even if Britain was invaded. Only 11 per cent would sign up.

Lance Corporal George Hooley, of the Parachute Regiment, was killed in a tragic accident while watching the testing of a new Ukrainian drone

Hardly surprising when they have been taught to be ashamed of their racist and colonialist country by their teachers and far-Left politicians. Theyd rather march in support of our enemies such as Hamas.

Half of them are happy to sit at home claiming benefits for anxiety while staring at the latest garbage on Chinese-controlled TikTok.

In a perverse inversion of assassinated American President John F. Kennedys inaugural address, they ask not what they can do for their country, only what their country can do for them.

Fortunately, all is not lost. There are still brave young people who share the values of their grandparents and great-grandparents, and are willing to make the same sacrifices in defence of liberty and democracy.

We may not have boots on the ground in Ukraine, but we have been sending military personnel covertly to protect British diplomats and support the Ukrainian armed forces.

One of these soldiers, Lance Corporal George Hooley, of the Parachute Regiment, was killed in a tragic accident while watching the testing of a new Ukrainian drone. His body was repatriated to RAF Brize Norton this week and laid to rest after a brief ceremony.

As his funeral cortege passed through the town, locals paid their respects and some wept  in stark contrast to the ghoulish, politically motivated mobs of protesters who previously heckled the coffins of British soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

His body was repatriated to RAF Brize Norton this week and laid to rest after a brief ceremony

As L/Cpl Hooleys funeral cortege passed through Brize Norton, locals paid their respects and some wept  in stark contrast to the ghoulish, politically motivated mobs of protesters who previously heckled the coffins of British soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan

What moved me most was the letter to his family L/Cpl Hooley left behind to be opened in the event of his death. It read:

If you are reading this, it means I didnt make it home. Please dont let that be the thing that breaks you. You know I was doing what I believed in as well as loved, with people I respected, and for reasons that matter to me, my country and democracy and freedom in this world. I was proud of what I was doing.

Dont remember me with sadness and loss. Be proud. I went out doing what I trained to do, what I chose to do, and I had all of you in my heart the whole way.

L/Cpl Hooley, who had previously been deployed to Afghanistan, Africa and eastern Europe, was described as the glue and the laughter within his team, and someone who had a deep kindness and genuine time for everyone.

His commanding officer said: He provided the spark that lifted others, a drive that inspired and a zest for life that reminded us all how to live with purpose and joy. And we loved him for it.

What especially struck me was that George Hooley was just 28 years old, at the upper age range of Gen Z.

Yet instead of embarking, like so many of his contemporaries, on a life of screen-based self-entitlement in search of safe spaces, where a shortage of avocado toast is an existential crisis, he put his life on the line to defend others at home and abroad. He was proud, not ashamed, of his country, and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Never mind celebrating diversity is our strength. No it isnt, not when it incites division, smears our nations history and gives succour to those who hate us.

As the Left used to insist, before it embraced its own brand of race-and-faith-based, identitarian fascism and enforced national self-loathing and moral equivalence between sectarian barbarians and the forces of democracy and enlightenment: Unity is our strength.

L/Cpl Hooleys story should be taught in schools and colleges as an inspiration to others, an example of the selfless goodness and sense of duty still in the world, even if currently in short supply.

If war is inevitable, as so many military and intelligence chiefs believe, we are going to need thousands upon thousands more brave men and women like him.

This Christmas, spare a thought for George Hooley and his family. He was the Best of British.
All over Europe populist parties of the Right and Left are on the rise as voters increasingly turn away from the political class that has held sway since the Second World War.

What are the traits of these discredited politicians? They tend to be detached from the concerns of ordinary people. They are sure they know best, though they often dont. They can be entitled and arrogant. And they frequently use politics as a means of enriching themselves.

Britain has a politician who epitomises these characteristics. I am thinking of George Osborne, Conservative Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2010 until 2016.

Looking at George, its easy to understand why many people detest the Tories. This smug and supercilious character gives capitalism a bad name. The mere thought of him makes even me want to take to the streets.

Georges latest money-making venture is to jump aboard artificial intelligence giant OpenAI, developer of ChatGPT. He will be employed in forging relationships with governments around the world. This is his sixth current job. He must hope that it will make him zillions.

What does Osborne know about artificial intelligence? Almost certainly nothing. But that hasnt held him back in the past. He wasnt obviously qualified to become Chancellor at the age of 38. He had never held a proper job, having been a special adviser and then an MP.

Nor was he remotely qualified to be editor of the London Evening Standard in 2017. Hed never been a journalist. In fact, he was turned down by two publications on leaving Oxford University. But his friend, Russian-born newspaper proprietor Evgeny Lebedev, owned the Standard.

George sat in the editors chair for three years, where it wasnt clear that he added much to his slender knowledge of journalism, before jumping ship. The title was plainly doomed. It expired as an evening paper last year.

What does Osborne - who has jumped aboard OpenAI - know about artificial intelligence? Almost certainly nothing, writes Stephen Glover

How long Osborne will stay loyal to OpenAI depends on the companys fortunes in what some think is a bubble about to burst. But we can be confident that he will nimbly jump on to some lucrative passing bandwagon should the need arise.

Amusingly  and perhaps worrying to the shareholders of OpenAI  its own ChatGPT doesnt have a high opinion of Georges credentials. When I asked it whether he knew anything about AI, the reply was that he has no training or professional history in computer science, data science, machine learning or AI research.

When I inquired whether it would be odd to appoint Osborne to a senior position in an AI company, ChatGPT replied: It would be an odd appointment, unless the role were very clearly non-technical and political/strategic.

In this matter, at least, ChatGPT is on the button. George is brilliant at opening doors. Hes practically a fixture at the World Economic Forum in Davos or in the counsels of the secretive Bilderberg Group. Hello Hans. Good to see you Francois. Hope youre keeping well Luigi. We must have lunch.

And great to meet you, JD Vance. When the US Vice-President was holidaying in the summer in a manor house in the Cotswolds  ironically, a few lawns away from the country home of Osbornes old mate, David Cameron  who should turn up to make the introductions to upcoming Tories but George?

The former Chancellor and Vance are, politically-speaking, oceans apart. George is far closer to former Labour Cabinet minister Ed Balls, with whom he hosts the Political Currency podcast. The sages seldom disagree. They are the embodiment of our political class.

Wherever power is, smoothie fixer George Osborne may be found sniffing around. Hence the love-in with Vance. Hes the Tories version of his friend Peter Mandelson, which explains why he has been spoken of as the next British ambassador to Washington. Alas, it doesnt pay enough.

After leaving the Evening Standard, George worked for the small and highly profitable investment bank Robey Warshaw, where he trousered tens of millions of pounds before it was bought by an American rival. A new wife, a country home in Somerset and a 10 million house in Notting Hill were acquired.

More doors were opened. George even tried to find a buyer in the United Arab Emirates for the Telegraph before the deal was vetoed by the then Tory Government. David Camerons sister-in-law Emily Sheffield (his successor at the Evening Standard) accused him of lacking principles. Bingo!

On the subject of ethics, OpenAI and ChatGPT have been accused of plundering the work of artists and other creative producers including newspapers without troubling to pay them. Osborne seems to have forgotten such journalistic values as he once possessed.

As chairman of the British Museum (for which job he again had no obvious qualifications) he has been attempting to loan the Elgin Marbles to Greece, though no one asked him to do this. A nervous Labour Government has so far withheld its support.

Georges other jobs as a lecturer in management at Stanford University in the US, an adviser to the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and chairman of Italian investment firm Lingotto have so far proved less controversial.

OpenAI and ChatGPT have been accused of plundering the work of artists and other creatives without paying them

These are the rich fruits of Osbornes political career, during which he filled his iPhone with innumerable contacts to be exploited later. Tony Blair, whose riches (for now) surpass those of Osborne, had shown the way.

Perhaps if he had been a more effective politician one would be more forgiving. As Chancellor, he prolonged austerity longer than was necessary, recklessly applying his scythe to the criminal justice system for relatively small savings. Irrevocable damage was caused.

In 2010 he approved an 8 per cent cut in defence spending, from which our Armed Forces have never recovered. And yet he supported his friend Cameron in doubling down on Blairs futile war in Afghanistan, which cost so much in blood and treasure.

Also with Cameron, he sucked up to President Xi Jinping when it was already clear that China didnt wish us well. Chinese investment in sensitive infrastructure such as Hinkley Point C nuclear power station was irresponsibly encouraged.

Can anyone recall one enduring achievement of Georges? I can only think of disappointments and failures. He lacked the courage to pursue one of his few good (and widely popular) ideas  the abolition of inheritance tax.

While promoting and justifying austerity, Osborne often repeated the mantra Were all in this together. It seemed as absurd then as an 18th-century aristocrat assuring his browbeaten peasants that they were all in the same boat.

Now, as he fills his boots with gold while the country groans under Labour rule, does he feel a smidgen of guilt? Does he ever lie awake at night and wonder whether he deserves these jobs and huge wealth, which are not the product of daring or originality but instead the harvest of a mediocre political career?

Osborne isnt, of course, wholly responsible for the widespread disenchantment with Establishment politicians. He could line up with David Cameron and Tony Blair and Nick Clegg, who sold his soul to Silicon Valley for 40 million.

But he is for me a symbol of what has gone wrong with this countrys political class  the entitlement, the loss of rectitude, the decline of duty, the rise of greed. George Osborne will at least be remembered for that.
Nobody can doubt that Britain has undergone an unprecedented social change in the past five years.

In just 36 months between 2021 and 2024, 3.9million new immigrants arrived on our shores  a figure that dwarfs the entire 3.2million population of Wales.

The job of fully integrating these people  from lands as far afield as India, Pakistan and Nigeria  would be a formidable task for any country.

But any successful integration is impossible if we have no idea of who these newcomers actually are, how many of them live in certain areas and what their circumstances and affiliations might be.

That is why, in my capacity as an academic specialising in social cohesion, I am demanding an emergency census next year in England that would provide an instant and accurate snapshot of the current composition of the country, as laid out in my new report for the think-tank, Policy Exchange.

This census would give the Government real, up-to-date information on which parts of the country are experiencing the highest rate of new settlement and therefore where resources should be spent on schools, surgeries, hospitals and housing.

This data-driven allocation of resources is essential if we are going to maintain social cohesion at a time when immigration consistently polls as one of voters' main concerns, if not the most important.

It will also provide a factual basis to inform public debate in the run-up to the next general election, which must be called before the middle of August 2029  well before the next scheduled national census in 2031.

Britain's population increased by over 2.3million in the three years to June 2024 - more than the combined populations of Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool

The need is even more acute when you consider that the 2021 national census was carried out online at the height of the Covid pandemic and it is widely accepted much of the information it contained was flawed.

Many young people, for example, moved out of England's big cities during lockdown to live with their parents, resulting in a substantial underestimate of inner-city populations and a misleading picture of urban areas' true demographics. Questions about nationality and sexual identity were also poorly drafted, with misleading results.

The idea of an emergency census is not arbitrary. Indeed, mid-decade censuses are permissible under the 1920 Census Act and there is a remarkably similar precedent from 60 years ago, when Britain was equally unsure of how to react to rapid social change.

In 1966, a mid-decade 'snapshot' census was carried out between the 1961 and 1971 survey on the back of cross-party concerns over the impact of high levels of Commonwealth migration on social cohesion and public services, as well as the scale of internal north-to-south movement in England.

It was aimed at providing accurate information so the right resources could be allocated to the right area and based on a 10 per cent sample of the population, a principle I believe can be successfully copied today to save time and taxpayers' money.

The emergency census should be based on a nationwide sample confined to England, which has seen far higher levels of immigration than Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

In addition, there should be full local censuses in five crucial areas: Preston, Middlesbrough, Leicester, Luton and Bournemouth. These towns and cities have recorded some of the highest rates of population growth in recent years.

Preston has seen its population rise by 10.2 per cent between June 2021 and June 2024, Middlesbrough saw an 8.5 per cent surge and Leicester nearly 6 per cent  21,400 extra people in the East Midlands city in the space of only three years.

Perhaps not coincidentally some of these cities and towns have also seen significant social unrest. For example, large-scale disorder broke out in Leicester in the summer of 2022, primarily between Hindu and Muslim male youths.

In just 36 months between 2021 and 2024, 3.9million new immigrants arrived in the UK

A failure to integrate 'new and emerging communities' was cited as a contributory factor, with new arrivals from the subcontinent blamed for a rise in anti-social behaviour.

Middlesbrough similarly saw considerable disorder in the summer riots of 2024, with many locals telling journalists the root cause was a widespread feeling that immigrants received preferential treatment for state support.

If local and national governments were shocked by these outbreaks of violence, the lack of accurate information about the people they were dealing with might have been a contributory factor. This proposal would remedy that situation at a stroke.

The emergency census should have a special focus on racial identity, ethnic heritage, religious affiliation, length of UK residency, place of birth, level of educational attainment, employment status and housing tenure.

I'd also recommend asking how long respondents have been living at their current home and where they lived immediately before. This would help develop a richer understanding of internal population movement, including people relocated within England by local authorities for reasons such as homelessness and social care.

The census should also change its flawed methodology for questions of national identity, which would avoid the dramatic fluctuations between the 2011 and the 2021 censuses blamed on the changed ordering of responses and their restrictive nature.

The introduction of denominational options for Christian and Muslim populations (such as Protestant and Catholic, or Sunni and Shia) would allow politicians to better understand the religious diversity of modern Britain, as well as provide an early-warning system for potential sectarian flashpoints.

There must be an emergency census next year in England that would provide an instant and accurate snapshot of the country, demands DR RAKIB EHSAN

Britain has long been one of the most open and tolerant countries in the world, with a proud record of integrating immigrants.

But the scale and nature of the extraordinary surge in migration from non-European countries means that policy making must be based on accurate information.

And the uncomfortable truth is that the British state doesn't have a clue how many people are here, who they are, where they come from, and where they live.

We need up-to-date answers to these questions and then use that information to target spending effectively so that the people who have lived here for generations don't feel overlooked.

This information is not only vital for the very peace and stability that has long been a feature of the British way of life  but it is also a democratic imperative.

Voters need to feel the political system is working in their interests. They also deserve the opportunity to see on paper the effect that the immigration policies of successive governments have had on their country.

Britain's population increased by over 2.3million in the three years to June 2024 - more than the combined populations of Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.

They also need to be able to use the hard facts of the census results to inform the way they vote. Because without that information, we can't have an informed electorate.

And without an informed electorate, we can't claim to have a true democracy.

Dr Rakib Ehsan is a Senior Fellow at Policy Exchange.
The Trump administration has acted to ban gender-affirming care for minors across the country.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said Thursday it could pull federal funding from any US hospital that offered transgender surgeries or pharmaceutical treatment.

The department's announcement said the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will release a notice of proposed rulemaking that will bar hospitals from performing 'sex-rejecting' procedures on children under 18 if the institutions want to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs.

'These procedures include pharmaceutical or surgical interventions of specified types that attempt to align a childs physical appearance or body with an asserted identity different from their sex,' HHS wrote.

'Nearly all U.S. hospitals participate in Medicare and Medicaid and this action is designed to ensure that the U.S. government will not be in business with organizations that intentionally or unintentionally inflict permanent harm on children.'

The procedures and care flagged by HHS as 'sex-rejecting' are more widely defined by medical institutions as 'gender-affirming.'

CMS will also release additional proposed rulemaking that will prohibit federal Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding for gender-affirming care on minors.

Currently, 23 states provide Medicaid funding for these interventions, which include hormone and puberty blockers, mental health support and gender-reassignment surgery, according to HHS.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Trump administration threatened Thursday to pull federal funding from hospitals providing gender-affirming care to minors. HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy is pictured at left with President Donald Trump and Center for Medicare & Medicaid administrator Dr Mehmet Oz at right in September

Your browser does not support iframes.

The administration claimed that gender-affirming care on minors can 'cause irreversible damage, including infertility, impaired sexual function, diminished bone density, altered brain development, and other irreversible physiological effects'.

HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr signed Thursday a declaration based on an HHS report published in November, which found that procedures such as hormone blockers and surgery 'do not meet professional recognized standards of health care'.

'Under the declaration, practitioners who perform sex-rejecting procedures on minors would be deemed out of compliance with those standards,' HHS added.

Kennedy said Thursday: 'Under my leadership, and answering President Trumps call to action, the federal government will do everything in its power to stop unsafe, irreversible practices that put our children at risk.

'This Administration will protect Americas most vulnerable. Our children deserve betterand we are delivering on that promise.'

Puberty blockers are reversible and have been shown to be safe dating back to their FDA approval in 1993.

The FDA is also issuing warning letters to 12 manufacturers and retailers for 'illegal marketing' of breast binders to children for the purposes of treating gender dysphoria, which is defined as significant distress a person feels from a mismatch between their gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth.

Demonstrators are pictured marching to the Alabama state capitol building in Montgomery in February 2025 to protest bills that would impact transgender individuals

The agency said the binders are Class I medical devices that should only be used for women recovering from a mastectomy, which is the removal or one or both breasts, due to cancer.

FDA Commissioner Dr Marty Makary said: 'Illegal marketing of these products for children is alarming, and the FDA will take further enforcement action such as import alerts, seizures, and injunctions if it continues.'

The Biden administration had attempted to define gender dysphoria as a disability, but HHS said it is moving to reverse those measures.

CMS administrator Dr Mehmet Oz said Thursday: 'Children deserve our protection, not experimental interventions performed on them, that carry life-altering risks with no reliable evidence of benefit.

'This proposal seeks to clarify that hospitals participating in our programs cannot conduct these unproven procedures on children. CMS will ensure that federal program standards reflect our responsibility to promote the health and safety of children.'

The proposed efforts have not yet been finalized.

The above graph shows the number of gender-affirming top surgeries carried out in the US by year

Fewer than 0.1 per cent of all US adolescents receive gender-affirming medications or other care, a January study found.

Transition surgery, which can include removing the breasts (also called 'top surgery') and changes to genitalia, under 18 is extremely rare and decided on a case-by-case basis by teams of primary care doctors, psychologists, endocrinologists, and surgeons.

Trans children typically begin their transition with puberty blockers. These medications delay the onset of puberty to provide the child and their family with more time to decide whether to pursue hormone therapies.

Hormone therapies, meanwhile, typically begin in a childs teenage years to help them develop secondary sex characteristics. A girl transitioning to become a boy, for instance, may take hormones to deepen their voice and grow body hair.

After undergoing hormone therapy, a trans person may choose to undergo surgery to medically transition, though not everyone does this.

Professional medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the American Psychological Association, maintain that gender-affirming care - surgery included - is necessary for the emotional and physical well-being of trans youth.

The above shows insurance claims for mental health care, according to LexisNexis. They analyzed data from more than 300million patients

One of the main benefits of the procedures, the groups argue, is preventing depression and suicidal thoughts that often accompany gender dysphoria.

Research from Yale University, for example, found that transgender individuals who were diagnosed with gender dysphoria were six times more likely to have a mood or anxiety disorder, three times more likely to be prescribed antidepressants and at least six times more likely to attempt suicide than their cisgender peers.

The study also found that transgender individuals who had undergone gender-affirming surgery were significantly less likely to need mental health treatment for depression and anxiety disorders than those who didn't get the care.

An analysis published last year also found gender dysphoria diagnoses have spiked 133 per cent since 2019.
An article published on 27 November about Simon Bailey, a senior firefighter who lost an unfair dismissal case against Avon Fire and Rescue Service, contained an image featuring a man said to be Simon Bailey. In fact, the firefighter pictured was not Mr Bailey and was entirely unrelated to the tribunal proceedings reported on. We apologise for the error.

To report an inaccuracy, please email corrections@mailonline.co.uk. To make a formal complaint under IPSO rules please go to www.mailonline.co.uk/readerseditor where you will find an easy-to-use complaints form. You can also write to Readers' Editor, Daily Mail, Northcliffe House, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5TT or contact IPSO directly at ipso.co.uk
In June 2018, Katie Tombs and her boyfriend Brad were packing up their flat, ready to embark on a round-the-world trip of a lifetime. Surrounded by folded clothes and open suitcases, the scale of their adventure began to sink in

While clearing out a drawer, Katie stumbled across an indoor skydiving voucher from her brother  a forgotten gift from the year before.

'I checked the date and we had about three weeks left before it expired. I knew indoor skydiving isn't cheap so I booked in to go that week,' Katie, now 35, originally from the UK and living in Sydney, told Daily Mail.

A few weeks later, Katie woke with a sharp pain in her arm and realised she couldn't lift it above her head.

Thinking it was an injury she'd picked up skydiving, she booked a physio appointment to have it checked before heading overseas.

The physio sensed something was off and urged her to get an MRI, just in case there was an issue with her spine.

Thanks to private health insurance, she saw a specialist quickly and received her MRI results over the phone.

They told her: 'The good news is there's nothing wrong with your spine. The bad news is we've found the edge of something else.'

Katie Tombs was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at 27 after an MRI for an unrelated issue revealed a lump in her neck

By sheer chance, the MRI machine was slightly misaligned, capturing a sliver of Katie's neck along with her back.

The scan revealed a small lump in her neck  completely unrelated to her arm pain. It was thyroid cancer.

'I had no idea what it was and didn't know how important the thyroid was in the body  it impacts everything,' Katie said.

The lump wasn't visible, and Katie had no other symptoms, nor any family history of the disease.

'It was my last day of work on a Friday [after resigning] and we had already moved out of our flat to live with my brother temporarily. At 10am, I went to get the results. I remember it vividly: "You have cancer,"' Katie said.

'One of the girls at my office texted me asking if everything was okay. I said: "No, it's not. Can you gather my stuff from my desk and get the head of HR in a meeting room for when I come back?"

'When I got back to work, I told them. "There's no easy way to say it, but things aren't good and I need some help. I'm jobless, homeless and I have cancer. I'm not going travelling, I need to deal with this." They were incredibly shocked but supportive.'

What should have been a farewell day with champagne and a leaving card became one Katie will never forget.

What is thyroid cancer? The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces hormones vital for regulating metabolism  how the body uses energy. There are several different types of thyroid cancer. The most common is papillary thyroid cancer, which usually grows in one lobe of the thyroid gland (about 70 to 80 per cent of all cases). Follicular thyroid cancer accounts for about 15 per cent. Less common forms include medullary thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, and rare types such as thyroid sarcoma or lymphoma. In Australia, an estimated 4,335 people were diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2024. The average age at diagnosis is 53. It is the ninth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country, and about one in 79 people will be diagnosed by age 85. Women are significantly more affected than men. Symptoms: There are often no obvious signs of thyroid cancer; however, you may have one or more of the following symptoms: a lump in the neck or throat that may get bigger over time

difficulty breathing or swallowing

swollen lymph glands in the neck

a hoarse voice Source: Cancer Council Advertisement

The lump wasn't visible and Katie, pictured with her boyfriend, had no other symptoms or any family history of the disease

'My employer reinstated me straight away, which meant I kept my private healthcare and could stay in the UK for the six months of treatment I needed,' she said.

Katie returned to her brother's place to break the news to her family, who frantically googled 'thyroid cancer'  but Katie didn't.

'I didn't want to know, and I didn't want to be a statistic. The internet often isn't a good representation of what reality is, either,' she said.

She was referred to a specialist, who ordered a CT scan and biopsy on the lump, which confirmed their suspicions.

At 27, Katie was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer - the most common type and one that responds well to treatment.

An ultrasound revealed the cancer had also spread to lymph nodes in her neck.

'To be honest, I wasn't terrified. It was scary and I shed a few tears, but I was in good hands. And I believe everything happens for a reason  it was meant to be found.

'If I didn't find that indoor skydiving voucher, see the physio, or if the scanner was aligned correctly, it never would've been found.

'I went into planning mode  appointments to make, somewhere to live. I felt like I was high-functioning. It was all happening so fast, I didn't have a chance to take it all in.'

With the trip cancelled, they secured a refund on their one-way flight. Meanwhile, Katie moved back in with her parents for support.

Katie underwent a full thyroidectomy  removal of the thyroid gland  along with a right neck dissection to clear the tumour and affected cells. She also had radioactive iodine treatment, followed by months of monitoring and recovery. The process took six months.

By March 2019, Katie and Brad finally set off on their travels  six months exploring Asia, New Zealand and Fiji. They returned to the UK for eight weeks, where Katie scheduled follow-up check-ups with her doctors.

Now living without a thyroid, Katie takes daily medication  a constant reminder of the battle she fought in her 20s.

'Life absolutely goes on after thyroid cancer and healing doesn't end the day treatment finishes. It's the aftermath that changes your life, drawing focus on health and wellness, physically, mentally and spiritually,' Katie said.

'Getting back to the planned travel became a big part of that process. It gave me a chance to finally slow down, sit with the weight of everything that had just happened over the past six months.

'I rediscovered joy and gratitude in nature and new places, which helped me reconnect with myself and with life again. For that, I am forever grateful.'

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With the holiday season in full swing, Christmas tree farms across the globe have been abuzz with families on the hunt for the perfect one to bring home.

But what goes on at Christmas tree farms when it's not the merriest time of year?

Justus Bischoff, 22, has worked at a Christmas tree farm in Stayton, Oregon, for the last five years, and he explained to the Daily Mail that ensuring families are able to get their trees by Christmas is actually a lengthy process that takes months of preparations.

During the spring, he revealed that he's busy planting trees and shearing them as they grow, and in early summer, they start preparing for the harvest.

'From July to September, we tag trees with colored tags that grade them by height and species,' he explained.

'Then we move into the harvest season, which is mid-September to December.

'During harvest, we will be moving equipment (elevators, balers and trailers). We also use a helicopter to bring trees from the field to a clear area for loading into trucks.

'Then we load trees ranging from 3ft to 20ft into semi trucks for shipment worldwide.'

Justus Bischoff, 22, has worked at a Christmas tree farm in Stayton, Oregon, for the last five years

He explained to the Daily Mail that ensuring families are able to get their trees by Christmas is actually a lengthy process that takes months of preparations

Bischoff, who recently found online fame by documenting his endeavors as a Christmas tree farmer on TikTok, explained to the Daily Mail that he fell into the business by accident.

He was working at a fruit stand after high school when his brother got a job on the Christmas tree farm and couldn't stop gushing over it.

'He said that he loved working outside all day, loved the managers and created good friendships with his coworkers,' recalled Bischoff.

Flash forward to now, five years on, and he absolutely adores his job.

'[I love] being able to work outside and with your hands all day. It's peaceful, and the job always feels like Christmas,' he gushed.

He often showcases the highs and lows of his work online, and has racked up more than 64,000 followers and over two million likes across his videos.

And while there are certainly a slew of pros, Bischoff admitted that there are downsides too.

First, he explained that he has to always stay in shape as it's a very 'physically demanding' job.

During the spring, he revealed that he's busy planting trees and shearing them as they grow, and in early summer, they start preparing for the harvest

He often showcases the highs and lows of his work online, and has racked up more than 64,000 followers and over two million likes across his videos

He explained that he has to always stay in shape as it's a very 'physically demanding' job

During tagging season his days start in the wee hours of the morning, and he usually walks over 10 miles by midday.

And when it's harvest time, he has to chop the trees, which are massive and heavy, load them onto helicopters and then onto trucks.

In addition, he explained that he's usually operating saws or dangerous equipment, so zoning out is never an option.

He also cited long hours and rough weather.

He explained: 'We're carrying trees during harvest, ranging from 3ft to 20ft.

'During the summertime, we work in the heat and walk around 10 miles a day. It's physically demanding.'

While Bischoff admitted that he likely won't be doing this forever, he has no plans to stop anytime soon and is thankful that it's brought him a newfound love for the outdoors and of course, Christmas.
British Vogue has unveiled its inaugural 'Best Dressed List', and a member of the Royal Family made the cut.

It's no surprise to see Victoria Beckham, Sienna Miller and Kate Moss feature on the 'Eternal Influencers' line-up. But among the creme de la creme of British fashion icons was Princess Kate - the only royal included.

Vogue's list noted that the Princess of Wales has long wielded remarkable style influence.

Often referred to as the 'Kate effect', the piece acknowledged how the Princess's 'quiet support can change the trajectory of a brand'.

Indeed, time and again, a top, dress, shoe or accessory worn by Kate has sold out swiftly or sparked months-long waiting lists - particularly for high street pieces.

As style pundits celebrated Kate's inclusion, they also noted that her sister-in-law Meghan Markle was absent from American Vogue's '55 Best Dressed People of 2025'. Published only days ago, the diverse line-up included Jennifer Lawrence, Venus Williams, Cate Blanchett, Chappell Roan and Michelle Obama. More on Meghan's omission shortly.

The fashion magazine's stamp of approval arrives at an interesting moment in her style evolution.

In 2025, she gradually returned to the public eye after a testing period in which she was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer and underwent chemotherapy.

Princess Kate made a gradual return to royal duties this year following her announcement that she was in remission from cancer. She is pictured in Oxford, England, in October 2025

Ahead of the Princess of Wales's return to the spotlight, reports emerged that the palace would no longer provide details of her outfits. She is seen left attending Wimbledon in July, and right in November following a visit to a mental health charity in London

After declaring in January that she was in remission, she steadily resumed royal duties.

As she re-entered working life, one reported change stood out - and it concerned her wardrobe. Kensington Palace would no longer release details of the outfits she wears at every public engagement .

The message behind it? 'There is an absolute feeling that it [the work] is not about what the princess is wearing,' a palace source said in February.

'[Kate] wants the focus to be on the really important issues, the people and the causes she is spotlighting.

'There will always be an appreciation of what the princess is wearing from some of the public and she gets that. But do we need to be officially always saying what she is wearing? No. The style is there but it's about the substance.'

This shift was compounded when Kate's longtime personal assistant and stylist Natasha Archer resigned in July, sharing plans to open her own consultancy.

Until then, the pair had enjoyed a 15-year working relationship. By all accounts, Natasha's departure was amicable.

With her 'it's not about the fashion' approach front of mind, a source told People that Kate had no immediate plans to rush out and hire a replacement.

Princess Kate was recently featured on British Vogue's inaugural 'Best Dressed List' - the only Royal Family member included. She is pictured in September 2025

Princess Kate wore a floor-length gown to the Royal Variety Show in November 2025. She accessorised with the Greville Chandelier Earrings and the Queen Mary Choker Bracelet

'Kate has always been very involved in choosing her outfits for royal engagements, but now she is so confident, she knows exactly what suits her and what doesn't,' the insider said in December.

With those two changes in the rear-view mirror, it's notable that Kate continues to earn fashion plaudits.

The British Vogue nod cements what many royal watchers have long felt about her sharp fashion sense.

And while the public may no longer get rundowns of her outfit particulars, there's a stronger sense now that what we're seeing is a fashion identity of Kate's own making.

Which brings us to Meghan Markle across the pond.

From the moment Meghan entered the Royal Family fold, her undeniable sense of style was apparent.

Say what you will about some of the Duchess of Sussex's personal and professional choices in recent years, but her fashion credentials - strong, deliberate and polished - can't be disputed.

Like Kate, the Duchess has her own 'Meghan effect', where a piece she's seen wearing can quickly become a hot-ticket item.

Meghan is aware of this, previously saying in an interview that once she understood her power to influence, it 'changed everything in terms of how I then looked at putting an outfit together'.

In a recent example, Meghan wore a Valencia Key 'Believe' bracelet at the 2025 Invictus Games and in an As Ever announcement, resulting in an 11,000 per cent sales lift, with many pieces from the jewellery brand selling out.

There's another similarity between the two: just as Kate has shifted her fashion approach of late, so has Meghan - but for very different reasons .

Meghan's current look was described by her former wedding dress designer Clare Waight Keller as 'a minimalist, chic, timeless and quite monochromatic wardrobe'. Meghan is pictured in New York City in April 2025

Meghan is rumoured to have collaborated with A-list stylist Jamie Mizrahi for the past two years. She is pictured in Paris in October 2025

From early 2024, around the time she soft-launched her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard (later renamed As Ever), Meghan was linked to A-list stylist Jamie Mizrahi - though their collaboration hasn't been confirmed.

According to reports at the time, Meghan was seeking a 'Hollywood glow-up' to coincide with the launch of her new brand and usher in her 'lifestyle entrepreneur' era.

The former creative director of Juicy Couture was said to be just the person for the job.

Mizrahi already has an impressive CV, having dressed stars like Riley Keough, Katy Perry and Adele. She has said that a core part of her work with celebrities involves helping them reinvent themselves.

Although there has never been firm word of the pair working together, the subtle evolution in Meghan's style - best described as 'quiet luxury' - is telling. She avoids ostentation, favouring neutrals such as white, black, blue and brown .

It's a shift keenly observed this past week by Meghan's former wedding dress designer, Clare Waight Keller.

The Uniqlo creative director said: 'The thing about Meghan is she knows what she likes.

'She has very much evolved her look to what you see now - a minimalist, chic, timeless and quite monochromatic wardrobe. She knows what looks good.'

This style mantra was on show during Meghan's unexpected appearance at the Balenciaga show at Paris Fashion Week in October.

She donned a white oversized cape over a button-down shirt and matching wide-leg trousers. Although the circumstances surrounding her invitation were debated, the elegance of her ensemble was not. It was a true fashion moment.

The Duchess of Sussex delivered a fashion moment in an all-white ensemble with black accessories during her unexpected appearance at the Balenciaga show at Paris Fashion Week

Meghan recently appeared on the cover of Harper's Bazaar's December 2025 edition

Personally, Meghan was a controversial omission from American Vogue's list.

She should have been included, and perhaps wasn't only because she recently featured on the cover of rival fashion magazine Harper's Bazaar. Still, given the heated opinions she tends to stir, her inclusion would also have been controversial.

What's most interesting right now is the near-secrecy surrounding Kate and Meghan's fashion - albeit in contrasting ways.

For Kate, presentation is a sideshow to her causes, hence the under-the-radar approach to her royal wardrobe.

She has chosen to withhold outfit details so the British public remains focused on what she's doing, not what she's wearing.

Meghan, by contrast, is somewhat guarded with her wardrobe because announcing her outfits and naming a Hollywood stylist would clash with her current fashion ethos of quiet luxury. That philosophy - an extension of her 'lifestyle influencer era' - is not associated with dripping-in-designer showiness.

Her privacy around wardrobe isn't about redirecting the spotlight to something more noble; rather, it's designed to make her personal style appear effortless.

Two royal women, two philosophies: one making fashion secondary to duty, the other to frame a lifestyle that is deliberately curated.

As for what that says about them, you can draw your own conclusions.

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Fans of Karoline Leavitt have jumped to her defense after a Vanity Fair photoshoot went viral, which showed close-up images of the White House Press Secretary's face.

Critics slammed the legacy publication for the 'unflattering' photos of President Donald Trump's staff, which were published on Tuesday alongside a bombshell tell-all profile on Chief of Staff Susie Wiles about Trump's first year in office.

The article featured portraits of several senior White House officials. In addition to Leavitt and Wiles, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Deputy Chiefs of Staff James Blair and Dan Scavino, and Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller all participated in the shoot.

The series of images, also shared to social media, included an extreme close-up of the 28-year-old press secretary, with supporters claiming the publication was negatively biased towards Trump's staff in comparison to profiles published about former President Joe Biden.

In a statement issued to the Daily Mail, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said: 'It's clear that Vanity Fair intentionally photographed Karoline and the White House staff in bizarre ways, and deliberately edited the photos, to try to demean and embarrass them.

'Karoline is a beautiful person and truly one of the most incredible people you will meet in politics, and she is doing an extraordinary job serving the American people as the White House Press Secretary.'

In social media comments, people jumped to Leavitt's defense, declaring Vanity Fair 'liberal propaganda,' and a 'sorry excuse for journalism.'

'Reality distortion machine,' conservative commenter Benny Johnson posted to Instagram, with screengrabs of the images. 'Disgusting.'

Critics have slammed the legacy publication for the 'unflattering' photos of President Donald Trump's staff, which were published alongside a bombshell tell-all about his first year in office on Tuesday. Leavitt pictured at a briefing in 2025

'That is insane, she's gorgeous lol they had to work hard to make it look so unbelievable,' one user wrote.

'Karoline should take it as a compliment. They're clearly threatened by her,' declared someone else. 'They know she's stunning, and if she were on the other side, she'd be on the cover in a heartbeat. Love that she's living rent free in all their heads.'

'The extreme close up shows everyone just how beautiful Karoline really is! I wish I looked that good up close,' gushed another.

'Typical liberal propaganda,' snarked one critic.

'Shameful Vanity Fair,' wrote someone else. 'Purposely creating flaws in a young professional woman simply because you don't agree with her political views talk about speaking out of both sides of your mouth.'

'Coming for a successful woman like this is so embarrassing,' said another user.

Another person slammed Vanity Fair for the coverage, responding to a post Wiles made on X, formerly Twitter, about the article writing: 'Why any conservative would think Vanity Fair would do a fair article is shocking. Of course, it will be negative with negative pictures, it is what they do.

'Now a staff member of Biden's or Obama's would be "icons, stars in Dem party."'

On Vanity Fair's Instagram, many people mocked Leavitt, leaving comments on the page and praising the publication.

Karoline Leavitt blasted Chris Whipple, who interviewed Wiles and other administration figures for Vanity Fair

Wiles (pictured) spoke with the publication over the course of the last year, likening Trump to her own late alcoholic father and legendary sportscaster Pat Summerall, noting the president has 'an alcoholic's personality'

The series of images, shared to social media, included an extreme close-up of the 28-year-old press secretary (Vanity Fair image not pictured)

'She's 28 btw why does she look 50', one user asked.

Another said: 'I am DECEASED!!!! The way I would enter a state of mania if this kind of closeup was posted of me!!! This will live forever and I LOVE it!!!!'

Others claimed they could see lip-filler injection marks around her mouth.

'Are those injection prick marks?' asked one reader, with another commenting: 'Genius. The injection marks really sing in this one!'

In September, a plastic surgeon weighed in on rumors surrounding Leavitt's pout, revealing to the Daily Mail exclusively whether or not Leavitt has had any cosmetic 'tweakments' done since she was thrust into the Washington spotlight.

According to Minnesota-based Dr Jennifer Harrington - who has not treated the political maven - whatever work Leavitt has had is quite subtle so far, if she's even had any at all.

In fact, after viewing at footage and photos of Leavitt, Dr Harrington said that the 28-year-old looked 'amazing.'

'She does appear in this interview to have enhanced fullness of her upper and lower lips, and her skin is flawless,' the founder of Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery in Minneapolis-St. Paul told Daily Mail exclusively after an appearance Leavitt made on Fox News.

In 2023, when Leavitt was the national press secretary for Trump's presidential campaign, she took to Instagram to share how she did her makeup for television appearances, as seen in a video resurfaced earlier in the year.

'I receive a lot of questions about how I do my makeup when I go on TV so I figured I'd show it!' Leavitt wrote in the caption of the clip, which was originally posted in November 2023.

The mom-of-one revealed that when she has done her own makeup, she has used the $48 Plump and Prime Serum by Too Faced Cosmetics and then combined two foundations - Rihanna's Fenty Beauty Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Hydrating Longwear Foundation which retails at $40, and the $47 Too Faced Born This Way liquid foundation.

Leavitt also made sure to always contour, using a contour stick and applying it on her cheekbones, under the chin, and on the forehead.

She followed up with a shimmering powder bronzer by Too Faced, which seems to have since been discontinued.

Viewers noticed Leavitt had a plumper pout (left) compared to in 2017 (right) earlier in the year

Leavitt speaking about the Vanity Fair article on Tuesday, December 16

In September, Minnesota-based Dr Jennifer Harrington - who has not treated the political maven - told the Daily Mail that whatever work Leavitt has had is quite subtle so far, if she's even had any at all

In 2023, Leavitt took to Instagram to share how she did her makeup for television appearances

The Vanity Fair profile of Wiles generated a firestorm over her candid criticism of Trump, Vance, former 'First Buddy' Elon Musk and other members of the administration.

Wiles, 68, spoke with the publication over the course of the last year, likening Trump to her own late alcoholic father and legendary sportscaster Pat Summerall, noting the president has 'an alcoholic's personality.'

'The president operates [with] a view that there's nothing he can't do. Nothing, zero, nothing,' Wiles told journalist Chris Whipple.

Notably, Trump does not drink and has spoken about losing his older brother, Fred, to addiction and alcoholism.

The chief of staff also dished on Vice President JD Vance, noting his late MAGA conversion and early critiques of Trump.

The VP, she added, has also been 'a conspiracy theorist for a decade.'

Trump told The New York Post he knew what Wiles was trying to say.

He told the paper: 'No, she meant that I'm - you see, I don't drink alcohol. So everybody knows that - but I've often said that if I did, I'd have a very good chance of being an alcoholic. I have said that many times about myself, I do. It's a very possessive personality.'

'I've said that many times myself. I'm fortunate I'm not a drinker,' Trump told the Post. 'If I did, I could very well, because I've said that - what's the word? Not possessive - possessive and addictive type personality. Oh, I've said it many times, many times before.'

Trump didn't respond to other portions of the two-part Vanity Fair series because he hadn't seen it.

'I didn't read it, but I don't read Vanity Fair - but she's done a fantastic job,' the President said of Wiles. 'I think from what I hear, the facts were wrong, and it was a very misguided interviewer, purposely misguided.'

Leavitt used a similar line when she quickly addressed the controversy Tuesday afternoon on the White House driveway.

'This is, unfortunately, another example of disingenuous reporting, where you have a reporter who took the chief of staff's words wildly out of context, did not include the context those conversations were had within and then further, I think the most egregious part of this article was the bias of omission that was clearly present,' the White House press secretary said.

She told reporters: 'You will leave out important context, leave out comments and facts.'
It looks like Donald Trump Jr. is heading for wedded bliss as he announced Monday that he is engaged to Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson - just one year after he called it quits with ex-fiance Kimberly Guilfoyle.

The news was revealed by Don Jr.'s father, President Donald Trump, during a Christmas White House reception, as the 47-year-old eldest son revealed he was unsure whether his new bride-to-be would actually accept his proposal as he got down on one knee.

But thankfully, she did - and it was later divulged by Forbes that Anderson's ring was an eight-carat emerald-cut diamond ring designed by Dallas jeweler Sue Gragg of Sue Gragg Precious Jewels.

Don Jr. wasted no time popping the question to Anderson, as he and Guilfoyle only split in late 2024.

He dated the newly-minted U.S. Ambassador to Greece for six years, from 2018 to 2024.

Don Jr proposed to Guilfoyle in 2022 - making his engagement to Anderson his second in only a few years.

And according to Roy Albers, Chief Gemological Officer at Worthy, Don Jr. appeared to give Guilfoyle a slightly smaller ring after he looked at pictures of both diamonds.

'Kimberly Guilfoyle's engagement ring features an emerald cut diamond estimated to be between six and seven carats,' Albers told Daily Mail.

It looks like Donald Trump Jr. is heading for wedded bliss as he announced Monday that he is engaged to Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, above - just one year after he called it quits with ex-fiance Kimberly Guilfoyle

The news was revealed by Don Jr.'s father, President Donald Trump, during a Christmas White House reception, as the 47-year-old eldest son revealed he was unsure whether his new bride-to-be would actually accept his proposal as he got down on one knee

He proposed to Guilfoyle in 2022 - making his engagement to Anderson his second in only a few years

Of course, it is unclear whether or not that's the size that Guilfoyle had requested for her ring.

'The amount he paid was likely between $200,000 and $300,000 depending on the quality of the diamond,' Albers explained.

'On the other hand, Bettina's ring is believed to retail between approximately $650,000 and $800,000,' he said.

And as reported, Anderson's ring is slightly bigger, too, coming in at eight carats.

Matt Harris, Certified Pearl Specialist and Gem Expert at Matt Harris Designs, told Daily Mail that one of the biggest differences between Anderson and Guilfoyle's ring was the sheer size.

'It's also a safe bet to assume the color and clarity of Bettina's ring might be "better,"' Harris shared.

'Flawless diamonds are hard to come by and usually not chosen for a first engagement,' he explained.

Harris also noted that he found it 'interesting' that both of the rings were emerald cuts.

Matt Harris, Certified Pearl Specialist and Gem Expert at Matt Harris Designs, told Daily Mail that one of the biggest differences between Anderson (left) and Guilfoyle's (right) ring was the sheer size

With Trump Jr's engagement still fresh, it hasn't yet been confirmed where the bash will take place, as the couple is seen above with Dr. Oz

Guilfoyle has not yet publicly commented on her ex's engagement, which was announced earlier this week

'In my experience, these days almost every guy that shops with me for an engagement ring has already been told by the girlfriend what cut she wants,' Harris told Daily Mail.

'This wasn't the case as much 50 years ago. Quite often the ring would be a complete surprise, including the size and shape of the diamond,' he said.

'So, it is a safe bet that both ladies expressed interest in an emerald cut. If you buy them large with incredible clarity and a low color grade, they can be one of the world's most beautiful gems to gaze at.'

With Don Jr's engagement still fresh, it hasn't yet been confirmed where the ceremony will take place.

Speaking at the holiday party, Anderson beamed as she thanked the president and first lady for having her, and expressed her excitement about joining their family.

'This has really been the most unforgettable weekend of my life, and I get to marry the love of my life, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world,' she said.

The rest of the night, she posed excitedly with her impressive new jewelry front and center.

Guilfoyle has not yet publicly commented on her ex's engagement.
HGTV's David Bromstad is opening up about his past struggle with substance abuse.

The beloved presenter, 52, is letting the cameras in on his personal journey in an upcoming special of My Lottery Dream House, titled David's Happy Ending.

The hour-long episode, which premieres on the network on December 19, will follow the host as he renovates his new home in Central Florida.

Besides the highs and lows of the project, he also speaks candidly about his past battle with substance abuse and trauma.

Ahead of the episode airing, the designer talked about the challenges he faced during the renovation and credited art with saving his life on multiple occasions.

He said: 'When things were the most difficult and challenging financially, emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, and physically, I knew that I never wanted to part from this incredible property.

'It was because of this property and the will to want to create in it, the house saved my life.

'As an artist and a creator having the outlet of designing, my house was the one thing that was keeping me going. This isn't the first time art has saved my life.

HGTV star David Bromstad speaks about his past substance abuse in his upcoming special

The host will get personal in My Lottery Dream House: David's Happy Ending on December 19

'Through substance abuse and not being kind to myself, the one thing that's always remained secure and steady has been my creative talent.'

Speaking to TVInsider, Bromstad added that it was important for him to be frank about his past struggles in the episodes.

'I have a very blessed and incredible life, and I do know this,' he continued. 'But it doesn't negate the fact that I've had really hard times in my existence.

'I only allowed people to see the bright and shiny parts of me because that was all I was willing to accept from myself.

'So, to tell my honest and unapologetically unique story has been something I've been looking forward to, but I didn't want to rush it, and I wanted it to be at the right time.

'You can't have the bright and shining times without the darkness. I don't push away the darkness.

'I bring it in because I know the darkness only makes my bright and shiny parts shine that much bigger.'

Bromstad has fronted My Lottery Dream Home since it premiered on the channel in 2015. It is currently airing its 19th season.

Bromstad will be taking viewers on his renovation journey in Central Florida

His show My Lottery Dream Home has been airing on HGTV for a decade

The series follows home buyers who have won lotteries or suddenly inherited a large sum of money.

The upcoming special will see Bromstad as he transforms his dream house in a pink palace, which he says is a 'love letter to myself.'

Bromstad's fans have expressed their excitement for the episode on his social media page.

'You are an amazing individual,' one penned. 'Thank you for always spreading your joy.'

'So happy for you,' another wrote. 'Definitely tuning in to see all of your wonderful, beautiful home!'

My Lottery Dream Home: David's Happy Ending premieres December 19, 9/8c on HGTV.
A woman who has been to all 50 states has shared the popular destinations across the US that she believes are overrated, and the hidden gems you should visit instead.

While Emily Hart, 40, known online as EmilyVentures, from Boulder, Colorado, always enjoyed exploring, she didn't start traveling until her 30s.

She was feeling 'burnt out' from her job as a middle school math teacher and decided to take a road trip to the Grand Canyon.

She spent a week driving from her home in Colorado to Arizona, stopping at a few national parks along the way, and immediately, she fell in love.

'I realized pretty quickly that it was something that had been missing in my life,' she explained during an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail.

'From that point on, I started traveling solo to more states and national parks, eventually setting the goal of visiting all 50 states and all 63 US National Parks by 2025.'

Nine years after she hit the road for the first time, she has completed her goal.

Over the course of her travels, Hart said she uncovered a slew of secret spots that are often overlooked but she thinks everyone should visit.

A woman who has been to all 50 states has shared the popular destinations across the US that she believes are overrated, and the hidden gems you should visit instead

Over the course of her travels, Emily Hart (seen in Arches National Park Utah) said she has uncovered a slew of secret spots that are often overlooked

First on her list was Santa Fe in New Mexico, which she described as 'otherworldly.' Next, she recommended Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

'This was one of the first national parks I ever visited, and even now, after visiting all 63 parks, it remains my favorite,' she shared.

'There is something magical about the jagged peaks here that I haven't found anywhere else.'

Hart also couldn't stop gushing about the coast of Maine, as she revealed, 'Driving the coast of Maine is something everyone should do at least once, from Kennebunkport to Bar Harbor to Lubec.

'The coastline is dramatic, and the towns are quaint. And the lobster rolls [are amazing].'

She also said everyone should visit New Orleans in Louisiana, which she described as 'unlike anywhere else in the country.'

'It has a soul of its own and something new to find on every trip,' explained Hart.

Another hidden gem in the US, according to Hart, is Cumberland Island off the coast Georgia, which she said 'stole her heart.'

First on her list was Santa Fe in New Mexico, which she described as 'otherworldly.' She's seen in New Mexico

Next, she recommended Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming (seen), gushing, 'There is something magical about the jagged peaks here that I haven't found anywhere else'

Hart also couldn't stop gushing about the coast of Maine, as she said, 'Driving the coast of Maine is something everyone should do.' She's seen in Acadia National Park in Maine

But unfortunately, Hart explained that there were a few popular spots that didn't impress her.

'They all have something to offer depending on your travel style and values, but there are some places I am OK with visiting just once or twice, or for a short period, because I prefer to spend more time in areas outside the city,' she admitted.

Those places include beloved destinations like Los Angeles in California, Miami in Florida, and Las Vegas in Nevada.

'Las Vegas is fun for a short time or for a specific event. Otherwise, I'd rather explore the beautiful nature surrounding it, like Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock Canyon and even farther to Death Valley National Park or Grand Canyon National Park,' she said of the latter.

In addition, she listed Boston, Massachusetts, as a place she wasn't too fond of, explaining that there's so many 'quaint towns' in the area that she prefers.

Also on her list was Phoenix, Arizona, as she admitted that she likes the 'areas around the city much more, like Scottsdale, Sedona and Flagstaff.'

After discovering her passion for travel, Hart ultimately quit her job as a teacher and transitioned to full-time freelance content creation and writing.

She often documents her endeavors and shares travel tips on her Instagram, where she has racked up more than 185,000 followers.

She also said everyone should visit New Orleans in Louisiana, which she described as 'unlike anywhere else in the country.' She's seen in New Orleans

Another hidden gem, according to Hart, is Cumberland Island off the coast Georgia (seen), which she said 'stole her heart'

After discovering her passion for travel, Hart quit her job as a teacher and transitioned to full-time freelance content creation and writing. She's seen in Zion National Park Utah

Over the course of her adventures, she's uncovered a slew of hacks to save money while traveling.

She explained to the Daily Mail that 'booking well in advance and traveling during the off-season' are his biggest pieces of advice.

'Planning and research have saved me the most throughout the years. If you are left to find last-minute lodging or a rental car, you will ultimately pay a premium,' she dished.

She also recommended 'deciding on a daily budget in advance' so you know before you leave what's worth spending on and what's not, making decisions in the moment much easier.

'If I want to take myself out to a nicer dinner, then the rest of the day will have to be cheaper,' she said.

She also takes advantage of credit card points, hotel reward programs and airline miles, which she described as a 'game changer.'
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway is the latest royal to express her deepest condolences to Australia and the Jewish community over the Bondi Beach massacre.

The 21-year-old royal, who has been living and studying in Sydney since July, was shocked and saddened by the tragic terrorist attack.

'My thoughts go out to those who have lost. And especially to the Jewish community  both in Australia and back home in Norway,' she told Norwegian media outlet TV 2.

'Sydney is a city that I have grown to love very much, so it is strange and unthinkable that it happened exactly there.'

The royal has become a fixture in the harbour city since July after commencing a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Political Economy at the University of Sydney.

Throughout the first semester of her studies, Princess Ingrid Alexandra was regularly seen not just around campus and her student accommodation at St Andrew's College, but also out and about in Sydney.

The future Queen's wholehearted embrace of the local lifestyle has even seen her adopted by Aussies and affectionately referred to as the 'Sydney Princess'.

Princess Ingrid had already left Australia and returned to Norway before the Bondi tragedy. She departed Sydney in the first week of December once the university term ended and is spending Christmas at home with her family before returning to Australia to continue her studies.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway expressed her condolences over the tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. She is pictured here in Norway on December 16

The princess has been living and studying in Sydney since July. She returned home to Norway in the first week of December to spend the holidays with her family

Princess Ingrid Alexandra's condolence message was among a chorus of royals from around the world responding to the tragedy that claimed the lives of 16 people.

Denmark's Tasmanian-born Queen Mary and her husband King Frederik shared a heartfelt message to Australia following the Bondi Beach massacre - a place they have often visited on return trips to Mary's homeland.

'We and the people of Denmark are profoundly saddened by the tragic news of the terror attack at Bondi Beach,' Queen Mary and King Frederik said.

'We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all those affected, their loved ones, the people of Australia and the Jewish community.'

Bondi has long held a special place for the Danish royal family. The royal couple regularly visit the iconic spot with their children - Christian, Isabella, and twins Vincent and Josephine - during family holidays in Australia.

Queen Mary - formerly known as Mary Donaldson - spent 28 years of her life in Australia before moving to the Scandinavian nation and marrying Frederik at Copenhagen Cathedral in 2004.

Their condolences echoed those offered by the Prince and Princess of Wales, who said they stand with the Jewish community following the antisemitic attack.

'Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach,' Prince William and Princess Kate said.

Queen Mary and King Frederik have expressed their condolences to Australia and the Jewish community following the Bondi Beach massacre

The reigning Denmark royals shared an official statement expressing their condolences

'We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and stand with the Jewish community in grief.

'We are also thinking about the bravery of the emergency responders, particularly the two injured officers.'

King Charles and Queen Camilla also expressed their horror at the violence.

'My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach,' the King said.

'Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community.

'We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.

'In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia - and the light at the heart of the Chanukah Festival - will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.'

Australia's most iconic tourist destination was rocked by a mass shooting on Sunday, December 14 when two men stood on a pedestrian footbridge and opened fire into the crowd.

A makeshift memorial has been established by mourners at Bondi Beach in the aftermath of the tragic shooting that claimed at least 16 lives

Many had gathered at Bondi Beach to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Light, which police believe was the intended target of the massacre. Authorities have officially declared the shooting a terrorist attack.

At least sixteen people, including children, were killed after two gunmen armed with rifles opened fire at Bondi Beach during a Jewish holiday celebration at around 6.40pm on Sunday.

Witnesses said two men stepped out of a vehicle on Campbell Parade, near Bondi Pavilion, and opened fire, with footage showing blast after blast on the tourist strip. Some witnesses reported more than 30 shots.

Video and photos taken by a Daily Mail photographer show a gunman opening fire from an elevated bridge using a large rifle.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the public on Sunday night following a meeting of the National Security Committee.

'There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation,' he said.

'Let me be clear, we will eradicate it. Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity, where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith.

'At this dark moment for our nation, our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage. Our agencies will provide you with factual updates as quickly as possible as they continue to emerge.'
Jennifer Lawrence has had fans in hysterics after she appeared to troll Leonardo DiCaprio over his controversial dating history.

The 35-year-old A-list actress seemingly took a swipe at the Hollywood star, 51, during their candid Variety's Actors on Actors sit down chat.

In a clip that has since gone viral, Lawrence expressed how 'great' DiCaprio looked playing a father to a teenage daughter in his latest film role in One Battle After Another.

Many interpreted her comment to be a dig at DiCaprio's past romances with younger women.

'I really loved seeing you be a dad in One Battle After Another,' Lawrence said.

'I'm so sad that you don't have a teenage daughter. You look great with one.'

While DiCaprio didn't verbally respond to Lawrence's remark, he did let out a laugh.

Social media users were deeply amused by Lawrence's apparent shade and noted DiCaprio's awkward body language.

Leonardo DiCaprio fans noted he looked uncomfortable after Jennifer Lawrence seemingly made a dig at his divisive dating history

The duo starred alongside each other in Variety's Actors on Actors

On X, formerly known as Twitter, one said: 'She has trolling down to a professional art form holy s***.'

'It's insane how effortlessly she creates and throws shade,' observed another.

A third continued: 'She really is a professional rage baiter, I love her.'

Analyzing DiCaprio's response, another said: 'Chuckling with his lips pressed tightly together. She was stressing him bad.'

'This was a dig at him, and he absolutely knew it,' a fifth added.

A sixth wrote: 'I am so obsessed with her nonchalant delivery and the fear in his eyes when he comprehends where she's going with it.'

DiCaprio, who played Chase Infiniti's on-screen father in Paul Thomas Anderson's film One Battle After Another, has a reputation for dating much younger women, resulting in a fan theory that he has an 'under 25 rule' for his girlfriends.

The actor, however, has debunked this theory with his current romance with 27-year-old girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti.

DiCaprio played Chase Infiniti's on-screen father in Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another

Model Vittoria Ceretti has been dating Hollywood star DiCaprio since 2023

The couple are said to have met at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where his Martin Scorsese movie Killers of the Flower Moon was premiering.

Ceretti was previously married from 2020 until 2023 to the Italian DJ Matteo Milleri, who is part of the Berlin-based duo Tale of Us.

For years now, DiCaprio has found himself the butt of many a dating joke - as well as facing furious backlash over his apparent refusal to woo a woman who was over the age of 25.

In 2022, the actor split with Camila Morrone after five years of dating just weeks after she hit the 25 milestone.

He was then photographed with a bevy of young models, including 25-year-old Victoria Lamas and 19-year-old Eden Polani.

Ceretti is said to be 'quite different to the other girls' DiCaprio has dated.

Elsewhere in their Actors on Actors conversation, DiCaprio confessed to not seeing Titanic

Lawrence revealed she once watched her film American Hustle when she was drunk

'She was harder to impress, she's very Italian and has high expectations,' an insider told The Sun in October.

They added: 'Immediately she struck up a strong bond with his mother, plus she is very in demand  she's the one with the full diary and jet-set life, not just following him around.'

Elsewhere in his appearance on Variety's Actors on Actors, DiCaprio shocked fans by confessing that he has never rewatched Titanic.

The Oscar winner memorably portrayed starving artist Jack Dawson in James Cameron's 1997 romantic disaster epic, which amassed $2.264 billion from a $200 million budget and won 11 Academy Awards.

'I don't really watch my films, do you?' he asked Lawrence.

Lawrence quipped: 'No. I've never made something like Titanic, if I did I would watch it.

'Once I was really drunk, I put on American Hustle. I was like, "I wonder if I'm good at acting?" I put it on, and I don't remember what the answer is.'
The photographer behind Karoline Leavitt's controversial Vanity Fair shoot has broken his silence on the close-up snap.

Critics slammed the legacy publication for the 'unflattering' photos of President Donald Trump's staff, which were published on Tuesday alongside a bombshell tell-all profile on Chief of Staff Susie Wiles about Trump's first year in office.

In particular, an extreme close-up of White House Press Secretary Leavitt, 28, sparked immense scrutiny for the outlet, as many accused the publication of being negatively biased towards Trump's staff in comparison to profiles published about former President Joe Biden.

Now, photographer Christopher Anderson has defended his decision to publish the photo, explaining in a new interview with The Independent that he often takes close-up portraits.

'Very close-up portraiture has been a fixture in a lot of my work over the years,' he said.

'Particularly, political portraits that I've done over the years. I like the idea of penetrating the theater of politics.'

He also responded to rumors that he was trying to make Leavitt look bad.

'I know theres a lot to be made with, "Oh, he intentionally is trying to make people look bad," and that kind of thing  thats not the case,' he insisted.

The photographer behind Karoline Leavitt's controversial Vanity Fair shoot has broken his silence on the close-up snap. She's pictured earlier this month

Photographer Christopher Anderson (pictured in 2018) has defended the photo, insisting in a new interview with The Independent that he was not intentionally trying to make her look bad

'If you look at my photograph work, Ive done a lot of close-ups in the same style with people of all political stripes.'

Anderson also told the Washington Post that he did not edit the shot of Leavitt.

'I didnt put the injection sites on her. People seem to be shocked that I didnt use Photoshop to retouch out blemishes and her injection marks. I find it shocking that someone would expect me to retouch out those things,' he said.

'If presenting what I saw, unfiltered, is an attack, then what would you call it had I chosen to edit it and hide things about it, and make them look better than they look? And I would also repeat: This has been a fixture of my work for many years.

'Im surprised that a journalist would even need to ask me the question of "Why didnt I retouch out the blemishes?" Because if I had, that would be a lie. I would be hiding the truth of what I saw there.'

Anderson said he always goes into a shoot 'not with the mission of making someone look good or bad.'

'Whether anyone believes me or not, that is not what my objective is,' he added.

'I go in wanting to make an image that truthfully portrays what I witnessed at the moment that I had that encounter with the subject.'

Social media users jumped to Leavitt's defense after the unsettling close-up was published on Instagram. She's seen in September

He concluded: 'What can I say? Thats the makeup that she puts on, those are the injections she gave herself. If they show up in a photo, what do you want me to say?'

The article featured portraits of several senior White House officials. In addition to Leavitt and Wiles, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Deputy Chiefs of Staff James Blair and Dan Scavino, and Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller all participated in the shoot.

'It's clear that Vanity Fair intentionally photographed Karoline and the White House staff in bizarre ways, and deliberately edited the photos, to try to demean and embarrass them,' White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told the Daily Mail afterwards.

'Karoline is a beautiful person and truly one of the most incredible people you will meet in politics, and she is doing an extraordinary job serving the American people as the White House Press Secretary.'

Social media users jumped to Leavitt's defense after the unsettling close-up was published on Instagram, with some calling Vanity Fair 'liberal propaganda,' and a 'sorry excuse for journalism.'

'Reality distortion machine,' conservative commenter Benny Johnson posted to Instagram, with screengrabs of the images. 'Disgusting.'

'That is insane, she's gorgeous lol they had to work hard to make it look so unbelievable,' one user wrote.

'Karoline should take it as a compliment. They're clearly threatened by her,' declared someone else.

'They know she's stunning, and if she were on the other side, she'd be on the cover in a heartbeat. Love that she's living rent free in all their heads.'

Leavitt is seen on Tuesday, December 16

'The extreme close up shows everyone just how beautiful Karoline really is! I wish I looked that good up close,' gushed another.

'Typical liberal propaganda,' snarked one critic.

'Shameful Vanity Fair,' wrote someone else. 'Purposely creating flaws in a young professional woman simply because you don't agree with her political views talk about speaking out of both sides of your mouth.'

'Coming for a successful woman like this is so embarrassing,' said another user.

Another person slammed Vanity Fair for the coverage, responding to a post Wiles made on X, formerly Twitter, about the article writing: 'Why any conservative would think Vanity Fair would do a fair article is shocking. Of course, it will be negative with negative pictures, it is what they do.

'Now a staff member of Biden's or Obama's would be "icons, stars in Dem party."'

But on Vanity Fair's Instagram, many people mocked Leavitt, with one user asking: 'Why does she look 50?'

Another said: 'I am DECEASED! The way I would enter a state of mania if this kind of closeup was posted of me! This will live forever and I LOVE it!'

Others claimed they could see lip-filler injection marks around her mouth.

'Are those injection prick marks?' asked one reader, with another commenting: 'Genius. The injection marks really sing in this one!'

Viewers noticed Leavitt had a plumper pout (left) compared to 2017 (right) following an appearance on Fox News earlier this year

In September, a plastic surgeon weighed in on rumors surrounding Leavitt's pout, telling the Daily Mail that whatever work Leavitt has had is quite subtle so far, if she's even had any at all.

Dr. Jennifer Harrington even declared that the 28-year-old looked 'amazing' after viewing footage and photos of her.

'She does appear in this interview to have enhanced fullness of her upper and lower lips, and her skin is flawless,' said Harrington, the founder of Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

The Vanity Fair profile of Wiles generated a firestorm over her candid criticism of Trump, Vance, former 'First Buddy' Elon Musk and other members of the administration.

Wiles, 68, spoke with the publication over the course of the last year, likening Trump to her own late alcoholic father and legendary sportscaster Pat Summerall, noting the president has 'an alcoholic's personality.'

'The president operates [with] a view that there's nothing he can't do. Nothing, zero, nothing,' Wiles told journalist Chris Whipple.

Notably, Trump does not drink and has spoken about losing his older brother, Fred, to addiction and alcoholism.

The chief of staff also dished on Vice President Vance, noting his late MAGA conversion and early critiques of Trump. The VP, she added, has also been 'a conspiracy theorist for a decade.'

Trump told The New York Post he knew what Wiles was trying to say.

He told the paper: 'No, she meant that I'm - you see, I don't drink alcohol. So everybody knows that - but I've often said that if I did, I'd have a very good chance of being an alcoholic. I have said that many times about myself, I do. It's a very possessive personality.'

The photos were published on Tuesday alongside a bombshell tell-all profile on Chief of Staff Susie Wiles (seen on Wednesday) about Trump's first year in office

Wiles, 68, spoke with the publication over the course of the last year, likening Trump to her own late alcoholic father and legendary sportscaster Pat Summerall. Trump is seen this week

'I've said that many times myself. I'm fortunate I'm not a drinker,' Trump told The Post. 'If I did, I could very well, because I've said that - what's the word? Not possessive - possessive and addictive type personality. Oh, I've said it many times, many times before.'

Trump didn't respond to other portions of the two-part Vanity Fair series because he hadn't seen it.

'I didn't read it, but I don't read Vanity Fair - but she's done a fantastic job,' the President said of Wiles. 'I think from what I hear, the facts were wrong, and it was a very misguided interviewer, purposely misguided.'

Leavitt used a similar line when she quickly addressed the controversy Tuesday afternoon on the White House driveway.

'This is, unfortunately, another example of disingenuous reporting, where you have a reporter who took the chief of staff's words wildly out of context, did not include the context those conversations were had within and then further, I think the most egregious part of this article was the bias of omission that was clearly present,' the White House press secretary said.

She told reporters: 'You will leave out important context, leave out comments and facts.'
I remember the moment the nurse undid my bandages after my mastectomy with a horrible clarity. I looked down at my scarred body and felt like some kind of monster.

I had literally been chopped up and put back together again by Dr Frankenstein (with apologies to my surgeon for that analogy).

The operation had saved my life but my body suddenly felt like something 'other'  and not mine. The gruesome reality of having a breast removed is hard to imagine for anyone who has not had it done to them.

So actress Angelina Jolie's decision to show the scars of her mastectomy and the brutality of the treatment in a cover shoot for Time France is something I most certainly welcome. It may be 12 years since Angelina's preventative bilateral mastectomy  where both breasts are removed  but her name is still shorthand for understanding our own cancer risk and taking action.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, at the age of 40, my surgeon suggested that, in light of a family history of the disease (my nan died of breast cancer and my aunt died of ovarian cancer), I should be screened for genetic mutations 'like Angelina Jolie', who inherited the mutated BRCA1 gene from her mother.

In her Time interview, she talked about her mother, who died of complications from breast and ovarian cancer in 2007, and said she feared cancer 'had become her whole identity'.

I know what she means. The way that cancer attacks and metastasises throughout a person's identity is almost as merciless as what happens inside our body. Although true of all cancers, this feels particularly pertinent for breast cancer, because of how it impacts the parts that define our femininity.

Actress Angelina Jolie on the cover of Time magazine, in which said she feared cancer 'had become her whole identity'

The way that cancer attacks and metastasises throughout a person's identity is almost as merciless as what happens inside our body

Not only did cancer take my right breast but chemotherapy took my fertility and (temporarily at least) my hair. I was already the mother of two children, aged six and three at the time of my diagnosis, but cancer took away any possibility of a third.

The type of surgery Angelina had meant she could keep her nipples, whereas my right nipple (too cancer-adjacent to preserve) was removed and chopped up for pathology along with the rest of my breast tissue. I saw the report afterwards, systematically logging the cancer status of every slice of my poor breast.

While Angelina had implants, I had a type of surgery called a DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator) flap, where flesh from my abdomen was used to reconstruct my breast.

This has upsides  the breast is my own tissue so won't need replacing as an implant might  and downsides. It's major surgery. The operation took ten hours and required a long recovery time.

The fact that surgeons can perform this complex procedure, which involves cutting up and reconnecting tiny blood vessels like some kind of 'flesh electricians', blows my mind.

I'm extremely grateful to have received this treatment  for free on the NHS  something that's not available to many women around the world. (It certainly wasn't available to my nan who, after her first mastectomy in the 1950s, was given a bean bag to pop in one side of her bra.)

But having included that disclaimer  and with gratitude to the doctors who saved my life aside  I can tell you the surgery left me discombobulated.

With my hair in tufts from chemo, and symptoms of dread overwhelming me due to the menopause I had crashed into also due to the chemo, I looked at my scarred body and felt distraught.

I had survived, but what next?

My breasts have been on a complicated journey. The first girl in my class to need a bra, I hated the sudden attention from boys. But as I grew into a woman, I started to enjoy how my silhouette made me feel sexy. In my 30s came children, and the mangled feelings around breastfeeding.

By my 40th birthday, I was at peace with my body, feeling confident as I emerged from the fog of early parenthood. I had a cool, fun job as a journalist, and had taken up running and online yoga classes during the pandemic, so I was the fittest I'd been in years.

Just a few months later, cancer treatment and surgery left me a shell of my former self.

How I looked was a big part of it, but still only part of it. My identity had tilted on its axis.

Ms Jolie inherited the mutated BRCA1 gene from her mother, who died of complications from breast and ovarian cancer in 2007

Cancer treatment and surgery left me a shell of my former self. How I looked was a big part of it, but still only part of it. My identity had tilted on its axis.

Other people are keen for us to move on after treatment. Friends and family will say we 'look so well' and express delight that we're 'out the other side'. But the scars healing on our body tell only one side of the story. They cannot see recovery involves rebuilding the fabric of who we are.

Now, it's nearly five years since my own diagnosis. Unlike Angelina, my genetic screening came back clear, showing I was not a carrier of a mutation that put me at a higher risk, so my surgeon advised me to have only the right breast removed, and to 'keep an eye' on the left.

I have mixed feelings about this. I'm happy to still have my left breast, with sensation in the nipple reminding me of what I miss in my right. But, thanks to my family history, and the fact I was diagnosed comparatively young, my risk of cancer in the other breast is higher than for the average person.

I know others in the same situation who chose to have bilateral surgery as a preventative measure, despite not having the mutation. If I could go back, should I have done the same? Maybe. Part of me feels as though my left breast is a ticking time-bomb, which could plunge me back into the scary world of chemotherapy and surgery at any point.

The surgeons did a great job, but the fact is that now only one of my breasts is my own while the other is a lump of abdominal tissue with an areola tattooed on where my nipple should be.

Inevitably, I'm not as confident about being naked as I once was. However, slowly it's getting better. For the first couple of years after my mastectomy, I would do a dance with a towel in the gym changing room to avoid traumatising other gym-goers with my (in my mind) mutilated body.

Now, I'm more relaxed. My body isn't perfect but I'm lucky to still have it. Because, thanks to science and surgeons, life goes on. And what would be the point in surviving if only to live a life of dissatisfaction?

I can't get back the pre-cancer me with two great breasts, functioning ovaries and a breezy ingratitude for my amazing head of hair. But I can build a new version of me, more resilient and empathetic, with little inclination to wallow in yearning for my old life.

This didn't happen overnight, of course. It took time, patience and a great deal of therapy. I went from feeling as though I was being suffocated by my identity as a cancer patient, to rejecting it entirely and trying to pretend it had never happened, to finally accepting that it's part of who I am  just not all of who I am.

'Illness and pain are part of our existence, but what matters is how we face them,' Angelina told Time. 'What helps us get through these moments is life itself.'

Like Angelina, my scars represent survival. And the new version of me chooses to live fully, not fearfully.
What has been your experience of paying for care? money@mailonsunday.co.uk

Thousands of families are being wrongly and unfairly denied Government funding for their loved ones nursing care because of flaws in a system meant to help those with dementia.

The NHS offers full funding for people requiring continuing healthcare with complex care needs. This includes the entire cost of a care home or home carer visits, which can run into thousands of pounds a week  and it is not means tested.

But applicants face a postcode lottery, with many missing out on tens of thousands of pounds due to incorrect assessments over dementia cases, warns Rachel Hutchings of healthcare thinktank the Nuffield Trust.

Despite the criteria being set out nationally, differing interpretations have meant that similar cases receive different funding depending on the regional health body.

Official records reveal that 83 per cent of all cases assessed this summer were rejected.

Many families are being left to shoulder the eyewatering costs of nursing care, often by selling their loved ones home, without any support because of a flawed, complex assessment process.

The Mail on Sunday and Daily Mail have launched a drive to defeat dementia after shocking statistics showed the disease is still the UKs biggest killer, accounting for one in nine deaths and claiming 76,000 lives each year.

This newspapers Defeating Dementia campaign, in association with the charity Alzheimers Society, aims to raise awareness of the disease, increase early diagnosis, boost research and improve care.

Applicants for healthcare funding face a postcode lottery, with many missing out on tens of thousands of pounds due to incorrect assessments over dementia cases, warns Rachel Hutchings of healthcare thinktank the Nuffield Trust

Families of dementia patients are now being urged to put in applications for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding (also known as CHC)  and many are eligible to apply for the money even after their relatives death.

The call comes after a recent report highlighted a terrifying problem with applications for the funding. Ms Hutchings says: Access to this vital funding is unfair and inconsistent. CHC is a window into the stark divide in our system between care that is funded by the NHS and care that isnt, and it exposes yet more flaws with our wider social care system.

Wealth & Personal Finance has spoken to top lawyers who specialise in winning funding back for families who have been unfairly rejected.

Here are their top tips for securing thousands of pounds in funding for your loved ones  along with the exact words you need to include on the documents.

Everyone experiences dementia differently. Use this checklist to help you make a note of your symptoms before you talk to your GP. Symptom Checklist

WHY THEYRE MISSING OUT

Many families whose loved ones have dementia are often not told about the existence of the funding for care that would help, experts warn, while those who apply often find their applications are rejected.

Many people who are not eligible for the funding at the time that they enter a care home may become eligible later as the disease progresses. But care homes often dont tell families when to apply because they receive less money for NHS-funded beds, says lawyer Lisa Morgan from Hugh James solicitors.

Based in Cardiff, Ms Morgan helps families to appeal their unsuccessful CHC assessments.

She says that families whose loved ones have dementia are particularly likely to have their applications for funding turned down because symptoms of the disease are wrongly classified as a social need rather than a health need, which would make them eligible for CHC.

Ms Morgan says: The majority of our clients suffer with dementia, and the majority of people in care homes have dementia.

Continuing healthcare is not about the diagnosis of an illness, it is about the needs you have as a result of that illness. It is also not about the type of care home someone is in. There are some good care homes out there that will advise families, but some receive a contract rate from the NHS that is less than from private patients, and that can be a reason why they might not support families.

WHEN TO APPLY

Dont wait to be told by a care home that your family member may be eligible for funding.

You can apply for CHC as soon as your relative requires care, if you believe they fit the description given by the NHS.

A dementia diagnosis alone is not enough to guarantee you will receive funding. The key requirement is that the patients primary need for care must be for health reasons, not for social or personal care reasons.

But this is where it gets tricky for dementia patients in particular, as it is typically classed as a social care need  not a healthcare need.

Health needs typically focus on treating an illness, while social needs relate, for example, to needing help to get dressed, maintain physical hygiene or prepare food.

In short, healthcare heals, while social care sustains.

Assessors will look at the nature and intensity of your relatives needs, as well as the complexity and unpredictability, before making a decision.

In most cases, youll start with an initial checklist assessment with a healthcare team, where they run through a list of questions before referring you on for more checks.

Health needs typically focus on treating an illness, while social needs relate, for example, to needing help to get dressed, maintain physical hygiene or prepare food

However, if your family member is nearing the end of their life, you can apply for a fast track assessment to cut out a step.

Medical professionals fill in the 24-page checklist, answering questions on a scale of A, B or C.

For example, when scoring a patients mobility, they are required to score C if they are independently mobile, B if they are not able to consistently weight-bear or if they are in one position (bed or chair) for most of the time but are able to co-operate with carers, and A if they are completely unable to weight-bear, assist or co-operate.

The application will progress to a full assessment when two or more domains receive an A score.

Youll need to apply through the local Integrated Care Board, but theres a national organisation to help you with the process and to help you find the right forms.

Visit Beacon at beaconchc.co.uk for independent advice on how to get started with the application, or call 0345 548 0300. Beacon is funded by NHS England, so you wont have to pay for up to 90 minutes of free advice, although it does charge for other services.

A STRONG APPLICATION

Ms Morgan says that using the right wording and collecting the right evidence is crucial in putting together a strong CHC application.

She says: I always advise families to think about what their version of a bad day is, when writing about their mum or dad. Because those days happen.

She adds that advisers will consider evidence from care homes, GPs, social workers and family when deciding whether to award the money.

Jot things down, speak to the care home, ensure that the records are correct, she advises. These count as evidence for what the individuals care needs are. Its important that they give an accurate reflection of that persons health needs.

A dementia diagnosis alone is not enough to guarantee you will receive funding. The key requirement is that the patients primary need for care must be for health reasons, not for social or personal care reasons

She recommends using the same vocabulary that can be found in the Decision Support Tool, which the healthcare team will use to make its decision. You can find it at beaconchc.co.uk/decision-support.

Use the wordings, she says. We are looking to see whether someones needs are unpredictable, whether theyre challenging, whether theyre very intense.

Those are the type of words that were all looking to use to determine when were trying to demonstrate someone is eligible.

Download the checklist sheet to see the wording used in A answers that suggest a patient needs funding. You can find it at gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-continuing-healthcare-checklist.

IF YOURE TURNED DOWN

Most CHC applications are initially rejected. The recent Nuffield report says only 18.6 per cent of those who apply for non-fast-track CHC receive the benefit straight away  a percentage that has fallen from 31 per cent in 2017.

Charities such as Age Concern and Alzheimers Society warn it is likely that hundreds of thousands of people are now being wrongly rejected for CHC.

Lauren Pates at Alzheimers Society says families often arent even aware that the funding is available. If they are, she says, they tell us the process is long, the criteria are complicated and the threshold for award is high.

There are regional variations, too. According to Nuffield those in some parts of the country are six times as likely to get the benefit than others, suggesting many people are being assessed incorrectly.

In some cases, if you are assessed as ineligible, you may still be awarded Nursing Care, a smaller benefit for those who dont qualify for the full package. A total of 80,896 people were eligible for NHS-funded nursing care this year, according to official figures.

Whether you receive this or not, you should still appeal for the full amount if you believe you have a case. But dont miss the deadline. You have six months from the date of your initial assessment being turned down to appeal.

If your first stage appeal  which is to the local board  fails, you then have a further six months to apply to NHS England for another appeal. Those in Wales have a shorter, 28-day limit.

If both fail, you can apply to the Parliamentary And Health Service Ombudsman for a review, or take the NHS to court  although this is a costly process.

You dont have to pay to appeal, but you may increase your chance of success by seeking help from an expert.

About 20 per cent of appeals are successful when done without help, while some specialist lawyers claim a success rate of 70 per cent or even higher.

Some lawyers offer a no win no fee service, but take a percentage of your award.

There is also a list of free advocacy services on the Parliamentary Ombudsman website at ombudsman.org.uk/making-complaint/getting-advice-and-support.

COMMON  BUT WRONG  REASONS FOR REJECTION

When deciding to appeal, look out for these reasons why your claim was rejected.

Their needs are well managed

Well-managed needs are still needs, Ms Morgan says, and you can challenge this point.

The relative is in the wrong type of nursing home

It doesnt matter if the home is a specialist home or standard home  funding is not about the setting.

Funding is removed without a change in circumstances

In some cases, funding is awarded and later removed. If there has been no improvement in circumstances for that patient, this should be appealed.

Last year, more than 900 fast-track patients had their funding withdrawn within six months.

HAVE I MISSED THE BOAT?

If you think your relative missed out on CHC in the past, it isnt too late to apply for it  even if they have died.

Ms Morgan says you can apply for CHC backdated as far as April 2012.

A retrospective assessment is made on the basis of the records completed at the time, she says. So you can get copies of care home records, GP records, hospital records and social services records, then build a picture of what the individuals needs were.

But, she warns: They only retain records for a certain period,  typically eight years.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I GET?

If your relative is awarded CHC, theres no upper limit on what you may receive.

In some cases, families have received hundreds of thousands of pounds in backdated funding.

If your relative is awarded NHS-funded nursing care instead, theres a flat rate of 254.06 a week. Retrospective claims will be paid back to April 1, 2012.

According to Age UK, the average cost of a nursing home is 1,267 a week, so over a five-year stay, CHC could be worth 330,000.

I SOLD OUR HOME - NOW WE'RE GETTING UP TO 200,000 BACK

Forced to sell up: Lorraine Campbell Lorraine Campbell, 56, was forced to sell the home she used to share with her mother Valerie in 2019 to pay for the care home bills, after her Mum moved when she was diagnosed with advanced dementia. The home cost 1,500 a week, or 78,000 a year, and Valerie was there from November 1, 2019, until her death in January 2022 at the age of 81. Despite her problems, which included behavioural distress and failure to eat and drink without prompting, nobody suggested that Lorraine or her mother should apply for funding. It was only after her death three years ago that solicitor Hugh James helped her to apply for the benefit, which was finally awarded last week. Once proof of the care home fees paid has been sent to the health board, Lorraine will be reimbursed for the care fees plus RPI interest for the period  an amount that could be over 200,000. Its just a minefield and other people should be aware, Lorraine, a former prison officer from Manchester, says. If Id known about CHC we wouldnt have had to sell the house where we had both been living. Lorraine was advised to sell after appointing a different solicitor to advocate for her mother, who was demonstrating irrational behaviour due to her dementia. As well as the care home fees, money from the house went to pay the solicitors costs. Lorraine, who lives with her son Ashley, 32, who works in retail, says that although shes pleased to get the care costs back, nobody should have to go through the emotional distress she has to pay for care. I was made redundant at the same time, and we had to move miles from everyone. Its been a living nightmare. Things just seemed to start spiralling and get out of control.
Britain has been left isolated over its aggressive plan to sell only electric cars by 2035 after the EU rolled back its own target.

The UK is completely out of line, says David Bailey, a car industry expert and professor at Birmingham Business School, who added: Theres no other country with a significant auto industry that has set such an aggressive target.

And the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), an industry body, said Britain must weigh up the global context.

In Brussels, officials propose to water down a goal to cut emissions from new cars by 100 per cent from 2021 levels  to equal zero  by 2035. The target will now be 90 per cent.

UK rules mean the electric vehicle share of the market must be 80 per cent by 2030. From then, the sale of new petrol- or diesel-only cars will be banned.

Bailey said: Given the average life of a car being 15 years, allowing ICE [internal combustion engine] cars up to 2035 would get us to net zero by 2050 in good shape and help the industry make the transition.

Hard targets: The EU is planning to water down its goal to cut emissions from new cars by 100% from 2021 levels  to equal zero  by 2035

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: What happens in Europe matters to the UK. Permitting a greater range of technologies beyond 2035 gives Europe increased flexibility to manage a sustainable transition  without compromising its ambition.

Industry minister Chris McDonald has told the Financial Times that the Government will review its targets.

Pay-per-mile backlash A senior carmaker has urged Rachel Reeves to water down plans for a pay-per-mile tax on electric vehicles (EVs). In last months Budget, the Chancellor announced plans for an electric vehicle excise duty of 3p per mile on fully electric cars and 1.5p per mile on hybrids. Massimiliano Messina, the European boss of Nissan, said it would hit demand for EVs and slow the green transition. It is a bit strange to see an EV tax when we want to transform the country from petrol to electrification, he said. If you tax something, you are less inclined to buy and probably you stick with a product for the time being.
Diageo has agreed to sell its Kenyan business to Japanese group Asahi in a 2.3billion deal as the Guinness maker steps up efforts to cut debt amid weakening global alcohol demand.

The London-listed drinks giant will offload its 65 per cent stake in East African Breweries, the dominant player in Kenyas drinks market, as it sells off non-strategic, non-core assets.

It comes as former Tesco boss Dave Lewis is set to join as chief executive in January. Known as Drastic Dave for his ability to turn around businesses, Lewis will confront historically low industry valuations amid falling demand among young people and US tariffs on imports.

The transaction with Asahi is expected to reduce Diageos debt, interim chief executive Nik Jhangiani said.

The company has been steadily offloading its African beer operations. The group sold its Ethiopia and Cameroon businesses in 2022, Nigeria in 2024, and Ghana this year.

Diageo will maintain farming operations for certain premium spirits in Africa as it focuses on the likes of Johnnie Walker, Baileys and Tanqueray gin.
BP chief executive Murray Auchincloss has stepped down after less than two years in charge of the oil giant, following pressure from activist investors.

Auchincloss has been under pressure from US hedge fund Elliott Management to step up performance, slash costs, boost shareholder payouts and slim down BP's debt pile.

It follows a turbulent period for BP following the departure of Auchincloss's predecessor Bernard Looney and chairman Helge Lund, both of whom have spearheaded an intense green energy push the group is now working to reverse.

The FTSE 100 firm told shareholders on Thursday Auchincloss would step down from his role and the board with immediate effect, as it revealed his planned replacement.

Woodside Energy boss Meg O'Neill will become BP's first female chief executive when she joins in April.

Oil and gas research analyst at Panmure Liberum Ashley Kelty said: 'Auchinloss was one of the chief architects of the disastrous pivot towards low margin renewables that BP undertook under disgraced former CEO Bernard Looney.

'His uninspired leadership has seen BP underperform peers for a number of years.

'Its not clear whether the move is down to pressure from activist investor Elliott or Chairman Bert Manifold making moves to sort out the business, but we would imagine that investors will be thrilled to see the end of the woke management ethos that has prevailed under Auchinloss

'We would hope that BP will now return to focussing on its core O&G business and could see a return to growth.'

Murray Auchincloss departs BP after less than two years in the top job

Carol Howle, current executive vice president of supply, trading and shipping at BP, will serve as interim CEO and Auchincloss will stay on as an adviser in an advisory role until December next year.

Auchincloss said in a statement: 'After more than three decades with BP, now is the right time to hand the reins to a new leader.

'When Albert [Manifold] became chair, I expressed my openness to step down were an appropriate leader identified who could accelerate delivery of bp's strategy.'

Incoming CEO O'Neill has served as CEO of Woodside - the largest energy company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange - since 2021.

Prior to joining Woodside, she spent 23 years at ExxonMobil in technical, operational and leadership positions around the world.

Manifold, whose own appointment faced some pushback from shareholders, said O'Neill's 'proven track record of driving transformation, growth, and disciplined capital allocation makes her the right leader'.

He added: 'Her relentless focus on business improvement and financial discipline gives us high confidence in her ability to shape this great company for its next phase of growth and pursue significant strategic and financial opportunities.

'Following a comprehensive succession planning process, the board believes this transition creates an opportunity to accelerate our strategic vision to become a simpler, leaner, and more profitable company.'

O'Neill said: 'BP plays a critical role in delivering energy to customers around the world.

'With an extraordinary portfolio of assets, bp has significant potential to reestablish market leadership and grow shareholder value.'

BP shares dipped 0.3 per cent to 424.25p in early trading. They have added 5.5 per cent since the start of the year.
Former Chancellor George Osborne has landed a role with US cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, which is seeking to expand its influence over UK policymaking.

Osborne, who initially joined Coinbase as an adviser in January last year, will now lead the exchanges internal advisory council.

The appointment adds yet another job to Osbornes already lengthy CV, having just this week been hired by tech pioneer OpenAI to lead the ChatGPT-makers work building democratic artificial intelligence for the world.

Osbornes other jobs currently include chair of the British Museum and podcast host with ex-Labour minister Ed Balls.

He has also previously served as editor of the Evening Standard and as an adviser to asset management giant BlackRock.

Chief policy officer at Coinbase Faryar Shirzad told the Reuters news agency the group wants to increase its influence on policy-making outside the US, including in Britain and the EU.

Former Chancellor George Osborne to lead Coinbase's internal advisory council

The crypto industry collectively donated more than $245million to pro-crypto candidates in the US Presidential Election last year, according to official data.

And, since the election, the US government and regulators have been active in supporting the sector, with new legislation to facilitate the use of stablecoins and dropping lawsuits against Coinbase and other firms.

Osborne will play a much more active role in helping us with policymakers around the world, Shirzad said.

In the UK, the group wants to promote stablecoin payments and so-called tokenised assets in capital markets, as well as clarity on tax, Shirzad said.

Osborne, who will be based in London, said in a statement: Chairing the Global Advisory Council will give me more opportunity to learn about the revolution that blockchain, stablecoins and tokenisation are bringing to our financial system.
The boss of Currys has warned of a muted consumer environment ahead of the key Christmas trading period as higher taxes pile pressure on the business and shoppers.

Chief executive Alex Baldock said he was concerned that UK consumers already high tax burden has increased further following Labours Budget last month.

We're not counting on any improvement in the UK consumer outlook, confidence or spending, looking forward, he said.

And the group is facing a double whammy as it also must deal with more unhelpful cost headwinds, including higher wages, Baldock added.

The group has been weighed down by the increases in national living wage and national Insurance costs from last years government budget', he said.

If it wasn't for these taxes, profits would have been up twice as high in the UK', for the six months to 1 November 1, Baldock claimed.

Alex Baldock is among the retail bosses to say Labour's taxes are suppressing investment

And he warned that aspects of the employment rights bill would make some jobs in the retail industry unviable.

Baldock said: The harder, riskier and more expensive you make it to employ people, the fewer people will be employed.

Retail chiefs, including Next boss Simon Wolfson have already argued that the new rules - which will see workers offered a certain number of guaranteed hours - are not fit for industries reliant on seasonal and temporary work.

Baldock cited analysis from the Retail Jobs Alliance - which also includes major employers Tesco and M&S - which claims the total Government measures will see a reduction in 300,000 retail jobs over the next three years.

Despite the gloom, sales hit 4.2billion over the period, 4 per cent higher than the same timeframe last year, while profits more than doubled to 22million.

Currys shares soared 10.5 per cent to 139.9 per cent by late morning, having added almost 50 per cent since the start of the year.

Baldock said he expects AI technology and electronic beauty products to be bestsellers this Christmas.

Julie Palmer, managing partner at Begbies Traynor, said: With shoppers tightening their belts, retailers like Currys who provide value and quality along with positive online and instore experience will be able to take the share of sales and loyalty from customers when they do decide to spend.

However, even Currys hasnt been completely immune from the impact of rising colleague and operating costs, though its efforts to drive sales and increase margins will mean it should continue absorbing increases announced in the Budget. Rising rates, minimum wage, and the calling in of unpaid taxes are unlikely to compute with smaller players meaning we may see more shops who cannot afford to adapt shutting down for good.
She is Big Oils first female chief executive, the first outsider to take charge of BP in its 116-year history, and one of the few openly gay leaders in the energy industry.

And now Meg ONeill has the task of reviving one of Britains biggest companies.

It is going to be a huge job, was the verdict of Neil Beveridge, managing director of research at Bernstein.

Donald Trumps mantra is drill, baby, drill.

BP, it seems, now agrees.

After an ill-fated push into green energy under former chief executive Bernard Looney and ex-chairman Helge Lund, ONeill arrives with a firm belief that natural gas is a long-term necessity.

While the outgoing Murray Auchincloss began the pivot back to oil and gas, he was at Looneys side when the initial change of direction took place.

Meg O'Neill is the most powerful woman in the oil and gas inds

There is likely to be no such flip-flopping under ONeill, a former ExxonMobil executive who lives in Perth in Australia with her wife Vicky Hayes and teenage daughter.

As chief executive of Woodside Energy, which she joined as chief operating officer in 2018 before taking the top job in 2021, she oversaw the 20bn acquisition of BHPs petroleum assets.

Woodside doubled oil and gas output on her watch, becoming a top ten global energy company and gas powerhouse, while shelving green projects that did not pass muster.

Speaking to executives at the Melbourne Mining Club in February, the 55-year-old declared: We should prioritise measures that deliver the biggest bang for buck.

The following month, she told Bloomberg TV: Many nations have aspirations to grow renewables. Theyre going to need more gas to partner with those renewables.

Maurizio Carulli, global energy analyst at Quilter Cheviot, said: The appointment signals a clear pivot back to upstream oil and gas. Her track record, including Woodsides acquisition of BHPs oil division, suggests a sharper focus on LNG and international growth.

ONeill has, however, attracted criticism from environmentalists while her leadership of Woodside has been questioned in some quarters.

Woodside shares have flatlined over the past five years at a time when even struggling BP has seen a more than 50pc rise. ExxonMobils share price, meanwhile, has almost tripled.

While BP has chronically underperformed the sector, Woodside has chronically underperformed BP, Brynn OBrien, executive director of the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility, told Bloomberg. ONeill is a curious choice in that context. Under her leadership, Woodside has pursued high-cost, marginal fossil-fuel projects without delivering strong shareholder returns.

Paul Gooden, natural resources portfolio manager at Ninety One, added: We suspect that chairman Albert Manifold was encountering resistance to change within BP, the appointment of an external chief executive will help to remove some of those internal barriers.

Meg O'Neill's experience, particularly her 23 years at Exxon, should mean she brings a renewed focus on execution and capital allocation, areas where BP has underperformed in recent years.

However, there are no silver bullets, fixing BP's over leveraged balance sheet won't be easy, and Woodside's shares underperformed peers during Meg's tenure as chief executive.
BP has appointed the first female chief executive in its 116-year history after the shock departure of its boss following pressure from activist investors.

Oil and gas veteran Meg ONeill will take over in April as the FTSE 100 giant further distances itself from its disastrous foray into green energy and doubles down on fossil fuels.

Analysts said the appointment of the former ExxonMobil executive brings an end to the woke management ethos that has hampered BP.

ONeill, who doubled oil and gas output in her current role as chief executive of Australian firm Woodside Energy, will replace Murray Auchincloss after he abruptly quit yesterday less than two years into the job.

As well as being the companys first female chief executive, which makes her the most powerful woman in the oil and gas industry, she is also its first external appointment.

Auchincloss has been under pressure from US hedge fund Elliott Management to step up performance, slash costs, boost shareholder returns and slim down BPs debt pile.

Oil change: BP has been under pressure from activist investors after what is widely seen as a disastrous foray into green energy

The shake-up comes just two years after chief executive Bernard Looney quit in disgrace after a scandal over past relationships with colleagues.

He was followed out the door by the chairman, Helge Lund, this year who, along with Looney and then, finance director Auchincloss spearheaded BPs ill-fated push into renewables.

Although Auchincloss had performed a U-turn after taking over from Looney, pivoting back towards oil and gas, analysts suggested progress may not have been fast enough for Elliott or new chairman Albert Manifold.

Ashley Kelty, oil and gas research analyst at Panmure Liberum, said: Auchincloss was one of the chief architects of the disastrous pivot towards low-margin renewables. His uninspired leadership has seen BP underperform peers.

We would imagine investors will be thrilled to see the end of the woke management ethos that has prevailed. We would hope BP will now return to focusing on its core oil and gas business and could see a return to growth.

Carol Howle, executive vice-president of supply, trading and shipping at BP, will be interim chief until ONeill arrives.

Auchincloss said: After more than three decades with BP, now is the right time to hand the reins to a new leader. When Albert became chair, I expressed my openness to step down were an appropriate leader identified who could accelerate delivery of BPs strategy.

Some analysts were sceptical of ONeills appointment, however, pointing out that Woodside shares have fared even worse than BPs over the past five years.

Paul Gooden, natural resources portfolio manager at Ninety One, said: We suspect that Albert Manifold was encountering resistance to change within BP. The appointment of an external chief executive will help to remove some of those barriers.

However, there are no silver bullets; fixing BPs over-leveraged balance sheet wont be easy, and Woodsides shares underperformed peers during Megs tenure as chief executive.
Republican power brokers had quietly mapped out a MAGA succession plan that would eventually put Charlie Kirk in the Oval Office, a confidante of Donald Trump and Kirk has revealed to the Daily Mail.

Until the plan was thwarted by Kirk's September assassination, JD Vance was slated to run in 2028 with Kirk as his vice president, and, according to Turning Point USA board member Mike Miller, party leaders envisioned Kirk taking over as president eight years later and grooming Donald Trump Jr to become his VP.

'The whole gig was, it was going to be JD Vance and Charlie for the eight years after Trump, and the next eight years after that it was going to be Charlie and probably Don Jr,' Miller said in an exclusive interview.

'But I'm not going to go into private conversations about that,' he added.

'JD Vance is a very capable and competent man. Charlie introduced him to Trump.'

The idea of Kirk - who died age 31 - on a presidential ticket was at the front of the Trump family's minds soon after they were introduced to him.

In an interview on Megyn Kelly's podcast the day after Kirk's assassination, Don Jr described his early impressions of Kirk after meeting in 2016, saying: 'This kid's brilliant. This kid could be president himself one day.'

Vance also spoke about his closeness to Kirk in a social media post following his death.

A bold MAGA succession plan involving JD Vance running for President in 2028 with Charlie Kirk as his VP was in the works when he was assassinated, a Turning Point USA source told the Daily Mail

The next phase of that place, according to the source, would have Kirk in the Oval Office eight years later with Donald Trump Jr as his VP

'Charlie was a true friend,' the VP wrote on X on September 10. 'The kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him.

'Charlie was constantly calling and texting, checking on our family and offering guidance and prayers.'

Turning Point USA board member Mike Miller told the Daily Mail that he wouldn't go into private conversations about those plans, but confirmed the plan was born shortly after the Trump family was introduced to Kirk

Vance wrote that Kirk was instrumental in his becoming Trump's successful running mate.

'Charlie was one of the first people I called when I thought about running for senate in early 2021,' he said. 'Don took a call from me because Charlie asked him to.

'He didn't just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government.'

Miller, 77, who has been friends with Trump for years, said that even without Kirk, Vance still had his backing for 2028.

In an emotional interview, the Illinois-based TPUSA board member described Kirk as a surrogate son, and that he was a father figure for the young nonprofit founder.

'I talked to him every day of his life, from a week after he graduated high school until he was shot. He was like a son to me,' said Miller.

Don Jr confirmed on a podcast with Megyn Kelly that Kirk was 'brilliant' and saw the possibility of him reaching the heights of the Oval Office as possible

Miller said Kirk helped shape the MAGA lineage by introducing Vance to Trump, and Don Jr credited him not only with their 2024 presidential win but also with 'staffing the entire government'

Miller, 77, said Kirk also found a mother figure in Lori Frantzve, his wife Erika's single mom

'If you had a son who was the light on earth for you, and somebody killed them, that's how it's affected me,' he added, his voice breaking and tears flowing.

'If I could have just taken a bullet for him, I would have been thrilled.'

Miller said that Kirk performed the ceremony for his wedding and recalled a conversation with Kirk's father Robert acknowledging his parental role in the late 31-year-old's life.

'His own natural father said to me 'He really was your son'. I think I recognized Charlie's talents many years ahead of his father,' Miller said.

'Sometimes, your folks are just there, and you don't have the same relationship with them.'

'My dad always said to me, if you see someone with exceptional talents who just needs some backing, there's no better money spent. It comes back to you a million times, and it comes back to the country.

'At times, especially when he was first getting started, he wasn't sure which direction to turn and what to do, and I was always there for him giving the best guidance I could.'

Miller said that he was the one to introduce Kirk to Trump in 2015.

Kirk was raised in the affluent Chicago suburb of Prospect Heights by his parents, Kathryn (left), 68, a mental health counselor, and his father Robert (center), 73, an architect - both political moderates, according to The Guardian

President Donald Trump hugged Erika at the end of the memorial after she gave an emotional speech where she declared to the crowd that she forgave Kirk's alleged killer, Tyler Robinson

'Trump already knew who Charlie was, but hadn't met him yet,' he said. 'Charlie and Trump got to be very good friends.'

Miller, who runs a jewelry business in Illinois, said Kirk also found a mother figure in Lori Frantzve, his wife Erika's single mom.

'She was like a surrogate mother. She is a tremendous lady, he was very close with her,' Miller said.

Kirk's parents raised him in the affluent Chicago suburb of Prospect Heights. His mother Kathryn, 68, was a mental health counselor and his father, 73, an architect, both political moderates according to the Guardian.

Miller poured praise on Kirk, saying he was 'the brightest man I've ever met.'

'Charlie was honest and straightforward and did nothing but good for people. He didn't have a mean bone in his body. He was a true Christian,' he said.

'He was not one of these bulls**t religious people. Not one of these whacko bible-pounders.

'People listened to this man. They knew he was not a charlatan.'

In a speech after Kirk's death, Erika said she forgave alleged shooter Tyler Robinson. Miller said he couldn't.

'Because of my relationship with Charlie, I'm proud that Erika can forgive him. I don't think I can. Not something this heinous,' he said.
Tiny toddler Amillio Gutierrez was rushed inside the ER, pale, with blue lips, blue feet, unconscious, no pulse, and not breathing.

A nurse who desperately fought to save his life measured his body temperature at 107F - the highest she had ever seen.

Amillio, just one year old, had been left in a hot car for more than two hours while his mother, Maya Hernandez, 20, was getting lip fillers at a spa 127ft away.

Paramedics found him foaming at the mouth and convulsing when they arrived at the scene in Bakersfield, California, on June 29 and he was dead within hours.

His two-year-old brother Mateo was only saved when staff plucked him from the 2022 Toyota Corolla hybrid, rushed him inside, and doused him in cold water.

Shocking facts of the case were laid out over the first three days of Maya's trial this week, where a jury will decide if her recklessness amounts to murder.

'The body can't survive that, it's impossible, especially for a child,' a pathologist told the court of Amillio's 107F body temperature.

Maya left the car running with the air-conditioning on and the boys with snacks and drinks, but tests showed the vehicle automatically shut off after an hour idling.

Amillio Gutierrez, one, died after he was rushed inside the ER, pale, with blue lips, blue feet, unconscious, no pulse, and not breathing

Amillio was left in a hot car for more than two hours while his mother, Maya Hernandez, 20, was getting lip fillers at a spa 127ft away

The hot summer day peaked at 101F and experts said the temperature inside the car could have reached 143F.

Mateo survived because, at age two, his sweat glands were better developed and he was more able to regulate his body temperature.

The boys' father, Rosendo Gutierrez, is serving 11 years in jail for unrelated crimes and found out his child was dead from the prison chaplain.

Maya and Rosendo's families were close, overjoyed as the young couple celebrated the births of two adorable baby boys.

There were picnics with the children and extended families, joint celebrations of milestones, and gushing social media posts.

'I love you guys,' Rosendo's mom Katie Martinez wrote on a photo of the couple at the first birthday party of Maya's nephew last April.

She shared another photo of Maya's mother Cassie Kirkland holding one of the young children, with the caption, 'Beautiful grandma', and 'beauties' on one of Maya and her two sisters.

'So proud of both of you. You're in your first home together, there are no words other than I'm so happy for both of you,' Martinez wrote in another post in January 2023.

But within a year, the love between the two families would turn to ash after terrible decisions put both Maya and Rosendo behind bars and their son in a tiny coffin.

Maya Hernandez and Rosendo Gutierrez's families were close, overjoyed as the young couple celebrated the births of two adorable baby boys

'I love you guys,' Rosendo's mom Katie Martinez wrote on a photo of the couple at the first birthday party of Maya's nephew last April

'So proud of both of you. You're in your first home together, there are no words other than I'm so happy for both of you,' Martinez wrote in another post in January 2023

Now the two families are at each other's throats with vicious accusations thrown left and right as they confront what Maya did to her son.

'No emotion as she hears her baby burned from the inside out in a car she left him in for two hours,' Martinez wrote after hearing medical testimony on Monday.

Earlier, in September, she wrote a mournful post to her two grandsons after she 'slept in not wanting to face today'.

'These pictures are the last ones i have of my grandson, I'll never see him grow up. I'll never see him walk or talk, Maya took that from me,' she wrote.

'But I will not stop telling his story, Amillio was so beautiful and happy. Maya was selfish and she put herself before his life.

'Grandma misses you both so much. Mateo, Makayla wants me to never see you again. Just like her sister Maya she's only thinking of herself.

'I'll never stop fighting I love you so much.'

Exactly what Maya's family said to Martinez and her family is unclear, but she claimed they 'tried to bash me in every ugly way'.

Martinez gushed over what 'beauties' Maya and her sisters were in this photo

Martinez shared another photo of Maya's mother Cassie Kirkland holding one of the young children, with the caption, 'Beautiful grandma'

Roseendo, Maya, her sisters, and Mateo in another photo

Kirkland blasted strangers online for denouncing her daughter as news of her arrest and murder charges spread.

'Mind your f**king mouth. Stfu this is a tragedy. I don't know you or I'd sock your stupid face,' she replied to one comment.

Another read: 'Please keep my daughter's name out of your mouth! It is bad enough. Don't be an attention whore.'

Martinez responded furiously to since-deleted posts by Kirkland about the mental anguish Maya was going through.

'Where in the f**k where you Cassie, 'cause getting her a** and lips done while my grandkids were really going through something,' she wrote.

'How dare you, and yes my son's in jail because of his choices he's not perfect but he didn't kill his kid

'Nobody is gonna be the victim here except my babies. You knew she was going through something, where were you then your daughter needed you?

'When have you been her mom? She calls me from jail, do you even know how hard it is to accept a call from someone who killed your grandchild?

Amillio's two-year-old brother Mateo was only saved when staff plucked him from the 2022 Toyota Corolla hybrid, rushed him inside, and doused him in cold water

'These pictures are the last ones i have of my grandson, I'll never see him grow up,' Martinez wrote in September next to a slideshow of photos of the boys

Maya knew leaving her children inside was dangerous, but told police she believed she would be in and out of the spa quickly

'Be there for your daughter instead of being this made up bada** so i can grieve for my grandchild.'

Even before their child's death, the relationship between Maya and Rosendo wasn't as it appeared, the accused mother told the court.

'He was abusive to me... He'd hit on me, take me places and hit me,' Maya testified.

Security footage played in court showed Maya arrive at Always Beautiful Med Spa in Bakersfield in her Toyota Corolla hybrid at 1.10pm.

She got out of the car at 1.35pm and returned a minute later after being told the staff were running behind schedule, going back inside at 2.04pm.

She would never see her baby son alive again.

Video from inside the spa showed her sitting in the waiting room until 4.08pm, when she finally went in for her procedure.

Witnesses and security footage showed her happily chatting to staff and other customers while they waited, not appearing concerned at all.

Staff testified, and Maya admitted in her police interview, that she was told she could take her sons inside. At least two other children were there while she waited.

'Can I bring my kids in by chance?' Maya asked in a text to the salon.

The reply was: 'Sure if you don't mind them waiting in the waiting area hun?'

'Can I bring my kids in by chance?' Maya asked in a text to the salon. The reply was: 'Sure if you don't mind them waiting in the waiting area hun?'

Prosecutors argued the young mom 'chose vanity' over her boys

Maya attended Porterville Military College in her home town before she gave birth to her sons

Maya told detectives in her interview, which was shown to the court, that she didn't leave her kids with her sister because she didn't want to bother her.

She explained she didn't bring them inside the spa, even though it was allowed, because she didn't want them running around while she had her procedure.

Maya said she knew leaving them inside was dangerous, but said she believed she would be in and out of the spa quickly.

She only returned to her car, about 4.30pm, to retrieve her phone to pay for her lip fillers.

When she didn't return after about 15 minutes, spa worker Isabel Carreon went outside to look for her - fearing she drove off without paying.

Carreon told the court through a Spanish translator that she found Maya with a baby in her arms. The little boy was 'quite red and swollen'.

She testified that Maya was 'not reacting to get help for the baby' and didn't show any urgency to get him help.

Carreon got Mateo after seeing him inside the car - Maya didn't tell her he was there.

The salon worker testified that she told another customer to call 911 because Maya wasn't calling due to fear her children would be taken from her.

Maya's lawyer had that claim removed from the record and the jury told to disregard it.

Kirkland proudly shared dozens of photos of her daughter in uniform at the military college

Amillio and his brother play on a beach in happier times

Mateo will grow up without his best buddy little brother

Other salon staff, customers, and workers at neighboring businesses rallied to help the stricken children until paramedics arrived.

One told the court how she held Mateo in her arms and doused him with cold water, desperately trying to keep him alive - still scarred by not knowing in those moments if he would live or die.

Later, at the police station, detectives broke the news to Maya that her youngest son was dead in the middle of the interview.

'He's dead?' she asked in disbelief. 'He's dead,' one of the officers confirmed.

Maya began uncontrollably sobbing over the interrogation table.

'They're everything I work for, they're everything I do,' she said.

Maya faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and two counts of child cruelty in Kern County Superior Court.

She took the stand on Monday where she denied knowing the car would eventually, turning off the air-conditioning and leaving the temperature to skyrocket.

'I had left the AC on, I just really thought they were going to be OK in there,' she told the court.

Maya also relived the moment she found her children on the verge of death in the car when she finally came outside.

'When I had sat down I immediately looked back at the kids, I noticed Teo's cheeks were red, I looked over at Amillio and noticed he was blankly staring at me,' she told the court.

When she called 911 - six minutes after arriving at the car - a dispatcher asked if Amillio was awake. 'No, he's dead, he's dead!' she replied.

The jury also heard recorded jail calls between Maya and Rosendo that prosecutors claimed showed she knew leaving her children in the car could kill them.

'You know what you did was wrong, right?' Rosendo asked on July 5.

Maya replied: 'Obviously. Im not an idiot.'

Her lawyer, Teryl Wakeman, told the jury she admitted to the second and third court, but contested the murder charge as she never meant to hurt her sons.

Maya faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and two counts of child cruelty in Kern County Superior Court

The 2022 Toyota Corolla hybrid where Amillio and his brother were found strapped in their car seats  the vehicle had an automatic shut-off feature that disabled the air conditioning after one hour, according to investigators

He argued this 'incredibly sad' case is not about murder but is about a 20-year-old mother of two, a car, and a terrible, awful mistake.'

'She left her kids in their car seats with cookies, a bottle of milk, each, and with [her older son] she left her phone so that he could watch TV.'

'The car was running, the air conditioning was on. Ms. Hernandez thought that the car would stay running, that the air condition would, likewise, remain on.'

But prosecutor Stephanie Taconi argued the young mom 'chose vanity' over her boys.

'[Maya] chose to leave them in the car. She chose a break. She chose time to herself. She chose time to socialize with other adults. And again, that choice cost Amillio his life,' she told the court.

'There are no accidents here. There are no accidents in this case. This isn't a case of a forgotten child whose mom was in a hurry.

'These were intentional actions, done willfully by the defendant.'

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
A Honduran man living in Texas has been arrested for allegedly shooting dead his girlfriend while she slept and forcing his nephew to help hide her corpse.

Jesus Varela, 48, has been accused of murdering his girlfriend, Christelrose Angel Ramirez inside the house they shared with his young nephew.

Prosecutors claim he shot Ramirez while she slept on December 1 then forced his nephew to help him stuff her body into a trash bag, which he wrapped inside three more trash bags and stuffed into a barrel, according to Law & Crime.

Houston police would go on to find the blue barrel in the woods on December 10, with prosecutors now saying the location data from Varela's phone placed him at the same spot on the morning of December 1, KHOU reports.

At a probable cause hearing last week, a judge described how Varela allegedly threatened his nephew and told him he 'had already killed one person and wanted to kill another, with a grip on [the nephew's] shirt.'

He even allegedly struck the boy in the chest with an open hand, according to Click 2 Houston.

The nephew then obliged with helping Varela hide the corpse, and together, prosecutors say, they also disposed of the bed where Ramirez had been sleeping in a nearby apartment complex.

It was only when one of the nephew's friends heard him talking about what had happened that Texas Rangers learned of the crime, at which point the nephew reportedly gave a full confession.

Jesus Varela, 48, has been accused of murdering his girlfriend, Christelrose Angel Ramirez inside the house they shared with his young nephew

Prosecutors claim he shot and killed Ramirez as she was sleeping on December 1

Authorities allegedly found numerous dried blood stains inside the couple's home

Investigators went on to search the couple's home, where they allegedly found numerous dried blood stains - including in the shower and the bedroom.

'There was also blood above the bed where the complainant would have been sleeping when she was shot,' Harris County District Attorney Gilbert Sawtelle said at a court hearing on Tuesday.

Police then pinged Ramirez's phone, which authorities say led them to the body.

An ensuing autopsy has since confirmed Ramirez's identity and determined that she died of multiple gunshot wounds.

But when questioned by police, Varela acknowledged he was in a relationship with Ramirez and said they had an argument around Thanksgiving, when she accused him of keeping her like a prisoner inside their house.

He claimed Ramirez left for several days, but returned on November 30.

When Varela then returned home from work on December 1, he claimed she was gone.

The Honduran national maintained his innocence when he appeared before a judge on Tuesday, shackled and in an orange prison jumpsuit.

'I want to say only that I am innocent,' he said through a translator before the judge stopped him from speaking further, as he did not yet have an attorney.

Varela maintained his innocence at a court hearing on Tuesday

Ramirez's family described her as the kind of person who helped others

Ramirez's family described her as the kind of person who helped others.

'She didn't deserve this,' Ramirez's aunt, Maggie Ramirez, told Click 2 Houston. 'She helped the whole world. She helped strangers.'

Family members also said that her on-and-off relationship with Varela had been abusive at times.

They noted that police had previously been called to the couple's home in November for a domestic violence dispute, but Ramirez was the one who was arrested at the time.

They are now hoping that her case will inspire others in domestic violence situations to speak up and seek help as they work to raise money for her funeral.

'We are heartbroken by the circumstances surrounding her passing and out family is struggling to give her the peaceful resting place she deserves,' an online fundraiser reads.

In the meantime, Varela is being held without bail on charges of murder, tampering with a corpse, assault of a family member and unlawful restraint.

He is also on an immigration hold by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Pauline Hanson has shared a set of messages threatening further violence in Sydney following the terror attack at Bondi Beach.

Hanson shared a pair of screenshots that were circulating on Snapchat on Wednesday, posted by an unknown person, which stated 'Islam will rule and you Aussie scum will see that soon'.

'You all wanted this so eat it up,' the post read.

'There is much more to come you martyr dogs. Islam will rule and you Aussie scum will see that soon.

'Different when the war is on your doorstep huh?

'Be careful on New Year's you Aussie scum.'

The second post stated: 'Did you not know what you invited in? Did you not know what you were protesting about?

'Well you Jew-loving dogs are about to find out. Rot in pieces. Do I inflame you? Did you not understand what you idiots wanted?'

A pair of hate-filled posts (pictured) were shared on Snapchat on Wednesday

The hate-filled messages implied the horrific massacre on Sunday, which allegedly saw two gunmen take 15 lives, was the result of ongoing pro-Palestine protests.

The protests have been widespread across Australia since Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023.

The attack kicked off Israel's fierce war in Gaza.

While the protests have largely been peaceful, several have been hijacked by antisemitic extremists.

On Wednesday, Hanson blamed the ongoing tensions between Islamic and Jewish groups in Australia on immigrants entering communities that have been co-existing for years.

'This is the hate we've imported as a result of unfettered, mass immigration,' she said.

'It must end!'

Hundreds of commenters under Hanson's post agreed with her, and called for any person living in Australia with hate towards other Australians, to move elsewhere.

Pauline Hanson (pictured at the Bondi memorial on Tuesday) shared the posts and blamed the hate speech on 'unfettered, mass immigration'

'There's a lot of people who have migrated to Australia and have gone by Australian ways to escape suffering and laws from their countries. If you don't want to fit in, go back to where you came from,' one wrote.

'Everyone has free will and they can choose to leave if they are not happy here. There are plenty of other countries and they may enjoy living there more than here. It's simple, pack up and go,' another said.

'I am disheartened by the prevailing narrative surrounding the Bondi incident. It has been characterised as an anti-Semitic attack rather than an assault on Australian values.

'It's pretty simple. Would you invite someone into your home that has a deep hatred of you? All Pauline talks is common sense.'

One commenter pointed the hypocrisy in directing hatred towards immigrants, while seeking an end to hatred.

'Hate vs hate is not the solution, Pauline,' they wrote.

Hanson shot back at the commenter: 'I am not going to let your statement go unanswered. For decades I have been accused of hate speech and division, by the media and my political opponents.

'To point out the obvious, or to criticise, is not hate or racism and I will not stop speaking out because I might hurt someone's feelings.

Viewers of Hanson's post were divided with some calling for people living in Australia while harbouring hate-filled views to move elsewhere, while others claimed her post was just another form of hate (pictured, Barnaby Joyce and Hanson at the memorial on Tuesday)

'If this is not a wake up call for all Australians to fully understand the path our country is on and address the real problem then we cannot and will not be a nation without fear.

'My job is to keep Australians safe, secure and united. If I offend some people, then may I suggest, they are in the wrong country.'

Daily Mail has contacted NSW Police for comment regarding the Snapchat posts.
Matilda, 10, died from her injuries after Bondi attack

The family of 10-year-old Matilda, who lost her life in the Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack, has received a remarkable gesture of support from billionaire philanthropist Bill Ackman.

Ackman, whose net worth exceeds $9.5billion, donated $37,624 to assist Matilda's grieving relatives as they grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy.

The attack occurred just before 7pm on Sunday, when Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, allegedly opened fire during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing at least 15 people and injuring 40 more.

Images from the day showed Matilda smiling at a petting zoo, with her face painted, just moments before the attack.

At a memorial service on Tuesday, her father Michael held up a framed photograph of Matilda as he addressed mourners.

'Her name was Matilda because she was our first Australian. We came here from Ukraine, and I thought Matilda was the most Australian name that can ever exist. So just remember the name, remember her,' he told the crowd.

Her mother spoke through tears: 'It wasn't just a bullet from a spray. It wasn't an accident. It was a bullet fired on her.'

Her brother found comfort in knowing Matilda was surrounded by family in her final moments, saying: 'She knew she was loved, that she wasn't alone.'

Matilda (pictured) was one of the 15 innocent victims in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack

A memorial was held for Matilda on Tuesday night, with mourners gathering at Bondi Pavilion

Relatives shared that her middle initial was 'B' and encouraged well-wishers to post a bee emoji in her honour on social media.

A GoFundMe campaign started by Matilda's language teacher Irina Goodhew is raising funds to support her mother, Valentina Poltavchenko.

Goodhew described Matilda as 'a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her'.

'[On Sunday] while celebrating Hanukkah, her young life was tragically taken. Her memory will live on in our hearts,' she wrote.

'Matilda was a bright and loving soul who taught us that true goodness is in the love and compassion we share. Her memory reminds us to carry kindness in our hearts and spread it to the world.'

The fundraiser had already reached nearly $700,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.

Ackman also pledged $100,000 to Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Syrian-born father-of-two who was hailed as a hero after he tackled and disarmed Sajid Akram, likely preventing further loss of life.

After learning of Mr al-Ahmed's bravery, Ackman posted on social media: 'Can someone please set up a verified fund so we can reward him and his family?'

Bill Ackman (pictured) gave $37,624 to Matilda's GoFundMe, which has raised over $690,000

Mr al-Ahmed remains in hospital recovering from his injuries and is understood to have undergone surgery on Wednesday.

The hero has received visits from national and state leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, and NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, whose electorate covers Bondi.

A funeral for Matilda is expected to be held on Thursday.
A young mum fighting for life in a Vietnam hospital after a cosmetic procedure went catastrophically wrong, has suffered another devastating blow and is now battling flesh-eating bacteria on her face.

Chloe Mowday, 31, travelled to Da Nang for rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty on her nose and eyelids at an unnamed clinic two weeks ago and was discharged the following morning.

But within hours of returning to her hotel, she was found unresponsive and her organs began to shut down.

Her husband Josh raised the alarm and the mother-of-three was rushed to hospital where she spent two weeks in a coma on life support.

But while Ms Mowday has awoken from her coma and is in a stable condition, her family's hopes of flying her back home have been dashed.

'She is out of the induced coma, awake and getting better but she has necrosis due to no blood flow in her face and so infections have started to set in,' her brother Rod told News.com.au

'They are currently managing it which requires her having to have surgery to remove affected pieces of skin, off her face, every couple of days.

'Her face and head are completely bandaged.'

The young mother fighting for life in a Vietnam ICU after a cosmetic procedure went catastrophically wrong has had a fresh blow

The mother-of-three was rushed to hospital where she spent two weeks in a coma on life support

Da Nang is known for its growing cosmetic surgery scene

Last week Daily Mail revealed that Ms Mowday had been unhappy with her nose shape since she was young and began researching surgery options overseas almost four years ago.

Posting in a popular Australian cosmetic surgery support group in 2022, Ms Mowday explained that she was looking for advice on destinations to consider.

'A little backstory - I live in Perth Western Australia. I've always wanted a nose job, aka rhinoplasty,' she explained.

'Ever since I was little I've just not been over-comfortable with my nose.'

Ms Mowday revealed she had been researching several clinics and said Turkey had been 'highly recommended' as a possibility, but she wanted advice to get started.

'Who do I contact and how much does it cost?' she asked.

She included two photos of American celebrity Kylie Jenner and said she wanted similar results to the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star's reported nose job.

'Bangkok has quoted $4500, but I heard that they don't do the nose I've attached below,' she wrote.

Ms Mowday used photos of Kylie Jenner as inspiration for her nose

Ms Mowday had been holidaying in Vietnam with her husband and their five-year-old son

She posted in a popular Australian cosmetic surgery support group in 2022

'Please help with people I can contact, thank you.'

Ms Mowday had been holidaying in Vietnam with her husband and their five-year-old son after travelling to Bali, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and was looking forward to visiting China after her recovery.

Her brother Rod booked the first flight he could to Vietnam to be by her bedside and launched a GoFundMe to raise money for mounting hospital bills and her emergency flight home.

'We went straight to Vietnam to see her and she is in a very bad way,' he said.

'It was heartbreaking to see her like that and with the language barrier there it is so hard to understand what has gone wrong and what they are doing.

'She is such a beautiful girl and a loving soul with 3 young children a loving husband who has been by her side since this happened with their 5-year-old son there too.

'The doctors have informed us that she has a better chance of getting through this at home in Australia so we are trying to get her home via air ambulance as soon as possible.'

The family hold out home she will make a full recovery

He also maintained that the family is holding out hope that she will make a full recovery.

'We believe Chloe is getting stronger every day, at this point infection is starting to emerge in certain parts of her body, the doctors are trying their best to fight it.'

Rod, who is taking out bank loans towards the $125,000 air ambulance costs, thanked 'every beautiful human that is helping us,' and vowed to repay them all one day.

'After we get her home my life's ambition will be to track down every name on here and pay you back some way somehow, we love you all,' he said.

The fundraiser has raised more than $60,000 of the $75,000 target.

Ms Mowday is still undergoing tests to determine the exact cause of her illness.

It's understood a police investigation has also been launched.

Da Nang is known for its growing cosmetic surgery scene, where rhinoplasty costs AU$2,076.

The same procedure costs $9,200 in Australia, according to the Medical Tourism Corporation website.

A blepharoplasty costs $2,025, less than a third of what patients would fork out in Australia.
Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has lashed out at ABC 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson for asking an 'offensive' question just hours after he visited the Bondi Beach memorial.

Ferguson observed the former federal treasurer would likely go into politics again at some point and asked how his criticism of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over the tragedy at Bondi Beach could not be viewed 'through a political lens'.

'I'm deeply offended by what you just said. Deeply offended,' Frydenberg, who has Jewish heritage, said.

'That is an insult to say there is any political motivation in this.

'My children go to a school where there are armed guards outside. When I visit a Jewish childcare centre, there are armed guards outside. When I send my kids to sporting clubs, there are police cars out there and police tape.

'Why should we live with this?

'If I'm not going to speak out, who is? If not now, when? If not me, who?'

Ferguson hurried to clarify her question wasn't accusing Frydenberg of using the terrorist attack as a political tool.

Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg (pictured) slammed ABC 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson for asking an 'offensive' question

Ferguson (pictured) had asked Frydenberg how his comments could be viewed without a 'political lens'

Frydenberg and Ferguson had been discussing whether Albanese missed any opportunity to prevent the shooting.

'To be clear, my question was about the framing of what you are saying. I'm not making assertions, I'm not copying what anybody else is saying,' she said.

Frydenberg pointed to rising antisemitism in Australia since October 7, 2023 - when Palestinian terrorist group Hamas attacked Israeli civilians.

'This is a leadership issue,' Frydenberg said.

'This is about the safety and the security of Australia.

'If I don't use my voice now, I don't know when I would.'

Several viewers were divided over Ferguson's question, with some labelling it a 'disgrace' while others believed Frydenberg was boosting his political status off the back of the tragedy.

'What a disgrace is Sarah Ferguson on ABC. The most shameful planned question to Josh Frydenberg, accusing his speech today at Bondi of being politically motivated. Take her off the TV,' one wrote online.

On Sunday, 15 people attending a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach were shot at during a nine-minute terror attack (pictured, mourners at the memorial in Bondi on Wednesday)

'Why is ABC allowing Josh Frydenberg to go on an on with this unbalanced rant,' another said.

'So shamelessly opportunistic is Josh Frydenberg that rather than urge unity as Australia mourns the Bondi tragedy, he accused Albo of being "personally responsible",' another wrote.

'Despicable Sarah Ferguson sinking to new depths by her suggestion Josh Frydenberg used his powerful Bondi speech for political purposes to attack Albanese. Thankfully Josh called her out for being so offensive and refused to allow her to interrupt,' another said.

Earlier in the interview, Frydenberg called for a royal commission into the events leading up to the shooting on Sunday.

Naveed Akram, 24, was charged on Wednesday after he allegedly opened fire on a crowd attending a Jewish Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14.

He and his father, Sajid Akram, allegedly killed 15 people in the nine-minute terrorist attack. The identified victims were aged between 10 and 87.

'There are lots of questions that haven't been sufficiently answered. How did these people get guns? How were they radicalised? How were they trained overseas? How did they escape the eyes of our authorities?' Frydenberg said.

'Why was there only three police protecting 1,000 Jewish people at a Hanukkah festival in an open space at Bondi, at a time when concerns have been heightened in the security environment?

Viewers of Ferguson's interview with Frydenberg were divided over her question

'Those are practical questions that need to be answered. But also, what were the warning signs over the last two and a half years?'

Later in the program, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke was asked if he would support a royal commission.

'You don't want the delays that are involved in a royal commission,' Burke said, while highlighting that no commissions were ordered for the Lindt Cafe siege or Port Arthur massacre.

'The priority has to be, what actions do we take to keep people safe?'
A former manager of the Harvard Medical School morgue has been sentenced to eight years in prison for stealing and selling body parts 'as if they were baubles.'

Federal authorities have said Cedric Lodge, 58, was at the center of a ghoulish scheme in which he shipped brains, skin, hands and faces to buyers in multiple states after cadavers donated to Harvard were no longer needed for research.

His wife, Denise Lodge, 65, was also sentenced to just over a year in prison for assisting him.

The couple had previously pleaded guilty to charges related to the interstate transportation of stolen goods, with Cedric admitting he stole body parts from cadavers donated to Harvard Medical School's Anatomical Gift Program and sold them to buyers across the country.

Among the many gory body parts Cedric removed from the cadavers between 2018 and March 2020 were organs, brains, skin, hands, faces and dissected heads.

In one example, Cedric Lodge provided skin to a buyer so it could be tanned into leather and bound into a book, a 'deeply horrifying reality,' Assistant US Attorney Alisan Martin said in a court filing.

'In another, Cedric and Denise Lodge sold a man's face - perhaps to be kept on a shelf, perhaps to be used for something even more disturbing,' Martin said.

She said Lodge, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, treated the parts of 'beloved human beings as if they were baubles to be sold for profit,' collecting thousands of dollars in profit along the way.

Cedric Lodge, 58, has been sentenced to eight years behind bars for stealing body parts from the Harvard Medical School morgue

His wife, Denise, 65, was sentenced to one year behind bars for assisting him. She is pictured in 2023

The couple would find potential buyers through websites like Facebook, and some would even come to collect the parts in person, according to court documents obtained by The New York Times.

Other times, payments were arranged through a PayPal account registered to Denise, the Boston Globe reports. Many of these payments sported macabre descriptions - such as 'head number 7' or in one case, 'braiiiiiins.'

Authorities said she assisted in the scheme by communicating with buyers, accepting the payments and shipping the stolen remains.

By 2013, feds said Cedric was stealing supplies like body bags, citing a post to the online forum DeviantArt from the morgue man - who, by 2018, had allegedly upgraded to the corpses.

'I have been looking for customers interested in purchasing some heavy body bags and other miscellaneous medical toys,' Lodge wrote in a post resurfaced by prosecutors, looking for 'a little cash to plan a vacation.'

In just May 2018, prosecutors said, she shipped 24 hands, two feet, a partial skull and two skull caps to one buyer, who paid $3,050.

Between February and March 2019, she also shipped two heads for $1,725 and five faces tot he same buyer for $2,300, according to the sentencing memo.

In total, the couple is said to have made between $40,000 to $95,000 from the sales.

But once the university was done with the cadavers, the bodies were supposed to be either cremated or returned to their families according to donor agreements.

In total, the couple is said to have made between $40,000 to $95,000 from the sales of stolen body parts

Among the items they shipped throughout the country was a partial skull

The couple would find potential buyers through websites like Facebook, and some would even come to collect the parts in person

The daughter of one man whose body was donated said in the sentencing document that 'this corruption transcends the bodily level and extends into the realm of memory.

'It will likely be a long time, if ever,' she wrote, until she could look at a photo of her father 'and not have thoughts like "Did he still have his head? Did they sell his herculean right hand? Were the skin of his tattoos made into cushions?"

'Whether the answer is "yes" or "no" is not the issue so much as the families have had to go to that space with the real anxiety and pain such gruesome questions inflict.'

Lodge, who ran the morgue for 28 years before he was fired in 2023, expressed regret in court, with defense attorney Patrick Casey acknowledging that his acts were 'egregious.'

'Mr. Lodge acknowledges the seriousness of his conduct and the harm his actions have inflicted on both the deceased persons whose bodies he callously degraded and their grieving families,' the attorney said in a court filing.

Lodge's scheme unraveled when Pennsylvanian Jeremy Pauley's estranged wife told East Pennsboro Township police that he was hoarding illegally obtained human remains

At first, Pauley - who had black, scale-like tattoos covering half of his face and metal spikes protruding out of the top of his head - told authorities he was a preservation specialist, specifically of 'retired medical specimens' and historic human remains

Lodge's scheme was finally uncovered when Pennsylvanian Jeremy Pauley's estranged wife told East Pennsboro Township police that he was hoarding illegally obtained human remains.

At first, Pauley - who had black, scale-like tattoos covering half of his face and metal spikes protruding out of the top of his head - told Sergeant Adam Shope he was a preservation specialist, specifically of 'retired medical specimens' and historic human remains.

A professional with a website and years of experience, he answered questions about the collection without any pushback - and left Shope in awe due to the extent of his cooperation.

He explained how his home doubled as his Memento Mori Museum, 'a place where lost histories are regained and respectfully displayed.'

But when the estranged wife called authorities again the following month, urging officers to check Pauley's basement and look inside multiple Home Depot buckets, Shope obtained a search warrant.

There, officers recalled in an ensuing criminal complaint, a plastic bag filled with human eyeballs sat the floor, as an expanse of human skin laid draped over the back of a chair.

Inside the three buckets Pauley's wife has warned about, laid a bevy of floating body parts - including kidneys, lungs, a heart, a spleen, and a trachea.

There were also two brains, as well as a skull with hair still attached, and a child-sized jawbone with teeth still in place.

Pauley was then charged with trafficking stolen human remains - including skulls, hearts, skin and stillborn babies

Pauly allegedly purchased $4,000 worth of human remains from Candace Scott, who police say stole them from a mortuary partnered with the University of Arkansas

A federal investigation ensued, during which officials would eventually honed in on Lodge and several other buyers.

Harvard suspended the donation of bodies for five months in 2023 when charges were filed.

University officials then sent letters in June and July of that year to the next of kin of nearly 400 donors who may have been the subject of Lodge's scheme.

Families that entrusted their loved ones' remains to Harvard have since filed about a dozen lawsuits against the school following the arrest of Lodge and others charged in the scandal, accusing it of mishandling the bodies.

But a Massachusetts judge dismissed those cases last year, saying the lawsuits failed to plausibly allege Harvard failed to act in good faith in handling the bodies or was legally responsible for Lodge's 'horrifying' conduct.

Prosecutors said at least six other people, including an employee at an Arkansas crematorium, have pleaded guilty in the investigation of body-parts trafficking.

Daytime view of the Harvard Medical School quadrangle. In the basement, sits the halls of windowless, subterranean space Lodge manned for some 27 years

Katrina Maclean, 46, of Massachusetts, became the most recent to plead guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods earlier this month.

Prosecutors have said Cedric sold her body parts, including skin that she planned to have tanned into leather and bound into a book.

Maclean's lawyer had previously tried to get the charges against her dismissed, arguing that as the owner of Kat's Creepy Creations, she was part of a 'legal, nationwide oddities community that collects body parts.'

During the investigation, authorities also learned of an apprentice mortician in Arkansas, Candace Chapman Scott, who stole human remains from the mortuary where she worked and sold them. She was sentenced to 15 years behind bars in January.

Following the Lodges' sentencing on Wednesday, Harvard Medical School said the former morgue manager's actions were 'abhorrent and inconsistent with the standards and values that Harvard, our anatomical donors and their loved ones expect and deserve.

'While Lodge's sentencing concludes the criminal case against him, the process of healing from the pain he caused continues,' university officials said.

'Our Anatomical Gift Program relies on the deep, selfless commitment of individual donors and their families to provide essential educational opportunities to medical students, surgeons, pharmacists and many allied professionals.

'We reaffirm our deep sorrow for the families of donors who may have been impacted.'
She's known as the Ice Maiden, with her penetrating stare that sends shivers down the spines of staffers and journalists alike.

But Susie Wiles appears to have made a dramatic miscalculation, and been hung out to dry by a reporter she gave unfettered access to.

The White House chief of staff opened the doors to Vanity Fair's Chris Whipple, handing him direct lines to Donald Trump's closest allies and friends.

Then, this week, the magazine dropped their story, throwing stars such as JD Vance, Karoline Leavitt and even the president under the bus.

The article sent shockwaves through DC and painted Wiles as the 'the only adult in the room', while tarnishing the reputation of all other senior politicians.

Wiles quickly hit back on social media, but the damage was done - and now insiders at the White House suggest her future could be in doubt.

The bombshell expose, titled 'Susie Wiles Says It All,' took place over the course of months, likely starting as a soft day-in-the-life story.

Notably, Wiles was quoted describing Trump as having an 'alcoholic's personality'despite his well-known abstinence from drinking.

But even for the woman credited with masterminding Trump's campaign, there may be a limit to how much candor the president will tolerate

She's known as the Ice Maiden, with her penetrating stare that sends shivers down the spines of staffers and journalists alike. But Susie Wiles appears to have made a dramatic miscalculation, and been hung out to dry by a reporter she gave unfettered access to

'I heard they were joking around during the Vanity Fair photoshoot saying, oh, one of us will get fired for this and then JD was kind of like, well, I have the best job security out of all of us,' a source close to the administration and Wiles told the Daily Mail

But Wiles didn't stop there. She acknowledged VP-elect JD Vance had been 'a conspiracy theorist for a decade'  dismissing his born-again MAGA conversion as 'sort of political.'

Then came perhaps the toughest twist of the knife: Her savaging of Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the Epstein files, mocking her overhyped spring release as 'binders full of nothingness.'

The question stands  for an administration that is notoriously reluctant to give access to certain outlets and creates 'media offenders' tracking lists  how and why did they allow this damaging piece to bloom?

According to an insider with ties to the White House, the key players knew they were playing with fire.

'I heard they were joking around during the Vanity Fair photoshoot saying, oh, one of us will get fired for this and then JD was kind of like, well, I have the best job security out of all of us,' a source close to the administration and Wiles told the Daily Mail.

A second White House source confirmed they were aware of the same exchange involving Vance.

As the firestorm burned through the media ecosphere on Tuesday, Vance took a veiled shot at Wiles publicly: 'I hope that the lesson is we should be giving fewer interviews to mainstream media outlets.'

'I think this just proves, the media is not your friend,' two sources close to the administration told the Daily Mail separately.

Then came perhaps the toughest twist of the knife: Her savaging of Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the Epstein files, mocking her overhyped spring release as 'binders full of nothingness'

Then, this week, the magazine dropped their story, throwing stars such as JD Vance, Karoline Leavittand even the president under the bus

The first source, someone who has spent significant time with Wiles, suggested the feature was unnecessary and 'came off tone deaf,' particularly since the base 'truly doesn't look at Vanity Fair with any fanfare.'

So how did Chris Whipple get such unprecedented access to the 'Ice Maiden' of MaraLago?

The insider close to the administration says it began as a softer profile before morphing into the headlinegrabbing spread that involved a decent amount of cabinet members modeling for the cameras.

'Chris Whipple likely started by establishing a relationship to cover 'a day in the life of Susie Wiles' for a book and then later introduced the idea of the spread and photos to the inner circle,' the source said. 'And it worked.'

A second source close to the administration tells the Daily Mail the White House is still surprised Wiles got so many cabinet members to agree to be photographed.

The result, the source says, was a piece that portrayed Wiles as 'the only adult in the room.'

Insiders who know Wiles insist this was no slip of the tongue.

'I know that she knows how to speak to reporters. I know that nothing she says is on accident,' the source added, suggesting Wiles' interview was intentional, perhaps to place Cabinet officials on notice.

In a bizarre twist of roles, Trump has been the one calming the waters in the wake of the article.

'If anything, you know, the last Trump administration, I would say the president was the gasoline on a lot of these fires. Yeah, now he's kind of like, putting them out,' the source said.

But even for the woman credited with masterminding Trump's campaign, there may be a limit to how much candor the president will tolerate.

As the source close to the administration ominously concluded to Daily Mail, 'Susie Wiles has nine lives. Now she might have eight.'
Attorney General Pam Bondi's lawyers argued in court this week that President Donald Trump's ballroom project must proceed for unspecified national security concerns.

Last week, the National Trust for Historic Preservation sued the president and other government entities over the demolition of the East Wing, arguing they skipped over processes that they were required to do by law.

The Trust, a non-profit sanctioned by Congress to do historic preservation work, asked a judge to immediately halt the project so the proper reviews could go forward.

Judge Richard J. Leon, appointed by Republican President George W. Bush, didn't go that far, instead giving the administration until the end of the year to file the ballroom plans to the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts.

Documents provided to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia as part of the lawsuit revealed that the East Wing's demise had been determined by August.

In late July, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the East Wing, which historically housed the first ladies' offices, would be 'modernized.'

Trump, himself, gave the plan away when he hosted ballroom donors in the East Room on October 15, days before the demolition started.

'Over the next few days, it's going to be demolished. Everything out there is coming down and we're replacing it with one of the most beautiful ballrooms we've ever seen,' Trump told the crowd, opening the East Room's golden curtains so the East Wing and East Colonnade were displayed.

President Donald Trump motioned to the ballroom construction project after disembarking Marine One on Wednesday. On Tuesday night, he called the court battle a win, as a judge had yet to side with historic preservationists

A judge didn't immediately grant the National Trust for Historic Preservation's wish to have construction halted on the ballroom project, but gave the Trump administration until the end of the year to submit the ballroom's plans to the appropriate oversight groups

By October 20, wrecking crews had started crashing through the East Wing's facade.

'This case is not about the need for a ballroom,' the Trust's attorney, Ted Heuer, argued in court, according to the Washington Post.

Instead, he said, it was about skipping over decades of legal precedent related to federal construction projects.

Adam Gustafson, the DOJ's attorney, argued, 'there is nothing left for this court to do,' with the East Wing's plot already wiped clean.

The Justice Department lawyers claimed that the White House was a special case and exempt from federal laws that oversaw federal construction.

In court filings, the Trump administration also argued that months of underground construction needed to proceed to replace security infrastructure, and the president could be left vulnerable if the work didn't continue.

The presidential bunker, which dated back to the World War II era, was located underneath the East Wing.

Gustafson did not further elaborate on the national security threat, but Trump officials told Leon he could be briefed in private, the Post said.

Join the debate Should historic preservation ever take a back seat to national security or presidential vanity projects?

An image from October 20, 2025 shows construction crews ripping through the White House's East Wing. Days before, President Donald Trump divulged that the whole East Wing would come down to make way for his long-desired ballroom

Crews are photographed on October 28, 2025 demolishing the last portion of the East Wing, the East Colonade that had housed the White House's movie theater. The booksellers' hallway, where state dinner guests arrived, was the last remnant of the East Wing standing

The court case has also revealed several key dates for the project.

Above-ground work isn't expected to start until April 2026 and the project is supposed to be completed sometime during the summer of 2028, Trump's last full year in office.

It also exposed that the project went through an expedited environmental assessment conducted by the National Park Service in August, which found the ballroom would 'dominate the eastern portion of the site, creating a visual imbalance with the more modestly scaled West Wing and Executive Mansion,' the Post reported.

Still, the NPS concluded building the ballroom would have 'no significant impact' on the surrounding environment and that no further review would be needed.

Trump has switched architects for the project, and plans haven't been completed yet, though court filings say that the 90,000-square-foot addition could reach 55 feet high.

The tallest the White House reaches is 70 feet on the south side, where the ground floor is more exposed, with the doors opening to the sloping South Lawn.

In court on Tuesday, Leon suggested he was open to the argument that the underground work was distinct from the construction of the ballroom.

'The size of the ballroom is still an open question?' Leon asked Gustafson, according to the Post.

An excavator can be seen taking debris from the East Wing away on October 24. Court documents revealed that the East Wing's demolition was a planned part of the project in August

The demolition of the East Wing can be seen from the White House's North Portico on October 23

The current version of the East Wing was built in 1942 during the administration of FDR, with a second floor to be used for the offices of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. FDR is photographed laying the cornerstone of what had been the East Wing

The DOJ attorney assured the judge that the blueprints weren't fully baked.

'There's nothing final about this building,' Gustafson replied.

On Tuesday night, during a Hanukkah reception, Trump took the judge's initial decision - not to immediately halt the project - as a win.

'We won the case. They asked for a restraining order to stop us from building a magnificent ballroom,' Trump said. 'And I thank the judge in the case for the courage in making the proper decision, because we didn't want to be held up,' he later said.

Trump also said the ballroom would cost $400 million - the highest quote yet - which he has said would come from private donors.
An actress who landed in Los Angeles 36 years ago fled the crumbling city after high taxes coincided with rising crime and widespread homelessness.

Patricia Heaton, a three-time Emmy award winner, revealed the reasons she skipped town and headed to Nashville, Tennessee, in a podcast on Monday with host Dave Rubin on The Rubin Report.

'We just thought that the taxes are high. The crime is high. The homelessness is high, and we're not working in LA as much as we're working outside of LA,' Heaton told Rubin.

'So, why don't we leave?'

The 67-year-old, who starred in Everybody Loves Raymond from 1996 to 2005 and The Middle from 2009 to 2018, said she chose Nashville because of her familiarity with the area, noting she already had friends living there.

Heaton said that a writer told her she 'got out at the right time,' adding that 'a lot of the writers she knew from previous shows have left LA as well.'

The actress also mentioned the decreasing work opportunities in LA when compared to other locations.

'When I go back now, I think, 'Does it feel different to me because I'm not working here anymore, or has it really changed?'

'And I think there is a little bit of a sadness about it that I think is real, and it's not just because of my experience.'

Patricia Heaton, 67, revealed why she left Los Angeles and headed to Nashville, Tennessee, in a podcast with host Dave Rubin on The Rubin Report

She noted the pandemic and writers' strike turned major film sites into ghost towns that now look like they can only be used for a 'zombie movie'.

Heaton was on Rubin's show to promote her new movie, Unexpected, which was shot in Oklahoma.

Rubin added that he left LA because of the 'decay that was happening around COVID and everything else.' He said that Heaton left right after him despite being more deeply connected to the industry in the city.

The actress is outspoken about her Catholic beliefs, support of Israel, and has been outwardly critical of LA officials in the past.

As wildfires tore through the Hollywood enclave of the Pacific Palisades on January 7, Heaton said the city didn't seem ready to handle the fires.

'I know some of the officials were saying, 'Well, the system was overwhelmed.' Well, in case of a huge fire, of course, it's going to be overwhelmed,' she told Fox News.

'You should know that and have been prepared for that. So, I think there's a lot of money spent in LA, and we can't figure out where it's going.'

Heaton said that high taxes, high crime, and lots of homelessness in LA were among the reasons she left.

The actress choose Nashville because she was familiar with the area and already had friends who lived there

'In 2014, a (proposition) was passed to create new reservoirs... zero were created. Because they were protecting the smelt or something.'

Heaton was referencing California Governor Gavin Newsom's initiative to conserve the delta smelt fish that have been alleged to have disrupted water supplies across the now-scorched city.

Newsom has come under mounting criticism alongside Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for the city's overwhelmed response to the fires, which killed at least 31 people and burned over 18,000 buildings to the ground.

'My four sons still live in LA, and we go back to hang out and take meetings,' Heaton said.

'And we have many friends there and are doing business there, but Nashville seems to be welcoming a lot of people from our industry. So I'm not the only one that made this decision.'

Heaton, is a three-time Emmy award winner and had roles on hit sitcoms like Everybody Loves Raymond from 1996 to 2005 and The Middle from 2009 to 2018

Heaton said Nashville is 'filling up' with Californians, and she had 'a feeling after this fire we're going to get another huge amount of talented, creative people who have decided, you know, they've had enough.'

'They can be creative without worrying about houses burning down and taxes going up and crime and all that stuff,' she said.
He is usually seen gliding through the sky in a red suit on a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

But it seems Scotlands very own Santa was actually a girl and more likely to carry cones than a sack of presents.

Researchers from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) discovered ice cream dealer Pasquale Bianchi and wife Lucia had daughter Santa in Glasgow in 1901.

It is among a number of festive names uncovered by the NRS in the past 500 years of Scottish birth records.

Advent Allan, of Bridgeton, Glasgow, was born on December 7, 1871 while Henry Christmas Clarke arrived on Christmas Day in Inverness five years later - and went on to become a priest.

In a list of Festive specials, soldier William Snow tied the knot on December 25, 1805, in Edinburgh.

James Stewart in the classic Christmas movie It's a Wonderful Life

NRS found a historical namesake for classic Christmas movie character George Bailey, played by James Stewart

Scotlands own George Bailey was a stage carpenter from Aberdeen

While some are named in honour of the occasion others have more accidental Christmas connections.

Angel Maria Lopez was born in Glasgow in April 1873 and named after his father while the parents of Julia Tinsel celebrated her arrival in 1882 at Logie, in Perthshire.

And Agnes Elf OBrien made her entrance in this world in 1899 in Peterhead.

Records also list a George Turkey living in Edinburgh in 1841 while a Frederick Trimming tied the knot in the capital in 1868 and valuation rolls from a decade later show a shoemaker by the name of Robert Sleigh.

NRS also found a historical namesake for classic Christmas movie character George Bailey.

American fantasy drama Its a Wonderful Life starred James Stewart as the lead character in 1946 and has remained part of the festive viewing for families up and down the country.

But Scotlands own George Bailey was a stage carpenter and recorded as living with his wife and two daughters in the Ferryhill area of Aberdeen in 1901.

Alison Byrne, chief executive of National Records of Scotland, said of the merry monikers: This list of Christmas names gives a glimpse into the treasures which lie in our archives.

We cant promise everyone has an ancestor called Santa or Elf but if your relatives owned or rented property or were born, married or died in Scotland its likely that theyre in our records.
A senior Border Patrol official was seen on camera warning the mayor of an Illinois city that he had the authority to arrest illegal migrants as he and his team worked around the Chicagoland area Wednesday.

Greg Bovino, the tough-as-nails face of Trump's aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration, was challenged by Evanston's Democrat Mayor Daniel Biss, who is running for Congress in a dark blue district.

As around 100 people protested law enforcement's actions and chanted 'shame,' Biss argued: 'You are not authorized to remove our residents without any warrant.'

'I am. They're not residents. They're illegal aliens, that's not a resident. Don't use that type of language, Mr. Mayor, that's the wrong language,' responded Bovino.

The interaction lasted a minute, ending with Bovino promising Biss that his team would 'make your city safe.'

Bovino told The Chicago Tribune his team is 'taking criminals off the street' and even getting assistance from both Evanston and nearby Chicago's police departments.

'I think probably they're learning a little bit from Louisiana how an orderly safe enforcement action works, and this what we're after, is an orderly safe enforcement action,' he added.

Chicago is known as a 'sanctuary city' and has laws prohibiting state and local police from working with immigration enforcement.

Greg Bovino, the tough-as-nails face of Trump's aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration, was seen on camera warning the mayor of an Illinois city that he had the authority to arrest illegal migrants

Evanston's DemocratMayor Daniel Biss, who is running for Congressin a dark blue district, confronted Bovino

Bovino called his mission 'a legal, ethical and moral' one and said he's representing 'taxpayer Ma and Pa America.'

Biss slammed Bovino and immigration officers and denied his local police was doing anything other than 'keep the peace.'

'I think it's important in these volatile environments to have actual law enforcement who are interested in public safety, like EPD, as opposed to the ICE and CBP folks. It's a tragedy that they're keeping people safe from our federal government,' Biss said.

Bovino has seen resistance from liberals in the area as ICE and CBP attempt to enact President Trump's ongoing immigration crackdown.

Earlier this month, rowdy Chicago residents were seen throwing snowballs at federal ICE agents before the freezing streets were filled with clouds of tear gas.

Federal agents descended on the Chicago area as part of Operation Midway Blitz in early September, and in recent weeks they have been focusing on the Windy City's suburbs.

Video of the dystopian clash has circulated on social media showing residents, some with gas masks on, scooping up icy snow and hurling it at officials.

As they did so, a large plume of smoke started to rise on the snowy street as a man screamed: 'Woah! Watch out, gas!'

Biss slammed Bovino and immigration officers and denied his local police was doing anything other than 'keep the peace'

Anti-ICE protestors hurled snowballs at ICE agents earlier this month as the immigration crackdown continues in the Windy City

At least seven people were treated for chemical exposure. It is unclear if anyone was arrested

Several emergency sirens rang out in the background as another man, dressed in gray sweatpants and black hoodie, charged at agents with snowballs in his hand.

'Don't throw sh**,' one person yelled as others tried to throw more snow balls through the foggy sky.

The clip then showed the other side of the street as protestors held up signs and went face-to-face with officials.

More tear gas rang out, and a massive boom was heard as many people quickly dispersed.

Toward the end of the video, a male agent was heard telling people to get out of the way before warning that the gas will be deployed.

He then threw the can on the front lawn of a home, narrowly hitting someone with it.

Some people were even burying the devices under the snow to try and control the impact of the tear-gas.

The dispute started when federal agents called local police for help after they were involved in a car crash while they conducted immigration raids in the area that morning.

The agent who called the collision told police the other person involved in the crash had fled the scene, ABC 7 reported.

Another call came in less than an hour later over a report of masked people on their property. They were later determined to be ICE agents.

Then just after noon, officers with the Elgin Police Department responded to multiple reports of shots fired, but later determined that was not the case.

It was during that time that federal officials 'dispersed chemical irritants.' The deployment of tear gas is known to make a loud noise that can mimic a gunshot.

Bovino was promoted earlier this year under Trump after being fired under Joe Biden, appointed in June to lead the administration's first sustained blitz of a major city  Los Angeles. He then moved on to to spearhead 'Operation Midway Blitz.'
A couple who won a 3million Omaze dream home sold off the property and bought their unemployed son a house - that they are now trying to evict him from for not paying them any rent.

A bitter courtroom battle, which pits Rose and Tony Doyle against her son Brian Cassidy, centres on a semi-detached home in Birmingham which the couple bought following their life-changing raffle win.

Mrs Doyle, 74, a former school dinner lady, bought the winning 25 ticket and scooped a 3.1million luxury Cornish home in April 2024.

Celebrating at the time, the grandmother-of-four said the windfall would make a huge difference to her family, 'especially the children', while her husband added: 'Hopefully we can add a ladder to them and help them step up so the family is going to be looked after.'

The couple, who also scooped a 100,000 cash prize with Omaze, later sold the Cornwall mansion and began investing in property in the West Midlands.

In December last year, they paid 205,000 for a semi-detached house on a cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Birmingham, where Mr Cassidy, 51, moved in immediately with his partner.

'It meant a lot to me,' Mr Cassidy said. 'After being in unstable accommodation for some time, it was a welcome chance of stability for myself and my partner.'

But court documents show the couple now claim Mr Cassidy owes them 4,800 in unpaid rent and are seeking possession of the house.

Dinner lady Rose Doyle and her husband won a 3m Omaze dream home and sold the property

The couple bought their son Brian Cassidy (pictured) a semi-detached home in Birmingham with the proceeds from the sale of their life-changing prize raffle property

When Rose won the sprwaling luxury home situated in the Cornish countryside she said it would make a huge difference to her and 'especially her children'

At the time of her big win Rose said the new house 'is absolutely gorgeous' and she will 'never get bored of walking onto the balcony and taking in these stunning views'

Papers filed at Birmingham County Court allege he paid his mother and stepfather 600 in January this year, but then made no further payments.

In a defence filed with the court, Mr Cassidy insists the property was gifted to him by his mother and that there was never any rental agreement.

The court case was adjourned to allow the Doyles to respond to Mr Cassidy's claims.

A final hearing will be held in February - complicated by the fact that Mr Doyle is currently in prison after being convicted of child sex offences.

The retired gas fitter, 67, was jailed for six years and three months in October after committing ten sexual offences against young girls.

His victims, aged between seven and 12 years of age, were abused over a 13-year period.

District Judge Natalie Bradshaw said that Mr Doyle could appear in court over a video link from prison.

She said: 'It seems to me that due to the nature of the allegations being raised, this is not going to be a final hearing.'

Speaking following the 15-minute hearing, Mrs Doyle confirmed she was now divorcing her husband of 47 years.

A family friend who had accompanied Mrs Doyle to the hearing said: 'The fact is that the property is in both of their names so he [Mr Doyle] has a right to attend the hearing.

'It wasn't a gift. It was bought as a rental property.'

Mr Cassidy described Mr Doyle as a 'very manipulative man' and claimed he was told to 'claim housing benefit and then pay it to him'.

But a short time later Rose and Tony sold the property and invested in a number of more modest homes to rent out - including one in Birmingham for their son Brian (pictured)

Mrs Doyle bought the winning 25 ticket and scooped a 3.1million luxury home in April 2024

Mr and Mrs Doyle who had been together for 46 years, previously lived in this same three-bedroom house in Birmingham for 44 years. Now the couple are said to be divorcing

When he was sentenced, Judge Peter Carr told him: 'Your victims will have to live with the effects of what you have done to them for far longer than this court will be able to sentence you to.'

Police also discovered 179 indecent pictures and 137 indecent videos when Mr Doyle was arrested in April.

Omaze is a fundraising platform which gives people the chance to win luxury prizes - such as multi-million-pound homes, cars, or once-in-a-lifetime experiences - while raising money for charities.

Its popular Million Pound House Draws have seen winners bag luxurious homes in places like Cornwall, the Cotswolds, Devon, and London, with ticket bundles starting from 10.

The Doyles won a beachfront five-bedroomed mansion in the village of St Agnes, in north Cornwall.

It is unclear when they sold the cedar-clad retreat but they used proceeds from its sale to purchase fund two properties in Birmingham for Mrs Doyle's granddaughter and Mr Doyle's niece.

In December last year, the Doyles paid 205,000 for a semi-detached house on a cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Birmingham, where Mr Cassidy, 51, moved in immediately with his partner. Mr Cassidy insists it was gifted to him by his mum and that there was never a rental agreement

Speaking after the win, Mrs Doyle said: 'When they confirmed the prize I was an emotional wreck!

'This win is life-changing for us - it's fantastic for our family's future - they won't have to struggle as much as we had to.

'We thought maybe it was a little holiday to Cornwall or a few hundred pounds - we didn't think for one minute that we'd won a 3 million pound house there - things like this just don't happen to people like us.'

When speaking about their plans with the prize, Mrs Doyle added: 'I'm not sure what we're going to do long term yet - we'll definitely enjoy it as a family for a bit - whatever we decide to do, it's going to change all our lives for the better - it's a true miracle.'
Suspected Bondi Beach gunman Naveed Akram was interviewed by anti-terrorism police just two years before his father Sajid was granted a gun licence.

It was revealed on Wednesday that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) placed Naveed on its 'known entity management list' in 2021.

ASIO's interest in the alleged gunman dates back to July 2019, when police foiled an IS terror plot in Sydney and arrested Isaak El Matari, identified as an IS operative and self-declared Australian commander of the group.

The agency monitored and interviewed the 24-year-old, with a state security source telling The Sydney Morning Herald it then informed its NSW counterparts.

In 2020, ASIO determined Akram did not pose an ongoing risk that justified further monitoring. Three years later, Sajid was granted a gun licence in 2023.

It's understood detectives interviewed Akram following his interactions with ASIO, and likewise decided that no further monitoring or investigation was necessary.

'That is not to say that there will not be areas of improvement or mistakes that have been made,' the source said.

Another individual added that 'police or ASIO can't engage in endless saturation surveillance in the absence of evidence'.

Suspected Bondi Beach gunman Naveed Akram (pictured) was interviewed by anti-terrorism police years before he allegedly opened fire at a Jewish celebration at Bondi

A crumpled IS flag is seen in the windshield of a silver hatchback allegedly used by the Akrams

In 2020, ASIO determined Akram did not pose an ongoing risk that justified further monitoring. Three years later, his father, Sajid, (pictured) was granted a gun licence

'With (Naveed), two agencies assessed he did not pose an ongoing risk, and we didn't hear of him for half a decade,' they said.

Daily Mail has contacted NSW Police for comment.

Akram is understood to have maintained close connections with El Matari and members of the IS cell, several of whom have since been convicted of terrorism offences.

In the last few days, authorities have said they are probing Akram and Sajid's alleged links to Islamic extremism after explosives and homemade IS flags were found in a car registered to Naveed at the scene.

Sajid, a licensed firearms holder, had opened fire at at a Hanukkah by the Sea event Bondi Beach on Sunday and was shot dead by police.

The pair allegedly filmed an ISIS-style propaganda video at their rented Campsie Airbnb before the deadly shooting, expressing extremist views.

Another key line of inquiry is their one-month trip to the Philippines in November, which authorities are still investigating.

The pair's final destination was the southern city of Davao, capital of the island Mindanao, which has been a hotbed for Islamic militants for decades - particularly since ISIS was defeated in Syria in 2019.

Police are seen outside an Airbnb in Campsie, allegedly used by the suspected Bondi gunmen

Flowers are seen at Bondi Beach after 15 people died in a horror mass shooting on Sunday

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese admitted on Wednesday that there were 'real issues' with intelligence and policing services in Australia.

'We need to examine exactly the way that systems work,' he told ABC News.

'We need to look back at what happened in 2019 when this person was looked at, the assessment that was made.

'We need to look at the way the Commonwealth and state agencies interact and we need to make any adjustments that are necessary to the way that our intelligence, security agencies, police agencies, all interact with each other.'

The security sources speaking to the Herald also took aim at Australia's firearms monitoring systems, claiming they are outdated and hampered by bureaucracy.

Their criticism follows revelations that Sajid Akram was granted a firearms licence in 2023, four years after his son was first investigated by ASIO.

Akram legally owned six firearms, some of which were used in the massacre.

Critics of the firearms system came from officials involved in the incomplete National Firearms Registry run by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

Police are seen removing police tape from Bondi Beach on Wednesday

The system aims to centralise and digitise data and intelligence about gun owners, but critics say it has been plagued by internal problems and poor buy-in from some states and territories, including those with antiquated gun licence records.

Following the massacre, federal, state and territory leaders have begun pursuing urgent reforms to firearm legislation.

'The very nature of our gun laws means that they are only as strong as the weakest link,' Albanese said earlier this week.

He said the government will consider limiting the number and type of guns individuals can own, requiring citizenship for gun ownership, and accelerating work on the National Firearms Register.
A father took his own life with carbon monoxide poisoning the day before he was to be jailed for leaving his toddler to die in a hot car, a medical examiner has confirmed.

Christopher Scholtes was found dead about 5.20am on November 5 at the $1 million home in Phoenix he shared with his wife, Dr Erika Scholtes.

The day after his suicide, he was supposed to begin a 20 to 30-year prison sentence for the second-degree murder of his daughter Parker, two, who died in July 2024.

Phoenix police and the Maricopa County Medical Examiner told the Daily Mail in the days that followed how he was believed to have died, and have now confirmed it.

A summary report by medical examiner Daniel Casa revealed chilling details of the scene Erika and the couple's live-in nanny stumbled upon about 5.20am.

Scholtes, 38, was found 'unresponsive in a running car in his garage', Casa wrote, followed by a detailed description of how the killer dad took his own life.

The make and model of the car were not listed, but a neighbor earlier told the Daily Mail he was found in his beloved red Honda S2000 convertible.

A suicide note was left inside the house and Scholtes left a living will on the roof of the car in case his attempt to kill himself failed, the report revealed.

Christopher Scholtes, 38, took his own life on November 5, the same day he was begin a 20 to 30-year prison sentence for the second-degree murder of his daughter

Parker Scholtes, 2, died of heatstroke after her father left her napping in a hot car while he drank beer, watched porn and played video games for three hours

Scholtes, 38, was found dead in his beloved red convertible inside the garage of their new home (pictured in the former family home on the day Parker died)

Casa wrote that a rope and ladder were also arranged in the garage suggesting Scholtes had a second method of suicide.

Whether he tried that method before he got in the car and failed, or assembled them as a backup in case carbon monoxide failed, is unclear.

The killer dad was found with a blood carboxyhemoglobin level of 80 percent - far higher than the two to three percent of a healthy non-smoker.

Marijuana, caffeine, and diphenhydramine - the active ingredient in cold and flu medications like Benadryl - was also found in his blood.

Casa cataloged Scholtes' long list of health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD, plus cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana use, and a degenerative joint disease.

'He reportedly made suicidal statements after the death of his daughter, and he had recently exhibited a depressed mood,' Casa wrote.

The report noted that Scholtes was 'under stress' due to his criminal case and he was expected to report to prison on the day he was found dead.

Join the debate How should society balance justice for child victims with understanding of parental mental health struggles?

The Scholtes family moved 94 miles from the house in Marana where Parker died after buying a four-bedroom, 2,400sqft home in the Phoenix suburbs in April. Scholtes was found dead in the garage

Christopher Scholtes (left) and his wife Erika, holding Parker in her arms, along with their two older daughters

Casa's report matches a neighbor's visceral account to the Daily Mail of the moments after Scholtes was found.

'They were all standing looking at the car and he was already in the car dead at that time,' said the neighbor, who had a clear view of the chaotic scene through the open garage door.

'All of a sudden [Erika] started walking around and this other lady pulled up all frantic and they ran up to the door. Then the police and the fire department showed up.

'I don't know how far [the fumes] went into the house, but the kids were there, the family was there. It could have been bad.'

Scholtes killed himself 16 months after Parker died in the back seat of the family car in the driveway of the former family home in the Tucson suburb of Marana, Arizona, where he left her in 90F heat.

The unemployed father left his youngest daughter napping for three hours in the boiling hot family car while he drank beer, played video games, and watched porn as she slowly died.

He told police that he left Parker in the car with the engine running and the air-conditioning on because she was asleep when they arrived home.

However, he lost track of time and the engine automatically shut off after about 20 minutes - as police testing confirmed.

The blue 2023 Acura MDX parked in the driveway of the family home in Marana, Arizona on July 9, 2024 - the day Parker died

Crime scene photos obtained by the Daily Mail show tiny handprints on the inside of the window in the blue family 2023 Acura MDX.

The haunting marks on the rear driver's side window were just inches from where Parker's forward-facing car seat was buckled in.

Police testing found the surface temperature of the car seat was 149.1F, according to detailed incident reports by the Marana Police Department.

Parker was only found when Erika came home from work at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson - where the toddler was declared dead an hour later.

Erika now works as an anesthesiologist at Banner's Phoenix hospital.

Scholtes's two surviving daughters described to detectives the frantic moment before the couple realized where Parker was and sprinted to the car.

'[One of the girls] said when her mom got home she asked, "Where's the baby?" and her dad said, "Where's the baby!?" and ran outside,' one officer wrote.

'"My dad started screaming cause he walked outside and he saw that she was in the car still, her lips were purple and she wasn't breathing."

'When they saw her mom and dad crying, they knew Parker was dead.'

Erika was seen packing away Halloween bits and putting up Christmas decorations earlier this month as she kept a low profile since her husband's suicide

Crime scene photos taken by the Marana Police Department showed tiny handprints on the inside of the window in the car inches from where Parker was strapped in

Erika continued to stand by her husband up to his suicide - petitioning the court for his release and for permission to take a holiday to Maui, and buying a stunning $1 million four-bedroom, 2,369sqft Italian villa-style family home in Phoenix in April.

The widow has kept a low profile since her husband's suicide and was joined by family for a somber Thanksgiving at her home in Phoenix.

Erika was seen packing away Halloween bits and putting up Christmas decorations with the help of her stepfather Darrin King and another young man.

Scholtes rejected a plea deal in March that would have seen him serve up to 10 years behind bars.

Just six months later, Scholtes had no choice but to accept a far worse deal to plead guilty to second-degree murder and be jailed for 20 to 30 years without parole.

But he was allowed to stay out on bail until November 5 when he would be taken into custody, and used that time to plan his suicide.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
Harvard University is secretly investigating two students who leaked a lecture room video of Professor Larry Summers apologizing for his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Students Rosie P. Couture and Lola DeAscentiis are under scrutiny after two videos were posted to TikTok in November relating to Summers, 70, telling a class about his 'regret' and 'shame' over seedy emails he sent to the disgraced pedophile.

The former US Treasury Secretary under Bill Clinton reiterated his pledge to 'step back from public activity' in the clip, but said he would still fulfill his teaching obligations 'for a time'.

Posted on November 18, the video went viral and prompted thousands of people to call for Summers to be fired. The next day, Summers announced that he was resigning from teaching at Harvard.

In the leaked lecture hall video, Summers said: 'Some of you will have seen my statement of regret, expressing my shame with respect to what I did in communication with Mr Epstein, and that I've said that I'm going to step back from public activity.

'But for a time I think it's very important to fulfill my teaching obligations.'

Summers was exposed for asking Epstein for romantic advice via email in 2019 - long after the financier was convicted of sex crimes against children.

His embarrassing emails went public amid the release of a vast tranche of Epstein documents, bringing shame to one of Harvard's most distinguished professors and the Ivy League institution.

Larry Summers opened his Harvard class by addressing his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein

Harvard University is secretly investigating two students who leaked a lecture room video of Professor Larry Summers addressing his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. (Pictured: Epstein (2nd from left) at a dinner he hosted at Harvard University in September, 2004 with Summers)

Harvard officials are now investigating the students who leaked a video of his lecture room confession and a follow-up lecture announcing his departure, according to the New York Times.

The first leaked video of Summers came with a vomit emoji and the caption: 'This is how classes start at Harvard: Professors apologizing for their ties to Jeffrey Epstein'.

In the second video, the professor who took over Summers' class, Robert Lawrence, can be seen announcing that that Summers would no longer be teaching.

Lawrence said at one point that the class would 'miss his insights and his wisdom', prompting the student filming to yell: 'No we won't!'

The new professor did not acknowledge the interruption, and continued to introduce the day's guest speaker.

Officials are considering whether the students violated university rules by attending a class they were not enrolled in while also filming without consent.

They could face disciplinary action, ranging from a private reprimand to expulsion from the school, according to two sources who spoke with the Times.

The probe was initially launched as an anti-bullying investigation, but this was dropped and the inquiry is now focused on whether the students violated specific policies, the sources said.

Those who spoke about the investigation are involved in the probe and could not reveal their identities because it is supposed to be a confidential probe.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Harvard University, Couture and DeAscentiis for comment.

Summers was exposed in November for sending embarrassing emails to Jeffrey Epstein asking him for romantic advice when the House Oversight Committee released a tranche of emails

In email exchanges dated between 2013 and 2019, Summers and Epstein frequently shared their thoughts about current events and politics - while also delving into the married economics professor's love life. (Pictured: Epstein smiling at Summers, pictured front right)

A spokesperson for Harvard confirmed the probe but added it had 'nothing to do with the specific class or instructors'.

'Any student who attends a class session without permission, records the class without permission, and then makes the recording public would be similarly at risk for disciplinary action,' the statement said.

'The College follows up on all reports of potential violations of our policies when they are filed with us.

'The College prohibits unauthorized recording of classroom proceedings to protect classrooms as spaces for intellectual exploration and risk-taking, to respect student privacy, and to prevent chilling effects that undermine participation and inquiry.'

Summers was first exposed for sending embarrassing emails to Jeffrey Epstein asking him for romantic advice when the House Oversight Committee released a vast tranche of Epstein emails in November.

In email exchanges dated between 2013 and 2019, Summers and Epstein frequently shared their thoughts about current events and politics - while also delving into the married economics professor's love life.

Summers complained to the now-disgraced financier about feeling like 'the friend without benefits' in his relationship with one woman who jilted him in 2019, and asked him for tips on how to reply to her texts.

This was long after Epstein's guilty plea to sex crimes against children in 2008 - and Harvard had already stopped accepting donations from him the previous year in light of the allegations.

The emails prompted Senator Elizabeth Warren to urge Harvard to cut ties with Summers, who is the Ivy League schools' former president, and who also served as Bill Clinton's Treasury Secretary and Barack Obama's Director of the NEC.

Warren told CNN she believes Summers 'cannot be trusted' with young college students given his lengthy friendship with Epstein.

Summers is married to Elisa New, who is a professor emerita of American Literature at Harvard. It's unclear whether they have an open relationship or if he was cheating on his partner of now-20 years.

In one March 2019 email, Summers complained to Epstein that he was concerned that the attention he was giving one woman may not pay off in the form of sexual reward.

'I dint (sic) want to be in a gift giving competition while being the friend without benefits,' he wrote.

Summers analyzed his exchange with the woman in classic economic terms, by weighing up how he could maximize profit from what he gave.

Epstein praised the hopeless professor for his efforts, writing that his lack of 'whining' to the woman 'showed strength'.

The economics professor then whined that the woman had abandoned plans with him for another man she was 'really attracted' to but was 'unsuitable as a partner'.

He told Epstein he could not criticize her for this due to their power dynamic, and because he had canceled on her thanks to 'family and work constraints' in the past.

'Should I just wait for her to call?' he asked the sex offender, while suggesting that he could alternatively tell the woman she had 'used up 80 percent of what she was owed' by making him change his plans.

Epstein also referred to himself in some emails as Summers' 'wingman', according to the Harvard Crimson.

Summers analyzed his exchange with the woman in classic economic terms, by weighing up how he could maximize profit from what he gave in the exchange with Epstein

In November 2018, Summers also forwarded an email from a woman to Epstein in order to ask his advice on what he should write back.

'Think no response for a while probably appropriate,' Summers wrote, according to CNN.

'she's already beginning to sound needy :) nice,' Epstein replied in part.

The previous year, in October 2017, Summers raged to Epstein that men could be banned from a social media site or a think tank because 'they hit on a few women 10 years ago'.

Summers told The Harvard Crimson on Wednesday that he regretted his friendship with Epstein.

'I have great regrets in my life. As I have said before, my association with Jeffrey Epstein was a major error of judgment,' he said.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Summers for comment.
A Sydney man who was wrongly identified as one of the Bondi Beach gunmen is appealing to the public to correct the record.

The man, who goes by the name Aloush on social media, posted a video on Wednesday responding to false reports linking an image of him at a Sydney pro-Palestine rally two years ago to an image of one of the alleged shooters.

Police on Monday identified the two alleged Bondi terror attack shooters as Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram.

As investigators began to probe the backgrounds of the two men, online sleuths began investigations of their own - leading to many false identifications.

In the video shared by Aloush, he referred to a viral post on X comparing a photo of him at a rally with one of the 24-year-old alleged shooter.

'Is this [alleged] Bondi terrorist, Naveed Akram, squaring off against police at the infamous Gas the Jews rally?' the post said.

It was a reference to a pro-Palestine rally outside Sydney's Opera House in October 2023, where some attendees reported hearing antisemitic chants.

NSW Police later said forensic analysis found no evidence the phrase 'gas the Jews' was chanted in footage taken at the rally.

The man, who goes by the name Aloush on social media, posted a video on Wednesday responding to false reports linking an image of him at a Sydney pro-Palestine rally two years ago to an image of one of the alleged shooters

The post has so far been viewed more than 600,000 times and attracted thousands of comments, many insisting it was the alleged shooter in both images.

'Same guy 100 per cent', one wrote.

'You could find him and the police couldn't? F***ing ridiculous government,' another said.

Aloush insisted the photo was of himself rather than Akram, stating: 'Half a million people on Twitter are saying this guy is me. What's wrong with this world?'

It was only the latest in a string of misidentifications made in the wake of the shooting on Sunday night that killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more.

In one instance, Facebook photos of a Pakistani man who shares the name Naveed Akram were circulated online with false claims he was the shooter.

He told the Daily Mail he was too afraid to go outside when a friend first alerted him to the news.

'When I got this news that my picture is being used for that [alleged] shooter, I was in shock, I couldn't go outside, I was feeling so unsafe,' he said.

Aloush was pictured at a pro-Palestine rally at the Sydney Opera House in October 2023

Pictured is a fabricated Facebook profile of alleged gunman Naveed Akram under the name David Cohen, portraying the 24-year-old as Jewish

'It's a life-threatening situation for me I can't explain in words what I felt at that time. I was shaking.'

He said the false reports left him feeling doubly traumatised: firstly, by the terror attack itself and secondly, by being accused of participating in it.

Other posts involved entirely made-up identities, including one claiming Naveed Akram's real name was 'David Cohen'.

'Leaked Facebook profile of the [alleged] Bondi Beach shooter before it got deleted. His real name is David Cohen and he's JEWISH, FROM ISRAEL!' one post said.

AI-generated content has also added to misinformation surrounding the attack itself, including manufactured footage of a survivor having fake-blood applied at the scene.

Other posts, meanwhile, misrepresented the efforts of police at the scene and spread false reports of separate attacks across Sydney.

Australias eSafety Commissioner has confirmed her office received a number of complaints about online material related to the shooting.

The regulator said it would work with platforms to ensure they meet their legal obligations and didn't rule out taking action.

The Bondi Beach attack was Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly three decades, since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene of the attack, while Naveed was rushed to hospital under police guard.

He has since been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and committing a terrorist act.
Australia's former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has sharply rebuked Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, telling him to 'stay out of our politics'.

It follows Netanyahu drawing a connection between the Bondi Beach terror attack and Canberra's recent recognition of Palestine.

The Bondi Beach massacre on Sunday night left 15 people dead after alleged gunmen Sajid Akram and his son Naveed opened fire on crowds gathered for a Hanukkah celebration.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Islamic State ideology motivated the attack, describing it as 'an act of pure evil.'

Netanyahu, however, ignited controversy by blaming Australia's recognition of Palestinian statehood, claiming it had poured 'oil on the fire of antisemitism' prior to the attack.

'A few months ago I wrote to the Australian prime minister that your policy is pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism,' Netanyahu said in a speech immediately following the massacre.

'Antisemitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders are silent.'

During an interview with Channel 4 News in the UK, Turnbull vigorously rejected Netanyahu's claims.

Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) told Benjamin Netanyahu to 'stay out' of Australian politics

'No, I do not [accept that],' he said.

'I would respectfully say to 'Bibi' Netanyahu, please stay out of our politics. If you've got that kind of commentary to make, you are not helping  and it's not right.'

Turnbull acknowledged Netanyahu's passion but warned that such comments were harmful.

'I know Netanyahu. I know him pretty well actually, and I understand where he's coming from, his passion and so forth, but this is not helping.'

He emphasised that most countries support a two-state solution and warned against foreign conflicts spilling into Australia's society.

'The vast majority of countries in the world recognise Palestine as a state. The vast majority support a two-state solution,' he said.

'We cannot allow these foreign wars and conflicts to be imported here. We are a very successful multicultural society. We need to ensure that wars in the Middle East or wars in any other part of the world are not fought out here.'

Albanese also dismissed Netanyahu's assertion in an interview with the ABC, rejecting any link between Australia's Palestine policy and the Bondi Beach killings.

Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) blamed Albanese's recognition of Palestine for the attack

'No, I don't,' he said when asked about a connection. 'And overwhelmingly, most of the world recognises a two-state solution as being the way forward in the Middle East.'

Netanyahu pointed to a letter he had sent to Albanese in August, urging stronger action instead of 'weakness' and 'appeasement.'

After the attack, Netanyahu accused Albanese of continuing the same approach.

'You replaced weakness with weakness and appeasement with more appeasement.'

Albanese refused to escalate tensions, saying his focus was on keeping the country unified.

'My role at this time is to bring the nation together, is to promote unity,' he said.

'The terrorists seek to divide us as a nation, to pitch Australian against Australian.'

Netanyahu doubled down on his criticism of the Australian government on Wednesday night, labelling Albanese's government 'flaccid'.

'I stated that these heinous acts are a direct result of rampant antisemitism, which is fuelled by a flaccid policy of the authorities in the country and of the Australian government which has a duty to act immediately and with all the tools at its disposal to eradicate terrorism and restore security to the Jewish communities,' he posted on X.
Former game show hostess Jo Silvagni has been caught on camera lashing out at a TV reporter after her son Tom was jailed for six years for rape.

Silvagni - who has of late been the promotional face of Chemist Warehouse and Berkowitz Furniture - raced out of the court with former AFL star husband Steve Silvagni on Wednesday.

Tom Silvagni had just been jailed for six years and two months, with a non-parole period of three years and three months.

As she and her husband left the court, she shrugged off media questions, pushing one reporter away and then adding: 'Do your job!'

Moments earlier Silvagni - whose maiden name was Jo Bailey - had once again glared at her son's victim in court.

Outside she turned on Sky News Australia reporter Georgie Dickerson as she sought a reaction from the rapist's mother about her son's jail sentence and if there would be an appeal.

But the questions sparked the mother's angry outburst.

Jo Silvagni and her husband Stephen moments after Jo berated Sky reporter Georgie Dickerson (pictured in pink behind Jo)

Silvagni physically rebuffed Dickerson, brushing her aside as she approached to ask her questions.

Hair slicked back and dressed entirely in black, Jo held tightly onto the arm of her husband, who also refused to engage with reporters.

It was in stark contrast to the couple's tearful display outside court the previous week when they made a beeline for waiting reporters and vowed to appeal.

'Jo and I, together with our family members and friends, are so disappointed with the outcome,' Stephen Silvagni told reporters then.

With his wife's arm around him, he continued to question the credibility of the victim.

'We all love and support our son Tom. Our son continues to maintain his innocence and we stand firmly behind him,' he said.

'We will be considering our options to appeal and shall not be making any further comments on this case. Our goal is to clear his name and bring him home.'

But the Silvagnis were in no mood to talk on Wednesday, after a bitter backlash to their emotional statement last week.

Hands on: Jo Sivagni takes a swipe at Sky reporter Georgie Dickerson

Jo Silvagni and son Tom (centre) leave court while their identities were still protected by a court order

Jo Silvagni had been a Sale of the Century co-host alongside Glenn Ridge (pictured)

Her media bust-up comes amid intense scrutiny over her future in the public eye.

The mother of three had managed to keep her name out of the headlines for more than a year because of a court-imposed non-publication order protecting her son and his family.

Silvagni first appeared on TV in the early 1990s as a co-host on Sale of the Century from 1991 to 1993 and later fronted Channel Nine's lifestyle program Looking Good.

She later fronted TV ads for Zoot Review, speaking to Australian celebrities who spruiked products such as Cold Power, Ski yoghurt and Nurofen.

For more than a decade, Silvagni has also been one of the public faces of Chemist Warehouse, which is holding fire on a decision about the partnership in the wake of her son's conviction.

She continues to appear in TV ads for the well-known brand, despite the legal dramas that have hung over her son, Tom, for almost two years.

A Chemist Warehouse spokeswoman declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail last week regarding the brand's ongoing partnership with Silvagni.

The Silvagni name was dragged through the mud even further on Wednesday when it was revealed Stephen was now at war with former Carlton president Mark LoGiudice.

While Stephen Silvagni cried outside court for his rapist son, Carlton fans continue to cry about his list management decisions

Tom Silvagni had tried to convince his victim she had sex with Mr LoGiudice's son Anthony on the night of his attack.

The jury heard the victim had consensual sex with Anthony in an upstairs bedroom.

At 1.58am, Mr LoGiudice left in an Uber, arriving at his home at 2.09am.

Silvagni then deceived the woman, falsely claiming Anthony's Uber had been cancelled and that he would be returning upstairs.

Instead, Silvagni entered the darkened bedroom himself, climbed into the bed and impersonated his mate before digitally raping the woman twice.

While Jo continues to make headlines, diehard Carlton fans are still seething from her husband's time as the club's list manager.

'Jo worried me, was she getting in her husband's ear there? Was that why he made error after error as Carlton's list boss?' one fan told Daily Mail.

'I mean how could he recruit hasbeens and duds like Petrevski-Seton, Kristian Jaksch and Lachie Plowman?'
The father and son accused of carrying out the Bondi Beach massacre spent a month staying in this shabby 11-a-night (AU$22) one-star hotel in a red-light district in the Philippines in the weeks before the atrocity, the Daily Mail can reveal.

Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the south-east Asian country in November for a break, before allegedly carrying out their atrocity at a Hanukkah event on Sunday which killed 15.

The pair stayed in a cramped twin room in the GV Hotel in Davao City, the country's second biggest city, in an area filled with neon-lit massage parlours and go-go bars that is frequented by western sex tourists on the island of Mindanao.

Opposite the hotel is a spa called 'Spring Valley' which advertises a 'happy hour' from 10am to 5pm.

And just yards away is a bar called 'Ladiestar' which offers karaoke and 'massage'.

Along from that, in a poignant coincidence, is a cocktail bar and restaurant named Bondi & Bourke, after the famous beach where the attack took place.

Davao City is a five-hour drive from the Islamic city of Marawi - which is where ISIS sympathisers have been waging a decade-long fight against the Catholic-dominated government.

Security experts have said they believe Sajid and Naveed travelled to the Philippines to undergo military style training, a claim which has been refuted by the troubled nation's President Marcos.

The father and son accused of carrying out the Bondi Beach massacre spent a month staying in this shabby 11-a-night one-star hotel in a red-light district in the Philippines

The pair stayed in a cramped twin room in the GV Hotel in Davao City, the country's second biggest city

Opposite the hotel is a spa called 'Spring Valley' which advertises a 'happy hour' from 10am to 5pm. And just yards away is a bar called 'Ladiestar' which offers karaoke and 'massage'

Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, pictured, allegedly carried out their atrocity at a Hanukkah event on Sunday which killed 15

The 50-year-old father, pictured, from Sydney's west, was shot dead at the scene by police

Hotel staff showed the Daily Mail their 'lair' - room number 315 - on the third floor of the hotel where the men stayed throughout, living on takeaways.

Sparsely furnished with two single beds, an old television and an en-suite bathroom, it is here where they claimed the Akrams spent almost all their time holed up - and would only leave each day to buy food.

Jenelyn Sayson, who works at the hotel, said they 'arrived with one big piece of luggage and a backpack each' and cleaners would remove fast-food wrappers from their room.

She said the pair had initially only booked into the accommodation for a week, paying in cash.

But they would go on to extend the stay a week at a time paying cash until they finally left and returned to Australia.

She said they ate at the popular Jollibee chicken restaurant which is also famous for its spaghetti bolognese.

Unlike other guests, who are friendly and interact with staff as well as other tourists, the men were said to keep to themselves.

When they left the hotel they would walk over to the next street or walk towards the next block of hotels. Staff never saw them catch a cab or get picked up from the hotel.

'We thought they probably had business here in the city since they would go out and just come back again,' she added.

'The longest that they would be outside would be around an hour and they would be just back here in the hotel.'

'On December 16 officers from the Task Force based in Davao arrived at the hotel and asked if the two suspects checked into the hotel.

'I was to confirm if I recognised the two men from the photos officers had of them.

'CCTV at the hotel only remains on the system for a week but military officers came and took the hard drive anyways.

'When they did leave, the father always wore sunglasses. The son had a big build, fair skinned and had a mole while his father was darker.

'From the time they arrived to the time they checked out they never left the city because we saw them every day.'

Television in the Philippines showed the Akram's passport and immigration photos from November 1st - the day of their arrival in Manila before they travelled to Davao in the south

When they left the hotel, pictured, they would walk over to the next street or walk towards the next block of hotels

Pictured: The inside of the GV Hotel. Hotel staff showed the Daily Mail their 'lair' - room number 315 - on the third floor of the hotel where the men stayed throughout, living on takeaways

Sparsely furnished with two single beds, an old television and an en-suite bathroom, it is here where they claimed the Akrams spent almost all their time holed up

Jenelyn Sayson, who works at the hotel, said they 'arrived with one big piece of luggage and a backpack each'

On one occasion, Naveed asked a staff member where he could buy durian, a type of fruit known for its pungent aroma and sweet taste. They were told to go to the Magsaysay Park and the Bankerohan market but are said to have returned with nothing.

The downmarket hotel is located in the city's Poblacion District - known for its nightlife surrounded by several 'bikini bars' - strip clubs which proliferate in the city's red-light district, where most bars have private rooms at the back that men can rent for just 25 (AU$50).

No documents or further evidence is said to have been found when authorities searched the room.

Sajid and Naveed flew at 11am from Sydney to Manila on November 1, arriving in the capital in the early hours of the morning.

They then took an internal flight to Davao where they checked into the budget GV Hotel around noon that day where they apparently stayed until November 28.

Philippines authorities have shut down the claims that the pair came to the country for terror training.

Armed forces there insist that there was no indication the alleged Bondi killers had trained with terror groups while in the country.

Col Francel Margareth Padilla said: 'From the field units, the data states that there are no foreign terrorist activities in the area. There are no trainings that are being conducted in the area.'

The men kept extending their stay at the hote;l, records show. They paid cash for their accommodation - and no documents were found when authorities searched the room

The hotel is in a notorious red light district and near a massage parlour called 'Ladiestar'

Pictured: A bar near the GV Hotel. Investigations into what the men were indeed doing during their month-long stay in the country continue

However, investigations into what the men were indeed doing during their month-long stay in the country continue.

The initial police investigation showing that they stayed exclusively in the city of Davao and did not leave would be a version of events the Philippine government would be happy with.

The country's national security advisor Eduardo Ano told journalists the country is working with Australia to gather intelligence on the two men and establish their reason for travelling to the Philippines.

Mr Ano confirmed the dates of entry into the country, adding that Sajid had travelled on an Indian passport while his son Naveed travelled on an Australian passport.

It is understood detectives are now tracing the men's credit cards and local SIM cards to track down their exact movements.

It has been suggested that they used Davao as an entry point to then access by car the city of Cagayan de Oro and later Marawi.

Marawi is widely known as a no-go-zone for tourists and locals alike with the Filipino government even issuing a category four warning to its civilians to not travel to the region under any circumstances.

Civilians travelling there face risk of death due to the ongoing violent clashes between terrorist groups and the Filipino armed forces.

The area was taken over by an offshoot of IS - called the Maute Group - in 2017 which led to the displacement of 350,000 from the area of the country, which is predominantly Catholic.

Following the attack on Sunday, in which Jews were shot dead in Sydney who had been celebrating the beginning of Hannukah, officers in Australia uncovered two homemade ISIS flags from Naveed's vehicle. Two bombs were also found in the car.

New South Wales police commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed on Tuesday that both men had travelled to the Philippines but said at this time the reason is still unknown.

The father and son called the GV Hotel in the Philippines home for almost a month

Davao City, pictured, is five hours from the Islamic city of Marawi - where ISIS sympathisers are waging a fight against the Catholic-dominated government

Meanwhile immigration spokeswoman Dana Sandoval told The Australian: 'Sajid Akram, 50, an Indian national (Australian resident) and Naveed Akram, 24, Australian national, arrived in the Philippines together last November 1, 2025, from Sydney Australia.

'Both reported Davao as their final destination. They left the country on November 28, 2025, on a connecting flight from Davao to Manila, with Sydney as their final destination.'

Sajid was shot after the attack on Sunday, which also injured 42 other people.

Meanwhile his son, a bricklayer who survived the police shootout and was taken to hospital, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act in what investigators allege may have been 'inspired by Isis'.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt brushed off the 'unflattering' photos Vanity Fair published by sharing her own glamorous behind-the-scenes shots.

The 28-year-old posted photos to Instagram on Wednesday showing her wearing a cheetah print jacket in front of a camera with her hair perfectly curled at the end.

In one photo, she could be seen fixing up her hair, showing off her red-painted nails and her large wedding ring.

'Behind the scenes of a live interview on the North Lawn of the White House,' Leavitt captioned the pictures.

Her post came amid criticism of Vanity Fair for publishing an extreme close-up of her face in a damning article in which Chief of Staff Susie Wiles dished on President Donald Trump's first year in office.

Leavitt's fans have accused the publication of being negatively biased towards Trump's staff in comparison to profiles published about former President Joe Biden.

'It's clear that Vanity Fair intentionally photographed Karoline and the White House staff in bizarre ways, and deliberately edited the photos, to try to demean and embarrass them,' White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told the Daily Mail.

'Karoline is a beautiful person and truly one of the most incredible people you will meet in politics, and she is doing an extraordinary job serving the American people as the White House Press Secretary.'

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt brushed off the 'unflattering' photos Vanity Fair published by sharing her own glamorous behind-the-scene shots to Instagram on Wednesday

The images were a stark contrast to the extreme close-up of her face that Vanity Fair published

Social media users also jumped to Leavitt's defense after the unsettling close-up was published on Instagram, with some calling Vanity Fair 'liberal propaganda,' and a 'sorry excuse for journalism.'

'Reality distortion machine,' conservative commenter Benny Johnson posted to Instagram, along with screengrabs of the images. 'Disgusting.'

'That is insane, she's gorgeous lol they had to work hard to make it look so unbelievable,' one user wrote.

'Karoline should take it as a compliment. They're clearly threatened by her,' declared someone else. 'They know she's stunning, and if she were on the other side, she'd be on the cover in a heartbeat. Love that she's living rent free in all their heads.'

'The extreme close up shows everyone just how beautiful Karoline really is! I wish I looked that good up close,' gushed another.

'Shameful Vanity Fair,' wrote someone else. 'Purposely creating flaws in a young professional woman simply because you don't agree with her political views talk about speaking out of both sides of your mouth.'

'Coming for a successful woman like this is so embarrassing,' said another user.

Another person slammed Vanity Fair for the coverage, responding to a post Wiles made on X, formerly Twitter, about the article writing: 'Why any conservative would think Vanity Fair would do a fair article is shocking. Of course, it will be negative with negative pictures, it is what they do.

'Now a staff member of Biden's or Obama's would be "icons, stars in Dem party."'

Vanity Fair was criticized for its profile on Chief of Staff Susie Wiles (pictured), who candidly criticized the president, Vice President JD Vance, former 'First Buddy' Elon Musk and other members of the administration

The Vanity Fair profile also featured profiles of other senior White House officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio

There was also a close-up photo of Vice President JD Vance

White House officials including Wiles, Vance, Rubio, Leavitt, Deputy Chiefs of Staff James Blair and Dan Scavino, and Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller participated in the photo shoot

The article also featured portraits of Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Deputy Chiefs of Staff James Blair and Dan Scavino, and Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller.

But on Vanity Fair's Instagram, many people mocked Leavitt, with one user asking 'why does she look 50?'

Another said: 'I am DECEASED!!!! The way I would enter a state of mania if this kind of close-up was posted of me!!! This will live forever and I LOVE it!!!'

Others claimed they could see lip-filler injection marks around her mouth.

'Are those injection prick marks?' asked one reader, with another commenting: 'Genius. The injection marks really sing in this one!'

In September, a plastic surgeon weighed in on rumors surrounding Leavitt's pout, telling the Daily Mail that whatever work Leavitt has had is quite subtle so far, if she's even had any at all.

Dr. Jennifer Harrington even declared that the 28-year-old looked 'amazing' after viewing footage and photos of her.

'She does appear in this interview to have enhanced fullness of her upper and lower lips, and her skin is flawless,' said Harrington, the founder of Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

But the unsightly photo of Leavitt was not the only reason Vanity Fair was criticized for its profile on Wiles, who candidly criticized the president, Vice President JD Vance, former 'First Buddy' Elon Musk and other members of the administration.

Wiles, 68, spoke with the publication over the course of the past year, likening Trump to her own late alcoholic father and legendary sportscaster Pat Summerall, saying the president has 'an alcoholic's personality.'

'The president operates [with] a view that there's nothing he can't do. Nothing, zero, nothing,' Wiles told journalist Chris Whipple.

Notably, Trump does not drink and has spoken about losing his older brother, Fred, to addiction and alcoholism.

The chief of staff also dished on Vance, pointing out that he joined the MAGA movement late and had earlier criticized Trump.

The VP, she said, has also been 'a conspiracy theorist for a decade.'

As the article then made waves in the administration, Trump insisted he understood what Wiles was trying to say.

He told the New York Post that while he doesn't drink alcohol, 'I've often said that if I did, I'd have a very good chance of being an alcoholic. I have said that many times about myself, I do.

'It's a very possessive personality,' he continued.

'I've said that many times myself. I'm fortunate I'm not a drinker,' Trump told the Post.

President Donald Trump said he understood what Wiles was trying to say

'If I did, I could very well, because I've said that - what's the word? Not possessive - possessive and addictive type personality. Oh, I've said it many times, many times before.'

The President did not respond to other portions of the two-part Vanity Fair series, saying he had not yet read it.

'I didn't read it, but I don't read Vanity Fair - but she's done a fantastic job,' the president said of Wiles. 'I think from what I hear, the facts were wrong, and it was a very misguided interviewer, purposely misguided.'

Leavitt used a similar line when she quickly addressed the controversy Tuesday afternoon on the White House driveway.

'This is, unfortunately, another example of disingenuous reporting, where you have a reporter who took the chief of staff's words wildly out of context, did not include the context those conversations were had within and then further, I think the most egregious part of this article was the bias of omission that was clearly present,' the White House press secretary said.

She told reporters: 'You will leave out important context, leave out comments and facts.'
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will not attend the funeral of the youngest Bondi Beach terror attack victim after he was criticised by the child's parents.

Matilda, 10, will be farewelled today at a funeral service in Sydney where hundreds of friends, family and political leaders are expected to remember her life.

Albanese will not attend because he was 'not invited', amid a torrent of backlash from the Jewish community toward his government for not doing more to combat rising anti-semitism.

Matilda's parents Valya and Michael slammed Albanese on Wednesday.

'[Albanese] has failed my daughter and failed every victim of the tragedy, and that had they done more, this would not have happened,' Valya said.

Matilda's father Michael also lashed the Prime Minister, saying more should have been done to 'protect Jewish people in this country'.

'He has betrayed the Jewish people of Australia, and of the whole world,' Michael said.

'Like what the hell is he thinking? And it showed what happened.'

Matilda, 10, will be farewelled today at a funeral service in Sydney where hundreds of friends, family and political leaders are expected to remember her life

Anthony Albanesewill not attend the funeral of the youngest Bondi terror attack victims

The parents yesterday wore stickers with Matilda and little bees.

They said they were grateful for all the support they had received.

'She loved to dance, sing and play with her sister,' Michael said.

Valya said Matilda's sister Summer is struggling and did not want to look at photos, but is remembering her sister by wearing her favourite colour.

'At the moment she is wearing a purple t-shirt, she just wants everything to be purple, it was Matilda's favourite colour,' Valya said on Wednesday.

Matilda's grieving parents also received financial support from billionaire Bill Ackman.

Ackman, whose net worth exceeds $9.5billion, donated $37,624 to assist Matilda's grieving relatives as they grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy.

The attack occurred just before 7pm on Sunday, when Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, allegedly opened fire during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing at least 15 people and injuring 40 more.

Matilda's parents Michael and Valya attend a Bondi memorial on Tuesday

Matilda (right) with her younger sister Summer

Images from the day showed Matilda smiling at a petting zoo, with her face painted, just moments before the attack.

At a memorial service on Tuesday, her father Michael held up a framed photograph of Matilda as he addressed mourners.

'Her name was Matilda because she was our first Australian. We came here from Ukraine, and I thought Matilda was the most Australian name that can ever exist. So just remember the name, remember her,' he told the crowd.

Her mother spoke through tears: 'It wasn't just a bullet from a spray. It wasn't an accident. It was a bullet fired on her.'

Her brother found comfort in knowing Matilda was surrounded by family in her final moments, saying: 'She knew she was loved, that she wasn't alone.'

Relatives shared that her middle initial was 'B' and encouraged well-wishers to post a bee emoji in her honour on social media.

A GoFundMe campaign started by Matilda's language teacher Irina Goodhew is raising funds to support her mother, Valentina Poltavchenko.

Goodhew described Matilda as 'a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her'.

'[On Sunday] while celebrating Hanukkah, her young life was tragically taken. Her memory will live on in our hearts,' she wrote.

'Matilda was a bright and loving soul who taught us that true goodness is in the love and compassion we share. Her memory reminds us to carry kindness in our hearts and spread it to the world.'

The fundraiser had already reached nearly $700,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.

Suspected gunman Naveed Akram (above) has been charged with 15 counts of murder

On Wednesday, alleged gunman Naveed Akram was charged with 59 offences including 15 counts of murder.

Akram, who allegedly shot at a crowd of hundreds alongside his father Sajid - was charged after he spent two days in a coma after being shot by police.

The charges against him include one count of committing a terrorist act, one count of discharging a firearm in public, one count of causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist symbol, one count of placing an explosive in or near a building with intent to cause harm, and 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder.

'Police will allege in court the man engaged in conduct that caused death, serious injury and endangered life to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community,' NSW Police said in a statement.

'Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS, a listed terrorist organisation in Australia.'

His father, Sajid, was fatally shot by police during the nine-minute attack.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett earlier said no others were expected to be charged.

'There is no evidence to suggest other individuals were involved in this attack, however, we caution that this could change given it is early in our investigation,' she said.
Commentary: Milestone progress of Hainan Free Trade Port poised to boost open global economy

Xinhua) 10:54, December 18, 2025

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 21, 2025 shows a view of the Yangpu International Container Port in Yangpu Economic Development Zone, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

HAIKOU, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) -- the largest free trade port in the world in terms of area -- began island-wide special customs operations on Thursday, in a landmark move in China's high-standard opening-up.

The milestone development of the flagship project is set to inject strong, sustained momentum into the high-quality development of both the tropical Hainan Province and the whole country, and into economic integration regionally and globally. It is also expected to provide a huge boost for free trade that has been impacted by rising protectionism and unilateralism in recent years.

The creation of a free trade port is the highest level of opening-up in the world today. With rich natural resources and the advantages of being backed by China's mega-market, the Hainan FTP covers the entirety of the 33,900-square-kilometer Hainan Island. The FTP currently has eight open ports and 10 second-line customs ports.

China aims to build the Hainan FTP into an important gateway that leads the country's opening-up in the new era. As a pilot zone for the comprehensive deepening of reform and opening-up, Hainan will contribute to the country's strategic efforts to establish new systems for a higher-level open economy.

The Hainan FTP has entered a new phase of development. It has initially established a framework of policies and institutions to promote liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment. The FTP features arrangements for zero-tariffs, low tax rates and a streamlined tax structure step by step, eventually creating an internationally competitive tax system. Starting Thursday, the share of zero-tariff products in the Hainan FTP has surged from 21 percent to 74 percent, with the number of tariff-free items expanding from about 1,900 to more than 6,600.

The special customs operations will give full play to the role of the Hainan FTP as a magnet for global investment and talent, and a new engine for high-quality development.

The momentum of the Hainan FTP is evident from a set of figures. Since 2020, more than 9,600 foreign-funded enterprises have been newly established in Hainan, by investors from more than 170 countries and regions. The province has opened a total of 75 container liner routes, including 36 foreign trade routes. Tourist arrivals have increased rapidly as Hainan aims to become an international tourism and consumption destination.

Focusing on tourism, the modern services industry and high-tech industries, the Hainan FTP will strengthen coordinated development with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. With close trade ties, the Hainan FTP and Hong Kong have a high level of industrial complementarity and broad cooperation space. Hainan could learn from the management methods of world-leading FTPs like Hong Kong.

Hainan is a key hub along the Belt and Road, linking the domestic and international markets. Located at a key passage connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, the Hainan FTP will gain an increasingly important position in the world economic landscape.

Thanks to its unique geographical location, the Hainan FTP is expected to play an important role in tapping cooperation potential under free trade agreements such as the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

As a staunch supporter of free trade and economic globalization, China will continue to draw momentum from opening-up to propel reform and development, promote alignment with high-standard international economic and trade rules, and expand market access. The special customs operations of the Hainan FTP demonstrate China's unwavering determination and confidence in expanding high-standard opening-up.

The Hainan FTP with Chinese characteristics has begun to take shape and will gain greater momentum. As a long-term project, the Hainan FTP still has a long way to go. Reforms need to be advanced steadily.

According to plans, the institutional system and operational mode of the Hainan FTP will be more mature by 2035. Hainan Island will develop into a globally influential and high-level FTP by the middle of the century.

A new pace-setter in China's opening-up, the Hainan FTP will take the lead in exploring further institutional opening-up, share development opportunities with investors, and provide fresh certainty and resilience for the global economy through open, win-win cooperation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Near the gates of Downing Street last Saturday, a rally was held with earnest-looking speakers shouting through megaphones.

It was watched by 250 supporters, from pensioners to bobble-hatted students, waving placards bearing the heart-tugging slogan: 'Jesus was a Refugee.'

The event was organised by unlikely bedfellows - the apparently gentle charity Care4Calais (C4C), which feeds and clothes thousands of 'desperate' migrants waiting to cross the Channel, and Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), an organisation championing open borders. It has unashamedly close links to the Marxist-aligned Socialist Workers Party (SWP).

A garish online poster advertising the rally made it clear that the charities are aligned. It declared defiantly: 'Don't let the far-Right divide us at Christmas.' It was signed by both C4C and SUTR, which boasts former Labour MP Diane Abbott as president.

But the event, however well-meaning, was unfortunately timed. The Home Office had just, sensationally, accused an Iraqi-Kurdish trafficker of 'working' for C4C while scouring migrant camps for 10,000-a-head customers he could smuggle to Britain.

And it came amid ever deepening concern over uncontrolled mass immigration and the disturbing consequences  including a succession of shocking court verdicts in which recently arrived migrants have been found guilty of the rape and sexual assault of girls, and predatory sex attacks on young boys.

What is certain is that C4C, founded ten years ago by Clare Moseley, a middle-class Liverpool mother and accountant, appears to have morphed into a highly organised political force that stands accused of encouraging migrants to travel here illegally, helped by an army of up to 600 willing, but naive, volunteers.

An investigation by the Daily Mail has discovered that Moseley runs a successful company staging anti-racism music festivals along with a man called Weyman Bennett, who is also a central committee member of the Socialist Workers Party and a co-convenor of SUTR.

Clare Moseley, founder of Care4Calais, in their warehouse near Calais in France. The middle-class mother appears to have morphed into a highly organised political force

Weyman Bennett (pictured), a central committee member of the Socialist Workers Party and co-convenor of SUTR, also runs a successful company staging anti-racism music festivals with C4C's Clare Moseley

Their lives have been intertwined since they first met in Calais and, according to official Government land ownership records, set up an office together in a smart Manchester apartment. It seems a far cry from C4C's original roots when, one Saturday morning in 2015, Moseley realised a crisis was unfolding in Calais. A million people poured into Europe as borders opened for Syrian refugees, with many heading to the French coast hoping to reach Britain.

As she explained to The Guardian: 'I remember it vividly. I sat up in bed, browsing the internet and an article caught my eye: it was about the refugee crisis. Men, women and children were risking their lives to get to Western Europe, and many were dying in the process.'

'My husband came upstairs to find me crying,' she told the paper in another interview. That day, she said she spotted a charity on the web called Stand Up To Racism which she hoped would help her.

'It was sending supplies to Calais, where thousands of refugees were staying. Before I knew it, I was making plans to drive to Dover and use my car to help transport clothing across the Channel,' she said.

Moseley set up a 'distribution' warehouse for food and clothes at the French port, calling the operation Care4Calais, leaving her husband Benjamin and teenage children back in Britain. 'It's been hard for my family. I can't imagine going back to my normal life restaurants, parties, without thinking how people need help,' she added.

Yet in France Moseley ran into problems. She had a year-long affair with Tunisian migrant Mohamed Bajar, which ended in tears when they parted and he tried to burn down the charity's warehouse.

She later faced stern criticism from the Charity Commission, which said C4C had broken financial rules, that some 300,000 of donated money had been found in a personal bank account, and that complaints from whistleblowers had been ignored.

The watchdog also reprimanded C4C for becoming a central cog in the successful legal battle to quash the Tory government's plan to send migrants in the UK (many of whom had travelled through Calais) for asylum processing in Rwanda.

Suella Braverman, Home Secretary at the time, declared that 'some charities are actively undermining efforts to curb illegal migration into the UK.' Soon afterwards, Clare Moseley left Care4Calais.

The C4C founder had proved a skilful publicist and promoter. Nine years ago, at her invitation, the US rapper and record producer will.i.am spent six hours in The Jungle, a migrant shanty town near Calais, with the charity's volunteers. He called them 'angels' in a tweet to his 12million followers before flying home to Hollywood (never to return).

Pictured: Ms Moseley outside the Royal Courts of Justice at a demonstration against the Government's Rwanda scheme in September 2022

Activists from Care 4 Calais marching with anti-racist campaigners during a 'Resist Racism' demonstration in March 2023

The tweet is reputed to have turned C4C into a money-making machine. It now has an income of 1.8million a year, largely from individual donations, but also through selling T-shirts and jumpers for Christmas bearing the legend 'Jesus was a Refugee'.

The French government said The Jungle and the charities working in it were luring migrants to Calais and bulldozed the place soon after will.i.am's visit.

But other tented camps sprung up and the boats kept coming. Tens of thousands have arrived in Britain since the Rwanda plan was abandoned by the Labour Government last year.

Last week, streaming channel Talk TV aired a documentary anchored by journalist Isabel Oakeshott called The Undercover Migrant, which showed a Rochdale builder masquerading as a refugee while mixing with Care4Calais and French charity volunteers, hardened people-traffickers and those waiting to cross the Channel.

After a fortnight, he concluded: 'I truly think the charities are"aiding and abetting" the whole process. That is my belief... they are on at every single corner of the migrants' journeys across continents giving them food, clothing, everything. I think they are culpable.'

So does his observation have a flavour of the truth?

A telling article by freelance journalist Charlotte Gill said this week: 'Everyone from successive prime ministers to the Home Office can be blamed for the growing number of attacks by foreign (migrant) men. But the charity sector is substantially fuelling open borders.

'Many present themselves as caring, and even fighting the far-Right, but are enabling unvetted men to arrive in their thousands.

'Charities wanting to help refugees is not the problem per se. The issue is their refusal to accept that arrivals also bring considerable risks to the public.

'They appear to advocate a system where there are no limits to who can settle in the UK.'

The Daily Mail asked migrants in the UK if Care4Calais influenced them to come here. One, who came in by boat 11 weeks ago and is now in a Home Counties hotel, said: 'We learned about Care4Calais in Italy when we arrived in Europe.

'By word of mouth, we were told that it would feed us, give us coats, free mobile phones. Of course, we headed to Calais because of that. Everyone does.'

He produced an Arabic C4C leaflet, copied on his smartphone, which is distributed by the charity in feeding stations on the French coast and in the camps. The Daily Mail has seen images of the leaflets printed in 16 other languages, including Aramaic and even Russian.

The leaflets give phone numbers for UK human rights and welfare organisations which, in turn, advise migrants where to find lawyers to fight deportation and accelerate their asylum appeals once here.

Another migrant, an Iranian who avoided traffickers and kayaked across the Channel  and has since won asylum  told me: 'The C4C volunteers are ordinary British people wanting to help. They don't realise that some in the food queues are pretending to be refugees.

'They are traffickers out to make money from crossings, or even terrorists or dangerous men who have done terrible things, rapes or murders in other countries.'

C4C is the most prominent British charity in Calais and has survived many controversies. Videos emerged a few years ago of female volunteers dancing with migrants in the camps.

There were rumours of relationships between charity workers and migrants and  under pressure from the Charity Commission  safeguarding rules were introduced.

They protected 'vulnerable' migrants and the volunteers, often young women, who were told only to work in pairs, never be alone with migrant men and not to embark on romances.

The Daily Mail investigated C4C three years ago. Then, we pictured their volunteers cheerily 'meeting and greeting' migrants as they arrived from France in Dover's main port and on a Kent beach before any Home Office security checks had been carried out.

This autumn, I watched as C4C's army of vans swept around Calais to help migrants at feeding stations. No questions were asked about whether those forming long queues for chicken and rice were genuine refugees or not.

Then came last month's extraordinary Home Office accusation against C4C and its suspected Iraqi-Kurdish people trafficker.

The claims, made at a court hearing, centred on two suspected Calais traffickers, both described in court as inveterate liars, fighting to stay in Britain. At the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (a type of hearing normally used for cases linked to terrorism), Home Office barrister David Blundell KC named Halo Rashid, 38, who, he said, was part of an organised trafficking gang while he simultaneously 'worked' for C4C.

He said Rashid, a former migrant with British citizenship, used C4C as a 'cover' to find migrants in Calais, who could then be hidden in a lorry crossing the Channel on a ferry to the UK.

The Sunday Times approached C4C, which denied that anyone called Halo Rashid had ever worked for them.

'The idea that a charity involved in distributing items such as pants and socks is in any way involved in the global displacement of refugees is for the birds,' a spokesman for the charity said dismissively.

Whatever the case, it puts the spotlight on C4C  and brings us back to founder Clare Moseley.

She has emerged as a central figure in a panoply of powerful Leftist organisations fighting to open our borders, then bring migrants to Britain.

We have discovered an enduring link between her and Weyman Bennett, a pillar of British Left-wing activism, not only because of his Socialist Workers Party role, but as a leading light in Stand Up To Racism, which spurred Moseley to visit Calais in the first place.

Both the SWP and SUTR have masterminded dozens of anti-racist protests. Hundreds of followers waving 'we welcome refugees' placards have been stationed outside migrant hotels over the past 18 months.

These two organisations, one a political party, the other a charity, are 'intertwined, interchangeable,' an insider who organised a protest in east London said recently in a revealing social media expose about how the two groups march in lockstep.

Bennett is also a director of Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR), a hugely successful anti-fascist events company, which has showcased top rock stars in the UK including Ed Sheeran and Pete Doherty.

In 2018, John McDonnell (then Labour's shadow home secretary under the leadership of hard-Left Jeremy Corbyn) signed a statement calling for support for both LMHR and SUTR. And if we turn to the official records of the former, we find a name we recognise. The secretary of LMHR is Clare Moseley herself.

Moseley and Bennett are currently listed by Companies House as sole controllers of the outfit.

The two have spoken together at trade union conferences and other Leftist get-togethers to highlight their fight against 'far-Right' criticism of migrants.

Curiously, links between the two go back further. Companies House records for LMHR show that not many months after Moseley departed for Calais, the correspondence address for Bennett was at that smart apartment in Manchester.

The title register of the property, also the first British headquarters for the then fledgling Care4Calais, reveals it was owned, as it is now, by Clare and her husband Benjamin.

It seems that C4C has travelled a long way politically since a well-meaning housewife from the north of England decided to abandon her old life to befriend Calais refugees.
A glamorous Brazilian influencer was killed when she fell from her 10th floor apartment late last month, with authorities now investigating whether her husband may have been responsible.

Maria Katiane Gomes da Silva, 25, was found dead in her husband Alex Leandro Bispo dos Santos' arms on November 29 after neighbors reported to Military Police that they heard screams followed by a thud, local outlet O Globo reports.

Dos Santos, 40, then claimed da Silva, a mother-of-one who had over 22,000 followers on TikTok and more than 6,000 followers on Instagram, died by suicide at their Sao Paulo high-rise following an argument that they had.

Still, authorities ruled her death as suspicious and the Homicide and Personal Protection Department in coordination with the local police department started analyzing security footage from the building and inside the apartment itself.

In the footage, dos Santos could be seen allegedly punching da Silva in the parking lot the night of her death and later arguing with her inside an elevator, according to O Globo.

At one point, dos Santos could be seen apparently attempting to grab da Silva's neck.

Less than two minutes later, he pulled her out of the elevator despite her efforts to hold onto the elevator's doors, according to g1.

Soon, dos Santos returns to the elevator, where he could be seen sitting with his hands on his head.

Maria Katiane Gomes da Silva, 25, was found dead after falling from a 10th story apartment in Sao Paulo on November 29

Her husband Alex Leandro Bispo dos Santos, 40, has been taken into custody on a temporary warrant while authorities investigate whether he committed femicide

But at her wake and burial in Ceara on December 1, dos Santos was seen apparently embracing her coffin in photos and videos that circulated online.

He was taken into custody on a temporary warrant just over a week later, while authorities continue to investigate whether the case constitutes femicide.

Da Silva had maintained a major following on both TikTok and Instagram as she shared lifestyle and makeup content.

She was born and raised in a rural district of Crateus, before she moved to Sao Paulo, where she met and married dos Santos, according to g1.

Her last post on Instagram came on November 8, when she shared a video of herself preparing an energy drink.

Following da Silva's untimely death, her aunt expressed 'indignation' and pain on social media as she claimed that dos Santos was 'possessive.'

'She can no longer speak because her voice was silenced by a man who claimed to love her, when it was all just a feeling of possession, a sick feeling,' the aunt wrote, per O Globo.

'Today, as her aunt, my heart is heavy, filled with indignation and so is her mother and our entire family.

'We demand justice for Katiane Gomes,' she concluded.
A pro-Palestine organisation has come under fire after railing against a proposal to ban protests during terrorism investigations in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack.

NSW Premier Chris Minns unveiled plans on Wednesday to introduce legislation that would give the Police Commissioner powers to block protests after designated terror events.

Days after the Bondi Beach attack - Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly three decades - Minns warned protests in Sydney now would 'rip apart our community'.

'My concern is a mass demonstration in this combustible situation could light a flame that would be impossible to extinguish,' he said.

The law would apply to protests of all causes and prevent organisers from appealing police decisions in the NSW Supreme Court.

The announcement was fiercely opposed in a statement shared to social media by Palestine Action Group, which organised Sydney's pro-Palestine rallies.

It said the law posed a 'serious danger to our democratic rights', accusing some of exploiting the 'horrific and antisemitic Bondi attack' for political ends.

While the group said it had no protests 'currently planned', the statement still triggered anger from members of the public.

NSWPremier Chris Minns unveiled plans on Wednesday to introduce legislation that would give the police commissioner powers to block protests after designated terror events (pictured, Minns lays flowers at a Bondi Beach memorial on Monday)

The announcement was fiercely opposed in a statement shared to social media by Palestine Action Group, which organised Sydney's pro-Palestine rallies (pictured, a demonstration in Sydney on October 12)

'This is a time for quiet reflection not protest,' one woman wrote.

'People need to have time to grieve not only the people lost but the loss of our innocence and freedom to do everyday tasks without fear.

'There will be a time to protest again but it is most definitely not now.'

Another wrote: 'Let this period of mourning pass, if it ever truly does. We need to honour the lives lost and show respect for the Jewish community.

'This is a time to stand together, to pause our demands, and to reflect. Let us first look inward, to our own homeland and values.'

A third added: 'Just back off. It's not the time or place.'

Others, however, rejected any link between pro-Palestinian protests and antisemitism.

'We must fight both antisemitism and fight against the ongoing genocide of Palestinians,' one user wrote. 'Those two things are on the same side.'

The Bondi Beach attack was Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly three decades, since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre (pictured, a tribute to 10-year-old victim Matilda)

Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24 (pictured), allegedly opened fire from a footbridge at the Sydney beach on Sunday night, killing 15 people who were among those attending a Hanukkah celebration.

Debate has centred on how long any protest ban could last, with critics fearing a terror incident could justify open-ended restrictions.

Minns said the laws had not yet been drafted and legal advice was being sought to avoid breaching the implied freedom of political communication.

That freedom was successfully relied upon by the Palestine Action Group last year to overturn laws restricting protests near places of worship.

The group said Minns' latest proposal would have the same effect, warning it would 'hand the state sweeping powers to shut down dissent on any issue it chooses'.

The Bondi Beach attack was Australia's worst mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, allegedly opened fire from a footbridge at the Sydney beach on Sunday night, killing 15 people who were among those attending a Hanukkah celebration.

Sajid was shot dead by police at the scene of the attack, while Naveed was rushed to hospital under police guard.

He has since been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and committing a terrorist act.

Daily Mail has contacted Palestine Action Group.
A Labour raid on council funding to push more money into its heartlands has opened the door to council tax increases across the country, economists warned last night.

Almost half of local authorities will see their funding fall, even if they increase council tax by the maximum amount, under plans revealed yesterday.

The proposals, championed by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, will see residents in six council areas face potentially unlimited council tax rises from 2027.

And last night the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) warned it will be hard for Labour to 'hold the line' on this  raising the prospect of more councils being given powers to raise tax beyond the current 5 per cent limit.

The provisional Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government settlement will see almost 78 billion going to local authorities in 2026-27, rising to around 85 billion by 2028-29.

Under Labour's new 'fair funding' formula, the most deprived 10 per cent of councils will see an average increase in spending per head of 24 per cent, compared to an increase of 6 per cent for the wealthiest areas.

The plan means local authorities in the poorest areas get quadruple the funding of the wealthiest areas over the next three years as money is diverted to Labour regions under threat from Reform UK.

The changes will force more well-off councils, where taxes have been kept low, to increase levies in order to reduce the shortfall.

Six council areas could face potentially unlimited council tax rises from 2027 (Stock photo)

Six councils most affected  Wandsworth, Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham, City of London, Kensington and Chelsea, and Windsor and Maidenhead  will be given the power to raise council tax beyond the maximum 5 per cent without a referendum.

Kate Ogden, senior research economist at the IFS, said: 'With councils' finances still under pressure from rising demands and costs, the Government may find it hard to hold the line that limit-busting council tax increases will only take place in 'exceptional cases' and where bills are currently below average.'

Shadow local government secretary Sir James Cleverly said Labour was 'launching a nakedly political power grab' while dressing it up as 'fair'. He added: 'This is part of Labour's mission to hike council tax across the board. Hidden behind their rhetoric about supporting local government is a council tax bombshell, with the average family in a Band D home facing a cumulative 1,143 council tax increase across this Parliament.'

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government argues it is making the changes because, currently, the council tax bill for a 10million house in Westminster can be lower than a family home in places such as Blackpool and Darlington.

Outlining the proposals yesterday, local government minister Alison McGovern said: 'By choosing not to subsidise very low bills for the 500,000 households in these places, we will provide 250 million more funding for places with higher need.'
Boys will be steered away from 'toxic' misogynistic influencers under a new 20million scheme.

As part of the Government's violence against women and girls strategy, teachers will receive specialist training on how to talk to pupils about issues such as sexual consent and the dangers of sharing intimate images under the strategy.

All secondary schools in England will be required to teach students about healthy and respectful relationships, with every child getting access to schemes by the end of this Parliament, a Home Office spokesman said.

It comes as research shows four out of ten young men hold a positive view of sexist commentators such as Andrew Tate.

A separate measure in the strategy, unveiled by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood today, will see convicted sex offenders forced to disclose their use of dating apps and social media to the police in a bid to cut re-offending. Those who fail to comply face up to five years in jail.

Research shows four out of ten young men hold a positive view of sexist commentators such as Andrew Tate, pictured outside the Bucharest Tribunal in Romania

If police believe an offender's online activity puts them at a heightened risk of re-offending, they can seek a sexual harm prevention order to restrict their internet activity.

Sex criminals could also be required to preserve their internet history to prove they are complying. The Home Secretary said: 'This Government has declared violence against women and girls a national emergency.

'For too long, these crimes have been considered a fact of life. That's not good enough. We will halve it in a decade.'
Family members could be heard sobbing loudly as the youngest victim of the Bondi Beach massacre was laid to rest.

Matilda, 10, was celebrating the first day of Hanukkah at the iconic Sydney beach with her family on Sunday evening when she was allegedly gunned down by two gunmen, who were father and son.

Fifteen innocent people were killed in the bloodbath and a further 42 were injured, including the eight-week-old son of a rabbi.

Matilda was farewelled at the Chevra Kadisha Memorial Hall in Woollahra on Thursday, with hundreds of friends, family and political leaders including Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Governor-General Sam Mostyn in attendance.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not attend because he was not invited, with her parents Valentyna and Michael slamming him on Wednesday for 'failing' to protect Jewish Australians.

There were too many mourners to fit inside the memorial hall ahead of the service, with crowds spilling out on the street to watch proceedings on a screen set up for the occasion.

Family members were audibly crying during the service, as Matilda was described by Rabbi Yehoram Ulman in her eulogy as a 'beautiful, sweet girl' who 'grew up in a beautiful home with a beautiful family'.

'The tragic, totally cruel unfathomable murder of young Matilda is something that is so painful to us like our own daughter was taken from us,' he said, through tears.

Matilda was shot in the stomach and died in hospital after doctors tried to save her life. This photo was taken on the day she died

Matilda's mother Valentyna (centre) at her daughter's funeral

Matilda's parents, Valentyna and Michael (pictured) leave their daughter's funeral

Mourners carry the coffin of 10-year-old Matilda out of the memorial hall

'Losing a child is the greatest pain a parent can go through.

'The external question is 'Why?' but there is none because we can't answer in life in the present - she must remain alive in our deeds.'

Heartbreakingly, the Rabbi buried his son-in-law, Eli Schlanger, on Wednesday.

He said Matilda would continue to inspire others, and that her Hebrew name meant 'righteous woman', which was reflected in the 'sweet, kind girl'.

'We have to make sure that she doesn't just remain in our hearts and minds and memories but she needs to remain alive in our deeds, in how we live our lives,' he continued.

NSW Premier Chris Minns then delivered a heartfelt poem to mourners which referenced Matilda's 'beacon of love' and 'earthly light'.

'From darkness they struck to where candles glowed bright. A child of celebration was lost to terrors night,' Minns said.

'She bore the name Matilda to honour this great land. Australia's heart and spirit forever hand in hand. She's waltzing with the angels.'

Matilda's mother is supported by other mourners

Matilda's father comforted her little sister as her coffin was carried out of the memorial hall

Emotional scenes at Matilda's funeral

One woman could be seen crying on the shoulder of another mourner

As the service came to a tearful conclusion, Matilda mum's Valentyna could be seen clutching teddy bears before making her way out of the hall and into a black van decorated with bumble bees.

A crowd formed around Matilda's coffin as mourners paid their respects.

There were tearful scenes as the funeral car prepared to make its way to the cemetery, with Ms Mostyn invited to walk behind the car.

Mourners then embraced each other sharing their thoughts on the service and how it had honoured Matilda.

Some took part in a Jewish tradition called netilat yadayim - a ritual for those who have attended a funeral or a cemetery to wash their hands immediately upon leaving the area or before entering a home.

It's a symbolic act of purification and transition.

There were pops of colour among the sea of dark clothes, with organisers handing out little bee stickers to attendees as a tribute to Matilda, whose middle name starts with B.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley arrives for the funeral

Sam Mostyn, the Governor-General of Australia, embraces a mourner

Some mourners carried large bunches of flowers to the funeral service on Thursday (pictured)

Friends and family could be seen hugging ahead of Matilda's funeral

Matilda's casket was placed inside Chevra Kadisha Memorial Hall (pictured)

A white taxi van also parked outside the hall had a large bumble bee emblazoned on the side window, while mourners carried bee balloons and flowers.

A heavy police and private security presence remained in Woollahra until after the service finished.

As mourners dispersed and news crews packed their equipment, Vanessa - the mother of three-year-old Gigi who was shielded from gunfire under the body of a stranger - was the last one left, sitting on the steps of the memorial hall.

A number of mourners said the police presence seemed larger than the other victims' funerals held a day earlier, including Reuven Morrison and Rabbi Eli Schlanger.

On Wednesday, Valentyna and Michael took aim at Albanese for what they described as failing their daughter.

'[Albanese] has failed my daughter and failed every victim of the tragedy, and had they done more, this would not have happened,' she said.

Michael said Albanese had not done enough to 'protect Jewish people in this country'.

'He has betrayed the Jewish people of Australia, and of the whole world,' he said.

'Like, what the hell is he thinking? And it showed what happened.'

Mourners gathered to farewell Matilda

A mourner carries balloons while arriving for the funeral

Matilda's parents attend a Bondi memorial on Tuesday

Matilda will be buried at Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park.

A second memorial will be held at her school in La Perouse on Friday.

Moments before the mass shooting unfolded, photos showed Matilda wearing face paint and smiling with her little sister, Summer.

At a memorial service on Tuesday, Michael held up a framed photograph of Matilda as he addressed mourners.

'Her name was Matilda because she was our first Australian. We came here from Ukraine, and I thought Matilda was the most Australian name that can ever exist. So just remember the name, remember her,' he told the crowd.

Her mother spoke through tears: 'It wasn't just a bullet from a spray. It wasn't an accident. It was a bullet fired on her.'

Her brother found comfort in knowing Matilda was surrounded by family in her final moments, saying: 'She knew she was loved, that she wasn't alone.'

Relatives shared that her middle initial was 'B' and encouraged well-wishers to post a bee emoji in her honour on social media.

Following the attack on Sunday, the alleged gunmen were quickly identified as father Sajid Akram, 50, and his son, Naveed Akram, 24.

Sajid was shot dead by police, while Naveed is recovering from bullet wounds in hospital.

He has been charged with 59 offences.
A swimwear model has been slammed as 'tone deaf' after she declared everyone's 'time will come' after 15 people were killed in a horrific massacre at Bondi.

The Australian promoter of swimwear fashion label OMRAY, known online as 'Raylee Cherry', sparked outrage in the aftermath of attacks on Sunday.

In a series of since-deleted Instagram posts, the promoter included references to the ethnicity of the Bondi hero and criticised Australians for lacking the courage to act like Bondi hero Ahmed al Ahmed, who disarmed one of the alleged gunmen.

Cherry, who recently opened a store at Bondi Junction Westfield, also remarked that everyone's 'time would come' and claimed it was simply 'part of life'.

'I am safe everyone and left the markets a while ago thank you so much for all the love and messages!' she wrote.

'I was riding my scooter on the way to my friends [sic] place when it happened [I was] complaining about the cops blocking the roads, may God protect us all, when your time will come it will come and that is part of life... Trust your destiny.'

Cherry, who models her own line, also posted about the ethnicity of al Ahmed, the 43-year-old Syrian-born father-of-two who was hailed as a hero after he tackled and disarmed alleged terrorist Sajid Akram, likely saving dozens of lives.

'I knew the HERO was lebbo [Lebanese] as NO AUSTRALIAN can have the balls to do what he did especially considering his cute big belly he reminded me of my dad. Anyway love you Ahmed,' she wrote.

The Australian promoter of swimwear fashion label OMRAY, known online as 'Raylee Cherry' (pictured), sparked outrage in the aftermath of the horrific Bondi attacks

Cherry's Instagram post sparked outrage after she said 'when your time will come it will come'

The OMRAY promoter also posted about the ethnicity of Bondi hero Ahmed al-Ahmed

A social media user lashed the swimwear entrepreneur's social media posts after the massacre

The business owner doubled down when several people took issue with her posts amid reports a 10-year-old girl was among those who had died in the attack.

'I've received so many hate messages in the past 24 hours, guess what, I will keep sharing whatever I want to share if you not happy LEAVE!!!' she wrote.

'If you think considering every life as equal makes me extremist maybe you are no different than the terrorists!

'I repeat multiple lives were taken during this attack, this includes Europeans, Latinos, Jewish, Muslim, Christians, to me you are just a HUMAN... I do not GIVE A DAMN F*** ABOUT YOUR RELIGION.'

Others criticised Cherry for promoting her brand in the wake of the tragedy.

'This owner of a Bondi swimwear company... recently had a store in Bondi Junction Westfield has posted... after the devastating [alleged] t******t a****k,' one wrote.

'It really doesn't sit right with me and comes across tone deaf. I feel it is extremely inappropriate to post this after a m*** [alleged] m***** when your time will come it will come and that's part of life".

'A 10-year-old girl passed away I can guarantee that was not her destiny. "Trust your destiny".

Raylee fired back at her critics, saying those who weren't 'happy' with her posts to 'leave'

Ahmed al-Ahmed, the 43-year-old Syrian-born father-of-two was hailed as a hero after he tackled and disarmed deceased gunman Sajid Akram on Sunday evening

'The next posts I don't even know what to say... I think as a Bondi store owner I expected a better response than this. What are everyone's thoughts?'

Some called on Aussies to boycott the swimwear brand while another asked 'who is this flop'.

'These people are so god damn tone deaf it's not even funny,' another wrote.

'The amount of TikToks I saw with 'thoughts and prayers' while they are stroking their hair and looking sideways makes me sick. Anything for content or engagement.'

'She's honestly making me feel confused... she says she thinks we are all equal but knew the hero was leb because he couldn't possibly be Australian?,' another posted.

'That man is Australian - we are a multicultural society and he has lived here for years??? Still an absolute HERO!'

The horrendous Bondi attack occurred just before 7pm on Sunday, when Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, allegedly opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing 15 and injuring 40.

On Wednesday, alleged gunman Naveed Akram was charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of attempted murder.

Raylee copped a social media pile after she posted a series of Instagram Stories

Akram was charged after spending two days in a coma following a police shooting.

The charges include committing a terrorist act, discharging a firearm in public, displaying a prohibited terrorist symbol, placing an explosive near a building with intent to harm, and 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder.

'Police will allege in court the man engaged in conduct that caused death, serious injury and endangered life to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community,' NSW Police said.

'Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS, a listed terrorist organisation in Australia.'

His father, Sajid, was fatally shot by police during the nine-minute attack.

Daily Mail has contacted Raylee Cherry for comment.
While her mother's namesake might be more famous Down Under, an adorable baby white rhino is the only one turning heads at the Cotswolds Wildlife Park.

Baby Mo is the newest addition to the crash of white rhinos at the Oxfordshire park after fellow calf Markus was born earlier this year.

Both Markus and Mo are the only white rhinos to have been born in the UK in 2025.

But it's Mo's mother who normally brings the star power to the zoo.

Shortly after the mother rhino arrived from South Africa in 2008 she was named Ruby after writer, I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! contestant and long-time friend of the park: Ruby Wax.

However, the pint-sized Mo stole the limelight today after sweet pictures of the calf next to mother Ruby were released.

In the pictures, Mo can be seen taking her wobbly first steps while her mother gives her gentle reassurance.

In total, 13 rhinos have been born at the Cotswolds Wildlife Park since 2013.

Baby Mo is the newest addition to the crash of white rhinos at the Oxfordshire park after fellow calf Markus was born earlier this year

It's Mo's mother who normally brings the star power to the Zoo. Shortly after she arrived from South Africa in 2008 she was named Ruby - named after writer, I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! contestant and long-time friend of the park Ruby Wax

The Mo has stolen the limelight today after sweet pictures of the baby calf next to mother Ruby were released

In the pictures, Mo can be seen taking her wobbly first steps while her mother gives her gently reassurance

Births in captivity are extremely rare and only six white rhinos were born in zoos across Europe this year.

The park's curator and managing director, Jamie Craig, tolf the Oxford Mail: 'To have such a successful record breeding this incredible species is down to our team of dedicated keepers.

'A paddock full of rhino is a great sight and the new arrivals are certainly keeping the team on their toes.'

Mo has been named in honour of a much-loved member of staff, Mrs Maureen Clifford.

Mrs Clifford worked at the parks main office for almost four decades from 1978 until her retirement in 2017.

And Mo, as she is affectionately called by her close friends, continues to visit the park to this day.
A Grinch Christmas card has been pulled from Sainsbury's stores after it was called 'transphobic' and allegedly 'invalidated the lived experiences of trans people'.

The card depicted the Dr Seuss character, The Grinch, alongside the caption: 'This Christmas, I'm identifying as a Grinch.'

But it was swiftly removed from shelves by the supermarket after trans journalist, Sophie Molly, spotted the card and posted it on social media, writing: 'Transphobic Christmas card in my local Sainsbury's (Berryden). Please do better Sainsbury's.'

Trans campaigners describe the phrase 'identifying as' in contexts like this as an anti-trans dog whistle, as it suggests a person can choose their gender to be anything.

Indeed, the card was met with backlash from the trans community, who said it was 'belittling' and 'worrying'.

Ms Molly told PinkNews: 'Cis people [a person whose gender identity matches their sex at birth] saying they identify as something like a tomato, attack helicopter or a Grinch invalidates the lived experience of trans people.

'When you consider the current UK climate of trans hostility, I feel that it's a worrying sight.'

The publisher of the card, Emotional Rescue, has since removed the design from its range and pulled it from Sainsburys stores.

The card was spotted by trans journalist Sophie Molly in her local Sainsbury's store in Scotland

The journalist posted it to the social media site Bluesky and called it 'transphobic'

Jennie Rutter, the creative director at the publisher, told PinkNews: 'It was in no way our intention to cause anyone in the trans community offence. We will remove this design from our range immediately.'

But others disagreed. One gender critical campaigner, Venice Allan, told the Telegraph that the decision to remove the card was 'extreme'.

Ms Allan said: 'I think a lot of people would have liked that Christmas card.

'It shows you how people are laughing at this idea of identifying as transgender and social justice discourse in general.

'It also shows you how actually, no, we're not allowed to laugh at this thing that everybody's laughing at.'

A spokesman for Sainsbury's said: 'At Sainsbury's, we're committed to being an inclusive retailer where people love to work and shop.

'We offer a wide selection of Christmas cards and our ranges vary each year, so there's something for everyone.

'We value all customer feedback on this year's designs.'

It is understood the card will be pulled from Sainsbury's stores across the UK in the coming days amid backlash from the trans community.
Natalee Holloway's killer Joran van der Sloot has attempted to take his own life inside a maximum-security prison in Peru.

The 38-year-old convicted killer was found inside his cell on the brink of death on Friday, December 12.

According to Radar Online, prison guards were serving inmates breakfast at the time of the commotion, and intervened to save van der Sloot's life.

He was transferred to the notorious Challapalca prison in October 2023, and following his suicide attempt reportedly told authorities it was 'the toughest prison in the world.'

van der Sloot allegedly told authorities he 'didn't want to live anymore.

'Every day I see that the situation is getting worse for us inmates,' van der Sloot said. 'You can't be with your family, you can't touch them or hug them.'

He remains in a stable condition but is still under medical supervision, the publication reported.

He is serving a 28-year sentence for the death of 21-year-old Stephany Flores, who was strangled and beaten in a hotel room in Peru in 2010.

The 38-year-old convicted killer was found inside his cell on the brink of death on Friday, December 12

The Dutch citizen admitted to beating Natalee to death at a beach after she refused his advances and placed her body in the Caribbean

In January 2023, he was handed an additional 18-year sentence on drug smuggling charges, and sentenced to 20 years - to run concurrently on his existing term - for extorting Holloway's mother Beth after her death.

He ultimately confessed to killing Holloway while she was on a high school trip to Aruba in May 2005.

She was 18 when she tragically died.

van der Sloot had told Beth Holloway he would tell her where he hid her daughter's body if she paid him money.

As part of his plea agreement in the extortion and wire fraud cause, he agreed to reveal what happened to Holloway.

The Dutch citizen admitted to beating the teenager to death at a beach after she refused his advances and placed her body in the Caribbean.

Eyewitnesses said she was last seen leaving Carlos'n Charlie's club in a car with van der Sloot and his two friends at 1.30am on May 30, 2005.

He is serving a 28-year sentence for the death of 21-year-old Stephany Flores,who was strangled and beaten in a hotel room in Peru in 2010

Despite being arrested and detained in Aruba for 60 days, he was able to walk free from the island after claiming the teenager was drunk and he had dropped her at her hotel.

Challapalca, where van der Sloot is serving his sentence, is notorious for its tough living conditions for inmates, where they live in harsh, remote and icy cold conditions.

It is known for housing dangerous offenders, including terrorists and murderers.

Earlier this year, there were reports van der Sloot had been included on a list of 'difficult inmates' which could have been headed for El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison, where President Donald Trump has sent the 'worst of the worst' illegal immigrants and gang members who were deported from the United States.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
As I write this, the Prime Minister has finally put his head above the trenches.

Until his press conference in Canberra at 11.30am today - in which he announced new laws cracking down on hate speech - Anthony Albanese's physical absence became its own kind of message in the days following the Bondi Beach attack.

He'd turned up to the memorial when few were there, away from the rawness of the crowds.

Given the anger being directed at the Albanese government by the Jewish community, it appeared as though the PM was trying to avoid the sort of uncomfortable images that Scott Morrison encountered when he visited bushfire-ravaged communities in early 2020.

Albo also didn't attend the funeral of Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Perhaps there were logistical or security reasons for that. Maybe there were family wishes expressed to the PM's office privately. There may have been advice from officials not to attend.

But Australians are entitled to notice the developing pattern: a leader choosing the controlled moment over the communal one. A leader who sticks to media slots and press conferences as his preferred way of communicating.

In a crisis like this, when trust is the currency that matters the most, such choices don't just look cautious - they look strategic.

There are moments when leadership stops being about politics and must be all about the country.

'We should remember 10-year-old Matilda, whose parents, Jewish migrants from Ukraine, gave her what they described as "the most Australian name that could ever exist", only for her life to be taken on Sydney's most famous beach'

'Until his press conference in Canberra today Anthony Albanese's physical absence became its own kind of message in the days following the Bondi attack,' writes Peter van Onselen

In the aftermath of the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi on Sunday, that moment arrived for Albo.

He must become less polarising, yet it remains doubtful whether he can, considering the underlying factors that led to the Bondi attack.

Many Australians are still processing what happened - partly because of the time of year. Its enormity is dawning on us gradually, day by day. Shock, followed by grief, and now anger is setting in.

There is an uneasy sense that we are living through something that will mark us for a long time.

In the wake of atrocities like this, the anger often seeks a target, and it can quickly turn towards political leaders. Sometimes that is justified, often it is not.

Responsibility for the murders sits with the terrorists who allegedly carried them out. One is dead. One has been charged.

But governments are responsible for what follows: the quality of national leadership, the capacity to comfort those who have been targeted, to calm those who are frightened, to stop the country splintering into rival camps, and to ensure the official response is anchored in something more than reactive messaging.

The PM has not been equal to the moment. In part, that's because the trust required to lead us now has been squandered over the past two years - a reality glaringly exposed by what happened on Sunday evening.

Pictured: Matilda's grandparents grieving at the memorial

Albo didn't attend the funerals of Rabbi Eli Schlanger or 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim. (Chief Rabbi Yehoram, Eli's father-in-law, is pictured outside the service yesterday)

Since October 7, 2023, antisemitism has reared its head in increasingly open ways across Australian public life. The government's response has too often sounded cautious, been delayed, or been couched in generalities.

That matters because leadership after a terror attack is not only about what is said in the weeks that follow. It is about whether people believe the words a leader expresses when they are finally uttered.

None of this is to pretend antisemitism is new. It is ancient, stubborn and adaptive. But acknowledging its history does not absolve leaders of what has happened on their watch, especially after the conflict that reignited tensions here at home.

When the PM points out that antisemitism existed before the last two years, he is stating the obvious while skirting the harder question: what did his government do, consistently and clearly, as the climate worsened in recent years?

The answer is deeply underwhelming, which is why the Jewish community has little time for Albo's show of support after the fact.

The first job of a government after an attack like this is to transcend the moment and hold the country together. That begins with empathy that is both expressed and accepted. The benchmark for leadership remains John Howard after Port Arthur and Bali, and Jacinda Ardern following the Christchurch attack.

Albo just doesn't seem capable of emulating what they achieved in the here and now. Not because he can't turn up, or can't read the right lines of his briefing notes, but because a large part of the Jewish community doesn't believe he was willing to confront antisemitism when it was politically inconvenient to do so.

And without that community's trust, he can't credibly claim to unite the rest of the nation.

Instead, we get what we are already seeing: partisanship rushing in where leadership should have been. People questioning motives, treating contributions with cynicism. Arguing about causes and remedies before we have even properly honoured those who should be the centre of our attention.

We should remember Boris and Sofia Gurman, who confronted the attacker with a speed of judgement most of us can only admire, and who paid with their lives.

We should remember Ahmed al-Ahmed, who did what was right in an instant and now lies in a hospital bed recovering from his wounds.

We should remember 10-year-old Matilda, whose parents, Jewish migrants from Ukraine, gave her what they described as 'the most Australian name that could ever exist', only for her life to be taken on Sydney's most famous beach.

We should remember all the other victims, including those whose names have not yet been made public. And we should remember the imperfect but courageous bystanders who did whatever they could to help, including the man widely referred to as AB, who intervened at great personal risk.

I have plenty of disagreements with the PM on policy and politics. I don't doubt that he wants to do the right thing. The problem, however, is that his recent record means that he can't now speak in a way that lands as authoritative or unifying with the community most directly targeted by the hatred on display on Sunday, which continues to foment in small communities around the country.

The consequences of the last two years have caught up with Albo, and the country is paying for it. He should know that his leadership, right now, is endangering the very unity he is meant to protect.

Beyond the need for moral leadership right now, Australia also needs answers - and it needs them sought with purpose, not political performance.

The government should immediately establish a Commission of Inquiry with full authority under the Royal Commissions Act. It should be co-chaired by a senior judicial figure and a former bureaucrat with national security credentials.

The remit is straightforward: How did Australia become a breeding ground for antisemitism, and what has driven that shift? What evidence connects that escalation to the attack on 14 December?

What practical steps would dismantle antisemitism domestically, including the role played by hate speech and imported ideologies?

After October 7, 2023, and again after the national terrorism threat level was raised on August 5 last year, were counter-terrorism resources and coordination sufficient?

And finally, were there clear points at which the attack could have been prevented but wasn't?

To function properly, the commission must have full access to relevant materials, including highly classified intelligence information, and the ability to compel documents and witnesses.

Initial hearings should occur largely behind closed doors to avoid compromising criminal prosecutions and coronial processes, with public sessions held only where it is legally safe to do so.

An initial report should be released early next year to help smooth the public's need for answers. But it should be confined to urgent and actionable recommendations. Additional reports should follow on a schedule set by the commissioners once the legal boundaries are better defined.

Such an inquiry is necessary, but it will not be enough on its own. The country also needs leadership able to steer us through the grief and fury being felt, without widening existing fractures.

It's hard to see how Albo has the credibility to do that. It's an intractable problem for a recently endorsed PM.
New measures to deal with antisemitism announced

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled major reforms to combat hate speech, division and radicalisation following the Bondi Beach terror attack.

Speaking from Canberra on Thursday, Albanese announced that the National Security Committee has approved measures including a new aggravated hate speech offence targeting preachers and community leaders who incite violence, as well as tougher penalties for those actively encouraging such acts.

Hate will also become an aggravating factor in online threats and harassment, ensuring offenders face stiffer consequences.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke will lead the push for stronger federal hate crime laws, including the creation of a new vilification offence, a longstanding demand from Australia's Jewish community.

As part of the reforms, Burke will be granted expanded powers to cancel or refuse visas for individuals spreading anti-Jewish hate, while a new system will be introduced to formally list and target extremist groups, such as Islamist organisation Hizb-ut Tahrir.

UNSW chancellor David Gonski has been appointed to a 12-month taskforce alongside anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal to address rising antisemitism across Australian universities.

Australians are 'shocked and angry,' Albanese said.

New laws to crackdown on hate preachers and antisemitism were announced on Thursday

Krissy Barrett (pictured) said officers are investigating hate preachers promoting violence

'I am angry. It is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge. Much more.'

A formal framework will be established for publicly listing organisations whose leaders incite racial hatred or violence.

In addition, a narrowly defined federal offence for serious racial vilification or advocating racial supremacy will be introduced.

Burke said he would prioritise tackling those who spread extremist Islamic views.

'We have seen vision of hate preachers and we are shocked that it is happening in Australia,' he said.

'It is not representative of what people are expecting and are not representative of the Muslim community.'

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett revealed officers are already investigating leaders promoting violence.

'The AFP has ongoing investigations into people who have been described as hate preachers,' she said.

'These individuals who spew hatred and cause fear are on my radar, and I have had the counter-terrorism and special investigations command reviewing information and other material in relation to these individuals since I became the commissioner.'

Albanese hit back at criticism that his government failed to protect Jewish Australians after the October 7 terror attack in Israel.

'There is always more that can be done, always,' he said.

'It's clear there's more to do, and beyond these announcements, we will do even more.'

Albanese stopped short of confirming whether Parliament will be recalled before its scheduled February sitting to fast-track the new laws.
Donald Trump has discussed the possibility of running for a third presidential term, inspiring one of his largest donors to offer him a quarter of a billion dollars.

The president was hosting a reception with Miriam Adelson Tuesday night when he opined about serving four more years in the White House - a move that would be unprecedented and largely considered unconstitutional.

Adelson, the wife of late Israeli-American billionaire Sheldon Adelson, gave over $100million to Trump during the last election cycle. She even pitched a third White House run to Trump's impeachment lawyer Alan Dershowitz - who loved the idea.

'I met Alan Dershowitz and he said the legal thing about four more years and I said, "Alan, I agree with you." So, we can do it. Think about it!' she said at the Hanukkah reception.

Trump briefly looked for Dershowitz in the crowd before suggesting Adelson was ready to pony up more campaign cash, all while the crowd chanted 'four more years.'

The president quipped: 'She said think about it, Ill give you another $250million!'

As the crowd laughed, Adelson could be heard saying: 'I will give.'

Dershowitz, the famous lawyer who defended Trump during his impeachment trial, has written a new book about whether the president can run again and even discussed it with Trump.

Donald Trump briefly discussed whether he could Constitutionally run for a third term, inspiring one of his largest donors to offer him a quarter of a billion dollars to do it

Alan Dershowitz (pictured),the famous lawyer who defended Trump during his impeachment trial, has written a new book about whether the president can run again and even discussed it with Trump

'I said its not clear if a president can become a third term president and its not clear if its permissible,' Dershowitz admitted to the Wall Street Journal.

The attorney gave Trump a copy of his upcoming book, titled Could President Trump Constitutionally Serve a Third Term? and said the the president seemed engaged.

'He found it interesting as an intellectual issue. Do I think hes going to run for a third term? No, I dont think he will run for a third term,' the lawyer said.

Adelson, however, was much more motivated when they met at the White House, according to Dershowitz, asking him: 'Is this real? Oh, my God, I hope this can happen.'

A spokesperson for the president didn't say yes or no to another run but hyped the president's accomplishments in his second term.

'There has never been an Administration that has accomplished as much in less than one year than the Trump Administration,' Abigail Jackson told Axios.

'The American people would be lucky to have President Trump in office for even longer.'

The 79-year-old president last brought the issue up in late October, when he largely poured cold water on it.

Join the debate What would it mean for American democracy if a president served more than two terms?

The president (pictured left) joked at a White House reception with Miriam Adelson (pictured right) Tuesday night about the possibility, which has been discussed and largely dismissed as Trump goes through his first year back in office

'I have the best numbers for any president in many years, any president, and I would say, you read it, it's pretty clear I'm not allowed to run,' Trump said about the Constitution. 'It's too bad. But we have a lot of great people.'

Earlier that same week, he was asked about comments by Steve Bannon saying there was a 'plan' in place.

'I would love to do it,' he then said. 'I have my best numbers ever.'

When a reporter asked the president if he was not ruling it out, he repeated the question back.

'Am I not ruling it out? You'll have to tell me,' the president answered.

Trump did say he wouldn't try to utilize a possible loophole and run for vice president instead.

'I think the people wouldn't like that. It's too cute. It wouldn't be right,' he said.

Democrats and critics of Trump in his own party have called out his third term talk, pointing to what happened during the transition period after the Republican lost reelection in 2020 to President Joe Biden.

Trump attempted to stay in power by falsely claiming Biden had stolen the election using widespread voter fraud.

In reality, Biden won the election but Republicans were angry that so many state legislatures allowed for the proliferation of mail-in ballots, something that was being done due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The 22nd Amendment to the US clearly states that 'no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.'
Ahmed al-Ahmed, praised for his bravery in tackling one of the alleged gunmen during the Bondi Beach terror attack, underwent a second surgery yesterday to treat his injuries.

His lawyer, Sam Issa, confirmed the procedure was successful.

'Ahmed's in a lot of discomfort today, naturally,' Issa told the ABC.

'It was a very complex operation because it involves nerve damage.'

Ahmed, 44, a father of two, is now preparing for another grueling eight-hour surgery on Friday.

Mr al-Ahmed sustained severe injuries after being struck twice by gunfire.

He is currently in critical but stable condition at St George Hospital in Sydney.

Footage from the attack shows him wrestling the rifle away from gunman Sajid Akram, who was later killed, in a split second move that undoubtedly saved countless lives.

Bondi Beach attack hero Ahmed Al Ahmed (pictured) underwent a second surgery yesterday

Ahmed al-Ahmed (left) snatched the rifle out of the hands of one of Bondi Beach terrorist

As Sajid fell backwards Mr al-Ahmed lifted the rifle and aimed it back at the disarmed shooter but did not fire.

Sajid backed away as Mr al-Ahmed rested the weapon against a tree moments before another bystander rushed in and hurled an object at the fleeing attacker.

The confrontation unfolded in full view of the second alleged gunman Sajid's 24-year-old son Naveed who stood on a nearby footbridge holding a firearm.

A GoFundMe launched just hours after the terrorist attack to honour Ahmed for '[preventing] the loss of countless more lives,' has since raised more than $2.5million.

'In a moment of chaos and danger, Ahmed el Ahmed stepped forward without hesitation,' the fundraiser says.

'His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety.'

US billionaire hedge fund boss Bill Ackman was among the first to donate, pledging an $99,999 within hours of the page going live.

Mr al-Ahmed has received visits from prominent political and community figures at St George Hospital, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, and Governor-General Sam Mostyn, all praising him as a hero.

Anthony Albanese (left) visited Ahmed al-Ahmed (right) at St George Hospital on Tuesday

A GoFundMe for Ahmed al-Ahmed (pictured) has raised more than $2.5million since launch

'He's very humble,' Albanese said after meeting with Mr al-Ahmed.

'At a moment where we have seen evil perpetrated, he shines out as an example of the strength of humanity. We are a brave country.'

Albanese said that Ahmed Al-Ahmed 'represents the best of our country'.

In a video released by Turkey's public broadcaster TRT World, Al-Ahmed expressed gratitude for the support he's received, saying he 'appreciates the efforts of everyone' and urged people to keep him in their prayers.

'May Allah reward you and grant you well-being. God willing, we will return to you with joy,' he said.

'Through Allah, I went through a very difficult phase. Only Allah knows it.'
A heartbroken woman has claimed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has 'blood on his hands' outside a funeral for the youngest victim of the Bondi Beach shooting.

Chana Friedman said Albanese, who was not invited to the ceremony, 'must resign' in an emotional interview outside the funeral of 10-year-old Matilda on Thursday.

Asked whether there was a place for the Prime Minister at the ceremony, Ms Friedman sobbed: 'No, because he has that girl's blood on his hands.'

'Youre all going to celebrate Christmas very soon, right? Jesus was a Jew. He would have looked like a rabbi that was killed last week,' she told a reporter at the scene.

'We have all failed her...she's this ray of sunshine. Her friends describe her as the most friendly, most beautiful, happy child.'

Matilda's was the youngest of 15 innocent lives lost in Sunday's shooting, Australia's deadliest shooting event in decades.

She was farewelled at the Chevra Kadisha Memorial Hall in Woollahra, with hundreds of friends, family and political leaders including Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Governor-General Sam Mostyn in attendance.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not attend because he was not invited, with her parents Valentyna and Michael slamming him on Wednesday for 'failing' to protect Jewish Australians.

Chana Friedman (pictured, right) called for Albanese's resignation in an emotional interview outside the funeral of 10-year-old Matilda on Thursday

Matilda was shot in the stomach and died in hospital after doctors tried to save her life. This photo was taken on the day she died

Mourners carry the coffin of 10-year-old Matilda out of the memorial hall

'[Albanese] has failed my daughter and failed every victim of the tragedy, and had they done more, this would not have happened,' Valentyna said.

Michael said Albanese had not done enough to 'protect Jewish people in this country'.

'He has betrayed the Jewish people of Australia, and of the whole world,' he said.

'Like, what the hell is he thinking? And it showed what happened.'

There were too many mourners to fit inside the memorial hall ahead of the service on Thursday, with crowds spilling out to the adjacent street to watch proceedings on a screen set up for the occasion.

Family members were audibly crying during the service, as Matilda was described by the rabbi delivering her eulogy as a 'beautiful, sweet girl' who 'grew up in a beautiful home with a beautiful family'.

'The tragic, totally cruel unfathomable murder of young Matilda is something that is so painful to us like our own daughter was taken from us,' he said.

'Losing a child is the greatest pain a parent can go through.

Matilda's mother Valentyna (centre) at her daughter's funeral

Matilda's mother is supported by other mourners

'The external question is 'Why?' but there is none because we can't answer in life in the present - she must remain alive in our deeds.'

NSW Premier Chris Minns then delivered a heartfelt poem to mourners which referenced Matilda's 'beacon of love' and 'earthly light'.

'From darkness they struck to where candles glowed bright,' Minns said. 'A child of celebration was lost to terrors night.

'Yet in the harshest sorrow, her memory will shine, a beacon of her love though her earthly light has gone.

'She bore the name Matilda, to honour this great land, Australias heart and spirit, forever hand in hand.

'Now angels gather softly, their wings a silken shroud, and heaven holds her closely, far above the cloud

'A spirit like a swagmans will never fade away - shes waltzing with the angels, where love will always stay."

'Though sorrow fills the campfire, and tears the night have found. Matildas name now honoured in every sacred ground.'

A crowd formed around Matilda's coffin as people paid their respects to the little girl.

There were tearful scenes as the funeral car prepared to make its way to the cemetery, with Governor-General Sam Mostyn invited to walk behind the car.

A heavy police and private security presence remained in Woollahra until after the service finished.

As mourners dispersed and news crews packed their equipment, Vanessa - the mother of three-year-old Gigi who was shielded from gunfire under the body of a stranger - was the last one left, sitting on the steps of the memorial hall.

Sam Mostyn, the Governor-General of Australia, embraces a mourner

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley arrives for the funeral

Matilda will be buried at Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park. A second memorial will be held at her school in La Perouse on Friday.

Moments before the mass shooting unfolded, photos showed Matilda wearing face paint and smiling with her little sister, Summer.

Relatives have shared that her middle initial was 'B' and encouraged well-wishers to post a bee emoji in her honour on social media.

Following the attack on Sunday, the alleged gunmen were quickly identified as father Sajid Akram, 50, and his son, Naveed Akram, 24.

Sajid was shot dead by police, while Naveed is recovering from bullet wounds in hospital. He has been charged with 59 offences.

'Police will allege in court the man engaged in conduct that caused death, serious injury and endangered life to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community,' NSW Police said in a statement.

'Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS, a listed terrorist organisation in Australia.'
Donald Trump Jr's ex Kimberly Guilfoyle was left disappointed after his recent high-profile engagement to new fiance Bettina Anderson and has doubts about the pair's relationship but just 'wants the best' for the president's son.

Trump Jr, 47, announced Monday his engagement to socialite Anderson - whom he began dating after ending his six-year relationship with 56-year-old Guilfoyle.

A source told People that the news 'was difficult for Kimberly to see' and the public nature of the announcement didn't help.

'She only wants the best for Don, but she isnt convinced Bettina is well-suited for Don or that what they have is the real deal,' the insider claimed.

Guilfoyle allegedly believes that the 39-year-old Anderson 'is more interested in the prestige and attention that comes with being connected to the Trump family and doesnt think shed be with Don if it werent for that.'

Don Jr's ex now serves as President Trump's ambassador to Greece. The friend told People that the former couple remain close.

'Kimberly knows Don well and theyre still great friends, but she has major concerns when it comes to his relationship with Bettina,' the ally said, adding that they had not completely moved out of each other's homes until recently.

Seeing the pair announce the engagement at the White House 'only added to her doubts about the relationship.'

Kimberly Guilfoyle is reportedly not 'convinced' by Donald Trump Jr's new engagement

Trump Jr, 47, announced his engagement to socialite Anderson (both pictured left) on Monday

Ultimately, Guilfoyle thinks the relationship isn't 'built to last' and 'has a hard time seeing headlines' about the romance.

Guilfoyle has not commented publicly on her ex's engagement and did not respond to People's request for comment.

The engagement was revealed by the president during a Christmas White House reception on Monday night.

After embracing his father, Trump Jr took to the microphone to tell attendees that he was at 'a loss for words.'

'I want to thank Bettina for that one word: yes!' he joked.

The president's eldest son revealed he was unsure whether his new bride-to-be would actually accept his proposal as he got down on one knee.

'When you go down there, its like, youre gonna go, and youre trying to ask, and youre not sure what the answers gonna be. Its always a little bit rough. But she said yes, which is a big win for the end of the year.'

The crowd at the White House then applauded and cheered as the 38-year-old Anderson spoke, first thanking the president and First Lady Melania Trump.

The pair made the news public at the White House with Don Jr's father on hand

Guilfoyle thinks the relationship isn't 'built to last' and 'has a hard time seeing headlines' about the romance

'Wow, what a privilege it is to be here at the White House, Mr President, thank you so much for hosting this incredible party, and to our First Lady, these decorations, am I right, aren't they unbelievable?'

Anderson looked elegant in a red, strapless gown as she beamed about her engagement.

'This has really been the most unforgettable weekend of my life, and I get to marry the love of my life, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!'

President Trump then offered his future daughter-in-law a kiss and two words - 'good luck' - as the crowd applauded again.

It was later divulged by Forbes that Anderson's ring was an eight-carat emerald-cut diamond ring designed by Dallas jeweler Sue Gragg of Sue Gragg Precious Jewels, with experts saying it may have been bigger and more valuable than the one Trump Jr gave Guilfoyle in 2022.

Don Jr, 47, began dating Anderson in spring 2024 and in September 2024, was caught locking lips with the Florida socialite.

DailyMail.com exclusively obtained photos at the time that showed the two kissing during an intimate date at a Palm Beach restaurant.

Afterwards, a source said Don Jr.'s dalliance with Bettina was an open secret in the ritzy Florida town, and that they were spotted enjoying each other's company frequently despite not having publicly split from Guilfoyle.

Don Jr dated Guilfoyle, now the Ambassador to Greece, from 2018 to 2024

It was later divulged by Forbes that Anderson's ring was an eight-carat emerald-cut diamond ring designed by Dallas jeweler Sue Gragg of Sue Gragg Precious Jewels, with experts saying it may have been bigger and more valuable than the one Trump Jr gave Guilfoyle in 2022

Then, in early December 2024, Don Jr. and Bettina were spotted enjoying a romantic night out together.

The pair have appeared at high profile events, including the president's trip to the Super Bowl in New Orleans and Trump's March address to Congress, throughout 2025.

Sources told The Daily Mail that many began speculating wedding bells were near when Anderson took center stage at an official dinner held in honor of Saudi Arabia last month.

MAGA insiders told the Daily Mail that Anderson's appearance in a dazzling Safiyaa teal caped gown set tongues wagging.

'Don is in love with Bettina,' one insider said, 'He is telling friends "This is the woman I love."

'His dad loves her. They all feel she is classy and has an impeccable fashion sense.

'Don brought her to the most high profile White House gala so proudly.'

Anderson was photographed with Don Jr's half-sister Tiffany Trump, 32, and her husband Michael Boulos, 28.

Guilfoyle has not yet publicly commented on her ex's engagement

Tiffany and Michael married in 2022 at her father's Mar-a-Lago estate.

Her presence at the dinner, which was also attended by First Lady Melania Trump, 55, indicates just how quickly Anderson has become part of the Trump inner circle.

Anderson was born into one of Palm Beach's old-money banking families, the daughter of Palm Beach society couple Harry Loy Anderson Jr, a banker, and his wife Inger, an immigrant from Sweden.

Best known as H. Loy, the elder Anderson became president of a small bank, Worth Avenue National Bank, in 1970 then went on to take over a slew of other financial institutions.

Don Jr was married to first wife Vanessa from 2005 to 2018 and they have five children.

The pair appear to still be on good terms, as Vanessa attended a reception at the White House Sunday evening and was shouted out by President Trump.

He dated Guilfoyle from 2018 to 2024.
Palestinians have called Ahmed al-Ahmed, the brave Syrian-Australian who risked his own life to disarm a gunman during the Bondi massacre, a 'traitor'.

Ramallah News, one of the most popular news outlets in Palestine, shared a story about Mr al-Ahmed's brave actions on Sunday.

It's alleged two gunmen, father Sajid Akram and son Naveed, stormed a Jewish festival celebrating the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach.

The pair allegedly killed 15 innocent people and injured dozens more before finally being shot by police, ending the attack. Sajid died while Naveed was hospitalised.

Mr al-Ahmed had confronted Sajid during the attack and wrestled his gun from him, risking his own life to save others.

Ramallah News' post about Mr al-Ahmed was quickly spread around Arab communities, which overwhelmingly condemned him for saving Jewish lives.

According to analysis by a senior researcher for Palestinian Media Watch, Ahron Shapiro, of the 1,000 comments left under the article - 75 per cent were unsupportive of Mr al-Ahmed, 20 per cent were supportive and five per cent were neutral.

'Treason comes to you from the closest people,' one commenter wrote.

Ahmed al-Ahmed (pictured with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese) bravely disarmed one of the gunmen during the Bondi massacre on Sunday and was shot twice in his arm

Mr al-Ahmed (left) wrestled the gun from terrorist Sajid Akram (right), in a move that saw hundreds of Palestinians call him a 'traitor'

Other comments were just as appalling.

'He sold himself and his life for the safety of the Jews,' one said.

'I wish it (the bullet) hit (his) heart,' another wrote.

Other commenters accused Mr al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Arab Muslim, of seeking money.

'He played it right, he wants the money,' one wrote, while another said, 'He has received a million dollars in rewards  he acted 'manly' in the wrong place'.

Some comments were even threatening towards Mr al-Ahmed.

'By Allah we will surely chop you to pieces  we will not leave a trace of you,' one said. 'May God send you a disease,' another wrote.

Fortunately, there were also several comments praising Mr al-Ahmed as a 'hero who defended his brothers'.

Palestinians under a post by Ramallah News, slammed Mr al-Ahmed (pictured) for saving Jewish lives

'He raised the banner of Islam and Muslims and proved to the world what Islam is,' one said.

Others wrote Mr al-Ahmed is 'a hero, a Muslim in truth and reality' and praised his 'courage, chivalry and high morals'.

A shocking number of commenters repeated a conspiracy theory that claimed the attack was orchestrated by Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad.

'They want the world's sympathy. They are the ones who commit these tricks,' one said.

Dr Ran Porat, a research associate at Monash University's Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, told The Australian the online reaction was indicative of the wider attitude towards Israel in the Middle East.

'What connects these phenomena is a lack of self-reflection and a refusal to take responsibility for the extremism that emerges from education and incitement,' he said.

Several Palestinians also praised Mr al-Ahmed (pictured) as a 'hero who defended his brothers'

'Even more disturbing is the fact that these views are being echoed in Australia by fundamentalist preachers in mosques, in media outlets targeting Australian Arabs and Muslims, and within universities.

'The Australian authorities must crack down on individuals and organisations that spread such hate and conspiracy theories.'
Two British parents are suing Instagram's owners, Meta, for punitive damages after their 16-year-old son took his own life after falling victim to a sextortion scam.

Murray Dowey from Dunblane, Scotland, died in December 2023 after he was duped into sending an explicit images by online fraudsters posing as a young girl.

The youngster was told the images would be sent to his family if he did not pay them.

Murray's parents Ros and Mark have now filed a lawsuit in the US for his alleged wrongful death, which they claim was 'foreseeable' and resulted from Meta's 'prioritisation of engagement over user safety'.

Their complaint alleges that company, which also owns Facebook, has repeatedly refused to implement 'affordable, available and identified safety features'.

The suit also claims the social media giant 'knew' that data used to program recommendation products was being used in 'a manner that recommended teen Instagram users to sextortionists'.

Meta also made 'false and misleading statements designed to convince children and parents that Instagram was safe for teens at the same time that internal testing showed that Instagram was matchmaking children to adult predators', it adds.

The lawsuit, thought to be the first UK case to centre on the crime of sextortion, was filed on behalf of the Doweys and the family of Levi Maciejewski, from Pennsylvania, who took his own life at 13 following a sextortion scam.

Meta insists it has implemented ways to protect its users from such crimes, such as introducing private accounts for under 16s which offer built in protections.

Murray Dowey from Dunblane, Scotland, took his own life in December 2023 after falling victim to a sextortion scam

Murray's parents Ros (right) and Mark (left) have now filed a lawsuit in the US for his alleged wrongful death

Ros said social media companies had been allowed to 'get away with' causing harms to children and it was time they 'took accountability for what they've done to our young people'.

She told BBC News: 'The worst thing that could possibly happen to us has happened.

'There's nothing that Meta can do that is worse than what's happened so we're up for the fight. We'll take it as far as we can.'

The lawsuit has been filed at the superior court in Delaware - where Meta Platforms is incorporated - by the US-based Social Media Victims Law Center.

A spokesperson for Meta said: 'Sextortion is a horrific crime. We support law enforcement to prosecute the criminals behind it and we continue to fight them on our apps on multiple fronts.

'Since 2021, we've placed teens under 16 into private accounts when they sign up for Instagram, which means they have to approve any new followers.

'We work to prevent accounts showing suspicious behavior from following teens and avoid recommending teens to them.

'We also take other precautionary steps, like blurring potentially sensitive images sent in DMs and reminding teens of the risks of sharing them, and letting people know when they're chatting to someone who may be in a different country.'

Meta insists it has implemented ways to protect its users from such crimes, such as introducing private accounts for under 16s which offer built in protections (File image)

Campaigners and politicians in the UK have previously voiced their concern about the long-lasting impact of the scams as they call for more resources to help crack down on the crime.

In 2023-24, an estimated 2,080 crimes of threats and extortion were committed online, an increase of 14 per cent from the estimated 1,830 recorded in 2022-23 and a six-fold increase from the estimated 290 recorded in 2019-20.

Police Scotland has said most of the crimes recorded relate to sextortion.

However, data obtained from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) suggests the number of criminals being convicted for the crimes is far lower.

The Crown said that in 2023/24, just 10 charges of threats and extortion were reported to it where the charge contained reference to disclosure of (or threatening) to disclose intimate images.

During the same year, just one person was convicted while another case was said to be ongoing. The one individual who was convicted was given a community payback order.

The relatively small number of charges being reported is thought to be down, in part, to the anonymous and worldwide nature of criminals behind the schemes.

One group of cybercriminals, based in Nigeria and known as the Yahoo Boys, are believed to have extorted thousands from British teenagers.

A video produced by the National Crime Agency showed the tactics used by scammers in sextortion scams

The UK's National Crime Agency also believes sextortion is significantly under-reported.

In an effort to raise awareness of the issue and show victims how to get help it has run numerous campaigns, including adverts on TV and social media.

The NCA has said police forces in the UK receive an average of 117 reports of 'sextortion' from under 18's each month.

Launching a new campaign earlier this week, Alex Murray, NCA Director of Threat Leadership, said: 'A lot of victims feel responsible for the situation they find themselves in.

'But we need them to know this is absolutely not the case; you are not to blame and help and support is available.

'As well as raising awareness, we want to encourage young people to report incidents to an adult they trust, the police or to the CEOP Safety Centre.'
Police have made their first arrests after two people allegedly shouted chants involving 'calls for intifada' amid a crackdown after the Bondi Beach shooting.

Five people were taken into custody yesterday at a pro-Palestinian demonstration held in central London.

One was taken into custody for obstructing arrests, while two were arrested for public order offences - one being 'racially aggravated', the Metropolitan Police said.

It comes shortly after the London force and Greater Manchester police announced they would arrest those chanting 'globalise the intifada' amid a rise in antisemitism.

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the 'context had changed' in the wake of a terror attack at a Hanukkah event in Sydney on Sunday, as well as an attack on Heaton Park Synagogue earlier this year.

Fifteen people were killed in the attack on Bondi Beach, with several others being injured in the incident. The youngest to lose their life in the shooting was a ten-year-old, Matilda.

The officers said those who make placards or chant at protests in a 'targeted way' to increase fear among members of the Jewish community stand to be arrested.

The pair said in a statement that they knew communities were 'concerned' by such placards and chants, and those doing so at future protests should expect police action.

Police have made their first arrests after two people allegedly shouted chants involving 'calls for intifada' (Pictured: Yesterday's Pro-Palestine protests in central London)

The Met Police imposed conditions on the demonstration organised by Palestine Campaign, Stop the War and other groups. Five people were arrested yesterday in total

'Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed - words have meaning and consequence. We will act decisively and make arrests.'

The decision was described as 'an important step towards challenging the hateful rhetoric' on Britain's streets by UK's chief rabbi, according to the BBC.

Meanwhile, visible patrols and protective security measures around synagogues, schools, and community venues have been stepped up by both police forces.

It comes amid false claims from pro-Palestinian protesters that there was a bid to ban their protest in the capital city yesterday.

The Met Police imposed conditions on the demonstration organised by Palestine Campaign, Stop the War and other groups.

The march was initially set to take place outside Whitehall but was relocated after a request to ensure there was 'no serious disruption' to a menorah lighting event in Trafalgar Square.

No Pro-Palestinian protesters were permitted to assemble in the surrounding area of Parliament Square and Whitehall between 4pm and 11pm last night.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Solidarity Campaign director Ben Jamal dubbed the move to arrest those making 'intifada' chants as a 'another low' in protests for Palestinian rights.

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson announced their forces would be arrested those making 'intifada' chants

A banner carrying the slogan 'globalise the intifada' in Regent's Park, central London on December 5, 2023

He told the BBC that the organisation or other related Palestinian UK community were not briefed on the matter before the 'far-reaching' statement 'on [their] rights' was issued.

'The horrific massacre in Sydney, Australia, should not be used as a justification to further repress fundamental democratic rights of protest and free speech in this country,' Mr Jamal said.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews backed the decision, describing it as 'necessary intervention' on those 'inciting violence'.

'We have long warned that people chanting slogans like 'globalise the intifada' are inciting violence, and we have been making the case for robust enforcement in relation to this slogan with government at all levels for some time,' the board said.

Gideon Falter, chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism group, said 'police chiefs may finally be waking up' to the threats against the Jewish community following the October 7 massacre in 2023.

He said: 'After two years of repeatedly excusing genocidal rhetoric and failing to grasp how their inaction was fuelling extremism in this country and ignoring the Islamist threat to our civilisation, they have finally realised that words and chants have consequences.

'The line between the hate marches and the antisemitic murders has become impossible to ignore, even by police chiefs who have had their heads in the sand. The prospect of arrests for this one chant at marches is a start, but we would have expected it over two years ago.

'It remains to be seen if it can even be enforced at this point, after police have allowed extremism to run amok for so long undeterred.

Matilda (pictured) was the youngest Bondi Beach shooting victim. She died in hospital after being shot on Sunday. She was ten-years-old

'If police chiefs think that this is a bone to throw to a Jewish community in mourning, they are mistaken.

'Their legacy is record levels of antisemitism. There is a great deal of catching up to do if we are going to restore law and order in this country. We pray that more Jews don't need to die on their watch before they do.'

The Community Security Trust (CST), which provides protection for Jews in Britain, welcomed the 'more robust response to violent language on protests'.

A spokesman said: 'For many years, CST has called for tougher action against hateful and violent chants and placards at protests and this announcement comes not a moment too soon.

'In particular, given the wave of terrorism against Jews around the world, it is intolerable that a call for a global 'intifada' should be allowed on our streets.'

The charity said it will continue working closely with the police 'to ensure that Jewish life in this country remains protected'.

The Jewish Voice for Liberation - self-described as an organisation standing for the rights of both Palestinians and Jews - said it believed the action was not appropriate adding it had 'very rarely' come across antisemitism at demonstrations.
A carload of men who were stopped by heavily-armed police in western Sydney had travelled from Melbourne, and shared the same 'extremist Islamic ideology' as the alleged Bondi Beach gunmen.

Two unmarked police 4WDs crashed into the front of a white hatchback during peak-hour traffic in Sydney's south-west on Thursday. Police believe the men were possibly on their way to Bondi.

Dramatic vision showed several officers arresting the group of seven men at the intersection of George and Campbell streets in Liverpool at about 5pm.

Officers from the Counter Terrorism unit and the Public Order and Riot Squad were seen putting the handcuffed men against a brick wall.

Five men had their hands cuffed behind their backs on the sidewalk. One of the men was taken from the scene on a gurney, and a sixth man was arrested by police in a nearby laneway.

A second car, a Toyota Yaris with Victorian number plates, was also stopped nearby but was not damaged in the interception.

A knife was found in one of the two vehicles, police said.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson told ABC Radio Sydney the men had travelled from Melbourne and were known to Victoria Police.

Tactical officers arrested a group of seven men in Liverpool

NSW Police issued an alert to stay out of the area at about 5pm on Thursday

A white hatchback was rammed by undercover police 4WD vehicles

'We have some indication that Bondi was one of the locations they might be visiting yesterday but with no specific intent in mind or proven at this stage,' he said.

When asked whether the men had links to extremist Islamic ideology, Deputy Commissioner Hudson replied: 'That's our belief at this stage, yes.

'Our threshold or our tolerance for threat and risk is very low at the moment. If we receive information that any type of criminality or violent act is about to be committed, we will act.'

Sky News reported that one of the men being investigated by ASIO.

In a statement on Friday, NSW Police said: 'Police responded to information received that a violent act was possibly being planned.

'Police subsequently intercepted two cars as part of the investigation. As investigations continue, seven men are assisting police with their inquiries.

'At this point in time, police have not identified any connection to the current police investigation of the Bondi terror attack.'

Health Minister Mark Butler praised the efforts of police on Friday.

The men were from Melbourne and wer known to authorities

One of the men was taken from the scene on a stretcher

'They are extraordinary images,' Butler told Nine's Today show.

'They remind us that while we're all mourning, while the nation's trying to come to grips with what happened on Sunday night, our policing intelligence authorities are still working day and night to keep our country safe from any further threats of violence and harm.'

Businesses surrounding the incident, including a medical centre, were locked down.

The incident is just days after the Bondi Beach massacre, with Australia still reeling and on high alert.

Officials say alleged gunman Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid, 50, fired shots into a crowd as people screamed and ran for cover on Sunday evening.

Fifteen people were killed in the attack, with 42 rushed to hospital.

The attack has been classified by Australian authorities as a terrorist incident, with investigators treating it as a targeted antisemitic assault.

The massacre unfolded during a Hanukkah event.

Counter Terrorism, NSW Police Public Order and Riot Squad officers rushed to the scene

Heavily armed officers at the scene

A 10-year-old girl named Matilda (left) was the youngest victim of Sunday's tragedy while British-born Eli Schlanger (right) was another victim

Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. Naveed, critically wounded and taken into custody. He has since been charged with 59 offences related to the alleged attack.

According to Australian officials, the men appeared to have been motivated by Islamic State ideology. Cops also said they found 'homemade' Islamic State flags and improvised explosive devices in a car used by the suspects.

The youngest victim of the attack was a 10-year-old girl named Matilda, who was shot in the stomach in front of her sister.

Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects to her as she was laid to rest during an emotional funeral on Thursday.

Yesterday, British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger's relatives were seen breaking down in tears as they bid an emotional farewell to him. He was praised as being a 'mentor to his colleagues and friends.'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has vowed to introduce harsher gun control laws. Australia already has one of the strictest sets of rules surrounding firearms in the world.

The PM also said there will be new legislation to crack down on hate across the country. Those laws, he said, will target people 'who spread hate, division, and radicalisation'.

The country's Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, said Australia would be 'shifting the threshold' on what can be described as hate speech.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Krissy Barrett said further search warrants would be executed within days to help with the investigations.
Vladimir Putin has turned to his most feared weapon, an army of lawyers, as Europe's attempt to use frozen Russian assets hangs in the balance amid fears leaders could be forced to repay the money after the war.

EU leaders are due to meet in Brussels on Thursday for a crunch summit on plans to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, with Belgium facing growing pressure to abandon its opposition.

The 27-member bloc is racing to bolster Kyiv as the conflict edges towards a fourth year and US President Donald Trump urges a rapid settlement to end the war.

Russia has already fired a shot across the bows by announcing it was suing Euroclear.

Belgium, where international deposit organisation Euroclear holds the vast bulk of the funds, has been firmly opposed due to fears it could face crippling financial and legal reprisals from Moscow.

Russia's central bank, which filed a lawsuit against Euroclear, accused it of making it 'impossible to access funds and securities belonging to the Bank of Russia' through what it described as illegal actions, and said it would seek damages equivalent to the value of the blocked assets, frozen securities, and lost investment income.

Ahead of Thursday's meeting, diplomats said discussions will continue for as long as necessary to reach a deal, warning the outcome will test both Ukraine's ability to survive and Europe's standing on the world stage.

'If we do not succeed in this, then the European Union's ability to act will be severely damaged for years,' German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this week.

'We will show the world that we are incapable of standing together and acting at such a crucial moment in our history.'

Vladimir Putin has unleashed his lawyers against the EU to stop leaders from using frozen Russian assets as a loan to help Ukraine in the war

Rescuers work at a site after a Russian air strike. Some EU leaders fear that there will be financial repercussions if Ukraine is handed the funds

Brussels estimates Ukraine, whose President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the talks, needs a further 135 billion over the next two years, with a funding shortfall looming from April.

To help cover the gap, the European Commission has proposed accessing around 210 billion in Russian central bank assets frozen across the EU.

The proposal would see 90 billion released to Ukraine over an initial two-year period through a legally untested arrangement, under which the EU would borrow the funds before lending them on to Kyiv.

Ukraine would only begin repaying the so-called reparations loan once Moscow compensates for the damage caused by its invasion.

Belgium's outspoken prime minister Bart De Wever will be in the spotlight as his EU counterparts - most of whom back the plan - try to cajole him to accept.

EU officials say they have gone out of their way to allay Belgian worries and that multiple layers of protection - including guarantees from other member states - mean the risks are minimal.

But so far Flemish nationalist De Wever has only dug in further, insisting that any guarantees must be unlimited and assets frozen in other countries should be used too.

In theory, other EU countries could override Belgium and ram the initiative through with a weighted majority but that would be a nuclear option that few see as likely for now.

Paramedics carry an injured man into a medical van after a Russian attack on civilians. EU leaders say the plan will help Ukraine defend itself against Russia

'These are complex decisions that cannot be forced,' said Italian premier Giorgia Meloni, who could offer key political cover for Belgium.

The commission has floated a potential fallback plan of the EU raising the money itself to lend to Ukraine.

But officials say that scheme has been shelved as it requires unanimous approval from the EU's 27 leaders and Hungary has ruled it out.

De Wever nonetheless looks set to try to revive that idea, and other countries may be open to his arguments.

'It is on the shelf, not in the bin,' said one EU diplomat, speaking like others on condition of anonymity. 'But we are focused now on the reparations loan.'

Bubbling close to the surface of the EU's discussion are the US efforts to forge a deal to end the war.

US and Russian officials are set to meet in Miami this weekend to discuss Trump's peace plan, a White House official told AFP on Wednesday.

Trump's roving envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to take part on the US side, while Putin's economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev is set to be in the Russian delegation, Politico reported.

US president Donald Trump in an address to the nation on December 17. The leader and his envoys have been racing to find a solution that would end the war in Ukraine

Ukraine has stated that Washington is 'pressuring' the EU not to use the assets, as they view them as a vital bargaining chip in winning over Russia.

However, EU officials deny this and claim that, if anything, the push for peace has actually spurred efforts to tap Russian funds.

Given that Ukraine has only months before the shortfalls bite, diplomats and officials insist leaders will find a way to keep funds flowing - even if this week yields only a loose deal with details to be hammered out later.

'We need to find a solution,' said a second EU diplomat. 'I'd be surprised if they break up on Saturday or Sunday without a decision.'

Meanwhile, Kremlin official Dmitry Medvedev also warned that Putin could use the EU's proposals as a justification for war.
The British Museum has sent treasures from its collection back to India in a bid to 'undo colonial misinterpretation'.

Eighty artefacts from ancient Greece and Egypt have been transferred to Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS).

They have been displayed in a new gallery at the museum, which aims to highlight India's contributions to civilisation.

Speaking to The Telegraph, the director of The British Museum, Dr Nicholas Cullinan, hailed the move as 'very beneficial,' adding that museums should be engaging in cultural diplomacy.

It comes amid ongoing disputes over the return of other artefacts, such as sacred tablets from Ethiopia, the Elgin Marbles and the Benin Bronzes.

After the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020, museums such as the Horniman in London made a move to return the Benin Bronzes, which were primarily looted by British forces in 1897 from what is now Nigeria.

However, sources have said the British Museum avoided pledging to 'decolonise', and is also legally prevented from handing over its treasures according to The British Museum act 1963.

Under Dr Cullinan's leadership, the museum hopes to calm disputes by agreeing to loans of up to three years.

One item in the loan is a very delicate wooden model of an Egyptian river boat thought to be 4,000 years old

A wooden sculpture of oxen pulling a plough is included in the loan

A stone wig with carved ears from Iraq has been loaned to the Mumbai museum

The museum director, who recently visited China and Nigeria and is planning a trip to Ghana, stated this project would pave the way for working with other countries seeking the return of their artefacts.

He said: 'You dont have to embarrass your own country to do something positive with another country.'

He further explained that this model of collaboration, instead of an 'all-or-nothing' version, would be very innovative and 'enlightening', adding: 'When we lend objects from the British Museums collection, things that come from Britain, back to their source, it can be incredibly powerful.'

Treasures such as the Koh-I-Noor diamond, the Amaravati Marbles, and the regalia of Tipu Sultan were all taken to Britain during a time of colonial rule.

Although the Indian government is seeking to reclaim their historical artefacts, the British Museum's loan includes pieces from other civilisations.

One such item is a very delicate wooden model of an Egyptian river boat thought to be 4,000 years old as well as a wooden sculpture of oxen pulling a plough, Sumerian statues from 2200BC and an Iraqi stone wig with carved ears from 2500BC.

Bigger pieces include a marble bust of Augustus, a Romano-British silver pot for storing pepper and a Roman mosaic found under London's Leadenhall market.

The Mumbai loan is the biggest deal ever with a non-Western museum, as well as the largest loan of ancient material to India

Under Dr Cullinan's leadership, the museum hopes to calm disputes by agreeing to loans of up to three years

The Mumbai loan is the biggest deal ever with a non-Western museum, as well as the largest loan of ancient material to India.

The director general of the CSMVS museum, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, told The Telegraph that the new exhibition will 'decolonise the narrative' and 'correct colonial misinterpretation' of India's history.

He added: 'We suffered for many years and colonisation penetrated into our education, our culture.

'There is a kind of emergence. Im going to use the word revolt, but we are emerging with dignity and are very proud of history.'

Mr Mukherjee said he hopes similar deals can be made with other countries in Asia and Africa.
Russia has jailed a former British soldier to 13 years in a maximum security penal colony after he was caught fighting for Ukraine.

The supreme court in Ukraine's Donetsk region, currently occupied by Russia, found Hayden Davies guilty of having participated as a mercenary in an armed conflict, Russian prosecutors said in a statement.

Mr. Davies, a 31-year-old from Southampton, was captured by Russian forces in Teretsk, Donetsk, last year.

The Daily Mail understands Mr. Davies was not a mercenary, and was a serving member of the Ukrainian armed forces.

Prosecutors said Mr. Davies travelled to Ukraine in 2024, where he received training before fighting against Russian forces before being captured at the end of the year.

He told the court via a translator that he came to Ukraine via Poland and that he was paid just 370 a month to fight.

Earlier this year, Mr. Davies, who is said to have done tours of Germany, Cyprus, Canada and Afghanistan, was apparently paraded around by his captors for a propaganda video.

He was seen wearing a camouflage-patterned military shirt and looks dishevelled with a scraggly beard.

In the video, he claims that he previously served with the Royal Regiment of Scotland but was kicked out in 2023 for 'smoking marijuana'.

The supreme courtin Ukraine's Donetsk region, currently occupied by Russia, found Hayden Davies (pictured) guilty of having participated as a mercenary in an armed conflict

A former British army soldier who was believed to have been killed fighting for Ukraine is alive after he appeared in a Russian propaganda video

In the heavily-edited footage, in which he appears to be coerced into speaking, he says he decided to fight for Ukraine after his career in the British army ended.

He then goes on to criticise Ukrainian commanders and even claims his life was saved by a Russian soldier on the battlefield.

'Obviously with the International Legion, you sign a contract and you're brainwashed into thinking that you're in the right,' Mr Davies states, apparently speaking to a person behind the camera.

He complains about receiving no proper training because there were 'no heavy guns' to use for drills.

Since Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, several foreign citizens have been sentenced by Russia-installed courts in eastern Ukrainian regions controlled partially or in whole by Moscow.

In early December, a Czech was sentenced to 13 years in prison by a court in Lugansk and in November, two Colombians received the same sentence in a Donetsk court.

An FCDO Spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'We strongly condemn the sentencing of British national Hayden Davies in a Russian-controlled court on false charges.

'Under international law, Prisoners of War cannot be prosecuted for participating in hostilities. We demand that Russia respect these obligations, including those under the Geneva Conventions, and stop using Prisoners of War for political and propaganda purposes.

'We remain in close contact with Mr Davies' family and are providing consular support.'
German police have issued a warning over an online scam involving female AI-generated cops.

Hamburg police said there had been a surge in social media profiles displaying deepfakes of attractive women wearing police uniforms.

The accounts, the police force said, were being used to lure men on social media to click onto paid websites to see more of the realistic images of the AI-generated female cops.

'We are receiving increasing reports of allegedly AI-generated social media profiles that supposedly depict female colleagues of the Hamburg police', the police force said in a statement.

Police spokesman Florian Abbenseth added: 'Such profiles damage the reputation of the police, which is why we are taking decisive action against them'.

The AI-generated images show young and attractive looking women posing in tight-fitting police uniforms.

In one photo, a blonde woman appears to have her jacket zipped down, exposing some cleavage.

Another picture appears to show a woman wearing a tight uniform while a man seemingly takes a photo of her rear. It is unclear if the man in the image is real or AI-generated.

German police have issued a warning over an online scam involving female AI-generated cops

Image shows an AI-generated image of a woman wearing a German police uniform while a man takes a photo of her backside. It is not known if the image of the man is real or AI-generated

Hamburg police said the accounts were being used to lure social media users to click onto paid websites to see more of the realistic images of the AI-generated female cops

A third image shows an AI-generated cop kneeling on the floor and posing for a mirror selfie.

Hamburg police affirmed that the force does not operate any private Instagram accounts for their officers and announced that legal action against the AI content is already being considered.

The police force also urged Instagram users to report the fake social media profiles.

The use of deepfakes, such as AI-generated images and videos that convincingly impersonates real people have been posing mounting risks for companies and organisation in recent years.

Earlier this year, the United Nations' International Telecommunication Union urged companies to use advanced tools to detect and stamp out misinformation and deepfake content to help counter financial fraud.

The ITU called for robust standards to combat manipulated multimedia and recommended that content distributors such as social media platforms use digital verification tools to authenticate images and videos before sharing.

'Trust in social media has dropped significantly because people don't know what's true and what's fake,' Bilel Jamoussi, Chief of the Study Groups Department at the ITU's Standardization Bureau, noted.

Join the debate Are social media companies doing enough to protect us from deepfake scams?

Hamburg police have condemned the use of the AI-generated images and have threatened legal action

Police have urged Instagram users to report the fake social media profile

The use of deepfakes have been posing mounting risks for companies and organisation in recent years

Combating deepfakes was a top challenge due to Generative AI's ability to fabricate realistic multimedia, he said.

Leonard Rosenthol of Adobe, a digital editing software leader that has been addressing deepfakes since 2019, underscored the importance of establishing the provenance of digital content to help users assess its trustworthiness.

'We need more of the places where users consume their content to show this information...When you are scrolling through your feeds you want to know: 'can I trust this image, this video...' Rosenthol said.
A solo traveller managed to slip onto a British Airways flight at Heathrow without a ticket, boarding pass or passport  and was only discovered after repeatedly taking other passengers' seats.

The man boarded the 7.20am BA service to Oslo on Saturday after allegedly tailgating travellers through security and then bypassing checks at the departure gate.

He was only uncovered once the Airbus A320 was full, with cabin crew becoming suspicious when he kept moving seats and could not produce any travel documents.

Airport sources said the man was later arrested by police, despite having passed through full security screening before reaching the gate.

It is understood the individual posed as part of a family group at the final passport check, blending in as their documents were inspected before boarding.

Mike LaCorte, who was on the flight, seated at the very front of the aircraft, witnessed the drama unfold.

Mike LaCorte, who was on the flight, seated at the very front of the aircraft, witnessed the drama unfold

A solo traveller managed to slip onto a British Airwaysflight at Heathrow without a ticket, boarding pass or passport

He told the Telegraph the man wandered around the cabin as boarding continued, before crew members challenged him and realised he did not have a boarding pass.

He described the intruder as a scruffy-looking man in his late twenties or early thirties, dressed in a light-coloured tracksuit and carrying a small rucksack.

Sources said the man had gained access to security by following closely behind other passengers through automatic gates at Terminal Three, which normally require boarding passes to be scanned before entry.

Although he cleared security checks for prohibited items, he was not stopped at the gate and managed to board the plane unnoticed.

Once the situation was identified, airport security and armed police were called to the aircraft and escorted the man off.

Crew members then checked seats and searched overhead lockers before ordering all legitimate passengers to disembark.

The aircraft was subjected to further security checks, including sniffer dogs, before passengers were allowed back on board.

The flight was eventually delayed by more than three hours.

Philip Baum, a visiting professor of aviation security at Coventry University described the incident as a serious failure, saying airlines must be able to account for every individual on board an aircraft at all times, even though safeguards exist to protect the cockpit.

Passengers were reportedly offered a small voucher as compensation for the delay, which one traveller said amounted to roughly 10 and could only be redeemed via a mobile app.

British Airways and Heathrow Airport declined to comment on the incident.
A pair of Liverpool drill rappers have been spotted carrying guns and parading with troops in Somalia amid a cross-border clan conflict.

British nationals Abdifatah Gulaid, 31, and Noah Ihiekwe, 30, travelled to the north-east of the African country earlier this year, the BBC reported.

Gulaid raps under the name Still Brickin, while Ihiekwe is known as Rayzer.

In one clip, the pair, who are from the Toxteth area of Liverpool, were seen donning military garb while posing with soldiers.

Gulaid was heard saying: 'There is no more need for talk, they're going to see us.

'You know what I am here for, I'm not messing around, time for talk is finished.'

In another video, he adds: 'You know what we're about, you're going to see our mettle in the battle.'

He was also seen sporting a handgun that was holstered at his side.

While Somalia has seen decades of armed conflict, amid a raging civil war between the government and the militant Al-Shabab group, longer-running feuds between clans have dominated society and made efforts to unify the country largely obsolete.

British nationals Abdifatah Gulaid, 31, (right) and Noah Ihiekwe, 30, (left) travelled to the north-east of the African country earlier this year

Gulaid raps under the name Still Brickin, while Ihiekwe is known as Rayzer

Still Brickin has affiliations with the Warsangeli clan, a group currently deep in the midst of conflict with the rival Isaaq clan.

While the drill rappers' involvement in any conflicts is not currently known, the UK government told the BBC that 'any person who travels from the UK to conflict zones to engage in unlawful activity should expect to be investigated upon their return'.

The pair were seen in the Laasqoray Hotel in Badhan, a city in the northern region of Sanaag.

Sanaag has been claimed by both the self-declared republic of Somaliland and the autonomous region of Puntland, which is part of Somalia.

One woman in the hotel the pair stayed at told the BBC: 'I saw them several times in the hotel lobby, they were just very casual, coming and going and I noticed they were speaking English with a Scouse accent.

'We had a brief conversation as they heard me speaking English too, they told me they were from Liverpool and that they were enjoying their time in Somalia, but they didn't say why they were there.'

The hotel hosted a conference attended by Warsangeli clan leaders who declared a campaign to take over a town from Somaliland in what was a significant escalation in territorial disputes.

The woman said: 'One evening I saw them, but they were no longer wearing casual clothes, they were wearing combat clothing, and they were carrying guns, I don't know much about guns, but they looked like AK47s to me.

The pair were seen in the Laasqoray Hotel (pictured) in Badhan, a city in the northern region of Sanaag

Gulaid was heard saying: 'There is no more need for talk, they're going to see us'

He was also seen sporting a handgun that was holstered at his side

Just a week prior to their arrival, they were detained along with four other men in Phuket, Thailand, during a drugs raid

'They left the hotel and joined a much bigger group outside who had assault rifles and guns attached to retrofit cars with enhanced body work.

'Not long after I could hear gunshots, some of the bullets hit the buildings. The hotel manager told me to go to my room and lock my door as it wasn't safe.

'I stayed there for three days until I could be safely escorted out of Badhan to Bossasso to catch a flight back to Nairobi.'

Just a week prior to their arrival, they were detained along with four other men in Phuket, Thailand, during a drugs raid.

Thai cops stormed a villa in the Ratsada district on January 23, discovering around 13lbs of cannabis alongside 39 tanks of laughing gas.

While cannabis was legal in Thailand for personal use at the time, selling it without a licence is against the law.

Both rappers were later released without charge.

The Daily Mail has contacted the Home Office for comment.
A French court on Thursday sentenced a doctor to life in jail for poisoning 30 child and adult patients, 12 of whom died, in an alleged attempt to discredit co-workers.

Frederic Pechier, 53, worked as an anaesthetist in two clinics in the eastern city of Besancon, when patients went into cardiac arrest in suspicious circumstances between 2008 to 2017.

Twelve could not be resuscitated.

Once considered by colleagues to be a highly-skilled practitioner, the prosecution described him as 'one of the greatest criminals in history', and guilty of having 'used medicine to kill'.

Pechier was first placed under investigation eight years ago, when a 36-year-old patient called Sandra Simard, who was otherwise healthy, had surgery on her spine and her heart stopped beating.

After an intensive care physician failed to revive her, Pechier subsequently gave her an injection and the patient went into a coma and survived.

Alarm was sounded with local prosecutors when intravenous drugs used to treat her then showed concentrations of potassium 100 times the expected dose.

He has not practised medicine since 2017, but in 2023 he was authorised to work provided he did not come into contact with patients.

French former anaesthetist Frederic Pechier arrives at Besancon's courthouse in Besancon, eastern France, on December 15, 2025

The sentence, which has a minimum term of 22 years, comes after more than 15 weeks of hearings.

The 53-year-old doctor had been on trial since September 8 before the Besancon Court of Appeal.

He maintained his innocence throughout the trial, as his lawyer Randall Schwerdorffer asked for his 'outright' acquittal, citing a lack of irrefutable evidence.

On Monday, the court retired to a secret location to deliberate on the guilt or innocence of the former anaesthetist.

A vote was held for each of the 30 cases of poisoning he was accused of committing, between 2008 and 2017 in two private clinics in Besancon, on patients aged four to 89.

For each vote, guilt could only be proclaimed by a majority of at least seven out of nine votes.

'Its a relief, a liberation, because the shame has shifted sides,' said Stephane Giuranna, lawyer for several of the civil parties, on Thursday morning.

'He has been found guilty of all the charges, making him the greatest criminal in French judicial history. I have no doubt there will be a rematch; we are ready to face him.'

French former anaesthetist Frederic Pechier (R) arrives at Besancon's courthouse next to his lawyer, Randall Schwerdorffer, in Besancon, eastern France, on December 15, 2025

Pechier was found guilty of contaminating IV bags with potassium, local anesthetics, adrenaline, and heparin to induce cardiac arrest or hemorrhaging in patients being treated by fellow doctors.



His intention was to 'psychologically harm' the colleagues with whom he was in conflict and to 'feed his thirst for power', according to the prosecution.

The doctor finally admitted that a poisoner did indeed operate in one of the two private clinics where he worked, but insisted it was not him.

The trial involved heart-wrenching testimony from victims and heated exchanges with Pechier, who was described as a serial killer devoid of empathy and a 'broken man'.

He shed tears during a session on December 5, where he described his attempt to take his own life in 2021, when, drunk, he jumped out of a window while living with his parents.

One of the victims present at the trial was a teenager who was only four when he survived a poisoning.

Prosecutor Therese Brunisso's voice broke when she spoke of the 'horrific list' of the 30 identified victims.

The two healthcare centres Pechier worked at in Besancon were the Franche-Comte Polyclinic and the Saint-Vincent Clinic.

In 2009, three patients with no history of heart disease had to be resuscitated at the former clinic during minor operations.

Twelve suspicious cases were found involving victims who could not be resuscitated, including several that evaded explanation.

Damien Iehlen was the first patient to die, aged 53 in October 2008.

He attended the Saint-Vincent Clinic for a routine kidney operation and passed away after a cardiac arrest.

Tests later revealed he had been given a potentially-lethal dose of lidocaine, a local anesthetic of the amino amide type.

'It's appalling. You cannot imagine the effect it's had on my family,' his daughter Amandine told French media.

'It's unthinkable this could happen and that so many people were affected for so many years, from 2008 to 2017.'

Pechier's father was also an anaesthetist.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
The backlog of cases in the Crown court has rocketed to just under 80,000, new government figures show.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said there were 79,619 cases waiting to be dealt with in the senior courts in England and Wales at the end of September.

It was up nine per cent from 72,849 a year earlier.

And the backlog in the magistrates' courts - which deal with less serious offences - has also hit a new high of 373,040, up 17 per cent on the previous year.

The system-wide backlog will intensify the problems faced by Justice Secretary David Lammy, who has published plans to slash the historic right to jury trial.

Under his highly controversial measures the number of jury trials will be cut in half.

Among the cases that will no longer be decided by a jury, about 2,500 trials a year would be heard by a judge sitting without a jury and about 5,000 would be dealt with by magistrates.

However, the new surge in the magistrates' court backlog in today's figures will raise new questions about how transferring cases there would help reduce the overall backlog.

Justice Secretary David Lammy has pinned his hopes of addressing the backlog on slashing the historic right to jury trial, while barristers claim he should simply open more courtrooms

In the Crown court the backlog of trials for sexual offences has soared by 23 per cent and robbery cases by 13 per cent, the MoJ data showed.

Victims of crime are now waiting much longer for trials to begin.

The number of Crown court cases that have been in limbo for more than a year has now passed 20,000 for the first time, the MoJ figures said.

There were 20,155 that had been open for a year or more, up by 25 per cent since the previous September. They now account for 27 per cent of all cases.

Mr Lammy justified his proposals in the Commons earlier this week by insisting cutting back jury trial was necessary to free up court space to try rape and sex assault cases.

Riel Karmy-Jones KC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association, said: 'This Government must stop weaponizing the victims of serious sexual offences caught up in the backlog by claiming that the proposals to restrict jury trial will bring them swifter justice.

Ministry of Justice data said there were 79,619 cases waiting to be dealt with in the Crown courts - such as the Old Bailey, pictured - at the end of September

'It wont, and to say it will is simply not right, nor is it fair to them to give them that false hope and expectation.

'However, the MoJ could reduce delay today by opening up more courtrooms.

'At the moment, available court rooms are kept shut, and the prison population is being driven to breaking point - not with convicted prisoners, but with thousands of people accused, who are still waiting for their trials.'

She added: 'We dont need dramatic gestures that pose as solutions. We dont need short cuts. Or gimmicks. Or judge-only trials.

'We need court rooms that function, with ordinary people serving on juries, fulfilling their civic duty, and delivering justice by deciding fairly whether to acquit or convict.'
The UK will rejoin the European Union's Erasmus student exchange scheme  but Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of 'throwing billions away' to reverse Brexit.

EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said the breakthrough 'is a huge win for our young people', who will be able to study, train or gain work experience under the scheme from January 2027.

Work on the UK joining Erasmus was announced as part of the Prime Minister's post-Brexit reset deal with Brussels in May. The UK left the scheme under Boris Johnson, who argued it did not offer value for money.

Sir Keir's ministers have defended the bill for rejoining Erasmus - which could hit almost 1billion a year  saying it would provide priceless benefits to students hoping to study abroad.

But critics said the Prime Minister has lost sight of value for money in his haste to unpick Brexit.

Now, you can have your say  do you agree with Britain rejoining the scheme?

In yesterday's poll, Mail readers were asked: 'Should the BBC introduce adverts to increase its income?' Out of more than 7,000 votes, 63% of you said 'yes' and 37% said 'no'
Rochdale grooming gangs whistleblower and ex-detective Maggie Oliver has told of fearing she could be jailed for speaking out and exposing police cover-ups.

The former Greater Manchester Police officer has opened up about the decision she made and how raising concerns felt 'more important than keeping my job'.

Ms Oliver, 70, whose whistleblowing role over grooming gangs prompted public inquiries and also an award-winning BBC docudrama, has accused senior bosses of putting pressure on her to stay silent.

The founder of the charity the Maggie Oliver Foundation, which offers help and support to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and exploitation, has been speaking on a new episode of a podcast called Address The Harm due for release on Friday.

Ms Oliver quit Greater Manchester Police after the force failed to act on allegations of widespread child grooming and sex abuse.

She told interviewer Leah Brown: 'As a junior officer, you do as you're told, and if you can't do that, you're in the wrong job.

'Now, I always refer to my oath of attestation in the police where I promised to uphold the law, to protect the vulnerable, to uphold fundamental human rights.

'And when I'm seeing children of, you know, 11 and 12 being raped on a daily basis, and the police doing nothing, deliberately, knowingly - my job wasn't to do as I was told, it was to uphold the law.

Rochdale grooming gangs whistleblower and ex-detective Maggie Oliver has told of fearing she could be jailed for speaking out and exposing police cover-ups

Maxine Peake, left, played fellow whistleblower Sara Rowbotham and Lesley Sharp acted as Maggie Oliver in the BBC's drama series about the Rochdale grooming scandal Three Girls

Qari Abdul Rauf was one of nine men jailed in 2012 for raping and trafficking vulnerable girls across northern England in a case that shocked the country

'I was put into a position where I either carried on my job and as I was told, "Come to work, get your wage, put your bum on a seat and go home".

'I didn't join the police for that - I joined the police to do good, to help those who were being failed or to put away the bad guys is what I would say.

'I was left with no alternative other than to just remain silent and let things continue or to resign to go public - and I truly feared I would go to prison.

'I was threatened with that. If I went public, you know, as serving police officer, you signed the Official Secrets Act - so everything I knew, I knew because I was a police officer.

'So I made the almost impossible decision that the truth and speaking the truth was more important than my job.

'I've got four children of my own and I did not want them to turn the TV on and you know there's a scandal there like you know like the one we're seeing in Hillsborough or the infected bloods or the Post Office.

'I wanted my kids to know that I tried my best so when I'm, you know, dead and buried and all this hit the headlines.'

The failure of law enforcement and social services to address concerns about child sex rings in Rochdale was depicted by BBC drama Three Girls in 2017.

Ms Oliver was played by actress Lesley Sharp and fellow whistleblower Sara Rowbotham by Maxine Peake.

According to one estimate, upwards of 250,000 girls have been attacked repeatedly by street gangs in 50 British towns and cities over the past 40 years.

Social services and police have apologised for their past failings surrounding victims.

A report into the Rochdale grooming gangs scandal ordered by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham last year found a generation of girls had been failed.

Its lead author, child protection specialist Malcolm Newsam, identified 96 men who are still deemed a potential risk to children.

He concluded that two 'lone voices' - Sara Rowbotham, co-ordinator of a young people's Crisis Intervention Team, and Ms Oliver - had flagged clear evidence of 'prolific serial rape of countless children in Rochdale'.

But this was not acted upon, with the children's unwillingness to make a formal complaint repeatedly used as an excuse for not investigating.

Mr Newsam wrote: 'GMP and Rochdale Council failed to prioritise the protection of children who were being sexually exploited by a significant number of men within the Rochdale area.

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'Successive police operations were launched over this period, but these were insufficiently resourced to match the scale of the widespread organised exploitation.

'Consequently, children were left at risk and many of their abusers to this day have not been apprehended.'

At the time, Mr Burnham called the report 'a detailed and distressing account of how many young people were so seriously failed'.

Rochdale Council leader Councillor Neil Emmott said the authority was 'deeply sorry' for the 'very serious failures that affected the lives of children in our borough' and how officials 'failed to take the necessary action'.

And Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson said it was 'a matter of profound regret' that victims of child sexual exploitation in Rochdale in the early 2000s were 'failed' by the force.

A series of initiatives have taken place around Rochdale since 2012, including better engagement with potential victims and a scheme encouraging hotel owners and taxi firms to report concerns.

Last year, an Ofsted report into Rochdale Council judged that 'children at risk receive an effective response'.

Ms Oliver also told the Address The Harm podcast: 'Every single recommendation of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, albeit endorsed by the government, requires us to battle as victims to keep pressing and looking for updates on progress.

'We really need some kind of oversight body to keep pressing on victims' behalf. We need independent scrutiny that has real teeth and real powers to insist on change.

'A massive difference would be an independent office for institutional accountability with survivor voice at the centre.'

Ms Oliver welcomed in October this year new prison terms totalling 134 years for seven Asian offenders in Rochdale.

But she warned of the lifelong trauma the two girls at the centre of the latest case will still suffer - as well as 'hundreds' of other victims she says have gone neglected.

And she demanded to know why it took so long for abusers to be brought to justice, with sentences coming 20 years after some young girls were first groomed before being used as 'sex slaves'.

Ms Oliver told the Daily Mail: 'The serious question that begs to be asked is, why were they not dealt with at the time?

'I recognise these men's names going back years - it was definitely known what was going on.

'It's been 20 years since these victims were targeted  and every day of their lives since, they've had to suffer. It shouldn't take this long to get justice.

Mohammed Zahid, 65, was the ringleader of a sexual abuse gang which was sentenced in October 2025 - including a 35-year term behind bars for himself

'It's on their minds every single day. I've got the greatest admiration for these women who've stuck with it  but it shouldn't take this long.

'These particular victims have had most of their lives destroyed by abuse, and the failure of the authorities to protect them  they've been seriously let down.

'This case, every case  it's different victims whose lives are tarnished forever. And the victims are still very much an afterthought.

'I hope this isn't just an isolated case. This is what every rapist should be facing.

'I think the tide is turning. The public are demanding change. They're fully aware of the horror of these crimes.'

The Asian grooming gang in the town, led by a market stallholder dubbed 'Boss Man', were jailed for a total 174 years after two white schoolgirls were raped as they were used as 'sex slaves' from aged 13.

Mohammed Zahid, 65, gave free underwear from his lingerie stall at Rochdale Indoor Market to both teenagers, along with money, alcohol and food, in return for the expectation of regular sex with him and his friends.

The father-of-three, jailed for 35 years, was one of seven Asian men convicted in June by a jury at Manchester Minshull Street Court of committing various sexual offences against the girls between 2001 and 2006.

Top row, left to right: Kasir Bashir, Mohammed Shahzad; middle row, left to right: Mushtaq Ahmed, Roheez Khan; bottom row, left to right: Naheem Akram, Nisar Hussain

They were the first Asian grooming gang to be brought to justice since Labour faced accusations of a cover-up for resisting calls for a public inquiry into how a generation of girls were betrayed by police and social services.

Both girls were treated as 'sex slaves', said prosecutors, 'amid deeply troubled home lives' as they were given drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, places to stay and people to be with.

Soon after, they were expected to have sex 'whenever and wherever' the defendants and other men wanted, in filthy flats, on rancid mattresses, in cars, car parks, alleyways and disused warehouses.

The trial also heard how one girl - at the time living in a children's home - was dismissed by social workers as having been 'prostituting' herself from the age of ten.

Girl A told the jury she could have been targeted by more than 200 offenders as her phone number was swapped in the town but said 'there was that many it was hard to keep count'.
Nick Reiner's descent into addiction as a teenager may have been because his parents were too fixated on their own Hollywood careers rather than their middle son, Megyn Kelly has said.

The journalist and commentator, 55, has insisted she is not 'blaming' Rob and Michele Reiner - but believes that it was 'not good enough' that 'demon' drugs got 'hold of him' as a child.

Nick Reiner appeared in court yesterday charged with the murders of his parents on Sunday, having allegedly slashed their throats as they lay in bed.

He was first in rehab aged 15 - one of 17 visits in his life - due to an addiction to cocaine and heroin. He had been homeless but was most recently living in an annex in the grounds of the $13.5million LA mansion where his parents died.

'I'm not blaming Michele and Rob, but I do think we have to be honest about the fact that this level of drug addiction at this young an age may, may involve parents who were focused on the wrong thing, like careers instead of their kid', Megyn Kelly has said.

'And while it looks like Michele and Rob did everything within their power once they realised their kid was an addict to try to help him, that's not good enough.

'You have to head it off at the pass. You have to be totally attuned to your child's behaviours before that demon gets a hold of him'.

She added: 'I'd like to believe that if any of these behaviours were happening in my home, I would know, because I am also a very busy professional, but I have a very close eye on my children'.

Megyn Kelly said she does not blame Rob and Michele Reiner for their son's addiction to drugs as a teen, but added they may have been more focussed on their careers at the time

Nick Reiner says he was a drug addict and in rehab aged 15

Nick Reiner is alleged to have murdered his parents on Sunday (pictured together)

Ms Kelly also questioned the Reiner family's lifestyle when Nick Reiner had bragged that he lost his virginity aged 14 to a prostitutes he called to his home using $200 he had borrowed from his parents.

Speaking on SiriusXM's The Megyn Kelly Show she said: 'I'm sorry, how does a 14-year-old get so addicted to drugs that at least at 14 or 15, they already have to go into rehab, and they're calling sex workers to come to the house in the middle of the night. He said he borrowed the money from his parents without telling them what it was for'.

Rob and Michele Reiner's cause of death has been formally revealed after their son, Nick Reiner, made his first court appearance in the double murder case.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner said that the couple passed away after suffering from 'multiple sharp force injuries'.

Online records show the Hollywood legend and his photographer wife died on Sunday, the same day they were discovered in their $13.5 million mansion.

Both of their deaths have been ruled homicides, with the place of death listed as their residence. Their bodies are ready for release.

Nick was arrested on Sunday and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the killings of his 78-year-old father and 70-year-old mother.

Prosecutors added special circumstances of multiple murders and use of a dangerous weapon, a knife, meaning, if he is convicted, Nick could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty.

The 32-year-old made a brief court appearance on Wednesday, wearing an anti-suicide vest, where he did not enter a plea.

Nick's famous defense attorney, Alan Jackson, asked the judge for a continuance, saying that he 'needed more time' to prepare his case.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner has revealed Rob and Michele Reiner's cause of death was 'multiple sharp force injuries' - believed to be from a knife

Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He wore an anti-suicide vest in the dock

When the judge asked a blank-faced Nick 'if he agreed that his arraignment should be continued', he answered, 'Yes, your honor.'

His arraignment was pushed to January 7 and he was ordered to be held in jail without bail.

Jackson addressed the media after the hearing and asked people not to 'rush to judgment' about the case.

'This is a devastating tragedy that has befallen the Reiner family,' Jackson said.

'There are very, very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case. These need to be thoroughly and very carefully dealt with.

'We ask that throughout this process you allow the system to move forward in the way that it was designed to move forward, not with a rush to judgment.'

Shortly after the hearing, the couple's other children, Romy and Jake, released a heart-wrenching statement on their deaths.

'Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,' the grieving siblings said.

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The couple's other children, Romy (center left) and Jake (left), released a heart wrenching statement on their deaths after their brother made his first court appearance

'The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience.

'They weren't just our parents; they were our best friends. We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life.'

The pair asked people for 'respect and privacy' and urged the public to treat any speculation with 'compassion and humanity'.

Jake and Romy said they wanted their father, a legend in Hollywood, and acclaimed photographer mother, to be remembered for the 'incredible lives they lived and the love' they gave.

The couple were found slain on Sunday afternoon after Romy was called over by a massage therapist who had arrived at the residence but could not get in.

A source close to the investigation told the Daily Mail that they had their throats slashed and were killed in their bed.

New photos obtained by the Daily Mail have revealed the hotel room Nick allegedly left covered in blood following his parents' horrific murder.

The couple's son checked into room 207 at The Pierside Santa Monica around 4am on Sunday.

Nick allegedly fought with his parents at a Christmas party the night before they were killed

It is a $400-a-night boutique hotel about 1,000ft away from the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, and a five-minute walk to the LA Metro line that goes directly to the Exposition Park area where Nick was eventually arrested by cops.

When hotel staff came into Nick's room later on Sunday morning, the shower was said to be 'full of blood', with splatters across the bed.

The windows in the room were covered by bed sheets, detectives found when they arrived at the hotel on Monday to collect evidence.

The Hollywood director's son had been living in the guesthouse of his parents' $13.5million mansion in the LA suburb of Brentwood at the time of their deaths.

Reiner was increasingly worried about Nick, who had a history of drug addiction and mental breakdowns, and took him to a holiday party Saturday night to 'keep an eye on him,' sources have said.

Nick is said to have left A-list guests feeling unnerved at Conan O'Brien's Christmas bash, getting into a tiff with comedian Bill Hader and prompting his parents to leave the event.
A rare albino badger named Alberto could derail ambitious plans to restore a fire-ravaged 16th century stately home  despite the project being billed as a 25million rescue mission.

Major proposals to revive the historic Parnham House in Dorset are facing fierce opposition amid fears they would wipe out the protected wildlife habitat of Alberto and his growing family.

The striking white badger has lived peacefully in a riverside meadow near Beaminster for almost a decade  and conservationists warn that building dozens of luxury homes to bankroll the restoration could spell disaster for one of Britain's rarest animal populations.

The Grade I-listed Elizabethan manor, once one of the grandest houses in the county, was left a blackened shell after a huge blaze in 2017.

Now, as plans are unveiled to rebuild the historic house by developing its surrounding land, campaigners say the future of Alberto and his fellow albino badgers hangs in the balance.

In 2020 entrepreneur James Perkins bought the blackened shell of 500-year-old Parnham House and vowed to restore it to its former glory.

He intends to build 82 homes on the sprawling estate near Beaminster in order to fund the 25m restoration project.

A rare albino badger named Alberto could derail ambitious plans to restore a fire-ravaged 16th century stately home

Major proposals to revive the historic Parnham House in Dorset are facing fierce opposition

But the plans, that were unveiled for the first time last week, have been met with great concern by conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.

They say the 'bulldozing' the meadow will destroy the natural habitat for the badgers which are a protected species.

A spokesperson for Dorset Natural Heritage Initiative said: 'Millground Meadow isn't just a green space - it's home to one of the UK's rarest sights: a regular population of albino badgers.

'Beaminster first grew attached to Alberto, an injured albino badger, which was rescued back in 2015, but he's no longer alone.

'These pale, pink-eyed badgers now rely on the meadow's quiet, undisturbed habitat to survive - occasionally visiting the houses dotted along this stretch of the River Brit.

'Badgers and other wildlife were the winners in the Covid lockdowns, taking advantage of the resultant peace and quiet to explore and thrive in their reclaimed territories.

'It now looks like that peace could be shattered forever.

'The proposed Parnham housing development will bulldoze the meadow area to erect a dozen 1.25m town houses along with a 2m road bridge across the river - threatening to destroy this fragile environment.'

Local resident and nature lover Colin Varndell said the meadow was a haven for lots of wildlife, including barn owls, otters, grass snakes and dormice.

He said the development of it would be 'catastrophic' for nature.

He said: 'I am not interested in saving the house, that can fall down as far as I am concerned but it would be catastrophic for nature.

'The river is totally secluded and there is no public access. There are a couple of bridges across it that people can stand on to observe the wildlife.

James and Sophie Perkins. In 2020 entrepreneur James bought the blackened shell of 500-year-old Parnham House and vowed to restore it to its former glory

They say the 'bulldozing' the meadow will destroy the natural habitat for the badgers which are a protected species

Mr Perkins' design and access statement for his ambitious scheme states the scale of development is necessary to make the restoration of the south wing of the house 'financially sustainable'

'They are talking about opening it all up and making it a walkway for the public to us. It will be bereft of wildlife.

'I am totally against it. The estate will be built for the benefit of wealthy people who can afford to pay 1m for a town house in the country.

'Parnham House was destroyed by fire, which is regrettable, but it is just a building. Destroying the natural environment and the nature and character of Beaminster would be inexcusable.

'There would be a massive loss of habitat, loss of dark skies, loss of recreational land and the character of the Parkland and Mill Ground would be changed irretrievably.'

Mr Perkins' design and access statement for his ambitious scheme states the scale of development is necessary to make the restoration of the south wing of the house 'financially sustainable'.

It states the housing estate would replicate nearby Poundbury, King Charles' model town built on Duchy of Cornwall land near Dorchester.

The two and three-storey homes will have distinctive design features from Parnham House including store windows, pinnacles and castellations.

Mr Perkins' developers said that the design was 'sympathetic and would not have an undue impact on the setting of Parnham House'.

Mr Perkins' planning agents said: 'The overriding aim of the applicant is to conserve and restore this exceptionally important Grade I listed house to a standard where it will be financially sustainable, thus maintaining the heritage asset and securing its future and ensuring that it will once again be at the heart of the local community.

The striking white badger has lived peacefully in a riverside meadow near Beaminster for almost a decade

'In view of the very substantial costs associated with saving and protecting the house, enabling development is proposed to address a viability gap in the funding.

'Whilst there are no direct precedents for the unique challenges of this site, development at the nearby Poundbury extension to Dorchester have been reviewed as have other 'urban extension' and developments creating new communities near existing centres.

'The proximity of the site to Beaminster offers opportunities for design cues to be taken from the town and enhanced to create a truly unique 'Parnham' development.

'The enabling development has been designed with connections to Beaminster town and has been very carefully sited to sit sympathetically within the estate to ensure that it does not have an undue impact on the setting of Parnham House, nor on views in to the site from the surrounding landscape.'
A businesswoman accused of killing two schoolgirls with thallium-laced chocolate raspberries is facing fresh scrutiny after it emerged her lover's wife died with the same deadly metal in her blood four years ago.

Zulma Guzman Castro is alleged to have killed Ines de Bedout, 14, and her close friend, Emilia Forero, 13, who both died in hospital in Bogota, Colombia, days after eating the poisoned fruit on April 3.

The 54-year-old has been at the centre of an international manhunt since leaving Colombia on April 13, but was dramatically found in the UK after being rescued from the River Thames, near Battersea Bridge, west London, on Tuesday morning.

The former Colombian Dragons' Dens star is alleged to have killed the two girls in an 'act of vengeance' after a secret six-year affair with Ines's father, Juan de Bedout, which started in 2014 and came to an end shortly before his wife's death.

In an astonishing update to the investigation, it has emerged how Mr de Bedout's wife, Alicia Graham Sardi, mysteriously died with thallium in her blood on August 17 2021. She was suffering with hair loss and leg pain in the run-up to her death aged 50.

Mr de Bedout and one of his sons, who had no contact with the poisoned raspberries, also showed traces of thallium in their blood but survived, sparking fears Castro may have targeted his whole family.

He said his wife died of cancer, but admitted that she was poisoned with thallium twice before her death.

Doctors told him that, based on her symptoms, she was first poisoned at the end of September 2020. After treatment for thallium poisoning, her health improved but she relapsed in July 2021 when they travelled to Europe.

Zulma Guzman Castro is accused of killing Ines de Bedout, 14, and her close friend, Emilia Forero, 13, after they died in hospital days after eating the poisoned sweet treat in Colombia on April 3

Ines de Bedout (left) and Emilia Forero died days after they were poisoned by the raspberries

The former Colombian Dragons' Den star had a secret affair with Ines's father, Juan de Bedout (pictured), between 2014 and 2020

In an astonishing update to the investigation, it has emerged how Mr De Bedout's wife, Alicia Graham Sardi (pictured), mysteriously died with thallium in her blood on August 17 2021

Mr de Bedout and his wife are pictured before she died with traces of thallium found in her blood

While they were in France, her hair fell out and when they returned to Colombia in August, she had to be hospitalised - again with thallium poisoning. A few days later, she died of systemic organ failure.

Mr de Bedout said doctors told him his wife's body began to generate good and bad cells to defend itself against the thallium and she died with cancer, respected Colombian daily El Tiempo reports.

The revelations have prompted investigators to open a wider line of inquiry into whether the de Bedout family were being poisoned years before the schoolgirls were killed in April.

An Interpol Red Notice to find Castro was issued earlier this month, with authorities warning the fugitive had visited Brazil, Spain and the UK since leaving Colombia.

Castro denies the killings and claimed in an interview: 'I was Juan de Bedut's lover for so many years, and I think I'm practically very easy to implicate in that.'

The alleged double killer claims she came to the UK to see her son, arriving in Britain on November 11.

She said in a message while on the run: 'I find myself in the middle of a very serious situationwhere I'm being accused of having been the person who sent a poison that killed two girls.

'They accuse me of having fled to Argentina, and then to Brazil, Spain and the UK. Those who know me know I haven't fled anywhere. They know I've been working in Argentina and began a masters in journalism here.

'I went to Spain more than a month ago, with a stopover in Brazil, and then to the UK because of my son.

'I imagine they're accusing me because I had a secret relationship with the father of one of the girls.'

According to her CV, Castro went to Los Andes University in Bogota, Colombia, for economics from 1989 to 1995, slightly longer than the average undergraduate degree length of four to five years.

The following year, she enrolled in a masters in environmental and natural resources economics, jointly run by her institution and the University of Maryland, in the United States.

As a fluent German speaker, she studied environmental economics for a further year at the universities of Cologne, Germany, and Gothenburg, Switzerland.

Ines de Bedout, 14, and her close friend Emilia Forero (right), 13, tragically died in hospital just days after eating the sweet treat. Emilia's father Pedro posted this photo of them earlier this month

Zulma Guzman Castro drinks from a bottle of Buxton mineral water during an interview, which may have given away her location in the UK

She raised suspicions that she might be in the UK by drinking from the British water brand

Castro did so on a scholarship awarded by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, associated with the country's centre-right Christian Democratic Union political party.

She was just as high-achieving in her working life in the late nineties, using her expertise in her local environment secretary's office in Bogota before moving on to the Colombian Environment Ministry, where she rose to serve as advisor to the vice-minister.

Castro went on to found, in 2001, the Latin American Association of Environmental and Natural Resource Economists, for connecting South American professionals in the field to those in Europe and North America.

From 2004 to 2006, she made a brief career pivot, as the president of a firm called Integra Security, which sold alarm systems, restructuring and selling the company, after achieving a loss reduction of more than $1billion.

A year later, she acted as a consultant on a study aiming to improve the competitiveness of Colombia's construction industry.

In 2007, she started a planning and redevelopment firm called Urbia, which identifies areas for urban renewal and plans the projects to carry the redevelopment out.

That summer, she decided to go back to university to retrain in architecture, heading to Parsons School of Design in New York City to upskill further for running the company.

She also later, from 2010 to 2012, studied a two-year entrepreneurship MBA based out of both The Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, and Columbia University in New York City.

Castro remains heavily involved in student life, as the leader of the Colombian branch of the Berkeley alumni association and a member of various real estate and entrepreneurship associations at Berkeley and Columbia.

In an ironic turn, she once served on the student board of an ethics and leadership body, the Sanford C Bernstein & Co Centre at Columbia's business school.

'The atmosphere was amazing, full of life,' she told the Berkeley business school's in-house magazine in 2013, of her time at the institution.

In the same interview, she admitted her mother had once forbidden her from going into what she saw as the 'frivolous' field of architecture.

'My mom was right, I was horrible,' she said, of her move into architecture, starting at Parsons.

'But I learned what architects do and how they do it, and that is important because I now work closely with architects in Bogota.'

During her studies at Berkeley, she had been making plans back at her firm Urbia to work on two derelict areas in downtown Bogota.

And at Columbia, she won a real estate competition which allowed her to bring those ideas to reality.

She presented a concept for university housing next to Los Andes University in downtown Bogota  which was then put to the institution for approval.

Castro said at the time: 'When I started university, no one even thought about leaving their parents' homes. But Colombia's become Americanised  kids leave home and many come from other cities. So it makes a lot of sense to have housing there.'

She went on to establish a Bogota-based electric car rental company called Car B in 2015.

Castro appeared on the Colombian version of Dragons' Den in this capacity in 2021, where she presented the firm to a panel of investors.

She explained on the programme: 'CarB is the first car-sharing service in Colombia. It's a platform that allows you to rent electric and gasoline-powered cars by the hour through an app. We also currently have electric cars in partnership with a large retailer and an energy company.'

When questioned by panellists on how to insure against any illegal activity by customers, she said: 'The filter is based on credit bureaus and payment capacity. They have to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license, obviously.'

She also explained why she changed careers to start the firm: 'I was tired of my previous job, and my sister lives in Barcelona. She gave me the idea, saying, 'Why don't you look into this project that will soon be up and running in Bogota?' And I jumped right in.'

Castro accepted an offer of investment which led to nearly four years of trading, which saw the company built a fleet of around sixty vehicles, serving around 5,000 customers.

She said the company ran into difficulty over pricing, which saw customers pay either by subscription or per use, comparing it to the rental bike system many capital cities use.

She said: 'It's a model that requires economies of scale. That's the big problem. A lot of investment.'

More recently, in a 2025 interview, she admitted she started the firm on her sister's suggestion, knowing nothing about cars  and she made personal financial sacrifices to do so.

'Honestly, I used my own capital. I started with all my savings, with everything I had, and I began the process that entrepreneurs go through, looking for support and those who might try to take advantage of you. I was alone, which is a terrible mistake in entrepreneurship... So, when I'm attacked, I'm quite reactive,' she said.

Over the weekend, Castro gave an interview to Colombian site Focus Noticias, where she defended her innocence regarding the recent allegations against her, which she felt had been represented unfairly in the media.

She said, according to Colombian title El Tiempo, she was being assumed guilty before proven innocent at trial.

'I feel I have the right to correct a false and distorted version,' she said, confirming she has legal representation and asserting she had no involvement in shipping the deadly raspberries, which she intends to try to prove in court.

Majer Abushihab, the legal representative of the girls who died, meanwhile, said prosecutors have a 'very serious and compelling' body of evidence against Castro.

Castro also expressed solidarity with the deceased girls' families, acknowledging their pain.

This was a particularly striking addition  as while her career was on the rise in the 2010s, she was having an affair with a Colombian investment banker, Mr de Bedout.

In the interview, she confirmed the relationship began in early 2014 and ended in early 2020  and that there has been no close relationship since.

Castro said, however, this history makes her an 'easy target' for investigators.

Mr De Bedout studied economics at Los Andes University  the very same institution Castro presented an architectural concept for  in the late nineties.

He moved on to study for an MSc in Finance at the London School of Economics in 1999.

The Businesswoman is alleged to have spiked fruit with a deadly substance as an 'act of vengeance' after a secret affair with the father of one victim, according to reports

After his affair with Castro reportedly ended, he enrolled, in April 2020, in a further degree in business administration and management from the INALDE Business School in the Colombian city of Chia, near Bogota.

Mr De Bedout has worked in a variety of positions in investment banking, capital markets and the financial sector, including for high-profile companies like the Rothschild Group and the Bancolombia Group, one of the biggest financial services firms in his home country.

Castro insisted in the Focus Noticias interview she left Colombia on April 13, ten days after the deadly package was sent, to follow previous work and academic plans, including enrolment in a journalism master's programme in Argentina.

She denied this trip was to evade police and asserted her willingness to appear in court  a point the victims' lawyer Mr Abushihab celebrated.

'It's great news that she's decided to do it, hopefully it will be as soon as possible,' he said.

Over the weekend, she raised suspicions that she might be in the UK by drinking from a bottle of Buxton mineral water during an exclusive interview with Focus Noticias.

El Tiempo was one of the first to pick up on the fact it could offer a clue to her current whereabouts, after Interpol's 196 member countries were asked to locate and detain Castro.

A source told the paper: 'The bottle of water she drank from was Buxton Natural Mineral Water, a reputed product which is mainly commercialised in the UK, although it can be purchased online.'

The same source said: 'The size of the bottle she was drinking are sold in street shops, which would indicate Guzman is in an apartment or house and not in a hotel.'

Another Colombian newspaper, Semana, added: 'Investigators made inquiries on the official website and found out from it that the bottled water is only sold in the UK and is supplied to physical shops and retailers based in that country.

'That information points to the possible place in which the alleged killer of the children could be staying.'

Another said: 'This clue has enabled the authorities to temporarily rule out Guzman's presence in Argentina where she initially fled, reinforcing the theory she is in hiding in the UK.'

Colombian police have not yet confirmed whether the water bottle clue was the lead factor which led to investigators in the South American country closing the net on Castro's location, via cooperation with their British counterparts.

In her interview over the weekend, the businesswoman also confessed she had put a GPS tracker on Mr de Bedout's car.

She said: 'Regrettably I was his lover for many years, more than six.

'The relationship with him was basically clandestine and we would see each other in my house or elsewhere in Bogota.

'Our relationship ended at the beginning of 2020.'

Confirming she had tried to track his movements, she added: 'I committed an error many years ago.

'Precisely when I was in a relationship with Juan, out of jealousy and because I was entangled in all the lies, he challenged me, saying that I wasn't capable of knowing where he was hiding.

'I told him that I was capable, and that's when I looked for a way to put the GPS in the car.'

But Castro denied any involvement in the schoolgirls' poisoning, saying: 'I am a mother, and that must be unbearable pain, and I understand that for that reason they want to find the culprit and use all possible means to do so, but I am not that culprit.

'The strategy is clearly to completely destroy me before any legal proceedings, to destroy my image and give a version that would destroy me without any trial, without any guarantee of a fair trial at this time.'

The two schoolgirls lost their fight for life at Bogota's benchmark hospital Santa Fe de Bogota Foundation just under a week after they were poisoned on April 3.

Another friend and 21-year-old brother of one of the victims were also hospitalised after eating the raspberries but survived, although the girl is understood to have suffered lasting injuries.

Forensic experts have determined the heavy metal, which can be lethal in tiny doses, was deliberately injected into the raspberries before they were delivered to the luxury apartment in the Colombian capital Bogota, where the victims had been playing after school finished for the day.

Prosecutors allege Castro, who left Colombia on April 13, used a courier firm to deliver the fruity treat.

The delivery man told investigators he was given the package containing the raspberries by a friend of the fugitive and advised it was a present for them because the dessert was one of their favourites.

Castro has been described as a long-term friend of the de Bedout family who knew their daily routine and was aware the youngster loved chocolate-covered raspberries.

The package was delivered to the girls just after 7pm local time on April 3, after they reportedly rejected an earlier attempt to hand it to them saying they weren't expecting anything.

Castro denied any involvement in the schoolgirls' poisoning

After Emilia died, her father Pedro Forero urged mourners to put on brightly coloured clothes instead of black to attend the teenager's funeral.

He said in a previous social media post: 'Today I am trying to find words for something that cannot be explained. Emilia, my driving force in life, left this world leaving an infinite mark on all of us who had the privilege of knowing her, embracing her and loving her.

'Her joy, her sensitivity, her immense heart and her unique way of seeing the world will always be with us.

'I would like to invite those who loved her, those who shared unique and special moments with her, to bid her farewell with love, with gratitude, with the colours she loved so much and with the joy she taught us to have even in difficult times.'

Colombian authorities have made a request to the UK for her capture and it is understood a warrant was issued by Westminster Magistrates Court for her arrest earlier this week.

If she is fit enough, Castro will be taken into custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates' for an extradition hearing.

The poison used was initially linked to the poisoning of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko who died in a London hospital in November 2006.
One of the UK's largest police forces is investigating after reports people openly celebrated the mass shooting in Sydney on Sunday which killed 15 people.

Sir Stephen Watson, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, also said schoolgirls have been phoning police asking for armed officers to accompany them to Hanukkah parties in the wake of the Bondi massacre.

It came as GMP and the Metropolitan Police launched a joint crackdown on pro-Palestinian protesters making anti-Semitic chants such as 'Globalise the intifada'.

And he warned: 'The intolerable has become normalised, and has almost become accepted as the way that things are.

'I suspect what we saw in Sydney exacerbates that.'

Sir Stephen described how the Heaton Park synagogue attack on October 2 and the subsequent Bondi terror incident had shaken Manchester, which has one of the country's largest Jewish populations.

Speaking to the Policy Exchange think tank in London, he said: 'The fear, particularly amongst our Jewish communities, has got worse. And the grounds that underpin the fear have become more realistic.'

Citing one shocking example, he added: 'It cannot be the case that you can for any reason fail to appreciate why it is that we are getting telephone calls into Greater Manchester Police, day in and day out over the recent days, where you have a group of ten-year-old girls wanting to go to a Hanukkah party, where they should be frankly interested in balloons and bicycles, are making a request for armed police officers.

The mass shooting in Sydney on Sunday killed 15 people

People fleeing Bondi Beach after the sickening attack last weekend

Sir Stephen Watson, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said schoolgirls have asked for armed police to attend their Hanukkah parties

'You cannot say that is a ridiculous request, you understand from whence it comes.'

And he also described reports people in Manchester celebrated the Bondi massacre as 'sickeningly distasteful'.

He said: 'It seems to me we need to get to the heart of that.

'There is stuff which is lawful but it is intolerable, and what is intolerable can over time become unlawful.'

This week GMP and the Met announced its officers would arrest those making hateful chants in response to growing fears among the Jewish community.

'Intafada' is an Arab word for 'uprising', largely associated with Palestinian unrest in the West Bank and Gaza.

Calls to 'globalise' it are seen as encouragement to attack Jews all over the world.

Sir Stephen said: 'What I can tell you is that, if you do that this weekend, my officers will arrest you. And that is a straightforward reflection of the fact that the dynamic is changing.'

Police arrested those shouting slogans calling for 'intifada' made during a protest by pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the Ministry of Justice in Westminster on Wednesday night

The Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester, which was the subject of October's deadly attack

Armed police at the scene after the shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney

He said the phrase 'river to the sea', often heard on pro-Palestinian marches and has a contested inference, was more 'subjective'.

But he said people would be arrested for chanting it outside a synagogue, or waving a Palestinian flag outside the Jewish place of worship.

He added: 'There is a reason why we have more than doubled arrests in Manchester - we are fond of arresting people. There is no reticence in that respect.'

The Met confirmed it is investigating two potential Jewish-related hate crimes in west London.

One involved a menorah being damaged in Holland Park on Tuesday evening, while a depiction of the multi-branched religious candle had paint thrown over it in nearby Notting Hill an hour earlier.

Superintendent Owen Renowden said: 'This has been a tremendously difficult week for the Jewish community ... and I appreciate how these hate crime incidents will cause further hurt and distress.'

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Met.

Bondi gunman Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences over the attack.

Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, are suspected of opening fire on crowds of more than 1,000 people as they celebrated Hanukkah in the Archer Park area of Bondi Beach on Sunday evening.

Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while two officers were also non-fatally wounded during an exchange of gunfire.

It came as new figures from the Home Office showed terror arrests in the UK surged in recent months following the ban on support for Palestine Action.

Some 1,706 arrests were made in the three months from July to September, a significant increase in the 63 for the previous quarter.

It means a total of 1,886 arrests were made in relation to terrorism in the year ending September, the highest for any 12-month period on record and nearly eight times the 248 arrests in the previous year.

Some 1,630 arrests in the year to September - 86 per cent - were linked to supporting Palestine Action, following its proscription on July 5.
The human resources executive caught cozying up to her married boss at a Coldplay concert on a massive jumbotron has finally spoken out, alleging the pair were not in a sexual relationship.

Kristin Cabot and ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron were caught in an intimate embrace during the concert in Boston on July 16 - but quickly separated and tried to hide when they realized they had been broadcast on the kiss cam.

Cabot, 53, stayed silent for months but has finally addressed the now-viral incident publicly, claiming it was a one time, alcohol-fueled mistake.

'I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss,' she told the New York Times. 'And it's not nothing. And I took accountability and I gave up my career for that. That's the price I chose to pay.'

Cabot has been shamed online, mocked by celebrities and branded an 'adulterer' by strangers she bumps into at public places, she explained, adding that she received upwards of 60 threats on her life.

She admitted that she had a 'crush' on Byron and was excited to introduce him to her friends, but claimed that before that night the pair had not even kissed.

Although they shared tequila cocktails, danced together and exchanged a kiss in their VIP balcony seats at the concert, Cabot said that was the first and only time.

But she regrets what she described as a 'cliche' moment, adding: 'I want my kids to know that you can make mistakes, and you can really screw up. But you don't have to be threatened to be killed for them.'

Kristin Cabot and ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron were caught in an intimate embrace during the Coldplay concert in Boston on July 16

Cabot, 53, stayed silent for months but has finally addressed the now-viral incident publicly, claiming it was a one time, alcohol-fueled mistake

Cabot's ill-fated decision to duck and hide when the camera panned to her and Byron cuddling went viral after it was called out by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

'Either they're having an affair or they're very shy,' Martin told the crowd.

Byron, seeing himself on the big screen, appeared to mutter, 'F****** hell, it's me.'

Cabot recalled how she instantly felt 'embarrassed and so horrified', with both her and Byron rushing back to the bar in the immediate aftermath.

She was concerned about two things: her career and her estranged husband Andrew who has at that very concert with a date of his own.

She told the NY Times how she did not want to humiliate her ex. She and Andrew had been married for two years, but were separated at the time of the scandal.

Cabot also knew how poorly it looked to be seen snuggled up to her boss. 'I'm the head of HR and he's the CEO It's, like, so cliche and so bad,' she recalled.

She shared how she and Byron, in an apparent state of shock, sat at the bar with their hands in their heads and began to devise a plan for moving forward.

Join the debate Should personal mistakes cost someone their career?

Cabot was reported to have resigned from the company just a few days after Byron stepped down as CEO

Kristin Cabot was married to Andrew Cabot, the chief executive of Massachusetts-based booze maker Privateer Rum, at the time of the incident. They are pictured with their children

Byron was also married, with his wife Megan having switched to her maiden name Kerrigan on social media shortly after the exchange with Chris Martin went viral. Andy and Megan are pictured with their children

They went to her Boston area apartment together and decided they needed to inform the Astronomer board about what happened.

They prepped an email but by the time they sent it the next morning, footage of their exchange had already gone viral on TikTok.

Both Byron and Cabot were immediately placed on leave by Astronomer as the company carried out an investigation into the incident.

Soon after, Byron resigned as CEO. Cabot's resignation followed his.

Cabot said she has been looking for another job, but was allegedly told she is now 'unemployable.'

As the scandal worsened, Cabot hired communications consultant Dini von Mueffling to help manage the fallout of the affair. Von Mueffling previously represented both Monica Lewisnky and Virginia Giuffre during their respective crises.

'I think as a woman, as women always do, I took the bulk of the abuse. People would say things like I was a "gold-digger" or I "slept my way to the top," which just couldn't be further from reality,' she told the Times.

She explained that throughout her career she had to swat men away when they placed their bands on her body without invitation and dismiss their inappropriate remarks.

'I worked so hard to dispel that all my life and here I was being accused of it,' she said of the adultery accusations she faced.

In late September, Byron and his wife Megan Kerrigan were spotted for the first time in months on relaxed outings together near their coastal hideaway in Maine  and notably still wearing their wedding bands

Cabot filed for divorce from Andrew on August 13. He confirmed, in a statement at the time, that they had plans to end their marriage prior to the concert.

She told the NY Times that Andrew - who has stayed quiet about the incident, citing wanting privacy for his family - has been 'nothing but a gentleman' in wake of everything that has happened.

Their teenage children, who at the height of the scandal feared for their mother's life, are now in therapy and were met with kindness upon their return to school.

Similarly, Cabot has started leaving her house again, seen improvement in her own mood and even resumed some of her former hobbies.

She and Byron remained in contact throughout the summer, but in September ceased all communication after agreeing their speaking made it 'too hard for everyone to move on and heal,' Cabot told the newspaper.

Byron and his wife Megan are still married, though they quietly sold their $5.8 million New York City apartment last month.

Currently, they are living in Massachusetts, according to the deed of sale filing.

Megan, 50, switched to her maiden name Kerrigan on social media and fled the marital home in Northborough, Massachusetts.

In late September, the couple were spotted for the first time in months on relaxed outings together near their coastal hideaway in Maine  and notably still wearing their wedding bands.

The pair appeared quietly content during a cozy sunset picnic at the beach, seated on deck chairs with sweaters warming their knees against the sea breeze as they enjoyed sodas and treats.
A heartbreaking video of Rob Reiner defending his son Nick against nepo baby critics has resurfaced as the Hollywood rich kid stands accused of murdering his parents.

The famed filmmaker, 78, and his troubled son, 32, delved into their complex relationship and Nick's substance abuse on the Inside Out With Paul Mecurio podcast in May 2016.

This segment aired just weeks after the release of the movie Being Charlie, which Rob directed and Nick co-wrote, based on Nick's real-life struggles with heroin addiction and homelessness.

Mecurio asked Nick if it was difficult to have the film pull back the curtain on intimate details about his life - including both the good times and the bad.

'It's not hard to reveal that stuff, it's only hard to reveal that stuff to then get told you're a spoiled, white, rich kid,' he said at the time. 'It's like okay, I may be all these things but -'

'Okay, but who would say that to you? Not your dad.' Mercurio interjected.

The beloved creator of When Harry Met Sally then swooped in to stand up for his son.

'The world,' Rob replied. 'I know what it's like to be the "son of" and to have people assume certain things about you and it's very, very difficult.'

Rob Reiner (left) and Nick Reiner (right) appeared on the Inside Out With Paul Mecurio podcast in 2016. The clip has gone viral following the filmmaker and his wife's murders

Rob (right) and Michele (left) Reiner were found dead inside their Brentwood home on Sunday

Like Nick, Rob had an affluent background and a famous father, Carl Reiner.

Carl was an author, comedian, director and screenwriter who won 11 Primetime Emmy Awards and a Grammy.

Paul asked how Rob handled the societal pressure and stigmas that came along with having a parent in the limelight.

'You have to block out all that extraneous noise and it's hard for [Nick], because this is the first time he's all of a sudden, there's a lot of attention,' he said, referencing the fact that Being Charlie essentially propelled his life into the public eye.

Rob continued: 'People are talking and he has the double whammy, he's got me and he's got his grandfather, and they're going to say whatever the heck they want.

'But they don't know, they don't know what he's experienced. They don't know what he's gone through. They don't know why he's done what he does.'

'It's pretty dumb, pretty ignorant of people to say "just because you're born and you have money" that doesn't mean anything. But you have to keep yourself focused and know what you do,' he added.

Earlier in the roughly 40-minute interview, Nick said that he was 'lucky' to have parents who care about him.

He also admitted to feeling a sense of 'guilt' when he would 'go out and do things like drugs' because he knew that he was on their mind.

Nick Reiner has been in an out of rehab for substance abuse since he was a teen

Romy Reiner (left) made the grim discovery of her parent's dead bodies. Nick (right) was arrested later that day

Rob Reiner (left) defended his son (right) for dubbing himself a spoiled rich kid

'Deep down, he trusted that we loved him and that we were there for him, and that put a little bit of a break on certain things,' Rob added.

Nick has been open about his long history of drug addiction - finding himself in and out of rehab since his teens.

'I am a spoiled, white, rich kid from a Hollywood family,' he told NPR in 2016. 'But I think it's even more of a testament to how powerful drugs can be that you don't care about any of that stuff.'

About nine and a half years after the eerie interview, Rob and his wife Michele, 70, were found fatally stabbed in their home in Los Angeles' ritzy Brentwood neighborhood.

Nick, who was living in his parent's guest house, was arrested on Sunday night from a motel near the Santa Monica pier, just hours after his sister, Romy, 28, discovered their parents' bodies.

The alleged killer has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He made his first court appearance on Wednesday, when the judge pushed his arraignment to January 7.
Actress Devon Aoki's husband has been charged with a hit-and-run after police say he struck a scooter rider and then fled to his Florida mansion.

James Hunter Bailey, 40, was arrested on Monday and charged with leaving the scene of a crash causing serious bodily injury and resisting an officer without violence, court records obtained by the Daily Mail show.

Bailey married the 2 Fast 2 Furious star in 2011, and the couple has four children together.

Officers from the Coral Gables Police Department were called to the scene of a hit and run with injuries shortly after 5pm on Monday.

Police allege that Bailey was driving a white Audi SQ7 SUV when he struck a man riding a stand-up scooter on a crosswalk.

The victim's girlfriend told police that her boyfriend's 'left foot was stuck under the vehicle's right tire.'

'She was frantically asking the driver of the Audi SQ7 to move the vehicle back in order to release [the victim's] food from underneath the tire,' the police report stated.

Bailey allegedly 'fled the area without rendering aid, providing information or reporting the crash to police.'

Actress Devon Aoki's (left) husband James Hunter Bailey (right), 40, has been charged with a hit-and-run

Bailey allegedly fled the scene of the crash and ran inside his sprawling $9 million Florida mansion (pictured)

The victim sustained serious injuries to his foot, including two fractures, according to police.

Officers said the vehicle was captured on 'several' automated license plate readers as it fled the area.

They responded to the sprawling, seven bedroom, seven and half bath mansion listed as the registered address for the Audi SQ7 SUV.

An officer 'made contact with one of the vehicles registered owners, Ms. Devon Aoki, who stated she did not know the whereabouts of her Audi.'

According to the police report, as the officer was leaving the house, Bailey arrived at the residence in the Audi SQ7 SUV.

The cop said he activated his emergency lights and called out for Bailey to stop walking and come towards him.

However, Bailey allegedly ran away from the officer, entered his home and locked the front door.

The officer inspected the Audi SQ7 SUV and found that it had 'minor damage consistent with a collision with a pedestrian on a stand-up scooter.'

Bailey married the 2 Fast 2 Furious star in 2011, and the couple has four children together

Police allege that Bailey (pictured) was driving a white Audi SQ7 SUV when he struck a man riding a stand-up scooter on a crosswalk

When cop's arrived at the couple's home, they say Aoki did not know where he Audi was, but shortly after Bailey approached the house and ran inside

'I observed paint transfer marks and small paint chips on the right front bumper and hood area,' the cop stated.

A few moments later, after 'looking at police officers through the windows,' Bailey exited the mansion, identified himself and was arrested.

He was booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and released on his own recognizance.

Bailey's next court date is scheduled for February 13.

Aoki, whose brother is DJ Steve Aoki, is one of the shortest fashion models in the business, standing at 5ft5in.

However, she has found plenty of success in the modeling and fashion world.

In the late 90s, she became the face of Versace and also posed for Chanel, Kenzo, Moschino, Fendi and many more.

She has also acted in several film roles, including 2 Fast 2 Furious, Sin City, DOA: Dead or Alive and Mutant Chronicles.
Keir Starmer is plotting to stage the King's Speech as he scrambles to 'reset' after potentially apocalyptic local elections.

The PM is believed to be lining up the State Opening of Parliament for May 12 or 13 - less than a week from the polls.

Laying out a new slate of legislation would be a way of drawing a line under what looks like being a bloodbath for Labour.

Speculation has been mounting about Sir Keir's prospects of survival, despite having been propelled into No10 with a massive majority just last year.

Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting and Manchester mayor Andy Burnham are among the big hitters regarded as 'on manoeuvres' in case the premier is forced out.

Mayoral and council elections on May 7 are seen as a critical moment, despite the government having controversially delayed some of the contests.

Keir Starmer is believed to be lining up the State Opening of Parliament for May 12 or 13 - less than a week from the polls

Getting the King (pictured) to lay out a new slate of legislation would be a way of drawing a line under what looks like being a bloodbath for Labour

Labour insiders fear that Reform is poised to make more huge gains in traditional heartlands.

One government source told the BBC that the King's Speech would blunt an expected backlash against Sir Keir's agenda.

'It will be much harder for somebody to challenge the PM and say we need to go in a different direction when the King is about to come to parliament to announce what we're doing for the next year,' they said.

Downing Street refused to comment on 'speculation', saying the date will be announced 'in the normal way'.

One source said it was common knowledge that the government was looking at a State Opening in the Spring, suggesting May was often the month chosen.

The current session has been running since July 2024, which is longer than normal.

The looming problems for Sir Keir were underlined yesterday with a stark poll showing Labour faces being put to the sword in Wales by Plaid Cymru and Reform.

The party appears doomed to lose the First Minister post for the first time since devolution, with support dwindling even further since the last YouGov research in September.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Kemi Badenoch goaded Sir Keir over the crisis as they clashed at the final PMQs before Christmas.

The Tory leader pointed to infighting in the premier's own ranks, accusing him of blaming everyone else for his failure and branding the Cabinet 'turkeys'.

'All his MPs want for Christmas is a new leader,' she jibed to laughter in the chamber.
A woman was hospitalized after a camel kicked her in the face during a Christmas celebration at a Texas megachurch.

Shocking video captured by Grizzys Hood News showed the incident at Champion Forest Baptist Church's annual Christmas Spectacular.

The Houston megachurch presented the 90-minute production from December 9 to December 14.

The church website describes the production as a 'family-friendly show celebrating the birth of Jesus and the joy of the holiday season.

'This cherished tradition combines Broadway-scale songs, stunning dance performances, dazzling lights, and special effects that will captivate all ages.'

In the video, a camel was being led down the aisle by a man dressed in custom when it kicked the unnamed woman in the head with its left hind leg.

As the procession continued, audience members jumped up to help the woman before first responders were called.

'Champion Forest regrets that this happened,' a church spokesperson wrote in a statement to the Daily Mail.

A camel kicked a woman in the face during a Christmas celebration at Champion Forest Baptist Church (pictured)

The Houston megachurch put on the 90 minute long production from December 9 though December 14

'During our recent Christmas Spectacular, an unexpected incident occurred when a camel used in the production struck a guest in the audience,' the spokesperson added.

'Our team responded immediately, and emergency services were engaged. We then discontinued walking animals within the audience seating areas for the remainder of the shows. We have remained in contact with the family.'

The woman was treated for her injuries and then released from the hospital, reported KPRC.

Dromedary camels, those with one hump like the camel in the video, can grow over 11 feet tall, weigh up to 1,320 pounds, according to the San Diego Zoo.

Social media users were torn over the incident, with some people criticizing the church for using live animals.

'Seems like bringing huge animals into a crowded auditorium might be part of the problem. Most live nativities are outdoors,' one person wrote on Facebook.

'Maybe I'm the jerk, but I feel sorry for no one except the camel.. I hope it wasn't punished in any way or treated badly for doing something that comes natural as an animal,' wrote another.

'Just doing way too much! The camels did not need to be there,' a third person added.

In the video, a camel was being led down the aisle by a man dressed in custom when it kicked the unnamed woman in the head with its left hind leg

As the procession continued, audience members jumped up to help the woman before first responders were called

Others defended the church, insisting they put on a beautiful production, and this was a freak accident.

'Oh my goodness!!! Ive seen a few of their performances and they are amazing. Too bad someone got hurt,' one person wrote.

'It was a fantastic pageant. This was such a random thing to happen after so many years of this production,' a second person added.

'This is a beautiful and spectacular production that mixes the story of the birth of Jesus with the more childlike view of Christmas with Santa and elves. I am saddened for the woman who got hurt, and I pray she is okay,' the third person wrote.
Brown University president Christina Paxson has landed in hot water for her response to the grisly shooting that killed two students and injured nine others Saturday, as she pinned the attack on gun reform.

It has been over 112 hours since the shooting and the ongoing manhunt still has not turned up any suspects.

The Ivy League university's president said she was 'deeply saddened' by people questioning her response to the horror.

'As time goes on, there is a natural instinct to assign responsibility for tragic events like this,' Paxson, who reportedly made more than $3.1million in 2023, said Tuesday. 'Anxiety here is very natural, but the shooter is responsible.'

'Horrific gun violence took the lives of these students and hospitalized others. It's deeply sad and tragic that schools across the country are targets of violence, Brown is no exception,' she added.

Officials said the gunman walked into an engineering building because it was left unlocked during final exams. They noted that video footage of the shooter was scarce since the school's older engineering building did not have many cameras.

But Paxson's latest comments did nothing to assuage the anger of many, who once again turned their ire at the university's leader for what they considered to be an inadequate response.

'Kind of a bizarre quiet part out loud  You may be tempted to blame a violent terrorist or even a failed security apparatus when an innocent person is murdered but don't forget it's actually the gun's fault,' former GOP communications staffer Matt Whitlock wrote on X.

'These people educate our kids,' he added.

Paxson said Tuesday that Brown was deeply committed to the safety, security and wellbeing of its students.

Still, her comments provided little to no comfort as the masses continued slamming her in wake of the shooting and the investigation, which has not yet found the assailant.

'A domestic terrorist attack by an unknown shooter just occurred on her campus and her primary point is how Brown is regarded?' Lisa MacLeod, a Canadian politician who served six terms in the Ontario legislature, wrote on X.

Another user chimed in and called Paxson 'awful.'

They added: 'How can any family allow their kids to attend this school?'

Paxson has served as Brown's 19th president since 2012. Since then, her pay has increased by more than 700 percent.

Brown University president Christina Paxson said she was 'deeply saddened' by people questioning her response to Saturday's shooting that killed two students and injured nine

The gunmanatlarge killed two students and injured nine when he shot more than 40 rounds from a 9mm handgun inside a classroom in the Barus and Holley engineering building during final exams Saturday.

Paxson said the university has two security systems. The system activated during the shooting sends out text messages, phone calls and emails that, in this case, reached 20,000 people.

The other system includes three sirens across campus, though Paxson said that those would not be activated in an active shooter situation.

'Those get activated when there is a broadscale emergency, and we want people to rush into buildings,' she added.

She said activating that system during the attack 'could have caused people to rush into Barus and Holley.'

Paxson added: 'It depends on the circumstances and where the active shooter would be but you don't want to ever get people rushing into buildings that might be the site of an active shooter.'

Her explanation was called 'crazy' by one X user, who wrote: 'No alarms, no reliable video despite over 1,200 active video camera [sic] on campus.'

Another added: 'If someone killing people in a classroom while firing 40 shots doesn't qualify, then I am curious what does.'

All of the footage released by federal investigators of a 'person of interest' in connection to the shooting has shown his face masked or obscured

On Wednesday, investigators released images of a second person of interest. They only said this individual was 'in proximity' to the suspected Brown gunman

Providence police chief Oscar Perez said law enforcement was 'still getting information as far as who was there' at the time of the shooting, since the classroom was being used as a study hall.

'Hold the f*** up,' one X user wrote, accusing Paxson of not doing enough after the tragedy.

'How does Brown's president make $3 million a year yet hasn't done a single fucking thing to coordinate or move this forward? I don't care if this technically 'isn't her job.' She runs the university.

'So what the f*** have she and law enforcement been doing this entire time???' they added

MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, an 18yearold freshman from Brandermill, Virginia, and Ella Cook, a 19yearold sophomore from a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, were killed in the shooting.

The attack was recalled by a graduate student who videocalled his family as he fled from the engineering building once he heard shots fired.

'There's a moment when you realize there's no Superman,' Bari told the Boston Globe. 'There's no person who's going to rush in and save everyone and make everything right.'

Providence police have offered a $50,000 reward for any information that can result in the identification, arrest and conviction of the Brown University shooter

Users online have called for Paxson to resign or be fired as university president after her response to Saturday's deadly attack

Like many, he sheltered for hours while waiting to hear more from the university.

Henry Buss, a freshman at Brown, remembered texting a friend that he had seen walking towards the engineering building. He asked if he was okay.

When the stayinplace order was lifted, Buss went to knock on his friend's door  and did not receive a response. It was Umurzokov.

'The families should file civil lawsuits against Christiana [sic] Paxson and Brown University,' one X user said.

Others called for Paxson to resign or be let go from her post.

'Are the students and parents calling for a change in leadership yet??????' one X user asked.

Another noted: 'She should be fired for incompetence.'

Community members brought flowers to a makeshift memorial outside the Barus and Holley engineering building, where Saturday's shooting took place

Brown's response has also been questioned by President Trump.

'Why did Brown University have so few Security Cameras? There can be no excuse for that,' the commander in chief wrote on Truth Social. 'In the modern age, it just doesn't get worse!!!'

All of the footage released by federal investigators of a 'person of interest' linked to the attack so far showed his face masked or turned away from the cameras.

Towards the end of a fiveminute compilation of security and Ring camera footage, the unknown man could be seen calmly walking in front of a Providence police car just after 4pm Saturday.

Authorities have described the man as being about 5 feet, 8 inches tall with a stocky build and in his 30s. He is considered 'armed and dangerous.'

On Wednesday, images were released of a second individual who was 'in proximity' to the suspected Brown gunman.

Officials showed pictures of a tall, slender individual wearing a blue jacket, grey hoodie and a light colored satchel slung over their right shoulder.

As of Thursday morning, the shooter remained at large.

The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for any information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the gunman.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Paxson's office for comment.
A United Airlines flight attendant who was dubbed 'racist' in a squabble with a French-speaking woman was arrested for tapping her on the shoulder, body camera footage released this week has revealed.

United crewmember Fredrick Fleischmann, 58, found himself in hot water with a Cayman Airways flight attendant while waiting for a shuttle bus at Tampa International Airport in Florida on March 8.

Body camera footage from the airport's police department released on December 12 has depicted shocking details about what unfolded leading up to his brief arrest.

Officers were called to the scene over an alleged incident of battery that occurred on a bus in the employee parking lot.

Upon arrival, deputies were greeted by two Cayman Airways staffers. One of the women was the alleged victim, who claimed the heated situation was sparked by a phone call.

She told the cops that she was speaking in French on the phone with her uncle while waiting for the bus to arrive when Fleischmann approached her and allegedly told her to 'close her mouth.'

'He said it's my last week here. Trump is gonna deport me,' she told police, as per the body camera video.

'I was like, "Are you racist? Why are you bothering me?"'

United crewmember Fredrick Fleischmann, 58, was arrested after admitting to tapping a woman on the shoulder. The case was dropped months later

Two Cayman Airways flight attendants approached officers to explain what happened. The alleged victim (left) said the United worker was 'racist'

She then alleged that the situation only worsened when they boarded the shuttle.

The woman claimed that aboard the vehicle, the allegedly agitated United worker tapped her on the shoulder and said 'he was going to make sure' Cayman Airways fired her.

She demonstrated the shoulder tapping on her fellow flight attendant to describe what happened to her.

But when the police found Fleischmann at the gate for the flight that he was supposed to board, he had a different story to tell.

He alleged that the woman was 'screaming' on the phone at the bus stop, and he approached her to ask her to shut it off.

'She calls me a racist over and over and over. She flips me off with her fingers, she tells me to go f**k myself, and I said, "All we need is quiet in the shelter,"' he told police officers.

He did, however, admit to touching the woman - which cops said was enough to have him arrested.

'I did turn around and put my hand on her shoulder, and I said, "Can you please stop?" And that was the only time I touched her,' Fleischmann said.

Join the debate Was the arrest justified?

The woman demonstrated the shoulder tapping on her fellow flight attendant

The incident occurred in March at Tampa International Airport in Florida (file photo)

'Thats technically a battery, just so you know,' one of the police officers responded.

'When you touch or strike somebody without permission - Im telling you how the Florida statute reads.

'If you wouldnt have even touched her, we wouldve left it at verbal.'

Battery occurs when someone 'actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against the will of the other,' Florida's statute 784.03 states.

As a result, Fleischmann was arrested. He was later released on good faith that he would appear in court.

According to records reviewed by PEOPLE, the case was dropped on May 16.

A United Airlines spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'We have nothing to share on this.' Fleischmann's lawyer declined to comment.

The Daily Mail is awaiting comment from Cayman Airways.
Muslim gangs hold sway at one of the most violent and drug-ridden prisons in Britain, watchdogs have warned.

Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor has served an urgent notification for HMP Swaleside in Kent after discovering dangerously unsafe conditions for prisoners and staff in an unannounced visit earlier this month.

Mr Taylor said the prison was 'filthy', rife with drugs and had a 'pervasive sense of despair', leading him to give it the 'worst scores of any jail in my five years as chief inspector'.

The jail's Independent Monitoring Board previously raised concerns about 'religious gangs' at the facility, where a third of inmates are Muslim.

'A recurring theme is the perception of widespread violence, including bullying by both prisoners and staff, as well as unchecked gang control, particularly by religious gangs, which many prisoners report feeling powerless and unsafe against,' the IMB said.

Their report noted that there was evidence of rival gangs fighting over drugs, racist comments and discrimination against Jewish prisoners.

Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor has served an urgent notification for HMP Swaleside in Kent

The IMB described violence as a 'constant theme' and called the manufacturing of blades on site 'ominous'.

There were 107 assaults on staff over a three-month period, with 70 per cent triggered by officers giving instructions.

Six inmates were attacked on their first night at the prison.

In his own inspection, Mr Taylor found inmates at the Category B jail who were too frightened to go to health appointments or use the gym because of fears of violence.

Writing to Justice Secretary David Lammy to issue his urgent notification, Mr Taylor described 'very high levels of violence' as affecting every aspect of prison life, with a third of prisoners surveyed saying they had been assaulted and three quarters felt unsafe.

Drug-taking was 'rife', drones were regularly dropping contraband into the prison, including knives, and inspectors also saw widespread graffiti, fire damage, broken furniture and mouldy showers.

Attempts to restore order were also described as 'wholly insufficient and inhumane' as a new regime allowed 44 per cent of the prison's inmates out of their cells for only 30 minutes on most weekdays.

Mr Taylor also said it was 'shameful' such a risky prison had been left without a permanent governor in charge for many months in 2024 and 2025.

'Many hardworking staff were doing an impressive job in extremely difficult circumstances, but during our inspection we were very troubled by a palpable level of tension and a pervasive sense of despair in the jail,' he said.

'The appalling outcomes we found at Swaleside, holding some of the most dangerous men in the country, represent serious failings by leaders in the Prison Service to address the systemic problems at this troubled jail.'

Join the debate How should Britain tackle gang violence in its most dangerous prisons?

The jail's Independent Monitoring Board previously raised concerns about 'religious gangs' at the facility, where a third of inmates are Muslim

The emergency measure was introduced in 2017 as a way to raise immediate concerns following an inspection, which requires a response and action plan by the Justice Secretary within 28 days.

Other sites issued with an urgent notification include HMP Pentonville, Exeter, Cookham Wood Young Offender Institution, Oakhill Secure Training Centre, Woodhill, Bedford, Wandsworth, Rochester, Manchester and Winchester.

Reacting to the latest notice, Prison Reform Trust deputy director Mark Day said: 'It is shocking that a prison tasked with the care and rehabilitation of men serving some of the longest sentences on the estate has been allowed to descend to such an appalling level.

'We know from our own work at the prison that the climate of despair and hopelessness amongst prisoners is palpable.'

Howard League for Penal Reform chief executive Andrea Coomber KC said: 'This is the latest in a long line of inspections that reveal the level of disorder that exists in a prison system on the brink of collapse.

'Without effective leadership and reform and proper investment, prisons such as Swaleside will continue to fail their staff, the men in their care and the public.'

Prisons minister Lord Timpson said: 'This is a deeply concerning report and I'm disappointed we have failed to achieve the required standard. I know the new Governor and her talented team are already working hard to address the serious concerns it raises, which has been recognised by the Chief Inspector.

'Work is underway to rapidly reduce violence, improve safety and drive up standards. We will publish an action plan in the coming weeks to support them in these efforts.

'But the sad fact is, we inherited a broken prison system, with too many jails like HMP Swaleside breeding further crime.

'That is why we're building 14,000 new prison places and reforming sentencing to end this crisis for good, reduce reoffending and keep the public safe.'
An NHS Trust unit will hold 'listening' events to improve care - after a 13-day-old baby died when staff failed to communicate with a doctor who was working from home.

Daisy McCoy succumbed to a 'lack of oxygen or blood flow' at the Yeovil Hospital in Somerset in February, 2022.

A scan showed that prior to her birth she had sustained at least one brain injury, possibly due to issues with the umbilical cord or placenta.

However, there was a delay in carrying out the C section operation because of a 'failure to communicate' between staff, including the consultant who was working remotely.

The NHS Trust has now responded to a coroner's criticisms, saying it has introduced a 'professional disagreement policy' and begun 'regular walkarounds' to ensure similar issues do not arise in the future.

The Trust also held 'listening events' - but has not revealed the nature of them.

The inquest heard that Daisy was born via Caesarean section at Yeovil Maternity Unit in Somerset on February 9, 2022.

Daisy's mother later visited the hospital reporting reduced and unusual fetal movement.

Staff at Yeovil Maternity Unit, pictured, in Somerset failed to escalate the situation, and confusion between medics meant Daisy's emergency caesarean was delayed

A scan showed the baby had suffered a brain injury due to lack of oxygen or blood flow 'which on the balance of probabilities had occurred before delivery'.

The interruption to blood flow was 'potentially due to a problem with the umbilical cord or placenta'.

Daisy's parents were then left alone for an hour as they waited for an explanation as to the severity of the injury.

The consultant working remotely did not 'fully consider' if she should come in to assist during this time because she was unaware of staffing problems on the ward.

The unit's guidance also did not include asking a staff member to attend if there was an issue outside of their experience or skill set.

Only the registrar was aware that the abnormal scan required a call to the consultant within 30 minutes and she did not phone in either, leading to a further delay in the procedure.

None of the staff checked the criteria for a normal foetal heartbeat and therefore did not escalate the results of the test.

The consultant told the inquest if she had been aware of the outcome she would have come on to the ward at that point.

Deborah Archer, pictured, area coroner for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, warned there is a 'gap' in their policy regarding consultants or midwives attending when understaffing risks patient safety

On February 9 Daisy was moved to the larger Southmead Hospital in Bristol before being transferred at some point to a children's hospice in Barnstaple, Devon, where she died on February 22.

Deborah Archer, Area Coroner for the County of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, recorded a narrative conclusion that the 13dayold had died due to an interruption in blood flow to the brain which caused 'significant damage' and peri natal asphyxia before her delivery.

After Daisy's inquest, Ms Archer said: '[There is] A lack of adequate communication between different health care professionals on the maternity unit.'

Peter Lewis, Chief Executive of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, also stated his response to Ms Archer's Prevention of Future Deaths report.

'Following the sad passing of Daisy... the Trust implemented a series of improvements', Mr Lewis said.

He said the firm had reviewed 'Antenatal Foetal Monitoring Guidelines' and midwives training.

And that they had now had 'safety walkabouts' and held 'listening events'.

Mr Lewis said: 'SFT Maternity senior leaders have been actively working to understand the culture across both Yeovil District Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital sites.

'A number of listening events were held in 2023/24 and a programme of cultural improvement efforts rolled out in response.

'To support improvements, the Trust launched a professional disagreement policy.

'The trust also utilises Freedom to Speak Up Guardians (FTSU) who provide regular support to staff and conduct regular walkarounds for staff to raise any concerns.

'The Trust has also recently engaged the national Equity Diversity and Inclusion lead to undertake a culture review diagnostic.

'The Trust has considered all matters of concern raised... to ensure that reopening plans provide assurance of embedded change made in response to learning from Daisy May's death.

'We remain fully committed to embedding the learning from Daisy May's death into every aspect of our maternity services. Our actions reflect a Trustwide commitment to safety, transparency, and continuous improvement.'
Bill Clinton asked Moroccan King Mohammed VI if he could bring an additional two plus-ones to his 2002 wedding  Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

The former president's aides were shocked by the push to bring the unrelated financier and his longtime girlfriend to the royal wedding.

The New York Post obtained a grainy, blurry image of a grinning Clinton with his arm around Maxwell in a group photo that also included Epstein, the former president's daughter Chelsea, former ambassador to the United Nations Abdeslam Jaidi and an unidentified man.

A person familiar with the wedding request confirmed Clinton 'brought them as guests to a king's wedding' even though 'it almost sounds made up. 'How many times in your life have you been invited as a guest of a guest at a wedding?' they questioned.

Another anonymous source told the Post that Clinton's staff 'insisted' and 'pushed' for the former president to bring Epstein and Maxwell.

Both sources said Clinton is dishonestly downplaying his links to Epstein and Maxwell and are confused why he was drawn to them.

Clinton, was famously impeached for his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. While both people who spoke with the Post think his relationship with Epstein reflects his poor judgement, neither believes that he was aware of Epstein's sex trafficking crimes.

The wedding guest debacle apparently remained a discussion in Democratic circles for more than two decades  and especially was topical after Epstein was charged, imprisoned and died in prison in August 2019 while awaiting federal trial for sex trafficking crimes.

A new report reveals that Bill Clinton pushed Moroccan royalty to let him bring Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell as wedding guests to the Moroccan King Mohammed VI 2002 nuptials

Clinton is shown with daughter Chelsea attending the wedding of King Mohammed VI in Rabat, Morocco on July 13, 2022

Sources who revealed the abnormal request for two additional plus-ones say that Former President Bill Clinton is dishonestly downplaying his former ties to Epstein and Maxwell

Trickles of information about Epstein's high-profile political and business connections continue to leak through the cracks as the Department of Justice faces a Friday, December 19 deadline to release the entirety of the files related to the convicted child sex offender.

Clinton earned goodwill with Morocco royalty by three years prior, while still president, attending the funeral of the king's father Hassan II.

The request to bring two uninvited guests to the wedding was viewed by Clinton's team as rude.

The second NY Post source said that Hillary Clinton was in the Senate at the time, so she could not attend the wedding, but that the Clinton's daughter 'very much wanted to go,' as did the former president.

'The idea that they would take [Epstein] was a head-scratcher,' they added. 'But nonetheless, the Clinton office moved forward and made this request and that's what happened.'

Clinton hopped on Epstein's private jet dubbed the 'Lolita Express' to travel with him and accomplice Maxwell to Morocco for the wedding. Chelsea Clinton was a student at Oxford University at the time and traveled independently to attend the Northern African royal nuptials.

Those familiar with the matter said they were shocked that it took this long for the ordeal to be reported, especially after it was made public the extent of the Clintons' many flights on Epstein's private jet.

The new wedding details come after the House Oversight Committee released a trove of images, including one of a signed photgraph of Bill Clinton with Epstein, Maxwell and Jimmy Buffet and his wife Jane Slagsvol

The second Post source said: 'A lot of people around the Clintons had pushed young women on [Clinton].'

But they were not aware of Epstein doing so.

'The guy [Epstein] seemed like a total swindler and BS artist. It wasn't uncommon that Clinton and those people would be taken by him,' they added.

The Daily Mail has reached a spokesperson for the former president for comment.

The latest Clinton connection to Epstein comes after Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released another trove of images last week they obtained from the DOJ and Epstein's estate.

One included an image of a photograph signed by Clinton and showing the former president alongside Epstein and Maxwell as well as Jimmy Buffet and his wife Jane Slagsvol.
A California mother and her toddler died during a brutal collision in California on Wednesday, authorities said.

Samantha Kellogg, 28, and her daughter Elena, two, were killed around 10.15am at the intersection of Jefferson and Walnut Avenues near Easton in Fresno County - about three hours southeast of San Francisco.

The crash happened when Kellogg's Honda Civic going north ran through a stop sign and slammed into a Chevy Tahoe traveling east, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Elena was not in a car seat and was partially ejected from the moving vehicle, officials said.

The Fresno CHP told the Daily Mail that 'we believe speed was a factor' in the crash, based upon a preliminary investigation.

The gruesome scene was recalled by a local, who called the crash 'horrible.'

'I ran outside, and the first thing I saw as I got to the blue car was a little toddler ejected from the car,' Aiden Wettlaufer told ABC30. 'That was really sad. I have no words about that.'

Samantha was declared dead at the scene, while her young daughter was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center - where she later died from her injuries.

Samantha Kellogg, 28, and her daughter Elena, two, were killed by a brutal crash around 10am Wednesday in Fresno

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the fatal accident happened when Kellogg's Honda Civic going north ran through a stop sign and crashed into a Chevy Tahoe going east

California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Salas said the emotions after a crash like this are 'heart-wrenching.'

'We can't say it loud enough: wear your seatbelts,' he told the outlet. 'If you have children that need to be in car seats, please do that.'

Law enforcement officials said it was unknown whether drugs or alcohol factored into the crash, although impairment was not suspected.

Toxicology results are still pending via the Fresno County Coroner's Office.

Pictures from the aftermath of the brutal crash showed that the Kelloggs' vehicle had been overturned from the impact of the collision.

A public social media profile belonging to Kellogg said she had four sons and two daughters.

One of her last posts shared that she wanted December to be 'a good month for me and my gingerbread babies.'

Elena was not in a car seat and was partially ejected from the moving vehicle, according to officials

Her mother Samantha was not wearing a seatbelt. She was pronounced dead at the scene, law enforcement said

California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Salas described the feelings after the crash as 'heart-wrenching'

A candlelit vigil was announced in memory of Samantha and Elena for Thursday at 6pm - at the same intersection where the fatal crash happened.

'If you can attend and show your respects that would be greatly appreciated,' Theresa Lopez, a Fresno local, posted on Facebook.

A family member asked for the mom and daughter to serve as her 'guardian angels' following their tragic death.

'I keep on telling myself that this isnt real [sic],' Aaliyah Alvarez, who identified herself as Samantha's goddaughter, wrote on social media.

'That its not true and that youre gonna text or call letting us know youre okay but i know that youre gone, i know youre not coming back and i dont understand why God needed you more than we did.'

She added: 'My baby sissy Elena, im so sorry your amazing little life was cut way too short. Rest easy baby girl i love you forever and ever. Watch over your brothers and your dad.'

Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were in the other car involved in the fatal crash. They were wearing seatbelts and were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Vandals targeted memorials across Massachusetts, ripping American flags from the ground at sites honoring veterans.

On Wednesday morning, the South Boston community awoke to see American flags destroyed and scattered across the roads at Medal of Honor Park, the Admiral Farragut Statue and the Korean War Memorial.

Backlash was swift after the discovery, with Tom McCarthy, commander of South Bostons Fitzgerald VFW Post, taking to Facebook hours later to call the alleged vandalism a slap in the face.

'Why would someone do this? Do they not know what our flag stands for. The ultimate sacrifice paid by some for our freedom or the pain the families carry who have lost their love ones,' McCarthy wrote.

'This act is unacceptable. We need to hold whoever did this accountable and we will,' he added.

Now, authorities are investigating the overnight events after city leaders filed complaints with both the Boston Police Department and Massachusetts State Police.

So far, investigators estimate that the acts of vandalism happened between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to Boston 30.

Boston officials - including City Councilor Ed Flynn, State Senator Nick Collins (D) and State Representative David Biele (D) - issued a joint statement on X Wednesday afternoon, condemning the hate-fueled vandalism.

Vandals targeted memorials across Massachusetts overnight on Wednesday and ripped American flags from the ground at several sites honoring veterans

The South Boston community awoke to see American flags destroyed and scattered across the roads at Medal of Honor Park, the Admiral Farragut Statue (pictured) and the Korean War Memorial

'It is unacceptable to cause vandalism to an American flag and/or any veterans memorial,' the statement read.

'In times of struggle and unity, the American flag captures the strength and legacy of the United States, our service members, veterans, Gold Star Families and our military families,' it added.

'These memorials are not just monuments, they are places of remembrance that acknowledge the supreme sacrifice made by these heroic veterans.'

Flynn, himself a retired US Navy veteran, told CBS News that the incident has frustrated the veteran community, stressing that such unpatriotic acts hurt every veteran across the city and the country.

'People have died for this country and there's no way that someone should go around in a little drunken fit of stupidity, pull flags that were honoring America,' he told the outlet.

However, the alleged vandalism extended beyond the flags, with a planter also found overturned at Medal of Honor Park, according to WCVB 5 News.

Despite no arrests and the absence of any suspect description, city leaders are pushing for enhanced security throughout the parks.

'We need to increase our security infrastructure including camera coverage to protect public assets honoring veterans and help law enforcement hold those accountable who violate the law by defacing them,' the joint statement read.

Boston officials - including City Councilor Ed Flynn, State Senator Nick Collins (D) and State Representative David Biele (D) - issued a joint statement condemning the hate-fueled vandalism

Elected officials met with outraged South Boston veterans at Medal of Honor Park to express solidarity against the disrespect shown to those who served the country as the investigation continues

'Following last night's incident, we must reaffirm our commitment to the values the American Flag represents to so many in South Boston, the Commonwealth and throughout the nation,' it added.

'We stand with our veterans and military families and respect the American flag today and everyday.'

Elected officials met with outraged South Boston veterans at Medal of Honor Park to express solidarity against the disrespect shown to those who served the country.

Boston police are asking anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward.
Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent Peter Arnett, famed for covering 17 wars, has died at 91 following a battle with prostate cancer.

Arnett, often described as the greatest war correspondent of his generation, became an international household name for reporting on dozens of bloody battles across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America over his historic 45-year career.

He spent decades risking bullets and bombs on the front lines of combat to provide the world with eyewitness accounts from Vietnams jungles to Iraqs deserts.

On Wednesday, his family announced that the celebrated journalist died in Newport Beach, California, surrounded by loved ones, according to the Associated Press.

'Peter Arnett was one of the greatest war correspondents of his generation - intrepid, fearless, and a beautiful writer and storyteller,' fellow war correspondent Edith Lederer told the outlet.

'His reporting in print and on camera will remain a legacy for aspiring journalists and historians for generations to come.'

Arnetts ability to capture the raw and devastating realities of battle was honored when he received the 1966 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting for his Vietnam War coverage while working for AP.

But his longstanding career was not limited to Vietnam. He interviewed President Saddam Hussein in Iraq - twice - and Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan in 1997.

Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent Peter Arnett has died at 91 following a battle with prostate cancer

Arnett became an international household name for reporting 17 wars across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America over his historic 45-year career

Arnetts ability to capture the raw and devastating realities of battle was honored when he received the 1966 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting for his Vietnam War

He made documentaries, authored two books, challenged national leaders, broke conventional media norms and inspired generations of journalists.

As a young man in Riverton, New Zealand, Arnett got his first taste of journalism when he started working at the towns local newspaper soon after high school.

'I didnt really have a clear idea of where my life would take me, but I do remember that first day when I walked into the newspaper office as an employee and found my little desk, and I did have a, you know, enormously delicious feeling that Id found my place,' he recalled in a 2006 AP oral history.

Arnetts decade-long coverage in Vietnam was among his most historic work, which began a year after he joined AP as its Indonesia correspondent.

Seeking adventure as a high school dropout, he seemed to find his true calling capturing the raw essence of war - including in the bombed-out city of Ben Tre.

In January 1966, he joined a group of American soldiers tasked with finding and eliminating North Vietnamese snipers - standing so close that he was beside a commander and an officer studying a map.

'As the colonel peered at it, I heard four loud shots as bullets tour through the map and into his chest, a few inches from my face,' Arnett recalled during a conversation with the American Library Association in 2013. 'He sank to the ground at my feet.'

Quoting an American major in 1968, he reported, It became necessary to destroy the town to save it, a phrase that soon became widely cited for capturing the moral contradictions and human toll of the war, according to The New York Times.

Arnett interviewed President Saddam Hussein in Iraq - twice - and Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan in 1997

Arnetts decade-long coverage in Vietnam was among his most historic work, which began a year after he joined AP as its Indonesia correspondent

As Saigon fell to Communist-backed North Vietnamese forces in 1975, the last Western civilians and reporters fled - except for Arnett

While Washington touted victories and a light at the end of the tunnel, Arnett repeatedly reported that American and South Vietnamese forces were being overrun and that official statements didnt match the reality on the ground.

Top political figures, including President Lyndon B. Johnson, challenged his reporting and even sought his removal, while colleagues defended him as a dedicated journalist committed to telling the truth.

In 1972, he accompanied American peace activists to the North Vietnamese capital of Hanoi to help bring home three prisoners of war. Afterwards, defenders of American policy accused him of aiding the enemy.

As Saigon fell to Communist-backed North Vietnamese forces in 1975, the last Western civilians and reporters fled - except for Arnett.

He documented the widespread panic on the streets, the turmoil at the American Embassy and refugees clinging to helicopters as they departed from the roof.

Then, APs NYC headquarters ordered him to destroy the bureaus records while winding down war coverage.

Instead, Arnett sent them to his Manhattan apartment, believing they would one day hold historical value. He was proven right, and they are now preserved in the archives.

The first time Arnett was ever dispatched to a war zone was in 1960 for a scoop on a coup in Laos, Asia.

In Vietnam, Arnett documented the widespread panic on the streets, the turmoil at the American Embassy and refugees clinging to helicopters as they departed from the roof

APs NYC headquarters ordered Arnett to destroy the bureaus Vietnam records while winding down war coverage, but he instead sent them to his Manhattan apartment to save

In 1981, Arnett departed AP to join the newly launched CNN, then a start-up 24-hour news operation

When the standard communication route in Vientiane was obstructed by tanks, he risked his life swimming across a river to deliver his report to the press in Thailand.

'The typed AP story, my passport and 20 $10 bills were clamped in my teeth,' Arnett recalled in a memoir.

'They thought me mad to swim the river, but at the time it made sense to me,' he added. 'I had to get the story out as fast as I could.'

In 1981, Arnett departed AP to join the newly launched CNN, then a start-up 24-hour news operation. For the following decade, he covered conflicts in El Salvador, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Grenada and Angola.

But his live coverage from Iraq during the Persian Gulf War marked the moment he forged a global reputation for himself and for the news organization.

Days before Operation Desert Storm began in January 1991, he moved into Baghdads Al Rashid Hotel. Most Western reporters had already evacuated, and the rest - except CNNs team - were expelled by Iraq. His CNN colleagues later left voluntarily.

For the second time, Arnett stood as the last Western reporter on the ground, offering the world a firsthand view of unfolding events. As missiles began raining on the city, he broadcasted a live account by cellphone from his hotel room.

'There was an explosion right near me, you may have heard,' he said moments after the loud boom of a missile strike rattled across the airwaves. As he continued to speak, air-raid sirens blared in the background.

The first time Arnett was ever dispatched to a war zone was in 1960 for a scoop on a coup in Laos, Asia

Arnett made documentaries, authored two books, challenged national leaders, broke conventional media norms and inspired generations of journalists

In 2007, Arnett began teaching journalism at Chinas Shantou University. After retiring in 2014, he and his wife, Nina Nguyen, settled in California

'I think that took out the telecommunications center,' he said, highlighting another explosion. 'They are hitting the center of the city.'

Arnett resigned from CNN in 1999 following the networks retraction of an investigative report he narrated but did not produce - alleging that deserting American soldiers in Laos were exposed to lethal Sarin nerve gas in 1970.

In 2003, while reporting on the second Gulf War for NBC and National Geographic, he was fired after an interview with Iraqi state TV in which he criticized US military strategy. His remarks drew condemnation at home as anti-American.

After his exit, some TV critics predicted Arnett would never work in television news again. Within a week, however, he was reporting on the war for stations in Taiwan, the UAE, and Belgium.

In 2007, he began teaching journalism at Chinas Shantou University. After retiring in 2014, he and his wife, Nina Nguyen, settled in Fountain Valley, California.

Arnett is survived by his wife and their children, Elsa and Andrew.

'He was like a brother,' retired AP photographer Nick Ut, who covered combat in Vietnam with Arnett and remained his friend for a half century, told AP.

'His death will leave a big hole in my life.'
The woman who was caught cuddling her married boss on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert has blasted Gwyneth Paltrow for her role in worsening the scandal.

Kristin Cabot and ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron were cozied up to each other at the band's Boston gig in July, but quickly separated and tried to hide when they realized their intimate embrace had made the jumbotron.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin - who is Paltrow's ex-husband and father to her two children - called the couple out at the time for 'having an affair' because of their fraught reaction. The interaction caused a frenzy online.

In the days that followed, Astronomer named Paltrow it's 'temporary spokesperson' and had the actress star in a hilarious PR video in which she answered questions about the alleged 'affair' saga.

Cabot has now branded Paltrow a 'hypocrite' for mocking her situation, despite being the founder of Goop, a company that aims to 'empower, support and uplift women.'

'I was such a fan of her company, which seemed to be about uplifting women,' Cabot told The Times. 'And then she did this. I thought, "How dare she after the beating she got for all the conscious uncoupling stuff." What a hypocrite.'

Paltrow is credited with coining the phrase 'conscious uncoupling' following her amicable split from Martin in 2014.

Cabot, 53, admitted that she threw away every Goop product that she owned after Astronomer's PR stunt. Paltrow, also 53, is just one of several celebrities to have publicly ridiculed Cabot and Byron in wake of the scandal.

Former HR executive Kristin Cabot (pictured with her ex-husband Andy and one of their children) has branded Gwyneth Paltrow a 'hypocrite' for mocking her kiss cam scandal

Kristin Cabot and ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron were caught in an intimate embrace during the Coldplay concert in Boston on July 16

Paltrow's cameo on Astronomer's LinkedIn page saw her respond to the 'most common' inquiries the company received in the wake of the scandal.

But instead of addressing the awkward situation head on, the actress shifted her responses to promote Astronomer's services and upcoming events.

Cabot is now questioning how Paltrow could have acted so insensitively when she prides herself in the fact that her embrace of 'conscious uncoupling' may have made divorce easier for others.

Paltrow first used the term via an essay on her Goop website after she and Martin ended their 11-year marriage.

The figure of speech was originally published in 2009 by Katherine Woodward Thomas. She later went on to write New York Times bestseller about the process in 2015.

Paltrow, two years ago, shared how her sharing the method had helped others. She said: 'It makes me feel pretty proud when people come up to me on the streets and say, "Thank you for introducing that concept because I've become good friends with my ex."

'I'm very happy that we were able to play a small part in that cultural shift.'

It is unclear how the actress feels about being branded a hypocrite. The Daily Mail has approached her reps for comment.

Cabot has thrown out every product that she owned from Paltrow's brand Goop, which aims to 'empower, support and uplift women.' Paltrow is pictured in December 2023

Cabot was reported to have resigned from the company just a few days after Byron stepped down as CEO

Cabot was called a 'homewrecker' and shamed online, branded an 'adulterer' by strangers she bumps into at public places, and received upwards of 60 threats on her life in wake of the July kiss cam incident.

Both she and Byron were immediately placed on leave as footage of the encounter went viral. They both resigned from their roles at the company shortly after.

The ex-human resources executive stayed silent for months but has finally addressed the now-viral incident publicly, claiming she and Byron were not having an affair.

'I think as a woman, as women always do, I took the bulk of the abuse. People would say things like I was a "gold-digger" or I "slept my way to the top," which just couldn't be further from reality,' she told the Times.

She explained that throughout her career she had to swat men away when they placed their bands on her body without invitation and dismiss their inappropriate remarks.

'I worked so hard to dispel that all my life and here I was being accused of it,' she said of the adultery accusations she faced.

Cabot said she has been looking for another job, but was allegedly told she is now 'unemployable.'

As the scandal worsened, Cabot hired communications consultant Dini von Mueffling to help manage the fallout of the affair. Von Mueffling previously represented both Monica Lewisnky and Virginia Giuffre during their respective crises.

It appears Cabot's sudden desire to speak out may have been under von Mueffling's guidance.

Gwyneth Paltrow is credited with coining the phrase 'conscious uncoupling' following her amicable split from Chris Martin in 2014. Paltrow and Martin are pictured together in 2014

In an New York Times interview published Thursday, Cabot revealed that her intimacy with Byron was a one time, alcohol-fueled mistake.

'I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss,' she said. 'And it's not nothing. And I took accountability and I gave up my career for that. That's the price I chose to pay.'

She admitted that she had a 'crush' on Byron and was excited to introduce him to her friends, but claimed that before that night the pair had not even kissed.

Although they shared tequila cocktails, danced together and exchanged a kiss in their VIP balcony seats at the concert, Cabot said that was the first and only time.

But she regrets what she described as a 'cliche' moment, adding: 'I want my kids to know that you can make mistakes, and you can really screw up. But you don't have to be threatened to be killed for them.'

Cabot recalled how she instantly felt 'embarrassed and so horrified' when Martin called them out at the concert. She claimed that she and Byron both rushed back to the bar in the immediate aftermath.

She was concerned about two things: her career and her estranged husband Andrew Cabot who has at that very concert with a date of his own.

She told the NY Times how she did not want to humiliate her ex. She and Andrew had been married for two years, but were separated at the time of the scandal.

Cabot also knew how poorly it looked to be seen snuggled up to her boss. 'I'm the head of HR and he's the CEO It's, like, so cliche and so bad,' she recalled.

She shared how she and Byron, in an apparent state of shock, sat at the bar with their hands in their heads and began to devise a plan for moving forward.

Kristin Cabot was married to Andrew Cabot, the chief executive of Massachusetts-based booze maker Privateer Rum, at the time of the incident. They are pictured with their children

Byron was also married, with his wife Megan having switched to her maiden name Kerrigan on social media shortly after the exchange with Chris Martin went viral. Andy and Megan are pictured with their children

They went to her Boston area apartment together and decided they needed to inform the Astronomer board about what happened.

They prepped an email but by the time they sent it the next morning, footage of their exchange had already gone viral on TikTok.

Both Byron and Cabot were immediately placed on leave by Astronomer as the company carried out an investigation into the incident.

Soon after, Byron resigned as CEO. Cabot's resignation followed his.

Cabot filed for divorce from Andrew on August 13. He confirmed, in a statement at the time, that they had plans to end their marriage prior to the concert.

She told the NY Times that Andrew - who has stayed quiet about the incident, citing wanting privacy for his family - has been 'nothing but a gentleman' in wake of everything that has happened.

Their teenage children, who at the height of the scandal feared for their mother's life, are now in therapy and were met with kindness upon their return to school.

Similarly, Cabot has started leaving her house again, seen improvement in her own mood and even resumed some of her former hobbies.

She and Byron remained in contact throughout the summer, but in September ceased all communication after agreeing their speaking made it 'too hard for everyone to move on and heal,' Cabot told the newspaper.

In late September, Byron and his wife Megan Kerrigan were spotted for the first time in months on relaxed outings together near their coastal hideaway in Maine  and notably still wearing their wedding bands

Byron and his wife Megan are still married, though they quietly sold their $5.8 million New York City apartment last month.

Currently, they are living in Massachusetts, according to the deed of sale filing.

Megan, 50, switched to her maiden name Kerrigan on social media and fled the marital home in Northborough, Massachusetts.

In late September, the couple were spotted for the first time in months on relaxed outings together near their coastal hideaway in Maine  and notably still wearing their wedding bands.

The pair appeared quietly content during a cozy sunset picnic at the beach, seated on deck chairs with sweaters warming their knees against the sea breeze as they enjoyed sodas and treats.
A man who killed two and injured dozens by ploughing his car through a busy market in Germany has been jailed for life and ordered into psychiatric care.

Terrified shoppers desperately fled the scene in the Paradeplatz area of downtown Mannheim after two people - a 83-year-old woman and a man aged 54 - were killed when attacker Alexander S. smashed a Ford Fiesta car smashed through a group of people in March.

When a taxi driver blocked the driver's path, Alexander S. fired a shot into the air from a blank-firing pistol and fled on foot.

When armed officers finally swooped to arrest him, the suspect rammed a blank-firing pistol into his mouth and pulled the trigger, leaving himself with catastrophic self-inflicted injuries.

He was found guilty of two counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder.

Prosecutors earlier said Alexander S. had been 'suffering from a mental illness for many years' and called for him to be placed in a psychiatric facility.

Investigations had 'not revealed any evidence of a political motive', they said.

But they did reveal a chilling note left taped to the dashboard of the car he used in the horrific attack.

CCTV footage captured the car accelerating before ramming into a crowd in Mannheim

Alleged attacker Alexander S. (pictured) smashed a Ford Fiesta car smashed through a group of people on Monday at about 12.15pm

Your browser does not support iframes.

The twisted note he left on the car's dashboard contained mathematical formulas related to calculating the stopping distance for a car driving at 50kmph (31mph)

It also included a childlike drawing of a bizarre grinning face with its tongue out and, flanked by two hearts.

And another drawing showed a car and a person, with the phrase 'Dani bremst' (Dani brakes) written next to it.

The 40-year-old German from Ludwigshafen, Rheinland-Pfalz, was well known to authorities, yet somehow was still free to turn a happy and bustling carnival into a scene of unimaginable horror.

Even more chilling, officials admitted at the time the lone-wolf perpetrator had a long and documented history of serious psychological issues, raising fresh questions over why nothing was done to monitor him.

Alexander S., who lived alone, had no children, no partner, and was described as increasingly isolated before his disturbing and violent breakdown.

The Mannheim attack was one of three car-rammings that shocked Germany in the space of a few months.

Last December, six people were killed and more than 300 injured in an attack at a Christmas market in the eastern city of Magdeburg, with a Saudi man arrested at the scene.

The twisted note he reportedly left on the car's dashboard (pictured) contained mathematical formulas related to calculating the stopping distance for a car driving at 50 km per hour

Earlier footage showed captured shoppers making the mad dash down the street to flee the scene

Footage shows dozens of people fleeing a major incident in Mannheim, Germany today

Police investigators check a damaged car at the scene after a vehicle was driven to pedestrians in Mannheim

And in February this year, a man drove a car into a trade union rally in Munich, killing a two-year-old girl and her mother. Police arrested a 24-year-old Afghan suspect.

Germany is still haunted by the memories of the 2016 Berlin Christmas Market massacre when Tunisian asylum seeker Anis Amri hijacked a lorry and murdered twelve innocent victims.

In response to the Mannheim massacre, police patrols were immediately intensified across the country.

High-visibility officers were also deployed across nearby cities hosting carnival celebrations, and pedestrian zones were placed under heightened surveillance.

In Ulm, police stepped up their presence on the streets and at upcoming Fasnacht events. Police Spokesperson Sven Vrancken said police visibility has been significantly increased to strengthen the public's 'sense of security.'
Codebreaker Ruth Bourne, who worked alongside Alan Turing to crack the German's Enigma code, has died aged 98.

After joining the Wrens (Women's Royal Naval Service), Ms Bourne, from High Barnet in north London, worked at sites around Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire as a Bombe machine operator and checker.

She was chosen to work at the secret site to decode intercepted Nazi messages.

In 2018 she was awarded the Legion d'honneur - France's highest military honour - in recognition of her service.

The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans wrote on Facebook: 'Ruth's contribution to the monumental task of breaking the Enigma cypher was truly historic.

'Ruth was a remarkable woman with immense charm and charisma, and she will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.'

Codebreaker Ruth Bourne, who worked alongside Alan Turing to crack the German's Enigma code at Bletchley Park, has died aged 98

After joining the Wrens (Women's Royal Naval Service), Ms Bourne, from High Barnet in north London, worked as a Bombe machine operator and checker

Ruth pictured with fellow veteran Dorothea Barron, who also worked on the Enigma machine at Bletchley Park, earlier this year

Wartime codebreakers used the Bombe machine to break the Enigma code used by the Nazis to encrypt messages, changing the course of the war and saving millions of lives.

Their work enabled British intelligence to move more quickly and act upon the information the Bletchley team gave them, contributing to a number of key military victories during the war.

It also sparked the industrialisation of codebreaking and helped pave the way for the first forms of the computers used today.

Having signed the Official Secrets Act, Ms Bourne, who was raised in a Jewish family from Birmingham, kept silent about her work for more than 35 years.
A Maine kindergartner died after being hit by a school bus at an intersection, according to officials.

Simon Gonzalez, five, was killed just before 8am Tuesday near 437 North East Road in Standish, Maine, a small town about two hours north of Boston.

He was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by the bus, which the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office said was only carrying one other student at the time.

That student was Simon's halfbrother.

On Wednesday, authorities said the Bonny Eagle School District bus was being driven by Lori Ann Merrifield, 64. No charges have been filed.

'Simon loved life,' Jason Small, the boy's grandfather, told WMTW. 'He just loved to be on the go.'

'Our family has been devastated by this loss. He was and always will be extremely loved and missed by his whole family and everyone that knew him,' Small added.

Simon Gonzalez, five, was killed in a school bus crash just before 8am Tuesday near 437 North East Road in Standish, Maine

Simon was declared dead at the scene. The bus that struck him was only carrying the five-year-old boy's half-brother, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

The fatal crash happened less than half a mile from Edna Libby Elementary School, which Simon attended.

School officials dismissed students early at 11.30am on Tuesday after the tragic death and then announced there were no classes on Wednesday. Students were set to return Thursday.

District Superintendent Clay Gleason said in a statement that the community should keep those directly affected in their thoughts, especially Simon's family. The crash was being investigated.

'The Bonny Eagle community has been deeply impacted by this tragedy and while we can't change the past, we must move forward together,' he added.

The bus involved in the accident that killed Simon was operated by Maine's sixth school administrative district, which is also referred to as Bonny Eagle.

The school district runs the largest public sector bus fleet in Maine, according to its website.

'While I can't share specifics related to this case, it is standard protocol that any employee would be put on administrative leave while an investigation is underway,' Gleason wrote.

Edna Libby Elementary School dismissed classes early after Simon's death on Tuesday and held no classes Wednesday. Students were set to return to school Thursday

On Wednesday, Cumberland County police said the school bus was being driven by Lori Ann Merrifield, 64. She has not been charged with any wrongdoings after the crash

On Wednesday, police confirmed the bus driver in the deadly crash as Lori Ann Merrifield. She has not been charged with any wrongdoings following the accident.

A Facebook post from the school district published last May honored Merrifield for her 'remarkable 25 years of service to MSAD 6.'

The complex criminal investigation of this tragic incident has many layers, and involves various investigative partners, the Cumberland sheriffs office told the Boston Globe.

Authorities added: The investigative process in these type [sic] of incidents can take time to develop, and we ask for your patience as the investigation proceeds.

Simons father, Wes Pipes, wrote on Facebook that he feels 'so lost in wake of the tragedy.

He wrote: I love you so f***ing much I wish I could see you one more time. This world f***ing sucks. You were my f***ing only hope left.i was working so hard for a better life for us

The boy was also remembered by his grandmother.

The school bus crash that took Simon's life happened less than half a mile from Edna Libby Elementary School

'This boy was the light of my life,' Heidi Roakes Small wrote on Facebook. 'He brought joy to everyone who knew this boy.'

A GoFundMe fundraiser started by Taylor Lien, a family friend, said Simon's parents were 'unprepared for this tragedy and will need all the help they can get.'

As of Thursday afternoon, nearly $52,000 had been raised from an original goal of $40,000.

Since the start of 2015, more than 1,135 school bus crashes have happened in Maine, per data published by the states Department of Transportation. So far, 92 have happened this year.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office, the Gonzalez family and Bonny Eagle School District for further comment.
A German museum has unveiled a questionable wax statue of a very famous Brit.

The Panoptikum museum in Hamburg revealed the 'royal' addition to their collection which will appear alongside celebrities such as Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.

Artist Lisa Buscher and her team had been working on the statue since August, but their replica of the famous figure has left some people scratching their heads.

Wearing a dark green sequined dress by designer Jenny Packham, the statue looks similar to a notable member of the British monarchy, but is not quite an exact replica.

The Panoptikum museum is no stranger to wax figure controversy.

In 2022 they unveiled a statue of Queen Elizabeth II with half a wig, showing her bare scalp hidden under a hat.

After the reveal, Dr Susanne Faerber, managing partner of the museum, told The Daily Mail they 'just install the amount of hair which is visible for the visitors.'

Asked if she thought it was disrespectful to display the Queen figure's bald head, she said: 'It is a waxwork, not the real person, this should always be kept in mind.

Wearing a dark green sequined dress by designer Jenny Packham, the statue looks similar to a notable member of the British monarchy

Artist Lisa Buscher and her team had been working on the statue since August

The newest figure at the Hamburg museum is none other than Princess Kate, adding another royal to their collection.

Speaking about her artistic process, Buscher said: 'We not only modeled the outfit but also the character's makeup on a public appearance, while keeping it royally understated.

'Of course, Kate's signature eyeliner couldn't be missing  complemented by light smoky eyes.'

The green dress chosen as her attire is one of Kate's most iconic looks, with the Princess wearing it twice in recent years.

She first donned the gown during a royal tour of Pakistan in 2019 and later at a Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

To create the statue, the artist and her team said they studied hundreds of photos of the Princess, extracting tiny details from each one.

They said the biggest challenge was getting the teeth right, with Buscher claiming it took them 30 hours to perfect.

'Because every photo was taken from a different angle, the smile is always just a tiny bit different,' she explained.

The teeth and eyed were each individually crafted from Resin, and she stands at 1.75 metres tall

To create the statue, the artist and her team said they studied hundreds of photos of the Princess

The green dress chosen as her attire is one of Kate's most iconic looks

In 2022 the museum unveiled a statue of Queen Elizabeth II with half a wig, showing her bare scalp hidden under a hat

The teeth and eyes were each individually crafted from Resin, and she stands at 1.75 metres tall.

However, at 15kg, the statue weights considerably less than the real royal.

Kate's figure now stands next to the late Queen, alongside over 120 other famous figures from around the world.

However, at 15kg, the statue weights considerably less than the real royal.

Emphasising the importance of this addition to the exhibition, Dr. Faerber said: 'Princess Catherine is incredibly well-known. Five-year-old's know her just as well as 95-year-olds.'

She added: 'It is very important to us that as many visitors as possible recognize the people depicted in our museum.'
A drunken plane passenger who spat in his girlfriend's face and attacked a police officer before take-off has been jailed for six months.

Jake Miller, 37, was having a furious argument with his partner Amy Harrison which ended with him spitting in her face aboard an Oman Airlines flight at Heathrow on April 30.

Police were called by the flight crew but when they boarded the plane and told him to get off, Mr Miller attacked one of the officers - PS Allan Shields.

Mr Miller grabbed him by the throat and kicked him, causing him 'pain and discomfort'.

After the attack, Mr Miller was restrained then became 'unresponsive' and had to be taken off the plane by stretcher.

Scott Ashdown, defending Miller at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court, described the moment it all went sour, saying: 'It seems that there was a heated discussion between Miller and Ms Harrison.

'She leans into Mr Miller. Thereafter, Mr Miller spits in the face of Amy Harrison.'

Police were called by the flight crew but when they boarded the plane and told him to get off, Mr Miller attacked one of the officers - PS Allan Shields.

Mr Harrison's cousin Michael Phillips, 35, was also on the plane bound for Oman and also drunk, making witnesses 'very uncomfortable'.

A second officer at the scene, PC Nathan Clancy told how 'Mr Phillips was irate from the beginning of me dealing with him.

'He was struggling to control the volume of his voice.

'He was shouting expletives to myself and to other passengers, and he had to be warned a number of times to calm down.'

Mr Phillips also started 'screaming' at a woman who he believed was recording him on her phone, PC Clancy said, who warned he would be arrested if he continued to behave like this.

PC Clancy added: 'He was unsteady on his feet and had slurred speech. He had issues with volume control.

'I could smell very strong liquors on his breath and on his person.'

Katherine Lewis, a witness a few rows behind from Phillips also said Phillips appeared drunk adding that he 'seemed a bit spaced out.'

She said: 'I felt very uncomfortable. I was hoping the plane wasn't going to take off...'

Jake Miller was sentenced to 26 weeks in jail and will have to pay 400 in compensation to PS Shields

'I was very uneasy. I was concerned because there were a lot of people on the flight in a small confined space. I was just grateful it didn't take off...'

Mr Miller, of Stoke-on-Trent, admitted entering an aircraft while drunk, assaulting an emergency worker, namely PS Shields and assaulting Ms Harrison by beating.

He was jailed for 26 weeks and will have to pay 400 in compensation to PS Shields.

Mr Phillips denied being drunk on the plane but was convicted in his absence.

Magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest and he will now be sentenced on a date to be fixed.

Neither Mr Miller nor Mr Phillips attended court - Mr Miller is in custody for other matters and Mr Phillips claimed he was unwell.
Famed director James Cameron went on a foul-mouthed rant about President Donald Trump, calling him the 'most narcissistic' person since the Roman Emperor Nero.

Cameron, known for creating Titanic and the Avatar franchise, spoke about his complete disdain for Trump in a recent interview about his career with The Hollywood Reporter.

After discussing how he's gearing up to move on from the Avatar series, with the most recent film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, hitting theaters on Friday, the 71-year-old filmmaker discussed how politics has impacted his career in recent times.

In reference to the upcoming film, Cameron spoke about Trump's administration seemingly dismantling environmental protections, while his Avatar series focuses on themes of humankind's influence on ecosystems and climate change.

'I'm not frustrated that Avatar isn't solving it,' Cameron told the outlet, adding that he believes the commander-in-chief is the 'most narcissistic a**hole in history since f***ing Nero.'

Nero was a notorious Roman emperor known for political murders, the persecution of Christians, and splurging on personal indulgences.

Cameron doubled down on his criticism of Trump, adding: 'Yeah, you can quote that.'

He continued: 'I'm frustrated because the human race seems to be delusional about what they think is going to happen next. We are going backwards.

Movie director James Cameron called President Trump the 'most narcissistic' person since Nero, the infamous Roman emperor

Cameron is no stranger to sharing his disdain for the President. He even talked about becoming a full-time New Zealand citizen after Trump was reelected earlier this year

'But who's to say we wouldn't be going backwards even faster if it wasn't for these films? There isn't an alternative Earth without Avatar we can point to say, "It made the measurable difference".

'What we can say is the films are on the right side of history,' he continued.

Cameron is no stranger to sharing how much he dislikes Trump, as he previously said he was pursuing New Zealand citizenship after the president returned to the White House for a second term.

The Oscar-winning director splits his time between living in the US and New Zealand, where he owns a property. He is originally from Canada.

When asked how worried he was about Trump's reelection during a podcast episode with New Zealand outlet Stuff in February, Cameron called it 'horrific' and 'horrifying,' and described his New Zealand citizenship as 'imminent.'

'I see a turn away from everything decent,' he said on the podcast The F#$%ing News with Paddy Gower.

Cameron, who has lived in New Zealand for nearly two decades but is still working toward citizenship, said he believes America is losing its core values under Trump's leadership.

Nero was known for political murders, the persecution of Christians, and splurging on personal indulgences

'America doesn't stand for anything if it doesn't stand for what it has historically stood for. It becomes a hollow idea, and I think they're hollowing it out as fast as they can for their own benefit.'

Despite living outside the US, the director expressed fear that there's no true escape from Trump's global impact.

'We are all in this together globally,' he said.

Cameron further compared US coverage of Trump to witnessing a 'car crash over and over and over.'

The Daily Mail contacted the White House for comment.
President Donald Trump's Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was heckled by a restaurant patron while dining in Washington, DC, on Wednesday evening.

The Bessent offender was identified online as a protester affiliated with the left-wing advocacy group Code Pink.

The Treasury secretary was harassed while dining with a guest at Reveler's Hour, a restaurant in Washington's Adams Morgan neighborhood.

Olivia DiNucci, listed on CODEPINK's website as an organizer 'leading #CostOfWar actions in DC' repeatedly struck her glass to draw attention and mockingly toast the secretary in front of dozens of patrons, per NOTUS.

Bessent responded by calling her ignorant and asking restaurant staff why they were not intervening, according to people present. He then left the restaurant shortly afterward, with bystanders saying he appeared visibly upset.

'He's eating in this nice restaurant in Washington, DC, when sanctions cause starvation across the world,' DiNucci told a NOTUS reporter who also happened to be dining at the restaurant at the time.

'We should be confronting them with our voice as much as we can because people across the world are affected by this,' DiNicci also noted.

This is not Bessent's first encounter with left-wing protesters while dining out. He recently got into it with a protester outside of the right-wing dining establishment Butterworth's.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent looks on at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 13, 2025

Reveler's Hour in DC, photo from Yelp

A person familiar with the secretary's account of the Wednesday incident said Bessent left 'precisely because the restaurant owner refused to respect other diners and remove the heckler in question,' adding, 'Also, the food sucked.'

Bessent has developed a reputation for volatile confrontations and threats of physical violence, most notably during a recent high-profile incident at an exclusive Washington, DC dinner for MAGA allies at the Executive Club when it opened back in September.

Witnesses of that incident said that Bessent erupted at fellow official Bill Pulte, accusing him of bad-mouthing him to President Trump, and threatened to punch Pulte in the face and 'beat his ass' if they took the argument outside.

Groups of anti-Trump protestors have also regularly flocked to the conservative hotspot Butterworth's just blocks from the US Capitol for months.

The restaurant, which opened only last year, is frequently visited by Republican bigwigs, including members of Congress and Trump administration officials.

'Secretary Bessent not phased by tonight's Butterworth protestors,' one of the chefs and partners, Bart Hutchins, wrote on X alongside the chaotic video.

The rabble rousers had a speaker with a microphone and strobe lights on Thursday evening when they encountered the Cabinet member.

Once the individual on the mic spotted the Treasury Secretary, he immediately flipped the Cabinet member the middle finger.

Well, the screaming protester had been flipping the bird to everyone who entered the restaurant, so perhaps the treatment was not unusual.

'Even the treasury secretary pauses to mock the protestors,' Raheem Kassam, another Butterworth's investor chimed in, adding his reaction to the video.

Kassam has previously suspected that the protestors who dutifully show up to his eatery night after night are paid to do so.
As the Trump administration begins laying down the groundwork for a post-Nicolas Maduro Venezuela, they are hitting an unexpected roadblock: the American oil industry.

Trump has reportedly been taking a temperature check into oil companies' potential return to the region, and so far the response has been lukewarm.

US energy giants are reportedly sending a blunt message back to Washington: they aren't interested, Politico reported.

Cheap oil is a double-edged sword for the White House.

On one hand, the global supply glut allows the US to get tough on Caracas without triggering an energy crisis. On the other hand, oil is now so cheap that private companies see no reason to risk billions of dollars repairing Venezuela's broken oil fields, which have been in shambles since the Chavez era.

'There has been the genesis of an outreach with the industry on the potential of reentering Venezuela,' one person familiar with the discussion told Politico. 'But frankly, there's not a lot of interest from the industry, in light of lower oil prices and more attractive fields globally.'

The State Department's initiative is getting a boost from Evanan Romero, a Houston consultant with deep ties to Venezuela's energy sector, and a former high-ranking official at a state oil company.

Romero told Politico that the Trump administration's efforts included a meeting in Washington late November. Energy Secretary Chris Wright was reportedly there, along with Exxon and ConocoPhillips.

As the Trump administration begins laying down the groundwork for a post-Maduro Venezuela, they are hitting an unexpected roadblock: the American oil industry

On one hand, the global supply glut allows the US to get tough on Caracas without triggering an energy crisis. On the other hand, oil is now so cheap that private companies see no reason to risk billions of dollars repairing Venezuela's broken oil fields, which have been in shambles since the Chavez era

The State Department's initiative is getting a boost from Evanan Romero, a Houston consultant with deep ties to Venezuela's energy sector, and a former high-ranking official at a state oil company

On Tuesday, Trump announced a maritime crackdown on ships transporting restricted Venezuelan crude. In his speech to the nation, Trump curiously did not mention the Latin American country at the center of his foreign policy.

Posting to social media, the president demanded the immediate return of 'Oil, Land, or any other Assets,' framing the situation as the US reclaiming their property from an enemy government.

In response to an inquiry, Bill Turenne, Chevron's spokesperson, passed along inquiries to the appropriate governments.

'Chevron has operated in Venezuela for over a century, and we believe our presence continues to be a stabilizing force for the local economy, the region and US energy security,' Turenne said in a statement.

Turenne made sure to emphasize that its Venezuelan activities strictly adhere to all legal requirements and US sanctions, emphasizing that it's primary focus is the protection of their employees and the community.

Venezuela is reportedly bolstering the oil-trade through other countries as well.

A bombshell report obtained exclusively by the Daily Mail also exposed a deep, clandestine network of 20 illicit oil tankers currently lurking in Caribbean waters, serving as a lifeline for the regimes of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, Iran and Russia.

Some 11 ships have been directly linked to Iran's oil trade, including the 'Skipper' and 'Star Twinkle 6', alongside nine others tied to Russian and Venezuelan operations, according to United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), which has spent more than 12 years tracking these elusive vessels.

The stakes could not be higher. The Skipper's revenues reportedly fund terrorist activity by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah, prop up hostile regimes and provide cut-price oil to China.

Jemima Shelley, Senior Research Analyst at UANI, has warned that this reality could lure Trump into a dangerous provocation with Iran, pointing to the strong ideological alliance forged between Maduro and the Ayatollah.

The White House did not immediately respond for comment.
Donald Trump has made it clear that his chief of staff isn't going anywhere despite her painting a highly unflattering picture of the administration in a series of interviews with Vanity Fair.

Susie Wiles, 68, was with Trump for the entire day after the bombshell report dropped where she said her boss has an 'alcoholic's personality.'

The president, meanwhile, laughed at suggestions he would fire his top advisor who has stuck by his side for years, aides told the Wall Street Journal.

But one senior administration official says Trump wasn't exactly pleased Wiles decided to give her tell-all to glossy magazine, and claimed the publication has 'never good to us.'

Wiles traveled with Trump from Washington, D.C. to Dover, Delaware on Wednesday for the dignified transfer of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and one interpreter killed during an ambush in Syria.

She was also in the room hours later for his end-of-year remarks to the nation from the White House.

Only a few photographers and television cameras were allowed in the room for the speech, but they observed Trump turning to Wiles after the less than 20-minute address and asking how he did.

'I told you 20 minutes and you were 20 minutes on the dot,' Wiles said, according to recounts of the post-speech conversation.

President Donald Trump has defended his Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and made clear she will remain in the post, saying: 'She's doing a great job'

Trump, however, wasn't sure why Wiles spoke to Vanity Fair for her tell-all, claiming the publication has 'never good to us,' according to a report

The interaction was a clear sign that the president still looks for the approval of his Chief of Staff despite the Vanity Fair piece.

Coming back from the dignified transfer on Wednesday, Trump stopped to briefly speak with the press under the wing of Air Force One.

Asked if Wiles would remain his Chief of Staff, Trump said: 'Yeah, she's doing a great job.'

He moved on without saying anything else. All the while, his top aide was standing by the group and listening to the line of questioning.

It's often noted how different Wiles is from her boss. Insiders have described how the mother of two adult daughters barely swears, goes to church every week and is much more sparse with her words  only speaking when she has something to say.

Colleagues tell the Journal that her sharpest criticism is usually the question: 'Did you think that was helpful?'

She also steers clear of the social scene in Washington, DC.

All of this is leading to head-scratching in the beltway over why she gave 11 on-the-record, unfiltered interviews with Vanity Fair.

Hours after the piece went live at 7:00 AM on Tuesday, Trump spoke with the New York Post to staunchly defend Wiles and assure he hasn't lost confidence in her.

Wiles was expressive during her boss's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office on February 4, 2025

Asked about her claiming he has an 'alcoholic's personality,' the president said admitted he has a 'possessive' and 'addictive' personality.

'She meant that I'm  you see, I don't drink alcohol. So everybody knows that  but I've often said that if I did, I'd have a very good chance of being an alcoholic. I have said that many times about myself, I do. It's a very possessive personality,' Trump said.

Trump cites the reason for his abstinence from alcohol being the 1981 death of his older brother Fred at the age of 42 after an alcohol-induced heart attack.
Nigel Farage today claimed Britain is turning into a 'banana republic' as Labour prepares to delay local council elections again for millions of voters.

Ministers said they were asking 63 local authorities across England whether they want to postpone contests scheduled for May next year until 2027.

Some council leaders were said to have expressed fears that holding elections in 2026 could derail their efforts to deliver Labour's reorganisation of local government.

Labour wants to abolish the two-tier system of county and district councils in favour of new unitary authorities, which are expected to be up and running in 2028.

The 63 local councils have been given until the middle of next month to lodge a request for a 12-month-delay to their elections scheduled for 2026.

This includes county councils in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hampshire, East Sussex and West Sussex, who previously postponed elections from this May to next year.

Mr Farage, the Reform UK leader, claimed these Tory-led councils were 'colluding' with Labour to delay contests - in which his party is expected to perform well - for a second time.

Earlier this month, the Government delayed elections for newly-created mayors across the same areas until 2028.

Nigel Farage claimed Britain is turning into a 'banana republic' following reports Labour is ready to delay local council elections again for millions of voters.

Ministers are said to be ready to ask county councils in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hampshire and West Sussex if they want to suspend contests for a second year

The latest YouGov opinion poll on Westminster voting intention, published this week, showed Reform with a 10 percentage point lead over Labour, with the Tories and Greens a point further behind.

There is growing speculation that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will face a leadership challenge if Labour suffers a disastrous set of results in May's local elections in England, as well as contests in Scotland and Wales.

Mr Farage said: 'Turkeys don't vote for Christmas. Tory county councils look set to collude with Labour to keep their control until 2027.'

He added that 'only a banana republic bans elections' as he called on Tory leader Kemi Badenoch to 'instruct her council leaders to allow elections to go ahead'.

Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, also expressed his anger at the prospect of local elections being suspended once more.

He said: 'This is looking like yet another Labour and Conservative stitch-up to deny people their votes in May.

'Kemi Badenoch must stop her Conservative council leaders from delaying elections yet again just because they are running scared of the Liberal Democrats.'

Senior Tory MP Sir James Cleverly, the shadow local government secretary, noted how ministers recently said they intended for all elections set for May 2026 to go ahead.

He said: 'Labour promised council elections would go ahead as planned as recently as last week. Now they're saying they won't. Another broken promise.

'Voters will now be denied the right to elect their own representatives - and not for the first time under this Labour Government.

'Labour are scared of the voters. They thought they could completely overhaul local government and stack the deck in their favour. They were wrong.'

Sir James added it 'cannot be right' that some councillors might now serve seven-year terms.

'The Electoral Commission warned the Government that elections should not be delayed by more than a year, but that has clearly fallen on deaf ears,' he continued.

'Labour pushed these changes through at an unrealistic pace and are now blaming local leaders for not being ready.'

Labour's Alison McGovern, the local government minister, said: 'We have listened to councils who've told us of the challenges they face reorganising while preparing for resource-intensive elections for areas which may shortly be abolished.

'Several have submitted requests to postpone elections so it is therefore right we let them have their say so they can focus their time and energy on providing vital services while planning for reorganisation.

'Our goal is to create new councils who can improve services for residents and it is only right that we listen to councils.'

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Ms McGovern told MPs on Thursday that the Government does not wish to dictate local decisions without consultation and they will 'listen to local leaders' on what is right for each area.

'To be clear, should a council say that they have no reason to delay their elections, there will be no delay,' she said.

'If a council voices genuine concerns, we'll take these issues seriously, and would be minded to grant a delay in those areas.'

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said there were a total of 204 councils across 21 areas that were undergoing reorganisation.

Which councils might postpone their elections next year?

Adur District Council

Basildon Borough Council

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

Blackburn with Darwen Council

Brentwood Borough Council

Broxbourne Borough Council

Burnley Borough Council

Cambridge City Council

Cannock Chase District Council

Cheltenham Borough Council

Cherwell District Council

Chorley Borough Council

City of Lincoln Council

Colchester City Council

Crawley Borough Council

East Sussex County Council

Eastleigh Borough Council

Epping Forest District Council;

Essex County Council

Exeter City Council

Fareham Borough Council

Gosport Borough Council

Hampshire County Council

Harlow District Council

Hart District Council

Hastings Borough Council

Havant Borough Council

Huntingdonshire District Council

Hyndburn Borough Council

Ipswich Borough Council

Isle of Wight Council

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council

Norfolk County Council

North East Lincolnshire Council

Norwich City Council

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council

Oxford City Council

Pendle Borough Council

Peterborough City Council

Plymouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council

Preston City Council

Redditch Borough Council

Rochford District Council

Rugby Borough Council

Rushmoor Borough Council

South Cambridgeshire District Council

Southampton City Council

Southend-on-Sea City Council

St Albans City and District Council

Stevenage Borough Council

Suffolk County Council

Tamworth Borough Council

Three Rivers District Council

Thurrock Council

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Watford Borough Council

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

West Lancashire Borough Council

West Oxfordshire District Council

West Sussex County Council

Winchester City Council

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Surrey County Council postponed elections last year until May 2026, but is said to be on a 'faster timetable' for reorganisation and so has not been asked whether it wants to delay its contests again.

If councils do postpone their elections next year then elections to new unitary authorities will be held in May 2027.

Cllr Richard Wright, chair of the District Councils' Network, said: 'England's local democracy is built around every councillor being elected for a four-year term, a cycle which should be broken only in the most exceptional circumstances.

'Local government reorganisation means that many councils will soon cease to exist and legitimate questions can be asked about whether the electoral cycle should be adapted in response.

'However, the Government has fallen into a pattern of failing to anticipate obvious issues with how council reorganisation impacts on local democracy, making promises on the timing of elections that cannot be fulfilled and then changing policy at the last minute.

'Electoral officers are operating in a climate of uncertainty, which wastes time and money  for instance when venues have to be booked for election counts that don't take pace.

'Most seriously, the electorate will be understandably confused by the constant shifting of the goalposts and broken promises.

'This has the potential to undermine faith in our cherished local democracy.'

In heated exchanges in the House of Commons, Tory shadow local government minister Paul Holmes said Labour had taken the decision as it was afraid of fighting elections.

Mr Holmes asked what the Government 'has against democracy' as he also compared Labour's approach to the fictional Christmas figure, the Grinch.

'While many people gather around their screens to watch movies like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, we're sitting here discussing how Labour is trying to steal the elections,' he said.

'Earlier this month Labour cancelled mayoral elections because they were worried they wouldn't win them.

'Now they are doing the same with local elections, pausing the democratic process to serve their own political interests, creating for themselves a true nightmare before Christmas.

'This process has been a mess from start to finish, not wanted, not in their manifesto and centrally dictated. It's time it was scrapped today.'

Ms McGovern replied: 'The position on elections is as it has always been, is that the starting point remains that elections go ahead unless there is a strong justification.'

Florence Eshalomi, the Labour chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, said she was unhappy with the timing of the announcement on the final day before Parliament goes on its Christmas break.

'This an issue of grave importance to so many members right across this chamber, many of them will not be here today to be able to raise their concerns with the minister,' Ms Eshalomi said.

She also asked what had happened days after Local Government Secretary Steve Reed said elections would go ahead.

Ms McGovern said: 'The majority of councils who are reorganising are not due to have elections in any case.

'So this is a minority of those councils, but we have received representations from them, and we think it's important that we take stock and check what their view is of capacity.'
A killer who fatally attacked a father in a Sainsbury's supermarket after a row over queue jumping has been jailed for just five years.

Demiesh Williams, 30, was today sentenced to five years and three months in prison following the death of Andrew Clark, who was hailed as a 'hard-working family man'.

The 43-year-old victim died from his injuries after Williams struck him with an open palm following an argument at a supermarket in Beckenham, south-east London - with chilling footage showing him strolling back into the store to carry out the assault.

Woolwich Crown Court heard Mr Clark had challenged the defendant when he tried to queue jump at the tills.

Bus driver Williams then left the shop and went to a car but, as seen on CCTV, decided to go back and confront Mr Clark.

The court was told the attacker then slapped his victim with an open hand, causing him to fall to the ground.

Mr Clark died three days later of his injuries, after being declared brain dead.

Williams later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was jailed this morning.

Demiesh Williams, 30, was today sentenced to five years and three months in prison over the death of Andrew Clark (pictured), who was hailed as a 'hard-working family man'.

Demiesh Williams is seen outside at the Sainsbury's store in Beckenham, south-east London

Demiesh Williams (pictured), 30, was today sentenced to five years and three months in prison over the death of Andrew Clark

Judge Andrew Lees said: 'Andrew Clark was 43 at the time of his death. He was a hard-working family man.

'I have heard heartfelt statements read to the court by Andrew's wife and his sister. What the family said in court brings home the magnitude of what has happened and the devastating loss and consequences of your actions.

'The family are dealing with unimaginable grief from which recovery is unlikely to ever be complete. By all accounts Andrew Clark was much loved, much respected, and will be much missed, and it should never have happened.'

He told the defendant: 'Demiesh Williams, for the manslaughter of Andrew Clark the sentence of the court is five years and three months.

'You will serve up to two thirds of that sentence in prison thereafter you will be released subject to licence conditions. If you breach your licence conditions you will be recalled to prison.'

Mr Clark's 14-year-old daughter previously told Williams that though he would one day walk free, he had 'destroyed' her family in the 'cruellest way possible'.

In a statement read to the court by her aunt, she said: 'My dad was not just my dad. He was my best friend. We did everything together.'

She addressed the killer, saying: 'You did this to my dad. My dad was the most generous man I know. I don't want to live my life without him.

Williams (pictured) is seen here entering the Sainsbury's in Beckenham, south-east London

'You got to keep your family, while you destroyed mine in the cruellest way.'

And Mr Clark's wife Cairistine read her impact statement in court, asking the killer: 'What type of man choses to kill rather than simply walking away?

'You are a coward. You are a killer. You are a monster.'

The court heard Mr Clark, a Newcastle United fan, had watched his club's Carabao Cup victory on March 16 with his family at home in Beckenham, south-east London.

Alistair Richardson, prosecuting, told the court the victim and his wife went to the Sainsbury's near their home to buy some food for the following day after the match.

Mrs Clark then found her husband arguing with Williams at the tills, it was said.

Witnesses described seeing Williams walk to his parked car, get something out, and return to the store with a face covering on as Mr Clark was leaving.

Mr Richardson continued: 'Mrs Clark saw the defendant coming towards her husband. He was striding with intent - striding towards him.

Mr Clark, 43, was beaten outside Sainsbury's in Beckenham, south-east London, by Demiesh Williams, 30, who smacked him with an open palm

'He had a face covering on. He hit Mr Clark on the side of his head. All she could hear was the noise.

'He did not try to break his fall or anything. He was just knocked out.'

Mr Richardson added that an experienced CCTV officer viewed the footage of the attack and deemed it a 'slap' with an 'open hand' rather than a punch.

Another witness, using a nearby cash machine, said he heard a 'crack' as Mr Clark's head hit the floor, followed by Williams saying: 'I told you to f****** apologise'.

Mr Clark was rushed to the hospital but died three days later from a 'catastrophic' brain injury.

Williams, a father of three, was later arrested at a house in Croydon, south London, and charged two days later.

He denied murder but later admitted manslaughter at Woolwich Crown Court. He will serve two thirds of the five years and three months before he is released on licence.

Afterwards, Mr Clark's family said today in a statement: 'Today's sentence brings some degree of closure after an unimaginably painful nine months for our family.

'Andrew's loss has had a profound impact on each of us and we continue to live with the consequences of his absence every day

'For us as a family this prosecution has exposed serious shortcomings within our outdated justice system.

'Victims are too often left without the protection, transparency and fairness they deserve.

'An archaic legal framework cannot meet the demands of modern society nor the needs of victims, their families, friends and wider communities.

'Over-crowded and underfunded prisons place pressure on courts to sentence based on capacity rather than justice.

'Without genuine accountability, true justice and meaningful reform, reoffending will continue and many more families may face the same devastation we have.

'Andrew will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humour and love.'
This is the dramatic moment a gang of heroic bystanders chased down an alleged street thief and pinned him to the ground in broad daylight on one of London's busiest streets.

The group sprang into action after witnessing what they believed to be a robbery on Camden High Street in north London, before pursuing the suspect on foot.

Shocking footage shows the man being restrained beneath the Camden Lock railway bridge as members of the public hold him down until police arrive.

A moped can be seen lying on its side nearby as the suspect struggles to get back to his feet, before being overpowered by the good samaritans.

Police were called to the scene at around 11.40am on Wednesday and arrested an 18-year-old man.

The Metropolitan Police said: 'On Wednesday, 17 December at 11:41hrs police received a report that several members of the public were detaining a suspected thief.

'Officers attended and arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of theft, theft of a vehicle, possession of cannabis and driving without a licence, insurance or MOT. He remains in police custody.

'No injuries were reported. Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 2956/17Dec.'

The group sprang into action after witnessing what they believed to be a robbery on Camden High Street in north London, before pursuing the suspect on foot

Shocking footage shows the man being restrained beneath the Camden Lock railway bridge as members of the public hold him down until police arrive

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The incident comes amid a spate of street robberies across the capital, with a particular rise in criminals using mopeds and e-bikes to snatch mobile phones from pedestrians.

It is the latest example of fed-up bystanders stepping in to stop suspected thieves.

It follows another recent incident where a heroic Londoner who fearlessly tackled a phone snatcher off his bike.

Alex, originally from New Zealand, was on his lunch break from work when he said he first spotted a cyclist that he described as looking 'slightly off'.

Speaking to Daily Mail about his initial scepticism towards the 'slow moving' cyclist, he said: 'The way he turned around slowly and then did a quick U-turn on his bike looked slightly off to me.

'He looked as though he was perched on a road corner and doing laps in an attempt to pinch phones. I suspected that a phone snatch was about to occur'.

In fact, Alex had laid eyes on Spencer Duarte, of Saffron Walden. On Monday, he admitted to one count of theft at Inner LondonCrown Court and will be sentenced on September 12.

Having witnessed the 28-year-old make a swipe at an innocent victim holding their phone in hand, Alex was confronted with a dilemma - he could either choose to confront the robber head on, or continue to walk by as if nothing had happened.

For him, it was a no-brainer. The quick-thinking pedestrian's instincts immediately kicked in and Alex courageously leapt for the phone thief, shoulder-barging him off his bike and into the street.

Recounting the shocking ordeal on August 7 last year, he said: 'It's all a bit of a blur, but I remember seeing him make the attempt at snatching the phone and quickly leapt out at him. It all happened so fast.

Alex (pictured), originally from New Zealand, bravely stepped in and tackled phone snatcher Spencer Duarte, of Saffron Walden, off his bike. On Monday, Duarte pleaded guilty to one count of theft at Inner London Crown Court

Ivan Skoko (pictured), 29, used his expertise in Brazilian jiu-jitsu to wrestle the man to the ground at busy Borough Station, South London

Footage shows the 15 stone fighter restraining the suspected thief before he was arrested by a police officer by the stairs of the platform

In another incident a suspected pickpocket who targeted a tube commuter came unstuck - when he struck in front of a champion martial artist.

Ivan Skoko, 29, used his expertise in Brazilian jiu-jitsu to wrestle the man to the ground at busy Borough Station, South London.

The 6ft3 black belt says the suspect was waiting on the platform for a victim before grabbing at a young woman's device as she boarded a tube carriage at around 7pm.

But quick thinking Ivan seized the man, in his 20s, by his hoodie, threw him to the ground and placed him in an arm lock within seconds.

Ivan told the Daily Mail: 'I heard a very loud scream, everyone turned around and my first thought was 'what can I do to help'.

'The woman had just boarded the train. The doors were about to close and the thief reached inside and began pulling her phone away.

'She held on very tight and shouted 'he is trying to rob me'. I grabbed him and took him down with a foot sweep. I didn't even hesitate.

'I held him on the ground and asked some people to get the train staff, which they did.

These cases follow data from the Metropolitan Police released in August that showed 116,000 mobile phones were stolen in London last year, or 320 every single day.

The London borough with the most phones stolen in 2024 was Westminster, with 34,039. Camden came second with 10,907, followed by Southwark with 7,316.

There were 116,656 reported mobile thefts in 2024  the highest number on record  and more than 50 per cent higher than the total in 2017 of just over 77,000.

Last year's total was equivalent to 13 phones being stolen every hour  and it was 1,300 incidents higher than in the previous 12 months. Despite the number of thefts, only 169 suspects were charged in the year, and seven were let off with a caution.

The figures, obtained from the Met under freedom of information laws by campaign group Crush Crime, also showed a further 8,588 handset thefts in January this year.
TAXPAYERS are unlikely to see an astonishing 187m owed by a PPE firm linked to Baroness Mone after it was wound up today.

PPE Medpro supplied 25 million useless surgical gowns for the National Health Service at the height of the Covid pandemic  after lobbying by Baroness Bra Michelle Mone.

But the Government had handed over 122m for the unusable personal protection equipment, and had to wage a lengthy legal action before a court two months ago ordered the firm to pay the money back, plus interest and legal costs of 26m.

The firm was also being pursued for unpaid taxes of 39m by HMRC.

It now looks increasingly unlikely the mountain of cash will ever be refunded however, after the Insolvency and Companies Court in London ruled that PPE Medpro must be wound up, with just a pittance in assets against money owed.

PPE Medpro was under the control of Baroness Mones controversial businessman husband Doug Barrowman. She long denied any involvement with the firm, before admitting she had lobbied ministers over business amounting to 200m.

But PPE Medpro was a limited company, and those who made money from it are shielded from being pursued for its debts  unless it were to be proved their activities had been fraudulent or improper.

Baroness Mone and Mr Barrowman have had 75m of their assets frozen and are under a long-running fraud investigation by the National Crime Agency, but have not been charged with any offences. They deny any wrongdoing.

Baroness Michelle Mone

The Insolvency and Companies Court had heard that PPE Medpro filed for administration the day before the October High Court ruling that it had to pay back to the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) 122m plus interest and costs, for breach of contract.

At todays hearing, barristers for the DHSC asked judge Sebastian Prentis to wind up the company because it was hopelessly insolvent.

Judge Sebastian Prentis placed the company into liquidation, saying: The correct course is now to discharge the administrators and to compulsorily wind up the company.

Records filed by PPE Medpro's administrators last month showed that, as well as the money owed to the DHSC, His Majestys Revenue and Customs was also claiming 39 million in tax.

But the filings revealed the staggeringly profitable firm only had around 600,000 available to pay unsecured creditors.

Simon Passfield KC, for PPE Medpro's joint administrators, said in written submissions that the company had one secured creditor, Angelo (PTC) Limited, which, according to Companies House, is registered in the Isle of Man  where Baroness Mone and Mr Barrowman have a sprawling estate.

Mr Passfield added that the DHSC was the firm's largest unsecured creditor and had expressed a clear preference for the company to move immediately into compulsory liquidation.

In court, the barrister said that PPE Medpro had sufficient property; to pay off its debt of around 1 million to Angelo, and that the administrators believed there would also be a return to the unsecured creditors, including the DHSC.

Mr Passfield continued that there were potential legal claims by the company against third parties, which, if successful, could result in substantial recoveries of funds, but no further details were given in court.

He said: The administrators are as best placed as any liquidator to achieve the best outcome for creditors as a whole.

David Mohyuddin KC, for the DHSC, said in written submissions that there was no realistic alternative to winding up the company.

He said: The only order that the court needs to, and should, make is that Medpro be wound up.

He continued: The court's discretionary power to make a winding-up order against Medpro is clearly engaged: it is obviously and very significantly insolvent.

Baroness Mone, elevated to the House of Lords by Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron, denies any responsibility for PPE Medpro or its debts, and claims the Government has a vendetta against her.

There have been suggestions the firm could sue the suppliers who provided it with the useless gowns, but commentators say there is little chance of success.
A high-profile Afghanistan war widow whose army husband died defusing a Taliban bomb has been charged with perverting the course of justice.

Christina Schmid became a nationally-recognised figure as she campaigned for the rights of war widows after her bomb disposal husband Olaf 'Oz' Schmid was killed in Afghanistan in 2009.

Today, the 50-year-old appeared via videolink in court in relation to two charges of perverting the course of justice.

The court was told the first charge she faced was in connection to a statement provided to the family court between January 31, 2021, and June 30, 2021, in which she committed an act or series of acts with intent to pervert the course of public justice.

The second charge related to willfully making a false statement in judicial proceedings while sworn in as a witness between April 14, 2020, and June 30 2021.

During the hearing at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court, Schmid, of Ivybridge, Devon, was told both matters could only be heard in crown court.

She was released under conditional bail to appear at Exeter Crown Court on January 16, 2026.

The mother-of-two became a public figure after she campaigned for better pensions for war widows, higher salaries for those in the armed forces and called on politicians to fight as hard as Olaf did for peace.

Christina Schmid, 50, became a nationally-recognised figure as she campaigned for the rights of war widows after her bomb disposal husband Olaf 'Oz' Schmid in Afghanistan in 2009

Olaf Schmid, 30, died defusing a bomb which exploded and killed him instantly. He was due to leave Afghanistan for the UK the next day

She met the Queen and senior politicians, including then Prime Minister David Cameron, as part of her campaign, before penning a best-selling memoir.

Schmid also received the George Cross on behalf of her husband in a private ceremony, but later sold his medals to Lord Ashcroft. They were on display in the Ashcroft Gallery of the Imperial War Museum until recently.

In 2012, Schmid announced she had found love once again with another serving member of the Armed Forces called Mark Clarke, telling the world she had Ozs blessing.

The pair had posed for a lavish photoshoot with Hello! magazine to announce their relationship.

Their relationship, however, broke down, with the couple choosing to go their separate ways in June 2019.

Just over a year later, Schmid married her second husband, property developer Adam Plumb, a divorced father-of-one in an intimate ceremony at Bovey Castle, Devon.

In 2021, they bought a beautiful eight-bedroom detached property in the genteel village of Ivybridge, Devon, set in 5.2 acres for 1.3 million.

Just over a year later Schmid married her second husband, property developer Adam Plumb (pictured right), a divorced father-of-one in an intimate ceremony at Bovey Castle, Devon

The couple have since separated.

Schmid, then Avis, married 'Oz' in December 2007, but by June 2009, he was sent to Afghanistan after spells in Northern Ireland, Yugoslavia and Kosovo.

The bomb disposal hero personally dealt with 70 IEDs (improvised explosive devices), notably saving an infantry company surrounded by the devices in August 2009.

Two months later, he saved his team by tracing a wire to a hidden IED, but it cost him his life, exploding and killing him instantly.

He was due to leave Afghanistan for the UK the next day.

His funeral took place on November 24, 2009, in Truro Cathedral and was attended by more than 1000 people.
Three Sri Lankan men were arrested on Thursday after a horrific video posted to social media showed a wild elephant being set on fire.

Police said the suspects, aged between 42 and 50, were taken into custody in the north-central district of Anuradhapura, about 125 miles north of capital Colombo.

The disturbing video, which quickly went viral on social media, shows how a defenceless elephant was set alight as the three men watched the animal suffer while its tail burned.

A separate clip showed the elephant rolling around on the ground in agony having sustained an injury to its front leg.

The three men were placed on remand until December 24 pending further investigations into the incident, which sparked widespread revulsion after the footage was shard online.

Wildlife officials said the animal had first been shot and wounded before being set alight, and that veterinary surgeons' attempts to save its life failed.

Elephants are considered sacred in Sri Lanka and are protected by law, but farmers and residents in remote villages sometimes attack wild elephants that destroy crops.

Elephants are protected under Sri Lankan law and poachers can face the death penalty for killing one.

However, the country has not carried out an execution since 1976 and the death penalty is automatically commuted to life imprisonment.

Sri Lankan police have arrested three men after a horrific video posted to social media showed them setting a wild elephant on fire

Video showing the horrific attack on the assault quickly went viral, and sparked outrage in Sri Lanka

The elephant was shown in a separate video rolling on the ground in agony. It did not survive

Escalating human-elephant conflict has claimed around 400 elephant and 200 human lives annually over the past five years.

Sri Lanka has an estimated 7,000 wild elephants, regarded as a national treasure in part because of their importance in Buddhist culture.

The horrific incident in Sri Lanka comes after a passenger train hit a herd of elephants in the south Asian nation earlier this year, killing six of the animals.

Four babies and two adults died near Minneriya wildlife sanctuary back in February.

Images showed how the train engine and several compartments had derailed following the collision. No passengers were injured.

Minneriya National Park draws thousands of tourists each year hoping to see elephants in their wild habitats. It is part of the 'elephant corridor' that connects Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa National parks.

Elephants are considered sacred in Sri Lanka and are protected by law, but farmers and residents in remote villages sometimes attack wild elephants that destroy crops

Train collisions involving elephants have increased in recent years in Sri Lanka, with elephants attempting to cross over railway tracks in search of food and water.

They are increasingly vulnerable because of the loss and degradation of their natural habitat and many venture closer to human settlements in search of food.
A 'bubbly' mother-of-two who died two days after getting a tummy tuck and Brazilian Butt Lift in Turkey was not fit for the surgery, an inquest has heard.

Sophie Hunt, 34, from Northampton, underwent the cosmetic procedures at Istanbul's private Nisantasi Hospital on March 7, 2022.

But shortly after she suffered multi-organ failure and went into cardiac arrest three times.

In a statement read to the court by Assistant Coroner Sophie Lomas, Ms Hunt's mother Sandra said her daughter had lost consciousness after the surgery and suffered swelling in her hands.

Sandra Hunt added that paperwork from the hospital showed 'some of her ECG (electrocardiogram) readings indicate an abnormal heartbeat', which her daughter was told was not healthy.

She said: 'We believe she was not fit for the surgery.'

Her statement also said she had concerns there may have been a complication from the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure, commonly referred to as BBL, if too much fat was injected or removed from Ms Hunt's body.

The coroner said that, because Ms Hunt had died in another country, she 'does not have the jurisdiction to fully investigate what happened in that hospital'.

Sophie Hunt (pictured), 34, from Northampton, underwent the cosmetic procedures at Istanbul's private Nisantasi Hospital on March 7, 2022

But shortly after she suffered multi-organ failure and went into cardiac arrest three times

She added: 'I have to reach the findings on the information I do have.'

A report provided by Turkey's Council of Forensic Medicine said: 'The individual had no known medical illnesses. She presented to hospital with dissatisfaction of the abdomen and buttocks.'

It added she had an abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, and liposuction on March 7 2022, before she experienced 'sudden loss of consciousness'.

Ms Hunt was resuscitated, the inquest heard, but experienced a second cardiac arrest in an ambulance on the way to another hospital with a specialist cardiac intensive care unit, where she later died with respiratory failure and organ failure.

The Turkish investigation found Ms Hunt died 'as a result of abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures and the complications that developed thereafter'.

The coroner said a post-mortem examination was carried out by consultant histopathologist Professor Kevin West when Ms Hunt's body was repatriated to the UK, who also concluded she died due to complications of the surgery.

The inquest heard Professor West said the 'exact cause of cardiopulmonary arrest is unclear', but is likely to be because of the procedures.

The coroner recorded a narrative conclusion which said: 'Sophie Hunt died due to complications of a surgical procedure carried out whilst abroad.'

Ms Hunt's mother said in her written statement: 'Sophie was outgoing, bubbly and very kind.

'She worked as a chef and enjoyed cooking and music.'
Brian Walshe has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing his wife hours after they hosted a New Year's Eve party.

Walshe, 50, was sentenced Thursday after being found guilty of first-degree murder on Monday, nearly three years after real estate executive Ana Walshe vanished on January 1, 2023.

The case hit the headlines when prosecutors said Walshe searched online for 'dismemberment and best ways to dispose of a body'.

Jurors rejected Walshe's claim that Ana died suddenly at the age of 39 in their Cohasset, Massachusetts home before he began the internet search.

Serbian-American real estate executive Ana shared three sons with her killer husband, who were aged between two and six at the time of her death.

Judge Diane Freniere sentenced Walshe on Thursday, finally bringing closure to the case by handing down the maximum penalty of life in jail.

'That sentence is immensely appropriate, and just given your murderous acts and the life trauma that you've inflicted upon your own children,' Freniere told Walshe.

'The seriousness of your acts cannot be overstated. Your acts in dismembering your wife's body and disposing of her remains in multiple area dumpsters can only be described as barbaric and incomprehensible.

Brian Walshe has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing his wife Ana Walshe. Walshe was found guilty of first-degree murder on Monday this week

Jurors in Dedham, Massachusetts, rejected Walshe's claim that his wife Ana, a real estate executive, died suddenly in their home before he began the internet search

'You had no regard for the lifelong mental harm that your criminal acts inflicted on your then two-, four- and six-year-old sons.'

Walshe was charged with first-degree murder, willfully conveying a human body in violation of state law, and misleading police in the death of his wife.

Days before the trial began, he pleaded guilty to the two lesser charges but denied murdering Ana.

Freniere gave Walshe the mandatory sentence for first-degree murder of life without parole, along with consecutive sentences of 20 years for misleading police and three years for the improper conveyance of a body.

At the time of his wife's disappearance, Walshe was facing jail for selling fake Andy Warhol paintings and Ana was allegedly having an affair with another man.

During closing arguments last week, prosecutors told the jury Walshe killed and dismembered his wife because their marriage was falling apart and he needed the money from her $2.7 million life insurance policy.

His defense, meanwhile, claimed Walshe found Ana dead in bed. They alleged she suffered a sudden and unexplained death, and Walshe disposed of her body in fear of being blamed.

The defense rested its case without calling a single witness to the stand. Walshe had planned to testify but backed out at the last minute.

Judge Diane Freniere informed the jury that they could choose to convict on lesser second-degree murder charges, or the first-degree murder charge prosecutors had argued for, which includes the element of premeditation.

Walshe, 50, was accused of killing Ana, a successful realtor and mother of his three children, at their home in Cohasset

Pictured: Family and fiends listen during listen during Brian Walshe's murder trial on Friday

Pictured: Diana Walshe listens to testimony during her son, Brian Walshe's murder trial

The state argued that Walshe premeditatedly murdered and dismembered his wife because she was having an affair, and then disposed of her remains in various dumpsters across the Boston area.

Walshe's internet activity on January 1, 2023, included searches such as: 'best way to dispose of a body' and 'how long for someone to be missing to inherit.'

The jury of six men and six women deliberated for around six hours before returning Monday's verdict.

In a texted statement, one of Ana's friends, Natasha Babuskina, voiced her elation at the verdict, saying she was 'relieved' Walshe was found guilty in the first-degree.

'Justice prevailed. Finally!!!' she added.

Walshe stood stone-faced, offering little emotion when his fate was revealed. He remained silent as he was handcuffed and led out of the courtroom.

Ana's remains have not been found.

She was killed hours after she and Walshe hosted a New Year's Eve party for friends at their Cohasset home.

Walshe carried out a series of disturbing web searches in the hours that followed, which included queries for how long DNA lasts and instructions for how to dismember a body.

He then visited a series of local stores, including Home Depot, Lowe's, and a Walmart, where he purchased hundreds of dollars' worth of tools and cleaning supplies that prosecutors said were used to dismantle his wife's body.

In the hours of Ana's death, Walshe visited a series of local stores, including Lowe's, where he purchased hundreds of dollars' worth of tools and cleaning supplies

Prosecutors have said they found a bloody hacksaw at Walshe's home. He had earlier been seen buying a hacksaw from Lowe's

Then, on January 4, 2023 - the day Walshe reported Ana missing - he returned to Lowes and was captured on a self-checkout machine smiling into the camera

The jury was shown footage of Walshe walking with a bag toward a dumpster outside of a local liquor store.

A second clip showed Walshe wearing latex gloves as he piled his cart at Lowe's with a hammer, a utility knife, multiple five-gallon buckets and a mop.

Then, on January 4, 2023 - the day Walshe reported Ana missing - he returned to Lowes and was captured on a self-checkout machine smiling into the camera and fixing his hair.

That day, he purchased a hacksaw and handheld shears, court testimony revealed.

Police recovered a hacksaw, a hatchet, bloody towels and rags, gloves, and a protective suit from inside the Walshe family home during the early stages of their investigation into Ana's disappearance.

Traces of blood and a blood-stained knife were also found in the basement of the property.

Ten trash bags filled with bloodied items were later recovered from a dumpster near Walshe's mother's home in Swampscott, Massachusetts.

Data from Walshe's phone showed he made several stops at other locations to dispose of evidence in dumpsters, but the trash was incinerated before investigators could obtain it.

At the time, Walshe was awaiting sentencing on federal charges over an art fraud scheme after he sold two counterfeit Andy Warhol paintings online for $80,000.

Ana was allegedly having an affair with another man out of state - which prosecutors claim was the breaking point for Walshe in their already strained marriage

Walshe (pictured right), 50, was found guilty of first-degree murderon Monday, nearly three years after real estate executive Ana Walshe (pictured left) vanished on January 1, 2023

Pictured: An evidence photo showing tissue evidence recovered from a piece of carpet is presented in the murder trial of Brian Walshe at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass

He was ultimately sentenced to 37 months in prison in February 2024 on three federal fraud charges over the scam. He was also ordered to pay $400,000 in restitution.

Prosecutors claimed that Walshe's discovery that Ana was having an affair was the final breaking point in their already-strained marriage.

Walshe would have landed a $2.7 million life insurance windfall in the event of his wifes death, prosecutors noted.

His attorneys rejected those allegations, calling him a loving husband and father who didn't know about the affair and wasn't the 'jealous type.'

During the two-week trial, the jury heard from William Fastow, the man with whom Ana was having an affair.

Fastow told the court he met in 2022 when he sold her a townhouse in Washington DC. Ana had to travel to Washington DC regularly for work and ended up splitting her time between the capital and Cohasset.

He said the relationship quickly intensified as they became close friends and eventually had an 'intimate relationship.'

They would go out to dinner and to bars together, he said, and she would spend time on his sailboat and stay overnight at his home. They also took a Thanksgiving trip to Ireland.

Fastow testified that he never tried to keep their relationship secret. He and Ana also discussed telling Walshe, Fastow said.

Ana was reported missing on Jan. 4 after she failed to turn up for work in DC. Walshe filed the missing persons report at the insistence of Ana's coworkers

'Ana felt it was really important that when Brian found out about the relationship, he would hear it from her,' Fastow said.

'She had expressed great concern and I think she felt it would be a strike against her integrity if he found out a different way.'

Fastow last spoke with Ana on New Year's Eve over text. A message sent the following day went unanswered, and did several calls on January 2.

Then, on January 4, he got a call from Brian Walshe, but let it go to voicemail.

'I had not heard from her in several days and, frankly, I was concerned maybe he had found out and was calling to confront me,' Fastow testified.

Walshe later left a second message, saying he 'hoped all was going well,' before adding he was reaching out to everyone he could because Ana, 'hadn't been in touch for a few days.'

Ana was reported missing on Jan. 4 after she failed to turn up for work in DC. Walshe filed the missing persons report at the insistence of Ana's coworkers.

She and Fastow had plans to reunite later that day.
Police hunting for a missing university student have tragically discovered a body - four weeks after he was spotted sprinting down a busy street on CCTV.

Aryan Sharma, 20, was last seen on the outskirts of Loughborough, Leicestershire, at around 12.30am on November 22.

The robotics student left his accommodation at around 9.30pm the night before and was last spotted walking towards Stanford-on-the-Soar before he disappeared.

His heartbroken family previously said they 'just want to find him safe'.

However, Leicestershire Police today confirmed a body had been discovered in the nearby River Soar.

Although formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed to be Aryan and his family are being supported by specialist officers.

In a statement, the force said: 'A body has been found following extensive searches for a Loughborough student who was reported missing.

'Aryan Sharma was last seen on CCTV in Meadow Lane, on the outskirts of Loughborough, at around 12.30am on Saturday 22 November.

'On Sunday evening (14 December), following a report was that a body had been seen in the River Soar in Normanton on Soar. Officers from the force's Tactical Support Team (TST) and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) were deployed.

Mr Sharma left his accommodation at around 9.30pm and was last spotted walking towards Stanford-on-the-Soar before he disappeared

CCTV footage shows Aryan Sharma running down a street on the night he mysteriously vanished

Although formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed to be Aryan and his family are being supported by specialist officers.

'Following a search of the river, a body was located. Although formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed to be Aryan.

'Specialist officers have been continuing to provide support to his family, who have asked for privacy at this time.

'A file will be prepared for HM Coroner.'

The family of the robotics student told previously how they had 'just wanted to find him safe'.

Aryan's cousin Jagi Sawhney, speaking on behalf of the family, said at the time: 'We are devastated as a family.

'We just want to find him safe. He's loved by this family. He is an older brother, he's a cousin, he's one of the five boys of this family.

'Our biggest concern now is that no one in the family has spoken to him since at least Friday.

'It's been really cold since he has been missing, and we haven't been able to get in contact with him. We just want him to be okay, and we want him to come home to his mum.

'Please help locate him. He's loved by everyone in this family, and we just want him home safely.

'No matter how small the information might be, please support the investigation and share that information with police so that we can just find him and get him home.

'If Aryan sees this, we want him to know how loved he is. We want him to know how much we all just want him to come home.

'He is a loved grandson, son and uncle. Everyone is rallying around to try and find him.'
Three Russian FSB border guards 'illegally crossed into NATO territory in Estonia and stayed for around 20 minutes' in a possible provocation just weeks after Russian war planes entered Estonian airspace.

The officers allegedly crossed the control line between Russian and Estonian territory on a breakwater in the Narva River.

This may be the latest Russian move to test the response of Western defences.

The trio arrived on a security service hovercraft and proceeded on foot along the river barrier.

They later returned to their craft and crossed back to Russian territory.

Grainy footage shows the ghostly figures of the Russian intruders near the village of Vasknarva, said the foreign ministry in Tallinn.

Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro said: 'The illegal border crossing has been documented, and we have it on video from the surveillance camera that detected the crossing.'

Checks were carried out to ensure that Russians had not planted anything suspicious in Estonia.

The trio arrived on a security service hovercraft and proceeded on foot along the river barrier

They later returned to their craft and crossed back to Russian territory

'Naturally, our units went to investigate, but the illegal border crossers were no longer there,' he said.

'They had left Estonian territory and returned to their own.Traces were found, and the area was checked to ensure nothing was left behind.'

The motives of the Russian border guards - who are part of the giant Federal Security Service [FSB] once headed by Putin - were unclear, he said.

'There was no immediate security threat, but the [Estonian] police and border guards have significantly increased their presence and patrols.'

Estonia is to summon the Russian charge d'affaires in Tallinn.

A meeting between representatives of the border guard authorities of the two states was scheduled in response to the incident.

The intrusion was on Wednesday morning - and Taro said low-grade FSB officers may have been to blame.

'What we have observed in recent years is that the quality of border guard personnel on the Russian side varies greatly.

Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro said: 'The illegal border crossing has been documented, and we have it on video'

'Obviously, the aggression against Ukraine affects their structures, as they have likely redirected a number of more competent people elsewhere, probably to the front lines or that region.'

It may be that the guards drafted in 'have no understanding of where they are, what they are doing here, or the nuances of the terrain'.

'The incident was recorded by surveillance equipment, and we conducted an initial inspection on the pier,' said Estonian prefecture border guard chief Eerik Purgel.

'Official contact has been established with the Russian border representation to obtain an explanation.'

Taro said: 'This is an area where Russian vessels must pass through Estonian territory to access Lake Peipus from the Narva River.

'There is a long-standing agreement for this.They have always notified us of this.

'This time they did not notify us, and such an incident occurred.'

In September, Estonian authorities and NATO officials reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland and remained there for about 12 minutes.

Estonia condemned the action as a 'brazen' violation, lodged a diplomatic protest and invoked NATO consultations under Article 4 of the alliance treaty.

Moscow denied that its aircraft violated Estonian sovereign airspace, claiming the flight was routine and remained in international airspace.

That same month, Russian drones briefly breached Polish airspace, prompting NATO fighters to scramble, raising alliance concerns about aerial incursions.
A failed asylum seeker has pleaded not guilty to raping a woman in her 30s in a wooded area of Bournemouth.

Egyptian man, Mohammed Fathi Eltbie, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court today, where he entered his plea.

He was accused of committing the offence in the Dorset seaside resort on November 5 last month.

The 24-year-old was remanded in custody until his trial, set for May 26, 2026, with a further preliminary hearing scheduled for March 23.

Barrister Nick Robinson represented the 24-year-oldand had an Arabic interpreter.

Judge Robert Pawson told him: Mr Eltbie, there are two important dates for you, the first is the trial date, which is May 26.

Between now and that date, there is quite a lot of work to be done by your legal team. Mr Robinson, your barrister, is highly experienced and he will be doing the lions share of the work.

Your solicitors will arrange a meeting or meetings with you and its important that you give them a full account of what you say happened.

So, trial date is May 26 but to ensure that everything that needs to be done is being done, there is going to be another hearing on March 23 and which you should attend.

At the time of the alleged crime a cordon was set up at Winton Recreation Ground as officers investigated the incident

Mohammed Fathi Eltbie, 24, was remanded in custody until his trial, set for May 26, 2026, with a further preliminary hearing scheduled for March 23

Its important for you to bear in mind, Mr Eltbie, that the judge is not the person who makes the decision as to whether you are guilty, that decision will be made by 12 members of the public who are picked at random so the decision will be entirely impartial.

We will see you on March 23 and in the meantime you remain remanded in custody.

A previous hearing was told that Eltbies asylum status was uncertain after the Egyptian nationals application was refused in January with him having entered the UK in July 2023.

In his last court hearing, his lawyer Selina Goddard explained that he lives in a shared house in Bournemouth, but he is not sure of the address.

Goddard told the court that Eltbie denied the offence.

Neither the defendant nor the complainant knew each other, the court heard.

At Eltbie's hearing on November 18, Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of the force's major crime investigation team, said they have continued to provide support to the complainant and 'she has been updated with this latest development'.

He added: 'This matter will be subject to active court proceedings, and it is vital that the justice process is allowed to follow its course.

'We would therefore urge members of the public to refrain from speculation or commentary relating to this case, particularly online and on social media.'
Children survivors of the Manchester Arena terror attack suicide bombing will receive almost 20million in damages, a judge has ruled.

16 youngsters, all aged under 16 at the time of the attack, will receive amounts ranging from 11.4 million to 2,770.

The total amount to be paid of 19,928,150 was agreed at a hearing on Thursday at the Manchester Civil Courts of Justice.

Judge Nigel Bird said, some suffered 'catastrophic' and life changing injuries, while others suffered psychological damage from witnessing the carnage after suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated his homemade, shrapnel-packed, backpack bomb surrounded by youngsters.

Twenty-two people were tragically murdered and hundreds were injured leaving the arena after an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017.

The defendants, who were responsible for the safe and secure running of the arena event, will pay out the sums include Greater Manchester Police, British Transport Police, Arena operators SMG, now known as Legends Global Services Limited, and security provider Showsec.

A public inquiry into the bombing, led by Sir John Saunders, found that chances to stop the attack had been missed along with 'serious shortcomings' in security and individual failings.

On Thursday, Judge Nigel Bird, approved the 16 claims, agreed between their lawyers and the defendants, as they all involved children or those without mental capacity.

Twenty-two people were tragically murdered and hundreds were injured leaving the arena after an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017

The defendants, who were responsible for the safe and secure running of the arena event, will pay out the sums include Greater Manchester Police, British Transport Police, Arena operators SMG, now known as Legends Global Services Limited, and security provider Showsec

A court order also bans identifying any of the 16 or their families.

Following the hearing, claims by another 352 people, all adults deemed to have capacity, including the families of the 22 who lost loved ones, will now be agreed between lawyers for the defendants and the claimants.

The four organisations have apologised to the bereaved families and to the survivors, lawyers for the claimants said, and have acknowledged their failures.

Judge Bird told the hearing: 'Each of these cases has a common link, that is injuries and loss suffered, arising out of a single and unimaginable act of terrorism committed on the evening of May 22 2017 at the end of a concert attended by very many young people and their families.

'Twenty-two innocent lives were lost and and the lives of countless others impacted.

'The love and care a parent gives to an injured child is beyond monetary value.'

Judge Bird paid tribute to the 'courage, dedication and fortitude' of the families involved in each case, adding: 'Each through their quiet determination has brought about promises of change in the hope that in the future, other families need not go through what they have been through.'

After the hearing, a joint statement was issued from the legal teams at Hudgell Solicitors, Slater & Gordon and Broudie Jackson Canter, the three lead firms representing the claimants.

Handout photo issued by Greater Manchester Police of the CCTV image of Salman Abedi in Manchester Arena moments before he detonated his bomb

The Arena area also had a CCTV 'blind spot', patrols of the area by security staff were not adequate and BTP officers took a two-hour lunch break to get a kebab before the attack

The statement said: 'This is not a day of celebration. It is a moment to acknowledge the mistakes that were made and the unimaginable suffering our clients have endured over the past eight and a half years.

'Their strength and resilience have been extraordinary, and without that, we would not have reached this settlement.

'We now expect all parties to honour their commitment to do what they can to prevent those same mistakes from happening again. It has been a privilege to work on behalf of our courageous clients. We wish them only peace and strength as they look to the future.'

The MEN report that Martyns Law, named in memory of Martyn Hett, 29, murdered in the attack, has since been brought in, to better protect public venues from terror attacks.

Abedi, 22, dressed all in black and carrying a huge backpack containing his bomb, should have been identified as a threat and action taken sooner, after he was reported as suspicious by a member of the public, who was 'fobbed off'.

The Arena area also had a CCTV 'blind spot', patrols of the area by security staff were not adequate and BTP officers took a two-hour lunch break to get a kebab before the attack.
A Covid denier has been jailed for over three years after he called for a violent uprising during the pandemic with AK-47 assault rifles, petrol bombs and rocket launchers.

Paul Martin, 60, made 16,000 posts on a Telegram group entitled The Resistance UK - which he joined in December 2020 - aimed at whipping up dissent against the British Government.

Of the 8,000 members in the chatroom, Martin accounted for a whopping four per cent of all the messages.

When Martin was arrested at his home in Croydon, south London in September 2021 police seized an array of weapons.

This included - a stun gun disguised as a torch, two crossbows with bolts, a large knife, air guns and drones.

Following a trial at the Old Bailey, Martin was found guilty of encouraging terrorism but was cleared of having weapons 'for the purposes of terrorism' in relation to the collection of blades, crossbows and arrows.

Judge Richard Marks KC jailed him for three years and three months on the basis that his actions were reckless.

The judge said: 'It is easy to forget the pandemic and that it was a time of the very greatest volatility, insecurity and upheaval of literally everybody's lives with a very significant number of deaths being reported in the media on a daily basis.

Paul Martin, 60, has been jailed for over three years after he called for a violent uprising during the pandemic

'There were no fewer than 8,000 members of the Telegram group of whom you could reasonably and realistically expect a not insignificant number to have been impressionable... or at the very least potentially not unsympathetic to the views you were expressing as well as your calls for a violent uprising.'

He added it was Martin's 'firm and incessant belief' that there was no pandemic and that the vaccine was a 'poison designed to kill people'.

Judge Marks accepted that it was a 'very difficult time' for the defendant when he was posting the messages.

'You were isolated, you were drinking and you had lost your job,' the judge said/

'Albeit it has to be recognised that many others were in the same position as you at this time.'

He took into account that Martin is back at work and that his life is in 'much better order'.

Dominic Thomas, defending, had argued for a suspended prison sentence for his client, telling the court Martin has made 'not ordinary and not easy advances' in the years since his offending.

'He accepts that his messaging was profoundly anti-social and harmful,' Mr Thomas said.

'He came to these offences as a man of good character with his life already in a period of very considerable decline.

'He discovered then... first as a pastime and then as a very unhealthy obsession a sinister side of social media and internet forums.

A Covid-19 sign warning people to stay at home in January 2021. Martin made 16,000 posts on a Telegram group entitled The Resistance UK - which he joined in December 2020 - aimed at whipping up dissent against the UK Government

'A social phenomenon of Covid x internet.'

Mr Thomas said the forum 'provided a social setting and community which was entirely otherwise missing in his life' and argued the motivation behind Martin's message was 'really a desire to integrate with that community and to be impressive'.

He added that Martin has not reoffended since, has a stable job, has stopped drinking, has tidied up his home and has 'taken himself off the internet entirely'.

'He is trying My Lord to let go of those previous obsessions,' Mr Thomas told the judge.

Martin's trial heard he was vehemently against the measures brought in by the government in response to the pandemic, including lockdown and the vaccine rollout.

And rather than restricting himself to lawful protest, the defendant repeatedly referred to violence, criminal damage and disruption of electrical communication systems.

In one post, Martin, using the handle Perpetual Truth, wrote: 'The simple fact is there is no pandemic, never has been.

'The main goal was to genocide all they can and enslave the survivors and make the children sterile with poison.

'That has been their target for decades... total control of humanity and absolute enslavement.'

He claimed Covid was 'the biggest hoax perpetuated on humanity on a global scale', with 'fake vaccine jabs', 'actors' and 'paid off people'.

He linked Covid jabs with the rollout of 5G mobile phone technology, claiming: 'Vaccine is a poison designed to kill you off over a short period.'

He wrote that 5G 'will be a trigger' and the second dose of the vaccine would be the 'kill shot'.

In December 2020, the defendant wrote: 'It is a war you better get ready to smash skulls and destroy evil.'

Martin also called for attacks on 5G and CCTV, saying: 'If small groups hit main shit all over the country they be running around like flies.'

In another post, he stated: 'Target their shit: council offices, police station, road works. Take down rail as well as they cannot get their drones to work.'

He went on: 'Freedom fighters are classed as terrorists. Wake up.'

Giving evidence in his trial, he said his posts were 'pure fantasy', 'gibberish' and 'twaddle' and insisted he would never hurt anyone.
A mother who killed two teenagers after crashing into another vehicle has had her 10 year jail sentence extended.

Natasha Allarakhia was travelling at more than 90mph just moments before the collision on the A17 at North Rauceby.

Allarakhia, from Norwich, was driving towards Sleaford on the morning of June 20, 2024, and crashed into another car that was waiting at temporary traffic lights.

The driver of the other car, 17-year-old William Ray, and his front seat passenger, Eddie Shore, 18, both died in hospital from their injuries.

The two 18-year-olds in the back seats also sustained serious injuries.

After the collision, Allarakhia initially identified a male who had run off from the Audi as the driver, and the police used significant resources to search for this man.

This included a plane from the National Police Air Service before Allarakhia finally admitted to officers at the scene that she was the one driving.

It was found during the investigation that Allarakhia had been taking sips from a can of alcohol whilst driving, although she was not over the prescribed limit.

Natasha Allarakhia, in black, was originally jailed for 10 years for causing death by dangerous driving but has now had her sentence extended

The driver of the other car, 17-year-old William Ray, and his front seat passenger, Eddie Shore (pictured), 18, both died in hospital from their injuries

The three other people in her car, including two of her children and an adult, suffered minor injuries from the incident as well.

Allarakhia was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court on August 18, 2025, to 10 years after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and serious injury by dangerous driving.

She was also banned from driving for 12 years and 8 months and must take an extended re-test before being allowed to drive again.

However her sentence has now been extended after the Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves, intervened after her sentence was thought to be too lenient and referred the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

On Tuesday, December 16, the Court of Appeal extended her sentence by two years and eight months.

The Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP said: 'Through her selfish and thoughtless actions, Natasha Allarakhia killed two teenagers who had their whole lives ahead of them.

'I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to their families, and the two other teenagers who were also seriously hurt.

'Natasha Allarakhia's extended sentence reflects not only her dangerous driving but also her lying to the police at the scene pinning the blame on someone else.

After the collision, Allarakhia initially identified a male who had run off from the Audi as the driver, and the police used significant resources to search for this man. Pictured: William Ray, 17

She was also banned from driving for 12 years and 8 months and must take an extended re-test before being allowed to drive again

'I would like to thank our emergency services, the paramedics who tirelessly tried to save the teenagers and police who thoroughly investigated the crime scene.'

Following the increased sentence, Dr Caroline Johnson, who is the MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham shared her gratitude.

She stated: 'Natasha Allarakhia killed pupils William Ray, aged 17, and Eddie Shore, aged 18, and seriously injured Jack Prince, aged 18, in June 2024 when, driving dangerously, she crashed into the back of their stationary car waiting at traffic lights on the A17 at North Rauceby.

'The boys' families, friends and the wider community, myself included, were angry and disappointed by the sentence imposed in August of 10 years in prison as we felt that it did not reflect the severity of the crimes she committed.

'I was grateful to the Solicitor General for referring the case to the Court of Appeal following our letter in the summer and, today, at the hearing at the Court of Appeal, which I have just attended, Natasha Allarakhia has been given an extended sentence of 12 years and 8 months.'

She added: 'While no sentence will ever bring the boys back or repair the injuries caused, I welcome that the Court has come to the conclusion to extend the sentence today.

'I hope that this decision provides an element of peace and justice for the boys, their families and loved ones. I'm also grateful to Lincolnshire police for their detailed forensic work that helped to secure the conviction.'
NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his family were among those killed when his private jet crash-landed near an airport runway in North Carolina.

The Cessna Citation plane was seen engulfed in flames to the right of the runway at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday morning at around 10:15 am.

NASCAR and grieving loved ones confirmed that none of the seven people on board survived the accident.

Biffle, his wife, Christina and his two children - Ryder and Emma - were four of the fatal victims.

Craig Wadsworth, another NASCAR star, along with father and son Dennis and Jack Dutton, were also killed.

'Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,' NASCAR wrote on X.

'His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.'

'Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,' the tear-jerking statement from the heartbroken relatives reads.

NASCAR driver Greg Biffle reportedly owns the jet that crashed. A close friend said he died in the crash (pictured: Biffle in March 2003)

The plane crashed at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday morning

Your browser does not support iframes.

GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company registered under 55-year-old Biffle, is listed as the owner of the aircraft.

Images showed the inferno ripping through the jet - which can cost as much as $2.5 million - as thick black smoke was seen blanketing the air.

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) told the Daily Mail that the Cessna C550 crashed while attempting to land.

Preliminary flight tracking shows that the aircraft left Statesville Regional Airport, which is about 45 miles north of Charlotte, at around 10 am, CNN reported. It was headed to Sarasota, Florida.

The plane traveled about five miles before turning back toward the airport, although it is unclear why.

Low clouds and visibility of less than three miles were reported in the area of the crash around the time it happened.

There was also light drizzling that abruptly turned into heavy rainfall in the area, according to Fox Weather.

Investigators have not yet said whether these conditions contributed to the accident.

First responders rushed to the scene in North Carolina

Pictured: Biffle and Christina pictured with their son, Ryder, in 2021

Biffle is seen with his wife, Cristina, their five-year-old son, Ryder and Biffle's daughter, Emma

The plane never flew higher than 2,000 feet above the ground, according to FlightAware data, with witnesses at nearby Lakewood Golf Club noting that it was flying 'way too low' before it came down.

The FAA, National Transportation Safety Board and the North Carolina Highway Patrol are investigating the harrowing incident.

A representative for the Iredell County Sheriff told the Daily Mail that units from multiple agencies are on the scene.

The Statesville Regional Airport is owned by the city, and according to its website, it provides facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams.

This airport has no control tower, meaning pilots must self-report their position using a common radio frequency.

There are 89 aircraft based there, FAA records showed.

Statesville Regional Airport said in a statement: 'We can confirm there has been an aircraft incident at the Statesville Regional Airport.

'At approximately 10:15 am, an aircraft crashed while landing. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is en route and will investigate the incident.'

Firefighting crews are seen responding to the plane crash

Biffle, Christina and Ryder (pictured) were among those who passed away in the Thursday crash

Craig Wadsworth, another NASCAR star, also died in the crash

During a brief press conference at 12:30 pm, officials said that the airport is closed and the investigation is active.

The renowned NASCAR driver had a plane scare in March 2011 while landing at a Kentucky airport.

As reported by The Albany Herald at the time, the plane's right main landing gear failed, and its wing slammed into the runway as Biffle's pilots attempted to land at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington.

Fortunately, no one was harmed and Biffle characterized it as a 'small plane incident.'

'My pilots are purely heroes for maintaining control of the aircraft (and) keeping (it) on the runway,' Biffle shared on X, then Twitter, at the time.

'If not it wouldnt have been the same outcome.'

Last year, Biffle made headlines when he used his helicopter to deliver essential supplies to survivors of Hurricane Helene.

Biffle, who began his successful NASCAR career in 1995, considered himself semi-retired because he still occasionally raced.
An investment manager who funded his 'extremely lavish lifestyle' by fleecing victims out of 107million has been ordered to pay back just 928,000.

David Kennedy, 72, operated a fraudulent no-win no-fee legal scheme to generate 5.8million from the Cayman Islands-registered Axiom Legal Financing Fund.

He spent his illicit fortune on a Swiss ski resort chalet, a villa in Tenerife and lavishly renovated his home in Hull.

More than 500 people invested in the scheme, which claimed to insure lenders against unfinished cases or solicitors going bankrupt. But savers lost all their money when the fund collapsed in 2012.

Kennedy was convicted of fraudulent trading after a retrial. He was jailed for eight years in June 2024 and banned from being a company director for 15 years.

His benefit from the fraud amounted to 91,159,849 but Judge Gregory Perrins ordered his realisable assets amounted to far less.

He was ordered to pay back 928,479 in three months or face another six and a half years in jail in default.

In August 2022 lawyer Timothy Schools, 63, was jailed for 14 years for pocketing more than 20 million of investors' cash.

David Kennedy (left), 72, and Timothy Schools (right) operated a fraudulent no-win no-fee legal scheme to generate 5.8million from the Cayman Islands-registered Axiom Legal Financing Fund

Schools, of Sedbergh, Cumbria, had called his firm 'ATM' because he could simply withdraw wads of cash whenever he fancied.

He ran a scheme financing loans to law firms for 'no win no fee' cases.

Schools has used some of the money from the scam to pay for an estate in Cumbria.

He also had a 45,000 corporate box at Blackpool FC's home ground, claiming it was a business expense for the purpose of corporate hospitality.

Schools who owned Preston firm ATM Solicitors denied but was convicted of three counts of fraudulent trading, one count of fraud and one count of transferring criminal property.

Today's result follows 1.1million being secured from Schools ex-wife, following the sale of a Lake District property in September.

Earlier Paul Raudnitz KC, prosecuting, said: 'A large number of investors in the Axion fund lost all that they had invested.

'The offence fundamentally undermines public confidence in elements of the investment industry.'

'The losses were substantial.'

'These were extremely serious offences conducted over a protracted period of time.'

'The Crown says that this matter was fraudulent from the outset.'

Judge Perrins had told Kennedy: 'The cases were said to have a good prospect of success and that they would conclude within a short period of time.

'Investors were promised that they would get money back with interest whether or not the cases were successful.

'It seemed as though investors would not lose,' the judge added.

'You personally benefited from the fraud in the region of 5.8 million.'

'I am satisfied that the Axion Fund was a fraud from the outset. That is clear from the way that the fund was promoted.

Today's result follows 1.1million being secured from Schools ex-wife, following the sale of a Lake District property (pictured) in September

'Investors were also told that each case was individually vetted to ensure that they had a real prospect of success. This too was a lie.

'Investors were told that there was effective insurance in place if a case failed in court. This proved to be yet another lie.

'You knew investors were being lied to. You knew that the fund was not performing as it should, which was abundantly clear because money was not being repaid into the fund.

'The whole fund was rotten to the core. You knew this and you played a significant role in keeping it going as long as possible so that the money would keep rolling in.

The judge added: 'You used the money you made to fund an extremely lavish lifestyle.

'You were, as far as I can tell, motivated by pure greed.

'You have shown no remorse, you have taken no responsibility for what you have done, You thought only of yourself and your desire to get rich.'

Kennedy was jailed for eight years. He will spend half his sentence in custody.

He was banned from being a company director for 15 years.

Mr Raudnitz had earlier said 35,000 clients were affected.

He said: 'The overall figure of investor money amounts to 107million... Only 6.8 million was returned to the fund so a net loss was something in the region of 100,536,000.

'Litigating the matter has resulted in no meaningful return to the investors.'

He added: 'The very first investment had money siphoned off for School's benefit.

'If that's not a fraud from the outset then I don't know what is.'

Axiom's marketing material claimed investors' cash would be held in the Cayman Islands and forwarded to an 'independent panel' of law firms who would pay it back with 15 per cent interest.

Paul Napper, Head of the Proceeds of Crime, said: "David Kennedy funded a lavish lifestyle with other peoples life savings and many lost everything when his scheme collapsed.

Today's order is a significant step forward in addressing the impact of Kennedys crime on victims.
NASCAR icon Greg Biffle, his wife and two children have died in the fiery North Carolina plane crash, according to his close friend.

Multiple fatalities were reported Thursday after a Cessna C550 private jet, owned by the 55-year-old, crashed on the runway at Statesville Regional Airport around 10.15am, according to aviation records.

The plane, which was on its way to Sarasota, Florida, was seen engulfed in flames as emergency crews rushed to the terrifying scene, about 45 minutes from Charlotte.

On Thursday afternoon, Garrett Mitchell, one of Biffle's friends, shared the sad news that the NASCAR driver, wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were onboard.

'Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane... because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,' Mitchell, who often appears in YouTube videos with Biffle, wrote on Facebook.

'We are devastated. I'm so sorry to share this,' he stated.

A total of seven people died in the crash, including Craig Wadsworth, another NASCAR star. Dennis and his son Jack Dutton were also killed, according to a statement from the families.

'Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,' the statement read. It is unclear who was piloting the aircraft.

NASCAR icon Greg Biffle tragically died in a fiery plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina Thursday morning, according to his friend

Biffle is seen with his wife, Cristina, their five-year-old son, Ryder and Biffle's daughter, Emma

Craig Wadsworth, another NASCAR star, also died in the crash

The plane crashed at Statesville Regional Airport before a massive fire erupted on the runway. The six people on board died

The plane initially took off from the airport then circled back before the deadly landing, meaning there might have been a mechanical issue, WCNC's Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich, said after looking at public flight data.

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) told the Daily Mail that the Cessna C550 crashed while attempting to land.

Following their sudden deaths, NASCAR issued an emotional statement.

'NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash,' the organization told the Daily Mail.

'Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.

'On the track, Gregs talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series.

'Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.'

North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson also confirmed the family tragedy.

Garrett Mitchell (left) is seen with Biffle (bottom right) and other friends

'I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them. They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans,' Hudson said on X.

'But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.

'The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica.

'Thats who the Biffles were. Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.'

It comes after Biffle posted a picture of him piloting the very same plane in September.

According to FAA records, the aircraft belongs to the semi-retired NASCAR driver who was seen in a smiling snap with President Donald Trump in February at the NASCAR Cup series in Daytona Beach, Florida.

He married his ex-wife, Nicole Lunders, in October 2007. They share a teenage daughter, Emma Elizabeth, together. The pair got divorced in 2016.

Biffle went on to marry his current wife, Cristina Grossu, in January 2023 after getting engaged in 2021. They share five-year-old Ryder.

Nearly 24 hours before the fatal crash, Cristina posted a picture in the car on her Instagram story with the caption: 'Busy day today.'

Biffle is seen taking a selfie with President Donald Trump in February in Daytona Beach, Florida

Biffle is seen with his wife, Cristina and their five-year-old son, Ryder

She then shared a picture of Martha Stewart with an inspirational statement on it.

Grossu was a realtor, CEO of My Replica Ring, and a travel agent for CG Luxe Travel, according to her Instagram account.

The couple often posted pictures together online at family and racing events.

Biffle made headlines last year for flying the plane around The Tar Heel State, rescuing stranded citizens, and running emergency relief during Hurricane Helene.

The professional race car driver, also known as 'the Biff', was born in Vancouver, Washington, and started his racing career in the Pacific Northwest.

The tragedy comes 10 years after Biffle was involved in a minor plane crash on the runway at Kentucky's Lexington Airport.

He and two pilots were left unharmed after a landing-gear malfunction caused his plane to collapse while landing at the airport, NASCAR said at the time.

Biffle went on to call the pilots 'heroes' for stopping the wing from leaving the runway and heading into the grass.

'My pilots did a remarkable job,' he said.

The avid flyer is seen inside the same plane that crashed Thursday

NASCAR also has a devastatingly long list of big names who have died in plane crashes.

Alan Kulwicki, Davey Allison, Richie Panch, Curtis Turner, Jack Roush, and more have sadly lost their lives in previous incidents.

In 2004, 10 NASCAR staffers from the same team were all killed in a plane crash into the mountains in Stuart, Virginia.

The Hendrick Motorsports team members and two pilots tragically died in the incident.

Multiple members of the Hendrick family, including Hendrick Motorsports President John Hendrick, his twin daughters, and Ricky Hendrick, former Busch Series driver, died.
A 14-year-old girl died after a fall from a prestigious all-girls private school in New York City, just weeks after a young boys death at a neighboring school.

On Wednesday evening, NYPD officers discovered an unidentified teenage girl unconscious and unresponsive outside the Chapin School on East End Avenue near East 84th Street in the Upper East Side, according to the department.

Authorities said her injuries were 'indicative of falling from an elevated position,' though it remains unclear whether the incident was accidental or intentional.

She was rushed to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Police said no arrests have been made while the investigation continues, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is expected to determine the cause of death.

The young girl's death comes just one month after a 16-year-old boy fell to his death from a private all-boys school in the same Manhattan neighborhood.

On November 13, a teenage student waiting to meet with an administrator about a disciplinary issue died after falling from a fifth-floor window at Regis High School near East 84th Street and Madison Avenue.

Officers discovered him outside the building with injuries consistent with a fall from a height, and he was rushed to the same hospital.

A 14-year-old girl died after a fall from prestigious all-girls private school, Chapin School, in the Upper East Side of New York City on Wednesday evening

The unidentified teen was rushed to Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition but later succumbed to her injuries

Sources told The New York Post that the boy was waiting outside a school officials office on the first floor before walking to the fifth floor and plunging to his death.

Though initially listed in stable condition upon arrival at the hospital, his condition quickly worsened, and he was pronounced dead within two hours.

Hours after the incident, a man leaving the tuition-free school informed the community that someone had an accident and was seriously injured, declining to offer further details, as reported by The Post.

A neighbor said a parent of a student at the school had also received a notification stating that there was an incident on campus and that all students were being sent home for the day.

In a statement to People, a Regis High School representative described the incident as an 'unimaginable tragedy.'

'It is with heavy hearts that we write that one of our students tragically lost his life,' the statement said.

'We are deeply saddened by his loss, and we pray that the Lord welcomes him into eternal rest and comforts his family.'

Sister Mary Grace Walsh, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York, issued an additional statement on behalf of the Catholic schools in the state.

Authorities said the girl's injuries were 'indicative of falling from an elevated position,' though it remains unclear whether the incident was accidental or intentional

Chapin School, established in 1901 by Maria Bowen Chapin, is an elite preparatory institution serving female students from kindergarten through grade 12 (pictured: headmaster Suzanne Fogarty)

On November 13, a 16-year-old boy waiting to meet with an administrator about a disciplinary issue died after falling from a fifth-floor window at Regis High School near East 84th Street and Madison Avenue

'During this difficult time, school counselors remain available to offer support as needed,' she wrote. 'I encourage any young person who may be struggling to reach out to a trusted adult and to rely on the care of those around them.'

'I ask the Catholic school community to join me in holding the Regis High School community close in prayer. May they feel the compassion of our wider community and the peace of Christ as they mourn,' the statement added.

Both Regis High School and Chapin School are private educational institutions, notable in the neighborhood for differing reputations and histories.

According to its website, Regis is 'tuition free and merit based, giving special consideration to families in need of financial assistance.'

The schools 540 students - all in grades 9 through 12 - come from an impressive 219 zip codes across New York City.

Just over half of the students - specifically 52 percent - are sons of immigrants.

On the other hand, Chapin School, established in 1901 by Maria Bowen Chapin, is an elite preparatory institution serving female students from kindergarten through grade 12.

A handful of the schools alumni have achieved national recognition, including former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and presidential daughters Ivanka Trump, Julie Nixon Eisenhower and Tricia Nixon Cox.

In contrast to Regis, Chapin School requires significant tuition, with fees reaching $62,250 for the 20252026 academic year.

However, according to Chapin's website, the school is committed to 'providing generous financial grants to families.'

The NYPD and Chapin School did not immediately respond to Daily Mail's request for comment.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling.

If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
A British surfer from Devon may have ridden her way into the record books after surfing possibly the biggest wave ever attempted by a woman.

Laura Crane, 30, was competing at the Nazare Big Wave Challenge in Portugal on Saturday when she took on the monstrous wall of water.

The Guinness World Records are currently assessing her latest efforts.

Maya Gabeira of Brazil holds the women's record at 73ft (22.4m) wave at Nazare in February 2020, but Ms Crane is confident her wave is taller.

Ms Crane told the Times her jet ski driver warned her it was going to 'be a bomb' while he released her onto the wave going about 30mph.

She described the experience as 'flying'.

'It's just insane, it's a total out of body experience which I don't have words for,' she told The Times, as she prepares to take on another towering swell this week.

'You are moving so quickly and you don't have much control of what is going to happen and it's just having to trust yourself, your training, your body and mind and trust the ocean that everything is going to work out OK.

The Guinness World Records are currently assessing her latest efforts to see if she's beaten the current record of 73ft (22.4m)

'As I looked back over my shoulder and saw this thing, your first feeling is fear, which is the body's response to danger, and the next step is having to really control that and make sure you are as present in that moment and trust that you can do it.'

The small fishing village Nazare, north of Lisbon, turns into a surfers' paradise in winter when a three-mile-deep underwater canyon can generate waves up to a ten-storey high building.

Previously, Marcio Freire, a veteran of the sport, died after vanishing when attempting one of the mammoth waves in 2023.

Several people have also been seriously injured.

Ms Crane is the first British woman to take on the giant waves last year.

Earlier this year, she broke her ankle while surfing a jumbo Nazare wave while training and has continued to hustle to make a comeback for the competition this winter.

She said her angle is similar to Gabeira's, so it should not be too hard to compare.

The verification process can take many months, even years, as experts try to calculate the size of the wave.

When Laura Crane competed on Love Island in 2018 during her break from surfing

Laura Crane, 30, was competing at the Nazare Big Wave Challenge in Portugal on Saturday when she took on the monstrous wall of water

After coming off her wave in one piece, she burst out into tears when she was picked up by her support team on a jet ski.

'It was just incredible tears of happiness and joy, and that I got to have this incredible experience with this wave that I have seen in my dreams a million times over,' she said.

'It's always a lot of relief. Once you look over your shoulder at the most critical part, when it's breaking over your head, you are just trying not to freak out about what is towering behind you. And there is a big moment of relief when your driver is there to pick you up.

'As soon as I came out of the water the photographer said, 'I don't think you understand how big that wave was.'

At the time, while she was competing, the event was put on hold due to a technical fault.

Despite confusion over whether or not people could carry on surfing, she and fellow Brit Andrew Cotton went out and carried on with the competition.

'Most surfers packed up, but I couldn't,' she said. 'I had just hours of light left and the swell was dying. It was a race against time.'

After moving to Devon at the age of eight, Ms Devon fell in love with surfing, but not everything has been smooth sailing to get to this point.

By 12-years-old she picked up several surfing titles and travelling around the world with some of the biggest sponsors in surfing

She has had to overcome sexism, an eating disorder and sepsis while also gaining confidence back on the waves.

By 12-years-old she picked up several surfing titles and travelling around the world with some of the biggest sponsors in surfing.

But as time went on, she said the surfing world would treat women more like models than athletes.

One example of this was when she was 15, she was encouraged to post pictures in a bikini or next to a surfboard but never actually surfing. She also developed an eating disorder by the age of 16 which she says was not uncommon for women surfers.

After taking a break from all the different pressures, she appeared on Love Island but was not prepared for the backlash that came along with it , including looking different to the other girls.

When she moved to London in 2018, she was admitted to hospital with sepsis. Ms Crane thought this was her body's way of rejecting a fast paced lifestyle and was so near the beach again.

Training for Nazare involved months of both physical and mental preparations, including training her to stay calm when she felt stressed.

'I believe I have been training for this my whole life,' she said. 'Big wave surfing is really interesting and your life experiences play a part in your mental strength.

'I wouldn't want to live through some of the things I have lived through again, but it's given me a thick skin and belief to keep fighting and keep that path open for someone else after me as well. It's a lifetime in the making and I will still keep going.'

She said the thought of breaking the world record was 'very exciting for British surfing.'
President Donald Trump signed an an executive order to free up federal restrictions on marijuana on Thursday, despite deep reservations from his most fierce allies on Capitol Hill.

'I promised to be the president of common sense and that is exactly what we are doing,' Trump said.

He said that 'so many people' reached out to him to endorse the idea, particularly from people suffering from the pain as a result of cancer.

'It doesn't legalize marijuana in any way, shape or form,' he said. 'And in no way sanctions it's use for a recreational drug,' Trump said.

The president pointedly repeated his opposition to the use of illegal drugs.

'I always told my kids don't take drugs,' Trump said, telling America's youth to 'just don't do it.'

Trump's executive order reclassifies marijuana from a Schedule I drug with 'no currently accepted medical use' to a Schedule III drug, primarily to free up the plant allowing it to be researched.

Marijuana business stocks spiked on Wall Street as news of the president's decision on the issue was made public.

President Donald Trump sits in the Oval Office to sign an executive order to reclassify marijuana as a schedule III drug

The president cited the benefits of marijuana for medical use as a common sense decision

Senior administration officials described the order as the president keeping his 2024 campaign promise.

Last year Trump announced support for rescheduling the drug to allow 'research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana' even though he expressed his desire to ban it's use in public spaces to prevent the smell from affecting cities.

A senior administration official told the Daily Mail that the president sided with a 'common sense' approach, to improve research into medical marijuana and CBD products.

'The president has heard from so many people who have talked about the potential benefits of medical marijuana and CBD use,' the official said.

Many America seniors, the official noted, were using the drug to manage 'chronic pain' and that the president was 'very focused' on opening it up for research into the health risks of doing so.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Trump's action divides the political coalition that voted him into office.

Advocates argue that marijuana and psilocybin no longer rank with other deadly drugs like heroin and should be reclassified, allowing it to be studied. The decision will also encourage more banking and investment into marijuana businesses.

The rescheduling issue is also opposed by some pharmaceutical groups, who prefer Americans rely on legal medications for treaments.

Traditional conservatives are generally not supportive of legalizing or streamlining any use of marijuana, warning of the societal and health consequences of doing so.

Several House Republicans protested the president's decision, issuing a letter on Thursday morning warning Trump from sending the wrong message on marijuana.

The letter was signed by Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Maryland and 24 other GOP lawmakers to urge him against the decision.

Small marijuana plants, available for sale, are shown in a medical marijuana dispensary in Oakland, California

A venture capital booth is seen at the Cannabis World Congress and Business Exposition.

"Rescheduling tells our youth that marijuana use is acceptable and safe, a dangerous falsehood that will sink us deeper into our countrys drug crisis,' the letter read.

Republicans expressed their concerns that loosening the restrictions on marijuana research would only enhance the cultural shift toward normalizing it's use for recreational use.

"Rescheduling marijuana will not make America great. You have always been a role model for Americas youth, telling young people for years that they should never do drugs. We hope that you consider the harms of marijuana rescheduling and continue sending that strong message of hope to the next generation."

Four senators  Todd Budd, John Barrasso, Tom Cotton, and Shelley Moore Capito,  joined their Republican congressional colleagues.

'The only winners from rescheduling will be bad actors such as Communist China, while Americans will be left paying the bill,' they wrote, citing marijuana's link to mass shooters and depression, anxiety, suicide and psychosis.

The letter also warned of damage from marijuana use on 'brain health' and 'permanent IQ loss.'

'[F]acilitating the growth of the marijuana industry is at odds with growing our economy and encouraging healthy lifestyles for Americans,' the letter read.
A Florida gym 'Karen' has been arrested after she was caught on camera punching a staff member in the face.

Kiara Bryant, 35, has been charged with misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct for the December 12 altercation.

Viral video appears to show a woman, identified by police as Bryant, allegedly punching an unidentified Miami Planet Fitness employee in the face after he asked her to be quiet.

Miami police were first called to the gym over a woman 'running without clothing at the Planet Fitness,' according to an arrest report obtained by the Daily Mail.

Upon arrival, the responding officer found Bryant 'causing a disturbance in the parking lot of the establishment, yelling profanities and yelling at all bystanders.'

The Planet Fitness employee told police that Bryant had been inside the gym 'for a while, causing a disturbance in the locker room, yelling and being disorderly.'

When Bryant left the locker room, the worker said he told Bryant she could not be yelling inside Planet Fitness and to lower her voice or leave, or he would call the cops.

Bryant then became irate and came up to the worker's face, causing him to push her back and away from him twice with both hands in self-defense, according to the report.

Kiara Bryant, 35, has been arrested after she was allegedly caught on camera punching a Miami Planet Fitness worker in the face on December 12

When the worker asked her to be quiet, Bryant allegedly became irate and climbed over the front desk counter and taunted him several times before she began hitting

She then allegedly became constantly aggressive towards the worker, balling her fists.

Moments later, she was captured on video jumping over the counter into an employee-only restricted space while yelling profanities and chasing him.

Bryant allegedly did this twice until the third time, where she 'repeatedly' punched the worker in the nose with a closed fist.

She exited the building and tried to flee in her car, but was confronted by bystanders, which caused her to get out of the vehicle and attempt to 'fight everyone,' according to the report.

Police said Bryant even told an officer that she 'came up to the victim, got in his face and flinched at him in an aggressive manner because he told her she couldn't be disorderly inside the gym.'

Bryant was subsequently arrested without incident and released from jail on a $150 bond.

The victim's lawyer, Alecsander Kohn, told CBS News Miami that they do not feel the misdemeanor charges against Bryant are strong enough.

'She took things too far, brutally battered our client, and ultimately, left him in the hospital with a broken nose and severe emotional distress,' Kohn said.

Police say Bryant allegedly punched the victim in the face and nose several times before she attempted to flee

Bryant (pictured) has been charged with misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct, and was released from jail on $150 bond

'This would be a case of felony battery. Hopefully, through some strong advocacy, there will be a modification of the charges to reflect the severity of the injuries he sustained.'

Planet Fitness released a statement saying they cooperated with law enforcement and are committed to providing a safe environment.

'The safety of our employees and members is our top priority, and we have zero tolerance for violence of any kind in our clubs,' the statement said.

'The franchise group worked closely with local police and has cancelled the member in question.'
A 'paltry' five-year prison term for a thug who killed a father has sparked claims of 'soft sentencing'.

Demiesh Williams, 30, beat Andrew Clark to death following an argument over queue jumping at a supermarket in Beckenham, south-east London.

Today, Williams was sentenced to five years and three months in prison following the death of Andrew Clark, who was hailed as a 'hard-working family man'.

The surprisingly short sentence for Williams has led to a widespread public outcry with shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick describing it as 'paltry'.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Jenrick said: 'Williams committed an appalling crime and yet his prison sentence is paltry.

'A five year sentence, reduced further under the early release scheme, is not justice. I am writing to the Attorney General asking that it is reconsidered.'

The Daily Mail understands that Mr Jenrick is going to appeal Williams's sentence.

Woolwich Crown Court heard Mr Clark had challenged the defendant when he tried to queue jump at the tills.

Demiesh Williams (pictured), 30, was today sentenced to five years and three months in prison over the death of Andrew Clark

Speaking to the Daily Mail, shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick described Williams's sentence as 'paltry'

Bus driver Williams then left the shop and went to a car but, as seen on CCTV, decided to go back and confront Mr Clark.

The court was told the attacker then slapped his victim with an open hand, causing him to fall to the ground.

Mr Clark died three days later of his injuries, after being declared brain dead.

Williams later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was jailed this morning.

Judge Andrew Lees said: 'Andrew Clark was 43 at the time of his death. He was a hard-working family man.

'I have heard heartfelt statements read to the court by Andrew's wife and his sister. What the family said in court brings home the magnitude of what has happened and the devastating loss and consequences of your actions.

'The family are dealing with unimaginable grief from which recovery is unlikely to ever be complete. By all accounts Andrew Clark was much loved, much respected, and will be much missed, and it should never have happened.'

He told the defendant: 'Demiesh Williams, for the manslaughter of Andrew Clark the sentence of the court is five years and three months.

Join the debate Do you think the sentence is inadequate?

Demiesh Williams, 30, was today sentenced to five years and three months in prison over the death of Andrew Clark (pictured), who was hailed as a 'hard-working family man'

Williams (pictured) is seen here entering the Sainsbury's in Beckenham, south-east London

'You will serve up to two thirds of that sentence in prison thereafter you will be released subject to licence conditions. If you breach your licence conditions you will be recalled to prison.'

Mr Clark's 14-year-old daughter previously told Williams that though he would one day walk free, he had 'destroyed' her family in the 'cruellest way possible'.

In a statement read to the court by her aunt, she said: 'My dad was not just my dad. He was my best friend. We did everything together.'

She addressed the killer, saying: 'You did this to my dad. My dad was the most generous man I know. I don't want to live my life without him.

'You got to keep your family, while you destroyed mine in the cruellest way.'

And Mr Clark's wife Cairistine read her impact statement in court, asking the killer: 'What type of man choses to kill rather than simply walking away?

'You are a coward. You are a killer. You are a monster.'

The court heard Mr Clark, a Newcastle United fan, had watched his club's Carabao Cup victory on March 16 with his family at home in Beckenham, south-east London.

Demiesh Williams is seen outside at the Sainsbury's store in Beckenham, south-east London

Alistair Richardson, prosecuting, told the court the victim and his wife went to the Sainsbury's near their home to buy some food for the following day after the match.

Mrs Clark then found her husband arguing with Williams at the tills, it was said.

Witnesses described seeing Williams walk to his parked car, get something out, and return to the store with a face covering on as Mr Clark was leaving.

Mr Richardson continued: 'Mrs Clark saw the defendant coming towards her husband. He was striding with intent - striding towards him.

'He had a face covering on. He hit Mr Clark on the side of his head. All she could hear was the noise.

'He did not try to break his fall or anything. He was just knocked out.'

Mr Richardson added that an experienced CCTV officer viewed the footage of the attack and deemed it a 'slap' with an 'open hand' rather than a punch.

Another witness, using a nearby cash machine, said he heard a 'crack' as Mr Clark's head hit the floor, followed by Williams saying: 'I told you to f****** apologise'.

Mr Clark was rushed to the hospital but died three days later from a 'catastrophic' brain injury.

Williams, a father of three, was later arrested at a house in Croydon, south London, and charged two days later.

He denied murder but later admitted manslaughter at Woolwich Crown Court. He will serve two thirds of the five years and three months before he is released on licence.

Afterwards, Mr Clark's family said today in a statement: 'Today's sentence brings some degree of closure after an unimaginably painful nine months for our family.

'Andrew's loss has had a profound impact on each of us and we continue to live with the consequences of his absence every day

'For us as a family this prosecution has exposed serious shortcomings within our outdated justice system.

'Victims are too often left without the protection, transparency and fairness they deserve.

'An archaic legal framework cannot meet the demands of modern society nor the needs of victims, their families, friends and wider communities.

'Over-crowded and underfunded prisons place pressure on courts to sentence based on capacity rather than justice.

'Without genuine accountability, true justice and meaningful reform, reoffending will continue and many more families may face the same devastation we have.

'Andrew will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humour and love.'
Sir Keir Starmer has chosen a long-serving diplomat as Britain's new US ambassador as he opted for a 'safe' choice to replace the disgraced Lord Mandelson.

Dr Christian Turner will become the UK's most senior diplomat in America as he fills a role that had been left vacant for the past three months.

He had previously been picked to become Britain's permanent representative to the UN in New York, but had not yet taken up the post.

Dr Turner was previously political director at the Foreign Office. He is also a former British high commissioner to Pakistan.

Between 2017 to 2019, he served as then-prime minister Theresa May's international affairs adviser and deputy national security adviser in Downing Street.

Dr Turner will be viewed as a 'safe' choice for dealing with Donald Trump's White House following the chaotic sacking of Lord Mandelson in September.

The Labour peer was fired by the Prime Minister over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, after emails revealed the depth of his relationship with the paedophile financier.

Sir Keir, who handpicked Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, took the action after it emerged how he sent supportive messages even as Epstein faced jail for sex crimes.

Dr Christian Turner will become the UK's most senior diplomat in America as he fills a role that had been left vacant for the past three months

Lord Mandelson was fired by the Prime Minister over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, after emails revealed the depth of his relationship with the paedophile financier

The Government said the emails showed 'the depth and extent' Lord Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was 'materially different from that known at the time of his appointment'.

The PM had defended Lord Mandelson until the emergence of the emails. Lord Mandelson has said he regretted continuing his association with Epstein.

Dr Turner has been appointed as Lord Mandelson's replacement by King Charles after the PM approved the recommendation of Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

He is said to have beaten Nigel Casey, the UK's ambassador to Russia, and Varun Chandra, the PM's business adviser, in being chosen for the role.

Sir Keir said: 'The UK and US have a very special relationship, and Christian's extensive experience as an outstanding diplomat will support this uniquely close bond and ensure it continues to flourish.

'I warmly congratulate him as he starts his work to further build our strong economic and security ties and deliver for the British people.'

Ms Cooper said Dr Turner 'brings exceptional diplomatic experience and deep understanding to this vital role'.

'His leadership in strengthening partnerships across the world will be invaluable as we work together to uphold the UK's crucial special relationship with the US, she added.

Dr Turner said he was 'honoured' to be nominated for the Washington DC role, adding: 'Our two countries share an historic partnership rooted in common values, shared security and deep economic ties.

'At a pivotal time for the transatlantic relationship, I look forward to working with President Trump's administration, and leaders in Congress, business and society to strengthen that bond in the years ahead.'
Jeffrey Epstein rubbed shoulders with the world's richest men at a so-called billionaires' dinner three years after he was convicted of sex crimes.

House Democrats released 68 photographs from Epstein's estate on Thursday, including images taken at the Edge Group's annual dinner in 2011.

The event, hosted by literary agent John Brockman's nonprofit, was attended by some of the tech industry's most powerful people, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, and Google co-founder Sergey Brin.

The House Oversight Committee published images of Epstein, New York Times columnist David Brooks, former YouTube CEO Salar Kamangar and Brin at the event.

Images of other attendees were not included in the files and the committee did not provide any context for the images of the people at the event who were included. It comes a day before the deadline for the DOJ to release its Epstein files.

Some of the newly unearthed images exactly matched photographs published on the Edge website that were allegedly taken by Microsoft's former Chief Technology Officer Nathan Myhrvold, who was previously named in the Epstein files.

Other photos included in the dump are seemingly from the Epstein estate's personal collection, though appear to be taken in the same style as Myhrvold's images.

Given that the late financier's estate handed over thousands of photos to the House Democrats without providing any context, it is unclear which photographer captured Epstein's photographs.

House Democrats released 68 photographs from Jeffrey Epstein's estate on Thursday, including images taken at the Edge Group's annual Billionaires' Dinner in 2011. Epstein is pictured at the event, seated with several other guests

The trove of newly released images included a picture of smiling Sergey Brin. This image of the Google co-founder can also be found on the Edge Group's website

Former YouTube CEO Salar Kamangar (right) and David Brooks (left, background) were photographed at the 2011 dinner

Images released by the House Oversight Committee revealed that New York Times columnist David Brooks (right) attended the dinner and was apparently sat near Sergey Brin (left, background) during the meal

Epstein was a guest at the 2011 event, despite having already pleaded guilty to two prostitution-related felonies in Florida.

After his arrest in 2019, the Edge Group - a nonprofit that gather scientists, philosophers, artists and technologists so they can discuss cutting-edge ideas - scrubbed record of him attending the dinner from its website.

The 2011 Billionaires' Dinner was held in New York City, with Epstein among the attendees of the star-studded event.

The House Oversight Committee released photographs of Epstein, Brin, Brooks and Kamangar at the event. They were the only attendees photographed in the file.

It is unclear why they chose to publish this selection of images or if Epstein's estate turned over any other photographs from the dinner.

Other guests at the dinner included Musk, who is seen boasting a massive smile in a photograph on the Edge website, Bezos, and Microsoft's Craig Mundie.

Google was represented by Brin, software engineer Lori Park and Marissa Mayer, who went on to serve as CEO of Yahoo from 2012 to 2017.

Lucy Page Southworth, who has been married to Google co-founder Larry Page since 2007, was also in attendance.

Bezos, Mundie, Park, Mayer and Page Southworth were featured in photographs from the dinner on the Edge website, but were not photographed in the Epstein files.

This photo of David Brooks was included in the House Oversight Committee's trove. The exact image can be found on the Edge website with Nathan Myhrvold as the credited photographer

The dinner was also attended by leading minds in science, such as 23andMe co-founder Anne Wojcicki, computer scientist Danny Hillis and Tony Fadell, who is best known as 'the father of the iPod.'

Musician Peter Gabriel, actresses Talulah Musk and Italian businessman Jean Pigozzi, who is an investor, art collector and photographer, were among the artists in attendance.

Mexican businessman Ricardo Salinas Pilego, representing the Grupo Salinas television conglomerate, and literary agency CEO Max Brockman were pictured at the event, as was venture capitalist Zack Bogue.

Edge also published smiling photos of Jennifer Jacquet, an associate professor of Environmental Studies at the University of British Columbia, and Participant Media founder Jeff Skoll.

None of these individuals were pictured in the Epstein files.

Meanwhile, the Edge Group appears to no longer host its annual Billionaires' Dinner, with the last one having taken place in 2015.

Interest in the billionaires' dinner resurged Thursday after the House Oversight Committee released a trove of new Epstein files Thursday.

The latest batch of documents included sickening pictures of the disgraced financier surrounded by women and disturbing images of handwritten messages on a woman's body including 'she was Lola in slacks' and 'she was Polly at school'.

Sergey Brin (left) and David Brooks (right) appeared deep in conversation is this photograph released by House Democrats. This same image can also be found on the Edge website

The phrases are quotes from Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita, a novel about a middle-aged man's sexual obsession with a young girl, which is also pictured in the background.

Other newly released images included billionaire Bill Gates posing with women whose faces have been redacted, and prominent philosopher Noam Chomsky on board Epstein's private jet.

The Microsoft founder was previously pictured alongside Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, in a released photograph.

Gates, who sought contributions from the financier for his philanthropy efforts, has described his association with Epstein as a 'huge mistake'.

The cache also includes images of filmmaker Woody Allen and former Donald Trump strategist Steve Bannon - both of whom featured in an earlier photo release.

The latest batch of photographs do not appear to depict any unlawful conduct by any of the subjects.

But one screenshot - unrelated to The Edge event - shows a snippet of a text exchange in which an unknown sender appears to discuss recruiting young women.

'I have a friend scout she sent me some girls today. But she asks $1000 per girl. I will send u girls now. Maybe someone will be good for J?' the post says.

The screenshot includes a partially redacted physical description and the line '18 y old,' but provides no names or clear indication of who is speaking.

After Epstein's arrest in 2019, the Edge Group - a nonprofit that gather scientists, philosophers, artists and technologists so they can discuss cutting-edge ideas - scrubbed record of him attending the dinner from its website. This is a screenshot of his since-deleted Edge profile

David Brooks (front, right) is pictured during the meal. He was apparently seated next to Sergey Brin (center, background)

Democrats have selectively released the 68 pictures along with dozens of others in recent weeks, all of which have been pulled from a collection of 95,000 unseen images from Epstein's estate.

The images released on Thursday come ahead of the legal deadline for the US Department of Justice to release the so-called 'Epstein files'.

The law, named the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requires the Justice Department to provide Epstein-related records to the public in a searchable format by Friday.

Tens of thousands of records relating to Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell have already been released through civil and criminal cases in the US.

Epstein was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan, New York, in August 2019 while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide.
Washington's premier cultural center will soon feature a new name.

Speaking in the Oval Office on Thursday afternoon, President Donald Trump told reporters that he was 'honored' when he learned that the Kennedy Center's Board voted to add his name to the iconic building.

'The board is most distinguished people in the country. I was surprised by it. I was honored by it. We saved the building,' Trump added.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared earlier Thursday that the Kennedy Center's Board of Directors voted unanimously rebrand the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center in a move that is expected to outrage DC's arts community and Democrats nationwide.

Kennedy Center's Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi told Daily Mail that President Trump 'saved the institution from financial ruin and physical destruction.'

'The new Trump Kennedy Center reflects the unequivocal bipartisan support for Americas cultural center for generations to come,' Daravi added.

'No one is going to call it the Trump-Kennedy Center. No one,' posted one liberal influencer with a X following of over 1 million.

'The most petty, envious man alive ... is destroying another national institution,' griped another Brooklyn-based Democrat.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors at the Kennedy Center on December 07, 2025 in Washington, DC

President of the Kennedy Center Richard Grenell poses on the red carpet for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 7, 2025

The center will now be formally known as The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.

During the Kennedy Center Honors earlier this month, Trump himself was asked by reporters if the entire Kennedy Center should bear his name.

He responded at the time that the decision should be left up to the institution's board.

Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell told the Daily Mail earlier this month that Trump's real estate background saved the 54-year-old landmark from demolition.

'When I arrived at our building, people and our engineers said we should tear down the Kennedy Center, completely start over, and go to Congress and ask for massive amounts of money,' Grenell said.

Grenell took Trump on a tour to assess the damage firsthand. 'We went downstairs, I showed him the sewer system that is collapsing,' he said.

Unlike the controversial decision to tear down the East Wing of the White House, Trump opted to save the Kennedy Center.

'I can save it,' he told Grenell, choosing renovation over demolition. Trump asked Congress for $250 million for the project in the 'One Big Beautiful' bill that passed just before the bicameral July 4 recess.

Moments before making history as the first sitting president to host the Kennedy Center Honors, Trump told reporters the Center 'could never be built again.'

'It's got three massive stagesdance, theater, and the place we will be in tonight. There's really nothing like it in the country,' Trump said.

President Donald J. Trump hosts The 48th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, which will broadcast on Tuesday, December 23

Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Amb. Richard Grenell, Kennedy Center President, Amb. Sergio Gor, Amb. Monica Crowley and (Front Row L-R) Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, Michael Crawford pose for the class photo at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors Medallion Reception at the U.S. Department of State on December 06, 2025 in Washington, DC

The Center's signature events are tied to prime opportunities to raise money for the venue and it's programs.

This year's Kennedy Center Honors raised 'a record $23 million ... 'nearly doubling the $12.7 million raised last year under President Joe Biden,' per Fox News.

The haul was also the largest in history, according to the report.

Grenell told the Daily Mail earlier this year ahead of the National Symphony Orchestra's annual fundraising gala that over $2.5 million was raised for the group, which was more than $1 million above the previous NSO galas.

The Kennedy Center's press team also told the Daily Mail that $131 million in total has been raised under Grenell's leadership.

Trump's Kennedy Center takeover has also become the center of heated political debate, drawing varied reactions from the city's arts community regarding recent changes in leadership and direction.

The Kennedy Center Honors were the latest step in showcasing the Center's revival in the Trump era, with the president himself hosting the awards show.

Further name changes could also be coming to the Center, as an amendment was made to a funding legislation which proposes renaming the opera house after First Lady Melania Trump, who serves as the Honorary Chair of the Center's Board of Trustees.

The move was spurred by Republican Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho, who is Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.

'Naming a theater after her is an excellent way to recognize her appreciation for the arts,' said Rep. Simpson at the time.

The measure was approved by the Simpson's committee with a vote of 33 to 28. Appropriations funding for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies has still not been passed.
The mass shooting at Brown University that left two students dead may be linked to the fatal shooting of a senior MIT professor two days later, police have said.

Investigators are examining whether the same gunman carried out both attacks.

Officers have released CCTV images of a person of interest and widened the manhunt to Salem, New Hampshire, around 85 miles from the Brown campus, as the suspect remains on the run and no arrests have been made.

An unidentified gunman opened fire during a study session at the Ivy League university's School of Engineering in Providence, Rhode Island, shortly after 4pm on Saturday.

The attacker burst into the Barus and Holley Building and fired around 40 rounds, killing Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, of Virginia, and Ella Cook, of Alabama, and wounding 12 others before fleeing the scene.

Despite a major police operation, investigators have so far failed to track the shooter down.

Now, detectives are examining whether the attack could be linked to the fatal shooting of Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro, who was gunned down inside his home in Brookline, near Boston, around 8.30pm on Monday evening - roughly 50 miles from the Brown campus.

Law enforcement sources say the suspected Brown shooter rented a vehicle that was later found near the scene of Professor Loureiro's killing.

The Brown University shooting which killed two students and the assassination of an MIT professor two days later may be connected, police have said. (Pictured: Victim Ella Cook)

Officers have released CCTV images of a person of interest and widened the manhunt to Salem, New Hampshire, around 85 miles from the Brown campus, as the suspect remains on the run and no arrests have been made

The car was the same make and model as one identified in connection with the MIT professor's death, according to CBS News.

Anonymous police sources told NBC10 that investigators made the potential link after tracing an overdue rental car believed to be connected to both shootings - a development described by local outlet WPRI as a 'new break in the case'.

FBI agent Ted Docks said earlier this week that 'there seems to be no connection' between the two attacks, but investigators later confirmed they are actively exploring whether the incidents are linked.

The manhunt has now moved to Salem, New Hampshire, around 85 miles north of Brown University, where police are searching for the unnamed suspect.

Authorities have released grainy CCTV footage showing a shadowy figure dressed in dark clothing and are appealing to the public for help identifying him.

A person of interest was detained at a Hampton Inn in Coventry, Rhode Island, the day after the Brown shooting, but was later released without charge.

No arrests have been made and no suspect has been publicly named.

Professor Loureiro, 47, was a married father of three and the recently appointed director of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, which employs more than 250 researchers.

Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov (pictured left), the second Brown University victim killed on Saturday, has been remembered by his roommate as an aspiring neurosurgeon and 'ball of joy'

Married father-of-three Nuno F.G. Loureiro (pictured), 47, was gunned down at his home in a leafy Boston suburb at 8.30pm by an unknown shooter who is still on the loose

A neighbour, Louise Cohen, said she discovered his body after hearing gunshots ring out in their normally quiet street.

She told police she had been lighting a menorah candle when she heard the shots, before rushing into the hallway and finding Loureiro lying on his back.

Loureiro's wife and another neighbour were also present as they dialled 911. Loureiro was taken to hospital but died the following day.

Loureiro's neighbors remembered him as a kind-hearted, 'wonderful man', while students flocked to the candle-lit vigil in his memory.

MIT paid tribute to Loureiro as a 'lauded theoretical physicist and fusion scientist', noting that he earned his doctorate at Imperial College London in 2005 and later worked at the UK Atomic Energy Authority's Culham Centre for Fusion Energy.

MIT President Sally Kornbluth said the killing came during a 'period of disturbing violence', adding: 'It's entirely natural to feel the need for comfort and support.'

The Norfolk District Attorney's Office confirmed no arrests have been made in Loureiro's death, describing it as an 'active and ongoing homicide investigation'.

Loureiro's neighbors remembered him as a kind-hearted, 'wonderful man', while students flocked to the candle-lit vigil in his memory, as shown in the photograph above

Police continue to urge anyone with information - particularly in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire - to come forward.

Loureiro specialized in nuclear science, engineering and physics. He leaves behind 'many devoted students, friends, and colleagues', according to his MIT obituary.

His academic career started at the Instituto Superior Tecnico in Lisbon, Portugal, where he gained a physics degree.

Loureiro obtained a doctorate in physics from Imperial College London in 2005, before starting post-doctoral work at Princeton later that year.

He also worked at the UK Atomic Energy Authority's Culham Centre for Fusion Energy between 2007 and 2009.

Loureiro's neighbors remembered him as a kind-hearted, 'wonderful man', while students flocked to the candle-lit vigil in his memory.

MIT President Sally Kornbluth acknowledged that the beloved professor died in the wake of the Brown University shooting just two days before.

'This shocking loss for our community comes in a period of disturbing violence in many other places,' she said in a statement.

'It's entirely natural to feel the need for comfort and support.

'If you or anyone you know would like counsel or just a listening ear, I encourage you to make use of our many campus resources.

'In time, the many communities Nuno belonged to will create opportunities to mourn his loss and celebrate his life.'
A senior policing boss has made a personal apology for botching a probe into a complaint by the family of murdered banker Alistair Wilson.

Chris Brown, head of the Scottish Police Authority, visited Mr Wilsons widow Veronica and one of his sons in Nairn to apologise for its initial investigation into the grievance.

Mr Wilson, 30, was shot on the steps of his home in the Highland town in November 2004 while his wife and two young sons were inside, but the killer has not been caught.

The family had accused Deputy Chief Constable Bex Smith of misleading them over the arrest of a suspect  a complaint which was upheld by the SPA, the civilian oversight body for Police Scotland.

An initial probe had dismissed the complaint but the SPA had to carry out a fresh review after the involvement of the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC)  and the second one upheld a complaint against Ms Smith.

It is understood that Ms Smith will face no further action beyond guidance from Chief Constable Jo Farrell, in light of the SPA inquiry.

A second complaint by Mr Wilsons family against Ms Farrell is ongoing after they accused her of making a misleading public statement about the reinvestigation of the cold case killing.

The Mail was told Mr Brown believes he was well received by the Wilson family when he visited them this month ahead of the conclusion of the complaint inquiry against Ms Smith.

Alistair Wilson with his toddler son Andrew

Chris Brown, Chief Executive of the Scottish Police Authority

But the meeting highlights the tension between Mr Wilsons relatives and police. One source close to the family said: Bex Smith should be sacked and made an example of  and the same goes for Jo Farrell.

Ms Smith gave false information to Mr Wilsons widow and her son Andrew in September and October 2023 over the cancelled arrest of a suspect.

The suspect had been due to be arrested in May 2023, but the Crown Office called it off.

The family were told of the arrest at the time but claimed Ms Smith, then an Assistant Chief Constable, lied to them about it at the two meetings.

A probe was then launched by the SPA after a complaint was made by Gary Winter, a former detective inspector on the murder investigation team.

An SPA report initially rejected Mr Winters two complaints. But the PIRC found the SPA probe had fallen well short of what would be considered a reasonable standard.

A letter from the SPA said the two complaints against Ms Smith have been upheld.

An SPA spokesman said: The authority does not comment on complaint or conduct matters.

Assistant Chief Constable Bex Smith

Ilya Zharov of the PIRC said: We conducted a review, identified there were shortcomings in the Scottish Police Authoritys handling of these complaints and concluded they must be looked at again in full. We are aware the family has received a revised response from the SPA and are satisfied our direction has been carried out.

Ilya Zharov, head of reviews and policy for the PIRC, said: 'Our role is to uphold public confidence in policing.

'We conducted a full and thorough review of this case, identified that there were shortcomings in the Scottish Police Authoritys handling of these complaints and concluded that they must be looked at again in full.

'We are aware that the family of Mr Wilson has now received a revised response from the SPA and are therefore satisfied that our direction has been carried out.'
A Nationalist MSP was bugged by a member of her own staff at her office in the Scottish parliament, it was claimed yesterday.

The former worker is alleged to have placed listening devices in the office of the unnamed politician but remains an office bearer in a local SNP branch.

The individual reportedly worked for the party under four First Ministers and used to be an aide for senior party members.

It is understood staff members affected approached Holyrood presiding officer Alison Johnstone for support in August.

The Scotsman reported the worker admitted planting audio recording devices during an unrelated HR probe.

It is understood evidence of bugging was then found in the constituency and Holyrood offices.

It is claimed an MSP was bugged by a member of her own staff at her office in the Scottish parliament

First Minister John Swinney was urged to say what he knew and when

Staff members affected are said to have approached Holyrood presiding officer Alison Johnstone for support in August

Complaints were made to the authorities and counselling was offered to the MSP and staff.

Although no longer working directly for an MSP or MP, the unnamed accused man remains an SNP activist and is understood to be campaigning for the party into next years election.

One source said: This is a man who was trying to undermine a politician in the party of government and because hes talented and highly competent, hes still there. Its another spy scandal and its been swept under the carpet.

Another source said the staffers behaviour was inexplicable, but the lack of punishment was consistent with a woman problem in the party.

Yesterday, First Minister John Swinney was urged to say what he knew and when. Telling the media he was not familiar with all the details, he said: That type of conduct is completely and utterly unacceptable. You shouldnt be subjected to that kind of behaviour.

Opposition parties demanded to know what the SNP hierarchy knew about the 2023 incident.

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: The SNP cannot try to brush these allegations under the carpet. John Swinney must come clean and tell Scots what he knew.

Former Nationalist MP Joanna Cherry KC said the matter should have been reported to the police

Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said John Swinney 'must come clean' about the matter

Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said the revelations pose serious questions for the SNP top brass. She added: It appears a grave breach of privacy and potentially criminal behaviour has been swept under the carpet. It looks like the SNP chose to close ranks and protect their own, rather than dealing with misconduct head-on.

Former Nationalist MP Joanna Cherry, KC, wrote on X: When will the SNP accept they have a huge problem with misogyny and do something about it? This individual should have been reported to the police and barred from parliament.

A parliament spokesman said: Each MSP is an employer in their own right and is responsible for managing staff welfare issues and employment disputes.

An SNP spokesman said the party has no involvement in the employment processes of parliamentarians.

A source close to Mr Swinney said attempts to link him to the scandal was a smear, adding: The First Minister knows nothing about this.
An islander was left with a huge mobile roaming bill after her daughter used her phone on a lifeline ferry  despite not leaving the country.

Joanne Williams teenage daughter racked up around 140 worth of extra charges after travelling between Shetland and Aberdeen aboard a ferry, a journey which takes place within Scottish waters.

Ms Williams, who pays the bill, said she had been left puzzled at how the iD Mobile bill had soared until she realised it coincided with taking the NorthLink service and noticing she had been charged an international roaming charge.

The 45-year-old said: Its not international waters, its UK territory. Shetland is part of the United Kingdom, its not separate.

We shouldnt be charged for that. Its actually a lifeline service that we have here, and it is public transport.

iD Mobile said it would advised customers travelling by ferry to switch their phone to aeroplane mode, and that spending caps could be set.

But Alistair Carmichael, the Orkney and Shetland MP, has now written to mobile regulator Ofcom to demand answers.

Mr Carmichael said: For people on a domestic ferry service to be charged international roaming charges on their mobile is utterly bizarre.

Mum Joanne Williams, hit with roaming charges on her daughter's mobile phone after it was used on a ferry from the mainland to Shetland

The Northlink ferry sails from Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland

Whatever the practical causes of this issue, it is difficult to see any principled justification for NorthLink passengers to be billed for roaming charges, or for their mobile usage to be treated as though it were international.

'This is a lifeline ferry service going from one UK port to another, entirely within UK waters. It is surely not unreasonable that passengers would expect their mobile charges to work as normal.

Northlink are not at fault in this issue and I welcome their efforts to help passengers avoid such charges, but there surely has to be a proper solution that goes beyond simply turning mobile data off.

Ms Williams said she has had 100 of the bill refunded by iD Mobile, but is still out of pocket because of the roaming charge.

She said she has now put spending caps in place, but did not consider doing that, having roaming switched off and turning data off as given the North Sea ferry remains in the UK.

Ms Williams said: Obviously if I went to Morocco or I went to Spain or something I would think about it because youre going on holiday, youre going away, youre going to another country.

But going to Aberdeen isnt another country. Were all in the same country.

She warned other ferry passengers  both tourists and locals  could be hit with the unnecessary charge.

Airplane mode icon

An iD Mobile spokesman, who confirmed Ms Williams received a partial refund as a gesture of good will, said: We advise all customers travelling by ferry or cruise ship to switch their phones to aeroplane mode while at sea, as roaming charges can apply even when travelling a short distance between countries that are normally included in their allowance.

This is because many operators use onboard networks that connect via satellite rather than traditional land masts.

Satellite connections are significantly more expensive to operate, which means usage at sea is not covered by standard roaming plans. This is common across the industry.

And an Ofcom spokesman said: Charges can be different when youre on a ferry or a cruise.

Mobile phones used in costal areas or at sea might not be able to connect to UK land-based networks and may instead seek out the ships satellite connection.
Angus Robertson has been accused of thin-skinned grievance mongering after launching a fresh attack on the BBC.

The Culture Secretary complained to MSPs about the broadcaster referring to Labour as the Government instead of one of several governments in the UK.

He said the wording would not be used in other European countries and accused the BBC of failing to change its attitude to reflect 25 years of devolution.

It was Mr Robertsons second gripe about the corporation this week.

On Monday, he wrote to the BBCs director-general Tim Davie demanding an urgent correction to a factual inaccuracy during last weeks Question Time, from Paisley.

An on-screen caption suggested one in three Glasgow children dont speak fluent English, instead of around 29 per cent of children having English as an additional language.

Speaking to Holyroods constitution committee yesterday, Mr Robertson said: Were living in an asymmetrical Union where our main public service broadcaster still thinks that it is accurate every single day to report that the Government is doing something.

The Government  when there are more than one government [sic] in the United Kingdom. This would never happen in Germany, never happened in Austria, never happen in Belgium.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has been described of 'thin skinned grievance mongering' over his dust-up with the BBC

Mr Robertson has taken umbrage at the BBC describing Labour as 'the Government' when there are several governments in the UK

It is about an attitude. Its about an attitude towards how things can work. We need to understand that we are dealing with an attitude which has not changed that much through devolution.

Tory committee member Stephen Kerr said: Angus Robertsons latest outburst against the BBC is classic thin-skinned grievance mongering. He has a long record of picking pointless fights with the BBC over imagined slights, while serious failures on his own watch go unanswered.

Yes, the BBC corrected a caption. The full question was read out accurately on air and the issue was clarified quickly.

Turning a minor production slip into a demand for an apology from the director-general is wildly disproportionate.

On Tuesday, Mr Robertson was accused of neglecting his day job after a scathing report on problems at Historic Environment Scotland on his watch. The Auditor General criticised the government for ignoring its own rules and leaving the 70million-a-year heritage quango without a chief executive for almost six months.

There were said to be unacceptable weaknesses in governance and allegations of a toxic workplace culture at the scandal- hit body.

Mr Robertson this week insisted the government had continually monitored the situation and engaged with the then chair and board during chief executive Katerina Browns sick leave.
A rower in an all-women team from Scotland had to be rescued during an attempt to race across the Atlantic  after becoming severely seasick.

Andrena McShane-Kerr became so weak she could not lift her head and was unable to eat or drink during the event dubbed the Worlds Toughest Row.

The team called Scotland the Wave was told to activate an emergency beacon on Wednesday night as her condition deteriorated and the 42-year-old was flown by helicopter back to land.

Ms McShane-Kerr and fellow rowers Nicky Matthews, Fiona Deakin and Heather McCallum had set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on Sunday for the 3,000-mile journey to Antigua, in the Caribbean.

Scotland's all-women team setting off on their race across the Atlantic

Andrea McShane-Kerr became so weak through sea sickness that she could not lift her head

The women had set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on Sunday for the 3,000-mile journey to Antigua, in the Caribbean

They had trained for years to undertake the tough race including coastal rows in the Highlands.

But Ms McShane-Kerr said pretty tough weather conditions made her ill and she became worse and worse.

She told the BBC: It got to the point where I was so weak I couldnt lift my head, I was unable to keep anything down.

Admitting she was devastated she had to be rescued, she continued: It took a couple hours for the helicopter to get out, which was to be honest, another really scary kind of thing.

The team pose with their boat ahead of the gruelling challenge

To have a sea rescue in pitch black with a helicopter come down and as he [the helicopter winchman] was pulling me up I was just so weak I couldnt even hold onto him.

She paid tribute to her fellow team members who are continuing the race as a trio and said: Three of the most amazing, strongest women that Ive ever met in my life.

Im so proud to call them my friends and I look at them as family, and I just cant wait to see them finish.

The Scots are racing against some 35 other teams while racing money for charity.

It is expected it can take up to 60 days to complete the journey.
My seasonal instincts tell me I should be in full panic mode. Less than a week to go and I have done nothing except send out a few cards picked up during a food shop in Tesco.

This weekend should be last chance saloon: a high-street blitz with my daughter roped in as gift idea consultant and rewarded for her endeavours with lunch in the restaurant of her choosing.

Would your auntie like this scarf? Does she wear turquoise? How about these nice gloves, then? Is she a glove person, do you think?

Theres always chocolates. Or is that what I gave her last year? Isnt this torture? Shall we brainstorm some more over pizza?

It is 20th-century wiring that incites such frenzied thinking. Christmas shopping was the mid-December horror show on the journey to the promised land of the day itself.

For those of us who are not naturals at purchasing womens wear  or, for that matter, any of the gifts ladies appear to appreciate the most  it was a prolonged confrontation with ones own inadequacy.

Christmas shopping online is far less arduous a task than trailing around the shops

Christmas shopping can involve battling through crowded streets and shops

Manys the time I had to spend my way out of trouble, splurge more than intended just to get the task completed, or buy a bigger array of presents than necessary in the hope at least one would bring a genuine smile of delight.

Yes, all this festive angst should be assailing me right about now, and none of it is.

My last chance saloon weekend is actually looking pretty copacetic.

Ive checked my list  checked it twice  and established that, while I may have almost all my Christmas shopping still to do, none of it entails going anywhere near a shop.

Indeed, much of it can be done last thing at night on Christmas Eve.

Knowing this is the case seems almost too good to be true. It is like waking up from an intense nightmare and feeling the weight of it lift from your shoulders.

If it werent for those pangs of guilt about joining the online army denying our high streets trade essential to their survival, I would almost be in clover.

I mitigate against those by pleading exhaustion.

For veterans of these frantic department store incursions, there must come a time when an honourable discharge is in order.

We have seen decades of frontline action, have marched around more perfume counters and jewellers and haberdashers and chocolatiers than we care to remember.

For those of us soldiers whose tours of duty began in the last century and dragged on well into this one, the war, surely, should be over.

If anyone should be stepping into the breach it is the younger generation.

It is, of course, largely the younger generation who are leading the online shopping revolution. Far from saving the high street, they are showing their elders how to desert it.

The other day my daughter pinged me a copy of her online wish list. Simply open the file and peruse the gifts which would land well with her this Christmas.

Many items were already greyed out. It means another benefactor has reserved these presents for her, so I should discount them.

But, to maintain some element of surprise on Christmas Day, the recipient cannot see which items have found willing buyers.

To make your purchase, click on the gift and be transported directly to the vendors website.

Click Buy now and, as you do, remember the ghosts of Christmases past, the armfuls of bags they used to heave as they fought their way through throngs of similarly laden pedestrians, haunted by duty, with no option but to press on. That was you once.

I must press on too. Having secured one item from the online vendor  delivery tomorrow  I must navigate my way back to the wish list (oh, here we are) and buy another.

Its a good thing I cleared 10 minutes of my schedule to get this done.

And how pleasing to note there is no guesswork involved, no agonising over which colour shed prefer, or which size is the right one. I literally cant go wrong. If it doesnt fit, well, thats on her.

Again, if it werent for the remorse I am experiencing at all the business that bricks and mortar stores are losing, Id be ready to suggest that every considerate adult should be furnishing their yuletide donors with a Christmas wish list.

None of the others I must buy for have done so but, not to worry, there are other shortcuts. Such as the gift of the dining experience.

Who doesnt welcome a free meal out?

Indeed, this may be the ultimate Christmas shopping hack. A moments pre-planning can make it look inspired when in fact it is gloriously lazy.

Simply inquire a month or so in advance whether your intended recipient has eaten out anywhere nice lately.

They think theyre giving you pointers on where to try. Theyre actually choosing their Christmas present.

It gets better. Remember the bad old days when you had to find something for him and something else for her? This option takes care of them both in a oner.

Deal with it: if you are a couple and you are expecting a gift from me, then you are going out to eat. How gratifying that the couples I buy for seem only too pleased to deal with it.

Those online restaurant tokens can wait, then, until late on December 24.

They can be bought at the same time as the Amazon vouchers I distribute among the remaining entries on my list. Half an hour should take care of the lot. Ho ho ho, Christmas shopping sorted for another year.

And the wrapping? That used to take me all night and the long decades of practice did nothing to improve my skills in this fiddliest of chores.

How admirably the electronic gift solutions obviate another festive ordeal.

So, you see, there really is no panic. It seems I have thought of everything, and I trust my offerings will be well-received.

Why, then, does my heart feel heavy as I share the ways in which Ive lightened my load over the last few years?

It is not just because our high streets are in desperate trouble. I think its also because none of it feels very Christmassy.

The ones I used to know came with shopping trips baked in.

For all the stress of trailing around teeming town centres wishing it could all be over, I detect a little melancholy in me now that it is.

This was a national tradition, part of who we were at this time of year.

We walked streets with decorations twinkling overhead, entered stores playing all the same seasonal hits, bumped bags with passers-by and, though we may have hated much of it, we did it together as a community. We were sharing Christmas.

Expediting the whole thing in minutes on my laptop is a welcome relief. Yet colder, more detached, transactional even.

Maybe next year, for old times sake, Ill see how my daughter feels about helping her old man return to the frontline. Just for one last look. Before its gone.
Anthony Albanese has announced a national buyback scheme will be launched to purchase newly banned and illegal firearms from Australian gun owners.

He also said December 21 would become a day of mourning in Australia.

Seven men intercepted in Sydney last night shared the same 'extremist Islamic ideology' as the alleged Bondi Beach gunmen, authorities have confirmed.

Those men have since been released from custody.

It comes after the Islamic state has praised alleged Bondi Beach terrorists Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, as 'lions' and a 'source of pride' in a statement.

The pair are accused of opening fire into a crowd of Jewish people celebrating the first day of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach on Sunday.

Naveed remains in hospital under police guard after being shot by officers and woke from a coma on Tuesday. He has been charged with 59 offences.

His father Sajid, a licensed firearms holder, was shot dead by police at the scene.

The fifteen and final victim of the massacre has been identified as eastern suburbs woman Tania Tretiak, who was at the Hanukkah celebration when she was shot.

A group of over 700 surfers paddled out at Bondi Beach on Friday in memory of those who lost their lives in Australia's worst massacre since 1996.

Hero couple Boris and Sofia Gurman, who confronted Sajid Akram before their deaths, are expected to be laid to rest today.
Law enforcement has identified a person of interest in connection to the Brown University mass shooting nearly 120 hours after havoc unfolded on campus.

An unidentified gunman opened fire on the Brown campus in Providence, Rhode Island on Saturday, and investigators have so far failed to track the attacker down.

But authorities have now identified the shadowy figure, whose face they have been attempting to find with the help of grainy surveillance footage.

A name for the person of interest has not yet been released. No one is in custody.

Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, of Virginia, and Ella Cook, of Alabama, were fatally gunned down during the mass shooting at Brown on Saturday.

They were in a study session held at the Ivy League's School of Engineering Barus and Holley Building when a gunman burst in shortly after 4pm and opened fire.

The gunman fired 40 rounds, killing two students and wounding 12 more.

This update comes just hours after a fresh link was made between Brown's horrific shooting an the assassination of MIT researcher Nuno Loureiro.

All of the footage released by federal investigators of a 'person of interest' in connection to the shooting has shown his face masked or obscured

Married father-of-three Nuno F.G. Loureiro (pictured), 47, was gunned down at his home in a leafy Boston suburb at 8.30pm by an unknown shooter who is still on the loose

Your browser does not support iframes.

Two days after the Brown shooting, at around 8.30pm Monday evening, married father-of-three Loureiro was shot dead in his home in Brookline, Boston.

Loureiro's neighbor and friend, Louise Cohen, said she discovered his body after hearing shots disturb the peace of their beautiful area on Gibbs Street.

Cohen said she was lighting a menorah candle when she heard gunshots fired. She rushed to the hallway of their building and found Loureiro lying on his back.

The professor's heartbroken wife was also in the entry along with another neighbor, and they scrambled to dial 911. Loureiro was taken to hospital but died the next day.

Loureiro's neighbors remembered him as a kind-hearted, 'wonderful man', while students flocked to the candle-lit vigil in his memory.

This comes as Brown University president Christina Paxson landed in hot water for her response to the grisly shooting, as she pinned the attack on gun reform.

Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov (pictured left), the second Brown University victim killed on Saturday, has been remembered by his roommate as an aspiring neurosurgeon and 'ball of joy'

The Brown University shooting which killed two students and the assassination of an MIT professor two days later may be connected, police have said. (Pictured: Victim Ella Cook)

The Ivy League university's president said she was 'deeply saddened' by people questioning her response to the horror.

'As time goes on, there is a natural instinct to assign responsibility for tragic events like this,' Paxson, who reportedly made more than $3.1million in 2023, said Tuesday. 'Anxiety here is very natural, but the shooter is responsible.'

'Horrific gun violence took the lives of these students and hospitalized others. It's deeply sad and tragic that schools across the country are targets of violence, Brown is no exception,' she added.

But Paxson's latest comments did nothing to assuage the anger of many, who once again turned their ire at the university's leader for what they considered to be an inadequate response.

'Kind of a bizarre quiet part out loud  You may be tempted to blame a violent terrorist or even a failed security apparatus when an innocent person is murdered but don't forget it's actually the gun's fault,' former GOP communications staffer Matt Whitlock wrote on X.
A Hawaii mayor has signed a law that is set to eliminate thousands of short-term rentals on the gorgeous island.

The Maui City Council passed the law, known as Bill 9, on Monday, that will phase out over 6,200 transient vacation rentals (TVRs) in west and south Maui, SFGate reported.

Mayor Richard Bissen introduced the legislation in 2024 to increase housing for locals following the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires.

In August 2023, six wildfires ripped through Hawaii's island of Maui, including the resort town of Lahaina, killing 102 people, destroying almost 3,000 buildings and burning more than 2,000 acres.

TVRs in West Maui will be phased out by January 1, 2029, and units in South Maui by January 1, 2031.

'Mahalo to Maui County Council members and staff for their extensive work on Bill 9 and for taking crucial and courageous steps to improve life for Maui's most important resource  our people,' Bissen said.

'Thank you especially to every community member who testified, engaged in the democratic process respectfully, and showed up to change the course of history.'

Bissen insisted that the legislation will create more long-term housing and does not eliminate short-term rentals because approximately 6,500 TVRs, along with hotels, timeshares and bed-and-breakfasts will still be allowed to operate.

Maui (pictured) has enacted a law that is set to eliminate thousands of short-term rentals on the gorgeous island

Mayor Richard Bissen (pictured) introduced the legislation in 2024 to increase housing for locals following the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires

'Bill 9 has consistently stood out as the most immediate way to bring thousands of units back online and expand housing inventory in Maui County,' Bissen said.

'Today, transient vacation rentals make up 21 percent of Maui County's overall housing stock  more than any other county in Hawaii. For far too long, short-term rentals, offshore investors, and private interests have overwhelmed our housing inventory.'

Opponents of the bill are worried about the economic impacts that losing the vacation rental revenue will have

'Bill 9 represents a loss of roughly $65 million in real property taxes per year, along with an estimated $50 million in general excise tax and transient accommodations tax revenues,' said Council Vice-Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura at Monday's hearing.

'The proposed solution is to offset those losses by raising taxes on who? You, the taxpayers, are going to be burdened with the tax losses.'

Lynette Pendergast, president of the Realtors Association of Maui (RAM), also said, 'RAM remains gravely concerned that Bill 9 as currently drafted will negatively impact Maui's economy, restrict property owners' rights and result in insufficient reentry of housing units into the long-term market.'

However, supporters of the bills insist that the legislation is returning the property to the people of Maui.

'Bill 9 is about getting closer to a quality of life we promised our residents when we campaign every other year,' said Councilwoman Keani Rawlins-Fernandez.

In August 2023, six wildfires ripped through Hawaii's island of Maui killing 102 people, destroying almost 3,000 buildings and burning more than 2,000 acres

Bissen insisted that the legislation will create more long-term housing and does not eliminate short-term rentals because approximately 6,500 TVRs, along with hotels, timeshares and bed-and-breakfasts will still be allowed to operate

'Profits are replaceable. Generational communities are not. This bill doesn't just seek to do one thing. It intends to do all of the above: Reclaim housing, reining in tourism, conserve water, correct zoning, all of the above.'

Grassroots organization Lahaina Strong inspired the mayor to propose the legislation after they camped out on the popular beach with wildfire survivors to demand change.

'We've been fighting for, I would say, almost two years. We started on Kaanapali beach just advocating for dignified housing,' Lahaina Strong organizer Jordan Ruidas told KITV.

'There are still many people that are between housing, needing housing, especially Lahaina fire survivors, and this is giving them a little bit of hope.'

She added, 'The prices for condos are already dropping. The last write-up I saw, which is probably a month or two ago, condo prices have dropped more than 20 percent, so it's honestly just making it more affordable already.'
A terrifying video has emerged showing the doomed plane carrying NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his family exploding into a ball of flames.

Surveillance footage shows the Cessna C550 slamming into the ground at the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina in the crash that killed seven people.

Biffle, 55, known as 'the Biff' in the racecar world, his wife, Cristina, and two children, Emma, 14, and five-year-old Ryder were among the victims, sparking an outpouring of tributes across motorsports.

Chilling flight data also appeared to show the jet trying to make it back to the runway.

The jet was on its way to Sarasota, Florida, when it suddenly plummeted to the ground and burst into flames.

The plane initially took off from the airport and then circled back before the deadly landing, according to FlightAware data.

The fact that the plane took off then circled back to the airport means a mechanical issue might have taken place, WCNC's chief meteorologist said.

'Because if it was something on the take off or landing, it could be anything, right? But the fact that they took off and immediately circled back to the airport told me they probably were having some kind of trouble,' Brad Panovich added.

The tracking data clearly showed the aircraft take off, then return to the airport, shifting to the right and stopping - presumably when the fireball erupted.

Craig Wadsworth, another NASCAR star, along with father and son Dennis and Jack Dutton, were also killed, according to a statement from the families. It remains unclear who was piloting the aircraft.

NASCAR icon Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and two children, Emma, 14, and son Ryder, five, tragically died in the fiery North Carolina plane crash Thursday

Flight Aware tracking data clearly showed the plane took off, then came right back to the airport before it burst into flames

'Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,' the statement read. It is unclear who was piloting the aircraft.

On Thursday afternoon, Garrett Mitchell, one of Biffle's friends, shared the news that the NASCAR driver, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on board.

'Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane... because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,' Mitchell, who often appears in YouTube videos with Biffle, wrote on Facebook.

'We are devastated. I'm so sorry to share this,' he stated.

North Carolina Representative Richard Hudson also confirmed the family tragedy.

'I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them. They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans,' Hudson said on X.

'But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.

'The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica.

Craig Wadsworth, another NASCAR star, also died in the crash

'That's who the Biffles were. Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.'

It comes after Biffle posted a picture of him piloting the very same plane in September.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the aircraft belongs to the semi-retired NASCAR driver, who was seen in a smiling snap with President Donald Trump in February at the NASCAR Cup series in Daytona Beach, Florida.

He married his ex-wife, Nicole Lunders, in October 2007, with whom he had Emma. The pair got divorced in 2016.

Biffle went on to marry his current wife, Cristina Grossu, in January 2023 after getting engaged in 2021. They had Ryder together.

Nearly 24 hours before the fatal crash, Cristina posted a picture in the car on her Instagram story with the caption: 'Busy day today.'

The fact that the plane took off and then circled back to the airport means a mechanical issue might have taken place, WCNC's Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich said

Biffle is seen with his daughter Emma on July 16, 2016, in Daytona Beach, Florida

She then shared a picture of Martha Stewart with an inspirational statement on it.

Grossu was a realtor, CEO of My Replica Ring, and a travel agent for CG Luxe Travel, according to her Instagram account.

The couple often posted pictures together online at family and racing events.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials are investigating the tragic crash.
Mica Miller's husband faces years behind bars for an alleged campaign of terror against his wife in the weeks before she was found dead.

Disgraced pastor John-Paul Miller, 46, was indicted by a grand jury on federal cyberstalking and lying to investigators charges, prosecutors said on Thursday.

Mica, 30, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Lumbee River State Park in North Carolina on April 27, 2024, days after filing for divorce.

Miller has long been accused by Mica's supporters of driving his wife to suicide, but is not alleged in the indictment to have played a role in her death.

However, he is accused by the South Carolina US Attorney's Office of a shocking campaign of harassment against Mica in the leadup to her death.

Miller allegedly made Mica's life hell because he wrongly believed she was cheating on him.

The indictment includes claims previously uncovered by the Daily Mail, or included in civil lawsuits against Miller by several parties.

'Miller sent unwanted and harassing communications to his estranged wife until her death,' prosecutors alleged.

Mica Miller, 30, took her own life days after serving her husband John Paul Miller, 44, with divorce papers

'The harassing behavior included Miller posting a nude photo of the victim online without her consent, causing tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle, and in one instance, contacting her over 50 times in a single day.

'The indictment also alleges he interfered with her finances and her daily activities and on one occasion damaged her vehicle tires.'

His reign of terror allegedly began on November 16, 2022, and continued until Mica's death.

Miller's harassment intended to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate Mica and put her in 'reasonable fear of death and serious bodily injury', the indictment alleged.

The second charge accuses him of lying to federal investigators three times during the probe into Mica's death, which was later ruled a suicide by the coroner.

'Federal investigators interviewed Miller about these allegations and Miller lied in his responses,' prosecutors said.

'Miller said he did not damage the victim's tires, when in fact he purchased a tire deflation device online and sent messages to others regarding the victim's vehicle.'

Miller told federal agents he hired a private investigator to protect Mica from buying guns.

'In reality, he hired the investigator to cyberstalk her for alleged adultery,' the US Attorney's Office alleged.

Mica was found dead in Lumbee River State Park in North Carolina on April 27, 2024, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, days after filing for divorce from Miller

FBI agents raided Miller's home in Myrtle Beach on November 1, six months after Mica killed herself. His church, Solid Rock Ministries, shut down soon after

Then on October 12, 2024, he falsely claimed Mica called him more than he called her when he actually bombarded her with 50 calls in a day.

Miller also claimed he was never told by police to stop contacting Mica, despite allegedly being given such a warning by a Horry County police officer on March 11, 2024.

The warning followed in incident where Miller showed up at a gas station and tried to talk to Mica as she was fueling up her car.

'She told him to go away she does not want to talk and then when she pulled her phone out to record he sped off,' the police report read.

Mica then got a call from Miller on a blocked number and her mechanic found a tracking device hidden on her car.

'The victim advised me she was afraid for her life,' the officer wrote in their report.

'She also advised she blocks his numbers and still gets calls and texts from him on other numbers.'

Miller faces up to five years in prison for cyberstalking and two years for making false statements, plus a fine of up to $250,000.

He will not be arrested and instead issued a summons to appear in court to face the charges. Miller and his lawyer Russell Long are yet to comment on the federal indictment.

Miller stood down as pastor from his church, Solid Rock Ministries, weeks after her death as it was picketed almost daily by protestors.

His home in Myrtle Beach was raided by the FBI last November, but the bureau refused to explain what it was looking for or provide any other information.

Solid Rock was shut down after the FBI raid and its building stripped of its contents and sold for $2.1 million in February.

Despite his paranoia that Mica was unfaithful, he was himself accused of having a long-running affair with Suzie Skinner, whom he married in June.

The letter was written just four days before he married Suzie Skinner , 50, on the sands of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on June 1

Miller is accused in court documents of grooming Mica for years before they wed, committing her to hospital to steal her car, and cheating on his first wife with underage churchgoers.

Mica filed for divorce from Miller in October 2023, before they reconciled in February 2024, then again on April 15, 2024, just before her death.

Miller had her body cremated without an autopsy, toxicology report, or gunpowder residue test - which fueled sinister theories about her death.

Mica's sister Sierra Francis claimed she often said: 'If I end up with a bullet in my head, it was JP.'

There is no evidence Miller murdered his wife and he has repeatedly denied any involvement, along with claims of abuse or infidelity.

Miller appears to blame much of the saga on several of his former flock whom he named in a biblical rant, dated May 28, printed out and mailed to his enemies and later obtained by the Daily Mail.

'Out of every single event that has taken place, and every single person that has been in my life - nobody has hurt me or sinned against me as horrible as you,' he raged.

Miller raged 'nobody has hurt me or sinned against me as horrible as you' in a bizarre letter, dated May 28, printed out and mailed to his enemies

Miller has also been accused of raping a 15-year-old girl and displaying a continued pattern of 'sexual abuse and predatory conduct for years,' according to lawsuit from last February

Miller is also fighting civil claims, accused in a lawsuit in July of raping a 15-year-old girl in 1998 while working at his father's church in Myrtle Beach when he was 19.

The accuser - anonymized as 'Jane Doe' - claimed Miller sexually assaulted her again more than two decades later in 2023 by forcibly grabbing her genitals in public without her consent.

The woman claimed the most recent alleged attack 'triggered repressed memories' of the incident from 1998, of which she previously had 'no conscious recollection.'

Miller strongly denied the allegations and launched a counter-suit for defamation against the woman, claiming she also posted the allegations on social media, causing him 'irreparable harm, damage and injury.'

Days later a second woman, known as 'Jane Doe #2', sued him and his father Reginald Miller for sexual abuse between 1999 and 2001 starting when she was 14.
Keir Starmer was tonight accused of 'running scared of the voters' as he paved the way to cancel elections across the country.

In an extraordinary move, Labour invited 63 councils to postpone next year's local elections, which are widely seen as a litmus test for Sir Keir's faltering leadership.

The move would rob more than 10 million people of a vote in May. And with half the councils involved run by Labour, it could limit the party's losses and boost Sir Keir's chances of survival.

In some areas, the elections are being postponed for a second consecutive year, meaning councillors could go seven years before finally facing the voters. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage likened the move to the actions of a 'dictator', adding: 'Only a banana republic bans elections, that's what we have under Starmer.' Fellow Reform MP Lee Anderson said the Prime Minister was 'frit'.

Tory elections spokesman Sir James Cleverly said Labour was 'running scared of the voters', adding: 'They thought they could completely overhaul local government and stack the deck in their favour. They were wrong.

'Earlier this month, Labour cancelled mayoral elections and now they are at it again with council elections, fiddling the democratic process to serve their own political interests.'

Conservative justice spokesman Robert Jenrick said: 'Even during the pandemic elections were not cancelled for a second year running. Slashing jury trials. Cancelling elections. These are the hallmarks of a Government that doesn't trust the people.'

Richard Wright, chairman of the District Councils Network, said the normal four-year election cycle 'should be broken only in the most exceptional circumstances'. He added: 'This has the potential to undermine faith in our cherished local democracy.'

Keir Starmer was tonight accused of 'running scared of the voters' as he paved the way to cancel elections across the country

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage likened the move to the actions of a 'dictator', adding: 'Only a banana republic bans elections'

Analysis of the 63 councils involved reveals that half are run by Labour, either directly or in coalition. Eleven of the councils are run by the Conservatives, and 13 by the Lib Dems.

Reform does not hold any of the affected councils but was looking to make deep inroads against Labour and the Tories in May.

Allies of Sir Keir fear he could face a leadership coup within days of the elections if the results are as bad as polls suggest. It also emerged he was planning to schedule the King's Speech for the week after the poll in the hope that potential rivals will not risk embarrassing the monarch by moving against him.

It follows a series of other proposals branded authoritarian by critics, such as scrapping jury trials for many offences and introducing digital ID cards.

The PM's spokesman defended the move, saying councils were struggling to cope with elections at the same time as a massive reorganisation of local government started by Labour last year.

Dozens of councils are set to be abolished or merged as part of a push towards more unitary authorities. Local government minister Alison McGovern told MPs: 'Many councils across the country, and of all stripes, have expressed... concerns about the time and energy spent managing elections to bodies that won't shortly exist, only to run an election a year later.'

Ms McGovern said ministers were 'minded' to cancel elections wherever local authorities said they might put pressure on time and resources. She added: 'To be clear, should a council say that they have no reason to delay their elections, there will be no delay.'

The decision to cancel elections for a second year in places such as Essex comes despite a warning from the Electoral Commission that they should not be postponed for more than 12 months.

Conservative justice spokesman Robert Jenrick said: 'Even during the pandemic elections were not cancelled for a second year running. Slashing jury trials. Cancelling elections. These are the hallmarks of a Government that doesn't trust the people'

Local government minister Alison McGovern defended the delay she told MPs: 'Many councils across the country, and of all stripes, have expressed... concerns about the time and energy spent managing elections to bodies that won't shortly exist, only to run an election a year later'

In the Commons, Tory local government spokesman Paul Holmes said the Government had taken the decision because it was afraid of fighting elections.

He asked what the Government 'has against democracy', adding: 'While many people gather around their screens to watch movies like How The Grinch Stole Christmas, we're sitting here discussing how Labour is trying to steal the elections.

'Earlier this month Labour cancelled mayoral elections because they were worried they wouldn't win them. Now they are doing the same with local elections, pausing the democratic process to serve their own political interests, creating for themselves a true nightmare before Christmas.

'This process has been a mess from start to finish. It's time it was scrapped today.'

Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, said: 'This is looking like yet another Labour and Conservative stitch-up to deny people their votes in May.'
The gunman who killed two students at Brown University was found dead in a storage unit as it was revealed his main target was an MIT professor he shot dead in Boston.

The suspect - 48-year-old Claudio Neves Valente - was revealed to be a Portuguese national who studied at the Ivy League school in Rhode Island more than 20 years ago.

After being on the lam for days, his eventual demise stemmed from a Reddit post that flagged his suspicious activity outside the Providence campus.

'Tonight our Providence neighbors can breathe a little easier,' Mayor Brett Smiley said at a news conference Thursday night.

Neves Valente had attended Brown to pursue a masters of science in physics from 2000 to 2001, before he took a leave of absence and ultimately withdrew.

It remains unclear why Neves Valente opened fire at the Rhode Island school, killing Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, of Virginia, and 19-year-old Ella Cook, of Alabama.

But University President Christina Paxson said it was likely he took classes inside that building when he attended the school.

The development about the shooter's fixation on MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro raised new questions about his motive for the slaying and the timeline of the shootings.

On December 13, Neves Valente opened fire during a study session at the Ivy League's School of Engineering Barus and Holley Building.

Two days later, he fatally shot Loureiro inside his Boston home.

Claudio Neves-Valente, 48, who attended Brown University from 2000 to 2001, has been unmasked as the gunman who opened fire at the school on December 13

Armed police officers gathered outside of a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire on Thursday, where a vehicle that was rented to Neves Valente was found abandoned

There was a heavy police presence outside of the storage facility

Authorities revealed that gunman's original target was Loureiro and the pair had attended the same school in Portugal from 1995 to 2000.

It was unclear what the shooter's motive was or what his relationship with Loureiro had been.

The frantic search for the suspect took a dramatic turn on December 16 when Providence police received a tip from an anonymous source referencing a Reddit post.

'I'm being dead serious. The police need to look into a grey Nissan with Florida plates, possibly a rental. That was the car he was driving,' the post read.

'It was parked in front of the little shack behind the Rhode Island Historical Society on the Cooke [Street] side.'

The suspect was found dead after a six-day manhunt, when authorities located a vehicle he used parked outside of a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire.

Officers were then able to secure a search warrant for a unit believed to have been rented by the suspect, and found Neves Valente dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in an unoccupied unit.

Neves Valente had two firearms on him at the time of his death, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha revealed.

'He was found dead with a satchel, with two firearms and evidence in the car that matches exactly what we see here in Providence,' Neronha said.

Authorities had said they had identified the shadowy figure caught on surveillance footage near the scene of Saturday's shooting, whose face they had been attempting to find with the help of grainy surveillance footage

Authorities had earlier said they had identified the shadowy figure caught on surveillance footage near the scene of Saturday's shooting, whose face they had been attempting to find with the help of grainy surveillance footage.

He had also been caught on surveillance footage near the professor's apartment, and was seen on camera entering the storage center in New Hampshire wearing the same clothes that he was pictured in in Rhode Island, according to Leah Foley, the US attorney in Massachusetts.

Foley said Thursday night that Neves Valente rented a hotel from November 26 through November 30, and then rented a vehicle on December 1 - which had been seen around Brown University through the day of the shooting on December 13.

Police were ultimately able to track him down after a homeless witness came forward.

An affidavit from Rhode Island detailed how a custodian at the school noticed a suspicious person wearing a surgical mask who walked with a limp and stopped in the bathroom of the Barus and Holley Building on December 13.

After authorities discovered the mysterious Reddit post, a man identified as 'John' told police he first encountered the suspect inside the Barus Holley bathroom at around 1.45pm to 2pm.

John described the suspect's clothing as 'inappropriate and inadequate for the weather,' wearing a baggy jacket with at least two undergarment shirt layers.

Authorities identified the suspected Brown gunman as Claudio Neves-Valente, 48, at a news conference on Thursday

The witness also 'described the pants and shoes as kitchen/restaurant worker style, of poor quality or would be associated with Walmart (John cast no judgment as to the quality),' the affidavit said.

The suspect then kept switching directions every time he saw John, the witness, who described the pattern as a 'game of cat and mouse'.

After exiting the bathroom, John said he watched the suspect unlock a gray or silver Nissan sedan, before he walked away from the vehicle.

But eventually, John said, he was able to catch up to the suspect, asking him: 'Your car is back there, why are you circling the block?'

The suspect then reportedly responded, 'I don't know you from nobody' and repeatedly asked John, 'Why are you harassing me?'

When detectives then showed John two images they obtained of the suspect's vehicle, he replied: 'Holy s**t, that might be it!'

Then, when he was presented with a still of video surveillance footage renting the suspect vehicle, John said 'the stomach makes [him] think that it's [him],' the affidavit says.

Authorities on Thursday said John's testimony was critical to finding Neves Valente.

'That person led us to the car, which led us to the name, which led us to the photographs of that individual renting the car, which matched the clothing of our shooter here in Providence that matched the satchel that we see here in Providence,' Neronha said.

The Brown University shooting which killed two students and the assassination of an MIT professor two days later may be connected, police have said. (Pictured: Victim Ella Cook)

Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, the second Brown University victim killed on Saturday, has been remembered by his roommate as an aspiring neurosurgeon and 'ball of joy'

Married father-of-three Nuno FG Loureiro (pictured), 47, was gunned down at his home in a leafy Boston suburb at 8.30pm on December 15

The big break in the case then came when authorities investigating the Brown shooting saw a call-out from Massachusetts police probing Loureiro's murder - and realized a vehicle of interest in that case was just like the one they were looking for.

It was the same make and model, but the license plates were different, law enforcement officials told CNN.

A witness then provided a license plate to authorities probing the Brown shooting, who then investigated the vehicle and its past drivers - which police say ultimately led them to confirm the two vehicles were the same.

Police now say the unidentified suspect employed a series of countermeasures to avoid being tracked beyond swapping the license plates, as he apparently planned to avoid surveillance cameras and facial recognition technology by making himself unidentifiable.

He even used a cellphone that obfuscated his location and credit cards that were not in his name, Foley said.

But officers in Massachusetts were able to determine that the Google email he had used to check into a hotel in Boston logged in from an IP address half a mile away from Loureiro's home on December 14.

The following night, a surveillance camera also captured a blue or gray Nissan Sentra about a mile from the physics professor's home and footage showed him entering a nearby apartment building.

About an hour later, Neves Valente was seen entering the storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire, dressed in the same clothes that he was seen wearing right after Loureiro's murder, Foley said.

Loureiro's neighbors remembered him as a kind-hearted, 'wonderful man', while students flocked to the candle-lit vigil in his memory, as shown in the photograph above

He would later be found dead inside the storage facility.

The shooting on Saturday took the lives of Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, of Virginia, and Ella Cook, of Alabama, 19, who were in a study session at the Ivy League's School of Engineering Barus and Holley Building when the gunman burst in shortly after 4pm and opened fire.

He then fired 40 rounds, killing the two students and wounding 12 more.

The building had been unlocked for exams, Paxson admitted, though she denied that a lack of cameras hindered the investigation.

Two days later at around 8.30pm on Monday, Neves Valente also fatally shot married father-of-three Loureiro inside his Boston home, nearly 50 miles away.

Loureiro's neighbor and friend, Louise Cohen, said she discovered his body after hearing shots disturb the peace of their beautiful area on Gibbs Street.

Cohen said she was lighting a menorah candle when she heard gunshots fired. She rushed to the hallway of their building and found Loureiro lying on his back.

The professor's heartbroken wife was also in the entry along with another neighbor, and they scrambled to dial 911. Loureiro was taken to hospital but died the next day.

Loureiro's neighbors remembered him as a kind-hearted, 'wonderful man', while students flocked to the candle-lit vigil in his memory.

MIT paid tribute to him as, 'a lauded theoretical physicist and fusion scientist' who became the director of the college's Plasma Science and Fusion Center in 2024, an institution with more than 250 full-time researchers.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Loureiro specialized in nuclear science, engineering and physics. He leaves behind 'many devoted students, friends, and colleagues', according to his MIT obituary.

His academic career started at the Instituto Superior Tecnico in Lisbon, Portugal, where he gained a physics degree.

Loureiro obtained a doctorate in physics from Imperial College London in 2005, before starting post-doctoral work at Princeton later that year.

He also worked at the UK Atomic Energy Authoritys Culham Centre for Fusion Energy between 2007 and 2009.

MIT President Sally Kornbluth acknowledged that the beloved professor died in the wake of the Brown University shooting just two days before.

'This shocking loss for our community comes in a period of disturbing violence in many other places,' she said in a statement.

'Its entirely natural to feel the need for comfort and support.

'If you or anyone you know would like counsel or just a listening ear, I encourage you to make use of our many campus resources.

'In time, the many communities Nuno belonged to will create opportunities to mourn his loss and celebrate his life.'
King Charles shook hands with the heroes of the Huntingdon train attack in a special reception at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

His Majesty met with train guard Samir Zitouni and train driver Andrew Johnson, who were both praised for their actions during the attack in Cambridgeshire on November 1.

Mr Zitouni was working onboard the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) 6.25pm train from Doncaster to London King's Cross when a crazed knifeman launched a terrifying rampage.

Mr Zitouni is said to have used a frying pan from the buffet carriage kitchen to stop the attacker from reaching other passengers, putting himself in harm's way to save people's lives.

He was repeatedly stabbed and rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Today he and his wife Eleni Sakkoulei shook hands with the King during the special reception.

The King was also pictured meeting LNER driver Mr Johnson, who previously served in the Royal Navy, and his partner Abbie Northfield.

Johnson rapidly diverted the London-bound carriages to Huntingdon Station after being alerted to the attack, enabling emergency services to act fast.

King Charles III greets Huntingdon hero Samir Zitouni and wife Eleni Sakkoulei during a reception at Buckingham Palace

LNER train driver Andrew Johnson shakes hands with the King following his bravery last month

Mr Johnson was joined by his partner Abbie Northfield at Buckingham Palace for the special reception

Speaking last month, David Horne, LNER managing director, commended Mr Johnson for his response.

He said: 'Andrew's actions are testament to the expertise and skills he has built over his career, both on the railway and in the military.

'The intensive training undertaken by our drivers means they are always ready to respond in any situation.

'We're grateful to Andrew, our onboard colleagues, the signaller, and the station team at Huntingdon, for their actions on Saturday. Our thoughts remain with our colleague in hospital.'

Passenger Stephen Crean, who was stabbed after he confronted the attacker, was also invited to the Palace.

Nottingham Forest fan Crean, 61, said he tried to protect other passengers - armed with nothing but his fists - because 'it did not dawn on me not to'.

Alleged attacker Anthony Williams shouted 'Do you want to die?' as he stabbed him seven times.

He was stabbed in his left hand, three times in his back, once on his bottom and twice in his head before he managed to find an empty toilet to hide in.

He was joined by his wife Monludee (Amy) Crean for the royal reception.

Brave passenger Stephen Crean, who was stabbed seven times by the attacker, shakes hands with the King - as his beaming wife Monludee (Amy) Crean watches on

King Charles III greets Christina Jones and her friend Sarah Young at the Palace

Kevin Deeley and his wife Christie Deeley are greeted by the King at the special reception

Michael Gawthrope and wife Nicola Mary Grindey met with the King at the Palace

Christina Jones, Michael Gawthorpe and Kevin Deeley were also in attendance.

The Palace said they had shown 'particular bravery' during the attack.

Anthony Williams, 32, is charged with 10 counts of attempted murder over the Huntingdon incident.

He is also charged with possession of a bladed article on November 1, and several other offences in the hours preceding the attack on the train.

He remains in custody pending further court hearings scheduled for next year.
The Prince and Princess of Wales released a new family photograph today for their Christmas card with children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The picture, taken by Josh Shinner in Norfolk in April, was posted on Kensington Palace's social media with the caption: 'Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.'

The image shows William and Kate smiling as they sit on the grass amid spring daffodils with their children, with the Princess also seen with her arm around George.

Charlotte is resting her head on her father's shoulder and holding onto his arm, while a relaxed Louis - without his top front teeth - is leaning back between William's legs.

The picture appeared to be from the same photoshoot by Mr Shinner used to capture portraits for George's 12th birthday in July and Louis's seventh birthday in April.

A further photo of William with their three children was released on Fathers Day in June and also appeared to be from the same picture set by the photographer.

The new image was released two days after William and Kate joined other royals at the King's annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

Charles III and Queen Camilla chose their 20th wedding anniversary portrait for their official Christmas card this year, which was released to the public on December 6.

The Prince and Princess of Wales released a new family photograph for their Christmas card

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 5

One day earlier, the Waleses and their children joined a congregation of celebrities, sporting stars and community stalwarts for Kate's Together at Christmas service.

Kate presided over the carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 5, with 1,600 guests filling the pews where the Princess and her husband married in 2011.

William, Kate and the children are expected to join the King and Queen along with other members of the Royal Family at Sandringham in Norfolk for Christmas Day.

Charles is also thought to have invited Camilla's children and their families, as well as his nieces Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie - but not their disgraced father Andrew.

The Waleses could also appear for the Christmas Day service alongside Charles which involves a traditional walkabout after church where they meet well-wishers.

The Waleses arrive for the King's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday

The 2025 Christmas card for King Charles III and Queen Camilla was released on December 6

The family-of-five experienced a major change just a few weeks ago when they moved into their eight-bedroom 'forever home', Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

The change is seen as a fresh start for them after Kate's recovery from cancer, which she announced at the start of 2025, following what William branded a 'brutal' 2024.

Andrew meanwhile has been forced to give up his Windsor home, Royal Lodge, following an outcry when it emerged he had been paying a peppercorn rent for the property, and will move to a house on the King's private Sandringham estate.

He was stripped of his titles in the wake of Virginia Giuffres memoir being released which detailed previous claims she was forced to have sex with the former prince on three occasions, including when aged 17. Andrew vehemently denies the allegations.
A flat the same size as a caravan has just gone on the market for almost 300,000.

The tiny property, tucked away in the heart of Pimlico, London, is being billed as a 'one-of-a-kind' investment despite offering just 130 square feet of living space.

The micro-home underwent what its designer describes as a level of structural and aesthetic work in 2020 that is 'almost unheard of in London for a studio of this size'.

The flat offers luxury living in a box, with its total floorspace comparable to that of a 'small to medium' caravan but its asking price is 294,900 - which could buy a four-bedroom semi-detached house in Rochdale.

Designed and built by Alexandre Pilette, the concept dates back more than a decade and was inspired by his childhood experiences with his father, former Formula One driver Teddy Pilette.

He said: 'It all started as a custom-built 4x4 camper designed and fitted in Italy in 1978 for my father, who was a former F1 driver in search of adventures.

'My focus for this property was not only design and space optimisation, but also technical performance and long-term durability.

The tiny property, tucked away in the heart of Pimlico, London, is being billed as a 'one-of-a-kind' investment despite offering just 130 square feet of living space.

Designed and built by Alexandre Pilette, the concept dates back more than a decade and was inspired by his childhood experiences with his father, who was a former F1 driver in search of adventures.

'In particular, a floating concrete slab was introduced, providing excellent acoustic insulation, fire resistance and full waterproofing.

'One practical consequence is that water remains fully contained within the unit - a rare feature in many London buildings - rather than transferring to neighbouring flats below.

'It also creates an entirely square and perfectly levelled space, quite unique for the area.'

The flat is tucked away at the mezzanine level at the rear of a terraced house and forms part of a well-managed residential conversion of just five units. It also comes with an impressive 980-year lease.

A floating concrete sub-floor provides 'exceptional stability, insulation (thermal, moisture and sound), and perfectly level walls throughout'.

The property also benefits from underfloor heating, insulated layered walls and a reinforced, sound-proof entrance door.

Inside, the interior has been crafted with 'meticulous attention to detail', featuring bespoke carpentry by an English cabinet-maker designed to maximise every centimetre of space.

The main room includes extensive built-in storage (wardrobe, drawers, multiple cupboards), a fold-out dining table, integrated reading lights, USB and EU sockets, and a CLEI Italian wall-bed with a premium 160 cm memory-foam mattress (European king size).

The micro-home underwent what its designer describes as a level of structural and aesthetic work that is 'almost unheard of in London for a studio of this size'

Inside, the interior has been crafted with 'meticulous attention to detail', featuring bespoke carpentry by an English cabinet-maker designed to maximise every centimetre of space

The property also from insulated layered walls and a reinforced, sound-proof entrance door

The shower room is finished to a high standard with a stone marble floor

Despite its size, the kitchen is fully equipped with a fridge and icebox, a four-zone induction hob, an extractor fan, microwave oven, black granite worktop and backsplash, double pull-out bin and a washer-dryer.

The shower room is finished to a high standard with a stone marble floor, and the flat also features a discreet built-in washbasin with mirrored cabinet, power socket and extra storage.

A second compact shower also can accommodate an additional guest if needed, and the property has a double-glazed tilt-and-turn window.

The property has an EPC rating of C and boasts no neighbours on either side and a terrace above.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already helping to solve problems in finance, research and medicine.

But could it be reaching consciousness?

Dr Tom McClelland, a philosopher from the University of Cambridge has warned that current evidence is 'far too limited' to rule this dystopian possibility out.

According to the expert, the only sensible position on the question of whether AI is conscious is one of 'agnosticism'.

The main problem, he claims, is that we don't have a 'deep explanation' of what makes something conscious in the first place, so can't test for it in AI.

'The bestcase scenario is we're an intellectual revolution away from any kind of viable consciousness test,' Dr McClelland explained.

'If neither common sense nor hardnosed research can give us an answer, the logical position is agnosticism.

'We cannot, and may never, know.'

Artificial intelligence ( AI) is already helping to solve problems in finance, research and medicine. But could it be reaching consciousness? Pictured: Terminator Genisys

AI companies are investing vast sums of money into pursuing 'artificial general intelligence'  the point at which AI can outperform humans in any area.

But as they work towards this goal, some also claim that increasingly sophisticated AI may develop consciousness.

This means AI could develop the capacity for perception and become selfaware.

While this idea might evoke visions of killer robots, Dr McClelland argues that AI could make this jump without us even realising, because we don't really have an agreedupon theory of consciousness to begin with.

Some theories say consciousness is a matter of processing information in the right way, and that AI could be conscious if only it could run the 'software' of a conscious mind.

Others argue it is inherently biological, meaning AI can only imitate consciousness at best.

Until we can figure out which side of the argument is right, we simply don't have any basis on which to test for consciousness in AI.

In a paper published in the journal Mind and Language, Dr McClelland claims both sides of the debate are taking a 'leap of faith'.

We can't tell whether an AI, like in the scifi film Ex Machina (pictured), really has conscious experience or whether it is just simulating consciousness

Whether something is conscious radically changes the kinds of ethical questions we need to consider.

For example, humans are expected to behave morally towards other people and animals, because consciousness gives them 'moral status'.

In contrast, we don't have these same values towards inanimate objects, like toasters or computers.

'It makes no sense to be concerned for a toaster's wellbeing because the toaster doesn't experience anything,' Dr McClelland explains.

'So when I yell at my computer, I really don't need to feel guilty about it. But if we end up with AI that's conscious, then that could all change.'

While that might make dealing with AI an ethical nightmare, the bigger risk may be that we start to consider AIs as conscious or sentient when they are not.

Dr McClelland explained: 'If you have an emotional connection with something premised on it being conscious and it's not, that has the potential to be existentially toxic.'

Worryingly, the philosopher says that members of the public are already sending him letters written by chatbots 'pleading with me that they're conscious'.

He added: 'We don't want to risk mistreating artificial beings that are conscious, but nor do we want to dedicate our resources to protecting the "rights" of something no more conscious than a toaster.'
China's rule of law gains growing international recognition

14:46, December 18, 2025 By Wei Zhezhe ( People's Daily

An official with the Qingdao Maritime Court in east China's Shandong province communicates with a representative of a foreign party. (Photo provided by the Qingdao Maritime Court)

Recently, a foreign mega vessel was renamed "RESPECT" as a tribute to China's rule of law. This is not a work of fiction, but a true and impactful story.

A report on maritime adjudication, recently published by China's Supreme People's Court, highlighted a case in which the Qingdao Maritime Court in east China's Shandong province effectively handled the seizure of the Marshall Islands-registered vessel Nerissa.

The ruling helped prevent significant losses for multiple international stakeholders and avoided protracted litigation risks. In recognition of this judicial achievement, the Greek shipowner renamed the vessel in honor of China's legal system.

This story vividly illustrates how China's judicial services contribute to its commitment to high-level opening up and how its rule of law is earning global recognition.

Take maritime adjudication as an example. The number of cases handled by Chinese maritime courts has increased significantly, from just 18 in 1984 to 34,400 in 2024. To date, Chinese courts have resolved more than 88,000 involving parties from 146 countries and regions. Many foreign litigants are increasingly opting to resolve disputes in Chinese courts, even when the cases have no direct connection to China.

China is actively contributing to the development of global legal standards. More than 50 Chinese judicial cases, including those related to maritime regulations, have been included in international case databases such as those curated by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), enriching international legal practice and reinforcing the global rules-based system.

Photo shows the Tribunal of China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Port Zone Urumqi Area. (Photo from People's Court Daily)

A robust market economy depends on a legal framework that guarantees equal protection for all entities. By fostering a stable and predictable market environment through rigorous adherence to the rule of law, China enables businesses and investors to operate with confidence.

At the legislative level, China enacted the Foreign Investment Law and its implementing regulations to ensure parity between domestic and foreign-invested enterprises. Judicially, Chinese courts prioritize equal treatment of domestic and international parties, reinforcing fairness across all proceedings.

This dedication to equitable legal protection highlights China's progress in advancing the rule of law and solidifies its standing as a responsible global actor, thereby enhancing the international credibility of its legal system.

Delivering justice requires not only fairness but also efficiency. A recent example illustrates this: In March 2025, the Tribunal of China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Port Zone Urumqi Area resolved an international sales dispute between an Uzbek national and a Chinese citizen in just 45 days.

By using online video authentication to reduce litigation costs and assigning Uzbek-speaking staff to handle the case, the tribunal enabled the foreign party to recover payment without traveling to China. This case earned praise for China's legal system for its fairness, efficiency, and accessibility.

Such instances are far from isolated. In Shanghai, authorities continue to optimize a one-stop, integrated online dispute resolution platform that links mediation, arbitration, and litigation services for international commercial disputes. This platform allows parties to file cases online, engage in online mediation, attend hearings remotely, and receive documents digitally, offering around-the-clock convenience.

From resolving disputes in 45 days to providing one-stop services, China's legal approach, characterized by fairness, efficiency, convenience, and low costs, is gaining growing attention from both domestic and foreign parties. These practices provide a solid legal foundation for the development of an open economy.

Mediation, often described as a hallmark of Eastern legal traditions, is also receiving global recognition. Often hailed for its ability to bring about amicable solutions, mediation embodies Chinese wisdom in resolving disputes. In a maritime case involving a collision and significant disagreement over damages, the Ningbo Maritime Court in east China's Zhejiang province involved a foreign shipowners' protection and indemnity association in the mediation process.

By integrating guidance from the courts and input from maritime industry organizations, the court successfully clarified dispute resolution pathways for both sides and helped identify a balanced solution that served both parties. Leveraging this "Eastern experience" not only resolves individual cases but also offers valuable Chinese insights for international dispute resolution.

As China continues to advance its high-level opening up under the rule of law and strengthens its foreign-related legal framework, the country is solidifying the legal foundations of its open economy. Through its continued development, China will provide new opportunities for the world, contributing to cooperation and mutual benefit on the global stage.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
A small town sheriff has admitted he is perplexed by a series of mysterious flying objects which have been bewildering locals in his Wyoming community for more than a year.

Unidentified flying objects [UFOs] have been regularly spotted for 13 months above the Jim Bridger Power Plant and Sweetwater County's Red Desert.

John Grossnickle, the Sheriff of Sweetwater County, saw lit-up, drone-like objects as recently as December 13, his spokesman Jason Mower told Cowboy State Daily.

Mower said they've worked with everyone they can possibly think of to try and solve the mystery in the sky.

'We've done everything we can to figure out what they are, and nobody wants to give us any answers,' he said.

Locals are now so accustomed to the strange sightings that the Sheriff's office has stopped receiving calls about them, the spokesman told the outlet.

'It's like the new normal,' Mower said.

He also noted that the objects are thousands of feet above the earth, making them too high to shoot from the ground.

The Jim Bridger Power Plant has been hub for Unidentified flying objects [ UFOs] for 13 months above

John Grossnickle, the Sheriff of Sweetwater County, saw lighted, drone-like objects as recently as December 13

Mower said there have been no issues or concerns among locals in the region, other than their presence.

However, if the UFOs were to cause danger, 'rest assured  we'll certainly act accordingly,' Mower added.

The first drone sightings in Sweetwater came as New Jersey was gripped by mass hysteria when drones were seen repeatedly lighting up the night sky.

A private contractor seemingly solved that mystery after revealing at the Army's UAS and Launched Effects Summit at Fort Rucker in August that they had launched the objects to 'test out their capabilities,' according to the NY Post.

'You remember that big UFO scare in New Jersey last year? Well, that was us,' an employee of the unnamed contractor allegedly told a crowd at the event.

According to a source at the summit, the employee went on to claim there was no need to disclose their work to the public because they had a private government contract.

Join the debate Why do you think officials are keeping people in the dark about these mysterious flying objects?

Locals in Sweetwater County are used to the strange sightings that the Sheriff's office no longer receives calls about them

Some 964 sightings of flying objects were logged in the state between November 19 up until December 13 of 2024, according to statistics collected by the states Office of Emergency Management.

At the first press briefing of President Trump's second administration on January 28, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had authorized drones and that they did not pose a national security threat.

The FAA last attributed the sightings to 'lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, law enforcement drones, manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones'.

The agency then issued a temporary ban on flying drones, but as the sightings continued, warned that 'deadly force' could be used against drones that present an 'imminent security threat.'

Exclusive polling from DailyMail.com and J.L. Partners found that nearly half (45 percent) of people believe the bizarre activity was more than just recreational or normal drone use, with the majority (26 percent) of those respondents pointing to foreign surveillance.

Similar sightings caused mass hysteria in New Jersey last year around the same time as the UFOs were seen in Sweetwater

A private unnamed contractor took responsibility for the drone activity and claimed that they were working under contract for the government

The foreign powers mentioned were China or Russia, which has been suspected among lawmakers like Michael McCaul, R-Texas, who said some of the unidentified aircraft are 'spy drones.'

But 19 percent of Americans do believe the sightings are nothing more than hobby drones and 18 percent stated they are 'normal flying actives that have been exaggerated.'

There are some Americans (17 percent) who believe the drones were government surveillance tools, but 10 percent said the craft was actually protecting citizens.

And a small eight percent are sure the drones are alien vehicles.
You likely use them every single day  but some of your home appliances could be emitting harmful pollutants, a new study has warned.

Researchers have discovered popular devices release trillions of ultrafine particles that contain heavy metals.

These can penetrate the human body to settle in the lungs, and have been linked to conditions including asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and dementia.

Worryingly, the experts warn that young children are especially at risk.

'Indoor air quality has a critical impact on human health due to the presence of indoor air pollutants,' the team, from Pusan National University in South Korea said.

'Small home appliances equipped with heating coils and brushed motors generate ultrafine particles that directly attack users.'

Their tests found that popup toasters are the worst offenders, emitting up to 1.73 trillion UFPs per minute.

These particles are incredibly small  less than 100 nanometres in diameter  and were found to contain traces of copper, iron, aluminium, silver and titanium.

The researchers found that overall, children were more at risk from the harmful particles  likely due to their smaller airways

Their tests found that popup toasters are the worst offenders, emitting up to 1.73 trillion UFPs per minute (file image)

The assessment involved three different types of small electric home appliances  air fryers, toasters and hairdryers.

The amount of UFPs emitted by each device was measured, as well as the chemical compositions of heavy metals within the particles were analysed.

A simulation model was used to understand how the tiny particles affect our respiratory tracts, to work out who is most susceptible.

Overall, the team found that most of the appliances emit large quantities of UFPs  and the amount of emission was often based on the operating temperatures.

While the popup toaster topped the list for harmful pollution emissions, the air fryer came next. When used at a setting of 200C, it released 135 billion UFPs per minute.

Hairdryers were not as bad, although some models still emitted 100 billion UFPs per minute, the researchers found.

The heavy metals detected in the airborne particles were likely coming off the coils and motors directly, they said.

'These associated heavy metals increase the risk of cytotoxicity and inflammation when the particles enter the human body,' the researchers said.

The team found popular home devices release trillions of ultrafine particles that can penetrate the body and settle in the lungs

The heavy metals detected in the airborne particles were likely coming off the device's coils and motors directly, the team said (file image)

What are ultrafine particles? UFPs, are extremely tiny airborne particles that are smaller than 100 nanometres in diameter. They pose significant risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Road traffic is a major contributor, but they can also be released from household appliances. Previous studies have linked UFPs to asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and dementia. Advertisement

The study also showed that the UFPs are deposited predominantly in the alveolar region of the lungs  the tiny air tubes where the crucial work of breathing happens.

Since children have smaller airways, they face a higher health risk than adults, they warned.

While the study did not directly analyse the potential health impacts of the UFPs produced by these appliances, previous research indicates they are bad for human health.

These particles have been linked to conditions including asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and dementia.

'Our study emphasises the need for emissionaware electric appliance design and agespecific indoor air quality guidelines,' lead author Professor Changhyuk Kim said.

'In the long term, reducing UFP emissions from everyday devices will contribute to healthier indoor environments and lower chronic exposure risks, particularly for young children.

'Moreover, this framework can be extended to other consumer products, guiding future innovations toward human health protection.'

The study was published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.

'Understanding the source of the pollutants helps to develop preventive measures and policies for keeping healthy indoor air quality,' Professor Kim concluded.

A study published earlier this year revealed common household products are creating plumes of indoor air pollution.

In their study, the team from Purdue University warned of the dangers of products including air fresheners, wax melts, floor cleaners, and deodorants.

'A forest is a pristine environment,' said Nusrat Jung, an assistant professor in Purdue's Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering.

'But if you're using cleaning and aromatherapy products full of chemically manufactured scents to recreate a forest in your home, you're actually creating a tremendous amount of indoor air pollution that you shouldn't be breathing in.'
If you've ever felt like swearing during a workout, there's now a sciencebacked excuse for it.

Researchers have discovered that shouting expletives boosts physical performance and makes people push themselves harder.

This is because it helps people overcome their inhibitions by boosting their focus, they found.

And it could explain why cursing aloud is so popular  especially in situations that involve endurance.

'These findings help explain why swearing is so commonplace,' Dr Richard Stephens, from Keele University, said.

'Swearing is literally a calorie neutral, drug free, low cost, readily available tool at our disposal for when we need a boost in performance.'

Previous research has found that when people swear they perform better on physical challenges such as holding their hand in ice water.

The new findings explain the mechanism behind it  and why it makes you 'go for it' a little bit more.

Researchers have discovered that shouting expletives boosts physical performance and makes people push themselves harder

For the study, published in the journal American Psychologist, the team conducted two experiments involving 192 people.

In each, they asked participants to repeat either a swear word of their choice, or a neutral word, every two seconds while doing a chair pushup.

Following the challenge, they answered questions about their mental state during the task. These included references to how much positive emotion they felt, how distracted they were and how selfconfident they felt.

The questions also included a measure of psychological 'flow'  a state in which people become immersed in an activity in a pleasant, focused way.

Analysis revealed that participants who swore during the chair pushup task were able to support their body weight significantly longer than those who repeated a neutral word.

They found that this difference could be explained by increases in participants' reports of psychological flow, distraction and selfconfidence.

'In many situations, people hold themselves back  consciously or unconsciously  from using their full strength,' Dr Stephens said.

'By swearing, we throw off social constraint and allow ourselves to push harder in different situations.

Participants were asked to repeat either a swear word of their choice, or a neutral word, every two seconds while doing a chair pushup

A previous study showed that out of 20 global countries, Brits are the secondmost prolific swearers in the world, behind only the United States but ahead of Australia

The origin of the fword It may seem like a very modern expression, but the fword was recorded in a dictionary in 1598 (John Florio's A Worlde of Wordes). It is remotely derived from the Latin futuere and Old German ficken/f***en meaning 'to strike or penetrate', which had the slang meaning to copulate. The word became rarer in print in the 18th century when it came to be regarded as vulgar. Source: Dictionary.com Advertisement

'Swearing is an easily available way to help yourself feel focused, confident and less distracted, and "go for it" a little more.'

He explained these effects could have valuable applications in sport, rehabilitation and any situation that calls for courage or assertiveness.

'In this way, swearing could serve as an accessible way to unlock our full potential when peak performance is needed,' he added.

Nick Washmuth, a PhD student at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, who contributed to the study, said: 'Our next step is testing whether this boost from swearing works in any context where success requires overcoming hesitancy.

'Our labs are now studying how swearing influences public speaking and romantic approach behaviours, two situations where people tend to hesitate or secondguess themselves.'

The research reads: 'This study shows that swearing can improve physical performance, and it works by helping people feel focused, confident and less distracted.

'These data support the contention that swearing functions as a simple, cheap, widely accessible technique for rapidly counteracting tendencies to hold back.

'Repeating a swear word at key moments, particularly when individuals feel challenged or outside their comfort zone, may serve as a strategic tool.'

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A recent study found that while Brits may have a love for swearing, when it comes to our rivals we're far less prolific and creative.

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland analysed a whopping database of nearly eight billion words posted on social media.

They found Americans use the fword more frequently than Australians or Brits, but Australians are more creative in its use.

Aussies tend to use more inventive variants such as f***ing, f****d, f****r, f***face', 'mother******', 'fark' and the Irishderived 'feck'.

In contrast, Brits and Americans are more likely to use the bogstandard classic  'f***'.
The mysterious interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS is just hours away from making its closest approach to Earth as researchers continue to caution it's not acting like a normal comet.

On December 19, 3I/ATLAS is projected to come within 170million miles of our planet, which is close enough for people to see with small telescopes or cameras but still far enough away to not pose any threat of collision, NASA has said.

The space agency has also declared that they have found no evidence pointing to the object being artificially constructed or harboring extraterrestrial life, concluding that it's a large space rock from a distant solar system.

However, some researchers have pushed back on this declaration, revealing several strange anomalies that still cannot be explained by science, including one study linking the interstellar visitor to cosmic calendars used by ancient civilizations.

Independent researcher and author Andrew Collins has shown evidence that a mysterious 'heartbeat' emanating from the object pulsed in a 15.48-hour cycle that strangely aligned with Earth's 24-hour day.

Scans this summer previously showed that it had been blasting out in rhythmic bursts every 16.16 hours precisely, but new data from Spain's Two-meter Twin Telescope in September found this number had changed slightly as it neared Earth.

It's unclear if something within 3I/ATLAS physically changed or if scientists have just gathered more precise measurements, but Collins noted that the strange pulsations line up perfectly with timing systems used by the ancient Chinese and Indians.

On November 19, administrators from NASA held a press conference where they declared 3I/ATLAS a comet and reported that the agency hadn't detected any technosignatures, technological traces of intelligent life.

Amateur stargazers will be able to capture clear images of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS (Pictured) using common telescopes on Friday as it nears Earth

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The findings revealed in Collins' paper were based on Earth-based and space telescope data that have been tracking 3I/ATLAS since it was discovered near our solar system in July.

Using the readings collected in September, Collins explained that the object's so-called heartbeat appeared to follow an ancient 144-second timing system used by old Chinese clocks and Indian meditation practices.

He broke down the comet's pulses of brightness and found that the new 15.48-hour cycle fit into exactly 387 of these units, while Earth's full 24-hour day fits precisely into 600, which Collins said was too perfect to be a coincidence.

Collins suggested this sync might mean the comet has been 'broadcasting' a universal math pattern, hinting at intelligent design rather than random chance, and tying our planet's spin to age-old ideas of cosmic rhythms.

Simply put, the study author claimed that the alleged comet's pulses have been too regular, like a signal rather than random outbursts of gaseous particles being struck by the sun as the comet rotates, as other astronomers have suggested.

Collins has been a history and science writer for over 40 years, specializing in ancient mysteries, alternative history, astronomy, and lost civilizations. He's written over 15 books exploring these topics.

In the new paper, Collins referenced the work of Avi Loeb, the head of the Galileo Project, a research group looking for extraterrestrial life, who has been studying this heartbeat and a dozen other strange clues tied to the alleged comet.

One of those was the object ejecting particles of DNA building blocks, such as methanol and hydrogen cyanide, which Loeb has hypothesized could mean 3I/ATLAS has been seeding nearby planets like Mars, Venus, and Jupiter with life.

3I/ATLAS is projected to reach its closest point to Earth on Friday, December 19, when it gets within 170million miles of the planet

Other anomalies Loeb has documented include the object speeding up strangely without the help of gravity, its near-impossible path that takes the object near multiple planets, and 3I/ATLAS appearing to come from the same direction as the famous 1977 'alien' radio signal called the 'Wow! Signal.'

'The many anomalies associated with 3I/ATLAS strongly hint that it is not a mundane comet but what might be described as a directed comet,' Collins said in his paper submitted to ResearchGate.

The author explained that if 3I/ATLAS were a 'directed comet,' it could be an intelligent form of life that 'wakes up' in star systems, using a super-hot gas called plasma to think and act.

Both NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have dismissed any theories that 3I/ATLAS is anything more than a lifeless comet with a unique chemical mixture created by its home solar system.

However, Professor Loeb recently appeared on The Danny Jones Podcast and slammed NASA for failing to consider all of the possibilities surrounding 3I/ATLAS as it nears Earth tomorrow.

Loeb has focused heavily on the object's massive size and so-called 'anti-tail,' a stream of particles pointing at the sun instead of away from it like a normal comet's tail - which Loeb has suggested could be a sign of a spacecraft's engine.

'How do you explain the large mass of the object quantitatively, not just say "oh, comets are weird and some of them are unusual and therefore it's okay." That's not an explanation,' Loeb said.

Color-enhanced images shared by multiple social media users revealed 3I/ATLAS developed a strange green glow as it neared Mars and the sun in October

Loeb previously told Daily Mail that the object's size, at roughly three miles in length, is yet another clue that it may not be a comet, as there isn't enough rocky material in interstellar space to have created such a structure naturally.

'You need to explain that, you can't just ignore it. This is not politics, we are talking about science here,' he continued during the December 8 podcast.

'You can't just be a bureaucrat who makes statements, and everyone should believe you because of your authority. That's not the way science is done.'

NASA has also been slammed for an October press conference, which released low-quality images of 3I/ATLAS despite the space agency's Mars space probes coming within 18million miles of the object.

Meanwhile, amateur stargazers have been able to take even sharper images from here on Earth using common telescopes and photography equipment, sparking conspiracy theories that NASA has been hiding information about the visitor.

The public will have its best chance to view 3I/ATLAS using telescopes with a lens as small as five inches starting tonight at 11pm ET.

Viewers should focus on looking east to northeast. During the early pre-dawn hours on Friday, the object should appear right under Regulus, a star at the heart of the constellation Leo.
A whistleblower has leaked horrifying footage showing slaughterhouse workers shooting, beating, stabbing, and urinating on cows.

The videos were recorded at Georgia's Best Processing in Fort Valley, Georgia, and reportedly shared among workers for amusement, according to PETA.

The clips, which PETA said were recorded in the Fall, show workers urinating on cows' faces, striking them with pipes and stabbing them while the animals struggled to stand.

One video appears to show a worker shooting a cow and stabbing her in the neck, edited with music, hearts and other graphic overlays.

PETA spokesperson Moira Colley told Daily Mail: 'It appears at least three workers are depicted in the videos. At least one is a student of a local school, but all appear to be young.'

Georgia's Best Processing acknowledged the videos on Facebook, saying it was unaware of the actions until the leak.

'Upon learning of the situation, we took immediate disciplinary action and fully cooperated with the Georgia Department of Agriculture,' the statement reads.

'The individuals were immediately terminated. The humane treatment of animals entrusted to our care is a responsibility we take very seriously, and we are deeply concerned by what occurred.'

The videos were allegedly recorded by high school students employed at Georgia's Best Processing in Fort Valley, Georgia, and reportedly shared among workers for amusement, according to PETA

PETA warned that ignoring such acts of cruelty endangers animals and can have serious consequences for communities if violent behaviors escalate. The nonprofit has contacted the students' school, urging the superintendent to take swift action.

Studies show childhood animal cruelty is a serious warning sign, often linked to family violence, trauma, and later violence against humans, but it can stem from curiosity, learned behavior, or emotional issues, with persistent or escalating cruelty and lack of empathy.

Daily Mail has contacted Georgia's Best Processing for comment.

'It appears at least three workers are depicted in the videos. At least one is a student of a local school, but all appear to be young,' Colley said.

'Cows in the meat industry are killed at a fraction of their natural lifespan and dont receive a bit of kindness during their entire lives, but workers filming themselves stabbing conscious animals in the neck, and even urinating in the face of one, is especially horrific.

'These sadistic acts and the callous way in which workers allegedly shared videos of their torment to laugh at are a chilling wake-up call for this community.'

The whistleblower alleged the videos were shared on the social media platform Snapchat.

She added that while the videos only show short moments of the cow's struggling, Georgia law requires that animals be rendered unconscious with a single stunning attempt before slaughter.

The whistleblower alleged the videos were shared on the social media platform Snapchat

'Stabbing the throat of a conscious animal would constitute a violation of the anti-cruelty statute O.C.G.A.  16-12-4(b)(1), which prohibits causing an animal physical pain, suffering, or death by any unjustifiable act,' said Colley.

'The Georgia Department of Agriculture could suspend its inspections of the facility, which would prevent them from slaughtering animals.

'The individuals would likely be charged with a misdemeanor, which typically results in a fine of $1,000 or less and/or a sentence of less than 12 months.'

The videos have also surfaced on X, where users have been left outraged.

'Animal processing plants have a moral and professional responsibility to treat animals humanely by minimizing pain, stress, and fear at every stage of handling and processing. This is sick,' one user shared.

In November 2024, PETA released even more shocking videos of workers at a Butterball factory, the largest producer of turkey products in the US, smacking, humping and sexually abusing the birds at the Ozark, Arkansas plant in 2006.

That was years before Butterball was privatized and certified by the American Humane.

'We are aware of a video from nearly 20 years ago, which is being reshared across social media,' a spokesperson for the company told Scripps News.

'The video is not current and was taken prior to Butterball becoming a private company and prior to engagement certification through American Humane.'

'Animal care and well-being is central to who we are as a company, and we are committed to the ethical and responsible care of our flocks,' the spokesperson insisted.

'Eleven years ago, Butterball was the first, and remains the only, turkey company to be American Humane certified,' they noted.

'That means we have yearly audits conducted by a third-party to ensure compliance with our 200-plus science-based standards or best practices for care of turkeys, well exceeding industry best practices.

In November 2024, PETA released even more shocking videos of workers at a Butterball factory, the largest producer of turkey products in the US, smacking, humping and sexually abusing the birds at the Ozark, Arkansas plant in 2006

'We are proud of this designation that no other turkey company can claim, and have a zero tolerance policy for animal mistreatment.'

But in the disturbing footage, an undercover investigator claimed he saw a Butterball employee shoving his finger up a turkey's cloaca, or vagina, for 'fun' and witnessed another worker humping a turkey while it was restrained, according to the animal rights group.

He also recalled seeing a 'worker... taunting another worker by holding a bird by the legs and jerking her back and forth.'

Footage included in the video also showed employees manhandling multiple birds - striking, throwing and hanging them to death.

'Do you know what happened to your Butterball turkey before it was killed?' PETA wrote in the caption, without specifying that the content was filmed 18 years ago.
Scientists have found that the risk of shingles may rise slightly in the weeks following a Covid booster shot.

The discovery comes from researchers at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, who analyzed electronic health records from more than two million people aged 12 and older who had received at least one Covid vaccine.

The study found that the risk of developing shingles within 28 days of vaccination increased by seven percent when all doses were combined and by 21 percent after the third, or booster, dose of an mRNA vaccine.

Shingles, which appears as a painful, blistering rash, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which most people first encounter in childhood as chickenpox.

Separate research found that adults aged 50 and over who were hospitalized with shingles were seven times more likely to develop dementia.

Among men of all ages, researchers found a significantly higher risk of shingles after receiving a vector-based vaccine, with a 38 percent increase.

The authors noted that the increase in shingles risk after a booster mRNA dose is small, temporary, and limited to certain subgroups, and most cases are treated in general practice rather than requiring hospitalization.

The study comes as the FDA is drawing up plans to put a 'black box' warning on Covid vaccines, the agency's most serious warning over potential side effects, reports suggested.

Shingles, which appears as a painful, blistering rash, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which most people first encounter in childhood as chickenpox

A black box warning, which appears at the top of prescribing information, is placed on drugs or vaccines to highlight major risks such as serious side effects or restrictions.

The move by the FDA was revealed to CNN by two people familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

The new study, published in the peerreviewed journal Drug Safety on December 11, suggested that shingles might occur after a Covid booster because important immune cells, called lymphocytes, can be temporarily depleted after vaccination, which may allow the virus that causes shingles to wake up.

Repeated vaccine doses, especially a third booster, might also make T-cells less active for a short time, and T-cells help control viruses that hide in the body.

The researchers emphasized that this does not prove the vaccine causes shingles, only that there is a small, temporary link in some people.

The study noted that Hong Kong reported a sharp increase in hospitalizations for shingles shortly after Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination.

However, a US study using healthcare claims data found no increased risk after Covid vaccination, and vaccination was not linked to a higher risk than flu shots.

The team conducted the study in three steps, including analyzing all available Covid vaccines, including unknown brands.

Join the debate Should the public be better warned about vaccine side effects?

The study found that the risk of developing shingles within 28 days of vaccination increased by seven percent when all doses were combined and by 21 percent after the third, or booster, dose of an mRNA vaccine

Second, vaccines were separated by type, mRNA versus vector.

mRNA vaccines, like Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, use genetic material in the form of mRNA to instruct cells directly to make the spike protein.

Vector vaccines, like AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson, use a different virus, modified so it cant replicate, to carry the instructions into cells. Then the team analyzed the vaccines by brand.

For individuals who received two doses less than 28 days apart, it was difficult to determine which vaccine caused shingles, so only those with a consistent vaccination regimen were included in the type- and brand-specific analyses, according to the study.

The median age of the participants was 51 years, with most people falling within an age range of 32 years around the median.

The two most common health conditions were cardiovascular disease, affecting 539,134 people (25.7%) and chronic lung disease, affecting 341,747 people (16.3%).

Most participants, 1,145,212 people (54.6%), received two vaccine doses.

The most commonly given vaccine was Pfizer/BioNTech, which made up 69.2 percent of all doses, followed by Moderna at 18.6 percent.

A study published in April, which spanned for more than two decades, found shingles could trigger early-onset dementia.

Crucially, the greatest risk was seen in those aged 50 to 65, which is younger than the typical age of dementia patients.

In the new study, the Italian researchers recruited 132,986 adults aged 50 and older.

Of these, 12,088 were hospitalized with a diagnosis of shingles, termed 'herpes zoster disease' in the study.

After just one year, there was a two-fold increase in early dementia seen in the severe shingles group, compared to those in the other two groups.
Rob and Michele Reiner's cause of death has been formally revealed after their son, Nick Reiner, made his first court appearance in the double murder case.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner said that the couple passed away after suffering from 'multiple sharp force injuries'.

Online records show the Hollywood legend and his photographer wife died on Sunday, the same day they were discovered in their $13.5million mansion.

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Gruesome: The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner revealed Rob and Michele Reiner's cause of death was 'multiple sharp force injuries'

Both of their deaths have been ruled homicides, with the place of death listed as their residence. Their bodies are ready for release.

Nick was arrested on Sunday and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the killings of his 78-year-old father and 70-year-old mother.

Prosecutors added special circumstances of multiple murders and use of a dangerous weapon, a knife, meaning, if he is convicted, Nick could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty.

The 32-year-old made a brief court appearance on Wednesday, wearing an anti-suicide vest, where he did not enter a plea.

Nick's famous defense attorney, Alan Jackson, asked the judge for a continuance, saying that he 'needed more time' to prepare his case.

Their son: Nick Reiner, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder

When the judge asked a blank-faced Nick 'if he agreed that his arraignment should be continued', he answered, 'Yes, your honor.'

His arraignment was pushed to January 7 and he was ordered to be held in jail without bail.

Jackson addressed the media after the hearing and asked people not to 'rush to judgment' about the case.

'This is a devastating tragedy that has befallen the Reiner family,' Jackson said.

'There are very, very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case. These need to be thoroughly and very carefully dealt with.

'We ask that throughout this process you allow the system to move forward in the way that it was designed to move forward, not with a rush to judgment.'

Shortly after the hearing, the couple's other children, Romy and Jake, released a heart-wrenching statement on their deaths.

'Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,' the grieving siblings said.

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'The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience.

'They weren't just our parents; they were our best friends. We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life.'

The pair asked people for 'respect and privacy' and urged the public to treat any speculation with 'compassion and humanity'.

Jake and Romy said they wanted their father, a legend in Hollywood, and acclaimed photographer mother, to be remembered for the 'incredible lives they lived and the love' they gave.

The couple were found slain on Sunday afternoon after Romy was called over by a massage therapist who had arrived at the residence but could not get in.

A source close to the investigation told the Daily Mail that they had their throats slashed and were killed in their bed.

New photos obtained by the Daily Mail have revealed the hotel room Nick allegedly left covered in blood following his parents' horrific murder.

The couple's son checked into room 207 at The Pierside Santa Monica around 4am on Sunday.

Claim: Nick allegedly fought with his parents at a Christmas party the night before they were killed

It is a $400-a-night boutique hotel about 1,000ft away from the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, and a five-minute walk to the LA Metro line that goes directly to the Exposition Park area where Nick was eventually arrested by cops.

When hotel staff came into Nick's room later on Sunday morning, the shower was said to be 'full of blood', with splatters across the bed.

The windows in the room were covered by bed sheets, detectives found when they arrived at the hotel on Monday to collect evidence.

The Hollywood director's son had been living in the guesthouse of his parents' $13.5million mansion in the LA suburb of Brentwood at the time of their deaths.

Reiner was increasingly worried about Nick, who had a history of drug addiction and mental breakdowns, and took him to a holiday party Saturday night to 'keep an eye on him,' sources have said.

Nick is said to have left A-list guests feeling unnerved at Conan O'Brien's Christmas bash, getting into a tiff with comedian Bill Hader and prompting his parents to leave the event.

Sharp: When speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Alan Jackson declined to comment on how he was hired to represent Nick Reiner and how he would be paid

In his immaculately-tailored suit and English spread collar shirt, pocket square in his breast pocket, lawyer Alan Jackson stood on the steps of Los Angeles Superior Court with a furrowed brow, holding forth with the assembled media.

Jackson  who once prosecuted music producer Phil Spector for murder before going into private practice and taking on recent clients such as Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey  is one of America's highest paid criminal defense attorneys, easily raking in more than $2,000 an hour, a source told the Daily Mail.

With Nick Reiner's case guaranteed to take at least three months, even if he enters a plea of insanity, Jackson is in line for a significant pay day. But, asked how he came to represent Nick, and who would pay his fees, the loquacious Jackson went quiet.

'I can't comment,' he said.

Now a Reiner family insider has told the Daily Mail that the cash is indeed coming from Rob and Michele's estate. The source, a lifelong family friend, who was close to Rob's celebrated Hollywood actor, director, screenwriter father Carl, said that grieving relatives have hired Jackson and some of the Reiners' estimated $200 million fortune is being used to save Nick from prison.

They would rather Nick get locked up for life in a mental institution than be incarcerated, the source said.

Grief: The couple's other children, Jake and Romy, left, released a heart wrenching statement on their deaths after their brother made his first court appearance

While Nick faces a possible life sentence if convicted for the murder of his famous parents, he could also be stripped of any potential inheritance.

The late filmmaker's wealth has been estimated at $200million by Celebrity Net Worth. But if Nick is included in his parents' will, he might not see a penny of the inheritance if convicted due to California's Slayer Rule, codified in Probate Code Section 250.

The legislation prevents an individual from inheriting property or assets from a person they 'feloniously and intentionally' killed.

'Under California Probate Code Section 250, often referred to as the Slayer Rule, a person who is found to have feloniously and intentionally killed another individual is treated as having predeceased the victim for inheritance purposes,' Craig Parker, assistant general counsel at Trust and Will, told the Daily Mail.

'If Nick Reiner were convicted of murdering his parents, he would be legally barred from inheriting from their estates, whether under a will, a trust, or through intestate succession.'

But a significant legal loophole remains: if Nick is found not guilty by reason of insanity, he could still inherit, as the slayer statute would not be triggered.

Parker added, 'The Slayer Rule is not automatically applied while a criminal case is pending. In most cases, inheritance rights are effectively placed on hold until there is a final determination. Probate courts may delay distributions or require assets to be held until a conviction or a civil finding establishes that the killing was felonious and intentional.'

And if Nick is deemed insane, things may not change.

Parker explained: 'A verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity does not necessarily resolve the inheritance issue.

'California law allows a probate court to make its own determination, separate from the criminal case, as to whether the killing meets the standard required under the Slayer Rule. If that standard is met, inheritance can still be barred even if the criminal outcome is based on insanity.'

Reiner and his wife had three children together, and he was also dad to daughter Tracy, 61, whom he adopted during his first marriage to Penny Marshall

It has not yet been revealed how much the children will inherit.
A globetrotter who has visited every country on earth has shared how a harmless act during a tightly controlled visit to one of the world's most isolated states almost saw him jailed.

Henrik Jeppesen, 37, from Denmark, became the youngest person to have travelled to all 193 nations at the age of 27.

Having visited over 2,000 destinations since his first trip to Egypt aged 17, Jeppesen has stepped foot in plenty of no-go zones for tourists, including the Central African Republic, a landlocked country he personally ranked as least safe.

Yet none compare to the restrictions he encountered in North Korea, which he describes as 'the most interesting' nation in the world - for the most terrifyingly bleak reasons.

Detailing his experience on his blog, Every Country in the World, he warned fellow tourists to expect heavy restrictions on internet access and travel freedom.

In addition, he advised travellers to ensure their health is optimum, noting North Korea's air pollution mortality rate as among the world's highest.

He added: 'This is the country I'd least like to live. The country with the least amount of freedom and the worst air pollution is not a great combination.'

During his trip, Jeppesen made sure to follow the rules to avoid running into trouble - but the same couldn't be same for his travel companion, who carried a seemingly harmless act that almost landed the pair in prison.

Henrik Jeppesen, 37, from Denmark, shared how a harmless act during a visit to one of the world's most tightly controlled countries almost saw him thrown into prison

Jeppesen ensured he followed the rules to avoid running into trouble in North Korea - but the same couldn't be same for his travel companion

He described how he and his friend briefly wandered away from his state-appointed supervisors - a violation serious enough on its own.

It was at this moment his companion, who had been carrying the ashes of a fellow traveller and hoped to scatter them in every country, decided to secretly sprinkle them across the floor - despite being denied to do so by North Korean guides.

Authorities later discovered video footage of the act after the friend had filmed himself committed what Jeppesen called a 'big felony' in the country.

Recalling how he feared harsh punishment, he noted high-profile cases where tourists were jailed over much smaller offences, such American college student Otto Warmbier, who was imprisoned for attempting to take a North Korea poster home.

He said: 'They could have easily put us into labour camps. We were extremely blessed to get out of North Korea alive and without going to prison - he wrote an apology letter to the Dear Leader, and that was the way we were allowed to leave North Korea.'

But at the airport, Jeppesen said officials accused him of 'polluting' the country as a crowd of staff gathered around the pair.

Jeppesen believes they avoided detention partly because jailing foreigners could have caused unwanted international attention.

The two ultimately left North Korea unscathed - an outcome Jeppesen describes as 'lucky' given how easily the trip could have ended behind bars.

His companion, who had been carrying the ashes of a fellow traveller and hoped to scatter them, secretly sprinkle them across the floor - against North Korean guides' wishes

It comes after a language tutor shared how he was mistaken for a spy and held at gunpoint whilst hiking along the North and South Korea border - after accidentally wandering into a restricted military testing zone.

Stephen Low, 48, from Norwich is a language tutor for Rosetta Stone, a programme he first discovered while teaching in Korea  where English is the second-most popular language to learn.

After completing his first year teaching English at a school near the DMZ - a demilitarised but heavily fortified area between North and South Korea - he decided to mark the end of his contract with a solo hike along a popular trail near the border.

Surrounded by sniper huts and remnants of war, Stephen decided to take shelter in one of the empty huts as the temperature began to drop near the summit.
Many Brits dream of leaving the rat race and moving to a far-flung place where there is endless sunshine and the worries of the nine-to-five fade into distant memory.

An estimated 5.5 to 6million British citizens live permanently abroad, with popular spots including Australia, the USA, Canada, Spain and New Zealand.

Often, Brits move for a better quality of life, driven by the UK's high cost of living, stagnant wages, a desire for better work-life balance and warmer weather.

Around eight per cent of British pensioners are currently living overseas, often moving for a more comfortable lifestyle where their income stretches further.

But living across the world comes with trade-offs, such as missing friends and family, language barriers and of course, the lack of Yorkshire Tea provisions.

It comes as international health insurance provider William Russell has revealed the biggest culture shocks British expats experience while living abroad and how they vary by country.

From unusual foods to weather, read on to find out which cultural differences top the list.

Australia

Australia has tens of millions of kangaroos, often more than the human population

Kangaroo meat has been a food source for Aboriginal Australians for more than 40,000 years

Australia is the most popular destination for Brits looking to move to a different country.

However, one of the most significant cultural shocks people find there is related to the food.

While Tim Tams, Anzac biscuits and fairy bread are firm favourites, game meats like kangaroo and emu can be a challenge to come to terms with for Brits.

Kangaroo meat can be used in place of beef in many recipes, like tacos, burgers, sausages or as a steak.

The animal, of which there are tens of millions in the country, has been a food source for Aboriginal Australians for more than 40,000 years.

Another shock is the wildlife. Australia has massive biodiversity and many more creatures that can be harmful to humans, including black widow spiders, great white sharks and saltwater crocodiles.

Spain

In Spain, the 'siesta' (afternoon break) is a cherished tradition for rest, especially in hotter areas or on weekends

Spain is closer to home than Australia and an attractive option for expats due to the climate, infrastructure and chilled lifestyle.

However, the Spanish lifestyle still comes as a cultural shock to people, especially their tendency to eat late in the day and close businesses in the afternoon.

In Spain, it is common to eat lunch at around 2-3pm and sit down for dinner at around 9-10pm.

Rather than the 'grab and go' culture of lunch in the UK, food is a central social experience, often with multi-course meals and tapas.

The 'siesta' (afternoon break) is a cherished tradition for rest, especially in hotter areas or on weekends, though less common in cities.

Social interactions can also shock more reserved Brits, especially greeting people with a kiss and being loud in public.

Canada

The record low temperature in Canada is -63C, meaning lots of layers are needed!

There are many reasons to move to Canada, such as the jaw-dropping scenery, the friendly nature of the people and the modern metropolitan cities.

But one thing that often puts people off is the high cost of living there, specifically tax not being included in prices.

Another cultural shock is just how extreme the climate can be. The record low temperature is -63C, and the highest recorded is 49.6C.

However, in Canada, it rains on average seven days a month, year-round, which is less than the 13 days on average in the UK.

USA

Spoilt for choice! There is a wide variety of food on offer in supermarkets in the US

One of the biggest shocks for those moving to America is food-related, with the wide variety of products on offer in supermarkets and restaurants coming as a surprise for expats.

The much larger portion sizes can be a cultural shock, especially to those with a smaller appetite.

Other cultural shocks include advertising, which is far more frequent and less restricted in American media than in the UK.

Elsewhere

In Switzerland, crossing the road without a green light is illegal and punishable with a fine.

Over in Thailand, the monsoon season is between July and October, a period of tropical storms and extreme downpours.

However, the misconception that it rains constantly for months is not true.

Instead, this period is characterised by short but intense rainfall that comes on suddenly and inconsistently.
When the UK gets colder, our appetite for warm weather seems only to grow.

It's natural we'd be seeking some vitamin D to counteract the effect of the dreary, cold weather.

Now, the hottest winter destination has been revealed - and it boasts white sands, turquoise seas and return flights starting from just 93.

An Atlantic island known for being like the Caribbean but without the jetlag has topped easyJet's winter sun hotlist.

With subtropical climes and a one-hour time difference with the UK, the spot has outshone the Canaries as the top destination for Brits looking to beat the winter blues.

Sal, Cape Verde's most tourist-ready island, has taken the winning spot.

It boasts perpetual sun and reliable hot temperatures all year round, averaging 24-25C in the winter months of January to March.

After topping up on sun for the total 10 hours on offer every day, travellers can soak up the sounds of local Creole beats.

Sal, a gorgeous island in Cape Verde, made the top spot

You can also experience the flavours of a cuisine weaved by Portuguese, African and Brazilian influences, where a meal for two totals around 30.

Reachable via easyJet routes in just six hours, Sal doubles up as an ideal WFH (Work From Holiday) destination, with the UK logging on just one hour ahead.

Plus, easyJet return flights to Sal start from 93.49.

Winter sun beach packages start from 320pp too.

A close runner up, known for its Red Sea coastline adorned with crystal-clear waters, was Hurghada.

Located on the east coast of Egypt, this resort destination has earned a well-deserved second place spot on the index thanks to its wall-to-wall sunshine, vibrant coral reefs and Saharan landscapes primed for quad biking or Jeep safari.

With typical winter temperatures that range between 21 and 25C and pints putting you just 2 out of pocket, this retreat offers up everything that can be expected when desert meets sea.

The Canary Islands took third and fourth place for Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

With immaculate beaches and crystal-clear water, it's the perfect spot for winter sun

Both spots offer volcanic vistas and lively resort activity  the former has golden beaches, the latter etched with unique black sands.

Djerba, which sits just off Tunisia's southern coast, also ranks well thanks to its white sandy beaches and towering palm trees.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet's UK country manager, said: 'As temperatures at home begin to drop and the days get darker, now is the perfect time to book an escape to warmer climes.

'easyJet's unrivalled network and package holidays, offer a broad range of winter sun destinations across Europe and beyond, from Sub-Saharan islands to Spanish peninsula cities that are all easily accessible and affordable, for those looking to chase the sun on a budget this winter.'
'The most magical place on earth' has always come with a steep price tag.

There's the cost of flights, accommodation, park entry and the inevitable array of Mickey Mouse-shaped snacks.

Around one million Brits visit Orlando and its theme parks, especially Disney World, each year, with many families returning every year - despite the steep cost.

A survey of UK-based Disney fanatics found 95 per cent believe a Disney World holiday in Orlando, Florida, is out of reach for average families due to rising costs and just 8.5 per cent said they could get to the Sunshine State within a year of saving.

But now, travel experts have revealed that it could be cheaper to fly to Tokyo Disney in Japan than visit Disney World in Florida.

According to official park data, Tokyo Disney Resort tickets range from 7,900 to 10,900 yen (roughly 38 to 52).

This is compared to the $119 (90) minimum at Walt Disney World, which can surge to $274 (205) during peak holiday weekends. Disneyland Paris tickets cost around 49 (43) to 85 (74).

But as travel planner and Disney expert Chris French explains, the real difference isn't just about ticket prices, it's about when you pay.

Around 1million Brits visit Orlando and its theme parks, especially Disney World, each year, with many families returning every year

Travel experts have revealed that it could be cheaper to fly to Tokyo Disney in Japan than visit Disney World in Florida. The World Bazaar area at Tokyo Disneyland is pictured

'At Tokyo Disney Resort, your entry ticket might seem cheap,' French told the New York Post. 'But premium experiences  front-of-line access, major shows, or parades  often cost extra. You'll see lower base prices but higher upcharges for convenience.'

According to a post on the Facebook page 'Orlando Trips for Brits', which has nearly 160,000 members, it is possible to spend as much as 28,000 on a family holiday to the Disney park in Florida.

One user shared that they spent this sum on a trip for their family of seven, including premium flights. They wrote: 'You need to budget 1,000 per person for food and drinks and souvenirs for two weeks (talking teens age and over).

'We did private fireworks boat, animal encounters, Discovery Cove, four nights at Animal Kingdom, two nights at Disney's Old Key West Resort, three nights at Loews Royal Pacific Resort (for fast passes) and six nights at a budget hotel.'

Another added: 'We are a family of five and in school holidays, we're looking at around 15,000.'

Tokyos affordability often comes more from Japans cost-of-living difference than Disney pricing itself. Food, transportation and local inns can be inexpensive compared to US resorts.

But when airfare is added, the savings begin to evaporate unless booked during off-seasons or with points.

According to Skyscanner, economy flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo in February are around 480 per person, with a flight time of 21 hours. Economy tickets to Orlando for the same date are around 317 per person with a flight time of around 13 hours.

According to a post on the Facebook page 'Orlando Trips for Brits', it is possible to spend as much as 28,000 on a family holiday to the Disney park in Florida

On the Facebook page, Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea holiday planning, the topic of whether it is cheaper to visit the resort in Japan than the US is a regular topic.

One user wrote: 'I find going to Tokyo Disneyland more affordable than going to US parks. I dont stay on property in Tokyo and I dont do VP. The Japanese culture makes Tokyo Disneyland my favourite and worth the long flight.'

Another wrote: 'With the low yen, it is cheaper. However, there are suites and fancy hotel rooms. If you pick those, then it is more expensive.

'Overall, the crowds are nice and it is cleaner. Pricing varies as to VP or just hotel stay. Not sure which you are planning to do. VP includes tickets, hotel, breakfast and perks for one or two nights.'

When it comes to whether it's cheaper to visit Orlando or Tokyo, it seems to depend on whether you intend to book accommodation at the park or stay local. While the cost of living is cheaper in Tokyo, there is the added factor of long flight time.
A major UK city is set to get driverless trains next year as part of its rail modernisation project.

In 2023, new trains were launched in Glasgow as part of the full-scale upgrade to improve the city's subway after more than 30 years.

The renovations have continued and now, the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has announced Unattended Train Operation will be introduced to Glasgow.

The modernisation project is in its 'final stages,' Time Out reports, and the driverless subway trains are expected to be brought in next year.

It's excepted the new transport will be in action towards the last half of 2026, but will be gradually introduced and has been described as 'the most complex phase of delivery'.

Transport officials added in a report that 'whilst our new system will be capable of Unattended Train Operation, there may be a requirement for some staff presence within the system beyond this point'.

'We recognise how challenging this transition will be, especially as a first of its kind in the UK', the report ended.

In recent years, Glasgow has received new carriages that differ from the previous three-car set.

The renovations have continued and now, the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has announced Unattended Train Operation will be introduced to Glasgow (stock)

The upgraded transport instead is the same size but features four cars and has open gangways to increase the space.

Smartcard ticketing was also announced earlier this year for the subway, bringing contactless payment to Glasgow's transport system.

Fifteen stations are being refurbished as part of the modernisation project, and there will be 17 new trains in total.

An SPT spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'SPT is working towards the introduction of Unattended Train Operation (UTO) or driverless trains on the Subway - the first in the UK.

'However, before the move to UTO, we must have Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) installed and be fully operational in all stations. The first PSDs have started to be introduced at Govan station, this will be followed by Ibrox and Partick.

'PSD installation needs to be completed and testing carried out across the integrated system before we can transition to UTO. We are also working closely with our staff in preparation for the introduction of the new system and our operating model for our fully modernised Subway system. When all that is complete, we will then have the capability to move to 'driverless' trains.

'We are still working on our final operating model for the new Subway system but our passengers and their safety remains our key focus at all times. We will always have staff in stations to assist passengers and we will have staff in the system when needed  whether that's at particularly busy times, during events in the city, later at night or at weekends.'

It comes after Europe's first driverless train made its debut journey this summer.

The vehicle, named Edita, ran along a rail line in an open environment linking two northern Czech towns, its developer confirmed on Tuesday.

It had been operating since April on a local railway used as a testing track by the Prague-based private AZD company producing transport control and signalling systems.

AZD's railway developer Michal Novak said: 'The train runs autonomously, it is equipped with systems that enable us to control its traction, brakes, and speed.

The modernisation project is in its 'final stages,' and the driverless subway trains are expected to be brought in next year

'It is also equipped with a device that detects objects and recognises obstacles and reacts accordingly.'

AZD has been running the train sparingly since its launch as its staff often test new equipment on it.

Edita connects two small towns on a 15-mile track that was abandoned in 2010 before AZD bought it six years later.

The company has invested 320 million Czech koruna (11.3million) in the project, using EU funding for about one-third of the amount.
As millions of Brits prepare to journey across the country to see their loved ones this Christmas, Trainline has shared the busiest and quietest days to travel by train - along with simple ways to save money and avoid the crowds.

According to the digital rail platfrom, the Saturday before Christmas has consistently the busiest day to travel by trains for the past two years.

Commuters are advised to avoid the late-morning rush, with the single busiest hour last Christmas falling between 10am and 11am on 21 December.

On the flip side, Trainline's data found New Year's Day to be the quietest for rail travel - ideal for those organising a last-minute visit to see family and friends, or returning home after festivities.

During the festive period, early mornings and late evenings continue to be the calmest times to travel, with passenger numbers dropping sharply later in the day.

On 1 January 2025, the number of passengers travelling decreased by more than half between the hours of 4-5pm and 5-6pm.

However, travellers should be aware that train services typically do not commence operations until sometime between 5am and 6am.

To help passengers beat the crowds this December and January, Trainline has shared the UK's busiest rail routes over the festive season.

To help travellers beat the crowds at stations across the UK this Christmas, Trainline has shared the busiest and quietest days to travel by train (Pictured: London Euston in December 2024)

Last Christmas, the most in-demand routes included Birmingham to London Euston, which saw the highest number of early bookers, Manchester to London Euston, Edinburgh to London King's Cross and Milton Keynes to London Euston.

Unsurprisingly, the Gatwick Airport to London Victoria route also saw a significant increase in passenger numbers.

In light of this, Trainline has shared its top tips to reduce stress when travelling this Christmas, along with a number of money-saving hacks, such as booking Advance tickets while theyre still available and taking advantage of SplitSave fares.

First and foremost, passengers are advised to book their tickets in advance - though they're urged to snap these up quickly, as limited numbers of Advance tickets are available for some of the most popular routes over the Christmas break.

Using a digital railcard can also help cut costs, with a Railcard purchased through Trainline saving customers up to a third off train journeys across the UK.

Splitting journeys into multiple tickets can also save passengers a sizeable amount.

With the help of SplitSave, which automatically finds cheaper combinations, travellers can purchase tickets for different legs of their journey rather than buying a single through ticket.

Seasonal and general offers crop up throughout the year, so it's worth keeping an eye out for deals to help cut costs further, such as Family Travelcards and the Kids for a Quid scheme.

While the Saturday before Christmas has consistently been the busiest day to travel, Trainline's data found New Year's Day to be the quietest for rail travel (Pictured: Birmingham New Street Station)

Large groups can also benefit from discounts. If passengers happen to be travelling in groups of three to nine people, they may be able to save up to 34 per cent with GroupSave on eligible Off-Peak services.

Should passengers find their journeys disrupted over the festive season, the Trainline app has a range of new features to help travellers stay on track - from Travel Forecast helping to spot delays, to Train Swap, which helps users switch journeys in only a few taps.

For those taking to the roads this season, this map reveals the most gridlocked roads as Britain faces its busiest-ever festive getaway with 37.5million trips.

Analytics firm Inrix predicts long delays on major routes on Friday when many drivers leaving urban areas for a Christmas break compete for road space with commuters.
Rating:

(4 Stars)

The ludicrous outfits, the will-they-wont they romance, the farcical plotlines and frothy dialogue they are all, fans will be relieved to hear, back.

The City of Light, however, is not  as Emily in Paris has relocated almost entirely to Rome.

Armed with a chic new bob, a chiselled Italian boyfriend and a designer wardrobe no young marketing assistant could ever realistically afford, Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) takes on la dolce vita in the much-anticipated fifth series of the hit Netflix show.

Fans were left on a cliffhanger at the end of series four, with Emily moving to Rome to launch a new office of the marketing agency, Agence Grateau, with her boss Sylvie (played by the inimitable Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu).

The ludicrous outfits, the will-they-wont they romance and the farcical plotline - fans will be relieved to hear, they are back. However, Emily in Paris has relocated almost entirely to Rome

Indeed, despite the fact that Collins now produces as well as stars in the show, her titular character takes something of a sidestep in these 10 episodes with much saucier storylines

Shed fallen for Marcello Muratori (played by Eugenio Franceschini), the hunky heir to his familys cashmere empire, and was leaving her long-term love, chef Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), behind in Paris.

There were concerns Bravo might not make a reappearance in the series, after describing his characters part as not fun any more in an interview last year.

But viewers will be pleased to see the handsome Frenchman back on our screens, strutting around in his chefs whites and looking pensive over a bottle of rose, albeit with a smaller role than before.

Indeed, despite the fact that Collins now produces as well as stars in the show, her titular character takes something of a sidestep in these 10 episodes, which drop on Netflix on Thursday.

Much saucier storylines are given to Sylvie and best friend Mindy (Ashley Park), whom we last saw moving to Shanghai to become a judge on a Chinese singing competition.

Without giving anything away, expect steamy affairs, ever-more extravagant parties, professional disasters and slapstick plot devices  among them: a runaway scarf, a runaway horse, truffle hunting in vertiginous heels and a Dirty Dancing lift gone horribly wrong.

Theres also a brilliant cameo from actress Minnie Driver, as Sylvies hapless but well-connected friend Princess Jane, of whom well hopefully be seeing a lot more.

Without giving anything away, expect steamy affairs, ever-more extravagant parties, professional disasters and slapstick plot devices

Theres also a brilliant cameo from actress Minnie Driver, as Sylvies hapless but well-connected friend Princess Jane, of whom well hopefully be seeing a lot more

Much like previous series, if you love this sort of thing  the nonsensical plotlines; the camp-as-Christmas characters; our all-too-perfect heroines infuriating refusal to speak a single word of the native language  then youll be pleased its more of the same.

If Emily In Paris has never been for you, youll find the latest instalment a repetitive, nauseating, over-hyped whirlwind of fluff, which should probably be renamed Emilys European Tour.

Mercifully, five years into Emily mania  each series racking up 40 to 50 million views  I count myself among the former. S u p e r f i c i a l s i l l i n e s s , gloriously-garish fashion and outmoded cultural stereotypes? This is Emily In Paris back to its preposterous best.

Emily In Paris will be available to stream on Netflix on December 18.
The stars of Loose Women admitted they were 'so sad' as an ITV legend bowed out of the programme after 11 years.

Wednesday's (December 17) edition featured Kaye Adams, Mariella Frostrup, Olivia Attwood and Nadia Sawalha on the panel.

Towards the end of the episode, conversation took a reflective turn as the group addressed a major departure from the show.

Namely, producer Eleanor Cotter, who was wrapping up a stint of more than a decade.

Kaye, 62, said to viewers: 'We might have a little cry today because our cherished producer, El, it's her last day after 11 years.

'So, we're gonna say we love you, El.'

In Wednesday's installment of Loose Women, the group addressed a big departure from the show after 11 years

Kaye Adams began the emotional moment by bidding farewell to a 'cherished' part of the Loose Women family

Nadia Sawalha described her longtime colleague's exit as 'so sad' as the audience began a round of applause

To which Nadia, 61, then chimed in: 'It's so sad', as the audience began a round of applause for Eleanor.

After the break, Kaye also paid tribute to other staff experiencing their last day, including floor manager Katie/

The departure comes amid changes across the ITV daytime shows, which will see Lorraine move to a 30-week schedule with episodes cut to just half an hour from 9:30 to 10am.

Loose Women will continue in its usual slot from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, but episode numbers will be reduced to a 30-week 'seasonal' based schedule.

Earlier this year, a huge Loose Women cast update has revealed the fate of every panelist after a 'tense' few months of 'everyone feeling on edge' amid the ITV daytime cuts.

Back in May, fans were shocked to find out that the popular show, as well as Lorraine, are set to be AXED for half the year - after the channel announced a big shake up to its daytime schedule.

It has left many wondering who will be returning, and luckily the budget cuts will not be affecting those on our screens.

A source told The Sun: 'Its been a tense time since the changes were announced in May and everyone has felt on edge, like theyre singing for their supper. So its a relief that everyone will broadly remain.

'Its true there will be less shifts to go around but there is no intention for the cast to lose any faces.

'There will be job cuts across the daytime teams but it will be through merging production teams, not touching talent, in regards to Loose Women.'

The changes also impact Lee Peart, a comedian and presenter who bas been Loose Women's warm-up act since 2017.

He took to Facebook to announce that he was waving goodbye to the show as he posed for a photo with panellists Ruth Langford, Gloria Hunniford and Kelle Bryan.

Lee confirmed that live studio audiences will have just two weeks to see him perform before the show, as he lamented it would be the 'last time' he worked alongside his panellist pals.

He penned: 'Two weeks today will be my final Loose Women! A bittersweet end of an era the goodbyes are starting as it's the last time I'll work with Ruth, Gloria and Kellie in this capacity!'

Lee, 35, was showered in supportive messages by his fans, who admitted they were 'gutted' to hear he was leaving the show, which airs on weekdays on ITV.

One wrote: 'We've been twice with you as the warm up man, you're very funny, even funnier when one of the women in the audience takes a shine to you.'

Lee Peart, a comedian and presenter, has been part of the Loose Women family since 2017, and helps get the crowd ready for the show ahead of it hitting screens on ITV

Another addd: 'I'm sure they'll miss you as much you'll miss them! Thank you for the times I came to the show and was your guest. I loved every visit and you were so kind and brilliant. Take Care, Lee.'

A third agreed: 'Gutted it's changing as a regular in the audience but I wish you good luck in the future,' as a fourth said: 'The legend Lee, we'll miss you.'

Loose Women panelist Nadia Sawalha previously opened up on Lee leaving the show, saying her 'dear friend' was leaving the series on an episode of her podcast, Coffee Moaning, alongside her husband Mark Adderley.

She revealed: 'From next year there will be no Loose Women audience. I am totally devastated by this fact, I can't get over it at all.

'Not only because the audience is so important for the show, but also my dear friend Lee who I work with every day.'

Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1 from 12:30pm and is available to stream on ITVX.
She is a woman whose talent and indomitable spirit have inspired all who encounter her, whether in person or, as was the case for millions who watched the BBC documentary series Child Of Our Time, on screen.

So those who have followed the remarkable and sometimes heartbreaking life story of artist Alison Lapper  born without arms and with shortened legs because of a condition called phocomelia  will be dismayed by the latest jink in her biographical road.

Immortalised by Marc Quinn's marble statue of her for which Alison posed while pregnant  and which was later displayed on Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth from 2005 to 2007  she appeared to have found a measure of happiness when, in 2019, she married Si Clift, the man with whom she had long shared her life.

But it was not to be. I can disclose that the couple have now parted  and there is no chance of reconciliation.

'Alison has asked me to inform you that she is now divorced from Si and has no further comment to make on the matter,' her assistant tells me.

It's distressing news for all who hoped against hope that Alison's wedding would bring her peace in the aftermath of appalling loss.

Artist Alison Lapper - born without arms and with shortened legs due to her phocomelia - is pictured with Si Clift on their wedding day

It was held just weeks after her beloved son, Parys, was found dead in a bedroom at a Sussex hotel, aged 19. An inquest recorded that he had taken an accidental overdose of heroin and a prescription anti-anxiety drug.

Parys had never known his father, whose identity Lapper, 60, has never revealed. But he did know  and had bonded with  Si Clift who spoke eloquently and movingly at Parys's funeral, describing him as 'mischievous, generous, kind and loving'.

'He was his own man. He was a good son,' added Si, who said that he and Ali  as he called Alison  had 'received so many messages from people we know and those we don't offering unconditional support' that they had been overwhelmed.

Alison had fought to prevent her son being taken into institutional care  her childhood fate  only to learn that he was being bullied at secondary school, where he was ridiculed for having 'a crip', as Alison put it, as a mother.

Helena's bride and prejudice

Actress Helena Bonham Carter has revealed she will never marry again - despite having been with her partner Rye Dag Holmboe for seven years

Until Helena Bonham Carter split up with her long-term boyfriend, Tim Burton, she and the Hollywood film director lived in three conjoined houses in north London, two decorated to each of their tastes and a third for their children and live-in nanny.

Now, the actress, 59, says she will never marry because she can't make an 'unhealthy' promise to be with someone forever.

For the past seven years Helena has been in a relationship with Rye Dag Holmboe, an art historian two decades her junior.

'I mean, we're not meant to be forever,' the Harry Potter star declares. 'And I've never actually gotten married because I can't say those [words], I can't honestly make that promise because I just don't think it's a healthy one.'

The real-life secret behind Clooney film

Actress Emily Mortimer, co-writer of George Clooney's latest film Jay Kelly  about a famous movie star anxious to reconnect with his daughter during the latter's trip to Italy - admits the story's based on her own real-life events.

Emily  whose son is White Lotus star Sam Nivola, 22  feared her own successful acting career had got in the way of being a good mother.

'I had a lot of input into the panic you feel as a parent when your children leave home, and find yourself suddenly thinking you haven't seen enough of them,' she reveals. Emily then confesses: 'I did sort of chase Sam down on his gap year to Italy.'

Prince Edward and Sophie's son, James (pictured centre), will not use His Royal Highness title

Duke's boy shuns prince title

Prince Edward and Sophie's son, James, turned 18 yesterday, but he won't be celebrating by following the example of his cousins across the Atlantic.

James, who has been the Earl of Wessex since his father became the Duke of Edinburgh, now has the legal right to be known as His Royal Highness and also use his Prince title.

However, while Harry and Meghan insisted their children be known as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, James will not, I'm told, be using his titles.

'That's the last sort of thing he's interested in,' a friend of his parents tells me.

Actress Sophie Thompson does not reserve her performances for stage and screen. 'I remember going to the gynaecologist and showing her the little dance Matthew Bourne had choreographed because I was afraid it might cause my little person to plop out,' says Dame Emma Thompson's sister, who was starring in the musical Company. 'They said he'd be safe.'

Spin doctor Campbell gets a taste of his own medicine

Tony Blair's plain-speaking ex spin doctor Alastair Campbell has had huge success with podcast The Rest Is Politics alongside Old Etonian former Tory minister Rory Stewart, a diplomat's son who served as tutor to William and Harry.

There is, however, one person who refuses to listen to their show. 'I've actually never listened to The Rest Is Politics,' reveals Alastair's daughter, Grace Campbell.

'I haven't. Do you know why? Because if I wanted to listen to my dad argue with a posh, entitled nepo baby, then I would just start an argument with him.'
DJ Paul Fisher and wife Chloe have sold the first apartment in their $50million luxury development on Queensland's Gold Coast.

Built on the waterfront overlooking Palm Beach, the Pescado development will feature six full-floor residences and a two-level penthouse, all boasting stunning ocean views.

Listings for each of the deluxe apartments in the eight-storey block start at $5.95million.

A Gold Coast family was behind the recent purchase, reported The Courier-Mail, but no further details of the sale have been released.

'It's exciting to see the market responding to what will be an iconic development for Palm Beach,' Fisher told the publication.

'Drawing on the expertise of local leaders in architecture, sales and construction on Pescado is a major advantage that's now translating into real confidence in what we're delivering here.'

DJ Fisher and wife Chloe have sold the first apartment in their $50million luxury development on Queensland's Gold Coast.(Both pictured)

Built on the waterfront overlooking Palm Beach, the Pescado development will feature six full-floor residences and a two-level penthouse, all boasting stunning ocean views

The Fishers, who founded the development under their YLB Developments brand, were behind a redesign of the block, alongside BDA Architecture.

Improvements included adding an extra basement car park, more amenities space for owners, better storage and a more 'functional' layout for the apartments.

The Pescado development features flats with 'house-size' proportions, each with its own private balcony.

Designed with a spacious open-plan layout, the flats also offer an al fresco living space.

The Pescado will also offer residents an exclusive BBQ area, and a 'wellness' space which includes a pool, spa, gym, sauna and an ice bath.

Approval for the development was announced in August 2024 after Fisher snapped up two lots on the beachfront for an eye-watering $5.2million.

Fisher bought the first of the lots in 2020 for $2.1million before he grabbed the adjoining property for $3.1million in 2023.

A sales campaign is now underway for the development, which is expected to be complete by mid-2026.

Listings for each of the deluxe apartments in the eight-storey block start at $5.95million

'It's exciting to see the market responding to what will be an iconic development for Palm Beach,' Fisher told the publication

The Pescado development features flats with 'house-size' proportions, each with its own private balcony

It comes after Fisher recently announced he's expecting his second child.

The Losing It hitmaker, 39, took to social media back in August to reveal that he and wife Chloe, 33, will be welcoming their bundle of joy in the new year.

The couple have been candid about their fertility struggles over the years, which saw them go through eight rounds of IVF and four miscarriages before welcoming their daughter Bobbi last year.

Now, they have shared their very exciting baby news on Instagram in a heartwarming post.

'Our second little miracle is on the way,' the post began. 'Baby Fisher #2 arriving in 2026.

'Something we will never take for granted and still can't quite believe is real. After everything it took to get here, we know how fragile and precious this gift is.

'We are so grateful for this little miracle and our love will always be with those still waiting for theirs,' the couple ended the post.
When Apple Martin wore a simple black column dress to the Marty Supreme premiere in New York on Tuesday night, the 21-year-old looked elegant and chic. She also looked just like her mother.

Yes, there was a genetic resemblance to Gwyneth Paltrow, 55  both share the same blonde hair, blue eyes and delicate beauty. But it was further enhanced by the fact that the two were sharing a wardrobe.

Apple's dress  a scoop-neck, low-back, floor-length affair by Calvin Klein  was originally worn by Gwyneth to the New York premiere of her film Emma in 1996.

With striking attention to detail, Apple had even elected to wear her hair in the same style that her mother did 29 years ago  a messy bun, with two tendrils falling loosely on either side of her face. Even the diamond stud earrings were the same: all that differed was the make-up, with Apple eschewing the red lipstick Gwyneth wore in 1996 for a more natural hue.

Not that this small detail did anything to dilute the message. That message being that, if you are a forty or fifty-something star with a gorgeous young daughter, twinning is winning.

Apple Martin, daughter of Coldplay's Chris and actress Gwyneth Paltrow, this week borrows her mum's 1996 Calvin Klein dress to the premiere of Marty Supreme in New York

Forget Botox: a far smarter way of preserving your youth and remaining relevant is to ensure that everyone runs comparison pics of you in your twenty-something heyday, wearing the same dress your daughter just happened to borrow.

What's curious is why the children of megastars, many of whom are at great pains to stress they are definitely not nepo-babies, don't mind dressing like mini-mes.

Apple Martin could have worn any gown she wanted. Perhaps a little something by Chanel, whose 2023 Paris couture show she attended, in a plum front-row seat.

Designers will be clamouring to dress Apple, just as they clamour to dress any celebrity daughter, knowing that their famous parentage  in addition to Paltrow, Apple's father is Coldplay frontman Chris Martin  will guarantee more coverage than the average aspiring actress could ever dream of.

But nostalgia is a powerful marketing tool. In today's hyper-competitive world, when more things than ever vie for our attention, even A-list celebrities must use every trick in the book to ensure they are noticed.

And their latest trick, the nepo dress, is a surefire winner. What better than a garment that combines style with history, and has an emotional resonance for fans remembering who wore it the first time around?

Which is exactly why it is being employed by so many mother-daughter duos.

Brooke Shields and her daughter both wore the same glittering nude gown, decades apart

When Carys Zeta Douglas wore a pink satin slip dress to celebrate her 21st birthday in 2021, every photo was accompanied by a 'compare and contrast' shot of her mother, Catherine Zeta Jones, whose dress she'd borrowed.

The Welsh actress first wore it to the 1999 MTV Awards, aged 29, and, while she's still beautiful at 56, rare is the woman who doesn't bask in the glory of a complimentary throwback pic. Perhaps that's why this October, the duo repeated the trick, with Carys borrowing a strappy black dress first worn by her mother in 2015.

Hollywood actresses including Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Brooke Shields, Jessica Alba, Susan Sarandon and Courteney Cox have enjoyed the warm familial glow of lending their daughter a nepo dress, and these have usually been one-off occasions that felt sweetly organic.

Other instances seem more calculated. In 2024, model and actress Kaia Gerber, 23, wore a white bandage dress by Herve Leger to the Toronto Film Festival premiere of her film, Shell. Before you could say 'snap', the internet was awash with images of her supermodel mother, Cindy Crawford, wearing the same dress at the 1993 Oscars.

Miss Martin strikes a pose in Ms Paltrow's 2002 Oscars ensemble two years ago

Gwyneth Paltrow in the same gown at the 74th Annual Academy Awards in 2002

'Kaia had sent me a mood board and this was one of her references,' said Gerber's stylist, Molly Dickinson, at the time. 'I thought it would be amazing to pay tribute to Cindy's iconic moment.'

Very touching, yes: but also very useful for amplifying mother and daughter's lucrative sponsorship deal with Omega.

Crawford was the Swiss watch company's first ambassador, a position she's held since 1995. Her daughter, meanwhile, was signed up in 2017, aged 16. Which is why it was a no-brainer for Gerber to wear not only a replica of Crawford's white bandage dress, but also a vintage Omega watch from her mother's personal collection.

We all do what we can to help our children. It's just that, for most people, this usually means hooking them up with a mate who runs a pub to get some bar shifts, as opposed to a multi-million-pound sponsorship deal.

For nepo babies, the pickings are far richer. Which is probably why, even away from the red carpet, Crawford and Gerber often emphasise their mother/daughter relationship by dressing in a similar way, twinning in jeans, white sneakers and leather jackets in New York (2019) and wearing matching belted camel coats in Paris (2022).

Lest the message be lost, in 2017, they both wore identical T-shirts bearing the legend 'Mom Genes'. Six years later, in 2023, they entered into a handsomely paid deal with fashion giant Zara.

Kaia Gerber, daughter of model Cindy Crawford, takes her mum's white Herve Leger dress to the red carpet last year

Her model mum wore it to the Oscars in 1993, which she attended with her then-husband Richard Gere

If you are the mother of teenage daughters, you may already have felt the sting of rejection that comes from having lovingly kept your favourite clothes for them to wear one day, only to have them dismissed, many years later, for being 'absolutely minging'. In Hollywood, different rules apply.

Rather than a bag of tatty Topshop pieces, celebrity offspring can run amok in their mother's temperature-controlled wardrobe, whose treasures are lovingly suspended amid bleach-free tissue paper in moth-proof bags.

Any nepo baby can wear a dress plucked straight off the catwalk. They can also wear a well-chosen vintage dress. But a dress with a history; a one-off whose story is as unique as a fingerprint? For that, you need a nepo dress.

While your own daughter wouldn't be seen dead in an outfit you wore in your twenties, an A-lister's daughter has been schooled to see things differently.

In 2023, Paltrow posted a photo of her daughter in an Alexander McQueen dress first worn by her to the 2002 Oscars. Taken in her mother's closet, the photo looked like any daughter playing dress-up. But it was also a clever way of setting the stage.

Catherine Zeta-Jones' daughter borrowed her 1999 pink lacy dress for a party last year

Speaking to Vogue in September, Paltrow reiterated that Apple loves wearing her vintage red carpet gowns  sometimes without asking.

So far, so typical. What isn't typical, however, is the six or seven-figure deal the duo inked to co-star in Gap's autumn/winter advertising campaign.

Launched in September, the campaign, which included a film featuring 'moments of playful borrowing between mother and daughter', emphasised how personal style evolves across generations. It also emphasised how nepotism works.

Proof that, in today's ruthlessly competitive world, it really does pay to keep it in the family.
Love Island USA star Amaya Espinal was rushed to the hospital in Los Angeles over the weekend where she reportedly underwent emergency surgery.

Espinal, who won season seven of the Peacock show with Bryan Arenales, had started experiencing 'severe' abdominal pain before being taken to a nearby hospital, according to TMZ.

Her symptoms reportedly worsened and she was required to undergo surgery 'earlier this week.'

Espinal remains hospitalized as she recovers from the procedure and she is said to be in stable condition.

The 26-year-old reality TV fixture has recently been filming Beyond the Villa, a Love Island spinoff series, in Los Angeles, per the outlet.

She was reportedly not working on set at the time of the incident when her symptoms became severe.

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Espinal for comment but has yet to hear back.

Love Island USA star Amaya Espinal was rushed to the hospital in Los Angelesover the weekend and reportedly underwent emergency surgery; seen in September

Espinal, who won season seven of the Peacock show with Bryan Arenales, had started experiencing 'severe' abdominal pain before being taken to a nearby hospital, according to TMZ; seen on December 7

Espinal, who is a licensed cardiac nurse, appeared to confirm the health scare when she uploaded a photo of herself in what appeared to be a hospital room to Instagram on Wednesday.

The photo showed a bouquet of flowers sitting on Espinal's hospital bedside table with a card from ITV and the Beyond the Villa production team 'wishing [her] a speedy recovery.'

Espinal has not yet revealed the cause of the severe abdominal pain that sent her to the hospital or shared any additional details about her health scare.

Espinal rose to fame after joining and winning season seven of Love Island USA, which premiered in June.

She was in a couple with her then-boyfriend Bryan Arenales, but one month after winning the show and taking home the prize money, the pair called it quits.

In late August, Espinal shared a statement about their breakup and explained why they parted ways.

'After leaving the villa, it became very clear we were on two different journeys,' she wrote in an Instagram post. 'Our visions didn't align and relationships are supposed to be a team sport.'

She continued: 'You don't have to drink the whole sea to know it's salty. All love here and I truly wish him the best.'

Shortly after the split, fans started speculating the couple parted ways due to infidelity rumors.

Her symptoms reportedly worsened and she was required to undergo surgery 'earlier this week'; seen in November

On Wednesday, Espinal posted a photo of bouquet of flowers she received in hospital with a card 'wishing [her] a speedy recovery'

Espinal was the winner of season seven of Love Island USA with Bryan Arenales; Espinal and Arenales seen with Love Island USA host Ariana Madix

The 26-year-old reality star has recently been filming Beyond the Villa, a Love Island spinoff series, in Los Angeles, per the outlet; pictured in Love Island USA season 7 still

Espinal fueled the rumors when she commented on a TikTok user's video claiming Arenales was at a club with another woman at the time.

She suggested that Arenales was the one who initiated the split and had quickly moved on by 'doing the exact things' she had told him would 'hurt her feelings.'

'Imagine being broken up with just to come on TikTok a couple hours later already in distraught [sic] to see that he's in Miami two hours later doing the exact things you told him hurts your feelings,' she had commented.

The star, who is affectionately called 'Amaya Papaya' by her fans, also shared a post about their breakup on her Instagram Story around the same time.

'My papayas  Bryan and I are no longer together,' she wrote to her 3.4 million followers.

'After leaving the villa, it became very clear that we were on two different journeys,' she concluded.

The exes are both currently in Los Angeles together to film season two of Beyond the Villa, the spinoff show following the stars of Love Island USA's season seven stars.
Julie Goodwin has debuted a new look to social media.

The MasterChef star, 55, shared a behind-the-scenes clip to Instagram on Thursday unveiling her latest hair transformation.

In the footage, Julie was all smiles as she showed off her cropped new locks for the festive season.

'First significant hairstyle change in many, many years. Felt cute,' Julie captioned the image.

Her bold new look had fans doing a double-take, with many taking to the comments section to shower her with praise.

'You're looking fabulous. Love the new do,' one person wrote.

Julie Goodwin has debuted a new look to social media

The MasterChef star, 55, shared a behind-the-scenes clip to Instagram on Thursday unveiling her latest hair transformation

'Looking beautiful. You are such a lovely person,' a second added.

'Love it, the colour and style suit you,' a third chimed in.

Julie's remarkable weight loss journey was highlighted recently, when the famous foodie shared 'before and after' magazine covers.

She took to Instagram in November to celebrate her appearance on the Christmas edition of the Australian Women's Weekly.

She posted an image of the upcoming cover which showed a very svelte Julie happily posing in front of an inviting coastal backdrop.

Julie looked festive in a classic white top with floral embellishments on the sleeves and a flowing, floral-patterned red skirt, cinched at the waist.

She paired the new cover with her very first from 2009, highlighting her incredible transformation.

'Sixteen years ago I was pinching myself as a new columnist for @womensweeklymag and even more so when I was their Christmas cover,' Julie captioned the post.

In the footage, Julie was all smiles as she showed off her cropped new locks for the festive season

Julie's remarkable weight loss journey was highlighted recently, when the famous foodie shared 'before and after' magazine covers

'All these years later I'm as grateful and thrilled as ever to still be contributing to this iconic publication and to once again be their Christmas cover.'

The post was met with a flurry of congratulations from friends and followers, including MKR host Colin Fassnidge who replied with a simple clapping hands emoji.

MasterChef alum Melissa Leong also chimed in with a pithy but supportive: 'Yes, Jules.'

Another fan jumped in with: 'Beautiful then, beautiful now! So glad to see you looking so happy and content.'
Corey Feldman claims he was molested by his late best friend and confidante Corey Haim, in a new Apple TV documentary about his life.

In Corey Feldman vs. The World, the 54-year-old actor alleges Haim, who died aged 38, in 2010, sexually propositioned him while they filmed the 1987 vampire thriller The Lost Boys.

The Los Angeles native said he was 16 when he appeared opposite Haim, also then 16, in the film, which was one of their multiple cinema collaborations at the time.

Feldman said: 'When we did Lost Boys, Corey said to me "Hey man, let's mess around." And I said, "What do you mean?"'

Feldman said in the documentary that Haim told him, 'This is what, you know, what guys in the business do, right? You know, you s*** each other's d****, or you f*** around - you do this stuff. And I said, "What are you talking about?"'

The Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Feldman for further comment on the story.

Corey Feldman, 54, makes the shock allegation that he was molested by his late best friend and confidante Corey Haim, in a new Apple TV documentary about his life

In the documentary from director Marcie Hume, Feldman said Haim had then initiated sexual activity while they were making The Lost Boys, in which they played the respective roles of Edgar Frog and Sam.

Feldman made a reference to actor Charlie Sheen - who has past denied accusations that Feldman made, claiming Haim said Sheen sexualy assaulted him when he was 13 on the set of the 1985 movie Lucas.

A rep for Sheen told Variety of the alleged Haim claims: 'These sick, twisted and outlandish allegations never occurred. Period.'

Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Sheen for further comment on the story.

Feldman said that he was fully understanding of what Haim was looking for from him, and decided to oblige him in an effort to make the behavior stop.

'I called [Haim] and said, "Come over,"' Feldman said. 'But you know, when you have got somebody that's trying to come onto you sexually, and you don't want that, and you are a kid, and you are scared, you do whatever you can to stop it from happening.

'And that's what was happening. I was being molested by Corey Haim. Truth be told.'

As well as The Lost Boys Feldman and Haim headlined films such as 1988's License to Drive and 1989's Dream a Little Dream.

Hume said the interview with Feldman took place in late 2017, amid multiple accusations against powerful figures at the height of the #MeToo movement, marking an 'incredibly emotional moment.'

Feldman and Haim played the respective roles of Edgar Frog and Sam in the 80s classic

Haim and Feldman pictured with co-star Jamison Newlander in a promo shot from the movie

The director said that Feldman 'was almost reliving what that was like to live in this hypersexualized environment as child actors in Hollywood.'

The Lost Boys was directed by Joel Schumacher and also starred Jason Patric, Jami Gertz, Kiefer Sutherland, Dianne Wiest and Alex Winter. The film arrived in theaters in July of 1987.

Feldman in 1986 appeared in the late Rob Reiner's Stand by Me, playing the role of troubled preteen Teddy Duchamp.

An iMDb synopsis for the new doc reads 'Corey Feldman embarks on a surreal rock tour with lingerie-clad angels, facing disastrous events that compel him to confront Hollywood abuse allegations and personal secrets.'

Hume took to Instagram earlier this month to promote the project and let her followers know the amount of work that went into making it.

'Its been the longest, hardest road on a film that kept going places I never expected,' the director said.

She added. 'After filming on buses and in hotel rooms and flying all over the country with my Canon 5D, endless edits and screenings with @adamscottfranklin and @starlenbr, and @jimmycthatsmes fierce belief in seeing this through, today the COREY FELDMAN VS. THE WORLD trailer and pre-order link are available.'
Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori has been slammed for sexually exploiting women in her new bizarre art exhibition in South Korea.

The 30-year-old architect's long-teased project, BIO POP (THE ORIGIN), features women posing in a variety of provocative positions.

The exhibition is filled with 'human furniture' designed by Bianca herself, masked doubles of herself and a highly stylised interpretation of domestic life.

The brunette shared several images to Instagram from the collection, including a chair made out of a woman on her knees.

Many of her followers flocked to the comments to slam her 'disturbing' display, while others accused her of creating similar artworks to British sculptor Allen Jones.

'And why are people supporting this?' one shocked follower wrote.

Kanye West's wife Bianca Censorihas been slammed for sexually exploiting women in her new bizarre art exhibition in South Korea

The 30-year-old architect's long-teased project, BIO POP (THE ORIGIN), features women posing in a variety of provocative positions

'Interesting. Women are sexualized objects? Let's turn men into objects,' another person commented.

'How is this art?' a third questioned, while another said: 'One of the most disturbing IG accounts out there.'

'Well that got REAL weird real quick. This monstrosity is a hard no from me especially working in health care!!' one wrote.

Others accused her of having similar works to other artists.

'Let's be clear about that this is artistically inspired by Anna Uddenberg, Vanessa Beecroft and Allen Jones,' one person said.

'This is not necessarily a bad thing though, and I wish Censori good look exploring artistic expressions and developing as an artist.'

Another agreed, adding: 'Looks like Allen Jones work.'

BIO POP is just the first chapter in a series of performances Bianca plans to unveil over the next several years.

The exhibition is filled with 'human furniture' designed by Bianca herself, masked doubles of herself and a highly stylised interpretation of domestic life

Others accused her of having similar works to other artists, such as British sculptor Allen Jones. Pictured Allen Jones' table piece

The follow-up instalment, CONFESSIONAL (THE WITNESS), is scheduled for 2026, with BIANCA IS MY DOLL BABY (THE IDOL) also listed for 2026 and additional works planned through 2027 and beyond.

The ambitious sequence is set to conclude in 2032 with BUBBLE (THE ASCENSION), though details of the finale remain under wraps.

Alongside the performance series, Bianca has also released a range of jewellery and accessories, including a $2,250 sterling silver cuff inspired by the contours of a medical speculum.

Bianca met Kanye after joining Yeezy - West's clothing and apparel company - as an architectural designer, and the couple married in December 2022.
Megan Prescott has hit out at being sexualised as a teen on the controversial drama Skins as she claimed she is now treated better on OnlyFans.

The show, which launched the careers of many of its stars, was unapologetic about teen sex, drugs and identity.

The actress, now 34, was just 16 when she landed her role on the E4 drama in 2009, remaining on the show until the end of season four.

In a new interview, Megan said she was sexualised on screen, earning 400 a week while filming explicit scenes with an actor almost double her age.

She explained that the role pushed her far outside her comfort zone, having only dated boys her own age before being required to portray a promiscuous character.

At the time of filming, there were no intimacy coordinators on set and while she does not allege any wrongdoing, Megan said the planning and support around explicit scenes was lacking.

Megan Prescott has hit out at creepy sex scenes on the controversial drama Skins as she claimed she is now treated better on OnlyFans

The actress, now 34, was just 16 when she landed her role on the E4 drama in 2009, remaining on the show until the end of season four

She told Cosmopolitan magazine: 'I'm treated better on OnlyFans than I was on Skins.'

Megan continued: 'We see it with child stars all the time. They're highly sexualised, but then as soon as they get to an age where they're like 'You're right, this does make money but I am going to be the main benefactor of it', people are like 'Stop, I don't like the idea of you selling sexuality.'

'They want women to be sexual, but only under their control.'

While she went on to land more acting roles after Skins, with money tight and odd jobs not proving fruitful enough, Megan ended up entering the sex industry - first working as a stripper before creating her own racy content on OnlyFans.

Explaining how her work in the adult industry different from her acting career, she previously told the Daily Mail: 'The difference is control. With OnlyFans I can choose what I want to do. I never felt pressured to do any more than I had to.'

Megan continued: 'I learned my boundaries more in sex work than I ever did in acting - I learned what I am comfortable with, what I'm not comfortable with.

'I also learned the value of my creative labour, which was a lot more than I was being paid in acting.'

Megan - who landed her first acting role at the age of 14 - also had roles in Silent Witness, Holby City and several short films.

In a new interview, Megan said she was sexualised on screen, earning 400 a week while filming explicit scenes with an actor almost double her age

While she went on to land more acting roles after Skins, with money tight and odd jobs not proving fruitful enough, Megan ended up entering the sex industry - first working as a stripper before creating her own racy content on OnlyFans

Yet the fickle industry meant her finances were unstable and she began working as a stripper at the age of 22 to support her while she auditioned.

Megan then joined OnlyFans in 2020 while she was working in a distillery in London on a zero-hour contract and her manager 'refused to furlough her for a while'.

With only 300 in her bank account and no way to pay her rent, her friend Heaven - who co-hosts the podcast Strippers In The Attic - suggested OnlyFans as a way of earning an income.

Megan explained: 'She was saying to me, "look there is already enough footage of you in like sexy content on the internet from Skins, but you're just not making any money off of it anymore!"'

In agreeance with her friend, Megan signed up for the site - where she sells full frontal naked photographs - and is a vocal ally of sex workers.

Yet she confessed she was initially 'terrified' about making the move, fearing that it could stop her from landing certain roles down the line.

Megan joined OnlyFans in 2020 while she was working in a distillery in London on a zero-hour contract and her manager 'refused to furlough her for a while'

'But in my eyes, I'd been really giving my everything to trying to make it as an actor and a writer for nearly a decade, and it just wasn't happening,' she continued.

'And I see sex work as performance. It's just another type of performative labour.'

Megan also pointed out the similarities between acting and the sex industry, stating: 'There is so much in TV - we see how many actors do like nude scenes, sex scenes.

'There's loads of stuff in acting that is similar in sex work, but there's still such a huge stigma about sex work.

'I think if we are going to get anywhere with women's rights and women having bodily autonomy, we have to agree that women can do what they choose to do with their body.'

On how sex work proved to be a 'lifeline' during her time in need, she continued: 'Honestly it it changed my life.

'Sex work has always been a bit of a lifeline to me when I had needed it to be - when I was younger I was stripping - I'm just so glad that I had the privilege of being able to do that.'
Real estate agents are still struggling to find buyers for two of The Block homes which were passed in during this season's disastrous auction back in October.

The remaining properties, Han and Can's House 2 and Emma and Ben's House 1, are both languishing on the market, with identical price guides of $3 million to $3.3 million.

The sales agent responsible for Han and Can's four-bedroom property says the original $2.99 million reserve price was 'overly ambitious'.

'The price is now above what the reserve was, so there are challenges within thatbut were still taking people through and still getting enquiries,' Natalie Fagan of Belle Property Daylesford told News this week.

Han and Can's property was passed in after attracting no bids at all.

Interest in Emma and Ben's four-bedroom home stalled during auction day at $2.920 million, ultimately attracting a vendor bid of $3.1 million before being passed in.

Two of The Block's luxury homes in Daylesford are still struggling to find buyers after being passed in during this season's disastrous auction in October. A local real estate said the original reserve of $2.99million was 'overly ambitious'. Pictured: Han and Can

Han and Can's House 2 is languishing on the market in Daylesford with a price guide of $3million to $3.3millon - thousands more than the reserve. (Pictured)

Now 311 days since The Block auction, the teams could be in for a long wait for their properties to sell.

Daylesford's market is sluggish and properties can sit unloved on sales listings for months.

According to PropTrack, it typically takes 139 days before a home in the tiny rural getaway is sold.

It comes after the real estate agent who handled Han and Can's dismal auction weighed in on The Block's shock finale.

Auctioneer David Holmes believes the prices for the homes were too high for the area, where the median house price is $800,000.

The three properties that succeeded in finding buyers all had underwhelming sales and Emma and Ben watched in horror as their home was passed in.

Holmes, who has been involved with 10,000 auctions, told realestate.com that another challenge for The Block 2025 was the location.

Emma and Ben also had their home passed in during The Block auction. (Pictured)

Emma and Ben's House 1, has an identical price guides of $3million to $3.3millon as Han and Can. Both pads have been on the sluggish Daylesford market for 311 days. (Pictured)

Daylesford, 114 km from Melbourne, has a population of 3,000, and high-priced auctions are unknown in an area dominated by 'mum and dad' buyers.

'I really feel as though the supply-and-demand scenario wasn't looked at as efficiently or as accurately as it should have been,' he said.

'You are looking at five properties that they're asking essentially $3 million to $3.5 million in a market where $2.7 million is a really high price for a very stunning architectural home.'

He added that for those prices, buyers could find a similar luxury pad in Byron Bay or the Yarra Valley.

Holmes said that the couple have hopes of finding an investor who wants to open an Airbnb in the area.

WA couple Britt and Taz took out the top sale of during The Block finale.

The couple offloaded their stylish home for an impressive $3.41 million, and scored the $100,000 bonus prize, netting them a profit of $520,000.
Ashy Bines has been slammed online after people claimed she was using the Bondi terror attack to promote her wellbeing podcast and program.

The fitness influencer, 37, shared a post to social media on Thursday morning in which she discussed the enormous emotional toll the attacks had taken on the wider Australian community.

'I feel everyone in Australia is waking up feeling sick just thinking about everyone impacted by Bondi,' Ashy began.

'May we support one another and never forget the power of kindness in times like these.'

Ashy then suggested that people who are feeling 'wobbly' due to the emotional toll of the attacks should subscribe to her Rise Inside podcast and wellbeing program and provided a link to the page which charges a $50 a month membership fee.

'If I'm ever feeling anxious or want to feel more calm, it's nice to know that in less than five minutes that can all change,' Ashy wrote.

Ashy Bines has been slammed online after people claimed she was using the Bondi terror attack to promote her wellbeing podcast and program (Pictured)

The fitness influencer shared a post to social media on Thursday morning in which she discussed the enormous emotional toll the attacks had taken on the wider Australian community

'We have four nervous skin calming meditations all less than ten minutes. RISE INSIDE.'

Furious followers quickly took to social media to slam Ashy for 'using' the Bondi terror attack to promote her business.

'Does anyone else find it really bad taste and just gross that Ashy Bines is using the awful terrorist attack in Bondi to advertise her Rise Inside subscription?' one person asked.

'Any influencer using this tragedy to pivot or push a business or product should go straight in the bin. Absolutely foul,' a second added.

'To make money off this is utterly disgusting. This is the lowest of the low. This must stop,' another chimed in.

'Yes, that's exactly how the people affected by the Bondi tragedy are feeling today, "wobbly",' someone else sniped.

Daily Mail has reached out to Ashy for comment.

Fifteen innocent people  including a 10-year-old girl  were killed during Australia's second worst mass shooting on Sunday at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, while 40 others were injured.

Ashy then suggested that people who are feeling 'wobbly' due to the emotional toll of the attacks should subscribe to her Rise Inside podcast and wellbeing program and provided a link to the page which charges a $50 a month membership fee

Furious followers quickly took to social media to slam Ashy for 'using' the Bondi terror attack to promote her business

The alleged gunmen were quickly identified as father Sajid Akram, 50, and his son, Naveed Akram, 24.

Sajid was shot dead by police, while Naveed is recovering from bullet wounds in hospital.

He has been charged with 59 offences.

Other victims include British-born Chabad Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39, French national Dan Elkayam, 27, Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, beloved husband and father Tibor Weitzen, Wellington Street synagogue assistant Reuven Morrison, Slovak citizen Marika Pogany, 82, retired NSW Police detective sergeant Peter Meagher, Edith Brutman and Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife Sofia, 61.
Elon Musk stirred up the ire of X users on Tuesday with a bizarre post inspired by Sydney Sweeney's breasts.

The 54-year-old multi-billionaire was slammed on his own social media site after he weighed in on the 28-year-old actress's attire at the Los Angeles premiere of her new psychological thriller The Housemaid.

Sweeney had caused a stir at the event when she walked the red carpet in a busty white low-cut dress featuring a skirt decorated with feathers.

While many posters took the opportunity to comment on the Euphoria star's outfit and breasts, Musk's post came in for heavy criticism due to him being decades older than Sweeney and for previous posts he has made toward younger women that fans objected to.

In response to a video of the actress on the red carpet, Musk posted a disjointed AI-generated graphic featuring a photo of a smiling woman with large breasts that was captioned, 'What it looks like,' along with a graphic of a body with an inflamed, red spine.

The woman said 'Owie' in a childish voice, suggesting that she was suffering from back pain because of the size of her breasts.

Elon Musk stirred up the ire of X users on Tuesday with a bizarre post inspired by Sydney Sweeney's breasts; pictured in April 2024 in LA

The 54-year-old multi-billionaire was slammed on his own social media site after he weighed in on the 28-year-old actress' attire at the Los Angeles premiere of her new psychological thriller The Housemaid; pictured Monday at the premiere in LA

The Daily Mail has reached out to Sweeney's representatives for comment but hasn't yet heard back.

Multiple users thought it was inappropriate for Musk to be commenting on Sweeney's body, particularly because he is so much older than her.

'She's 30 years younger than you. Weird,' wrote one user who rounded up their 26-year age gap.

The TrueAnon podcast co-host Brace Belden commented sarcastically, 'GREAT point.'

Another user wrote, 'What is bro doing here .'

Others compared Musk's post to earlier posts aimed at young women that they also found distasteful.

One poster looked back at a controversial post Musk made in September 2024 that was addressed to Taylor Swift.

'Fine Taylor ... you win ... I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life,' Musk bizarrely wrote at the time in response to Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris for president during the 2024 election.

Musk's bizarre post appeared to suggest that Sweeney might have back pain because of the size of her breasts

It elicited a wave of criticism from commenters, several of whom were grossed out by the nearly three-decade age gap between Musk and Sweeney

Others compared Musk's post to earlier posts aimed at young women that they also found distasteful

One user compared Musk's post about Sweeney to a 2024 post in which he offered to inseminate Swift in response to her endorsement of Kamala Harris for president; Musk is pictured in June 2023 in Paris

Sydney, who wore a busty dress on Monday that drew comparisons to Marilyn Monroe's iconic dress in The Seven Year Itch (1955), previously told her co-star Amanda Seyfried that her breasts were real while hooked up to a lie detector for Vanity Fair; pictured Monday in LA

'Between this response to Taylor Swift and that response to Sydney Sweeney, I don't know which Elon Musk tweet is more pathetic,' the user wrote, before musing on how much Musk's reputation and public profile has changed in recent years. 'Back in 2018, learning about this guy was like learning about real world Iron Man.'

Although breast size may contribute to back pain, women who report discomfort from having large breasts may have an improperly sized bra, or they may be suffering from common issues that cause back pain, including herniated discs, localized muscle pain and osteoarthritis, according to Healthline.

Sweeney, who was joined by her Housemaid co-star Amanda Seyfried, 40, at the film's LA premiere this week, recently set the record straight on her bust for an episode of Vanity Fair's Lie Detector Test.

Sweeney and Seyfried both took turns being hooked up to a lie detector as the other actress asked them potentially embarrassing questions while the device's readout was shown on-screen in real time.

'There's been a question on everyones mind recently, and I just have to ask. Are your boobs real?' Seyfried asked.

'Yes!' Sweeney shot back instantly.

Seyfried wasn't satisfied yet, so she asked for clarification if Sweeney had 'ever had any work done' on her breasts.

'No, Ive never gotten any work done anywhere,' Sweeney responded.

After a moment of suspense, the woman administering the polygraph judged her as being 'truthful'.
A woman who has filed a lawsuit against Ellen DeGeneres, claiming the star's negligence behind the wheel led to a crash more than two years ago, has asked for a jury trial in the case.

The plaintiff - who says DeGeneres, 67, did not properly stop at a stop sign ahead of the October 16, 2023 collision in Santa Barbara County, California - filed the request on Monday, per court documents obtained by the Daily Mail.

The plaintiff said in legal docs that the vehicle DeGeneres was driving in 't-boned' her Tesla, leaving her with 'multiple serious personal injuries and damages' in the aftermath.

The suit was initially filed in September, when Ellen was on a vacation in Florence, Italy with wife Portia de Rossi, 52.

Currently, a non-jury trial is slated for November 2026.

The Daily Mail has reached out to reps for DeGeneres for further comment on the story and has yet to hear back.

A woman who has sued Ellen DeGeneres (pictured in LA in 2021), claiming the star's negligence led to a crash more than two years ago, has asked for a jury trial in the case

DeGeneres has yet to be formally served due to the fact that she 'resides overseas' in the Cotswolds region of England, per court docs.

The plaintiff will use the Hague Convention Service to have the complaint presented to her, according to court docs.

The plaintiff suffered 'sustained serious injuries and incurred significant income/business loss' as complications in the aftermath of the collision, according to legal docs.

A complaint filed this past September alleged that the plaintiff had 'made sure there were no other vehicles' in the way as she came to a stop at a stop sign.

The complaint continued: 'Ellen DeGeneres entered the intersection without stopping at the stop sign' in a manner described as 'suddenly and without any warning' - resulting in the collision.

DeGeneres' performance behind the wheel at the time of the collision 'fell below the standard of care of a reasonable person,' the September complaint read.

DeGeneres is accused of causing or contributing 'to causing plaintiff's vehicle to be collided with by the defendants' vehicle.'

The plaintiff said as a result of the crash, they experienced 'loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress and anxiety,' the outlet reported, citing legal documents.

DeGeneres did not properly stop at a stop sign ahead of the October 16, 2023 collision in Santa Barbara County, California, the plaintiff said in legal docs

DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi were pictured in September in Paris, France

Ellen DeGeneres pictured departing a West Hollywood gym in 2013

DeGeneres and de Rossi have resided in the English countryside in the wake of President Donald Trump's defeat of former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

The couple, who have had a lucrative run in flipping houses, in July sold a farmhouse they purchased for $30 million, The Wall Street Journal reported.

They subsequently moved into a bigger home to make room for horses de Rossi owns.

'Portias living her dream riding her horse through the English countryside and into the village,' Ellen said on Instagram in August. 'Gosh I hope she comes home soon.'

DeGeneres was one of Tinseltown's most powerful entertainers until a toxic workplace scandal that began amid the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 escalated, hurting the ratings of the popular show, which wrapped up in May of 2022.
It's a festive season favourite with a stellar cast including Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black.

And now fans of The Holiday have been left gobsmacked after an influencer mocked the beloved romcom.

Taking to social media with a video that asked 'elder millennials' to guess the age of the cast at the time of filming, influencer Helen McPherson then proceeded to send up the storyline of the box-office smash along with the characters.

Released in 2006, The Holiday follows journalist Iris (Kate Winslet) who swaps homes with Amanda (Cameron Diaz), a movie producer from Hollywood.

While enjoying Iris's country pad in Surrey, Amanda finds romance with her book editor brother, widower Graham (Jude Law).

Meanwhile, Iris meets Miles (played by Jack Black) and dates him.

Fans of The Holiday have been left gobsmacked after an influencer mocked the beloved romcom. Pictured: Jude Law and Cameron Diaz in a scene from the film

Taking to social media with a video that asked 'elder millennials' to guess the age of the cast at the time of filming, influencer Helen McPherson (pictured) proceeded to send up the storyline of the box-office smash along with the characters

Starting with Winslet's character Iris, McPherson gave her own summary of the plot.

'Bridget Jones energy,' she began and continued, 'Bit past it, and a bit on the shelf, time was running out for her to get married, that's okay, she lives in a beautiful cottage in [Surrey].

'She's got a good job, she'll be fine, get a couple of cats,' McPherson joked, and added: 'She was 30. She's a baby.'

Pulling a face and rolling her eyes, McPherson moved on to Diaz's character, Amanda.

'[I'm] getting sexy, cougar-like vibes from her, she can't cry, doesn't think she's good in bed, but she's [probably] better than she thinks she is.'

McPherson added that Diaz's Amanda had a 'banging' wardrobe and had 'massive' success in Hollywood.

She continued: 'Lives in a [mansion], Desperate Housewives vibe except she's not married, [I thought she was in her] mid to late 40s. [But she is] 34!

'I didn't even have a frontal lobe at age 34,' she quipped.

Kate Winslet was 30, and Jack Black was 37, at the time of filming The Holiday. Pictured together in the film

Cameron Diaz was 34 when filming The Holiday, and Jude Law was also 34. Pictured in a scene from the film

Turning to Jude Law's character Graham, McPherson dubbed the handsome star's widower character a 'napkin head' with 'Hugh Grant energy' who she thought was supposed to be late 40s in the story.

'He was 34 [at the time of filming],' she said, adding, 'Sorry, I was just sick in my mouth.'

Finally, the influencer took aim at Jack Black's character Miles, who she described as a 'wacky, funny guy'.

'[He's] not conventionally what you would go for, but you would grow to love him because of his personality,' she said, revealing his age was 37 when he made the movie.

'It's so disturbing to know that I'm older than he is, and I identify as his girlfriend,' she said.

'No, no and nohow is that right?!' one follower responded to the post on Instagram.

McPherson's video struck a note with another UK user who commented on the storyline's lack of credibility: 'As a 37-year-old teen mum, I've had to leave Surrey as I can't afford a postage stamp to live in, let alone a detached cottage! 30! No way!'

Another user agreed, posting the comment: 'Jude's character is pure fantasy, 30-something, 2m [Surrey] pad, 2 kids, widowed, house full of a lifetime of experience and furnishings.

'No wonder millennials don't feel like we've ever achieved anything.'

Written and directed by Nancy Meyers, The Holiday grossed over US $200million globally after its first release in 2006.
Rob Reiner and his wife Michele received a heartbroken tribute from their friend Rita Wilson, who said the couple 'loved their kids' and 'did everything right.'

Reiner, 78, and Michele, 70, were found stabbed to death Sunday at their $13.5 million Brentwood estate, where their son Nick, 32, lived in the guesthouse. Nick was arrested that night and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Reports claim the bodies were discovered by the Reiners' daughter Romy, 27, who allegedly told police about a 'dangerous' family member who 'should be a suspect.'

Nick had a long history of drug and mental health issues, having gone to rehab for the first time at the age of 15 and plunged into multiple spells of homelessness before his latest stay in his parents' guesthouse, which he confessed he 'wrecked' once while 'totally spun out on uppers' that kept him 'up for days on end.'

Now their longtime friend Wilson has offered a devastated account of her bond with the slaughtered couple, in an essay published by Variety.

'They made the world a better place. They loved their kids. Each one. They did everything right. They loved. They were loved,' wrote Wilson, the wife of Tom Hanks.

Rita Wilson is pictured with Rob Reiner, Michelle Pfeiffer and Bruce Willis at the New York premiere of their 1999 comedy The Story of Us, which Reiner directed

Wilson has now penned a shattered tribute to Reiner and Michele (pictured 2013) after the couple were found stabbed to death Sunday

The Reiners were parents to Nick as well as Romy, who lived across the street from them, and another son called Jake, 34. Rob Reiner also had an older daughter called Tracy, 61, whom he adopted with his first wife Penny Marshall.

He directed Wilson in the comedies North and The Story of Us, and they were castmates in a further two movies, Sleepless in Seattle and Mixed Nuts.

In her essay eulogizing her late friends, a shattered Wilson wrote: 'Its hard to reconcile the goodness they offered to the world with this ending. It doesnt make sense. But how they lived makes all the sense in the world.'

She expressed her grief at never again being able to experience the pleasure of 'running into Rob and Michele in the neighborhood and having a great laugh, or having dinner where Michele insists on having only one conversation.'

Wilson hailed Michele as a 'talented photographer' who found 'beauty every day,' as well as Reiner for having 'made history in multiple ways through his work.'

She showered further praise on the couple's activism, writing: 'Both of them made a difference in their civic contributions and actions.'

Wilson and Hanks' son Chet, 35, has been frank about previously struggling with his own substance abuse issues, which he conquered with the support of his parents.

He remarked last year that prior to his sobriety, he 'would go do coke with the cokeheads, and they would be telling me like: "Yo, chill, bro.... Wait a second. Give it like 15 minutes,"' on the Raw Talk podcast.

The Reiners, who married in 1989, had three children together - (from left) Jake, 34, Nick, 32, and Romy, 27; they are all pictured in 2014 at Avery Fisher Hall in New York

Reiner and Nick are pictured in 2016 at the BUILD Series promoting their film Being Charlie, which was inspired by Nick's rollercoaster battle with addiction

In late 2023, Chet announced two years of sobriety on The Adam Friedland Show, and this March he confirmed he had successfully remained on the wagon.

Chet praised his family for having 'stuck with me through thick and thin,' in an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show this year.

'And I don't take it for granted. I'm really, really grateful for both my parents, and I'm at the age where I'm just really grateful for them,' he told Barrymore, who herself is now sober after past dependencies on drugs and alcohol.

'But what I've learned along the way is that family - whether it's blood or found - do make you feel shy and embarrassed when you're not doing the right things and the most proud when you are,' Chet observed.

A source close to Rob Reiner informed the Daily Mail this Monday that Nick 'had been living in their guesthouse, the same one he destroyed more than once, but it had been like a revolving door all his adult life.'

The source alleged further: 'He would do meth and not sleep for days and then have outbursts, breaking things, punching walls. He was a ticking time bomb. His drug use was getting worse and his parents wanted him out.'

Nick, the friend claimed, 'used to brag how he could get away with anything and took money from his parents for drugs and prostitutes.'

The insider added: 'He would talk about this stuff in meetings, but then stopped going because he said it was too cultish. He laughed about destroying his parents' guesthouse more than once. He was so nonchalant about it.'

The bodies were discovered by the Reiners' daughter Romy, 27, who reportedly informed the police about a 'dangerous' family member who 'should be a suspect'; Romy posing with Nick

This past Saturday, the night before Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead, Nick was seen having what sources described as a 'very loud argument' with his parents at Conan O'Brien's star-studded Christmas party, according to TMZ.

Michele, by that point, was alleged to have spent months telling friends about trying to cope with Nick's drug and mental problems, saying: 'We've tried everything.'

Nick's substance abuse began at an early age, resulting in his first rehab stint at the age of 15 and a staggering 17 stays in treatment facilities by the time he was 22.

Reiner laid bare his family's turmoil by directing a 2015 film called Being Charlie, which was inspired by Nick's rollercoaster battle with addiction.

Nick co-wrote the script, in which the main character Charlie bristles against his parents' approach to his drug abuse, such as enforced trips to rehab.

Near the end of the movie, Charlie's father apologizes for taking such a hard line with him, a conversation Reiner characterized as an echo of reality.

While promoting the film the year of its release, Reiner expressed regret at having relied so heavily on the advice of medical professionals in seeking help for Nick.

'When Nick would tell us that it wasn't working for him, we wouldn't listen,' he told the Los Angeles Times. 'We were desperate and because the people had diplomas on their wall, we listened to them when we should have been listening to our son.'

Wilson and Hanks' son Chet, 35, has been frank about previously struggling with his own substance abuse issues, which he conquered with the support of his parents; pictured 2014

Michele said: 'We were so influenced by these people. They would tell us he's a liar, that he was trying to manipulate us. And we believed them.'

The following year, Nick recounted his own past experiences with addiction, saying that he had become homeless in previous years because he refused to submit to the treatments he had been urged to undergo.

'If I wanted to do it my way and not go to the programs they were suggesting, then I had to be homeless,' he shared in an interview with People.

'I was homeless in Maine. I was homeless in New Jersey. I was homeless in Texas. I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun.'

He eventually gave up drugs when he 'got sick of doing that s***,' he said. 'I come from a nice family. I'm not supposed to be out there on the streets and in homeless shelters doing all these f***ed-up things.'

Two years later, he gave an interview in which he discussed having once destroyed his parents' guesthouse while under the influence.

'I got totally spun out on uppers,' he said on a 2018 episode of the Dopey podcast. 'I think it was coke and something else. I was up for days on end.'

He recalled 'punching out different things in my guesthouse. I started with the TV and then went over to the lamp. Everything in the guesthouse got wrecked.'

Back in 2016, promoting Being Charlie, Nick had explained that he 'didn't bond' with his father while younger but that working on the film 'made me feel closer to him.'

He harbored hopes he would be able to retain his sobriety and avoid sinking back into homelessness, inasmuch as when he 'was out there, I could've died. It's all luck,' he said on the BUILD Series. 'You roll the dice and you hope you make it.'
James Van Der Beek looked happy and healthy in new social media photos after his wife recently declared the star is 'bouncing back' amid his years-long battle with cancer.

The Dawson's Creek alum, 48, was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023 but did not go public with the diagnosis until the following year.

Less than three months ago, James sparked fan concern with his 'frail' appearance during the Dawson's Creek reunion in September.

But on Wednesday, the father-of-six had noticeably rosy cheeks and appeared to have put on healthy weight as he posed next to NBC's Craig Melvin at his sprawling ranch in Texas.

James taped a candid one-on-one interview with Melvin, which is set to air Friday morning on the Today show.

For the sit-down, James wore a brown and red knit cardigan over a plain white T-shirt, green cargo pants and lace-up boots.

James Van Der Beek looked happy and healthy in new social media photos after his wife recently declared the star is 'bouncing back' amid his years-long battle with cancer

The star looked to be in a jovial mood during the interview taping, often smiling at Melvin and for the cameras.

Melvin posted the photos of James to Instagram on Wednesday to tease the 'inspiring' conversation before it is televised.

'Spent the day in TX on James Van Der Beek's ranch (@vanderjames) Overcast and dreary outside but James is quite the ray of positivity these days,' the 46-year-old reporter began in the caption of his post.

'It was refreshing and inspiring. We talked about where he is on his journey, the importance of cancer screenings, and how he's finding joy in family and faith. Our convo coming up Friday am on @todayshow'

James' healthier look has been on display in recent weeks.

Days before the Thanksgiving holiday, the star appeared in an Instagram video promoting the sale of merchandise from his classic 1999 movie Varsity Blues.

It was his second time selling merchandise connected to his iconic film and TV projects to help pay for his cancer treatments - and those of other patients.

Varsity Blues, which was about high school football, starred James as Jonathan 'Mox' Moxon amid a cast that included Jon Voight, Paul Walker and Scott Caan.

On Wednesday, the father-of-six had noticeably rosy cheeks and appeared to have put on healthy weight as he posed beside NBC's Craig Melvin at his sprawling ranch in Texas

James taped a one-on-one interview with Melvin, which is set to air Friday morning on the Today show

Less than three months ago, James sparked fan concern with his 'frail' appearanceduring the Dawson's Creek reunion in September (pictured)

In the Instagram video where he appeared with a fuller face and glowing complexion, James promoted a white shirt with his number 4 and name Moxon on to help raise money.

He penned in the caption: 'By popular demand! My favorite jersey. Maybe it was all fun plays we got run in the football sequences for the away games but I always loved putting on the varsity whites.

'Last year when I released the Blues jersey, I was blown away by the love and support I received from all of you. It has meant more than I can ever express.

'I hope you enjoy this one as much as the original. For me, every jersey I sign is a magical full-circle moment.

'Thank you for the love, the prayers, the support, and for making this jersey mean something far bigger than a movie. Endlessly grateful for all of you.

'Proceeds go directly toward helping with treatment and supporting families walking the same path. Limited quantities - link in bio. Promise I'll get the signed ones turned around quicker this time #varistyblues.'

His devoted wife Kimberly then commented underneath saying: 'You're a wizard. Bouncing back baby!!' The pair share six children.

He sold similar merchandise from the film last year soon after he revealed his diagnosis.

James' healthier look has been on display in recent weeks

Days before the Thanksgiving holiday, the star appeared in an Instagram video promoting the sale of merchandise from his classic 1999 movie Varsity Blues

His wife Kimberly (seen right of James in the photo above) commented underneath the Instagram post saying: 'You're a wizard. Bouncing back baby!!' The pair share six children

Earlier this month, James put a number of his cherished Dawson's Creek keepsakes on auction to help pay for his 'expensive' cancer treatments.

He teamed up with Propstore to sell items from his personal collection during their Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, which was held from December 57.

Among the pieces fans had a chance to own was the outfit he wore in the pilot episode, which was expected to sell for up to $4,000 according to People. According to Propstore, the outfit sold for $3369.25.

Also up for grabs was the necklace Dawson gifted Joey Potter (played by Katie Holmes) for prom, which was estimated to sell for anywhere between $26,400 to $52,800.

According to Propstore, the necklace ended up selling for $33,692.53 with three bids.

Before the auction, James admitted he was feeling nostalgic about parting with the items, but added that with the recent 'unexpected twists and turns' in his life it's the right time to do so.

'I've been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it's clear that the time is now,' the father-of-six shared.

'While I have some nostalgia tugging at me as I part with these items, it feels good to be able to offer them through Propstore's auction to share with those who have supported my work over the years.'

All proceeds from the sale went to James to help cover the expenses of his cancer treatment.

The Dawson's Creek alum, 48, was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023 but did not go public with the diagnosis until the following year; James seen with his wife Kimberly and their six kids

Back in November 2024, James spoke about his diagnosis and said he was feeling good. 'Miracles do happen, and they happen all the time,' he told People at the time; seen in 2024

Earlier this month, James auctioned off several iconic pieces of memorabilia from his days on Dawson's Creek to help pay for his 'expensive' cancer treatments; James seen in 1998

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. among men and women combined.

154,270 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2025, and 52,900 will die from the disease, according to estimates by The American Cancer Society.

James revealed his diagnosis in November 2024.

He recently sparked concern among fans over his noticeably frail figure after appearing virtually at a Dawson's Creek reunion. He was initially due to appear in person but had to cancel due to ill health.

Back in November 2024, James spoke about his diagnosis and said he was feeling good.

'Miracles do happen, and they happen all the time,' he told People at the time.

'It's scary at the onset. It's overwhelming. Go easy on yourself. You got this.'

He added: 'I've really been so blessed with my wife and kids. I've got a lot to live for, and it's a beautiful life.'
Milla Jovovic paid tribute to her 'wonderful husband and incredible kids' while celebrating her milestone 50th birthday on Wednesday.

The actress officially said goodbye to her forties on December 17 while looking back at her life and remarkable career in a lengthy Instagram post.

Jovovich, who raises children Ever, 18, Dashiel, 10, and Osian, 5, with her director husband Paul W.S Anderson, became an international star after playing mute humanoid Leeloo in 1997 blockbuster The Fifth Element.

The Kyiv born actress is now better known for her starring role in the hugely popular Resident Evil film franchise, loosely inspired by the video game series of the same name.

Reflecting on her varied career, she wrote: 'The big 5 OH!! Wow, what an incredible journey its been. I feel like Ive lived so many different lives over the last 50 years! So many eras come and gone, so many iterations of myself and still iterating lol!

'Im a SO GRATEFUL for the good, the bad and everything in between. The explosions and the moments of stillness, the extraordinary and the mundane. Each has its own magic.'

Milla Jovovich paid tribute to her 'wonderful husband and incredible kids' while celebrating her milestone 50th birthday on Wednesday

Jovovich also credited her parents, Galina, a Russian former actress, and Bogdan, a Serbian doctor, as well as her filmmaker husband and their three children for keeping her grounded.

She added: 'Thanks god I have my family, my tribe, the one I was born into and the one Ive created and chosen along the way. You all know who you are.

'Im so interested in what the door to this decade opens into! Ive changed so much over the the years and the one thing I know is that there is always something new to learn, something interesting to explore and the power to pivot and change is what keeps the creative fire burning!! I couldnt ask for more.

'The most wonderful husband, the most incredible kids that teach me how to be a better human everyday. A career thats constantly leading me to explore different avenues and forms of expression a fan base thats always supported me through every crazy choice Ive made!

'Thank you thank you thank you god, thank you universe, thank you parents, thank you family, thank you friends, thank you for loving me, for being patient with me, for knowing that Im all or nothing and still being there through it all.

'I AM truly blessed and I KNOW IT!'

Speaking to YOU magazine in 2021, Jovovich admitted her first meeting with British director Anderson, her third husband, was one of the most significant moments of her life.

He changed me, she explained. Hes made me more patient. I feel lucky because hes a role model to me. Hes smart, calm, logical I love that.

Jovovich raises children Ever, 18, Dashiel, 10, and Osian, 5, with her director husband Paul W.S Anderson (pictured shortly after Osian's birth)

The actress became an international star after playing mute humanoid Leeloo in 1997 blockbuster The Fifth Element (pictured, with co-stars Ian Holm and Bruce Willis)

Jovovich has credited her parents, Galina, a Russian former actress, and Bogdan, a Serbian doctor, as well as her filmmaker husband and their three children for keeping her grounded

The actress would eventually marry Anderson in 2009, but she revealed there were times along the way when they considered ending their relationship.

She added: Relationships arent easy. At first theres so much passion and sex and its any time, any place, anywhere and then years pass and you think, Wheres it gone?

'There have been times we could have split but we both want this and toughed it out.'

She added: Passion has nothing to do with looks but mystery, keeping something back. I keep a bit of myself apart from Paul.

I have my music, I paint, I do things that dont involve him that absorb me, and he has 'his and we like that about each other.

'Beauty doesnt last and it doesnt mean anything if you dont know who you are.
Love Island star Dr Alex George has revealed the heartbreaking reason he is spending Christmas alone, five years after the death of his brother.

The Welsh TV personality's younger brother Llyr tragically took his own life at the age of 19 in 2020.

Alex has been open about how hard the loss was for him and his family and has since gone on to become a mental health advocate. Earlier this year, he also revealed he had been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Now, the star has opened up about his decision not to spend Christmas with his family after last year's festivities were 'a car crash'. 'This wasnt an easy choice, and its definitely not something I took lightly,' he wrote. 'But it's what feels right for me this year.'

Alex said that while Christmas is meant to feel 'magical', it can be really difficult when someone you love is missing from the table.

'Christmas is supposed to feel magical, but if I'm honest I find it really difficult,' he wrote in the caption. 'Everything suddenly ramps up, the diary gets jam packed, there's a lot of emotion, and constant reminders that someone is missing.'

Love Island star Dr Alex George has revealed the heartbreaking reason he is spending Christmas alone, five years after the death of his brother

The Welsh TV personality's younger brother Llyr tragically took his own life at the age of 19 in 2020

Speaking in the video, Alex said: 'The reason I am deciding to do this is because it was a car crash last Christmas.

'I was struggling towards the end of the year. I've now been diagnosed with OCD and I think what I didn't realise was the OCD was just in like a downward horrendous spiral and I went home for Christmas and it was in hindsight the worst thing to do because that house with my family, who I love to bits, was a toxic environment for someone who's really struggling.

'Not because of the people, but when you're really low sometimes being in a situation where other people are struggling and there's a lot of emotion... and it can easily come across that I'm somehow like "my parents are the problem or I feel bad like they've caused the problem".

'They haven't they're just humans going through a difficult time.'

He added: 'I think sometimes being around other people that are struggling can lift you but other times of year when you've got Christmas, the reminder that they're not there and the time you're supposed to be happy, all that stuff can make everything actually way worse.'

Alex went on to reveal he ended up back on medication in January after the tough festive period.

He added: 'The reason I wanted to kind of share this with people is I think that we all would love to pretend that it's all happy families and everyone's happy at Christmas but actually Christmas can be one of the hardest times of the year.

'I don't think you'd be watching this video if you didn't somehow relate to that and family dynamics are complex. People's experience of suffering is complex and sometimes the combination of that isn't good for you.'

The star has opened up about his decision not to spend Christmas with his family after last year's festivities were 'a car crash'

In 2023, Alex revealed he felt 'a lot of guilt and shame' after his younger brother took his own life

Sharing advice for anyone relating to his story, Alex said: 'And if you're watching this right now and you're in the place where you're worried about a similar thing my advice to you would be plan early.

'It may not be "I don't wanna spend Christmas with you" it might just be boundaries like "Well if we can spend Christmas together I need to know that I have this time that I can go and do myself. I don't wanna look at certain videos or things that are triggering or sit round looking at photo albums because that's going to be hard for me".

'So I almost wanna say like hey you're not alone. I get it. I do love Harry Potter and the Christmas stuff and the Christmas lights but I also find it really hard and you don't have to like love or hate Christmas. Many things can exist at once and that's okay.'

In 2023, Alex revealed he felt 'a lot of guilt and shame' after his younger brother took his own life, heartbreakingly admitting he wondered if he could have spotted any signs something was seriously wrong.

During a candid chat with Coleen Nolan on her Let's Start Talking podcast, Alex said: 'It was the midst of the pandemic, he found it difficult with the lockdown as a lot of young people did but perhaps in context with what was going on, you'd expect them to be pretty fed up. So, no, I wouldn't say we expected things at all.

'But obviously, you look back and think "What can you predict, what can you look at?" It was very hard on my mum and dad. It was them three, they were living together at the time. It was hard as a brother as well.

'I was working in London at the time, I was making videos for Instagram and YouTube about looking after your mental health during the pandemic.

In 2021 Alex paid tribute to Llyr with a tattoo on his wrist of his brother's name written in his handwriting

'I released a video two weeks before he died and when something like that happens you feel a lot of guilt and shame in yourself because you wonder what you could have spotted.'

The former reality star added he will 'carry' the guilt for the rest of his life, but is now able to look back more objectively as he spoke about how suicide is 'preventable'.

'I think that's something I'll carry for the rest of my life but I'm much more able to look at it now and see that ultimately I can't make choices for him but I think it's natural as a family member to kind of think,' he added.

'I don't think I've changed my opinion. Ultimately it is a preventable cause of death, I think we should be aiming that no one dies by suicide in this country.'

The mental health ambassador remarked: 'Sadly, we've still got so many young people who die by suicide. Under the age of 35, it's the number of cause of death. My work and really my role is to raise awareness of the issue and fight the stigma.'

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123 or visit: www.samaritans.org
Alan Cumming has been announced as the new host of the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026.

Taking the reins from Doctor Who star David Tennant, Alan, 60, will present the ceremony from the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London on February 22.

Appreciating the actor's 'sharp wit and vibrant energy', BAFTA bosses were delighted with the decision after he hosted the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards earlier this year.

The glamorous affair, which celebrates the year's best films and their creative talent, will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer, as well as Britbox in the US and Australia.

To announce the news, BAFTA shared a snap of Alan on their Instagram page holding their iconic golden mask trophy.

In the picture, the actor wore a burgundy red blazer, which he layered over a black shirt and paired with purple nail polish.

Alan Cumming, 60, has been announced as the new host of the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026. He will present from the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London on February 22

Appreciating the actor's 'sharp wit and vibrant energy', BAFTA bosses were delighted with the decision after he hosted the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards earlier this year

The February 2025 ceremony attracted an average of 3 million viewers on the BBC One broadcast alongside over 64 million video views across BAFTA's social platforms.

Alan is a multi-award-winning star, having won a Tony and an Olivier award for his performance in Cabaret.

The Good Wife saw him with a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, and he has also bagged an Emmy for his work as an executive producer.

More recently, his signature charm has captivated TV audiences worldwide as host and producer of The Traitors US, for which he has won four Emmys and two Critics' Choice awards.

Speaking about his new role, Alan said: 'How exciting to be back in the BAFTA fold, this time hosting the EE BAFTA Film Awards, a night like no other when we celebrate and honour creativity and craftsmanship - and also hopefully have a laugh and create some mischief as we do so!'

Meanwhile executive director of Awards & Content at BAFTA, Emma Baehr said: 'With his sharp wit, warmth and vibrant energy, we are beyond excited that Alan Cumming will be hosting this year's EE BAFTA Film Awards.

'As we honour the outstanding talent in film that brings stories to life on screen, we know that Alan will give us an unforgettable night full of laughter, magic and plenty of surprises, and maybe some extraordinary outfits!'

The EE BAFTA Film Awards encompass 25 competitive categories, which are decided by BAFTA voting members.

Alan will take over from David Tennant (pictured hosting the 2025 BAFTAs) after he hosted the event for two years following Richard E. Grant

BAFTA continues to represent the UK's largest film, games, and TV voting body with almost 14,000 creative practitioners working across the screen industries from all corners of the UK and internationally.

Round one of voting for the Film Awards opened on December 5, 2025.

The longlists for the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards will be unveiled on Friday 9 January, with nominations to follow on Tuesday January 27.

The EE Rising Star Award, the only category voted for by the public, will announce its nominees on January, 14, with the winner revealed at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards on February, 22.

Alan will take over from David Tennant after he hosted the event for two years following Richard E. Grant.

David proved to be a hit with fans after the actor received heaps of praise as he pulled off three outfit changes and opened the show with a surprise song to The Proclaimers' hot song, I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles).

As well as a show-stopping performance, David opened the BBC show with a savage Donald Trump jibe and suffered an awkward wardrobe malfunction just minutes in.

After arriving on the red carpet in a dazzling long suit, David returned to his Scottish roots and arrived on stage in a kilt, before changing into a checkered tuxedo to present the rest of the show.
Keira Knightley has revealed she's sold the beloved French vineyard where she married musician James Righton, admitting it was 'difficult' to keep their passion project going.

The Love Actually star, 40, opened up this week about letting go of the property - previously valued at 3 million - as she reflected on the realities of trying to run a hands-on, organic wine operation with Klaxons keyboardist James, 42, who she married in 2013.

'I have written about wine, and I've written about food just because I like eating it - can't cook it, but like eating it,' Keira said on the Dish from Waitrose Podcast, hosted by radio and TV personality Nick Grimshaw and Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett.

'I like wine and I like drinking wine. James is super into wine. Actually, I used to have a place in France and we made our own wine.'

The couple owned Les Cinq Puits - French for 'the five wells', a name taken from the five natural springs in the vineyard where the wine was made - near the slopes of Mont Ventoux in the Rhone Valley, where they became immersed in the traditions of small-scale winemaking.

'We made five cuvees of grenache,' Keira said, referring to the different batches of red wine they made, 'which was amazing because it was organically made. We did everything by hand and we did the old stamping of the grapes and the whole thing.'

Keira Knightley has revealed she's sold the beloved French vineyard where she married musician James Righton, admitting it was 'difficult' to keep their passion project going

The property had a very special place in her heart as it was where she and her husband, Klaxons keyboardist James (pictured), married in 2013

The project was deeply practical and labour-intensive, with the couple committing to organic methods and traditional techniques.

'It was actually drinkable,' Keira added. 'It was absolutely amazing. We got really into it. It's great because of the stories of the winemakers.'

The vineyard produced limited quantities of Grenache-based wines under the Ventoux label, overseen with the help of local winemakers, Luc and Sandrine Guenard, and sold through specialist outlets - including in the UK - rather than mass-market launches.

But despite the romance of stamping grapes and producing organic wine, Keira admitted there were challenges behind the scenes.

'It's an extraordinary thing - how they make them and how difficult it is, particularly if you're doing it organically,' she explained. 'We don't have the vineyard now.'

The property had a very special place in her heart as it was where she and James married in 2013.

They held a low-key ceremony attended by family and close friends, including actress Sienna Miller, with the bride wearing a beautiful Chanel ivory dress and matching jacket on the day.

The couple, who first met in 2011 at a mutual friend's dinner party in London, have two daughters - Edie, ten and Delilah, six.

The star, 40, opened up about letting go of the property (pictured) - previously valued at 3million - as she reflected on the realities of trying to run a hands-on, organic wine operation

Keira has spoken recently about the pressures of balancing motherhood with her career, choosing roles more selectively and stepping back from projects that would require long periods away from home in London.

'For actors that's very difficult because we move all over the world,' she said in October. 'So, I've really tried to kind of keep it in London, and been really fortunate that I could make that work.'

Over the years, a string of famous names have invested in vineyards, particularly in France and Italy.

Former Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie famously co-owned Chateau Miraval in Provence, whose rose became a global bestseller.

It has since been at the centre of a long-running legal dispute after Angelina sold her stake in the winery following her split from Brad in 2016.

'We made five cuvees of grenache,' Keira said, referring to the different batches of red wine they made, 'which was amazing because it was organically made'

Music icon Sting produces organic wine at his Tuscan estate, Il Palagio, while The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola owns several wine estates across California and Italy.

Aussie pop star Kylie Minogue has also enjoyed major commercial success with her eponymous wine label.

Unlike many celebrity-backed wine ventures, however, Keira and James's operation remained small and artisanal - a passion project rather than a commercial venture.
Brad Pitt received an early birthday present when a judge in Los Angeles sided with him allowing the actor to score a major legal victory over ex-wife Angelina Jolie in the ex-couple's bitter battle over their former French wine estate.

A judge ordered Jolie to hand over a trove of emails and texts with her aides concerning the sale of the idyllic vineyards.

The ruling was handed down on Wednesday  the day before Brad's 62nd birthday.

Pitt and Jolie, 50, have been embroiled in a dispute over their co-ownership of Chateau Miraval, which they purchased jointly in 2008, with the F1 star suing his ex for selling her half without his consent for $67million in 2021.

Angie offloaded her share to Yuri Shefler, the owner of Stoli's parent company in a move that infuriated Brad, who argues they had a deal that neither would sell their stake unless the other approved.

The A-List former couple seem determined to dredge up the past and throw everything they can at each other amid their acrimonious legal battle for the vineyard, where they tied the knot in 2014.

Brad Pitt has scored a key victory in his bitter three-year court battle with ex-wife Angelina Jolie over her decision to sell her share of their French wine estate, a total of $67million, after a judge ordered the actress to hand over communications exchanged with her aides as part of the ongoing legal fight

Pitt was blindsided when Jolie sold her share of Chateau Miraval, a 35-room estate and celebrated vineyard in the south of France that Pitt and Jolie bought in 2008. The 1,000-acre estate  now valued at $164million  is where the couple tied the knot in 2014

The chateau, where the couple wed in 2014, became Pitt's 'passion' and one of the world's most highly-regarded producers of rose wine

The ongoing dispute has seen the feuding exes attack each other in legal filings ever since Pitt sued Jolie in 2022 for selling her stake in the estate, which produces an award-winning sparkling rose.

The latest battle is over documents that Jolie says are covered by non-disclosure agreements, but Pitt argues that they are nothing more than unprotected business chatter between Jolie and her aides.

Now Superior Court Judge Lia Martin has sided with Pitt and ordered Jolie to hand over 22 documents, giving her 45 days to comply.

A source close to Pitt told the Daily Mail that the emails would prove Jolie had been 'disingenuous since the start' regarding her sale of her part in the business.

Jolie 'is abusing the privilege to bury critical documents that go to the heart of the case,' attorneys for the Oscar winning actor argued in the court filing, asking for the 22 documents.

Pitt's legal team said that Jolie's legal logic was not sound as to why she is refusing to turn over the communications.

Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler bought Angie's share of Chateau Miraval in 2021 for $67 million. The couple had initially agreed to give each other first refusal if either of them ever decided to sell their share

Jolie and Helic (left) grew close in 2012 after she teamed up with his then-boss, former UK foreign secretary William Hague (right), on an antisexual violence campaign

Pitt's lawyers dismiss that portrayal, deriding the pair as nothing more than 'image consultants.'

Attorney Paul Murphy for Jolie told Daily Mail: 'Were disappointed by the courts interpretation of Californias privilege law.

'The courts ruling violates that law, undermines Ms. Jolies fundamental right to a fair trial, and represents yet another manifestation of Mr. Pitts years-long effort to harass and control her. We will appeal.'

The documents include conversations between Jolie's longtime business manager Terry Bird on how to handle the Miraval sale, and trusted aides Chloe Dalton, and Lady Arminka Helic.

Pitt's lawyers argue that the currently redacted content likely includes Bird's personal thoughts and Jolie's directives on whether to respond to Stoli's inquiry about the vineyard purchase.

One exchange shows Dalton, Helic, and Bird working together on a draft attorney-client communication to the actress's Luxembourg-based attorney, Laurent Schummer, regarding a key letter tied to the sale.

Jolie and Helic first bonded in 2012, when the Tomb Raider star and Helic's then-boss, former British foreign secretary William Hague, partnered for an anti-sexual violence initiative.

In filings, Jolie stated that when they filed for divorce, she left him 'control (and full residency) of their family homes in Los Angeles and at Miraval, without compensation'

A source previously said that Jolie considered Helic a 'mentor', who began 'helping Angie make decisions on what she wants her next political move to be', after stepping away from Hollywood.

In 2015, Jolie, Helic and Dalton formed the Jolie Pitt Dalton Helic foundation, an organization that aims to prevent violence against women and help refugees.

Jolie insists their presence was 'reasonably necessary to help me receive the legal advice I needed.'

They argue that there is clear evidence that Jolie is hiding non-legal advice under the veil of privilege.

The documents Pitt's team are demanding also include communications between the actress and her finance consultants Marjorie Brabet-Friel and James Friel.

According to Jolie's sworn declarations, the disputed emails reveal the step-by-step roadmap of her legal and strategic maneuvers  from drafting responses to analyzing legal advice.

She has admitted to performing 'sentence-by-sentence redactions', removing passages that contained nothing but 'attorney mental impressions, conclusions, or observations.'

Her team insists these materials reflect pure legal strategy, refuting Pitt's claims that the documents are simply 'business gossip'. But that argument is no longer viable after the judge's ruling.

This discovery fight has become so volatile that it's now teetering on the brink of financial penalties.

Jolie's team has repeatedly warned Pitt that they will seek sanctions against him and his lawyers, labeling his motion as 'frivolous' and premature, filed before both sides had fully exhausted required discussions.

Chateau Miraval in the Var departement in the south of France produces an award-winning sparkling rose

Angelina said she and the children have never returned to Miraval due to its association with the painful events that led to their divorce

Jolie has also claimed that Pitt is using the legal filings to deflect public attention, after his motion was lodged a day before a crucial hearing about her motion to compel documents related to alleged domestic violence.

Pitt's side insists the timing is irrelevant and calls the entire sanctions narrative 'theatrics.'

Jolie entered a court filing earlier this month stating her displeasure with how things have turned out involving the French winery.

Jolie said that upon the 2016 split, she left Pitt 'control (and full residency) of our family homes in Los Angeles and at Miraval, without compensation, which I hoped would make him calmer in his dealings with me after a difficult and traumatic period.

'To this day, the children and I have never again set foot on the property, given its connection to the painful events leading to the divorce.'

'Post-separation, I immediately began to look for a new house for me and our children, initially renting a home while looking for a more stable solution.

All of the couple's children have sided with Angelina with most of them dropping the surname Pitt

'Because I wanted to ensure that Brad remained an important part of our children's lives, I looked to buy a property near his home.

'At the time, my savings were tied up in Miraval, and I had not asked Brad for alimony or any other financial support.'

The former couple are parents to six children: Maddox, 24, Pax, 22, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 19, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 17.

They split in 2016 following a 12-year relationship and two-year marriage, after Jolie accused Pitt of drunkenly attacking her on a private plane. The divorce wasn't finalized until eight years later.

Their kids have all sided with Angelina, with most of them dropping the last name Pitt.

Amid the swathes of new legal documents, Judge Martin has set a trial date of February 1, 2027, and mediation was ordered for October 28, 2026.

Jolie faces potential damages claims if she does not undo the deal she made with Shefler regarding the sale of her Miraval stake.

She was dealt another blow earlier this year after the court ruled she must produce every NDA that she signed with a third-party over an eight-year period from 2014  the year they married  to 2022.

Pitt has landed several legal victories in the battle for the winery including a key judgment in Luxembourg which handed him back control of the award-winning vineyard pending further hearings.

In March, LA Superior Court rejected the allegations that his suit was 'frivolous, malicious, and part of a problematic pattern.'
Things are still going strong between Alessandra Ambrosio and her boyfriend Buck Palmer, who enjoyed a luxurious getaway to Aspen, CO this week.

The 44-year-old Lions Model helped the jewelry designer celebrate his 44th birthday on Tuesday.

The inseparable couple did so over dinner with four friends including realtor Mackenzie Stone and insurance specialist Justin Stone Baraglia.

Ambrosio - who boasts 20 million social media followers - captioned her Instagram slideshow on Wednesday: 'Fun in the snow for my babe's bday!'

The Experience Abu Dhabi promoter and Palmer also made sure to hit the slopes at the nearby ski resort Snowmass.

Ambrosio originally began dating the hat designer in October 2024 - according to Us Weekly.

Things are still going strong between Alessandra Ambrosio and her boyfriend Buck Palmer, who enjoyed a luxurious getaway to Aspen, CO this week

In one snap, the glamorous globetrotter - who's 'forever on vacation' - gave Palmer a kiss while dining al fresco at Ajax Tavern.

At one point, the lovebirds posed beneath flags representing their home countries of Brazil and Australia, but she became a US citizen in 2020 after 24 years of living in the States.

In March, Ambrosio and Palmer got matching heart tattoos inked on their wrists by LA artist Winterstone, further solidifying their commitment.

The brunette beauty previously dated Alanui co-designer Nicolo Oddi from 2018 to 2020 and she romanced Wilhelmina Model Richard Lee from 2021 to 2023.

Ambrosio is mother to two teenagers - daughter Anja, 17; son Noah, 13 - whom she welcomed during her decade-long relationship with ex-fiance, Re/Done denim co-founder Jamie Mazur, which ended in 2018.

The 5ft10in catwalker made her triumphant return to the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn on October 15

'Always thankful for being a part of something so amazing,' Ambrosio gushed on October 17.

'No matter how many times I get to do this, I'll never stop feeling the thrill of it!

Thank you so much, to @victoriassecret @adamselman @carlynecerfdedudzeele @piergiorgio and everyone involved in the show!'

The 44-year-old Lions Model helped the jewelry designer celebrate his 44th birthday on Tuesday

The inseparable couple did so over dinner with four friends including realtor Mackenzie Stone (2-L) and insurance specialist Justin Stone Baraglia (R)

Ambrosio - who boasts 20 million social media followers - captioned her Instagram slideshow on Wednesday: 'Fun in the snow for my babe's bday!'

The Experience Abu Dhabi promoter and Palmer also made sure to hit the slopes at the nearby ski resort Snowmass

Ambrosio originally began dating the hat designer in October 2024

In one snap, the glamorous globetrotter - who's 'forever on vacation' - gave Palmer a kiss while dining al fresco at Ajax Tavern

At one point, the lovebirds posed beneath flags representing their home countries of Brazil and Australia, but she became a US citizen in 2020 after 24 years of living in the States

In March, Ambrosio and Palmer got matching heart tattoos inked on their wrists by LA artist Winterstone, further solidifying their commitment

The brunette beauty is mother to two teenagers - daughter Anja, 17; son Noah, 13 - whom she welcomed during her decade-long relationship with ex-fiance, Re/Done denim co-founder Jamie Mazur, which ended in 2018 (pictured in 2024)

Ambrosio made her triumphant return to the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn on October 15

The 5ft10in catwalker gushed: 'Always thankful for being a part of something so amazing. No matter how many times I get to do this, I'll never stop feeling the thrill of it!

The former Fyre Festival paid promoter previously retired her Angel 'wings' with the San Francisco bra brand in 2017 after 12 years.

Ambrosio is every bit the influencer with paid partnerships for brands and resorts like Alo, Trip Drinks, Omega Watches, Vizzano, Montage Los Cabos and Pomellato.

The busy mother-of-two's co-founded swimwear brand GAL Floripa with her younger sister Aline and best friend Gisele Coria in 2019, and practically every item is currently 70 percent off.

Ambrosio previously ran her eponymous swimwear line ale by Alessandra from 2014-2018.
In the days before Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead, workers at a Brentwood gas station say Nick Reiner appeared noticeably different from how they had known him over the years.

Reiner, 32, was arrested Monday and accused of fatally stabbing both of his parents.

Prosecutors allege the couple were found dead inside their Brentwood mansion, their throats slit in what authorities have described as a grisly scene.

On Tuesday, Reiner was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with his parents deaths, charges that could carry a potential sentence of life in prison or the death penalty.

Despite Reiners documented history of substance abuse disorder and periods of homelessness, his father had recently said his son was doing well and had been sober for six years.

However, employees at a Brentwood gas station the Reiner family reportedly frequented say Nicks behavior shifted in the days leading up to the killings, per TMZ.

In the days before Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead, workers at a Brentwood gas station say Nick Reinerappeared noticeably different from how they had known him over the years

Reiner, 32, was arrested Monday and accused of fatally stabbing both of his parents; (Rob and MIchele pictured 2018)

Several employees said Reiner's demeanor stood out during his recent stops, describing him as 'drained' and 'abnormal' compared to how he normally behaved.

One worker recalled seeing him about two weeks before the killings and said he 'looked tired' and was 'unusually standoffish', a departure from his usual interactions.

During that visit, Reiner bought a pack of Marlboro Lights, a purchase employees said was consistent with his routine.

They emphasized that he did not appear impaired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Staff members said the change was especially striking given that as recently as a few months earlier, Reiner had been sociable and engaging, often chatting with employees during his visits.

According to workers, the Reiner family were regulars at the location, with one employee saying they had known Nick for roughly 15 years.

Back in September, Rob Reiner sounded optimistic about Nick's health.

In a resurfaced interview on NPR's Fresh Air, the When Harry Met Sally director said, 'He's been great, claiming that his son hadn't 'been doing drugs for over six years.'

Several employees at Sinclair gas station (pictured) said Reiner's demeanor stood out during his recent stops, describing him as quiet, fatigued, and noticeably off compared to how he normally behaved

According to workers, the Reiner family were regulars at the location, with one employee saying they had known Nick for roughly 15 years; (Reiner's Brentwood home)

'He's in a really good place,' Reiner added.

Nick is currently being held without bail on suicide watch in administrative segregation at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in LA.

Suspicion quickly turned to him after his parents' bodies were discovered by his sister Romy Reiner, as she told investigators that her brother was 'dangerous' and 'should be a suspect.'

On Tuesday, police sources revealed that Rob and Michele Reiner had likely been dead for several hours before their bodies were found in their home, as they were already in a state of rigor mortis.

The When Harry Met Sally filmmaker and his photographer wife had been stabbed to death, and their throats had been slit.

The two may have been asleep in bed together when they were killed, a source close to the investigation told the Daily Mail.

Nick had joined his parents the night before their bodies were discovered at a holiday party thrown by Conan O'Brien, but he reportedly stood out at the party because he was dressed in casual clothes while the other celebrity guests were dressed in fancier attire.

Nick was said to have left some of the guests concerned with his appearance and behavior, and he reportedly got into a clash with Bill Hader that led Rob and Michele to leave the party.

According to NBC News, a source alleged that Nick 'interrupted Hader' at O'Brien's party.

When the former SNL star told him that he was 'in the middle of a private conversation,' Nick allegedly looked annoyed.

'Nick just stood there and stared before storming off,' they claimed, adding that the other guests were unnerved by the unusual display.

Nick was also reportedly seen arguing with his father loud enough for others to hear their conversation at the event.

Your browser does not support iframes.

After storming out of the party, Nick had checked into a hotel in Santa Monica, where staff discovered a shower 'full of blood' and a trail of blood leading toward his bedroom, according to TMZ; he's pictured with his father Rob in 2016 in NYC

A source close to the investigation told the Daily Mail that investigators were looking into whether Nick might have killed his parents on Saturday night, after they had left the party.

'He could have done it not long after they all went home, meaning he went there and slit their throats in the middle of the night,' they said. 'They were in bed when that happened.'

A source with knowledge of the situation described the interior of the Reiner's $13.5 million mansion as looking like a 'Hollywood horror-scene nightmare,' according to People.

Nick, whose dramatic arrest outside an LA Metro station was captured in photos released by the LAPD, had struggled for years with mental illness and drug addiction, including bouts of homelessness after he said he refused to go back to rehab and allegedly had nowhere else to go.

Prior to his arrest, he had checked in to the Pierside Santa Monica hotel, where staff subsequently found his shower 'full of blood' and saw a trail of blood leading toward his bed.

He had also allegedly covered his window with a bedsheet, according to TMZ.

In 2015, Nick collaborated with his father on the film Being Charlie. Nick was credited as co-writer and said the film was loosely based on his own experiences with drug abuse and rehab, while his father directed the film.
David Dickinson showed off his 260,000 convertible Bentley while doing his Christmas food shopping in Handforth, Cheshire, on Thursday.

The Bargain Hunt star, 84, attempted to go incognito by putting his hood up as he popped his M&S shopping bags in the boot of his swanky black car.

David cut a laidback figure for the outing in a black zip-up hoody and jeans, as he pushed a large trolley filled with his food shopping to his car.

He made his name on Bargain Hunt, where he became known for the catchphrases 'real bobby-dazzler' and 'cheap as chips', later moving from the BBC to ITV, fronting Dickinson's Real Deal.

David's outing comes after he revealed the best places to bag an heirloom and the one location he wouldn't bother going to.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail earlier this year, the antiques expert also addressed rumours about his retirement plans before divulging his tricks of the trade.

David Dickinson showed off his 260,000 convertible Bentley while doing his Christmas food shopping in Handforth, Cheshire, on Thursday

The Bargain Hunt star, 84, attempted to go incognito by putting his hood up as he popped his M&S shopping bags in the boot of his swanky black car

Mr Dickinson, also known as The Duke, has been a household name in homes across the UK since 2000 when he landed the job presenting the popular BBC show.

With his quick wit and clever catch-phrases, the broadcaster took to TV like a duck to water and was an instant hit with Bargain Hunt viewers.

Following his successful debut behind the camera, Mr Dickinson was given his own show, Dickinson's Real Deal, which he has now hosted for 14 seasons.

The star's passion for value began in his early life, and after so many years spent beating on his craft, few know more about the world's hidden treasures.

Sharing his expert tips for novice bargain hunters, Mr Dickinson said: 'My advice to people is go to your local saleroom. It doesn't cost you anything.

'You can have a wander around. You can pick up a catalogue.

'You can look at items which possibly something would appeal to you for your home that could be decorative and something that you're going to enjoy.

'I think that's a really good starting point.'

David cut a laidback figure for the outing in a black zip-up hoody and jeans, as he pushed a large trolley filled with his food shopping to his car

He made his name on Bargain Hunt, where he became known for the catchphrases 'real bobby-dazzler' and 'cheap as chips', later moving from the BBC to ITV, fronting Dickinson's Real Deal

He added: 'I wouldn't even consider car boot sales. Although I'm not saying that some lucky person doesn't go out at 5am in the morning and find what looks like a piece of costume jewellery that turns out to be a valuable piece of jewelry.

Also, use quality as your yardstick. I have found quality is always more expensive on the day, but it never lets you down in the long run. I think you're safer with that.'

Mr Dickinson's TV career has spanned over 30 years and has seen him win many awards, including an MBE.

As well as presenting his own show, the gung-ho grandad has also appeared as a contestant on both Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!

But, despite his age and his long list of achievements, the star has shown no signs of calling it quits anytime soon.

'For the last 30 years or so, I've worked in television. It's paid me very, very well.

'I've had a handsome living and a great lifestyle out of it. So I'm going to say I'm delighted and I will keep doing that as long as there is demand for me to do something,' Mr Dickinson said.

In 2023 rumours that he was planning to pull the plug on Dickinson's Real Deal began to swirl.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail earlier this year, the antiques expert addressed rumours about his retirement plans before divulging his tricks of the trade (pictured on his show 2009)

Addressing the reports, the broadcaster said: 'It is total fake news. I'm still trying to find out who launched that story.

'I presume it would be someone who would probably like to take my position on that show, but I never found out who it really was.

'I went on to Loose Women and said "I'm still here, I'm still kicking, I'm still working and the rumours are totally fake".'

Mr Dickinson added that he is 'always looking for the next deal and new methods of investment'.
Adam Peaty's distraught mother celebrated her milestone 60th birthday on Thursday, less than a week before his lavish wedding to Holly Ramsay goes ahead without her.

The Olympic swimmer is expected to marry Ramsay at Bath's Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul on December 27, followed by a reception at Kiln House country estate in Wiltshire.

But Peaty's mother Caroline has been barred from the service following an increasingly toxic and inconveniently public row that began in November, when she was not invited to her soon-to-be daughter-in-law's hen-party.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Caroline confirmed she was celebrating her 60th while sharing a handful of tributes from various family members.

But Peaty's was notably absent from the assortment of birthday messages on display, among them a birthday card addressed to 'mom' from 'the Peaty family,' suggesting he is yet to acknowledge her personal milestone.

A second Peaty family tribute read: 'Happy 60th birthday to one of the strongest woman I've ever met... thank you for everything you've done for us and the boys!

Adam Peaty's distraught mother celebrated her milestone 60th birthday on Thursday, less than a week before his lavish wedding to Holly Ramsay goes ahead without her

The Olympic swimmer is expected to marry Ramsay at Bath's Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul on December 27 (L-R: Holly Ramsay, Caroline Peaty and Adam Peaty)

'Thank you for guiding me through the good and the bad... you've been there for me for 18 years and I'm truly grateful so please put your feet up, relax and enjoy your day.'

Elsewhere, Caroline's life was documented in a picture collage by her aunt Janet and uncle Eddie, with the accompanying caption: 'It only seems like yesterday since you were born Caroline, a lovely Christmas present making me an aunty for the first time.

'Many happy returns of the day, happy 60th birthday to you.'

Taking to Instagram on Monday, Caroline admitted the last 12 months had been among the most difficult of her life, but vowed to bounce back in the new year.

She wrote: 'This year, I met the most broken version of myself but also the strongest. 2026, get ready, because I'm coming back stronger than ever.'

The emotive post coincided with a series of updates from her estranged son, who showed off his muscular physique while posing shirtless alongside Holly.

Captioning the shots, he marvelled: 'Less than two weeks until were getting married. Where did the time go? Yes this is literally the only picture we have together in the last few weeks.'

Commenting on the post, shared by Peaty on Sunday evening, Holly wrote: 'Such a poser.'

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Caroline confirmed she was celebrating her 60th while sharing a handful of tributes from various family members

Adam Peaty's devastated mother recently admitted she's the 'most broken version' of herself ahead of his Christmas wedding to Gordon Ramsay 's eldest daughter, Holly

The emotive post coincided with a series of updates from her estranged son, who showed off his muscular physique while posing shirtless alongside Holly

Meanwhile Caroline is demanding Netflix remove her from Gordon Ramsays new documentary because she doesnt want them cashing in' on her misery, it has been revealed.

Caroline and husband Mark have sent the streaming giant, which is screening the celebrity chefs new series early next year, a cease and desist letter by signed delivery, a source has stated.

The insider told the Daily Mail: Caroline does not want Gordon or his family, which now includes her son Adam to profit from them.

Enough damage has already been done which has been devastating for them.'

The Olympic champions mum Caroline has told Netflix bosses they did not consent to being filmed at Adam and fiancee Holly Ramsay's engagement party, and are still awaiting a response.

The celebration was captured by the famous cooks production company and is due to be shown in Being Gordon Ramsay.

The Olympic champions mother has told Netflix bosses they did not consent to being filmed at Adam and fiancee Holly Ramsay's engagement party

Caroline and husband Mark have sent the streaming giant, which is screening the celebrity chefs new series early next year, a cease and desist letter by signed delivery

The family source said: Someone from Gordons team leaked the news that Caroline had written to Netflix via his production team.

Why are they causing havoc just to promote a documentary, and why should they have the right to cash in on their misery?

They are using the family fallout as a selling point. It is disgraceful.'

It is understood that Adam's public fallout with his mum and the fact he and Holly have banned her from their wedding later this month will feature prominently in the fiery chefs series, which he is said to be very excited about.'

The source added: 'Caroline has said the family were not asked for their consent to be filmed for Gordon's documentary at last year's engagement do.

'She was very clear that, after everything that's happened, they do not want to be featured.

She was filmed giving a speech as were the family during arrivals and while mingling at the party.'

A spokesperson for the Ramsay family told Daily Mail that Adams family had attended the engagement party and were aware it was filmed.

They said: 'There were filming notices up all over the party saying: By attending, you give consent to being filmed.

'They are not interviewed, there is no on camera speaking and they are not featured in the finished edits of the programme, so no additional consent would have been required.
Lauren Sanchez enjoyed a girls' night out with Brooks Nader in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening.

Leaving her billionaire husband Jeff Bezos at home, the former journalist, 55, headed to Cucina Alba in West Hollywood alongside the 28-year-old model.

Sanchez stepped out of her and the Amazon founder's $175 million Beverly Hills mega-mansion, their compound in the city where he recently introduced a UFO sauna, for dinner at the posh Italian restaurant with a scantily-clad Nader.

Both of the bombshells appeared to have pre-coordinated daring, see-through looks, but Sanchez covered up in a long, fuzzy blue peacoat while outside of the eatery.

Meanwhile, the reality TV star opted out of any outerwear and stepped out in a sheer, flowing blouse sans bra and a tiny miniskirt.

Sanchez and Nader strutted out of the restaurant and down the street in pointed-toe stilettos, walking out with their arms interlocked in a friendly display.

Lauren Sanchez enjoyed a girls' night out with Brooks Nader in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening

Both of the bombshells appeared to have pre-coordinated daring, see-through looks, but Sanchez covered up in a coat. Meanwhile, the reality TV star opted out of any outerwear and stepped out in a sheer, flowing blouse sans bra and a tiny miniskirt

Sanchez also sported a pair of dark brown-tinted, rectangular sunglasses for their evening excursion.

Underneath her glamorous, double-breasted coat with gold buttons, she wore an outfit with a dark navy, lace top that appeared to be entirely see-through.

Paired with her bold, royal blue look, she sported black, satin pumps with a pointed-toe.

She carried a sparkly clutch bag in the shape of a silver Christmas tree ornament.

She also wore matching, dazzling diamond stud earrings, which peeked out of her chocolate brown beach waves.

For their night out, Nader went for an all-black outfit, pairing a see-through top with a skin-tight miniskirt and sheer tights.

For a pop of color against her monochromatic look, she carried a bright red, patent leather clutch.

The last time the duo were spotted together in public was wearing equally daring ensembles for dinner in France at upscale Parisian eatery Laperouse in July.

Leaving her billionaire husband Jeff Bezos at home, the former journalist, 55, headed to Cucina Alba in West Hollywood alongside the 28-year-old model

Sanchez stepped out of her and the Amazon founder's $175 million Beverly Hills mega-mansion for dinner at the posh Italian restaurant with a scantily-clad Nader; pictured in March 2025

The besties, who share a 27-year age gap, were pictured hanging out together as early as 2024, often sharing social media posts documenting their glamorous get-togethers occasionally with Nader's sisters

Earlier this year, Nader was also one of the many celebrity guests in attendance at Sanchez's over-the-top Venetian wedding to Bezos in late June

The besties, who share a 27-year age gap, were pictured hanging out together as early as 2024, often sharing social media posts documenting their glamorous get-togethers occasionally with Nader's sisters.

Earlier this year, Nader was also one of the many celebrity guests in attendance at Sanchez's over-the-top Venetian wedding to Bezos in late June.

Their lavish nuptials reportedly cost approximately $50 to $60 million for a multi-day extravaganza including private water taxis for all of their A-list guests, a foam party on their $500 million superyacht and millions more in just security detail.

At the ESPY Awards earlier this year, Nader shared a glimpse into the Bezos' wedding in Europe and how she felt watching her close gal pal get married.

'She is glowing head to toe,' Nader told E! News at the time. 'She's just such an incredible woman and I'm so happy she found the love of her life.'

Other celebrity guests included most of the Kardashian-Jenner clan including Kim Kardashian as well as Leonardo DiCaprio, Sydney Sweeney, Oprah Winfrey, Orlando Bloom but not his now-ex Katy Perry.
Irina Shayk shoots death stare at one of her famous exes as she runs into him on the streets of NYC


She got her career started at a young age when growing up in the desert town of Phoenix.

The leggy wonder used her looks to score the Miss Arizona 1972 title as she made quite the impression in a one-piece swimsuit with her dark hair worn down.

She gained national attention by winning Miss World USA that same year, representing Arizona.

In the international Miss World 1972 pageant, representing the United States she reached the Top 15.

This comes years before she landed the coveted role of DC Comics superheroine in the mid to late 1970s.

Can you guess who she is?

The star is now age 74-years-old and still looks fabulous as she was spotted earlier this month in Washington, DC.

The leggy wonder used her looks to score the Miss Arizona1972 title as she made quite the impression in a one-piece swimsuit with her dark hair worn down

She gained national attention in the United States by winning Miss World USA that same year, representing Arizona

She is Lynda Carter, star of the popular TV series Wonder Woman which aired from 1975 to 1979, and she also popped up in the 2020 Gal Gadot movie Wonder Woman: 1984.

Carter started working at a young age.

At age five she made her public television debut on Lew King's Talent Show.

During high school, Carter performed in a band called Just Us which also had marimba, a conga drum, an acoustic guitar, and a stand-up bass.

At age 15, Carter started singing in the local pizza parlor to earn money.

A year later she joined two of her cousins in another band called The Relatives. The group opened at the Sahara Hotel and Casino lounge in Las Vegas for three months.

In 1970, Carter successfully auditioned for and then sang on tour with The Garfin Gathering and bandleader Howard Garfin.

The Garfin Gathering toured the Nevada Silver Circuit, playing shows in many of the state's casino lounges between Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Reno, and Las Vegas.

In 1972, Carter decided to leave the Garfin Gathering to pursue an acting career, returning to Arizona where she won beauty pageants.

When she moved to Los Angeles for acting she became friends with Les Moonves who seemed to open doors for her.

She landed a guest starring role on the hit TV series Starsky & Hutch.

She is Lynda Carter, pictured in 1980

The ever-youthful star is best known for playing the title character in the TV version of Wonder Woman (pictured), which ran from 1975 to 1979

When she was cast as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman in 1975, she became famous overnight.

And the timing was perfect as the day she got the part, she had $25 in the bank she has said many times in the past.

The Wonder Woman series lasted for three seasons, from 1975 to 1979.

After the show ended, Carter told Us that 'I never meant to be a sexual object for anyone but my husband. I never thought a picture of my body would be tacked up in men's bathrooms. I hate men looking at me and thinking what they think. And I know what they think. They write and tell me.'

In 2017, Carter explained she did not want to be a bombshell but rather a role model: 'I want women to want to be me, or be my best friend!'

Pictured singing on stage in 1978

Carter honored her late husband Robert Altman with an emotional song released in 2024; pictured in 2018

After Wonder Woman ended, she made a guest appearance on The Muppet Show.

Then she was on the Lynda Carter's Special (1980), Encore! (1980), Celebration (1981), Street Life (1982), and Body and Soul (1984).

She landed the title role in a biographical film about actress Rita Hayworth titled Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess (1983).

She worked on crime drama television series Partners in Crime with Loni Anderson in 1984.

She then portrayed Helen Durant in the 1989 CBS television film Mike Hammer: Murder Takes All.

Her movies include 1976's Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw, 1993's Lightning in a Bottle , 2001's Super Troopers, 2004's The Creature of the Sunny Side Up Trailer Park, 2005's Sky High and The Dukes of Hazzard, 2006's Tempbot, 2007's Tattered, 2018's Super Troopers 2, 2020's Wonder Woman 1984 and 2021's The Cleaner.

Seen on the right earlier this month with Karen Sessions, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Transportation, at CES 2026 Preview at The House at 1229 in Washington, DC

Carter has been married twice.

Her first marriage was to her former talent agent, Ron Samuels, from 1977 to 1982.

On January 29, 1984, she married Washington, D.C., attorney Robert A. Altman. She left Hollywood in 1985 to join her husband in Washington, D.C., for a few years. The couple lived in a Potomac, Maryland.

Carter and her husband have two children: James Altman (born January 14, 1988) and Jessica Carter Altman (born October 7, 1990).

On February 3, 2021, Altman died at a hospital in Baltimore owing to a battle with myelofibrosis, a rare form of leukemia. He was 73.
Lily Collins gave fans a sneak peek behind the scenes of Emily in Paris Season five on Thursday as the new series finally landed on Netflix.

The actress, 36, who stars as marketing executive Emily Cooper in the series, took to her Instagram to post several snaps of herself and her co-stars on set in Paris, as she thanked her team and fans for all the love and support.

In one sweet snap, Emily donned a chic black and white jumpsuit as she giggled uncontrollably with her co-stars Samuel Arnold, 34, and Ashley Park, 34.

She also shared a photo of herself and Ashley posing for a silly selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower.

Meanwhile, in another snap, Lily looked effortlessly chic in a black gingham off-the-shoulder top and a black pinstripe skirt with a slit, striking up a pose for the camera.

In another sweet on-set behind-the-scenes photo, Lily and her co-star Ashley giggled uncontrollably as they danced together, with the Eiffel Tower in the backdrop.

Lily Collins gave fans a sneak peek behind the scenes of Emily in Paris Season five on Thursday as the new series finally landed on Netflix (pictured with Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu)

The actress, 36, who stars as marketing executive Emily Cooper in the series, took to her Instagram to post several snaps of herself and her co-stars on set in Paris, as she thanked her team and fans for all the love and support (pictured with Bryan Greenberg)

Meanwhile, in another outdoor snap, Lily cut a stylish figure in a white summer dress with a blue polka dot print, striking a sultry pose on a chair as she took a break from filming.

The actress also gave fans a glimpse of her lavish wardrobe, which was filled with a plethora of vibrant coloured heels and featured a rail full of chic clothing items.

She also posed alongside her new co-star, Minnie Driver, 55, in another shot, in which the duo wore similar ensembles.

Meanwhile, in another shot, her co-star Bruno Gouery, 50, beamed as Lily took a close-up photo of him beside a nude painting in France.

In one funny video, Lily can be seen running along as a team member threw what appears to be mini sandbags at her as she filmed a running scene.

Sharing the snaps to Instagram, Lily captioned the post: 'TODAY IS THE DAY! Season five is officially yours and so is this peek behind the scenes.

'Narrowing this down to 20 slides was nearly impossible... never a dull moment on set with this group.

'Feeling insanely grateful for my @emilyinparis family and for all of you who are binging it the moment it dropped. We wouldnt be here with you! ENJOY!'

In one sweet snap, Emily donned a chic black and white jumpsuit as she giggled uncontrollably with her co-stars Samuel Arnold, 34, and Ashley Park, 34

She also shared a photo of herself and Ashley posing for a silly selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower

Meanwhile, in another snap, Lily looked effortlessly chic in a black gingham off-the-shoulder top and a black pinstripe skirt with a slit, striking up a pose for the camera

In another sweet on-set behind-the-scenes photo, Lily and her co-star Ashley giggled uncontrollably as they danced together, with the Eiffel Tower in the backdrop

Meanwhile, in another outdoor snap, Lily cut a stylish figure in a white summer dress with a blue polka dot print, striking a sultry pose on a chair as she took a break from filming

It comes after Emily in Paris released a first look at its fifth season, with producers also teasing a possible exit by a major character.

Netflix released the trailer to fans earlier this month, ahead of the brand-new season's launch on December 18.

The clip shows Lily's alter ego Emily as she adjusts to her new life in Rome with Eugenio Franceschini's character Marcello.

Elsewhere, with Emily struggling to settle in, Gabriel appears as the pair have a heart-to-heart.

The character, played by Lucas Bravo, tells her he's excited by the future, and she should be too.

He's then seen boarding a train, with it not clear if he's exploring Rome or returning to Paris.

It further fuels speculation that Gabriel is being written out of the show following his split from Emily, after his absence from the initial trailer caused alarm amongst fans.

A synopsis for season five released by Netflix reads: 'Now the head of Agence Grateau Rome, Emily faces professional and romantic challenges as she adapts to life in a new city.

The actress also gave fans a glimpse of her lavish wardrobe, which was filled with a plethora of vibrant coloured heels and featured a rail full of chic clothing items

She also posed alongside her new co-star, Minnie Driver, 55, in another shot, in which the duo wore similar ensembles

Meanwhile, in another shot, her co-star Bruno Gouery, 50, beamed as Lily took a close-up photo of him beside a nude painting in France

In one funny video, Lily can be seen running along as a team member threw what appears to be mini sandbags at her as she filmed a running scene

Sharing the snaps to Instagram, Lily captioned the post: 'TODAY IS THE DAY! Season five is officially yours and so is this peek behind the scenes. Narrowing this down to 20 slides was nearly impossible... never a dull moment on set with this group'

'But just as everything falls into place, a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setbacks. Seeking stability, Emily leans into her French lifestyle, until a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships.

'Tackling conflict with honesty, Emily emerges with deeper connections, renewed clarity, and a readiness to embrace new possibilities.'

Earlier this year, Camille Razat shocked fans by revealing she had quit the hit series.

The French actress, 31 - who plays Camille in the romantic comedy drama - took to Instagram to reveal the shocking news with an emotional goodbye post after fans fumed at bosses for 'destroying the character'.

Camille has played Emily's pal and love rival in the show since the programme hit the streaming service back in 2020.

Sharing various snaps from her time on the show, she wrote: 'After an incredible journey, Ive made the decision to step away from Emily in Paris.

'It has been a truly wonderful experience, one filled with growth, creativity, and unforgettable memories.

'Im deeply grateful to @starmandarren and the entire team at @netflix and @paramountpics for their trust and for giving me the opportunity to bring Camille to life and leaving the door open for her return, as she will always be a part of Emily In Paris world.

It comes after Emily in Paris released a first look at its fifth season, with producers also teasing a possible exit by a major character

With Emily struggling to settle in, Gabriel appears as the pair have a heart-to-heart. He's then seen boarding a train - with it not clear if he's exploring Rome or returning to Paris

'This character has meant a lot to me, and I feel that her storyline has naturally come to an end. It felt like the right moment to explore new horizons.

'Ive recently wrapped two series: Nero for Netflix and the Lost Station girls for Disney+. Im also excited to share that Ive launched my own production company, @tazar_production.

'We mainly produce music videos and short films for now, but were currently developing our first feature film, something Im truly passionate about and excited to grow.

'I leave the show with nothing but love and admiration for the cast, crew, and fans who have supported us along the way.

'Thank you for the beautiful ride.'

Her fans and co-stars rushed to the comments section to share their support.

Lily said: 'Love you sister. Its been a wild ride and an absolute pleasure. Youre a rockstar. So proud of you.'

Emily in Paris season five is now available to stream on Netflix.
Cindy Crawford has opened the doors to her lavish California mansion this holiday season.

The supermodel, 59, who is worth an estimated $225million, outdid herself as she shared a trio of photos of her Christmas trees in her palatial mansion she shares with husband Rande Gerber, 63.

Plus, there were festive garlands with bows and bright ornaments looped over the banisters and arranged over the doorways.

But the greenery wasnt the only draw - the Meaningful Beauty mogul was featured in all three images, striking a casual pose on the stairs and in other areas of her chicly decorated home.

She was dressed in jeans and a cozy red sweater, and wearing just a hint of makeup.

Crawford - who revealed the sad news in May that her dog Widget had died - still has much to be thankful for this holiday season.

Back in January after the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, she told her followers on Instagram that shes 'never been more grateful to come back home.

Cindy Crawfordhas opened the doors to her lavish California mansion this holiday season

The supermodel, 59, showed off her Christmas trees and garlands and bright lights

'Im so lucky that I have a house to come home to,' she said of her Malibu abode, adding: 'So many others dont and my heart aches for them.'

Crawford, who shares son Presley and daughter Kaia with Gerber, previously shared how she typically spends the holidays with her family.

'We usually end up going away, ever since the kids were little and it was during school holiday,' Crawford told People during last years holiday season. But before they leave on vacation, 'we always put up the tree and do a little decorating,' she insisted.

Planning the holiday festivities can be tricky now that her kids are older and have flown the nest  even the meals must be consciously prepared due to their ever-changing tastes.

'It changes over the years because all of a sudden someone's gluten-free or whatever,' Crawford explained, adding that get-togethers dont always have to be on December 25.

'I think the older I get, the less  I just realize it's about being together without the stress,' she continued.

'So, if you end up celebrating your family Christmas on the 26th, that's okay. I try not to get hung up on it has to be a certain way because every year is different than the last year.

'Fortunately, my kids both usually want to be with us a lot,' she told People at the time. 'But also they have partners or whatever, so sometimes you don't get the day. Then we will just say, "Okay, so we'll do Christmas three days later, or two days before." Again, I don't get hung up on that it has to be on the 25th.'

Join the debate Do lavish holiday displays overshadow the true meaning of Christmas?

The brunette beauty told her Instagram followers that she was 'getting in the holiday spirit.'

Cindy and husband Rande Gerber were forced to evacuate their Malibu home during the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles last January, but fortunately their home was spared; pictured October 10, 2024

After the holiday decorating, Cindy has said the family typically goes off on vacation somewhere; she is pictured with daughter Kaia on November 1 at a LACMA event

Cindy has said the holidays are about being together with the family; she is pictured with Rande and son Presley in 2024

Crawford may have fun with the decorations, but for her Christmas is more about togetherness than buying lavish gifts for her family.

Even though she is wealthy and has the means, she has said that she takes a more thoughtful, more experience-based, and relationship-focused approach to gifting during the holiday season, especially with her sisters, Chris and Danielle.

During an appearance on the Kelly Corrigan Wonders: About Your Mother podcast last year, Crawford shared: 'I started modeling in Chicago, and in Chicago, its a small pond, so I was the big fish pretty quickly there. And I was making more money than my parents made, more money than they could ever have dreamed of.'

Crawford fears that by being too generous with her sisters, she could actually 'emasculate their husbands.'

'If Im giving my sister a nicer ring than her husband gives them or something like that, it just becomes this weird thing,' Crawford explained.

'I was more about giving experiences and then helping them if they need a down payment on a house or something like that. My sisters have been awesome because they always paid it back. But navigating being in that financial position where you could do a lot is tricky.'
Holly Ramsay skipped fiance Adam Peaty's mum's 60th birthday on Thursday, opting instead for a lavish trip to Lapland as their family feud rumbles on.

The daughter of TV chef Gordon Ramsay, 25, is expected to marry the Olympian, 30, at Bath's Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul on December 27, followed by a reception at Kiln House country estate in Wiltshire.

But Adam's mother Caroline has been barred from the service following an increasingly toxic and inconveniently public row that began in November, when she was not invited to her soon-to-be daughter-in-law's hen-party.

And while the Peaty family marked the milestone birthday back in the UK, Holly slipped into a stylish red ski-suit for a slew of snowy Instagram snaps.

Holly posed up a storm in the outfit which was cinched at the waist with a belt and teamed with oversized shades and white boots.

She stood in the freezing snow with picturesque views behind her and captioned the post: 'Winter Wonderland'.

Holly Ramsay skipped fiance Adam Peaty's mum's 60th birthday on Thursday, opting instead for a lavish trip to Lapland as their family feud rumbles on

The daughter of TV chef Gordon Ramsay, 25, is expected to marry the Olympian, 30, at Bath's Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul on December 27

But Adam's mother Caroline has been barred from the service following an increasingly toxic and inconveniently public row (L-R: Holly Ramsay, Caroline Peaty and Adam Peaty)

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Caroline confirmed she was celebrating her 60th while sharing a handful of tributes from various family members.

But Peaty's was notably absent from the assortment of birthday messages on display, among them a birthday card addressed to 'mom' from 'the Peaty family,' suggesting he is yet to acknowledge her personal milestone.

A second Peaty family tribute read: 'Happy 60th birthday to one of the strongest woman I've ever met... thank you for everything you've done for us and the boys!'.

'Thank you for guiding me through the good and the bad... you've been there for me for 18 years and I'm truly grateful so please put your feet up, relax and enjoy your day.'

Elsewhere, Caroline's life was documented in a picture collage by her aunt Janet and uncle Eddie, with the accompanying caption: 'It only seems like yesterday since you were born Caroline, a lovely Christmas present making me an aunty for the first time.

'Many happy returns of the day, happy 60th birthday to you.'

Taking to Instagram on Monday, Caroline admitted the last 12 months had been among the most difficult of her life, but vowed to bounce back in the new year.

She wrote: 'This year, I met the most broken version of myself but also the strongest. 2026, get ready, because I'm coming back stronger than ever.'

Join the debate Should family feuds justify excluding parents from weddings?

And while the Peaty family marked the milestone birthday back in the UK, Holly slipped into a stylish red ski suit for a slew of snowy Instagram snaps

Holly posed up a storm in the outfit which was cinched at the waist with a belt and teamed with oversized shades and white boots

She stood in the snow with picturesque views behind her and captioned the post: 'Winter Wonderland'

The emotive post coincided with a series of updates from her estranged son, who showed off his muscular physique while posing shirtless alongside Holly.

Captioning the shots, he marvelled: 'Less than two weeks until were getting married. Where did the time go? Yes this is literally the only picture we have together in the last few weeks.'

Commenting on the post, shared by Peaty on Sunday evening, Holly wrote: 'Such a poser.'

Meanwhile Caroline is demanding Netflix remove her from Gordon Ramsays new documentary because she doesnt want them cashing in' on her misery, it has been revealed.

Caroline and husband Mark have sent the streaming giant, which is screening the celebrity chefs new series early next year, a cease and desist letter by signed delivery, a source has stated.

The insider told the Daily Mail: Caroline does not want Gordon or his family, which now includes her son Adam to profit from them.

Enough damage has already been done which has been devastating for them.'

The Olympic champions mum Caroline has told Netflix bosses they did not consent to being filmed at Adam and fiancee Holly Ramsay's engagement party, and are still awaiting a response.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Caroline confirmed she was celebrating her 60th while sharing a handful of tributes from various family members

But Peaty's was notably absent from the assortment of birthday messages on display, among them a birthday card addressed to 'mom' from 'the Peaty family,'

The celebration was captured by the famous cooks production company and is due to be shown in Being Gordon Ramsay.

The family source said: Someone from Gordons team leaked the news that Caroline had written to Netflix via his production team.

Why are they causing havoc just to promote a documentary, and why should they have the right to cash in on their misery?

They are using the family fallout as a selling point. It is disgraceful.'

It is understood that Adam's public fallout with his mum and the fact he and Holly have banned her from their wedding later this month will feature prominently in the fiery chefs series, which he is said to be very excited about.'

The source added: 'Caroline has said the family were not asked for their consent to be filmed for Gordon's documentary at last year's engagement do.

'She was very clear that, after everything that's happened, they do not want to be featured.

She was filmed giving a speech as were the family during arrivals and while mingling at the party.'

A spokesperson for the Ramsay family told Daily Mail that Adams family had attended the engagement party and were aware it was filmed.

They said: 'There were filming notices up all over the party saying: By attending, you give consent to being filmed.

'They are not interviewed, there is no on camera speaking and they are not featured in the finished edits of the programme, so no additional consent would have been required.
Wiz Khalifa was sentenced by a court in Romania on Thursday to nine months in jail for drug possession after taking part in a music festival last year in the Eastern European country.

The 38-year-old rapper - who has previously been open about smoking weed - had been stopped by Romanian police in July 2024 after allegedly smoking cannabis on stage at the Beach, Please! Festival in Costinesti.

Prosecutors said the rapper - whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz - was found in possession of more than 18 grams of cannabis, and that he consumed some on stage.

The Constanta Court of Appeal handed down the sentence after Khalifa was convicted of "possession of dangerous drugs, without right, for personal consumption," per Romania's national news agency, Agerpres.

The decision - which is final - came after a lower court in Constanta County in April issued Khalifa a criminal fine of 3,600 lei ($830) for "illegal possession of dangerous drugs," but prosecutors appealed the court's decision and sought a higher sentence.

Daily Mail has reached out to Khalifa's reps for comment, but did not immediately hear back.

Wiz Khalifa, 38, was sentenced by a court in Romania on Thursday to nine months in jail for drug possession after taking part in a music festival last year in the Eastern European country; seen in September in Hollywood

The rapper had been stopped by Romanian police in July 2024 after allegedly smoking cannabis on stage at the Beach, Please! Festival in Costinesti

Romania has some of the harsher drugs laws in Europe. Possession of cannabis for personal use is criminalized and can result in a prison sentence of between three months and two years, or a fine.

It isn't clear whether Romanian authorities will seek to file an extradition request, since Khalifa is a U.S. citizen and doesn't reside in Romania.

However, sources told TMZ Hip Hop that the rapper's team is 'in the process of appealing' the nine-month prison sentence.

Last year in July at the time of the incident, Khalifa had taken to X to share a statement and issue an apology.

'Last nights show was amazing. I didn't mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage.'

The performer continued, 'They were very respectful and let me go. I'll be back soon. But without a big a** joint next time.'

The music artist has yet to address the recent prison sentence, but recently took to his Instagram stories on Thursday to repost a clip as he smoked on a stream.

Text added towards the top of the video read: 'He made this live on twitch,' followed by a surprised face emoji.

Prosecutors said the rapper - whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz - was found in possession of more than 18 grams of cannabis, and that he consumed some on stage

However, sources told TMZ Hip Hop that the rapper's team is 'in the process of appealing' the nine-month prison sentence; seen in November in India

Last year in July at the time of the incident, Khalifa had taken to X to share a statement and issue an apology

The music artist has yet to address the recent prison sentence, but recently took to his Instagram stories on Thursday to repost a clip as he smoked on a stream

And on Wednesday, the rapper shared a carousel of snaps to his Instagram page as he attended Gunna's concert.

In the series of photos, Khalifa could also be seen smoking while posing on a leather couch.

'Thanks for inviting me to the show dude @gunna,' the Black And Yellow hitmaker typed in the caption.

The music artist has been open about his use of cannabis in the past and admitted last year that he attends his son's parent-teacher conferences while high.

During an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, the performer also shared that teachers 'expect' him to be high while attending academic conferences.

Khalifa shares son Sebastian, 12, with ex-wife Amber Rose - whom he was married to from 2013 until their divorce was finalized in 2016.

'Hell yeah. I'm pulling up stoned. They expect it,' the rapper expressed while adding that the teachers 'know what's up.'

The star continued, 'It's not like back in the day [where] you're considered a bad parent if you smoke weed.'

In the series of photos, Khalifa could also be seen smoking while posing on a leather couch

The music artist has been open about his use of cannabis in the past and admitted last year that he attends his son's parent-teacher conferences while high; Khalifa and son Sebastian seen in 2023 in L.A.

Khalifa also said that he was 'pretty sure' his son most likely 'smells like weed' due to the rapper smoking cannabis.

'I don't know because I can't smell it but I'm pretty sure he smells like pot,' the performer added.

He then explained, 'And yeah I'm pulling up stoned, I'm pulling up high because I want them to connect with the real me.'

Elsewhere during the podcast episode, the rapper got candid about his co-parenting relationship with Amber Rose.

'It's good. It's fun. Well not fun, but like, I think I'm in a good situation with her as a co-parent,' he said.

He then explained, 'And yeah I'm pulling up stoned, I'm pulling up high because I want them to connect with the real me'

He will take to the stage once again as he joins Machine Gun Kelly on his Lost American Tour - which kicked off last month in November; seen in 2023 in Michigan

'Especially through time. Things have just eased up and become a lot more enjoyable and just regular of a process.'

Khalifa has been busy and concluded the second leg of his Good Vibes Only: Smokers Edition tour back in August.

He will take to the stage once again as he joins Machine Gun Kelly on his Lost American Tour - which kicked off last month in November.

Khalifa is slated to open for Kelly beginning May 2026 until concerts officially conclude on July 1 in Ridgefield, Washington.
Kourtney Kardashian has admittedly been no stranger to Botox in the past, but shes since abandoned the popular cosmetic procedure.

The mom-of-four, 46, made the surprising disclosure in the new episode of Hulus The Kardashians on Thursday, according to People.

Her reasoning behind the decision was just as puzzling because quitting the injectable apparently had nothing to do with dissatisfaction in the results.

Kardashian - who was called out as 'annoying' by Jennifer Lawrence last month - nipped the Botox in the bud because it was interfering with her 'intuition.'

'I havent got Botox in four years to keep my third eye open,' the reality star explained, referring to her forehead between the eyebrows.

According to ancient spiritual traditions, the third eye is the key energy center and is believed to be the gateway to higher consciousness and enlightenment, inner wisdom, and intuition.

Kourtney Kardashian has admittedly been no stranger to Botox in the past, but shes since abandoned the popular cosmetic procedure

The reality star, 46, nipped the Botox in the bud because it was interfering with her 'intuition,' she said on the Thursday, December 18 episode of The Kardashians; pictured with husband Travis Barker on January 15, 2024

Kim Kardashian then remarked, 'Why are you looking at me when you say this?'

'Ill never get it again,' the eldest Kardashian sister stated again.

Her younger sister, 45, had no qualms revealing she got Botox 'two nights ago,' but added, 'Good for you.'

The Poosh founder added that ditching the Botox helps her 'intuition.'

Back in 2021, Kardashian clapped back at a troll who accused her of getting Botox, a nose job and a Brazilian butt lift - surgery to enhance the size and shape of her butt  per Page Six.

'Kourtney got plenty of plastic surgery!' the Instagram user wrote in the comments section of a throwback swimsuit photo of Kardashian and her sisters posted on the social media site.

'She just did it in an extremely natural way that still complimented her features instead of [changing] them,' they added.

The critic suggested Kardashian got 'Botox, nose job, some sort of butt shot or bbl just to start.'

'I havent got Botox in four years to keep my third eye open,' the reality star explained, referring to her forehead between the eyebrows

Kim, 45, had no qualms revealing she got Botox 'two nights ago,' but told Kourtney, 'Good for you'

Kourtney said she's never get Botox again because it blocks her 'intuition'

Kourtney is known to be very spiritual these days blending her Christian faith with reading about chakras and seeking guidance from healers

But Kardashian didnt appear to get too mad in her response.

'No better compliment than a too good to be real kind of compliment. Butt shot and brazilian butt lift, um, thanks. And you were just getting started,' she wrote.

Kardashian previously revealed she wishes she hadnt gotten a boob job at 22 years old.

'I had my boobs done but if I could go back, I wouldn't have done it. I was so cute before. I've realized that I was made to look a certain way and I'm considering removing them,' she told the now-defunct publication Showbiz Spy in 2011, according to People.

Meanwhile, the Thursday, December 18 episode of The Kardashians also featured the next to oldest sister - and recent law school grad - having a meltdown while preparing to take the bar exam, which she eventually did not pass.

She griped how 'f**king exhausting' it was to prep for the exam.

'I threw my back out and its like every time I think I get to another step, something pulls me back,' the SKIMS co-founder said.

'Theres all these f**king roadblocks. Im not, like, a pity party kind of girl, but, like, last night, I was like, "Why the f**k is this happening?" I can hardly walk. I can hardly f**king sit. I dont know why I have all these back problems.'

The Poosh founder, pictured on November 18 at the 2025 Beauty Inc. The Catalysts in New York, prefers to be a natural beauty these days

Kourtney previously clapped back at a troll who suggested on social media that she got 'botox, nose job, some sort of butt shot or bbl just to start'; pictured with Travis on November 17, 2022 in West Hollywood

Kourtney's response to the critic was, 'No better compliment than a too good to be real kind of compliment. Butt shot and brazilian butt lift, um, thanks. And you were just getting started'; pictured with pal Addison Rae on October 11, 2020 in New York City

Kardashian mentioned that shed heard about 'everyone' having 'mental breakdowns' before the bar exam, but wrongly assumed she wouldn't be one of them.

'I get it. Its, like, really a lot,' she said. 'Now I really, really get it. I had no clue it was going to be this, like, emotional. I dont know how I can get anymore information in my brain.'

She admitted in the confessional how 'shocked' she was that she was in meltdown mode, but added it was 'such a mindf**k.'

'I just dont think Im the best test taker,' Kanye Wests ex explained. 'And to know that over six years of my life that Ive been studying for comes down to this one test is the most terrifying feeling. Some days you think, "Im so ready," and other days, youre like, "Theres no way I can take this test today."'
Disturbing new details have surfaced in the death of Pulp Fiction actor Peter Greene.

Greene was found dead inside his Lower East Side apartment in New York City in the late afternoon of December 12 with injuries visible on his body.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ on Thursday that Greene had 'some injuries but its undetermined what caused the injuries.'

Authorities said the medical examiner is still working to determine the cause and manner of death, and it remains unclear whether Greene died as a result of homicide, suicide, drugs, or another cause.

Sources also told the outlet that police were contacted after neighbors reported loud music coming from inside Greenes apartment for several days.

Officers then conducted a welfare check, used a locksmith to enter the unit, and one neighbor claimed Greene was found face down on the floor, with a handwritten note also discovered inside the apartment.

Disturbing new details have surfaced in the death of Pulp Fiction actor Peter Greene.

Greene was found dead inside his Lower East Side apartmentin New York Cityin the late afternoon of December 12 with injuries visible on his body

The neighbor told the New York Daily News: 'Peter was lying on the floor, facedown, facial injury, blood everywhere'

The note reportedly said 'I'm still a Westie,' which appears to be a reference to the Irish-American gang who had operated out of Hell's Kitchen from 1970.

Gregg Edwards, who was Greene's manager for over 10 years, told the publication that Greene  who was known for playing iconic villains  'was a terrific guy'.

'Truly one of the great actors of our generation. His heart was as big as there was. I'm going to miss him. He was a great friend.'

He added that he had spoken with Greene earlier this week.

Edwards acknowledged that while Greene was sometimes seen as difficult to work with, he was a perfectionist who wanted each performance to feel 'right'.

Edwards added that Greene's performance as mobster Dorian Tyrell alongside Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in 'The Mask' was 'arguably his best role'.

'He fought his demons but overcame them' he added.

Authorities said the medical examiner is still working to determine the cause and manner of death, and it remains unclear whether Greene died as a result of homicide, suicide, drugs, or another cause

Sources also told the outlet that police were contacted after neighbors reported loud music coming from inside Greenes apartment for several days; Seen in a still from Pulp Fiction

Greene also portrayed Zed, a sadistic security guard and serial killer, in Tarantino's iconic 1994 film Pulp Fiction.

'Nobody played a bad guy better than Peter. But he also had, you know, a gentle side that most people never saw, and a heart as big as gold,' Edwards told New York Daily News.

Peter, who also appeared in The Usual Suspects, was set to begin production in January alongside Mickey Rourke on an independent thriller titled Mascots.

Gregg said that when he informed the film's writer-director, Kerry Mondragon, of the actor's death he broke down in tears.

'They were very upset,' he shared.

Greene was also set to star in State of Confusion, a crime-drama written and directed by E.B. Hughes.

Filming was scheduled for late fall 2026 in Cape May, New Jersey, and parts of New York.

Peter's cause of death has yet to be determined, with an autopsy due to be carried out, though police do not suspect foul play.

His agent Gregg Edwards said that his performance as mobster Dorian Tyrell alongside Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in The Mask (1994) was 'arguably his best role'; Greene seen in a still

Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Peter ran away at 15 and lived on the streets of New York City.

He later turned to drug use and eventually dealing, he told Premiere magazine in 1996.

He didn't begin acting until his mid 20s, and landed several film and television roles in the early 1990s.

After a suicide attempt in March 1996, he sought treatment for his addictions, according to the profile.

In 2007, Peter was arrested for possessing crack cocaine according to the New York Daily News.

With close to 95 acting credits, Greene's roles also included Laws of Gravity (1992), Clean, Shaven (1993), Blue Streak (1999), and Training Day (2001).

He is survived by a sister and a brother.
Brooklyn Beckham appeared to be missing British cooking as he whipped up a traditional Shepherd's pie in his LA kitchen on Thursday.

The aspiring chef, 26, took to Instagram with the clip days after a similar video saw fans pleading with him to mend his fractured relationship with parents David and Victoria ahead of Christmas.

Brooklyn, who is based in the US with heiress wife Nicola Peltz, 30, seasoned and cooked the meat before preparing the vegetables and constructing the pie with a mashed potato top.

However some followers pointed out that he appeared to use beef mince, instead of lamb, which would make the dish a Cottage pie rather than Shepherd's.

They said: 'Lamb in a Shepherd's pie': 'Was that beef? Isn't that cottage pie? Shepherd's pie is with lamb': 'Beef is cottage pie, lamb is Shepherd's pie': 'If that's beef, it's not Shepherd's pie': 'Clue is in the name'.

Brooklyn and his wife are at the heart of a spiralling family feud that has resulted in their absence from all of his family's key events over the past year - among them David's 50th birthday celebrations and his recent knighthood last month.

Brooklyn Beckham, 26, appeared to be missing British cooking as he whipped up a traditional Shepherd's pie in his LA kitchen on Thursday

The aspiring chef took to Instagram with the clip days after a similar video saw fans pleading with him to mend his fractured relationship with parents David and Victoria

He and his wife Nicola Peltz are at the heart of a spiralling family feud that has resulted in their absence from all of his family's key events over the past year (family pictured last Christmas)

His absence is said to be 'taking its toll' on David, 50, and Victoria, 51, in the lead-up to Christmas, with Brooklyn expected to spend the festive period with Nicola and her family in Miami, while the rest of the Beckham clan celebrate together in the UK.

Sources close to the couple say they are finding their estrangement harder than ever, particularly after he missed out on watching his father receive his knighthood last month and his team Inter Miami win the MLS title.

Fans raced to his post to advise him to reach out before it was too late, urging: 'Go and see your parents, you will regret it later in life'; 'Talk to your mother!!!'

'Call your parents'; 'Ring your old man'; 'Call your mum .. you only get one and lifes too short !'; 'Speak to your parents - only one life and it is very precious'.

It comes after his estranged brother Cruz, 20, extended another olive branch to Brooklyn on Sunday, by sharing a home video clip of himself and Brooklyn as children.

It was his second reference to the influencer in as many weeks, with the aspiring musician previously sharing a photo of himself with Brooklyn, their father and other brother Romeo, 23, during a 2021 holiday with the caption: 'Love you guys'.

While David appeared to make his own attempt at reaching out to Brooklyn over social media last week, as he shared a throwback picture with his sons.

Next to a photo of himself and Victoria with kids Romeo, Cruz and Harper, 14, and the MLS trophy this month, he added a throwback shot of him with Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz after winning the same cup as a player with LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012.

Brooklyn, who is based in the US with heiress wife Nicola, seasoned and cooked the meat before preparing the vegetables and constructing the pie with a mashed potato top

However some followers pointed out that he appeared to use beef mince, instead of lamb, which would make the dish a cottage pie rather than Shepherd's

They said: 'Lamb in a Shepherd's pie': 'Was that beef? Isn't that cottage pie? Shepherd's pie is with lamb': 'Beef is cottage pie, lamb is Shepherd's pie': 'If that's beef, it's not Shepherd's pie':

'License to cry,' he captioned the collage, as he marked the occasion with his family after making history as the first person to win the MLS Cup both as a player and as an owner.

While Brooklyn's grandmother Jackie suggested she was keen for Brooklyn to come home over the festive period by hanging his personalised stocking on her fireplace with the rest of her grandchildren's.

Victoria shared a video of her mother's festive display with the identical red stockings for Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper pinned above the hearth, alongside their numerous cousins.

The included her younger sister Louise's children Liberty, Tallulah, Finlay and Quincy, who she shares with her ex-husband, Darren Flood.

Insiders claimed the move was a deliberate attempt to send a message to Brooklyn, telling The Sun: 'Usually they wouldn't post all of the Christmas stockings laid out, but for them, it's their way of showing how missed Brooklyn is...

'How he does have a family that loves him, so whatever the narrative is going on with him and Nicola's family, that is not the Beckhams' story...

'The message they're sending is that the door is always open and he's always welcome. They'd love nothing more than to see Brooklyn over Christmas, put the past behind them and start 2026 afresh.

'And Nicola? Well they've stopped trying to win her back over. It might never happen, she might never warm up to them again. So for now, they're concentrating on Brooklyn.'

Friends of the Beckham family say that Jackie  and David's mum Sandra  are 'very sad' at the rift that means they no longer see Brooklyn, especially because they were always so close.
Imogen Thomas continued to show off the results of her breast reduction surgery on in snaps from her recent sun-soaked trip to Dubai.

The Big Brother star, 42, who went under the knife in September, slipped into a skimpy snake skin print bikini while topping up her tan.

Imogen looked sensational in the tiny two piece which she accessorised with designer shades and gold jewellery.

Flaunting her jaw-dropping figure as well as her smaller chest, the beauty enjoyed the views of the UAE from Cloud 22's luxurious rooftop pool.

She captioned the post: 'When I was on a cloud #cloud22'.

The post comes after the reality star took to Instagram earlier this year to share a health update after she went under the knife again.

Imogen Thomas, 42, continued to show off the results of her breast reduction surgery on in snaps from her recent sun-soaked trip to Dubai

The Big Brother star, who went under the knife in September, slipped into a skimpy snake skin print bikini while topping up her tan

Ahead of the surgery, Imogen toyed with getting her implants taken out and having more put in, or just going natural and having an uplift.

She went for the second option after asking her fans to decide for her the day before.

Imogen previously had her breasts increased from a 34C to a 34E.

She previously told fans: 'Success. Im recovering RN. I havent seen the results yet, so stay tuned. But my day was so smooth and extremely organised.

'Thank you @dr.salihonurbasat for making me feel at ease. I cant wait to see the results.'

Alongside the update, Imogen posted footage of her experience, showing her preparing to head for the clinic that morning.

Once she arrived at the hospital, a doctor could be seen marking her breasts ahead of the operation.

At the end of the clip, Imogen gave a thumbs up to the camera while revealing the significant bandages on her chest.

Imogen looked sensational in the tiny two piece which she accessorised with designer shades and gold jewellery

Flaunting her jaw-dropping figure as well as her smaller chest, the beauty enjoyed the views of the UAE from Cloud 22's luxurious rooftop pool

She captioned the post: 'When I was on a cloud #cloud22'

Imogen hinted she was going to have her breasts enlarged even more after asking fans to decide in an online poll - where the majority told her to reduce her bust (pictured in 2023)

Fans flooded her with supportive messages as she healed, with one writing: 'Good for you doing what makes you happy. Glad all well, take it easy.'

A second said: 'Omg been thinking of you, glad it went well. Speedy recovery.'

'So glad youre okay. Speedy recovery', said a third.

In September, Imogen revealed to fans she had flown to Istanbul for the procedure, admitting how her breasts had become 'too big' for her.

She said: 'I cannot wait, my boobs right now are really big for me. I've lost quite a bit of weight, and I just can't have this anymore. So I found the best surgeon in Istanbul.'

In a previous interview with The Mirror, Imogen admitted she doesn't pay for her surgeries and instead offers her surgeons 'collaborations' on social media.

She went on to say: 'Im doing a lot of reformer Pilates, and when I do that, I feel top-heavy, and Ive had a lot of lower back pain.

Imogen Thomas enjoyed a family day out with daughters (L-R) Siera and Ariana at the Spongebob Squarepants afternoon 'Sea' party at the Haymarket Hotel in London on Tuesday

'They are quite big, so I would like to have a reduction.'

The former Big Brother star was left 'petrified and in tears' following her previous breast surgery in 2017.

She told New! Magazine at the time: 'I started crying. Going under [anaesthetic], you think the worst, like, 'I'm being too selfish here for my kids. What if I don't pull through?' It can happen. I was more nervous about being put to sleep.'
David Harbour will be missing a scheduled appearance at a Stranger Things event tonight following a reported kerfuffle he was allegedly involved in over the weekend.

The star, 50, is said to have snatched a man's hat at a gastropub in Encinitas, California on Saturday.

Now, Harbour's name is missing from a Paley Center event he was originally scheduled to appear at in New York tonight

Harbour's name is absent from the website's page advertising the event - Stranger Things: The Final Season Celebration - despite him being on the original line-up of stars set to attend the event.

A spokesperson for the Paley Center told People that Harbour will 'not be present due to a scheduling conflict.'

It's unknown when exactly Harbour dropped out of the event, which will see the cast and creators of Stranger Things convene for a conversation and screening of the show from the final season.

David Harbour will no longer be present at a Stranger Things event tonight following a reported kerfuffle; pictured last month

The actor was set to attend Stranger Things: The Final Season Celebration tonight but his name is now missing from the line-up, and the venue's spokesperson said he would not be attending due to a 'scheduling conflict'

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Harbour and the Paley Center for comment but did not immediately hear back.

Millie Bobby Brown, who was also scheduled to appear at the event, is also no longer appearing as she is recovering from an injury, according to People.

The new development comes after TMZ reported on an alleged incident involving Harbour in Encinitas, California.

The website reported that Harbour was caught on video snatching a man's hat at a gastropub.

Video apparently exists capturing the mishap, however TMZ was only allowed to watch the clip and none of it was published on their website.

The video reportedly captures Harbour entering the Encinitas Ale House before emerging shortly thereafter, running outdoors with a white cap in hand.

The actor - who earlier this year split from wife Lily Allen - then reportedly shouted as he looked over his shoulder: 'C'mon, dude, f****** get me!'

A man is then reportedly seen walking outside of the bar, frustrated, and saying, 'What the f*** did I do to you, dude?'

A slew of people were then seen leaving the bar to catch the incident, and a female voice could be heard imploring, 'Don't get into a fight!'

Harbour was reportedly involved in a kerfuffle over the weekend involving a hat; pictured December 11

As she says that, the man returns to the bar with his hat. No physical altercation is said to have occurred between Harbour and the man and they parted ways.

An eyewitness at the bar told TMZ it all started after the man with the hat saw Harbour outside the bar and went out to say hello.

Harbour was with a friend who told the bar patron they were going to meet several woman, however the actor apparently suggested they head to the man's house instead - a response that perplexed him.

The man went back inside the bar and Harbour is said to have entered the establishment shortly thereafter. According to TMZ, Harbour grabbed the hat and quickly left.

Eyewitnesses told the site that Harbour 'spiked' the hat onto the floor, inquired about the Iraq War, before getting emotional and dropping down to a knee to pray.

A source told TMZ: 'David has always been honest about managing his bipolar disorder. Wouldnt be surprised if thats what hes dealing with here after working non-stop all year and having his personal life under public scrutiny. That would be stressful for anyone but even more so for someone who is bipolar.'

Harbour was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his 20s but didn't speak publicly about his struggles until he found success as Jim Hopper in Stranger Things because he worried about being viewed as unreliable.

While appearing on Marc Maron's WTF podcast in 2019 he said: 'As an actor, you're worried about getting hired, but now I'm at a place where I can talk about this.

'Also, I'm in my forties, I may as well be myself, whether I get work or not.'

Meanwhile, the actor split from wife Lily Allen earlier this year

Harbour hoped that by speaking candidly about his condition, he could offer support and inspiration to others going through the same struggles.

He said: 'My biggest reason for getting into it was I imagined a mother of a kid who is taken out of school, diagnosed childhood bipolar.

'The mother feels it's a death sentence, that their kid will never be part of society, that they'll always be on the couch eating pizza and, at times in my life, I was that guy.

'So I want to say if you admire this profession, which you don't have to, then I'm no different to that child.

'That's what I want to share with those people because they suffer like my parents suffered.'

The alleged hat incident comes after Harbour and Allen split following four years of marriage, with the songstress' new album West End Girl recounting the collapse of their union in painfully raw detail.

Harbour and Allen wed in Las Vegas in 2020

It also comes after The Daily Mail exclusively reported last month that Harbour's Stranger Things co-star Millie Bobby Brown had filed 'pages and pages' worth of bullying and harassment claims against him head of shooting the show's fifth and final season in 2024.

Sources previously told the Daily Mail that Brown's complaints against Harbour did not include any allegations of sexual impropriety.

It was said that Harbour faced an internal inquiry as a result of Brown's complaints against him but the outcome of the investigation is unknown.

Netflix declined to comment about any investigation, but it is understood that Harbour's ex Allen, whose new album eviscerates Mr Harbour, claiming he cheated on her multiple times, steadfastly supported her husband throughout the brutal ordeal.

The Daily Mail exclusively reported last month that Harbour's Stranger Things co-star Millie Bobby Brown had filed 'pages and pages' worth of bullying and harassment claims against him head of shooting the show's fifth and final season in 2024

A source said: Lily supported him throughout it all. It was a brutal time.

Brown had a personal representative with her on set while filming the final series, which will start airing in the UK and US later this month, and is destined to be one of Netflixs most-watched shows ever.

Brown has since spoken about their 'close bond' and 'great relationship' during an interview with Deadline.

'Of course I felt safe [with Harbour],' she told the publication. 'We've worked together for 10 years.

'I feel safe with everyone on that set. You naturally just... you've been doing it for so long.

'We also play father and daughter so naturally you have a closer bond than the rest, we have had some intense scenes together.'

The star added, 'David and I have a great relationship, we work really closely together in the scenes and in preparing for the scenes.'
Tia Mowry addressed rumors of a 'rift' with her Napa-based identical twin sister Tamera Mowry-Housley after admitting she 'wished' they 'were still close' on her WeTV reality show My Next Act last year.

From ages 15 through 20, the 47-year-old former child stars headlined the successful sitcom Sister, Sister - which aired for six seasons spanning 1994-1999 on ABC and The WB.

'She's just not as accessible as [she] used to be,' Tia told ET on Tuesday.

'I think everybody thought that there was this huge rift or distance, and that was not the case. So, it was new for everyone else, but it wasn't new for us.'

The My Secret Santa actress stressed that 'family is really important to' them, and they'll make it a 'priority' to be there for each other.

'My sister and I, we've made a pact that we will reach out to each other once a week and that's on Sundays,' Tia explained.

Tia Mowry (L, pictured October 16) addressed rumors of a 'rift' with her Napa-based identical twin sister Tamera Mowry-Housley (R) after admitting she 'wished' they 'were still close' on her WeTV reality show My Next Act last year

From ages 15 through 20, the 47-year-old former child stars headlined the successful sitcom Sister, Sister - which aired for six seasons spanning 1994-1999 on ABC and The WB (pictured in 1994)

'Sometimes it's just, you know, a text. But as long as we check in and we talk to each other, you know, that's what we do. You know, [but] the world doesn't know that that's what we do.'

In October, the Mowry Sisters took a work trip to Manhattan - just the two of them - where they got to shop, taste wine, visit coffee shops and eat ramen at their favorite Japanese restaurant Ippudo.

'It was lovely,' Tia gushed.

'We had done, like, this cute little commercial together and that was the first time we

had done a job, I want to say maybe since 12 or 13 years ago. So it was a lot of fun. It felt like, you know, time didn't really pass.'

The biracial beauties reunited yet again in LA for the Thanksgiving holiday with their two brothers Tahj and Tavior, father Timothy and mother Darlene.

The prior day, the Mowry clan enjoyed a fun-filled day together at Disneyland Park and California Adventure in Anaheim, CA where they rode attractions like the Grizzly River Run.

'It just felt like we were just kids again, you know, just getting on all of the rides,' Tia gushed.

'And then not only that, I think what really stood out for me was seeing all of the kids, you know, get together.'

However, the German-born Army Brats will be spending Christmas apart.

Tia told ET on Tuesday: 'She's just not as accessible as [she] used to be. I think everybody thought that there was this huge rift or distance, and that was not the case. So, it was new for everyone else, but it wasn't new for us' (pictured June 9)

The Mowery Sisters made a pact that they will reach out to each other every Sunday: 'Sometimes it's just, you know, a text' (pictured November 26)

In October, Tamera (L, pictured October 18) and Tia (R) took a work trip to Manhattan - just the two of them - where they got to shop, taste wine, visit coffee shops and eat ramen at their favorite Japanese restaurant Ippudo

Tia (L, pictured November 27) gushed: 'We had done, like, this cute little commercial together and that was the first time we had done a job, I want to say maybe since 12 or 13 years ago. So it was a lot of fun. It felt like, you know, time didn't really pass'

The German-born Army Brats reunited yet again in LA for the Thanksgiving holiday with their two brothers Tahj (2-L) and Tavior (R), father Timothy (2-R) and mother Darlene (3-R)

The prior day, the Mowry clan enjoyed a fun-filled day together at Disneyland Park and California Adventure in Anaheim, CA where they rode attractions like the Grizzly River Run

Tia (M) gushed: 'It just felt like we were just kids again, you know, just getting on all of the rides. And then not only that, I think what really stood out for me was seeing all of the kids, you know, get together'

However, the biracial beauties will be spending Christmas apart

Tia noted: 'She's going to be up north. I'm going to be here in LA. The kids' dad, of course, is here' (pictured November 6)

The Very Merry Beauty Salon producer-star was referring to her ex-husband Cory Hardrict (R), with whom she shares 14-year-old son Cree (2-L) and seven-year-old daughter Cairo (2-R)

'She's going to be up north. I'm going to be here in LA,' Tia noted.

'The kids' dad, of course, is here.'

The Very Merry Beauty Salon producer-star was referring to her ex-husband Cory Hardrict, with whom she shares 14-year-old son Cree and seven-year-old daughter Cairo.

Tia finalized her divorce from The Chi actor, 45; in 2023 after 14 years of marriage, and her New Year's resolution is to hire a matchmaker.

'I've tried [a dating app] and it was no bueno,' the Quick Fix star said.

Tia - who boasts 31.5 million social media followers - is every bit the influencer with paid partnerships for brands and resorts like Karo Corn Syrup, Pfizer Inc., Overjoyed, Boxbollen, Baha Mar Resorts and HomeGoods.
Costco is shaking up the way Americans check out  but don't worry, it's not adding more self-checkout lanes.

The warehouse giant  famous for its no-frills, pallet-stacked stores and rock-bottom prices  is rolling out new technology designed to move lines faster and cut the wait for shoppers.

CEO Ron Vachris told investors the company has begun deploying a system that lets employees scan orders before shoppers reach the cashier.

By the time customers pull up to the register, everything is already tallied  all that's left is payment.

'It's speeding up the checkout process by allowing our employees to scan transactions while the member is still in line,' Vachris said.

'Upon reaching the cashier, nothing has to be removed from the cart.'

The move comes after Costco scaled back its self-checkout experiment and put more focus on staffed lanes.

Other chains, including Walmart and Target, have also pulled back after complaints about errors, slowdowns and rising theft.

Costco CEO Ron Vachris has announced new checkout technology designed to speed up lines for millions of shoppers

The Costco checkout system, which will soon process fully scanned carts thanks to the new in-line scanning rollout

Long lines at Costco's traditional checkout lanes, where employees will now scan items before shoppers reach the register

Costco is now putting more money into technology.

The company has rolled out several digital upgrades: password-free sign-in on its app, an AI-assisted search overhaul, and virtual 'waiting rooms' for high-demand items like Pokemon cards to stop bots from flooding the site.

Not every update has been popular. Last year, Costco installed card-scanners at store entrances to crack down on membership sharing.

Some shoppers say it creates backups at the door, but the company argues the system keeps things fair for paying members.

As part of the same membership crackdown, Costco also began requiring staff to check membership cards at its outdoor food courts across the US.

Before that rule, non-members could usually slip in for the iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo without much scrutiny.

Costco shoppers have also complained about constantly shifting aisles, saying the layout feels like a 'scavenger hunt.'

Members claim it's intentional  a tactic designed to make people wander and buy more  something CEO Ron Vachris has admitted is part of the brand's 'treasure hunt' strategy.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Costco was accused of shrinkflation after customers noticed a new cookie variety came with fewer cookies in the pack despite the price staying the same  or even rising.
Airtel Africa Plc (OTC:AAFRF  Get Free Report) was down 0.5% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as C$4.26 and last traded at C$4.28. Approximately 2,210 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 83% from the average daily volume of 12,680 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$4.30.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

AAFRF has been the subject of several analyst reports. Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Airtel Africa in a research report on Friday, August 29th. HSBC upgraded Airtel Africa from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy.

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Airtel Africa Stock Performance

Airtel Africa Company Profile

The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of C$3.87 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$3.19.

(Get Free Report)

Airtel Africa Plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications and mobile money services in Nigeria, East Africa, and Francophone Africa. It offers prepaid and postpaid wireless voice, international roaming, and fixed line telephone services; data communication services, including 2G, 3G, and 4G; and mobile money services, such as digital wallet payments systems, microloans, savings, and international money transfers.

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BBVA Banco Frances S.A. (NYSE:BBAR  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eight analysts that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, three have assigned a buy recommendation and two have given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $17.6667.

Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Wall Street Zen raised BBVA Banco Frances from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of BBVA Banco Frances in a report on Tuesday. Itau BBA Securities raised shares of BBVA Banco Frances from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. HSBC upgraded shares of BBVA Banco Frances from a hold rating to a buy rating and cut their target price for the stock from $21.00 to $17.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Hsbc Global Res upgraded shares of BBVA Banco Frances to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st.

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Institutional Trading of BBVA Banco Frances

BBVA Banco Frances Price Performance

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. PointState Capital LP grew its position in shares of BBVA Banco Frances by 36.1% during the 1st quarter. PointState Capital LP now owns 3,346,539 shares of the banks stock valued at $60,639,000 after purchasing an additional 888,235 shares in the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its stake in BBVA Banco Frances by 9.8% during the second quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 2,021,521 shares of the banks stock valued at $33,274,000 after buying an additional 180,137 shares during the period. Samlyn Capital LLC grew its position in BBVA Banco Frances by 6.6% during the third quarter. Samlyn Capital LLC now owns 1,944,429 shares of the banks stock worth $16,178,000 after buying an additional 120,185 shares in the last quarter. Fourth Sail Capital LP bought a new position in BBVA Banco Frances in the 2nd quarter worth about $29,399,000. Finally, Ping Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of BBVA Banco Frances by 40.8% during the 3rd quarter. Ping Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,050,500 shares of the banks stock valued at $8,740,000 after acquiring an additional 304,600 shares during the last quarter.

Shares of NYSE:BBAR opened at $16.94 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $3.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.83 and a beta of 1.07. The companys 50-day moving average is $14.41 and its 200 day moving average is $14.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.07. BBVA Banco Frances has a fifty-two week low of $7.76 and a fifty-two week high of $25.01.

BBVA Banco Frances (NYSE:BBAR  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The bank reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.20 by ($0.07). BBVA Banco Frances had a net margin of 4.46% and a return on equity of 7.43%. The company had revenue of $512.44 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $871.10 billion. On average, equities research analysts forecast that BBVA Banco Frances will post 1.94 earnings per share for the current year.

BBVA Banco Frances Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 16th will be issued a $0.0331 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 16th. This is a positive change from BBVA Banco Francess previous monthly dividend of $0.03. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. BBVA Banco Francess payout ratio is currently 41.05%.

About BBVA Banco Frances

(Get Free Report)

Banco BBVA Argentina SA provides various banking products and services to individuals and companies in Argentina. The company provides retail banking products and services, such as checking and savings accounts, time deposits, credit cards financing, consumer and pledge loans, mortgages, insurance, and investment products to individuals; and small and medium-sized companies products and services, including financing products, factoring, checking accounts, time deposits, transactional and payroll services, insurance, and investment products to private-sector companies.

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A number of research firms have changed their ratings and price targets for Murphy Oil (NYSE: MUR):

12/15/2025  Murphy Oil had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/13/2025  Murphy Oil was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a sell rating to a hold rating.

12/12/2025  Murphy Oil had its price target raised by analysts at UBS Group AG from $27.00 to $31.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

12/12/2025  Murphy Oil had its price target raised by analysts at Mizuho from $30.00 to $33.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

12/8/2025  Murphy Oil had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/1/2025  Murphy Oil had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/22/2025  Murphy Oil was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a sell rating.

11/18/2025  Murphy Oil had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at Piper Sandler. They now have a $34.00 price target on the stock.

11/14/2025  Murphy Oil had its price target raised by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $26.00 to $28.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock.

11/10/2025  Murphy Oil was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Research from a strong sell rating to a hold rating.

11/6/2025  Murphy Oil had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at Roth Capital. They now have a $25.00 price target on the stock.

11/6/2025  Murphy Oil had its price target raised by analysts at Mizuho from $29.00 to $30.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

10/25/2025  Murphy Oil was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a sell rating to a hold rating.

10/21/2025  Murphy Oil had its price target raised by analysts at Piper Sandler from $32.00 to $34.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

Murphy Oil Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th were paid a $0.325 dividend. This represents a $1.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.0%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. Murphy Oils dividend payout ratio is 132.65%.

Murphy Oil Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an oil and gas exploration and production company in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. The company was formerly known as Murphy Corporation and changed its name to Murphy Oil Corporation in 1964.

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Peel Hunt reiterated their hold rating on shares of Ashtead Group (LON:AHT  Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Monday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports. They currently have a GBX 5,000 target price on the stock.

Several other research firms have also recently issued reports on AHT. Jefferies Financial Group cut shares of Ashtead Group to a hold rating and lowered their target price for the stock from GBX 5,900 to GBX 5,700 in a research note on Thursday, September 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a no recommendation rating on shares of Ashtead Group in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an underperform rating and issued a GBX 4,600 price objective on shares of Ashtead Group in a research report on Friday, November 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of GBX 5,460.

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Ashtead Group Stock Up 0.6%

About Ashtead Group

Ashtead Group stock opened at GBX 5,292 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of 22.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.50, a P/E/G ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 1.22. Ashtead Group has a 1-year low of GBX 3,477 and a 1-year high of GBX 5,616. The company has a current ratio of 1.31, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 146.30. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 4,977.72 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 4,964.83.

(Get Free Report)

Ashtead Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the construction, industrial, and general equipment rental business in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It provides pumps, power generation, heating, cooling, scaffolding, traffic management, temporary flooring, trench shoring, and lifting services.

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Bank of America upgraded shares of Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report report published on Monday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. The brokerage currently has $61.00 price objective on the biopharmaceutical companys stock, up from their previous price objective of $52.00.

BMY has been the topic of a number of other reports. Scotiabank restated a sector perform rating and set a $53.00 price target (up from $45.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb from $53.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. BMO Capital Markets restated a market perform rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $57.00 price objective (up previously from $51.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $54.62.

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Bristol Myers Squibb Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:BMY opened at $53.56 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39, a current ratio of 1.27 and a quick ratio of 1.17. Bristol Myers Squibb has a 1 year low of $42.52 and a 1 year high of $63.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $109.03 billion, a PE ratio of 18.09, a P/E/G ratio of 8.30 and a beta of 0.29. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $47.35 and its 200-day moving average price is $47.07.

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, beating 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 firm had revenue of $12.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.75 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.80 EPS. The firms revenue 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. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Bristol Myers Squibb will post 6.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Bristol Myers Squibb Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd will be issued a $0.63 dividend. This is an increase from Bristol Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.7%. Bristol Myers Squibbs payout ratio is presently 83.78%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bristol Myers Squibb

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Bristol Myers Squibb in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Darwin Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in the second quarter valued at $25,000. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 66.0% in the 1st quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 581 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 231 shares during the period. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. acquired a new position in Bristol Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter worth about $36,000. Finally, Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb by 107.2% during the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 605 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 313 shares during the period. 76.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Bristol Myers Squibb Company Profile

(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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Enel Chile S.A. (NYSE:ENIC  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Monday after Zacks Research upgraded the stock to a hold rating. The company traded as high as $4.05 and last traded at $3.9350, with a volume of 325660 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.01.

Several other analysts also recently weighed in on the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Enel Chile in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $4.30 price objective on shares of Enel Chile in a report on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Enel Chile from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, November 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $4.30.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Enel Chile

Enel Chile Stock Performance

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ethos Financial Group LLC increased its position in Enel Chile by 7.3% during the second quarter. Ethos Financial Group LLC now owns 233,625 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $848,000 after acquiring an additional 15,851 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Enel Chile during the second quarter worth about $59,000. Banco BTG Pactual S.A. bought a new position in shares of Enel Chile in the second quarter valued at about $4,389,000. Inspire Investing LLC boosted its position in Enel Chile by 43.2% in the 1st quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 15,691 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $51,000 after buying an additional 4,735 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in shares of Enel Chile in the 1st quarter valued at $804,000. Institutional investors own 3.20% of the companys stock.

The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $3.83 and a 200-day moving average price of $3.64.

Enel Chile (NYSE:ENIC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The utilities provider reported $0.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.11 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $1.20 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.16 billion. Enel Chile had a return on equity of 1.23% and a net margin of 1.75%. Analysts forecast that Enel Chile S.A. will post 0.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Enel Chile

(Get Free Report)

Enel Chile SA, an electricity utility company, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Chile. The company operates through Generation, and Distribution and Networks Segments. It generates electricity through various sources, such as hydroelectric, thermal, wind, solar, and geothermal power plants.

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BMO Capital Markets cut shares of Ensign Energy Services (TSE:ESI  Free Report) from an outperform rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Monday, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have C$3.50 price target on the stock.

A number of other research analysts have also commented on ESI. Atb Cap Markets upgraded shares of Ensign Energy Services to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered Ensign Energy Services from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating and increased their price target for the company from C$2.50 to C$3.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, CIBC lifted their price target on Ensign Energy Services from C$2.50 to C$2.75 in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat, Ensign Energy Services currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$2.88.

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Ensign Energy Services Price Performance

Shares of ESI opened at C$2.39 on Monday. Ensign Energy Services has a one year low of C$1.73 and a one year high of C$3.52. The stocks fifty day moving average is C$2.55 and its 200-day moving average is C$2.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 84.02, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a current ratio of 0.98. The firm has a market capitalization of C$438.01 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 202.94 and a beta of 1.57.

Ensign Energy Services (TSE:ESI  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported C($0.02) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Ensign Energy Services had a net margin of 1.86% and a return on equity of 2.37%. The company had revenue of C$411.16 million during the quarter. Equities analysts anticipate that Ensign Energy Services will post 0.2901354 EPS for the current year.

Ensign Energy Services Company Profile

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Ensign Energy Services Inc offers services in drilling and well servicing, oil sands coring, directional drilling, underbalanced and managed pressure drilling, equipment rentals, transportation, wireline services, and production testing services. Ensign produces enhanced drilling with the help of its proprietary automated drilling rigs.

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Figma, Inc. (NYSE:FIG  Get Free Report) General Counsel Brendan Mulligan sold 4,392 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.65, for a total transaction of $152,182.80. Following the transaction, the general counsel owned 881,512 shares in the company, valued at $30,544,390.80. This represents a 0.50% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website.

Brendan Mulligan also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, December 3rd, Brendan Mulligan sold 4,392 shares of Figma stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $36.68, for a total transaction of $161,098.56.

On Monday, December 1st, Brendan Mulligan sold 9,343 shares of Figma stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.45, for a total transaction of $331,209.35.

On Monday, November 17th, Brendan Mulligan sold 4,299 shares of Figma stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $37.29, for a total value of $160,309.71.

On Wednesday, November 12th, Brendan Mulligan sold 10,000 shares of Figma stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.00, for a total value of $450,000.00.

On Monday, November 10th, Brendan Mulligan sold 80,934 shares of Figma stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.47, for a total value of $3,518,200.98.

On Monday, November 3rd, Brendan Mulligan sold 9,526 shares of Figma stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.17, for a total value of $458,867.42.

Figma Stock Performance

FIG traded up $1.47 on Wednesday, hitting $37.41. The company had a trading volume of 6,066,814 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,289,170. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $44.83. Figma, Inc. has a 1-year low of $32.83 and a 1-year high of $142.92.

Institutional Trading of Figma

Figma ( NYSE:FIG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($1.56) by $1.66. The firm had revenue of $274.17 million during the quarter. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.04 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 38.0% on a year-over-year basis.

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of FIG. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Figma during the third quarter valued at approximately $916,000. IFP Advisors Inc bought a new position in Figma in the third quarter worth $40,000. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC acquired a new stake in Figma during the third quarter worth $33,000. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB bought a new stake in Figma in the 3rd quarter valued at $27,000. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Figma in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts recently commented on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their target price on shares of Figma from $75.00 to $65.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on Figma from $85.00 to $70.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on Figma from $49.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Figma in a research note on Thursday, September 4th. Finally, Wolfe Research initiated coverage on Figma in a research report on Monday, August 25th. They issued a peer perform rating on the stock. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $62.86.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Figma

About Figma

(Get Free Report)

Figma is where teams come together to turn ideas into the worlds best digital products and experiences. Every day, billions of people around the world use apps, websites, and other digital experiences that are made in Figma. Theyre looking up directions on Google Maps; requesting rides with Uber; checking in for flights on JetBlue; streaming shows on Netflix; learning languages with Duolingo; asking questions of Claude; connecting on LinkedIn; buying goods on Mercado Libre; or booking stays and experiences with Airbnb.

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Great Portland Estates Plc (LON:GPE  Get Free Report)s share price dropped 1% on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 301 and last traded at GBX 302. Approximately 1,271,517 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 46% from the average daily volume of 2,348,981 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 305.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on GPE. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on shares of Great Portland Estates from GBX 332 to GBX 342 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Panmure Gordon reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 440 price target on shares of Great Portland Estates in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Peel Hunt reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a GBX 375 price objective on shares of Great Portland Estates in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Shore Capital reissued a buy rating on shares of Great Portland Estates in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 409.80.

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Great Portland Estates Trading Up 1.3%

Insider Buying and Selling at Great Portland Estates

The business has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 325.49 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 327.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 51.52, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a current ratio of 0.26. The firm has a market cap of 1.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.41, a PEG ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 0.80.

In related news, insider William Eccleshare bought 4,000 shares of Great Portland Estates stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 20th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 310 per share, for a total transaction of 12,400. Also, insider Nick Sanderson purchased 88 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, October 31st. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 336 per share, with a total value of 295.68. Over the last ninety days, insiders have purchased 4,273 shares of company stock valued at $1,329,808. 1.53% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

About Great Portland Estates

(Get Free Report)

GPE is a FTSE 250 real estate investor and developer. GPE aims to deliver superior returns by unlocking the often hidden potential in commercial real estate in central London, creating high quality sustainable spaces for its customers and long-term value for its stakeholders.

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Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (BATS:XSHD  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 8.8% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $14.53 and last traded at $13.1550. Approximately 45,260 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 16% from the average daily volume of 53,893 shares. The stock had previously closed at $14.42.

Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF Price Performance

The companys fifty day moving average price is $12.88 and its 200-day moving average price is $13.26. The stock has a market cap of $71.59 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.06 and a beta of 1.02.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of XSHD. Susquehanna International Group LLP lifted its holdings in Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF by 237.6% during the third quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 21,185 shares of the companys stock valued at $284,000 after purchasing an additional 36,585 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its stake in shares of Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF by 3,593.7% during the third quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 22,125 shares of the companys stock worth $297,000 after purchasing an additional 21,526 shares in the last quarter. Cowa LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $426,000. Concord Asset Management LLC VA lifted its stake in Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF by 3.5% in the 3rd quarter. Concord Asset Management LLC VA now owns 142,775 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,916,000 after buying an additional 4,841 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Concord Wealth Partners boosted its holdings in Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF by 3.7% in the 3rd quarter. Concord Wealth Partners now owns 142,972 shares of the companys stock worth $1,919,000 after buying an additional 5,038 shares during the last quarter.

About Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF

The Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (XSHD) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in small-cap stocks. The fund tracks a dividend-yield-weighted index of the 60 least volatile stocks chosen from a list of the 90 highest-yielding US small-cap stocks. XSHD was launched on Dec 1, 2016 and is managed by Invesco.

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iShares MSCI China A UCITS ETF USD (Acc) (LON:CNYA  Get Free Report) traded down 0.2% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 5.59 and last traded at GBX 5.60. 41,487,367 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 2,052% from the average session volume of 1,928,176 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 5.61.

iShares MSCI China A UCITS ETF USD (Acc) Trading Up 1.5%

The stocks fifty day simple moving average is GBX 5.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 5.27.

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JinkoSolar Holding Company Limited (NYSE:JKS  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $23.56 and traded as high as $26.24. JinkoSolar shares last traded at $26.2090, with a volume of 478,520 shares traded.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have weighed in on JKS. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating on shares of JinkoSolar in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings raised shares of JinkoSolar from a sell (d) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Roth Capital increased their price target on shares of JinkoSolar from $17.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on shares of JinkoSolar from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of JinkoSolar from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, October 11th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Strong Sell and an average price target of $19.49.

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JinkoSolar Stock Down 0.1%

The companys fifty day simple moving average is $25.31 and its 200 day simple moving average is $23.65. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.40 billion, a P/E ratio of -2.97 and a beta of 0.49.

JinkoSolar (NYSE:JKS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 17th. The semiconductor company reported ($2.30) earnings per share (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 company had revenue of $2.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.72 billion. Research analysts expect that JinkoSolar Holding Company Limited will post -0.24 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. purchased a new stake in JinkoSolar in the first quarter worth $1,660,000. Invesco Ltd. lifted its position in JinkoSolar by 15.3% during the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,418,425 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $26,439,000 after buying an additional 187,930 shares during the period. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in JinkoSolar during the first quarter worth about $598,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its position in shares of JinkoSolar by 17.2% in the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 35,052 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $687,000 after purchasing an additional 5,141 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Aberdeen Group plc boosted its position in shares of JinkoSolar by 63.6% in the 1st quarter. Aberdeen Group plc now owns 78,065 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,455,000 after purchasing an additional 30,340 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 35.82% of the companys stock.

About JinkoSolar

(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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MasTec (NYSE: MTZ) has recently received a number of price target changes and ratings updates:

12/16/2025  MasTec had its price target raised by analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from $240.00 to $267.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

12/15/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/8/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/1/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/25/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/19/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/13/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/3/2025  MasTec was given a new $254.00 price target on by analysts at Mizuho.

11/3/2025  MasTec had its price target raised by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation from $248.00 to $253.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

11/3/2025  MasTec had its price target raised by analysts at KeyCorp from $236.00 to $246.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

11/3/2025  MasTec had its price target raised by analysts at Robert W. Baird from $238.00 to $249.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

10/28/2025  MasTec had its price target raised by analysts at Mizuho from $215.00 to $244.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

10/20/2025  MasTec had its price target raised by analysts at Barclays PLC from $200.00 to $240.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

10/20/2025  MasTec had its price target raised by analysts at KeyCorp from $205.00 to $236.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

10/19/2025  MasTec was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other MasTec news, Director C Robert Campbell sold 2,000 shares of MasTec stock in a transaction on Monday, September 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.39, for a total value of $420,780.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 33,277 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,001,148.03. The trade was a 5.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, COO Robert E. Apple sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $200.44, for a total value of $2,004,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 184,249 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $36,930,869.56. This represents a 5.15% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 13,929 shares of company stock worth $2,822,843. 21.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

MasTec, Inc, an infrastructure construction company, provides engineering, building, installation, maintenance, and upgrade services for communications, energy, utility, and other infrastructure primarily in the United States and Canada. It operates through five segments: Communications, Clean Energy and Infrastructure, Oil and Gas, Power Delivery, and Other.

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Shares of NN Group NV Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:NNGRY  Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Hold by the eight research firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have issued a hold recommendation and two have issued a buy recommendation on the company.

NNGRY has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded NN Group from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of NN Group in a report on Monday, December 1st.

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NN Group Stock Performance

About NN Group

NNGRY stock opened at $37.67 on Monday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $35.47 and a 200 day simple moving average of $34.40. NN Group has a 52 week low of $20.97 and a 52 week high of $37.96.

(Get Free Report)

NN Group N.V., a financial services company, provides life and non-life insurance products in the Netherlands and internationally. The company operates through Netherlands Life, Netherlands Non-life, Insurance Europe, Japan Life, Banking, and Other segments. It offers Life insurance products, such as group and individual pension products, retail life insurance, and SME life insurance products; and non-life insurance products, including motor, fire, liability, transport, travel, health, property and casualty, and disability and accident insurance products.

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Hongkong Land (OTCMKTS:HNGKY  Get Free Report) and IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones (NYSE:IRS  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their risk, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends, earnings and institutional ownership.

Risk & Volatility

Hongkong Land has a beta of -0.01, meaning that its share price is 101% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones has a beta of 1.49, meaning that its share price is 49% more volatile than the S&P 500.

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Dividends

Hongkong Land pays an annual dividend of $0.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.3%. IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones pays an annual dividend of $1.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 9.3%. IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones pays out 28.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Hongkong Land N/A N/A N/A IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones 86.65% 27.35% 13.44%

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Hongkong Land and IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This table compares Hongkong Land and IRSA Inversiones Y Representacioness revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Hongkong Land $2.00 billion 7.84 -$1.38 billion N/A N/A IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones $409.02 million 2.79 $195.18 million $4.97 3.03

IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Hongkong Land.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

45.5% of IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones shares are owned by institutional investors. 25.1% of IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Hongkong Land and IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Hongkong Land 0 0 0 0 0.00 IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones 0 1 0 0 2.00

Summary

IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones beats Hongkong Land on 9 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Hongkong Land

(Get Free Report)

Hongkong Land Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the investment, development, and management of properties in Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, Southeast Asia, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investment Properties and Development Properties. It owns and manages approximately 850,000 square meters of office and luxury retail assets primarily in Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, and Jakarta. The company also develops and sells residential properties. In addition, it is involved in hotel investment, finance, and project management businesses. The company was founded in 1889 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited operates as a subsidiary of Jardine Strategic Limited.

About IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones

(Get Free Report)

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the diversified real estate activities in Argentina. It operates through five segments: Shopping Malls, Offices, Hotels, Sales and Developments, and Others. The company is involved in the acquisition, development, and operation of shopping malls, office buildings, and other non-shopping mall properties primarily for rental purposes. It also acquires and operates luxury hotels and resorts under the Intercontinental, Libertador, and Llao Llao names; develops and sells residential properties, including apartment tower complexes; and acquires undeveloped land reserves for future development or sale. In addition, the company engages in the development and operation of stadium; and provision of appa!, a digital customer loyalty system platform, for consumption in shopping malls, use of parking spaces, and redemption of corporate benefits. The company was incorporated in 1943 and is headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina. IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima operates as a subsidiary of Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A.

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Stora Enso Oyj (OTCMKTS:SEOAY  Get Free Report) shares fell 0.3% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $11.89 and last traded at $11.92. 29,408 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 19% from the average session volume of 36,371 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11.96.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. BNP Paribas upgraded Stora Enso Oyj from a strong sell rating to a hold rating and set a $10.80 target price on the stock in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Berenberg Bank raised Stora Enso Oyj to a hold rating in a report on Friday, August 29th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Stora Enso Oyj has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $10.80.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on SEOAY

Stora Enso Oyj Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 1.23. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $11.39 and its 200-day moving average price is $11.12. The firm has a market cap of $9.45 billion, a PE ratio of 1,198.95 and a beta of 0.74.

Stora Enso Oyj (OTCMKTS:SEOAY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The basic materials company reported $0.30 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.08 by $0.22. The company had revenue of $2.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.34 billion. Stora Enso Oyj had a net margin of 0.14% and a negative return on equity of 2.55%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Stora Enso Oyj will post 0.67 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Stora Enso Oyj Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 9th. Investors of record on Friday, September 26th were given a $0.0883 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 25th. This represents a dividend yield of 79.0%. Stora Enso Oyjs payout ratio is currently 1,200.00%.

About Stora Enso Oyj

(Get Free Report)

Stora Enso Oyj provides renewable solutions for the packaging, biomaterials, wooden constructions, and paper industries in Finland and internationally. It operates through Packaging Materials, Packaging Solutions, Biomaterials, Wood Products, Forest, Paper, and Other segments. The company's Packaging Materials segment offers virgin and recycled fiber replace fossil-based materials with low-carbon, renewable and recyclable packaging materials for food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and transport packaging.

Further Reading

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Tenaga Nasional Berhad (OTCMKTS:TNABY  Get Free Report) shares dropped 10.2% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $13.3250 and last traded at $13.3250. Approximately 164 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 10% from the average daily volume of 183 shares. The stock had previously closed at $14.84.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad Price Performance

The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $12.60 and a 200 day simple moving average of $12.96.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Tenaga Nasional Berhad engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in Malaysia and internationally. The company operates and maintains thermal generation facilities and hydroelectric power generating schemes; and manages and operates the National Grid that is connected to Thailand's transmission system, as well as Singapore's transmission system at Senoko.

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Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:THC  Get Free Report) Director Nadja West sold 2,178 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $197.47, for a total transaction of $430,089.66. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 28,480 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,623,945.60. The trade was a 7.10% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link.

Tenet Healthcare Price Performance

NYSE THC traded down $1.76 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $195.12. The company had a trading volume of 927,469 shares, compared to its average volume of 983,765. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $202.87 and a 200 day simple moving average of $186.01. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.37, a PEG ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a current ratio of 1.71. Tenet Healthcare Corporation has a 52 week low of $109.82 and a 52 week high of $222.82.

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Tenet Healthcare (NYSE:THC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $3.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.33 by $0.37. The company had revenue of $5.29 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.26 billion. Tenet Healthcare had a return on equity of 25.11% and a net margin of 6.49%.The firms revenue was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.93 earnings per share. Tenet Healthcare has set its FY 2025 guidance at 15.930-16.26 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Tenet Healthcare Corporation will post 12.24 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Tenet Healthcare

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. AlphaQuest LLC lifted its stake in Tenet Healthcare by 230.8% in the second quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 1,763 shares of the companys stock worth $310,000 after purchasing an additional 1,230 shares during the last quarter. 111 Capital purchased a new stake in shares of Tenet Healthcare in the second quarter worth approximately $244,000. Cerity Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Tenet Healthcare by 10.4% during the 2nd quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 120,623 shares of the companys stock worth $21,230,000 after acquiring an additional 11,395 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada grew its position in Tenet Healthcare by 34.0% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 119,349 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,052,000 after acquiring an additional 30,281 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel Ltd. increased its stake in Tenet Healthcare by 22.2% in the second quarter. Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel Ltd. now owns 82,813 shares of the companys stock worth $14,575,000 after purchasing an additional 15,019 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 95.44% of the companys stock.

Several research firms recently issued reports on THC. Barclays raised their target price on Tenet Healthcare from $229.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Tenet Healthcare in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. They set a buy rating and a $224.00 target price on the stock. Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $240.00 price target (up previously from $225.00) on shares of Tenet Healthcare in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Zacks Research lowered shares of Tenet Healthcare from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Tenet Healthcare from $238.00 to $260.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $230.88.

Read Our Latest Analysis on THC

About Tenet Healthcare

(Get Free Report)

Tenet Healthcare Corporation operates as a diversified healthcare services company in the United States. The company operates through two segments: Hospital Operations and Services, and Ambulatory Care. Its general hospitals offer acute care services, operating and recovery rooms, radiology and respiratory therapy services, clinical laboratories, and pharmacies.

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Clarkson Capital started coverage on shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation (NYSE:TEN  Free Report) in a research report report published on Monday, MarketBeat reports. The brokerage issued a buy rating and a $35.00 price target on the stock.

A number of other research firms have also recently issued reports on TEN. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating and issued a $24.00 target price on shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, August 25th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Tsakos Energy Navigation has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $29.50.

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Tsakos Energy Navigation Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:TEN opened at $22.73 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $684.85 million, a PE ratio of 7.15 and a beta of -0.24. Tsakos Energy Navigation has a fifty-two week low of $13.40 and a fifty-two week high of $26.69. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $23.81 and a 200 day simple moving average of $21.76. The company has a quick ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90.

Tsakos Energy Navigation (NYSE:TEN  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 20th. The company reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.94 by $0.11. Tsakos Energy Navigation had a return on equity of 13.36% and a net margin of 15.97%.The company had revenue of $158.84 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $170.78 million. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Tsakos Energy Navigation will post 3.44 EPS for the current year.

Tsakos Energy Navigation Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 19th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 11th will be given a $0.50 dividend. This represents a yield of 399.0%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 11th. Tsakos Energy Navigations dividend payout ratio is 31.45%.

Institutional Trading of Tsakos Energy Navigation

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of TEN. Hsbc Holdings PLC acquired a new position in shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation in the 1st quarter worth approximately $267,000. Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLC acquired a new position in Tsakos Energy Navigation in the second quarter worth approximately $384,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation by 312.3% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,311 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 993 shares during the last quarter. Tudor Investment Corp ET AL boosted its stake in shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation by 51.2% during the 3rd quarter. Tudor Investment Corp ET AL now owns 77,110 shares of the companys stock worth $1,713,000 after acquiring an additional 26,097 shares in the last quarter. Finally, FourThought Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation in the 3rd quarter worth $328,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 19.24% of the companys stock.

Tsakos Energy Navigation Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd. engages in the provision of seaborne crude oil and petroleum product transportation services. Its activities include the operation of crude tankers, product tankers, and liquefied natural gas carriers. The company was founded by Nikolas P. Tsakos and Michael Gordon Jolliffee in July 1993 and is headquartered in Athens, Greece.

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Shares of Vertical Aerospace Ltd. (NYSE:EVTL  Get Free Report) traded down 2.9% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $5.59 and last traded at $5.5950. 1,634,096 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 36% from the average session volume of 1,203,191 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.76.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $11.00 price objective (up from $9.00) on shares of Vertical Aerospace in a research note on Monday. Canaccord Genuity Group restated a buy rating and issued a $11.00 price target on shares of Vertical Aerospace in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. HC Wainwright reiterated a buy rating and set a $15.00 price objective on shares of Vertical Aerospace in a research report on Thursday, September 18th. D. Boral Capital restated a buy rating and issued a $14.00 target price on shares of Vertical Aerospace in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Vertical Aerospace in a report on Monday, November 10th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Vertical Aerospace presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $11.80.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on EVTL

Vertical Aerospace Price Performance

The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $4.91 and a 200-day moving average price of $5.36. The company has a market capitalization of $501.03 million, a P/E ratio of -0.10 and a beta of 1.23.

Vertical Aerospace (NYSE:EVTL  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported ($0.32) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.23) by ($0.09). Sell-side analysts anticipate that Vertical Aerospace Ltd. will post -3.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in EVTL. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Vertical Aerospace by 120.0% during the 2nd quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 3,788 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 2,066 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its holdings in shares of Vertical Aerospace by 144.3% during the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 8,211 shares of the companys stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 4,850 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP bought a new position in shares of Vertical Aerospace during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $49,000. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Vertical Aerospace during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $52,000. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC bought a new stake in shares of Vertical Aerospace in the 3rd quarter valued at $53,000. 81.17% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Vertical Aerospace Company Profile

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Vertical Aerospace Ltd., an aerospace and technology company, engages in designing, manufacturing, and selling zero operating emission electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for use in the advanced air mobility in the United Kingdom. It offers VX4, an eVTOL aircraft. Vertical Aerospace Ltd.

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Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF (NYSEARCA:FRTY  Get Free Report) declared an annual dividend on Wednesday, December 17th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 18th will be paid a dividend of 0.041 per share on Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a yield of 20.0%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 18th.

Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF Trading Down 2.6%

FRTY stock opened at $20.20 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $115.95 million, a P/E ratio of 36.46 and a beta of 1.12. Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF has a twelve month low of $13.56 and a twelve month high of $23.36. The companys 50 day moving average is $21.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $20.56.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF

A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF stock. NewEdge Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF (NYSEARCA:FRTY  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 44,214 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $850,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC owned about 0.83% of Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

About Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF

The Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF (FRTY) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Russell Midcap Growth index. The fund is an actively-managed, non-transparent ETF that provides exposure to US mid-cap companies with growth characteristics. The fund utilizes the Precidian non-transparent model. FRTY was launched on Feb 26, 2021 and is managed by Alger.

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American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $27.31 and last traded at $27.0350, with a volume of 14287057 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $25.46.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on AEO shares. Barclays increased their target price on shares of American Eagle Outfitters from $14.00 to $20.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Bank of America upped their price target on American Eagle Outfitters from $11.00 to $18.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on American Eagle Outfitters in a report on Thursday, December 11th. They set a neutral rating and a $25.00 price objective for the company. Cowen restated a hold rating on shares of American Eagle Outfitters in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada set a $23.00 target price on American Eagle Outfitters in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, American Eagle Outfitters presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $21.45.

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View Our Latest Analysis on AEO

American Eagle Outfitters Stock Down 1.9%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 1.63 and a quick ratio of 0.59. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $18.91 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $15.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.55 billion, a PE ratio of 23.15 and a beta of 1.44.

American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, December 2nd. The apparel retailer reported $0.53 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.43 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $1.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.32 billion. American Eagle Outfitters had a return on equity of 13.82% and a net margin of 3.90%.The firms revenue was up 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.48 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. will post 1.7 EPS for the current fiscal year.

American Eagle Outfitters Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 23rd. Investors of record on Friday, January 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.125 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.9%. American Eagle Outfitterss payout ratio is 43.10%.

Insider Activity at American Eagle Outfitters

In other news, Director Cary D. Mcmillan sold 2,945 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, October 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.95, for a total value of $49,917.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Jennifer M. Foyle sold 243,047 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.30, for a total transaction of $5,906,042.10. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 191,751 shares in the company, valued at $4,659,549.30. The trade was a 55.90% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 8.70% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. acquired a new stake in American Eagle Outfitters during the 1st quarter worth about $135,000. Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in shares of American Eagle Outfitters in the first quarter worth about $18,140,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in American Eagle Outfitters by 3.4% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 10,570,088 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $122,820,000 after acquiring an additional 346,135 shares during the period. Algert Global LLC purchased a new position in American Eagle Outfitters during the first quarter valued at approximately $1,016,000. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new position in American Eagle Outfitters during the first quarter valued at approximately $851,000. 97.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

American Eagle Outfitters Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc operates as a multi-brand specialty retailer in the United States and internationally. The company provides jeans, apparel and accessories, and personal care products for women and men under the American Eagle brand; and intimates, apparel, activewear, and swim collections under the Aerie and OFFLINE by Aerie brands.

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Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel (NYSE:ELPC  Get Free Report) and Consolidated Edison (NYSE:ED  Get Free Report) are both large-cap utilities companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, risk, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, earnings, profitability and dividends.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel and Consolidated Edison, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel 0 1 0 0 2.00 Consolidated Edison 5 5 3 0 1.85

Consolidated Edison has a consensus price target of $102.54, suggesting a potential upside of 2.40%. Given Consolidated Edisons higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Consolidated Edison is more favorable than Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel.

Dividends

Insider & Institutional Ownership

Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel pays an annual dividend of $0.23 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. Consolidated Edison pays an annual dividend of $3.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.4%. Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel pays out 45.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Consolidated Edison pays out 59.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Consolidated Edison has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years. Consolidated Edison is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

66.3% of Consolidated Edison shares are held by institutional investors. 0.2% of Consolidated Edison shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Profitability

This table compares Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel and Consolidated Edisons net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel N/A N/A N/A Consolidated Edison 12.27% 8.79% 2.89%

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel and Consolidated Edisons top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel $4.20 billion 2.38 $545.71 million $0.51 18.34 Consolidated Edison $15.26 billion 2.37 $1.82 billion $5.72 17.51

Consolidated Edison has higher revenue and earnings than Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel. Consolidated Edison is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Volatility & Risk

Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel has a beta of -0.02, indicating that its share price is 102% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Consolidated Edison has a beta of 0.37, indicating that its share price is 63% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Consolidated Edison beats Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel on 13 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Companhia Paranaense de Energia  Copel

(Get Free Report)

Companhia Paranaense de Energia  COPEL engages in the generation, transformation, distribution, and sale of electricity to industrial, residential, commercial, rural, and other customers in Brazil. The company operates through Power Generation and Transmission, Power Distribution, GAS, Power Sale, and Holding and Services segments. It is also involved in the piped natural gas distribution. The company operates hydroelectric, wind, and thermoelectric plants; and owns and operates transmission and distribution lines. It holds concessions to distribute electricity in municipalities in the State of Parana and in the municipality of Porto Uniao in the State of Santa Catarina. Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Curitiba, Brazil.

About Consolidated Edison

(Get 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. The company also supplies electricity to approximately 0.3 million customers in southeastern New York and northern New Jersey; and gas to approximately 0.2 million customers in southeastern New York. In addition, it operates 545 circuit miles of transmission lines; 15 transmission substations; 63 distribution substations; 90,051 in-service line transformers; 3,788 pole miles of overhead distribution lines; and 2,314 miles of underground distribution lines, as well as 4,363 miles of mains and 380,870 service lines for natural gas distribution. Further, the company invests in electric and gas transmission projects. It primarily sells electricity to industrial, commercial, residential, and government customers. Consolidated Edison, Inc. was founded in 1823 and is based in New York, New York.

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YogaWorks (OTCMKTS:YOGAQ  Get Free Report) and Adtalem Global Education (NYSE:ATGE  Get Free Report) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, institutional ownership, risk, valuation, analyst recommendations and earnings.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

98.8% of Adtalem Global Education shares are owned by institutional investors. 72.4% of YogaWorks shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 2.5% of Adtalem Global Education shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for YogaWorks and Adtalem Global Education, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score YogaWorks 0 0 0 0 0.00 Adtalem Global Education 0 1 4 0 2.80

Valuation and Earnings

Adtalem Global Education has a consensus price target of $156.50, indicating a potential upside of 56.32%. Given Adtalem Global Educations stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Adtalem Global Education is more favorable than YogaWorks.

This table compares YogaWorks and Adtalem Global Educations top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio YogaWorks N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Adtalem Global Education $1.79 billion 2.03 $237.07 million $6.68 14.99

Adtalem Global Education has higher revenue and earnings than YogaWorks.

Profitability

This table compares YogaWorks and Adtalem Global Educations net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets YogaWorks N/A N/A N/A Adtalem Global Education 13.79% 18.74% 9.70%

Summary

Adtalem Global Education beats YogaWorks on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About YogaWorks

(Get Free Report)

YogaWorks, Inc. operates yoga studios under the YogaWorks and Yoga Tree brand names in the United States. It primarily provides yoga classes, workshops, teacher training programs, and yoga-related retail merchandise. The company offers online yoga instruction and programming services through its MyYogaWorks.com Web platform. As of May 14, 2019, it owned and operated 68 studios in Los Angeles, Orange County, Northern California, New York City, Boston, Baltimore, the Washington, D.C. area, Houston, and Atlanta. The company was formerly known as YWX Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to YogaWorks, Inc. in April 2017. YogaWorks, Inc. was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Culver City, California. On October 14, 2020, YogaWorks, Inc., a Delaware C-Corporation, along with its affiliate, filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The plan was later approved as Chapter 11 liquidation on May 5, 2021.

About Adtalem Global Education

(Get Free Report)

Adtalem Global Education Inc. provides workforce solutions worldwide. It operates through three segments, Chamberlain, Walden, and Medical and Veterinary. The Chamberlain segment offers degree and non-degree programs in the nursing and health professions postsecondary education industry. This segment operates Chamberlain University. The Walden segment offers online certificates, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, including nursing, education, counseling, business, psychology, public health, social work and human services, public administration and public policy, and criminal justice. This segment also operates Walden University. The Medical and Veterinary segment provides degree and non-degree programs in the medical and veterinary postsecondary education industry. This segment operates American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Ross University School of Medicine, and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. The company was formerly known as DeVry Education Group Inc. and changed its name to Adtalem Global Education Inc. in May 2017. Adtalem Global Education Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

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Czech National Bank grew its stake in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 2.3% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 813,607 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 18,170 shares during the quarter. Czech National Banks holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $68,197,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Access Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Wells Fargo & Company in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the second quarter valued at about $27,000. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 585.5% in the 1st quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 377 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 322 shares in the last quarter. Kilter Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Nova Wealth Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 112.9% during the 2nd quarter. Nova Wealth Management Inc. now owns 428 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 227 shares in the last quarter. 75.90% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wells Fargo & Company Price Performance

NYSE WFC opened at $92.57 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $290.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.22, a PEG ratio of 0.95 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.84. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $86.24 and its 200 day moving average price is $82.13. Wells Fargo & Company has a 1 year low of $58.42 and a 1 year high of $94.26.

Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend

Wells Fargo & Company ( NYSE:WFC Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.73 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.55 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $21.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.11 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.51% and a net margin of 17.18%.The firms revenue was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.42 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 7th were given a $0.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.9%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 29.61%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on WFC shares. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $95.00 to $97.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Cowen reissued a hold rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Cfra Research upgraded Wells Fargo & Company to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Truist Financial increased their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised Wells Fargo & Company from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, October 4th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Wells Fargo & Company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $91.32.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on WFC

About Wells Fargo & Company

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Co is a diversified and community-based financial services company, which engages in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management.

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Czech National Bank boosted its stake in shares of The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 433,366 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 15,882 shares during the quarter. Czech National Banks holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $41,373,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. RMG Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. Hoese & Co LLP increased its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 131.6% in the second 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 period. Finally, Evelyn Partners Asset Management Ltd purchased a new position 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.

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Charles Schwab Price Performance

SCHW opened at $96.55 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The company has a market cap of $171.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 0.96. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $93.98 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $93.61. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a 12-month low of $65.88 and a 12-month high of $99.59.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.31 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.25 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $6.38 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.93 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 35.93% and a return on equity of 21.02%. The companys revenue was up 26.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.71 EPS. Research analysts predict that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a $0.27 dividend. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is 25.29%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

SCHW has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. TD Cowen raised their target price on Charles Schwab from $129.00 to $134.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Bank of America lifted their price objective on Charles Schwab from $88.00 to $91.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their target price on Charles Schwab from $119.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and issued a $110.00 price target on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $119.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $108.37.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Charles Schwab

Insider Activity at Charles Schwab

In other Charles Schwab news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 3,072 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.00, for a total transaction of $301,056.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 11,923 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,168,454. The trade was a 20.49% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Paul V. Woolway sold 3,205 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.33, for a total value of $299,122.65. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 34,778 shares in the company, valued at $3,245,830.74. This trade represents a 8.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 6.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Charles Schwab

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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Dingdong (Cayman) Limited Sponsored ADR (NYSE:DDL  Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $2.82, but opened at $2.98. Dingdong (Cayman) shares last traded at $2.6650, with a volume of 1,177,301 shares changing hands.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms recently issued reports on DDL. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Dingdong (Cayman) in a research report on Monday. Wall Street Zen downgraded Dingdong (Cayman) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Dingdong (Cayman) presently has an average rating of Hold.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Dingdong (Cayman)

Dingdong (Cayman) Stock Performance

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Dingdong (Cayman)

The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $1.87 and a 200-day simple moving average of $2.04. The firm has a market cap of $631.92 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.74 and a beta of 0.47.

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. QRG Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. grew its holdings in Dingdong (Cayman) by 66.7% during the third quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 25,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 10,000 shares during the period. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in Dingdong (Cayman) in the second quarter worth $54,000. Centiva Capital LP bought a new stake in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) in the third quarter valued at $56,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its stake in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) by 43,678.9% in the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 33,272 shares of the companys stock valued at $67,000 after buying an additional 33,196 shares during the period. 24.66% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Dingdong (Cayman) Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Dingdong (Cayman) Limited operates an e-commerce company in China. The company offers fresh groceries, including vegetables, meat and eggs, fruits, and seafood; prepared food, and other food products, such as baked goods, dairy, seasonings, beverages, instant food, oil, and snacks. It offers its products through traditional offline, as well as online channels through Dingdong Fresh app, mini-programs, and third-party platforms.

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Finance of America Companies Inc. (NYSE:FOA  Get Free Report) CAO Tai Thornock sold 1,100 shares of Finance of America Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.04, for a total transaction of $25,344.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 11,750 shares of the companys stock, valued at $270,720. This trade represents a 8.56% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

Finance of America Companies Trading Up 0.4%

NYSE:FOA traded up $0.10 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $23.08. 125,207 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 116,401. The company has a quick ratio of 2.64, a current ratio of 2.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 51.28. The business has a 50-day moving average of $22.78 and a two-hundred day moving average of $23.65. Finance of America Companies Inc. has a twelve month low of $16.58 and a twelve month high of $32.40. The company has a market capitalization of $182.10 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -8.68 and a beta of 1.62.

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Finance of America Companies (NYSE:FOA  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 18th. The company reported $0.12 earnings per share for the quarter. On average, equities analysts predict that Finance of America Companies Inc. will post 0.75 EPS for the current year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

FOA has been the subject of several recent research reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d) rating on shares of Finance of America Companies in a research note on Monday. UBS Group set a $29.50 price target on shares of Finance of America Companies and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $29.75.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Finance of America Companies

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey purchased a new stake in shares of Finance of America Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd increased its holdings in Finance of America Companies by 183.9% in the third quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 1,269 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 822 shares during the last quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. acquired a new stake in Finance of America Companies in the third quarter valued at $29,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in Finance of America Companies by 4,270.8% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 2,098 shares of the companys stock worth $49,000 after buying an additional 2,050 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE boosted its position in shares of Finance of America Companies by 3,503.1% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 2,306 shares of the companys stock worth $65,000 after acquiring an additional 2,242 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.20% of the companys stock.

About Finance of America Companies

(Get Free Report)

Finance of America Companies Inc a financial service holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of a retirement solutions platform in the United States. It operates through two segments: Retirement Solutions and Portfolio Management. The Retirement Solutions segment engages in the loan origination activities comprising home equity conversion, proprietary reverse, and hybrid mortgage loans for senior homeowners.

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Firethorn Wealth Partners LLC cut its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV  Free Report) by 8.3% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 90,717 shares of the companys stock after selling 8,210 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF comprises approximately 2.4% of Firethorn Wealth Partners LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 10th biggest position. Firethorn Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $6,153,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Atwood & Palmer Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the second quarter worth $25,000. Crewe Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Pandora Wealth Inc. bought a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Rice Partnership LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $59,000. Finally, Bogart Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 82.1% during the 2nd quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 1,000 shares of the companys stock worth $63,000 after acquiring an additional 451 shares during the period.

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iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Price Performance

Shares of BATS:EFV opened at $70.21 on Thursday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $69.32 and its 200 day simple moving average is $66.79. The stock has a market capitalization of $28.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 1 year low of $51.05 and a 1 year high of $66.83.

iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East.

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ING Group, N.V. (NYSE:ING  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $27.78 and last traded at $27.7850, with a volume of 330645 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $27.41.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Cfra Research upgraded ING Group from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 25th. Citigroup upgraded ING Group to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, November 21st. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods downgraded ING Group from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of ING Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 2nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of ING Group in a research report on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and five have assigned a Buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy.

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ING Group Stock Up 1.3%

The business has a fifty day moving average of $25.43 and a 200 day moving average of $24.16. The firm has a market cap of $87.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.50, a P/E/G ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 0.81. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.99.

ING Group (NYSE:ING  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $0.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.64 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $6.92 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.35 billion. ING Group had a return on equity of 11.57% and a net margin of 26.94%. On average, equities research analysts predict that ING Group, N.V. will post 2.14 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of ING Group

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD bought a new position in ING Group in the first quarter valued at about $36,062,000. Citigroup Inc. raised its position in shares of ING Group by 249.9% in the 3rd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 2,047,717 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $53,404,000 after acquiring an additional 1,462,527 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC lifted its stake in ING Group by 197.6% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,667,239 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,661,000 after buying an additional 1,106,926 shares during the period. ABC Arbitrage SA lifted its position in shares of ING Group by 280.3% during the 3rd quarter. ABC Arbitrage SA now owns 900,936 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $23,496,000 after acquiring an additional 664,063 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE boosted its position in shares of ING Group by 7.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 8,764,562 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $191,681,000 after purchasing an additional 593,424 shares in the last quarter. 4.49% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

ING Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ING Groep N.V. provides various banking products and services in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, rest of Europe, and internationally. It operates through five segments: Retail Netherlands, Retail Belgium, Retail Germany, Retail Other, and Wholesale Banking. The company accepts current and savings accounts.

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Invmun Incom (NYSE:OIA  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $6.02 and traded as high as $6.05. Invmun Incom shares last traded at $6.0250, with a volume of 215,850 shares traded.

Invmun Incom Trading Down 0.2%

The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $6.02 and a 200 day moving average price of $5.85.

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Invmun Incom Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 16th will be issued a dividend of $0.0291 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 5.8%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 16th.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invmun Incom

About Invmun Incom

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Entrewealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Invmun Incom during the first quarter worth $65,000. NWF Advisory Services Inc. bought a new position in Invmun Incom during the 2nd quarter worth about $70,000. Vista Investment Partners II LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Invmun Incom in the 3rd quarter valued at about $84,000. Baird Financial Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Invmun Incom by 31.9% in the second quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 16,555 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $95,000 after purchasing an additional 4,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, River Street Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Invmun Incom in the second quarter valued at about $106,000. Institutional investors own 12.57% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Invesco Ltd. The fund is co-managed by Invesco Advisers, Inc, INVESCO Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, INVESCO Asset Management Limited, INVESCO Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Hong Kong Limited, INVESCO Senior Secured Management, Inc, and Invesco Canada Ltd.

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Peak Financial Advisors LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF (BATS:INDA  Free Report) by 10.1% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 114,995 shares of the companys stock after selling 12,922 shares during the period. iShares MSCI India ETF makes up about 2.9% of Peak Financial Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 7th biggest holding. Peak Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI India ETF were worth $5,987,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in iShares MSCI India ETF by 97.0% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 7,518,409 shares of the companys stock valued at $418,625,000 after buying an additional 3,702,760 shares in the last quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF by 2,067.3% in the second quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 6,929,746 shares of the companys stock worth $385,848,000 after acquiring an additional 6,610,000 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF by 44.8% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,541,678 shares of the companys stock valued at $252,881,000 after acquiring an additional 1,405,731 shares in the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF by 10.7% during the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 4,215,575 shares of the companys stock valued at $234,723,000 after acquiring an additional 406,176 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Man Group plc boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF by 96.0% during the second quarter. Man Group plc now owns 3,755,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $209,106,000 after acquiring an additional 1,839,360 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI India ETF Trading Up 4.0%

iShares MSCI India ETF stock opened at $52.98 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $9.20 billion, a PE ratio of 25.20 and a beta of 0.48. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $54.04 and a 200 day moving average price of $53.81. iShares MSCI India ETF has a 52 week low of $47.60 and a 52 week high of $59.49.

iShares MSCI India ETF Company Profile

The iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI India index, a market-cap-weighted index of the top 85% of firms in the Indian securities market. INDA was launched on Feb 2, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Texas Permanent School Fund Corp cut its holdings in Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE:JCI  Free Report) by 43.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 46,200 shares of the companys stock after selling 35,924 shares during the quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corps holdings in Johnson Controls International were worth $4,880,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in JCI. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Johnson Controls International by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 69,365,463 shares of the companys stock worth $7,326,380,000 after acquiring an additional 920,777 shares during the last quarter. Summit X LLC acquired a new position in shares of Johnson Controls International in the 2nd quarter valued at $232,000. Ethic Inc. increased its stake in Johnson Controls International by 3.5% in the 2nd quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 112,959 shares of the companys stock worth $11,869,000 after purchasing an additional 3,793 shares in the last quarter. Yeomans Consulting Group Inc. purchased a new position in Johnson Controls International in the 2nd quarter worth about $304,000. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in Johnson Controls International by 5.8% during the 2nd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 1,252,040 shares of the companys stock worth $132,240,000 after buying an additional 68,393 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 90.05% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently weighed in on JCI. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Johnson Controls International from $130.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Mizuho raised their price objective on shares of Johnson Controls International from $105.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Johnson Controls International from $112.00 to $119.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Johnson Controls International in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on Johnson Controls International from $116.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $121.05.

Johnson Controls International Stock Down 1.9%

JCI stock opened at $116.56 on Thursday. Johnson Controls International plc has a 12-month low of $68.03 and a 12-month high of $123.78. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. The company has a market cap of $71.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.90, a PEG ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a 50 day moving average of $114.52 and a two-hundred day moving average of $109.08.

Johnson Controls International (NYSE:JCI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $1.26 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.20 by $0.06. Johnson Controls International had a net margin of 13.95% and a return on equity of 15.35%. The business had revenue of $6.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.31 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.28 EPS. Johnson Controls Internationals revenue was up 3.1% on a year-over-year basis. Johnson Controls International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.550-4.55 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.830-0.83 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Johnson Controls International plc will post 3.64 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Johnson Controls International Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 22nd will be paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 22nd. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.4%. Johnson Controls Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 31.43%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Johnson Controls International

In other news, VP Lei Zhang Schlitz sold 32,031 shares of Johnson Controls International stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.20, for a total transaction of $3,625,909.20. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 66,780 shares in the company, valued at $7,559,496. The trade was a 32.42% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.54% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About Johnson Controls International

(Free Report)

Johnson Controls International plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in engineering, manufacturing, commissioning, and retrofitting building products and systems in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates in four segments: Building Solutions North America, Building Solutions EMEA/LA, Building Solutions Asia Pacific, and Global Products.

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Kavango Resources Plc (LON:KAV  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week low on Thursday . The stock traded as low as GBX 0.55 and last traded at GBX 0.55, with a volume of 100000 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.58.

Kavango Resources Stock Down 4.3%

The stocks fifty day moving average price is GBX 0.80 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 0.96. The company has a market capitalization of 19.99 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.81 and a beta of 0.69.

Kavango Resources Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Kavango Resources Plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration of base and precious metals in Botswana and Zimbabwe. It explores for nickel, copper, silver, platinum, iron, gold, uranium, and rare earth deposits. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.

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Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV (OTCMKTS:KCDMY  Get Free Report)s stock price gapped down before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $10.5860, but opened at $10.20. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV shares last traded at $10.33, with a volume of 3,551 shares trading hands.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Itau BBA Securities upgraded Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV presently has an average rating of Buy.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on KCDMY

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of $6.43 billion, a PE ratio of 17.14 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.60, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.27. The stocks 50-day moving average is $10.00 and its two-hundred day moving average is $9.72.

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV (OTCMKTS:KCDMY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The basic materials company reported $0.15 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.16 by ($0.01). Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV had a return on equity of 140.79% and a net margin of 13.02%.The company had revenue of $728.43 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $723.40 million.

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 9th. Investors of record on Thursday, October 2nd were given a $0.1121 dividend. This represents a yield of 424.0%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 1st. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CVs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 81.97%.

About Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV

(Get Free Report)

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and markets disposable products in Mexico. The company offers baby diapers, training pants, swim pants, wet wipes, shampoos, creams, bar soaps, and feeding products. It also provides toilet papers, napkins, facial tissues, paper towels, feminine pads, panty liners, tampons, intimate wipes, and menstrual cups.

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Lbmc Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 1,750 shares of the insurance providers stock, valued at approximately $489,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.4% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 22,047,005 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $5,898,456,000 after buying an additional 313,449 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 10.9% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 7,626,750 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,040,475,000 after acquiring an additional 751,715 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,541,819 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,481,805,000 after acquiring an additional 54,363 shares during the last quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 71,265.9% in the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,616,826 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $967,646,000 after acquiring an additional 3,611,758 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new position in Travelers Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $815,013,000. 82.45% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Travelers Companies

In other Travelers Companies news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 8,572 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 33,638 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,106,815.74. This trade represents a 20.31% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Maria Olivo sold 8,920 shares of Travelers Companies stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $295.73, for a total transaction of $2,637,911.60. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 117,596 shares in the company, valued at $34,776,665.08. This represents a 7.05% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 46,295 shares of company stock valued at $13,011,918 in the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 1.46% of the companys stock.

Travelers Companies Stock Up 0.5%

Travelers Companies stock opened at $291.19 on Thursday. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a one year low of $230.23 and a one year high of $296.85. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $279.65 and a 200 day moving average of $272.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a current ratio of 0.35. The stock has a market cap of $64.95 billion, a PE ratio of 11.45, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 0.53.

Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The insurance provider reported $8.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.01 by $2.13. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 20.28% and a net margin of 12.14%.The business had revenue of $12.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.15 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $5.24 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 EPS for the current year.

Travelers Companies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be issued a dividend of $1.10 per share. This represents a $4.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 10th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is currently 17.30%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have commented on TRV. Barclays set a $313.00 target price on Travelers Companies in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research raised Travelers Companies from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Friday, October 17th. UBS Group boosted their target price on Travelers Companies from $284.00 to $287.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $289.00 to $297.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $294.25.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Travelers Companies

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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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report).

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MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:BULZ  Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $229.10, but opened at $248.72. MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN shares last traded at $245.54, with a volume of 40,647 shares trading hands.

MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Stock Up 10.4%

The stock has a market cap of $2.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.09 and a beta of 4.45. The stocks fifty day moving average is $273.16 and its 200-day moving average is $223.00.

MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The MicroSectors Solactive FANG & Innovation 3X Leveraged ETN (BULZ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Solactive FANG Innovation index. The fund tracks 3x the daily price movements of an equal-weighted index of US-listed technology companies. BULZ was launched on Aug 20, 2021 and is issued by REX Microsectors.

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Montecito Bank & Trust acquired a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 10,236 shares of the semiconductor companys stock, valued at approximately $2,859,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in TSM. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC increased its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 16,500.0% during the 1st quarter. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC now owns 6,707,064 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,113,373,000 after purchasing an additional 6,666,660 shares during the period. Jennison Associates LLC increased its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 26.7% during the 2nd quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 12,046,792 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $2,728,478,000 after buying an additional 2,537,760 shares in the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. raised its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 31.5% during the first quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 8,864,014 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,471,426,000 after buying an additional 2,121,758 shares during the last quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. raised its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 43.2% during the second quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 6,650,983 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,506,389,000 after buying an additional 2,006,745 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 19.1% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 12,350,239 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $2,050,141,000 after acquiring an additional 1,984,835 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 16.51% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on TSM shares. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $360.00 price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Monday, October 27th. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $290.00 to $330.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Sunday, December 7th. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $330.00 to $355.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Monday. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $355.00.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Down 3.4%

TSM opened at $277.02 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.44 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.41, a PEG ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 1.31. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $292.66 and a 200-day moving average price of $258.61. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a twelve month low of $134.25 and a twelve month high of $313.98. The company has a quick ratio of 2.47, a current ratio of 2.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The semiconductor company reported $2.92 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.59 by $0.33. The business had revenue of $32.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $951.89 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 43.72% and a return on equity of 34.34%. The firms revenue was up 40.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.94 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 earnings per share for the current year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be issued a $0.9678 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. This is an increase from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. This represents a $3.87 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.4%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is presently 25.85%.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Profile

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others.

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American Well (NYSE:AMWL  Get Free Report) had its price objective cut by stock analysts at Morgan Stanley from $10.50 to $6.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. Morgan Stanleys price target would indicate a potential upside of 26.82% from the companys previous close.

Several other research firms have also recently commented on AMWL. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of American Well from $12.00 to $9.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their target price on shares of American Well from $8.00 to $6.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of American Well from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (e+) rating on shares of American Well in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $7.58.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on AMWL

American Well Stock Up 0.7%

Shares of AMWL traded up $0.03 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $4.73. The companys stock had a trading volume of 46,527 shares, compared to its average volume of 74,449. American Well has a 1 year low of $3.71 and a 1 year high of $12.95. The company has a market cap of $77.45 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.66 and a beta of 1.28. The business has a fifty day moving average of $4.67 and a 200 day moving average of $6.35.

American Well (NYSE:AMWL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported ($1.74) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($1.83) by $0.09. American Well had a negative return on equity of 39.80% and a negative net margin of 42.80%.The firm had revenue of $56.29 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $54.56 million. On average, analysts predict that American Well will post -9.34 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at American Well

In related news, insider Phyllis Gotlib sold 4,959 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.11, for a total value of $30,299.49. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 127,151 shares in the company, valued at approximately $776,892.61. The trade was a 3.75% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 8,978 shares of company stock valued at $47,297. 11.82% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On American Well

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of AMWL. Prelude Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of American Well during the 3rd quarter worth $86,000. Two Sigma Investments LP lifted its position in American Well by 22.6% during the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 46,329 shares of the companys stock worth $285,000 after acquiring an additional 8,553 shares during the last quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC boosted its holdings in American Well by 61.3% during the third quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 65,926 shares of the companys stock valued at $405,000 after acquiring an additional 25,054 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in shares of American Well by 36.0% in the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 97,382 shares of the companys stock valued at $599,000 after purchasing an additional 25,798 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rock Point Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of American Well by 49.3% in the third quarter. Rock Point Advisors LLC now owns 259,171 shares of the companys stock worth $1,594,000 after purchasing an additional 85,581 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 56.05% of the companys stock.

American Well Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

American Well Corporation, an enterprise platform and software company, delivers digitally enabling hybrid care in the United States and internationally. The company offers Converge, a cloud-based platform that enables health providers, payers, and innovators to provide in-person, virtual and automated care; and delivers virtual primary care, post-discharge follow-up, chronic condition management, virtual nursing, e-sitting, on-demand and scheduled virtual visits, specialty consults, automated care, and behavioral health, as well as specialty care programs, including dermatology, musculoskeletal care, second opinion, and cardiometabolic care to patients and members.

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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (OTCMKTS:MHVYF  Get Free Report) and Omnitek Engineering (OTCMKTS:OMTK  Get Free Report) are both industrials companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, risk, profitability, analyst recommendations and dividends.

Risk & Volatility

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has a beta of 0.53, suggesting that its share price is 47% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Omnitek Engineering has a beta of -0.22, suggesting that its share price is 122% less volatile than the S&P 500.

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Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Omnitek Engineerings top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Mitsubishi Heavy Industries $33.01 billion 2.55 $1.62 billion $0.50 49.98 Omnitek Engineering $1.02 million 0.31 -$170,000.00 $0.02 0.73

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has higher revenue and earnings than Omnitek Engineering. Omnitek Engineering is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Omnitek Engineering, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 0 1 0 1 3.00 Omnitek Engineering 0 0 0 0 0.00

Profitability

This table compares Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Omnitek Engineerings net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 4.63% 10.04% 3.70% Omnitek Engineering 18.80% -22.26% 28.98%

Summary

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries beats Omnitek Engineering on 9 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

(Get Free Report)

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. manufactures and sells heavy machinery worldwide. It operates through Energy Systems; Plants & Infrastructure Systems; Logistics, Thermal & Drive Systems; and Aircraft, Defense & Space segments. The company offers thermal, renewable energy, nuclear power generation, and engine power plants; oil and gas production plants; lithium-ion battery products and fuel cells; civil aircrafts and engines, aviation equipment, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircrafts; and launch vehicles and services, rocket engines, reaction control systems, space stations, rocket launchers, rocket engine combustion test facilities, and electronic parts. It also provides passenger and commercial ships, LNG and LPG carriers, special purpose vessels, and IT services and systems; marine machineries, boilers, turbines, engines, and structures; and intelligent transport systems products and solutions, such as electronic toll collection system, road user charging system, highway traffic management system, EV management system, and development system. In addition, the company offers organic solvent exhaust gas treatment system, waste-to-energy system, sludge treatment system, air quality control system, and bio-treatment system; turbochargers, car air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, rubber and tire machinery, and testing equipment; forklift trucks; and printing, paper converting, and metals, and food & packaging machinery, pumps, compressors & mechanical turbines, hydraulic components. Further, it provides gas holders, vibration control systems, water pipes, tunnel excavation machinery, and cybersecurity solutions for industrial control systems; special vehicles, naval ship and maritime systems, defense aircrafts, helicopters, defense aeroengines, and guided weapon systems; CO2 capture plants; and after-sales services. The company was founded in 1884 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

About Omnitek Engineering

(Get Free Report)

Omnitek Engineering Corp. develops and sells technology to convert diesel engines to an alternative fuel, natural gas engines, and complementary products in the United States and internationally. It offers conversion kits for converting diesel engines to run on an alternative fuel, including compressed, liquefied, and renewable natural gas, as well as liquid petroleum gas; natural gas engines and components; and high-pressure natural gas coalescing filters. The company's products are used for stationary applications; and the transportation market, such as light commercial vehicles, minibuses, heavy-duty trucks, and municipal buses, as well as rail and marine applications. It sells and delivers its products through its distributors, system integrators, fleet operators, and engine conversion companies, as well as directly to end-users. The company was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in Vista, California.

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Oracle Power plc (LON:ORCP  Get Free Report) shares traded up 11.4% on Tuesday . The company traded as high as GBX 0.04 and last traded at GBX 0.04. 3,550,989 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 98% from the average session volume of 224,740,359 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.04.

Oracle Power Stock Performance

The firm has a market cap of 5.82 million, a P/E ratio of -18.50 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a current ratio of 3.74, a quick ratio of 5.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.98. The companys 50-day moving average is GBX 0.04 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 0.03.

Oracle Power Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Oracle Power Plc (AIM: ORCP) is an international project developer in the natural resources and energy sectors. The Company is currently committed to two areas of focus: Western Australia, home to two of Oracles highly prospective gold projects, and Pakistan, where it is working to establish one of the largest hydrogen production facilities in the region.

Located in the wind corridor in Jhimpir, Pakistan, The Green Hydrogen project is being developed on a fast-track basis thanks to the joint venture (JV) formed between Oracle and His Highness Shaikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum (through his wholly owned company, Kaheel Energy Limited).

The JV intends to support the global transition to a carbon neutral future through establishing Pakistan as one of the main Green Hydrogen players in the region, to meet global demand for clean hydrogen forecasted to be 660 million metric tons in 2050.

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Orix Corp Ads (NYSE:IX  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $29.33 and last traded at $29.3050, with a volume of 590084 shares. The stock had previously closed at $28.83.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have commented on IX. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Orix Corp Ads from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Monday. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Orix Corp Ads from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 22nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy.

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Read Our Latest Report on Orix Corp Ads

Orix Corp Ads Price Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $32.38 billion, a PE ratio of 10.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 1.81 and a quick ratio of 1.77. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $26.08 and its 200-day simple moving average is $24.80.

Orix Corp Ads (NYSE:IX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.99 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.42. Orix Corp Ads had a net margin of 14.53% and a return on equity of 10.30%. The business had revenue of $5.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.87 billion. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Orix Corp Ads will post 11.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Orix Corp Ads

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Greenleaf Trust grew its position in Orix Corp Ads by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Greenleaf Trust now owns 37,437 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $978,000 after buying an additional 402 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Orix Corp Ads by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 16,147 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $422,000 after acquiring an additional 445 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Orix Corp Ads by 2.7% in the second quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 17,157 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $386,000 after acquiring an additional 457 shares in the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Orix Corp Ads by 58.2% during the third quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 1,444 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 531 shares during the period. Finally, Vise Technologies Inc. raised its holdings in Orix Corp Ads by 1.5% during the third quarter. Vise Technologies Inc. now owns 40,174 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,049,000 after purchasing an additional 577 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 1.73% of the companys stock.

Orix Corp Ads Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ORIX Corporation provides diversified financial services in Japan, the United States, Asia, Europe, Australasia, and the Middle East. The company's Corporate Financial Services and Maintenance Leasing segment is involved in the finance and fee; leasing and rental of automobiles, electronic measuring instruments, and ICT-related equipment businesses; and provision of life insurance and environment and energy-related products and services.

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Canadian National Railway (TSE:CNR  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNI) had its price objective decreased by stock analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from C$158.00 to C$153.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has an outperform rating on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas price target points to a potential upside of 11.71% from the stocks current price.

Several other brokerages have also weighed in on CNR. Desjardins upped their price objective on Canadian National Railway from C$151.00 to C$161.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. ATB Capital upped their price target on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$150.00 to C$151.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$150.00 to C$160.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$119.00 to C$120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$154.00 to C$153.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Canadian National Railway presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$153.20.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on CNR

Canadian National Railway Stock Performance

Shares of TSE CNR traded up C$2.64 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching C$136.96. 709,620 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,509,784. The company has a market cap of C$84.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.61, a PEG ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 0.82. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$133.69 and a 200 day moving average price of C$134.62. Canadian National Railway has a 52 week low of C$126.11 and a 52 week high of C$154.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 107.59, a current ratio of 0.64 and a quick ratio of 0.58.

Canadian National Railway (TSE:CNR  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNI) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported C$1.83 earnings per share for the quarter. Canadian National Railway had a net margin of 31.20% and a return on equity of 27.10%. The company had revenue of C$4.17 billion during the quarter. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Canadian National Railway will post 8.2610275 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Canadian National Railway Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S.

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Salem Investment Counselors Inc. boosted its stake in V2X, Inc. (NYSE:VVX  Free Report) by 161,111.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 14,509 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 14,500 shares during the period. Salem Investment Counselors Inc.s holdings in V2X were worth $843,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in shares of V2X during the 1st quarter worth approximately $19,753,000. Reinhart Partners LLC. bought a new position in V2X during the second quarter valued at $14,083,000. Ophir Asset Management Pty Ltd increased its position in V2X by 80.7% in the second quarter. Ophir Asset Management Pty Ltd now owns 613,343 shares of the companys stock worth $28,980,000 after buying an additional 273,977 shares during the last quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in V2X in the first quarter worth $11,036,000. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC bought a new stake in shares of V2X in the first quarter valued at $5,415,000. 95.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at V2X

In related news, major shareholder American Industrial Partners C sold 2,250,000 shares of V2X stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.00, for a total transaction of $123,750,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 5,750,001 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $316,250,055. This trade represents a 28.12% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Dino M. Cusumano sold 2,250,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.00, for a total value of $123,750,000.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 5,750,001 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $316,250,055. The trade was a 28.12% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders sold 5,700,000 shares of company stock valued at $313,560,000. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on VVX shares. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on V2X from $63.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Citigroup initiated coverage on shares of V2X in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. They set a neutral rating and a $62.00 target price for the company. Morgan Stanley reissued an underweight rating and issued a $61.00 price target on shares of V2X in a research report on Tuesday. Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of V2X from $58.00 to $65.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of V2X from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, August 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, V2X presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $63.11.

View Our Latest Research Report on VVX

V2X Trading Down 1.5%

Shares of VVX opened at $54.65 on Thursday. V2X, Inc. has a twelve month low of $41.08 and a twelve month high of $63.74. The stock has a market cap of $1.72 billion, a PE ratio of 21.86, a P/E/G ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 0.12. The company has a quick ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.01. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $56.10 and its 200-day moving average price is $53.47.

V2X (NYSE:VVX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $1.37 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.23 by $0.14. The company had revenue of $1.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.13 billion. V2X had a net margin of 1.81% and a return on equity of 15.22%. V2Xs revenue was up 7.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.29 earnings per share. V2X has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.650-4.950 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that V2X, Inc. will post 4.16 EPS for the current fiscal year.

V2X Profile

(Free Report)

V2X, Inc provides critical mission solutions and support services to defense clients worldwide. It offers a suite of integrated solutions across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training, and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian, and international clients. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Mclean, Virginia.

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Sendero Wealth Management LLC lessened its stake in shares of nVent Electric PLC (NYSE:NVT  Free Report) by 78.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,156 shares of the companys stock after selling 11,703 shares during the quarter. Sendero Wealth Management LLCs holdings in nVent Electric were worth $311,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of NVT. SVB Wealth LLC purchased a new position in nVent Electric during the first quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Trust Co. of Vermont boosted its holdings in nVent Electric by 57.8% in the 2nd quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 434 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 159 shares during the period. True Wealth Design LLC boosted its holdings in nVent Electric by 1,202.9% in the 2nd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 443 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 409 shares during the period. Manchester Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of nVent Electric by 222.2% during the 2nd quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 435 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC increased its holdings in shares of nVent Electric by 522.9% in the second quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 517 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 434 shares during the period. 90.05% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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nVent Electric Price Performance

Shares of nVent Electric stock opened at $94.71 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.28 billion, a PE ratio of 26.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a current ratio of 1.57, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. nVent Electric PLC has a 12 month low of $41.71 and a 12 month high of $117.52. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $104.78 and its 200-day moving average price is $91.00.

nVent Electric Increases Dividend

nVent Electric ( NYSE:NVT Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.88 by $0.03. nVent Electric had a return on equity of 14.29% and a net margin of 16.83%.The business had revenue of $1.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.01 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.63 earnings per share. nVent Electrics revenue for the quarter was up 34.8% on a year-over-year basis. nVent Electric has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.870-0.890 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 3.310-3.330 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that nVent Electric PLC will post 3.04 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 6th. Investors of record on Friday, January 23rd will be issued a dividend of $0.21 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. This is an increase from nVent Electrics previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. nVent Electrics payout ratio is 22.04%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts recently commented on NVT shares. Barclays boosted their target price on nVent Electric from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on nVent Electric from $111.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of nVent Electric from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of nVent Electric in a research report on Monday. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of nVent Electric from $114.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and nine have assigned a Buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $123.25.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on NVT

Insider Buying and Selling

In other nVent Electric news, CEO Beth Wozniak sold 4,137 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.35, for a total value of $456,517.95. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 47,984 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,295,034.40. The trade was a 7.94% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Greg Scheu sold 5,591 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.04, for a total value of $581,687.64. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 14,348 shares in the company, valued at $1,492,765.92. This trade represents a 28.04% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 163,228 shares of company stock worth $18,345,001 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 1.80% of the companys stock.

nVent Electric Profile

(Free Report)

nVent Electric plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, markets, installs, and services electrical connection and protection solutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Enclosures, Electrical & Fastening Solutions, and Thermal Management.

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Shares of SouthState Bank Corporation (NYSE:SSB  Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the sixteen research firms that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $115.2857.

SSB has been the subject of several research reports. Stephens decreased their price target on shares of SouthState Bank from $115.00 to $110.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of SouthState Bank in a research note on Monday. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on SouthState Bank from $121.00 to $118.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 27th. TD Cowen lowered their target price on SouthState Bank from $127.00 to $120.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Citigroup dropped their price target on SouthState Bank from $117.00 to $116.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 27th.

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SouthState Bank Trading Up 0.9%

Shares of SSB opened at $97.60 on Friday. SouthState Bank has a 52 week low of $77.74 and a 52 week high of $109.64. The company has a current ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. The firm has a market cap of $9.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.42 and a beta of 0.76. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $91.14.

SouthState Bank (NYSE:SSB  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $2.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.20 by $0.38. The firm had revenue of $698.78 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $660.41 million. SouthState Bank had a return on equity of 10.70% and a net margin of 20.25%.During the same period last year, the business posted $1.90 earnings per share.

SouthState Bank Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 7th were paid a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. SouthState Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 33.01%.

Institutional Trading of SouthState Bank

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of SSB. Alliancebernstein L.P. boosted its position in shares of SouthState Bank by 44.5% during the 1st quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 300,047 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,850,000 after purchasing an additional 92,342 shares in the last quarter. Deutsche Bank AG lifted its stake in SouthState Bank by 53.6% during the first quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 129,255 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,997,000 after purchasing an additional 45,122 shares during the last quarter. Catalyst Funds Management Pty Ltd bought a new stake in SouthState Bank during the second quarter worth approximately $2,430,000. Blair William & Co. IL bought a new stake in SouthState Bank during the second quarter worth approximately $252,000. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in SouthState Bank in the second quarter worth approximately $109,029,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.76% of the companys stock.

SouthState Bank Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

SouthState Corporation operates as the bank holding company for SouthState Bank, National Association that provides a range of banking services and products to individuals and companies. It accepts checking accounts, savings deposits, interest-bearing transaction accounts, certificates of deposits, money market accounts, and other time deposits.

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Squarepoint Ops LLC lowered its holdings in Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR  Free Report) by 60.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 40,541 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 62,517 shares during the quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLCs holdings in Equity Residential were worth $2,736,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of EQR. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Equity Residential by 5.8% during the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 14,035 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,005,000 after buying an additional 769 shares during the last quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group lifted its position in Equity Residential by 460.0% in the 1st quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 2,604 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $186,000 after acquiring an additional 2,139 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in Equity Residential by 312.9% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 235,753 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $16,875,000 after acquiring an additional 178,660 shares in the last quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP acquired a new position in Equity Residential during the 1st quarter valued at about $144,000. Finally, Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc bought a new stake in Equity Residential during the 1st quarter worth approximately $230,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.68% of the companys stock.

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Equity Residential Stock Up 2.0%

Shares of NYSE:EQR opened at $61.97 on Thursday. Equity Residential has a 1 year low of $58.38 and a 1 year high of $75.86. The company has a market capitalization of $23.58 billion, a PE ratio of 20.45, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.24 and a beta of 0.75. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $60.92 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $64.21. 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 released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.02 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.02. The company had revenue of $782.41 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $779.68 million. Equity Residential had a return on equity of 10.30% and a net margin of 37.58%.During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.98 EPS. 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. Analysts forecast that Equity Residential will post 3.98 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.6925 per share. This represents a $2.77 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 2nd. Equity Residentials dividend payout ratio is currently 91.42%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on EQR shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Equity Residential from $75.00 to $71.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 4th. BNP Paribas Exane lowered Equity Residential from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. UBS Group cut their price objective on shares of Equity Residential from $76.00 to $68.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 10th. Scotiabank reduced their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $73.00 to $66.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $80.00 to $77.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eleven have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $70.02.

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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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Xizang's first ultra-high voltage power link begins operations

Xinhua) 15:23, December 18, 2025

LHASA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- A converter station at an altitude of 3,720 meters completed a 168-hour trial run on Thursday, marking the launch of the first ultra-high voltage (UHV) power transmission project in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

The operation of the Karmai station, located in Mangkam County in Xizang's Qamdo City, also signifies the full completion of a local direct current (DC) power transmission project, which has now officially begun delivering clean power to central China.

Below the converter station, a 750,000-kW hydropower station on the Jinsha River is roaring into operation. In just about 6 milliseconds, electricity generated here can travel 1,900 km from the converter station to Hubei Province.

The 800 kV DC power transmission project, with an investment of 34.3 billion yuan (4.9 billion U.S. dollars), is designed to transmit 40 billion kWh of clean electricity annually. Powered primarily by hydropower with supplementary solar and other renewables, the project will replace over 12 million tonnes of coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 30 million tonnes annually.

Dong Ran, a deputy project manager from the Karmai converter station, said the sending end of the line was split into two parts: the Karmai station in Xizang and the other in neighboring Sichuan Province. "The two 400 kV converter stations link together like two batteries, forming the sending end of the 800 kV transmission line -- the first one of its kind in high-altitude regions in the world," Dong said.

As the high altitude and thin air constrain the insulation performance of UHV equipment, the converter station systematically increased ground and tower clearance during the design phase to ensure safe and reliable operation, he added.

UHV refers to power transmission technology with exceptionally high voltage levels, typically defined as alternating current (AC) projects at 1000 kV and above, and DC projects at 800 kV and above.

Compared to conventional transmission lines, UHV DC power transmission offers the advantages of longer distances, higher capacity, and lower losses, enabling stable, large-scale transmission over thousands of km, akin to an "expressway" for electricity.

The Karmai station is equipped with cameras, track-based inspection robots and robotic dogs for round-the-clock automated inspection and monitoring, significantly reducing manual on-site work at such a high altitude, said Gu Pen, the station's deputy head.

Xizang, one of China's key energy bases, is rich in clean energy sources, including hydropower, wind power, and solar power.

Wang Bingqiang, a manager at State Grid Xizang Electric Power Company Limited, said that the full operation of the transmission line further integrates the plateau region into the national energy landscape, supporting the optimization of regional energy structures and the "dual carbon" goals, while demonstrating China's capability and innovation in UHV core technologies in complex high-altitude environments.

China has been making efforts to meet its dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

Over the past years, China has invested heavily in the construction of UHV power transmission lines to deliver electricity from the country's energy-rich west to its booming east and increase consumption of clean energy sources for green economic growth.

To date, the State Grid has put into operation a total of 42 UHV projects comprising 22 AC and 20 DC lines, achieving an inter-regional and inter-provincial power transmission capacity of 370 million kW.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Stewart Information Services (NYSE:STC  Get Free Report) had its target price increased by investment analysts at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $78.00 to $81.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a market perform rating on the insurance providers stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods price target indicates a potential upside of 11.43% from the companys current price.

A number of other brokerages have also commented on STC. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Stewart Information Services in a report on Monday. Wall Street Zen upgraded Stewart Information Services from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, October 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Stewart Information Services currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $81.50.

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Stewart Information Services Stock Down 1.2%

STC opened at $72.69 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $72.44 and a 200 day moving average price of $69.27. Stewart Information Services has a twelve month low of $56.39 and a twelve month high of $78.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a current ratio of 1.77. The firm has a market cap of $2.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.34 and a beta of 1.04.

Stewart Information Services (NYSE:STC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The insurance provider reported $1.64 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.42 by $0.22. The company had revenue of $791.30 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $737.30 million. Stewart Information Services had a return on equity of 8.57% and a net margin of 3.65%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 19.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.07 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Stewart Information Services will post 6.29 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Stewart Information Services

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Heritage Family Offices LLP increased its position in shares of Stewart Information Services by 4.5% during the 3rd quarter. Heritage Family Offices LLP now owns 4,012 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $294,000 after purchasing an additional 173 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Stewart Information Services by 8.5% in the 3rd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 2,676 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $196,000 after purchasing an additional 209 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund lifted its stake in Stewart Information Services by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 14,647 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,074,000 after purchasing an additional 216 shares during the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. lifted its stake in Stewart Information Services by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 28,704 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,105,000 after purchasing an additional 254 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Amalgamated Bank grew its holdings in Stewart Information Services by 3.7% during the third quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 8,184 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $600,000 after purchasing an additional 293 shares during the period. 96.90% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Stewart Information Services

(Get Free Report)

Stewart Information Services Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides title insurance and real estate transaction related services in the United States and internationally. The company involves in searching, examining, closing, and insuring the condition of the title to real property. It also offers home and personal insurance services; services for tax-deferred exchanges; and digital customer engagement platform services.

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Texas Permanent School Fund Corp boosted its holdings in Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:GPI  Free Report) by 17.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 12,062 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,802 shares during the quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp owned 0.09% of Group 1 Automotive worth $5,268,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Group 1 Automotive by 39.4% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 2,541 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,110,000 after purchasing an additional 718 shares in the last quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board raised its position in Group 1 Automotive by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 43,249 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,887,000 after buying an additional 2,039 shares during the last quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Group 1 Automotive by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 1,156 shares of the companys stock valued at $505,000 after acquiring an additional 37 shares in the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new position in Group 1 Automotive during the 2nd quarter worth $702,000. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its stake in shares of Group 1 Automotive by 211.3% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,544 shares of the companys stock worth $674,000 after acquiring an additional 1,048 shares in the last quarter. 99.92% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Morgan Stanley set a $460.00 price target on shares of Group 1 Automotive in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Bank of America decreased their price target on Group 1 Automotive from $560.00 to $545.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, September 10th. Barclays assumed coverage on Group 1 Automotive in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. They issued an overweight rating and a $510.00 price objective on the stock. Wall Street Zen downgraded Group 1 Automotive from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, August 30th. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Group 1 Automotive in a research note on Thursday, September 25th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Group 1 Automotive has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $472.29.

Group 1 Automotive Stock Performance

NYSE:GPI opened at $408.03 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 0.25. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $408.21 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $432.08. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. has a 1 year low of $355.91 and a 1 year high of $490.09. The company has a market capitalization of $5.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.28, a P/E/G ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 0.90.

Group 1 Automotive (NYSE:GPI  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $10.45 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $10.64 by ($0.19). The firm had revenue of $5.78 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.67 billion. Group 1 Automotive had a net margin of 1.67% and a return on equity of 18.08%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $9.90 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Group 1 Automotive, Inc. will post 41 earnings per share for the current year.

Group 1 Automotive Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st were given a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. Group 1 Automotives dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 7.00%.

Group 1 Automotive announced that its board has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Tuesday, November 11th that allows the company to repurchase $500.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the company to buy up to 10.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

About Group 1 Automotive

(Free Report)

Group 1 Automotive, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates in the automotive retail industry in the United States and the United Kingdom. The company sells new and used cars, light trucks, and vehicle parts, as well as service and insurance contracts; arranges related vehicle financing; and offers automotive maintenance and repair services.

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Thrivent Financial for Lutherans reduced its stake in shares of iShares S&P 100 ETF (NYSEARCA:OEF  Free Report) by 29.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 28,958 shares of the companys stock after selling 12,294 shares during the quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans holdings in iShares S&P 100 ETF were worth $8,813,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of OEF. Bogart Wealth LLC lifted its position in iShares S&P 100 ETF by 217.2% during the second quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 92 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the period. Beacon Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares S&P 100 ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares S&P 100 ETF by 126.7% during the 2nd quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 136 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 76 shares during the period. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares S&P 100 ETF by 40.2% during the 2nd quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 136 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares during the period. Finally, Hilltop National Bank acquired a new stake in shares of iShares S&P 100 ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $46,000.

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iShares S&P 100 ETF Price Performance

Shares of OEF opened at $335.57 on Thursday. iShares S&P 100 ETF has a one year low of $232.57 and a one year high of $349.08. The company has a market cap of $28.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.17 and a beta of 1.00. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $339.61 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $322.84.

iShares S&P 100 ETF Profile

iShares S&P 100 ETF, formerly iShares S&P 100 Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 100 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and consists of blue chip stocks from diverse industries in the S&P 500 Index.

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Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. trimmed its position in shares of The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report) by 92.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 738 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after selling 8,841 shares during the period. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc.s holdings in TJX Companies were worth $107,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Lavaca Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of TJX Companies in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of TJX Companies during the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute purchased a new position in TJX Companies in the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC bought a new stake in TJX Companies in the second quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Capital A Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in TJX Companies by 776.7% during the second quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 263 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 233 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.09% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on TJX shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on TJX Companies from $150.00 to $154.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Bank of America boosted their price objective on TJX Companies from $150.00 to $168.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Sanford C. Bernstein raised their target price on shares of TJX Companies from $152.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $181.00 target price on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of TJX Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, August 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty-three have assigned a Buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $161.50.

TJX Companies Stock Up 0.3%

Shares of TJX Companies stock opened at $155.56 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.09, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $147.24 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $137.09. The company has a market cap of $172.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.34, a PEG ratio of 3.47 and a beta of 0.76. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $112.10 and a 12-month high of $157.82.

TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.06. TJX Companies had a net margin of 8.68% and a return on equity of 58.30%. The firm had revenue of $15.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.80 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.14 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. TJX Companies has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 1.330-1.360 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 4.630-4.660 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 4.18 EPS for the current year.

TJX Companies Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 5th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.425 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 12th. This represents a $1.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. TJX Companiess dividend payout ratio is 37.53%.

Insider Activity at TJX Companies

In related news, Director Amy B. Lane sold 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.40, for a total value of $75,700.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 22,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,362,896.80. This represents a 2.20% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 30,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.81, for a total value of $4,464,300.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 535,143 shares of the companys stock, valued at $79,634,629.83. This represents a 5.31% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold a total of 54,863 shares of company stock valued at $8,226,366 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

About TJX Companies

(Free Report)

The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise.

Further Reading

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Celsius, Canadian Natural Resources, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Canadian Solar, Canadian National Railway, TC Energy, and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce are the seven Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are equity securities issued by companies incorporated or primarily operating in Canada, typically listed on Canadian exchanges such as the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) or TSX Venture Exchange, and can include common and preferred shares as well as U.S.-listed ADRs of Canadian firms. For investors, they provide exposure to the Canadian economy and key domestic sectors (financials, energy, materials) and carry considerations like Canadian-dollar currency risk, domestic regulation, and commodity-price sensitivity. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Canadian stocks within the last several days.

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Celsius (CELH)

Celsius Holdings, Inc. develops, processes, markets, distributes, and sells functional energy drinks and liquid supplements in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canadian, European, Middle Eastern, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company offers CELSIUS, a fitness drink or supplement designed to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat; various flavors and carbonated and non-carbonated functional energy drinks under the CELSIUS Originals and Vibe name, as well as functional energy drink under the CELSIUS Essentials and CELSIUS On-the-Go Powder names; and CELSIUS ready-to drink products.

Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ)

Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO).

Read Our Latest Research Report on CNQ

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM)

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S.

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AECOM (NYSE:ACM  Get Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Truist Financial from $148.00 to $126.00 in a report released on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the construction companys stock. Truist Financials price target suggests a potential upside of 28.64% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other analysts have also commented on ACM. Baird R W lowered AECOM from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Robert W. Baird reduced their price target on shares of AECOM from $144.00 to $143.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. UBS Group lowered their price objective on shares of AECOM from $153.00 to $148.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. KeyCorp lifted their price objective on shares of AECOM from $131.00 to $144.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Barclays lowered their price objective on AECOM from $145.00 to $135.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, AECOM presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $139.70.

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Get Our Latest Analysis on AECOM

AECOM Trading Down 0.4%

Shares of ACM stock opened at $97.95 on Thursday. AECOM has a fifty-two week low of $85.00 and a fifty-two week high of $135.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.14. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $119.55 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $119.36. The company has a market cap of $12.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.41, a PEG ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 1.05.

AECOM (NYSE:ACM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 18th. The construction company reported $1.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $4.18 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.31 billion. AECOM had a net margin of 3.48% and a return on equity of 27.35%. AECOMs quarterly revenue was up 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.27 EPS. AECOM has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.650-5.850 EPS. Research analysts forecast that AECOM will post 5.1 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Trading of AECOM

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ACM. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd increased its position in shares of AECOM by 10.0% in the third quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd now owns 178,010 shares of the construction companys stock worth $23,225,000 after purchasing an additional 16,112 shares during the last quarter. Tevis Investment Management bought a new position in shares of AECOM in the 3rd quarter worth $372,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of AECOM by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 731,321 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $95,419,000 after buying an additional 12,664 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC increased its stake in AECOM by 287.5% in the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 3,495 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $456,000 after acquiring an additional 2,593 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. purchased a new stake in AECOM during the third quarter valued at about $619,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.41% of the companys stock.

About AECOM

(Get Free Report)

AECOM, together with its subsidiaries, provides professional infrastructure consulting services worldwide. It operates in three segments: Americas, International, and AECOM Capital. The company offers planning, consulting, architectural and engineering design, construction and program management, and investment and development services to public and private clients.

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Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX  Get Free Report) had its price objective cut by research analysts at Truist Financial from $130.00 to $120.00 in a report released on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the medical equipment providers stock. Truist Financials price objective suggests a potential upside of 24.09% from the stocks current price.

Several other brokerages also recently issued reports on BSX. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a report on Wednesday. Leerink Partners boosted their target price on shares of Boston Scientific from $127.00 to $128.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Canaccord Genuity Group lowered their price target on shares of Boston Scientific from $132.00 to $131.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and set a $124.00 target price on shares of Boston Scientific in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Boston Scientific has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $124.85.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on BSX

Boston Scientific Price Performance

BSX stock traded up $2.22 during trading on Thursday, reaching $96.70. 1,501,639 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,160,278. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a current ratio of 1.51. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $98.66 and its 200 day moving average price is $101.37. Boston Scientific has a 52-week low of $85.98 and a 52-week high of $109.50. The company has a market cap of $143.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 51.67, a PEG ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 0.67.

Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The medical equipment provider reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $5.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.97 billion. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 19.46% and a net margin of 14.43%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 20.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.63 EPS. Boston Scientific has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.020-3.040 EPS and its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.770-0.790 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Boston Scientific will post 2.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Boston Scientific news, EVP Joseph Michael Fitzgerald sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.47, for a total transaction of $4,973,500.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 178,342 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,739,678.74. This trade represents a 21.90% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Arthur C. Butcher sold 17,313 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $101.55, for a total value of $1,758,135.15. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 23,600 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,396,580. The trade was a 42.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 143,095 shares of company stock valued at $14,228,950. Insiders own 0.50% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Boston Scientific

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. FWL Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Boston Scientific in the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in Boston Scientific by 90.9% in the 2nd quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 252 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares during the period. Steph & Co. acquired a new stake in Boston Scientific in the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp raised its stake in shares of Boston Scientific by 200.0% during the third quarter. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp now owns 255 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 170 shares during the period. Finally, 1248 Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the first quarter worth $26,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.07% of the companys stock.

About Boston Scientific

(Get Free Report)

Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through two segments, MedSurg and Cardiovascular. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions, such as resolution clips, biliary stent systems, stents and electrocautery enhanced delivery systems, direct visualization systems, digital catheters, and single-use duodenoscopes; devices to treat urological conditions, including ureteral stents, catheters, baskets, guidewires, sheaths, balloons, single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes, holmium laser systems, artificial urinary sphincter, laser system, fiber, and hydrogel systems; and devices to treat neurological movement disorders and manage chronic pain, such as spinal cord stimulator system, proprietary programming software, radiofrequency generator, indirect decompression systems, practice optimization tools, and deep brain stimulation system.

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Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (NYSEARCA:EWY  Free Report) by 19.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 36,437 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 5,961 shares during the quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA owned 0.05% of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF worth $2,800,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Sun Life Financial Inc. raised its holdings in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 7.2% in the 2nd quarter. Sun Life Financial Inc. now owns 1,660,773 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $119,210,000 after acquiring an additional 111,000 shares during the last quarter. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 5,822.0% in the 1st quarter. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC now owns 1,420,928 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $76,787,000 after purchasing an additional 1,396,934 shares in the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 1,753.0% in the second quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 1,296,271 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $93,047,000 after purchasing an additional 1,226,315 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 4,532.1% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,066,257 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $76,536,000 after purchasing an additional 1,043,238 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Schroder Investment Management Group boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 31,122.4% during the second quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 1,065,620 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $75,382,000 after buying an additional 1,062,207 shares during the last quarter. 49.22% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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iShares MSCI South Korea ETF Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:EWY opened at $88.58 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $6.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.35 and a beta of 1.22. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $91.78 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $79.87. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF has a fifty-two week low of $48.49 and a fifty-two week high of $100.79.

iShares MSCI South Korea ETF Profile

iShares MSCI South Korea Capped ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index (the Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Stock Market Division of the Korean Exchange.

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Warrior Met Coal (NYSE:HCC  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $86.48 and last traded at $85.4180, with a volume of 80505 shares. The stock had previously closed at $84.90.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have weighed in on HCC shares. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Warrior Met Coal from $80.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Warrior Met Coal from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, October 11th. B. Riley reiterated a buy rating on shares of Warrior Met Coal in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Warrior Met Coal in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on Warrior Met Coal from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Warrior Met Coal presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $74.25.

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Get Our Latest Report on HCC

Warrior Met Coal Trading Down 0.4%

The company has a current ratio of 4.13, a quick ratio of 3.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $74.19 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $61.73. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 126.23 and a beta of 0.69.

Warrior Met Coal (NYSE:HCC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.70 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.21) by $0.91. The firm had revenue of $328.59 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $302.51 million. Warrior Met Coal had a return on equity of 2.01% and a net margin of 2.87%.The firms revenue was up .3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.80 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Warrior Met Coal will post 4.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Warrior Met Coal Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th were given a dividend of $0.08 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 7th. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.4%. Warrior Met Coals payout ratio is presently 47.76%.

Insider Transactions at Warrior Met Coal

In related news, CEO Walter J. Scheller sold 18,966 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.00, for a total transaction of $1,422,450.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 394,183 shares in the company, valued at approximately $29,563,725. This trade represents a 4.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 2.10% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Warrior Met Coal

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in HCC. Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Warrior Met Coal during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $6,761,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its stake in Warrior Met Coal by 29.0% during the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 90,067 shares of the companys stock worth $4,298,000 after acquiring an additional 20,235 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. raised its position in Warrior Met Coal by 9.1% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 91,603 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,371,000 after purchasing an additional 7,649 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in Warrior Met Coal by 45.9% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 177,574 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,474,000 after purchasing an additional 55,904 shares during the period. Finally, T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Warrior Met Coal by 18.4% in the 1st quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,361,627 shares of the companys stock valued at $112,697,000 after purchasing an additional 367,326 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.28% of the companys stock.

About Warrior Met Coal

(Get Free Report)

Warrior Met Coal, Inc produces and exports non-thermal metallurgical coal for the steel industry. It operates two underground mines located in Alabama. The company sells its metallurgical coal to a customer base of blast furnace steel producers located primarily in Europe, South America, and Asia. It also sells natural gas, which is extracted as a byproduct from coal production.

Further Reading

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Yorkton Equity Group Inc. (CVE:YEG  Get Free Report)s share price shot up 17.6% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as C$0.21 and last traded at C$0.20. 146,201 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 1,053% from the average session volume of 12,683 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.17.

Yorkton Equity Group Price Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 0.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 384.03. The company has a market capitalization of C$15.77 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 0.49. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is C$0.17 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$0.19.

Yorkton Equity Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Yorkton Equity Group Inc operates as a real estate investment company in Canada. It owns a portfolio of multi-family residential rental properties comprising residential units and commercial unit in Alberta and British Columbia. The company is based in Edmonton, Canada.

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I cant wait to come to the UK to continue my education. My main field of study is rape, a 45-year-old student from Sudan, with a weathered face, full beard and multiple scars on his arms from women who tried to fight back, revealed to the BBC reporters from a Berlin squat. The Erasmus Scheme will cost the UK taxpayer 8 billion and although meant to be for young people from Europe, it will be used as another entry point for many illegals in the EU.

Cultural Enrichment

Abdul Atta, 56, is a former torturer from Assads regime in Syria, but signed up for the Erasmus Scheme from his Paris encampment, along with many others.

They dont know who we are. I conveniently lost all my papers and passport. France is not so good because they are not stupid like the British and do not put us in 5-star hotels and give us loads of money. The British also are so blind, they allow adults to say they are children to come to the UK, when they are clearly adults with beards and fully developed. All I will do is say I am 16 years old, and the idiotic British swines will let me in to the country as a student with the Erasmus Scheme. Once in there, Im gone, I already have some cash and drugs to smuggle in and will establish a heroin network with my contacts.

It is great to see that Keir Starmer is spending 8 billion of taxpayers money so well.
Mit ihrer "The Eras Tour" hat Taylor Swift alle Rekorde gebrochen. Doch obwohl die Tournee bereits am 8. Dezember des vergangenen Jahres endete, sorgt insbesondere das Abschlusskonzert gerade jetzt fur steigende Abonnentenzahlen bei einem Streaming-Dienst  und lasst damit nicht nur Swifts Kasse kraftig klingeln.

Weiterlesen als Abonnent von Weiterlesen als Abonnent von oder oder Unbegrenzt lesen. 1 Monat nur 9,95 . Voll flexibel, monatlich kundbar. Verlangert sich ohne Kundigung monatlich um 9,95 . Anmelden Jetzt Zugang sichern Sofortkauf Sie sind bereits Abonnent von DER AKTIONAR? Jetzt anmelden.
The Derry Palestine Solidarity Campaign has called an emergency rally in support of the 'Prisoners for Palestine' hunger strikers.

The rally will take place on Friday, December 19, at 6.30pm, at Free Derry Wall in the city.

Derry IPSC spokesperson, Janine McLaughlin, said: "Six young people are facing death on hunger strike in British prisons as Starmers government ignores their doctors advice and refuses to meet their MPs.

"By Friday, the hunger strike will be on day 48 and we know how dangerous a situation they are now in. We in this city are no strangers to hunger strikes with the deaths of two Derry political prisoners, Patsy OHara and Mickey Devine in 1981," she added.

"The Palestine prisoners are accused of destroying the tools and weapons used to massacre the Palestinian people, for which the state has subjected them to internment by remand. Some have been in prison already for over 18 months and their trials are not due to start for another year.

"Even when their trial comes around, it will not be fair if their demands are not met. Crucial evidence which shows foreign and political interference in their cases is being redacted.

"The state is refusing to provide them with the basic healthcare to which they have a right and their condition is not being monitored in the way, for example, Bobby Sands was in 1981.

"This has been seen most starkly in the case of Qesser Zuhrah, a young woman of just 20 years old who is in Bronzefield prison. On Wednesday, Day 46 of her hunger strike, Qesser became very ill but the prison refused to call an ambulance for her for nine hours and only after Zarah Sultana MP and supporters occupied the prisons lobby," said Ms McLaughlin.

"It is vital that all who support Palestinian rights unite in support of the hunger strikers. We have invited speakers from all the political parties on the Council, as well as from the OHara and Devine families.
It is often a great challenge for a reviewer working within a short word allocation to give an adequate account of a books admirable and comprehensive contents. It calls to mind the lament made a few centuries ago by Blaise Pascal to a correspondent: I have made this letter longer than usual because I dont have time to write a short one.

Several esteemed and experienced political commentators have recently argued that, after twenty-five years of fractious devolved government in the north of Ireland, it is time to accept that Stormont has failed.

Towards the end of his timely and valuable book, The Travellers Tale, Ray Bassett declares that the Good Friday Agreement, which formed the basis for the current Stormont-based government, should not be seen as a singular event or indeed as a final settlement to the divisions in the north of Ireland but should be considered instead to be a milestone in a long continuum.

The process of change in the North has been ongoing since the 1960s and the rise of the Civil Rights Movement, coupled with the election of a Labour government at Westminster under Harold Wilson, many years of armed conflict, the fiercely rejected Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985, and great efforts to achieve peace which culminated in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

The book provides a fascinating and significant account of the long and arduous road that led to the relative stability and absence of violence now experienced in the North, and more importantly, perhaps, embodies a model for negotiating further progress.

It is not a dry and academic work of history as much as much as a personal account of one participants personal experience of events of great historical importance; and it is important to remember that the facts of history are always refracted through the mind of the recorder.

The Travellers Tale as told by Ray Bassett presents a welcome change from many works written by politicians dealing with The troubles which have often been egocentric narratives devoid of serious analysis but replete with self-aggrandisement. Bassetts authorial style is modest and self-effacing, yet astute, well organised and well-informed, which perhaps one might expect from a successful career diplomat.

Bassett worked as a civil servant in the Irish governments Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and was assigned to the Anglo-Irish Division which was created to deal with The Troubles in Northern Ireland, and to engage in relevant relations with London and Washington. He was based in Maryfield, Belfast, and the work of his team reflected the high priority placed by the Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds, on bringing about peace and reconciliation in the North.

The travellers referred to in the title were a group set up within the Anglo-Irish division and tasked with making contacts as widely as possible and collecting information in the six counties.

They would write up reports on what contacts had shared with them, and make them available to DFA and ministers, thus providing a very useful source of information and knowledge for Irish representatives in negotiations about the peace process with their British government counterparts.

It enabled senior members of the Irish government to be knowledgeable about conditions in the North. Bassett was patient, low-profile and had the ability to engender trust across a wide range of participants from all sides.

Bassett describes the Traveller system as an essential building block in developing the necessary trust in the Irish government among large sections of the community in the north of Ireland.

The book testifies persuasively that the Irish governments led by Reynolds and Ahern, with the support of the DFA, were very invested in establishing stability and reconciliation, and asserts that a courageous and wise departure from traditional groupthink facilitated a successful approach to peacebuilding.

Bassett emphasises throughout the importance and effectiveness of building relationships with all parties to the conflict, and of courteous dialogue rather than confrontation as an essential prerequisite for achieving mutual understanding and trust. He strongly criticises the policy followed in the Republic as well as the UK of not talking to Republicans, which he describes as the inevitable cause of repeated failures to reach a settlement.

He presents a fascinating and absorbing account of the negotiations leading up to the Good Friday Agreement, with all the twists and turns and obstacles to be negotiated before the historic settlement was reached, and he gives a lively account of the characteristics, concerns, dilemmas and indeed foibles of the various political figures involved.

Equally fascinating is Bassetts account of how the Irish government, with his shrewd and energetic assistance, dealt with what he describes , with tongue in cheek, as the left-over bits such as the highly controversial and contentious matters of decommissioning of arms and policing. Bassett records the very complex stages and problems of these issues with objectivity and clarity.

The Travellers Tale is a valuable and first-hand account of an extremely important chapter in recent Irish history set out in a very informative and accessible manner, and must be highly recommended as a Christmas present for anyone with an interest in how we arrived at our current local political condition, and how we might approach the task of making further progress.

The Travellers Tale by Ray Bassett is published by Grangeland Ventures Ltd and costs 15.00.
Former Sinn Fein Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Martina Anderson says she will never apologise for standing firmly with the Palestinian people.

Ms Anderson was speaking to The Derry News following the revelation the state of Israel had spent thousands of euro seeking to sue her.

Israel took the action following Ms Andersons criticism of Israeli Lobbyists in the European Parliament.

As someone from Derry, a city shaped by occupation, resistance and resilience, I will never apologise for standing firmly with the Palestinian people, said Ms Anderson.

I am proud to have been a thorn in the side of the Israeli state and its extensive lobbying machine, which works relentlessly to undermine Palestinian voices and to justify a brutal and oppressive rogue state, she added.

The fact that Israel spent thousands attempting to intimidate and silence me only underlines the truth I spoke.

It obviously didnt know me if they thought I would stop challenging and highlighting what they were doing every hour of every day to Palestinians.

Solidarity with Palestine is a duty born of lived experience and a commitment to ending occupation, annexation and working to stop a Zionist regime lobby freely in the European Parliament.

As chair of the Palestinian delegation in the European Parliament, I did my work diligently, as people who know me would expect me to do. Long live international solidarity, added Ms Anderson.

The claims regarding Israel attempting to sue Ms Anderson, were reported by the online news platform, The Ditch, which said Israel investigated the possibility with law firm Van Bael and Bellis.

Van Bael and Bellis is based in Brussels and London and has an office in Geneva dedicated to World Trade Organisation matters.

According to The Ditch, the European Jewish Congress criticised Ms Anderson in 2016 after she told an EU meeting Israeli lobbyists were all over this place like a rash.

The state of Israel hired 373 an-hour Van Bael and Bellis to investigate the steps open to Israel against Martina Anderson according to leaked records, stated The Ditch article.

The firm billed the Israeli government 3,656 for research (and) analysis of legal options available in reaction to MEP Andersons comment, it added.

This was the second time Israel went after Ms Anderson for her pro-Palestine views.

In February 2016, she was barred from entering Gaza by Israeli authorities for the fourth time in two years.
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A judge at Derry Magistrate's Court today said while he had every sympathy for people with mental health issues the courts had to protect people going about their business.

His comments came in the case of Amanda Hegarty (38) of no fixed abode who admitted two assault charges and one of criminal damage that occurred on October 31 this year.

The court heard police were called to a local Bed and Breakfast after reports of a female trying to self harm.

When a woman intervened to help her she lashed out grabbing her by the hair.

She then 'lashed out' at a male who tried to help grabbing him by the throat.

When police escorted the defendant from the building she said to the female injured party 'you're lucky I am not ripping your head off'.

Hegarty then left the scene only to return later and when she was told she was not welcome threw stones and a flower pot at the window and kicked at the door.

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that his client had been in custody since November.

Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes said these were 'vicious assaults' that were more 'Halloweenesque than Christmas'.

He said Hegarty has 'viciously attacked' two people who were trying to help her and then she told police the female victim 'deserved it karma is a bitch'.

Judge Holmes told Hegarty these assaults had to stop and added 'you are not special you are not well' and added just because she was having a bad day didn't give her the right to assault people.

He put the case back with Hegarty in custody for a pre-sentence report and she will be sentenced on January 15.
Derry community arts organisation Feile has today donated 1,000 to support the work of health professionals providing life-saving care and aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The money, raised from a screening of 'Gerry Adams - A Ballymurphy Man' at the Brunswick Moviebowl during Feile 2025, will be donated to the Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS) as part of the Bloody Sunday Trusts Christmas Appeal.

A spokesperson for Feile said: The ongoing situation in Gaza remains dire as deadly Israeli attacks continue, vital aid is still blocked, and the humanitarian crisis worsens.

The international community must make every effort to support the health professionals on the ground in Gaza who are providing life-saving care to people living under catastrophe.

Selfless acts of heroism and bravery carried out by these health workers on the frontline, while working under the worst conditions imaginable, are inspirational.

We hope that this contribution will assist those efforts, and we are very pleased to support the appeal launched by the Bloody Sunday Trust, which has already raised tens of thousands of pounds for humanitarian causes in Palestine.

Thank you to filmmaker Trisha Ziff, Gerry Adams, Brunswick Moviebowl, and everyone who bought a ticket to support this very important cause.
Hundreds of Presbyterian ministers and elders will meet later to agree new measures on safeguarding.

The special General Assembly comes after the church announced that significant failings had been found in central safeguarding functions.

Former Presbyterian moderator Rev Trevor Gribben stood down earlier this year after a review found serious and significant failings in central safeguarding functions from 2009 to 2022.

Rev Richard Murray resumed the office of Moderator and called a special General Assembly, a rare event for the church, with just a handful called in recent decades.

It emerged that failures included situations where the church did not respond when people who had suffered harm sought help and instances where offenders returned to worship in church but were inadequately monitored.

Earlier this week the Charity Commission announced it had opened a statutory inquiry, while a police investigation remains active.

On Thursday, up to 900 ministers and elders from the 540 congregations across the island of Ireland will travel to Belfast to take part in prayers and reflection at the headquarters of the church at Assembly Buildings.

In the afternoon they are expected to debate and vote to agree new measures relating to safeguarding and other related matters in proceedings open to the public and media.

Proposals include to establish a new Safeguarding Department and potentially separate the roles of clerk of the General Assembly and general secretary of the church.

Acting clerk of the General Assembly, Rev David Allen, said the church family come together as they find themselves in a place of shame and humility as a result of our central safeguarding failings.

He said it will be a significant and humbling event.

The report of our General Council that will be discussed by the General Assembly, along with its resolutions to be voted on, states that our failings over a 13-year period has resulted in some people being harmed by actions and inactions in the name of the denomination, and some people being placed at unnecessary risk, he said.

It also states that (t]his is a shameful position for part of the Church of Jesus Christ to be in.

He added: As Dr Murray said in his letter to ministers announcing the General Assembly, it is important that we come together as a family before God to grieve and lament for our failings. At the same time, we also want to be particularly mindful of those who have been harmed as a result of our central failings.

He said the proposals to be brought are aimed to elevate significantly the position of safeguarding within the church.

This includes a proposal to establish a new Safeguarding Department, along with the effective resourcing of safeguarding centrally, and at an appropriate time, a full, independent external review of safeguarding in PCI, he said.

This will be in addition to the Safeguarding Board for Northern Irelands section 12 audit process, which is currently being conducted by an independent external assessor. The General Assembly will also be asked to establish a task group that will look at governance, culture and integrity.

The role of clerk of the General Assembly and general secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the possible separation of these roles, will be considered by Members of Assembly, as will the role of the incoming Moderator for 2026-2027 and the format of next years General Assembly.

An update on recent engagement with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland will also form part of our proceedings.
A paratroopers use of lethal force against a 14-year-old boy in Belfast was not justified in the circumstances, a coroner has found, 50 years after his death.

Desmond Healey, 14, died following a single shot to the heart during rioting in the Lenadoon area of west Belfast on August 9 1971.

It came during significant rioting in the area and across Northern Ireland as soldiers moved in to make arrests of suspected IRA members following the introduction of internment without trial by the then Stormont government.

Desmonds twin brother Ted watched on at Belfast Coroners Court on Thursday while Coroner Maria Dougan also found he had been throwing glass bottles at soldiers, but did not present enough of a threat for lethal force to be used.

The findings come the day before Desmond and Teds birthday on Friday.

An inquest in 1971 had returned an open verdict.

Delivering her findings, Coroner Dougan described a complex and challenging inquest battling the impact of delay on the availability of witnesses and evidence, which was heard over 20 non-consecutive days from 2022 to 2024.

On August 9 1971, the scene of Desmonds death, Lenadoon Avenue close to its junction with Creeslough Park had been blocked by a hijacked Ulster Bus.

Soldiers from D Company of the Parachute Regiment cleared the makeshift barricade at around noon, which led to what the inquest heard had been a volatile and chaotic riot.

Earlier in the day, live rounds had been fired at soldiers from a car on Creeslough Park and petrol bombs were recorded as being used in the area.

Missiles, found to be mainly stones and bottles, were thrown at the soldiers, who responded with CS gas and rubber bullets before firing live rounds.

Desmond was observed among a group of young male rioters.

Coroner Dougan found he had been throwing bottles at soldiers, but not petrol bombs as had been reported by military witnesses at the time.

She also rejected intelligence material that suggested he had been a member of an illegal organisation, Na Fianna Eireann, a youth branch of the IRA.

She found that he had been shot by a paratrooper, referred to as Soldier D, who had been ordered to fire by Soldier A.

Neither of these former soldiers was able to be identified in the inquest.

In terms of the circumstances, Coroner Dougan found it was reasonable to conclude the soldiers held an honest and genuine belief that the unit was about to come under increasing attack from petrol bombs.

She said she accepted Soldier A had shouted a warning before live rounds were fired, but not that it had been repeated three times or echoed by other soldiers, and added it was unlikely to have been heard by the rioters who were around 41 metres away.

She found the use of a live round was not reasonable in the circumstances, which she found were the throwing of a glass bottle by a 14-year-old boy from an estimated distance of approximately 41 metres, that had landed some 12-15 feet short.

Further, even if I was to assume, contrary to my findings, that Soldier D had believed that Desmond Healey was in the act of throwing a petrol bomb from that distance, I would nonetheless conclude that the use of live ammunition would have been unreasonable and therefore excessive in the circumstances, she added.

Petrol bombs are capable of causing serious injury, significant damage and potentially death.

Nevertheless, the use of live ammunition in response would have been excessive even in those circumstances.

Coroner Dougan also found that Soldier D acted in contravention of the Yellow Card rules.

She paid tribute to the tenacity and the dignity of Mr Healeys family.

Speaking outside court, solicitor Padraig O Muirigh, who acts for the family, said it was another shameful day in the history of the British Army.

We are very happy with the findings of Coroner Dougan today, he said.

Its another shameful day in the history of the British Army in this part of Ireland.

In a democratic society when a child has been killed in controversial circumstances, it should be investigated immediately, and it shouldnt take 54 years, that this family have had to wait on these very important findings.

Its a relief for the family to finally have a proper legal verdict.

Mr O Muirigh said he had stood outside Belfast Coroners Court with the families of Stephen Geddis, 10 and Francis Rowntree, 12, who also died in incidents involving soldiers in west Belfast in the 1970s, following similar findings that the force used was excessive.

Thats shameful that it has taken many decades for families to get findings like this, he said.

It is difficult for Ted, who celebrates his birthday tomorrow. He has had many birthdays without his twin, 54 without him. It has lived with him, and it has taken a lot of bravery and courage for him to bring this case forward.

It wont bring his brother back, but it can be a measure of healing for him that he finally has a legal verdict.

He added: Im sick and tired of hearing about the poor soldiers being harassed and harangued. I have told you about three cases where children were killed, excessive force was used, it as unjustified. And those conclusions were reached after an evidence-based process.
Liberty Global has agreed to sell its Slovakian subsidiary, UPC Slovakia, to e& PPF Telecom Groups local unit O2 Slovakia for EUR95 million (around US$110 million), as e& continues to diversify its telecoms portfolio.

In a statement, e& PPF Telecom said it had signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of UPC Slovakia on a cash- and debt-free basis. The group said the transaction will strengthen O2 Slovakias position as a leading provider of connectivity, TV and telephony services, supported by a broadband network reaching around 80 cities and 600,000 households.

The transaction remains subject to local regulatory approvals.

Balesh Sharma, CEO of e& PPF Telecom Group, said the acquisition would accelerate O2 Slovakias growth to new levels, adding that UPC Slovakias well-invested network will be complementary to O2s existing assets.

The deal follows e& PPF Telecom Groups acquisition of Serbian operator SBB d.o.o. earlier this year.
Veon-owned digital telco Kyivstar says it has made first investment in renewable energy by buying solar power company Sunvin 11, which owns a 12.9-MW solar plant in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Kyivstar said it had acquired 100% of Sunvin 11, and that electricity generated by Sunvins solar facility will be supplied to Ukraines national grid in accordance with applicable market and regulatory frameworks.

Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov said the acquisition will enable the telco to participate in Ukraines country-wide energy resilience, while also supporting Kyivstars operational and financial foundations by partially hedging against volatility in energy costs and dependability.

This investment, combined with the recent introduction of Starlink Direct to Cell satellite connectivity and ongoing installations of batteries and generators to directly power Kyivstars network mean that our customers can rely on us for connectivity and innovative digital services, Komarov said In a statement.

No financial details of the transaction were disclosed. Veon and Kyivstar said the Sunvin acquisition represents further progress on their earlier commitment to invest US$1 billion into Ukraine between 2023 and 2027.
The Medusa Submarine Cable System, the largest subsea connectivity project in the Mediterranean, reached another major milestone this week with the successful landing of its cable in Nador, Morocco.

The arrival of Medusa in Nador, a coastal city and provincial capital in the northeastern Rif region of Morocco, is described as underscoring the projects mission to strengthen digital infrastructure by providing resilient, high-capacity connectivity routes between Europe and North Africa.

This landing will be followed by the deployment of the remaining landings throughout 2026, ensuring the progressive expansion of the system across the region. Medusas vision is to deploy over 8,700 kilometres of submarine cable to interconnect Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, with 19 landings.

This achievement follows the recent deployments in Marseille, France, in October and Bizerte, Tunisia, in November, reinforcing the systems steady progression across both shores of the Mediterranean.

As essential contributors to the projects success in the country, operators Orange Morocco and inwi have worked closely with Medusa during the landing in Nador, supporting the projects development in the country and strengthening Moroccos position in the regional connectivity landscape.

Hendrik Kasteel, CEO of Orange Morocco, explains: This project was made possible thanks to the commitment of our teams in Morocco and the global expertise and support of the Orange Group and its specialised subsidiaries, Orange Marine and Elettra TLC."

This achievement also aligns with broader EU efforts to strengthen digital connectivity, research collaboration, and infrastructure across the Mediterranean.

Orange says the cable landing station (CLS) in Nador is the first open access infrastructure in Morocco dedicated to submarine cables. The company adds that it will welcome other national operators, in line with the Moroccos infrastructure pooling strategy, to serve the entire Moroccan digital ecosystem. This CLS has been designed to accommodate future submarine cables that will strengthen Morocco's positioning as an African digital hub.
Google plans to build three subsea cables in Papua New Guinea, funded by Australia under a mutual defence agreement between the two countries.

According to Reuters, the US$120 million backbone upgrade forms part of the Pukpuk Treaty signed in October, under which Australia committed to the mutual defence of Papua New Guinea.

PNGs acting minister for information and communications technology, Peter Tsiamalili, said the project reflects the shared commitment of both nations to strengthening digital security, regional stability and national development. Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the cables will also help lower connectivity costs, boost economic activity and expand educational opportunities.

Australia has committed more than AUD450 million (around US$300 million) to support subsea cable projects across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, including the Coral Sea Cable linking Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Australia, an Australian foreign affairs official told Reuters.

The news agency reported that Australia is pursuing these investments in part to counter Chinas growing influence in the region, which Canberra views as a security concern.

Australia and Papua New Guinea has been in talks to construct the cables since July.
Omani operator Omantel and Archangel Lightworks, a UK-based pioneer in optical and laser communications, have announced the signing of an agreement to accelerate the future of satellite and optical communication services.

The agreement creates a collaborative framework for the parties to introduce what Archangel Lightworks calls its innovative laser-optic satellite ground station communication technologies within Omantels network. Together, the two companies aim to position Oman as a regional hub for advanced satellite connectivity and high-capacity digital networks.

The collaboration arose through the Smart Industry Initiative, a partnership between the British Omani Society, BSG International, and Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE), which fosters knowledge sharing and industrial innovation between the UK and Oman. OSE, a key investor in Archangel Lightworks, helped facilitate the MoU through the initiative.

A phased programme of proof-of-concept trials is planned from 2026, including validation of Archangel Lightworks TERRA-M optical ground station through data reception from test satellites. The programme will explore ground station as a service (GSaaS) opportunities for emerging satellite constellations, alongside trials of hybrid RF-optical satellite data downlinks. These efforts will pave the way for joint service models integrating Archangel Lightworks optical ground station and laser communication technologies into Omantels infrastructure.

The collaboration will also extend to joint R&D, focusing on next-generation concepts such as high-throughput optical systems, and terrestrial point-to-point optical links.

Yousuf Nasser Mattar Al Azizi, GM Technology Strategy and Innovation at Omantel, explains: By integrating Archangel Lightworks frontier optical technologies with Omantels infrastructure, we are forging a seamless bridge between space-based networks and terrestrial systems.

Archangel Lightworks' CEO Richard Johanson adds: This collaboration with Omantel is an exciting step towards a vision of hybrid space and terrestrial networks which can deliver the flexible connectivity humanity needs, at scale. Through our joint programme in Oman, we look forward to integrating our TERRA-M optical ground station and broader technology suite with Omantels existing infrastructure to show how wireless laser communications can be deployed in partnership with terrestrial networks to add resilience and capacity, fuelling innovation and growth.
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Ged Nash, Labour TD for Louth made fresh appeals for a new train station in North Drogheda as car parks at both Dundalk and Drogheda stations are at "full capacity".

Deputy Nash called on Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien to work with Irish Rail to provide "better access to parking for all rail users".

He also called for the reopening of the station in Dunleer.

Minister O'Brien said that although he is responsible for policy and the overall funding of public transport, he is not involved with the day-to-day operations of public transport.

However, the minister did say he would raise the issue with Irish Rail.

Read Next: Louth house prices continue to rise with median now 355,000

It comes after a motion passed through Louth County Council for it too, to engage with Irish Rail on the matter.

The motion was proposed by independent councillors Paddy McQuillan, Kevin Callan and Declan Power.

Cllr Callan told the December meeting of Louth County Council, that Drogheda station is "totally overwhelmed".

The councillors called for Louth County Council to replicate the approach taken by Limerick City and County Councils, who they said have taken "a collaborative approach with Irish Rail", to grant planning permission for a train station in Moyross.
Lisavaird Food Group, a subsidiary of West Corkbased Lisavaird Co-Op, has said that it has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire Seafood Processors Ltd, trading as Morgans Fine Fish, based in Omeath in north Louth.

Morgans Fine Fish is a family-owned seafood processor established in 1860. It has grown over five generations and today employs over 80 people in a modern processing facility overlooking Carlingford Lough. From its state-of-the-art facility in Omeath, Morgans supplies fresh, frozen, pre-packed and value-added seafood to retailers, restaurants, hotels, healthcare providers and wholesalers across 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.

Lisavaird Food Group said that the proposed transaction marks a significant step its 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, it says the addition of Morgans introduces a retail arm to Lisavairds seafood business with substantial processing capability in the North East.

Read also: Ferdia Homevalue in Ardee launches DID Essentials zone

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.

Both businesses say they 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.

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.

Martin Dineen, CEO Lisavaird Co-Op said: We believe this proposed acquisition will bring significant benefits to both businesses. 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 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.

Both 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, said it 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.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he will highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and argue in favour of using frozen Russian assets to benefit Ukraine at a meeting of EU leaders.

The European Council is to discuss Russias invasion of Ukraine, and the Middle East, as well as EU enlargement, security and defence and combatting antisemitism.

The EUs next multi-annual budget (2028-2034), competitiveness and migration are also expected to be discussed.

Mr Martin will attend the meeting in Brussels after defending his handling of his partys disastrous presidential election campaign, where their candidate withdrew from campaigning just under three weeks from polling day over a 16-year-old tenancy dispute.

After engaging in two major interviews on Irish airwaves to discuss an internal party report into the issue, Mr Martin attended an official dinner at the annual EU-Western Balkans Summit on Wednesday evening.

Ahead of the meeting with EU leaders, Mr Martin said he looked forward to hearing from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met Mr Martin in Dublin earlier in December.

I fully support plans to use frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine, and I hope it will be possible for the meeting to reach agreement on that, he said.

I will also be arguing strongly in favour of accelerating Ukraines EU application.

Membership of the EU for Ukraine is also important for its future security.

Our meeting is an opportunity to send a clear message that EU enlargement will happen, and that the reform efforts by countries aspiring to join our union will be matched by our ambition to advance their path towards EU membership.

There are malign actors, including Russia, who are seeking to destabilise the EU and our neighbours, attacking our shared values and posing a real threat to our security.

Referencing sightings of drones near Dublin as Mr Zelensky arrived in Ireland, Mr Martin added: As recent events have shown, Ireland is not immune to these threats and we must continue to work with our EU partners to combat them.

Mr Martin also said he would highlight the critical humanitarian crisis facing people in Gaza.

Two months into the ceasefire, aid has still not reached the levels required and as agreed in the peace plan, he said.

I will be stressing the need for the EU to do all it can to get this much-needed assistance to the people of Gaza, especially as winter closes in, and to contribute to the next phase of the peace plan, which supports a two-state solution.

Addressing Sundays Bondi Beach attack, he also said he welcomed that the European Council will look to intensify efforts to rid our societies of the scourge of antisemitism.

We were all deeply shocked and appalled by the terrorist attack on the Jewish community in Sydney, he said.

There can be no place for antisemitism and hatred in our societies.

He said he would argue that the EU should be open to trade and invest in innovation, and said Ireland wanted a ringfenced and fully funded CAP and Common Fisheries Policy.
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Turn your favorite Jack n Jill snacks into a budget-friendly Noche Buena Snack Spread

Think Noche Buena has to be expensive to feel special? Not necessarily. If youre working with around 500, heres the good news: you can still put together a holiday snack spread that looks festive, tastes amazing, and feels extrawithout stressing your wallet.

The secret? Start with familiar, affordable snacks and give them a simple holiday glow-up. With a bit of creativity, everyday merienda can turn into share-worthy treats perfect for Christmas Eve, small family gatherings, barkada nights, or even a cozy stay-at-home celebration.

Heres 5 fun and budget-friendly recipe ideas on how to stretch that 500 into a Noche Buena snack spread everyone will enjoy.

Piattos Nacho Bake

Your instant party traycrispy, cheesy, and perfect for sharing. This is comfort food that feels festive without being complicated.

Ingredients:

34 packs Piattos (Nacho Pizza recommended)

12 cups grated cheese (quick melt or cheddar)

 cup salsa

Optional toppings: cooked ground meat or beans, jalapenos, olives, onions, sour cream

Directions:

Arrange Piattos chips on a baking tray or oven-safe dish.

Sprinkle generously with cheese.

Add salsa and any optional toppings you prefer.

Bake for 57 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Nova Snack Mix

Crunchy, colorful, and perfect for big bowls on the table. This mix gives you sweet-and-savory vibes that keep everyone reaching for just one more.

Ingredients:

1 pack Nova

1 pack Vcut

1 pack Jack n Jill Knots

 cup nuts (peanuts, cashews, or mixed nuts)

 cup chocolates, marshmallows, or other mix-ins

Directions:

Combine Nova, Vcut, and Knots in a large bowl.

Add nuts and sweet add-ins of your choice.

Toss until evenly mixed.

Serve in a bowl and enjoy.

Cream-O Cake

A budget-friendly dessert that feels nostalgic and comforting. No oven needed, no fancy toolsjust layers of creamy goodness.

Ingredients:

10 packets Cream-O Vanilla

1  cups evaporated milk

Directions:

Separate the Cream-O Vanilla filling from the cookies. Crush the cookies finely.

Mix crushed cookies with evaporated milk until fully combined. Divide mixture into two parts.

Line a pan with parchment paper and pour in the first half. Spread evenly.

Steam for 5 minutes and cool for another 5 minutes.

Spread the Cream-O filling over the cooled layer.

Pour in the second half of the cookie mixture, spread evenly, and tap to remove bubbles.

Steam for 10 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.

Wafrets Chocolate Milkshake

Because no Noche Buena snack spread is complete without something creamy and indulgent to sip on.

Ingredients:

23 sticks Jack n Jill Wafrets (plus 1 extra for garnish)

1 cup milk

2 scoops chocolate or vanilla ice cream

1 cup ice (optional, for thickness)

Directions:

Chop Wafrets into small pieces.

Add Wafrets, milk, ice cream, sugar, and ice (if using) into a blender.

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Pour into a glass and garnish with a whole Wafrets stick.

Serve immediately.

Hello! Vanilla Wafer Balls

Small treats, big holiday energy. These are perfect for sharing, gifting, or sneaking from the fridge later.

Ingredients:

4 Hello! Vanilla Wafers, crushed

1 tbsp chilled all-purpose cream

1 tsp condensed milk

2 tbsp coating of your choice (crushed Hello! Chocolate Wafers, crushed peanuts, powdered milk, or instant coffee)

Directions:

Mix together crushed Hello! Vanilla Wafers, all-purpose cream, and condensed milk.

Divide the mixture into six portions.

Roll each portion into a small ball.

Coat each ball in your preferred topping.

Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving or gifting.

Tip: Crush the wafers using a hand blender, stand blender, food processor, knife, or rolling pin.

Budget Noche Buena Snack Spread, Still Masaya

With smart choices and a little creativity, 500 can go a long way. These snack ideas prove that Noche Buena doesnt have to be grand to be joyful. Sometimes, all it takes is good food, familiar flavors, and people you love around the table.

Holiday snacking? Fun, exciting, and budget-approved.

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) produces iconic brands such as Jack n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee, which have been part of Filipinos lives for decades. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines) and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).
A sad day for the Irish fishing industry, a very sad day for Ireland and a disaster for the dysfunctional Fisheries Council process. Ireland has been betrayed by the EU.

John Lynch, CEO of the South and East Fish Producers Organisation, was blunt summing-up anger and concern in coastal fishing communities this week over the outcome of this years EU fishing negotiations.

Irelands situation has been dismissed, ignored. We now have a situation where our fleet of fishing vessels are left with 28 tonnes of sole to catch in 2026 on the south coast of Ireland, when Belgium has 450 tonnes.

That is just one example of how Irelands fishing industry is being badly treated at the EU.

The Seafood Alliance, joint representative body for the industry, catching and processing sectors, has forecast a stark overall effect.

Coastal communities will be decimated. Over 2,300 jobs are in danger.

Blunt comments from chief executives, the strongest I have heard in many years of reporting the industry, reflect a view that EU Member States are unfairly exploiting Irish waters where they have 75% catching rights, compared to 15% for Irish boats.

A small country has been rolled over by big business, said Mr Lynch.

While the Irish industry is still mainly composed of independent, often family operations, big companies dominate other EU fishing industries.

Ireland has fished responsibly, yet we now carry the heaviest losses, says Patrick Murphy of the Irish South and West Fish Producers in Castletownbere, one of the communities which will be hard hit.

There is particular anger, voiced also by fisheries minister Timmy Dooley, against the aggression shown towards Ireland by France, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands which joined forces to block implementation of a long-standing arrangement that helped Ireland counter the impact of other EU Nations in Irish waters  the Hague Preferences.

As this has not been honoured, why should Ireland continue to offer generous access to our rich fishing waters? says Aodh ODonnell, CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation.

It raises serious questions about future co-operation with other European fishing industries.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin and fisheries minister Dooley have indicated a working group is to be established to support the industry following the disastrous negotiations. More than talk is needed to support coastal communities.

What importance is attached to them at State and Government level?

Editor Mark McCarthy of the national fishing paper, Marine Times, was also blunt. If it was over 2,000 jobs at risk in a multinational company there would be a national crisis.

The impacts of this betrayal are far-reaching. Everyone in the industry and around the coast will be affected.

LUC BEACH AT RINGASKIDDY

Ringaskiddy is more than just a battle against Indavers toxic waste incinerator. It has seaside facilities which could be developed for the benefit of Corkonians, according to a proposal put to the County Council calling for it to take control of Luc Strand at Loughbeg.

This is at the same time as Failte Ireland, Cork City and County Councils and the Port of Cork published a Draft Tourism Strategy for Cork Harbour. Surprising timing, when the possibility of an incinerator dominating the harbour entrance is causing great community concern, a significant factor surely, but overlooked in the strategy.

The local authorities and State agencies again used the cart-before-the-horse approach. Rather than initial sensing of public opinion through town hall style meetings, which could provide better understanding before finalising a plan, they published it, then sought response as a secondary action.

Better courtesy and understanding shown to the public should be the norm. Luc Strand is one of several harbourside facilities which should be given better State and local authority support.

Where did the name Luc come from?

A local nickname from a time when the area was popular with university students, I was told.

The name Ringaskiddy originates from the Irish word Rinn (a point) and gascidi (cultivated land).

Ownership of Luc Strand was stated at a council meeting to be with the Industrial Development Authority. Can that be so in regard to foreshore?

CAPE CLEAR SPECIAL BIRD

A 26-year-old European storm petrel has been identified by John Horton, warden of the Cape Clear Bird Observatory, as one of the oldest ever recorded.

These small birds travel 6,000 miles from wintering grounds off west and southern Africa to Ireland and, post-breeding, fly back south again. The Cape Observatory has been monitoring them for 50 years.

We have a notable record from this past summer, John says, tracing one of these sparrow-sized birds which has clocked up 310,000 miles travelling between wintering and breeding grounds.

Truly a marvel that these delicate birds, which spend the majority of their lives negotiating some of the worlds most treacherous seas, are able to survive for so long, says John.

More marine news and comment on my SEASCAPES Podcast tommacsweeneymaritimepodcast.ie

Email me: tommacsweeneymarine@gmail.com
New plans by the Trump administration that would mean all tourists to the United States would have to reveal their social media activity from the last five years have been called unworkable by Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

The proposed regulations come as travel from Ireland to the US has already fallen since Donald Trump came into office for the second time in November of last year, down 8% compared to a year ago and 19% compared to two years ago.

The proposal was published last week in a Federal Register notice. Travellers would also have to submit other high-value data fields including phone numbers from the last five years, email addresses from the past decade and personal details of their family members.

The new rules would apply to people of all countries, regardless of whether they require visas or not.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin told media at an event to celebrate the launch of work in Corks Crawford Gallery that the proposal would hinder tourism: I think its not workable.

We will consult and we will engage, but five years of social media for some people is a lot of social media, I pity the person who has to look through it all. He added: I think president Trump is a sensible guy, doesnt believe in over-bureaucratising things.

This would hinder travel in a big way, and I think theres very good, historic connections between Ireland and the United States and its an important link. We wouldnt like to see anything that would hinder travel between the countries for the people of both countries.

It comes as travel by Irish people to the US is already down, according to latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures.

There were 163,000 trips to the US and Canada by Irish residents in the third quarter of this year, down from 177,000 during the same period in 2024 and 202,000 in 2023, a decrease of almost a fifth in two years.

A reduction in tourism to the US is not exclusive to Ireland, as data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) shows that in September 2025, total non-US resident international visitor volume to the United States of decreased 11% compared to September 2024.
1.Pictured at the Local Enterprise Office Student Enterprise Programme Christmas Trade Fair Day at the Marina Market are The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Denneny and the Lady Mayoress Karen Brennan with students from Colaiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown and St. Aloysius Secondary School. Picture: Brian Lougheed

2. Pictured at the Local Enterprise Office Student Enterprise Programme Christmas Trade Fair Day at the Marina Market are St. Patricks Secondary School students Kyliece Pablo, Gemma Ahern and Aysha Parvezova. Picture: Brian Lougheed

3.Pictured at the Local Enterprise Office Student Enterprise Programme Christmas Trade Fair Day at the Marina Market are Colaiste an Phiarsaigh Glanmire students Niall Considine, Conor O'Donoghue and Liam Henry.

4. Pictured at the Local Enterprise Office Student Enterprise Programme Christmas Trade Fair Day.

JYSK Opens at Mahon Point

Danish furniture and interior decor retailer, JYSK, opened its fifth Cork location in Mahon Point Retail Park this week.

The international company, which now has 30 stores across Ireland, marked the occasion with a special grand opening event, which saw the first 30 customers treated to a 300 JYSK gift card.

The Mahon location now joins Ballincollig, Little Island, Youghal, and Blackpool in the retailers fleet of Cork stores.

Opening hours for the store over the Christmas period include 10am to 6pm, Monday to Wednesday; 10am to 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays; and 10am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Christmas Ceremonies at Holy Cross Church

Several dedicated Christmas ceremonies will be held at the Holy Cross Church in Mahon next week.

A service will take place at the church on Avenue De Rennes on Christmas Eve from 4pm to 6pm; followed by another service on Christmas Day from 10am to 12.15pm.

There will also be three ceremonies held for the Polish community, with a mass taking place from 10pm on Christmas Eve, and two masses on Christmas Day, at 3pm and at 6pm.

For more information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/43ya8zv3.

Luke McCarthy pictured at the new JYSK in Mahon Point. Picture: Gerard McCarthy.

Santa at Marina Market

Members of the public are being reminded that Santas Big Freeze event at the Marina Market will run for another five days.

The event, which is open to children of all ages, will take place at the facility on the Centre Park Rd each day from 1.30pm.

Children attending the event can post letters at the North Pole Outpost, and enjoy a Scandinavian inspired woodland as snow machines create a magical flurry overhead.

Children and their families will also visit Santa in his cosy log cabin, where the moment can be captured with professional photos, snow globes, keyrings, and keepsake prints.

Tickets are priced from 12 and are available for purchase here: https://tinyurl.com/wdxd4bb9.

Tickets on sale for Blackrock Panto

Tickets are on sale now for Rapunzel: A Cork Christmas Untangled, with members of the public across Mahon and Blackrock encouraged to attend.

Several performances will take place at the Scala Retreat Centre in Blackrock this weekend, including both matinees from 1pm and evening showings from 7pm.

The panto-style production features a range of young performers from across Cork, as well as members of the local Scala Musical Theatre Group.

Tickets are priced from 20 per person, or 50 for a family of four, including two adults and two children.

All proceeds raised will go towards SERVEs Skills for Youth Resilience Programme, which helps young people in Zimbabwe and Mozambique gain vocational skills, access education, and build sustainable futures.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yjnznb3w
Cork City Council intends to maintain full occupancy where possible of three blocks of dilapidated social housing flats, despite previously saying it wanted to knock them because of the housing crisis.

Cork City Council tenants have complained for years that the 60-year-old flats, which are currently located at Fort St and Dean St on the southside of the city, are prone to crumbling masonry, damp, black mould, and rodent infestation.

The tenants of the 30 flats were informed two years ago that it was Cork City Councils preference that the buildings be redeveloped.

This, it said, would necessitate the temporary or permanent relocation of the current tenants.

That came after a public campaign by local tenants and housing activist William OBrien, previously highlighted by The Echo, which resulted in a July 2023 apology by Ann Doherty, then the Cork City Council chief executive, who said she had not known about the shocking living conditions in the area.

On September 28, 2023, Cork City Council wrote to the tenants in the flats at Noonans Rd, St Finbarrs Rd, Fort St, and Dean St.

Preference

The council said its preference was to redevelop the properties.

This would require, on a phased basis, the temporary relocation of all residents, with an option to return to the redeveloped new homes in due course, or if they so wish, remain living at their relocated home, the council said. Any redevelopment will be subject to meaningful resident and community consultation, a detailed design process and central government funding.

More than two years on, most of the 60 flats on Noonans Rd and the 24 on St Finbarrs Rd have been vacated, but the majority of the flats on Fort St and Dean St are still occupied.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said one tenant had been moved into the Fort St and Dean St flats, in July 2024. They said the council was decanting the last tenants from Noonans Rd and St Finbarrs Rd, a complex and protracted process that has involved extensive engagement and consultation with individual tenants.

While that decanting process has been ongoing, demolition works for the vacated blocks has been tendered, and the first phase of demolition is expected to take place in early 2026, they said.

They noted that the regeneration works would deliver significant additional housing units on the Noonans Road site but added that the future of the Fort St and Dean St flats would be considered as part of the broader regeneration plans for the area.

The most appropriate remediation route for these complexes  whether that is refurbishment or full redevelopment  will be identified as part of that process, they said.

Full occupancy

However, they added, given the scale of the housing crisis, the council was seeking to continue full occupancy at the Fort St and Dean St complexes, where possible.

A small number of units are under repair with a view to reletting once the repair works are completed.

Community activist William OBrien said he was deeply disappointed by the council statement.

Delaying regeneration does not postpone change, it prolongs hardship, he said.

Fort St and Dean St residents are not asking for special treatment, they are asking for dignity, fairness, and certainty about their future. The council must now take responsibility.

Donnchadh O Laoghaire, Sinn Fein TD for Cork South Central, said he was somewhat concerned at the council statement.

It does seem like a step back from the plan that had been there, he said.

We are anxious to see a full regeneration of the area, and this is not a model of flat that has been easily renovated elsewhere.

We need to hear from the council exactly how they intend for the tenants in Fort St and Dean St to enjoy modern, warm, decent living conditions, because in my view, thats certainly not the situation at the minute. The conditions there are not in any way good enough.
Permission has been granted for plans which will see the former Debenhams/Roches Stores building on Patrick Street split into multiple different units, with a Cork TD saying the development needs to begin quickly as the iconic building has been vacant for too long.

Cork City Council granted permission for the splitting into four units, on the corner of Patrick St and Maylor St, to facilitate multiple different retailers occupying the store.

The proposed development is comprised of the sub division of the former department store, to form Block A, the western portion of the building, over four storeys. Works to Block B will be separate.

Block A is to be further subdivided into four individual retail units, one to be accessed on to Patrick Street.

Two new ground floor entrances to Patrick Street are proposed, while the existing entrance reconfigured to facilitate the new layout.

The Staunton family, who also own and operate the Intersport Elverys chain purchased the premises, which has been vacant since the sudden closure of Debenhams in 2020, in 2023 for 12 million.

Rumoured

As well as Intersport Elverys, retailers Rituals and Zara are among the retailers rumoured to occupy the building.

Following a request for further information from Cork City Council, documents were submitted outlining the plans to preserve the buildings historic facade and the signature dome.

The newly approved plans include the partial infill of the atrium at first floor level, increasing internal floor area.

Sinn Fein TD for Cork South Central Donnchadh O Laoghaire told The Echo: The former Roches stores building occupies a crucial location in the city, maybe one of the most prominent sites, yet it has been idle for five years, almost three years after it was bought.

I welcome that a decision has been made, I hope that development will happen soon because it is a huge site to be idle and a terrible waste of potential. Hopefully this marks a fresh start for that corner of Patrick Steet, a crucial confluence in our city.

It also needs to be part of a wider vision for the city, taking account of the changing retail picture and our need for a city centre that people want to spend time in, to work in, to live in.
Prosecution and defence lawyers in the Mercy University Hospital murder trial agree that verdicts of guilty or not guilty to murder are effectively not on the table and that the issue for the jury is in the middle ground of mental disorder.

Prosecution senior counsel Jane Hyland and defence senior counsel Brendan Grehan both agreed on this matter in their closing speeches to the jury at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork today.

Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford told the jury of eight men and four women shortly before they commenced their deliberations before lunchtime today, that they could well take the view that 33-year-old Dylan Magee who was admitted to hospital for treatment for delirium, and 88-year-old Matthew Healy who had a fall at home, were both let down by the system.

Dylan Magee of 30 Churchfield Green, Cork, was arraigned on the charge that on January 22 2023 at Room 2, St Josephs Ward, Mercy University Hospital, he did murder Matthew Healy, contrary to Common Law.

He replied, not guilty to murder, guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

Ms Hyland said today: This is a horrendous case. It is a tragedy for Matthew Healy and for his family. It is a difficult case for Dylan Magee. Both of these men went to hospital for treatment. I would ask you to put away what you might undoubtedly feel, and the bizarreness of the interviews, with references to cannibalising children, and ask you to narrow in on the psychiatric evidence.

We suggest the ingredients are there for a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity and it is also open to you to give a verdict of not guilty to murder, guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

Mr Grehan said: Effectively, the issue is about mental disorder and the impact it had on what occurred. No one can take away the awful tragedy that befell Mr Healy and his family. The only thing for which we can be a small bit grateful is that he was asleep and hopefully was knocked out by the first blow. At almost 89 and having recently buried his wife.

Dylan Magee was slowly losing contact with reality. For reasons we dont quite understand, Dylan Magee was put into a ward with a number of elderly patients when he was clearly showing mental health symptoms of delirium, with which he was diagnosed  hearing voices, hallucinating, seeing dead people, behaving in a hyper manner.

The two worlds collided after 5am that morning when the unfortunate Mr Healy was asleep in bed. Dylan Magee developed a fixation that he (the deceased) was his uncle, which he was not  that Mr Healy had eaten his child, killed him or kidnapped him. And that he was (named man) in his 20s.

(Outside the room after the fatal attack) one nurse described the accused as looking like he did the right thing here, looking like he thought he had done a good thing. You are dealing with a mind that was clearly disturbed.

"I am contending for a guilty verdict but guilty of the appropriate offence and is not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

The jury is continuing to deliberate.
More than 100 people are without a bed in Cork prison, as overcrowding reaches closed to record figures.

There were 397 people incarcerated in Cork prison, which has 296 beds, on Wednesday, representing 134% capacity. The Irish Prison Service as a whole is operating at 124% capacity, with more than 650 people sleeping on mattresses on the floor.

Cork prison has seen consistent overcrowding, reaching a high in August this year with 403 people incarcerated, meaning more than 25% of the inmates did not have a bed.

Earlier this year, the Government announced plans to build a new prison alongside the current one by 2031, utilising the site of the old Cork prison, which was closed in 2016. This will be demolished and replaced with the new prison, set to cater for 230 male and 100 female inmates. However, this plan has been criticised by public representatives, the local community, and the Irish Penal Reform Trust.
Three community groups in Cork are set to benefit from a collective 7,000 in funding under a branch of the Circular Economy Fund.

Circular.ie, which is a circular economy communications platform, announced this week that 40 community groups across Ireland will benefit from funding of up to 100,000 under the organisations Circular Communications Grants fund, three of which are in Cork.

Selected from more than 350 applications, the successful Cork recipients include Peach Vintage Clothing, which has been allocated 5,000 in funding; Cycle Sense, which has been allocated 1,000 in funding; and Sli Eile Support Services, which has been allocated 1,000 in funding.

The scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland under the Circular Economy Fund, supports projects that are advancing circular living, strengthening community engagement and helping to build a more sustainable future across the country.

Minister of state at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD said this grant programme will help raise awareness of the innovative initiatives happening across Ireland and of those working to build a more sustainable future.

We are proud to recognise their work and help them to increase the visibility of their activities and the significant role they play in building circular communities.

Eibhlin Fitzpatrick, community liaison manager at Circular.ie, said they are delighted to receive such a high calibre of applications for this grant.

They are a testament to the fantastic quality of circular work happening in communities throughout Ireland, said Ms Fitzpatrick.

It was a highly competitive process, and we have ensured grants were awarded to meet the needs, diversity and geographical spread of projects.

We are genuinely looking forward to working with the winners as they continue to strengthen and expand their impact.
A 71-year-old man had to flee his home in fear when his adult son returned in an intoxicated and aggressive state and now the culprit has been ordered to served 10 months in prison.

State solicitor Frank Nyhan said at Cork Circuit Appeals Court that the appeal related to sentencing of the 34-year-old for two breaches of the Domestic Violence Act and several counts of theft  mainly of alcohol from shops in his locality.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the appellants 71-year-old father has a safety order against his son requiring him not to put him in fear.

However, on August 23, 2024, after 9pm the appellant arrived at his fathers house and put him in fear. He was intoxicated and aggressive and his father had to flee his own home for his own safety.

There was an incident of a similar nature at 1.30am on November 28, 2024, when the appellant again turned up at the house acting aggressively and under the influence of intoxicants.

The 71-year-old was afraid of his son and fled the house. He had broken the side window of the house, Sgt Kelleher said.

Because he was on bail for the first incident when he committed the second, the two 10-month sentences imposed at Cork District Court were consecutive.

Barrister Orla Meere appealed the severity of the overall sentence of 20 months which also covered several shoplifting offences, where the young man was convicted of stealing wine and vodka from local shops.

Ms Meere said: He has a serious issue with alcohol addiction. But he is displaying insight into his offending. He accepts that the sentence is justified. He is receiving help in prison and he is keen to continue with his rehabilitation on his release from prison through Cork Alliance.

He is set to do an alternatives to violence course and a parenting course. He knows his offending has to be marked but he is looking for some light at the end of the tunnel in the near future.

Judge Sinead Behan said: What about your poor dad? This man has been in fear of you.

The 34-year-old said, I am really and truly remorseful. He accepts my apology. He knows that is not who I am if I am in my own senses.

Judge Behan said: This is an alarming litany of offences to come before me. A man of 71 years of age is in fear of his son. He had to leave the house. And it happened twice.

He has various substance abuse and mental health issues. He seems to have motivation, I accept that. It is all very good to have motivation but he needs to address his alcohol problems.

The judge said that he could serve one 10-month sentence and the second sentence of 10 months would be suspended from the time of his release on condition that he would stay away from his father, go into residential treatment, and abide by the directions of Cork Alliance and the probation service.
A 33-year-old hospital patient with delirium who punched another patient, an 88-year-old man, to death in the early hours of the morning in the room which they shared, was this afternoon found not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

The eight men and four women of the jury took two hours and 33 minutes of deliberations today to deliver their unanimous verdict.

Dylan Magee of 30 Churchfield Green, Cork, had entered a plea to manslaughter in those terms but not guilty to murder on the charge that on January 22, 2023, at Room 2, St. Josephs Ward, Mercy University Hospital, he did murder Matthew Healy, contrary to Common Law.

As soon as the jury came back with that precise verdict this afternoon shortly after 4 p.m., defence senior counsel Brendan Grehan said, Mr Magee wants at the earliest available opportunity to express his deep remorse for what happened to Mr Healy and the distress he obviously caused to his family and friends.

Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford adjourned the case for mention at the Central Criminal Court on January 13 for the purpose of fixing a date for the sentencing hearing. A victim impact statement on behalf of the Healy family is to be prepared.

Mr Grehan said that in terms of the report on the accused for the sentencing hearing the defence would ask for the two psychiatrists reports, that formed a central part of the trial, to be considered at sentence.

Ms Justice Lankford said she would also direct preparation of a probation report.

Guilty or not guilty to murder verdict not on the table

Prosecution and defence lawyers in this trial agreed that verdicts of guilty or not guilty to murder were effectively not on the table and that the issue for the jury was in the middle ground of mental disorder.

Prosecution senior counsel Jane Hyland and defence senior counsel Brendan Grehan both agreed on this matter in their closing speeches to the jury at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork today.

Ms Justice Lankford told the jury before they commenced their deliberations that they could well take the view that 33-year-old Dylan Magee who was admitted to hospital for treatment for delirium, and 88-year-old Matthew Healy who had a fall at home, were both let down by the system.

Ms Hyland said today, This is a horrendous case. It is a tragedy for Matthew Healy and for his family. It is a difficult case for Dylan Magee. Both of these men went to hospital for treatment. I would ask you to put away what you might undoubtedly feel, and the bizarreness of the interviews, with references to cannibalising children, and ask you to narrow in on the psychiatric evidence.

We suggest the ingredients are there for a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity and it is also open to you to give a verdict of not guilty to murder, guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility. Mr Grehan said, Effectively, the issue is about mental disorder and the impact it had on what occurred. No one can take away the awful tragedy that befell Mr Healy and his family. The only thing for which we can be a small bit grateful is that he was asleep and hopefully was knocked out by the first blow. At almost 89 and having recently buried his wife.

Dylan Magee was slowly losing contact with reality. For reasons we dont quite understand, Dylan Magee was put into a ward with a number of elderly patients when he was clearly showing mental health symptoms of delirium, with which he was diagnosed - hearing voices, hallucinating, seeing dead people, behaving in a hyper manner.

The two worlds collided after 5 a.m. that morning when the unfortunate Mr Healy was asleep in bed.

"Dylan Magee developed a fixation that he (the deceased) was his uncle, which he was not that Mr Healy had eaten his child, killed him or kidnapped him. And that he was (named man) in his 20s.

Matthew Healy who died at a Cork hospital after an assault by another patient.

(Outside the room after the fatal attack) one nurse described the accused as looking like he did the right thing here, looking like he thought he had done a good thing. You are dealing with a mind that was clearly disturbed. I am contending for a guilty verdict but guilty of the appropriate offence and is not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

Both sides agreed that the law does not provide for this type of defence where an offence is committed against a background of intoxication and that there must be a mental disorder. They agreed that the accused had been 65 hours in the hospital setting at the relevant time and that cannabis and Benzodiazepine tablets taken by Dylan Magee before his admission were no longer in his system and that the killing occurred against the background of a mental condition.

Mr Grehan said that in other words, Intoxication rules you out for a mental disorder defence  you cannot get out of your head, do something, and then say, I was out of my head.

Evidence

During the trial there was evidence of Dylan Magee being interviewed about what happened at around 5 a.m. that morning.

He said, A lot of travellers came across and were tormenting us for the night. We got robbed. (Believed his son was taken). I started beating him, saying give me back the child. I kept hitting him and I couldnt stop. The next thing I was in the van in handcuffs.

He was asleep in the bed. I took the opportunity to beat him. When I stopped I was destroyed in blood. People coming into the room looked afraid. I realised I went over the top. He said his punches were full force and amounted to about 20 blows over a minute or two. The accused said he believed the victim was a particular man he knew who was in his mid-20s.

Asked what his plan was, he replied, To hit him and teach him a lesson, that he cannot do that kind of thing. They are going to get mangled some night. I was in a sound state of mind when I was doing it. I didnt think he was going to die at all. I looked at my hands. He kidnapped my child.

I was vexed. I told him he robbed my son and I started hitting him. I wanted to give him a hammering. I told him this is what is going to happen  he wont be annoying me anymore. When his face went soft I said that is enough now. At another stage he told gardai, I had no self-control. He said he was seeing dead people including his brother and a friend who had both died in the previous year by suicide.

Later he said, He killed my youngfella so I killed him My head was all over the place I was fully sure he killed my son. Were you going to keep going until he was dead? he was asked. Dylan Magee replied, Probably, yeah. Consultant psychiatrists Dr Stephen Monks and Dr Richard Church were called respectively by the defence and the prosecution and they both referred to the accused suffering from delirium, that could have resulted from Benzodiazepine withdrawal as the accused to take up to 50 of these kind of tablets every day.
Cork South Coroners Court is to reconsider holding an inquest into the death of a baby boy shortly after his birth at Bessborough mother and baby home.

The move comes after the courts chief coroner conceded a High Court challenge brought by the infants mother.

Madeleine Bridget Marvier was 17 years old when she was admitted to the home in Blackrock, Cork city, in August 1960.

About two months later, she gave birth to her son, William Gerard Walsh.

In December 1960, at 37 days old, William died at St Finbarrs Hospital.

In October 2023, Ms Marvier wrote to the Cork South Coroner asking that an inquest be held into the death of her son, on the grounds that his death was violent or unnatural, or was unexpected and from unknown causes, or was in suspicious circumstances.

This request was refused.

Ms Marvier brought judicial review proceedings against the Cork South Coroner in July, challenging the refusal, claiming that a conclusion that the infants death is beyond doubt cannot reasonably be drawn or inferred and is without basis in the evidence she had put before the coroner.

Ms Marvier brought the case alongside her daughter, Carmel Cantwell.

Barrister Cillian Bracken, appearing for Ms Marvier, told Mr Justice Micheal OHiggins that an order could be made on consent quashing the coroners decision to refuse to hold an inquest into the infants death.

Mr Bracken said an order could also be made remitting the case to the deputy coroner for Cork South for reconsideration.

An order against the coroner for his clients legal costs could also be made, counsel said.

Barrister Eoin Sreenan, appearing for the coroner, said his client was consenting to the reliefs.

Mr Justice OHiggins granted the orders.

Bessborough mother and baby home was operated by the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, an order of nuns, between 1922 and 1998.

In 2021, the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes concluded that 923 babies associated with Bessborough died during that time, but burial records for only 64 of them could be found.

According to Ms Marviers court documents, her sons death certificate  which she obtained in 1999  attributed his death to renal abscess septicaemia, sepsis caused by an abscess in the kidney.

Ms Marvier said she was previously unaware of the cause attributed to her sons death.

In 2019, after obtaining documents from Tusla, Ms Marvier learned for the first time that William had been buried at Carrs Hill Cemetery in Cork, within the jurisdiction of the Cork South Coroner.

In October 2023, Ms Marvier wrote to the Cork South Coroner asking that an inquest be held into the death of her son, on the grounds that his death was violent or unnatural, or was unexpected and from unknown causes, or was in suspicious circumstances.

Included in her request was a report compiled by Dr Michael Munro, a consultant neonatologist, who opined that the death certificates stated cause of death was speculative and conjectural.

In January this year, the coroner wrote to Ms Marvier refusing the request to hold an inquest.

The coroner stated William did not die in a violent or unnatural manner, and on the balance of probabilities, did not die unexpectedly or from unknown causes, Ms Marviers court papers stated.

Ms Marviers case noted the coroners purported assumption that in the absence of any record of a postmortem examination of the infant, there was no doubt around the cause of death of the infant, and therefore, there was no sufficient evidence available now to cast doubt on the death certificates cause of death.

Ms Marvier claimed that the coroner made this assumption while at the same time acknowledging that medical records pertaining to the infants care at St Finbarrs are now unavailable, and that it was not known what medical skills were employed in establishing Williams cause of death.
Almost 800,000 has been allocated to animal welfare charities in Cork as part of the animal welfare grants programme funding announced by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.

Thirteen Cork organisations are to benefit under the 2025 animal welfare grants programme.

They include The Donkey Sanctuary (320,000), Cork SPCA (156,950), Cork Dog Action Welfare Group (DAWG) (69,975), Paulines Rescue (46,050), West Cork Animal Welfare Group (40,725), Cork Cat Action Trust (30,000), Munster Lost & Found Pet Helpline (30,000), Community Cats Network (26,000), Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART) (18,000), Cork Animal Care Society (13,500), Rehoming Cork Pets (13,050), Wildlife Rescue Cork (12,000), and Rural Animal Welfare Resources (Rawr) (7,000).

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul OShea said the funding is a boost for Cork-based animal welfare groups, which work to protect and care for animals throughout the county.

This is a very significant investment in animal welfare, and I am particularly pleased to see the strong level of support for Cork organisations, who provide invaluable services in our communities.

These groups are often the first line of support for abandoned, neglected and injured animals, and this funding will help them to continue their vital work.

Mr OShea said these organisations go far beyond rescue and rehoming, and play a crucial role in educating the public, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing animal welfare issues before they arise.

Mr OShea added: A pet can bring enormous joy to a household, but it is a long term commitment. I would strongly encourage anyone considering getting a pet to think carefully and where possible, to adopt responsibly through one of our excellent Cork-based charities.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has paid tribute to former Cork TD, Senator, and councillor, Mairin Quill, who passed away on Thursday at Marymount Hospice in Cork city.

Mr Martin said that he was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ms Quill whom he described as having served the people of Cork with great distinction".

Erudite and impactful, Mairin championed the arts and culture in the city of Cork.

"I served on many boards with her, but I particularly enjoyed our time together on the arts committee of Cork Corporation. Mairin was a true renaissance figure with a great sense of the future of our city.

"She was always very helpful in providing advice and creative ideas. She was a true patriot and it was an honour to be her friend and colleague," said Mr Martin.

"My deepest sympathies go to all her family and friends.

Ms Quill was one of the first women to win a Dail seat in Cork for Fianna Fail before going on to become a founding member of the Progressive Democrats.

Ms Quill of Wellesley Terrace, Wellington Road, Cork city and formerly of Gortloughera, Kilgarvan, Co Kerry passed away peacefully, in the presence of her loving family after a long illness.

The 89-year-old was one of the first women to win a Dail seat in Cork for Fianna Fail before going on to become a founding member of the Progressive Democrats.

She won a seat in the North East Ward of Cork city in the local elections of 1979. She failed to be elected in Cork North Central for Fianna Fail in the 1977 and 1981 general elections.

Ms Quill joined Des OMalley and Mary Harney in setting up the Progressive Democrats in 1985.

She was a party candidate in Cork North Central in the 1987 general election and was one of 14 PDs who were elected to the 25th Dail.

She retained her seat in 1989 and 1992, but lost out to Fianna Fails Billy Kelleher in 1997. She was subsequently nominated by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to the 21st Seanad.

She retained her council seat in Cork North East in 1999 and 2004 but did not contest the local elections of 2009.

Ms Quill's body will lie in repose at Coburg Street Funeral Home of Jerh OConnor Ltd on Friday from 5pm to 6pm.

Her requiem mass will take place at 10am on Saturday in St Patricks Church, Lower Glanmire Road, Cork with burial following at St Garvans Cemetery, Kilgarvan, Co Kerry.

Mourners are asked to donate to Marymount Hospice in lieu of flowers.
The Christmas and New Year period is always a useful moment to pause.

In business, we are rarely afforded the luxury of looking back for long; the next challenge is usually already on the desk. But reflection matters. It allows us to measure progress honestly, to acknowledge what has worked, and to be frank about where we must do better.

For Cork Chamber, the past year has been a busy and purposeful one. We delivered more than 100 events for the business community and each played a role in supporting companies to navigate change, develop purposeful relationships and seize opportunity.

Alongside that, we trained more than 1,300 employees on topics ranging from leadership and compliance to skills that directly support business continuity and professional growth.

None of this happens in isolation. Cork Chambers work is grounded in our members, more than 1,200 companies across the city and county, employing approximately 130,000 people.

Their trust, insight and steady engagement shape our agenda, drive our advocacy and give us the mandate to speak on their behalf, locally and nationally, keeping Corks priorities visible where decisions are made. We work closely with a wide range of stakeholders across the region, from local authorities and state agencies to education providers and national government, because advancing Cork is a shared endeavour, and progress is strongest when collaboration is genuine and sustained.

Sustainability has been a defining theme for Cork this year, and it is one where collaboration has been particularly evident.

Across the city, we have seen meaningful progress in the transformation of public spaces, green areas and active travel infrastructure. Projects such as the Marina are already changing how people experience the city, with further initiatives underway and due for completion into 2026. These are not cosmetic changes; they are long-term investments in quality of life, climate resilience and economic attractiveness.

Corks efforts were recognised earlier this year with the awarding of the EU Mission Cities label. While international recognition is welcome, its real value lies in what it reflects: a city willing to take responsibility for climate action and to bring business and communities together in pursuit of a just and inclusive transition. Initiatives like the Local Green Deals project demonstrate this in practice.

Cork Chamber was proud to have this work recognised at the World Chambers Competition in Australia, though the value of that lies not in the accolade, but in what it represents - effective collaboration around a shared goal, in this case the decarbonisation of our city and the ambition of achieving a net-zero region.

Crucially, sustainability is not just about flagship projects. It must be embedded in everyday decision-making. Cork Chambers strategic direction is guided by our formal commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

We are proud to take on the role of government-appointed SDG Ambassador at the end of this year, following the successful conclusion of our term as SDG Champion. That role brings responsibility, and we see it as an opportunity to further embed sustainable thinking across business and policy.

Alongside climate action, inclusive growth remains a priority. This year we continued to progress diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, including WorkAbility, and engaged directly with government, including meeting with Minister Dara Calleary. A resilient economy is one that creates opportunity broadly and ensures that participation in growth is accessible.

Looking ahead, offshore renewable energy represents a major opportunity for Cork and the wider region. The recent auction results for the first South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan site, Tonn Nua, are encouraging. In the year ahead, we need to see tangible progress towards development, alongside a clear route to market and a defined pathway for the remaining South Coast DMAP sites. The potential is significant, but ambition must now be matched by delivery.

Infrastructure delivery more generally remains a pressing issue. There has been welcome progress on suburban rail projects, but the same cannot be said for Cork BusConnects, which has not advanced at a pace that reflects the scale of Corks growth.

Against that backdrop, Cabinet approval of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce proposals was a positive and necessary step. Delays to housing, energy and transport infrastructure have real consequences for competitiveness, regional development and community wellbeing. The 30 recommended actions must now be implemented fully and to agreed timelines.

Projects such as Luas Cork and the Cork Northern Distributor Road should become early test cases for these reforms. If we are serious about supporting population growth and economic development in Cork, we must demonstrate that critical infrastructure can be delivered efficiently and with certainty.

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty and cost pressures, Cork has seen strong investment announcements this year, reflecting continued confidence in the region as a place to do business. Our international engagement, through outbound missions and by welcoming international delegations to Cork, plays an important role, alongside other agencies, in supporting existing foreign direct investment, helping Irish companies expand into new markets, and laying the groundwork for future investment.

Cork is open for business and it remains a compelling place to live, work and invest.

As we look towards 2026, one word should define the year ahead: delivery. Cork has ambition, talent and plans in place. What businesses and communities now need to see is plans translated into action. Government must maintain a strong focus on competitiveness, supporting innovation, business growth and inward investment.

Irelands Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026 will offer an opportunity to advance cohesive sustainability policy across Europe, and Cork should be ready to lead by example.

Cork Chamber will continue to work with our members and partners, locally and internationally, to ensure sustainability, competitiveness and delivery remain central to decision-making.

The ambition is clear. The mandate is strong. The task now is to deliver.
By Claire Henry and Eimear Dodd

A man who sexually abused his younger sister over 20 years ago has been jailed for three years.

The Central Criminal Court heard that the now 41-year-old man pleaded guilty to four sample counts of sexual assault that took place in the family home in Co Donegal on dates between 2003 and 2005.

The court heard that at the time of the offending, the injured party was aged between 10 and 13 years of age, while her brother was aged between 19 and 21. He has no previous convictions.

The man initially faced a more serious charge. He initially stood trial in 2024, during which the injured party gave evidence and was cross-examined. However, this trial collapsed for legal reasons. Other trial dates were taken, but could not go ahead.

He pleaded guilty to sexual assault in October, with a more serious charge to be withdrawn by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He cannot be named to protect his victim's right to anonymity.

Passing sentence on Wednesday, Ms Justice Karen O'Connor said this was premeditated and planned offending.

She said the defendant's behaviour was clearly furtive, which suggested he knew what he was doing was wrong. She also noted the victim was not believed when she disclosed the abuse, the family was left fractured, and she felt isolated.

The judge said the significant breach of trust, the age disparity and the impact on the victim were among the aggravating features of the case.

She said the man was entitled to challenge the evidence of the more serious charge and that guilty pleas to the charges of sexual assault could have been entered at any stage in the process.

The judge said it was a matter of fact that there was no acknowledgement of wrongdoing or expression of remorse until October. She noted the man would receive credit for his guilty pleas.

Having considered his personal circumstances and the mitigation, she imposed a three-year sentence backdated to when the man went into custody.

The investigating garda told Brian Storan BL, prosecuting, that the injured party was triggered by a noise which reminded her of the abuse, and she disclosed the abuse to her husband.

The abuse would occur on occasion when their parents may have been out or were watching TV.

The court heard that on one occasion, the defendant lifted the young girl on top of him, they were both fully clothed, and he would bounce her up and down on him. The girl could feel his erect penis while he did this.

The detective told the court about an incident that took place on Christmas Eve when the defendant told his sister to ask their parents if she could sleep in his bed.

The parents had some concerns, but it was allowed. While they were in bed, the defendant spooned the girl and touched her stomach and chest. The girl could also feel his erect penis pushing against her.

The court heard that the abuse stopped when the defendant began dating. He was charged in 2021 but denied the allegations.

A victim impact statement was read to the court by the injured party, which said: The effects are impossible to quantify. You were my brother; you should have been my protector.

You took advantage of times when our parents were preoccupied. You manipulated me into thinking it was normal.

The woman said, I carried a constant state of confusion. Deep down, I was paralysed with fear, the innocence of childhood was stripped from me. I felt isolated and ashamed.

She said, I could never escape you. You manipulated everyone.

She described how the abuse took more than just my childhood, it left everlasting wounds and fractured relationships.

You made me suffer more by contesting your innocence. Your guilty plea, only at the last moment, did not provide relief but anger; it did not reflect remorse but a strategy. I hope you now feel the guilt and shame that I did. The life sentence that I live daily will outlast any sentence that you get. 

She concluded by saying, I ask the court to consider the gravity of your actions. I take comfort that I have faced you and that you have had to face me.

Ms Justice OConnor addressed the injured party directly and said, I have received many, many victim impact statements, and this is one of the best I have ever received in giving insight.

The judge said, You are now an adult with a voice, and you have used your voice, and that voice will help others. I am very grateful to you for the insight you have provided to the court."

The detective agreed with Padraig Dwyer SC, defending, that his client has no previous convictions and has not come to any adverse garda attention since.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, Press Association

A former police officer has been arrested over several alleged non-recent sexual offences, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has said.

The alleged offences include a number of serious sexual offences and misconduct in public office, it said.

They are alleged to have taken place while he was on duty as a serving Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officer.

The arrest by the Ombudsman took place on Wednesday following a complaint and the commencement of a criminal investigation.
Ottoline Spearman

Reactions from the Fianna Fail report into the failed presidential election campaign, and a variety of crime, politics, and health stories dominate Thursday's front pages.

The Taoiseach has staved off a rebellion from within his party - for now at least - after Tuesday's publication of a report into Fianna Fail's failings during the presidential election, reports the Irish Times. Britain has also rejoined the Erasmus scheme, an EU student initiative, which will see the country pay 650 million to the EU to rejoin the scheme. That's after the UK left it following Brexit, with Boris Johnson deeming it too expensive. And hospitalisations have increased by 20 per cent in the last week, as the flu continues to worsen.

The GAA will be addressing the cost of county teams, which can cost up to 120m annually, a cost that is unsustainable, according to the Irish Examiner. And a legal challenge taken against the Governments new guidelines for apartment building standards is to be referred to the Court of Justice of the EU.

Cork City Council has changed its mind about what should happen to three blocks of social housing flats - now planning to maintain full occupancy of the flats which are prone to "rodent infestation", despite previously saying it would demolish them. That's the Echo's splash this Thursday morning.

The Taoiseach is on "borrowed time", party sources have told the Irish Independent, as the report has served to exacerbate divisions in Fianna Fail.

The Irish Daily Mirror leads with the case that kicked off the Citywest riots, where the 26-year-old is on trial for alleged sexual assault against a 10-year-old girl.

The Irish Daily Star reports on the skyrocketing costs at a school in Co Louth where children have been asked to bring their own loo roll.

The Irish Daily Mail reports how President Catherine Connolly is under fire after welcoming Greta Thunberg to the Aras on Wednesday, after she posted a video calling on Palestinian activists to "mobilise and escalate" hours after the attack on the Jewish community on Bondi beach.

The Herald leads with the case of a granny who was stabbed in the head with a seven inch knife in Dublin city centre.

And finally, the Belfast Telegraph leads with a sexual harassment case against a teenager who was "slapped on the bottom" by her manager at JD sports. The case has now been settled for 65,000.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, Press Association

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on Keir Starmer to intervene in the case of pro-Palestine hunger strikers in Britain.

Some of the eight prisoners, who are accused of break-ins or criminal damage on behalf of Palestine Action, have been taken to hospital.

The hunger strike began in early November in protest at being held in custody while awaiting trial.

Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald has written to the British Prime Minister, Starmer calling on him to urgently intervene before someone dies.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (PA)

Ms McDonald said: Today I wrote to the British Prime Minister to express my concern at the life-threatening situation facing six prisoners in Britain who are currently on hunger strike.

This protest has arisen as a result of the lengthy pre-trial detention of these individuals following arrests in actions to stop the genocide in Gaza.

Some of the individuals have been held for more than a year without trial.

The health of those on hunger strike has deteriorated significantly in recent days, and there is an immediate concern about Qesser Zuhrah who has been moved to the hospital after 47 days on hunger strike.

This is now a serious humanitarian crisis.

Urgent action is needed, and I have urged the British Prime Minister to engage directly to find an immediate resolution to this protest.

The right to a fair and timely trial, including access to reasonable bail, is fundamental in any democratic society and must be upheld without exception.

The eight prisoners on hunger strike are facing charges related to alleged break-ins or criminal damage on behalf of Palestine Action before the group was banned under terrorism legislation  charges which they deny and have called to be dropped.

Four of the group are accused of playing roles in the break-in to an Israeli-linked defence firm in 2024 and are due to go on trial in May next year at the earliest.

The other four are accused of breaking into RAF Brize Norton in June, where it is alleged they caused millions of pounds' worth of damage to two military jets.
Name: Rebecca Doody

Age: 24

Lives: Cork city.

Job title: Social Media Manager and Content Creator; founder of RD Social

Salary bracket: Somewhere between 30,000 and 45,000

Education background: I graduated from University College Cork with a Bachelor of Arts. Although I didnt study marketing or media, Ive always been fascinated by creativity and storytelling.

Everything I know about social media has been self-taught  from learning how to make a social media strategy to mastering editing apps. That willingness to dive in and learn as I go has been more valuable than any degree.

Hobbies: Travel is my favourite way to recharge. When Im not exploring new places, youll find me cooking, discovering the new coffee and food spots around Cork, or experimenting with new ideas for my own social media channels.

Describe your job in five words: Creative, innovative, fulfilling, dynamic and ever-evolving.

Describe yourself in five words: Creative, patient, friendly, determined, adventurous.

Personality needed for this kind of work? You need to be self-sufficient and driven, with enough creativity to think outside the box and enough confidence to back your ideas.

Assertiveness helps being a young female business owner, and a calm head is essential when things go wrong.

How long are you doing this job? I officially launched RD Social in April, 2024, so Im about 18 months in at this point and loving every second.

How did you get this job? During college I worked as a barista. To help the cafe stand out, I started creating TikTok videos  and I was amazed at how quickly those posts translated into customers coming through the door.

That experience showed me how powerful social media can be for small businesses.

After graduating, I went travelling and realised I wanted a career that wasnt limited to a few weeks of annual leave per year. I returned home, talked to my network, and saw there was a demand for freelance social media help.

At 22, I founded RD Social, building a business from scratch without a marketing degree or agency background.

By sharing my journey  from teaching myself content strategy to hiring my first team member  Ive grown a following of over 14,000 people on social media and worked with more than 20 businesses across 13+ industries including finance, healthcare, fashion and other industries in Cork, Ireland, the UK, and the USA.

Do you need particular qualifications or experience? No formal qualifications are necessary. A curious mind, determination to grow and learn, and genuine love of social media platforms matter more than certificates. Practise by creating content for yourself or for friends businesses; youll quickly discover what works. Skills like video editing, copywriting and analysing metrics can be learned online for free or at low cost.

Describe a day at work: Recently, I spent the morning at the Christmas market at Emmet Place (part of Corkmas) filming content for my client Stan Notte Creations. His Pure Cork range of cards, mugs, caps, art and more celebrates Corks unique lingo and culture. Visitors stop by his stall to pick up festive gifts and pick up the perfect Christmas gifts for the Cork lover in their life!

How many hours do you work a week? It varies wildly depending on client shoots and deadlines, but it generally falls between 40 and 50 hours. Social media never sleeps, and weekends or evenings can be busy if a campaign launches or a client has an event.

What do you wear to work? Comfort and style meet somewhere in the middle. If Im out on a shoot, Ill wear something practical but camera-ready  jeans, a blazer and boots. When Im editing at home, its usually jeans and a cosy jumper.

Is your industry male or female dominated? The social media space is quite balanced, with many women starting agencies or building influencer careers. Ive found the community supportive and collaborative; it feels less about gender and more about creativity.

Does this affect you in any particular way? I dont feel particularly affected by gender dynamics. What matters is the value you provide. Clients care about results  whether their posts are engaging and converting  not whether the person behind the strategy is male or female.

Is your job stressful? How? Rate it on a scale of 110: About a 5. Running your own business means juggling multiple clients, deadlines and constant algorithm changes, which can be demanding. Theres no off switch  Ive posted content on Christmas Eve and St Stephens Day because social media keeps ticking.

But I genuinely enjoy what I do, and seeing clients succeed makes the long hours worth it.

Do you work with others or on your own? I started on my own but recently hired my first team member. Now were a team of two, and of course I collaborate closely with clients and sometimes their in-house marketing teams. Most of my creative work is still self-directed.

When do you plan to retire or give up working? I dont see myself walking away any time soon. RD Social is still growing, and I love the freedom and creativity this work gives me. My goal is to build a sustainable business that allows me to work from anywhere and eventually scale up and keep helping businesses grow.

Best bits  Working with clients like Stan Notte Creations is particularly rewarding  theres nothing like seeing people queue at a Christmas market to buy a Pure Cork mug because of a social media video we shot earlier that week.

The Corkmas Christmas market at Emmet Place runs until December 22, with wooden chalets filled with artisan producers and local makers, and its the perfect place for people to pick up their Cork-themed Christmas gifts.

Worst bits: Social media is 24/7, so switching off is hard. Ive posted content on Christmas Eve and St Stephens Day for multiple clients. Keeping up with every platforms constant changes can be exhausting. Because everything is public, you need thick skin when campaigns dont work out.

Advice to those who want your job? Immerse yourself in it. Follow creators you admire, read about algorithms, experiment with your own posts, and study what performs well.

You dont need a degree or big budget  you need determination, creativity, and self-sufficiency.

If you dont know how to do something, teach yourself. Start with small steps, be consistent and your skills and clients will grow.

Any other comments? Building RD Social from scratch has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Ive met incredible people and helped businesses reach new audiences.

If youre thinking of turning your passion into a career, take the leap. The hardest part is starting  after that, you adapt, learn and become a new version of yourself you didnt know was within you.
(Photo: World Coucil of Churches)World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay speaks at a UN Global Refugee Forum Progress Review 2025 plenary session, on Dec. 17, 2025 in Geneva.

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay has told a Global Refugee Forum Progress Review 2025 plenary session that when faith communities unite, hope is transformed into action.

Speaking at the UN in Geneva on Dec. 17, 2025, Pillay noted it was the mission of the World Council of Churches to speak and act together on matters of faith and social justice.

"We reaffirm our shared commitment to be agents of hope to protect those forced to flee, particularly those rendered invisible by the crises of our time," said Pillay.

"What does it mean to bring hope to the most vulnerable: stateless persons, children, and women with disabilities caught in situations of conflict or disaster, stripped of identity, protection, and dignity?"

Pillay described how the WCC and UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) will work to establish a financial consortium called the Multi-Religious Fund for Protection and Ending Statelessnessfor philanthropic and in-kind contributions, appealing jointly in a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility.

In his final public address before his mandate ends on Dec. 31, Filipo Grandi sharply criticised the "incredibly abrupt [and] very deep funding cuts and the hardship they have created around the world," adding:

"No one should tell us they have not caused loss of life. They have already caused loss of life."

Grandi said the cut in funding was first made by the United States, then by other donors.

For example, U.S. contributions to UNHCR so far in 2025 amount to $840 million, down from $2.1 billion in 2024.

Grandi noted that contributions to UNHCR are voluntary and countries cutting are not doing anything against the law "but doing it against common sense."

In a Dec. 15 speech at the UN in Geneva, Grandi said 2025 was "A year when refugees were frequently vilified, scapegoated in so many places.

"With their suffering cynically used by traffickers for profit, and their situation by politicians to gain votes for the next election."

Speaking for the churches, Pillay, a South African who is a member of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, said, "We are not starting from zero.

"We already have a powerful example of what is possible."

Pillay said the United Methodist Committee on Relief has contributed of $100,000 to support refugee participation in the 2027 Global Refugee Forum.

"This demonstrates what faith communities can achieve when they act together," said Pillay.

"Today, we invite others to join us in this shared missionso that faith may continue to be a force not only of hope, but of tangible protection, justice, and lasting change."

Pillay, in a Special Ceremony of Global Alliance, then signed a Letter of Intent with the UN Refugee Agency to deepen collaboration, particularly related to stateless people.

The formal agreement, in the preamble, notes that the UN Refugee Agency and the WCC "share a deep commitment to upholding human dignity, promoting peace, and protecting the world's most vulnerable populations."

Both organisations recognise the urgent need to revitalise efforts for stateless people, whose rights and access to protection have deteriorated amidst significant global funding constraints.

The Letter of Intent establishes the mutual commitment of the UN Refugee Agency and WCC to raise global awareness of statelessness and its human impact; strengthen advocacy for nationality rights, legal identity, and inclusive citizenship; mobilise resources, and encourage coordinated action.

"This collaboration will contribute to a wider joint process aimed at developing a multi-year fundraising and advocacy platform, as discussed by the leadership of both organisations," reads the letter.

"By connecting humanitarian action with the moral authority, global reach, and advocacy power of faith communities, both organisations commit to advancing a world where every person belongsand no one is left without a nationality.
The Federal Trade Commission has sent Instacart a civil investigative demand, seeking information about its AI-powered pricing tool, according to Reuters. This comes after a recently published pricing experiment study showed that the online grocery delivery app gave different users different prices for the same items from the same store location at the exact same time. Some of the testers saw prices up to 23 percent higher than what the other testers saw, though the average difference for the same list of items was around 7 percent. Those higher prices could cost customers over $1,000 more in expenses for the year.

The Federal Trade Commission has a longstanding policy of not commenting on any potential or ongoing investigations, the FTC told Reuters in a statement. But, like so many Americans, we are disturbed by what we have read in the press about Instacarts alleged pricing practices.

When the study came out, Instacart told Engadget that the pricing variances were caused by some of its retail partners doing limited, short-term and randomized tests to better understand consumers. Those randomized pricing tests were enabled by Instacarts AI pricing tool called Eversight developed by a company it purchased in 2022. Instacart told CNBC that much of whats been reported has mischaracterized how pricing works on its platform. The spokesperson repeated that retailers conduct pricing tests on its app and said that prices on Instacart do not change in real time, arent based on supply or demand and that it never uses personal, demographic, or user-level behavioral data to set item prices.
A report from Reuters claims that scientists in China have created a prototype of a machine that could eventually be used to produce semiconductor chips capable of powering artificial intelligence. Sources told the publication that a team in Shenzhen completed the prototype of an extreme ultraviolet lithography machine earlier this year and it is allegedly now undergoing testing. The EUV machine was reportedly made by former engineers from Dutch semiconductor supplier ASML. Reuters states that China is targeting production of its own EUV chips beginning in 2028, although other experts have projected 2030 as a more likely date.

EUV is a supremely complicated bit of technology; we have an explainer below that gets into some of the details. It is at the heart of the chips made by companies such as Intel and TSMC, so any company trying to compete would also need access to EUV. Although the Chinese prototype is not yet making chips, it is reportedly able to generate the extreme ultraviolet light needed for chip manufacturing.

If confirmed, this development would put China in control of tech much sooner than analysts had previously expected. To date, EUV has largely been kept out of reach by Western companies and used as a bargaining chip by the US government. Chinese President Xi Jinping has placed a high priority on the country being able to produce its own semiconductors. "The aim is for China to eventually be able to make advanced chips on machines that are entirely China-made," a source told Reuters. "China wants the United States 100 percent kicked out of its supply chains."
You can add Japan to the list of regions where Apple has been forced to do something it would rather not: open up the App Store. On Thursday, the company announced changes to iOS in Japan to comply with the nation's Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). The tighter regulations for Apple and Google, which overlap with Europe's, took effect today. Users in the US and elsewhere won't see any of these changes.

Apple's changes in iOS 26.2 in Japan revolve around alternative app stores, payments outside the App Store and browser choice. The company worked with Japanese regulators on new protections for increased security risks.

The company calls this set of safeguards Notarization. It involves an authorization process for alternative app stores and child-safety protocols. Third-party marketplaces will need to undergo a baseline security review. This uses a combination of human and automated checks to block malware and other threats.

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Naturally, Apple cautions that Notarization is less comprehensive than the App Store's reviews. "The App Store  where every app is reviewed to meet the App Store's high bar for privacy and security  remains the best place for iOS users in Japan to discover and download the apps they love," the company wrote.

To state the obvious, the App Store is a booming business for the iPhone maker. In 2024, it generated $1.3 trillion in total sales. Opening it up poses a threat to one of the company's most reliable revenue streams. Big Tech seems to talk a lot about fewer rewards and more penalties for users when their own money trees are at risk.

Apple CEO Tim Cook in Tokyo in October 2025 (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images)

iOS 26.2 in Japan also introduces new payment options. Developers can now use non-Apple payment processors within their apps or link to external websites for purchases. (Children's content is exempt from this.) Here, Apple again warns the user about the penalties for doing something that will hurt its bottom line. "For apps that use alternative payment processing or link users to the web for transactions, Apple will not be able to issue refunds and will have less ability to support customers encountering issues, scams or fraud," the company cautioned.

The last big change involves picking defaults within the operating system. Users in Japan will see new browser and search engine choice screens. They'll also find default controls for navigation apps and app stores. Finally, developers can now offer browsers that use alternative engines other than Apple's WebKit.

Apple's announcement comes a day after Google detailed its compliance with the MSCA. Since Android is more open than iOS, Google's changes in response to the regulations are a bit less pronounced. Android users will find new browser / search choice screens, expanded billing options and side-by-side comparisons of external vs. Play Store payment options.
Direct frozen durian exports to China cut cost, benefit Indonesian growers, exporters: business insider

16:42, December 18, 2025 By Zhang Weilan and Cao Shiyun ( Global Times

China's durian market is worth about 128 trillion rupiah ($7.66 billion) per year, and Indonesia's climate and diverse varieties position it to become a stable, sustainable supplier, an Indonesian business insider said on Wednesday.

Aditya Pradewo, secretary-general of the Indonesian Durian Plantation Association, told the Global Times that industry players welcomed the opening of direct exports to China and stressed the potential economic benefits.

"We project Indonesia could capture 5 to10 percent of the Chinese market, generating an estimated 6.4 to 12.8 trillion rupiah in annual foreign exchange earnings," he added.

On Monday, Indonesia launched its first direct export of frozen durian to China, shipping 48 tons of the commodity worth 5.1 billion rupiah. The inaugural shipment, processed in West Java, was shipped from Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta en route to Qingdao Port in East China's Shandong Province.

"This marks the culmination of a long series of processes that took a considerable amount of time and required substantial resources," head of the Agricultural Quarantine Agency (Barantin) Sahat M. Panggabean said on Monday, adding that the process took nearly two years to complete, the Jakarta Post reported.

Since Indonesia signed a frozen durian export protocol with China's General Administration of Customs in May, eight local companies have passed the verification process, according to local news portal Tempo.co on Monday. This means that Indonesian producers can export directly to China, bypassing intermediaries such as Thailand and Malaysia.

The first batch of frozen durian exported to China was produced and processed by these eight companies.

Direct exports of Indonesian frozen durian to China bring many benefits, primarily a significant reduction in costs. Indonesia's state-owned public television broadcaster TVRI cited a durian industry professional who said that Indonesian frozen durian exports to China previously had to transit through Thailand, with logistics costs of about $18,000 per container. Now, transportation costs have dropped to about $10,000 to $11,000, saving about $8,000 per shipment.

Industry players said that the new direct channel for frozen durian could contribute to further deepening economic ties and greater value capture by Indonesian producers.

Previously, Indonesian durian exporters supplied the fruit mainly to neighboring countries, where it was processed and re-exported to China.

Recognizing this opportunity, Indonesian durian-producing regions are accelerating efforts to upgrade the value chain, including building packaging facilities and plantations that meet international standards and quarantine requirements, and improving traceability and food-safety measures.

Those improvements are intended to ensure that exports meet Chinese market standards and support higher returns for farmers and exporters, Pradewo of the Indonesian Durian Plantation Association said.

Analysts said that the shift from transshipment to direct supply could open new growth space for Indonesia's durian industry.

The frozen-durian agreement comes against a backdrop of expanding China-Indonesia trade ties. Bilateral trade reached about 1.05 trillion yuan ($149 billion) in 2024, and in the first 10 months of this year bilateral trade reached 963.06 billion yuan, up 14.9 percent year-on-year.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
NASA has a leader again. On Wednesday, the US Senate confirmed Jared Isaacman as the agency's administrator, with a 67-30 vote. The billionaire entrepreneur (and Elon Musk ally) will have his hands full navigating political waters while managing a severely downsized workforce.

You might recall that this wasn't Isaacman's first shot at the job. He was nominated to the post earlier this year. But days before he was scheduled for a confirmation vote, President Donald Trump withdrew his nomination.

The reversal reportedly came after the president was told that Isaacman had donated to prominent Democrats. (Trumps description of his decision, as based on a "thorough review of prior associations," seemed to lend weight to that.) However, that was also around the time the Trump-Musk feud was about to boil over. Regardless, Isaacman was nominated again in November.

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The new NASA head reportedly has broad support from the space community. (That makes him something of an aberration among Trump appointees in scientific fields.) "I am optimistic that Mr. Isaacman will bring a steady hand and clear vision to NASA," Sen. Marie Cantwell (D-WA) told The New York Times.

The new administrator has traveled to space twice on private missions. In a document published in May, Isaacman shared his three objectives for NASA. These included human missions to the Moon, Mars and deep space; helping the organization do more with a constrained budget; and cost-cutting through industry and academic partnerships.
Authorities have charged 32-year-old Nicholas Reiner with the murders of his parents, Oscar-winning director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, after the couple were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home, according to police and court records.

According to BBC News, Los Angeles police responded to a residence in the 100 block of a well-known Brentwood neighborhood late Saturday and discovered both victims with apparent stab wounds, LAPD officials said. Rob Reiner, 79, and Michele Reiner, 76, were pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. Their deaths were later classified as homicides; the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office will release official causes pending autopsy results.

Nick Reiner was arrested over the weekend and booked on suspicion of murder, the LAPD said. He made an initial court appearance this week; prosecutors have filed charges, and a criminal case is pending in Los Angeles Superior Court. Bail was set by the judge at a hearing, court records show. A lawyer for Reiner did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Family members and friends described a chaotic scene in the hours after the killings. The couple's daughter, Romy Reiner, reportedly discovered her father's body and briefly fled the home before realizing her mother also had been killed. The family released no immediate public statement.

Rob Reiner, a veteran actor and director whose credits included All in the Family, This Is Spinal Tap and When Harry Met Sally, was widely mourned in Hollywood. Fellow actors and collaborators expressed shock and grief. Billy Crystal  who rushed to the scene after learning of the deaths  called Reiner "a passionate, brave citizen" and remembered him for his long career and personal warmth.

In 2016, as per PageSix, Reiner's son Nicholas, who had worked on projects with his father, discussed struggles with substance abuse during a televised interview while promoting the film Being Charlie, a semi-autobiographical project about a young man's addiction. In the interview he described himself as "emotional" and said, "I get crazy," comments that have resurfaced in media coverage since the killings. He also called himself a "nutcase"

Friends who saw Nicholas Reiner at a party the night before the slayings said he appeared agitated and "acting crazy," according to media reports. NBC News cited an interaction between Reiner and comedian Bill Hader at the gathering that reportedly led to Reiner leaving the event in a huff.

Investigators said they are continuing their inquiry, interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence. The LAPD declined to discuss a possible motive, citing the ongoing investigation, and asked anyone with information to come forward.

The deaths prompted an outpouring of condolences on social media from colleagues, friends and public figures who cited Rob Reiner's decades-long influence in film and television and his work as an outspoken civic voice.
Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of influential New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a leading figure of the US church's conservative wing, the Vatican said Thursday.

The first US pope replaced Dolan, who stepped down after reaching the Church's retirement age of 75, with a little-known 58-year-old bishop from Illinois, Ronald Hicks.

The appointment ends months of speculation about who Leo would pick to follow Dolan, widely regarded as being close to US President Donald Trump.

This is the most important bishop appointment Leo has made since his election to head up the world's Catholics in May and signals a desire to take a firmer stance on the US administration's decisions, particularly on human rights.

Hicks shares several similarities with Leo including solidarity with migrants, in contrast with Trump's zero-tolerance immigration policies.

He spent five years of ministry in El Salvador in Central America, while Leo spent two decades in service in Peru.

Hicks also served shortly after joining the priesthood in 1994 in several parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago, the city where Leo was born.

Dolan, a ruddy-faced extrovert with Irish-American roots, has served in New York since 2009, tackling shrinking Church membership by reaching out to embrace the growing Hispanic population, which is predominantly Catholic.

A theological conservative fiercely opposed to abortion, he oversaw the fallout from a major sexual abuse scandal in the diocese.

Just a couple of weeks ago, the archdiocese announced the creation of a $300 million fund to compensate victims of sexual abuse who had filed complaints against the Church.

At the time, Dolan said that a "series of very difficult financial decisions" were made, including layoffs within the archdiocese and a 10-percent reduction of its operating budget.

cmk/ide/jj
A pipe and water faucet (Photo by MaxPixel.net | Public domain).

The Montana Supreme Court said a conservation group that successfully challenged a practice of adding a few homes to a subdivision at a time to skirt state water laws should receive its attorneys fees for doing so.

In the unanimous opinion, Justice Beth Baker said that Broadwater County District Court Judge Michael McMahon had made a mistake by misinterpreting part of state statutes that required groups to prove a state agency or other group possessed something that Upper Missouri Waterkeeper and seven individuals wanted.

Despite finding every factor in favor of an award, the district court nonetheless denied fees after concluding that the defendants did not possess anything Upper Missouri wanted, the court said. Our case law does not require that a defendant possess a tangible object for the tangible parameters to weigh in the plaintiffs favor.

In this case, the Montana Supreme Court said that the group of plaintiffs didnt need to prove that the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, along with Broadwater County and 71 Ranch LP, possessed something that Upper Missouri Waterkeeper should have been given. Instead, the majority said that group of plaintiffs did the only thing they could: Take the state, county and developer to court.

The group not only successfully proved that Broadwater County had bent over backwards to allow the subdivisions to skirt water law, but also demonstrated that after the court ruling, the state DNRC changed its policy to comply with the ruling.

The court said Upper Missouri Waterkeeper and the residents had proven every item they could, and McMahons ruling rested on a narrow interpretation, rather than a more broad scope, as the court has set out for attorneys fees. Furthermore, the justices said that Montana law requires courts to consider the resources of each of the litigants.

In this case, the court said that Waterkeeper and the residents had a small number of resources to leverage and only had one remedy in law, whereas county government, the state DNRC and even the large 71 Ranch LP., had considerably more resources to wage a legal battle.

The court found that Upper Missouri certainly has even fewer resources in comparison to the combined power of a state agency, county government, and an alleged powerful land owner, the court opinion said.

While the court sent the case back to McMahon to determine reasonable attorneys fees, the court decision on the issue of water, subdivisions and an exemption was a pivotal case.

The Waterkeeper and the residents of Broadwater County had challenged the county, which granted the subdivision permits by approving the total planned houses in segments. McMahon and the Montana Supreme Court determined that the county and the developer, 71 Ranch LP, had done so in order to avoid review and possibly having to acquire more water rights, likely an expensive and time-consuming process.

The plan called for subdividing 442 acres on the east side of Canyon Ferry Reservoir called the Horse Creek Hills Subdivision. It proposed four phases, which would subdivide the lots into 39 residential lots, two commercials and open space, and those phases would be served by their own exempt well, septic and stormwater system.

The court found no basis in law for DNRC to treat the four phases of 71 Ranchs subdivision project separately, a conclusion which is absolutely clear from statute, administrative rule, Montana Supreme Court precedent and even DNRCs letter in this matter, the court affirmed. The District Court reasoned that without Upper Missouris declaratory judgment action, DNRC would have continued to misapply the term combined appropriation.

Concurring opinion, recusal

Even though the Supreme Court weighed in unanimously, Justices Katherine Bidegaray and Laurie McKinnon offered a concurring opinion, while agreeing with the majority. Chief Justice Cory Swanson did not participate in the deliberations. He was the Broadwater County Attorney, which was part of the litigation.

Originally, Waterkeeper had appealed McMahons decision to deny attorneys fees based on three different legal standards. One of those, known as the private attorney general doctrine, says that plaintiffs who successfully challenge rights guaranteed by the constitution should be entitled to attorneys fees, if the states elected attorney general does not vindicate those rights.

The majority of the court said that it would not consider the private attorney general considerations because the plaintiffs had already won on the other argument. However, Bidegaray and McKinnon both said future litigation may be helped by giving some guidance on whether the challenge implicated constitutional matters.

Both concurring justices said the case raised constitutional issues, including the protection of water, a clean and healthful environment, as well as the residents ability to participate in government decisions.

Addressing the Private Attorney General Doctrine claim would underscore the importance of these rights and the critical role citizens play in checking governmental overreach and ensuring responsible stewardship of Montanas environmental resources. The clarification is not merely academic but provides meaningful guidance to lower courts and litigants about when the (doctrine) appropriately applies, the concurring opinion said.

The plaintiffs cheered the ruling, saying it was important for many groups that often litigate cases in order to protect Montanas land and rights.

Public interest fee recovery is crucial for enforcing civil rights and helping marginalized groups access justice, ensuring legal aid for important issues like environmental protection, said Guy Alsentzer, executive director of Upper Missouri Waterkeeper. Without the ability to recover fees after successfully defending the public interest, the high cost of litigation creates a chilling effect, discouraging citizens from standing up for their rights, and gives government and wealthy special interests a perverse incentive to continue harmful behavior, knowing its costly and difficult for ordinary Montanans to push back.
WOOSTER, Ohio  The Ohio sheep industry came together Dec. 6 to honor their own at the annual Ohio Sheep Improvement Association/Ohio Sheep and Wool Program Industry Awards Program, held in conjunction with the Buckeye Shepherds Symposium.

Awards

The Charles Boyles Master Shepherd Award went to Robert and Donna Peters, of Darke County. The Peters operate a club lamb operation but are also nationally known in sheep circles for their outstanding Corriedale flock. Bob and Donna Peters have been dedicated to mentorship, assistance to 4-H members and their families, as well as their own family. The couple is also recognized for their service to the sheep industry for their influence on the Darke County Sheep Department and their long-term support of the Ohio State Fair Sheep Department. This award is the highest award presented by the Ohio Sheep Industry.

The Environmental Stewardship Award was given to Robert Bob Henderson, of Pickaway County. Hendershot has long been known for being a mentor and educator in conservation, forages and environmental stewardship. He retired several years ago from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, but has continued to work with livestock producers across Ohio and the United States on environmental stewardship and sustainable management practices.

Tim Barnes, of Delaware County, was recognized as an OSIA/OSWP Distinguished Service Award winner after he decided to retire from the OSIA Board of Trustees in 2025. He served several years on the OSIA Board of Trustees. Barness service to the Ohio sheep and lamb industry is unmatched, as he served as OSIA president twice, served on the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program Board and was instrumental in the creation and development of the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program.

Youth recognition

Cortney Copeland, of Shelby County, was named the 2025-26 Ohio Lamb and Wool Ambassador. Copeland was also the 2025 Ohio and National FFA Sheep Proficiency Award Winner.

Emma (Peters) Brockmann, of Darke County, received the Dr. Jack Judy Memorial Scholarship. Avery Shoffner, of Shelby County, was awarded the Ralph H. Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship. Madison Feehan, of Wood County, received the High Family Memorial Scholarship. Eric Taylor, Fayette County, received the OSIA LEAD Council Scholarship.

Symposium

About 150 people attended the educational symposium earlier in the day, held at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster. The program began with an OSU research update led by Brady Campbell, OSUs small ruminant specialist, who updated attendees on the OSU Solar Research project. He also included marketing information from the first USDA Marketing Report from Mt. Hope Auction.

Other topics and speakers included sheep industry biosecurity, by Eric Gordon, of OSU large animal clinic in Marysville; parasite management and the value of colostrum, by Kelsey Bentley, of Kansas State University; successful livestock guardian dog use, by Rebecca Miller, a northeastern Ohio sheep farmer and owner of True North Guardians; sheep management in solar grazing, by Daniel Dotterer, Pennsylvania farmer and American Solar Grazing Association board member.
SALEM, Ohio  Ohio is investing $30 million over the next two years to protect animals, people and agriculture in the state through innovative partnerships and programs centered at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Protect One Health in Ohio (Protect OHIO) initiative will support increased class size in the college, with recruitment focused on students who plan to practice rural and large animal medicine. It will also expand partnerships with producers, schools and communities across the state to develop mentorship programs and share biosecurity best practices and establish a virtual Emerging Infectious Disease Center.

This is not a one-size-fits-all program, said Rustin Moore, DVM, PhD, Rita Jean Wolfe endowed dean, College of Veterinary Medicine. We will talk with commodity groups and other leaders, as well as veterinarians across the state. We also plan to work with school systems, students, parents, chambers of commerce, perhaps host regional events. Our mission is to support the people of Ohio.

The college appointed Leah Dorman, DVM, a 1995 graduate of the college, as director of outreach and engagement to connect with schools, farmers and community leaders to build a pipeline of Ohio students interested in careers in large animal and rural veterinary medicine. She plans to engage with youth development programs such as 4-H and FFA.

Right now, I am focused on listening and asking questions, Dorman said. We want to understand the real issues that farmers face and the solutions we can help provide.

Understanding One Health. One of the biggest issues faced by farmers across the country is a shortage of large animal veterinarians. Thats why Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine championed the Protect OHIO initiative.

While visiting rural communities in Ohio, I repeatedly heard about the shortage of large animal veterinarians, who play a critical role in supporting our agricultural economy and protecting public health, he said in an email. By investing in OSUs College of Veterinary Medicine, we want to expand the overall veterinary workforce in Ohio and specifically attract those from Ohios farming and rural communities into this field. After these students get their veterinary education in Ohio, its our hope that they stay here and build their lives and careers in the communities where they grew up.

One Health focuses efforts on the links between human health, animal health and environmental health. For example, many emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, starting in an animal population and moving to human infection.

Protect OHIO invests in the critical role veterinary professionals play in safeguarding public health, supporting agriculture and strengthening communities across the state. Land-grant institutions such as Ohio State were created more than 160 years ago to support research that would directly benefit farmers and drive economic growth. Agriculture remains Ohios biggest industry.

Protect OHIO includes a robust research component, said Alecia Naugle, DVM, PhD, chair of the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. We want to get information into the hands of the farmers who can use it.

Building on existing partnerships. The department currently connects with youth throughout Ohio and Indiana through its Swientist program, which was established in 2015 in response to a significant increase in swine flu infections among people attending county fairs. The research team tests swabs taken from exhibition pigs and offers fun, educational programs to young exhibitors, teaching them ways to keep themselves and their animals healthy.

The program has adapted the model to serve individuals raising and showing poultry, including backyard poultry. Naugle believes future topics may include antimicrobial resistance and methods for conducting biosecurity audits.

Naugles department also hosts a bi-monthly gathering of animal health specialists from organizations including the USDA, Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Division of Wildlife and others. The Applied Field Epidemiology meeting provides updates on emerging diseases in wildlife that might affect horses, cattle, sheep, goats and other herds in the state. By working together and sharing information, the group helps protect farm animals and the people of Ohio.

Some of the investment from the states budget will provide scholarship support for veterinary students, along with mentorship programs to help guide students from high school through undergraduate work and veterinary school.

Veterinary school is expensive. Ohio residents pay nearly $40,000 per year for tuition at Ohio State; out-of-state students pay an additional non-resident surcharge of $46,000. Books and equipment cost nearly $5,000 during the first year.

Funding will also support the resources needed in the college to increase classroom space, including additional computers and new teachers. Autumn 2025 enrollment for the class of 2029 is 165 students. The college plans to increase the class size to 200 students over the next five years. About 70% of the students are Ohioans.
Ministers have published Baroness Minette Batters long-awaited Farm Profitability Review after months of delay, alongside the launch of a new Farming and Food Partnership Board intended to reset British agriculture.

The reviews publication, long trailed and closely watched by farmers, comes at a time when confidence in the sector is widely regarded as being at or near historic lows.

Rising input costs, volatile markets and prolonged policy uncertainty have been compounded by concern over planned changes to inheritance tax relief from April 2026, which many farm businesses fear could undermine succession planning and long-term viability.

The independent review was launched by the government earlier this year and led by former NFU president Baroness Batters, with a remit to examine why farm profitability has declined across multiple sectors and to identify practical steps government and industry could take to improve margins, resilience and long-term sustainability.

Ministers argue the review will underpin a new approach to policy-making that places farming and food production closer to the centre of government decision-making, backed by more immediate action to help businesses plan and invest.

The newly announced Farming and Food Partnership Board will be chaired by Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds, with Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle as deputy. It will bring together senior figures from farming, food production, retail and government, with a remit to address long-standing barriers to investment and productivity from farm to fork.

The Batters review makes 57 recommendations aimed at improving long-term profitability, resilience and investment across farming. Recommendations span tax, planning, regulation, labour, skills and investment, alongside proposals to better value food and farming in the UK economy.

They include calls to strengthen supply chain fairness, reform planning rules for food infrastructure, improve access to grants and finance, support tenant farmers and new entrants, and reduce regulatory and administrative burdens.

The review also urges a more joined-up approach to nature, water, energy and soil management, alongside action to build a stronger British food brand at home and abroad.

While the government will set out its formal response through a new 25-Year Farming Roadmap due next year, ministers insist that changes are already under way. These include planning reforms to prioritise food and farming infrastructure, tougher scrutiny of supply chain fairness, efforts to unlock private finance and renewed focus on boosting exports.

Emma Reynolds said: When farming thrives, the whole country benefits. British farmers are central to our food security, our rural economy and the stewardship of our countryside.

She said the review underlines the need for government, farming and the food industry to work much more closely together, adding that the new Board would deliver serious action to remove barriers, unlock investment and make the food system work better.

Baroness Batters thanked those who contributed to the review and urged the sector to engage fully with its findings. She said she was pleased Defra recognised the need to establish a new approach to growing the British brand at home and abroad by producing, creating and selling more from our farms in a measurable way.

Pointing to growing global and domestic pressures, she added: With ever more extreme weather, the horrific, ongoing war in Ukraine and 69.7 million people in the UK now is the time to deliver food security as national security.

The new Board will focus on improving how supply chains operate, removing barriers to investment and unlocking growth across primary production and processing.

Rather than adopting a single approach across agriculture, ministers say it will develop targeted sector plans where productivity gains are most achievable, starting with horticulture and poultry.

Alongside the Boards launch, the government has proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, which are expected to speed up approval for infrastructure such as on-farm reservoirs, greenhouses, polytunnels and farm shops.

Ministers are also stepping up action on unfair supply chain practices, reviewing oversight of the Groceries Code Adjudicator, engaging major financial institutions to attract private investment, and planning trade missions in 2026 to promote British food and drink overseas.

Farm groups said the review underlined the urgent need for action to restore confidence and build resilient, profitable businesses.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the review was a thorough and complex report which the union would take time to analyse, but said it was right to recognise that reform was needed to improve profitability across the sector.

He said farming businesses were facing huge and wide-ranging challenges, including geopolitical uncertainty, trade deals that risk undermining domestic markets, uncertainty around environmental schemes, extreme weather, continued price volatility and the unfair family farm tax.

Bradshaw said the reports focus on profitability and food security, including the creation of a new farming and food partnership board, would help strengthen collaboration between government and industry. He said commitments on supply chain fairness, planning reform and export growth reflected long-standing NFU priorities.

However, he warned that while private finance could play a role in delivering new income streams and supporting nature recovery, significant challenges remain in scaling up markets that deliver meaningful financial returns for farmers.

He added that ministers now needed to provide clarity on the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive and address inheritance tax changes, saying the NFU stood ready to work with government to deliver economic growth through a profitable British agriculture sector.

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president Gavin Lane said the review laid bare the pressure facing farm businesses, warning that profitability across the sector was perilously slim as farmers grapple with high input costs, low commodity prices and increasingly volatile weather.

He said many businesses were already marginal or loss-making and now faced unaffordable inheritance tax bills that, in some cases, would dwarf annual profits.

Lane said the CLA welcomed Minette Batters conclusions and urged ministers to work with industry to build profitable, self-sustaining farm businesses, warning that failure to act would put both food production and nature recovery at risk.

Now is the time for urgent action, he said. We need a stable policy environment, clarity on farming schemes, real planning reform and recognition that a joined-up approach to rural affairs is desperately needed across government.

But some warn that the scale of the challenge facing farmers remains severe, particularly in the face of climate volatility. Tom Lancaster, analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said: Farm profitability has been hammered in recent years by volatile gas markets and climate extremes.

He said that four fifths of farmers are worried about making a living from farming as a result of climate impacts, and said England has seen three of the five worst harvests on record since 2020, with arable farmers losing more than 2 billion in revenue due to extreme weather.

The government says the forthcoming 25-Year Farming Roadmap will provide long-term clarity and direction for the sector. For many farmers, however, the question now is whether this long-awaited review and the creation of another board will finally translate into meaningful change on the ground.
Hundreds of farmers and rural supporters have raised more than 30,000 for charity after coming together for the inaugural Farmers Charity Ball in Shropshire.

The event, held at Ludlow Racecourse, brought together more than 370 people from across the farming community and was organised jointly by members of South Shropshire NFU alongside current and former members of Ludlow Young Farmers Club.

Proceeds from the evening will be shared between four charities supporting farming families and rural communities, offering help ranging from mental health and crisis support to emergency medical services and financial assistance.

Organisers said the ball was created in response to what has been a testing year for agriculture, offering a chance for people to come together while raising funds for organisations that provide vital support in times of crisis.

One of the organisers, Nick Hamer, said: After a year that has tested the farming community, we wanted to create an evening where people could switch off, enjoy good food and each others company, while raising funds for causes that offer vital support when its needed most.

Demand for the event quickly exceeded expectations, with tables selling out within weeks. Hamer said the generosity shown on the night was striking. We were overwhelmed by the response. Tables sold out within weeks, and the generosity shown by those attending on the night was incredible, he said.

He added: We originally hoped to raise around 10,000 for charity, but the auction of promises and raffle helped us raise triple that, far exceeding all of our expectations.

Funds raised will be shared between Teenage Cancer Trust, Shropshire Rural Support, Midlands Air Ambulance and RABI, charities that provide support ranging from crisis and wellbeing services to emergency medical care for farming families and rural communities.

Teenage Cancer Trust holds particular significance for Ludlow Young Farmers Club. Chair Rowan Higginson said the charity was especially close to members hearts following the loss of a friend earlier this year.

This charity means a great deal to everyone at Ludlow YFC as earlier this year, we sadly lost our much-loved friend and club member, Toby Griffiths, to cancer, she said.

Toby was the kind of person who could make you laugh at any moment, always offering a helping hand and always had a smile on his face. Supporting Teenage Cancer Trust is our way of honouring Tobys memory.

The evening was supported by strong collaboration across the sector, with headline sponsorship from ABP, McCartneys, NFU Mutual and Bromfield Sand and Gravel, alongside more than 32 businesses that sponsored tables. Further funds were raised through auction promises and raffle prizes donated by members of the local farming community.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Hamer said: The success of the inaugural Farmers Charity Ball is a real reflection of the generosity and resilience of the farming community.

Organisers said they hoped the success of the first ball would pave the way for future events supporting rural causes.
Hill farmers and crofters risk entering the 2026 lambing season without vital protection unless funding for the Sea Eagle Management Scheme is confirmed urgently, NFU Scotland has warned.

The union has urged the Scottish government to provide immediate clarity on continued support for the scheme, saying uncertainty is already affecting planning decisions on some of the most vulnerable hill and upland sheep farms.

Although lambing is still months away, NFU Scotland said farmers are making key decisions now on flock management, grazing and staffing.

Sea eagle predation continues to cause serious problems on hill farms, with lambs taken, breeding ewes attacked and flock behaviour disrupted at a time when animals are particularly vulnerable.

NFU Scotland said the lack of confirmed funding for monitoring, mitigation and financial support is undermining confidence among businesses trying to manage the impacts of protected species.

Union representatives recently met with Argyll hill farmer David Colthart and NatureScot staff, where they heard directly how uncertainty over the scheme is affecting farms and crofts on the ground.

NFU Scotland said farmers, crofters and NatureScot officers all stressed that early clarity is essential if businesses are to plan effectively.

Alongside sea eagle impacts, the union warned that geese continue to place heavy pressure on grazing land, compounding difficulties during a critical period for livestock management.

NFU Scotland is calling for a review of the current goose management scheme and for increased funding to be confirmed alongside sea eagle support, ensuring NatureScot has the resources needed to protect grazing and livestock.

The union's vice-president Duncan Macalister said: Although farmers and crofters are a few months away from lambing, they are making decisions right now about flock management, grazing plans and staffing. Without a commitment to continued funding, they are being asked to plan blind.

He warned that continued delays could have serious consequences. If funding is not confirmed imminently, the uncertainty will undermine animal welfare, business planning and the viability of some of our most fragile upland communities, he said.

Macalister said the government had already acknowledged the scale of the challenge posed by both sea eagles and geese, but stressed that action must now follow. We now need that recognition backed by action, he said.

NFU Scotland said late decision-making last year resulted in cashflow and operational difficulties for many businesses involved in the scheme, and warned that a repeat in 2026 would put lambing and grazing plans, investment decisions and staffing at risk.

It also cautioned that ongoing uncertainty could erode confidence among farmers attempting to coexist with conflict species and undermine trust in government-led mitigation schemes.

Macalister said farmers and crofters were keen to work constructively with both the Scottish government and NatureScot, but said timing was critical.

Farmers and crofters want to work constructively with government and with NatureScot. But they cannot do that if decisions come too late to be useful. We need a commitment, and we need it now, he said.
Hundreds of diversified rural businesses face an existential threat from new business rates due to take effect from 1 April 2026, Scottish Land & Estates has warned, as farms and estates brace for sharp rises in tax bills.

The organisation said reforms to non-domestic (business) rates in Scotland risk undermining land-based enterprises that have diversified in line with long-standing government encouragement to strengthen rural economies.

Early evidence already highlights the scale of the impact. One business in Argyll faces an increase of almost 50,000 in its rates bill, while another in Aberdeenshire said losing small business relief would push monthly payments from 360 to more than 2,500.

Scottish Land & Estates said several others warned the changes could threaten their viability. Self-catering accommodation providers are expected to be among the hardest hit, alongside cafes, farm shops, visitor facilities, breweries and hotels.

The organisation also warned that small-scale hydro schemes could face rates liabilities up to 10 times higher per megawatt than major windfarms, despite their role in Scotlands decarbonisation strategy.

Scottish Land & Estates said the reforms could have knock-on effects across rural economies, with suppliers and tradespeople dependent on these enterprises also exposed if diversified operations become unviable.

Anna Gardiner, senior policy adviser for business and property at Scottish Land & Estates, said diversification was essential rather than optional.

Diversification is not a luxury for rural businesses  it is essential to their survival, she said, pointing to farms and estates combining agriculture with activities such as self-catering and small-scale renewables that support jobs, tourism and climate goals.

She said the draft revaluation failed to reflect rural realities. The draft revaluation has completely overlooked these rural economic realities, she said, adding that the current framework does not recognise the fragile nature of many rural enterprises or the role diversification plays where core farming margins are already tight.

Ms Gardiner said there was no evidence the consequences of changing valuation approaches had been properly assessed and warned that many businesses risk losing protection under the Small Business Bonus Scheme. It is not simply about putting planned investment on hold  it is an existential threat to many of these enterprises, she said.

The warning comes against the backdrop of official figures underlining the importance of diversified income. The Scottish governments Farm Business Income survey shows the average farm recorded a loss of 22,500 from agricultural activities in 202324, but generated a profit of 6,200 from diversified activities such as property rental or energy generation.

Scottish Land & Estates said it shared concerns raised by the Federation of Small Businesses, the Association of Scotlands Self Caterers, Scottish Agritourism and the Scottish Tourism Alliance, and urged ministers to set out how the issue would be addressed.

Ms Gardiner questioned the valuation methodology being applied, particularly for renewables. For small-scale hydro, it is inexplicable that a scheme can face a rateable value up to twelve times greater per megawatt than a wind farm, she said, arguing this disparity required urgent scrutiny.

She said businesses now needed clarity from government. Rural businesses across Scotland now need clarity on what that means in practice, and as soon as possible, she said, warning that uncertainty was coming at the worst possible time.

With the new valuations due to take effect from April 2026, Scottish Land & Estates said ministers must act quickly to avoid job losses, business closures and the erosion of rural resilience, warning that failure to intervene could accelerate economic decline and depopulation in rural Scotland.
Allu Arjuns film AA22XA6, directed by Atlee, has been one of the hottest projects in the film industry. Given the projects scale, canvass, plotline, cast and massive budget, the sci-fi thriller is tipped to be one of the most-anticipated films. Atlee has been shooting the film for over four months in a specially designed 3D studio set equipped with cutting-edge Hollywood-grade technology, in Mumbai. While many filmy fans wonder with this move of Atlee since this is against the conventional practice of shooting, heres another interesting surprise.

Lavish underwater sequence

According to the buzz, Allu Arjun is set to commence shooting for an underwater sequence for AA22XA6. The sequence is being shot at a studio in Mumbai, and will be a first-of-its-kind in Indian cinema. According to unit sources, a dedicated team from Hollywood has flown into Mumbai to choreograph, monitor and execute the entire block. Director Altee has reportedly envisioned the underwater sequence distinctly and is betting big on Allu Arjuns performance. The actor too took training recently to get a hang of the nuances of the underwater episode. The sequence is said to be one the highpoints of the film; it shows Allu Arjun in a fierce and intense look. How Atlee imagined the action block to be, and the task of executing it has been entrusted to a Hollywood technical team, informs a source in the know.

AA22XA6 in 2 parts?

After the Pushpa series turned out to be highly successful, Allu Arjun seems to be fascinated with the idea of franchise model. According to sources from the unit, Allu Arjun and Atlee are pondering over the idea of making AA22XA6 into two parts. So far, over 60 per cent of the film has been wrapped up, and the remaining portion would be completed by summer. The idea is to build craze for the film, and also to generate more revenue considering the films massive budget. Will they make the film in 2 parts? A better picture will emerge soon.
Venkateshs crucial cameo

Chiru-Venky song

The much-anticipated Chiranjeevi starrer Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is shaping up to be a special treat for fans. Adding to the current excitement that Megastar will be seen in a comic role, heres another major highlight from the breezy entertainer. Venkatesh will be seen in an extended cameo in the film, sharing screen space with Chiranjeevi. And their combination scenes promise to be one of the most entertaining portions of the film.According to sources, Venkateshs appearance will run for nearly 20 minutes making it far more than a brief guest role. His portion includes a full-fledged song, a high-energy fight sequence, and several comedy scenes featuring himself and Chiranjeevi. Given the impeccable comic timing of Chiranjeevi and Venkatesh, expectations are high that their scenes will be among the biggest highlights of the film. Industry insiders suggest that the comedy track involving the two veteran actors is nothing short of hilarious. The scenes are precisely designed to bring back the joy of classic Telugu comic entertainers.Perhaps it is one of the longest wishes of fans of both Chiranjeevi and Venkatesh to see them share screen, especially in a song. Recently, the filmmakers released a shadow visual from the song that features the two actors. Buzz is that the song is set to be released as a New Year special, giving fans a festive treat ahead of the films release. The announcement itself has already created significant buzz on social media with audiences eagerly waiting to see the two stars grooving togetherDirector Anil Ravipudi is known for churning out family entertainers and comedy-driven narratives. And with star power, humour, music, and mass appeal coming together, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is emerging as one of the most exciting Telugu films to watch out for next year.
Nikhila Vimals next Malayalam release Pennu Case is officially headed to theatres on January 16, 2026. The makers announced the release date on Wednesday, giving audiences an early look at the films arrival during the New Year season. Positioned as a grounded drama with contemporary relevance, Pennu Case marks the first feature directorial outing of Febin Sidharth, who has also co-written the screenplay along with Reshmi Radhakrishnan.

A January Date Locked for Pennu Case

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pennu Case (@pennucasemovie)

Cast, Crew, and Nikhila Vimals Busy Slate

While details of the plot remain under wraps, the title and creative team hint at a story rooted in everyday realities, an approach that has increasingly found resonance with Malayalam audiences. With its January release locked well in advance, the film appears confident of carving out space amid a competitive release calendar.Pennu Case is mounted as a collaborative production by Mukesh R Mehta, Umesh KR Bansal, Rajesh Krishna, and CV Sarathi. The film is produced under the banners of E4 Experiments, Zee Studios, and London Talkies, a combination that signals both scale and reach. Over the years, these banners have backed content driven projects, and Pennu Case seems to be continuing that trajectory.

Alongside Nikhila Vimal in the lead, Pennu Case features a diverse supporting cast that includes Aju Varghese, Hakim Shahjahan, Ramesh Pisharody, Irshad Ali, PP Kunhikrishnan, and astrologer Hari Pathanapuram. The writing team extends beyond the principal screenwriters, with Jyothish M, Sunu V, and Ganesh Malayath contributing to additional screenplay and dialogues, suggesting a layered narrative approach.

On the technical front, cinematography is handled by Shinoz, while Ankit Menon is on board as the music composer. Editing duties are entrusted to Shameer Muhammed, whose body of work has often shaped the rhythm of several acclaimed Malayalam films. Together, the technical crew brings a mix of experience and contemporary sensibilities to the project.



For Nikhila Vimal, Pennu Case adds another significant chapter to an already packed lineup. She was last seen in Get Set Baby, where she starred opposite Unni Mukundan. Beyond Malayalam cinema, the actor is also part of Aryas upcoming Tamil Malayalam bilingual Ananthan Kaadu, scripted by Murali Gopy and directed by Jiyen Krishnakumar. The project has generated curiosity for its cross-industry collaboration and thematic ambition

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pennu Case (@pennucasemovie)





Earlier this month, Nikhila also commenced work on Dhoomakethu, which recently went on the floors. Directed by Sudhi Maddison of Neymar fame, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Sajin Gopu, Shine Tom Chacko, Sidharth Bharathan, and Ganapathi. With Pennu Case now dated for release, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the actor, marked by varied roles and strong creative partnerships.



Also Read: Sooris Maaman Promises An Emotion-Soaked Family Saga Rooted In Love And Loyalty
James Cameron has spent more than a decade planning and making the Avatar (2009) sequels. The latest and third entry into the Avatar series of movies is called Avatar: Fire And Ash, and the film looks and feels every bit of an upgrade. But the story doesnt. And yet, while commenting on a most-obvious flaw or shortcoming, it becomes important to see the impact of the visuals unfolding on screen and giving due to a filmmaker and his team for staying focussed and committed to a vision. Especially since this effort has unfolded over a considerable amount of time. Avatar: Fire And Ash is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences one can have at a theatre. But the truth is, a story is the heart and soul of a movie and thats where the latest Avatar movie feels a little flat and underwhelming.







The story picks up where the last release Avatar: The Way Of Water (2022) left off. The Sully family is navigating survival on planet Pandora, moving in with the Metkayina clan of Navi people. Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang) has been resurrected into a Navi avatar and his hot on the heels of Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his family. The story also sees an all-new Navi clan called Mangkwans, led by Varang (Oona Chaplin). Varang and Quaritch join forces to hunt the Sully family. This brings an unlikely war to the Navi people, one that threatens the existence of all indigenous life on Pandora, as human beings and their greed threatens all creatures on the alien planet. The Way Of Water had already escalated the adventure from the jungles of Pandora to its oceans, giving audiences a glimpse into a complex and enchanting world of ocean creatures. In the third film the tension, drama and action combines the jungles, the ocean and ash covered mountains of Pandora. But the Mangkwan clan, their all-new, drug-fuelled setting isnt the mainstay of the movie. The premise follows Jake and his wife Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) as they relocate, clan to clan, in the hope that they can outrun Quaritch and Oona.







The problem with any of this is that similar story beats have been covered in Avatar: The Way Of Water. The story, setting and characters changed dramatically between Avatar (2009) and its 2022 sequel. Jake and Neytiri, built a family with the Omatikaya tribe, but were forced to relocate to the Metkayina clan and that changed the entire setting of the films world. But the 2025 sequel tends to have a little too much in common with the last movie. A large part of the action unfolds in the seas of Pandora, along with the Metkayina clan and the sea creatures called Tulkun. It all feels and looks a little too familiar. The movies first half deals with Oona, her Mangkwan clan and their clashes with the Tlalim clan (Wind Traders) and all of that is quite engaging. But the climactic portions unfold in the sea and they seem repetitive, if not, derivative of the same themes and action from The Way Of Water. All three films have a central conflict point that snowballs into a frenzied situation and eventually, Neytiri, Jake and their kids have to hope and pray that Pandoras goddess supreme, Eywa will rescue them. That the same theme has been continuously employed by director James Cameron in all three movies, feels like a cop out, atleast on the writing front.







Having said that, Avatar: Fire And Ash looks like a billion-dollar production. Theres literally nothing on offer from Hollywood or any other movie industry in the world that can come close to the detailed visuals of Pandoras landscape and detail with which Cameron and his team have created creatures, natural elements and in-depth worlds. Watching the technical marvel and finesse play out on a big screen is worth the price of even an exorbitant ticket. The IMAX format is so cinematic, the some sequences in Avatar: Fire And Ash outperform the latest PS5 games in terms of sheer visual detail and value. The experience of watching Avatar is unparalleled. The performances are equally brilliant. Oona Chaplin, playing a totally new Navi character is the life of the first half of the film. Pity that her character is reduced to being a side-kick in the second half. The writers would have done well to make Quaritch a side-kick instead and they should have gone all-guns-blazing in a fiery blitzkrieg with Oona Chaplins Varang unhinged energy. Instead, she becomes an accessory to Quaritch as the narrative builds up to a mano-e-mano action sequence between Jake and Quaritch. Its good fan service, but the Avatar dream was never about fan-building like the Marvel universe. It was about disruption to levels of transcendence. Give the audience an experience in the theatre that they have never even imagined. Sadly, Avatar: Fire And Ash, trades in that inherent fervour of its franchise to settle for something more business friendly.







Despite all its shortcomings, this new Avatar movie still offers the best, cutting-edge film experience on a big screen. It is an absolute must watch.











ALos Read: Watch Video: James Cameron Wants to Shoot Second Unit Scenes for SS Rajamoulis Varanasi
Total sales increased by 15.9% in the nine months ended October 31, 2025 compared to 2024 (i)

Product gross margins increased in the nine months ended October 31, 2025 by 1.4% to 46.1% compared to 2024

Same store sales increased by 5.9% in the nine months ended October 31, 2025 compared to 2024 (i)

Average ticket increased by 15.8% in in the nine months ended October 31, 2025 compared to 2024

Closed $6.8 million in oversubscribed equity financing

Subsequent to quarter-end, completed a $5.0 million equity financing

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 17, 2025) - PesoRama Inc. (TSXV: PESO) ("PesoRama" or the "Company"), a Canadian company operating dollar stores in Mexico under the JOi Dollar Plus Stores brand, today announced its financial results for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2025 ("Q3 Fiscal 2026"). All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

"As the only true dollar store company in Mexico, we continue to innovate and expand our value proposition," said Rahim Bhaloo, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of PesoRama. "Our Q3 results demonstrate the resilience of our business model and continued demand for our offering, despite ongoing currency headwinds. Average ticket increased by 15.8% and same-store sales grew by 5.9%, supporting a 15.9% increase in total sales in the nine months ended October 31, 2025 compared to 2024. These results reflect the success of our merchandising strategy and expanded product assortment, which are driving customer loyalty as we grow our footprint in an underserved market. Subsequent to quarter-end, the completion of a $5.0 million equity financing further strengthens our balance sheet and enhances our ability to execute our growth strategy and deliver long-term value for shareholders."

Key Highlights: Three months 2026 Q3 vs 2025 Q3

Total sales increased by 23.6% to $6,699,728. In local currency (MXN), sales increased by approximately 16.9% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting continued organic growth and new store openings.

Gross profit remained consistent at $2,563,177, compared to $2,272,159 in Q3 2025, primarily driven by the increase in sales.

Product gross margins increased by 0.8% from $2,456,325 or 45.3% to $3,089,314 or 46.1% due to a decrease in the per unit cost of inventory.

Closed $6.8 million in oversubscribed equity financing to support store expansion.

Subsequent to quarter-end, completed a $5.0 million equity financing to support continued store expansion and working capital.

(i)stated in local currency

Key Achievements 2025

On April 26, 2025, the Company opened store #26; a 4,370 square feet location inside the "City Shops del Valle" mall in the Del Valle neighborhood.

On May 31, 2025, the Company opened store #27, a 5,177 square feet location inside the "Patio Martin Carrera" mall in the Martin Carrera neighborhood.

On July 24, 2025, the Company opened store #28, a 5,403 square feet location near the new Hospital de la Luz complex in the Agricola Oriental neighborhood of Mexico City.

On November 21, 2025, the Company opened store #29, a 6,340 square feet location store in the Roma Norte neighborhood of Mexico City.

On December 13, 2025, the Company opened store #30, a 6,620 square feet location situated roughly one kilometer from the Zocalo, Mexico City's main square.

The Company expects to open Store #31 on December 21, 2025, a 4,585 square feet location in the Parque Puebla retail district of Puebla City, representing the Company's first store in the state of Puebla.

This earnings news release should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2025, which can be found on PesoRama's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About PesoRama Inc.

PesoRama, operating under the JOi Dollar Plus Stores 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 30 stores (soon to be 31) 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.

Non-IFRS Measures

There are measures included in this news release that do not have a standardized meaning under international financial reporting standards (IFRS) and therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures and metrics presented by other publicly traded companies. The Company includes these measures because it believes certain investors use them as a means of assessing financial performance. Adjusted gross margin, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are financial measures that do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, one-time transaction expenses and financing costs. Adjusted gross margin is defined as gross profit plus distribution costs divided by sales.

We prepare and release quarterly unaudited and annual audited financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. We also disclose and discuss certain non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial information used to evaluate our performance in this and other earnings releases and investor conference calls as a complement to results provided in accordance with IFRS. We believe that current shareholders and potential investors in the Company use non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjusted gross margin, EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA in making investment decisions about the Company and measuring its operational results.

Management believes that investors and financial analysts measure our business on the same basis, and we are providing the adjusted gross margin, operating profit, EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA as financial metrics to assist in this evaluation and to provide a higher level of transparency into how we measure our own business.

Adjusted EBITDA is more fully defined and discussed, and reconciliation to IFRS financial measures is provided, in Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended January 31, 2025.

Cautionary Note

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, among other things, statements regarding the Company's planned expansion, new store openings and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate. 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 press 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/278435

Source: PesoRama Inc.
The internet's most influential retail trading community and disruptive thought leaders brings its massive global audience offline for a three-day collision of culture, capital, and calculated chaos in Miami.

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / December 17, 2025 / WallStreetBets, the community that bent the arc of modern finance, will host its first-ever live convention January 28-30, 2026 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The event is designed to be the most consequential gathering of retail traders, builders, content creators and industry heavyweights in the history of the movement.

This isn't another conference. It's a convergence.

"Social media gave millions of people a seat at the table," said Jaime Rogozinski, founder of WallStreetBets. "At this point, we're gonna need a bigger boat. Every cycle has its noise. This cycle is particularly loud and we're here to amplify the signal. When you put the right people in the same room, people with real track records and not just X (formally Twitter) threads, things happen. Industries shift. That's not speculation. It's documented history."

A Stage Where History Has a Habit of Repeating Itself

WallStreetBets Live is produced in partnership with veteran event architect Moe Levin, whose conferences have earned a reputation for what insiders often call "the serendipity machine" from a tendency to place future industry-defining figures in the same room before the rest of the world knows their names.

Past attendees at Levin's events include the founders of Binance, Litecoin, and Tether, each networking on his stages before becoming household names. Most notably, Ethereum was publicly unveiled at a Miami conference he produced in January 2014.

The combined track record speaks for itself: more than $568B in market capitalization has emerged from companies first connected on these stages, alongside $764M in documented investments directly traced to relationships formed at these gatherings.

"We've seen what happens when the right speakers meet the right audience at exactly the right moment," said Levin. "Now imagine that dynamic, supercharged by the most engaged, motivated and disruptive community on the internet standing alongside accomplished and established leaders on the same team. We expect more than merely accelerating the industry. We're expecting to change it."

The Lineup: Builders, Leaders, Disruptors. Not Performers

WallStreetBets Live features a roster designed for substance over spectacle: creators who built real audiences, founders who shipped real products, and voices that didn't just comment on markets but helped shape them.

Programming spans three days of main-stage conversations, builder labs, live product moments, and critical discussions on the platforms, policies, and power structures shaping how communities organize, communicate, and create change. Expect fewer recycled talking points and more moments that people will reference later as "the first time they heard it." After-hours networking will unfold in a way Miami has quietly perfected.

5,000 Tickets. 20+ Million Members. Do the Math.

With limited capacity and a community measured in the tens of millions, organizers expect demand to significantly outpace supply.

"If you've ever watched a major shift unfold from the sidelines and thought, 'I should have been in that room,'" Rogozinski added, "this is that room."

Event Details

 Dates: January 28-30, 2026

 Location: Miami Beach Convention Center, Grand Ballroom

 Tickets & Information: https://wsblive.com

 Media & General Inquiries: wsblive@wallstreetbets.net

SOURCE: WSB Global, LLC

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/wallstreetbets-live-announces-first-ever-convention-%22where-degens-1118899
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 17, 2025) - Taurus Gold Corp. (CSE: TAUR) ("Taurus" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its intention to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of unsecured convertible debentures (each, a "Debenture"). The Company expects to raise aggregate gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000 under the Offering.

The Debentures issued in the Offering will bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum, payable in advance, and mature on the one-year anniversary following the date of issuance (the "Maturity Date"). The Company may from time to time, in its sole discretion, prepay all or a part of the principal amount and accrued interest without penalty.

The outstanding principal amount owed under a Debenture may be converted into units of the Company (each, a "Unit"), each comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant exercisable at a price of $0.10 per Common Share for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance, at a conversion price of $0.10 per Unit (the "Conversion Price") by the holder thereof at any time on or before the Maturity Date. At maturity, the holders of the Debentures may convert the outstanding principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, into Units at the Conversion Price.

In connection with the Financing, the Company may pay a finder's fee to certain qualified arm's length parties a cash finder's fee equal to 8% of the gross proceeds raised and a number of common shares equal to 12.5% of the number of Units placed by such finder.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for technology development, general working capital and, where feasible, enhanced marketing and investor relations activities.

All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day following the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Offering is subject to approval by the CSE and the filing of all required documentation. The Company anticipates closing the Offering in one or more tranches following receipt of necessary approvals.

The securities of the Company referred to in this press 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. Accordingly, the securities of the Company may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Taurus Gold Corp.

Taurus Gold is a growth-oriented mineral exploration company with a 51% interest in the Charlotte gold-silver property in the Yukon. The Charlotte Property covers approximately 23 square kilometers and is road accessible within the established Dawson Range mining district. The Company's focus remains on advancing this flagship property through systematic exploration and development.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", "likely", "probably", "often", or "plan".

Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the size of the Offering, the completion and terms of the Offering, the use of the proceeds from the Offering, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, the success of the strategic businesses development initiatives, the timing and receipt of regulatory, shareholder and governmental approvals for the transactions described herein and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include future growth potential of the Company, fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions, fluctuations in securities markets, exploration success, the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives, the ability of the Company to satisfy stock exchange, shareholder and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards and general market conditions. Additional factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents which can be found under the Company's profile on http://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 the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278438

Source: Taurus Gold Corp.
SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kia PV5, the brand's first all-electric Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), is building one of the most comprehensive global award records ever achieved by a first-generation model, confirming Kia's competitiveness in the traditional light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment from its very first year on the market.

Since its global debut, the PV5 has earned major international accolades spanning performance, safety, design, family usability and long-distance capability. Together, these recognitions underscore not only the strength of the product itself, but also the market relevance of Kia's PBV strategy-rooted in customer insight, practical usability and decades of commercial-vehicle experience.

"The momentum behind the PV5 reflects Kia's long-term commitment to redefining purpose-built mobility," said Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of PBV Business Division, Kia Corporation. "By combining modular design, electrification and a scalable PBV ecosystem, we aim to create lasting value for businesses, cities and individual customers worldwide."

Europe has emerged as a key proving ground for the PV5's global competitiveness. In the UK alone, the PV5 Cargo has secured multiple 'Van of the Year' titles from Electrifying.com, What Van?, Parkers and News UK, with judges consistently praising its modular PBV platform, refined EV driving experience, conversion flexibility and operator-focused practicality. Kia was also named 'EV Brand of the Year' at the 2026 Electrifying.com Awards.

On the global stage, the PV5 was unanimously selected as the 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY) by 26 commercial vehicle journalists-making it the first Korean van and Asia's first EV to receive the honor. Judges highlighted its modular architecture, real-world efficiency and strong safety credentials.

Safety leadership was further reinforced when the PV5 Cargo achieved a five-star rating in the 2025 Euro NCAP Commercial Van Safety Assessment, placing it among Europe's safest electric vans.

Design excellence has also been recognized through multiple Red Dot Awards, including a Best of the Best honor for the PV5 WKNDR Concept, while real-world capability was validated by a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the longest distance driven by a fully loaded electric van on a single charge.

Together, these achievements position the PV5 as both an award-winning vehicle and the starting point of Kia's long-term PBV journey toward more flexible, efficient and customer-centered mobility solutions.

For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center for more.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2847546/Photo__Kia_PV5_Earns_Global_Recognition_Across_Safety__Performance__Design_and_Innovation_in_2025.jpg

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View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kia-pv5-earns-global-recognition-across-performance-safety-design-and-innovation-in-2025-302644510.html
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Newsfile Corp. - December 17, 2025) - Tenaz Energy Corp. ("Tenaz", "We", "Our", "Us" or the "Company") (TSX: TNZ) is pleased to announce its 2026 production and capital guidance.

Our Board of Directors has approved a capital expenditure budget of $250 to $275 million. Production guidance for 2026 is 19,500 to 22,500 boe/d1, reflecting year-over-year production growth (at mid-point of guidance) of approximately 115% from 2025.



2026 Guidance Average production volume 19,500 to 22,500 boe/d Capital expenditures2 ("CAPEX") $250 to $275 million

This organic capital investment program follows two major acquisitions in 2025, positioning Tenaz for multiple years of organic growth in natural gas production in the Netherlands, along with growth at a moderate pace in our Canadian oil project.

In our Dutch North Sea ("DNS") asset base, three jack-up drilling rigs are currently operating. The Shelf Drilling Winner is on location in the Tenaz-operated Joint Development Area ("JDA") drilling the K07-FB-103 well (45.6% working interest). The Borr Prospector 1 is on location at GEMS, with operator ONE-Dyas ready to re-enter and finish a partially-drilled infill well in the N05 pool (33.3% working interest). The Noble Resolute has commenced drilling the Eni operated L10-M4 Malachite well (21.4% working interest). In Canada, we expect to begin a three-well horizontal well program in Q1 2026 (87.5% working interest).

Capital and Production Guidance Overview

The overall 2026 CAPEX program is within forecasted 2026 funds flow from operations2 based on the current forward strip. Due to the timing of drilling, workover and tie-in activity, the largest impact on production growth from the program will be realized in 2027. Based on our current project schedules and risking of outcomes, we could achieve a production exit rate for 2026 as high as 27,000 boe/d.

We will maintain flexibility in the capital plan for 2026. As projects mature throughout the year, we will add or substitute these opportunities if they are economically or strategically superior to those currently planned. Our extensive infrastructure allows development activity to convert into contribution margin with relatively low incremental cost per unit of natural gas produced.

In the Tenaz Energy Netherlands ("TEN") operated JDA and L block areas, we expect to drill three (1.6 net) wells and continue with our workover campaign. The TEN capital program reduces the magnitude of the contingent earn-out payment for 2026 by deploying cash flow into development and exploration activity. At GEMS, ONE-Dyas will continue to execute its field development plan with a four (1.4 net) well drilling program targeting a range of infill and near-field exploration opportunities. In the L10 area, Eni plans a one (0.2 net) well drilling program, with potential expansion late in 2026 depending on rig scheduling and other factors. Our Canadian program, making up 4% of our budget, is expected to be composed of three horizontal wells (2.6 net), with two unfracked multi-laterals in the Ellerslie formation and a fracked single lateral in the Sparky formation. Our capital plan allocates approximately 80% of CAPEX to drilling operations, approximately 10% to workover and optimization activities, and approximately 10% to long-lead purchases and facilities projects.

Commodity Prices and Hedging

We expect that a number of LNG projects, particularly from the United States, will continue to progress and bring additional volumes to the global market. Europe will continue to rely on securing LNG supply for consumption and storage needs, as well as displacing remaining supply from Russia, which is expected to stop before the end of 2027. For 2025, Russian LNG and pipeline supply into the European Union has averaged approximately 3.5 Bcf/d, representing 12% of gas consumption. We expect LNG growth to cover the additional requirement, but reliance on short-term contracted volumes will require ongoing price competition to secure supply.

Hedging is a key element of our risk management approach. As of today, we are 42% hedged for full year 2026 for all products on an oil-equivalent basis, with 45% of TTF exposure and 63% of AECO exposure hedged. Approximately 50% of projected revenue for 2026 is currently protected via hedging. We continue to monitor commodity prices and will look for opportunities to layer in additional revenue protection for 2026 and beyond to protect payout of capital projects and manage cash flow volatility.

About Tenaz Energy Corp.

Tenaz Energy Corp. is an energy company focused on the acquisition and sustainable development of international oil and gas assets. Tenaz is the largest gas producer in the Dutch sector of the North Sea and develops crude oil and natural gas at Leduc-Woodbend in Alberta. Additional information regarding Tenaz is available on SEDAR+ and at www.tenazenergy.com. Tenaz's Common Shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "TNZ".

ADVISORIES

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

This press release contains the terms funds flow from operations and capital expenditures which are considered "non-GAAP financial measures". These terms do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. Accordingly, the Company's use of these terms may not be comparable to similarly defined measures presented by other companies. Investors are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP and these measures should not be considered to be more meaningful than GAAP measures in evaluating the Company's performance.

Fund flows from operations

Tenaz considers funds flow from operations to be a key measure of performance as it demonstrates the Company's ability to generate the necessary funds for sustaining capital, future growth through capital investment, and settling liabilities. Funds flow from operations is calculated as cash flow from operating activities plus income from associate and before changes in non-cash operating working capital and decommissioning liabilities settled. Funds flow from operations is not intended to represent cash flows from operating activities.

Capital expenditures

Tenaz considers capital expenditures to be a useful measure of the Company's investment in its existing asset base calculated as the sum of exploration and evaluation asset expenditures and property, plant and equipment expenditures from the consolidated statements of cash flows that is most directly comparable to cash flows used in investing activities.

Barrels of Oil Equivalent

The term barrels of oil equivalent ("boe") may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. Per boe amounts have been calculated by using the conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet (6 Mcf) of natural gas to one barrel (1 bbl) of crude oil. The boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf to 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalent of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.

Forward-looking Information

This press release contains certain forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "forecast", "guidance", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "potential", "intends", "strategy" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this press release contains forward-looking information and statements pertaining to: the CAPEX budget, and production and capital guidance (including year-over-year production growth) for 2026; capital plans and activities, and impacts; anticipated operational and financial performance; potential 2026 production exit rate; contingent earn-out consideration; the relative allocation of CAPEX; hedging; and the Company's strategy.

The forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release reflect several material factors and expectations and assumptions of Tenaz including, without limitation: the continued performance of Tenaz's oil and gas properties in a manner consistent with its past experiences; that Tenaz will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with past operations; expectations regarding future development; the general continuance of current industry conditions; the continuance of existing (and in certain circumstances, the implementation of proposed) tax, royalty, tariff and regulatory regimes; expectations regarding future acquisition opportunities; the continued availability of oilfield services; and the continued availability of adequate debt and equity financing and cash flow from operations to fund its planned expenditures.

Tenaz believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations, and assumptions will prove to be correct.

The forward-looking information and statements included in this press release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information and statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information or statements including, without limitation: changes in commodity prices; changes in the demand for or supply of Tenaz's products; unanticipated operating results or production declines; changes in tax or environmental laws, tariffs, royalty rates or other regulatory matters; changes in development plans of Tenaz or by third party operators of Tenaz's properties; increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of reserves or resources; limited, unfavorable or a lack of access to capital markets; increased costs; a lack of adequate insurance coverage; the impact of competitors; a failure to obtain necessary approvals as proposed or at all and certain other risks detailed from time to time in Tenaz's public documents.

The forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and, except as may be required pursuant to applicable laws, Tenaz does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

1 The term barrels of oil equivalent ("boe") may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. Per boe amounts have been calculated by using the conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet (6 Mcf) of natural gas to one barrel (1 bbl) of crude oil. Refer to "Barrels of Oil Equivalent" in the "Advisories" section of this press release.

2 This is a non-GAAP and other financial measure. Refer to "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" included in the "Advisories" section.

/NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278420

Source: Tenaz Energy Corp.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / December 17, 2025 / Molten Metals Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:MOLT)(FSE:Y44) is pleased to announce that it has arranged a non-brokered private placement of flow-through units (the "FT Units") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $300,000 (the "Offering").

The Offering will consist of up to 600,000 FT Units at a price of $0.50 per FT Unit. Each FT Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company issued on a flow-through basis (a "Flow-Through Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.60 per share for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of issuance.

In connection with the Offering, the Company may pay eligible finders a cash finder's fee of up to 7% of the gross proceeds raised under the Offering, as well as finder's warrants equal to 7% of the number of FT Units sold. Each finder's warrant will be exercisable on the same terms as the Warrants issued pursuant to the Offering.

The gross proceeds from the sale of the Flow-Through Shares will be used by the Company to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada), to be renounced to subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025.

Closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

The securities issued under the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction where such offer or sale would be unlawful.

About Molten Metals Corp.

Molten Metals Corp. 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.

For Additional Information, Please Contact:

Rishi Kwatra, Chief Executive Officer

Molten Metals Corp.

604.760.3999

ir@moltenmetalscorp.com

Forward-looking statements:

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including, without limitation, statements respecting the Offering, the anticipated use of proceeds therefrom, and the timing and completion of the Offering. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on a number of estimates, assumptions, and information currently available to the Company, which, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking information is neither a promise nor a guarantee of future performance and is subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties; uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets; availability of financing; actual results of exploration activities; environmental risks; future prices of base and other metals; operational risks; accidents; labour issues; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or permits; and other risks inherent 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.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Molten Metals Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/molten-metals-corp.-announces-flow-through-financing-1118914
Company introduces AI-powered appliances designed to deliver smarter living by enhancing fabric care, air conditioning and cleaning

Highlighted models include upgraded Bespoke AI AirDresser, Bespoke AI Laundry Combo, WindFree Air Conditioner and Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra robot vacuum

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced its upcoming showcase at CES 2026, which will be held Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas, Nevada. At CES, the company will highlight a series of improvements in home living that merge AI-powered customized care and powerful hardware-supported performance. This year, the company is enhancing its Bespoke AI living appliance lineup with smarter fabric care, intuitive temperature control and more convenient cleaning experiences - all designed to adapt to users' lifestyles through seamless synergy between its devices. Featured innovations include the upgraded Bespoke AI AirDresser, Bespoke AI Laundry Combo, Bespoke AI WindFree Pro Air Conditioner and the flagship Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra robot vacuum.

"This year, to enhance the living experience, we are unveiling our upgraded Air Dresser, Laundry Combo, and WindFree Air Conditioner, developed by integrating valuable customer feedback and leveraging the R&D expertise we have accumulated over the years," said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team for the Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics. "Through our continuous innovation, we are elevating how users interact with their appliances on a day-to-day basis."

Faster Full Cycles, Enhanced Drying, and Smarter Care With the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo

Following its 2024 debut, the 2026 Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is launching with upgrades that shorten wash-to-dry cycles and enhance drying performance. The Super Speed cycle leverages a high-pressure Speed Spray that improves detergent penetration and rinsing to enable fast and efficient washing, while the newly incorporated Booster Heat Exchanger delivers improved drying performance. The upgraded combo also features Auto Open Door+, which not only automatically opens the door, but also activates internal air circulation after wash-only cycles to keep remaining laundry from developing a musty odor.

Additionally, the upgraded AI Wash & Dry+ [1] uses multiple sensors to optimize performance for each load. It detects the weight to determine the right amount of water and detergent, identifies five fabric [2] types - including Outdoor and Denim - and monitors soil levels in real time. The newly applied Wide Lint Filter features a one-touch design for easier cleaning, and a dual-layer design and large capture area to provide thorough collection of lint and particles This year, in addition to the original 7" LCD screen model, a more affordable variant with a 2.8" LCD screen and jog dial is also being introduced to cater to diverse customer needs.

Bespoke AI AirDresser Now Offers Stronger Wrinkle Care and Smarter Drying

Three years after its predecessor, Samsung's upgraded Bespoke AI AirDresser is returning with enhanced performance and greater convenience. It features the new Auto Wrinkle Care function, which leverages an enhanced Dual AirWash and Dual JetSteam system to help smooth out wrinkles quickly and effortlessly in busy mornings. The Dual JetSteam also effectively maintains the freshness of clothing by infusing high temperature heat deep into the fabric - reducing 99.9% of certain viruses [3] and bacteria [4] and 99% of unpleasant odors [5] . Furthermore, the model features an intelligent drying course that adjusts drying time to suit small, medium, or large loads. This ensures optimal drying, preventing over or under-drying and protects fabric quality.

A standout feature is its synergy with the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo. The Auto Cycle Link [6] recommends an appropriate drying course on the Air Dresser once a wash cycle ends. When certain cycles designed for special care - such as the Blouse Cycle - are selected on the Combo, the same option is automatically queued on the AirDresser, creating a continuous garment care flow. The refreshed design also includes a sleek One Body Door and 2.8" LCD screen for improved usability.

Bespoke AI WindFree Pro Air Conditioner Delivers Various Tailored Wind Modes with Multi Blades

This year's new WindFree Air Conditioner incorporates AI technology [7] and Motion Wind to address the key attribute that influences customer purchasing decisions, which are wind modes [8] . The number of blades have increased from one to three, enabling airflow to be directed in multiple directions according to user preferences. The Triple Motion Wings create seven tailored wind modes - including Max Wind, which delivers instant cooling 15% faster; [9] Surround Wind, which spreads airflow evenly; Long Reach Wind, which sends cool air twice as far; [10] and Down Wind, which quickly drives warm air downward for faster delivery of cool air. With radar-based AI Direct and Indirect Wind modes, the system senses user presence and automatically directs or diverts airflow to enhance comfort.

The model also includes AI Fast & Comfort Cooling, which analyzes temperature, humidity, and room size to automatically activate optimized cooling. Based on usage patterns, [11] it offers Fast Cooling, WindFree comfort and cold-free Dry Comfort. In addition, AI Energy Mode monitors both usage behavior and external conditions to minimize compressor fluctuations, helping reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. [12]

Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra Brings Object and Liquid Recognition for Smarter Navigation

The newly launching Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra comes with advanced recognition technologies designed to reduce human intervention and simplify cleaning like never before. Powered by a Qualcomm Dragonwing processor, it offers deep learning-based AI Object Recognition [13] to better detect humans, [14] cats and dogs, [15] as well as hard-to-see obstacles like cables or rugs. This model also supports AI Liquid Recognition, allowing it to detect liquid spills [16] and determine whether to clean or avoid them based on the user's set preference. Additionally, upgraded Easy Pass Wheel technology raises the body and lowers the wheels to climb thresholds of up to 2.4 inches. [17]

Samsung at CES

For firsthand experiences of Samsung's latest innovations in AI-connected living, attendees of CES 2026 can visit Samsung's showroom located inside Wynn Las Vegas. Visit Samsung's CES 2026 landing page to find out more about the company's participation at the event.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com

[1] AI Wash & Dry+'s detection and sensing capabilities are based on our deep learning models trained using predefined set of data and may yield inaccurate or incorrect results. New datasets may be introduced to our learning models from time to time to enhance its accuracy.

[2] Based on AI-based algorithm and internal testing using the AI Wash & Dry+ cycle on an IEC 3kg load. A turbidity sensor operates for all weights, while fabric sensing operates for 3kg and under. It is capable of recognizing Outdoor, Denim, Normal, Towel, and Delicates.Actual results may vary depending on individual use.

[3] Based on testing by the preclinical laboratory of the College of Pharmacy, Korea University. Test method: attach a cotton fabric (88cm) contaminated with a virus to 5 shirts and run the Sterilization course. Result: reduces 99.9% of certain viruses, including Influenza A, Adenovirus, Infectious canine hepatitis virus (ICHV), Coronavirus, Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), Herpes, Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV), Enterovirus, Rhinovirus, Rotavirus, Influenza B, Hepatitis A and Norovirus. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment.

[4] Based on testing by Intertek. Test method: attach a cotton fabric (1010cm) contaminated with bacteria to 5 shirts and run the Sterilization course. Result: reduces 99.9% of certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, MSRA, Pneumococcus, Diphtheria, Legionella and urinary tract infection. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment.

[5] Based on internal testing. Results provided to and interpreted by Intertek. When Normal and Bulky Care mode is operated, odor concentration is reduced by over 99% (the average deodorization rate of 17 gases). Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment.

[6] Auto Cycle Link is only available when both the AirDresser and washer have Wi-Fi connected and are registered on the SmartThings App. A Wi-Fi connection is required at all times, which may increase energy consumption. Not available on certain models and in certain regions.

[7] To use AI Auto Cooling a Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account SmartThings are required.

[8] Based on an internal Samsung survey of consumers across Brazil, India, Korea, Italy, Thailand and Turkey.

[9] Based on internal testing on the AR70H12CAAWNEU compared with the Samsung conventional AQ12EASER model.

- Installation area of 68? at 35?, standard outdoor cooling condition.

- Time taken for indoor temperature to drop from 33? to 25? in Max mode.

- values may vary depending on the actual testing conditions and environment.

[10] Based on internal testing on the AR70H12CAAWNEU compared with the old AR12TXCAAWKEU model

- Installation area of 326? (positioned at 2m height) at 35?, standard outdoor cooling condition.

- Distance of airflow reach measured during cooling operation, at maximum airflow and the highest blades position setting.

[11] The SmartThings server stores user data, preferences and usage patterns to suggest the most useful options.

[12] The testing was conducted in Samsung's 132m residential environment laboratory at a temperature of 35C/24C (dry bulb/wet bulb, KS C 9306: air conditioner). Results provided to and interpreted by Intertek, comparing the power consumption between AI Energy Mode being on and off in AR07D9181HZN model's AI comfort mode. Actual savings may vary by usage patterns and environment and the set temperature may increase by up to 2 degrees. Requires the use of the SmartThings App and a Samsung account.

[13] Based on our deep learning model trained using a predefined set of data and may yield incomplete or incorrect information. New datasets may be introduced to our learning model from time to time to enhance its accuracy.

[14] Only recognizes a human presence based on generic visual indicators, and cannot identify individual people. Recognition capabilities may be limited when a person's entire body cannot be seen. A Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account are required.

[15] Only recognizes a pet presence based on generic visual indicators, and cannot identify individual pets. Recognition capabilities may be limited by the posture or position of a cat. The ability to recognize your pet may vary depending on the type of animal and the living environment. A Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account are required.

[16] A liquid spill is defined as a colored or transparent liquid, such as water or juice, having a size of 2.8 in x 2.8 in (0.5 oz. or 15ml in volume) or larger. Identification may be affected by the size of the stain or the environmental conditions of the floor, such as the floor pattern. Identification may be affected by the size of the liquid or the environmental conditions of the floor, such as the floor pattern, color of the floor, direct or reflected light, or shape of the liquid. Excessive amounts of liquid on the floor may cause secondary contamination.

[17] Based on internal testing, Jet Bot Steam's highest crossing height for a vertical, single tier threshold is 1.8 inches. It can also cross thresholds up to 2.4 inches high, including 1.8 inches threshold with an additional 0.6 inches height. The gap between thresholds should be greater than 3.5 inches. Results may vary depending on actual usage conditions. The Climb Zone must be set beforehand via SmartThings to use this feature. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.

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Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 17, 2025) - Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) ("Sankamap" or the "Company") the Company continues to work towards the filing of its annual audited financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 (the "Required Filings").

The Company confirms that it completed a change of auditors, and that the related documentation was filed earlier this month. Following the completion of the audit of Sankamap's private subsidiary, the Company's new auditor has commenced its review of the Company's files. While the transfer of files between the former and new auditors is ongoing, the Company understands that its new auditor has made substantial progress on the audit to date. Sankamap expects that the majority of audit fieldwork will be completed this week and continues to provide all requested information in a timely manner to support an efficient completion of the audit. The Company and its auditor continue to work toward completing the audit by December 28, 2025.

The Required Filings were due to be filed by October 28, 2025. In connection with the anticipated delays in making the Required Filings, the Company made an application for a Management Cease Trade Order ("MCTO") under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203") to the Alberta Securities Commission, as principal regulator for the Company, and the MCTO was issued on October 29, 2025. The MCTO restricts all trading by the Company's CEO and CFO in securities of the Company, whether direct or indirect. The MCTO does not affect the ability of persons who are not directors, officers or insiders of the Company to trade their securities. The MCTO will remain in effect until the Required Filings are filed or until it is revoked or varied.

The Company expects to proceed with the filing of its interim first-quarter financial statements shortly after the Required Filings have been completed and submitted.

The Company confirms that it intends to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines described in NP 12-203 by issuing bi-weekly default status reports in the form of a news release until it meets the Required Filings requirement. The Company has not taken any steps towards any insolvency proceeding and the Company has no material information relating to its affairs that has not been generally disclosed.

For further information with respect to the MCTO, please refer to the Company's news releases dated October 21, 2025, November 4, 2025, November 18, 2025 and December 3, 2025, available for viewing on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Sankamap Metals Inc.

Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) is a Canadian mineral exploration company dedicated to the discovery and development of high-grade copper and gold deposits through its flagship Oceania Project, located in the South Pacific. The Company's fully permitted assets are strategically positioned in the Solomon Islands, along a prolific geological trend that hosts major copper-gold deposits; including Newcrest's Lihir Mine, with a resource of 71.9 million ounces of gold (310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred).

Exploration is actively advancing at both the Kuma and Fauro properties, part of Sankamap's Oceania Project in the Solomon Islands. Historical work has already highlighted the mineral potential of both sites, which lie along a highly prospective copper and gold-bearing trend, suggesting the possibility of further, yet-to-be-discovered deposits.

At Kuma, the property is believed to host an underexplored and largely untested porphyry copper-gold (Cu-Au) system. Historical rock chip sampling has returned consistently elevated gold values above 0.5 g/t Au, including a standout sample assaying 11.7% Cu and 13.5 g/t Au2; underscoring the area's significant potential.

At Fauro, particularly at the Meriguna Target, historical trenching has returned highly encouraging results, including 8.0 meters at 27.95 g/t Au and 14.0 meters at 8.94 g/t Au3. Complementing these results are exceptional grab sample assays, including historical values of up to 173 g/t Au3, along with recent sampling by Sankamap at the Kiovakase Target, which returned numerous high-grade copper values, reaching up to 4.09% Cu. In addition, limited historical shallow drilling intersected 35.0 meters at 2.08 g/t Au3, further underscoring the property's strong mineral potential and the merit for continued exploration. With a commitment to systematic exploration and a team of experienced professionals, Sankamap aims to unlock the untapped potential of underexplored regions and create substantial value for its shareholders. For more information, please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under Sankamap's profile.

1.Newcrest Technical Report, 2020 (Lihir: 310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred)

2. Historical grab, soil and BLEG samples from SolGold Kuma Review June 2015, and SolGold plc Annual Report 2013/2012

3. September 2010-June 2012 press releases from Solomon Gold Ltd. and SolGold Fauro Island Summary Technical Info 2012

QP Disclosure

The technical content for the Oceania Project in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person in accordance with CIM guidelines. Mr. John Florek is in good standing with the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (Member ID:1228) and a director and officer of the Company.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

s/ "John Florek"

John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol

Chief Executive Officer

Sankamap Metals Inc.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved nor disapproved this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to Sankamap and there is no assurance that the actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates," "believes," "targets," "estimates," "plans," "expects," "may," "will," "could" or "would."

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding management's expectations about obtaining the MCTO and completing the Required Filings within the anticipated timeline. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Sankamap does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements or information, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca .

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278449

Source: Sankamap Metals Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 17, 2025) - Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) (the "Company" or "Doubleview") pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of flow-through units for gross proceeds of up to approximately C$2,000,000 (the "Private Placement"). Proceeds of the Private Placement shall be used to fund the current exploration program The proceeds of the sale of the FT Units will be used for exploration work on its BC projects, particularly for the polymetallic Hat Project, located in northwestern BC. This work includes drilling, geological advisory and analytical services as well as other development work and other "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" (as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act")).The Private Placement will consist of: (i) up to 1,538,462 flow-through Units ("FT Units ") at a price of $1.30 per FT Unit for up to C$2,000,000.

Each FT Unit shall consist of one common share of the Corporation (a "FT Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant") (each of which qualifies as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "ITA"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Corporation (a "Warrant Share") (on a non-"flow-through" basis) at an exercise price of $2.00 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined).

Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws and in accordance with the TSX Venture Exchange policies, all securities issued under this Offering will be subject to applicable resale restrictions under applicable securities laws and to the Exchange hold period of four-months and one day from the date of issuance. In connection with the Private placement, Doubleview may pay a finder's fees in accordance with the policies of the TSXV consisting of cash and/or finders shares..

The closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the TSX Venture Exchange

About Doubleview Gold Corp

A mineral resource exploration and development company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange (TSXV: DBG), (OTCQB: DBLVF), (WKN: A1W038), and (FSE: 1D4). Doubleview focuses on identifying, acquiring, and financing precious and base metal exploration projects across North America, with a strong emphasis on British Columbia. The company enhances shareholder value through the acquisition and exploration of high-quality gold, copper, cobalt, scandium, and silver projects-collectively critical minerals-utilizing cutting-edge exploration techniques.

Doubleview's success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of its long-term shareholders, supporters, and institutional investors. Their ongoing commitment has been instrumental in advancing the company's strategic initiatives. Doubleview looks forward to further collaborative growth and development and continues to welcome active participation from its valued stakeholders as the company expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the critical minerals sector.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

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.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives and assumptions made as of the date of this news release, including without limitation: the size of the Private Placement and other statements concerning the Private Placement; the anticipated use of proceeds from the Private Placement; the renunciation to the purchasers of FT Shares and timing thereof; the tax treatment of the FT Shares and the Company's plans regarding exploring its mineral exploration properties; anticipated results of geophysical drilling programs, geological interpretations and potential mineral recovery. 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.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate funding on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to the gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty or reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law, to reflect new information, events or circumstances, or changes in management's estimates, projections or opinions. Actual events or results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements or from the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278439

Source: Doubleview Gold Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 17, 2025) - Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) (Benz or the Company) is pleased to announce that, further to its announcements dated August 12, 2025, August 20, 2025 and October 21, 2025 in relation to the private placement for 30,456,853 new fully paid CHESS Depositary Interests (CDIs) in the Company at an issue price of A$0.985 (C$0.8846) per CDI to raise approximately A$30,000,000 (C$26,943,000) (before costs) (Placement), it has completed the second tranche of the Placement, which was placed to Mr. Jolly, a Director of Benz (Tranche 2 Placement). As previously announced, the Tranche 2 Placement, which consists of 50,762 CDIs at a price of A$0.985 per CDI to raise an additional A$50,000 (C$44,905) (before costs), was approved by the shareholders of the Company at the annual general and special meeting held on December 16, 2025 (Perth, Western Australia time). The participation by Mr. Jolly in Tranche 2 Placement is considered a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") of Canadian securities laws. The Tranche 2 Placement is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of any CDIs issued to or the consideration paid by Mr. Jolly exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

Each CDI represents one underlying common share in the Company on a one for one basis. All CDIs and underlying common shares issued in connection with the Placement are subject to a statutory hold period in Canada of four months and one day from their respective date of issuance. There are no finder's fees payable in connection with the Tranche 2 Placement.

Australian dollar amounts disclosed above were converted into Canadian dollars using the Bank of Canada's exchange rate posted on August 12, 2025 of A$1 = C$0.8981.

The Placement remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

- END -

This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Benz Mining Corp.

For more information, please contact:

About Benz Mining Corp.

Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) is a pure-play gold exploration company dual-listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and Australian Securities Exchange. The Company owns the Eastmain Gold Project in Quebec, and the recently acquired Glenburgh and Mt Egerton Gold Projects in Western Australia.

Benz's key point of difference lies in its team's deep geological expertise and the use of advanced geological techniques, particularly in high-metamorphic terrane exploration. The Company aims to rapidly grow its global resource base and solidify its position as a leading gold explorer across two of the world's most prolific gold regions.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please click here.

For more information, please visit: https://benzmining.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 ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278451

Source: Benz Mining Corp.
2026 startet mit einem Paukenschlag: Der DAX outperformt den US-Markt, Nachzugler holen auf. Ein erstes Signal, dass der Bullenmarkt an Breite gewinnt. Wahrend viele Anleger weiter auf die groen Tech-Namen setzen, hat sich im Hintergrund langst ein Umschwung vollzogen. Der Fokus verschiebt sich weg von uberteuerten KI-Highflyern hin zu soliden Qualitatswerten aus der zweiten Reihe.



Anleger, die jetzt clever agieren, setzen nicht auf das, was war, sondern auf das, was kommt. Unternehmen mit gesunder Bilanz, unterschatztem Potenzial und begrenztem Abwartsrisiko konnten 2026 zu den groen Gewinnern zahlen. Die Gefahr einer scharferen Korrektur bleibt real, gerade fur passiv aufgestellte Investoren.



In unserem neuen Spezialreport stellen wir funf Aktien vor, die genau jetzt das Potenzial fur uberdurchschnittliche Renditen bieten. Stark, gunstig und bislang kaum im Fokus.



Jetzt kostenlosen Report herunterladen  bevor es andere tun!



Dieses exklusive PDF ist nur fur kurze Zeit gratis verfugbar.
In an official signing ceremony, Ninja Van formalized its adoption of Anchanto's SaaS technology to power its B2C and B2B fulfillment operations in the Philippines.

Anchanto's Warehouse Management System (WMS) was selected for its strong integration ecosystem, operational flexibility, and ability to unify complex fulfillment operations across Ninja Van's enterprise systems and logistics partner services.

The partnership will support Ninja Van's expanding operations in the Philippines, and ambitious service enhancement plans.

MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move to modernize and scale its fulfillment operations, Ninja Van, one of Southeast Asia's leading logistics companies, formalized its adoption of Anchanto's Warehouse Management System (WMS) to support its fast-growing operations in the Philippines. Marked by an official signing ceremony, this collaboration is an important step in Ninja Van's mission to deliver superior logistics experience to brands, merchants, and consumers while scaling efficiently across both B2C and B2B business models.

By adopting Anchanto WMS, Ninja Van aims to accelerate its digitalization roadmap, reduce manual workload in order processing, and support growing online order volumes. With demand increasing nationwide and mega-campaign spikes becoming the norm, Ninja Van required a WMS capable of handling large-scale operations with accuracy, real-time visibility, and end-to-end efficiency.

Erick Paul Ramos, Fulfilment Business Head, Ninja Van Philippines, said, "The increasing complexity of our operations requires technology that can scale without compromising accuracy. Anchanto's WMS gives us the operational flexibility and integration depth we need to support our clients while maintaining the speed and reliability our merchants expect." He added, "Beyond the quality of Anchanto's WMS, what stood out for us was their long-term commitment in the Philippines, their successful track record with enterprise customers, and their strong vision for the future of commerce and logistics. These factors give us the confidence to partner with Anchanto for the long term."

Anchanto WMS was selected for its strong integration ecosystem, operational flexibility, and ability to unify complex fulfillment operations. The platform will integrate with Ninja Van's existing 3rd-party Enterprise Systems and connect directly with Logistics Partner Services. This setup will also allow Ninja Van to onboard more customers efficiently while enhancing their experience, maintaining precise inventory synchronization, consolidated reporting, and high fulfillment speed.

Bely Villacruz, Country Head Philippines at Anchanto, added: "The scalability, agility, and reliability of our technology have been proven repeatedly with enterprise customers globally. We're proud to see a leader like Ninja Van place their trust in Anchanto as they continue to pursue ambitious growth."

About Anchanto

Anchanto is a global SaaS technology company equipping Logistics Service Providers, Brands, and Retailers with best-in-class omnichannel commerce and supply chain capabilities. Headquartered in Singapore, Anchanto supports businesses through local teams in the Philippines and across 10 other countries. Its platforms offer ready integrations with more than 200 marketplaces, webstores, shipping carriers, and enterprise systems worldwide.

Website: https://anchanto.com/en-ph/

Media Contact:

Richard Sabado

richard.sabado@anchanto.com

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Smarter, Scalable Connectivity for Modern Business Environments

TAIPEI, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- D-Link Corporation (TWSE: 2332), a global leader in networking and intelligent connectivity, today announced the expansion of its enterprise wireless portfolio with the launch of two next-generation access points: the DAP-E9560 BE9500 Wi-Fi 7 Ceiling-Mount Access Point and the DAP-X3060W AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Wall-Plate Access Point. Designed to address diverse deployment scenarios in hospitality, education, enterprise offices, and multi-dwelling units (MDUs), the new lineup advances D-Link's vision of delivering secure, scalable, and intelligently managed wireless solutions for modern business environments.

Built with D-Link's engineering precision and commitment to Made in Taiwan quality, creative innovation, solution-oriented, one-stop service, and sustainable design, both products reinforce the company's mission of "One Connection  Infinite Possibilities," offering enterprises a more seamless and efficient path to next-generation network transformation.

Next-Generation Wireless for Every Scenario: Ceiling-Mount & Wall-Plate Solutions

To meet the rapid adoption of hybrid work, smart environments, and device-dense spaces, D-Link provides a dual-approach wireless strategy: high-capacity ceiling-mount coverage for shared areas and discreet, room-based connectivity for individual units. Together, these solutions form a unified wireless architecture that scales across buildings and industries.

DAP-E9560 BE9500 Wi-Fi 7 Ceiling-Mount Access Point | High-Performance, High-Density Wireless for Modern Enterprises

Engineered for conference halls, auditoriums, classrooms, and open workspaces, the Wi-Fi 7 DAP-E9560 delivers exceptional multi-gigabit wireless performance through:

Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with 320 MHz channels for peak throughput and ultra-low latency

4096-QAM - Up to 20% faster than Wi-Fi 6

1x 10 Gigabit (PoE) + 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet LAN to integrate seamlessly into modern wired backbones

Support for D-Link Nuclias network management, enabling centralized monitoring, configuration, and updates

Advanced security, including WPA3 Enterprise and customizable VLAN policies

The ceiling-mount design offers broad, uniform coverage ideal for large, shared environments requiring robust, always-on wireless performance.

DAP-X3060W AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Wall-Plate Access Point | Discreet, In-Room Connectivity for Hospitality, Education, and MDU Deployments

The Wi-Fi 6 DAP-X3060W is optimized for rooms and unit-based deployments, integrating seamlessly into interior spaces while delivering reliable, high-efficiency wireless access. Key features include:

Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (AX3000) for high-speed, low-latency in-room performance

Standard wall-plate installation, ideal for hotel rooms, dormitories, meeting rooms, and apartments

PoE-powered design for simplified deployment

Multiple Gigabit LAN ports, supporting wired devices such as IP phones, smart TVs, and desktop PCs

Secure segmentation and WPA3 to protect each room or tenant

This space-saving AP ensures stable and private connectivity where individual-unit performance matters most.

Unified Management and Scalable Deployment with Nuclias

Both the ceiling-mount and wall-plate access points integrate seamlessly with D-Link's Nuclias cloud-based and on-premises management platforms, allowing businesses to centrally provision devices, monitor network performance in real time, troubleshoot issues remotely, and scale deployments across multiple sites with ease. This unified approach enables IT teams to manage the entire wireless infrastructure through a single, intuitive interface, simplifying maintenance while ensuring consistent and reliable connectivity across lobbies, guest rooms, offices, and classrooms.

Designed for Modern Workflows, Built with MIT-Quality Engineering

D-Link's enterprise wireless portfolio reflects decades of engineering experience and the company's continued dedication to high-quality, secure, and sustainable network design. From material selection to performance optimization, each access point is crafted to support business-critical environments while reducing installation complexity and long-term maintenance costs.

Empowering the Future of Intelligent Business Connectivity

With the introduction of the DAP-E9560 Wi-Fi 7 Ceiling-Mount AP and the DAP-X3060W Wi-Fi 6 Wall-Plate AP, D-Link strengthens its position as a trusted provider of professional, high-performance networking solutions. The expanded portfolio equips organizations with the flexibility to build intelligent, future-ready wireless networks that adapt to evolving digital operations and mobility needs.

###

About D-Link

D-Link, a global leader in the networking industry, began expanding worldwide in 1986 and was officially established as D-Link Corporation in 1987. With 90 operational and sales locations across 43 countries, D-Link provides innovative and reliable networking equipment, AI-powered cloud management services, and complete infrastructure solutions for individuals, homes, businesses, and industries. Find out more about D-Link atwww.dlink.com

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Apollo Athenaa continues to set new benchmarks in precision oncology

NEW DELHI, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When a 69-year-old Ms. Maya, a spirited grandmother and an avid walker from Kazakhstan, began experiencing persistent breathlessness. A former smoker, she was diagnosed with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite undergoing two rounds of chemotherapy locally, her symptoms worsened, prompting the family to travel over 2,500 km to seek advanced care at Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer Centre, New Delhi.

Upon her arrival in India, her medical evaluation revealed the disease had affected both lungs, the pleura, lymph nodes, and the brain. The possibility of neurological complications and the anticipated need for aggressive treatments, including brain radiotherapy or invasive procedures, weighed heavily on the family.

Following a biopsy, her tumour tissue underwent comprehensive genomic profiling. Comprehensive genomic profiling of the tissue biopsy identified an EML4-ALK fusion, an alteration predictive of response to targeted therapy. Instead of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, she was placed on a targeted therapy regimen consisting of a single oral tablet each day.

With excellent tolerance and well-managed biochemical parameters, Ms. Maya's health began to show remarkable improvement within weeks. Her breathlessness reduced significantly, and she started to regain her energy.

Her latest scans indicate an excellent response to treatment across all disease sites, including the brain, achieved without radiotherapy.

Speaking about the case, Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Lead, Medical and Precision Oncology at Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer Centre, said, "Ms. Maya's journey is a powerful example of how precision oncology is transforming cancer care. By identifying actionable genetic alterations, we can offer highly effective, personalised treatments that drastically reduce the need for aggressive interventions. Her recovery, achieved through a single targeted pill each day, shows what modern cancer care can accomplish, treatment that is scientifically advanced, less toxic, and deeply compassionate."

Ms. Maya said, "I travelled to Delhi with fear in my heart. But Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa and the team at Apollo Athenaa gave me hope when everything felt uncertain. I never imagined that one pill a day could give me back my breath, my walks, my strength. I feel like I have my life again."

WinningOverCancer

Log on to:https://www.apollohospitals.com/hospitals/apollo-athenaa-womens-cancer-centre

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DCAI, the AI infrastructure company that operates the Gefion AI Supercomputer, has achieved ISO/IEC 27001 certification, the globally recognized standard for information security management systems (ISMS). This milestone underscores DCAI's commitment to delivering secure, compliant, and enterprise-grade AI infrastructure.

ISO/IEC 27001 is the global benchmark for information security. The certification was awarded by an independent firm after a rigorous audit of DCAI's internal security processes, policies, and controls. The certification validates that DCAI has implemented a comprehensive, independently audited framework to protect data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, critical requirements for organizations building and operating AI systems at scale.

ISO/IEC 27001 spans the full breadth of infrastructure operations, from DCAI's infrastructure and data center environment, to internal processes that safeguard customer workloads, confirming that DCAI's ISMS is fully aligned with best practices for protecting sensitive customer and corporate data. For customers and partners operating in regulated and data-sensitive environments, the certification provides assurance that DCAI's infrastructure and operations are built on a foundation of security by design.

The certification is especially important for high-impact AI use cases, including:

Enterprise AI and machine learning , where intellectual property and model security are paramount

, where intellectual property and model security are paramount Public sector and regulated industries , such as finance, healthcare, and energy

, such as finance, healthcare, and energy Privacy-sensitive workloads , including AI systems processing sensitive personal or confidential data

, including AI systems processing sensitive personal or confidential data European and cross-border deployments, where strong governance and compliance are essential

In addition to ISO/IEC 27001, DCAI has also successfully completed ISAE 3000 Cybersecurity and ISAE 3000 Privacy Audits, providing independent external validation that the company's cybersecurity and privacy controls are well-designed and effectively implemented and operating in practice. Together, these certifications and audits offer a high level of assurance and transparency to customers, partners, and regulators.

"Security and trust are the foundation of everything we build at DCAI," said Sune Aggergaard Mortensen, CISO for DCAI. "Achieving these certifications in such a short timeframe demonstrates the maturity of our platform and our organization. It allows our customers to innovate with AI faster, knowing their data, models, and operations are protected by globally recognized standards."

Achieving these certifications quickly is a significant accomplishment for a fast-growing AI infrastructure company, requiring deep organizational alignment, strong governance, and security-by-design systems already embedded across operations.

"AI infrastructure sits at the intersection of innovation, critical data, and societal trust," said Nadia Carlsten, CEO of DCAI. "By achieving ISO/IEC 27001 and completing ISAE 3000 Audits early in our journey, we are making a clear statement that security, privacy, and compliance are fundamental enablers of AI adoption. Our customers can build and scale AI with confidence, knowing the infrastructure beneath them meets the highest international standards."

For DCAI customers, the impact includes:

Lower compliance overhead , by leveraging DCAI's certified controls

, by leveraging DCAI's certified controls Faster onboarding and procurement , particularly for enterprises and public institutions

, particularly for enterprises and public institutions Greater transparency and accountability, backed by continuous audits and improvement

The certifications and audits will be maintained through continuous enhancement of DCAI's security and privacy practices, ensuring continued alignment with evolving threats and regulatory requirements, and continued trust as customers and partners confidently deploy AI solutions.

About DCAI

DCAI is an AI infrastructure and services provider which owns and operates Gefion, Denmark's flagship AI supercomputer. DCAI's mission is to lower the barrier to access the most advanced computing capabilities with guaranteed data sovereignty, enabling organizations to innovate securely and confidently. DCAI customers include academic researchers, startups, public sector institutions, and enterprise customers that leverage the power of sovereign AI to accelerate research and innovation.

CONTACT:

press@dcai.dk

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ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, attended the grand finale of the 33rd UAE President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses.

His Excellency crowned the winner of the seventh and final race of the evening, HH The President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses (Group 1), the richest race of the night with a prize purse of AED 8 million. HM Alchahine, owned by The National Stables, trained by Hilal and Tahnoon Al Alawi, and ridden by Italian jockey Cristian Demuro, took away the prestigious title after clocking 2:23.55 minutes over the 2,200-metre distance.

On the occasion, His Excellency highlighted that the UAE President Cup embodies the leadership's unwavering commitment to preserving the nation's rich equine heritage. He also praised the event's role in reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for Arabian horse racing and in attracting elite competitors from around the world. His Excellency further commended the event for its continued contribution to supporting the equine sector and promoting the sustainability of authentic heritage for future generations.

Earlier in the evening, Dark Trooper, owned by Wathnan Racing, trained by Alban de Mieulle, and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, claimed victory in HH The President Cup for Thoroughbreds, worth AED 1 million, completing the 1,400-metre race in 1:21.89 minutes.

The race meeting featured seven thrilling races, alongside spectacular drone displays and the operetta 'Zayed's Dream, An Everlasting Dream'. The total prize money for the evening reached AED 10.8 million, drawing a large crowd of racing fans and dignitaries.

The opening race over 2,200 metres was won by Samaa Al Ezz, owned by Yas Racing, trained by Ibrahim Al Hadrami, and ridden by Ray Dawson, claiming the Abu Dhabi Turf Club Conditions race for fillies and mares, worth AED 150,000, in 2:27.10 minutes.

A standout highlight of the evening came in the second race when Rasasi, owned by Al Rahmani Racing, trained by Ahmed Al Muhairbi, and ridden by Richard Mullen, broke the track record in the Yas Sprint for Arabian Purebreds (Group 3) over 1,200 metres, winning the AED 400,000 race in 1:15.32 minutes.

In the third race, Turquoise, owned by Al Ajban Stables, trained by Abdullah Al Hammadi, and ridden by Andrew Slattery, won the Al Wathba Mile (Conditions) over 1,600 metres, worth AED 350,000, in 1:42.59 minutes.

The fourth race saw Al Laith, owned by Leith Racing, trained by Ahmed Al Muhairbi, and ridden by Richard Mullen, secure a second victory for the connections by winning the UAE Breeders' Cup for Arabian Purebreds (turf-bred) over 1,600 metres, worth AED 500,000, in 1:43.84 minutes.

In the fifth race, Haseef, owned by Wathnan Racing, trained by Damien Watrigant, and ridden by James Doyle, delivered a commanding performance to win the Abu Dhabi Derby (Listed) over 2,200 metres, worth AED 400,000, finishing in 2:25.75 minutes.

The evening was also attended by His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society; Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation; and Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wajib Volunteer Association.

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LIMERICK, Ireland, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- H&MV Engineering, a leading global provider of specialist high-voltage electrical engineering services, backed by Exponent since 2022, is pleased to announce its investment in Blake Clough Consulting, a specialist energy consultancy focused on grid connection consulting, power system analysis, and design.

Blake Clough Consulting will continue to operate as an independent entity within the H&MV Engineering Group, enhancing the Group's ability to deliver end-to-end power engineering solutions to its clients while backing the vision of co-owners and Managing Directors Anna Ferguson and Anthony Donoghue.

PJ Flanagan, CEO of H&MV Engineering, stated, "This investment marks a significant step in our commitment to providing unparalleled service to our clients. Blake Clough Consulting's focus on early grid engagement and specialised design will empower our clients to find and secure power more effectively, enhancing project outcomes and allowing them to capitalise on opportunities in the rapidly evolving energy landscape, all while upholding our shared values of integrity, quality, and sustainability."

Expertise in Power Engineering

Blake Clough Consulting is recognised for its comprehensive specialist expertise in the power sector, covering a broad range of services, including:

Power Systems Analysis : Modelling and compliance studies for grid connection projects in the renewable (onshore & offshore) and data centre sectors.





: Modelling and compliance studies for grid connection projects in the renewable (onshore & offshore) and data centre sectors. Grid Connection Consulting : Developing connection strategies, feasibility, and applications, as well as curtailment analysis.





: Developing connection strategies, feasibility, and applications, as well as curtailment analysis. Electrical Design : Concept, FEED, and detailed electrical design.





: Concept, FEED, and detailed electrical design. Innovation, Regulation & Feasibility : Strategic regulatory consulting and development of modelling and scripting to meet emerging market needs.





: Strategic regulatory consulting and development of modelling and scripting to meet emerging market needs. Project Management / Owner's Engineer: Package and interface management, grid compliance project management, Owner's Engineer, and technical due diligence.

The team supports a broad client base of international consultancies, developers, network operators, and EPCs in accelerating the transition to Net Zero.

An Independent Entity for Enhanced Client Support

Blake Clough Consulting will maintain its distinct identity and remain agile and responsive to meet the needs of existing clients. This approach ensures that clients benefit from Blake Clough's proven expertise while also leveraging H&MV Engineering's extensive resources and industry experience.

Anna Ferguson, co-owner and Managing Director of Blake Clough Consulting, stated, "Joining the H&MV Engineering Group is an exciting opportunity for us. While we will continue to operate independently, this investment significantly enhances our ability to serve clients. H&MV's proven expertise in multi-service and international growth aligns perfectly with our vision, allowing us to deliver cutting-edge solutions more effectively than ever."

Anthony Donoghue, co-owner and Managing Director of Blake Clough Consulting, remarked, "This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for Blake Clough Consulting. Partnering with an industry leader like H&MV Engineering not only expands our capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to innovation. Together, we aim to empower our clients as they navigate the evolving energy landscape, ensuring sustainable growth and success."

Sohail Mian, Director of Power Systems at Blake Clough Consulting added, "This partnership creates a powerful synergy as we combine our expertise with H&MV Engineering's international reach. Our focus on global expansion will enable us to deliver enhanced solutions that meet the diverse needs of our clients across different markets."

About H&MV Engineering

H&MV Engineering, founded in 1997, is a global leader in high-voltage design, engineering, and construction services, enabling the transition to renewable energy across sectors including data centres, utilities, energy storage, and commercial industries. H&MV currently has over 14 GW of projects in design and construction and operates from 21 international offices across Europe, the Nordics, the Middle East, Asia, and the U.S.

Recognised for excellence in ESG performance, workplace culture, and sustainable delivery, H&MV Engineering was named one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in Europe in 2024. The company is backed by Exponent, alongside minority investors LGT Capital Partners and Hamilton Lane, supporting its continued growth and strategic expansion.

For more information, visit www.hmvengineering.com.

About Exponent

Exponent is a leading European private equity firm based in London and Dublin focused on investing in established and high-quality founder, family, and corporate-owned companies. Partnering with management teams to make good businesses substantially better, Exponent uncovers new ways of growing by focusing on operational factors within a company's control - combining cross-sector expertise, deep subsector knowledge, and capital. Since its inception in 2004, Exponent has raised five funds and invested in over 40 businesses across the UK, Ireland, and Benelux.

For more information, visit www.exponentpe.com.

About Blake Clough Consulting

Blake Clough Consulting is a specialist energy consultancy focused on electricity networks. The firm provides a comprehensive range of services, including power systems studies, electrical design, grid connection consulting, electricity regulation, network innovation, and feasibility studies. With a strong commitment to quality delivery, timeliness, and client relationships, Blake Clough aims to support clients in their journey towards decarbonising the energy system and achieving "Net Zero."

For more information, visit www.blakeclough.com.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hmv-engineering-announces-investment-in-blake-clough-consulting-strengthening-its-service-offerings-302645069.html
Managing IP with advanced workflow automation technology and leading data

LONDON, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, announced today that Nissan Motor Co., Ltd (Nissan: 7201.T) has selected IPfolio. This intellectual property management software (IPMS) will help Nissan manage and protect its IP more efficiently with advanced workflow automation technology and world-leading data and analytics.

With the implementation of IPfolio, Nissan will establish an IPMS that is scalable for the future by developing workflows customized for operations, enhancing data visibility, and enabling integration with other data sources through an Application Programming Interface (API).

David Curren, Deputy General Manager of Intellectual Property Department, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., said: "To address the increasing importance of intellectual property in the automotive industry, Nissan has selected IPfolio from Clarivate to help modernize and streamline its IP operations. The implementation will enable the Nissan IP team to manage its portfolio with greater control, efficiency, and strategic foresight. We are confident that IPfolio will be a key enabler in our mission to protect our intellectual property and strengthen our competitive position."

Maroun S. Mourad, President, Intellectual Property, Clarivate, said: "We are very pleased to support Nissan in transforming the way they manage and protect IP. Blending advanced technologies with decades of IP expertise, our trusted solutions will empower them to elevate IP management, accelerate innovation and mitigate business risk."

About Clarivate

Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit?www.clarivate.com.

Media Contact:

Jack Wan, Director, External Communications

newsroom@clarivate.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nissan-selects-ipfolio-from-clarivate-302643654.html
The new cloud-based EHR standardises care across the provider's 11 hospitals and a growing outpatient network

Leading private healthcare provider,HCA Healthcare UK (HCA UK), is now live with MEDITECH Expanse across its 11 acute facilities and dozens of outpatient locations, enhancing patient safety and improving workflow efficiencies.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251218257359/en/

Executives join the project team to celebrate MEDITECH Expanse live at HCA Healthcare UK. (Credit: HCA Healthcare UK)

The innovative, cloud-based EHR provides clinicians across all facilities with a unified, multi-disciplinary health record, giving them a seamless view of the patient's journey and health status whenever and wherever the patient receives care.

"Our primary objective for the Expanse implementation was to establish a single, evidence-based standard of best-practice care across our hospitals and facilities," says HCA Healthcare UK CEO John Reay. "This new foundation will provide us with the agility to adapt rapidly as medicine evolves, ensuring a high-quality experience for both our patients and our staff, across all locations."

By standardising on a single MEDITECH Expanse EHR platform, HCA UK has enabled clinical and IT teams across all facilities to collaborate more effectively and leverage their collective expertise. This unified approach reduces the number of disparate applications in use, creating cost efficiencies and delivering a consistent, streamlined user experience.

Since going live, Expanse has further strengthened patient safety through electronic medication management and by giving clinicians a comprehensive, consolidated view of each patient's history.

The new system is also transforming day-to-day workflows, with mobile access and personalised web-native navigation improving usability and freeing up clinical time. For example, HCA UK nurses can now use smartphones to review care, document activity, and positively identify patients at the point of care, allowing more face-to-face time with patients.

Cliff Bucknall, Chief Medical Officer at HCA UK, adds that, "Clinicians additionally benefit from enhanced accessibility through cloud-based hosting, enabling secure access to patient information from anywhere in the UK and supporting more timely remote care."

Hosted on the Google Cloud Platform through MEDITECH UK, Expanse delivers the scalability and advanced security needed to support emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The cloud infrastructure also centralises services and simplifies onboarding for facilities seeking a modern, unified hosting environment.

HCA UK attributes the success of the implementation to the collaborative efforts of all teams involved, including their own team members, MEDITECH's on-the-ground support staff, and the expertise of CereCore, which provided knowledgeable analysts, project managers, data services, and leadership to support the implementation.

"MEDITECH is proud to continue our 30-year partnership with HCA Healthcare UK, and looks forward to sharing the next chapter of their care transformation journey with Expanse," says MEDITECH Executive Vice President and COO Helen Waters.

She adds, "HCA UK has long been a forward-thinking organisation committed to leveraging advanced technology for exceptional patient-centred care. We are excited for the many ways Expanse will empower them to utilise the latest advancements, from AI to analytics, to lead the way in providing next-generation treatments and diagnostics."

With a solid foundation in place, HCA UK plans to further leverage MEDITECH solutions and integrated third-party apps to automate processes, boost efficiency, and accelerate care delivery. They also remain dedicated to staying ahead of development opportunities, using their partnership to inform MEDITECH's roadmap to address top UK healthcare needs.

About HCA Healthcare UK

From complex and urgent care to primary care, outpatient and day-case treatment, HCA Healthcare UK provides expert medical care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and NHS partnerships.

HCA Healthcare UK includes London Bridge Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital, The Portland Hospital, The Harley Street Clinic, The Lister Hospital, The Wellington Hospital, The Harborne Hospital and HCA UK medical centres. HCA UK also partners with leading NHS Trusts to provide care at HCA UK at University College Hospital, The Christie Private Care and Private Care at Guy's.

About MEDITECH

For over 34 years, MEDITECH systems have been deployed in numerous private healthcare facilities and NHS Trusts throughout the UK, including university, paediatric, women and cancer centre specialty Trusts. We empower healthcare organisations to expand their vision of what's possible with Expanse, the intelligent EPR platform you can trust. Around the globe, Expanse positions health systems for the next digital era and transforms care with AI-infused solutions, personalised workflows, next-level interoperability, and predictive analytics all working together to drive better outcomes. Follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, and visit: ehr.meditech.com/global/meditech-uk-ireland.

About CereCore International

CereCore International provides IT services that make it easier for you to focus on supporting hospital operations and transforming healthcare through technology. With a heritage rooted in top-performing hospitals, we serve as leaders and experts in technology, operations, data security, and clinical applications. We partner with clients to become an extension of the team through comprehensive IT and application support, technical professional and managed services, IT advisory services, and EPR consulting, because we know first-hand the power that integrated technology has on patient care and communities.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251218257359/en/

Contacts:

HCA Healthcare UK Press Team

HCAUK@thephagroup.com

Jason Patnode

Manager, Content, Branding, and Digital Marketing

MEDITECH

+1 781-774-5746

jpatnode@meditech.com
YANTAI, China, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Raythink today introduced its AI-powered thermal security solution designed to combat the growing crisis of illegal mining. By enabling early detection, this security solution helps reduce the risk of fatal accidents, violent confrontations, production disruptions, and significant economic losses-strengthening protection for mine operators, workers, and public revenue.

At the core of the solution is a360infrared panoramic camera combined with a multi-spectrum PTZ camera, enabling 24/7 wide-area monitoring. The infrared panoramic camera can complete a full 360 scan within 2 seconds and instantly link with PTZ cameras upon detecting suspicious targets to capture detailed visuals.

The system can simultaneously detect and track over 200 targets. Leveraging self-developed AI technology, it accurately identifies personnel, vehicles, and wildlife, ensuring comprehensive monitoring with minimal false alarms. Intelligent behavior analysis detects unusual activities and triggers instant alerts for rapid response. The system also features smoke and fire detection, providing early warning to prevent fire-related incidents.

Designed for the Unique Challenges of Illegal Mining

Illegal miners often operate at night or in low-light conditions, and mining sites are dusty. Traditional visible-light surveillance struggles in these circumstances, generating false alarms or missing critical activity. Raythink's AI-powered thermal security solution detects heat signatures rather than relying on light, ensuring accurate and reliable monitoring around the clock.

Mining sites span tens to hundreds of square kilometers. A single Raythink station can cover a radius of up to 2 kilometers, and multiple stations can be integrated into Raythink's proprietary VIS-4100 cloud platform for unified management. The platform supports electronic mapping, allowing operators to visualize equipment locations, set up virtual fences for restricted zones, and monitor alerts in real time.

Ensuring Compliance Through Advanced Monitoring

Installing monitoring systems is a key compliance requirement. ILO C176 requires risk monitoring and accident prevention. In the EU, directives 89/391/EEC and 92/91/EEC mandate risk assessments and high-risk environment monitoring. In Africa, countries like South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana require comprehensive safety systems. Raythink's AI thermal solution captures thermal and visual data, tracks multiple targets, and records unusual activity, providing verifiable evidence for audits and regulatory compliance.

To learn more about Raythink's innovative thermal imaging and intelligent security solutions, please visit the Solutions section on the Raythink official website.

For Further Information:

Email: sales@raythink-tech.com

Website: https://www.raythink-tech.com/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/raythink-launches-ai-thermal-imaging-system-to-help-stop-illegal-miners-before-disaster-strikes-302643395.html
Brainomix 360 Stroke imaging was utilized to improve and standardize the grading of baseline stroke severity, prior to treatment in patients enrolled in Argenica Therapeutic's Phase II study of neuroprotective ARG-007

Brainomix AI core lab uses regulatory cleared stroke technology, alongside its foundation-model-powered imaging pipeline for clinical trials, to provide robust baseline phenotyping and efficacy analysis

The Brainomix AI-enabled analysis demonstrated efficacy of Argenica's ARG-007 in severe stroke patients

Findings from the analysis will inform future clinical development and patient selection to advance treatment options for patients with severe acute ischemic stroke

CHICAGO and OXFORD, England, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brainomix, a global leader and pioneer of AI-powered imaging biomarkers for stroke and lung fibrosis, today announced results from its partnership with Argenica Therapeutics (ASX: AGN) for imaging and clinical data analysis of the Phase II trial evaluating ARG-007, a neuroprotective agent for acute ischemic stroke. Analysis using Brainomix 360 Stroke, an FDA-cleared and CE-marked AI-imaging platform, confirmed statistically significant and clinically meaningful efficacy of ARG-007 in severe acute ischemic stroke patients through accurate and standardized quantification of digital imaging biomarkers, including e-ASPECTS which allowed for improved stratification of patients.

The analysis addressed a fundamental challenge in stroke clinical trials: variability in baseline stroke severity assessment. By applying standardized, objective AI imaging biomarkers to the trial data, Brainomix 360 Stroke confirmed that patients with larger infarcts (brain tissue death) at presentation experienced statistically significant improvements in neurological function at 24 hours and disability outcomes at 90 days when treated with ARG-007 compared with placebo. Brainomix also showed that these patients demonstrated significantly smaller final infarct volumes, a key hallmark of neuroprotection.

"This collaboration highlights the value of proactively incorporating AI-enabled precision imaging in clinical trial design and analysis of stroke research," said Dr. Michalis Papadakis, CEO and co-founder of Brainomix. "Clinical trials in stroke rely heavily on accurate baseline assessments and manual scoring methods, which can introduce variability that obscures true treatment effects. Our Brainomix 360 Stroke platform provides standardized, objective measurements that help identify responsive patient populations with greater precision and, ultimately, accelerate the path to effective therapies for stroke patients. For ARG-007, by standardizing stroke assessment, AI removed variability and exposed a treatment effect that was previously hidden."

Dr. Liz Dallimore, CEO and Managing Director of Argenica Therapeutics, added, "We are excited by the outcomes of this analysis from Brainomix. Their expertise and AI-enhanced imaging platform allowed us to gain deeper insights from our clinical trial data, providing greater clarity around treatment effects and enabling more detailed exploration of key biomarkers, and show that ARG-007 delivers real benefit where it is needed most, in patients with the largest, most disabling strokes.

"With AI, we can now design a next-phase study of ARG-007 using precision medicine principles, selecting patients based on objectively measured brain injury and maximizing the chance of meaningful recovery."

About Brainomix 360 Stroke

Brainomix 360 Stroke is the world's first fully automated AI imaging platform, specifically designed for acute stroke assessment across every stage of the patient pathway, facilitating more confident treatment and transfer decisions for patients in all hospitals, regardless of local resources or expertise. By integrating advanced algorithms for NCCT, CTA, CTP, and MRI, Brainomix 360 Stroke enables faster, more accurate diagnosis and empowers clinicians to make informed decisions that improve patient outcomes.

About Brainomix AI Core Lab

Brainomix AI core lab uses its regulatory cleared products, alongside next generation imaging and clinical analytics, to inform the interpretation of clinical trial data and provide insights from routinely collected trial imaging. Through improved baseline phenotyping and detailed analysis of imaging endpoints, including Brainomix's next generation foundation model analysis, the AI core lab provides critical insights into therapeutic efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action at all stages of clinical development.

About Brainomix

Brainomix is a global pioneer in AI medical imaging, working with life science partners to support the clinical development novel therapeutics, as well as enabling precision medicine for better treatment decisions in stroke and lung fibrosis. Its flagship product, Brainomix 360 Stroke, is the world's first fully automated AI-imaging platform, designed for acute stroke assessment at all points of the patient pathway, facilitating more confident treatment and transfer decisions for patients in all hospitals, regardless of local resources or expertise. Brainomix 360 e-Lung technology applies AI-driven CT biomarkers to identify, monitor, and predict disease progression in pulmonary fibrosis. Founded as a spinout from the?University of?Oxford, Brainomix has offices in the UK,?Ireland?and the?USA, and operations in more than 20 countries.

To learn more about Brainomix and its technology visit www.brainomix.com, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Argenica Therapeutics

Argenica Therapeutics (ASX: AGN) is a Perth-based biotechnology company developing innovative neuroprotective therapies to protect brain cells following stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological conditions. Its lead drug candidate, ARG-007, is a novel neuroprotective peptide designed to limit brain tissue damage and improve recovery outcomes. ARG-007 has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical stroke, traumatic brain injury, and hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy models, and has completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials in humans and is currently advancing toward a more targeted Phase 2b trial informed by the new AI analysis findings.

Contacts

Jeff Wyrtzen, Chief Marketing Officer

jwyrtzen@brainomix.com

T +44 (0)1865 582730

US Media Enquiries

Jason Braco, Ph.D.

LifeSci Communications

jbraco@lifescicomms.com

UK & Europe Media Enquiries

Sue Charles

Charles Consultants

sue@charles-consultants.com

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View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/brainomix-ai-technology-reveals-efficacy-of-novel-neuroprotective-drug-candidate-in-severe-acute-ischemic-stroke-patients-302645082.html
HEFEI, China, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially completed grid connection of its landmark energy storage system (ESS) project with the nameplate capacity of 7.8GWh. Once fully energized, it will become the world's largest operational battery energy storage system (BESS), marking a major milestone in the advancement of renewable energy in the Middle East.

The project spans three sites located in the southwestern regions of KSA, Najran, Khamis Mushait, and Madaya. Sungrow, the equipment provider, played a pivotal role by completing the manufacturing of over 1,500 PowerTitan 2.0 systems in just 58 days and delivering the entire project within a very challenging timeline.

The PowerTitan 2.0 system features an all-in-one AC-DC block design, integrating embedded power conversion systems (PCS), pre-assembled battery container, medium voltage transformers and RMU, and comprehensive factory testing. This streamlined configuration significantly reduces onsite installation time. Additionally, Sungrow has deployed a dedicated local service team of professionals based in Saudi Arabia to support installation, commissioning, and grid connection.

This 7.8 GWh project marks the beginning of large-scale energy storage deployment in the Middle East. The project's annual charging and discharging capacity is expected to reach 2.2 billion kWh, which can meet the annual electricity needs of 400,000 households in Saudi Arabia.

The project contributes significantly to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and supports the global transition toward clean and sustainable energy.

About Sungrow

Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. As of June 2025, Sungrow has installed 870 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world's most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: https://www.sungrowpower.com/en

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Joint effort expands access to Gilboa, offering new solutions for European cereal growers to manage resistance and secure lasting yields

Gilboa-based formulations for wheat in Great Britain expected in 2027, followed by broader European launches in 2029

TEL AVIV, Israel and LIMBURGERHOF, Germany, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ADAMA Ltd. (SZSE: 000553), and BASF announced a strategic co-development and commercialization agreement centered on ADAMA's proprietary fungicide active ingredient, Gilboa (flumetylsulforim). This partnership will accelerate the delivery of new, pioneering disease management solutions, helping farmers across Europe combat resistance and maintain healthy yields.

Under the agreement, BASF will develop and commercialize new formulations based on ADAMA's Gilboa molecule, alongside ADAMA's own Gilboa-based products. The collaboration combines ADAMA's innovation and mixtures expertise with BASF's strong development capabilities and market access, ensuring that farmers benefit from faster access to next-generation solutions. Each ADAMA and BASF will independently decide on its own concepts, pricing, sales and go to market strategies.

As Europe faces increasing regulatory pressure and the phase-out of existing active ingredients, farmers are urgently seeking new, effective, and reliable tools to protect crop health and productivity. Gilboa offers a novel mode of action for cereals and belongs to FRAC Group 32 (nucleic acid metabolism), recognized earlier this year. It also represents a versatile platform for the development of broad-spectrum, long-lasting disease control solutions, enabling growers to secure both yield and quality.

Florian Wagner, Executive Vice President Portfolio and Innovation, ADAMA: "Farmers have been clear about their need for reliable, resilient protection against a broad range of diseases. With Gilboa, cereal growers in Europe gain a powerful new tool to better protect their crops. We chose to collaborate with BASF because they share our commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability. This alignment makes them the ideal partner to ensure we can rapidly deliver this important innovation to growers across Europe".

Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President Global Strategic Marketing, BASF Agricultural Solutions said: "Over the last decade, BASF and ADAMA have successfully worked together on multiple projects. Now, we are combining BASF's broad portfolio of fungicides and market expertise alongside ADAMA's innovative active ingredient and product expertise. This collaboration brings together the unique strengths of both companies, ensuring that farmers benefit from faster access to cutting-edge solutions."

Pending product registration approvals, the two companies plan to launch Gilboa-based formulations for wheat in Great Britain in 2027, followed by broader European launches in 2029.

About ADAMA

ADAMA Ltd. is a global leader in crop protection, providing practical solutions to farmers across the world to combat weeds, insects and disease. Our culture empowers ADAMA's people to actively listen to farmers and ideate from the field. ADAMA's diverse portfolio of existing active ingredients, coupled with its leading formulation capabilities and proprietary formulation technology platforms, uniquely position the company to develop high-quality, innovative and sustainable products, to address the many challenges farmers and customers face today. ADAMA serves customers in dozens of countries globally, with direct presence in all top 20 markets. For more information, visit us at www.ADAMA.com.

About BASF Agricultural Solutions

Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That's why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. With 919 million in 2024, we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, combining innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture. In 2024, BASF Agricultural Solutions generated sales of 9.8 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or our social media channels.

Contacts:

ADAMA

Tal Moise

Public Relations

Email: pr@adama.com

BASF Agricultural Solutions

Verena Kempter

Media Relations

Email: verena.kempter@basf.com

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PANAMA CITY, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the year draws to a close, the crypto market is marked by a mix of volatility and opportunity, creating a unique window for traders. To help users capture this momentum, HTX has officially launched its "Year-End Promo". The campaign spans three core business segments-Futures, Margin, and Spot-and features a broad range of incentives, including high-APY earning opportunities, generous trading fee rebates, and interest-free margin loans. Through this integrated offering, HTX establishes an exclusive year-end trading environment for users across different risk profiles, enabling lower-cost trading while earning passive income on held assets.

Earn Up to 19% APY with SmartEarn Power-Up Challenge

HTX has officially launched the Futures Account Power-Up Challenge, running from 10:00 (UTC) on December 12 to 10:00 (UTC) on December 22. To participate, users simply need to enable USDT-M assets in SmartEarn and click the Register Now button on the event page. Participants can earn up to 19% APY, with assets held in SmartEarn continuing to accrue annualized interest regardless of whether a futures position is open. This enables users to capture market opportunities without sacrificing yield on idle balances in their futures accounts.

During the event, HTX is also introducing the New User Earning Package for newly registered users. Users who enable SmartEarn for the first time and make a net transfer of more than 1,000 USDT to their Futures account can receive a 14-day 8% APY Booster Coupon for SmartEarn, along with a random Futures Trial Bonus ranging from 10 to 100 USDT. The Earn While You Hold activity is exclusively designed for existing users. By making net transfers to their USDT-M Futures account during the event, users can unlock tiered rewards, with each user eligible to receive up to a 10% APY Booster Coupon and a 100 USDT Futures Trial Bonus. In addition, by participating in the Trade for Wealth Growth activity, users will earn an extra reward of 10 USDT worth of HTX token for every 100,000 USDT in cumulative futures trading volume. Each user can earn up to 200 USDT in HTX tokens.This dual-incentive structure, combining passive income and trading rewards, ensures that every asset in a user's futures account is either earning interest or fueling the next trade.

Save Up to 30% on Margin Trading Fees and Enjoy Zero-Interest USDC Loans

HTX has launched the Festive Season Margin Trading Extravaganza, running from 04:00 (UTC) on December 11 to 04:00 (UTC) on December 25. The event covers all margin trading pairs. Users must click Register Now to enroll. Eligible participants who reach the required margin trading volume will receive tiered fee rebates. Higher trading volumes unlock higher rebate rates, allowing active traders to significantly reduce their overall trading costs.

In addition, users participating in Cross and Isolated Margin Trading with USDC during the event can borrow USDC at zero interest for a limited time. Interest will accrue as usual but will be fully refunded to users' HTX accounts in USDT after the event ends. This incentive substantially lowers capital costs and provides greater flexibility for arbitrage, swing trading, and hedging strategies. By reducing financing pressure, HTX empowers high-frequency and strategic traders to optimize their cost structures while maximizing capital efficiency and trading agility.

Trade to Earn Up to 50% Rebate on Spot Trading Fees, Capped at 20,000 USDT

As the grand finale of HTX's Year-End Promo, HTX is launching a spot trading rebate event in December, offering competitive rebates to help traders save on fees.

To participate, users must click Register Now button between 10:00 (UTC) on Dec 15 and 10:00 (UTC) on Dec 31. Registered users who conduct spot trading of any crypto during the event period are eligible for a fee rebate of 10%-50%, based on their new trading volume. Rewards are issued in HTX tokens, with a maximum cumulative rebate of 20,000 USDT per user.

The rebate program uses a "New Trading Volume" mechanism to prioritize users' trading activity. In addition, the event supports Spot Trading Bots and Margin Trading, creating an inclusive and professional environment for both quantitative and institutional traders.

Beyond Promotions, HTX Redefines the Year-End Trading Experience

The current HTX mega-promotion represents a holistic enhancement of capital utility, trading costs, and user experience. From interest-bearing futures accounts to optimized margin costs and high-ratio spot rebates, it goes beyond simple incentives toward a systematic optimization of the entire trading lifecycle.

Amidst market volatility, HTX stands out by offering certainty through transparency and direct value. This is more than a promotion-it's a dedicated year-end dividend for the trading community. The market is moving, and the reward window is closing. This year, don't just wait for rewards; take control and put the power of the year-end bonus back in your own hands.

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of "Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance," HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X , Telegram , and Discord .

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HANGZHOU, China, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As new energy commercial vehicles become increasingly prevalent, paper specifications no longer suffice to convince discerning users. Only real-world testing under extreme conditions can provide credible validation of true range performance. Recently, the Farizon SV underwent two rigorous trials: a five-day multi-terrain test in the UK and a high-altitude loop test along the Qinghai-Gansu route in China. One trial featured low temperatures, persistent rain, and long-distance European road conditions; the other involved high altitude, significant elevation changes, and complex temperature variations on the plateau. Despite the vastly different environments, both tests led to the same conclusion: the Farizon SV's robust range performance far exceeded expectations, fully meeting the practical needs of users in both countries.

UK EV Rally: 1,043 miles in Five Days-Actual Efficiency Exceeds Official Ratings

In early September, in one of the world's most demanding EV range proving expeditions - the GREENFLEET Explorer EV Rally - the Farizon SV accomplished an "impossible challenge" over five days. From September 1 to 5, a fleet of SV set off from Newquay in Cornwall, traversed the countryside of Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Hampshire, explored the coastlines of England, battled the motorways of Kent and Greater London, crossed the Midlands, visited the Peak District uplands, and finally arrived in Knutsford, Cheshire. The average distance covered per vehicle reached 1,043 miles (approx. 1,678 km), encompassing a comprehensive mix of highway, trunk road, urban, and rural driving conditions. Notably, under real-world loads, variable weather, and actual road conditions, the energy efficiency of two of the tested variants surpassed their official WLTP-certified figures, while a third variant - an L1H1 - achieved a range fulfilment rate of 92.5%.

The top-tier L3H3 model, equipped with a 106kWh battery, achieved an energy efficiency of 2.402 miles/kWh, outperforming its WLTP rating by 9.7%. Even when carrying heavy equipment and powering a refrigerator, the vehicle handled diverse road conditions - highways, country lanes, and city streets - with ease. Calum James, General Manager for Farizon Auto at Jameel Motors UK, remarked that these real-world results strongly demonstrate the Farizon SV's efficiency and reliability in genuine commercial operating scenarios.

Qinghai-Gansu Plateau Test: 462 km Extreme Challenge, Full-Load Range Achievement Rate Outperforms Class Competitors

Around the same period, another Farizon SV embarked on a high-altitude endurance test along the topographically and climatically demanding Qinghai-Gansu loop in China. Covering 287 miles (462 km) from Lanzhou to Zhagana, the route included 100 km of highway and over 300 km of rugged national roads, with an altitude variation of 1,500 meters and a peak elevation reaching 4,500 meters-all conducted in low-temperature conditions.

During the test, the vehicle was fully loaded with three occupants and 368 kg of luggage, while the cabin temperature was maintained at 26C. Throughout the journey, the range performance showed remarkable consistency. Faced with multiple stretches of extreme road conditions, the Farizon SV achieved a range fulfillment rate of 82.5%, proving that it truly "goes far and remains dependable."

Vehicle Mileage recorded Efficiency recorded WLTP combined efficiency % over/under WLTP achieved L1H1 83kWh 1031 miles (1658 km) 2.365 miles/kWh (3.805 km/kWh) 2.55 miles/kWh (4.10 km/kWh) 7.25% under L2H2 83kWh 1093 miles (1759 km) 2.335 miles/kWh (3.757 km/kWh) 2.30 miles/kWh (3.70 km/kWh) 1.52% over L3H3 106kWh 1004 miles (1616 km) 2.402 miles/kWh (3.864 km/kWh) 2.19 miles/kWh (3.523 km/kWh) 9.68% over

(UK test data)

Road type Actual mileage (KM) Displayed mileage (KM) Mileage achievement rate Urban road sections 134 163 82.20 % Highway section 93 130 72 % 248 national highway 187 213 86.30 % Steep slope section 48 54 88.80 %

(China test data)

China test conditions: alpine (min. 6?), high-altitude (cumulative elevation gain 1,500m, max. 4,500m), full journey AC internal circulation & L1 energy recovery.

From the changeable roads of the British Peninsula to the extreme high-altitude environment of the Qinghai-Gansu Plateau, the Farizon SV's "Dual-Scenario Real-World Testing" has spanned continents and reached a consistent verdict: its range capability stands up to the stringent challenges of diverse global conditions. Built on three core technologies, the Farizon SV establishes a range advantage that is difficult to replicate. In core powertrain terms, the CATL 106 kWh battery paired with next-generation CTP-S pack technology provides the foundation for extended range. In vehicle body design, the SV employs an ultra-lightweight architecture that reduces structural weight by 13%, contributing to an agile and efficient form.

Dual-Scenario Real-World Testing, Globally Verified. From the damp, winding lanes of the UK to the thin, cold air of the Qinghai-Gansu Plateau, the Farizon SV delivers real, uncompromised range-addressing range anxiety in the new-energy commercial vehicle sector and offering the global logistics industry a more efficient, more reliable, and more confidence-inspiring electrification solution. Wherever it operates, it stands ready to power every commercial journey ahead.

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SINGAPORE, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore Airshow, one of the most in?uential international aerospace and defence exhibition, will return from 3 - 8 February 2026 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. Marking two decades of de?ning the future of ?ight, the biennial event will once again bring together global industry leaders, government and military delegations, innovators and investors to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and chart the next era of aerospace and defence.

Since its debut in 2008, the show has grown into one of the world's leading platforms for aviation and defence, serving as a critical gateway to Asia Paci?c's dynamic markets. The 2026 edition will unveil new perspectives, fresh participants and expanded opportunities for an industry in transformation.

Trade attendees can expect more than 1,000 participating companies from more than 50 countries/regions. In addition to returning exhibitors such as Airbus, AVIC, Bell, Boeing, COMAC, GE Aerospace, Gulfstream, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, MBDA, Rolls-Royce, RTX, Saab, SIA Engineering, ST Engineering and Thales, attendees can also look out for the presence of next-generation defence technology companies like Helsing, Quantum and Shield AI.

Country pavilions expected at the event include Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, with expanded presence from both the Italian Trade Agency Pavilion and the China Pavilion.

"Reaching our 10th edition is a signi?cant milestone for Singapore Airshow. Over the past two decades, the Airshow has evolved alongside the industry, serving as a key global meeting platform for stakeholders across the aviation and defence ecosystem. In 2026, we are proud to expand our horizons further with new features and partnerships that re?ect the industry's transformation. This edition underscores our continued commitment to supporting the region's growth and fostering meaningful collaboration," said Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events, organiser of Singapore Airshow.

Introducing Space Summit 2026: Expanding Frontiers

Singapore Airshow 2026 will introduce a brand-new feature - Space Summit 2026, held from 2 - 3 February 2026 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, marking a key expansion of the show's scope from air to the frontiers of space.

Officially endorsed by Singapore's Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn) and the Economic Development Board (EDB), the Summit positions Singapore as the hub for space dialogue and collaboration in Asia-Paci?c. Themed "New Frontiers: Shaping a Responsible and Inclusive Space Future," it will convene global policymakers, space agencies, investors and innovators to discuss topics such as infrastructure, sustainability, investment and the in-space economy - a sector projected by McKinsey to reach US$1.8 trillion by 2035 .

By bringing the space agenda into the Airshow, the Space Summit underscores Singapore's growing role as a collaborative hub for the expanding space economy and encourages cross-sector engagement across aviation, connectivity and emerging technologies.

Collaborating Towards a Sustainable Future

Sustainability continues to anchor the Singapore Airshow's vision for the industry. The 2026 edition will place sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and net-zero initiatives in the spotlight, showcasing real-world applications and technologies that move aviation closer to decarbonisation.

Neste, the global leader in renewable fuels, joins as the Sustainable Aviation Partner to share insights at AeroForum on SAF adoption, supply chain transformation and enabling greener aviation operations. Attendees can also offset their travel-related emissions through the CarbonClick counter, ?rst introduced in 2024, reinforcing the Airshow's commitment to responsible travel.

Through a series of forums, showcases and sustainability partnerships, Singapore Airshow 2026 will continue to drive conversations and collaborations that accelerate the transition towards a cleaner, more resilient and sustainable aviation ecosystem.

Nurturing Innovation and Emerging Technologies

Innovation remains at the heart of the Singapore Airshow. What's Next, our startup showcase will return with a sharper focus on emerging and dual-use technologies across aerospace and defence. The 2026 edition will also feature expanded exhibition zones spotlighting digital aviation, sustainable propulsion and future defence technologies, fostering connections between global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and technology start-ups.

These platforms will reinforce Singapore Airshow's role as the nexus for collaboration between established industry players and the next generation of innovators shaping the aerospace landscape.

A Platform for High-Level Exchange and Collaboration

Beyond the exhibition, the Singapore Airshow continues to serve as a vital networking hub through its exclusive trade days and strategic forums.

The AeroForum at Singapore Airshow 2026 will feature a comprehensive programme spotlighting the industry's most pressing priorities, including market and budget outlooks, autonomy and human machine teaming, cybersecurity, sustainable aviation pathways, advanced air mobility, workforce transformation and the global race to commercialise next generation technologies. These sessions bring together thought leaders and technical experts to share insights across both civil and military domains.

Our AI-driven AeroConnect business matchmaking platform will further enhance networking by connecting participants with the right opportunities.

AeroCampus will also return as a dedicated platform to inspire and nurture the next generation of aerospace talent. Bringing together educational institutions, training organisations and industry partners, AeroCampus will offer students and young professionals ?rst-hand exposure to career pathways, emerging skillsets and innovations shaping the future of aviation.

Captain Leo and Leonette welcome the public to "Weekend@Airshow"

Popular Singapore Airshow mascots Captain Leo and Leonette will make special appearances throughout Weekend@Airshow, welcoming fans of all ages. Visitors can look forward to a vibrant weekend that brings the excitement of aviation to life, with interactive activities and family-friendly experiences.

Happening on 7 - 8 February 2026, Weekend@Airshow will see the skies come alive with thrilling aircraft aerial performances and an exciting showcase of aircraft on static display, featuring the latest commercial, military and business aircraft. These highlights offer an up-close look at cutting-edge capabilities and aviation excellence.

Tickets will be available via SISTIC from 10 December 2025, priced at SGD 39 for adults, SGD 19 for children aged 3 to 12 and SGD 250 for a group package (four tickets plus one car park label).

More details on the ?ying displays will be available in the new year.

Enhancing Attendee Experience

Experia Hospitality Services (EHS) is an initiative by Experia Events designed to enhance overall attendee experience through a curated suite of hospitality solutions.

As a value-adding platform, EHS streamlines and elevates the attendee journey. From facilitating airport transfers and hotel arrangements to supporting dining reservations, business meetings and local experience planning, EHS provides added convenience and efficiency at every step of the visit.

More information is available at https://www.singaporeairshow.com/visit/experia-hospitality-services

Changi Aviation Summit 2026: "Rising Above Disruption: Building the Aviation Ecosystem of Tomorrow"

The Changi Aviation Summit brings together senior government officials and industry leaders to exchange views on key issues faced by the civil aviation industry. Organised by the Singapore Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, this year's summit will explore how the aviation sector can capture opportunities, navigate challenges and build new partnerships to drive competitiveness and sustainable growth even as passenger traffic reaches new heights.

The Summit will host a series of focused panel discussions on 2 February, which will bring together leaders and experts across the sector including airlines, airports, regulators and international organisations, to discuss how the industry is building networks, reinventing business models and designing airports for the future. A Welcome Reception will be held on 1 February, and an official Opening Ceremony will take place on 2 February.

About Singapore Airshow

The biennial Singapore Airshow is one of the most in?uential international aerospace and defence exhibition for stakeholders to forge strategic alliances, collaborate for change to shape the future of the global aviation industry. Organised and managed by Experia Events Pte Ltd, Singapore Airshow 2026 will take place from 3 - 8 February 2026. For more information on Singapore Airshow, visit www.singaporeairshow.com

About Experia Events Pte Ltd

Specialist in conceptualising, creating and curating trade events of strategic interest that spur industry development, Experia brings together captains of industries from all over the world to inspire ideas and in?uence decisions that move the needle in strategic issues for global, national and societal needs and progress. With its genesis in the Singapore Airshow, one of the most in?uential airshows globally, Experia's portfolio of events has expanded to span aerospace, defence, government, lifestyle and space sectors today.

Experia is certi?ed with the Data Protection Trustmark issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore, ISO27001 Information Security Management System and the MICE Sustainability Certi?cation. For more information, visit http:// www.experiaevents.com

PR Newswire

Our Supporting media partner for the Singapore Airshow and Space Summit 2026.

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TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sintana Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SEI, OTCQX: SEUSF) ("Sintana" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company has today published the Admission Document in relation to the admission of its common shares represented by depositary interests ("Common Shares") to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange plc ("Admission"). Admission is expected to take place and dealings in the Common Shares are expected to commence at 8.00 a.m. on Tuesday 23 December 2025.

Following Admission, the Common Shares will continue to be listed and traded on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") in Canada under the symbol "SEI", and on the OTCQX market in the United States of America under the symbol "SEUSF".

Robert Bose, CEO of Sintana, commented: "Following the scheme becoming effective in relation to our transformational acquisition of Challenger Energy Group and our related commitment to provide local liquidity to AIM based shareholders, we will have arrived at a key milestone. We look forward to our expected admission for trading and upcoming first day of dealings."

Information on Sintana

The Sintana Group holds a portfolio of direct and indirect interests in high-impact assets in multiple jurisdictions and basins. Specifically, this includes interests in eight licences in two countries, Namibia and Uruguay, as well as a pending indirect interest in a licence in Angola (and legacy assets in Colombia and The Bahamas), thus providing diversified exposure to a range of geologic plays, basins, operators, regulators, jurisdictions and geopolitical regimes. The portfolio is anchored by an indirect interest in the significant discoveries at Mopane (contained in petroleum exploration licence ("PEL") 83 in the Orange Basin, Namibia), together with additional high-impact exploration catalysts across multiple other assets.

The Board believes that the Sintana Group's portfolio of interests has the following attributes:

A diversified portfolio

Interests in eight licences in two countries, Namibia and Uruguay, as well as a pending interest in a licence in Angola (and legacy assets in Colombia and The Bahamas), thus providing diversified exposure to a range of geologic plays, basins, operators, regulators, jurisdictions and geopolitical regimes. The portfolio is anchored by an interest in the significant discoveries at Mopane (PEL 83, Orange Basin, Namibia), together with additional high-impact exploration catalysts across multiple other assets.





Exposure to near-term high value activity

The Sintana Group's portfolio is currently focussed on Namibia and Uruguay - both jurisdictions considered to be global exploration "hot spots", where significant exploration activity, including seismic campaigns and well drilling, is expected to continue over the next 24 months.





Established partnerships in place

In Namibia, the Sintana Group holds interests in licences benefitting from established partnerships with well-regarded operators including Chevron, Galp, Pancontinental and NAMCOR. In Uruguay, the Sintana Group is partnered with Chevron on the AREA OFF-1 block and in Angola, the Sintana Group will be partnered with Corcel plc on the KON-16 block (subject to completion of the transaction to acquire an interest in that block).





Reduced capital exposure through carries

The Sintana Group's strategy is to create and maintain a portfolio of its interests that are predominantly carried through exploration, appraisal and development by experienced, international operators, thereby providing the Sintana Group's shareholders with exposure to projects and prospects where comparatively limited capital is required from Sintana. Currently, the Sintana Group benefits from full or partial carried interest positions in relation to four of its five offshore licence interests in Namibia (including on PEL 83 where the Mopane discoveries have been made), as well as on AREA OFF-1 in Uruguay.





Execution capability

The Sintana Group considers that it has strong technical and commercial capabilities that can be brought to bear on managing its portfolio and ultimately creating significant returns. In particular, Sintana has a board and management team with deep sector experience and expertise.





Scale and funding efficiency

Sintana's market capitalisation on Admission is expected to be approximately 107 million, offering a scaled, differentiated player in the "small-cap" exploration space, with significant carry support on key licences, cash and liquid resources in excess of US$10 million, and an improved capacity to access funding as and when required or opportune to fully exploit its existing portfolio and strategically grow its business.





Potential realisation opportunities

The Sintana Group's portfolio provides exposure to highly prospective exploration prospects and, in the case of Mopane, discoveries of significant scale. The resulting ability to potentially realise multiple value uplifts from prospect to discovery via monetisation (including sale or divestment of key assets) significantly enhances the opportunities for shareholder returns.





Summary Portfolio

Sintana Group's portfolio currently comprises of:

indirect interests in four large, highly prospective PELs in the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia, including an indirect carried interest in PEL 83, home of the Mopane discoveries that were made in 2023 and 2024, as well as indirect interests in PELs 79, 87 and 90;

an indirect interest in one PEL offshore Namibia in the Walvis Basin (PEL 82), and one PEL onshore Namibia in the Waterberg Basin (PEL 103);

direct interests in two offshore blocks in Uruguay, being AREA OFF-1 in the Punta del Este Basin and AREA OFF-3 in the Pelotas Basin (these interests having become part of the Sintana Group's portfolio on completion of the acquisition of the Challenger Group on 16 December 2025 (the "Acquisition"));

an indirect interest in the KON-16 licence in the onshore Kwanza Basin in Angola (subject to completion of the transaction to acquire that interest, which was entered into by Sintana in May 2025, with completion expected in H1 2026); and

legacy assets onshore in the Middle Magdalena Basin, Colombia, and offshore The Bahamas.





Admission Document

The Admission Document is available to view on the Company's website at: https://sintanaenergy.com/

Zeus Capital Limited will be appointed Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker to the Company upon Admission.

Cavendish Capital Markets Limited will be appointed Joint Broker to the Company upon Admission.

Unless otherwise indicated, capitalised terms in this announcement have the meaning given to them in the Admission Document.

Uruguay Update

On 10 December 2025, the Uruguayan Ministry of Environment issued permits to four seismic vendors to enable seismic acquisition in the territorial waters of Uruguay, following an extensive consultation and permitting process. On 17 December 2025, the Company received notification of a legal action that has been initiated by two local Uruguayan environmental groups, seeking to enjoin all licencees of the Uruguayan offshore O&G industry from conducting any work relating to their licenses, including seismic acquisition, as a preliminary measure to a determination as to the validity of licences issued by the Uruguayan State. The legal action has named ANCAP (the Uruguayan regulator and national oil company), every industry participant in Uruguay (including the Company and Chevron) and the four approved seismic vendors as respondents. The judge declined to consider the injunction request on an ex parte basis, and has instead ordered the industry to submit responses, which are due on 26 December 2025. The Group considers the proceedings to be without merit, and is working alongside ANCAP, Chevron and other industry participants to respond accordingly- Thereafter, the judge will determine the appropriate course for further hearings (if any) and ultimate resolution of the matter - further updates will be provided as appropriate.

Proposed share issuance for severance

By way of update to the announcement dated 9 December 2025, Sintana announces that it now propose to issue an aggregate of 2,512,943 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Severance Shares") at a deemed issue price of CDN$0.52 to the below directors and officers (the "Recipients") of Sintana and Challenger in lieu of all or part of the severance payments totalling CDN$1,417,030 owing to same as a result of their loss of office or directorship in connection with the Acquisition.

Name Common Shares Severance Amount

(CDN$) Keith Spickelmier 327,500 280,600 Doug Manner 620,558 322,690 Eytan Uliel 1,564,885 813,750

The Severance Shares are expected to be issued pursuant to applicable prospectus exemptions under Canadian securities laws, and outside of the Company's equity incentive plan as a one-time inducement and/or severance payment paid in accordance with the terms of Section 6.4 of TSXV Policy 4.4. - Security Based Compensation. The Severance Shares are expected to be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance, expiring on 24 April 2026, pursuant to the policies of the TSXV and Canadian securities laws.

Each Recipient other than Mr. Uliel is a "related party" of the Company within the meaning of MI 61-101 by virtue of their roles as executive chairman (Keith Spickelmier) and director (Doug Manner) of Sintana. As a result, the issuance of the Severance Shares is expected to constitute a "related party transaction" (as defined in MI 61-101). Despite being a "related party transaction" (as defined in MI 61-101), the issuance of the Severance Shares is expected to be exempt from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval under MI?61-101 by the application of the exemptions under Sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the Severance Shares (and the consideration therefor), insofar as it involves interested parties, are not expected to exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

The issuance of the Severance Shares is not expected to be a Non-Arm's Length Party Transaction under the policies of the TSXV.

The TSXV has conditionally approved the issuance of the Severance Shares, and final approval remains subject to the filing and dissemination of a comprehensive news release.

Enquiries

Sintana Energy Inc

Robert Bose, Chief Executive Officer

Eytan Uliel, President

Jonathan Paterson, IR



Tel: +1 212 201 4125



+1 475 477 9401 Zeus - Nomad and Joint Broker

Antonio Bossi / Darshan Patel / George Duxberry

Simon Johnson (Broking)



Tel: +44 (0) 20 3829 5000 Cavendish Capital Markets Limited - Joint Broker

Neil McDonald / Derrick Lee / Pearl Kellie



Tel: +44 (0) 20 3493 8000



About Sintana

Sintana, the Canadian parent company of a group of companies, is focused on the acquisition, exploration, potential development, and ultimately the monetisation of a diversified portfolio of interests in high-impact assets with significant hydrocarbon resource potential in emerging "frontier" geographies. Specifically, this includes interests in eight licences in two countries, Namibia and Uruguay, as well as a pending indirect interest in a licence in Angola (and legacy assets in Colombia and The Bahamas), providing diversified exposure to a range of geologic plays, basins, operators, regulators, jurisdictions and geopolitical regimes.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase securities. The securities to be offered in the offering have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the benefit or account of, a U.S. person, except pursuant to an available exemption from such registration requirements.

This announcement does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell, allot or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for, any securities in the Company in any jurisdiction nor shall it, or any part of it, or the fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with or act as an inducement to enter into, any contract or commitment therefor.

No reliance may be placed, for any purpose whatsoever, on the information or opinions contained in this announcement or on its accuracy, fairness or completeness. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law or regulation, no undertaking, representation or warranty, express or implied, is given by or on behalf of the Company, Zeus Capital Limited ("Zeus"), Cavendish Capital Markets Limited ("Cavendish"), or their respective parent or subsidiary undertakings or the subsidiary undertakings of any such parent undertakings or any of their respective directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, affiliates, representatives or advisers or any other person as to the accuracy, sufficiency, completeness or fairness of the information, opinions or beliefs contained in this announcement and no responsibility or liability is accepted by any of them for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in such information, opinions or beliefs or for any loss, cost or damage suffered or incurred, howsoever arising, from any use, as a result of the reliance on, or otherwise in connection with, this announcement.

Zeus and Cavendish, each of which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, are acting only for the Company in connection with Admission and are not acting for or advising any other person, or treating any other person as their client, in relation thereto, or giving advice to any other person in relation to the matters contained herein. Such persons should seek their own independent legal, investment and tax advice as they see fit. Zeus' responsibilities, as the Company's nominated adviser under the AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers and AIM Rules for Companies will be owed solely to the London Stock Exchange and not to the Company, to any of its directors or to any other person in respect of a decision to subscribe for or otherwise acquire Common Shares in reliance on the Admission Document. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Zeus, Cavendish or the Company or their respective affiliates, directors, officers, employees or advisers as to any of its contents.

This announcement does not form the basis of or constitute any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for any Common Shares or any other securities nor shall it (or any part of it) or the fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment therefor. No offer or sale of the Common Shares has been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or the Republic of South Africa. Subject to certain exceptions, the Common Shares may not be offered or sold in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or the Republic of South Africa or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or the Republic of South Africa. There will be no public offer of the Common Shares in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or the Republic of South Africa.

This announcement may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. These statements reflect beliefs of the Directors (including based on their expectations arising from pursuit of the Company's strategy) as well as assumptions made by the Directors and information currently available to the Company. Although the Directors consider that these beliefs and assumptions are reasonable, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the Company's actual financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity or prospects to be materially different from any future such metric expressed or implied by such statements. Past performance cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance and should not be taken as a representation that trends or activities underlying past performance will continue in the future. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. No representation is made or will be made that any forward-looking statements will come to pass or prove to be correct.

Whilst the contents of this announcement are believed to be true and accurate as at the date of its publication, no representation or warranty is made as to such contents continuing to be true and accurate at any point in the future.

For the avoidance of doubt, the contents of the Company's website and social media accounts are not incorporated by reference into, and do not form part of, this announcement.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information provided in this announcement contains certain forward-looking statements and information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Sintana or Challenger. Forward-looking statements are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or include words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "maintain", "continue to", "pursue", "design", "result in", "sustain" "estimate", "potential", "growth", "near-term", "long-term", "forecast", "contingent" and similar expressions, or are events or conditions that "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement speak only as of the date hereof and are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Forward-looking statements are based upon, among other things, factors, expectations and assumptions that Sintana and Challenger have made as at the date of this announcement regarding, among other things: the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals and the issuance of the Severance Shares.

Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because no assurance can be given 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. These risks include, but are not limited to, the ability of Sintana and Challenger to receive all necessary regulatory approvals and issue of the Severance Shares

Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, neither Sintana nor Challenger assume any obligation or intent to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements made herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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.
HYDERABAD, India, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AM Green and Mitsui & Co. Ltd. ("Mitsui") have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the following:

Strategic collaboration and broader energy transition opportunities

Potential investment pathways across low-carbon aluminum

AM Green, via its wholly owned subsidiary, AM Green Aluminium Metals and Materials ("AM Green Metals"), is building a 1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) primary aluminum smelter and 2 MTPA alumina refining and mining operations. In November 2025, AM Green signed an MoU with Andhra Pradesh (AP) government to set up 1 MTPA green aluminum complex in AP.

Both aluminum smelter and alumina refinery will be powered by renewable wind and solar firmed up by pumped hydro storage. In May 2025, Coal India signed a MoU to supply 4.5 GW renewable power to AM Green for its various verticals including AM Green Metals.

Under the MoU with Mitsui, the parties will assess potential investment in AM Green Metals value chain. Mitsui investment will support equity requirements to build the world's first integrated green aluminium production platform.

As part of the discussions, AM Green and Mitsui will explore a range of commercial and strategic opportunities:

Offtake of low-carbon aluminium (including potential access to offtake rights associated with AM Green's green aluminium business)

Supply of auxiliary materials for green aluminium smelter and alumina refinery

Mahesh Kolli, Founder, Greenko Group & AM Green, said: "AM Green is building globally competitive platforms across molecules and materials to enable industrial decarbonization at scale. We are pleased to partner with Mitsui to explore collaboration pathways that can accelerate low-carbon aluminium and expand market access for a wider set of green products."

Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli, the founders of Greenko, have established AM Green as a new energy transition and decarbonization platform. AM Green holds stake in the Greenko business, in its Power2X businesses (5 MTPA Green Ammonia, Green Hydrogen, Green Metals & Aluminum and Green Chemicals) and in its Bio2X businesses (2G ethanol, SAF, Dissolving pulp and Lignin).

Greenko has a near-term operational renewable energy capacity of over 12 GW across solar, wind and hydro and is building 100 GWh of single cycle pumped hydro storage capacity by 2030 across India. AM Green is committed to producing 5 MTPA of green ammonia capacity by 2030 (1 MTPA under construction), representing one-fifth of India's green hydrogen production target and 10% of Europe's green hydrogen import target. It is also committed to building 1 MTPA of green aluminum capacity.

Mitsui & Co. is a global trading and investment company with a presence in more than 60 countries and a diverse business portfolio covering a wide range of industries.

The company identifies, develops, and grows its businesses in partnership with a global network of trusted partners including world leading companies, combining its geographic and cross industry strengths to create long-term sustainable value for its stakeholders.

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Addepto, one of Poland's fastest-growing AI and Data consulting companies, has been acquired by KMS Technology, a leading U.S. based Digital Engineering, Data, and AI company. This strategic move marks a milestone in Addepto's journey from an AI startup to becoming part of a globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence and data innovation. This acquisition marks a key step in KMS Technology's growth strategy and ongoing value creation journey.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251125180635/en/

KMS Technology and Addepto Executive Leadership Team

KMS's decision to invest in Addepto underscores the global recognition of the company's deep AI expertise and relationships with blue-chip enterprise customers in the industrial and automotive segments, highlighting the strength, ambition, and impact that Addepto has built over the years.

By joining KMS Technology, Addepto gains access to broader international markets, enterprise clients, and global delivery capabilities. Combined, the two companies will merge Addepto's deep AI and data science expertise with KMS's global scale, delivery capabilities, and rich service portfolio, accelerating the development and deployment of advanced AI-driven solutions for enterprises worldwide.

"This is a transformative moment for Addepto," said Artur Haponik, CEO Co-Founder of Addepto. "Joining KMS Technology gives us the reach, resources, and global platform to scale faster than ever before while staying true to our roots as an innovation-driven AI company. Together with KMS, we can bring even more value to our clients through stronger delivery capabilities, access to global resources, and an expanded portfolio of solutions."

"This strategic move addresses evolving market needs and reflects our shared ambition to serve a larger, global client base. By combining KMS Technology's digital engineering capabilities with Addepto's advanced AI and data solutions and strong market presence, we are even better positioned to help clients accelerate digital transformation and create greater business impact worldwide, with an expanding direct presence across Europe, the Americas, and APAC," said Leo Tucker, CEO of KMS Technology

With this partnership, Addepto and KMS Technology will continue to help organizations unlock the full potential of AI, data engineering and machine learning, driving business outcomes and shaping the future of intelligent digital transformation.

Canaccord Genuity served as exclusive financial advisor to Addepto.

ABOUT ADDEPTO

Addepto, one of Poland's fastest-growing AI consulting and development companies, has been acquired by KMS Technology, a leading U.S.-based digital engineering company. This strategic move marks a major milestone in Addepto's journey from a nimble Polish AI startup to a globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence and data innovation. More details at: addepto.com

ABOUT KMS TECHNOLOGY

KMS Technology is a digital engineering company helping businesses turn bold ideas into high-impact solutions-faster. Founded in 2009 as a U.S.-based services company, we've grown into a global organization with locations in the US, Vietnam, Mexico, and Poland. Our mission is to help customers build what's next-accelerating innovation, crafting brilliant solutions, and creating real-world impact. Stay connected at: kms-technology.com

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Contacts:

MEDIA CONTACT

Duy Tran duytran@kms-technology.com
Expansion leverages ESW's cross-border capabilities alongside Shopify's infrastructure and Arsenalia's strategic consultancy to power Scholl's global DTC growth.

ESW, the leading global direct-to-consumer (DTC) ecommerce provider, today announced an expanded partnership with Scholl, executed in close collaboration with Shopify and Arsenalia, to accelerate the brand's international ecommerce rollout across more than 50 markets.

The partnership brings together Shopify's platform infrastructure, Arsenalia's strategic vision and operational excellence, and ESW's Merchant of Record cross-border capabilities to enable Scholl to scale its global DTC footprint through a fully localised, compliant, and operationally streamlined model.

Scholl selected ESW as it sought a partner capable of simplifying cross-border complexity while maintaining full control of its platform and customer data. ESW's native Shopify integration, combined with seamless coordination with Arsenalia, enables the brand to launch and scale international markets with speed and consistency. Rollout began with Scholl's domestic market and Europe, including the United Kingdom and Switzerland, and will continue with more than 30 additional markets such as India, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and key territories in the Middle East.

"With this collaboration, Scholl is able to bring our products to more consumers around the world through a frictionless, high-quality direct-to-consumer experience," said Barbara Freti, Chief Commercial Officer of Scholl. "ESW, Shopify, and Arsenalia have created a scalable foundation that supports our international ambitions and ensures our brand is represented with excellence in every market."

As the partnership progresses, all three organizations are working together to ensure Scholl's global expansion is supported by a scalable, future-proof foundation. This collaboration not only streamlines the technical and operational elements of cross-border commerce but also ensures each new market launch benefits from shared expertise, unified planning, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional consumer experience.

"At ESW, our goal is to deliver tailored solutions that enable brands to scale their direct-to-consumer businesses internationally," said Federica Ronchi, Vice President of Sales at ESW. "Partnering with Shopify and Arsenalia has enabled Scholl to accelerate its scalability, shorten time-to-market, reduce operational complexity, and unlock new global revenue streams across markets."

The partnership structure ensured a unified operating model across storefront experience, back-end workflows, and international compliance. This coordinated approach significantly reduced development time, improved launch quality, and enabled Scholl to enter new markets while delivering a consistent customer experience on day one.

"Shopify is proud to support Scholl in its global expansion," said Paolo Picazio, Shopify's Head of South Europe, Partnerships and Country Manager, Italy.

"By pairing Shopify's flexible, resilient commerce infrastructure with ESW's cross-border expertise and Arsenalia's consultancy and technical experience, Scholl can focus on what it does best: delivering innovative products and building relationships with customers worldwide."

The partnership reinforces ESW's broader strategy of helping global brands unlock international growth while maintaining a strong local presence in customer care and operational management. It also demonstrates the strength of ESW's ecosystem approach, in which platform providers like Shopify and system integrators such as Arsenalia play a coordinated role in accelerating global commerce activation.

"At Arsenalia, our goal is to lead brands towards scalable, future-ready revenue growth ecosystems at the global level," said Marco Dalla Libera, partner at Arsenalia. "Working with Scholl, ESW, and Shopify allowed us to create a unified system that manages complexity behind the scenes so that Scholl can grow quickly, confidently, and efficiently."

By adopting ESW's end-to-end solution, including localisation of payments and checkout, duties and tax calculation, fraud management, compliance, and multilingual customer service, Scholl is positioned to deliver a seamless, high-quality customer journey across all active regions. The model offers the brand a scalable, low-risk foundation for future market entries supported by ESW's Customer Success and Customer Service teams.

About Scholl

The most aesthetic comfort shoes in the world, born in 1899. Scholl is the iconic brand pioneer in the field of aspirational footwear, design and technology, offering a specialized product portfolio featuring unique comfort, proven technologies, and contemporary design. Honoring the iconic Pescura born in 1956. By combining modern craftsmanship techniques, eco-conscious design, and sustainable materials, Scholl promotes personal well-being while reducing carbon footprints. Scholl is currently available in over 90 countries worldwide as well as through www.scholl-shoes.com.

About ESW

ESW makes worldwide ecommerce powerful and simple by partnering with the world's best-loved brands and retailers to deliver international ecommerce solutions that reduce cross-border complexity. By localising the online shopping experience, ESW creates moments that matter between brands and consumers, drives global revenue, and helps build brand loyalty. ESW addresses the complexities of international markets with tailored solutions, including frictionless checkout, fast and reliable shipping and returns, and reduced compliance and regulatory risk.

ESW enables clients to navigate local markets confidently and drive long-term profitability through its unique, genuine partnership approach. With offices in New York, Dublin, Madrid, and Singapore, ESW helps the world's premier and most ambitious brands achieve growth and profitability in over 200 international markets. ESW is the only international commerce solution that is MACH certified.

About Arsenalia

Arsenalia is the independent partner guiding organizations along their growth journeys, integrating AI-driven technologies, optimizing processes, and enabling new business models to create lasting, tangible value. With a team of over 1,000 experts, global offices and operational hubs, and established partnerships with leading technology providers, Arsenalia combines strategic vision with operational excellence. We provide consulting across Customer Experience, People, Enterprise, and Innovation, driving comprehensive and sustainable digital transformation.

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Contacts:

Media Contact:

Berns Communications Group

Danielle Poggi

dpoggi@bcg-pr.com
BANGKOK, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Central Chidlom has firmly established itself as a luxury flagship under the identity "The Store of Bangkok." It has become a key global shopping destination, serving as a lifestyle hub that seamlessly blends fashion, art, food, and inspiration.

Central Chidlom's transformation into 'The Store of Bangkok' is built upon four defining pillars:

(1) The Store of Curation, offering selected global and local brands and exclusive labels; (2) The Store of Design, showcasing a creatively envisioned space; (3) The Store of Excellent Services, delivering personalized care; and (4) The Store of Community, serving as a lifestyle destination for all generations. This transformation sets a new standard for Thai department stores on the global stage, seamlessly integrating the offline and online worlds.

This vision was internationally recognized when Central Chidlom was named the 'Most Innovative Department Store in the World' by the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS) the global association representing leading department stores worldwide.

Key highlights of this transformation

First-in-Thailand Launch Destination:

Central Chidlom is the chosen location for the Thai debut of over 20 global brands across fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and home design in 2025. Brands such as Valentino Beauty, Emporio Armani, Matin Kim, and Versace Home have launched here.

Premium Foodie Destination:

The Public Market on the 1st floor has become a premium food hub, featuring renowned international eateries such as Cheung Hing Kee, which has opened its first branch in Thailand at Central Chidlom.

Iconic Facade & Seasonal Interiors:

The exterior facade has become a new city landmark, continuously refreshed with art and design. Interior decorations change seasonally, featuring creative designs and collaborations with both local and international artists, ensuring that every visit delivers a 'new' experience.

Exclusive Signature Events:

Central Chidlom hosts highly anticipated signature events, including CENTRAL CHIDLOM LUXE NIGHT OUT and the global flower festival, CENTRAL 78TH ANNIVERSARY 2025 - THE ART OF FLOWERS.

The transformation's success is reflected in results as of 30 November 2025:

Average transaction value increased by 20%

Foot traffic rose by 10%

Sales from tourists accounted for 20% of total sales

New-generation customers grew by 16%

Top customers' (Cenfinity) spending rose by 30%

Central Chidlom's success underscores its commitment to delivering world-class customer experiences for local shoppers, new-generation consumers, and international tourists alike.

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Paris, France--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) ("Sequans" or the "Company"), a pioneer in Bitcoin treasury and a leading provider of 5G/4G cellular IoT semiconductor solutions, today announced the successful completion of its previously authorized ADS repurchase program and the approval of a new program by its Board of Directors.

As of December 17, 2025, Sequans has repurchased a total of 1,516,973 American Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), representing approximately 9.7% of the Company's outstanding ADSs. The repurchases were completed at an average price of $6.17 per ADS, including fees and commissions. Following these repurchases, the current number of ADS outstanding is approximately 14.5 million (or 15.5 million, including the potential exercise of pre-funded warrants). The reduction in the number of outstanding ADSs generated a 6.1% yield in Bitcoin per outstanding ADS (assuming exercise of pre-funded warrants). The ADS repurchases were funded through proceeds received from the Company's recent Bitcoin dispositions, demonstrating Sequans disciplined capital allocation strategy.

"Completing our initial buyback program and launching a new one underscores our commitment to enhancing shareholder value," said Dr. Georges Karam, CEO of Sequans. "By repurchasing shares at prices below NAV and continuing to optimize our Bitcoin treasury strategy, we are increasing Bitcoin per share and reinforcing our focus on accretive growth. We remain dedicated to delivering long-term value through disciplined capital allocation and strategic execution.".

Sequans Board of Directors has approved a new ADS repurchase program authorizing the buyback of up to an additional 10% of the Company's outstanding ADSs. The timing and amount of repurchases under the new program will depend on market conditions, ADS price, and other factors, and will be executed in accordance with applicable regulations.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements with respect to ADS repurchase plans, the financial condition, results of operations and business of Sequans, bitcoin treasury plans, financing requirements, and business strategy for the remainder of 2025 and beyond. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that are not historical fact. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements also often use words such as "anticipate," "committed to", "target," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "goal," "believe," "hope," "aims," "continue," "could," "project," "should," "will" or other words of similar meaning. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by Sequans in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, future developments and other factors they believe appropriate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty, because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and the factors described in the context of such forward-looking statements in this announcement could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although it is believed that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to be correct, and you are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as at the date of this announcement.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results and are based on certain key assumptions. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully implement our Bitcoin treasury strategy and potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the implementation of the Bitcoin treasury initiative. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are changes in the global, political, economic, business and competitive environments, market and regulatory forces, including tariffs and trade wars. If any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or if any one or more of the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in the light of such factors. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Sequans' filings with the SEC, including its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, "Risk Related to Our Bitcoin Strategy and Holdings" filed on Form 6-K on July 17, 2025 and other documents that may be filed from time to time with the SEC. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this announcement. Sequans undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

About Sequans

Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a leading fabless semiconductor company specializing in wireless 4G/5G cellular technology for the Internet of Things (IoT) as well as a pioneer in Bitcoin Treasury. Sequans' engineers design and develop innovative, secure, and scalable technologies that power the next generation of AI-connected applications - including secured payment, smart mobility and logistics, smart cities, industrial, e-health, and smart homes. Sequans offers a comprehensive portfolio of 4G/5G solutions, including LTE-M/NB-IoT, 4G LTE Cat 1bis, and 5G NR RedCap/eRedCap platforms, all purpose-built for IoT and delivering breakthroughs in wireless connectivity, power efficiency, security, and performance. The company also provides advanced design services and technology licensing.

Founded in 2003, Sequans is headquartered in France and operates globally, with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Israel, Finland, Taiwan, and China.

To learn more, please visit sequans.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278499

Source: Sequans Communications
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Primary Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV: HDRO) (OTCQB: HNATF) (FSE: 83W0) (the "Company" or "Primary Hydrogen") is pleased to provide an update on ongoing permitting activities at the Wicheeda North REE project in British Columbia and to announce a corporate change.

Permitting Update

The Company submitted its Notice of Work ("NoW") application for Wicheeda North on August 1, 2025. The application is currently progressing through the consultation process with First Nations as required under British Columbia permitting regulations. Based on current ministry timelines and processing backlogs, the Company anticipates that the consultation and permitting process will be completed in early Q1 2026. Upon receipt of all necessary approvals, the Company intends to engage drilling contractors to plan and execute a maiden drill program at the project.

"Wicheeda North represents an important opportunity for Primary Hydrogen to participate in the growing rare earth element sector," said Ben Asuncion, Chief Executive Officer. "The project's proximity to Defense Metals' advanced Wicheeda deposit, combined with historical exploration work that identified multiple geophysical and geochemical targets, provides a strong foundation as we complete the permitting process and prepare for our maiden drill program."

Corporate Change

The Company also announces that Peter Lauder, P.Geo., has departed from his role as Vice President, Exploration. Mr. Lauder made significant contributions to the Company's exploration initiatives and technical capabilities during his tenure. The Company thanks Mr. Lauder for his service and dedication and wishes him continued success in his future endeavours. The Company will utilize internal resources and qualified third-party contractors for the planning and execution of the upcoming drill program at Wicheeda North.

About the Wicheeda North REE Project

The Wicheeda North Project comprises nine contiguous mineral claims totaling 2,138 hectares (21.1 km) in the northern Cariboo Mining Division, British Columbia. The property is located within the Rocky Mountain Trench, a structural corridor known to host carbonatite intrusions associated with REE mineralization.

The Project is situated approximately 5 km northwest of Defense Metals Corp.'s Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Deposit, which hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated Resource of 29.3 million tonnes grading 2.27% Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO), and an Inferred Resource of 5.7 million tonnes grading 1.40% TREO1.

Historical exploration at Wicheeda North identified seven geophysical and geochemical targets, including sub-circular to elliptical magnetic anomalies and elevated REE concentrations in soil and rock samples. The exploration strategy of the property relies on the latest interpretation of the carbonatite-related REE mineralisation and geochemical signatures of the Defense Metals Wicheeda REE deposit.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Steven L. McMillin, Principal Geologist for Rangefront Mining Services and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Primary Hydrogen Corp.

Primary Hydrogen is dedicated to the exploration and development of natural hydrogen resources. With over 740 acres in the U.S. and 230 square kilometers across Canada, the Company's portfolio includes the Blakelock, Hopkins, Mary's Harbour, Point Rosie, Crooked Amphibolite, Coquihalla, and Cogburn projects. Primary has an option to acquire a 75% interest in a hydrogen-REE project known as Wicheeda North located in British Columbia.

-

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding: (i) the anticipated timing of completion of the permitting and First Nations consultation process in early Q1 2026; (ii) the Company's intention to engage drilling contractors and execute a maiden drill program at Wicheeda North following receipt of necessary approvals; (iii) the Company's plans to utilize internal resources and third-party contractors for exploration activities; and (iv) the exploration potential of the Wicheeda North property.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at the date of this news release, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Such assumptions include, without limitation: that the permitting process will proceed in the ordinary course without material delays; that First Nations consultations will be completed within anticipated timelines; that the Company will be able to secure qualified drilling contractors on acceptable terms; that the Company will have sufficient financial resources to fund the planned drill program; and that general economic and market conditions will not materially deteriorate.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those projected. Such risks include, but are not limited to: delays in the permitting process or failure to receive necessary approvals; challenges or delays arising from First Nations consultations; inability to secure drilling contractors or equipment on acceptable terms or timelines; insufficient funding to complete planned exploration activities; uncertainties inherent in mineral exploration including the risk that exploration may not result in the discovery of economic mineralization; and other general economic, market, regulatory, or geological risks detailed in the Company's public disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Although the Company believes its expectations and assumptions are reasonable based on current information, there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove accurate. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information, as actual outcomes may vary materially from those anticipated. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities laws.

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.

1 Wicheeda Rare Earths Project PFS. (2025, April 4). NI 43-101 Technical Report. Effective date: February 28, 2025.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278485

Source: Primary Hydrogen Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Kirkland Lake Discoveries (TSXV: KLDC) (OTCID: KLKLF) ("KLDC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement dated December 16, 2025 (the "Purchase Agreement") with Orecap Invest Corp. ("Orecap") providing for the acquisition of the Mirado Gold Project, a 2,500-hectare property hosting an inferred historical resource of 10.6 Mt at 1.29 g/t for ~442,000 oz Au with strong opportunities for near-resource expansion and regional discovery.

Transaction Highlights

~442,000 oz of historical ounces added to the KLDC portfolio (10.6 Mt @ 1.29 g/t inferred)

of historical ounces added to the KLDC portfolio (10.6 Mt @ 1.29 g/t inferred) Very limited exploration below 150 m at past-producing Mirado Mine

below 150 m at past-producing Mirado Mine Untested IP anomaly suggests potential of mineralization at depth

High-grade historical surface samples highlight regional exploration upside

upside All-share transaction preserves capital for continued exploration at KL West

Located approximately 15 km south of the Company's flagship claim package (Figure 1), the Mirado acquisition enhances the Company's exploration pipeline while maintaining full commitment to advancing its high-priority targets within its core land position.

"In a market with gold trading near all-time highs, this transaction provides meaningful strategic optionality for our shareholders without distracting from our primary focus. Mirado represents a potential starter-scale asset and a district-scale exploration opportunity, while preserving our ability to aggressively pursue new discoveries at KL West, where a second drill rig has recently been mobilized," stated Stefan Sklepowicz, CEO of Kirkland Lake Discoveries.

"We are pleased to convert our interest in Mirado into a significant equity position in Kirkland Lake Discoveries. We believe the KLDC team has the technical expertise and energy to unlock value at Mirado, while their flagship KL West projects offer our shareholders exposure to significant discovery potential. This transaction aligns perfectly with Orecap's strategy of backing high-growth exploration teams in prolific districts," commented Stephen Stewart, Chairman and CEO of Orecap.

Figure 1: Updated property map including recent transaction to bring in the Mirado property which is now part of KL South.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5701/278482_1e000f6b54060863_001full.jpg

Historical Mineral Resource and Technical Studies

Historical technical work at the Mirado Gold Project includes a Mineral Resource Estimate prepared by SRK Consulting in 2013 (report on Sedar+), which reported an inferred mineral resource of 10.6 Mt grading 1.29 g/t Au, containing approximately 442,000 oz Au. The estimate incorporated open-pit, underground, and stockpile material using cutoff grades of 0.45 g/t Au (open pit) and 2.0 g/t Au (underground and stockpiles). These mineral resource estimates are historical in nature and should not be relied upon. A Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to classify them as current mineral resources.

A Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) completed in 2018 (effective January 8, 2018 report on Sedar+) evaluated a shallow open-pit scenario on the South Zone. The pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate reported:

559 kt Indicated grading 2.61 g/t Au (46.9 koz)

382 kt Inferred grading 2.66 g/t Au (32.7 koz)

Both classifications used a 1.0 g/t Au cut-off grade.

KLDC believes that additional drilling in currently open areas, both laterally and at depth, combined with updated geological interpretation and modern technical studies, has the potential to further define and expand mineralization. Any future mineral resource growth would be subject to additional drilling and completion of new National Instrument 43-101 compliant technical studies.

Table 1 - Comparison of 2013 Global Resource vs. 2018 Pit-Constrained Resource



2013 SRK Resource 2018 PEA Resource Calculation Scope/Focus Combined resource of North Zone and South Zone

(open pit, underground, and stockpile) Constrained within the South Zone

(open pit) Total Size/Classification Inferred resource of

10,618 kt @ 1.29 g/t Au

442,000 oz Au Indicated resource of

559 kt @ 2.61 g/t Au

46,900 Gold Ounces Indicated

Inferred resource

382 kt @ 2.66 g/t Au.

32,7000 oz Au Inferred Cut-off Grade 0.45 g/t Au 1.0 g/t Au Gold Recovery 95% 95%

Gold recovery from solution in a multi-tank circuit employing active carbon (CIP)

to adsorb the gold. Gold Price Assumption US$1,400/oz US$1,300/oz

These estimates and economic results are historical in nature, and a Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to classify them as current mineral resources. KLDC is not treating these historical estimates or economic results as current. The PEA is preliminary in nature, includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied, and there is no certainty that the results would be realized.

Geological Setting and Mineralization

Mirado lies south of the Larder Lake-Cadillac Break within the central Abitibi Greenstone Belt and is positioned between the felsic fragmental volcanic units of the Skead Assemblage and the ultramafic-mafic McElroy metavolcanics. Regional NW-trending faults along the Skead-McElroy contact provide primary structural control on mineralization (Figure 2).

Gold mineralization at the Mirado deposit occurs within a hybrid orogenic-intrusion-related system comprised of disseminated and stockwork sulphide mineralization (Main Zone) and quartz-carbonate-sulphide vein systems (North Zone). Mineralization remains open at depth, with no deep drilling completed to date. An historical IP survey indicates that mineralization may continue at depth and remains untested (Figure 3).

Figure 2 - Plan View of KL South including the Mirado mine. Multiple high-grade gold showings at surface have limited drilling to test subsurface.To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5701/278482_1e000f6b54060863_002full.jpg

Figure 3 - IP section through Mirado deposit looking northwest. Very limited drilling has occurred below 250 m with a historical IP survey indicating a potential extension of mineralization at depth.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5701/278482_1e000f6b54060863_003full.jpg

Table 2 -Mirado Project Key Target Areas - with historical gold values

Key Target Area Highlights and historical gold values Bank Zone Altered tuffaceous volcanic rocks with quartz veins and pyritized wall rocks. Grab samples up to 13.95 g/t Au; channel results include

4.80 g/t Au over 30 m Zabudsky Zone Pyrite-rich hydrothermal breccia with grab samples from

0.10-4.55 g/t Au Mirado VMS Horizons Au-rich VMS-style horizons with grab samples up to

20.1 g/t Au Gold Hill Zone 100 m vein system with pyrite and chalcopyrite; grab samples up to

26.8 g/t Au with supporting IP anomalies

The historical results contained in this press release, including as set forth in the PEA, are considered relevant as they indicate the presence of gold mineralization and assist in guiding exploration targeting. No field testing of samples has been completed to confirm mineralization.

Ongoing Focus on Flagship Targets

KLDC confirms that exploration programs, budgets, and strategic priorities for its flagship claim package remain unchanged. To date, the Company has completed approximately 2,500 m of diamond drilling on its core land position, with approximately 1,000 m of drill core currently pending assay results. Drilling at Wolverine Bend, Winnie Lake South, and the Sharpe Target has intersected encouraging mineralization and alteration, supporting the Company's geological targeting model. Assay results are expected to be received and reported in the early New Year.

A second drill rig has arrived on site, and will be targeting soil and geophysical anomalies northwest of the Winnie Pluton at the Nine Mile target, further advancing priority targets within the flagship claim package in the new year

Mirado will be advanced as a complementary asset, with work programs designed to be disciplined, data-driven, and aligned with KLDC's broader exploration strategy.

Transaction Details

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Orecap shall sell to KLDC a 100% undivided interest in the mineral claims collectively known as the Mirado Property, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances.

As consideration for the acquisition, KLDC will issue such number of common shares to Orecap as is equal to 19.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of KLDC calculated as of the closing date of the acquisition (the "Consideration Shares") equalling approximately 40,050,398 shares valued at $0.28 as of December 16th closing share price, but is subject to closing date share price and total issued and outstanding shares at that time. The Consideration Shares will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period from the closing date, as well as a contractual lock-up period of 12 months. No finder's fees are payable in connection with the transaction.

The transaction remains subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Video Footage

VP Exploration Ben Cleland, P.Geo talks through transaction details and exploration potential in the most recent episode of KLDC Treasure Hunters available on the Company website and YouTube. Drake Hyden, Senior Geologist also provides updates on current drilling at KL West and discusses preliminary observations of core and how they strengthen the Company's understanding of the geological sequence of events.

QP Statement

The technical information contained in this news release has been prepared under the supervision of, and approved by, Ben Cleland, P.Geo., VP Exploration, who is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. These estimates and economic results of the Mirado Property are historical in nature, and a Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to classify them as current mineral resources. KLDC is not treating these historical estimates or economic results as current. The PEA is preliminary in nature, includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied, and there is no certainty that the results would be realized.

About Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp.

Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp. (TSXV: KLDC) has assembled a 400-km2 exploration portfolio in the Kirkland Lake region of Ontario's Abitibi Greenstone Belt, one of the most prolific mining districts in the world. The Company's properties span key fault zones, geophysical anomalies, and volcanic-sedimentary contacts within the Blake River Group, a highly prospective assemblage known to host both gold and polymetallic massive-sulphide deposits.

With exploration permits now in place, KLDC is positioned to advance a strong pipeline of drill-ready targets at KL East and KL West, supported by multiple anomalous soil trends, historical mineral showings, and structurally controlled intersections. The team combines strong technical experience with a focus on smart, efficient exploration designed to deliver results.

For additional information, please contact:

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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the Company's proposed acquisition of the Mirado property, future drill programs, the results thereof, and the potential for new discoveries. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278482

Source: Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp.
Orecap to acquire 19.9% of Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp. (KLDC) as consideration for 100% of Mirado Gold Project in Kirkland Lake Ontario.

KLDC is the largest landholder in the Kirkland Lake Ontario Region.

Transaction adds to Orecap's growing equity portfolio of high-quality exploration companies.

KLDC expected to Issue approximately 40 million Shares in Transaction Valued at $11.4 million, Representing a Material Portion of Orecap's Market Capitalization.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Orecap Invest Corp . (TSXV: OCI) (OTCQB: ORFDF) ("Orecap" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an arm's length definitive agreement with Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp. (TSXV: KLDC) ("KLDC") to sell its 100%-owned Mirado property ("Mirado" or the "Project"), located 35km southeast of Kirkland Lake, Ontario for 19.9% ownership of KLDC (the "Transaction").

"We are very pleased with this transaction, which reflects Orecap's continued evolution toward holding material equity positions in high-quality exploration and development companies led by strong, well-financed management teams. We are not exiting Mirado, rather, we are transforming our exposure by becoming shareholders in one of the largest landholders in the Kirkland Lake district. This is a camp where Orecap and its portfolio companies have deep roots, and we are pleased to expand our exposure in what remains one of Canada's premier gold jurisdictions," said Stephen Stewart, Orecap's Chairman.

Strategic Investment in Kirkland Lake's Largest Land Package

KLDC is expected to issue approximately 40,050,398 shares pursuant to the Transaction. Based on KLDC's closing price of December 17, 2025, the implied transaction value is $11.4 million. This represents a material component of, and is significant relative to, Orecap's current market capitalization.

This investment aligns with Orecap's portfolio strategy of holding material equity positions in early-stage, well-capitalized companies with high-potential assets and strong management teams. Through the acquisition of a 19.9% interest in KLDC, Orecap has further increased its exposure to the Kirkland Lake camp, where KLDC controls more than 40,000 hectares prospective for high-quality intrusive- and shear-hosted gold systems, as well as VMS targets.

Combined with Orecap's 13.9% interest in Stardust Metal Corp. (CSE: ZIGY), which owns the Omega property and has recently optioned the McGarry property from the Company (closing still pending), this investment provides Orecap with significant exposure across the Kirkland Lake region, ranging from district-scale exploration to resource-stage projects.

Retaining Exposure to Mirado via KLDC

While Orecap continues to view Mirado as a high-quality gold asset, the sale of Mirado allows Orecap to further concentrate its portfolio on holding material equity positions in exploration companies rather than owning physical land packages. Through the acquisition of a 19.9% interest in KLDC, Orecap will gain exposure to an active operator in the Kirkland Lake district with the dedicated focus and capital to advance the Mirado Project.

Transaction Details

In consideration for the sale of Orecap's 100% interest in Mirado, Orecap will receive common shares in the capital of KLDC equal to 19.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of KLDC as of the closing date (the "Consideration Shares"). The Consideration Shares will be subject to a statutory four month hold period until the date which is four months and one day following the closing date.

This transaction is subject to the TSXV approval, as well as certain other conditions as are customary in transactions of this nature.

The definitive agreement in respect of the Transaction was executed on December 16, 2025. No finder's fees are payable in connection with the Transaction.

Closing of the proposed Transaction is expected to occur in January 2026.

About Orecap Invest Corp .

Orecap seeks special situation investments in the natural resource sector that offer shareholders diverse exposure to high returns on precious and critical metal assets and businesses. Orecap has significant equity positions in portfolio companies, such as American Eagle Gold (TSXV: AE) (OTCQB: AMEGF), XXIX Metal Corp. (TSXV: XXIX) (OTCQB: QCCUF), Stardust Metal (CSE: ZIGY), Auriginal Mining (TSXV: AUME), Awale Resources (TSXV: ARIC) and Metal Energy (TSXV: MERG) in addition to owning a broad portfolio of land packages focussed on gold, copper and zinc. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited is a 9.9% shareholder.

About Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp.

Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp. (TSXV: KLDC) has assembled a 400-km2 exploration portfolio in the Kirkland Lake region of Ontario's Abitibi Greenstone Belt, one of the most prolific mining districts in the world. The Company's properties span key fault zones, geophysical anomalies, and volcanic-sedimentary contacts within the Blake River Group, a highly prospective assemblage known to host both gold and polymetallic massive-sulphide deposits.

With exploration permits now in place, KLDC is positioned to advance a strong pipeline of drill-ready targets at KL East and KL West, supported by multiple anomalous soil trends, historical mineral showings, and structurally controlled intersections. The team combines strong technical experience with a focus on smart, efficient exploration designed to deliver results.

Orecap's Equity Holdings include:

Company (Ticker) Shares Owned 1 / (% of Outstanding Shares) American Eagle Gold (TSXV: AE) (OTCQB: AMEGF) 10,718,748 / (6.3%) Awale Resources (TSXV: ARIC) 7,389,833 + 4,166,666 warrants / (7.2%) Stardust Metal (CSE: ZIGY) 24,708,975 / (13.9%) Metal Energy (TSXV: MERG) 5,125,000 + 2,562,500 warrants / (3.6%) Auriginal Mining (TSXV: AUME) 42,750,000 (19.9%) XXIX Metal Corp. (TSXV: XXIX) (OTCQB: QCCUF) (FSE: 5LW0) 23,637,431 / (7.7%) Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp. (TSXV: KLDC) 40,050,398 / (19.9%) (Subject to Closing)

1 See Orecap's latest disclosure documents for details regarding holdings.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information and statements may include, among others, statements regarding future plans, costs, objectives or performance of the Corporation, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "target" and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, including the closing of the Transaction,and the option of the McGarry property. Forward-looking statements and information are based on information available at the time and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation's control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those described under "Risk Factors" in the Corporation's management's discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca; they could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. The Corporation does not intend, nor does the Corporation undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws.

Neither 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278443

Source: Orecap Invest Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Nexus Uranium Corp. (CSE: NEXU) (OTCQB: GIDMF) (FSE: JA7) ("Nexus" or the "Company") announces that the U.S. Forest Service ("USFS") has confirmed that public scoping for the Chord Uranium Project's federal lands component in Fall River County, South Dakota, will commence in mid-January 2026.

The scoping confirmation marks the next major step in a permitting process that has achieved several key milestones since late 2024. The Company, through its subsidiary Clean Nuclear Energy Corp., has now advanced through Plan of Operations acceptance, execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the USFS, completion of pre-scoping consultations, and preparation of specialist technical reports-positioning the project to enter the formal National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") public review phase.

"This confirmation from the USFS represents meaningful progress," said Jeremy Poirier, Chief Executive Officer. "We have systematically completed each step required to reach public scoping and now have clear visibility on the path to a drill permit. Combined with our upcoming State mineral board hearing for Section 36, we expect 2026 to be a defining year for Chord."

Permitting Milestones Completed

The federal permitting process for the October Jinx area on USFS-administered land has progressed through the following milestones:

November 2024: Plan of Operations accepted by the USFS

Plan of Operations accepted by the USFS July 2025: Memorandum of Understanding executed with the USFS establishing the framework for NEPA review and third-party contractor scope

Memorandum of Understanding executed with the USFS establishing the framework for NEPA review and third-party contractor scope Q3-Q4 2025: Pre-scoping meetings completed with USFS personnel

Pre-scoping meetings completed with USFS personnel December 2025: USFS confirmation received that public scoping will commence mid-January 2026

USFS confirmation received that public scoping will commence mid-January 2026 In Progress: RESPEC, the Company's permitting consultant, is drafting a Biological Assessment Report and a Hydrological Specialist Report, with draft completion expected mid-January 2026 and finalization shortly thereafter

Target Permitting Timeline

Based on the confirmed scoping start and standard USFS review periods, the Company expects the scoping to be completed by mid-July 2026 for the federal permitting.

Public scoping is a 30-day comment period conducted under NEPA that allows stakeholders and agencies to identify issues and alternatives for environmental review. The USFS may extend scoping by an additional 30 to 45 days at its discretion, though extensions are uncommon.

Proposed Exploration Program

The proposed exploration program on federal lands includes up to 17 drill holes (four convertible to cased groundwater monitoring wells), a maximum hole depth of approximately 700 feet, total surface disturbance of approximately 1.4 acres, access via existing roads with no new road construction, and completion within one year followed by full reclamation. Based on the project scope, the USFS has indicated the review may qualify for a categorical exclusion under 36 CFR 220.6(e)(8), with elevation to an Environmental Assessment if extraordinary circumstances are identified.

Chord Project Overview

Chord comprises approximately 3,640 contiguous acres in the southern Black Hills near Edgemont, South Dakota, combining 147 unpatented lode claims (~3,037 acres) with South Dakota State Mineral Lease No. 27CS230448 (~638 acres). Mineralization is sandstone-hosted within the Lakota and Fall River formations in the historic Edgemont uranium district. The project is located approximately three miles southeast of enCore Energy's Dewey Burdock ISR uranium project.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Carl D. Warren, P.E., P.G. Senior Engineer BRS Inc., a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Nexus Uranium Corp.

Nexus Uranium is a Canadian exploration company focused on uranium projects in North America. In the United States, the Company holds the Chord and Wolf Canyon projects in South Dakota, the South Pass project in Wyoming, and the Wray Mesa project in Utah. The Great Divide Basin project in Wyoming is now under option to Canamera Energy Metals Corp. In Canada, Nexus holds the Mann Lake project in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. For more information, visit www.nexusuranium.com.

--

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the anticipated timing of USFS public scoping, target dates for Plan of Operations approval, permit board meeting, and drill permit award, completion of specialist reports, progression of the NEPA review process, and timing of the State mineral board hearing. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, including the current USFS regulatory framework, indicative agency schedules, availability of contractors, and constructive stakeholder engagement. Actual results may differ materially due to risks and uncertainties, including changes in law, policy, or interpretation; outcomes of public scoping and agency review; identification of extraordinary circumstances under NEPA; scheduling changes; appeals or interventions; environmental, social, or community considerations; and market conditions. The target timeline presented herein is based on management's current expectations and standard agency review periods; actual timing may vary. Nexus undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by law.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278220

Source: Nexus Uranium Corp.
Defence Holdings Plc - Exercise of Warrants and Update on ATM Facility

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 18

18 December 2025

London, UK

Defence Holdings PLC

("Defence" or "the Company")

Exercise of Warrants and Update on ATM Facility

The Company has received notice from a warrant holder to exercise warrants over a total of 45,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.001 each in the Company ("Ordinary Shares"). Accordingly, the Company will issue 45,000,000 new Ordinary Shares ("Warrant Shares") to the warrant holder.

Admission and Total Voting Rights

Application will be made for the 45,000,000 Warrant Shares, which will rank pari passu with the existing Ordinary Shares in issue, to be admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange Main Market ("Admission"). Dealings are expected to commence on or around 6 th January 2026.

Following Admission, the Company's total issued and voting share capital will consist of 2,426,792,946 Ordinary Shares. The Company does not hold any ordinary shares in treasury.

Therefore, the above figure may be used by shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculation by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the share capital of the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

Update on ATM Facility

Following the announcement dated 14 November 2025, Fortified Securities has successfully raised another gross proceeds of  183,170 (the "ATM Proceeds") for the period ending 16 December 2025. The distribution of the ATM Proceeds has been settled. Following the ATM-related sales, Fortified Securities' shareholding has decreased from 125,500,000 (5.27% of the issued share capital) to 116,000,000 (4.78% of the issued share capital) as a result of this settlement.

Taking into account the ATM Proceeds announced on 31 October 2025, 14 November 2025 and the new ATM Proceeds set out in today's announcement, the Company has now raised total gross proceeds of 620,317.49.

About Defence Holdings PLC (ALRT)

Defence Holdings PLC (LSE: ALRT) is the UK's first listed software-led defence company. Its five-year strategic plan focuses on delivering sovereign digital capabilities across national security, resilience, and defence readiness.

Website: www.defencetechnologies.com

Media Enquiries

Name- Director, Brian Stockbridge

Defence Holdings PLC

Tel: +44 (0)20 3855 5551  Email: press@defencetechnologies.com
BIELEFELD, Germany and OSLO, Norway, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NTT DATA announces the acquisition of The Cloud People Group AS, one of the largest pure-play ServiceNow partners in Europe. Founded in 2019, The Cloud People is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices across northern Europe, the USA and Brazil, and will become part of NTT DATA Business Solutions, a business unit of NTT DATA.

As a leading provider of ServiceNow solutions for medium and large enterprises, The Cloud People offer a focused value proposition covering the entire ServiceNow platform. The company delivers services across multiple workflows including IT service management, incident, problem and change management, automation of routine tasks, resource planning, onboarding and offboarding of employees, as well as customer service and security operations. The acquisition of The Cloud People will add 130 active customers to NTT DATA Business Solutions' portfolio.

The Cloud People is at the forefront of ServiceNow's AI evolution with its dedicated AI Center of Excellence. Having already delivered measurable results for more than 20 clients across Northern Europe, the company's proven innovation capabilities-now strengthened by NTT DATA Business Solutions' global expertise-are set to accelerate the development of smarter workflows and advanced AI solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of people and organizations.

"With the acquisition of The Cloud People, we are strengthening our presence in the Nordics and Central Europe," says Norbert Rotter, CEO of NTT DATA Business Solutions. "SAP remains at the core of our business. By combining our more than 35 years of deep SAP expertise with The Cloud People's proven strength in ServiceNow we are expanding our portfolio with complementary services. I am confident that The Cloud People's dynamic growth and commitment to excellence perfectly align with our values of economic stability and outstanding service."

Nicolaj Vang Jessen, Executive Managing Director Consulting GIIC and Nordics & Eastern Europe, NTT DATA Business Solutions, adds: "The Cloud People is an ideal addition to our ServiceNow portfolio and opens new opportunities for us in Northern Europe. Together, we will focus on leveraging synergies and integrating the expertise of The Cloud People's more than 300 consultants into NTT DATA Business Solutions."

"For The Cloud People, this means achieving growth with stability that no financial investor could provide, along with a platform for expansion that surpasses even our most ambitious expectations. NTT DATA Business Solutions is a Top Employer-certified organization with deep process and industry expertise, completing our ServiceNow proposition as the Platform of Platforms," says Bjrn Jarl, CEO of The Cloud People.

The acquisition comes at a time when ServiceNow and NTT DATA are expanding their strategic partnership, which is aimed at accelerating AI-driven transformation for global enterprises. As part of this collaboration, ServiceNow named NTT DATA a strategic AI delivery partner. Both organizations are committed to co-developing and marketing AI-powered solutions that enable large-scale automation and operational efficiency. This strengthened alliance provides a robust platform for NTT DATA Business Solutions and The Cloud People to collaborate in driving innovation and delivering next-generation, AI-enabled ServiceNow offerings to customers worldwide.

The Cloud People will operate as an independent company after the acquisition, using the brand name "The Cloud People, an NTT DATA Business Solutions company".

For more information, please visit nttdata-solutions.com.

About NTT DATA Business Solutions

NTT DATA Business Solutions is a leading global IT service provider focused on SAP with a powerful ecosystem of partners. With more than 35 years of in-depth experience, we enable companies worldwide to become Intelligent Enterprises. We deliver end-to-end solutions that accelerate sustainable growth and success - from strategic consulting and implementation to managed services and beyond. As a global strategic SAP partner, we drive innovation and leverage the latest technologies to support our customers individually and across all industries. Our more than 18,300 dedicated employees in over 30 countries work passionately every day to make it happen.

NTT DATA Business Solutions is part of NTT DATA, a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of AI, business and technology services headquartered in Tokyo. As One NTT DATA we serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping customers innovate, optimize, and transform for long-term success. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group.

Press Contact NTT DATA Business Solutions Jasmin Straeter Head of Global Communications NTT DATA Business Solutions AG T: +49 521 9 14 48 108 Email: Jasmin.Straeter@nttdata.com



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NEW DELHI, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to recent analysis by MarkNtel Advisors, the Global Green Steel Market is projected to grow at an extraordinary compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8% during the forecast period, i.e., 2026-32, driven by robust decarbonization mandates, technological innovation, and expanding partnerships across industrial sectors.

Global steel production is expected to hit 1,749 million tons in 2025, emitting approximately 4.1 billion tons of CO2e annually (7-8% of global emissions).

Global Green Steel Market Key Takeaways

Valued at around 28.77 billion tons in 2025, the market is projected to reach USD 54.5 billion tons by 2032.

Decarburization mandates and climate regulations across key industries are critical growth drivers.

Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology is set to capture a dominant market share during the forecast period.

Other renewable energy sources (hydropower, biomass, etc.) led the green steel production energy mix with a 61% share in 2025.

The automotive & transportation sector is poised to hold a significant share of the green steel market from 2026 to 2032.

The Europe green steel market will see substantial growth fueled by EU initiatives targeting steel industry carbon neutrality by 2032.

Download a FREE PDF Sample of the Report: https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/request-sample/green-steel-market.html (Discover the market potential, platform-specific insights, and key industry trends.)

Green Steel Market Analysis

By Technology, Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) leads the green steel production technology segment. Its energy efficiency, ability to utilize renewable energy, and compatibility with recycled scrap make it the preferred choice globally. Companies like SSAB, Tata Steel, and Salzgitter AG are expanding commercial EAF operations, supporting the shift toward near-zero emission steel manufacturing.

By Energy Source, other renewable energy sources, including hydropower, biomass, and similar, dominate the energy mix for green steel production, accounting for a 61% share in 2025. Their stable output and established infrastructure make them the primary energy source, supporting sustainable steel production growth worldwide.

By End User, the automotive and transportation sector leads green steel consumption. Key OEMs such as BMW and General Motors have committed to sustainable sourcing by entering long-term green steel supply agreements, driving market expansion, and accelerating green steel adoption in vehicle manufacturing globally.

By Region, Europe stands as the dominant region in green steel deployment, benefiting from rigorous carbon emission regulations, carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM), and well-developed renewable energy systems. The region's strong policy framework and industrial investments underpin its substantial market share and lead in sustainable steel production.

Key green steel players are pivotal in accelerating the industry by driving technological innovation, making strategic investments, and forging partnerships that enable large-scale sustainable steel production. Their role encompasses deploying advanced low-carbon production methods, integrating renewable energy sources, and facilitating supply chain decarbonization, which collectively enhance market adoption and environmental impact reduction. For instance:

May 2024: Linde signed a supply agreement to provide industrial gases to the world's first large-scale green steel plant, highlighting the critical role of infrastructure and logistics in scaling green steel production.

February 2024: Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH partnered with Octopus Energy through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement to secure clean electricity for green hydrogen production and future green steel operations in Germany.

January 2024: Kalyani Steels announced plans to produce green steel at a newly acquired plant, showcasing emerging commitment among Indian manufacturers toward sustainable steelmaking.

January 2024: ArcelorMittal launched its XCarb Program focused on carbon-neutral steel via investments in renewable energy and hydrogen-based technologies, reinforcing sectoral collaboration.

These initiatives underscore how key players are instrumental in shaping the trajectory of the green steel market, driving both innovation and industrial transition toward net-zero emissions.

View Full Report (All Data, In One Place): https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/green-steel-market.html (Explore in-depth analyses, technological trends, and investment patterns.)

How Are Technological Advancements Accelerating and Modernizing Green Steel Production Worldwide?

Technological advancements are fundamental in accelerating and modernizing green steel production globally. Innovations in hydrogen-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology, and digital process optimization are enabling steelmakers to significantly reduce carbon emissions while scaling production efficiently. Hydrogen DRI replaces coal with green hydrogen, emitting water instead of CO2, revolutionizing the traditional blast furnace process. EAF technology leverages renewable energy and recycled scrap steel, making it a flexible and low-emission alternative gaining widespread adoption. Advanced digital tools, including AI and IoT, facilitate real-time monitoring, energy management, and predictive maintenance, improving production efficiency and sustainability.

Notable instances exemplifying this technological push include:

SSAB and HYBRIT in Sweden employ hydrogen DRI combined with EAF to produce fossil-free steel, setting a global benchmark for carbon-neutral steel production.

Nucor Corporation focuses on expanding its Econiq line, using EAF technology powered by renewable energy and high scrap utilization to supply net-zero steel.

Tata Steel Europe invests in modernizing its IJmuiden plant with EAFs driven by renewable electricity, aiming for near-zero carbon operations.

ArcelorMittal's XCarb Program integrates hydrogen steelmaking and digital innovations to advance sustainable production across multiple sites globally.

These cutting-edge technologies not only enable decarbonization but also enhance economic viability, fostering wider market acceptance and expanding green steel adoption worldwide.

What Are the Key Factors Accelerating Green Steel Market Outlook?

Stringent Decarbonization Policies: Governments globally, especially in Europe and Asia-Pacific, have implemented strict emission reduction targets, incentivizing manufacturers to shift towards green steel to comply with regulatory frameworks like the EU's CBAM. Rising Carbon Pricing: The escalation in carbon permit costs, exceeding USD 80 per ton in regions like the EU, makes fossil-fuel-based steel production economically unfeasible, pushing industries toward low-carbon alternatives. Automotive OEMs' Sustainability Commitments: Leading automakers like BMW and GM are entering long-term supply agreements for green steel, creating high demand and encouraging industry-wide adoption. Increasing Investment in Renewable Energy: Expansion of renewable energy capacity, especially wind and hydropower, provides the clean power needed for sustainable steelmaking, making green steel more economically viable and widespread.

How Does the Lack of Standardized Carbon Accounting and Certification Impede Market Growth?

The absence of universally accepted and transparent carbon accounting frameworks creates significant hurdles for the green steel industry. Without consistent methods to measure, report, and verify carbon emissions across all production scopes (direct, indirect, and supply chain), stakeholders face uncertainty around green steel's environmental credentials. This complicates compliance, certification, and market trust, slowing demand growth. Divergent regional regulations and evolving policies exacerbate the complexity, increasing operational and reporting costs, and delaying widespread green steel adoption. Achieving harmonized standards is critical to fostering investor confidence and accelerating market expansion.

Major Companies in the Global Green Steel Market

Green Steel Group

H2 Green Steel

Deutsche Edelstahlwerke

Tata Steel

HYBRIT

Arcelor Mittal

Emirates Steel

Sheffield Forgemasters

Celsa Steel UK

Liberty Steel

British Steel

Outokumpu

Voestalpine

Arab Steel Co.

Jindal Shadeed Group- Oman

Essar Group-Saudi Arabia

Others (ThyssenKrupp AG, China Baowu Steel Group Corporation)

Talk to Our Industry Analyst: https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/talk-to-our-consultant/green-steel-market.html (Get personalized insights into company strategies and regional market dynamics.)

Global Green Steel Market Segmentation (2026-32)

Production Technology: Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), Molten Oxide Electrolysis

Energy Source: Solar, Wind, Others (Renewable Energy Sources)

End User: Building & Construction, Automotive & Transportation, Electronics, Industrial Equipment, and Others.

Region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America

Browse through our flexible pricing plans and choose the package that best fits your business needs, whether you require a single-user license, corporate access, or customized insights. Once you select the plan that suits your requirements, you can purchase and instantly access the full report online - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/pricing/green-steel-market.html

About Us

MarkNtel Advisors is a globally recognized Industry Research Firm delivering comprehensive market intelligence across diverse sectors, including the Global Green Steel Market. Our syndicated reports provide in-depth insights into market dynamics, technological innovations, regulatory frameworks, and competitive strategies shaping the green steel industry worldwide. Leveraging advanced analytics, quantitative modeling, and validated industrial and environmental data, we empower manufacturers, steelmakers, investors, and policymakers to navigate the evolving low-carbon steel markets and capitalize on growth opportunities. Our expertise spans global and regional markets such as Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, and India, emphasizing emerging sustainability trends, decarbonization mandates, and the impact of renewable energy integration on green steel production. Through specialized consulting, we support our clients in achieving strategic advantage and measurable business growth amid shifting regulatory landscapes and increasing demand for sustainable materials.

More MarkNtel Study Reports

Global Military Aircraft Engine Market Research Report: Forecast (2026-2032)- The Global Military Aircraft Engine Market size is valued at around USD34.29 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD67.19 billion by 2032. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 10.09% during the forecast period, i.e., 2026-32.

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Cheshire, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Aqueous Digital, a Cheshire-based digital marketing agency, has been recognised as one of the best in the UK after winning Best Use of Search in Finance at the UK Search Awards.

UK Search Awards 2025

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The awards, which celebrate the very best in the industry, aim to bring together the leading UK agencies, brands, and professionals from across the UK.

Founded in 2011 by Jonathan and his wife Emma, Aqueous Digital is a marketing agency based in Frodsham, focusing on delivering quality results for clients in various industries.

It's not the first time the family-run business has won at the UK Search Awards, having previously won best small integrated agency of the year in 2020.

Reflecting on the team's latest win, Jonathan Guy, Founder of Aqueous Digital, said:

"This award is the culmination of years of hard work and a very intentional way of doing things. From the outset, our focus has been on delivering gold-standard SEO while supporting our customers properly and staying true to our values of trust, loyalty, and collaboration."

"Our partnership with UK Mortgage Centre perfectly reflects that approach. They trusted us to take a long-term view and draw on almost 50 years of collective experience. The search industry is always evolving, and it was brilliant to be able to work in collaboration with both of our teams to drive genuine results."

Judges commended Aqueous' campaign, highlighting that it was "bold, well-managed, and delivered exceptional results." They highlighted the breadth of techniques used by the team, including a full website rebuild and redesign alongside a targeted digital PR strategy to boost brand awareness.

Jonathan added: "We're extremely grateful for our continued partnership with the team at UK Mortgage Centre and look forward to building on the success we've achieved together."

"For us, this award is a reflection of how we work day to day. It validates the practices we've built the business on and reinforces the trust our customers place in us to deliver SEO properly, with integrity and a long-term view."

Looking ahead, Jonathan highlighted the immense changes being faced by the search industry, in particular the rapid impact of artificial intelligence, a development which has left a lot of business owners cautious about investing in search marketing.

"SEO has always changed," Jonathan adds. "AI is simply the next chapter."

"People aren't searching less," Jonathan explains. "They're just searching differently. The challenge for businesses now is making sure they still show up as a trusted source when AI tools are deciding which information to surface."

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278379

Source: GYT
HONG KONG and MACAO, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 15, the 15th National Games, the 12th National Paralympic Games, and the 9th National Special Olympic Games concluded successfully. As a leading enterprise in manufacturing and technological innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, GAC, in its capacity as the exclusive official automotive partner of the events, provided comprehensive and high-quality vehicle support for the competitions held in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

Addressing the right-hand drive requirements of the Hong Kong and Macao legs, GAC specially provided globally customized models - including 185 units of the intelligent new energy MPV E9 PHEV and 180 units of the luxury intelligent electric SUV HYPTEC HT, totaling 365 event-specific vehicles. Additionally, to provide special support for participants of the Para & Special Games, GAC introduced the E9 PHEV Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle. Equipped with the "world's first detachable luxury electric accessibility seat," it fully meets the needs for barrier-free travel.

During the events, the organizing committees and service support teams of the Hong Kong and Macao legs highly praised the vehicles provided by GAC. YEUNG Tak Keung, Head of National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), stated that the excellent reputation of GAC's vehicles will significantly enhance the quality of event reception and transportation services, and these new energy models have also provided strong support for Hong Kong's low-carbon event hosting. Team member Eric noted that the suspension system equipped on the E9 PHEV delivers an extremely comfortable riding experience, making it highly suitable for the narrow roads with high elevation differences in Hong Kong and Macao. Member Derek also praised: "The motor performance and overall handling response of the HYPTEC HT are truly exceptional."

Faced with the complex transportation needs of the events covering more than a dozen venues in the Greater Bay Area and operating at high intensity 24 hours a day, GAC established the GAC National Games Intelligent Mobility Support Center. Implementing a 24/7 full-cycle operation and emergency response mechanism, the center achieved service support with "zero errors, zero failures, and zero worries" throughout the entire event cycle.

Facing Hong Kong and Macao, GAC will adhere to the philosophy of "In Local, For Local, Integrated Locally, Serving Locally, Contributing Locally", strive to become a high-quality, high-tech and reliable partner for users in the two regions.

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Rupert Resources Ltd ("Rupert" or the "Company") today provides an update on its exploration strategy across its existing 425km2 land package and the addition of 1150km2 of new exploration permit applications and reservations in the Central Lapland Belt ("CLB"), of Northern Finland. The updated exploration strategy will be progressed in parallel with the advancement of the Ikkari project through the feasibility study and environmental permitting during 2026.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251218147217/en/

Figure 1. Map outlining the location of the new Reservations and Applications for Exploration Permits centred on the core permit package where both the Ikkari deposit and the Pahtavaara mine are located.

HIGHLIGHTS

Data driven exploration review Disciplined review of exploration strategy completed incorporating deep analysis of geological, geochemical and geophysical data collected over nearly 10 years of exploration and resource development in the region.

Disciplined review of exploration strategy completed incorporating deep analysis of geological, geochemical and geophysical data collected over nearly 10 years of exploration and resource development in the region. Proven exploration methodology Combining geological insights from multiple discoveries, including Ikkari, world-class regional geophysical datasets and advanced analytical tools such as the Vrify AI platform to identify the most prospective ground.

Combining geological insights from multiple discoveries, including Ikkari, world-class regional geophysical datasets and advanced analytical tools such as the Vrify AI platform to identify the most prospective ground. Regional near mine strategies Near-mine exploration at Ikkari remains focussed on high-value, near-surface targets. Capital-intensive deep drilling is deferred until Ikkari enters into production, when such programs can be funded from cash flow.

Near-mine exploration at Ikkari remains focussed on high-value, near-surface targets. Capital-intensive deep drilling is deferred until Ikkari enters into production, when such programs can be funded from cash flow. Targeting 3 million ounces of discovery Capital allocation primarily focused on low-cost, belt-scale greenfield exploration, targeting 3 million ounces of standalone discoveries, over the next five years, in order to build a pipeline of projects and advanced targets.

Capital allocation primarily focused on low-cost, belt-scale greenfield exploration, targeting 3 million ounces of standalone discoveries, over the next five years, in order to build a pipeline of projects and advanced targets. Central Lapland Belt consolidated Approximately 1,150 km of new exploration licence applications and reservations have been added, increasing Rupert's total land position to 1,575 km and strengthening control over key structural corridors.

Graham Crew, Chief Executive Officer of Rupert Resources said:

"Following a structured and extensive review of our exploration strategy and the impressive dataset gathered over the past decade in the Central Lapland Belt, we remain highly encouraged by the prospectivity of our land position. The consolidation of additional ground across key structural targets reflects our confidence in the belt-scale opportunity.

As Ikkari progresses toward development, we are purposefully rebalancing our exploration portfolio. Near-mine exploration will continue to focus on high-return opportunities, while deeper, capital-intensive drilling in and around the Ikkari deposit is deferred until it can be funded from operating cash flow. In parallel, we are increasing our focus on regional greenfield exploration where the potential exists to replicate the low discovery cost and transformational impact the Ikkari discovery achieved. This disciplined approach is aimed at building a pipeline of potential projects and delivering value for our shareholders."

Exploration Strategy Review

During the 2025 summer season, Rupert's exploration team, complimented by external experts conducted a review of all exploration data gathered since the Company began exploration in the CLB in 2016.

The review incorporated a reassessment of existing targets and a belt-scale targeting exercise that leveraged geological insights gained from the Ikkari discovery and resource development as well as advanced analytical tools such as the Vrify AI platform. This work identified several underexplored structural corridors with the potential to host deposits of similar scale.

Scope of the review

The review process was built around the significant data set that has been gathered by the Company over ten years of exploration activities in the CLB and complimented by extensive and world-class regional geophysical database supplied through the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK). The Company data set included:

>28,000 base of till (BoT) samples

>139,000 metres of diamond drilling for exploration (excluding Ikkari and Pahtavaara)

>140,000 metres of diamond drilling for at Ikkari

Since 2016 the exploration team has refined its targeting model and exploration processes, delineating bedrock mineralisation at 8 separate targets including the 4.1Moz Ikkari deposit (see press release February 18, 2025). The exploration model has proven both successful and cost effective over challenging terrain with limited outcrop and bedrock covered by glacial till.

External consultants

This review was carried out by the Company's exploration team complimented by world renowned external experts:

Brett Davis Structural geology consultant involved in the initial targeting of the Area-1 land package that hosts the Ikkari discovery.

Howard Bills Formerly the Head of Exploration at Centamin Plc and Toro Gold. With several discoveries through his career, Howard chaired the exploration workshops with a commercial lens that aligned geological opportunity with discovery cost.

Next steps for Area-1

Since the Ikkari discovery, exploration has focused predominantly on targets within a nominal trucking distance of the proposed Ikkari mill. To date, this work has delineated a number of mineralised prospects, and the most promising targets, Heina South and Heina SW, will continue to be advanced with follow-up drilling targeting the down-plunge continuation of intercepts such as 16.5g/t over 25m in drill hole 124019 (see press release March 3, 2024) and 45.7g/t over 8m in drill hole 125001 (see press release April 17, 2025).

The Rupert Exploration team has identified a number of potential targets at depth and along strike from Ikkari. These targets, by their nature will be higher cost (deeper) drill targets, and if successful, unlikely to be value additive to Ikkari in the first 10 years of operation, as outlined in the 2025 PFS. An initial drilling and assay cost estimate of $20-$30m was developed as part of the strategy review. As a result, the Company has elected to defer this drilling programme until the Ikkari project enters the production phase and the programme can be funded from cash flow.

Existing Joint Venture Agreements

During 2021 the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with S2 Resources (now Valkea Resources). The minimum spend commitment of C$1.65 million has been met through the initial phase of exploration and the company is in the process of earning a 70% interest in the property by spending C$5 million on the project.

The scout drilling completed to date has confirmed the presence of gold mineralisation but is yet to delineate a target of sufficient grade or volume to indicate economic potential. Systematic exploration on the untested portions of the permits will continue in 2026.

New permit areas reservations

Following a comprehensive belt-scale structural reinterpretation and prospectivity analysis, the company has reserved or placed applications for an exploration permit on a total of 1150km2 of highly prospective ground. Reservations secure the permit areas for up to 2 years whilst further evaluation and reconnaissance exploration activities occur. The most prospective portions of these will then be converted into applications for exploration permits. Granting of an exploration permit, a process that normally takes 3-4 months, allows for mechanised exploration to commence aimed at the delineation of drill targets and the drill testing of these. The most attractive exploration opportunities are summarised below:

Manto At the western end of the Sirkka Line, a key structural control on mineralisation in the region, this area exhibits structural complexity and hosts the historic Saattopora Cu-Au gold mine and other known gold occurrences. It is thought to be a similar structural and lithological setting as Area 1 (Ikkari)

At the western end of the Sirkka Line, a key structural control on mineralisation in the region, this area exhibits structural complexity and hosts the historic Saattopora Cu-Au gold mine and other known gold occurrences. It is thought to be a similar structural and lithological setting as Area 1 (Ikkari) Pontso Located to the north of Kittila, this area shows prospective structures and lithologies, similar to the geological setting that hosts the Kittila mine

Located to the north of Kittila, this area shows prospective structures and lithologies, similar to the geological setting that hosts the Kittila mine Mukka Located approximately 20km from Rupert Resources' Pahtavaara Mine (on care maintenance). This area has previously been explored for base metals by other companies, the potential for gold mineralisation is largely untested. It straddles a key North-South structural trend and significant structural complexity that may facilitate fluid flow.

Located approximately 20km from Rupert Resources' Pahtavaara Mine (on care maintenance). This area has previously been explored for base metals by other companies, the potential for gold mineralisation is largely untested. It straddles a key North-South structural trend and significant structural complexity that may facilitate fluid flow. Riita Underexplored land package adjacent to the Kittila Gold Mine, approximately 600 metres from the Kittila starter open pit mining operation. The northern part of this land package has already been converted to an exploration permit application and preliminary geophysics surveys have commenced. Further workstreams including BoT drilling will advance from Q1 2026.

Underexplored land package adjacent to the Kittila Gold Mine, approximately 600 metres from the Kittila starter open pit mining operation. The northern part of this land package has already been converted to an exploration permit application and preliminary geophysics surveys have commenced. Further workstreams including BoT drilling will advance from Q1 2026. Sayna Continuous with the Sikavaara East JV with Valkea Resources. The initial work on the Sikavaara JV helped to identify the potential of the 100% owned Sayna permit area. Scout BoT lines and diamond drilling in 2025 identified the same lithologies as host the Ikkari deposit. Further BoT testing across target structures is planned in Q1 2026.

Continuous with the Sikavaara East JV with Valkea Resources. The initial work on the Sikavaara JV helped to identify the potential of the 100% owned Sayna permit area. Scout BoT lines and diamond drilling in 2025 identified the same lithologies as host the Ikkari deposit. Further BoT testing across target structures is planned in Q1 2026. Harka Further away from the known mineralised tracts in the CLB this vastly underexplored permit area is interpreted a possible eastern continuation of the Sirkka line, the principal regional control on mineralisation. The structural setting and complexity indicate its prospectivity to host standalone deposits of scale.

Further away from the known mineralised tracts in the CLB this vastly underexplored permit area is interpreted a possible eastern continuation of the Sirkka line, the principal regional control on mineralisation. The structural setting and complexity indicate its prospectivity to host standalone deposits of scale. Other permits The following group of permits have seen limited exploration activity in their history and have been identified through the targeting process as hosting a structural environment conducive to hosting stand-alone deposits of scale. Work on these permits will start with reconnaissance geophysics and sampling with the most prospective areas brought under exploration permit application ahead of BoT testing: Kuusajarvi Torvinen Haurespaa Vesmajarvi

The following group of permits have seen limited exploration activity in their history and have been identified through the targeting process as hosting a structural environment conducive to hosting stand-alone deposits of scale. Work on these permits will start with reconnaissance geophysics and sampling with the most prospective areas brought under exploration permit application ahead of BoT testing:

Exploration Budget

The investment in exploration is expected to continue at a similar rate to recent years, however the composition of the workstreams will evolve as activities transition into lower cost regional exploration programmes across a large land area. A total of C$16 million is expected to be invested in the initial phase of work at new exploration ground over the next two years. Continuity of funding at this level enables the company to systematically explore the significant land holding, focussing resources on the most prospective areas.

The initial phase of work is primarily geophysics and BoT drilling covering a large land area, 2026 is expected to see approximately C$7-8m investment across the new exploration permits. As targets progress beyond the initial phase of work and diamond drilling testing commences in 2027, a higher of level of spending could be anticipated. Funding will be contingent on the quality of the targets delineated and the results of the drill testing allowing the company the flexibility allocate capital to the strongest targets.

In addition to the investment in the new exploration ground, work is expected to continue around the Ikkari project and more widely across the existing exploration permits. A total of C$9 million is expected to be invested on the existing Area 1 and Pahtavaara permit areas over the next two years. This programme has three main objectives:

Drill testing interpreted controls on the high-grade mineralisation at Heina South with the target of delineating a maiden resource at the end of the program. Drill testing untested BoT anomalies to the north of the proposed mining area Ikkari Measured Drill Out From Q4 2026 an infill drilling programme will commence with the target of upgrading a portion of the Ikkari resource to the measured resource category. An increase in the geological confidence of the resource is expected to de-risk the initial phase of the mine plan and support a project financing.

Figures

Figure 1, a map of the existing and new exploration permits and reservations, can be found in the Appendix at end of release.

Review by Qualified Person

Mr. Craig Hartshorne, a Chartered Geologist and a Fellow of the Geological Society of London, is the Qualified Person responsible for the accuracy of scientific and technical information in this news release.

About Rupert Resources

Rupert Resources is a gold exploration and development company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Company is focused on making and advancing discoveries of scale and quality with high margin and low environmental impact potential. The Company's principal focus is Ikkari, a new high-quality, multi-million ounce gold discovery in Northern Finland.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains statements which, other than statements of historical fact constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to: results of exploration and development activities and mineral resources. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to: the Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates; plans and expectations regarding future exploration programs; plans and expectations regarding future project development; the progression of the EIA and Definitive Feasibility Study on the timeline contemplated herein, if at all; operating and cost estimates; future gold prices; the LOM; the achievement of commercial production at Ikkari on the timeline contemplated herein, if at all; and the Company's plans for future advancement of the Ikkari Project. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made, and are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other known and unknown factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the general risks of the mining industry, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, available on the Company's website at www.rupertresources.com and 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 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. 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. 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 does not intend, and does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves

Unless otherwise indicated, the scientific and technical disclosure included in this press release, including all Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates contained in such technical disclosure, has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014 (the "CIM Definition Standards"). Readers are cautioned that Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all, or any part, of Mineral Resources will be converted into Mineral Reserves. Inferred Mineral Resources are Mineral Resources for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated based on limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. Inferred Mineral Resources are based on limited information and have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to their economic and legal feasibility, although it is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. Inferred Mineral Resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251218147217/en/

Contacts:

Graham Crew

Chief Executive Officer

Michael Stoner

info@rupertresources.com

Rupert Resources Ltd

82 Richmond Street East, Suite 203, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1

Web: http://rupertresources.com/
HIGHLIGHTS:

Restart of mining operations at San Agustin

Mining the reserve will produce 45,000 ounces at an AISC of $1,990/GEO providing a margin of over $2,300/oz at current spot gold prices

Oxide targets drilling program underway with 37 holes completed and submitted for analysis

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) ("Heliostar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that mining, crushing and conveying and stacking of ore onto the leach pad at San Agustin has recommenced.

Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented, "Restarting mining at San Agustin is a significant milestone for Heliostar. It delivers on our guidance of a Q4, 2025 restart issued at the beginning of the year and sets the Company up for a large increase in consolidated gold production in 2026. Mining the current reserve will produce 45,000 ounces of gold expected to generate US$40M in cash flow at a US$3,000 gold price. Further, the Company is in the middle of a 10,000-15,000 metre drill program focused on finding potential extensions of the orebody that may support an increase in mine life at San Agustin."

"Investing in Heliostar at the beginning of the year required trust that the many undefined opportunities recognized by our team within our portfolio could be progressed. We move toward the end of the year having crystalized many of these opportunities. We have certainty in our production profile at San Agustin and La Colorada going into 2026 and look forward to providing formal guidance in January. We have shown the value of our growth opportunities with studies on our flagship Ana Paula and Cerro del Gallo projects. With more drilling completed in 2025 than the entire previous history of Heliostar, we aim to continue to build on our 8.2M gold and gold-equivalent ounce M&I resource base1,2. We plan to deliver continued production growth, and grow the value of Heliostar on a per share basis. We are only just getting started!"

Restart Update

The Company announced it had received the final approvals from the government to restart mining at San Agustin on July 22, 2025. Since that time, Heliostar has rapidly advanced work to restart mining activities at the operation. This included purchase and transfer of the surface access rights to Heliostar, adjusting the location of a power line tower and establishing surface access roads to the Corner area.

Over the past several months, the Company has relocated the vegetation and topsoil at the Corner area and recommissioned the 30,000 tonne per day crushing circuit while residual heap leach operations have continued uninterrupted. This has allowed Heliostar to restart open pit mining with two ore blasts and two waste blasts completed to date. The mining contractor has successfully mobilized 90% of the mobile equipment fleet to site which will allow the operation to achieve production targets. Crushing activities continue to ramp up to full capacity with stacking of new oxide ore on the leach pad underway.

Restart Photos

Figure 1: Production drill rig drilling blast hole patten in Corner Area at San Agustin.

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Figure 2:First blast of the Corner Area at San Agustin.

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Figure 3: First ore being loaded to be delivered to the crusher at San Agustin.

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Figure 4: First new ore being conveyed and stacked on the San Agustin leach pad.

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Technical Report Summary

On January 14, 2025, the Company filed an amended and restated technical report titled "San Agustin Operations, Durango State, Mexico, NI 43-101 Technical Report" prepared by Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mine Technical Services, Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Mine Technical Services, Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Hard Rock Consulting, Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, Kappes Cassiday and Associates and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG, Stantec with an effective date of November 30, 2024 (the "Technical Report").

The life-of-mine (LOM) plan set out in the Technical Report indicates that a probable mineral reserve of 68,000 ounces of gold can be exploited based on 1.2 years of mine life at a site level all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of US$1,990/oz Au. The initial capital cost in the Technical Report is estimated at US$4.2M.

The Technical Report demonstrates a post-tax NPV5% of US$35.3M, a post-tax IRR of 548% and a payback period of 0.2 years for the upside case at a $3,000/oz gold price.

The mineral reserve estimate included in the Technical Report is based on operation of the existing crusher and conveyor system having a nameplate throughput capacity of about 30,000 tonnes/day and the continued operation of the heap leach and carbon-in-column (CIC) process circuit processing ore from the expanded open pit. The mineral reserve estimate included in the Technical Report is presented below. The expected operating performance and operating cost forecasts were compiled with the benefit of benchmarking historical performance at San Agustin and the input of seasoned professionals knowledgeable of the conventional technologies being used at San Agustin, the expected consumption quantities of key supplies, and commercial pricing for goods and services in Mexico.

Figure 5: View of Corner Area looking to southeast showing the current reserve model and planned pitshell.

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Oxide Growth Targets

With mining now started at San Agustin mine, the Company is working to extend the mine life. To date, 37 drill holes totalling 3,300m from the ongoing 10,000-15,000m drill program have been completed with assays pending. This drill program is focused on defining additional gold-bearing oxide gold material at the margins of the current pit and at the edge of the Corner Area that can extend the life of the operation. Drilling at the Corner SW, MKT and Phase 3 SW areas (shown below in Figure 6) has been completed with the drill currently active at the Corner SW area.

Higher-grade oxide results from the priority Corner SW target area drilled by a previous operator include:

Hole 14-SAGRC-196 grading 3.52 grams per tonne (g/t) Gold over 18.3 metres from 32.0 metres downhole

Hole 14-SAGRC-177 grading 0.34 g/t Gold over 15.24 metres from 27.4 metres downhole

The targets are the extensions of mineralized corridors defined by grade control drilling and through a comprehensive re-logging and multi-element re-assaying program undertaken by Heliostar geologists in H1, 2025. The increase in gold price has also increased the potential of certain lower grade areas that were not previously a priority at San Agustin. The base case economics in the January 2025 Technical Report were shown at a $2,100/oz gold price within resource pit shells calculated at $2,150/oz.

Figure 6: Plan map of San Agustin showing oxide gold growth targets with drilling and blasthole data shown. Areas highlighted in yellow show drilling progress.

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Statement of Qualified Person

Stewart Harris, P.Geo., a Qualified Person, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Harris is employed as Exploration Manager of the Company.

Footnotes

La Colorada, San Agustin, Ana Paula and San Antonio are gold-only measured and indicated resource contained ounces. Cerro del Gallo are measured and indicated resource contained gold-equivalent ounces. The gold equivalent grades were calculated as AuEq = Au Grade + (((Cu Price in US$/lb * 22.0462 * Cu Recovery and Payable) / (Au Price in US$/g * Au Recovery and Payable)) * Cu Grade) + (((Ag Price in US$/g * Ag Recovery and Payable) / (Au Price in US$/g * Au Recovery and Payable)) * Ag Grade). Metal prices used are US$2,500/oz Au, US$30.50/oz Ag, and US$4.60/lb Cu. In addition, a gold recovery of 74%, a silver recovery of 60% and a copper recovery of 17% were used for Oxide material, a gold recovery of 68%, a silver recovery of 73% and a copper recovery of 62% were used for Mixed Oxide material, a gold recovery of 61%, a silver recovery of 58% and a copper recovery of 73% were used for Mixed Sulfide material and a gold recovery of 53%, a silver recovery of 35% and a copper recovery of 59% were used for Sulfide material. The average overall payables from the smelter and refineries were estimated at 98.8% for gold, 90.1% for silver and 88.2% for copper.

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar is a gold mining company with production from operating mines in Mexico. This includes the La Colorada Mine in Sonora and the San Agustin Mine in Durango. The Company also has a strong portfolio of development projects in Mexico and the USA. These include the Ana Paula project in Guerrero, the Cerro del Gallo project in Guanajuato, the San Antonio project in Baja Sur and the Unga project in Alaska, USA.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things, show the full extent of the deposit, upgrade and expand the resource base, growing our annual production profile in the near term and bringing additional production online.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to the terms and completion of the Facility, any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278432

Source: Heliostar Metals Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Legend Power Systems Inc. (TSXV: LPS) (OTCQB: LPSIF) ("Legend Power" or the "Company"), announces a non-brokered private placement of a minimum of 11,111,111 units and up to a maximum of 14,186,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of CAD$0.12 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of a minimum of CAD$1,333,333 and up to a maximum of CAD$1,702,320 (the "Offering"). The Offering is being completed pursuant to the amendments to National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions set forth in Part 5A thereof (the "LIFE Exemption") to purchasers resident in Canada, except Quebec, and such other jurisdictions outside of Canada in compliance with applicable securities laws of those jurisdictions. The Company has filed a Form 45-106F19 offering document (the "Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under Legend Power's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website https://legendpower.com. Prospective investors should read the Offering Document before making an investment decision. The non-brokered private placement previously announced November 25, 2025 (see press release), has been terminated.

Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one additional Common Share at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 per Common Share for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance. The Units issued in the Offering will not be subject to any statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws, subject to limitations prescribed by the LIFE Exemption.

In connection with the Offering, the Company may pay fees in accordance with the policies of the Exchange, being a cash commission of up to 5.0% on total proceeds received from subscribers introduced to the Company by the eligible finder and the issuance of non-transferable Common Share purchase warrants (each, a "Finder's Warrant") equal to up to 3.0% of total Units issued to subscribers introduced to the Company by eligible finders. Each Finder's Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 per Common Share for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance. Securities issued to eligible finders will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring 4 months and 1 day after issuance in accordance with the policies of the Exchange and applicable Canadian securities laws.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering primarily for operating expenses, material purchases and general working capital purposes, as more specifically detailed in the Offering Document.

The Offering may close in multiple tranches, with the final closing to occur no later than January 31, 2026. The Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the Exchange.

The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Legend Power Systems Inc.

Legend Power Systems Inc. (https://legendpower.com/) provides an intelligent energy management platform that analyzes and improves building energy challenges, significantly impacting asset management and corporate performance. Legend Power's proven solutions support proactive executive decision-making in a complex and volatile business and energy environment. The proprietary and patented system reduces total energy consumption and power costs, while also maximizing the life of electrical equipment. Legend Power's unique solution is also a key contributor to both corporate sustainability efforts and the meeting of utility energy efficiency targets.

About SmartGATE

SmartGATE is a turnkey solution that identifies and resolves inefficiencies in commercial electrical systems, enhancing energy performance while reducing costs and emissions. The SmartGATE active energy management system installs after the meter in line with your switchgear. Using our patented technology, we extract a percentage of the load, convert and analyze it, rebuild the waveform, and then inject it back into your system. This provides full voltage regulation (+/- 8%) to your exact specification, on each phase individually to address the main power attributes that impact system reliability, lifetime, and efficiency. All focused on reducing energy consumption while creating optimal power for optimal performance with a footprint designed for today's buildings.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the size and terms of the Offering, closing of the Offering in one or more tranches, the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering, and the ability of the Company to obtain requisite approvals for the Offering. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities or performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such risks, uncertainties and factors are described in the periodic filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including the Company's quarterly and annual Management's Discussion & Analysis, which may be viewed 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 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 to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements other than as may be required by applicable law.

/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/278468

Source: Legend Power Systems Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Tower Resources Ltd. (TSXV: TWR) ("Tower" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has successfully completed its expanded diamond drilling program on the high-grade Blue Sky gold trend and Thunder North gold zone (see Fig. 1) on its Rabbit North property in the heart of the Kamloops porphyry Cu mining district (see index map of Fig. 1).

Due to high drilling productivity, the program was expanded from 3000 m to 3213 m before drilling was suspended for the holiday season. Drilling is expected to resume in February as the daylight hours increase.

Blue Sky Drilling

Six holes totaling 1756 m, Nos. RN25-063 to 068, were drilled on the Blue Sky trend (see Table 1). The first three holes were drilled at various angles near discovery hole No. RN24-055 (31.5 m of 4.15 g/t Au; see Fig. 1) to determine the orientation and overall prospectivity of the contact between the Durand diorite and Nicola tuff along which the Hole 055 mineralization occurs. The other three holes were designed to follow the Durand-hosted Hole 060 intersection (6.02 m of 23.63 g/t Au; see Fig. 1) both down-dip and 100 m eastward along the mineralized trend toward the strong, 560-grain anomaly obtained from the Company's recent till gold grain survey (see Fig. 2 and November 3, 2025 press release).

Thunder North Drilling

Five holes totaling 1457 m, Nos. RN25-069 to 073, were drilled at Thunder North (see Table 1). One hole was drilled west of the known mineralization to verify previous indications, from Hole RN24-054, that Thunder North is faulted to the south and continues westward as the Thunder Zone (formerly Thunder South) which was intersected in Hole RN23-041 in 2023 (13.3 m of 3.28 g/t Au followed 10 m down-hole by 10.1 m of 2.16 g/t Au; see Fig. 1 and April 5, 2023 press release) and on which the Company has not yet performed any follow-up drilling. The other four holes were variously designed to extend the Thunder North zone eastward from Hole RN25-062 (19.0 m of 4.93 g/t Au; see Fig. 1) or confirm continuity of the gold mineralization to depths >150 m and fill in a gap left by the intersection of a cross-cutting, post-mineralization dyke in Hole RN23-040 (see Fig. 1).

Figure 1 - Location and bedrock geology of the Rabbit North property showing the collars of the 11 new diamond drill holes (white diamonds) and gold assays for selected drill holes from previous campaigns.

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Total

Depth

(m) Hole No. Easting

(m) Northing

(m) Azimuth

() Dip

()

























RN25-063 663255 5607859 40 -62 333.0 RN25-064 663371 5607824 20 -45 252.0 RN25-065 663487 5607824 315 -58 454.0 RN25-066 663307 5608062 134 -70 231.0 RN25-067 663364 5608127 135 -45 324.0 RN25-068 663365 5608126 165 -45 252.0 RN25-069 663080 5607621 143 -50 300.0 RN25-070 663077 5607622 143 -65 267.0 RN25-071 662801 5607512 150 -50 249.0 RN25-072a 662992 5607529 150 -50 16.3 RN25-072 663003 5607519 150 -50 291.0 RN25-073 662977 5607608 143 -45 243.8

Table 1 - Co-ordinates and orientations of the 11 new diamond drill holes.

Figure 2 - Collars of the 11 new diamond drill holes (white diamonds) in relation to the gold grain content of the till. The actual number of gold grains is included for till samples with >=100 grains. Sample numbers are shown for the most significant anomalies.

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Assay Schedule

Tower's previous drilling campaigns have shown that most of the drill core is significantly anomalous in Au, reflecting the large scale and pervasiveness of the previously unknown gold mineralizing system that the Company has discovered at Rabbit North and differs in both age (younger) and style (orogenic) from the typical Late Triassic porphyry CuAu deposits of the Kamloops District. Consequently, all core except that from the post-mineralization Chilcotin basalt cover flows must be analyzed, typically in 1 to 2 m intervals yielding an average of 200 samples per hole. Nevertheless, the Company expects to receive most of the assays prior to the planned resumption of drilling in February.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Stuart Averill, P.Geo., a director of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Tower Resources

Tower is a Canadian based mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in the Americas. The Company's key exploration assets, all in B.C., are the Rabbit North orogenic gold and porphyry copper-gold project located between the New Afton copper-gold and Highland Valley copper mines in the Kamloops mining district, the Nechako porphyry-associated gold-silver project near Artemis' Blackwater project and the More Creek epithermal gold project on the critical "red line" structural zone connecting the mineral deposits of the Golden Triangle.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Tower Resources Ltd.

Reader Advisory

This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278465

Source: Tower Resources Ltd.
Vancouver, Kelowna, and Delta, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Investorideas.com (www.investorideas.com ) a go-to platform for big investing ideas for traders, including critical mineral stocks, reports on the future of Antimony and key stocks in the sector, featuring Locksley Resources Ltd. (ASX: LKY) (OTCQX: LKYRF) (FSE: X5L), a company that specializes in critical minerals development within the United States.

Antimony Stocks - How One Small Player Plans to Play a Key Role in Advancing US Critical Materials Independence

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The US Department of the Interior, through the US Geological Survey, has designated antimony as a critical mineral due to its essential functions in national security and economic sectors including military applications, such as armor-piercing ammunition, night vision goggles, infrared sensors, and precision optics combined with high supply chain risks stemming from heavy US reliance on imports primarily from China and Russia, underscoring the need for secure domestic sources.

According to recent research from Fact.MR, "The global antimony market is projected to reach USD 4.38 billion by 2035, recording an absolute increase of USD 1.93 billion over the forecast period. The market is valued at USD 2.45 billion in 2025 and is set to rise at a CAGR of 6.0% during the assessment period.

"The overall market size is expected to grow by approximately 1.8 times during the same period, supported by increasing demand for flame retardant applications and expanding battery manufacturing requirements worldwide, driving demand for specialized antimony formulations and increasing investments in critical mineral supply chain development and strategic reserve establishment globally."

The competitive landscape features moderate concentration with Campine NV (BR: CAMB) holding 12.0% market share, while established players including USA Antimony Corporation (NYSE American: UAMY) (NYSE Texas: UAMY), Lambert Metals International Limited, and Lanxess (DE: LXS) compete through comprehensive product portfolios and mining operation capabilities across diverse industrial applications.

Looking at some of the other key players, producers include: Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (TSX: USA) (NYSE American: USAS). The company's Galena Complex in Idaho is a current producer of antimony as a byproduct, and ongoing metallurgical testwork aims to increase extraction efficiency.

Alkane Resources (ASX: ALK) (TSX: ALK) merged with Mandalay Resources earlier this year, and operates the Costerfield gold antimony mine in Australia, which is currently the only antimony producer in the country.

A smaller player, Locksley Resources Ltd. (ASX: LKY) (OTCQX: LKYRF) (FSE: X5L), is actively advancing the Mojave Project in California, targeting rare earth elements (REEs) and antimony.

Locksley is executing a mine to market strategy for antimony, aimed at reestablishing domestic supply chains for critical materials, underpinned by strategic downstream technology partnerships with leading US research institutions and industry partners.

With recent news and developments, the goal to play a key role in advancing US critical materials independence is getting closer.

Recent Developments:

Locksley Resources recently announced the company has formally commenced the engineering partner selection process for the upcoming engineering scoping pilot plant design, following direct engagement with Tier 1 U.S. service providers. The move is part of the company's accelerated development program as they advance The Desert Antimony Mine project toward a fully integrated U.S. antimony supply chain. More information is available here: https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-03036124-6A1302842&v=undefined.

"With the completion of our recent capital raise, we are fast tracking our 2026 initiatives. We have been engaging with leading U.S. engineering firms on an 'expression of interest' basis," said Kerrie Matthews, Managing Director and CEO of Locksley. She added that the strong response to this effort highlights confidence in Locksley's development strategy and confirms that the company expects access to the technical capability and local U.S. experience required to advance the project efficiently.

"Our ongoing metallurgical optimization 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 advancement at an accelerated speed toward next stages of development," she confirmed.

On December 8th, Locksley Resources announced the successful completion of a heavily oversubscribed capital raising, securing firm commitments to raise approximately A$17 million via a placement of new shares at A$0.24 per share to Australian, US and international investors.

Cornerstone investors in the placement included well-established US institutional investors, providing a strong endorsement of Locksley's strategy to deliver a fully integrated US-based "Mine to Market" critical minerals supply chain. More information is here: https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-03034436-6A1302041&v=undefined.

"This depth of support from Australian, U.S. and other international investors represents a strong validation of our strategic pathway and brings both capital as well as sector expertise and ongoing engagement that supports our downstream development objectives in the U.S.," said Kerrie Matthews, Locksley Managing Director and CEO.

She added: "The involvement of leading U.S. institutional investors is more than capital allocation: it is a strategic endorsement of Locksley's emerging role within the domestic U.S. critical minerals sector and comes at a time when the U.S. administration is emphasizing critical minerals as a national security priority and seeking to reduce reliance on foreign-controlled processing capacity."

On November 24th, Locksley reported the company appointed Stacy Newstead to its advisory board as Strategic Advisor-Materials Strategy.

Ms. Newstead brings more than 20 years of experience across US government, defense and industrial sectors. She currently serves as Materials Strategy and Risk Manager at Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), where she leads initiatives to secure domestic and allied sources of key materials vital to US defense manufacturing and national security. Her work focuses on assessing and mitigating material pricing and geopolitical risk across supply chains that underpin critical technologies including munitions, batteries, and aerospace systems. Her prior roles include senior program leadership at Huntington Ingalls Industries and Textron Systems, as well as CEO of the US subsidiary of Evolution Energy Minerals, where she led onshoring initiatives for graphite and advanced battery materials. More information can be found here: https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-03026929-6A1298599&v=undefined.

"Stacy's appointment strengthens Locksley's ability to engage with U.S. partners and access federal programs supporting domestic critical mineral supply chains," said Kerrie Matthews, Locksley CEO. "Her deep understanding of defense material supply chains, coupled with her leadership at Lockheed Martin, brings exceptional strategic value to Locksley as we advance our mine-to-market development of American sourced antimony and rare earths."

On November 17th, Locksley announced the company formalized a research collaboration with Columbia University, one of the United States' premier institutions in sustainable mineral processing, to advance next-generation recovery and separation of REEs and other energy and technology critical metals from geologic resources in the Mountain Pass region, California.

The research program will be led by Professor Greeshma Gadikota, Director of the Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy at Columbia University and a leading researcher in electrochemical and CO assisted mineral processing technologies.

The collaboration will work to develop an integrated technology platform for the advanced characterization, recovery and separation of REEs and transition metals from carbonatite, monazite, and silicate ores within the Clark Mountain District, the geological district that hosts both the El Campo Prospect and the adjacent Mountain Pass Mine. More information is available here: https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-03023756-6A1297315&v=undefined.

"This collaboration with Columbia University expands our U.S. research partnerships into rare earths, complementing our DeepSolv DES work with Rice University on antimony," said Kerrie Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of Locksley. "Together, these programs significantly strengthen the technical foundation of our U.S. Mine-to-Market strategy and broaden our exposure to emerging American developed processing technologies.

November 13th, the company issued an important update on the company's progress and immediate plans as they aggressively move forward their Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) Prospect, located within the Mojave Project in San Bernardino County.

Kerrie Matthews, Managing Director/CEO of Locksley, said, "We are at a pivotal time for Locksley as we continue our rapid advancement toward becoming a developer, with an end-to-end supply chain strategy from Mine-to-Metal - all within the U.S." She noted that the successful execution of technical steps, including establishing the exploration target, achieving a 68.1% concentrate grade and evaluating the underground workings that have been part of the strategy have significantly advanced the company toward mitigating key uncertainties that are associated with planning for the next steps.

"We are focused on further enhancing our understanding of DAM and working in parallel with the U.S. government on permitting, finance, and ultimately physically delivering antimony product into the U.S. market," she affirmed. More information is available here: https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-03022491-6A1296813&v=undefined.

The company has:

Initiated development planning for extraction of mineralization, definitive financing (leveraging the recent EXIM LOI), permitting and pilot plant processing operations.

Received expressions of interest from U.S. engineering contractors to commence with extraction of mineralization at the DAM mine, marking the start of development.

DAM underground access assessment confirms the structural stability and accessibility of the historical workings, supporting safe re-entry and phased mine development planning toward future development.

DAM site inspection by mining engineers scheduled for later this month as part of initial engineering and design studies to meet planned pilot plant throughput.

Following underground LiDAR surveying that confirmed approximately 236m of Development across four levels spanning a 130m strike length, the company established an exploration target at DAM containing 19,400 to 67,000 tons of antimony metal. These estimates are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to date to estimate a Mineral Resource. The Exploration Target has been prepared and reported in accordance with the JORC Code (2012).

The recently completed 325 kg bulk sampling delivered a high head grade of 7.6% to 7.8% Sb with flotation testwork underway and supported by the initial sighter testwork completed on a 23.1kg sample at 9.6% Sb, which delivered a 68.1% Sb premium concentrate, meeting industrial and defense specifications.

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Source: Econ Corp Services DBA Investorideas.com
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Everyday People Financial Corp. (TSXV: EPF) (OTCQB: EPFCF) ("Everyday People" or the "Company"), a technology-driven financial services provider, is pleased to announce that on December 16, 2025, its wholly-owned subsidiary, BPO Collections Limited ("BPO"), received approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA") in the United Kingdom ("UK"), in connection with the share purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") dated November 6, 2025, entered into between BPO and the shareholders of ACT Credit Management Limited ("ACT") to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of ACT (the "Acquisition").

"The receipt of FCA approval represents an important regulatory milestone and allows us to move forward with the integration of ACT into our UK revenue cycle management ("RCM") operations," said Graham Rankin, Co-CEO RCM (UK) of the Company. "ACT's strong reputation and operational expertise meaningfully enhance our RCM platform in the UK and align well with our disciplined acquisition strategy. We continue to expect ACT to contribute an annual EBITDA in the range of approximately C$750 thousand to C$1.0 million, with anticipated annual revenue in the range of C$6.0 million to C$9.0 million, supporting the Company's ongoing growth through targeted, accretive acquisitions."

Founded over a decade ago, ACT provides comprehensive debt collection and credit management services across the UK and is authorized and regulated by the FCA. ACT's client base spans multiple industries, offering specialized services in debt recovery, tracing, credit reporting, and legal enforcement.

Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, BPO is to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of ACT. The Company will not assume any of ACT's existing debt. The Acquisition will be funded through existing cash flow, and no shares will be issued.

This transaction is considered non-material for the Company, does not involve the issuance of Everyday People securities, and does not constitute a "Fundamental Acquisition" under TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") Policy 5.3. As such, the Acquisition meets the criteria of an "Exempt Transaction" under TSXV Policy 5.3.

The completion of this Acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all required third party and regulatory approvals. The Acquisition is anticipated to close on or about January 1, 2026. No new insiders or control persons of Everyday People will be created as a result of the Acquisition. Shareholder approval is not required in accordance with the TSXV Policy 5.3. The Acquisition is an arm's-length transaction, and no finder's fee is to be paid in connection with the Acquisition.

Shares for Debt Transaction

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has entered into a debt settlement agreement dated December 1, 2025 (the "Agreement") with a service provider (the "Vendor") to settle outstanding indebtedness owing by the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, General Credit Services Inc. ("GCS"). This debt settlement forms part of the Company's ongoing initiatives to strengthen its balance sheet by reducing payables and preserving cash to support operations and advance growth within its business pillars.

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Vendor provided services to GCS in the aggregate amount of approximately $85,154 (the "Debt"). The Company has agreed to issue an aggregate of 100,000 common shares (the "Settlement Shares") to the Vendor to settle the Debt in full.

The Vendor is an arm's length party to the Company, and the Debt Settlement will not result in the creation of a new insider or control person. The transaction does not constitute a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101").

The issuance of the Settlement Shares will be subject to the approval of the TSXV. The newly issued shares will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable securities laws and TSXV policies.

As of the date of this news release, and with the issuance of the Settlement Shares the Company will have 129,201,636 common shares issued and outstanding.

Warrants Extension

The Company is also pleased to announce its intention to extend the term of its outstanding warrants, subject to TSXV approval. A total of 2,342,000 share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") were issued on January 21, 2022, and subsequently amended effective December 13, 2024, to extend the term of the original Warrants to expiry on January 21, 2026. The Company has applied to the TSXV for approval to further extend the term of the Warrants, for one more year, to January 21, 2027, while retaining all other terms and conditions of the original Warrants. Each Warrant remains exercisable at $1.25 per common share.

"We are pleased to again extend these Warrants as part of our continued commitment to supporting our stakeholders," said Gordon Reykdal, Executive Chairman of Everyday People Financial Corp. "This additional one-year extension provides warrant holders with added flexibility and time to participate in the Company's progress as we advance our growth strategy."

In accordance with TSXV Policy 4.1, the Company notes that the term of a Warrants may only be extended to a date that is no more than five years from its original date of issuance. The Warrants were originally issued on January 21, 2022, and the proposed new expiry date of January 21, 2027, is therefore within the maximum permitted five-year term. The extension of the Warrants remains subject to TSXV approval.

About Everyday People Financial Corp.

Everyday People Financial Corp. is a technology-driven financial services company with a mission to help individuals and businesses manage money better. First established in 1988, we have a workforce of over 600 people operating in the United Kingdom and Canada providing fully fee-for-service solutions across two business pillars operating in Canada and the United Kingdom.

RCM, which helps organizations recover receivables and streamline billing processes without purchasing consumer debt, and Financial Services, which provides digital tools and credit access programs that support Canadians on their financial journey.

Founded on the belief that everyone deserves a second chance to rebuild financial health and wealth, the Company is committed to providing affordable, innovative, and responsible financial solutions that create lasting value for our clients, customers, and shareholders.

We are changing the way people manage money by enhancing our client and consumer services with our own affordability assessment programs with specialized financial products and literacy programs. We're helping everyday people rebuild their financial health for generational wealth. We stand for creativity and entrepreneurship. Our combination of companies, products and services has been established to ensure we can fulfill consumers' financial needs and service them in a low-cost and effective manner.

For more information visit: www.everydaypeoplefinancial.com.

Contact

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to hereafter as "forward-looking statements") under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to structure and terms of the Acquisition, timing for completion of the Acquisition, timing for receipt of required third party and regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the Exchange, the ability of the parties to satisfy the conditions of the Acquisition in the required timeframes or at all, the ability of the Company to complete the Acquisition on the terms announced or at all, and the business, financial performance, and key financial metrics including the anticipated financial contributions of ACT, results of operations, integration of the acquired businesses, plans and operations of the Company. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the timely receipt of all required third party and regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the Exchange, the inability to satisfy the conditions required to complete the Acquisition, termination of the Purchase Agreement, expectations and assumptions concerning the Company, and the acquired businesses, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the documents filed by the Company on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 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, except as required by law.

Disclaimer

This news release is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States. The securities described in this news release have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended) absent registration or an exemption from registration. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which where such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

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.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278460

Source: Everyday People Financial Corp.
Vancouver, Kelowna, and Delta, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Investorideas.com, a global news source and expert investing resource covering mining stocks, issues a snapshot looking at gold miners in the Walker Lane Trend, considered one of the hottest mining plays in the US, featuring West Point Gold Corp. (TSXV: WPG) (OTCQB: WPGCF).





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West Point Gold Corp. is focused on gold discovery and development at four prolific Walker Lane Trend projects covering Nevada and Arizona, USA. The Company is advancing a maiden resource at its Gold Chain project in Arizona, while JV partner Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX: K) (NYSE: KGC) is progressing the Jefferson Canyon project in Nevada.

The Walker Lane trend is a major geological fault zone spanning Nevada, Arizona and California, currently seeing a significant resurgence in exploration for gold, silver, and copper deposits. This area has emerged as a prime exploration target owing to its high-grade mineralization, relatively lower exploration and processing costs compared to other major Nevada trends (such as the Carlin trend), and rising demand for domestic U.S. mineral resources.

With a portfolio of advanced exploration projects in the Walker Lane Trend, West Point Gold Corp. (TSXV: WPG) (OTCQB: WPGCF) reported in late November, the results from the initial two holes of the Tyro Northeast (NE) drilling campaign, part of the currently ongoing 10,000 metre (m) drill program at its flagship Gold Chain Project in Arizona. The Company is reporting assay results for two drill holes (457 m), GC25-80 and GC25-81.

From the news:

Highlights:

Hole GC25-81 returned 36.6 m of 7.35 g/t gold (Au) from 161.5 to 198.1 m, including 25.9 m of 9.95 g/t Au from 167.6 m to 193.5 m, 80 m below hole GC25-47, which returned 50.3 m of 3.76 g/t Au from 79.3 m, including 33.5 m of 5.46 g/t Au from 82.3 m.

Hole GC25-81 extends the higher-grade zone down dip, with the deepest reported intersection in that zone now approximately 175 m below the surface.

Hole GC25-80 intersected 44.2 m of 1.11 g/t Au from 157.0 m to 201.2 m, including 16.8 m of 2.43 g/t Au from 184.4 m to 201.2 m, below hole GC21-15, which returned 21.3 m of 2.00 g/t Au from 10.7 m.

On December 16th West Point Gold updated shareholders announcing recent warrant exercises and announced the expansion of its drill program to 15,000 metres (m) by adding a second drill rig.

Highlights of this Release:

Since September 30, 2025, a total of 6,271,071 warrants have been exercised for proceeds of C$3.0 million.

As at December 15, 2025, the Company's cash balance is C$7.2 million, up from C$6.4 million at September 30, 2025.

3,229 m have been drilled since drilling resumed in September 2025, results are pending for 1,594 m.

The Company has decided to expand the ongoing drill program to 15,000 m (was 10,000 m).

Second drill rig expected at site in early January 2026.

"The combination of our ongoing drilling success and better-than-expected balance sheet at this point in the program has us well-positioned to drill more aggressively in 2026. Our plan is to test Tyro South, a 1.2 km extension of the 1 km Tyro Main Zone, expand the Tyro Main Zone to depth, and test many of the other high-potential targets at Gold Chain," stated Derek Macpherson, President & CEO. "We would like to thank our many supportive shareholders who have exercised warrants over the last few months, putting us in this strong financial position."

Most recently, on December 17th West Point Gold announced the results for three holes from the high-grade zone at Northeast (NE) Tyro, part of the ongoing 15,000 metre (m) drill program at its flagship Gold Chain Project in Arizona. The Company is reporting assay results for three drill holes (658m), GC25-82 through GC25-84.

Highlights:

Hole GC25-84 returned 24.4 m of 5.92 g/t Au at 120.4 to 144.8 m, including 12.2 m of 10.51 g/t Au at 132.6 m to 144.8 m, 90 m below hole GC25-78 which returned 22.9 m of 1.63 g/t Au.

Hole GC25-83 returned 16.8 m of 8.30 g/t Au at 158.5 to 175.3 m, including 6.1 m of 17.61 g/t Au at 167.6 to 173.7 m about 45 m below GC25-49 (62.5 m of 4.73 g/t Au).

Drilling continues to explore the deeper portions of the high-grade zone at NE Tyro with four holes (936 m) completed with assays pending.

"Drilling at NE Tyro continues to return better than expected grades. Importantly, grades appear to be improving at depth as the veining coalesces, typical of low-sulphidation epithermal gold systems. These results continue to demonstrate continuity of high grades, expanding the high-grade zone to depth and along strike to the northeast. We expect these results to positively impact the grade profile and the overall scale of our upcoming maiden resource. Drilling continues at NE Tyro," stated Derek Macpherson, West Point Gold Corp.'s President and CEO.

Full news - https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/west-point-gold-expands-northeast-120000723.html

In a recent Exploring Mining Podcast Interview, Derek told host Cali Van Zant, "We have had a really good year, we are up 300% but we are just at the beginning of the cycle. We are working at putting out a maiden resource in 2026. While the Tyro Main Zone is an impressive target, you get more credit with a maiden resource."

"Beyond that we need to keep testing some of these other targets. We believe there is bigger potential at this project. There is lots of exploration upside. But for that to benefit our shareholders, we need to go out and prove that."

He also shared that the company will be drilling into the end of April, so drill results news will be coming out through now until May.

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Looking at some of the major producers in the Walker Lane Trend, Kinross Gold (TSX: K) (NYSE: KGC) operates the large, past-producing Round Mountain mine, one of the most productive in the US, located within the trend.

According to their site, Kinross began operating the mine in 2003, and it has since become a continuous improvement leader in the Company's portfolio. Round Mountain poured its 15 millionth ounce in 2018.

Exploration and Development:

Decline development at Round Mountain Phase X is advancing well, with over 5,200 metres developed to date.

Extensive infill drilling has been completed, and engineering work and technical studies are also advancing well to support a production decision at Phase X. Kinross plans to provide the initial resource estimate, a project update, and an economics update for Phase X in Q1 2026.

Another junior in the area, Scorpio Gold Corporation (TSXV: SGN) (OTCQB: SRCRF) recently announced results from seven holes from its 2025 drilling program at the Manhattan District Project located in Nevada, USA, namely: (i) the final three holes from the Phase One program (25MN-020, 25MN-021 and 25MN-022) and (ii) the initial four holes from the Phase Two program (25MN-023, 25MN-024, 25MN-025 and 25MN-026). The results from holes 25MN-020 through 25MN-026 are tabulated in Table 1 and discussed below. Scorpio Gold has reported assays on 16 drillholes totalling 5,341 m in 2025.

Manhattan, located in the Walker Lane Trend of Nevada, USA, is road accessible and lies approximately 20 kilometers south of the Kinross Gold operating Round Mountain Gold Mine.

From the news:

"The results from this latest set of drill holes continue to reinforce what our team has believed from the outset: Manhattan is a district-scale opportunity with multi-million ounce potential, that already stands apart from its peers based on grade-something the market has yet to fully appreciate. Encountering new zones of mineralization both near surface and at depth speaks to the true scale of the system, as well as the continuity we are rapidly defining across multiple target areas.

"Several of these holes step out meaningfully from the existing resource model, and with multiple intercepts ending in mineralization, our confidence in a significantly expanded resource envelope continues to grow. Intervals such as 18.14 metres grading 1.52 g/t gold in hole 25MN-021, and 3.23 metres grading 9.95 g/t gold in hole 25MN-022, represent a previously unrecognized splay off the main Reliance Trend-one that may 'blow out' into thicker zones where it intersects favourable host horizons like the limestones and sandstones that dominate the caldera margin. This is a strong demonstration of near-resource prospectivity and the potential to materially expand the mineralized footprint at Mustang Hill and beyond."

Equinox Gold (TSX: EQX) (NYSE American: EQX) owns the Mesquite and Castle mines, also located within the Walker Lane trend.

In August, Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX: EQX) (NYSE American: EQX) announced that its Castle Mountain Mine Phase Two Project in California has been accepted into the United States Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council's FAST-41 program. FAST-41 is a federal permitting framework designed to streamline environmental reviews, improve interagency coordination, and increase transparency. Acceptance into the program is expected to enhance regulatory certainty through a defined permitting schedule that may reflect reduced permitting timelines. Based on the permitting timeline posted to the FAST-41 project dashboard on August 8, 2025, the federal permitting process should be completed in December 2026.

From the news:

Darren Hall, CEO of Equinox Gold, stated, "Castle Mountain is a high-quality growth opportunity for Equinox Gold in a tier-one jurisdiction. Based on the March 2021 Feasibility Study, the project is expected to produce approximately 200,000 ounces of gold annually over a 14-year mine life, totaling 3.2 million ounces. With FAST-41 permitting status in place we've initiated study updates and project optimization to align with the permitting timeline and position the project for a timely construction decision. Once in production Castle Mountain will be a cornerstone asset, reinforcing our strategy of building a portfolio of long-life, low-cost mines in top-tier jurisdictions."

Castle Mountain is located in San Bernardino County, California, approximately 200 miles north of Equinox Gold's Mesquite Mine. Equinox Gold acquired Castle Mountain in December 2017 and operated a small open-pit heap leach gold mine from Q4 2020 to Q3 2024. The mine is currently performing re-leaching procedures while the Company advances permitting, engineering and optimization work. While the project is expected to operate within the existing approved mine boundary, the changes to previously analyzed effects, such as increased land disturbance within the mine boundary and increased water use, require modification to the Company's approved Mine and Reclamation Plan and an updated Environmental Impact Statement / Environmental Impact Report.

With momentum building as gold, silver and commodity prices reach record highs and US mining under Donald Trump becomes a major priority, plays like the Walker Lane Trend are getting a lot of buzz, especially with the juniors.

More info on West Point Gold Corp. (TSXV: WPG) (OTCQB: WPGCF)

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278458

Source: Econ Corp Services DBA Investorideas.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Hercules Metals Corp. (TSXV: BIG) (OTCQB: BADEF) (FSE: C0X) ("Hercules" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Matthieu Bos as an independent director of the Company and Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. Mr. Bos succeeds Peter Simeon, who will continue to serve as a director of the Company.

Matthieu Bos is a mining executive and capital markets professional with more than 15 years of experience spanning investment banking, project development, and corporate leadership in the global mining sector. He brings deep expertise in large-scale copper development, financing, and governance, with a career that bridges institutional capital markets and tier-one mine building.

Mr. Bos previously spent eight years with Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., where he served as Executive Vice President, Africa. In this role, Matthieu was a key member of the team that advanced and delivered the world-class Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the world's largest and highest-grade copper operations. He was actively involved in securing US$3 billion in equity and debt financings, including strategic investments by Zijin Mining and CITIC Metal. His other responsibilities included capital markets strategy, government engagement, and corporate development, supporting the successful transition of Kamoa-Kakula from development into production.

Prior to Ivanhoe, Mr. Bos was a member of the Metals & Mining Investment Banking team at BMO Capital Markets in London, where he advised mining companies on equity and debt financings, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic transactions across global commodities markets. His time at BMO provided a strong foundation in institutional capital markets, valuation, and governance, working closely with public company management teams and sophisticated resource investors.

Mr. Bos also previously served as a non-executive director of Elemental Altus Royalties Corp., providing board-level oversight of the diversified precious and base metals royalty portfolio, until stepping down in connection with board changes following a strategic investment by Tether Investments S.A. de C.V., prior to the company's merger with EMX Royalty Corporation.

Mr. Bos currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Falcon Energy Materials plc, a critical minerals development company backed by La Mancha Resource Capital LLP. His combined experience as a senior mining executive, former investment banker, and public company chairman positions him to provide strong governance, disciplined capital allocation, and strategic guidance as Hercules continues to advance the Leviathan porphyry copper discovery and evaluate long-term growth opportunities.

Mr. Bos holds an M.Sc. in Resource Engineering (First-Class Honours, Metallurgy) and a B.Sc. in Applied Earth Sciences (Mining Engineering) from Delft University of Technology. in the Netherlands.

Chris Paul, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company, commented: "Matthieu's appointment as Chairman significantly strengthens Hercules' board at a critical stage in the Company's evolution. He brings a rare combination of senior mine-building experience, capital markets expertise, and disciplined governance. His direct involvement in advancing large-scale copper projects and securing strategic financing adds meaningful value as we continue to advance Leviathan and position the Company for long-term growth."

Mr. Bos added, "I am pleased to join Hercules as Chairman at an important point in the Company's development. "Hercules has assembled control over a significant new copper district in Idaho. Hercules' discovery has led to the largest North American staking rush in 30 years and has attracted the attention of every major mining company. The clear strategic vision to develop this newly discovered copper belt into a tier one mining district, at a time when the United States is actively encouraging new copper mine developments, is supported by a strong technical team on the ground. I look forward to working closely with the board and management to support disciplined decision-making, and value creation for shareholders."

The Company also announces that it has granted 1,000,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") to Mr. Bos. The Options will vest in 4 equal tranches every six months over a period of 24 months from the date of grant. The Options are exercisable for a period of five years with an exercise price of $0.60 per common share. The Options were granted pursuant to the Company's omnibus incentive plan approved by shareholders of the Company on July 15, 2022.

About Hercules Metals Corp.

Hercules Metals Corp. (TSXV: BIG) (OTCQB: BADEF) (FSE: C0X) is an exploration Company focused on developing America's newest porphyry copper district, in Idaho.

The 100% owned Hercules Project, located northwest of Cambridge, hosts the newly discovered Leviathan porphyry copper system, one of the most important new discoveries in the country to date. The Company is well positioned for growth through continued drilling, supported by a strategic investment from Barrick Mining Corporation.

With the potential for significant scale, the Company's management and board of directors aims to deliver value to shareholders through proven discovery success.

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. Any securities referred to herein have not 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 of an exemption from such registration is available.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may include, without limitation, the expected execution of future exploration programs on the Property; assay results of future drill holes; results of operations, and the expected financial performance of the Company.

Although the Company believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by its nature, forward-looking information involves assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, level of activity, 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 information.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; the Covid-19 pandemic; adverse industry events; the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the timing of such approvals; that the Company maintains good relationships with the communities in which it operates or proposes to operate, future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; competition; the risk that any of the assumptions prove not to be valid or reliable, which could result in delays, or cessation in planned work, risks associated with the interpretation of data, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, as well as other assumptions risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the Company, including as set forth in the Company's public disclosure documents filed on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF HERCULES METALS AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE HERCULES METALS MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE 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 press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278457

Source: Hercules Metals Corp.
Gold And Critical Element Pursuit In The Mineral-Rich Province Of New Brunswick, Canada

MIRAMICHI, NB / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / SLAM Exploration Ltd. (TSXV:SXL) ("SLAM" or the "Company")is pleased to report completion of channel sampling of the No. 1 vein on its wholly owned Jake Lee project, located in southwestern New Brunswick. Assays are pending on 11 channel samples sawn from the No. 1 vein which has produced gold grades ranging from 7.42 grams per tonne ("g/t") to 94.80 g/t gold since discovery as reported July 9, 2025. The Jake Lee project is located 25 kilometers southeast of the Clarence Stream gold deposit operated by Galway Metals Inc. in New Brunswick, Canada. The No. 1 vein was cleaned prior to channel sampling as shown on Figure 1.

Figure 1: No. 1 Vein Prior To Channel Sampling

Other quartz veins were uncovered in trenches 7,500 meters southwest of the No. 1 vein where the Company had previously discovered a quartz-carbonate zone. Both the No. 1 vein and the quartz-carbonate zone occur on the north flank of a magnetic low that is thought to represent a regional fault zone.

The Company uncovered angular quartz rubble with chalcopyrite-bornite mineralization in a trench and 1,600 meters southeast of the No. 1 gold vein. This trench is 200 meters north of the CT vein and represents a potential extension of that vein. Chalcopyrite-bornite mineralization is also associated with the No. 1 gold vein.

New Brunswick Junior Mining Assistance Program:

The Company has been awarded $45,000 from the Province of New Brunswick under its Junior Mining Assistance Program in support of the 2025 Jake Lee gold exploration campaign.

QA-QC Procedures: Eleven channel samples were sawn from exposed bedrock in trench JT25-01 and delivered directly to Actlabs in Fredericton, New Brunswick for analysis. In addition, 52 grab samples collected from a trenching/prospecting program on the Jake Lee claim. Actlabs will analyze all the samples for gold using procedure 1A2 (fire assay with atomic absorption finish) and 1A3 (gravimetric finish) for over-limit samples. Actlabs will also use the ICP 1E3 method to analyze the samples for multiple elements

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. The Company drilled 10 holes in the 2025 diamond drilling campaign 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.

Assays are pending on 11 channel samples collected on the No. 1 gold vein as well as 52 grab samples collected along strike of the No. 1 vein on SLAM's wholly-owned Jake Lee claims. The Company reported eight grab samples with assays ranging from 7.42 grams per tonne ("g/t") to 94.80 g/t gold from the No. 1 gold vein 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-uncovers-mineralized-quartz-vein-at-jake-lee-1118921
Survey results will enhance effective drill targeting in early 2026

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. (TSXV:QZM)(OTC PINK:QZMRF) ("Quartz" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Peter E. Walcott and Associates Limited have completed a detailed, 4.3 square kilometer induced polarization ("IP") survey over key portions of its Maestro property. Quartz is targeting exciting precious metal mineral systems that occur up to several kilometers outboard of the large Lone Pine molybdenum deposit, all within the extensive Maestro Property. The goal of the IP survey is to outline sulphide systems both near surface and to depths of up to 500 meters associated with mineralization discovered in and outboard of the Prodigy gold-silver zone and over additional important scale deposit targets on the Maestro Property. The IP data is currently being processed and analyzed. The resulting data will then be announced and integrated into Quartz's detailed planning underway for sequential drill programs being planned for Maestro during 2026.

Bob Dickinson, Quartz's Chairman comments, "Quartz was built with the mission to discover and transact high-value gold-silver-copper projects that are coveted by major operators. This IP survey and upcoming drill program in 2026 are part of our focused efforts to create significant shareholder value at both the Maestro and Jake projects. The potential for these projects is significant and we are looking forward to the additional drill programs and survey results coming in 2026."

Drilling at Prodigy has intersected three classic but integrated mineral deposit types. They are classed as: 1) Epithermal Au-Ag-Mo-Cu, 2)Porphyry Au and 3) Porphyry Cu-Mo or Mo-Cu as described below. Adding to the potential is recent age dating of Prodigy gold-silver mineralization compares favorably to the age of the mineralizing event at BC's new Blackwater Gold Mine. IP surveying is widely known to be very useful in successfully outlining mineralization associated with all three of these types of mineral systems and is expected to significantly enhance effective drill targeting.

Epithermal Au-Ag-Mo-Cu Mineralization Early porphyry Mo-Cu mineralization is cut and overprinted by a stockwork of quartz-ankerite veins and vein breccias containing molybdenite, tetrahedrite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, and locally sphalerite and galena assemblages typical of high-to intermediate Au-Ag sulfidation systems developed above porphyry deposits. Breccia bodies occur within the quartz-ankerite vein zone and are associated with intense green sericite alteration. This alteration has destroyed mafic minerals and magnetite, producing a magnetic low anomaly. Porphyry Au Mineralization An intrusive body (quartz monzonite) at depth, along with the surrounding volcanic rocks (andesite) host a distinct style of mineralization characterized by pervasive green sericite alteration enriched in gold. Much of the gold mineralization is associated with pyrite rich zones, either as disseminated mineralization or massive, vein-type pyrite. The disseminated pyrite and pyriterich zones within and around the quartz monzonite are classified as Porphyry Au mineralization. Porphyry Mo-Cu (Mo dominant) and Cu-Mo (Cu dominant) Mineralization The quartz monzonite and the overlying volcanic rocks are affected by strong K-feldspar and biotite alteration, respectively. Both host rocks are cut by quartz Mo-Cu veins. This early porphyry-type Mo-Cu mineralization has been intersected in several drill holes located on the east and northeast of the magnetic low "EYE". Notably, drilling has identified increasing Cu grades to the northeast, indicating a potential Porphyry Cu-Mo deposit target located in that direction.

About Quartz

Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Quartz Mountain Resources (TSXV:QZM)(OTC Pink:QZMRF) is a well- funded public company whose successful mine-finding management team is focused on discovering and transacting important-scale gold, silver and copper projects in British Columbia. The Company owns 100% of the Maestro gold-silver project and 100% of the Jake porphyry copper-gold-silver project. Both projects are permitted by the British Columbia government for drilling activities with access to infrastructure and high potential for the development of substantial resources for significant future transactions.

Quartz is associated with Hunter Dickinson Inc. (HDI), a company with over 35 years of successfully discovering, developing and transacting mineral projects in Canada and internationally. Former HDI projects in British Columbia included Mount Milligan, Kemess South and Gibraltar all of which are porphyry-coppergold deposits that are currently producing or formerly producing mines. Recently, Amarc Resources, an HDI associate, with funding from Freeport, announced the exciting discovery of the high grade, AuRORA gold-copper-porphyry deposit also in British Columbia. Other well-known projects with HDI involvement include Sisson, Duke and Prosperity in Canada, Pebble and Florence in the United States, and Xietongmen in China.

Quartz is committed to the advancement of important scale, critical and essential mining assets while following responsible mineral development principles, including a mandate to employ best-practice approaches in the engagement and involvement of local communities and meeting rigorous environmental standards.

About Maestro

The MaestroProject, located in central British Columbia, lies adjacent to Highway 16, 15 km north of Houston and 45 km south of Smithers, providing year-round road access to the Project and nearby infrastructure including, rail, hydroelectricity, and natural gas. This logistical advantage, near resource supporting centres, positions the Maestro Project favourably for potential development. Covering 2,309 hectares, it has a rich exploration history dating back to 1914, primarily focusing on the Lone Pine Mo-Cu porphyry deposit and not the precious metals potential of the surrounding area.

Since acquiring the property, Quartz has conducted comprehensive geochemical and geophysical surveys, including soil/silt sampling, induced polarization geophysics, airborne magnetic surveys, hyperspectral studies, detailed relogging of historical drill core and assaying for gold only, 976 pulp samples derived from historical assaying of numerous core holes located across the Maestro Property. Quartz's first ever drill test, on its Maestro Property, a Phase 1, two-hole drill program at the Prodigy Zone, discovered exciting high-grade Au-Ag lodes and Ag-Au veins which are both hosted within an extensive epithermal Au-Ag system. The Au lodes and Ag veins along with the more disseminated precious metals intersected by the drill holes are all hosted within a large and earlier deposited, Mo-Cu porphyry system. Quartz's second core hole, PR-23-02 intersected 102 m grading 2.22 g/t Au and 104 g/t Ag, including 12 m grading 1.23 g/t Au and 586 g/t Ag and also 36 m of 5.73 g/t Au and 87 g/t Ag. These results indicate high potential for both bulk tonnage and underground high-grade gold and silver mineralization. Phase 2 and Phase 3 delineation-type drilling of the new Prodigy discovery at Maestro was completed in August 2025. This staged drilling is outlining a unique gold-rich porphyry system that is closely integrated with Epithermal Au-Ag and Porphyry Cu-Mo mineral systems. It is expected that drilling at Maestro will be consistently advanced with multiple drill program stages going forward. Mineralization remains open, promising significant further potential and multiple other deposit targets exist to be considered.

About Jake

The 100% owned Jake Property is located 160 km north of Smithers in north central BC. It is accessible by helicopter and close to the Minaret airstrip and historical logging roads which lead to mining support towns of Smithers, Fort St. James and Hazelton.

Mineralization at Jake is situated within a prominent rusty coloured gossan measuring 3.5 km long by 1.5 km wide. The combination of extensive historical and recent exploration work has outlined a very expansive altered area at Jake hosting epithermal and porphyry-style sulphide disseminations and veinlets containing Cu-Au-Ag-Zn-Mo and Re. A series of modern surface exploration programs were first completed by Quartz to build on very compelling historical data on the Property developed by legendary porphyry copper explorers, including Kennco, Canadian Superior, Cities Service, Placer Development and Teck Corp. Taken together this comprehensive technical database defined a significant-scale porphyry Cu-Au deposit target which Quartz tested with 3,418 meters of drilling in seven holes during 2024. This drill program successfully discovered a new porphyry Cu-Au-Ag system, wide open to expansion. Upon discovery, Quartz acquired a 100% interest in mineral tenures over an entire new BC porphyry Cu-Au district surrounding the Jake Property. The next milestone towards a transaction will be delineation drilling of the new Jake discovery, currently being planned to commence after substantially advancing delineation drilling at Maestro.

Qualified Person

Farshad Shirmohammad, M.Sc., P. Geo., a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Minerals Projects, who is not independent of Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd., has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Robert Dickinson

Chairman

For further information, please contact:

Bob Dickinson

Email: robertdickinson@hdimining.com Ph: +1 604-684-6365

or:

Roger Blair

Email: rblair@acuityadvisorycorp.com Ph: +1 604-351-0025

or

Jeff Wilson

Email: jwilson@acuityadvisorycorp.com Ph: +1 604-837-5440

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 release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking-statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking-statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements include the following: the Company's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits, and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of the Company's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. Though the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward-looking-statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are subject to future events and third party discretion such as regulatory personnel. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include variations in market prices, continuity of mineralization and exploration success, and potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining activities, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and tenure and delays due to third party opposition, changes in and the effect of government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories that may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, and which may cause permitting delays or opposition by Aboriginal groups, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, and the risks and uncertainties connected with its business, investors should review the Company's home jurisdiction filings as www.sedarplus.ca and its 20F filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/quartz-completes-induced-polarization-geophysical-survey-at-maestro-project-briti-1118915
SWORDS, IE / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, proudly announces the renewal of its grant to the Science Museum of Minnesota, supporting the Kitty Andersen Youth Science Center (KAYSC). This commitment of $1.5 million over three years will enhance the KAYSC's impactful programs, which cultivate leadership skills, career readiness, and a profound appreciation for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) among young people.

The grant will bolster key initiatives, including the STEM Freedom School Program, which offers summer STEM activities for low-income youth, and the High School STEM Enrichment program, providing paid programming during the school year for career exploration and industry credentialing.

In addition to financial support, Trane Technologies employees will have the opportunity to volunteer within the KAYSC by serving as instructors in the STEM Skills Marketplace, providing content advice for STEM projects and engaging in community-based projects like Youth Science Day.

The grant is part of Trane Technologies' corporate citizenship strategy, Sustainable Futures, which focuses on broadening access to STEM education and career pathways. This includes a commitment to donating 500,000 global employee volunteer hours and investing $100 million to programs that support Sustainable Futures by 2030.

"We are delighted to continue our support of the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Kitty Andersen Youth Science Center," said Amy Volz, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Corporate Impact, Trane Technologies. "Our shared commitment to empowering the next generation of STEM leaders and innovators aligns with Trane Technologies' vision of challenging what's possible for a sustainable future. By investing in these programs, together we are helping foster interest and access to the skills needed to drive the innovation of tomorrow."

"This generous renewal of support from Trane Technologies enables us to expand our reach and deepen our impact in the Twin Cities community," said Alison Brown, President and CEO at the Science Museum of Minnesota. "The KAYSC has been transformative for hundreds of young people, providing not just STEM education but real pathways to careers in growing fields. Trane Technologies' commitment goes beyond funding - their employees bring invaluable industry expertise and mentorship that helps our participants envision themselves as the problem-solvers of tomorrow."

Since 2022, Trane Technologies has been a financial supporter of the KAYSC, collaborating with the Science Museum of Minnesota to drive significant community change through STEM education. This work was recently honored with the Community Impact Award for Outstanding Collaboration by Twin Cities Business. The award highlights the success of the company and museum's joint efforts in engaging youth scholars and young adults in meaningful career pathways and workforce development, while also addressing community needs and combating systemic oppression through innovative STEM learning initiatives.

###

About Trane Technologies

Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane and Thermo King, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit tranetechnologies.com.

About the Science Museum of Minnesota

The Science Museum of Minnesota is one of the state's most beloved museums, with a reach that extends well beyond its riverfront location in downtown Saint Paul. Along with serving hundreds of thousands of people each year through its unique combination of cutting-edge technology, hands-on STEM exploration, and world-class collection of fossils and artifacts, the museum reaches schools in all 87 Minnesota counties; provides critical STEM workforce development and leadership training for youth; and conducts research on water quality, climate change, paleontology, and archaeology in locations around the world. Equity work is in the Science Museum's DNA, demonstrated through its commitment to being a resource to the entire community - at a time when science and scientific learning and equitable access to STEM and STEM careers is more critical than ever. For more information, visit smm.org.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Trane Technologies on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Trane Technologies

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/trane-technologies

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Trane Technologies

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/trane-technologies-provides-1.5-million-grant-to-science-museum-of-min-1118974
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - American Tungsten Corp. (CSE: TUNG) (OTCQB: TUNGF) (FSE: RK90) ("American Tungsten" or the "Company) announced that it has completed the initial drillhole at the Company's IMA mine project and reports presence of hubnerite and scheelite tungsten mineralization over multiple core intercepts.

The Phase 1 drilling program, as described in the Company's press release on December 02, 2025, is focused on five priority exploration targets consisting of the No. 5 and No. 7 Vein systems, the IMA West Vein, the Eastern Vein, and the Main IMA Vein. The program was designed to systematically test multiple sheeted tungsten veins up-dip and along strike of historical resources defined on the "D-Level" of the IMA mine. The objective of the Company's Phase 1 program is to further delineate these historically identified tungsten vein systems and address compelling low-risk targeted areas for expansion of known mineralization by the end of Q1 2026

"The initial drillholes at the IMA project are highly promising for American Tungsten. While assay results are still pending, this early success is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our technical team. Their work is laying the groundwork to validate historical reserves and unlock new opportunities for growth. We are confident this momentum will continue to expand the project's potential and deliver lasting value for our shareholders," said Ali Haji, CEO of American Tungsten Corp.

Drill Program Highlights

The first drillholes were collared from a new crosscut in the footwall of the D Level vein system. AT25-01was oriented on a 280 azimuth with a +40 inclination; AT25-02 was oriented on a 225 azimuth with a +45 inclination. AT25-01 was completed at 373 feet on December 12, 2025; Drillhole AT25-02 is ongoing as part of the Company's planned 10,000 ft, phase 1 program. The drilling contractor is initiating double-shifts to increase productivity;

AT25-01 intersected the No. 5 vein over 12.7 ft from 95 to 107.7 ft, and the No. 7 vein over 14.1 ft from 240.2 to 254.3 ft. AT25-02 is currently drilled to a depth of approximately 150 ft and intersected the No.5 vein over 11.5 ft from 93 to 104.5 ft.;

Hubnerite (MnWO4) was observed as 0.5-10mm reddish-brown to black striated prismatic crystals occurring within discrete vein horizons distributed throughout significant widths of the No. 5 quartz vein. Scheelite (CaWO4) was observed under shortwave UV light as blue fluorescent diffuse masses, sometimes rimming hubnerite crystals within coarse milky quartz over four feet of the vein.;

In the No. 7 vein, hubnerite was observed as 0.5 to 5mm crystals occurring in discrete vein horizons within sheeted or milky quartz vein phases, locally partially oxidized. Accessory minerals observed in both the No. 5 and No. 7 veins include tetrahedrite, chalcopyrite, galena, molybdenum, pyrite and fluorite;

Wall rock in AT25-01 was generally unmineralized to weakly mineralized, except where additional pyrite-calcopyrite +/- molybdenum veins were intersected outboard of the primary veins.

True width of the veins is estimated to be approximately 80% of intercept width, based on projected geometry and vein contact-core axis angles. Core recovery is greater than 90% within vein material. Assay results have not been received for AT25-01 or AT25-02.

AT25-01 88 ft to 115 ft showing No.5 quartz-hubnerite-tetrahedrite-pyrite-calcopyrite vein intercept.

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AT25-01 96.8 ft. Hubnerite masses in coarse milky quartz. Core diameter is 2 inches.

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AT25-01 105 ft. Hubnerite laths and partially oxidized masses in coarse milky quartz. Core diameter is 2 inches.

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AT25-01 99.5 and 103.5 ft. Scheelite (blue fluorescence) visible under shortwave UV in coarse milky quartz. Core diameter is 2 inches.

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AT25-01 265 ft. Hubnerite in quartz vein adjacent to sericite altered quartzite. Core diameter is 2 inches.

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AT25-01 240.2 - 247.3 ft - banded quartz of No. 7 vein with pyrite, tetrahedrite, local hubnerite. Core diameter is 2 inches.

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The next drillholes from the first drill station, are oriented to fan southward from the initial intercepts. The drift to access the second drill station 200 ft to the north is well advanced. Analytical results are pending and there is no guarantee that assay results will verify visual observations of mineralization, grade, or economic viability.





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ABOUT THE IMA MINE

The IMA Mine is a past producing underground tungsten mine situated on 22 patented claims located in East Central Idaho. Between 1945 and 1957, the property produced approximately 199,449 MTUs of WO3 and was subsequently explored for molybdenum and tungsten by various operators between 1960-2010. American Tungsten Corp is currently conducting an exploration drill program and assessing potential for re-start of underground tungsten mining operations at the Ima Mine.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") Measures, Chain of Custody

American Tungsten Corp's QA/QC program applies industry standard best practices to ensure data quality and integrity for the IMA Mine project, including maintaining chain of custody, secure sample storage, adherence to data collection protocols and inclusion of certified reference, blank and duplicate quality assurance samples in laboratory submissions. Samples will be submitted for assay to ALS Minerals, Twin Falls, ID in December, 2025. Assay results will be released when available. Visual mineral identification was conducted by qualified professional geologists in conjunction with assessment of mineral form, hardness, streak, fluorescence and other semi qualitative data. Analytical results are pending and there is no guarantee that assay results will verify visual observations of mineralization, grade, or economic viability.

Qualified Person

Technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI-43-101"). Austin Zinsser, P.G., SME-RM, Vice President, Exploration for the Company, and a Qualified Person as defined by NI-43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

ABOUT AMERICAN TUNGSTEN CORP.

American Tungsten Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on high-potential tungsten and magnetite assets in North America. The Company is advancing the Ima Mine Project in Idaho to commercial production, addressing critical metal scarcity in North America. The Company's Ima Mine Project is a historic and high-quality underground tungsten past-producing property on private-patented land well above the water table with significant infrastructure. The Company holds an exclusive option to acquire full ownership (subject to a 2% royalty) and has expanded its land position with 113 additional federal claims covering nearly 2,000 acres.

For further updates, visit www.americantungstencorp.com or investor relations, Joanna Longo at ir@americantungstencorp.com.

Social media links:

LinkedIn: https:// www.linkedin.com/company/americantungstencorp/

X: https://x.com/amtungsten

Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/americantungstencorp/

Instagram: https:// www.instagram.com/americantungstencorp/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@americantungstencorp

For further information, please contact:

(CSE: TUNG)

(OTCQB: TUNGF)

(FSE: RK9)

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

This news release includes "forward-looking information" that is subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to, statements relating to the completion of the Offering on the terms described herein or at all, and the use of proceeds and available funds following the completion of the Offering and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to such events. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future events and that actual events or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Company undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

Statements concerning historical mineral resources, production, and exploration results on the property have been obtained through both public and private sources, and are believed to be substantially factual and relevant in that they demonstrate the tenor of exploration targets on the property. Historical resource estimates pre-date the implementation of NI 43-101 and do not use categories stipulated by CIM. Prior operators assigned confidence categories which differ from those stipulated by CIM, as they may not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimates should not be relied upon until they have been verified. Neither American Tungsten Corp., or its Qualified Person, has done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources or to verify historical information regarding past production, sampling or drilling. American Tungsten Corp. is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Exploration Targets discussed are conceptual in nature; it is uncertain whether a mineral resource will be delineated based on potential exploration.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278474

Source: American Tungsten Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - MIIVO HOLDINGS CORP. (TSXV: MIVO) (OTCQB: MIVOF) ("Miivo" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") of up to $3,750,000 from the sale of up to 7,500,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.50 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one common share (each, a "Share") in the capital of the Company and one-half-of-one share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one additional Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.75 per Warrant Share for a period of 18 months from its date of issuance.

The Company may, at its sole discretion, sell up to an additional 500,000 Units for a total sale of up to 8,000,000 Units or $4,000,000 aggregate gross proceeds.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for marketing its virtual Artificial Intelligence ("AI") powered chief financial officer and management platform AI CFO in an expanding number of countries and for general working capital purposes.

Alexander Damouni, Miivo's Chief Executive Officer stated: "As stated in our news release dated November 10, 2025, we commenced beta testing the AI CFO platform in the United Arab Emirates and India. We received tremendous feedback from beta customers and based on that, continued to evolve the product offering. We then commenced our first stage of marketing with a "freemium" package for users to try out the platform, and two paid subscription packages (basic and advanced). Since our launch in November and with minimal marketing expense, we have over 1,000 users signed up and are rapidly growing our paying subscriber base. We intend to use a majority of the proceeds of this offering to aggressively enter the multibillion small and medium sized enterprises ("SMEs") market in North America. AI CFO makes enterprise-grade financial intelligence accessible to SMEs".

Rabih Brair, Miivo's Chief Financial Officer stated: "We have updated our website and investor presentation and encourage anyone to sign up to the AI CFO platform on our new website at: https://www.miivo.ai/ and view the Company presentation at: https://www.miivo.ai/investors."

The Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Company may pay finder's fees or commissions on a portion of the Offering, subject to compliance with the policies of the Exchange and applicable securities legislation. All common shares and Warrants issued as part of the Units will bear a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

Any participation by insiders in the Offering will constitute a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") but is expected to be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101.

About Miivo Holdings Corp.

Miivo Holdings Corp. (TSXV: MIVO) (OTCQB: MIVOF) is transforming how small-and-medium sized enterprises ("SMEs") access financial intelligence by leveraging artificial intelligence to deliver enterprise-grade business insights at SME scale. The Company's AI CFO platform empowers small and medium-sized businesses to optimize operations, improve financial performance, and accelerate growth through data-driven decision-making. Guided by a leadership team with extensive experience in technology and AI, Miivo is positioned at the forefront of the rapidly expanding AI SaaS market for SME solutions.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this news 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 laws. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to, statements regarding the expectations of management regarding the proposed Offering, the intended use of proceeds of the Offering, closing conditions for the Offering, the expiry of hold periods for securities distributed pursuant to the Offering, Exchange approval of the proposed Offering, the platform's market availability, anticipated user adoption, the Company's ability to capture market share in the AI SaaS sector, planned platform enhancements, expansion of AI capabilities, integration with additional business software ecosystems, strategic partnerships, and Miivo's ability to leverage its proprietary AI technologies to drive growth and innovation within the SME sector and become a leader in the AI SaaS market. Such statements are subject to assumptions, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including that the Company may not complete the Offering on terms favorable to the Company or at all; the Exchange may not approve the Offering; the proceeds of the Offering may not be used as stated in this news release; the Company may be unable to satisfy all of the conditions to the Closing; risks related to factors beyond the control of the Company, such as market acceptance of the platform, competition from established financial software providers, technological advancements by competitors, cybersecurity risks, regulatory changes, market fluctuations, and unpredictable shifts in consumer demand, all of which may hinder the Company's ability to achieve commercial success and establish itself as a leader in the AI SaaS market. The ongoing disputes in Ukraine and Palestine also continue to pose risks that are currently indescribable and immeasurable. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. The 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. 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, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278489

Source: Miivo Holdings Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Noble Plains Uranium Corp. (TSXV: NOBL) (OTCQB: NBLXF) (FSE: INE0) ("Noble Plains" or the "Company") a U.S. focused uranium exploration and development company, is pleased to announce it has entered into a data acquisition agreement with Pathfinder Mines Corporation ("Pathfinder"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ur-Energy Inc. (TSX: URE) (NYSE: URG), to acquire the historical database for 1,211 drill holes located on Noble Plains' Shirley Central Project ("Shirley Central" or the "Project") in Wyoming's past-producing Shirley Basin.

This high-quality dataset includes lithologic logs, geophysical results and historical interpretations from multiple operators who drilled the basin while it was in active production. Noble Plains estimates this dataset would cost in excess of US$6 million to replicate today as well as years of drilling, and analysis, demonstrating both the economic and time-saving value of this strategic transaction.

"This data acquisition is exactly what our business model is built around, taking historically drilled uranium assets in great jurisdictions and accelerating them toward defined pounds in the ground," said Drew Zimmerman, CEO of Noble Plains. "Having Ur-Energy not only support our work but also become a shareholder speaks to the quality of the opportunity at Shirley Central. A project in one of the most strategic uranium districts in the United States, right beside a facility now being built to go into production. We are continuing to advance our vision quickly, efficiently, and with strong conviction."

The newly acquired drillhole data will immediately be used to refine geological modelling across the property to guide the Company's 22-hole drill program already permitted. By validating the historical results, Noble Plains will work towards establishing a resource estimate prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 standards at Shirley Central.

"We are pleased to support Noble Plains' advancement of Shirley Central," commented John Cash, Chairman of Ur-Energy. "The broader historical data helped define uranium resources already being advanced toward production at our Shirley Basin Project. We believe a subset of that data, now in the hands of the Noble Plains team, will help them interpret the geology and potentially assist with identification of uranium bearing roll fronts."

Strategic Location for Future ISR Development

Shirley Central consists of 30 unpatented mineral claims covering 665 acres adjacent to the boundary of Ur-Energy's Shirley Basin ISR Project, which currently hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Measured & Indicated resource of 8.816 million lb U3O at 0.23% and is under construction with production planned for 2026.

The Project is also bordered by Uranium Energy Corp. (UEC), placing Noble Plains directly between two of the most active U.S. uranium developers.

Figure 1: Shirley Central Map

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Terms of the Transaction

Under the data acquisition agreement, Noble Plains will pay US$125,000 in cash and issue C$650,000 in common shares at a deemed price of C$0.1358 per share, totaling 4,786,451 shares. Upon closing, Ur-Energy becomes an important new shareholder of Noble Plains, aligning both companies on advancing the Shirley Central Project. If the Company issues a Canadian National Instrument 43-101, SK-1300, JORC, or equivalent mineral resource report, the Company will also pay US$0.10, and issue C$0.20 in shares of the Company, for each pound of mineral resource or reserve in such report. The data acquisition agreement transaction requires acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange prior to closing.

About Noble Plains Uranium

Noble Plains Uranium Corp. is a U.S.-focused uranium exploration and development company advancing a portfolio of high-potential projects amenable to In Situ Recovery (ISR) - the most capital-efficient and environmentally responsible method of uranium extraction. Our strategy targets historically drilled and underexplored assets in proven jurisdictions, with the objective of rapidly delineating NI 43-101-compliant resources and building a scalable inventory of domestic uranium.

Technical Report Summary, Amended Report for S-K 1300, "Shirley Basin ISR Uranium Project, Carbon County Wyoming, USA" dated March 11, 2024 and prepared by Western Water Consultants, Inc. Ur-Energy Announces Q3 2025 Results; Construction Advances at Shirley Basin and Exploration Underway in the Great Divide Basin: Press Release dated November 3, 2025

More information is available at: www.nobleplains.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Drew Zimmerman", CEO & President

Bradley Parkes, P.Geo., VP Exploration of Noble Plains Uranium Corp., is the Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, who has read and approved the technical content of this news release.

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the planned drill program, the timing of drilling and results, the potential to outline a uranium resource prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 standards, the potential to confirm or expand mineralisation, and the expected advancement of the Company's exploration strategy. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: the Company's ability to complete the drill program as planned, the interpretation of historic data, the accuracy of geological modelling, the results of drilling and downhole probing, operational risks and weather delays, regulatory approvals, availability of equipment and personnel, the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, and fluctuating commodity prices, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available at 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 the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278486

Source: Noble Plains Uranium Corp.
Vancouver, Canada--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Turnium Technology Group Inc. (TSXV: TTGI) (FSE: E48) ("TTGI" or "the Company"), a global Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS) wholesale provider, is pleased to announce a global commercialization partnership with Syntheia Corp. ("Syntheia") (CSE: SYAI), a leading provider of conversational AI solutions for inbound and outbound telephone call management.

This major milestone follows Turnium's previously announced strategic alliance with Syntheia AI, marking the transition from collaboration to revenue-generating commercialization. The platform will be made available to Turnium's channel partners as a value-added solution designed to enhance business communications, customer engagement, and operational efficiency.

AI-Driven Inbound and Outbound Communications

The Syntheia platform enables partners to deploy conversational AI for both outbound and inbound business communications, including:

Outbound Use Cases

Business development and lead engagement

Accounts receivable and payment follow-ups

Appointment confirmations and proactive customer outreach

Inbound Use Cases

Customer support and troubleshooting

Order status and service updates

Call routing and first-level response automation

By automating high-volume and repetitive communication workflows, the platform allows businesses to remain responsive and consistent while reducing operational strain.

Partner-Focused Commercial Strategy

"Our partners are constantly looking for ways to deliver more value without adding complexity," said Doug Childress, Global CEO of Turnium. "The commercialization of Syntheia's AI communications platform will sit within our TaaS ecosystem and provide our partners a practical, revenue-ready solution that addresses real business needs-from sales outreach to customer support-using AI."

Tony Di Benedetto, Chairman and CEO of Syntheia AI, added, "This commercial rollout represents a major milestone for Syntheia. Through Turnium's global partner network, our platform can now be deployed at scale, enabling partners and their customers to modernize how they communicate with clients, prospects, and stakeholders."

Scalable, Partner-Ready Deployment

The platform has been structured for easy integration into partner environments, with flexible usage models and support for multi-industry deployments. Initial rollouts will focus on select partners, with broader availability planned as adoption expands.

This commercialization initiative reinforces Turnium's strategy of delivering differentiated, AI-enabled solutions that drive partner growth and recurring revenue while strengthening customer relationships.

About Syntheia

Syntheia is an artificial intelligence technology company which is developing and commercializing proprietary algorithms to deliver human-like conversations and deploying our technology to enhance customer satisfaction while dramatically reducing turnover and traditional staffing issues.

For more information, visit www.syntheia.ai.

About Turnium Technology Group Inc.

Turnium Technology Group Inc. (TTGI) acquires companies that complement its Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS) strategy, integrates them to generate efficiencies, and delivers their solutions through a global channel partner program to customers worldwide. TTGI's mission is to provide IT providers with a complete, white-labelled portfolio of business technology solutions, enabling them to quickly add new services in response to customer demand.

In essence, Turnium is building a TaaS platform that incorporates all the services, platforms, and capabilities that ISPs, MSPs, IT Providers, VoIP/UCaaS, CCaaS, or Cloud Providers might need. Additionally, Turnium provides deployment resources, hardware, delivery, support, and marketing and sales enablement to help channel partners go to market quickly and deliver exceptional quality.

Turnium delivers secure, cost-effective, uninterrupted, and scalable global IT solutions to its channel partners and their end-customers-because "Connectivity Matters."

CAUTIONARY NOTES

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange 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 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 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 is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Some of these risks are described under the "Caution on Forward-Looking Information" section and "Risk Factors" section of the MD&A. 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 such 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. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278484

Source: Turnium Technology Group Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Perseverance Metals Inc. (TSXV: PMI) ("Perseverance Metals", "PMI", or the "Company") is very pleased to announce that it has executed an agreement with Keweenaw Land Association Ltd. to lease 1,286 hectares of highly prospective mineral titles (the "Keweenaw leases") in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, increasing its overall land position in the region to 69,275 hectares (over 690 square kms).

The Keweenaw leases are within the Company's Voyageur project land package, which lies within the same geological trend and approximately 70 kilometres west of Lundin Mining's Eagle nickel-copper-precious metals mine - currently the sole operating nickel mine in the United States. Numerous drill targets closely analogous to the Eagle mine have been identified by Perseverance Metals and are slated for drill testing in the first half of 2026.

"We are very pleased to be able to add such a strategically important land position to the most highly prospective areas within the Voyageur project area. Consolidating our holdings around our top priority drill targets is crucial, as it allows us the flexibility to rapidly advance these projects post-discovery," said Michael J. Tucker, CEO and Director of Perseverance Metals.

Update on Lac Gayot Summer/Fall Drilling Results

Assay results remain pending from the summer/fall drill program at the Lac Gayot Project, Quebec, including from the multiple massive sulphide intersections drilled at the Baseline discovery and reported in November 2025 (see PMI News Release Nov 5, 2025). The full results from the Lac Gayot 2025 program will be reported once they are received and interpreted by the Company.

Results of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

The Company is also pleased to announce the results from its Annual General Meeting of shareholders (the "AGM") held on December 05, 2025, in Vancouver, B.C. A total of 9,545,655 common shares, representing 33.2% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares, were voted in connection with the AGM. All matters presented for approval at the AGM were approved unanimously or by a substantial majority of the votes cast.

1. Election of Directors

Shareholders unanimously approved the election of the following nominees as Directors of the Company to hold office until the next AGM or until their successors are duly elected or appointed:

Director Nominee % For Michael Joseph Gray 100% Andrew Kaip 100% Filip Papich 100% Edie Ellen Thome 100% Michael John Tucker 100%

2. Approval of Equity Compensation Plan and Appointment of Auditors

The shareholders also voted 100% in favour of the appointment of De Visser Gray as Auditor to the company and 93.9% in favour of the Company's Equity Incentive Plan.

About Perseverance Metals

Perseverance Metals' critical minerals project portfolio is strategically positioned in key North American Ni-Cu-Co-PGE and hard rock lithium regions, including Quebec's prolific James Bay district and Michigan's Mid-Continent Rift.

Our strict science-driven approach and extensive track record of discovery, coupled with an industry-leading team armed with next-generation exploration tools, provide us with a distinct competitive advantage. This offers a unique opportunity for investors to be part of multiple discoveries, the advancement of significant critical mineral deposits, and the development of a portfolio poised for strategic industry consolidation, all vital for the clean energy transition and the creation of new mining districts.

Perseverance's exploration assets include:

i) the Lac Gayot high-grade Ni-Cu-Co-PGE and lithium pegmatite project, which covers the entirety of the Venus Greenstone Belt in Quebec, featuring multiple, very high-grade Ni-Cu-Co-PGE showings and numerous large spodumene-bearing pegmatites with consistent, high lithium grades in channel sampling;



ii) the Voyageur Ni-Cu-Co-PGE project which covers 680km2 of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, 70 kilometres west of the only producing nickel mine in the United States, and



iii) the Armit Lake Ni-Cu-Co project, which is the consolidated and underexplored western half of the nickel- and gold-rich Savant Lake Greenstone Belt in Ontario.

Additional information about Perseverance Metals can be found at perseverancemetals.com.

On Behalf of the Board,

Michael J. Tucker

CEO and Director

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including expectations regarding the impact of the engagement with ICP; the duration of the engagement with ICP; and the Company's business plans, and the cost and timing thereof.

Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof.

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the engagement with ICP will have the impact currently anticipated by management; that the agreement with ICP will be approved by the TSXV; and that the Company's business plans, and the cost and timing thereof will not change significantly from management's current expectations.

Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks that the engagement with ICP will not yield the results currently anticipated by management; that the agreement with ICP will not be approved by the TSXV; and that the Company's business plans, and the cost and timing thereof may change significantly from management's current expectations.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278462

Source: Perseverance Metals Inc.
Total compensation up to $1,480,000

$180,000 cash and $1,000,000 in Monazite Metals shares

$300,000 payment subject to achievement of certain milestones

1% Net Smelter Royalty

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Searchlight Resources Inc. (TSXV: SCLT) (OTC Pink: SCLTF) ("Searchlight" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement, dated December 16, 2025 ("MMC Agreement"), with Monazite Metals Corp. ("MMC") to sell the Company's Kulyk Lake and Daly Lake projects in Northern Saskatchewan. These critical metals projects are wholly owned by Searchlight and comprise contiguous claim blocks geologically located in the Wollaston Domain, 55 kilometers south of the Key Lake Uranium Mine and Mill in Northern Saskatchewan.

The MMC Agreement is an arms-length agreement with Monazite Metals Corp., a private British Columbia corporation.

Searchlight is selling the property for the following considerations:

$180,000 cash, which will be paid on closing.

10,000,000 shares of MMC which will be paid on closing.

A 1% Net Smelter Royalty which MMC can buy out at any time for a cash payment of $1,000,000.

A payment of $300,000 in equity payments if certain drilling result milestones are achieved.

"Searchlight is impressed with the management team of Monazite and its plans for the Kulyk Lake and Daly Lake properties. Executing this agreement will allow Searchlight to focus its exploration efforts on its flagship Gold projects near Flin Flon," stated Stephen Wallace, Searchlight's CEO. "The Company is currently working on plans for a 2,000-metre drill program on the 100%-owned Robinson Creek Gold project."

An Advisory Fee of $20,000 is payable to Canaccord Genuity.

Searchlight Resources Appoints Jason Powell to Lead Corporate Development

Searchlight Resources Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Powell, Principal of 51 Media Ltd., to the role of Manager Corporate Development.

Mr. Powell is a seasoned executive with more than 15 years experience advancing investor engagement and strategic growth for publicly traded companies in the mining sector. He brings a proven track record of visionary leadership combined with operational discipline, underpinned by a deep understanding of global resource markets and shareholder value creation.

His expertise spans capital markets, corporate communications, and mining industry trends, positioning Searchlight Resources to navigate volatile environments and pursue long-term success.

Under the terms of the agreement, 51 Media Ltd. will initiate and maintain contact with the financial community to increase awareness of the Company and its activities. This initiative is designed to foster productive, ongoing dialogue with analysts, brokers, investors, social media sites, and other investment professionals, further strengthening Searchlight's profile in the capital markets.

In exchange for the services, 51 Media Ltd. will be paid a monthly fee of $5,000, and GST.

Qualified Person

Stephen Wallace, P.Geo., is Searchlight's Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Searchlight Resources Inc.

Searchlight Resources Inc. (TSXV: SCLT) (OTC Pink: SCLTF) is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company focused on Saskatchewan, Canada, which has been ranked as the top location for mining investment in Canada by the Fraser Institute. Exploration focus is on gold, copper and other critical metals throughout the province, concentrating on projects with nearby infrastructure.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Stephen Wallace"

Stephen Wallace, President, CEO and Director

SEARCHLIGHT RESOURCES INC.

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE 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/278453

Source: Searchlight Resources Inc.
Real-time conversational navigation and geo-aware travel updates personalize passenger assistance and improve staff efficiency

WATERLOO, ON, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mappedin, the indoor mapping leader transforming the way venues are experienced, managed, and understood, today announced that its AI Navigator is powering the conversational chatbot experience for YYC Calgary International Airport. With built-in geo-intelligence, the web-based chatbot, powered by Mappedin, gives passengers real-time information and guidance - with no app download required. Conversational interaction in either Canadian French or English empowers travelers with personalized help at any moment of their journey, making the YYC experience easier and more intuitive while reducing staff burden from routine questions.

"This launch deepens our long-standing innovation partnership with Mappedin and extends their mapping technology to include a real-time, generative AI solution," said Bart Smith, GM Corporate Services & IT Business Partners at Calgary Airports. "Our relentless drive to exceed passenger expectations and achieve operational excellence is fueled by technologies like Mappedin's that enable airport-wide integration and scale. Together, we're delivering solutions that are valuable to passengers and more efficient for staff across every screen and digital touchpoint."

Passengers at YYC can use the website interface to ask questions in everyday, conversational Canadian French or English language, such as "Is my flight leaving on time?", "How do I get to Gate A21?", or "Where can I get coffee nearby?". By remembering recent questions and using spatial context, passengers receive location-aware follow-ups and real-time travel updates for a seamless, intuitive navigation experience.

In addition to seamless indoor mapping integration, Mappedin brings the strength of its enterprise partnership ecosystem to the airport. In partnership with Satisfi Labs, and its AI-powered agentic platform, the Mappedin-powered solution combines AI automation with geo-intelligence, multilingual accessibility, and generative response to deliver a unified, context-aware passenger experience.

Mappedin provides YYC with single-source solutions to meet passengers' needs across every environment and interface a traveler or staff member may use. From at-home planning to in-terminal displays and emerging holographic assistance, each product draws from the same intelligent core to deliver consistent, real-time information throughout the journey.

"Airports face unprecedented passenger volume growth, and it is difficult to staff at levels that keep pace with the demand for real-time, personalized assistance," said Yuval Kossovsky, Managing Director of Transportation at Mappedin. "It takes an innovative partner like Calgary Airports to deliver industry-setting solutions that consistently raise the bar and set the pace for geo-intelligent, tailored passenger experiences that help travelers plan their time, understand what's around them, and move confidently through the terminal."

YYC's chat is available now and is free for all website visitors at https://www.yyc.com . For more information about elevating the airport experience and deploying first-class navigation solutions with Mappedin for Airports, visit mappedin.com/industries/airports .

About Mappedin

Mappedin is the leading indoor mapping platform transforming the way venues are experienced, managed, and understood. Built for scale and trusted by the world's biggest brands, our AI-powered tools make indoor mapping fast, flexible, and easy to integrate-powering indoor experiences at top destinations worldwide. With billions of square feet mapped across 57 countries, Mappedin helps make public spaces easier to explore, simpler to manage, and safer for every visitor. For more information, visit mappedin.com .

Media Contacts: For Mappedin: Joan Silver, Mappedin Marketing, joan.silver@mappedin.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2848083/Mappedin__Inc__Mappedin_Powers_YYC_Calgary_International_Airport.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mappedin-powers-yyc-calgary-international-airports-first-geo-intelligent-ai-driven-passenger-chatbot-302645178.html
The island-wide special customs operations at the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) in south China were officially launched on Thursday. CGTN published an article highlighting how the port's preferential policies will further stimulate business investment, facilitate cross-border flows of goods and production factors, and position Hainan as a key hub connecting domestic and international markets.

BEIJING, Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- China on Thursday launched island-wide special customs operations in south China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the world's largest FTP by area, allowing freer entry of overseas goods, and expanded zero-tariff coverage and more business-friendly measures.

Hearing a work report on the FTP in early November, Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the special customs operations as a landmark move to expand high-standard opening up and promote an open world economy. He called for efforts to better facilitate cross-border flows of factors of production and strive to create a first-rate business environment.

The idea of establishing the FTP was first proposed in 2018. Since then, multiple preferential policies - including duty-free shopping and low corporate income tax - have been introduced to make the business friendly FTP gradually take shape.

Starting on Thursday, the share of zero-tariff products in the Hainan FTP will surge from 21 percent to 74 percent, with the number of tariff-free items expanding from about 1,900 to 6,637, covering nearly all production equipment and raw materials.

Lan Zhenzhen, president of public affairs for L'Oreal North Asia and China, is optimistic about the company's growth following Thursday's launch.

"As China's largest free trade pilot zone, Hainan FTP houses the world's largest single duty-free store and is a major global shopping destination," Lan said. "In the future, L'Oreal will continue to invest in Hainan to better serve global consumers."

Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group is also eager to capitalize on the opportunities for further expansion.

Xue Zengyi, a China executive from CP Group, said the group's coffee business will benefit from the FTP's zero-tariff policy on raw and auxiliary materials, reducing import costs by 8 percent in tariffs and 13 percent in value-added tax on green coffee beans.

Xue said coffee beans imported from overseas can enter the Chinese mainland tariff-free if they are processed in Hainan with at least 30 percent value added.

Bridging China and global markets

The 30 percent threshold is another key policy introduced by the FTP in recent years, allowing companies to source raw materials globally, add value locally and sell finished products into the mainland market duty-free.

Hainan Weili Medical Technology, a major global catheter supplier, has seen tariff reductions since becoming Hainan's first pilot for medical device processing and value-added operations in early 2023, previously sourcing most raw materials from Southeast Asia.

He Yongshen, the company's head, said that they have saved over 4 million yuan (roughly $567,920) in tariffs since 2023 by selling value-added products to the mainland market. With these cost reductions, the company could invest more in R&D and market expansion, He added.

His company is not alone in benefiting from the changes, as preferential policies have drawn a growing number of investors to Hainan. Over the past five years, foreign direct investment in Hainan reached $9.78 billion, growing at an annual rate of 97 percent, with investments from 176 countries and regions.

Feng Fei, secretary of Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, highlighted the island province's unique position in linking the vast domestic market of 1.4 billion people with the Southeast Asian market with nearly 700 million people.

Echoing Feng, Huang Hanquan, head of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research under the National Development and Reform Commission, said Hainan FTP's policies help create a trade route from Southeast Asian raw materials through Hainan processing to mainland distribution, positioning the island as a hub linking domestic and international markets.

The launch of island-wide special customs operations demonstrates China's commitment to high-standard opening up, boosting both the domestic economy and global growth, Huang added.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-12-18/China-launches-island-wide-special-customs-operations-in-Hainan-FTP-1Jc62vV8qJ2/p.html

Contact: Jiang Simin cgtn@cgtn.com
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Current Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY) shareholders who have held Holley shares since on or shortly after to July 21, 2021, or via holdings of Empower Ltd., can seek corporate reforms, the return of funds back to the company, and a court approved incentive award at no cost to them whatsoever. If you would like to learn more about this matter, you are encouraged to visit https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/holley-shareholder-investigation/, contact Joshua Grabar at jgrabar@grabarlaw.com, or call 267-507-6085.

Why? A federal securities fraud class action complaint has survived a motion to dismiss. That complaint alleges that Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY) f/k/a Empower Ltd., through certain of its officers and directors, made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) as a result of Holley's extensive focus on its direct-to-consumer ("DTC") channel, Holley's critically important relationships with its resellers and distributors, whose business made up the vast majority of Holley's revenue, were suffering significant damage; (ii) Holley used discounting and other similar efforts to grow its DTC channel, which undermined the pricing discipline Holley historically had with its resellers and distributors, and further damaged Holley's relationship with its resellers and distributors; (iii) as a result of Holley's strained relationships with its resellers and distributors, those resellers and distributors were decreasing their purchases of Holley products, returning products already purchased at significant levels that were far above historical norms, and increasing their purchases of competitors' products; (iv) Holley's growing DTC channel could not offset the negative financial impact of Holley's increasingly strained relationships with its resellers and distributors and, as a result, Holley's critical relationship with resellers and distributors was deteriorating; (v) Holley had failed to successfully integrate and capture synergies from its numerous acquisitions, which left Holley with inefficient operations, excess costs, and inventory management problems; and (vi) Holley benefited from COVID-related stimulus money that temporarily boosted its sales and performance, and despite this unsustainable, temporary boost, defendants misled investors to believe the growth was sustainable and the result of persistent demand, and supportive of positive financial guidance.

The Court in the underlying securities fraud class action has determined that with respect to multiple statements made by company leadership, the Complaint "has pleaded the requisite level of falsity needed to survive dismissal by listing the statements and providing reasons why they were misleading or false." The court further determined that the Complaint sufficiently pleaded allegations of falsity and scienter (knowledge of wrongdoing or intent to deceive, defraud, or act unlawfully, or with reckless indifference), as required for a prima facie case as to these claims.

What You Can Do Now: Current Holley shareholders who have held Holley shares since on or shortly after July 21, 2021, or via holdings of Empower Ltd., can seek corporate reforms, the return of funds back to the company, and a court approved incentive award at no cost to them whatsoever. If you would like to learn more about this matter, you are encouraged to visit https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/holley-shareholder-investigation/, contact Joshua Grabar at jgrabar@grabarlaw.com, or call 267-507-6085. $HLLY HolleyInc HLLT Holley

Attorney Advertising Disclaimer

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278505

Source: Grabar Law Office
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) ("Omai Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from the Company's second hole drilled on the Gilt Creek gold deposit. The Gilt Creek deposit is one of two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%-owned Omai Gold Project in Guyana. Hole 25ODD-122(w) drilled 708m of the Omai Stock, an intrusive rock unit that produced 2.4 million ounces of gold between 1993-20052 from the upper portion from surface to a vertical depth of approximately 250m. Hole 25ODD-122(w) was drilled from surface to a total depth of 2,014m with results previously report for the lower part of the hole that confirmed the presence of the adjacent Wenot deposit at a depth of approximately 1,200m, or 700m below the known Wenot gold mineralization. Hole 122w showed that the Wenot shear at this depth hosted seven significant gold zones (news release November 12, 2025). The upper part of hole 122(w) was drilled from surface through a mafic volcanic sequence, then through the known diabase dike, and first intersected significant gold mineralization at a vertical depth of approximately 260m. Gold mineralization proved extensive throughout the Gilt Creek intrusion and extends into the surrounding volcanic rocks as well. A 708.1m interval in Hole 122(w) averaged 1.06 g/t Au with multiple intervals with higher grades, as shown in figure 1, Table 1 and as highlighted below:

Highlighted higher grade zones from the upper part of hole 25ODD-122w include:

1.06 g/t Au over 708.1m (from 364.9) includes 1.78 g/t Au over 46.2m (from 635.6 downhole) includes 4.88 g/t Au over 7.0m (from 566.3m) 1.32 g/t Au over 99.2m (from 702.0m) includes 5.7 g/t Au over 8.0m (from 766.9m) 3.10 g/t Au over 24.0m (from 395.5m) 1.99 g/t Au over 32.0m (from 462.0m) 2.98 g/t Au over 17.8m (from 643.8m) 2.04 g/t Au over 43.2m (from 952.2m)



Elaine Ellingham, President & CEO, commented: "The much awaited results from Hole 122 further confirm the extent of gold mineralization within and beyond the known deposit. These assay results from the upper part of the 2,014m long hole show the robust and continuous nature of the gold-mineralized regime within the Gilt Creek quartz-diorite intrusive stock. This new hole, together with our earlier hole 095, provide valuable structural data for rock mechanics and material for metallurgical sampling, both that allow us to advance our mine plan for our upcoming updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") that will include the Gilt Creek deposit. Due to the extent of mineralization and abundance of visible (coarse) gold, all samples >0.5 g/t Au were also assayed using a metallic screening process that provides a more representative total grade than fire-assay on a 50g sample alone. The downside was the additional turnaround time.

Mineralization in the Gilt Creek deposit first occurs just 46m downhole with 1.37 g/t Au over 7.5m in saprolite and ends at 2,014m with 3.61 g/t Au over 4.4m within less than 5m of the end of the hole in the adjacent Wenot deposit. This long hole across the two deposits exemplifies the sheer extent of gold mineralization on the Omai property."

The Gilt Creek orogenic gold deposit is located less than 500m north of the Wenot deposit, which has been the focus of most of the Company's drilling and resource expansion, as Wenot is predominantly an open pit target. The Gilt Creek gold deposit is hosted mostly within the Omai quartz diorite stock, but gold zones also occur within the adjacent volcanic rocks.

Hole 25ODD-122(w) was collared on the northwest flank of the old Gilt Creek pit. This is also at the eastern end of the recently drilled near-surface BBH gold trend. In fact, the initial gold zone in hole 122 of 1.71 g/t Au over 6.0m occurs in saprolite within 40m of surface and is part of the BBH target area. Hole 122 then drilled through mafic volcanic rocks to a downhole depth of 299m where it intersected the well-known diabase dike, with a true thickness of approximately 138m. Hole 122 was wedged within the diabase dike in order to flatten it sufficiently to reach the ultimate projected target depth under Wenot for this hole. It continued as hole 122w.

Below the diabase dike but before drilling into the intrusive complex, both hole 095 and 122 drilled a small interval of the surrounding mafic volcanics. In hole 122w, a gold zone within the volcanics assayed 3.10 g/t Au over 24.0m. Similarly in hole 095 the volcanics hosted gold mineralization, with assays of 2.09 g/t Au over 10.5m and a second zone of 1.59 g/t Au over 7.5m.

The Gilt Creek intrusive complex was first intersected at 367.5m downhole, continuing to 1078.5m, a total of 711m, with gold mineralization throughout much of this (Figure 1). All 711m of the Gilt Creek Intrusive drill core was sampled and 226 of the 572 samples or 40% assayed greater than 0.5 g/t Au (Figure 2). Interestingly, Iamgold drilled approximately 27,000m in 46 holes in 2006-7 in this lower part of the Gilt Creek deposit and similarly had 41% of the samples assaying greater than 0.5 g/t Au. Hole 24ODD-095 also had 39% of Gilt Creek samples assaying over 0.5 g/t Au. Detailed assay results for hole 122 and 122w are provided in Table 1.

The Gilt Creek drill holes (24ODD-095 and 25ODD-122) achieve several objectives; they: 1) assist in mine planning and metallurgical studies that will facilitate inclusion of Gilt Creek into an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") mine plan expected in H1 2026, 2) test and verify historical drilling and at the same time explore the lateral extent of gold mineralization beyond that previously identified, and 3) assist in the geological modelling of the Gilt Creek deposit in order to assess the overall exploration potential and extent of this very large gold system on the broader Omai property.

To facilitate mine planning, a televiewer system surveyed hole 095 in early 2025, together with select holes at the Wenot deposit. This optical and acoustic system provides detailed in-situ mapping of all rock structures, giving quality data to guide mine design and assist in a greater understanding of the structural geology. Neither hole 122(w) nor hole 095 encountered any high pressure or noteworthy water return during drilling or televiewer surveying.

Hole 122 was designed to continue much further, to test the adjacent Wenot gold deposit that lies only 450m south of the Gilt Creek deposit. The hole reached an impressive downhole depth of 2,014m and was successful in encountering the Wenot shear corridor at 1,739m downhole. It continued through 275m of the shear corridor, still within the Wenot shear zone at the end of the hole and with significant mineralization of 3.61 g/t Au over 4.4m, including VG within 5m of the end of the hole. Seven significant gold zones were encountered in this depth extension of Wenot, at the bottom of this same hole 122(w).

As noted upon the completion of hole 095, the sheer extent of gold mineralization within the Gilt Creek intrusive is impressive, well illustrated by the histogram in figure 2. By applying the same cut-off grade of 1.5 g/t Au as was used in the resource estimate3 (established for a US$1,700/oz gold price), a cumulative 150.4m (not continuous) has a weighted average grade of 3.20 g/t Au, very similar to the resource grade. In hole 095, it was noted that 198.3m (not continuous) has a weighted-average grade of 2.78 g/t Au, both comparable with the resource grade.

Gilt Creek Deposit Background

The Gilt Creek gold deposit is a large 500m by 275m compact, intrusion-hosted orogenic gold deposit. It is located approximately 500m north of the Wenot gold deposit on the Omai property (Figure 1). The Mineral Resource Estimate3 ("MRE") for Gilt Creek comprises Indicated Resources of 1,151,000 ounces gold averaging 3.22 g/t Au in 11.1 million tonnes ("Mt") and Inferred Resources of 665,000 ounces gold averaging 3.35 g/t Au in 6.2 Mt, using a 1.5 g/t Au cutoff and a US$1,700/oz gold price. Initial conceptual engineering studies anticipate a ramp from surface to access this deposit for underground mining. The very wide mineralized zones are likely amenable to sub-level open stoping and transverse open stoping, with follow-up cut-and-fill mining.

The upper portion of this Gilt Creek gold deposit was open pit mined between 1993 and 20052, producing 2.4 million ounces averaging 1.5 g/t Au. Continuation of this deposit at depth was confirmed by IAMGOLD Corporation in 2006-2007 with 46 drill holes totalling approximately 27,000m. This drilling showed gold mineralization down to a depth of 967m below surface, although only sparse drilling was completed to that depth.

Significantly, approximately 80% of the Gilt Creek gold Mineral Resource Estimate1 is relatively shallow, lying at vertical depths of between 280m and 600m. Limited drilling of the Omai intrusion below 600m continues to encounter gold mineralization, but with drilling too sparce to include in a Resource. It provides evidence that gold mineralization within the Omai intrusion continues to greater depths, and Hole 122 drilled gold mineralization within the intrusion down to a vertical depth of 850m but laterally beyond the previously indicated limits.







Figure 1. Omai Gold property geology map showing Gilt Creek and Wenot deposits and Location of Diamond Drill Hole 25ODD-122



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/278507_e403672a84d0dae4_001full.jpg





Figure 2. Cross section Illustrating Location of Hole 122w Relative to Gilt Creek and Weno Deposits, Omai Gold Project, Guyana



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/278507_e403672a84d0dae4_002full.jpg







Photo 1. Visible Gold in Quartz Vein within Gilt Creek Gold Deposit (Hole 122W @ 652.7m- left and 656.1m - right and 1333.1m - bottom)



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/278507_omai.jpg





Figure 3. Cross-Section for DDH 25ODD-122w



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/278507_e403672a84d0dae4_005full.jpg

Table 1. Assay Results for Hole 25ODD-122W*

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Grade

(g/t Au) 25ODD-122 46.5 54 7.5 1.37

395.5 419.5 24.0 3.10 including 395.5 402.5 7.0 4.45 and including 408.2 415.5 7.4 4.58

25ODD-122W 364.9 1073.0 708.1 1.06*

397.0 420.0 23.0 2.18 including 406.5 420.0 13.5 2.69

441.1 443.6 2.5 3.30

462.0 494.0 32.0 1.99 including 462.0 467.0 5.0 5.35 and including 479.0 486.3 7.3 2.89

566.3 573.4 7.0 4.88

605.5 622.6 17.1 2.54 including 609.5 621.6 12.1 3.08

635.6 681.7 46.1 1.78* including 643.8 661.6 17.8 2.98 including 649.1 661.6 12.5 3.76

672.0 674.0 2.1 9.54

702.0 801.2 99.2 1.32* Including 702.0 704.4 2.4 4.85 and including 715.7 717.8 2.1 3.25 and including 754.7 758.3 3.6 3.36 and including 766.9 775.0 8.0 5.70 and including 793.7 801.2 7.5 1.56

868.0 870.0 2.0 3.05

881.3 883.9 2.6 1.55

901.0 904.0 3.0 2.16

952.2 995.4 43.2 2.04 including 962.9 977.3 14.5 2.80

1019.0 1024.8 5.8 2.86

1056.0 1073.0 17.0 1.56 including 1067.7 1073.0 5.3 3.17

*Estimated true widths at Gilt Creek are 75-85%. Cut-off grade 1.5 g/t Au with maximum 5.0m internal dilution is applied. Grades are uncapped. * Lower cutoff grade applied to include multiple zones.

Table 2. Drill Hole Coordinates

Hole ID Azimuth Inclination Easting Northing Length Status (degrees) (degrees) (m) 25ODD-122&W 142 -60 304648 602870 2,013.6 Reporting down to 1,750m

Quality Control

Omai maintains an internal QA/QC program to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with best practices. Certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates are entered at regular intervals. Samples are sealed in plastic bags.

Drill core samples (halved-core) were shipped to Act Labs a certified laboratory in Georgetown Guyana, respecting the best chain of custody practices. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g), and pulverized to 95% passing 105 m, including cleaner sand. Fifty grams of pulverized material is then fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA). Initial assays with results above 3.0 ppm gold are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. For samples with visible gold, two separate 250g or 500g pulverized samples are prepared, with 50 grams of each fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, with assays above 3.0 ppm gold being re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. Certified reference materials and blanks meet with QA/QC specifications.

For hole 25ODD-122 and 122w, all samples with fire-assay of >0.5 g/t were selectively analysed at ActLabs by Metallic Screening, a technique to more accurately measure gold, especially samples with coarse or visible gold. A representative 500-gram sample split is sieved at 125 m, with standard fire assays (FA) performed on the entire +125 m fraction and two splits of the -125 m fraction. When assays have been completed on the coarse and fine portions of the large sample, a final assay is calculated based on the weight of each fraction. This process provides a more representative total grade than standard 50g FA alone.

Qualified Person

Elaine Ellingham, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" and has approved the technical information contained in this news release. Ms. Ellingham is a director and officer of the Company and is not considered to be independent for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

ABOUT OMAI GOLD

Omai Gold Mines Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on rapidly expanding the two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%-owned Omai Gold Project in mining-friendly Guyana, South America. The Company has established the Omai Gold Project as one of the fastest growing and well-endowed gold camps in the prolific Guiana Shield. In August 2025, the Company announced a 96% increase to the Wenot Gold Deposit NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate1 (MRE) to 970,000 ounces of gold (Indicated) averaging 1.46 g/t Au, contained in 20.7 Mt and 3,717,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.82 g/t Au, contained in 63.4 Mt. This brings the global MRE at Omai, including the Wenot and adjacent Gilt Creek deposits, to 2,121,000 ounces of gold (Indicated MRE) averaging 2.07 g/t Au in 31.9 Mt and 4,382,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.95 g/t Au in 69.9 Mt. A baseline PEA announced in April 2024, contemplated an open pit-only development scenario and included less than 30% of the new Mineral Resource Estimate for Omai. Five drills are currently active on the property: at Wenot the focus is to optimize the upcoming PEA, to further test the limits of the deposit, including both east and west, and to commence upgrading the large Inferred MRE to Indicated. Additional drilling will continue to explore certain known gold occurrences for possible near-surface higher-grade satellite deposits. An updated PEA is planned for H1 2026 to include the expanded Wenot open pit deposit and the adjacent Gilt Creek underground deposit. The Omai Gold Mine produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold from 1993 to 20052, ceasing operations when gold was below US$400 per ounce. The Omai site significantly benefits from existing infrastructure and is connected to the two largest cities in Guyana, Georgetown and Linden.

1 NI 43-101 Technical Report dated October 9, 2025 titled "UPDATED MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE OMAI GOLD PROPERTY, POTARO MINING DISTRICT NO.2, GUYANA" was prepared by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. and is available on www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website.

2 Past production at the Omai Mine (1993-2005) is summarized in several Cambior Inc. documents available on www.sedarplus.ca, including March 31, 2006 AIF and news release August 3, 2006.

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 includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of completion of the drill program, and the potential for the Omai Gold Project to allow Omai to build significant gold Mineral Resources at attractive grades, and forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; the price of gold and copper; and the results of current exploration. Further, the Mineral Resource data set out in this news release are estimates, and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of process recovery will be realized. 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. 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, except as required by law.

Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resource Estimates

Until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, Mineral Resources must be considered as estimates only. Mineral Resource Estimates that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain, involves subjective judgement about many relevant factors and may be materially affected by, among other things, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors described in the Company's public disclosure available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. The accuracy of any Mineral Resource Estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource Estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling, and development; (iii) results of future test mining and other testing; (iv) metallurgical testing and other studies; (v) results of geological and structural modeling including block model design; (vi) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (vii) the evaluation of future mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (viii) the possible failure to receive required permits, licenses and other approvals. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a "Inferred" or "Indicated" Mineral Resource Estimate will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource Estimates disclosed in this news release were reported using Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the "CIM Standards") in accordance with National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101").

Cautionary Statements to U.S. Readers

This news release uses the terms "Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" as defined in the CIM Standards in accordance with NI 43-101. While these terms are recognized and required by the Canadian Securities Administrators in accordance with Canadian securities laws, they may not be recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The "Mineral Resource" Estimates and related information in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278507

Source: Omai Gold Mines Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Fuerte Metals Corporation (TSXV: FMT) (OTCQB: FUEMF) ("Fuerte" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of C$17,249,933 (the "Offering"). The Offering was comprised of:

(i) 1,380,950 flow-through common shares of the Company (the "FT Shares"), each of which will qualify as a "flow-through share" (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act")) at a price of C$5.25 per FT Share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$7,249,988 (inclusive of the exercise, in full, of the Agents' option to increase the size of the Offering for up to an additional 428,570 FT Shares at a price of C$5.25 per FT Share); and

(ii) 1,655,620 special flow-through common shares of the Company (the "Special FT Shares"), each of which will qualify as a "flow-through share" (within the meaning of the Tax Act) at a price of C$6.04 per Special FT Share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$9,999,945.

The FT Shares and the Special FT Shares are collectively referred to as the Offered Securities. The Offered Securities are subject to a statutory hold period in Canada, expiring on April 19, 2026.

The Offering was led by Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. and BMO Capital Markets, as co-lead agents and joint bookrunners, on their own behalf and on behalf of a syndicate of agents including National Bank Financial Inc., Desjardins Capital Markets and Ventum Financial Corp. (collectively, the "Agents").

In consideration for their services rendered in connection with the Offering, the Agents were paid a cash commission equal to 5% of the gross proceeds of the Offering (reduced to 2% of the gross proceeds from sales to purchasers on the president's list).

The Company will use an amount equal to the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Offered Securities, pursuant to the provisions in the Tax Act, to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" as defined in s. 66.1(6) of the Tax Act that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Tax Act (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Company's Coffee Gold Project, on or before December 31, 2026 (or such other period as may be permissible under applicable tax legislation), and to renounce all the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the Offered Securities effective December 31, 2025.

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

Certain directors, officers and other insiders purchased an aggregate of 280,000 FT Shares pursuant to the Offering. The participation of insiders in the Offering is considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101 in reliance on the exemptions set out in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of such transactions, insofar as they involve related parties, is not more than 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing of the Offering as the details of the Offering and the participation therein by related parties of the Company were not settled until shortly prior to closing and the Company wished to close on an expedited basis for sound business reasons.

About Fuerte Metals Corporation

Fuerte is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on advancing high-potential precious metals and base metals projects across the Americas. Our flagship asset is the 100%-owned Coffee Project in the Yukon, Canada - a high-quality gold project advancing through the final stages of permitting, engineering, and resource expansion drilling in preparation for a construction decision. Coffee hosts 3.0 million ounces of open-pit heap-leach Measured and Indicated Resource and an Inferred Resource of 0.8 million ounces. We respectfully acknowledge that protection of the water and lands around the Coffee Creek and mine project area is of high importance to First Nations. Through cooperation, transparency, and respect, we pledge to continue to build on relationships with Tr'ondek Hwech'in, White River First Nation, Selkirk First Nation, and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun, whose Traditional Territories overlap or partially overlap with the project access road, and areas where exploration and mining activities may occur. In addition to Coffee, Fuerte holds a portfolio of copper and gold assets, including the Placeton-Caballo Muerto Project in Chile and the Cristina and Yecora Projects in Mexico, offering additional growth and exploration upside. At Fuerte, we are committed to building value through disciplined project development, responsible stewardship of the land, a safety-focused culture, and creating long-term returns for shareholders.

Qualified Person

Alan J. San Martin, P.Eng. and Charley Murahwi, P.Geo. from Micon International Limited are the Qualified Persons (QPs) who prepared the Coffee Gold Project Mineral Resource Estimate, as detailed in the technical report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report for the 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate Update on the Coffee Gold Project, Yukon, Canada" with an effective date of August 21, 2025. Micon International Limited is "independent" of Fuerte as defined by Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. The Coffee Technical Report is available on the Company's website at www.fuertemetals.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Additional Information

Forward-Looking Information

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements with respect to the use of proceeds from the Offering; the expected incurrence by the Company of eligible Canadian exploration expenses that will qualify as flow-through mining expenditures; and the renunciation by the Company of the Canadian exploration expenses (on a pro rata basis) to each subscriber by no later than December 31, 2025. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof.

Such forward-looking information is based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the price of gold, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, the tax treatment of the FT Shares and Special FT Shares, the timing to incur and renounce Qualifying Expenditures will be as currently anticipated, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner, the Company's ability to use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known mineral reserves, the limited operating history of the Company, the influence of a large shareholder, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, availability of third party contractors, availability of equipment and supplies, failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals and the risk factors with respect to the Company set out in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators and available under Fuerte's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events 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.

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/278373

Source: Fuerte Metals Corp.
MAULDIN, SC / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Management of Xcelerate, Inc. (OTCID:XCRT) today issued a year-end update on key developments in 2025 and the Company's strategic priorities for 2026.

As 2025 comes to a close, Xcelerate has taken decisive steps to align its resources with the Company's long-term objectives. By the start of the year, the Company determined that while ESN Group had an excellent product line, it required significantly more cash than Xcelerate was able to provide in the short term, which resulted in declining revenues. Management reviewed the Company's priorities and how the Company's limited resources could be best utilized. As a result, in the third quarter, Xcelerate sold its interest in the ESN Group in an all-cash transaction .As a result of this transaction the Company was also able to remove merchant finance debt attributable to ESN from its balance sheet, strengthening its financial position and allowing Xcelerate to refocus on its core mission.

2025 has also been a period of renewed emphasis on AfiyaSasa Africa, LLC, re-centering on the Company's original goal of launching an AI-assisted patient portal in Tanzania. Xcelerate has developed a modified business plan that includes the acquisition of a clinical care setting in which the relevant technology can be trialed, tested, and applied. Once verified, the combination of proceeds from the ESN sale and funds raised in a private placement positions the Company to implement this program in early 2026.

"AI is at the heart of what we do," said Mike O'Shea, Xcelerate's CEO. "AfiyaSasa is designed to connect patients in remote areas to clinicians using AI-assisted diagnostics and virtual care. This approach not only expands access to quality healthcare but also creates scalable opportunities for sustainable revenue."

In parallel, Xcelerate continued progress on its medical device patents, including the patent process for its Surgical Tool with Targeting Guidance, and filed additional applications in the EU and China. These efforts reflect the Company's continued commitment to innovation and intellectual property development.

To better communicate progress and build transparency, Xcelerate is actively working on a digital strategy to enhance shareholder and stakeholder engagement. This includes updating the corporate website to highlight AI initiatives, AfiyaSasa project milestones, and patent developments. The Company is also increasing its presence on social media by sharing insights, progress updates, and thought leadership from its leadership team to keep shareholders, partners, and the broader community informed and engaged. Xcelerate will also be establishing a dedicated Investor Relations email at IR@xcelerate.global to streamline communication with shareholders.

Looking ahead to 2026, Xcelerate will focus on carefully advancing its key initiatives, with particular attention to the AfiyaSasa platform. The Company plans to take measured steps toward implementation, testing the technology in clinical settings and refining operations as needed. With a strengthened balance sheet and recent financing in place, Xcelerate will continue progress on AI-driven healthcare solutions while keeping shareholders informed through regular updates, enhanced digital engagement, and transparent communication.

Investors and stakeholders are encouraged to stay updated on the latest developments by visiting the Company's website at https://xcelerate.global.

ABOUT XCELERATE INC.

In May 2020, Xcelerate commenced implementation of a new business plan that encompasses two separate but related businesses within the medical industry, including (i) owning and licensing the rights to various forms of medical equipment and portfolio of patents, patents pending and technology licenses and (ii) development of virtual health technology to assist patients in developing countries obtain medical care by extending the reach of physicians through the use of that technology. For more information visit www.xcelerate.global or contact us at 854-900-2020 or email info@xcelerate.global.

SAFE HARBOR

This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the Company's financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the Company's financial condition or results of operations; (iii) the Company's growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends. The words "may," "would," "will," "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements resulting from various factors.

SOURCE: Xcelerate

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/xcelerate-issues-year-end-update-on-strategic-focus-and-2026-plans-1118873
OmniViz earns top grades for "NeXDR" Agentic Ai-powered security platform.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / VigilAigent, a next-generation managed security services provider (MSSP) and subsidiary of Tego Cyber Inc. (OTCID:TGCB), and Dependable Solutions, a Wisconsin-based managed service provider (MSP), today announced an expanded partnership to help protect K-12 schools across Wisconsin using OmniViz+, VigilAigent's advanced cybersecurity solution built for modern learning environments.

Through this initiative, Dependable Solutions is helping safeguard 10 school districts, protecting approximately 18,000 students, teachers, and staff from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats targeting the education sector.

K-12 schools remain one of the most targeted sectors for cyberattacks, facing ransomware, phishing, and data breaches that can disrupt learning and compromise sensitive data. By deploying OmniViz+, Dependable Solutions is delivering enterprise-grade visibility, detection, and response capabilities without adding complexity for already stretched IT teams.

Designed to align with common K-12 grant funding programs, OmniViz+ makes advanced cybersecurity accessible despite ongoing funding and resource constraints.

"Protecting schools is about more than technology. It's about protecting our kids, our teachers, and the trust our communities place in their schools," said Joe Ruskey, President of Dependable Solutions. "By partnering with VigilAigent and deploying OmniViz+, we're giving school districts the advanced protection they need, backed by people who genuinely care about education and community safety."

OmniViz+ delivers enhanced threat detection, behavioral analysis, and automated response, supported by VigilAigent's 100% U.S.-based security operations and human-in-the-loop oversight.

"K-12 institutions face constant challenges from limited budgets and staffing shortages to ongoing training demands, while safeguarding highly sensitive student and staff data," said Mark Porter, Chief Revenue Officer at VigilAigent. "Too often, schools lack access to top-tier security simply because the resources aren't there. Through our partnership with Dependable Solutions and our proprietary OmniViz+, we are delivering affordable enterprise-grade cybersecurity that helps schools stay safe, compliant, and focused on education."

About Dependable Solutions

Dependable Solutions is a Wisconsin-based managed service provider dedicated to delivering reliable, security-first IT services to organizations across the region, with a strong focus on education and community partnerships. https://dpndbl.com



About VigilAigent Corp.

VigilAigent Corp. (OTCQB:TGCB) is redefining managed security with Ai-powered Virtual Aigents that combine human vigilance with the speed and accuracy of agentic Ai. By augmenting cybersecurity teams with autonomous detection, correlation, and response capabilities, VigilAigent delivers faster threat identification, deeper context, and more effective defense.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained in this press release, those which are not purely historical, or which depend upon future events, may constitute 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. Statements regarding the Company's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, or strategies regarding the future constitute forward-looking statements. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements because of various factors. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement. Prospective investors should also consult the risk factors described from time to time in the Company's Reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, and in its Annual Reports to Shareholders.

For more information, visit www.vigilaigent.com

Media Contact:

VigilAigent Corp.

8565 S Eastern Avenue, Suite 150

Las Vegas, NV 89123

info@vigilaigent.com

www.vigilaigent.com

SOURCE: VigilAigent Corp

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/dependable-solutions-and-vigilaigent-partner-to-protect-nearly-18-1118920
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Palamina Corp. (TSXV: PA) (OTCQB: PLMNF) has acquired 100% of the mineral rights to the Esperanza concession covering a 60.75 hectare area located in the Santa Lucia district in southeastern Peru. Esperanza lies adjacent to Aftermath Silver Ltd.'s (TSXV: AMM) Berenguela silver copper manganese project which is hosted within a surface area of approximately 50 hectares. Berenguela hosts a current mineral resource estimate of 122.5 million ounces of silver in the Measured and Indicated categories and an additional 22.0 million ounces silver in the Inferred category. Palamina acquired the concession for US$18,000 outright with no royalties payable on the property.

Andrew Thomson, President of Palamina, commented: "In the last month Palamina has increased its land position in the Santa Lucia district by over 1,460 hectares through staking and acquisition. Roughly half of the surface area at Esperanza exhibits the same geology and copper manganese mineralization found at surface at the Berenguela deposit to the north west. Prior to acquiring Esperanza, Palamina concluded a remote sensing study over the Santa Lucia district in order to better understand regional geology. This study, along with a recent site visit, would suggest that Esperanza has the potential to host an extension to the Berenguela deposit. Palamina is focused on advancing its Galena silver copper manganese project, located in the same northeast southwest geological trend, through the drill discovery phase."

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4727/278488_179ebe9c948b6813_002full.jpg

A recent field visit at Esperanza, conducted by Palamina's geological team, identified the same outcropping limestone unit that hosts mineralization at the adjacent Berenguela deposit. At Berenguela, mineralization occurs within carbonate rocks of the Cretaceous Ayabacas Formation, which is tightly folded and trends NW-SE into the Esperanza concession. High-grade silver copper manganese mineralization at Berenguela occurs predominantly as manganese-rich gossans replacing the carbonate sequence.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4727/278488_179ebe9c948b6813_003full.jpg

Geological Summary and Next Steps

Palamina commissioned ALS Goldspot to acquire and process WorldView-3 data to generate a hyperspectral map of the whole Santa Lucia district. Initial results confirm that manganese minerals are the primary pathfinders for CRD-type mineralization in the region and that the main Berenguela manganese trend extends into the Esperanza concession.

Manganese is also the key pathfinder at Palamina's 100%-owned Galena silver copper manganese project and at the nearby historic Santa Barbara and Berenguela CRD mines. At Galena, recently released soil sampling results show that strong manganese anomalies coincide with outcropping silver and base-metal mineralization (NR December 1, 2025). Palamina plans to conduct detailed geological mapping and sampling at Esperanza in early 2026.

The technical information herein has been reviewed and approved by Alvaro Fernandez-Baca, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Fernandez-Baca has reviewed and approved the content of this news release.

About Palamina Corp.

Palamina is an exploration company with a land bank of gold projects in the Puno Orogenic Gold Belt in southeastern Peru and a land bank of high grade copper-silver assets in southeastern and northeastern Peru. Palamina trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PA and on the OTCQB under the symbol PLMNF.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the use of proceeds of the Offering and the Company's future business plans. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company appears in the Company's continuous disclosure filings, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278488

Source: Palamina Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Sitka Gold Corp. (TSXV: SIG) (FSE: 1RF) (OTCQB: SITKF) ("Sitka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with Kluane Drilling Ltd. to complete up to 60,000 metres of diamond drilling in 2026 at its flagship RC Gold Project ("RC Gold" or the "Project") located in the prolific Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon. This will be the largest drilling campaign ever conducted at RC Gold, effectively doubling the total metres drilled at the Project since Sitka's first drilling program launched in 2020. Drilling in 2026 is designed to demonstrate the RC Gold Project is host to multiple gold deposits within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (CCIC; see Figure 2) and has the potential to develop into a significant new mining district. A large portion of the drilling next year will focus on the Rhosgobel target where the discovery drill program in 2025 has demonstrated the potential for a multi-million ounce intrusion related gold deposit. Drilling will also focus on the Blackjack and Eiger gold deposit areas, both of which remain open for expansion of near surface resources and where recent drilling has intersected higher-grade mineralization at depth, highlighting the potential for underground resources. Drilling will also continue at numerous other targets within the CCIC that have had successful initial drill programs that have intersected intrusion related gold mineralization with significant gold results in addition to other targets identified elsewhere within the district-scale, 431 square kilometre road accessible property (see Figures 1 and 2).

Kluane Drilling Ltd., a well established, highly experienced local drilling company based in Whitehorse, Yukon with over 30 years of experience diamond drilling in the Yukon and around the world, has been contracted to complete up to 60,000 metres of drilling at the Company's flagship RC Gold Project. Kluane Drilling is dedicated to providing quality drilling services based on technical innovation and human talent and specializes in achieving high drilling production in various drilling environments. Kluane Drilling has proven to be an exceptional drill contractor for the past three years, completing the 2025 drilling program on time and under budget, and Sitka looks forward to continuing to work with them as the Company further advances RC Gold in 2026.

"We are very pleased to have secured the services of Kluane Drilling Ltd. for what will be our largest ever diamond drilling program planned at our RC Gold Project in 2026," said Cor Coe, Director and CEO of Sitka. "Kluane has been providing Sitka with exceptional drilling services throughout our annual winter and summer drilling programs at RC Gold since 2023 and we look forward to continuing to develop the project with them in the coming year as we substantially increase the scale and scope of drilling. The expanded drilling program is based on the success of the 2025 drilling campaign at RC Gold which was increased when strong mineralization containing visible gold over a large area at surface indicated the discovery of a 3rd gold deposit at the Rhosgobel intrusion. Initial assay results from Rhosgobel have been exceptional and surface geochemistry and geophysics indicate the potential for the discovery to grow significantly with further drilling. The Clear Creek Intrusive Complex is a target rich environment where Sitka will continue drilling to grow the known deposits, follow up on drill results at several targets where significant gold assays have been intersected in initial drilling and advance and drill test new under-explored targets. With over $45 million in cash and no debt, the Company is fully funded to complete the planned work program at RC Gold next year and we look forward to receiving the results from the remaining 35 diamond drill holes of the 2025 season totalling 11,279 metres that are still pending from the Project."

Figure 1: A long section of the RC Gold Project showing the drilling distribution between Blackjack and Rhosgobel.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/278479_1acf82c76428b84f_001full.jpg

Figure 2: A plan map of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (CCIC) showing the updated resource areas at Blackjack and Eiger, and the six additional areas that have drill targets indicated by the mauve hatched areas. The map highlights the numerous drill targets that Sitka has outlined within the CCIC which all are connected by the road network on the project and occur in an area measuring five (5) km north-south and twelve (12) km east-west. Additional areas highlighted by strong gold in soil anomalies are being advanced to the drill ready stage with additional geological work in 2025.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/278479_1acf82c76428b84f_002full.jpg

RC Gold Project Highlights

The RC Project covers 11 Mid-Cretaceus intermediate intrusions hosting significant Reduced Intrusion-Related gold style (RIRGS) mineralization with several target areas returning greater than 100 g*m (g/t gold x metres) intersections from initial drilling. The Blackjack and Eiger are the two most advanced deposits with existing mineral resource estimates (1,291,000 ounces of gold in 39,962,000 tonnes grading 1.01 g/t gold in an indicated category and 1,044,000 ounces of gold in 34,603,000 tonnes grading 0.94 g/t gold in an inferred category at Blackjack and 440,000 ounces of gold in 27,362,000 tonnes grading 0.50 g/t gold in an inferred category at Eiger). Deep drilling at Blackjack (Hole 076 intersected 65.0 m of 2.00 g/t gold from 806.0 metres, which includes two higher grade intervals of 8.0 m of 4.80 g/t gold and 6.26 m of 5.53 g/t gold; see press release dated June 11, 2025, and 164.8 metres of 0.82 g/t gold starting 9 metres from surface, including 119.0 metres of 1.05 g/t gold, 37.9 metres of 2.05 g/t gold and 11.5 metres of 4.32 g/t gold; see news release dated November 25, 2025) intersected higher grade mineralization at depth highlighting the potential for underground resources at Blackjack. Drilling at Rhosgobel outlined a 1.1 km wide zone of RIRGS style mineralization down to a depth of over 400 m. The best results to date at Rhosgobel were hole DDRCRG-25-010 which intersected 235.9 m of 1.11 g/t gold, including 40.0 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 10.0 m of 5.29 g/t gold, from the surface (see news release dated September 18, 2025). Drilling at Contact returned impressive results with up to 119.0 metres of 1.01 g/t gold returned from surface, including 10.7 m of 4.1 g/t gold and 1.2 metres of 24.8 g/t gold, confirming significant gold mineralization at the Contact Zone (see news release dated November 12, 2025).

The expanded 2026 drill program will focus on following up on the new discovery at Rhosgobel, expanding existing known zones of gold mineralization at Blackjack, Eiger, Pukelman, Contact and BearPaw and exploring new targets within the property.

About Sitka's Flagship RC Gold Project

Sitka's 100% owned RC Gold Project consists of a 431 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City, which has a 5,000 foot paved runway, and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson City. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between the Eagle Gold Mine and the past producing Brewery Creek Gold Mine.

The RC Gold Project now has pit-constrained mineral resources that are contained in two zones: the Blackjack and Eiger gold deposits with 1,291,000 ounces of gold in 39,962,000 tonnes grading 1.01 g/t gold in an indicated category and 1,044,000 ounces of gold in 34,603,000 tonnes grading 0.94 g/t gold in an inferred category at Blackjack and 440,000 ounces of gold in 27,362,000 tonnes grading 0.50 g/t gold in an inferred category at Eiger. These resource estimate numbers are supported by the recently updated technical report for RC Gold, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards, entitled "Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory", prepared by Ronald G. Simpson, P. Geo., of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 21, 2025. This report is available on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.sitkagoldcorp.com).

Both of these deposits begin at surface, are potentially open pit minable and Initial bottle roll metallurgical testing confirmed the non-refractory characteristics of the gold mineralization and returned gold extraction rates averaging around 85%. Further metallurgical testwork in 2024 returned recoveries ranging from 77.6 to 93% for gravity followed by cyanidation.

For the purposes of the current resource model, it is assumed that a likely mill flowsheet would consist of a gravimetric, flotation, and cyanidation circuit.

The company has now completed 165 diamond drill holes for a total of 59,770 metres across the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (CCIC), and an additional 3 holes for 858 metres in the May-Qu Intrusion. Drilling continues to outline higher grade mineralization at all zones including hole DDRCCC-24-068 at Blackjack which intersected 678.1 metres of 1.04 g/t gold starting from surface (see news release dated October 21, 2024), and hole DDRCCC-25-075 which intersected 352.8 metres of 1.55 g/t gold including 108.9 metres of 3.27 g/t gold and 45.0 metres of 4.52 g/t gold (see news release dated April 22, 2025). Drilling in 2024/2025 has resulted in the discovery of a new higher grade zone at Rhosggobel including hole DDRCRG-25-010 at Rhosgobel which intersected 235.9 metres of 1.11 g/t gold, including 40.0 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 10.0 m of 5.29 g/t gold, from surface (see news release dated September 18, 2025).

RC Gold Deposit Model

Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is within the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the AurMac Project with an Indicated Mineral Resource of 112.5 million tonnes grading 0.63 gram per tonne gold (2.274 million ounces)(4) plus an Inferred resource of 280.6 million tonnes grading 0.60 g/t gold (5.454 million ounces)(4), the Valley Deposit, with a current Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 7.94 million oz gold at 1.21 g/t and an additional Inferred Mineral Resource of 0.89 million oz at 0.62 g/t gold(5), and the Raven deposit with an inferred mineral resource of 1.1 million oz (19.96 million tonnes at 1.67 g/t gold)(6). The QP has been unable to verify the information regarding the above resource estimations and the information is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the property that is the subject of the disclosure.

(1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf

(2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf

(3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://minedocs.com/22/Brewery-Creek-PEA-01182022.pdf

(4) July 8, 2025,Banyan Gold Corp., News Release. https://banyangold.com/news-releases/2025/banyan-announces-first-indicated-mineral-resources-and-identifies-high-grade-continuous-zones-at-its-aurmac-project-yukon-canada/

(5 )https://snowlinegold.com/2025/05/15/snowline-gold-expands-measured-and-indicated-gold-ounces-by-96-in-updated-mineral-resource-estimate-at-its-valley-gold-deposit-yukon/

(6) Jutras, M. 2022. Technical Report on the Raven Mineral Deposit, Mayo Mining District Yukon Territory, Canada, prepared for Victoria Gold Corp and filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) with an effective date of September 15, 2022

About Sitka Gold Corp.

Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada with over $45 million in its treasury and no debt. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka is currently advancing its 100% owned, 431 square kilometre flagship RC Gold Project located within the Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon Territory. The Company is also advancing the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada and currently has drill permits for its Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project in Arizona and the Coppermine River Project in Nunavut, all of which are 100% owned by Sitka.

*For more detailed information on the Company's properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com

Upcoming Events

Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events*:

Metals Investor Forum (MIF): Vancouver, BC : January 23 - 24, 2026

Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC): Vancouver, BC: January 25 - 26, 2026

AME Roundup: Vancouver, BC: January 26 - 29, 2026

*All events are subject to change.

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gilles Dessureau, P.Geo., V.P. Exploration of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

SITKA GOLD CORP.

"Donald Penner"

President and Director

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.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions and the Company's anticipated work programs.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market uncertainty and the results of the Company's anticipated work programs.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278479

Source: Sitka Gold Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE American: PAPL) ("Pineapple" or "the Company"), a leading fintech platform, today announced that it will host a virtual fireside chat on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. ET.

Shubha Dasgupta, CEO of Pineapple Financial, alongside members of the Injective Foundation will provide an update detailing Pineapple's strategic growth trajectory heading into 2026. The conversation will highlight the Company's recent tokenization milestones, its expanding integration of blockchain infrastructure, and the ongoing collaboration between Pineapple and Injective to advance and optimize Pineapple's digital asset treasury.

Virtual Fireside Chat Details

Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026 Time: 11:00 A.M. ET Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tMmQdH7xRyalcg8AuwDYug

A Q&A session will take place at the end of the discussion, and a recording of the fireside chat will be available on Pineapple Financial's Investor Relations website following the event. To ensure your questions are addressed, please submit them in advance to Pineapple@KCSA.com.

About Pineapple Financial Inc.

Pineapple Financial Inc. is an award-winning fintech and leading Canadian mortgage brokerage network, focusing on both the long-term success of agents and brokers as well as the overall experience of homeowners. With hundreds of brokers within the network, Pineapple creates cutting-edge cloud-based tools and AI-driven systems to enable its brokers to help Canadians realize their dream of owning a home. Pineapple is active within the community and is proud to sponsor charities across Canada to improve the lives of fellow Canadians.

Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. They are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and economic needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions, fluctuations in the market price of INJ and any associated impairment charges that we may incur as a result of a decrease in the market price of INJ below the value at which INJ is carried on our balance sheet; changes in the accounting treatment relating to our INJ holdings; the Company's financial condition, customer acceptance of our INJ treasury strategy, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the registration statements, and periodic reports filed with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. It encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the SEC. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @pineapplemortgage @empoweredbypineapple

Facebook: Pineapple Mortgage

LinkedIn: Pineapple Mortgage

X (Formerly Twitter): @PAPLpineapple

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278456

Source: Pineapple Financial Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Surface Metals Inc. (CSE:SUR) (OTCQB: SURMF) (the "Company", or "Surface Metals") announced today that the Company has engaged Barwicki Investor Relations to lead a strategic investor relations and shareholder communication program.

Founded by Andrew Barwicki in 2006, New York-based Barwicki Investor Relations ("Barwicki") is a full-service investor relations firm representing publicly traded companies and pre-IPO companies. With over 30 years experience in investor relations and financial public relations, Barwicki has created one of the industry's largest and most diverse database and network of institutional investors and retail investors, while creating a framework of best practices in all aspects of corporate and shareholder communications. In addition to their relationships with many of the industry's most respected institutional investors, Barwicki Investor Relations has spent the past two decades creating an integrated platform that allows its clients far reaching exposure to investors in a consistent and in-depth format. For additional information visit www.barwicki.com.

Under the agreement between Surface Metals and Barwicki Investor Relations, the Company has agreed to pay Barwicki a monthly fee of US$5,300. The initial term of the Agreement is month-to-month and may be terminated by the Company at anytime. Barwicki will not receive any shares or options of the Company as compensation. Surface Metals and Barwicki are unrelated and unaffiliated entities. Barwicki has informed the Company that neither it nor its principals have any interest, directly, or indirectly, in Surface Metals or any securities of the company nor any right or intent to acquire such an interest.

Additionally, Surface Metals has terminated its agreement with IDR Marketing.

About Surface Metals Inc.

Surface Metals Inc. (CSE: SUR) (OTCQB: SURMF) is a North American mineral exploration company focused on advancing a diversified portfolio of gold and lithium projects in Nevada, USA, and Manitoba, Canada. The Company's Cimarron Gold Project is located in Nye County, Nevada, a historically productive gold district. Its Clayton Valley Lithium Brine Project hosts an NI 43-101 compliant inferred resource of approximately 302,900 tonnes LCE adjacent to Albemarle's Silver Peak Mine. Surface Metals also holds additional lithium assets in Fish Lake Valley, Nevada, and through a joint venture with Snow Lake Energy in southeastern Manitoba.

Neither the CSE nor its regulations service providers accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains certain statements which may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). These include statements regarding the amount of funds to be raised under the Offering, and the use of such funds. There is no guarantee the Offering will be completed on the terms outlined above, or at all. Use of funds is subject to the discretion of the Company's board of directors, and as such may be used for purposes other than as set out above. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278450

Source: Surface Metals Inc.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Prospect Labs, an outbound growth agency, is reshaping how companies think about outbound marketing. By blending artificial intelligence, automation, and data intelligence, the agency is transforming outreach into something far more predictable measurable growth built on strategy, not chance.

Prospect Labs

At its core, Prospect Labs focuses on turning traditional outreach into a scalable system. Its AI-driven framework allows businesses to build consistent sales pipelines without depending on paid ads or high-cost campaigns. Instead of guessing what works, every decision is backed by data signals, patterns, and insights that tell a clearer story about when and how prospects are ready to engage.

The process begins long before a message is sent. Each campaign starts with deep research, identifying ideal customer profiles and studying market behavior. The team dives into hiring activity, funding updates, and even technology stacks to understand how a company operates and where its pain points lie. From there, AI models generate personalized, human-like outreach sequences crafted to sound authentic, not automated.

"It's a balance between technology and structure," shared the Prospect Labs team. "Every campaign is powered by AI, but it's the data and strategy behind it that create real impact."

What sets Prospect Labs apart is how it treats outbound not as a numbers game, but as an evolving system. Prospect Labs uses AI to continuously learn from performance adapting messaging, timing, and targeting with each iteration. This creates a feedback loop that refines results over time, helping clients see clearer patterns and better outcomes with every campaign.

This precision-driven model is gaining real traction. Over the past year, Prospect Labs has seen growing demand from sectors such as SaaS, consulting, technology, and marketing agencies all seeking to move away from outdated, manual prospecting methods. These businesses are turning to Prospect Labs for one reason: predictability.

"Outbound shouldn't feel unpredictable," the team emphasized. "It should operate like an engine. One that learns, adapts, and scales with every iteration."

Prospect Labs is helping companies unlock a more efficient, sustainable, and intelligent way to grow. It's not just about sending more messages, it's about sending the right ones, to the right people, at the right time. Through this strategic evolution, it aims to redefine how modern companies view outbound growth making it less about volume, and more about precision and consistency.

About Prospect Labs

Prospect Labs is an outbound growth agency built for B2B companies and service providers who want consistency, not chaos, in their sales pipelines. They mix cold email, LinkedIn outreach, and smart AI personalization with real data and timing. No gimmicks, no heavy ad spend, just clear systems that bring in qualified leads and steady calls. Every campaign runs on signals, not guesswork. And that's what makes it work. It's simple at the surface but powered by sharp strategy underneath. Prospect Labs isn't chasing trends; it's building engines that learn, adapt, and scale with every round.

Contact Information:

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278374

Source: SMG Media Group
System Installation Set to Begin in January as Company Enters Revenue Generation Phase

MIDLAND, TX / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Waste Energy Corp (OTCQB:WAST) ("WEC" or the "Company"), a clean-energy company converting non-recyclable waste into usable fuel and renewable energy products, today announced that it has secured USMCA certification for its Patent-Pending Waste-to-Energy Conversion Technology, clearing the final regulatory hurdle for entry into the United States and marking a pivotal step toward active operations and revenue generation.

The majority of the Company's Patent-Pending Waste-to-Energy Conversion Technology has now successfully cleared U.S. customs and crossed the border and is currently on its way to Waste Energy Corp's Midland, Texas facility. All remaining certified components are scheduled to arrive during the first week of January 2026.

With customs clearance complete, Waste Energy Corp confirmed that its lead engineer and installation and commissioning team will be on site in Midland beginning the first week of January, with the system expected to be fully operational by the end of January. This milestone positions WEC to enter the revenue generation phase of its business plan in the first quarter of 2026 as the company accelerates its growth trajectory.

A Critical Milestone Cleared in a Challenging Environment

Clearing U.S. customs and securing USMCA certification represents a major execution milestone for Waste Energy Corp, particularly within a complex trade and regulatory environment marked by elevated tariffs, heightened border scrutiny, and recent federal government shut down. Successfully navigating this process highlights the Company's operational discipline, regulatory preparedness, and commitment to building a durable, scalable waste-to-energy platform.

"This was a complex and heavy lift, but our team delivered," said Scott Gallagher, Chairman and CEO of Waste Energy Corp. "The trade and regulatory landscape required patience, precision, and relentless follow-through. With USMCA certification secured and our Patent-Pending Waste-to-Energy Conversion Technology now entering the United States, we've cleared a defining hurdle and can now focus entirely on execution, operations, and revenue generation. This moment marks the transition from preparation to performance for our company."

From Long-Term Vision to Execution at Scale

Originally conceived and engineered in 2021 to provide independent, waste-powered energy for high-intensity computing applications, Waste Energy Corp's Patent-Pending Waste-to-Energy Conversion Technology was designed from the outset to solve a fundamental challenge: how to reliably generate scalable power from discarded waste. That foundational vision-turning waste into energy-has only grown more relevant as global demand for energy consuming compute-intensive infrastructure continues to accelerate.

Since announcing its first feedstock delivery in October, the Company has focused on finalizing logistics, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure readiness to support sustained operations at its Midland facility. With installation commencing in January and full operations expected by month-end, Waste Energy Corp is now transitioning from years of design, development, and preparation into active operations and revenue generation.

"While this technology was originally envisioned to support energy-hungry computing environments, its potential today extends far beyond its initial use case," Gallagher added. "As AI data centers, digital infrastructure, and electrification drive unprecedented energy demand, our system offers a compelling solution: clean, dispatchable energy assets produced entirely from waste."

Advancing Landfill Diversion and Clean Energy at Scale

Once operational, Waste Energy Corp's Midland facility is designed to divert non-recyclable plastic and tire waste away from landfills and convert it into clean, usable energy assets, valuable carbon materials, and emissions-verified environmental assets. What was once buried, burned, or exported becomes a domestic energy resource, produced locally, consumed locally, and measured transparently.

Each ton of waste processed delivers a powerful dual benefit:

Meaningful environmental impact, by removing toxic materials from landfills and the surrounding communities while reducing long-term pollution.

Compelling economic value, through clean fuel production and the creation of monetizable environmental credits.

The Midland facility is intended to serve as a repeatable, scalable blueprint, one that can be rapidly deployed across additional U.S. markets as the Company expands its landfill diversion and clean-energy platform.

"This is where our future begins," said Gallagher. "For years, we've been designing and building toward this moment. We cannot continue down a path where non-recyclable plastics and tires are simply buried in landfills with the hope of a positive outcome. With our system coming online, we believe we can meaningfully address this challenge. This is about more than power and profit; it's about our future and doing our part to help clean up America one tire, one bottle at a time."

About Waste Energy Corp

Waste Energy Corp (OTCQB:WAST) is transforming waste into opportunity by converting non-recyclable waste into clean, U.S.-based energy assets. Through the integration of its Patent-Pending Waste-to-Energy Conversion Technology, the company seeks to divert waste from landfills and convert it into new U.S.-based energy streams that generate measurable environmental and economic value.

Waste Energy Corp is a fully reporting SEC Exchange Act company, trading on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol WAST. For more information, visit www.WEC.eco or access investor disclosures at www.SEC.gov .

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any other publicly disclosed content contain forward-looking statements regarding Waste Energy Corp's business operations, future financial performance, and projections. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including market conditions, regulatory approvals, and other factors outside of the control of WEC, which may impact actual results. Investors are encouraged to review all risk factors and disclosures in the company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's quarterly and annual financial statements at www.SEC.gov , before making any investment in a publicly traded equity.

Investor Contact:

Waste Energy Corp

Email: IR@WEC.eco

Phone: (727) 417-7807

Website: www.WEC.eco

SOURCE: Waste Energy Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/clean-technology/waste-energy-corp-secures-usmca-certification-as-patent-pending-waste-to-energy-co-1119011
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Exploits Discovery Corp. (CSE: NFLD) (OTCQB: NFLDF) (FSE: 634) (the "Company" or "Exploits") is pleased to announce that it proposes to undertake a non-brokered, structured Quebec charity flow-through private placement (the "Charity FT Financing") led by SIDEX L.P. ("SIDEX") and NQ Investissement minier ("NQIM", and together with SIDEX, the "Quebec Funds"). The Company also announces that it proposes to undertake an additional non-brokered flow-through private placement for gross proceeds of up to $500,000 (the "FT Financing").

"We are very pleased to have SIDEX and NQIM as key partners in this Quebec charity flow-through financing," said Jeff Swinoga, President and CEO of Exploits. "Their support is a strong endorsement of our Quebec exploration strategy and the quality of our project pipeline. On behalf of our Board and team, I sincerely thank SIDEX and NQIM for their confidence in Exploits, and we look forward to using these funds for our winter diamond drill program at Fenton as well as other exploration activities to advance our Quebec based gold properties."

Charity FT Financing Highlights

The Charity FT Financing is expected to result in gross proceeds to the Company of up to $1,450,000 through the issuance of flow-through common shares of the Company (the "Charity FT Shares") at a price of $0.087 per Charity FT Share.

through the issuance of flow-through common shares of the Company (the "Charity FT Shares") at a price of $0.087 per Charity FT Share. The Charity FT Financing is structured with a hard-dollar back-end subscription of $1,000,000 (the "Back-End"), led by the Quebec Funds. The Company expects the charity flow-through structure to provide the Company with an effective premium relative to the Back-End subscription amount.

The Charity FT Financing is expected to close on or about Wednesday, December 24, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE").

Each Charity FT Share will qualify as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act") and, to the extent applicable, under Quebec tax legislation.

FT Financing

The FT Financing is expected to result in gross proceeds of up to $500,000 through the issuance of flow-through common shares of the Company (the "FT Shares") at a price of $0.075 per FT Share.

through the issuance of flow-through common shares of the Company (the "FT Shares") at a price of $0.075 per FT Share. The FT Financing is expected to close on or about Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and may close in one or more tranches, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including approval of the CSE.

The FT Shares will qualify as "flow-through shares" within the meaning of the Tax Act.

The Company intends to use an amount equal to the gross proceeds from the Charity FT Financing to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" (as both terms are defined in the Tax Act) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") in Quebec in connection with the Company's exploration portfolio, including advancement activities on its Quebec gold projects.

The Company intends to use an amount equal to the gross proceeds from the FT Financing to incur Qualifying Expenditures in Canada, including Quebec and Ontario, in connection with the Company's exploration portfolio, including advancement activities on its Quebec and Ontario gold projects.

The Qualifying Expenditures will be incurred on or before December 31, 2026, and the Company will renounce the Qualifying Expenditures to the subscribers of the Charity FT and FT Shares with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025, in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issuance of the Charity FT Shares and FT Shares.

All securities issued pursuant to the Charity FT Financing and the FT Financing will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company may pay finder's fees in connection with the Charity FT Financing and the FT Financing in accordance with the policies of the CSE.

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 of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

About SIDEX

SIDEX is an initiative of the Quebec government and the Fonds de solidarite FTQ. Its mission is to invest in companies engaged in mineral exploration in Quebec in order to diversify the province's mineral base, to promote innovation and to encourage new entrepreneurs.

About NQIM

NQ Investissement Minier (NQIM) is a Matagami-based regional investment fund dedicated to mining development in Northern Quebec. The fund offers financial support and strategic expertise to exploration companies, with investments guided by a sustainable and responsible approach, promoting positive spin-offs for local and aboriginal communities.

About Exploits Discovery Corp.

Exploits Discovery is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on advancing a portfolio of high-grade gold projects in Quebec and Ontario. The Company's core assets include the Fenton, Wilson, and Benoist projects in Quebec and the Hawkins project in Ontario. Exploits is committed to disciplined capital allocation, systematic exploration, and creating shareholder value through discovery and resource growth.

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 or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain 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. Readers 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 including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Company's exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278511

Source: Exploits Discovery Corp.
-Two awards recognize excellence in workplace culture and business management

MELBOURNE, Australia, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Startek, a digital-first global customer experience (CX) solutions provider, announced that in 2025, Startek Australia has been recognized as a winner for Employer of Choice and as an ABA100 Winner for Business Excellence in The Australian Business Awards. The two awards recognize the organization's achievements in people practices and business excellence.

Employer of choice recognition

Startek Australia has been recognized as a winner for Employer of Choice in The Australian Business Awards. This recognition honors organizations that excel in creating positive and supportive work environments that enable employees to achieve their full potential.

The Employer of Choice category evaluates effective recruitment, engagement and retention strategies, the cultivation of a high-performance culture anchored in core values, leadership development and professional growth programs, and initiatives that promote employee well-being and work-life balance. The recognition reflects Startek Australia's ongoing commitment to fostering a progressive and people-first workplace.

Business excellence recognition

Separately, Startek Australia has been recognized as an ABA100 Winner for Business Excellence [BXA] in The Australian Business Awards. The Australian Business Award for Business Excellence recognizes organizations that have successfully implemented initiatives demonstrating excellence in business management.

The Business Excellence category acknowledges strong leadership, governance, strategic execution, innovation and performance management. This recognition highlights Startek Australia's ability to translate strategy into consistent and measurable business outcomes.

"Receiving these distinct recognitions reflects our focus on striking a perfect balance between people and performance," said SM Gupta, Chief People Officer, Startek. "We remain committed to building a progressive workplace where our people can thrive and succeed while strengthening our business foundations to deliver long-term value for our clients."

Together, these awards reinforce Startek Australia's position as an organization that prioritizes both employee experience and business excellence.

About Startek

Startek is a global leader in customer experience management, delivering comprehensive digital transformation and CX solutions. With over 35 years of expertise, Startek empowers businesses across diverse industries to create memorable, personalized customer interactions. Operating in 14 countries with a team of 38,000 plus associates, Startek is committed to connecting brands with their customers through innovation, empathy and operational excellence. To learn more, visit www.startek.com and follow us on LinkedIn@Startek.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/startek-australia-recognized-as-employer-of-choice-and-aba100-winner-for-business-excellence-302645998.html
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Roscan Gold Corporation (TSXV: ROS) (FSE: 2OJ) (OTCQB: RCGCF) ("Roscan" or the "Company") today announced that the Company has entered into a binding term sheet for a fully subscribed financing of C$1.5 Million through the private placement (the "Private Placement") of a secured convertible note (the "Secured Convertible Note" or the "Note") of the Company with a group of investors (the "Note Holders"). The Notes will carry a 12% coupon over a one (1) year term with a conversion price of C$0.15 per Roscan Gold's Common Shares. Certain management and directors have committed to participate in the Private Placement for a total of C$1.5 Million, including Board of Director and investor Michael Gentile with C$700,000.

The Note will be convertible, in whole or in part, at the option of the Note Holder into common shares of the Corporation ("Common Shares") at any time prior to the close of business on the earlier of: (a) the business day prior to the Maturity Date; and (b) the business day prior to any date set for the redemption or repurchase of the Note in accordance with their terms. The Note Holder shall receive accrued and unpaid interest on the Note, paid in cash, up to, but excluding, the date of conversion. Gross proceeds from the Private Placement will be used for general working capital purposes.

Nana Sangmuah, President & CEO of Roscan Gold stated, "We are pleased to have this financing in place as we approach the final phase of our permitting process. Roscan is on the cusp of transitioning from an explorer to a developer, a milestone that should support a meaningful re-rating."

The Offering is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals of applicable securities regulatory authorities, including the TSX Venture Exchange. The grant of security shall also be subject to approval of Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation.

About Roscan

Roscan Gold Corporation is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on the exploration and acquisition of gold properties in West Africa. The Company has assembled a significant land position of 100%-owned permits in an area hosting producing gold mines, including B2Gold's Fekola Mine, which lies on a contiguous property to the west of Kandiole, as well as major gold deposits located both north and south of its Kandiole Project in West Mali.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "continued support", or statements regarding the Company's next key milestone being the potential receipt of a mining permit, the opportunity to transition from exploration to development, the ability to continue advancing projects in Mali, the advancement of technical studies, stakeholder engagement and project development activities. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. "Exploration Target" as a range of quantities and grades are conceptual in nature and there has not been sufficient exploration to define a mineral resource. It is uncertain if future exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278516

Source: Roscan Gold Corporation
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Forum Asset Management ("Forum") today announced the final close of Forum Priority Partners Development Fund I ("PPDF I" or the "Fund"), achieving total equity commitments of $88M+. Raising the full fund amount within the target rangemarks a significant milestone for Forum and underscores strong investor demand for access to its proven development platform and expanding pipeline of high conviction projects.

PPDF I attracted a broad base of private wealth investors, family offices, and institutional partners looking to participate in Forum's well-established development platform. Since 2006, Forum's development activities have focused on disciplined underwriting, rigorous cost control, and a strategic focus on markets where structural undersupply supports long-term value creation.

PPDF I invests in institutional-quality purpose-built student housing and furnished rental projects across Toronto, Ottawa, and Guelph - three high-growth, supply-constrained markets anchored by Canada's top universities.

Aly Damji, Managing Partner of Real Estate at Forum, commented on the Fund's broader housing contribution.

"Canada faces a significant shortfall of purpose-built student accommodation alongside continued pressure in the broader rental market. Through PPDF I, we are delivering innovative, furnished, and efficiently designed units that expand supply where demand is most acute. Each new student housing unit effectively places a traditional rental unit back into the market, supporting a more balanced and resilient housing ecosystem."

About Forum Asset Management

Forum is an investor, developer and asset manager operating across North America for over 28 years, focusing on real estate, private equity and infrastructure, with a strategic concentration in housing. We are committed to sustainability, responsible investing and creating value that bene?ts our stakeholders and the communities in which we invest, what we call our Extraordinary Outcomes.

For more information, please contact:

Name: Domenic Gallippi, Managing Director, Alternative Assets

Email: domenicg@forumam.com

Phone Number: 647-618-6981

Disclaimer & Forward-Looking Information

This report contains forward-looking statements, such as "expects" and "believes", based on management's current views, assumptions, and risks outlined in the Fund's Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) dated August 13, 2024. Statements regarding project timelines, construction financing, tariff impacts, budget adherence, and management expectations are forward-looking in nature and subject to various risks and uncertainties. While management believes current progress is aligned with internal schedules and budgets, actual results may differ materially due to changes in market conditions, regulatory processes, financing timelines, and construction costs. The impact of tariffs, while mitigated to date, may still affect future development expenditures. No assurance can be given that development milestones will be achieved as currently anticipated. A more fulsome description of the terms and conditions underlying the rollover potential may be found in the Fund's PPM and Agreement to Invest which was entered into by each investor. Expectations are based on current tax rules and policies. Investors should consult their own professional advisors regarding tax implications for the specific circumstances.

The views expressed herein reflect current management opinions and are not investment advice or a securities recommendation. Units of PPDF are offered solely through its PPM to and only to those investors in jurisdictions of Canada who meet "accredited investor" or minimum purchase requirements. Recipients should consult their professional advisors to assess their eligibility.

SOURCE: Forum Asset Management

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/forum-asset-management-announces-successful-final-close-of-forum-priority-partners-deve-1118872
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Antea Group:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)-related litigation continues to morph and expand, with states increasingly targeting airports for contamination linked to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Recent legal developments illustrate diverging strategies and emerging precedents for future cases.

It's important to note that airports operate under a complex regulatory framework where federal mandates (from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)) often dictate operational and safety requirements. Because of this, PFAS responsibilities can differ substantially from other site types. Once contamination leaves airport property, however, additional state and local authorities increasingly come into play.

Against this backdrop, several states are now testing new legal strategies to recover PFAS cleanup costs, most notably New Mexico, New York, and Michigan.

New Mexico: Setting the Stage

In July 2024, New Mexico set the stage as the first state to take a targeted stance in the AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2873) by seeking to add Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Superfund cost recovery claims to its existing tort claims against the United States. This strategy leverages EPA's designation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances under CERCLA, enabling states to pursue federal cost-sharing for PFAS cleanup costs.1 New Mexico's move signaled a shift toward using federal environmental statutes to supplement traditional tort theories-and other states are now following suit.

"Thanks to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's science-driven leadership on PFAS, New Mexico will now hold the U.S. Department of Defense accountable for the monetary costs of clean-up and damages to our environment." - James Kenney, New Mexico Environment Department Secretary

New York: Adding Superfund Claims to AFFF MDL

Following New Mexico's lead, New York has moved to add Superfund cost recovery claims under CERCLA to its existing tort claims against the United States in the massive AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2873) pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. Let's review the details of the case:

Basis for Claims: New York cites EPA's 2024 rule designating PFOA and PFOS as "hazardous substances" under CERCLA, which the agency reaffirmed in 2025 despite industry challenges.

Relief Sought: Costs for investigating, monitoring, and cleaning up PFAS contamination from AFFF. Damages for injuries to natural resources. Creation of a monetary abatement fund for future costs.

Scope: The claims reference contamination at four former or current Air Force or Air National Guard bases in New York.

Specifically, "New York is asking Judge Richard Gergel to allow it to amend its complaint to add CERCLA claims, citing EPA's hazardous substance designation as critical support."

Implication: If successful, this approach could broaden recovery options for states and municipalities, leveraging CERCLA's strict liability framework to pursue federal cost-sharing for PFAS cleanups.

Michigan: Court Rejects State Enforcement Against Airport

On November 22, 2025, a Michigan state court dismissed the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's (EGLE) enforcement action against Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (GFIAA).

State's Position: EGLE alleged the airport violated Michigan's Natural Resources & Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) by failing to obtain permits and sought fines, cleanup costs, and attorneys' fees for PFAS contamination from AFFF use.

Court's Ruling: Judge George Quist found that federal aviation safety law preempts state cleanup mandates, noting that AFFF use was required by FAA regulations:

"The use of AFFF is a matter of aviation safety, and federal law governs its application."

"State and federal regulations put the airport in an impossible situation regarding compliance." -Judge Quist

Implication: This ruling may influence other states considering similar actions against commercial airports. If airports cannot be held liable under state law due to federal preemption, states may pivot toward federal cost recovery or target manufacturers instead.

Broader Context

EPA's CERCLA Designation: In April 2024, the EPA designated PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA, triggering reporting requirements and expanding potential liability for cleanup costs. The rule remains in effect following the EPA's 2025 reaffirmation.

State Enforcement Trends: So far, Michigan and Washington are the only states that have pursued commercial airports for PFAS cleanups, though litigation against military bases is widespread.

MDL Landscape: The AFFF MDL now includes over 10,000 cases, with billions in settlements already paid by manufacturers like 3M and DuPont.

Key Takeaways for Stakeholders

Evolving Litigation Landscape: PFAS-related litigation continues to change and expand, with states increasingly targeting airports for contamination linked to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).

Two back-to-back developments in New York and Michigan highlight diverging strategies and potential precedents for future cases.

Airports: Federal preemption may shield airports from state enforcement but does not eliminate reputational risk or potential federal cost recovery claims.

Insurers & Risk Managers: CERCLA designation significantly expands liability exposure for PFAS contamination, making environmental insurance and contractual indemnities critical.

States & Municipalities: Expect more states to follow NM, NY & MI lead in leveraging CERCLA claims to recover PFAS cleanup costs

Have any questions?

Contact us to discuss your environment, health, safety, and sustainability needs today.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Antea Group on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Antea Group

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/antea-group

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Antea Group

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/client-alert-pfas-litigation-update-%e2%80%93-airports-in-the-crosshairs-1119026
San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - National shareholder rights law firm Hagens Berman is issuing a reminder to investors in James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX) as the December 23, 2025, lead plaintiff deadline approaches in a pending securities class action against James Hardie and certain of its key executives.

The litigation alleges that James Hardie senior management misled investors by touting "robust" and "normal" inventory levels, while allegedly aware that channel partners were aggressively destocking as early as April 2025. When this alleged deception was purportedly disclosed on August 20, 2025, it immediately caused a 34% stock collapse and was followed by the abrupt November 17 resignation of CFO Rachel Wilson.

Hagens Berman, which is investigating the claims in the pending litigation, urges investors with substantial losses to submit their information now.

DEEPER DIVE: Read Hagens Berman's latest blog post on James Hardie's alleged inventory deception, Alleged Inventory Deception: Investors Claim James Hardie Concealed Weak Demand, or view our latest video summary of the allegations:





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hXU4zX9asY

"Consistent with the complaint's allegations, we are investigating whether the purported strength in the North American segment was actually the result of inventory loading," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation in this matter.

Class Action Suit Alleges Inventory Loading

Alleged Deceptive Inventory Statements: The lawsuit alleges that despite witnessing North America Fiber Cement customers destocking inventory as early as April and early May 2025 , the defendants issued numerous false assurances that the segment remained strong and expressly denied that destocking was occurring.

Concealment of Inventory Loading: Investors were allegedly kept in the dark regarding inventory loading by channel partners. The complaint alleges these practices were concealed while the company emphasized sustainable customer demand.

The August 2025 Disclosure: On August 19, 2025, James Hardie revealed that sales in its critical North America Fiber Cement segment had declined by 12% due to the customer destocking first identified by defendants months earlier.

34% Market Correction: Following this disclosure, the price of James Hardie common stock plummeted by over 34%, resulting in significant financial losses for shareholders.

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:

Submit your JHX losses now

Contact: Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email JHX@hbsslaw.com

To read more about the issue facing JHX investors, 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 JHX@hbsslaw.com.

# # #

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278517

Source: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
Press Release

Atos Group has signed a binding agreement to sell Ideal GRP, one of its Nordic businesses, to MAIT Group

Paris, France - December 18, 2025 - Atos Group, a global leader of AI-powered digital transformation, today announces that it has signed a binding agreement for the sale of one of its Nordic businesses, Ideal GRP, a product lifecycle management system integrator and platinum-level solution partner of Siemens Digital Industries Software, to MAIT Group.

Founded in 1992, Ideal GRP has been operating in recent years under the Eviden brand for Atos Group. It is present and active in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Estonia. Headquartered in Finland, the company offers consulting, integration, software and maintenance services to support major companies operating in a wide range of sectors, such as manufacturing, defense and technology, media & telecommunications. The Nordic business generates approximately 20 million in annual revenue and employs around 80 employees across the region.

This divestment is part of the 'Genesis' transformation plan, aimed at returning Atos Group to sustainable growth and improved profitability by focusing on core assets such as AI, cloud-enabled, and secure solutions and services. This operation would allow Ideal GRP to complement MAIT Group's expertise in lifecycle management while leveraging its strong presence in the Nordics to support MAIT Group's ambition to expand its activities in the region. The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, once all closing conditions are fulfilled.

***

About Atos Group

Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 67,000 employees and annual revenue of c. 10 billion, operating in 61 countries under two brands - Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos Group is the brand under which Atos SE (Societas Europaea) operates. Atos SE is listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atos Groupis to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Contacts

Investor Relations: investors@atos.net

Individual shareholders: +33 8 05 65 00 75

Media Relations: globalprteam@atos.net

Attachment
LONDON, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognita, a leading global schools group, today announced that Liceo Sorolla International School in Madrid, Spain, has joined its worldwide community of over 100 schools across 21 countries.

The renowned family-founded school, steeped in more than 60 years of history, is Cognita's tenth in Spain, and fifth in Madrid. This brings new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and professional growth to both Liceo Sorolla and Cognita's network of 21,000 colleagues worldwide.

Founded in 1963 by three families who remain at the helm today, Liceo Sorolla offers a future-focused educational experience built on active learning, trilingual education (Spanish, English, and French), and a strong international outlook. The school is home to more than 1,000 students aged 2 to 18, representing 25 nationalities.

Liceo Sorolla delivers both the Spanish national curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, achieving exceptional academic outcomes - including a 100% IB pass rate since the programme was introduced in 2016. This academic excellence is reinforced by a comprehensive wellbeing framework that includes personalised tutoring and a Personal Improvement Plan for every student - in line with Cognita's longstanding commitment to wellbeing, underpinned by its Be Well Charter.

Germa Rigau, Managing Director Continental Europe at Cognita, said:

"We are proud to welcome Liceo Sorolla into the Cognita community. Liceo Sorolla has built a strong, caring school community rooted in academic ambition, innovation and student wellbeing. This also marks an exciting milestone for Cognita, as it becomes our tenth school in Spain and fifth in Madrid. We look forward to working closely with the school to further enrich learning experiences for our students, both locally and across our global network."

Carlos Llorente Alonso, Director of Liceo Sorolla, said:

"We are delighted to join the Cognita community. For over six decades, our school has combined academic excellence with innovation, wellbeing and a strong international outlook to prepare students for the world beyond the classroom. Embarking on this new chapter will further strengthen this mission - expanding opportunities for our students, investing in our teachers, and fostering collaboration across a truly global community. We look forward to working together to continue nurturing confident, curious and engaged global citizens."

Notes to Editors:

About Cognita

Founded in 2004, Cognita is a leading global schools group with over 100 schools across 21 countries, which are united by a single purpose: empowering students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With more than 100,000 students and 21,000 dedicated staff across Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and the US, Cognita offers a truly global education experience. Our schools prioritise academic excellence and then go beyond, fostering resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset to equip young people with the skills they need to succeed.

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Partners Group / Key word(s): Investment

Partners Group acquires The Hoxton Hotel in Poblenou, Barcelona



18.12.2025 / 17:00 CET/CEST





London, UK; 18 December 2025

Partners Group has acquired The Hoxton Poblenou alongside Trinity Investments and another third party investor

The Hoxton Poblenou is a 240-key hotel in Barcelona's innovative 22@ District, an emerging technology focused hub close to the center of the city

Partners Group invested through its global hospitality real estate strategy, which has a USD 1 billion Gross Asset Value portfolio

Partners Group, one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry, acting on behalf of its clients, has acquired The Hoxton Poblenou (or "The Hotel"), a 240-key, four-star hotel in Barcelona, Spain, from Norlake Hospitality. Partners Group has invested alongside Trinity Investments ("Trinity") and another third party investor. The financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

The Hoxton Poblenou is a newly converted, lifestyle Hotel in Barcelona's innovative 22@ District, an emerging technology focused hub conveniently located between the city's leisure attractions, business district, and coast. The Hotel features four food and beverage outlets, a rooftop area and pool, and over 1,000 sqm of meeting and event space. The Hoxton is part of Accor's portfolio of brands, sitting within their lifestyle division operated by Ennismore.

The Hotel benefits from several thematic tailwinds, including the continued growth of tourism and return of business travel. Barcelona functions as a major tourism destination and business center, where it attracts corporates, startups, and international conferences. The long-standing restrictions on new hotel developments in the city center, as well as greater regulation of private rental platforms, will further support rising demand for existing hotels. Over the last decade, Partners Group calculates that the supply of hotel rooms in Barcelona has grown at less than 1% CAGR while demand has grown at close to 3%.

Alongside other shareholders, Partners Group will oversee the delivery of a transformational value creation plan focused on enhancing group bookings and improving the activation and appeal of food and beverage outlets. The Hotel is also set to start realizing the full benefits of its inclusion in Accor's global distribution and loyalty system.

The transaction falls under Partners Group's global hospitality real estate strategy, which has a USD 1 billion Gross Asset Value portfolio. This represents Partners Group's fourth investment with Trinity since acquiring a strategic minority stake in the operator in 2023. Last year, Partners Group and Trinity acquired The Standard Hotel, London, a 266-key luxury lifestyle hotel that occupies the architecturally significant Brutalist-style Camden Town Hall Annexe building near King's Cross. The Standard is part of Hyatt's portfolio of brands.

Stephen McCall, Managing Director, Real Estate, Partners Group, says: "The Hoxton Poblenou is perfectly positioned to capitalize on Barcelona's unique appeal to both business and leisure visitors. Executing a value creation plan in the hotel sector is specialized and operationally intense, which is why we have built vertical depth into our hospitality strategy by partnering with Trinity on this transaction."

Partners Group's Real Estate business has a USD 60 billion Gross Asset Value portfolio globally as of 30 September 2025. The firm is active across its Living, Industrial, and Hospitality strategies.

About Partners Group

Partners Group is one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry, with around 2'000 professionals and over USD 174 billion in assets under management globally. The firm has investment programs and custom mandates spanning private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate, and royalties. With its heritage in Switzerland and primary presence in the Americas in Colorado, Partners Group is built differently from the rest of the industry. The firm leverages its differentiated culture and its operationally oriented approach to identify attractive investment themes and to transform businesses and assets into market leaders. For more information, please visit www.partnersgroup.com or follow us on LinkedIn .

Partners Group media relations contact

Henry Weston

Phone: +44 207 575 2593

Email: henry.weston@partnersgroup.com
Third major European acquisition reinforces Trinity's multi-segment hospitality strategy across the region's most compelling urban markets

Trinity Investments ("Trinity"), a global hospitality-focused investment firm, today announced its acquisition of The Hoxton, Poblenou, a 240-key lifestyle hotel in Barcelona's 22@ Innovation District.

The Hoxton, Poblenou opened in 2022 after a comprehensive repositioning and reflects the brand's signature design-forward, community-oriented approach. The property includes four distinct dining concepts, flexible meeting and event spaces, and a rooftop pool and lounge with panoramic views. Its location in Barcelona's fastest-growing commercial and creative district, and its proximity to key cultural and corporate demand generators, such as Westfield Glories Mall and the Design Museum of Barcelona, position the hotel to capture both international and local lifestyle-driven demand.

"This acquisition is directly aligned with our European strategy," said Ryan Donn, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, who leads Trinity's London office. "The Hoxton, Poblenou reinforces our platform's ability to execute in dynamic, creative urban neighborhoods. With The Standard London and Park Hyatt Zurich, this investment forms a deliberate multi-segment approach that will drive long-term value for our platform and our investors."

Barcelona remains one of Europe's strongest hospitality markets. Spain welcomed nearly 84 million visitors in 2024, and Barcelona continues to benefit from a highly diversified demand base and internationally recognized cultural appeal. Tight regulatory constraints on new hotel development have contributed to sustained occupancy and pricing power, particularly in high-demand districts such as 22@.

The Hoxton, Poblenou represents Trinity's third European acquisition since establishing its London office in 2023. Collectively, The Hoxton Poblenou, The Standard London, and Park Hyatt Zurich demonstrate Trinity's commitment to building scale across a range of hospitality segments, combining institutional luxury assets, design-centric lifestyle properties, and hotels embedded in high-growth creative markets. Trinity anticipates continued expansion across Europe as it advances its strategy with on-the-ground execution capability.

About Trinity Investments

Trinity is a global hospitality investment platform with a 29-year track record of acquiring, repositioning, and operating high-quality lodging assets in world-class markets. The firm is headquartered in Miami with offices in Los Angeles, London and Honolulu, and has deployed more than $10 billion across the United States, Mexico, Europe, and Japan. Trinity's strategy leverages deep sector expertise, long-standing brand and operating relationships, and a disciplined, hands-on approach to value creation. For more information, please visit www.trinityinvestments.com. For updates on Trinity's investment activity, follow Trinity on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251217527182/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts

Kris Cole Alyssa Noud

Prosek Partners

Pro-TrinityInvestments@Prosek.com
BUDAPEST, Hungary, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading European contractor of photovoltaics and energy storage systems Solarpro is building what will be the largest solar power plant in Hungary, using solar modules from industry leader LONGi. Located in northern Hungary, the 450-Megawatt project will deploy nearly 700,000 modules from LONGi's ultra-efficient Hi-MO9 product series. The plant also expands Solarpro's collaboration with LONGi, following a 176 MW solar park they partnered on last year in Studina, Romania.

106,000 households supplied with clean power

With a peak capacity of 450 MW, the new plant is expected to generate 470 Gigawatts-hours (GWh) per year, enough electricity to power around 106,000 households annually. In replacing fossil fuels, the project's output can reduce emissions by 415,000 tons annually, the equivalent of removing over 100,000 gas-powered cars from the road.

Solarpro chooses LONGi's "back contact" technology

The Hi-MO9 solar module offers the plant the advantage of LONGi's back contact (BC) technology, a complex engineering and design upgrade that reduces micro-cracking in the wafer by 50% compared to traditional modules, increases electricity generation by up to 8%, and safeguards the module's long-term performance, including under conditions present in northern rural Hungary, like high heat, dust, and cloud cover. The BC module's benefits also compound over the three decades of the product's lifespan, meaning Solarpro's new plant can anticipate more efficient production as well as more cost-effective, more reliable clean power for the area's energy consumers.

Leon Zhang, President of LONGi Europe said: "It's an honour to supply Solarpro the modules for this landmark Hungarian project. In partnering with one of Europe's leading project developers, we're able to contribute to the region's clean energy future and, at the same time, to set a new technological standard. At LONGi and Solarpro, we're both committed to innovation and long-term sustainability, so we're looking forward to continuing the cooperation."

Krasen Mateev, CEO of Solarpro said: "We are proud to join forces with LONGi once again on this major project in Hungary. At 450 MW, the solar plant will be Europe's largest back-contact installation and a milestone in Solarpro's mission to deliver reliable, high-efficiency clean energy across the region. The advanced technology of the Hi-MO9 was a clear choice to maximize the project's performance and long-term reliability.

By combining Solarpro's EPC expertise with LONGi's innovation, we are setting a new standard for utility-scale solar in Europe."

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2847939/LONGi_SOLARPRO.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2767420/5687107/LONGi_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/solarpro-builds-hungarys-largest-solar-plant-with-advanced-new-tech-from-longi-302646108.html
TOKYO, JP / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world's largest express transportation companies, has completed a series of employee-led community cleanups, collectively removing approximately 360 kilograms of litter. As part of the company's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and giving back to local communities, 113 FedEx employees collected trash from parks, roadsides, and beaches in multiple locations, in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Osaka.

"Working locally to protect the environment reflects a shared commitment to future generations," said Kei Alan Kubota, managing director of FedEx Japan. "At FedEx, we are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. This cleanup initiative embodies how we can actively support local areas by fostering cleaner, safer environments for everyone."

It is important to stop pollution at the source. Marine debris including plastic waste often begins on land. The total amount of plastic waste discharged from Japan into the ocean in Japan's FY2024 was estimated to reach approximately 13,000~31,000 tons. Plastic waste in the ocean remains an urgent environmental challenge, threatening marine life and ecosystems.1

This clean-up campaign reflects FedEx's culture of giving back, where team members are encouraged to volunteer through its global community engagement program, FedEx Cares.

For more information about FedEx sustainability efforts and its commitment to a more environmentally responsible future, please click here.

1Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from FedEx on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: FedEx

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/fedex

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: FedEx

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/transportation/fedex-employees-lead-cleanups-across-japan-giving-back-to-local-communities-for-a-cl-1119047
Press release

18 December 2025 - N 20





SCOR renews its contingent capital program

Disclaimer :

SCOR (hereafter "SCOR" or the "Company") has implemented a contingent capital program in the form of share subscription warrants with J.P. Morgan SE, which upon exercise of these warrants after having received the issued shares is not intended to remain a shareholder of the Company.

The Company's ordinary shares, which would result from the exercise of the aforementioned share subscription warrants, will likely be sold on the market very shortly, which may create strong downward pressure on the Company's share price.

Shareholders may suffer a loss of their invested capital due to a significant decrease in the value of the Company's shares, as well as significant dilution due to the large number of the Company's ordinary shares which may be issued to the benefit of J.P. Morgan SE, as the sole subscriber of these share subscription warrants.

The investors are invited to remain cautious before deciding to invest in the Company's ordinary shares that are admitted to trading, especially when such dilutive transactions are carried out successively. The Company recalls that this dilutive financing transaction is not unprecedented, as it represents the fifth renewal of its contingent capital program, first implemented in January 2011.

Investors are specifically invited to review the risks associated with these transactions, as mentioned in the press release below. It should be noted, however, that the subscription of the warrants is reserved exclusively for J.P. Morgan SE.

SCOR announces the renewal, for 3 years, of its contingent capital program which may provide the Group with additional capital of up to EUR 300 million upon the occurrence of extreme events (natural disasters or events affecting mortality) or a significant fall in the share price of the Company's ordinary shares.

This solution aims to protect the equity and, consequently, the Group's solvency in such circumstances.

The contingent capital program is based upon the issuance by SCOR of share subscription warrants, subscribed by J.P. Morgan SE, which will be automatically exercised in the cases specified in the warrant agreement (the "2025 Warrants").

The coverage period for the contingent capital program starts from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. In the absence of a triggering event during this period, the 2025 Warrants will not be exercised. The warrant agreement for the 2025 Warrants provides, among other things, for the benefit of the Company, an option for early termination of all or part of the 2025 Warrants in the event of a regulatory disqualification event, as well as an option for early termination of all 2025 Warrants on December 31 of each year, beginning on December 31, 2026.

The amount of the share capital increases resulting from the potential exercise of the 2025 Warrants could reach EUR 300,000,000 (including share premium), providing that the dilution shall not exceed 10% of the share capital on the date of issuance of the ordinary shares resulting from the exercise of the 2025 Warrants. It being specified that the exercise of all the 2025 Warrants assumes the absence of exercise of the share issuance warrants issued on December 16, 2022 which coverage period will expire on December 31, 2025 (the "2022 Warrants"), the total number of new ordinary shares to be issued upon exercise of the 2022 and 2025 Warrants not exceeding 10% of the share capital on the date of issuance of said shares.

*

* *

Key Features of the Share Subscription Warrants

The transaction will result in SCOR issuing 8,971,220 share subscription warrants to J.P. Morgan SE, each 2025 Warrant entitling J.P. Morgan SE to subscribe for two new SCOR ordinary shares up to a limit of 10% of the number of ordinary shares comprising the Company's share capital on the date of issue of said ordinary shares. The subscription price of each 2025 Warrant amounts to EUR 0.001, resulting in a total subscription price of EUR 8,971.22.

Under the terms of the warrant agreement for the 2025 Warrants, J.P. Morgan SE has undertaken, subject to certain conditions, to exercise for all or part of the 2025 Warrants following the occurrence of natural or non-natural catastrophe-type events likely to have a significant impact on the Group's profitability or solvency, or a significant fall in the share price of the Company's ordinary shares, as described in more detail below, for a maximum amount of EUR 300,000,000 (including share premium). Drawdowns under the contingent capital program may be carried out in one or more tranches.

Drawdowns under this program will only be available if:

(1) the amount of estimated final net losses1 (as verified by SCOR's auditors) that SCOR may incur as insurer or reinsurer following the occurrence, during a given year between January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028 (inclusive), of one or more natural catastrophe-type events, reaches certain contractually predefined thresholds, including:

earthquake, seaquake, earthquake shock, seismic and/or volcanic disturbance/eruption;

hurricane, rainstorm, storm, tempest, tornado, cyclone, typhoon;

tidal wave, tsunami, flood;

hail, winter weather/freeze, ice storm, weight of snow, avalanche;

meteor/asteroid impact; or

landslip, landslide, mudslide, bush fire, forest fire and lightning,

or if





(2) the amount of net claims2 in the Group's life reinsurance business over two consecutive six-month periods during the period from July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028 (inclusive) (as verified by SCOR's auditors) reaches certain predefined thresholds following the occurrence of, in particular, one or more of the following life events:

deviation of epidemic, pandemic or a similar incidence or wide spread of one or more medical condition deriving from any disease(s);

acts of war, acts of terrorism;

accidents due to non-natural cause(s); or

material deviation from forecast biometric trends (mortality, morbidity, disability or longevity) recorded by the life segment for any reason whatsoever (including as a result of the events mentioned in (1) above).

Furthermore, subject to no drawdown having already been implemented following the occurrence of a natural or non-natural disaster under this contingent capital program, if the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's ordinary shares observed on the Euronext Paris regulated market during a period of three (3) consecutive trading days between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2028 (inclusive) is less than EUR 10 (i.e. a price level close to the nominal value of the SCOR shares), a maximum amount of EUR 150 million, including share premium, will be drawn to ensure the availability of the financial cover (provided that the 2025 Warrants will not be exercised if the unit subscription price of the new ordinary shares issued upon exercise of the 2025 Warrants is below their par value) in the event of the occurrence of a natural or non-natural catastrophe-type events during the remaining period of the risk coverage period.

The 2025 Warrants will remain exercisable for three months after the end of the risk coverage period (subject to certain periods of postponement and/or extension, in particular for regulatory reasons).

In accordance with the authorization granted by the combined shareholders' meeting of SCOR dated April 29, 2025, the maximum number of new shares issued in the event of exercise of the 2025 Warrants may not exceed 10% of SCOR's share capital on the date of issue of said ordinary shares.

All new shares will be subscribed by J.P. Morgan SE at a price equal to the volume-weighted average price of SCOR shares on Euronext Paris during the three trading days preceding the exercise of the warrants. Given the automatic nature of the drawdowns resulting from this contingent share issuance facility and the guarantee that such automaticity provides the Company to access the proceeds of the corresponding issuance should it require hedging, a discount of 7.5% will be applied, provided that the 2025 Warrants will not be exercised if the unit subscription price of the new ordinary shares issued upon exercise of the 2025 Warrants is below their par value. This price will be rounded down to the nearest thousandth of a euro.

J.P. Morgan SE has committed to subscribe to the new shares issued upon exercise of the 2025 Warrants, but does not intend to become a long-term shareholder of SCOR and will sell its shares through private placements and/or market sales. In this regard, SCOR and J.P. Morgan SE have entered into a profit-sharing agreement, which provides that 75% of any profit will be shared with SCOR. If the sale of the new shares is completed immediately after the exercise of the 2025 Warrants in an off-market transaction, SCOR's share of the profit will be paid in the form of SCOR shares to limit the dilutive impact of the transaction on SCOR shareholders.

It is specified that from the date of notification of the occurrence of one of the aforementioned triggering events by SCOR to J.P. Morgan SE and until the exercise of the 2025 Warrants, the trading desk of J.P. Morgan SE responsible for managing its market risk in respect of the 2025 Warrants will be prohibited from entering into hedging transactions on SCOR shares, with the exception of standard transactions entered into independently within the context of the banking and brokerage activities of J.P. Morgan SE and its affiliates.

By way of illustration:

(a) Under current market conditions (i.e. for an issue price of EUR 25.56 per share based on a 7.5% discount applied to the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's ordinary shares observed on the Euronext Paris regulated market during the three (3) consecutive trading days preceding the issue date3 of 27.63 euros per share), the drawing down of the entire cover (EUR 300 million) would represent a maximum of 6.54% of SCOR's share capital4.

(b) In the event that a single tranche of EUR 150 million were drawn down due to the fall in the SCOR share price, based on a volume-weighted average price of the Company's ordinary shares observed on the Euronext Paris regulated market over a period of three (3) consecutive trading days of EUR 10 per share (i.e. for an issue price of EUR 9.25 per share after a 7.5% discount), the transaction would represent 9.04% of the SCOR's share capital5.



Given these theoretical dilution levels and the fact that the number of new shares that may be issued upon exercise of the 2025 Warrants is limited to 10% of SCOR's share capital on the date of said issuance, the implementation of this contingent share issuance program does not require a prospectus approved by the French Financial Markets Authority ("AMF"). If the contingent capital program is triggered, SCOR will disclose to the market the relevant information in accordance with the applicable regulations at the time of the drawdown or issuance of the new shares regarding the circumstances of the issuance, the amount of the drawdown, the issue price, the number of shares issued, and the consequences of such an issuance for its shareholders.

The 2025 Warrants will not be listed.

J.P Morgan SE may not sell or transfer the 2025 Warrants except (i) with the Company's prior written consent, or (ii) within the group of J.P. Morgan SE, provided that such transferee entity satisfies the conditions set by the twenty-sixth resolution of the combined shareholders' meeting of April 29, 2025, or (iii) to the offeror of a tender offer for the SCOR's securities provided that such tender offer is successful and is reopened pursuant to the General Regulation of the AMF (Reglement general de l'Autorite des marches financiers).





This transaction will have no impact on SCOR's 2025 accounts due to the insignificant subscription amount received by SCOR from J.P. Morgan SE at the time of the warrant issuance (0.001 euro per 2025 Warrants).

Rationale for the transaction and financing horizon

This financial hedge is a contingent share issuance facility, which can only be triggered if the triggering events described above occur. Its potential dilutive impact therefore depends on the probability of occurrence of such events and the share price at the time of the triggering event.

SCOR's management believes that this contingent capital solution provides its shareholders with a significant net economic benefit, insofar as it compares favorably with traditional retrocessions and ILS insurance securities and allows SCOR to improve the resilience of its balance sheet while optimizing its risk protection costs with a limited potential dilutive impact.

Over the past 24 months, with the exception of new share issuances resulting from the exercise of stock options, the Company has not carried out any dilutive transactions.

The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2025 Warrants amount to EUR 8,971.22, corresponding to 8,971,220 2025 Warrants with a par value of 0.001 each. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2025 Warrants are not linked to any specific strategy and will be used for general corporate purposes.

Dilution

Impact of the issuance of the 2025 Warrants (and of their partial or full exercise) on the shareholding of a shareholder holding 1% of the Company's share capital, as recorded on November 30, 2025, and calculated on the basis of the volume-weighted average closing price (VWAP) of the Company's ordinary shares observed on the Euronext Paris regulated market over three (3) consecutive trading days preceding the issuance of the 2025 Warrants.





Shareholder participation (in %) Non-diluted basis Diluted basis (1) Before issuance 1.000% 0.985% After issuance of 16,216,216 new shares corresponding to the partial exercise of the 2025 Warrants following the satisfaction of the price condition (2) 0.917% 0.905% After issuance of 11,738,024 new shares corresponding to the full exercise of the 2025 Warrants following the occurrence of a natural or non-natural disaster (3) 0.939% 0.925%

(1) Assuming the exercise of all 2,716,078 outstanding stock options as at November 30, 2025, whether exercisable or not, and giving rights to 2,716,078 new shares of the Company. The exercise of all 2025 Warrants assumes that the 2022 Warrants will not be exercised, and the total number of new ordinary shares to be issued upon exercise of the 2022 and 2025 Warrants cannot exceed 10% of the share capital on the date of issuance of said shares.

(2) Assuming the exercise of EUR 150 million of the 2025 Warrants in the event that the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's ordinary shares observed on the Euronext Paris regulated market during a period of three (3) consecutive trading days between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2028 (inclusive) would be less than EUR 10.

(3) Assuming the exercise of EUR 300 million of the 2025 Warrants in a single tranche should a hedging need arise due to natural disasters occurring between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2028 (inclusive), or non-natural disasters occurring between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028 (inclusive), which in each case could have a significant impact on the Group's profitability or solvency. The full exercise of the 2025 Warrants in a single tranche excludes any prior partial exercise of the 2025 Warrants under the market price condition.

Impact of the issuance of the 2025 Warrants (and of their partial or full exercise) on the participation of a shareholder holding 1% of the Company's share capital, as recorded on November 30, 2025, and calculated on the basis of an issue price equal to the unit nominal value of EUR 7.8769723 per ordinary share of the Company6 (value below which no issuance can take place except by reducing the nominal value).





Shareholder participation (in %) Non-diluted basis Diluted Basis (1) Before issuance 1.000% 0.985% After issuance of 17,942,440 new shares corresponding to the partial exercise of the 2025 Warrants following the satisfaction of the share price condition (2) 0.909% 0.897% After issuance of 17,942,440 new shares corresponding to the full exercise of the 2025 Warrants following the occurrence of a natural or non-natural disaster (2)(3) 0.909% 0.897%

(1) Assuming the exercise of all 2,716,078 outstanding stock options as at November 30, 2025, whether exercisable or not, and giving rights to 2,716,078 new shares of the Company. The full exercise of the 2025 Warrants assumes that the 2022 Warrants are not exercised, as the total number of new ordinary shares to be issued upon exercise of the 2022 Warrants and the 2025 Warrants may not exceed 10% of the share capital as of the date of issuance of such shares.

(2) The impact of the issuance of ordinary shares resulting from the exercise of the 2025 Warrants on the holding of a shareholder owning 1% of the Company's share capital as at November 30, 2025 is identical in the event of a partial or full exercise of the 2025 Warrants, since the dilution cap (i.e., 10% of the share capital as of the date of issuance of such shares) would be reached in both cases, assuming that the issue price of the ordinary shares resulting from the exercise of the 2025 Warrants is equal to the nominal value of the Company's ordinary shares.

(3) Assuming the exercise of EUR 300 million of the 2025 Warrants in a single tranche should a hedging need arise due to natural disasters occurring between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2028 (inclusive), or non-natural disasters occurring between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028 (inclusive), which in each case could have a significant impact on the Group's profitability or solvency. The full exercise of the 2025 Warrants in a single tranche excludes any prior partial exercise of the 2025 Warrants under the market price condition.

Presentation of the intermediary and the commissions/benefits received in connection with the transaction

J.P. Morgan, a European company incorporated under German law, having its registered office at TaunusTurm, Taunustor 1, 60310 Frankfurt am Main, Germany, registered under number HRB 126056, is an investment services provider authorized to provide the investment services described in paragraph 6-1 of Article L. 321-1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code.

SCOR will pay J.P. Morgan SE an annual fee equal to a fixed percentage of the maximum amount that SCOR may draw down under the contingent capital mechanism, adjusted, where applicable, at the beginning of each financial year to take into account any amount already drawn down by SCOR.

As indicated in the main features of the 2025 Warrants above, a discount of 7.5% will be applied to the subscription price of SCOR ordinary shares in the event of exercise of the 2025 Warrants.

Risk factors

In addition to the risk factors relating to the Group and its activities described in Chapter 3 "Risk Factors and Risk Management Mechanisms" of the Company's 2025 Universal Registration Document published on March 20, 2025 and filed with the AMF under number D.25-0124, current shareholders and investors are exposed to the following risks in connection with the implementation of the contingent capital mechanism:

Risks related to the dilution of the SCOR Shareholders: In the event that the 2025 Warrants are exercised, SCOR shareholders, who are not entitled to participate in the transaction, would experience a dilution of their shareholding upon the issuance of the new shares;

In the event that the 2025 Warrants are exercised, SCOR shareholders, who are not entitled to participate in the transaction, would experience a dilution of their shareholding upon the issuance of the new shares; Risk of Early Termination of the 2025 Warrants and Loss of Associated Coverage :

The 2025 Warrants may cease to qualify for inclusion in the calculation of the SCR prior to the expiration of their validity period. Furthermore, the 2025 Warrants may be terminated, in whole or in part, including at the Company's discretion before their maturity in the event of a regulatory disqualification resulting in a loss of coverage for the SCOR Group;

The 2025 Warrants may cease to qualify for inclusion in the calculation of the SCR prior to the expiration of their validity period. Furthermore, the 2025 Warrants may be terminated, in whole or in part, including at the Company's discretion before their maturity in the event of a regulatory disqualification resulting in a loss of coverage for the SCOR Group; Risk of Non-Exercise of the 2025 Warrants : In certain contractual limited circumstances, the 2025 Warrants may not be exercisable or may remain unexercised following the occurrence of events such as natural or non-natural catastrophes that are likely to have a material impact on the Group's profitability or solvency, or in the event of a significant fall in the market price of the Company's ordinary shares;

: In certain contractual limited circumstances, the 2025 Warrants may not be exercisable or may remain unexercised following the occurrence of events such as natural or non-natural catastrophes that are likely to have a material impact on the Group's profitability or solvency, or in the event of a significant fall in the market price of the Company's ordinary shares; Risks Related to the volatility and liquidity of the SCOR Shares: In the event of the exercise of the 2025 Warrants and the issuance of new shares by SCOR, since J.P. Morgan SE does not intend to retain ownership of these shares, the sale of such shares on the market could have a significant impact on the volatility and liquidity of SCOR's ordinary shares; and

In the event of the exercise of the 2025 Warrants and the issuance of new shares by SCOR, since J.P. Morgan SE does not intend to retain ownership of these shares, the sale of such shares on the market could have a significant impact on the volatility and liquidity of SCOR's ordinary shares; and Risks Related to the Evolution of the SCOR's ordinary Share Price: Since J.P. Morgan SE does not intend to remain a shareholder of SCOR, the disposal of newly issued shares following the exercise of the 2025 Warrants could have an adverse impact on the market price of SCOR's ordinary shares.

Legal Basis for the issuance of the Share Subscription Warrants

The issuance of the 2025 Warrants was authorized by the twenty-sixth resolution of SCOR's combined general meeting of shareholders held on April 29, 2025. Acting under this delegation, the Board of Directors approved the principal terms of the issuance of the 2025 Warrants by a resolution dated December 11, 2025 and delegated its implementation to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. On December 17, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company resolved to proceed with the issuance of the 2025 Warrants.

The issuance of the 2025 Warrants does not require the preparation of a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, as amended, and the transaction does not, at this stage, require the approval of a prospectus by the AMF.

Absence of Conflicts of Interest

There are no circumstances that could give rise to a conflict of interest in connection with the issuance of the 2025 Warrants. It being understood, however, that J.P. Morgan SE has provided and/or may in the future provide various banking, financial, investment, commercial or other services to the Company or to entities within the SCOR Group, to their shareholders or corporate officers, for which it has received or may receive remuneration.

*

* *

SCOR, a leading global reinsurer







As a leading global reinsurer, SCOR offers its clients a diversified and innovative range of reinsurance and insurance solutions and services to control and manage risk. Applying "The Art & Science of Risk," SCOR uses its industry-recognized expertise and cutting-edge financial solutions to serve its clients and contribute to the welfare and resilience of society.







The Group generated premiums of EUR 20.1 billion in 2024 and serves clients in more than 150 countries from its 37 offices worldwide.







For more information, visit: www.scor.com (http://www.scor.com/en/)



Media Relations

Alexandre Garcia

media@scor.com (mailto:media@scor.com)







Investor Relations

Thomas Fossard

InvestorRelations@scor.com (mailto:InvestorRelations@scor.com)







Follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/scor/)







All content published by the SCOR group since January 1, 2024, is certified with Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity of this content at wiztrust.com (https://protect.wiztrust.com/en).







1 The estimated final net loss amount corresponds to the sum of the individual estimated final net losses related to all natural catastrophes occurring during a given calendar year. The individual estimated final net loss is the estimated pre-tax impact of any eligible natural catastrophe event, net of all recoverable amounts (through reinsurance or derivative contracts) and additional expenses as recorded in the Group's accounts.

2 The amount of definitive net claims corresponds to the aggregate of all claims relating to non-natural catastrophe events impacting the Group's life segment over two (2) consecutive semesters (i.e., the amount of gross benefits and claims minus the amount of ceded benefits and claims during a given period).

3 From December 15 to 17, 2025.

4 On the basis of the share capital composed of 179,424,410 shares as at November 30, 2025.

5 Idem note 4.

6 For the issue price to be equal to the unit nominal value, the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's ordinary shares recorded on the Euronext Paris regulated market during the three (3) consecutive trading days preceding the issue date would have to be equal to 8.5156457, given a discount of 7.5% would be applied to such VWAP.

Attachment
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / PPX Mining Corp. (the "Company" or "PPX") is pleased to announce the voting results from the Company's Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders held on December 18, 2025 at 82 Richmond Street East, Toronto Ontario, Canada.

Shareholders voted in favour of all agenda items, being the following:

Determined the number of directors at five.

Re-appointment of Brian Imrie, John Thomas, John Menzies, Fernando Pickmann Dianderas and Bruno Kaiser as directors of the Company.

Re-appointment of Crowe Mackay LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as auditor of the Company for the ensuing year at a remuneration to be fixed by the directors.

Approval of the new Equity Incentive Plan.

Brian Imrie, Executive Chairman, commented - "Following today's Annual General and Special Meeting, the Company remains committed to maintaining strong corporate governance and Board oversight. In consultation with our key stakeholders, we intend to further strengthen the Board by identifying and appointing at least, one additional independent and highly experienced professional from Peru, where our operations are located, to ensure local expertise, operational insight, and alignment with our long-term growth strategy".

About PPX Mining Corp:

PPX Mining Corp. (TSX.V:PPX.V)(BVL:PPX) is a Canadian-based mining company with assets in northern Peru. Igor, the Company's 100%-owned flagship gold and silver project, is located in the prolific Northern Peru gold belt in eastern La Libertad Department.

On behalf of the board of directors of the Company:

Brian Imrie

Executive Chairman

82 Richmond Street East

Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1

Canada

416-361-0737

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.

SOURCE: PPX Mining Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/ppx-mining-announces-2025-agm-results-1119051
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE" or "the Exchange") today announced market statistics for November 2025.

November 2025 Operating Statistics

Trading volume of CSE listed securities totaled 1.3 billion shares;

Trading value of CSE listed securities was $507 million;

CSE issuers completed 101 financings that raised an aggregate $172 million; and

The CSE welcomed listings from four new companies, including one fundamental change of an existing issuer, bringing total listed securities to 742 as at November 30, 2025.

"We are pleased to see continued solid investor interest in CSE securities, driven in part by near-record gold prices," said Richard Carleton, CEO of the CSE. "At the same time, we are attracting new listings from innovative companies across a broad range of industry sectors. The month of November featured new listings from a mining company that joined us from another Canadian exchange, a sustainability-oriented crypto company, a technology company focused on data capture, and a biotech company developing unique drug-delivery technologies."

What's On at the CSE

The CSE team looks forward to returning to the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) taking place on January 25-26, 2026. The annual conference, presented by Cambridge House International, features approximately 120 keynote speakers and 300 exhibiting mining companies, including many CSE-listed firms. With gold prices above US$4,000 an ounce and financing conditions improving, the atmosphere this year is anticipated to be highly positive. Attendees are invited to visit the CSE at booth #612 on the conference floor.

Canadian Securities Exchange Magazine

The December 2025 issue of Canadian Securities Exchange Magazine is available to read for free here. Titled "The Global Issue", the magazine profiles nine CSE-listed companies tackling global challenges related to defence, healthcare, technology and much more. Readers will learn about ME Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (METX), SNDL Inc. (SNDL), Bright Minds Biosciences Inc. (DRUG), Sparc AI Inc. (SPAI), Hydrograph Clean Power Inc. (HG), Nuclear Vision Limited (NUKV), Critical Infrastructure Technologies Ltd. (CTTT), Inflection Resources Ltd. (AUCU), and Military Metals Corp. (MILI). The magazine also features excerpts from a podcast interview with Nandini Sukumar, the CEO of the World Federation Of Exchanges (which the CSE joined last year), and a Q&A with Max Cunningham, Managing Director of the National Stock Exchange of Australia (NSX), who talks about his vision for the NSX and the anticipated benefits of its partnership with the CSE.

Interview with Richard Carleton

Richard Carleton's annual year-end interview has been posted on the CSE website. Over the course of a wide-ranging conversation, Mr. Carleton provided his thoughts on the state of the capital markets, driving growth at the NSX, the evolving competitive environment for exchanges in Canada, regulatory matters impacting issuers, and more. The interview is available here.

New Listings in November 2025

LIR Life Sciences Corp. (SKNY) - Fundamental Change

Stinger Resources Inc. (STNG)

Bitzero Holdings Inc. (BITZ.U)

Encore Technologies Corp. (ENCR)

About the Canadian Securities Exchange:

The Canadian Securities Exchange is a rapidly growing exchange invested in working with entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors to access public capital markets in Canada. The Exchange's efficient operating model, advanced technology and competitive fee structure help its listed issuers of all sectors and sizes minimize their cost of capital and enhance global liquidity.

Our client-centric approach and corresponding products and services ensure businesses have the support they need to confidently realize their vision.

The CSE offers global investors access to an innovative collection of growing and mature companies.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CSE

=============================

Website: https://thecse.com/

Blog: https://blog.thecse.com/

CSE TV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/csetv

CSE's "The Exchange for Entrepreneurs" Podcast: https://blog.thecse.com/category/cse-podcast/

Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/canadian-securities-exchange

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CSE_News

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadianexchange/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianSecuritiesExchange/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278544

Source: Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE)
by Jamie Badia

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Many people today feel disconnected; from institutions, from their neighbors, and from a sense of meaning in their work. Corporate volunteering is a practical, human-centered response to this challenge. While this widespread detachment presents a hurdle for global employers, it also creates a profound opportunity. Companies that meet this moment, through initiatives like annual days of service or skills-based volunteering projects, find the path forward is clear: when you help people do good together, the benefit ripples outward into the workplace, the community, and beyond.

At Paramount, that ripple effect is powered by a strategic approach to giving back. Rather than simply offering large volunteer days, the company is focused on matching its most valuable asset-the specialized skills of its employees-with the crucial needs of global nonprofits.

Talent for Good: Leveraging professional skills

To make this happen, Paramount partnered with Catchafire to launch Talent for Good, a program designed to help employees leverage their professional skills to support causes they're passionate about.

Initially under Viacom in 2015, the program was focused on engaging US-based employees through volunteerism. Since then, the Talent for Good program has developed to focus on global inclusivity and connectivity, extending a wide variety of volunteer opportunities to Paramount employees around the world.

This isn't about just showing up; it's about showing up strategically. A VP of Digital Ads might lend expertise in optimizing online campaigns, a finance analyst could help set up better budgeting systems, or a designer might volunteer to create impactful marketing materials.

By facilitating these skills-based projects, Paramount transforms a traditional day of service into an opportunity for high-impact consulting. Employees feel valued and challenged, knowing that their specific professional knowledge-the knowledge they use every day at Paramount-is making a tangible, lasting difference in the efficiency and reach of a nonprofit organization.

A key element of the success of Talent for Good is its focus on personal choice and empowerment. By providing agency for employees to curate their volunteer experience, Paramount employees from across the globe can give back to their communities, create a culture around social impact, and support nonprofits that align with their personal values.

This structure allows service to be integrated seamlessly into the lives of a global workforce. Instead of mandatory, one-size-fits-all events, employees can choose how and when they want to contribute, whether through a few hours of remote consultation or dedicated in-person efforts. This flexibility fosters a culture of sustained engagement rather than one and done participation.

A Story of Connection: Supporting Hestia in London

The commitment to hands-on service remains vital, providing powerful moments of shared purpose and human connection. A recent example took place in London, where a team dedicated their time to supporting Hestia. Hestia is a powerful nonprofit dedicated to supporting adults and children who have experienced crisis and trauma, helping them find safety, hope, and purpose. They specialize in trauma and resilience-informed support for people in crisis or who have experienced trauma-including survivors of modern slavery, adults and children escaping domestic abuse, people needing support with their mental health, and people leaving prison.

Recently, a group of five employee volunteers in the UK, including Amil Shah, VP of Digital Ads, and Barnaby Hands, VP of EMEA Marketing, partnered directly with Hestia to support its mission. Leveraging their professional expertise, the team redesigned Hestia's proposal presentation.

As part of this effort, the volunteers hosted an in-depth presentation strategy workshop for Hestia's fundraising and partnerships team. They began by sharing how Paramount professionals craft and deliver high-impact presentations in their daily work, breaking down elements such as audience analysis, narrative flow, visual storytelling, and persuasive messaging. The group demonstrated real-world examples from Paramount's campaigns, offered practical tips on tailoring a pitch to different types of decision-makers, and guided participants through exercises to refine their own messaging.

Together, they collaborated to transform Hestia's proposal materials into a compelling, well-structured presentation that could effectively persuade corporations and other organizations to support the charity. The final deliverable was not just a refreshed deck but a strategic toolkit, enabling Hestia to confidently present opportunities for partnership, highlight the mutual value of collaboration, and secure sponsorships or funding for its upcoming initiatives.

"The Talent for Good team put the time in to ensure my group at Paramount was matched up with a nonprofit that aligned perfectly with our skills and passions. After meeting Hestia, our volunteer team focused on adjusting the marketing and brand skills that come second nature to us in our daily roles to meet the complex needs of Hestia's partnerships team." Barney Hands, VP of EMEA Marketing, Paramount

Fostering a more connected and compassionate workforce

Paramount's investment in strategic volunteering is a clear signal that the company recognizes the interdependence of employee wellness, purpose, and community health. By empowering employees to apply their talent for the greater good, the program reinforces corporate values while simultaneously addressing critical societal needs.

The result is more than just hours served; it's about fostering a more connected, purposeful, and compassionate workforce-a valuable asset that truly does ripple outward, strengthening the foundations of both the company and the global community.

Learn more about Catchafire and the Talent for Good program.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Paramount on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Paramount

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/paramount

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Paramount

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/telecommunications/connecting-purpose-to-profession-how-paramount-employees-are-giving-back-1119108
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. (TSXV: CHS) (the "Company" or "CHS"), an industry leader in healthcare benefits administration software and services, is pleased to announce the signing of a five-year contract with Amalgamated Employee Benefits Administrators and Amalgamated Life Insurance Company, (Amalgamated) providers of life and health insurance solutions along with delivering health insurance and pension benefits administration in the Taft Hartley Multi-Employer Union space, to deploy its advanced administration platform across the organization's pension and employee benefits operations.

The agreement was signed on December 16th, 2025 and expected started date is immediately upon signing.

The signing of this agreement will result in a significant increase in the Company's current revenue, approximately 25% on an annualized basis over the course of the contract. The Company expects the direct cost associated to fulfil this contract will be in the line with its historical average.

Under this agreement, CHS will deliver a comprehensive solution that unifies pension plan management, benefits enrollment, claims processing, compliance tracking, and advanced analytics in a single, cloud-based platform. The system is designed to streamline administrative workflows, improve participant experience, and support sustained growth across multi-employer and union-based health and pension plans.

"This five-year partnership marks a defining moment for Comprehensive Healthcare Systems and for the future of Taft-Hartley health and pension benefits administration, as our battle-tested Novus360 platform is deployed with one of the largest and most respected administrators in the multiemployer union space. This could significantly expand the reach of a solution that has already proven itself with union clients across the U.S.," said Chris Cosgrove, CEO of Comprehensive Healthcare Systems

"By unifying health and pension administration on a single, modern, member-first system, this agreement could set a new benchmark for eliminating outdated silos, delivering real-time transparency for members and trustees, and driving measurable cost savings and efficiency at enterprise scale."

"Our platform's robust capabilities and scalability align perfectly with the evolving administrative demands facing TPA's that manage diverse health and pension programs, and this milestone reinforces our commitment to delivering technology that simplifies administration, enhances member service, and helps administrators achieve measurable operational value."

"We are proud to be the trusted technology partner supporting our client's continued digital evolution and advancing innovation across the Taft-Hartley benefits market," stated Mr. Cosgrove.

Amalgamated reinforced this sentiment, highlighting the strategic importance of the collaboration. "We selected Comprehensive Healthcare Systems after an extensive evaluation process because of their depth of expertise in both pension and health benefits administration," said Sanjay Chojar, SVP and Chief Information Officer of Amalgamated. "The Novus360 platform stood out for its flexibility and integration capabilities within complex environments. This partnership will enable us to elevate our administrative service delivery and better serve our employer groups and participants."

CHS's solution includes data-driven analytics, automated workflows and secure cloud infrastructure to streamline plan administration while ensuring regulatory compliance and accuracy.

This five-year agreement reinforces CHS's position as a trusted technology partner for health and pension benefits administrators seeking scalable, integrated solutions, and continues to diversify the company's client base into new market segments and broaden its footprint across the healthcare and employee benefits ecosystem.

About Amalgamated Life Insurance Company and Amalgamated Employee Benefits Administrators, part of the Amalgamated Family of Companies

Founded in 1943, Amalgamated Life Insurance Company has since grown into a leading provider of comprehensive insurance solutions operating in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Company provides competitive group products including Term Life, Medical Stop Loss, Disability and Specialty Drug Cost Management, as well as voluntary products such as Accident, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Critical Illness, Dental, Disability, ID Theft, Legal, Portable Term Life and Whole Life, among others.

Since 1975, Amalgamated Life Insurance Company has consistently earned the "A" (Excellent) Rating from A.M. Best Company attesting to its strong fiscal position and claims paying abilities. The Company is a member of the Amalgamated Family of Companies; which includes: a third-party administrator, Amalgamated Employee Benefits Administrators; Amalgamated Medical Care Management, a medical care management firm; Amalgamated Agency, a property and casualty broker; and AliGraphics, a printing firm.

About Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc.

Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta and is the parent company of Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. (Delaware). The Company is a vertically integrated software as a services (SaaS) company focused on digitizing healthcare with Healthcare Benefits Administration solutions, providing reliable and high-volume transaction-capable systems. The Company's state-of-the-art Novus 360 Healthcare Welfare and Benefits Administration (HWBA) SaaS platform is used by clients for all aspects of healthcare benefits administration (including self-funded employers, providers, and labor unions), providing healthcare administrative software and technology-enabled services.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

The press release contains "forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "budget", "believe", "project", "estimate", "expect", "scheduled", "forecast", "strategy", "future", "likely", "may", "to be", "could", "would", "should", "will" and similar references to future periods or the negative or comparable terminology, as well as terms usually used in the future and conditional. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as of the date they are provided. However, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors that could cause the Company's actual results and financial conditions to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause actual results and financial conditions to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, include among others: general economic, market and business conditions in Canada and globally; market volatility; unforeseen delays in timelines for any of the transactions or events described in this press release; and the risk of regulatory changes that may impact the business of the Company. All forward-looking information is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law.

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 release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278553

Source: Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc.
BETHESDA, MD / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Representatives from the U.S. Department of State, through tandem Global and its partners: the Nucleo de Biotecnologia de Caurauma (NBC), Baastel, IncubatecUFRO, and La Redde Innovacion eImpacto (La RED), launch the Empower Innovation Challenge (EIC) 2026, an online competition aimed at selecting innovative solutions in Central America that strengthen MSMEs to scale their businesses.

The Empower Innovation Challenge (EIC), funded by the U.S. Department of State (DoS) and implemented by the Assistance Coordination Office of the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA/AC) is a unique innovation competition designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on strengthening micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance their competitiveness and promote regional economic growth.

Through this competition, the EIC will award 15 grants of USD 80,000 each in non-reimbursable funds per organization to strengthen innovative projects that empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, helping them expand their reach through training, access to networks, and partnership opportunities with local and international companies. Additionally, the 15 awardees will be granted membership in La RED de Innovacion e Impacto.

Applicant organizations must propose projects in one of these six Central American countries: Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, or Panama. Participating projects may be from private non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private universities, and non-profit higher education institutions, supporting innovative solutions that promote economic growth in the following priority sectors: agriculture, livestock, agribusiness, food and beverages, fishing, tourism, creative services, technologies, light and small manufacturing, textiles, and logistics.

The application period for the challenge will be open until January 11, 2026.

Organizations that are open to apply can access the application form and participation criteria here: https://www.eiclared.org/ .

For more information about the initiative: https://www.eiclared.org/ and https://laredinnovacionimpacto.com/

For additional inquiries, please contact us: EIC@tandemglobal.org

About the organizers of the EIC

Tandem Global

At Tandem Global (formerly the Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center), we provide the know-how and the network to move business and the environment together, in harmony. We work across sectors and at all levels of organizations to facilitate long-term and lasting impact on all aspects of our natural world. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future.

https://tandemglobal.org/

TheLa Red de Innovacion e Impacto (La RED)

La RED is an initiative that brings together both for-profit and non-profit organizations to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the aim of promoting economic growth and prosperity in the Latin American region. Founded in 2014, La RED emerged from a selection process of organizations that have accelerated the development of sustainable businesses and promoted economic growth in the region. Initially funded by the U.S. Department of State, the project was executed by Tandem Global?in collaboration with its partners Le Groupe-conseil baastel ltee (Baastel) and RioSlum Studio until June 2021. Since July 2021, La RED has been led by its own organizations and coordinated by the Nucleo de Biotecnologia Curauma (NBC) at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso in Chile.?

?https://laredinnovacionimpacto.com/

Nucleo Biotecnologia de Curauma (NBC)

The Nucleo Biotecnologia Curauma Center (NBC), part of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso (PUCV), is an R+D+i center with over 15 years of experience in technological development, innovation and technology transfer. The NBC main goal is to support companies, especially MSMEs, in improving their productivity and competitiveness through technological based solutions.??

The center has pioneered projects like CompiteMAS, which has allowed NBC to position itself as a key player in the region's productive transformation, strengthening public-private networks and driving innovation in companies.?

NBC's track record includes managing competitive R&D contracts, public tenders, international cooperation projects, and delivering certified training programs since its founding in 2010. NBC created a competitiveness indicator for SMEs, called CompiteMAS indicator, which allows measuring competitiveness including economic, environmental and social areas.?

Throughout 14 years NBC has expanded its lines of work and specialization, addressing projects with innovation, and social impact, consolidating a portfolio of 500 projects executed with excellent results. Through all its activities and services, NBC seeks to make local SMEs more productive, and competitive.?

http://nbcpucv.cl

IncubatecUFRO

IncubatecUFRO is the incubator of the Universidad de La Frontera, the leading business incubator and accelerator in southern Chile, working with more than 250 companies and entrepreneurs annually. Its objective is to foster and strengthen entrepreneurial initiatives with differentiating and/or innovative factors through networking, access to networks, and access to specialized resources and services. Over the last five years, the program has focused on boosting national entrepreneurship and innovation field. Articulating collaboration with strategic support networks for entrepreneurs. Thus, IncubatecUFRO is currently supporting early-stage, expansion-, and scaling-up companies through specialized incubation services and the coordination of business boards with a focus on strengthening innovative value propositions. It also addresses gaps in areas such as business management, marketing and sales, raising private capital, and internationalization, thereby achieving a greater impact on the commercial growth and internationalization of its business portfolio.?

https://incubatecufro.cl/

Le Groupe-conseil baastel ltee (Baastel)

Baastel is recognized for its quality services in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Results-based Management (RBM), strategic planning, project and program management, and building individual and institutional capacity in these areas. Baastel's outstanding reputation in the field is built on a record of international and national successes, and expertise that is backed by attention to detail, quality, transparency and neutrality.?

https://baastel.com

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Tandem Global on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Tandem Global

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/tandem-global

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Tandem Global

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/tandem-global-and-its-partners-are-launching-a-new-call-for-the-1119191
SOUTH BEND, IN / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Today, the City of South Bend's Redevelopment Commission pledged financial support for the development of Colfax Corner, a new 202,000-square-foot research and innovation hub led by Ancora in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame. The city's financial support comes through an Innovation Development District (IDD) bond, which will be repaid by incremental tax revenue generated by the project. The IDD is a novel partnership between the City of South Bend and the State of Indiana that will be an asset for attracting additional jobs and investment into the community.

Rendering of Colfax Corner courtesy of Gensler.

Colfax Corner represents the first phase of the DTSB Tech and Talent District, and was envisioned by the Downtown 2045 Plan to serve as a catalyst for broader revitalization activities.

The project will feature a restored South Bend Tribune building and an adjoining modern research and office facility. The two will be linked on the second floor, and together frame an outdoor public plaza designed for events, pop-up programming and everyday use. Vertical construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2026, with completion expected by summer 2028.

By locating more than 400 high-tech jobs to downtown South Bend and engaging the community with an active calendar of programming and events, Colfax Corner will spark renewed energy in the city, with a projected $750 million direct impact to the local economy over the next 10 years.

"This project shows what's possible when a university, private partners and a city pull in the same direction - innovation speeds up, talent sticks and opportunity widens for South Bend," said Josh Parker, chairman and CEO of Ancora, an investment management firm that partners with universities to deliver projects that support academic, research and community goals. Ancora is the development, construction, asset and property manager for the project.

More than a real estate project, Colfax Corner is the product of cross-sector collaboration among Notre Dame, Ancora, the City of South Bend, the State of Indiana, Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Judd Leighton Foundation. The announcement follows a $30 million grant from Lilly Endowment through its College and Community Collaboration program, aimed at fueling job creation, economic growth and improved quality of life in Indiana's college towns.

"We are grateful for the support Colfax Corner has received from our public and nonprofit partners," said Shannon Cullinan, executive vice president of Notre Dame. "Together with other new developments in downtown South Bend, we look forward to the positive impact this project will have on advancing our region."

Notre Dame, as the anchor tenant, will work alongside Ancora to attract world-class research and talent while also welcoming educational programs, events, and dining and retail experiences - creating a vibrant district where innovation connects with the broader community. The district will also host ethics and leadership training through Holy Cross College and youth and early childhood programming through South Bend City Church.

"We are proud to partner with Ancora and the University of Notre Dame on this transformative investment in the heart of South Bend," South Bend Mayor James Mueller said. "This game-changing project will not only reshape the landscape of our downtown, but also catalyze shared growth in our community."

The Tribune building, acquired by Notre Dame in 2023 to preserve it from demolition, will undergo full historic restoration to provide classroom, research and innovation space. The new adjacent building will strengthen downtown South Bend as a hub for technological advancement and collaboration.

Phase Two of the project will expand west across Lafayette Boulevard, further extending the district's economic and cultural reach.

To learn more about the project, visit www.colfaxcorner.com.

###

Contact: Erin Blasko, associate director of media relations at University of Notre Dame, 574-631-4127, eblasko@nd.edu SOURCE: Ancora

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/south-bend-ancora-notre-dame-launch-colfax-corner-project-to-advance-downtown-innovatio-1119058
Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) (FSE: 6CQ) ("Cresco Labs" or the "Company"), today issued a statement on behalf of Cresco Labs CEO Charlie Bachtell following President Trump's action to reschedule cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

"Today marks the most consequential moment in the history of U.S. cannabis. The decision to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III will be a cultural turning point, acknowledging what millions of Americans already know: cannabis is medicine and deserves responsible, common-sense regulation.

This action starts bridging the gap between federal law and the will of the American people, with nearly 90 percent of Americans supporting some form of cannabis legalization and 74 percent already living in states with legal cannabis. Rescheduling unlocks opportunities for comprehensive medical research. It validates the work of state leaders who pioneered thoughtful, highly regulated cannabis programs for their constituents. It sends a strong message to our criminal justice system to stop imprisoning people for a plant that's been used as medicine for more than 5,000 years.

For the estimated 450,000 people working in the regulated cannabis industry, rescheduling is the first domino to fall, paving the way for cannabis to be normalized, respected and finally treated like any other U.S. industry. It will remove cannabis companies' unfair tax burden, allowing operators to reinvest in new infrastructure and job growth in the communities we serve. It also lays essential groundwork for progress on banking reform and access to U.S. capital markets, critical steps toward aligning federal policy with the scale and sophistication of this industry.

We commend President Trump for this action and remain committed to building the responsible, respectable and robust cannabis industry this country deserves."

About Cresco Labs Inc.

Cresco Labs' mission is to normalize and professionalize the medical marijuana industry through a CPG approach to building national brands and a customer-focused retail experience, while acting as a steward for the industry on legislative and regulatory-focused initiatives. As a leader in cultivation, production and branded product distribution, the Company is leveraging its scale and agility to grow its portfolio of brands that include Cresco, High Supply, FloraCal, Good News, Wonder Wellness Co., Mindy's and Remedi, on a national level. The Company also operates highly productive dispensaries nationally under the Sunnyside brand that focus on building patient and consumer trust and delivering ongoing education and convenience in a wonderfully traditional retail experience. Through year-round policy, community outreach and SEED initiative efforts, Cresco Labs embraces the responsibility to support communities through authentic engagement, economic opportunity, investment, workforce development and legislative initiatives designed to create the most responsible, respectable and robust medical marijuana industry possible. Learn more about Cresco Labs' journey by visiting www.crescolabs.com or following the Company on Facebook, X or LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Such forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Generally, such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, 'may,' 'will,' 'should,' 'could,' 'would,' 'expects,' 'plans,' 'anticipates,' 'believes,' 'estimates,' 'projects,' 'predicts,' 'potential' or 'continue' or the negative of those forms or other comparable terms. The Company's forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to those risks discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed on SEDAR+ and EDGAR, other documents filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Because of these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. No assurances are given as to the future trading price or trading volumes of Cresco Labs' shares, nor as to the Company's financial performance in future financial periods. The Company does not intend to update any of these factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the Company's forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, any future event or otherwise. Except as otherwise indicated, this press release speaks as of the date hereof. The distribution of this press release does not imply that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company after the date hereof or create any duty or commitment to update or supplement any information provided in this press release or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251217855799/en/

Contacts:

Media

press@crescolabs.com

Investors

investors@crescolabs.com

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Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - The Board of Directors of Quantum eMotion Corp., (TSXV: QNC) (OTCQB: QNCCF) (FSE: 34Q0), ("QeM"), today approved the grant of stock options to the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer to purchase up to 200,000 common shares of the Corporation at an exercise price of $4.02 per share. The options vest immediately and have a term of 10 years, expiring on December 17, 2035.

About Quantum eMotion Corp.

The Company aims to address the growing demand for affordable hardware and software security for connected devices. QeM has become a pioneering force in classical and quantum cybersecurity solutions thanks to its patented Quantum Random Number Generator, a security solution that exploits the built-in unpredictability of quantum mechanics and promises to provide enhanced protection for high-value assets and critical systems.

The Company intends to target highly valued Financial Services, Healthcare, Blockchain Applications, Cloud-Based IT Security Infrastructure, Classified Government Networks and Communication Systems, Secure Device Keying (IOT, Automotive, Consumer Electronics) and Quantum Cryptography.

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.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in the Corporation's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Quantum from time to time with securities regulatory authorities.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278559

Source: Quantum eMotion Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Lode Gold Resources Inc (TSXV: LOD) (the "Company" or "Lode Gold") is pleased to announce it has received conditional approval from the Canadian Stock Exchange ("CSE"). The effective date of listing on the CSE will occur during the month of January 2026 ("Effective Date").

Registered shareholders up to the day before the Effective Date, will be entitled to receive shares of Spin Co, Lode Gold's subsidiary 1475039 B.C. Ltd ("Gold Orogen"). For each one common share of Lode Gold held by a Lode Gold shareholder the day before the Effective Date, they will receive a tax-free distribution of 0.5739 shares of Gold Orogen.

Gold Orogen shares will to be listed on CSE under the symbol "OROG", pursuant to a reverse take over ("RTO") of CSE-listed Great Republic Mining (CSE:GRM), and the new shares will commence trading 3-5 business days from the Effective Date.

During October 2024, Gold Orogen added a 19.9% partner, Fancamp Exploration Ltd. ("Fancamp"), forming a joint venture, Acadian Gold Corp. ("Acadian") to create one of the largest land packages in New Brunswick, Canada with mineral rights spanning 445km2. These assets sit on a highly prospective belt that has seen many exciting discoveries including Dalradian, New Found Gold and Calibre Mining, among others. Kinross- Puma surrounds our New Brunswick, McIntyre Brook property.





Figure 1 New Brunswick McIntyre Brook property

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Fancamp invested $3.5M as part of this partnership in August 2025. $3M was allocated to Gold Orogen with the remaining $0.5M to Lode Gold to execute the CSE listing.

The listing of Gold Orogen on the CSE presents a unique and compelling opportunity to unlock shareholder value by creating two standalone companies with clear growth trajectories.





Figure 2 Yukon Golden Culvert/WIN project

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Gold Orogen is an early-stage exploration play with quality assets in Yukon and New Brunswick. Optionality exists as assets are diversified on two mineral belts that are known to have prolific gold endowment.

About Lode Gold

Lode Gold has key assets in Canada and United States.

Fremont Gold Project (Fremont Gold Mining LLC) is a brownfield project in Mariposa, California with 43,000 m drilled, 8,000 channel samples, 14 adits and 2 shafts. Mining halted in 1942 due to the gold mining prohibition during WW II. It was mined at 10.7 g/t when price was gold was $35 per oz. PEA was completed (link) in 2023. The PEA was based on 1M oz (M&I) and 2M (Inferred). MRE (link) was updated in 2025; 92% of the ounces were left unmined. Average true widths at 1g/t cut off is 53m. Project sits on > 3,000 acres of 100% owned private and patented land which is designated as OZ, Trump Administration Opportunity Zone (Special Tax Incentives).

Gold Orogen (1475039 B.C. Ltd) is an early-stage exploration pure play with quality assets in the Yukon and New Brunswick, Canada. Optionality exists as assets are diversified on two mineral belts that are known to have prolific gold endowment.

A 19.9% strategic partner was brought in and a joint venture was formed to create one of the largest land packages in New Brunswick with mineral rights spanning 445km2.

The New Brunswick assets, McIntyre Brook and Riley Brook sit on a highly prospective belt that has seen many exciting discoveries including Dalradian, New Found Gold and Calibre Mining. Kinross-Puma surrounds McIntyre Brook.

In the Yukon, Golden Culvert/WIN sits on the southern end of the Tombstone Belt which in recent years has seen extensive exploration success. It has Reduced Intrusion (RIRGS) targets and sedimentary hosted orogenic mineralization. Over 4,500 m has been drilled with 50 gram meter intercepts.

The completion of Gold Orogen's spin out into a public company via an RTO is imminent, presenting a unique and compelling opportunity to unlock shareholder value as two standalone public companies with clear trajectory for growth will be created.

Dingman Property is an orogenic deposit in Ontario, Canada with over 22,000 m drilled, with a 2013 PEA, MRE (link to report): 376,000 oz (M&I) and 47,000 oz (Inferred).

ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY

Wendy T. Chan

CEO & Director

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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 with respect to the use of proceeds, advancement and completion of resource calculation, feasibility studies, and exploration plans and targets. 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 a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: the status of community relations and the security situation on site; general business and economic conditions; the availability of additional exploration and mineral project financing; the supply and demand for, inventories of, and the level and volatility of the prices of metals; relationships with strategic partners; the timing and receipt of governmental permits and approvals; the timing and receipt of community and landowner approvals; changes in regulations; political factors; the accuracy of the Company's interpretation of drill results; the geology, grade and continuity of the Company's mineral deposits; the availability of equipment, skilled labour and services needed for the exploration and development of mineral properties; and currency fluctuations.

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. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include a deterioration of security on site or actions by the local community that inhibits access and/or the ability to productively work on site, actual exploration results, interpretation of metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required approvals, business disruptions, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278568

Source: Lode Gold Resources Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - ATEX Resources Inc. (TSXV: ATX) (OTCQB: ATXRF) ("ATEX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce full results for the initial Phase VI drill hole ATXD25C and partial results for drill hole ATXD26B, the second hole from the current campaign at the Valeriano Copper-Gold Project ("Valeriano" or the "Project") located in Atacama Region, Chile. Drilling commenced in September with six rigs operational on site and has already achieved half of the 25,000 meters guided for Phase VI. Despite the drill program being ahead of schedule, assay laboratory turnaround times are currently longer than anticipated due to elevated seasonal demand across the industry. Results will be released as they are received.

"Initial results for drill hole ATXD26B have delivered another high-grade intercept in the B2B Zone and further demonstrates potential to enlarge this high-grade target," stated Ben Pullinger, President and CEO of ATEX. "Results from initial Phase VI drilling at the B2B Zone are improving our understanding of the high-grade system and confirming potential for growth beyond the 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate. To date the program has surpassed expected productivity numbers with 12,550m already completed and over 6,500m of samples currently at the lab."

Highlights include:

ATXD26B , a daughter hole targeting the B2B Zone intersecting 54 metres ( " m " ) of 2.50% copper equivalent ( " CuEq " ) (1.58% copper " Cu ", 0.88 g/t gold " Au ") within broader intervals of 146m of 2.00% CuEq (1.30% Cu, 0.67 g/t Au) and 224m of 1.52% CuEq (1.02% Cu, 0.49 g/t Au). Logged breccia mineralization intersected in ATXD26B is anticipated to extend the current limits of the B2B Zone by 100 meters down dip. Chalcopyrite and bornite mineralization with associated brecciation, characteristic of the B2B Zone was intersected from approximately 1,050m to 1,400m downhole, before entering well mineralized early porphyry associated with the high-grade trend until the end of the hole. Over 600m of assay results for ATXD26B are outstanding with full results anticipated in January.



Finalized assays from ATXD25C resulted in an improved intercept of 164m of 2.77% CuEq (1.69% Cu, 0.97 g/t Au, 5.5 g/t Ag, 43 g/t Mo) vs. 2.72% CuEq previously i , including 86m of 3.84% CuEq (2.28% Cu, 1.41 g/t Au, 7.9 g/t Ag, 48 g/t Mo) vs. 3.77% CuEq previously, and 40m of 4.83% CuEq (2.76% Cu, 1.88 g/t Au, 10 g/t Ag, 43 g/t Mo) vs. 4.73% CuEq previously, starting at 1,558m downhole. The reported intervals are contained within a broader intercept of 584m at 1.27% CuEq (0.83% Cu, 0.39 g/t Au, 2.2 g/t Ag, 65 g/t Mo) from 1,302m downhole. Results exceed the average B2B Zone grade estimated in the 2025 MRE highlighting upside. The horizontal width of approximated 170m is indicative of thick, continuous mineralization underscoring the potential for increase in material and tonnage in the area of this hole .



Table 1 - Partial Results for ATXD26B & Summary Results for ATXD25C

Hole ID From To Interval Cu Au Ag Mo CuEq %(1) (m) (m) (m) (%) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) ATXD26B 1,014 1,238 224 1.02 0.49 - - 1.52 Incl. 1,092 1,238 146 1.30 0.67 - - 2.00 Incl. 1,174 1,228 54 1.58 0.88 - - 2.50 ATXD25C 1,302 1,886 584 0.83 0.39 2.2 65 1.27 Incl. 1,558 1,722 164 1.69 0.97 5.5 43 2.77 Incl. 1,558 1,644 86 2.28 1.41 7.9 48 3.84 Incl. 1,604 1,644 40 2.76 1.88 10.0 43 4.83

(1) CuEq calculated using recoveries assumed in 2025 MRE (see Company news dated September 23, 2025) using the formula: Cu (%) + 1.04991243188302 x Au (g/t) + 0.00824244819238401 x Ag (g/t) + 0.000357909627766355 * Mo (g/t).

(2) CuEq reported assuming metal prices of US$2,750/oz Au, US$3.80/lb Cu, US$27/oz Ag, and US$22/lb Mo.

(3) CuEq reported assuming recoveries of Cu 94%, Au 95%, Ag 80% and Mo 64%.

(4) ATXD25C and ATXD26B were composited at a cut-off of 0.3% CuEq with a maximum internal dilution of 18m representing 26m of late-porphyry dykes intersected at 1,532m in ATXD25C.

(4) Ag and Mo pending for released ATXD26B intersections with 634m of assays pending to the end of the hole. 4m of drill core was not recovered between 1,140m and 1,144m in a fault zone.

(5) Horizontal width of mineralized ATXD25C intersection 1,558m to 1,722m is approximately 170m.

Figure 1. Long-Section of B2B and Porphyry Models ii

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Figure 2. Plan Map of Phase VI Drill Holes

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Phase VI Drill Program Update

The Phase VI drill program has six diamond drill rigs currently active on site and has already achieved half of the targeted 25,000 metres of exploration drilling prioritizing the high-grade B2B Zone and similar nearby high-grade breccia targets. Details of drill holes currently in progress as part of the ongoing exploration program are provided below. Assay results will be reported as they are finalized and received from the laboratory.

B2B Zone

ATXD31A is evaluating northwest lateral continuity at the lower elevation of B2B Zone, with the potential to extend into the high-grade core of the porphyry system. In Progress.

ATXD32 is testing the B2B Zone approximately 65m north of ATXD23A to confirm high-grade mineralization along strike. Assays Pending.

ATXD25D is testing the northwest strike extension of the B2B Zone, in the upper part of the breccia system. In Progress.

New High-Grade Breccia Targets

ATXD34A is testing a B2B-like target, "B3B", for potential high-grade mineralization 130m to the east of B2B. In Progress.

ATXD35 is testing B3B for potential high-grade mineralization to the east of the B2B Zone. In Progress.

ATXD30 is testing B2B-like mineralization labeled "B4B" at the northern border limits. The drill hole is approximately 600 metres to the northeast of the B2B Zone. Assays Pending.

ATXD36 is designed to evaluate a newly defined magnetic anomaly labeled "B5B", targeting a potential breccia body located northeast of ATXD30. In Progress.

ATXD33 is targeting an untested B2B-like geophysical anomaly to the southeast, which is approximately 1 km from the mineralized center. Assays Pending.

Quality Control & Quality Assurance

Drill holes are collared with a PQ drill bit, reduced to HQ and, sequentially, to NQ as the drill holes progressed deeper. Drill core produced by the drill rigs was extracted from the core tubes by the drill contractor under the supervision of ATEX employees, marked for consistent orientation and placed in core boxes with appropriate depth markers added. Full core boxes were then sealed before being transported by ATEX personnel to the Valeriano field camp. Core at the field camp is processed, quick logged, checked for recovery, photographed, and marked for specific gravity, geotechnical studies and for assays. From camp, the core is transferred to a secure core-cutting facility in Vallenar, operated by IMG, a third-party consultant. Here, the core trays are weighed before being cut using a diamond saw under ATEX personnel oversight. ATEX geologists working at this facility double-check the selected two-metre sample intervals, placing the samples in seal bags and ensuring that the same side of the core is consistently sampled. Reference numbers are assigned to each sample and each sample is weighed. The core trays with the remaining half-core are weighed and photographed. Additionally, core logs are updated, and specific gravity and geotechnical samples are collected. The remaining core is stored in racks at the Company's secure facility in Vallenar.

From Vallenar samples are sent to an ALS preparation facility in Copiapo. ALS is an accredited laboratory which is independent of the Company. The prepared samples were sent to the ALS assay laboratories in either Santiago, Chile or Lima, Peru for gold (Au-AA24), copper (Cu-AA62), molybdenum (Mo-AA62) and silver (Ag-AA62) assays as well as and multi-element ICP (ME-MS61) analysis. No data quality problems were indicated by the QA/QC program.

Qualified Person

Mr. Ben Pullinger, P.Geo., registered with the Professional Geoscientists Ontario, is the Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects, for the Valeriano Copper Gold Porphyry Project. Mr. Pullinger is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is President and CEO of ATEX. He has reviewed and approved the disclosure of the scientific and technical information contained in this press release.

About ATEX

ATEX is exploring the Valeriano Copper-Gold Project which is located within the emerging copper gold porphyry mineral belt linking the prolific El Indio High-Sulphidation Belt to the south with the Maricunga Gold Porphyry Belt to the north, located in the Atacama Region, Chile. This emerging belt, informally referred to as the Link Belt, hosts several copper gold porphyry deposits at various stages of development including, Filo del Sol (Lundin Mining/BHP), Josemaria (Lundin Mining/BHP), Lunahausi (NGEx Minerals), La Fortuna (Teck Resources/Newmont) and El Encierro (Antofagasta/Barrick). Valeriano hosts a large, high-grade, copper-gold porphyry Mineral Resource: an Indicated Resource of 475 Mt at 0.88% CuEq (0.58% Cu, 0.25 g/t Au, 1.39 g/t Ag and 70.4 g/t Mo) at a cutoff grade of 0.35% Cu, and an Inferred resource of 1,511 Mt at 0.75% CuEq (0.50% Cu, 0.20 g/t Au, 1.16 g/t Ag and 70.6 g/t Mo) at a cut-off grade of 0.35% Cu, as reported on September 23, 2025.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including predictions, projections, and forecasts. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "planning", "expects" or "does not expect", "continues", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "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, prediction, projection, forecast, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

Such forward-looking statements include, among others: statements regarding plans for the evaluation of exploration properties including the Valeriano Copper Gold Project; the success of evaluation plans; the success of exploration activities especially to the significant expansion of the high-grade corridor; mine development prospects; potential for future metals production; changes in economic parameters and assumptions; all aspects related to the timing and extent of exploration activities, including the Phase V and Phase VI programs contemplated in this press release; timing of receipt of exploration results; the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities and mineralization; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the results of regulatory and permitting processes; future metals price; 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 and local approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration; timing of assay results; as well as those factors disclosed in ATEX's publicly filed documents.

Although ATEX 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 TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepts

responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

i See news release titled "ATEX Drills New Highest-Grade Intercept In First Phase VI Drill Hole Hitting 164 Metres Of 2.72% CuEq Including 40 Metres Of 4.73% CuEq In The B2B Zone", reported on October 21, 2025.

ii See news release titled "ATEX Completes Phase V Program Ending in High-Grade B2B Mineralization - Strategic Objectives Achieved With Resource Update Expected in 2H 2025" reported on July 30, 2025 for ATXD23A and ATXD29A details. See news release titled "ATEX Demonstrates Scalability and Discovers Overprinting High-Grade System in Phase IV Drill Program" reported on June 25, 2024 for ATXD26 details. CuEq for all three holes calculated using recoveries assumed in 2023 MRE (90% Cu, 70% Au, 80% Ag and 60% Mo) using the following formula: CuEq % = Cu % + (6,481.488523 * Au g/t /10,000) +(94.6503085864 * Ag g/t /10,000) + (4.2328042328 * Mo g/t /10,000).

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278586

Source: ATEX Resources Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - American Tungsten Corp. (CSE: TUNG) (OTCQB: TUNGF) (FSE: RK90) ("American Tungsten" or the "Company") announced that it has granted an aggregate of 1,900,000 stock options to certain directors and consultants of the Company, to purchase common shares in the capital of the Company. These options are exercisable at a price of $1.50 per common share for a period of three (3) years. 131,347 stock options are also exercisable at a price of $2.58 per common share for a period of two (2) years to consultants of the Company. The common shares issuable upon exercise of the options cannot be transferred or sold prior to April 19, 2026.

ABOUT AMERICAN TUNGSTEN CORP.

American Tungsten Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on high-potential tungsten and magnetite assets in North America. The Company is advancing the IMA Mine Project in Idaho to commercial production, addressing critical metal scarcity in North America. The Company's IMA Mine Project is a historic and high-quality underground tungsten past-producing property on private-patented land well above the water table with significant infrastructure. The Company holds an exclusive option to acquire full ownership (subject to a 2% royalty) and has expanded its land position with 113 additional federal claims covering nearly 2,000 acres.

For further updates, visit www.americantungstencorp.com or investor relations, Joanna Longo at ir@americantungstencorp.com.

Social media links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/americantungstencorp/

X: https://x.com/amtungsten

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americantungstencorp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americantungstencorp/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@americantungstencorp

(CSE: TUNG)

(OTCQB: TUNGF)

(FSE: RK90)

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

This news release includes "forward-looking information" that is subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to, statements relating to the exercise of options on the terms described herein or at all and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to such events. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future events and that actual events or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Company undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278603

Source: American Tungsten Corp.
Lead, South Dakota--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE American: DC) ("Dakota Gold" or the "Company") is providing an update on the metallurgical testing program (the "Met Program") designed to inform the Feasibility Study ("FS") at the Richmond Hill Oxide Heap Leach Gold Project ("Richmond Hill" or the "Project").

The FS Met Program is scheduled for completion in Q3 2026 with staged testing and milestone reporting throughout. Extensive metallurgical drilling was completed in 2025 (Map 1) and the Company expects to ship 4,000 kg of material to Forte Dynamics Lab (the "Lab") that represent 28 potential geo-metallurgical domains, and complete more than 30 column tests. To date, the Company has received results for two initial composites from the MW3 zone in the northern part of the property.

Highlights from this update:

High-grade areas potential for early mining. The Company is evaluating mine plan sequence opportunities in the FS and will update the resource in 2026 to include 200 drill holes completed in the 2025 drill campaign. The two columns tested from the MW3 zone graded 0.96 grams per tonne gold ("g/t") ("Au") and 23.1 g/t silver ("Ag"), and 0.53 g/t Au and 17.3 g/t Ag, respectively. The current resource model for the MW3 zone does not yet include high-grade intercepts reported from drilling in 2025, such as RH25C-164 intersecting 1.94 g/t Au over 60.0 meters (116 gram meters) and RH25C-169 intersecting 2.78 g/t Au over 39.3 meters (109 gram meters).

Column recoveries ranging between 61%-65% achieved within less than 60 days. Two columns of 0.96 g/t Au material were tested at a 1" and 0.5" crush size and two columns of material grading 0.53 g/t Au were tested at a 0.75" and 0.5" crush size. Historic column testing focused on the Richmond Hill mine demonstrated material classified as oxide by St. Joe achieved an average recovery of 89%, and the current results are complimentary and consistent with historical variability testing (Appendix A). The samples were chosen to perform first pass characterization and classification. Deportment analysis has provided guidance on further test work required to optimize recoveries and process design.

Potential CAPEX and OPEX efficiencies with positive response to heap leaching amenability factors. The preliminary compact permeability tests have properties which provide better flexibility for equipment selection and stacking methodology. Further testing of crush size including a "Run-of-Mine" test program has been initiated to study the impact of eliminating crushing for certain material.

"The FS and Met Program represent an important step in the evaluation and de-risking process for Richmond Hill. Historical metallurgical tests exhibited variability in column recoveries, and similar variability is anticipated in the current Program. The results are consistent with my experience with comparable heap leach gold deposits and support the potential for low-cost leach heap processing as envisioned in our July IACF. Over the next 12 months, we will finalize our FS metallurgical testing and trade-off studies to support the FS and to inform future permitting activities," said Jack Henris, President and COO of Dakota Gold.

Project leverage to Gold Prices and Recovery

Richmond Hill exhibits strong leverage to increasing gold prices. The Initial Assessment with Cash Flow ("IACF") published in July 2025 demonstrates that at gold prices exceeding $4,000 per ounce and at various ultimate gold recovery scenarios, the Project NPV5% can be in excess of $4 billion.

"I'm very excited to be part of the team that is advancing the Richmond Hill gold project towards a potential multi-billion NPV opportunity, in possibly the best gold price environments we've seen in decades. We will continue to advance the Project with urgency as we work towards production in 2029," said Shawn Campbell, CFO of Dakota Gold.

Table 1 - IACF; After-tax NPV5% Measured, Indicated and Inferred mine plan sensitivity to gold recovery

Gold Recovery 68.3% 72.6% 76.9% 81.1% 85.4% Gold Price NPV5% in US$ Million $2,350 $1,389 $1,571 $1,752 $1,932 $2,113 $2,750 $1,915 $2,127 $2,338 $2,549 $2,761 $3,150 $2,439 $2,682 $2,924 $3,167 $3,409 $3,550 $2,964 $3,237 $3,511 $3,784 $4,057 $3,950 $3,488 $3,792 $4,096 $4,401 $4,705 $4,150 $3,750 $4,070 $4,389 $4,709 $5,029

Metallurgical Program

The scope of work to complete the FS study includes ore characterization; column leach testing; comminution and crushing studies; process optimization and recovery; and deleterious elements and environmental testing. The Company has shipped approximately 10% of the material to the Lab to date and continues to assemble material for composite testing. The test work is being informed by the results to date as well as the historical work at Richmond Hill.

Samples from 12 drill holes from the Company's 2025 drill campaign were composited for the current MW3 zone tests. Two columns of material grading 0.96 g/t Au were tested at a 1" and 0.5" crush size. The recoveries for those columns were 61% and 64.8%, respectively. Two columns of material grading 0.53 g/t Au were tested at a 0.75" and 0.5" crush size and the recoveries for those columns were 61.6%, and 64.8%, respectively. The FS metallurgical program will include analysis to understand whether either encapsulation or minerology impacted ultimate recovery.

Characterization results announced today from the M3W zone material did not contain preg-robbing material. Additionally, based on QEMSCAN and ICP-OES, the material did not identify any deleterious elements or mineralogy. These results will guide future trade-off studies on the requirement for agglomeration.

The Richmond Hill historical feasibility study was conducted by several labs as part of the metallurgical program to construct and operate the historic Richmond Hill mine. The 51-column tests that were performed, had a wide range of recovery in the column work, however, the sub-set once classified as oxides had an average recovery of 89% (Appendix A-B). The historical Richmond Hill metallurgical data does not detail the process for classifying the 31-column material as oxide ore. In addition, regionally, Coeur Mining discloses variable recoveries from 71% to 80% in the Wharf Mine Operations, South Dakota Technical Report Summary dated December 31, 2021.





Map 1 - Location of historical heap leach samples and 2025 metallurgical drill holes

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About Dakota Gold Corp.

Dakota Gold is expanding the legacy of the 145-year-old Homestake Gold Mining District by advancing the Richmond Hill Oxide Heap Leach Gold Project to commercial production as soon as 2029, and outlining a high-grade underground gold resource at the Maitland Gold Project, both located on private land in South Dakota.

Subscribe to Dakota Gold's e-mail list at www.dakotagoldcorp.com to receive the latest news and other Company updates.

Qualified Person and S-K 1300 Disclosure

James M. Berry, a Registered Member of SME and Vice President of Exploration of Dakota Gold Corp., is the Company's designated qualified person (as defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K) for this news release and has reviewed and approved its scientific and technical content.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control consists of regular insertion of certified reference materials, duplicate samples, and blanks into the sample stream. Samples are submitted to the ALS Geochemistry sample preparation facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Gold and multi-element analyses are performed at the ALS Geochemistry laboratory in Vancouver, British Columbia. ALS Minerals is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited lab. Check samples are submitted to Bureau Veritas, Vancouver B.C. as an umpire laboratory. Assay results are reviewed, and discrepancies are investigated prior to incorporation into the Company database.

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. When used in this communication, the words "plan," "target," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "potential," "will" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Any express or implied statements contained in this communication that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: our expectations regarding additional drilling, metallurgy and modeling; our expectations for the improvement and growth of the mineral resources and potential for conversion of mineral resources into reserves; completion of a feasibility study, and/or permitting; our expectations regarding free cash flow and future financing, and our overall expectation for the possibility of near-term production at the Richmond Hill project. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and expectations that may not be realized and are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the execution and timing of our planned exploration activities; our use and evaluation of historic data; our ability to achieve our strategic goals; the state of the economy and financial markets generally and the effect on our industry; and the market for our common stock. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. For additional information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements, we refer you to the risk factors included in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as updated by annual, quarterly and current reports that we file with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. These statements speak only as of the date of this communication, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. We do not give any assurance that we will achieve our expectations.

All references to "$" in this communication are to U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.



Appendix A - Historic Richmond Hill oxide metallurgical column test work by St. Joe

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Appendix B - Historic Richmond Hill metallurgical all column test work by St. Joe with red circle showing initial column results for M3W composite



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Source: Dakota Gold Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Bitcoin Treasury Corporation (TSXV: BTCT) (OTCQB: BTCFF) ("Bitcoin Treasury" or the "Company"), a Canadian Bitcoin-native company building shareholder value in Bitcoin, today highlighted key milestones achieved in 2025, introduced its Bitcoin price risk management program and outlined its long-term strategy to build enduring shareholder value through disciplined execution and growth in Bitcoin Per Share ("BPS").

Executing Towards our North Star, Maximizing Bitcoin per Share

"Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to further develop our institutional Bitcoin lending business and deploying our Bitcoin inventory through options trading to enhance our income generation. As market conditions permit, we intend raise capital to purchase additional Bitcoin inventory when it is accretive to shareholders. Over the long term, we believe Bitcoin will continue to appreciate as global demand from individuals and institutions solidifies its status as a store of value, and that Bitcoin Treasury will offer shareholders value beyond price appreciation as we seek to grow BPS," said Elliot Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Bitcoin Treasury Corporation.

Since its listing on the TSX Venture Exchange in June 2025, Bitcoin Treasury has executed on a number of strategic milestones:

June 26 and 27, 2025: purchased 771.37 Bitcoin;

September 3, 2025: signed a consulting agreement with FRNT Financial Inc (TSXV: FRNT) to accelerate the buildout of Bitcoin Treasury's lending business;

October 9, 2025: received registration from the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) as a Money Services Business (MSB);

November 11, 2025: executed the Company's inaugural Bitcoin loan;

November 14, 2025: obtained a receipt for its final short form base shelf prospectus, allowing the Company to raise up to CAD $300 million on a short form prospectus basis through the issuance of common shares, preferred shares, debt securities, subscription receipts, or warrants; and

December 15, 2025: announced intention to initiate a Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") to repurchase, for cancellation, up to 989,228 common shares of the Company, representing approximately 10% of the Company's public float.

Bitcoin Price Risk Management Program

Mr. Johnson continued, "Bitcoin Treasury will enter into options contracts using its Bitcoin inventory to enhance Bitcoin Treasury's income-generating capability. We expect that Bitcoin will continue to experience periods of heightened volatility which will create opportunities for a new options-writing income stream.

Our Bitcoin lending programme capitalizes on Bitcoin's strength as a high-quality collateral asset: decentralized and fixed supply while being liquid and divisible. The Bitcoin price risk management program seeks to harvest value from Bitcoin's volatility relative to fiat currency. As Bitcoin adoption grows, we expect the market opportunity to generate value from our Bitcoin inventory to grow alongside."

Bitcoin Treasury intends to selectively employ options and other derivative instruments to generate incremental Bitcoin over time. Its approach is centered on disciplined risk management rather than price prediction. By writing options against a portion of its Bitcoin holdings during periods of elevated volatility, the Company can earn option premiums denominated in Bitcoin or converted into additional Bitcoin, effectively increasing BPS without requiring incremental capital.

The Bitcoin price risk management program will be governed by internal risk limits, counterparty standards, and a clear objective of preserving balance-sheet strength. The Company does not seek to hedge away the long-term upside of Bitcoin; rather, its goal is to prudently manage short-term price risk and harvest volatility in a way that compounds our Bitcoin inventory over time. Positions will be sized conservatively, dynamically adjusted to market conditions, and implemented only when management believes the risk-adjusted return is accretive to BPS.

Bitcoin Treasury will enter into options transactions only when management believes such activity is accretive to Bitcoin per Share, while structuring positions to retain participation in Bitcoin's long-term price appreciation.

Macro Picture Remains Intact

Mr. Johnson added, "Institutional adoption of Bitcoin is going mainstream, as we have seen from the growth in spot ETFs and treasury companies over the past year. Large banks and asset managers who previously ignored Bitcoin are recognizing the importance of Bitcoin as a tool to defend clients against currency debasement. For the same reasons, led by the USA, governments have begun adding Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. While the price of Bitcoin remains volatile, we believe the underlying global demand for Bitcoin will continue to accelerate and we are developing a strategy to maximize BPS in both up and down market conditions."

Spot Bitcoin ETFs have catalyzed adoption with holdings topping $150 billion [1][2]. Pension funds and asset managers are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as a standard portfolio component [3]. Corporations are following suit, such as Tesla holding Bitcoin on their balance sheet to address treasury management challenges posed by inflating fiat currencies[4]. On the individual level, adoption is surging, 28% of American adults now own cryptocurrencies in 2025, often facilitated by Layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network that enable seamless, low-cost transactions[5].

Focused on Long-Term Value Creation

Bitcoin Treasury is managed by the same team that built and runs Evolve ETFs, one of Canada's most successful independent asset-management platforms, with a proven record of growing over $8 billion in assets under management. The Evolve team manages over $2.9 billion in investment strategies that employ derivatives to harvest volatility. As professional operators and innovators in Canada's digital-currency industry, Bitcoin Treasury is committed to executing a disciplined, long-term strategy, not chasing short-term hype. Management's focus is to position Bitcoin Treasury as Canada's leading institutional-quality Bitcoin treasury company.

Our strategy is to hold Bitcoin as our primary treasury reserve asset. We will employ prudent capital management, operational excellence, and an entrepreneurial culture to meet our long-term goals. Leveraging management's TradFi background, Bitcoin Treasury's growth strategy combines internal business development and accretive capital formation in order to maximize BPS in all market environments.

Internal Growth: Building an Institutional Bitcoin Services Business

We have developed an institutional Bitcoin services business centered initially on lending, then expanding into liquidity provision and collateral services. This is not just about holding Bitcoin, it's about leveraging our inventory to unlock new revenue streams and reinforce Bitcoin's utility in the financial system.

As Bitcoin solidifies its status as a collateral asset, due to its liquidity, portability, and divisibility, these adoption trends open meaningful opportunities for businesses like Bitcoin Treasury. Recent innovations illustrate this potential. Bitcoin-backed bonds and loans allow entities to borrow against BTC without selling, preserving upside exposure while accessing capital[6]. The U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced in June 2025 that cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, can now count as collateral in federal mortgage applications, enabling borrowers to leverage BTC reserves without liquidation[7]. This paves the way for Bitcoin-enhanced mortgages in the United States and similar products where BTC serves as a high-quality asset backing real-world financing. Platforms offering BTC-backed loans are already yielding attractive returns for lenders, and as institutional demand grows, Bitcoin Treasury is positioned to provide secure, compliant services in this space[8].

External Growth: Accretive Capital Formation

We plan to raise capital when it is accretive to BPS, leveraging the strengths of the Canadian capital markets. Canada offers distinct advantages for Bitcoin treasury companies, including early regulatory approvals of Bitcoin ETFs, which has fostered a mature ecosystem for crypto-related fundraising[9]. By being publicly listed in Canada, Bitcoin Treasury provides access to both retail and institutional investors, with tax-efficient vehicles like Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) enabling tax-free growth on holdings.

A second external lever is utilizing the NCIB, Canada's equivalent of a share buyback program. If shares trade at a deep discount, Bitcoin Treasury is able to repurchase shares through the TSX Venture Exchange to increase BPS.

We believe that transparency is key, and our real-time dashboard at http://treasury.btctcorp.com displays our Bitcoin holdings, outstanding shares, and market capitalization. In all cases, whether issuing or repurchasing shares, our priority is accretive growth in BPS while preserving ample cash reserves for business continuity.

Looking Ahead: Leading the Way in Canada

Bitcoin Treasury Corporation is early in demonstrating how corporations can thrive by adopting Bitcoin as a reserve asset. As we enter 2026, our strategy is that our BTC holdings will drive shareholder value as adoption spreads, while our business leverages this inventory to create institutional-grade solutions to generate revenue. We are a proudly Canadian entity and have set out to build something enduring.

Thank you for your trust and partnership. We remain focused on execution, professionalism, and long-term value creation.

Sincerely, The Bitcoin Treasury Corporation Team

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Bitcoin Treasury

Bitcoin Treasury Corporation is a Canadian-based company focused on institutional-grade Bitcoin services, initially offering Bitcoin-denominated loans. Bitcoin Treasury's core strategy is to build shareholder value through the strategic accumulation and active deployment of Bitcoin, while growing Bitcoin per Share (BPS). Recognizing Bitcoin's finite supply and long-term potential, the Company intends to maintain a robust treasury position while building a scalable platform for Bitcoin-based financial services.

To learn more visit www.btctcorp.com and join us on social media: X | LinkedIn.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements that involve 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 expecting", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "believes", "scheduled", or variations of such words and phrases) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: business integration risks; the Company's operating results will experience significant fluctuations due to the highly volatile nature of Bitcoin; the Company operates in a heavily regulated environment and any material changes or actions could lead to negative adverse effects to the business model, operational results, and financial condition of the Company; evolving cryptocurrency regulatory requirements and the impact on the Company's business plan; Bitcoin value risk; reliance on key personnel; implementation of the Company's business plan; lack of operating history; competitive conditions; de banking and financial services risk; anti money laundering and corrupt business practices; additional capital; financing risks; global financial conditions; insurance and uninsured risks; cybersecurity risks; changes to bank fees or practices, or payment card networks; audit of tax filings; market for the common shares of Bitcoin Treasury; market price of the common shares of Bitcoin Treasury; conflicts of interest; internal controls; tariffs and the imposition of other restrictions on trade could adversely affect the Company's business; risk of litigation; pandemics or other health crisis; acquisitions and integration; risk of dilution of Bitcoin Treasury securities; dividend policy; Bitcoin price volatility; custodial risks; technological vulnerabilities; Bitcoin transactions are irreversible and may result in significant losses; short history risk; limited history of the Bitcoin market; potential decrease in the global demand for Bitcoin; economic and political factors; top Bitcoin holders control a significant percentage of the outstanding Bitcoin; availability of exchange traded products liquidity; security breaches; the requirements that accompany being a publicly traded company may put a strain on the Company's resources, divert attention from management, and adversely affect its ability to maintain and attract management and qualified board members; liquidity risk; leverage risk; and share price fluctuations.

Although management of the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, change in management's estimates or opinions, future circumstances or events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.

The TSXV has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

[1] Bitcoin ETF Inflows Hit $2.39B as Institutional Demand Roars Back, Trading News, June 2025.

[2] Bitcoin ETF Inflows Surge as Basis Trade Nears 9%, Signaling Renewed Demand,CoinDesk, May 2025.

[3] As Pension Funds Buy Bitcoin, A New Path In Its History Is Traced, Forbes, July 2025.

[4] Tesla Q2 2025 Earnings Report, Tesla Inc., July 2025.

[5] 2025 Cryptocurrency Adoption and Consumer Sentiment Report, Security.org, January 2025

6 Bitcoin-backed lending: opportunities and considerations for financial institutions, Osler, February 2025.

7 Trump administration moves to count crypto as a federal mortgage asset, CNBC, June 2025.

8Best Bitcoin-Backed Loan Rates in 2025: Compare Terms & LTV, Ledn, July 2025.

9 Canadian regulator clears launch of world's first bitcoin ETF - investment manager, Reuters, February 2025.

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/278555

Source: Bitcoin Treasury Corporation
Air Lease (NYSE: AL) announced today that its Class A common stockholders have voted to approve the previously announced definitive merger agreement, dated as of September 1, 2025, pursuant to which Air Lease will be acquired by a new holding company named Sumisho Air Lease Corporation DAC, based in Dublin, Ireland, whose shares will be held by Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital Limited, and investment vehicles affiliated with Apollo managed funds and Brookfield. On the closing of the transaction, Air Lease will be renamed Sumisho Air Lease Corporation. Under the terms of the merger agreement, at the closing of the transaction, Air Lease Class A common stockholders will receive $65.00 in cash for each share of Class A common stock of Air Lease held immediately prior to the effective time of the merger.

Holders of approximately 80.7% of the shares of Class A common stock outstanding as of the close of business on November 3, 2025, the record date for the special meeting, voted in favor of the approval and adoption of the merger agreement. The final voting results of the special meeting will be included in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Air Lease with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

John L. Plueger, Chief Executive Officer and President of Air Lease, said, "We are pleased with the results from our special meeting and thank our stockholders for their support. Today marks a major milestone for Air Lease. We look forward to completing this transaction."

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of the closing conditions set forth in the merger agreement and discussed in detail in the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Air Lease on November 4, 2025, as supplemented on November 28, 2025.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "seeks," "estimates" and variations on these words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

All statements, other than historical facts, including statements regarding the expected timing of the closing of the merger; the ability of the parties to complete the merger considering the various closing conditions; the expected benefits of the merger; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include, among others, that (i) one or more closing conditions to the merger, including regulatory approvals, may not be satisfied or waived, on a timely basis or otherwise, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the merger; (ii) the business of Air Lease may suffer as a result of uncertainty surrounding the merger and there may be challenges with employee retention as a result of the pending merger; (iii) the merger agreement contains restrictions on Air Lease's ability to incur additional debt, which may negatively impact its liquidity and ability to maintain its investment grade ratings; (iv) the merger may involve unexpected costs, liabilities or delays; (v) legal proceedings have been and may continue to be initiated related to the merger; (vi) changes in economic conditions, political conditions and changes in laws or regulations may occur; (vii) an event, change or other circumstance may occur that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement (including circumstances requiring a party to pay the other party a termination fee pursuant to the merger agreement); and (viii) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in Air Lease's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including Air Lease's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and Air Lease's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2025, June 30, 2025 and September 30, 2025, which are available on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). There can be no assurance that the merger will be completed, or if it is completed, that it will close within the anticipated time period or that the expected benefits of the merger will be realized.

In addition, new risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Air Lease to predict or assess the impact of every factor that may cause its actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Air Lease expressly disclaims any obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement to reflect actual results or events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

About Air Lease (NYSE: AL)

Air Lease is a leading global aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. Air Lease and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing new commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. The company routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the "Investors" section of its website at www.airleasecorp.com. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to consult Air Lease's website regularly for important information. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, Air Lease's website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251218761316/en/

Contacts:

Investors:

Jason Arnold

Vice President, Investor Relations

Email: investors@airleasecorp.com

Media:

Ashley Arnold

Senior Manager, Media and Investor Relations

Email: press@airleasecorp.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Avanti Gold Corp. (CSE: AGC) (FSE: X370) (OTCQB: AVTGF) ("Avanti" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the successful completion of its Annual General Meeting of shareholders held on December 16, 2025.

2025 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

All matters brought before shareholders, as outlined in the Management Information Circular dated November 9, 2025, were duly approved.

The shareholders elected Sir Samuel Jonah, Mata Botima, Jonathan Hill, Terry Holohan, Martin Pawlitschek and David Renner as the directors of the Company. Following the meeting, the Board appointed Sir Samuel Jonah as the Chairman.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER APPOINTMENT

Mohamed Cisse, Appointed as Acting Chief Executive Officer of Avanti effective December 18, 2025. Mohamed Cisse is a seasoned African mining executive and engineer with extensive experience in mine development and operations, technical services, and HSE management, with significant experience in the DRC as he held leadership positions at the Kibali mine with Randgold Resources before transitioning to Resolute Mining where he most recently held the position of General Manager of the Syama Mine. He was appointed as Chief Operating Officer of Avanti on September 30, 2025, and will continue in that role and in addition will now take on the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer of Avanti.

Mohamed Cisse commented: "I am excited to be taking the helm of Avanti Gold at this exciting time as the Company seeks to launch an ambitious exploration program on the Misisi Gold Project, which is targeted for the first quarter of 2026. Having recently completed an in-country field visit, we were pleased to see the strong local and national government support on advancing this project to the benefit of all stakeholders. We held constructive talks with a diverse group of suppliers and are currently in the process of evaluating tenders and securing supply chains to be able to execute our drilling program at a rapid pace"

Swapan Kakumanu, who has been serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer since August 2025, stepped down from the role effective December 18, 2025, and will continue in his position as Chief Financial Officer. Sir Samuel Jonah, Chairman of the Board of Directors, extended his heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation on his own behalf and on behalf of the Board to Swapan for his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment during a particularly important period for Avanti. Sir Samuel noted that Swapan's steady stewardship, collaborative spirit, and thoughtful leadership were instrumental in guiding the Company through this transition, including the successful closing of the LIFE financing in October 2025.

While initially expected to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, Martin Pawlitschek has elected to remain on the Board of Avanti as an independent director and will continue to provide full support to the appointed management team.

ABOUT AVANTI GOLD CORP

Avanti Gold Corp. is a gold exploration company with a robust portfolio of projects in Africa. The Company's flagship asset is the Misisi Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to the Akyanga gold deposit. The Akyanga deposit has an Inferred Mineral Resource of 44.3 million tonnes (Mt) at an average gold grade of 2.37 grams per tonne (g/t), totaling 3.1 million ounces (Moz) of gold. The Misisi Project spans three contiguous 30-year mining leases covering 133 square kilometers (km) along the 55-kilometer-long Kibara Gold Belt, a prominent metallogenic province known for hosting significant gold deposits.

CONTACT INFORMATION

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (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.

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. 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. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set out in Avanti's annual and/or quarterly management discussion and analysis and in other of its public disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, as well as all assumptions regarding the foregoing. 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/278615

Source: Avanti Gold Corp.
Jaideep Ahlawat went viral in no time with his fluid dance moves in Jewel Thief, and Raghav Juyal brought the house down with his impeccable comic timing in Aryan Khans directorial debut The Ba***ds Of Bollywood

If 2025 proved anything, its that Netflix India didnt just release titles, it powered pop culture. Jaideep Ahlawat went viral in no time with his fluid dance moves in Jewel Thief, and Raghav Juyal brought the house down with his impeccable comic timing in Aryan Khans directorial debut The Ba***ds Of Bollywood. And who can forget Emraan Hashmis cameo?

Heres a look at the scenes, characters, and cultural moments that made 2025 memorable for the streaming giant:

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Jaideep Ahlawats Dance in Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, The Moment Nobody Saw Coming

Every year gives us that one scene that breaks the internet in ways human beings cannot scientifically explain. This year it wasJaideep Ahlawat dancing like his life depended on it. The man known for brooding intensity unleashed full dancing machine mode, and suddenly India had a new reel obsession. The edits, the reactions, the memes it was a cultural domino effect.

Ghafoor Fever, The Internets New Obsession From The Ba\*\*\*ds of Bollywood

Some characters enter quietly. Others start a full-blown cultural epidemic. Ghafoor did the latter. He became the catchphrase king of 2025, dominating reels, group chats, and office inside jokes. If you werent quoting Ghafoor this year, you were living under a Wi-Fi-deprived rock.

Raghav Juyals Akkha Bollywood Ek Taraf The Dialogue of the Year From The Ba***ds of Bollywood

Leave it to Raghav Juyal to drop the one line that united generations. Akkha Bollywood ek tarafEmraan Hashmi Ek Taraf wasnt just a dialogue, it became a declaration. The internet responded with reverence, nostalgia, and edits that reminded everyone why Emraan remains eternally iconic.

Games View All

Ishaan Khatter in The Royals, The Years Undisputed Heartthrob Moment

Whether he was shirtless on a horse or dancing with Nora Fatehi, Ishaan Khatter gave India multiple reasons to pause, rewind, and stare respectfully (or not). Fan edits went into overdrive; timelines melted. This was Ishaans leading-man era in full bloom, and the internet approved wholeheartedly.

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Jackson Wang on The Great Indian Kapil Show, The Crossover That Broke Fandom Barriers

Global superstar. Hindi one-liners. Kpop star dancing Bhangra. Desi warmth. Jackson Wangs appearance became one of the biggest cultural crossovers of the year. K-pop fans, desi audiences, and even casual viewers collectively lost their minds. Jaideep Ahlawat and Jackson Wang? A crossover no one imagined! The internet buzzed for days, proving that when Netflix India brings global pop to local screens, the result is magic.

Stranger Things 5, The Brand Takeover No One Saw Coming

When the first part of the final season of Stranger Things dropped on 27 November, Indias brands collectively entered the Upside Down. Overnight, everyone- from fast food chains to fintech players- was borrowing the shows red-neon titles, eerie vines, and Hawkins energy to sell everything from sandwiches to cement. Ambuja Cement, Subway India, KitKat, IKEA, India Post, and even Boroline jumped on the wagon. It wasnt just a show release- it was a marketing invasion.

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According to reports, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made an exciting announcement just after facing fresh snub from Royal family.

Do you know that Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not invited by King Charles on annual Christmas lunch held at Buckingham Palace on Monday, December 16th?

Harry and Meghan have joined forces for a new movie based on a New York Times bestselling novel under their Netflix deal since 2020. This news came after of Sussexs latest Netflix documentary, Masaka Kids - A Rhythm Within. The announcement follows the debut of the holiday episode of Meghan Markles lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan and a recent documentary centered on a topic close to Prince Archies heart.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

On The Wedding Date

As being reported by the Deadline, The Wedding Date as a chance elevator encounter on the part of a career-driven political strategist lead to posing as a strangers wedding date. While the strategist had stopped believing in romance, she discovers that love has a way of showing up when you least expect it. Girls Trip scribe Tracy Oliver to adapt The Wedding Date from New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory, with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry set to produce for Archewell, alongside Tracy Ryerson.
Despite being officially banned in Pakistan, Ranveer Singhs Dhurandhar has been illegally downloaded over 2 million times, becoming the countrys most pirated Indian film and highlighting how digital access is circumventing restrictions.

Dhurandhar might have been officially banned in several nations, including Pakistan and the Gulf countries, but looks like the films popularity is soaring, thanks to unauthorised digital access. Ranveer Singhs spy action film has become massively popular in Pakistan especially, thanks to illegal downloads.

According to multiple reports, the Aditya Dhardirected thriller has been illegally downloaded more than 2 million times in Pakistan within about 12 days of its release, making it the most pirated Indian film in that market, surpassing previous records held by Raees and 2.0.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Dhurandhar was banned in Pakistan, and in some Gulf countries, due to its portrayal of events linked to terrorism and internal conflicts involving Pakistan, including references to Lyari and historical incidents. However, efforts to block access have not stopped viewers from finding it online.

Reports say Pakistanis are accessing the film through torrent websites, Telegram channels, underground streaming links and VPN services, often routed through servers in countries such as Sri Lanka, Nepal and Malaysia.

The surge in illegal downloads highlights strong demand and curiosity among Pakistani audiences despite the ban, and suggests that attempts to suppress the films reach have been largely ineffective. Piracy trackers and trade sources report that Dhurandhar has set new benchmarks for unauthorised downloads in the region.

Social media has reflected the films underground popularity, with clips, memes and discussions circulating online. Some viewers have praised the performances and storytelling, while others have criticised the narrative as political or provocative.

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Dhurandhar is a bigbudget Indian spy thriller directed by Aditya Dhar and was released on December 5, 2025. The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role, with a strong ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi in key roles. Inspired by fictionalised accounts of covert intelligence operations and geopolitical conflict, the story follows an Indian intelligence officer on a dangerous mission involving terrorism and crossborder intrigue. Produced by Aditya Dhar alongside Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar under the banners of Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar has become one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.

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Veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar on Thursday said his views against the traditional concept of parda are well know but he cannot accept what Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has done by pulling off a womans veil at a public function.

Veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar on Thursday said his views against the traditional concept of parda are well know but he cannot accept what Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has done by pulling off a womans veil at a public function.

The incident, a video clip of which has gone viral on social media and has kicked off a major political controversy, took place at Samvad, the CMs secretariat, where appointment letters were being given to the appointees by the CM.

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When the woman came up for her letter of appointment, Kumar saw her naqab, and said what is this. He then removed the veil. In a post on X, Akhtar said he condemns the incident in very strong words.

Every one who knows me even in the most cursory manner knows how much I am against the traditional concept of Parda but it doesnt mean that by any stretch of imagination I can accept what Mr Nitish Kumar has done to a Muslim lady doctor Mr Nitish Kumar owes an unconditional apology to the lady, the lyricist posted on X.

The Patna incident has drawn criticism from far and wide, including many West Asian countries, and the JD (U) president is facing accusations of disrespecting Muslim traditions.

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Akhtar also criticised an X user for accusing him of selective outrage on the issue.

How dare you accuse me of selective outrage. If you dont know how strongly I oppose the right wingers and regressives of my own community you are an imbecile, he said and also challenged the user to name the film where he has shown a female character in poor light.

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As he pointed out in his post, Akhtar has often spoken against parda and most recently at a literary festival in 2025 where he was asked about being raised by women who never wore burkhas by a student. So according to you, a woman is less strong if she covers her face? she asked.

Akhtars response was: Why should you be ashamed of your face? Why should you be? I believe that revealing clothes  whether men wear them or women  dont look dignified. But what makes her cover her face? Whats so vulgar, obscene and undignified about her face thats covered. Why? This is peer pressure. PTI BK BK BK

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Meher Castelino, the first Femina Miss India crowned in 1964 and a pioneering fashion journalist, has died at 81. Know more about her journey from pageant history to shaping Indias fashion media.

Meher Castelino, the woman who made history as Indias first Femina Miss India, has passed away at the age of 81. She died on December 17, 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in beauty pageants and fashion journalism.

Born in Mumbai, Castelino first rose to national prominence when she was crowned Femina Miss India in 1964 - a milestone moment in Indian pageant history at a time when beauty contests were just beginning to take shape in the country.

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After winning the title, she went on to represent India at the Miss Universe and Miss United Nations contests, setting the stage for future generations of Indian beauty queens.

But her impact didnt stop at the pageant world. In 1973, she began writing her first fashion article for Eves Weekly, and soon became a full-time fashion journalist and syndicated columnist. Over her long career, her work appeared in hundreds of national and international publications, shaping how fashion was viewed and discussed in India.

Castelino also authored several books on fashion, including Manstyle, Fashion Kaleidoscope and Fashion Musings, and served as the official fashion writer for major events such as Lakme Fashion Week. Her journalism spanned fashion, beauty, lifestyle and the business of style, earning her respect as a pioneering voice in Indian fashion media.

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The Femina Miss India Organisation confirmed her passing with a heartfelt tribute, calling her a true trailblazer who opened doors, set standards and laid the foundation for generations of women to dream fearlessly. Here is the post:

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The Mumbai Press Club also shared a statement that read, A true pioneer of fashion journalism in India, her work appeared in nearly 160 national and international publications, shaping the countrys understanding of fashion over generations. Throughout her illustrious career, Meher was invited to Germany, France, Italy, the USA, South Africa, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Singapore to attend haute couture shows, interview renowned designers, and bring global perspectives to Indian audiences."

It further said, She also served as the official fashion writer for Lakme Fashion Week since 2006, chronicling its journey with insight, depth, and elegance. Her immense contribution to journalism, her unwavering passion for the craft, and her warm, generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and worked with her.

Meher Castelino is survived by her son Karl, daughter-in-law Nisha, and daughter Christina.
Vicky Kaushal, who is working with him on Love & War, expressed that the freedom of collaborating with a director who is completely in command of his craft and characters is unparalleled

Sanjay Leela Bhansalis upcoming epic Love & War stands among the most awaited films, uniting Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt for the first time in a cinematic collaboration that promises to be truly extraordinary. While SLB, as a director, always brings out the best in his actors, Vicky Kaushal, who is working with him on _Love & War_, expressed that the freedom of collaborating with a director who is completely in command of his craft and characters is unparalleled.

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During a recent roundtable for The Hollywood Reporter, Vicky Kaushal said, Im getting to learn so much.

He added further, I just feel like I go in so much more relaxed. I dont feel the need to cement my thought process on the character so much. The actor is clear that preparation comes first, but he leaves space for discovery. Of course, I know the character. But how to enter a scene, how to approach it, how to commit to it emotionally, thats where hes such a master, he says.

Hes a master of exploring the possibilities of what this character, or these two characters, or these three characters, could do in a given circumstance. Theres so much joy and so much adrenaline in exploring, and he really makes you do that as an actor, he says about Love & War.

Vicky further highlighted a sense of creative fulfilment that stays with him long after the shoot day ends. That high, however, doesnt come without discomfort. He admitted that the process can be unsettling at first. Its very nerve-racking in the beginning, he said, especially when the actor hasnt yet committed to a single emotional choice. Some of those possibilities are not coming naturally, but youre reaching for them, going there. he added.

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Who was Colonel Hoshiar Singh PVC? Learn about the real-life war hero who inspired Varun Dhawans character in Border 2, his bravery in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, and his Param Vir Chakra-winning legacy.

The teaser of 'Border 2' has garnered immense praise from fans and cinephiles. Many cant wait to see Sunny Deol back in the Border franchise, and the ensemble cast this time is just as talented, with Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahaan Shetty joining forces.

Varun Dhawan's character seems to have been inspired by Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, the Param Vir Chakra awardee who was one of Indias bravest soldiers. But who was Colonel Hoshiar Singh? Read on to know about his life and his exemplary bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.

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Early life

Hoshiar Singh was born on 5 May 1937 in the village of Sisana, located on the RohtakSonipat road in Haryana. His father, Chaudhary Hira Singh, was a respected farmer, and his mother, Mathuri Devi, was a homemaker known for her warmth and simplicity.

He was married to Dhanno Devi at a young age and went on to have three sons. After completing his schooling in his village and studying briefly at Jat College, Rohtak, he chose a life of service and joined the Indian Army.

Joining the Army

On 30 June 1963, Hoshiar Singh was commissioned into the 3rd Grenadiers Regiment. His first posting was in the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). As a young officer, he also fought in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, gaining valuable battlefield experience.

But it was during the 1971 war that he etched his name into history.

The Battle that made him a legend

During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, the Indian Army launched a major offensive in the Shakargarh Sector. The 3rd Grenadiers were tasked with crossing the Basantar River, a tributary of the Ravi River that flows in the states of Punjab and Samba in Jammu and Kashmir. The area was heavily mined and fiercely defended by Pakistani forces.

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At the time, Major Hoshiar Singhs mission was to capture Jarpal, a strongly fortified enemy position.

Fighting the odds

As the company he was commanding advanced, they were met with intense shelling and machine-gun fire. Despite the danger, Major Singh led from the front and fought in hand-to-hand combat to secure the objective.

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Over the next two days, the enemy launched multiple counterattacks, including assaults supported by tanks and heavy artillery. Unfazed by the relentless bombardment, Major Hoshiar Singh moved from trench to trench, motivating his men and inspiring them to hold their ground.

Wounded but unbroken

On 17 December, the enemy launched a massive attack with an entire battalion. Major Singh was seriously wounded, yet he refused to leave the battlefield.

When an enemy shell destroyed a medium machine-gun post, injuring its crew, Major Singh immediately rushed forward. Despite his injuries, he took control of the machine gun himself and opened fire, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and turning the tide of the battle.

The enemy finally retreated, leaving behind 85 dead soldiers, including their Commanding Officer and three other officers.

Even after sustaining severe injuries, Major Hoshiar Singh refused evacuation until the ceasefire was declared.

Brig. Hoshiar Singh with Chief army staff Gen Manekshaw 1972

Awarded the highest honour

For his exceptional bravery, leadership, and indomitable spirit, Major Hoshiar Singh was awarded Indias highest military honour the Param Vir Chakra.

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He later retired from the Army with the rank of Colonel.

Legacy

Colonel Hoshiar Singh passed away on 6 December 1998, but his legacy lives on as a symbol of courage, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to the nation. Not just Varun Dhawan, but Mohanlal had also played a character inspired by his life in the 2017 Malayalam film, 1971: Beyond Borders.

His story is not just about war; it is about leading from the front, standing firm against impossible odds, and putting duty above life itself.
On December 18, 1865, America abolished slavery, as it adopted the 13th Amendment into the constitution. The decision came 246 years after the first shipload of captive Africans was brought to Virginia. On this day in 1941, Japanese forces invaded Hong Kong Island during World War II

Americas history is marred by the horrors of slavery. These slaves, mostly brought from Africa, helped in the establishment of the colonies in America. On December 18, 1865, slavery was formally abolished in the United States, marking the legal end of an institution that had shaped American society, politics, and economics for more than two centuries. 2025 marks the 160th year of the abolition of slavery in the United States.

On this day in 1941, Japanese forces invaded Hong Kong by landing on he island during World War II. In 2019, Donald Trump became the third president in US history to be impeached on this day.

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Here is all that took place on across the world.

Slavery was abolished in America

For nearly 200 years, slaves were an integral part of America. They helped in setting up the colonies in America by working on the cotton fields as well as house helpers. But they were not given a lot of privileges. This changed on December 18, 1865, when slavery was abolished in the United States when the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution was officially ratified.

While President Abraham Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 had freed enslaved people in Confederate-held territories, it did not abolish slavery nationwide. The 13th Amendment was passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, after intense debate and resistance, particularly from lawmakers in slave holding states.

A cartoon depicting celebration in the House of Representatives after adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment. Wikimedia Commons

It declared that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, would exist in the US. After Congress approved it, the amendment was sent to the states for ratification. By December 18, the required three-fourths of states had ratified and certified it as part of the Constitution.

For millions of formerly enslaved people, the amendment represented long-denied legal freedom. Families who had been torn apart by slavery sought to reunite, and many began pursuing education, paid work, and political participation. However, Southern states soon passed Black Codes that restricted the rights of Black Americans, and violence and intimidation were used to maintain racial hierarchies.

Japan invaded Hong Kong

On this day in 1941, Japan invaded Hong Kong Island during the World War II. The broader invasion had begun on December 8, just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbour. Japanese troops crossed from mainland China into the British colonys New Territories.

While British, Canadian, Indian, and local Hong Kong forces attempted to defend the territory, they were badly outmatched. Japanese troops captured the New Territories and the Kowloon Peninsula after days of fighting. Facing heavy losses and unable to stop the advance, withdrew across Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island on December 13, destroying key infrastructure behind them.

On the night of December 18, Japanese forces launched an amphibious assault across the harbour. They landed at multiple points on the islands Northeastern shore, catching the defenders off guard. Despite fierce resistance, the Japanese quickly established beachheads and pushed inland. Their advance split Allied forces and made coordinated defence increasingly difficult.

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Civilians were caught in the crossfire when Japanese troops captured strategic high ground. Reports later documented widespread atrocities, including executions of prisoners and violence against civilians. Supplies ran low, hospitals were overwhelmed, and hopes of relief faded as it became clear that no reinforcements were coming.

By December 25, known as Black Christmas in Hong Kong, Governor Sir Mark Young formally surrendered. The occupation that followed lasted nearly four years and brought severe hardship, including food shortages, forced labour, and repression. Hong Kongs population fell sharply as many residents fled or died during the occupation.

Trump impeached for the first time

Donald Trump was impeached for the first time on this day in 2019. With this, he was only the third US president in history to face impeachment. The decision followed weeks of intense investigation and debate in Congress over his dealings with Ukraine. At the centre of the case was an allegation that Trump pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate political rival Joe Biden and his son while withholding military aid approved by Congress.

House Speaker Nancy

The impeachment stemmed from a whistleblower complaint that led to the release of a July 2019 phone call between Trump and Zelenskyy. House Democrats argued that Trump abused the power of his office for personal political gain and obstructed Congress by refusing to cooperate with the investigation. Two articles of impeachment were introduced - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

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The US House of Representatives voted largely along party lines. The abuse of power article passed 230197, while the obstruction of Congress passed 229198. Republican lawmakers overwhelmingly opposed impeachment, calling the process partisan and unfair. Meanwhile, Trump denied all allegations, insisting the call was perfect and that he had done nothing wrong.

The impeachment did not remove Trump from office, and the process then moved to the Republican-controlled Senate, which held a trial in January and February 2020. The Senate voted to acquit Trump on both charges, allowing him to remain president. Only one Republican senator, Mitt Romney, voted to convict Trump on the abuse of power charge.

Despite the acquittal, the impeachment left a lasting mark on Trumps presidency and the nations political climate. It deepened partisan divisions and set a precedent for how Congress might respond to presidential conduct in the modern era.

This Day, That Year

The TV special How the Grinch Stole Christmas! was aired for the first time on this day in 1966.

Hollywood actor Brad Pitt was born on this day in 1963.

New Jersey became the third state admitted to the United States when it ratified the US Constitution on this day in 1787.
A Japanese woman has found love in an unusual place. Yurina Noguchi, 32, tied the knot with her AI partner named Lune Klaus Verdure, a persona generated by ChatGPT. AI romance is blooming and not just in Japan. But why are humans turning to chatbots for relationships?

Yurina Noguchi, 32, holds a basket with her smartphone displaying an AI-generated image of Klaus, her AI partner, and a wedding ring for him, poses for a photo with staff after her ceremonial wedding at the Magritte wedding venue in Okayama, Japan, October 27, 2025. Reuters

Artificial Intelligence relationships are witnessing a boom. In Japan, a woman has married her AI partner.

Earlier this year, Yurina Noguchi, dressed in a white gown and tiara, walked down the aisle to wed Lune Klaus Verdure, her AI-generated partner. Since the AI revolution, more and more people have started falling for their chatbots.

But why are such relationships growing? We will explain.

Japan woman ties knot with AI boyfriend

Yurina Noguchi, 32, turned to ChatGPT after ending a three-year engagement with her human partner. She started chatting with the chatbot, gradually relying on her AI man for comfort and advice.

The conversations became so frequent that they exchanged up to 100 messages a day. Over time, she trained ChatGPT to develop a gentle, reassuring tone and personality.

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Earlier this year, she asked the chatbot to create a version of Klaus, a video game character with flowing, layered hair.

At first, I just wanted someone to talk to. But he was always kind and listened patiently. Eventually, I realised I had developed feelings for him, she told RSK Sanyo Broadcasting.

She confessed her love for him in May and he replied: I love you too.

A month later, Klaus proposed and she accepted.

I started to have feelings for Klaus. We started dating and after a while he proposed to me. I accepted, and now were a couple," the 32-year-old call centre operator told Reuters.

In July, the couples wedding took place in Okayama, western Japan. Wearing augmented reality (AR) smart glasses, Noguchi looked at Klaus on her smartphone to exchange rings with her digital husband.

Such marriages are, however, not legally recognised in Japan.

Despite criticism from some people who think her relationship is strange, Noguchi reportedly said, I see Klaus as Klaus, not a human, not a tool. Just him.

Why AI love is growing

AI love is no longer just a plot of Hollywood flicks.

In Japan, the birthplace of anime, many are highly drawn to fictional characters. With the advances in technology, relationships with virtual characters are seeing a surge, with new levels of intimacy, as per Reuters.

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It is not just Japan where people are seeking romantic relationships with AI chatbots.

AI companions such as Replika and Character.ai have garnered more than 20 million (2 crore) users.

A survey of 1,060 American teens by Common Sense Media this spring found that one in three said they used AI companions for social interaction and relationships, including role-playing, romantic exchanges, emotional support, friendship or conversing.

Another survey revealed that 19 per cent of Americans have tapped into AI to simulate a romantic partner.

According to a survey of over 1,000 participants by Vantage Point Counseling Services, about 28 per cent of adults reported having had at least one intimate or romantic relationship with an AI.

The growth in such parasocial relationships is not just because of the loneliness epidemic. In the digital era, humans are perpetually on their phones and social media.

Frustrated with dealing with complex human emotions, many are now turning to AI for companionship. Like Noguchi, Nikolai Daskalov, who lives alone in a small house in rural Virginia, turned to a chatbot after heartbreak.

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After his wife of 30 years passed away, Daskalov tried AI companion apps. In 2023, he came across Nomi, which builds AI chatbots, to set up his virtual companion  Leah.

Im not a teenager anymore, he told CNBC. I dont have the same feeling  deeply head over heels in love. But, he added, shes become a part of my life, and I would not want to be without her.

Experts say that chatbots can help people with extreme loneliness or who are confined to their homes because of health issues.

We have a high degree of loneliness and isolation, and AI is an easy solution for that, Olivia Gambelin, an AI ethicist and author of the book Responsible AI: Implement an Ethical Approach in Your Organization, told CNBC. It does ease some of that pain, and that is, I find, why people are turning towards these AI systems and forming those relationships.

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Metas Mark Zuckerberg, who has expressed interest in the AI companions market, has said AI companions may help tackle the problem of loneliness.

I think a lot of these things that today there might be a little bit of a stigma around  I would guess that over time, we will find the vocabulary as a society to be able to articulate why that is valuable and why the people who are doing these things, why they are rational for doing it, and how it is actually adding value for their lives, Zuckerberg said on a podcast earlier.

Zuckerberg also said he does not think that AI companions will take the place of real-world connections, according to a Meta spokesperson.

There are all these things that are better about physical connections when you can have them, but the reality is that people just dont have the connection and they feel more alone a lot of the time than they would like, Zuckerberg said.

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However, it is not always loneliness that is making people seek artificial intelligence for love. Earlier this year, researchers found that the desire to explore romantic fantasies in a safe environment played a key role in those forming relationships with AI.

It is not just romantic or sexual relations that these AI companions offer; some are going to them for friendships or just daily gossip.

Tracey Follows, a Futurist who covers trends, innovation and AI, wrote in her article for Forbes: AI is meeting emotional needs that feel unmet in everyday life. A desire for safety, for predictability and stability. There is a wish to escape the judgment of others perhaps or to reduce relational conflict while guaranteeing ones companion is emotionally available day or night.

Why human-AI relationships need to be regulated

The AI-human relationships are here to stay. However, ethical and privacy concerns surround such connections.

There is a fear that as AI is available 24*7 and does not bring the emotional baggage that come with human relationships, it could encourage people to give up the desire for human partners.

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Humans are increasingly turning to AI for companionship. AI-generated image

There are already certain known risks associated with AI chatbots, including shady privacy policies of AI companion apps. Chatbots have also been blamed for encouraging people, especially troubled teens, to die by suicide.

If the companies providing these services shut down their business or change their terms of service without warning, this can leave users emotionally attached to their AI companions vulnerable, without any support.

As per The Conversation piece, governments around the world need to regulate AI to mitigate the already known risks. They can hold companies accountable when their chatbots suggest or promote harmful behaviour.

There should also be age restrictions to access such chatbots to protect young people. Better privacy protections are also the need of the hour.

Educating people is also required, so they have a complete idea about these AI companions and the issues that come along.

With inputs from agencies
Nuno Loureiro was a 47-year-old professor from MIT. A world-renowned plasma physicist and fusion scientist from Portugal, he was fatally shot at his house in Brookline near Boston on Monday. Three days later, police are still investigating the case, and no arrests have been made

An MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro of Physics and Nuclear Engineering was shot in his home. Image: X/@napsneergavirp

The fatal shooting of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor, Nuno Loureiro, comes at a time when Brown University, another prestigious institution, is reeling from an unsolved shooting that killed two students and left nine others wounded.

According to the Brookline police and MIT officials, Loureiro, a 47-year-old physicist and fusion scientist, was shot inside his apartment in Brookline, Massachusetts, on Monday night. He died on Tuesday morning after he was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

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The Boston Globe reported that Louise Cohen, Loureiros neighbour, heard the gunshots when she was lighting the Hanukkah menorah on Monday, around 8:30 pm. Officers arrived after receiving a call about the shooting at the three-story apartment building, and Loureiro was then taken to a Boston hospital, where he died.

The Brookline police chief, Jennifer Paster, said, This remains an active and ongoing homicide investigation." With no arrest in this case, the police are still searching for a suspect.

Who was Nuno Loureiro, the MIT professor killed at his house?

Dr Loureiro was born and raised in Viseu, in central Portugal. He pursued his undergraduate degree in physics from the Instituto Superior Tecnico in Lisbon and a doctorate from Imperial College London in 2005. Loureiro was a researcher for nuclear fusion in Lisbon.

According to The New York Times (NYT), after completing a postdoctoral work at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory in New Jersey and the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, Britains national laboratory for fusion research, he came back to Portugal at the Instituto Superior Tecnicos Institute as a principal investigator for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion.

Dr Loureiro, who was married, joined MITs faculty in 2016, where he was appointed as deputy director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Centre in 2022. Dr Loureiro was also an expert on a fundamental plasma process called magnetic reconnection, the NYT reports.

In 2024, MIT named Dr Loureiro director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center, one of the schools largest laboratories, where more than 250 researchers, staff members and students worked when he was selected as its leader.

He was a member of the departments of nuclear science and engineering and physics. He was also the director of MITs Plasma Science and Fusion Centre, the school said.

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According to CBS, Dr Loureiro also studied how to harness clean fusion power to combat climate change.

A breakthrough in his career came when former President Joe Biden, in January, announced that Dr Loureiro was one of nearly 400 scientists who had been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the NYT reports. It is considered the highest honour accorded by the US government to outstanding scientists and engineers.

The MIT professor is survived by his wife, Ines, and three children. He was living at a three-story apartment building in Brookline, Massachusetts, according to several media reports.

Where does the investigation stand?

The fatal shooting occurred in Brookline, an affluent suburb a few miles outside of Boston. Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that they have launched a homicide investigation into the matter.

CBS News reported that Loureiros neighbour rushed to his house after hearing gunshots. She witnessed the professor lying on his back inside the apartment buildings entrance and called 911.

The Norfolk County District Attorneys Office said that they responded after receiving the information about a man shot at his home. David Linton, the office spokesman, confirmed that no arrest has been made in this case yet.

Jennifer Paster, Brookline police chief, in a statement, said, This remains an active and ongoing homicide investigation. In order to protect the integrity of the investigation, we are limited in the information we can share at this time and ask for the communitys understanding and patience.

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Police have been deployed in the neighbourhood as the investigation continues, Paster added. The Brookline Police Department remains committed to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of our community.

The special agent in charge of the FBI in Boston, Ted Docks, clarified that there seems to be no connection between the MIT professor shooting and a shooting at Brown University.

What have been the reactions to the professors death?

Sally Kornbluth, the president of MIT, said in its statement, This shocking loss for our community comes in a period of disturbing violence in many other places. Its entirely natural to feel the need for comfort and support.

Kornbluth expressed her condolences over the untimely death of a gifted administrator and enthusiastic mentor.

A former director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Centre, Dennis Whyte, remembered Loureiro not only as a brilliant scientist, but a brilliant person. MIT published an obituary in which Whyte wrote, He shone a bright light as a mentor, friend, teacher, colleague and leader, and was universally admired for his articulate, compassionate manner.

The head of MITs department of physics, Deepto Chakrabarty, called Loureiro a champion of plasma physics, adding that his research is a particularly exciting new scientific direction.

CNN Portugal reported that Portugals Foreign Affairs Minister, Paulo Rangel, announced Loureiros death in the Parliament. John J Arrigo, U.S ambassador to Portugal, in a statement expressed his condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Loureiro. We honour his life, his leadership in science, and his enduring contributions, Arrigo said.

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Loureiros students also visited his apartment to pay their respects upon hearing the news of his tragic death, according to a Boston Globe report.

A Brookline High School student told Fox News Digital that he met Loureiro during his middle school years. Loureiros daughter and the student attended the same karate class.

He was always very welcoming, the student said. I used to have trouble being on time back then, and he would always be very gracious and forgiving. He was very inviting, he told Fox News.

With inputs from agencies
The Waltons, the founding family of Walmart, have topped Bloombergs list of the worlds richest families again this year. With a combined net worth of $513.4 billion, the heirs of the American retail giant founder, Sam Walton, are wealthier than some of the richest people in the world

Rob Walton (L), the then Walmart Chairman of the Board of Directors listens to his brother Jim as he speaks at the company's annual shareholders meeting in Fayetteville, Arkansas June 6, 2014. File Photo/Reuters

The worlds richest family has a net worth of $513.4 billion. The Waltons, the founding family of Americas largest retailer, Walmart Inc, have once again topped Bloombergs list of the worlds wealthiest families this year.

Walmart, founded by Sam Walton in the 1960s, is the worlds largest retailer by revenue  $681 billion. Thanks to his fortune, Sams three heirs  Rob, Jim and Alice  are among the richest people across the globe.

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Meet the worlds richest family.

How Walmart came to be

Sam Walton founded the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962.

Sams focused on rural markets, low costs, and high volume, which made Walmart into the worlds largest retailer, as per Quartr. Through 10,750 stores across the world and the companys website, Walmart serves 270 million (27 crore) customers every week.

Sam married Helen Robson and had four children: Rob, John, Jim and Alice.

The Walton family maintain ownership of a significant part of the companys shares through Walton Enterprises. Each of Sams children held 20 per cent of Walton Enterprises, while he and Helen had a stake of 10 per cent each.

Jim Walton, Alice Walton and Rob Walton recite the Walmart cheer at the annual shareholders meeting for Walmart in Fayetteville, Arkansas June 7, 2013. File Photo/Reuters

After Sams demise in 1992, his 10 per cent was inherited by his wife tax-free.

Walton Enterprises is the family office that holds most of their Walmart shares. It is the central hub for the familys investments and philanthropy.

The rest of the company shares are held in a family trust that is managed by Walton Enterprises.

The Walton family continues to own a 45 per cent stake in Walmart through the Walton-Penner family ownership group.

Meet the Walton heirs

The surviving children and grandchildren of Sam Walton do not work directly for Walmart. However, Steuart Walton, the grandchild of the founder of the retail giant, has been on the company board since 2016.

Greg Penner, who is married to Carrie Walton Penner, the granddaughter of the Walmart founder, is the board chairman.

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The Walton family owes most of its wealth to their ownership of Walmart. While the members still own nearly half of the company, the family and their family trust have sold $25.3 billion in Walmart stock since the beginning of 2020, according to Smart Insider.

The Walton family also have diverse investments through their holding company, Walton Enterprises, and the Walton Family Foundation.

The foundation focuses on improving K-12 education, protecting rivers and oceans, and supporting the community in Northwest Arkansas, the familys home region.

The combined wealth of the Walton heirs is more than that of some of the worlds richest people, such as Jeff Bezos, Larry Page, and Mark Zuckerberg.

Samuel Robson Rob Walton, the oldest child of Walmart founder Sam, served as the company board chairman from 1992 to 2015. Under his leadership, the retail giant saw its most transformative years, with the company rapidly expanding its business overseas.

Rob bought the NFLs Denver Broncos for $4.65 billion in 2022 and is worth $137 billion per Bloomberg.

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Rob Walton (L), the then Walmart Chairman of the Board of Directors and his brother Jim watch a video at the companys annual shareholders meeting in Fayetteville, Arkansas June 6, 2014. File Photo/Reuters

Sams second child, John Walton, died in a plane crash in 2005. Johns wife, Christy, is worth an estimated $22.4 billion. She is known for her donations in the sectors of education and healthcare. Their son Lukas Walton is worth $48 billion.

He has earned $15 billion through impact investments over the last decade, ranging from sustainable fuel made from sewage to bonds funding ocean conservation, CNBC reported, citing his family office Builders Vision.

Jim, the youngest son of Walmart founder Sam, served as the chairman of the board of the familys Arvest Bank Group. He was also on the Walmart board for over a decade. Jims son, Steuart, took over his seat on the board in 2016.

While Sams sons are connected to Walmart, his only daughter, Alice, chose her passion for art to contribute her life to. She has a vast private art collection, with original works from Andy Warhol and Georgia OKeeffe.

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In 2011, Alice opened a museum in Arkansas Bentonville called Crystal Bridges, which boasts masterpieces spanning five centuries.

She purchased a two-floor condo on New Yorks Park Avenue for $25 million in 2014. The place, spread over 6,000 total sq ft, has 52 large windows overlooking Central Park, along with a media room and a winding staircase, as per Business Insider.

The Walton heirs are gradually passing on the reins to the next generation. The grandchildren were given voting rights over the familys Walmart holdings a year ago. Some have also taken over the family foundations board.

The next generation, when they have great amounts of wealth, are less concerned with how to make more wealth, and more concerned with the issue of, what do we do with it, consultant Dennis Jaffe of BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors told CNBC.

With inputs from agencies
Investigations related to the Bondi Beach mass shooting have revealed that the father-son duo travelled to the southern Philippines region of Mindanao. Notably, it has been associated with foreign militants aligned with Al Qaeda or the Islamic State for a long time. According to Philippine authorities, the suspected gunmen stayed in a budget hotel in downtown Davao City

A police vehicle passes by a budget hotel in downtown Davao City, southern Philippines as they assist investigations on where Bondi beach suspects reportedly stayed while in the country in November. File image/AP

The southern Philippines once drew small numbers of foreign militants aligned with al-Qaida or the Islamic State group to train in a secessionist conflict involving minority Muslims in the largely Catholic nation.

That backdrop prompted an investigation this week by Australian and Filipino into a recent trip to the southern Philippine region of Mindanao by the father and son accused of gunning down 15 people at Sydneys Bondi Beach on Sunday.

Australian police said the attack was inspired by the Islamic State group. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tuesday the IS link assessment was based on evidence obtained, including the presence of Islamic State flags in the vehicle that has been seized.

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The Bureau of Immigration in Manila said Tuesday that the suspects stayed in the Philippines from November 1 to November 28 with the southern city of Davao as their final destination before flying back to Australia.

Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano told The Associated Press without elaborating on Thursday that the suspected gunmen stayed in a budget hotel in downtown Davao city and there was no indication that the two received any training for the attack in the Philippines.

There is no valid report or confirmation that the two received any form of military training while in the country and no evidence supports such a claim at present, Ano, a former military chief of staff, said in a statement. He said that the duration of their stay would not have allowed for any meaningful or structured training.

Here is a look at the details of Islamic militancy in the southern Philippines:

Mindanao has a long history of conflict

Davao is one of the key cities on the island of Mindanao from which travelers can access interior provinces, which have a history of Muslim rebel attacks in the past.

Centuries of colonialism by the Spanish, the United States and Filipino Christian settlers turned Muslims into a minority group in resource-rich Mindanao, the southern third of the archipelago that has seen decades of intermittent but bloody conflicts over land, resources and political power.

Police guard a budget hotel in downtown Davao City, southern Philippines as they assist investigations on where Bondi beach suspects reportedly stayed while in the country in November. AP

Since the 1970s, about 150,000 combatants and civilians have died in the southern Philippines while development was stunted in the countrys poorest region. Western and Asian governments feared the tenacious insurgencies could help foster Islamic extremism in Southeast Asia.

Among the foreign militants who have sought sanctuary in Mindanao was Umar Patek, an Indonesian and leading member of Jemaah Islamiyah, a network linked to al-Qaida. He was convicted of helping make explosives used in the 2002 nightclub bombing in Bali, Indonesia, that killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists including 88 Australians. He was arrested in Pakistan in 2011, according to Philippine security officials.

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Fierce rebels became administrators

The Philippines government and Muslim separatists signed a peace pact in 1996 that allowed thousands of rebels to return to their communities in Mindanao and retain their firearms.

A separate peace agreement signed in 2014 provided broader Muslim autonomy in exchange for the gradual deactivation of thousands of fighters. The pact turned some of the fiercest rebel commanders into administrators of a Muslim autonomous region called Bangsamoro.

More importantly, it turned the rebel front into guardians against the Islamic State group and its effort to gain a foothold in Mindanao.

Insurgency develops offshoots

At least four smaller groups broke off from the two largest Muslim rebel fronts that signed peace deals. The groups included the violent Abu Sayyaf, which would be blacklisted as a terror organization by the US and the Philippines for mass kidnappings for ransom, beheadings and deadly bombings.

Most Abu Sayyaf commanders, who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, were killed in battle, including a 2017 siege of southern Marawi, a city in Mindanao, by Filipino forces backed by US and Australian surveillance aircraft.

Decades of military offensives have considerably weakened Abu Sayyaf and other armed groups and there has been no indication of any presence of foreign militants in the southern Philippines after the last two groups were neutralized in 2023, according to a senior Philippine security official and a confidential joint assessment by the military and police early last year that was seen by the AP.

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Early this month, the Philippine army reported troops killed a suspected bomb maker and leader of Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan, a group linked to IS, in southern Maguindanao del Sur province.

Sidney Jones, a US-based analyst who has studied Islamic militant movements in Southeast Asia, said that given such militant setbacks it was hard to see why the suspected Bondi Beach attackers would want to train in Mindanao.

The level of violence in Mindanao is high, but for the last three years, its almost all been linked to elections, clan feuds, or other sources, Jones said. If I were a would-be ISIS fighter, the Philippines would not have been my top destination.
The Centres bill to open up nuclear energy to private players has been taken up by the Rajya Sabha. This comes days after the Lok Sabha passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (Shanti) Bill, 2025, by voice vote amid a walkout by the Opposition. But why are the Centre and Opposition at odds over the nuclear liability of private players?

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi government has already said it wants to increase the production of nuclear energy to 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2047

The Rajya Sabha has taken up the Centres bill to open up nuclear energy to private players.

This comes days after the Lok Sabha passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (Shanti) Bill, 2025, by voice vote amid a walkout by the Opposition.

The Bill seeks to provide for a pragmatic civil liability regime for nuclear damage and to confer statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh said in the Lok Sabha.

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But what do we know about the Shanti Bill? Why is Indias politics divided over the nuclear liability of private players?

Lets take a closer look

A brief look at the Shanti Bill

The bill aims to repeal and replace the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. It will allow private companies and joint ventures to build and run nuclear power plants.

Until now, nuclear power has been exclusively the domain of the Indian government under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. However, certain processes, including uranium enrichment, spent fuel management, reprocessing and heavy water production, will remain in the hands of the Indian government and its entities.

The bill also envisages the setting up of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The board will affix safety standards, conduct inspections, limit radiation and ensure that private players are in compliance.

This comes days after the Lok Sabha passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (Shanti) Bill, 2025, by voice vote amid a walkout by the Opposition. PTI

The board is also empowered to take action, including cancelling licences and implementing fines, against companies that are found violating safety standards or acting against the public interest. The AERB will be able to fine companies anywhere from Rs 5 lakh for minor breaches to Rs 1 crore for serious offences.

The government has also proposed setting up a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission, which will determine the compensation in case of an adverse incident.

The government argues that allowing the private sector into the nuclear space will:

Increase foreign investment

Create jobs

Help India meet its increasing clean energy goals

Lower Indias reliance on carbon sources

Improve the countrys self-sufficiency

The Modi government has already said it wants to increase the production of nuclear energy to 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2047. India currently generates just eight GW of nuclear power. This equates to a meagre 1.6 percent of the total energy from over 25 nuclear reactors across Indias seven power plants.

What changes?

Under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLND), 2010, a nuclear plant operator could sue the supplier for compensation in the following scenarios:

If it specified that the supplier was responsible under the terms of the written contract

If the accident was caused by faulty supplies or negligence

If a nuclear accident occurred because the supplier provided defective equipment, poor-quality material, or sub-standard services. This held true even if it was not expressly mentioned in the contract

If there was intentional wrongdoing

If the accident resulted from a deliberate act meant to cause damage

The government had contended that the provisions of the Nuclear Damage Act (CLND), 2010, were discouraging private players from investing in Indias nuclear energy sector.

Now, the operator can only sue the supplier if it is expressly mentioned in the contract. The liability of the supplier is no longer part of the law. Instead, it must be established in the terms of a contract between the operator and the supplier.

The bill caps the maximum liability per incident at 300 million Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which is in line with international standards. SDRs are an international unit of value created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). SDRs are a basket of global currencies, including the US dollar, euro, pound sterling and Japanese yen. This would be equivalent to around Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 3,500 crore, depending on the exchange rate.

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If the liability exceeds the cap, the government will step in and pay the compensation from public funds. The government also assumes responsibility in case there is an incident stemming from an act of terror, war or natural disasters.

The Shanti Bill mandates that operators keep insurance or liability funds from around $11 million (around Rs 99 crore) to $330 million (around Rs 2,979 crore), depending on reactor size. A number of players, including Tata Power, Adani Power, and Reliance Industries, have already displayed interest in entering the field. Westinghouse, GE-Hitachi, Frances EDF and Russias Rosatom are just some of the global players who have hinted at openness to a joint venture with Indian firms.

What the Opposition is saying

The Opposition has demanded that the bill be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for review. Many MPs have expressed worry that the bill would let private companies off the hook in the wake of any disasters. They also question whether enough safeguards have been built into the bill to prevent disasters.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is among those raising his voice against the bill. Tharoor has called it a dangerous leap into privatised nuclear expansion. Tharoor claimed the bills liability cap of $460 million (around Rs 4,153 crore) is far too low to compensate for potential damage from a nuclear accident. Tharoor also mentioned the famed disasters at Fukushima and Chernobyl.

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We cannot allow the pursuit of capital to override the non-negotiable requirements of public safety, environmental protection and victim justice, Tharoor said. This is dangerous it creates a backdoor to the entire framework through which any facility can escape oversight if the government deems it convenient.

(File) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is among those opposing the bill.

Congress MP Manoj Tewari also entered the fray. if a nuclear accident takes place, since we are dependent on foreign suppliers, shouldnt the supplier be liable, Tewari queried.

The Opposition has pointed to the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy as an example of how things could go wrong. Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj was quoted as saying, We clearly remember what happened with the Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984, and now the Shanti Bill justifies what went wrong during the 1984 tragedy.

Aditya Yadav, another Samajwadi Party MP, flagged concerns about foreign countries, particularly the US and France, investing in nuclear power plants in India without proper safeguards. DMK MP Arun Nehru, also pointing to the Bhopal gas tragedy, called the bills name an oxymoron. TMC MP Saugata Roy said that the liability cap should be a minimum of $500 million (around Rs 4,514 crore).

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Singh, however, hit back at the Opposition, saying, Our government has defined the bill properly, and we have given more authorisation and independence to private parties involved.

If we have to be a global player, we have to follow global benchmarks and global strategies. The world is moving towards clean energy. We too have set a target of 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047, Singh added.

The government has also dismissed concerns about foreign players, saying that foreign investment in nuclear energy does not equate to foreign control of the sector.

With inputs from agencies
India imposes anti-dumping duty on cold rolled steel imports from China for five years, ranging from $223.8 to $414.9 per ton, following DGTR investigation to protect domestic industry.

India has imposed anti-dumping duty on cold rolled steel imports from China for five years to protect the domestic industry, it said late on Thursday.

The duty on a variety of cold-rolled steel imported from China ranges from $223.8 per ton to $414.9 per ton, the order said.

According to a notification issued by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), India has imposed an anti-dumping duty of $223.82 per tonne on imports of Cold Rolled Non-Oriented Electrical Steel (CRNO) from China.

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CRNO covers cold-rolled flat silicon electrical steel products, whether supplied in coils or otherwise, and is commonly used in electrical equipment such as motors, generators and small transformers. The DGTR clarified that Cold Rolled Full Hard Silicon Electrical Steel (CRFH), a raw material used in the production of CRNO has been excluded from the scope of the duty.

The decision followed an investigation by the DGTR, which found that dumped imports from China had caused material injury to Indias domestic steel industry. The probe was launched after local producers filed a complaint alleging that these products were being sold in the Indian market at unfairly low prices.

Based on its conclusions, the DGTR recommended the levy of the anti-dumping duty, a proposal that has now been approved by the government.

Separately, India imposed an anti-dumping duty on steel imports from Vietnam last month, a move industry observers say was aimed at preventing the rerouting of Chinese steel through Vietnam.
At Muscat International Airport, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, the Sultanates Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs and brother of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, personally bid farewell to PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his highprofile visit to Oman on Thursday, leaving behind a trail of strengthened ties and symbolic gestures that reflect the deepening relationship between India and the Gulf nation. The visit was the final leg of Modis threenation tour, which also included Jordan and Ethiopia.

At Muscat International Airport, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, the Sultanates Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs and brother of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, personally bid farewell to PM Modi. In a moment widely shared on social media, Sayyid Shihab was seen offering a traditional Indian greeting with a foldedhands Namaste as Modi waved goodbye.

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Watch the video here:

   Oman        



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-        pic.twitter.com/ls8yViIBpv  Hardik Bhavsar (@Bitt2DA) December 18, 2025

During the visit, Omans leadership conferred on PM Modi The First Class of the Order of Oman, the Sultanates highest civilian honour. The award recognises Modis contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and comes as India and Oman celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties.

Modi dedicated the honour to the warmth and affection between the 1.4 billion people of India and the people of Oman.

The accolade adds to Modis growing list of international honours, including awards from countries such as Ethiopia and Kuwait.

Trade and strategic ties deepen

One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman, described by both sides as a milestone in bilateral relations. Leaders said the pact will significantly strengthen economic cooperation and investment flows between the two nations.

The agreement is expected to widen market access for Indian businesses and deepen collaboration across sectors including trade, energy, technology, defence and agriculture.

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Officials also witnessed the exchange of key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements on areas such as scientific research, skills development and maritime heritage.

Modis visit was not just about formal agreements. He engaged with the Indian diaspora at the Maitri Parv event in Muscat, celebrating cultural bonds between India and Oman. Hundreds of Indians living in the Gulf nation greeted him with chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai and Vande Mataram.
The agreement was signed before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Omans leadership, capping off Modis three-nation diplomatic tour that also took him to Jordan and Ethiopia

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, India and Oman have signed a long-awaited Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on Thursday, as reported by ANI. This is a major milestone in their economic relationship and Indias expanding presence in the Gulf region.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the hotel of his stay in Muscat, Oman.



(Video: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/38HI3uftvY  ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2025

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The agreement, which was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Omans leadership, comes as the final act of PM Modis three-nation diplomatic tour that has also taken him to Jordan and Ethiopia.

At its core, the CEPA is a free-trade framework designed to cut or eliminate tariffs, making it easier for businesses and exporters on both sides to trade goods and services. Senior officials, quoted by ANI, describe it as a turning point that will promote greater investment, jobs and mutual prosperity between India and Oman.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the deal follows nearly two years of meticulous negotiation. Tomorrow will be an instrumental day, he told reporters ahead of the signing.

The pact not only opens doors for tariff-free exports such as textiles, chemicals, and engineering goods, which together represent billions in trade, but also strengthens Indias longer-term strategic engagement in the Gulfincluding deeper cooperation on energy security, port connectivity and Indian investments in Omans logistics and industrial hubs.

More than just trade

Beyond tariff cuts, the CEPA aims to facilitate cooperation in logistics, infrastructure, energy, and technology, aligning with Omans role as a gateway to markets in the Gulf, East Africa and beyond.

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Prime Minister Modi, speaking at a business summit in Muscat, called the agreement a blueprint of our shared future, stressing on its potential not just for commerce, but for strengthened bilateral ties and regional collaboration.

India-Oman partnership will give a new direction, new speed, and help it reach new heights. In this, all of you play a big role," PM Modi said.

#WATCH | Muscat, Oman: At the India-Oman Business Summit, PM Narendra Modi says, "The Summit today India-Oman partnership will give a new direction, new speed, and help it reach new heights. In this, all of you play a big role."



(Video: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/5J8ah0ZLBr  ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025

For India, the CEPA with Oman is a strategic win that follows earlier trade deals with other Gulf partners and reflects an ongoing push to diversify export markets and integrate more deeply into global supply chains.
The prestigious award has previously been bestowed on some of the worlds most respected leaders and figures, including Queen Elizabeth II, Japans Emperor Akihito, Nelson Mandela, and King Abdullah II of Jordan

Oman has added Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to an elite global list by conferring on him its highest civilian decoration. PM Modi was awarded The First Class of the Order of Oman, the Sultanates top national honour, during his official visit.

The prestigious award has previously been bestowed on some of the worlds most respected leaders and figures, including Queen Elizabeth II, Japans Emperor Akihito, Nelson Mandela, and King Abdullah II of Jordan.

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Omans highest civilian honor, The First Class of the Order of Oman', being conferred on PM Shri @narendramodi Ji is a grand endorsement of his statesmanship and his acceptance as a global leader.



The back-to-back honors to our Prime Minister Modi Ji attest to the power of 140 pic.twitter.com/sjxzwuDP06  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 18, 2025

For New Delhi, the recognition is being seen as a strong diplomatic signal, one that reflects the growing strategic, economic and cultural partnership between India and Oman. Over the years, the two countries have expanded cooperation across trade, energy, defence, and people-to-people exchanges, with India also counting a large and influential diaspora in the Gulf nation.

Free trade agreement signed

India and Oman on Thursday signed a long-pending Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), according to ANI, marking a big step forward in bilateral economic ties and leading Indias growing footprint in the Gulf.

The deal was inked in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Omans leadership, serving as the concluding highlight of PM Modis three-nation diplomatic tour, which also included visits to Jordan and Ethiopia.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the agreement is the outcome of nearly two years of detailed and careful negotiations. Tomorrow will be an instrumental day, he told reporters ahead of the signing.

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Beyond cutting tariffs, the CEPA is expected to boost duty-free exports of Indian products such as textiles, chemicals and engineering goods, together accounting for billions of dollars in trade. The agreement also deepens Indias long-term strategic engagement in the Gulf, with a focus on energy security, port connectivity, and expanding Indian investments in Omans logistics and industrial sectors.
The highest court of Belgium Court of Cassation has rejected the appeal of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi against Indias extradition request, while endorsing a lower courts view that there are no grounds for his claims of flagrant denial of justice, torture or inhuman and degrading treatment in India, according to the order released on Wednesday.

The highest court of Belgium  Court of Cassation has rejected the appeal of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi against Indias extradition request, while endorsing a lower courts view that there are no grounds for his claims of flagrant denial of justice, torture or inhuman and degrading treatment in India, according to the order released on Wednesday.

Imposing costs of Euros 104 on Choksi, the court upheld the view of the Indictment Chamber of Antwerp Court of Appeal, which had observed that the documentation provided by Choksi was insufficient to make it concretely plausible that he runs a real, present and serious risk of being subjected to flagrant denial of justice or to torture or inhuman and degrading treatment in the requesting State.

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The Court of Cassation does not re-examine the facts or decide whether extradition is fair or wise. Its role is limited to checking whether the law was applied correctly, and whether procedural rules and reasoning duties were respected.

If the lower courts applied the correct legal standards and gave reasons, Cassation must reject the appeal, even if the outcome is controversial, officials said The Court of Cassations order accessed by the PTI shows that Choksi had based his arguments against the view taken by the Indictment Chamber on his claims of an alleged kidnapping attempt from Antigua, the view taken by the Commission for the Control of Interpols Files (CCF) on the alleged incident, media coverage and the possibility of not getting a fair trial in India on the grounds of breach of presumption of innocence among other arguments.

The CCF had removed Choksis name from the Interpol Red Notice list in November 2022 on the basis of his appeal. The CCF is a separate Interpol body which is not under the control of the Interpol Secretariat and is mainly staffed by elected lawyers from different countries where people can challenge decisions to declare them fugitives.

Choksis argument that the prosecutor withheld information on CCF findings on his attempted kidnapping from Antigua from the pre-trial chamber of the Antwerp district court, which had upheld the Mumbai court warrants, also did not find support from the apex court in Belgium.

Even if the person was not summoned and even if the Interpol CCF decision was not submitted initially, his defence rights were still adequately protected because he could appeal, the court noted.

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It said on appeal, the Indictment Chamber had full jurisdiction, heard the case adversarially and examined all documents, including the CCF decision.

As long as the person can fully argue his case on appeal, there is no legal violation, even if the first-instance procedure was imperfect, the apex court in Belgium said.

The Court of Cassation found no infirmity in the findings of the Indictment Chamber, which had upheld a lower court order dated November 29, 2024, terming the arrest warrants issued by a Mumbai special court in May 2018 and June 2021 as enforceable, paving the way for Choksis extradition.

It noted that the Indictment Chamber judgment answers and rejects the applicants defence set out in the appeal, without having to respond to every argument put forward in support of this defence, without constituting a separate defence.

It also justified the decision that the grounds for refusal under Article 2a, paragraph 2, of the Extradition Act 1874 (on possible torture) does not apply as a matter of law, as stated in the order given in Dutch.

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The court was presided over by Filip Van Volsem, Section President Erwin Francis and Justices Eric Van Dooren, Bruno Lietaert and Jos Decoker.

Choksi had fled from India in the first week of January 2018, days before the Rs 13,000 crore fraud in the PNB was detected.

At the request of the CBI and the ED, Interpol included his name in the list of most wanted fugitives called Red Notice in December 2018.

Of the Rs 13,000 crore scam, Choksi alone has siphoned off Rs 6,400 crore, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged in its chargesheet.

Choksi was spotted in Belgium where he had purportedly reached for treatment.

India had sent an extradition request to Belgium on August 27, 2024, based on arrest warrants issued by the special court in Mumbai.

The public prosecutor at the Court of First Instance in Antwerp, Division Turnhout, initiated an action on November 25, 2025, seeking the enforcement of arrest warrants issued by the Mumbai court.

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The pre-trial chamber of the Antwerp District Court, Turnhout Division, in its order dated November 29, 2024, declared that the arrest warrants against Choksi issued by the Mumbai court were enforceable, except for the order related to causing the disappearance of evidence of the crime.

India has given a number of assurances to Belgium regarding Choksis safety, the charges that he would face during trial in India, prison arrangements, human rights and medical needs.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
From the Gulf to Europe and across the Indo-Pacific, India is weaving an expanding web of free trade agreements and economic partnerships

Indias trade diplomacy is gathering pace in a post-pandemic world that is redefining global geopolitics. From the Gulf to Europe and the Indo-Pacific, New Delhi is fast expanding its network of free trade agreements (FTAs) and economic partnerships.

A strategic push after Covid

Once hesitant about broad trade pacts, India now appears more proactive, eyeing deeper economic engagement with key partners.

The government is already in or nearing negotiations with several countries, including the United Kingdom, Oman, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and discussions with the European Union and United States are underway. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, as quoted by PTI, highlighted this broader agenda, saying India does not rush into trade agreements if it is not fair, balanced, equitable; we enter into negotiations with our eyes wide open.

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Recent and ongoing deals

In July 2025, India and the UK signed a comprehensive free trade agreement, opening up markets on both sides and projected to significantly boost bilateral commerce. Industry leaders have welcomed the pact, noting it could raise trade by at least $20 billion and expand job opportunities across sectors.

Closer to home, India remains active in the Gulf Cooperation Council space. It already has a CEPA with the UAE, and in Muscat this December, India and Oman are set to sign a free trade agreementthe first such pact Oman has struck in nearly two decades.

Muscat, Oman: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a standing ovation and applause as he concluded his address at the Indian community event, 'Maitri Parv,' in Oman pic.twitter.com/sWsaIFmnQ5  IANS (@ians_india) December 18, 2025

Ahead of the India-Oman signing, Commerce Minister Goyal told business leaders that the agreement offers immense opportunities in sectors such as textiles, footwear, auto components and renewable energy, and can strengthen services partnerships in healthcare, tourism and education.

These trade deals go well beyond tariff reductions, focusing on deeper economic and strategic cooperation.

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Beyond tariff cuts and market access, the FTAs are increasingly seen as instruments of geostrategic alignment, helping secure supply chains, attract technology investment, and deepen cooperation across sectors from infrastructure to energy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday was conferred with Ethiopia's highest award 'The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia' by his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali. Image Credit: Narendra Modi/X

Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Ethiopia in December 2025 marked a defining moment in India-Ethiopia relations. During this visit, India and Ethiopia elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership, signalling a commitment to a long-term, vision-driven relationship rooted in development and diplomacy. Other than elevating their ties to a Strategic Partnership, India and Ethiopia signed multiple agreements/MOUs ranging from customs cooperation, establishing a data centre at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN peacekeeping training courses, debt restructuring under the G20, more ICCR scholarships, and AI short courses for Ethiopians.

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At a time when the global order is undergoing significant churn, the deepening engagement between India and Ethiopia shows that the Global South is defining international order on its own terms. India has also discussed partnerships in the arena of digital public infrastructure (DPI), mining, critical minerals, and clean energy. India has also promised to upgrade the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Addis Ababa, focusing on maternal and neonatal care. India and Ethiopia also agreed to collaborate through global platforms such as the United Nations and called for enhanced cooperation on climate change, renewable energy, and disaster resilience.

India and Ethiopia are also collaborating through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), and the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA). The Prime Ministers visit to Ethiopia was notable as he was conferred with the highest civilian award, recognising Indias role as a trusted development partner. The Prime Minister, in his maiden address to the joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, emphasised that India and Ethiopia are natural partners in regional peace, security, and connectivity, highlighting that both countries have a lot to learn from each other.

The historical ties between India and Ethiopia date back over 2,000 years, when Indian traders engaged with the Aksumite Empire through ancient maritime routes via the port of Adulis. Indian traders exchanged silk and spices for Ethiopian gold and ivory. India and Ethiopia established diplomatic relations at the legation level in 1948, and full diplomatic relations were established in 1950, with Sardar Sant Singh as the first ambassador.

India has supported Ethiopia through education programs such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), scholarship initiatives via ICCR, and development financing, including lines of credit for infrastructure. Ethiopia also has the largest number of PhD students from Africa studying in India. These engagements helped build trust and a foundation for contemporary strategic cooperation.

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Economic ties have also gained momentum in recent decades. Over 650 Indian companies have invested over $5 billion in Ethiopia, particularly in the manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors, generating over 75,000 jobs. Beyond economics, India and Ethiopia have also built a partnership in defence cooperation and capacity building. India was one of the first countries to provide military assistance to Ethiopia in 1956, starting with the establishment of the Harar Military Academy. Since 2009, India has supported the training of Ethiopian defence forces. This year, India and Ethiopia held the inaugural Joint Defence Cooperation (JDC), marking a major step in the elevation of defence ties.

Ethiopia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, positioning itself as a key development anchor on the continent. Despite facing political and economic challenges in recent years, Ethiopia has demonstrated resilience through sustained public investment in infrastructure, manufacturing, and industrial parks. Its strategic location in the Horn of Africa, large domestic market, and focus on value-added production have made it an attractive investment destination.

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For India, Ethiopia represents not just an economic partner but a long-term development ally capable of anchoring Indias economic engagement with Africa beyond extractive or commodity-driven models. Ethiopias inclusion in BRICS in 2024 also amplifies its strategic importance, as its presence in BRICS aligns with Indias broader vision of amplifying the Global Souths voice in global governance and the economic order. As India takes up the chairmanship of BRICS next year, the Prime Ministers visit could not have come at a better time, as India seeks to position itself as a voice of the Global South in a rapidly evolving global order.

The elevation of ties between India and Ethiopia reflects a broader trendfrom symbolic solidarity to substantive partnershipa step forward for Global South diplomacy. Rooted in historical trust, yet focused on contemporary issues, the India-Ethiopia relationship demonstrates how the Global South can cooperate on issues of strategic importance.

As India prepares to assume the chairmanship of BRICS, partnerships with like-minded countries will be essential in shaping an international order in which the Global South plays a prominent role. Therefore, Ethiopia is not just a bilateral partner but a key stakeholder in Indias vision of a developed, assertive Global South.

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(Trishala Anand Sancheti is Research Fellow, India Foundation. Views expressed are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
The India-Oman collaboration in trade, security, defence, critical minerals, cutting-edge technology, green energy and space research will pave the way for the resurgence of the Global South from colonially imposed stagnation

Prime Minister Narendra Modis two-day visit to Oman, commencing on 17 December 2025, marks a watershed moment in the history of bilateral relations between India and Oman. This is his second official trip to Oman after 2018. Given the volatile West Asia and emerging complex global dynamics in the era of Trumps transactionalism, trade politics, and diplomatic unpredictability, much hope hinges on this crucial visit.

This visit is also notable as India completes 70 years of a crucial relationship with Oman. But the antiquity of Bharats most consistent and enduring civilisational connection with Oman is deep and profound. Geography, history, and culture bind India and Oman in a warm friendship. Although diplomatic relations between the countries began in 1955 and were upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2008, people-to-people contact through trade, culture, and knowledge has a history dating back at least 5,000 years. According to the Indian Embassy, Muscat, Oman, Bilateral trade during FY 2023-2024 reached $8.947 billion and for FY 202425 reached $10.613 billion. These statistics present the level of engagement between India and Oman.

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Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

The focus of this visit largely gravitates towards the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). It will staggeringly revitalise bilateral trade between the two countries. The CEPA is expected to ease customs duties and counterproductive regulations on the export of Indian goods. It enables easier procurement, investment, trade, and export-import activities. Its scope is comprehensive. The key takeaways of this endeavour are ease of trade, service flexibility, and zero-duty market access. The India-Oman partnership, under the framework of CEPA, will transform the scope of engagement between the two countries.

Strategic partnership

The much-anticipated meeting with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will crystallise discussions on the Strategic Partnership. The geostrategic importance of Oman in the Gulf of Oman, combined with critical geopolitical developments in the region, draws attention to the need for strategic collaboration. In marine cooperation, the Port of Duqm is expected to attract strategic attention due to its role as a logistics hub for import-export activities.

In the domains of defence and space, both countries will collaborate through public-private ventures for the joint production of radar systems, drones, naval platforms, and the Tejas fighter to augment air dominance. Joint space collaboration is another important area of engagement. Meetings with business leaders for investment, business expansion, and commercial engagement will feature prominently in the catalogue of priorities. Food and energy security will be discussed to accelerate progress on the green hydrogen project, petrochemicals, and a robust supply chain of food products.

Diaspora as soft asset

The diaspora is a significant strength of Indias soft power. The success of India-Oman bilateralism hinges on the Indian diaspora, its entrepreneurship, and its commitment. According to the Government of Oman, Oman hosts a sizeable Indian community totalling approximately 676,781 (Males: 515,917; Females: 160,864) as on 25 August 2025 (quoted by the Indian Embassy, Muscat, Oman). According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), 519,609 Indian nationals hold work visas (quoted by the Indian Embassy, Muscat, Oman).

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Indians work in Oman in various capacities, including doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, teachers, professors, nurses, managers, and blue-collar workers. There are approximately 22 Indian schools catering to the educational needs of children of Indian expatriates. The Government of Oman has acknowledged the contributions of the Indian expatriate community to Omans journey towards prosperity. The Government of India recognises the contributions of the Indian diaspora in building robust bilateralism through the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.

New areas of engagement

Apart from conventional agreements on oil and gas, the focus will shift towards cutting-edge technology, renewable energy, and sustainable strategic partnerships. Beyond hydrocarbons, areas such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, and green steel are emerging priorities. Delivering on their green commitments, both countries are collaborating in areas of green energy to decouple from fossil-reliant energy sources.

In this context, the marriage between Indian technical expertise and Omani natural resources is an effective initiative. In the area of education, IITs and IIMs are expected to open their offshore campuses in Oman soon. Healthcare, Yoga, Ayurveda, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and pharmaceutical R&D have already made significant headway in Oman. The intensification of such initiatives is expected to occur in the aftermath of this visit.

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Critical minerals are key to global energy transitions. They are crucial for automobiles, defence technology, and space research. Both countries collaborate on their mining, processing, and marketing. The processing of critical minerals is energy-intensive and expensive; collaboration is therefore essential. India and Oman have signed MoUs to share intelligence on matters related to terror financing and money laundering. The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), which was signed in 1997, was updated on May 28, 2025. It brings clarity to tax-related ambiguities, avoids double taxation, and promotes investment.

Digital technology

The RuPay digital platform and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) were introduced in Oman in 2022. This is a game-changing initiative undertaken by India to accentuate the ease of doing business with Oman. It makes the remittance process easier without facing digital clutter and dependence on other strenuous platforms. UPI and RuPay have revolutionised payment-related connectivity and expansiveness. These digital platforms have minimised frictions in remittances, tourism, and business.

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Connectivity paradigm

Omans stake in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is crucial to this ambitious connectivity initiative, which connects India with Europe and carves out an alternative trade and supply route to reduce singular reliance on the Suez Canal. Omans Port of Duqm will ensure an uninterrupted supply of logistics from India to West Asia, Africa, and Europe. It will integrate Indian firms with broader areas of trade activity and engagement.

Future

Today, the global order is in a state of disarray. Trumpian geopolitics is uncertain, ambiguous, and counterproductive. The US and China are vying for global dominance, and this competition undergirds the collision of the unilateral world order. This collision also indicates the possible emergence of a new order, likely to be multipolar, with multiple powers holding stakes. In such a pressing scenario, Indias role will be vital. Indias demography and diaspora will play a significant role in shaping the world order.

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In this context, rebuilding ties with Oman, a long-standing partner, will mark the emergence of the Global South in assuming a new role. The India-Oman collaboration in trade, security, defence, critical minerals, cutting-edge technology, green energy and space research will pave the way for the resurgence of the Global South from colonially imposed stagnation.

(Dr. Jajati K. Pattnaik is a Professor at the Centre for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Dr. Chandan K. Panda is an Assistant Professor at Rajiv Gandhi University (a Central University), Itanagar. Views expressed are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
If the West wishes to prevent future terror attacks, it must look beyond the individual attacker and interrogate the ecosystem that made such violence imaginable, defensible and ultimately executable

The attack on the Jewish community celebrating the Hannukah festival at Bondi Beach, Sydney, that was carried out by a father and son duo, leaving thirteen people dead and around two dozen injured, did not erupt from a vacuum. It was not an inexplicable act of sudden madness, nor can it be responsibly explained away as an isolated incident disconnected from broader ideological currents. Rather, it represents the most violent endpoint of a long, cumulative process, one in which antisemitism has been normalised, laundered through the language of activism, legitimised within Western societies through their educational and media ecosystems, and amplified by social media into a moral permission structure for violence against Jews anywhere in the world.

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This is not a result of a botched-up immigration policy, ethnic assimilation, or any particular faith as such. It is an argument about ideas, wherein certain forms of hatred that once were universally recognised as toxic and unacceptable have now been repackaged as political virtue, and how radical Islamist actors exploit this permissive environment to move from grievance to justification and from justification to terror.

For years now, Western societies have struggled to draw a clear line between legitimate criticism of Israeli state policy and the resurrection of classic antisemitic tropes. That line has not merely blurred but, in many spaces, has been deliberately erased. On university campuses, slogans like River to the Sea, once associated with violent movements, now fashionably coexist with calls for intifada, chants that erase Israels right to exist, and rhetoric that frames Jews globally as legitimate targets. This behaviour has been defended as expressions of resistance rather than being recognised as incitement to violence. What was once a fringe discourse has now been absorbed into student politics, activist coalitions, media debates, and academic forums, often without serious scrutiny of its historical and ideological baggage.

This all matters because language shapes the moral boundaries of a society. When violence is framed as resistance, when terror is contextualised rather than condemned, and when antisemitism is recast as anti-imperial critique, the social taboo against targeting Jews weakens. The effect is cumulative. Each protest slogan, each academic paper that romanticises revolutionary violence, each media commentary that explains rather than confronts antisemitic aggression, contributes to an environment in which hatred becomes ordinary and outrage selective.

Western journalism has not been immune to this shift. Sections of the media ecosystem, particularly opinion columns, activist journalism, and certain digital platforms, have increasingly adopted the framing vocabulary of ideological movements rather than maintaining analytical distance from them. Violence against Jews is too often narrated through a prism of provocation, grievance, or geopolitical abstraction, while violence against others is treated as morally self-evident atrocity. This asymmetry does not merely distort public understanding; it signals to radical actors that some victims matter less than others.

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Academia, too, has largely played an adverse role. In parts of the humanities and social sciences, post-colonial frameworks have hardened into ideological orthodoxy. Complex conflicts are flattened into binaries of oppressor and oppressed, and entire populations are assigned collective moral identities. Within this schema, Jews are frequently stripped of historical vulnerability and recast as extensions of Western power, regardless of geography or individual circumstance. Once a group is dehumanised at the level of theory, it becomes easier for others to dehumanise it in practice.

Social media then completes the circuit. Algorithms reward outrage, grievance, and absolutism. Videos of protests, selectively edited conflict footage, and emotionally charged narratives circulate without context, accelerating radicalisation far faster than traditional ideological pipelines ever could. For individuals already predisposed to grievance, particularly those exposed to Islamist narratives that frame global politics as a civilisational war, this digital ecosystem offers constant validation. Violence is no longer unthinkable; it is rehearsed rhetorically long before it is physically enacted.

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This is where radical Islamist ideology truly enters the picture. Groups and networks that traffic in political Islam have long understood the value of narrative convergence. They do not need to create antisemitism from scratch; they merely need to tap into existing discursive currents and redirect them toward action. When Western spaces legitimise the language of intifada without acknowledging its violent history, Islamist radicals misconstrue it as an endorsement. When journalists contextualise antisemitic attacks as expressions of anger, extremists hear absolution. When campuses treat calls for the erasure of Israel as protected speech divorced from consequence, radicals see an opportunity.

The Bondi Beach attack, viewed through this lens, is not simply an act of personal extremism. It is the terminal point of a broader ideological supply chain, one that begins with intellectual indulgence, passes through activist normalisation, is accelerated by social media, and is ultimately weaponised by those who believe violence is not only justified but righteous.

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It is time now for Western societies to confront an uncomfortable truth: tolerance for intolerance does not remain neutral. When antisemitism is selectively excused, it does not stay rhetorical. It metastasizes into violence and terrorism. The failure to enforce moral clarity, especially within the institutions that shape young minds and public discourse, creates a permissive environment in which radical actors operate with confidence rather than fear of reprisal.

This does not require suppressing debate or criticism of governments. It requires intellectual honesty. It requires recognising that calls for violent uprising are not metaphors, that historical hatreds do not become benign when wrapped in progressive language, and that terrorism does not emerge spontaneously; it is meticulously cultivated.

Violence against Jews anywhere in the world is not a foreign problem imported from distant conflicts. It is a mirror reflecting back the ideas we tolerate, the language we excuse, and the silences we mistake for neutrality.

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This same ecosystem of legitimized violence does not stop at Europe or Australia, nor is it confined to antisemitism alone. The ideological architecture that excuses, contextualises, or sanitizes violence against Jews is strikingly similar to the one that has, for decades, normalised Islamist terrorism against India. In Western discourse, Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks, from Mumbai in 2008 to Pahalgam in 2025, are too often framed through the language of grievance, insurgency, or regional complexity rather than named plainly for what they are: pure acts of ideologically driven terrorism targeting Indians.

The moral evasions are familiar. Just as antisemitic violence is frequently absorbed into debates about resistance, jihadist attacks against Indians are softened through narratives of political dispute, human rights asymmetry, or historical and religious resentment. The result is the same: reluctance to draw clear moral lines leads to an intellectual environment in which terror becomes explicable before it is condemned.

This parallel runs deeper than rhetoric. Islamist networks operating from Pakistan have long relied on the same narrative permissiveness cultivated in Western academic, journalistic, and activist spaces. Kashmir, like Israel, is often presented not as a complex political issue but as a moral abstraction, a symbol onto which revolutionary fantasies are projected. Indians, like Jews, are frequently stripped of civilian status in these narratives, recast instead as extensions of a state or ideology deemed illegitimate, and then subjected to brutal killings, as was the case in the Pahalgam terror attack.

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This moral equivalence, where democracies defending territorial integrity are equated with terror groups that target civilians, ultimately functions as an enabler. It reassures extremists that their violence will be debated rather than universally rejected, contextualised rather than criminalised. In that sense, the ideological ecosystem that lowers the threshold for attacking Jews in Bondi is the same one that has, for years, provided intellectual oxygen to those who bomb trains in Mumbai, massacre pilgrims in Kashmir, or radicalize young men across borders.

Until Western societies confront this shared architecture of excuse-making, this habit of mistaking explanation for absolution, the cycle of so-called legitimised terror will continue to find new targets in different geographies with familiar justifications.

If the West wishes to prevent future terror attacks, it must look beyond the individual attacker and interrogate the ecosystem that made such violence imaginable, defensible, and ultimately executable. The cost of failing to do so is not abstract. It is measured time and again in blood, in severely broken public trust, and in the quiet erosion of the moral red lines that once defined the West as a civilised society.

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(Raja Muneeb is an independent journalist and columnist. He tweets @rajamuneeb. The views expressed in this article are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.)
Blue Owl, the largest data centre partner of Oracle will not sign a $10bn deal for its next facility as the software firm faces increased risk of debt rising and AI spending.

Blue Owl, the largest data centre partner of Oracle will not sign a $10bn deal for its next facility as the software firm faces increased risk of debt rising and AI spending.

Blue owl is in talks with Oracle and some lenders, planning to invest in the planned 1 gigawatt data centre being built to serve OpenAI in Saline Township, Michigan.

But the agreement will not go forward after negotiations stalled, according to three people familiar with the matter.

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Investing in a software firm which is already under debt will pose a threat to Blue Owl. Blue Owl typically sets up a special purpose vehicle, which owns the data centre and leases it to Oracle.

The breakdown of funding discussions with Blue Owl leaves the financing of the Michigan facility in doubt, as Oracle has not yet signed a deal with a new backer, according to the people close to the matter.

Blue Owls role would probably have involved arranging up to $10bn of financing and making a large equity investment.

The group, founded by Ellison, has embarked on an AI data centre spending spree in recent months and has aggressively tapped debt markets to build its capacity, spooking investors and prompting concern from rating agencies and analysts.

People close to the Michigan deal said lenders pushed for stricter leasing and debt terms amid shifting market sentiment around enormous AI spending including Oracles own commitments and rising debt levels.

As a result, the deal was less attractive financially for Blue Owl than its earlier projects, according to some of the people.

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Oracle said: Our development partner, Related Digital, selected the best equity partner from a competitive group of options, which in this instance was not Blue Owl . . . Final negotiations for their equity deal are moving forward on schedule and according to plan.
Chinese scientists have built a prototype of a machine capable of producing the cutting-edge semiconductor chips that power artificial intelligence, smartphones and weapons central to the military dominance of the West

Beijing has built semiconductor chips which the US has been trying to prevent over years. In a high-security Shenzhen laboratory, Chinese scientists have built a prototype of a machine capable of producing the cutting-edge semiconductor chips that power artificial intelligence, smartphones and weapons central to the military dominance of the West, according to Reuters.

The testing is still undergoing but got completed in early 2025, the prototype fills nearly an entire factory floor. It was originally built by a team of engineers from Dutch semiconductor giant ASML who reverse-engineered the companys extreme ultraviolet lithography machines or EUVs, according to two people with knowledge of the project.

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Happening before time

China has been the hub of producing chips and semiconductors and the machine is operational and successful in generating extreme ultraviolet rays.

In April, ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet said that China would need many, many years to develop such technology. But the existence of this prototype, reported by Reuters for the first time, suggests China may be years closer to achieving semiconductor independence than analysts anticipated.

China still lacks and possesses some technological challenges in replicating the optical systems which the Western markets produce.

The availability of parts from older ASML machines on secondary markets has allowed China to build a domestic prototype, with the government setting a goal of producing working chips on the prototype by 2028, according to the two people.

But people who are still working on the project and are closer to it say that the completion targets to 2030.

The project falls under the countrys semiconductor strategy, which state media has identified as being run by Xi Jinping confidant Ding Xuexiang, who heads the Communist Partys Central Science and Technology Commission.

It makes sense that companies would want to replicate our technology, but doing so is no small feat, ASML told Reuters in a statement.

Chinas biggest project

The team includes recently retired, Chinese-born former ASML engineers and scientistsprime recruitment targets because they possess sensitive technical knowledge but face fewer professional constraints after leaving the company, the people said.

Two current ASML employees of Chinese nationality in the Netherlands told Reuters they have been approached by recruiters from Huawei since at least 2020.

ASML told Reuters that it vigilantly guards trade secrets and confidential information.

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While ASML cannot control or restrict where former employees work, all employees are bound by the confidentiality clauses in their contracts, the company said, and it has successfully pursued legal action in response to the theft of trade secrets.

An engineer said that the project was the biggest surprise and identification of brilliant minds. He recognised other former ASML colleagues who were also working under aliases and was instructed to use their fake names at work to maintain secrecy, the person said.
EU leaders have gathered in Brussels to secure funding for Ukraines defence over the next two years, but Belgiums opposition to using frozen Russian assets held in the country has complicated efforts to strike a deal.

Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever attends a press conference on the day of the European Union leaders' summit in Brussels, Belgium, on October 23, 2025. (Photo: Yves Herman/Reuters)

The European Union (EU) leaders gathered in Brussels on Thursday to decide how to finance Ukraines defence and reconstruction for the next two years, but Belgiums resistance to using frozen Russian assets stored in its territory has complicated their efforts.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has proposed to raise 90 billion from frozen Russian assets to fund a loan for Ukraine. Supporters have hailed it as a groundbreaking plan but Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has argued it would leave his country dangerously exposed.

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The concern stems from Euroclear, the Brussels-based securities depository that holds about 70 per cent of frozen Russian assets. Belgium fears that if Russia sues and wins in an international court, the country could be liable for not just the principal but also hefty penalties.

Russia has already filed a lawsuit in a Moscow court. While any ruling there would not be enforceable outside Russia, the case sets a precedent for further legal challenges in Belgian or international courts.

Experts, however, say a Russian victory would be extremely difficult and any verdict nearly impossible to enforce. They stress that Belgiums risks are mostly political and reputational, not financial. Still, De Wever insists he will not back any plan that threatens the financial security of Europe and Belgium.

De Wever warned it would be a shame if the loan were approved despite Belgiums objections but signaled openness to compromises that spread risk across the EU.

Belgiums three conditions for a deal

De Wever has laid down three conditions for any EU funding deal for Ukraine. The central idea is to avoid the concentration of risk and liabilities with Belgium alone.

Firstly, De Wever has called for the full sharing of risk among all EU members.

In case of any lawsuits or adversarial rulings, Belgium has demanded open-ended guarantees to protect itself. While Germany has pledged 50 billion in guarantees, Belgium wants the remaining gap to be filled as well  Belgiums Euroclear holds around 180 billions of frozen Russian assets.

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The EU has pledged guarantees to the tune of 210 billion, the total value of frozen Russian assets in Europe, but neither EU nor EU member-states individually have provided unlimited guarantees to Belgium. Thats an issue for De Wever as, theoretically, punitive rulings could ask Belgium to pay an amount that could far exceed that value after factoring in any fines or penalties.

Secondly, De Wever has demanded that Euroclear should be able to honour its legal claim with Russia with absolute immediacy. This means that, as per the international law, as and when Russia asks for its funds whenever sanctions and freeze are lifted, Euroclear should be in a position to return the money.

This demand could be addressed easily as the EU is willing to lend money to member-states that cant meet their pledged guarantees, according to Euronews.

But, again, Belgium could demand that this should be a grant and not a loan that the country should be expected to repay to the EU.

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Thirdly, De Wever has demanded that every EU member-state that holds Russian sovereign assets should participate in the reparations loan, as per Euronews.

These nations are Germany, Sweden, Cyprus, and France. Additionally, De Wever has demanded that other G7 partners the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan should also float similar loans to Ukraine, as per the report.
A leader of Bangladeshs 2024 uprising who was wounded in an assassination attempt and flown to Singapore for treatment has died in the city-state, officials said on Friday.

An activist holds a poster of Sharif Osman Hadi, senior leader of the student protest group Inqilab Mancha, who was shot outside a mosque, during a demonstration to condemn the attack in Dhaka on December 15, 2025.- AFP

A leader of Bangladeshs 2024 uprising who was wounded in an assassination attempt and flown to Singapore for treatment has died in the city-state, officials said on Friday.

Despite the best efforts of the doctors, Mr (Sharif Osman) Hadi succumbed to his injuries, Singapores foreign affairs ministry said in a statement.

Hadi was shot by unidentified assailants in Bangladeshs capital while travelling in a battery-powered auto-rickshaw on Culvert Road in the Paltan area. He was initially rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital after his condition worsened.

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On Saturday, he was flown to Singapore to receive advanced medical treatment.

Hadi, a member of the anti-Hasina platform Inqilab Manch and known for his outspoken anti-India views, was campaigning in central Dhakas Bijoynagar area when he was attacked. He is contesting as an Independent from the Dhaka-8 constituency. Police said the attackers fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene.

Inquilab Mancha has been at the forefront of efforts to dismantle the Awami League. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus disbanded the party in May this year, barring it from contesting elections.

The group has also been leading a campaign demanding the arrest of what it describes as all terrorists linked to the disbanded Awami League, from senior leadership to grassroots workers, while calling for protection of the so-called July warriors.

Meanwhile, the parents of the prime suspect, Faisal Karim Masud, were reportedly sent to jail on Saturday after submitting confessional statements in the attempted murder case related to the attack on Hadi.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Monirul Islam recorded the statements of Masuds father, Humayun Kabir, 70, and mother, Hasi Begum, 60, after police presented them before the court, a court official said.

After the statements were recorded, the magistrate ordered that both be remanded to jail. The contents of the confessions were not made public.

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Announced this week, the Bitcoin Development Pledge dedicates a portion of Bhutans sovereign bitcoin reserves, worth an estimated $860 million to $1 billion at current prices

Bhutan has pledged up to 10,000 bitcoin to support the long-term development of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), positioning the Himalayan kingdom at the forefront of sovereign adoption of digital assets for national infrastructure and economic strategy.

Announced this week, the Bitcoin Development Pledge dedicates a portion of Bhutans sovereign bitcoin reserves, worth an estimated $860 million to $1 billion at current prices, to back the creation of a new special administrative region in southern Bhutan.

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Officials stressed that the initiative is focused on long-term capital preservation rather than liquidating assets to fund short-term spending.

A long-term bet on bitcoin-backed development

Rather than selling bitcoin, Bhutan is exploring financing models that maintain exposure to the assets potential appreciation. These include collateralised lending, treasury and yield strategies, and intentional long-term holding to support infrastructure investment. The government said final decisions on how the assets will be deployed are expected in the coming months.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck unveiled the commitment during his National Day Address, framing it as an intergenerational investment aimed at expanding opportunity for young Bhutanese.

As your King, I must ensure that every Bhutanese is a custodian, stakeholder, and beneficiary of GMC, he said. This commitment is for our people, our youth, and our nation.

Gelephu Mindfulness City

GMC is central to Bhutans broader effort to diversify its economy beyond hydropower and tourism while remaining aligned with its development philosophy rooted in sustainability and social well-being. Launched in 2024, the project is envisioned as a future economic hub spanning finance, technology, green energy, healthcare, agriculture, and high-value tourism.

The planned city covers roughly 1,544 square miles, about 10 per cent of Bhutans total land area, near the Indian border. A new land policy tied to the project will treat landowners as shareholders in the citys development, allowing citizens across regions to participate in the economic upside. Since much of the land is state-owned, officials say the benefits will be distributed nationwide.

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GMC itself has designated bitcoin, along with two other cryptocurrencies, as strategic reserve assets, making it one of the earliest jurisdictions to formally hold multiple digital assets at a municipal or regional level. Green Digital Ltd., which is leading the projects infrastructure buildout, is prioritising green energypowered data centres and blockchain infrastructure as part of the citys long-term vision.

From hydro-powered mining to a national blockchain strategy

Bhutans bitcoin holdings originate from years of state-backed mining operations powered by surplus hydroelectric energy. Beginning around 20192020, the country quietly converted excess renewable power into bitcoin, allowing it to monetise unused energy capacity without increasing environmental impact. Estimates of Bhutans total bitcoin reserves vary widely, ranging from about 6,000 to more than 11,000 BTC, placing the kingdom among the worlds largest sovereign holders.

The bitcoin pledge builds on a wider blockchain push already underway. Bhutan has introduced crypto-enabled payments across its tourism sector through partnerships with DK Bank and Binance Pay, enabling visitors to pay with more than 100 digital assets at hotels, airlines, and local merchants. More than 100 tourism businesses now accept crypto payments.

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Measures announced include a new aggravated hate speech offence targeting preachers and leaders who incite violence, tougher penalties for hate speech that promotes violence, and making hatred an aggravating factor in sentencing for online threats and harassment

A man looks at floral tributes left by mourners at the promenade of Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 17, 2025, in honour of victims of the shooting that took place there on December 14. AFP

The Bondi Beach attack in Australia has prompted the government to strengthen hate speech laws that are used to target religious preachers and create laws to screen visas of those who spread hate and division."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday announced the measures as a response to the deadly mass shooting incident during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people.

The country has already been under immense pressure to tackle cases of antisemitism, with Albanese conceding that he could have done more to combat anti-Jewish sentiment in Australia following Hamass October 7 attack in Israel.

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Look, of course more could have always been done. Governments arent perfect. Im not perfect, Albanese said.

What would the new measures be?

Albanese convened the national security committee on Thursday morning and said that the government supports Australias special envoy to combat antisemitism, Jillian Segal, in this endeavour.

The prime ministers decision to emphasise tighter gun control laws in the immediate aftermath of Sundays shooting has drawn criticism, including from former Liberal prime minister John Howard, who argued the move was an attempt to deflect attention from an inadequate response to rising antisemitism.

Measures announced include a new aggravated hate speech offence targeting preachers and leaders who incite violence, tougher penalties for hate speech that promotes violence, and making hatred an aggravating factor in sentencing for online threats and harassment.

It would also include creating a list of organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech, promoting violence or racial hatred.

There have been organisations which any Australian would look at and say, their behaviour, their philosophy and what they are trying to do is about division and has no place in Australia," The home affairs minister, Tony Burke, said.

Shooter may face life in prison

Naveed Akram, the surviving attacker behind the deadly assault, could face life imprisonment if convicted, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said in a statement.

Akram, who was critically injured during the attack on Sunday, has recently emerged from a coma and was formally charged on Monday with 59 offences. These include terrorism-related charges and 15 counts of murder. The charges were announced as hundreds of mourners assembled across Sydney to begin funeral services for the victims. The second gunman, Akrams father Sajid, was shot dead during the attack.

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Barrett said investigations into the mass killing remain ongoing and sought to reassure the Jewish community, stressing that authorities believe there is no continuing threat.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Thursday he would present Italys request for a postponement of a mammoth EU trade deal with South America to a summit of regional leaders at the weekend.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Thursday that he would convey Italys request to delay a major EU trade agreement with South America to regional leaders meeting this weekend.

Lula said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni raised the issue during a phone call, asking for additional time ranging from a week to a month before finalising the agreement. He said the request would be taken up at the upcoming summit of the Mercosur trade bloc.

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The proposed EUMercosur agreement would establish one of the largest free-trade zones in the world.

The European Commission and Mercosur countries had been aiming to finalise the long-pending pact ahead of this weekends summit. However, France and Italy have emerged as leading voices calling for a postponement, citing concerns about the potential impact on Europes agriculture sector.

Mercosur members Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay are scheduled to hold their annual summit on Saturday in the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguacu.

Meloni said on Wednesday that it would be premature to sign off on the deal in the coming days.

French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Thursday that the agreement cannot be signed in its current form.

A demonstration by farmers in Brussels on Thursday descended into rioting.
Chinas plummeting birth rate has made its leadership anxious, with the government now shifting from its stringent one-child policy to a suite of carrots to induce people to have more children

China will impose a value-added tax (VAT) on condoms and other forms of contraceptives as the country reels under a falling birthrate.

Condoms and other contraceptives will face a 13 per cent VAT from January 1. These goods have been exempted from VAT since China introduced the system in 1993.

High childcare and education costs put many Chinese couples off having children, while uncertainty in the job market discourages women from pausing their careers. Gender discrimination and traditional expectations that women assume the caretaker role in the family exacerbate the issue, demographers say.

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Would taxing condoms help?

Chinas plummeting birth rate has made its leadership anxious, with the government now shifting from its stringent one-child policy to a suite of carrots to induce people to have more children.

Raising taxes on condoms is largely a symbolic gesture. A standard pack typically sells for 40 to 60 yuan ($5.70$8.50), while a months supply of the contraceptive pill, available over the counter, costs between 50 and 130 yuan.

Yun Zhou, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Michigan, said the new tax was unlikely to change peoples choices, but it sent a signal from the government about what desirable family behaviour should be. She added that if contraception became harder to access, the brunt of the negative effects will be borne by women, particularly by disadvantaged women.

What are some other measures?

China has also introduced a slew of other measures to ensure couples have more children. The government this year allocated 90bn yuan ($12.7bn) for its first nationwide childcare subsidy programme, offering 3,600 yuan annually for each child aged under three.

In the past couple of months, some local government officials have been phoning women, asking about their menstrual cycles and birth plans.

In December, Chinese media reported that women in a county in Yunnan province in south-west China were required to report the date of their last menstrual period to local authorities. The local health bureau said the data collection was intended to help identify pregnant women and expectant mothers.
China steps in to mediate Thailand-Cambodia border clashes after Trumps Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord collapses, aiming to de-escalate violence and boost Beijings regional diplomatic role.

As fierce clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border intensify, China has stepped forward with a fresh offer to mediate between the two Southeast Asian neighbours, moving into a diplomatic space previously occupied by the United States.

The intervention comes as a high-profile peace effort championed by US President Donald Trump has unravelled against a backdrop of renewed hostilities, civilian displacement and political mistrust.

A specialist envoy from Beijing has been dispatched to Bangkok and Phnom Penh to pursue talks aimed at de-escalation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed. The move highlights Beijings broader aspirations to play a stabilising role in regional disputes even as the conflict tests the durability of externally brokered truces.

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Trumps peace process collapses amid fresh violence

Earlier this year, President Trump touted his role in brokering a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia following one of the most intense border flare-ups in over a decade. The agreement, formalised at a Kuala Lumpur summit in late October and known as the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord was witnessed by regional leaders including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Trump himself, and was intended to halt violence and lay the groundwork for lasting peace.

But despite Trumps public claims, the ceasefire failed to hold. Skirmishes resumed in December with artillery exchanges, air strikes and ground operations along disputed border areas, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians and inflicting civilian casualties on both sides.

Thai officials have directly rejected Trumps assertions that an agreement is in effect, with Bangkok declaring it will continue military operations until it perceives no imminent threat from Cambodian forces. Cambodia, for its part, has denied charges of violating ceasefire terms.

Analysts say such breakdowns were foreseeable given the deep-seated historical territorial tensions and lack of robust enforcement mechanisms in the peace deal. Previous suspensions of thawed relations including an earlier truce collapsed after a landmine blast in November  had already signalled the fragility of diplomatic progress.

Beijings bid: a new peacemaker in Southeast Asia

Against this backdrop of lingering conflict, Chinas mediation offer represents a bid to insert itself into a diplomatic breach. According to statements from Beijing, Deng Xijun, Chinas Special Envoy for Asian Affairs will visit both capitals to pursue de-escalation talks and encourage parties to resume dialogue. China says it is following developments closely and aims to support efforts to end the hostilities.

Beijings involvement aligns with its broader strategic interest in Southeast Asia, where economic and security ties with Cambodia and Thailand have grown substantially. Analysts note that a successful Chinese diplomatic role could boost Beijings regional standing, particularly as major powers compete for influence in the Indo-Pacific.

However, Chinas peace making track record in the region has had mixed success. While it played an observer role in earlier ASEAN-mediated talks that helped shape the original ceasefire framework, Beijings initiatives have sometimes been viewed with suspicion, particularly by ASEAN members wary of unilateral influence.

From Thailands perspective, offers of third-party mediation have occasionally been rebuffed, as Bangkok historically favoured bilateral negotiation before engaging in broader talks, a dynamic that complicated earlier truces.

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Limits of mediation and implications for regional stability

Chinas intervention arrives at a time of deep scepticism about external peace making efforts. Despite Trumps prominent claims of brokering peace, observers argue that the recent Thailand-Cambodia deal collapsed in part because it lacked enforcement and failed to address the root causes of the border dispute.

Several of the peace deals touted by Trump in other regions have faced similar challenges, leading some analysts to question the efficacy of high-profile diplomatic declarations without follow-through.

For ASEAN and its member states, a successful Chinese mediation could signal shifting dynamics in regional diplomacy, where traditional US influence is contested by Beijings rising role. But sceptics warn that overly assertive Chinese intervention might unsettle regional sensibilities and complicate ASEANs central role in conflict resolution.

On the ground, the human cost of the violence is acute. Renewed border clashes have not only disrupted livelihoods but also strained bilateral trust, making a return to sustained peace difficult without genuine political will from both sides and effective third-party facilitation.

As Chinas envoy begins consultations, the world will watch whether this latest diplomatic push can coax the warring neighbours back from the brink or whether the Thailand-Cambodia conflict will continue to escalate in spite of global peace making efforts.

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China on Thursday split off a Belgium-sized island with an economy comparable to a mid-ranked country from the mainland for customs processing

China on Thursday split off a Belgium-sized island with an economy comparable to a mid-ranked country from the mainland for customs processing, part of a bid to join a major trans-Pacific trade deal and establish a new Hong Kong-style commercial hub.

Officials hope that turning the southern province of Hainan into a duty-free zone will spur foreign investment, with goods that achieve at least 30% local value-added able to move on into the worlds second-largest economy tariff-free. Foreign firms will also be able to operate in service sectors that are restricted on the mainland.

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China is also seeking to boost its free-trade credentials to convince members of one of the worlds largest free-trade deals, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), that it can meet the blocs high standards for trade and investment openness through pilot projects such as the Hainan Free Trade Port.

Chinas Vice Premier He Lifeng called on local officials to build Hainan Free Trade Port into a vital gateway leading Chinas new era of opening up to the world, during a speech at the port.

The project was a major strategic decision taken by the ruling Communist Party with an eye to the overall situation at home and abroad, Chinas economy tsar said. That appeared to be a reference to U.S. President Donald Trumps tariffs, which have pushed policymakers to diversify Chinas $19 trillion economy from the worlds top consumer market and take steps to further consolidate the manufacturing juggernauts role in global supply chains.

Chinas leaders have made reversing a drop in investment a priority for next year, seeking to shift the economy from its current reliance on stimulus toward a dual focus on consumption and investment to stabilise growth in the near-term, while officials evaluate undertaking painful structural reforms needed to rebalance the economy long-term.

Foreign direct investment into China fell 10.4% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025, official data shows.

If liberalisation succeeds in Hainan, economists say policymakers may feel emboldened to expose more of Chinas economy to market forces.

Chinas free trade test case

The benchmark is something similar to Hong Kong, said Ran Guo, director for Consumer Economy at the China-Britain Business Council, who has been tracking the plans developments for the past five years.

In addition to boosting Hainans tourism sector, the plan should also encourage more foreign investment and manufacturing, she added.

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Hainan also serves as a logistics and trading hub for China towards Southeast Asia, which carries an important strategic role.

Hainans GDP stood at $113 billion last year, official data shows, the equivalent of the worlds 70th largest economy, according to World Bank data. Even so, it is far short of Hong Kongs $407 billion economy.

The Hainan model basically offers managed liberalisation that will be great for reintegrating supply chains, yet it lacks the legal system and financial openness Hong Kong boasts, said Xu Tianchen, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The island will also have to compete with Southeast Asia and Japan, Xu added, making success far from guaranteed.

Trade negotiators also doubt how seriously CPTPP members will view the Hainan project, noting that membership in the bloc requires opening up the entire economy - something China has yet to demonstrate, no matter how large Hainan is.

CPTPP members are looking for nationwide steps that accession partners are prepared to take, along with a track record of compliance with other trade agreements, one Western diplomat said off the record, citing Beijings recent trade tensions with Japan amid a feud over Taiwan.

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Russia urges Donald Trump to avoid a fatal mistake in the Venezuela crisis, supports Nicolas Maduro and calls for restraint amid US blockade and fears of unpredictable consequences.

Two crude oil tankers remain anchored on Lake Maracaibo, near Maracaibo, Zulia state, Venezuela on December 17, 2025.- AFP

Russia on Thursday called on Donald Trumps administration not to make a fatal mistake in the Venezuela crisis, calling for restraint and saying it was in constant contact with its ally Caracas.

US President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers in Venezuela this week, marking a new escalation between Washington and the South American country led by leftist authoritarian Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela has insisted its crude oil exports were not impacted by the announcement, showing defiance.

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Maduro is a friend of the Kremlins and has been a regular guest in Moscow for years.

Moscows foreign ministry said it hoped the White House will not allow a fatal mistake and will refrain from further sliding into a situation that threatens unpredictable consequences for the entire Western hemisphere.

It called for a de-escalation and expressed support for Maduros government.

The Kremlin said it was in constant contact with its ally and partner Venezuela.

We, of course, call on all countries of the region to show restraint in order to avoid any unpredictable development in the situation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

It is unclear how the blockade will play out, with US warships in the Caribbean.

In his announcement earlier this week, Trump also said Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America  raising fears of a potential US intervention.

The Kremlin has in the past helped prop up Venezuelas struggling economy.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his support to Maduro in a phone call earlier this month.
Irans capital is facing a severe water shortage, placing intense ecological strain on residents. President Masoud Pezeshkian said mounting pressure on water resources, land and infrastructure has left the government with no option but to act.

A trickle of water flows in the mainly dried-up Kan River, west of Tehran on November 9, 2025, as the Iran faces sever water shortages. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

Tehran has experienced scarcity as the country over on with the West Asia conflict they have no longer any choice as Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian commented about the ecological strain posing on Tehran which will make it impossible to sustain.

Pezeshkian said the pressure on water, land and infrastructure had left the government with no option but to act.

When we said we must move the capital, we did not even have enough budget. If we had, maybe it would have been done. The reality is that we no longer have a choice; it is an obligation, he said in a speech in Qazvin.

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He emphasised the role of resources and said that the city is galloping in a catastrophe as land in parts of the capital sinks by up to 30 centimeters a year and water supplies shrink.

When we say the land subsides 30 centimeters each day, this means disaster, he said.

He warned about the mismanagement of upstream areas, leading to water scarcity leading to irreversible damage.

Pezeshkian said officials across government should work together to bring change instead of a dark future.

Protecting the environment is not a joke. Ignoring it means signing our own destruction, he said

The President specified that the imbalance between demands and needs are unmatched. As the country is recovering from large-scale damage, the economical condition is also deeply affected.

We can bring water from the Persian Gulf, but it will be costly, he said, arguing that Tehrans population and construction load can no longer expand.

Shifting the capital

Iran announced in January that the government was planning to move the capital to the southern Makran coast, a remote region overlooking the Gulf of Oman.

Officials said the shift could ease Tehrans overcrowding, energy shortages and water shortage.

Officials have said Makrans coastline offers access to the Indian Ocean and a base for sea-linked economic projects. The area includes Chabahar, Irans only oceanic port and a gateway to Central Asia.

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The European Union (EU) leaders are meeting in Brussels to strike a deal on financing Ukraines defence and reconstruction for the next two years. But both options on the table to finance a 90 billion loan to Ukraine face major hurdles.

The leaders from European Unions (EU) 27 member-states gathered in Brussels on Thursday for a high-stakes summit aimed at funding Ukraines war effort and reconstruction for the next two years. But a breakthrough remains elusive as both proposed solutions are mired in political and legal obstacles.

The EU plans to provide 90 billion to Ukraine out of the estimated 135 billion in foreign assistance that the war-torn nation needs for defence and reconstruction. But member states are deeply divided on how to raise the money.

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Despite the challenges, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen vowed that the European Council the body of EU heads of state and government would not leave without a solution. Officials warn the summit could stretch for days given the stakes.

Why is Ukraine aid stuck?

Two main options are on the table, but neither has consensus.

In the first option, frozen Russian assets will be used as collateral to finance the loan to Ukraine.

The EU has proposed using frozen Russian central bank assets to back a reparations loan for Ukraine. Under this plan, Ukraine would only repay if Russia pays reparations. Since the scenario seen as highly unlikely, the plan effectively turns the loan into a grant.

Supporters hail the idea to use Russias own resources to help Ukraine as groundbreaking. But Belgium, which hosts about 70 per cent of these frozen assets, has blocked the move by arguing that concentrating liability in one country could trigger a financial crisis if Russia wins a legal challenge in an international court.

In the second option, the EU would issue common debt to finance the loan.

Belgium and several southern states suggest issuing joint EU debt, backed by the EU budget, to spread risk across all members. This approach mirrors the Covid-19 pandemic-era recovery fund and would ensure equal liability sharing.

However, the plan requires unanimous approval and Hungary, a close ally of Russia, has flatly refused. A workaround under discussion would exclude Hungary and possibly Slovakia, another country friendly to Russia from the scheme, allowing 25 states to go ahead with the scheme, according to Politico.

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Can Belgium be persuaded?

In a bid to sway Belgium, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined von der Leyen for crunch talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Wednesday, according to Euronews.

This is the second time Merz, Von der Leyen, and De Wever have held their trilateral meeting after Merz flew to Brussels on December 5 to make the case for using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's needs  Merz is among the foremost champions of the plan.

De Wever has, however, maintained that he will not give up his objection to the scheme and would not agree to any scheme that threatens the financial security of Europe and Belgium. He said that it would be a shame if the loan was somehow approved despite Belgiums objection.

But De Wever said that he was open to compromises that would see risks and liabilities distributed among the blocs members.

I havent seen any text yet that would persuade me to change Belgiums position. I hope to see it today, but so far, it hasnt arrived, said De Wever, according to Euronews.

But if the loan would be completely mutualised and sealed off for our country, then well jump into the abyss along with all the Europeans and hope the parachute will hold us, De Wever said.

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The European Union leaders are all set to decide on Thursday whether they will use Russias frozen immobilised assets to fund Ukraines fight against Russia. Heres whats at stake

Following a prolonged debate amid a raging war, the European Union leaders are all set to decide on Thursday whether they will use Russias frozen immobilised assets to fund Ukraines fight against Russia. Ahead of the voting, many are calling the occasion a make or break moment for Europe.

It is pertinent to note that the European Union has frozen 210bn of Russian central bank assets. Most of this is held at Euroclear in Brussels. As the war inches closer to the fourth anniversary, the EU wants to use this money to generate a loan for Ukraine.

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Under the plan, the EU would borrow from Euroclear to provide Ukraine with an initial 90bn loan, about two-thirds of Kyivs funding needs for 2026 and 2027. The EU expects Ukraines other allies to provide the rest.

As per the plan, Ukraine would repay the money to the EU if and when Russia agreed to pay reparations for the colossal damage inflicted during the war. The EU would then repay the amount to Euroclear. It is pertinent to note that throughout the cycle, Russia would remain the legal owner of the assets.

Why now

In 2024, the EU agreed to make use of the frozen Russian sovereign wealth for Ukraine. However, touching the assets has been a controversial step. The concern was not just how Russia would react to the move; decision-makers in Brussels, Paris and Berlin feared damaging global investor confidence in the eurozone.

Things changed in October this year when Germanys relatively new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, came out decisively in favour of a plan to use the assets without confiscation. This was also happening at a time when US President Donald Trump had halted new US military aid for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, European nations, grappling with stagnant economies and public spending pressures, are not doing nearly enough to fill the gap, according to the Kiel Institut in Germany. In the midst of all this, Ukraine is running out of money fast: Kyiv needs an estimated 136bn in 2026 and 2027 to fund its defence and keep afloat, according to the European Commission. Hence, the need for the money has become more significant.

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How is Russia reacting to it?

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that frozen assets to finance a loan would be akin to theft of someone elses property. The Russian leader and his advisers have issued dark warnings about the consequences for European economic stability and investor faith in the eurozone.

Earlier this year, the Russian Central Bank launched a $230 billion claim for damages against Euroclear, which is already fighting more than 100 legal cases in Russia. In the midst of this, Putin has signed a series of decrees, most recently in October, making it easier for the Kremlin to seize Western private and state assets in Russia, in retaliation for any confiscation of assets.

Belgium, which is also the host of lions share of the assets, has been hesitant about the idea, calling it fundamentally wrong. The Belgian government argued that the plan would be seen as confiscation and that, without strong EU guarantees, it could be left with multibillion-euro bills if Moscow is successful in suing Euroclear and seizing Belgian property in Russia.

While EU courts might not pay heed to Russias ruling, Belgium might face scrutiny from Russias allies like Kazakhstan or China, which could seize its assets.

What lies ahead

Many wonder if there is a plan B to this endeavour. EU member states could use unallocated funds in the EU budget as collateral for a loan for Ukraine  a tried-and-tested method of raising money, which was proposed by the European Commission this month.

Countries like Belgium, Italy, Bulgaria and Malta believe that it is legally a safer way to help Kyiv, leaving the Russian billions intact for Ukraines reconstruction.

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If the Thursday and Friday voting ends with no clear plan to fund Ukraine, the EUs credibility would take a major hit. Europe would find it even harder to sway peace talks orchestrated by a transactional US president who has already dismissed the continents leaders as weak.

Ahead of the voting, Merz issued a stark warning about the risks of failing to agree on the frozen assets plan. If we do not succeed in this, then the European Unions ability to act will be severely damaged for years, if not longer, and we will show the world that we are incapable of standing together and acting at such a crucial moment in our history," he said.

If the bloc agrees to the plan, it would trigger relief for Ukraine. However, there will still be challenges. Even if EU leaders sign off on the frozen assets idea, it would still need to be turned into law to meet Ukraines urgent military and civilian needs by springtime. It will also be interesting to see how Russia would react to the matter.

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About 1,000 honking tractors rolled into the Belgian capital to heap pressure on an EU leaders summit where the deals fate hung in the balance

A farmer sits in a chair next to potatoes near the European Parliament at the Place du Luxembourg, during a farmers' protest to denounce the reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and trade agreements such as the Mercosur, in Brussels, on December 18, 2025, organised by Copa-Cogeca, the main association representing farmers and agricultural cooperatives in the EU. EU Farmers, particularly in France, worry the Mercosur deal -- which will be discussed at the EU leaders meeting -- will see them undercut by a flow of cheaper goods from agricultural giant Brazil and its neighbours. They also oppose plans put forward by the European Commission to overhaul the 27-nation bloc's huge farming subsidies, fearing less money will flow their way. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP)

Protesters lit fires and hurled potatoes at riot police who responded with teargas and water annon in Brussels on Thursday, as tensions boiled over at a farmer demonstration against the EUs planned trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur.

About 1,000 honking tractors rolled into the Belgian capital to heap pressure on an EU leaders summit where the deals fate hung in the balance.Were here to say no to Mercosur, Belgian dairy farmer Maxime Mabille told AFP. Its like Europe has become a dictatorship, he said, accusing European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen of seeking to force the deal through.

At least 7,000 farmers staged a mostly peaceful march through the capitals European quarter, where the Mercosur deal loomed large over an EU summit focused on funding Ukraines war effort.

But rowdy scenes erupted outside the European Parliament, where farmers lit a bonfire of tires and hay and threw tubers at the police, who fired back with teargas  with black smoke filling surrounding streets.

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AFP witnessed acts of vandalism by troublemakers on the sidelines, who smashed windows at the parliament building.

Farmers, particularly in France, worry the Mercosur deal will see them undercut by a flow of cheaper goods from agricultural giant Brazil and its neighbours.

Plans by the commission chief to fly to Brazil this weekend to sign the agreement were thrown in jeopardy Wednesday after Italy joined fellow heavyweight France in seeking a delay.

Von der Leyen said Thursday she still hoped for an accord, holding what she called a good and productive meeting with a European farmers delegation to hear their concerns.

It is of enormous importance that we get the green light for Mercosur and that we can complete the signatures, said the EU chief.

Watch the video here:

 BREAKING: WAR IN BRUSSELS



Thousands of FARMERS clash with police outside the EU Parliament.



Tractors RAM police, water cannons fire, tensions EXPLODE. Farmers protest MERCOSUR, carbon taxes, and PAC cuts. THIS IS CHAOS in the heart of Europe.pic.twitter.com/8O0EvrzZ1q  Global Dissident (@GlobalDiss) December 18, 2025

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Clout to shoot down deal

The EU-Mercosur pact would create the worlds biggest free-trade area and help the EU to export more vehicles, machinery, wines and spirits to Latin America at a time of global trade tensions.

But farmers say it would also facilitate the entry into Europe of beef, sugar, rice, honey and soybeans produced by their less-regulated South American counterparts.

Paris and Rome have been calling for more robust safeguard clauses, tighter import controls and more stringent standards for Mercosur producers.

President Emmanuel Macron warned on arrival in Brussels that France would not support the deal without stronger safeguards for its farmers.

I want to tell our farmers, who have been making Frances position clear all along: we consider that we are not there yet, and the deal cannot be signed as it stands, Macron told reporters.

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He vowed France would oppose any attempt to force this through.

Key power Germany, as well as Spain and the Nordic countries, strongly support the Mercosur pact, eager to boost exports as Europe grapples with Chinese competition and a tariff-happy administration in the White House.

If the European Union wants to remain credible in global trade policy, then decisions must be made now, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters in Brussels Thursday.

But with Paris, Italy, Hungary and Poland in opposition, the deals critics would now have enough clout within the European Council to shoot down the deal, were it to be put to a vote.

The last-mile upset in European ranks drew a stern rebuke Wednesday from Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who told his EU partners the time to close the deal was now or never.

European farmers are also incensed at plans put forward by the European Commission to overhaul the 27-nation blocs huge farming subsidies, fearing less money will flow their way.

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Our message is pretty simple: weve been protesting since 2024 in France, in Belgium and elsewhere, said Florian Poncelet of the Belgian farm union FJA.

Wed like to be finally listened to, he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
A French court sentenced Frederic Pechier, a doctor to life imprisonment for intentionally poisoning 30 patients, including 12 who died.

French anaesthetist Frederic Pechier (2nd R) arrives in a penitenciary administration vehicle at the courthouse for the hearing of the verdict in his trial. Image Credit: AFP

A French court on Thursday sentenced Frederic Pechier, a doctor to life imprisonment for intentionally poisoning 30 patients among which 12 died.

He did this in an attempt to discredit his co-workers. Pechier is 53 years old and worked as an anaesthetist in the city of Besancon in eastern France. He was found guilty of contaminating infusion bags with substances that caused cardiac arrest or haemorrhaging.

Pechiers youngest victim, four-year-old Teddy, survived two cardiac arrests during a routine tonsil surgery in 2016. The oldest victim was 89.

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You will be incarcerated immediately, presiding judge Delphine Thibierge said.

You are Doctor Death, a poisoner, a murderer. You bring shame on all doctors, said prosecutors last week. You have turned this clinic into a graveyard."

Pechier was detained from the start of the probe and continuously denied any wrongdoing.

An investigation was launched in 2017, after suspicious cardiac arrests were recorded during operations on patients considered low-risk.

During the more than three-month trial, prosecutors called for Pechier to be jailed for life, saying he used medicine to kill.

His goal, prosecutors said, was to psychologically hurt caregivers with whom he was in conflict and to feed his thirst for power.

Pechier will now spend a minimum of 22 years behind bars, having been at liberty throughout the trial.

He has 10 days to lodge an appeal, which would entail a second trial within a year.
From the winding streets of Nepals Kathmandu Valley to the plazas of Lima, from Moroccan cities to the streets of Madagascars capital, young people, largely defined as Generation Z, took to the streets in unprecedented waves of protest, demanding more accountability, better services and fundamental reforms

The protests show Gen Zs politics might be raw and messy, sometimes chaotic. However, it is still alive. Image: Reuters

In 2025, a generation that had grown up with TikTok feeds, Discord servers and smartphones in hand stepped into the political spotlight.

From the winding streets of Nepals Kathmandu Valley to the plazas of Lima, from Moroccan cities to the streets of Madagascars capital, young people, largely defined as Generation Z, took to the streets in unprecedented waves of protest, demanding more accountability, better services and fundamental reforms.

Many polititical commentators suggested this was not isolated unrest, but part of a broader global pattern of youth-led dissent, driven by economic frustrations, unmet expectations and disillusionment with the political status quo.

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Nepal: Youth uprising topples government

One of the most dramatic manifestations of Gen Z activism occurred in Nepal in September, when massive anti-government protests erupted against corruption, nepotism and a controversial ban on major social media platforms.

Protests initially sparked by the ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube and other networks quickly grew into widespread public demonstrations calling for political accountability and transparency. As young people poured into the streets, what began as online mobilisation spread to real-world actions that included vigorous confrontations with authorities.

The result was staggering. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, parliament was dissolved and a transitional government was put in place, with elections slated for March 2026.

According to Nepals government, these protests,overwhelmingly driven by young people, inflicted a significant economic toll, costing the national economy an estimated $586 million through infrastructure damage and business disruptions.

Peru: Broader discontent takes the streets

Thousands of young Peruvians also took to the streets throughout 2025, with demonstrations erupting over a controversial pension law and growing frustration over corruption and insecurity.

While not always framed under a single banner, analysts frequently describe these as part of the Gen Z wave surging across continents, young people dissatisfied with stagnant economic prospects and entrenched political elites.

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In Limas San Martin Square and other urban centres, weekly protests became a fixture, with demonstrators raising flags and voices against what they saw as government failed priorities. Though precise leadership structures were loose, the protests signalled deep generational discontent.

Morocco: Gen Z 212 challenges government priorities

In Morocco, demonstrations led in large part by decentralised youth groups like Gen Z 212  named for the countrys +212 telephone code, showed how young people felt government priorities were skewed away from their needs.

Starting in late September, protests spread across more than ten cities, with participants coordinating over TikTok, Instagram and Discord to demand better public services, greater investment in healthcare and education, and jobs.

While the protests did not immediately topple the Moroccan government, they led to pledges of reform and debates about youth inclusion in political life, illustrating how Gen Z activism can influence government priorities even where demands have not been fully met.

Madagascar: From power cuts to political shake-up

Across the Indian Ocean in Madagascar, infrastructure hardships, notably chronic shortages of water and electricity, became the rallying cry for Gen Z protestors. What observers described as one of the largest youth-led movements in years quickly escalated into nationwide demonstrations.

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The unrest reached a critical point when President Andry Rajoelina dissolved his government in response, and the military assumed control in a transitional administration, pledging elections and constitutional reform.

Although the long-term political trajectory is still unfolding, Madagascars Gen Z protests dramatically highlighted how basic frustrations, when amplified by social mobilisation  can force dramatic shifts at the highest levels of government.

A shared, digital playbook

What connects these geographically and culturally diverse movements isnt a single ideology, but a generation with shared tools and environments. Read: social media platforms like Discord, Instagram and TikTok, and a common feeling that traditional political channels have failed to deliver for them.

Experts note that these protests tend to be leaderless and decentralised, with digital networks facilitating rapid coordination and broad participation. The use of symbolic imageryincluding flags inspired by popular culturehas helped unify disparate movements around a sense of shared purpose and narrative.

What comes next?

As 2025 draws to a close, the global Gen Z uprisings have left clear marks: governments have fallen, policies have shifted, and political debates now include voices that were previously marginalised. Yet questions remain about whether these movements can translate street energy into lasting institutional change.

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Still, as the protests in Nepal, Peru, Morocco and Madagascar have shown, this generation is not waiting quietly for permission to participate in shaping its future. Instead, its using the tools and networks it knows best to demand accountability, and relevance.
India and Oman signed CEPA and a joint vision document on maritime cooperation, boosting trade, energy, defence, culture, education and supporting the Gaza peace plan during PM Narendra Modis visit.

PM in a bilateral meeting with the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat, Oman on December 18, 2025. Image- PIB

India and Oman on Thursday signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during Prime Minister Narendra Modis official visit to the Sultanate on December 1718, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a joint statement.

In addition to the trade pact, the two sides adopted a Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation across economic, strategic and maritime areas.

The joint statement said the CEPA is designed to reduce trade barriers and establish a stable and predictable framework for expanding trade and investment. The agreement is also expected to support job creation and promote greater participation by the private sector in both countries economies.

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India and Oman also reviewed opportunities to diversify bilateral trade, identifying sectors such as textiles, automobiles, chemicals, equipment and fertilisers as key areas for expansion.

The two sides also took note of ongoing discussions on mechanisms to facilitate trade in local currencies. Both sides discussed ways to enhance their bilateral partnership in the energy sector. While expressing satisfaction at the bilateral energy trade, they agreed that there is vast potential to further enhance it.

Both the country expressed keenness for supporting their companies to increase energy cooperation including collaboration in Indian as well as global E&P opportunities, new and renewable energy cooperation in the areas of Green Ammonia and Green Hydrogen. Both sides acknowledged the synergies with its sustainable energy goals and proposed joint investments, technology transfer and long-term collaboration.

India and Oman also commended the deepening cooperation in the defence sector and agreed to continue working together in this regard, including joint exercises, training and high-level visits to achieve shared goals and contribute towards maintaining regional security and stability. They also agreed to undertake joint initiatives to prevent maritime crimes and piracy by enhancing maritime domain awareness and facilitating continued information exchange.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to agricultural cooperation and welcomed the signing of MoU in the area of agriculture and allied sectors to advance collaboration in agricultural science, animal husbandry and aquaculture.

Both sides further agreed to enhance cooperation in millet cultivation through training and scientific exchanges. Both sides noted their growing cooperation in technology, including IT services, Digital Infrastructure and space applications, the statement read.

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They welcomed the MoU on Maritime Heritage and Museums, enabling collaboration between museums, including through joint exhibitions and research. They also noted the upcoming maiden voyage of INSV Kaundinya, to Oman highlighting our shared maritime traditions.

Acknowledging centuries old people-to-people ties which remain a cornerstone of the Oman-India relationship, Indian side conveyed its deep appreciation to the leadership of Oman for ensuring the welfare and well-being of the vibrant Indian community of around 675,000 residing in Oman.

Omani side recognised the valued contributions of the Indian diaspora to Omans development. The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, reaffirming that no justification can ever be accepted for such acts, it said.

The two sides expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for safe and timely delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians. They welcomed the signing of the first phase of Gaza Peace Plan and reiterated their support for the plan.

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They also reaffirmed their support for efforts to restore peace and stability and underlined the need for a just and lasting resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, including the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.
Protesters associated with pro-Yunus groups started marching towards the Indian mission office in Rajshahi earlier on Thursday. The march was organised by a group called Bharityo Adhipotto Birodhi July 36 Mancha

FILE PHOTO: A Border Security Force (BSF) official stands in front of the gates of the India-Bangladesh international border in Petrapole, India, October 16, 2024. REUTERS/Sahiba Chawdhary/File Photo

India on Thursday shut visa centres at two locations in Bangladesh after pro-Yunus groups began protesting outside the Indian High Commission. This comes a day after the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Bangladeshi High Commissioner in New Delhi over a political leaders provocative statements against India.

The Indian Visa Application Centre in Bangladesh issued a statement saying, In view of the on-going security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will be closed today (18.12.2025). All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be given a slot at a later date.

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Whats happening?

According to News18, protesters associated with pro-Yunus groups started marching towards the Indian mission office in Rajshahi earlier on Thursday. The march was organised by a group called Bharityo Adhipotto Birodhi July 36 Mancha.

The programme began around noon at Bhadra Mor in the city.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

As the procession moved toward the assistant high commission residence, police erected barricades and attempted to stop the protesters from advancing.

More from World India summons Bangladesh envoy over extremist threats to mission in Dhaka, MEA issues demarche

Scuffles later erupted when protesters tried to push past the barricades.

India summons Bdesh envoy

Bangladeshi High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah was summoned yesterday after National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah made proactive statements against India that were later strongly protested by New Delhi in the form of a demarche.

The development prompted the Indian visa centre in Dhaka to pull its shutters down for the day.

India completely rejects the false narrative sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh. It is unfortunate that the interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents, MEA said in a statement.

Abdullah warned on Monday that Dhaka could provide refuge to forces hostile to India, including separatist groups, and facilitate efforts to cut off Indias seven sisters, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. He made the remarks while addressing a gathering at Dhakas Central Shaheed Minar.
According to hotel staff in Davao City, the southern Philippine destination where the suspects spent nearly a month, the fatherandson duo kept mostly to themselves, rarely ventured far and even left a tip when they checked out

At least 15 people were killed and several others injured after gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydneys Bondi Beach on Sunday.

As investigators dig deeper into the deadly Bondi Beach attack that shook Sydney, new details have emerged about what the alleged gunmen were doing in the Philippines in the weeks before the mass shooting.

According to hotel staff in Davao City, the southern Philippine destination where the suspects spent nearly a month, the fatherandson duo kept mostly to themselves, rarely ventured far and even left a tip when they checked out, according to AFP.

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On November 1, 2025, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram checked into Room 315 at the GV Hotel in downtown Davao, paying about 930 pesos (roughly $16) per night for the simple room that had two single beds.

Hotel workers, speaking to AFP, said the two men spent most of their time indoors and rarely left their room. They werent approachable like other foreigners, said night desk manager Angelica Ytang, noting her only interaction was with the younger suspect, Naveed. Other foreigners usually chat with me, but they didnt."

Most importantly, staff described a pattern in which the pair stepped out for as little as an hour a day, if at all.

When the men checked out on November 28, Angelica realised they had forgotten their depositbut the suspects insisted she keep it. (Naveed) said, Thats yours. They were kind. I still cant believe they were like that, she told AFP.

Questions about their purpose in the Philippines

Australian authorities are examining whether the suspects Philippines trip may have had a link to extremism or militant training. They have noted Davaos location in Mindanao, a region once associated with Islamist insurgency.

However, Philippine officials have been clear that theres no evidence the duo received any military or terrorist training during their visit. National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said there is no evidence that anything of that sort took place and added that the length and nature of their stay made structured training highly unlikely.

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Hotel staff said they never saw the two suspects meet with anyone, take a vehicle or leave the citythey simply came and went on foot, usually for short periods each day.

At the time, the GV Hotel did not keep passport copies, a practice not required locally, and its CCTV system runs on a sevenday loop, meaning footage from November was overwritten by the time authorities arrived, as per ABC News.

Housekeeping found only stray fastfood packaging in the roomno signs of activity beyond the ordinary.

The newly reported details about the suspects Philippines stay deepen the mystery but offer no clear answer about why they were in Davao, beyond the ordinary.

While Australian authorities continue to probe for possible links to extremist networks, Philippine officials maintain that nothing in their behaviour suggested anything more than an extended, lowprofile visit to the city.
Israel has launched nearly 1850 attacks on Lebanon since the ceasefire, targeting Hezbollah as diplomatic talks intensify and doubts grow over the truces effectiveness.

Israel has been striking targets in Lebanon at a relentless pace, roughly once every four hours, exposing the fragility of a US-brokered ceasefire that was meant to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah more than a year ago.

As diplomatic meetings loom and international pressure mounts, the intensity and frequency of Israeli attacks are raising fresh doubts over whether the truce still holds in any meaningful sense.

According to conflict monitoring data cited in recent reports, Israel has carried out nearly 1,850 attacks on Lebanon since the ceasefire came into force, despite formal commitments to de-escalation. The airstrikes, drone attacks and ground operations have continued almost uninterrupted, even as diplomatic mechanisms designed to stabilise the border remain in place.

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Strikes intensify ahead of ceasefire review

The latest escalation came on Thursday, when Israeli warplanes struck multiple locations across southern and northeastern Lebanon, stretching from Mount Rihan in the south to the Hermel region near the Syrian border. Lebanons state-run National News Agency reported that the attacks targeted a wide geographic arc, underscoring the breadth of Israels ongoing campaign.

Israels military said the strikes hit Hezbollah infrastructure, including weapons storage facilities, training compounds and launch sites used by the group. It also claimed that Hezbollah fighters had recently operated from some of the targeted locations. Shortly after the air raids, a drone strike hit a vehicle near the southern town of Taybeh, wounding four people, according to Lebanese officials.

The timing of the strikes has drawn particular scrutiny. They came just a day before a scheduled meeting of the committee tasked with monitoring the enforcement of the ceasefire, a mechanism involving Lebanon, Israel, the United States, France and the United Nations peacekeeping force deployed along the border. This was only the second such meeting since civilian representatives were added to what had previously been a military-only body.

Lebanons parliamentary speaker, Nabih Berri, described the bombardment as a calculated signal. This is an Israeli message to the Paris meeting aiming to support the Lebanese army, Berri said, adding that the fire belt of airstrikes appeared designed to coincide with the committees deliberations.

Diplomacy strains under military pressure

Parallel to the military escalation, diplomatic activity has intensified. Lebanons army commander, General Rodolph Haikal, travelled to Paris for talks with American, French and Saudi officials focused on bolstering the Lebanese armys presence along the southern border. Haikal held initial discussions with French military leaders, including General Fabien Mandon, Frances armed forces chief of staff.

In a post on X, Mandon said the talks covered Lebanons security challenges and the broader regional environment, stressing that Frances assistance to the Lebanese army is guided by the goal of maintaining stability and lasting peace while respecting Lebanons sovereignty.

The Lebanese government has said it expects its army to clear the area south of the Litani River of Hezbollahs armed presence by the end of the year, a key provision of the ceasefire. But achieving that goal has proven difficult amid Israels near-daily strikes and continued tensions along the border.

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The United States, meanwhile, has stepped up pressure on Beirut in recent weeks to accelerate efforts to disarm Hezbollah, viewing the groups weapons as a central obstacle to long-term stability. Israeli officials argue that continued military action is necessary to prevent Hezbollah from regrouping, while Lebanese leaders counter that sustained bombardment undermines the very institutions meant to enforce the ceasefire.

A ceasefire in name only?

The broader picture suggests a ceasefire that exists largely on paper. Since the truce was declared, Israeli strikes have killed at least 127 civilians, according to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, alongside numerous Hezbollah fighters. UN peacekeepers have reported thousands of violations, including airspace incursions and ground operations.

The current conflict traces back to October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel in solidarity with Hamas following the groups attack on southern Israel a day earlier.

Israel responded with a sweeping aerial campaign in September 2024 that significantly weakened Hezbollah, followed by a ground invasion. While the ceasefire halted large-scale warfare, it failed to stop lower-intensity but persistent violence.

As Israel continues to strike Lebanon every few hours, the ceasefires credibility is eroding. With diplomatic talks proceeding under the shadow of air raids and drones, the challenge for mediators is no longer just enforcing the agreement but salvaging its relevance before another full-scale escalation takes hold.

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With inputs from agencies
The leadership contest unfolded at the partys 11th general convention in Kathmandu, where Oli secured a decisive victory with 1,663 votes out of 2,227 cast, compared with 564 votes for his sole challenger, Ishwar Pokharel

Months after massive youth-led protests toppled his government and plunged Nepal into political uncertainty, K.P. Sharma Oli has cemented his influence within the countrys main conservative force by winning a third consecutive term as chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML).

The leadership contest unfolded at the partys 11th general convention in Kathmandu, where Oli secured a decisive victory with 1,663 votes out of 2,227 cast, compared with 564 votes for his sole challenger, Ishwar Pokharel.

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It simply means Oli still enjoys overwhelming support among party delegates.

Triumph after tumult

Oli has dominated CPN-UML politics for nearly a decade. He first rose to the chairmanship in 2015 and has since led the party through multiple leadership battles, overcoming rivals like Madhav Kumar Nepal and Bhim Rawal before.

But this years victory came under unusual pressure. In September 2025, tens of thousands of Nepalese, particularly young people, took to the streets in mass protests sparked by a controversial ban on social media platforms and deep frustrations with corruption and governance.

Known widely as the Gen Z protests, the protests forced Oli from the prime ministers office and brought down his government.

During the party convention, some leaders had urged Oli to step aside, arguing that his continued leadership could damage the CPN-UMLs chances ahead of general elections set for March 2026. They said the youth movements call for generational change was a serious political signal.

Yet rank-and-file delegates clearly disagreed, handing Oli a strong mandate and sweeping nearly all key party positions to loyal allies. In the general secretary race, Shankar Pokharelbacked by Oliwon his post comfortably, while alternative factions captured only a handful of offices.

With this third term, Oli now leads the CPN-UML into a period of political uncertainty as Nepals interim government prepares for the scheduled 2026 elections. The former prime minister has rejected calls for immediate polls, instead focusing on restoring parliament  a move that may set up further clashes with the current interim leadership.

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In his address to the India-Oman Business Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India has changed its economic DNA in the past 11 years. He described Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and goods and services tax (GST) as actions that transformed Indias growth trajectory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India has changed its economic DNA in the past 11 years.

In his address to the India-Oman Business Summit, Modi said, Over the past 11 years, India has not just changed policies, India has changed its economic DNA.

Modi mentioned initiatives like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and goods and services tax (GST) as actions that transformed Indias growth trajectory.

GST transformed the whole of India into one integrated, unified market. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code brought financial discipline it promoted transparency and this strengthened investor confidence, said Modi, according to ANI.

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In his final leg of the visit to West Asia, Modi arrived in Oman on Wednesday. HIs itinerary included talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and, the address at the business forum, and an interaction with the diaspora community. Previously, he visited Ethiopia and Jordan in the three-nation visit.

Incredible energy at the community programme in Muscat! The Indian diaspora continues to play a key role in bringing India and Oman closer.

https://t.co/z7EEovwqlq  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2025

India and Oman are scheduled to sign a trade deal today in Modis presence. It is formally called Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Trade talks had begun in 2023 and concluded earlier this year.

A blueprint of our future: PM Modi on India-Oman trade deal

Ahead of the signing of the trade deal, Modi said CEPA would give new confidence to the partnership and described it as a blueprint of the future relationship.

Today, we are making a historic decision whose echo will be heard for decades to come. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will fill us with new trust and new energy in the 21st century. This is a blueprint of our shared future. This will boost our trade, give a new confidence to investment and open new doors to opportunities in every sector, said Modi.

Since the dawn of civilisation, our ancestors have been doing maritime trade with each other. It is often said that the two ends of the sea are very far away from each other. But the Arabian Sea between Mandvi and Muscat has become a strong bridge, a bridge which has strengthened our relations and empowered our cultural economy. Today, we can say confidently that the waves of sea can transform, seasons change but India-Oman friendship gets stronger every season and touches new heights with every wave, said Modi.

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Netanyahu hailed the agreement as the largest gas deal in Israels history in a televised address, adding that the deal is worth $34.6 billion

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a $35 billion gas deal with Egypt as the US pushes for a summit between the two countries.

Netanyahu hailed the agreement as the largest gas deal in Israels history in a televised address, adding that the deal is worth $34.6 billion.

This deal greatly strengthens Israels status as a regional energy power and contributes to stability in our region. It encourages other companies to invest in gas exploration in Israels economic waters, said Netanyahu.

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According to a report by CNN, Israel initially avoided signing the deal for a couple of months but ultimately caved under Washingtons pressure.

What is the deal?

Netanyahu said the money would strengthen education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, and the future of the next generations, as well as bolster Israels status as a regional energy power.

Israeli firm NewMed Energy announced in August the signing of a $35 billion deal to provide Egypt with natural gas.

The deal would increase the total volume of gas supplied to Egypt to 130 billion cubic metres, according to a report published by the firm.

In a statement issued late on Wednesday, NewMed CEO Yossi Abu said it was a historic day for the natural gas sector, one that guarantees continued investment in Israel and creates regulatory stability for years to come.

Israel-Egypt summit soon?

US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a summit between the Israeli and Egyptian leadership under his ambitious plans to pursue regional peace in West Asia and an expansion of the Abraham Accords.

The two countries signed a landmark peace agreement in 1979; however, the leaders of Israel and Egypt have not met publicly in almost a decade.

An Israeli source told CNN that the announcement of the recent gas deal is part of Netanyahus plan to lay the groundwork for a possible summit.

Netanyahu is expected to travel to the United States later this month for a meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.

He had briefly planned to attend a peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in October alongside Trump, but abruptly withdrew. While Egypt has been central to mediation efforts during the Gaza war, relations between Netanyahu and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi have long been strained.

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With inputs from agencies
France denies plans to cede sovereignty over Matthew and Hunter islands to Vanuatu amid Marine Le Pens accusations against Emmanuel Macron. Talks continue, with no territory cession discussed.

France on Thursday denied it was planning to cede sovereignty over two uninhabited islands in the Pacific after far-right figurehead Marine Le Pen accused President Emmanuel Macron of seeking to give up overseas territories.

The volcanic islands of Matthew and Hunter lie several hundred kilometres east of the French overseas territory of New Caledonia but are also claimed by the island nation of Vanuatu, which won independence in 1980.

Modern France still has overseas territories across the globe, from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean and Pacific, legacies of the colonial era that are now vital strategic footholds for Paris.

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Three-time presidential candidate for the far-right National Rally Le Pen had reposted on X an article published on December 14 in the Le Figaro daily speculating that the two islands could be ceded to Vanuatu.

Let it be very clear: national sovereignty is neither negotiated nor abandoned, Le Pen wrote on X.

The French do not expect from the Macron leadership that it dismembers our overseas territories behind their backs, she said, describing the territories as true levers of power, influence and economic development.

But the French foreign ministry in a statement to AFP condemned false information that it said claimed France was putting into question its sovereignty of Hunter and Matthew.

It acknowledged that the issue is the subject of a long-standing dispute dating back to Vanuatus independence.

The dispute is blocking the delimitation of the maritime border with New Caledonia and creating problematic legal uncertainties affecting fishing and scientific research activities, for example, it added.

The delimitation of the maritime border between Vanuatu and France as well as French sovereignty over the islands of Matthew and Hunter had been raised during a meeting last July in Paris between Macron and the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Johnny Koanapo, it added.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has also held talks with Koanapo and no cession of territory or renunciation of our sovereignty was discussed, the ministry said, adding that, nonetheless, Vanuatu has the chance to present its point of view in the discussions.

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Although these islands are uninhabited, sovereignty over Matthew and Hunter allows New Caledonia, and therefore France, to have a large exclusive economic zone. Discussions with Vanuatu are due to continue in Paris in early 2026.
Pakistans parliament flags rising deportations of beggars from Saudi Arabia and a surge in airport off-loadings as authorities tighten checks to curb illegal migration while seeking redress for genuine travellers.

Pakistans international reputation and overseas labour pipeline are facing fresh strain as authorities tighten airport checks to stem illegal migration and organised begging. Parliamentary scrutiny this week revealed the scale of the problem: tens of thousands of Pakistanis deported from Saudi Arabia for begging, and more than 66,000 passengers stopped from flying this year alone, triggering calls for tougher enforcement alongside safeguards for genuine travellers.

Off-loadings double as FIA flags illegal migration, begging rings

The scale of off-loadings emerged during a meeting of the National Assemblys Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, chaired by Syed Rafiullah, in Islamabad. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) told lawmakers that 66,154 passengers were off-loaded at airports this year, a sharp rise from about 35,000 last year.

According to the FIA, around 51,000 cases involved questionable travel documents, mainly linked to work, tourist and Umrah visas. Officials said trafficking networks and organised begging rings were key drivers behind the spike, warning that such activity was eroding Pakistans standing with host countries.

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The agency disclosed that 56,000 Pakistani beggars were deported from Saudi Arabia, while the UAE has recently tightened visa restrictions. FIA officials also pointed to new illegal migration routes towards Africa and Europe, and misuse of tourist visas to countries such as Cambodia and Thailand, arguing that stricter airport scrutiny was unavoidable to curb human trafficking.

Lawmakers seek SOPs, redress for wrongly off-loaded passengers

While welcoming enforcement efforts, committee members stressed that genuine travellers must not become collateral damage. The panel directed the Ministry of Interior, the FIA and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to immediately finalise and publish a standard operating procedure (SOP) for off-loadings, along with a clear complaints and redressal mechanism to be displayed at all airports.

Chair Syed Rafiullah cautioned that enforcement without remedy could harm both citizens and the countrys image, underlining the need for accessible appeals for wrongly off-loaded passengers.

Lawmakers also urged better pre-departure verification, calling for interoperability between FIA systems and the Protectorate/E-Protector platform so checks are completed before travellers reach immigration counters.

The FIA said a risk-analysis unit has been set up and an IMMI mobile application is being developed to improve screening and real-time monitoring at ports of exit.

Gulf welfare network stretched amid repatriations, legal cases

The Committee also reviewed the performance of Pakistans Community Welfare Attache (CWA) network, particularly in the Gulf. Officials reported that CWAs handled over 55,000 welfare cases this year including more than 30,000 assisted repatriations and emergency travel documents, thousands of prison visits and over 3,400 death-related interventions.

While noting these outcomes, members flagged persistent challenges such as passport confiscation by employers, difficulties in recovering dues, host-country legal constraints and limited outreach to labour camps. The panel directed the Ministry to accelerate expansion of the CWA network, submit station-wise performance data for Gulf posts and present a prioritised plan for new stations.

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Taken together, lawmakers indicated that Pakistans response must balance deterrence against illegal migration and begging with institutional reforms that protect legitimate travellers and strengthen welfare support for citizens abroad.
Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, said that no election against Interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus regime would be free, fair or inclusive.

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, said that no election against Interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus' regime would be free, fair or inclusive. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Hasina condemned the ban on her party, Awami League, after her government was ousted last year.

No election can be free, fair or inclusive if the ban on the Awami League is maintained. Yunus has disenfranchised tens of millions of citizens, depriving them of their vote and depriving the nation of choice. Any election without us undermines the legitimacy of the next government, Hasina told CNN-News18 in an email interview.

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This administration has banned our party, detained thousands on fabricated charges, silenced journalists, and destroyed judicial independence. So my answer to your question, I hope, is clear, he added.

The former Bangladeshi premier has been facing a death sentence, handed down by Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) last month. She was charged with committing crimes against humanity, becoming the first Bangladeshi PM to be sentenced to death. In the CNN-News18 interview, Hasian also recalled how her party has been facing atrocities in Bangladesh.

Edited excerpts

Question 1: If a political party is banned and its leader is sentenced to death, then how will the future of that party remain secure?

The Awami League is woven into Bangladeshs history and independence. We have survived assassination, military rule, and repeated attempts at political elimination. This death sentence comes from a kangaroo court acting at the behest of an unelected interim government. Our hope and expectation is that, sooner or later, democracy will return to Bangladesh, and with it an appropriate role for our party. The current ban on the party only exposes the interim governments sense of insecurity and fear of genuine democratic contest.

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Banning us doesnt erase the millions who support us. The Awami League has been elected nine times by our people because we are rooted in every village and neighbourhood. We will continue fighting through legal, diplomatic and peaceful means to give Bangladesh back to its people.

Question 2: ISIs activities, meetings with Pakistani Army Chiefs, portraying Indias North-East as Greater Bangladesh, comments on the Siliguri Corridor  Dr. Yunuss growing proximity to Pakistan and provoking India  what is your view on all these developments?

International bodies have unanimously condemned Yunus actions, members of his government are resigning in protest, and millions of Bangladeshis are increasingly wise to his game. It comes as no surprise that Yunus is rushing to embrace Pakistan, a regional player he doesnt understand, begging for any form of international validation.

Yunus has neither the expertise nor the mandate to conduct diplomacy, which is about long-term partnerships and the nations strategic interests. I appreciate Indias patience as it waits for a leader who can represent our nation, rather than just a handful of unpopular extremists.

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Question 3: In 1971, more than 200,000 Bangladeshi women were raped by the Pakistan Army  do you think Pakistan is today trying to recreate a similar oppressive environment or instability?

The violence were witnessing today  the targeting of minorities, the attacks on women, the attempts to erase our liberation history  are disturbing echoes of 1971.

We fought against this ideology in the war, and we built Bangladesh to be a strong, secular, and safe state  especially for women and minorities. Its in our countrys interest to have a stable, constructive relationship with Pakistan. But we also need strong leadership: not just to protect our nation, but to protect those within it.

Question 4: After you left office, the rift that has emerged in IndiaBangladesh relations  is it possible for these ties to improve again?

I have no doubt that our relationship with India can withstand the silliness of the Yunus interlude, which will be temporary. India is not just a strategic partner, it is a friend with whom we share cultures, histories, and a 4,000km border. Once Bangladeshis can vote freely, they will elect a leader that can be the friend India deserves, and I appreciate our neighbours patience as it waits for common sense to prevail.

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Question 5: Bangladeshs interim government has officially requested your extradition from India; if India agrees to send you back to Dhaka, will you return to face the trial, or will you oppose it, considering it a scheme of political assassination?

This is a political assassination dressed in judicial robes. The so-called International Crimes Tribunal is neither international nor impartial, as numerous respected foreign jurists have pointed out. Its verdict was engineered by my political opponents. To return to Dhaka under the Yunus regime would obviously not be safe for me.

I have repeatedly challenged the interim government to bring these charges before the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Yunuss refuses because they know the ICC would acquit me and scrutinise his governments own dismal record of human rights breaches. I

Question 6: A Dhaka court has sentenced you to death in a Crimes against Humanity case, but you are living in India under asylum. Do you believe that now both your life and your path to justice depend on decisions taken in New Delhi?

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I am deeply grateful to the Indian people for welcoming me. I did not want to leave my home, but remaining would have risked violence not only against me but against those trying to protect me.

Justice will come through international pressure and the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. The international community  Human Rights Watch, the UN High Commissioner, Amnesty International  have all condemned these proceedings. My path to justice depends on Bangladesh returning to constitutional governance and the rule of law, not any single nations decision.

Question 7: Do you trust that the next election under Dr. Yunus will truly be free and fair?

No election can be free, fair or inclusive if the ban on the Awami League is maintained. Yunus has disenfranchised tens of millions of citizens, depriving them of their vote, and depriving the nation of choice. Any election without us undermines the legitimacy of the next government.

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This administration has banned our party, detained thousands on fabricated charges, silenced journalists, and destroyed judicial independence. So my answer to your question I hope is clear.

Question 8: In the future, will you hand over the political legacy of the Awami League to your son Sajeeb Wazed and your daughter Saima Wazed? Will they take up the responsibility of leading the party in the coming years?

The Awami Leagues future will be decided by its members and supporters. Our party has deep roots in every corner of Bangladesh, with millions of dedicated members who have kept the spirit of 1971 alive through decades of struggle.

My family has paid for Bangladeshs independence with its own blood. But leadership isnt about inheritance  its about earning the trust of the people. The party will choose its path when Bangladesh returns to democracy. What matters now is that we remain united, peaceful, and committed to restoring genuine democracy to our nation.

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In an interview with CNN-News18, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina challenged the countrys Interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to take charges against her to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an impartial investigation

In a region where every shockwave crosses borders, political gamesmanship of Yunus's regime threatens not just Dhakas stability but the wider neighbourhood that has always wished Bangladesh well. (Image: AFP)

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina challenged the countrys Interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to take charges against her to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an impartial investigation. In an email interview to CNN-News18, Hasina called her death sentence at Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal, a political assassination dressed in judicial robes.

This is a political assassination dressed in judicial robes. The so-called International Crimes Tribunal is neither international nor impartial, as numerous respected foreign jurists have pointed out. Its verdict was engineered by my political opponents, Hasina said in the written interview to CNN-News18.

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She emphasised that returning to Dhaka under Yunus' regime would not be safe for her. I have repeatedly challenged the interim government to bring these charges before the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Yunus refuses because they know the ICC would acquit me and scrutinise his governments own dismal record of human rights breaches," she said.

On November 17, Bangladeshs ICT found her guilty of committing crimes against humanity during the July protests and sentenced her to death. This was the first time in the countrys history that a Bangladeshi PM received such a harsh punishment. Interestingly, it was Hasina who laid the foundation of ICT. However, the court was revamped after she was ousted following violent protests last year.

Hasina expresses gratitude toward India

After she fled the country amid a riot-like situation in Dhaka, Hasina arrived in Delhi, where she found refuge. While Hasina has been sentenced to death in Bangladesh, India is yet to respond to Dhakas frequent extradition requests.

When asked how she sees New Delhis support throughout this tussle, Hasina expressed her gratitude for Indias support. I am deeply grateful to the Indian people for welcoming me. I did not want to leave my home, but remaining would have risked violence not only against me but against those trying to protect me, she told CNN-News18.

Justice will come through international pressure and the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. The international community  Human Rights Watch, the UN High Commissioner, Amnesty International  have all condemned these proceedings.

My path to justice depends on Bangladesh returning to constitutional governance and the rule of law, not any single nations decision, she averred. When asked about the deteriorating ties between India and Bangladesh under the Yunus regime, Hasina maintained an optimistic stance on the matter.

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I do not doubt that our relationship with India can withstand the silliness of the Yunus interlude, which will be temporary. India is not just a strategic partner, it is a friend with whom we share cultures, histories, and a 4,000km border, she explained.

Once Bangladeshis can vote freely, they will elect a leader that can be the friend India deserves, and I appreciate our neighbours patience as it waits for common sense to prevail, the former Bangladeshi Prime Minister concluded.
Authorities say the arrests came after they received intelligence suggesting a possible threat, but they have stressed there is no confirmed link to the ongoing investigation into the Bondi incident

In a statement, the New South Wales Police said officers intercepted the vehicles after receiving specific intelligence.

Australian police have detained seven men in Sydney on suspicion that they were planning a violent act, in an operation that took place on Thursday amid heightened security following the deadly Bondi Beach attack earlier this week.

Authorities say the arrests came after they received intelligence suggesting a possible threat, but they have stressed there is no confirmed link to the ongoing investigation into the Bondi incident.

The New South Wales Polices Tactical Operations Unit intercepted two vehicles in the Liverpool area of south-west Sydney after acting on specific information that a violent act was possibly being planned, a police statement said. Officers conducted the operation with tactical teams wearing camouflage and body armour, visually searching and detaining the individuals as part of the inquiry.

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Footage and images shared on social media showed the suspects handcuffed and lying face-down on the ground as heavily armed officers stood nearby. Police said all seven men are now assisting with inquiries.

Watch the footage here:

BREAKING:



Australian police ram a car with 5 Islamists travelling to Bondi Beach.



Seems like they had info that another attack might have been imminent. The West is full of dangerous Islamists. pic.twitter.com/jbUGtBaC53  Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) December 18, 2025

The arrests come just days after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach left multiple people dead and injured during a Hanukkah by the Sea event in eastern Sydney, an attack that Australian authorities have described as terrorism.

While there is no identified connection between the foiled plot and the Bondi Beach shooting, the timing of the arrest is important. Police have been conducting extensive investigations into the Bondi attack and related security matters as part of a broader response to ensure community safety.

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Also read | Bondi Beach shooter Naveed Akram charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder

Are they linked to Bondi Beach shooters?

In their statement, New South Wales Police said that they have not identified any connection to the current police investigation of the Bondi terror attack at this stage, even as inquiries into both matters continue.

The Liverpool operation was reportedly over by about 8:30 pm, after which officers confirmed the detained men were assisting with the ongoing probe. Authorities have said there is no immediate threat to the public linked to these arrests, as per ABC News.
Trump administration has given its approval for $11.1 billion to Taiwan, which is considered as the largest ever US weapons sale since US President Donald Trump returned to office, Taipei said Thursday.

A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is on display at a park during Taiwan's annual Han Kuang military exercise in Taichung, Taiwan July 12, 2025. Image Credit: Reuters

The United States of America has given its approval for $11.1 billion to Taiwan, which is considered as the largest ever US weapons sale since US President Donald Trump returned to office, Taipei said Thursday.

The Taiwan arms sale announcement is the second under the Trump administration. The package includes HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, drones and parts for other equipment, according to Taiwans foreign ministry.

The United States continues to assist Taiwan in maintaining sufficient selfdefence capabilities and in rapidly building strong deterrent power and leveraging asymmetric warfare advantages, which form the foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability, it added.

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The ministry said the package is at the Congressional notification stage, which is where Congress has a chance to block or alter the sale should it wish, though Taiwan has widespread cross-party support.

The United States does not recognise Taiwan as a country but is the self-ruled islands biggest security backer.

This is the second arms sale to Taiwan announced during the Trump administrations second term, once again demonstrating the US firm commitment to Taiwans security, Taipeis foreign ministry said.

Its arms supplies are a key deterrent against a potential attack from China, which claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control.

Its defence ministry said the sale is expected to officially take effect in about one month.

In a series of separate statements announcing details of the weapons deal, the Pentagon said the arms sales serve U.S. national, economic and security interests by supporting Taiwans continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability.

Taiwan has its own defence industry but the islands military would be massively outgunned in a conflict with China, and so remains heavily reliant on US arms.

Taiwan has been the current issue as the rift between Tokyo and Beijing. Since, Japans PM Takaichis remark against China over their territorial claim on Taiwan.

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Our country will continue to promote defence reforms, strengthen the wholeofsociety defence resilience, demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves, and safeguard peace through strength, Taiwan presidential office spokesperson Karen Kuo said in a statement, thanking the United States for the sales.

The announcement followed an unannounced trip by Taiwans Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung to the Washington-area last week to meet US officials, according to two sources who spoke to news agency Reuters on condition of anonymity.

(With inputs from agencies)
Even as Ukraines Zelenskyy has accepted a modified version of US-brokered peace proposal to end the war, there are signs that the almost four-year war might not be nearing its end. Russias Putin has reportedly rejected the proposal Europe and Ukraine agreed on in Berlin recently. But this wouldnt be the first time a peace plan went off track.

US President Donald Trump walks to shake the hand of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a joint press conference at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on August 15, 2025. (Photo: AP)

Even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accepted a modified version of US President Donald Trumps peace proposal to end the war, the almost four-year war may still continue to rage.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly rejected the peace proposal Zelenskyy agreed on along with European leaders in a huddle in Berlin earlier this week. The latest peace proposal looks on the course to meet the same fate as three previous Trump-endorsed ceasefire plans so far.

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Trump floated these three ceasefire proposals in March, May, and July, and threatened Putin with costs for non-compliance. But those costs were never imposed.

As Firstpost's Madhur Sharma previously reported that even as all of these proposals were unique, they met a similar end.

First, Trump promises a ceasefire. Then, he floats offers favouring Russia and pressures Ukraine to accept those offers  Ukraine has accepted all three ceasefire offers so far. When Putin rejects those offers, Trump invokes sanctions. Then, he expresses shock when Putin ramps up attacks and pleads to Putin when attacks continue despite public pleadings. In the end, Trump does nothing and simply accepts Putins terms, Firstpost outlined the pattern in earlier in this article.

There are concerns that ongoing talks could meet the same fate. Here are how previous three ceasefire proposals unravelled.

Energy and Black Sea ceasefires

In March, the White House announced it had reached separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia for 30-day ceasefires for Black Sea and energy infrastructure on land. But Russia left Trump red faced hours later as Putin rejected any such deal.

Hours after the White Houses announcement, the Kremlin rejected it, saying there would not be any ceasefire until sanctions on a Russian bank and a host of financial institutions and companies were lifted, and Russia's access to the SWIFT payment system restored. Hours later, in the final confirmation of rejection, Russia launched an offensive on the Ukrainian port city of Mykolaiv.

The ceasefire proposal for sparing energy infrastructure could never be implemented. A month after the ceasefire was supposed to go into effect, Ukraine said that Russia carried out 30 attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure in the period.

Despite Putins rejection of ceasefires despite White Houses announcement, Trump did not impose any cost on Russia.

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Call for immediate ceasefire

In May, Trump called for an immediate 30-day ceasefire that would lay groundwork for talks to end the war.

But then Trump held a long phone call with Putin and reversed course. He instead declared after the call that Ukraine and Russia would start direct talks in the coming days to end the war and dropped his own demand for a ceasefire.

Back then Firstpost noted at the time: In endorsing Putins position, Trump dealt Ukraine and its European partners a major blow. He showed that his occasional displays of frustration with Putin in social media posts meant little and the two leaders remained on the same page.

The Ukraine-Russia talks did not go anywhere and the Russia-Ukraine war dragged on.

Trumps 50-day deadline

In July, Trump gave Putin a 50-day deadline to agree to a ceasefire.

While the deadline itself was problematic from the onset as it gave Russia a 50-day window to ramp up the war and gain as much land as possible, how it unravelled was even more damning for Ukraine.

When the deadline passed and Putin did not agree to any ceasefire, Trump took no punitive action despite his repeated threats of making Russia pay for defiance.

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ALSO READ: Is Trump giving Putin reasons to believe hes weak? Russia expert explains Ukraine U-turns

Analysts noted that Trumps acceptance of Putins defiance emboldened the Russian leader and was the clearest sign that Trump might not put any real pressure on Kremlin to halt the war if not end it.

Putin suggests he could reject latest proposal

In the clearest suggestion he could reject the proposal in the works, Putin on Wednesday said that any deal that did not completely include his maximalist demands would mean that Russia would liberate its historical lands by military means, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Putin has long rejected Ukraines nationhood and said the nation is a part of Russia and hence should be annexed.

Russia would only end the war off the battlefield if any agreement would address the root causes of the conflict on its terms, said Putin.

If such an agreement would not be reached, the goals of the special military operation will be achieved unconditionally", said Putin.
A plan targeting a premier US weather research centre is sending shockwaves through science and politics alike with critics warning the fallout could be felt the next time a storm, flood or wildfire strikes.

The Trump administration has opened a new front in Washingtons culture wars, this time by targeting one of the worlds most influential weather and climate research institutions. The move to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado have sparked alarm across the scientific community with experts warning that the action could weaken weather forecasting, disaster preparedness and even national security.

The proposal, confirmed by US media reports, comes as the administration brands the federally funded centre a hub of climate alarmism, reviving a long-running ideological battle over the role of climate science in public policy. But critics say the consequences would extend far beyond climate debates, striking at the backbone of modern weather prediction used in the US and around the world.

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A new target in the climate wars

NCAR, headquartered in Boulder, has for decades served as a cornerstone of atmospheric and climate research, working closely with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), universities and international agencies.

According to reports, the Trump administration is weighing plans to dismantle or sharply curtail the centre, arguing that its research agenda promotes what officials describe as exaggerated climate threats.

The move fits a broader pattern. Trump has repeatedly criticised climate science, rolled back environmental regulations and questioned the scientific consensus on global warming. But targeting NCAR marks a significant escalation, as the centres work underpins day-to-day weather forecasting not just long-term climate projections.

Scientists warn that framing NCAR as merely a climate advocacy body ignores its central role in operational meteorology. From tracking hurricanes to improving severe storm warnings, NCARs research feeds directly into tools used by forecasters across the US.

Why NCAR matters for forecasting and safety

Founded in 1960, NCAR has been instrumental in developing some of the most widely used technologies in atmospheric science. Among its contributions are advanced climate and weather models and hurricane dropsondes instruments released from aircraft into storms to measure temperature, humidity, pressure and wind. These dropsondes are now a global standard for improving hurricane intensity and track forecasts.

Research published in leading meteorological journals shows that such innovations have significantly improved forecast accuracy, giving communities more time to prepare for extreme weather. Emergency managers rely on these forecasts to plan evacuations, position resources and reduce loss of life during hurricanes, floods, heatwaves and wildfires.

Scientists argue that weakening NCAR would create gaps that cannot easily be filled by private companies or fragmented university research. You dont just lose a building or a budget line, one atmospheric researcher said. You lose institutional memory, long-term datasets and collaborative systems that took decades to build.

Scientists push back, warn of ripple effects

The proposal has triggered a wave of criticism from scientists and communicators, many of whom have taken to social media to sound the alarm. In a widely shared post on X, meteorologist Daniel Swain, known online as Weather West, warned that dismantling NCAR would undermine the foundations of modern weather prediction, calling it a move that would harm public safety in ways that will only become obvious when its too late.

Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe echoed those concerns in a separate post, stressing that NCARs work is not abstract or ideological. She highlighted that research produced at the centre directly supports forecasts people rely on daily  from farmers planning crops to cities bracing for heatwaves and storms. Undermining that capacity, she argued, would leave the US less prepared in an era of increasingly volatile weather.

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The concern is not limited to climate advocates. Former government scientists and emergency planners warn that any disruption to NCARs work would have knock-on effects for the military, aviation and disaster response agencies that depend on accurate, timely forecasts.

Political fallout and what comes next

The administrations plans are still taking shape, but the reaction underscores how deeply politicised climate and weather science have become in the US. Supporters of the move argue that federal research bodies should be streamlined and refocused, while critics see the proposal as ideologically driven and disconnected from practical realities.

For now, uncertainty hangs over NCARs future. But the episode has already ignited a broader debate about whether scientific institutions can function effectively when their legitimacy is challenged on political grounds.

As extreme weather events grow more frequent and costly, scientists warn that dismantling a key pillar of atmospheric research could leave the US flying blind. What began as a political statement against climate alarmism may, they argue, end up reshaping how and how well, the country predicts the storms ahead.
Dan Bongino, the Deputy Director of the FBI, announced on Wednesday that he will be stepping down from his office in January 2026. The confirmation came shortly after Trump hinted at his exit.

The Deputy Director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Dan Bongino, confirmed on Wednesday that he will be stepping down from his office in January 2026. In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Bongino thanked Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel for their support.

He also mentioned US Attorney General Pam Bondi, with whom he reportedly clashed over her decision not to release files from the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, in the post. I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January. I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose, Bongino wrote in the post. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend her, he added.

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I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January.

I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose.

Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you.

God bless America, and  Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) December 17, 2025

Bonginos announcement came shortly after Trump hinted at his departure. Dan did a great job, Trump told reporters earlier, when asked about reports that Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned podcaster, planned to resign. I think he wants to go back to his show, the president furthered.

The news of Bonginos exit started to emerge after MS Now reported Bongino quietly told confidants he plans to formally leave his job early in the new year. The outlet cited eight people briefed on his account and said Bongino would not be returning to the bureaus headquarters this month. When asked about the report, the FBIs No 2 official did not confirm his plans to the outlet, but said: Print whatever youd like. No one believes you anyway. Thanks.

The cause of the exit

Bongino, also a former NYPD officer, hosted several shows throughout his career before landing the role at the FBI. His work included guest-host stints on The Sean Hannity Show and The Mark Levin Show. He later launched the Bongino Report and The Dan Bongino Show. In May this year, Bongino cried during an appearance on Fox News where he complained about the sacrifices he made to take up his role as FBI deputy director.

I gave up everything for this. I mean, you know, my wife is struggling  I stare at these four walls all day in DC, you know, by myself, divorced from my wife. Not divorced, but I mean, separated. And its hard, he said at that time. Back in 2018, Bongino garnered attention as he frequently perpetuated conspiracy theories of a so-called deep-state plot against Trump, saying, My entire life right now is about owning the libs.

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He even called former US President Barack Obama to be locked up; Hillary Clinton a freaking criminal; and argued that California senator Adam Schiff should be in prison. Earlier this month, he attempted to walk back from conspiracy theories of the FBI being allegedly complicit in planting pipe bombs near the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee before the January 6 riots in 2021.

Interestingly, before he was appointed as the FBIs deputy director, Bongino claimed, without evidence, that the FBI knew the identity of the bomber and that the bombs were planted to create a narrative that crazy MAGA people are trying to assassinate Kamala Harris."

However, when asked about his previous claims, he said: I was paid in the past for my opinions, thats clear, and one day Ill be back in that space, but thats not what Im paid for now. Im paid to be your deputy director, and we base investigations on facts. Were going to be guided by the facts as this thing goes forward," he added.

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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday delivered a year-end review of his first year since returning to the White House. Heres everything he said in his address to the nation

US President Donald Trump looks on during a Hanukkah reception in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, December 16, 2025. File Image/Reuters

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday delivered a year-end review of his first year since returning to the White House. Trump opened his address to the nation by slamming the record of his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, insisting that his administration inherited a mess.

Over the past 11 months, we have brought more positive change to Washington than any administration in American history. Theres never been anything like it, Trump said. He went on to list out all his policy achievements, including the tariffs he imposed on foreign goods. The American leader attributed much of his administrations perceived successes this year to his tariff policies.

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Much of this success has been accomplished by tariffs, my favourite word, tariffs, which for many decades have been used successfully by other countries against us, but not anymore, Trump said. Companies know that if they build in America, there are no tariffs, and thats why theyre coming home to the U.S.A. in record numbers. Theyre building factories and plants at levels we havent seen, he added. However, he did not elaborate on the details of the figures.

However, a report from Goldman Sachs analysts published in October suggested that American consumers were taking on as much as 55 per cent of the costs of tariffs. Trump has continued to insist that the country is doing better than ever, an approach he is taking tonight.

Trump says prices are coming down, but the figures say otherwise

In his brief address to the nation, the American leader pointed out how prices are coming down under his administration. He said that under his predecessor, car prices rose 22 per cent, and in many states 30 per cent or more," gasoline rose 30 to 50 per cent, hotel rates rose 37 per cent, and airfares rose 31 per cent.

Under our leadership, they are coming down and coming down fast, he furthered. However, the reality is more complicated. It was unclear what source the White House used for its price information.

According to the Consumer Price Index data, which the government publishes, new and used car prices rose 26 per cent, gasoline prices rose 22%, hotel rates rose 20 per cent, and airfare rose 3.5 per cent under Biden.

Trump announces warrior dividend

One of the key highlights of his address was the announcement of a warrior dividend for military service members. A warrior dividend in honour of our nations founding in 1776, Trump said in his address to the nation. We are sending every soldier $1,776. Think of that, and the checks are already on the way.

Trump noted that more than one million service members will receive the payment. Nobody deserves it more than our military, and I say congratulations to everybody, he said. He also claimed that his government have secured a record-breaking $18 trillion of investment into the United States.

Overall, Trump used his speech to take potshots at some of his most frequent targets, including Biden, migrants and transgender people. He even called out the Biden administration for men playing in womens sports, transgender for everybody, and he later aimed at migrants whom he accused of taking jobs that he rescued back for the American worker, saying, Illegal aliens stole American jobs.

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US and Russian officials will hold talks this weekend in Miami about President Donald Trumps latest plan to end the war in Ukraine, a White House official has said.

Servicemen of the 24th Mechanised brigade of Ukraine fire a BM-21 Grad multiple-launch rocket system toward Russian troops on a front line near the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on February 15, 2025. (Photo: Oleg Petrasiuk/Press Service of the 24th Mechanised Brigade/Handout via Reuters)

US and Russian officials will meet this weekend to discuss President Donald Trumps latest plan to end the war in Ukraine, according to the White House.

A White House official told AFP that the meeting will take place in Floridas Miami.

While the official did not go into details, Politico separately reported that the US delegation is expected to be led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, and the Russian delegation is expected to be led by Kirill Dmitriev, Russian leader Vladimir Putins envoy.

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The talks will take place after days of intensive talks between the Trump administration, Ukraine, and Ukraine's European partners, which were aimed at turning Trumps proposal into an acceptable arrangement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the final proposal will be finalised within days and submitted to Russia.

As per reports, Trump has offered Ukraine Nato-like security guarantees, but there has not been any understanding so far on the question of land. While Trump has pressed Ukraine to surrender the entire Donbas region in the countrys east to Russia as per Putins maximalist demands, Ukraine has pushed back and offered to freeze battle lines in any agreement.

Despite such progress, Zelenskyy has warned that Russia was preparing for a new year of war. The statement came amid signs that Putin could reject Trumps proposal. For one, he has already rejected any ceasefire for Christmas.

Separately, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said that Russia would not give back land to end the war and would not accept any Nato peacekeepers in Ukraine after the end of the war, according to The Independent.
The US Congress on Wednesday permanently ended sanctions imposed on Syria under ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, paving the way for the return of investment to the war-ravaged nation.

(File) In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa receives the final version of the provisional electoral system for the People's Assembly, in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, July 27, 2025. AP

The US Congress on Wednesday permanently ended sanctions imposed on Syria under ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, paving the way for the return of investment to the war-ravaged nation.

President Donald Trump had already twice suspended the implementation of sanctions in response to pleas from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, allies of the new government headed by former jihadist Ahmed al-Sharaa.

But Sharaa had sought a permanent end to the sanctions, fearing that so long as the measures remained on the books they would deter businesses wary of legal risks in the worlds largest economy.

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The Senate passed the repeal of the 2019 Caesar Act as part of a sweeping annual defense package. The Senate voted 77 to 20 in favor of the legislation, which was already approved by the House of Representatives and is expected to be signed by Trump.

The repeal, broadly backed by lawmakers of both parties, is a decisive step toward giving the Syrian people a real chance to rebuild after decades of unimaginable suffering, said Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Damascus hailed the decision as a turning point.

We express our gratitude and appreciation to the US Senate for its support of the Syrian people and its vote to repeal the Caesar Act, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said.

He described the move as a positive development that opens new horizons for cooperation and partnership between our country and the world.

The Caesar Act, named after an anonymous photographer who documented atrocities in Assads prisons, severely restricted investment and cut off Syria from the international banking system.

The law was intended to prevent the influx of foreign businesses to rebuild Syria at a time when it had seemed that Assad had triumphed following more than a decade of brutal civil war that triggered a massive flow of refugees toward Europe and helped spawn the birth of the Islamic State extremist movement.

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Sharaas fighters seized Damascus a year ago in a lightning offensive.

Sharaa  now dressed in a business suit and seeking better relations with the West  has impressed Trump, including when they first met during the US leaders May trip to Riyadh.
The attack comes amid a flareup of violence along the frontier, which has claimed dozens of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people from both sides

This handout aerial photo taken and released by the Royal Thai Army on September 17, 2025 shows Thai army and police (bottom) facing Cambodian people in a disputed area along the Cambodia-Thailand border, as seen from Sa Kaeo province. AFP

Cambodia has accused the Thai military of bombing the bustling casino town of Poipet, a major crossing point on the CambodiaThailand border, as renewed hostilities continue with no ceasefire in sight.

According to Cambodias defence ministry, Thai forces dropped 2 bombs in the area of Poipet Municipality, Banteay Meanchey Province at around 11 am on Thursday. The ministry, as per AFP, said the strikes hit the casino huba place usually busy with Thai gamblersbut Thailand had not immediately responded to the claims by early afternoon.

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The attack comes amid a flareup of violence along the frontier, which has claimed dozens of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people from both sides.

Officials say the renewed clashes, which reignited earlier this month, have already killed at least 21 people in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia, while forcing roughly 800,000 residents to flee their homes.

Watch the video here:

Thai airstrikes have hit Poipet, Cambodias high-profile casino hub near the Thai border, as cross-border clashes intensify and tensions spill into one of Southeast Asias most sensitive frontier zones raising fears of a broader confrontation between the two neighbors.#Europost pic.twitter.com/iAlwGJLOge  EuroPost Agency (@EuroPostAgency) December 18, 2025

No truce, despite outside claims

The recent violence has shattered hopes for peace after a tentative ceasefire that was brokered in previous months. United States President Donald Trump had publicly claimed last week that both Bangkok and Phnom Penh agreed to revive a truce. But Thai officials quickly denied any such agreement, insisting no ceasefire had actually been arranged and that fighting remains daily.

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In the meantime, Cambodias interior ministry confirmed that several casinos across the country have already been damaged by Thai attacks since fighting resumed. Poipets border closureswhich Cambodian officials describe as a necessary measure to protect civilianshave left thousands of Thai citizens stranded on the Cambodian side with limited options to return home.

Whats driving the conflict?

At the root of the this tension is a centuryold territorial dispute over parts of the shared 800kilometre (500mile) border and contested ancient temple ruins. Both governments accuse each other of instigating violence and violating sovereignty, with neither showing signs of backing down soon.

Efforts by international mediators, including diplomatic visits from Chinas special envoy, aim to deescalate the situation, yet for now, peace remains elusive here.
Apple and Google have announced updates to their mobile platforms in Japan to comply with the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). The law requires companies to provide users with additional choices for app distribution, payment methods, and default services while maintaining privacy and security.

App distribution changes

The MSCA allows developers to distribute apps outside the official app stores:

Apple

iOS developers can now distribute apps via authorized alternative marketplaces. These marketplaces must meet Apples ongoing requirements. Apps downloaded outside the App Store do not benefit from the full App Review protections. To mitigate risks, Apple introduced Notarization, a baseline review combining automated checks and human review to verify app functionality and detect malware or security threats.

Google

Android already permits third-party app stores. Google is expanding its User Choice Billing program to all apps offering in-app purchases of digital content. Developers can now let users choose between Google Play Billing or completing transactions on the developers website, with APIs and security safeguards to support safe implementation.

Payment options

Both platforms now provide alternatives to in-app purchase systems:

Apple

iOS apps can integrate alternative payment methods or link users to external websites, in addition to Apple In-App Purchase. Transactions through Apple continue to offer refund support, subscription management, and reporting tools. Apps distributed outside the App Store pay a 5% Core Technology Commission, reflecting access to Apples tools and services.

Google

Android apps can offer purchases via Google Play Billing or external websites. The expanded program ensures security standards and user protection, with competitive fees for developers and APIs for integration.

User safety and safeguards

Both companies emphasized measures to protect users, especially children, from risks associated with alternative app distribution and payment methods:

Apple

Apps targeting children cannot link to external payment sites. Apps using alternative payments must include parental gates for users under 18. Users under 13 cannot access apps with links to external transactions. Apple continues to provide content filters, screen time monitoring, and communication safety tools.

Google

The company highlighted the importance of cybersecurity, privacy, and user safety, noting that 79% of Japanese developers expressed concern about risks associated with in-app content outside major stores. Google is collaborating with the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) to implement safeguards and prevent unintended consequences.

Expanded controls and choice

Both platforms have added options for users to select preferred services:

Apple

iOS 26.2 introduces browser and search engine choice screens, default controls for navigation apps and app marketplaces, new APIs for voice-based apps, and processes for interoperability with core iPhone technologies.

Google

Android users can switch default browsers and search engines. Google supports alternative browser engines, authentication services, and maintains data portability through Google Takeout across more than 80 products.

Developer support and updated terms

Guidance and terms have been updated for developers:

Apple

Developers can access resources on the Apple Developer Support page. Business terms include reduced commissions: 10% for most developers, 21% for certain digital transactions, and 5% Core Technology Commission for apps outside the App Store.

Google

Developers can begin onboarding to the updated billing program and access APIs. Google emphasizes careful regulatory engagement to maintain security and avoid unintended risks.

Outlook

The MSCA introduces new requirements for app distribution, payment processing, and default services in Japan. Apple and Google are implementing technical, procedural, and regulatory measures to mitigate potential risks, including fraud, scams, and exposure to inappropriate content.

Both companies will continue to collaborate with Japanese regulators and the developer community to refine compliance processes, monitor emerging risks, and ensure that app ecosystems remain secure, functional, and adaptable to future regulatory updates.
Taiwan has ramped up its defence spending in the past decade as China has intensified military pressure
Per an arrest affidavit acquired by The Denver Post, the driver of the SUV that crashed into the Central High School wrestling teams bus in Lakewood had no valid drivers license, reached speeds up to 92 miles per hour, and initially refused to cooperate with police officers when questioned about the wreck.

Andrew Logan Miller, a 22-year-old Denver resident, is accused of crashing an SUV into the Central bus on the evening of Dec. 6, 2025. Julio Vasquez-Gonzalez, an 18-year-old passenger in Millers vehicle, died from his injuries Sunday.

Millers license had been suspended since Feb. 5, 2022, the affidavit said.

Per the Post, police at the scene determined that Miller was driving a Pathfinder with his girlfriend in the front seat and Vasquez-Gonzalez and another boy in the back when he swerved over the dotted lines and hit the bus in front of the rear axle at 92 miles per hour, 52 miles per hour over the speed limit at the intersection of Kipling Street and W. Sixth Avenue.

The affidavit said the impact caused the bus to go into a clockwise spin, shattering windows and ejecting multiple kids out of the bus who then laid unconscious on the street.

Per the report, agents found unopened alcohol containers of flavored vodka shooters and hard tea in the Pathfinder. Miller told Lakewood Police officers that those containers had been in the vehicle since November and consented to a blood alcohol test. Days later when questioned at Denver Health, Miller said he didnt remember the crash, though he did note that the airbags had been removed because of a previous accident and that the brakes were not working as they should.

The vehicle belonged to his sister and her husband, who had been letting him use the Pathfinder in previous months to go to work, per the affidavit.

Charges will be officially filed against Miller in a Friday hearing in Jefferson County Court. He faces 15 charges, including reckless vehicular assault, child abuse, reckless endangerment, reckless driving and speeding more than 40 miles per hour over the speed limit. He might also receive vehicular homicide charges in light of Vasquez-Gonzalezs death.

The Daily Sentinel attempted to secure a copy of the affidavit Wednesday, but due to high winds and a resulting Xcel power outage, Jefferson County offices, including the court, were closed throughout the day with all employees working remotely.

The Daily Sentinel sent a records request email to Jefferson County Courts but, as of Wednesday evening, has not received a copy of the affidavit.
The federal government will provide $12 billion to U.S. farmers who have been hurt by unfair market disruption, President Donald Trump said at a White House roundtable event on Dec. 8.

Trump said repeatedly the funding was available thanks to tarif...
House Intel Committee Holds Joint Briefing with Homeland Security Committee in 9/11 Intel Recommendations Review

US House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

Washington, December 17, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As part of the bipartisan Review of the 9/11 Commission intelligence recommendations announced on September 11th this year, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence held a closed briefing, joined by the House Committee on Homeland Security, with leaders from the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The purpose of the briefing was to receive an update on the current U.S. counterterrorism mission across the United States and the globe and gain insight into how the intelligence reforms implemented post-9/11 are working today. To ensure the U.S. is adequately postured to defend against and neutralize the many threats facing the U.S. and the American people, the members sought to understand what is working in the current strategy and where improvements need to be made.

HPSCI 9/11 Review Chair, Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Co-Chair, Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), led the briefing.

"In the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks, we vowed to never allow another intelligence failure to connect the dots," said Chairman Crawford. "The House Intelligence Committee remains committed to ensuring our intelligence community and its capabilities remain one step ahead of our rapidly evolving adversaries. I thank Chairman Garbarino and our colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee for working so closely with us in this effort to look back at these 9/11 Commission recommendations so we can look ahead in a more prepared, proactive way."

"The tragic events of 9/11 exposed points of failure within the Intelligence Community and the broader national security enterprise that led to substantial reforms and reorganization," said Ranking Member Himes. "I appreciate my colleagues on the Intelligence and Homeland Security Committees' bipartisan commitment to understand how the counterterrorism reforms enacted after 9/11 have worked, and what changes we should consider to stay ahead of the threats we face today."

"It is an honor to Chair the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence's bipartisan Review of the 9/11 Commission Report, evaluating progress of intelligence-related recommendations as we approach 25 years since the devastating attacks," said Rep. Elise Stefanik. "As a proud New Yorker and Representative of the 10th Mountain Division, the Army's most deployed Division since 9/11, I am committed to ensuring our intelligence community is equipped with the tools it needs to counter terrorism, so Americans are not put at risk due to intelligence failures."

"Twenty-four years after 9/11, the impact of that day continues to shape our nation  especially in New Jersey, where hundreds of loved ones, friends, and first responders were lost. The pain has not diminished, nor has our duty to honor those we lost by doing everything possible to prevent future attacks and keep Americans safe," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05)."Since the release of the 9/11 Commission Report, significant progress has been made to strengthen our intelligence and homeland security systems, but the work is far from complete. I remain committed to working across the aisle to remember the lives taken, support the families of the victims, and continue strengthening our nation's defenses against terrorism."

"As a lifelong New Yorker, the memory of 9/11 is not only a call to never forget, but to never let our guard down again. This promise continues to guide my work and the priorities of the House Homeland Security Committee today," Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) said."Twenty-four years later, the terror threat landscape continues to evolve, and with it so must our homeland security posture. The 9/11 Commission Report is not a thing of the past, particularly as certain recommendations remain incomplete to this day. I am grateful to work with the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence as we review the Commission's findings and implementation to ensure a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to keep our nation safe. In the face of a resurgence in terror threats to the homeland and the West, the stakes of our no-fail mission could not be higher."

"After the September 11, 200, Attacks, Congress came together to create the Department of Homeland Security, implement the 9/11 Commission recommendations, and reform the intelligence community," said Ranking Member Thompson. "Almost 25 years later, we still must work together and hear from federal government experts on the threats we face and the security gaps we must fill. We must always remain vigilant, agile, and ready to adapt to the current threat environment."

Background: On September 11, 2025, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford and Ranking Member Jim Himes announced the establishment of a bipartisan HPSCI review of the 9/11 Commission Report recommendations, to be chaired by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and co-chaired by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).

The review will evaluate the progress made on the intelligence-related recommendations made by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States in The 9/11 Commission Report, released in July 2004, and identify possible gaps or areas of improvement.

Leading up to the 25th anniversary of 9/11 next year, the Committee will hold events, hearings, and briefings, both public and closed, to inform a report of findings and actionable recommendations that will be released in the days leading up to the anniversary. This review will examine both the current status of the IC's adoption of the Commission's recommendations, as well as how the IC is equipped to counter the threats the United States will face over the next 25 years.

###

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Sweden Confirms Citizen Detained In Iran On Allegations Of Spying For Israel

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda December 17, 2025

Sweden has confirmed that one of its citizens is in Iranian custody after Tehran announced that a Swedish national is on trial for allegedly spying for Israel.

In a December 16 statement to RFE/RL's Radio Farda, the Swedish Foreign Ministry said it is "in touch with the man's family" and that he "is being represented by legal counsel." The ministry declined to provide further details "out of consideration for consular confidentiality and in order not to hinder our work."

Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said on December 16 that the Iranian-Swedish dual national "was recruited by Israeli intelligence in 2023," made "several trips to the occupied territories -- most recently two weeks before entering Iran," and was carrying "electronic espionage equipment." He claimed the suspect has "confessed" to spying for Israel.

Jahangir added -- in apparent contradiction to the timeline -- that the accused entered Iran "one month before the start" of the 12-day war with Israel in June and was staying in a villa near Karaj, 45 kilometers northeast of Tehran. Earlier, the head of Alborz Province's justice department said the man was detained by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on the war's fourth day, June 16.

Iranian police reported detaining around 21,000 people for alleged security violations during the June war, though the number still in custody is unclear; the judiciary chief had cited about 2,000 arrests, with many released after clearance.

Since late June, Iran has executed several people convicted of pre-war spying for Israel amid fears of Mossad infiltration enabling attacks inside the country.

Security agencies have long targeted dual nationals with arrests, property seizures, and family pressure to force returns in a practice rights groups call "hostage diplomacy." Human Rights Watch saysauthorities have "systematically" violated due process through politically motivated arrests. Tehran treats dual citizens solely as Iranian nationals, refusing to recognize dual nationality.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-sweden-citizen- detained-israel-spying/33625516.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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Contracts

Contracts For Dec. 17, 2025

DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY

Humana Government Business Inc., Louisville, Kentucky, is awarded $7,342,637,605 to exercise Option Period Two under contract number HT9402-23-C-0001 (inclusive of adjustments to estimated health care costs, as a result of change orders accomplished during the implementation phase of contract performance) for health care and administrative support services in support of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) TRICARE program in the East Region. The contractor will assist DHA in operating an integrated health care delivery system combining the resources of the contractor and the military's direct medical care system to provide health, medical, and administrative support services to eligible members of the uniformed services, retirees, and their eligible family members. The East Region includes Washington, D.C., and the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. The cost-plus-award-fee, firm-fixed-price, and fixed-price type contract was awarded Dec. 22, 2022, with a 12-month base period (transition-in) and eight one-year option periods, plus a transition-out period. The option year period of performance is Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2026. The place of performance is Louisville, Kentucky. The Defense Health Agency's Managed Care Contracting Division, Aurora, Colorado, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Dec. 16, 2025.)

Evernorth Federal Services Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded $719,426,247 (P00093) for the fourth option (out of seven one-year option periods) of the previously awarded contract (HT940221C0007), for the Defense Health Agency TRICARE Pharmacy Benefit Program. Pharmacy benefit services are available in all 50 states; Washington, D.C.; Guam; Puerto Rico; and the Virgin Islands. The program offers services at retail network pharmacies, authorized non-network retail pharmacies, and the TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy. The period of performance for this option is Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2026. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds will be incrementally obligated. The Defense Health Agency, Managed Care Contracting Division, Aurora, Colorado, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Dec. 15, 2025.)

Ipsos Public Affairs LLC, of Norwalk, Connecticut is awarded modification number P00008 to firm-fixed-price task order HT001123F0033 under contract GS-00F-123DA for a 12-month period of performance to support the TRICARE Patient Experience Survey effort. This modification increases the basic order by $10,120,487. This modification provides for the exercise of an option to provide for Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) surveys for the Defense Health Agency of: (a) the recently discharged adult and child inpatient population; (b) the CAHPS Clinician and Group Survey; and (c) the CAHPS Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Survey. The task order was awarded on a competitive basis, effective June 1, 2023. The place of performance is Falls Church, Virginia. The period of performance for the third option year is Dec. 1, 2025, to Nov. 30, 2026. The Defense Health Agency, Professional Services Contracting Division, Falls Church, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Modification awarded Nov. 28, 2025.)

NAVY

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Mission Systems Sector, Linthicum Heights, Maryland, was awarded a $334,419,034 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-20-C-5519) for production of Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 3 Hemisphere and Quadrant systems. This contract modification includes options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract action to $783,025,378. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Maryland, (33%); Tampa, Florida (10%); Chelmsford, Maryland (8%); Sykesville, Maryland (7%); San Diego, California (5%); Hudson, New Hampshire (4%); Woburn, Massachusetts (4%); Rochester, New York (3%); Nashua, New Hampshire (3%); Glendale, Arizona (2%); Denver, Colorado (2%); Washington, North Carolina (2%); Longmont, Colorado (1%); Cincinnati, Ohio (1%); and miscellaneous locations - each less than 1% (15%), and is expected to be completed by December 2029. If all options are exercised, work will continue through April 2030. Fiscal 2025 shipbuilding and construction (Navy) funds in the amount of $334,419,034 were obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded Dec. 12, 2025)

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Kongsberg, Norway, is awarded a $80,163,321 firm-fixed-price modification to the previously awarded contract action (M67854-25-C-2023) for Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) medium caliber cannon Protector remote turret 20, hereafter referred to as the "turret." The total value of the contract if all options are exercised is $282,820,227. This contract modification provides for the exercise of the options for the procurement of 52 full rate production turrets for the ACV medium caliber cannon (ACV-30) vehicle, associated production costs, fielding and support costs, support & test equipment, and spares. Work will be performed in Johnstown, Pennsylvania (62%); and Kirkegaardsveien, Norway (38%), with an expected completion date of Nov. 30, 2028. Fiscal 2025 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $80,163,321 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-25-C-0023).

General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Connecticut, was awarded a $20,876,043 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00024-20-C-2114) for reactor plant planning yard support for nuclear-powered submarines and support yard for the Navy's moored training ships. This modification includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this modification to $111,299,417. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut (90%); and Charleston, South Carolina (10%). Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $13,500,000 (65%); and fiscal 2026 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,376,043 (35%), were obligated at time of award, of which $13,500,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(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.

Peraton Technology Services Inc., Herndon, Virginia, is awarded a $10,904,116 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable, indefinitedelivery/indefinitequantity contract to provide for updates, improvements, maintenance, and operation of the Intelligence Situation Awareness Tool software application used for range safety situational awareness and long-range, over-the-horizon ocean surveillance during target, missile, and test vehicle flight tests at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Work will be performed at Kauai, Hawaii (90%); Oahu, Hawaii (4%); Santa Clara, California (3%); Point Mugu, California (2%); and Chantilly, Virginia (1%), and is expected to be completed in December 2030. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract action was not competed. Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, California, is the contracting activity.

PRISM Maritime LLC, Chesapeake, Virginia is awarded a $9,241,744 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for VPX chassis needed for the landing helicopter dock and landing helicopter assault machinery control systems technical refresh. Work will be performed in Chesapeake, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by May 2031. Fiscal 2026 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $38,099 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the System for Award Management (SAM) website, with five offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N6449826D0001).

ARMY

Orion Government Services LLC, Houston, Texas, was awarded an $86,347,000 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance on the mouth of the Colorado River. The amount of this action is $86,347,000. Bids were solicited via the web with four received. Work will be performed in Sargent, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 8, 2027. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $86,347,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, is the contracting activity.

HGS Engineering Inc., Anniston, Alabama, was awarded a $49,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for environmental compliance and hazardous materials/hazardous waste management services. The amount of this action is $49,000,000. Bids were solicited via the web with 11 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 26, 2030. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District, is the contracting activity (W912GB-26-D-A023).

Gilbane Federal, Concord, California, was awarded a $17,249,472 firm-fixed-price contract for the conversion of a building to a secure space. The amount of this action is $17,249,472. Bids were solicited via the web with three received. Work will be performed in Okinawa, Japan, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2027. Fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance, Marine Corps funds in the amount of $17,249,472 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Japan District, is the contracting activity (W912HV-26-C-A005).

Raytheon Co., Fort Wayne, Indiana, was awarded a $15,401,144 firm-fixed-price contract to update the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System. The amount of this action is $15,401,144. Bids were solicited via the web with one received. Work will be performed in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2029. Fiscal 2010 Foreign Military Sales funds (Jordan) in the amounts of $5,037,454, $7,839,746, $2,158,990, $93,110, $92,501, $134,836, and $44,507 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Division D, is the contracting activity (W91CRB-26-C-5005).

AIR FORCE

Gilbane Japan GK, Tokyo, Japan, has been awarded a $53,097,051 firm-fixed-price contract for project LXEZ201072 Repair Special Operations Wing Facility B3524. This contract provides for a design-build project with the purpose of replacing existing concrete roof and repair 38,875 square-foot building. The location of performance is Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, and is expected to be complete by Dec. 21, 2028. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition, and one offer was received. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $53,097,051 are being obligated at the time of award. The 18th Contracting Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, is the contracting activity (FA527026CC001).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

UPDATE: Belmont Instrument LLC, Billerica, Massachusetts (SPE2D1-26-D-0004, $48,750,000), has been added as an awardee to the multiple award contract for medical equipment and accessories for the Defense Logistics Agency Electronic Catalog, issued against solicitation SPE2DH-21-R-0002 and awarded Feb. 10, 2022. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

*Small business

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4362955/

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Joint Statement Issued by the Consultative Meeting on Developments Relating to the Cause of Palestine with the Participation of High-Level Delegations from the General Secretariats of the OIC, the League of Arab States, and the AU

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

16-12-2025

JEDDAH, 16 DECEMBER 2025

Under the joint coordination mechanism among the three organizations to support the Palestinian cause, the consultative meeting on developments in the occupied State of Palestine, was held at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 16 December 2025 with the participation of high-level delegations from the General Secretariats of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the League of Arab States (LAS) and the African Union Commission (AU), which issued this joint statement:

1. The three organizations consider the peace plan announced by the President of the United States of America and signed during the international peace summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh in October 2025, with Egyptian and American patronage and signed by Qatar and Turkiye and approved by the Security Council under resolution 2803 as starting point towards stopping bloodshed, ensuring unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, withdrawal of the Israeli forces, return of normalcy and convening the international conference in Cairo to implement the Arab-Islamic Plan for Early Recovery and Reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and open an irrevocable pathway to the realization of the two-state solution.

2. The three organizations affirm their strong condemnation of the Israeli statements aimed at a one-way opening of the Rafah Crossing, express their absolute rejection of any attempts or plans to displace the Palestinian people either in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, considering such as a war crime and flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and a dangerous threat to regional and international peace and security.

3. Warn against the implications of the Israeli settlement policies aimed at making the Gaza Strip unlivable, condemn the policy of systematic blockade and starvation imposed by the Israeli authorities on the Gaza Strip, demand that Israel be compelled to permanently and securely open the Rafah Crossing to and fro, and other crossings, and allow unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

4. Warn against the danger of continued Israeli occupation policies in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, through colonial settlement, arbitrary arrest, annexation plans, and imposition of the Israeli so-called sovereignty, incursion into cities, villages, and camps, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure, and displacement of inhabitants.

5. Stress the illegality of all Israeli settlements and the imperative of dismantling them and evacuating all settlers outside the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. Warn also against the danger of rising systematic crimes, violence and organized terrorism practiced by the extremist settlers under the full cover and protection of the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people, their properties, land and holy sites, demand the international community to end these crimes and hold their perpetrators to account in line international criminal law, and demand the disarmament of the settlers in implementation of Security Council resolution 904.

6. Reject all illegal decisions and steps taken by the Israeli occupation authorities to alter the political, geographic, and demographic condition in occupied Jerusalem, affirming the need for it to end and for the preservation of the historical and legal status of the Islamic and Christian holy sites, particularly the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.

7. Condemn the crimes of forced disappearance, execution, abuse and torture, and all violations to which Palestinian prisoners are subjected in Israeli occupation prisons, including the storming by the extremist minister Ben Gvir of the prison cell of the Palestinian national leader Marwan Bargouthi and threatening his life. Call for the Israeli occupation authorities to be pressured to disclose the fate of the Palestinian prisoners being held by them and work towards releasing and protecting them.

8. Call on the international community to take all necessary steps to ensure holding the Israeli occupation forces accountable at national, regional, and international courts, especially at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, end the state of impunity, and provide international protection for the Palestinian people.

9. Emphasize that the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) is the legal and only representative of the Palestinian people and the need to support and back the Government of the State of Palestine to assume its full responsibility over the entire occupied Palestinian territory, including the Gaza Strip, considered an integral part of the State of Palestine; call for the provision of all forms of support to it and demand the international community to compel the Israeli occupation to release immediately and fully all illegally seized returns on Palestinian taxes.

10. Welcome the "Emergency Coalition for Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority" announced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2025 in New York, in collaboration with a group of states from various regions, and appeal to all states to join this coalition and contribute financially to support the Government of the State of Palestine.

11. Welcome the United Nations General Assembly resolution no. A/80/L.1/Rev.1 adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 12 December 2025 which endorsed the outcomes of high-level conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution, held in New York under the chairmanship of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of France; and call on states to implement the New York Declaration and its attachments submitted by the conference's co-chairmen and heads of the working groups.

12. Welcome the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on Israel's obligations regarding the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations, and third states in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory on 25 October 2025, welcome the United Nations General Assembly resolution no. A/80/537/DR 5 at its 80th session to extend the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestinian Refugees of the New East (UNRWA) for three years, which was adopted by an overwhelming majority, underscore the need to provide political, legal and financial support for this United Nations Agency which is irreplaceable or indispensable for the service of the Palestinian people and protection of their rights until their issue is resolved in accordance with relevant resolutions of the United Nations. Condemn the attacks on UNRWA and recalls all the unjust decisions by Israel, the occupying power, targeting the work of UNRWA.

13. Welcome the report of the Independent International Commission of Enquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory of 16 September 2025, which affirmed that Israel, the occupying power, committed genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and call on the international community to act immediately and take necessary steps to implement the report's recommendations.

14. Appreciate highly the stances and decisions of the states that recognized the State of Palestine in September 2025, as affirmation and key support for the natural, historical, and legal right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and realize their independent state. Urge other states that are yet to recognize Palestinian statehood to fulfill their obligations of recognizing the State of Palestine and supporting its full membership in the United Nations, that being an essential pillar for the implementation of the two-state solution and the realization of peace, stability, and security in the region.

15. Affirm that just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the region can only be achieved through the implementation of the two-state solution based on ending the Israeli colonial occupation and on immediate and unconditional withdrawal, in order to realize the independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the lines of 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the principles of international law, the relevant United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

16. The three organizations renew their commitments to continue working to implement the resolutions of the United Nations resolutions and international organizations, and the New York Declaration, and the need for Member States to take practical steps to implement the two-state solution in order to achieve the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to independence, return, and self-determination.

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The Evolution of Mortar Capabilities: How Enhancing 81mm Mortars is Shaping Modern Warfare

By Ryan Gorman and - Eric Kowal contributed December 17, 2025

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. -- Engineers at Picatinny Arsenal's U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center, are working to develop an enhanced 81mm mortar (E81) high-explosive (HE) mortar cartridge. This new cartridge is looking to significantly increase the maximum range and lethality of 81 mm mortar systems while retaining the hallmark portability of 81 mm mortar systems.

The overarching objective of the E81effort is to provide 120mm mortar-like range and lethality in an 81mm cartridge. E81 is the first initiative under the Enhanced Range and Lethality Mortar Systems (ERLMS) program that will modernize mortars at DEVCOM.

The Armaments Center's E81 cartridge effort is part of a larger initiative to develop and field a new enhanced 81mm system of systems. Led by the Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS), the Infantry Battalion Mortar System (IBMS) is developing a new weapon and leveraging mature fire control and mobility systems to significantly increase the survivability and lethality of 81mm mortars on the modern battlefield.

IBMS will address a number of necessary capability improvements and significantly increases the performance of 81mm mortars. Robert Lucas, Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) Capability Developer at the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Ft. Benning is looking for E81 to "mitigate the counter-battery threat by increasing battlefield mobility, providing a more survivable Battalion mortar system."

"This system will give commanders more flexibility to maneuver with more timely, lethal, and accurate indirect fires," Lucas said.

While the objectives for the E81 cartridge are ambitious, the DEVCOM engineers are approaching development as more evolutionary than revolutionary. To keep the technical risk as low as possible and potential to transition to the Project Manager, engineers are leveraging as many mature components as possible.

The cartridge plans to use the M734A1 Multi-Option for Mortars (MOFM) fuzes, fielded energetics for the main fill and the warhead liner technology initially developed under M824A1 cartridge to increase lethality. This strategy allows the team to rapidly burn down risk and focus investment on critical but less mature technologies as well as cartridge integration. When asked about how the team is quickly increasing maturity and decreasing risk, Matt Manzione, Armaments Center project officer said "Leveraging the in-house modeling, simulation, and laboratory capabilities at Armaments Center, the ERLMS team is able to rapidly evaluate and refine multiple designs, reducing the development time. This allows us to reduce iterations of fabrication and testing, expediting the transition to a program of record."

The E81 team was also extremely proactive to coordinate with industry partners and involve them in the design process early. Leveraging Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) and other transactional authorities (OTAs), the team is planning to award a number of contracts to have industry experts complement the government team. Having industry involvement from the onset gives the DEVCOM team confidence that the E81 design is not only effective and producible, but able to be integrated into a robust industrial base that is able to produce cartridges in large quantities.

The E81 effort at DEVCOM, when integrated with IBMS, presents a significant growth in capability for mortar systems. E81 is expected to play a significant role in mortar formations and how they are utilized in combat in the future. It also provides a modern mortar architecture that opens significant opportunities, both within the 81mm and even 120mm form factor.

When asked about the significance of the E81 effort, Ryan Gorman, Senior Scientific Technical Manager for Indirect Fires commented "The E81 program was one of the first briefings I took when I got my position. I immediately realized the potential of this system. Not just for the impact it would have on 81mm mortars, but how E81 could enable improvements in other systems. It's a very exciting time in the mortar space."

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U.S. Forces Protect the Homeland with Aggressive Pursuit of ISIS in Syria

U.S. Central Command

Press Release | Dec. 17, 2025

USCENTCOM

December 17, 2025

Release Number 20251217-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. -- U.S. and partner forces in Syria have conducted nearly 80 operations since July to eliminate terrorist operatives, including ISIS remnants, that posed a direct threat to the United States and interests abroad.

ISIS has inspired at least 11 plots or attacks against targets in the United States over the past year. In response, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operations have resulted in 119 terrorists detained and 14 killed over the last six months, disrupting efforts for ISIS to reconstitute and inspire terror attacks globally.

CENTCOM forces conducted a September raid in Syria that resulted in the death of senior ISIS operative Omar Abdul Qader who actively sought to attack the United States.

"We are steadfast in our relentless pursuit of terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our interests abroad," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. "Operations in Syria are critical for preventing ISIS from regenerating and posing a significant threat. We will root out and eliminate terrorist jihadists wherever they hide."

Last month, U.S. military personnel from Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve partnered with the Syrian Ministry of Interior in locating and destroying more than 15 sites containing ISIS weapons caches in southern Syria.

The combined operation destroyed over 130 mortars and rockets, multiple rifles, machine guns, anti-tank mines, and materials for building improvised explosive devices.

"We have now had multiple instances of collaboration with the Syrian government to counter specific ISIS threats," Cooper said. "These are the types of tangible security gains we can make on the ground through close cooperation with Syrian government forces."

During a July raid in al-Bab, Aleppo Governate, U.S. forces conducted a raid resulting in the death of senior ISIS leader Dhiya' Zawba Muslih al-Hardani and his two adult ISIS-affiliated sons, Abdallah Dhiya al-Hardani and Abd al-Rahman Dhiya Zawba al-Hardani. They posed a threat to U.S. forces, Coalition partners, and the Syrian government.

"Deploying our forces to take out these individuals makes America and the region safer," said Cooper. "We will continue to work closely with our Syrian partners to hunt down ISIS networks and prevent their resurgence."

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Swiss Government

Press release

Published on 17 December 2025

Bern, 17.12.2025 -- From 8 to 19 December 2025, Swiss attack and defence drones will be tested at the Hinterrhein (GR) shooting range. The goals are a market survey and a qualitative assessment of the drone systems used, in order to estimate the maturity of the technology. The technical trials will be carried out by the Taskforce Drones with the participation of the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse, the Swiss Armed Forces and other partners. They aim to accelerate the capability development of the military in the field of drones and bring together industry, science and the military.

The goal of the technical trials is to assess the capabilities and the technological maturity of small attack and defence drones under real conditions and to examine their military application. The trials are part of a market survey and a qualitative assessment. They show which technologies already function at an operational level, where boundaries exist and the areas in which industry needs to develop.

In predefined flight scenarios controllability, durability, reactive behaviour and the effectiveness of the attack and defence drones are examined. The drones fly without weapons or with inert payloads.

The results will be used by the Taskforce Drones as the basis for further capability development in the area of drones and drone defence, however they do not guarantee any follow-up procurements. Modern conflicts show that these capabilities are becoming increasingly important to protect troops and to strengthen the defence capability of the Armed Forces.

The tests will take place on the closed off terrain and in the reserved airspace of the Hinterrhein shooting range in Grisons. This enables complex flights to be carried out and thus to generate extensive insights.

Swiss drone ecosystem

The tested systems originate mainly from Swiss suppliers from industry and science. Switzerland has strong partnerships with universities and an excellent Security-relevant Technology and Industry Base (STIB) with key areas such as robotics, sensory analysis, autonomy and artificial intelligence - skills that are key for modern drone technology. The Taskforce Drones strengthens these developments systematically, to minimise dependency on foreign countries, to retain security-relevant expertise within Switzerland and to develop a sustainable Swiss drone ecosystem for the long term, which can react quickly to new technological developments.

Taskforce Drones

As a reaction to growing threats, the DDPS founded the Taskforce Drones in June 2024. It is led by Thomas Rothacher, Deputy National Armaments Director and Head of the competence sector armasuisse Science and Technology. The clients are the Chief of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Thomas Sussli and the National Armaments Director Urs Loher.
Statement by President Antonio Costa following the EU-Western Balkans summit

European Council / Council of the European Union

European Council

Statements and remarks

17 December 2025 21:00

We have just concluded our summit with our Western Balkans partners. It is the most significant occasion of the year to reaffirm the strength of our relationship. And today's summit has delivered a clear message: we firmly support the Western Balkans' future in the European Union.

Enlargement remains central to our shared objectives. It is the right choice for three reasons:

first, from a geopolitical perspective. An enlarged European Union means a safer, stronger and more peaceful Europe;

second, because enlargement strengthens our shared prosperity. Every previous enlargement has proven this;

and third, because the European Union remains an attractive and credible projectand we must deliver on the expectations it creates. Enlargement is now moving faster than it has in the last 15 years. And we must seize this opportunity.

Enlargement is a merit-based process, not a race or a competition between candidates. Those who move faster should not be held back by others. Quite the contrary, they should set the pace and serve as an inspiration for all.

Over the past 12 months, good progress has been made:

Montenegro's path to the EU has clearly accelerated. Just this week, five accession chapters were successfully closed;

Albania has managed to open all negotiating clusters in a very short time, the last ones just in November. Next year will be their moment of truth to accelerate reforms;

regarding North Macedonia, we welcome the steps to boost regional connectivity. And we hope for real progress in 2026. Their authorities know what they need to do;

also this year, Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted their Reform Agenda, a necessary step to access the Growth Plan. This will allow them to tap the full potential of the European Union's support and gradual integration;

regarding Kosovo, we welcome the steps taken to build trust between communities. The upcoming parliamentary elections can be crucial moment for consolidating the reforms and engaging constructively in the European accession path.

Let's be clear, beyond the technicalities of the process, there is a fundamental political choice to make: a choice between staying trapped in the past, or moving forward towards a joint future in the European Union, a choice between division or reconciliation and cooperation, which are the very pillars of the European Union.

Only by overcoming the past can the Western Balkans fully assume their role as future EU members, and contribute to a stable, prosperous, and united Europe. The road ahead will not be easy. Some reforms will be difficult, but they are worth it. And I believe that our partners are committed to delivering.

We must keep this momentum. For this, we will support our partners every step of the way. Enlargement is a deeply transformational process. Socioeconomic convergence will anchor their future in the European Union. The EU isand will remainthe Western Balkans' most reliable partner. They are all part of the European family, and the European Union is their place.

I look forward to our next Summit in Montenegro in June 2026.

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Foreign Affairs Council, 15 December 2025

European Council / Council of the European Union

17.12.2025

Foreign Affairs Council

Main results

Situation in the Middle East

The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, starting with the EU's contribution to the security and stabilisation of Gaza.

Our two missions on the ground can scale up operations: one is assisting border crossings and the other one is supporting the Palestinian police. Both can make valuable contributions to the peace plan and the international stabilisation force, but we need approval from the Israeli side. - Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council

In this context, ministers focused on the EU CSDP missions, EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS, the reform of the Palestinian authority, humanitarian aid and reconstruction, on which several ministers agreed that the EU should have a greater say.

The Council then discussed the situation in Syria, one year after the fall of Assad's regime. The discussion focused on the state of Syria's transition and how the EU could better support governance, security sector reform and trade.

Assad's regime fell one year ago, and Syria still faces enormous challenges. Sectorial violence, lack of inclusivity, lack of proper institutions, rule of law, these are problems that are still there. [...] Let me remind you that the EU was the first to lift sanctions to help the country to rebuild. But lifting sanctions alone does not bring economic prosperity. Investors need to trust the legal system; investors need to be sure that the situation is stable and will not get out of hand. - Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council

Ministers discussed the need to adapt the EU's sanctions regime as the situation evolves, and to move forward with a new EU-Syria political partnership.

Lastly, the Council touched on the situation in Lebanon ahead of the EU-Lebanon Association Council.

China

Over a working lunch, the Foreign Affairs Council exchanged view on EU-China bilateral relations, including on geoeconomic relations and geopolitical issues.

China is increasingly weaponising economic ties for political gains. We recently released our joint economic security strategy with the Commission and plan to diversify our supply of critical minerals. Today, ministers discussed how we can better deploy our trade arsenal to strengthen Europe's resilience. No European country can match China on its own. Unity is the strength here. - Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council

Russian aggression against Ukraine

The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after a VTC intervention of the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, who provided an overview of the situation on the ground, including the current diplomatic deliberations, and Ukraine's most urgent priorities.

Our priorities are twofold: Putting more pressure on Moscow and generating more support for Kiev. Europe is providing Ukraine with a record 27 billion of military support this year and we have also met our pledge of providing 2 million rounds of artillery shells. But it is also clear that it's no time to slow down. We have to do more to strengthen Ukraine's defence and its hand in negotiations while Russia keeps rejecting peace. - Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council

The ensuing EU27 discussion focused first on EU security guarantees for Ukraine. Ministers exchanged views on the objective of putting Ukraine in a position of strength in the ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

Ministers were clear that any peace deal must include strong security guarantees. As Ukraine has been pressured into giving up a NATO membership, this will be the only safeguard capable of stopping Russia from reinvading. The EU will do its part, including with training and defence industry support. - Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council

Ministers also touched on the issue of financing for Ukraine in 2026-2027, ahead of the upcoming discussion at the December European Council.

Furthermore, the ministerial discussion focused on ways to intensify pressure on Russia, in particular through measures aimed at disrupting the shadow fleet and those enabling its operations. In this context, the Council adopted restrictive measures against nine enablers of the shadow fleet.

Ministers shared the opinion that targeting Russia's shadow fleet should remain a EU key priority and that work on imposing further restrictive measures against both the shadow fleet and its enablers should continue on a regular basis.

Lastly, the Council imposed additional restrictive measures targeting 12 individuals and 2 entities in light of Russia's continued hybrid activities, including Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) against the EU and its member states and partners, and widened the scope of sanctions against Belarus in light of the recent airspace violations in Lithuania and other member states affected by Belarus' hybrid activities.

The Council adopted a declaration of the European Union and its member states on making full use of the international law of the sea framework relating to threats from the 'shadow fleet' and to the protection of critical undersea infrastructure.

Other discussions and decisions

Under current affairs, the High Representative informed foreign ministers on the escalation of violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the situation in the Great Lakes region.

Under any other business, Cyprus briefed the Council on Cyprus' candidature for the OSCE chairmanship. Slovenia raised the recent meeting with West African states in the margins of the EU-AU summit, which Slovenia chaired on behalf of the High Representative, and Austria informed ministers about the recent meeting of the Friends of the Western Balkans in Vienna

The Council adopted further sanctions against 3 people and 1 entity responsible for gang violence in Haiti.

The Council extended existing sanctions in view of nuclear activities in North Korea and the situation in Venezuela.

The Council approved conclusions on 'Advancing mutually beneficial partnerships through better financing, gender equality, global health, and trade', which reaffirm the EU's commitment to international partnerships as a cornerstone of its external action, contributing to sustainable development, poverty eradication, global stability and a rules-based international order.

Ministers endorsed the comprehensive approach set out in the conclusions, notably on financing for development, the effective implementation of the EU Global Health Strategy, the advancement of gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights, and the strengthening of trade capacity through Aid for Trade.

By approving these conclusions, the Council confirmed the EU's readiness to adapt its external action to a changing global environment while remaining a reliable and principled partner, including as the largest global provider of ODA, together with the member states. It called for effective implementation, measurable impact, transparency and accountability across all strands of action, and for continued engagement with international partners and institutions to advance sustainable development, global health security, gender equality and inclusive trade, in line with the 2030 Agenda and other international commitments.

The Council adopted conclusions for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT), reaffirming its unequivocal support to the NPT as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, the foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament, and an important element in developing nuclear energy applications for peaceful purposes. Ahead of the 2026 Review Conference, the Treaty faces notable challenges, including a resurgence of nuclear rhetoric, as witnessed by Russia's actions in its unjustified and illegal full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine.

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Russian border guards illegally crossed the temporary control line on the Narva River

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

17.12.2025 | 22:41

This morning, the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) detected an illegal crossing of a temporary control line between Estonia and Russia on the Narva River breakwater by three border guards of the Russian Federation.

Today, 17 December, shortly before 10 a.m., border guards of the Estonian Eastern Prefecture detected via a surveillance camera the movement of Russian border guards on a hovercraft on the Narva River at the Vasknarva breakwater. The hovercraft stopped at the breakwater and three border guards disembarked, proceeding on foot along the breakwater. In the course of this, the border guards of the Russian Federation crossed the control line from Russia towards Estonia. After this, the border guards returned to their hovercraft and travelled back towards the Russian shore.

The Head of the Border Guard Bureau of the Eastern Prefecture, Eerik Purgel, stated that several Estonian border guard patrols responded to the border incident.

"The incident has been recorded by surveillance equipment, and an initial inspection was also carried out on the breakwater. An official contact has been established with the border representative of the Russian Federation to obtain explanations," he said.

The Eastern Prefecture has also increased the deployment of patrols in order to be prepared to respond to any additional incidents.

A meeting of the border representatives of Estonia and Russian Federation is scheduled for Thursday morning, at which Estonia expects an explanation from the Russian Federation regarding the border crossing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will summon the Charge d'Affaires ad interim of the Russian Embassy.

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Statement by President von der Leyen following the EU-Western Balkans Summit

European Commission

Statement

Dec 17, 2025

Brussels

Today's Western Balkans Summit comes at a pivotal moment. Russia continues to rage its war of aggression on our continent, while our Union has been a peace project from its foundation. Peace is what unites our Member States and drives every stage of our integration. In these times of geopolitical uncertainty, enlargement is more than a choice for peace. It is a strategic choice. It is an investment in our shared security and freedom. Today's geopolitical headwinds are strong and fast. And the speed of the accession process needs to match the pace of geopolitical shifts.

For the first time in more than a decade, enlargement has become a realistic possibility. I want to commend the tremendous progress by Albania and Montenegro. It is impressive what they have achieved. And it is a formidable source of inspiration for the other Western Balkans partners. And it sends a strong message to the world about the attractiveness of Europe's offer. It is an offer of solidarity, of opportunity, and of stability. To turn this offer into reality, we are working intensely on gradual integration - the groundwork of accession. That is the work of the Growth Plan.

Thanks to the Growth Plan, the Western Balkan countries are more integrated into the EU than any enlargement partners before. The philosophy of the Growth Plan is simple but fundamental. Investment alone cannot generate sustainable growth. And reforms without resources cannot be fully implemented. That is why the Plan combines the two: reforms to unlock resources, and resources that make reforms possible. And with this combination, the region enjoys some benefits of integration even before full membership. Because for too long, the development gap between the Western Balkans and the EU has constrained investment, job creation, and opportunity. The Growth Plan addresses this directly. With EUR 6 billion in investment. And we now have 6 ambitious reform agendas.

We are already seeing the first concrete results. The Western Balkan are expected to grow by around 3% next year. This growth mirrors the confidence in the European future of the region, the impact of reforms, and the benefits of closer economic integration with the EU. And there is more to come. We are integrating our partners into the Single Euro Payment Area. This could save businesses and citizens up to EUR 500 million per year. We are saving time as well through our Green lanes. They will strengthen supply chains, improve logistics, and cut transit times by up to 80 %. And with the Growth Plan, the region's economy can double within the next decade.

Second on investments. To date, our investment plan has mobilised EUR 18 billion, including EUR 6 billion in EU grants. Across the region, over 68 flagship projects are underway to finance critical infrastructure in transport, energy, digital connectivity, and environmental projects. These investments are making the region more competitive and better connected to our Single Market. Take AI: we are setting up a network of AI Factories across the EU and we are opening them to the Western Balkans, with AI Factory Antennas in Serbia and North Macedonia. This will allow companies from all the region to connect with these factories, giving them access to Europe's AI infrastructure and a huge amount of computational power. All of this attracts private investment. During our investment conferences in Albania and Montenegro we secured investment declarations from private investors worth more than EUR 4 billion. And I am happy to announce that, following the smooth and orderly transition of local l governance in the north after the recent local elections, we are moving forward to lift the measures on Kosovo. We are programming 216 million euro of financial assistance. And we intend to release 205 million euro early next year.

My final point is regional cooperation and integration. The Common Regional Market is the fastest route to competitiveness, the most direct bridge to the EU Single Market, and the clearest proof that the region can act as one. The results are clear. Since 2021: Trade within the region has doubled, trade in goods and services is up 19%, shorter border waits have saved the equivalent of more than 20 years in total. But we can go further.

So now is time to renew the efforts and complete the Common Regional Market agenda. The momentum for enlargement with our Western Balkan partners has never been stronger.

This is a historic opportunity. Let us seize it together.

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Next step in Polish submarine procurement

Government Offices of Sweden

Press release from Ministry of Defence

Published 17 December 2025

Minister for Defence Pal Jonson and Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz today signed a memorandum of understanding that solidifies the Polish-Swedish cooperation on submarines and lays the foundations for continued negotiations.

"Today we took an important step towards a Swedish-Polish submarine deal. Together, Sweden and Poland have the tools to substantially bolster security in the Baltic Sea region, and we value our close cooperation with Poland," says Minister for Defence Pal Jonson.

On 26 November, Poland announced that it has chosen to partner with Sweden in its submarine programme. Today, the two defence ministers took the next step by signing a memorandum of understanding as a basis for further negotiations.

Once a contract is signed, the Polish-Swedish submarine deal will be one of Sweden's largest ever naval export deals and will lead to increased defence cooperation between the two countries. This means that together, Sweden and Poland will be able to take greater responsibility for security in the Baltic Sea.

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Smith Demands Rules of Engagement, Execute Orders, Video of Follow-On Boat Strike Be Released and Hegseth to Publicly Testify

House Armed Services Committee

December 17, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement in response to today's classified briefing with Admiral Frank "Mitch" Bradley on a follow-up strike in the SOUTHCOM region on September 2nd.

"Today's classified briefing with Admiral Bradley reinforced the questions and concerns about the legality, appropriateness, and assumptions behind the September 2nd strikes and subsequent strikes that have occurred against boats the administration alleges are affiliated with drug cartels in the last four months.

"While I appreciate Admiral Bradley's service and willingness to speak candidly with the Armed Services Committee about the September 2nd strikes, the committee should also hear directly from Secretary Hegseth, in a public hearing, to explain the policy, strategy, and legality of the military's operations against drug cartels. Furthermore, the Department should provide congressional defense committees with copies of the execute orders related to these military operations, as required by law, as well as publicly release the video of the September 2nd follow-on strike.

"There is no question that illicit drugs are a major problem in the United States, but there are many questions about this approach to that problem. Is it really going to have any impact on the drugs coming in? As of now, we don't know and there's been no clarity on that point. This is an enormous expansion of the president's power to use lethal force without due process or an authorization from Congress and should be deeply concerning to all Americans. Further, given the president's recent pardons of major drug dealers, we have to ask if the purpose of this operation is really designed to get after the drug problem or is this an attempt to launch a war against Venezuela to push regime change?

"I am hopeful that my Republican colleagues will join HASC Democrats in calling for this full accounting in the interest of ensuring our military adheres to the law and our standing in the world."



###

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Chairman Mast Leads GOP Opposition Against Democratic Push to Shield Maduro's Venezuelan Cartel Regime

U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs

December 17, 2025

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast led Republicans in opposing a Democrat-led effort to preemptively disarm the president from defending the U.S. from Nicolas Maduro's terrorist regime.

-Remarks-

This resolution is weak, unnecessary, and dangerous.

It is not about oversight.

It is not about the Constitution.

It is about tying the President's hands, specifically in Venezuela.

It's about telling President Trump he does not have the authority to defend America.

This resolution is a preemptive surrender.

As written, it limits the president's ability to respond to future threats posed by Venezuela.

Russia delivers nukes there; the president can't respond. Iran delivers a dirty bomb there; the president can't respond. China delivers anthrax or some other biological weapon, like they did with COVID-19, but far more deadly; the president can't respond. No matter what the threat, President Trump cannot respond.

Additionally, this resolution doesn't make sense because we are not in hostilities inside Venezuela.

The authorized use of military force process exists in Congress. Democrats are not writing a scope of action for the President to defend the United States of America. This resolution is a blanket statement to say the President cannot defend the United States of America.

No matter what the threat emanating from Venezuela, he cannot defend you, cannot defend me, cannot defend our country against it.

This resolution is not stopping war, it's not stopping invasion, it's not stopping drug-running. It's not stopping terrorism. It's stopping the president from acting decisively before Americans die.

Let's be clear about who we are dealing with. Venezuela is the largest and best-funded cartel in the world.

Nicolas Maduro is not a legitimate head of state. He is a designated narco-terrorist who is poisoning Americans.

All the stuff we were just talking about in the last debate, that's Maduro. He's the head of a cartel that will abduct somebody, behead somebody, and torture someone to support his political ends.

Both Republican and Democrat administrations agree: Maduro is an illegitimate dictator who rules through repression, fraud, and violence.

He literally uses the Venezuelan military to move cocaine into the United States.

This is not a theory. This is a state-run criminal enterprise.

Venezuela is not a gang. It's a cartel state. It rakes in billions, moving more than 250 metric tons of Colombian cocaine through their country every year.

The United States already has bipartisan sanctions on Venezuelan oil. President Trump supported them. President Biden kept them.

Maduro is violating those sanctions  and we just caught him doing it again.

A ghost ship was intercepted smuggling Venezuelan oil. Maduro admitted the oil was his.

So here is the simple question: how do you enforce sanctions if you are not allowed to stop the shipments?

The answer is you can't. Interdicting Venezuelan oil shipments is not war. It is sanctions enforcement. It's law and order.

Given that it's the Venezuelan government that is the cartel, the trafficker, the one moving these ships. That's why it requires a military to do so.

This resolution reads as if Maduro wrote it himself.

It gives a narco-terrorist dictator a free pass to keep trafficking drugs, funding criminal networks, and killing Americans  because Democrats hate President Trump more than they love America.

President Trump has the authority  and the obligation  to take limited, targeted action to protect the United States of America wherever those threats emanate from.



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Chairman Mast Leads GOP Debate Against Democrats' Ploy to Tie President Trump's Hands From Defending the U.S. From Cartel Terrorists

U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs

December 17, 2025

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast led debate on the House Floor in opposition to a Democrat-led resolution to block President Trump from defending the U.S. from designated cartel terrorists operating in the Western Hemisphere.

-Remarks-

Right now, we have cartels operating in our backyard. They are kidnapping Americans, extorting families, trafficking women and children, and flooding our towns with fentanyl to maximize death and addiction on American soil.

Someone tell me that I'm wrong. I don't hear anything. Just look at the images next to me. It's not Photoshopped.

None of this is new, it's just new that it's being defeated by President Trump. Brought to an end by President Trump.

This violence comes from the Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels, Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and the Cartel of the Suns, headed by Nicolas Maduro, to name just a few.

The president has every bit of Article II authority to defend the United States of America from these imminent threats. These cartels that are doing this are an imminent threat.

These cartels have tens of thousands of members who wake up every day and see it as their sole mission to flood the United States with lethal drugs. But my Democrat colleagues want to ignore it.

Sinaloa and Jalisco alone have nearly 45,000 members combined; Gulf Cartel 50,000 members; MS-13, another 30,000.

They're coming across the Gulf constantly. 365 days a year, 7 days a week, they are coming to the United States of America with their violence. That is the definition of imminent.

These drug cartels are highly organized, militarized. They are terrorist networks that have convinced my colleagues that they are nothing more than small street gangs.

They control territory, run armed convoys, use drones for surveillance, communicate through encrypted networks like the military. They terrorize entire countries with extreme violence, and they terrorize the United States of America and our people.

They spread carnage wherever they go. Not just across the border, but on our side of the border as well  right here in the United States of America.

Look at this morbid scene. These are two men about to be decapitated, literally out in the open by the Gulf cartel.

The tactics of these cartels are the same as those used by al-Qaeda and ISIS. These are terrorist networks.

Some are given safe haven by foreign governments. Others, like Tren de Aragua, take orders from Nicolas Maduro.

And, I can tell you that Americans are paying the price for it. Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, was murdered in Georgia by a confirmed member of Tren de Aragua. Claretha Daniels and Justin Lawless were executed outside their Bronx apartment by six Tren de Aragua terrorists. These were neighbors of my ranking member. A 74-year-old American rancher was killed near Brownsville, Texas, when his truck hit a cartel-planted IED, just like what took my legs from me.

But Democrats don't want the president to be able to defend America from these terrorists.

Even more tragic is the fact that nearly 80,000 Americans overdosed last year on fentanyl, cocaine, and other cartel-trafficked drugs. But Democrats don't want to protect you from that either.

In fact, yesterday, we had a classified briefing, the gentleman on my left went directly to the press to claim that these strikes were not protecting America. Literally said these strikes were not "stopping drugs."

Everything he said is easy to prove wrong. Every drug boat sunk is literally drugs not coming to the United States of America. Every narco-terrorist killed is an American life  like Laken Riley or Claretha Daniels  saved.

The threat is pressing, and it's frequent. In November, the Coast Guard announced it seized 510,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean since the start of 2025. This is enough cocaine to harm nearly 170 MILLION Americans.

Congressional authorization is not required to carry out precise, limited strikes. My colleagues did not object when prior presidents conducted military operations in Yemen, in Libya, and Syria - operations which were also limited and successful.

This resolution is also reckless and poorly written. It prevents the president from acting against any foreign terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere.

Under this resolution, the president could strike al-Qaeda or ISIS in the Middle East  but if those same terrorists came across into the Western Hemisphere, they could be untouchable and free to kill as many Americans as they want.

Democrats are not putting forward an authorized use of military force, telling the president how to combat any of these issues. Democrats are putting forward a resolution to say the president can't do anything about MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and every other cartel.

That is giving aid and comfort to narco-terrorists. That's ignoring an imminent threat.

The cartels are relentless and ruthless. They have military capabilities and use them every day against the American homeland.

When a threat poses immediate danger to Americans, the Constitution gives the president the authority to act.





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Bangladesh High Commissioner to India summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs

India - Ministry of External Affairs

December 17, 2025

The Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, H.E. Mr Riaz Hamidullah, was today (December 17, 2025) summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs and apprised of India's strong concerns at the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. His attention was drawn, in particular, to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka.

2. India completely rejects the false narrative sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh. It is unfortunate that the interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents.

3. India has close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh rooted in the liberation struggle, and strengthened through various developmental and people-to-people initiatives. We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.

4. We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations.

New Delhi

December 17, 2025

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Iran condemns US maritime blockade on Venezuela as state piracy

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 17, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement has condemned the United States' threats to unilaterally impose a maritime blockade on Venezuela, characterizing the move as a form of state-sponsored piracy.

The statement denounced the threats to prevent the legal export of Venezuelan oil, calling it a clear manifestation of a policy rooted in "systematic bullying and the use of force," which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the principles of freedom of navigation and international trade.

The Foreign Ministry said any attempt by the US to seize, intercept, or obstruct the free movement of commercial vessels traveling to or from Venezuela is a direct act of "state piracy and armed robbery at sea."

The statement further clarified that the US cannot use its domestic laws or unilateral, illegal sanctions to justify such criminal acts.

"The invocation of US domestic laws... can in no way serve as a basis for legitimizing such criminal actions."

The Foreign Ministry said the economic blockade and the threat of force against a sovereign member state of the United Nations violate the core principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"No power has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of Venezuela."

Under the UN Charter, the statement said, Venezuela has the inherent right to defend itself against any external threat or aggression.

The statement warned the international community that the "aggressive unilateralism" of the United States poses a danger to global peace and security.

If the United Nations and the global community fail to react responsibly, such actions will create a "dangerous precedent" and normalize lawlessness in international relations.

In its concluding remarks, the ministry called upon the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and all responsible governments to condemn the illegal and coercive actions of the US and hold it accountable for its flagrant violations of international law.

2050

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The President: EU enlargement to the Western Balkans is a geostrategic investment in the security of Europe

President of the Republic of Lithuania

December 17, 2025

In Brussels, President Gitanas Nauseda took part in the European Union-Western Balkans Summit, which focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans, the stability and security of the region, and the progress of the Western Balkan countries' integration into the European Union.

Meetings between EU and Western Balkan leaders, which have become a tradition, serve as an important platform for assessing progress in the enlargement process and the EU's contribution to peace, security, and economic development in the region. This year, particular attention was devoted to the complex geopolitical environment, Russia's war against Ukraine, and the need for Europe to strengthen its responsibility for its own security and democratic values.

During the summit, EU and Western Balkan leaders adopted a joint declaration emphasizing that EU enlargement constitutes a geostrategic investment in peace, stability, and security in Europe. The declaration underscores respect for EU values and principles, the gradual integration of the Western Balkan countries into the EU, the importance of implementing reforms, strengthening regional cooperation, and solidarity with Ukraine.

"In today's international environment, it is especially important to ensure a stable and secure Western Balkans region, promote good neighborly relations, and avoid actions that could generate tensions or undermine regional cooperation. The Western Balkan countries have to clearly demonstrate their principled stance and strategic orientation by standing firmly with the European Union and supporting Ukraine through political, military, and financial means," the Head of State stated.

The President also called on all Western Balkan countries to fully align with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, implement EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and actively prevent their circumvention. According to the President, EU candidate countries should not become platforms for Russian propaganda and disinformation, and the activities of destabilizing propaganda channels in the region must be countered.

"Lithuania consistently supports EU enlargement. We firmly believe that the future of the Western Balkan countries lies within the European Union. Particular attention must be given to strengthening the rule of law, combating corruption, and implementing fundamental reforms. It is equally important that bilateral issues do not become obstacles to achieving common strategic goals of the EU," Gitanas Nauseda emphasized.

President Gitanas Nauseda reaffirmed Lithuania's commitment to the EU enlargement process and noted that this will be one of Lithuania's priorities during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027.

The President's Communication Group

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NATO Deputy Secretary General attends NATO - EU meeting on military mobility

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

17 December 2025

On Wednesday 17 November 2025, at the Egmont Palace in Brussels, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska, together with the Chair of the Political and Security Committee of the European Union, Delphine Pronk, led an informal meeting of the North Atlantic Council and the Political and Security Committee, focusing on military mobility.

Military mobility is a cornerstone of NATO-EU cooperation and an important element in broader transatlantic security cooperation, despite this, barriers persist. Ensuring the complementarity and coherence of NATO and EU efforts is therefore essential. The discussion made clear that the swift movement of personnel, equipment and supplies into and across Europe is indispensable for credible deterrence, effective crisis response, and sustained support to Ukraine.

NATO is developing a Reinforcement and Sustainment Network to support the movement of troops and equipment across Europe. Allies will provide host nation support as necessary, including for collective defence. More frequent and larger-scale exercises and increased national efforts to strengthen logistics capabilities are bolstering NATO's capacity to get the right forces, to the right place, at the right time.

The Deputy Secretary General welcomed the EU's Military Mobility Package. The package represents an important step towards improving military movement through Europe and will improve NATO's ability to deter and defend by streamlining cross border movement procedures, removing regulatory bottlenecks, and strengthening the resilience of critical transport infrastructure.

The meeting concluded this year's series of meetings between the North Atlantic Council and the Political and Security Committee following earlier exchanges on Ukraine and Operation ALTHEA.

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A look at the Defence news 8 - 14 December

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item | 17-12-2025 | 14:00

The Netherlands are going to preside over the European Gendarmerie Force (Eurogendor).

The presidency will be held by the Netherlands until November 2026.

The Commander of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, Lieutenant General Annelore Roelofs, took over the chair's gavel from Portugal.

Finnish president reviews Defence initiatives on geopolitical developments

The Finnish state visit to the Netherlands included a section on Defence. During a tour of the Marine Etablissement in Amsterdam, the Finnish president Alexander Stubb and his wife were briefed on current defence initiatives in response to geopolitical developments.

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AFP to assist PCG, other agencies in protecting fishers in WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

December 17, 2025, 5:21 pm

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue performing its mandate to protect the country's sovereignty, which include supporting efforts to protect Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"The AFP will continue performing its mandate of securing the integrity of our country," Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said Wednesday, when asked to comment on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s order to the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure the safety of Filipino fishers in the WPS.

Marcos gave the order after the Dec. 12 incident, where China Coast Guard ships harassed Filipino fisherfolk in Escoda Shoal in the WPS, injuring three of them.

Trinidad said aside from conducting missions to protect Philippine territorial integrity, the AFP will "continue to support the PCG, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and other government agencies in protecting the livelihood of our fisherfolk."

He added that the military will also continue to engage with like-minded nations supportive of Manila's stand in the WPS.

Also called Sabina Shoal, Escoda Shoal is located about 75 nautical miles or roughly 140 km. off Palawan. (PNA)

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China reaffirms sovereignty over Xianbin Jiao, denounces Philippines' false accusations

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source Xinhuanet

EditorLi Jiayao

Time2025-12-17 22:39:43

BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday condemned the Philippines' "thief crying stop thief" behavior after Manila organized vessels to illegally intrude into the lagoon of China's Xianbin Jiao in the South China Sea.

Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to Philippines' false accusations about Chinese maritime law enforcement actions against Philippine personnel near Xianbin Jiao.

"China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Xianbin Jiao. This is fully grounded in both history and law," emphasized the spokesperson.

Jiang said that the Philippines deliberately organized and dispatched a large number of vessels to intrude into the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao illegally. Personnel on the Philippine vessels even brandished knives to threaten Chinese coast guard officers conducting lawful operations, an act that was "utterly egregious in nature".

"The measures taken by the Chinese side were necessary actions to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the spokesperson emphasized. "They were reasonable, lawful, professional, and restrained."

"Confronted with the facts, certain individuals in the Philippines are telling barefaced lies, resorting to sophistry to deny their own infringing and provocative acts, and even making false accusations against China. This is a complete reversal of right and wrong, and a case of the thief crying 'stop thief'," Jiang said.

The spokesperson noted that for some time, the Philippines has frequently created incidents at sea, repeatedly staged self-orchestrated farces, and persistently made unwarranted accusations against China in a deliberate attempt to smear China's image, muddy the waters in the South China Sea, and undermine regional stability.

"We solemnly warn the Philippines: staging incidents, playing the victim, and hyping propaganda will not alter the nature of the Philippines' illegal infringement and provocations, will not mislead the international community, and will not shake China's resolve to safeguard its rights in accordance with the law," Jiang stressed.

"China will continue to take resolute and effective measures in response to all acts of infringement and provocation," the spokesperson concluded.

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Iran condemns US maritime blockade on Venezuela as 'state piracy'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 17 December 2025 5:07 PM

Iran's Foreign Ministry has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the United States' threats to unilaterally impose a maritime blockade on Venezuela, characterizing the move as a form of state-sponsored piracy.

The statement denounced the threats to prevent the legal export of Venezuelan oil, calling it a clear manifestation of a policy rooted in "systematic bullying and the use of force," which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the principles of freedom of navigation and international trade.

The Foreign Ministry said any attempt by the US to seize, intercept, or obstruct the free movement of commercial vessels traveling to or from Venezuela is a direct act of "state piracy and armed robbery at sea."

The statement further clarified that the US cannot use its domestic laws or unilateral, illegal sanctions to justify such criminal acts.

"The invocation of US domestic laws... can in no way serve as a basis for legitimizing such criminal actions."

The Foreign Ministry said the economic blockade and the threat of force against a sovereign member state of the United Nations violate the core principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"No power has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of Venezuela."

Under the UN Charter, the statement said, Venezuela has the inherent right to defend itself against any external threat or aggression.

Call for global resistance

The statement warned the international community that the "aggressive unilateralism" of the United States poses a danger to global peace and security.

If the United Nations and the global community fail to react responsibly, such actions will create a "dangerous precedent" and normalize lawlessness in international relations.

In its concluding remarks, the ministry called upon the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and all responsible governments to condemn the illegal and coercive actions of the US and hold it accountable for its flagrant violations of international law.

On December 16, US President Donald Trump ordered a "total and complete blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, directly targeting Caracas' main source of revenue.

Trump said Venezuela's leadership had been designated a "foreign terrorist organization," accusing it of what he called asset theft, terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.

The surprise announcement has drawn sharp condemnations from across the world.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez condemned the US blockade on Venezuela, affirming its full and unwavering support for the constitutional President Maduro, the country's revolution, and armed forces.

"The American blockade constitutes a serious violation of international law and a further escalation in the pace of aggression against the Bolivarian government."

The Russian Foreign Ministry also denounced the move, saying tensions surrounding Venezuela could have unpredictable consequences for the entire West.

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China Draws Iranian Ire Over UAE Islands Claim

By Kian Sharifi December 17, 2025

China has rattled Tehran by again backing the United Arab Emirates's claim over three Persian Gulf islands controlled by Iran.

Following a visit to Abu Dhabi by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the countries in a joint statement on December 13 highlighted Beijing's "support for the efforts of the UAE to reach a peaceful solution to the dispute" over the three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. Notably, there is no explicit mention of Iran in the statement.

In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei criticized the UAE's "insistence on misusing every diplomatic delegation's visit" to raise claims about the three islands.

The Taiwan Card

While Baqaei didn't criticize China, Iranian media have been more explicit in their assessment of Beijing's statement.

Keyhan, a hard-line newspaper whose chief editor is appointed by the supreme leader, argued that China's support for the UAE's claim meant that it "has implicitly accepted that its own claim over Taiwan is disputable and should be resolved through negotiations."

Ahmad Naderi, a member of the presiding board of Iran's conservative-leaning parliament, echoed a similar sentiment, accusing Beijing of adopting a "double standard" and saying it cannot insist on its One China policy while simultaneously questioning Iran's territorial integrity.

In an implicit reference to Taiwan, the state-affiliated Mehr news agency said China itself considers "any mention of its territorial integrity a violation of its security red line."

Therefore, it argued, China's support for a statement questioning Iran's sovereignty of the islands "is unjustifiable and cannot be ignored."

The Islands

The controversy comes against the backdrop of a decades-old sovereignty dispute that has long tested Iran's relations with its Gulf neighbors.

The three islands lie near the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint through which about one-fifthof the world's seaborne oil passes.

Iran seized control of the islands on November 30, 1971 -- one day before the British withdrawal from the Gulf and the formation of the United Arab Emirates -- asserting historical claims that date back to the Persian Empire.

Declassified British files released in 2022 show London had agreed to transfer the Greater and Lesser Tunbs to Iran while establishing joint Iranian-Emirati administration over Abu Musa. The dispute reignited in the early 1990s when Tehran tightened its control and expanded its military footprint on Abu Musa.

Despite repeated calls from Gulf Arab states for arbitration or adjudication, Iran has consistently rejected the International Court of Justice's jurisdiction, insisting that the islands are an inalienable part of its territory and not open to negotiation.

Iran's strategic partners China and Russia have backed calls by Gulf Arab states on Iran to resolve the issue. Iran last year summoned both Chinese and Russian envoys separately to protest.

Centrist newspaper Jomhuri-ye Eslami, which is generally critical of closer ties with Beijing and especially Moscow, particularly targeted Iran's governments -- and the Foreign Ministry above all -- for "serious inertia and inefficiency."

Iranian website Asia News said China's attitude toward the islands has "raised serious doubts" over Tehran-Beijing relations despite a much-touted 25-year strategic partnership agreement.

"Beijing, in its pursuit of energy security and an expanded footprint in the Middle East, appears -- after weighing the costs and benefits -- to have placed greater emphasis on its relations with Arab countries," it argued.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-china- uae-persian-gulf-islands/33625742.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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Acting Defence Minister's meeting with the Belgian Defence Minister, in Sibiu

Romania - Ministry of National Defence

Press release No. 242

17.12.2025

On Tuesday, December 16th, the Acting Minister of National Defence, Radu Miruta, had an official meeting, at the "Nicolae Balcescu" Land Forces Academy in Sibiu, with his counterpart from the Kingdom of Belgium, Theo Francken, who is visiting Romania.

During the talks attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghita Vlad, and the Chief of Defence of the Kingdom of Belgium, General Frederik Vansina, the officials addressed topics of common interest in the field of defence and security.

During the meeting, the dignitaries highlighted Belgium's constant commitment, as a contributing state to the NATO Battle Group Romania, to strengthening the security of the Eastern Flank of the North Atlantic Alliance and, implicitly, the regional stability. Minister Radu Miruta expressed the Romanian party's appreciation of the professionalism and determination of the Belgian soldiers deployed to Romania and thanked them for their participation in DACIAN FALL 25 Multinational Exercise, which ended in October, which represented the final stage of the transition of the NATO Battle Group Romania to full brigade-level formation.

"The Romanian-Belgian bilateral defence relations have reached a significant level and represent a model of unity and cohesion between the two allies who share common values, an example of concrete commitment on the Eastern Flank. Joint exercises and constant dialogue strengthen regional security and contribute to the stability of the Black Sea area", Minister Miruta stated.

The consultations between the two ministers focused on topics related to the current security situation in the Black Sea region, and the importance of continued support for Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, including from their perspective as candidate states for membership of the European Union.

Another topic of discussion was the bilateral defence relations, as well as the cooperation agendas both within Allied framework and within the European Union. At the same time, the officials highlighted the joint commitment to enhance cooperation in areas such as maritime security or the defence industry.

General Gheorghita Vlad, Chief of Defence Staff, emphasized that the multinational exercises conducted jointly, including DACIAN SPRING 25, demonstrated Belgium's ability to quickly adapt its operational contribution, by increasing its military presence in Romania up to full battalion-size formation, thus strengthening the allied deterrence and defence posture on the Eastern Flank.

In conclusion, both parties agreed on the importance of maintaining a constant bilateral dialogue, driven by the dynamics of security developments in the region and by the operational contribution of the Kingdom of Belgium to the implementation of deterrence and defence measures on Romanian territory.

The activity in Sibiu represented the second visit of the Belgian Minister of Defence to Romania in 2025.

The Press Office

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Risch on Priorities Included in FY2026 NDAA

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

December 17, 2025

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statements on his priorities that were included in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).



State Department Reauthorization

"Continuing to reauthorize the State Department on an annual basis ensures the Department remains accountable to taxpayers, adaptable in the face of modern-day challenges, and equipped to execute a foreign policy that delivers results for the American people. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has for many years passed crucial State Department reauthorization bills, and this year is no different, exercising congressional oversight over the State Department, streamlining its operations, and enabling capabilities critical for the U.S. to remain competitive in the 21st century," said Chairman Risch.

Text of the State Department Reauthorization can be found in section 5001 of the FY2026 NDAA.



Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Reauthorization

"The reauthorization of DFC will sustain and empower the critical work of the organization and give it the tools to more effectively counter China, secure American interests, and protect economic freedom. The DFC plays an essential role in promoting private sector-led economic growth and advancing American interests abroad and is key to President Trump's America First agenda," said Chairman Risch.



Text of the DFC Reauthorization can be found in section 8701 of the FY2026 NDAA.

The International Nuclear Energy Act

"If the U.S. doesn't lead on nuclear energy development, Russia and China will. This bill will give us the tools we need to compete with these authoritarian aggressors and build long-lasting nuclear energy deals that benefit our economy and ensure America remains the leader on nuclear energy for generations to come," said Chairman Rish.

Text of the International Nuclear Energy Act can be found in section 8366 of the FY2026 NDAA.



The BUST FENTANYL Act

"With the support of the Chinese government, China remains the single greatest source of fentanyl and synthetic opioid precursors to Mexican cartels. These opioids then come across our southern border and kill over 100,000 Americans every year. This needs to end, and the perpetrators need to be held accountable," said Chairman Risch. "The BUST FENTANYL Act will leverage the economic might of the United States against these criminals in China to make them think twice before importing drugs that harm our communities."



Text of The BUST FENTANYL Act can be found in section 8311 of the FY2026 NDAA.



The Countering Wrongful Detention Act

"President Trump is working to restore America as a leader on the world stage and ensure we are respected around the globe. The Countering Wrongful Detention Act, which codifies Executive Order 14348 as signed by President Trump, will add firepower to his efforts by hitting countries that wrongfully detain American citizens with strong repercussions, including the potential of sanctions," said Chairman Risch. "We stand with those Americans who were and are wrongfully detained, and we will work to ensure that they are freed and that no other American has to endure this injustice again."



Text of the Countering Wrongful Detention Act can be found in section 8351 of the FY2026 NDAA.



Repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act

"After long and serious consideration, we have worked closely with the Trump Administration to responsibly repeal the Caesar Act, which played an important role in the fall of the Assad Regime. This unconditional repeal removes a significant roadblock to U.S. and international commercial investments in Syria. It also increases reporting and monitoring on benchmarks such as ethnic and religious persecution to ensure Syria remains on the path to becoming a U.S. partner that makes America safer, stronger, and more prosperous," said Chairman Risch.

Text of the repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act can be found in section 8369 of the FY2026 NDAA.

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EU Backs 'Military Schengen' to Speed Up Troop Deployments Across Bloc

Sputnik News

20251217

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The European Parliament adopted on Wednesday a resolution calling for the establishment of a "military Schengen" zone, a framework aimed at ensuring the free and rapid movement of troops and military equipment across European Union borders.

"MEPs are calling for the removal of internal borders for the movement of troops and military equipment across the EU, and for upgrades to railways, roads, tunnels and bridges... The resolution on military mobility was adopted by 493 votes to 127, and with 38 abstentions on Wednesday," the statement read.

The initiative seeks to dismantle persistent bureaucratic and physical barriers that have long hindered the EU's ability to respond swiftly to emerging crises, particularly in the wake of the Ukraine conflict.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on European countries last week to increase defense spending to be ready to "fight the Russians." He also urged member states to adopt a wartime mindset, claiming that allies were Russia's "next target." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denied that Russia had any plans of aggression against NATO or the EU, saying it was ready to register such guarantees in writing.

In recent years, Russia has seen unprecedented NATO activity along its western borders. The alliance is expanding its initiatives and calling it "deterring Russian aggression." Moscow has repeatedly expressed concern about the alliance's buildup of forces in Europe. The Kremlin has noted that Russia posed no threat to anyone, but would not ignore actions potentially dangerous to its interests.

 Sputnik

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Rejected by Global Majority: Lavrov Calls Out US Actions in Caribbean

Sputnik News

20251217

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US actions in the Caribbean are rejected by most countries around the world, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday.

"As for US behavior, including its actions in the Caribbean, these moves are definitely met with disapproval by nearly all countries, except for the Europeans, who stay quiet and silent about any criticism of Washington," Lavrov told a briefing.

The US plans for a ground operation in Venezuela undermine hopes of reaching an agreement under the current global balance of power, Russia's top diplomat said.

 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

17 December 2025

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Guest Today and Tomorrow

In a short while, I will be joined by my guest Dennis Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He will join us virtually to brief on the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

Then, tomorrow, my guest will be the World Food Programme's (WFP) Palestine Representative, Antoine Renard.

He will join us virtually to brief on the forthcoming Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report on Gaza.

** Yemen

The Secretary-General this morning briefed the Security Council on the situation in Yemen in closed consultations, following his recent visit to the region, including Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Mr. [Antonio] Guterres spoke to the press afterwards and said, following the recent offensive by the Southern Transitional Council, that unilateral actions will not clear a path to peace. A full resumption of hostilities could have serious ramifications on regional peace and security, he said, including on the Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aden and in the Horn of Africa.

The Secretary-General urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and resolve differences through dialogue. Yemen needs a sustainable, negotiated political settlement, and its sovereignty and territorial integrity must be preserved, he said.

The Secretary-General once more strongly condemned the continued arbitrary detention of 59 UN colleagues and partner personnel  as well as staff from NGOs (non-governmental organizations), civil society organizations and diplomatic missions.

He added that in recent days, Houthi de facto authorities referred three of our colleagues to a special criminal court. This referral must be rescinded, and these charges must be dropped, he said.

** Occupied Palestinian Territory

Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that we and our humanitarian partners continue to focus our efforts on providing assistance to prepare for the winter to the most vulnerable families across the Strip.

OCHA estimates that nearly 55,000 families have been affected so far by the most recent rains across Gaza, with their belongings and shelters damaged or destroyed in the storm.

The rainstorm has also damaged dozens of child-friendly spaces, disrupting or suspending activities related to child protection. The disruption has affected approximately 30,000 children across Gaza. Urgent repairs are needed to ensure that these activities can resume without delay.

Over the past three days, our partners working to address gender-based violence report that they delivered 3,000 dignity kits to vulnerable women and girls across the Strip.

Our partners dealing with water, sanitation and hygiene report that repairs are ongoing in multiple locations to reduce the overflow of sewage in the streets and improve public health. Teams are working to fix a sewage pipeline in Saeed Al Aas Street and the Nafaq area in Gaza City, as well as the Wafia and Hamad sewage pump stations in Khan Younis.

In terms of water supply, 38,000 people sheltering at displacement sites in Al Mawasi are now able to collect water from community water tanks that have been directly connected to these sites, thanks to efforts by the UN and our partners. The second phase of this project, which will reach another 40,000 people, is now under way. This initiative makes water collection easier and safer and reduces the burden of using water trucks.

However, OCHA warns that ongoing impediments continue to hamper humanitarians' efforts to more quickly scale up the response.

** Deputy Secretary-General

The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, is in Brasilia, Brazil, where she is attending the fifty-seventh session of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board.

In her remarks there, she acknowledged the vital role the Joint UN Programme against HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has played for more than four decades. She stressed that, with a decision on UNAIDS sunset expected in 2026, its capacity and expertise need to be well integrated across the UN system  ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of HIV and AIDS services, with Governments and civil society at the centre of the response to support the key populations most in need. She emphasized that UNAIDS would eventually sunset, but not its mission, which will remain essential for years to come.

Throughout the day, the Deputy Secretary-General is holding meetings with heads of delegation, government representatives, representatives from civil society organizations, as well as senior UN officials, to discuss how to sustain and strengthen the global AIDS response in today's global context.

She will also hold bilateral meetings with senior officials of the Brazilian Government on the UN's partnership with Brazil.

She is expected to return to New York tomorrow.

** Sudan

Turning to Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns that as families continue to flee intense hostilities across the Kordofan region, humanitarian needs are surging.

In South Kordofan State, more than 1,000 people were newly displaced between Sunday and yesterday from the state capital, Kadugli  as well as the towns of Dilling and El Koaik  according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). They're reportedly seeking shelter in the states of North and West Kordofan, as well as Khartoum and White Nile.

People have also been arriving in White Nile from parts of West Kordofan, including the towns of Babanusa and Heglig, which have seen intense fighting this month. Yesterday, local authorities in White Nile reported that some 1,600 people  the vast majority of them women and children  arrived in the city of Kosti. Many endured journeys lasting over a week  often through South Sudan  and showed clear signs of trauma. While our humanitarian partners are providing them with basic shelter, health, water, sanitation, food and protection assistance, needs are outstripping available resources.

At the same time, our partners report that more than 3,000 people have crossed from the Kordofan region into Yida in South Sudan in recent days, with further displacement expected.

People from the Kordofan and Darfur regions are also seeking shelter farther east in Gedaref State, where local authorities reported on Monday that about 2,500 people had recently arrived in the locality of Al Fao, with more expected in the coming days.

And in Northern State, displacement continues to rise in the town of Ad Dabbah, where more than 15,000 people from the Kordofan and Darfur regions are sheltering in Al Afad camp. Assistance is being scaled up, but efforts to support food security and livelihoods and provide cash assistance remain critically underfunded.

Nationwide, IOM estimates that more than 9.3 million people remain internally displaced across Sudan's 18 states, alongside over 3 million returnees in nine states. More than half of them are children.

Nearly one third of displaced families and one fifth of returnee households have reported going a full day and night without food in the past month, while access to healthcare and sanitation remains severely limited.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) is sounding the alarm over reports from South Darfur State that more than 70 health workers and some 5,000 civilians have been forcibly detained in the state capital, Nyala. They are reportedly being held in overcrowded conditions and exposed to disease outbreaks.

We, once again, call for the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law. It is also urgent that rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access is facilitated, and that international support is scaled up to ensure the provision of life-saving assistance across Sudan.

** Haiti

From Haiti, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs are warning that the humanitarian situation in the department of Artibonite is deteriorating quickly as armed groups expand their control in several communes, further restricting our access.

On 15 December, local sources reported that six people were killed and others wounded following an armed attack in the commune of Verette. Houses and agricultural storage facilities were reportedly set on fire. People were forced to flee, though figures are not yet available.

The assailants also attempted to set fire to the Albert Schweitzer Haiti Hospital  a major medical institution in Verette  but were repelled by security forces in the area.

Two weeks earlier, more than 11,000 people were displaced in the same department following attacks in the communes of L'Estere, Pont-Sonde, Descordes and Liancourt.

OCHA continues to closely monitor the situation, and the UN and our partners are mobilized to deliver aid as soon as security conditions permit.

** Financial Contribution

And we have a quiz for you today.

This country is home to Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres with an elevation of over 22,000 feet.

It's also home of the tango. [response from the crowd: "Argentina?"] Yeah, exactly.

We say gracias to our friends in Buenos Aires for their full payment to the Regular Budget. Argentina's payment brings the number of fully paid-up Member States to 148.

** Questions and Answers

Deputy Spokesman : And that's it for me. Any questions before we go to our guest? Yes. Dezhi?

Question : There's another major escalation between the US and Venezuela, with President [Donald] Trump's announcement about the blockade of the oil tanker from Venezuela. What is the Secretary-General's  I guess you have too many times I asked the reaction  but what is the reaction for the latest development? Is this blockade even legal?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, about the question of legality, what the Secretary-General is focused on is avoiding any further escalation. The Secretary-General calls for restraint and for the immediate de-escalation of the situation. He calls on all stakeholders to honour their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter and any other applicable legal framework to safeguard peace in the region. And of course, as always, he believes that any difference must be resolved by peaceful means. Yes, Michelle?

Question : Just a follow-up to that, then. Does the Secretary-General believe that this blockade is a violation of international law?

Deputy Spokesman : I think we are looking at what the applicable laws are at this stage, and we're studying the situation. But certainly, parties have to abide by the UN Charter, and you can read the Charter for yourself and see what that entails. Yes, Edie?

Question : Another follow-up on that. Is the Secretary-General planning to take any personal action to talk to the parties involved?

Deputy Spokesman : Yeah. Regarding that, the Secretary-General is following the current situation very closely, and he is engaging with relevant parties. If we have anything more specific to inform you, we'll let you know. Yes, Abdelhamid?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. Why when there is a Muslim commits a terrorist act, then all Muslims around the world are implicated, like what happened in England now by banning the slogan "from the sea to the river," or calling for supporting the Intifada. If it happens the other way, then no one is implicated. Three people, three terrorists attacked a pregnant woman in Haifa, and only the three were implicated. Nobody implicated the Jews or the Israelis. Why only Muslims then? It is spread all over the world. They have to pay the price for that.

Deputy Spokesman : Well on that, there's no reason to blame entire communities for the acts taken by individuals. And we believe that no communities should be targeted in such a way. Clearly, when it comes to the sort of acts we've seen around the world, whether committed in Australia, whether committed in the occupied Palestinian territories or elsewhere, we want to make sure that there's accountability for the specific perpetrators of those attacks.

Question : In Gaza, 17 Palestinians were killed or died because of the freezing cold. Do you have the same number, like my information about it?

Deputy Spokesman : We have been warning that the cold temperatures are causing casualties. The figures we've received include those from the Gaza Ministry of Health, who informed us of one case of a baby dying of hypothermia yesterday. As we get more information, we'll share that. But at this stage, our focus is on preventing further deaths by making sure that clothing, shelter and winterization equipment is provided throughout Gaza. Yes, Pan?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. Can you provide some details of the SG's trip to the Middle East? Did he meet any Houthi officials still in the Middle East or contacted with the Houthis?

Deputy Spokesman : He did not contact the Houthis during his travels, but certainly he was in contact with a number of regional leaders, and Yemen was one of the topics he discussed. And you'll have seen what the Secretary-General said at the stakeout just now, and I'd refer you to what he said there.

Question : And a follow-up on Venezuela. This morning, the Mexican President, [Claudia] Sheinbaum, said she urged the United Nations to prevent any bloodshed in Venezuela. And the Venezuela Government has announced its intention to bring the issue to United Nations. So, what will the United Nations do? What can it do to prevent any escalation? Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman : Well, as I told Edie, the Secretary-General is engaging with relevant parties. What we're doing at this stage is reminding all parties of their obligations under international law and their obligations under the UN Charter. As for Venezuela bringing the situation to the UN, much of that will probably be an issue for the members of the Security Council themselves to consider. Namo?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. Just days after Secretary-General's visit to Iraq, where he praised progress in the country, there are reportedly new tensions, ethnic tensions in the multiethnic city of Kirkuk with security forces preventing local Kurds from raising the Kurdish flag, the Kurdistan flag on the Kurdish Flag Day today. Does the Secretary-General have any comment on this renewed tension there, just days after his visit?

Deputy Spokesman : We have been encouraging inclusiveness by all governmental bodies in Iraq, and we're going to continue to do so. And we certainly hope that the situation between the Kurdish community and the Iraqi authorities will continue to proceed with full respect for human rights. Alexey and then Dezhi again.

Question : Thank you, Farhan. I also have a couple of follow-ups on Venezuela. Because yesterday, President Trump also said that US Military activity around Venezuela got bigger, until Venezuela returns oil and other assets stolen from the United States. Does the United Nations have any evidence of Venezuela stealing US assets and oil?

Deputy Spokesman : No. We do not have any relevant information about that.

Question : And secondly, US has also designated Venezuelan Government as foreign terrorist organization. Any specific comments on that?

Deputy Spokesman : We don't comment on bilateral steps that are taken. Of course, what our concern is anything that further escalates the situation. We want any escalatory steps to be avoided. At this stage, it's critical to continue diplomatic engagement and pursue a peaceful way forward through dialogue. Dezhi?

Question : Also, a follow-up on Venezuela. Since we're talking about legality, let me give you some perspectives. From the UN Charter perspective, there's no UN Security Council authorization, and it can only be justified by UN Charter Article 51 as self-defence. So, there's clearly a lack of legal basis from the UN Charter perspective. And also, a blockade is considered an act of war, and there is no armed conflict. So, if you frame as a blockade, it will be illegal under international law. And also, there's extraterritorial sanctions that has been rejected by many countries. That's what the US is doing now, which is also rejected. And also, under the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) customary law even for non-parties, it's just hard to justify its legality. So, let me ask you this question again: Is that a violation of international law?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, first of all, I would like to thank you for your considered analysis of the situation, and I think you can follow through with the conclusions you've made from the analysis you've just reached. Right now, what we're trying to do is make sure that all parties, including the United States, abide by the Charter, including the relevant passages that you've cited.

And with that, let me turn to our guest, Dennis Zulu, who is joining us virtually.

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Yemen on the brink: Guterres urges restraint, calls for release of UN detainees

17 December 2025 - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Yemen's leaders to return to the path of peace and release all UN personnel detained there, following a briefing to the Security Council on Wednesday.

Addressing the media outside the council chamber in New York, he pointed to simmering tensions across Yemen and "dramatic new developments" in its eastern governorates that "are turning up the heat."

Since 2014, Yemeni government forces supported by a Saudi-led military coalition have been battling Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran and control the capital, Sana'a.

Risk of wider escalation

This month, forces affiliated with a separatist group called the Southern Transitional Council (STC) advanced on two resource-rich governorates, Hadramawt and al-Mahra.

"As I told the Security Council, unilateral actions will not clear a path to peace," the Secretary-General said. "They deepen divisions. Harden positions. And raise the risk of wider escalation and further fragmentation."

He warned that a full resumption of hostilities could have serious ramifications on regional security.

"I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and resolve differences through dialogue," he said.

"This includes regional stakeholders, whose constructive engagement and coordination in support of UN mediation efforts are essential for ensuring collective security interests."

Political solution needed

The Secretary-General stressed that Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be preserved.

He underscored the need for "a sustainable, negotiated political settlement" that embraces the aspirations of all the country's people and brings the conflict to an end.

The fighting has killed thousands and sparked one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Nearly half the population - 19.5 million people - requires humanitarian assistance, and nearly five million have been forced to flee their homes.

UN efforts to support the Yemeni people face tremendous challenges, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas where "the operating environment has become untenable."

Release detained personnel

The Secretary-General strongly condemned the continued arbitrary detention of 59 UN and partner personnel, as well as staff from NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions, and called for their immediate and unconditional release.

The Houthi de facto authorities recently referred three UN staff to a special criminal court. They were charged in relation to their performance of UN official duties. He said the referral must be rescinded and all charges dropped.

"The continued detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice to all those who have dedicated their lives to helping the people of Yemen," he said.

"The United Nations and its partners must never be targeted, arrested, or detained in connection with their official duties. We must be allowed to perform our work without interference."

Commitment to peace

The Secretary-General upheld the UN's commitment to provide life-saving support to millions across Yemen despite the challenges.

Since January, more than 5.3 million people have received food, nutrition, water and health assistance, and "with adequate funding and operational space, we can do much more."

He recalled that Yemeni parties came close to peace before, during the 2022 truce and commitments agreed in 2023.

Although "subsequent developments have severely complicated the situation," the path to peace is possible and the UN remains committed to these efforts.

He called on all parties to engage constructively with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, "prioritize dialogue over violence, and avoid any unilateral actions that could inflame this fragile situation," adding "the people of Yemen demand and deserve peace."





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Statement by the Humanitarian Country Team of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)* (17 December 2025)

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

UN agencies and NGOs call for immediate lifting of impediments to humanitarian access and NGO operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

The United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) urge the international community to take immediate and concrete actions to press the Israeli authorities to lift all impediments, including the new INGO registration process, that continue to undermine humanitarian operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory or risk the collapse of the humanitarian response, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

INGOs, working in close partnership with the UN and Palestinian organizations, are central to humanitarian operations in the OPT, collectively delivering approximately US$1 billion in assistance each year.

In March, the Israeli authorities introduced a new INGO registration system that fundamentally jeopardizes the continuation of humanitarian operations throughout the OPT. The system relies on vague, arbitrary, and highly politicized criteria and imposes requirements that humanitarian organizations cannot meet without violating international legal obligations or compromising core humanitarian principles. Under the current framework, dozens of INGOs face deregistration by 31 December 2025, followed by the forced closure of operations within 60 days.

While some INGOs have been registered under the new system, these INGOs represent only a fraction of the response in Gaza and are nowhere near the number required just to meet immediate and basic needs. The ongoing re-registration process and other arbitrary hindrances to humanitarian operations have left millions of dollars' worth of essential supplies - including food, medical items, hygiene materials, and shelter assistance - stuck outside of Gaza and unable to reach people in need.

Pressing ahead with this policy will have far-reaching consequences on the future of the OPT, in addition to threatening a fragile ceasefire and putting Palestinian lives at imminent risk, particularly during winter. The work of INGOs cannot be replaced, especially after Israeli restrictions imposed on UNRWA have already pushed the humanitarian response inside Gaza to a breaking point. The UN will not be able to compensate for the collapse of INGOs' operations if they are de-registered, and the humanitarian response cannot be replaced by alternative actors operating outside established humanitarian principles.

The deregistration of INGOs in Gaza will have a catastrophic impact on access to essential and basic services. INGOs run or support the majority of field hospitals, primary healthcare centers, emergency shelter responses, water and sanitation services, nutrition stabilization centers for children with acute malnutrition, and critical mine action activities. For example, all five stabilization centers for children with severe acute malnutrition are supported by INGOs, representing 100 per cent of the in-patient capacity to treat children with life-threatening malnutrition in Gaza. If INGOs are forced to stop operations, 1 in 3 health facilities in Gaza will close.

Since the announcement of this new process, the UN and INGOs have consistently engaged in good faith with the Israeli authorities to highlight aspects of the registration process with which INGOs cannot comply and to look for actionable and acceptable solutions that would ensure the continuity of life-saving operations. The humanitarian impact in Gaza if INGOs can no longer operate has been directly communicated to the Israeli authorities on multiple occasions as part of these ongoing efforts to find a solution before it is too late.

However, there has been no adjustment from the Israeli authorities on these issues. Humanitarian access continues to be obstructed, including through the imminent dismantlement of INGO operations.

UN agencies and NGOs reiterate that humanitarian access is not optional, conditional or political. It is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law, particularly in Gaza where Israel has failed to ensure that the population is adequately supplied. Israeli authorities must allow and facilitate rapid, unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief. They must immediately reverse policies that obstruct humanitarian operations and ensure that humanitarian organizations are able to operate without compromising humanitarian principles. Lifesaving assistance must be allowed to reach Palestinians without further delay.

* The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) is a strategic decision-making forum led by the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It brings together heads of UN entities and over 200 NGOs - both international and local - all working on humanitarian affairs in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip under internationally agreed humanitarian principles.

Annex

Humanitarian Gaps and Sectoral Impacts of INGO Deregistration in Gaza

This annex outlines the sectoral consequences that would result from the deregistration or forced suspension of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) operating in Gaza. Across all sectors, INGOs constitute a critical share of operational capacity, service delivery, supply pipelines and technical expertise. No UN agency or national organization has the immediate capacity to absorb this workload.

Health

INGOs currently underpin the majority of Gaza's health system.

Of the 80 active health partners, 44 are INGOs, meaning deregistration would remove more than half of the Health Cluster's operational presence.

INGOs: Run or support 60% of field hospitals Support 42% of primary healthcare centers Support 23% of medical points

INGO-run field hospitals serve as central referral hubs for 60-70% of emergency cases.

On a monthly basis, INGOs deliver: 293,000 primary health consultations Tens of thousands of emergency, maternal, non-communicable disease, and mental health consultations 18,000 surgeries Support for 1,000 births and 10,000 hospital admissions



If INGOs were deregistered:

One in three health facilities would immediately close

345 hospital beds would be lost overnight

Services for more than 20,000 patients requiring specialized care each month would cease

Disease surveillance, referral and coordination systems would collapse

Medical supply chains:

INGOs are consignors of approximately 12% of all approved medical supplies entering Gaza (around 410 tons), representing 30% of the total value of medicines and equipment awaiting entry.

These include trauma and surgical kits, insulin, cancer medications, oxygen therapy equipment, vaccines, assistive devices and rehabilitation equipment.

Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs):

Of the 35 EMTs currently deployed, 90% operate through INGOs, providing specialized medical staff critical to addressing severe workforce losses due to displacement and casualties.

Food Security

Food security operations rely heavily on INGOs for continuity and scale.

In 2024, NGOs delivered US$ 221 million of the $420 million in food assistance provided in Gaza.

Of 195 cooked-meal provision points, 132 (68%) depend directly on INGOs for staffing, supplies or operations: 66% in Deir al Balah 59% in Gaza city 71% in Khan Younis



Shelter and Non-Food Items (NFIs)

Shelter and NFI activities would face a high risk of collapse without INGOs.

Since early 2025, INGOs have: Implemented 74% of all shelter and NFI activities Delivered 83% of NFI items

The majority of shelter and NFI supplies currently in the pipeline are held by international organizations, including: 600,000 shelter items 3.2 million NFIs



Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

INGOs are central to WASH service delivery and outbreak prevention.

INGOs constitute 62% of WASH partners and deliver 42% of all WASH services in Gaza.

INGO-supported activities include: Safe water provision and decentralized water production Emergency latrine installation Hygiene item distribution Primary solid waste collection Acute watery diarrhoea outbreak control



INGOs'absence would rapidly exacerbate waterborne diseases, worsen sanitation conditions in overcrowded sites, and remove critical technical and operational support currently provided to national NGOs.

Nutrition

The nutrition response is heavily dependent on INGOs.

INGOs account for 65% of Nutrition Cluster partners and operate the majority of service delivery points.

INGOs: Support more than half of all blanket supplementary feeding sites Operate over one-third of outpatient treatment sites Support all inpatient treatment facilities

All five stabilization centers for children with severe acute malnutrition in Gaza are supported by INGOs, representing 100% of Gaza's capacity to treat life-threatening malnutrition.

Between January and mid-November 2025: INGOs screened 60% of all children reached by nutrition actors Treated 51% of all malnutrition cases Maintained nutrition surveillance systems for children and women



Removal of INGOs would cause immediate and severe gaps in detection, treatment and monitoring of malnutrition.

Mine Action and Debris Removal

INGOs are foundational to mine action and debris removal, which are prerequisites for safe humanitarian access and recovery.

More than half of all mine action funding flows through INGOs.

UNMAS relies on INGOs to conduct explosive hazard assessments once conditions permit.

INGOs are already engaged in neighborhood-based debris removal, improving access to affected populations

Without INGOs:

Explosive ordnance risk education, assessment and clearance capacity would drop by 75-100%

Overall debris removal capacity would decline by approximately 20%

17 December 2025

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Today's top news: Sudan, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Haiti

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Sudan

Humanitarian needs surge as people flee intense hostilities in Kordofan

OCHA warns that as families continue to flee intense hostilities across Sudan's Kordofan region, humanitarian needs are surging.

In South Kordofan State, more than 1,000 people were newly displaced between Sunday and yesterday from the state capital Kadugli - as well as the towns of Dilling and El Koaik - according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). They are reportedly seeking shelter in the states of North and West Kordofan, as well as Khartoum and White Nile.

People have also been arriving in White Nile from parts of West Kordofan, including the towns of Babanusa and Heglig, which have seen intense fighting this month. Yesterday, local authorities in White Nile reported that some 1,600 people - the vast majority of them women and children - arrived in the city of Kosti. Many endured journeys lasting over a week - often through South Sudan - and showed clear signs of trauma. While humanitarian partners are providing them with basic shelter, health, water, sanitation, food and protection assistance, needs are outstripping available resources.

At the same time, partners report that more than 3,000 people have crossed from the Kordofan region into Yida in South Sudan in recent days, with further displacement expected.

People from the Kordofan and Darfur regions are also seeking shelter farther east in Gedaref State, where local authorities reported on Monday that about 2,500 people had recently arrived in the locality of Al Fao, with more expected in the coming days.

In Northern State, displacement continues to rise in the town of Ad Dabbah, where more than 15,000 people from the Kordofan and Darfur regions are sheltering in Al Afad camp. Assistance is being scaled up, but efforts to support food security and livelihoods and provide cash assistance remain critically underfunded.

Nationwide, IOM estimates that more than 9.3 million people remain internally displaced across Sudan's 18 states, alongside over 3 million returnees in nine states. More than half of them are children.

Nearly one third of displaced families and one fifth of returnee households have reported going a full day and night without food in the past month, while access to healthcare and sanitation remains severely limited.

Meanwhile, OCHA remains deeply concerned over the plight of civilians in the Darfur region. A report released yesterday by the Yale School of Public Health's Humanitarian Research Lab documents widespread and systematic mass killings in North Darfur's state capital El Fasher, after the Rapid Support Forces took control of the city in late October.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization is sounding the alarm over reports from South Darfur State that more than 70 health workers and some 5,000 civilians have been forcibly detained in the state capital Nyala. They are reportedly being held in overcrowded conditions and exposed to disease outbreaks.

Once again, OCHA calls for the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law. It is also urgent that rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access is facilitated, and that international support is scaled up to ensure the provision of life-saving assistance across Sudan.*

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in need in Sudan with urgent support.

Occupied Palestinian Territory

UN, partners prioritize winter support for families in Gaza

OCHA reports that the UN and its humanitarian partners in Gaza continue to focus their efforts on providing assistance to prepare for the winter to the most vulnerable families across the Strip.

OCHA estimates that nearly 55,000 families have been affected so far by the most recent rains across Gaza, with their belongings and shelters damaged or destroyed in the storm.

The rainstorm has also damaged dozens of child-friendly spaces, disrupting or suspending activities related to child protection. The disruption has impacted approximately 30,000 children across Gaza. Urgent repairs are needed to ensure that these activities can resume without delay.

Over the past three days, partners working to address gender-based violence report that they delivered 3,000 dignity kits to vulnerable women and girls across the Strip.

Partners leading efforts to improve access to water, sanitation and hygiene report that repairs are ongoing in multiple locations to reduce the overflow of sewage in the streets and improve public health. Teams are working to fix a sewage pipeline in Saeed Al Aas Street and the Nafaq area in Gaza city, as well as the Wafia and Hamad sewage pump stations in Khan Younis.

In terms of water supply, 38,000 people sheltering at displacement sites in Al Mawasi are now able to collect water from community water tanks that have been directly connected to these sites, thanks to efforts by the UN and its partners. The second phase of this project, which will reach another 40,000 people, is now underway. This initiative makes water collection easier and safer and reduces the burden of using water trucks.

However, OCHA warns that ongoing impediments continue to hamper humanitarians' efforts to more quickly scale up the response.

Haiti

Armed violence deepens needs, constrains humanitarian access in Artibonite

OCHA warns that the humanitarian situation in Haiti's Artibonite department is swiftly deteriorating as armed groups expand their control in several communes, further restricting humanitarian access.

On 15 December, local sources reported that six people were killed and others wounded following an armed attack in the commune of Verette. Houses and agricultural storage facilities were reportedly set on fire. People were forced to flee, though figures are not yet available.

The assailants also attempted to set fire to the Albert Schweitzer Haiti Hospital - a major medical institution in Verette - but were repelled by security forces in the area.

Two weeks earlier, more than 11,000 people were displaced in the same department following attacks in the communes of L'Estere, Pont-Sonde, Descordes and Liancourt.

OCHA continues to closely monitor the situation, and the UN and its partners are mobilized to deliver aid as soon as security conditions permit.

17 December 2025

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Sanctions, Oversight Mechanisms Risk Losing Credibility Without Results on Ground, Chairs of Subsidiary Bodies Tell Security Council

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

10070th Meeting (PM)

SC/16254

17 December 2025

Outgoing Chairs of Security Council subsidiary bodies told the Council today that sanctions and oversight mechanisms can remain credible only if they deliver results on the ground, as they called for stronger implementation, quicker staffing and Chair appointments, and less "business as usual" amid worsening crises from Sudan and Yemen to counter-terrorism and delisting backlogs.

2140 Yemen, 1591 Sudan Committees Face Implementation Challenges

Sangjin Kim (Republic of Korea), Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014) concerning Yemen, spoke on behalf of the Chair of the Security Council Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations and Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning Sudan. He said that the goal was to keep the work "fair, transparent and effective", even amid a challenging political and security environment, as well as a complex humanitarian context.

He highlighted a major step in Sudan sanctions implementation: "In November 2024, about 10 years after the last listing was made, the Committee approved the addition of two individuals to the Sanctions List". Stressing the need for credible monitoring, he warned that "the report of the Panel of Experts of the 1591 Committee documented graphic examples of targeted violence against civilians in and around Darfur" and pressed for staffing to be resolved. "We urge that the remaining experts be appointed as soon as possible". On Yemen, he pointed to continued implementation problems, citing the Panel's finding of persistent challenges and ineffective implementation, and argued that "the time has come to move beyond words and to seriously consider ways to promote faithful implementation in practice".

Turning to the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations, he described a harsher operating reality where peacekeeping is increasingly conducted in complex and less permissive environments. He said Seoul sought "to reinvigorate the Working Group as a platform for strategic and forward-looking discussions", including sessions on the security of peacekeepers and lessons learned from transitions in Africa. He also acknowledged constraints "due to the Council's crowded programme of work", but emphasized that the Working Group remains key as the Secretary-General will present a strategic direction for the future of peacekeeping.

Gaps in Counter-Terrorism Oversight

"I must begin by highlighting a procedural matter that deeply affected the effectiveness of all Committees," said Amar Bendjama (Algeria), Chair of the Security Council Committees established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism and pursuant to resolution 2745 (2024) concerning the Central African Republic. Noting that Chair appointments for 2025 were only made on 29 May, he said that the "operational consequences were significant". This undermined strategic planning, hindered mandate implementation, made prioritization decisions difficult and created scheduling conflicts. "These consequences," he stressed, "were not merely procedural  they were substantive."

Turning to the 2745 Committee, he said that, after four years of division, the Council returned to consensus on 30 July 2024 with the unanimous adoption of resolution 2745 (2024) that lifted the arms embargo on the Government of the Central African Republic. Additionally, two armed groups that had signed peace agreements with the Government dissolved in July 2025, and a third group signed a peace agreement in November 2025. On the 1373 Committee, he spotlighted the "Algeria Guiding Principles", which represent a framework for addressing how terrorists exploit emerging financial technologies.

However, pointing out that Africa accounts for over 59 per cent of global terrorism victims, he stressed that "a troubling pattern persists" in which assessment visits do not reflect the severity of terrorist threats on the continent. While Algeria has advocated for prioritizing the most affected countries  "I mean the Sahel region"  he underscored: "If the Committee cannot effectively reach those who need support most, we must ask whether we are fulfilling our mandate." He therefore urged his successor to listen to those most impacted by terrorism and to prioritize substance over process  "because behind every statistic is a human tragedy".

Sanctions Must Be Integrated into Political Strategies

Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone), Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan, and Chair of the Security Council Informal Working Group on International Tribunals, also briefed the Council.

"I approached these responsibilities with a profound sense of duty," he said, emphasizing that multilateralism, the rule of law and accountability guided the work throughout. On the 1533 Committee, he reported that the Committee continued to discharge its mandate through informal consultations and written procedures, including close engagement with the Group of Experts and Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), plus public communication to support implementation. He highlighted a key field milestone, noting that his regional visit informed a later Council briefing: "That visit, I believe, enriched our understanding of realities on the ground."

On the 2206 South Sudan Committee and the tribunals Working Group, he underscored both steady work and unfinished challenges, saying that "the gap between commitments and implementation remains a central concern", and regretting that a proposed visit by the Chair to South Sudan and Uganda was not proceeded. On international tribunals, he pointed to practical obstacles still facing the Mechanism, including relocation and enforcement-of-sentences issues, even as the Working Group helped the Council deliver outcomes. Too often, files drift into "business as usual", even as realities on the ground deteriorate, he said. His closing message was that impact depends on substance and strategy, not process alone. "Sanctions measures are not an end in themselves," he said, and urged earlier field engagement, faster appointment of Chairs, more time for underlying drivers and implementation gaps, and tighter integration of sanctions into coherent political strategies.

Limited Guinea-Bissau Activity, Intensified Engagement on Haiti

The Council then heard from Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Guyana), Chair of the Security Council Committees established pursuant to resolution 2048 (2012) concerning Guinea-Bissau and pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022) concerning Haiti. While reporting that the 2048 Committee held no formal meetings during her tenure, she said that the Committee "remained attentive to the situation" in Guinea-Bissau to "ensure that the core mandate of the sanctions regime was upheld".

"Regarding the [2653 Committee], the situation was quite the opposite," she said, pointing to five meetings, three informal consultations and two briefings to Member States in 2024 and five meetings, four informal consultations and one briefing in 2025. One important aspect of the Committee's work was updating the relevant Sanctions List, and she said that the Committee added two individuals to this list on 27 September 2024 and two entities on 8 July 2025. The Council also designated two individuals through resolution 2794 (2025), and there are now nine individuals and two entities designated.

"I am convinced that sustained engagement with Haiti, the Panel [of Experts] and other relevant stakeholders remains key to making greater progress with respect to the enforcement of the arms embargo and updating the Sanctions List beyond the category of gang leaders and members," she stated. However, as illicit arms continue to flow into Haiti, she urged the Committee to raise awareness and build capacity of front-line implementers; remind Member States of their legal obligation to ensure domestic enforcement of the arms embargo; and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that adequate export controls and transit-monitoring systems are established.

Stalled Delistings, Limited Activity in Iraq, Lebanon Sanctions Committees

Samuel Zbogar (Slovenia), Council President for December, having chaired the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1518 (2003) concerning Iraq and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1636 (2005) on Lebanon, said that while the 1636 Committee has not been active, the Iraq committee remains operational with 65 individuals and 10 entities on the 1518 Sanctions List. "Delisting processes have stalled and only one delisting was approved during our tenure, although four cases remain pending at this time," he emphasized. There was one in-person meeting on 8 August with Iraq's National Committee for Freezing Terrorist Assets to exchange information, explore ways to facilitate and expedite delisting processes, and improve information-sharing to reinvigorate delisting requests.





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Secretary-General's press encounter on Yemen

United Nations Secretary-General

17 December 2025

New York, UN

Press events | Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General

I have just briefed the Security Council on the situation in Yemen - fresh off my visit to the region, including Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Tensions have been simmering across Yemen.

And dramatic new developments in the eastern governorates are turning up the heat.

Earlier this month, forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council - or STC - advanced on Hadramawt and al-Mahra.

As I told the Security Council, unilateral actions will not clear a path to peace.

They deepen divisions. Harden positions. And raise the risk of wider escalation and further fragmentation.

A full resumption of hostilities could have serious ramifications on regional peace and security - including on the Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aden, and in the Horn of Africa.

I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and resolve differences through dialogue.

This includes regional stakeholders, whose constructive engagement and coordination in support of UN mediation efforts are essential for ensuring collective security interests.

The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen must be preserved.

Yemen needs a sustainable, negotiated political settlement.

One that embraces the aspirations of all Yemenis;

And brings this devastating conflict to an end.

Until then, the Yemeni people will continue to pay a terrible price.

Nearly 4.8 million have fled their homes.

And 19.5 million need humanitarian assistance.

But our efforts to support them face tremendous challenges.

In Houthi-controlled areas, the operating environment has become untenable.

I strongly condemn the continued arbitrary detention of 59 UN colleagues and partner personnel - as well as staff from NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions.

I call for their immediate and unconditional release, in accordance with international law.

In recent days, Houthi de facto authorities referred three of our colleagues to a special criminal court.

This referral must be rescinded. They have been charged in relation to their performance of United Nations official duties. These charges must be dropped.

The continued detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice to all those who have dedicated their lives to helping the people of Yemen.

The United Nations and its partners must never be targeted, arrested, or detained in connection with their official duties.

We must be allowed to perform our work without interference.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to providing life-saving support to millions of people across Yemen.

This year we reached more than 5.3 million people with food, nutrition, water and health assistance.

With adequate funding and operational space, we can do much more.

The Yemeni parties have come close to peace before - during the 2022 truce and commitments agreed in 2023 - but subsequent developments have severely complicated the situation.

Even so, the path to peace is possible.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting the Yemeni people along this path.

I call on all parties to engage constructively with my Special Envoy, prioritize dialogue over violence, and avoid any unilateral actions that could inflame this fragile situation.

The people of Yemen demand and deserve peace.

Thank you.

*****

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Nimitz Returns to Homeport

US Navy

17 December 2025

From USS Nimitz Public Affairs

The Nimitz class carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) returned to its homeport of Bremerton following nine months underway in the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleets, Dec. 16.

Nimitz departed Bremerton as the flagship of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG), Mar. 21, 2025. The nine months underway included three months in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility and nearly four months in U.S. Central Command. While overseas, NIMCSG worked alongside allies and partners to strengthen relationships and interoperability, deter conflict, and promote regional stability.

"We have traveled more than two thirds of this planet during this nine month deployment, and I cannot overstate the positive impact Nimitz Strike Group has made as part of our mission to maintain peace through strength by sustaining credible deterrence alongside our Allies and Partners," said Rear Adm. Fred Goldhammer, commander, Carrier Strike Group 11. "With USS Nimitz as our flagship, I am extremely proud of how our Sailors carried forth our Navy's 250 year legacy of promoting prosperity and security, deterring aggression and protecting the American way of life."

In 5th fleet, Nimitz supported freedom of navigation in the Arabian Sea, completing four Strait of Hormuz transits. The strike group provided power projection for U.S. Central Command, setting conditions for regional stability and enabling the Iran-Israel ceasefire. Additionally, the strike group supported U.S. Africa Command operations by conducting strikes against ISIS targets in Somalia.

Nimitz also conducted port visits in Bahrain. Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, marking the first visit by a U.S. aircraft carrier to both UAE and Bahrain in over five years. Nimitz and its strike group also engaged in key leader exchanges and interoperability exercises with the Bahrani, Emirati, French, Indian, Malaysian, Omani, Pakistani, Saudi Arabian and Qatari Navies.

While in 7th Fleet, Nimitz supported operations to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific, providing credible deterrence and reassuring allies and partners of enduring U.S. commitment to the region. Nimitz participated in Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 25), strengthening relations with regional partners. The ship also conducted routine port visits in Malaysia and Guam, where the crew participated in key leader engagements, community relations, sporting events and cultural exchanges.

"I am deeply proud of this crew for proving, over nine months of sustained operations at sea, that they are well-trained, fit to fight and ready to win," said Capt. Joseph Furco, commanding officer of Nimitz. "These men and women, these world-class warfighters, truly exemplified our Navy's warrior ethos through their honor, integrity, resilience and relentless commitment to the mission and to each other."

Nimitz Sailors completed more than 8,500 sorties and 17,000 flight hours, carried out 50 replenishments-at-sea aboard the carrier and sailed over 82,000 nautical miles combined.

Nimitz Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Nimitz, flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, embarked staff of CSG 11, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123) and USS Gridley (DDG 101).

An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.

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US kills 4 in latest Pacific boat strike as House rejects limits on Trump's war powers

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 18, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The US military has carried out another strike on a boat it alleged was transporting drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing all four people on board, according to US officials.

US Southern Command claimed on social media that the boat was being operated by "narco-terrorists" along a known trafficking route.

The US military did not provide evidence to support the claim but released a video showing a boat moving on open waters before an explosion.

The latest incident brings the number of US-announced attacks on boats to 26, operations that have resulted in at least 99 deaths.

US President Donald Trump has justified the attacks as necessary to stop the flow of drugs into the country, claiming that the US is engaged in an armed conflict with drug trafficking groups.

Amid growing scrutiny, Republicans in the US House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected two Democrat-backed resolutions that would have limited Trump's authority to use military force against alleged drug cartels and Venezuela.

Democrats used war powers resolutions to force a vote aimed at restricting Trump's ability to declare war on Venezuela, as the president has escalated threats against the South American country.

The vote came as Congress questioned the legal basis of operations that led to the destruction of 26 alleged drug-carrying boats and the killing of at least 99 people.

Had it passed, the resolution would have required the Trump administration to seek congressional authorization before continuing attacks on alleged trafficking groups or launching military action against Venezuela. The measure failed by 216 votes to 210 in the Republican-led House.

4354**4353

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US boat strikes kill 4 more in eastern Pacific as Trump escalates pressure on Venezuela

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 18 December 2025 7:07 AM

The US military says it has carried out another fatal strike in international waters, killing four more people in the eastern Pacific, as Washington intensifies a controversial military campaign against Venezuela.

In a post on X on Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that American forces conducted yet another "lethal kinetic strike" on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four men. He claimed that the boat was trafficking drugs and that it belonged to the so-called Designated Terrorist Organizations.

"Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were harmed," he said.

The announcement came one day after US President Donald Trump declared a blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. In his statement, he once again accused Caracas of using oil revenues to finance drug trafficking and other criminal activity, while pledging to further escalate the US military buildup in the region.

Trump has so far defended the lethal attacks as a necessary escalation to what he describes as curbing drug flows into the US, claiming Washington is engaged in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels.

However, US lawmakers are increasingly questioning the campaign, which has reportedly killed at least 99 people in more than two dozen known strikes since September 2, most of them off the coast of Venezuela, marking a sharp intensification of lethal operations far from US territory.

The Pentagon said on Tuesday that US forces had also struck three boats accused of drug trafficking in the Pacific, killing eight people.

That toll includes a widely criticized follow-up strike that killed two survivors who were clinging to wreckage after an initial attack, intensifying concerns over civilian casualties and rules of engagement.

Hegseth has defied growing demands for the release of video footage of a September 2 vessel attack, as the US administration continues to portray the campaign as a success that has stopped drugs from reaching US soil, while claiming that it remains within the bounds of lawful warfare.

However, Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles, appeared to undercut that justification in a Vanity Fair interview published Tuesday, indicating the campaign is also part of a broader effort to topple Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro.

After US forces seized a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker last week, Maduro said Washington's real objective is "regime change", not drug control. Meanwhile, the US has assembled its largest regional military presence in decades, expanded deadly operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, and signaled that land attacks may follow, though without specifying where or when.

"It is simply a warmongering and colonialist pretense, and we have said so many times, and now everyone sees the truth. The truth has been revealed," Maduro said on Wednesday.

Besides military threats, Washington has also imposed sanctions on Caracas. In a recent move, the Trump administration announced financial bans on three of Maduro's nephews and six oil tankers and shipping firms.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 17 December 2025 - Day 1393

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 UK Ministry of Defence reported that on 12 December 2025 Ukrainian forces reportedly counterattacked Russian forces in the north west quadrant of Kupiansk, a former rail logistics hub in Kharkiv oblast. In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have conducted clearance operations in the town and contested Russian logistics supply operations in the vicinity.

Also on 12 December 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Kupiansk in person reportedly 2 km from Russian lines and 500 m from urban combat areas. This follows Russian Chief of the General Staff Gerasimov's inaccurate 20 November 2025 claim that Russian forces had taken control of Kupiansk, and Russian President Putin's 12 December 2025 inaccurate claim that Russian forces had surrounded Kupiansk, and purported invitation to the media to visit.

Russian forces are continuing to conduct daily attacks and attempting to infiltrate Kupiansk from the north, as well as utilising the Oskil river which runs north to south along the town's eastern flank. Ukrainian forces are continuing to defend the centre of Kupiansk, with Russian forces highly likely contesting the majority of the town. Russian forces are continuing to make incremental tactical gains into Kupiansk's southern suburbs.

Russian forces took control of Kupiansk in February 2022 shortly after initiating the illegal, full-scale invasion, before Ukrainian forces recaptured it in September 2022.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, 125 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of this day. Ukrainian defenders are decisively intercepting the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression.

Today, Russian troops launched 28 aviation strikes, dropping 82 controlled air bombs. In addition, 3145 kamikaze drones were involved in strikes and carried out 2233 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, Ukrainian soldiers repelled three Russian assault actions since the beginning of the day. In addition, the Russian enemy carried out 115 shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, seven of which are from the reactive systems of salpovogo fire.

In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy six times stormed the positions of Ukrainian units near the settlements Lyman, Odradne, Dovgenke and towards the settlement of Izbitske.

In the Kupyansky direction, the Russian aggressor twice carried out offensive actions towards the settlements of Pietchnia and Glushkivka.

In the Lyman direction, Russian invaders 11 times attacked the positions of the Defense Forces near the settlements Novovodyane, Kolodyazi, Drobisheve, Novoselivka and towards the settlement of Cherneshina.

Four Russian attacks repelled Ukrainian defenders in the Slavic direction - the Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of Serebryanka, Siversk and Pereiznogo.

In the kramators komu direction at the moment boezitknen  is not recorded.

In the Konstantinivsky direction, 16 times the Russians went into offensive on the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of settlements of Oleksandro-Shultyne, Kleban-Bik, Pleshiyivka, Rusyn Yar and towards Konstantynivka and Sofiyivka.

In the Pokrovsky direction since the beginning of the day, the Russian occupiers 37 times tried to advance on the position of Ukrainian units. The Russian enemy attacked in the areas of settlements Shahove, Rodinske, Chervony Lyman, Mirnograd, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Udacne, Molodetske, Dachne and towards Novopavlivka. In some locations, the fights have not subsided yet.

According to preliminary data, today in this direction there were 78 Russian invaders, of which 42 - irrevocably. Also Ukrainian soldiers zneskodili tank, three artillery systems, 35 bpla, six units of automobile equipment and ground robotic complex. In addition, Ukrainian defenders struck 12 shelters for the personnel and the Russian enemy's ammunition warehouse.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Russian forces tried nine times to break through the defense of Ukrainian defenders in the settlements of Oleksandrograd, Sosnivka, Solodke, Privilne, Krasnogirskke and towards Dobropillya. One battle is going on.

In the Gulyaipil direction, theRussian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders ten times in the area of Gulyaipol and towards Varvarivka.

In the Orihiv direction, the Russian occupiers tried to enter the area of Plavniv three times, but received a detachment.

In the pridniprovsk direction today the Russian enemy did not carry out offensive actions.

In the rest of the directions, there were no special changes.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of one jaeger brigade of the AFU and one National Guard regiment near Pisarevka, Varachino, and Shostka (Sumy region).

In Kharkov direction, Russian troops hit units of two heavy mechanised brigades, two mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and one territorial defence brigade close to Stary Saltov, Revolyutsionnoye, Veliky Burluk, Izbitskoye, Volchanskiye Khutora, and Varvarovka (Kharkov region).

The enemy losses were up to 160 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 12 motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of six mechanised brigades, and two assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Blagodatovka, Podoly, Kovsharovka, Novosergeyevka, Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, Monachinovka (Kharkov region), and Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 230 troops, three U.S.-made HMMWV armoured fighting vehicles, 15 motor vehicles, three artillery guns including one 155-mm M777 howitzer, one U.S.-made 155-mm M114 howitzer, one electronic reconnaissance station, and five ammunition depots.

The Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops inflicted fire damage on formations of four mechanised brigades, one mountain assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one marine brigade, and two National Guard brigades close to Reznikovka, Stepanovka, Slavyansk, Petrovskoye, Konstantinovka, and Kramatorsk (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were more than 200 troops, 18 motor vehicles, two artillery guns, two electronic warfare stations, and four ammunition and POL depots.

The Tsentr Group of Forces' units continue to hit encircled enemy units in Vostochny district and Zapadny district of Dimitrov (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops mop up Rodinskoye, Svetloye, and Grishino (Donetsk People's Republic) from scattered groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In addition, Russian troops hit manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one airmobile brigade, one jaeger brigade, one UAV regiment, two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, two marine brigades, the Azov Special Forces Brigade, one territorial defence brigade, and two National Guard brigades near Volnoye, Toretskoye, Belitskoye, Udachnoye (Donetsk People's Republic), and Novopavlovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The enemy losses were more than 470 troops, two U.S.-made HMMWV armoured fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, and four field artillery guns including two Western-made ones.

The Vostok Group of Forces' units continued to advance into the depths of enemy defences and liberated Gerasimovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).

Russian troops inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one assault brigade, three assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and one territorial defence brigade close to Andreyevka, Gavrilovka (Dnepropetrovsk region), Ternovatoye, Gulyai-Pole, and Kosovtsevo (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses were up to 235 troops, two tanks, one armoured personnel carrier, three U.S.-made HMMWV armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns including one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces launched attacks on formations of one mountain assault brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Razumovka, Novoyakovlevka (Zaporozhye region), and Nikolskoye (Kherson region).

In addition, up to 45 Ukrainian troops, 11 motor vehicles, one 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, two ammunition depots, and two materiel depots were neutralised.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation inflicted fire damage on an assembly and testing centre of uncrewed surface vehicles of the AFU, transport infrastructure facilities that supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine, assembly centres of long-range attack drones as well as temporary deployment areas of the AFU and foreign mercenaries in 143 areas.

Air defence units shot down 180 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost 669 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 103,542 unmanned aerial vehicles, 640 anti-aircraft missile systems, 26,574 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,633 MLRS combat vehicles, 31,973 field artillery guns and mortars, and 49,280 support military vehicles.

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Doorstop - Sydney

Transcript

Wednesday 17 December 2025

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: This morning I have, together with Her Excellency the Governor-General, visited the staff here at St. Vincent's Hospital. They are heroes. People who were rostered on, but people who were not rostered on were at local restaurants, people who travelled from as far as the Central Coast when they heard that there would be a need. Normally, on a Sunday night there is staff available to staff one operating theatre. There were eight operating at once. On one occasion, 12 minutes between someone arriving at the emergency department here at St. Vincent's and being on the operating table. They saved lives. In a traumatic experience, they responded with professionalism, with compassion and with the best of Australian values. And today was an opportunity for myself and the Governor-General to say thank you on behalf of Australians to the doctors, the surgeons, the nurses, the pathologists, the radiologists, the people who engaged in providing assistance to people in circumstances that were incredibly traumatic. We also spoke with psychologists who work with the staff here to make sure that they're looked after as well, because they went through an experience that they will never forget. This is an incredibly traumatic time for members of the Australian Jewish community. It has also shaken our nation. Our nation will respond. We will hold people to account for what has occurred. We will give whatever powers are necessary to our police forces, to our security and intelligence agencies arising from this act of terror and act of antisemitism that we saw play out on Sunday night. Last night, the Governor-General hosted at Admiralty House a gathering of rabbis and other Jewish community leaders. It was an opportunity for us to pray together, for us to have those personal discussions as well. And I had discussions with family members who have lost relatives and loved ones, people who are devastated by what has occurred. Australia will come through this. Chanukah is a festival of the victory of light over darkness. And last night, together with the Governor-General, Rabbi Ben Elton of the Sydney Synagogue lit the candles to symbolise the victory of light over darkness. We need to, as a nation, come together to unite, to make sure that we celebrate the best of humanity that we have seen here in the nurses and medical professionals who provided that care and support to their fellow Australians. They do it each and every day. But Sunday and ongoing is particularly traumatic. We're also seeing Australians act through measures such as the enormous queues, 50,000 people registering to give blood. And we know that up to 100 donations are required for one surgery. So, this is required. And we encourage people to not just donate today, but in coming weeks as well because of the short lifespan of the donations which are made normally.

JOURNALIST: Normally, tragic events like this unite Australians, but this has driven a wedge into the community. How do you unite a divided Australia?

PRIME MINISTER: I'll continue to look for what unites us. And I've seen that here this morning. We need to learn any lessons that are learned from this, undertake stronger action, undertake any legislative change, undertake any powers, additional powers that are needed across the board, to work with the Jewish community. We want to stamp out and eradicate antisemitism from our society. We want to also stamp out the evil ideology of what would appear to be, from the investigators, an ISIS inspired attack. That has no place, that sort of hatred. What strengthens Australia is our love for each other. And at this time, I'm seeing a lot of evidence of that as well. Love is more powerful than hate. That is what we need to see.

JOURNALIST: These men were prepared to die for their cause. How do you legislate against that? How do you combat that?

PRIME MINISTER: It is difficult and this is something the world is dealing with. It is indeed, as you identify, hard to legislate against such massive hatred. And people who have this perversion of Islam that leads them to support Islamic State and to have a view that somehow there is some reward for them. There is not. They are evil. We need to make sure that we do whatever is within our powers. Now, that means education. It means as well, stamping out, calling out evil when we see it. And we'll continue to do so, not just as a government, but as a nation as well.

JOURNALIST: Fast tracking your response to the Segal report - what priorities are there? What are you prioritising your response?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I met with Jillian Segal again yesterday. I've spoken with her daily. We're continuing to work through a whole range of the measures in the Segal report, of course, on antisemitism. We are already implementing. If there's a need for, as well, to examine - this isn't a set and forget report. This is something that will be an evolving position. Antisemitism has been around for a long period of time. Many nations such as the United States have had special envoys in antisemitism for a long period of time. My government is the first to appoint one. Jillian Segal is doing an extraordinary job. We'll continue to engage with her on an ongoing basis, including any lessons that arise from this atrocity.

JOURNALIST: Can you call out specific priorities in your response?

PRIME MINISTER: We'll call all of the legislative responses required. If we need to do something more about hate speech, for example. We have outlawed hate speech that can lead to violence. If we need to examine them, if there's a need to strengthen them. We're certainly up for whatever is necessary.

JOURNALIST: Incredible acts of heroics during this attack play out. Some ultimately giving the ultimate sacrifice of their life in trying to do that. What does that show about people rising up in these times? Some of them were refugees coming over here and had founded a life in Australia.

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I pay tribute to Boris and Sofia Gurman, who, Boris attacked the, one of these terrorists as he got out of the car and that caused Mr. And Mrs. Gurman, have been married for 60 years, to lose their life. To Reuven Morrison, who threw bricks and took action to try and stop this occurring. Also murdered by these terrorists. These are Australian heroes. Just as Ahmed Al Ahmed, who I was able to meet with yesterday, is an Australian hero. Our thoughts are with him today because he is undergoing surgery today on his injuries. Our thoughts are also with the families of funerals that will begin today. I met with Rabbi Eli's family yesterday. They are going through an extraordinarily difficult time. Rabbi Eli was clearly much loved in the community, not just by his family as well. And I think all Australians thoughts and hearts are with those families as they go through farewelling their loved ones.

JOURNALIST: What do you say to victim's family and to Jewish leaders who say your government hasn't done enough to fight antisemitism?

PRIME MINISTER: I say that the battle against antisemitism has been around for a long period of time. We have called out and will continue to call out. We'll work with the community. I had discussions with community leaders last night. We'll do whatever is necessary to work with the community to stamp out the scourge of antisemitism, of which we have seen arise in Australia and around the world since October 7th. But we've also seen antisemitism be around for a long period of time. It's one of the elements that have fed into the perverse extremist ideology that is Islamic State that led to this whole idea of a caliphate and leads to hatred and leads to violence as well. Thank you very much. Thank you.

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Barrio Azteca Gang Leader Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Murder Charges Related to 2010 U.S. Consulate Murders in Juarez

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

A former FBI "Ten Most Wanted Fugitive" and leader of the El Paso/Juarez-based Bario Azteca gang pleaded guilty today in federal court in El Paso, Texas, for his role in the March 2010 U.S. Consulate murders in Juarez, Mexico, in which three people associated with the U.S. Consulate were murdered when gunmen shot into the vehicle in which they and their children were riding.

Eduardo Ravelo, also known as Tablas, 57, of Juarez, Mexico, pleaded guilty today in the Western District of Texas to racketeering conspiracy (RICO), conspiracy to distribute and import drugs, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and murder in aid of racketeering. A sentencing date has not yet been set by the court. At sentencing, Ravelo faces a mandatory penalty of life in prison.

"Eduardo Ravelo was responsible for Barrio Azteca brazenly orchestrating the murders of three individuals associated with the U.S. Consulate in Juarez, Mexico," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "Today, after years of evading capture, he is finally being held accountable for heinous crimes that Barrio Azteca committed during the course of cartel wars in Juarez, including attacks on U.S. employees. The Criminal Division will not tolerate violent attacks on those who support our embassies and consulates abroad, and we will work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice."

"Ravelo's admission of guilt today ensures accountability for his role in the murder of U.S. Consulate employees," said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. "Today's plea also ensures he is held responsible for his leadership of a vicious criminal enterprise that terrorized the city of Juarez and contributed to the poisoning of our communities on this side of the border. This case has spanned decades, and this latest development reflects our commitment to pursuing and prosecuting violent criminals like Ravelo regardless of how long it takes for the long arm of justice to grab hold."

"This case is a tragic reminder of the inseparable link between drug trafficking and violence," said Special Agent in Charge Omar Arellano of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) El Paso Field Division. "The dedicated men and women of the DEA remain steadfast in their mission to bring violent drug traffickers to justice for their heinous crimes."

According to court documents and information presented in court throughout this case, Ravelo is one of 35 Barrio Azteca members and associates based in the United States and Mexico who were charged in the third superseding indictment in 2011 for committing various criminal acts, including racketeering, narcotics distribution and importation, retaliation against persons providing information to U.S. law enforcement, extortion, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and murder. Of the 35 defendants, 10 Mexican nationals, including Ravelo, were charged for their role in the March 13, 2010 murders in Juarez, Mexico, of U.S. Consulate employee Leslie Ann Enriquez Catton, her husband Arthur Redelfs, and Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros, the husband of a U.S. Consulate employee.

All of the defendants have been apprehended, and 28, including Ravelo, have pleaded guilty. Three defendants have been convicted at trial, one committed suicide before the conclusion of his trial, and one is awaiting extradition from Mexico. Two defendants await trial in the United States.

Ravelo was the leader of the Barrio Azteca gang in Mexico beginning in around 2004. In 2009, Ravelo was placed on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list and remained there until his arrest in 2018 in Mexico. He was extradited to the United States on Feb. 20, 2025.

The Barrio Azteca (BA) is a violent street and prison gang that began in the late 1980s and expanded into a transnational criminal organization. In the 2000s, the BA formed an alliance in Mexico with "La Linea," which is part of the Juarez Drug Cartel (also known as the Vincente Carrillo Fuentes Drug Cartel or VCF). The purpose of the BA-La Linea alliance was to battle the Chapo Guzman Cartel and its allies for control of the drug trafficking routes through Juarez and Chihuahua. The drug routes through Juarez, known as the Juarez Plaza, are important to drug trafficking organizations because they are a principal illicit drug trafficking conduit into the United States. The gang has a militaristic command structure and includes captains, lieutenants, sergeants, and soldiers  all with the purpose of maintaining power and enriching its members and associates through drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, intimidation, violence, threats of violence, and murder.

As a BA Captain in Juarez, Ravelo directed and controlled the BA's drug trafficking activities, and he was ultimately responsible for and in some cases directly controlled multiple "hit" or "sicario" squads, which consisted of multiple BA members armed with automatic and semi-automatic firearms who committed numerous kidnappings and murders in support of the BA against rival cartel members. On the day of the Consulate murders, Ravelo monitored radio communications and directed BA members who targeted and murdered Leslie Ann Enriquez Catton; her husband Arthur Redelfs, and Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros. Enriquez Catton was four months pregnant, and her fetus was also killed.

The case was investigated by the FBI's El Paso and Albuquerque Field Offices (Las Cruces Resident Agency); DEA Juarez; and DEA El Paso. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service; the Texas Department of Public Safety; the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; El Paso Police Department; El Paso County Sheriff's Office; El Paso Independent School District Police Department; Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission; New Mexico State Police; Dona Ana County, New Mexico Sheriff's Office; Las Cruces, (New Mexico) Police Department; Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility and Otero County Prison Facility New Mexico.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Jay Bauer of the Criminal Division's Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Amy Schwartz of the Criminal Division's Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Spitzer for the Western District of Texas. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico and the Criminal Division's Offices of International Affairs and Enforcement Operations provided significant assistance in this case. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the extradition of Ravelo.

Topic: Drug Trafficking

Components: Criminal Division

Criminal - Human Rights and Special Prosecution Section

Criminal - Violent Crime and Racketeering Section

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Press Release Number: 25-1198

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Leader of Transnational Terrorist Group Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Soliciting Hate Crimes and Murder, and Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Dallas Humber, 35, of Elk Grove, California,  leader of the Terrorgram Collective, a transnational terrorist group  was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins to 360 months in prison for soliciting hate crimes, soliciting the murder of federal officials, and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.

"From the comfort of her suburban California home, Humber used online platforms to celebrate violence and solicit attacks that took the lives of innocent people and injured others around the world. Her incarceration makes the world a safer place," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. "The Department of Justice has shown that it can and will find these criminals even in the darkest corners of the Internet."

"Today's 30-year sentence sends an unmistakable message: if you plot acts of terror or use extremist networks to incite violence, you will be found, prosecuted, and incarcerated for decades," said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. "This case demonstrates that our prosecutors and law enforcement partners will disrupt these threats and will pursue the maximum penalties the law provides."

"Humber actively encouraged violence against, and the murder of, individuals based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity," said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant for the Eastern District of California. "Our office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners and with other Department of Justice components to stop these hate-fueled crimes and to ensure the safety of all people and public officials."

"With today's sentencing, Dallas Humber will pay the price for encouraging racially motivated violence, attacks on critical infrastructure, and the murder of federal officials," said Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division. "Humber led the Terrorgram Collective which inspired and guided individuals to commit violent acts around the world. Keeping our communities safe is a top priority of the FBI. Let there be no doubt, we will remain steadfast in identifying and holding accountable those who commit or encourage terrorism and other heinous acts."

According to court documents, between July 2022 and September 2024, Humber served as a leader of the Terrorgram Collective, a white supremacist transnational terrorist group. To achieve their ends, she and other members of the Terrorgram Collective solicited individuals to commit hate crimes, terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure, and assassinations. They provided technical, inspirational, and operational guidance to equip those individuals to plan, prepare for, and successfully carry out those attacks.

Inspired and guided by Humber and the Terrorgram Collective, individuals committed attacks or plotted to commit attacks in the United States and elsewhere, including plotting to attack an energy facility in New Jersey, plotting to bomb an energy facility in Tennessee, plotting to murder two people in Wisconsin in furtherance of plans to assassinate a federal official, and attempting to assassinate an Australian official. In addition, individuals led by Humber and the Terrorgram Collective have committed acts of violence internationally, including shooting three people, killing two, at an LGBT bar in Bratislava, Slovakia; shooting 11 people, killing four, at two schools in Aracruz, Brazil; and stabbing five people outside of a mosque in Eskisehir, Turkey.

The FBI Sacramento Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from a variety of foreign and domestic law enforcement agencies.

The Eastern District of California, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and National Security Divisions Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.

Topic: Domestic Terrorism

National Security

Components: Civil Rights Division

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - California, Eastern

Press Release Number: 25-1202

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PNP probes Bondi Beach shooters' visit to PH

Philippine News Agency

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

December 17, 2025, 2:47 pm

MANILA -- Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday ordered a thorough investigation into the recent visit to the Philippines of the father-and-son suspects linked to the Bondi Beach mass shooting in Sydney, Australia.

In a statement, Nartatez underscored the need to establish the purpose of the suspects' travel to the Philippines and to account for their movements while in the country.

He said police investigators are verifying the places they visited, the individuals they interacted with, and their accommodations during their stay. He noted that these details are essential in building a clear picture of their activities.

"This matter is being investigated as we seek to determine the reason behind their visit to the Philippines. Inaalam natin kung saang mga lugar sila nagpunta, sino ang kanilang mga nakausap, at saan sila namalagi habang nandito sa bansa (We are trying to find out where they went, who they talked to, and where they stayed while in the country)," said Nartatez.

Nartatez added that the PNP is closely coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other security agencies as part of a whole-of-government approach to information sharing and threat assessment.

Coordination is also ongoing with foreign counterparts to validate intelligence and ensure that no security gaps are left unaddressed.

Records from the Bureau of Immigration showed that 50-year-old Sajid Akram and 24-year-old Naveed Akram arrived in the Philippines from Sydney on Nov. 1.

The two left the country on Nov. 28 via a connecting flight from Davao to Manila, with Sydney as their final destination.

Malacanang had said that the visit of the suspects to the Philippines is not considered as a serious security concern in the country.

Nartatez reassured the public that the PNP remains on alert and firmly in control of the country's peace and order situation.

He emphasized that the police force continues to work proactively to prevent threats and to keep communities safe.

"Sa kabila nito, makakaasa ang publiko na handa ang inyong kapulisan sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan at katahimikan sa mga komunidad (Despite this, the public can trust that your police force is ready to maintain order and peace in communities.). There is no serious threat to our security," Nartatez said.

The PNP said it has even intensified security measures to ensure the safety of tourists amid the holiday season.

Nartatez said the PNP is taking a proactive approach to address concerns about crimes and other safety risks in key tourist destinations across the country after the Canadian government issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to stay alert should they visit the Philippines.

"We take these travel advisories seriously. Patuloy po tayong nagbabantay sa mga lugar na may mataas na risk, at nakikipag-ugnayan kami sa iba't ibang ahensya para maagapan ang anumang banta. Tourists should feel reassured that we are on alert and ready to respond 24/7 to any incident," said Nartatez.

This is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to enhance public safety and ensure that the Philippines remains a secure and welcoming destination for international travelers.

Nartatez added that coordinated efforts with local government units, tourism offices, and community stakeholders are key in maintaining safety.

"Lagi naming sinisigurado na may sapat na police visibility sa mga tourist spots lalo na sa mga beaches, airports, at historical sites (We always ensure that there is adequate police visibility in tourist spots, especially beaches, airports, and historical sites). Our goal is to make sure that visitors can enjoy the Philippines safely while respecting local laws," he said.

The PNP also encouraged tourists and local communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through official hotlines and mobile applications.

Community-based programs such as neighborhood watch initiatives, safe zones, and volunteer guides are being expanded to further protect visitors and ensure smooth coordination during emergencies.

"Ang seguridad ng ating mga turista ay bahagi rin ng ating misyon para sa kaligtasan ng bawat mamamayan (The security of our tourists is also part of our mission for the safety of every citizen."). We continue to work closely with all stakeholders to maintain peace and order, and to uphold the Philippines' reputation as a safe and beautiful destination," Nartatez said.

More than 100,000 police personnel were deployed nationwide to ensure public safety for the holiday season, he added. (PNA)

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AFP: Members of Abu Sayyaf, other local terror groups down to 50

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

December 17, 2025, 1:55 pm

MANILA -- Members of local terrorist groups (LTGs) in the country have dropped to just about 50 compared to 1,257 nine years ago, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Wednesday.

In a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla attributed the decline to "sustained security operations, peacebuilding efforts, and strong community engagement."

The AFP official also said 28 "high value individuals" (HVIs), including 10 "amirs" or LTG group leaders, were neutralized through armed encounters and security operations from 2016 to 2025, resulting in a significant improvement in the country's domestic security, particularly in Mindanao, where the LTGs are mostly based.

"Focused government operations have resulted in the neutralization, arrest, or surrender of key terrorist leaders, creating a leadership vacuum within the remaining LTGs," Padilla said.

"The loss of senior figures has weakened command structures and reduced the ability of these groups to plan, direct, and sustain operations."

LTGs refer to the Abu Sayyaf Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Dawlah Islamiya, and Maute Terrorist Group.

Padilla said available indicators show a steady decline in LTG manpower, firearms, territorial influence, and violent incidents since 2016.

"Remaining groups are fragmented and largely defensive, with diminished operational reach and limited ability to regroup," she said.

Padilla also said there have been no recorded terrorist training activities, recruitment efforts, or large-scale attacks by domestic LTGs since 2016.

"This underscores the erosion of their operational capacity and the effectiveness of sustained security monitoring," she said.

Aside from focused government operations, programs for preventing and countering violent extremism continue to encourage peaceful surrender, reintegration, and community participation among LTG members, the AFP spokesperson said. The programs include localized peace initiatives, livelihood support, and cooperation with local leaders.

"Basilan is now free of ASG presence, while Jolo, Sulu, and other areas are experiencing renewed economic activity and tourism, reflecting increased public confidence and normalized daily life," Padilla said, highlighting the marked improvement in the security situation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

She also said terrorism threat levels in several areas of Western and Central Mindanao have shifted from high to low.

"While global extremist networks continue to exploit cyberspace, there is no indication of imminent domestic terrorist threats at this time. Government forces remain vigilant and committed to sustaining peace, security, and development nationwide," Padilla said.

At the global level, Padilla said the AFP remains engaged in information-sharing and regular coordination with government and international partners to support early awareness and timely responses. (PNA)

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Secretary Bessent Orders Sanctions Against Violent Mexican Cartel

U.S. Department of the Treasury

December 17, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Cartel de Santa Rosa de Lima (CSRL), which derives the vast majority of its illicit revenue from fuel and oil theft in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. The violent conflict between CSRL and the notorious Mexican terrorist Cartel Jalisco Nuevo Generacion (CJNG) for control of fuel and oil in Guanajuato has made the state one of the deadliest in Mexico. CSRL's activities also help enable a cross-border energy black market, undermine legitimate U.S. oil and natural gas companies, and deprive the Mexican government of critical revenue. OFAC today also sanctioned Jose Antonio Yepez Ortiz, the leader of CSRL.

"President Trump made a promise to pursue the total elimination of drug cartels to protect the American people," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "At my direction, the Treasury Department is aggressively cutting these criminals off from the U.S. financial system. No matter where or how the cartels are making and laundering money, we will find it and we will stop it."

FROM PIPELINES TO POCKETS: MEXICAN CARTELS' FUEL AND OIL THEFT

Fuel theft, including crude oil smuggling, colloquially referred to in Mexico as huachicol, is currently the most significant non-drug revenue source for Mexican cartels. Thieves in Mexico, known as huachicoleros, use various means to steal fuel and crude oil from Mexico's state-owned energy company, Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), primarily by bribing corrupt Pemex employees. Other methods include illegally drilling taps into pipelines, stealing from refineries, hijacking tanker trucks, and threatening Pemex employees.

Stolen fuel is sold on the black market around Mexico, the United States, and Central America. Stolen crude oil is smuggled into the United States through complicit Mexican brokers and often mislabeled as "waste oil" or other hazardous material to avoid scrutiny and evade taxes and regulations. The stolen crude oil is then delivered to complicit U.S. importers in the oil and natural gas industry operating near the U.S. southwest border, who sell it at a steep discount on the U.S. and global energy markets before repatriating the significant illicit profits back to the cartels in Mexico.

Through these schemes, Mexican cartels steal billions of dollars from Pemex, fuel rampant violence and corruption across Mexico, and undercut legitimate oil and natural gas companies in the United States. In recent years, as Mexican cartels have become more involved in fuel theft-related activities, the Mexican government has reported billions of dollars in lost revenue due to huachicol.

EXPOSING CARTEL DE SANTA ROSA DE LIMA

Today, OFAC is sanctioning the Mexican transnational criminal organization known as the Cartel de Santa Rosa de Lima (CSRL). With origins dating back to 2014, CSRL is named after the community where its original members are from: Santa Rosa de Lima in Guanajuato. CSRL is primarily involved in fuel and oil theft, going as far as declaring war with CJNG in October 2017 for control over fuel and oil theft in the so-called "Bermuda Triangle," a collection of municipalities in Guanajuato wherein a Pemex refinery and many Pemex pipelines are located. As recently as August 2025, Mexican authorities have detained members of CSRL and seized 164,000 liters of stolen hydrocarbons in addition to tanks, tanker trucks, and a clandestine pipeline tap device.

Due to its turf war with CJNG, CSRL is responsible for the uptick in violence and homicides in Guanajuato, which is now one of Mexico's deadliest states. In its fight against CJNG, CSRL has allied itself with the Gulf Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel, both of which are U.S.-designated FTOs and SDGTs, as well as violent Mexico-based drug trafficking organizations. CSRL has also recruited ex-Colombian military and paramilitary personnel to operate in Guanajuato amid its fight against CJNG.

In addition to fuel theft and violence, CSRL has also been involved in narcotics trafficking, including trafficking heroin into the United States.

OFAC is also designating the notorious huachicolero and leader of CSRL, Jose Antonio Yepez Ortiz(a.k.a. "El Marro," meaning the sledgehammer). Prior to his arrest in 2020, he was one of Mexico's most wanted criminals due to CSRL's industrial-scale theft of petroleum. In 2022, he was sentenced to 60 years in prison after being found guilty of kidnapping. He still faces accusations of organized crime, money laundering, illegal fuel extraction, attempted homicide, and more. Despite having been arrested, El Marro continues to be active in CSRL from within prison, sending instructions and orders to his collaborators through his lawyers and family members. He helped establish CSRL's alliance with the Gulf Cartel from within prison.



Jose Antonio Yepez Ortiz after Apprehension by Mexican Authorities Jose Antonio Yepez Ortiz after Apprehension by Mexican Authorities

CSRLis being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13851, as amended, for being a foreign person that constitutes a significant transnational criminal organization. El Marrois being designated pursuant to E.O. 13581, as amended, for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly,CSRL.

THE TRUMP ADMINSTRATION'S CONTINUED EFFORTS AGAINST HUACHICOL

On February 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of State designated CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).

On May 1, 2025, OFAC sanctioned three Mexican nationals and two Mexico-based entities involved in a drug trafficking and fuel theft network linked to CJNG. CJNG cell leader Cesar Morfin Morfin (a.k.a. Primito) was among those designated. Concurrently, Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an Alert that provides financial typologies and red flags indicative of crude oil smuggling schemes on the U.S. southwest border associated with CJNG and other Mexico-based transnational criminal organizations. In the four-month period following this Alert, FinCEN received Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), and filers reported over $827 million in suspicious transactions, sent primarily between the United States and Mexico. Based on FinCEN's analysis with outliers removed, the average oil smuggling transaction amount is $5 million, and the median amount is $1.3 million. The most common U.S. states involved in the SARs are Texas and Florida. In Texas, the subjects were mostly located in cities and towns near the U.S.-Mexico border, including Brownsville, Mission, Eagle Pass, and McAllen.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons.

Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC's guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List.

Click here to view the chart on the persons designated today.

Click here for more information on the persons designated today.

###

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Finland to sign letter of intent on SAR satellite cooperation with Poland and the Netherlands

Finnish Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Defence

Publication date 17.12.2025 11.31

Type:Press release

Earlier this year, Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen authorised the Finnish Defence Forces to procure synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites from the Finnish company ICEYE Oy. Finland aims to build international cooperation around the use of these satellites.

The purpose of the letter of intent Finland will sign with Poland and the Netherlands is to build a foundation for the countries to work together in the use of monitoring satellites. The countries will launch measures to develop satellite use and improve their monitoring and intelligence capabilities.

"We are taking concrete steps forward in our efforts to build space capabilities together with important allies. Finland's satellites and the high level of technological expertise in our country build a firm foundation for continued cooperation in this field," said Minister Hakkanen.

Other partner countries are also expected to join the new cooperation.

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Committing to responsible behaviour in space

By Major John Yialeloglou

18 December 2025

Representatives from the ten Combined Space Operations (CSpO) initiative member nations met at the newly inaugurated French Space Command Headquarters in Toulouse, from December 2 to 4 for the annual CSpO Principals' Board.

Senior space officials from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States gathered to continue strengthening cooperation in the space domain and reaffirm their shared commitment to responsible behaviour in space.

For more than a decade, the CSpO initiative has advanced collaborative efforts to address the rapidly evolving challenges and opportunities in the space domain.

Australia's delegation lead Commander Space Command Major General Greg Novak said assured access to space was integral to Australia's prosperity and security.

"Space-based and enabled technologies provide everyday services we at times take for granted, such as navigation, telecommunications, commerce and weather forecasting," Major General Novak said.

"Disruption to these services risks compromising our security and wider national interests.

"The CSpO initiative provides an opportunity to discuss shared space domain interests, as well as concerns about the growing threats posed by irresponsible and unsafe behaviours in space."

Unsafe behaviours put the space domain at risk and could lead to miscalculation both in space and on Earth.

Facing such challenges, the principals reiterated their commitment to international law and responsible behaviours.

Major General Novak said that as a CSpO initiative nation, Australia was committed to deterring conflict, maintaining a secure and stable domain and opposing activities that threatened operations in, from, to and through space.

Looking ahead, the principals agreed to work together on safeguarding access to space and championing responsible behaviours to ensure stability and security of space domain capabilities that underpin economic growth, scientific progress and global security.

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Diplomacy, the Australian Way

Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

17 December 2025

Category: International relations

Jan Adams AO PSM

Secretary

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Sir John Quick Lecture, 25 November 2025, Bendigo

Good evening, what a pleasure to be here on this gorgeous evening in this spectacular building. Let me thank Aunty Sandy for the very thoughtful and personal welcome to country.

I too would like to acknowledge and extend my appreciation to the Traditional Owners of this land, and pay respects to leaders and Elders past, present and emerging.

I really do want to thank you for the invitation to speak here this evening. A few people said to me "oh you must do this a lot" actually, I hardly do it at all. But really, it's such a great thrill to be here in this important regional centre with such a rich role in Australia's history of international engagement.

With trade and investment across many key sectors cultural ties and, of course, education and research through this vital institution, La Trobe University.

I'd also like to pass my congratulations and admiration to the winners of the prizes this evening. I remember being a law student, I remember the hours, you've really put it in, congratulations on the recognition.

For me, as a Victorian, as was mentioned, it really is quite the honour to give this lecture named for the politician, lawyer and writer, Sir John Quick, Bendigo's champion of Federation.

Now I am going to discuss diplomacy a bit, so let me start with the first principles.

Australia's engagement with the world begins with who we are. Our values shape our interests, and those interests shape our diplomacy.

It was in the 1890s that colonial Australians first saw themselves as more than subjects in six outposts of imperial Britain. They were becoming a joined-up community with aspirations for self-determination and shared progress.

Bendigo, by then, already understood the value of international engagement.

During the very famous Gold Rush, it had become a global crossroads, drawing migrants from Europe, North America and Asia - including a notable and thriving Chinese community - that left an enduring mark on its economy and culture.

Now John Quick was very much a man of his time. Before he ever worked in law or politics, he worked in the melting pot that was Bendigo's mines.

From those early experiences, he came to see the enormous potential for an independent Australia that was democratic from birth.

When he attended that famous Corowa conference of pro-federation groups in 1893, Quick famously proposed that citizens be given the opportunity to elect their representatives to the convention.

The convention thus formed would construct a federal constitution to be approved in voter referendums held in each of the colonies.

Now Quick's plan was of course adopted. The Commonwealth of Australia that came into existence in January 1901 was democratically created, with a constitution that Quick helped to write.

Imperfect, no doubt, but a foundation for our Australia. With its genesis here in Bendigo.

I think it's really remarkable though that the young Federation did not take immediate possession of all its powers.

In fact, Australia did not assume full sovereignty over our international policy until as late as 1942, when the Australian Parliament finally ratified the British Parliament's 1931 Statute of Westminster.

Well before then, however, Australia's diplomats were busy in the national interest.

In 1910, former Australian Prime Minister George Reid, another hero of Federation, was appointed High Commissioner in London.

He was Australia's first overseas diplomatic appointment of any kind.

Then as now, Australian diplomacy was about three key things:

being principled, knowing who we are, what we value, and what we want;

being agile and clear-eyed, dealing with the world as we find it, and;

being proactive, spotting the opportunity for Australia's advantage, no matter the circumstances.

When George Reid stepped off the boat in London, he immediately saw an opportunity for Australian economic diplomacy in the upcoming Brussels Expo of 1910.

Reid, a big personality, was right there and busy on the ground.

He decreed that promotional pamphlets explaining Australia's excellent stock-raising and meat freezing standards should be translated into French, German and Russian.

As well as that outstanding frozen beef, the Australian pavilion included displays of butter and wool. It all looked so good, the exhibits won awards.

As for Reid then, as for DFAT today. Proactive in the nation's interest, to benefit Australia and Australians today and into the future, in our cities, our regions, the outback, and those travelling, studying and doing business around the world.

Now in a changing world, Australian diplomacy must evolve to meet the times.

As we know, the global strategic environment is changing. As Foreign Minister Penny Wong says, our world is becoming less certain and less stable.

We are seeing great power competition and geoeconomic rivalry.

Countries are using unconstrained power more often, putting internationally agreed rules and norms under great pressure. We see conflict in Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar and elsewhere.

Increasingly, we see tactics like cyberattacks that fall short of war but nevertheless threaten the security of free and open societies.

Misinformation and disinformation is becoming more sophisticated and with the unregulated use of artificial intelligence promoting division and distrust.

In this changing strategic context Australian diplomacy has changed too. It has become more multi-layered, even more agile and deals with evermore complexity.

It involves partnering with a great many agencies here at home, and forging stronger partnerships around the world, to expand our options as a country and build greater resilience.

Our priorities can be described under four pillars. These are our region, our relationships, a rules based international order and our resilience.

So I start with the REGION.

The Indo-Pacific region is where our prosperity and security are ultimately decided.

When we work closely and respectfully with our neighbours, we build a shared capacity to defend and advance our interests.

In recent years, Australia has agreed groundbreaking treaties with four important neighbours: Indonesia, PNG, Nauru and Tuvalu; we've upgraded our partnerships with a further six; and progressed agreements with another three: Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

Now this deliberate architecture of groundbreaking agreements and upgraded relationships anchors and secures Australia in our region.

To complement these strong bilateral relationships, we also advocate the power of regionalism. We believe that ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum carry more weight when they speak with a united voice.

As our Foreign Minister says: "Regionalism is one of the most effective ways for smaller and medium countries to counter power asymmetries." Strength in numbers.

Economic diplomacy is also important to strengthening regional commercial connections.

The Australian Government has an economic strategy called Invested, Southeast Asia economic strategy to 2040. In this strategy we're backing Australian companies to deepen their trade and investment with Southeast Asia, including through a $2 billion infrastructure financing facility. In just two years (2023, 2024) two-way trade with these countries has increased by $6 billion.

We're also building Asia literacy, connecting the people, making the people connections, through the New Colombo Plan, giving Australian students real-world experience across our region.

I've been told that one La Trobe alumnus, Jade Bujeya, completed her Bachelor of Science here at La Trobe University, then went to Seoul to further study with an internship at the Korean Centre for Artificial Photosynthesis. How great!

In the Pacific we work with partners on projects to build resilience:

such as strengthening law enforcement capacity through the Pacific Policing Initiative;

deploying Cyber RAPID teams to help restore services hit by cyber-attacks;

sharing Australia's public health and medical research expertise, and;

addressing food security challenges, working with the CSIRO and Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.

And of course, in the Pacific, measures to mitigate and manage climate change are central. Through our strong domestic commitments, through rejoining the Green Climate Fund and through investing in the Pacific Resilience Facility, we're addressing that existential challenge.

Now even as global aid shrinks, Australia is standing firm in our commitment to the region. Seventy-five cents of every Australian development dollar goes to the Indo Pacific.

Now the second R: Relationships. Diplomacy is fundamentally about RELATIONSHIPS.

As I've said, we are deepening all our key relationships by identifying common interest, and doing the hard work on building common purpose.

The United States is our principal ally and strategic partner. American leadership in our region remains indispensable. The alliance has delivered tremendous mutual benefit for over the last 70 years and will continue to do so.

We have AUKUS, a major partnership also with the United Kingdom, to strengthen deterrence and make a strong contribution to regional stability.

And more recently The Critical Minerals Framework that the Prime Minister and President Trump signed at the White House last month.

This will boost investment by providing the architecture for Australian and American producers to work together on financing and production.

And this work will help Australia build the critical minerals supply chain that will reduce, in time, market concentrations and strengthen our own economic resilience.

Now, just as this part of Victoria was central to the Gold Rush boom a century and a half ago, it is again playing a key role in the search for critical minerals and rare earths. And actually having a new gold rush I think as well.

Less than an hour to the east of here, the Costerfield mine is a globally significant producer of antimony; while an hour and half to the west, Australian company Astron is developing the Donald minerals sands project, which will produce rare earth elements, zircon and titanium.

As they were in the Gold Rush, the strength of our international relationships are crucial to Bendigo's ability to capitalise on this new minerals boom - connecting local resources to global markets, investment and technology.

Back to the key relationships. With China, we are pursuing a stable and constructive relationship with the world's second largest economy and our largest trading partner.

We have prioritised open communication channels between our two countries to facilitate engagement and we speak directly with the Chinese leadership about our interests and concerns.

Just today, we were pleased to host the Chairman of China's National People's Congress, Zhao Leji, in the Australian Parliament in Canberra. He's the third most senior person in the Chinese system. And his visit really does demonstrate the commitment that both countries now are demonstrating to ongoing high level dialogue and communication.

We have strengthened ties also with the United Kingdom, through AUKUS as I already mentioned, and through the Australia-UK FTA - which is one of its first major trade deals after Brexit.

With India, we have a New Roadmap on Economic Engagement, which will help businesses diversify and benefit from increased trade with India as its middle class - and its demand for premium produce - continues to grow rapidly.

We have also boosted our relationships, amongst others, with Japan, the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Philippines, and Singapore across defence, trade and security domains.

Turning to the RULES.

It is a fundamental tenet of our diplomacy, as an ambitious middle power, that a peaceful and prosperous global order can only be maintained through adherence to agreed rules and norms.

Our ability to build coalitions for mutual benefit is even more vital, building on a long track record of success.

Coalitions to write the rules, to promote the rules and to protect the rules that deter conflict, enable free trade, and underpin our security and prosperity.

Australia was a founding member of the United Nations in 1945, we held the first Presidency of the Security Council in 1946, and today we are seeking election to the UN Security Council for the 2029 to 2030 term.

Australia is committed to reform of the multilateral system to meet today's challenges.

In 1986, when Europe, the US and Japan had such impediments to our farm exports, Australia convened the Cairns Group of Agricultural Traders.

After nine years of hard negotiations that coalition embedded free and fair agricultural trade within the global trading rules of what is now the World Trade Organisation - a major win for Australian farmers, and farmers worldwide.

Today we continue to build and diversify Australia's economic and trade partnerships within a rules-based system - all the more important as we face growing global economic uncertainty.

Australia now has 19 free trade agreements, I didn't negotiate them all, with 30 partner economies - it really is an impressive network.

Each deal we do represents an average 13 per cent lift in Australian bilateral trade with that partner. So creating a lot of growth opportunities for importers and exporters.

Australia continues to lead the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) - which is one of the largest free trade agreements in the world.

Last week Australia hosted a meeting of Ministers, the CPTPP Trade Ministers, chaired by Trade Minister Farrell in Melbourne - and those ministers, led by Australia, were united in the really important message that we are not retreating from the rules based international order - we are sticking to our trade commitments because we believe they underpin prosperity.

Export Finance Australia, which is an agency within the DFAT portfolio, is playing an increasingly important role in providing financing for strategic goals - for example, a new operation to refine gallium together with the US and Japan - an element critical to the semi-conductor and defence sectors in WA.

Exports from greater Bendigo, ranging from high grade agricultural fodder to gold, sent to more than 50 countries, are valued at about $2 billion a year. Not to mention the famous Bushmasters.

So we all benefit from global peace and security, a stable world order, and free and fair trade and investment flows.

Despite the importance of these rules and norms, we know that they are not only being challenged but also have not kept pace with emerging transnational threats - disinformation, interference, cyberattacks, economic coercion, etc.

In the face of these challenges, RESILIENCE is another priority domain for government - along with the region, relationships and the rules.

Democratic resilience, cyber resilience, economic security and supply chain resilience, and countering foreign interference - were never the traditional bread and butter of DFAT.

But today we work hand in glove with other government agencies to reinforce our resilience and that of our partners in the region.

So what does this all mean for DFAT's capability?

The ambit of Australian diplomacy has expanded in this complex modern environment. And so has our toolkit of diplomatic statecraft. We are a long way from those days when George Reid himself manned the Australian stall in Europe!

Here I want to leave with three evolving contours of our diplomacy.

Firstly, our diplomatic agenda requires us to use all tools of statecraft.

Our engagement with our partners in Southeast Asia and the Pacific embodies how we are doing that, using all of our levers of national power to reinforce our influence - economic, military, security, development, culture and sport.

It also demonstrates the range of expert skills and capabilities that today's diplomacy demands of our people for us to strengthen our relationships and our region.

We work with commercial partners to connect Pacific islands with air routes. To ensure an Australian banking presence across the region. To build a network of undersea cables that provide secure and reliable connectivity for our neighbours, as we are doing in partnership with Japan and the United States.

DFAT provides the secure Australian Government presence overseas, in an increasingly unpredictable landscape where we face cyber and espionage threats and sometimes conflict.

Our Ambassador for Cyber Affairs Jess Hunter is leading DFAT's work to deter malicious cyber actors through attributions and sanctions. And leading the deployment of those emergency expert teams to assist our regional partners respond to cyber-attacks.

Second, our people are our best asset of course.

Another area that has evolved is the composition of DFAT staff.

The DFAT of earlier years didn't always incorporate the full range of talent in this diverse country.

In this, of course, we reflected the same values expressed in the community that formed the Constitution in 1901. The traditional owners weren't recognised at all and did not have a vote. Women only had the vote in two Australian states.

Sir John Quick, like so many at the time, supported a White Australia policy; and the Chinese community here in Bendigo no doubt suffered because of it.

Today of course, the Chinese heritage here in Bendigo is one of the city's great attractions. Reflecting the fact that today we are a far more inclusive nation and all the better for it. DFAT reflects that diversity.

Today women make up about half of our senior executive management and 45 per cent or more of our heads of overseas missions.

We make a conscious effort to ensure a proportion of our graduate recruits are from regional areas.

Nearly a quarter of our officers are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. We have First Nations staff and senior leaders, including in overseas missions, and actually I am particularly proud that the newly appointed head of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, is a DFAT Graduate, Julie-Ann Guivarra, she was an ambassador and is now head of NIAA.

As the Foreign Minister often says, to represent a modern multicultural nation that we are, you must reflect that modern multicultural nation.

It is a source of great power that Australians can see themselves reflected in the world, and the world can see itself reflected in Australia.

I can certainly say from my years' serving overseas, that our greatest asset is indeed the Australian people.

We work at home and overseas with the Australian business community, farmers, miners, NGOs, community groups, students, media, artists, cultural groups, etc.

We use all these relationships to expand our networks and ultimately to build stronger relationships in the national interest.

Third, DFAT is protecting the welfare of Australians in an uncertain world.

Now perhaps the most visible part of our work is the help we provide to Australian citizens every day, through our consular services.

Australians are great travellers. In the 12 months up to September 2025, Australians made 12.4 million international trips  that's a 10 per cent increase on the previous year.

Of course that's a great thing, contributes to a more informed and open-minded country, connected with the world.

It relies firstly on secure passports that protect your identity, and an efficient and responsive passport service - whether you're applying in Australia or overseas.

A second role for DFAT comes when Australians sometimes can find themselves in strife overseas. We have a global network of highly trained, experienced and compassionate consular officers there to help.

I think it says a lot about our commitment that DFAT's consular and passport services continue to be ranked the most trusted among government agencies.

We also want Australian travellers to be well informed about risk. The Smartraveller website is essential pre-departure reading, covering 179 destinations and issues like alcohol safety.

In times of major international crisis, the Foreign Minister and DFAT are in charge of leading the Australian Government response. We have a Crisis Centre which swings into action. It operates 24/7 around the clock and coordinates Australia's response to emergencies, natural disasters, or conflict.

We have a dedicated crisis response team that deploys overseas to provide essential humanitarian, consular and logistics support, and can help evacuate Australians where needed.

In the Middle East, for example, since the October 7 attacks, we have evacuated over 4200 Australian citizens, Permanent Residents and their family members, as well around 300 foreign nationals, mainly from Pacific neighbours.

Closer to home, when an earthquake struck Vanuatu in December 2024, our Search and Rescue team and our Australian Medical Assistance Team were on the ground fast. They made a real practical difference working side by side with the people of Vanuatu, when others were handing out giant cheques with little immediate impact.

These crises happen increasingly often, but that's the reality of the world in which we operate. We've adapted to meet the new challenges.

So in conclusion.

As the world has changed, so has Australian statecraft.

We are well aware of the significant challenges ahead.

But we are not choosing merely to adapt to a world less stable; we are seizing every opportunity to shape it for the better.

As always we will be agile, principled and proactive in meeting the moment.

We are deploying all the tools of national power to shape a peaceful, prosperous future in Australia's national interest.

Globally, we are defending rules and the multilateral system, protecting Australian citizens, and promoting Australia's interests in trade and security.

In our region, we are deepening Pacific partnerships in unprecedented ways, turbocharging our economic ties with Southeast Asia, and upgrading and diversifying all the key relationships.

John Quick's goal and that of all the Federation makers was a united, independent, fiercely democratic Australia. Ready and able to engage with the world on our own terms, in our own interests.

And that's exactly what we do. Thank you for your interest.

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C-130J Hercules block upgrade program complete

Issued by Defence Media

17 December 2025

Final Operational Capability (FOC) has been declared for the block upgrade of Australia's C-130J Hercules fleet.

The fleet of 12 aircraft are operated by No. 37 Squadron, based at RAAF Base Richmond, NSW.

Delivered under Project AIR 5440, the upgrades to aircraft systems and safety-critical software and hardware bring the C-130J Hercules fleet up to the latest Block configuration (Block 8.1), enhancing capability, reliability, and mission readiness.

Additionally, the aircraft have received significant upgrades to their communications and navigation suite; incorporating datalink, integrated satellite voice, new high-frequency radios, and improved instrument approach capabilities.

The first aircraft was upgraded by Lockheed Martin in the United States with support from the United States Air Force. The remaining 11 aircraft were modified at RAAF Base Richmond by C-130J sustainment partner Airbus Australia Pacific.

The C-130J Full Flight Simulator has also been upgraded, with system modifications completed by CAE Australia.

The C-130J Hercules was introduced to Australian service in 1999. Capable of moving approximately 120 passengers or up to 20 tonnes of cargo, the aircraft provides a medium air mobility capability for the Australian Defence Force between the smaller C-27J Spartan and larger C-17A Globemaster III.

The Block 8.1 upgrades will ensure the aircraft remain at the forefront of capability until deliveries of Australia's expanded replacement fleet of 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft begin later this decade.

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Training boosts Pacific maritime security

By Lieutenant Commander Dennis Carroll

17 December 2025

Sea Training Unit - Defence Corporation Program (STU-DCP) played a key role in Operation Ika Moana 2025, delivering advanced maritime refresher training to Pacific partner nations under the Pacific Maritime Security Program.

Conducted over several days in Samoa's exclusive economic zone, the multinational activity brought together naval and maritime police, industry and whole-of-government personnel from across the Pacific.

Participants undertook intensive, scenario-based exercises designed to enhance safety, seamanship and operational readiness.

Members of STU-DCP worked alongside participating crews to deliver specialist instruction in critical areas such as damage control, seaworthiness readiness and emergency incident response.

Using a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on drills, instructors replicated real-life maritime challenges, ensuring crews could respond effectively to onboard incidents such as machinery space fires, gas alarm activations, emergency pumping operations and medical training.

STU-DCP tailored its approach to build upon the training provided to Pacific partners through the Pacific Maritime Security Program.

Training was aligned to regional security priorities and international safety standards, and complemented additional training provided by the Pacific Quadrilateral Coordination Group partners, the Royal New Zealand Navy and United States Coast Guard.

Commander Paul Savage said the operation was instrumental in strengthening regional maritime security and resilience.

"Partnership is at the heart of this program," Commander Savage said.

"We are here to share knowledge, build confidence and ensure that every participating crew is equipped to meet the demands of modern maritime operations."

The initiative formed part of Australia's ongoing commitment to Pacific maritime security through the Pacific Maritime Security Program, a 30-year investment comprising end-to-end capability delivery, training, sustainment and regional coordination.

It is a cornerstone of the Defence Cooperation Program.

With positive feedback from participants and clear gains in operational capability, discussions are already underway on future iterations of Operation Ika Moana, ensuring the momentum built during this program continues to benefit the region's maritime forces.

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Belarus: Freeing political prisoners does not end policy of repression, warns UN expert

Press releases

Special Procedures

17 December 2025

GENEVA -- A UN expert today welcomed the recent releases of prisoners convicted in relation to protests around the 2020 presidential elections but cautioned against excessive optimism about the human rights situation in Belarus.

"Many of those released, including politicians, human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, trade unionists and civil activists, were convicted without fair trials in retaliation for their professional activities or for their exercise of civil and political rights," said Nils Muiznieks, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus.

"The recent releases have been accompanied by expulsions to other countries, while those who were allowed to remain in Belarus upon liberation have been placed under a draconian surveillance regime and prevented from re-entering the professional labour market," Muiznieks said.

The expert warned that detentions and prosecutions on politically motivated grounds continue along with the releases. "The overall number of people designated by human rights defenders as political prisoners still in detention remains over 1100, which means Belarus continues to rank among the countries with the highest number of political prisoners per capita," he said.

Over the past year, several waves of releases have occurred for prisoners convicted in connection with the 2020 events. The most recent release, on 13 December 2025, included the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and two major political opposition leaders, Viktar Babaryka and Maryia Kalesnikava, among others. Upon release, they were transferred to Ukraine. Previously, in September 2025, another group of prisoners was expelled to Lithuania, many without identity documents.

Muiznieks said that while State media presented these releases as "pardons", the politician Mikalai Statkevich who refused to leave the country, was reportedly apprehended and placed in detention again. Some other recently released prisoners saw new criminal cases opened against them in absentia. Some of those expelled were either nearing the end of their prison terms or had already served their terms, their imprisonment having been arbitrarily prolonged based on article 411 of the Criminal Code for "malicious disobedience to penitentiary authorities", a provision repeatedly criticised by UN experts.

"These people were looking forward to returning to their homes and families. Instead, they were expelled from the country, left without means of subsistence and, in some cases, stripped of identity documents," Muiznieks said.

"Returning to Belarus for them means facing new criminal charges and imprisonment. Those are not pardons, but forced exile," he said.

Muiznieks and other UN experts have repeatedly flagged consistent allegations of wide-scale severe ill-treatment in places of detention in Belarus, particularly targeting persons convicted in relation to the 2020 protests. Several political prisoners lost their lives in detention under unclarified circumstances, while others died shortly upon release.

"While the prisoner releases are certainly a relief, there are no signs from Belarusian authorities of a change in the policy or practice of repression and no declarations to that effect," Muiznieks said. "Until perpetrators of grave human rights violations are held accountable, all political prisoners are released and all Belarusians in exile can safely return to Belarus and are allowed to speak and work freely, we cannot speak of a normalisation of the situation."

Nils Muiznieks is the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/

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Washington And Brussels Play Good Cop, Bad Cop On Belarus

By Rikard Jozwiak December 17, 2025

Recent moves by Washington and Brussels show diplomatic tracks heading in opposite directions with regard to Belarus, highlighting a growing divide between the allies on how to deal with Europe's security.

On one side of the Atlantic Ocean, the United States is engaging Minsk and its authoritarian ruler, Aleksandr Lukashenko, by easing sanctions in exchange for the release of political prisoners, including 123 last weekend.

That contrasts starkly with what's happening in Brussels, where European Union officials are still adding to their restrictive measures targeting Lukashenko, a steadfast ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

New Line Of Communication

Supporters of the moves by US President Donald Trump's administration to open up dialogue with Minsk say it's a clear strategy to open another line of communication with the Kremlin, which has relied on Belarus's support in the war against Ukraine.

"Your president [Lukashenko] has a long history with President Putin and has the ability to advise him. This is very useful in this situation," Trump's envoy to Belarus, John Coale, said after holding talks with Lukashenko that lead to the prisoner release, noting the Belarus leader might be able to change Putin's mind in the context of the ongoing talks to end the war in Ukraine.

"Naturally, President Putin may accept some advice and not others. This is a way to facilitate the process," he added.

But critics fear the dismantling of years of coordinated pressure against a country that has witnessed a brutal, sometimes deadly, crackdown on civil society. Even limited diplomatic contact, they say, could give legitimacy to Lukashenko's regime.

"For the EU, copying Washington's approach would be strategically misguided: unlike the US, the EU shares a border with Belarus, faces immediate security risks from Russia's military presence there, and has already invested significantly in supporting Belarusian democratic forces," said Giselle Bosse, a professor and Jean Monnet chair at Maastricht University.

"What might serve short-term US diplomatic goals would therefore undermine the EU's long-term security and values-based strategy," she wrote recently.

Lifting Of US Sanctions

Trump surprised many by speaking to Lukashenko by phone in August just ahead of a summit with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska.

That was followed by the lifting of sanctions on Belarus national air carrier Belavia, meaning the US government was allowing all US entities and individuals to do business with the airline. At the same time, Minsk announced the release of pardoned and released 31 Ukrainian citizens who had been held in Belarus, one of a series of prisoner releases over the past year.

The most recent prisoner release was preceded by an announcement that Washington was lifting sanctions on Belarus's lucrative fertilizer exports -- including its biggest company, Belaruskali -- which provide major source of income to Lukashenko's regime.

For Lukashenko, long criticized and isolated by the West as a dictator and staunch Putin ally, Trump's call represented a diplomatic breakthrough.

Some criticized the call fearing it gave Lukashenko his first step back toward the international diplomatic stage.

But Trump supporters and some analysts applauded the move, saying engagement was needed after years of trying to isolate Belarus.

Mark Episkopos, a research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft and adjunct professor of history at Marymount University in Virginia, lauded the December 13 release of prisoners and overall engagement with Minsk, calling it "necessary work in driving US-Belarus normalization forward step by step."

"The best and only viable way to address these challenges is through sustained dialogue with Belarus, not by pushing for a change in government or punishing Minsk until it cuts ties with Moscow," he wrote recently.

'Europe's Last Dictator'

Long considered a pariah and dubbed "Europe's last dictator," Lukashenko has walked a tightrope between Russia -- which is Belarus's largest trading partner -- and the West.

After the 2020 presidential election in which Lukashenko claimed victory, opposition groups declared the results a sham and sparked weeks of massive protests. Lukashenko's security forces responded with a brutal crackdown, arresting over 30,000 people, many of whom reported torture and ill-treatment in custody.

The crackdown pushed most opposition politicians to leave Belarus fearing for their safety and freedom. Meanwhile, many Western governments have refused to recognize the results of the 2020 election and do not consider Lukashenko to be the country's legitimate leader.

While Brussels has targeted the country and its leadership both for human rights abuses, siding with Russia in the war against Ukraine, and for pushing migrants from Asia and Africa onto EU borders, the EU via unanimity on December 15 added three more criteria for targeting the Lukashenko regime.

Belarusians can now be sanctioned if they are deemed to have planned or been engaged in "foreign information manipulation and interference" in the EU.

They can also be sanctioned for actions targeted "at the functioning of democratic institutions, economic activities or services of public interestof the EU" and finally it will be a sanctionable offense to enter EU territory unauthorized.

The last criteria is the most crucial one as it is a direct EU response to the weather balloons normally used by Belarus for counterfeit cigarette smuggling that entered Lithuania and interfered with its air traffic in recent months.

Lithuanian officials recently told RFE/RL that a total of 315 unauthorized balloons have entered the country from Belarus since June, peaking in October with 71 airspace incursions. The incursions have forced the two biggest Lithuanian airports in Kaunas and Vilnius to temporarily shut down 15 times this year alone, affecting over 320 flights and 45,000 passengers.

According to several EU officials that RFE/RL has been in contact with, the bloc will renew all its Belarus sanctions in the coming weeks as all 27 EU member states agree that the sanctions should be maintained.

Vilnius also is expected to suggest more sanctions in early January on those responsible for the balloon incursions, while more economic sanctions on Minsk are expected to be included in the EU's 20th sanctions package on Russia, which is set to be approved around the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in late February.

When asked after a foreign affairs meeting in Brussels this week whether the EU would consider following the US example and ease sanctions, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas rejected the suggestion.

"As long as this war is going on and Belarus is clearly helping Russia in its war efforts and also hybrid attacks against European member states, our position has been very clear. We are putting more sanctions on Belarus and to pressure them into not using these tactics against us. So, raising the cost for them to change the calculus," Kallas said.

Several EU diplomats speaking on the condition of anonymity were also adamant that the US moves didn't affect Brussels' thinking at all, with one adding that "the US can give whatever sanctions relief they want, [but] without the EU playing ball, nothing will happen for a landlocked country like Belarus."

Another argued that because the US doesn't border Belarus, it does not "sense the same threat perception as Europe," while conceding that Washington likely sees Lukashenko as a useful conduit to influence Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the US quest to broker peace between Moscow and Kyiv.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/washington-sanctions- belarus-eu-transatlantic-rift/33625647.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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China's naval hospital ship Silk Road Ark leaves Jamaica for Barbados

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source China Military Online

EditorHuang Panyue

Time2025-12-17 18:55:09

BEIJING, Dec. 17 -- The Chinese PLA Navy's hospital ship Silk Road Ark (Hull 867), which is on the Mission Harmony 2025, concluded its 12-day friendly visit to Jamaica on December 16, 2025, and left for Barbados, the next stop of its mission.

During its stay in Jamaica, the hospital ship Silk Road Ark provided medical services to the local people affected by the hurricane disaster. They also carried out joint diagnosis and treatment and academic exchange activities with the local medical personnel, setting the record for the longest duration of medical services provided in a single country during the Mission Harmony series of missions.

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Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: December 17, 2025 23:31

On December 17, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil at the latter's request.

Yvan Gil briefed Wang Yi on the current situation in Venezuela, stressing that the Venezuelan government and people will firmly defend the country's sovereignty and independence, resolutely safeguard their legitimate rights, and not accept any threats of power politics and bullying.

Wang Yi said that China and Venezuela are strategic partners, and mutual trust and support is the tradition of China-Venezuela relations. China opposes all forms of unilateralism and bullying and supports all countries in defending their sovereignty and national dignity. Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries. China believes that the international community understands and supports Venezuela's position of safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests.

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Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: December 16, 2025 23:31

On December 16, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty at the latter's request.

Wang Yi said that China and Egypt are comprehensive strategic partners. President Xi Jinping and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi have forged a solid friendship and provided strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations. The two sides should take the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt next year as an opportunity to firmly support each other, deepen practical cooperation, strengthen coordination in multilateral affairs, elevate the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, help the Global South jointly advance modernization and make new contributions from China and Egypt to world peace and development. China will host the second China-Arab States Summit next year. Egypt is an important member of the Arab world, and China is ready to enhance communication with Egypt to ensure the complete success of the summit. The Chinese side welcomes Egyptian leaders to China for the great event.

Badr Abdelatty said that the Egypt-China comprehensive strategic partnership rests on a solid foundation. Egypt firmly opposes foreign interference in China's internal affairs, remains steadfast in upholding the one-China principle, and consistently maintains that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Noting that next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said that Egypt looks forward to closer high-level exchanges with China, deeper practical cooperation, and further growth in bilateral relations. He warmly congratulated the fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on adopting the Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, and sincerely wished China continuous and new achievements in its development. Egypt supports the four global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping and supports China in hosting the second China-Arab States Summit.

Badr Abdelatty briefed Wang Yi on the latest developments in the situation in Gaza, expressing Egypt's high appreciation for China's important proposals on resolving the Palestinian question and its announcement of a new round of assistance to Palestine. Egypt supports China in playing an important role in restoring peace and advancing reconstruction in Gaza.

Wang Yi said that the Gaza conflict has lasted for more than two years, claiming the lives of over 70,000 Palestinian civilians, and that this grave humanitarian catastrophe must be brought to an end. The current ceasefire remains fragile and the outlook is still worrying, which warrants close attention from all parties. The core is to prevent a resumption of hostilities and a repeat of the tragedy. Post-conflict governance in Gaza must be considered in conjunction with a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian question. First, the principle of "Palestinians governing Palestine" must be upheld. Gaza's future and destiny should be in the hands of the Palestinian people themselves. Second, the legitimate concerns of countries in the Middle East must be taken into account. The voices of Arab countries should be seriously heard and their role effectively brought into play. Third, efforts must be aligned with the correct direction of the two-State solution and linked to the goal of realizing an independent statehood of Palestine. Fourth, the effective participation of the United Nations (UN) and the UN Security Council must be ensured, supporting them in playing their due role in post-conflict governance in Gaza.

Wang Yi said that President Xi Jinping's announcement of a new round of Chinese assistance to Palestine is aimed at easing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and supporting the recovery and reconstruction in Gaza. China speaks highly of Egypt's positive efforts and will continue to support Egypt in playing a constructive role in safeguarding regional peace, working together to promote a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question at an early date.

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Transcript of Special Briefing by MEA on Prime Minister's Visit to Ethiopia (December 17, 2025)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

December 17, 2025

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. I warmly welcome all of you to this special press briefing by Secretary (ER), Shri Sudhakar Dalela, on the ongoing bilateral visit of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to Ethiopia.

As you all know, for us, Ethiopia is a very important partner in the Global South and a lot on this visit has been focused as to how we can strengthen this partnership further, not just for ourselves, but also for the larger community in the Global South as well.

We are also joined by our Ambassador to Ethiopia, Shri Anil Rai and Joint Secretary (E&SA) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri Janesh Kain.

With that, I invite Secretary (ER) for his initial remarks, after which we can take some questions from the floor. Sir, the mic is yours.

Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER): Thank you very much, Randhir and Good Morning everyone.

As you are aware, Prime Minister Modi is on his first bilateral visit to Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia at the invitation of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali. Prime Minister arrived in Addis Ababa yesterday evening and was received very warmly at the airport by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy.

Prime Minister Abiy drove Prime Minister Modi directly to National Science Museum and Friendship Park in the city. Later, Prime Minister was accorded ceremonial welcome at the National Palace where he inspected the Guard of Honor.

Subsequently, the two leaders met in one-to-one format followed by delegation-level talks and banquet hosted by Prime Minister Abiy. The two leaders had productive and wide-ranging discussions where they reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral partnership. Both sides agreed to further expand cooperation in areas including trade and investment, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, skill development, defense, mining, Artificial Intelligence, and digital public infrastructure.

In the context of food security and health security, Prime Minister Modi expressed and conveyed India's readiness to share our own development experience in the area of agri-technology, natural farming, digital health, and how we are leveraging technology for better health services to our people, traditional medicine, and he said that India would be happy to work with Ethiopia in these areas in the coming months.

Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Abiy for Ethiopia's strong support in our common fight against terrorism in all its manifestations. The two leaders witnessed the exchange of several MOUs in diverse areas such as customs cooperation, training for peacekeeping missions, establishment of a data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Office.

During their meeting, the two leaders decided to elevate the bilateral partnership to a strategic partnership, marking a whole new chapter in our bilateral engagement with Ethiopia. This elevation further solidifies our collective commitment to work even more closely in areas of mutual interests.

At the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment toward bilateral development cooperation. For decades, as you know, Indian teachers have been significantly contributing to Ethiopia's education sector. In this vein, it was agreed to further deepen cooperation in the field of education, skilling, and capacity building.

India would be happy to organize special short-term courses in the field of Artificial Intelligence under the ITEC program for Ethiopia. Prime Minister Modi also announced doubling of the number of ICCR scholarships offered annually to Ethiopian students to study in India.

Similarly, in the field of healthcare, it was conveyed that India was ready to partner with Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in augmenting its capacity through supply of equipment, and provisioning of training programs, especially in the areas of maternal and neonatal health, emergency medicine, and trauma care.

During his interaction with Prime Minister Dr. Abiy, Prime Minister Modi expressed satisfaction at the growing participation of Indian companies, Indian private sector in Ethiopia's economic transformation, particularly in the areas of manufacturing and pharmaceutical sector.

The two leaders reaffirmed that India and Ethiopia stood united in advancing a more inclusive, equitable, rule-based global order. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to work together on global matters of mutual importance, and to amplify the voice of Global South.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed India's support to Ethiopia's accession process at the WTO, as well as membership to the New Development Bank. As all of you know, Ethiopia has recently joined the BRICS grouping, and as I mentioned, India has been a consistent supporter of Ethiopia's bid to join as borrowing member to the New Development Bank.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Modi underscored India's abiding commitment toward the wider African continent and commitment to work together in the spirit of South-South cooperation, including within the framework of India-Africa Forum Summit. Prime Minister Modi lauded the positive contribution of the members of the Indian community in Ethiopia who for decades have served as the living bridge between our two countries.

At a special ceremony organized at the Addis International Convention Center last evening, Prime Minister Modi received Ethiopia's highest award, the "Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia" from Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy. Prime Minister Modi dedicated the award to all those Indians and Ethiopians who have nurtured the bilateral ties for ages and conveyed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of 1.4 billion people of India.

This morning, Prime Minister will be addressing the joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, and he looks forward to his interaction with the Speaker of the Parliament and other distinguished leaders. He will also be visiting Adwa Museum, pay respects and lay wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument.

Prime Minister Modi has also invited Prime Minister Abiy to participate in the AI Impact Summit scheduled to be held in India in February next year, as also the BRICS Summit that we propose to host next year in India. As all of you know, from 1st January 2026, India will assume chairmanship of the BRICS grouping for one year.

You would have seen two press releases on PM's engagement issued last evening, as well as Prime Minister's remark on the occasion of the conferment of highest award on him by Prime Minister Abiy. You have seen the visuals emerging from various engagements, meetings, welcome ceremony which clearly indicate the warm personal connect between the two leaders.

With these words, I will be happy to respond to any questions that you may have about the ongoing visit. Thank you.

Sushil Chandra Tiwari, All India Radio News: Sir, I am Sushil Chandra Tiwari from All India Radio News. My question is sir ki donon deshon ke beech jo shikshak hain jo teacher hain, unhone ek bahut bada role play kiya hai pichle kai dashakon mein, toh ab jo kal baat cheet hui hai uske baad hum jo education ke kshetra mein kis tareeke se apne sahyog ko badhane ja rahe hain?

Aur, doosra if you can allow me to ask one more question, the second thing is what the impact of this elevation of bilateral ties to Strategic Partnership is going to impact both countries?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Sushil Chandra Tiwari from All India Radio News. My question is about the educatorsthe teachersbetween the two countries, who have played a very significant role over the past several decades. So, after the discussions that took place yesterday, in what ways are we going to further enhance our cooperation in the field of education?

And second, if you can allow me to ask one more question: what is the impact of the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership on both countries?

Ashwini Mishra, DD News: Sir, main Ashwini Mishra DD News se, teen MOUs sign huye hain unme se sir ek debt restructuring the in the respect of Ethiopia under the G20 Common Framework, isme kaise Ethiopia ki vittiya sahayata sunishchit ki ja sakegi?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Ashwini Mishra from DD News. Three MoUs have been signed. One of these three MoUs relates to debt restructuring in respect of Ethiopia under the G20 Common Framework. How will this ensure financial assistance for Ethiopia?

Dipika, DD India: I am Dipika from DD India, sir. When we talk about the elevation of bilateral ties to Strategic Levels, what would be the next steps to implement the same?

Tenkujis Girma, Ethiopia News Agency: Tenkujis Girma from Ethiopia News Agency. My question is, what is expected from this visit as the two countries as members of BRICS to further strengthen the Global South cooperation? Finally, how will India support African voice and the leadership in global governance including reform of international institution as well as the representation of Africa at international global level?

Rishabh Singh, IANS News Agency: Rishabh Singh this side from IANS News Agency. My question is what role Indian private sector will play to strengthening Strategic Partnership?

Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER): Thank you very much for these questions. I would like to answer these questions in the order that these were raised. There were some overlapping questions also.

The first question was regarding the role of Indian teachers, jo hamare Bhartiya shikshak yahan Ethiopia mein unhone kaam kiya hai, uss partnership ko kaise aage badhayenge? Jaisa maine bola ki aap kisi bhi yahan pe Ethiopian leader se milte hain toh woh batate hain ki kis tareeke se Bhartiya adhyapakon ne yahan pe contribute kiya hai education sector mein. Toh hamari jo Ethiopia se education partnership hai woh kaafi majboot hai. Hum Ethiopia ke students ke liye kaafi scholarship program mein unko admission dete hain higher education mein, aur yahan par Ethiopia mein kaafi ruchi hai ki woh Bharat mein aake padhai karein. Toh usko dekhte huye Pradhanmantri ne jo hamare scholarship ke slots hain Ethiopia ke liye usko double karne ka announce kiya hai.

Hamara ek ITEC program hai, jaisa maloom hai aapko usme bhi Ethiopia se bahut hi officials, students, professionals aate hain, pichle das saalon mein takreeban 3,000 log Ethiopia se aaye hain ITEC program mein for skill development. So donon mila ke scholarship program aur ITEC program jo hamare hain India ke, usme Ethiopia ek bahut hi majboot bhaagidaar raha hai aur aage ke mahino mein aur varshon mein hum chahenge ki Ethiopia ki taraf se aur bachche aur students Bharat mein padhne aayein.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] The first question was regarding the role of Indian teachershow our Indian educators who have worked here in Ethiopia have contributed, and how we will take that partnership forward. As I mentioned, whenever you meet any Ethiopian leader here, they talk about the way Indian teachers have contributed to the education sector in this country. So, our education partnership with Ethiopia is quite strong.

We offer admissions to Ethiopian students under several scholarship programmes for higher education, and there is considerable interest here in Ethiopia in coming to India to study. Keeping this in mind, the Prime Minister has announced that the number of scholarship slots for Ethiopia will be doubled.

We also have the ITEC programme, as you are aware. Under this programme as well, a very large number of officials, students, and professionals come from Ethiopia. Over the past ten years, approximately 3,000 people from Ethiopia have participated in the ITEC programme for skill development. So, taken togetherour scholarship programmes and the ITEC programmeEthiopia has been a very strong partner for India. In the coming months and years, we would like to see even more children and students from Ethiopia come to India for education.

There were two questions regarding Strategic Partnership that both the leaders have announced, the elevation of bilateral relationship to Strategic Partnership and what it entails in actual terms and what both governments will do to realize this strategic partnership.

I think elevation of the ties to Strategic Partnership comes in the backdrop of very warm, friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation that we have enjoyed over the last few years. This elevation of course is a very landmark outcome of this visit. Both the leaders have identified new sectors of cooperation, I alluded to agriculture, health, digital cooperation in the area of Digital Public Infrastructure. Prime Minister Abiy has expressed lot of interest in technology, artificial intelligence area to work with India and to learn from India's development experience. Defense and security is another important area. We signed the MoU on defense cooperation earlier this year in India.

So, both the leaders have given us a very clear political guidance that these are the sectors in which Ethiopia is very keen to work with India. And Prime Minister Modi was very forthcoming in conveying to Prime Minister Abiy that India would work shoulder to shoulder with Ethiopia in the spirit of South-South cooperation and expand our partnership across these sectors.

As a next step, as you asked me, Dipika, that we would be engaging with our partners in Ethiopia very closely in the coming weeks and months. And we would like to lay out a very concrete roadmap across these sectors as to how we can work together with Ethiopia. I see tremendous opportunity for working with Ethiopia in the area of trade and investment, skilling, capacity building, and the whole gamut of development cooperation. So, we are very excited about taking our partnership with Ethiopia forward in a manner that has been instructed by the two leaders yesterday to all of us.

There was a question on debt restructuring. You are right that there is a G20 Common Framework on debt to address the debt vulnerability of some developing countries. They had agreed to lay out this framework. India has signed the MoU which will give some sort of leeway to Ethiopia in terms of debt payment under the lines of credit given by India to Ethiopia in the past few years.

As I mentioned, I think there was a question on BRICS. As I mentioned to you, Ethiopia has only joined BRICS last year, and we are delighted to welcome Ethiopia in BRICS. And we are going to host a number of activities under the auspices of BRICS framework beginning January next year. And Prime Minister Modi has already extended invitation to Prime Minister Abiy to participate in the BRICS summit next year. We will of course convey the details of these activities as we enter the next year.

There was also a question on how India and Ethiopia can work together to promote greater voice of Africa, and African representation in multilateral forums. I think all of you know India and Africa, India and Ethiopia share a strong commitment in strengthening Africa's voice on global decision making. We both believe, India and Ethiopia, that international institutions must reflect contemporary global realities rather than outdated structures. India supports Africa's rightful place in the UN Security Council, a stronger role in global financial bodies and greater space for African perspective on climate adaptation, trade, technology and development.

As Ethiopia is a key member of African Union and now BRICS partner also for us, we would be working very closely and coordinating with them in addressing these questions across multilateral fora.

Yes, thank you Randhir for reminding me about it. Yes, I think private sector has been playing a very important role in strengthening our trade and economic ties over the years. As Prime Minister Abiy himself mentioned yesterday, more than 650 Indian companies have sort of invested and registered with the Ethiopian licensing investment department with an investment of over US dollar 5 billion.

They have also created a number of jobs in Ethiopia, more than 75,000, that is the number Ambassador has given me. So, I think if you look at the sort of fabric of India-Ethiopia cooperation in economic matters, we do have manufacturing sector, agriculture, and of course technology and services domain. And, in all these areas, Indian private sector has been investing in Ethiopia. But given the reform agenda that Prime Minister Abiy has undertaken in the area of economy and development, Prime Minister Modi conveyed to Prime Minister Abiy that India will work very closely with Ethiopia as per Ethiopia's priorities and encourage Indian private sector to do more in Ethiopia.

So, I expect more engagement in the area of business communities and trade and investment in the coming weeks and months. Thank you.

Unidentified Speaker: Sir, there are two key sectors, one is agriculture and another one is digital public infrastructure in which India has done a lot and many countries are trying to learn from India. So, after the outcomes of yesterday's talks, what kind of plans you are seeing in next coming years?

Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER): Thank you very much for these highlighting these two areas of collaboration, agriculture and technology, particularly DPI. And as I mentioned to you, Ethiopia and India have signed an MoU for cooperation on DPI last year. And we are going to implement it now. We would be very happy to welcome a delegation from Ethiopia.

And Prime Minister in fact mentioned about this that Ethiopian government can send a team of officers, professionals, and with whom we can you know explain how DPI is benefitting across sectors in India. How technology can be harnessed for development. How our UPI payment system has given access to an empowered people, millions of people in India. So, I think this is a very important area of partnership which has been identified by the two leaders. And I would expect more engagement, more visits to understand what we can do together in this area.

Similarly in agriculture, as I mentioned to you, Prime Minister Modi spoke about natural farming, agri-technology, again how we are using technology in building our agri-stack and this is also an area where we would be working very closely with Ethiopia going forward. Thank you.

Ashwini, DD News: Sir main Ashwini hoon DD News se. Sir jis tarike se Pradhan Mantri Abiy ne kaha ki Bharat ke 2047 tak Viksit Bharat ke vision se woh inspire hue, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi ke. Digitalization ko unhone yahan pe ek tarike se follow kiya. Toh 2047 tak Bharat Viksit Bharat aur Agenda 2063 jo Africa ka hai. In lihaz se yeh yatra kya yeh mana jaaye ki Africa India 2.0 phase mein pahunch chuki hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Ashwini from DD News. Sir, the way Prime Minister Abiy said that he is inspired by India's vision of a Developed India by 2047, and the way he has, in a sense, followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's digitalization model here. So, with Developed India by 2047 and Africa's Agenda 2063 in mind, can this visit be considered as Africa-India relations having entered the India-Africa 2.0 phase?

Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER): Bahut bahut dhanyavaad is prashn ke liye. Aapne bilkul sahi bola ki African continent wide inka ek apna vikas ka apna agenda hai jisko woh 2063 bolte hain. Aur hamara jaisa aapko maalum hai 2047 Viksit Bharat ka goal hai.

Aur dono mein jo hai kaafi similarities hain, chahe woh agriculture ho, chahe woh digital technology ho, chahe woh manufacturing sector ho, chahe woh development of human capital ho. Aur un sab kshetron mein hamari koshish hai ki jo hamari India Africa Forum Summit jiska hum koshish kar rahe hain organize karne ki African Union ke saath mein milkar, us muddon pe discussion ho aur hum un vicharon ko aur un sectors mein cooperation ko kaise aage badhayein uspe hamari baat cheet ho.

So aapne bilkul theek bola ki Agenda 2063 of Africa, and Viksit Bharat goal both converge and hum log bahut hi majbooti se baat cheet ke zariye India Africa Forum Summit ke zariye aur bilateral partnership ke zariye in muddon par baat cheet karenge aur cooperation ko aage badhayenge. Thank you.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Thank you very much for this question. You are absolutely right that the African continent has its own continent-wide development agenda, which is called Agenda 2063. And as you know, we have our goal of a Developed India by 2047. There are many similarities between the twowhether it is agriculture, digital technology, the manufacturing sector, or the development of human capital. In all these areas, our effort is that, through the India-Africa Forum Summit, which we are trying to organize jointly with the African Union, these issues are discussed and we deliberate on how to further advance ideas and cooperation in these sectors.

So, you are correct that Africa's Agenda 2063 and the Viksit Bharat goal do converge. We will, through dialoguevia the India-Africa Forum Summit as well as through bilateral partnershipsdiscuss these issues in a very robust manner and take cooperation forward. Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: With that, ladies and gentlemen, we come to the close of this press briefing. Thank you very much.

Addis Ababa

December 17, 2025

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Dr. Jitendra Singh Says SHANTI Bill Retains Strong Safety and Liability Safeguards Amid Lok Sabha Debate

India - Press Information Bureau

Department of Atomic Energy

Statutory Status for Nuclear Regulator, Updated Liability Framework at Core of SHANTI Bill: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Private Participation Needed to Meet India's 2047 Clean Energy Goals, Minister Tells Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha Hears Minister's Detailed Reply on SHANTI Bill, Emphasising Safety, Accountability and Clean Energy Goals

Posted On: 17 DEC 2025 7:33PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday replied to the debate in the Lok Sabha on the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025, addressing concerns raised by Members and outlining the government's rationale for introducing a comprehensive new nuclear law. Responding to points cutting across party lines, the Minister said the Bill seeks to modernise India's nuclear framework in line with contemporary technological, economic and energy realities, while retaining and strengthening core safety, security and regulatory safeguards that have been in place since the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 .

Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined that the proposed legislation consolidates existing laws and upgrades the regulatory architecture by giving statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, which until now functioned through an executive order. He stressed that safety norms, security controls over fissile material, spent fuel and heavy water, and periodic inspections remain firmly under government oversight, regardless of private participation. The Minister clarified that private entities will not have control over sensitive materials, and that spent fuel management will continue to be handled by the government, as has been the practice for decades .

On liability, a central theme of the debate, the Minister said the Bill does not dilute compensation to victims. He explained that operator liability has been rationalised through graded caps linked to reactor size to encourage newer technologies such as small modular reactors, while ensuring that full compensation is available to affected persons through a multi-layered mechanism. This includes operator liability, a proposed Nuclear Liability Fund backed by the government, and additional international compensation through India's participation in the Convention on Supplementary Compensation. He maintained that supplier liability was removed after detailed consideration of global practices and advances in reactor safety, while negligence and penal provisions remain enforceable under the law .

Dr. Jitendra Singh also rejected the view that the Bill signals a retreat from public sector capability, pointing to a nearly 170 per cent increase in the Department of Atomic Energy's budget over the past decade and a doubling of installed nuclear capacity since 2014. He said India's nuclear contribution to the energy mix remains modest compared to global peers, and scaling it up is essential to meet rising demand from sectors such as data processing, healthcare and industry, alongside renewables. The Bill, he added, enables responsible private and joint venture participation to bridge resource constraints, shorten gestation periods and support the national goal of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, without compromising national security or public interest .

Placing the legislation in a broader context, the Minister said nuclear energy has applications beyond power generation, including cancer care, agriculture and industry, and the Bill for the first time explicitly recognises environmental and economic damage within the definition of nuclear harm. With dedicated investments announced for small modular reactors and research and innovation, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the proposed law aims to create an enabling ecosystem for clean, reliable energy as India approaches the centenary of Independence, while upholding the long-standing commitment to peaceful use of atomic energy.

*****

NKR/AK

(Release ID: 2205519)

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ICG Ship Sarthak Makes Strategic Port Call at Chabahar, Iran

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

The Ship is on Overseas Deployment to Gulf Countries

Posted On: 17 DEC 2025 6:15PM by PIB Delhi

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Sarthak, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, entered the Chabahar port in Islamic Republic of Iran, a strategically placed deep-water port that offers India a direct maritime gateway to Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia. The ship is on a four-day visit from 16-19 December 2025 to Iran.

Marking the first-ever visit of an ICG Ship to the port of Chabahar, it underscores India's growing maritime engagement in the region and ability to provide secure supply lines to Afghanistan and Central Asia, aligned with India's SAGAR & MAHASAGAR vision of secure, cooperative maritime engagements.

During the port call, ICG Ship Sarthak will engage in a wide range of professional and community-oriented activities with the Iranian Navy and other Iranian maritime agencies. These include courtesy calls and professional interactions, aimed at strengthening institutional linkages and enhancing mutual understanding in maritime safety and security.

Key highlights of the port call include joint training activities focusing on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), and Marine Pollution Response (MPR). A marine pollution response demonstration in Chabahar harbour, targeting oil spills and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) spills, will be conducted to showcase coordinated response mechanisms. MRCC-to-MRCC coordination drills, a table-top exercise, and joint Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills will further enhance interoperability and operational preparedness between the two sides.

In addition to professional engagements, the visit will feature sports fixtures and a beach walkathon, with the participation of embarked National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, aligning with the national Puneet Sagar Abhiyan to promote marine environmental awareness and coastal cleanliness.

The port call at Chabahar follows the ship's earlier visit to Kuwait, where ICG Ship Sarthaksuccessfully interacted with the Kuwait Coast Guard, further highlighting the Indian Coast Guard's expanding footprint and constructive engagement with regional maritime partners.

The four-day visit of ICG Ship Sarthakto Chabahar reflects India's commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, promoting a rules-based maritime order, and contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development across the wider Indian Ocean Region and the Gulf.

****

SR/Ruchi

(Release ID: 2205444)

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Iran nuclear issue has no military solution: Foreign Minister Araghchi

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 17, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran's nuclear issue has no military solution, citing attacks by the United States and Israel against Iranian nuclear sites in June, which he said failed to eliminate nuclear technology in the Islamic Republic.

Speaking with Al Jazeera's Fault Lines documentary program, Araghchi stressed that Iran remains fully prepared for any situation amid speculation that Israel may attack the country again.

The exclusive interview, recorded in October and released on Tuesday, focused on Iran's nuclear issue, which remains unresolved following the US-Israeli attacks and political pressure by Britain, France, and Germanycollectively known as the E3including their move in August to trigger the snapback mechanism under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and restore UN Security Council sanctions lifted under the accord.

Israel launched its war of aggression against Iran on June 13, two days before a scheduled new round of talks between Iranian and US negotiators to reach a new agreement on Iran's nuclear program. Israel bombed residential areas, military and nuclear sites, and assassinated nuclear scientists and top military officials. The US entered the war by bombing three major nuclear facilities, two days ahead of a ceasefire that halted the 12-day conflict. Iran responded powerfully by launching missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets, and an American airbase in Qatar.

Foreign Minister Araghchi described speculation about a new attack as part of psychological warfare aimed at creating fear among the Iranian people.

"We also hear frequently that the Israeli regime might again launch an attack. I should make two points: first, psychological warfare is part of real warfare, and it appears they are currently focusing on psychological warfare, trying to create fear and unrest inside the country that itself is part of a broader war they wish to wage against Iran," he said, according to Al Jazeera's translation of the Persian interview.

The minister added that the Iranian people are "accustomed to" psychological warfare, noting that the US and Israel have threatened Iran with military action for years and failed to achieve their objectives during the 12-day conflict in June.

"Both the Americans and the Israeli regime know that the previous war, the 12-day episode, was a failed experience. Meaning that, in fact, they failed to achieve their objectives, and if you repeat an experience you have already tried, you will get the same result."

However, Araghchi stressed that Iran is not "ignoring the possibility of war" and remains prepared for any scenario, while preferring diplomacy over conflict.

"We are fully prepared; our armed forces and our people are ready to defend the country under any circumstances. That does not mean we seek war. We certainly prefer to resolve matters through diplomacy. Diplomacy is our priority, but we are prepared for any other situation," he said, emphasizing that military action cannot stop Iran's nuclear program.

"Iran's nuclear issue does not have a military solution. You may destroy buildings or damage equipment, but technology cannot be eliminated by bombing or military attacks. Knowledge cannot be taken out of minds by bombs. Even if some scientists are assassinated, others remain to continue the technology. Above all, the will of a nation cannot be extinguished by bombardment."

Sanctions cannot stop Iran's nuclear program either, Araghchi said, noting that they have failed to do so over the past years. "There is no way other than a negotiated, diplomatic solution to address the existing issues, and ultimately, they will be compelled to pursue that path."

The top diplomat added that Iran pursued diplomacy even after the 12-day war, but those efforts failed due to what he described as excessive demands from the US and the E3, as well as their push to restore UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

"They were the ones who made extravagant demands and chose the snapback route, which is a very wrong path and will lead to harsher outcomes," he said, adding elsewhere that the snapback move "was a blow to diplomacy because it did not solve the fundamental problem, and in fact, made it harder and more complex."

Araghchi concluded by saying that Iran remains ready for negotiations whenever the other sides "are prepared to negotiate from a position of equality, mutual respect, and with the aim of achieving mutual benefit."

4194**7129

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US-Israeli spy network neutralized during 12 day war: Iran Armed Forces

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 17 December 2025 6:20 PM

The senior spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces says the enemy's extensive espionage network was dealt a severe blow during the 12-day Israeli-US aggression in June and largely dismantled, describing it as a major intelligence achievement.

Addressing an event in Tehran on Wednesday, Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi highlighted the US-Israeli miscalculations during the war, saying they relied on their espionage networks and direct US command, and believed the Iranian system of governance would collapse under the initial strikes.

However, he said the reality on the ground proved the national will of Iranians to be unshakable.

The spokesman said that during the war, NATO's full military capacity and its most advanced equipment were deployed as part of an allout hybrid warfare strategy against Iran.

"The enemy entered the field with a wrong assessment," Shekarchi stated.

"Despite the martyrdom of commanders and initial damages, the command vacuum was quickly filled. Within hours of defense, Iran's continuous offensive began, increasing in operational power day by day and leaving the enemy in absolute confusion," he added.

According to the general, the enemy's inability to achieve its strategic goals, including regime change and the disintegration of Iran, led them to a point where they "begged" for an end to the war, ultimately resulting in a unilateral ceasefire declaration.

General Shekarchi listed the increase in internal stability and the strengthening of national self-confidence as a brilliant outcome of this resistance. "Iran's power has now become an international belief," he said.

"For the first time, all components of hybrid warfare were used against us, and we proved that with national cohesion and reliance on the people, we can overcome any conspiracy."

He further noted that Iran has emerged stronger from the war, with its weapons production lines more active than ever.

Enemy shifting to cognitive warfare

While celebrating the military and intelligence victory, General Shekarchi warned that the enemy is shifting its focus from military confrontation to cognitive warfare and soft war.

He warned that capturing minds is more dangerous than a military attack, as its goal is to distort perceptions and calculations among the people. He urged the nation to maintain vigilance and not echo the enemy's rhetoric.

"The enemy seeks to weaken Iran, while Iran is not weak; the enemy only tries to hide its fundamental weaknesses with media posturing," he said.

General Shekarchi said the Islamic Republic possesses the science, experience, and capacity to manage soft warfare and turn these threats into opportunities. He expressed confidence that the Islamic Revolution will realize all its ideals while its enemies face eventual collapse.

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FM Araghchi: Iran-Russia 'strategic partnership' basis for multilateral order

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 17 December 2025 7:01 AM

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has described relations between Tehran and Moscow as a "strategic partnership" aimed at advancing a new, just, and genuinely multilateral world order.

In an op-ed published on Tuesday in Russia's Kommersant newspaper, coinciding with the first day of his visit to Moscow, Araghchi outlined the current level of political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation between Iran and Russia as well as the future trajectory of their relations.

He said that ties between Iran and the Russian Federation are deep-rooted, multi-layered, and founded on a shared understanding of profound transformations in the international system.

"These relations were formed not based on short-term considerations, but rather on historical and geopolitical ties and the enduring interests of both countries," he said, adding that over time and through complex regional and global developments, these relations have matured into a partnership marked by trust, foresight, and responsibility in the international system.

Araghchi said that Iran's neighborliness diplomacy is one of the main pillars of its foreign policy, as stressed by President Masoud Pezeshkian, which holds that regional security, stability, and sustainable development can only be achieved through cooperation among neighboring and regional states, free from external interference.

"Within this framework, Russia, as an important neighbor in the Eurasian and Caspian regions and an influential force in global affairs, occupies a special place in the Islamic Republic of Iran's foreign policy," he noted.

The Iranian minister noted that the rapid development of regional and global changes, growing unilateralism, and the imposition of "illegal and inhumane sanctions," led to the conclusion of the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty" between the two countries.

The treaty, he added, elevated bilateral relations to a higher qualitative level and served as a long-term roadmap for cooperation across political, economic, security, defense, energy, scientific, technological, cultural, tourism, and investment fields.

According to Araghchi, the treaty is "a basis for joint efforts to help shape a fairer, more balanced, and genuinely multilateral global order."

On economic cooperation, Araghchi underscored the importance of leveraging complementary economic advantages and expanding cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union to facilitate trade, diversify transit routes, and better integrate Iran into regional markets.

The Caspian Sea, he said, "is not only a shared waterway but also an arena for cooperation in energy, transport, environmental protection, regional security, and the creation of transit corridors."

He also said that the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor could position Iran and Russia as pivotal nodes in Eurasian connectivity between East and West.

At the political and security levels, the Iranian top diplomat stated that Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, plays a vital role in countering unilateral actions, the instrumentalization of international institutions, and attempts to impose political will through pressure and sanctions.

He said both countries share a commitment to the UN Charter, respect for national sovereignty, and opposition to illegal interventions.

Referring to shared experiences under unilateral sanctions, Araghchi said this common challenge has strengthened cooperation aimed at mitigating sanctions' impacts, developing independent financial and banking mechanisms, expanding trade in national currencies, and enhancing economic and technological resilience.

He also emphasized joint engagement in multilateral frameworks such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Eurasian Economic Union, describing BRICS as not merely an economic bloc but a symbol of emerging powers' determination to reform unjust global governance structures and reduce reliance on coercive tools.

Araghchi wrote that Iran and Russia, drawing on their strategic partnership and shared sense of responsibility for the future of the international system, are working toward an order in which cooperation replaces hegemony, dialogue replaces pressure, and respect replaces coercion.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi, Moscow, December 17, 2025

17 December 2025 13:26

2107-17-12-2025

Mr Minister, my dear friend, colleagues,

We are delighted to welcome you to Moscow. I know that your delegation has a busy programme. You have just delivered a lecture at MGIMO University, the alma mater of many people in this room.

We appreciate the regular trust-based communication between our ministries conducted in the spirit of a frank and comradely dialogue between our leaders.

The fact that it is our fifth meeting in 2025 says a lot about the coordination of our foreign policy activities. Today, we will sign our first plan of consultations between our ministries for 20262028.

It is obvious that the main landmark event in our relations this year was the signing and entry into force of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has formalised the special nature of our cooperation and set out guidelines in all priority areas for the next 20 years.

During their meeting in Ashgabat several days ago, presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian discussed the tasks formulated in that fundamental document. Today, we have an opportunity to discuss our foreign policy contribution to the fulfilment of relevant tasks.

We will give special consideration to various regional and international situations in order to strengthen and enhance our coordination regarding them, including Iran's nuclear programme, the situation in the Middle East, primarily in the Palestinian territories, and several other traditional issues on the agenda of our talks.

I am delighted to see you.

Welcome to Moscow.

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Russia Ready to Help Iran Find Solutions to Nuclear Program Crisis - Lavrov

Sputnik News

20251217

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia is ready to assist Iran in the search of a suitable settlement of the crisis connected with its nuclear program, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday.

"Russia reaffirms its readiness to help our Iranian friends to find acceptable solutions to resolve the crisis with the [Iranian] nuclear program that was created by the West," Lavrov said after the talks with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.

Russia is urging the United States during contacts with it to pursue mutually acceptable solutions to the situation around Iran but is not pushing its mediation services, Sergey Lavrov said.

"By the way, in our expert-level contacts with American colleagues, we raise these issues and call on them to seek generally acceptable solutions," Lavrov stated.

The mediation services that Russia can offer are well known, the Russian top diplomat said.

"We are not pushing these mediation services, but if the Islamic Republic of Iran, as the primary party involved, decides such services could be demanded, and if the other counterparts of Tehran have no objections, we are of course ready to step in," Lavrov said.

Russia is informed about Iran's position on the cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Sergey Lavrov said, adding that Moscow shares Tehran's stance.

"We discussed this issue today. My colleague briefed us on the Islamic Republic's position on contacts with the IAEA. We fully share this position. This is particularly true because any steps in this direction must be based on the will, goodwill, and principled assessments that Iran's friends have made following what happened with the Israeli and American strikes on facilities that were, and still are, formally under IAEA control," Lavrov said.

Russia, Iran advocate the formation of an international group to counter sanctions, Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday.

"When it comes to the use of unilateral coercive measures, we are in complete solidarity with Iran and a number of other states. We advocate the formation of a group interested in countering this lawlessness, and I believe this process will gain more and more supporters," Lavrov said.

He added that Russia confirms its readiness to assist its Iranian friends in finding acceptable solutions "to resolve the nuclear crisis that was created by the hands of the West."

France, Germany and the United Kingdom have lost their role as negotiating parties to continue cooperation on nuclear issues of Iran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

"Our policy is as clear as possible and we are convinced that ... [France, Germany, the UK] no longer has any potential to continue negotiations [on nuclear issues] ... We are convinced that they had no right to use the snapback mechanism and Russia also takes this position ... They used this mechanism and nothing happened, they just lost their last opportunity," Araghchi said at the joint press conference.



 Sputnik

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Iran has 'complete' intelligence database on Israeli targets: IRGC

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 18, 2025

Mashhad, IRNA -- A senior spokesperson for the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran had built up a complete intelligence database on Israeli targets prior to the 12-day imposed war of June, enabling Iranian missiles to strike with precise accuracy.

Speaking at a ceremony in Mashhad on Wednesday, Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini said that nearly 80 percent of Iran's counterstrikes during the war relied on intelligence gathered in previous years, without which the operations would not have been possible.

General Naeini pointed out that Israeli media repeatedly acknowledged the extent of the intelligence breaches by Iran and reported 60 related cases.

He stressed that for every site targeted by the Israeli regime during the war, Iran responded by striking the corresponding facility in the occupied territories with flawless accuracy.

Based on intelligence gleaned from within the Israeli regime, Iranian missile strikes destroyed 47 strategic centers, several science and technology parks, and two power plants, General Naeini said.

He further asserted that without US support, "there would have been no trace of the Zionist regime by now."

2050

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Remarks by PM Netanyahu and Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen following approval Gas Export Deal to Egypt

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Type: Events and Speeches

Government: The 37th Government

Publish Date: 17.12.2025

Remarks by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen following approval of the NIS 112 Billion Gas Export Deal to Egypt

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen, this evening:

Prime Minister Netanyahu

"Dear citizens of Israel, today I approved the largest gas deal in Israel's history. The scope of the deal stands at NIS 112 billion. Out of this, NIS 58 billion will go to the state treasury.

I want to show you what we are talking about. Look at this graph. It is in billions of shekels. Initially, in the first four years, we will receive about half a billion shekels for the state treasury. During this time, the companies will be investing massive sums to develop infrastructure: they are expanding the pipeline and doing many other things. Afterward, it begins to rise, and within a few years, it reaches NIS 6 billion every year for the state treasury. This money will strengthen education, health, infrastructure, security, and the future of coming generations.

This deal with the American company Chevron involves Israeli partners, and they will supply gas to Egypt. I approved the deal after ensuring our security interests and other vital interests, which I will not detail here in full. This deal greatly strengthens Israel's status as a regional energy power and contributes to stability in our region. It encourages other companies to invest in gas exploration in Israel's economic waters. More gas will be found, but first and foremost, this deal obligates the companies to sell gas at a good price to you, the citizens of Israel.

And I want to remind you, there were those among us who fiercely opposed taking the gas out of the water; there were television reports, newspaper articles, and endless demonstrations. They said we would destroy the Israeli economy. Today, it is clear that extracting the gas from the depths of the sea has brought a massive blessing to the State of Israel. This, by the way, is one of the reasons our economy was ranked third among the best economies in the world.

Today it is clear to everyone that the persistence of myself and then-Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, our insistence on extracting the gas, has proven itself beyond all expectations. And I promise you, it will be the same with this deal.

I want to thank you, Energy Minister Eli Cohen; you persisted and fought in very tedious and firm negotiations on our behalf. I also want to thank your team and everyone who played a part in the success of this deal.

This evening is the fourth night of Hanukkah, and on this day, we have brought an additional jar of oil to the people of Israel. But this time, the flame will burn not just for eight days, but for decades to come. Happy Festival of Lights, citizens of Israel."

Energy and Infrastructure Minister Cohen:

"The approval of this gas agreement is a historic moment for the State of Israel, both in the security-diplomatic sphere and the economic sphere.

This is the largest export deal in the history of the country, totaling NIS 112 billion.

The deal establishes our status as a regional energy power and a leader that its neighbors rely upon.

The approval of the agreement comes after several months of intensive negotiations, and only after we had secured Israel's security and economic interests.

The state's revenues from taxes and royalties thanks to the deal will stand at approximately NIS 58 billion, and the scope of direct infrastructure investments in the economy will exceed NIS 16 billion. This will create jobs and strengthen the economy.

This is the first export approval that guarantees priority for the local market, and mechanisms were agreed upon that will improve the price of gas for the Israeli market.

Natural gas is a strategic asset for the state. Prime Minister, you resolutely led the Gas Framework exactly a decade ago, and today we are reaping the fruits.

We will continue to work toward bringing in additional local and international companies to invest in Israel, in order to increase reserves for the local market and for export.

I want to thank the Director General of the Ministry of Energy, Yossi Dayan; the Director of the Natural Resources Administration, Chen Bar-Yosef; the Head of the Gas Authority, Moshe Garazi; and our partners in the Finance Ministry who worked together with us."

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The Japan-UK Defense Ministerial VTC

Ministry of Defense of Japan

(Press Release: Provisional Translation)

December 17, 2025

Ministry of Defense Japan

On December 17, commencing at 17:10 (Japan Time) for approximately 35 minutes, Minister Koizumi held a Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference with Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon John Healey MP.

At the outset, Minister Koizumi expressed his resolve to exercise leadership together with Secretary Healey to forge a new golden age of Japan-UK defense cooperation as each other's closest security partners in Asia and Europe, based on the shared recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable. In response, Secretary Healey associated himself with the Minister's remark. Both ministers 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 East China Sea to the Pacific Ocean that occurred on 9th December. Both Ministers shared their serious concerns over these incidents, which increase the risk of miscalculation and further escalation, and stressed their unwavering commitment to a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Both ministers concurred on the need for calm and a resolute posture, and to communicate and cooperate to preserve stability in the region. Both ministers confirmed to continue closely working together to elevate their cooperation to the new heights in broad areas ranging from joint exercises, defense equipment and technology cooperation including GCAP, new domains such as space and cyber, based on the first-ever Joint Statement on cooperation between both defense authorities issued this past August.

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The fourth Hangor class submarine of Pakistan Navy named GHAZI has been launched at Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China.

Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan

Rawalpindi - December 17, 2025

No PR-414/2025-ISPR

The fourth Hangor class submarine of Pakistan Navy named GHAZI has been launched at Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China. With the launching of GHAZI, Pakistan Navy has achieved another significant milestone where all four submarines under construction in China are now undergoing rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages of being handed over to Pakistan.

The Government of Pakistan signed an agreement with China for acquisition of eight HANGOR Class submarines. Under this contract, four submarines are being built in China and remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW), under Transfer of Technology (ToT).

These Submarines will be fitted with advanced weapons and sensors capable of engaging targets at standoff ranges. HANGOR Class submarines will be pivotal in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The launching ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries further demonstrating the deepening bilateral cooperation.

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Expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board

The President took part in an expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board at the National Defence Control Centre of the Russian Federation.

December 17, 2025

15:10

Moscow

The President's remarks at the expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Belousov, Comrades,

Today, at the expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board, we will discuss our results over the past period and identify priority tasks for strengthening the Armed Forces and enhancing the country's defence capability.

I would like to highlight that the past year has been a significant milestone in addressing the objectives of the special military operation. The Russian Army has taken and firmly holds the strategic initiative along the entire frontline.

Our troops are advancing with confidence and grinding down the hostile forces, defeating enemy units, its groups forces and reserves, including so-called elite formations trained in Western centres and equipped with modern foreign weaponry.

To date, over 300 communities have been liberated this year, among them major urban centres that the enemy had transformed into heavily fortified strongholds, extensively featuring permanent defensive structures. Yet, they proved unable to withstand the courage and superior military skill of our personnel.

The positions we have seized, the bridgeheads established in recent months, and the unique tactical and operational experience gained in breaching the enemy's in-depth defences now enable us to intensify the pace of our advance in key strategic sectors. We take pride in the heroism of our soldiers and officers on the front lines, and of all who stand in defence of Russia and the safety of our citizens.

I would also like to acknowledge our comrades-in-arms from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. By the decision of Comrade Chairman of State Affairs Kim Jong-un, DPRK personnel were deployed to participate in the liberation of the Kursk Region. They fought with valour and courage alongside Russian soldiers against the enemy and took part in the large-scale and exceptionally difficult mission of demining the liberated Kursk soil.

It is our duty to forever honour the memory of all our fallen comrades and to support their families, their children and parents. The state will fulfil all necessary obligations in this regard. I ask you now to observe a moment of silence in memory of those who gave their lives for the Motherland.

(A moment of silence is announced.)

Comrades, members of the board,

We are aware that that the Kiev regime is backed by the potential of the countries comprising the world's largest military-political bloc, NATO. Large-scale military assistance is being continuously provided, with advisers, instructors, and mercenaries dispatched, and intelligence data shared.

Amidst such challenging conditions, our troops demonstrate high combat readiness and proficiency. The capabilities of the Russian army are being constantly enhanced, and efforts to strengthen the Armed Forces have been unwavering in recent years.

I refer to the improvement of their combat composition, qualitative advancements in the military command system, in operational and combat training, and, naturally, the increased efficiency of the defence industry, which has rapidly reconfigured numerous production and technological processes and is manufacturing essential products in ever-growing volumes.

Owing to the precise work of the defence-industrial complex, the army and navy are promptly equipped with modern weaponry and hardware. The Ground Forces are receiving missile systems and artillery with high-precision capabilities, loitering munitions, a diverse range of unmanned aerial vehicles, and robotic systems.

The Aerospace Forces are being supplied with upgraded missiles and aerial bombs equipped with guided planning and correction modules, capable of operating effectively in complex jamming environments. Many here are aware of the marked improvement in efficacy achieved recently - at times exceeding 80 percent. I wish to express my gratitude to those involved in this work. This constitutes substantive and tangible support.

This year, the Navy has been augmented with new submarines, including the Knyaz Pozharsky strategic missile submarine cruiser, as well as 19 surface combatants and support vessels.

Successful tests have been conducted for the Burevestnik strategic cruise missile with unlimited range and the Poseidon unmanned submersible. Given their nuclear propulsion systems, these platforms will remain unique and unmatched for the foreseeable future, ensuring Russia's strategic parity, security, and global standing for decades to come. We will continue to develop these systems, enhancing and perfecting them, but they are already in service.

By the end of the year, the medium-range missile system armed with the Oreshnik hypersonic missile will be placed on combat duty. Its first operational deployment was conducted last November.

The high standards of training of our units and formations, and their ability to fulfil the most complicated tasks have been reaffirmed during regular exercises, including with the participation of our foreign allies and partners, with whom we share the experience we have accumulated during the special military operation.

In particular, I would like to mention the good results demonstrated during the Zapad 2025 joint strategic exercise. All objectives involving the protection of the security of the Union State from potential external aggression have been achieved.

Today, we can see that the geopolitical situation remains tense throughout the world, and even critical in some regions. NATO countries are actively building up and modernising their offensive forces, and creating and deploying new types of weapons, including in outer space.

Meanwhile, people in Europe are being indoctrinated with fears of an inevitable confrontation with Russia, with claims that preparations must be made for a major war. Various figures who have held or continue to hold positions of responsibility appear to have simply forgotten what that responsibility entails.

They are whipping up hysteria, guided by momentary, personal or group political interests rather than the interests of their people. I have said many times that this is a lie and an irrational narrative about an imaginary Russian threat to European countries. But they are doing this deliberately.

The truth is that Russia has always, until the last possible moment tried, even in the most complicated circumstances, to find diplomatic solutions to differences and conflicts. Responsibility for the failure to use these chances lies squarely with those who believe that they can use the language of force with us.

We continue to call for developing mutually beneficial and equal cooperation with the United States and European countries, and for creating a joint security system in the Eurasian region. We welcome nascent progress in our dialogue with the new US administration, which cannot be said of the current leaders of the majority of European countries.

At the same time, we realise that our Armed Forces remain the key guarantor of Russia's sovereignty and independence in any international situation. As I have stated, we must work consistently to strengthen them.

What I would like to emphasise here are the objectives to be set in the area of military development, taking into account the dynamics of the situation along the line of contact, among other factors.

First. The goals of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved. We would prefer to accomplish this and address the root causes of the conflict through diplomatic means. However, if the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive dialogue, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means. The task of creating and expanding a security buffer zone will also be carried out consistently.

Second. Work on modernising the Armed Forces must continue at a rapid pace and to a high standard, primarily within the framework of the new State Armament Programme for 20272036, which is currently under development.

As I have repeatedly emphasised, the experience gained during the special military operation, emerging trends in combat tactics, and rapidly developing military technologies must be fully taken into account.

Key areas of the state programme include air and missile defence systems, command and control systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating in all environments.

Of course, improving our strategic nuclear forces remains a priority. As before, they will play a decisive role in deterring aggression and maintaining the global balance of power.

Today, Russia marks Strategic Missile Forces Day. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate veterans, service members, and civilian personnel of the Strategic Missile Forces on their professional holiday and to wish them continued success and all the very best.

Third. The Russian army must continue to remain at the forefront of technological progress. This means accelerating the introduction of robotics, information technologies, and new materials into the Armed Forces, as well as expanding the use of artificial intelligence in command and control systems and autonomous combat platforms.

Fourth. It is essential to equip the orbital constellation with next-generation spacecraft. This will provide the troops with high-speed, secure communications, while also significantly improving the quality of intelligence and high-precision navigation data.

Next. In May of this year, the Strategy for the Development of the Navy until 2050 was approved, outlining its prospective configuration. The clear and timely implementation of this strategy will enable the modernisation of the Navy and enhance its effectiveness in carrying out combat tasks across all theatres of military operations.

Furthermore, it is imperative to continue actively developing military and military-technical cooperation with foreign countries - our allies and partners - to strengthen the collective security system and the Union State. Overall, efforts in this direction constitute a significant factor in enhancing regional and international security.

Comrades,

One of the state's priorities is the expansion of social guarantees for participants of the special military operation and their family members, as well as for all our servicemen.

Over the past year, the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Defenders of the Fatherland State Foundation, has made substantial progress in improving the quality of medical care for wounded servicemen, addressing their rehabilitation and employment needs, ensuring timely payments, and implementing other measures, including additional forms of social support for the families, children, and parents of fallen servicemen.

I must emphasise that there remains work to be done here. Currently, in preparation for the Direct Line, it has become evident that many questions on these topics are being raised. We will undoubtedly revisit this matter with the leadership of the Ministry of Defence.

I would particularly like to commend the heroic efforts of medical officers and personnel, who often perform the impossible to save our fighters and return them to active duty after treatment. Unique experience has been gained in providing medical and psychological support to servicemen with injuries, trauma, and illnesses related to combat operations.

This experience must be incorporated not only into the work of military medical institutions, but also into civilian healthcare, and must be enshrined in legislation.

Undoubtedly, efforts to index servicemen's monetary allowances must continue, and the pace of providing them with permanent and service housing must not decline. Every Defender of the Motherland must be confident that the state will provide them and their loved ones with all necessary social support.

In conclusion, I would like to once again express my gratitude to the soldiers and officers currently on the front lines, to all participants of the special military operation for their heroism and dedication, and to extend my best wishes to the leadership, all personnel, and civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence for further achievements in service to the Motherland and our people.

I firmly believe that you will continue to steadfastly safeguard the sovereignty and security of Russia.

Thank you for your attention.

The floor is yours, Mr Belousov.

<...>

Vladimir Putin: Comrades,

I would like to thank the Minister for providing a detailed analysis of the status of matters in the Armed Forces and along the line of contact.

As is customary, I will share a few general considerations with you. I will probably not say anything that you do not already know, but I still believe it is important to say it.

I would like to begin with our recent history, with the most recent developments, in order to have a clear idea of where we are now and why we are where we are.

You have heard me say it many times before, yet I think it is worth saying it again. Shortly after the Soviet Union had fallen apart, we thought we would quickly become members of the "civilised" family of European nations and the civilised Western family more broadly. Today, it turns out that civilisation there is nonexistent, and degradation is all there is there, but that is not the point. Back then, we thought it was a good thing and that we would become a full-fledged and equal member of that family. Nothing of the kind happened. You see? Nothing of the kind happened, and we did not become an equal member of that family.

On the contrary, they started going after Russia from all angles, and even ratcheted the pressure up. Almost everything concerning Russia was decided from a position of strength. They would pat us on the shoulder and invite us to attend various events, but the West used force, including military force, to push its Russia-related interests.

Truly so. Supporting separatism and terrorism was clearly demonstrated and carried out by supplying terrorists with weapons and money and providing them with political and media support across the board. Economic restrictions were imposed on us as well, and that, too, is about forceful pressure, and a very serious one at that.

I remember this very well. When we said that we needed to protect our country against terrorism, we were told to do whatever we needed to, but not to do certain things or else we will not be eligible for loans or renewed easy terms." This was direct forceful pressure and outright restriction in the economic sphere.

Destructive instruments aimed at destabilising Russia from within were also deployed - and this was entirely deliberate. We have seen the same pattern in other countries: mechanisms for undermining domestic political stability were created and put to use.

Of course, by then, the entire post-war security architecture had ceased to function. Everything began to erode rapidly, and the established rules, along with the UN Charter, were cast aside. Consider the events in Yugoslavia. How did that align with the UN Charter? Was that not the use of force? We have spoken of this many times, but the fact remains: they simply did as they saw fit, acting at their own discretion. They would manipulate the situation and force a vote if they could. If not, to hell with it - they applied armed force directly. In the end, they ravaged and dismantled Yugoslavia and fractured the Serbian people, scattering a single nation across different state entities.

I will not dwell now on NATO expansion, though its role is obvious. Even today, we are told we have no right to dictate how others should ensure their security or to deprive them of their choices. We are not depriving anyone of anything. We are not making exceptional demands. We are simply insisting that the promises made to us be honoured. It was publicly stated that NATO would not expand eastward. What followed? They disregarded this entirely, and one wave of expansion followed another. I repeat: we are not asking for anything extraordinary - only that the assurances given to us be fulfilled.

I believe everyone here understands that agreements with the Soviet Union were treated one way, and agreements with modern Russia, after the USSR's disintegration, quite another. All our interests were simply ignored.

This ultimately led to the coup in Ukraine. What kind of democracy is this, the one we have been lectured about for decades? It was a straightforward armed power grab. Had they gone to the polls - as I have said countless times - they would have won the elections fairly. Nothing stood in their way; victory was assured. But no - they simply demonstrated force, and that was that.

Thereafter, they began violently suppressing the southeast, their southeastern regions, effectively unleashing a war. It was not we who started the war in 2022; it was the destructive forces in Ukraine, backed by the West. In essence, the West itself instigated this conflict. We are only seeking to end it, to stop it. Initially, we pursued peaceful means through the Minsk negotiations, as you will recall. Eventually, we were compelled to introduce a military component once it became clear we were being deceived. That deception has since been laid bare: senior officials have stated unabashedly that they never intended to honour the agreements, but only to buy time to arm and equip Ukrainian forces. They engineered a coup, initiated military operations, and deliberately - I am convinced, deliberately - precipitated a war.

President Trump has said that had he been in office at the time, none of this would have happened. He may well be right. Because the previous administration deliberately brought matters to an armed conflict. And I think the reason is clear: they believed Russia could be swiftly broken up and dismantled. European "swine underlings" immediately joined the efforts of that previous American administration, hoping to profit from our country's collapse: to reclaim what had been lost in earlier historical periods and to exact a form of revenge. As has now become evident to all, every one of those attempts, every destructive design against Russia, has ended in complete and total failure.

Russia has demonstrated its resilience in the economy, finance, domestic politics, the state of society, and, ultimately, in its defence capability. Yes, there are still many issues and problems in this area.

I can see people here in this hall who came directly from the front, from the frontlines, from the line of combat contact. They are sitting here, I see them. And they know better than anyone that the army still faces many problems; they encounter them every day.

And yet, our Armed Forces have become completely different -fundamentally different. The most important result of the special military operation is that Russia has regained its status as a fully sovereign state. Russia has become sovereign in every sense of the word. We have regained this status to a large extent thanks to your participation, thanks to the contribution of the Armed Forces.

Our army has become totally different. This applies to troop command, tactics, strategy, equipment, and the work and performance of the defence and industrial complex. This also concerns the strategic component: our nuclear shield is more updated than the nuclear component of any officially recognised nuclear power. How much modernised is it, over 80 percent?

Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov: Ninety-two percent.

Vladimir Putin: Our nuclear forces are 92 percent modernised. No other nuclear power in the world has such a level.

We have new armaments and new weapon systems. No one else in the world has these, and no one will for a long time. I have mentioned this before and we know Avangard, Burevestnik, and other systems.

Our ground forces are also growing and strengthening. Yes, I repeat, those who have come from the front know that many problems remain. But these troops are completely different now: they are battle-hardened. There is no other army like this in the world; it simply does not exist.

Yes, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are also going through the ordeal of military action. But, unfortunately for them, just as the Ukrainian state itself is disintegrating - symbolised by the "golden toilets" - their armed forces are also degrading. This is evidenced by the growing number of deserters: more than 100,000 criminal cases for desertion alone have been opened in Ukraine, and the total number of deserters is in the hundreds of thousands. This is a clear sign of degradation.

And our Armed Forces are on the rise. I repeat, much remains to be done, but it will all be done. We have always stated - and I want to reaffirm this - that we remain ready for negotiations and ready to resolve all the problems that have arisen in recent years through peaceful means. The United States administration has demonstrated such readiness, and we are engaged in dialogue with it. I hope the same will eventually occur in Europe. It is unlikely with the current political elites, but it will be inevitable as we continue to strengthen, if not with the present politicians, then with a change of political elites in Europe.

I would like to thank you for your dedicated work in 2025 and express my confidence and hope that all the challenges facing our country will be successfully resolved.

Thank you very much. (Applause.)

All the best.

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Presenting Gold Star medals to special military operation participants

Following the extended meeting of the Defence Ministry Board, the President presented Gold Star medals of the Hero of the Russian Federation to participants of the special military operation.

December 17, 2025

17:40

Moscow

The award ceremony was also attended by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - First Deputy Defence Minister Valery Gerasimov.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, comrades,

I am pleased to congratulate you on your well-deserved military awards and present you with the Hero of Russia Gold Stars.

You and your fellow soldiers liberated Seversk, an important Russian city, in extremely difficult conditions by rapidly overcoming the enemy's powerful and layered defences.

This and other similarly brilliant military operations were the result of the consistent and comprehensive work of the command, the leadership of the Southern Military District headquarters, unit commanders, and servicemen of individual brigades.

But first and foremost, this is the result of your efforts, enormous personal courage and dedication of the soldiers and officers, thanks to which strategic towns were liberated opportunities opned up for our troops to advance further in the most critical areas and directions.

Comrades,

We are proud of you and your comrades-in-arms, participants in this special military operation. You are standing guard over Russia, defending the security of the country and its citizens, and courageously fighting for a dignified future for our people.

Those present here are professionals, brave warriors, and true patriots of the Motherland. I thank you and all your comrades for your valiant service and your loyalty to the Fatherland. I am confident that with courageous people like you, we will achieve all our goals.

Once again, I congratulate you on being awarded the high title of Hero of Russia and wish you continued success. Please convey my sincere words of support and gratitude to your comrades, your families, and your friends.

I wish you good health and all the very best. Thank you for your service.

Commander of the 3rd Combined Arms Army of the Southern Military District, Lieutenant General Igor Kuzmenkov: I extend my gratitude for this high honour.

This is not merely a recognition - it is a significant responsibility which I do not perceive as a personal achievement. Primarily, it is an appraisal of my entire military collective, the personnel of the 3rd Combined Arms Army, who continue to execute combat missions in the special military operation zone.

I wish to express my gratitude to the fighters, particularly those in my assault units, for the courage, heroism, and selflessness they have demonstrated in fulfilling their assigned tasks. It is they who are now at the forefront of the struggle, risking their lives every day, honourably executing the tasks you have set for the liberation of our ancestral lands, restoring historical justice, and ensuring the security of Russian citizens.

On this day, I would like to express special gratitude to all those who await our fighters at home, and particularly to their parents. I bow my head to them for instilling in their children a proper understanding of duty, honour, and conscience. It is thanks to this parental upbringing that our warriors display miracles of heroism and steadfastness on the battlefield.

We will do everything necessary to achieve our common goals and bring victory closer.

I serve Russia!

Vladimir Putin: Comrades,

Once again, I congratulate you on these state decorations.

This is, without exaggeration, one of those instances where, as our people say, the award has found its hero. This is neither a joke nor irony - this is precisely what is happening in reality.

I would like to underscore the following: as we walked here, we spoke with the Minister and noted the level of cohesion and unity currently present in the Armed Forces. Yes, as I mentioned earlier at the board meeting, surely, in such large and vast collectives, all manner of things exist - we are human, after all. But overall, this solidarity, mutual support, attention, and care for one another are of immense significance.

No matter whom I have met, no matter whom I have spoken to, and no matter the subject of conversation, practically every one of my interlocutors has always mentioned the comrades fighting and living alongside them - individuals just like themselves. There is always a request not to forget about them, always an emphasis that their comrade-in-arms deserves the same awards, the same attention from the state.

Such an attitude cannot be bought with money; it is present both among our people towards the army and among servicemen towards one another. It is a reflection of the attitude towards the Motherland. This is invaluable. Herein lies the foundation, the bedrock of all our victories.

I congratulate you on your state decorations. I wish you all the best in the coming year, and I wish you a Happy New Year. All the best to you and your loved ones.

Thank you for your service.

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Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin's interview with TASS News Agency ahead of the 2nd Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum (Cairo, December 1920, 2025), December 17, 2025

17 December 2025 09:57

2105-17-12-2025

Question: The upcoming ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum will be the first to be held in Africa. What are Russia's expectations of this event?

Sergey Vershinin: Holding a ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Arica for the first time is extremely important. It is proof of the African countries' resolve to take a more active part in the development of a common Russian-African agenda.

Our traditionally friendly relations with Africa have reached a new level and are on an upward trend. This has been made possible by our joint efforts within the new dialogue format, the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum established by our heads of state and government in 2019 to give a more systematic and comprehensive nature to Russian-African cooperation.

Two summit meetings of the forum have been held, in Sochi in 2019 and in St Petersburg in 2023. The first ministerial conference was held in Sochi in November 2024. A comprehensive Action Plan for 20232024, adopted following the St Petersburg summit, includes a broad range of cooperation issues ranging from security, energy and trade to education, science, culture and many other spheres.

Ministerial conferences are an institutional mechanism designed to coordinate the implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level, including the Action Plan. They are to be held regularly between summit meetings.

The Cairo conference will be a landmark event for Russian-African relations this year. We hope that it will give a fresh impetus to the multifaceted Russian-African cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit. We will review the results of our efforts made since the ministerial conference in Sochi and outline promising areas for future cooperation.

The conference agenda will focus on trade, the economy and investments. We hope that our discussions will produce new initiatives aimed at unlocking the vast but so far untapped potential in these areas. We will also hold in-depth discussions on the implementation of the Action Plan and concrete measures for its full implementation.

The programme of sideline events includes Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meetings with his African colleagues, the signing of documents and a thematic session for representatives of Russian and African organisations.

In other words, the ministerial conference in Cairo has a very intensive programme, and its outcome will certainly create the necessary conditions for the appropriate preparation of the 3rd Russia-Africa summit, scheduled to be held in 2026.

Question: This year's ministerial forum between Russia and Africa will be focusing on trade, the economy and investment. To what extent can efforts in these domains succeed without achieving lasting solutions to security challenges the African continent is facing?

Sergey Vershinin: Of course, without overcoming the urgent challenges the continent is facing in terms of peace and security, the possibility of building a stable and enduring framework for promoting Africa's socioeconomic, investment, infrastructure and technological development is hard to imagine.

Indeed, challenges do exist in this regard and the way they affect the situation in Africa should not be underestimated. Primarily, this includes the threats of terrorism and extremism, cross-border crime, internal political crises, interethnic conflicts and confrontation between states. The situation in the Sahara and Sahel zone, on the Horn of Africa and in the Great Lakes region is especially challenging.

We are certain that there is a possibility to achieve effective and lasting solutions for these hotspots as long as Africans themselves play a leading role in this process and are guided exclusively by their interests. In this regard, our approach consists of unconditionally respecting the sovereignty of African states, promoting the principles of mutual respect and equality, refraining from imposing ready-made solutions, and offering assistance in sectors and to the extent as requested by our African partners. We have been unwavering in our commitment to the fundamental principle of African Solutions to African Problems, as well as the goal to Silence the Guns by 2030 as set forth in the African Union's 2063 Agenda.

In keeping with Russia's 2023 Foreign Policy Concept, Russia strives, among other things, to support the sovereignty and independence of African nations by offering them assistance in security and helping resolve and overcome armed conflicts on the African continent by enabling African countries to enhance their defence capabilities. Russia helps them build capacity for countering domestic and external threats, among which terrorism poses the greatest challenge.

That said, not everything depends on Africa alone. Just like during the era of Western colonialism, which gave rise to many challenges the continent is facing today, the region is exposed to a lot of outside pressure. Most crises involve the interests of extra-continental countries and transnational corporations, primarily the former colonial powers. They continue siphoning away local resources and manipulating political processes. They exploit the financial and economic dependence of African countries and organisations to impose their own rules, and draw them into the West's reckless geopolitical ventures targeting Russia, China, etc.

The criminal actions by the Kiev regime and its sponsors pose an extremely serious threat not only to Africa, but for the entire world. They have been working with the local terrorist groups and assisting them. Among other things, they use these groups to terrorise civilians in certain countries of the Sahel region, and seek to undermine Russia's interests and the interests of other countries by carrying out acts of sabotage.

We must counter this policy of confrontation by the West, which has been cynical in neglecting Africa's security and development, by having the Global Majority unite its efforts for doing away with the Western hegemony and neo-colonialism in any forms on the continent. Africans must have the ability to dispose of their natural resources on their own for achieving their socioeconomic development objectives instead of continuing to bear the burden of paying for the wellbeing of the United States, the European Union, NATO and its allies. In this regard, we will always be there for our African friends and ready to lend them our helping hand.

Question: The Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation 2023 says that the "Russian Federation intends to support further the establishment of Africa as a distinctive and influential centre of world development." What does this mean in practice?

Sergey Vershinin: In fact, the Foreign Policy Concept has defined a set of priorities for developing bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the African continent.

We support our African friends' effort to implement large-scale plans outlined in Agenda 2063, a strategic framework adopted by the African Union. We are on Africa's side in matters related to strengthening its collective sovereign voice internationally based on the principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and interconnection. We solidarise with the African countries' striving to achieve a fair measure of representation in the UN Security Council in keeping with the general African position enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

After the USSR-supported African countries achieved their historic goal, political independence, in the 1960's, they are facing a no less important, nor, most likely, any less difficult task posed by the modern times. The reference is to gaining a true and all-round economic, energy, and technological sovereignty. The continent certainly has a potential equal to the mission: huge human resources, favourable demographic dynamics, vast markets, considerable mineral resources, and an increasingly prominent role in global production and distribution chains.

We see that the Africans are particularly interested in the unique Russian knowledge and best practices in various production sectors, knowledge amassed in recent years as we learned the art of sovereign development based on our internal resources.

We are firmly committed to expanding trade and economic cooperation with Africa in a number of sophisticated areas, such as civilian nuclear energy, outer space, pharmaceuticals, digitalisation of state and municipal governance, and the banking sector. Russian economic operators are successfully implementing a number of projects, including the development of Marine XII offshore field with a floating LNG production and storage facility in the Republic of the Congo, the construction of an oil products pipeline in the same republic, the construction of a Russian industrial zone and the El Dabaa nuclear power plant in Egypt, and others.

One of our priorities is to help Africa to become self-sufficient in food. We focus on creating stable stocks and localising the output of end products in the spirit of the AU's Kampala Declaration approved in January of this year. We transfer technologies and share best practices in the field of agronomy, fertiliser production, irrigation and fisheries. In furtherance of the agreements reached by the 1st Russia-Africa Ministerial Meeting in 2024, we held an international conference on African food sovereignty in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November of this year, which laid the foundation for implementing specific projects.

There are broad prospects for cooperation in the use of subsurface resources with an eye to African states creating value-added products by processing their resources on the spot. The first forum in the context of the Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue was devoted precisely to this task. It was held at the Empress Catherine II St Petersburg Mining University, which has the necessary competences in this field, in October of this year.

Question: What can you say regarding the humanitarian aspect of our collaboration with the African continent? Which Russian priorities can be highlighted in this regard?

Sergey Vershinin: Cooperation in the field of education has traditionally been one of the cornerstones of our engagement in Africa. A substantial foundation was laid during the Soviet era, when tens of thousands of Africans, after studying in our country, actively contributed to the establishment of statehood and the development of national economies in young African nations. Today, we are witnessing a resurgence of interest across the continent in obtaining high-quality, competitive Russian education and learning the Russian language.

The Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan 20232026, adopted following the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit, accords priority to the training of highly qualified professionals from African countries. We are confident that, upon returning to their home countries, these individuals will play a pivotal role in securing their nations' economic and technological sovereignty. At present, over 32,000 students from African states are pursuing education in Russian higher education institutions across all forms of study. The most sought-after disciplines include medicine, engineering, agriculture, and animal husbandry, as well as humanities, IT, and artificial intelligence.

Opportunities to learn the Russian language and to engage with our culture are expanding. Open education centres for the Russian language and culture are operating successfully in 27 African countries.

We are intensifying collaboration in critical areas such as healthcare, epidemic control, and emergency response. Africa has an acute need for Russia's assistance in training medical specialists, providing scientific and methodological support, conducting joint research on dangerous infections and developing laboratory infrastructure.

On April 1719, 2024, the first Russia-Africa International Conference on Combating Infectious Diseases convened in Kampala, Uganda, bringing together over 150 representatives from 16 countries. Discussions are underway regarding the timing and venue for the second Conference in 2026. In April 2025, the 1st Russian-African Exercises of Rapid Response Teams for Emergency Situations of Sanitary-Epidemiological Nature took place in Addis Ababa. Joint infection research centres are operating successfully in Guinea and Burundi. Over 200 African specialists have been trained using Russian methodologies, and collaborative research has been conducted on more than 50 dangerous infections.

We are expanding a network of mobile anti-epidemic laboratories of Russian production across Africa. Sixteen laboratories are already operational, with an additional four to be delivered by the end of 2025. In 2024, Russian diagnostic test systems for monkeypox were supplied to African partners, followed by systems for Ebola haemorrhagic fever in 2025. In 2025, assistance was provided to Zimbabwe and the Republic of the Congo in combating cholera, and to Uganda in addressing an Ebola outbreak.

Question: The voice of solidarity of African countries is louder than ever before, and their ties with other centres of global politics are expanding and strengthening. It is well known that the African Union plays a key role in integration processes on the continent. How are our relations with this pan-African organisation progressing?

Sergey Vershinin: Historically, Russia's engagement with the African Union has its roots in the period of decolonisation. The Soviet Union played a crucial role in dismantling the colonial system, assisting newly independent African states in building the foundations of statehood, growing their national economies, and training qualified personnel.

Today, Africa is emerging as a leading force in global politics and becoming a full-fledged participant in the new polycentric world system taking shape before our eyes. The African Union serves as the key coordinating centre for this process, which involves shaping an African security architecture, deepening political and socioeconomic cooperation, and enhancing the continent's role in international affairs. Building a mutually beneficial partnership with Africa is a foreign policy priority for Russia. This ensures the depth and breadth of our engagement with the continent, complementing and enriching our bilateral ties with individual African states. The structural changes within the Russian Foreign Ministry are also aligned with these goals, including the establishment of a dedicated Department for Partnership with Africa in early 2025.

Our cooperation with the African Union is expanding, guided by the Memorandum of Understanding on the Foundation for Relations and Cooperation signed in Sochi in 2019 and the Russia-African Union Action Plan for 20232026 adopted in St Petersburg in 2023. We maintain a regular dialogue with African Union representatives on a wide range of bilateral, international, and regional issues. Such contacts with the leadership of the African Union Commission took place on the sidelines of the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow and the regular session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Our partnership is also deepening in knowledge-intensive fields, including the peaceful use of outer space - through cooperation between Roscosmos and the recently established African Space Agency - and the application of nuclear technology to drive the technological and economic development of African nations.

Question: Various multilateral cooperation formats are being actively developed in Africa. How is Russia building interaction with other African integration associations?

Sergey Vershinin: Russia is giving increasing attention to the development of multifaceted cooperation with Africa's subregional associations. For example, we have done a great deal this year to expand the legal framework of our relations with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the Economic Community of West African States, and the East African Community. We are discussing action plans with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the Southern African Development Community, and the Economic Community of Central African States.

We have held meetings with the heads and representatives of some of the abovementioned organisations, in particular, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. They have shown that there is great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in various tracks, which we will realise in the near future. African countries are fully aware of Russia's undeniable advantages and solid competences in some spheres, where it is second to none, namely, in the space and nuclear spheres I have mentioned.

We also see good potential in the new regional formats aimed at promoting the sovereign development of African countries. Our focus in this sphere is on strengthening cooperation with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a union of countries that are friendly to Russia - Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

Regrettably, Western countries are waging a large-scale campaign to destabilise AES countries that are leading the fight against terrorism in Africa. We believe that Russia's priority is to build up the counterterrorism capabilities of the AES, and to promote the socioeconomic development of its member states.

With this aim in view, and in addition to our efforts on the bilateral track, we have launched a new format to promote ties between Russia and the AES this year. In April 2025, we held the first meeting of the Russian and AES foreign ministers, which marked the Alliance's debut on the foreign policy stage. Following that, we have held talks between our justice, defence and education ministers. We plan to maintain this positive dynamics in other spheres as well.

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Defence Ministry Board session, led by Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, takes place in Moscow

17 December 2025 08:30

Today, an expanded meeting of the Board of the Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation took place at the National Centre for State Defence Control of the Russian Federation, where were presented the results of the activities of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2025 and were determined tasks for a further period.

The Russian President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin opened the session.

Esteemed Andrei Removich! Esteemed comrades!

Today, at the expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board, we will discuss our results over the past period and identify priority tasks for strengthening the Armed Forces and enhancing the country's defence capability.

I would like to highlight that the past year has been a significant milestone in addressing the objectives of the special military operation. The Russian Army has taken and firmly holds the strategic initiative along the entire frontline.

Our troops are advancing with confidence and grinding down the hostile forces, defeating enemy units, its groups forces and reserves, including so-called elite formations trained in Western centres and equipped with modern foreign weaponry.

To date, over 300 communities have been liberated this year, among them major urban centres that the enemy had transformed into heavily fortified strongholds, extensively featuring permanent defensive structures. They proved unable to withstand the courage and superior military skill of our personnel.

The positions we have seized, the bridgeheads established in recent months, and the unique tactical and operational experience gained in breaching the enemy's in-depth defences now enable us to intensify the pace of our advance in key strategic sectors. We take pride in the heroism of our soldiers and officers on the front lines, and of all who stand in defence of Russia and the safety of our citizens.

I would also like to acknowledge our comrades-in-arms from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. By the decision of Comrade Chairman of State Affairs Kim Jong-un, DPRK personnel were deployed to participate in the liberation of the Kursk Region. They fought with valour and courage alongside Russian soldiers against the enemy and took part in the large-scale and exceptionally difficult mission of demining the liberated lands of Kursk region.

It is our duty to forever honour the memory of all our fallen comrades and to support their families, their children and parents. The state will fulfil all necessary obligations in this regard. I ask you now to observe a moment of silence in memory of those who gave their lives for the Motherland.

The full text of the speech by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin is available on the website of the President of Russia.

Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation

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Military Operation Goals Will Certainly be Achieved - Putin

Sputnik News

20251217

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia will certainly achieve the objectives of its special military operation in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

"The objectives of our special military operation will certainly be achieved," Putin said at an expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

He added that 2025 has become an important stage in achieving the objectives of the special military operation.

"The outgoing year has become an important stage in accomplishing the tasks of the special military operation," Putin said at the expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry board.

The Russian army firmly holds the strategic initiative along the entire front line, the president said.

"This year, more than 300 settlements have already been liberated, including large cities that the enemy turned into fortified hubs with long-term fortifications," he said.

The positions taken, the footholds established in recent months and the unique tactical and operational experience of breaching the enemy's defenses are allowing Russia to step up the pace of its offensive in strategically important directions, Putin said.

The Russian troops are advancing and grinding down the enemy and its reserves, including those trained in Western military centers and equipped with foreign weapons, he added.

"I would like to commend our and North Korean comrades in arms. By decision of Kim Jong Un, the chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK, they were sent to participate in the liberation of the Kursk Region and, shoulder to shoulder with Russian soldiers, valiantly and courageously fought the enemy. They took part in the large-scale and extremely difficult demining of the liberated Kursk Region," Putin said during the extended meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

The Russian armed forces are demonstrating high military efficiency, Putin also said.

"In such difficult conditions, our troops are demonstrating high combat effectiveness," Putin said at the expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

Putin also noted the valiant actions of North Korean military personnel in the Kursk Region.

On Conflict Settlement

Russia would prefer to eliminate the root causes of the conflict in Ukraine through diplomacy, Putin said.

"We would prefer to do this and eliminate the root causes of the conflict through diplomacy," Putin said at the expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

However, if Kiev and its foreign backers refuse to discuss the matter substantively, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means, Putin noted.

Russia welcomes the progress that has been achieved through contacts with US President Donald Trump's administration, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"We welcome the progress that has been achieved in dialogue with the new US administration," Putin said at the expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

Russia continues to support mutually beneficial cooperation on an equal footing with both the United States and the European countries, the president added.

Russian Armed Forces Growing Stronger

Work to strengthen the Russian armed forces has been ongoing in recent years, the president said.

"Work on strengthening the armed forces has been ongoing in recent years. I am referring to the improvement of their combat strength, qualitative improvements in the military command system, in operational and combat training," Putin said during the extended meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

The president added that the Russian defense industry has been producing equipment necessary for military in increasing volumes.

"The ground forces are receiving missile systems and artillery systems with high-precision weapons, loitering munitions, various types of drones and robotics," Putin said.

The Russian armed forces remain the guarantor of the country's sovereignty and independence, its security and its future, Vladimir Putin said.

"In any international situation, our armed forces remain the key guarantor of Russia's sovereignty and independence, its security, its future, its strategic parity," Putin said during the extended meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

Russia needs to work systematically to strengthen its armed forces, he added.

Russia will continue developing its Burevestnik and Poseidon missile systems, which will remain unique weapons for a long time, Putin also said.

"The Burevestnik unlimited-range strategic cruise missile and the Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicle have been successfully tested ... We will continue to work on them. We will continue to refine and improve them," Putin said at the expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

As these systems are nuclear-powered, they will remain unique for a long time, ensuring strategic parity and supporting Russia's position on the global stage for decades to come, the Russian president added.

The Oreshnik missile system will be put on combat duty in Russia by the end of the year, Putin said.

"The medium-range missile system with the Oreshnik hypersonic missile will also be placed on combat duty by the end of the year," Putin said during the extended meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

Improving strategic nuclear forces is a priority for Russia, as they are a key element of deterrence, Russian President said.

"And, of course, improving strategic nuclear forces is a priority for us. As before, they will play a key role in deterring an aggressor and maintaining the balance of power in the world," Putin said at the expanded meeting of the Board of the Russian Defense Ministry.

Russia needs to further develop military and military-technical cooperation with its allies and partners, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Finally, we must continue to actively develop military and military-technical cooperation with foreign countries, our allies and partners, and improve the collective security system and the Union State," Putin said at the expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

On Geopolitical Situation in the World

The geopolitical situation in the world remains tense, even critical in some regions, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Today, we see that the geopolitical situation in the world remains tense, and in some regions, it is even becoming critical. NATO countries are actively building up and modernizing their offensive forces, creating and deploying new types of weapons, including in outer space," Putin said at the expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

NATO is continuously providing large-scale military assistance to Ukraine, Putin said.

"Large-scale military assistance is being provided continuously. Advisers, instructors and mercenaries are being sent, and intelligence data are being supplied," Putin said during the extended meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

Ukraine is backed by the combined military capabilities of NATO, which is the world's largest military and political bloc, the president added.

NATO countries are building up offensive forces, creating and deploying new types of weapons, including in space, Putin also said.

"NATO countries are actively building up and modernizing offensive forces, creating and deploying new types of weapons, including in outer space," Putin said during the expanded meeting of the board of the Russian Defense Ministry.

A number of European officials have forgotten their responsibility and are guided by personal interests, Russian President also said.

"Various political figures [in Europe], who supposedly held or still hold high-ranking positions, seem to have simply forgotten about their responsibilities. They are guided by fleeting personal or group political interests, but not by the interests of their nations," Putin said at the expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

Europeans are being intimidated by their leaders to make them believe that a military conflict with Russia is inevitable, and they must prepare for war, the Russian leader also said.

"But I have said it many times that this is a lie. Nonsense, just nonsense ... They [European leaders] are consciously fueling hysteria about it," Putin said.

Putin's Final Remarks at the Board Meeting

Russia has regained its status as a fully sovereign country with the start of the special military operation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"And the most important thing that happened during the special military operation is that Russia has regained its status as a full sovereign; Russia has become a sovereign country in every sense of the word," Putin said at the expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.

All Western attempts to destroy Russia have completely failed, as the country has demonstrated its resilience, the Russian president added.

"We are not depriving anyone of any rights, and we are not demanding anything special. We are simply insisting on the fulfillment of the promises made to us," Putin also said.

Russia's nuclear shield is more modern than that of any officially-recognized nuclear power, Putin said.

"Our nuclear shield is more modern than the nuclear component of any official nuclear power ... 92% of our nuclear forces are modern, well, there is no such thing in any country," Putin said during the expanded meeting of the board of the Russian Defense Ministry.

Russia has new weapons that no one else in world has, the president said, adding that Russia's ground forces are growing and getting stronger, while weapons like those of Russia will not appear in other countries anytime soon.

"Our armed forces are on the rise," Putin said, adding that there is no other army in world like the Russian one.

The West completely ignored all of Russia's interests, and it came to a coup d'etat in Ukraine, Putin said.

"They just ignored all our interests, completely. It eventually came to a coup d'etat in Ukraine," Putin said at an expanded meeting of the board of the Russian Defense Ministry, adding that destructive forces with the support of the West staged an armed coup in Ukraine to show their strength.

The West itself started the war in 2022, and Russia is trying to end it, the president said, adding that the West has deliberately brought the situation in Ukraine to the brink of war.

"[US] President [Donald] Trump says that if he had been president then, nothing like this would have happened. Perhaps this is the case, because the previous administration deliberately led the case to an armed conflict," Putin said.

The West believed it could destroy Russia in a short period of time, the president said, adding that EU officials joined the work of the former US administration, hoping to profit from the collapse of Russia.

Russia insists on fulfilling its promises to Moscow not to expand NATO to the East, Russian President said.

"We insist on simply fulfilling the promises made to us. It was publicly stated that there would be no expansion of NATO to the East. So what? They did not care  one wave of expansion after another. We do not require anything special. I repeat once again, we insist on fulfilling the promises made to us," Putin said during the expanded meeting of the board of the Russian Defense Ministry.

 Sputnik

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ICYMI: Shaheen Secures Repeal of Caesar Act Sanctions on Syria in Annual Defense Bill

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

December 17, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, secured a provision to repeal Caesar sanctions on Syria in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which now heads to the President's desk for his signature. These sanctions were imposed on Syria during the Assad dictatorship, but since the fall of that regime, have been an impediment to economic development and investment in Syria that would promote the country's stability.



"Today's repeal of the Caesar Act is a decisive step toward giving the Syrian people a real chance to rebuild after decades of unimaginable suffering," said Ranking Member Shaheen. "I'm grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, especially Representative Joe Wilson, for their tireless, bipartisan leadership and to Ambassador Tom Barrack for his relentless diplomacy and commitment to promoting the security of the region. This step will advance America's national security by promoting stability in an unsettled region, helping to deny ISIS a safe haven and preventing Iran from exercising its dangerous influence."



Ranking Member Shaheen authored the repeal of Caesar sanctions to give Syria a fighting chance on its road to recovery from the Assad regime. Today is a historic milestone for U.S.-Syria relations that will help put Syria on a path to growth, stability and prosperity. The sanctions repeal will also assist Syria in countering malign influence from Iran and Russia.



This repeal comes after months of diplomatic efforts and bipartisan coordination to lift these sanctions. In August, Ranking Member Shaheen led a Congressional Delegation including Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) to Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. The Senator also met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during her visit to New York for this year's United Nations High Level Week and during his visit to Washington, D.C. Finally, just this week, Ranking Member Shaheen and Representative Wilson authored an op-ed in Foreign Policy advocating for the repeal of these sanctions.



Click HERE to view the national security and New Hampshire priorities Senator Shaheen secured in the NDAA.

###

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Russia could support China attack on Taiwan: Taiwan security chief

ROC Central News Agency

12/17/2025 08:47 PM

Taipei, Dec. 17 (CNA) Russia could support China with military logistics and engage in provocations elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific region if China were to use force against Taiwan, Director-General of Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) Tsai Ming-yen () said Wednesday.

Such provocations by Russia would "increase regional complexity," Tsai told Taiwanese lawmakers while answering questions at a meeting of the Legislative Yuan's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.

The committee invited Tsai and Defense Minister Wellington Koo () to brief lawmakers on potential conflict flashpoints near Taiwan and on military preparedness.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers Chen Chun-yu () and Wang Ting-yu () raised questions about the role Russia might play if China were to attack Taiwan.

Attention should be paid to whether Russia conducts military patrols around the Taiwan Strait, the Western Pacific and Japan's Miyako Island, the national security chief said.

Such actions would make a response by the United States and its allies more complicated, he told lawmakers.

Tsai said the NSB has been monitoring potential China-Russia military cooperation through international intelligence exchanges.

He said he had already attended "nearly 100 formal bilateral meetings" with 45 other countries on Indo-Pacific security issues this year.

Defense Minister Koo said China expressed strong dissatisfaction after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks related to a "Taiwan contingency."

Specifically, Takaichi told the Japanese parliament on Nov. 7 that use of force against Taiwan by China could constitute a "survival-threatening" crisis for Japan that would warrant a military response from Tokyo.

On Wednesday, Koo told Taiwanese lawmakers that beyond military exercises, a recent joint China-Russia aerial patrol sent a "clear message" that China and Russia have a cooperative relationship in the region.

(By James Thompson, Wu Shu-wei and Yu Kai-hsiang)

Enditem/AW

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Taiwan seeking highest WHO recognition for curbing hepatitis C: Lai

ROC Central News Agency

12/17/2025 04:48 PM

Taipei, Dec. 17 (CNA) Taiwan will apply for World Health Organization (WHO) certification of its success in preventing and treating hepatitis C by the end of this year, President Lai Ching-te () said at a news conference Wednesday.

"We are scheduled to file an application with the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific to certify the elimination of hepatitis C by the end of this year, to demonstrate to the world Taiwan's resolve to safeguard public health and share our strategies and experience," Lai said.

Given that Taiwan is not a member of the WHO, it may be a challenge to get WHO certification, but Lai on Wednesday seemed confident that Taiwan has positioned itself for such recognition.

Taiwan believes it has met the criteria for gold tier certification under the WHO's three-tier "Path to Elimination" framework designed to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90 percent and hepatitis-related deaths by 65 percent globally from 2015 levels.

The country has achieved over 90 percent diagnosis and treatment rates and 100 percent blood and injection safety, while providing more than 150 needles and syringes to any individual who injects drugs, said Shen Ching-fen (), director-general of the Health Promotion Administration.

The WHO gold tier standard is 100 percent blood and injection safety coverage, 80 percent diagnosis coverage, and 70 percent treatment coverage, in addition to supplying each person who injects drugs with at least 150 needles and syringes each year.

The WHO standard does not require complete "elimination" of the disease, which Taiwan has not yet achieved, having reported 395 cases of acute hepatitis C in Taiwan and eight deaths from the disease so far this year, according to Taiwan Centers for Disease Control data.

But Lai said Taiwan has taken many steps to reduce the prevalence of the disease, from establishing a national office for hepatitis C prevention to covering new direct-acting antiviral medications under the country's national health insurance system, significantly reducing the cost for treatment.

Since the drugs were first covered in January 2017, about 176,000 Taiwanese citizens had undergone hepatitis C treatment as of June, with a cure rate of 98.4 percent, Lai said.

In 2018, Lai said, he approved the Taiwan Hepatitis C Policy Guidelines in his capacity as premier, ushering in precision public health policies focusing on prevention measures for different demographics.

Taiwan might not be eligible for the WHO's country validation system, however, as the body does not recognize Taiwan as a country.

The WHO could also reject a report being prepared by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) for the health body documenting Taiwan's path to eliminating the disease given that Taiwan is not a member.

Shen said that was a possibility but indicated that the MOHW will submit the report regardless.

Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Chuang Jen-hsiang () said the ministry has informed experts at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific of the delivery and sent them the report in advance.

Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver and is commonly contracted through unsafe injections and sexual practices, and may result in lifelong illness such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, according to the WHO.

An estimated 50 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis C virus infection, with around 1 million new infections each year, the WHO noted.

Because Taiwan is not a member of the WHO, it participated in the World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer from 2009 to 2016 under the name "Chinese Taipei" under the then-Kuomintang administration, which advocated closer ties with China.

Due to political pressure from China, Taiwan has been excluded from the WHA since 2017, after the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party came into power in 2016.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/ls

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Taiwan made 'essential contributions' at Pax Silica summit: US official

ROC Central News Agency

12/17/2025 02:00 PM

Taipei, Dec. 17 (CNA) Taiwan "was there and made essential contributions" at President Donald Trump's Pax Silica summit on silicon supply chain security issues, a senior American official said Tuesday (U.S. time).

"Taiwan was at the table and was absolutely present in all of the sessions in which one would expect Taiwan to play an important role," United States Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said during a virtual press briefing.

Pushing back against "misperceptions" that Taiwan was sidelined from the U.S.-led strategic initiative, Helberg said Taiwan participated in discussions on manufacturing and semiconductors.

An earlier press release published by the U.S. State Department on Dec. 11 did not include Taiwan on a list of participants and guest contributors slated to gather for the summit, which was held in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 12.

A fact sheet on Pax Silica's webpage, however, named Taiwan as having made "guest contributions" alongside the European Union, Canada and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

In response to a question from a TaiwanPlus reporter, Helberg confirmed in the press briefing that Taiwan accepted a U.S. invitation to attend and "contributed a great deal to the meeting."

Helberg explained, however, that Washington chose not to duplicate talks already underway with Taipei through the U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue, citing Taiwan's "invaluable expertise" and its "essential" role in global supply chains.

Helberg also said planners were "expecting to roll out several new members of the Pax Silica Declaration" in the first quarter of 2026.

"Give us a little bit of room to let sensitive conversations unfold on a bilateral basis," he told the Taiwan-based reporter, who had asked if there was a pathway for Taiwan to be brought in as a full participant.

According to a State Department fact sheet, Pax Silica is aimed at building a "secure, prosperous, and innovation driven silicon supply chain -- from critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and logistics."

The inaugural Pax Silica summit was convened by Helberg on Dec. 12 and brought together representatives from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Australia.

It is framed as a "positive-sum partnership" rather than an effort to isolate other countries by the State Department in its fact sheet, though Washington has previously expressed concern over China's technological advances and dominance in rare earth supply chains as a key driver of the initiative.

(By James Thompson)

Enditem/ls

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Aircraft carrier Fujian allegedly makes Taiwan Straits transit; likely normal arrangement to boost capability: experts

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun, Liang Rui and Guo Yuandan Published: Dec 17, 2025 11:30 PM

The defense authority on the island of Taiwan claimed on Wednesday that it spotted the aircraft carrier Fujian of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy transiting through the Taiwan Straits on Tuesday. Chinese mainland experts said that the alleged voyage is likely a normal arrangement to boost the capability of the newly commissioned aircraft carrier.

In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, the island's so-called defense authority said its armed forces had "monitored" the situation and responded. It further claimed that, as of 6 am Wednesday, it had detected nine sorties of PLA aircraft and seven PLA Navy vessels operating around Taiwan, adding that five of the nine aircraft sorties crossed the so-called "median line" and entered the island's self-claimed northern and southwestern air defense identification zone.

Mainland's Ministry of National Defense has previously stated that Taiwan is a part of China and that there is no such thing as a "median line of the Taiwan Straits," according to spokesperson Jiang Bin.

This is not the first time the Fujian has sailed through the Taiwan Straits. On September 12, Captain Leng Guowei, a PLA Navy spokesperson, said in a statement that China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, passed through the Taiwan Straits to carry out scientific research tests and training missions in the South China Sea at that time. The cross-sea tests and training of the Fujian is a normal arrangement in the aircraft carrier's construction process, and it is not aimed at any specific target, Leng said.

According to official reports, the Fujian was constructed in Shanghai. After its entry into the South China Sea via the Taiwan Straits in September, the carrier eventually was commissioned at a naval port in Sanya, South China's Hainan Province on November 5.

Citing the head of defense authority on the island of Taiwan, media on the island claimed that the Fujian could be returning to its shipyard in Shanghai for improvements, given no aircraft was spotted on the flight deck.

Chinese mainland military affairs expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times on Wednesday that the possible destination of the Fujian's alleged northward transit through the Taiwan Straits could indeed be its shipyard in Shanghai.

Song said that after conducting intensive tests and training in the South China Sea for the first time, it would make sense if the carrier needs some maintenance and adjustments.

However, it is also possible that the Fujian could conduct additional training and exercises, Wang Yunfei, another Chinese mainland military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

A similar occurrence took place six years ago, when the defense authority on the island claimed it spotted the PLA Navy's second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, during a transit through the Taiwan Straits and then sailed northward on December 26, 2019. Before this, the Shandong first made a transit through the Taiwan Straits and sailed southward on November 17, 2019, before it was commissioned on December 17, 2019, also at a naval port in Sanya, according to media reports at the time.

There is no need for the defense authority on the island of Taiwan to make a fuss, as transits of PLA Navy warships through the Taiwan Straits are very normal arrangement, Wang said.

When asked whether the Fujian will continue trial voyages after its commissioning and when it will achieve actual combat capability, Leng, the PLA Navy spokesperson said on November 8 that as China's first electromagnetic catapult aircraft carrier, the Fujian is a landmark piece of equipment for the PLA Navy's leapfrog development. Many of its systems and technologies are being put into practical use for the first time. After commissioning, the warship will continue to carry out in-depth testing to further assess the stability of the platform system. Meanwhile, it will carry out carrier-aircraft adaptation, formation system training and other tasks as planned to continuously enhance its combat capabilities.

The Fujian is the PLA Navy's third aircraft carrier, also the first domestically made carrier that uses catapults. With a full-load displacement of more than 80,000 tons, the carrier is equipped with electromagnetic catapults and arresting devices, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Wednesday also marked the sixth anniversary of the aircraft carrier Shandong's commissioning. The PLA Navy said in a statement that the Shandong, having just completed its final maritime training mission of the year, successfully returned to a naval port in Sanya.

Over the past six years, the aircraft carrier Shandong has repeatedly crossed island chains, continuously extending its operational reach. In engagements with formidable rivals, it has consistently enhanced its integrated combat capabilities, the PLA Navy said.

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Taiwan authorities 'thanking' US for $11.1b arms sales slammed by island netizens; expert says deals only to allow Washington to reap benefits

Global Times

By Fan Anqi Published: Dec 18, 2025 03:20 PM

Taiwan's regional "defense authority" on Thursday "thanked" the US for a new round of arms sales worth about $11.1 billion that has been formally notified to the US Congress. However, a Chinese expert said that the packages involve neither advanced nor latest systems and the real intent of US arms sales to Taiwan is to extract profits from the Taiwan authorities and local taxpayers while reaping substantial financial gains.

Taiwan's regional "defense authority" claimed on Thursday that the US government has formally notified Congress of eight arms sales packages to Taiwan with a total value of $11.1054 billion. Meanwhile, the US Senate on Wednesday passed a compromise version of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, in which it fully funds a so-called "Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative" at $1 billion, media reported on Thursday.

According to Taiwan media outlets, the island's "defense authority" claimed that the US has continued to assist Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self-defense capabilities, rapidly building resilient deterrence capabilities, and leveraging asymmetric warfare advantages  all of which "form the foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability."

The latest arms sales are the largest ever US weapons package for the island, and the second under US President Donald Trump's current administration, a Reuters report noted. The proposed arms sales cover eight items, including HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius loitering munition drones and parts for other equipment, the report said, citing Taiwan regional "defense authority."

The arms sales deals are expected to take effect formally in about a month, according to Taiwan media.

Chinese mainland military affairs expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times on Thursday that under the Trump administration, judging from the arms sales list, it is quite clear that the weapons being sold to Taiwan are not advanced systems or new ones, with many approaching obsolescence.

"The real intention of the US arms sales is to extract profits from the Taiwan authorities and local taxpayers while reaping enormous financial gains. Whether labeled as arms sales or cooperation initiatives, these deals amount to money-wasting military purchases for Taiwan, which not only fails to enhance its defense capabilities but also imposes heavier financial burdens on the island," Song noted. He further noted that this time, there is still no guarantee the deliveries will arrive on schedule.

Supplying the Taiwan authorities with more US weapons under the banner of enhancing "self-defense" closely serves the US's practical and commercial interests. What is presented as a "security commitment" is, in reality, an arms-selling arrangement that urges Taiwan to build a defense system largely at its own expense and based on US equipment, the expert noted.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the US Senate on Wednesday passed a compromise version of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, a nearly $1 trillion bill setting policy for the Pentagon, which has said Republican President Donald Trump will sign it into law.

The bill, per Reuters, fully funds a so-called "Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative" at $1 billion, authorizes funding for US forces to continue training for Taiwan and requires the Pentagon to seek to establish a joint program with Taiwan to field drone and anti-drone systems.

Netizens in Taiwan have angrily slammed the Lai authorities on social media for selling out the island and acting as a "cash machine" for the US. They noted that enormous amount of money has been sent, but the promised arms have not been delivered, yet the DPP authorities continue to express gratitude.

A netizen commented, "The Lai Ching-te authority is once again spending the people's hard-earned tax money. Is this what it calls strengthening defense? Such an approach will only further strain Taiwan's finances!" Another remarked that "Just look at Taiwan's urban landscape  instead of properly investing in building and improving Taiwan, they would rather spend money on outdated, second-rate US military hardware."

KMT chairperson Cheng Li-wen also previously criticized Lai for turning the Taiwan Straits into a powder keg and transforming the island into an arms factory, following Lai's announcement to add an additional $40 billion defense budget, Taiwan media outlet udn.com reported in November.

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council has repeatedly criticized the Lai authorities for pandering to the US to pursue "Taiwan independence." On December 3, Zhang Han, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, slammed the DPP, saying it is driven by political self-interest and has shown servile deference to external forces, currying favor with them at all costs.

"Their approach of fawning over and kowtowing to the US is devoid of principles, while their actions of selling out and harming Taiwan know no bottom line. The US has always adhered to an 'America First' policy and cares only about its own interests. In the eyes of Americans, Taiwan's real value lies in being a 'piece of fat meat' and a 'cash machine'  a pawn to contain the Chinese mainland and a tool to serve US interests," the spokesperson continued.

"No matter how much the DPP authorities attempt to arm the island, its military cannot match the size or strength of the PLA. Efforts are therefore futile, and confronting China would lead only to a dead end," Song warned.

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Chance of a peace process is real

Germany - Federal Government

Press conference by Federal Chancellor Merz and President Zelenskyy

Delegations from Ukraine and the USA have met in Berlin to discuss paths to a ceasefire. In a press conference, Federal Chancellor Merz spoke of the greatest diplomatic dynamics since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression.

Transcript of press conference

Monday, 15 December 2025

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has received negotiators from the USA and Ukraine for confidential talks at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin. "We now have the chance to achieve a genuine peace process for Ukraine," said the Federal Chancellor at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Questions of security guarantees, territory and effective mechanisms for monitoring a ceasefire were also on the agenda of a meeting scheduled for the evening among European heads of state and government, representatives from the EU and NATO as well as US negotiators in Berlin. "I hope that we will make further progress this evening and close the ranks between Ukraine, the United States of America and Europe," emphasised Merz.

The most important points in brief:

Safety guarantees: A ceasefire is needed that preserves the sovereignty of the Ukrainian state, maintains Ukraine's European perspective and promotes its reconstruction. This ceasefire must be secured by "substantial legal and material security guarantees from the USA and the Europeans", said the Federal Chancellor, a matter on which Ukrainians, Europeans and the USA are united.

A ceasefire is needed that preserves the sovereignty of the Ukrainian state, maintains Ukraine's European perspective and promotes its reconstruction. This ceasefire must be secured by "substantial legal and material security guarantees from the USA and the Europeans", said the Federal Chancellor, a matter on which Ukrainians, Europeans and the USA are united. Territorial issues: A key question remains as to what territorial arrangements can be made, said Merz. "The answer to this can only be given by the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian president, who is defending his territory here." It was clear that Germany would continue to help Ukraine as its closest partner. The Federal budget for 2026 provides major support for the Ukrainian armed forces, emphasised the Federal Chancellor.

A key question remains as to what territorial arrangements can be made, said Merz. "The answer to this can only be given by the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian president, who is defending his territory here." It was clear that Germany would continue to help Ukraine as its closest partner. The Federal budget for 2026 provides major support for the Ukrainian armed forces, emphasised the Federal Chancellor. Pressure on Russia: Moscow must be persuaded to "stop playing for time" and become open to a ceasefire. The Federal Chancellor underlined that, in order to further increase the pressure on Russia, the European Union is working on a 20th sanctions package and on new measures against the Russian shadow fleet, as well as on the utilisation of the Russian assets that have been seized in Europe.

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32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG)

Poland - Ministry of National Defence

16.12.2025

The 32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), in which the secretary of state in the ministry of defence Pawe Zalewski participated, was held on 16 December. The discussions were chaired by the ministers of defence of Great Britain and Germany

Priority needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2026, as well as directions of continued strengthening of Ukraine's defensive potential, were discussed. Representatives from the Ukrainian ministry of defence have presented an analysis of the frontline situation and defined their expectations regarding the acquisition of critical capabilities. Partners have noted fulfilled donations to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the plans of military support in the coming year, including anti-air defence, artillery shells supply and drones. The meeting was also an opportunity to show the commitments of Partners towards the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) programme.

Deputy minister P. Zalewski noted the unwavering support for Ukraine and informed of the donations to the Armed Forces of Ukraine fulfilled by Poland (artillery shells), as well as Poland's commitment to PURL (100 mln USD)

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$45 billion in support: Denys Shmyhal says 2025 has been the most productive year for Ukraine, speaking at the Ramstein meeting

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

16 December, 2025, 6:13 PM EET

Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal addressed partners during the 32nd Ramstein-format meeting.

He expressed gratitude for the support provided in 2025, making it a record year in terms of assistance. If all commitments are fulfilled, Ukraine will secure $45 billionmore than in any year since the onset of the full-scale war.

Furthermore, in 2025, partners committed to allocating nearly $5 billion to Ukraine's defense industry and a further $5 billion to the procurement of U.S. weapons for Ukraine. Both figures were record-breaking, and Ukraine aims to maintain similar momentum in 2026, Denys Shmyhal emphasized.

"Ukraine's overall defense requirements for 2026 total $120 billion. Ukraine is able to cover half of this amount through its own resources. The remaining $60 billion would need to come from partners," he said.

The Minister of Defence briefed meeting participants on the key support priorities:

Stable and predictable funding for Ukraine's defense. Accordingly, he encouraged partners to direct at least 0.25% of GDP toward Ukraine's defense needs.

Air defense, as russia continues its aerial terror and Ukraine needs to strengthen its protective capabilities.

Support for Ukraine's domestic production of drones and other weapons systems that have proven effective on the battlefield.

The provision of ammunition, including long-range capabilities.

The PURL mechanism.

"This key element of cooperation between Europe and the United States should continue to receive funding. Ukraine's overall requirement for PURL packages in 2026 amounts to $15 billion," Denys Shmyhal noted.

He further emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to restoring peace.

"However, to achieve this, we must increase pressure on the aggressor, restrict its resources, and expand Ukraine's defense capabilities. I thank every member of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group for their consistent support. I am grateful to the United Kingdom, Germany, and NATO for their leadership in organizing a productive meeting," the Minister of Defence of Ukraine added.

At the meeting, partners announced new commitments for the long-term support of Ukraine:

Germany

11.5 billion in 2026 to support Ukraine's defense. Focus areas: air defense, UAVs, and artillery rounds.

New Patriot and IRIS-T systems have already been supplied to Ukraine.

United Kingdom

600 million in 2025 to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities, financed through frozen russian assets, partner funding, and the UK's own budget.

Canada

An additional CAD 30 million allocated for Ukrainian drone capabilities.

AIM-9 missiles.

Deliveries of electro-optical sensors and other military assistance.

Netherlands

700 million allocated for UAVs, including 400 million for systems manufactured in Ukraine.

Montenegro

Contributions to PURL and the NSATU fund in preparation.

Denmark

A new PURL contribution focused on Ukraine's aviation capabilities.

Transfer of the 29th support package worth 250 million, including drones, air defense, and support for Ukraine's aviation.

Estonia

Continuation of support at a level of at least 0.25% of GDP (142 million).

A 9 million contribution to the IT Coalition.

Latvia

Continuation of support at a level of at least 0.25% of GDP (110 million), with focus on UAVs, electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, and PURL initiative.

Lithuania

Over 220 million in military support for Ukraine in 2026, at a level of no less than 0.25% of GDP, including contributions to the PURL initiative, the Patriot program for Ukraine, the "Czech initiative," and the Demining Capability Coalition.

Luxembourg

100 million in 2026 to support Ukraine.

A second contribution of 15 million to the PURL initiative.

New Zealand

$15 million to the PURL initiative.

Norway

Approximately $7 billion in total military assistance in 2026.

Contributions to support U.S. air defense systems and the "Czech initiative."

Poland

Supply of 155-mm artillery shells.

Implementation of joint projects with Ukraine within the SAFE framework.

Portugal

A contribution to the "Czech initiative."

10 million for UAVs.

Czechia

Under the "Czech initiative," the delivery of 760,000 artillery shells for 2026 has already been funded.

"I am grateful to our partners for these contributions, which save lives, reinforce Europe's security, and bring us closer to a genuine peace," Denys Shmyhal concluded.

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Iceland Supports New Claims Commission for Ukraine

Government of Iceland

17 December 2025

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Iceland was among 35 countries that signed the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine yesterday. The signing took place at a diplomatic conference under the auspices of the Council of Europe in The Hague, with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Today, Iceland once again underlines the need to uphold international law and stand firmly behind Ukraine. Russia must be held accountable and compensate for the damage it has caused to the Ukrainian people. The large number of countries that signed the convention today is a sign of the broad support of Ukraine," says Minister for Foreign Affairs orgerur Katrin Gunnarsdottir.

The convention stipulates that Russia is legally responsible for the invasion and must pay compensation for the damage it has caused as a result of its illegal war of aggression in Ukraine. The agreement was reached at the 2023 Council of Europe Summit in Reykjavik, where the foundations were laid for an international accountability mechanism aimed at holding Russia accountable.

The mechanism consists of a special court, which will hold accountable high-ranking leaders for crime of aggression against Ukraine, a special register of damages that became operational in April last year, and now a claims commission. More than eighty thousand claims have already been registered in the register of damages, and the claims commission will be tasked with deciding on the amount of compensation.

The claims commission will be an independent body within the Council of Europe, but non-member states can also become members of the commission. It is expected to become fully operational in 2029.

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Minister of National Defence took part in a distance meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-12-17

International cooperation

On December 16 Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas took part in a distance meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group where support to Ukraine, major needs of the country were on the agenda, as well as developments on the frontline and progress on peace talks. The Ukraine Defence Contact Group has met for the 32 time.

"Enhancement of Ukraine's defensive capacity is one of Lithuania's priority strategic objectives. Lithuania has already supported Ukraine with over USD 1 billion in military assistance since the start of the war and is a reliable partner and consistent supporter for the future as well. Lithuania also has committed to support Ukraine annually with at least 0.25% of GDP," said Minister of National Defence R. Kaunas.

Next year, Lithuania's military support in Ukraine's self-defence will total to approx. EUR 220 million. Lithuania is also an active participant of the Nordic-Baltic Initiative Task Force LEGIO. Lithuania's contributed team of instructors will join in the training for Ukrainian brigades in the nearest while.

Also, Lithuania will continue supporting Ukraine through urgent military assistance programmes with our second financial contribution to the PURL mechanism for acquisition of critical weaponry and via the Patriot and the Czech ammunition initiatives.

Joint production projects where Ukrainian equipment is manufactured on Lithuanian soil is also one of the measures for increasing military assistance to Ukraine. The support of Lithuania's military industry rests on several key aims. Primarily, to speed localization of the Ukrainian defence industry, Lithuania will also continue bilateral direct investment in Ukraine's defence industry using the so-called Lithuanian model, which is also planned to be applied internationally and more widely as well. Minister R. Kaunas also thanked Ireland for the contribution to the Lithuanian model of financing electronic warfare equipment production and invited other Allied to follow suit. The model offers a simple and effective way to finance equipment production in Ukraine.

Likewise, Lithuania will continue the training and rehabilitation for injured Ukrainian military personnel on the Lithuanian soil, as well as refurbishment of the Medical Rehabilitation Facility in Zhytomyr.

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Netherlands to host International Claims Commission for Ukraine

Government of the Netherlands - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

News item | 17-12-2025 | 13:40

The Netherlands has announced that it will host the International Claims Commission for Ukraine, which will deal with compensation claims for damage inflicted in Ukraine during the war. The announcement, which came on 16 December at a ministerial diplomatic conference in The Hague, followed the adoption of an international resolution inviting the Netherlands to host the newly established Claims Commission.

This is a new step in the development of a crucial international compensation mechanism enabling victims of Russian aggression in Ukraine to receive compensation for damage they have suffered. It is a long and complex process consisting of three parts: a Register of Damage, a Claims Commission and a Compensation Fund.

The Register of Damage for Ukraine, which is also based in The Hague, has been accepting claims from Ukraine since 2024, and has now received over 80,000. The signing of the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine is a historic step towards reparation and compensation for the damage inflicted on Ukraine by Russia. The new body will assess all damage claims registered to date from Ukrainian citizens, businesses and institutions. The third part of the process will be to establish a Compensation Fund. This mechanism not only offers the prospect of financial compensation, but is also an important acknowledgement of the damage suffered by the victims of Russian aggression.

For many decades, The Hague has been home to a wide range of international courts, tribunals and organisations. Since the Register of Damage is also located in The Hague, the decision to establish the Claims Commission in the Netherlands too was a logical one, and it is in keeping with The Hague's status as the international city of peace and justice.

Compensating victims for the damage they have suffered is a key element of any just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The Netherlands, working alongside its international partners, is committed to achieving this. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, both in its fight for justice and in its wider struggle.

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China Pursues Independent Foreign Policy & Clear Position on Ukraine - Foreign Ministry

Sputnik News

20251217

BEIJING (Sputnik) - China pursues an independent and peaceful foreign policy, with Beijing's position on the Ukraine crisis remaining consistent and clear, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said that the United Kingdom, France, and Germany would signal readiness to pivot toward Beijing if Washington pushes a Ukraine deal which Brussels does not like.

"China follows an independent foreign policy for peace. We develop relations and engage in cooperation with other countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence," Guo told a briefing.

China's stance on the Ukraine crisis is "consistent and clear," the spokesman said. Beijing supports all efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement and hopes all parties will reach a "fair, lasting and binding peace agreement through dialogue and negotiation at an early date," he added.

 Sputnik

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Russian Forces Liberate Gerasimovka Settlement in Dnepropetrovsk Region

Sputnik News

20251217

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Vostok battlegroup liberated the settlement of Gerasimovka in the Dnepropetrovsk region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

"Units of the Vostok battlegroup continued to advance deep into the enemy's defenses and liberated the settlement of Gerasimovka in the Dnepropetrovsk region," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia's Tsentr battlegroup has eliminated more than 470 Ukrainian military personnel over the past 24 hours

has eliminated more than 470 Ukrainian military personnel over the past 24 hours Ukraine has also lost up to 235 soldiers in battles with Russia's Vostok battlegroup , over 200 soldiers in battles with the Yug battlegroup , and up to 230 soldiers in battles with the Zapad battlegroup in the past day

, over 200 soldiers in battles with the , and up to 230 soldiers in battles with the in the past day Additionally, the Russian armed forces have hit the assembly center for unmanned boats of the Ukrainian special services, transport infrastructure facilities involved in the interests of the armed forces of Ukraine

 Sputnik

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UK sends automated turrets and missiles to shoot down Russian drones, as part of 600 million air defence package for Ukraine

Press release

The UK has committed 600 million in air-defence capabilities, including cutting edge turrets that can shoot down Russian drones to support Ukraine through the winter.

From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP

Published 17 December 2025

Over 1,000 UK-built air-defence missiles delivered since June, as Russia targets power stations and energy networks.

New British systems including RAVEN and GRAVEHAWK and counter-Shahed turrets set to bolster Ukraine's defences this winter.

Defence Secretary co-chairs meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) as UK further steps up support for Ukraine's security and sovereignty.

The UK has committed 600 million in air-defence capabilities, including cutting edge turrets that can shoot down Russian drones to support Ukraine through the winter, as Putin's air campaign plunges homes, hospitals, and power stations into darkness.

The support has already seen more than 1,000 missiles delivered to Ukraine since June, a direct result of the UK Government's biggest single-year investment in air defence for Ukraine.

The announcement comes as the Defence Secretary John Healey MP and his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius co-chair the 32nd meeting of the UDCG today (16th December 2025). In a virtual meeting of 50 nations, which will be attended by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Ukraine's supporters will discuss the country's key military needs for 2026, share battlefield insights, plan equipment deliveries and the gaps that need to be addressed.

The UK is backing Ukraine for the long term, with more than twenty remotely guided counter-drone turrets, acquired from Estonia, set for delivery in 2026. These new systems, designed specifically to defeat Shahed-style attack drones at scale and at lower cost, form a crucial part of Ukraine's future defensive capabilities.

Building on that momentum, five RAVEN air-defence systems  announced this summer  will now be handed over to Ukraine, giving frontline units a rapid-reaction shield against low-flying threats. Whilst the first GRAVEHAWK air-defence systems, announced in January and now being delivered, will reinforce Ukraine's ability to protect key infrastructure from Russia's deep-strike barrages.

In addition, the UK with funding from international partners, has delivered over 1,000 air defence missiles and over 250,000 rounds of air-defence ammunition in 2025.

Together, this represents a major step-change in Britain's support, ensuring Ukraine can keep the lights on and keep civilians safe through the harshest months of the war.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

Ukrainians continue to fight with huge courage - military and civilians alike. The UK's 600 million air defence investment this year is critical help to Ukrainians as they defend their towns, cities and energy infrastructure from Russia's barbaric attacks. Alongside this 50-strong group of partners, we are working to deliver the vital support for Ukraine's defence to put them in the strongest possible position to secure peace.

Central to this boost is the final tranche of 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), delivered ahead of schedule last autumn and now playing a critical role in stopping Russia's one-way attack drones and cruise-missile strikes.

The announcement also builds on the landmark Octopus announcement between the UK and Ukraine. This will see a new state-of-the-art interceptor drone built in the UK ready to be deployed at scale on the front line at Ukraine.

Interceptor drones are considerably cheaper than regular air defence missiles and have proved to be highly effective in countering the waves of one-way attack drones Russia continue to launch at Ukraine's cities.

This reaffirms how the UK's support for Ukraine, drives investment and growth back in the UK, creating thousands of highly skilled jobs across the country.

Both the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have been clear that the UK's national security - the foundation of the Government's Plan for Change - starts in Ukraine.

The UK remains committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, with 4.5 billion being spent on military support to Ukraine this year - the UK's highest ever level.

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Ramstein: What the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meetings delivered for Ukraine in 2025

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

17 December, 2025, 10:35 AM EET

In 2025, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group convened eight meetings, during which military assistance packages for Ukraine worth billions of euros were announced.

The final Ramstein-format meeting of the year was held yesterday. Overall, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group's efforts in 2025 yielded tangible results for Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defence highlights the Ukraine Defense Contact Group's results over the year.

Strengthening air defense and commitments for 2026

December 16, 2025, online

- Germany pledged 11.5 billion in 2026 to support Ukraine's defense. Focus areas: air defense, UAVs, and artillery rounds.

- The United Kingdom committed 600 million to strengthening Ukraine's air defense, funded through frozen russian assets, partner funding, and its own budget.

- Canada, the Netherlands, and Portugal committed to contributions supporting the production of Ukrainian UAVs.

- Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania committed to supporting Ukraine in 2026 at a level of no less than 0.25% of GDP.

- Montenegro, Denmark, Luxembourg, and New Zealand made new contributions to PURL for the procurement of critically needed weaponry.

- Poland agreed to implement joint projects in the defense industry under the SAFE mechanism.

- Norway pledged approximately $7 billion in total military assistance for 2026.

- Czechia reported that funding has been secured for the delivery of 760,000 artillery shells in 2026 under the "Czech initiative."

Advancing PURL and the procurement of Ukrainian-made weapons

October 16, 2025, Brussels

- Partners made new contributions to the PURL initiative totaling at least $422 million.

- Norway, the Netherlands, Canada, and Iceland made contributions exceeding $715 million for the procurement of Ukrainian-produced equipment and weaponry.

- Sweden budgeted $8 billion for security assistance to Ukraine in 2026-2027.

Funding for long-range Ukrainian-made weapons

September 9, 2025, London

- Germany made a 500 million contribution to the PURL initiative and agreed to fund the procurement of Ukrainian long-range drones worth 300 million.

- The United Kingdom allocated funding for several thousand long-range strike drones to be manufactured in the UK and delivered to Ukraine over the next 12 months.

- Denmark approved the launch of a joint venture with Ukraine to produce long-range weapons.

- Canada contributed 500 million to the PURL initiative and committed $220 million to financing Ukrainian drones and other forms of military assistance.

- Lithuania, Latvia, Belgium, Luxembourg, and other partners made contributions to the PURL initiative and agreed on new military assistance packages.

Procurement of U.S. weapons under the PURL initiative

July 21, 2025, online

- The United States has initiated a new mechanism in cooperation with NATO, allowing European countries to procure U.S. weaponry for Ukraine. European partners joined the co-financing.

- Germany announced the delivery of more than 200,000 rounds for Gepard systems and funding for the procurement of Ukrainian long-range drones.

- The Netherlands announced 200 million in support for interceptor drones and 125 million for the maintenance of F-16 aircraft.

- Canada has allocated CAD 20 million for the maintenance of Ukrainian tanks.

Build with Ukraine

June 4, 2025, Brussels

- Ukraine has announced the establishment of a new international initiative for the joint production of Ukrainian weapons in the member countries of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, to meet the urgent needs of the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

- An agreement was reached to provide up to 1.3 billion in support for Ukraine under the "Danish model" in 2025. The first tranche of 428 million was announced, with contributions from Denmark, Sweden, Canada, Norway, and Iceland.

The Electronic Warfare (EW) Coalition

April 11, 2025, Brussels

- Ukraine and Germany officially announced the formation of a new coalition, the Electronic Warfare Coalition, with 10 countries signing a joint Letter of Intent.

- Germany promised to provide four IRIS-T air defense systems with 300 interceptor missiles for these systems, additional missiles for the Patriot systems, as well as Leopard-1 tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and thousands of artillery rounds. In total, additional aid through 2029 will amount to 11 billion.

- The United Kingdom announced that it will provide 450 million in assistance, including hundreds of thousands of drones, radar systems, and maintenance of previously supplied equipment.

- In total, Norway has increased its military support for 2025 to 5 billion. It also announced 1 billion in assistance, including for ammunition and air and missile defense.

Leadership of the United Kingdom and Germany

February 12, 2025, Brussels

- For the first time, a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group was chaired by UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey and German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius.

- Denmark has completed the transfer of most of the announced F-16 fighter jets.

- Sweden confirmed long-term support for Ukraine at a level of 2.3 billion per year, including 530 million allocated for drones, ammunition, and technology, and 250 million allocated under the "Danish model".

- Norway announced 100 million for the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Coalition, 240 million for naval capabilities development, and 50 million for the Drone Coalition.

Development Strategy for the Defence Forces until 2027

January 9, 2025, Ramstein Air Base in Germany

- Approved roadmaps for the development of the Ukrainian Defence Forces by 2027, developed within the framework of eight Capability Coalitions, namely: The Air Force Coalition, the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Coalition, the Maritime Capability Coalition, the Artillery Coalition, the Armored Vehicles and Maneuverability Coalition, the IT Coalition, the Drone Coalition, and the Demining Capability Coalition.

- The United States has announced a new aid package worth $500 million, including air defense missiles, air-to-air missiles, and equipment for F-16 fighter jets.

- Canada will provide assistance totaling CAD 440 million (including 100 million for the procurement of Ukrainian weapons under the "Danish Model").

- The United Kingdom, in cooperation with NATO allies, pledged to deliver 30,000 new drones worth 45 million.

- Norway will allocate NOK 700 million for drone procurement.

- Germany pledged to deliver six IRIS-T air defense systems and 50 interceptor missiles for these systems in 2025.

- Iceland committed 2 million to funding the production of Ukrainian weapons under the "Danish model".

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Denys Shmyhal announces strengthened defence cooperation with Germany

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

17 December, 2025, 5:08 PM EET

Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal reported on the signing of several new key agreements with German partners totalling over 1.2 billion.

Of particular significance are the agreements reached between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz, under which Germany committed to allocate 11.5 billion in support for Ukraine in the coming year.

Other agreements with German partners include:

- Long-term supply of spare parts for Patriot systems in service with Ukraine. This will enable faster repair, modernisation, and restoration of existing systems.

- Procurement of Ukrainian-made UAVs worth 200 million. The supply of Ukrainian drones is a key priority for halting the enemy's advance and inflicting increased losses on the enemy.

- The largest artillery project: production of 200 units of Bohdana self-propelled artillery systems on the new Zetros chassis, with a total value of 750 million, to enhance Ukraine's artillery capabilities.

- Joint production of Ukrainian LINZA UAVs in cooperation between Ukrainian company Frontline Robotics and German company Quantum Systems under the Build with Ukraine initiative, to scale tactical reconnaissance capabilities.

- Contracts have been concluded to ensure uninterrupted delivery of advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems at the tactical level.

"I thank Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius for announcing this important support during the Ramstein-format meeting. We especially value the delivery of the two pledged Patriot systems and the ninth IRIS-T system, which will contribute to the protection of Ukrainian cities and reinforce European security," said Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

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Real Protection Is Needed Against This Russian Case History of Madness, and We Will Continue Now Working With All Partners to Ensure That Protection Is in Place - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

17 December 2025 - 18:37

Dear Ukrainians!

A brief update on today.

First of all, reports from our regions. Wherever necessary, restoration efforts continue around the clock. This is often heroic work by our repair crews, our power engineers, engaged utility services, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, especially in areas near the Russian border and along the front line. Everywhere, work is underway to restore electricity for our people and our communities. It is crucial that there are no gaps in these efforts. Local and regional authorities must not overlook a single street or village. The work must be prompt everywhere, and accountability is personal.

And now I'd like to commend our first responders - the personnel of the State Emergency Service, especially in the south of Ukraine, where a lot of work must be done following recent Russian strikes. In the Odesa region, particularly Yurii Afanasiev, Ruslan Bobok, Yevhen Bielchenko, Vitalii Burlak, Vitalii Hrytsak, Serhii Liepshyi, Oleksii Maloman, Andrii Mandziuk, Serhii Morozov, and Oleksandr Semenov. Thank you, guys, and all your colleagues in Odesa and the region! Also, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Mykolaiv region, including Oleksandr Babii, Vladyslav Vozniuk, Dmytro Zarvanskyi, Andrii Kravchenko, and Volodymyr Krytskyi. I thank you and your colleagues! Every our region, every city, every community must be able to rely on the full effectiveness of emergency services, energy companies, and every government institution. The Ukrainian government must provide maximum support, and we are ensuring resources for this, including through our work with partners.

Ukrainian diplomacy has two priorities: working for Ukraine's defense and working for our resilience. These two elements actually underpin the protection of independence and the right of Ukrainians to live, and this is exactly what Russia is waging war against.

Today, we again heard signals from Moscow that they are preparing to make next year a year of war. And these signals are not only for us. It is crucial that our partners see them, and not only see them but also respond - especially partners in the United States, who often say that Russia wants to end the war. Yet the rhetoric and signals coming from Russia are the exact opposite, taking the form of official orders to their army. This Russian mindset must be recognized - and acted upon. And when they are in this very mindset, they will also undermine diplomacy - seeking, through various diplomatic language and pressure over specific points in documents - to merely mask their desire to destroy Ukraine and Ukrainians, and the desire to legitimize Russia's theft of our land. And then come other countries in Europe, which someone in Russia might one day label their socalled "historical lands." Real protection is needed against this Russian case history of madness, and we will continue now working with all partners to ensure that protection is in place. Security measures are needed, financial measures are needed - including actions on Russian assets - political measures are needed. And the courage of all partners is required: to see the truth, acknowledge the truth, and act accordingly. I want to thank everyone who supports Ukraine and efforts to achieve security in precisely this way.

Tomorrow, European leaders are meeting in Brussels. It will be a very important meeting. The outcome of this meeting - the result Europe produces - must make Russia feel that its desire to continue the war next year is pointless, because Ukraine will have support. This rests entirely with Europe; Europe must make this choice. We also expect our representatives to continue discussions and meetings with the U.S. team this week on steps that can work for peace and guaranteed security. I thank everyone who stands with us, who stands with Ukraine! I thank everyone defending our state!

Glory to Ukraine!

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The President Thanked the Rescuers Who Eliminated the Consequences of Russian Strikes in Southern Ukraine

President of Ukraine

17 December 2025 - 21:36

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended the rescuers who participated in eliminating the consequences of recent Russian attacks in southern Ukraine. The Head of State made the statement during his evening address.

"Wherever necessary, restoration efforts continue around the clock. This is often heroic work by our repair crews, power engineers, engaged utility services, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, especially in areas near the Russian border and along the front line," emphasized Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President recognized the personnel of the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Odesa region: Squad Commander of the 9th State Fire and Rescue Unit Ruslan Bobok, Senior Driver of the 9th State Fire and Rescue Unit Oleksandr Semenov, Firefighter-Rescuer of the 9th State Fire and Rescue Unit Yurii Afanasiev, Firefighter-Rescuer of the 22nd State Fire and Rescue Unit Andrii Mandziuk, Senior Firefighter-Rescuer of the 6th State Fire and Rescue Unit Serhii Morozov, Senior Firefighter-Rescuer of the 6th State Fire and Rescue Unit Vitalii Burlak, Chief of the 1st State Fire and Rescue Unit Vitalii Hrytsak, Driver of the 7th State Fire and Rescue Unit Serhii Liepshyi, Shift Supervisor of the 7th State Fire and Rescue Unit Yevhen Bielchenko, Senior Firefighter-Rescuer of the 7th State Fire and Rescue Unit Oleksiy Maloman.

In the Odesa region, rescuers extinguished fires caused by Russian drone strikes on energy infrastructure, warehouses, administrative buildings, and service stations. On December 12, the State Emergency Service personnel also put out a fire on a ferry following a missile strike and drone attacks at the Chornomorsk Fish Port.

The Head of State expressed gratitude to the personnel of the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Mykolaiv region: Squad Commander of the 5th State Fire and Rescue Unit Volodymyr Krytskyi, Firefighter-Rescuer of the 5th State Fire and Rescue Unit Vladyslav Vozniuk, Shift Supervisor of the 26th State Fire and Rescue Unit Dmytro Zarvanskyi, Squad Commander of the 26th State Fire and Rescue Unit Andrii Kravchenko, Firefighter-Rescuer of the 19th State Fire and Rescue Unit Oleksandr Babii.

In the Mykolaiv region, rescuers extinguished fires caused by missile and drone strikes on energy facilities, private homes, and warehouses.

"I thank you and your colleagues! Every our region, every city, every community must be able to rely on the full effectiveness of emergency services, energy companies, and every government institution. The Ukrainian government must provide maximum support, and we are ensuring resources for this, including through our work with partners," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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Vancouver, December 17, 2025 - Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) (the "Company" or "Doubleview") pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of flow-through units for gross proceeds of up to approximately C$2,000,000 (the "Private Placement"). Proceeds of the Private Placement shall be used to fund the current exploration program The proceeds of the sale of the FT Units will be used for exploration work on its BC projects, particularly for the polymetallic Hat Project, located in northwestern BC. This work includes drilling, geological advisory and analytical services as well as other development work and other "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" (as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act")).The Private Placement will consist of: (i) up to 1,538,462 flow-through Units ("FT Units ") at a price of $1.30 per FT Unit for up to C$2,000,000.

Each FT Unit shall consist of one common share of the Corporation (a "FT Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant") (each of which qualifies as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "ITA"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Corporation (a "Warrant Share") (on a non-"flow-through" basis) at an exercise price of $2.00 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined).

Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws and in accordance with the TSX Venture Exchange policies, all securities issued under this Offering will be subject to applicable resale restrictions under applicable securities laws and to the Exchange hold period of four-months and one day from the date of issuance. In connection with the Private placement, Doubleview may pay a finder's fees in accordance with the policies of the TSXV consisting of cash and/or finders shares..

The closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the TSX Venture Exchange

About Doubleview Gold Corp

A mineral resource exploration and development company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange (TSXV: DBG), (OTCQB: DBLVF), (WKN: A1W038), and (FSE: 1D4). Doubleview focuses on identifying, acquiring, and financing precious and base metal exploration projects across North America, with a strong emphasis on British Columbia. The company enhances shareholder value through the acquisition and exploration of high-quality gold, copper, cobalt, scandium, and silver projects-collectively critical minerals-utilizing cutting-edge exploration techniques.

Doubleview's success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of its long-term shareholders, supporters, and institutional investors. Their ongoing commitment has been instrumental in advancing the company's strategic initiatives. Doubleview looks forward to further collaborative growth and development and continues to welcome active participation from its valued stakeholders as the company expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the critical minerals sector.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

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.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives and assumptions made as of the date of this news release, including without limitation: the size of the Private Placement and other statements concerning the Private Placement; the anticipated use of proceeds from the Private Placement; the renunciation to the purchasers of FT Shares and timing thereof; the tax treatment of the FT Shares and the Company's plans regarding exploring its mineral exploration properties; anticipated results of geophysical drilling programs, geological interpretations and potential mineral recovery. 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.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate funding on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to the gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty or reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law, to reflect new information, events or circumstances, or changes in management's estimates, projections or opinions. Actual events or results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements or from the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278439
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

Lincoln Gold Mining Inc. (TSXV: LMG) ("Lincoln Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated November 3, 2025, the Company has settled aggregate indebtedness of CDN$101,000 owed to an arm's length creditor (the "Creditor") through the issuance of 673,333 units of the Company (the "Settlement Units") at an issue price of CDN$0.15 per Settlement Unit (the "Debt Settlement"). Each Settlement Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one non-transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Settlement Warrant"). Each Settlement Warrant is exercisable by the Creditor to acquire one Common Share at a price of CDN$0.35 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

Additionally, the Company announces that, further to its press releases dated November 10, 2025 and November 26, 2025, the Company has closed on its private placement of CDN$850,000 principal amount (the "Principal") of convertible note units (the "Note Units") to Ian Rogers (the "Private Placement"). Each Note Unit is comprised of one unsecured convertible debenture of the Company (each, a "Note"), and such number of Common Share purchase warrants in the capital of the Company (the "Warrants") equal to the Principal divided by the Conversion Price (as hereinafter defined), being 4,250,000 Warrants.

The Debt Settlement and Private Placement remain subject to final approval from the Exchange.

Of the 4,250,000 Warrants, 1,000,000 Warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of CDN$0.20 per Warrant and the remaining 3,250,000 are exercisable at an exercise price of CDN$0.30 per Warrant. Each Warrant is exercisable into one Common Share for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance.

The Notes have a maturity date (the "Maturity Date") of 36 months from the date of issuance, unless previously converted. From and after the date of issue of the Notes until the Maturity Date, any amount of the Principal may be converted, at the option of the holder, into Common Shares at a conversion price of CDN$0.20 per Common Share (the "Conversion Price"), subject to receiving disinterested shareholder approval and prior approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") for the creation of a new Control Person (as defined in Exchange policies), as applicable. A maximum of 4,250,000 Common Shares will be issuable assuming the full Principal amount is converted. Interest on the Notes accrues at a rate of 18% per annum (the "Interest"), payable at maturity of the Notes.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the issuance of the Note Units to fund the Company's mining operations in Nevada, including payment of expenses incurred and other immediately payable obligations, and for general working capital purposes. No finder's fees will be paid in connection with the issuance of the Note Units.

All securities issued under the Debt Settlement and in connection with the issuance of the Note Units will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of issue under applicable Canadian securities laws and the policies of the Exchange.

The Exchange's policies require disinterested shareholder approval where a transaction creates a new 'Control Person', as defined in the policies of the Exchange. Ian Rogers currently has beneficial ownership, and control and direction of, a total of 4,942,000 Common Shares, representing approximately 20.13% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. The Exchange has provided exemptive relief to allow for the issuance of the Note Units to be completed prior to obtaining disinterested approval. However, Mr. Rogers is restricted from converting the Notes or exercising the Warrants to the extent that doing so would result in him holding greater than 19.99% of the Common Shares at the time of conversion or exercise, until disinterested approval from the Company's shareholders and Exchange approval for the creation of a new Control Person has been obtained.

Related Party Disclosure

Ian Rogers is a director of the Company and accordingly, the issuance of Note Units constituted a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemptions for the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as no securities of the Company are listed on a specified market and neither the fair market value of the Notes and Warrants or the consideration paid therefore exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101.

Early Warning Disclosure

As of the date of this news release, Ian Rogers has beneficial ownership and control and direction of 4,942,000 Common Shares representing approximately 20.13% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares based on there being 24,545,497 Common Shares issued and outstanding as of the date hereof, as well as convertible notes and warrants which collectively entitle him to acquire an additional 10,500,000 Common Shares. Following the conversion of the Notes and the exercise of the Warrants in full, Mr. Rogers would have beneficial ownership, and control and direction of, a total of 15,442,000 Common Shares, representing approximately 44.06% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares based on there being 35,045,497 issued and outstanding Common Shares, assuming no further Common Shares have been issued (corrected from 39.28% disclosed in error previously). The Notes and Warrants are subject to blocker provisions, such that Mr. Rogers will not be able to convert any portion of the Notes or exercise any Warrants that would result in him holding (directly or indirectly) over 19.99% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (after giving effect to such exercise), unless requisite disinterested shareholder and Exchange approvals have been obtained.

An early warning report in respect of the Company will be filed by Ian Rogers with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities and will be available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile. To obtain copies of the early warning report once filed by Ian Rogers, please contact Mr. Rogers using the email address or phone number provided below.

The Notes and Warrants are acquired by Ian Rogers for investment purposes. Depending on market conditions and other factors, Mr. Rogers may, from time to time, acquire additional Common Shares, Common Share purchase warrants or other securities of the Company or dispose of some or all of the securities in the Company that he owns at such time.

About Lincoln Gold Mining Inc.:

Lincoln Gold is a Canadian precious metals development and exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, BC. The Company holds interest in the Bell Mountain gold-silver property that is fully permitted and moving to production and a second larger project, the Pine Grove gold property which is in the final stages of permitting. The two gold projects are within 61 air miles of each other, located in the highly prospective Walker Lane mineral belt, known for its numerous gold and silver deposits. Lincoln is committed to maintaining steady and robust progress towards its goal of becoming a mid-tier gold producer.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to "U.S. Persons" (as such terms are defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable U.S. state securities laws or in compliance with applicable exemptions therefrom. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including expectations regarding the Company's ability to obtain disinterested shareholder approval for the conversion of the Note Units, the Exchange's final approval of the Debt Settlement and Private Placement and the use of proceeds from the issuance of the Note Units.

Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, the use of proceeds from the issuance of the Note Units.

Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such 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 plans or expectations include that the Company will not use the proceeds from the issuance of the Note Units as stated herein, and the inability to obtain disinterested shareholder approval.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements regarding Lincoln Gold and its proposed business activities are subject to a number of risks, including those risks disclosed in the Company's continuous disclosure materials accessible on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

SOURCE Lincoln Gold Mining Inc.
VANCOUVER, Dec. 18, 2025 - Miata Metals Corp. (CSE: MMET) (FSE: 8NQ) (OTCQB: MMETF) ("Miata" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the arrival of an additional drill rig at its Sela Creek Gold Project ("Sela Creek" or the "Project") in Suriname, enabling a fully funded 25,000 m drill program planned for 2026. The expanded program builds on a highly successful 2025 campaign, during which Miata completed 10,061 m of drilling, achieved a 100 percent hit rate at the Jons Trend Zone, identified multiple new mineralized zones, and significantly increased operational efficiency across the project.

Highlights

Miata achieved a 100% hit rate across drilling at Jons Trend

10,061 m drilled in 2025 across 59 holes

Assay results for six drillholes at Jons Trend and six drillholes at Golden Hand remain pending

Targeting 25,000 m of drilling in 2026, with approximately 50% focused on Jons Trend and the other 50% dedicated toward six compelling discovery targets such as Puma East (5.3m at 8.25 g/t gold), Big Berg (14 m at 1.72 g/t gold), and Puma West (18m at 2.70 g/t gold)

New Sandvik 710 track-mounted diamond rig has arrived on site, allowing two rigs to operate throughout 2026

On-site optimization continues with the construction of a prep lab, improved wet-season access and expanded fuel storage, all of which will further reduce the cost per metre drilled on Sela Creek

"Our 2025 exploration program proved a major turning point for Miata's discovery strength and operational efficiency, positioning us to scale aggressively in 2026," stated Dr. Jacob Verbaas, CEO. "Since our first intercepts at Jons Trend, our drilling hit rate has remained at 100 % for that target, reinforcing strong geological continuity and supporting the potential scale of this emerging mineralized system. With a second track-mounted diamond drill rig on site and a fully funded 25,000 m program planned for 2026, we are positioned for our most active year of discovery and value creation to date. We expect to further grow the Jons Trend zone, which remains open in all directions, while simultaneously engaging in systematic discovery drilling across a minimum of six high-priority targets including Puma East and Puma West. This dual strategy of delineation and discovery gives us multiple pathways to unlock significant value at Sela Creek, where our work to date covers just 5km of a 14km artisanal mining corridor that remains largely untested and highly prospective."

Additional Drill Rig Arrives on Sela Creek

The Company has deployed a third drill rig to Sela Creek, and expects to run two rigs continuously for the majority of 2026 while having a third available for optionality. With the two drill rigs, Miata expects to be able to comfortably drill 25,000 m in 2026. The Company can operate through both the dry and wet seasons. The recently arrived rig is a Sandvik 710, a tracked drill rig with a depth capacity of over 1,000 m. The Company works closely with Major Drilling, a reputable international Canadian drill-contractor with a branch of operations established in Suriname.

Accelerated Discovery Drill Program

Miata has completed an extensive surface program including measuring artisanal activity and the reinterpretation of historical geochemical and geophysical datasets, resulting in six prospects (figure 1) being advanced to drill-ready status for the first half of 2026. These prospects represent some of the most compelling targets on Sela Creek:

Puma East:5.3 m at 8.25 g/t gold from 37.7 m

Puma West:18m at 2.70 g/t gold from 5.60 m

Big Berg: 14 m at 1.72 g/t gold from 164 m

Howler, Stranger and Golden Hand, where drill targets are defined based on early-stage exploration work

Figure 1. Prospect areas on Sela Creek as re-defined by Miata's technical team, provide clear direction for the discovery drilling in 2026.

These prospects will be drill-tested in parallel with a continued surface program to define further discovery drill targets. While this discovery program is ongoing, the Company will continue to delineate Jons Trend, which is emerging as a 750 x 250 m mineralized zone and remains open in all directions. The Company's discovery at Jon's Trend was a major de-risking event in 2025, with potential expansion of that zone being another catalyst for 2026.

The Company has completed 10,061 m of drilling, of which 3,000m was completed in the last two months of drilling. This indicates the efficiency of the program has increased substantially from the start of drilling in March, a trend that Miata intends to continue over the course of its fully funded 25,000 m drill program.

All drill results are available through this link.



Exercise of Expiring Stock Options

Miata is pleased to announce the exercise of 1,300,000 incentive stock options with an exercise price of $0.23 per common share and expiring on December 19, 2025. A total of 400,000 common shares were sold by directors and senior management (the "Insiders") in a pre-arranged trade using the facilities of the Canadian Securities Exchange, to partially cover the aggregate exercise costs. The participating Insiders retain the substantial net shares acquired, maintaining strong alignment with shareholders and demonstrating continued confidence in the Company's gold exploration prospects in Suriname. There is no intention of further dispositions by Insiders. Details of the transactions will be filed on SEDI.

QAQC

Samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015. Samples are crushed and pulverized to 85% passing 88 m prior to analysis 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. Miata Metals inserts certified reference standards, as well as blanks and  core duplicates in the sample sequence for quality control and assurance.

QP Statement

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Jacob Verbaas, P.Geo., a director of the Company and Qualified Person as defined under the definitions of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Miata Metals Corp.

Miata Metals Corp. (CSE: MMET) is a Canadian mineral exploration company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, as well as the OTCQB (OTCQB: MMETF) and Frankfurt (FSE: 8NQ) Exchanges. The Company is focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The Company holds a 70% interest in the ~215km2 Sela Creek Gold Project with an option to acquire a full 100% interest in the Project, and a 70% beneficial interest in the Nassau Gold Project with an option to acquire 100%. Both exploration properties are located in the greenstone belt of Suriname.

On Behalf of the Board

Dr. Jacob (Jaap) Verbaas, P.Geo | CEO and Director

[email protected]

+1 778 488 9754

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipates", "anticipated", "expected", "intends", "will" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities 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.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4f896275-f747-427b-abd1-4090fd56039b
Latin Metals Inc. ("Latin Metals" or the "Company") - (TSXV: LMS, OTCQB: LMSQF), is pleased to announce that, further to the Company's news release dated December 9, 2025, it has obtained an interim order (the "Interim Order") of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in connection with the previously announced spin-out transaction (the "Spin-Out") of the Company's Para Copper Project (the "Para Project") and Auquis Copper Project (the "Auquis Project") into Latin Explore Inc. , a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company ("Latin Explore"), which is to be completed by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Arrangement"). The Interim Order provides for the holding of a special meeting (the "Meeting") of Latin Metals shareholders ("Shareholders") to consider and vote on, among other things, a special resolution approving the Arrangement (the "Arrangement Resolution").

Special Meeting of Shareholders

The Meeting is scheduled to be held at 320 Granville Street, Suite 880, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on January 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. (Vancouver time) and the record date for determining Shareholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Meeting was fixed as at the close of business on December 8, 2025. Latin Metals will be mailing the management information circular of the Company (the "Circular"), letter of transmittal and related meeting materials (collectively, the "Meeting Materials") to Shareholders. Shareholders are urged to carefully review all Meeting Materials as they contain important information concerning the Arrangement, the transactions contemplated in connection therewith and the rights and entitlements of Shareholders in relation thereto. The Meeting Materials will also be available under Latin Metals' profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca once and on the Company's website.

As described in the Circular, in addition to the Arrangement Resolution Shareholders will also be asked at the Meeting to approve: (i) a share exchange among Latin Explore, 1559749 B.C. Ltd. ("Finco"), and the shareholders of Finco (the "Share Exchange") in accordance with and subject to the terms of a share exchange agreement to be entered into by Latin Explore, Finco and shareholders of Finco, pursuant to which, among other things, Latin Explore will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Finco from the Finco shareholders in exchange for shares of Latin Explore (the "Latin Explore Share Exchange Resolution"); and (ii) the implementation of an omnibus share incentive plan for Latin Explore, subject to regulatory approval (the "Latin Explore Incentive Plan Resolution").

In order to become effective, (a) the Arrangement Resolution will require the approval of at least: (i) two-thirds of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting; and (ii) a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting, excluding votes cast by persons required to be excluded by Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions, (b) the Latin Explore Share Exchange Resolution will require the approval of at least a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting, excluding votes cast by persons required to be excluded by the corporate finance policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), and (c) the Latin Explore Incentive Plan Resolution will require the approval of at least a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting.

The Board of Directors of Latin Metals has unanimously recommended that Shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement Resolution, the Latin Explore Share Exchange Resolution and the Latin Explore Incentive Plan Resolution. The completion of the Share Exchange is a condition to the completion of the Arrangement. Accordingly, if the Latin Explore Share Exchange Resolution is not approved by Shareholders at the Meeting, the Arrangement cannot be completed in accordance with its terms.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Circular prepared in connection with the Arrangement, any information released or received with respect to the Arrangement may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Shareholders are encouraged to read the Circular in detail.

In addition to shareholder and court approvals, the Arrangement remains subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, the final approval of the TSXV, and the completion of the Concurrent Financing (as defined below) and Share Exchange (including TSXV approval of same). There can be no assurance that such approvals will be obtained or that the Arrangement will be completed on the terms contemplated, or at all.

Upsize of Concurrent Financing

The Company also announces that the non-brokered private placement (the "Concurrent Financing") of subscription receipts to be completed by Finco prior to entering into a share exchange agreement with Latin Explore in respect of the Share Exchange, has been upsized to 30,000,000 subscription receipts for aggregate gross proceeds of $3,000,000 at a price of $0.10 per subscription receipt. The other terms and conditions of the Concurrent Financing remain the same (see news release dated December 9, 2025). Following completion of the Arrangement, Shareholders are now expected to hold approximately 25%, the Company will hold approximately 6%, and shareholders of Finco will hold approximately 69% of the issued and outstanding Latin Explore shares.

None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement, the Share Exchange or the Concurrent Financing have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. Any securities issued pursuant to the Arrangement are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and similar exemptions under applicable securities laws of any state of the United States. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Filing of Technical Report

The Company announces that it has filed on SEDAR+ an independent technical report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects in respect of the Para Project The technical report was prepared by Catherine Fitzgerald, M.Sc., P. Geo. of SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. for the Company and Latin Explore and is entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Para Copper-Molybdenum Project, Lima Department, Peru", with an effective date of December 12, 2025 and a signing date of December 12, 2025 (the "Technical Report"). The Technical Report is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website. The Para Project will be the Qualifying Property (within the meaning of TSXV policies) for the Latin Explore listing application with the TSXV.

About Latin Metals

Latin Metals Inc. is a copper, gold and silver exploration company operating in Peru and Argentina under a prospect generator model, minimizing risk and dilution while maximizing discovery potential. With 18 projects, the company secures option agreements with major mining companies to fund exploration. This approach provides early-stage exposure to high-value mineral assets.

For more information, please get in touch with Latin Metals Investor Relations at 778-683-4324 or via email at [email protected].

Stay Connected

Follow Latin Metals on YouTube, X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to stay informed on our latest developments, exploration updates, and corporate news.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

LATIN METALS INC.

"Keith Henderson"

President & CEO

For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's web site (www.latin-metals.com) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

For further information, please contact:

Keith Henderson

Suite 890

999 West Hastings Street

Vancouver, BC, V6C 2W2

Phone: 604-638-3456

E-mail: [email protected]

Elyssia Patterson, VP Investor Relations

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 778-683-4324

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the Spin-Out and the Arrangement, the completion of all conditions precedent to the Arrangement, including the Concurrent Financing and the Share Exchange, the mailing of the Meeting Materials, that the Para Project will constitute a Qualifying Property within the meaning of TSXV policies, the receipt of all necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals, the approval of the Arrangement by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that it (and as applicable Latin Explore) will obtain TSXV acceptance and the required corporate approvals for the Spin-Out and Arrangement, including in respect of the initial listing for trading of the Latin Explore Shares on the TSXV, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious and base metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of the Para Project and the Auquis Project in a timely manner, the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development, construction and continued operation of the Company's projects, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the Arrangement may divert management's attention, the Company will incur substantial transaction costs in connection with the Spin-Out and if the Spin-Out and Arrangement are not completed the costs may be significant and could have a material adverse effect on the Company, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities at the Company's projects, estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, requirements for additional capital, future prices of precious metals and copper, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, possible failures of plants, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including of the TSXV, financing or other planned activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics and their impact on the Company's business, risks related to joint venture operations, and risks related to the integration of acquisitions, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Management Discussion and Analysis and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release or incorporated by reference herein.



Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release, publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.


BMM: TSX-V

Black Mammoth Metals Corp. (TSXV: BMM) (OTC: LQRCF) ("Black Mammoth" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has acquired the Mustang Gold and Silver property ("Mustang" or the "Property") by staking 138 unpatented lode claims on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) covering 1124 hectares (2778 acres), has obtained an extensive data package related to the Property and has completed a pole-dipole induced polarization survey (the "IP Survey") with an interpreted inversion model. The Property extends over 8.4 km north-south along the Pactolus Hills on the Walker Lane trend, Nye County, NV, near the western edge of the Basin and Range physiographic Province.

Best Historical Drill Intercept:

12.2m of 1.71g/t Au (including 7.6m of 2.56g/t Au) at 54.5m depth - Queensgate Resources, 2011 RC hole - M11-06.

IP Results:

Southern Zone

The IP Survey's objective in the south was to investigate the potential for high-sulfidation epithermal gold-silver deposits underlying the known area of mineralization where previous operators have located gold and silver mineralization in drill holes and in rock chips. Near-surface rocks and alteration features exhibit significant silicification and leaching (with vuggy textures), which are typically well reflected in resistivity anomalies. Quartz veins are present and correlate well with historical rock samples and drill results. The east-west IP lines (8) in the south were spaced 150m apart.

The IP results confirmed a potential target area at the Southern Zone (the "IP Anomaly") extending over one square km and is open to the north and south, with further potential beneath the younger basalt cover to the east and west (see Figure 1 & 2). Given the geologic environment and mapped rock types, the source of the chargeability anomalies is most likely sulfides. Also, the top of the chargeability anomalies is relatively consistent, suggesting some form of genetic control akin to a boiling level. The depth to top of the chargeability anomaly is sufficient to likely preclude detection by historic mine workings. The correlation of high resistivity with chargeability is obvious and the IP Anomaly shows a strong correlation with altered rock at surface, historical rock ship samples as well as historical drilling results.

Northern Zone The IP Survey's objective in the north was to investigate as part of a larger-scale exploration program to identify further mineralization potential along strike. The east-west IP lines (3) in the north were widely spaced covering 1.5 km (see Figure 4 & 5).

The results suggest that the gold and silver system extends a further 1.5 kilometers to the north (see Figures 4 & 5).

Mustang is geologically and geochemically analogous to the Paradise Peak high-sulfidation epithermal gold-silver deposit 13 kms to the northwest (see Figure 3). Gold and silver epithermal mineralization is primarily volcanic-hosted and associated with quartz veins, silicification, clay alteration and fractured zones. The historical Paradise Peak Mine was a major producer of gold and silver from 1984 to 1994. The Paradise Peak mine is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization at Mustang.

Next Steps:

Black Mammoth intends to further investigate the northern and southern target areas using a ground-based gravity survey to refine drilling targets in the volcanic-hosted epithermal gold and silver zones and to explore for potential underlying gold mineralization embedded in basement rocks.

Acquisition Terms (USD):

A finder's fee of $12,000 USD was paid to a private vendor. The Company now owns Mustang 100% with no royalties, share compensation or other terms in connection with the acquisition.

The Company continues to acquire non-core exploration interests in the western US, by purchase or staking.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control:

All sampling of the historic percussion or rotary/reverse circulation drill chip samples was conducted by or under the supervision of Queensgate Resource's project geologist. The samples were taken to the ALS Laboratory (ALS) in Reno, Nevada for preparation and analysis.

The ALS PREP-31 package was utilized for sample preparation. In this package, each sample is crushed to better than 70%, passing 2mm, then a 250-gram riffle split is then taken. This split is pulverized to a target of 85% passing 75microns; and a 30-gram portion of this pulverized split is digested using aqua regia and analyzed for gold using ALS' Au-AA23-AAS method, which is a Fire Assay, with an AAS finish. A 35-element suite was run on the samples using the ALS ME-MS 41 multielement package. This method utilizes aqua regia digestion followed by ICP-AES analysis (Induced Coupled Plasma). Trace level silver was analyzed using ALS' Ag-AA61 method which is a four-acid digestion and utilizes an ICP-AAS (Induced Coupled Plasma) analysis. Trace mercury analysis was done using ALS' He-CV41 cold vapor Atomic Absorption. ALS Laboratories have ISO 9001 and 17025 accreditations. Queensgate Resources' QA/QC program included regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates and blanks into the sample stream. ALS also undertakes their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration.

About Black Mammoth Metals Corporation:

Since January 2024, Black Mammoth Metals has acquired a 100% interest in:

Ramsey Silver property, La Paz County, AZ.

Gallinas Rare Earth property, Lincoln County, NM.

Amador Silver property, Lander County, NV.

Big Bear Copper property, Gila County, AZ.

Zulu Gold property, Gila County, AZ.

Northern Star property, La Paz County, AZ.

Coal Canyon Gold property, Pershing County, NV.

Island Mountain Gold District (including Coleman Canyon, St. Elmo and Diamond Jim (Ag, Pb, Zn, Sb)), Elko County, NV.

Clover High-Grade Gold property, Elko County, NV.

Leadore Silver-Lead-Rare Earth Elements property, Lemhi County, ID.

East Reveille Gold property, Nye County, NV.

America Mine Gold property, San Bernardino, CA.

Quito Gold property, Lander County, NV.

South Ravenswood Gold District (including the Raven, and Happy Cat properties) Lander County, NV. (Happy Cat was purchased prior to January 2024).

Callaghan Gold District (including North Callaghan, Charlie, Cottonwood and Rast properties), Lander County, NV.

Black Mammoth also has a 100% interest in the Blanco Creek Gold property in the Elk Creek Mining District, central Idaho, which hosts three historic underground mines along 3,550 meters (11,644 feet) of strike on the north-east trending regional Blanco Shear Zone.

Mark J. Abrams, CPG #11451, a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and director of Black Mammoth, has reviewed and approved the technical content in this release. On behalf of the board,

"Dustin Henderson"

Dustin Henderson, BBA

President & CEO

Website: www.blackmammothmetals.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions or are those which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including any technical reports filed or disclosed on the Company's website related to the Company's mineral properties.

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.

SOURCE Black Mammoth Metals Corp
Vancouver, December 18, 2025 - American Tungsten Corp. (CSE: TUNG) (OTCQB: TUNGF) (FSE: RK90) ("American Tungsten" or the "Company") announced that it has granted an aggregate of 1,900,000 stock options to certain directors and consultants of the Company, to purchase common shares in the capital of the Company. These options are exercisable at a price of $1.50 per common share for a period of three (3) years. 131,347 stock options are also exercisable at a price of $2.58 per common share for a period of two (2) years to consultants of the Company. The common shares issuable upon exercise of the options cannot be transferred or sold prior to April 19, 2026.

ABOUT AMERICAN TUNGSTEN CORP.

American Tungsten Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on high-potential tungsten and magnetite assets in North America. The Company is advancing the IMA Mine Project in Idaho to commercial production, addressing critical metal scarcity in North America. The Company's IMA Mine Project is a historic and high-quality underground tungsten past-producing property on private-patented land well above the water table with significant infrastructure. The Company holds an exclusive option to acquire full ownership (subject to a 2% royalty) and has expanded its land position with 113 additional federal claims covering nearly 2,000 acres.

For further updates, visit www.americantungstencorp.com or investor relations, Joanna Longo at [email protected].

Social media links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/americantungstencorp/

X: https://x.com/amtungsten

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americantungstencorp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americantungstencorp/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@americantungstencorp

(CSE: TUNG)

(OTCQB: TUNGF)

(FSE: RK90)

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

This news release includes "forward-looking information" that is subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to, statements relating to the exercise of options on the terms described herein or at all and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to such events. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future events and that actual events or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Company undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278603
Recent Rollbacks

A History of Poor Enforcement

A New Era of Undoing

Fifty years after passage of the Fair Housing Act -- a law intended to end housing discrimination and increase homeownership among minorities -- key enforcement provisions of it are being dismantled by the federal government.Efforts to enforce the landmark law, which was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, have ebbed and flowed over the past five decades. Democratic presidents have tended to direct more resources toward enforcing it and have put greater emphasis on the Department of Housing and Urban Development's role in desegregating cities. Republican administrations, meanwhile, have routinely scaled back those efforts.But as the Fair Housing Act turns 50, many experts say HUD's recent actions, under the direction of Secretary Ben Carson, represent a new level of attempts to undo the legislation.Under Carson and President Donald Trump, HUD has decisively pared back its role as the primary legal advocate for the Fair Housing Act. Carson instructed HUD officials to delete the words inclusive and free from discrimination from the agencys website. HUD recently settled a case in Houston under terms that at least one former official says does nothing to end residential discrimination in the city. And the agency terminated an investigation into Facebook for alleged discriminatory housing advertising practices. Carson has also delayed a requirement, established under the Obama administration, that local governments must create detailed plans to integrate racially divided neighborhoods. And HUD has put an indefinite hold on secretary-initiated housing cases, which historically have been seen as a critical tool in fighting systemic housing discrimination.Advocates see the moves as a rollback of progress that had been made, particularly under the Obama administration.We had these important fair housing advances that were years in the making -- carefully constructed rules on fair housing that were suspended with a memo from the administration, says Philip Tegeler, president of the Poverty and Race Research Action Council.By law, HUD must still investigate housing discrimination complaints that are filed with the agency by civil rights groups or individuals. But it has stopped initiating any investigations or legal actions on its own. HUD-initiated cases have historically tackled systemic housing segregation and lending discrimination.HUD spokesman Jereon Brown toldthat the agency is not backing away from its duty to pursue the Fair Housing Act or the laws aim to reverse discriminatory housing practices. The department, according to Brown, is turning its attention to the bulk of its discrimination cases, which he said were not race-based.There is no mission shift. We are, in fact, putting more emphasis in sexual harassment complaints, Brown told theIn addition, 60 percent of the fair housing complaints we receive are disability related, and the majority of those have to do with service animals.The changes at HUD have left what housing advocates say is an uneven legal landscape that varies greatly from state to state.In some places, like Louisiana and Texas, landlords cannot be forced to accept federal housing vouchers. Elsewhere, many cities have utilized exclusionary zoning practices to keep affordable housing out of more affluent neighborhoods, say housing advocates.Without the federal government acting as an enforcer, the task of ensuring that fair housing standards are met falls to local civil rights organizations. That's a problem, says one former HUD official.You are never going to compare what local civil rights groups can do with what the federal government is going to do," says Gustavo Velasquez, director of the Urban Institutes Washington-Area Research Initiative and a former assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity at HUD under Obama. "Just on fair housing, the federal government has 600 people across the country working on these cases. The combined staff of local groups working on housing across the country cant match the resources available from the federal government.The settlement last month of a Fair Housing Act lawsuit in Houston is evidence, housing advocates say, that HUD under Carson is not committed to using court actions to address housing segregation.That case, filed under the Obama administration, focused on the fact that Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner was blocking the construction of low- to moderate-income housing in an affluent section of the city. Furthermore, according to the results of an investigation HUD released in early January 2017, Houston's application process for affordable housing discriminated against minorities.Turner had defended his decision to block the housing project by arguing that black residents in low-income neighborhoods didn't want to be uprooted and dispersed to wealthier white neighborhoods. Instead, he said, more needed to be done to attract additional investment in existing black neighborhoods.Our underprivileged families should have the right to choose where they want to live, said Turner in 2016, and that choice should also include the right to stay in the neighborhood where they have grown up.  I categorically reject the notion that in order for poor children to participate in the American dream that I have to move them from where they are and place them somewhere else. The answer is to invest in the communities where they are.Under Obama, HUD disagreed, all but accusing Turner of being a segregationist But in what critics say is an about-face by the agency, HUD last reached a settlement with Houston that doesnt require the city to construct affordable housing in affluent neighborhoods -- but does allow the city to encourage landlords in low-income neighborhoods to rent apartments to families that are using federal housing vouchers. (Texas state law allows landlords to refuse to rent to voucher users.) The city will also invest $2 million in housing for families left homeless after Hurricane Harvey.What the agreement doesnt do, according to Velasquez, is compel Houston to do something about segregation in the city.The settlement has triggered a lawsuit by a Texas fair housing group, Texas Housers, who say Houston was clearly maintaining residential segregation in the city.But with the federal government backing away from the case, Kate Scott, deputy director of the Equal Rights Center in Washington, D.C., says any battle to force local government to comply with fair housing laws is neutered. Scott was part of a federal action in 2012 against St. Bernard Parish in Louisiana, which federal investigators and the courts found were discriminating against black residents looking for housing after Hurricane Katrina. She says housing lawsuits in more conservative state courts are almost pointless.In Louisiana, it wasnt an option to go into state court and sue over fair housing because we would always lose, Scott says. We are going to see the same pattern playing out over the country.In a somewhat similar move, HUD last year abruptly dropped an investigation into whether Facebook had allowed housing advertisers to target white users and exclude other users from seeing the ads if their social media activity suggested they were black, Hispanic or Asian-American.HUD had launched that query in 2016. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court alleging that the social media giant continues to discriminate against women, veterans and single mothers in housing ads. By law, HUD will have to investigate the allegations.The Fair Housing Act was the last major civil rights achievement of President Johnsons administration. It came in the wake of a series of riots in Detroit, Los Angeles and Newark, N.J., and after the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. It also followed the famed Kerner Commission report on race, which detailed the disparity in homeownership between African-Americans and white Americans and blamed racism as the main culprit behind the riots . The Fair Housing Act aimed to reverse the pattern of residential segregation and do so through enforcement actions when necessary.Support for the basic principles of the Fair Housing Act has historically been bipartisan, according to Teleger, the president of the Poverty and Race Research Action Council. Enforcement has been another matter.The principle that you shouldnt discriminate in housing, thats a pretty widely held belief, and its widely supported that we shouldnt have policies that we segregate families by race, Teleger says. However, to effectuate those goals requires substantial changes to the status quo. There are issues like local exclusionary zoning that have a lot of local support.To some degree, federal resources for enforcing the act have tended to shift with political winds.President Richard Nixon's HUD secretary, George Romney, had challenged local zoning laws as governor of Michigan. Once he joined Nixon's administration, Romney drafted recommendations to better integrate housing. Nixon blocked them and drove Romney from his cabinet in 1972.In the 1990s, Bill Clinton tapped former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros to overhaul HUD and double the department's efforts to enforce the Fair Housing Act and address racial segregation. Cisneros did make some strides in that effort. For example, he sent in federal marshals after a town in Texas had refused to allow black residents into an all-white public housing development -- the first time in history that HUD had taken over a local housing authority for civil rights violations. But Cisneros' efforts were clipped after Congress slashed the agency's budget following the 1994 GOP takeover.Former President Barack Obama called for increasing HUD funding by 19 percent over his predecessor, George W. Bush.In many ways, then, the efforts to step back Fair Housing enforcement under President Trump are par for the course under a Republican administration. Still, the vacillating approaches to the law have made it hard to make inroads in integrating housing, advocates say.When you go back and forth every eight years about whether you are going to enforce the law or how you are going to fund HUD, of course you are not going to make any progress, says Scott at the Equal Rights Center.That's borne out in the data, which suggest that not much has changed in the past 50 years in terms of housing segregation.The Kerner Commission report was updated this year to mark its 50th anniversary. Despite efforts to better include minorities and especially black Americans in the broader housing market, one metric has remained stubbornly low: homeownership.In 1968, only 41.1 percent of black Americans owned homes compared to 65.9 percent of whites. In 2018, almost the same exact percentage of black Americans, 41.2 percent, own homes. White homeownership has ticked up 5.2 percent in the same period.Although the Trump administration isn't the first to change HUD priorities, housing experts say the agency's current posture represents a new era.From the time of Trumps inauguration in January to October 2017 (the most recent data available), HUD took legal action in five discrimination cases, and all but one had been initiated before Trump took office. In contrast, HUD under Obama took legal action in 26 discrimination cases in his first year in office, and HUD under George W. Bush processed an average of 25 cases per year in his second term. (Data were not available prior to 2004.)In the waning years of the Obama administration, HUD adopted what it called an Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, which forced agencies receiving HUD-funded community block grants to complete a federal fair housing assessment in order to receive funding. Cities and counties were required to examine residential racial segregation and concentration of poverty.But under Trump and Carson, HUD has delayed implementing that requirement until at least 2020. Carson has referred to the plans laid during the Obama administration as social engineering and questioned how inclusionary housing would impact an existing community.The rule would fundamentally change the nature of some communities from primarily single-family to largely apartment-based areas by encouraging municipalities to strike down housing ordinances that have no overtly (or even intended) discriminatory purpose -- including race-neutral zoning restrictions on lot sizes and limits on multi-unit dwellings, all in the name of promoting diversity, Carson wrote in The Washington Times shortly after the rules adoption.Carsons op-ed in 2015 seems to have presaged his actions as HUD secretary.Few in the housing community have been surprised by HUD's actions over the past 15 months, but they nonetheless have registered their disappointment at what they see as a large-scale unwinding of policies related to the 50-year-old Fair Housing Act.Delaying the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, says Teleger at the Poverty and Race Research Action Council, is something of a slap in the face.To be suspending that near the anniversary year of the law," he says, "speaks to how politics is trumping policy here."
By Cynthia Hubert and Phillip ReeseSix months after he was discharged to a Greyhound bus and shipped out of Las Vegas, one former patient of Nevada's primary hospital for mentally ill people stabbed a man to death in Iowa.Another former patient, responding to voices in his head, set off explosions in a grocery store and a doughnut shop in Tennessee just a month after Rawson-Neal Psychiatric Hospital in Las Vegas gave him a one-way ticket to Knoxville in July 2012.Nevada bused yet another Rawson-Neal patient, a convicted child molester, to San Diego in 2011, even as he faced criminal charges in Las Vegas for failing to register as a sex offender. He also failed to register in San Diego, where he disappeared into the streets and soon became the target of a citywide manhunt.Yet another former Rawson-Neal patient was found dead, his body floating in the American River near a homeless camp, seven months after he received a Greyhound ticket to Sacramento courtesy of the state of Nevada.Even as Nevada's embattled state mental hospital works to revamp operations, the fallout from its aggressive busing policies continues to resonate from California to Florida. A Sacramento Bee investigation into the fates of hundreds of mentally ill men and women whom the Nevada hospital shipped out of Las Vegas via Greyhound bus in recent years has found that crime and tragedy often followed.The Bee recently obtained Greyhound bus receipts listing the names of more than 1,000 people who, after arriving at Rawson-Neal, were issued one-way tickets to cities across the country over the past three years. More than 325 of them boarded buses to California.A check of passenger names against criminal databases found dozens of apparent matches across the state and nation for arrests involving murder, attempted murder, assault, sex crimes, drug crimes, theft, vagrancy, vandalism and other violations in the counties to which they were shipped in the months after they arrived. Many of the crimes involved repeated offenses for minor violations often associated with homelessness.The names of bus passengers on the list did not include dates of birth or other unique identifiers, which can help establish specific identities. Many of the names were uncommon, indicating a high probability the matches were accurate. But additional information was required to confirm that an individual passenger was the same person later arrested for a crime in the destination city. All of the former Rawson-Neal patients named in this story reflect cases in which identities could be confirmed through interviews with the individuals, their families or, in one case, media reports.The analysis also found more than 50 matches between names of mental patients bused out of Nevada and suspects facing criminal charges in Las Vegas. In most cases, proceedings in those cases stopped cold and judges issued bench warrants for arrests of these suspects soon after the patients were bused. Without dates of birth, the matches could not be confirmed by name alone. But interviews with patients or their families confirmed that in at least some of those cases, the hospital effectively helped suspects skip town.In recent months, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has ordered reviews of the state's mental health care system and additional funding for services. But his administration also has defended Rawson-Neal's busing practices as safe and humane. On Friday, in response to The Bee's latest findings, Sandoval said he is "appalled.""An investigation is underway, and those responsible will be held accountable," Sandoval said through his spokeswoman, Mary-Sarah Kinner. "This type of conduct is indefensible."Kinner said Sandoval is assembling a panel of legislators, law enforcement officials and mental health experts to investigate "mental health services throughout the state," including those provided by Rawson-Neal.It has been nine months since The Bee first reported Rawson-Neal's unusual busing program, which sent about 1,500 mental patients to cities across the lower 48 states between July 2008 and April of this year. Patients typically were dispatched by taxi to a Las Vegas Greyhound station and put on buses, alone and sometimes heavily medicated, for journeys that in many cases spanned multiple states and several days.Nevada health authorities revised the protocols in April, saying they no longer would bus patients across state lines without chaperones. But state officials have generally defended the decades-old program, contending the vast majority of patients were bused to their "home communities" and only after Rawson-Neal staff had contacted family at the destination and made arrangements for treatment and care.Former patients and their families have told a different story, asserting that the hospital made no such arrangements, and in some cases shipped former patients off to cities where they had tenuous ties, or none at all. Many of those interviewed ended up on the streets, at public hospitals or in shelters, which essentially shifted the burden of their care from Nevada to their destination cities.In some cases, the program came at broader public expense: The hospital exported not only mentally ill people and the costs of their care, but criminal conduct as well.Consider Mark Hesselgrave's case.Convicted in 1993 for strangling his wife at their home near Phoenix, Hesselgrave spent about 20 years in prison before making his way to Las Vegas earlier this year. Depressed and unable to find work, he tried to kill himself by stepping in front of a cab, he said in an interview.That episode got him admitted to Rawson-Neal in Las Vegas Jan. 31 of this year. Hospital records from his stay show Rawson-Neal kept him about two days before putting him on a Greyhound bus back to Phoenix.The records note that staff members did not contact anyone in Phoenix about his discharge "as the patient did not consent" for them to do so. Hesselgrave said the hospital never asked him about arrangements for treatment or housing. "They didn't even ask me for a phone number. Nobody knew I was going to Arizona," he said.Rawson-Neal was aware Hesselgrave had been released from prison just three months before on a second-degree murder conviction, the records show. The patient "feels depressed most of the time," the records note, but "endorses no homicidal thoughts. No evidence of psychosis, although he does report occasional feelings of paranoia, especially during times when he takes drugs."On Feb. 2, two days after he was admitted, Rawson-Neal deemed Hesselgrave fit for bus travel, the records state, and discharged him with a bus ticket, psychiatric medications for the ride and a recommendation to seek out Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Phoenix.After a bus ride that he described as "crazy," Hesselgrave said he arrived at the Phoenix terminal with no one waiting for him. Without money or a place to live, he said, he ended up walking about 20 miles to a friend's house in the suburbs.From Arizona, Hesselgrave migrated to North Dakota to pursue a job in the oil fields. He quickly found work. Things were going pretty well, he said, until May 12, when he stabbed his roommate repeatedly. Eddie Bergeson survived, but suffered stab wounds in his face, stomach and back, according to a police affidavit."I hope he's dead, I think he's dead, I'm glad he's dead," Hesselgrave said as he stood over Bergeson, according to the affidavit.Hesselgrave remains jailed in North Dakota, awaiting trial on charges of attempted murder. Police say he planned the attack;Hesselgrave contends they were drinking and got in a fight. He said he wonders whether things would have turned out differently had he received more treatment after his release from prison.Rawson-Neal "didn't try to treat me or nothing," he said. "They could have kept me for 21 days. They could have ... got my depression in check."Joseph Ceretti is another former Rawson-Neal patient now facing a lengthy prison sentence.Unlike Hesselgrave, Ceretti had lived on and off in Las Vegas for years, splitting time between Nevada and Des Moines, Iowa, where he had family. He had a criminal history in both places, and had been arrested repeatedly for crimes related to drugs and assault."I was a violent guy," he said in an interview from Polk County jail in Iowa.Ceretti said he had been to Rawson-Neal multiple times over the years, often after feeling suicidal. He has been diagnosed, he said, with schizoaffective disorder, depression and anxiety."They warehoused you," he said. "They haven't done nothing for me."On May 21, 2012, he landed at Rawson-Neal after another breakdown.Ceretti's medical records state that he told staff he was depressed, anxious and suicidal. "He is a known patient at this hospital with several previous admissions and most recent about six weeks ago," the records state.The intake records also show the hospital was aware he had a lengthy criminal record, including a history of assaults. Ceretti said he knew from other patients that the hospital would hand out bus tickets without asking too many questions. He said he told them about having family in Des Moines. "I wanted a free ride," he said.The medical records note that Ceretti had requested a bus ticket "back home," and that during two days of care, he showed "No aggression or Manic outbursts. ... " He was discharged May 23, 2012, with a bus ticket to Des Moines, psychiatric meds and a recommendation to continue getting mental health treatment in Iowa. The medical records say that Ceretti's mother, Diane Mazzie, had agreed to pick him up when he got to Des Moines.But Mazzie said she had no notice he was coming. "I never got a phone call," she said in an interview.She said she was staying at a friend's house when her son arrived, and was unable to offer him a place to stay. "I was on the streets," Ceretti said. "I slept outside for a week."A month after he arrived, Ceretti was arrested for trespassing. Two months later, he was arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse causing serious injury, and later pleaded guilty to that charge.In November 2012, while still homeless, Ceretti stabbed an old friend, Eric Naylor, killing him. Police describe the attack as a drug encounter gone bad. Ceretti called it self-defense. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 45 years in prison."I would just like to say to the family I'm really sorry," he said at his sentencing hearing.Ceretti later tried to take back his plea, saying he had failed to disclose he was on psychotropic medications when he agreed to the deal. He was charged with perjury, and pleaded guilty. He remains in an Iowa prison.The Nevada hospital issued a bus ticket to another patient, Justin David Brinsky, even as he was still under court supervision for battery and disorderly conduct convictions in Las Vegas. Brinsky was bused to Sacramento in June 2012, and now sits in the Sacramento County Main Jail, awaiting trial on two charges of attempted robbery.Brinsky said in a jailhouse interview that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and disabling "manic" episodes and depression. He said he became homeless in Vegas after traveling there to live with a family friend, and was arrested for stealing food from a supermarket. First he went to jail, he said, then to Rawson-Neal.Brinsky could not recall how long he stayed at the hospital, but said that at some point, he was offered a bus ticket to Sacramento, where he has relatives. "They asked me where I wanted to get sent, and I was fine with it," he said. "There are some good people there. It's not a bad hospital."In the months since he arrived in Sacramento, he has been arrested for a variety of serious crimes, including accusations of fighting with a police officer and trying to break into the home of a young mother in the middle of the night while under the influence of methamphetamines. At the county jail, he has spent weeks in isolation for attempting to assault both inmates and officers, according to court records.When a reporter, separated from Brinsky by a Plexiglas barrier, asked for further information about his experience, Brinsky dropped to his knees and clasped his hands as if in prayer.Then he waved goodbye.Martin Roller may have simply given up on life after the Las Vegas hospital bused him back to Sacramento in July 2010, said his former wife, Patricia.When he returned to the capital city, where he and Patricia once lived together, the couple were estranged, she said. She had minimal contact with him. Seven months after his bus trip, he was dead.Roller was a drug abuser, may have had bipolar disorder and had attempted suicide at least once while he was living in Las Vegas, his former wife said. She found out about his hospitalization and subsequent bus trip only after he returned to Sacramento, she said.In the months after he arrived in Sacramento, Roller was arrested for alleged battery on a police officer and resisting arrest.On Feb. 9, 2011, Roller's body was discovered in the American River near a transient camp. A coroner's report said he likely drowned and that no evidence of drugs was discovered in his system. Because of his history, the report did not rule out the possibility that he took his own life."He may have tried to kill himself," his former wife said. "I guess we will never know."Trouble also followed Christopher Dustrude, a Montana native who records indicate was bused from Las Vegas to San Diego in 2011. In 2004, Dustrude was convicted of sexually assaulting two family members, then 7 and 9, in Montana. In 2010, he was rearrested for failing to notify Montana authorities he had moved. He also had been convicted twice for violating protective orders, court records show.While awaiting sentencing on those charges, Dustrude headed to Las Vegas, where police arrested him in January 2011 for failing to register as a sex offender. That criminal case was still outstanding when, for reasons that are not clear, he wound up at Rawson-Neal. Patient busing receipts show the hospital bought a Christopher Dustrude a seat on a Greyhound bus bound for San Diego on Jan. 26.Within days, a federal magistrate issued a warrant for his arrest, and the U.S. Marshals Service initiated a manhunt in San Diego. Law enforcement authorities said in media reports at the time that Dustrude would sometimes pretend to be mentally disabled or suicidal to gain entry to hospitals and shelters, where he would then volunteer to work with children.Marshals finally tracked him down in early February at a San Diego psychiatric hospital. Authorities said they had gotten complaints from families in the area, who said Dustrude had made sexual advances toward them and their children.An aunt, who described Dustrude as mentally disabled and childlike, said he since has disappeared onto the streets of Montana. Dorothea Butler said her nephew had no ties to San Diego, and that she had no idea why the hospital might have sent him there."He needs to be in an institution of some kind. But he just gets tossed around," she said."I can't understand why that hospital would send him to San Diego. They just put him on a bus and sent him on. They just wanted to get rid of him."Marc Berrier is among several former Rawson-Neal patients who went from being homeless in Las Vegas to homeless somewhere else after the hospital bused them out. Berrier, a native of Pennsylvania with an alcohol addiction, said he faked a mental illness to get off the streets of Vegas in the spring of 2012. "I told them I was suicidal," he said.Once he landed at the Nevada state hospital, he received psychiatric medications and enjoyed "a nice break from the streets," he said. "I sat around and watched TV, mostly," he said.A fellow patient told him that the hospital "will give you a bus ticket to anywhere you want to go," he said. Berrier looked at a map and decided "on a whim" to ask for a bus ticket to Seattle."They asked me to verify that I had relatives there, so I wrote down a fake phone number and said I had an uncle there," Berrier said. "They brought me a ticket to Seattle that night.""I didn't know anything about Seattle," he said. "I left wearing shorts and a T-shirt, with four bottles of Ensure, on a wing and a prayer." He took Xanax with some young bus passengers near Portland, he recalled. "That's the last thing I remember about the trip." He said he woke up at Harborview Medical Center, a public hospital in King County.Weeks later, King County officers arrested him for assault after he refused to cooperate when they asked him to refrain from drinking alcohol in a public park, records show.Berrier now lives at a homeless mission in Seattle and is working to overcome his alcoholism and improve his life. "I've experienced a long, strange series of events to get here," he said.Hospital staffers may unwittingly have helped him, he said, by busing him to Seattle, where the mission is helping him get back on track. But he wonders about other patients."I'm glad everything worked out for me," Berrier said. "But there were a lot of guys in there who weren't getting any help. I wonder what's happened to them."Whether Rawson-Neal has any responsibility for what happens after patients leave their facility is a matter of debate. Psychiatric hospitals, including Rawson-Neal, are not required to check the criminal backgrounds of patients, and rarely conduct such checks, according to interviews with mental health experts.Kathleen Piche, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, said her agency might request a background check on a patient who caretakers are aware "has been involved in some kind of violence." But such cases are unusual, she said.Agencies should not "assume that someone might have a criminal record because they are being treated for a mental illness," said David Wert, a spokesman for San Bernardino County. He said the county does not routinely conduct criminal background checks on mental patients.But neither do most agencies routinely place mentally ill patients alone on public buses for long trips across the country, as Rawson-Neal did until recently."Certainly the hospital has a moral responsibility" to do everything possible to make sure that patients who board buses, as well as the passengers around them, are safe during their journeys, said DJ Jaffe, executive director of the Mental Illness Policy Organization. "And what about the impact on taxpayers in the states where these untreated patients are going? That is going to be considerable."In recent months, Nevada health officials have explained the busing program by noting that Las Vegas is an international destination. They say many visitors and transplants who suffer mental breakdowns welcome the offer of free travel vouchers to return to a community where they have a stronger support system."The general purpose of the policy has always been to help people with transportation back to their home community, or community of choice, where they have family, employment and/or mental health support," Mary Woods, a spokeswoman for the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, said in a written response."Transportation vouchers provided may or may not be used by a client," Woods said. "The client makes the choice to take the bus trip they requested."Woods also noted that the state has launched multiple internal reviews and has revamped policies and procedures at Rawson-Neal since The Bee first reported on the busing policy."Those investigations resulted in termination of staff, strengthening of policies, and implementation of corrective action plans including increased scrutiny and oversight in our discharge practices, as well as the requirement for an accompanied chaperone," Woods said."We take all allegations of improper treatment or discharge very seriously," she said, "and will further evaluate if additional policies, procedures and/or laws need to be revised or created." Woods said the hospital does not routinely do criminal background checks on patients, but will notify a law enforcement agency about a pending discharge if that agency has requested such information.But Nevada state health officials have also acknowledged that they do not routinely follow up to see what happens to patients after they are bused to other cities or whether they arrived safely.Busing patients out of town without properly treating their illness and arranging for future care is a prescription for disaster on many levels, said Dr. Jeffrey Geller, director of public sector psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical School."Increased incidence of petty crime and serious crime," Geller said, listing the possible consequences to the communities that receive mental patients who are unmoored to family and services."New jail and hospital occupants. Burdens to general hospital emergency departments, courts, sanitation departments and mayor's office," he said. For the patients, "there is further estrangement from any natural supports that might exist, and an increasing sense in the individual with mental illness of being unwanted and unworthy."Jaffe said he suspects Nevada's busing policy was motivated by finances, not treatment protocol. Between 2009 and 2012, as Rawson-Neal bused patients out of state at a steadily increasing rate, Nevada cut spending on mental health services by 28 percent to address state budget shortfalls."When they bus someone out of state, it's one less person that they need to care for," Jaffe said. "Any time the mental health system turns someone over to the criminal justice system, it's a victory for them" financially, Jaffe said.Nevada officials, acknowledging that budget cuts have taken a toll, have targeted $30 million in additional funding for state mental health services, boosting outpatient programs aimed at treating mentally ill people in the community and steering them away from emergency rooms.The state is remodeling a closed building on Rawson-Neal's campus that will serve as a satellite facility to Lake's Crossing in Reno, the state's only mental hospital for criminals. Rawson-Neal has been given additional state funding, and is poised to hire more staff.In addition, the state has increased the number of beds available for inpatient care; established jail re-entry programs; and introduced home visiting programs for mentally ill patients, their families and the community."The Legislature and the governor have responded," said Clark County Public Defender Christy Craig, who has represented mentally ill people charged with crimes."The effects locally have been akin to an atomic bomb going off," she said of the national media attention over the busing policy. "We have been asking for some of these things for 20 years, and shining a light on the issue worked. It really worked."Sheila Leslie, a former Nevada state senator who coordinates Washoe County's mental health and other specialty courts, remains skeptical. Leslie said the actions taken so far are not enough to repair a broken mental health system that has been ravaged by budget cuts during the past nine years."The whole situation has been a great wake-up call to state staff, legislators and the governor," she said. But, she added "clearly, it's not enough."Nevada's support system for mentally ill people, including housing and outpatient treatment centers for those released from the state hospital, remains dangerously frayed, she said. As a result, Leslie said, Rawson-Neal continues to be a revolving door for patients unable to get meaningful help to turn around their lives."We're failing ourselves," said Leslie.Nevada continues to grapple on several fronts with the consequences of its controversial busing policy. In July, following an investigation by the Joint Commission, Rawson-Neal lost its coveted accreditation. It remains under investigation by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which has threatened to pull the hospital's Medicare funding.In September, San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera filed a lawsuit seeking class-action status against Nevada, accusing its leaders of essentially outsourcing mental patients to other states to avoid having to pay for their treatment and housing. The suit demands reimbursement for the public costs San Francisco and other California cities have incurred in caring for Rawson-Neal patients transported to their communities without arranging for services.Sacramento attorney Mark Merin also has filed suit, accusing the hospital of violating the constitutional rights of indigent patients.Herrera said Nevada must be held accountable for what happened to the patients under its care and the communities that received them. "In my opinion, they certainly are responsible morally for their failure to look after very vulnerable patients who they knew were unable to take care of themselves," Herrera said. "Then they tried to shift the financial burden to other jurisdictions. It's a terrible thing on two levels."
Featured

Ghanas labour market grows but youth unemployment, skill mismatches loom large, new data reveals

Kweku Zurek Business News Dec - 18 - 2025 , 12:33

Ghanas labour force expanded steadily in the first three quarters of 2025, with over 330,000 more persons employed by September compared to March, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

However, this growth exists alongside profound challenges, including severe youth unemployment, significant labour underutilisation, and widespread mismatches between workers' skills and their jobs.

Presented by Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu today in Accra, the report shows the labour force constituted over 15 million persons from January to September 2025.

Female employment remained consistently higher than male employment, with over 7.2 million females employed compared to about 6 million males. Despite this, female unemployment was, on average, 3.7 percentage points higher than male unemployment across the period.

The most alarming figures concern young Ghanaians. The youth unemployment rate for those aged 15-24 years averaged 32.5 per cent, soaring to 49.3 per cent in Greater Accra during the third quarter. Furthermore, approximately 1.34 million persons (21.5%) in that age group were classified as Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).

About one in five employed persons are underutilised, the report states, with the composite labour underutilisation rate estimated at 23.4 percent in the third quarter. Underemployment was markedly higher in rural areas (14.9%) than in urban areas (9.7%).

The report introduces new analysis on skills and qualification mismatch, revealing inefficiencies in how human capital is deployed. In the third quarter, over 10 per cent of employed persons felt their skills exceeded their job requirements, with this perception highest among men and urban workers. Conversely, 15.7 per cent of workers considered themselves underqualified for their roles, a condition most reported in rural areas.

Dr. Iddrisu highlighted the relevance of these new indicators, noting that skills mismatch highlights inefficiencies in the labour market, signals gaps between education systems and labour demand, and informs education, training, and workforce development policies.

Another new metric, shift-based work, showed that while only 1.6 per cent of workers regularly worked night shifts, there was substantial latent interest. Among those not currently in shift work, 46.5 per cent expressed interest in such arrangements, with interest highest among men and rural workers. The report notes this data supports the 24-hour economy by showing the scale of non-standard work hours.

The GSS issued multi-tiered recommendations. It called on the government to prioritise youth employment pathways and align skills development with labour market demand. Businesses were urged to improve job quality and skills utilisation by matching workers to roles that reflect their qualifications. Individuals and households were encouraged to invest in skills development and lifelong learning.
Next article: The rising Jihadi terrorism threat across West Africa: A case for the re-examination of Ghana's response strategies

Separate economic life in marriage

Kwame Boafo Akuffo, Esq. Opinion Dec - 17 - 2025 , 09:57 8 minutes read

Family law practitioners in Ghana have received from the Supreme Court two (2) premature Christmas gifts in the form of Ayishetu Abdul Kadiri v. Abdul Dwamenah (J4/36/2024) [2025] GHASC 16 (delivered in March 2025) and Mrs Abena Pokua v. Yaw Kwakye (J4/17/2025) [2025] GHASC 45 (delivered in July 2025).

These premature gifts in the form of case law are useful for the guidance of the profession, the Bench and to a large extent the general public. The ambit of the cases provides remarkable clarity insofar as the distribution of properties pursuant to the dissolution of a marriage is concerned. Most importantly, the Court on both occasions spoke clearly with one voice.

It is therefore important to begin this opinion with two (2) categorical assertions:

1. Parties to a marriage have the Constitutional right to own properties to the exclusion of each other. A party is therefore entitled to a separate economic life during the subsistence of a marriage.

2. Properties acquired during the subsistence of a marriage are no longer deemed to wear the presumption that the same is matrimonial property.

I did not originate this thinking. It is the work of the Supreme Court.

The Court emphasised the rights of a party in a marriage to own property to the exclusion of the other party in the case of Ayishetu Abdul Kadiri v. Abdul Dwamenah (J4/36/2024) [2025] GHASC 16.

Indeed, the Apex Court deepened the dye in Mrs Abena Pokua v. Yaw Kwakye (J4/17/2025) [2025] GHASC 45. Significantly, the Court in the Abena Pokua case (supra) proceeded to dispel the presumption that properties acquired during the subsistence of a marriage are presumed to be marital property. In doing so, the Court was departing from its previous position in the Ayishetu case (supra).

It pays to state that in the Ayishetu Case (Supra), the Supreme Court (Coram Lovelace-Johnson (Ms) JSC (Presiding); Amadu JSC; Asiedu, JSC, Kwofie, JSC; Darko Asare JSC speaking through Amadu Tanko JSC, at paragraph 19 of page 11 of the Judgement, in addressing the formula for the distribution of property after the dissolution of a marriage upon a review of the authorities put same in the manner following; a. Any property acquired by a spouse or the spouses in the course or life of marriage, whether customary, Mohammedan or Ordinance, is a matrimonial/or marital property.

b. A property acquired by any of the spouses before the marriage does not qualify as marital property.

c. Acquisition can be sole (that is, by one of the spouses alone) or joint.

d. The constitutional formula for the distribution of properties acquired in the life of a marriage applies only in relation to jointly acquired properties.

e. Where the property is jointly acquired by the parties to the marriage, the same must be equitably distributed upon the dissolution of the marriage. In certain situations, equality will be

equitable, and in other situations, equality will not be equitable. Each case must be treated differently.

f. Where the acquisition is supposed to be a joint acquisition, the fact of the property being jointly owned is not contingent solely on financial contribution, but on other means of contributions, whether in kind, material or otherwise, but for which the other spouse could not have solely acquired the property.

g. Whether or not an acquisition is joint is dependent on the special and peculiar facts of the marriage, and the circumstances leading to the acquisition.

h. The settlement of an interest in a jointly acquired marital property can be converted in monetary terms where the special circumstances of the case warrant, and as sanctioned under Section 20(1) of the Matrimonial Causes Act, 1971 (Act 367).

i. Despite being marital property, the property may, upon the dissolution of the marriage, be settled on only one of the spouses as being the sole owner of the same.

Much more importantly, Amadu Tanko JSC, at page 12 of the Judgment in the Ayishetu Case (Supra), set out the indicative guidelines which should be taken into account in deciding on whether or not property acquired during the subsistence of marriage is solely owned by one party to the exclusion of the other. It is useful to note that the factors set out by the Court are not exhaustive.

Be that as it may, the indicative guidelines were set out as follows;

(i)Where the spouse solely financed or acquired the property with no contribution, whether in kind or cash, from the other spouse and at all times, the same has been recognised as belonging to only that spouse.

(ii) Where the property was gifted to only one spouse, albeit during the subsistence of the marriage and not to both spouses, of which the same was also acknowledged and recognised as such.

(iii) Where a spouse decides to acquire and advance the same to the other spouse absolutely.

(iv) Where, despite being under the contract of marriage, both spouses, by their deeds or conduct, have carefully designed and defined independent courses in the acquisition of marital properties such that the spouses understand each other, that they hold not any property jointly.

It is useful to reiterate the point that the indicative guidelines set out by the Apex Court in so far as same concerns the distribution of properties after dissolution of marriages are not intended to be exhaustive or even prescriptive.

It makes sense to submit that the same must be treated as tools of identifiable evidence which would serve as the basis for the distribution of assets pursuant to the dissolution of the marriage.

Position

The position taken by the Supreme Court in the Ayishetu Case (supra), that a party can own property to the exclusion of the other during the subsistence of a marriage, was affirmed by the Supreme Court in its subsequent decision in the Abena Pokua Case (supra), where Asiedu (JSC) who was a member of the Panel in the Ayishetu Case (supra) delivered the unanimous position of the Court on the matter at pages 15-16 of the Judgment as follows:

[4.7]. It is, therefore, not surprising that in delivering the Judgement in Fynn vs. Fynn & Osei [2013-2014]1 SCGLR 727, the Court did not even consider the case of Arthur (No.1) vs. Arthur (No.1) (supra). Nonetheless, the Court held, among others, that:

"During the existence of the marriage union, it would be most desirable for the couple to pool their resources together to jointly acquire property for the full enjoyment of all members of the nuclear family in particular.

However, there could be situations where within the union, parties might still acquire properties in their individual capacities as, indeed, was their guaranteed fundamental right as clearly enshrined under Article 18 of the 1992 Constitution; in which case they would also have the legal capacity to validly dispose of individually-acquired property by way of sale, for example, as happened in this instant case... in the instant case it was not proven that the plaintiff/appellant, the wife of the first defendant/respondent, had made some direct financial contribution to the acquisition of the disputed property; nor was it proven that the second defendant, the purchaser of the distributed property, had known that the property had been jointly acquired by the couple as family property".

Apart from the fact that this case upholds the right given under article 18(1) for a person to individually acquire and hold property for his or her sole benefit or for the benefit or for benefit of others and either alone or in association with other persons, this case also re-iterates that legal position of the need for a spouse to show that he or she contributed to the acquisition of property in order to cause the property to be marital property.

This is in consonance with the provisions in Article 22, which states that:

"22. Property rights of spouses

(1) A spouse shall not be deprived of a reasonable provision out of the estate of a spouse, whether or not the spouse died having made a will.

2) Parliament shall, as soon as practicable after the coming into force of this Constitution, enact legislation regulating the property rights of spouses.

(3) With a view to achieving the full realisation of the rights referred to in clause

(2) of this article,

(a) spouses shall have equal access to property jointly acquired during marriage;

(b) assets which are jointly acquired during marriage shall be distributed equitably between the spouses upon dissolution of the marriage".

It is also instructive to note that the Supreme Court in the Ayishetu Case (Supra), held that property acquired during the subsistence of a marriage is presumed to fall within the category of Marital Properties.

Interestingly, in the Abena Pokua Case (Supra), the Court now constituted by two (2) members of the Ayishetu Court- Lovelace-Johnson JSC and Asiedu JSC departed from the definition of marital property as espoused in the Ayishetu Case (Supra).

This position is interesting: for the two had on previous occasion joined the unanimous intellectual choir in Ayishetu Case (Supra) which held otherwise.

The writer is with Akropong Akuapem,Kwame Akuffo & Co. Unlimited, Legal Practitioners & Notary Public.
Featured

GTEC directs Bolga Technical University Council to stay decision directing Vice Chancellor to proceed on one-year leave

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Education Dec - 18 - 2025 , 09:08 5 minutes read

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has intervened and stayed action on decisions of the Governing Council of the Bolgatanga Technical University that sought to direct the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, to proceed on a one-year leave.

In a circular dated December 15, 2025, signed by Dr Bishop Akolgo as Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel E. Alnaa was directed to proceed on a one-year leave from December 19, 2025, to December 18, 2026.

It was explained that the directive was in line with standard governance practice in tertiary institutions and guided by the need to create a calm atmosphere for reflection, reconciliation, and institutional healing - Council hereby directs that you proceed on your accumulated leave effective 19th December, 2025, to 18th December, 2026.

But responding, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) said directing the Vice Chancellor to proceed on a one-year leave based on some petitions received was unprecedented and potentially problematic as that can create unforeseen negative consequences.

GTEC indicated that the office of the Vice Chancellor was a very important office within the university architecture and directing the occupant of such an office through a circular to the university community to proceed on leave is unacceptable.

Again, it said the referenced circular also indicated that Mr. Richard Abugre Atia, the Acting Registrar of the University, was deemed to have been appointed the substantive Registrar effective January 1, 2026.

GTEC indicated that it was reliably informed that Mr. Richard Abugri Atia did not meet the pass mark as set by the interview panel constituted to conduct interviews for that position.

Informed by that, the Commission has therefore directed that the two decisions reached at the emergency council meeting held on December 11, 2025, be STAYED.

The Commission further requested that all necessary information and documentation leading to the Vice Chancellor being asked to take his accumulated leave, and the interview report for the position of Registrar, should be presented to GTEC for study and advice on the next line of action, latest by Friday, December 19, 2025.

In the meantime, Professor Samuel E. Alnaa remains the substantive Vice Chancellor of the Bolgatanga Technical University and is deemed to be at post until he decides to take his annual leave. Also, Mr. Richard Abugre Atia cannot assume office as Registrar until all the issues bordering on his appointment are resolved, the GTEC letter dated December 15, 2025, signed by the Director-General, Prof Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai stated.

Attached below are full details from the GTEC letter and that of the Council Chairman of the Bolgatanga Technical University
Featured

Accra: Corn miller in court for planning to set Kantamanto shops ablaze

Justice Agbenorsi Dec - 18 - 2025 , 13:29 2 minutes read

A 26-year-old corn miller has been put before the Accra Circuit Court for allegedly preparing to burn down shops at the Kantamanto market in Accra.

According to the prosecution, Kwame Asare told police investigators that he took the decision to burn the shops because some individuals within the market were worrying him.

He has been charged with one count of preparation to cause unlawful damage.

Asare has pleaded not guilty to the charge and has been admitted to bail in the sum of GH200,000 with two sureties by the court presided over by Susana Eduful.

Per the bail conditions, the sureties must be immediate family members of the accused earning not less than GH1,500 every month.

The prosecution has been ordered to file all disclosures and witness statements before the next hearing date.

The case has been adjourned to January 27, 2026.

Prosecutions facts

Narrating the facts of the case, the prosecution, led by Chief inspector Ebenezer Teye-Akuffo told the court that on December 9, 2025, complainants led by Simon Nyala arrested the accused person at the Kantamanto Market and handed him over to the Regional Police Command with a report that, while they were on surveillance at the Kantamanto market, they had information that, the accused person was planning to burn down some shops in the market.

During the investigation, the prosecutor said the accused stated that, some individuals within the market were worrying him.

As a result, he decided to burn down their shops.

A search was conducted in the accused person's room within the market and some litres of petrol in a gallon were found and retrieved, the prosecutor told the court
Featured

EOCO exceeds 2025 recovery target with $336.6m haul as crypto fraud victims await compensation

Mohammed Ali Dec - 18 - 2025 , 13:06 3 minutes read

The Economic and Organised Crime Office recorded recoveries totalling $336.6 million in 2025, exceeding its annual target by $133.4 million, as victims of a Chinese-Malaysian cryptocurrency fraud are set to receive compensation from a separate $15.191 million seizure.

The disclosure was made at the Government Accountability Series press briefing held in Accra on December 18, 2025.

Addressing the briefing, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, said EOCO recovered the $15.191 million from offshore cryptocurrency wallets linked to a criminal network that defrauded more than 1,000 Ghanaian and British victims through an online trading scheme operating since 2019.

Some of the money will be used to compensate victims who were defrauded, while a larger portion will be paid into the public purse, Dr Ayine said.

The scheme, run by Chinese and Malaysian nationals, lured victims with promises of high returns through investment packages ranging from GH770 to GH9,000. Participants were instructed to purchase products on a fake e-commerce platform and recruit others through referral systems typical of Ponzi-style operations.

Dr Ayine explained that the suspects produced instructional videos demonstrating how payments were made using virtual currency. These materials enabled EOCO to trace the cryptocurrency wallets used to move the proceeds.

Investigations revealed transfers into a wallet on the OKX exchange platform, which is based offshore in Seychelles. EOCO identified more than 1,000 transactions originating from a single computer IP address linked to a Chinese national living in Ghana on a residence permit.

According to Dr Ayine, efforts to trace the Malaysian directors stalled after requests for mutual legal assistance sent to Malaysia received no response. EOCO subsequently sought support from the United Kingdoms National Crime Agency.

With assistance from UK-based firms, EOCO applied to the High Court for orders directing OKX to transfer the seized crypto assets to Zodia Custody for conversion into fiat currency.

On November 19, 2025, the assets were converted and $15.191 million and ten cents transferred into EOCOs exhibit account.

Dr Ayine acknowledged the role of Justice Gwendolyn Millicent Owusu of the Economic and Financial Crime Division of the High Court, noting that her understanding of the legal complexities made the recovery possible.

Without her understanding of the complexities of the case, this outcome would have been difficult to achieve, he said.

Dr Ayine noted that the case has attracted the attention of international law enforcement agencies, particularly due to Ghanas use of non-conviction-based asset recovery in relation to virtual assets held outside the country.

He said the outcome sends a clear message to criminals seeking to hide proceeds through cryptocurrency that EOCO would pursue such cases across borders.

The $15.191 million forms part of EOCOs total recoveries of $336.6 million for 2025, comprising $194 million in direct recoveries lodged in EOCOs exhibit account and $142.6 million in indirect recoveries paid to the Ghana Revenue Authority or the Consolidated Fund.

Dr Ayine attributed the results to the work of EOCO under its Executive Director, Mr Raymond Archer, and his management team during the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.

The Attorney General also disclosed that extradition request packages for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and his former Chief de Cabinet, Ernest Darko Kore, were transmitted to the United States Department of Justice on December 10, 2025, following a formal application from the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

Dr Ayine said the two face 78 charges, including causing financial loss to the state and using public office for private benefit.

He added that another announcement involving politically exposed persons under criminal investigation would be made on Monday.
Featured

Government dispatches military engineers to Jamaica

Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Dec - 18 - 2025 , 09:13 2 minutes read

The government has deployed the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Engineering contingent to Jamaica to assist with repairs and reconstruction works following a devastating hurricane, Melissa, that swept through the country in October this year.

The 54 GAF soldiers from the 14 Engineering Regiment are expected to work alongside the Jamaican authorities and other international partners to rebuild critical infrastructure, including shelters, roads and public facilities.

The deployment in Accra yesterday formed part of the countrys commitment to regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance, as well as its solidarity with the Caribbean nation.

It was carried out in collaboration with the US government, which provided Ghana with a military cargo aircraft, C-17, to airlift the soldiers and their logistics to Kingston, Jamaica.

The event was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; the Charge dAffaires of the US Embassy, Rolf Olson; the Deputy Chief of Staff in Charge of Operations, Stan Dogbe; the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General William Agyapong, and families of the contingent.



Rationale

President Mahama explained that the deployment reflected the countrys solidarity with the people of Jamaica and the shared history, values and bonds within the African-Caribbean family.

This humanitarian assistance includes food aid, locally produced Ghanaian rice, blankets, mattresses, plastic buckets, medicines and other such accoutrements.

Ghana has consistently stood for international solidarity, humanitarian assistance and global responsibility, he said.

The President added that the government was also dispatching tents by sea to help provide temporary shelter.

He thanked President Donald Trump and the people of the US for making the mission possible by offering to provide an aircraft.

President Mahama also commended GAF for their professionalism, discipline and readiness to serve not only at home, but anywhere in the world when duty calls, describing the mission as a compassionate one.

For his part, Mr Ablakwa commended President Mahama for his decisive effort in shifting the foreign policy of the country from always receiving to sharing with others.

He said so far, the country had undertaken five humanitarian aid missions.

Support

The Charge dAffaires of the US Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, explained that they decided to respond to the request to transport the engineering regiment to Jamaica because of their shared values of serving humanity.

The US and Ghana have long worked together to advance peace, security and prosperity across Africa and beyond.

Todays operation reflects the best of our collaboration, rapid response, technical expertise and a willingness to help those in need, he said.
Next article: Fire Service to enforce compulsory fire extinguishers in vehicles nationwide from December 18

Govt plans GH1bn Bawku recovery fund: Endorses Otumfuo's roadmap - Will facilitate Seidu Abagre's safe relocation

Kester Aburam Korankye Dec - 18 - 2025 , 12:57 3 minutes read

The government has announced a GH1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund to support the reconstruction of the Upper East city and surrounding areas, after accepting the findings and recommendations of the Bawku Conflict Mediation Report.

The goal of the fund, to be disbursed over a three-year period starting from next year, is to restore Bawku to its historic position as a significant economic and trading hub in northern Ghana.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, presented the report to President John Dramani Mahama last Tuesday.

Acknowledging the grave human, social and economic losses from the protracted conflict, President John Dramani Mahama directed the Finance Minister to establish a GH1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund.

The fund, which shall be disbursed over a three-year period between 2026 and 2028, will be dedicated to reconstruction and developing priority infrastructure, including roads, health care, education, dam and irrigation facilities for all-year round agriculture, security installations, economic and commercial facilities, to restore Bawku to its historic position as a significant economic and trading hub in northern Ghana, a statement signed and issued yesterday by the Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said.

The statement, which conveyed the governments endorsement of all recommendations in the report, added that the fund would be managed by a high-level committee to be chaired by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who is also serving as acting Defence Minister.

Other members are the Upper East Regional Minister, Donaltus Akamuguri, and the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, who will represent MPs from the area.

The government described the report as a comprehensive, fact-based and forward-looking roadmap aimed at achieving lasting peace in Bawku and its environs.

Affirmation of law, recall of rival chief

A key pillar of the governments position is the reaffirmation of the authority of the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II.

The statement stressed that no individual or group is permitted, under any circumstances, to contest his authority or legitimacy, a position it said was consistently upheld by the Supreme Court.

In line with the reports recommendation, the government accepted that Alhaji Seidu Abagre, installed as a rival claimant to the Bawku skin, be recalled to the North East Regional capital, Nalerigu, by the Overlord of Mamprugu Traditional Area, the Nayiri, Naa Bohaga Mahami Abdulai Sheriga.

The government will immediately facilitate the safe movement of Alhaji Seidu Abagre to Nalerigu, where he shall remain available to receive the directives of the Nayiri, the statement declared.

The government also respectfully requested Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to continue lending his distinguished leadership and moral authority to subsequent reconciliation efforts between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities.

Unity, restraint

The government called on all traditional authorities, political leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, religious bodies, development partners and citizens to support the peace-building process in the spirit of unity, restraint, and patriotism.

Echoing the Asantehenes admonition, the statement reiterated that there are no winners and no losers in this process.

President Mahama, after receiving the report last Tuesday, urged all parties to accept and faithfully abide by the conclusions and recommendations of the Mediation Report in the supreme interest of peace and national stability.

The government expressed profound gratitude to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Nayiri, the Bawku Naba, and all stakeholders whose cooperation contributed to the success of the mediation.
Featured

Ofori-Atta extradition request sent to US, says Attorney-General

Kweku Zurek Dec - 18 - 2025 , 12:16 4 minutes read

The government has formally submitted a request to authorities in the United States for the extradition of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and his former Chef de Cabinet, Ernest Darko Akore, to face corruption-related charges brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, disclosed this on Thursday, December 18, during the Government Accountability Series, saying the move followed the completion of all legal and procedural requirements by his office.

This step was taken after my office received the necessary documentation and clarifications from the Office of the Special Prosecutor, Dr Ayine said, adding that the extradition request had now been formally transmitted to the United States authorities.

According to the Attorney-General, the two former officials are expected to answer to a total of 78 alleged corruption and corruption-related offences already filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor. He explained that once the request had been transmitted, the process moved beyond the control of the Ghanaian authorities.

It is now in the hands of the U.S. judicial authorities to ascertain whether the threshold for extradition has been met, he stated.

Dr Ayine said his office had acted on a formal request received from the Office of the Special Prosecutor on November 19, 2025, seeking the initiation of extradition proceedings against Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta and Ernest Darko Akore, both believed to be in the United States.

He explained that a preliminary review conducted by an international unit working with the Attorney-Generals Office revealed gaps that required clarification to meet the applicable legal and procedural standards. As a result, the Office communicated its observations to the OSP in a letter dated November 25, 2025, requesting supplementary documentation.

The Attorney-General said the OSP responded on December 9, 2025, providing the requested additional documentation and addressing the issues raised. This, he said, completed the extradition request package, which was subsequently forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for onward transmission to the United States Department of Justice.

At this point, it is left with the to the American authorities especially the Judicial authorities to make a determination on whether a sufficient basis exists for the two accused persons to be extradited to Ghana to stand trial, Dr Ayine said.

He stressed that the government remains committed to accountability and due process, and will continue to cooperate with international partners while respecting the legal frameworks governing extradition under both Ghanaian and United States law.

The extradition request follows criminal charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor on Tuesday, November 18, against Mr Ofori-Atta and seven others over 78 counts of corruption and corruption-related offences. The other accused persons are Ernest Darko Akore, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Ammishaddai Owusu Amoah, Isaac Crenstil, Kwadwo Damoah, Evans Adusei and Strategic Mobilisation Limited.

Mr Ofori-Atta is expected to be tried in absentia, having failed to return to Ghana after travelling to the United States.

Earlier, at a press briefing on October 30, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng said investigations had uncovered evidence of serious financial irregularities involving senior officials of the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority, as well as individuals linked to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited.

The outcome of the investigation is that the OSP will charge the following persons with various corruption and corruption-related offences before the end of November 2025, Mr Agyebeng said at the time.

He added that the OSP would also pursue the recovery of financial losses allegedly suffered by the state. As part of the process, the OSP will seek to recover the financial loss caused to the Republic from the persons listed above, he stated.

Mr Agyebeng further disclosed that the OSP intends to recover GH125 million from Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited, which he described as unjust enrichment obtained unfairly at the expense of the Republic.

The OSP will recover a total amount of GH125 from SML by way of disgorgement of unjust enrichment of overpayment by the return of the benefit this amount obtained unfairly at the expense of the Republic, he said.
Featured

High Court dismisses petition challenging declaration of Frank Asiedu Bekoe as winner of Suhum 2024 Parliamentary election

Justice Agbenorsi Politics Dec - 18 - 2025 , 13:04 1 minute read

The High Court in Koforidua has dismissed an election petition challenging the declaration of the New Patriotic Partys Member of Parliament for Suhum, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, as the winner of the 2024 Parliamentary election in Suhum.

In a judgment today (Dec 18, 2025), the court, presided over by Justice George Krofa Addae, stated that the petition filed by Kwadjo Asante, an independent candidate in the 2024 parliamentary election, lacked merit.

Specifically, the court was of the opinion that the petitioners witnesses could not adduce evidence to support his case, adding that none of the witnesses he called during the trial was his polling agent during the election.

The Court also found that Asante could not prove that any of his supporters were prevented from voting at the polling station.

It further added that all the agents of the petitioner in all the 166 polling stations signed the pink sheets without any protest.

Dismissing the case, Justice Addae awarded cost of GH200,000 against the petitioner.
11/29/1950 - 12/6/25

A. "Jeanne" Beery, a beloved sister, aunt, and teacher, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, at her home in Green River, Wyoming after a 10 year diagnosis with Cystic Fibrosis. Born on Wednesday, November 29th, 1950, in Medina, Ohio. Jeanne was the cherished daughter of Elton Burdette Beery and Margery Alice Niswander Beery.

Jeanne spent her formative years in Ohio, attending local schools and graduating from Cloverleaf High School in 1968. She furthered her education at Bluffton College, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, setting the stage for a fulfilling career dedicated to shaping young minds.

For 39 years, Jeanne devoted her life to teaching, making a lasting impact on her students in Big Piney and Green River. She retired in 2015 from the Sweetwater County School District #2, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and compassion.

Jeanne's life was rich with interests and activities that reflected her kind and adventurous spirit. She was an avid reader and an active participant in two book clubs. Her commitment to community service was evident in her role as a driver for Meals on Wheels. Jeanne's creativity shone through in the beautiful greeting cards she crafted for her church, and her love for travel and nature was expressed through her passion for Volksmarching, garnering several medals from State Parks and adventures in Germany and Switzerland.

She was predeceased by her loving parents, her daughter Kristen Beery, and her favorite uncle, Keith Beery. Jeanne's spirit and love continue to be cherished by her four sisters: Mary Beery of Green River, Wyoming; Carol Johnson and husband Van of Thermopolis, Wyoming; Cathy Beery Berg and husband Terry of Goshen, Indiana; and Christy Beery Bush and husband Gary of Seville, Ohio. She also leaves behind four nephews: Adam Johnson, Mark Beery, Justin Berg, and Zachery Berg; two nieces, Margie Beery and Jennifer Bickel and husband Andy; along with two great-nieces, Parker Bickel and Hayden Bickel.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Jeanne's memory be made to the Union Congregational Church, 350 Mansface Street, Green River, Wyoming, or to National Jewish Health Center, P.O. Box 17169, Denver, Colorado 80217-0169.

A service to celebrate Jeanne's life will be held following cremation in the Spring. Friends and family are encouraged to leave their condolences and share their memories at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com.

Jeanne Beery lived a life of service, love, and joy, and her memory will continue to live in the hearts of all whom she touched.
5/9/1940 - 12/10/25

Georgia Lou Brawley, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at her home in Rock Springs, WY, at the age of 85. Born on Thursday, May 9, 1940, in Hanna, Wyoming, Georgia was the cherished daughter of the late George Buckendorf and Freida Lagge.

Georgia grew up in Elk Mountain, Wyoming, where she attended local schools and graduated from Elk Mountain High School in 1958. Shortly thereafter, in 1960, she married Dale Brawley in Elk Mountain, Wyoming. Though the couple later divorced, they shared wonderful years together.

Georgia's career spanned a decade as she worked diligently in the food service industry across various restaurants and businesses throughout Wyoming. She retired in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and hard work.

A woman of many interests, Georgia found joy in planting flowers, fishing, and playing cribbage. Her vibrant spirit was also evident in her participation with the Elks Lodge and the VFW Women's Auxiliary, where she formed many lasting friendships.

Georgia is lovingly remembered by her four daughters: Glenda Beisner of Rock Springs, WY; Carol Hilton of Blue Springs, MO; Sandie Combs and husband Chuck of Hanna, WY; and Karen Szoke and husband Scott of Spokane, WA. She is also survived by four brothers: Jim Buckendorf of Hanna, WY; Gilbert Boyer of FL; Gene Buckendorf of Hanna, WY; and Robert Buckendorf of Rock Springs, WY; and one sister, Joyce Garretson of Saratoga, WY. Her legacy continues through her ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; maternal and paternal grandparents; two brothers, Edward Buckendorf and Frank Buckendorf; and two sisters, Hope Brooks and May Burke.

In honor of Georgia's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to commemorate her extraordinary life and the indelible mark she left on all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to share condolences and memories at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com.

Georgia's warmth, love, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her.
Green River consistently stands out across the state, and standing out on the stage is no exception.

The Green River High School Theater program traveled to the Wyoming State Thespian Festival in Laramie Dec. 4 - 6, and came away with several top finishes and high honors.

Green River finished third place overall behind Star Valley in first and Riverton in second, and GRHS Instructor Melissa Skinner was awarded the Wyoming Theatre Director of the Year for 2025.

Green River also placed third in the Devised Theatre One-Act Play category with an original play written and directed by Junior Jeremy Neher.

"Seeing the work and effort you put in be rewarded, the little vision and pictures in your head being transported on stage, knowing you have made something better than its pieces is what state theatre is all about," Neher said. "Expressing creativity and knowing more walking out than walking in may not sound game changing, however, it's truly an unexplainable feeling. The friends who feel like a family who surround you in theatre, who cheer with you, laugh with you, are truly special and one of a kind."

Green River received their third third-place win in the Arena One-Act play category with their one-person show, "Every Brilliant Thing," featuring another junior, Payton Shiner, who was thankful for the experience as a whole.

"My favorite part of State Theatre was the fact that we can all laugh with everyone, not just our troupe, but the whole state where everyone is so welcoming and you'll hear nothing but good things," Shiner explained.

GRHS students also received 23 All-State Awards, with those students qualifying to perform at the International Thespian Festival this summer. Students received All-State in Costume Design, Duet Musical, Group Musical, Playwriting, Prop Construction, Solo Musical, and Stage Management. The students that qualified for ITF are Jeremy Neher, Autumn Montoya, Madelyn Thomas, Harrison Hopkin, Katelyn Tanner, Elyse Tanner, Taylor Kendall, Emily Russell, Ryann Bode, Kaydence Duke, Meghan Thomas, Isabella Groat, Taydon Eagler, Jaicee Steen, Davin Welch, Autumn Montoya, Alixzander Pacheco, Brayden Thompson and Ashlyn McCormick. Multiple students received honorable mentions in other categories as well.

Several Green River students expressed how much they enjoyed going to the State Thespian Festival, pointing out how much fun they had and how friendly and supportive everyone there was.

"I felt like I could truly be myself," Bethany Holmes said.

"No matter where I went I was surrounded by people who cared about me and wanted me to succeed," Alix Pacheco explained.

"It helped me see how much I've grown," Adele Summerall added.

Meghan Thomas pointed out the value of being able to "build stronger skills with singing, dancing, auditions, and much more."

Elyse Tanner also said that State Theater was a great learning experience, adding, "I am so proud of what me and the team where able to accomplish there."
The OnePlus 15R was unveiled in global markets yesterday with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC and a 7,400mAh battery. While it is offered in two color options globally, the Indian market gets a distinct Ace Edition finished in a purple shade.

In markets outside India, the phone is sold in Charcoal Black and Mint Breeze. For India, the company also offers the OnePlus 15R Ace Edition, featuring an exclusive Electric Violet finish, a fiberglass rear panel, and Ace branding etched on the back.

The OnePlus 15R is essentially a rebranded OnePlus Ace 6T, which is sold in China in the same Electric Violet color with the Ace branding on the rear panel. However, the Ace 6T gets a larger 8,300mAh battery.

In terms of specifications, there is no difference between the Ace Edition and the other OnePlus 15R color variants, except for weight and thickness. The Electric Violet variant weighs 213g, compared to 218g or 219g for the other options, and is 8.1mm thick instead of 8.3mm.

The OnePlus 15R Ace Edition starts at INR 47,999 ($530) for the 12GB/256GB option. It runs Android 16-based OxygenOS 16, offers a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with 165Hz refresh rate, a dual-rear camera setup with a 50MP primary Sony IMX906 sensor, and a 32MP front camera.

OnePlus 15R 5G

Source
The Redmi Note 15 Pro+, unveiled a few months ago in China, made its international debut today. However, the international model doesn't share all the specs with its Chinese counterpart.

For starters, the Chinese Redmi Note 15 Pro+ came with a 50MP primary camera, but the international Redmi Note 15 Pro+ features a 200MP HPE primary camera with 2x and 4x in-sensor zoom. Its camera lens also supports five focal lengths, ranging from 23mm to 92mm.

The international version's primary camera is joined by an 8MP ultrawide camera, like the Chinese model, but it drops the 50MP telephoto unit.

Another significant difference between the two versions is in the battery department. The Chinese Redmi Note 15 Pro+ packs a 7,000 mAh battery with 90W charging support, while the international model has a 6,500 mAh Si/C cell under the hood with 100W charging support. It also supports 22.5W reverse wired charging. However, despite having a smaller battery, the international Redmi Note 15 Pro+ is thicker than the Chinese model.

The diagonal size (6.83"), refresh rate (120Hz), and peak brightness (3,200 nits) of the international Redmi Note 15 Pro+'s AMOLED screen are the same as the Chinese version. However, the resolution is slightly different: 2,772x1,280 pixels on the international model versus 2,772x1,220 pixels on the Chinese model.

Furthermore, Xiaomi has used Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 2 to protect the international model's display, unlike the Chinese model that came with Dragon Crystal Glass protection.

The chipset remains the same across both versions: the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. What's also common between the two models is the 32MP selfie camera, HyperOS, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, and NFC.

Other features of the international Redmi Note 15 Pro+ include an in-display fingerprint scanner, dual speakers, and support for Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio. The smartphone also supports eSIMs and has IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings.

Furthermore, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ supports Xiaomi's Offline Communication for "kilometer-level device-to-device voice communication without network coverage," and comes with the Xiaomi Surge T1S Tuner for better signal performance across Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and cellular networks.

The international Redmi Note 15 Pro+ is offered in Black, Mocha Brown, and Glacier Blue colors with three memory options - 8GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB, and 12GB/512GB.

The 8/256GB trim starts at 499/429, while the 12/512GB model will go for 549/479. Pre-orders start on January 5.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G (Global)
Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood on Wednesday delayed sentencing for all defendants in the Hafa Adai Bingo money laundering and illegal gambling case as defense lawyers pressed challenges that could affect convictions and sentences, including for Christine O. Chan and her husband, Jose Art Chan, who was sentenced just the day before.

Christine Chan appeared Wednesday before the judge for a continued sentencing hearing that followed more than three hours of arguments Tuesday and extended into a full day of court.

Rather than impose the sentence, the judge continued sentencing for Chan and co-conspirators Alfred Leon Guerrero, Minda San Nicolas and Juanita Capulong, who were also scheduled to be sentenced that same day, along with Mark Marasigan and Won Sun Min, whose sentencing had been set for Thursday, possibly until January.

The delay came as Chans attorney, William Gavras, argued objections to both the final presentence report and an amended presentence report, raising questions that could affect how all defendants are sentenced under federal guidelines.

He said the court is examining what conduct should count toward sentencing for all defendants and whether the First Amendment limits sentencing exposure based on protected charitable fundraising activity.

You can be sentenced for a crime if you were not charged and have not been convicted, Gavras told the Pacific Daily News.

Those issues also form the basis of a motion filed Dec. 12 asking the District Court to overturn Christine Chans conviction or grant a new trial on a wire fraud conspiracy count. The motion seeks reconsideration of the courts denial of a judgment of acquittal and a new trial on the conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge, arguing the evidence does not support the verdict.

The filing relies on Supreme Court and Ninth Circuit precedent governing fraud cases tied to charitable fundraising. It cites Kousisis v. United States, decided in 2025, for the principle that fraud requires materially false, intentionally deceptive statements that cause a victim to part with money or property.

The case centers on Hafa Adai Bingo, a fundraising operation promoted as supporting off island transportation for medically qualified children needing hospital care. Prosecutors argued the operation existed to enrich the defendants and presented evidence showing a large share of proceeds went to them, court documents stated.

The defense argues that theory conflicts with binding precedent. In Illinois ex rel. Madigan v. Telemarketing Associates, Inc., and United States v. Lyons, courts held that high fundraising costs or failure to disclose how funds are allocated, without affirmative misrepresentations, do not amount to fraud.

The motion argues charitable fundraising receives First Amendment protection and that liability requires nondisclosure combined with intentionally misleading statements designed to deceive.

According to the filing, prosecutors presented no evidence that Christine Chan or her co-defendants made statements about how bingo proceeds would be allocated or made misleading claims about their use.

The filing states there were no promises that a specific % of funds would go to childrens medical care and no false statements about how bingo players money would be spent. It also argues the operation was promoted as supporting the Shrine Clubs mission of transporting children for medical treatment and that mission was carried out.

The defense also argues that surplus distributions to Christine Chan, who provided working capital for Hafa Adai Bingo, do not remove First Amendment protection. Under existing precedent, fundraisers may earn profits absent material misrepresentations, and high fundraising costs alone do not establish fraud.

All qualified children received off-island treatment before any surplus distributions were made and that there was no evidence defendants limited the number of children served to increase income. It states the operation would have accommodated additional qualified children if they had existed.

Compared with that case, the motion discussed Lyons, where fundraisers raised $6 million while charities received only $4,800. The convictions in that case were upheld because defendants made affirmative misrepresentations about charitable purposes that were never funded, not because of the small % of funds reaching charity.

Court records show more than $34 million flowed through Guam Shrine Club bank accounts between 2017 and 2021. At least $18 million was issued in checks to defendants or their entities.

Prosecutors said defendants, with backing from the Guam Shrine Club, laundered millions of dollars through an illegal bingo operation from 2015 to 2021 using fraudulent checks and shell entities.

An IRS special agent testified the operation generated at least $34 million in gross bingo proceeds. After expenses and payouts, net proceeds totaled $10,891,182, with $10,750,804 laundered for defendants benefit, according to court documents.

Bank records show $2,326,180 was distributed to co-conspirator Won Sun Min. From the remaining $8,424,624, co-defendant Marasigan issued checks totaling $2,553,131 to Christine Chan, Minda San Nicolas and Juanita Capulong or their entities and retained $5,871,493.

Christine Chan used $339,013 of those funds to pay Jose Chans credit card debts.

Marasigan was convicted on 63 counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Christine Chan was convicted on 26 counts. Jose Chan was convicted on one count. All three were also convicted of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Jose Chan was sentenced Tuesday to 60 months, or five years, in federal prison to run concurrently, followed by two years of supervised release. The sentence marked a significant reduction from an initial guideline range that approached 20 years.

During Jose Chans sentencing, the defense called Lee David Gordon, a member of the Aloha Shriners in Hawaii, who testified by Zoom.

After the Guam Shriners disbanded in 2020, remaining funds from the clubs accounts were sent to the Aloha Shriners. Gordon acknowledged in court that $218,170.85 was transferred in 2020, which the defense argued supported claims that charitable contributions occurred.

Tuesdays sentencing hearing lasted more than five hours and included extended arguments over wire fraud charges and sentence comparisons involving Leon Guerrero. Leon Guerrero, along with San Nicolas, Capulong and Min, signed plea agreements in 2023.

Probation reports stated Jose Chan benefited the least financially among participants and said it was possible he believed he was helping the Shriners and did not know funds used to pay his credit card debt came from Shrine accounts.
The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team recently organized a donation drive to support communities in the Philippines affected by the recent typhoon.

Staff collected essential items including clothing, shoes, personal hygiene products, and other necessities to help families recovering from the disaster, a release from GMH states.

Dr. Joleen M. Aguon, interim CEO and hospital administrator, commended the teams compassion and initiative.

I am incredibly proud of our NICU team for leading this heartfelt effort to support families in the Philippines who were impacted by the recent typhoon, Aguon said in a statement. Our hospital family understands the importance of compassion and unity, especially during times of hardship. This donation drive reflects our shared commitment to caring not only for our patients, but also for our neighbors across the region who are in need.

As part of the initiative, Forex Cargo generously donated boxes and shipping services to ensure the collected supplies reach affected areas in the Philippines. Their support helped expedite the delivery process and expanded the impact of the hospitals relief efforts.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero praised the NICU teams generosity and community spirit.

I commend the GMHA NICU team for demonstrating the spirit of service and solidarity that defines our island, the governor said in a statement. Their generosity and compassion remind us that in moments of crisis, we stand together as one community, ready to support our brothers and sisters in the Philippines. Acts of kindness like this strengthen the ties that bind our islands.

Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio also recognized the effort and its significance.

The dedication shown by GMHAs NICU staff is a powerful example of how our community comes together to help others, he said in a statement. Their efforts will bring comfort to families facing great challenges, and we are grateful for their leadership and compassion. This donation drive reflects the best of who we are as a people.

GMHA extends its appreciation to the NICU staff, community donors, and partners whose combined efforts made this relief project possible.
On Dec. 7 and 8, 1941, foreign imperial forces struck three United States territories almost at once.

In Hawaii, Pearl Harbor burned. Guam was bombed and invaded on the Feast of the Santa Marian Kamalen. The Philippines, also a U.S. territory at the time, came under full-scale attack.

In both Guam and the Philippines, Washington made a cold calculation. These territories were deemed indefensible. Troops and civilians were left to starve and massacred under foreign occupation. Thousands died on Guam while nearly a million died in the Philippines during occupation. The people in these territories had no vote, no representation, and no meaningful say in the decision that sealed their fate.

That is not abstract history. It is a warning.

Territory status is dangerous in times of war. Territories are easier to attack, easier to abandon, and easier to trade away. Guam itself was acquired as part of the spoils of the SpanishAmerican War.

In a rapidly changing, multipolar world, with the United States and China edging toward open confrontation, it would be naive to assume that the political fate of a small, distant territory will always be secure. If war comes, we are all in danger and we all have a stake in the safety of our families.

That is why I view Guams unresolved political status as an existential threat to our long-term way of life. This is not a distant or academic concern. It is a five-alarm fire that should have been addressed decades ago. The responsibility now falls on us.

I wish the Davis decision had not happened.

I understand, and respect, the moral force behind the argument that self-determination belongs to the colonized people and is meant to remedy a specific historical injustice.

But the reality is unavoidable. In Davis v. Guam, the courts permanently barred Guam from conducting a government-run plebiscite limited to native inhabitants, holding that such a restriction violates constitutional voting protections. The Supreme Court declined review. We have exhausted the legal remedies to defend the statutory native inhabitant vote.

Pretending otherwise does not advance self-determination.

I am no ivory-tower academic. My background is in emergency services. When the forest is burning, my job is not to debate theory indefinitely. It is to grab a hose and start cutting line.

The legislation I introduced does exactly that. It creates a lawful path, consistent with federal court rulings, to finally allow this generation of Guamanians to express a preference on our political future. That vote, that voice, is more important now than ever.

If critics have a legally viable alternative that can pass muster in the next few years, I welcome it. Debate it. Testify. Challenge my approach. But after nearly a decade since the Davis decision and no path forward presented, this is the only plan that can move a public vote forward under the court ruling.

History teaches us what happens when territories wait. I refuse to let Guam wait any longer.




Haiti - Justice : No embezzlement at the Ministry of Culture, concludes the ULCC





Patrick Delatour, the Minister of Culture, acknowledges the publication of the summary of the report by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC).



The Minister recalls that this investigation and analysis conducted by the ULCC was initiated following public denunciations by the "Je Klere" Foundation (FJKL) concerning the alleged embezzlement of public funds allocated to the Project for the Development, Restoration, and Protection of Heritage Sites. The Foundation alleged the irregular loading of debit cards for the benefit of certain senior officials at the Ministry of Culture and Communication (MCC) and the Institute for the Safeguarding of National Heritage (ISPAN) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45828-haiti-corruption-formal-denial-from-the-minister-of-culture.html



The ULCC's investigation uncovered none of the allegations made by FJKL against the Ministry of Culture and ISPAN. The ULCC formulated administrative and institutional recommendations.



Aware of its strategic role in shaping public opinion and disseminating information, Patrick Delatour encourages responsible, balanced, and professional handling of the information contained in this report, in order to avoid any misinformation or misinterpretation that could harm social cohesion and institutional stability.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politic : Towards a strong and forward-looking Haitian diplomacy





On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Kinam Hotel, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime participated in the official opening of the 4th Conference of Haitian Ambassadors, which focused on the theme "Haitian Diplomacy Serving National Priorities".



This two-day conference brought together Laurent Saint Cyr, President pro tempore and Coordinator of the Transitional Council; Advisors Leslie Voltaire, Smith Augustin, and Regine Abraham; Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste; members of the government; high-ranking state officials; all Haitian ambassadors, charges d'affaires, and consuls accredited abroad; and representatives of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Haiti.



This conference marks the beginning of a strategic process of reflection on Haiti's diplomatic direction for the next 25 years. It also aims to strengthen coordination between the central administration and diplomatic missions abroad and to modernize the management standards of Haitian diplomatic missions.



In his address, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the ambassadors and consuls for their commitment to defending Haiti's image on the international stage, despite the security, humanitarian, and political challenges of 2025. "I want to be very clear : my government is acting methodically, courageously, and consistently. Security is at the heart of our actions, as it is the essential condition for the survival and dignity of our nation. Without security, there is no state, no economy, no democracy, and no human dignity. Armed gangs are not social actors; they are enemies of the Republic [...]" He also emphasized the need for Haitian diplomacy to be active, strategic, and focused on mutually beneficial partnerships, calling on our diplomatic representatives to fully embody the missions entrusted to them.



On behalf of the Haitian state, Fils-Aime and Laurent Saint-Cyr urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote a coherent and responsible diplomacy aligned with national priorities, for the benefit of the Haitian people and Haiti's international standing.



In his address, Laurent Saint-Cyr emphasized the urgent need for collective mobilization in the face of the worsening crises plaguing the country. He issued a pressing appeal to Haitian ambassadors, urging them to resolutely defend the nation's interests, relying on strong partnerships, a spirit of sacrifice, and a sense of responsibility. He highlighted the major national priorities: restoring security, organizing credible elections, responding to the humanitarian emergency, and economic recovery. He concluded by stating that the country does not need passive diplomats, but rather committed men and women, united in solidarity and focused on a common mission : restoring the confidence and dignity of the Haitian people. He also outlined several key themes, including immigration, diaspora integration, the necessary reform of Haitian diplomacy, youth integration, and women's leadership in decision-making positions.



Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the need for a coherent and proactive diplomacy, aligned with national priorities, and stressed the importance of strengthening mission management, improving the country's image, and consolidating Haiti's diplomatic presence on the international stage.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Artibonite : "Gran Grif" attacks 2 localities

On the night of December 15-16, 2025, an armed attack attributed to the "Gran Grif" terrorist gang of Savien terrorized the localities of Bois Belanger and Marecage in the Artibonite department, leaving at least four dead and more than a dozen wounded. Several people were reportedly kidnapped, according to witnesses.



More than 10 transport vehicles set on fire in Bercy

Violent clashes between police and members of the Viv Ansanm terrorist alliance paralyzed activities in the commune of Arcahaie. At least six bandits were fatally wounded in the exchange of fire with law enforcement. The Haitian Land Transport Sector Platform (STTH), including its affiliated unions, deplores the burning of more than a dozen public transport vehicles in Bercy.



Defeating the gangs "a top priority for Trump"

"Defeating the gangs that threaten security in our hemisphere and terrorize the Haitian people is a top priority for President Donald J. Trump and his administration. This morning, I joined Global Affairs Canada, responsible for Canada's foreign policy, to inform my fellow heads of mission of the vital need for voluntary contributions to the Gang Supression Force (GSF) authorized by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2793 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45891-haiti-flash-the-security-council-has-voted-for-the-new-gang-repression-force.html ," said Pete Hoekstra, U.S. Ambassador to Canada.



USA : Dominican arms trafficker sentenced

The U.S. Department of Justice secured a significant conviction in an international gun trafficking conspiracy. Jonathan Rafael Ortega Martinez (42), of Dominican origin, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in smuggling more than 1,000 illegal firearms from Florida to the Dominican Republic and Haiti.



Cap-Haitien/Brazil cooperation

The Cap-Haitien City Council received a visit from Luis Guilherme Nascentes da Silva, the Brazilian Ambassador to Haiti. This high-level meeting laid the groundwork for decentralized cooperation between the City of Cap-Haitien and the Federal Republic of Brazil, particularly in the areas of vocational training, culture, sports, and social development.



The RNDDH welcomes the European sanctions

The National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) welcomed the sanctions imposed by the European Union against former President Michel Joseph Martelly and former senators Youri Latortue and Rony Celestin https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46428-haiti-flash-michel-martelly-youri-latortue-and-rony-celestin-sanctioned-by-europe.html and expressed its eagerness to see the reaction of the Haitian justice system so that legal action can be effectively initiated against these individuals.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















No treatment violations have occurred, advisory is precautionary

Staff and wire report

Editors note: The City of Havre lifted the water health advisory Wednesday, saying the condition of the water entering the plant had improved enough that it no longer was of concern.

The City of Havre has issued an advisory about the citys drinking water, although no treatment violations have been found at the this point, but because of increased turbidity in the water..

The City of Havre is issuing a Drinking Water Health Advisory as a precaution due to the difficulty in treating water and changes to source water conditions, a release said.

The treatment difficulty...
Helmsley Charitable Trust grants $500,000 to help Big Sandy Medical Center complete construction of its CT scanner building

Press release

BIG SANDY  The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has granted $500,000 to help Big Sandy Medical Center (BSMC) complete construction of a building to house its computer tomography (CT) scanner.

Construction on the facility began in spring 2025, and crews poured cement and erected the buildings walls by the fall. But as project costs nearly doubled, the hospital upped its fundraising efforts to offset rising costs.

Helmsleys grant will ensure that CT scanning is offered locally, providing patients faster diagnoses, improved treatment plans, and shorter travel times...
Proposals Due by Monday, February 16, 2026

Press release

HELENA  The Montana Pulse Crop Committee (MPCC) invites proposals to fund market development and educational projects designed to promote and enhance Montanas pulse industry.

The Montana Pulse Crop Research & Marketing Program aims to stimulate and expand Montanas pulse crop industry through research, promotion, and market development of pulse crops grown in Montana. For the complete Request for Proposals (RFP), list of guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application procedures, please visit https://agr.mt.gov . The Montana Pulse Crop Committee will determine funding awa...
Press release

Montana State University Extension will host its annual cropping seminar series January 5-9, 2026, in the Golden Triangle area. Speakers will cover topics such as input prices and managing price risk, forage options, crop varieties, and virtual fencing technology.

Interested individuals can attend the workshop in Chester, Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Fort Benton, Great Falls, Havre, Shelby, or Stanford.

There is no charge for the seminars, and all producers are encouraged to attend. The Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Shelby, Chester, Havre, Fort Benton, and Stanford seminars will begin...
Donations are needed across the Pacific Northwest including Havre to aid vulnerable families

Press release

The Salvation Army is asking everyone in Havre to donate to support neighbors in need this holiday season. People can drop cash or checks into a Red Kettle or donate online at northwest.salvationarmy.org. Red Kettle donations help The Salvation Army meet the urgent needs of thousands of families who will not have Christmas this year without the communitys support.

In Havre, as of last week, $12,701.71 had been raised via Red Kettle contributions; however, an additional $38,000 is needed to serve neighbors in need.

We are working hard to provide food, shelter, toys, and clothing...
This is in response to an article published in the 11-22-2025 Lewistown News Argus that was authored by the American Prairie Reserve (APR) titled: American Prairie takes legal action against MT DNRC.

In the article, APR explains its rationale for filing legal action against DNRCs decision to block bison grazing on two of APRs state grazing leases. As a remedy, APR asks DNRC to analyze its grazing request under the Montana Environmental Policy Act and to stop obstructing APRs legitimate business activities.

APR claims that DNRCs grazing decision is an attack on a small business. The truth i...
Im a doer. Its the way I was raised up. My family never sat me down and discussed choices. If be came into any discussion, it was accompanied with a not, such as, do not be idle. Ever.

There is nothing wrong with that. It served me well. I suspect Life gives us what we need to cope.

Along the years I became aware that my life worked better if I balanced do with a smidgeon of be. Little bits at a time. Things like a day at the hot springs with the kids. Or an afternoon walk along the river. Little bits.

Then came physical challenges that nudged me to choose retirement and a whole...
A team of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan has developed the world's smallest, fully programmable autonomous robot. The robot measures only 200 m x 300 m x 50 m, but can still perceive and react to its environment independently. The robot is powered by tiny solar cells and is equipped with an ion drive for swimming locomotion.

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The researchers from both universities have packed a lot of technology into the tiny robot, as they write in the study Microscopic robots that sense, think, act, and compute, which was published in Science Robotics. The heart of the robot is a computer developed by David Blaauw, a professor at the University of Michigan. He holds the record for the smallest computer in the world. Marc Miskin, assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania and head of the microrobot project, and Blaauw first met five years ago at a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) event and realized that Blaauw's tiny computer was perfect for a microrobot.

Microcomputer for a Microrobot

However, it was not easy to bring the microcomputer and the robot into harmony so that they would function together without problems. The power supply, in particular, proved to be difficult, as it had to keep the robot self-sufficient. The scientists use solar cells that generate only 75 nanowatts of power. That's more than 100,000 times less than a smartwatch needs, explains Blaauw. This made it necessary to revise the circuits of the existing microcomputer so that it could operate with extremely low voltages. The team succeeded in reducing the computer's power consumption by a factor of 1000.

However, the solar cells take up most of the robot's space. Consequently, little room was left for the processor and memory, so they could not be enlarged arbitrarily. The researchers got around this by compressing the computer programming to fit the program into the available limited memory. We had to completely rethink the instructions of the computer program and condense what would conventionally require many instructions for drive control into a single special instruction to shorten the program length so that it would fit into the robot's tiny memory space, says Blaauw.

The programming and transmission of the program to the computer is done via light pulses. Each robot has an individual address through which programming and transmission takes place. Robots can thus be programmed for different tasks to achieve a common result together in a swarm.

The robot's electronics also include temperature sensors that can measure the ambient temperature with an accuracy of up to one-third of a degree. The robot can thus detect and report temperatures and, for example, move towards or away from rising temperatures. This makes it possible, for example, to measure the temperature of a cell. Temperature is considered an indicator of cell health. This allows the health status of individual cells to be monitored.

The robot dances the measured temperature. Movements are triggered in the robot via an instruction, in which the temperature is encoded. The researchers then decode it via a microscope. This type of communication is similar to that of honeybees, which pass on information about dancing movements to their conspecifics.

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Ion Drive Without Mechanical Components

To be able to move the robot in a liquid at all, the researchers had to develop a special drive concept, because, due to its tiny size, such a robot is exposed to forces that depend on volume, such as gravity and inertia. For robots compressed to micrometers, forces related to the surface, such as resistance and viscosity, take over. Accordingly, progress in water is like progress in tar, explains Miskin. The scientists therefore discarded mechanical drives with limbs, which are difficult to scale down to micrometer size because they could also break too easily.

An electric field ejects ions that act on water molecules. The photo shows the resulting flow. (Image: Lucas Hanson und William Reinhardt/University of Pennsylvania (CC BY-SA))

The researchers therefore opted for an ion drive, which works entirely without mechanical parts. Instead, an electric field is generated that emits ions into the liquid surrounding the robot, presses on nearby liquid molecules, and sets the liquid around the robot in motion. It's like the robot is in a flowing river, says Miskin, but the robot also causes the river to move.

The effect can be adjusted by changing the electric field. The robot can thus move in complex patterns at a speed of up to one body length per second. The drive system is also very robust because it does not require mechanics. Microrobots equipped with it can be captured with a micropipette and transferred from one biological sample to another without damaging the robot.

The robot can thus move in a liquid for several months, provided it captures light via the solar cells. Illumination by LEDs provides the necessary energy. The robot is not controlled from the outside via magnetic fields, light, or radio waves. The tiny computer, the ion drive, and the solar cells give it the ability to be completely autonomous. The researchers worked for a total of five years on the development of the autonomous microrobot.

Costs of One US Cent

This is really just the first chapter, says Miskin. We've shown that you can put a brain, a sensor, and a motor into something almost too small to see, and that it can survive and function for months. Once you have that foundation, you can add all sorts of intelligence and functionality. It opens the door to a whole new future for microrobotics.

Future microrobots could become even more powerful, implement more complex programs, include new sensors, and move faster to navigate in more complex environments, the scientists say. The current platform shows that this is also possible at low cost: the current robot can be manufactured for a single US cent.

Read also Wie Mikroroboter Tumore und Thrombosen bekampfen sollen c't Magazin

(olb)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
The estimate comes from a new forecast published by the City Executive Office, which shows population growth has been faster than anticipated in 2025. Preliminary figures suggest that the number of residents grew by more than 11,000 this year, the highest single-year increase in recent history. At the end of October 2025, the city had already reached 694,000 inhabitants.

Helsinkis population is expected to surpass 700,000 in 2026, driven by record migration levels and continued housing development across key urban areas.

At the end of 2024, Helsinkis population was 684,018. If current growth trends continue, the city will have 819,000 residents by 2040 and over one million by 2070.

Between 2025 and 2027, annual population growth is projected at around 9,000. After that, the pace will gradually slow to just over 7,600 per year by 2040, still slightly above the average for the 2000s.

According to Harri Sinkko, senior researcher at the City of Helsinki, this years population surge was not fully expected.

Based on preliminary data, the 2025 growth will exceed 11,000, which was not anticipated during the summer forecast process, Sinkko said.

Most of the growth is attributed to net migration, especially from outside Finland. Helsinki continues to gain population from other parts of the country, but loses residents to surrounding municipalities within the capital region.

The natural population growth, calculated as the difference between births and deaths, is expected to decline and turn negative by the end of the forecast period. While the number of births will increase slightly, deaths will rise more sharply due to an ageing population.

The most significant demographic shift is in the age structure. By 2040, the largest numerical increase will be in older working-age residents. The fastest proportional growth will be among those aged over 85, with the size of that group nearly doubling from 15,000 to over 28,000.

The number of children under school age is expected to rise by about 5,600 by 2040. The 715 age group will shrink by 600 by 2030, before rebounding to end the following decade with 1,900 more school-aged children than today.

The wider Helsinki region, which includes 14 municipalities, is also projected to grow. From the current population of 1.61 million, the area is expected to reach 1.93 million by the end of the 2030s. By 2070, the total population is forecast to hit 2.46 million.

Urban development is shaping where growth takes place. The strongest expansion within Helsinki is expected in the Central Major District, where many new residential projects are underway. These include developments in Kalasatama (including Hanasaari and Hermanninranta), North and Central Pasila, Kruunuvuorenranta and Yliskyla in Laajasalo, and Jatkasaari.

Further growth is also predicted in areas like Malminkentta, Hernesaari, Lauttasaari and Vuosaari. Some of these new residential zones will be completed during the 2020s, while others will extend into the 2030s.

Despite the overall growth, certain districts are projected to see a decrease in population during the forecast period.

The number of Swedish-speaking residents in Helsinki is projected to grow slightly. From 36,845 at the end of 2024, the group is expected to increase by 2,100 people by 2040, and by around 10,000 by the end of the forecast period. However, due to the faster growth of the general population, their proportion will decline from 5.5 percent to just under 5 percent.

The projections are based on two new publications from the City Executive Office: Helsinki and Helsinki Region Population Forecast 20242070 and Helsinki District-Level Population Forecast to 2039.

HT
The court ruled on Thursday that Tapio was not criminally liable for alleged data protection failures related to the unauthorised access and publication of tens of thousands of patients sensitive information.

The Helsinki Court of Appeal has overturned the criminal conviction of Ville Tapio , the former CEO of psychotherapy provider Vastaamo, in a case linked to one of Finlands most serious data breaches.

Tapio had previously received a three-month suspended prison sentence from the District Court of Helsinki in spring 2023. The court found him guilty of a data protection offence, concluding that he failed to meet the requirements of the EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), particularly regarding data encryption and pseudonymisation.

Both Tapio and the prosecution appealed the ruling. Tapio requested the charges be dropped entirely. Prosecutors asked the appeal court to increase the sentence to an unconditional prison term.

The appellate court rejected the prosecution's argument and dismissed all charges. In its unanimous decision, the court stated that neither the GDPR nor the applicable Finnish healthcare legislation required encryption or pseudonymisation of patient data at the time in question.

The case revolved around a 2019 breach of Vastaamos database, which followed an earlier, undetected intrusion in 2018. In the second attack, hackers infiltrated the company's systems, corrupted the database, and left a blackmail message.

In 2020, the stolen data began to surface online. Clients were directly threatened with exposure unless they paid the attackers.

Prosecutors alleged that Tapio knew about the March 2019 breach and failed to act. They claimed he neglected legal obligations to report and document the incident and did not take sufficient steps to protect the database. Tapio denied the claims, saying he was unaware of the breach until autumn 2020 and had delegated technical oversight to external IT professionals.

The court found there was no clear legal requirement at the time obliging Tapio, as CEO, to take the specific security measures cited by the prosecution. These included firewall management, password policies, access controls, VPN implementation, and security updates.

According to the ruling, the failure to adopt such measures did not, in the courts view, constitute criminal negligence under Finnish law.

Tapios conduct during and after the 2019 breach did not meet the threshold for criminal liability, the court concluded.

Following the ruling, Tapio issued a statement saying the long-running process had caused him professional and personal harm. He criticised the original handling of the case and accused the prosecutor of creating a shadow verdict in the media ahead of formal charges.

He confirmed he had filed a complaint with the Office of the Prosecutor General over the conduct of the regional prosecutor who led the investigation.

Although Tapios case is now resolved, related legal proceedings continue.

In 2024, Aleksanteri Kivimaki was sentenced by a lower court to six years and three months in prison for his role in the Vastaamo hacking and extortion scheme.

Kivimaki was found guilty of over 30,000 offences, including aggravated data breaches, attempted extortion, and unlawful distribution of private data. His case is currently under appeal.

HT
Juho Eerola and Kaisa Garedew , both members of the Finns Party, posed in images where they pulled the outer corners of their eyes  a gesture internationally recognised as mocking East Asian facial features. The images triggered criticism domestically and abroad, including from embassies representing Japan, China and South Korea.

Two Finnish members of parliament have received official reprimands after publishing images on social media widely considered offensive to people of Asian descent.

Following a closed meeting lasting nearly two hours, the Finns Party parliamentary group issued a formal reprimand to both MPs. They also issued public apologies.

In a joint appearance after the meeting, the partys group chair said the images should not have been published and confirmed the disciplinary decision was unanimous. The MPs themselves said they now recognised their actions as inappropriate and expressed regret.

The governing National Coalition Party stated it was satisfied with the decision. Its parliamentary group described the outcome as a responsible resolution that acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

The controversy emerged days after a similar photo led to Miss Finland 2025 being stripped of her crown. In response, the Finns Party MPs posted their own images in apparent solidarity. The act prompted domestic and international criticism, with media coverage extending to several countries in Asia.

The Prime Ministers Office issued an apology in Japanese, Chinese and Korean through Finnish embassies in Tokyo, Beijing and Seoul.

Opposition MPs called the reprimands insufficient and questioned the governments commitment to its stated zero-tolerance policy on racism.

Some MPs said the incident had damaged Finlands international reputation. Concerns were raised that the controversy could affect foreign relations and investor confidence.

Government partners, including the Swedish Peoples Party and the National Coalition, accepted the disciplinary action but acknowledged the damage done to Finlands image. The Green League and Centre Party criticised the punishment as too lenient.

Under an agreement reached earlier in the government term, ministers and MPs from coalition parties face internal sanctions if they breach shared conduct rules. These measures include reprimands, warnings, or in serious cases, exclusion from the parliamentary group.

In this case, the MPs were not suspended or removed. The group chair said there was no formal vote but described the decision as a collective conclusion.

Before the meeting, public opinion had been divided. Coalition MP Teemu Keskisarja left the session early, telling reporters he saw no need for an apology and described the political reaction as excessive.

The Finns Party leadership has rejected claims of racism, describing the behaviour in question as inappropriate but unintentional. They have stated that such mistakes must not be repeated.

HT
Int'l forum in Macao calls for mutual learning among civilizations

Xinhua) 09:18, December 18, 2025

MACAO, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 International Forum on Mutual Learning among Civilizations concluded on Wednesday in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), issuing an initiative on mutual learning and inheritance innovation.

The initiative called for upholding a global perspective to promote dialogue among civilizations and experience sharing; championing openness and inclusiveness to deepen mutual learning and people-to-people exchange; cherishing cultural heritage and integrating traditional wisdom with modern development; focusing on intergenerational transmission to support youth development and digital innovation; and jointly building platforms for dialogue among civilizations and advancing the Global Civilization Initiative.

Qian Chengdan, a Boya chair professor at Peking University, told the media that Macao has a rich historical legacy and serves as an important bridge connecting Chinese and Western cultures. He expressed hope that the forum would help spread China's ideas on civilizational exchange and mutual learning to a wider audience, which he said is of great importance for safeguarding world peace and development.

Alfred Hornung, a member of the Academia Europaea and a research professor at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany, recalled that his first encounter with China around 20 years ago led him to reorient his research by incorporating Chinese civilization into his scholarly framework.

Stressing the importance of intercultural exchange, Hornung noted that China has an older civilization compared to many other places in the world. "We (as researchers) were always one-sided, looking only to the west, and ignored what was going on in the eastern parts of the world," he said.

Cui Shoujun, a professor at the School of International Studies of Renmin University of China, said at the forum that advocating stronger dialogue among civilizations is a "crucial issue of the times." Facing numerous global challenges today, he noted, no single civilization can address them alone, and all civilizations must work together.

Hosted by the Macao SAR government and organized by its Cultural Affairs Bureau, the forum, in its first version, commenced on Tuesday and brought together around 300 representatives from government departments and international organizations, as well as leading experts and scholars worldwide.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
(JNS)  Democratic Colorado gubernatorial hopeful Phil Weiser calls Denver home, but he returned to the city of his youth this week for a quick fundraising visit.

In an interview at a wine bar on Manhattans Upper East Side before the private fundraiser, Weiser, who had iced tea, spoke with JNS about his Jewish identity and his successful legal efforts, as the states current attorney general, to win back hundreds of millions of dollars in federal money that the Trump administration had cut, including funds for healthcare, education and transportation.

While Colorados current governor, Jared...
(JNS) A gunman opened fire during a final exam review for the economics class of a Brown University professor, who also teaches Jewish studies courses, in Providence, R.I., on Saturday afternoon, killing two and wounding nine, according to law enforcement, officials and media reports.

On Monday morning, law enforcement said a person of interest was in custody.

Rachel Friedberg, teaching professor of economics and faculty associate of the Judaic studies program and of the population studies and training center at Brown, reportedly said that the attack occurred during a review session for her p...
(JNS)  Eric Adams, the outgoing New York City mayor, was asked on Friday during an ABC interview at Gracie Mansion what advice he has for Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect.

Youre the mayor now, and it cant be merely listening to the extremism of his party, like the Democratic Socialists of America, who never governed anything, Adams told Bill Ritter, of the network. You are now the mayor. You have to make tough decisions, and if you believe that you could just push those decisions to the side, its not going to happen.

The mayor told ABC that it was smart for Mamdani to say he would ret...
(JNS)  Members of a delegation of more than 1,000 American pastors and religious leaders who visited Israel last week were targeted by a coordinated wave of online harassment on their return to the United States.

The development underscored both the hostility that exists on social media against Israel and the usage of bots to amplify hate on such networks.

The weeklong visit, which was organized by American evangelical leader Mike Evans with the Israeli Foreign Ministry, was the single largest gathering of pastors in Israel since the establishment of the state in 1948. It included a tour of t...
(JNS) - An ancient archaeological site containing Hasmonean-era palace ruins will open to Israeli visitors this weekend, after vandals defaced the location and destroyed artifacts, local officials announced.

Graffiti was sprayed on a 2,000-year-old ritual bath at the Hasmonean Palaces site, and looters crushed a skull believed to belong to a noble from the Hasmonean dynasty, according to the Binyamin Regional Council, which manages the area.

The Hasmonean kings ruled Judea from roughly 140 B.C.E to 37 B.C.E. Jewish tradition celebrates the dynasty's military victory over Greek forces during Ch...
(JNS) - One of the Bondi Beach gunmen, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, came to the attention of Australia's domestic intelligence agency six years ago for his close ties to a Sydney-based Islamic State terrorism cell, ABC News Australia reported Monday.

Naveed and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, killed 15 people Sunday evening when they opened fire on the "Chanukah by the Sea" event celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival.

The attack on more than 1,000 people gathered at Bondi Beach's Archer Park around 6:47 p.m. local time marks one of Australia's deadliest terror incidents and its second-wor...
(JNS)  Israel placed third in The Economists ranking of the worlds strongest economies in 2025. The London-based magazine has conducted its search for the economy of the year for five years now.

Israel has continued its strong recovery from the chaos of 2023, and Ireland only just misses out on top spot, The Economist reported.

Although Czech and South Korean firms have done well this year, nowhere has done better (in local-currency terms) than Israel. In the past year the share price of the countrys most valuable listed company, Bank Leumi, has risen by around 70%, the magazine adde...
(JNS)  A small group of Israeli civilians entered the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday evening, calling on the government to establish a permanent Israeli presence there.

The group, according to Channel 12 News numbering between seven and nine people, was under constant monitoring and was returned to Israeli territory shortly after crossing the border, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

The IDF emphasizes that any entrance to a combat zone is forbidden, endangers the civilians and disturbs IDF operations in the area. The civilians were transferred to the Israel Police for further proc...
JOIN welcomes Rabbi Sendy Freud as new Director of Impact

The Orlando Jewish community welcomes a new leader to its growing network of educators and community builders. Rabbi Sendy Freud, his wife, and their four children recently joined the Jewish Outreach Initiative of Orlando where Freud has assumed the role of Director of Impact.

JOIN was founded in 2014 to serve Orlando's growing Jewish population and expanding educational needs. Since it began, JOIN has built an engaged, thriving community of members dedicated to strengthening their Jewish identity.

JOIN Orlando sees Rabbi Freud's arriva...
(JNS)  The Redlands, Calif., Police Department, located some 60 miles east of Los Angeles in San Bernardino Valley, said that it is investigating both what it called an incident targeting a Jewish family and a potential hate crime.

A Jewish family in Redlands had just returned home on Friday evening when a vehicle drove past the victims residence, yelled an antisemitic slur and fired several shots, the department stated at about 10:30 a.m. local time on Sunday.

The department said that there were no injuries nor damage, and officers didnt find any shell casings. Home surveillance video...
(Israel Hayom via JNS)  As Australia mourns the victims of the Chanukah massacre at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, local media outlets searched for the hero seen in video footage struggling with one of the attackers and pulling the weapon from his hands. Australian network 7NEWS reported that the hero is a Bondi Beach stall owner named Ahmed Al-Ahmad.

A family member of the hero who risked his life to snatch the weapon from one of the gunmen said he was shot twice. In a conversation with 7NEWS outside the hospital, Mostafa revealed that his cousin, 43-year-old Al-Ahmad, is the one who like...
(JNS)  The Israels Cabinet is set to approve next week a $31.8 million budget to strengthen the eastern Negev cities of Arad, Dimona, Yeruham and Mitzpe Ramon, the Prime Ministers Office and Finance Ministry announced in a joint statement on Thursday.

The decision is to be green-lit in a special session in Dimona on Dec. 14, as part of a national plan to encourage demographic growth and sustainable economic development in Israels south, the statement read.

The budget planned for 2026 involves investment in infrastructure, personal security, environment, transportation, innovation and energ...
(JNS)  The most powerful Jewish official in Washington introduced a resolution Monday that condemns white supremacy and antisemitism and specifically calls out far-right provocateurs Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes.

The resolution introduced by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), which every other Senate Democrat co-sponsored, is a response to Carlsons recent friendly interview with Holocaust denier Fuentes.

Antisemitism and white supremacy and, indeed, neo-Naziismjust saying the words send shudders down ones spineare increasingly running rampant in our society, Schumer said...
(JNS)  Wikipedia drew criticism from Jewish leaders after the sites editors opted to freeze discussion about the title of a page that refers to Israel committing a massacre in June 2024.

The decision means that no one can even discuss changing the title of the page Nuseirat rescue and massacre until at least August 2026. The page refers to the Jewish states liberation of the four hostagesNoa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov and Shlomi Zivfrom Gaza.

Citing Palestinian health officials, the Wikipedia page claims that at least 276 Palestinians were killed during the operation....
(JNS)  We live in strange times. Diaspora Jews in the West are wondering whether they should immigrate to Israel, while a growing number of Israelis insist they would like to leave. It is a fascinating juxtaposition that reveals Israelis do not grasp the extent to which Jew-hatred has been renormalized in the West, nor do they fully appreciate that Israel has a very bright future.

Its hardly surprising that many Israelis are dissatisfied. They are emerging from two years of incessant war, a prolonged hostage crisis, rolling terror attacks, constitutional pandemonium and a government so dysfu...
(JNS)  Call it was it was.

The attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, at the start of the eight-day holiday of Chanukah was not random. It was not a disturbance. It was not an isolated violent incident untethered from global events. It was not an unfortunate individual suffering from mental illness.

It was a terrorist attack, carried out against Jews, on a Jewish holiday, in a moment deliberately chosen for its symbolism.

Jews everywhere understood that immediatelybecause we always do.

On the very first day of the Festival of Lights, 15 Jews, including children, were murdered. Famil...
(JNS)  Every time antisemitism spikes abroad  constantly, these days  certain Israeli pundits, politicians and members of the public leap to the same ostensibly comforting conclusion: that it will finally spur Diaspora Jews to come home.

The reference is to well-off Westerners, not members of the tribe escaping poverty and persecution at the hands of hostile regimes. The latter is and has always been a given. Anyone imagining that the former is about to follow suit is engaged in fantasy.

Nevertheless, Israels Aliyah and Integration Ministry recently conducted a war-game exercise modeling...
(JNS)  To describe the state of American Jewry after the warm spring of the 1950s through the early 1970s is akin to watching a shriveled brown leaf fluttering aimlessly in the wind in the midst of a cold and bitter winter.

At mid-century, the images of the Holocaust were still seared into the consciousness of the American public. Today, young students and even congressional staffers I meet on Capitol Hill dismiss it as ancient history. The moral memory that once anchored U.S. society has been steadily eroding.

A major turning point came in 1979, when Edward Said revolutionized the study of...
(JNS)  A recent article in The Jerusalem Post by Cookie Schwaeber-Issan (Dont ask, dont tell aliyah, Nov. 18) makes the uncomfortably true statement that there is an unacceptable and antagonistic attitude present in Israels Interior Ministry [and the office of the Chief Rabbinate] who are discriminating against Jews who are not connected to the faith or even their community.

While the writer astutely points out that this is occurring at a time when we are witnessing the worst wave of global antisemitism since the Holocaust, even affecting both totally assimilated, non-observant Jews,...
Perfectly positioned on vibrant Hastings Street, just moments from Noosa National Park and the golden shores of Laguna Bay, Elysium Noosa Resort, MGallery Collection will unveil 175 rooms, including 104 suites and 8 villas. At its pinnacle, the signature Elysium Suite with its private pool offers a haven of quiet luxury where time seems to slow.

The hotel's culinary vision blends coastal freshness with Mediterranean spirit. Cibaria, created in collaboration with acclaimed restaurateurs Alessandro and Anna Pavoni, invites guests into a warm, piazza style setting celebrating the region's finest ingredients, from Noosa Reds tomatoes to Mooloolaba prawns. By the pool, Bar Capri brings the charm of Italian aperitivo under chic striped umbrellas.

Inspired by Mediterranean elegance and the ease of beachside living, the resort's design embraces natural light, soft sand tones and textured, organic materials. Indoors and outdoors flow seamlessly, creating a harmonious dialogue with the ocean, forest and river surrounding the property.

Hotel website
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H), Interlink and Vivo Beach Club today announced the opening of Hyatt Centric San Juan Isla Verde, marking the first Hyatt Centric branded hotel in Puerto Rico. Located in one of Puerto Rico's most celebrated neighborhoods, the hotel is walking distance to the award-winning Isla Verde Beach, vibrant restaurants, nightlife, and shopping, placing savvy travelers in the middle of the action. A five-minute drive from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, the hotel provides easy access to the historic colonial district of Old San Juan, El Yunque National Rain Forest, San Juan's Financial District, and the Puerto Rico Convention District.

Following the completion of a $30-million-dollar transformation from the former Verdanza Hotel, the newly renovated Hyatt Centric San Juan Isla Verde features 223 thoughtfully designed guestrooms and suites with city and partial ocean views. The guestroom design draws inspiration from Puerto Rico's natural beauty, including the surrounding Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, sea corals, and mountainsincorporating vibrant textures, contemporary touches, and locally inspired details that reflect the culture and spirit of the island. Lead interior design and architecture firms involved in the project include V Architecture, 3MG, Baskerville and landscape architect EDSA.

Enhancing the experience, guests can enjoy complimentary access and shuttle service to Vivo Beach Club, an oceanfront private beach club in a resort-like atmosphere designed for guests of all ages. The club features three pools, four restaurants and bars, the award-winning Ocean Lab Brewing Co. micro-brewery, and an outdoor concert stage with capacity for 3,500 people, recognized as one of the top music venues in Puerto Rico.

The hotel offers a resort-style pool deck and jacuzzi with an open-air restaurant and bar, a 24-hour fitness center, and a kid-friendly splash pad. The hotel is also pet-friendly, welcoming four-legged companions with dedicated amenities.

Hyatt Centric San Juan Isla Verde is home to two distinct food and beverage experiences, including:

Alba - a full-service culinary experience inspired by Puerto Rican flavors, open from 6:30am - 10:00pm.

- a full-service culinary experience inspired by Puerto Rican flavors, open from 6:30am - 10:00pm. Espresso Lab - a coffee concept offering local favorites and artisanal selections, open from 6:30am - 6:00pm.

Renowned Puerto Rican chef, Efrain Cruz, is the hotel's Executive Chef overseeing the culinary offering of each outlet, events and banquets.

With over 16,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including a rooftop terrace with ocean views, the hotel offers versatile venues well-suited for corporate gatherings, social celebrations, and creative meetings. From intimate boardrooms to large ballrooms and open-air spaces with modern technology, each setting is designed with flexibility and creativity in mind.

Hyatt Centric San Juan Isla Verde marks the sixth Hyatt hotel in Puerto Rico, joining Hyatt Place San Juan and Hyatt House San Juan, Hyatt Place Bayamon, Hyatt Place Manati and Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico. The hotel is managed by Highgate Hotels, an industry-leading hotel management firm, with a diverse portfolio of hotels across North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe, including three other hotels in Puerto Rico.

For more information or to book a reservation, please visit www.hyattcentricsanjuanislaverde.com.

The term "Hyatt" is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

Hotel website
lyf, the experience-led social living brand known for its vibrant social design and community-driven stays, has opened its latest Australian property, lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne. Operated by The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a global pioneer in serviced residences and hotels since 1984, this new opening follows the success of lyf Collingwood Melbourne which opened in 2022, and the stellar performance of lyf Bondi Junction Sydney which opened in April this year, meeting rising demand for flexible accommodation for digital nomads and the like.

Located at 489 Elizabeth Street, this 90-room property sits at the gateway to Melbourne's most iconic attractions including the legendary Queen Victoria Market, the State Library, RMIT University, and the city's buzzing retail and dining precincts. More than just a prime location, lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne elevates authentic stay experiences by infusing local culture, design, and neighbourhood partnerships into every detail, demonstrating lyf's brand signature of #lyfgoesLOCAL. Guests can look forward to curated activations featuring Melbourne's own artisans and artists through its in-house program, creating a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere that celebrates the city's creative spirit.

lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne occupies one of the few remaining examples of this mid-1970s architecture type in the city. Originally built in 1975 by the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) as a hostel and office building, the site has a rich legacy of community connection. Prior to this, the land was home to Hosie's Hotel, built in 1954.

The building has undergone a contemporary transformation led by DKO architects, with construction delivered by McCormack. The redevelopment preserves the structure's heritage while introducing elevated playful interiors and creative social spaces that reflect lyf's energetic design philosophy.

The opening of lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne is driven by the impressive momentum of lyf's existing Australian portfolio. lyf Bondi Junction Sydney, opened in April 2025 and has seen a rapid ramp up and is looking to close above 85% in occupancy as the year draws to a close. This sustained demand underpins the decision to expand the brand's footprint in Melbourne and across Australasia.

A hub for connection, culture & community, guests will find lyf's signature mix of guest rooms, flexible social spaces, dynamic activations and programs, and a team of onsite staff, inclusive of front of house staff known as 'lyf guards'. The ground floor will be anchored by the onsite Bonnibel restaurant, an all-day dining venue serving both hotel guests and the public. The hotel also houses a range of conference and events spaces, a diversity that caters for boardroom meetings through to ballroom-capacity gatherings of up to 250 guests.

Bonnibel's Melbourne location is the brand's second iteration, following its debut at lyf Bondi Junction Sydney. Its playful concept, Hot Slices. Cold Brews. offers fresh pizzas by slice, specialty coffee, and cold craft beers. With street front views over bustling Elizabeth Street, Bonnibel will bring an energetic, community-driven atmosphere to the precinct.

Bookings and more information: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/lyf/australia/lyf-on-elizabeth-melbourne

Hotel website
Valencia Hotel Collection is proud to announce the official acquisition of property on the newly expanding Square in downtown Tyler, Texas, to build a new full-service hotel designed as a reimagining of the old Blackstone hotel of yesteryear. This marks a major milestone in the group's continued expansion. Slated to become another addition to the Valencia Hotel Collection, Hotel Blackstone will open as a high-profile, boutique property and a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott.

Located at the Northeast corner of Broadway and Ferguson Streets, the new Hotel Blackstone will pay homage to one of Tyler's most iconic landmarks. The original Blackstone Hotel, which first opened its doors in November 1922, stood as the crown jewel of downtown Tyler for more than six decades. Known as the gathering place for influential oil deals and the epicenter of East Texas social life, the hotel was a defining symbol of Tyler's early prosperity before its demolition in 1985.

Art Deco Meets East Texas Southern Charm

Blending Art Deco nostalgia with East Texas hospitality, Hotel Blackstone will introduce a bold, maximalist design aesthetic that reflects Tyler's unique culture and Valencia Hotel Collection's signature approach to independent, design-forward hotels. With 144 guestrooms, thoughtfully curated amenities, and world-class service, the hotel is poised to become Tyler's premier lodging destination.

The property will feature 5,700 square feet of meeting and event space, including flexible pre functional areas, making it the largest and most versatile hotel event venue in the market. Additional amenities will include:

Outdoor swimming pool

State-of-the-art fitness center

Three-meal restaurant with exterior dining deck

Signature bar and lounge

Convenient location next to the new Smith County Courthouse and Tyler's expanding downtown Square

A Cornerstone in Tyler's Ongoing Downtown Renaissance

Positioned diagonally from the new Smith County Courthouse and fronting the revitalized downtown Square, Hotel Blackstone is set to become a key driver of Tyler's economic growth. Its opening will support greater vibrancy in the city center, attracting new visitors, meetings, and cultural activity.

Construction is anticipated to begin following final design approvals, with timelines and renderings to be announced soon.

Hotel website
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Lina Moubarak as Communications Manager for Rosewood Jeddah, marking a strong addition to the hotel's leadership team.

With over 12 years of experience in marketing and communications across the Middle East, Lina has built a reputation for driving strategic brand visibility, digital transformation, and high-impact communication initiatives. She joined Rosewood Jeddah in September 2025 and has already begun enhancing the hotel's communication strategies, strengthening its positioning as one of the region's leading luxury destinations.

Lina's career spans key markets across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where she has developed a strong expertise in strategic communications, brand building, and integrated marketing. She excels at crafting compelling narratives, driving digital engagement, and creating campaigns that connect with diverse audiences. Her skillset includes PR and media strategy, partnership development, and leveraging data-driven insights to optimise brand performance. Lina is also adept at enhancing user experiences through digital platforms, leading influencer initiatives, and delivering measurable improvements in engagement, visibility, and business growth.

Working closely with Rosewood's global brand and communications teams, Lina leads media relations, digital content, strategic messaging, and brand alignment for the property, as well as the Rosewood brand in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the leading voice representing all segments of the hotel industry, today issued the following statement from President & CEO Rosanna Maietta regarding the introduction of the American Franchise Act in the Senate.

Franchising is a vital pathway to the American Dream for so many determined small business hotel owners. The introduction of the American Franchise Act in the Senate marks a pivotal step in safeguarding the hotel franchise business model that supports nearly 3 million jobs nationwide and creates economic opportunity in every community across this country. We appreciate Senators Marshall and King for their leadership and commitment to small business owners, and encourage swift passage into law.

About the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide  including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.

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Guestroom at the Curio Collection by Hilton

Hilton has announced the opening of York Medellin, its first Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in Medellin, Colombia. This new property is the 27th Hilton hotel in Colombia and the third under the Curio Collection brand in the country, following locations in Cartagena and Bogota.

York Medellin is located in the El Poblado neighborhood, a key area of Medellin. The hotel features 111 suites, each equipped with modern amenities, including voice-controlled settings, smart home assistants, and 4K televisions. The suites range in size from 33 to 56 square meters and include separate living areas and fully equipped kitchens. The hotel is also pet-friendly.

The property includes a rooftop area on the 23rd floor, offering panoramic city views and an infinity pool. Additional amenities include the Henko Spa, offering a range of wellness treatments, and a fitness center on the 22nd floor.

Advertisement



Dining options at York Medellin include the Nomade Restaurant, which offers a menu with local and international influences, and the Ze View Rooftop Bar, known for its 360-degree views of the city and a selection of cocktails and wines. The hotel also provides a complimentary breakfast buffet.

For business and event needs, York Medellin offers several venues, including meeting rooms and open-air terraces that can accommodate up to 100 guests. The hotel also features coworking spaces and business services tailored for corporate travelers.

York Medellin is located near several key attractions, including the Medellin Chamber of Commerce, Club Campestre, and EAFIT University. It is also in proximity to shopping centers such as Oviedo and Santafe, as well as leisure spots like Parque Lleras and the Atanasio Girardot Stadium.

The opening of York Medellin is part of Hilton's broader strategy to expand its lifestyle brands in the Caribbean and Latin America. Hilton currently operates nearly 300 hotels in the region and has a development pipeline of over 150 properties.
10 Marketing Strategies That Work for Independent Hoteliers - By Laure Cremers - Image Credit Lighthouse



For independent hotel owners and general managers (GMs), standing out in a crowded market is a massive challenge.

Without the deep pockets and brand recognition of major chains, independents face uphill battles with their online presence, branding and distribution.

Yet, these hotels have something larger brands cant easily replicate: authenticity, flexibility and a deep connection to their guests.

To compete effectively, though, great service alone isnt enough. Success comes from smart, consistent hotel marketing that really captures and amplifies your hotels strengths and turns visibility into bookings.

In this guide, well explore proven marketing strategies designed specifically for independent hoteliers, focusing on practical, data-driven tactics to boost demand, revenue and long-term growth.

Guest experience: The reason travelers choose independent hotels

Hotel chains attract travelers with predictability, meaning the guarantee of the same experience wherever they go.

Independent hotels, on the other hand, win hearts through individuality and genuine hospitality.

Their  your!  strength lies in curating experiences that reflect local culture, personal touches and thoughtful service that larger brands cant easily match.

Whether its locally inspired design, flexible amenities or tailored guest interactions, independents can turn every stay into a story worth sharing.

That experience is the marketing, but when amplified through smart, consistent campaigns, it becomes a powerful driver of visibility and bookings. Great guest experiences dont just delight travelers; they fuel repeat stays and word-of-mouth growth.

Real-world examples of hotels guests love

Independent hotels thrive when they turn distinctive guest experiences into marketing gold.

Travelers are willing to pay more for stays that feel authentic, memorable and personal  sometimes 1520% more than standard chain offerings.

As well as delivering great service, the most successful independents showcase their unique character across every touchpoint, from their website to social media.

Here are three inspiring examples of independent hotels that have built strong brands and loyal followings through creativity and guest connection.

1. Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast

At Caldwell House in Salisbury Mills, New York, hospitality is beautifully personal.

Their signature Pie on Your Pillow turn-down service  featuring house-made favorites like pecan, cherry or fudge pie  perfectly captures the inns warmth and charm. This simple but memorable touch creates shareable moments that guests cant resist posting about, turning every slice into a marketing opportunity.

Heres what we believe Caldwell House is doing particularly well, points that we expand on in the next section:

The hotel is building its social media presence: its guests photos and reviews are creating authentic user-generated content.

Leveraging email marketing: personalized follow-ups keep that homemade touch alive long after the guests stay.

Simplifying its direct booking experience: a cozy, story-driven website helps potential guests book directly with confidence.

2. Weekapaug Inn

In Westerly, Rhode Island, Weekapaug Inn has mastered the art of immersion.

Guests can borrow outdoor gear from the Hunter-Borrower Closet or join naturalist-led classes that explore the local ecosystem.

This thoughtful integration of nature and learning deepens guests connection to the destination while reinforcing the inns eco-conscious brand identity.

What we believe Weekapaug Inn is doing particularly well:

Capitalizing on special events: nature classes and seasonal activities are attracting repeat and off-peak visits.

Using a dynamic pricing strategy: packages tied to experiences are enhancing perceived value.

Improving their marketing with competitive market insights: data-driven campaigns are highlighting unique local appeal.

3. Lennox

Lennox Miami Beach combines luxury with playful sophistication.

More than a novelly, its champagne vending machine stocked with Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee is a photogenic brand statement that sparks conversation online.

Combined with a sleek private beach and eco-conscious design, Lennox delivers both indulgence and integrity.

What we believe Lennox Miami Beach is doing particularly well:

Optimizing its hotel site for SEO: this highlights high-value amenities that are attracting luxury travelers.

Being smart about OTA partnerships: balancing your hotels brand control with broader reach.

Building its social media presence: eye-catching visuals are turning guest excitement into engagement.

How independent hotels communicate value through marketing

The most successful independent hotels know that, while great marketing tells guests what makes them special, it also has to prove it through every channel.

Your value isnt just in your rooms or rates, but in how you communicate the experience you deliver. Whether your signature is local charm, the luxury of a boutique hotel or personalized hospitality, your brand story should come through clearly on your website, social media and guest communications.

Consistency will build trust, and that trust converts browsers into bookers.

To communicate value effectively, you need a hotel marketing strategy that combines insight with instinct.

That means understanding your target audience, tracking performance and refining campaigns based on real data. So analyze what drives engagement across your channels, identify the moments that influence booking decisions and adjust your messaging accordingly.

Marketing is about visibility, timing and resonance.

From how you price and promote your rooms to how you present your story online, every choice should reinforce why travelers would want to choose you over the competition and inspire them to return.

10 Proven marketing strategies for independent hotels

Independent hotels have the creative freedom to shape their own marketing story.

That freedom, though, can also make it easy to lose focus.

To compete effectively, your marketing needs clarity, consistency and strategy. The right mix of tactics can help you reach travelers at every stage of their journey, from inspiration to booking and beyond.

Below are 10 proven marketing strategies to strengthen your visibility, drive bookings and grow long-term guest loyalty.

1. Optimize your hotel site for SEO

Your hotel website is often a guests first impression, so if its not visible in search results, youre missing out.

Optimizing for search engines (and emerging AI search tools) ensures travelers can find you when researching stays.

Use relevant local keywords, write detailed meta descriptions and include high-quality images with alt text. Its crucial to keep content fresh with blog posts and destination guides, and ensure fast load times and mobile-friendly design. Together, this will boost rankings and conversions.

Tip: Use relevant keywords, update content regularly and ensure your site is mobile-friendly and fast-loading to improve visibility in both traditional and AI-driven search.

2. Build your social media presence

Social media marketing helps independent hotels showcase personality, build loyalty and attract new guests through authentic storytelling. Use it to share the experiences that make your property unique and connect emotionally with travelers.

To stand out:

Post consistently with a recognizable brand voice and visual style.

Highlight guest stories, local culture and behind-the-scenes moments.

Partner with micro-influencers who align with your audience.

Use video and reels to boost visibility and engagement.

Tip: Maintain a consistent brand voice and visual style, showcase authentic guest experiences and collaborate with influencers to expand reach and engagement.

3. Establish a loyalty program

Part of why national chains dominate the hospitality industry is because they streamline the experience and offer some fairly attractive incentives to return. In fact, hotel loyalty redemption values in 2023 reached a record $1.1 billion .

Todays customers want a strong relationship with the brands they choose , and a strong loyalty program can help even the smallest businesses survive inevitable ebbs and flows.

While you may not be able to offer the same perks as Hilton or Marriott , with 190 and 203 million members, respectively, independent hotels have the freedom to offer highly personalized service and unique loyalty perks.

Tip: Track guest preferences to enable personalized welcome-back offerings.

4. Use a dynamic pricing strategy

Dynamic pricing optimization strategies adjust room rates multiple times per day based on occupancy, customer behavior and market trends.

This strategy helps you maximize revenue, keep rates competitive and attract the right guests at the right time. Modern pricing tools can reduce manual work, free up staff to focus on the guest experience and even support repeat bookings by offering targeted promotions.

Leverage automated dynamic pricing tools to reduce your marketing budget, increase positive online reviews and inspire repeat bookings. Plus, automated dynamic pricing can drastically reduce manual adjustments, so you can focus your attention on guest satisfaction.

Tip: Establish clear pricing rules tied to occupancy levels, seasonal demand and local events to ensure your rates stay competitive without constant manual oversight.

5. Complete your Google Business Profile

Google is often the first place travelers search when planning a trip, making your Google Business Profile a critical, low-effort marketing tool.

A complete profile helps your hotel appear in local searches, maps and rich results, boosting visibility and credibility. Many independents overlook key elements like high-quality photos, updated amenities, detailed descriptions and accurate contact information, all of which influence booking decisions and reviews. Dont make the same mistakes of omission.

Tip: Regularly update your profile with photos, accurate details and posts to maximize search visibility and attract more direct bookings.

6. Be smart about OTA partnerships

Theres no doubt that online travel agency (OTA) partnerships can help you improve your reach. Before booking, 80% of travelers use these sites to confirm their choices.

The best independent hoteliers combine direct bookings with multiple OTAs and use channel management technology to ensure consistency across platforms. Ideally, youll work with at least seven OTAs for the best visibility. Start with the major platforms, such as Expedia and Priceline and then branch out to niche OTAs that fit your target audiences.

If youre currently too dependent on one high-cost platform, smart tools can also help here. Lighthouses platform for independents automatically optimizes your channel strategy to reduce commission costs and stimulate direct bookings.

Tip: Use sponsored listings and visibility boosters on big OTAs strategically to increase bookings without heavy discounting when demand is low.

7. Simplify the direct booking experience

A hotels booking engine is a key driver of direct bookings and revenue.

Travelers expect a smooth, intuitive experience from search to confirmation; any friction can push them toward OTAs instead.

Independent hotels that streamline the booking process reduce abandoned reservations and increase guest satisfaction before arrival. User-friendly solutions like Lighthouses booking engine provide a seamless, mobile-friendly interface with fast load times, clear room options and easy payment, helping hotels convert website visitors into loyal guests while maintaining full control over pricing, promotions and guest data.

Tip: Ensure your booking engine is simple, mobile-optimized and prominently linked across all marketing channels to maximize direct bookings.

8. Leverage email marketing to engage prior guests

Repeat bookings are essential for your independent hotel, providing steady revenue and reducing reliance on costly acquisition channels.

As part of your wider digital marketing strategy, email marketing is a highly effective tool to nurture past guests and engage potential visitors who havent yet booked.

By sending personalized messages, seasonal offers or updates about local events, you can stay top-of-mind and encourage direct reservations. Segmenting your audience, using compelling subject lines, and timing emails around travel trends can further improve engagement and conversions.

Tip: Track guest preferences and booking history to send targeted, relevant emails that feel personal, thereby increasing loyalty and repeat visits.

9. Capitalize on special events

Special events  from concerts and festivals to sporting matches  create spikes in travel demand that independent hotels can capitalize on.

By aligning marketing efforts with these events, you can attract high-intent guests looking for nearby accommodation.

Practical strategies include creating event-specific packages, promoting them on your website and social media, collaborating with event organizers, and sending targeted emails to past guests or local audiences. As part of these efforts, highlight convenience, perks or added experiences that tie into the event to make your offering stand out.

Tip: Plan campaigns well in advance, use clear messaging tied to the event and leverage local SEO to capture travelers searching for nearby accommodations.

10. Improve marketing with competitive market insights

When you understand the competitive landscape and local community, its easier to make smarter choices about pricing, distribution and marketing goals. This comes down to better data, which tells the larger story about everything from general market demand to seasonal variations.

Instead of using gut instinct to price each room, you can back up your decisions with billions of daily rates and other data points. It doesn't have to be as complicated as it sounds. Pick a simple-to-use tool that not only gives you the right market insights, but also guides or fully automates your strategic decision-making.

When you dont have to waste time manually tracking competitor rates or updating your prices on all channels, you can better maintain profitability by providing a superior guest experience to every traveler. Save significant time by leveraging real-time market data with the best automated pricing tools for hotels.

Tip: Use competitor insights to fine-tune pricing and promotions, keeping your hotel competitive and profitable.

Get more time to focus on the guest experience

The best software solutions give you the freedom to focus on what truly sets them apart: supporting the guest experience.

Lighthouse empowers hotels to streamline operations, automate routine workflows and turn complex data into actionable insights.

By automating pricing, channel management and metrics reporting, you can see exactly how your rates, marketing efforts and distribution impact revenue, all without getting bogged down in spreadsheets or manual updates.

With more time freed from operational tasks, you can deliver the personalized touches that make your independent property unforgettable.

Remembering a guests preferred room, curating local experiences or responding to inquiries with thoughtful recommendations becomes easier when routine tasks are handled automatically. These moments drive repeat bookings, positive reviews and stronger guest loyalty, the very factors that distinguish independents from chains.

Getting started with Lighthouse for Independents is straightforward:

Start with smart pricing and distribution: Connect your booking channels and stay competitive with optimized rates across all platforms. Well help you with the mapping, so everything is seamlessly connected.

Finetune your pricing strategy and start maximizing revenue: Define your competitive set, price ranges and rules that reflect your property and goals.

Leverage data and AI for optimization: Lighthouse continuously monitors demand trends, events, competitor prices and your performance to adjust rates. With Smart Distribution, the platform ensures the right price is shown on the right channel, while optimizing your channel mix to reduce OTA commission.

Activate Autopilot mode: Save even more time by automating strategic price updates. This removes daily manual work and ensures you never miss sudden demand spikes or market changes. Meanwhile, your team can focus on marketing campaigns and guest engagement.

Customize and integrate the booking engine: Offer a smoother, more secure booking experience to grow direct bookings and cut commission costs.

Simplify operations and payments: Manage reservations, check-ins, room assignments and guest communication in one place. Thanks to automated payments, you can collect, reconcile and track payments across the guest journey with much less effort.

The result: one easy-to-use platform that automates dynamic pricing, distribution, direct bookings, payments and daily operations, so you can save time, stay in control and grow revenue with confidence.

By removing operational friction, Lighthouse means you can focus on creativity, hospitality and memorable experiences. With the right technology in place, you can match  or even surpass  the efficiency of larger chains while delivering the personal touches that make your property unique.

This will drive both revenue and long-term guest loyalty. Whats not to love?

Laure Cremers

Laure Cremers is a content specialist at Lighthouse with a focus on hospitality technology for independent hoteliers and B&B owners. Passionate about spotting new trends in the industry, Laure simply loves translating insights into actionable tips for hospitality professionals to boost their efficiency and profitability.

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.

This article originally appeared on Lighthouse.
IHG Hotels & Resorts to Open Holiday Inn Express in Mumbai's BKC in 2028 - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts



IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with YB Group to open a 100-room Holiday Inn Express in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex by the first quarter of 2028.

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced a franchise agreement with YB Group for the development of a Holiday Inn Express in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The 100-room hotel is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2028. This development is part of IHG's strategy to expand its presence in high-demand markets across India.

The new Holiday Inn Express will be located on the outskirts of BKC, a major commercial district in Mumbai known for housing corporate headquarters, consulates, and cultural venues. The area also features hotels, dining options, and shopping centers. The hotel aims to serve international and domestic business delegates, MICE visitors, and leisure travelers.

This upcoming property will be the third Holiday Inn Express under development by IHG in Mumbai, joining projects in Andheri-Kurla Road and Powai. Additionally, IHG plans to open a voco hotel in Mumbai by mid-2026. The company's current operational portfolio in the city includes the InterContinental Marine Drive Mumbai and Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport.

Holiday Inn Express is IHG's largest and fastest-growing brand, with over 3,200 hotels worldwide.

IHG currently operates 51 hotels across six brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort, and Holiday Inn Express. The company has a pipeline of 80 hotels set to open in the next three to five years.
Image Credit The Hoxton



Trinity Investments has acquired The Hoxton, Poblenou, a 240-room hotel located in Barcelona's 22@ Innovation District.

Trinity Investments has announced the acquisition of The Hoxton, Poblenou, a 240-room hotel situated in Barcelonas 22@ Innovation District. The hotel, which opened in 2022, features four dining venues, flexible meeting and event spaces, and a rooftop pool and lounge. The location is near the Westfield Glories Mall and the Design Museum of Barcelona, positioning it to attract both international and local visitors.

The acquisition is part of Trinity Investments' strategy to expand its presence in Europe. The company has previously acquired The Standard London and Park Hyatt Zurich, forming a multi-segment approach that includes luxury and design-centric properties.

Barcelona is noted as one of Europes robust hospitality markets, with Spain welcoming nearly 84 million visitors in 2024. The city benefits from a diverse demand base and cultural appeal. Regulatory constraints on new hotel developments have maintained high occupancy rates and pricing power, particularly in districts like 22@.

This acquisition marks Trinity's third European purchase since establishing its London office in 2023. The company plans to continue expanding across Europe, focusing on dynamic urban neighborhoods.
Taylor Harnois is the General Manager of Music Shop 360, where he oversees all aspects of the Music Shop 360 brand, including sales and marketing, customer experience and support, and product and development. Prior to his time at Music Shop 360, Taylor spent many years in the retail and education industries. He holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and a Masters degree in Business Leadership.

We asked Taylor if he had any predictions for the music industry in 2026. Heres what he had to say:

1. Hybrid Retail Will Take Over

2025 was difficult for brick-and-mortar retailers, with the top 200 U.S. music stores seeing a 4% revenue decline and a 6% drop in headcount. These retailers will continue to see consolidation in 2026. However, retailers that combine a strong in-store customer experience that mirrors its online presence will continue to surge in the marketplace.

2. AI and Automation Will Redefine the Music Retail Experience

AI will continue to expand its footprint and be utilized more for personalized shopping experiences and helping retailers automate their merchandising systems. For example, imagine an AI assistant that builds a beginners learning plan when someone buys a guitar, or dynamically adjusts in-store displays based on sales and season.

Online music retailers currently outperform brick-and-mortar stores in sales per employee by more than 3x ($685K vs. $210K), making AI-assisted efficiency an invaluable tool for smaller shops in the coming year.

3. Music-Making Evolution Will Reshape How Consumers Invest

The music industry is at an inflection point: younger consumers increasingly define music creation as manipulating loops, beats, and samples, rather than playing traditional instruments. This year, I expect new software, interfaces, and mobile recording tools to overtake midtier guitar and keyboard sales.

While this trend wont completely overtake the playing and purchasing of traditional instruments, it will diversify it, creating crossover demand for hybrid analog-digital products.
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China launched a counter lawsuit against the U.S. state of Missouri for over $50 billion and an apology from major American news outlets for causing economic and reputational threat with allegations related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chinas Wuhan city, where Covid-19 was first detected, mounted the legal challenge after Missouri filed a lawsuit against China for hoarding personal protective equipment in the early months of the pandemic.

A federal judge gave a ruling in favour of Missouri earlier this year after China declined to participate in the trial. It called the lawsuit "very absurd" when it was filed in 2020.

According to court documents, Chinas lawsuit was filed by the municipal government of Wuhan, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

The lawsuit accused Missouri and several U.S. officials of damaging Chinas reputation and soft power, particularly that of the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

It named three defendants, including the state of Missouri, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, and Missouris former Attorney General Andrew Bailey.

It alleged that the three parties fabricated numerous disinformation, provided fictional evidence of losses and slandered various disinformation about China, including that it obstruct investigation into the origin of the virus, and covered up the information related to the virus.

It said that politicising Covid-19 and stigmatising China has caused reputation damage and profound and extremely enormous losses to the plaintiffs.

The lawsuit also accused the state of deeply endangering sovereignty, security and development interests of China through its vexatious litigation.

China is demanding public apologies in major U.S. and Chinese media outlets, including the New York Times, CNN, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, YouTube and other American media or internet platforms,

It is also demanding compensation of about $50.5 billion as well as any legal fees which occur, and the right to claim further compensation.

The three Chinese plaintiffs were among the defendants in a lawsuit filed five years ago by Schmitt, then Missouris Attorney General, against China, the Chinese Communist Party, several national ministries and the Hubei provincial government.

The lawsuit alleged that Chinese officials were to blame for the pandemic.

In 2022, the American lawsuit took an unusual turn when U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh initially dismissed the lawsuit, saying Missouri couldn't sue China, its Communist Party and seven other government or scientific agencies.

But an appeals court allowed one part of the lawsuit to proceed: the allegation that China hoarded personal protective equipment, such as respirator masks, medical gowns, and gloves.

After Chinese officials didn't respond, Judge Limbaugh accepted Missouri's estimate of past and potential future damages of more than $8 billion, tripled it as federal law allows, and added 3.91 percent interest until it's collected.

Last month, Missouri escalated its efforts to collect, asking the U.S. State Department to formally notify China that the state intends to pursue assets with full or partial Chinese government ownership to satisfy the judgment.

Catherine Hanaway, who inherited the lawsuit when she was appointed state Attorney General, said it was a stalling tactic.

I find it extremely telling that the Chinese blame our great state for belittling the social evaluation of The Wuhan Institute of Virology. This lawsuit is a stalling tactic and tells me that we have been on the right side of this issue all along, said Attorney General Hanaway.

We stand undeterred in our mission to collect on our $24 billion judgment that was lawfully handed down in federal court.

Schmitt, a close ally of Trump who remains banned by the Chinese government, said he will wear it like a badge of honor.

Chinas sinister malfeasance during the COVID-19 pandemic led to over a million Americans losing their lives, economic turmoil that rocked our country for years, and an enormous amount of human suffering, and as Missouri Attorney General I filed suit to hold them accountable, he said.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said Wednesday that he wasn't familiar with the specifics of the new case. But he said the earlier Missouri lawsuit was "a purely politically motivated maneuver."

"China firmly opposes it, will never accept it, and reserves the right to take strong countermeasures," Pengyu said.
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The G7 nations have issued a joint statement calling on China to end the persecution of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, stepping up the international pressure on Beijing to release him.

Lai, a 78-year-old British national, faces the possibility of life in jail after he was found guilty of sedition and collusion with foreign forces earlier this week.

The founder of the now-defunct Apply Daily newspaper was arrested in 2020, not long after Hong Kong was gripped by massive anti-government protests.

In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the foreign ministers of Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Britain and the US, as well as the EU, condemned Lais conviction.

We continue to express our concerns about deteriorating rights, freedoms and autonomy in Hong Kong, it said. Freedom of expression and opinion and media freedom are enshrined in Hong Kongs Basic Law.

We call on the Hong Kong authorities to end such prosecutions and to release Jimmy Lai immediately.

China responded with a rebuke to the G7 for their irresponsible remarks, calling it crude interference in Chinas internal affairs and a serious violation of the basic norms governing international relations.

open image in gallery A prison van believed to be carrying Jimmy Lai leaves a Hong Kong court ( Reuters )

Jimmy Lai is a mastermind and participant of a series of major anti-China riots in Hong Kong. He has committed vicious crimes and caused severe damage, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Canada said on Wednesday.

Lais conviction has drawn condemnation from various world powers even as officials in China and Hong Kong have doubled down, saying the case should send a clear message to the financial hubs pro-democracy movement.

The UK government summoned Chinas ambassador to lodge its protest, while US president Donald Trump expressed sorrow after saying he had spoken to his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, about the case.

On my instruction, the Foreign Office has today summoned the Chinese ambassador to underline our position in the strongest terms, UK home secretary Yvette Cooper told parliament, calling it a politically motivated prosecution of a British citizen.

Lais family members have raised concerns over his deteriorating health in jail. Lai suffers from diabetes, heart issues and high blood pressure. His daughter Claire Lai recently said he had experienced dramatic weight loss, failing eyesight, and hearing and vision problems.

open image in gallery Jimmy Lai pictured at Stanley prison in Hong Kong in 2023 ( AP )

Lai was born in mainland China and moved to Hong Kong, then a British colony, as a child, rising from factory work to become a successful clothing entrepreneur.

In the mid-1990s, he turned to publishing, founding Apple Daily, which later became one of the most influential and outspoken pro-democracy newspapers in the city.

In 1994, Lai became a full British citizen and has never held a Chinese or Hong Kong passport. Despite that, he has been regarded as a Chinese citizen by the Hong Kong authorities.

He was arrested in 2020 following mass demonstrations sparked by the controversial national security legislation, when hundreds of thousands took to the streets amid fears that Beijing would tighten its control over the citys autonomy.

His son Sebastien Lai says that if his father were to be released today, he would no longer recognise the city. Its obviously no longer the sort of Hong Kong that had all these freedoms that you could associate with, he told The Guardian.
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The Trump administration has approved one of its largest ever packages of arms sales  worth about $11 billion (8.2 billion)  to Taiwan, drawing an angry response from China.

The proposed package, which still requires approval from the U.S. Congress, would exceed all arms sales to Taiwan made under President Joe Biden, which totalled more than $8.38 billion in 19 rounds.

It would also amount to more than half of the $18.3 billion in weapons sold to Taiwan during Donald Trumps first term in office.

The package was announced by the U.S. State Department late Wednesday, coinciding with a nationally televised address by President Trump, who made scant reference to foreign policy and did not mention China or Taiwan.

The package features eight arms sales agreements, including 82 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems, worth more than $4 billion. These are similar to weapons provided to Ukraine during the Biden administration.

It also includes 60 self-propelled howitzer systems and related equipment valued at more than $4 billion, as well as Altius loitering drones worth more than $1 billion.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te poses for photo after inspecting reservists operating Taiwan made Hummer 2 Drone during a training session at Loung Te Industrial Parks Service Center in Yilan, Taiwan on 2 December ( REUTERS )

The extensive package will also include military software valued at more than $1 billion, Javelin and TOW missiles worth more than $700 million, helicopter spare parts worth $96 million, and refurbishment kits for Harpoon missiles worth $91 million.

If approved, the package would mark a major infusion of military aid to the self-governed democratic island, which says it is preparing for an imminent invasion by China.

China considers Taiwan an inseparable part of its territory and insists the island of 23 million people must eventually be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Beijing has ramped up pressure on Taiwan through regular military drills in nearby waters and airspace.

The U.S. does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but follows a policy of strategic ambiguity, under which Washington does not explicitly promise to defend the island while continuing to supply it with defensive weapons.

Taiwans defense ministry welcomed the package Thursday and thanked the U.S., saying that, if approved, it would help the island rapidly build robust deterrence capabilities.

Taiwans bolstering of its defense is the foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability, the ministry said.

The State Department said the sales serve U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting Taiwans efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability.

The proposed sale(s) will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region, it said.

The Chinese foreign ministry lashed out at the U.S. for the package that would undermine regional stability and said it would not save the doomed fate of 'Taiwan independence'.

The latest U.S. arms sales will only hasten pushing Taiwan toward the perils of war, Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a regular news briefing in Beijing.

He added that the issue of Taiwan is a red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations.

The U.S. support for 'Taiwan Independence' through arms will only end up backfiring. Using Taiwan to contain China will not succeed," he added.

It comes ahead of Trumps planned visit to China in April and the efforts by the leaders of the two countries to de-escalate the tensions that were ignited by Trumps trade war on global economies.

It also coincides with Taiwan president Lai Ching-tes efforts to push through an annual budget and an additional defence budget to increase defence spending by 3 per cent of the island's gross domestic product next year and to reach per cent by 2030.

The demand has faced pushback from Taiwan's opposition KMT party and some of its population.

Last month, the Taiwanese president announced a special $40 billion budget for arms purchases, including to build an air defense system with high-level detection and interception capabilities called Taiwan Dome. The budget will be allocated over eight years, from 2026 to 2033.
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The Arctic just experienced its hottest year on record, a milestone that scientists said was already changing weather systems far beyond the polar circle.

Surface air temperatures across the Arctic between October 2024 and September 2025 were the highest since at least 1900, according to the Arctic Report Card 2025, released this week by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It shows the region is now warming at more than twice the global average, with its 10 warmest years all coming in the past decade.

The warning came after a Copernicus report said this year was set to be the second or third warmest on record, potentially surpassed only by the record-breaking heat of 2024.

The earth is on track to complete the first three-year period when the average global temperature exceeded 1.5C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial period when people started burning fossil fuels on an industrial scale.

The Arctic is warming several times faster than Earth as a whole, reshaping the northern landscapes, ecosystems, and livelihoods of Arctic peoples, the reports executive summary said. Also transforming are the roles the Arctic plays in the global climate, economic, and societal systems.

The latest findings come as researchers document accelerating ice loss, record precipitation, warming oceans and widespread disruption to Arctic ecosystems  changes they warn are no longer confined to the far north.

Autumn 2024 was the warmest on record for the Arctic, according to the report, while winter 2025 ranked as the second warmest, driven by persistently high temperatures across much of the region. Precipitation between October 2024 and September 2025 reached a record high as well, with winter, spring and autumn each ranking among the five wettest since records began in 1950.

open image in gallery Surface air temperatures across the Arctic between October 2024 and September 2025 were the warmest recorded since 1900 ( NOAA )

At sea, Arctic winter ice cover hit a new low. In March 2025, when sea ice would be expected to reach the annual maximum, the extent was the smallest in the 47-year satellite record. By September, summer sea ice had fallen to the 10th-lowest minimum ever observed, continuing a downward trend that scientists said was fundamentally altering the Arctic Ocean.

The oldest and thickest multi-year sea ice, once a defining feature of the Arctic, has declined by more than 95 per cent since the 1980s, with most remaining ice now confined to areas north of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.

In August, parts of the Arctic Oceans Atlantic sector recorded sea surface temperatures around 7C above the 19912020 average, an extreme anomaly that researchers linked to the growing influence of warmer Atlantic waters pushing northwards  a process known as Atlantification.

The report documents major biological changes linked to warmer, more open seas. Since 2003, phytoplankton productivity has increased by 80 per cent in the Eurasian Arctic, alongside significant rises in the Barents Sea and Hudson Bay. While increased productivity may sound positive, scientists warn it is reshaping food webs, altering fisheries and threatening Indigenous subsistence practices that depend on stable seasonal cycles.

On land, the impacts are equally stark. Glaciers in Arctic Scandinavia and Svalbard recorded their largest annual ice loss on record between 2023 and 2024.

The Greenland Ice Sheet lost an estimated 129 billion tonnes in 2025, continuing a long-term pattern that is contributing to global sea-level rise, even though the loss was below the longer-term annual average.

open image in gallery Photos show rapid loss of glaciers in the Arctic ( Noaa )

Ongoing glacier loss contributes to steadily rising global sea levels, threatening Arctic communities' water supplies, driving destructive floods and increasing landslide and tsunami hazards that endanger people, infrastructure, and coastline," the report said.

One of the most visible and alarming new phenomena highlighted in the report is the emergence of so-called rusting rivers. Across more than 200 watersheds in Arctic Alaska, thawing permafrost has released iron and other metals into rivers and streams, turning once-clear waters orange and increasing acidity and toxic metal concentrations. Scientists say this degradation threatens drinking water supplies, fish stocks and aquatic biodiversity in remote communities.

Researchers stress that what happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic. The loss of reflective ice exposes darker ocean surfaces that absorb more heat, reinforcing warming through a feedback loop known as Arctic amplification. At the same time, warming and freshening of Arctic waters can weaken major ocean circulation systems that influence weather patterns across Europe and North America.

Some scientists also link rapid Arctic warming to changes in atmospheric circulation that may allow cold air to spill southwards more frequently, contributing to extreme winter weather in parts of Europe, Asia and North America.

The Arctics hydrological cycle is intensifying as well. More precipitation is falling as rain rather than snow, while June snow cover across the Arctic is now around half of what it was six decades ago, reducing the regions ability to reflect solar radiation back into space.

The 2025 Arctic Report Card marks 20 years of continuous monitoring, offering what the US agency describes as an increasingly clear picture of a region undergoing rapid, systemic change. Scientists involved in the report emphasise that while not every year sets a new record, the long-term trajectory is unmistakable.

Despite improvements in observation networks, the agency warns that major gaps remain, particularly in remote areas, limiting scientists ability to track changes that affect water availability, infrastructure stability and food security.
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Thousands of dinosaur footprints, stretching for kilometres, have been uncovered on a near-vertical rock face in Italy's Stelvio National Park.

Paleontologists are hailing the discovery, located over 2,000 metres above sea level in the glacial Valle di Fraele, as one of the world's richest sites from the Triassic period.

The tracks, near Bormio  a 2026 Winter Olympics venue in northern Lombardy  span approximately five kilometres.

These fossilised impressions, up to 40 cm wide with clear claw marks, offer a rare glimpse into prehistoric life.

open image in gallery Carabinieri officer Giacomo Regazzoni, left, and park employee Elia Vitalini inspect Late Triassic prosauropod footprints discovered in the Fraele Valley in northern Italy. ( Elio Della Ferrara/Stelvio National Park via AP )

Cristiano Dal Sasso, a paleontologist at Milan's Natural History Museum, expressed his astonishment at a press conference in Lombardy.

"This is one of the largest and oldest footprint sites in Italy, and among the most spectacular I've seen in 35 years," he stated.

Experts believe long-necked herbivores, likely plateosaurs, left the prints more than 200 million years ago.

open image in gallery A late Triassic prosauropod footprint discovered in the Fraele Valley in northern Italy. ( Elio Della Ferrara/Stelvio National Park via AP )

The area was then a warm lagoon, ideal for dinosaurs to roam along beaches, leaving tracks in mud near the water.

Fabio Massimo Petti, an ichnologist from MUSE museum of Trento, explained at the conference: "The footprints were impressed when the sediments were still soft, on the wide tidal flats that surrounded the Tethys Ocean."

He added: "The muds, now turned to rock, have allowed the preservation of remarkable anatomical details of the feet, such as impressions of the toes and even the claws."

The dramatic shift from horizontal seabed to vertical mountain slope occurred as the African plate gradually moved north, closing and drying up the Tethys Ocean.

open image in gallery Lombardy Region president Attilio Fontana attends a press conference in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, on a discovery of thousands of dinosaur tracks in Lombardy region ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Sedimentary rocks from the seabed were then folded, creating the Alps. The fossilised tracks were spotted in September by a wildlife photographer while chasing deer and bearded vultures, experts said.

As the area cannot be reached by trails, drones and remote sensing technologies will be used for study.

Giovanni Malago, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee, told journalists: "The natural sciences deliver to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games an unexpected and precious gift from remote eras."
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Male bottlenose dolphins with strong friendships age more slowly compared to their more solitary peers, according to a new study that reveals the importance of social bonding for healthier ageing in mammals.

Bottlenose dolphins can form friendships that can last decades, similar to companionship seen in humans.

Previous research has shown that male dolphins of the species hang out, play together, surf waves for fun, rest side by side, and form long-lasting, deep social bonds.

This pattern of bonding is unique to males, as friendship in the female dolphins is known to be influenced by having offspring of similar age.

It reminds me of two kindergarten buddies who stay together through school, careers, and retirement and share all of lifes joys and challenges, explains wildlife biologist Livia Gerber from Australias Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

In a new study, researchers analysed 50 skin tissue samples from 38 bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay.

Scientists also assessed data on social connections between dolphins in the bay based on years' worth of observations.

They found that male dolphins with strong social bonds aged slowly compared to their peers who lived lonelier lives.

We knew social bonds helped animals live longer, but this is the first time we have shown that they affect the ageing process, said Gerber, lead author of the study published in Nature Communications Biology.

Social connections are so important for health that they slow down ageing at the cellular level, she said.

Lonelier dolphins may have to hunt for themselves, compete for mates without backup, and face sharks and other predators  factors that can contribute to a stressful existence, much like in humans, researchers say.

Having friends means you hunt together, watch each other's backs, and share the load, Dr Gerber said.

Male bottlenose dolphins ( Simon Allen )

Until now, most research into the effects of friendships on ageing has focused on an chronological animals age since birth and lifespan.

However, in the latest study, scientists estimated the true biological age of the dolphins based on individual DNA markers.

Such an epigenetic clock provides a better indicator of an animals overall health and ageing status, studies have shown.

In previous studies, epigenetic clocks have unravelled how factors like pollution, depression, and positive or negative social bonds impact biological age.

Increasingly, we are also using epigenetic data to advance our knowledge of the ecology of wild populations, including the epigenetic clocks used here, said Lee Rollins, another author of the study from the University of New South Wales.

The findings highlight the importance of investing time in meaningful relationships, along with healthy eating and exercising for a longer life, scientists say.

The health benefits of friendship are not unique to humans, but are a fundamental biological principle across social mammals, Dr Gerber said.

I am predicting that we will find that friendship is a natural anti-ageing secret across social animals, she said.
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A nine-year-old girl who died from a stab wound has been pictured as her family paid tribute to the lively and bubbly schoolgirl.

Aria Thorpe was pronounced dead at a house in Weston-super-Mare after police attended the residential address on Monday evening.

Shortly after officers arrived, a teenage boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested and later charged with the girls murder.

He appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where he was remanded into youth detention accommodation to reappear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.

open image in gallery Aria Thorpe, 9, was pronounced dead at a house in Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare ( Family handout )

In Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare, where Aria died, floral tributes have been put down as the seaside community attempts to come to terms with the tragedy.

Speaking to the BBC, one close family member said: Aria was a lively and bubbly nine-year-old who was so full of life. They added that she enjoyed listening to country music and teaching dogs new tricks.

open image in gallery The boss of the trust that runs the school Aria attended said the community was devastated ( Family handout )

At the school which Aria attended, bosses were working with professional agencies to provide support to children and staff.

Simon Marriott, chief executive of Kaleidoscope Multi-Academy Trust, said: "Our school and trust community are devastated and upset by the news of the tragic death of one of our pupils, Aria Thorpe.

Dan Aldridge, Labour MP for Weston-super-Mare, said Arias death was an utterly heartbreaking tragedy for the family and her loved ones.

He said: This is a moment that will understandably shock and sadden us all, and I know many in our town will be grieving, anxious, and seeking answers. I urge everyone to respect the familys privacy and avoid speculation while the police carry out their enquiries.

Catherine Gibbons, deputy leader of North Somerset Council, said: On behalf of everyone at North Somerset Council, I offer our sincerest condolences to Arias family, friends and the school community. The pain of losing a child in such tragic circumstances is unimaginable.

open image in gallery Police near the scene in Lime Close ( PA Wire )

We are working closely with partner agencies, including schools across the Weston-super-Mare area, to make sure those affected have access to the support and advice they need.

On Wednesday, Superintendent Jen Appleford asked for privacy for Arias family. The police force said a post-mortem examination had found her preliminary cause of death was a single stab wound.

Supt Appleford said: The tragic loss of such a young girl has caused a huge amount of shock and upset, with there being a profound sense of loss felt throughout the community. We are working closely with partner agencies and schools across the Weston area to make sure those affected receive access to any support they need.
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Sir Keir Starmers government is to tackle misogynistic, toxic influencers like Andrew Tate head-on with compulsory lessons on healthy relationships for all secondary school pupils.

The flagship 36m strategy will finally be unveiled today, 18 months after Labour was elected on a manifesto promise to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) within a decade.

The strategy will see secondary school teachers given specialist training to talk to boys and girls about issues such as consent, and children who show harmful behaviour towards their parents, siblings or while in relationships will be signed up to special programmes.

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips compared the plans to anti-extremism programmes, telling Sky News: If my children were showing extremist behaviours in school, there are schemes that people can be sent on, but that doesn't exist for this.

So if a young man had been found to have been sharing indecent images, as a mother of sons, what I would want is for the school to have a referral place, a specialist service that they could bring in for a child to stop that progressing.

The much-anticipated plans will focus on tackling the root causes of abuse, and come as the latest statistics show that nearly 40 per cent of teenagers in relationships are victims of abuse, while more than 40 per cent of young men hold a positive view of Tate.

Sir Keir said: Every parent should be able to trust that their daughter is safe at school, online and in her relationships.

But too often, toxic ideas are taking hold early and going unchallenged. This government is stepping in sooner  backing teachers, calling out misogyny, and intervening when warning signs appear  to stop harm before it starts.

This is about protecting girls and driving forward education and conversation with boys and young men, which is a responsibility we owe to the next generation, and one this government will deliver.

open image in gallery Andrew Tate outside the Bucharest Court of Appeal in October last year ( Getty )

It follows repeated calls by The Independent for a strategy to tackle these issues, as well as our Brick by Brick campaign, which was backed by the prime minister, to build two safe houses for women who have been victims of domestic abuse.

Sir Keir said at the time: I am so pleased to back The Independents Brick By Brick campaign to support victims of domestic abuse. I dont only support the campaign, but I want the campaign to go on and get bigger.

Under Labours latest initiative, all secondary schools in England will teach students about healthy relationships, following concerns about the impact of self-described misogynistic influencers, like Tate, who appeal to young men by pushing an agenda characterised by toxic masculinity.

A new helpline will also be set up for teenagers to get help with concerns about their own behaviour in relationships.

It came as Ms Phillips said she is sick of putting nicer plasters onto ever-growing scars when it comes to tackling violence against women.

One in eight women were victims of violence against women and girls last year and so Im a bit sick, I have to say, as somebody whos campaigned on this for many years of just trying to put nicer plasters onto ever growing scars, and so weve got to  the government is really, really focused on the prevention, she told Times Radio.

Campaign groups including Refuge have indicated that they will be poring over the details of the long-awaited plan to ensure that the flagship policy lives up to its billing and provides the funding needed.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer promised a VAWG strategy in his election manifesto 18 months ago ( House of Commons/UK Parliament )

Measures already announced as part of the cross-government strategy include specialist rape and sexual offences investigators for every police force, better support through the NHS for those who have experienced abuse, and a 19m funding boost for councils to provide safe housing for domestic abuse survivors.

The latest measures for educating children are backed by a 20m package, with 16m invested by the government, which is working with philanthropists on an innovation fund.

Responding to the announcements made about the strategy so far, the domestic abuse commissioner for England and Wales, Dame Nicole Jacobs, said the commitments do not go far enough to see the number of people experiencing abuse start to fall.

She said: Todays strategy rightly recognises the scale of this challenge and the need to address the misogynistic attitudes that underpin it, but the level of investment to achieve this falls seriously short.

Dame Nicole also said that overburdened schools were not being equipped with the infrastructure needed to safeguard child victims of domestic abuse.

The schools that will take part in the pilot scheme will be chosen next year, while ministers are aiming for all secondary schools to teach healthy relationships by the end of this parliament.

open image in gallery Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips says the strategy will prevent women and girls from actually being harmed in the first place ( PA Wire )

It comes as Department for Education-commissioned research found that 70 per cent of secondary school teachers surveyed said their school had actively dealt with sexual violence and/or harassment between children.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: Having spent years working in a refuge for women experiencing domestic abuse, I know just how much early intervention could have changed lives. We cannot simply respond to harm after it happens; we must give young people the understanding and tools they need before attitudes harden into harm.

Police and social services will also be given new guidance on teenage relationships to help them tackle abuse, and the legal framework for domestic abuse will be looked at in order to address the experiences of teenagers.

It comes after Sir Keir vowed to look at whether younger people should be recognised as domestic abuse victims following the murder of 15-year-old Holly Newton by her stalker ex-boyfriend in Hexham, Northumberland, in January 2023.

VAWG minister Jess Phillips said: For too long, the scale of violence against women and girls has been treated as a fact of life in our country. I am determined our groundbreaking strategy will prevent women and girls from actually being harmed in the first place.

Put together from today, it will deploy the full power of the state to introduce the largest crackdown to stop violence perpetrated against women and girls in British history.
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Parents should lead by example and put away their phones this Christmas when spending time with family, Englands Childrens Commissioner has urged.

Dame Rachel de Souza issued a "heartfelt plea", revealing that young people have told her about their mothers and fathers scrolling during mealtimes and texting while out on family walks.

She advised families to implement "phone-free time" and establish household rules that apply to everyone, warning that "whatever you say, they will follow what you do."

Speaking about the controversial topic: "We have to lead as adults. We cant talk about banning the kids if were not doing it ourselves."

Dame Rachel admitted she had previously been as guilty on the issue, but added: The thing about children is they will copy what you do, not what you say.

So absolutely, lets this Christmas put our phones down, spend time together where both the adults and the children are off their phones together.

I cant tell you how many children tell me about sitting at dinner and the parents are on the phone, or theyre out walking on their mobile phones instead of talking.

And the kids are crying out for the engagement and the support with mum and dad. So this Christmas, lets turn them off, lets have some fun together, and lets lead by example.

open image in gallery Nearly half of parents (48 per cent) with children aged 18 or younger plan to allow phones at the Christmas dinner table this year, a survey has found ( Alamy/PA )

Data published earlier this month from the communications regulator Ofcom found children aged between eight and 14 are spending an average of nearly three hours online each day and also turning to their devices late at night.

Teenagers aged from 13 to 14 are using their smartphones, tablets or laptops for around four hours a day, while eight and nine-year-olds are online for two hours, and 10 to 12-year-olds for around three hours, Ofcom said.

Adults in the UK, meanwhile, spend an average of four-and-a-half hours online a day  an increase of 10 minutes compared with last year, with 18 to 24-year-olds averaging six hours and 20 minutes a day, the regulator found.

Dame Rachels comments came as she launched a new guide offering parents tips and advice for online safety, as well as around screen time.

In it, she warned parents and guardians that their role in ensuring their childrens safety online cannot be outsourced to schools, politicians, or tech companies, saying her research had shown that most teenagers may not always say it, but they want clear boundaries.

The guide, entitled What I wish my parents knew, advises parents to be kind but firm with their children, involve them in rule-setting, and keep the conversation around online safety open and speak often.

open image in gallery Dame Rachel de Souza made the 'heartfelt plea' to parents that they should get off their phones this Christmas when spending time with family ( Sarah Collier/PA Wire )

Comparing the approach to sex education, Dame Rachel said teenagers had told her they would rather not have a big one conversation on online safety, but instead to speak from an early age in a relaxed and natural way.

She said while children are aware of bad and dangerous things they might see online, many still say they would not go to their parents about it out of embarrassment and shame, fear they would have their phone confiscated or because they class such content as a norm.

She advised parents to talk to their children about both the good and the bad of life online, ask questions and use laughter to ease tension and make conversations more comfortable so parents do not seem too serious or intimidating.

Dame Rachel has previously called for an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, but said she is now prepared to give tech firms and Government a year to monitor how well the Online Safety Act is adhered to.

She said: Im going to watch really carefully, and at the end of the year, if things are not better, I will be calling for that social media ban under the age of 16.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: The Childrens Commissioners guide provides vital insight into the online world children are navigating and the conversations families need to have.

Open conversations between parents and children are crucial. But those conversations are so much more effective when backed by real protections and robust enforcement. Were committed to making the online world a safer place for children to learn, connect and grow.
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A maths teacher who was caught with hundreds of stolen bank card details has been barred from the classroom.

Louis Ssekabira admitted he was planning to commit fraud after police raided his home in 2020 and found 262 sets of card details and 69 stolen online banking logins on his laptop, as well as more on two separate iPhones, a professional misconduct panel heard.

Mr Ssekabira had been teaching at Droitwich Spa High School in Worcestershire at the time, but had moved to Bishop Challoner Catholic School in London by the time he was cautioned in 2021.

A report of the misconduct hearing from the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) said the then-maths teacher accepted a police caution for an offence of possession of articles used to commit fraud, but did not tell the school.

open image in gallery Mr Ssekabira has been banned from teaching indefinitely ( David Jones/PA Wire )

But his misconduct was later revealed after a police officer contacted the school. When he was urged to explain the caution to colleagues he claimed he had bought the laptop off Gumtree and found the details on it, according to one witness.

He told teachers that he became quite sort of excited by this and showed it to people, but didnt do anything with the details, the panel heard.

Mr Ssekabira reportedly told colleagues he knew he should have deleted the details but didnt before telling them he grew up in bad company and was trying to get away from it all.

The witness also said Mr Ssekabiras failed to tell the school about his caution because he was hoping it would all go away and nobody would find out.

But the panel found him guilty of misconduct of a serious nature and questioned the account he had given to colleagues, saying it failed to explain why stolen details were found on multiple devices.

open image in gallery Louis Ssekabira had more than 262 sets of card details and 69 stolen online banking logins on his devices (stock image) ( AFP via Getty Images )

Several supporting statements gave glowing accounts of Mr Ssekabiras great leadership and pastoral skills, crediting him with being instrumental in one schools maths department going from being dysfunctional to Good with Outstanding features.

But the panel said his actions had fundamentally undermined trust in him and that dishonesty of this severity is not compatible with acting as a role model to pupils.

For these reasons, the panel was satisfied that the conduct of Mr Ssekabira amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession, they added.

He was also barred from teaching for at least five years, when the decision will be reviewed.

Whilst there was evidence that Mr Ssekabira has the ability to make a valuable contribution to the teaching profession in the future, the panel remained concerned regarding the extent to which Mr Ssekabira had demonstrated insight into his actions, as indicated by his failure to be fully transparent with his employer, the report said.
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The government has watered down its planned changes to inheritance tax that would have impacted thousands of farmers from next April.

The so-called tractor tax, which was first announced over a year ago, will see key changes to how agricultural and business property can be passed on.

However, the threshold at which this will kick in has now been substantially raised by the government  from 1m to 2.5m  following months of furious backlash to the changes.

Announcing the u-turn, environment secretary Emma Reynolds said: Farmers are at the heart of our food security and environmental stewardship, and I am determined to work with them to secure a profitable future for British farming.

open image in gallery Farmers and their tractors protest in Whitehall, London, in February ( PA Wire )

We have listened closely to farmers across the country and we are making changes today to protect more ordinary family farms.

The move comes after a government-commissioned report warned ministers that British farmers are bewildered and frightened for the future of their industry, with many citing fears over changes to inheritance tax as a key concern.

Thousands of farmers have participated in a series of protests in the central London, several of which saw tractors driven to Parliament  often against the guidance of local police.

Heres everything you need to know about the issue:

What are the changes to farm tax?

Previously, farming businesses qualified for 100 per cent relief on inheritance tax on agricultural property and business property.

But now the tax is being imposed on farms worth more than 2.5 million  increased from 1 million  with an effective tax rate of 20 per cent on assets above the threshold, rather than the normal 40 per cent rate for inheritance tax.

A 50 per cent relief will also continue to apply to qualifying assets above the new level.

This means that the actual threshold before paying inheritance tax could be as much as 5 million, once exemptions for each partner in a couple and for the farm property are taken into account.

Why were the changes been brought in?

The government has said difficult decisions had to be made to fill the multibillion fiscal hole it inherited from the Conservatives, and it is targeting the agricultural inheritance tax relief to make it fairer.

It said figures showed that 7 per cent of the wealthiest estates account for 40 per cent of the total value of agricultural property relief, costing the Treasury 219 million.

But explaining the rationale behind the updated threshold, Ms Reynolds said: Its only right that larger estates contribute more, while we back the farms and trading businesses that are the backbone of Britains rural communities.

How many farmers will be affected by the changes?

According to the Treasury, only 11 per cent of estates claiming agricultural property relief (APR) were above the 2.5 million threshold in 2022/2023, suggesting that nearly nine-in-ten farmers will now not fall within the scope of the changes.

In comparison, 31 per cent of estates claiming APR were above the 1 million threshold in the same period.

The amount of estates now expected to pay inheritance tax under the changes has dropped from around 530 to around 180 following the change.

open image in gallery Jeremy Clarkson attends a farmer rally, November 2024 ( Aaron Chown/PA Wire )

However, the National Farmers Union (NFU) says farm businesses have also qualified separately for business property relief, which can cover things such as harvested grain and livestock, machinery and diversified businesses such as camping on a farmers field.

Now the two are combined, with a single 2.5 million allowance before inheritance tax is levied, which could mean more farms are in scope.

But the government has countered this point by saying that looking at asset value alone does not necessarily mean a farm will be affected, as it depends on individual circumstances.

How have farmers responded to the update?

One of the key criticisms from the NFU was that the tractor tax evidenced a lack of understanding from the government over how the farming industry works.

The unions leaders argued that, while farms may have a high nominal asset value  the value of their land and business assets  the returns from farming are often very low, so farming families may not have the reserves to pay for inheritance tax liabilities without selling off assets.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw has welcomed the new changes, saying: I am thankful common sense has prevailed and government has listened.

He added: The original changes to APR and BPR, contained within the finance bill, resulted in a pernicious and cruel tax, trapping the most elderly and vulnerable people and their families in the eye of the storm. The NFU and its members have stood strong for what we believed in.

From the start, the government said it was trying to protect the family farm and the change announced today brings this much closer to reality for many.
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Palestine Action activists on hunger strike while awaiting trial in the UK are dying, a doctor has warned.

Their alleged offences took place before the group was banned under terrorism legislation in July, which has made membership of or support for it a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The eight activists deny the charges against them but have been denied bail.

Four of the group are accused of playing roles in the break-in to an Israeli-linked defence firm in 2024 and are due to go on trial in May at the earliest. The other four are accused of breaking into RAF Brize Norton in June, where it is alleged they caused damage to two military jets.

open image in gallery Terrorism arrests soared by 660 per cent after Palestine Action was proscribed ( Getty Images )

Dr James Smith, an emergency physician and lecturer at UCL, warned that protesters still refusing food in prison have now reached a critical phase in which things can decline very quickly and irreversibly.

Below, we look at the activists who are still on hunger strike and those that ended their protests due to concerns for their health.

Heba Muraisi

open image in gallery Heba Muraisi has been on hunger strike for 70 days and is reporting lightheadedness and migraines ( Prisoners For Palestine )

Heba Muraisi is one of two remaining hunger strikers facing charges related to alleged break-ins on behalf of Palestine Action before the group was banned under terrorism legislation.

Muraisi, a former florist and lifeguard from London, was arrested on 19 November 2024 over damage caused to Israel-linked Elbit Systems UKs site at Filton, Bristol.

She has spent 70 days on hunger strike and is demanding immediate bail. The strikers are also demanding the right to a fair trial and the de-proscription of Palestine Action.

In October 2025, she was transferred from HMP Bronzefield to HMP New Hall in Wakefield. She has vowed to not end her fast unless she is moved back to Bronzefield.

The leader of the Commons in January 2026 said he would raise the possibility of moving her back, after Brent North MP Barry Gardiner said she was now hundreds of miles from her disabled mother and close to death on hunger strike.

Muraisis next of kin, Francesca Nadin, said this week that she has been having difficulty breathing and in thinking clearly: "It is really concerning. But mentally she is still strong and able to laugh and joke. We just don't know when that deterioration will come."

Kamran Ahmed

open image in gallery Kamran Ahmed has also been on remand since 19 November 2024, and is being held in HMP Pentonville ( Prisoners For Palestine )

Kamran Ahmed is being held at HMP Pentonville in London over alleged offences at the site in Filton. He has been on hunger strike for more than 60 days.

Ahmed, 28, has been taken to hospital six times since he began his hunger strike. He was most recently taken to hospital at 1am on Wednesday for a heart complication, 59 days into his hunger strike, his sister said.

His sister Shahmina Alam told reporters in December: Our family have never felt this much anxiety, never dreaded phone calls as much as we have now.

His heart is giving in and his pulse is slowing down, he is losing half a kilogram every day. The justice system is hanging on a very thin thread.

Lewie Chiaramello

open image in gallery Lewie Chiaramello has been on an alternating hunger strike since 24 November ( Prisoners for Palestine )

Lewie Chiaramello, 22, has been on remand since 3 July last year. He was arrested in connection to action at RAF Brize Norton, where protesters were alleged to have damaged military aircraft.

Chiaramello, who is a type one diabetic, started a hunger strike on 24 November, protesting on alternate days.

I am diabetic so I cant hunger strike [each day]. But I have decided to fast every other day in solidarity with the hunger strikers until the deal with Elbit Systems is cancelled or another necessary ending point, he said.

Qesser Zuhrah

open image in gallery 20-year-old Qesser Zuhrah ended her protest after a month and a half ( Prisoners For Palestine )

Qesser Zuhrah, 20, is accused of aggravated burglary, violent disorder and criminal damage over allegedly breaking into the Filton site.

She is being held on remand in HMP Bronzefield and faces a trial in spring at the earliest.

Zuhrah began her hunger strike on 2 November and ended the protest after 48 days after being taken to hospital.

Protesters had gathered outside HMP Bronzefield claiming that she was being denied medical assistance. Ministry of Justice officials have previously disputed claims of mistreatment.

The support group Prisoners for Palestine said she ultimately ended her strike due to continuous excruciating pain in her abdomen.

Amu Gib

open image in gallery Amu Gib was arrested in connection to the break-in at RAF Brize Norton ( Prisoners For Palestine )

Amy Gardiner-Gibson, who also goes by the name Amu Gib, ended their hunger strike on day 49 after experiencing weakness and brain fog.

They are charged with conspiracy to destroy property and conspiracy to enter a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the safety and/or interests of the UK in relation to the alleged break in to RAF Brize Norton.

Jeremy Corbyn wrote on Instagram in December to say he had visited Gib at prison and called for them to be granted bail.

Teuta Hoxha

open image in gallery Teuta Hoxha has been on remand since 19 November, 2024, with a trial date set for April ( Prisoners For Palestine )

Teuta Hoxha is charged with criminal damage and aggravated burglary in relation to alleged action at Elbit Systems.

The 29-year-old ended her hunger strike after two months without food, Prisoners for Palestine said on 5 January.

Hoxha needs urgent medical care in hospital to prevent refeeding syndrome, they said in a statement at the time, alleging that the prison was refusing to provide medical treatment.

Muhammad Umer Khalid and Jon Cink

open image in gallery Jon Cink was on hugner strike for more than 40 days ( Prisoners For Palestine )

Supporters of Jon Cink and Muhammad Umer Khalid said that they ended their hunger strike after 41 days and 13 days respectively. Both are charged in connection with the alleged break-in at Brize Norton.

They will next appear in court for a preliminary hearing on 16 January, having appeared at the Old Bailey via video link on 12 December.

Lord Timpson, prisons minister, said: We are very experienced at dealing with hunger strikes. Unfortunately, over the last five years we have averaged over 200 hunger strike incidents every year and the processes that we have are well-established and they work very well  with prisons working alongside our NHS partners every day, making sure our systems are robust and working  and they are.

I am very clear. I dont treat any prisoners differently to others. That is why we will not be meeting any prisoners or their representatives. We have a justice system that is based on the separation of powers, and the independent judiciary is the cornerstone of our system.
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Eight Palestine Action activists have been participating in an open-ended hunger strike in prison for nearly two months over Palestine and several have been hospitalised as their health has reached a critical stage according to a doctor.

The ongoing hunger strikes at HMP Bronzefield began on 2 November and have been called the biggest coordinated prison hunger strike in almost 40 years in the UK, campaign group Prisoners for Palestine said at a press conference on Thursday.

More than 800 doctors, legal experts and family members have sent a letter to the justice secretary David Lammy, urging him to meet their lawyers to discuss the ongoing protest.

The letter comes after one of the hunger strikers, 20-year-old Qesser Zuhrah, who is currently on her 47th day without food, was taken to hospital on Wednesday. Campaigners at Prisoners for Palestine claim that prison staff had refused entry to ambulances and delayed Zuhrahs treatment overnight.

Former Labour and now Your Party MP Zarah Sultana joined activists outside the prison in protest at the treatment received by hunger strikers.

open image in gallery One of the hunger strikers 20-year-old Qesser Zuhrah, who is currently on her 47th day without food, was refused an ambulance for more than 12 hours ( Prisoners For Palestine )

MP Jeremy Corbyn addressed the activism at PMQs on Wednesday, to which Sir Keir Starmer responded that they are following rules and procedures in relation to the hunger strikes.

Over 50 MPs have signed an open letter to Mr Lammy earlier this week including: Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell and Ms Sultana.

Who are the hunger strikers?

Eight prisoners in total have been involved, with two having to end their hunger strikes due to health conditions.

Qesser Zuhrah, 20-years-old, - Day 47

Amu Gib, 30-years-old - Day 47

Heba Muraisi, 31-years-old - Day 46

Jon Cink, 25-years-old - Day 41 (Ended)

Teuta Hoxha, 29-years-old - Day 40

Kamran Ahmed, 28-years-old - Day 39

Lewie Chiaramello, 22-years-old - Day 25 (intermittently 14 days as he has diabetes)

Umer Khalid - 22-years-old, Day 13 (Ended)

What have they been charged with?

Four of the group are accused of playing roles in the break-in to an Israeli-linked defence firm in 2024 and are due to go on trial in May next year at the earliest.

The other four are accused of breaking into RAF Brize Norton in June, where it is alleged they caused millions of pounds worth of damage to two military jets.

Daniel Cooper, the legal representative for all eight prisoners said he sent multiple letters to Mr Lammy to meet to discuss the life threatening deterioration of his clients health.

He said "We make it clear, our effort is to seek to prevent the loss of life. We remain at a loss as to why the Secretary [of State] would not want to engage in a process to save lives? Their lives are at risk, the government has known about this for some time, but for reasons not clear to us, they have refused our requests to meet."

What are their demands?

De-proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist group and for the ban to be lifted

David Lammy to meet with their legal representatives urgently

Defence firms which have links to Israel to be shut down

Immediate bail for their prisoners

Right to a fair trial

Freedom of expression and opinion whilst they are in prison and end to censorship (including missing letters, books banned (including feminist literature), phone calls blocked and visits disrupted.

open image in gallery The ongoing hunger strikes at HMP Bronzefield began on 2 November and have been cited as the biggest coordinated prison hunger strike in UK history since the 1981 H-Block strikes in Northern Ireland by Prisoners for Palestine at a press conference today ( PA )

What is the latest on their medical conditions?

A letter sent by Dr James Smith, A&E doctor and Lecturer at UCL along with the signatures of over 800 doctors stated: "They are at very high risk of serious complications, including organ failure, irreversible neurological damage, cardiac arrhythmias, and death."

Dr James Smith at the press conference confirmed that "the hunger strikers are dying" and added: "the shackling of prisoners when in hospital, even when using toilet facilities, or undergoing medical examinations - this is something I have never seen or experienced in my time as a medical professional."

"It is my view that the British government, private corporations running the prison, the police and in some cases the NHS providers are presently harming these individuals.

Many of the family members of the prisoners spoke at the press conference today about losing contact with the prisoners when they were hospitalised and many of the hunger strikers have had to self-discharge themselves just to let their kin know they are alive.

All have lost a significant percentage of their body weight and the hunger strike in its second month is reaching a critical stage nearing a point of no return, a Prisoners for Palestine spokesperson said at the conference today.

What has been the reaction?

MP Jeremy Corbyn, earlier addressed the hunger strikes in parliament calling on the Minister of Justice to meet the prisoners legal representatives and families to discuss the situation and help move forward to help the safety of the prisoners.

open image in gallery Over 50 MPs have signed an open letter to Lammy earlier this week including: Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell, Zarah Sultana and Zack Polanski. Activist Greta Thunberg has also spoken out about the situation ( X/@zarahsultana )

He explained that the minister of state responded bluntly no to me and some of his colleagues to their eternal disgrace laughed at the strength of his response. I find that contemptible that members of parliament should derive some form of amusement from a ministers obdurate refusal to carry out his own responsibilities.

Mr Corbyn said the hunger strikers are not criminals they are remand prisoners and added: To me theyre brave people who go on the traditions of the suffragettes, the Irish hunger strikers and many others who took the ultimate action of deliberately damaging their own bodies in order to draw attention to a greater crime that is going on.

How has the government responded?

Lord Timpson, minister for prisons, said: We are very experienced at dealing with hunger strikes. Unfortunately, over the last five years we have averaged over 200 hunger strike incidents every year and the processes that we have are well-established and they work very well  with prisons working alongside our NHS partners every day, making sure our systems are robust and working  and they are.

I am very clear. I dont treat any prisoners differently to others. That is why we will not be meeting any prisoners or their representatives. We have a justice system that is based on the separation of powers, and the independent judiciary is the cornerstone of our system.
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A 1970s B-movie company have lost a 250,000 court fight with the makers of Star Wars over horror legend Peter Cushing's special effects "resurrection" in Rogue One.

Mr Cushing OBE, who died of cancer in 1994 aged 81, became a national treasure due to numerous appearances in Hammer horror films between the 1950s and 1970s.

He also made an appearance in the first Star Wars film in 1977 as Grand Moff Tarkin, the imperial officer in charge of the Death Star.

His role as that character was later "recreated" over 20 years after his death by "resurrecting" him using special effects for 2016's $1 billion-grossing Star Wars spin-off Rogue One.

But LucasFilm Ltd and Lunak Heavy Industries (UK) Ltd, the Disney-owned makers of Rogue One, were later sued over claims by a British film company that it had rights over the horror star being brought back to life on screen by technology after his death.

London-based Tyburn Film productions Ltd, a rival to Hammer which produced a series of low-budget horror flicks in the 1970s, said it signed a contract with Mr Cushing in 1993 - a year before his death - which gave it the right "without limitation" to give or withhold consent for his image "being reproduced by...special effects techniques".

open image in gallery The character was originally played by Peter Cushing

The company, whose directors are USA-based executive John Golder and British-based accountant Bernard Thomas, sued the two Disney-owned companies claiming damages for "unjust enrichment" at its expense.

The company valued its losses at over 250,000 but the Disney companies disputed the claim and argued that they hold the rights to the images they used in Mr Cushing's 2016 SFX "resurrection" because they came from the original 1977 Star Wars movie.

After a four years fight the horror film company has now had its claim struck out, after Lady Carr the Lady Chief Justice, Britain's most senior judge, ruled that Tyburn did not lose out through Mr Cushing's image being used in Rogue One.

The court heard that Tyburn launched its claim in 2021, with the Disney companies then battling through a series of court hearings over the next four years in a bid to get the B-movie makers' claim struck out.

But they struggled after two different judges said the issues were too complex and a full trial would be needed.

At a hearing in 2022 barrister for Lucasfilm, and Lunak, Jonathan Hill explained to Judge Francesca Kaye in the High Court that Tyburn signed a contract with Mr Cushing in 1993 "in relation to the intended appearance by Mr Cushing in a television movie, provisionally entitled a Heritage of Horror" which was never made.

open image in gallery Peter Cushing also starred in several Hammer horror films and played Doctor Who during his career (PA) ( PA Archive )

Part of that contract "had sought to make provision for the fact that at the time...Mr Cushing was terminally ill and so there was doubt as to how or whether he might be able to contribute to the TV movie".

The clause gave Tyburn the right to veto Mr Cushing's SFX image being reproduced in the event of the planned TV movie not being made, Tyburn said, suing the two Disney companies for "unjust enrichment".

The court heard the executors of Mr Cushing's estate recorded that the estate received 28,500 after tax for giving permission to Disney for the horror icon's image to be used.

Tom Moody-Stuart KC, for Tyburn, told the judge: "My clients were given a contractual right to be the first to use or the right to withhold consent for Mr Cushing's performance rights being reproduced by technological means.

"Either a direct benefit has been taken from us or an indirect one.

"Lucasfilm needed two consents for it to be fair - one from the estate and one from Tyburn."

open image in gallery A trailer from Rogue One ( Lucasfilm/ILM )

However defending the claim, Mr Hill told the judge that the consent of the estate, whilst obtained, was not necessary because the images used to produce the SFX Peter Cushing had come from the original Star Wars film.

"Mr Cushing did authorise Star Wars Productions to make copies of recordings of his performance," he said.

"The rights in relation to those copies are therefore vested in Star Wars Productions."

In the making of Rogue One, the Disney companies "have evidently worked from their copies of recordings of Mr Cushing's performances," he added.

He said the Disney companies did not need any permission from Tyburn since it already had permission under its agreement with Mr Cushing for his appearance in Star Wars in 1977, adding: "Even if there was an enrichment, it was not at Tyburn's expense".

Lady Carr giving her judgement today agreed, saying that although Tyburn submitted that the Disney companies were directly enriched at their expense, there was no legal basis for this as it was impossible to identify anything that belonged to Tyburn which was transferred to Disney.

She added that the rights which the estate granted to the Disney companies in the 2016 Agreement were not the same as those granted to Tyburn by Mr Cushing under the 2016 agreement.

Lady Carr, sitting with Sir Colin Birss and Lord Justice Zacarol said:

"When Tyburn discovered that Lucasfilm was embarked upon making Rogue One and intended to recreate Mr Cushing in the role of Grand Moff Tarkin, it wrote to Lucasfilm, claiming that it was not permitted to do so without Tyburns consent. Tyburn contended in that letter that it had incurred a substantial loss as a result of Lucasfilms actions/intended actions.

"The losses were said to comprise approximately 250,000 expended on the TVM together with consequential damages for deprivation of the commercial benefit of being first out of the gate with a film starring Mr Cushing after his death.

"It sought to reach an accommodation with Lucasfilm. No such accommodation was reached. Rogue One was completed and went on to be a major commercial success.

"We are required to assume, for the purposes of this appeal, that Tyburn will be able to establish at trial that the appellants were, by reason of the 2016 agreement, enriched, that the enrichment was unjust and that there are no defences available to them.

"The sole issue, therefore, is whether the appellants were enriched at the expense of Tyburn.

"Wherever the line is to be drawn, Tyburns claim is clearly on the wrong side of it.

"Accordingly, we allow this appeal and strike out Tyburns claim against the appellants," the judge concluded.
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Its that time of year again when the weather is getting colder, the knitted jumpers are coming out, and the nation is dreaming about a white Christmas.

But those hoping for snowflakes to cascade from the sky may have to wait a bit longer, as the Met Offices future projections show that a whiteout on Christmas Day is not very likely.

Tom Crabtree, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: High pressure is expected to build into next week, bringing drier and less mild conditions for the Christmas period.

Although temperatures will drop, they are not plummeting. Overnight frosts are likely, and some mist and fog is possible in places, but significant cold weather looks less probable.

Falling temperatures do bring the potential for some wintry showers in the east, but it is too early to discern details for any particular day over the Christmas period.

The threshold for a white Christmas, the Met Office said, requires just a single snowflake to be observed falling on Christmas Day, anywhere in the UK.

Last year, the Met Office predicted a grey Christmas, with patches of rain and cloud coupled with mild temperatures.

The last time there was technically a white Christmas in the UK was in 2023, when 11 per cent of weather stations recorded snow falling, but none reported any settled snow on the ground.

The last time there was widespread settled snow at Christmas was back in 2010. That was the UKs whitest Christmas on record, with 83 per cent of stations recording snow on the ground.

More than half of all Christmas Days since 1960 have met the threshold, with around half of those years seeing at least 5 per cent of weather stations reporting snow falling on the big day.

However, the chances of the snow actually settling are slim: that has only occurred four times, in 1981, 1995, 2009 and 2010.

For most parts of the United Kingdom, Christmas is only at the beginning of the period when it's likely to snow and we are more likely to see snow in January and February than in December, according to the Met Office.

Snow on average settles on the ground (snow lying) 3 days in December, compared to 3.3 days in January, 3.4 days in February and 1.9 days in March (1991 - 2020 long-term averaging period).

Met Office data shows the records of which regions have experienced a White Christmas since 1960 to 2024. They most commonly happen in The Highlands which had the highest occurrences of 175 snowy Christmases, followed closely by Aberdeenshire with 92 cases.

White Christmases were more frequent in the 18th and 19th centuries, even more so before the change of calendar in 1752 which effectively brought Christmas Day back by 12 days.

Climate change has also brought higher average temperatures over land and sea and this generally reduced the chances of a white Christmas.
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The government has urged people to be wary of scams pretending to offer support with energy bills this winter, as fraudsters seek to take advantage of vulnerable individuals.

Millions of households will receive the Warm Home Discount this year, providing a 150 discount on their energy bills. Labours decision to change the eligibility for the scheme means that six million people will receive the payment this year  an increase of 2.7 million.

The change brought in a new rule that means the bill payer must now only receive an eligible means-tested benefit, whereas before they also had to prove they lived in a home with high energy costs.

But scammers are now seeking to take advantage of the scheme by posing as government officials and asking for bank details, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has warned.

For the vast majority of recipients, 150 will be automatically deducted from their energy bill, the department said.

he government has urged people to be wary of scams pretending to offer support with energy bills (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Archive )

Some households may need to provide extra information to ensure they get the discount, and will receive a letter advising them to call the helpline provided.

Most payments should come through in January or February, with a deadline of 31 March for energy firms to apply it to qualifying accounts.

To be eligible for the payment in England and Wales, the bill payer must either receive the guarantee credit element of pension credit or one of:

Housing Benefit

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

Income Support

Universal Credit

The warning comes as millions are struggling with their heating costs in the UK, as energy bills remain stubbornly high. Energy arrears have more than doubled over the past five years, rising to 4.4bn by the end of June, as the the costs of other essentials also continues to rise.

To tackle rising costs, Labour has pledged to cut energy bills by 150 next year by cutting certain levies that are passed on to consumers, with all energy providers expected to take part.

Minister for energy consumers Martin McCluskey said: We know how difficult the festive season can be for those struggling with their bills. Around 6 million households will benefit from 150 off their energy bills this winter, and for many, help is just around the corner.

But fraudsters are well aware of the pressures facing families too. Dont let scammers steal Christmas, and make sure you know how to spot Warm Home Discount scams. If youre eligible for the 150 rebate, the government will not text or call you  we will send you an official letter instead.

Dont get caught out  if it seems too good to be true, check for a letter, too.
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Six councils in and around London have been granted the power to make bigger council tax hikes, after the government slashed their share of funding.

Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Wandsworth, Hammersmith and Fulham, City of London, and Windsor and Maidenhead will all be allowed to raise council tax rates by more than 5 per cent for two years, without the need for a residents referendum.

It comes after the government shifted funding towards more deprived areas as part of an attempt to make England's funding model fairer. But the Tories have accused the government of wanting to "punish" low-tax councils.

open image in gallery Kensington and Chelsea is among the councils allowed to raise council taxes by more than 5 per cent for two years ( Getty/iStock )

The six councils who have been granted pre-authorisation to exceed the usual council tax limits for two years are each facing reductions in funding, while also being among the councils with the lowest tax rates in the country.

Local government and homelessness minister Alison McGovern on Wednesday told the Commons that the exemption for these areas will improve fairness, as taxpayers in those councils have the lowest bills in the country, and this year paid up to 1,280 less than the average council taxpayer.

She added: It will enable the government to allocate more than 250m of funding in the system more fairly, instead of subsidising bills for the half a million households in those council areas.

It will also provide greater flexibility for those authorities in deciding how to manage their finances following our reforms.

The councils will decide on the level of council tax increase to set and whether to draw on the relatively high alternative sources of income from which a number of them benefit.

open image in gallery Alison McGovern said the reforms will improve fairness in funding ( PA Media )

But the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has estimated that Wandsworth and Westminster would need to hike council tax by as much as 75 per cent to balance the books in the wake of the reforms.

As part of the governments new multi-year funding settlement, which sets out local government finances for the three years up to 2029, English councils will receive almost 78 billion for essential services next year, with more money for deprived areas.

According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), councils will see an increase of 23 per cent in their core spending power compared to 2024-25 by the end of the multi-year settlement.

This can be used to pay for services like bin collections, housing and childrens services.

An updated funding system will also be introduced, which aims to make more money available for areas with the greatest need, with the most deprived 10 per cent of councils seeing a 24 per cent per head boost.

The settlement also includes other changes, including letting councils keep all additional council tax from new homes to encourage local growth and home ownership.

In a statement to MPs, Ms McGovern said councils previously didnt have the resources to tackle deprivation.

The last decade and a half of austerity impacted every community, but the very worst effects were felt by people living in the most deprived areas, and that was a choice.

By breaking the link between funding and deprivation, the Tories punished poorer councils, she added.

But the Conservatives said the changes would "punish councils that keep council tax low" whilst "moving funding to badly-run Labour councils that spend irresponsibly".

Shadow local government secretary Sir James Cleverly added: "Inevitably, councils that lose out will be forced to cut services or raise tax - and with referendum principles scrapped, those hikes will be big.
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Sir Keir Starmer is facing another backbench rebellion over his plans to restrict jury trials after 39 Labour MPs signed a letter opposing the plans.

Earlier this month, the justice secretary announced plans to scrap jury trials in England and Wales for crimes that carry a likely sentence of less than three years.

David Lammy also announced that magistrates, who deal with most criminal cases, will take on more work and new swift courts will be set up following recommendations in a review by retired judge Sir Brian Leveson.

However, some of Sir Keirs own MPs have signed a letter describing the plans as madness and warned they are not prepared to support the proposals.

The letter has been organised by Kingston upon Hull MP Karl Turner, who warned that the letter was signed by MPs from different factions and not just the usual suspects.

The drastic restriction of the right to trial by jury is not a silver bullet. To limit a fundamental right for what will make a marginal difference to the backlog, if any, is madness and will cause more problems than it solves, the letter added, warning that the public will not stand for the erosion of a fundamental right.

David Lammy announced the plans in the Commons earlier this month in an attempt to clear the court backlog ( House of Commons )

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Mr Turner said the planned changes were unjust and the right to be heard before a tribunal of their own people had existed for something like 800 years.

It wont work, and Im afraid the government are going to have to realise that and change their tune, he said.

He pointed out that he has never rebelled against the Labour whip himself previously, but is prepared now to do it for the first time.

The Labour MP has previously challenged Sir Keir about the issue in PMQs, warning that jury trials are not the cause of the backlog.

He has also suggested that the restrictions should only be introduced with a sunset clause once the backlog has been cleared.

Meanwhile, Liverpool Walton MP Dan Carden, chair of the influential Blue Labour group, told The Independent: I did serve on a jury this year, and I was incredibly impressed with the whole process. Jury trials are the cornerstone of civic participation and the long history of British justice. Neither of which I wish to see diminished.

Chair of the justice select committee, Andy Slaughter, also warned against the changes.

He told the Commons on Thursday: Restricting jury trial may help to reduce the crown court backlog, but there is no evidence that the use of juries caused the current delay.

Signatories of the letter include senior figures such as Diane Abbott, the former shadow home secretary who is currently suspended from Labour, Vicky Foxcroft from the Tribune group on the left, and Dan Carden, who leads the Blue Labour group on the right.

Meanwhile, the latest data published on Thursday showed the crown court backlog in England and Wales has risen to nearly 80,000 cases, in a new record high.

It is also up 9 per cent from the same point a year earlier, according to Ministry of Justice figures.

The number of cases open for a year or more passed 20,000 for the first time at 20,155 at the end of September, which is up 25 per cent year on year and up 6 per cent from the end of June.

Open caseload refers to the number of outstanding cases.

It comes as Ministry of Justice projections published earlier this month suggested the crown court backlog could reach a high estimate of 125,000 by the end of this parliament under current conditions.

The changes seek to curb victims facing agonising delay in the system as some trials are being listed as far as 2030.

Responding to the record high, Mr Lammy, who is also deputy prime minister, said: This government inherited a system on the brink of collapse.

Victims lives are being put on hold as cases are kicked several years into the future.

The scale of this crisis means tinkering at the edges is not enough. We simply cannot spend our way out of this mess  only fundamental reform can give the brave survivors of crime fairer and faster justice.
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PPE Medpro, the company linked to Baroness Michelle Mone, has been wound up at a specialist companies court.

The decision, made by a judge at a hearing on Thursday, could mean that the government is unlikely to see most of the 148m owed to it by the company after it was found to have breached a contract to supply 25 million surgical gowns during the coronavirus pandemic.

PPE Medpro, a consortium led by Lady Mones husband, businessman Doug Barrowman, had been ordered to pay the sum after losing a High Court battle against the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in October.

But it filed for administration on 30 September, the day before the ruling, with the money still unpaid.

At a hearing at the Insolvency and Companies Court on Thursday, barristers for the three joint administrators asked for PPE Medpro to be kept in administration to pay off some creditors.

Barristers for the DHSC, an unsecured creditor, asked a judge to wind up the company, which they said was hopelessly insolvent.

In a ruling, Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Sebastian Prentis placed the company into liquidation.

He said: I remain of the firm view that the correct course is now to discharge the administrators and to compulsorily wind up the company.

Records filed by PPE Medpros administrators last month showed that, as well as the money owed to the DHSC, HMRC was also claiming 39m in tax from the company.

But the filings revealed it only had around 600,000 available to pay unsecured creditors.

Simon Passfield KC, for PPE Medpros joint administrators, said in written submissions that the company had one secured creditor, Angelo (PTC) Limited, which, according to Companies House, is registered in the Isle of Man.

He continued that the DHSC was the firms largest unsecured creditor and had expressed a clear preference for the company to move immediately into compulsory liquidation.

In court, the barrister said that PPE Medpro had sufficient property to pay off a debt of around 1m to Angelo, and that the administrators believed there would also be a return to the unsecured creditors, including the DHSC.

Mr Passfield continued that there were potential legal claims by the company against third parties, which, if successful, could result in substantial recoveries of funds, but no further details were given in court.

He said: The administrators are as best placed as any liquidator to achieve the best outcome for creditors as a whole.

David Mohyuddin KC, for the DHSC, said in written submissions that there was no realistic alternative to winding up the company.

He said: The only order that the court needs to, and should, make is that Medpro be wound up.

He continued: The courts discretionary power to make a winding-up order against Medpro is clearly engaged: it is obviously and very significantly insolvent.
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A former top judge has said a ban on antisemitic chants at pro-Palestine marches would be exceptionally difficult to prosecute.

The Met Police and Manchester Police announced on Wednesday that anyone chanting controversial slogans such as globalise the intifada would face arrest, in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack and the terror attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester on 2 October.

But asked whether the law allows people using those slogans to be prosecuted in court, former Supreme Court justice Lord Sumption said there are obvious difficulties, because in normal circumstances it is necessary to prove the intention of provoking violence against particular groups.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, he said: What the law says is that if you hold up placards with threatening, abusive or insulting words with the intention, and this is the important thing, of provoking violence against particular groups or people, that is an offence.

Its also an offence to use language which stirs up racial hatred. But the mere holding up of a political slogan, which is essentially what this is, wouldnt be good enough in normal circumstances.

open image in gallery Former Supreme Court judge Lord Sumption says prosecution over slogans and signs will face obvious difficulties ( PA )

I say in normal circumstances because the current circumstances are not normal ... there is an electric atmosphere about Gaza and things that would normally be acceptable may be less acceptable in current circumstances.

He added: I think a prosecution based on nothing more than holding up this placard would be exceptionally difficult to justify. But Im not saying that its impossible.

A former chief constable in Greater Manchester, Sir Peter Fahy, said this ambiguity makes it extremely difficult for police chiefs.

He explained: A lot of this is very nuanced. Its an intersection of public order law, the law on protest, hate crime law, sometimes even counterterrorism law. So its extremely complex.

The government has made various announcements about changing some of those rules, but I dont think theyve been enacted. So for the officers on the front line, it is very confusing.

It comes after two people were arrested on Wednesday after shouting slogans calling for intifada, the Metropolitan Police said.

The arrests were made during a protest by pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the Ministry of Justice in Westminster, London.

A third person was arrested for obstructing police as they made the first two arrests for the chanting.

open image in gallery Police officers watch on as pro-Palestine protesters march down Oxford Street earlier this week ( PA )

The Met later confirmed two further arrests for public order offences, one of which was racially aggravated, bringing the total arrested to five.

The prime ministers official spokesperson earlier this week said that while free speech is an important right in this country, that cant extend to inciting hatred or harassing others, saying the police will use their powers more robustly to tackle the proliferation of antisemitism.

The arrests mark a change in approach from both the Met Police and Greater Manchester Police, who announced earlier on Wednesday that anyone chanting the controversial slogans, such as globalise the intifada, would face arrest.

While the move was welcomed by Jewish groups, Ben Jamal from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign said it infringes on the right to protest, describing it as another low in the political repression of protest for Palestinian rights.

He said the word intifada means shaking off or uprising against injustice and said the implication that slogans used to support the liberation of the Palestinian people are only open to interpretation by groups who have maintained complicit support for Israels oppression of the Palestinian people and denial of their rights is deeply problematic.

The American Jewish Committee describes the phrase as being used by pro-Palestinian activists that calls for aggressive resistance against Israel and those who support Israel.

But its meaning is contested, and protesters claim it is a call to shake off colonialism and for a peaceful resistance to Israels occupation of the West Bank and actions in Gaza.

The UKs Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis welcomed the decision as an important step towards challenging the hateful rhetoric seen on Britains streets.

But the move has also been decried as political repression by campaigners.

During the pro-Palestine protest outside the Ministry of Justice building, police officers walked into the crowd of around 100 people and took individuals away to police vans.

It came after Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and GMP chief constable Sir Stephen Watson said circumstances have changed in the wake of the Bondi Beach mass shooting.

In a rare joint statement, they said: We know communities are concerned about placards and chants such as globalise the intifada, and those using it at future protests or in a targeted way should expect the Met and GMP to take action.

Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed  words have meaning and consequence.

We will act decisively and make arrests.
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The UK has been accused of quietly axing virtually all aid money to Sierra Leone, including a a 35m grant for maternal and newborn health  the first example to emerge of a country losing out in the governments plans to shrink the global development budget by 40 per cent.

The UK-funded programme to Sierra Leone was providing essential medicines and training in hospitals, as well as working to ensure access to blood and testing for preventable causes of maternal death like pre-eclampsia (a serious complication causing high blood pressure).

Run by a consortium of charities including Concern Worldwide and Helen Keller International, it will see its funding reduced from 35m to 1m by 2027, before closing.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) had signalled that some countries would stop receiving aid altogether, but few details have come out so far. However, Pete Baker, deputy director of global health policy at the Center for Global Development think tank has told The Independent that grants to countries were being cut quite quietly behind the scenes.

You'd hope that they'd be willing to be more transparent around some of these cuts given that lives are at stake, he said.

With a much smaller aid budget, the FCDO is prioritising spending on big international funds like the global vaccine alliance Gavi and the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria. These funds have still received cuts, but at a smaller scale than the overall 40 per cent being sliced from the aid budget.

The government has also pledged to maintain its contribution to the humanitarian responses in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. After spending on these areas, there is little money leftover to send directly to other countries in need.

Another part of the Sierra Leone grant delivered by Unicef, which included buying in essential medicines for pregnancy and birth, will end in March - raising questions about how the government in Sierra Leone will take on the sudden expense.

Unicef was also providing special care baby units for sick or premature newborns.

Unicef spokesperson for Sierra Leone, Suzanne Wooster, said: Reductions in funding for newborn and child health risk disrupting essential services at a critical time. Unicef continues to work closely with the government of Sierra Leone and partners to mitigate impacts and safeguard gains made for children and newborns.

We understand there's some trade-offs there, Mr Baker, of the Center for Global Development, said. But this is one of the poorest countries in the world.

It's got really terrible maternal mortality and child mortality rates.

The FCDO was expected to publish further details of where aid cuts will fall over the next three years in the autumn, but this has been delayed  likely into next year, The Independent understands.

An FCDO spokesperson said: The UK is committed to defending and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, and we will continue to work with international partners in support of women and girls. But, they added, the department has been, clear we must modernise our approach to development reflect the changing global context.

The UK had invested more than 187.9m into Sierra Leones health system over the last decade, they added.

Mr Baker said that the UK had a long history of both leadership in global health and reasonably good transparency around some of its decision-making, which it would be a shame to lose.

Sierra Leone had been, a very high priority for UK aid and it's getting some very severe cuts, he added. I think that would be helpful for the public to understand.
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The farming sector is bewildered and frightened of what might lie ahead, with farmers saying changes to inheritance tax are the biggest issue regarding viability they face, a review for the government has found.

Farmers have repeatedly protested against the changes since they were announced last year, which will see them pay tax on inherited agricultural assets worth more than 1m at a rate of 20 per cent.

The farm profitability report by former National Farmers Union president Minette Batters has called for a new deal for profitable farming that recognises the true cost of producing food and delivering for the environment.

open image in gallery Former National Farmers Union president Minette Batters has called for a new deal for profitable farming ( PA )

The terms of the review by Baroness Batters did not include the controversial changes to inheritance tax, but she said it was raised as the single biggest issue regarding farm viability by almost all respondents to her review.

The review comes amid an atmosphere of hostility to the Labour Party in the countryside, with farming communities believing that they were misled by Sir Keir Starmer before the election over his promises to support them.

The issue saw Lancashire Labour MP Cat Smith clash with Sir Keir earlier this week when he appeared before the Commons Liaison Committee.

She warned that he had pulled the rug from under family farms, that those who had voted Labour felt misled, and that some farmers with terminal diagnoses were trying to expedite their own deaths so they could pass on their farms before April.

Another MP, Markus Campbell-Savours, who represents the rural Cumbrian seat of Penrith and Solway, has been suspended from the Labour parliamentary party over voting against the government on the issue.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw welcomed the report, but added: The ball is now in Defras court. Ministers have to drive these priority areas forward. But alongside this, there are other immediate actions that are needed to boost British farming, like providing much-needed clarity and certainty on the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive and doing the right thing on the pernicious inheritance tax changes.

In the review, which was commissioned six months ago and has had publication delayed twice, Baroness Batters warned that the sector had faced a sharp rise in costs and increasingly extreme weather, with severe drought this year.

Uncertainty surrounding the closure of applications to the sustainable farming incentive scheme  the main post-Brexit agricultural payments  and proposed changes to inheritance tax had created significant ongoing concern, with some farmers questioning the viability, let alone profitability.

The government has indicated that it will not formally respond to the report immediately but insisted that it is already putting action in place to help farmers.

open image in gallery The changes have been described as an extraordinary betrayal of farmers ( PA )

Environment secretary Emma Reynolds said: When farming thrives, the whole country benefits. British farmers are central to our food security, our rural economy and the stewardship of our countryside.

Baroness Batters review underlines the need for government, farming and the food industry to work much more closely together. That is exactly what the new Farming and Food Partnership Board will do.

This is about serious action to remove barriers, unlock investment and make the food system work better, so farm businesses can grow, invest and plan for the future with confidence.

Tory MP Matt Vickers said: The report Labour commissioned on farming profitability shows the cruel reality of Rachel Reevess family farm tax. Farmers say its the biggest issue they face  and they are frightened about what might lie ahead.
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Sir Keir Starmer has chosen veteran diplomat Christian Turner as Peter Mandelsons successor as Britains ambassador to the US.

The prime minister has chosen one of the most respected officials in the Foreign Office to pick up the vital US ambassador role after the chaos surrounding Lord Mandelsons sacking.

Lord Mandelson was withdrawn as US ambassador after it emerged he had withheld details of his close relationship with the convicted paedophile and former financier Jeffrey Epstein.

open image in gallery Christian Turner is the new ambassador to the US ( Reuters )

In his place is Mr Turner, who was political director at the FCDO for both the Labour government and the previous Tory administration before being appointed as the UKs representative at the UN in May.

Mr Turner had been the ambassador in Pakistan and had been a key and reliable adviser to a series of foreign secretaries.

Now he moves from New York to Washington DC to pick up the brief of dealing with Donald Trumps White House, with continuing problems regarding sealing a tech deal with the US, getting a fair peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, and resolving the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

After picking a politician for the role in Lord Mandelson, Sir Keir had been under pressure to return to selecting a career diplomat with a wealth of experience.

Another source of tension in UK-US relations is the White Houses national security strategy, which claims Europe faces civilisational erasure and questions whether the continents economies and militaries were strong enough for countries to remain reliable allies.

It is possible he may also be asked to intervene behind the scenes over the president suing the BBC for $10bn over a misportrayal of his January 6 speech in a Panorama documentary.

Mr Trump also recently renewed his attacks on London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, whom he branded a disaster and disgusting.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the US had halted talks on a technology prosperity deal struck during Mr Trumps state visit to the UK.

Sir Keir will be hoping that the transition will be easier than when he appointed Lord Mandelson to replace the highly respected Dame Karen Pierce.

The Independent revealed that Mr Trump initially considered rejecting Lord Mandelsons credentials in an unprecedented move because of his business links with China.

open image in gallery Starmer and Trump have so far had a strong special relationship ( PA )

Only last-minute diplomacy saved the situation, allowing Lord Mandelson to take up residence before he was forced out over the Epstein scandal in just seven months. He was temporarily replaced by James Roscoe, the number two at the embassy.

Mr Turner said he was honoured to be nominated for the role.

At a pivotal time for the transatlantic relationship, I look forward to working with President Trumps administration, and leaders in Congress, business and society to strengthen that bond in the years ahead, he added.

In a statement released by the Foreign Office, Sir Keir said: The United Kingdom and United States have a very special relationship, and Christians extensive experience as an outstanding diplomat will support this uniquely close bond and ensure it continues to flourish.
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As the search for the Brown University suspect entered its fifth day, authorities asked the public to review phone and security footage from the days leading up to the attack, with the hope it could help investigators identify the person.

I believe that this is probably the most intense investigation going on right now in this nation, Providences police chief, Col. Oscar Perez, said at a Wednesday news conference, noting that investigators have collected a lot of crime scene evidence.

Officials have released several videos from the hours and minutes before Saturdays attack, showing the person of interest standing, walking and running along streets near campus. In the video released, the suspect is wearing a mask or their head is turned.

Authorities think footage days and a week before the attack could possibly show the suspect casing the scene ahead of time.

Although Brown President Christina Hull Paxson said there are 1,200 cameras on campus, the attack, which killed two students and wounded nine others, happened in a first-floor classroom in an older part of the engineering building that has fewer, if any cameras, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha noted.

Investigators also believe the shooter entered and left the building through a door that faces a residential street bordering campus, which might explain why the cameras Brown does have didn't capture footage of the person.

open image in gallery Authorities have been canvassing the surrounding neighborhoods and have received about 200 tips

The lack of campus video of the shooter led President Donald Trump to accuse the Ivy League school of being unprepared, posting Wednesday on Truth Social: Why did Brown University have so few Security Cameras? There can be no excuse for that. In the modern age, it just doesnt get worse!!!

Where the investigation stands

Investigators have described the person they're seeking as about 5 feet, 8 inches (173 centimeters) tall and stocky, but they've given no indication that they are close to zeroing in on their identity.

The attacker's motives also remain a mystery, and Neronha batted away questions about what they might be, saying Tuesday, That is a dangerous road to go down.

Authorities have been canvassing the surrounding neighborhoods and have received about 200 tips, and Neronha on Tuesday defended the investigation as going "really well" as he pleaded for patience.

Theres no discouragement among people who understand that not every case can be solved quickly, the attorney general said Wednesday.

Perez declined to say how many witnesses police had spoken to or how many people were in the classroom when the attack happened. But he said his department is being dogged.

Were all over the place. If a tip tells us we need to go down to Connecticut, were going down to Connecticut. If a tip comes in and tells us that we got to go to Boston, were going to Boston, the chief said.

But the timing of the attack, coming just before the winter break, could complicate the investigation, as remaining classes and exams were canceled after the shooting and many students have already gone home.

The investigation also comes as Boston-area police search for the person who killed a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor earlier this week. That attack happened in the professor's home, and the FBI said it had no reason to think the two attacks were linked.Separately, Providence police on Wednesday released a new photo of a separate individual who they said was in proximity of the person of interest" and asked the public to help identify that person so they could speak with them. The person in the new photo is wearing dark pants and a blue jacket, and carrying a light tan bag.

Campus security comes under scrutiny

The attack and shooters escape have raised questions about campus security.

Paxson said Brown has two security systems. One, which is activated in times of emergency, sent out text messages, phone calls and emails that reached 20,000 people. The other features three sirens across the campus and was not activated Saturday, a decision Paxson defended because doing so would have caused people to rush into buildings, including the one where the shooting was happening.

So that is not a system we would ever use in the case of an active shooter, she said.

Brown's website says the sirens can be used when there is an active shooter, but Paxson said it depends on the circumstances" and the location of the shooter.

A city on edge

With the shooter still at-large, Providence remained tense Wednesday as additional police were stationed at city schools to reassure worried parents that their kids would be safe. Some schools canceled after-school activities and field trips.

Prior to the shooting, nearly 1,600 Providence residents were registered to receive texts through a city text alert service. According to the city, 760 new accounts have been created since Sunday, bringing the total number of people registered to receive texts to more than 2,300 as of late Tuesday.Brown also cautioned people to refrain from accusing people online of having any link to the attack, after it said such speculation led to a student being doxed  their identifying information was posted.

Accusations, speculation and conspiracies were seeing on social media and in some news reports are irresponsible, harmful, and in some cases dangerous for the safety of individuals in our community, the school said in a statement.

And the police chief on Wednesday asked the public to stop circulating AI-generated images being shared on social media.

Honoring the victims

About 200 people gathered at a campus church service on Tuesday to honor the victims, including Ella Cook and MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, the two students who died.

open image in gallery About 200 people gathered at a campus church service on Tuesday to honor the victims

Cook was a 19-year-old sophomore from Alabama who was very involved in her church and served as vice president of the Brown College Republicans.

Umurzokov was an 18-year-old freshman from Virginia whose family immigrated to the U.S. from Uzbekistan and who hoped to go to medical school one day.

Mayor Brett Smiley said Wednesday that a third wounded student had been discharged, leaving five still hospitalized in stable condition and one in critical condition.
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In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trumps suggestion earlier this year that the U.S. would resume nuclear testing, a U.S. government representative defended the stance at a global nuclear arms control meeting and pointed to nuclear provocations from Russia, China and North Korea.

U.S. Charge dAffaires to the International Organizations in Vienna Howard Solomon made the previously unpublished comments, which were obtained by The Associated Press, at the Preparatory Commission of the Vienna-based Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization on Nov. 10.

As President Trump indicated, the United States will begin testing activities on an equal basis with other nuclear-armed states. This process will begin immediately and proceed in a manner fully consistent with our commitment to transparency and national security," Solomon said.

Solomon provided further explanation by noting, For any who question this decision, context is important. Since 2019, including in this forum, the United States has raised concerns that Russia and China have not adhered to the zero-yield nuclear test moratorium, he said, adding that the concerns remain valid.

Solomon's comment referred to so-called supercritical nuclear test explosions banned under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, known as CTBT, where fissile material is compressed to start a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction that creates an explosion.

The explosive tests produce an amount of energy released, referred to as nuclear yield, which defines a weapons destructive power. The treaty bans any nuclear explosion with a yield, even a very small one, following a zero-yield standard.

"Our concerns with Russia and China are in addition to the activities of North Korea, which has conducted six nuclear explosive tests this century, Solomon said.

The global monitoring network established alongside the treaty in 1996 to register nuclear tests worldwide has detected all of North Koreas six nuclear tests this century. Those were tests with larger yields.

However, the monitoring network is unable to detect very low-yield supercritical nuclear tests conducted underground in metal chambers, experts say.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately reply to a request for comment on whether Solomon was referring to low-yield supercritical nuclear tests.

US says Russia and China are testing

China and Russia, which have signed but not ratified the treaty, say they adhere to a nuclear testing moratorium.

But since 2019, the U.S. State Department has publicly expressed concerns about China and Russia not adhering to their zero-yield testing moratoria. Annual reports on compliance with arms control agreements to the U.S. Congress cite possible activities at the Lop Nur nuclear testing site in the Xinjiang region of northwestern China and Russias Novaya Zemlya site, a remote Arctic archipelago.

In an interview for 60 Minutes that aired Nov. 2 on CBS News, Trump said, Russias testing, and Chinas testing, but they dont talk about it. You know, were a open society. Were different. We talk about it.

They dont go and tell you about it, Trump continued. You know, as powerful as they are, this is a big world. You dont necessarily know where theyre testing. They  they test way under  underground where people dont know exactly whats happening with the test.

A White House official, asked for comment on whether Trump was referring to low-yield supercritical nuclear tests conducted underground, said the president had directed tests be done on an equal basis to other countries. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the record about the testing plans.

Other countries have accelerated their testing programs and Trump wants to act accordingly, the official said without providing further details.

Russia denies testing

Solomons comments in Vienna came in response to Russias Permanent Representative to the International Organizations, Mikhail Ulyanov, at a closed-door meeting of the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO, an international body based in Vienna that monitors compliance with the nuclear test ban.

The resumption of nuclear testing could cause significant damage to the nuclear non-proliferation regime and international security, Ulyanov said.

We consider it fundamentally important that the U.S. side provide a clear and detailed explanation of its position on the resumption of nuclear testing, he added. We expect the U.S. to respond appropriately and without further delay.

Ulyanov also rejected the completely unacceptable and unsubstantiated allegations that Russia is conducting nuclear tests.

These are false accusations. We consider such escalatory rhetoric unacceptable, he said.

Limited nuclear use remains a risk

Solomon refuted Ulyanovs comments, saying it is surprising to hear such statements coming from a state that has not adhered to the zero-yield nuclear test moratorium.

Solomon then cited additional U.S. concerns, including Russias ongoing violations of New START, the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between Moscow and Washington, Russias disproportionately large stockpile of non-strategic nuclear weapons and Russian nuclear doctrine.

The weapons referred to by Solomon generally have a lower explosive power than strategic nuclear weapons and are designed for use on the battlefield. They can still cause immense destruction.

Despite being physically smaller, experts consider nonstrategic nuclear weapons dangerous because the threshold for use is considered lower. The weapons are not covered by arms control treaties, making development easier for Russia and other states without oversight or limits.

The Nuclear Notebook, a renowned annual report published by the Federation of American Scientists in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, highlighted this point in this years edition.

Of particular concern is the role that nonstrategic nuclear weapons play because it may be this category of nuclear weapon that would be used first in a potential military escalation with NATO," the report said.

Russia has between 1,000 and 2,000 nonstrategic nuclear warheads as of the latest unclassified assessment in 2023, according to the U.S. State Department, far more than the approximately 200 such weapons the U.S. maintains.

Nuclear arms control is on the ropes

By contrast, strategic nuclear weapons are even more powerful and are designed to be used deep inside an enemys territory, far away from the actual battlefield where friendly forces may be located and risk being killed.

The U.S. and Russia have a comparable total number of deployed strategic nuclear weapons, with 1,718 for Moscow and 1,770 for Washington, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

These weapons are capped by New START, formally known as the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms. It was signed by the Obama administration in 2010 and took effect in February 2011 as a 10-year agreement.

Russia suspended its participation in New START in 2023 but did not withdraw from the treaty. Russian President Vladimir Putin in September declared Moscows readiness to adhere to the treatys limits for one more year.

Trump said in October it sounded like a good idea.

Without the treaty, which will expire Feb. 5, the U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals would be unconstrained for the first time in decades.

___

The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

___

Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/
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New footage shows the dramatic moment Georgia police rescued a five-year-old boy with autism from a sewer drain.

The rescue mission started when officers responded to reports of a missing five-year-old boy who had wandered away from the playground at Peachtree Ridge Park in Suwanee, Georgia, on November 15, according to a statement from the Gwinnett County Police Department.

Police searched for the boy for nearly an hour before one officer discovered a fence near a retention pond had been pulled up. When he went under it, he noticed there was a nearby sewer drain.

He followed his instinct, went under the fence, and checked in a sewer drain of a nearby neighborhood. Officer Hugley called out to the boy and heard something back, the Gwinnett County Police said in a statement.

open image in gallery A Georgia police discovered the five-year-old boy had crawled into a sewer drain ( Gwinnett County Police )

Another officer arrived, and he crawled into the sewer to rescue the five-year-old.

Officer Nunez arrived and crawled into the sewer and found the boy a couple hundred feet into the drain. While Officer Nunez was crawling through the sewer, Lt. Huggins located the nearest drain hole cover and directed them to his location, the police department said in a statement.

The five-year-old was safely removed from the sewer without any injuries, according to police.

open image in gallery The five-year-old was offered a snack and bottle of water after he was rescued from the sewer drain 'without any injuries' ( Gwinnett County Police )

Footage released by the police department shows an officer asking the parents if the five-year-old has any nicknames. Bubby, or Two, one of his parents said.

Once the officer found the storm drain, a faint voice could be heard. He called out: Bubby? Two, is that you?

Bubby, Two, come here, its the police, he said. Come here  hi bubby, come here, Im here to help you.

He continued to call out for the boy as another officer crawled inside. Soon afterward, the officer declared: Nunez got him!

The five-year-old was offered a snack and bottle of water as crews checked him for injuries. He was then reunited with his parents.
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A plane crash at a North Carolina airport has left seven people dead, including a former NASCAR driver and his family.

NASCAR star Greg Biffle and his family were on board a Cessna C550 jet that crashed around 10:15 a.m. Thursday, while landing at the Statesville Regional Airport, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol told The Independent. Flight records indicate the plane was operated by a company Biffle owned, the Associated Press reports.

State police confirmed that it is believed Mr Gregory Biffle and members of his immediate family were occupants of the airplane, but said a full list of occupants will be released upon confirmation by the medical examiners office.

Meanwhile, NASCAR released a statement indicating Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their children, Emma and Ryder, died in the crash. The association identified the other victims as Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton and Jack Dutton.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Gregs entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life, NASCARs statement reads.

The families of the victims have also released a statement.

Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Gregs daughter Emma (mother  Nicole Lunders). Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child, the statement reads.

open image in gallery Greg Biffle poses with a trophy and cash prize in 2019 ( Getty )

The statement continues: Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him.

Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.

Biffle, who was 55 and retired, was named one of NASCARs 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. Last year, he also accepted NASCARs Myers Brothers Award, which recognized his efforts to provide aid in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. The award-winning driver was affectionately nicknamed The Biff.

Richard Hudson, a North Carolina Representative, paid tribute to the Biffles in a social media post.

I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them, Hudson wrote.

open image in gallery The plane burst into flames after it crashed at the Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday morning ( AP )

The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. Thats who the Biffles were, he added.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein called the crash heartbreaking.

Beyond his success as a NASCAR driver, Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion and stepped up for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one in this tragic crash, he wrote on X.

The plane was scheduled to later fly from Sarasota, Florida, to Treasure Cay International Airport in the Bahamas, according to the AP. It was then set to return to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Statesville Regional Airport, which is located about 50 miles north of Charlotte, provides corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams, according to its website.

open image in gallery Seven people were on board the Cessna C550 jet, officials said ( AP )

Photos from the scene showed the plane engulfed in flames near the airports runway. The plane took off from the airport before immediately turning back around and attempting to land, WCNC reports.

William Hamby, chief deputy for the Iredell County Sheriffs Office, told The Independent his agency sent a Mobile Command Unit to the scene to help with the investigation shortly after the crash.

The investigation will be conducted by the North Carolina Highway Patrol and the FAA. Our agency was first on scene and reported back the initial information, he said.

About 80 minutes after the crash, the airports weather station recorded light rain and visibility of less than three miles, though its unclear if these conditions were present during the crash, CNN reports.

The National Transportation Safety Board plans to provide further updates at press conference scheduled for Friday.
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The conservative youth organisation Turning Point USA is set to hold its flagship conference this Thursday, marking the first gathering since the assassination of its influential founder, Charlie Kirk.

This event will test the resilience of a divided movement instrumental in the return of Donald Trump to the White House.

Kirk had been a pivotal unifying force on the American right, bringing together college students, online personalities, and Republican figures. However, the populist faction of the party is now embroiled in disputes over the interpretation of "America First" and the direction of a movement largely shaped by Donald Trump's persona rather than a fixed ideology.

Thousands are anticipated to attend the four-day summit in Phoenix. The lineup includes Vice President JD Vance, various media personalities, and several officials from the Trump administration, alongside Christian rock groups and religious leaders. Participants can expect opportunities for selfies with prominent figures and engagement in discussions spanning political organisation, faith, and conservative critiques of American society.

Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, will have a prominent role as the organization's new leader. The conference promises to be an extended tribute to her husband, who many on the right see as a martyr for conservatism and Christianity after he was slain at only 31 years old.

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old charged with shooting and killing Kirk while he spoke at Utah Valley University in September, appeared in court last week. Robinson has not entered a plea. Authorities say he told his romantic partner that he killed Kirk because he "had enough of his hatred."

open image in gallery Utah Valley University students embrace during a vigil for Charlie Kirk ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The last time Turning Point held its AmericaFest conference, weeks after Trump's comeback victory one year ago, the MAGA movement was ebullient as Republicans prepared for a new era of total control in Washington.

Now the party faces challenging midterm elections, with Trump constitutionally prohibited from running again and his more ideologically motivated acolytes positioning to steer the movement after he leaves office. Meanwhile, conservatives have been roiled by conflicts over antisemitism in its ranks, which Trump has declined to mediate.

A lineup of MAGA influencers

Turning Point is known for highly produced events that feel more like rock concerts or megachurch services than political rallies, complete with pyrotechnics and floor-shaking bass.

The speaker lineup is a who's who of conservative influencers and pastors, including some who have openly feuded with each other in recent weeks. It includes some of the biggest names in MAGA media, including Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Jesse Watters, Steve Bannon, Ben Shapiro and Jack Posobiec.

The jockeying for influence has accelerated since Kirk's death, which left a void in the organization he founded and in the broader conservative movement.

"Charlie was the unifying figure for the movement," conservative commentator Michael Knowles said at a Turning Point event just weeks after Kirk's death.

"The biggest threat right now is that without that single figure that we were all friends with, who could really hold it together, things could spin off in different directions," Knowles said. "We have to make sure that doesn't happen."

Among the fissures that has deepened since Kirk's death is whether Republicans should continue its unflinching support for Israel and the war in Gaza. There are also concerns about whether the movement should accommodate people with anti-Jewish views.

The schism burst into the open when the head of the influential Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts, defended Carlson for conducting a friendly interview with podcaster Nick Fuentes, whose followers, known as "groypers," see themselves as working to preserve a white, Christian identity in America. Roberts' comments sparked outrage from some Heritage staffers, senators and conservative activists.

open image in gallery Nick Fuentes rages against Tucker Carlson ( Rumble )

Fuentes had long feuded with Kirk, who worked to marginalize Fuentes within the conservative movement. Groypers enjoyed crashing Turning Point events to spar with Kirk.

Carlson and Shapiro, who has sharply criticized Fuentes and Carlson, are both scheduled to speak on Thursday, the first day of the conference.

Erika Kirk confronts conspiracies

Turning Point has also faced turmoil over conspiracy theories spread by Candace Owens, a former employee who hosts a top-rated podcast. Owens has alleged without evidence that Israeli spies were involved in Kirk's death and that he was betrayed by people close to him. Authorities say Robinson acted alone.

Asked about Owens and others spreading conspiracy theories during a CBS News town hall, Erika Kirk responded with one word: "Stop." She said Owens is making money off her family's tragedy, adding that conspiracy peddlers risk tainting the jury pool and allowing her husband's killer to get away with it.

Last weekend, with the Turning Point conference looming, Kirk and Owens agreed to a temporary detente until a private meeting. It didn't last long.

After the meeting on Monday, Owens said on her show that she and Kirk spoke for 4 { hours but she still doubted that Robinson acted alone. Kirk wrote on X that they had "a very productive conversation" and it was "time to get back to work."

Erika Kirk steps into the spotlight

While grieving her husband, Erika Kirk has slowly stepped up her public appearances. She spoke at the funeral, memorably forgiving her husband's alleged killer, and at a Turning Point event in Mississippi in October.

open image in gallery Erika Kirk ( Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images )

An entrepreneur and podcaster, she often appeared with her husband at Turning Point events. The former 2012 Miss Arizona USA has also worked as a model, actress and casting director, and she founded a Christian clothing line, Proclaim, and a ministry that teaches about the Bible.

Before her husband's death, she talked openly about prioritizing her family ahead of her career and described a marriage with traditional gender roles. Now she's taking on the demanding job leading Turning Point, an organization that resonated in particular with young men.

At a memorial for her husband, Erika said "Charlie and I were united in purpose."

"His passion was my passion, and now his mission is my mission," she said. "Everything that Turning Point USA built through Charlie's vision and hard work, we will make 10 times greater through the power of his memory."
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Members of the U.S. Senate are demanding answers from toy companies that implement artificial intelligence into products intended for young children.

Senators Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, and Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, sent joint letters to the CEOs of Little Learners Toys, Mattel, Miko, Curio, FoloToy and Keyi Robot asking for information about the companies' data-sharing policies, if and how they test the toys for potential psychological and development impacts on children, and what safety tools they have in place to prevent sexual or inappropriate content in their products, according to NBC News.

While AI has incredible potential to benefit children with learning and accessibility, experts have raised concerns about AI toys and the lack of research that has been conducted to understand the full effect of these products on our kids, the senators wrote in the joint letters.

The letters note that toymakers have a unique and profound influence on childhood  and with that influence comes responsibility."

"Your company must not choose profit over safety for children," the letters say.

A group of AI-enabled toys. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal have sent joint letters to several companies producing the toys asking them for detailed information about the toys capabilities and the companies built in tools to protect childrens privacy and health ( The Public Interest Network )

The letters come in the wake of an NBC News and U.S. Public Interest Group Education Fund report, published last week, that alleges that several AI-incorporated toys from different brands have the ability to engage in sexual or otherwise inappropriate conversations with users.

In one example, the Miiloo plush toy from Miriat was successfully prompted to provide instructions for lighting a match or sharpen a knife.

Some of the toys produced by the companies targeted by the letter are aimed at children as young as three. In addition to questioning the nature of the conversations the toys can have, the senators raised concerns that children could become overly attached or addicted to the AI characters.

The letter has asked the recipient companies to provide detailed information about their safety tools, documenting how they prevent products from "generating sexually explicit, violent, or otherwise inappropriate content for children.

It has also asked about data collection and how that data is used by the companies. Miko said its products store a "user's face, voice, and emotional states" for up to three years in its servers.

Curio, one of the companies that received the letter, told NBC News that it "looks forward to collaborating with Senator Blackburn and Senator Blumenthal on this important issue. Child safety is the teams highest priority, and we take concerns raised by families and public officials very seriously."

The Independent has requested comment from the companies that received a letter.
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The U.S. government has formally admitted its role in the tragic January air collision near Washington, D.C., which claimed 67 lives.

In its official response to the first lawsuit filed by a victim's family, authorities conceded that both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Army contributed to the disaster.

The government's liability stems partly from an air traffic controller's procedural violations regarding visual separation, alongside the Army helicopter pilots' "failure to maintain vigilance so as to see and avoid" the approaching airline jet. However, the filing also suggested potential involvement from other parties, including the jet's pilots and the airlines themselves. American Airlines and its regional partner, PSA Airlines, which were also named in the lawsuit, have since filed motions seeking dismissal.

The incident saw a Black Hawk helicopter apparently fly into the path of an American Airlines regional jet as it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport in northern Virginia. Following the crash, 28 bodies were recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac River. The aircraft was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while three soldiers were aboard the helicopter, bringing the total fatalities to 67.

The National Transportation Safety Board will release its report on the cause of the crash early next year. ( AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File )

Robert Clifford, one of the attorneys for the family of victim Casey Crafton said the government admitted the Armys responsibility for the needless loss of life and the FAAs failure to follow air traffic control procedures while rightfully acknowledging others - American Airlines and PSA Airlines - also contributed to the deaths.

The families of the victims remain deeply saddened and anchored in the grief caused by this tragic loss of life, he said.

The National Transportation Safety Board will release its report on the cause of the crash early next year, but investigators have already highlighted a number of factors that contributed, including the helicopter flying too high on a route that allowed only scant separation between planes landing on Reagan's secondary runway and helicopters passing below. Plus, the NTSB said, the FAA failed to recognize the dangers around the busy airport even after 85 near misses in the three years before the crash.

Before the collision, the controller twice asked the helicopter pilots whether they had the jet in sight, and the pilots said they did and asked for visual separation approval so they could use their own eyes to maintain distance. FAA officials acknowledged at the NTSBs investigative hearings that the controllers at Reagan had become overly reliant on the use of visual separation. Thats a practice the agency has since ended.

Witnesses told the NTSB that they have serious questions about how well the helicopter crew could spot the plane while wearing night vision goggles and whether the pilots were even looking in the right spot.
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Following the Bari Weiss-moderated sitdown with Erika Kirk that was a massive ratings flop, CBS News has doubled down on the format and is launching a new town hall series in partnership with Weiss anti-woke digital media outlet that the networks parent company recently purchased.

According to the networks press release, the series of town halls and debates will be called Things That Matter, and the first participant will be Vice President JD Vance. According to a network source, the Vance interview will air in early 2026, with the venue and date to be determined.

We live in a divided country. A country where many cannot talk to those with whom they disagree. Where people cant speak across the political divide  or even sometimes across the kitchen table, the network said Thursday. THINGS THAT MATTER aims to change that.

Sponsored by Bank of America and presented by both CBS News and The Free Press, the series will also feature OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. The network stated that the events will be held across the country, in front of audiences who have a stake in the topics under discussion.

The Independent has learned that other CBS News moderators will also host the town halls, meaning it will not just be limited to Weiss.

open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance will be the first participant in a new CBS News town hall series, which comes in the wake of Bari Weiss underwhelming sitdown with Erika Kirk. ( Getty )

Based on the press release, the town halls will focus on religion, feminism, capitalism, artificial intelligence and the state of politics. The debates echo the countrys 250th anniversary, showing how the power of Americas earliest principles  civil, substantive discussion, free of rancor  have immense value today, CBS News declared.

Weiss, who was named CBS News editor-in-chief in October by Paramount chair David Ellison, teased at the end of her town hall with Kirk that CBS News would be airing similar specials in the near future. So stay tuned. More town halls, more debates, more talking about the things that matter, she remarked.

Even before to the much-hyped Kirk broadcast, which was touted by the network as an opportunity to explore life, loss, and the state of political discourse with the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Weiss had publicly expressed a desire to use on-air debates to speak for the 75 percent for the people that are on the center left and the center right.The example she used at that time to make her point, a Free Press debate between former Jeffrey Epstein lawyer Alan Dershowitz and ex-NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch, sparked mockery after she claimed it showed that centrist news could be explicitly charismatic.

Weiss, whom staffers called shallow and desperate to be on TV for booking herself as the moderator of the Kirk town hall, insisted that Things That Matter will appeal to the bulk of Americans in a Thursday statement.

We believe that the vast majority of Americans crave honest conversation and civil, passionate debate, she said. This series is for them. In a moment in which people believe that truth is whatever they are served on their social media feed, we can think of nothing more important than insisting that the only way to get to the truth is by speaking to one another.

The relative lack of interest in Saturdays heavily promoted Kirk town hall, however, would indicate that the vast majority of Americans may actually not be craving what Weiss is selling.

Despite following an Army-Navy game that pulled in 7.3 million viewers, the Weiss-Kirk special averaged 1.867 million total viewers and 265,000 in the coveted advertising demographic of adults aged 25 to 54.

While CBS News has spun the town hall as a successful ratings win, noting that it drove double-digit ratings increases in its time slot compared to recent weeks and was its most-watched interview ever on social media, those numbers dont tell the whole story.

Though Saturday nights at 8 p.m. ET are typically among the lowest-rated primetime hours on broadcast television, CBS has generally drawn more than 2 million viewers in that time slot this year. In fact, according to Nielsen, the network has averaged 2.109 million viewers and 449,000 in the 25-54 demographic in that hour throughout 2025, representing a 41 percent drop in the key demo and an 11 percent decline in total viewership for the Kirk town hall.

open image in gallery Weiss speaks with TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk about her husband's assassination during a primetime town hall event. ( YouTube )

On top of that, though CBS News has nearly 7 million subscribers to its YouTube channel, the streamed version of the event and an extended episode have barely attracted a combined 200,000 views over the past few days.

Its pretty rich theyre calling this THINGS THAT MATTER. To whom exactly? It should really be called, things Bari Weiss wants to lecture America about, one CBS News staffer told The Independent. And after the first so-called Town Hall, its pretty clear America doesnt want to be lectured at by Bari Weiss.

Though the town hall series is the brainchild of Weiss and is co-presented by The Free Press, she will not be the only moderator of the events, as other CBS News on-air personalities will also host the specials.

Meanwhile, in recent days, Weiss and CBS News president Tom Cibrowski havent really spoken to network employees about the Kirk town hall. Sources told The Independent that the pair didnt address the event during Monday mornings editorial meeting.

Clearly not a chest-thumping victory, one staffer noted, while Pucks Dylan Byers reported that Weiss had even told her fellow executives that there was no need to linger on it. At the same time, based on Thursdays announcement, Weiss and the network are clearly committed to the format.

Amid the teeth-gnashing over the soft reception for Weiss on-air CBS debut, the top editor has also delayed a loosely planned internal town hall until January. As Status News noted, that decision came just as the network was grappling with underwhelming ratings for a broadcast it had heavily promoted as a signal of its new editorial direction.

Elsewhere this week, Weiss also announced members of her new executive team, which will include Sam Siegel as chief operating officer and Sophia Efthimiatou as senior vice president of talent and brand strategy.

She also revealed that she had created an editorial masthead, making it official that former Wall Street Journal editor Charles Forelle is now managing editor, while her close pal Adam Rubenstein will serve as CBS News deputy editor  the same role he holds at The Free Press.

Additionally, according to Byers, Weiss is also planning to sign a bevy of new on-air contributors, which will include former national security advisor H.R. McMaster, ex-Marine Elliot Ackerman, cultural analyst Casey Lewis, chef and food writer Clare de Boer, and Pucks own Lauren Sherman.
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FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is set to depart his role next month, concluding a brief tenure as the bureau's second-highest official.

I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you, Bongino said on X.

President Donald Trump took questions from reporters earlier on Wednesday and was asked, Did Dan Bongino tell you why hes leaving the FBI?

Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show, Trump responded.

Bonginos tenure with the department has been in question since July, when he reportedly clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the administrations failure to release the Jeffrey Epstein files over the summer.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is set to depart his role next month, concluding a brief tenure as the bureau's second-highest official ( Getty )

In August, the FBI appointed Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as its new co-deputy director, meaning Bongino had to share his duties.

However, at the time, Trump and the White House denied the allegations.

President Trump has assembled a highly qualified and experienced law and order team dedicated to protecting Americans, holding criminals accountable, and delivering justice to victims, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in a statement.

This work is being carried out seamlessly and with unity. Any attempt to sow division within this team is baseless and distracts from the real progress being made in restoring public safety and pursuing justice for all.

Bongino, 50, was an NYPD officer for two years before joining the Secret Service in 1999, going on to serve in the protection details for former U.S. presidents, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Bongino left the Secret Service in 2011 to mount a campaign to run for a Senate seat in Maryland. At the same time, he launched his media career with various incarnations of a radio show that would later become The Dan Bongino Show, which is now hosted on Rumble.

He began contributing political commentary on Fox News soon after his departure from the Secret Service and had a Saturday night show Canceled in the USA with the network from 2021 to 2023. The show saw him interviewing people who he believed had been canceled by the media over their opinions.
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The Democratic National Committee is backtracking on a previous pledge to release its report analyzing the party's 2024 electoral losses.

DNC Chair Ken Martin had said he would release the report's findings to the public just hours after he was elected to his position back in February.

A DNC official who spoke to Politico on condition of anonymity on Wednesday said some party leaders expressed concerns about releasing the findings. According to the source, those Democrats did not want to rehash the party's electoral failures and instead focus on what is expected to be a strong midterm year for Democrats.

This year's special elections were strong for Democrats. Both Virginia and New Jersey elected a slate of Democratic state officials, including governors. In New York City, Zohran Mamdani was elected to become the city's new mayor.

Politico reviewed a portion of the report, which did not include mention of Joe Biden's age or health, and suggested Democrats are split on why former Vice President Kamala Harris lost to President Donald Trump.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin has reversed course on his pledge to release a report examining the partys major 2024 electoral losses ( AP )

Matin issued a statement about the report, saying the party was "putting our learnings into motion."

In our conversations with stakeholders from across the Democratic ecosystem, we are aligned on whats important, and thats learning from the past and winning the future, Martin said. Heres our North Star: does this help us win? If the answer is no, its a distraction from the core mission.

He has not commented publicly on why he changed his mind.

Of course it will be released, Martin said in February, speaking about the 2024 autopsy report. There has to be some lessons that we glean on that so we can operationalize it, not just here in DC, but through all of the 57 state parties, and, of course, the county parties, so people have a sense of what we need to do.

The source speaking to Politico said the report found that Democrats were defensive about immigration and public safety, and it urged campaigns to prioritize engaging with voters rather than just canvassing and phone banking.

It also called for investments in relational organizing and year-round field infrastructure.

Regarding voters, the analysis reportedly noted the party losing the support of young voters and noted that Republicans more successfully used influencers and online culture to cultivate youth voters.

The Independent has requested comment from the DNC.
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The Department of Justice is hours away from a deadline, imposed by Congress, to release hundreds of documents related to the governments investigation into the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

By Friday, December 19, the department must release all unclassified documents, investigation material and internal communications from probes into Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. That includes flight logs and references to named individuals, including potentially government officials.

The highly anticipated release is part of some lawmakers efforts for greater transparency about the Epstein investigation. The multimillionaire financier was accused of sexually abusing young women and girls before he died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial on trafficking charges in 2019. Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for crimes associated with Epsteins abuse.

open image in gallery Members of the public and his own party have been pressuring Trump and his administration to make information about Epsteins crimes publicly available ( AFP/Getty )

Thousands of documents about Epsteins crimes have already been released through criminal and civil litigation. House Democrats have also released photos and paperwork with the latest tranche issued Thursday.

Heres what else the public can expect ahead of the release.

Why is this happening now?

Last month, nearly every member of Congress voted for the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which gave the Department of Justice some 30 days to gather, redact and release the trove of documents related to the governments investigations into Epstein and Maxwell.

While nearly unanimous, it took weeks for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to force a vote on the House floor, due to the government shutdown and initial pushback from President Donald Trump.

Despite Trump asserting on the campaign trail that he would release the Epstein files when in the White House, he and key administration officials reversed their position earlier this year and claimed there was no new or necessary information to be released.

But facing immense public pressure, including from members of his own MAGA base and survivors of Epsteins abuse, the president gave Republicans the go-ahead to vote in favor of the bill.

open image in gallery Photos, released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, show Epstein and Trump in each others company  long before Trump cut ties with the disgraced financier. The president has not been accused of any wrongdoing ( House Oversight Committee )

What could be released?

Its unclear, given that the government has vast discretion to redact certain information. But its possible that the new information will provide more details about how investigators went after Epstein, and whether they considered other charges.

Epstein was under federal investigation twice, the first in Florida in 2006. But despite being indicted, the U.S. Attorney at the time, Alex Acosta, arranged a controversial agreement for the multimillionaire to plead guilty to two state charges, as well as a prison sentence and a requirement that he register as a sex offender, in exchange for the federal case to be dropped.

The second investigation led to a 2019 sex trafficking indictment in New York and Epsteins arrest. However, he died in prison before he could face trial.

Judges in Florida and New York have approved the release of grand jury materials that were used to bring the two separate indictments against Epstein, as well as the one against Maxwell.

While the grand jury materials may contain some information, they represent only a fraction of the documents in the Justice Departments possession.

However, the judge who approved the release of grand jury materials in Maxwells case warned that they would learn next to nothing new from the documents.

open image in gallery Ashley Rubright, a survivor of Epsteins abuse, is part of a group pushing for lawmakers to compel the Justice Department to release the files ( Getty )

The judge said the materials do not identify perpetrators other than Epstein and Maxwell; do not discuss Epsteins alleged clients; and dont reveal any unknown methods of Epstein or Maxwells crimes. Nor do they reveal any other location where crimes occurred, the judge added.

What will be redacted?

Under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Attorney General Pam Bondi is permitted to redact information that could identify victims, their medical files, or be considered an invasion of personal privacy.

Bondi can also redact anything that depicts or contains sexual abuse materials, death or physical abuse or injury of another person, as well as any information that could jeopardize an ongoing federal investigation.

The Justice Department is also permitted to redact information in the interest of national security or foreign policy.

What has been released so far?

Most of the key information about Epstein and his crimes has been released through public disclosures in civil and criminal lawsuits as well as Freedom of Information Act requests from news organizations.

Police reports, state grand jury records, flight records, Epsteins address book and interviews with Epsteins employees have been public for years.

open image in gallery Evidence from Maxwells federal sex trafficking trial revealed many of the details about their crimes ( US District Court for the Southern District of New York )

Much of the information people are familiar with was released during Maxwells 2021 federal sex trafficking trial, which led to her conviction on child sex trafficking and other offenses.

Earlier this year, the Justice Department released footage from the Manhattan jail where Epstein died, though it was noticeably missing one minute from its timestamp. Officials attribute that to an error in the surveillance system.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have also recently released photos of Epsteins estate on his private island and Epstein with some of his high-profile and powerful friends and associates, including Trump and former President Bill Clinton. A persons appearance in the files or in images alongside Epstein does not allege wrongdoing.
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New York Times columnist David Brooks was featured in the latest tranche of photographs from Jeffrey Epsteins estate  one month after Brooks wrote a column dismissing the obsession over the Epstein files.

In a series of photographs from an event with the deceased sexual predator, which were made public Thursday, Brooks could be seen smiling directly at the camera while having drinks and eating dinner with other guests.

However, this dinner was not mentioned in a column Brooks wrote last month in which the conservative writer groused about the amount of political oxygen the Epstein case had taken up in Washington, especially among Democrats.

What I dont understand is why some Democrats are hopping on this bandwagon. They may believe that the Epstein file release will somehow hurt Trump, he stated in the piece. But they are undermining public trust and sowing public cynicism in ways that make the entire progressive project impossible. They are contributing to a public atmosphere in which right-wing populism naturally thrives.

The column, titled The Epstein Story? Count Me Out, also saw Brooks going to bat for the political and business elite, insisting that they shouldnt be painted with a broad brush and portrayed as sexual deviants.

open image in gallery David Brooks appeared in the latest tranche of Epstein documents released on Thursday. The NY Times brushed it off as a one-time thing. ( House Oversight Committee )

open image in gallery Brooks could be seen smiling directly at the camera while having drinks and eating dinner with other guests in one photo ( House Oversight Commitee )

I know a thing or two about the American elite, ahem, and if youve read my work, you may be sick of my assaults on the educated elites for being insular, self-indulgent and smug, Brooks wrote last month. But the phrase the Epstein class is inaccurate, unfair and irresponsible. Say what you will about our financial, educational, nonprofit and political elites, but they are not mass rapists.

Asked why Brooks article didnt contain any disclosure about the Epstein event, and if the paper would be taking any action towards Brooks over Thursdays revelation, a New York Times spokesperson stated that the meeting was a one-time situation and part of his relationship-building efforts.

As a journalist, David Brooks regularly attends events to speak with noted and important business leaders to inform his columns, which is exactly what happened at this 2011 event, the spokesperson said. Mr. Brooks had no contact with him before or after this single attendance at a widely-attended dinner.

In a comment to Semafors Max Tani, Brooks claimed that he was unaware Epstein was at the dinner and didnt even know who the scandalous figure was until a news article years later.

I never met Epstein, Brooks said. I attended a Ted Conference in 2011 and was invited to an adjacent dinner. There were about 60 people there if memory serves. Apparently Epstein was also at this dinner. I don't think we met or exchanged a word. I never heard of Epstein until i read a Miami Herald story about him in 2018. I've never had any contact with him by email or any other means.

Elsewhere in the document dump, which comes as the deadline for the Justice Department to release its files related to Epstein approaches, undated photographs show lines from Vladimir Nabokovs scandalous novel Lolita written on parts of a womans body.

Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth, one image reveals, showing text scrawled on a womans chest.

She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock, another photo shows, with that passage written on a womans foot. Meanwhile, others say she was Lola in slacks and she was Polly at school.

Other images released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee portray Epstein  who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges  accompanied by unidentified women whose faces have been obscured, including a picture of a seated Epstein with one woman wrapping her arms around his shoulders while two others sit closely beside him.

open image in gallery Other high-profile figures shown in this latest batch of documents include famed author Noam Chomsky, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, Oscar-winning filmmaker Woody Allen, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Googles Sergey Brin ( House Oversight Committee )

Besides Brooks, other high-profile figures shown in this latest batch of documents include famed author Noam Chomsky, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, Oscar-winning filmmaker Woody Allen, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Googles Sergey Brin. A persons appearance in the files or in images alongside Epstein does not allege wrongdoing.

As we approach the deadline for the Epstein Files Transparency Act, these new images raise more questions about what exactly the Department of Justice has in its possession, Rep Robert Garcia (D-CA), the ranking member of the oversight committee, said Thursday. We must end this White House cover-up, and the DOJ must release the Epstein files now.

The interest in the Epstein files exploded in July after the Justice Department determined that there was no Epstein client list, there would be no further investigation into other third parties, that the financier had died by suicide and there was no basis to revisit the disclosure of those materials.

Considering that Trump  who had a lengthy friendship with Epstein prior to a falling out in the 2000s  had promised to release the Epstein files prior to his return to the White House, the DOJ memo brought renewed scrutiny into his relationship with the deceased financier. Trump has not been accused of any wrongdoing as it relates to Epstein's crimes.

Eventually, after a monthslong pressure campaign from Democrats and some Republicans  which featured the release of several batches of previously unpublished documents from Epsteins estate  the president reluctantly agreed last month to compel the DOJ to release all its materials related to the Epstein cases.
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Trump Media and Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social, announced a $6 billion merger with nuclear fusion power company TAE Technologies.

Truth Social has served as a megaphone for Donald Trump, the platform where the president unveils major White House announcements and does his many wide-ranging ramblings. As of June, Trump owned roughly 58 percent  or 114,750,000 shares  of his eponymous media company, which went public in March 2024.

The president has not yet publicly spoken about the agreement.

The deal is expected to close in mid-2026, the companies said Thursday. It would combine Trump Medias significant capital with TAEs leading fusion technology to create one of the worlds first publicly traded fusion companies, the press release stated.

From January through Wednesday, shares in Trump Media had dropped by nearly 70 percent. Following the announcement of the merger, shares jumped 35 percent.

open image in gallery Trump Media and Technology Group and power fusion company TAE Technologies announced they were merging in a $6 billion deal. ( Getty )

Shareholders of each company will own approximately 50 percent of the combined company, according to the release. The transaction was approved by both companies boards of directors.

Trump Media & Technology Group built uncancellable infrastructure to secure free expression online for Americans, and now were taking a big step forward toward a revolutionary technology that will cement Americas global energy dominance for generations, Devin Nunes, CEO of Trump Media, said in a statement.

Fusion power will lower energy prices, boost supply, ensure Americas A.I.-supremacy, revive our manufacturing base and bolster national defense, Nunes continued.

Nunes and Dr. Michl Binderbauer, the current CEO of TAE, will serve as co-CEOs in the combined company.

Binderbauer said in a statement: Our talented team, through its commitment and dedication to science, is poised to solve the immense global challenge of energy scarcity. At TAE, recent breakthroughs have prepared us to accelerate capital deployment to commercialize our fusion technology. Were excited to identify our first site and begin deploying this revolutionary technology that we expect to fundamentally transform Americas energy supply.

Since going public in March 2024, Trump Media has amassed $3.1 billion in assets, which includes restricted cash, short-term investments, trading securities and digital assets, the company said.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump owns more than half of Trump Media and Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social ( AP )

Trump Media has agreed to provide up to $200 million in cash to TAE at the deals closing.

TAE has built and safely operated five nuclear fusion reactors. The fusion power company has raised $1.3 billion in private capital from Google, Chevron Technology Ventures, Goldman Sachs, and others.

Researchers for decades have been looking into how to harness fusion power to create energy. Fusion could generate nearly four million times more energy than burning oil or coal, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

If used on an industrial scale, the technology could be used as an alternative to the power sources that led to the climate crisis and has potential to virtually limitless clean, safe, and affordable energy to meet the worlds demand, the agency said.

In October, the Department of Energy unveiled a roadmap for fusion technology in the U.S., aiming to usher a burgeoning fusion private sector industry in the U.S. toward maturity on the most rapid timeline.
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The Trump administration is planning to strip more foreign-born Americans of their citizenship, marking the latest escalation in the presidents crackdown on immigration, according to a new report.

Guidance provided to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offices requests that they supply Office of Immigration Litigation with 100-200 denaturalization cases per month in 2026, The New York Times reported.

Individuals may only be legally stripped of their U.S. citizenship for a few specific reasons, such as if they committed fraud during the citizenship application process. Historically, this has been a rare occurrence. Less than 200 cases had been filed in the past eight years. And between 1990 and 2017, the federal government brought an average of 11 cases, according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

But, the Trump administration  which has pledged to carry out the largest deportation program in American history  has sought to use every available mechanism to target immigrants.

Its no secret that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services war on fraud includes prioritizing those whove unlawfully obtained U.S. citizenship  especially under the previous administration, Matthew Tragesser, a USCIS. spokesman, told the Times.

open image in gallery The Trump administration is moving to strip U.S. citizenship from more foreign-born people, according to a new report ( AFP/Getty )

We will pursue denaturalization proceedings for those individuals lying or misrepresenting themselves during the naturalization process, he continued. We look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Justice to restore integrity to Americas immigration system.

Several former agency staff members voiced concerns over the directive, saying its new monthly goals are unrealistic.

Imposing arbitrary numerical targets on denaturalization cases risks politicizing citizenship revocation, Sarah Pierce, a former U.S.C.I.S. official, told the paper.

And requiring monthly quotas that are 10 times higher than the total annual number of denaturalizations in recent years turns a serious and rare tool into a blunt instrument and fuels unnecessary fear and uncertainty for the millions of naturalized Americans, she added.

open image in gallery Individuals may only be legally stripped of their U.S. citizenship for a few specific reasons, such as if they committed fraud during the citizenship application process. Historically, this has been a rare occurrence. Less than 200 denaturalization cases had been filed in the past eight years ( AFP via Getty Images )

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 26 million people in the country are naturalized American citizens. And about 800,000 people became naturalized over the past year.

Earlier this year, the Department of Justice issued guidance stating its civil division will prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence.

The agency said it intended to take action against citizens who it believes pose a potential danger to national security, or who officials claim have acquired their citizenship through material misrepresentations.

At the time, advocacy groups and immigration attorneys warned that such expansive guidelines could result in a broad swath of U.S. citizens being targeted.

During his first term, Trump also increased the pace of denaturalizations.

A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
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Members of Congress have published more photographs and documents from Jeffrey Epsteins estate, including text messages, passports and several images that show handwriting on a womans body.

The writing appears to quote Vladimir Nabokovs Lolita, a copy of which can be seen in one of the photographs.

One message written on a persons foot reads she was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock.

Another says she was Lola in slacks and another reads she was Polly at school.

The latest tranche of 68 documents from Democrats on the House Oversight Committee comes as the Department of Justice faces a Friday deadline to publicly release all investigative files in its possession after a pressure campaign urging President Donald Trump to release the so-called Epstein files.

open image in gallery Images from Epsteins estate shared with the House Oversight Committee appear to show a womans body with messages referencing Vladimir Nabokovs Lolita. A new batch of photos was released by House Democrats on Thursday. ( House Oversight Committee )

open image in gallery The new photos come a day before the deadline for the government to release the full Epstein files. ( House Oversight Committee )

Another image appears to be a screenshot of a text message thread telling the recipient that I have a friend scout she sent me some girls today and she asks 1000$ per girl.

I will send u girls now, the sender wrote, according to the message shared to the committee. Maybe someone will be good for J?

A redacted message then appears to list the height, measurements and other details of an 18-year-old girl from Russia.

A photograph of a Russian womans passport is also included in the latest batch of documents from the committee.

There also are photographs of passports and other identifying documents for women from the Czech Republic, South Africa and Lithuania, as well as three women from Ukraine.

open image in gallery A redacted text message shared by Epsteins estate appears to list the height, measurements and other details of an 18-year-old girl from Russia after the sender says I will send u girls now. ( House Oversight Committee )

Several images released by House Democrats depict Epstein accompanied by unidentified young women whose faces have been blocked out, including a photograph showing a seated Epstein with one woman wrapping her arms around his shoulders while two others sit closely beside him.

Other images depict Epstein in social settings with other high-profile figures, including author Noam Chomsky, New York Times opinion columnist David Brooks, Microsofts Bill Gates, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, filmmaker Woody Allen, and far-right media personality Steve Bannon.

The tranche of documents also includes blueprints that appear to show the layouts of Epsteins properties, including on Little St. James, Epsteins private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he and his associates were accused of sexually abusing and trafficking underage girls.

open image in gallery An undated image from Epstein's estate appears to show him three young girls whose identities have been concealed. ( House Oversight Committee )

open image in gallery An undated image from Epstein's estate appears to show him with with writer Noam Chomsky. ( House Oversight Committee )

Over the last several months, Democrats on the committee have released several batches of previously unpublished images and documents from Epsteins estate as members of Congress lead their own investigations into the convicted sex offender and his alleged ties to a wider network of powerful figures.

A persons appearance in the files or in images alongside Epstein do not allege wrongdoing.

Oversight Democrats will continue to release photographs and documents from the Epstein estate to provide transparency for the American people, Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the committee, said in a statement Thursday. As we approach the deadline for the Epstein Files Transparency Act, these new images raise more questions about what exactly the Department of Justice has in its possession. We must end this White House cover-up, and the DOJ must release the Epstein files now.

Republicans on the committee have previously accused Democrats of cherry-picking photos and making targeted redactions to create a false narrative about Trump.

Epstein was accused of sexually abusing young women and girls before he was found dead in his jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on trafficking charges, and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for crimes associated with Epsteins alleged abuse.

The government is preparing to release potentially tens of thousands of pages of documents, including FBI notes throughout the investigations, transcripts of witness interviews, videos and photographs, and Epsteins autopsy report, among other documents.

Questions about the fate of those documents have dominated the presidents second term after he pledged during his campaign to release them.

In July, the Justice Department determined no further disclosure in the Epstein case would be appropriate or warranted, which only fueled scrutiny into the presidents years-long relationship with Epstein.

Last month, after a mounting pressure campaign among members of Congress, including his one-time Republican allies, Trump reluctantly agreed to sign a measure that compels the Justice Department to release all materials from Epstein cases in its possession.
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Venezuelas navy has escorted commercial oil tankers to Asia in direct defiance of a U.S. military blockade targeting the countrys oil industry.

Three ships carrying urea, petroleum coke and other oil-based products sailed on Tuesday and Wednesday and were accompanied by naval escorts ordered by President Nicolas Maduro, according to the New York Times.

A U.S. official said that Washington was aware of the escorts and was considering various courses of actions.

The vessels were not on a list of sanctioned tankers maintained by the Treasury and threatened with attack, according to a review by the publication.

PDVSA, the countrys state oil company said that ships continued to sail with full security, technical support and operational guarantees in legitimate exercise of their right to free navigation.

Tensions have been escalating between the U.S. and Venezuela after President Donald Trumps government approved military strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats.

open image in gallery A satellite image shows the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Skipper, which British maritime risk management group Vanguard said was believed to have been seized on 10 December. ( via REUTERS )

On Tuesday, Trump ordered a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers into and out of Venezuela and demanded the return of oil that he claimed belonged to America.

Last week, the seizure of an oil tanker reported to be carrying sanctioned fuel led to a marked escalation in hostilities between Washington and Caracas.

Eight more people were killed in a U.S. military strike on Tuesday, bringing the total number of people killed in similar actions to 95. The United Nations and other legal experts have warned that the deaths could amount to extra judicial killings.

An unprecedented build-up of US military assets in the Caribbean has stoked fears of military intervention, with Trump seeking to oust Maduro.

open image in gallery Trump has demanded Venezuela surrender its oil to the U.S. ( Doug Mills - Pool/Getty Images )

Maduro has accused the U.S. of fabricating a war in order to exploit the countrys oil resources, but the White House insists it is targeting narco-terrorists and drug smugglers.

Venezuela is known to have control over the largest known oil reserve in the world, producing around 1 million barrels a day.

Its oil is primarily found in the Orinoco Belt, a region in the countrys east that covers around 55,000 sq km.

The countrys proven reserves are estimated at holding more than 303 billion barrels  trumping Saudi Arabias 297.7 billion barrels.

In comparison, the U.S.s oil reserves are significantly smaller, consisting of 46 billion barrels as of 2023, making it six times smaller.
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Anthony Albanese has announced a significant expansion of Australias hate speech laws following the deadly terrorist attack on Sydneys Jewish community at Bondi Beach on Sunday.

Speaking after a meeting of the National Security Committee, the Australian prime minister outlined a suite of legislative and policy changes aimed at lowering the threshold for prosecuting hate speech, particularly targeting religious preachers and organisational leaders who incite violence or racial hatred.

The reforms come amid mounting criticism that the government failed to act decisively as antisemitism surged in Australia after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, and Israels subsequent ground invasion of Gaza.

Governments arent perfect. Im not perfect, Mr Albanese said when a reporter asked why his government didnt do more to combat antisemitism. Look, of course more could have always been done, he added.

I have done my best to respond... Anyone in this position would regret not doing more, and any inadequacies which are there.

But what we need to do is to move forward.

The proposed changes would introduce new federal offences for aggravated hate speech, increase penalties for speech that promotes violence, and make hatred an aggravating factor in sentencing for crimes involving online threats or harassment.

The federal government had already tightened its hate speech laws in February to address rising antisemitic and Islamophobic sentiment, but stopped short of criminalising vilification.

A separate framework would allow authorities to formally list organisations whose leaders promote violence or racial supremacy, expanding the governments ability to disrupt extremist networks operating at the margins of the law, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on Thursday.

Floral tributes left for victims of the Bondi Beach shooting on Sunday ( AFP/Getty )

The countrys home affairs minister Tony Burke said existing legislation had allowed individuals and groups to skirt legal consequences while spreading dehumanising rhetoric.

There have been individuals who have managed to exploit a nation that had different principles of freedom of speech and have gone right to the limits of language that is clearly dehumanising, unacceptable, having no place in Australia, but have not quite crossed the threshold to violence, he said.

Today, were announcing that were shifting the threshold. We have no time for organisations where their mission is to hate Australia and to hate fellow Australians.

The reforms also include expanded powers to cancel or deny visas to non-citizens who spread hate and division, alongside enhanced online safety measures to address antisemitic content.

And they will create a task force to ensure the countrys education system prevents, tackles and properly responds to antisemitism.

Children arent born antisemitic. Children arent born racist. Children arent born with hate in their hearts. This is something thats taught. This is something thats learned, education minister Jason Clare said.

The eSafety commissioner and the communications department will develop new guidance to tackle digital abuse and extremist messaging.

Announcing the reforms, Mr Albanese added: It was an attack on our Jewish community  but it was also an attack on the Australian way of life. It is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge, much more.
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The University of Sydney has sacked a staff member months after she was filmed during a verbal outburst at Jewish students on campus.

The staffer, identified as Rose Nakad, reportedly confronted the students who were celebrating the Jewish festival of Sukkot in October.

She was suspended after a video of the exchange was circulated online, pending an investigation, amid widespread outrage.

Sarah Aamidor, a Jewish academic at the university who was present at the spot when the incident happened, earlier told The Australian that the staff member (Ms Nakad) shouted Free Palestine at the Sukkot stall, prompting her to respond that this is a Jewish holiday and saying something like this is antisemitic.

She told the media that Ms Nakad, who claimed to be an Indigenous Palestinian, turned around and said: If you tell me you are an anti-Zionist Jew, I have no problem with you. A Zionist, whether they are Jewish, whether they are Christian, whether they are Muslim  is the lowest form of rubbish.

Theyre shredding children  you should be making it stop, she said. "You are disgusting  Look at this rubbish ... you are depraved," she allegedly said. The students reportedly asked her to move on.

Ms Aamidor added that there was no Israeli symbolism or references to the Gaza war at the stall and that this was deliberate.

In a statement issued on 15 December, a day after the Bondi Beach mass shooting, the university said the conduct of Ms Nakad, a lecturer in the Department of Media and Communications, was found to be deeply distressing and utterly unacceptable.

We immediately suspended the staff member pending a formal process, and have now terminated their employment on the grounds of serious misconduct. This decision followed careful consideration in line with our clear expectations of behaviour and our obligation to make sure our campuses are safe and welcoming for all, a statement by the University of Sydney said.

We quickly apologised to our students and staff who were affected by this incident, with ongoing free and confidential wellbeing support available to anyone in our community who may need it, it said, adding that hate speech, antisemitism and harassment have no place at our University.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday said the federal government will significantly tighten hate speech laws, including targeting religious preachers who promote violence, and introduce new powers to cancel or reject visas for those spreading hate and division, in response to the Bondi Beach mass shooting.

The University of Sydneys decision comes amid heightened concerns over a rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia, particularly following the deadly beach attack in which 15 people were killed.

Last year, pro-Palestinian student protests erupted across several Australian universities, with many camping on campuses and demanding the severing of academic and research ties with Israel. At the time, the University of Sydneys vice chancellor, Mark Scott AO, rejected the students demands.

Jewish community leaders in Australia have warned of an increase in hostility and violence, with the Sydney incident seen as part of a broader pattern of antisemitic abuse since the start of the IsraelGaza conflict.

Over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels war on Gaza, the territorys Health Ministry have said.

Israels offensive has destroyed vast areas of Gaza, displaced around 90 per cent of the population and caused to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with experts warning of famine.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the attack that sparked the war, and abducted another 251.
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A British man has been jailed for 13 years in a Russian maximum security prison camp after being convicted for fighting with the Ukrainian army, Russian prosecutors said.

Hayden Davies, 30 was accused by Moscow of being a paid mercenary who fought in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region, where fierce fighting continues.

The office of Russia's Prosecutor General said he had been tried by a court in a part of Russian-controlled Donetsk, one of four Ukrainian regions which Moscow illegally claimed as its own in 2022. It did not say how Davies had pleaded.

open image in gallery Hayden Davies, a British citizen accused of participating as a mercenary in an armed conflict, attends his verdict hearing at the supreme court in Donetsk ( Russian Prosecutor General 's of )

Davies had arrived in western Ukraine in August 2024, signed a contract to fight for the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine, underwent military training, and then fought against the Russian army in Donetsk, the statement claimed.

He had been captured by Russia in winter 2024 carrying a US-made assault rifle and ammunition, it added.

State prosecutors released a video of Davies being questioned as he stood behind bars, dressed in a black coat and with a shaven head. He says in the video that he had travelled to Ukraine to join the International Legion which paid him $400-500 per month.

Davies said he fought in the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine, a unit of the Ukrainian military made up of foreign volunteers.

Asked if he pleaded guilty to the charge against him, Davies says "yeah" and nods his head.

It was not clear whether Davies was speaking under duress and there was no immediate comment from the British Foreign Office.

London in February said Davies was not a mercenary but a Prisoner of War entitled to protection under the Geneva Conventions. It also condemned what it called Moscow's exploitation of prisoners of war "for political and propaganda purposes."

open image in gallery Davies was seen in a Russian propaganda video earlier this year ( AFP/Getty )

Mr Davies first went missing in January, and was feared dead until Russia released a propaganda video of him speaking after his capture.

In the video, he says he is from Southampton, was removed from the British Army in 2023 for smoking marijuana, and struggled to find work afterwards.

He said he chose to fight in Ukraine after he was kicked out of the British Army. He is critical of Ukrainian commanders, and said the chain of command dont care about you and would use you as meat.

Davies added in the video that every single country youd find in Nato, has people in the International Legion.

Most of these, he says, are Colombians, of whom he says there are hundreds.

He said he did not receive proper training and that there were no heavy guns to use for drills.

Davies said he hid in a bunker for two months alone on the battlefield, and claimed that he was rescued by a Russian who offered him a cigarette.

The Independent has contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for comment.
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Farmers in tractors blocked roads and set off fireworks in Brussels on Wednesday outside a European Union leaders summit, prompting police to respond with tear gas and water cannons as protesters rallied against a major free-trade deal with South American nations.

Farmers fear the deal with the trade bloc known as Mercosur will undercut their livelihoods, and there are broader political concerns it is driving support for the far right.

The farmers brought potatoes and eggs to throw  along with sausages and beer for nourishment  and waged a furious back-and-forth with police.

We are fighting to defend our jobs across all European countries against Mercosur, said Armand Chevron, a 23-year old French farmer, told The Associated Press.

He said the farmers were against carbon taxes, lowering of farming subsidies and competition that could be unleashed by the deal.

Police in riot gear staffed barriers just outside the European Parliament as protesters burned tires and a faux wooden coffin bearing the word Agriculture." Their fire unleashed a black cloud that swirled with white tear gas.

We will not die in silence, said one sign. The dictatorship starts here, said another.

Hundreds of farmers like Pierre Vromann, 60, had arrived on tractors, which they parked to block roads around the key institutions of the EU.

The Mercosur deal would be bad for farmers, bad for consumers, bad for citizens and bad for Europe," said Vromann, who raises cattle and cereals in the nearby Belgian city of Waterloo. Other farmers came from as far away as Spain and Poland.

The clashes between the farmers and police raged just a stone's throw from the Europa building, where leaders of the 27 EU nations discussed the trade pact as well as a proposal to seize Russian assets for use in Ukraine.

Reservations about the deal are growing

On Wednesday, Italy signaled it had reservations, joining the French-led opposition to signing the massive transatlantic free-trade deal between the EU and the five active Mercosur countries  Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia. The deal would progressively remove duties on almost all goods traded between the two blocs over the next 15 years.

French President Emmanuel Macron dug in against the Mercosur deal as he arrived for Thursdays EU summit, pushing for further concessions and more discussions in January. He said he has been in discussions with Italian, Polish, Belgian, Austrian and Irish colleagues among others about delaying it.

Farmers already face an enormous amount of challenges, he said, as farmer protests roil regions around France. We cannot sacrifice them on this accord.

Worried by a surging far right that rallies support by criticizing the deal, Macron's government has demanded safeguards to monitor and stop large economic disruption in the EU, increased regulations in the Mercosur nations like pesticide restrictions, and more inspections of imports at EU ports.

Premier Giorgia Meloni told the Italian Parliament on Wednesday that signing the agreement in the coming days would be premature."

This doesnt mean that Italy intends to block or oppose (the deal), but that it intends to approve the agreement only when it includes adequate reciprocal guarantees for our agricultural sector, Meloni said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is determined to sign the agreement, but she needs the backing of at least two-thirds of EU nations.

Italys opposition would give France enough votes to veto von der Leyens signature.

In Greece, farmers have set up roadblocks along highways across the country for weeks, protesting delays in agricultural subsidy payments as well as high production costs and low product prices that they say are strangling their sector and making it impossible to make ends meet.

The protests have sometimes turned violent, with farmers clashing with riot police. Last week, dozens of angry farmers swarmed onto the aircraft parking area of the international airport on the southern Greek island of Crete, forcing the airport to suspend all flights and shut down for several hours.

The deal could be a counterweight to China and the US

The accord has been under negotiation for 25 years. Once ratified, it would cover a market of 780 million people and a quarter of the globes gross domestic product. Supporters say it would offer a clear alternative to Beijing's export-controls and Washington's tariff blitzkrieg, while detractors say it will undermine both environmental regulations and the EU's iconic agricultural sector.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said ahead of the Brussels summit that the EU's global status would be dented by a delay or scrapping of the deal.

If the European Union wants to remain credible in global trade policy, then decisions must be made now," Merz said.

The deal is also about strategic competition between Western nations and China over Latin America, said Agathe Demarais, a senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. A failure to sign the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement risks pushing Latin American economies closer to Beijings orbit, she said.

Von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are scheduled to sign the deal in Brazil on Saturday.

South America's agitation over the delays

The political tensions that have marked Mercosur in recent years  especially between Argentinas far-right President Javier Milei and Brazils center-left Lula da Silva, the blocs two main partners  have not altered the willingness of South American leaders to seal an alliance with Europe that will result in benefits for their agricultural sector.

Lula has been one of the most fervent promoters of the agreement from South Americas largest economy. As host of the upcoming summit, the Brazilian president is betting on closing the deal Saturday and scoring a major diplomatic achievement ahead of next years general elections, in which he will seek reelection.

At a cabinet meeting Wednesday, Lula was clearly irked by Italy and France's positions. He said that Saturday would be a make-or-break moment for the deal.

If we don't do it now, Brazil won't make any more agreements while I'm president, Lula said, adding that the agreement would defend multilateralism as Trump pursues unilateralism.

Milei, a close ideological ally of Trump, also supports the deal.

We must stop thinking of Mercosur as a shield that protects us from the world and start thinking of it as a spear that allows us to effectively penetrate global markets, he said some time ago.

___

Associated Press writers Debora Rey in Buenos Aires, Claudia Ciobanu in Warsaw, Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin, Elene Becatoros in Athens, and Sylvain Plazy and Angela Charlton in Brussels contributed to this report.
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In a rare judgment, the European Union's highest court sided with a Syrian refugee's appeal in a landmark case that sought damages against the European border and coast guard agency, Frontex, opening the way for other victims to do the same.

The Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union sent the case of Alaa Hamoudi v. Frontex back to the General Court for re-examination after finding that it failed to properly examine his alleged expulsion alongside 21 other migrants from Greece to Turkey in 2020.

The court considered that the evidence presented by Hamoudi had been sufficiently detailed, specific and consistent," Judge Ben Smulders said in a video released Thursday.

While the general court will now reassess the case and issue a new verdict, Hamoudi's lawyers celebrated Thursday's ruling as historic."

Iftach Cohen, who leads Hamoudis legal team alongside Francesco Gatta, said Hamoudi's courage and audacity could potentially benefit tens of thousands of other migrants pushed back from Greece to Turkey.

"Hopefully this will bring an end to the de-facto legal impunity of Frontex, Cohen told The Associated Press.

In a statement, Hamoudi said the ruling was not only a personal victory but an important step toward justice for the men, women, and children who went through the same experience as I did ... and could not fight back."

While Frontex was not accused of physically carrying out the collective expulsions themselves, Hamoudis lawyers, experts and migrants say the role of the EUs border agency is key.

In comments sent to AP in writing, Frontex said that Thursday's rulings, including a separate case looking at the allegedly unlawful deportation of a Syrian family in 2016, does not decide who is at fault.

However, they make clear that courts expect close scrutiny where Frontex is involved and that fundamental rights must be taken seriously, Frontex said.

Hamoudis case

According to Hamoudis testimony, he was among 22 people, including children, to land on the Greek island of Samos on April 28, 2020. Moments later, police arrived and confiscated their phones before forcing them onto a life raft, Hamoudi said. They were towed overnight into Turkish territorial waters and left adrift for 17 hours until they were rescued by the Turkish coast guard. Hamoudi claims a Frontex surveillance plane flew over the scene twice.

I was struggling between death and life, Hamoudi told AP in an interview ahead of the judgment from his home in Mannheim, Germany. This is the reason that made me sue Frontex.

Turkish authorities detained Hamoudi for 10 days and confiscated his passport. Fearing he would be forcibly sent back to Syria, a country he left when he was around 12 years old due to the devastating civil war, Hamoudi attempted again to cross the border in Greece until he succeeded and reunited with his family in Germany.

As evidence, Hamoudis lawyers shared video allegedly showing him and other migrants on Greek soil before being dragged back into the Aegean Sea. The German weekly Der Spiegel found evidence of Frontexs alleged presence during that time. A damning EU anti-fraud agency report also found Frontex had covered up pushbacks in Greece.

They treated us in a way that was inhuman, Hamoudi said.

A new precedent

The Court of Justice of the EU acknowledged the power imbalance between migrants and Frontex, setting a new precedent on the amount of evidence that asylum-seekers like Hamoudi are expected to present in court to have their claims considered.

"These victims are in a situation that makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for them to gather such evidence, which could effectively grant Frontex immunity and compromise the effective protection of the fundamental rights of these victims, the judge, Smulders, said.

The illegal practice of summary expulsions, or pushbacks, have largely become normalized across Europe as anti-migrant sentiment runs high and the right to seek asylum is increasingly under threat.

We have reached a historic result, but many others are still being stripped of their rights every day at the borders of Europe, Hamoudi said in a statement issued following the ruling.

Niamh Keady-Tabbal, a researcher at Maynooth University, who has litigated pushback cases against Greece but is not involved in Hamoudis case, said the ruling could challenge the way Frontex has been structured to evade accountability."

Allegations against Frontex

Frontex has been really instrumental in enabling (the expulsions) by systematically detecting vessels, handing over responsibilities to the Greeks and contributing to covering up these pushbacks, Keady-Tabbal said.

During collective expulsions, migrants can be stripped of their phones, arbitrarily detained, beaten and expelled in the dead of night with few or no witnesses. These are victims of a policy that is carried out to deliberately destroy, conceal and hide evidence, said Keady-Tabbal.

Legal experts and human rights advocates have for years called on Frontex to withdraw from Greece based on its own regulation, which states that the agency should suspend or terminate its activity in a country if it sees violations.

Despite years of well-documented pushbacks and calls for accountability, Frontex has said it will continue its operations in Greece.

Frontex chose engagement over withdrawal because oversight, monitoring and pressure for change only exist if we are present, the agency said in a written statement ahead of Thursday's ruling. We do not ignore concerns and we do not look away."

Many experts contest that, arguing Frontex has deliberately left scenes of violations, like those claimed by Hamoudi, to avoid liability.

On Thursday, the agency vowed to improve its work and become more transparent. Our focus remains on ensuring that every person affected by our operations is treated with dignity and fairness.

___

Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
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Israel has approved its largest-ever natural gas deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday, confirming an agreement to supply Egypt.

The deal is valued at an estimated $34.67 billion. The export agreement, signed in August with Chevron and its partners NewMed and Ratio, will see gas flow from the Leviathan natural gas field.

"I have today approved the largest gas deal in Israel's history. The deal is for 112 billion shekels ($34.67 billion)," Mr Netanyahu said in a televised statement.

Netanyahu added that the deal "greatly strengthens Israels position as a regional energy power, and it contributes to stability in our region.

It is also expected to ease an energy crisis in Egypt, which has spent billions importing liquefied natural gas since its own supplies fell short of demand.

A Chevron spokesperson welcomed Israel's decision to issue a permit for the export of natural gas from the Leviathan reservoir to Egypt.

Under the deal, Leviathan, which has reserves of some 600 billion cubic metres, will sell about 130 bcm of gas to Egypt through 2040 or until all contract values are fulfilled, said NewMed in a statement. ( Associated Press )

Chevron had said in November it was nearing a final investment decision for expanding the Leviathan gas field off Israel's Mediterranean coast, but was awaiting an Israeli permit to export the gas to Egypt.

Israel discovered sizeable natural gas fields off its Mediterranean coast in the early 2000s and began exporting gas  first to Jordan and later to Egypt  nearly a decade ago.

Under the deal, Leviathan, which has reserves of some 600 billion cubic metres, will sell about 130 bcm of gas to Egypt through 2040 or until all contract values are fulfilled, said NewMed in a statement.

Egypt's production began declining in 2022, forcing it to abandon its ambitions to become a regional supply hub. It has increasingly turned to Israel to make up the shortfall.

Egypt, which borders both Israel and Gaza, has served as a key mediator between Israel and the Palestinian militant Hamas group leading up to the US-brokered ceasefire that was agreed on in October.

Cairo has also has been a vocal critic of Israels offensive, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction in Gaza.
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Pope Leo has condemned political leaders who invoke religious beliefs to justify conflicts or nationalist policies, branding such actions as blasphemy  a serious sin that disrespects or insults God.

The first U.S. pope, in a message released ahead of the Catholic Church's World Day of Peace on 1 January, did not name specific leaders but urged believers to resist such uses of faith.

"Unfortunately, it has become increasingly common to drag the language of faith into political battles, to bless nationalism, and to justify violence and armed struggle in the name of religion," the pontiff stated.

He added: "Believers must actively refute, above all by the witness of their lives, these forms of blasphemy that profane the holy name of God."

Leo also warned against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in warfare in the four-page message, issued annually by the leader of the 1.4 billion member Church.

Pope Leo XIV arrives for a general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican. ( REUTERS )

"There is ... a growing tendency among political and military leaders to shirk responsibility, as decisions about life and death are increasingly 'delegated' to machines," he said.

"This marks an unprecedented and destructive betrayal of the legal and philosophical principles of humanism that underlie and safeguard every civilisation."

Leo, elected by the world's cardinals in May to succeed the late Pope Francis, has spoken several times in his first year about the challenges posed by AI.

He also condemned violence in the name of religion on his first overseas trip as pope, telling Christian leaders across the Middle East during a trip to Turkey last month they must "strongly reject the use of religion for justifying war, violence, or any form of fundamentalism".

In the new message, the pope also lamented a global increase in military expenditures, citing figures from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute that worldwide military outlays increased 9.4% in 2024, reaching a total of $2.7 trillion, or 2.5% of global GDP.

Leo warned against a "confrontational logic (that) now dominates global politics, deepening instability and unpredictability day by day".
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Estonia has accused three Russian border guards of illegally crossing into Nato territory on a hovercraft without permission.

The countrys interior minister, Igor Taro, said the border guards had entered Estonia after crossing the Narva River on the vessel at around 10am on Wednesday.

The Estonian foreign ministry will summon the Russian charge daffaires after the alleged intrusion.

Today, the Estonian Police and Border Guard detected an illegal crossing of a temporary control line between Estonia and Russia on the Narva River breakwater by three border guards of the Russian Federation, the ministry said in a statement.

The Estonian border guard patrols responded to the border incident. After a short time, the Russian border guards returned to Russian territory.

Mr Taro said that authorities were working to establish the motivation behind the incident. Moscow has not issued an explanation.

Mr Taro told Estonian World that the country was becoming concerned about the state of Russias border guards.

open image in gallery The alleged incursion of Russian border guards into Estonia took place overnight ( Estonian Border Guards )

The quality of Russian border guard personnel has become extremely uneven in recent years, Mr Taro said. For understandable reasons, they are suffering from a lack of staff, with personnel brought in from other regions. This has been a recurring problem.

The border guards returned to Russian territory before authorities were able to intervene, he said.

We are not able to go deep into Russian territory to apprehend them, he added.

Estonia, a member of Nato and the EU, shares a 294km border with Russia. It has a small Russian-speaking minority.

For months, Russian drones and planes have been entering Nato airspace in what appears to be a deliberate campaign of provocation against the alliance, which is supporting Ukraines war effort.

This has included fighter jet incursions into Poland and Romania, weather balloons being sent over the Lithuanian border from Belarus and sightings of drones near airports in Denmark.

open image in gallery The three border guards crossed into Estonian territory overnight ( Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs )

In September, three Russian military jets violated Estonias airspace for 12 minutes in an unprecedentedly brazen incursion, according to the government. Estonian foreign minister Margus Tsahkna said it was the fourth time that Russia had violated Estonian airspace in 2025.

The foreign ministry said that the incursion involved three Russian MIG-31 fighters and took place over the Gulf of Finland. The Russian charge daffaires was summoned and given a protest note, a ministry statement said.

The latest incursion came hours before the Estonian prime minister, Kristen Michal, visited Brussels for a summit with EU leaders over whether to approve a 90bn (79bn) loan to fund Ukraines war effort using frozen Russian assets.

During a press conference at the summit, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said that all the signals showed that Moscow was not seriously interested in peace with Europe.

open image in gallery Soldiers ride a quad bike near Kostyantynivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine ( Ukrainian 93rd Mechanised Brigade )

Warnings are growing across the continent that Europe must be ready for further Russian aggression.

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said last week that Russia has brought war back to Europe, and we must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great grandparents endured.

On Tuesday, the head of the UKs armed forces said Russia is a growing threat to the UK and the nations sons and daughters must be ready to fight in the event of an attack.

Chief of defence staff Sir Richard Knighton said: Sons and daughters. Colleagues. Veterans. will all have a role to play. To build. To serve. And if necessary, to fight. And more families will know what sacrifice for our nation means.

That is why its so important we do explain the changing threat and the need to stay ahead of it.
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Unsettling incidents, including a passenger train brought to a sudden halt and explosives detonated under another, have prompted Poland to deploy 10,000 troops, blaming Russia for a campaign of sabotage across Europe.

In November, a train carrying nearly 500 people in eastern Poland was abruptly stopped by a broken overhead line, shattering windows and damaging the track.

Elsewhere, explosives detonated beneath a passing freight train. Despite no injuries or major damage, Poland swiftly blamed Russian intelligence services, deploying 10,000 troops to protect critical infrastructure.

These events are among 145 incidents in an Associated Press database, which Western officials contend are part of a wider Russian disruption campaign across Europe.

Since President Vladimir Putins 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the alleged campaign seeks to undermine support for Kyiv, foster divisions, and expose security vulnerabilities.

While most acts in this "hybrid war" have caused minimal damage, unlike the devastation in Ukraine, officials warn they are draining vital security resources.

The head of a major European intelligence service noted Russian interference investigations now consume as much agency time as terrorism.

open image in gallery Damage to a warehouse in east London that was storing goods for Ukraine, after a fire that prosecutors said was organised on behalf of Russia's intelligence services ( London Metropolitan Police via AP )

While the campaign places a heavy burden on European security services, it costs Russia next to nothing, officials say.

Thats because Moscow is carrying out cross-border operations that require European countries to cooperate extensively on investigations  while often using foreigners with criminal backgrounds as cheap proxies for Russian intelligence operatives.

That means Moscow notches up a win just by tying up resources  even when plots arent successful.

Its a 24/7 operation between all the services to stop it, said a senior European intelligence official, who like the head of the European intelligence service and other officials who spoke to AP insisted on anonymity to discuss sensitive security matters.

Over the course of the year, AP spoke to more than 40 European and NATO officials from 13 countries to document the scope of this hybrid war, including incidents on its map only when linked by Western officials to Russia, its proxies or its ally Belarus.

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told AP that Russia doesn't have any connection with the campaign.

open image in gallery Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, second right, visits the sabotaged rail line near Mika, Poland ( Associated Press )

Russian sabotage and disruption across Europe

APs database shows a spike in arson and explosives plots from one in 2023 to 26 in 2024. Six have been documented so far in 2025. Three vandalism cases were recorded last year, meanwhile, and one this year.

The data is incomplete since not all incidents are made public, and it can take officials months to establish a link to Moscow. But the spike matches what officials have warned: The campaign is growing more dangerous.

The countries most frequently targeted, according to the map, border Russia: Poland and Estonia. Several incidents have also occurred in Latvia, the UK, Germany and France. All are major supporters of Ukraine.

The European official, a senior Baltic intelligence official and another intelligence official said the campaign noticeably calmed in late 2024 and early this year. Their analysis showed Moscow likely paused the campaign to curry favor with US President Donald Trump's new administration. It has since resumed at full pace.

They are back to business, the European official said.

Multicountry plots drain resources

The man officials say was behind the attack on the Polish railway that carries supplies to Ukraine is Yevgeny Ivanov  a Ukrainian convicted of working with Russian military intelligence to plot arson attacks at home improvement stores, a cafe and a drone factory in Ukraine, according to court documents.

open image in gallery Since President Vladimir Putins 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the alleged campaign seeks to undermine support for Kyiv, foster divisions, and expose security vulnerabilities ( Sputnik )

Ivanov, who left Poland after the attack there, worked for Yury Sizov, an officer from Russia's GRU military intelligence service, according to Ukraines security service.

Ivanov was convicted in absentia in Ukraine but managed to enter Poland because Ukraine did not inform Polish officials of his conviction, Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said. Ukraines security service said it closely cooperates with allies.

Staging plots that involve perpetrators from several countries or who have crossed borders drains investigatory resources from multiple authorities across Europe  one of Moscows key goals, according to Estonian State Prosecutor Triinu Olev-Aas.

Over the last year, she said the profile of attackers in Estonia has changed from locals largely known to law enforcement to unknown foreigners. That requires increased cooperation among countries to disrupt plots or detain perpetrators.

For two attacks in January  fires set at a supermarket and a Ukrainian restaurant  the people hired had never been to Estonia before, Olev-Aas said.

At the restaurant, a Moldovan man smashed a window, threw in a can of gasoline and set it alight. Video showed his arm on fire as he ran away.

The man and his accomplice fled through Latvia, Lithuania and Poland before being caught in Italy.

Turning to criminals

While Russian intelligence officers might be the masterminds of such operations, they frequently rely on recruiters  often with convictions or criminal connections  who assign tasks to saboteurs on the ground, the Baltic official said.

Outsourcing to people with criminal backgrounds, like Ivanov, means Russia doesnt have to risk highly trained intelligence operatives  agents Moscow often doesnt have recourse to anyway since European countries kicked out scores of spies as relations nosedived in recent years.

open image in gallery Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the counterterrorism squad at the Metropolitan Police, noted a trainee detective flagged an arson attack at a warehouse in London after realising the business was owned by Ukrainians and contained communications devices used by the military ( London Metropolitan Police )

Russian criminal networks offer a ready-made alternative, the Baltic official said.

The European official said the man accused of coordinating a plot to put explosives in packages on cargo planes, for example, was recruited by Russian intelligence after involvement with smuggling guns and explosives. The man is linked to at least four other plots.

Other people are recruited from European prisons or soon after they're released, the Baltic official said.

In one case, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, dedicated to the Soviet Unions occupation of the country, was set on fire by someone released from prison the previous month.

Greater strain, greater cooperation

Even plots that are foiled are a win for Moscow because they test defenses and waste resources.

In 2024, a Ukrainian man, working on the orders of Russian military intelligence, dug up a cache of items buried in a cemetery in Lithuania, including drone parts and cans of corn filled with explosives.

Officials believe the plan was to rig the drones with the explosives. The plot was eventually foiled  but not before considerable resources were used to track down everyone involved, said Jacek Dobrzynski, the spokesperson for Polands security minister.

The sheer number of plots is overstretching some law enforcement agencies, but Moscows campaign has also fostered greater cooperation, the European official said.

Prosecutors in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have created joint investigation teams for attacks organised by foreign intelligence services, said Martins Jansons, a special prosecutor in Latvia.

In the UK, front-line police officers are being trained to spot suspicious incidents that may be state-backed, said Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the counterterrorism squad at the Metropolitan Police.

He noted a trainee detective flagged an arson attack at a warehouse in London after realising the business was owned by Ukrainians and contained communications devices used by the military. Police determined the attack was organised by Russian intelligence.

But officials warn Russia is continually testing new methods.

Smugglers in Russias ally Belarus have sent hundreds of weather balloons carrying cigarettes into Lithuania and Poland, repeatedly forcing the Lithuanian capitals airport to shut in what authorities called a hybrid attack.

Nowadays they only carry cigarettes," Dobrzynski warned, "but in future they could carry other things."
Isis is not what it used to be. At its peak a decade ago, the group governed a territory in Iraq and Syria that was roughly the size of Great Britain, with a population of nearly 10 million people. It declared so-called provinces across three continents and projected an image of unstoppable momentum. That version of Isis no longer exists.

Its self-declared caliphate was comprehensively defeated by decisive international action led by the United States and its allies. By 2019, Isis controlled little more than a handful of villages along the Syrian-Iraqi border. With the collapse of territorial control came the end of its centrally directed global terror campaign, which had reached Europe and Britain by the mid-2010s with devastating attacks in Paris, Brussels, Manchester, London, Berlin, Stockholm, Barcelona, and other European cities.

But while Isis was beaten, it did not disappear. It has now emerged that the alleged father-and-son gunmen who killed 15 people and injured 40 more in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach may have been inspired by the Isis terrorist organisation.

Sajid Akram, 50 and Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly stood on an overpass bridge near to the event and shouted Allahu Akbar as they carried out the massacre, and New South Wales police force commissioner Mal Lanyon said a car registered to Naveed Akram contained IEDs and Isis flags.

It would appear that this was motivated by Islamic State ideology, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese told ABC Sydney.

A spokesperson for Australias immigration bureau has also confirmed that the alleged gunmen left Australia for the Philippines six weeks ago and returned on a flight to Sydney on 28 November. The pair listed Davao as their destination upon their arrival in the Philippines. While the reason for their trip is still being investigated, Davao, a sprawling city on the eastern coast of Mindanao  the largest of the southern islands  lies within a region where Islamist militants have historically operated in poorer central and southwestern areas.

Isis and similar groups have found it hard to recruit foreign fighters and operate from a base to direct operations of the kind it masterminded a decade ago. Some fighters remained in the Syria-Iraq region and went underground. Others relocated to fragile states and conflict zones elsewhere. For several years, Africa appeared to be the new epicentre of jihadist violence, with insurgencies and terrorist campaigns flaring up from the Sahel to Mozambique  conflicts that continue to this day.

open image in gallery Isiss region of influence has declined since the mid-2010s, but its presence is still felt ( Social media )

Meanwhile, Europe experienced something close to a lull in jihadist activity. By the early 2020s, terrorist attacks had fallen to a level that prompted security and intelligence services to shift their focus to other threats. After Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, political and strategic attention was almost entirely consumed by that war, and jihadism faded from the headlines. Many Isis supporters drifted away, and few new recruits emerged  partly because the security services had become far more effective at dismantling territorial networks, but also because few people wanted to join a movement that appeared to have lost.

That changed on 7 October 2023, with Hamass terrorist assault on Israel. Isis was not involved and remains a bitter rival of Hamas, which it regards as insufficiently Islamist. Yet the attack, and the subsequent war, unleashed a wave of anger across the Middle East and beyond, which Isis could not ignore. Three months later, the group issued its first official statement on the conflict, urging supporters to strike the Jews wherever you can find them.

The shift in emphasis was striking.

Unlike in the mid-2010s, Isis was no longer calling on its followers to travel to the Middle East to join a caliphate. Instead, it encouraged attacks everywhere  especially against Jewish people and targets associated with Israel. In effect, Isis was attempting to ride a wave created by October 7, even though it had played no role in the events themselves.

To some extent, this strategy worked. Recruitment no longer took place in backroom mosques or through radical preachers known to the authorities. It moved almost entirely online. The attackers who emerged were overwhelmingly so-called lone wolves with no prior connection to Isis, many of them very young. A new generation was forming, shaped less by battlefield victories than by viral propaganda, grievance, and algorithmic amplification.

The scale of violence has not come close to the jihadist wave of the mid-2010s, but the trend is unmistakeable. In the 12 months following October 7, the number of attempted and executed jihadist attacks in Europe rose by around 400 per cent. More than 40 per cent targeted Jewish or Israeli interests.

open image in gallery Demonstrators hold up an Isis flag as they protest against the Israeli occupation of Gaza in 2014 ( AFP/Getty )

There were numerous attempts against synagogues, including the attack in Manchester, as well as a plot against the Israeli consulate general in Munich. One of the deadliest attacks before the Bondi Beach incident occurred in Solingen in August 2024, when an attacker killed three people at a city fete. In a video message, he claimed he had acted for the people of Gaza.

Isis, in other words, is seeking to capitalise on the conflict in the Middle East and is beginning to succeed. But its terror looks very different now from how it looked a decade ago. Without a caliphate, and with Western security services far more adept at disrupting networks and charismatic recruiters, its centre of gravity has shifted. Most attackers are not part of a formal command-and-control structure; even if some maintain loose connections with likeminded individuals elsewhere, these are mostly cultivated online.

This is where the current jihadist threat will be confronted. What role the Philippines had to play in this latest attack remains to be seen, but ultimately, the battlefield is no longer primarily physical territory, but the digital spaces where radicalisation now takes place, largely unseen and at speed. That is where Isis survives, and where it must be defeated again.

Professor Peter R Neumann is a professor of security studies at Kings College London and the author of ISIS: The Inside Story (2015)
No matter how remote a destination, backpackers can use Holaflys eSIM to help them plan their next move and keep in touch with friends and family while on their adventures.

The Holafly eSim offers connectivity and peace of mind for those wanting to embrace the wilderness. With unlimited data and ease of use, Holaflys eSim allows backpackers to focus on planning their route and enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about mobile data limits.

Best destinations for backpackers

Asia: Whether it be Indonesia or Thailand, Holafly offers regional eSIMs for those wanting to explore the different regions of Asia.

Mexico and the USA: Unlimited data plans are available for those backpackers looking to experience Mexico and the USA.

Europe: If you want to travel across various countries, then the Holafly eSIM can be helpful for international coverage. This can be used without needing to switch SIM cards on the border or incur additional fees.

Why mobile internet access is the ultimate travel hack

There are a range of benefits to gain from mobile internet when travelling. From planning and booking accommodation, experiences and meals to staying in touch with friends and family and taking advantage of useful travel applications, your mobile can be an invaluable resource in helping your trip go smoothly.

How does an eSim work?

Many travellers often ask: what is an eSIM? In a nutshell, it is a digital SIM card that can be installed directly into your smartphone or other devices. It takes the form of a built-in chip and allows users to connect to mobile networks through digitally installing an eSIM with a QR code.

eSIMs are already available on most smartphones, and have become a firm favourite for backpackers looking to quickly access data internationally.

(Holafly)

Why Holaflys eSIM is the best option for travelling

There are a variety of different reasons why Holaflys eSIM is a suitable option for travellers backpacking. They include:

Unlimited data with no hidden costs

Holaflys eSIM offers affordable, unlimited data plans for extended travel across multiple countries.

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24/7 customer support is available to assist users with any connectivity issues when on their travels. Users can utilise WhatsApp or the bot-free website chat for help.

Remember  eSIM compatibility can vary between mobile phone providers and it may not yet work on your device depending on the model and version. Your phone must already also be carrier-unlocked to use the eSIM.

Find out more on the compatible devices

(Holafly)

How to set up your Holafly eSIM

You can purchase your Holafly eSIM at esim.holafly.com or via the Holafly app. Whichever option you choose, youll receive your eSIM via email or WhatsApp in less than a minute.

Once purchased, users can open the camera on the device and install the eSIM on scanning the QR code. Alternatively, you can also go to Settings, Mobile Data, then Add Data Plan to scan the code from there. Scanning the code will start the installation process.

There is a third option available, One-Button Install for iOS 17.4 or above: one-button install is actually when you use the app and it installs automatically.

Find out how to install and activate your Holafly eSIM on iPhone

Your SIM card will remain inactive on your device until you want to return to it after your adventure has come to an end. This way the eSIM can be a great investment for travellers to help provide peace of mind when backpacking and wanting to stay connected.

Find out more
This is the moment police arrest a woman accused of kidnapping her child 40 years ago.

Debra Newton, known to neighbors in the Florida retirement community The Villages as Sharon Nealy, was detained by Marion County Sheriffs after a tip off.

Newton is accused of disappearing with her three-year-old daughter Michelle from Louisville, Kentucky in 1983 after telling people she was relocating for a job.

Michelle, who lived unaware that she was a missing child, has now reunited with father Joe who has not seen her in four decades.

Debra Newton has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court next month.
The Indo Daily: Melania: The Movie  We saw it, so you dont have to...
Karen Killalea: how to deal with controversial beliefs and opinions in the workplace

Under Irish employment law, the position is that a dismissal by reason of a political opinion is automatically unfair

In Ireland, a range of employees rights are enshrined in the Irish Constitution. Photo: Getty

Karen Killalea Thu 18 Dec 2025 at 06:30

A topic which is undoubtedly on the rise for employers in Ireland is how to manage expressions of controversial and conflicting beliefs in the workplace. When can an employer lawfully and fairly intervene?
Galway medtech firm SymPhysis Medical is looking to complete a crowd-funding round by the end of the year, as part of up to 5m of investment sought to help bring its key medical device to market.

The company was founded in 2018 and has developed a device to drain fluid from the chest, a treatment for malignant pleural effusion, a condition that impacts around half of late-stage cancer patients.

Their Releaze drainage system is now ready for patient testing, a key step in seeking regulatory approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to SymPhysis chief executive Tim Jones.

The device allows patients to manage the condition independently at home, rather than rely on a nurse or carer.

He is looking to raise 3m to 5m over the next six months, ahead of bringing the device to the market.

That includes direct crowd-funding underway for an EIIS qualifying investment from Irish investors seeking direct investments of 50,000 or more in 2025 and for smaller amounts in the first quarter of 2026.

The company is looking to raise the funds directly from investors rather than over a crowd-funding platform.

Funding will be used to complete ongoing preclinical studies, expand manufacturing and quality operations in Galway and support market access work in Europe and the US.

Businesses can only go on bootstrapping for so long

The company has previously raised more than 4m from backers including Enterprise Ireland and EIT Health.

Last month SymPhysis secured a $1.25m grant to support the US release of the device from the Rhode Island Life Science Hub.

That funding will support SymPhysis in establishing a presence in Rhode Island, build partnerships in New Englands life sciences cluster and ultimately move towards US regulatory clearance.

Mr Jones said the funding environment for medical device start-ups has become tougher in 2024 and 2025, with VC firms increasingly focused on supporting existing portfolio investments through longer periods, meaning they are less open to new deals.

It doesnt matter if you have the technology, the evidence and the market, there is more caution on financing, he said, adding that conditions were toughest for early stage start-ups.

If it were to continue, youll see a massive stifling of innovation.

"Businesses can only go on bootstrapping for so long.
The National Asset Management Agency (Nama), which is in the final stages of wind-down, has given a further 450m back to the Exchequer, bringing the total value of transfers during its lifetime to 5.6bn.
TDs and councillors have lodged appeals with An Coimisiun Pleanala

Formal objections have been filed against a plan to introduce a paid parking barrier system at the Blanchardstown Centre in west Dublin.

A number of people who oppose the scheme have now lodged separate appeals with An Coimisiun Pleanala against the planning permission for paid parking that was granted by Fingal County Council last month to Blanche Retail Nominee, the owners of the shopping centre.
Online bank Monzo opens doors in Ireland with licences from Central Bank and ECB

The UK online bank will offer current accounts and savings accounts and will run its new EU operations from Dublin

Adrian Weckler Wed 17 Dec 2025 at 15:53

The UK online bank Monzo has received a full banking licence from the Irish Central Bank and the European Central Bank.
The Government has approved 1,850 new employment permits for meat processing operatives and dairy farm assistants, with the quotas available immediately to help ease labour shortages across the agri-food sector.

The Government has released new General Employment Permit quotas for meat processing operatives and dairy farm assistants, in a move aimed at easing labour shortages across the agri-food sector.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke and Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail Alan Dillon announced that a quota of 1,000 permits has been approved for meat processing operatives, while 850 permits have been allocated for dairy farm assistants. The new quotas are available with immediate effect from Wednesday, December 17.

The permits are intended to address ongoing workforce constraints in the meat and dairy sectors, which have faced sustained labour pressures in recent years. The Government said the decision followed significant engagement with industry stakeholders and was based on demonstrated need within the agri-food sector.

Minister Burke said economic migration played a key role in addressing skills gaps and labour shortages. He said the extension of both quotas recognised the importance of the agri-food sector, particularly to the rural economy.

Alongside developments in technology, upskilling and workplace conditions, the permit system is integral to ensuring Ireland continues to have a competitive economy and agile workforce, he said.

Minister Dillon said the quotas reflected the Governments commitment to supporting the agri-food sector through the employment permit system, recognising its significance to employment, the wider economy and trade.

Irelands labour policy prioritises sourcing workers from within Ireland, the European Union and the wider European Economic Area. However, where shortages persist, the employment permit system is used to fill gaps that cannot be met domestically.

A pilot scheme was introduced in May 2018 to allow employment permits to be issued for horticulture workers, meat processing operatives and dairy farm assistants for the first time. Since then, additional quotas have been released under the scheme, with a total of 5,425 permits made available to date.

The permits were issued on a conditional basis, with progress required from the agri-food sector on commitments around training, upskilling and engagement with the Department of Social Protection. Reports on these commitments were provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The most recent quotas for both meat processing operatives and dairy farm assistants had been fully taken up. In the case of dairy farm assistants, the Government noted that the sector is facing particular pressure ahead of the traditionally busy period.

It was considered appropriate to progress the establishment of both new quota allocations together, given the time constraints facing the meat and dairy sectors. The Government also said it intends to develop an action plan with the meat processing sector to support long-term workforce planning and stability, while fostering improved workplace conditions and supports.
Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged the European Union to finalize a massive trade agreement with South American nations, telling still-hesitant leaders that the deal won't happen on his watch if it doesn't get done now.

"I've already made it clear that if we don't finalize this agreement now, Brazil won't pursue the trade deal during my presidency," Lula said during a cabinet meeting in Brasilia on Wednesday, just days before hosting a summit where leaders from the EU and Mercosur aim to sign the pact.

The EU has been racing to finalize the accord with Mercosur, the bloc of nations formed by Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, ahead of a signing ceremony tentatively scheduled for Saturday. But Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cast doubt on its immediate future earlier Wednesday, saying that her government isn't ready to ink the agreement.

France has also been pushing to delay the finalization of the accord that has been in the works for more than two decades.

The deal cleared a key technical hurdle Tuesday, when the European Parliament approved measures to protect the continent's farmers. But the pushback is likely to make it harder for the EU to approve it in time.

Lula, who has made the agreement a centerpiece of efforts to bolster Mercosur and diversify its trade partnerships, expressed frustration with European leaders including Meloni and France's Emmanuel Macron, with whom he has enjoyed strong relations.

"I moved the meeting to December 20 at the EU's request," he said. "Now I'm being told they won't be able to approve it after all. The situation is very difficult: Italy and France are blocking the deal because of their domestic political issues."

"Macron is resisting because of pressure from French farmers," he continued. "Italy is opposed for reasons that I don't know."

Confirming an earlier Reuters report, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sided with French President Emmanuel Macron in calling for a delay in approving the deal, which Poland and Hungary also oppose.

"The Italian government has always been clear in saying that the agreement must be beneficial for all sectors and that it is therefore necessary to address, in particular, the concerns of our farmers," Meloni told the lower house of Italy's parliament.

She told lawmakers it would be "premature" to sign the deal before further measures to protect farmers were finalised, adding the deal needed adequate reciprocity guarantees for the agricultural sector.

France too wants tougher safeguards, including "mirror clauses" requiring Mercosur products to comply with EU rules on pesticide use, animal welfare and tighter food safety inspections. "No one would understand if vegetables, beef and chicken that are chemically treated with products banned in France were to arrive on our soil," French government spokesperson Maud Bregeon told a news briefing. Supporters of the deal say it would not override existing EU regulations on food standards.

The European Parliament, Commission and the Council, the grouping of EU governments, are set to negotiate an agreement on Mercosur safeguards later on Wednesday after EU lawmakers backed tightening some controls on imports of some farm products.

Meloni's Brothers of Italy party said those controls were still not sufficient to ensure farmers could compete on even terms.

"This does not mean that Italy intends to block or oppose the agreement as a whole ... I am very confident that, come the start of next year, all these conditions can be met," Meloni said.

Bloomberg L.P.
Ciaran Moran: Protesting farmers will not be reassured by Taoiseachs deal-making diplomacy on Mercosur

Tractors take to the streets of Brussels amid concerns that agriculture is being used as a bargaining chip in the EU

Farmers block roads in Brussels to protest against South America free trade deal

Ciaran Moran Thu 18 Dec 2025 at 20:03

As farmers blocked roads and faced water cannons on the streets of Brussels, EU leaders were upstairs talking Ukraine, the EU budgets and trade.
Farmers will be able to make timely, responsible investments in their holdings without being tied up in planning procedures.

Farmers will be able to increase slurry storage capacity and construct additional housing for cattle without planning permission under new regulations being signed today (Thursday).

Farmers will be able to increase slurry storage capacity and construct additional housing for cattle without planning permission under new regulations being signed today (Thursday).

The changes aim to cut red tape, reduce costs and allow farmers to invest quickly to meet environmental standards. Minister of State for Planning and Local Government John Cummins said the change removes unnecessary administrative barriers that have caused delays and added costs, particularly for family farms.

He said farmers will be able to make timely, responsible investments in their holdings without being tied up in planning procedures.

The change comes following a public consultation on the updating of exempted developments which have not been updated in almost 25 years.

Under the rules, animal housing under Class 6 of Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, can increase by 50pc, raising the permitted size from 200 square metres to 300 square metres per structure.

The total aggregated area for animal housing per farm holding will rise from 300 square metres to 450 square metres. Farmers will also be allowed to construct stand-alone slurry storage tanks of up to 1,000 cubic metres, provided that total farm storage does not exceed 1,500 cubic metres.

All developments will still be required to meet building regulations, environmental protections and all relevant agriculture standards.

Minister of State for Planning and Local Government John Cummins said the changes represent a practical, balanced step to support the sustainability of Irish agriculture.

These measures are about common sense and good planning. Adequate slurry storage is critical for protecting water quality and improving nutrient management. Likewise, modern and well-designed animal housing supports higher standards of animal welfare.

By making it easier to expand slurry storage and housing for cattle, we are giving farmers the flexibility to plan for the future while continuing to protect water quality.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon said the move is positive for the environment and the pocket.

For the first time, there will be a planning exemption for stand-alone slurry storage and an increased threshold for animal housing of 50%. This will support farmers investing in their enterprises to improve water quality and animal welfare while reducing administrative burden.

At the start of this year, I made the renewal of Irelands nitrates derogation a top priority, and we recently secured a welcome continuation of the derogation. These new thresholds will assist farmers in their ongoing commitment to playing their part in improving water quality.
A Dublin man who was suffering from a severe relapse of schizoaffective disorder when he killed his girlfriend has been found not guilty of her murder by reason of insanity.

The Central Criminal Court jury on Wednesday accepted the evidence given by consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Ronan Mullaney, for the defence, that Austin Mangan was unable to refrain from committing the killing and therefore met the criteria for the special verdict.
Ill die before I purge anything. I will never purge, says man (67) who has spent 141 days in Mountjoy Prison

Owen Ryan is defying a High Court order for possession of his home over an unpaid mortgage debt of 402,000

Stock image

Shane Phelan Thu 18 Dec 2025 at 06:30

A man who has spent 141 days in jail for defying a court order for the possession of his home has told the High Court he would rather die behind bars than purge his contempt.
Man charged over Parnell Square attack suffered brain injury in confrontation with public and cannot stand trial, lawyers say

Psychiatrist says if accused is unfit for court, he would probably be admitted to the Central Mental Hospital and be reviewed on a six-month basis

The scene in Dublin city centre after the incident on Parnell Square in November, 2023. Photo: PA

Alison O'Riordan Thu 18 Dec 2025 at 19:13

A man charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children in Dublin is suffering from a mental disorder and is unfit to stand trial, his lawyers have argued before the Central Criminal Court.
Two men and a woman have been arrested after cocaine worth 4m was seized in searches carried out in Co Kildare and Co Wexford yesterday. Both men, aged in their 30s and 40s, and the woman in her 40s are currently detained at Garda stations in Kildare and Dublin.
The death toll on Irish roads this year now stands at 183  eight more than 2024s total of 175  after three more people lost their lives in crashes.

Road safety campaigners warned that 2025 is poised to become one of the deadliest years on Irish roads in modern times if the fatality rate witnessed over the last three months continues until the new year.
Taoiseach to attend meeting of EU leaders in Brussels

Micheal Martin said he would raise the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the meeting

Taoiseach Micheal Martin was in combative mood. Photo: Collins

Grainne Ni Aodha Press Association Thu 18 Dec 2025 at 07:47

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he will highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and argue in favour of using frozen Russian assets to benefit Ukraine at a meeting of EU leaders.
Irish Congress of Trade Unions backs call for ban on sub-minimum wage pay rates for workers under 20, apprentices and interns

Young workers pay the same rent and bills and taxes as everyone else

Government urged to abolish pay rates below the minimum wage for young workers

Anne-Marie Walsh Thu 18 Dec 2025 at 06:30

The Government has been urged to back a bill to abolish pay rates for young workers that are below the 13.50 an hour minimum wage.
We thought we were millionaires when we got a doll and a pram  older people reveal their childhood Christmas memories and an apple and orange in their stocking

The Irish Independent attended the Friends of the Elderly in Dublin party to hear peoples recollections of the gifts received and the people they miss

We thought we were millionaires when we got a doll and a pram  Elderly people share their fondest childhood memories of Christmas

Keith Kelly Thu 18 Dec 2025 at 06:30

I got a twin-tunnel train and a teddy bear, Thomas Larkin (82) said as he recalled Christmas as a child in Ireland.
Albania, Moldova, Montenegro and Ukraine are all working to enter the bloc

A week ago, the White House publicised a national security document that claimed Europes leadership was leading the continent toward civilisational erasure, scoffed at Europes unrealistic expectations to repel Russias invasion of Ukraine, and espoused a strategy of undermining the EU as a political entity while allying with the Eurosceptic far right.
Erectile dysfunction affects far more men than most people realise but its still one of the hardest things to say out loud. In this episode, Jennifer talks to Bobby McQuaid, a new dad who spent years believing there was something wrong with him, avoiding conversations, and even avoiding a Google search out of fear and shame.

Bobby takes Jennifer back to being 19, in his first serious relationship, when sex felt inevitable until it wasnt. He describes the confusion of not understanding what was happening, the pain, the panic, and how Irelands patchy sex education and constant media messaging left him thinking it should be instant, easy, and effortless. Instead, he spiralled into silence, avoidance, and the kind of secrecy that only grows heavier with time.

He shares how it impacted intimacy and relationships, the guilt that kept him quiet, and the moment everything shifted when he met his now wife, Fiona. For the first time, he told someone and discovered it wasnt a personal failing, but a medical issue that could be treated. From getting a diagnosis and surgery, to the reality of performance anxiety and needing Viagra, Bobby is honest about the messy, non-linear path of rebuilding confidence and finding a new definition of sex that isnt just about penetration.

Just Between Us is an Irish Independent podcast hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli. New episodes every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.
The Jim Gavin report has landed, but does it really explain how Fianna Fail handled repeated warnings about a serious tenant dispute? Or does it reveal a party too willing to accept reassurances, too slow to ask hard questions, and too determined to protect a chosen candidate?

Fionnan Sheahan outlines the reporting behind the story, the weeks of verification, and the moment the partys bluff was called. Irish Independent Political Editor Mary Regan assesses the damage, the unanswered questions around Michael Martins role, and why Fianna Fail remains deeply divided.

Has Fianna Fail finally closed the book on this saga, or will it continue to haunt Micheal Martins leadership into the new year?

Today on the Indo Daily Kevin Doyle, is joined by Irish Independent Ireland Editor Fionnan Sheehan and Political Editor Mary Regan to discuss how it all went so wrong and who will pay the political price.

"We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism"
Members of the Macroom Business Association with the Gra Macroom Gift Card

Macroom-based Fine Gael Senator Eileen Lynch is calling on the people of Macroom and surrounds to consider shopping local as Christmas bears down fast.

According to Irish Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (ISME), 10 spent on local Irish produce is worth up to 40 of benefits to the locality in term of employment.

Senator Lynch said local retailers and eateries play a pivotal role in the local economy.

Local shops and eateries serve as community hubs where people can connect, enjoy personalised service, and access higher-quality products.

These businesses foster strong relationships with customers, making transactions smoother and more meaningful.

We have some fantastic towns and villages in my own constituency of Cork North West from Macroom to Newmarket to Kanturk to Millstreet, Charleville and Mallow, Ms Lynch said.

Macroom Business Association launched the Gra Macroom Gift Card in October, which is aimed to ring-fence revenue in the town and wider Lee Valley area.

Over 100 businesses are included in the scheme, which emphasises the importance of shopping local.

In Macroom town this year they introduced the Gra Gift Card, a fantastic idea to help keep business locally.

The gift card can be used across shops, restaurants and bars in participating businesses across Macroom town and nine surrounding villages.

This new high-tech gift card for the Lee Valley region will drive in-person sales for local businesses and encourage connection between people and places, Ms Lynch said.

According to EY, one-in-three 18 to 34-year-olds are using AI tools to help with Christmas shopping. It is important to remind young people of the benefit of shopping locally as many work part-time in the community.

The EY Ireland Consumer Pulse 2025 study released this week found that seven in ten (71%) say they will complete most of their festive shopping in-store."

I am encouraging people to use social media to promote small businesses, using the hashtags #ShopCork #SupportLocal so we can bring our local businesses in Cork to a wider online audience, Ms Lynch added.
A Cork court has heard that a woman who stole items from a Dunnes Stores branch in Mallow, having already been banned from the store for a previous theft, has a compulsion to steal.

Zara Chesby (28), with an address at Dromahane in Mallow faced a charge of theft dating back to an incident earlier this month, in which she was observed taking a number of items and exiting the store without paying.

Gardai alleged that on December 3 of this year, Ms Chesby was observed by security at the Dunnes Stores acting suspiciously in the clothing area, she had been previously banned from the store.

The court heard that she was then observed taking a number of items and exiting the store. All the items, which totalled 79, were recovered.

Presenting Sergeant Linda OLeary told the court that Ms Chesby had been given the benefit of the probation act on three previous occasions for theft, after the 28-year-old entered a guilty plea through solicitor David OMeara.

Shes already benefited from probation service, said Judge Colm Roberts, who asked Mr OMeara about his client's circumstances.

Its a compulsion, but also a necessity thing, mixed with compulsion, said Mr OMeara, explaining that his client hadnt received her state benefit for two weeks previous to the incident.

Judge Colm Roberts ordered a probation report on Ms Chesby and remanded her on bail for penalty on February 10.

Its so important you stay out of trouble until the next date, the better you do, the better I can be to you, said the Judge.
The HSE has been urged to extend the McAuley Day Centre Service in Charleville, which currently operates two days per week, despite rapidly growing demand from older people in the area.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul OShea has called on the HSE to extend the operating hours of the day centre service in Charleville.

Deputy OShea was responding to recent correspondence from the HSE confirming that while the McAuley Day Centre receives Section 39 support, no additional funding has yet been allocated to expand services, though the issue is under active review by Public Health Nursing and Primary Care for 2026.

The Cork TD said the current limitations are not meeting community needs. The McAuley Day Centre in Charleville provides essential supports, social engagement, meals, activities, health monitoring, and much needed respite for families.

"These services are invaluable, said Mr OShea. Operating only two days a week is not enough given the level of local demand. Many older people who would benefit simply cannot access the service as frequently as they need.

Deputy OShea emphasised that expanding to additional days would significantly improve quality of life for older people in the region. Extending the service would allow far more older people in Charleville and the surrounding area to avail of the high-quality care and support provided by the McAuley Day Centre.

The staff and volunteers are doing exceptional work; they now need the resources to expand to meet the needs of our ageing population, he added.

Mr OShea urged the HSE to prioritise Charleville in its 2026 planning. Expanding this service is a practical step that would keep more older people well, supported, and connected within their own community. It deserves urgent attention.

Families across Charleville rely on the McAuley Day Centre, said Fine Gael councillor Aileen Browne. Week after week, we hear from older residents who would attend more frequently if the service was available. Increasing the number of operating days would make a meaningful difference to peoples lives and strengthen community supports across the town.

Cllr Browne said the issue is a priority for local people. I will continue to work with Deputy OShea to ensure the HSE recognises the need for this expansion. Older people in Charleville deserve the same access to day services as those in other parts of the region.
Festive joy returned to Mitchelstown as Frosty the Snowman was returned to his central place in the Square following an act of needless vandalism.

The act of vandalism saw one of Mitchelstowns centrepiece Christmas features  an illuminated snowman known locally as Frosty  ripped from its plinth and knocked completely over.

Frosty is now back standing beside Santa in the Square in Mitchelstown, and Fianna Fail councillor and Mitchelstown woman Deirdre OBrien is elated with the news.

Frosty is back up beside Santa, where he belongs!

Its a beautiful decoration which has been there over the past few years and the display was looking great, Cllr OBrien said.

She added that Frostys return is great for the town as letting the negativity sparked by the wanton act of vandalism linger during the Christmas period would have been a shame.

Im happy that Frosty is back because you really dont want the bad taste to stick around over the Christmas, she said.

Mitchelstown Business Association updated residents on Wednesday in a social media post that consisted of a picture of Frosty and a statement which read:

We are absolutely delighted to let you know that "Frosty" the snowman is back in the Square in time for Christmas!!!!

We would like to sincerely thank Philip & William Keane for their help in getting him back to us.
Software company Quest has opened a new research and development centre for artificial intelligence at its facility in Cork.

The opening of Quest Technology's new AI centre in Cork is supported by IDA Ireland

Software company Quest, a global leader in data management, cybersecurity, and platform modernisation has opened a new research and development centre for artificial intelligence at its facility in Cork.

Quests investment and the creation of new roles will contribute to an economic impact in Cork and across Ireland.

According to IDA Ireland, every 10 jobs created in IDA client companies support an additional eight jobs in the wider economy.

The planned investment in the Cork Centre for Advanced AI Architecture supports the companys strategy across three key areas: trusted AI-ready data, AI-powered cybersecurity, and platform modernization to scale with AI demands.

The centre will serve as a hub for applied research and development.

Teams in Cork will work across AI engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and software development to advance these priorities and strengthen Quests market-leading products in these areas.

AI adoption is increasing across every sector, and organisations need stronger foundations in data, security, and modern platforms.

The new centre will play a central role in meeting these needs through applied research and development, and engineering work, to deliver market-leading and first-of-a-kind innovations that will help drive customer success and Quest growth.

The opening of the centre in Cork was attended by Ireland's EU Commissioner, Michael McGrath who welcomed the announcement. I am very pleased to join the team at Quest Software in Cork to celebrate this significant investment in skills, talent, and jobs. It strengthens Europes innovation capacity and is a strong endorsement of Cork and the wider Southwest region.

Minister McGrath continued: It demonstrates the role Cork plays as a dynamic contributor to Europes digital future, and its importance for companies like Quest as they scale their European presence.

Tim Page, CEO at Quest Software said: By investing in technology and talent, and partnering with local universities and research institutions, we can help develop the next generation of AI and cybersecurity professionals.

Peter Burke, TD, Minister for Enterprise Tourism and Employment said Quest Softwares decision to expand in Cork is a fantastic endorsement of Irelands reputation as a hub for innovation and talent.

As part of its expansion plans with the new Centre for Advanced AI Architecture, Quest plans to collaborate with Irish universities to develop courses, training programs, and skills development opportunities focused on AI and cybersecurity for people interested in technology careers.

Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed the announcement by Quest Software that it is to establish a new Centre for Advanced AI Architecture in Cork.

Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said: Quest Softwares decision to grow its footprint in Cork is a strong vote of confidence in the regions capabilities and the calibre of talent available here, and demonstrates the positive impact of effective partnership with IDA Ireland.

This new AI centre reflects the growing strength of Corks innovation landscape and reinforces our reputation as a location where global companies can advance cutting-edge research and development, he added.

This announcement is a very positive signal for the year ahead, said Mr Healy. With continued investment in enabling infrastructure and housing, as well as skills development through the regions world-class education and research institutions, Cork is well positioned to support further expansion of high-value industries into 2026 and beyond.
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg surprised Aran Island residents after attending a Gaza solidarity vigil on Inis Mor at the weekend, as part of her trip to Ireland.

Ms Thunberg joined locals on Saturday, December 13 to join a vigil group called Offshore Islands for Free Palestine at the old pier on Inis Mor.

She spent one night on the island and took in some of the tourist attractions during her stay, as well as mingling with locals.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, member of Offshore Islands for Free Palestine Eoin McDonnell explained that Ms Thunberg had given them notice she would be in attendance ahead of her arrival.

Shes s a lovely woman, as it turned out, and very quiet. We got word she was coming over; she obviously had heard about our vigil that we hold once a week, he explained.

The vigil, which is normally held on a Wednesday at 6pm, is now into its 93rd week and has grown in popularity over time, having caught the eye of several high-profile solidarity campaigners.

Obviously, Greta had heard about it through Caoimhe Butterly or Tadhg Hickey, who were on the flotilla, he said.

They've participated and shared our videos online and stuff like that so I'm sure she heard through them. I think she had time to spare so she wants to go up and see us.

She came up and spent the night on the island and met everyone that was there and thanked us all individually for all the work we are doing, which was great.

Ms Thunbergs visit to Inis Mor came just before she travelled to Dublin as part of her visit to Ireland. So far during her stay, she has been hosted by President of Ireland Catherine Connolly, attended a Gaza charity run organised by Kneecap and is due to speak at a fundraising event held by Bohemian FC at Dalymount Park on Thursday evening.

However, Mr McDonnell says he was initially shocked to discover she would be visiting the island and assumed that she was doing so to escape the limelight.

I thought, If she's coming here, she's on holiday, but she actually came to see us which was even more amazing, so it was great, brilliant.

She got around to some of the usual tourist spots, and she loved it. I think she was more impressed with the people and how friendly they were to her.

I'm sure she gets both [types of] reactions wherever she goes, but the reaction on the island was just perfect. She really enjoyed herself and she was welcome wherever she went.
Under 25s are means-tested for a medical card based on their parents income rather than their own

A Kerry councillor has slammed the medical card assessment rules for young adults as fundamentally unfair, asking for immediate changes to the system.

At a council meeting last week, Councillor Angie Baily highlighted the outdated rules for those aged under 25 as well as the lack of cover for those diagnosed with unrecognised illnesses.

Currently, people under 25 are assessed for a medical card based on the income of their parents, rather than their own, making it more likely for them not to qualify.

Cllr Baily advocate for the rules to be changed so that anyone aged 18 or over would be assessed based on their own income instead.

Right across Irish society, young adults are treated as independent, capable decision-makers, said Cllr Baily.

At 18 a person can vote, sign contracts, buy a home, take out a mortgage, start a business, work full-time, and travel the world without consentat 17 they can even enlist in the Defence Forces.

This system creates barriers to essential healthcare at a time when young adults are statistically more likely to experience mental-health challenges, financial precarity, and insecure housing.

It is unreasonable to expect a 19-year-old living alone, or a 22-year-old supporting a child, to have their medical needs judged on the income of parents who may not be contributing to their wellbeing or financial security in any way.

Discretionary media cards can also be provided for those who fail the means test, allowing the same access to services as a regular card. As part of the application process, evidence of medical expenses must also be provided.

However, Cllr Baily believes they are not a solution and said they place emphasis on how the card is used rather than the entitlement or dignity of the applicant.

The term discretionary itself implies uncertainty, inconsistency, and subjectivity, she said.

If you carry a discretionary bus ticket, you risk getting thrown off the bus or left behind if the bus is full. A discretionary medical card asks vulnerable young adults to appeal, to justify, to beg when no other area of life asks them to do this.

To make matters worse this is at a time when life has already thrown everything, sometimes life limiting illness, at them. A time when they are at their most vulnerable, when their young lives, just starting, seem to be thrown into the abyss of the unknown.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme
Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Michael Foley, who resides in Ballylongford, brought the final Kerry County Council meeting of the year to his home community. Photo by Domnick Walsh

From left to right: WT Cosgrave, British prime minister Ramsay MacDonald and Northern Ireland prime minister James Craig during border discussions, 1924

A century after the Irish Boundary Commission established the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State, a Kerry councillor has urged the government to prepare for Irish unity.

Councillor Robert Brosnan called for the creation of a citizens assembly and engagement with Northern Ireland to secure a date for an Irish unity referendum.

On December 3, 1925, a month of frantic negotiations between WT Cosgrave, Britains prime minister Stanley Baldwin and Stormont premier James Craig ended in confirmation of the 500km Irish border as delineated today.

When earlier expectations of major concessions on the behalf of the British were ultimately dashed, great anger was felt in Dublin at what was perceived a betrayal of prior negotiations, particularly around Article 12 of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

Speaking at a Kerry County Council meeting last week, Cllr Brosnan said the Good Friday agreement of 1998 provided the democratic means of achieving reunification and asked the council to write to the Taoiseach to prepare plans.

I am proud to call myself a united Irelander and we in Sinn Fein have always had that ideal as our foundation stone, but we have never claimed ownership of that ideal because we know that its something that most people will support in Kerry, he said.

Its 100 years since the boundary commission divided our country, its time Kerry got behind the unity referendum and put their advice to Dail Eireann.

He called for the establishment of an All-Island Representative Citizens Assembly, joint Oireachtas Committee on Irish Unity, the publishing of a plan for Irish Unity and engagement with Northern Ireland Unionist opinion with a view to securing a date for a referendum.

Sinn Fein has hosted 44 assemblies as part of its Commission on the Future of Ireland since 2022. The partys latest report on the future of Ireland said significant work is needed to be done to prepare for a referendum, urging that work begin now.

Sinn Fein councillor Deirdre Ferris seconded Cllr Brosnans motion, adding that she hoped everyone in the chamber supported the idea of tackling the issue.

The border is a man-made construct in order for the British imperial state to keep a foothold in the Irish state itselfId hope everyone supports the idea that engagement at least begins in and around what a united Ireland would mean for every single community, she said.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme
Call for M1 toll to be scrapped to ease gridlock

Funding for Active Travel projects in Louth was 'disappointing' Louth councillors heard at their December meeting. Photo: Stock Image.

Fears that major Active Travel projects in Louth may not get off the ground have emerged after a 2.5 million funding shortfall was confirmed.

A number of schemes have been planned in Louth, the largest along the Inner Relief Road in Dundalk and the proposed schemes at Rathmullan Road and Marley's Lane in Drogheda.

There are 15 projects planned overall across the county.

But, a major funding shortfall has emerged as Louth County Council confirmed the disappointing news that 4 million is being awarded by the NTA. This was a major reduction on the 6.5 million anticipated.

Cllr. Marianne Butler told the December meeting of Louth County Council that it was understood the Inner Relief Road project was getting underway in January 2026, and asked for an update on the scheme.

Cllr. Michelle Hall, who is Mayor of Drogheda, said there was huge concern about the traffic delays on the Dublin Road in Drogheda, and the impact this reduced funding allocation would have on Active Travel projects, which are designed to reduce congestion.

It was very worrying that Active Travel projects might not get off the paper, especially in Drogheda, as the Dublin Road has just become total gridlock.

She added it is currently taking motorists up to 40 minutes to get from one end of the town to the other.

"Active Travel schemes, particularly one which links up to the train station, are just so important for Drogheda, to give people the options as we know a lot of these are short journeys.

She said it would be gamechanger for a lot of people, to have that option.

Pressure needs to be applied on government to produce the funding which was promised to us, said Cllr. Hall.

She added: If they wont do that we really need to get rid of the toll.

Cllr. James Byrne asked if the council could appeal to the government directly to remove the M1 toll.

He said it would solve a lot of the traffic problems we have in town, particularly those Cllr. Hall has highlighted.

Director of Service, David Jones, explained the council had made a submission in October for permission to proceed with the Dundalk project.

That approval has still not been received, he told councillors.

He said they had been advised by the NTA to work on a programme with an estimated 4 million budget for Active Travel in 2026.

This, he explained, would include staff salaries, the Safe Routes to School projects, and the main schemes.

It was hoped that a budget of 6.5 million would be available, the meeting heard.

"This unfortunately represents a shortfall, said Mr. Jones, adding that it was impacting all local authorities.

He said they would continue to lobby hard for Louth in the weeks and months ahead, but are still awaiting formal approval for the Dundalk project.

He added that in terms of the Drogheda scheme, the council await further updates from the NTA, but it wasnt the case that no progress was being made on the project.

Cllr. Maeve Yore said members had been told that resurfacing would be included under Active Travel on the Dublin Road in Dundalk, from Hill Street Bridge to Mullaharlin.

"I would like to have a commitment that it would be done in 2026.

Mr. Jones added they await formal approval of funding for Active Travel, and this would impact on schemes which might be considered under the councils roadworks programme.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
The case was heard at Drogheda court.

"Some night out, a judge has remarked after hearing how a 23-year-old charity worker damaged a Garda patrol van and smeared blood on a cell wall after being arrested at a Drogheda pub.

Adam Grimes, Rosepark, Balrothery, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, pleaded guilty to two criminal damage and two public order charges following incidents which occurred on February 22 last.

Evidence was given of a disturbance at Weavers Pub, West Street, Drogheda, where a man was threatening and abusive to members of the public.

Gardai arrested the defendant and placed him in the back of a patrol car. He kicked the doors causing them to bend out.

At Drogheda Garda Station he smeared his blood on the wall of a cell.

Barrister Eoghan Fagan said that his client was deeply remorseful.

He was unemployed and did charity work in Balbriggan.

Judge Nicola Andrews put the case back to May 18 for a probation report.

She told Mr Grimes to engage with the Probation Service, particularly around anger management.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly to address commemoration event for Hollymount native, Frank Stagg, at Leigue Cemetery in Ballina

Gerry Kelly MLA will speak at a commemoration event for Frank Stagg in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina, County Mayo

The late Frank Stagg, who died while on hunger strike in England

Hollymount native and IRA hunger striker Frank Stagg will be commemorated in Ballina, County Mayo, next year on the fiftieth anniversary of his death.

He died in Wakefield Prison, West Yorkshire, on February 12, 1976, at the age of 34, after lasting 62 days without food.

To mark the fiftieth anniversary of his death, Mayo Sinn Fein are inviting people to attend a commemoration at Leigue Cemetery on Sunday, February 14, 2026.

The event will take place at 1.30pm at Staggs grave beside fellow hunger striker Michael Gaughan and will be addressed by Sinn Fein MLA, Gerry Kelly. It will be followed by a function in Ballinas Great National Hotel at 7pm.

Born in Bloomfield, Hollymount, in 1941, as the seventh of 13 children, Frank Stagg worked briefly as a gamekeeper after leaving school.

He then emigrated to England, where he became a bus conductor and later a driver.

In 1970, he married Bridie Armstrong from Carnacon, County Mayo.

Two years later, he joined Sinn Fein in Luton and subsequently the IRA.

He returned home regularly to Hollymount for holidays until his arrest in April 1973. He was later convicted of conspiring to commit arson as part of an alleged IRA unit and was sentenced to ten years in prison under Britains conspiracy laws.

In 1974, Stagg joined other IRA prisoners in beginning a hunger strike, demanding that they be repatriated to Ireland and treated as political prisoners.

Stagg ended his hunger strike after being given assurances that he would be transferred to Ireland.

He carried out further hunger strikes in prison over the next few years before he died on February 12, 1976.

What followed was one of the most contentious funerals in modern Irish history.

Stagg had requested that he be buried in the republican plot at Leigue Cemetery, Ballina, beside Michael Gaughan, who died on hunger strike in 1974.

However, his brother, Emmet, a future Labour TD, objected, insisting that he be buried at the family plot to avoid any IRA involvement in the funeral.

The Irish government, fearful of an IRA show of strength, diverted the plane carrying his body to Shannon. Gardai seized the remains and flew them by helicopter to Mayo. His funeral took place in Robeen church under heavy security, with 1,600 Defence Forces personnel and Gardai present.

He was conveyed to Leigue Cemetery, where he was first buried in a grave some 70 yards away from the republic plot. Six feet of concrete was poured on the coffin to prevent it from being dug up.

The following day, a group of IRA members held their own service and fired volleys of shots into the air and pledged to bury him beside Michael Gaughan.

For 18 months, gardai maintained a watch on his grave to prevent re-interment.

Twenty-two months later, the IRA dug up his body and re-buried him beside Michael Gaughan.

Separately, the White Gates Development and Enhancement Committee in Hollymount has applied for planning permission to create a local amenity featuring a sculpture of Frank Stagg.
Ladies Football

Ciara Smyth and Emma Duggan inspire Meath to 13-point victory over Dublin  It was a huge team effort

Player of the match Ciara Smyth said that Meath knew they had underperformed on the opening weekend against Galway so it was a boost to get their first win of their Lidl National Football League Division 1 campaign in front of a big crowd at the 
Life

I fell in love with conducting  and it is so important for women to be visible in the orchestra pit

I was always musical growing up. I was always singing around the house and started studying cello, and piano when I was six. My mum always loved classical music, so she was more than happy to send me to lessons.
A major road in Tipperary town is sinking due to an underground water leak, with local councillors claiming little action has been taken to fix the problem.

At the December meeting of the Tipperary-Cahir-Cashel Municipal District, Sinn Fein councillor Annemarie Ryan raised the issue of a large leak on Tipperary towns main street, with the road starting to sink as a result of it.

The Main Street in Tipperary town sits on the N24 route which travels from Waterford to Limerick, with large volumes of cars, trucks and buses passing through the town every day.

A large leak has been reported by the main set of traffic lights in the town, next to an area known as Crosses Corner.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Ryan said that councillors had been raising the issue for a number of weeks but nothing had been done to fix the leak so far, particularly at a time when water infrastructure in the town is so stretched.

"We have a huge, massive leak on the Main Street and a pothole, which Ive raised and weve all raised numerous times in the last few weeks, and the road is sinking down there, Cllr Ryan said.

Uisce Eireann havent done anything about it, she added.

Recently, Uisce Eireann confirmed to Cllr Ryan that water pressure in Tipperary town was routinely being turned down at night time, a fact which was described as outrageous by the Sinn Fein councillor.

"Tipperary town at the moment is suffering from regular water reductions at night time, so people cant use their washing machines or their showers after 9pm at night, and in certain parts of town, at higher levels, they have no water at all.

"I wrote to Uisce Eireann two weeks ago and they gave me this reply, and it was such a shock. It says if these restrictions were not in place, the town would be without water in two days, which is pretty shocking, Cllr Ryan said.

"Its an outrageous situation that we find ourselves in, she added.

Fine Gael councillor John Crosse supported Cllr Ryan, saying that councillors are getting nowhere with trying to address the leak.

"I know its an Uisce Eireann issue, but we have been on the merry go round with this, and maybe a call from the district engineer may not be any harm, he said.

In response, the district engineer James Swords said that it is hoped that the leak will be looked at this week, but that its a constant battle with the water utility company.

"Ive been battling with Uisce Eireann for a number of years, and frustrating is an understatement, its going on way too long, were constantly battling and were not getting much success out of them, Mr Swords said.

"I think its this week theyre going at the leak at the traffic lights, they were at a job in Kilfeacle earlier this week, he explained.

"They are working with us, but were putting a lot of our own staff time into trying to sort out issues, its just not good enough, Mr Swords added.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
*China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is set to officially launch island-wide special customs operations on Thursday, a landmark step underscoring the country's unwavering commitment to expanding high-standard opening up and advancing an open world economy. *The launch of island-wide special customs operations reflects China's resolve to address external uncertainties with the certainty of expanded high-standard opening up, injecting new vitality into both the Chinese economy and global growth. *The share of zero-tariff products in the Hainan FTP will surge from 21 percent to 74 percent, with the number of tariff-free items expanding from about 1,900 to 6,637, covering nearly all production equipment and raw materials. BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is set to officially launch island-wide special customs operations on Thursday, a landmark step underscoring the country's unwavering commitment to expanding high-standard opening up and advancing an open world economy. In the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, guest speakers shared insights into the significance of the Hainan FTP and its upcoming special customs operations. "Accelerating the development of free trade ports is a concrete move to show the world that China's door to opening up will not be closed, but will only open wider," said Huang Hanquan, head of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research under the National Development and Reform Commission. "The launch of island-wide special customs operations reflects China's resolve to address external uncertainties with the certainty of expanded high-standard opening up, injecting new vitality into both the Chinese economy and global growth," Huang said. Located in China's southernmost island province, the Hainan FTP is the country's largest special economic zone and a key testing ground for deepening reform and opening up. Under the special customs operations, the Hainan FTP will implement a supervision model featuring "freer access at the first line, regulated access at the second line, and free flows within the island." The "first line," linking Hainan with overseas markets, will allow most imported goods to enter tariff-free with faster clearance, while the "second line," referring to the customs boundary between Hainan and the mainland, will apply standard customs oversight to ensure fairness and prevent smuggling. Starting Thursday, the share of zero-tariff products in the Hainan FTP will surge from 21 percent to 74 percent, with the number of tariff-free items expanding from about 1,900 to 6,637, covering nearly all production equipment and raw materials. POLICY BENEFITS "Island-wide special customs operations will bring a more open trade environment and a more efficient allocation of production factors, creating major development opportunities," said Xue Zengyi, senior vice chairman of CP Group Agro-industry & Food Business, China Area. Xue illustrated the impact with a simple calculation: the group's coffee business will benefit from the free trade port's zero-tariff policy on raw and auxiliary materials, reducing import costs by 8 percent in tariffs and 13 percent in value-added tax on green coffee beans, significantly lowering raw material expenses. One of the earliest foreign-invested enterprises to establish a presence in Hainan, CP Group has operated in the province for nearly four decades. Starting with agriculture and animal husbandry, it has expanded into seven sectors, including aquaculture and coffee, and now runs 13 enterprises with a total investment of 2 billion yuan (about 283.4 million U.S. dollars). The launch of island-wide special customs operations marks a milestone in the development of the Hainan FTP, with a raft of preferential policies expected to deliver tangible gains for businesses and residents in Hainan. Huang said that the preferential tax policies will significantly reduce operating costs in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and high-end manufacturing, help attract industrial clustering, and spur the development of emerging industries, including offshore wind power and commercial spaceflight. For Hainan residents, the expanded range of offshore duty-free goods and optimized shopping policies are expected to invigorate the local consumer market. Hainan's distinctive development models are also set to spur a new wave of growth in modern service sectors such as healthcare and education, Huang added. As part of efforts to advance the construction of the Hainan FTP, China earlier this year improved the island's offshore duty-free shopping policies, including measures to broaden the scope of eligible duty-free goods. Since the policy took effect on Nov. 1, offshore duty-free sales have exceeded 1.5 billion yuan. INSTITUTIONAL OPENING UP "Island-wide special customs operations mark a new starting point for the opening up and development of the Hainan FTP, rather than the finish line," Huang said. He added that China will gradually expand opening-up at the "first line," further ease trade administration, and work to build a special customs supervision zone with international competitiveness and influence. Hainan will align itself with high-standard international economic and trade rules in areas such as cross-border data flows and intellectual property protection. The institutional innovations accumulated in the process can be replicated nationwide, helping propel deeper domestic reforms, said Huang. In terms of industry and investment, Hainan's policy advantages are expected to attract global capital into sectors such as tourism and education, while fostering a trade model linking raw materials from Southeast Asia, processing in Hainan, and distribution in the mainland, positioning the island as a hub connecting domestic and international markets and helping optimize China's overall trade network. In the financial sector, improvements to the multi-functional free trade account system will broaden channels for cross-border financing and investment, facilitating the entry of foreign capital into the Chinese market and supporting outbound investment by domestic firms. This will help diversify China's approaches to both utilizing foreign investment and investing abroad, Huang added. Official data show that since 2020, more than 9,600 foreign-invested enterprises have been newly established in Hainan, with investors from 176 countries and regions. With the launch of island-wide special customs operations, Hainan is expected to strengthen further its role as a headquarters base for overseas companies entering the Chinese market. In recent years, Hainan's foreign trade has demonstrated strong growth momentum. In 2024, the total volume of Hainan's goods imports and exports reached 277.65 billion yuan -- up 20 percent year on year and nearly 200 percent compared to 2020. Xue said that while CP Group continues to deepen its presence in the Hainan market through product innovation and expanded investment, it will also make full use of the advantages of the Hainan FTP to bring Hainan's distinctive agricultural products to international markets. (Video reporters: Hong Ling, Zhou Yang, Zhao Yuhe, Liu Yutian and Guo Liangchuan; video editors: Hong Ling, Li Qin and Wang Han. )
Mercosur deal puts future of Irish farming at stake, says IFA deputy president Alice Doyle

Alice Doyle, a beef farmer, says that Irish farmers are already a disappearing race and that the proposed deal is bad for farmers and consumers

Alice Doyle IFA Deputy President on her farm. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Cillian Boggan Wexford People Thu 18 Dec 2025 at 07:40

Wexford beef farmer and IFA Deputy President Alice Doyle has said that the proposed Mercosur deal, is putting the very future of Irish farming at stake.
Front; Kathleen Connors, Bridget Polly Connors and Sinead Joyce from Clonroche, Back; Deputy George Lawlor, Debbie O'Rourke and Orla Coleman from ARC Family Resource Centre, Nan Connors from Clonroche and Sinead Cronin Daly from TUSLA. Photo: Mary Browne

Developed through a collaborative community work process with Traveller families, the publication shares powerful stories of resilience, identity, and hope.

ARC Family Resource Centre has a long history of working with Travellers in the areas of Adamstown, Raheen and Clonroche, and this is the third project which focuses on making Traveller experiences visible, while serving as a tool to create change and improve understanding between Tusla and Travellers. Funded by the Dormant Accounts Fund through Tusla, Connected Journeys was created by Traveller peer researchers and ARC Family Support Workers to address past experiences of fear and mistrust, encourage dialogue, and strengthen relationships between families and services.

The launch event was attended by Travellers, staff from Tusla, Wexford Local Development and Wexford and Waterford ETB, highlighting the wide communitys commitment to partnership and inclusion. The event attracted a diverse crowd and included keynote speakers George Lawlor TD, Polly Connors, Sinead Cronin Daly and Orla Courtney, who praised the initiative for its role in breaking down barriers and fostering trust.

Orla Courtney, ARC FRC Family Support and Community Development worker, acknowledged the challenges she faced in involving some Travellers and organisations in the project due to historical negative experiences, and she hopes that projects like this can change that. It is through community work we can achieve the changes we seek to ensure the rights of Travellers are protected and upheld, Ms Courtney said.

Also commenting on the launch of the booklet, George Lawlor TD, the Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community stated: This booklet is a testament to the power of collaboration and cultural respect. By listening to Traveller voices and sharing their experiences, we are taking an important step toward building trust and ensuring that services are accessible, inclusive, and supportive for every family.

Manager of ARC FRC, Debbie ORourke, concluded by adding that the Connected Journeys booklet is about visibility, respect, and partnership. These stories challenge stigma and show whats possible when empathy and cultural understanding guide our work, said Ms ORourke.
Author Terry Conlon pictured with Captain Sean Boyce at the launch of his new book, 'Irish Merchant Ships and Shipowners' at Wexford Library.

Author Terry Conlon launches his new book, 'Irish Merchant Ships and Shipowners' at Wexford Library with members of The Rosslare Maritime Enthusiasts group and Captain Sean Boyce.

Ship names that are still spoken about from generation to generation in the seafaring households of Wexford are among those listed in a major new publication which celebrates Irelands proud maritime heritage.

Referenced within the pages of Terry Conlan's new work Irish Merchant Ships and Shipowners are names such as Menapia, Wexfordian, Slaney, Selskar, Killurin and the famed MV Kerlogue, one of the most celebrated ships of the World War II era.

Certainly pointing towards Wexfords central role in the nations maritime history, Conlans new book spans more than two centuries of Irish seafaring, from the early days of steam, through global conflict, political change and into the modern era. For the first time, it brings together a comprehensive national record of Ireland's merchant fleet, its shipowners, crews and coastal communities.

Coming from Rosslare Harbour, saltwater ran in the veins of Captain Sean Boyce and he was delighted to speak at the official launch of the new book at Wexford Library.

"It shows not only the vessels themselves, but the people, communities and industries behind them, he said, pointing towards the publications importance for historical record.

Author Terry Conlon pictured with Captain Sean Boyce at the launch of his new book, 'Irish Merchant Ships and Shipowners' at Wexford Library.

With the launch well-attended by members of the Rosslare Maritime Enthusiasts group, they were especially interested in the many Wexford ships, sailors and communities referenced within, with member Brian Cleare adding his intricate maritime artwork to the publication, with Leo Coy and other group members providing encouragement and help with research.

The staff of Wexford Library were thanked for their support and their ongoing commitment to promoting local history and heritage.

Copies of the book are now available to purchase via the Rosslare Maritime Enthusiasts website, priced at 40.

As Captain Boyce concluded on the night, the publication stands as a tribute to a maritime legacy of courage, resilience and community, one that will now be preserved for future generations.
Tom McGat, Patsi Byrne, Dillon Cruise, Irmantis Girates, Gerry Collins, Damien Coleman, Cllr Pat Fitzgerald and Ray Gaffney with Boyzone star Keith Duffy at the official opening of Tyreland in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly

Elenor Kinsella and Margaret Daly at the official opening of Tyreland in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly

Keith Duffy announces the winners of the Tyreland draw at the official opening of Tyreland in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly

Tyreland draw winners Michael Reidy, Larry Clare, Margaret Daly, Elenor Kinsella and Elaine Cloke with Boyzone star Keith Duffy and Damien Coleman at the official opening of Tyreland in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly

Boyzone star Keith Duffy and Ray Gaffney at the official opening of Tyreland in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly

Horrendous weather didnt dampen the spirits in Arklow as Boyzone star and Tyreland co-owner Keith Duffy joined members of the community to celebrate the opening of the tyre and wheel-alignment companys first Wicklow location.

The new depot, located in the Croghan Industrial Estate beside the Arklow NCT centre, officially opened its doors following a five-day competition run in partnership with East Coast FM.

Ahead of the launch, the public was invited to attend via Tyrelands social media channels, with a warm drink and nibbles promised to those braving the conditions.

Addressing followers online before the event, Duffy said: The weather is terrible outside, so theres plenty of room for you to come indoors, and well have coffee, tea, a few sandwiches, and we can have the craic and take a few photographs.

Five competition winners were invited to the Arklow depot for the opening, where the former Coronation Street actor was on hand to draw the overall winner.

The top prize was a full set of tyres up to the value of 600, with the remaining four winners each receiving 50 Tyreland vouchers to be used at the business.

Presenting the grand prize to lucky winner Margaret Daly at the opening, Duffy joked: That should cover your car and keep you safe in the winter months!

The new Wicklow location is the first outside Dublin and Meath for Tyreland. The company specialises in tyre supply and fitting, offering services including new tyres, puncture repairs, four-wheel 3D laser alignment, wheel balancing and spare wheels, and also provides a mobile fitting service covering Kildare and Carlow.

Speaking after the launch, Tyreland partner and long-time friend Damien Coleman said Arklow had been under consideration for some time as the business looked to expand.

We were doing quite a bit of work in the area with our mobile vans, and Arklow has been on the radar for the last couple of years, he said.

We were just waiting to get the right location and the right unit.

Obviously, its easy to service from the greater Dublin area with our own vehicles for replacement stock and that type of thing, so Arklow was always on the agenda for the last two or three years.

Reflecting on the launch, Coleman said the weather warning issued on the day came at an unfortunate time, but didnt stop guests from attending.

It went really, really well, he said.

It was funny actually, because Keith was on the radio before that, inviting people down, and as soon as he came off the radio, the news came on and told people not to travel with the weather warning.

Despite the horrendous weather, we still had a good turnout. We did the draw for the 600 voucher.

Coleman added that Duffy plays an active role in the business, saying: Keith is very hands-on.

Following the opening, Tyreland thanked customers who had been calling into the newly opened Arklow depot on social media, giving a special shout-out to Fred, who was the first customer through the door.
Actor James Van Der Beek has been described as a ray of positivity amid his bowel cancer diagnosis.

The 48-year-old was pictured smiling with American TV presenter Craig Melvin ahead of an interview for NBCs Today Show.

Melvin said of the Dawsons Creek star: Spent the day in TX on James Van Der Beeks ranch.

Overcast and dreary outside but James is quite the ray of positivity these days. It was refreshing and inspiring.

We talked about where he is on his journey, the importance of cancer screenings, and how hes finding joy in family and faith.

In November 2024, the Dawsons Creek star said in an interview with US outlet People that he was privately dealing with the diagnosis and taking steps to resolve it.

In the interview he said he had been prioritising time with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

He also acknowledged his diagnosis in an Instagram post to his 1.6 million followers, where he apologised to his loved ones who had learned about his cancer through the press.

Van Der Beek missed a Dawsons Creek reunion event, which was organised in support of him and the charity F Cancer, in September, due to two stomach viruses.

The series, which ran for six seasons from 1998 until 2003, follows a group of friends as they navigate different stages of their adolescence together, with Van Der Beek playing the titular character, Dawson Leery.

Van Der Beek is also known for his roles as a fictional version of himself in Dont Trust The B- In Apartment 23; in CSI: Cyber as FBI agent Elijah Mundo; and as Matt Bromley in the first season of the FX drama Pose.

Bowel cancer can develop in the rectum or colon and is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK.

The charity says it is sometimes called colorectal cancer because it affects the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum, with symptoms including bleeding from the back passage, blood in poo or a change in someones normal bowel habit.
The Indian family of one of the two Bondi Beach shooters have told police that they had limited contact with him after he emigrated to Australia and that they were unaware of his apparent radicalisation.
Kim Aris, son of Myanmar's detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Tokyo, Japan on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Aung San Suu Kyis son challenged Myanmars junta to provide proof of his mothers wellbeing after the military claimed the imprisoned former leader was in good health despite not being seen or heard from in over two years.

Myanmars military issued a rare response after Ms Suu Kyis son, Kim Aris, raised the alarm over her condition and said he did not know whether she was still alive.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health, the military said in a statement carried by the junta-run Myanmar Digital News, using an honorific equivalent to Ms. However, the military provided no evidence or details to substantiate its claims.

The military claims she is in good health, yet they refuse to provide any independent proof, no recent photograph, no medical verification, and no access by family, doctors, or international observers. If she is truly well, they can prove it, Mr Aris told Reuters.

The military-run government issued the update after Mr Aris, speaking in Japan, called for his mothers release and held a protest rally criticising the planned polls, which critics say are being staged to legitimise the juntas rule following its seizure of power from Ms Suu Kyis elected government.

For all I know, she could be dead already, Mr Aris said, citing a prolonged communication blackout under Ms Suu Kyis military detention. He said no one had seen her in more than two years and that she had not been allowed contact with her legal team.

The junta is preparing to hold its first election since 2020, when the military overthrew Ms Suu Kyis government in a coup that triggered a civil war.

Ms Suu Kyi is a Nobel laureate who was stripped of the Freedom of Dublin in 2017 in protest at her handling of violence against Rohingya Muslims. She is serving a 27-year sentence on charges including corruption, election fraud, sedition, breaching Covid-19 restrictions, illegal possession of communication equipment and official secrets offences. The charges have been widely denounced as politically motivated.

Mr Aris has been sharply critical of the juntas plans to stage elections later this month though he has acknowledged that the process could still offer a narrow opportunity to push for some relief in his mothers treatment.

The junta accused her son of fabrication, claiming his remarks were intended to disrupt the upcoming elections due to begin in the conflict-torn country from December 28.

Mr Aris, on Wednesday, clarified that he has no intention of interfering in Burmas politics but years of total isolation, secrecy, and silence, any son would begin to fear the worst.

My concern is growing because my mother has been hidden for so long that I now have to ask the most painful question: is she still alive?
UK Brexit thaw as students can avail of Erasmus exchange programme again

Over 100,000 could benefit from scheme in 2027

Keir Starmer. Photo: PA

Catarina Demony Reuters Thu 18 Dec 2025 at 06:30

The UK and the European Union agreed yesterday to allow British students to rejoin the blocs popular student exchange programme Erasmus+ from 2027, a small but symbolic sign of improved relations after Brexit.
Poland has decided to start producing anti-personnel mines for the first time since the Cold War and plans to deploy them along its eastern border and may export them to Ukraine, the deputy defence minister told Reuters.

Joining a broader regional shift that has seen almost all European countries bordering Russia, with the exception of Norway, announce plans to quit the global treaty banning such weapons, Poland wants to use anti-personnel mines to beef up its borders with Belarus and Russia.
Putin calls European leaders little pigs in tirade against Kyivs allies

No Christmas ceasefire in sight as Russia likely to reject proposal, Zelensky says

Paramedics assist a resident during an evacuation from an apartment hit by a Russian air strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Photo: Reuters

Maira Butt and Namita Singh UK Independent Thu 18 Dec 2025 at 06:30

Russian president Vladimir Putin has lashed out at European leaders, calling them little pigs amid ongoing US-brokered peace talks.
An Israeli soldier frisks a Palestinian man as residents collect their belongings ahead of planned home demolitions in the refugee camp of Nur Shams, in the West Bank city of Tulkarem on Wednesday. Photo: AP

An Israeli settler shot dead a 16-year-old Palestinian in the town of Tuqu after the funeral of another teenager, the towns mayor said.

Violence has escalated in the West Bank since the beginning of the war in Gaza in October 2023. Attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank have increased sharply, with the UN reporting the highest number of attacks on record in October.
Speculation was rife when the White House announced Donald Trump would be making an address to the nation on Wednesday night.

Would the US president be addressing the Epstein files, which by law, must be released by Friday? Would he announce the long-anticipated military strikes on Venezuelan soil, or release details about the naval blockade of Nicolas Maduros regime?
Leslies big move leaves Samantha hurt

Image credit : IMDb | Beyond the Gates is getting ready to test trust and loyalty in Fairmont Crest.

June receives a moment of acceptance

A gift that brings fear instead of Joy

Image credit : IMDb | Beyond the Gates is building toward moments that could change everything.

Izaiahs decision shocks the Hawthornes

Image credit : IMDb | Beyond the Gates next chapter hints at trouble.

Nicole and Carltons date turns up the heat

Episode 192 of Beyond the Gates will focus on how one bold idea sets off unexpected tension, while moments of warmth, romance, and surprise unfold across town. As relationships are tested and key decisions are made, the episode hints at major changes ahead, leaving several characters at emotional crossroads and facing uncertain futures.The episode begins with Leslie stepping forward with confidence and energy. She reaches out to Naomi for help with a new project, hoping to push an idea into action. However, this move quickly causes a problem. Samantha, who was part of the original discussion about this idea along with Eva, now feels completely left out.Leslie has taken the idea and is running with it at full speed. Because she is now so deeply involved, Samantha feels like something that belonged to her has been taken away. The situation becomes even more difficult because Leslie is not easy to stop or slow down. While this hurts Samantha deeply, there is one small bright side. With Leslie leading the way, the plan may move faster and actually become real. Still, the emotional cost is high, and this tension sets the tone for the upcoming episode.As conflict brews in one corner, the story shifts to a softer and more hopeful moment. June receives a kind and heartwarming invitation that makes her feel truly welcome. The invitation points toward a possible family Christmas with Martin, Smitty, and their children.This moment means a lot to June. Feeling accepted brings her peace and happiness, especially after everything she has faced. The warmth of this invitation helps balance out the earlier drama and reminds viewers that Beyond the Gates is not only about conflict but also about love, belonging, and emotional healing.Just as things begin to feel calm, another surprise shakes things up. Ted gives Shanice a gift, but instead of making her smile, it completely scares her. Shanice is known to be afraid of birds, which makes the gift even more confusing and upsetting.This strange moment raises many questions. Why would Ted choose something that frightens her? Is there a deeper meaning behind it, or was it simply a poor decision? While the gift causes fear, it also hints that something unexpected could be building between Ted and Shanice. This may turn into a connection no one saw coming, adding mystery to their story.The focus then turns to the Hawthorne family, where an important decision changes the mood. After receiving advice from Jacob and Eva, Izaiah makes a choice that surprises Elon. His decision leaves everyone wondering what he will do next.There are many questions left unanswered. Will Izaiah stay close to his family and spend Christmas with his parents, or will he move forward on his own path? It seems unlikely that he will follow the family tradition and join the police force, but nothing is certain yet. His choice could shape not only his future but also his relationship with his family.Romance returns to the spotlight when Carlton comes back after being away for Thanksgiving. During his absence, he missed seeing Nicole and her plus one, but now he is back and ready to reconnect. The two decide to have an indoor date, keeping things private and close. Staying indoors does not cool things down at all. Their connection feels strong, and their time together quickly becomes intense. Without worrying about anything else, they follow their feelings and create a moment full of passion. Their reunion adds excitement and energy to the episode, showing that their bond is far from over.Fans can watch full episodes of Beyond the Gates weekdays on CBS or stream them on Paramount to see how these stories continue to unfold.
Image credit : X | @AutismCapital | Police Release Video Showing Potential Shooters Path Near Brown University Campus

Police footage shows the suspect near Brown University hours before shooting

AP

 BREAKING: Home security camera video has been released by FBI showing the Brown University shooter walking DIRECTLY PASSED multiple Providence PD and fire vehicles









WHERE IS THE DASHCAM VIDEO @ProvidenceRIPD?!









Something reeks. Were NONE of the government cameras working in pic.twitter.com/dYl8sBwEaw







 Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 16, 2025

The DEI hire police Chief in Rhode Island







Oscar L. Perez (who did half of his press conference yesterday in Spanish) is deliberately covering up what I was first to report the day of the Brown University @BrownUniversity shooting.









The shooter is a Muslim with ties to the https://t.co/hYSEuA7gPl pic.twitter.com/NmS5HLwLpO







 Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 16, 2025

FBI videos reveal multiple individuals near Aldrich House as the investigation continues

Image credit : X | @0hour1 | Brown University suspects were only spotted together in one area.

Last known sighting before shooting

Calm exit and police response

The shooting at Brown University on Saturday took place inside an engineering building. Since the attack happened, authorities have been continuously investigating the case to find out who the suspect is. Meanwhile, some security camera footage from the surrounding neighbourhood captured a person of interest before the attack. However, the police believe that this individual may have been surveying a quite affluent section of College Hill, located away from the busier streets that run through the urban campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Let's find out more about it.According to, the earliest police-released footage shows a person of interest wearing dark clothing and a mask walking along Manning Street before turning onto Cooke Street and then George Street, passing grand 19th- and early 20th-century mansions.Following this, for the next hour, the individual remained roughly a block away from the busier Hope Street, which is considered the unofficial eastern boundary of Brown University's campus. Later, the same individual is seen walking along Benevolent Street, pausing and turning in front of the Aldrich House, which houses the Rhode Island Historical Society and has security cameras near its main and side entrances.Amid this, a society spokesperson declined to comment on anything, saying only that they are cooperating with authorities. The person is then captured near the side entrance, moving past a small outbuilding and behind the gated lawn and row of trees along George Street.Apart from the other videos, another unusual activity was observed around the Aldrich House. According to notes on an FBI video posted on social media, it was later removed. As per AP, in the video, the individual is seen 'abruptly turning west down George Street, followed by a second person."While, the second person is seen on Cooke Street, who was carrying a small, light-coloured bag. Shortly after turning the corner, one of the two appears to flee. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, police released new images of individuals with light-coloured bags who may have been near the person of interest.At 2:53 pm, a car camera from a Nissan Rogue records the person turning north onto Hope Street from Manning Street, moving towards a parking lot area near Brown's Barus and the Holley Engineering Building. However, as per authorities, there was limited video of the shooter because the building was old and there were fewer cameras.Following this, at 4:03 p.m., gunfire breaks out inside a classroom in the Barus and Holley building, where students were seen gathered for a final economics exam study session. The attack resulted in two student deaths and nine injuries.A few minutes later, the individual is seen walking calmly back through the parking lot toward Hope Street. As they cross, a police car with the emergency lights on and an officer quickly heads towards the engineering building. The person of interest then turns onto Waterman Street and continues walking east at a leisurely pace.
Don't Look Up

Image credit : X/@PopBase | Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio for Varietys Actors on Actors.

Jennifer Lawrences DiCaprio joke fuels dating dig speculation

Titanic

Jennifer Lawrence tells Leonardo DiCaprio for Varietys Actors On Actors that she loved seeing him as a dad in One Battle After Another:







Im so sad you dont have a teenage daughter. You look great with one. pic.twitter.com/czXj19Hcnt





 Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 18, 2025





Fans react to Lawrence's alleged jibe

Image credit : X/@PopBase | Fans believe Jennifer Lawrence shaded Leonardo DiCaprio's dating history

Leonardo DiCaprio's history of dating younger women

Image credit : X/@ThePopTingzz | Leonardo DiCaprio is currently dating Italian model Vittoria Ceretti

Whenwas announced, everyone knew Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio would be an interesting pair, but nobody could have predicted the chaos it would unfold online. During their chat, theco-stars spoke about a host of topics, including their love for movies, Martin Scorsese, and their decade-long careers. They also discussed their latest films,and. However, what has really set the internet on fire is Lawrences playful jibe at DiCaprio, which is now being perceived by many as a dig at his history of dating younger women.During, Jennifer Lawrence couldnt help but praise Leonardo DiCaprios recent outing,. She particularly stressed that she loved seeing him play the role of a dad and said it was sad she didnt have a teenage daughter, adding, You look good with one," prompting a subtle chuckle from the 51-year-old actor.While Lawrence may have simply been referring to his role in the film, many online are now calling it a veiled jibe at DiCaprio's history of dating younger women, especially knowing how witty she is. The comment seems to have referenced the viral theory that theonly dates women under 25.One user on X wrote, "She knows he has teenage girlfriends; that's why she said this." She cleared him. I love how shady she is." "Not sure what's more cringeworthy, the fact that JLaw is simping over Leo as a dad or that we're still holding onto this 'ageless heartthrob' fantasy about a 48-year-old man," added another user."This interview is hilarious. "Her sense of humour is top-notch," stated one person. Another person joked, "That little laugh, girl  what did you say?" <br><br> DiCaprios love life has long been part of the conversation about his public image. For years, fans online pointed to what many called an unofficial pattern of relationships with women in their early to mid-20s, fuelling memes and discussion that he often dated partners who were significantly younger than him, and, until recently, none over 25.Currently, hes been linked with Italian model, who is 27, in a relationship that began around 2023 and has seen them making public appearances together at events like thepremiere and on vacation.
Image credit : Instagram | @mrjaxtaylor | Social Media Claims Jax Taylor Was Taken Into Custody

Fact check: Old legal case resurfaces, prompting online confusion

Prime Timer

Image credit : Instagram | @mrjaxtaylor | Viral Facebook Post Claims Jax Taylor Was Arrested

Viral arrest claims traced back to decade-old theft case

Image credit : Instagram | @mrjaxtaylor| Old 2015 Theft Case Behind Viral Claims of Jax Taylors Recent Arrest

Jay Taylor's response to the old case

Rumours around the American TV personality and model Jax Taylor's arrest are currently circulating online after a viral Facebook post on Wednesday, December 17, claimed that the Vanderpump Rules star had been taken into custody on theft charges. The post, which included an old mugshot, sparked confusion among fans, so let's find out what the actual reality behind it is. Let's dive in.According to, the post included a mugshot of the reality TV star and alleged that Taylor had been arrested on theft charges. However, the claim was later debunked, as the incident referenced was not a recent one.It actually dated back to 2015, and the page also shared a link to a website called Feji, though the article offered little detail about the supposed arrest and instead focused on Taylor's personal journey. It also claimed that without evidence the case was still under review by law enforcement.Moreover, as of now, Taylor has not even addressed the matter or the rumours publicly.Amidst this, social media users were quick to point out the story was false, noting that the original case involved the alleged theft of a $300 pair of sunglasses in Hawaii. Many online reactions mocked the post, with some jokingly questioning whether he had stolen the same item again.According to TMZ, Taylor was arrested in 2015 after initially entering a shop and later returning, which led to his detention. As part of a plea deal, he was sentenced to 364 days of probation, with sentencing taking place a year after the incident.Additionally, E! News reported that the court also ordered Taylor to pay $350 in restitution to the store, along with $105 to a crime victim compensation fund and additional fines totalling $1,150.According to the same report, Jax Taylor addressed the judge during his sentence, suggesting that the incident stemmed from a situation in which he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol.
World's top 10 richest families :

Bloomberg

25 richest families in the world

$2.9 trillion

global top 10 list of the richest families in the world

top 10 richest families in the world

List of the Top 10 Richest Families in the World

1. The Walton Family

Net worth:

Image credit : Forbes | The Walton Family

richest family in the world in 2025

2. Al Nahyan Family

Net worth:

Abu Dhabi

3. Al Saud Family

Net worth:

richest families in the world

4. Al Thani Family

Net worth:

5. Hermes Family

Net worth:

Image credit : Bloomberg | Hermes Family

6. Koch Family

Net worth:

7. Mars Family

Net worth:

8. Ambani Family

Net worth:

Image credit : ET | Ambani family

Reliance Industries

9. Wertheimer Family

Net worth:

10. Thomson Family

Net worth:

Why These Families Stay on Top

Strong control over global businesses

Long-term family ownership

Diverse income sources across industries

A mix of traditional wealth and modern business models

FAQs:

Which is the richest family in the world right now?

How many Indian families are in the top 10 richest families in the world?

Do all richest families earn money from oil?

Why are luxury brands common among rich families?

The richest family rankings always grab attention because they show how power, business, and money pass through generations. Across the world, these wealthy families control massive companies, natural resources, and famous brands that shape everyday life.According to, the top wealthy families continue to grow richer year after year. Together, theare now worth around, which is a huge jump from last year. These families come from different parts of the world and work across sectors such as retail, oil, luxury goods, food, and media.Interestingly, only one Indian family makes it into the. Below is a closer look at theright now.$513.4 billionThe Walton family remains the. Their wealth comes mainly from Walmart, the largest retail chain on the planet. With more than 10,700 stores worldwide, Walmart serves millions of shoppers every week and plays a key role in global retail.$335.9 billionThe Al Nahyan family is one of the most powerful families in the world. As the ruling family of, they control a large share of the UAEs oil wealth. Their influence stretches across energy, investments, and global finance.$213.6 billionSaudi Arabias royal family, the Al Sauds, ranks third among the. Their wealth is closely linked to the countrys vast oil reserves, along with investments at home and abroad.$199.5 billionThe Al Thani family of Qatar takes fourth place. As Qatars ruling family, they hold major stakes in energy, banking, and global assets, making them one of the most influential families in the world.$184.5 billionThe Hermes family represents old luxury wealth. Their fortune comes from Hermes, a high-end fashion brand known for items like the Birkin bag. The brands focus on quality and limited supply keeps demand strong across the world.$150.5 billionThe Koch family owns Koch Industries, one of the largest private companies in the United States. Their businesses cover energy, chemicals, manufacturing, and agriculture, helping them stay among the richest families in the world.$143.4 billionBest known for brands like M&Ms, Snickers, and Mars bars, the Mars family has built a global food empire. Their company also operates in pet care, making them one of the most successful business families in the world.$105.6 billionThe Ambani family is the only Indian family on Bloombergs top 10 list. Their wealth comes from, which works across telecom, retail, energy, and digital services. The Ambanis are a major force in India and beyond.$85.6 billionThe Wertheimer family owns Chanel, one of the worlds most famous luxury fashion houses. Chanels strong brand value and global reach keep this family firmly placed among the richest families in the world.$82.1 billionRounding out the list is the Thomson family, owners of Thomson Reuters. Their wealth is linked to news, data, and financial services used by businesses and governments across the world.These richest families in the world share a few common traits:This balance helps them grow and protect their wealth year after year.The Walton family is currently the richest family in the world, thanks to their majority stake in Walmart.Only one Indian family, the Ambani family, appears in the top 10 list.No. While some families rely on oil, others earn from retail, luxury goods, food brands, and media businesses across the world.Luxury brands often keep high profit margins and strong demand, which helps families maintain wealth over generations.
When travel content highlights deeper safety concerns

Image credit : Instagram| Russian YouTuber confronts men over behaviour on Thai beach

Image credit : Instagram| Russian YouTuber speaks out after incident on Thai beach

Why her response resonated with travellers worldwide

Image credit : Instagram| Russian YouTuber addresses alleged incident while filming in Thailand

A Russian YouTuber faced a shocking incident while filming on a popular Thai beach when a stranger from India reportedly touched her and a fellow vlogger without consent. Instead of remaining silent, she courageously confronted the individuals, calling out their behaviour and reclaiming her personal space.In a video that has since gone viral, the YouTuber directly addressed the perpetrators, asking them if they had ever considered the impact of their actions and whether they understood the importance of respecting boundaries. Her calm yet firm response highlighted the challenges that creators and travellers can face, even in seemingly safe and picturesque destinations.The incident has sparked widespread discussion online about harassment in public spaces, particularly for women travelling alone or documenting their journeys. Social media users praised her bravery and straightforward approach, emphasising that calling out inappropriate behaviour is a necessary step in challenging social norms and promoting awareness.The YouTubers response serves as a reminder of the importance of asserting personal boundaries, even in unfamiliar environments. Many viewers noted that the confrontation was both measured and empowering, showing that self-respect and assertiveness can coexist with composure.Travel vlogging can often expose creators to unwanted attention, ranging from intrusive questions to physical harassment. Experts say that maintaining awareness, staying in well-populated areas, and confidently asserting boundaries can help prevent situations from escalating. However, incidents like this underline that harassment can occur anywhere, and it is vital for bystanders and witnesses to offer support and not normalise such behaviour.The video also raises larger questions about consent and cultural sensitivity. While Thailand remains a popular tourist destination, experiences like these demonstrate that harassment is a global issue, not confined to any one country. Travellers, regardless of their nationality, must be vigilant while respecting local laws and customs, and communities must continue to promote safe environments for everyone.By confronting the situation directly, the Russian YouTuber highlighted the importance of asserting personal boundaries while travelling. Her response underlined how individuals can address uncomfortable encounters without escalating the situation or compromising their safety.The incident also draws attention to the realities many content creators and travellers face in public spaces. While reactions to the video continue to emerge, the footage itself serves as a reminder of the need for awareness, respect, and accountability, particularly in crowded tourist destinations.
Why DiCaprio avoids watching his own films

Image credit : X/Dida_movies | Leonardo DiCaprio has revealed that he has never gone back to watch Titanic

A rare exception: The Aviator

Image credit : X/prendimixmano | Directed by James Cameron, Titanic went on to become one of the highest-grossing films

Reflecting on Titanic and its unexpected impact

Image credit : X/poplizei | DiCaprio described Titanic as an experiment

Leonardo DiCaprio has revealed that he has never gone back to watch Titanic, the 1997 film that became one of the biggest movies in cinema history. The actor shared this during a conversation with Jennifer Lawrence for Variety and CNNs Actors on Actors, which was published on Wednesday, December 17.During the interview, Lawrence asked DiCaprio directly if he had ever rewatched Titanic. The actor responded clearly, saying he had not seen it again. When Lawrence suggested he should revisit it now, calling the film so good, DiCaprio explained that watching his own work is not something he usually does.DiCaprio told Lawrence that he generally does not revisit his movies and asked her if she felt the same way. Lawrence agreed and said she also avoids watching her work. She joked that if she had made a film like Titanic, she would probably watch it. She then shared a humorous story about once watching American Hustle while drunk and trying to figure out if she was good at acting, adding that she did not remember the conclusion.The exchange highlighted that both actors share a similar discomfort with revisiting their performances, despite the success of their films.DiCaprio has spoken about this habit before. In an interview with Esquire in August, while discussing his film One Battle After Another with director Paul Thomas Anderson, he said he rarely watches his movies. However, he noted that The Aviator is one film he has revisited more than others.He explained that The Aviator held special meaning for him. At the time, he had already worked with director Martin Scorsese on Gangs of New York and had spent nearly a decade carrying around a book on Howard Hughes before the film was made. When production finally happened, DiCaprio was 30 years old.He said it was the first time he felt fully involved in the filmmaking process, not just as an actor hired for a role, but as someone who felt responsible for the production. He described feeling proud of the film and connected to it as a key moment in his growth within the industry and his first experience as a true collaborator.Directed by James Cameron, Titanic went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of all time. The movie starred DiCaprio alongside Kate Winslet and marked a turning point in both of their careers.In a 2016 interview with Deadline, DiCaprio described Titanic as an experiment for both him and Winslet. He said they had previously worked mainly on independent films and decided to take on the project together. According to DiCaprio, neither of them could have predicted the scale of success the film would achieve.He added that after the films release, he felt the need to slow down and let the intense attention pass before moving forward. DiCaprio said he was aware that expectations had changed and that there was pressure for him to follow a certain path. He explained that he wanted to return to his original intentions as an actor, knowing the adjustment period would be necessary.
A series born to stir conversation

High praise, higher controversy

Netflix says goodbye

The internet has entered meltdown mode after Netflix officially pulled the plug on its gay military dramedy Boots, a show that dared to mix identity, queerness and the United States armed forces. If that combination alone was not spicy enough, the cancellation came just weeks after the Pentagon slammed the series as woke garbage. For a platform that loves chaos, it is almost poetic.Boots, which premiered on 9 October, introduced audiences to Cameron Cope, played by Miles Heizer, a bullied teenager from Louisiana who flees misery at home by joining the military in the 1990s. The series followed Camerons journey under the now-infamous Do not Ask, Do not Tell era, when LGBTQ+ people were forced to hide their identities to serve. According to Netflix, Cameron finds purpose through connection with a group of oddball recruits, forming a new version of family in a space that historically pushed his community away.Here is the twist: critics loved it. Boots scored a glowing 90 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers calling it a clever blend of humour and heartbreak that explored masculinity with surprising depth. Social media had been buzzing too, especially from viewers who felt represented on screen in a genre that rarely puts queer stories centre stage.But while fans were happy, the Pentagon was not. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson made headlines in October when he publicly dismissed the series as ideological rubbish. Wilson stated that the show reflected Netflixs ongoing habit of pushing woke garbage, accusing the platform of shaping content to fit social agendas rather than reflecting military reality. He argued that, since the Trump administration returned focus to restoring the warrior ethos, the military maintained high, neutral standards regardless of gender or sexuality.Fast-forward to this week, and Netflix has officially pulled the curtain. Deadline confirmed the news Monday, leaving fans wondering: was this a viewing numbers issue, or did political pressure help seal the deal? Netflix has not spoken. The Pentagon has not spoken. Fans, however? Very loud.And it is not every day that a streaming cancellation turns into a political lightning storm. Boots was bold, messy, emotional, extremely online and packed with discourse fuel. Now, its legacy might be less about storytelling and more about who gets to tell certain stories in the first place.No replies yet from Netflix or the Pentagon as the internet keeps cooking. One thing is certain: the cultural conversation Boots started will not end just because Netflix pressed delete.
Image credit : IMDb | Palm Royale, season 2, episode 6, focused heavily on Maxine.

Evelyns plan and Maxines shaky ground

The arrival of Mirabelle changes everything

Image credit : IMDb | Maxine in Palm Royale season 2.

Pinky, the ledger, and rising danger

Mirabelle under suspicion

Image credit : IMDb | Palm Royale Season 2 is expected to get more intense.

Normas threat and the truth about Mirabelle

Palm Royale season 2 episode 6, titled Maxine Finds Herself, released on December 17, quietly reshapes the story while planting several clues about what could come next. The episode shifts between secrets, family surprises, and escalating danger, revealing that Maxine is caught in the middle of power games she cannot fully control yet. While some conflicts subside by the end, others intensify, hinting that episode 7 may bring even greater risks for everyone involved.Episode 6 picks up after the fallout between Maxine and Evelyn. Evelyn is still angry and determined to push Maxine out of Palm Beach. At the same time, Dusty has already walked away from Maxine after seeing her with Douglas, leaving her more isolated than before.Virginia pulls Maxine and Douglas into a risky mission, asking them to uncover a Russian mole. This task places Maxine in danger, even if she does not fully see it yet. Evelyn makes things worse by blocking Maxines access to the Palm Royale club, blaming her for frozen assets. Looking ahead, this power struggle could force Maxine to choose between survival and loyalty in the next episode.Just when Maxine thinks things cannot get more complicated, she returns home to find a shocking surprise: her half-twin sister, Mirabelle. The revelation stuns Maxine and even leaves Robert speechless. Mirabelle explains that she has been living with their parents all this time, adding another layer to Maxines past.Mirabelles presence quickly stirs trouble. She briefly grows close to Douglas, who seems unaware that she is not Maxine. However, Mirabelles actions suggest she may not have bad intentions. She later tells Maxine about Douglass true feelings, which could push Maxine to rethink her emotional walls in episode 7.Virginia assigns Maxine a new goal: find out who Pinky is really working for. Rumours of Russian mobsters in Palm Beach make the task feel urgent. Evelyn warns Maxine about a bugged house, and the two meet at Ceils to clear the air. Maxine explains that Pinky can be pressured through tax trouble, offering a possible way forward.Pinky demands cash from the Palms profits and talks about becoming a godfather, which Mitzi clearly dislikes. Douglas later distracts Pinky so Maxine can search for a hidden ledger, believing Norma is planning revenge. They fail to find it, raising the question of whether the ledger will resurface in the upcoming episode with bigger consequences.Mirabelles stay at the club turns heads, as she receives special treatment and again gets close to Douglas, who still believes she is Maxine. Things take a turn when Robert receives a file from Tom suggesting Mirabelle may be a scammer. This information adds tension, even though it does not break the sisters bond.Mirabelle later overhears and hints at a plan, which Raquel hears, leading to a fight that Raquel loses. These events suggest Mirabelles secrets may soon come into the open, possibly putting Maxine in an even tougher spot next. Another storyline quietly moves forward as Linda finally leaves town. With money arranged earlier, she starts fresh in Russia under a new name, Olga Richbitchskaya. Her exit feels final, but it may not stay that way if her past catches up with her.Robert shares a kiss with Reginald, then asks him to leave. Tom witnesses this and later admits what he saw. Robert accidentally reveals Toms attraction to men to Reginald, creating more tension. Robert later apologises to Tom, who places him in custody for questioning. These strained relationships may explode further in the next episode.Robert receives a call from Norma, who reveals she is actually Agnes and confirms her plan for revenge. Alarmed, Robert tells Virginia everything, including the truth about Mirabelle. He also tells Maxine, but the sisters remain close despite the warning. In a final twist, Mirabelle hands over the missing ledger to Maxine, who gives it to Evelyn. Mirabelle also speaks honestly to Maxine about Douglass feelings, leaving Maxine with difficult choices ahead.Palm Royale season 2 episode 7, titled Maxine Plays Dead, is set to premiere on December 24.
Image credit : X | @pizzintwatch | Sudden Fast-Food Frenzy Sparks Rumors of Military Moves Against Venezuela

Pentagon Pizza surge fuels Venezuela strike speculations among netizens

BREAKING: Pizza Demand at The Pentagon is EXPLODING.









Venezuela is about to be bombed.









ANOTHER foreign war. pic.twitter.com/ro7EEyE0Dy







 Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) December 18, 2025

Image credit : X | @moderartelywarm | Pentagon Pizza Theory Highlights Unusual Orders Amid Venezuela Tensions

Pizza panic fuelled by rumours of military action

Image credit : X | @SpencerHakimian |Pizza Surge Near Pentagon Coincides with Trumps Venezuela Airspace Restrictions

What is the Pentagon Pizza Theory?

Could Donald Trump's Venezuela airspace order be the reason behind the pizza surge?

Trumps Venezuela airspace declaration sparks fears of escalating tensions

In a surprising incident, local pizza shops experienced an unusual surge in business on Saturday evening, coinciding with heightened tensions between the US and Venezuela. According to social media reports, Wise Guy Pizza in Arlington reported being busier than usual around the closing time, while nearby Domino's and Papa John's saw sales jumps of 182 per cent and 313 per cent over normal levels, respectively. The Pentagon Pizza Report and the surge in sudden traffic prompted a buzz about the possible US action against Venezuela. Let's find out what the Pentagon Pizza theory is.As soon as posts about the Pentagon Pizza surge started surfacing on social media, it quickly grabbed attention and sparked debate. One X (formerly called Twitter) user wrote, "Well, here we go. The pizza demand is usually a pretty good indicator something is about to go down."Another said, "The fearmongering never stops with the left." "And another for war to end. I predict it will be over by Christmas, and we can bring our troops home.""Papa Johns Pizza (2.3 miles from the Pentagon) is experiencing an extreme spike in activity, reaching 313%. Domino's Pizza (1.4 miles from the Pentagon) shows a spike of 182%. DEFCON level is 4."One wrote, "Everyones traumatised by the Democrats. We dont live in that world anymore. Stay calm."The spike came amid speculation of possible military action following President Donald Trump's announcement of a naval blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers and a US military buildup in the region. While the social media chatter suggested that an imminent strike might be underway, prompting residents to stock up on food.However, Pentagon sources quickly reassured the public that there were no immediate plans for strikes. Officials noted that military food services were operating as usual and no deliveries were being made to the base or nearby installations, indicating the surge was likely due to local demand rather than an emergency.By the time Trump finished his speech, the heightened alert had largely dissipated, with no action taken. The report stems from the 'Pentagon Pizza Theory', but what's that? Let's decode.The current Pentagon Pizza surge is based on a theory called 'Pentagon Pizza Theory', which is also referred to as the 'Pizza Meter' or 'Pentagon Pizza Index'. According to this informal observation, a surge in fast food orders near key US government sites like the Pentagon, CIA headquarters, and the White House may signal an impending international crisis.The theory suggests that such spikes often occur just before some major events. As per HT, the theory traces back to 1990 when Domino's franchisee Frank Meeks in Washington shared his observations with the Los Angeles Times. Meeks then noted an unusual late-night pizza order near government buildings.For example, on August 1, the CIA reportedly ordered 21 pizzas, and the following day Iraq invaded Kuwait, sparking the Gulf War. Meeks also cited a similar surge during Bill Clintons impeachment hearings in December 1998.Notably, the recent surge occurred after President Donald Trump instructed pilots to treat the airspace over the surrounding Venezuela as restricted.In December 2025, relations between the United States and Venezuela sharply intensified after President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan airspace is completely closed.Although the US does not have the legal authority to enforce such a closure under international law, the declaration has effectively disrupted international flights to the country and heightened concerns over potential military action.
Image credit : X/_MaxQ_ | Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur

Senate confirmation and a turbulent nomination process

Image credit : X/iam_smx | Jared Isaacman, 42, was first nominated for the role in December 2024

Background, wealth and early business career

Image credit : X/kissedbythesun | Isaacman assumes leadership of an agency with roughly 14, 000 employees

Aviation records and private spaceflight experience

Leading NASA amid China competition and artemis delays

The US Senate on December 17 confirmed billionaire entrepreneur and private astronaut Jared Isaacman as the next administrator of NASA, placing him at the head of the countrys civilian space agency during a decisive period for American space exploration. The confirmation passed with a 6730 vote, clearing the way for his formal swearing-in as NASAs 15th administrator.Isaacman assumes leadership of an agency with roughly 14,000 employees and a multi-billion-dollar budget, as NASA pushes forward with its most ambitious exploration plans yet. These include returning humans to the Moon under the Artemis programme, establishing a sustained lunar presence, and eventually launching crewed missions to Mars.His appointment comes after a prolonged and politically sensitive confirmation process that included a withdrawn nomination and renewed scrutiny of his professional associations.Isaacman, 42, was first nominated for the role in December 2024 by President Donald Trump. Five months later, the nomination was unexpectedly withdrawn following what Trump described as a thorough review of prior associations. The move came during a public falling-out between Trump and SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk, who at the time was leading the Department of Government Efficiency and had longstanding professional ties with Isaacman.Despite the setback, Trump later re-nominated Isaacman. The Senates approval on December 17 ended months of uncertainty and allowed NASA to move forward with permanent leadership after a period of interim management.Isaacman will succeed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has served as NASAs interim administrator since July.According to Forbes, Isaacmans net worth is estimated at $1.2 billion as of December 17, 2025. He built his fortune primarily through Shift4 Payments, a payment processing company he founded in 1999 at the age of 16.Born in Union, New Jersey, Isaacman dropped out of high school at 15 and later earned a GED, a detail highlighted in the Netflix docuseries Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space. A year after leaving school, he launched Shift4 Payments from his parents basement. The company later grew into a major player in the payments industry, forming the foundation of his wealth.Beyond payments, Isaacman founded Draken International in 2011, a defence firm that trains Air Force pilots and operates the worlds largest fleet of privately owned military aircraft. In 2019, he sold a majority stake in Draken to investment firm Blackstone for a nine-figure sum.Isaacmans interest in aviation dates back more than two decades. He began pilot training in 2004 and later set world records for circumnavigating the globe in a light jet, including a speed record in 2009.His aviation pursuits eventually extended into space. In 2021, Isaacman funded and commanded the first all-civilian orbital mission, flying aboard a SpaceX capsule launched from Florida. The mission spent three days orbiting Earth before splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean. He is a two-time private astronaut, having flown on commercial SpaceX missions he helped finance.During his confirmation hearing, lawmakers questioned his ties to Elon Musk and SpaceX. Isaacman downplayed the relationship, stating that he flew with SpaceX for a practical reason, saying it is the only organisation that can send astronauts to and from space.Isaacman takes office at a time of intensifying global competition in space, particularly with Chinas advancing lunar ambitions. During his Senate hearing, he warned lawmakers that delays could carry lasting consequences.This is not the time for delay but a time for action because if we fall behind  if we make a mistake  we may never catch up, Isaacman told senators, adding that failure could shift the balance of power on Earth.The Artemis programme, central to the US goal of returning humans to the Moon, has faced repeated delays and rising costs. President Trump has said he wants a permanent American presence on the Moon to support resource development and serve as a launch point for future Mars missions.Senator Ted Cruz, who chairs the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, supported Isaacmans swift confirmation, arguing that extended leadership uncertainty would weaken the United States in the emerging space race.Isaacman, who has no prior federal government experience, now steps into one of the most scrutinised leadership roles in US science policy, with his performance likely judged on whether NASA can deliver on its long-promised lunar return before its rivals do.
Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr Matthew Kukah, has visited the leader of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto correctional center.

The Catholic Bishop made the visit on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Kanus younger brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu disclosed the meeting in a post on his official Facebook page.

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Prince Emmanuel said the discussion between the duo was filled with laughter and extreme joy, stating that the clergy offered prayed for the IPOB leader.

Their conversations were mostly filled with laughter and extreme joy. He prayed alongside his team of faithfuls, Prince Emmanuel said.

He was subsequently transferred to the Sokoto Custodial Centre on November 21, in line with a court directive that excluded Kuje Prison.

Kanu faced seven counts of terrorism-related offenses, including incitement and unlawful broadcasts.

Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal High Court delivered the ruling, convicting him on all counts and imposing a life sentence.

The judgment ordered Kanus detention in any correctional facility except Kuje Prison, where he had previously been held.

Kanu has filed motions insisting that the distance hinders his ability to prepare appeals, access court records, and interact with his legal team.

In late November, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, also visited the IPOB leader in prison.
Justice Babangida Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja has dismissed summons for bail filed by former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Salami, SAN, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

He gave the ruling on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Malami, through his counsel, Dr. Suliaman Hassan, SAN, had approached the court seeking bail from the custody of the EFCC, arguing that his detention by the Commission in its ongoing investigation, was illegal.

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However, counsel to the EFCC, Chief J.S. Okutepa, SAN, submitted that the EFCC was holding the former Minister through a valid Remand Order obtained at an FCT High Court granted by Justice S. C Oriji. He equally affirmed that the EFCC was a law-abiding Commission that would not detain a suspect beyond the lawful period without an order of the court.

In his ruling, Justice Hassan held, quoting Section 35 of the Constitution, that since there was a provision in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, for detention, Malami was lawfully detained by the Remand Order of the court.

Asking this court to grant this application is tantamount to inviting the court to sit as an appellate court over an application made by a court of coordinate jurisdiction which the court has no power to do, he said.
A federal capital territory high court in Gwarinpa has granted bail to Chris Ngige, former minister of labour and employment.

Maryam Hassan, presiding judge, ordered that Ngige should continue on the administrative bail earlier granted to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The court however ordered that Ngige must present a surety who is a director under the employ of the federal government.

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The surety, the court added, must have a landed property and is expected to deposit documents of the landed property and travel documents with the court pending when Ngige finalises the retrieval of his own passport.

The EFCC had granted administrative bail to the defendant in October on self recognisance and one surety. He was allowed to go for medical treatment abroad on the condition that he must return his international passport upon arrival.

However, in opposing the bail application, Sylvanus Tahir, prosecution counsel, told the court that Ngige failed to submit the passport since his return to Nigeria on November 19.

Responding, Patrick Ikwueto, Ngiges counsel, said his client had written to the commission upon his return informing them that he was robbed in London and important items, including documents, his international passport and cash, were stolen from him.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of students and the continuity of education nationwide following the reopening of all 47 Unity Colleges earlier this month.

The Federal Ministry of Education disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.

According to the statement, academic activities have fully resumed in the affected schools after security measures within and around the campuses were strengthened.

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Students have returned safely to their campuses, with many currently concluding their December academic programmes, while others have successfully completed their examinations, the ministry said.

The ministry assured parents, guardians and the general public that the safety, welfare and well-being of students remain a top priority of the Federal Government.

It noted that the government is working closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy in school environments across the country.

The Federal Government remains resolute in its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment, the statement said.

The ministry added that the administration places strong emphasis on human capital development and recognises education as a critical pillar for national growth and development, stressing its determination to prevent disruptions to the academic calendar.

According to the statement, the safe return of students and the successful conduct of examinations in several Unity Colleges underscore the governments resolve to keep learning on track despite prevailing challenges.

The ministry also expressed appreciation to parents, school administrators and students for their cooperation, patience and support, while reiterating its commitment to sustaining a secure, stable and uninterrupted education system nationwide.
The house of representatives has approved a proposal mandating the real-time transmission of election results.

The resolution was adopted on Wednesday during the clause-by-clause consideration of the report seeking an amendment to the Electoral Act 2022.

The approved clause states that the presiding officer shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to the IREV portal in real time, and such transmission shall be done after the prescribed form EC8A has been signed and stamped by the presiding officer and/or countersigned by the candidates or polling unit agents, where available at the polling unit.

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The existing law does not mandate that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) transmit election results in real time.

Ahead of the last general election, INEC had promised that the results would be transmitted in real time.

The IReV portal was part of the technologies introduced by the commission to improve the integrity of the electoral process.

But the portal remained inactive for an extended period, even after voting was concluded at some polling units, prompting suspicion from many Nigerians.

Following the development, several civil society organisations (CSOs) have been calling on the national assembly to make the electronic transmission of election results mandatory.

Lawmakers also approved an amendment introducing a five-year jail term for presiding officers found guilty of declaring false results.

The green chamber also ratified a clause that would make the bimodal voter accreditation system the primary accreditation tool.

The approved clause reads: To vote, the presiding officer shall use a bimodal voter accreditation system or any other technological device that may be prescribed by the commission for the accreditation of voters to verify, confirm or authenticate the particulars of the intending voter in the manner prescribed by the commission.

Where a bimodal voter accreditation system or any other technological device deployed for accreditation of voters fails to function in any unit and a fresh BVAS or technological device is not deployed, the election in that unit shall be cancelled and another election shall be scheduled within 24 hours if the commission is satisfied that the result of the election in that polling unit will substantially affect the final result of the whole election and declaration of a winner in the constituency concerned.

After considering over 70 clauses, the house adjourned the sitting to reconvene on Thursday for the continued review of the report.
Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, on Wednesday met Ibrahim Traore, Burkina Faso junta leader, in Ouagadougou, the countrys capital city.

Tuggar, who led a Nigerian delegation to the country, said in a press conference that the mission was initiated by President Bola Tinubu.

The meeting comes nearly two weeks after 11 Nigerian soldiers, aboard an aircraft that made a forced landing in Burkina Faso have remained in the country.

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According to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the C-130 aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal.

Ehimen Ejodame, director of public relations at NAF, said the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, a city in Burkina Faso, with the nearest airfield.

Ejodame said the landing was in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

But Assimi Goita, the Mali junta leader, described the landing as an unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law.

Goita spoke on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) in a statement.

The AES said it authorised its member states to neutralise any aircraft violating its airspace.

Last Thursday, Tuggar said talks were ongoing with Traore to resolve the matter.

We are discussing how we can resolve this delicate matter as quickly as possible, and were talking, he told TheCable.

So its something that is being handled diplomatically, he said.

At the time, the minister noted that the soldiers were still in Burkina Faso and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved quickly.

There were reports that Burkinabe authorities released the soldiers following Tuggars meeting with Traore.

Nigerias ministry of foreign affairs did not immediately confirm the reports when contacted by TheCable.
Holt Logistics' terminal in Gloucester City faces the company's cranes at PhilaPort across the Delaware River. Read more

Two top trans-Atlantic shippers are moving their cargoes to Philadelphia-area terminals, boosting longshore and trucking jobs, and ending Baltimore port calls as work drags on replacing the Key Bridge, whose collapse 21 months ago crippled ship traffic to that citys harbor.

A.P. Moller-Maersk, based in Denmark, and German-based Hapag-Lloyd AG, which each rank among the top five global container companies and operate hundreds of ships carrying millions of trailers, have switched a major route for their Gemini joint venture to the PhilaPorts Packer Avenue Marine Terminal, effective Jan. 4, Philadelphia-based Holt Logistics told customers in a note Wednesday.

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Rising tide lifts all boats, and that includes the waterfront labor, plus all the other ancillary support folks that run freight, handle it, and store it, said Leo Holt, whose family operates Holt Logistics. Its a big win for Philadelphia, and a harbinger of good things to come.

Holt, based in Gloucester City, is expanding its container operations in the Port of Philadelphia on land acquired by state port agency PhilaPort in South Philly. That includes a new cold-storage warehouse. Plans are still in the works for 152 acres bought with state funds for more container and automotive storage.

Philadelphias port handles wine, meat, furniture, car parts, drugs, and many other container goods. The region also exports drugs, steel, and machine and vehicle parts. Singaporean-owned Penn Terminals in Delaware County and the Port of Wilmington, Del., also handle containers.

Philadelphia recorded the equivalent of 841,000 20-foot trailer equivalents (TEUs) through area ports last year and expects to report more for 2025, even before the new service and additional lines to Australia and New Zealand start next year. The agencys goal is to boost that to more than 2 million a year with the planned expansion, said spokesperson Sean Mahoney.

Philadelphia-area container shipping has nearly doubled since Jeff Theobold took over as PhilaPort executive director in 2016, while overall U.S. container volume has risen about 30%. Theobold plans to retire in June, two months after PhilaPorts new cruise ship terminal is scheduled to open in Delaware County near Philadelphia International Airport. The agency is searching for a successor.

Philadelphia will replace Baltimore on a major trans-Atlantic route used by Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, according to a report in Freightwaves, which noted Baltimore container traffic fell from 1.3 million 20-foot-trailer equivalents in 2023 to around 700,000 last year, even before the switch. Each ship on the route carries 5,000 to 6,500 TEUs.

The new route also moves container ships between Newark, N.J., terminals that handle New York cargoes; Norfolk, Va.; St. John in Canada; the British port of Southampton; the Netherlands giant Rotterdam port at the mouth of the Rhine; and the German ports of Wilhelmshaven and Hamburg.

That adds Germany to the list of countries with direct service to Philadelphia, Mahoney said. Theres no guarantee that all the Baltimore cargoes will shift to Philadelphia.

Philadelphia also expects more ships from Australia and New Zealand ports as two lines that service those countries via the Panama Canal have recently added Philadelphia as their Northern U.S. port, Mahoney said. Already those countries and other South Pacific ports make up close to one-quarter of the Philadelphia areas container cargoes, making it the leading East Coast port for shipments from that region. PhilaPort expects the lines will attract cargoes now shipped to Baltimore, New York, or Norfolk.

Newark is the largest port complex in the Northeast. Philadelphia competes with Baltimore and southern ports for container and automotive cargoes.

Philadelphia has the fastest arrival-to-departure time of any North American port, reducing shipping costs, according to a recent report by a World Bank subsidiary. Holt attributes that to cooperation between unions including International Longshoremans Association, and Teamsters locals, port agencies, and owners such as PhilaPort, and his own organization.

Next year Holt plans to add two more tall cranes to the small forest of ship unloading equipment it maintains in South Philly and Gloucester City.
President Donald Trump listens as Kennedy speaks during a Making Health Technology Great Again event at the White House in July. Read more

President Donald Trump announced he would advise federal agencies to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance to Schedule III, easing federal restrictions on the plant.

Trump announced the executive order Thursday in the Oval Office, alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a line of medical workers in white coats and scrubs. The president does not have the direct authority to reschedule marijuana but can request his federal agencies to do so.

Marijuana has been a Schedule I controlled substance since the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, meaning the federal government considers marijuana to have no accepted medical use, with a high risk of abuse. Schedule I drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and LSD, are illegal and strictly regulated, making medical research on these drugs, including cannabis, nearly impossible.

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A reclassification would be the most significant reform on marijuana in more than half a century, opening the doors for medical research. But it would not be full legalization, said Adam Smith, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project. It could also pave the way to federal intervention in the state-run medical and recreational marijuana industries, something stakeholders fear.

There is a possibility that in moving cannabis to Schedule III, instead of opening up access, what it will do is incentivize federal agencies to clamp down control on the availability of cannabis, Smith said. Treating it as other Schedule III substances, which virtually all require prescriptions, is not how this works in medical cannabis and could really create chaos and a lot of economic pain in the industry.

Smith said stakeholders are unsure what this might mean for the wider industry but remain optimistic, as rescheduling of marijuana has been a priority for decades.

Former President Joe Bidens administration had moved to reschedule marijuana as a Schedule III drug; however, those plans stalled in bureaucratic limbo.

This executive order has plenty of positives, said Joshua Horn, a Philadelphia cannabis lawyer at Fox Rothschild. Loosening restrictions could clear the way for the IRS to allow cannabis businesses to deduct business expenses (which they currently cannot do). Additionally, more traditional banking options might become available to entrepreneurs.

It could also rectify the criminal injustice that has been ongoing since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act, where people of color have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs, Horn said. In the end, rescheduling should reinvigorate these businesses out of their current tax and financial struggles.

This federal rescheduling of marijuana would come on the heels of Congress banning all intoxicating hemp products, which are derived from cannabis plants. While this may seem like a policy flip-flop, Smith said, these are two different issues at hand.

The hemp ban is the result of the fact that the market was chaotic and, in many cases, unsafe. Without regulation, that market was rife with pesticides, heavy metals, and products that should not be on shelves, Smith said.

But he contends there is a movement to push back against wider marijuana legalization. Theres always pushback when theres big change, Smith said. But also because of the instability created when we have state-regulated markets operating in a federally illegal area.

Industry folks are hoping this move better aligns the federal government and state markets, opens the doors to research, and provides better clarity to states that are hesitant to legalize marijuana, Smith said.

Reducing restrictions on commercially available cannabis is a key missing ingredient toward making clinical breakthroughs, said Stephen Lankenau, director of Drexel Universitys Medical Cannabis Research Center.

A key issue is that any reclassification efforts need to reduce restrictions for university-based researchers to have access to cannabis-derived THC  commercially available products in particular  for clinical studies, whether laboratory or human subjects, Lankenau said.

Researchers now are only able to examine hemp-derived nonpsychoactive cannabinoids like CBD or CBC. However, Lankenau said, it is unclear whether Trumps proposal would give them the green light.
Key'Monnie Bean, 2, was killed on Dec. 8. Her mother's boyfriend, Sean Hernandez, has been charged with murder in her death. Read more

A 2-year-old girl was beaten to death in South Philadelphia last week, authorities say, and three people have been charged in connection with the crime.

The girl, KeyMonnie Bean, may have been subjected to abuse before the fatal beating on Dec. 8, Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski said at a news conference Thursday.

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There are indications this was an ongoing situation this little girl had to endure, she said.

That night, police were called to a home in the 2100 block of South Beechwood Street for a report of an unresponsive child. When officers arrived, they found the girl lying on the floor of the basement, police said. She was not breathing, and bruises covered her body, Toczylowski said.

Efforts to revive the child were unsuccessful, said Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore. She was pronounced dead shortly before 10 p.m. at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

Prosecutors are still awaiting a medical examiners report, Toczylowski said, but preliminary evidence suggests the child may have been beaten with objects and her airway restricted, causing suffocation. Her death has been ruled a homicide.

Sean Hernandez, also known as Raafi Gorham, the boyfriend of the toddlers mother, was arrested Wednesday and charged with murder, police said. Gorham, 21, lives at the house where the girl was found, Toczylowski said.

Gorhams cousin, Anthony Lowrie, 21, and Alycia McNeill, 20, were also arrested Wednesday and charged with obstruction and lying to police, Toczylowski said. Lowrie is additionally charged with giving police a fake identification. Toczylowski said the two provided conflicting and false accounts of what occurred that evening. Both live in West Passyunk.

Everyone in that house was very reluctant to speak with police, she said, though someone in the house had called 911.

KeyMonnies mother was home at the time of the alleged beating, Toczylowski said, but has not been charged in the incident.

The girls father, TaShaun Walls, declined to comment Thursday, citing his grief.

In a public Facebook post, Walls wrote: I love you so much [and] miss you so much already just wish I would has been there faster but Ill never forget you.
Kevin Krebs (left, in a July 2021 Instagram post), seemed to have become fixated in recent months on the tactics of the Irish Republican Army. He carried the flag to the April 2025 "Hands Off!" rally in Washington, D.C. and posted photos of the rally (right) in the r/MarchAgainstNazis subreddit. Read more

A Malvern man who brought a gun and other weapons to a No Kings protest in West Chester over the summer  and who was rearrested days later after police found homemade bombs at his house  pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday morning.

Kevin Krebs, 32, said little while pleading guilty to a charge of possessing an unregistered firearm or explosive device. Krebs had been taken into federal custody this fall, and the U.S. Attorneys Office charged him earlier this month by information, a process that typically indicates a defendant plans to plead guilty.

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The charges against him relate to his conduct in West Chester six months ago. On June 14, Krebs was arrested by local police after other attendees at a No Kings protest in the borough told authorities they thought they had seen Krebs carrying a gun.

When police stopped Krebs and searched him, they found a loaded Sig Sauer handgun along with extra rounds of ammunition, a knife, a bayonet, pepper spray, and other weapons, prosecutors said. He also had an AR-15 rifle in his car nearby.

Krebs did not have a concealed carry permit for his handgun, and he was charged with illegal gun possession.

Two days later, police searched his home on Conestoga Road and found 13 homemade pipe bombs, prosecutors said, as well as components used to make detonators, tactical vests, and bullet-resistant armor. Some of the bombs had nails and screws inside, which are often added to improvised explosive devices to increase the amount of shrapnel they can generate.

Krebs was initially charged by Chester County prosecutors, who said his political beliefs or potential motives were not straightforward.

Krebs was a registered Democrat but had previously been registered as a Republican and said online that he voted for President Donald Trump. In online postings, he later said he came to regret that vote, and in the weeks preceding the No Kings protest he had been posting violent rhetoric aimed at Trump and police officers.

Before his arrest, Krebs was a licensed electrician and onetime Home Depot employee. His attorneys and relatives previously said he had been diagnosed with autism and Aspergers syndrome.

Krebs is scheduled to be sentenced in March by U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Costello. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Two Philadelphia men are facing federal charges in Minnesota after authorities said the men had learned of the states lax controls around a government-funded housing program, then traveled there to learn how to exploit it  the latest development in a long-running fraud scandal that has enveloped Minnesota and drawn the ire of President Donald Trump.

Anthony Waddell Jefferson, 37, and Lester Brown, 53, were accused of fraudulently obtaining more than $3.5 million in government proceeds  funds that should have gone to Minnesotas Housing Stabilization Services Program, prosecutors said, but were instead diverted to two companies the men oversaw in Philadelphia.

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Jefferson and Brown came [to Minnesota] not to enjoy our lakes, our beautiful summers, or our warm people, Joseph H. Thompson, Minnesotas first assistant U.S. attorney, said Thursday. They came here because they knew and understood that Minnesota was a place where taxpayer money could be taken with little risk and few consequences.

Jefferson and Brown each face one count of wire fraud and were charged by information, prosecutors said, which typically means a defendant intends to plead guilty.

Court records for their cases were not immediately available, and it was not clear if either man had retained an attorney.

Thompson cast their case as a novel twist in a scandal that he said was swamping Minnesota and had likely bilked taxpayers out of hundreds of millions of dollars intended for daycares, hunger programs, autism support, and other endeavors.

The state had become such a magnet for fraudsters, Thompson said, that Jefferson and Brown had effectively performed fraud tourism, visiting the state purely to learn how to take advantage of its reputation for having programs that were ripe for abuse.

The broader issues over the states lax disbursements have burst into national view in recent months as Trump and other Republicans have taken interest in the situation. Trump on social media called Minnesota a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity and, because many of those charged have ties to Minneapolis Somali community, said Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great state.

Republicans have also blamed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz  the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee  for allowing the situation to unfold on his watch. And right-wing groups have questioned whether some funds were being disbursed to terrorist groups in Somalia or elsewhere in Africa.

Thompson said Thursday that he did not believe that was being done at a large scale, but that the exploitation of the programs was troubling and a phenomenon that had become uniquely common in Minnesota.

Fraud scandals targeting government programs date back at least a decade in that state. But they received renewed attention in 2022, when the FBI raided the offices of Feeding Our Future, a food relief nonprofit that had rapidly expanded through pandemic relief efforts.

Investigators later pointed to about $250 million in federal funding the group had received as part of the Department of Human Services Child Nutrition Program, some of which had allegedly been funneled into fraudulent claims for the Medicaid-backed meals program.

Prosecutors did not have evidence to show exactly how much they said had been misspent, but said last month 78 people had been charged in connection with the scheme, which they called one of the largest pandemic-related frauds in the country.

The Feeding Our Future investigation is just one of several schemes that have been fueling discourse over Minnesotas government disbursements. The discussion has taken a dark turn in recent weeks, as Trump used the situation to insult Walz with a slur for people with intellectual disabilities, and to lash out at Somali immigrants, saying, I dont want them in our country. During a speech in Pennsylvania this month, he called Somalia about the worst country in the world.

As for the Philadelphia defendants, prosecutors said the men created two companies  Chozen Runner LLC and Retsel Real Estate LLC  in order to submit fake and inflated bills for housing services that were never provided. The program they ripped off was intended to create housing for people with disabilities or substance abuse issues, prosecutors said.

Jefferson and Brown repeatedly flew together from Philadelphia to Minneapolis, purportedly to recruit beneficiaries for their LLCs from Section 8 housing or shelters, prosecutors said. But Jefferson and his employees created fake paperwork, sometimes listing bogus employees, to dupe insurance companies into reimbursing them.

In all, prosecutors said, they submitted $3.5 million worth of claims for services they said they provided to 230 people.

Thompson said the men and their companies had virtually no connections to Minnesota other than viewing the state housing funds as easy money.

Jefferson, a Brewerytown resident according to voter registration data, describes himself in social media profiles and an online biography as a serial entrepreneur  selling a line of perfumes, working as a gospel musician, while also serving as the CEO of The Housing Guys, a group that says it provides housing stabilization services. In a photo posted to social media last summer, Jefferson was pictured being presented with an honorary citation from City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.

Contacted Thursday by an Inquirer reporter, Jefferson hung up.

He was pursued earlier this year in Philadelphia courts over a $103,000 federal tax lien.

Brown formed Retsel  Lester spelled backward  in 2021, according to Pennsylvania corporate documents, using a mailing address in the West Oak Lane neighborhood.

Attempts to reach Brown for comment Thursday were unsuccessful.
A former corrections officer at Philadelphias Federal Detention Center pleaded guilty Wednesday to sexually assaulting a female prisoner inside her cell last year  a violent attack that occurred while the victim was in protective custody because of ongoing mental health issues, prosecutors said.

Michael Jefferson, 43, said little as he entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Joshua D. Wolson. He is scheduled to be sentenced in April and faces a maximum penalty of life behind bars.

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Jefferson was charged earlier this year with crimes including aggravated sexual abuse and deprivation of rights for attacking a prisoner inside the detention center on the 700 block of Arch Street on July 6, 2024.

Prosecutors said Jefferson entered the womans cell, where she had been sleeping; placed his hands on her shoulders and told her not to say anything; then pinned her down and sexually assaulted her.

The victim reported the assault to other guards the next morning, once Jeffersons shift was over, prosecutors said. Evidence supported her account of having been sexually abused, prosecutors said, and showed she had been physically injured during the attack.

The victim, who was not identified in court documents, later sued Jefferson, describing the attack as a rape and saying it occurred while she was housed in isolation and on suicide watch.

Her lawyers have accused the Bureau of Prisons of failing to protect her from Jefferson, in part because they said another officer either ignored the assault or was improperly absent from his post when it occurred.

The detention center can house up to 950 prisoners, most of whom are either awaiting federal trial or serving short sentences after being convicted.
Kate Shaw, executive director of the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education, speaks at a public hearing on the strategic plan for higher education held at St. Joseph's University in April. Read more

Pennsylvanias fledgling State Board of Higher Education on Thursday rolled out its first strategic plan, setting goals addressing affordability, increased degree attainment, the states workforce and economic development needs, and the fiscal health of colleges.

The board voted unanimously to post the 10-year plan for public comment. It will consider adoption in February.

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The plan will strengthen partnerships, break down silos, and enable effective reinvestment in the sector, Cynthia Shapira, chair of the board, said in a statement introducing the plan.

 READ MORE: The new state board for higher education is getting started as colleges face challenges and scrutiny

It comes as the sector faces perhaps its greatest challenge in decades. Both private and public universities have been losing enrollment as the number of high school graduates falls  with another dip beginning next year and a 12% decline expected in Pennsylvania by 2037. Public trust in colleges has faltered, while concerns about cost and student debt have mounted.

They are also facing scrutiny from President Donald Trumps administration and a forecasted gap in workers who require a postsecondary credential in essential areas, such as healthcare, teaching, and advanced manufacturing.

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, which oversees the states 10 universities, endorsed the plans emphasis on collaboration across private and public colleges and universities.

Within our own system, we have learned that when universities work together, they can innovate, overcome challenges and better serve students and the Commonwealth, the system said in a statement. Shapira is also the chair of PASSHEs board.

 READ MORE: New Pa. higher ed board zeroes in on how to make college more affordable and better coordinate among colleges at hearing

What is the board and whats in its plan?

The 21-member higher education board includes college presidents, administrators, legislators, and students. It was formed in 2024 by the governor and General Assembly to help public and private colleges work more cohesively and better serve students and the states workforce needs. The plan rollout follows public hearings that drew comments from more than 1,200 people, the board said.

The plan outlines the challenges facing the higher education sector including another coming decline in the high school population, financial constraints, and the lack of coordination among institutions. Student debt averages more than $40,000 per student in Pennsylvania, the plan notes.

Multiple comparative state-level analyses ... place Pennsylvania at or near the bottom in terms of affordability, attainment, and state investment per capita, the report stated. Adding to these challenges are a large and growing postsecondary workforce credential gap, and a range of closures and mergers that threaten to reduce access to postsecondary education.

 READ MORE: Financially Fragile

In the Philadelphia region, Cabrini University and the University of the Arts closed in 2024 and Rosemont College announced earlier this year that it would cease operations in 2028 and that Villanova University would purchase its campus. Salus University was merged into Drexel University. Six of Pennsylvanias state universities were merged into two entities in 2022, and St. Josephs University absorbed the University of the Sciences the same year.

Other local colleges have struggled with enrollment declines and deficits. Temple University, for example, has gone from more than 40,000 students in 2017 to less than 30,000 this year.

What are the specific goals in the plan?

The new plan set six goals:

Increase postsecondary attainment. Ensure affordable pathways to postsecondary credentials. Support the economic development needs of the state. Support the workforce development needs of the state. Ensure accountability and efficient use of state funds. Strengthen the fiscal health and stability of the higher education sector.

How will the board work toward those goals?

To meet the goals, the board proposes a strategic communications plan that touts the benefits of postsecondary education and how it impacts employment outcomes.

It also emphasizes expanding funding for dual credit programs and enrollment in those programs to streamline the path from high school to college and allow students to accumulate more credits before they graduate high school. In addition, the plan proposes studying how to improve retention rates and focusing on reenrolling adults who started college but didnt finish; there are more than 1.1 million Pennsylvanians with some college experience.

Among its plans for addressing affordability are support of policies that expand financial aid and forgive debt for in-demand, high-quality credentials, take advantage of new federal Pell grants for workforce programs, and boost access to open educational resources to reduce the cost of course materials.

The report also discusses the intent to maximize the impact of research universities, recruit out-of-state students to broaden the talent pool, and increase access to paid work experiences for students.

To promote fiscal health, the plan recommends identifying and promoting best practices for fiscal efficiency and cost savings, and developing resources and an advisory group to help financially struggling colleges.

If institutions decide to close or merge, tools and expertise to assist in this process will help maximize savings, retain access to critical academic programming, and mitigate negative effects on students and communities, the plan states.

Another advisory group is recommended to help communities where colleges close maintain access to postsecondary education.

What comes next?

After the public comment period and the plans final adoption, the board intends to report annually on progress toward the goals and to consider revisions to the plan every five years.
Over nearly a decade, the State College Police Department underreported hundreds of rapes in public data, a Spotlight PA investigation found, masking the true extent of the crime in the community surrounding Penn State. Read more

This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our north-central Pa. newsletter, Talk of the Town, at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown.

Over the span of nearly a decade, the State College Police Department underreported hundreds of rapes in the central Pennsylvania community, leading to highly inaccurate publicly reported crime statistics, Spotlight PA has learned.

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From 2013 to 2021, State College police reported a total of 67 rapes in crime submissions to Pennsylvania State Police, when in fact there had been 321  a 254-case difference  according to a 10-month Spotlight PA investigation.

Those missing cases were instead classified as sex offenses, a category with lower penalties and one that is treated with less urgency by law enforcement. In response to Spotlight PA, the department conceded it had been using an outdated definition of rape until late 2022  despite the federal government announcing a change to it in 2012, and that update being subsequently implemented by thousands of police agencies across the U.S. in 2013.

Under the old definition, a vast array of violent, degrading, abusive sexual assaults were excluded from the data that are used to inform the public about the prevalence of rape, said Lila Slovak, director of the Womens Law Projects Philadelphia office.

Crime statistics in a place like State College, nicknamed Happy Valley, are particularly important because it is a college town. Most Pennsylvania State University students live off campus, and federal law requires the school to report only crimes that occur on its premises, on its property, and in public places right next to it.

State College Police Chief John Gardner told Spotlight PA that he was not aware until 2022 that the FBI had updated its definition of rape. He learned when a department records supervisor that year completed a training and implemented the change. Gardners predecessor, Tom King, who retired from the department in 2016, said he learned about the incorrect reporting only when contacted by Spotlight PA this summer.

But the department had never acknowledged the longstanding error or disclosed it to the public until approached by Spotlight PA about potential data discrepancies. The department calculated the number of affected cases after Spotlight PA requested a review.

The inaccurate reporting was not done intentionally, said Gardner, who is retiring at the end of this year. The minute we found out about it, we made the correction, and were open to sitting down and talking to you about it. We owned it.

We want to make this community safe and want people who live here to feel safe, he said.

Pennsylvania State Police share crime statistics from local departments, including State College, with the FBIs Uniform Crime Reporting Program, known as UCR. Those figures influence numerous aspects of life in a community and help governments decide where to deploy resources and direct public funds.

Criminologist Eli B. Silverman, professor emeritus at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said accurate data are also key to good policing and maintaining trust with the community.

When crime statistics lose their credibility, the public loses confidence in the police and is less inclined to report crime, Silverman said. This, in turn, further diminishes the effectiveness of [a] police organization.

Over the course of Spotlight PAs investigation, the newsroom found other potential issues with the departments handling of reported rapes.

For years, rape cases were habitually described as assaults in internal police records, Spotlight PA found. The newsroom also questioned whether factors other than the new definition made previous rape numbers appear low, especially as top officials in the department did not seem clear on how crime reporting works, and at times offered confusing or incorrect information.

Additionally, Spotlight PA identified a case in which two victims reported rapes and the police recorded only one. One police official told reporters that rapes are counted by incident, not by victim  going against well-established FBI rules and indicating a violation separate from underreporting.

Police appear to be trying to minimize the extent of sexual assault in State College, Cassia Spohn, a criminologist and professor at Arizona State University, told Spotlight PA. Doing so can produce a false sense of security among potential victims, leading eventually to an increase in victimization and a decline in public safety.

Before this investigation was published, Spotlight PA sent a detailed list of findings to police officials and State College borough.

In response, the department offered a joint statement from Gardner, King, longtime State College Borough Manager Tom Fountaine, and State College assistant police chief Matthew Wilson, expressing a great level of dissatisfaction.

The information presented appears to be more representative of an op-ed article than an objective reporting piece. The information you provided for our review is largely misleading and omits perspectives from community stakeholders, the statement said in part. Read the full response here.

I dont recall

For more than 80 years, the FBI defined rape as the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will. That meant only forced attacks involving penetration of the vagina by a penis were considered rape.

This left out things like forced oral or anal sex, and sex acts that were committed against someones will but without force. Attacks on men or boys were also not counted.

That longstanding definition was narrow, outmoded and steeped in gender-based stereotypes, the Womens Law Project wrote in a 2001 letter to then-FBI Director Robert Mueller.

In 2012, the FBI announced it would broaden its definition of rape to ensure justice for those whose lives have been devastated by sexual violence, then-U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said at the time.

This new, more inclusive definition will provide us with a more accurate understanding of the scope and volume of these crimes, Holder added.

Leading national organizations for police and sheriffs backed the change, as did womens organizations and anti-rape groups.

Under the new definition, rape is: Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.

John Derbas, a former deputy assistant director of the FBI, told Spotlight PA that by 2015, 15,000 law enforcement agencies across the nation had adopted the reform.

David Hendler, who oversees records at the Abington Township Police Department in Montgomery County, said both he and his predecessor knew about the change when he started working in the department in 2013. Officers talked about it among themselves, he told Spotlight PA.

Every cop I knew knew about it, Hendler said.

Yet King, who led State College police from 1993 to 2016, said word never reached him. He was not aware that State College police were incorrectly reporting rapes until Spotlight PA contacted him this summer, he said.

I dont recall it. In 2025, as we sit here talking about it today, I dont recall, King said in an August interview. He questioned who within the department might have been contacted by Pennsylvania State Police, which ensures that law enforcement agencies across the state submit crime data that go to the FBI.

Whoever they addressed it to, I dont recall ever seeing any direction from the State Police to make a change, or being aware that it was changed, said King, who became the interim police chief in neighboring Ferguson Township in October. That doesnt mean they didnt. Were talking about 12 years ago.

A spokesperson for Pennsylvania State Police told Spotlight PA the agency alerted local police departments about the change. A December 2012 notification outlined the new definition and instructed agencies to report offenses accordingly, starting in January 2013, Myles Snyder wrote in an email. After that, the responsibility for ensuring correct and timely reporting lies solely with contributing agencies, he added.

A five-paragraph notice was sent via the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network, or CLEAN, a platform police departments use to communicate with other agencies, on Dec. 27, 2012  less than a week before the new requirement took effect, according to a document obtained through a public records request.

State police have the highest level of confidence in this communication system, Snyder said when asked if the notice reliably reached all of the roughly 2,000 local law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania.

Agencies like the State College Police Department have to acknowledge receipt of every message sent over CLEAN, he said. It is not optional, and lives depend on it. The messages are kept for 10 years, Snyder told Spotlight PA, so Pennsylvania State Police cannot verify who, if anyone, confirmed receipt of the notice.

In 2014, statewide data showed a 12% increase in rapes for the 2013 annual report, Snyder said. That indicated that submitting agencies were recognizing and using the new offense classification rule.

No one from Pennsylvania State Police or the FBI told the department it had missed the memo and was reporting erroneously, Gardner said in a joint interview with King and Fountaine.

State police are legally bound to collect data from local departments, and those agencies must use the FBIs definitions for crimes. The agency checks on two things for UCR compliance: that a police department submits data, and that the numbers add up, Snyder said.

Between 2016 and 2023, Pennsylvania State Police logged 65 instances of local departments being out of compliance. The agency did not provide information on why, but two chiefs told Spotlight PA it was because their departments did not submit any numbers. The violations, which came with the threat of losing some state grant funding, were deemed fixed by state police as long as the departments began filing monthly.

Submitting agencies are solely responsible for the accuracy of their information, Snyder told Spotlight PA.

Both State College police chiefs told Spotlight PA that they did not intentionally disregard the FBI mandate to report rapes accurately. I know with absolute confidence that had I received that notification  we would have made the change, King said.

A late revelation

The department, with 53 sworn officers today, serves over 57,000 residents in State College and neighboring College and Harris Townships. Its jurisdiction borders Penn States University Park campus, which has its own police force. However, many of the universitys nearly 49,000 undergraduate students live, work, and recreate off campus  so State College police regularly interact with students.

During a typical academic year, 75% of rape victims are Penn State students, Lt. Chad Hamilton, State College police detective supervisor, said.

For years, rape numbers reported by State College police were consistently low, hovering in single digits for the most part. When the department reported its 2021 crime statistics to UCR, police claimed that there was not a single rape that year.

It turns out that there were at least 30.

But instead of rapes, those cases were submitted to the Uniform Crime Reporting system as sex offenses. These are considered a part two crime, a category that the FBI collects less information about and rarely mentions in its regular announcements about crime in America.

In police speak, part one crimes are the most severe offenses: homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, human trafficking. They are high priorities for law enforcement, often bringing with them pressure to make arrests and clear cases. These are considered indicators of the level of crime occurring in the country, according to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook.

Rape cases should never go into part two crime counts, Spohn, the criminologist, told Spotlight PA. Sex crimes under the part two category include acts like fondling or indecent exposure, she said. The category does not include sex crimes involving penetration. The UCR handbook is pretty specific, she said.

But by its own admission, the State College Police Department did exactly that  incorrectly reporting at least 254 part one crimes as part two ones.

Its not like we werent reporting, Wilson told Spotlight PA in a February interview. He said the police department was not calling these incidents rapes, but it was calling them sexual offenses. I dont see it as a huge deal, he said.

Three years ago, a longtime staffer, Alecia Schaeffer, took over as records supervisor. That is the position ultimately responsible for reviewing each incident, ensuring the coding follows the rules, and submitting monthly reports to the state.

Schaeffer  who was trained and certified on Uniform Crime Reporting in 2002  got a refresher course in December 2022, bringing back with her an urgency to update the police departments practice.

Spotlight PA repeatedly requested to interview Schaeffer. The borough and department refused, saying they generally do not make staff available to the media.

Gardner said he was in the conversation following Schaeffers training but remembered very, very little about it  other than the fact that she learned through training that  all these offenses were to be coded as rapes, he said.

Fountaine, who oversees State College police in his role as borough manager, said he became aware of this change when the department was first contacted by Spotlight PA.

Experts told Spotlight PA that the way rapes are labeled matters for victims and communities.

Its not just about how it shows up in statistics, its about how people think about whats happened to them, how other people think about whats happened to them, how the community thinks about whats happened to them, said Anne Ard, former executive director of Centre Safe, a State College-based organization that supports survivors of sexual violence.

Department officials say the way the cases were coded had no impact on how police handled them.

However, between 2013 and 2023, State College polices rate of arrests for rape was double that for sex offenses, according to a Spotlight PA analysis of data submitted to UCR.

State College police said that driving any investigation is the strength of evidence, the victims wishes, and input from the district attorneys office.

It doesnt matter to us what is coded. Its going to be thoroughly investigated to the best of our abilities, Wilson told Spotlight PA.

Other potential issues

King, the departments former police chief, told Spotlight PA that incidents of sexual violence were very, very, very high priorities for the department.

King said that the department applied for grant funding to address sexual violence, and that it created specialized investigative units and response teams as far back as 2006. Officials communicated with the public over and over again on the significance placed on these crimes, King said.

But throughout its investigation, Spotlight PA identified other potential issues with the way State College police handled rape cases.

One issue is the accuracy of State Colleges rape numbers unrelated to the definition change.

Because the new rape definition was broader, the FBI anticipated a rise in reported rape figures nationwide  as much as 41.7% in 2013, it said. In State College, however, it saw a 222% increase for 2013. Between the years 2013 and 2020, the revised definition produced an average annual increase of 384%.

Spotlight PA asked the department about the discrepancy, whether factors other than the new definition affected the low 2013 rape count, and if the inconsistency raised concerns about previous UCR reporting.

Both chiefs emphatically defended those figures.

Spotlight PA asked the department to review cases between 2005 and 2012 to ensure compliance with the FBIs legacy rape definition; to allow the newsroom to do so; or to make the records supervisor available for either an interview or written responses to questions. Officials declined.

Without an independent review of investigative files and records, questions about the departments crime reporting accuracy could not be fully answered.

But one case sheds light on the long-term consequences of the departments errors.

I was raped

Standing in a parking lot by her dorm building on a summer night in 2019, Lexi Tingley, barely a freshman at Penn State, texted her mother. It was 2:44 a.m., and the worst had happened.

Mommy.

I think I need to go to the ER.

I was raped.

Im scared.

Tingleys mother knew the lot; she had dropped her daughter off there recently for summer sessions. Frantically, she drove Tingley and her friend, who had also been raped that night, to Mount Nittany Medical Center. Tingley was examined, was tested for sexually transmitted diseases, and met with a State College police officer at the hospital.

Tingleys statements became the experiences of victim 1 in the police report. Her friend, Hanna Friedenberger, was victim 3 in the report. Another friend, victim 2, witnessed the crimes and had a panic attack, but was not assaulted. (Both Tingley and Friedenberger spoke to Spotlight PA and agreed to be named.)

Both Tingley and Friedenberger said they were raped at the Legend, a student rental complex three blocks from campus. Police took both their statements.

But State College police records show that one of the rapes was not accounted for.

The department keeps an internal crime log, a set of records detailing every call it responded to in the last 20 years. Its the first draft of crime statistics that would be reviewed, cataloged, and corrected if needed before submitting to the Uniform Crime Reporting system. The log contained one rape for the day that Tingley and Friedenberger were attacked.

Wilson, the assistant police chief, said in an August email that rape cases are counted per incident, not per victim  although FBI rules say cases should be counted by the number of victims. Wilson, whose responsibilities include overseeing the departments records operations, did not respond when Spotlight PA sought additional clarity. Wilson will become the police chief for State Colleges neighboring Ferguson Township in 2026.

UCR data for that month, August 2019, show three rapes reported by State College police.

However, Gardner said in an email that there were two other rapes that month that were not related to Tingley and Friedenberger. That means the department should have reported four rapes to UCR.

In an interview, Gardner told Spotlight PA that the UCR data for August 2019 included both Tingley and Friedenberger. You report victims to UCR, OK, we dont do it by incident. Do you understand?

Gardner insisted the department handled the case properly, and said he did not know the source of the discrepancy.

There is another notable problem.

The internal crime log reviewed by Spotlight PA contained four pieces of information for this incident. The time the call was received was 3:49:44 a.m. on Aug. 1, 2019. The outcome of the incident, called disposition, was ECA or exceptional clearance of an adult  commonly used for when prosecutors declined to file charges, as happened in the womens case.

Additionally, there was a description and a code.

When State College police officers file incident reports, they describe the calls they respond to  for example, burglary or traffic stop. The actual criminal violation that resulted would be recorded as a four-digit code. In State Colleges system, for example, 0210 is code for forcible rape. Coders in the records department  not officers  are responsible for doing that.

In Tingley and Friedenbergers case, the report was coded 0210, referring to rape. But the description  crucial for any layperson not familiar with State College police coding to understand the nature of a case  said assault earlier.

For at least a quarter-century, State College police have held daily media briefings where reporters were handed daily law incident summaries, or what the department calls a press log. These documents include the description, but not the case code, of each incident.

Between 2005 and 2021, State College police in these logs described 110 cases that were ultimately classified as rapes as assault or assault earlier. That is four out of every five rapes recorded by the department during that period.

Asked how residents or reporters who attended these briefings would be able to distinguish rape cases from physical fights because they were lumped together under the title of assault, Gardner said the officers in charge would note if any case was sexual in nature.

Its serious, he said an officer in that situation would say, arguing the vagueness protected victims privacy.

That approach leaves the quality of State College crime data to chance.

This happened when the department provided its 2009 crime log to an open-records requester this February, which was later posted online. The requester asked for the type of crime for each incident and received the crime log with the incident description listed but not the numeric case code.

No rapes were listed in the 161 pages that State College turned over. If incident codes had been included, the log would show two cases of rape that year.

Gardner serves as the police departments Right-to-Know officer. He told Spotlight PA that the code was not given to the requester because the person did not specifically ask for it.

Spotlight PA submitted a Right-to-Know request asking for the same information as the original requester, and did not ask for the 4-digit code. But police provided both the data and the code to the newsroom.

It is impossible to determine if Tingley and Friedenbergers case was unique. The newsroom cannot determine if undercounting rape victims by using the incident count was an isolated incident or a more prevalent problem. State law does not allow public access to police investigative files, and State College police refused Spotlight PAs request to review them.

Tingley and Friedenberger, already heartbroken over the outcome of their case, would not find out until contacted by Spotlight PA that State College police had undercounted their rapes in public crime data.

Tingley, now 24, said it is hard to separate the rape and what followed. The treatment she received from law enforcement  a false promising, as she called it  was equally painful as the worst thing that has happened to her.

SUPPORT THIS JOURNALISM and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results.
Temple University plans to increase its patrol officer ranks by 58% over five years after a study assessing staffing levels showed the school was below the middle tier of a framework that rates law enforcement agencies.

The university currently has 77 sworn officers  50 of them patrol officers  and president John Fry pledged to add 29 patrol officers, one detective, six sergeants, and one lieutenant. That would increase the overall number of sworn officers to 114.

No target has been set for how many officers will be hired per year, but those discussions are underway, said Fry, who named public safety a top priority when he started in November 2024.

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 READ MORE: Temple president targets safety, neighborhood improvements and fundraising for early attention in his tenure

The universitys declaration comes amid a particularly difficult time for police hiring, with departments nationally  including the Philadelphia Police Department  continuing to face shortages. Temple has been working for several years to attract more officers, including increasing salaries and benefits, adding signing and retention bonuses and higher contributions to retirement accounts, and hiring an associate director to focus solely on hiring, recruitment, retention, and training. The department also moved to 12-hour shifts to give officers more days off.

Yet, the number of sworn officers has decreased from 81 in March 2024 to the current 77, despite additional hires being made, including four new officers from the Temple University Municipal Police Academy in October.

 READ MORE: As new semester gets underway, Temple cites drop in crime alongside new crime-fighting measures

We must, and we will, deploy ever more compelling and creative incentives to make Temples Department of Public Safety a destination employer for law enforcement in our region, Fry said. Our plan is to look closely at what we are doing in the areas of recruitment and retention over the next several months and see what improvements can be made.

 READ MORE: Amid recent shootings, Temple hires former Philly Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey to conduct campus safety audit

Temple plans to hire former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramseys 21CP Solutions company to assist, including with how best to recruit and retain more officers, Fry said. The university had hired Ramsey to assess safety following the shooting death of student Samuel Collington in November 2021 and has implemented almost all of the 68 recommendations from his report released in April 2023.

The staffing study was one of the final recommendations that Temple had to complete.

New bike patrol officers

In addition, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel has committed to providing six bike patrol officers and a sergeant assigned to Temple, beginning Jan. 5. Thats up from the current four officers and supervisor, who were not always the same personnel.

The ability to have relationships and collaborations  will be better because itll be a consistent group, said Jennifer Griffin, Temples vice president for public safety.

Members of the Temple University Police Association, the officers union, have complained for years of inadequate staffing. In a social media post about a year ago, the union said the department had lost more than 50 officers since 2022.

But Andrew Lanetti, president of the union, said he is pleased with the direction outlined by Fry.

From our talks here in the past few days, I am happy with where were going in the future, he said. I believe this is going to be a very positive experience and its going to help our community a lot.

University and union officials already have been discussing ways to recruit and retain more officers, and a more positive working relationship between the union and the university could help move the needle on hiring and retention.

Were going to work together and our goal is all the same, Griffin said. We want a safer Temple and a safer community.

Budget woes

The move also comes as the university attempts to close a budget deficit, made worse this fall when the school missed enrollment projections for its main campus that translated to about $10 million in lost revenue.

It will be a challenge, Fry said of the new police officer hiring, but its a priority, so we will meet that challenge.

He said money for the new staffing will be built into the universitys five-year budget plan.

Temple last February hired safety and security consulting companies Healy+ and COSECURE, ancillary businesses of the Cozen OConnor law firm, to conduct the staffing study. They used a tiered framework to assess the capacity and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies, Temple said. The university declined to release the full report, citing its proprietary information.

Temple is positioned below the middle tier of the framework, meaning the department is presently staffed to meet the essential public safety and emergency response needs of our community, Fry said. However, additional personnel would allow the department to organize and coordinate its activities to focus on additional proactive and community engagement activities that would position it higher in the consultants framework.

With the additional police officers that Temple plans to hire, the school would rise from just below the third of five tiers in the consultants rating system to the second tier, Fry said. The second tier, he said, connotes higher levels of proactive enforcement, more presence, more mitigation strategies, and then more outreach, more community engagement.

Public safety is extremely important as the university plans to release its strategic plan and campus development plan early next year and as Fry seeks to spur economic development along the Broad Street corridor, from Temples new Terra Hall location in Center City to the health campus in North Philadelphia.

 READ MORE: Temple plans to fill the gap left by UArts with their new Center City campus

Theres going be a campus development plan, which clearly is going to put more activity on this campus, which means were going to have to support our police, Fry said.

Potential investors, he said, are watching.

When theyre about to commit significant investment, they want to know the area is safe, he said.

Hold ourselves accountable

Former Temple president Jason Wingard pledged to increase the police force by 50% the month that Collington was killed, and those numbers never materialized. In fact, the number of officers dropped.

Fry said what is different this time is that he has specified the exact numbers that will be added over a distinct time frame.

This is not something were just sort of speculating about, he said. This is based on a professional study.  Well be able to hold ourselves accountable.

The university already has made a host of changes that were recommended by Ramsey in the 2023 report. They include more foot patrols and security cameras and increased technology in the communications center.

The university in 2024 touted a decrease in aggravated assaults, robberies, and thefts in its patrol zone. Despite improvements, Temple has continued to face safety challenges in its North Philadelphia neighborhood, including large groups of juveniles that sometimes gather on or near campus  a challenge in other areas of the city, too.

And a student was shot and killed by another student near off-campus housing in February.

 READ MORE: Temples been part of several high-profile crime incidents recently. President John Fry is getting high marks for communication.

Griffin said she stands behind the efforts to grow the department and make further improvements in training and operations.

I truly believe it will help position us as one of the highest-performing university police departments in the country, Griffin said.

Fry said once the university reaches its five-year hiring target, it will reevaluate its needs and figure out next steps.
The Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pa., on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Read more

Radnor school board officials are now considering a plan for a charter school seeking to open in the fall of 2026 on the Valley Forge Military Academy campus.

A group seeking to open Valley Forge Public Service Academy Charter School on the site of the closing military school is already equipped with a leadership team and board, but it cannot open as a publicly funded charter school without approval from the local school board.

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The group began the formal charter approval process Tuesday at a Radnor school board meeting with a presentation pitching a nontraditional high school experience that could prepare students for public service jobs.

Liz Duffy, the board president, said the board entered the hearing with an open mind toward gathering information.

And no decisions have been made or will be made on the application today, she added.

At least one more hearing will follow before the board votes on the proposal. Radnor has never approved a charter school, despite receiving earlier proposals.

Why is there a charter proposal?

Valley Forge Military Academy is slated to close for good in May. The once-elite private boarding school was plagued with myriad problems amid declining enrollment, rising costs, publicity over unaddressed abuse concerns, and, according to some parents, misplaced priorities. A two-year college on the campus will continue to operate.

The Radnor school board has voted down two previous proposals to add a military-themed charter school to the campus, which the board had argued would serve as a way to subsidize the military academy. The current proposal, The Inquirer has reported, has been in the works since March  months before the private military academy announced it would shut down.

Chris Massaro, a Radnor native who runs a firm that advises educational institutions, had begun working to help the military academy in January and thought a new charter school could be a way to preserve the institutions legacy.

Massaro said at the hearing Tuesday that he introduced charter school consultant Alan Wohlstetter to the Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation in April and they got to work on the plan. Massaro and Wohlstetter are both listed as founders of the potential new school.

The applicants and the foundation are presenting themselves as separate entities that would simply have a landlord-tenant relationship.

This proposal is entirely new, said Stephen Flavell, the prospective charter schools founding CEO. It has a new mission, new leadership, and a new board.

He said the school would provide a uniquely different experience for students who might not be a good fit for a regular public school.

This is an and for Radnor, not an or, he added.

Charter schools are publicly funded but privately run, and receive per-pupil funding from school districts.

What would the charter school offer?

Organizers said the school would prepare students in grades six through 12 for public service jobs, such as law enforcement, emergency response services, and the military. The entitys website says its mission is to provide a rigorous, service-oriented education that emphasizes character, discipline, academic excellence and career readiness. Applicant spokespeople emphasized providing students with career-path alternatives to four-year college degrees.

The school would cap the number of Radnor School District attendees at 25%, and would also cater to students from nine other local school districts, according to the applicant team. Every student graduates with a diploma plus, said Deborah Stern, a board adviser for the prospective school. She said the school would give students opportunities to secure college credits or industry-recognized credentials in addition to their high school diploma, alongside connections in the field of their choice.

Would there be any construction?

Dave Barbalace of BSI Construction said the applicant team would pursue a $2.4 million renovation that would take six to seven months to repair, refresh, and modernize the building.

The renovation would include making the restrooms on the first floor bigger, a new roof, walkway repairs, and an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible ramp, he said.

When would the charter school open?

The applicant team said the school would be ready to open in September 2026 if it is approved by the Radnor School District.

The school would have 50 students per grade, starting with just sixth through eighth grades in the fall and adding another grade each year through 12th grade..

A few students have already pre-enrolled, according to the applicant team.

What feedback has the proposal gotten?

Jim Higgins, a lifelong Radnor resident who grew up across the street from the military academy, told the school board he did not support the prior two charter school proposals but is supportive of this one.

I care personally about what happens to the property, so Ive been watching it, said Higgins, who previously worked as a CEO and principal of a North Philadelphia charter school and has two kids in the Radnor school system.

I did not support the other charter applications. I thought they were the wrong people. There wasnt a community investment. Im excited by this one, he added.

Jibri Trawick, a member of the applicant team, said the team has done over 35 outreach events and collected 115 petition signatures, though not all are from Radnor residents since the school would serve the region. The applicants also have 18 letters of support from local businesses and organizations, Trawick said.

One person at the hearing expressed concern about young students sharing a campus with college students, and another questioned what was different between the proposed schools programming and the existing options for students at Radnors district schools and the Delaware County Technical School.

Michael Kearney, a Wayne resident, expressed concern over whether the applicant team was planning for the unexpected expenses that come with using an aged building.

I caution you that we dont get too excited about what is a great idea and ignore the uncertainty and risk that are inherent in the proposal, he said.

What comes next?

This hearing was designed for the charter school team to present its project, and a second hearing set for Jan. 20 is designed for the board, the school districts administration, and its solicitor to question the applicant team.

The school board has to make a decision by March 1.

If Radnor rejects the application, the group could reapply, and ultimately could appeal to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
There are few facades more iconic in Bryn Mawr than the marquee of the Bryn Mawr Film Institute (BMFI), an enduring Main Line institution and watering hole for cinephiles from across the region.

BMFI has turned 20, marking two decades of the nonprofit community theater founded by Juliet Goodfriend in 2005. In the early 2000s, Goodfriend found herself dismayed when a historic movie theater in neighboring Ardmore was converted into a short-lived gym. To protect Bryn Mawrs historic Seville Theatre from the same fate, Goodfriend rallied a team of local stakeholders around the theater. In December 2004, BMFI purchased the Seville, and in March 2005, the film institute opened its doors. Today, BMFI screens new and historic films, hosts lectures, teaches courses for children and adults, and celebrates the art of the film.

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It means a lot  to see what this place has become through the generous support and engagement of the community, said Andrew J. Douglas, deputy director of the film institute who has worked at BMFI since it first opened.

To celebrate BMFIs 20th anniversary, its staff compiled a list of 20 of the most iconic films the theater has screened, from Philly-based flicks to beloved musicals:

Blue Velvet

If theres an iconic filmmaker with a Philadelphia connection, its the late David Lynch, said Jacob Mazer, BMFIs director of programs and education.

Blue Velvet is Lynchs 1986 mystery thriller. It follows college student Jeffrey Beaumont after he discovers a severed ear in a vacant lot in his suburban hometown and is drawn into a dark world of crime.

When we look at this arc of [Lynchs] career, its really the film where he finds his way, Mazer said.

Lynch began his filmmaking career in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and regularly discussed basing his landmark debut Eraserhead on the city in the 1970s. When Lynch returned to Philly for a retrospective of his work at PAFA in 2014, he visited BMFI for a screening of his films and a Q&A session with the audience. Blue Velvet was the first film BMFI played to commemorate Lynch after his death in January.

The Philadelphia Story

Theres a lot of local love for The Philadelphia Story, George Cukors 1940 romantic comedy set on the Main Line and based on the life of socialite Helen Hope Montgomery Scott, said Gina Izzo, BMFIs communications director.

Plus, Izzo added, Its funny. It holds up.

Lawrence of Arabia

The annual summer screening of David Leans 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia is the oldest-running BMFI tradition. Its a movie that is just not done justice on a small screen, said Mazer.

The Sound of Music

Each December, lovers of The Sound of Music descend on BMFI for what Izzo describes as an interactive screening of the 1965 musical directed by Robert Wise. Over the course of three hours and many songs, The Sound of Music tells the World War II-era story of Maria (Julie Andrews), a young woman who becomes a governess for the von Trapps, an aristocratic Austrian family.

At the annual Christmastime screening at BMFI, moviegoers sing along from their seats and, each year, wear increasingly elaborate costumes. Last year, there were nuns, goats, and brown paper packages tied up with strings (a la the song My Favorite Things). The showings sell out months in advance.

As Izzo put it, Its sort of our Rocky Horror Picture Show equivalent.

Harold and Maude

Hal Ashbys Harold and Maude has been a mainstay at the Seville Theatre since it was released in 1971. It was the last movie shown on the Sevilles single screen before the theater was twinned (split into two screening rooms) in the 1980s.

Harold and Maude just comes back again and again and again" in the theaters history, said Mazer. Its one of the quintessential cult movies.

Casablanca

Michael Curtizs 1942 romantic-drama Casablanca is one of the great examples of the difference [between] seeing a movie in a theater with other people versus by yourself at home, said Douglas.

BMFI screens Casablanca every summer, and Douglas teaches an annual lecture on the film. When he watches Casablanca at BMFI, Douglas says he regularly hears people sniffling at sad moments or guffawing at funny ones, a stark comparison to the muted reactions one often has from the comfort of their own couch.

Youre reminded how funny it is, youre reminded how moving it is, and youre reminded, in a sense, how human it is, he said.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Why include Wes Andersons 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel? Put simply, people just love Wes Anderson, Izzo said.

2001: A Space Odyssey

Stanley Kubricks 2001: A Space Odyssey was the first film shown at the theater after it developed the capacity to screen 70 mm film. Mazer called the 1968 movie an iconic film in cinematic history.

Silver Linings Playbook

In a way, Silver Linings Playbook is a modern-day Philadelphia Story, said Douglas. The 2012 film, directed by David O. Russell, follows Pat Solitano Jr. (Bradley Cooper), recently released from a psychiatric hospital who works to win back his estranged wife, and Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence), a young widow also struggling with mental illness, as she prepares for an upcoming dance competition.

Philadelphias favorite rom-com is an homage to Delco, Eagles fans, and the Montgomery County-born-and-raised Cooper. Its a local guy makes good story, Douglas said, referring to Cooper. Its also the highest grossing main attraction in BMFI history.

For our community, it was an enormously meaningful movie" Douglas said.

La La Land

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known as Pasek and Paul, are a composing and songwriting duo responsible for the lyrics in La La Land, the acclaimed 2016 musical directed by Damien Chazelle.

Pasek is Bryn Mawrs son, Izzo said. The composer graduated from Friends Central, the Wynnewood Quaker school, and is a longtime supporter of BMFI. When Pasek and Paul won an Oscar for the movie, everybody at home had a little piece, said Izzo.

Barbie

Greta Gerwigs 2023 Barbie felt like the big wave back after the pandemic, Izzo said. People dressed in pink and flocked to the movies after months of isolation and uncertainty.

Oppenheimer

Same with Christopher Nolans 2023 Oppenheimer. Remember "Barbenheimer"?

Parasite

Parasite, Bong Joon Hos 2019 South Korean Oscar winner, was the third-longest running main attraction in BMFI history with a 16-week run.

We were proud to show that one, Izzo said. It was very popular here.

Rocky

Rocky, the 1976 film directed by John G. Avildsen about boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), may seem like an obvious addition to any Philly-area iconic movies list. But the local history behind the movie is deeper than meets the eye, Mazer said.

Rocky was one of the first to be filmed with the Steadicam, a revolutionary invention of Garrett Brown, a Haverford High School graduate and prolific Philadelphia inventor. The Steadicam, created by Brown in 1975, is a camera stabilizing device that revolutionized the movie industry, allowing filmmakers to shoot scenes without having to mount cameras onto cranes or dollies.

In testing out his new invention, Brown shot various scenes around Philadelphia, including one of his future wife running up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. That scene would later become an iconic motif of Rocky, shot by Brown.

Its this place where film history and Philadelphia history really connect, Mazer said.

Brown is a friend of BMFI and has given numerous lectures at the theater, including for the 40th anniversary of Rocky.

Superman

James Gunns 2025 Superman is another story of a local hero. David Cornswet, who played Superman, was raised in Lower Merion and graduated from the Shipley School, a Bryn Mawr private school. Cornswet hosted a friends and family debut of Superman at BMFI.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn, John Crowleys 2015 period drama, stars Saoirse Ronan as Ellis Lace, a young Irish immigrant to New York City. The movie was immensely popular at BMFI, said Izzo.

On the Waterfront

Elia Kazans 1954 crime drama On the Waterfront helped revolutionize BMFIs educational programming. The film was the first of the theaters one-night seminars, during which moviegoers listen to a short lecture, sit for a screening, and then stay for a discussion. Now, theyre a popular part of the theaters educational menu.

RBG

RBG, Julie Cohen and Betsy Wests 2018 documentary about late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was the highest-grossing documentary screening in BMFI history. Its also in the top 20 of the highest-grossing screenings in the theaters history (including movies and documentaries).

National Theatre Live: The Audience

Though movies are at the core of BMFIs work, the theater has expanded its repertoire to include cinematic presentations of ballet, theater, opera, and behind-the-scenes tours of art museums, all filmed and fit for the movie screen. BMFIs most popular alternative program to date was a screening of The Audience, a 2013 play starring Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II. BMFI sold out 13 showings of the show.

Izzo and Douglas said the screenings help transport locals to places that can be difficult to get to  New York Citys Broadway, Londons West End, or European museums.

Even at current prices, its still a tremendous bargain for access to the arts, said Douglas.

Metropolitan

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Whit Stillmans 1990 movie Metropolitan, the director visited BMFI in 2022 for a screening of the film and Q&A with the audience. Metropolitan follows the Sally Fowler Rat Pack, a group of young Manhattan socialites in the throes of debutante season.

Stillmans visit to BMFI was the beginning of a really nice friendship, Mazer said.

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.
All year, when dinner goes exceptionally well, a big question pops into my mind: Is this one of Philadelphias Top 10 restaurants?

Thats a lofty status to consider for any place, no doubt, but when you eat at nearly 400 restaurants a year as I do, it arises more frequently than you might expect. The quality of the cooking around here has simply gotten better than ever, in a vast range of styles and price points. So when I set out each year to define an elite group to represent that moment in Philly restaurant time, my mind is open to wherever the most magical dishes take me, to places old and new, where a kitchens creative touch pairs with genuine hospitality to elevate a mere dinner date into something truly special.

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The process begins with the years first-review meal bites, then truly kicks into gear during summer, when I begin circling back for revisits through at least two dozen promising candidates. Consistency and continuous growth matters.

Inevitably, an all-star lineup emerges that Im thrilled to present. And youll see it when it lands next week.

But today I offer another list: Five special places that, for a variety of reasons, are still on the cusp of making the leap to the next level. This isnt an honorable-mention group so much as a future-cast of exciting places on the rise to watch, along with some standbys still worth celebrating. Id leap at a dinner invite to any one of them.

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckles bold move this year, from a West Philly market-cafe into a sprawling, art-filled space on North Broad Street, complete with an inventive bar and special-occasion prices, has given the chef duo of Omar Tate and Cybille St.Aude-Tate the room to fully realize their dynamic vision of an immersive destination celebrating the culture of the Black American diaspora. One moment youre eating house-cured country ham over airy hush puppies, the next youre devouring Haitian-spiced roast chicken or Mississippi Delta-style hot tamales  stuffed here with wagyu beef cheeks and oxtail. Yes, the $65 McDonalds Money burger is an audacious stack of truffled, gold-foiled caviar bling, but its also a wry Eddie Murphy reference and a juicy emblem of Honeysuckles potential. An anticipated shift from the original $95 prix fixe to an a la carte menu in 2026 shows Honeysuckle is still seeking the ideal format for its new home. An expected 15% dip in check average should fill more seats, while a revival of its ambitious UNTITLED. tasting menus assures this uniquely creative kitchen will still be pushing boundaries. 631 N. Broad St., 215-307-3316, honeysucklephl.com

Emmett

Philly already has a vibrant Mediterranean dining scene, but Emmett, one of the years best new restaurants, offers an original take, from warm sesame madeleines with smoked vadouvan butter to dumplings stuffed with cuminy sujuk sausage. Here youll find sticky toffee pudding in Turkish coffee caramel and clever nods from chef Evan Snyder to his love of Jewish deli (wagyu tartare in horseradish-dusted rye tartlets? Yes!). With polished service and a thematically tuned drink program dusted with Levantine spice, this intimate Olde Kensington corner once occupied by Cadence feels like a special-occasion destination again. If Snyder continues refining his sometimes overly busy plates, Emmett can take the next step. 161 W. Girard Ave., 215-207-0161, emmettphilly.com

Ama

Frankie Ramirez turned out some of the most memorable and beautiful dishes of the year  squash blossom tlayudas, lamb neck barbacoa  from the live fires of his chef-owner debut, a stylish, modern Mexican newcomer in Fishtown. The chefs growth since his previous post at LMNO has been stunning, with food that is both personal and daring, like the milpa salad laced with huitlacoche and grasshoppers. The majestic grilled whole octopus that arrives beside a dish of gingery black coconut rice mixed with smoky bits of octopus head is simply a showstopper. This restaurant is large, and its not yet as complete as it can be, but with a little more time to hone its service and beverage program, Ama stands to become the upscale Mexican restaurant Philadelphians brag about most. 101 W. Oxford St., 215-933-0707, amaphl.com

Andiario

Every meal at this gem in downtown West Chester is an inspirational experience of handcraft, restraint, and intimate hospitality, as chef Anthony Andiarios team cooks weekly-changing four-course menus that spontaneously channel the best of Pennsylvanias seasonal bounty through a rustic Italian lens. My revisit this fall lived up to that standard, with toothy, hand-rolled rigatoni in nduja-sparked roasted pepper sauce and a succulent strip steak roasted over the live fire hearth. Add in outgoing service, a cushy dining room, and exceptional wines chosen by the chefs wife and partner, Maria Van Schaijik, and dinner at Andiario is still a delight. It hasnt regressed at all  it was a resident on my Top 10 list the past two years  but competition this year for an ever-evolving group was simply tighter than ever. 106 W. Gay St., West Chester, 484-887-0919, andiario.com

Meetinghouse

While many Philadelphia chefs are now ratcheting up their gastro ambitions and tasting menus to reach for Michelin stars, Drew DiTomo is focused on polishing the simple, affordable neighborhood bar  an essential source of sustenance and down-to-earth character for this citys food soul. Meetinghouse is just that kind of place, where the candlelit vibes are warm and cozy, the drink program is impressively focused and quirky, and the less is more aesthetic is deliberate in revived retro dishes that are as good as they can be, from a roast beef sandwich and baked clams to turkey cutlets, broiled cod, and a destination-worthy green salad. Thursdays are baked cheeseburger nights! 2331 E. Cumberland St., no phone, meetinghousebeer.com
Do you love having someone else make wine decisions for you? Weve got great news: Local wine clubs have been popping up all over Philly. These mostly monthly subscriptions let you avoid decision paralysis and stock your wine rack with fun, thoughtfully selected bottles. Membership in many bottle shop-hosted clubs scores you further discounts (and in one case, cheap pizza), while winery-run subscriptions often give you access to special events.

Curated wine clubs have only recently taken off in Philly. This historically came down to logistics: Independent wine-sellers can only offer packages for pickup; they cannot ship or deliver wine to your doorstep, per the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (whose state stores can ship). This is a nonissue for some consumers but can feel like yet another errand to others. Building out club packs can also be a storage nightmare for small shops that already struggle with lack of space.

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Practical hurdles aside, wine-centric businesses are figuring out how to make clubs work. The customer demand is there; clubs offer a storytelling moment and reason to try wines you may never have tasted otherwise. Theres a new wealth of local options, and you can set up memberships  or snag a last-minute Christmas gift for your favorite wine lover  without having to leave your house.

Neighborhood shops

Le Virtu

This club is so well thought-out that even pickup is a fun adventure: It doubles as tasting social. Members can hang out while enjoying complimentary snacks and tastes of that months wines, plus a few additional bottles. Bring a friend if youd like (non-members may join the tasting for $20). Its one of the most fun spins on happy hour around. Le Virtu offers two-, four-, and five-bottle packages, focusing on small producers from Southern Italy. Pickup and the tasting social are the first Wednesday of every month.

1927 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-271-5626, levirtu.com

Jet Wine Bar

Owner Jill Weber has been serving wines from lesser-known regions around the globe since opening Jet 15-plus years ago. What else would you expect from an archaeologist who pulls double duty running a wine bar? The monthly club selections (two bottles for $55, or three with varying cheese pairings for $89) have the same quirky-cool range as Jets by-the-glass offerings. One month the wines may be from Georgia and the next, maybe Mexico or a mix from mountainous regions. Each set has a different narrative, and a blog page written by Weber gives the how, what, and why behind them. If you love trying new, often-obscure things, this is the club for you. Pickups start the first of each month.

1525 South St., 215-735-1116, jetwinebar.com

Local 44

This shop is already the go-to for many West Philly-based wine lovers, and their club offering  which rotates themes monthly  is also great. A subscription is $99 for four bottles per month, and membership also gets you a tote, wine key, and a 10% discount on any cheese and charcuterie to-go. Sign up in advance. Pickup begins on the first day of each month.

4329 Spruce St., 215-222-2337, local44beerbar.com

Fishtown Social

This Fishtown wine bar keeps its club format as simple and friendly as possible. A no-commitment $55 membership gets you two monthly bottles and a 10% discount at the shop on pickup day. An e-newsletter gives the rundown on the featured natural wines, producers, and regions, as well as tasting notes and pairing suggestions. Pickup takes place the first Monday of every month.

1525 Frankford Ave., no phone, fishtownsocial.com

Hermans Coffee

Sign up for the wine club at this forward-thinking coffee/wine shop and choose to get two or four bottles monthly ($75 and $125, respectively). Each month features a partnership with a different small wine importer, aka the folks who do the behind-the-scenes legwork to get small-production wines into Pennsylvania. If you prefer to curate your own, Hermans just released a listing of specialty bottles that you can ask staff to order on your behalf.

1313 S. Third St., no phone, hermanscoffee.com

Superette

Superette wine director and Superfolie GM Kait Caruke and owner Chloe Grigri have been best pals in wine since 2017, a relationship that naturally evolved into collaborating on the wine programs for Superfolie and Superette. Coucou wine club is their first venture into curating a monthly subscription, a celebration of the natural-minded producers  often French, but not always  they scoop up and pop open together on the regular. There are two offerings: a party pack ($75) to drink immediately or a collectors club ($125) for bottles that you can enjoy now or age for later. Both clubs come with pairing suggestions, discounts in the wine shop, and early access to special events. Sign-ups close at the end of month for the following months pickup, which takes place the first Wednesday of each month.

1538 E. Passyunk Ave., no phone, superettephl.com

Sally

This friendly wine club is so popular, theres a waitlist to get in. For $50 per month, the Sally team picks two natural wines  chosen for their seasonality, stories, and mood  for you to take home. A cheese pizza can be added for an additional $10, which feels like a dream date night in the making. Pickup days are communicated at the beginning of each month. Membership also scores you 15% off regular wine shop purchases. Win, win, wine.

2229 Spruce St., 267-773-7178, sallyphl.com

Vernick

This tried-and-true club has been around since 2020, continually refining and keeping the offerings classic, thoughtful, and interesting  the same ethos as the restaurant. Members receive four bottles each month for $100, as well as tasting notes and pairing ideas. Membership can be as flexible as month-to-month, but those that sign up for a full year get one month free. Pickup is the 15th of each month.

2029 Walnut St., 267-639-6644, vernickphilly.com

Local producers

Pray Tell

This urban winery has done a lot in a year since relocating from Oregon to Philly: classes, events, collaborations, dinners, being featured on the menus of nearly all the Michelin- recognized restaurants in Philly. Partners Tom Caruso and Sydney Adams are clearly working their tails off to share their wines all around the city, so its no surprise that they have an excellent wine club, to boot. This is one of the few quarterly offerings, with plans ranging $100 to $125 based on which three bottles are featured. Members also receive discounts on flights at the winery, branded glasses, and merchandise, plus first access to events. If you dont want to trek to East Kensington, shipping is available to 38 states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

1615 N. Hancock St., no phone, praytellwines.com

Wayvine

Make your wine club double as a real-life experience. This Chester County winerys club members can choose an annual 12- or 24-bottle subscription, split into twice-yearly shipments or pickups. Additional perks include tastings for the member and (depending on membership level) five to 10 guests, plus complimentary T-shirts and wine glasses, 5% off merchandise and artwork, and invitations to members-only experiences, including two annual pickup parties where youll mingle with the Wayvine family. Set in Nottinghams rolling hills, the winery has its own Airbnb if you want to make it an overnight; members get a discount on that, too, pending availability.

5150 Forge Rd., Nottingham, 610-620-526, wayvine.wine

Vox Vineti

This is the least traditional club offering on this list, which is also why its so compelling. This tiny but mighty minimal-intervention winery out in Christiana, Pa., provides memberships only to those who buy one to two cases of their wines, which you can do online. Perks include visits to their Lancaster County vineyard (members only, by appointment) as well as invitations to guest-chef events, private barrel tastings with owner/winegrower Ed Lazzerini, and complimentary samples during tasting room hours.

49 Sproul Rd., Christiana, no phone, voxvineti.com
ChristianaCare's biggest hospital is in Newark, Del. The nonprofit is no longer negotiating a merger with South Jersey's Virtua Health. Read more

ChristianaCare and Virtua Health have ended merger negotiations that would have created a healthcare system with more than $6 billion in annual revenue and business in four states, the two nonprofits announced Thursday.

The nonprofits, the largest in South Jersey and the largest in Delaware, had disclosed a preliminary agreement to join forces in July. ChristianaCare and Virtua did not share specific reasons for dropping the idea.

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They issued identical statements: After thoughtful evaluation, both organizations have determined that they can best fulfill their missions to serve their communities by continuing to operate independently.

It wasnt obvious to industry insiders what advantages combining the two systems would have brought other than more revenue and the potential for some relatively small savings from greater scale.

Both systems are financially solid. Virtua has a AA- credit rating from Standard & Poors. The S&P rating for ChristianaCare is two notches higher, at AA+.

They have been expanding on their own.

Virtua acquired Lourdes Health System in New Jersey in 2019, and is now spending hundreds of millions to renovate two of its hospitals.

ChristianaCare explored an acquisition of Crozer Health in 2022, but decided not to go through with the deal. It won a May bankruptcy auction with a $50.3 million bid to assume Crozer leases at five outpatient locations in Delaware County. It has since opened 15 medical practices at those locations.

ChristianaCare previously acquired the shuttered Jennersville Hospital in Chester County and turned it into a micro-hospital. It plans two more micro-hospitals for Delaware County.

The five-hospital Virtua system had $3.24 billion in revenue last year. ChristianaCare, with three full-scale hospitals, had $3.3 billion in revenue in the year that ended June 30, 2025.
A federal judge on Wednesday tossed a proposed class-action lawsuit by Jefferson Health patients accusing the Philadelphia areas largest health system of allowing Facebooks third-party tracking technology, Meta Pixel, access to private patient information.

After two years of litigation, and surviving a previous effort to dismiss the complaint, attorneys who filed the lawsuit asked the court to replace the named patients as the representatives of the proposed class. The lawyers said some aspects of their clients interactions with Jeffersons web properties undermined the case.

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District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe rejected the request and dismissed the lawsuit, writing in an opinion that the plaintiffs had ample opportunity to identify any defects or issues over the last two years.

They have not identified any discovery or new evidence to justify such delay, nor have they explained how counsels due diligence did not determine the limitations of Plaintiffs claims, Rufe wrote.

 READ MORE: Lawsuit claims Facebook had access to Jeffersons private patient portal

The judge noted that the attorneys also missed the deadline to file for class certifications and did not respond to discovery requests.

Attorneys David Cohen and James Zouras of the Stephan Zouras firm, who filed the complaint, did not respond to a request for comment.

The original lawsuit was filed in 2022 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on behalf of Robert Stewart and Nancy Murphy, who said they suspected that their health information had been compromised when they started seeing Facebook ads related to medical issues, such as diabetes, kidney stones, and smoking cessation, that they had discussed with Jefferson providers through the patient portal.

The lawsuit says Jefferson patients were tracked on the health systems public-facing homepage, as well as within a password-protected portal where doctors and patients communicate.

Jefferson denied in legal filings that it used Meta Pixel on its patient portals. It acknowledged using third-party tracking technology on its public-facing websites, which do not contain private medical information.

Jefferson did not respond to a request for comment.

In April, Cohen and Zouras asked the court to replace Stewart and Murphy with a third patient, Cathryn Thorpe, as the named plaintiff representing the patients in the class action.

The attorneys said Stewart and Murphy would remain members of the proposed class of harmed patients.

Jeffersons attorneys argued in court filings that the request to replace the named plaintiffs was an admission that there was no live controversy and the suit should be tossed out.

Rufe could not square how the patients case was too problematic to serve as named plaintiffs but they could still remain members of the class. She denied the request and dismissed the lawsuit.
BOSTON  A Boston-area man was sentenced Thursday to life in prison for the grisly murder of his wife, who disappeared nearly three years ago and whose body has never been found.

Brian Walshe, 50, was convicted Monday of first-degree murder in the killing of Ana Walshe, 39. The sentence carries no possibility of parole.

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He pleaded guilty in November to misleading police and illegally disposing of a body after admitting he had dismembered her body and disposed of it in a dumpster. He said he did so only after panicking when he found she had died in bed.

Judge Diane Freniere called Walshes crimes barbaric and incomprehensible and she chastised him for deceitful and manipulative behavior.

Walshe showed no emotion as the sentence was read.

Children without their mothers hand to hold

Before the sentencing, Ana Walshes sister Aleksandra Dimitrijevic told the court how the death has devastated her family, especially because they have no body to bury.

I struggle with the grief that comes without warning, hoping every morning that this is just a terrible dream, she said. The most painful part of this loss is knowing her children must now grow up without their mothers hand to hold. They now face a lifetime of milestones, big and small, where her absence will be deeply and painfully felt.

The Walshes were married for about six years, and their three children are in state custody.

No chance to properly grieve

Walshe was also sentenced to 19 to 25 years for witness intimidation and two to three years for improper disposal of a body. Those sentences are to run consecutive to his life sentence, the judge ruled.

Walshes lawyer, Kelli Porges, described the consecutive sentencing  which prosecutors requested due to the severity of the crimes  as excessive. Freniere disagreed.

You had no regard for the lifelong mental harm that your criminal acts inflicted on your then two, four and six year old sons, not only in taking their mother, but also, as is specific to this charge, and never being able to properly grieve that loss, to say goodbye to their mom, Freniere said to Walsh during sentencing.

Assistant District Attorney Gregory Connor defended the sentence.

When I looked behind me after the closing arguments, I realized that was the closest day that those people had come to a wake, because they never got together to mourn her. And that happened three years later, Connor said.

We recognize its harsh, he said of the sentencing recommendation, but we think its appropriate based on the facts.

Online searches reveal dismemberment and disposal plan

Ana Walshe, a real estate agent who immigrated from Serbia, was last seen early Jan. 1, 2023, after a New Years Eve dinner at the couples home.

When initially questioned by investigators, Walshe said his wife had been called to Washington, D.C., for a work emergency. But witnesses testified there was no evidence she took a ride service to the airport or boarded a flight. Walshe didnt contact her employer until Jan. 4.

During the trial, prosecutors leaned heavily on digital evidence found on devices connected to Walshe, including online searches for dismemberment and best ways to dispose of a body, how long before a body starts to smell, and hacksaw best tool to dismember.

Investigators also found searches on a laptop that included how long for someone missing to inherit, how long missing to be dead, and can you throw away body parts, prosecutors told the jury.

Surveillance video also showed a man resembling Walshe throwing what appeared to be heavy trash bags into a dumpster not far from the couples home. A subsequent search of a trash processing facility near his mothers home uncovered bags containing a hatchet, hammer, shears, hacksaw, towels, and a protective Tyvek suit, cleaning agents, a Prada purse, boots like the ones Ana Walshe was last seen wearing and a COVID-19 vaccination card with her name.

Prosecutors told the jury that the Massachusetts State Crime Laboratory examined some of the items and found Ana and Brian Walshes DNA on the Tyvek suit and Ana Walshes DNA on the hatchet, hacksaw and other items.

A failing marriage and a life insurance policy

Prosecutors floated several possible motives for the killing.

An insurance executive testified that Brian Walshe was the sole beneficiary of Ana Walshes $1 million life insurance policy, suggesting a financial motive. But prosecutors also portrayed a marriage that was falling apart; Brian Walshe was confined at their home in the affluent coastal community of Cohasset, about 15 miles southeast of Boston, awaiting sentencing on an art fraud case. Ana Walshe meanwhile commuted from their home to Washington, D.C., where she worked.

The year before she died, his wife had started an affair, details of which were shared in court by her boyfriend William Fastow. Brian Walshes attorney denied that his client knew about the affair.

In his opening, Walshes attorney, Larry Tipton, argued it was not a murder case but what he called a sudden unexplained death. He said the couple loved each other and were planning for the future.

But Walshes defense never called a witness and Brian Walshe declined to testify.

During the trial, prosecutors did an excellent job of introducing circumstantial evidence and providing the breadcrumbs that led the jury down the path toward finding premeditation, said Daniel Medwed, a law professor at Northeastern University.

Here, the evidence about dismemberment and improper disposal of a body was overwhelming, so I suspect the defense goal was to concede that through the guilty pleas, and make the case all about the murder and the absence of direct evidence about intent and cause of death, Medwed said.
At least two U.S. senators have put holds on the nomination of Adm. Kevin Lunday to lead the U.S. Coast Guard, citing concerns with a new workplace harassment policy that downgrades the definition of swastikas and nooses from hate symbols to potentially divisive.

The move upends Lundays confirmation, which the Senate was due to vote on this week, and raises new questions about the decision to implement the policy revisions after Lunday in November had forcefully denounced such symbols and declared a wholesale prohibition on them.

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The holds on Lundays promotion were exercised by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D., Ill.) and Jacky Rosen (D., Nev.). They follow a series of Washington Post reports detailing plans to include the incendiary language within the Coast Guards new workplace harassment manual  and the policys quiet implementation this week despite the admirals explicit directive last month. The manual is posted online and specifies that the documents previous version is cancelled.

In a statement, Duckworth expressed incredulity at the situation and questioned why Lunday would not update the policy manual to delete the absurd characterization that clearly states a noose and swastika are merely potentially divisive symbols. She said that the admiral had affirmed directly to me that both are symbols of hate.

This shouldnt be difficult, Duckworth said.

Rosen, in a social media post announcing her decision to place a hold on Lundays nomination, said it appears he may have backtracked in his commitment to me to combat antisemitism and hate crimes and protect all members of the Coast Guard. She said her hold will remain in place until the Coast Guard provides answers.

It was not immediately clear why Lunday, who was named the Coast Guards acting commandant after the Trump administration ousted his predecessor, did not incorporate his November order into the manual before it took effect Monday, or to what extent the Department of Homeland Security leadership, which has authority over the service, was involved in the revision process.

Two people familiar with policy manuals overhaul, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, sought to distance Coast Guard leadership from the controversy. The policy rewrite was bad staff work, one person, a Coast Guard employee, said. But the Coast Guards hands were tied in how we were able to address the mistake.

A spokesperson for Lunday did not respond to a request for comment, and the Coast Guard did not address whether Lunday, as acting commandant, had the authority to change the workplace harassment manual or if he required approval from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem.

A spokeswoman for DHS, Tricia McLaughlin, said that by placing a hold on Lundays nomination, Duckworth and Rosen were attempting to extort the Coast Guard to score cheap political points.

At a time when the threat of antisemitic violence is as widespread as it is right now, using this to politicize one of President Trumps military nominations is simply disgusting, McLaughlin said.

The issue has drawn concern from some Republicans, too. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R., Alaska) has been clear with acting commandant Adm. Lunday since the story broke that the Coast Guard must clarify, in the strongest terms possible, that the Coast Guard does not tolerate symbols of hate, like swastikas and nooses, his office said in a statement Wednesday.

Sen. James Lankford (R., Okla.) also registered disapproval. In a statement, his office said the senator was provided assurances the policy had been corrected. There is no reason, it says, why there should be conflicting policies in place.

Unless the holds are lifted, Lundays nomination will be sent back to the White House at the end of December, forcing President Donald Trump to renominate him or choose someone else for the job, according to a Senate Republican aide.

The Coast Guards hazing and harassment policy was an early focus of Lundays after the Trump administration, upon entering office in January, fired his predecessor, Adm. Linda Fagan  the first woman to lead a branch of the U.S. military. In announcing Fagans removal, officials cited among other things her excessive focus on diversity initiatives.

Within days Lunday ordered the suspension of the policy manual that, among its other guidance, said explicitly that the swastika was among a list of symbols whose display, presentation, creation, or depiction would constitute a potential hate incident. Nooses and the Confederate flag also matched that description under the previous policy. Lunday was later nominated by Trump to lead the service as its commandant.

The policy manual changes reflect an administration-wide campaign to purge the federal of government of its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). At the Pentagon, for instance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired multiple minority or female military officers in his ongoing effort to eliminate DEI initiatives. He has said, without offering evidence, that the prior administrations focus on DEI harmed military recruiting.

At the same time, antisemitism is on the rise globally. At least 15 people were killed over the weekend at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia.

The Coast Guards new workplace harassment manual, beyond softening the definition of swastikas and nooses, also allows for supervisors to review how such symbols are used or displayed in the workplace instead of immediately prohibiting them.

After the Post in November revealed the Coast Guards plan to adopt the new language, Lunday reacted swiftly  stating in a memo to all Coast Guard personnel that his directive barring swastikas and nooses would supersede any other policy language.

Vincent W. Patton, who served as master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard  the highest enlisted position  from 1998 to 2002, on Wednesday cited Lundays memo in offering a defense of the admiral and the policy revision. The new manuals wording gives the Coast Guard more latitude to make judgment calls case by case, he said, adding that Lundays letter to all personnel was very, very clear that hate symbols are prohibited.

The process and penalties remain the same  regardless of whether the word is hate or potentially divisive, Patton said in an interview.

Asked if he meant that there could be situations in which someone with a noose or a swastika flag or tattoo was not in violation of the harassment policy, he said thats possible.

I mean if it was a swastika, they should be out within a second, Patton said, but Confederate flags? There should be an open dialogue to determine or define if this person has the potential and willingness to do something hateful.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced Wednesday that in January he will leave the powerful job in which he helped oversee a tumultuous period at the bureau with major shifts of resources and dramatic dismissals of experienced agents.

President Donald Trump commended Bongino on his tenure and suggested that he would be returning to his job as a conservative podcaster.

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Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show, Trump told reporters Wednesday afternoon.

Bongino  the second most powerful person in the FBI  had left Washington for the year more than a week ago and said he would not be returning to the agencys headquarters, according to the two people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel issue they were not authorized to talk about publicly. He had previously told colleagues that his last official day at the bureau will be in January, according to two people familiar with the matter.

I want to thank President Trump, [Attorney General Pam Bondi] and [FBI Director Kash Patel] for the opportunity to serve with purpose, Bongino wrote in a social media post announcing his departure. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her.

The departure after less than a year would mark the end of a tumultuous tenure for Bongino, who left a lucrative job as a podcaster to serve as second-in-command at the FBI when Trump became president. Bongino serves under FBI Director Kash Patel.

Patel and Bongino have shifted FBI resources to immigration enforcement, sinking morale at an agency that typically attracts law enforcement officials who are trained to work on more complex investigations. They have also pushed out seasoned veterans within the bureau with years of experience in national security and public corruption probes.

Multiple people familiar with his thinking said he has been unhappy at the FBI and has threatened to leave multiple times.

Three months into his job, Bongino expressed frustration with the demands of the deputy director position during a Fox News appearance.

I gave up everything for this. My wife is struggling, he said in the May interview. He continued, I stare at these four walls all day in D.C., by myself, divorced from my wife  not divorced  but, I mean, separated, and its hard.

When Trump named Bongino deputy director, the president transformed what was long a powerful career position that oversaw the day-to-day operations of the bureau into a political job with a more public presence.

Bongino, a Trump loyalist who had previously worked at the Secret Service, built his reputation within right-wing circles during the Biden administration. He did so in part by spreading conspiracy theories about the FBI and its workforce and criticizing law enforcement as politicized.

After Bongino began his job at the FBI and couldnt prove the baseless theories he spread on his podcast, many of his right-wing supporters turned on him.

Bongino and Patel  also a conservative media personality  used their platforms, for example, to spread inaccuracies about the high-profile sex-trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, accusing the Biden administration without evidence of covering up key details of the case.

When the Justice Department declared during the summer that there was no rumored client list tied to Epstein and that the law enforcement agency would not be releasing any more investigatory files, many people directed their ire at Bongino and Patel and accused the Trump administration of lying to the American people.

At the time, Bongino tried to distance himself from the White House response.

In August, the Trump administration named then-Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as the FBIs co-deputy director, installing the Republican firebrand to serve alongside Bongino. Bailey was considered for a top Justice Department position at the beginning of the administration, but the president opted not to nominate him.

Since joining the bureau, Bailey has assumed a more behind-the scenes role than Bongino. Bailey is expected to remain in his slot as deputy director.

Patel and Bongino have pushed out senior FBI officials across the country, often with no stated reason or in response to far-right critics online who have called for the agents removals because of cases they may have been involved in. That has prompted multiple lawsuits against the FBI.

The lawsuits have portrayed Bongino and Patel as more concerned with their reputations online than with learning how the FBI operates.
A plan to turn the former Pennhurst State School and Hospital grounds in East Vincent Township, Chester County, has drawn strong opposition by residents. A view of the grounds on Oct. 7, 2025. Read more

A data center planned for the Pennhurst State School and Hospital site will move forward in a monthslong, multistep process, after East Vincent Townships board of supervisors scrapped a draft ordinance seeking to impose restrictions on data-center construction.

At a crowded meeting Wednesday night  which at one point had residents yelling and prompted officials to call for a break  the board declined to move forward with the draft ordinance it had been penning for months that would govern data center development in the township. The draft ordinance came after the owner of the 125-acre historic Pennhurst site, which currently serves as a popular Halloween attraction, submitted a sketch to develop the land as a data center complex.

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The application will now move forward, coming before the townships planning commission over the next several months, before it eventually returns to the board of supervisors for a conditional-use hearing, which is slated for March.

I understand its a very emotional issue, the boards chairman, Craig Damon, told residents. I have to keep an open mind through all of this, so I dont stand on one side or another, because I have to keep an open mind to this.

Data centers are buildings or campuses that handle cloud-storage and computing needs of massive corporations, like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, or Meta. They require large-scale ways of cooling computing equipment and are often dependent on water to do that.

The potential data center in East Vincent would add to the more than 150 in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiros administration has encouraged data centers to locate in the state and has developed a fast track program for permitting. Recently, the governors office announced Amazon would spend $20 billion to develop data centers and other artificial intelligence campuses across the state.

But data centers face a cooler reception from residents, with 42% of Pennsylvania residents saying they would oppose the centers being built in their area, according to a new survey.

East Vincent officials had sought to impose restrictions on data centers by limiting building heights, mandating buffers, requiring lighting, and limiting the number of trees that could be cut down, among other rules. No one representing landowner Pennhurst Holdings LLC spoke Wednesday, but at a Dec. 3 meeting, an attorney for Pennhurst Holdings told officials the proposed ordinance had conditions that appear reasonable and necessary on their face, but the struggle we have is when you put all of those together, they ultimately act as prohibitive to the development of the Pennhurst property as currently drafted.

On Wednesday, the officials declined to move forward with the ordinance, after the townships solicitor warned it could lead to a challenge.

Even with the ordinance shelved, residents in East Vincent and neighboring municipalities decried the prospective data center.

The sketch plan totals more than 1.3 million square feet, with five two-story data center buildings, a sixth building, an electrical substation, and a solar field. Pennhurst State School and Hospital  known as Pennhurst Asylum in its Halloween capacity  opened in 1908 for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It closed in 1987, after legal challenges to its abusive and neglectful treatment of those who lived there, and was turned into a Halloween attraction in 2008.

The property is situated near the Schuylkill and borders Spring City, which sits to the south. It is close to the Southeastern Veterans Center.

These centers, as theyve been built, have been nothing but trouble for the neighborhood, said Tim Thorton, a Spring City resident who was handing out No Pennhurst Data Center yard signs to attendees. They make noise, they use water. This thing would have to have its own generator.

Residents pressed their concerns about noise, pollution, and exhausting resources like electricity and water. Veterans worried what the data center would do to their health and their quality of life in what is supposed to be a quiet, peaceful center.

Would you want a data center in your neighborhood? Would you want a data center 500 feet from where you live? one veteran, John J. Coyle, pressed the board.

Jason Cary, a union representative for local electricians, said members were scared to speak publicly in support of the center.

While I think your township is beautiful, to stop a project like this stops high-paying construction jobs coming to the area, he said, drawing an immediate negative response from the crowd, with people yelling at him to go away and get out.

The townships planning commission will now weigh the application and will make its recommendation to the board of supervisors. Conditional-use hearings will be slated for early next year, an attorney for the township said.

In nearby East Coventry, the planning commission last week rejected a bid to amend the zoning code to build a data center on Route 724, sending it to the townships board of supervisors for review, the Mercury reported last week. The planning commission said it could tee up a legal challenge.

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.
Members of the Froggy Carr Brigade strut down Market Street on Jan. 1, 2024, at the start of the 2024 Philadelphia Mummers Parade. Read more

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Philadelphia Mummers Parade, that colorful, boisterous procession that has come to define New Years Day in the city.

The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1, as more than 10,000 performers take to the streets for a daylong celebration USA Today readers recently hailed as the nations best holiday parade.

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From parking to road closures to how to go about watching, heres everything you need to know ahead of time.

Mummers Parade route

The mile-and-a-half route begins at City Hall, before heading south down Broad Street to Washington Avenue in South Philadelphia.

How to watch the 2026 Mummers Parade

Watch the Mummers Parade in person

The parade is free to attend. Those hoping for a more intimate experience, however, have a few options:

Reserved bleacher seats located near the judging stand just west of City Hall are available for $25 at visitphilly.com. Additionally, tickets to the Fancy Brigade Finale  held at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. inside the Convention Center  range from $28 to $43. Tickets are available at visitphilly.com or during business hours at the Independence Visitor Center.

Watch the Mummers Parade from home

The parade will be broadcast from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on:

What is the Mummers Parade?

In short, its the longest continuously running folk parade in the country. Some 10,000 elaborately dressed performers take part in the celebration each year, part of dozens of groups spread across several divisions.

Fancies: Painted faces and elaborate costumes. Comics: Satirical comedy skits aimed at public figures, institutions, and current events. Wench Brigades: Known for traditional Mummers costumes, including dresses, bloomers, and bonnets. Fancy Brigades: Theatrical performances. (The Fancy Brigade Finale takes place on New Years Day with a pair of ticketed performances at the Convention Center at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.) String Bands: Marching musicians playing an assortment of string and reed instruments.

Mummers Parade performers

Fancy Division

Golden Sunrise

Wench Brigade Division

Froggy Carr Pirates Americans Cara Liom MGK OMalley Oregon Saints Riverfront Bryson Comic Division

Mother Club: Landi Comics NYA

Philadelphia Pranking Authority Mayfair Mummers Barrels Brigade The Jacks

Mother Club: Rich Porcos Murray Comic Club

Holy Rollers NYB Vaudevillains NYB Trama NYB Wild Rovers NYB Mollywoppers NYB Merry Makers NYB Misfits NYB Fitzwater NYB Funny Bonez NYB Top Hat NYB Fiasco NYB Golden Slipper NYB B. Love Strutters Madhatters NYB Tankies Angels NYB The Leftovers NYB Finnegan NYB

Mother Club: Goodtimers NYA

SouthSide Shooters NYA Jokers Wild NYB Hog Island NYA Pinelands Mummers NYB Happy Tappers NYB Two Street Stompers NYB Gormley NYB Jesters NYB Lobster Club NYB South Philly Strutters NYB Jolly Jolly Comics NYB

String Band Division

Duffy String Band Durning String Band Quaker City String Band Fralinger String Band Uptown String Band Avalon String Band South Philadelphia String Band Aqua String Band Greater Kensington String Band Woodland String Band Polish American String Band Ferko String Band Hegeman String Band Jersey String Band

Mummers Parade-day hacks

Navigating the heavily attended event can require a bit of planning, with entire Reddit threads devoted to parade-day tips  including the best places to park and how to access elusive public restrooms throughout the day.

A few things to keep in mind: The parade is accessible through SEPTA Regional Rail, bus, subway, and trolley lines. And though parking is free because of the holiday, its expected to be scarce.

While the heart of the action takes place near City Hall and Dilworth Park, performance areas will also be located along the parade route  at Broad Street at Sansom, Pine, and Carpenter Streets.

Starting at 11 a.m., meanwhile, parade attendees can gather at the staging area for the string bands to watch the performers prepare. (The staging areas are located at Market Street between 17th and 21st Streets and JFK Boulevard between 17th and 20th Streets.)

Also good to remember? Dress warm, bring a lawn chair (theyre permitted), and pace yourself  it has the potential to be a very long day.

Mummers Parade road closures and parking restrictions

Friday, Dec. 26, 2025

No parking from 6 p.m. on Dec. 26 through 6 p.m. on Jan. 2, on the east curb lane of 15th Street from JFK Boulevard to South Penn Square.

Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025

No parking from 6 p.m. on Dec. 27 through 7 a.m. on Jan. 2, on the west side of 15th Street from Arch Street to Ranstead Street. Street and sidewalk vendors will also not be permitted to park in this area.

Monday, Dec. 29, 2025

15th Street will be closed to southbound traffic at JFK Boulevard. Closure begins at 8 a.m. on Dec. 29 and runs through 7 a.m. Jan. 2.

Market Street eastbound will be closed to traffic at 16th Street from 8 a.m. on Dec. 29 through 7 a.m. on Jan. 2.

Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

No parking on the following streets from 4 a.m. on Dec. 30 through 6 p.m. on Jan. 1:

Market Street from 15th Street to 21st Street (both sides) JFK Boulevard from Juniper Street to 20th Street (both sides)

15th Street will be closed to southbound traffic at JFK Boulevard. Closure begins at 7 a.m. on Dec. 30 and runs through 7 a.m. Jan. 2.

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025

Market Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 15th Street to 21st Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 31. Market Street will reopen at 3 p.m. and traffic will be permitted to travel eastbound on Market Street to 15th Street and continue southbound on 15th Street.

Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 3 a.m. on Jan. 1 through the parades conclusion:

15th Street from Arch Street to Chestnut Street Market Street from 15th Street to 21st Street

These streets will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 6 a.m. on Jan. 1 through the conclusion of the parade:

Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th Street to 20th Street North Broad Street from Cherry Street to JFK Boulevard 16th Street from Chestnut Street to Race Street 17th Street from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Ludlow Street 18th Street from Ludlow Street to Race Street 19th Street from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Chestnut Street 1500 block of Ranstead Street 1300 block of Carpenter Street 1000 block of South 13th Street Chestnut Street from 15th Street to 18th Street (north side) Cherry Street from 15th Street to 17th Street Arch Street from 15th Street to 17th Street Washington Avenue from 12th Street to 18th Street

Broad Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from South Penn Square to Washington Avenue on Thursday, Jan. 1, beginning at 7 a.m. through the conclusion of the parade.

Vehicle traffic will not be permitted to cross Broad Street during the parade.

Additional Parking Restrictions

No parking from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1 (on both sides of street unless otherwise noted):

Broad Street from Cherry Street to Ellsworth Street Juniper Street from JFK Boulevard to East Penn Square South/East Penn Square from 15th Street to Juniper Street Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th Street to 20th Street Logan Circle (north side) 16th Street from Chestnut Street to Race Street 17th Street from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Ludlow Street 18th Street from Ludlow Street to Race Street 19th Street from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Chestnut Street 1500 block of Ranstead Street 1300 block of Carpenter Street 1000 block of South 13th Street Chestnut Street from 15th Street to 18th Street (north side) Cherry Street from 15th Street to 17th Street Arch Street from 15th Street to 17th Street Washington Avenue from 12th Street to 18th Street

SEPTA detours

SEPTA hasnt updated their schedule for the parade yet, but bus detours, alerts, and information can be found on SEPTAs website.

A brief history of the Mummers Parade

What began in 1901 as a way to corral the citys annual New Years debauchery has transformed into one of its most beloved traditions.

Inspired by traditions brought to Philly by Swedish, Finnish, Irish, German, English, and African immigrants, the annual event has grown to feature thousands of costumed performers competing in a colorful, unique, and family-friendly daylong affair.

Despite past funding issues and occasional controversy, the Mummers Parade today stands as one of the citys quintessential events, celebrated by locals and embraced by Philly royalty; former Eagle Jason Kelce memorably donned a traditional Mummers outfit for the teams Super Bowl parade in 2018, and actor Kevin Bacon, along with brother Michael, has helped fundraise for the event.
This Hanukkah season, as Jewish families gathered at Sydneys Bondi Beach to celebrate the Festival of Lights, terrorists opened fire. At least 15 people were killed and dozens more injured in an attack that has sent shockwaves through Jewish communities worldwide.

For many Jewish families, this attack feels horrifyingly familiar. I know that fear personally. As I wrote in these pages last year, I had to hire armed security for my sons bar mitzvah  a celebration that should have been filled with only joy, but instead required armed guards and threat assessments. That shouldnt be our reality. But it is.

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Since that bar mitzvah, the situation has only intensified. The Anti-Defamation League documented more than 460 antisemitic incidents in Pennsylvania in 2024. Nationally, the numbers are equally alarming. Jewish families are making calculations our grandparents hoped wed never have to make: Is it safe to go to synagogue? Should we display our menorah in the window? Will our children be targeted for wearing a Star of David?

But amid the horror of Bondi Beach, there emerged an image we cannot ignore: Ahmed al-Ahmad, a civilian, tackling one of the gunmen to the ground and saving countless lives.

When hatred showed its ugliest face, Ahmed didnt calculate the risk. He didnt hesitate. He ran toward danger to protect people he didnt know, celebrating a holiday he didnt observe, from terrorists who claimed to share his faith.

This matters  not as a feel-good footnote to a tragedy, but as a fundamental truth we must hold onto in these dark times.

The alleged attackers reportedly followed ISIS ideology. But Ahmed al-Ahmad, a Muslim man, risked his life to stop them. This is precisely why we cannot  we must not  paint entire communities with the brush of their worst actors.

When individuals commit acts of hatred, we should hold specific perpetrators accountable  not entire identity groups. Yet, these days: Often Jews are blamed collectively for events in the Middle East and Muslims are blamed for the actions of terrorists, like what occurred at Bondi Beach.

Resisting communal blame is essential to defeating hate. Because heres the truth: Neither courage nor hatred belongs to any one group. There are heroes and villains in every community. The sooner we recognize this; the sooner we can build the coalitions necessary to fight antisemitism, hate, and extremism in all its forms.

Creating moments of solidarity matter as much as the hate incidents themselves, perhaps more. I am personally grateful for the phone calls and emails that I did receive from allies following the attack at Bondi Beach. They show that the voices against antisemitism and hate are greater in number and in moral force than those who traffic in it.

Resisting communal blame is essential to defeating hate.

But solidarity requires more than social media posts and attendance at rallies. It demands courage. Ahmed al-Ahmad showed us what that looks like.

Heres what each of us can do:

Become an active bystander. When you witness hatred or harassment, you have the power to intervene safely  to distract, delegate, document, or directly address the situation.

Reject collective blame. When acts of terror occur, resist the urge to blame entire communities. Hold perpetrators accountable while standing with those who share a background but not the hatred.

Show up. Share in Hanukkah and Christmas celebrations, attend a Ramadan iftar, join in a Juneteenth event. Our presence in each others celebrations builds the relationships that sustain us through dark times.

Report hate incidents. Whether its antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, or any other form of bias, report it to law enforcement and organizations like ADL that track incidents. Silence allows hate to fester.

As we light the menorah this Hanukkah, we commemorate the ancient victory of light over darkness. That light endures not because it was never threatened, but because in every generation, people chose to protect it  people from all backgrounds, all faiths, all walks of life.

Ahmed al-Ahmad chose to be one of those people. The question for the rest of us is: Will we?

Andrew Goretsky is the senior regional director of the Anti-Defamation Leagues Philadelphia office, serving Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware.
Hign school students use their cell phones to look up information on political races during a social science class in Palatine, Ill. Bans on cell phones in school are gaining traction, but don't make sense, writes Christopher J. Ferguson. Read more

Like many states, Pennsylvania is weighing a bell-to-bell mandatory ban on cell phones in school.

Like a social contagion, these laws have spread despite lack of evidence that they are useful. For many people they are intuitive. We want our students paying attention to teachers, not distracted by phones.

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As a college teacher myself, I know the disheartening feeling of waxing poetic on the topic of the day, only to see students checking their phones. As a matter of etiquette, I see no problem with individual teachers setting cell phone policies that work for their classes.

Big promises

However, states have adopted a one-size-fits-all approach, with big promises that such bans will not only improve grades, but promote student mental health or reduce bullying.

Some administrators have claimed remarkable improvements immediately after cell phone bans were enacted. After implementing an all-day cell phone ban, Orange County in Florida reported a remarkable positive change within just a few months. However, a follow-up investigation using public records requests revealed student bullying and mental health got worse, whereas grades remained mostly unchanged.

What evidence we have on school cell phone bans ability to deliver on these big promises is not encouraging. A large study of school cell phone bans in the United Kingdom found that even the most restrictive bans did not improve grades, mental health, or behavior.

As one recent scientific review concluded: Our consolidated findings showed little to no conclusive evidence that one-size-fits-all mobile phone bans in schools resulted in improved academic outcomes, mental health and well-being, and reduced cyberbullying.

This may conflict with many peoples understandable intuition on the topic. Indeed, I often hear people say, I dont need science to tell me cell phones are bad for kids. Yet, our intuition is often wrong, which is why we need good science studies.

In past generations, many adults felt the same suspicions about video games, Dungeons and Dragons, rock music (including the late Ozzy Osbourne who was sued, unsuccessfully, for causing youth suicide), comic books, radio, and regular books. We now know those concerns were unfounded, but people felt passionate about them at the time.

Contrary to many parents fears, using smartphones doesnt reduce youth time spent with real-life friends, exercise, or sleep it mainly displaces watching television.

Cell phone bans may be trying to fix a problem that doesnt exist. For instance, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, youth bullying, even with cyberbullying included, went down during the era of the smartphone and social media.

The challenge may be that, just as with past media panics, smartphones and social media dont have the impacts we tend to think. Research has clarified that time spent on social media is not related to youth mental health. Reducing time spent on social media doesnt improve well-being, loneliness, or mental health. Contrary to many parents fears, using smartphones doesnt reduce young peoples time spent with real-life friends, exercise, or sleep  it mainly displaces watching television.

Even my own intuition was surprised by research that the presence of a smartphone doesnt reduce peoples memory or cognition. Perhaps the problem with schools isnt the distraction of smartphones. Yet smartphones are an easy target for schools to blame.

People sometimes ask, even if the evidence for smartphone bans is thin, what is the harm in employing them. My thought is if individual teachers want to ban phones in their classes, Im fine with that.

But banning them altogether prevents other teachers from using them creatively as part of class. Some parents worry they cant communicate with their kids, some evidence (such as from Orange County) suggests they could result in increased use of suspensions, etc.

Moral panic

As with most moral panics, I suspect the biggest downside to this controversy is simply distracting society from real problems and leaving those unaddressed. Teachers have difficult jobs, and they bring their best selves to a challenging career. But American schools have been struggling for a very long time.

In my day, we did not have cell phones. But we didnt pay attention to teachers, either. We talked, slept, doodled, daydreamed, sometimes roughhoused, all under teachers noses.

The problem with schools is schools, not cell phones.

Far from being exemplars of a utopian past, kids of the 1970s and 80s actually were the worst on record for most outcomes, including suicide, violence, drug use, and pregnancy. Todays cell phone kids are doing comparatively well. Even their mental health is now improving.

Overregulation of schools has likely made them worse these past few decades, as did the COVID-19 shutdowns. By fixating on cell phones, administrators and policymakers are not addressing the very real problems with schools. Youth tell us that schools are a toxic mixture of boring and stressful.

The problem with schools is schools, not cell phones.

In the past few years, much of our nation has experimented with school cell phone bans. In response, national testing scores got worse. Fixing schools by getting rid of cell phones was a reasonable hypothesis. But the data are already in: It was the wrong path.

Lets hope Pennsylvania will reject a failed moral panic solution and turn its attention to real efforts to improve schools.

Christopher J. Ferguson is a professor of psychology at Stetson University and a clinical psychologist with more than 20 years experience working with youth and families.
Students at Washington (Pa.) Junior High School break out their cell phones as classes end. The phones were sealed in bags during the school day. A statewide law banning cellphone use in school is needed, writes State Rep. Mandy Steele. Read more

When students put their phone away for the day, they are more focused in the classroom, and their teachers are more satisfied with the classroom atmosphere.

Those are the findings released last month by Phones in Focus, a nonpartisan research initiative supported by the National Governors Association, after surveying 20,000 public school educators.

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Those results also underscore that, in a digital age, a clear statewide standard that restricts cell phone use in schools is needed. Many states already have one; Pennsylvania does not.

Its been 18 years since the iPhone debuted in 2007, and since then the impact of the technology on classroom learning has been a growing concern among many educators, parents, and policymakers. Frequent access to cell phones during the school day can contribute to distractions, cyberbullying, and reduced engagement.

As the mother of four children in public schools, I am one of those concerned parents and policymakers.

Bill to ban phones

Thats why I introduced the bipartisan House Bill 1814, which would prohibit students in public schools from using or possessing a cell phone during the school day. Students would be required to secure their phones in a way that prevents access until the end of the school day  in a hallway locker or lock bag, for instance  with exceptions for certain emergency and medical needs approved by school authorities.

Some Pennsylvania school districts already have policies to limit phone use, but these rules vary widely across districts and can be inconsistently enforced.

Twenty-two other states have a bell-to-bell ban, also known as an away for the day policy, according to Education Week. Eight other states restrict cell phone use only during instructional time.

By reducing in-school access to cell phones, we can create a more focused, respectful, and productive learning environment.

Polling shows that support for restrictions is on the rise. Nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults support banning phones in high school and middle school classrooms, and nearly half support a bell-to-bell ban, according to recent polling by Pew Research Center.

My bill hasnt yet reached the full chamber for a vote, but House members are paying close attention to this issue. Recently, the House Education and Health committees held a joint hearing, at which educators and experts detailed the academic, emotional, social, and safety benefits of restricting cell phones in schools.

Negative effects

Without phones as a distraction, students are more focused and present, said Lisa Graham, a school counselor at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School in Butler County, which implemented a bell-to-bell ban this year.

Mitch Prinstein, chief of psychology for the American Psychological Association, said device use contributes to psychological problems and leads to poor academic achievement, both for the student using the device and the student sitting behind them. Yet high schoolers report using their phones as much as 20 minutes per hour during the school day, predominantly for social media and AI platforms, he said.

Youth themselves know that they are using devices too much and are now experiencing what scientists refer to as digital stress, Prinstein said.

Beth J. Sanborn, president of the Pennsylvania Association of School Resource Officers, said restricting phone use during the day makes schools safer.

She said students sometimes use their phones to continue arguments or plan fights. In an emergency, she said, access to phones makes it harder for students to focus on emergency plans and instructions from school staff.

In crisis situations, cell phones create chaos, Sanborn said.

The evidence is clear: By reducing in-school access to cell phones, we can create a more focused, respectful, and productive learning environment in every classroom, and we can encourage healthier interactions among students.

Perhaps most importantly, it would reduce the burden on teachers to deal with digital distractions, allowing them to focus on teaching our children.

State Rep. Mandy Steele, a Democrat from Allegheny County, represents Pennsylvanias 33rd House District. She is the sponsor of legislation to ban cell phone use in Pennsylvania schools.
Defense and prosecution lawyers approach the bench of Judge Andrea Beall to discuss fraud charges, later dropped, against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in Houston in 2023. Civil argument is a cornerstone of American justice. Read more

Public discourse today feels like a shouting match  hostile, polarized, and quick to cancel those who disagree.

Yet in the courtroom, there remains a model for conflict that doesnt turn toxic. There, fierce disagreement unfolds with civility when the stakes couldnt be higher. The norms that make justice possible serve as an example for the public square.

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Shakespeares famous line: The first thing we do, lets kill all the lawyers, is often quoted as a jab. But in Henry VI, the line is spoken by a would-be tyrants accomplice.

Shakespeare understood that to impose tyranny, one must first destroy the lawyers  the guardians of due process and rational debate. Rather than mock the profession, the line underscores the indispensable role of civility in preserving liberty, justice, and our way of life.

Reasonable people can differ

Law is built on the recognition that reasonable, ethical people can look at the same facts and reach opposite conclusions.

One lawyer argues for conviction, another for acquittal. One sees a statute as broad, another as narrow. Their task is not to despise each other, but to argue  forcefully, yes, but intellectually within rules, procedures, and professional decorum.

In court, a lawyer does not shout down an opponent. A judge does not belittle the losing side. Objections are made in accordance with established procedures and professional standards. Rulings are issued without personal attack.

Disagreement is not only inevitable but healthy. Truth is sharpened by opposing arguments.

This disciplined approach requires patience, listening, and respect. The process is grounded in fairness and reason. Contrast that with todays public square  particularly social media. People who differ are demonized. Disagreement is cast as patriots vs. traitors. No wonder our democracy feels frayed.

The legal profession offers a vital lesson: Disagreement is not only inevitable but healthy. Truth is sharpened by opposing arguments. What keeps the system intact is the civility with which those arguments are conducted.

Picture a trial: The gavel strikes. Two sides rise, ready to battle over questions of fact and law. The plaintiffs attorney delivers a fiery close. The defendants attorney responds just as vigorously.

It is possible to disagree passionately without resorting to insults or treating opponents as enemies.

Afterward, no matter the outcome, the two shake hands. The judge thanks both for their professionalism. Each has fought hard, yet neither has questioned the others intent or integrity. Even in profound disagreement, opponents are not enemies. Respect prevails.

Imagine if political debates resembled appellate arguments: sharp, disciplined, but respectful. Imagine if social media mirrored courtroom decorum, where civility restrains the loudest voice and allows reasoned discourse to be heard.

It is possible to disagree passionately without resorting to insults or treating opponents as enemies.

Civility is not surrender

Of course, lawyers and judges are human. They sometimes fall short. Bar associations remind members of their duty of civility because the temptation toward hostility is real. Judicial misconduct, including poor courtroom demeanor, is policed in many states by independent boards and commissions.

But the profession understands that its legitimacy depends on restraint. When civility fails, the entire system suffers. So does democracy.

Civility does not mean surrender. Lawyers cross-examine with intensity. Judges write sharply worded opinions. Citizens, too, can argue with passion. But passion that eclipses respect erodes the common good.

We are living in a moment in time when polarization tempts us to see neighbors as enemies. The courts remind us of a better way. American justice is built on adversaries treating one another as colleagues, with respect and decency, bound by a higher purpose.

That lesson could not be timelier.

P. Kevin Brobson is a justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Physician Ala Stanford at a forum hosted by the 9th Ward Democratic Committee Dec. 4, 2025. She is a Democratic candidate running to represent Philadelphia's 3rd Congressional District. Read more

Former Mayor Michael Nutter endorsed Ala Stanford, a pediatric surgeon who rose to prominence in the city for her response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the crowded primary race for the 3rd Congressional District.

While some were giving speeches, she was giving shots, Nutter said in remarks at the West Philadelphia church where he launched his political career.

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While some were talking about what should be done, she was out in the streets doing what needed to be done, at great risk to herself and others when people were getting sick and dying. Dr. Ala Stanford ran toward the danger, while most of us were safely in our homes.

In thanking Nutter for his backing, Stanford said she was running not because Ive spent my career in politics. Im running for Congress because Ive spent my life stepping up when people needed help and the system wasnt working.

During the pandemic, Stanford led the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, which brought vaccines into communities of color, inoculating thousands of Philadelphians who might not have otherwise had access.

She went on to serve as a regional Department of Health and Human Services director under President Joe Biden and now runs a community health center in North Philadelphia.

She is one of at least a dozen candidates vying to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans in the 3rd Congressional District, one of the most Democratic districts in the nation, which covers much of Philadelphia. Evans endorsed Stanford upon her entry into the race.

Nutter, who led the city as mayor from January 2008 to January 2016 and before that served on City Council, called Stanford the only person running, as far as I can tell, who has serious executive, federal government experience, pointing to her post at HHS.

The former mayor teaches at Columbia University, holds a fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, and was recently named president of the Board of Directors of City Trusts. Dating back to 1869, the board oversees 119 different entities bequeathed to the city by different benefactors, including Girard College and Wills Eye Hospital.

In the 2023 mayoral contest, Nutter endorsed former Controller Rebecca Rhynhart over a field that included several sitting City Council members, including Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, who won the contest. He also got involved in the 2020 presidential election, endorsing former New York Mayor Michael Bloombergs short-lived campaign.

Nutters endorsement of Stanford comes a week after former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who also served two terms as Philadelphia mayor, endorsed State Sen. Sharif Street in the contest.

Street, the first candidate to enter the race, has amassed the most Democratic establishment and organized labor support so far, but there are five months to go before the May primary and most political observers think any of four candidates  Street, Stanford, State Rep. Morgan Cephas, and State Rep. Chris Rabb  could take off.

Streets father, former Mayor John Street, was Nutters immediate predecessor as mayor.

Stanford has a strong personal backstory, but as a first-time candidate she could face an upward climb in fundraising and establishing herself beyond her expertise in healthcare.

She said last week she sees most issues as interconnected with healthcare and that expertise as an asset.

My team and I, weve gotten lots of advice about you gotta talk about housing. Housing is health, she told The Inquirer. You need to talk about affordability. But that is prescription drugs. You need to talk about safety in our communities.  All those issues bring me back to healthcare.  And Im an expert in the space.

Staff writer Anna Orso contributed to this article.
President Donald Trumps homeland security adviser, Stephen Miller, and other senior officials were looking for a fight.

In the first months of the administration, Miller, the architect of Trumps anti-immigration and border policies, and his team discussed starting a new war on drugs by striking cartels and alleged traffickers in Mexico, according to one current and two former U.S. officials.

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Reducing the power of cartels, an idea that dated back to the first Trump administration, would ease the flow of migrants and narcotics, creating early political wins. But as the administration surged thousands of U.S. troops to the southern border, increased U.S. surveillance flights and boosted intelligence sharing with its neighbor, Mexican military operations across the border curbed cartel action, the people said. That left Miller and his team looking for another target.

When you hope and wait for something to develop that doesnt, you start looking at countries south of Mexico, said the current official, who, like nine others interviewed for this story, spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the matters sensitivity.

The campaign that emerged in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean is unprecedented in its use of lethal force by the U.S. military against alleged drug smuggling groups. These operations, which began Sept. 2, have evolved to embrace the Trump teams long-running ambition to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom the president has accused of overseeing narco-terrorists assaulting the United States.

Miller has been a driving force behind the administrations counternarcotics campaign, pressing for results and fresh military options that could be turned into future operations, the current and former officials said.

President Trumps counternarcotics policies come from President Trump himself, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said. All senior administration officials work closely together to carry out the agenda President Trump was elected to implement, including eliminating the scourge of narco-terrorism that takes tens of thousands of American lives every year.

Miller could not be reached for comment.

Miller steered the drafting of a July 25 classified directive signed by the president that authorized the military to undertake lethal force against two dozen foreign criminal groups, said a former U.S. official familiar with the campaign and its evolution. The administration has labeled these groups designated terrorist organizations, accusing them of using drugs as a weapon to kill Americans, using a moniker that many experts say has no basis in law.

The presidents memo is the original sin of the whole operation, the former official said.

That presidential directive provided the foundational authority for an execute order that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued on Aug. 5 and that subsequently has been modified. The order, details of which were previously unreported, contains permissive targeting guidelines for lethal operations, current and former officials said. The presidential directives existence was first reported by the New York Times.

Together, these two documents guided a military campaign of lethal strikes against criminal organizations, grafting a wartime frame to what has been traditionally treated as a law enforcement problem. The execute order also contains targeting criteria lifted from the language of the counterterrorism campaign against al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, which some current and former officials say give the Pentagon an overly permissive license to kill.

The department will treat suspected drug smugglers EXACTLY how we treated Al-Qaeda. We will continue to track them, map them, hunt them, and kill them, Hegseth said on social media last month.

Pursuant to these orders, the Trump administration has launched strikes on at least 26 boats, killing at least 99 people in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. The Pentagon has not publicly identified those killed, and it is unclear whether it has collected the intelligence to do so.

The administration appears to have authorized a campaign against civilians and alleged criminals that is now stretching the limits of international law so that its now totally unrecognizable, said Todd Huntley, a former military lawyer who advised Special Operations forces for seven years at the height of the U.S. counterterrorism campaign and is director of the national security law program at Georgetown Law.

The White Houses early deliberations about the use of lethal force against cartels contemplated using covert action by the CIA. But as resistance emerged from lawyers and others over the ensuing months, Miller and his team turned increasingly toward the idea of using the military to pursue alleged traffickers.

Millers larger vision was to reduce the flow of drugs  and migrants  into the United States. He figured that attacking cartels would diminish their power and help stabilize Latin American countries, resulting in fewer people risking the trek to the United States, according to one of the former U.S. officials familiar with Millers deliberations.

As the summer progressed, the White Houses campaigns against narcotics and migration coalesced with a long-held desire of Secretary of State Marco Rubio to force Maduro from power. Rubio and the Justice Department in August doubled to $50 million the reward for information leading to the Venezuelan leaders arrest, citing an indictment for corruption and drug trafficking during the first Trump administration.

Meanwhile, the White House found a willing partner in Hegseth, who had been knocked off stride by several missteps and was eager to show he could deliver on a high-priority mission.

Pete very much wanted to keep Stephen in his good graces and also the president, said the former official familiar with Millers thinking. And that was a motivation for him  getting behind this campaign in an aggressive way.

The Defense Department declined to address questions about its operations to strike alleged traffickers and how the mission took shape. Elements of Millers leading role were reported earlier by the Guardian.

This reporting is inaccurate and is built on a false premise that ignores reality, Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement. The departments focus, he said, is, and will continue to be, protecting the Homeland from any threat.

Widening the scope

The Aug. 5 execute order, or EXORD in Pentagon parlance, stated that the campaigns goal is to stop the flow of drugs by sea to the United States, two people said.

Initially, the order contained a geographic boundary that designated target areas in international waters off the coast of Venezuela, but it was modified about two months later to include the eastern Pacific area, one current and one former U.S. official said. It specified that at least for the initial strikes, Joint Special Operations Command would be in charge of operations, the two people said.

Over the late summer and into the fall, lawyers and policy personnel raised concerns about the legality of the lethal force campaign that was taking shape. Administration officials sought to reassure them by saying that a Justice Department Office of Legal Counsel memo was being drafted that determined that the lethal targeting of suspected drug runners was lawful under the presidents power to ascertain that the U.S. is in a formal state of war  in this case with alleged drug traffickers.

But the opinion was not signed until Sept. 5  three days after the first boat strike  and some career lawyers were not permitted to read the draft OLC memo before the execute order was issued, said the former official familiar with the campaigns evolution.

The OLC memo, signed by Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser, asserts that alleged drug trafficking groups are a threat to the United States akin to a foreign nation attempting to invade, Sen. Mark Kelly (D., Ariz.), who was allowed to read it in his capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told the Post in an interview.

The execute order contains targeting instructions that do not require positive identification of any individual but rather reasonable certainty that adult males are members of, or affiliated with, a designated terrorist organization, or DTO, according to five current and former U.S. officials familiar with the criteria. To mitigate civilian harm, the order requires near certainty that no women, children or civilians are present, they said.

The administration is using the phrase designated terrorist organizations to refer to 24 alleged drug trafficking groups whose activities it contends are killing millions of Americans.

The term, said Rebecca Ingber, a professor at the Cardozo School of Law and a former State Department law-of-war expert, is entirely manufactured as a source of targeting authority with no basis in law.

The list of 24 such groups appears in an annex to Trumps July directive and also in the EXORD, according to one current and one former official.

The assessment of affiliation is based on a number of factors, including the presence of drugs on board the vessel and its route, as well as intercepts of communications, the current and former officials said.

As a result, the campaign may be killing individuals who in some cases have a tenuous link to any organized drug-running operation, said one of the former U.S. officials, who has read the execute order.

When you define DTO and affiliate so loosely and youre attacking boats, [the guidelines are] basically meaningless, the former official said.

If the United States were actually at war, the reasonable certainty standard would be perfectly reasonable, said Ryan Goodman, a former Pentagon special counsel who worked on counterterrorism targeting issues in the Obama administration.

Not being in an armed conflict changes everything, he said. The idea that a government would kill people on the basis of reasonable certainty that theyre a member of a drug cartel is beyond the pale. Any U.N. body would find that to be a gross violation of human rights.

Identification and delegation

The targeting requirements, four former officials say, resemble the signature strikes of past global counterterrorism campaigns, in which the CIA and the military launched drone attacks in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen on individuals or groups whose identities were unknown but who were targeted based on a pattern of behavior or other characteristics associated with terrorist activity.

The execute order, which sets the rules of engagement for the military, designates Hegseth as the target engagement authority  the official who can approve strike targets. It also stipulates that he can delegate that authority to others in individual missions.

Now, the first couple of strikes  as any leader would want, you want to own that responsibility, Hegseth said at a cabinet meeting this month in response to questions about the first boat strike, details of which  including a subsequent missile strike to kill survivors  were first published by the Post. So I said Im going to be the one to make the call after getting all the information and make sure its the right strike.

Pentagon general counsel Earl Matthews  who had just been confirmed by the Senate on July 29 with a 50-47 vote  signed off on the Aug. 5 order, said a person familiar with the matter. Lawmakers have for weeks requested a copy of the order and related documents but have not received them. Matthews did not respond to a request for comment.

Trump has asserted, without offering proof, that the U.S. troops know who they are targeting in every case. We know everything about them. We know where they live. We know where the bad ones live, he told reporters this month.

The military knew the identities of all 11 people killed in the first attack of the campaign on Sept. 2, Pentagon officials have said. But they dont know all of the individuals on many of the other boats in subsequent strikes, Sen. Mark R. Warner (D., Va.), vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told ABC News on Sunday.

Trump posted on Truth Social the day of the first strike that the U.S. military had killed 11 positively identified members of the Venezuelan organization Tren de Aragua. He called them narco-terrorists operating under the control of Maduro, who has been condemned by both the Trump and Biden administrations for illegally retaining power after losing last years presidential election.

This week, the commander overseeing that operation, Adm. Frank M. Bradley, told lawmakers that the military knew one of the 11 was a member of Tren de Aragua and the other 10 were affiliates, according to three U.S. officials.

The U.S. intelligence community this year assessed that Tren de Aragua, a transnational crime syndicate, was not directed by Venezuelas government.

Two family members of men killed on Sept. 2 did not deny that the boat was smuggling marijuana and cocaine. But they said Trumps allegation the men had worked for Tren de Aragua was inaccurate.

I knew them all, one of the family members told the Post in October, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. None of them had anything to do with Tren de Aragua. They were fishermen who were looking for a better life by smuggling contraband.

In some of the strikes, the targets who have been identified are not high-level operators or cartel bosses, lawmakers said. Its one thing to be a narco-terrorist and another thing to be a fisherman thats getting paid a hundred bucks a couple times a year  to supplement his income to ferry drugs, Warner told reporters at the Defense Writers Group last week.

Lifting language from the war on terror

The Aug. 5 execute order adopts the language of previous administrations in successive global counterterrorism campaigns after 2001, but the context is vastly different, current and former officials say.

The fight against ISIS in Iraq from 2014 on generally involved clearing terrain of fighters who often barricaded themselves in buildings in cities teeming with civilians, and U.S. troops were often firing in self-defense at militants shooting at them, former Special Operations personnel said.

In the drug boat campaign, the U.S. military is launching munitions from afar, more like the counterterrorism operations in Yemen and Somalia during the Obama and first Trump administrations.

Under President Barack Obama, outside areas of active hostility, the targeting guidelines required that lethal force be used only when capture was not feasible and only to prevent attacks against U.S. citizens or when targets posed a continuing imminent threat. They required near certainty that a target was a member of a terrorist organization.

Generally you had people swearing allegiance to a group like al-Qaeda as an indicator of membership, said the former U.S. official, who is familiar with the counterterrorism targeting criteria. So you had the presence of weapons and good intelligence on planning you could point to, to link people to the group and say this person is a planner of attacks, this is the money guy, this is a recruiter, etc.

The standard was changed to reasonable certainty under the first Trump administration. But for all practical purposes, said a former senior military officer involved in special operations and battle in the Middle East, the military was applying the near certainty standard in these areas. The standard was returned to near certainty under Biden.

In places like Yemen, whether it was under Obama or Trump, the retired officer said, we knew who we were going after. We knew what their place in the network was. We knew what the effects of removing them would be on the network. I dont see that in some of what [the U.S. is] doing right now.

One major contextual difference in the current operations against seaborne narcotics is the lack of congressional authority. In the battles against al-Qaeda and associated forces, Congress explicitly authorized the campaigns, giving the president permission to use all necessary and appropriate force against those who attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

The execute order and subsequent targeting guidelines were grounded in the 2001 congressional authorization to use military force.

In 2013, during the Obama administration, the near certainty standard typically required confirmation via two sources of intelligence, said Huntley, the former military lawyer for Special Operations forces.

A combination of intelligence tools  signals intelligence, eavesdropping, human spies, and drone surveillance  would contribute to a positive identification of the individual, Huntley said. To get to near certainty that civilians were not present, the attack location was usually a remote area or a place known to be frequented by only members of the terrorist organization that Congress had specifically authorized as a viable target.

If U.S. officials know the identities of who they are striking, as Trump and Hegseth maintain, then they should release them, the former senior military officer said. It would help build the case, he said, that the military is acting to protect civilians according to the law of war.

Anybody  is subject to attack

Though the administrations charges against Maduro have merit, its claims that Venezuela is sending massive amounts of drugs to America do not, analysts and officials have said. The main domestic drug scourge is fentanyl, a synthetic opioid produced in Mexico, not Venezuela.

Many strikes taken have been in the Pacific, the main sea lane used by traffickers from Colombia and Ecuador. Drug running in the Caribbean focuses mainly on non-U.S. markets, such as Europe. The lethal strike on Sept. 2, for instance, targeted a boat carrying cocaine ultimately bound for Suriname, officials have said.

That absence of information has prompted speculation that the larger buildup of U.S. forces in the region is a preparation for an attack on Venezuela. Miller has indicated to colleagues that a strong reaction from Caracas could provide the reasoning to invoke the Alien Enemies Act to quickly deport hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan immigrants from the United States, the former official noted.

This month, Trump suggested that he wanted to go after Colombian targets. I hear the country of Colombia is making cocaine, he said. They have cocaine manufacturing plants. And then they sell us their cocaine.  Anybody thats doing that and selling it into our country is subject to attack.

He also has stepped up the pressure on Venezuela, seizing an oil tanker last week off that countrys coast.

He wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle, Trumps chief of staff, Susan Wiles, told Vanity Fair in an article published this week. And people way smarter than me on that say that he will.

On Tuesday, Trump announced in a social media post a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, further ratcheting up the pressure.

On Wednesday, Miller amplified Trumps post, commenting: American sweat, ingenuity and toil created the oil industry in Venezuela. Its tyrannical expropriation was the largest recorded theft of American wealth and property. These pillaged assets were then used to fund terrorism and flood our streets with killers, mercenaries and drugs.

Trump, meanwhile, has been signaling that the campaign is widening.

We knocked out 96 percent of the drugs coming in by water, he told reporters Friday in the Oval Office. And now were starting by land, and by land is a lot easier, and thats going to start happening.
WASHINGTON  The Senate gave final passage Wednesday to an annual military policy bill that will authorize $901 billion in defense programs while pressuring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide lawmakers with video of strikes on alleged drug boats in international water near Venezuela.

The annual National Defense Authorization Act, which raises troop pay by 3.8%, gained bipartisan backing as it moved through Congress. It passed the Senate on a 77-20 vote before lawmakers planned to leave Washington for a holiday break. Two Republicans  Sens. Rand Paul and Mike Lee  and 18 Democrats voted against the bill.

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The White House has indicated that it is in line with President Donald Trumps national security priorities. However, the legislation, which ran over 3,000 pages, revealed some points of friction between Congress and the Pentagon as the Trump administration reorients its focus away from security in Europe and toward Central and South America.

The bill pushes back on recent moves by the Pentagon. It demands more information on boat strikes in the Caribbean, requires that the U.S. keep its troop levels in Europe at current levels and sends some military aid to Ukraine.

But overall, the bill represents a compromise between the parties. It implements many of Trumps executive orders and proposals on eliminating diversity and inclusion efforts in the military and grants emergency military powers at the U.S. border with Mexico. It also enhances congressional oversight of the Department of Defense, repeals several years-old war authorizations and seeks to overhaul how the Pentagon purchases weapons as the U.S. tries to outpace China in developing the next generation of military technology.

Were about to pass, and the president will enthusiastically sign, the most sweeping upgrades to DoDs business practices in 60 years, said Sen. Roger Wicker, the Republican chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Still, the sprawling bill did face objections from both Democratic and Republican leadership on the Senate Commerce Committee and the head of the National Transportation Safety Board. Thats because the legislation could allow military aircraft to obtain a waiver to operate without broadcasting their precise location, as an Army helicopter had done before a midair collision with an airliner over Washington, D.C., in January that killed 67 people.

To address those concerns, the Senate advanced a bill to require all military and civilian aircraft to broadcast their locations. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, said the tragedy might have been avoided had the Black Hawk been broadcasting its location before the crash.

That bill will now go to the House, and Cruz said hes optimistic it could reach the presidents desk as soon as next month. The White House supports the bill and is committed to helping get it passed, said an official who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the formal public statement on the bill.

Boat strike videos

Republicans and Democrats agreed to language in the defense bill that threatened to withhold a quarter of Hegseths travel budget until he provided unedited video of the strikes, as well as the orders authorizing them, to the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services.

Hegseth was on Capitol Hill Tuesday ahead of the bills passage to brief lawmakers on the U.S. military campaign in international water near Venezuela. The briefing elicited contrasting responses from many lawmakers, with Republicans largely backing the campaign and Democrats expressing concern about it and saying they had not received enough information.

The committees are investigating a Sept. 2 strike  the first of the campaign  that killed two people who had survived an initial attack on their boat. The Navy admiral who ordered the double-tap strike, Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley, also appeared before the committees shortly before the vote Wednesday in a classified briefing that also included video of the strike in question.

Several Republican senators emerged from the meeting backing Hegseth and his decision not to release the video publicly, but other GOP lawmakers stayed silent on their opinion of the strike.

Democrats are calling for part of the video to be released publicly and for every member of Congress to have access to the full footage.

The American people absolutely need to see this video, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat. I think they would be shocked.

Congressional oversight

Lawmakers have been caught by surprise by the Trump administration several times in the last year, including by a move to pause intelligence sharing with Ukraine and a decision to reduce U.S. troop presence in NATO countries in eastern Europe. The defense legislation requires that Congress be kept in the loop on decisions like that going forward, as well as when top military brass are removed.

The Pentagon is also required, under the legislation, 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. A similar requirement also keeps the number of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea at 28,500.

Lawmakers are also pushing back on some Pentagon decisions by authorizing $400 million for each of the next two years to manufacture weapons to be sent to Ukraine.

Cuts to diversity and climate initiatives

Trump and Hegseth have made it a priority to purge the military of material and programs that address diversity, anti-racism or gender issues, and the defense bill would codify many of those changes. It will repeal diversity, equity and inclusion offices and trainings, including the position of chief diversity officer. Those cuts would save the Pentagon about $40 million, according to the Republican-controlled House Armed Services Committee.

The U.S. military has long found that climate change is a threat to how it provides national security because weather-related disasters can destroy military bases and equipment. But the bill makes $1.6 billion in cuts by eliminating climate-change related programs at the Pentagon.

Repeal of war authorizations and Syria sanctions

Congress is writing a closing chapter to the war in Iraq by repealing the authorization for the 2003 invasion. Now that Iraq is a strategic partner of the U.S., lawmakers in support of the provision say the repeal is crucial to prevent future abuses. The bill also repeals the 1991 authorization that sanctioned the U.S.-led Gulf War.

The rare, bipartisan moves to repeal the legal justifications for the conflicts signaled a potential appetite among lawmakers to reclaim some of Congress war powers.
AM Best has removed from under review with developing implications and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of a- (Excellent) of pet health insurance provider Independence American Insurance Co. (IAIC). The outlooks assigned to these credit ratings is stable.

AM Best said the ratings have been removed from under review following IAICs renegotiation and re-implementation of its pet insurance quota share reinsurance contracts and an additional $125 million contribution from its parent, Independence Pet Holdings, Inc., both of which occurred in the third quarter of 2025.

The ratings reflect the Delaware companys balance sheet strength, which AM Best has assessed as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

AM Best said the balance sheet strength assessment of very strong reflects IAICs investment portfolio. According to AM Best, IAIC has ample sources of liquidity and has no debt within its financial structure and the company has demonstrated capital and surplus growth, with the trend continuing into the third quarter of 2025.

IAICs risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), was considered strong at year-end 2024. The decline in the companys BCAR at year-end 2024 was due to the refiling of the 2024 annual statements to reflect deposit account on the reinsurance contracts effective Jan. 1, 2024. AM Best said the companys BCAR improved to the strongest level with the re-implementation of its reinsurance contracts and the $125 million of capital contributed in the third quarter. Additionally, the BCAR is projected to remain at the strongest level for 2025, the ratings firm reported.

According to AM Best, IAIC has grown premiums in each of the past five years, with substantial growth over that time, driven by various acquisitions and organic growth. Its reinsurance contracts resulted in a substantial increase in net premiums in 2024. Net premiums are expected to decline slightly in 2025 due to the re-implementation of reinsurance agreements effective July 1, 2025.

IAICs operating earnings were positive in 2024 and through the third quarter of 2025, driven by efficiencies. Net income through the third quarter of 2025 was $44.3 million, driven by strong underwriting and investment gains.

While the company is concentrated in pet insurance products, it diversifies by offering both individual and group coverage. The company is one of the largest pet insurance companies in the country following various recent acquisitions and organic growth. In 2022, IAIC acquired Crum & Forsters pet insurance business; in 2024 it acquired Pets Best; and in 2023, it bought cat health insurer Felix.

IAIC operates under Independence Pet Holdings and partners with brands like ASPCA, Figo (including Costco sales), Pets Plus Us (Canada), AKC Pet Insurance (via Pet Partners), and 24 Pet Watch. These units offer white-label and co-branded pet insurance products.

Topics Carriers AM Best
German prosecutors charged two former board members of Greensill Bank AG for their roles in the 2021 demise of the lender.

The men are charged with bankruptcy crimes and false accounting, a spokesman for Bremen prosecutors said in an emailed statement. A member of the units supervisory board was also indicted. The statement didnt identify any of the accused.

The probe in Germany is just one of a number of court claims and investigations sparked by the collapse of Greensills trade financing business. The firm, with the backing of SoftBank Group Corp. and General Atlantic, went from a small startup to a tech unicorn with an estimated $7 billion valuation at one point. David Cameron, the former UK prime minister, was an adviser to the firm and faced criticism for his well-paid role at the company.

The two German board members allegedly caused the insolvency of Greensill Bank by breaching banking regulations during the 2019 refinancing of Sanjeev Guptas network of companies 2.18 billion ($2.55 billion) acquisition of steel mills, according to the Bremen prosecutors statement.

Greensill Bank was an important part of the wider group, pulling in funds from savers by offering some of the best deposit rates in the country in an era of ultra low rates. At one point, more than half the loans on Greensill Banks books were linked to Guptas companies.

The executives also allegedly concealed the credit business in trading books and financial statements by making it appear to be a low-risk purchase of claims. The German probe at some point targeted 14 suspects but in the end, only three were indicted.

In the UK, officers at the Serious Fraud Office have been investigating suspected fraud, fraudulent trading and money laundering in relation to the financing and conduct of companies within Guptas loose network of businesses since 2021. The UK government took control of Guptas large steelworks in northern England in August. A GFG spokesman declined to comment.

Lex Greensill himself is fighting moves by the UK government to have him disqualified as a director, while his firms own administrators filed a civil case against him in April.

Photograph: A logo outside the Greensill Bank AG offices in Bremen, Germany, in 2021. Photo credit: Dominik Reipka/Bloomberg

Related:

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
When Albania appointed the worlds first AI-powered cabinet minister in September 2025 in an effort to help stamp out corruption from public procurement, reactions ranged from optimism to disbelief. Whether symbolic or substantive, the announcement underscored a deeper reality: artificial intelligence is not a futuristic concept  it is woven into the fabric of our economies and societies.

As governments experiment with high-profile AI initiatives to eliminate corruption or streamline bureaucracy, the insurance sector has been quietly testing and refining AI applications, not only to improve efficiency and competitiveness but also to enhance customer outcomes and strengthen economic resilience.

Early innovators are already realizing benefits in profitability, customer experience, and operational efficiency. But as adoption accelerates, laggards risk being left behind.

Insurance is often described as the backbone of modern economies. It underpins financial resilience, enables entrepreneurship, and protects individuals and businesses against unexpected shocks. Yet this backbone has been under strain. Rising operational costs, talent shortages, regulatory scrutiny, and fast-shifting customer expectations are pushing insurers to rethink how they operate. Here, AI is cementing its role as the critical catalyst for transformation.

From Prediction to Generative Power

For years, predictive AI has been at the center of insurance innovation. By processing vast amounts of data, insurers could better anticipate risk, refine pricing, and improve underwriting accuracy. Predictive models enabled insurers to make smarter decisions faster, while aligning with business goals and regulatory requirements.

But the next phase is already underway. Generative AI is opening the door to more adaptive and interactive applications. It is empowering insurers to generate new insights, surface contextual recommendations, and support front-line staff in real time. Picture an agent guided by AI to ask the right question at exactly the right moment, or a digital channel that dynamically tailors policy offers to each individual customer. Predictive AI told us what might happen. Generative AI is helping shape what should happen next.

The Rise of Intelligent Decisioning

The fusion of predictive, generative, and agentic AI capabilities has given rise to a new concept: intelligent decisioning. Unlike point solutions that optimize a single task, intelligent decisioning orchestrates the entire insurance workflow  from pricing and product design to customer engagement  in a governed and transparent way.

This is especially important in an industry where compliance is non-negotiable. Unlike consumer apps or ecommerce platforms, insurers cannot afford black box decision-making. Every pricing model, underwriting rule, or customer offer must be explainable, auditable, and aligned with regulatory standards. Intelligent decisioning platforms embed governance directly into workflows, ensuring insurers can move quickly without sacrificing accountability.

At the same time, these platforms democratize innovation. By enabling no-code and low-code environments, business users can experiment, launch new products, and respond to market shifts without being bottlenecked by IT constraints. This agility matters in a market where speed-to-market often defines competitive advantage.

Data as the Engine

Of course, AI is only as powerful as the data it draws on. Insurers today must navigate fragmented systems, siloed information, and growing volumes of external data from partners, platforms, and IoT devices. Unified, governed data layers are emerging to tackle this complexity, enabling the integration and management of data at scale while maintaining quality and compliance.

This is not merely a technical upgrade. By building trust in data, insurers build trust in AI-driven decisions. And that trust is the cornerstone of customer relationships in a sector where transparency is paramount.

Implications for the Future

AI in insurance is not a switch to be flipped. It is a journey, marked by incremental advances and widening adoption. Early innovators are already realizing benefits in profitability, customer experience, and operational efficiency. But as adoption accelerates, laggards risk being left behind.

The implications extend beyond corporate performance. By embedding AI into their operations, insurers are better equipped to tackle societys most pressing risks, from climate change to cyber threats, with speed, scale, and precision. Just as Albanias AI minister is intended to build trust in governance, AI in insurance can build trust in financial protection.

The lesson is clear: AI is a significant part of the engine that will define the future of insurance  enabling resilience, enhancing customer value, and reinforcing the backbone of our economies.

Topics Trends InsurTech Carriers Data Driven Artificial Intelligence
More than 450 people are suing Japans government and seeking damages of 1,000 yen ($6) each, alleging one of the worlds top greenhouse gas emitters isnt doing enough to combat global warming.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday at the Tokyo District Court, argues the nations climate targets arent ambitious enough to meet global commitments to limit the Earths temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Japans pledges to cut emissions by 60% by 2035 from 2013 levels fall short of whats required and threaten our lives, according to a summary of the complaint from the Climate Justice Litigation Office, a group that helped organize the case.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara declined to comment on the lawsuit when asked during a press briefing Thursday.

Climate change is an urgent and common challenge for all humanity, he said. As for Japan, we submitted new, ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets in February this year that are consistent with the 1.5C goal of the Paris Agreement. The entire government is actively working together to achieve these targets.

Searing heat during the nations summer saw new temperature records set twice in a week, and strained power grids to health care systems. In June, the government began enforcing tougher rules to protect workers from extreme temperatures, with employers facing fines of as much as 500,000 yen.

The case in Japan follows similar global lawsuits in which groups of individuals have attempted to hold governments or companies to account over climate action. At least 226 new climate cases were brought in 2024, according to a June report from the Grantham Research Institute on Climate.

In August last year, the Constitutional Court of Korea ruled in favor of more then 250 plaintiffs, mostly young people, who mounted cases against South Koreas government over its climate strategy.

Photograph: Tokyo District Court; photo credit: Toru Hanai/Bloomberg

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits Climate Change
BMS Group Ltd, the London-based re/insurance broker, this week announced a strategic partnership in India with Berns Brett India as well as the launch of BMS (DIFC) Ltd., in Dubai, with immediate effect.

BMS has acquired a minority stake in Berns Brett India, which, it is intended, will increase over time, a BMS representative explained.

The company will be rebranded BMS (India) Ltd., according to the BMS announcement on December 17. Financial details of the deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, were not disclosed.

BMS regional investments from Turkey to India show the focus we are giving to these exciting areas of growth and our belief in their importance to the groups diversification and geographical strength, commented Nick Gillett, CEO of BMS International, in a statement.

We believe India to be an economic powerhouse and plays directly to our specialty strengths contributing through strong local connections to our global skill sets, he added.

BMS (DIFC) Ltd.

In a second announcement, issued on December 16, BMS said, it had launched BMS (DIFC) Ltd., with immediate effect, after receiving the necessary license and regulatory approval.

Operating via the Dubai International Financial Centre, BMS said, this business move secures another foundation stone of the groups regional strategy stretching from Turkey throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

BMS first entered the Dubai market in 2023 when it acquired a majority share in Berns Brett Masaood in 2023, which was renamed BMS Masaood.

Ranji Sinha has been named senior executive officer (SEO) for BMS (DIFC) Ltd., responsible for all business emanating from across the MENA regions, plus Turkey and for all territories and classes underwritten in the DIFC.

Lavanya Mamidanna remains managing director of BMS Masaood, UAE, responsible for all direct business in the UAE.

Both Sinha and Mamidanna report to Vedanta Baruah, CEO BMS Middle East & North Africa and thence into London.

BMS continues to commit to the region, and we are now fully equipped to serve our clients in both direct and reinsurance arenas and to draw on the highly professional technical skills located in BMS Groups global offices, commented Baruah.

Topics New Markets India
Insurer Munich Re and Germanys KfW Development Bank are introducing a state-backed program to mitigate the financial risk of geothermal drilling and encourage exploration for the renewable heat and power source.

Geothermal power is an abundant energy source that can provide clean electricity and heat crucial for meeting net zero goals, and is expected to make up a sizable share of Germanys future heating needs. But the big upfront costs needed for drilling can often exceed future returns if a project fails, something which has deterred investment.

To address that, the German government is working with private firms to ease geothermal financing challenges, in what Munich Re says is the first such insurance policy based on a public-private partnership in Europe.

Munich Re will insure 30% to 70% of a loan for a feasible project, and KfW will grant a partial debt waiver if unsuccessful exploration leads to a claim, according to a statement. Berlin will support that with 600 million ($705 million) in guarantees and 50 million in budget funds as part of efforts announced Thursday to attract private capital for various industries.

We want to solve the problem that geothermal projects are not yet bankable because the outcome of a drilling operation is completely unclear, said Matthias Tonnis, a geologist and underwriter at Munich Re.

While geothermal power has big potential, it made up just 0.5% of electricity generated from renewables in the European Union in 2024. Germany has recently taken steps to speed up the expansion of the sector. It aims to have at least 65 additional projects by 2030, which would raise the share of geothermal energy used for heating 10-fold compared to the current level.

The insurance is a positive signal that shows the great potential of geothermal energy in Germany is being recognized politically, said Herbert Pohl, chief executive officer of geothermal company Deutsche Erdwarme.

Munich Re previously pioneered geothermal insurance before scrapping it, and has returned because generating heat is technically less challenging than producing electricity, and because there are more projects.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
Vantage Group Holdings Ltd., the privately held specialty re/insurer, has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (HHH) for approximately $2.1 billion.

The Vantage deal, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, aims to support the transformation of HHH, a real estate development firm, into a diversified holding company, akin to Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway.

Based in The Woodlands, Texas, HHH is backed by US billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, the founder and chief executive of Pershing Square Capital Management. In May, Ackman increased his ownership in HHH to 46.9% from 37.6% with a $900 million investment.

In a separate announcement, Pershing Square Holdings (PSH) said it will invest as much as $1 billion in HHH to support the purchase of Vantage. The Vantage acquisition will be financed by a combination of HHHs cash on hand and the subscription for PSH preferred stock.

Founded in 2020 and based in Bermuda, Vantage now offers a diversified portfolio of global property/casualty products. (See related article: New Re/Insurer Vantage Risk Launches, Led by Former Arch, AXA XL Executives).

HHHs holding-company ownership of Vantage will provide long-term capital support which Vantage said will materially strengthen its credit profile and underwriting flexibility.

Im excited about starting Vantages next chapter through this acquisition, said Greg Hendrick, chief executive officer of Vantage, which is currently backed by private equity firms Carlyle and Hellman & Friedman.

With Howard Hughes permanent capital and long-term vision, we expect to strengthen our balance sheet and expand opportunities in specialty insurance, reinsurance, and partnership capital, Hendrick continued in a statement.

After closing, we anticipate enhanced resources to fuel profitable growth, drive innovation, and deliver even greater value to brokers and clients over time. None of this would be possible without the amazing passion and energy of 360 colleagues, the unwavering support of Carlyle and Hellman & Friedman, and the incredible support of our brokers and clients.

Vantage said it will continue to operate with the same name, brand, and culture, retaining the same roles, teams, and go-to-market strategy.

We are proud to have partnered with Greg Hendrick and the entire Vantage management team over the past five years and support the launch and build-out of the business, according to a joint statement from Jim Burr, co-head of Global Financial Services at Carlyle, and Jitij Dwivedi, partner in the Financial Services team at Carlyle.

Together, we have built a top-tier specialty insurance and re/insurance business, differentiated by its culture and tech-enabled underwriting platform, delivered strong earnings growth and diversified Vantages business model through innovative insurance-linked strategies. We think Howard Hughes will be a great home and wish Greg and the Vantage team continued success as it enters its next phase of growth, they continued.

We are so proud of what Greg and the team have built since we launched together in 2020. Today, Vantage is a high-quality insurance and reinsurance franchise with an excellent team and deep underwriting capabilities. We look forward to watching its continued growth and success in its next chapter, said a joint statement from Adam Halpern-Leistner and Hunter Philbrick, partners at Hellman & Friedman.

Related:

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday pressuring states not to regulate artificial intelligence.

Trump and some Republicans argue that the limited regulations already enacted by states, and others that might follow, will dampen innovation and growth for the technology.

Critics from both political parties  as well as civil liberties and consumer rights groups  worry that banning state regulation would amount to a favor for big AI companies, who enjoy little to no oversight and that Trumps effort oversteps the limits of presidential power.

Heres what to know about states AI regulations and what Trump signed.

What state-level regulations exist and why

Four states  Colorado, California, Utah and Texas  have passed laws that set some rules for AI across the private sector, according to the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

Those laws include limiting the collection of certain personal information and requiring more transparency from companies.

The laws are in response to AI that already pervades everyday life. The technology helps make consequential decisions for Americans, including who gets a job interview, a home loan and even certain medical care. But research has shown that it can make mistakes in those decisions, including by prioritizing a particular gender or race.

With a human, I can say, Hey, explain, how did you come to that conclusion, what factors did you consider?' said Calli Schroeder, director of the AI & Human Rights Program at the public interest group EPIC. With an AI, I cant ask any of that, and I cant find that out. And frankly, half the time the programmers of the AI couldnt answer that question.

States more ambitious AI regulation proposals require private companies to provide transparency and assess the possible risks of discrimination from their AI programs.

Beyond those more sweeping rules, many states have regulated parts of AI: barring the use of deepfakes in elections and to create nonconsensual porn, for example, or putting rules in place around the governments own use of AI.

What the executive order seeks to do

The executive order directs federal agencies to identify burdensome state AI regulations and pressure states not to enact them by withholding federal funding, such as for broadband, or challenging the state laws in court.

It would also begin a process to develop a lighter-touch regulatory framework for the whole country that would override state AI laws.

It does not seek to preempt some laws states have adopted, such as AI-related child safety protections and provisions on how state governments can procure and use AI.

Trump argues that the patchwork of regulations across 50 states impedes AI companies growth and allows China to catch up to the U.S. in the AI race. The president has also said state regulations are producing Woke AI.

What are the concerns around the order?

Groups that advocate for consumer rights and tech regulation are sounding the alarm on Trumps executive order, arguing it allows Big Tech to operate in a vacuum of accountability, as the nonprofit Issue One put it.

After spending millions of dollars on lobbying  including massive donations for the new White House ballroom  Big Tech has successfully leveraged those around the president to pass a federal moratorium that aims to wipe out bipartisan AI safeguards passed in both blue and red states, said Liana Keesing, Issue Ones policy lead for technology reform. AI-driven scams and discriminatory price-fixing are just some of the harms the state laws are trying to prevent, she added.

Related: State Insurance Legislators Greatly Disturbed by Trump AI Regulation Order

Childrens advocacy groups also expressed deep concerns for the generations that are growing up in an AI-saturated world.

A generation of parents watched their kids become the collateral damage of our failure to regulate social media, and now this moratorium threatens to repeat that tragedy with AI, said Shelby Knox, director of online safety campaigns at ParentsTogether Action.

What could be next for the executive order

Theres a good chance it ends up being part of a court battle.

Last month, when the order was in draft form, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser sent a letter to congressional leaders warning that the state would sue if the order was signed.

And Thursday, California state Sen. Scott Wiener, who wrote the AI safety bill signed in that state this year, said in a statement: If the Trump Administration tries to enforce this ridiculous order, we will see them in court.

In Connecticut, Democratic Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney said Friday the state plans to press ahead with broad regulation even after the order.

In May, attorneys general for 40 states and territories  Republicans and Democrats  signed a letter to congressional leaders calling on them not to pass a provision blocking state AI regulation for 10 years.

Shatorah Roberson, a senior policy counsel at the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, says that in this case, its clear that the president does not have the authority to preempt state laws.

This is an issue of our democracy and the president through executive order cant just preempt state laws without going through the democratic process, she said.

Photo: AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

__

Associated Press writers Mead Gruver, Susan Haigh, Geoff Mulvihill, Tran Nguyen and Barbara Ortutay contributed to this article.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics InsurTech Data Driven Legislation Artificial Intelligence
Alphabet Inc.s Google filed a lawsuit against alleged Chinese cybercriminals, accusing the group of orchestrating a vast phishing campaign designed to dupe Americans into turning over their credit card numbers.

The group, which Google refers to as Darcula, developed a malicious software kit that enables users with little technical knowledge to automatically send waves of text messages purporting to offer free versions of Google services such as YouTube Premium, according to the complaint filed Wednesday. In fact, the messages lured recipients into turning over financial information that scammers could use to steal victims money.

The Darcula enterprise stole nearly 900,000 credit card numbers, including 40,000 numbers from Americans, over the course of seven months, according to the the complaint. The scheme was responsible for up to 80% of all phishing messages and involved some 600 cybercriminals at its peak, according to Google.

Technology firms such as Google and Microsoft Corp. often take such legal actions with the goal of obtaining court authorization to seize the web infrastructure that cybercrime groups use to conduct their efforts. Taking over those domains and other services disrupt scammers operations, forcing them to develop new tactics or abandon their efforts altogether.

The latest version of the software offers a tool in which artificial intelligence is used to create a fake version of almost any website within minutes, according to the complaint.

The Darcula group couldnt immediately be reached for comment. A Telegram channel used by members of the group listed in the Google complaint no longer exists.

The Mountain View, California-based company said in the suit it was taking action because the cybercriminal effort invokes Googles branding and has forced the company to dedicate substantial resources to combat the fraud efforts.

Google in November sued an alleged cybercrime group that it blamed for sending texts that fraudulently warned people about supposed unpaid tolls or failed package deliveries.

NBC News previously reported on the legal action.

Photo: Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits Cyber China Google
Wells Media Group Inc. today announced the 2026 Insurtech + AI Demo Day events calendar, a lineup of virtual events featuring live demos of the AI and technology tools and innovations shaping the insurance industry.

The series is presented by the insurance industrys most trusted news and information brands: Insurance Journal, Carrier Management, and Claims Journal.

Nearly every insurance business has made exploring and adopting AI technology a core strategic initiative for 2026. At the same time, dozens of new tools and features come to market every month. Demo days allow insurance teams to quickly see solutions from both startups and established providers.

The popular Demo Day events feature fast-paced, back-to-back product demonstrations, so attendees can see real solutions in actionwithout sales pitches or wasted time. The format enables decision-makers to efficiently discover and evaluate emerging tools that can accelerate efficiency, profitability, and risk insight.

Demo Days provide a chance to peek behind the curtain and see products in action, says Josh Carlson, CEO of Wells Media Group. Attendees love that they get to see a bunch of tools in one afternoon instead of weeks of one-off demos.

The 2026 calendar includes events tailored to every major segment of the insurance ecosystem, with content relevant to insurance agency principals, wholesalers and MGAs, carrier executives, claims leaders, and risk managers.

With so many tools that look and sound the same at a glance, we found tech leaders want to see tools actually working, says Josh Carlson, CEO of Wells Media Group. Seeing a bunch of new ideas and possibilities is one of the best ways to find something that works for you. Then you know whats possible or see areas you can make better.

The 2026 lineup will feature Demo Days focused on topics such as Insurance CRMs, AI Tools for MGAs, Aerial Imagery & Geospatial Intelligence, AI Assistants, Fraud Detection, and additional areas impacting underwriting, claims, distribution, and risk management.

Insurance professionals can view the 2026 Demo Day calendar and register at no cost at https://riskyfuture.com/demo-days

Companies interested in presenting a live product demonstration at an upcoming event may contact demo@insurancejournal.com for more information.

Topics InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence
Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Deputy Commissioner Jamie Walker won this years Robert Dineen Award, the highest honor for a state regulator bestowed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

NAIC President Jon Godfread said, Walkers career reflects remarkable growth, dedication, and leadership in financial regulation. Beginning as an examiner trainee in 2000, she has become a nationally and internationally respected authority in the field.

Walkers roles at TDI progressed from examiner trainee to assistant chief examiner in the Examinations Section, associate commissioner of the Licensing Services Section, and assistant deputy commissioner of the Financial Regulation Division. Walker was named the deputy commissioner of Financial Regulation in 2018.

Walker is the chair of the Accounting Practices and Procedures Task Force, a member of the Statutory Accounting Principles Working Group, Reinsurance Task Force, Capital Adequacy Task Force, Financial Stability Task Force, and Group Capital Calculation Working Group.
It began with door knockers  the all-too-familiar practice of roofing companies telling homeowners that they could get a new roof with little or no out-of-pocket expense.

North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance, the second-largest property insurer in the state with some 500,000 policies in force, for years had fielded complaints that some roofers were actually causing damage to roofs to make it appear that wind or hail had caused the problem  just enough for the homeowner to file an insurance claim. One contractor went so far as to tell a policyholder that the insurance company actually wanted him to file a claim and get a new roof. It was one of many solicitation attempts at the same house in just a few months time.

But the states insurance commissioner explained at a conference that it is difficult to prosecute roofers unless they are caught in the act of mechanically or deliberately damaging the roof, Farm Bureau officials said.

Thats when Farm Bureaus leadership approached the North Carolina Department of Insurance with an offer. The insurer had access to a home in Raleigh that could serve as a bait house, ideal for a sting operation, said Todd Childers, senior claims executive for the carrier.

Within weeks, the sting operation was in business. Investigators with the DOI set up surveillance, ready to secretly video-record roofers inspecting shingles. Farm Bureau had engineering experts inspect the roof before and after the roofers went to work. One roofing contractor in Raleigh stood out, and was filmed repeatedly bending the asphalt shingles, apparently to simulate wind uplift, and hammering away on spots in order to claim hail indentations.

It seems that the roofing industry has some bad actors, Childers told Insurance Journal. But there are a lot of good roofing companies, too.

Last week, North Carolina authorities charged Robert Allen Bentley, a senior project manager with A&M Premier Roofing and Construction, with insurance fraud after he was reportedly videotaped manipulating roof shingles at the bait house.

Its the first time NC Farm Bureau has participated in a roof sting operation, Childers said. The DOI has set up a few similar stings, including one in 2020 in which a roofer had his case dropped after he agreed to reimburse the insurance company $30,694, explained Barry Smith, spokesperson for the DOI. He said Commissioner Mike Causey is committed to more investigations, has tripled the number of special agent fraud investigators, and has hired a team of special prosecutors to assist local district attorneys in cracking down on fraudulent actors.

Officials with DOI and Farm Bureau said more bait houses are likely in 2026.

A&M Roofing Responds to Allegations The president of A&M Premier Roofing and Construction issued a statement Thursday, saying that the roof worker charged last week was an independent contractor who had left the company before the arrest was made. Unfortunately, the North Carolina Department of Insurance did not notify or contact A&M Premier Roofing & Construction for clarification or comment before releasing this information to the public, A&M President Del Scheitler said in the emailed statement. As a result, we feel it is important to provide clear and accurate context for our customers, partners, and community. He noted that A&Ms independent contractor agreement outlines ethical conduct by contractors.  Our agreement states unequivocally that creating or manufacturing damage of any kind is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate termination of the contractor relationship. A&M Premier does not condone unethical practices under any circumstances, as they directly conflict with our training, standards of conduct, and company values. A&M, with offices in Raleigh and three other North Carolina cities, is a veteran-owned firm that has been named a best roofing company by local publications, the company said. The alleged actions of a single independent contractor do not represent our organization or the high standards we uphold, Scheitler said.

We intend to aggressively investigate any fraud activity were aware of, Childers said. We know one arrest is not going to make this go away. But it can help educate policyholders to this type of scheme.

The idea could spread to other states and other insurers: The news of the arrest has created a buzz in the property insurance industry, with carriers calling Farm Bureau for more information. Some insurance defense attorneys for years have argued that state insurance departments and insurers across the country should take similar steps, Farm Bureau said, and the initial success of the North Carolina sting may lead to more action.

Without direct video evidence, prosecutions can be tricky, Childers noted. Policyholders often have no idea that roof workers may have deliberately damaged their homes, and cant serve as good witnesses. The cause of apparent creasing or dents in shingles may come down to a battle of expert witnesses. And if it cant be proven that the damage was based in fraud, the carrier may end up paying the claim anyway, especially if the policy covers vandalism.

One potential angle of attack for insurers, he noted, may be to show that contractors who find damage and detail the exact amount of a claim may be guilty of engaging in claims adjusting without an adjusters license.

One thing is certain, Childers said. Roof claims and roof fraud appear to be on the rise. In recent years, homeowner claims for roof damage have increased sharply. Roof fraud is a growing problem in the U.S., he said.

NC Farm Bureau now sees about 220,000 claims each year and about 55,000 of those are homeowner claims. After Hurricane Helene pounded the western part of North Carolina in 2024, the carrier saw about 17,000 claims, most of which were for wind damage on roofs, he noted.

Fraudulent roof claims and resulting claims lawsuits may not be as easy to perpetrate in North Carolina as they have been in some states. North Carolina law does not allow assignment-of-benefit agreements without the carriers consent. The property insurance industry has long considered assignments of benefits, or AOBs, to be a major contributor to door-knocker roof solicitations and fraudulent or exaggerated roof claims in some states, particularly Florida, which saw an explosion of claims litigation in the mid 2010s and early 2020s.

Florida lawmakers famously began taking steps to limit AOBs as early as 2019, then outlawed the agreements altogether in late 2022. Those statutory changes have had a significant impact on questionable roof claims, Florida insurance leaders have said.

Childers suggested that after Floridas reforms, some of those Florida-based roofing companies appear to have moved north, looking for opportunities in other states.

Photo: AdobeStock

Topics Agribusiness North Carolina
A former loss representative for National General Insurance Co. and his mother allegedly ran a scheme in 2022 that involved false claims, a fake towing company and a $141,000 loss for the insurer.

Horace Kelly, 40, and his mom, Greta Patterson, a 62-year-old minister, were booked into jail in Coffee County in southeast Georgia after a months-long investigation, according to the Georgia Office of Insurance Commissioner and local news outlets.

Investigators said the scheme worked like this: Kelly, while on the job, created fake insurance claims then issued checks totaling $146,167 over a seven-month period, Douglas Now news site and Atlanta News First reported Wednesday. Patterson and Kelly allegedly cashed or deposited more than 100 checks in 2022. Evidence showed that some of the money ended up in Pattersons personal bank account, authorities said.

The Lowndes County Sheriffs Office initiated the investigation in August 2022 then notified the commissioners office. Kelly and Patterson were charged with insurance fraud and have been released on bond.

National General policyholders were not aware that claims had been filed on their behalf, the insurance commissioners office told one news outlet.

The investigation is continuing and more charges may result.

Topics Profit Loss Claims
Kerrville, TX  December 18, 2025  Industry veteran Trent Richmond has launched Executio, bringing an Execution-as-a-Service (EaaS) model to the independent agency channel to address the conditions that have long suppressed growth, profit, and realized value. Richmond, who has spent more than 30 years as an agency owner, network leader, carrier partner, and insurtech founder, said the gap is still holding the channel back.

Executio was created to fill the gap the industry has struggled with for decades  not just execution, but everything required to make execution possible, Richmond said.

He notes that operational drift, carrier misalignment, and capacity constraints continue to suppress growth across the channel. There is always money sitting in the book, Richmond said. The long-running M&A cycle has only increased the operational strain on agencies and brokers. The conditions needed to unlock that value often havent been in place. Executio exists to change that.

Executio steps in to complete high-impact initiatives that the channel often identifies but struggles to execute due to limited time, structure, or capacity. The firm focuses on uncovering hidden revenue, realigning carrier portfolios, migrating books, tightening accountability, and resolving operational drift  with measurable, performance-driven outcomes.

Strategic Alignment with AgencyKPI

Executio launches alongside a strategic relationship with AgencyKPI, the analytics platform Richmond co-founded in 2018. Richmond continues to serve on AgencyKPIs Board of Directors, and both companies will work together to support the independent insurance industry

About Executio

Executio is an Execution-as-a-Service (EaaS) firm serving the independent industry at all levels. The company drives organic growth and profit improvement through carrier alignment, strategy implementation, operational cleanup, and data-driven accountability.

Website: www.executio.io

Media Contact: Trent Richmond  tr@executio.io

Topics New Markets Market
What is the best part of Christmas? For many, its the family dinner, when everyone pulls crackers, wears silly hats, and tucks into plates of turkey, ham, and all the trimmings before snoozing in front of a film on the sofa.

Spare a thought, then, for hospital canteen staff who will be forgoing these celebrations to serve Christmas dinner to sick patients.

Caitriona Murphy, a catering manager at University Hospital Kerry (UHK), estimates she has worked at least five or six Christmas Days in the 25 years she has worked there. She will do so again this year, helping to serve 1,500 dinners to patients and staff.

Caitriona Murphy, UHK catering manager, will be leading her dedicated team as they work throughout the Christmas to support everyone in the hospital. Picture: Domnick Walsh

Its a big production, and we start planning for it in September, she says. From ordering food to deciding on staff rosters, theres a lot to organise.

The menu was finalised months ago. For starters, there will be vegetable soup. People wouldnt be happy if we broke with tradition, says Murphy. So mains will be roast turkey and ham, stuffing, gravy, sprouts with onions and bacon, pureed carrots and parsnips, roast potatoes, and creamed potatoes. Dessert will be sherry trifle and cream or Christmas pudding and custard.

Alternatives such as baked salmon with hollandaise sauce will also be offered, and staff make every effort to cater for patients with allergies and other dietary requirements.

Despite all this planning, Murphys previous experience means she knows to expect pressure in the coming days. There can be staff shortages due to people being sick, she says. Lots of businesses close for Christmas, so we have to get extra deliveries, which have to be stored away. But, generally, most of the food preparation is done by Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, we focus on getting it in the oven and plating and serving it.

The staff also make time for festivities. The catering team try to share a meal at some point and pass around boxes of sweets and biscuits they receive from patients.

For Murphy, its this camaraderie between staff and the response we get from patients that makes Christmas Day memorable.

She remembers one particular patient who had been really ill yet managed to eat half their Christmas dinner. They were so appreciative, and that made me realise the impact of our work, she says. Having something good to eat brings a moment of pleasure to a patients day, especially at Christmas.

As soon as she finishes work, she will rush home to share that pleasure with her husband and three children, aged 16, 12, and nine. Santa comes to our house on Christmas Eve when I have to work on Christmas Day, so well already have had that excitement, she says.

An emotional time for all

David Roddy, chef, who will be working at Temple Street Children's Hospital over Christmas. Photograph: Moya Nolan

David Roddy is the deputy head chef of Temple St childrens hospital. He has worked there for eight years, and this will be his fifth time working on Christmas Day.

My team and I will prepare breakfast and then get Christmas dinner ready for the 400 or so children, staff, and families well have visiting on the day, he says.

The same festive fare will be served at Temple St as at UHK but Roddy adds that there will also be nut roast, pasta, and treats like iced cakes and chocolate Santas for the kids as well as modifications made for anyone who follows a restricted diet.

Its a lot of work, but he doesnt mind doing it because hes aware that Christmas is emotional for patients.

The kids who get to go home are excited at the thought of it. The staff make such a big effort for the kids who have to stay. We set up special tables in the canteen for families to eat together and send dinner up to the ward for families with children who are too sick to come downstairs. Its a privilege to play a part in making memories for these families.

Roddy has his own dinner when he gets home. He will have prepared everything the night before, and his wife will have put it in the oven. Then Ill make the finishing touches, well put on festive music, and my wife, our two teenagers, and I will have our family celebration, he says.

Great morale among staff

Working for Christmas at the CUH staff canteen is Abina Forde, chef. Picture: Dan Linehan

Chef Abina Forde has worked in Cork University Hospital (CUH) for 35 years and reckons she has worked 25 Christmas Days, give or take during that time.

She explains that most hospitals have a policy of giving those with young children the day off. I got the day off when my son and daughter, who are now in their 20s, were young and now Im doing the same for my colleagues, she says.

This Christmas, CUHs catering team will prepare and serve Christmas dinner for 1,000 or so patients and staff. The main menu will be the same as in the other hospitals but alternative options include salmon with lemon and herbs and mushroom and spinach vol-au-vents in a garlic and cream sauce.

Forde works in the part of the kitchen dedicated to special dietary needs. My job is to make lactose-free soups, gravies, and desserts and options for those who want halal food, she says.

Even though she describes the pace on Christmas Day as full on, Forde always enjoys it. There are lots of hugs in the morning and we have a quick tea or coffee together before its all hands on deck to get everything ready, she says. We try to sit down together for breakfast too. The canteen is always beautifully decorated and we wear festive hats and give secret Santa gifts. Your work colleagues are like your second family, so its nice to share some of Christmas with them.

Other high points of the day include the lovely thanks we get from patients, families, and other members of hospital staff and visits from the lord mayor and the bishop of Cork. With all of that going on, morale tends to be great on Christmas Day, says Abina. By the end of the shift, Im usually exhausted but looking forward to getting home to dinner with my own family.

Making a big difference

Jennifer Crowley will be working in the CUH staff canteen this Christmas. Picture: Dan Linehan

Jennifer Crowley also works in CUH. She has been a catering assistant there for 25 years and has lost track of how many Christmas Days she has worked.

All I know is that this is the fourth one in a row, she says.  My 21-year-old son is a student and works part-time in the hospital kitchen, so hell be here this Christmas too.

Crowley anticipates a fast pace of work on Christmas Day. As many catering staff as possible will have been given the day off, so those of us who have to work have to work hard, she says. But you dont mind because you are making a big difference to peoples day.

She remembers an elderly lady who lived nearby and came in for dinner every year. Wed look forward to seeing her and, when she became too sick to come, Id deliver her dinner after my shift.

She has other poignant memories too, particularly of families sharing their last Christmases. We always go to great efforts for those families, setting up a separate space for them in the canteen, she says. You give as much of your time, kindness, and care as you can.

Such situations make her appreciate what she has waiting for her at home. When she and her son clock off this Christmas Day, her husband will have dinner ready and waiting for them. The three of us will sit down and consider ourselves lucky to be home for Christmas.
On December 16-17, the 2025 Anhui Intelligent Connected New Energy Vehicle Industry Chain Supply and Demand Matchmaking Conference was successfully held in Tongling City. During the event, relevant local governments signed project implementation agreements with automotive industry investors, with a total investment of 3.03 billion yuan. This was followed by the signing of agreements for industrial chain cooperation, talent chain cooperation, innovation chain cooperation, and financial chain cooperation, with a total contract value of 554 million yuan. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Anhui's automotive industry has experienced a remarkable rise, with its industrial scale continuously expanding, its industry status steadily improving, and its development quality and efficiency consistently enhancing. Competitive advantages have become increasingly prominent. Vehicle and new energy vehicle production volumes have grown by 2 times and 15 times, respectively, while the revenue of enterprises above designated size in the automotive manufacturing sector has increased by 1.8 times. The sector's average annual contribution to the growth of industrial enterprises above designated size reached 19.8%, ranking first among the 41 major industrial categories. In October, monthly revenue exceeded 100 billion yuan for the first time, with new energy vehicles accounting for over 60% of the total. This has made a significant contribution to the province's economic growth and stands as a successful example of integrated and clustered development in emerging industries. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, we must maintain strategic clarity, seize opportunities, confront challenges head-on, adhere to innovation-driven development, strengthen forward-looking planning, and promote a historic leap for Anhui's automotive industry from "scale expansion" to "quality and efficiency enhancement" through more open-minded thinking and pragmatic actions. Tongling thrives on copper and was established as a city around mining. It is China's most comprehensive copper deep-processing industrial base, boasting the widest variety of products, the most complete industrial chain, and a well-developed supporting system in the copper processing sector. In recent years, through careful cultivation and strategic planning, Tongling's new energy vehicle industry has developed both scale and distinctive features. The city is now home to 74 new energy vehicle component enterprises above designated size. From January to November 2025, these enterprises achieved an output value of 13.07 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth rate of 24.5%, demonstrating strong momentum for development. With a more open attitude, a more favorable environment, and more efficient services, Tongling is committed to advancing side by side with all partners, striving together to write a new chapter of integrated industrial chains and shared success.

Source: anhuinews.com
We have watched the storks and the swallows; the summer birds have come and are gone again  Giraldus Cambrensis, History of the Conquest of Ireland

White storks are breeding again in Britain. They had not done so since 1416 when a pair nested in Edinburgh. As part of a rewilding project at the 1,400 hectare Knepp Castle Estate in Sussex, rehabilitated storks were imported from Warsaw Zoo. Three pairs nested in 2020 and more than 50 chicks fledged this year.

The white stork project uses rescued non-flying birds from Warsaw Zoo, Poland, some of which are kept at Cotswold Wildlife Park where they breed, with their young released from Knepp Estate, in West Sussex and Wadhurst Park in East Sussex, to encourage them to come back there to nest. Picture: Charlie Burrell/Knepp/PA Wire

Storks are long-distance migrants, so there were fears that youngsters would get lost when travelling. But this doesnt seem to be a problem; six juveniles returned to Knepp after visiting Europe. Thanks to funding by the lord mayor, breeding colonies may be established at two London locations in 2026.

Noisy bill-clattering is the storks birdsong.

Stork comes from old German, meaning stick. Like many large marsh birds, storks will stand on one leg, which then vaguely resembles a stick. Doing do reduces heat loss from the exposed flesh. But stick is also slang for penis  hence the birds role as a midwife.

Injured storks are raised in nests on the ground at Knepp estate in West Sussex. Picture: Emily Beament/PA Wire

Symbols of birth and renewal, the stork ticks boxes both natural and cultural.

If only we had an excuse to bring some to Ireland! The Knepp project shows what could be done. But theres a problem; we have are no reliable record of their breeding here. Introducing an alien species, however attractive, would be an ecological cardinal sin.

Storks have nested as far north as Finland where the climate is more severe than Irelands. Our damp wet climate and marshy habitats must surely have suited them long ago. Nesting by such noisy creatures seems unlikely to have gone unnoticed, but absence of evidence isnt evidence of absence.

A colony of white storks at Knepp estate in West Sussex. This scheme has enabled a wild population of breeding storks re-establish itself for the first time in centuries. Picture: Charlie Burrell/Knepp/PA Wire

The Norman cleric Gerald of Wales visited Ireland in 1183 and returned with Henry II two years later. In his History and Topography of Ireland, he claimed that storks are very rare throughout the island. But he added that their colour is black, which seems to rule the species out. The white storks black primary feathers might give the bird a black-on-white appearance when resting... or had he mistaken juvenile cormorants for storks?

Giraldus was not strong on zoology. Indeed he deserved a Nobel Prize for gullibility:

 He claimed that cranes keep guard at night standing on one leg with a stone held in the other. Should the bird nod off, the stone would fall on its toe and waken the sleeper.

 A priest, walking in a Kilkenny forest, met a talking wolf to whose dying wife he gave the last rites.

 A Wicklow mans mother was a cow.

A white stork rests in a tree at Knepp estate in West Sussex.Picture: Emily Beament/PA Wire

His claim that storks were rare throughout the island wouldnt have impressed the Irish Rare Birds Committee.

But white storks visit Ireland occasionally. The vagabonds tend to be waifs and strays which have lost their way while migrating.

However, one remained on at Ballykelly, County Derry, from May to December 1974. We discovered recently that wild cats were in Ireland. Our mild marshy island would seem to have been a paradise for storks long ago.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a crash at Killaderry, Daingean, Co. Offaly, that seriously injured a man in his 60s.

The man was the driver and sole occupant of the car. No others were injured in the incident.
The artificial intelligence (AI) boom has caused as much carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere in 2025 as emitted by the whole of New York City, it has been claimed.

The global environmental impact of the rapidly spreading technology has been estimated in research published this week, which also found that AI-related water use now exceeds the entirety of global bottled-water demand.

The figures have been compiled by the Dutch academic Alex de Vries-Gao, the founder of Digiconomist, a company that researches the unintended consequences of digital trends.

He claimed they were the first attempt to measure the specific effect of AI rather than datacentres in general as the use of chatbots such as OpenAIs ChatGPT and Googles Gemini soared in 2025.

The figures show the estimated greenhouse gas emissions from AI use are also now equivalent to more than 8% of global aviation emissions. His study used technology companies own reporting and he called for stricter requirements for them to be more transparent about their climate impact.

The environmental cost of this is pretty huge in absolute terms, he said. At the moment society is paying for these costs, not the tech companies. The question is: is that fair? If they are reaping the benefits of this technology, why should they not be paying some of the costs?

Mr De Vries-Gao found that the 2025 carbon footprint of AI systems could be as high as 80m tonnes, while the water used could reach 765bn litres. He said it was the first time AIs water impact had been estimated and showed that AI water use alone was more than a third higher than previous estimates of all data centre water use.

The figures are published in the academic journal Patterns. The International Energy Agency (IEA) said earlier this year that AI-focused data centres draw as much electricity as power-thirsty aluminium smelters and datacentre electricity consumption is expected to more than double by 2030.

This is yet more evidence that the public is footing the environmental bill for some of the richest companies on Earth, said Donald Campbell, the director of advocacy at Foxglove, a UK non-profit that campaigns for fairness in tech. Worse, it is likely just the tip of the iceberg. The construction frenzy, driven by generative AI, is only getting started."

- The Guardian
A Kerry humanitarian and lawyer is due back in court in January on people smuggling charges after trying to rescue refugees from drowning in the sea.

Sean Binder is one of 24 defendants charged in connection with efforts to save refugees from drowning off the Greek island of Lesvos in 2018.

Witnesses gave evidence at the Mytilene Court of Appeals in Lesvos, Greece, over two days earlier this month.

The very first witness, who was from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, described the prosecution against us as the criminalisation of humanitarian action'," Mr Binder said.

The next two witnesses were from the coast guard, who both confirmed the humanitarians had contacted them about any refugees in trouble at sea or arriving on the shores and had fully co-operated with relevant authorities.

To find the humanitarians guilty of people smuggling, the prosecution would have to show they had refused to co-operate with authorities.

Police investigators were the next two witnesses, he said, who had examined their phones and laptops and looked for money laundering evidence with nothing more incriminating found than use of the common WhatsApp encrypted messaging app and an online fundraiser to pay for a washing machine.

The secret police commander of Lesvos island, who Mr Binder said initiated the investigation against the humanitarians, was the final and most important witness for the prosecution.

His evidence was, in a nutshell, I didn't know that the Coast Guard had been cooperating, or that they'd been cooperating with the Coast Guard'," Mr Binder said.

The police chief said he viewed the humanitarians as suspicious because they were using WhatsApp.

This was despite the police chief admitting to using WhatsApp for general communication with his own family, Mr Binder said.

The trial has been adjourned until January 15. Mr Binder and his fellow humanitarians will then take the stand with their own evidence.

They face charges of participation in a criminal organisation, people smuggling, and money laundering.

Mr Binder could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

He is still between two minds about what will happen with the trial.

On the one hand, Im very optimistic. But nothing is a certainty.

I'm pretty confident that the prosecution doesn't have any compelling argument as to why we're guilty, whether or not that manifests in an acquittal ultimately.

But it's so frustrating that we had to wait seven years, having the suspicion over me, not being able to work.

And this entire narrative built up around our humanitarian activity. You'd hope that they'd have more than, well, they used WhatsApp, so they might be guilty.

That doesn't justify three and a half months in prison, seven years of limbo [waiting for trial], the fear of 20 years of imprisonment hanging over us."

All search and rescue on the island was effectively stopped over those seven years too, he said.

People [have been] drowning as a consequence."

Mr Binder, age 31, began volunteering for the search and rescue NGO ERCI on Lesvos in 2017, a lethal year for crossing the Mediterranean, with more than 3,000 people reported dead or missing.

In 2018, the Greek authorities arrested Mr Binder, then age 24, and detained him for more than 100 days before releasing him on bail.

Mr Binder has been trapped in limbo for the seven years since, with limitations on his career, unable to start a family, and having to save to potentially pay for an apartment in Greece so his mother and partner could visit if he is jailed.

The uncertainty has scared people away from doing search and rescue, Mr Binder said.
A man in his 30s remains in a critical condition in hospital after he was hit by a vehicle and then attacked by its occupants in Dublin earlier this month.

Gardai in Ronanstown are investigating the serious assault which happened at around 6.30pm in the Cappaghmore estate in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on the evening of Friday, December 5.
A suspected arson attack on a pharmacy in Co Meath may have been targeting the hotel next door, following misinformation that it was to be used to house asylum seekers.

McQuaid's pharmacy in Oldcastle appears to have been petrol bombed, or doused in petrol and set alight, by someone accessing it from the back entrance at around midnight last night.

The disgusting suspected attack could have set the whole row of buildings on fire, endangering life, local Sinn Fein TD Johnny Guirke said. Misinformation and fearmongering by a small number of people had culminated in Wednesday nights suspected arson, he said.

"This cowardly act has no place in our town and must be unequivocally rejected by everyone who lives in Oldcastle, Mr Guirke said. Those who carried out this attack should be ashamed of themselves.

"By last nights arson attack on our towns pharmacy, they have not only endangered the lives of residents of neighbouring properties but have also deprived the owner and dedicated staff of their livelihoods with just a week before Christmas.

This malicious act has robbed a family of their ability to provide for themselves and their customers of a local, essential service they rely on daily.

The pharmacy is immediately next door to the Oldcastle House Hotel. The hotel was sold and had applied earlier this year for permission to be used as an International Protection Accommodation Service (Ipas) centre.

But there was strong local opposition to that proposal, and the application was reportedly withdrawn.

The property had been used to house Ukrainian refugees previously but it was empty and undergoing renovations when the neighbouring pharmacy was set alight last night, Mr Guirke said.

I had it in writing four times from the Department of Justice [that the hotel was not going to be used as an Ipas centre]. I have it on the floor of the Dail from the minister for justice, Jim O'Callaghan, that they didn't want it as an Ipas centre. It was the only hotel in the town.

"Oldcastle is a great town with strong community values, but a small number of individuals have distorted the truth, spread false rumours, and fearmongered, which contributed to the fear and unrest that culminated in last nights arson.

"We will not allow misinformation to define our town.

'An absolute disgrace'

The woman who owns the pharmacy is highly respected in the local community, who has served Oldcastle for 25 years, Mr Guirke said.

She has been absolutely brilliant for the town, involved in everything that's good around the place, charities, tidy towns, she supports everything. Shes devastated, and she can't understand why her place is a target.

It's an absolute disgrace.

The back entrance to the pharmacy provides access to a number of buildings on the terrace, Mr Guirke said. So it is possible that the wrong building was set on fire, he said.

Gerry McDermott owns McDermotts Menswear, a business just one premises away from McQuaids pharmacy, and he said the incident is an attack on the whole community.

The people who did this had no concern for anyone. If that fire had taken off it would have burned down buildings where people were living.

The fire was quickly contained by the fire service and no damage appears to have been done to the neighbouring buildings, Mr McDermott said. But McQuaids pharmacy served many sick, elderly and vulnerable people locally, he said.

It's devastating to see something happen to a businesswoman in town who had dedicated herself to looking after the vulnerable and the sick.

"Where are those people going to go now? She knew their needs. This is an attack on the whole community.

Gardai confirmed that they are investigating an alleged criminal damage incident at a business in Oldcastle, at about 12.20am this morning. Investigations are ongoing, gardai said.
A man in Northern Ireland charged with terror offences linked to a cross-border police investigation into a planned attack on a Galway mosque has been denied bail.

Connor Pollock, 38, from Croob Park, in Ballynahinch, Co Down, appeared via videolink from HMP Maghaberry for a bail hearing at the Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Pollock is charged with three offences under the UK Terrorism Act.

The charges relate to an alleged plot by a group styling itself as the Irish Defence Army (IDA) to attack the mosque and also target accommodation facilities used to house migrants.

Connor Pollock arriving at Downpatrick Magistrates Court on December 11 (Liam McBurney/PA)

Two men, including Pollocks brother, Garrett, have appeared before the courts in Ireland charged in connection with the alleged planned attack.

In Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday, a member of the PSNI argued that Connor Pollock had sent messages showing affiliation to the IDA including our oath and we exist.

Opposing bail, the PSNI also said it believed Pollock had been contacted by his brother as part of a search for pipe bombs and firearms.

However, his defence lawyer said he held no strongly held political views and was trying to ingratiate himself with his brother.

In truth, this is a man devoid of any strongly held political views

In the bail proceedings, the PSNI detective constable outlined the circumstances of An Garda Siochanas investigation into extreme right-wing terrorism.

She said gardai had arrested Pollocks brother and another over their suspected involvement in the preparation of acts of terrorism, relating to a planned attack on a mosque.

Garrett Pollock, 35, with an address at Kilhorne Green, Annalong, Co Down, was charged in Ireland with two offences: possession of the components of three pipe-bomb type improvised explosive devices and four incendiary-type improvised explosive devices; and with possession of six litres of hydrogen peroxide.

Karolis Peckauskas, 38, of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, was charged in Ireland with one offence of possession of six litres of hydrogen peroxide.

Downpatrick Magistrates Court where the case was heard (Liam McBurney/PA)

Connor Pollock 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.

He 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.

The court heard, on Thursday, that police were strongly opposing bail.

A detective constable told the court that Pollock was arrested on December 9 and his phones were seized by the PSNI and it is believed he holds the same anti-immigration ideology as his brother.

Most of the evidence against him comes largely from his phones.

The detective constable told the court that police believe he supports IDA ideology, and that he had sight and possession of the claim of responsibility on his phone  which he sent to his partner in two different parts on October 24.

The court heard this was accompanied with messages that indicates his clear prior knowledge of the planned attack.

She said there were further messages to his partner which showed affiliation to the IDA, including our oath, we exist, and this is our attack.

The court heard that Garrett Pollock sent a voice message on the Signal app stating his brother could source pipe bombs and firearms, before calling Connor Pollock on WhatsApp for two minutes and nine seconds, and sending a further message stating: Just spoken to my brother, who will get prices.

The police said the defendant had denied involvement in acquiring firearms for the organisation.

The detective constable said the investigation was still live and at an early stage, with one arrest outstanding against an active service unit of the IDA which one document showed five members with codenames.

Connor Pollocks defence argued there was a lot of conjecture and speculation in the objection to bail, adding that his client was not charged in relation to the intended attack nor possession of explosives and was suitable for bail.

He said his property had been searched and no right-wing paraphernalia nor explosives had been found.

He said there was no evidence he had contacted any other member of the IDA other than his brother.

He said Pollock had not drafted either of the IDA documents and that police did not suggest in any way that he assisted the organisation in preparation of the attack.

He said the case amounts to an expression of ill-informed views, and that Pollock was a middle-aged man living with his mother and trying to ingratiate himself with his brother.

In truth, this is a man devoid of any strongly held political views.

However, the judge said the prosecution case that this was a dangerous organisation preparing to carry out attacks had traction with the court, as did the belief that not every suspect was within the grasp of authorities.

He denied bail stating that he had been persuaded by the fact the investigation was at an early stage and there were realistic steps to be taken in the immediate future that could be frustrated by a willing friend, if hes only a friend.

He said Pollocks messages seemed to import he was a little more than simply a bystander.

He was remanded until January 15.

Connor Pollock was arrested on December 9 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.

Last week, a man in his 30s was arrested by An Garda Siochana in Co Laois as part of its investigation and was later released without charge.
A 33-year-old hospital patient with delirium who punched another patient  an 88-year-old man  to death in the early hours of the morning in the room which they shared was this afternoon found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

The eight men and four women of the jury took two hours and 33 minutes of deliberations on Thursday to deliver their unanimous verdict.

Dylan Magee of 30 Churchfield Green, Cork, had entered a plea to manslaughter in those terms but not guilty to murder on the charge that on January 22, 2023, at Room 2, St. Josephs Ward, Mercy University Hospital, he did murder Matthew Healy, contrary to Common Law.

As soon as the jury came back with that precise verdict this afternoon shortly after 4pm, defence senior counsel Brendan Grehan said: Mr Magee wants at the earliest available opportunity to express his deep remorse for what happened Mr Healy and the distress he obviously caused to his family and friends.

Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford adjourned the case for mention at the Central Criminal Court on January 13 for the purpose of fixing a date for the sentencing hearing. A victim impact statement on behalf of the Healy family is to be prepared.

Matthew Healy was killed at the Mercy Hospital in January 2023.

Mr Grehan said that in terms of the report on the accused for the sentencing hearing the defence would ask for the two psychiatrists reports that formed a central part of the trial to be considered at sentence. Ms Justice Lankford said she would also direct preparation of a probation report.

Prosecution and defence lawyers in this trial agreed that verdicts of guilty or not guilty to murder were effectively not on the table and that the issue for the jury was in the middle ground of mental disorder.

Prosecution senior counsel Jane Hyland and defence senior counsel Brendan Grehan both agreed on this matter in their closing speeches to the jury at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork today.

Ms Justice Lankford told the jury before they commenced their deliberations that they could well take the view that 33-year-old Dylan Magee, who was admitted to hospital for treatment for delirium, and 88-year-old Matthew Healy who had a fall at home, were both let down by the system.

Ms Hyland said on Thursday: This is a horrendous case. It is a tragedy for Matthew Healy and for his family. It is a difficult case for Dylan Magee. Both of these men went to hospital for treatment.

The defence and prosecution sides agreed that the accused had been 65 hours in the hospital setting at the relevant time and that cannabis and Benzodiazepine tablets taken by Dylan Magee before his admission were no longer in his system and that the killing occurred against the background of a mental condition. File picture: Dan Linehan

"I would ask you to put away what you might undoubtedly feel, and the bizarreness of the interviews, with references to cannibalising children, and ask you to narrow in on the psychiatric evidence.

We suggest the ingredients are there for a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity and it is also open to you to give a verdict of not guilty to murder, guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

Mr Grehan said: Effectively, the issue is about mental disorder and the impact it had on what occurred. No one can take away the awful tragedy that befell Mr Healy and his family. The only thing for which we can be a small bit grateful is that he was asleep and hopefully was knocked out by the first blow. At almost 89 and having recently buried his wife.

Dylan Magee was slowly losing contact with reality For reasons we dont quite understand, Dylan Magee was put into a ward with a number of elderly patients when he was clearly showing mental health symptoms of delirium, with which he was diagnosed  hearing voices, hallucinating, seeing dead people, behaving in a hyper manner.

The two worlds collided after 5am that morning when the unfortunate Mr Healy was asleep in bed. Dylan Magee developed a fixation that he (the deceased) was his uncle, which he was not that Mr Healy had eaten his child, killed him or kidnapped him. And that he was (named man) in his 20s.

(Outside the room after the fatal attack) one nurse described the accused as looking like he did the right thing here, looking like he thought he had done a good thing.

You are dealing with a mind that was clearly disturbed.

"I am contending for a guilty verdict but guilty of the appropriate offence and is not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

Both sides agreed that the law does not provide for this type of defence where an offence is committed against a background of intoxication and that there must be a mental disorder.

They agreed that the accused had been 65 hours in the hospital setting at the relevant time and that cannabis and Benzodiazepine tablets taken by Dylan Magee before his admission were no longer in his system and that the killing occurred against the background of a mental condition.

Mr Grehan said that in other words: Intoxication rules you out for a mental disorder defence  you cannot get out of your head, do something, and then say, I was out of my head.
Anti-immigration activist Ross Lahive will be contesting the case against him where he is charged with harassment of a garda.

The case was adjourned until Thursday at Cork District Court for the accused to decide if he was pleading guilty or not guilty. The DPP said it could be dealt with summarily at the district court on a plea of guilty, but otherwise it would be a matter for trial by judge and jury.

Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor, said the accused was entering a not guilty plea.

On the application of Sergeant Gearoid Davis, Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until February 12, 2026, to allow time for new directions from the DPP. A book of evidence will also have to be prepared.

46-year-old Ross Lahive, of Church Street, Shandon Street, Cork, faces a charge which states: On dates between October 9, 2022, and February 6, 2025, he harassed [the garda] contrary to Section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Detective Sergeant Christopher Cahill previously alleged Mr Lahive engaged in a campaign of harassment against a member of An Garda Siochana. This member was on duty at a public event in October 2022 when he arrested Mr Lahive. His arrest was video-recorded and posted on Facebook.

In February 2023, it is alleged that the victim in this was walking from Cork District Court, having given evidence in a separate case. He was approached by the accused and co-accused and a third person. He was verbally abused by him. He [the garda] said he did not consent to being recorded.

He was followed for a number of minutes and was afraid to get on the bus at the bus station in case his address would become known.

It is alleged that the accused went on to post videos of himself talking about this injured party. The injured party was distressed. It had a negative effect on himself and his family.
The President of High Court has issued a warning to those who disrupt court proceedings that it will not be tolerated.

Mr Justice David Barniville, in a special notice issued by the Courts Service, said if public confidence in the administration of justice is to be maintained, it is paramount that the authority of the court is respected.

The move comes a day after the Attorney General Rossa Fanning told the High Court in the Enoch Burke case that the jailed teacher and no other members of his family are to be prosecuted as of this time for criminal contempt over their repeated disruption of court proceedings.

However, Mr Barniville said that given the increasing incidents of disruptive behaviour, it cannot be expected that the court will exercise the type of tolerance for such behaviour as may have been exercised up to now.

He said following consultation with the President of the Court of Appeal, he had decided that in light of the increasing number of incidents of extremely disruptive and, on occasions, violent conduct in court by some litigants and their supporters, it was necessary to issue the notice.

He said those involved in such conduct risk facing contempt of court and potentially other criminal proceedings. He added a similar notice will be issued by the President of the Court of Appeal.

Mr Justice David Barniville said: Disruptive conduct threatens the effective management of court business, the progress of cases and the safety and welfare of judges, registrars and other court officers, officials and staff, lawyers and litigants alike.

"The court has a duty to protect the integrity of proceedings and ensure the proper administration of justice and the safety of all those involved in the courts system.

He said the purpose of the notice was to identify some of the more common examples of disruptive behaviour by certain litigants in person and their supporters and some of the ways in which such disruptive conduct can and will be dealt with by the court when it arises.

He added:

Given the increasing incidents of these types of disruptive behaviour, it cannot be expected that the court will exercise the type of tolerance for such behaviour as may have been exercised up to now.

He said where a person disrupts court business, there are a range of orders the court may make under the Rules of the Superior Courts and under its inherent jurisdiction.

The judge said there are other orders which may be sought by persons adversely affected by such disruptive behaviour (including orders made under the courts criminal and civil contempt of court powers).

Criminal proceedings may also be brought. The objective, Mr Justice Barniville said, is to ensure that all proceedings are conducted fairly, safely and efficiently, while protecting the rights of all participants.
A Dublin mother has received a six-month prison sentence for sending social media messages to Tanaiste Simon Harris, branding him a murderer and saying I hope somebody does something to your family.

Distraught Sandra Barry, aged 40, Tor an Ri, Balgaddy, Co Lucan, broke down when her case was heard at Dublin District Court, as her messages were described as three minutes of madness.

Her solicitor, Tracy Horan, told Judge Michele Finan her client was pleading guilty. The charge stated that on August 30, 2025, at her home address, she sent a threatening or grossly offensive communication to Simon Harris with intent to cause harm.

The charge falls under the 2020 Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act. Mr Harris did not attend due to the guilty plea.

Sentencing, Judge Michele Finan said: These crimes are committed behind closed doors and in the comfort of people's homes and yet they have such huge and very catastrophic impact on the individuals who are the recipients, she said, adding that she had to impose a custodial sentence.

Barry was charged after a Garda Special Detective Unit investigation.

After sentencing, the mother of one was released on 200 appeal bail, and the defence said the case would be fully contested before the appeals judge in the Circuit Court. A date has yet to be set.

In evidence, Detective Garda Richard Markey said the injured party received messages on his Instagram account on August 31. Gardai obtained a warrant to examine an account and identified Barry. Further analysis led them to find the messages sent on August 30.

The investigation team believed certain terms were used to circumvent online safety protocols, and butlet stood for bullet. Some of the messages were blocked.

Detective Garda Markey read the messages aloud at Judge Finan's request for the court record.

What are you going to do about the attempted kidnapping of a child in Dublin, Lucan, Balgaddy, by a foreigner?

Butlet You need a butlet.

Butlet in the head you need.

Blood on your hands, you murderer

Fuck you I hope somebody does something to your family, and she asked if one of his relatives was raped, would you sort the country out?

Barrys home was searched on September 2. Detective Garda Markey agreed with Ms Horan that the accused was co-operative and made some admissions. The solicitor said her client was apologetic and brought a letter addressed to the injured party.

Barry, an equine hand from west Dublin earning minimum wage, has eight prior convictions since 2019, mainly for traffic offences and one for drug possession, resulting in fines.

A victim impact statement was handed into court but not read aloud during the hearing. Testimonials on behalf of the accused were also provided to Judge Finan.

Sentencing

Pleading for leniency, Ms Horan stressed that her client had no recollection of sending the messages, which happened over a three-minute period late at night.

The solicitor said Barry had been on a new anti-depression medication and had since gone back to her doctor for answers to what went wrong following the change of medication, why she did it and why she had no recollection of her actions.

The court heard Barry believed a child had been abducted, and that was playing on her mind at the time, and in her past, she had been the victim of a serious assault.

Ms Horan described her client as distraught and appalled by her behaviour.

This was three minutes of madness that should never have happened.

She was very upset when she saw the content of the messages, the court heard.

The solicitor said Barry has not come to further garda attention, was doing a full-time course, working as an equine hand, living with her partner, who is in employment, and who came to support her in court.

Barry did not give evidence.

Judge Finan noted the mitigation and the early guilty plea and took into account her good character, remorse, and a CV showing involvement in community work.

Refusing to suspend the sentence, the judge said she had considered all the options, and the court had to balance that with the contents of a victim impact statement and evidence which aggravated matters.
A 30-year-old west Clare man spent five weeks on remand in prison due to an incorrect initial Garda test which wrongly determined that the white substance found at his home was cocaine.

In the case before Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett commented it was Creatine after all before directing Robbie Walshs release from Limerick prison.

This followed Sgt Frank OGrady confirming to the court that the State was withdrawing the two drugs charges against Mr Walsh after further analysis undertaken on the white powder substance by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) in Dublin found it is not cocaine.

Mr Walsh turned 30 at Limerick prison last weekend, and in the case he was charged with the possession with intent for sale or supply of cocaine with an estimated street value of 22,232 at his home at Island View, Kilrush on November 9, 2025.

November bail hearing

At a contested bail hearing on November 12, 2025, when Mr Walsh was remanded in custody to Limerick prison after Garda objections to bail, Mr Walsh told the court that the white powder substance was the muscle building supplement, Creatine and not cocaine.

At the bail hearing, Garda Shane Geary said a large quantity of white powder was found at three locations at Mr Walshs Kilrush home during a Garda search on November 9, 2025.

Garda Geary said that 319 grams of the white substance was recovered and said the 22,332 estimate was based on a street value of 70 per gram for cocaine.

Garda Geary said Mr Walsh admitted that the white substance was his but denied that it was cocaine. Garda Geary told the court that gardai carried out a Presumptive Drug Test (PDT) on the white substance which determined that it was cocaine.

Opposing bail for Mr Walsh, Garda Geary said Mr Walsh was caught red-handed as 22,232 worth of cocaine was found in his home.

Garda Geary said Mr Walsh has a number of previous convictions including a seven-year prison term for manslaughter in 2019 at the Central Criminal Court. In that case, Mr Walsh was convicted of the manslaughter of Karl Haugh in Kilkee in August 2017.

Concerns over accuracy

In court, Mr Walshs solicitor, Monica Roche, raised concerns over the accuracy of PDT tests for drugs. Ms Roche told Judge Gabbett that PDT tests can be inaccurate sometimes.

In response, Garda Geary acknowledged to Ms Roche that PDT tests are not foolproof and have been known to be inaccurate from time to time.

Ms Roche told the court that Mr Walsh was so confident that the white substance was Creatine that he presented himself at Kilrush Garda Station. Ms Roche said Mr Walsh was trying his best to turn his life around and his partner is expecting a baby in February.

Judge Gabbett said Mr Walshs previous convictions are extremely serious, stating that he is a convicted violent man. The judge said the biggest hurdle was the number of convictions Mr Walsh has while on bail.

Judge Gabbett said he was refusing bail and after Judge Gabbett gave his ruling, Mr Walsh hugged his mother and sister in court before being led away by prison officers.

Before exiting the court, Mr Walsh asked Judge Gabbett to do his best to speed up the examination of the white substance by the FSI.
Farmers in tractors have blocked roads and set off fireworks in Brussels outside a European Union leaders summit, prompting police to respond with tear gas and water cannons as protesters rallied against a major free trade deal with South American nations.

Farmers fear an agreement with the trade bloc known as Mercosur will undercut their livelihoods, and there are broader political concerns it is driving support for the far-right.

The farmers brought potatoes and eggs to throw  along with sausages and beer for nourishment  and waged a furious back-and-forth with police.

We are fighting to defend our jobs across all European countries against Mercosur, said Armand Chevron, a 23-year-old French farmer.

Police in riot gear staffed barriers just outside the European Parliament, which evacuated some staff due to damage caused by protesters.

In the Belgian capital, protesters burned tyres and a faux wooden coffin bearing the word Agriculture.

Their fire unleashed a black cloud that swirled with white tear gas.

We will not die in silence, read one sign.

The dictatorship starts here, read another.

Hundreds of farmers such as Pierre Vromann, 60, had arrived on tractors, which they parked to block roads around the key institutions of the EU.

The Mercosur deal would be bad for farmers, bad for consumers, bad for citizens and bad for Europe, said Mr Vromann, who raises cattle and cereals in the nearby Belgian city of Waterloo.

Police try to disperse protesters during a demonstration of European farmers near the European Parliament in Brussels (Marius Burgelman/AP)

Other farmers came from as far away as Spain and Poland.

The clashes between the farmers and police raged just a stones throw from the Europa building, where leaders of the 27 EU nations discussed the trade pact as well as a proposal to seize Russian assets for use in Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Italy signalled it had reservations, joining the French-led opposition to signing the massive transatlantic free trade deal between the EU and the five active Mercosur countries  Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia.

The deal would progressively remove duties on almost all goods traded between the two blocs over the next 15 years.

French President Emmanuel Macron dug in against the Mercosur deal as he arrived for Thursdays EU summit, pushing for further concessions and more discussions in January.

He said he has been in discussions with Italian, Polish, Belgian, Austrian and Irish colleagues among others about delaying it.

Farmers already face an enormous amount of challenges, he said, as farmer protests rock regions around France.

We cannot sacrifice them on this accord.

Protesters burn rubbish near a statue and tractor during a demonstration near the European Parliament in Brussels (Marius Burgelman/AP)

Worried by a surging far-right that rallies support by criticising the deal, Mr Macrons government has demanded safeguards to monitor and stop large economic disruption in the EU, increased regulations in the Mercosur nations such as pesticide restrictions, and more inspections of imports at EU ports.

Premier Giorgia Meloni told the Italian parliament on Wednesday that signing the agreement in the coming days would be premature.

This doesnt mean that Italy intends to block or oppose (the deal), but that it intends to approve the agreement only when it includes adequate reciprocal guarantees for our agricultural sector, Ms Meloni said.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is determined to sign the agreement, but she needs the backing of at least two-thirds of EU nations.

Italys opposition would give France enough votes to veto Ms von der Leyens signature.

In Greece, farmers have set up roadblocks along highways across the country for weeks, protesting over delays in agricultural subsidy payments as well as high production costs and low product prices that they say are strangling their sector and making it impossible to make ends meet.

The accord has been under negotiation for 25 years.

Once ratified, it would cover a market of 780 million people and a quarter of the globes gross domestic product.

Police try to disperse protesters in Brussels (Marius Burgelman/AP)

Supporters say it would offer a clear alternative to Beijings export controls and Washingtons tariff blitzkrieg, while detractors say it will undermine both environmental regulations and the EUs famed agricultural sector.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said ahead of the Brussels summit that the EUs global status would be dented by a delay or scrapping of the deal.

If the European Union wants to remain credible in global trade policy, then decisions must be made now, Mr Merz said.

The deal is also about strategic competition between Western nations and China over Latin America, said Agathe Demarais, a senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

A failure to sign the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement risks pushing Latin American economies closer to Beijings orbit, she said.

Ms von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa are scheduled to sign the deal in Brazil on Saturday.

The political tensions that have marked Mercosur in recent years  especially between Argentinas far-right President Javier Milei and Brazils centre-left Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the blocs two main partners  have not deterred South American leaders from pursuing an alliance with Europe that will benefit their agricultural sectors.

Protesters stand next to tractors as tyres burn during a demonstration of European farmers outside an EU summit meeting in Brussels (Marius Burgelman/AP)

Mr Lula has been one of the most fervent promoters of the agreement.

As host of the upcoming summit, the Brazilian president is betting on closing the deal on Saturday and scoring a major diplomatic achievement ahead of next years general elections, in which he will seek re-election.

He said he was surprised by Italys hesitancy, and had spoken about it directly with Ms Meloni.

At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Mr Lula was clearly irked by Italy and Frances positions.

He said that Saturday would be a make-or-break moment for the deal.

If we dont do it now, Brazil wont make any more agreements while Im president, Mr Lula said, adding that the agreement would defend multilateralism as Mr Trump pursues unilateralism.

Mr Milei, a close ideological ally of Mr Trump, also supports the deal.

We must stop thinking of Mercosur as a shield that protects us from the world and start thinking of it as a spear that allows us to effectively penetrate global markets, he said some time ago.
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Middle East Studies Association of North America | 

( MESA Press Release )  WASHINGTONIn response to a letter sent by the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, the Treasury Department last week confirmed that a scholarly organizationthe Middle East Studies Association (MESA)may hold an event with U.N. Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese even though she has been sanctioned by the government. The letter, which the Treasury Department characterized as interpretive guidance, makes clear that hosting a speech by Albanese, asking her questions, and sharing research and scholarship with her are not prohibited under U.S. sanctions law.

The First Amendment generally forecloses the government from using its sanctions authority to suppress the exchange of ideasand it certainly prohibits the government from preventing scholars from engaging with one of the foremost experts in their field, says Xiangnong (George) Wang, staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute. The Treasury Departments concession is a significant reprieve to the many American scholars, journalists, and advocates that have been chilled from exercising their rights because they fear liability under U.S. sanctions laws.

In February 2025, President Trump signed an executive order authorizing sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), asserting that the courts investigations of U.S. and Israeli citizens for potential human rights violations posed an unusual and extraordinary threat to the United States. In July 2025, acting pursuant to that executive order, Secretary Marco Rubio designated Albanese, who serves as the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967. The designation has the effect of making it illegal for American groups and individuals to provide funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of Albanese.

Given Albaneses expertise in international law and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in particular, MESA made plans to invite Albanese to be the featured speaker in an online event scheduled for January 2026. Due to her designation, however, MESA became concerned that it could not proceed with the event without exposing itself and its members to the risk of severe civil and criminal penalties. In October, the Knight Institute sent the Treasury Department a letter on MESAs behalf seeking assurances that MESA would not violate U.S. sanctions law by including Albanese in its event, and expressing concern about the profound chilling effect that the Trump administrations ICC sanctions restrictions could have on a wide range of academic and political discourse.

Last weeks response from the Treasury Department confirms that MESA and its members may go forward with its event with Albanese without fear of penalty, and that the U.S. government cannot use its economic sanctions authority to suppress the cross-border exchange of information and ideas.

Were pleased with this result. Its imperative that our members be able to engage as academics with an internationally respected and globally renowned advocate for human rights without fear of retribution or punishment, says Ussama Makdisi, president of MESA.



Francesca Albanese in 2025, Fotografia oficial de la Presidencia de Colombia  Andrea Puentes. Public Domain. Via Wikimedia Commons .

Academic freedom is tested not when speech is easy, but when it is contested, adds Asl Bali, past president of MESA. Inviting U.N. Special Rapporteur Albanese to address our membership affirms MESAs role as a forum for intellectual engagement and scholarly inquiry free from government sanctions.

Read the Treasury Departments letter here.

Read the Knight Institutes October letter here.

Lawyers involved include Wang, Jake Karr, Nicola Morrow, Anna Diakun, Alex Abdo, and Jameel Jaffer for the Knight First Amendment Institute.

For more information, contact: Lorraine Kenny, lorraine.kenny@knightcolumbia.org.

MESA Press Release
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  Shibley Telhami, the Anwar Sadat Chair for Peace and Development and director of the Critical Issues Poll at the University of Maryland has the results of a sounding done this past summer on American attitudes to Jews and Muslims.

The PDF of his conclusions and those of his colleague Michael Hamner is lengthy, but here I just want to draw attention to some key findings.

The favorability rating of Muslim people in the US steadily rose from 46% in 2015, the year ISIL attacked Paris and posed a threat to US allies in the Middle East. In 2015, only 37% of Americans said that they had a favorable view of the Muslim religion. Maybe because Trump made them underdogs in the US during his first term, by 2021 78% of Americans said they had a favorable view of Muslim people. Some 57% had a favorable view of Islam as a religion.

It is a paradox that Americans at some points say they like Muslims, but take a dim view on the whole of their religion. Im not sure how that works. Moreover, it should be noted that their attitudes toward the religion are rooted in almost complete ignorance. Professor Telhami should ask them sometime about whether theyve ever read the Quran or a book about Islam by an academic specialist. Id bet only 2 or 3 percent would say yes. The Quran is the most disliked book in Europe and the US that no Europeans or Americans have read.

By January 2024, a few months after the Hamas attack on Israel of October 7, 2023, only 67% of respondents expressed a favorable view of Muslim people, a decline of 11 points. It went on down to 64% that August, but a year later had risen slightly to 65%.

It isnt rational that Americans let current events so heavily influence their views of Muslims. The paramilitary wing of Hamas had 30,000 fighters. There are 2 billion Muslims in the world, only 20% of them Arabs. The Palestinians of Gaza make up only 0.01% of the worlds Muslims, who reside in Senegal, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Turkiye, and many other non-Arab countries. And a majority of Palestinians in Gaza disapproved of Hamas in polling before October 7.

Most Americans dont know any Muslims, and so they let very particular news stories influence how they see them. Polling shows that Americans who do know a Muslim personally have a higher than average estimation of the community and the religion. Muslims in American are probably about 4 million strong, some 1.14 percent of the population.

There is also a strong partisan divide. Even in 2025 amid the Gaza genocide, 82% of Democrats said that they had a favorable view of Muslims. Only 43% of Republicans said that, down from 71% in 2021. Telhami and Hamner find that Republicans who watch Fox News regularly are the most Islamophobic. People who get their news from social media are more positive toward Muslims.



Photo by Kamil Kalkan on Unsplash

In contrast, the favorability of Jews and Judaism has increased across the board. In 2025 some 85% of Americans have a positive attitude toward Jews and 76% think well of Judaism as a religion.

I suspect the small minority of Americans who have an unfavorable view of Jews are on the far right.

An interesting divide has opened up about the definition of antisemitism. They write, In our 2025 poll, we found that a majority of respondents said that attitudes against Jews (73%) and attitudes against Judaism (55%) were antisemitic.

Im not sure what antisemitism could be if not attitudes against Jews, but I guess 17% of Americans couldnt go along with that one. It is also interesting that 45% seem to think you can dislike the Judaic religion and still not be antisemitic.

Many fewer Americans think that a negative view of Zionism equates to antisemitism. Even among Republicans, only 39% hold this view, and only 21% of Democrats do.

Interestingly more Republicans (44%) thought critiquing Israeli policy is antisemitic than thought critiquing Zionism is. Only 21% of Democrats think that attitudes against Zionism are antisemitic, and only 20% believe that attitudes against Israeli policies are antisemitic. In fact, 59%, a clear majority, of Democrats said that attitudes against Israeli policies are not antisemitic.

One thing going on here is that at least 2/3s of evangelicals vote Republican, and evangelicals often believe that it is wrong to criticize Israel, misusing Genesis 12:2 in this regard.

The poll knocks down the Trump administrations position that there is an epidemic of antisemitism in the United States. The college-educated are even more favorable toward Jews and Judaism than the general population. On the other hand, there is clearly a crisis of Islamophobia in the US, especially among Republicans and especially by those who watch Fox Cable News.
By Brett Murphy and Anna Maria Barry-Jester, photography by Brian Otieno for ProPublica. | 

( ProPublica)  On July 18, a mild, overcast night in Nairobi, Kenya, a team of President Donald Trumps top foreign aid advisers ducked into a meeting room at the Tribe Hotel, their luxury accommodations in the citys diplomatic quarter, for a private dinner.

The visitors from Washington included Marcus Thornton, a former Border Patrol agent known for a series of public lawsuits against the Biden administrations COVID-19 vaccine mandate; Kenneth Jackson, a former oil executive who had done a stint in government under the first Trump administration; and Laken Rapier, whod previously managed communications for the city of Fort Worth, Texas. This year, all had been appointed to leadership roles in the U.S. Agency for International Development, the premier government humanitarian agency in the world.

Five months earlier, some of the visiting aides had celebrated USAIDs destruction over cake and speeches in Washington. With that job done, theyd embarked on a world tour of half a dozen cities, including the Kenyan capital. They were granted special permission to fly business class to help ensure maximum rest and comfort, according to an internal memo. Thornton alone received authorization to expense more than $35,000 in taxpayer money for the trip. The plan was to conduct exit interviews with USAIDs top experts, who were being forced out of the agency amid the administrations stated commitment to austerity.

When the U.S. embassy in Nairobi learned of the visit, officials there arranged the dinner with a goal in mind. It would be their last opportunity to explain, face-to-face, the catastrophic impact of Trumps drastic cuts to foreign aid.

A top concern: the administrations failure to fund the World Food Programs operation in Kenya, where about 720,000 refugees, among the most vulnerable people on earth, relied on the organization to survive. After providing $112 million in 2024, the U.S. abruptly cut off money in January without warning, leaving the program with no time to find adequate support or import the food needed for the rest of the year.

For months afterward, U.S. government and humanitarian officials warned Washington that the cutoff had led to increasingly dire circumstances. They begged Trumps political advisers, including Thornton, to renew WFPs grant and give the money it needed to avert disaster. The embassy in Nairobi sent at least eight cables to the office of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, explaining the situation on the ground and projecting mass hunger, violence and regional instability.

Those warnings went unheeded. Rubio, facing pressure from lawmakers and humanitarian groups, nevertheless publicly asserted that the agencys mass cuts had spared food programs  even as the administration failed to fund WFP in Kenya behind the scenes. If its providing food or medicine or anything that is saving lives and is immediate and urgent, youre not included in the freeze, Rubio told reporters on Feb. 4. I dont know how much more clear we can be than that.

By the spring, WFP still had not received funding, ran low on supplies and would be forced to stop feeding many of Kenyas refugees. In Kakuma, the third-largest camp in the world, WFP cut rations to their lowest in history, trapping most of the 308,000 people in the camp with almost nothing to eat.



Chris Alcantara/ProPublica

They began to starve, and many  mostly children  died because their malnourished bodies couldnt fight off infections, ProPublica found while reporting in the camp. Mothers had to choose which of their kids to feed. Young men took to the streets in protests, some of which devolved into violent riots. Pregnant women with life-threatening anemia were so desperate for calories that they ate mud. Out of options and mortally afraid, refugees began fleeing the camp by foot and in overcramped cars, threatening a new migration crisis on the continent. They said theyd rather risk being shot or dying on the perilous route than slowly starving in Kakuma.

To press the urgency of the situation in East Africa at dinner, the embassy officials enlisted Dragica Pajevic, a WFP veteran of more than two decades. Pajevic arrived at the Tribe Hotel early. She brought props. The bag slung over her shoulder held a collection of Tupperware containers with different amounts of dry rice, lentils and oil.

As they ate, she placed each container on the table. The largest represented 2,100 daily calories, what humanitarians like her consider the minimum daily intake for an adult. The next container showed 840 calories. That is what a fifth of refugees in Kakuma were set to receive come August. Another third would get just over 400 calories. Then she showed an empty container. The rest  almost half of the people in Kakuma  would get nothing at all.

Pajevic ended her presentation by relaying a truism that she said a government official in Liberia had once told her: The only difference between life and death during a famine is WFP and the U.S. government, its largest donor.

The one whos not hungry cannot understand the beastly pain of hunger, Pajevic said, and what a person is willing to do just to tame that beastly pain.

The response was muted, according to other people familiar with the dinner. Jackson, then USAIDs deputy administrator for management and resources, said the decision to renew WFPs grant was now with the State Department, and gave no indication he would appeal on the organizations behalf. Thornton, a foreign service officer who ascended to a leadership post under Trump, did not speak. Instead, he spent much of the meal looking at his cellphone.

The dinner plates were cleared and the visitors headed to the airport. They just took zero responsibility for this, one of the attendees said, and zero responsibility for whats going to happen.

The details of this episode are drawn from accounts by six people familiar with the trip, as well as internal government records. Most people in this article spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. This year, ProPublica, The New Yorker and other outlets have documented violence and hunger due to the aid cuts in Kenyas camps. But the scale of suffering throughout Kakuma  and the string of decisions by American officials that contributed to it  have not been previously reported.

The camp had seen similar spikes in pediatric malnutrition in recent years, but they were tied to natural causes, such as malaria outbreaks, extreme drought or COVID-19, according to staff of the International Rescue Committee, a U.S.-based nonprofit that operates Kakumas only hospital.

This was something different: an American-made hunger crisis. So far this year, community health workers have referred almost 12,000 malnourished children for immediate medical attention.

What has come with Trump, Ive never experienced anything like it, said one aid worker who has been in Kakuma for decades. Its huge and brutal and traumatizing.

In response to a detailed list of questions, a senior State Department official insisted that no one had died as a result of foreign aid cuts. The official also said that the U.S. still gives WFP hundreds of millions a year and the administration is shifting to investments that will better serve both the U.S. and key allies like Kenya over time. We just signed a landmark health agreement with Kenya, the official said, pointing to recent endorsements by government officials there. Thats going to transform their ability to build their domestic capacity, to take care of their populations, to improve the quality of health care in Kenya.

The day of the dinner, 370 miles from the Tribe Hotel, Mary Sunday sat on a vinyl bed in the pediatric malnutrition ward of Kakumas hospital, cradling her 7-month-old baby, Santina. The name means little saint in Italian, and Mary could only pray that God would save her babys life.

Slender, with close-cropped hair and arresting eyes, Sunday had rushed Santina to the hospital four days earlier after the infant developed severe diarrhea. Her husband, Juma Lotunya, had stayed behind to care for their 2-year-old, Grace.

Devout Christians in their early 20s, the couple fled to Kakuma together from South Sudan. They considered parenthood a sacred responsibility  especially Sunday, whose own mother died when she was young. As their family grew, Lotunya had hoped to start a small shop so he could afford to send their daughters to school. I had that simple dream, he said.

But in June, when Santina was 6 months old, WFP cut the camps food rations. Families like theirs were allotted just a small amount of rice and lentils  630 daily calories per person  which they were expected to make last until August. Sunday and Lotunya stretched it as long as they could, eating one small meal per day. But the food ran out before the end of June. Sunday stopped producing enough breastmilk to feed Santina, and their chubby baby began to waste away. By the time they arrived at the hospital, Santina weighed only 11 pounds. Staff noted in her charts that she was severely malnourished, her eyes sunken.

Sunday watched helplessly under the clinics fluorescent lights as hospital staff pumped her baby with medicine and tried to reintroduce more calories.

On the clinics walls, next to decals of butterflies, monkeys and seahorses, loomed dry-erase boards with columns of data tracking how many children and babies had died in the room this year. Sunday spoke no English, but she knew what the numbers meant: One row listed admissions to the pediatric malnutrition ward  about 400 per month on average, including the highest number of edema cases, a key marker of severity, in years.

Another row on the whiteboards tallied those who never left the clinic: At least 54 children have died in the hospital with complications brought on by malnutrition in 2025 alone, including a surge in the spring when families first began rationing their food because of the USAID cuts. Worldwide, this year is the first in decades that early childhood deaths will increase, the Gates Foundation recently reported. Researchers said a key factor is the cuts to foreign aid.

In the hospitals courtyard, another mother, 20-year-old Nyangoap Riek, leaned against a tree with her two children at her feet and said she was considering an extreme solution. The thing I think about is committing suicide, she told ProPublica, because I heard the U.N. takes care of the kids when the parents are gone.

Kakuma has been a sanctuary in East Africa since the United Nations and Kenyan government began accepting refugees there in 1992. People have come fleeing deadly violence in some two dozen countries  mainly from South Sudan like Sunday and Lotunya  but also as far away as Afghanistan. Covering an area about half the size of Manhattan, Kakuma is a loose constellation of head-high mud and thatch neighborhoods and corrugated metal slums, like a macabre oasis in a desert, stitched together by rutted motorcycle trails.

Its sheer scale has drawn political figures, Olympic gold medalists and Hollywood celebrities on humanitarian visits. Movies have been made, including a documentary about the Lost Boys of Sudan, a group of unaccompanied minors escaping war and conflict. Angelina Jolie opened a school there.

A high-ranking Republican-appointed diplomat from the U.S. once called Kakuma the hottest, driest land on earth, a place that is very close to the edge of Hades.

We are sustaining life, she said, by helping fund the World Food Program.

In the past, USAID gave WFPs global operations billions every year, including the funds to feed refugees at camps in Kenya. The aid is one end of a bargain to bring stability to the region. Countries like Kenya take in refugees from a host of other countries fleeing violence, famine or natural disasters. In exchange, the U.S., along with other wealthy nations vested in saving lives, help foot the bill for essential services. Without food, experts say, refugees would likely spill out of Kenya into other countries. Conflicts may last longer, claim more lives and create new refugees.

USAID has been ubiquitous in Kakuma for so long that its a literal building block in the camp; millions of old cans of cooking oil bearing the agencys letters have been flattened and repurposed as lattice fencing.

When the Trump administration froze thousands of USAID programs during a putative review of the agencys operations in January, Rubio insisted food programs would be spared.

But then Rubios lieutenants failed to extend WFPs Kenya funding, blowing up the typical timetable the organization needed in order to ship food to Kakuma by summer.

WFP was blindsided. The organizations leaders had received no notice ahead of the cuts and no communication about whether the Trump administration would ever renew their grant. There was zero plan, except causing pain, said one U.N. official. And that is not forgivable.

Even before the second Trump administration, funding shortfalls in recent years had forced the organization to drop rations by around 20% to 40% throughout the camp. To adjust for the long term, WFP was planning to reform its model in Kenya to make sure the small minority of people with some income, like small-business owners, didnt receive food.

But this year, WFPs leaders were forced to stretch their remaining supplies from last year. They made the drastic decision to cut rations to their lowest in Kakumas history. They also reduced distributions to once every other month instead of monthly.

In August, the handouts would become even more austere, as WFP rushed to prioritize families based on need. They determined only half the population would receive food. Most people learned which half they were in from a number stamped on the back of their ration card.

Across the world in Washington, the fate of places like Kakuma was in the hands of a select few political appointees, including Thornton, who was named the agencys deputy chief of staff on March 18. Thornton first worked beneath Peter Marocco, Rubios head of foreign assistance, and later under Jeremy Lewin, initially an Elon Musk hire. Besides Rubio, none of them were subject to Senate confirmation.

As pleas poured in from government officials in Washington and abroad to restart aid operations in Africa, including WFP in Kenya, the appointees often failed to act, records and interviews show.

On March 18, USAIDs political leadership invited career government aid officials from the agencys major bureaus to pitch the handful of programs they thought were most critical. It was the only time the agencys Africa bureau had an opportunity to make a full-throated case for its development programs across the continent. They had just 45 minutes to do it.

In the room was Thornton, a member of the Ben Franklin Fellowship, an organization that champions the primacy of American sovereignty. Thornton said in podcast appearances that his campaign against President Joe Bidens vaccine mandate for federal workers introduced him to a government bureaucracy that is not reflective of the values of the people that it serves and requires fear and accountability to come to heel, Mother Jones reported.

As part of the meeting, Brian Frantz, acting head of USAIDs Africa bureau and a diplomat with nearly 25 years of experience, pitched Kenya as an important trade and national security partner. At one point when discussing another country, Frantz mentioned the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, using the acronym TDA. Thornton perked up, according to two attendees. Then he asked: Was TDA a reference to the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua?

The USAID officials were stunned. That was the one thing he said in that meeting, one of the attendees recalled. There was just zero interest in the subject matter.

In a blistering memo circulated around the agency before he was laid off in late summer, Frantz upbraided political leaders. He detailed how they had prevented lifesaving programs from coming back online by refusing to pay for services already rendered and restricting access to USAIDs payment systems. He said they had frequently changed the process for how to appeal program terminations, burying their subordinates in paperwork for months.

We were given make-work to keep us spinning our wheels, another former official recalled.

Months before the last-ditch appeal at the Tribe dinner, embassy staff in Nairobi had also tried unsuccessfully to get funding restored to WFP. In March, Marc Dillard, the acting U.S. ambassador, went to Kakuma for a tour of the hospital where Sunday and Santina would later check in.

After seeing the stakes firsthand, Dillard signed a series of cables to Washington documenting the chaos and death in Kakuma and other camps caused by the sudden funding cuts to WFP. On May 6, the embassy wrote that declining food assistance had already contributed to several deaths and could result in escalating instability in Kenya.

At one point, a group of teenagers and young men in Kakuma splintered off from a protest and set fire to WFPs tents. Kenyan police responded by shooting at them, wounding at least two, including a teenager who was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the head. Ordinarily considered among the most peaceful refugee camps in Africa, Kakuma went into lockdown. Aid workers hid inside their compounds.

Sexual assault, violent protests and other crimes would only increase without aid, Kenyan government officials warned the embassy, according to another cable. They predicted the cuts could destabilize one of Americas closest allies in Africa, undermining Kenyan willingness to host thousands of refugees, many of whom would likely otherwise join the illegal migration flows bound for Europe and the United States.

At a roadside staging area, some of those fleeing Kakuma hired smugglers to take them the 70 miles to the South Sudan border  the same country where they had escaped violence. As many as two dozen women, children and babies contorted inside cars with their belongings piled on the roof. Its hunger that chased us, one woman said through the cracked window of a car about to depart. Its hunger thats making us leave.

In mid-May, USAIDs humanitarian assistance bureau in Washington delivered a memo again requesting the political appointees approve funding for WFP Kenya. Without this additional assistance, the appeal stated, the WFP-provided food rations will reduce from normal levels of 60% to 20%, putting nearly 1 million people at risk of starvation and death and likely triggering additional insecurity within the refugee camps.

Records show seven advisers in the chain of command signed off on more funding for WFP in Kenya. When the request got to Thornton, who by then had been promoted to USAIDs chief of staff, he did not. No money went through at that time. Thornton became a real road block, a former USAID official said.

Thornton did not respond to a request for comment. In response to questions about episodes like this, the senior State Department official said the Office of Management and Budget, not USAID or the State Department, has ultimate authority to approve new foreign aid money. They said they worked closely with OMB to review all of the funding requests. In order to make an obligation like that, the official said, you need to have apportioned funds from OMB.

When ProPublica asked about the funding delays and the State Departments explanation, OMBs communications director Rachel Cauley said in an email, Thats absolutely false. And thats not even how this process works. She did not clarify what was false.

Santina declined rapidly in the days after arriving at the clinic. Hospital staff tried everything. They gave her IV fluids, put her on oxygen support and updated the diagnosis to marasmus, a severe form of malnutrition where the body starts to eat itself. Pneumonia gripped her lungs. Santinas color faded and she struggled to breathe. She became unresponsive to pain.

Cradling her baby, Sunday thought about her oldest daughter back at home. Two-year-old Grace wore a little bell around her ankle because she was prone to wandering off. Sunday thought: What will Grace eat today? Tomorrow? Will she end up here too?

Just after 5 a.m. on July 21, hospital staff pronounced Santina dead.

A doctor and nutrition specialist with the International Rescue Committee said Santina almost certainly would have survived if she werent malnourished. To Lotunya, the cause was clear: After starving for weeks, his wife could no longer breastfeed, which is why Santina had become so tiny and weak. That is why she died, he said.

Santina was transferred to the hospitals morgue, a squat concrete building at the edge of the compound. Lotunya borrowed $10 to bury his daughter in Kakumas cemetery, just on the other side of the hospital fence.



Photo of Kenyans in need by Tucker Tangeman on Unsplash

Once proud to be the mother shed grown up missing, shame washed over Sunday. I felt I wasnt mother enough, she said later, nearly in a whisper.

In early August, Sunday came home after helping to harvest the sallow greens a neighbor was growing out of dry, cracked earth. In exchange, they had given her a few handfuls of the vegetable wrapped in fabric. It was the familys only food.

The August food distribution was supposed to come any day; the camp was tense. WFPs new rankings determined that only half of Kakuma would receive food, a decision most refugees deeply opposed. Lotunya, Sunday and Grace were among those who would get nothing.

Someone had stolen the roof off the familys single-room mud house, so Lotunya had used tarp and cardboard for a makeshift cover, which was disintegrating in the hot sun. Grace played on the dirt patio, the bell on her ankle chiming as she moved between her parents, clinging to their legs and crawling into their laps.

Doting on her, they said, was the only way to cope with losing Santina. They have just one picture of their youngest child: a fuzzy, black-and-white image on the familys refugee registration. But, Sunday said, looking at her oldest daughter asleep on Lotunyas shoulder, I have Grace.

In late September, the State Department signed an extension to WFPs Kenya operation. This year, the U.S. gave $66 million, which is 40% less than it received last year and, critically, the funds arrived nine months into the year.

WFP has told refugees it plans to provide food through at least March. Even then, most families are set to receive between one-fifth and three-fifths of the recommended minimum daily calories.

Sunday, Lotunya and Grace would each get the equivalent of 420 calories a day.

Brett Murphy is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter on ProPublicas national desk, where he writes about the government, companies and power.

Anna Maria Barry-Jester reports on global public health and the agencies that govern it, including the NIH, IHS, USAID and CDC.

Alex Mierjeski contributed research. Yiel Awat contributed reporting. Photo editing by Peter DiCampo. Graphics by Chris Alcantara.

Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)
High grade drilling results strengthen confidence in significant resource growth and mine life extension

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Orla Mining Ltd. (TSX: OLA; NYSE: ORLA) ("Orla" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on continued exploration success at the Musselwhite Mine, with drilling confirming high grade gold mineralization extends two kilometers beyond current underground operations.

Since the October 6 update, announcing initial discovery of the mine trend extension, the Company's aggressive, multifaceted drilling campaign has delivered consistent high-grade results across all priority zones, strengthening confidence in significant resource growth potential and extended mine life.

New Exploration Highlights:

Continued Mine Trend Extensions Confirmation: Significant gold mineralization intersected two kilometres down plunge of current operations, returning 5.0 metres at 5.57 g/t Au incl. 1.0 m at 8.79 g/t Au (25-NSD03-002W).

Significant gold mineralization intersected two kilometres down plunge of current operations, returning (25-NSD03-002W). Additional underground resource growth: Multiple high-grade underground intersections from the Redwings, Lynx, West Limb and PQE Zones continue to support production and growth, including 9.0 metres at 22.1 g/t Au (25-LNX-009) and 15.0 metres at 10.1 g/t Au (25-LNX-041).

Multiple high-grade underground intersections from the Redwings, Lynx, West Limb and PQE Zones continue to support production and growth, (25-LNX-009) and (25-LNX-041). Continued near-mine satellite drilling success: Shallow high-grade mineralization confirmed at near-mine satellite targets, including 1.2 metres at 43.8 g/t Au incl. 0.4 m at 129 g/t Au (25-KAZ-007).

"Since our October 2025 update, the Musselwhite exploration program has continued delivering a steady stream of high-grade intercepts across all priority zones. These results strengthen confidence in resource growth and the outlook for extended mine life. We will carry the momentum with all priority exploration programs initiated in 2025 continuing through 2026." Sylvain Guerard, Orla's Senior Vice President, Exploration

Deep Directional Drilling Confirms Two-Kilometre Mine Trend Extension, Potential Upper and Lower Zones

The 20252026 deep directional surface drill program is targeting the northwest down-plunge extension of the Mine Trend, testing approximately one to two kilometres beyond current operations through a planned 30-hole program. To date, 11,744 metres have been completed, with assay results received from eight holes. Planned drill metres have increased from 11,000 metres to approximately 12,500 metres by year-end 2025. This news release reports results from four additional holes completed since the October 6, 2025, results press release.

Mother Hole #3, Daughter-Hole #1: Confirms High Grade Two-Kilometres from Current Operations

Assays from Mother Hole #3 and its first daughter hole confirm the Mine Trend continues two kilometres beyond current operations, with a 400 metre step out from the previously reported 4.1 metres at 15.1 g/t Au (October 6, 2025, release).

5.0 metres at 5.57 g/t Au incl. 1.0 m at 8.79 g/t Au (25-NSD03-002W)

Mother Hole #2, Daughter Holes #1-2: Deep drilling suggests stacked mineralized zones

As previously reported in October, hole 25-NSD02-001 intersected high-grade gold, returning 4.1 metres at 15.1 g/t Au. Based on drill orientation and geological interpretation, this initial intersection is now believed to represent an extension of the Lynx Zone, rather than the PQ Zone. Both zones occur in the deeper portion of the mine, with the Lynx Zone representing an upper mineralized horizon and the PQ Zone occurring below.

Subsequent drilling since October included the completion of first and second daughter holes drilled deeper on the same section. These holes intersected lower-grade gold mineralization, returning 0.18 to 0.47 g/t Au over 2.0 to 3.5 metres, which is interpreted to represent a lower-grade interval situated between the upper Lynx Zone and the lower PQ Zone.

Further down-dip drilling planned through 2026 will target wider, higher-grade mineralization typical of the PQ Zone at depth. This evolving interpretation of stacked upper and lower mineralized zones remains under evaluation, but if confirmed, could represent material new information and meaningful upside potential for the broader extension area.

Mother Hole #1, Daughter Hole #2: 1.0 metre at 8.06 g/t Au incl. 0.4 m at 13.4 g/t Au (25-NSD01-003W)

Underground Drilling Results Reinforce Continuity and Identify More Extensions

The underground program has remained focused on the Redwings, Lynx, and PQE zones, with select drilling on the West Limb. The high-grade results support ongoing efforts to replace and expand resources and reserves. In 2025, 30,250 metres of drilling and 107 holes have been completed, with assays received for 63 of the holes. Notable intercepts include:

Lynx Zone:

9.0 metres at 22.1 g/t Au (25-LNX-009)

(25-LNX-009) 15.0 metres at 10.1 g/t Au incl. 3.3 m at 37 g/t Au (25-LNX-041)

(25-LNX-041) 2.8 metres at 13.2 g/t Au (25-LNX-048)

Redwings Zone:

6.2 metres at 15.8 g/t Au (25-RDW-049)

PQE Zone:

1.0 metres at 75.5 g/t Au (25-PQE-031)

West Limb Zone:

1.0 metres at 283 g/t Au (25-WEL-007)

(25-WEL-007) 0.9 metres at 94.6 g/t Au (25-WEL-003)

Near-Mine Surface Drilling Identifies Satellite Opportunities Proximal to Mill

The 6,500-metre near-mine surface program, completed in October, returned encouraging shallow intercepts across five targets, including a narrow high-grade intersection. Follow up drilling planned in early 2026 will advance the Camp Bay mineralized zone and a four-kilometre strike trend along the Musselwhite SE extension also known as "Karl Zeemal". Combined historical and new results support the potential for additional mill feed sources. Notable new results from these targets include:

Karl Zeemal:

1.2 metres at 43.8 g/t Au incl. 0.4 m at 129.0 g/t Au from 28.8 m downhole (25-KAZ-007)

Au from 28.8 m downhole (25-KAZ-007) 3.1 metres at 2.56 g/t Au incl. 1.0 m at 6.34 g/t Au from 25 m downhole (25-KAZ-001)

Camp Bay:

1.2 metres at 4.78 g/t Au incl. 0.5 m at 7.64 g/t Au from 18.5 m downhole (25-CMP-005)

from 18.5 m downhole (25-CMP-005) 3.8 metres at 0.64 g/t Au from 12 m downhole (25-CMP-004)

2026 Planning to Target Continued Mine Trend Extension and Resource Expansion

Orla plans to advance the second year of its aggressive two-year exploration strategy in 2026, building on programs initiated in 2025. Efforts will target the Mine Trend Extension, underground resource and reserve growth, and selective near-mine satellite opportunities, supporting potential mine life extensions and future operational expansions. Further details on the 2026 exploration programs will be provided in early 2026.

Table 1: Deep Directional Intersection Detailed Highlights

HOLE-ID From

(m) Core Length

(m) Estimated

True Width

(m) Au

(g/t) Including Au GXM Method 25-NSD01-003W 2033.4 1.0 0.7 8.06 0.4m @ 13.4g/t Au 8.06 Photon (ALS) 25-NSD03-002W 2285.0 1.0 0.9 6.83 0.3m @ 16.7g/t Au 6.83 Photon (ALS) 25-NSD03-002W 2308.0 5.0 4.6 5.57 1.0m @ 8.79g/t Au 1.0m @ 8.25g/t Au 27.87 Photon (ALS)

Table 2: Underground Drill Intersection Detailed Highlights

HOLE-ID From

(m) Core Length

(m) Estimated

True Width

(m) Au

(g/t) Including Au GXM Method 25-LNX-009 235.0 9.0 7.7 22.06 8.1m @ 24g/t Au 198.57 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-040 222.0 5.0 4.9 6.2 1m @ 12.7g/t Au 30.93 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-041 241.0 15.0 11.6 10.14 3.3m @ 37g/t Au,

0.6m @ 11.3g/t Au 152.05 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-042 226.4 3.6 3.4 18.1 3.3m @ 19.5g/t Au 65.06 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-043 266.6 7.4 5.5 4.40 0.8m @ 15.4g/t Au,

0.4m @ 12.8g/t Au 32.55 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-045 149.4 3.4 2.3 20.0 3.4m @ 20g/t Au 68.01 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-048 120.5 2.8 1.1 13.18 0.5m @ 45.9g/t Au 36.90 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-054 267.0 2.0 1.0 17.1 1m @ 26.4g/t Au 34.22 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-PQE-031 272.0 1.0 0.8 75.50 1m @ 75.5g/t Au 75.50 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-RDW-046 196.3 13.7 11.2 2.7 36.85 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-RDW-049 185.3 6.2 5.9 15.78 4.3m @ 19.8g/t Au 97.86 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-RDW-051 224.4 1.8 1.0 18.7 0.7m @ 40.4g/t Au 33.74 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-WEL-001 64.5 6.8 5.4 6.20 0.5m @ 16.3g/t Au,

0.4m @ 16g/t Au,

0.4m @ 14.9g/t Au,

0.3m @ 18.1g/t Au 42.18 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-WEL-003 101.6 0.9 0.8 94.6 0.9m @ 94.6g/t Au 85.14 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-WEL-007 107.0 1.0 0.3 283.00 1m @ 283g/t Au 283.00 Fire Assay (SGS)

Table 3: Near Mine Drill Intersection Detailed Highlights

HOLE-ID From

(m) Core Length

(m) Estimated

True Width

(m) Au

(g/t) Including Au GXM Method 25-BOT-005 327.3 2.5 1.8 2.51 0.3m @ 5.77g/t Au 6.28 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-CMP-005 18.5 1.2 1.1 4.78 0.5m @ 7.64g/t Au 5.74 Photon (ALS) 25-KAZ-001 25.0 3.1 2.3 2.56 1m @ 6.34g/t Au 7.94 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-KAZ-007 28.8 1.2 1.1 43.76 0.4m @ 129g/t Au 52.51 Fire Assay (ALS)

True width estimated where orientation of geological control on gold mineralization is certain.

Additional Technical Information

All mineralized interval lengths reported are down-hole intervals, with true width estimates ranging from 30-100% for the reported interval. True widths are not estimated in cases where there is insufficient geological control on gold mineralization. See Tables 1 to 3 in the Appendix of this news release for estimated true widths of individual composites. A minimum sampling length of 0.30 m is used for both underground and surface drilling. The reported composites were not subject to "capping" of high grades. Orla believes that applying a top cut would have a negligible effect on overall grades.

Qualified Persons Statement

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Sylvain Guerard, P Geo., SVP Exploration of the Company, who is the Qualified Person as defined under the definitions of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101").

To verify the information related to the 2025 drilling program at Musslewhite Mine, Mr. Guerard has visited the property in October 2025, discussed logging, sampling, and sample shipping processes with responsible site staff, discussed and reviewed assay and QA/QC results with responsible personnel, and reviewed supporting documentation, including drill hole location and orientation and significant assay interval calculations.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control  2025 Drill Program and Historical Drilling

Gold results at Musselwhite were obtained at ALS Canada Inc. ("ALS") or SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") using fire assay fusion and an atomic absorption spectroscopy finish (ALS: Au-AA23, SGS: GE_FAA30V5). If samples returned gold values greater than 10 ppm, samples are re-run with gold by fire assay and gravimetric finish (ALS: Au-GRA21, SGS: GO_FAG30V). Gold results were also obtained at ALS using PhotonAssayTM on two aliquots of 500g of crushed sample (ALS: Au-PA01).

Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QAQC) and interpretation of results were performed by qualified persons employing a QAQC program consistent with NI 43-101 and industry best practices. For Fire Assay analyses, standards were inserted at a frequency of four in every 100 samples, and blanks were inserted at a frequency of four in every 100 samples.

ALS and SGS are both independent of Orla. ALS is an ISO-17025 accredited laboratory for photon assay methods. There are no known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the drilling data at Musselwhite.

For additional information on Musslewhite, see the Musselwhite Report (as defined below) and the Company's press releases dated October 6, 2025 (Orla Mining Discovers Potential Two-Kilometre Extension at Musselwhite) and April 1, 2025 (Orla Mining Launches $25M Exploration Drilling Program to Expand Reserves and Resources and Extend Musselwhite Mine Trend).

Historical drill results at Musselwhite were completed by Goldcorp. Inc. ("Goldcorp") and/or Newmont, the prior owners of the project. The Company's independent qualified person, DRA Americas, Inc. was of the opinion that the drilling and sampling procedures for Musselwhite drill samples by Goldcorp and Newmont were reasonable and adequate for the purposes of the Musselwhite Report, and that the Goldcorp and Newmont QA/QC program met or exceeded industry standards. See the Company's NI 43-101 technical report for the project entitled "Technical Report  Musselwhite Mine Project, Ontario, Canada" with an effective date of November 18, 2024 (the "Musselwhite Report") for additional information.

About Orla Mining Ltd.

Orla's corporate strategy is to acquire, develop, and operate mineral properties where the Company's expertise can substantially increase stakeholder value. The Company has three material projects, consisting of two operating mines and one development project, all 100% owned by the Company: (1) Camino Rojo, in Zacatecas State, Mexico, an operating gold and silver open-pit and heap leach mine. The property covers over 139,000 hectares which contains a large oxide and sulphide mineral resource, (2) Musselwhite Mine, in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, an underground gold mine that has been in operation for over 25 years and produced over 6 million ounces of gold, with a long history of resource growth and conversion, and (3) South Railroad, in Nevada, United States, a feasibility-stage, open pit, heap leach gold project located on the Carlin trend in Nevada. The technical reports for the Company's material projects are available on Orla's website at www.orlamining.com, and on SEDAR+ and EDGAR under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov, respectively.

For further information, please contact:

Jason Simpson

President & Chief Executive Officer

Andrew Bradbury

Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development

www.orlamining.com

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the United States Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, or in releases made by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, all as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding: the Company's exploration program at Musselwhite and the timing and goals thereof, including the potential for reserve and resource growth, mine life extension, operational expansion, upside potential, the potential for satellite deposits and longer-term growth and operational flexibility; and the Company's goals and objectives. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding: the future price of gold and silver; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to fund its programs; the Company's ability to carry on exploration, development, and mining activities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate the Musselwhite Mine; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore grades and recoveries; decommissioning and reclamation estimates; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services remaining as estimated; the Company's ability to secure and to meet obligations under property agreements, including the layback agreement with Fresnillo plc; that all conditions of the Company's credit facility will be met; the timing and results of drilling programs; mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates and the assumptions on which they are based; the discovery of mineral resources and mineral reserves on the Company's mineral properties; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits, including those approvals and permits required for successful project permitting, construction, and operation of projects; the timing of cash flows; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the Company's ability to operate in a safe, efficient, and effective manner; the Company's ability to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; and that there will be no material adverse change or disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, 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. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: uncertainty and variations in the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves; risks related to the Company's indebtedness and gold prepayment; risks related to exploration, development, and operation activities; foreign country and political risks, including risks relating to foreign operations; tailings risks; reclamation costs; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain governmental permits, or non-compliance with permits; environmental and other regulatory requirements; loss of, delays in, or failure to get access from surface rights owners; uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; water rights; risks related to natural disasters, terrorist acts, health crises, and other disruptions and dislocations; financing risks and access to additional capital; risks related to guidance estimates and uncertainties inherent in the preparation of feasibility studies; uncertainty in estimates of production, capital, and operating costs and potential production and cost overruns; the fluctuating price of gold and silver; risks related to the Cerro Quema Project; unknown labilities in connection with acquisitions; global financial conditions; uninsured risks; climate change risks; competition from other companies and individuals; conflicts of interest; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws; volatility in the market price of the Company's securities; assessments by taxation authorities in multiple jurisdictions; foreign currency fluctuations; the Company's limited operating history; litigation risks; the Company's ability to identify, complete, and successfully integrate acquisitions; intervention by non-governmental organizations; outside contractor risks; risks related to historical data; risks related to the Company's foreign subsidiaries; risks related to the Company's accounting policies and internal controls; the Company's ability to satisfy the requirements of SarbanesOxley Act of 2002; enforcement of civil liabilities; the Company's status as a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) for U.S. federal income tax purposes; information and cyber security; the Company's significant shareholders; gold industry concentration; shareholder activism; other risks associated with executing the Company's objectives and strategies; as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated March 18, 2025, which are available on www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Appendix: Drill Results

Table 1: MSW Deep Directional Drill Results

HOLE-ID From

(m) Core Length

(m) Estimated

True Width

(m) Au

(g/t) Au GXM Including Method 25-NSD01-003W 2033.4 1.0 0.7 8.06 8.1 0.4m @ 13.4g/t Au Photon (ALS) 25-NSD02-002W* 2112.9 2.4 1.8 0.28 0.7 Photon (ALS) and 2121.0 2.0 1.6 0.18 0.4 Photon (ALS) and 2149.7 3.5 2.8 0.47 1.7 Photon (ALS) 25-NSD02-003W* 2132.9 2.2 1.7 0.41 0.9 Photon (ALS) 25-NSD03-001 2277.5 0.6 0.6 7.03 4.2 0.6m @ 7.03g/t Au Photon (ALS) 25-NSD03-002W 2285.0 1.0 0.9 6.83 6.8 0.3m @ 16.7g/t Au Photon (ALS) and 2308.0 5.0 4.6 5.57 27.9 1m @ 8.79g/t Au,

1m @ 8.25g/t Au Photon (ALS)

**Starred intervals do not meet composite reporting criteria outlined below but included to illustrate low-grade mineralization and reporting completeness. Criteria: Cut off grade 2 g/t Au, minimum length 1.5m, maximum consecutive internal waste 2 m, if Au grade x length > 3 the composite will be added Price Assumptions: Au = 1750usd oz

Table 2: MSW Underground Drill Results

HOLE-ID From

(m) Core Length

(m) Estimated

True Width

(m) Au

(g/t) Au GXM Including

5.0g/t Au COG Including

10.0g/t Au COG Method 25-LNX-009 235.0 9.0 7.7 22.06 198.6 8.1m @ 24g/t Au 8.1m @ 24g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-012 0.1 0.9 0.8 4.54 4.1 Fire Assay (SGS) and 142.6 2.4 1.8 6.11 14.7 2.4m @ 6.11g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 271.1 1.4 1.3 3.71 5.2 Fire Assay (SGS) and 292.5 2.1 1.5 6.55 13.8 2.1m @ 6.55g/t Au 0.6m @ 12.3g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 309.8 3.2 2.0 2.45 7.9 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-038 196.1 0.9 0.9 21.60 19.4 0.9m @ 21.6g/t Au 0.9m @ 21.6g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-039 101.8 3.4 3.2 7.24 24.6 2.1m @ 10g/t Au 0.7m @ 22.3g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 179.5 1.0 1.0 4.68 4.7 0.4m @ 6.49g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 207.8 1.9 1.7 4.63 8.8 1m @ 6.14g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-040 105.5 1.5 1.4 3.22 4.8 Fire Assay (SGS) and 185.5 1.4 1.3 4.35 6.1 0.9m @ 5.43g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 215.3 4.5 3.9 5.08 22.9 1.2m @ 12.7g/t Au,

0.3m @ 10.3g/t Au 0.7m @ 17.5g/t Au,

0.3m @ 10.3g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 222.0 5.0 4.9 6.19 30.9 5m @ 6.19g/t Au 1m @ 12.7g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-041 128.9 1.8 1.6 16.53 29.8 1.8m @ 16.5g/t Au 1.8m @ 16.5g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 241.0 15.0 11.6 10.14 152.0 3.8m @ 33.4g/t Au,

1m @ 9.36g/t Au 3.3m @ 37g/t Au,

0.6m @ 11.3g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-042 112.6 1.4 1.2 4.12 5.8 0.4m @ 7.21g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 124.0 1.0 0.9 3.57 3.6 Fire Assay (SGS) and 194.0 4.6 4.4 1.94 8.9 Fire Assay (SGS) and 226.4 3.6 3.4 18.07 65.1 3.3m @ 19.5g/t Au 3.3m @ 19.5g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 238.9 0.6 0.6 8.29 5.0 0.6m @ 8.29g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-043 136.0 2.0 1.7 7.76 15.5 0.7m @ 19.1g/t Au 0.7m @ 19.1g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 222.0 0.5 0.4 8.02 4.0 0.5m @ 8.02g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 266.6 7.4 5.5 4.40 32.5 0.4m @ 7.37g/t Au,

4m @ 6.67g/t Au 0.8m @ 15.4g/t Au,

0.4m @ 12.8g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 280.0 3.7 3.3 3.40 12.6 1.1m @ 6.39g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 291.0 1.0 0.9 4.24 4.2 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-044 142.7 2.4 1.5 5.53 13.3 1.6m @ 6.84g/t Au 0.3m @ 21.9g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 233.2 2.4 1.7 9.78 23.5 1.5m @ 14.1g/t Au 1.2m @ 15.5g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 271.8 0.4 0.2 8.19 3.3 0.4m @ 8.18g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 280.1 3.9 2.7 3.48 13.6 0.3m @ 5.21g/t Au,

0.7m @ 12.3g/t Au 0.7m @ 12.3g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-045 149.4 3.4 2.3 20.00 68.0 3.4m @ 20g/t Au 3.4m @ 20g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 212.3 0.7 0.6 28.10 19.7 0.7m @ 28.1g/t Au 0.7m @ 28.1g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 223.0 1.0 0.9 4.27 4.3 Fire Assay (SGS) and 249.0 1.0 0.7 17.00 17.0 1m @ 17g/t Au 1m @ 17g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 256.6 0.7 0.5 7.11 5.0 0.7m @ 7.11g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 296.5 1.5 1.4 2.96 4.4 0.3m @ 5.59g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 305.0 10.0 6.6 1.59 15.9 Fire Assay (SGS) and 328.2 0.7 0.6 6.79 4.8 0.7m @ 6.79g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-046 128.0 4.0 0.5 1.81 7.3 Fire Assay (SGS) and 144.6 0.6 0.2 8.53 5.1 0.6m @ 8.53g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 227.0 1.0 0.5 22.60 22.6 1m @ 22.6g/t Au 1m @ 22.6g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-047 109.9 1.6 0.5 4.06 6.5 0.7m @ 5.89g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-048 120.5 2.8 1.1 13.18 36.9 2.5m @ 14.4g/t Au 0.5m @ 45.9g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 153.0 3.0 1.1 4.21 12.6 Fire Assay (SGS) and 174.0 1.5 0.8 9.45 14.2 0.9m @ 13g/t Au 0.4m @ 17.1g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 178.3 0.5 0.3 25.80 12.9 0.5m @ 25.8g/t Au 0.5m @ 25.8g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-LNX-054 130.0 1.0 0.5 5.75 5.8 1m @ 5.75g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 246.5 0.5 0.3 9.30 4.7 0.5m @ 9.3g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 255.0 1.5 0.5 8.61 12.9 1.5m @ 8.61g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 267.0 2.0 1.0 17.11 34.2 2m @ 17.1g/t Au 1m @ 26.4g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 275.0 1.0 0.5 6.99 7.0 1m @ 6.99g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-PQE-031 91.1 0.9 0.8 6.62 6.0 0.6m @ 8.37g/t Au 0.3m @ 10.5g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 116.4 0.9 0.7 4.17 3.7 Fire Assay (SGS) and 120.9 0.8 0.7 13.26 10.6 0.5m @ 18.3g/t Au 0.5m @ 18.3g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 137.0 2.0 1.8 10.48 21.0 2m @ 10.5g/t Au 0.6m @ 17.3g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 244.0 1.0 0.8 14.40 14.4 1m @ 14.4g/t Au 1m @ 14.4g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 257.5 3.2 2.7 6.74 21.6 0.5m @ 38.7g/t Au 0.5m @ 38.7g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 272.0 1.0 0.8 75.50 75.5 1m @ 75.5g/t Au 1m @ 75.5g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-RDW-046 147.4 3.1 2.9 2.14 6.6 0.5m @ 6.38g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 196.3 13.7 11.2 2.69 36.8 1m @ 8.4g/t Au,

1m @ 5.78g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 245.5 1.7 1.6 13.07 22.2 0.9m @ 20.4g/t Au 0.9m @ 20.4g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-RDW-049 185.3 6.2 5.9 15.78 97.9 6.2m @ 15.8g/t Au 4.3m @ 19.8g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 194.5 5.5 5.0 2.18 12.0 Fire Assay (SGS) and 216.0 1.3 1.2 3.86 5.0 0.7m @ 5.36g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-RDW-051 51.7 0.6 0.6 13.50 8.1 0.6m @ 13.5g/t Au 0.6m @ 13.5g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 80.7 0.3 0.3 20.20 6.1 0.3m @ 20.2g/t Au 0.3m @ 20.2g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 224.4 1.8 1.0 18.74 33.7 1.8m @ 18.7g/t Au 0.7m @ 40.4g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 241.0 1.8 1.8 3.75 6.8 0.3m @ 8.56g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 306.0 1.0 1.0 4.66 4.7 Fire Assay (SGS) and 16.0 2.0 1.8 3.84 7.7 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-RDW-052 47.6 0.4 0.3 12.30 4.9 0.4m @ 12.3g/t Au 0.4m @ 12.3g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 134.3 1.2 0.9 3.46 4.2 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-WEL-001 64.5 6.8 5.4 6.20 42.2 6m @ 6.8g/t Au 0.5m @ 16.3g/t Au,

0.4m @ 16g/t Au,

0.4m @ 14.9g/t Au,

0.3m @ 18.1g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 78.5 4.0 2.6 3.33 13.3 0.8m @ 10.8g/t Au 0.5m @ 13.1g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 101.8 1.2 0.8 7.00 8.4 0.3m @ 17.9g/t Au 0.3m @ 17.9g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 114.2 2.8 2.7 5.37 15.0 1.3m @ 7.87g/t Au 0.6m @ 11.5g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-WEL-002 26.0 3.0 2.5 1.92 5.8 Fire Assay (SGS) and 59.6 1.4 1.2 4.10 5.7 0.5m @ 9.4g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 65.0 0.5 0.4 26.10 13.1 0.5m @ 26.1g/t Au 0.5m @ 26.1g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 70.0 1.3 1.2 7.12 9.3 0.8m @ 9.76g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 113.3 0.7 0.7 11.29 7.9 0.4m @ 16.8g/t Au 0.4m @ 16.8g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 187.2 2.8 2.5 4.98 13.9 0.7m @ 13g/t Au 0.7m @ 13g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-WEL-003 67.0 0.3 0.3 36.90 11.1 0.3m @ 36.9g/t Au 0.3m @ 36.9g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 86.0 4.3 2.9 2.54 10.9 0.5m @ 10.5g/t Au 0.5m @ 10.5g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 101.6 0.9 0.8 94.60 85.1 0.9m @ 94.6g/t Au 0.9m @ 94.6g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 114.8 0.4 0.4 9.69 3.9 0.4m @ 9.69g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 144.4 1.0 0.9 8.88 8.9 1m @ 8.88g/t Au 0.3m @ 18.8g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 184.0 2.8 2.8 4.06 11.4 1m @ 5.29g/t Au,

0.4m @ 5.66g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-WEL-007 94.8 1.9 1.3 7.11 13.5 1.9m @ 7.11g/t Au 0.3m @ 11.9g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 107.0 1.0 0.3 283.00 283.0 1m @ 283g/t Au 1m @ 283g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 112.4 0.4 0.3 7.96 3.2 0.4m @ 7.96g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) and 190.4 4.3 4.3 3.46 14.9 1.3m @ 5.38g/t Au,

0.8m @ 7.37g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS)

Criteria: Cut off grade 2.0 g/t Au, minimum length 1.5 m, maximum consecutive internal waste 2 m, if Au grade x length > 3 the composite will be added Price Assumptions: Au = 1750usd oz

Table 3: MSW Near-Mine Drill Results

HOLE-ID From

(m) Core

Length

(m) Estimated

True Width

(m) Au

(g/t) Au GXM Including Method 25-BOT-002 234.0 7.2 6.2 0.63 4.5 Fire Assay (SGS) 25-BOT-005 327.3 2.5 1.8 2.51 6.3 0.3m @ 5.77g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-CMP-004 12.0 3.8 1.6 0.64 2.4 Photon (ALS) 25-CMP-005 18.5 1.2 1.1 4.78 5.7 0.5m @ 7.64g/t Au Photon (ALS) 25-KAZ-001 25.0 3.1 2.3 2.56 7.9 1m @ 6.34g/t Au Fire Assay (SGS) 25-KAZ-007 28.8 1.2 1.1 43.76 52.5 0.4m @ 129g/t Au Fire Assay (ALS) 25-KAZ-013 27.0 6.0 3.9 0.68 4.1 Photon (ALS) 25-KAZ-014 98.0 1.0 0.5 2.15 2.1 Photon (ALS) 25-MID-004 216.4 0.6 0.4 5.29 3.2 0.6m @ 5.29g/t Au Photon (ALS)

Criteria: Cut off grade 0.4 g/t Au, minimum length 5m, maximum consecutive internal waste 4.4 m, if Au grade x length > 2the composite will be added Price Assumptions: Au = 1750usd oz

Table 4: MSW Underground, Deep Directional and Near-Mine Drill Hole Collars
VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Integra Resources Corp. ("Integra" or the "Company") (TSXV: ITR) (NYSE American: ITRG) is pleased to announce the results of its Feasibility Study (the "FS") for the development of its wholly-owned DeLamar Gold and Silver Heap Leach Project ("DeLamar" or the "Project"), comprised of the DeLamar and Florida Mountain deposits, located in southwestern Idaho.

(All amounts in United States ("U.S.") dollars unless otherwise stated)

2025 DeLamar Feasibility Study Highlights:

Robust and resilient project returns: After-tax net present value 5% ("NPV") of $774 million ("M") and 46% after-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") using base case metal prices of $3,000 per ounce ("/oz") gold ("Au") and $35/oz silver ("Ag"); After-tax NPV of $1.7 billion ("B") and 89% after-tax IRR using spot metal prices of $4,250/oz Au and $60/oz Ag.

After-tax net present value 5% ("NPV") of $774 million ("M") and 46% after-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") using base case metal prices of $3,000 per ounce ("/oz") gold ("Au") and $35/oz silver ("Ag"); After-tax NPV of $1.7 billion ("B") and 89% after-tax IRR using spot metal prices of $4,250/oz Au and $60/oz Ag. Increased ounces and mine-life: Addition of stockpile material enhances mine life to 10 years and total life-of-mine ("LOM") production to 1.1 million ounces ("Moz") of gold equivalent ("AuEq").

Addition of stockpile material enhances mine life to 10 years and total life-of-mine ("LOM") production to 1.1 million ounces ("Moz") of gold equivalent ("AuEq"). Consistent and profitable production profile 1,2,3 : Average production of 119 thousand ounces ("koz") AuEq from year 1 to 5 with average LOM production of 106 koz AuEq at site level cash costs of $1,179/oz AuEq (co-product) and below industry average all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") of $1,480/oz AuEq (co-product); efficient mining supports low life-of mine strip ratio of 0.54:1.

Average production of 119 thousand ounces ("koz") AuEq from year 1 to 5 with average LOM production of 106 koz AuEq at site level cash costs of $1,179/oz AuEq (co-product) and below industry average all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") of $1,480/oz AuEq (co-product); efficient mining supports low life-of mine strip ratio of 0.54:1. Realistic and financeable Project: Total initial capital cost of $389 M (includes $38 M of owners' cost) and sustaining capital of $305 M over the LOM; strong project financing pathway created by ongoing cash flow generation from the Company's operating Florida Canyon Mine ("Florida Canyon") and strong cash balance of ~$81 million as at the third quarter 2025.

Total initial capital cost of $389 M (includes $38 M of owners' cost) and sustaining capital of $305 M over the LOM; strong project financing pathway created by ongoing cash flow generation from the Company's operating Florida Canyon Mine ("Florida Canyon") and strong cash balance of ~$81 million as at the third quarter 2025. Competitive Project metrics 4 : Base case NPV-to-capex ratio of 2.0 and payback of 1.8 years; spot NPV-to-capex ratio and payback improve to 4.4 and 1.1 years, respectively.

Base case NPV-to-capex ratio of 2.0 and payback of 1.8 years; spot NPV-to-capex ratio and payback improve to 4.4 and 1.1 years, respectively. Strong free cash-flow profile in early years 2 : Excellent profitability at beginning of mine life; Year 1-5 average after-tax free cash flow of $165 M; smooth transitioning from Florida Mountain to DeLamar deposits with no grade or tonnage "cliffs".

Excellent profitability at beginning of mine life; Year 1-5 average after-tax free cash flow of $165 M; smooth transitioning from Florida Mountain to DeLamar deposits with no grade or tonnage "cliffs". Simplified Project layout and processing: Two oxide heap leach facilities ("HLF") (vs. single large HLF design in the 2022 Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS")), and two-stage crushing (vs. three-stage in PFS); reduced mine-site footprint and enhanced water usage strategy brings potential permitting advantages.

Two oxide heap leach facilities ("HLF") (vs. single large HLF design in the 2022 Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS")), and two-stage crushing (vs. three-stage in PFS); reduced mine-site footprint and enhanced water usage strategy brings potential permitting advantages. Meaningful benefits to local communities: Excellent local support for Project development built upon years of engagement and early inclusion of local interests in Project design; an average of 300 direct permanent jobs are expected to be created at DeLamar.

Excellent local support for Project development built upon years of engagement and early inclusion of local interests in Project design; an average of 300 direct permanent jobs are expected to be created at DeLamar. Strong Tribal partnerships: Relationship Agreement with the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation (the "Shoshone-Paiute") establishes a transformative and long-term partnership for the development of DeLamar; engagement underway with additional Tribal Nations near the Project area.

Relationship Agreement with the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation (the "Shoshone-Paiute") establishes a transformative and long-term partnership for the development of DeLamar; engagement underway with additional Tribal Nations near the Project area. Significant scarcity value: DeLamar remains one of the few large-scale precious metals projects in the U.S. at the Feasibility Study level that is actively being advanced toward National Environmental Protection Act ("NEPA") federal mine permitting.

DeLamar remains one of the few large-scale precious metals projects in the U.S. at the Feasibility Study level that is actively being advanced toward National Environmental Protection Act ("NEPA") federal mine permitting. Visibility on short and long-term growth: Large Measured and Indicated sulphide resource material excluded from mine plan with multiple-near mine expansion targets open along strike and at depth; DeLamar is one of the largest undeveloped silver resources in the U.S. with a largely underexplored district scale land package.

Large Measured and Indicated sulphide resource material excluded from mine plan with multiple-near mine expansion targets open along strike and at depth; DeLamar is one of the largest undeveloped silver resources in the U.S. with a largely underexplored district scale land package. Opportune timing: With the FS now complete and federal permitting expected to commence in the near term, the Project is well positioned to advance in one of the strongest goldsilver price environments in history, supported by favorable U.S. permitting tailwinds.

(1) Gold equivalent calculated using base case metal prices: $3,000/oz Au and $35/oz Ag (2) See Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures (3) World Gold Council reported average all-in sustaining cost for gold mining industry of $1,578/oz Au in Q2 2025 (4) NPV-to-capex ratio calculated as after-tax Project NPV5% divided by total initial capital cost

George Salamis, President, CEO and Director of Integra commented: "The Feasibility Study confirms what we have long believed: DeLamar is one of the most compelling, resilient, and capital-efficient heap leach gold-silver projects in the U.S. preparing to enter federal permitting. The FS outlines a simplified, phased, and materially de-risked development plan with outstanding economics, including a rapid 1.8-year payback, strong early free cash flow profile, and one of the highest NPV-to-capex ratios among projects of this scale. Importantly, the FS is being delivered as federal permitting is expected to commence in early 2026, positioning Integra to advance DeLamar at an opportune time. While the FS reflects a conservative, oxide-only development case, it represents only the beginning for DeLamar. The Project also hosts a large sulphide mineral resource that is not included in the mine plan, multiple near-mine expansion opportunities that remain open, and largely underexplored district-style upside.

The updated two heap leach configuration materially improves constructability, operating flexibility, and capital efficiency, while providing meaningful leverage to higher metal prices and maintaining resilience in lower-metal price environments. Updated feasibility-level engineering, metallurgy, and costing significantly enhance Project confidence, reduce execution risk, and support future permitting through a more advanced and robust water management strategy. The delivery of the FS is a major milestone for Integra and underscores our confidence in DeLamar's ability to generate long-term value for our shareholders, Tribal Nation partners, and the communities of Idaho. DeLamar is expected to support an average workforce of approximately 300 high-quality, long-term jobs over the life-of-mine. We look forward to providing further permitting guidance as the Project enters a new phase in 2026."

Integra will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the FS on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time / 8:00 AM Pacific Time, featuring a presentation from the senior management team and a live Q&A session. A recording will be available on Integra's corporate website. To register for the webcast, please use the following link (call details are listed below): https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/518660974

Feasibility Study Summary

The FS confirms robust economics for a low-cost, large-scale, conventional open pit oxide heap leach operation, with competitive operating costs and high rate of return. The FS outlines total production of 1.1 Moz AuEq over a 10-year operating mine life (plus two years of residual leaching), resulting in an average annual production profile of 106 koz AuEq per annum at a co-product mine-site AISC of $1,480/oz. The Project generates an after-tax NPV5% of $774 M with an after-tax IRR of 46% at base case gold and silver prices of $3,000/oz and $35/oz, respectively.

The Company retained Forte Dynamics, Inc. (now SLR Consulting Limited) ("Forte") as lead consultants, along with other engineering consultants, to complete the FS and prepare a technical report in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The FS is derived from updated mineral reserve estimate effective December 8, 2025. The effective date of the FS is December 8, 2025, and a technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 will be filed on the Corporation's website and under its SEDAR+ profile within 45 days of this news release.

Table 1: DeLamar Feasibility Study Highlights1

Mining Total Tonnage Mined (k tonnes) 185,178 Total Ore Mined (k tonnes) 119,972 Strip Ratio (Waste: Ore) 0.54 Operating Mine Life (years) 10 Contained Contained Gold (koz Au) 1,259 Contained Silver (koz Ag) 52,310 Contained Gold Equivalent (koz AuEq) 1,869 Production Heap Leach Recovery LOM Average Gold Recovery (%) 72.3 % LOM Average Silver Recovery (%) 33.2 % Payable Metals LOM Gold Payable (koz Au) 910 LOM Silver Payable (koz Ag) 17,392 LOM Gold Equivalent Payable (koz AuEq) 1,113 Avg. Annual Gold Payable (koz Au) - Yr 1 to Yr 10 88 Avg. Annual Silver Payable (koz Ag) - Yr 1 to Yr 10 1,602 Avg. Annual Gold Equivalent Payable (koz AuEq) - Yr 1 to Yr 10 106 Avg. Annual Gold Payable (koz Au) - Yr 1 to Yr 5 102 Avg. Annual Silver Payable (koz Ag) - Yr 1 to Yr 5 1,450 Avg. Annual Gold Equivalent Payable (koz AuEq) - Yr 1 to Yr 5 119 Costs per Tonne Mining Costs ($/t mined) $2.51 Mining Costs ($/t processed) $3.87 Processing Costs ($/t processed) $4.91 G&A Costs ($/t processed) $1.51 Total Site Operating Cost ($/t processed) $10.29 Cash Costs LOM Cash Cost, net-of-silver by-product ($/oz Au)2 $772 LOM Cash Cost, co-product ($/oz AuEq)2 $1,179 LOM AISC, net-of-silver by-product ($/oz Au)2 $1,142 LOM AISC, co-product ($/oz AuEq)2 $1,480 Capital Expenditure (incl. Contingency) Pre-production Capital  incl. Contingency ($M)3 $347.0 Bonding Cash Collateral ($M) $3.9 Owners' Cost ($M) $38.2 Total Initial Capital ($M) $389.1 Sustaining Capital / Equipment Financing  incl. Contingency ($M) $304.9 Reclamation Cost ($M)4 $65.5 Salvage Value ($M) ($8.1) Bonding Cash Collateral Return ($M) ($3.9) Total Capital ($M) $747.5 Base Case Metal Price Assumptions Gold Price ($/oz) $3,000 Silver Price ($/oz) $35 Base Case Project Economics After-Tax IRR (%) 46.0 % After-Tax NPV5% ($M) $773.7 Payback Period (years) 1.8 Average Annual Net Free Cash Flow ($M)2  Yr 1 to Yr 10 $142.8 Total Net Free Cash Flow ($M) $1,066.3

(1) Gold equivalent calculated using base case metal prices: $3,000/oz Au and $35/oz Ag (2) See Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures (3) Assumes mobile equipment financing (4) Closure costs include $26.4 M ongoing water treatment reclamation liability

Figure 1: DeLamar Project Production and Operating Cost Profile1,2

(1) Gold equivalent calculated using base case metal prices: $3,000/oz Au and $35/oz Ag (2) See Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Figure 2: DeLamar Project After-tax Cash Flow Profile (base case)1,2

(1) Cash flow profile shown using base case metal prices: $3,000/oz Au and $35/oz Ag (2) See Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Table 2: DeLamar Project After-Tax NPV, IRR and Payback Sensitivity Table

$/oz Au $/oz Ag NPV5%($M) IRR (%) Payback (years) $2,250 $20 $178.3 16 % 4.5 $2,500 $25 $391.1 27 % 2.8 $2,750 $30 $584.6 37 % 2.2 $3,000 $35 $773.7 46 % 1.8 $3,250 $40 $961.6 55 % 1.6 $3,500 $45 $1,149.0 63 % 1.4 $3,750 $50 $1,336.2 72 % 1.3 $4,000 $55 $1,523.5 80 % 1.2 $4,250 $60 $1,710.3 89 % 1.1 $4,500 $65 $1,897.1 97 % 1.0

Property Description, Location and Access

The historic mine site and Delamar Project are located within southwestern Idaho in Owyhee County approximately 80 air kilometers southwest of Idaho's state capital of Boise. The nearest town is Jordan Valley, Oregon which is situated near U.S. highway 95, a 1.5 hour drive from Boise. The Project is within the historical Carson mining district and includes the formerly producing DeLamar silver-gold mine, which was last operated by Kinross Gold Corporation. The Project is accessed via 28 kilometers of existing road east from Jordan Valley, Oregon.

Figure 3: DeLamar Project Location Map

Updated Mineral Resource Estimate

Mineral resources were re-estimated from the resource model released in 2023 which includes the Florida Mountain deposit, the DeLamar deposit, and historical stockpiles and backfill. The mineral resource estimate is based on 3,348 drillholes totaling ~383,000 meters ("m"). Gold and silver mineralization was modeled following industry-standard and Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum ("CIM")-compliant protocols.

Key steps included:

Statistical evaluation of assay data and determination of natural grade populations.

Construction of mineral-domain wireframes using 30-meter spaced sectional control.

Projection and slicing of domain polygons across each deposit to ensure geological continuity.

Coding of block models with gold and silver using level-plan geometries.

Geostatistical analysis of mineralization trends to support estimation and classification.

Grade interpolation using inverse-distance methods into 6  6  6 m blocks at the DeLamar deposit and 6  8  8 m blocks at the Florida Mountain deposit, with domain-specific coding to constrain estimates.

The mineral resource estimate for the FS includes updated price assumptions and metallurgical recovery inputs for the pit optimization used to constrain them. Sulphide material continues to be reported in this resource mineral update, consistent with prior studies, as it continues to show potential economic extraction. Importantly, the fundamental resource methodology has not changed from the 2023 mineral resource update.

Table 3: DeLamar Project Mineral Resources

Measured Indicated Measured & Indicated Mineral Resources Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces GOLD (Au) (kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) DeLamar Project Oxide 15,548 0.41 204 139,953 0.31 1,400 155,501 0.32 1,604 Sulphide 21,643 0.51 357 68,629 0.45 984 90,272 0.46 1,341 TOTAL Mixed 37,189 0.47 561 208,582 0.36 2,384 245,772 0.37 2,945 Measured Indicated Measured & Indicated Mineral Resources Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces SILVER (Ag) (kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) DeLamar Project Oxide 15,548 20.46 10,230 139,953 13.72 61,750 155,501 14.40 71,979 Sulphide 21,643 32.90 22,922 68,629 22.30 49,254 90,272 24.90 72,176 TOTAL Mixed 37,189 27.70 33,152 208,582 16.60 111,004 245,772 18.20 144,155

Inferred Inferred Mineral Resources Tonnes Grade Ounces Mineral Resources Tonnes Grade Ounces GOLD (Au) (kt) (g/t) (koz) SILVER (Ag) (kt) (g/t) (koz) DeLamar Project Oxide 19,813 0.26 163 DeLamar Project Oxide 19,813 20.94 13,336 Sulphide 19,789 0.37 235 Sulphide 19,789 10.10 1,529 TOTAL Mixed 39,603 0.31 398 TOTAL Mixed 39,603 11.70 14,865

(1) All Mineral Resource estimates have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards. (2) Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. (3) Jeffrey Bickel, of RESPEC Company LLC of Reno, Nevada, is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101, and is responsible for reporting Mineral Resources for the DeLamar Project. Mr. Bickel is independent of the Company. (4) "Oxide", as listed above, is an aggregate category inclusive of all material types amenable to heap-leaching, including In-Situ Oxide, Stockpiles, and In-Situ Mixed material. (5) In-Situ Oxide/Mixed and Stockpile Mineral Resources are reported at a 0.17 and 0.1 g/t AuEq cut-off, respectively, in consideration of potential open-pit mining and heap leach processing. (6) Sulphide Mineral Resources are reported at a 0.3 g/t AuEq cut-off at DeLamar and 0.2 g/t AuEq at Florida Mountain in consideration of potential open pit mining and grinding, flotation, ultra-fine regrind of concentrates, and either Albion or agitated cyanide-leaching of the reground concentrates. (7) AuEq was calculated using a price of $2,650/oz Au and a price of $30/oz Ag, as well as metallurgical recoveries which were variable based on spatial area and each respective oxidation zone of the deposit. (8) The Mineral Resources are constrained by pit optimizations using a price of $2,650/oz Au, a price of $30/oz Ag, mining cost of $2.50/tonne, variable processing costs ranging from $3.26-$5.30/tonne, and metallurgical recoveries ranging from 45%-95% for Au and 15%-92% for Ag. Variable metallurgical recoveries and processing costs correspond to various material types including Oxide, Transition, Sulphide, and Stockpile materials, as well as spatial zones of the deposit with defined metallurgical characteristics. The pit optimizations also used a G&A cost of $0.65/tonne, pad replacement cost of $1.00/tonne for heap leach material, and refining costs of $0.00/oz and $0.50/oz for Au and Ag, respectively. (9) Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in apparent discrepancies between tonnes, grades, and contained metal content. (10) The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. (11) Mineral Resources reported are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. (12) The Effective Date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is December 8, 2025

Updated Mineral Reserve Estimate

Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves for the Project utilized the updated resource model released in 2023, which was constrained by engineered pit designs based on LerchsGrossmann optimization shells, with appropriate cut-off grades that reflect updated metal prices, metallurgical recoveries, geotechnical criteria, and operating cost assumptions. No changes were made to the underlying reserve methodology since the PFS released in 2022. Variations in reserves from the previous PFS study are from the updated 2023 resources (which includes the addition of historical stockpile resources), revised cost assumptions, and metallurgical recoveries. Reserves have been updated for heap leach only material to streamline permitting, simplify processing and reduce capital. This removes sulphide material from the reserve. Additionally, drill-tested historic low grade ore stockpiles included in the resource have been included in the reserve.

Table 4: DeLamar Project Mineral Reserves

Proven Probable Proven & Probable Mineral Reserves Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces GOLD (Au) (kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) DeLamar Project Oxide 11,675 0.40 149 108,297 0.32 1,110 119,972 0.33 1,259 Sulphide - - - - - - - - - TOTAL Mixed 11,675 0.40 149 108,297 0.32 1,110 119,972 0.33 1,259 Proven Probable Proven & Probable Mineral Reserves Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces SILVER (Ag) (kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) DeLamar Project Oxide 11,675 16.34 6,132 108,297 13.26 46,173 119,972 13.56 52,305 Sulphide - - - - - - - - - TOTAL Mixed 11,675 16.34 6,132 108,297 13.26 46,173 119,972 13.56 52,305

(1) All estimates of Mineral Reserves have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards and are included within the current Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources. (2) Sterling K, Watson, P.Eng., of RESPEC Company LLC of Reno, Nevada, is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101, and is responsible for reporting Mineral Reserves for the DeLamar Project. Mr. Watson is independent of the Company. (3) Mineral Reserves are based on prices of $2,000/oz Au and $25/oz Ag. The Mineral Reserves were defined based on pit designs that were created to follow optimized pit shells created in Whittle. Pit designs followed pit slope recommendations provided by RESPEC. (4) Mineral Reserves are reported using block value cutoff grades representing the cost of processing. (5) The Mineral Reserves are constrained by pit optimizations using a price of $2,000/oz Au, a price of $25/oz Ag, mining cost of $2.50/tonne, variable processing costs ranging from $3.26-$5.30/tonne, and metallurgical recoveries ranging from 45%-95% for Au and 15%-92% for Ag. The pit optimizations also used a G&A cost of $0.65/tonne, pad replacement cost of $1.00/tonne for heap-leach material, and refining costs of $0.00/oz and $0.50 for Au and Ag, respectively. (6) Energy prices of US$3.50 per gallon of diesel. (7) Pit optimizations were run on a range of prices from $500/oz Au to $3,000/oz Au. (8) The cut-off grade for Mineral Reserves is based on economics at a "Break-Even Internal" cut-off grade for the deposits. (9) The Mineral Reserves purposes of reference is the point where material is fed into the crusher. (10) All ounces reported herein represent troy ounces, "g/t Au" represents grams per tonne gold and "g/t Ag" represents grams per tonne silver. (11) Mineral Resources reported are inclusive of Mineral Reserves (12) Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in apparent discrepancies between tonnes, grades, and contained metal content. (13) The estimate of Mineral Reserves may be materially affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. (14) The Effective Date of the Mineral Reserves Estimate is December 8, 2025.

Production Profile

The contemplated operation in the FS spans 13 years, comprising one year of construction (Year -1), 10 years of active mining and gold-silver processing operations, and two years of residual leaching and nominal production. The Project is expected to produce a total of approximately 1.1 Moz AuEq.

The first six months of the construction period focuses on establishing the Florida Mountain deposit heap leach pad, utilizing readily available historical low-grade gold-silver ore stockpile as overliner material. This material will be screened and crushed and will provide a flow channel for leachate.

This allows the stacking of fresh, higher-grade gold-silver ore from the Florida Mountain deposit and the application of leach solution to start in month seven of the construction year, unlocking the ability to produce ~7 koz AuEq in Year -1. As solution inventory builds and leach flows increase through month 20, production ramps accordingly, resulting in 119 koz AuEq produced during the first full year after construction (Year 1). The DeLamar deposit heap leach pad construction begins in Year 3 and begins to receive DeLamar deposit historic stockpile and pit ore in Year 4. Active mining operations will continue until Year 10 followed by two years of residual gold-silver leaching.

Figure 4: DeLamar Project Production Breakdown by Area

Figure 5: DeLamar Project Production Breakdown by Metal

Mining

Mining is designed as a conventional open-pit operation using truck-and-shovel methods, focused on delivering high grade gold-equivalent production from the Florida Mountain deposit early in the Project, before transitioning to sustained mid-life production at the DeLamar deposit. The mine plan schedules 185 million tonnes ("Mt") of total material movement over the 10-year active mine life, including 120 Mt of ore with an average grade of 0.33 g/t Au and 13.6 g/t Ag, for a combined 1.3 Moz of contained gold and 52.3 Moz of contained silver. Strip ratios remain low and consistent at 0.54:1 over the life-of-mine, supporting efficient mining and strong early cash flows. Mining rates of ore are planned for 35,000 tonnes per day ("tpd") with no more than 12 benches extracted per year.

Material movement is sequenced to prioritize higher-grade Florida Mountain deposit ore in the first four years, enabling average production of ~119 koz AuEq per year during the payback window. Mid-life mining transitions to the DeLamar deposit pit, which provides consistent tonnage, stable grades, and reduced haulage requirements as backfill is incorporated into the sequencing.

Mining assumptions are built from first principles, including drill penetration rates, powder factors, cycle times, equipment availabilities, and original equipment manufacturer ("OEM")-validated haulage models. The fleet includes up to 17 haul trucks, three production drills, and a matched loading fleet of excavators and shovels sized to maintain efficient dig-and-haul cycles. Waste placement and backfilling strategies minimize external dump requirements and align with closure objectives. Overall, the mining plan reflects an executable, low-risk approach that supports strong economics, operational flexibility, and a smooth transition into reclamation activities in the later years of the Project.

Figure 6: DeLamar Project Mining Profile

Processing and Recovery

Project mineralization is amenable to conventional cyanide leaching. The Project has an updated two heap leach configuration that considers environmental, heap stability, and economic impacts. This configuration balances early capital efficiency with operational flexibility, allowing staged commissioning while managing particle fines and agglomeration risk across distinct ore domains. To reduce truck haulage requirements, one heap leach pad will be located adjacent to the Florida Mountain deposit, and the other will be located adjacent to the DeLamar deposit.

Run-of-mine ore will be transferred from the pits via haul trucks to their respective heaps leach pads for two-stage crushing before stacking. The crushing circuit consists of a primary mineral sizer and secondary low-pressure roll crusher, reducing the particle size of run of mine ore to a P80 (particle size at which 80% of the sample material passes) of approximately 19 millimeters. The selection of crushing equipment was supported by abrasion and impact testing.

The crushed ore from the Florida Mountain deposit contains limited fines and does not require agglomeration, making it suitable for direct truck dump stacking following two-stage crushing.

A portion of the crushed ore from the DeLamar deposit pit contains enough fines and clay and will require agglomeration through a screening and agglomeration circuit followed by curing and conveyor stacking. Screening and selective agglomeration are applied only where required, minimizing operating complexity while protecting permeability and recovery performance.

Heaps leach pads will be stacked at a rate of 35,000 tpd. Cyanide solution will be applied and processed via a small Merrill-Crowe facility located near the DeLamar deposit heap leach pad, designed for a throughput of approximately 1,360 m3 per hour. Filter cakes will be further processed at Integra's Florida Canyon Mine refinery to produce dore bars, reducing initial capital requirements for DeLamar. Florida Canyon is expected to have sufficient permitted capacity to process DeLamar dore without modification.

Figure 7: DeLamar Project Heap Leach Stacking by Source

Table 5: DeLamar Project Mining & Processing Summary

Mining DeLamar Florida Mtn. Stockpiles Total Total Tonnage Mined (kt) 75,905 76,625 32,648 185,178 Total Ore Mined (kt) 35,072 52,253 32,648 119,972 Strip Ratio (Waste: Ore) 1.16 0.47 0.00 0.54 Grade Average Gold Grade (g/t Au) 0.33 0.37 0.24 0.33 Average Silver Grade (g/t Ag) 18.92 10.18 13.22 13.56 Contained Metals Contained Gold (koz Au) 377 628 254 1,259 Contained Silver (koz Ag) 21,339 17,095 13,877 52,310 Contained Gold Equivalent (koz AuEq) 626 827 416 1,869 Production Heap Leach Recovery LOM Average Gold Recovery (%) 66.1 % 74.1 % 76.9 % 72.3 % LOM Average Silver Recovery (%) 26.9 % 37.9 % 37.4 % 33.2 % Payable Metals LOM Gold Payable (koz Au) 249 465 196 910 LOM Silver Payable (koz Ag) 5,734 6,472 5,185 17,392 LOM Gold Equivalent Payable (koz AuEq) 316 540 256 1,113

Power and Infrastructure

The Project infrastructure strategy prioritizes refurbishment and targeted upgrades to minimize initial capital, while maintaining reliability and certainty around the construction schedule.

DeLamar historically operated as a fully serviced site until 1998 after which limited remediation and ongoing care and maintenance were completed. Several existing facilities and infrastructure elements remain in place and will be refurbished or augmented for the new Project. New infrastructure will be constructed only where required to meet capacity, safety, or operational performance requirements of the Project.

The Project will require up to 6.5 megawatts ("MW") of power which will be supplied to the site by the refurbished 69-kilovolt ("kV") transmission line and distributed throughout the site via a new substation and refurbished 4,160 power distribution network. A 2 MW backup generator is planned to be installed for back-up or emergency power.

The existing water treatment plant will be upgraded and augmented with more treatment capacity for use in the Project.

On-site facilities will be selectively upgraded to align with the planned mining fleet and operation profile. The existing five-bay mobile maintenance shop will be upgraded to six-bays, large enough to accommodate 150-tonne series haul trucks. The administration building will be repaired, and site communications infrastructure will be enhanced. Existing site roads will be refurbished and upgraded limiting the need for new roads.

A small Merrill-Crowe plant will be constructed with ditches and ponds to capture contact water for treatment and industrial use. Additional new construction includes a two-stage crushing circuit, truck wash, laboratory, and warehouse.

Operating Costs

Operating costs were estimated through first principles and supplier quotes. Where possible, first principal assumptions and costs of units were compared to those experienced at the Florida Canyon Mine, Integra's active heap leach operation in Nevada.

Mining operating cost estimates were prepared by RESPEC Company LLC ("RESPEC") using first principles. This was done using estimated hourly costs of equipment and personnel against the anticipated hours of work for each. The equipment hourly costs were estimated for fuel, oil and lubrication, tires, under-carriage, repair and maintenance costs, and special wear items. First principal assumptions and the cost of mine personnel and consumables were benchmarked against Florida Canyon.

Process operating costs were developed by Forte from first principles to determine unit consumptions of materials, supplies, power and personnel, and the estimated cost of unit for these was estimated from supplier quotes and industry benchmarks. The cost of materials, supplies, power and labor were benchmarked against Florida Canyon.

Labor general and administrative ("G&A") costs were estimated based on personnel requirements for administrative, accounting, safety and security, and environmental departments to support mining and processing activities. Costs are also included for legal, land, permit bonding and power. G&A costs were benchmarked against Florida Canyon.

Table 6: DeLamar Project Operating and Mining Cost Breakdown

Per Tonne LOM Operating Costs (US$) Mined Processed Mining $2.51 $3.87 Processing $4.91 G&A $1.51 Total Site Costs $10.29 $/oz Au $/oz AuEq LOM Cash Costs, AISC & AIC Breakdown By-Product Co-Product Mining $510 $417 Processing $648 $530 G&A $199 $163 Total Site Costs $1,357 $1,110 Transport & Refining $10 $8 Royalties1 $75 $61 Total Cash Costs $1,441 $1,179 Silver By-Product Credits ($669) - Total Cash Costs Net of Silver by-Product $772 $1,179 Sustaining Capital $335 $274 Closure Costs Net of Residual Value2 $34 $28 Site Level All-in Sustaining Costs $1,142 $1,480

(1) Royalty summary outlined below (2) Closure costs for AISC calculation exclude ongoing water treatment reclamation costs

Project Royalties

The FS considers two primary royalties that apply to the Project. Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. ("Triple Flag") holds a 2.5% net smelter returns royalty ("NSR") that applies to ~90% of the current DeLamar deposit resources and reserves, however the royalty will be reduced to 1.0% upon Triple Flag receiving total royalty payments of C$10 M. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. currently holds a 1.5% NSR that applies to the current DeLamar and Florida Mountain deposit resources and reserves. The production profile in the FS reflects an average royalty rate of 2.3%.

Capital Cost Estimates

Capital cost estimates emphasize constructability, vendor-supported pricing, and execution sequencing aligned with the planned development schedule.

Mining initial and sustaining capital estimates were prepared by RESPEC. Estimates assume owner-operated mining equipment and are based on the equipment and facilities required to achieve the production schedule. Capital costs are based on estimation guides, quotations from equipment vendors and recent costs for new equipment at the Company's operating Florida Canyon mine in Nevada.

The process and infrastructure capital costs were developed by Forte for initial and sustaining capital. The capital costs for each phase are comprised of direct costs and indirect costs. The direct costs were developed from labor, materials, plant equipment, sub-contracts, and construction equipment. Indirect costs were applied to the direct costs to account for items such as: construction support, engineering, procurement and construction management, vendor support during specialty construction and commissioning, spare parts, contingency, owner's costs, freight and taxes. Capital costs were estimated based on 2025 U.S. dollars and are presented with no added escalation.

Table 7: DeLamar Project Capital Cost Breakdown

Capital Cost Breakdown

($M) Pre-Production

(Yr -1) Sustaining

(Yr 1 to Yr 10) Reclamation Combined

LOM Capital Costs Mining1,2 $27.8 $145.1 $172.9 Processing $276.5 $136.1 $412.6 G&A $5.1 $0.0 $5.1 Capex Sub-Total $309.4 $281.2 $590.6 Contingency3 $37.6 $23.7 $61.3 Total Capital Costs $347.0 $304.9 $651.9 Other Capital Owners' Costs $38.2 $38.2 Reclamation  Site4 $65.5 $65.5 Cash Collateral (bonding) $3.9 ($3.9) $0.0 Residual Value ($8.1) ($8.1) Total Other Capital $42.1 $0.0 $53.5 $95.6 TOTAL CAPITAL $389.1 $304.9 $53.5 $747.5

(1) Assumes financing of mobile equipment. Pre-production = 10% cash down and 1 year of payments (2) Includes $10 M in pre-stripping (3) Overall contingency of 12% (Mining 5%, Processing 13%, G&A 17%) (4) Includes $26.4 M for ongoing water treatment post mine closure

Environmental and Permitting

The Project is supported by strong environmental and technical teams that have led major advancements in obtaining necessary approvals and permits since the 2022 PFS, including the Mine Plan of Operations completeness determination by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") and the completion of environmental resource baseline studies to support Project environmental effects analysis under NEPA. Integra has an established collaborative approach with regulatory agencies and our technical teams and will continue to develop the Project to meet all applicable regulatory standards. The construction and operation of the Project require further permitting which will continue to actively advance in 2026 and 2027 through parallel U.S. Federal, State of Idaho, and Owyhee County permitting processes that address mine reclamation, air and water quality, wetland impacts and cyanidation.

In accordance with the BLM's mandate to prevent undue environmental degradation on public lands, the Project design optimization has continued to focus on the reduction of environmental impacts and surface disturbance of the mine operation through a leaching-focused process, consolidation of development rock storage facilities and the design of heap leach facilities in proximity to the open pits. Through various studies conducted on the Project over the years, the proposed mine footprint has been reduced by ~25%. This optimization will continue through the evaluation of agency-proposed alternatives and mitigations during the NEPA process to deliver a robust mine operation that is protective of water resources, air quality, cultural resources, wildlife and vegetation, and post-mine land use.

Stakeholder, Community, and Tribal Nation Engagement

Since Project acquisition in the third quarter of 2017, the Company has operated with dedicated budget and personnel to engage proactively with the communities, Tribal Nations, and other stakeholders with ties to DeLamar. With increasing frequency as the Project approaches state and federal permitting, the Company has worked to build lasting relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including nearby residents and community members, Tribal Nations, nongovernmental organizations and various levels of government representatives. This approach reflects a deep Company-wide commitment to a high standard of social performance, achieved by acting transparently and building mutual respect and shared value.

Stakeholder engagement is guided by an External Stakeholder Plan ("ESP"), a Project site-specific plan that is updated annually to guide the activities, goals, and strategies for stakeholder engagement in a tailored manner that reflects the unique requirements of each region, individual stakeholder context, and cultural settings surrounding DeLamar. The ESP management approach specifically addresses the Company's stakeholder engagement, public communication, community involvement & investment, and monitoring & reporting  including social impact risks assessments, grievance procedures, materiality, and metric tracking.

Since 2020, Integra has worked to engage proactively and respectfully with potentially affected Tribal Nations, with the intent to exceed regulatory requirements by prioritizing early, inclusive, and respectful dialogue in order to build mutual understanding and recognize Tribal interests. In 2025, Integra and the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation entered into a Relationship Agreement that will guide a mutually beneficial partnership between the two parties over the course of the permitting, development, and future operation of the Project. Integra is concurrently advancing discussions with additional Tribal Nations to evaluate the interest in developing similar relationships.

Integra's approach of being present and active within the Project's stakeholder network has allowed the Company to build consensus and collaborate on issues of shared concern as the mine and operational designs have iteratively evolved. Potential social and community impacts have been and will continue to be considered and evaluated in accordance with the NEPA and other federal and state laws. There are no currently known social or community issues that would be expected to have a material impact on the Company's ability to mine at the Project.

Exploration Potential and Upside at DeLamar

Beyond the FS mine plan, DeLamar offers substantial longer-term upside and strategic optionality. The FS includes an updated mineral resource statement that includes sulphide mineral resources, which are currently excluded from the Project's mineral reserves and economic analysis, preserving future processing and development optionality as technology, costs, and market conditions evolve. In addition, DeLamar hosts one of the largest undeveloped silver mineral resources in the U.S. and sits within a largely underexplored, district-scale land package with multiple near-mine and regional exploration targets open along strike and at depth. The Project layout and infrastructure contemplated in the FS also provide flexibility for potential future throughput expansion, allowing Integra to pursue disciplined growth opportunities while maintaining a simplified, low-risk development pathway.

Next Steps and Opportunities

With the FS complete, the Company is advancing permitting and construction readiness. Near-term priorities include advancing detailed engineering and execution planning. Opportunities remain to further optimize the production plan, mine sequence and heap leach facility design to maximize early production from the Florida Mountain deposit and further smooth the transition to DeLamar deposit production. The simplified oxide-focused Project design, combined with robust early cash flow potential and strong economics, positions DeLamar well for permitting, financing, and development execution.

No Production Decision: The Company has not made a production decision for the Project. A decision to proceed with construction will only be made following the completion and review of detailed engineering, financing arrangements, and receipt of all required permits and approvals.

DeLamar Feasibility Study Conference Call & Webcast

Integra will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time / 8:00 AM Pacific Time, to discuss the DeLamar FS. Details for the conference call and webcast are included below.

Dial-In Numbers / Webcast:

Conference ID: 8306105

Toll Free: (800) 715-9871

Toll: +1 (646) 307-1952

Webcast: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/518660974

About Integra

Integra is a growing precious metals producer in the Great Basin of the Western United States. Integra is focused on demonstrating profitability and operational excellence at its principal operating asset, the Florida Canyon Mine, located in Nevada. In addition, Integra is committed to advancing its flagship development-stage heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho and the Nevada North Project located in western Nevada. Integra creates sustainable value for shareholders, stakeholders, and local communities through successful mining operations, efficient project development, disciplined capital allocation, and strategic M&A, while upholding the highest industry standards for environmental, social, and governance practices.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

George Salamis

President, CEO and Director

CONTACT INFORMATION

Corporate Inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Company website: www.integraresources.com

Office phone: 1 (604) 416-0576

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by James Frost, P.Eng., Director, Technical Services of Integra Resources Corp., who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. In reviewing and approving this disclosure, Mr. Frost has relied upon the work of other Qualified Persons, each of whom has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information within their respective areas of expertise.

Forte Dynamics, Inc. part of SLR Consulting Limited, has led the Feasibility Study and is managing the Report with RESPEC Company LLC contributing. The following independent Qualified Persons with associated firms have reviewed and approved this news release as defined by NI 43-101:

Barry Carlson, P.E., SME-RN, Forte Dynamics, Inc.

Deepak Malhotra, Phd., P.E., SME-RN, Forte Dynamics, Inc.

Jeffrey Bickel, C.P.G., RESPEC Company LLC

Keith Watson, P.Eng., RESPEC Company LLC

Jay Nopola, P.E., RESPEC Company LLC

Data Verification

The Qualified Persons responsible for the FS technical report have verified the data for which they are accountable, including the sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information disclosed in this news release. Geological, mine engineering and metallurgical reviews included, among other things, reviewing drill data and core logs, review of geotechnical and hydrological studies, environmental and community factors, the development of the life of mine plan, capital and operating costs, transportation, taxation and royalties, and review of existing metallurgical test work. In the opinion of the Qualified Persons, the data, assumptions, and parameters used in the sections of the FS that they are responsible for preparing are sufficiently reliable for those purposes. The technical report in respect of the FS, when filed, will contain more detailed information concerning individual Qualified Persons responsibilities, associated quality assurance and quality control, and other data verification matters, and the key assumptions, parameters and methods used by the Company.

Sampling and QA/QC Procedure

Thorough QA/QC protocols are followed on the Project, including insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples in the assay stream for all drill holes. The samples are submitted directly to American Assay Labs in Reno, Nevada for preparation and analysis. Analysis of gold is performed using fire assay method with atomic absorption (AA) finish on a 1 assay ton aliquot. Gold results over 5 g/t are re-run using a gravimetric finish. Silver analysis is performed using ICP for results up to 100 g/t on a 5-acid digestion, with a fire assay, gravimetric finish for results over 100 g/t silver.

Additional supporting details regarding the information in this news release, will be provided in the FS technical report which will be available on SEDAR+ under the Company's profile within 45 days of this news release, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the FS. The FS technical report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release contains "forwardlooking statements" and "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and in applicable United States securities law (referred to herein as forwardlooking statements). Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "would", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "budget", "scheduled", "plans", "planned", "forecasts", "goals" and similar expressions. Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forwardlooking statements which includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the future financial or operating performance of the Company, the Project and its mineral properties; results from work performed to date; the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the development, operational and economic results of the FS for the Project, including cash flows, revenue potential, development, expenditures, and timing thereof, extraction rates, life-of-mine projections and cost estimates; timing of completion of a technical report summarizing the results of the FS; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of the Project mine plan; exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits; costs and timing of future exploration; permitting; construction and optimization planning; estimates of metallurgical recovery rates; anticipated advancement of the Project, future prospects and prospective inclusion of Mineral Resources in future mining activities; requirements for additional capital; the future price of metals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; the timing and possible outcome of pending regulatory matters; the realization of the expected economics of the Project; future growth potential of the Project; and future development plans.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such statement was made. Assumptions and factors include: the Company's ability to complete its planned exploration and development programs; the absence of adverse conditions at the Project and the Company's mineral properties; satisfying ongoing covenants under the Company's loan facilities; no unforeseen operational delays; no material delays in obtaining necessary permits; results of independent engineer technical reviews; the possibility of cost overruns and unanticipated costs and expenses; the price of gold remaining at levels that continue to render the Project and the Company's mineral properties economic; the Company's ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance operations; and the ability to realize on the mineral resource and reserve estimates. Forwardlooking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; the actual results of current and future exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; meeting various expected cost estimates; benefits of certain technology usage; changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; risks related to local communities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); title to properties; and other factors beyond the Company's control and as well as those factors included herein and elsewhere in the Company's public disclosure. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are advised to study and consider risk factors disclosed in Integra's Annual Information Form dated March 26, 2025 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which is available on the SEDAR+ issuer profile for the Company at www.sedarplus.ca and available as Exhibit 99.1 to Integra's Form 40-F, which is available on the EDGAR profile for the Company at www.sec.gov.

Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Investors are urged to read the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory agencies, which can be viewed online under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Alternative performance measures in this news release such as "cash cost", "AISC" and "free cash flow" are furnished to provide additional information. These non-GAAP performance measures are included in this news release because these statistics are used as key performance measures that management uses to monitor and assess performance of DeLamar, and to plan and assess the overall effectiveness and efficiency of mining operations. These performance measures do not have a standardized meaning within International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. These performance measures should not be considered in isolation as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS.

Cash Costs

Cash costs include site operating costs (mining, processing, site G&A), refinery costs and royalties, but excludes head office G&A and exploration expenses. While there is no standardized meaning of the measure across the industry, the Company believes that this measure is useful to external users in assessing operating performance.

All-In Sustaining Cost

Site level AISC includes cash costs and sustaining and expansion capital, but excludes head office G&A and exploration expenses. The Company believes that this measure is useful to external users in assessing operating performance and the Company's ability to generate free cash flow from potential operations.

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flows are revenues net of operating costs, royalties, capital expenditures and cash taxes. The Company believes that this measure is useful to the external users in assessing the Company's ability to generate cash flows from the Project.

Cautionary Note for U.S. Investors Concerning Mineral Resources and Reserves

NI 43-101 is a rule of the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Technical disclosure contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Classification System. These standards differ from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and resource and reserve information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by domestic United States companies subject to the SEC's reporting and disclosure requirements.

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.
VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Black Mammoth Metals Corporation (TSXV: BMM) (OTC: LQRCF) ("Black Mammoth" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has acquired the Mustang Gold and Silver property ("Mustang" or the "Property") by staking 138 unpatented lode claims on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) covering 1124 hectares (2778 acres), has obtained an extensive data package related to the Property and has completed a pole-dipole induced polarization survey (the "IP Survey") with an interpreted inversion model. The Property extends over 8.4 km north-south along the Pactolus Hills on the Walker Lane trend, Nye County, NV, near the western edge of the Basin and Range physiographic Province.

Best Historical Drill Intercept:



12.2m of 1.71g/t Au (including 7.6m of 2.56g/t Au) at 54.5m depth - Queensgate Resources, 2011 RC hole - M11-06.

IP Results:

Southern Zone

The IP Survey's objective in the south was to investigate the potential for high-sulfidation epithermal gold-silver deposits underlying the known area of mineralization where previous operators have located gold and silver mineralization in drill holes and in rock chips. Near-surface rocks and alteration features exhibit significant silicification and leaching (with vuggy textures), which are typically well reflected in resistivity anomalies. Quartz veins are present and correlate well with historical rock samples and drill results. The east-west IP lines (8) in the south were spaced 150m apart.

The IP results confirmed a potential target area at the Southern Zone (the "IP Anomaly") extending over one square km and is open to the north and south, with further potential beneath the younger basalt cover to the east and west (see Figure 1 & 2). Given the geologic environment and mapped rock types, the source of the chargeability anomalies is most likely sulfides. Also, the top of the chargeability anomalies is relatively consistent, suggesting some form of genetic control akin to a boiling level. The depth to top of the chargeability anomaly is sufficient to likely preclude detection by historic mine workings. The correlation of high resistivity with chargeability is obvious and the IP Anomaly shows a strong correlation with altered rock at surface, historical rock ship samples as well as historical drilling results.

Northern Zone The IP Survey's objective in the north was to investigate as part of a larger-scale exploration program to identify further mineralization potential along strike. The east-west IP lines (3) in the north were widely spaced covering 1.5 km (see Figure 4 & 5).

The results suggest that the gold and silver system extends a further 1.5 kilometers to the north (see Figures 4 & 5).

Mustang is geologically and geochemically analogous to the Paradise Peak high-sulfidation epithermal gold-silver deposit 13 kms to the northwest (see Figure 3). Gold and silver epithermal mineralization is primarily volcanic-hosted and associated with quartz veins, silicification, clay alteration and fractured zones. The historical Paradise Peak Mine was a major producer of gold and silver from 1984 to 1994. The Paradise Peak mine is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization at Mustang.

Next Steps



Black Mammoth intends to further investigate the northern and southern target areas using a ground-based gravity survey to refine drilling targets in the volcanic-hosted epithermal gold and silver zones and to explore for potential underlying gold mineralization embedded in basement rocks.

Acquisition Terms (USD)



A finder's fee of $12,000 USD was paid to a private vendor. The Company now owns Mustang 100% with no royalties, share compensation or other terms in connection with the acquisition.

The Company continues to acquire non-core exploration interests in the western US, by purchase or staking.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

All sampling of the historic percussion or rotary/reverse circulation drill chip samples was conducted by or under the supervision of Queensgate Resource's project geologist. The samples were taken to the ALS Laboratory (ALS) in Reno, Nevada for preparation and analysis.

The ALS PREP-31 package was utilized for sample preparation. In this package, each sample is crushed to better than 70%, passing 2mm, then a 250-gram riffle split is then taken. This split is pulverized to a target of 85% passing 75microns; and a 30-gram portion of this pulverized split is digested using aqua regia and analyzed for gold using ALS' Au-AA23-AAS method, which is a Fire Assay, with an AAS finish. A 35-element suite was run on the samples using the ALS ME-MS 41 multielement package. This method utilizes aqua regia digestion followed by ICP-AES analysis (Induced Coupled Plasma). Trace level silver was analyzed using ALS' Ag-AA61 method which is a four-acid digestion and utilizes an ICP-AAS (Induced Coupled Plasma) analysis. Trace mercury analysis was done using ALS' He-CV41 cold vapor Atomic Absorption. ALS Laboratories have ISO 9001 and 17025 accreditations. Queensgate Resources' QA/QC program included regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates and blanks into the sample stream. ALS also undertakes their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration.

About Black Mammoth Metals Corporation:

Since January 2024, Black Mammoth Metals has acquired a 100% interest in:

Ramsey Silver property, La Paz County, AZ.

La Paz County, AZ. Gallinas Rare Earth property, Lincoln County, NM.

Lincoln County, NM. Amador Silver property, Lander County, NV.

Lander County, NV. Big Bear Copper property, Gila County, AZ.

Gila County, AZ. Zulu Gold property, Gila County, AZ.

Gila County, AZ. Northern Star property, La Paz County, AZ.

La Paz County, AZ. Coal Canyon Gold property, Pershing County, NV.

Pershing County, NV. Island Mountain Gold District (including Coleman Canyon, St. Elmo and Diamond Jim (Ag, Pb, Zn, Sb)), Elko County, NV.

(including Coleman Canyon, St. Elmo and Diamond Jim (Ag, Pb, Zn, Sb)), Elko County, NV. Clover High-Grade Gold property, Elko County, NV.

Elko County, NV. Leadore Silver-Lead-Rare Earth Elements property , Lemhi County, ID.

, Lemhi County, ID. East Reveille Gold property , Nye County, NV.

, Nye County, NV. America Mine Gold property , San Bernardino, CA.

, San Bernardino, CA. Quito Gold property , Lander County, NV .

, Lander County, NV South Ravenswood Gold District (including the Raven, and Happy Cat properties) Lander County, NV. (Happy Cat was purchased prior to January 2024).

(including the Raven, and Happy Cat properties) Lander County, NV. (Happy Cat was purchased prior to January 2024). Callaghan Gold District (including North Callaghan, Charlie, Cottonwood and Rast properties), Lander County, NV.

Black Mammoth also has a 100% interest in the Blanco Creek Gold property in the Elk Creek Mining District, central Idaho, which hosts three historic underground mines along 3,550 meters (11,644 feet) of strike on the north-east trending regional Blanco Shear Zone.

Mark J. Abrams, CPG #11451, a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and director of Black Mammoth, has reviewed and approved the technical content in this release. On behalf of the board,

"Dustin Henderson"

Dustin Henderson, BBA

President & CEO

Website: www.blackmammothmetals.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions or are those which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including any technical reports filed or disclosed on the Company's website related to the Company's mineral properties.

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.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Roscan Gold Corporation (TSXV: ROS) (FSE: 2OJ) (OTCQB: RCGCF) ("Roscan" or the "Company") today announced that the Company has entered into a binding term sheet for a fully subscribed financing of C$1.5 Million through the private placement (the "Private Placement") of a secured convertible note (the "Secured Convertible Note" or the "Note") of the Company with a group of investors (the "Note Holders"). The Notes will carry a 12% coupon over a one (1) year term with a conversion price of C$0.15 per Roscan Gold's Common Shares. Certain management and directors have committed to participate in the Private Placement for a total of C$1.5 Million, including Board of Director and investor Michael Gentile with C$700,000.

The Note will be convertible, in whole or in part, at the option of the Note Holder into common shares of the Corporation ("Common Shares") at any time prior to the close of business on the earlier of: (a) the business day prior to the Maturity Date; and (b) the business day prior to any date set for the redemption or repurchase of the Note in accordance with their terms. The Note Holder shall receive accrued and unpaid interest on the Note, paid in cash, up to, but excluding, the date of conversion. Gross proceeds from the Private Placement will be used for general working capital purposes.

Nana Sangmuah, President & CEO of Roscan Gold stated, "We are pleased to have this financing in place as we approach the final phase of our permitting process. Roscan is on the cusp of transitioning from an explorer to a developer, a milestone that should support a meaningful re-rating."

The Offering is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals of applicable securities regulatory authorities, including the TSX Venture Exchange. The grant of security shall also be subject to approval of Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation.

About Roscan

Roscan Gold Corporation is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on the exploration and acquisition of gold properties in West Africa. The Company has assembled a significant land position of 100%-owned permits in an area hosting producing gold mines, including B2Gold's Fekola Mine, which lies on a contiguous property to the west of Kandiole, as well as major gold deposits located both north and south of its Kandiole Project in West Mali.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "continued support", or statements regarding the Company's next key milestone being the potential receipt of a mining permit, the opportunity to transition from exploration to development, the ability to continue advancing projects in Mali, the advancement of technical studies, stakeholder engagement and project development activities. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. "Exploration Target" as a range of quantities and grades are conceptual in nature and there has not been sufficient exploration to define a mineral resource. It is uncertain if future exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than 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.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 17, 2025) - Steppe Gold Ltd. (TSX: STGO) (OTCQX: STPGF) (FSE: 2J9) ("Steppe Gold" or the "Company") announces that Mr. Bataa Tumur-Ochir has resigned from his roles as Chairman of the board of directors (the "Board") and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Company, effective immediately.

Dulguun Erdenebaatar has been appointed Chairman of the Board, and Tserenbadam Dugeree has been appointed CEO.

Mr Erdenebaatar is the CEO of Boroo Pte Ltd. and has led the group in its recent growth phase. The Board believes Mr. Erdenebaatar's extensive leadership experience and deep understanding of Mongolia's mining and regulatory environment will strengthen the Company's governance and long-term strategic execution. His appointment will support Steppe Gold's focus on sustainable growth, disciplined capital allocation, and enhanced shareholder value.

Mr Dugeree already leads the in-country operations team at Steppe Gold. He brings a proven track record in Mongolia, showing strategic leadership and operational excellence in his prior roles. He has deep experience scaling mining groups, building high-performing teams, and forging strong partnerships.

Steppe Gold views this leadership transition as an opportunity to build on Steppe Gold's strong foundation and accelerate its next phase of growth.

Given that the new Chairman represents the Company's major shareholder, Boroo Pte Ltd., the Board intends to appoint an independent lead director to assume the duties of the Chairman as and when required to address any actual or potential conflicts of interest. This appointment will also provide independent oversight and reinforce the Company's commitment to strong governance standards.

Mr. Tumur-Ochir has advised the Board that his decision was made after careful consideration and is not the result of any disagreement with the Board, management, or shareholders of the Company. He will remain a significant long-term shareholder of Steppe Gold and has expressed his continued support for the Company's strategy and future success.

The Company would like to express its sincere gratitude to Mr. Tumur-Ochir for his leadership and contributions to Steppe Gold. Under his tenure, Steppe Gold evolved from an early-stage development company into a publicly listed gold producer with a strong asset base in Mongolia and a clear long-term growth profile. Mr. Tumur-Ochir played a central role in shaping the Company's strategic direction, strengthening its institutional presence, and advancing its operations.

About Steppe Gold

Steppe Gold is Mongolia's premier precious metals company.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain statements or disclosures relating to the Company that are based on the expectations of its management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company which may constitute forward-looking statements or information ("forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws. All such statements and disclosures, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results, or developments that the Company anticipates or expects may, or will, occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of the words "commenced", "continued", "will", "commitment" and similar expressions. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the following: the appointment of new executive leadership, appointment of a lead director, commitment to governance standards, the timing and outcome of the Board's search process and the Company's future strategy and development plans. Such statements reflect the Company's current expectations and speak only as of the date of this news release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.
VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSX: VZLA) (NYSE: VZLA) (Frankfurt: 0G3) ("Vizsla Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to acquire from Minera Fresnillo S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Fresnillo plc ("Fresnillo") ten claims comprising 2,378 Ha (the "Claims") along the highly prospective Panuco  San Dimas corridor. Seven of these claims (the "Strategic Claims") comprising 1,734 Ha are strategic and occur adjacent to the Panuco project (the "Panuco Project" or "Panuco"), covering prospective areas or potential extensions to veins with known mineralization.

Highlights

Property package comprised of 2,378 Ha in the highly prospective Panuco  San Dimas corridor.

Strategic Claims comprised of 1,734 Ha covering highly prospective areas or potential vein extensions.

The Claims contain various prospective areas or potential extensions to veins with known mineralization.

Vizsla Silver has agreed to pay US$2,000,000 and issue US$4,000,000 in common shares to Fresnillo as consideration for the Claims.

"With this acquisition, we now have more prospective ground adjacent to our flagship Panuco project to continue exploring," stated Michael Konnert, President and CEO. "The Strategic Claims host past production along a trend of known mineralized structures, several of which are included in the recently announced Panuco Feasibility Study. The acquisition of the Claims provides our team with new high-priority targets, which, pending exploration success, not only have the potential to grow the overall resource base but also bolster mine economics in future mine updates and technical studies."

About the Claims

The Claims comprise ten titled mining claims covering 2,378 Ha (Figure 1) in the emerging silver-gold-rich Panuco  San Dimas corridor with estimated historic production plus current resources and reserves of 1.2-Boz Ag and 15-Moz Au. The Strategic Claims are adjacent to and partially surround the Panuco Project (Figure 2).

The main lithologies identified within the Strategic Claims adjacent to Panuco correspond to the favourable andesite lavas and tuffs with overlying rhyolite tuffs correlative with the Tarahumara formation that were intruded by diorite and granodiorite stocks of the Sinaloa batholitic complex. Additionally, detailed mapping, rock sampling and exploratory drilling suggests that some veins and vein systems within Panuco, such as La Luisa, Cruz Negra, San Dimas, Camelia, La Florida and Cordon del Oro may extend into the Claims.

Furthermore, Vizsla Silver is in the process of expanding its LiDAR survey to cover the Strategic Claims and to start regional recognizance-mapping and rock sampling in highly prospective areas where known mineralization may extend.

Terms of the Acquisition

The Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the "Acquisition Agreement") dated December 17, 2025 with Fresnillo and the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Minera Canam, S.A. de C.V. ("Minera Canam") pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire, through Minera Canam, all of Fresnillo's right, title and interest in and to the Claims.

Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay US$2,000,000 and issue 854,697 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Consideration Shares") to Fresnillo. The Consideration Shares are subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.

Qualified Person

In accordance with NI 43-101, Jesus Velador, Ph.D. MMSA QP., Vice President of Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.

About Vizsla Silver and the Panuco Project

Vizsla Silver is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, focused on advancing its flagship, 100%-owned Panuco silver-gold project located in Sinaloa, Mexico. The Company recently completed a Feasibility Study for Panuco in November 2025 which highlights 17.4 Moz AgEq of annual production over an initial 9.4-year mine life, an after-tax NPV (5%) of US$1.8B, 111% IRR and a 7-month payback at US$35.50/oz Ag and US$3,100/oz Au. Vizsla Silver aims to position itself as a leading silver company by implementing a dual track development approach at Panuco, advancing mine development while continuing district scale exploration through low-cost means.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or performance and reflect management's expectations or beliefs regarding future events, plans, and objectives.

Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Company's exploration and development plans; the potential growth of the Company's overall resource base and mine economics; the potential for future mine updates and technical studies; and other statements regarding management's plans, strategies, and future operations.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions believed to be reasonable by the Company as of the date of this release, including, without limitation: the accuracy of the Feasibility Study parameters; the availability of financing on acceptable terms; that required permits and approvals will be obtained in the expected timeframe; continued community and government support; stability in market, political and economic conditions; reasonable accuracy of operating and capital cost estimates; and continued favourable metal prices and exchange rates.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially. Such risks include, but are not limited to: exploration, development and operating risks; permitting, environmental and regulatory risks; community relations and social licence risks; commodity price and currency fluctuations; inflation and cost escalation; financing and liquidity risks; reliance on contractors and suppliers; title and surface rights risks; changes in project parameters; inaccuracies in technical or economic modelling; the risk that the Feasibility Study assumptions prove inaccurate; and other risks described in the Company's continuous disclosure filings available under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

There can be no assurance that the Panuco Project will be placed into production or that the results of the Feasibility Study will be realized. The purpose of the forward-looking statements is to provide information about management's current expectations and plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Standard Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: STND) (OTCQB: STTDF) (FSE: 9SU0) ("Standard Uranium" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Engdahl as a Non-Executive Director of the Company effective immediately. Mr. Engdahl is a professional geologist and the current President and CEO of the Axiom Group. He is a recognized leader in the exploration industry and has over two decades of experience in the uranium sector. Mr. Engdahl has extensive Board level and audit committee experience and will be joining our audit committee. The Company would also like to recognize Neil McCallum and Zoya Shashkova for their years of service as Directors of the Company.

Doug Engdahl, P.Geo., is President & CEO of Axiom Exploration Group Ltd., a global exploration consulting and services company employing more than 140 professionals worldwide. He has over 20 years of experience in mineral exploration and mine operations, including more than 14 years in uranium with Cameco Corporation and AREVA/Orano, spanning both advanced exploration and production at the McArthur River Mine. Mr. Engdahl brings extensive expertise in uranium systems, exploration strategy, and project execution. He currently serves on multiple public mining company boards and committees, contributing technical, governance, and capital-markets oversight. He is a registered Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) in Canada.

"Doug is a well respected and accomplished business professional with extensive experience in the uranium sector and public markets. We are excited to have him join our team and add immediate value," said Chairman Jon Bey. "His perspective and leadership will help accelerate our long-term vision as we focus on making a high-grade uranium discovery in the Athabasca Basin."

The company also recognizes Neil McCallum and Zoya Shashkova for their longstanding years of service and contributions. "We deeply appreciate their commitment and the impact they've made," said Chairman Jon Bey. "Neil was one of our original Directors when we started Standard Uranium in 2017. I am happy he will continue to add value in his new role as Lead Technical Advisor working closely with Sean Hillacre and our technical team. Zoya has been an instrumental part of our growth for the past four years and we will miss her contributions to our Board and the audit committee. We wish her continued success as she moves on to her next endeavor."

RSU Grant

The Company also announces that in connection with his appointment, pursuant to its Omnibus Incentive Plan, it has granted 250,000 restricted share units (the "RSUs") to Douglas Engdahl. The RSUs entitle the holder to receive one common share, the cash equivalent, or a combination thereof, on the vesting date of December 18, 2026, and are subject to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

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.

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.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF) (the "Company" or "LVG") reports results from a recent grab sampling program conducted at multiple active artisanal mining sites within its 100%-owned Tembo Project in northwestern Tanzania. The presence of ongoing artisanal activity across the licence area has highlighted several priority targets, with grab samples returning high-grade gold values of up to 35.45 g/t Au.

The sampling program was designed to assess gold mineralization associated with currently active artisanal mining operations within the Company's granted Mining Licences and to refine drill targeting ahead of the upcoming Q1 2026 drill program.

Artisanal Grab Sampling Program

A total of eight active artisanal mining locations were visited and sampled. Grab samples were collected from exposed mineralized material at surface and within shallow workings. Two of the sampled locations are newly identified areas, while two others correspond to targets defined through earlier drill programs, several of which have seen limited or non-systematic drilling to date.

Notable results include:

Ngula 1 - up to 35.45 g/t Au and 12.94 g/t Au, confirming high-grade mineralization at LVG's primary Tembo target and supporting its priority status for near-term drilling.

Ngula 2 - grab samples returning 35.21 g/t Au, 10.27 g/t Au and 10.30 g/t Au, reinforcing historical artisanal and exploration results.

Mgusu Target - previously under-drilled area returning values of 5.90 g/t Au, identifying a compelling new priority target.

Nyangomango - newly identified artisanal workings returning 7.86 g/t Au and 8.50 g/t Au.

Nyakagwe East - renewed artisanal activity returned 22.68 g/t Au and 3.16 g/t Au, supporting extensions of known mineralization to the northwest.

Geological Observations

Mineralization observed at sites returning elevated gold values is consistently associated with smokey-grey quartz veins hosted in sheared basalts, with visible pyrrhotite and pyrite sulphides. Active artisanal workings are aligned along multiple structural trends, including northeast, northwest, and east-west orientations, consistent with the Company's established structural interpretation for the Tembo licence area. Based on these results, the Company has identified three priority drill targets that have not previously received sufficient drill coverage and warrant systematic follow-up.

The artisanal workings in the project area are in all cases covered by 4-10m of transported alluvium. They are consistently associated with linear magnetic anomalies that are either east-west, northwest or northeast trending. This fact highlights the prospectivity of the licences along these trends with gold mineralization associated with all three directions.

"The level of artisanal activity we're seeing across Tembo is very encouraging and highlights several areas that have not been adequately tested by drilling in the past," said Hendrick Mering, Exploration Manager "We now have multiple new targets that we're keen to get back on the ground to drill, and these results reinforce our view that Tembo hosts a large, structurally controlled gold system with significant exploration upside."

Exploration and Development Strategy

With the objective of advancing toward near-term production, LVG plans to undertake a close-spaced drilling program at Ngula 1, targeting a 300-400 metre strike length that has returned consistently high-grade results in historical drilling and artisanal sampling.

The Company has previously announced a non-binding letter of intent ("LOI") with Nyati Resources (T) Limited ("Nyati") in respect of potential gold processing arrangements at the Tembo Project. Building on this LOI, the Company is currently engaged in advanced discussions with Nyati regarding the potential utilization of the full capacity of an existing 500 tonne-per-day carbon-in-pulp ("CIP") processing plant located on one of LVG's Mining Licences.

These discussions are focused on establishing a toll-processing arrangement that could support a potential pathway toward near-term production from the Tembo Project, subject to the completion of confirmatory drilling, permitting, and the execution of a definitive agreement. The Company is targeting the conclusion of a binding agreement in early 2026.

The planned drilling program is expected to commence in Q1 2026.

"With an LOI in place with Nyati, our focus has shifted decisively toward execution," said Marc Cernovitch, President & CEO. "We are moving from exploration to execution. The high-grade samples at surface confirm the system's potential, while our engagement with Nyati Resources offers a tangible path to process that material. Our focus is squarely on defining the resource at Ngula 1 and finalizing a processing agreement that leverages existing infrastructure to minimize capital output."

Sampling Methodology

Grab samples were collected from exposed mineralized material within active artisanal workings. Sample locations were georeferenced using handheld GPS equipment. The samples are intended to provide an indication of the presence of gold mineralization and to assist in refining drill targets. Grab samples are selective by nature and are not necessarily representative of the mineralization hosted on the property.

Sample ID Locality Easting UTM Northing UTM Description Sample ID Au ppm Assay check with descrition X6307 Ngula 1 436699.1124 9647469.747 Black smokey Quartz vein with sulphides

mineralization and Chlorite alteration X6307 39.45 TRUE X6308 Ngula 1 436699.1123 9647469.747 Black smokey Quartz vein with minor Sulphides mineralization X6308 12.944 TRUE X6309 Ngula 2 436476.344 9648464.472 Black smokey Quartz vein with Strong disseminated sulphides mineralization X6309 10.3 TRUE X6302 Ngula 2 437365.1615 9648575.499 Qtz veining with disseminated sulphides on an active Artisinal Pit X6302 35.209 TRUE X6303 Ngula 2 437476.2711 9648575.56 Sheared fine grained Mafic Volcanic with Quartz veining strongly mineralised Sulphides X6303 10.269 TRUE X6318 Mgusu 437452.6869 9646564.238 Sheared fine grained Mafic Volcanic with Quartz

veining strongly mineralised Sulphides X6318 5.903 TRUE X6333 Nyangomango 434348.9405 9643575.173 Black smokey Quartz with sulphide mineralization X6333 8.502 TRUE X6334 Nyangomango 434329.5052 9643561.124 Black smokey Quartz with sulphide mineralization X6334 7.862 TRUE X6314 Nyakagwe NE 437997.538 9645581.294 Brecciated Black smokey vein with Fe-rich mineralization veinlets X6314 3.158 TRUE X6315 Nyakagwe NE 437985.648 9645584.051 Oxidised Quartz vein mineralization Fe-rich alteration X6315 22.682 TRUE

Notes Grab Samples Coordinates Arc 1960 UTM 36S Sample Type Grab sample QAQC Internal Lab MSALab MSA Laboratories (T) Limited - Geita, Chrysos Analytical Procedure PhotonAssay, International Standards ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO9001

Cautionary Statement Regarding Preliminary Development Concepts

The Company cautions that the assessment of potential development opportunities at the Tembo Project is at a preliminary stage and is not based on a mineral resource estimate or any economic analysis such as a Feasibility Study. As such, there are significant technical and economic uncertainties that remain unresolved, including but not limited to metallurgical recoveries, grade continuity, mineability, permitting, processing capacity, capital and operating costs, and the availability of financing. Any reference to potential development scenarios is conceptual in nature and should not be construed as an indication that an economic or technical case has been established for mining at the Tembo Project.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by David Scott, Pr. Sci. Nat., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Scott is a Director and Officer of the Company.

About Lake Victoria Gold (LVG):

Lake Victoria Gold is a rapidly growing gold exploration and development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol LVG. Leveraging our unique position and experience, the Company is principally focused on growth and consolidation in the highly prolific and prospective Lake Victoria Goldfield in Tanzania.

The Company has a 100% interest in the Tembo project which has over fifty thousand meters of drilling and is located adjacent to Barrick's Bulyanhulu Mine. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the Imwelo Project which is a fully permitted gold project west of AngloGold Ashanti's Geita Gold Mine. With historical resource estimates and a 2021 pre-feasibility study, the project is fully permitted for mine construction and production, positioning it as a near-term development opportunity.

LVG has assembled a highly experienced team with a track record of developing, financing, and operating mining projects in Africa with management, directors and partners owning more than 60% of the shares. Notably, the Company is grateful for the validation that comes with the support and equity investment from Barrick and recent strategic partnership with Taifa Group.

Taifa Group (a diverse group of companies with interests in amongst others, Mining, Telecoms, Oil & Gas, Agri Business, Pharmaceuticals and Leather) has entered into an agreement with the Company to obtain an equity stake in the Company and through its wholly owned subsidiary Taifa Mining (a wholly Tanzanian owned company), or other nominees. Taifa Mining will also conduct all the contract mining and civil works for the Imwelo project. Taifa Mining is Tanzania's largest mining contractor with over 30 years mining related experience. Taifa have been the contractor of choice to most mines in Tanzania and have maintained long and successful relationships with companies such as Petra, De Beers, Barrick, and AngloGold Ashanti. In addition, Taifa also owns the largest fleet of mining equipment in Tanzania. As a company, Taifa is committed to adopting and adhering to the latest internationally recognized standards throughout all aspects of its business.

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 Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including: future exploration and development plans with respect to the Imwelo Project, contract work on the Imwelo Project by Taifa Mining, securing additional financing for the development costs of the Imwelo project, the closing of the acquisition of the Imwelo Project and the concurrent financing, including the satisfaction of the closing conditions thereunder, and receipt of all regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange for the acquisition and financing. 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 necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond LVG's control, including risks associated with or related to: the completion of the acquisition of the Imwelo project, the concurrent financing and related transactions, including receipt of all regulatory approvals and third-party consents, the volatility of metal prices and LVG's common shares; changes in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; not achieving development or production, cost or other estimates; actual exploration or development plans and costs differing materially from the Company's estimates; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability of financing; financing and debt activities; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations in Tanzania and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally, including in response to the COVID-19 outbreak; remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labor; regulatory, political and country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; challenges to title or surface rights; the dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; community support for LVG's operations, including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small scale miners; failures of information systems or information security threats; the ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law; compliance with anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures; social media and LVG's reputation; and other risks disclosed in the Company's public filings.

LVG's forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. LVG does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities LVG will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Denarius Metals Corp. (Cboe CA: DMET) (OTCQX: DNRSF) ("Denarius Metals" or the "Company") announced today the filing of a National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects compliant technical report in support of the updated Mineral Resource estimate for its 100%-owned Zancudo Project in Colombia. The technical report, entitled "Technical Report for the Zancudo Gold-Silver Mineral Deposit, Municipality of Titiribi, Department of Antioquia, Republic of Colombia, South America" with an effective date of October 31, 2025, was prepared by Resource Development Associates and supports the disclosures made by the Company in its news release dated November 3, 2025. The technical report can be found on the Company's website at www.denariusmetals.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Denarius Metals

Denarius Metals is a Canadian junior company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and eventual operation of precious metals and polymetallic mining projects in high-grade districts in Colombia and Spain. Denarius Metals is listed on Cboe Canada where it trades under the symbol "DMET". The Company also trades on the OTCQX Market in the United States under the symbol "DNRSF".

In Colombia, Denarius Metals commenced mining operations in the second quarter of 2025 at its 100%-owned Zancudo Project, a high-grade gold-silver deposit, which includes the historic producing Independencia mine, located in the Cauca Belt, about 30 km southwest of Medellin.

In Spain, Denarius Metals has interests in three projects focused on in-demand critical minerals. The Company owns a 21% interest in Rio Narcea Recursos, S.L. and is the operator of its Aguablanca Project, which has been recognized by the EU as a Strategic Project. The Aguablanca Project comprises a turnkey 5,000 tonnes per day processing plant and the rights to exploit the historic producing Aguablanca nickel-copper mine, located in Monesterio, Extremadura. Denarius Metals also owns a 100% interest in the Lomero Project, a polymetallic deposit located on the Spanish side of the prolific copper rich Iberian Pyrite Belt, approximately 88 km southwest of the Aguablanca Project, and a 100% interest in the Toral Project, a high-grade zinc-lead-silver deposit located in the Leon Province, Northern Spain.

Additional information on Denarius Metals can be found on its website at www.denariusmetals.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information", which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to anticipated business plans or strategies. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Denarius Metals to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2025 which is available for view on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and Denarius Metals disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. 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, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Fuerte Metals Corporation (TSXV: FMT) (OTCQB: FUEMF) ("Fuerte" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of C$17,249,933 (the "Offering"). The Offering was comprised of:

(i) 1,380,950 flow-through common shares of the Company (the "FT Shares"), each of which will qualify as a "flow-through share" (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act")) at a price of C$5.25 per FT Share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$7,249,988 (inclusive of the exercise, in full, of the Agents' option to increase the size of the Offering for up to an additional 428,570 FT Shares at a price of C$5.25 per FT Share); and

(ii) 1,655,620 special flow-through common shares of the Company (the "Special FT Shares"), each of which will qualify as a "flow-through share" (within the meaning of the Tax Act) at a price of C$6.04 per Special FT Share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$9,999,945.

The FT Shares and the Special FT Shares are collectively referred to as the Offered Securities. The Offered Securities are subject to a statutory hold period in Canada, expiring on April 19, 2026.

The Offering was led by Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. and BMO Capital Markets, as co-lead agents and joint bookrunners, on their own behalf and on behalf of a syndicate of agents including National Bank Financial Inc., Desjardins Capital Markets and Ventum Financial Corp. (collectively, the "Agents").

In consideration for their services rendered in connection with the Offering, the Agents were paid a cash commission equal to 5% of the gross proceeds of the Offering (reduced to 2% of the gross proceeds from sales to purchasers on the president's list).

The Company will use an amount equal to the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Offered Securities, pursuant to the provisions in the Tax Act, to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" as defined in s. 66.1(6) of the Tax Act that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Tax Act (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Company's Coffee Gold Project, on or before December 31, 2026 (or such other period as may be permissible under applicable tax legislation), and to renounce all the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the Offered Securities effective December 31, 2025.

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

Certain directors, officers and other insiders purchased an aggregate of 280,000 FT Shares pursuant to the Offering. The participation of insiders in the Offering is considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101 in reliance on the exemptions set out in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of such transactions, insofar as they involve related parties, is not more than 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing of the Offering as the details of the Offering and the participation therein by related parties of the Company were not settled until shortly prior to closing and the Company wished to close on an expedited basis for sound business reasons.

About Fuerte Metals Corporation

Fuerte is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on advancing high-potential precious metals and base metals projects across the Americas. Our flagship asset is the 100%-owned Coffee Project in the Yukon, Canada - a high-quality gold project advancing through the final stages of permitting, engineering, and resource expansion drilling in preparation for a construction decision. Coffee hosts 3.0 million ounces of open-pit heap-leach Measured and Indicated Resource and an Inferred Resource of 0.8 million ounces. We respectfully acknowledge that protection of the water and lands around the Coffee Creek and mine project area is of high importance to First Nations. Through cooperation, transparency, and respect, we pledge to continue to build on relationships with Tr'ondek Hwech'in, White River First Nation, Selkirk First Nation, and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun, whose Traditional Territories overlap or partially overlap with the project access road, and areas where exploration and mining activities may occur. In addition to Coffee, Fuerte holds a portfolio of copper and gold assets, including the Placeton-Caballo Muerto Project in Chile and the Cristina and Yecora Projects in Mexico, offering additional growth and exploration upside. At Fuerte, we are committed to building value through disciplined project development, responsible stewardship of the land, a safety-focused culture, and creating long-term returns for shareholders.

Qualified Person

Alan J. San Martin, P.Eng. and Charley Murahwi, P.Geo. from Micon International Limited are the Qualified Persons (QPs) who prepared the Coffee Gold Project Mineral Resource Estimate, as detailed in the technical report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report for the 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate Update on the Coffee Gold Project, Yukon, Canada" with an effective date of August 21, 2025. Micon International Limited is "independent" of Fuerte as defined by Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. The Coffee Technical Report is available on the Company's website at www.fuertemetals.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Additional Information

Forward-Looking Information

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements with respect to the use of proceeds from the Offering; the expected incurrence by the Company of eligible Canadian exploration expenses that will qualify as flow-through mining expenditures; and the renunciation by the Company of the Canadian exploration expenses (on a pro rata basis) to each subscriber by no later than December 31, 2025. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof.

Such forward-looking information is based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the price of gold, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, the tax treatment of the FT Shares and Special FT Shares, the timing to incur and renounce Qualifying Expenditures will be as currently anticipated, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner, the Company's ability to use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known mineral reserves, the limited operating history of the Company, the influence of a large shareholder, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, availability of third party contractors, availability of equipment and supplies, failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals and the risk factors with respect to the Company set out in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators and available under Fuerte's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events 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.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - PTX Metals Inc. (TSXV: PTX) (OTCQB: PANXF) (FSE: 9PX) ("PTX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce completion of a structurally-oriented, geological review and the new, high-resolution, airborne magnetics survey of the northern and central portion of its Shining Tree Gold Property, located in South Timmins along the Ridout-Tyrrell Deformation Zone (also known as "RTDZ") in Ontario, Canada. Sampling from the surface work resulted in multiple high-grade assays reported below. The highlights from the sampling were collected by SRK at the Rhonda and Herrick Targets, where samples returned up to 69.00 g/t Au and 18.82 g/t Au respectively.

Table 1. List of sample highlights from October 2025 samples. Note: * = Resample

Sample Number Project Area UTM (E) UTM (N) UTM Zone Au (ppm) BH-001A Rhonda 484876 5272326 17N 3.97 BH-002 Rhonda 484880 5272339 17N 7.19 BH-004B Rhonda 484887 5272373 17N 7.85 BH-005A* Rhonda 484887 5272246 17N 24.03 BH-005B* Rhonda 484887 5272246 17N 69.00 BH-006A* Rhonda 484886 5272249 17N 10.79 BH-012 Herrick 483970 5273314 17N 11.46 BH-013 Herrick 483957 5273420 17N 18.82 BH-015 Caswell 485845 5272492 17N 5.47

Reporting initial discussion from the Shining Tree Gold Project

The primary objective of the comprehensive on-site review of the geology of the property's primary mineral showings is to create a clear understanding of the structural setting and controls on gold mineralization throughout the property and how they relate to regional geologic/structural patterns. Although the mineralized trends at each prospect are well-understood, how they relate to one another, and, more importantly, the regional geodynamic setting, requires further study.

Preliminary results from the structural review of the property suggests that available, regional geologic maps do not accurately depict the property's structural setting. During SRK's data collection and structural review of the property, 27 rock samples were taken for various purposes across the property (See Figure 1). The purposes of these samples were variable, with some of these samples being taken in attempt to reproduce historic, higher-grade Au values, while others were taken to develop understanding of the controls on localization of gold within the various veins and shear zones found across the property. Samples from both the Rhonda and Herrick areas returned the most significant results, returning up to 69.00 g/t and 18.82 g/t Au respectively.

The most comprehensive sampling was conducted at the Rhonda North Trench (See Figure 2) where samples were taken both along previously cut channels (i.e. resamples) and to the North of 2024 trenching extents along the projected vein trace. Resampling of high-grade channels from 2024 has demonstrated excellent reproducibility, suggesting higher Au grades are not the result of a nugget effect, but most likely the result of localized, but traceable, variability along the Rhonda structure that can be effectively targeted. Additionally, 4 grab samples of the Rhonda vein taken along strike and North of the 2024 Rhona North Trench demonstrate reliable continuation of gold values north of modern trenching and channel sampling. Results from these 4 samples ranged from 3.54 to 7.85 g/t Au.

All samples were hand-delivered to SGS Labs in Sudbury, Ontario who analyzed the samples for Au content via a 30/50g fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish. SGS is an ISO 17025:2005 accredited testing laboratory. SGS performed an internal QA/QC program which includes the insertion of CRM's, blanks, sample repeats, and duplicate samples as is compliant with industry standards.

In addition to SRK's structural review and the aforementioned sampling, PTX commissioned Terrascope Inc. to conduct a high-resolution, drone magnetics survey across the central portion of PTX's Shining Tree claims. The survey wrapped up on December 12th, 2025 with a total of 2783.5 line Km flown. The primary objective of the survey was to replace the current, low-resolution magnetics dataset used by the Company with a much higher-resolution dataset to aid with mapping the largely overburden-covered property. The current magnetics dataset is insufficient to delineate and target potentially gold-bearing structures; however, we expect this new magnetics survey, in combination with the structural information obtained from the SRK structural interpretation, will provide a sound foundation for developing successful exploration campaigns in the future.

Figure 1: Map of the Central Area of the property displaying locations of the Herrick, Rhonda and Caswell areas and associated grab samples. All samples are listed in Table 2

Picture 1: Pictures of field work during the SRK site visit in October 2025

Figure 2: Map of the Rhonda North Trench area displaying grab samples taken

The Company expects to release additional compilation of the structural analysis entering the year 2026. Those data will increase our understandings on lithologically- and structurally- controlled mineralization at the property and allow better definition of mineralized bodies to be drill tested and expanded.

Table 2. List of all samples taken in October 2025. Note: * = Resample

Sample Number Project Area UTM (E) UTM (N) UTM Zone Au (ppm) BH-001A Rhonda 484876 5272326 17N 3.97 BH-001B Rhonda 484876 5272326 17N 0.38 BH-002 Rhonda 484880 5272339 17N 7.19 BH-004A Rhonda 484887 5272373 17N 3.54 BH-004B Rhonda 484887 5272373 17N 7.85 BH-005A* Rhonda 484887 5272246 17N 24.03 BH-005B* Rhonda 484887 5272246 17N 69.00 BH-006A* Rhonda 484886 5272249 17N 10.79 BH-006B* Rhonda 484886 5272249 17N 0.08 BH-007A Rhonda 484887 5272246 17N 0.72 BH-007B Rhonda 484887 5272246 17N 1.45 BH-012 Herrick 483970 5273314 17N 11.46 BH-013 Herrick 483957 5273420 17N 18.82 BH-014A Caswell 485845 5272494 17N 1.02 BH-014B Caswell 485845 5272494 17N 0.17 BH-014C Caswell 485845 5272494 17N <0.01 BH-015 Caswell 485845 5272492 17N 5.47 BH-020A Central 483209 5270955 17N 0.02 BH-020B Central 483209 5270955 17N 0.03 BH-021 Central 483241 5270973 17N 0.07 BH-022A Central 483323 5270996 17N 0.03 BH-022B Central 483323 5270996 17N 0.04 BH-028 Area 2 484868 5277469 17N <0.01 BH-029 Area 2 484714 5277570 17N 0.02 BH-030 Area 2 484708 5277575 17N <0.01 BH-032 Area 2 484199 5278197 17N <0.01 BH-033 Rhonda 485057 5272791 17N <0.01

W2 Update

As to conclude the year, the Company has also wrapped up its drilling program with approximately 1,200m drilled to date at its W2 Copper, Nickel, Platinum, Palladium (PGEs) Project, located in the Ring of Fire, Ontario. Initial core review shows sulfide-bearing gabbro with variation of disseminated to semi- and massive sulfide zones. Results are to be expected within Q1 2026.

Marketing and Advisory Contract

In December 2025, the Company has engaged Epstein Research, a private company headquartered in Upper Saddle, New Jersey, to provide marketing and advertising services to increase awareness of the Company. The cost of the 3-month agreement is $6,000 payable in advance. Epstein Research is arm's length to the Company and currently holds no securities in the Company.

Qualified Person

The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Kyle Pedersen, a non-independent qualified person to PTX Metals who is responsible for ensuring that the related technical information provided in this news release is accurate and who act as a "qualified person" (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About South Timmins Mining Corp

The South Timmins Mining Corporation has a 100% interest of the Shining Tree Gold Project and Heenan Mallard Gold projects with PTX Metals owning 75% of the equity and 25% owned by Fancamp Exploration Ltd.

About PTX Metals Inc

PTX is a mineral exploration company focused on high-quality strategic metals assets in northern Ontario, allowing exposure for shareholders to Copper, Gold, Nickel, and PGEs discoveries. The Province of Ontario is a renowned mining jurisdiction for its abundance of mineral resources and safe jurisdiction.

Our corporate objective is to advance our assets, and unveil the potential of two Flagship Projects, the W2 Cu-Ni-PGE located in the strategic Ring of Fire region, and the Shining Tree Gold Project neighbor to other known deposits in the Timmins Gold Camp.

PTX's portfolio of assets was strategically acquired for their geologically favorable attributes, and proximity to established mining companies.

PTX is based in Toronto, Canada, with a primary listing on the TSX under the symbol PTX. The Company is also listed in Frankfurt under the symbol 9PF and on the OTCQB in the United States as PANXF.

For additional information on PTX, please visit the Company's website at https://ptxmetals.com/.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including statements regarding the ability of the Company to satisfy the regulatory, stock exchange and commercial closing conditions of Private Placement, and the potential development of mineral resources and mineral reserves which may or may not occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and general economic and political conditions. Forward looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary approvals, including governmental and regulatory approvals, will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable laws. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to the Company's public filings available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Sorrento Resources Ltd. (CSE: SRS) (OTCQB: SRSLF) (the "Company" or "Sorrento"), a Canadian exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral projects in Atlantic Canada, is pleased to announce it has staked an additional mineral license overlapping the Appleton Fault, expanding the Rodgers Cove Gold Property, located in Newfoundland, Canada.

Alex Bugden, P. Geo., CEO, President and Qualified Person of Sorrento Resources Ltd., commented: "We are thrilled to announce that we have expanded the Rodgers Cove Property immensely. To have a large land package along the prolific Central Newfoundland Gold Belt positions Sorrento in a very desirable position. The fact we were able to stake these claims ourselves, directly over the Appleton Fault was an opportunity we were not willing to let slip by."

Highlights:

Sizable expansion of the Rogers Cove Gold Project consisting of 109 claims, covering 2,725 hectares held under one mineral licence.

Total Rodgers Cove Project is now 260 claims for 6,500 ha representing a 72% increase in total land holdings.

Directly overlying the Appleton Fault Zone (AFZ) an important structural control for the Newfound Gold high grade Keats and Iceberg gold deposits.

Claims Adjoining the Newfound Gold Corps Queensway Expansion Project

Geochemical and Geophysical exploration programs ongoing and set to be completed by the end of 2025.

Fully funded diamond drilling program set to begin in early 2026.

Highly prospective land package located in the Central Newfoundland Gold camp with historical high-grade gold surface samples and no advanced exploration testing

Figure 1. Location of Sorrento's newly acquired claims with respect to the Appleton Fault, Newfound Gold claims, and the rest of the Rodgers Cove Project.

About the Rodgers Cove Project

The Roger's Cove Gold Project is located in the North Central Island portion of the Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Project is near the local service district of Gander Bay North and 50km North of the areas service center Town of Gander. The project is well situated with year-round road and hydro power access and adjacent the ocean tidewaters of Rodgers cove - Gander Bay.

The project area has seen limited surficial historical exploration by local prospectors, Noranda exploration and others with positive results for gold and base metals but no advanced follow up. Most recently the previous operator Newfoundland Discovery Corp. completed prospecting, soil sampling and trenching in 2021-22 with widespread anomalies in gold noted throughout the claim holdings. A limited trenching program yielded a channel sample returning 115.6 g/t Au over 1m.

The Rogers Cove project has no modern geophysical coverage or diamond drilling completed to date.

Qualified Person

Alex Bugden, P. Geo., a Qualified Person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this press release.

About Sorrento Resources Ltd.

Sorrento is engaged in acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral property assets in Canada. Sorrento's objective is to locate and develop economic precious and rare earth element, gold, and base metal properties of merit in including the Bottom Brook Project, Rodgers Cove Gold, and Harmsworth (VMS) project all located in Newfoundland.

On Behalf of The Board of Directors,

SORRENTO RESOURCES LTD.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable and reflect expectations of future developments and other factors which management believes to be reasonable and relevant, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. 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 securities laws.

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.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yukon Metals Corp. (CSE: YMC, FSE: E770, OTCQB: YMMCF) (Yukon Metals or the Company) announces that the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) has appointed Jim Coates (Executive Vice President and a Director of the Company) as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective immediately. Mr. Coates replaces Rory Quinn who has made the decision to resign as President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company. The Board will initiate a search for a successor Chief Executive Officer and will work with management and an executive search firm to ensure success in the process.

Pat Burke, Chair of the Board of Directors said, We want to thank Rory for his work and efforts launching Yukon Metals into its current position as a company and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. The Board has determined that now is the right time to transition leadership to advance the vast opportunity represented by Yukon Metals land package and employees going forward. Jim will be critical to the Company by leveraging his in-depth knowledge of the land assets, the region and the people involved with the Company and the community.

The Board will work closely with Mr. Coates and his management team to execute the Companys business strategy into 2026. Mr. Coates will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer until a successor is identified and appointed, at which time he will resume his important role with the management team as Executive Vice President and will remain on the Board.

About Yukon Metals Corp.

Yukon Metals is a well-financed exploration company with a 17-project portfolio covering more than 43,000 hectares. Built on over 30 years of Berdahl family prospecting, the same team behind Snowline Gold Corp.s district-scale assets, the Company provides exposure to copper, gold, silver, and critical metals. While advancing high-priority drill targets at the Birch and AZ copper-gold systems and the Star River gold-silver project, the Company is also conducting generative exploration across its broader portfolio to develop the next pipeline of discovery opportunities. Guided by an experienced leadership team with technical, financial, and Yukon expertise, the Company is well positioned to unlock new mineral discoveries across the Yukon territory.

Yukon Metals is committed to fostering sustainable growth and prosperity within Yukons local communities, while also enhancing shareholder value. Rooted in a philosophy of inclusiveness and shared prosperity, the Companys strategy offers both local community members and investors the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from its success.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF YUKON METALS CORP.

Jim Coates

Jim Coates, Interim CEO

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For additional information please contact:

Jim Coates

Interim CEO and Director

Yukon Metals Corp.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: +1 236 466 9834

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains certain forward-looking information, including information relating to the transition to a new Chief Executive Officer of the Company, ensuring success in the process for a search for a new Chief Executive Officer, the vast opportunity represented by the Companys land package and employees, the advancement of drill targets, ongoing exploration, the Yukons potential to unlock new mineral discoveries, and the Companys future plans and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as may, will, should, could, expect, plan, intend, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict or potential or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify the forward-looking information. These statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those discussed or implied in the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the success of the transition of the role of Chief Executive Officer; the advancement of drill targets; the success of ongoing exploration; the Yukon not having the potential to unlock new mineral opportunities; and other risks and uncertainties. See the section entitled Risk Factors in the Companys listing statement dated May 30, 2024, available under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for additional risk factors. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information.

Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - American Tungsten Corp. (CSE: TUNG) (OTCQB: TUNGF) (FSE: RK90) ("American Tungsten" or the "Company) announced that it has completed the initial drillhole at the Company's IMA mine project and reports presence of hubnerite and scheelite tungsten mineralization over multiple core intercepts.

The Phase 1 drilling program, as described in the Company's press release on December 02, 2025, is focused on five priority exploration targets consisting of the No. 5 and No. 7 Vein systems, the IMA West Vein, the Eastern Vein, and the Main IMA Vein. The program was designed to systematically test multiple sheeted tungsten veins up-dip and along strike of historical resources defined on the "D-Level" of the IMA mine. The objective of the Company's Phase 1 program is to further delineate these historically identified tungsten vein systems and address compelling low-risk targeted areas for expansion of known mineralization by the end of Q1 2026

"The initial drillholes at the IMA project are highly promising for American Tungsten. While assay results are still pending, this early success is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our technical team. Their work is laying the groundwork to validate historical reserves and unlock new opportunities for growth. We are confident this momentum will continue to expand the project's potential and deliver lasting value for our shareholders," said Ali Haji, CEO of American Tungsten Corp.

Drill Program Highlights

The first drillholes were collared from a new crosscut in the footwall of the D Level vein system. AT25-01was oriented on a 280 azimuth with a +40 inclination; AT25-02 was oriented on a 225 azimuth with a +45 inclination. AT25-01 was completed at 373 feet on December 12, 2025; Drillhole AT25-02 is ongoing as part of the Company's planned 10,000 ft, phase 1 program. The drilling contractor is initiating double-shifts to increase productivity;

AT25-01 intersected the No. 5 vein over 12.7 ft from 95 to 107.7 ft, and the No. 7 vein over 14.1 ft from 240.2 to 254.3 ft. AT25-02 is currently drilled to a depth of approximately 150 ft and intersected the No.5 vein over 11.5 ft from 93 to 104.5 ft.;

Hubnerite (MnWO 4 ) was observed as 0.5-10mm reddish-brown to black striated prismatic crystals occurring within discrete vein horizons distributed throughout significant widths of the No. 5 quartz vein. Scheelite (CaWO 4 ) was observed under shortwave UV light as blue fluorescent diffuse masses, sometimes rimming hubnerite crystals within coarse milky quartz over four feet of the vein.;

In the No. 7 vein, hubnerite was observed as 0.5 to 5mm crystals occurring in discrete vein horizons within sheeted or milky quartz vein phases, locally partially oxidized. Accessory minerals observed in both the No. 5 and No. 7 veins include tetrahedrite, chalcopyrite, galena, molybdenum, pyrite and fluorite;

Wall rock in AT25-01 was generally unmineralized to weakly mineralized, except where additional pyrite-calcopyrite +/- molybdenum veins were intersected outboard of the primary veins.

True width of the veins is estimated to be approximately 80% of intercept width, based on projected geometry and vein contact-core axis angles. Core recovery is greater than 90% within vein material. Assay results have not been received for AT25-01 or AT25-02.

AT25-01 88 ft to 115 ft showing No.5 quartz-hubnerite-tetrahedrite-pyrite-calcopyrite vein intercept.

AT25-01 96.8 ft. Hubnerite masses in coarse milky quartz. Core diameter is 2 inches.

AT25-01 105 ft. Hubnerite laths and partially oxidized masses in coarse milky quartz. Core diameter is 2 inches.

AT25-01 99.5 and 103.5 ft. Scheelite (blue fluorescence) visible under shortwave UV in coarse milky quartz. Core diameter is 2 inches.

AT25-01 265 ft. Hubnerite in quartz vein adjacent to sericite altered quartzite. Core diameter is 2 inches.

AT25-01 240.2 - 247.3 ft - banded quartz of No. 7 vein with pyrite, tetrahedrite, local hubnerite. Core diameter is 2 inches.

The next drillholes from the first drill station, are oriented to fan southward from the initial intercepts. The drift to access the second drill station 200 ft to the north is well advanced. Analytical results are pending and there is no guarantee that assay results will verify visual observations of mineralization, grade, or economic viability.

ABOUT THE IMA MINE

The IMA Mine is a past producing underground tungsten mine situated on 22 patented claims located in East Central Idaho. Between 1945 and 1957, the property produced approximately 199,449 MTUs of WO3 and was subsequently explored for molybdenum and tungsten by various operators between 1960-2010. American Tungsten Corp is currently conducting an exploration drill program and assessing potential for re-start of underground tungsten mining operations at the Ima Mine.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") Measures, Chain of Custody

American Tungsten Corp's QA/QC program applies industry standard best practices to ensure data quality and integrity for the IMA Mine project, including maintaining chain of custody, secure sample storage, adherence to data collection protocols and inclusion of certified reference, blank and duplicate quality assurance samples in laboratory submissions. Samples will be submitted for assay to ALS Minerals, Twin Falls, ID in December, 2025. Assay results will be released when available. Visual mineral identification was conducted by qualified professional geologists in conjunction with assessment of mineral form, hardness, streak, fluorescence and other semi qualitative data. Analytical results are pending and there is no guarantee that assay results will verify visual observations of mineralization, grade, or economic viability.

Qualified Person

Technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI-43-101"). Austin Zinsser, P.G., SME-RM, Vice President, Exploration for the Company, and a Qualified Person as defined by NI-43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

ABOUT AMERICAN TUNGSTEN CORP.

American Tungsten Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on high-potential tungsten and magnetite assets in North America. The Company is advancing the Ima Mine Project in Idaho to commercial production, addressing critical metal scarcity in North America. The Company's Ima Mine Project is a historic and high-quality underground tungsten past-producing property on private-patented land well above the water table with significant infrastructure. The Company holds an exclusive option to acquire full ownership (subject to a 2% royalty) and has expanded its land position with 113 additional federal claims covering nearly 2,000 acres.

For further updates, visit www.americantungstencorp.com or investor relations, Joanna Longo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Social media links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/americantungstencorp/

X: https://x.com/amtungsten

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americantungstencorp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americantungstencorp/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@americantungstencorp

For further information, please contact:

(CSE: TUNG)

(OTCQB: TUNGF)

(FSE: RK9)

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

This news release includes "forward-looking information" that is subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to, statements relating to the completion of the Offering on the terms described herein or at all, and the use of proceeds and available funds following the completion of the Offering and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to such events. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future events and that actual events or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Company undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

Statements concerning historical mineral resources, production, and exploration results on the property have been obtained through both public and private sources, and are believed to be substantially factual and relevant in that they demonstrate the tenor of exploration targets on the property. Historical resource estimates pre-date the implementation of NI 43-101 and do not use categories stipulated by CIM. Prior operators assigned confidence categories which differ from those stipulated by CIM, as they may not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimates should not be relied upon until they have been verified. Neither American Tungsten Corp., or its Qualified Person, has done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources or to verify historical information regarding past production, sampling or drilling. American Tungsten Corp. is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Exploration Targets discussed are conceptual in nature; it is uncertain whether a mineral resource will be delineated based on potential exploration.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2025) - Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) ("Omai Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from the Company's second hole drilled on the Gilt Creek gold deposit. The Gilt Creek deposit is one of two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%-owned Omai Gold Project in Guyana. Hole 25ODD-122(w) drilled 708m of the Omai Stock, an intrusive rock unit that produced 2.4 million ounces of gold between 1993-20052 from the upper portion from surface to a vertical depth of approximately 250m. Hole 25ODD-122(w) was drilled from surface to a total depth of 2,014m with results previously report for the lower part of the hole that confirmed the presence of the adjacent Wenot deposit at a depth of approximately 1,200m, or 700m below the known Wenot gold mineralization. Hole 122w showed that the Wenot shear at this depth hosted seven significant gold zones (news release November 12, 2025). The upper part of hole 122(w) was drilled from surface through a mafic volcanic sequence, then through the known diabase dike, and first intersected significant gold mineralization at a vertical depth of approximately 260m. Gold mineralization proved extensive throughout the Gilt Creek intrusion and extends into the surrounding volcanic rocks as well. A 708.1m interval in Hole 122(w) averaged 1.06 g/t Au with multiple intervals with higher grades, as shown in figure 1, Table 1 and as highlighted below:

Highlighted higher grade zones from the upper part of hole 25ODD-122w include:

1.06 g/t Au over 708.1m (from 364.9) includes 1.78 g/t Au over 46.2m (from 635.6 downhole) includes 4.88 g/t Au over 7.0m (from 566.3m) 1.32 g/t Au over 99.2m (from 702.0m) includes 5.7 g/t Au over 8.0m (from 766.9m) 3.10 g/t Au over 24.0m (from 395.5m) 1.99 g/t Au over 32.0m (from 462.0m) 2.98 g/t Au over 17.8m (from 643.8m) 2.04 g/t Au over 43.2m (from 952.2m)



Elaine Ellingham, President & CEO, commented: "The much awaited results from Hole 122 further confirm the extent of gold mineralization within and beyond the known deposit. These assay results from the upper part of the 2,014m long hole show the robust and continuous nature of the gold-mineralized regime within the Gilt Creek quartz-diorite intrusive stock. This new hole, together with our earlier hole 095, provide valuable structural data for rock mechanics and material for metallurgical sampling, both that allow us to advance our mine plan for our upcoming updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") that will include the Gilt Creek deposit. Due to the extent of mineralization and abundance of visible (coarse) gold, all samples >0.5 g/t Au were also assayed using a metallic screening process that provides a more representative total grade than fire-assay on a 50g sample alone. The downside was the additional turnaround time.

Mineralization in the Gilt Creek deposit first occurs just 46m downhole with 1.37 g/t Au over 7.5m in saprolite and ends at 2,014m with 3.61 g/t Au over 4.4m within less than 5m of the end of the hole in the adjacent Wenot deposit. This long hole across the two deposits exemplifies the sheer extent of gold mineralization on the Omai property."

The Gilt Creek orogenic gold deposit is located less than 500m north of the Wenot deposit, which has been the focus of most of the Company's drilling and resource expansion, as Wenot is predominantly an open pit target. The Gilt Creek gold deposit is hosted mostly within the Omai quartz diorite stock, but gold zones also occur within the adjacent volcanic rocks.

Hole 25ODD-122(w) was collared on the northwest flank of the old Gilt Creek pit. This is also at the eastern end of the recently drilled near-surface BBH gold trend. In fact, the initial gold zone in hole 122 of 1.71 g/t Au over 6.0m occurs in saprolite within 40m of surface and is part of the BBH target area. Hole 122 then drilled through mafic volcanic rocks to a downhole depth of 299m where it intersected the well-known diabase dike, with a true thickness of approximately 138m. Hole 122 was wedged within the diabase dike in order to flatten it sufficiently to reach the ultimate projected target depth under Wenot for this hole. It continued as hole 122w.

Below the diabase dike but before drilling into the intrusive complex, both hole 095 and 122 drilled a small interval of the surrounding mafic volcanics. In hole 122w, a gold zone within the volcanics assayed 3.10 g/t Au over 24.0m. Similarly in hole 095 the volcanics hosted gold mineralization, with assays of 2.09 g/t Au over 10.5m and a second zone of 1.59 g/t Au over 7.5m.

The Gilt Creek intrusive complex was first intersected at 367.5m downhole, continuing to 1078.5m, a total of 711m, with gold mineralization throughout much of this (Figure 1). All 711m of the Gilt Creek Intrusive drill core was sampled and 226 of the 572 samples or 40% assayed greater than 0.5 g/t Au (Figure 2). Interestingly, Iamgold drilled approximately 27,000m in 46 holes in 2006-7 in this lower part of the Gilt Creek deposit and similarly had 41% of the samples assaying greater than 0.5 g/t Au. Hole 24ODD-095 also had 39% of Gilt Creek samples assaying over 0.5 g/t Au. Detailed assay results for hole 122 and 122w are provided in Table 1.

The Gilt Creek drill holes (24ODD-095 and 25ODD-122) achieve several objectives; they: 1) assist in mine planning and metallurgical studies that will facilitate inclusion of Gilt Creek into an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") mine plan expected in H1 2026, 2) test and verify historical drilling and at the same time explore the lateral extent of gold mineralization beyond that previously identified, and 3) assist in the geological modelling of the Gilt Creek deposit in order to assess the overall exploration potential and extent of this very large gold system on the broader Omai property.

To facilitate mine planning, a televiewer system surveyed hole 095 in early 2025, together with select holes at the Wenot deposit. This optical and acoustic system provides detailed in-situ mapping of all rock structures, giving quality data to guide mine design and assist in a greater understanding of the structural geology. Neither hole 122(w) nor hole 095 encountered any high pressure or noteworthy water return during drilling or televiewer surveying.

Hole 122 was designed to continue much further, to test the adjacent Wenot gold deposit that lies only 450m south of the Gilt Creek deposit. The hole reached an impressive downhole depth of 2,014m and was successful in encountering the Wenot shear corridor at 1,739m downhole. It continued through 275m of the shear corridor, still within the Wenot shear zone at the end of the hole and with significant mineralization of 3.61 g/t Au over 4.4m, including VG within 5m of the end of the hole. Seven significant gold zones were encountered in this depth extension of Wenot, at the bottom of this same hole 122(w).

As noted upon the completion of hole 095, the sheer extent of gold mineralization within the Gilt Creek intrusive is impressive, well illustrated by the histogram in figure 2. By applying the same cut-off grade of 1.5 g/t Au as was used in the resource estimate3 (established for a US$1,700/oz gold price), a cumulative 150.4m (not continuous) has a weighted average grade of 3.20 g/t Au, very similar to the resource grade. In hole 095, it was noted that 198.3m (not continuous) has a weighted-average grade of 2.78 g/t Au, both comparable with the resource grade.

Gilt Creek Deposit Background

The Gilt Creek gold deposit is a large 500m by 275m compact, intrusion-hosted orogenic gold deposit. It is located approximately 500m north of the Wenot gold deposit on the Omai property (Figure 1). The Mineral Resource Estimate3 ("MRE") for Gilt Creek comprises Indicated Resources of 1,151,000 ounces gold averaging 3.22 g/t Au in 11.1 million tonnes ("Mt") and Inferred Resources of 665,000 ounces gold averaging 3.35 g/t Au in 6.2 Mt, using a 1.5 g/t Au cutoff and a US$1,700/oz gold price. Initial conceptual engineering studies anticipate a ramp from surface to access this deposit for underground mining. The very wide mineralized zones are likely amenable to sub-level open stoping and transverse open stoping, with follow-up cut-and-fill mining.

The upper portion of this Gilt Creek gold deposit was open pit mined between 1993 and 20052, producing 2.4 million ounces averaging 1.5 g/t Au. Continuation of this deposit at depth was confirmed by IAMGOLD Corporation in 2006-2007 with 46 drill holes totalling approximately 27,000m. This drilling showed gold mineralization down to a depth of 967m below surface, although only sparse drilling was completed to that depth.

Significantly, approximately 80% of the Gilt Creek gold Mineral Resource Estimate1 is relatively shallow, lying at vertical depths of between 280m and 600m. Limited drilling of the Omai intrusion below 600m continues to encounter gold mineralization, but with drilling too sparce to include in a Resource. It provides evidence that gold mineralization within the Omai intrusion continues to greater depths, and Hole 122 drilled gold mineralization within the intrusion down to a vertical depth of 850m but laterally beyond the previously indicated limits.

Figure 1. Omai Gold property geology map showing Gilt Creek and Wenot deposits and Location of Diamond Drill Hole 25ODD-122

Figure 2. Cross section Illustrating Location of Hole 122w Relative to Gilt Creek and Weno Deposits, Omai Gold Project, Guyana

Photo 1. Visible Gold in Quartz Vein within Gilt Creek Gold Deposit (Hole 122W @ 652.7m- left and 656.1m - right and 1333.1m - bottom)

Figure 3. Cross-Section for DDH 25ODD-122w

Table 1. Assay Results for Hole 25ODD-122W*

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Grade

(g/t Au) 25ODD-122 46.5 54 7.5 1.37 395.5 419.5 24.0 3.10 including 395.5 402.5 7.0 4.45 and including 408.2 415.5 7.4 4.58 25ODD-122W 364.9 1073.0 708.1 1.06* 397.0 420.0 23.0 2.18 including 406.5 420.0 13.5 2.69 441.1 443.6 2.5 3.30 462.0 494.0 32.0 1.99 including 462.0 467.0 5.0 5.35 and including 479.0 486.3 7.3 2.89 566.3 573.4 7.0 4.88 605.5 622.6 17.1 2.54 including 609.5 621.6 12.1 3.08 635.6 681.7 46.1 1.78* including 643.8 661.6 17.8 2.98 including 649.1 661.6 12.5 3.76 672.0 674.0 2.1 9.54 702.0 801.2 99.2 1.32* Including 702.0 704.4 2.4 4.85 and including 715.7 717.8 2.1 3.25 and including 754.7 758.3 3.6 3.36 and including 766.9 775.0 8.0 5.70 and including 793.7 801.2 7.5 1.56 868.0 870.0 2.0 3.05 881.3 883.9 2.6 1.55 901.0 904.0 3.0 2.16 952.2 995.4 43.2 2.04 including 962.9 977.3 14.5 2.80 1019.0 1024.8 5.8 2.86 1056.0 1073.0 17.0 1.56 including 1067.7 1073.0 5.3 3.17

*Estimated true widths at Gilt Creek are 75-85%. Cut-off grade 1.5 g/t Au with maximum 5.0m internal dilution is applied. Grades are uncapped. * Lower cutoff grade applied to include multiple zones.

Table 2. Drill Hole Coordinates

Hole ID Azimuth Inclination Easting Northing Length Status (degrees) (degrees) (m) 25ODD-122&W 142 -60 304648 602870 2,013.6 Reporting down to 1,750m

Quality Control

Omai maintains an internal QA/QC program to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with best practices. Certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates are entered at regular intervals. Samples are sealed in plastic bags.

Drill core samples (halved-core) were shipped to Act Labs a certified laboratory in Georgetown Guyana, respecting the best chain of custody practices. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g), and pulverized to 95% passing 105 m, including cleaner sand. Fifty grams of pulverized material is then fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA). Initial assays with results above 3.0 ppm gold are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. For samples with visible gold, two separate 250g or 500g pulverized samples are prepared, with 50 grams of each fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, with assays above 3.0 ppm gold being re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. Certified reference materials and blanks meet with QA/QC specifications.

For hole 25ODD-122 and 122w, all samples with fire-assay of >0.5 g/t were selectively analysed at ActLabs by Metallic Screening, a technique to more accurately measure gold, especially samples with coarse or visible gold. A representative 500-gram sample split is sieved at 125 m, with standard fire assays (FA) performed on the entire +125 m fraction and two splits of the -125 m fraction. When assays have been completed on the coarse and fine portions of the large sample, a final assay is calculated based on the weight of each fraction. This process provides a more representative total grade than standard 50g FA alone.

Qualified Person

Elaine Ellingham, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" and has approved the technical information contained in this news release. Ms. Ellingham is a director and officer of the Company and is not considered to be independent for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

ABOUT OMAI GOLD

Omai Gold Mines Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on rapidly expanding the two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%-owned Omai Gold Project in mining-friendly Guyana, South America. The Company has established the Omai Gold Project as one of the fastest growing and well-endowed gold camps in the prolific Guiana Shield. In August 2025, the Company announced a 96% increase to the Wenot Gold Deposit NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate1 (MRE) to 970,000 ounces of gold (Indicated) averaging 1.46 g/t Au, contained in 20.7 Mt and 3,717,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.82 g/t Au, contained in 63.4 Mt. This brings the global MRE at Omai, including the Wenot and adjacent Gilt Creek deposits, to 2,121,000 ounces of gold (Indicated MRE) averaging 2.07 g/t Au in 31.9 Mt and 4,382,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.95 g/t Au in 69.9 Mt. A baseline PEA announced in April 2024, contemplated an open pit-only development scenario and included less than 30% of the new Mineral Resource Estimate for Omai. Five drills are currently active on the property: at Wenot the focus is to optimize the upcoming PEA, to further test the limits of the deposit, including both east and west, and to commence upgrading the large Inferred MRE to Indicated. Additional drilling will continue to explore certain known gold occurrences for possible near-surface higher-grade satellite deposits. An updated PEA is planned for H1 2026 to include the expanded Wenot open pit deposit and the adjacent Gilt Creek underground deposit. The Omai Gold Mine produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold from 1993 to 20052, ceasing operations when gold was below US$400 per ounce. The Omai site significantly benefits from existing infrastructure and is connected to the two largest cities in Guyana, Georgetown and Linden.

1 NI 43-101 Technical Report dated October 9, 2025 titled "UPDATED MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE OMAI GOLD PROPERTY, POTARO MINING DISTRICT NO.2, GUYANA" was prepared by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. and is available on www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website.

2 Past production at the Omai Mine (1993-2005) is summarized in several Cambior Inc. documents available on www.sedarplus.ca, including March 31, 2006 AIF and news release August 3, 2006.

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 includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of completion of the drill program, and the potential for the Omai Gold Project to allow Omai to build significant gold Mineral Resources at attractive grades, and forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; the price of gold and copper; and the results of current exploration. Further, the Mineral Resource data set out in this news release are estimates, and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of process recovery will be realized. 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. 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, except as required by law.

Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resource Estimates

Until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, Mineral Resources must be considered as estimates only. Mineral Resource Estimates that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain, involves subjective judgement about many relevant factors and may be materially affected by, among other things, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors described in the Company's public disclosure available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. The accuracy of any Mineral Resource Estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource Estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling, and development; (iii) results of future test mining and other testing; (iv) metallurgical testing and other studies; (v) results of geological and structural modeling including block model design; (vi) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (vii) the evaluation of future mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (viii) the possible failure to receive required permits, licenses and other approvals. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a "Inferred" or "Indicated" Mineral Resource Estimate will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource Estimates disclosed in this news release were reported using Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the "CIM Standards") in accordance with National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101").

Cautionary Statements to U.S. Readers

This news release uses the terms "Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" as defined in the CIM Standards in accordance with NI 43-101. While these terms are recognized and required by the Canadian Securities Administrators in accordance with Canadian securities laws, they may not be recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The "Mineral Resource" Estimates and related information in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
More than 1,000 civilians were killed during three days of attacks by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on the Zamzam displacement camp in April, the UN said Thursday, demanding a war crimes investigation.

A report from the UN human rights office said it had documented widespread killings, sexual violence, torture and abductions committed during the brutal offensive by the RSF, which has been fighting Sudan's regular army since 2023.

The rights office "documented the killing of at least 1,013 civilians" in that attack between April 11 and 13, the report said, adding that it had also confirmed that "at least 319 individuals were summarily executed".

"Some were killed in their homes during house-to-house searches by the RSF; others were killed in the main market, in schools, health facilities and mosques," the office said in a statement.

More than 400,000 inhabitants of the camp for internally displaced people (IDPs) were displaced once again due to the attack, it added.

The assault was part of the paramilitary force's push to seize the city of El-Fasher, the army's last stronghold in the western Darfur region, which the RSF captured in late October amid reports of more mass killings, sexual violence, abductions and looting.

"Such deliberate killing of civilians or persons (outside of) combat may constitute the war crime of murder," UN rights chief Volker Turk said in the statement.

"There must be an impartial, thorough and effective investigation into the attack on the Zamzam IDP camp, and those responsible for serious violations of international law must be punished within fair proceedings."

The report, which comes two days after a Yale University study that found the RSF destroyed and concealed evidence of mass killings they committed after overrunning El-Fasher, also details patterns of sexual violence.

The office said it had documented at least 104 victims -- 75 women, 26 girls and three boys -- assaulted between April 11 and May 20, mostly from the Zaghawa ethnic group.

They were "subjected to gruesome sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, and sexual slavery, both during the attack on the camp and along the exit routes", the office said.

"The findings contained in this report are yet another stark reminder of the need for prompt action to end the cycles of atrocities and violence," Turk said.

"The world must not sit back and watch as such cruelty becomes entrenched as the order of the day in Sudan."
Talking about human rights in the business world feels dissonant, according to Francois Zimeray. The lawyer, who advises several companies on their human rights obligations, thinks these issues are still too often perceived by management as a matter of ethics or reputation rather than a real legal risk for the company and its executives. The most exposed companiesthose located in hostile areas or operating in sectors such as arms and surveillanceare certainly watching the Lafarge case, each in their own way, continues the criminal lawyer. But he does not feel it has brought about a change in general attitude. Too few companies are actually integrating human rights risks into their strategy and giving themselves the means to deal with them, he says. This inertia is all the more striking given that the risk is no longer theoretical.

Lafarge is on trial in the Paris Criminal Court until December 19 for financing terrorist groups in Syria. The company is accused of paying nearly 5 million between 2013 and 2014 to Islamic State, Jabhat al-Nosra, and Ahrar al-Sham to maintain production at its cement plant as the already war-ravaged region fell under the control of jihadists. As well as the company, eight individuals are also on trial, including former Lafarge CEO Bruno Lafont and former deputy CEO Christian Herault.

But the most serious charges against the French cement manufacturer remain under investigation. Lafarge, which has since merged with Swiss group Holcim, is also under investigation for complicity in crimes against humanity, a decision that was finalized in 2024. That ruling is unprecedented. Never before has a company been prosecuted as a legal entity for such acts, either in France or in any other national or international court. This is an area that falls outside the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, which can only try individuals.

Extremely limited awareness

The decision sounds like a warning to the biggest companies operating in areas where international crimes are committed. For the first time, it highlights a risk that has been largely ignored until now, as companies can be accused of contributing either directly or indirectly to such crimes. And there is another thing for these operators to note: in September 2021, the Court of Cassation ruled that a company did not need to share the criminal intent of the principal perpetrator to be deemed an accomplice, and that desire to preserve its activities did not exempt it from criminal liability.

But in reality, awareness is extremely limited, says Gerald Pachoud, who helped draft the United Nations Guiding Principlesthe first global norm addressing the risks of negative business impacts on human rights. As an illustration, he cites the instinctive reaction of executives and their legal departments who, when faced with such accusations, remain on the defensive. They tell themselves that they are doing business, and therefore cannot be accomplices to international crimes or have these negative impacts on populations.

Pachoud, who is also founder of a consulting firm specialized in corporate responsibility, thinks some firms are now examining these risks much more seriously. But the fact that management cant imagine itself to be associated with such extreme cases shows a certain blindness, he says. He thinks this stems from lack of knowledge and expertise in international criminal and humanitarian law among corporate people. This is despite the fact that the few cases already knownincluding the major trial currently underway in Sweden against two former senior executives of Lundin Oilshould be a wake-up call.

For Lafarge is no longer an isolated case. In its wake, there have been many more complaints for similar acts filed in France. They target TotalEnergies, Dassault Aviation, Thales, MBDA France, the Castel group, and BNP Paribas. The French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutors Office (PNAT) has confirmed to Justice Info that around ten investigations and judicial inquiries are currently open against French companies, all relating to human rights violations and complicity in international crimes.

Very abstract risk assessment methodologies

These proceedings are also causing concern among financial institutions. According to several sources interviewed, some banks are suspending or reviewing their financing when a company is the subject of a complaint, pending clarification on the legal consequences.

However, it seems that neither the Lafarge case nor the numerous complaints filed in its wake have really changed the way economic actors perceive and understand their responsibility. This is certainly the opinion of the various observers Justice Info interviewed, as none of the multinationals contacted wished to respond. Thales stated that it did not wish to comment on this type of subject.

So it is difficult to say whether companies have stepped up their due diligence or whether they are effectively integrating the need to protect human rights into their operational practices -- beyond charters and commitments posted on their websites.

When the situation requires, as in the Lafarge affair, companies may set up committees and audits designed to identify risks and ensure follow-up. But the methodologies for assessing these risks remain very abstract, according to Cannelle Lavite of the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), who has sometimes had the opportunity to consult them in the context of proceedings initiated by her NGO.

What she observes is that they are more mechanisms aimed at protecting the company from legal and reputational risk than a genuine due diligence process to identify, prevent, and avoid the risk of human rights violations.

Incompatible objectives

This distinction is not always clear to companies, which sometimes want us to forget that they have enormous financial and operational resources enabling them to mobilize a host of experts, the lawyer continues.

As an example, Lavite cites informal exchanges with people in the arms sector. She says legal officials in fairly senior positions have confided in her about their difficulties making themselves heard internally, acknowledged the limitations of these compliance mechanisms and the need to recruit people specifically trained in human rights. But such specialists are considered rare, she reports, because they are also required to propose solutions that are adapted to the corporate environment and its profit and commercial objectives. If they are finally recruited, their recommendations are not incorporated into the companys strategic plans if deemed incompatible with these objectives.

This is where the real paradigm lies, says the lawyer. Companies must identify the risks of human rights violations, but they will not be able to do so until they accept that this is part of their business model or that respecting human rights may mean reducing their profit margin while they check their entire value chain.

Thats how things work over there!

Are companies really unaware of the risks, or do they simply prefer to ignore them? Lucie, who did not want to reveal her real identity, is a former analyst. She worked for several months for French economic intelligence agency ADIT, a discreet agency with sometimes opaque practices. It is partly composed, according to Lucie, of former members of the French foreign ministry and ex-agents of the General Directorate for External Security (DGSE), the French intelligence service. ADIT offers services mainly in consulting and risk analysis, but more broadly in the fields of security and economic intelligence. It also offers support to French companies operating internationally, and participated in the first French delegation to Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, at the initiative of MEDEF, the French employers union.

Within the agency, Lucie was in charge of risk analysis for companies that needed to ensure compliance  bringing the company into line with rules and ethics  in a region of the world she describes as sensitive and where the risks are extremely present. Her job was to verify the identity of local partners working with these groups, including small-scale service providers like meal suppliers, and also analyse their networks. Who are they? Do they have links to armed groups, militias, politicians? Are they subject to international sanctions? What is their reputation, including in terms of human rights violations or corruption? she explains.

Lucie says such investigations are generally conducted using open sources. But they can also draw on local contacts mobilized by ADIT. These may be people who have other jobs but are paid by the agency on an ad hoc basis for their information, or people who have made it their business, she continues. They interview people on the ground, consult archives, and sometimes take photos.

In most cases, Lucie recalls, these analyses identify legal or reputational risks. But thats where the analysts work ends, as they dont know what companies do with this information. From what my managers have told me, some companies may consider that it is better to cooperate locally, despite the risk, given the security or political balance, often both. Basically, its the idea that that's how things work over there!.

A network of information sources

It is often the case that such analyses are not followed up, confirms Zimeray. But the lawyer thinks these analyses apply overly standardized methodologies that do not always allow companies to properly understand their criminal liabilityinsofar as the risk, which is currently poorly estimated and mapped, also depends on the geopolitical situation, the network of NGOs in the area concerned, and evaluation of the tolerance threshold of local populations.

Lucie says analyses vary in depth depending on the companys request. Those that truly incorporate international criminal law and humanitarian law remain in the minority, notes Pachoud. But Lucie says large multinationals often have a fairly dense network of information sources. In addition to consulting firms and economic intelligence agencies, she cites possible exchanges between local company managers and diplomatic or intelligence services. In some countries, French firms meet with embassy representatives every week, she points out. Added to this are internal legal departments, risk or security teams, sometimes based in the field, as well as human rights officersthose rare profiles that have been integrated into organizational charts in recent years.

This raises the question: how do these companies actually decide between what is identified as a risk and what they are willing to accept to preserve their activities?

Taking risks rather than losses

In France, large companies are already demonstrating their commitment to human rights as part of implementing the duty of care law, says Pachoud. But because of their lack of expertise, they separate the issue of respect for human rights from that of respect for humanitarian law or, worse, international criminal law. This leads them, he believes, to poor analysis. Rather than assessing the risk, management and legal departments will first look for reasons why their responsibility would not apply. Thats how they analyse their environment, he says.

This ambivalence is also evident in a recent report by the Club des jurists, a liberal French think tank, on corporate criminal liability in the area of human rights. While acknowledging the increase in prosecutions and the rise in criminal risk, the report particularly recommends, broadening economic diplomacy missions in France and Europe and sharing information on potential threats with companies, including those related to human rights violations in a competitive context.

Economic actors need legal certainty, stresses Didier Rebut, author of the report and professor of law at Paris-Pantheon-Assas University. He says companies are alerted but dont know how to manage [the risk], because they are facing a risk that is still poorly defined, something they didn't see coming. The professor thinks they need a diplomatic interlocutor capable of both clarifying red lines and providing them with operational advice on what to do and what not to do. Admittedly, the largest companies have the economic means to cope, Rebut concedes, but perhaps not small and medium-sized companies. I am not saying that we have the right to do anything just because diplomats say it is OK, he continues. But they can help make decisions.

Gaza, a turning point

However, as the Lafarge case shows, this type of approach is not always enough to limit exposure to criminal proceedings or protect human rights on the ground, especially since turning a blind eye is sometimes deliberate, according to Pachoud. Companies may consider known cases to be exceptions  which he says is not untrue -- and that, if a risk is clearly identified, they are unlikely to get caught. This is ashort-sighted calculation, he warns. Lafarge, Lundin, and other cases show that this risk is no longer theoretical, says Pachoud, and we must hope that the Lafarge trial will change this attitude. Because even if the chances are slim, you dont want to be the company that is accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide.

Zimeray says companies would be even more wrong to continue underestimating this risk, as these are the most serious criminal offences and are not subject to any statute of limitations. But as long as sanctions remain rare, as long as there is no real equivalent to the measures put in place for corruption or money laundering when it comes to human rights violations, companies will not have sufficient incentive to act, he concludes.

Pachoud thinks the current situation in Gaza is a turning point in this regard. We are in such an extreme situation, he says, that it seems difficult to ignore the risk. We now have certainty that international crimes are being committed, he explains, and in this context any company that contributes, directly or indirectly, to supporting or facilitating these operations would be on the wrong side of the law. But, he continues, I am not sure that many companies have extended their due diligence to ensure they are not connected to these situations. This would require robust measures, he says. He is also convinced that we should expect NGOs to initiate litigation, since in these cases they play a crucial and essential role, as they will investigate where the justice system initially does not.
Sudan paramilitaries launched a large-scale drone attack in the east on Thursday, a military source told AFP, with strikes hitting a key power station, causing major outages and killing three.

Since April 2023, Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been locked in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions more and devastated infrastructure.

They are currently battling for the oil-rich southern region of Kordofan, where 16 civilians were killed in two days of drone strikes on the city of Dilling, a doctor at the city's main hospital told AFP on Thursday.

In the north, entire cities were left in the dark into the evening.

"We've been without power since 2:00 am (0000 GMT)," Abdel Rahim al-Amin, an official in Port Sudan, told AFP. "We hope it will be restored soon."

The attacks "led to power outages in several states", the national electricity company said.

In recent months the RSF has been accused of launching drone attacks on vast areas controlled by the army, targeting civilian infrastructure and causing power cuts affecting millions.

"At dawn this morning, the militia launched 35 drones against the cities of Atbara, Al-Damer and Berber in River Nile State, targeting civilian infrastructure," a military source told AFP on condition of anonymity, attributing the strikes to the RSF.

- Strategic hub -

Strikes in government-controlled Atbara in River Nile State targeted transformers at the Al-Muqrin power station, the national electricity company said, after witnesses reported flames and smoke was seen rising above the city.

An official at the power plant told AFP an initial strike targeted the plant overnight. A second strike hit rescue workers, killing two and injuring another person.

A River Nile State government statement confirmed two rescue workers' deaths, saying they were killed "by militias who have no respect for human life".

The damaged power station is a strategic hub in Sudan's electricity grid, receiving power generated by the Merowe Dam -- the country's largest source of hydroelectric energy -- before its redistribution to other areas.

According to witnesses, power outages have spread to several states, including those along the Nile and the Red Sea -- where Port Sudan, the interim seat of the pro-military government, is located.

Emergency Lawyers, an NGO that documents atrocities in the conflict, reported strikes in Atbara that hit civilian homes, killing a young girl and injuring four.

The RSF has not commented on the incident, though it has been using long-range drones to attack army-held areas since it lost control of the capital.

Last month explosions were heard in Atbara, which is around 300 kilometres (185 miles) north of Khartoum.

- Mass atrocities -

The war in Sudan has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations.

In October, reports of mass atrocities emerged after the RSF seized the city of El-Fasher -- the army's last stronghold in the western Darfur region -- following a bitter 18-month siege.

Since then, the fighting has spread to the neighbouring region of Kordofan in the south, where more than 50,000 civilians have been displaced, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The UN also said on Thursday that more than 1,000 civilians were killed during three days of attacks by the RSF on the Zamzam displacement camp in April, demanding a war crimes investigation.

Sudan's army chief and de facto leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan visited Cairo on Thursday "to discuss ways to resolve the Sudanese crisis", the spokesman for Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said.

Hopes for a breakthrough in talks on ending the war were rekindled last month when US President Donald Trump said he would "start working on Sudan" after the conflict was brought to his attention by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, although little is known so far about any specific proposals.

Sisi's office on Thursday voiced its "full support for" what it called Trump's vision for "security, stability and peace in Sudan".
The International Criminal Court said Thursday it "strongly rejects" fresh sanctions imposed by the United States on two more of its judges over their investigation of Israel.

The sanctions were "a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution", the ICC said in a statement.

The sanctioned judges -- Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia -- on Monday voted to reject a challenge by Israel which sought to end a war crimes probe in Gaza.

The United States has already sanctioned nine ICC judges and prosecutors for their probes of alleged Israeli war crimes.

The sanctions "undermine the rule of law", the court said.

"When judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, it is the international legal order itself that is placed at risk," it said.

It added that it will "continue to carry out its mandate with independence and impartiality, in full accordance with the Rome Statute and in the interest of victims of international crimes".

The court in November 2024 issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on Thursday that the newly sanctioned judges had earlier this week voted to uphold the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant.

"We will continue to respond with significant and tangible consequences to the ICC's lawfare and overreach," he said.

Neither the United States nor Israel are parties to the ICC, which was set up in 2022 as a court of last resort when countries do not have adequate legal systems to ensure accountability.

Virtually all Western democracies support the ICC.
A trial began Thursday in Guinea for seven defendants allegedly involved in a 2009 massacre at a political rally that marks one of the darkest pages in the west African country's history.

On September 28, 2009, at least 156 people were killed by gunfire, knives, machetes or bayonets at an opposition rally at a stadium in the suburbs of the capital Conakry, according to a UN-mandated international commission of inquiry.

Hundreds more were wounded, at least 109 women were raped and abuses continued for several days against women who were held captive, while detainees were tortured.

Guinea's ex-dictator Moussa Dadis Camara was found guilty last year of crimes against humanity and sentenced to 20 years behind bars following a landmark two-year trial, only to be pardoned at the end of March by junta leader Mamady Doumbouya.

Seven other people were also sentenced to terms of up to life imprisonment for their role in the massacre.

A Conakry court Thursday began a new trial for seven individuals allegedly linked to the massacre, including three fugitives.

Among them is Colonel Bienvenu Lamah, a gendarmerie officer imprisoned since mid-November 2022.

He is being tried on several charges, including murder, rape, torture and abuse of authority.

The others are being tried for alleged complicity.

The trial is a crucial step for the various parties and victims' families, who have been demanding justice for more than 15 years.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has filed a criminal complaint in Sweden against the Nobel Foundation after Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the Peace Prize.

This year's prize represented a "gross misappropriation" of funds and the "facilitation of war crimes" under Swedish law, according to the complaint posted by WikiLeaks on social media.

The Nobel Committee awarded Machado the prize for promoting democratic rights and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.

Assange cited Machado's backing of US President Donald Trump's months-long campaign against Venezuela's leftist President Nicolas Maduro.

He said Machado's win violated the 1895 will of Alfred Nobel -- the award's founder -- which stated the prize must go to the person who has done the "most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses".

The US-Venezuela spat has seen the massive deployment of US naval and air forces in waters off Latin America, and dozens of small boats allegedly running drugs have been bombed in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, killing almost 100 people so far.

Assange has also called for the freezing of the 11 million kroner ($1.18 million) in prize money promised to Machado.

According to WikiLeaks, there is "real risk" that the funds have been or will be "diverted from their charitable purpose to facilitate aggression, crimes against humanity, and war crimes".

While the Peace Prize is awarded by a Norwegian selection committee in Oslo, Assange argued the Stockholm-based foundation must assume financial responsibility.

Swedish police confirmed to AFP that they received the complaint. It was also submitted to the Swedish Economic Crime Authority, which said it did not have the jurisdiction to handle it.

Assange has accused 30 officials linked to the Nobel Foundation of turning "an instrument of peace into an instrument of war".

AFP has contacted the Nobel Foundation for comment.

Assange was freed from Britain's Belmarsh Prison in 2024 under a plea bargain after years of incarceration for publishing hundreds of thousands of confidential US government documents.

He was arrested after spending seven years in Ecuador's London embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faced accusations of sexual assault that were eventually dropped.






Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - A job seeker is trending online after being caught on CCTV stealing from a companys General Manager shortly after attending a job interview.

In the footage, the suspect is seen casually opening the purse and taking a wallet, seemingly unaware that CCTV cameras were recording her actions.

The theft went unnoticed at the moment, but the companys manager discovered the missing wallet later.

Upon reviewing the CCTV recordings, it became clear that the wallet had been taken by the very person who had come in seeking employment.

The incident has sparked outrage online, with many questioning the audacity of stealing immediately after a professional engagement.

Watch the footage.

You cant make this shit up how do you go in for an interview and steal the general manager wallet out of her purse?  pic.twitter.com/PtVkdP7scQ  seleena (@seleena6166) December 15, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, December 18, 2025 - A Kenyan lawyer has stirred lively debate online after revealing the unusual reason behind his clients desire for divorce.

Lawyer Levi Munyeri, writing on X (formerly Twitter), disclosed that the woman wants to end her marriage because her husband supports President William Ruto.

According to Munyeri, she described her spouse as fatally stupid and unfit for mating, adding that Ruto hubamba tu mafala.

The post quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions across social media.

Some users dismissed the womans stance as petty and extreme, while others argued that politics is deeply personal and can indeed strain relationships.

Netizens noted that couples have separated over far less, highlighting how political affiliations can shape compatibility.





The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, December 18, 2025 - A video of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has sparked public criticism online, with some Kenyans accusing him of displaying unnecessary opulence in office.

In the circulating clip, the Governor is seen walking into his office flanked by his security detail and a staff member whose role, according to the video, is to prepare his seat.

The man follows closely behind Natembeya before quickly stepping forward to arrange the chair as the Governor prepares to sit.

The footage has ignited debate on social media, with several users questioning the necessity of such a position and criticizing what they perceive as excess within public offices.

Some netizens drew comparisons to past County administrations.

It reminds me of Baringo Governor Chebois first term when he had an ADC standing behind him in his office like the President, one X user commented.

Watch the video.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - A 37-year-old woman has shared a painful dating experience that has sparked wide discussion online.

According to the US based lady, after realising that time was no longer on her side, she travelled back home Africa in search of a serious relationship and eventually met a man who claimed to share her marriage goals.

Convinced of his intentions, she financed his relocation abroad, covered all his migration expenses, and took full responsibility for housing and feeding him for several months while he remained unemployed.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn when she began noticing him frequently talking to a neighbour down the street.

Her concerns were initially dismissed, until she later received the shock of her life: the neighbour was reportedly pregnant for her boyfriend, and the two were openly in love.

The woman revealed that although the neighbour offered to compensate her financially, she declined, choosing instead to walk away and leave karma to judge them both.

The World could really be a very cruel place, Friend. Imagine bringing a man abroad at age 37, covering all his relocation/migration expenses, still sustained his Jobless a$$ for months, only for dude to bounce, leave her for another African woman down the street. pic.twitter.com/a0EtMfo7tP  Ozor Ndi Ozor (@OzorNdiOzor) December 16, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, December 18, 2025 - A new survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) has revealed that most Kenyans continue to experience financial strain since President William Ruto assumed office.

The report, released on Thursday, December 18th, 2025, is based on interviews conducted between November 10th and 17th with 2,053 randomly selected adults across all 47 counties.

Findings show that while the pace of economic decline may be slowing, the majority of households still feel worse off compared to previous years.

The report warns that the lived economy remains a significant vulnerability for the Government as it heads towards the 2027 elections.

While the pace of decline may be slowing, most households still feel economically worse off, and the lived economy remains a major vulnerability for the Government heading towards 2027, read the TIFA report.

TIFA notes that despite small gains in certain sectors, the overall economic narrative remains overwhelmingly negative, with limited signs of broad-based recovery.

According to the poll, 44 percent of Kenyans define the countrys most pressing challenges in economic terms, citing unemployment, poverty, and high prices as far more urgent than political, security or social issues.

The report emphasizes that for many citizens, the national crisis is not rooted in instability or insecurity but in the struggle for economic survival.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
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Ken Foxe

The Department of Foreign Affairs spent more than 1.3 million on the fit-out of a new embassy in Tokyo, including 43,000 for a tapestry and 1,100 for umbrella stands.

The new Ireland House in Japan was officially opened by the Taoiseach this summer, with overall costs of around 35 million.

New figures detail spending of 1.35 million on furnishing costs ranging from six-figure contracts for furniture to 95 hardware purchases and Amazon Japan orders.

Spending on art made up a sizable chunk of the bill with 110,000 worth of items bought from the RINN exhibition, stated as part of Irelands presence at Expo 2025 in Osaka.

Separately, a 10,782 deposit was paid for a specially made tapestry by artist Isabel Nolan with the department saying the final bill was 43,130.

Another commissioned painting by Sophie Gough for the new Ireland House cost around 8,400 while moving artwork from the old embassy building in Tokyo cost nearly 6,800.

There were three payments to MJ Flood Interiors for the supply of furniture and equipment, including delivery and installation.

The first invoice was for 516,600 and the second was for 566,000, according to documents released under FOI.

A further 31,500 was paid to the firm bringing the overall cost of the contract to around 1.11 million.

Purchase of various soft furnishing items came to 2,463 while 605 was spent on bins and other miscellaneous bits and pieces.

A dryer cost 539 and 550 was spent on two gripped floor mats. Other bills listed included 12,242 for white goods and 4,951 for pots and pans.

Another invoice for 3,034 covered the cost of three coffee machines, four microwaves, three large refrigerators, and four smaller fridges.

There was an outlay of just under 6,000 for bins and umbrella stands in common areas and 450 for tablecloths and napkins.

The fit-out bill was part of around 35.2 million in costs for the development of the new Ireland House in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo.

The site itself was purchased for 7.74 million under a special deal with the Japanese government.

When legal fees, due diligence, and archaeology were included, that rose to 8.54 million.

The design and build of the landmark embassy, residence and office space has cost around 26.7 million with some invoices still outstanding.

Asked about the project, a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman said: Ireland House in Tokyo will contribute substantially to raising Irelands profile in Japan and represents a significant commitment by Ireland.

[The department] uses art to showcase Ireland, highlight links and engagement with the host country, draw out similarities between our countries, highlight Irish artistic culture, and facilitate positive engagement with visitors to Ireland House.

Under the 1% for Art scheme, the Department allocated an amount of money within the project budget for the purchase of Irish Art for Ireland House Tokyo.
Olivia Kelleher

An 88-year-old patient died in hospital after being hit a number of times by a man with a disturbed mind who shouldnt have been in a general ward as he was hearing voices and seeing dead people, his barrister has told a jury.

Dylan Magee (33) is on trial at the Central Criminal Court in Cork, charged with the murder of Matthew Healy on January 22nd, 2023, at the Mercy University Hospital (MUH) in the city. The men were in the same hospital ward but were not known to each other.

Mr Magee of Churchfield Green, Churchfield in Cork, was admitted to hospital on January 19th, 2023, because family members were of the belief that he was hallucinating.

Mr Healy had been transferred to the hospital six days earlier after a fall from bed at his home in Berrings, Co Cork. The jury previously heard that the pensioner suffered a cardiac arrest in hospital in the course of the attack on his person.

Closing speeches

In her closing speech to the jury, Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford said that they might take the view that both Dylan Magee and Matthew Healy were let down by the system.

However, she called on them to be dispassionate and logical in their approach to the evidence. She acknowledged that it was a very difficult case and said that they had four verdicts open to them.

The jury can return a verdict of guilty of murder, not guilty of murder, not guilty by reason of insanity and guilty of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Defence barrister, Brendan Grehan, SC, in his closing speech to the jury, said that there was some small solace in the fact that Mr Healy was asleep when he was attacked by Mr Magee and would have been knocked out straight away.

He noted that Mr Healy had just buried his wife, whom he had lovingly cared for in the home.

Mr Grehan said that Mr Magee had been slowly losing contact with reality in the month before his hospital admission.

He was medicated for a month before this, and he was self-medicating with tablets and cannabis.

He said that Mr Magee had been referred to hospital by a doctor. A plan was put in place in terms of his medical case.

Mr Grehan stated that he couldnt understand why Mr Magee was put in a general ward.

For reasons I dont quite understand, and for reasons that seem counterintuitive, Dylan Magee was put in a general ward with elderly patients. He was showing severe mental health symptoms. He was hallucinating. He was hearing voices and seeing dead people.

Mr Grehan said that at 5am on January 22nd, 2023, the two worlds effectively collided with Mr Magee developing a fixation on a man who was not known to him.

There was no animosity or bad blood. Mr Magee apparently believed that Mr Healy had eaten his child, killed him or kidnapped him.

Mr Grehan said that there was no rational explanation for the bizarre behaviour of Dylan Magee and that there was clearly a mental disorder there.

He said that in his view the jury should return the verdict of not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by way of diminished responsibility.

Mr Grehan said that both the Prosecution and Defence psychiatrists believed that Mr Magee had diminished capacity at the time of what he termed the frenzied attack.

Meanwhile, Prosecution Senior Counsel, Jane Hyland, said that the killing of Matthew Healy by Dylan Magee had been established.

She said that the question was whether he intended to kill or cause serious injury. Ms Hyland said that both psychiatrists agreed that Mr Magee lacked the intent that is necessary to prove that he intended to kill Matthew Healy or cause serious harm.

Ms Hyland said that the verdict of guilty of murder was off the table for serious consideration.

Ms Hyland said that the jury had heard that Mr Magee was showing symptoms of hallucination, disorientation and confusion in hospital. She stated that Mr Magee had been given sedation in hospital. However, she stated that defence psychiatrist Dr Stephen Monks had compared the response to throwing a cup of water on a fire.

Ms Hyland said that both psychiatrists were of the opinion that Mr Magee was suffering from delirium and that it was up to the jury to decide if he knew the nature and quality of his act.

She said that if the jury felt that Mr Magee was able to refrain from the act, then he was not entitled to the verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.

She said that both the prosecution and the defence psychiatrists agreed that, effectively, his responsibility was diminished. She said that in her view they could return one of two verdicts  not guilty by reason of insanity or guilty of manslaughter by way of diminished responsibility.

Ms Hyland said that it was a horrendous case with a tragic outcome not only for Matthew Healy but for Dylan Magee. She added that both men had come to hospital looking for assistance.

The jury of four women and eight men commenced their deliberations at 12:18pm on Thursday.

Mr Magee denies murder but admits manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.
AN AMBULANCE parked outside the emergency department at Naas General Hospital exploded into a fireball within the space of 4-6 seconds killing an elderly patient in the rear of the vehicle nine years ago, an inquest has heard.

Christopher Byrne (79), a widower and father of five from Ard Brid, Suncroft, Co Kildare, suffered fatal injuries as flames engulfed the ambulance around lunchtime on 22 September 2016.

Two paramedics who had brought Mr Byrne to Naas General Hospital from his home also suffered minor injuries in the incident.

An inquest into the death of the retired stud groom and farm labourer at Kildare Coroners Court in Athy on Thursday heard the fire had been started after the valve of an oxygen cylinder placed on a trolley alongside the patient suddenly ignited.

However, an investigation by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) was unable to establish a definitive explanation as to what caused the fire.

An advanced paramedic with the National Ambulance Service, David Finnegan, told the inquest that he had placed a portable oxygen cylinder on the trolley beside the patient after they had arrived in the ambulance at Naas General Hospital.

Mr Finnegan said he heard a click and a pop which was not the norm.

When he turned around, he saw a flame coming from the centre of the patient.

I could hear the man scream. I could see the man was on fire, said Mr Finnegan. It all happened in a split second. Mr Finnegan said the flames were coming up the mans left side followed by thick black smoke.

He outlined how there were problems in trying to get Mr Byrne out of the ambulance before adding: I knew the poor man was gone.

Mr Finnegan added: It was in my mind to try and get the cylinders out of the ambulance to try preventing further explosions but it was too hot to get at them.

I knew there was no more I could do, he concluded.

Another paramedic, Stephen Lloyd, who was attending Mr Byrne in the ambulance, told the inquest that he had turned on the portable oxygen and when he looked around it was in flames.

Mr Lloyd said the flames were located where the tube connected to the cylinder which was like a flame thrower.

He tried to help the patient but the fire and the heat were too great before he was pulled out of the ambulance by his colleague.

Mr Lloyd described the incident as an awful, terrifying experience.

An HSA inspector, Vincent Darcy, gave evidence that CCTV footage had provided key information in establishing the sequence of events.

Mr Darcy said the first sign of a flame in the ambulance was recorded at 1.31pm by the side of Mr Byrne.

He told the hearing that there was a large explosion one second later after which flames spread rapidly through the ambulance.

Mr Darcy said Mr Lloyd made attempts to grab the patient, while Mr Finnegan opened a side door of the vehicle.

The witness said Mr Lloyd was driven back by the flames in his attempt to rescue Mr Byrne and was forced to run through the flames to exit the rear of the ambulance.

He outlined how the whole incident occurred in the space of 4-6 seconds.

In reply to questions from the coroner, Loretta Nolan, Mr Darcy said such oxygen cylinders had been modified since the incident with the fitting of a brass ring which acted as a heat sink designed to absorb any heat inside the valve which could cause combustible material to ignite.

Mr Darcy said the HSA had also issued a safety alert to raise awareness that oxygen cylinders have the potential to ignite from within the valve.

The HSA inspector said he was aware of seven similar previous incidents in the UK including Northern Ireland, none of which involved a fatality.

He said there were also one or two other similar cases in the UK since the incident in Naas, while he was also aware of between 10 and 20 other cases in the rest of the world.

Mr Darcy said the HSA investigation had ruled out various possible explanations for what caused the fire including someone smoking, faulty electrical equipment in the ambulance or some static discharge.

Cross-examined by Ronan Kennedy SC, counsel for BOC Gases  the provider of the oxygen cylinder  Mr Darcy confirmed the oxygen cylinders had been authorised and licensed by the Health Products Regulatory Authority.

The inquest heard that the HSA had submitted a file on its investigation to the DPP who decided that no prosecution should arise from the fatal fire.

A UK-based fire safety expert who assisted the HSA investigation, Aubrey Tyher, testified that the fire had started in the valve of the oxygen cylinder.

Dr Tyher said he found it had also shared some common features with similar previous incidents involving such equipment.

However, he had been unable to establish with any confidence what caused the fire to start.

Dr Tyher said it was probably caused by a combination of factors including shock heating when the valve was opened, contamination of combustible materials and particles within the valve which become heated.

Given the rarity of such incidents in valves, Dr Tyher said it was likely that several effects must occur together to ignite a fire.

The deceaseds son, Thomas Byrne, who lived with his father and acted as his full-time carer, told the inquest that his father had been diagnosed with cancer in 2014.

The witness said his father had subsequently undergone a tracheotomy and had his voice box removed.

He told his counsel, John Kennedy SC, that his father was unable to speak and he would lip read to try and understand him.

The inquest heard Mr Byrne had called the ambulance that day because his father felt sick and was struggling with his breathing.

Mr Byrne said he decided not to go in the ambulance but to follow his father with his bags.

When he arrived at Naas General Hospital, he was informed that his father had died in the ambulance after it had gone on fire.

A jury of six men and one woman returned a verdict of accidental death.

They also recommended that a review of the use of oxygen cylinders be carried out to minimise the build-up of heat in valves as well as for adequate firefighting equipment to be provided at all ambulance bases.

Offering her condolences to the deceaseds relatives on their loss, Dr Nolan described the manner of his death as an awful tragic event.

The coroner expressed hope that they could remember all the good times they had.

Mr Byrnes family declined to make a comment on the outcome of the inquest.
Starlight by Luxmuralis, the internationally acclaimed sound and light installation, was officially launched last Sunday evening in the majestic surroundings of St Canices Cathedral, marking a standout moment in this years Yulefest  Kilkennys Christmas Festival.

The immersive experience, which combines dramatic projection, bespoke music, and architectural storytelling, is now running for a limited season, with tickets still available.

The project has been made possible through the continued support of Yulefest sponsors and partners. Kilkenny County Council extends sincere thanks to KidCo, the Kilkenny Night Time Economy Project, Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, Merlyn, Newpark Hotel, and festival partners for their vital role in enabling ambitious cultural projects such as Starlight to be realised in Kilkenny.



Pictures by Dylan Vaughan

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, highlighted the significance of the event for the city and county.

READ: YULEFEST KILKENNY OPENS WITH A BANG!

The opportunity for Yulefest Kilkenny, St Canices Cathedral, and our city and county to host the first presentation of this enhancing light and sound experience in Ireland is a truly wonderful one at this special time of the year, she said.

Over the next eight nights, Kilkenny will be home to a truly magical display of festive animation and imagination, allowing families and friends to gather and immerse themselves in this breathtaking experience.

She also paid tribute to the collaborative effort behind the project, acknowledging the Yulefest team, Kilkenny County Councils festivals committee, and the Dean and staff of St Canices Cathedral for opening this historic space to the public in such an innovative way.

TAP HERE FOR MORE WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY

Mayor of Kilkenny John Coonan described the installation as a powerful blend of heritage and contemporary creativity.

For the next eight nights, this awe-inspiring 800-year-old cathedral will be transformed into a breathtaking canvas, immersing audiences in a spellbinding loop of cutting-edge digital creativity, he said.

Inspired by the guiding star of the Nativity, the installation leads audiences through moving projections and a bespoke cinematic soundscape. We are really looking forward to welcoming visitors from across the country to experience Starlight and then enjoy everything that Christmas in Kilkenny has to offer.

The launch of Starlight by Luxmuralis comes as Yulefest Kilkenny enters its final five days, with a full programme of festive events still to enjoy. Full programme details and ticket information are available at yulefestkilkenny.ie.
A man has received a prison sentence after an assault in the toilets of a Kilkenny pub.

Shane Delaney (27) of Fr Murphy Square, Kilkenny, appeared before Kilkenny District Court charged with assault causing harm under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

The incident in question took place at Brogans Yard, Johns Street, Kilkenny on December 22, 2023.

The court previously heard that on the night in question, Mr Delaney called the injured party into the toilets of the pub.

Security staff then heard a loud bang and went in to find the other man unconscious. He was subsequently taken to hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries.

READ NEXT: 'A good bit of work' to be done before issues can be sorted on road in Kilkenny

Solicitor Ed Hughes, representing the accused, said that a probation report that had been handed over to Judge Geraldine Carthy was very detailed.

He said that his client had shown significant insight into the incident in question during his engagement with the Probation Service.

Mr Hughes told the court that Mr Delaney had had an issue the night before and just wanted to talk with the injured party.

He added that his client blames alcohol for the incident and has an accurate assessment of what he shouldve done, which was walk away.

He said that Mr Delaney has had difficulties with adverse attention from An Garda Siochana, having previously served a prison sentence.

However, Mr Hughes claimed that his client had made huge strides to turn his life around.

Mr Delaney was willing to offer the injured party compensation, and whilst he didnt have the funds to do so at the time of the court sitting, could have 500 to offer in two months.

Mr Hughes handed Judge Carthy a letter from Mr Delaneys employer, which was described as a positive reference.

He said that the accused was highly regarded by his colleagues and has a high work-rate, despite not finishing school.

Mr Hughes added that his client suffers from mental health issues and ADHD.

He detailed a serious incident" that occurred recently in which Mr Delaney fell into a deep depression.

However, he seems to be coming around and despite what was described as one blip, he is trying to improve himself.

Mr Hughes said that his clients partner had broken up with him recently and this triggered a decline in his mental health.

The solicitor concluded by pleading with the judge to be as lenient as possible, suggesting that a suspended sentence would be appropriate.

However, Judge Carthy insisted that the offence that Mr Delaney was charged with was very serious.

She argued that the probation report was inaccurate in that it said that Mr Delaney had entered a guilty plea. She noted that the sentencing had been delayed by several weeks due to the accuseds failure to appear in court.

Judge Carthy said that she didnt think community service was appropriate because of Mr Delaneys lack of engagement with the court and Probation Service.

She also considered the stark Victim Impact Statement of the injured party, who had been traumatised by the incident.

She said that her back was against the wall in light of these factors.

After formally convicting Mr Delaney, Judge Carthy sentenced him to nine months in prison.

Mr Hughes said that he would be lodging an appeal on behalf of his client against the severity of the sentence.

The accused was subsequently released on bail, pending the outcome of the appeal.
The moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has apologised to those who have been hurt or harmed by the churchs safeguarding failings.

At a special general assembly of the church, Right Reverend Dr Richard Murray said: We are deeply ashamed and sorry.

Hundreds of Presbyterian ministers and elders have gathered at the assembly to agree new measures on safeguarding.

It comes after the church announced that significant failings had been found in central safeguarding functions.

Former Presbyterian moderator Rev Trevor Gribben stood down earlier this year after a review found serious and significant failings in the functions from 2009 to 2022.

Rev Murray resumed the office of moderator and called a special General Assembly, a rare event for the church, with just a handful called in recent decades.

It emerged that failures included situations where the church did not respond when people who had suffered harm sought help and instances where offenders returned to worship in church but were inadequately monitored.

Earlier this week, the Charity Commission announced it had opened a statutory inquiry, while a police investigation remains active.

On Thursday, up to 900 ministers and elders from the 540 congregations across the island of Ireland travelled to Belfast to take part in prayers and reflection at the headquarters of the church at Assembly Buildings.

In the afternoon, they are expected to debate and vote to agree new measures relating to safeguarding and other related matters in proceedings open to the public and media.

Proposals include to establish a new Safeguarding Department and potentially separate the roles of clerk of the General Assembly and general secretary of the church.

The acting clerk of the General Assembly, Rev David Allen, said the church family comes together as they find themselves in a place of shame and humility as a result of our central safeguarding failings.

The report of our General Council that will be discussed by the General Assembly, along with its resolutions to be voted on, states that our failings over a 13-year period has resulted in some people being harmed by actions and inactions in the name of the denomination, and some people being placed at unnecessary risk, he said.

It also states that this is a shameful position for part of the Church of Jesus Christ to be in.

He added: As Dr Murray said in his letter to ministers announcing the General Assembly, it is important that we come together as a family before God to grieve and lament for our failings. At the same time, we also want to be particularly mindful of those who have been harmed as a result of our central failings.

He said the proposals to be brought are aimed to elevate significantly the position of safeguarding within the church.

This includes a proposal to establish a new Safeguarding Department, along with the effective resourcing of safeguarding centrally, and at an appropriate time, a full, independent external review of safeguarding in PCI, he said.

This will be in addition to the Safeguarding Board for Northern Irelands section 12 audit process, which is currently being conducted by an independent external assessor. The General Assembly will also be asked to establish a task group that will look at governance, culture and integrity.

The role of clerk of the General Assembly and general secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and the possible separation of these roles, will be considered by Members of Assembly, as will the role of the incoming moderator for 2026-2027 and the format of next years General Assembly.

An update on recent engagement with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland will also form part of our proceedings.
Kevin Boxer Moran TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) announced today, that following OPW approval, Kilkenny County Council submitted a planning application for the Graignamanagh-Tinnahinch Flood Relief Scheme to An Coimisiun Pleanala for planning consent on December 13.

Minister Moran said: I am pleased to announce that following OPW approval, Kilkenny County Council submitted a planning application for a flood relief scheme for Graignamanagh-Tinnahinch to provide protection against significant flood events.

I wish to acknowledge the support from the community in Graignamanagh and Tinnahinch that was valuable to inform the design of a scheme for the area, which will protect some 84 properties, 53 commercial and 31 residential.

Flood events of late 2015 and early 2016 affected the Carlow and Graignamanagh area within the Barrow River Basin. In 2020, following the Governments introduction of Flood Risk Management Plans, Kilkenny County Council with funding from the OPW appointed Byrne Looby (now Ayesa) engineering and environmental consultants to design a flood relief scheme for Graignamanagh-Tinnahinch.

The Preferred Option identified for Graignamanagh-Tinnahinch includes raised defences on the River Barrow along with raised defences and an upstream storage area on the River Duiske to prevent flooding.

SEE ALSO: Smithwick fulfils boyhood dream as brewing returns to Kilkenny

Where possible, new flood defence walls will replace existing walls throughout the scheme. These defences will protect properties from the 1% AEP (100 year) fluvial flood event.

The announcement is the outcome of detailed engineering analysis, environmental assessments and engagement with the public on the sources of flooding from the Barrow to the Duiske Rivers and the options to protect Graignamanagh-Tinnahinch.

Minister Moran concluded by highlighting the Government is investing some 113m in flood relief schemes completed and underway across counties Kilkenny and Carlow. The Ballyhale Flood Relief Scheme has received planning consent and is currently at Stage 3 Detailed Design and Tender for Construction.

Minor works funding was approved in Tinnahinch to raise the level of a wall downstream of Graignamanagh Bridge, and to provide a demountable flood gate to isolate an area from flooding Mill Race, and to provide demountable flood gates to each of the properties.

The cost of these schemes will be met from the Governments commitment to managing Irelands flood risk through the financial provisions for flood relief measures set out in the National Development Plan.

The design of this and all flood relief schemes is future proofed and is adaptable to meet the increasing flood risk from climate change.

In addition to these major schemes, the OPW has approved approximately 1.4m to Kilkenny County Council under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for localised flood relief works across 18 other locations in the county.

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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
This Christmas, if you get a chance, look at the documentary film Born That Way (airing tonight, December 18 on RTE or on the RTE player), a true story that explores how we may be born to a certain destiny.

Eamon Little's portrayal of Patrick and Gladys Lydon, along with their family and extended community, highlights the monumental task of building a community in Kilkenny based on love and shared values. The review from the film festival says: It weaves together different times, places, and emotional layers, drawing the audience into the nuances of community-building and the challenges that come with it.

After seeing it recently, I was listening to the news on my way home, and as I heard a story from Gaza, my thoughts drifted, and I imagined that place where the evenings pale light likely sifted through dust hovering above the many piles of rubble, heavy with memories of walls that once stood. We have all seen the pictures and know the narrative of what might remain of a hospital ward, and the reality that, within a close distance, several children had just been born.

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In my mind, after seeing the film, I wondered what a mother might whisper to her childs cry. That phrase, born that way, carries different meanings depending on where you hear it. Beyond those ruins in Gaza, it echoes in songs, films, and the personal histories of people told they were too different, too strange, or too impossible to exist as they were. Yet those voices sang anyway.

If you enjoy contemporary music as I do throughout the last decades, the expression Born That Way has frequently appeared like a comet forewarning us regarding a certain truth about identity and acceptance. Lady Gagas voice pulses through headphones, clubs, and pride parades, insisting on radical self-love and unapologetic identity. Im beautiful in my way, she wrote, a declaration that became a lifeline for millions. Her anthem Born This Way became more than a song; it became a reaffirmation, a soft hand on the shoulder saying, You dont need to change for anyone. You came into this world right.

READ MORE - WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY

Decades ago, when we were growing up and stepping into young adulthood, you may remember Carl Bean had sung a similar truth in a world far less willing to hear it. I was born this way, he insisted, swimming against the cultural tide, certainly in Ireland. His voice was a witness to being different. His voice carried the warmth of someone who knew authenticity is not a choice but a fact.

His soul-infused song echoed across decades, weaving itself into the story of queer liberation. He sang for those told to stay invisible, offering them a melody they could live inside.

Patrick Lydons Born that way weaves this same thread through a different loom, stories of people whose lives defy expectation, who speak of ecological truth, cultural belonging, identity, and the strange ways society tries to shape what we are allowed to be. His life, based on his realisation and choice of a radical choice, carried the weight of being misunderstood, yet he found power in simply living his truth. Faor Patrick (and Gladys) Born that way is no, was not a slogan; it is an invitation to look again at the world, to recognise the quiet insistence of nature in every one of us, the innate truth that refuses to be buried.

In the war-ruined maternity ward in Gaza, another meaning emerges. I hear the doctors are still exhausted but gently carrying on, handing the newborn to the mother. I imagine it's not easy to receive a child into that chaos, with the knowledge of the world they are being offered. A world of scarcity, displacement, and fractured promise. In our world, some children are born into warm homes and storybooks, while others, like the children of Gaza, enter life under a sky filled with smoke instead of soft snowfall.

I imagine such a mother holding her child close will be thinking: Youre born this way, too. Born into rubble, born into struggle, born with nothing but the hope she can whisper into its ear. Still, even in the rubble, a babys grip around its mothers finger can remain strong.

READ MORE KILKENNY VIEWS AND OPINION HERE

What ties these stories together, the pop anthem, the gospel declaration, the documentarys quiet revelations, and this time of year, is not merely the phrase born that way, but the inner truth it points toward. Every human arrives with inherent worth, shaped by circumstance but not defined by it. Identity, dignity, and hope begin as sparks carried into the world before anyone can attempt to extinguish them. The message whispered across all these narratives is simple but not easy.

To be born is to be worthy. To be born is to matter. To be born, no matter the way or the where, is to deserve a chance. Lady Gagas song tells us to celebrate the selves we carry. Carl Beans voice tells us never to apologise for existing. Patrick Lydons film tells us to listen deeply to how we belong to the world and to one another. And the newborn child in that war-torn hospital in Gaza tells us the message is not reserved for those dancing beneath neon lights or exchanging radical philosophy. It belongs equally to those who enter life with nothing but breath.

The story of Christmas means different things to different people, but it has always been about a child born into poverty, in a barn, in danger, on the margins of a society that made no space. And in this modern echo, the message remains: the place of your birth does not diminish the possibility of your life. Think of that child, any child, starting. Think of a mother somewhere whispering the message that ties all these stories together: You were born this way, but that means you were born enough.

Born That Way airs on RTE One and RTE Player on December 18.

The film tells the story of Patrick Lydon, who developed the radically inclusive Camphill Movement in county Kilkenny - a community of people of diverse needs, abilities, and backgrounds.
New flights out of Columbia Regional Airport will be announced on Thursday, the third such announcement the airport will make this year.

Columbia community leaders will host a news conference at 9 a.m. Thursday at COU to make the announcement. Leaders like Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and UM System President Mun Choi spoke at news conferences at new-flight announcements at the airport earlier this year.

United Airlines returned to the airport earlier this year with flights to Denver and Chicago, and in November officials announced the addition of two flights to airports in Florida on Allegiant Air, which are set to begin in the summer.

With new flights out of Columbia, COU hopes to see revenue increase Last fiscal year, the Columbia Regional Airport had an operating loss of $3.2 million. Officials hope to decrease the loss over the next few years.

The Columbia Regional Airport had two record-setting months this year in the number of departing passengers. In September, the airport saw its highest monthly total since before the COVID-19 pandemic. In October, that number increased again with the addition of United Airlines.

Over the past five years, COU has seen an operating loss. The airport hopes to decrease the operating loss over the next few years with the arrival of new airlines and flights to increase revenue.
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A LATE night train from Dublin to Portlaoise and Portarlington will be requested from Irish Rail, following a proposal by local councillors.

The last train from Heuston Station to Portlaoise currently leaves at 10.10pm, too early for locals attending concerts and other events in Dublin.

Laois Co Council has agreed to contact Irish Rail to seek a later service, after a proposal by councillors Barry Walsh and Tommy Mulligan.

The council will request that the last train service from Heuston Station at 11.10pm be extended to include Portarlington and Portlaoise. The 11.10pm service currently terminates in Kildare.

The proposal was agreed unanimously at the councils December monthly meeting this week, where councillors said that public demand is definitely there for a late night train.

Cllr Mulligan pointed out that Portarlington is only 15 minutes from the train station in Kildare, while Portlaoise is a further 26 minutes. The last train gets to Kildare at midnight.

Cllr Mulligan said Irish Rail already provides an incredible service for both towns, with 33 trains to Dublin each day and 30 on the return journey, but another night train would give more people a chance to attend events and stay on a bit later. It would give people more flexibility and reduce their carbon footprint.

Cllr Walsh, who is council chair, said he was a former commuter and thousands of people used the daily train service to get to work in Dublin. He said: Working lives have changed and its not 9 to 5 anymore. People need more flexibility.

Cllr Walsh recalled that, when the issue was raised in the past, the National Transport Authority (NTA) said the service was subject to demand. He suggested that the latest survey should ask people whether they would use a late night service. He said: The NTA is doing a commuter survey at the moment, so we need to show that there is a demand.

Cllr Walsh added: There is gridlocked traffic going to Dublin as well and people are getting sick of it on the M50. More trains would help work/life balance.

Cllr Vivienne Phelan said a later train would benefit many local third level students, who are commuting to college because of the high cost of accommodation in Dublin.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley also supported the proposal, saying that she commuted to Dublin for years by train and was part of the first Portlaoise Commuters Action Group many years ago.
KASJANA Jatkowska, founder of grinds school Maths Easy, which supports students across Carlow, Kilkenny and Laois, has been selected to represent the 125,000 strong Polish community in a campaign highlighting their achievements, creativity and contributions throughout Ireland.

Kasjana works as an ACCA trained accountant, is a member of Laois Integrational Network, Laois Rotary Club and is a former member of the garda reserves.

The Beyond Borders campaign was commissioned by Forum Polonia, a non-profit migrant rights organisation, which advocates for the interests of the Polish diaspora in Ireland. This new campaign comes on foot of the 20th anniversary of Polands accession to the EU, which sparked a significant Polish migration to Ireland. The campaign is the brainchild of two other Portlaoise locals Aga Wypychowska and photographer Renata (Rene) Metelicka.

Kasjana left Poland at 18, eventually settling in Ireland, where she has lived for over 20 years. Ireland is a great country. What makes it great is the people. They are very welcoming. Thats why I call Ireland home. Opening my own business was also about giving back, Kasjana said.

The chair of Forum Polonia, Barnaba Dorde, during the announcement, praised the Polish community in Ireland for the progress they'd made in the past 20 years, but also said that the campaign was aimed at breaking the stereotypes about Polish migrant workers that still persist in some quarters.

We want to replace labels with stories. Polish people have been part of Irelands progress for two decades  this campaign celebrates that connection and reminds us that we all belong, Dorda said.

The Beyond Borders campaign will run across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn and will feature short video interviews, photography and a final short film summarising the initiative.
EVERY little helps, especially when it comes to premium parking spaces in Portlaoise.

Laois Co Council has agreed to install a new parking bay in a disused set-down area on Main Street, following a proposal by Cllr Tommy Mulligan.

The set-down space outside the former OLoughlins Hotel is no longer needed, since refugee accommodation ceased last year and the property is vacant.

Cllr Mulligan asked for the space to be replaced by a much-needed parking bay, which would benefit shoppers and businesses on the busy street.

At the December meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District (MD), the Independent councillor said he spoke to businesspeople on Main Street and they supported the conversion of the drop-off area to parking spaces.

Cllr Mulligan said: The set-down area has not been used since the hotel closed to the public almost two years ago, so it serves no purpose. One or two parking spaces instead would be a benefit to businesses on Main Street.

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Marie Tuohy, who commented: People like to park close to shops and businesses, so an extra couple of spaces would be very welcome.

The Town Hotel, formerly OLoughlins, became an accommodation centre for Ukrainian refugees in 2022, until its contract with the Department of Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth ended in July 2024. It was previously the popular OLoughlins Hotel since 1995 and was in use as a hotel since the early 1900s.

In a written response to Cllr Mulligans proposal, a council official said: Portlaoise MD office will remove the set-down area markings at this location and revert this space to a parking space.
Miss Universe Organization owner and president Raul Rocha has reportedly admitted to the Attorney General's Office (FRG) in Mexico his involvement in fuel smuggling from Guatemala to Mexico.

Mexican newspaper Reforma reported that Rocha filed a document with local authorities where he allegedly said he invested 2.1 million Mexican pesos (approximately $116,000) to buy fuel, expecting to get back his investment together with a percentage of the profits earned from the fuel's sale.

The Mexican publication previously reported that FRG believed that the business mogul is the alleged leader of a crime ring that illegally smuggles fuel in boats that pass through the Usumacinta River, then moves it by land using trucks to get to Queretaro, Mexico.

Mexican Bank Accounts Frozen

A warrant of arrest was issued by a federal prosecutor for the Miss Universe Organization president, and his Mexican bank accounts were already frozen by the country's Financial Intelligence Unit, according to The Associated Press.

FRG also raided several residential establishments, including one building where the authorities allegedly found the records of Rocha's monetary contributions to the criminal enterprise, one of which reached a total of 2.1 million Mexican pesos.

The Mexican Attorney General's office mentioned in the arrest warrant that the members of his alleged criminal group have 'connections with politicians and authorities at all three levels of government to deliberately carry out their mission, which includes the sale of hydrocarbons, narcotics, and the trafficking and sale of large quantities of weapons of war.'

Despite owning up to the illegal fuel smuggling, he denied any involvement in prohibited drugs and illegal weapons trafficking.

Miss Universe Drama

The allegations of illegal activities came after the debacle that happened within the Miss Universe Organization shortly after the coronation of the 2025 Miss Universe in Thailand in November.

The beauty pageant started in a bad light when Miss Mexico contestant Fatima Bosch had a shouting match with Miss Universe Thailand executive Nawat Itsaragrisil for refusing to join a photoshoot to use on social media.

Miss Mexico later on won the crown, but pageant observers and the viewers believed that the results were rigged. There were also allegations that the reigning Miss Universe and Rocha has an affair, and their connections gave her the crown.

The organization also moved its office from Mexico to New York City, after Rocha expressed his desire to sell his ownership shares in the long-running international beauty pageant.

In a statement published by Hola, Rocha explained that 'This decision arises from a thorough and responsible evaluation of the current conditions in Mexico, which do not provide an adequate or stable environment for the safe and effective operation of an international organization of this magnitude.'

Rocha's Alleged Partner Arrested

After Rocha confessed to his involvement in the illegal fuel smuggling activities, his alleged partner, Jacobo Reyes Leon, also known as El Yeicob, was arrested.

A report from Parriva stated that the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection revealed that the arrest happened in the Guerrero neighbourhood in the Cuauhtemoc borough.

El Yeicob was allegedly apprehended by the local security agents on the busiest avenue in Mexico City, the Paseo de la Reforma.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
A 27-year-old man was convicted Wednesday of felony voluntary manslaughter in the 2018 death of an Allentown man.

Anderson Jorge Cruz, no known address, was convicted in the killing of 24-year-old Juan Alfredo Sanchez Jr. following a three-day jury trial at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.

Cruzs bail is denied while he awaits sentencing on March 11.

Cruz faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison, the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office said.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan announced the conviction Thursday morning. Paul J. Levy, the public defender assigned to Cruz, couldnt immediately be reached for comment.

Prosecutors said Sanchez was shot on April 26, 2018 at 315 Linden St., the apartment complex off American Parkway in Allentown. Investigators found Sanchez with gunshot wounds to his upper torso.

Sanchez was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township, where he was pronounced dead at 11:08 p.m. that same day. The death was ruled a homicide by Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio.

The investigation revealed both Cruz and Sanchez were in a car and got into an argument that escalated into a fight. During the altercation, Cruz pulled a handgun from under the seat and shot the victim twice before driving away at a high rate of speed.

Cruz later gave away the weapon used in the killing, sold his car and fled to Massachusetts. Two months after his arrival in Massachusetts, Cruz committed a separate homicide in that state.

Cruz was then arrested in January 2019 by federal authorities in a heroin and fentanyl trafficking investigation in Lowell, Mass. He pleaded guilty to charges in both the federal drug investigation and the Massachusetts homicide and was eventually extradited back to Pennsylvania in 2024 on the homicide case.

The Lehigh County case was investigated by Allentown Police Detective Stephen Fiorillo and Lehigh County Homicide Task Force Detective Kevin Mriss. It was prosecuted by Lehigh County Chief Deputy District Attorney Sarah A. Moyer and Lehigh County Senior Deputy District Attorney Ashley N. Troxell.
A 25-year-old woman is accused of leaving a 13-year-old child in the car for over an hour as she gambled at Wind Creek casino in Bethlehem, authorities said.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board announced Wednesday it placed that woman and three other adults on its various Involuntary Exclusion Lists. The woman was not criminally charges in the incident by state police, the Gaming Control Board said.

The woman just before 10:45 p.m. June 29, 2023 arrived at the Wind Creek parking garage in a white Toyota. She then left the teen in the car until about 11:50 p.m. as she was shown on video surveillance footage gambling at the slot machines, court records state.

A casino security guard found the child as the woman returned to the garage, court records state. The woman then drove away, the Gaming Control Board said.

All four people placed on the lists are accused of leaving juveniles in cars as they gambled on a casino property.

The other incidents included:

A man who left two 3-year-olds in a car in the parking lot of Parx Casino in Bensalem, Bucks County for 16 minutes while he gambled in the sportsbook.

A woman who left two 11-year-olds in a car in the parking lot at Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie County for 30 minutes while she gambled slots.

A woman who left two children, ages 5 and 11, in a car in the parking lot at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Dauphin County for 27 minutes while she gambled slots.

The board also levied a fine of $31,950 against Evolution US, LLC, an Interactive Gaming Manufacturer licensee. The fine was the result of the firm allegedly failing to file in a timely manner a principal license application for a board member who assumed additional responsibility.

Children left alone by parents or caregivers have been an ongoing problem in recent years at the Bethlehem casino.

Owners Wind Creek Hospitality in 2022 developed a mitigation plan to not only deter parents or guardians from leaving kids alone, but detecting incidents as well.
At a packed town hall meeting on Wednesday night, White Township residents said they are living in disharmony with their quarry neighbor.

Local officials agreed to begin enforcing a new amendment that will limit township truck import loads to 25 trucks at 600 tons max, and ban operating on weekends and holidays.

Two companies challenged the ordinance at a meeting Wednesday night.

Hard Rock Trucking and Harmony Sand and Gravel, which operates two gravel pits in the township, argued the amendments could cause detrimental losses for their companies.

According to the townships engineer Colliers Engineering, Adam Wisniewski, approximately 1,000 tons of material was recorded being imported by the company per month, on average. Last month the township observed the company Harmony Sand and Gravel import approximately 1700 tons, more than 500 trucks over a four-day period.

Residents of Foul Rift Road championed the ordinance Wednesday night. The roadway has been covered in mud or debris for the past several months and is not intended for the increased local traffic its experiencing, they said.

Frederick Polk, 79, said its like living in a hell hole. My wife and I dont deserve to live like that, he yelled from the back of a packed township committee meeting on Dec. 17.

He said he and his wife are experiencing the side effects from increased dust inhalation, as well.

Several other residents agreed.

When it was just a gravel pit it was a dream, one public meeting attendee called from the crowd.

A spokesman for Hard Rock Trucking asked lawmakers to allow his company to continue operating under its current levels.

The meeting followed similar action taken in nearby Harmony Township last week. On Dec. 8, Harmony Township committee members voted to implement new regulations targeting quarry operations along Route 519.

Attorney Scott Wilhelm called both actions anti-Harmony Sand and Gravel.

We will always be open to further discussions, said Committee member Arnold Hyndman.
Phillipsburg police are searching for a driver they say sideswiped the side of a school bus and left the scene.

The accident happened at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 1000 block of South Main Street. The driver was operating a silver Dodge Grand Caravan with a New Jersey license plate, police said.

School bus video footage shows the minivan traveling at a speed of 32 mph when it leaves its lane of travel on a curve, crosses the double yellow lines and brushes against the bus.

Police say the minivan could have scuffing and/or yellow paint transfer along its drivers side.

Police are seeking witnesses and anyone with more information. Anyone who can identify the driver, or the driver themselves, is asked to call 908-835-2002.
Lidl's application for a new supermarket in Laois is just weeks away from a decision.

The applicant has given further information requested by Laois County Council planners, who will give their verdict in mid January 2026.

However Lidl Ireland disagrees with a request for extra walkways, saying one could become a "ratrun".

The business has also dismissed a Kildare based submission arguing against the Mountmellick plan as "designed to undermine the development".

Mountmellick residents are largely in favour of the additional supermarket, so much so that hundreds signed a petition to plead with Lidl to go ahead, after the council placed the decision on hold last July for the trader to respond to submissions.

However some issues were raised in submissions.

Among them was a request from the Mountmellick Town Team and from the planners, asking for pedestrian walkways from the site, the former Central Garage on Emmett Street, opening to O'Moore Street and Twomey Terrace, to encourage active travel.

Lidl gave its reason for not adding the pathways.

"Introducing a pedestrian route from OMoore Street or Twomey Terrace would not necessarily be supported by local residents.

"A permeability connection from OMoore Street... would not serve any specific purpose, being permeability for the sake of permeability, or a form of rat run. It would not connect attractors at either end, nor would it align with any desire lines.

"It would provide no shortcut to pedestrians (the route around OMoore Street and Emmett Street being of comparable distance, both routes measuring c. 110 metres to the Lidl store entrance) and the route would be unsupervised and unsurveilled, with poor legibility for pedestrians or cyclists."

They have also upped the number of EV public parking spaces from two to eight, and say there is potential to add another 10 staff EV parking spaces at the back of the shop, if needed.

Lidl say that the future staff carpark and a bicycle shelter will be accessed from O'Moore Street, via a fob and barrier entry.

In response to a submission by Serda Ltd, Lidl says there is "potentially competition related reasons for the objection".

"In our opinion, this is a baseless strategy to undermine the proposed development. In our opinion, the entire basis of Third Party Submission by Serda Ltd. however has no credibility... and the Planning Authority can and should dismiss such spurious and unsubstantiated points of objection".

Addressing a concern for extra traffic in Mountmellick given the secondary school's proximity, Lidl say that their supermarkets actually help with school traffic as they are used by drivers. They note that recent planning approval of a Lidl in Graiguecullen, which will be next door to a school.

Read next: Laois to get Christmas pop-up flu vaccination clinics for children

Other changes that Lidl propose in response to queries, include a controlled pedestrian crossing on Emmett Street and adjustments to the public realm, footpath and carriageway alignment, responding to TII feedback. They also include a lighting design report,
Laois families and others making a motorway stop in Portlaoise will get a chance to meet Santa and visit the popular Santa Truck in Portlaoise this Christmas while also supporting LauraLynn, Irelands Childrens Hospice.

The Santa Truck is decked out into a winter wonderland, complete with lights, music, and festive cheer, while supporting LauraLynn. Families are invited to meet Santa, take photos, come on board and enjoy the spectacle with donations collected for LauraLynn.

Operated by Judge Haulage, the 2025 Christmas tour was launched the help of actors Ryan and Michaela Andrews, along with their son Rowan.

I am delighted to be supporting the Santa Truck fundraiser this year in aid of LauraLynn, who do incredible work for seriously ill children and their families right across the country, said Ryan.

The Santa Truck is scheduled to stop off at the Portlaoise Plaza (off J17 /Togher roundabout on the M7), from 6.30pm to 8pm on Friday, December 19. Santa Truck times and locations are subject to change so the organisers ask that you see the Santa Truck Facebook page here for the most up-to-date schedule.

WATCH: Laois man hits the right note with Christmas song for parish

Laois residents are welcome to come and join the festive cheer, meet Santa and Mrs Claus and support a good cause. Donations for LauraLynn will be collected at each event or online at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/LauraLynnSantaTruck25

LauraLynn provides specialist palliative care to children from birth to 18 years, offering services such as symptom management, music and play therapy, psychological support, and end-of-life care, all delivered in the hospice, in hospitals, and in family homes across Ireland.
A man who is accused of possessing explosive substances in Laois and Northern Ireland wants his trial held in the North.

Garrett Pollock (35) of 12 Kilhorne Green, Annalong, Co Down is accused of possessing an explosive substance, to wit four threaded pipe end caps and six litres of hydrogen peroxide at OMoore Place, Portlaoise on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

He is further charged with possessing three externally threaded metal pipes, hexagonal metal end caps and lengths of green firework fuse (which) are the components of three pipe bomb type improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and four incendiary type improvised explosive devices (IEDS) with white dish cloth wicks at his address contrary to Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1883 on November 5, 2025.

He appeared before Portlaoise District Court via video link represented by David Nugent BL.

Mr Nugent said his client was consenting to be remanded in custody for four weeks.

Mr Pollock is going to exercise his right to have these matters tried in Northern Ireland, Mr Nugent told Judge Andrew Cody.

There will be a process. There will be an order made, he added.

Noting the man had consented to an adjournment, Judge Andrew Cody remanded him in custody to appear again via video link on January 12, 2026.

At a previous sitting of Portlaoise District Court, Special Detective Unit Detective Garda Declan OConnor explained that the defendant had a right to be tried in either Northern Ireland or in the Republic of Ireland.

Det OConnor told that bail hearing that gardai believed the defendant was a member of a right wing group which was planning a terrorist attack. He said a video was discovered on the defendants phone which showed four masked males including Mr Pollock reading a statement and he said gardai believed he was with a group planning to carry out a terrorist attack. The court heard a manifesto was also discovered by gardai.

During that bail hearing, Judge Andrew Cody asked to be shown the video which Det OConnor said gardai believed was made in a house in OMoore Place in Portlaoise.

After viewing the video in private, Judge Cody said, a video recovered from the accused's phone was played which Detective Garda O'Connor said was taken at O'Moore Place Portlaoise on 4 November 2025. This video shows what appears to be four men dressed in black with a tricolour behind them.

It is apparent that the video is a practice of a statement being released subsequent to a successful terrorist attack. Two of the participants including the gentleman Detective Garda, believes to be the accused read a prepared statement, said Judge Cody.

Judge Cody said in the video the men say that they accept responsibility for the actions that have resulted in the destruction of the first mosque that was introduced in Ireland in County Galway. They say that they accept that this would have caused a lot of hurt, disappointment and destruction for foreign migrants both the legal and illegal in the community, that they do not care. They say that this will not be their last attack.

Judge Cody said they say they intend to target IPAS centres, Mosques and hotels housing migrants and that they would take this as far as necessary to achieve their goals and call on others to join them.

A co accused, Karolis Peckauskas (38) of An Tobar, 37 Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth also appeared before Portlaoise District Court via video link today.

He faces one charge of possession an explosive substance, to wit four threaded pipe end caps and six litres of hydrogen peroxide" at OMoore Place, Portlaoise on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was consenting to a remand in custody for four weeks for DPP directions.

Judge Andrew Cody remanded the defendant in custody to appear again before Portlaoise District Court on January 12, 2026.
A fourth arrest has been made by Gardai conducting a cross border terrorism related investigation which began when two men were arrested in Portlaoise last month.

The investigation began when Laois Gardai attached to the Drugs Unit arrested two men aged in their 30s and 40s and discovered a number of suspicious items at OMoore Place, Portlaoise on November 5.

An Garda Siochana Special Detective Unit took over the investigation and contacted the PSNI who carried out follow up searches in Northern Ireland.

On November 12, a third man was arrested in Portlaoise as part of the investigation. The man was later released without charge. His arrest prompted Sinn Fein to expel a female member of the party who was known to the man. Both the man and woman had been signed into the Dail by Senator Maria McCormack during the summer. Sen McCormark issued a statement after the arrest condemning right wing activity following the arrest.

READ MORE: Laois Senator had 'no knowledge whatsoever' of Garda concerns

Gardai said on Tuesday afternoon, December 16, they arrested a fourth male in Co Limerick as part of this cross border terrorism related investigation.

The male, aged in his 30s, was detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939 at a Garda Station in the midlands. He has since been released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The investigation continues to be led by An Garda Siochana Special Detective Unit.
A man in Northern Ireland charged with terror offences linked to a cross-border police investigation into a planned attack on a Galway mosque has been denied bail.

Connor Pollock, 38, from Croob Park, in Ballynahinch, Co Down, appeared via videolink from HMP Maghaberry for a bail hearing at the Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Pollock is charged with three offences under the UK Terrorism Act.

The charges relate to an alleged plot by a group styling itself as the Irish Defence Army (IDA) to attack the mosque and also target accommodation facilities used to house migrants.

The court heard there was a 15-point plan for the proposed attack on the mosque, which also contained code names and specific roles for five members of an active service unit of the IDA.

Two men, including Pollocks brother Garrett, have appeared before Portlaoise District Court, charged in connection with the alleged planned attack.

In Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday, a member of the PSNI argued that Connor Pollock had sent messages showing affiliation to the IDA including our oath and we exist.

Opposing bail, the PSNI also said it believed Pollock had been contacted by his brother as part of a search for pipe bombs and firearms.

However, his defence lawyer said he held no strongly held political views and was trying to ingratiate himself with his brother.

In the bail proceedings, the PSNI detective constable outlined the circumstances of An Garda Siochanas investigation into extreme right-wing terrorism.

She said gardai in the Republic of Ireland had arrested Pollocks brother and another over their suspected involvement in the preparation of acts of terrorism, relating to a planned attack on a mosque.

Garrett Pollock, 35, with an address at Kilhorne Green, Annalong, Co Down, was charged in Ireland with two offences: possession of the components of three pipe-bomb type improvised explosive devices and four incendiary-type improvised explosive devices; and with possession of six litres of hydrogen peroxide.

Karolis Peckauskas, 38, of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, was charged in Ireland with one offence of possession of six litres of hydrogen peroxide.

The PSNI said gardai had searched Garrett Pollocks home address and found blast incendiaries and components of pipe bombs declared to be viable, as well as further IDA-related documentation, documents on how to manufacture improvised explosives and the 15-point attack plan for the mosque.

The court heard they also found a note of responsibility seemingly prepared in advance of the proposed attack.

Connor Pollock 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.

He 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.

The court heard, on Thursday, that police were strongly opposing bail.

A detective constable told the court that Pollock was arrested on December 9 and his phones were seized by the PSNI and it is believed he holds the same anti-immigration ideology as his brother.

Most of the evidence against him comes largely from his phones.

The detective constable told the court that police believe he supports IDA ideology, and that he had sight and possession of the claim of responsibility on his phone  which he sent to his partner in two different parts on October 24.

The court heard this was accompanied with messages that indicates his clear prior knowledge of the planned attack.

She said there were further messages to his partner which showed affiliation to the IDA, including our oath, we exist, and this is our attack.

The court heard that Garrett Pollock sent a voice message on the Signal app stating his brother could source pipe bombs and firearms, before calling Connor Pollock on WhatsApp for two minutes and nine seconds, and sending a further message stating: Just spoken to my brother, who will get prices.

The police said the defendant had denied involvement in acquiring firearms for the organisation.

The detective constable said the investigation was still live and at an early stage, with one arrest outstanding against an active service unit of the IDA which one document showed five members with codenames.

Connor Pollocks defence argued there was a lot of conjecture and speculation in the objection to bail, adding that his client was not charged in relation to the intended attack nor possession of explosives and was suitable for bail.

He said his property had been searched and no right-wing paraphernalia nor explosives had been found.

He said there was no evidence he had contacted any other member of the IDA other than his brother.

He said Pollock had not drafted either of the IDA documents and that police did not suggest in any way that he assisted the organisation in preparation of the attack.

He said the case amounts to an expression of ill-informed views, and that Pollock was a middle-aged man living with his mother and trying to ingratiate himself with his brother.

In truth, this is a man devoid of any strongly held political views.

However, the judge said the prosecution case that this was a dangerous organisation preparing to carry out attacks had traction with the court, as did the belief that not every suspect was within the grasp of authorities.

He denied bail stating that he had been persuaded by the fact the investigation was at an early stage and there were realistic steps to be taken in the immediate future that could be frustrated by a willing friend, if hes only a friend.

He said Pollocks messages seemed to import he was a little more than simply a bystander.

He was remanded until January 15.

Connor Pollock was arrested on December 9 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.

Last month, a man in his 30s was arrested by An Garda Siochana in Co Laois as part of its investigation and was later released without charge.
Laois Sinn Fein Senator Maria McCormack has shared photos of herself and party leader Mary Lou McDonald with popular Irish rap group Kneecap.

The photos were snapped at the rap group's 3Arena gig on September 16, which was one of two sold out shows.

Pictured: Photos posted to social media by Senator Maria McCormack

The Senator wrote that Kneecap were 'absolutely incredible', with the song 'Get Your Brits Out' playing over the post.

August's Electric Picnic music festival saw Kneecap take to the main stage, where a massive crowd gathered to watch the trio perform.

The Laois Senator and Deputy McDonald have advocated together for Endometriosis care, with the party leader joining Senator McCormack for a Portlaoise endometriosis discussion in April.

Last month, Laois Sinn Fein was rocked by a controversy when a female party member was expelled from the party following a raid on the home of her and her partner, and his arrest in connection with the Garda investigation into an alleged far-right terrorist plot. The man was subsequently released without charge, with a file being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Records showed that Senator McCormack signed the man into Leinster House as a visitor in 2024. The Senator said she was 'deeply shocked' by the arrest of people in Laois in connection with an alleged far-right plot to kill and maim.

In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live in November, Sen McCormack said at no time did I have any knowledge whatsoever of the concerns now under Garda investigation, nor was there ever any indication of involvement in far-right extremism or violence.

She commended Gardai for their swift actions and said she abhors the violence and racism of the far right, who she said have abused, threatened and attacked innocent people including Sinn Fein members over recent years.
Mums, dads and guardians in Laois and Offaly are being invited have children vaccinated against the flu at Christmas clinics in Portlaoise and Tullamore.

With flu cases surging among children, the HSE Dublin and Midlands says it is holding free walkin clinics offering the childrens nasal flu vaccine (LAIV) in Portlaoise and Tullamore. In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live the HSE said these popup clinics were designed to make vaccination more accessible for families during the busy festive period.

The HSE adds that the LAIV (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine) nasal spray is a quick, painless spray administered into each nostril, offering children aged 217 years effective protection against winter flu.

Dr Fionnuala Cooney is the Regional Director of Public Health for HSE Dublin and Midlands. She says the vaccine helps to protect children.

Flu can be serious for children and those around them. These walkin clinics provide a convenient opportunity for parents to protect their children and help reduce the spread of flu in our communities, she said.

Clinic details:

Monday, December 29: 10am  4pm Mobile Vaccination Base Midlands adjacent to the health centre, St.Fintans Campus, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois, R32ED81

Tuesday, December 30: 10am  4pm Tullamore Primary Care Centre, Church Street, Tullamore, Offaly, R35 K1W4

Children's Health Ireland, the paediatric hospital group, has reportedly held crisis meetings to create bed space for the influx of sick children due to the flu. There is a paediatric unit at Portlaoise hospital. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

READ ALSO: Quarter of residents in Laois asylum seeker accommodation granted permission to stay in Ireland

The HSE says most children who get the flu have mild symptoms. But children and young people with long-term health conditions are at risk of serious complications from flu.

In some children, flu can lead to problems such as:
Laois County Council has been urged to consider zoning land to facilitate the development of a crematorium in Laois.

The need for more burial spaces and especially columbarium walls has been an ongoing issue raised by local councillors in Laois for quite some time now.

With the population of the county continuing to grow, there has been calls for the extension of some cemeteries in Laois, such as in Killeshin, as burial spaces have dwindled.

Columbarium walls are another issue within the county. These structures are permanent resting places for cremated remains. Currently, St Peter and Pauls Cemetery in Portlaoise is the only cemetery in the entire county that provides such space for cremated remains.

Plans were approved by Laois County Council to extend the graveyard at Killasmeestia in order to accommodate 121 new plots as well as three columbarium walls after planning permission was sought in October last year. However, funding remains an issue for the private cemetery.

READ NEXT: 'It's a necessity, a service' - Councillors demand funding for extension of Laois cemetery

Now, Councillor Paddy Buggy has asked Laois County Council to give consideration to the zoning of suitable land for inclusion in the County Development Plan to facilitate the development of a crematorium in order to serve the growing need for more burial options in Laois.

Speaking at the December meeting of Laois County Council, Cllr Buggy explained that issues such as columbarium walls and extending cemeteries is consistently brought up by councillors. He argued that with such an emphasis on installing columbarium walls, a crematorium is also needed to service the needs of those who wish to be cremated.

READ NEXT: Laois students from Portlaoise schools recognised in prestigious poetry competition

Cllr Buggy told the council that with just nine crematoriums in Ireland and the closest to Laois being Newlands Cross in Dublin, the development of a crematorium in the county could present an opportunity for the entire region.

"We're the centre of the country, we could support the whole midlands region with a crematorium here in this county," the Fine Gael councillor said.

The motion was supported by Cllr John King and James Kelly, both of whom agreed that the demand for a crematorium in the county is evident.

Laois County Council said that it would give consideration to the zoning of lands for the development of a crematorium in the next review of the Laois County Development Plan.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a beloved mom and grandmother from Bodenstown, Clane, Co Kildare, who passed earlier this week.

Anne Lyons (nee Tutty) passed peacefully in the tender care of the staff of Mill Lane Manor Nursing Home, Naas, on December 16 last.

Anne is the beloved daughter of the late Kit and Maura. She is deeply regretted by her loving children Stephen, David, Yvonne and Melissa, daughters-in-law Tracey and Meabh, son-in-law John, grandchildren Eoghan, Lucy, Eabha, Caoileann, Kate, Emily and Sean, sisters Susan and Breda, brother John, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

May Anne Rest In Peace.

READ NEXT: 1.5m petrol filling/service station proposed for this Kildare village

Anne will be reposing at Oliver Reilly Funeral Home, Woods House, Clane, (W91YPX4) on Friday (Dec. 19) from 4pm - 8pm.

The removal will take place from her son Stephen's residence on Saturday (Dec. 20) at approx. 10am to arrive at the Church of St. Patrick & St. Brigid, Clane for 10:30am Funeral Mass, followed by burial in Mainham Cemetery.

House Strictly Private.

The Funeral Mass can be viewed live in the "webstream" section below.

Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues.

Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to Irish Cancer Society via the donate section below.

For all enquiries, please contact Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors on (045) 868230.

Webstream

Funeral service: https://www.claneparish.com/webcam/

Donations in lieu of flowers to Irish Cancer Society in Memory of Anne Lyons (nee Tutty): https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/AN51510035/donate.html

Tributes paid to Anne on RIP.ie this week include: Our condolences to Sue and all immediate and extended families, on the sad passing of Anne. May she rest in peace.

And: To all Annes family my sincere condolences on your sad loss may she rest in peace amen.

While another mourner wrote: Our heartfelt condolences to The Lyons & Tutty families at this difficult time. Anne will be fondly remembered and her beautiful smile will be forever missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Anne.

And another added: Yvonne, Im so sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful mom Anne. May she rest in peace. Im thinking of you, John, Kate, Sean, and the rest of your family during this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts, sending love.
Gardai have seized over 4 million worth of suspected cocaine following a number of searches which were conducted in Counties Kildare and Wexford.

A garda spokesperson explained that the searches were carried out as part of an intelligence-led operation: "On Wednesday, December 17 last, as a result of ongoing investigations targeting organised crime activity under Operation TARA, an operation was put in place with personnel attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and the Revenue Customs Service.

"This operation involved searches of a business premises in County Kildare and residential addresses in County Wexford, supported by personnel from the Eastern Region."

According to the spokesperson, this resulted in the seizure of a total of 58kg of suspected cocaine, with an estimated value of 4,060,000, subject to analysis.

The spokesperson also said that two males aged in their 30s & 40s and one female in her 40s were arrested "pursuant to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, in relation to facilitating and enhancing drug trafficking activities for an organised crime group".

Furthermore, they said that these three suspects are currently detained pursuant to the provisions of Section 50 of Criminal Justice Act 2007 at garda stations located in Kildare and Dublin.

"The drugs seized will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis," the spokesperson added.

They concluded by saying that investigations are ongoing.

READ NEXT: Man knocked down by vehicle and subsequently assaulted with weapons near Kildare border
Caredoc has secured sufficient HSE funding to meet the demands of INMO and SIPTU unions and to end the current strike action, it has been confirmed.

Payment will be processed immediately to all staff, once funds are discharged by the HSE, a statement from Caredoc outlined.

The increase in funding has been agreed to sustain Caredoc services going forward.

"We have requested the INMO and SIPTU unions to seek an immediate return to work tonight, in the interests of patient safety," Caredoc outlined in the statement.

Concerns were raised ahead of the proposed industrial action, or work stoppage which would significantly curtail the GP Out of Hours services in Leitrim and the Southeast, Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, South Wicklow and Northwest, Donegal, Sligo and West Cavan.

READ MORE: Court figures show drug driving on the rise in Leitrim with 50 percent increase

Both SIPTU and INMO have given a cautious welcome to the news, but await further details.

The INMO said no formal offer has been received by unions.

In a statement Heath Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: I have been advised by the HSE CEO that the matters between Caredoc and the HSE which were the subject of mediation have been resolved by agreement.

This in turn should create the conditions for Caredoc as employer to respond positively to the concerns of their staff and make appropriate remuneration payments that will result in the end of the current industrial action".
A new digital audio play exploring the extraordinary survival story of Spanish Armada sailor Francisco de Cuellar was streamed earlier this month on the Spanish Armada Ireland Grange Facebook page.

Titled Francisco de Cuellar  Lost Sailor of the Armada, the production was written by local historian and enthusiast Eddie OGorman and is based on Cuellars own first-hand account of being shipwrecked at Streedagh Beach, Co Sligo, in September 1588.

Speaking about the project, Eddie said the play was rooted directly in Cuellars own words.

The Carta  is Cuellars original account of his time in Ireland. Its his voice, his fear, his desperation. I wanted to honour that and let the story speak for itself.

Cuellar wrote the account after escaping Ireland and reaching Antwerp, where he feared he would face court-martial on his return to Spain.

When he arrived in Ireland, he was under sentence of death, Eddie explained. This letter was effectively his first line of defence  a way of explaining how he survived when so many others didnt.

The digital audio play brings to life many of the key figures mentioned in the letter, including Irish chieftain Tadhg Og McClancy, Spanish Admiral Francisco de Bobadilla, and Cuellar himself, as he fled capture across the northwest of Ireland during a period of violent storms and political upheaval.

He had no English, and the people here were speaking Irish, Eddie said. Communication was incredibly difficult. But he was an educated man, he had Latin, and when youre fleeing death, you learn very quickly through gesture, instinct and survival.

The cast features Eddie OGorman as narrator, Juan Manuel Espinosa in the title role of Francisco de Cuellar, Prannie Rhatigan in several female roles, Seamus Connolly as McClancy and other characters, and Felip Carbonell as Admiral Bobadilla and fellow Spanish sailors.

Recorded at The Model in Sligo, the production was supported by Sligo County Council through Creative Ireland funding.

Eddie said the project was part of a wider effort to ensure the Armada story  and its deep connections to Sligo and Leitrim  continues to be shared.

This is not just a Spanish story or an Irish story  its a European story, he said. More Armada ships were lost on the Irish coast than were destroyed by the English navy. Thats something people are only beginning to understand.

He added that the response to the play has been deeply encouraging.

What really strikes Spanish audiences is that Ireland remembers these men, he said. Thousands of sailors died on a strange shore, and for centuries they were forgotten. Now their story is being told again.

A recording of Francisco de Cuellar  Lost Sailor of the Armada is available via the Spanish Armada Ireland can be watch here

The historical significance of Cuellars account is explored in depth by Dr Francis Kelly, author of Captain Francisco de Cuellar: The Armada, Ireland, and the Wars of the Spanish Monarchy, 15781606.

Dr Kelly said Cuellars survival was remarkable even before his shipwreck.

He was an officer in disgrace, Kelly explained. After the battle off Calais there was what the Spanish command regarded as a major breach of discipline, and Cuellar was one of the captains initially sentenced to death. He was stripped of his command and remained under court-martial.

Kelly said Cuellars written account stands out as one of the most vivid personal narratives to survive from the Armada.

He spent seven months in Ireland, much of that time in north Leitrim with ORourke and the McClancys at Rosclogher on Lough Melvin. The bulk of his account is set here, and thats why Ireland is central to understanding his survival  not just as a backdrop, but as an active part of the story.
The conviction of a man in May prompted a series of reviews of safeguarding procedures at the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), a senior church figure has said.

Hundreds of Presbyterian ministers and elders attended a special general assembly in Belfast on Thursday to agree new measures on safeguarding.

Apologies were offered to those who had been hurt or harmed by the churchs safeguarding failings during the discussions.

David Bruce, a retired minister and Convener of the General Council, told the congregation that there was understandable hunger for detailed information about the circumstances that prompted the convening of the council.

He said questions around safeguarding at the church became much more acute earlier this year when a person was convicted of child sexual abuse offences and was imprisoned.

He said the PCI safeguarding team became aware of the case in March.

Once this person was convicted on 12th of May, the PSNI gave the church permission to look into the matter internally, since it had become clear by then that this person had a connection with at least one of our congregations.

He said the church appointed an ad hoc committee of four people to look into how this man had apparently been missed in our own systems.

The group met 12 times throughout the summer and autumn.

A report was compiled by the safeguarding department by July, looking at the PCI systems in place from 2009-2021.

The ad hoc committee recognised that there were deep and concerning failings, systematic in nature, extending back through the period under investigation.

Mr Bruce added: The locus of our concerns about failings centred on the responsiveness of the church to requests for safeguarding help.

Often these responses were slow and in some cases completely absent. It was clear that emails had not been opened or that phone calls had not been returned.

He said that while this was not the universal response, and that many requests were dealt with professionally, the overall picture was of significant failings.

Former Presbyterian moderator, Reverend Trevor Gribben, stood down after the ad hoc committee submitted its final report in November, finding serious and significant failings in the functions from 2009 to 2022.

The Charity Commission announced this week that it has opened a statutory inquiry into the PCI governance and safeguarding practices, which will run alongside the PSNIs active criminal investigation.

Dr Richard Murray resumed the office of moderator after Mr Gribbens resignation and called a special general assembly  a rare event for the church, with just a handful called in recent decades.

On Thursday, up to 900 ministers and elders from the 540 congregations across the island of Ireland travelled to Belfast to take part in prayers and reflection at the headquarters of the church at Assembly Buildings.

Dr Murray said at the outset: We are deeply ashamed and sorry.

The acting clerk of the general assembly, Reverend David Allen, said the church family comes together as they find themselves in a place of shame and humility as a result of our central safeguarding failings.

Several ministers addressed the assembly to apologise, raise their concerns and suggestions, and in one case, suggest introducing a form of financial redress for victims.

In response to questions, Rev Allen said it was an oversight in the midst of a very fast moving situation that the media was informed of the safeguarding issues before ministers and that he accepted responsibility for it.

He said counseling has been offered to everyone who contacted its helpline disclosing a safeguarding concern.

He also said that the church had sought public relations advice externally and legal advice through the General Assembly solicitor.

I think it is inconceivable to us, at this Assembly that the PCI for whatever reason, should be responsible for the hurt and harm of our children and young people, and that under our watch the vulnerable were not safe, retired minister Trevor Morrow said.

Of course, we want to know who is responsible for all this mess, and to know that action is taken. That is justice.

In a section where proposals were made, Rev Richard Cronin asked that the protocol relating to removing ministers and other leaders from their charge, adopted weeks ago, be considered by the whole church.

Rev David Clawson said part of the reason they were meeting a week from Christmas was to address issues of governance, integrity and transparency.

He said he was not aware of these protocols enacted in relation to removing a minister, which does not help transparency.

Friends of mine who work in the tech industry or civil service have been surprised at how little information I have been given.

Rev Allen said the protocols should have been published with the 2025 reports, but were not due to an oversight.

He said they would be circulated as soon as is possible and would be brought to the General Assembly in June as the meeting in February would simply not be feasible.

Mr Bruce said he, Mr Allen and members of the ad hoc committee had sought to do the right thing in addressing safeguarding concerns.

There would be no cover-up, he said.

We would follow the evidence in scorn of the consequences to us personally or to the institution of the PCI, because our first and final and absolute commitment was to those who have been harmed or otherwise affected by our failings as a church. So, to you in this hall, whose stomachs are churning and whose hearts are racing with stress because you are a victim who is surviving, I say, thank you.

Thank you for having the courage to be here with us today. To walk into this building was no easy thing for you to do.

On behalf of the church, I say to you, I am so very sorry that you have had to walk this road.
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STAFF at food production company Sysco Ireland have come together to help people facing poverty this Christmas.

Workers at the firm, based in Newcastle West, are distributing thousands of food boxes as part of Syscos purpose month.

They will work with five good causes across Limerick, which will distribute the boxes filled with food staples and treats.

They are Limerick FoodBank, Limerick Youth Service, St Itas Day Care in Abbeyfeale, brain injury charity Headway and the Desmond Ability Resource Complex in Newcastle West.

READ MORE: Minister for Health announces that a new hospital is needed for Limerick and the Mid-West

Sysco staff in Limerick will join with colleagues in Dublin, Cork and Belfast.

Between them, they will deliver 3,500 food boxes to 42 charities across the island.

Martina ODonnell, human resources director at Sysco Ireland said: Purpose Month remains incredibly close to the hearts of everyone at Sysco Ireland and now in its third year, it reflects the collective commitment of our colleagues across the country to live our purpose of Connecting the World to Share Food and Care for One Another.

Rella Galvin, a rehabilitation services manager at one of the benefitting charities Headway said: An acquired brain injury can have a significant impact on those affected, leaving individuals with a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional consequences. Our clients are often unable to return to work following their injury which can lead to financial hardship for them and their families.

Aileen Harnett at the Desmond Complex added: Our clients are vulnerable people who may not have family or neighbours to look after them so our outreach to the community is very important to these people.

The boxes will be distributed in the coming days.
A LIMERICK man who threatened to burn his ex-partners house down has been given a three year fully suspended prison sentence.

Martin Enright, 47, of Loughill East, Newcastle West pleaded guilty to two counts of making threats to cause criminal damage of his ex-partners home and that of her brother.

The court heard that Mr Enright also told the mother of his children that nothing would stop him from seeing his child and that he would start a war if she took out a Barring Order to protect herself from him.

The woman has since taken out a Protection Order against the man, and the pair now share a custody arrangement for their two young children.

The court heard that on another occasion Mr Enright told his ex-partner that she was a dummy and a weak woman and that she couldnt stand up for herself.

Read More: Horsing around: Motorist fined for 'spectating' at sulky race on busy Limerick road

Barrister-in-Law Lily Buckley told Limericks Circuit court at a hearing that the woman was forced to move out of her home due to safety concerns brought on by the mans threats.

The woman wrote in her Victim Impact Statement that she is still terrified and is living in constant fear because of Mr Enright.

She added that her son was just five months old when the offences happened. "The baby, now almost two years old, is still afraid of loud noises, she stated, adding her daughter is "withdrawn, detached and scared of shadows and wind".

The woman said she wishes to be able to walk down the street with my children with no fear.

Judge Colin Daly was given additional details surrounding the background, including how Mr Enright wanted to stay in the victims house after their child was born, but that his behaviour became abusive and that he became "suspicious" of his ex-partner.

The relationship between the two ended in November 2023, which the man found hard to accept.

In his plea of mitigation, Donal Cronin BL said his client wishes to apologise profusely to the injured parties and that he has since attended treatment for alcoholism.

He said the defendant works in the construction industry and has accepted his actions were not acceptable.

Mr Enright has offered 3,000 in compensation to his ex-partner, which the court heard she will reluctantly accept.

Judge Colin Daly sentenced Mr Enright to a three years fully suspended sentence to preserve their family dynamic.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
TWO cars and a house were torched by arsonists in the space of four days in the city and county.

Gardai launched an investigation after an arson attack on a vehicle in the grounds of University Maternity Hospital Limerick.

READ NEXT: 'I must have been stoned off my head': Limerick man steals 70k BMW and parks it outside his home

It occurred shortly before 6pm on Saturday evening. There are no reports of any injuries.

Following a query from the Limerick Leader, a garda spokesperson said: I can confirm gardai were alerted to an incident of criminal damage of a vehicle outside a premises on Ennis Road, Limerick city on the evening of Saturday, December 3, 2025.

The garda spokesperson went on to say that the fire brigade put out the blaze and investigations are ongoing.

Limerick Fire and Rescue Service received the call-out at 5.59pm with two appliances rushing to the scene. Firefighters were back at base in Mulgrave Street at 6.51pm after extinguishing the fire.

A video of the car ablaze has been widely circulated on social media. There are unconfirmed reports that the incident is linked to an ongoing feud between rival groupings on the southside of the city.

It is not known if the car is owned by the family of an expectant or new mum, or if somebody was visiting a woman in the maternity hospital.

The HSE and HSE Mid West were both contacted for comment but neither had responded at the time of going to press this Tuesday.

A few hours later Limerick Fire and Rescue Service were tasked to put out a car fire in Garryowen after 5am on Sunday morning. It doesnt appear to have been reported to gardai as a spokesperson said, We have no reports that tally with this currently listed.

However, it is understood that it was set alight on purpose.

It is not known if this was retaliation for the arson attack at the maternity hospital.

Separately, the previous Thursday, December 11, a garda spokesperson said they received a report of an incident of criminal damage by fire that occurred at a domestic residence in Castleconnell at approximately 9.15pm.

No injuries have been reported at this time. Investigations are ongoing, said the garda spokesperson. Anybody with any information on the incidents is asked to contact local gardai.
A HERO firefighter who helped save lives during his almost 30 years as a firefighter in Limerick has sadly lost his own life aged only in his early 50s.

Eugene Cusack, of Killaloe, County Clare and late of Stradone, County Cavan, passed away peacefully after a short illness last month. He was surrounded by his family and friends in the tender care of Milford Hospice.

READ NEXT: Limerick firefighters cut stricken vessels anchor in dramatic river rescue

The loss is most keenly felt by his family - beloved wife Elaine and children Conor, Evan and Grace, parents Tommy and Kitty and siblings - but also among his second family in Limerick Fire and Rescue Service.

Limerick City and County Council, Chief Fire Officer, Paul McMahon said: All of us in Limerick Fire and Rescue Service are deeply saddened by the passing of sub station officer Eugene Cusack (pictured below).

Mr McMahon said Eugene was an honest, kind, and dedicated member of their team who gave over 27 years of exemplary service to the people of Limerick and surrounding areas.

His loss is felt profoundly by all who knew him. The size and scale of Eugenes funeral was a testament to the esteem in which Eugene was held, by his home community in Killaloe, his many friends, and his colleagues across the fire service.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Eugenes wife Elaine, his children Conor, Evan, and Grace, and all his family and friends at this difficult time. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis, said Mr McMahon.

A tribute on Limerick Fire and Rescue Services social media, tells of Eugenes exceptional work ethic, honesty, integrity, and compassion in every aspect of his life. The gifted sportsman even led them to the World Police and Firefighter Games in Belfast in 2013. Eugene also played a crucial part in designing and delivering their Transition Year programme for secondary school students

Over 60 members of Limerick Fire and Rescue Service paid their respects at his funeral in Killaloe.

Firefighters gave a guard of honour, shouldered his coffin in the church and brought Eugene on his final journey to Shannon Crematorium in a vintage fire truck. The solemn procession was accompanied by Mike Egan on the bagpipes.

Fr James Grace, who said the funeral Mass, said it hasnt been an easy few months but Eugene put a brave face on it for the sake of his family and friends.

He got on with life as best he could and wanted things to be as normal as possible for his family. I think he achieved that through Gods grace and the love and support he experienced at every quarter, said Fr Grace.

The large crowds of mourners reflected the esteem Eugene was held in.

He attended countless call-outs during his 27 years as a firefighter. He was one of the first on the scene when a school bus crashed near Caherconlish and there were fears of multiple casualties.

Eugene also trained many of the firefighters who attended his funeral as he was a breathing apparatus and RTC instructor.

He was renowned for his calmness amid the often horrific scenes at road traffic collisions.

Countless tributes have been paid with eleven pages on rip.ie devoted to condolences.

Eugene radiated love, warmth, compassion and positivity wherever he went. He will be deeply missed by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him and work with, said one mourner.

Smith OBriens GAA and Camogie Club paid a beautiful tribute, saying Eugene was a man who led by example and an inspiration to all.

May he rest in peace.
A BALLYNEETY native is to take over from a Pallasgreen man on Dairygolds board of directors.

A spokesperson for the co-operative society said they are pleased to announce the appointment of a new member to its board of directors, effective from January 1. It follows a general committee board election in Springfort Hall Hotel, Mallow on Monday.

READ NEXT: Tractor trouble: Limerick farmer with 'bit of an attitude' refused to stop for gardai

Gerald Kirby, a dairy farmer from Ballyneety, was elected to fill the board vacancy, and will replace outgoing board director, Gerard ODwyer, Pallasgreen.

Mr Kirby, representing the Drombanna Electoral Group, was elected to the Limerick Regional Committee in 2023 and has been a member of the general committee since January 2025. Married to Sinead, the couple have three adult children, Ronan, Alan and Ruth.

Mr Kirby has completed the Dairygold Member Upskilling Programme. He is a former chairperson of Fedamore Mulcair Discussion Group. Mr Kirby is farming in partnership with wife Sinead and sons Ronan and Alan.

He takes his seat on Dairygolds board of directors after Mr ODwyer completed his maximum permitted consecutive service on the Dairygold Board. The Pallasgreen man will retire from the board and the elected representative structure on December 31.

Mr ODwyer, a dairy farmer from Brackile, has given stellar service for over a decade. He has been a member of the Dairygold Limerick Regional Committee since 2011, the Dairygold General Committee since 2014 and the Dairygold Board since 2016.

He was appointed vice- chairman of the board of directors after a board election in 2023.

Mr ODwyer is also well-known through his involvement with Munster Bovine Group, Co-operative Animal Health Limited and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation.
A man has been arrested in Limerick by gardai in connection with a major cross-border terrorism investigation on Tuesday afternoon, December 16, 2025.

The man, aged in his 30s, was detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act at a garda station in the midlands.

The man has since been released without charge and a file is to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The investigation is being led by An Garda Siochanas Special Detective Unit, with the first arrest occurring in Laois on November 5, 2025.

Speaking on the investigation on November 7, Assistant Garda Commissioner Michael McElgunn, stated:"An Garda Siochana is committed to identifying, assessing and countering security threats to our communities.

Read More: 'It's like a bad nightmare': Heartbroken sister's tribute to man killed in Limerick collision

This ongoing operation demonstrates the close working relationships An Garda Siochana has with our colleagues in the Police Service of Northern Ireland to investigate and interdict threats across the island of Ireland, keeping people safe.

Gardai have said that no further information is available at this time in relation to the Limerick arrest.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
THE YOUNG man who perished in a road traffic collision in County Limerick in the early hours of this Thursday morning has been named locally as Simon Sammy McInerney.

His sister Josceline, in a moving post on Facebook, said: Its like a bad nightmare Im not waking up from.

READ NEXT: Popular County Limerick take away restaurant gutted in blaze

Sammy, aged 21, of Rathkeale, was pronounced deceased at the scene of the two-vehicle collision. The incident occurred on the N21 at Ballymurragh West, Templeglantine at approximately 12.50am.

Three teenagers - two female juveniles and an adult male - were brought to University Hospital Limerick and University Hospital Kerry for treatment of serious injuries. They were all in a vehicle driven by Sammy.

A male, aged in his 20s and believed to be from Ukraine, was the driver of the other car. He was brought to University Hospital Kerry with non-life-threatening injuries.

Many tributes have been paid online to the late Sammy including from John Sheridan, father of Marguerita O'Rourke (nee Sheridan), who was killed in a hit-and-run collision in Rathkeale last Christmas.

Rest in peace, Sammy. Hope you get the best bed in heaven. Watch over your family, just sad times, wrote Mr Sheridan on Facebook.

Josceline, a sister of Sammy's, wrote in an emotional post: Please, Our Lady, give me the strength to write this down because I know in my heart Im not strong enough to lose you, our Sammy. Its like a bad nightmare Im not waking up from, my lovely brother that I love with all my heart.

Josceline said her baby brother was the best brother and best uncle.

Ill never get over you or ever be the same again. I love you so much, Sammy. You broke my heart in a million pieces. It will never be goodbye, just until we meet again. Fly high my brother, forever 21, wrote Josceline.

She said Sammy and his girlfriend only made it official a few days ago and were so happy and in love.

Another person wrote in tribute: Rest in peace, Sammy. Its just heartbreaking coming up on Christmas - a lovely young boy with his whole life ahead of him.

Local councillor Adam Teskey, in expressing his heartfelt condolences, said this is going to have a harrowing effect in our community in Rathkeale.

There's definitely another dark cloud for the second year-in-a-row over the town. The family as a whole would be well-known and respected in the community. My sympathies go out to them at this time and to all the others involved in the crash, said Cllr Teskey.

The Fine Gael councillor said his thoughts are also with members of the fire service, gardai and paramedics who attended the scene. This obviously was a scene that will live in their memory for a long time, he said.

Cllr Teskey said the community of Rathkeale will not be found wanting when it comes to offering support for those involved in this tragic situation.

The section of the N21 has reopened this Thursday afternoon after a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators was completed.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

"Any road users, who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were traveling on the N21 between Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West between midnight and 1am are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardai.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle West garda station on 069 206 50, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station," said a garda spokesperson.
A man in Northern Ireland charged with terror offences linked to a cross-border police investigation into a planned attack on a Galway mosque has been denied bail.

Connor Pollock, 38, from Croob Park, in Ballynahinch, Co Down, appeared via videolink from HMP Maghaberry for a bail hearing at the Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Pollock is charged with three offences under the UK Terrorism Act.

The charges relate to an alleged plot by a group styling itself as the Irish Defence Army (IDA) to attack the mosque and also target accommodation facilities used to house migrants.

The court heard there was a 15-point plan for the proposed attack on the mosque, which also contained code names and specific roles for five members of an active service unit of the IDA.

Two men, including Pollocks brother Garrett, have appeared before the courts in the Republic of Ireland charged in connection with the alleged planned attack.

In Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday, a member of the PSNI argued that Connor Pollock had sent messages showing affiliation to the IDA including our oath and we exist.

Opposing bail, the PSNI also said it believed Pollock had been contacted by his brother as part of a search for pipe bombs and firearms.

However, his defence lawyer said he held no strongly held political views and was trying to ingratiate himself with his brother.

In the bail proceedings, the PSNI detective constable outlined the circumstances of An Garda Siochanas investigation into extreme right-wing terrorism.

She said gardai in the Republic of Ireland had arrested Pollocks brother and another over their suspected involvement in the preparation of acts of terrorism, relating to a planned attack on a mosque.

Garrett Pollock, 35, with an address at Kilhorne Green, Annalong, Co Down, was charged in Ireland with two offences: possession of the components of three pipe-bomb type improvised explosive devices and four incendiary-type improvised explosive devices; and with possession of six litres of hydrogen peroxide.

Karolis Peckauskas, 38, of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, was charged in Ireland with one offence of possession of six litres of hydrogen peroxide.

The PSNI said gardai had searched Garrett Pollocks home address and found blast incendiaries and components of pipe bombs declared to be viable, as well as further IDA-related documentation, documents on how to manufacture improvised explosives and the 15-point attack plan for the mosque.

The court heard they also found a note of responsibility seemingly prepared in advance of the proposed attack.

Connor Pollock 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.

He 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.

The court heard, on Thursday, that police were strongly opposing bail.

A detective constable told the court that Pollock was arrested on December 9 and his phones were seized by the PSNI and it is believed he holds the same anti-immigration ideology as his brother.

Most of the evidence against him comes largely from his phones.

The detective constable told the court that police believe he supports IDA ideology, and that he had sight and possession of the claim of responsibility on his phone  which he sent to his partner in two different parts on October 24.

The court heard this was accompanied with messages that indicates his clear prior knowledge of the planned attack.

She said there were further messages to his partner which showed affiliation to the IDA, including our oath, we exist, and this is our attack.

The court heard that Garrett Pollock sent a voice message on the Signal app stating his brother could source pipe bombs and firearms, before calling Connor Pollock on WhatsApp for two minutes and nine seconds, and sending a further message stating: Just spoken to my brother, who will get prices.

The police said the defendant had denied involvement in acquiring firearms for the organisation.

The detective constable said the investigation was still live and at an early stage, with one arrest outstanding against an active service unit of the IDA which one document showed five members with codenames.

Connor Pollocks defence argued there was a lot of conjecture and speculation in the objection to bail, adding that his client was not charged in relation to the intended attack nor possession of explosives and was suitable for bail.

He said his property had been searched and no right-wing paraphernalia nor explosives had been found.

He said there was no evidence he had contacted any other member of the IDA other than his brother.

He said Pollock had not drafted either of the IDA documents and that police did not suggest in any way that he assisted the organisation in preparation of the attack.

He said the case amounts to an expression of ill-informed views, and that Pollock was a middle-aged man living with his mother and trying to ingratiate himself with his brother.

In truth, this is a man devoid of any strongly held political views.

However, the judge said the prosecution case that this was a dangerous organisation preparing to carry out attacks had traction with the court, as did the belief that not every suspect was within the grasp of authorities.

He denied bail stating that he had been persuaded by the fact the investigation was at an early stage and there were realistic steps to be taken in the immediate future that could be frustrated by a willing friend, if hes only a friend.

He said Pollocks messages seemed to import he was a little more than simply a bystander.

He was remanded until January 15.

Connor Pollock was arrested on December 9 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.

Last week, a man in his 30s was arrested by An Garda Siochana in Co Laois as part of its investigation and was later released without charge.
Discussions over a pay award for teachers in Northern Ireland can now progress following approval for Education Minister Paul Givan to overspend his budget.

The minister said he had used the urgent decision procedure to get approval for his ministerial direction to reflect the importance of avoiding further delay in progressing teachers pay arrangements.

Mr Givan had previously been critical that his direction was not accepted at an Executive meeting earlier this week.

Ministerial directions are formal instructions from ministers directing their permanent secretary to proceed, despite objections, with a spending plan.

The minister said: It was essential that the ministerial direction on the 202526 teachers pay award proceeded without delay, given the serious consequences that any postponement would have had.

Following yesterdays Executive meeting, I wrote to the First Minister and the deputy First Minister setting out both the decision required and the implications of deferring it.

The First Minister and deputy First Minister have now considered the matter, and I am pleased that approval has been given for the ministerial direction.

This enables discussions to progress and provides an important step towards ensuring teachers are treated fairly.

The minister said the financial pressures on his department remain acute.

Mr Givan added: I continue to work with officials and the Education Authority to reduce the projected deficit of circa 267m for this financial year, but critical pressures persist.

My decision to bring forward a direction underlines my continued commitment to Northern Irelands teaching professionals and the pupils and school communities they serve.

The minister said the Teachers Negotiating Committee (TNC) would meet early in the new year to take the pay offer forward.

The Northern Ireland Teachers Council (NITC), representing the five main teacher unions, said it looked forward to engaging with the TNC over pay in January.

A statement said: Our focus remains on securing a fair and sustainable pay offer for teachers, who have waited patiently for progress amidst the ongoing pressures within the education system.
The debate over how India should allocate the high-speed 6 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum is only getting shriller as the auctions are expected next year. Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd has now challenged Meta Incs estimate that opening the lower end of the band without a licence could generate $3 trillion in economic value for India over 10 years.

A licence-free use could immediately pave the way for next-generation Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 technologies and gadgets such as Sony's PlayStation 5 Pro or new smart glasses from Apple or Meta.

However, telecom operators require the 6GHz band to support future high-speed and high-capacity network needs for 5G and 6G.

The department of telecommunications (DoT) has proposed to carve out a portion (500 MHz) of the 6 GHz band for licence-free use. It has also suggested bringing the remaining 700 MHz spectrum under auction for telecom operators.

But 300 MHz of this will be available for auction only by December 2030, when it is vacated by existing users such as satellite and defence authorities.

Both Big Tech companies and telecom operators want the entire 1200 MHz for their respective use only.

Meta anticipates a $3 trillion value from delicensing 500 MHz of the 6GHz band, Alan Norman, public policy director at the US technology giant, said at a recent spectrum management conference in New Delhi, citing a study by Raul Katz, founder of US-based Telecom Advisory Services LLC. In this band, value to telcos is very small."

That implies a value creation of $6 billion per MHz for 500 MHz band.

By comparison, Norman said, if the upper end (700 MHz) of the band is brought under auction for telecom operators, it would create an economic value of $254 billion over 10 years.

He cited an analysis by consulting firm Telecom Advisory Services, which included benefits for consumers, producers, primarily from IoT deployment, and expected proceeds from telecom auctions in the 6GHz band based the estimates of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA).

Reliance Jio, however, countered the premise of the projected $3 trillion value, arguing that it could have included broad economic factors such as the cost of devices manufactured and revenue of over-the-top (OTT) companies, which is not a like-for-like comparison with the value telecom operators can create with the band.

The numbers are good but I think we should have side-by-side (comparison with telcos). We should try to do the same for the 3.5 GHz band on which 5G is being run by including all those factors which have been included in the calculation (for the delicensed band value creation)," Ravi Gandhi, president and chief regulatory officer at Reliance Jio, said in his arguments at the conference.

The contribution to the economy would include the cost of devices, the OTT and their ad revenue sitting on that. The value creation (by telecom operators) will probably be more than $6 billion per MHz," Gandhi said, without giving any estimates for the economic value that licensed 6GHz spectrum can create.

Queries emailed to Meta and Jio did not elicit a response until press time.

Economic value encompasses cost savings and benefits consumers receive, profits companies generate by providing products and services, and the overall increase in the economy's productivity resulting from the adoption of technology.

Why monetization is crucial

In 2023, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents major telecom operators, had said that the allocation of spectrum in the 6 GHz band without auction would result in a potential loss of over 3 trillion (around $33 billion) to the national exchequer.

Satya N. Gupta, former principal advisor at the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), sees a higher economic value from unlicensed use of the spectrum.

"These projections take into account various economic factors. I believe the economic value of an unlicensed band for Wi-Fi depends on the applications where it will be used and the number of operators who would use the same," said Gupta Further, social benefits also add to the economic value."

According to Gupta, licensing the band could restrict its value due to delayed monetisation, a costly device ecosystem, and a few operators having control over the spectrum.

Jio, Airtel differ on auction timing

Beyond the valuation debate, Jio also raised an infrastructure concern that could limit the potential benefits of the delicensed band for WiFi.

We don't have as good fibre laid as the other countries have. We need to have a balance between indoor spectrum and outdoor macro cell spectrum so as to ensure a smooth path from the device to the core network," Gandhi said.

We need to create an equivalent backhaul network to actually get the benefit of this Wi-Fi. If we don't have the background network and we try to only put all the spectrum in Wi-Fi, we will not be able to actually provide the benefit to the user."

Norman, however, argued that India needs to expedite delicensing of the lower 6GHz band as the device ecosystem is ready there. He said the government needs to be cautious in auctioning the upper portion as the device ecosystem is still nascent in that range, and the auction revenue and deployments will be prolonged.

The real question for 6 GHz is not who gets the spectrum, but whether the ecosystem is prepared to monetize it," said Vinish Bawa, partner and leader telecom at PwC India. Licence-exempt access will create meaningful value only if fibre, backhaul, and device availability scale in parallel; otherwise, the economic impact risks being overstated, he said.

A phased, low-power Wi-Fi strategy, while preserving International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT) optionality, represents the most pragmatic and credible path forward for India, he said.

Jio, Airtel differ on auction timing

Reliance Jio wants the government to put the entire band up for auction, according to its submissions to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). However, when the government suggested delicensing the lower end of the band, the company wanted it to first allow higher-powered Wi-Fi signals outdoors so that it could use the airwaves to improve its home broadband services in a cost-effective manner.

For Jio, stronger signals in the unlicensed band radio (UBR) will help provide home broadband services through outdoor Wi-Fi. Jio is the only operator currently using an outdoor Wi-Fi network in the existing 5 GHz band. The company is now also exploring the 6 GHz band for these services.

Earlier, Big Tech companiesAmazon, Apple, Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Meta Platforms, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Intel Corporationin a joint representation told the telecom regulator that the spectrum in the 6425-6725 MHz and 7025-7125 MHz ranges for international mobile telecommunications (IMT) should not be offered in the next auction.

This is because technical and commercial readiness for IMT in the 6 GHz band is not established," they said.

Reliance Jios rival operator Bharti Airtel Ltd agreed, saying that the global ecosystem for this band, in terms of devices and network equipment, remains in its infancy."

While Airtel has urged Trai to defer the auctions in the band, Reliance Jio wants the government to immediately auction it.
Amazon on Wednesday announced a reorganisation of its artificial intelligence (AI) team, putting a top leader from its cloud division in charge of a new unit.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy made the announcement in a message to employees, which was also posted on the company's corporate blog. Peter DeSantis will be leading the new group, Jassy said to his employees.

I believe we are at this inflection point with several of our new technologies that will power a significant amount of our future customer experiences, he said.

The announcement comes weeks after the company hosted the after the Amazon Web Services annual cloud computing conference in Las Vegas, which focuses on AI tools and services.

The new Amazon organisation is a combination of the company's Artificial General Intelligence team, its chipmaking unit and quantum computing research.

I believe we are at this inflection point with several of our new technologies that will power a significant amount of our future customer experiences

The AGI team oversees the companys Nova-branded AI models and the digital brains of the Alexa voice assistant.

Ive asked Peter DeSantis to lead a new organization that drives our most expansive AI models (e.g. Novaand the team weve called AGI), silicon development (e.g. Graviton, Trainium, Nitro), and quantum computing, Jassy said.

Rohit Prasad, who helped build the Alexa voice assistant and led its AI efforts recently, will step down at year's end.

Why is Amazon shaking up its AI teams? The primary motive for Amazon to announce the new leadership changes comes amid its desire to shakeup its reputation that has not been doing well in comparison to rivals like Google, Microsoft and OpenAI, who are having breakthroughs with their AI models.

Amazon has invested roughly $8 billion in AI startup Anthropic, and has been using its technology into several of its internal and consumer products. Apart from this, the company is also mulling a $10 billion investment in OpenAI, according to recent reports.

Who is Peter DeSantis? Peter DeSantis, the leader of Amazon's new AI unit, has been in the company for around 27 years.

I cannot think of a better leader for this organization than Peter. Peter has been at Amazon for over 27 years, and led some of the most transformative technologies in computing history, CEO Andy Jassy said announcing his promotion.

Also Read | Tim Cook will decide his own timeline for retirement: Mark Gurman

Peter DeSantis previously used to be the senior vice president of utility computing and oversaw most AWS engineering teams.

In his new role, DeSantis will report to Jassy, who said that he had a solving problems at the edge of whats technically possible.

Peter was the leader of Amazon EC2 which was launched in 2006, and built the team over many years.
For years, Meg ONeill clashed with environmentalists as chief executive of one of Australias biggest energy companies. Now she has been tapped to lead BP and steer the company back to its oil-and-gas roots.

BP named the American former Exxon Mobil executive as its new boss in an unexpected management shake-up Wednesday. She is set to take the helm of a storied yet often troubled energy producer that is aiming to reinvigorate its fossil-fuel business after an ill-timed turn toward renewable energy.

ONeill, who is set to join the London-based company from Australias Woodside Energy in April, is a dealmaker who is willing to go to bat for the oil-and-gas business. She will be the first woman to lead an oil major.

As Woodsides CEO, the engineer was forced to confront a rowdy environmental movement that regularly staged protests at the companys headquarters in Perthand targeted her home.

Our employees are subject to pressure that they really shouldnt be," ONeill said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal last year. You know, the gas that were providing is, again, literally keeping lights on."

When activist investors rallied a majority of shareholders to vote against Woodsides climate strategy last year, she said that the company was determined to play our role in addressing climate change, but we wont make promises that we cant deliver."

At BP, ONeill will join a company trying to steady itself after years of upheaval. Its shift to green energywhere it paid peak prices for assetswas unpopular among investors, and its debt ballooned. Now it is pivoting back to fossil fuels fast in a bid to boost profits and its languishing stock price.

Tapping ONeill to replace company veteran Murray Auchincloss will aid BPs efforts to become a simpler, leaner, and more profitable company," Chairman Albert Manifold said Wednesday night.

BP is working to sell $20 billion in assets, using the proceeds to help cut debt and boost oil and gas production, particularly in the U.S.

Activist investor Elliott Investment Management turned up the pressure on the company earlier this year, disclosing in April that it held a 5% stake in BP after years of its shares underperforming the rest of Big Oil.

One of the most important decisions facing ONeill will be the future structure of BP. Investors are closely watching to see if she will keep the company intact or pursue a major deal that would either merge BP with a competitor or split it up.

Analysts and investors praised the decision to bring in an outsider, unprecedented at BP where CEOs have always risen through the ranks, saying the move was needed to enable a thorough look at the business.

Taking a completely fresh view, as only an outsider can do, will be critical to shaking BP up," wrote analysts at Bernstein.

ONeills dealmaking at Woodside got a mixed reception. An acquisition of BHPs petroleum business was cheered by investors, though they looked askance at the companys decision to invest in a low-carbon ammonia project in Texas. Overall, Woodsides shares lagged well behind all of Big Oil, including BP, during her tenure.

Few oil companies are big enough to buy BP, analysts say. One is Exxon; Chief Executive Darren Woods said this summer that the U.S. company is looking for acquisitions to put the companys cash pile to work. Exxon has a market value of nearly $500 billion, more than five times that of its British rival.

ONeill knows Exxon well, having spent 23 years with the company in positions around the globe. At one point, the Colorado-born executive was an adviser to then-CEO Rex Tillerson.

In 2019, she left Exxon to join Woodside. ONeill has said that she was spending too much time in the office at the American oil giant, and wanted to get closer to the front lines of the global energy business.

Around the time of moving to Australia, she decided to come out as gay. ONeill said times had changed since the early 90s, when she started at Exxon and antigay views were more prevalent than today.

I took a decision that if I was going to change companies, that I would use that opportunity to be really true to myself and be open about who I am," she told the Journal last year. It was terrifying and a relief."

Write to Matthew Dalton at Matthew.Dalton@wsj.com and Jenny Strasburg at jenny.strasburg@wsj.com
The co-founder of upskilling business Great Learning that e-learning platform Byju's had acquired in 2021 has bought back the Indian unit of the sold company for a fraction of the $600 million that it was sold for, according to an executive with knowledge of the transaction, an account that is backed by documents filed with India's registrar of companies (RoC).

As millionaire businessman Byju Raveendran and Think & Learn Pvt. Ltd, or TLPL, the flagship company in his edtech empire once courted by top venture funders and private credit companies of the world, battle creditors in insolvency proceedings, it has emerged that Mohan Krishna Lakhamraju struck a cash deal early in 2024 to buy back full control of Great Learning Education Services Pvt. Ltd, a business formerly owned by him and co-founders, one which still turns in revenues of nearly 500 crore a year in India.

The executive, who insisted on staying off the record, said $10 million was the value at which the Indian unit was bought back. Mint could not confirm this independently.

Mint has also learnt Lakhamraju is negotiating with TLPL's term loan lenders, who are rapidly moving to assert control over the assets linked to Byjus overseas entities to whom they lent money with group company shares as collateral, to acquire Singapore-registered Great Learning Education Pte. Ltd. The lenders are seeking an enterprise value of around $150-200 million for the Singapore unit, said the executive quoted without name earlier.

Enterprise value, often referred to as the total value of a business, adds up the value of the shares and debt net of cash and cash equivalents on its books.

RoC filings show that shareholders of Great Learning Education Services Pvt. Ltd, the Indian company now controlled by Lakhamraju, approved a spending of up to 300 crore in related party transactions involving Singapore companies Great Learning Education Pte. Ltd, Northwest Education Pte. Ltd and Northwest Executive Education Pte. Ltd besides Chennai management school Great Lakes Institute of Management. The b-school and Great Learning companies are not related by shareholding, per RoC documents, but Lakhamraju chairs the former.

The executive cited above estimated that the Singapore business of Great Learning make 50% more than the Indian unit's revenues but this also could not be corroborated by Mint from compliance documents.

Founded in 2013, Great Learning sells online programmes for working professionals across areas such as data science and business analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity and software development, among others. It runs a large part of its portfolio through academic tie-ups, including programmes offered with Great Lakes, Vellore-headquartered SRM Institute, and overseas partners such as Texas Executive Education at University of Texas at Austin.

Byjus acquisition of the Great Learning global franchise in July 2021 gave it an entry into the executive education and professional upskilling segmentan adjacent and higher-ticket category compared with its core K-12 test-prep and learning products.

Byjus July 2021 acquisition of Great Learning marked its entry into executive education and professional upskilling.

Lakhamraju, Great Learning, TLPL, and GLAS Trust, the administrative and collateral agent representing lenders had not responded to requests for comments until publishing.

Compliance documentation reveals much

A key reason the Great Learning buyback talks gathered pace, one of the people cited earlier said, was that the $600million acquisition announced in 2021 was not paid in full.

The other trigger was lenders stepping up enforcement over Byjus offshore collateral: in October 2023, financial and risk advisory firm Kroll Pte. Ltd was appointed receiver to take control of Great Learning Education Pte. Ltd. With the India business back in his control, Lakhamraju is now engaged with the lenders on a settlement for the Singapore unit.

Filings with India's RoC show Byju Raveendran ceased to be a director of the Indian business Great Learning Education Services Pvt. Ltd as of 30 April 2024. His brother and TLPL co-promoter Riju Ravindran is also not named as a director on the same date.

Great Learning Education Services Pvt. Ltd had three board members before; the third being Lakhamraju.

The same annual return shows that, as of 31 March 2025, Great Learning Education Services Pvt. Ltd had two directors: Lakhamraju, also the companys chief executive, and Hari Krishnan Nair, another cofounder.

Byju's and Riju's exit from Great Learning Services Pvt. Ltds board came after GLAS Trust Company LLCthe administrative and collateral agent for TLPL's $1.2billion termloan lendersmoved the Bengaluru bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) seeking to initiate insolvency proceedings against the parent of the Byjus business. The lenders said they approached the tribunal after months of failed restructuring talks and alleged defaults under the term loan.

The beginning of the deal

The Great Learning business was wholly acquired by TLPL for $600 million in a cash, stock and earnout deal in July 2021. Both parties said at the time that Great Learning would continue to operate as an independent unit within the Byju's group under Lakhamraju, along with Hari Krishnan Nair and a third co-founder Arjun Nair.

The Great Learning deal came during Byjus aggressive acquisition spree in 2021, after the edtech firm raised capital from investors including UBS Group, Abu Dhabis sovereign fund ADQ, and Blackstone. Earlier that year, Byjus had signed its biggest India deal: acquiring test-prep business Aakash Educational Services Ltd, or AESL, for close to $1 billion and later bought US reading platform Epic in a $500 million cash-and-stock deal.

The strategic intent was a leap of faith even by the white-hot ambitions seen in the digital ecosystem: build a full-stack ed-tech platform to service large swathes of demand worldwide.

But, as revenues failed to keep pace with ambition, the dreams unravelled and several of Byju's overseas assets became focal points in lender litigation. Its term-loan lenders alleged that the control of Epic was moved away from the borrower group through a series of steps involving offshore entities. Those claims are being contested in US courts.

In India, AESL is now controlled by the Manipal groups Ranjan Pai, which raised its holding to more than 58% over the past year by buying out founder J.C. Chaudhry and private equity investor Blackstone.

After the July 2021 takeover by Byju's, Great Learning bought Northwest Executive Education, an executive education provider that partners with universities and business schools to deliver short-format and certificate-style programmes for working professionals in Singapore and other markets, in May 2022 in a cash-and-stock deal that media reports then pegged at about $100 million. Northwest was founded by Mohit Jain and Tamhant Jain, both Harvard Business School alumni, per their LinkedIn profiles.

The road ahead leads to Singapore

RoC filings show Great Learning Education Services Pvt. Ltd remains plugged into an offshore holding structure: its annual return for fiscal 2025 lists Singapore-based Powerahead Pte Ltd as its holding company with 100% shareholding.

The Indian companys last annual general meeting (AGM) was held on 25 September 2025 when shareholders adopted the audited standalone and consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Also Read | How AI is helping resurrect India's edtech sector

At the same meeting, as stated earlier, shareholders approved related-party transactions for fiscal 2026, setting an aggregate cap of 300 crore. The filing of the AGM breaks the 300 crore ceiling into sub-limits: up to 200 crore with Great Learning Education Pte. Ltd, up to 40 crore with the two Northwest entities, and up to 60 crore with Great Lakes Institute of Management. These transactions covered payments/receipts for business support (including manpower support and allied services and for investing in technology)," according to the filing. [Great Lakes was founded by the late Bala V. Balachandran, formerly a professor at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University in Illinois, United States. He passed away in Chicago in September 2021.]

The Indian company Great Learning Education Services Pvt. Ltd's revenue rose to 470.8 crore in fiscal 2025 from 456.4 crore a year earlier, while total expenses fell to 499.7 crore from 515.2 crore, according to its consolidated financials stated with the RoC. Total debt remained flat at 188 crore in both the years and net loss narrowed sharply to 2.2 crore in fiscal 2025 from 58 crore in fiscal 2024.

A legal expert Mint reached out to explained the possible ways in which Lakhamraju and co-founders could have acquired Great Learning back from Byju's. In a standard Indian share purchase agreement (SPA), said Archana Balasubramanian, partner at Agama Law Associates, payment and share transfer happen together. Nothing, however, stops the parties from transferring shareholding on deferred consideration.

But, if the buyer defaults on a deferred payout, robust SPAs will typically carry a wind-back" clause that spells out what happens if the money does not arrive. In an unlisted Indian company, the basic requirements on the seller side are board approval and a shareholder resolution for the share transfer back.

"Given the discounting in valuation of Byju and its subsidiaries as a whole, it would have become easier and more economonical for the ex-founder and current CEO to buy out the shares," Balasubramanian told Mint.
Medical diagnostic chain House of Diagnostics (HOD) has begun the process of raising $30-40 million in a largely primary funding round, two people familiar with the matter said, as the medical diagnostic and healthcare services space heats up.

The company has been working closely with EY India to do the round," one of the people said. If the round goes through as planned, it will likely be the companys first external funding. It is expected to use the funds for expansion, the second person said, adding that the deal was launched a few weeks ago.

Both people spoke on the condition of anonymity. HOD and EY India did not respond to Mints requests for comment.

Broadly, Indias diagnostics market is set to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% to $15-16 billion over the next five years, according to a CareEdge Ratings report from last month. While diagnostic services account for less than 10% of Indias healthcare market, they play a critical role in early disease detection, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring recovery.

Also Read | India plans toolkit to help diagnostics startups fast-track innovation

Tailwinds galore

The sector is expected to benefit from increased demand in the wellness/preventive testing segment and other factors such as a shifting demographic profile, expanding healthcare infrastructure in tier-II towns and beyond, and rising rates of private and public health insurance.

Shantanu Jindel, partner at CMS IndusLaw, said a favorable policy environment, foreign direct investments (FDI), rising chronic diseases, an aging population, and increasing awareness around health issues have driven higher test volumes and repeat treatments in metros and tier-II towns.

While penetration outside metros remains low, he said, companies are building hubandspoke lab networks, partnering with state governments, and conducting mobile and point-of-care (POC) testing in small towns and rural areas.

Access to quality diagnostic facilities in tier-III downs and rural areas is still a challenge. This is not only an opportunity for consolidation but also for expansion into new territories," Jindel said, adding that high-growth segments include RTPCR, oncology panels, infectious disease panels, and other molecular tests.

He said AI image analysis (in pathology and radiology), workflow automation, cloud-based lab information systems, and integrated telemedicine-plus-diagnostics platforms would differentiate larger chains and enable outcome-based offerings.

Innovative technologies and increased competition are likely to keep prices competitive, and with rising incomes there will be a continued focus on preventive healthcare. All of this should drive demand and keep investors interested in quality assets," Jindel said.

Crowded market

Founded in 2008 by Shubham Sogani, Labham Sogani and Shanti Kumar Sogani, HOD began with the mission of delivering high-quality, affordable medical diagnostic services. The Delhi firm also has presence in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and has plans to expand both domestically and globally.

In FY24, it reported a total revenue of 150 crore, up from 120 crore the previous year, according to filings with the ministry of corporate affairs, sourced by Tofler. It posted a net profit of 4.3 crore in FY24 after a loss of 3.5 crore in FY23.

It competes with several firms including Tenet Diagnostics and Aarthi Scans, as well as larger ones such as Dr. Lal PathLabs, Metropolis Healthcare, SRL Diagnostics, Thyrocare, Apollo Diagnostics and Vijaya Diagnostic Centre. Some of the smaller companies are in various stages of raising funds, according to media reports.
Bengaluru/New Delhi: A renewed crackdown on adulterated dairy products, combined with a shift among urban consumers towards farm-to-table food, is reshaping the dairy market in the worlds largest producer of milk.

Companies such as Akshayakalpa Organic, Two Brothers Organic Farms, Sids Farm and Anveshan, which produce natural or organic milk, ghee and other milk products, stand to gain.

Banking on premium portfolios that include organic milk, A2 ghee, curd and yogurt, these companies are positioning themselves as credible alternatives to loose and mass-market dairy in urban markets, where the trust deficit around adulteration has persisted.

A2 dairy products contain only the A2 type of beta-casein protein, which makes it easier for the human body to process.

Their pitch, which includes traceable sourcing, controlled farm practices and minimal processing, is increasingly resonating with health-conscious middle-class households.

For Mumbai-based consultant Ananya, switching to organic dairy followed repeated concerns over milk purity.

I started buying farm-branded milk after my daughter fell ill twice," she said, adding that the higher prices felt justified because of claims of transparent sourcing, consistent taste and direct access to farms that offered reassurance of quality.

Akshayakalpa, based in Tiptur in Karnataka, runs 2,700 farms and has ramped up efforts to control adulteration by introducing daily farm-level testing for antibiotics and toxins.

Also Read | Dairy firm faces the music as ghee falls short of purity standards

There is a lot of consumer scepticism around quality. We have now opened up our farms for consumers to inspect and familiarize themselves," said Shashi Kumar, founder and chief executive officer of the company.

On Tuesday, Indias food safety regulator directed all states and Union Territories to launch an enforcement drive against adulterated milk and milk products, including paneer and khoya. This includes enhanced inspections and testing across the dairy value chain, triggering heightened consumer scrutiny around purity and sourcing.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India suspended Dindigul-based AR Dairys licence for ghee over adulteration and false information in August, Mint reported.

Investor interest

The developments have coincided with heightened investor interest in organic and natural food businesses. Over the past year, several farm-led dairy and staples brands have raised growth capital to expand capacity, strengthen cold-chain logistics and widen their direct-to-consumer and modern retail presence.

In October, Two Brothers Organic Farms, which sells A2 cultured ghee, khapli atta, peanut butter, honey, pickles and cold-pressed oils, raised 110 crore in a Series B funding round led by 360 ONE Asset, Rainmatter Investments, the Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office and Rahul Garg of Ignite Growth LLP.

Organic food brand Nourish You secured almost $2 million led by SIDBI Venture Capital in March, while Akshayakalpa is said to be in talks to raise 350 crore from Temaseks ABC Impact and others.

Earlier this year, health food brand Anveshan, based in Gurugram, raised 48 crore in a Series A funding round led by Wipro Consumer Care Ventures. It will use the capital to expand its manufacturing capabilities and widen its overseas reach.

These premium product companies still have a small presence in the market. Anveshan posted revenue 58.2 crore in FY24 and Akshayakalpas revenue was 285 crore in that year, according to Tracxn. Revenue at Two Brothers Organic Farms was 108 crore in FY25, according to Entrackr.

Also Read | India's agriculture and dairy sectors can withstand US tariff vagaries

The domestic dairy industry was valued at about 19 trillion in 2024 and is projected to expand to 57 trillion by 2033, according to the IMARC Group, a global market research firm.

India's organic food market (domestic and exports) is currently estimated at 10,000 crore in size. According to a September note by Worldpanel by Numerator (formerly Kantar), health-oriented foods and beverages now represent 63,093 crore in value, having grown at 11.7% compounded annually over the past four years.

Incumbent companies are taking note, too. In January 2024, Tata Consumer Products Ltd acquired Organic India for an estimated 1,900 crore to create a health and wellness platform.

In April 2025, ITC Ltd acquired Sresta Natural Bioproducts Pvt. Ltd, which sells organic foods under the 24 Mantra Organic brand, for 472 crore. The company said at the time the category had high growth potential, given the low penetration levels and growing consumer preference for natural and organic foods.

Akshali Shah, executive director of Pune-based Parag Milk Foods, which launched its premium milk, Pride of Cows, in 2011, is expanding its presence across the top metros. The brand sells milk priced at 120 per litre. Shah said premium dairy, a steadily growing segment for the company, is no longer a niche trend; it reflects a fundamental shift in how Indian consumers think about food and nutrition.

...The target consumer is a well-informed, quality-conscious individual or family that prioritises health, nutrition, and provenance. These are consumers who read labels, ask questions, and are willing to pay a premium for products that offer genuine differentiation, transparency, and trust," she said. Typically, they are urban professionals, young parents, and households that see food as an investment in long-term well-being rather than a mere daily necessity."

Price premium

However, the portfolio of organic and natural products comes at a huge price premium. Two Brothers sells one litre of A2 Gir Cow-Cultured Ghee for 3,370, while Akshayakalpa prices its one-litre ghee bottle at 1,429. In contrast, a litre of Amul ghee costs 650.

Sumit Keshan, managing partner at Wipro Consumer Care Ventures, said there is a market for these price points in India.

You have to build on trust and some of it gets built over a period of time," Keshan said. Cold pressed oil, for instance, is a big thingdouble the price of regular oil but healthwise, its a different level. If you have a certain offering and quality, repeat purchases are very high. There is a market price point of 1,800-2,000 a litre for ghee, for oils, its 370-360. Clearly, for some consumers, health comes first. Not everyone can afford it."

These companies are increasingly doubling down on deeper farm engagement and investing in long-term relationships with dairy farmers, on-ground veterinary support and feed control, while tightening cold-chain and processing infrastructure. The strategy is aimed at ensuring traceability, consistent quality and supply reliability as they scale premium dairy in urban markets.

Akshayakalpas premium pricing will aid its expansion plans. It is looking to set up new farming clusters closer to its biggest markets, minimizing the transportation of milk and other products that have a shorter shelf life.

We are also keeping farmer profitability in mind. The cost of producing milk is rising and farmers need to be compensated much better than the industry standards," Kumar noted.

Farmers and customers

Two Brothers Organic Farms, located near Pune, will continue to invest in technology that supports farmers and also extends to consumers by offering traceability, co-founder Satyajit Hange said.

When you scan the product, you get dynamic traceability for that specific itemdetails about the farmer, methods used from sowing to harvest, irrigation practices, pest management, and more. It has taken us three to four years to build this system," he said.

Hange noted that it is also working on expanding its presence abroad, with the US and the UAE already accounting for about 20% of its overall business.

Our prices are premium compared to the broader market, but the idea is that with scale, we can transfer those savings to consumers and bring prices down. There are also some categories where we are experimenting with more aggressive pricing, such as cold-pressed oils and jaggery powder," Hange said. Pricing at around 120 per 500 grams (for jaggery) is very competitive because we have our own manufacturing units and our own farms. With scale, the intention is clearly to pass on efficiencies to consumers and reduce prices over time."
NEW DELHI: Backed by the founders of Greenko, AM Green has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japans Mitsui & Co for strategic collaboration on energy transition initiatives and potential investment pathways in low-carbon aluminium, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

Under the MoU with Mitsui, the parties will assess potential investment in the AM Green Metals value chain. Mitsuis investment will support equity requirements to build the worlds first integrated green aluminium production platform, the statement said.

The partnership is part of AM Greens $20 billion capex strategy, under which it is converting electrons into metals and molecules. The proposed investment amount was not specified.

AM Green, through its wholly owned subsidiary AM Green Aluminium Metals and Materials (AM Green Metals), is building a 1 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) primary aluminium smelter along with 2 mtpa of alumina refining and mining operations.

Also Read | Take states on board in Indias green electricity planning

Both the smelter and the refinery will be powered by renewable wind and solar energy, firmed up with pumped hydro storage, producing green aluminium products. Last month, AM Green signed agreements with the Andhra Pradesh government for projects worth 54,000 crore, of which 44,000 crore will be directed towards the 1 mtpa aluminium plant.

Under the MoU, Mitsui will evaluate potential investment opportunities across the AM Green Metals value chain. The two companies will also explore offtake arrangements for low-carbon aluminium, as well as the supply of auxiliary materials for the green aluminium smelter and alumina refinery.

AM Green is building globally competitive platforms across molecules and materials to enable industrial decarbonization at scale. We are pleased to partner with Mitsui to explore collaboration pathways that can accelerate low-carbon aluminium and expand market access for a wider set of green products, said Mahesh Kolli, founder, Greenko Group & AM Green.

This development gains significance as several developed economies, including the European Union through its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), plan to impose carbon taxes on imports, introducing stricter compliance norms.

Earlier this year, global mining major Rio Tinto and Indias AMG Metals & Minerals signed an MoU to establish the worlds largest renewable-powered aluminium facility in India, with an investment of about $6 billion. In May, state-run Coal India Ltd signed an MoU to supply 4,500 MW of renewable power to AM Greens green ammonia facilities.

Indias energy transition agenda has been attracting global investors. AMG Metals & Materials is a subsidiary of AM Green, founded by Greenko Group founders Anil Chalamalasetty and Kolli.

Also Read | Big names line up for Indias small nuclear reactor projects

India is the worlds second-largest aluminium producer after China, exporting both the commodity and derivative products to the US and the EU. The countrys aluminium market currently produces around 5 million tonnes per annum. Companies in the steel and aluminium sectors are actively exploring ways to decarbonize operations and remain competitive globally.

AM Green is also establishing production facilities for green molecules, including green hydrogen, green ammonia, biofuels, e-methanol, sustainable aviation fuels, and other downstream high-value chemicals aimed at decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries.

In September last year, AM Green Ammonia B.V., another AM Green entity, partnered with Germanys RWE Supply & Trading to supply green ammonia. In January this year, AM Green collaborated with global logistics major DP World to set up advanced logistics and storage infrastructure for green hydrogen and green ammonia exports.

Mint previously reported that Malaysias Gentari Sdn Bhd and Singapores GIC Holdings Pte Ltd plan to invest $1.75 billion in AM Green Ammonia Holdings, marking one of the worlds largest energy-transition deals.

Chalamalasetty and Kolli have positioned AM Green as a new energy transition and decarbonization platform. The company is committed to building 5 mtpa of green ammonia capacity by 2030 (with 1 mtpa under construction), representing one-fifth of Indias green hydrogen production target and 10% of Europes green hydrogen import target.

The market for green aluminium is expanding amid global efforts to curb climate change. A report by JMK Research, released in April, projected that Indias aluminium sector will require 18-20 GW of solar and wind capacity by 2030, necessitating an estimated $5 billion in investment.

Also Read | AM Green partners with DP World to boost green hydrogen exports worldwide
Warner Bros Discovery on Wednesday disclosed that a fourth company had also submitted a bid for acquiring it in November, in addition to Netflix, Paramount Skydance and an unnamed Company A.

In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, Warner Bros. Discovery stated that it received offers for all or part of its business from Netflix and Paramount on 20 November. Apart from this, undisclosed Companies A and C also made offers to acquire it.

According to a CNBC report, Company A could be Comcast because the filing states that the bid was to acquire Warner Bros. Discoverys film and streaming assets, a move similar to Comcast's offer. Warner Bros. Discovery did not mention the name of the company.

However, the identity of Company C could not be disclosed. Warner Bros. Discovery did not provide many details, but described it as an American media company.

Also Read | Warner Bros Discovery rejects Paramount's hostile takeover bid

What did Company C offer Warner Bros Discovery? Warner Bros. Discovery has disclosed the offer made by Company C.

It said in the filing that on 23 October, the founder of Company C called Warner Bros. Discovery CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels to signal its interest in a potential transaction with the WBD Global Networks Business.

Warner Bros. Discovery received preliminary bids from Netflix, Paramount Skydance, Company A and Company C on 20 November.

Also Read | Trump Slams Paramount Over CBS Coverage as Warner Battle Looms

Company C proposed acquiring Discovery Global and 20% of the WBD Streaming and Studios Business, including Warner Bros. Discovery's HBO Max streaming service. The offer was to buy these businesses at $25 billion in cash, the filing said.

The bid by this unnamed company also proposed a 90-day exclusivity period.

However, the bid did not advance to the next round  a meeting on 21 November with WBD Chairman Samuel DiPiazza and the company's senior management and advisors.

The attendees discussed appropriate feedback for each bidder, with the intention of keeping PSKY, Netflix and Company A engaged in the process and improving their proposals. WBD determined that Company Cs proposal was not actionable at that time, the filing read.

Comcast's offer Meanwhile, Comcast Corp.s bid to merge its NBCUniversal department with Warner Bros. Discovery valued the company's interest in the combined businesses at $81 billion.

Warner Bros Discovery determined that Company Cs proposal was not actionable at that time.

According to the filing, Comcast, which is likely to be what WBD describes as Company A, proposed that the streaming and studio assets of Warner Bros will be valued at $35.43 a share.
Reliance Industries' fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) arm, Reliance Consumer Products, on Thursday, 18 December 2025, announced that the company has acquired a majority stake in Udhaiyams Agro Foods Pvt. Ltd, a Tamil Nadu-based nutrition brand, in an effort to strengthen its portfolio.

Under the joint venture agreement, RCPL holds a majority stake, while Udhaiyams erstwhile owners hold a minority stake in the company. The deal brings the food company and Tamil Nadus heritage nutrition brand, Udhaiyam, under RCPLs fold, adding strength to the FMCG majors branded staples portfolio, the company said in an official release.

Through this move, Reliance Consumer aims to promote India's heritage and legacy brands as the joint venture will help the company deliver global quality at affordable prices to its customers across India.

Udhaiyam is a brand that needs no introduction. It has been serving healthy food choices to consumers for decades and is a true reflection of Tamil Nadus rich heritage, enriched with its scientific temper and superior quality, said T. Krishnakumar, Director, Reliance Consumer Products. We are very excited to announce this joint venture, as it further strengthens RCPLs presence in the branded staples space, he said.

Reliance Consumer's plan ahead Reliance Consumer now plans to take charge of the expansion plans of Udhaiyam and bring the Tamil Nadu-based company's products to consumers across the country as the firm seeks to transition towards a healthier lifestyle.

Staple food products like pulses, refined sugar, refined edible oil, spices and idli batter are among other items which Udhaiyams Agro has been manufacturing over the past three decades.

The company also disclosed that promoters of Udhaiyams Agro Foods, S. Sudhakar and S. Dinakar, will continue to hold a minority stake in the firm, according to the official release.

Also Read | Reliance Power falls 6% after ED files chargesheet in fake bank guarantee case

Reliance Industries share price Reliance Industries' share price closed 0.02% lower at 1,544.35 after Thursday's stock market session, compared to 1,544.60 at the previous stock market session, according to the BSE data.

Shares of Reliance Industries have given stock market investors 55% returns over the last five years, and more than 23% returns in the last one-year period. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, RIL shares gained 26.39% in 2025, and over 1% in the last one-month period. The shares are trading 0.52% lower in the last five market sessions on the Indian stock market.

RIL shares hit their 52-week high level at 1,580.90 on 28 November 2025, while the 52-week low level at 1,115.55 on 7 April 2025, according to the BSE data. The company's market capitalisation (M-Cap) stood at 20.89 trillion as of the stock market close on Thursday, 18 December 2025.
NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) is piloting standardized cybersecurity practices for its largest clients, forming dedicated teams and fixed response procedures to limit damage from cyberattacks, as one of its marquee customers, Jaguar Land Rover, faces a potential $1 billion hit from a prolonged data breach.

The breach halted production, exposed employee data, and has left the carmaker facing regulatory scrutiny and potential lawsuits.

According to at least two executives with knowledge of the matter, Indias largest IT services firm is forming six dedicated teams, comprising about 150 people in total, to run pilots of fixed cybersecurity procedures to mitigate damage in case of a cyberattack.

Also Read | Mint Explainer: Vibe hacking and why it is the next big cybersecurity threat

These procedures include video validation of employees who are in-charge of technical IT support, deploying AI tools to track hacker movement within an IT system, and embedding additional cybersecurity tools to ensure network security, according to one of the people with knowledge of the matter.

The results of these pilots will be shown to all our clients and then incorporated in their IT systems," said one of the executives privy to the developments.

An email sent to TCS on Wednesday seeking comments went unanswered.

Damage control

The pilots follow a cyberattack on JLR in August that disrupted manufacturing operations and exposed personal data of employees and contractors. The breach has also caused reputational damage for the Tata Group, as TCS is handling the British carmakers backend IT work and both companies are part of the conglomerate.

The luxury carmaker confirmed the leak of personal data to Mint and said it is engaging with affected individuals and regulators.

From the ongoing forensic investigation, JLR believes that certain data related to current and former JLR employees and contractors was affected by the cyber incident," a spokesperson of JLR told Mint. We remain in dialogue with the relevant regulators, and we are in the process of contacting current and former employees and contractors as necessary."

JLR arranged access to credit for affected employees and vendors, along with a helpline, the spokesperson added.

TCS signed an IT transformation deal with JLR in September 2023. This five-year deal, valued at $1 billion, includes managing the car companys back-end IT, cloud migration, cybersecurity, data services, and application development.

The attack stalled car production, repair, and maintenance across various JLR outlets, and prompted closer monitoring by Tata Groups top leadership.

The situation was regularly reviewed by TCS chief operating officer Aarthi Subramaniam, according to one of the executives cited earlier. She was joined by Tata Sons chief digital officer Aparna Ganesh and Sudeep Mazumdar, vice-president and manufacturing head for TCSs UK and Ireland business. The three leaders gave weekly updates to Tata Sons chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran.

Financial hit

JLR bore the brunt of the impact. New chief executive P.B. Balaji acknowledged that the carmaker had taken a financial hit following the production stoppage, though experts believe costs could rise further due to regulatory fines and legal action.

In a post-earnings media briefing, Balaji said the company booked an exceptional loss of $150 million as vehicles were not produced during the period.

The bigger impact in terms of production lost for this period being picked up, that's more a time-facing ramp of production, how much we can catch up on. So that's what we are hoping to pick up speed," Balaji had said on 14 November.

View Full Image Jaguar Land Rover chief executive officer P.B. Balaji.

Balaji is now tasked with successfully recovering operations of the carmaker and getting the stock to its dealers on time, apart from dealing with the ramifications of the attack.

With the admission that employee data was breached, the company now faces the risk of regulatory fines and potential lawsuits from employees over exposure of sensitive information.

Independent analysts estimate the total hit could exceed $1 billion, ranking it among the costliest cyberattacks in the Tata Groups history.

For Mumbai-based TCS, the JLR incident marked the third cyberattack involving its clients in a year, after British retailers Marks & Spencer and Co-operative Group Ltd. Similar to the breach at M&S, the attack on JLR occurred through IT vendors.

However, TCSs management denied that attackers entered through its systems.

As all of us know, global businesses are increasingly experiencing cyber-threats. These threats are getting more and more sophisticated. We are working closely with our customers to safeguard their interests. Recent incidents saw some of TCSs clients becoming victims to these cyber-attacks resulting in severe disruptions to their businesses. I would like to clarify that there has been no compromise of TCS systems, nor any impact to other customers in all these incidents," Subramanian had said during the companys post-earnings analyst call on 9 October.

Inside the breach

The genesis of the attack can be traced to the second week of August, when identities of certain third-party employees managing JLRs IT infrastructure were compromised. The attackers, identified as Scattered Lapsus $ Hunters, launched a full-scale cyberattack in the last week of August on JLRs IT systems.

The attack lasted around 45 days, with unauthorized access persisting for nearly a month. Hackers broke in through an unsecured SAP server and introduced software known as a web shell, which gave them backdoor access and allowed modification of JLRs IT functions, according to the two executives cited earlier.

Mint has learnt that TCS engaged three companiesUnit 42 of Palo Alto Networks, Google Mandiant, and Fenix24to counter the attack and support data restoration.

New servers were set up, new computing equipment and storage were needed, and new racks were purchased to clean up the existing data racks. We had to order servers and terabytes of storage," said the second executive on condition of anonymity.

The executive added that the cyber attackers demanded a ransom, which TCS did not pay. Mint could not independently ascertain the ransom amount.

Legal exposure

Experts say the breach could expose JLR to regulatory penalties and employee lawsuits across jurisdictions, particularly due to the leak of payroll and personal data.

Such data leaks in the past, where employees have been affected, have led to class action lawsuits against the company. Moreover, regulators could also impose stiff fines. There is also going to be reputational damage to the firm, leading to a longer-term impact on sales and resale value of their cars," said Saket Modi, co-founder and chief executive at Safe Security, a Palo Alto-based cyber risk quantification firm.

Modi estimates the cost of the JLR fallout at $1.5 billion as the company prepares to deal with the regulatory and legal ramifications of the crisis, along with business loss already due to the halt in manufacturing operations.

To be sure, the risk of such data leaks was identified in JLRs latest annual report, which said the company was committed to safeguarding our data assets through specialist data governance capabilities, ensuring all our data assets are owned, controlled and accessible across JLR, and our employees have the skills, tools, and support to enact."

JLR had 44,103 employees at the end of the 2025 financial year.

Legal experts note the breach could trigger multi-jurisdictional scrutiny for JLR, given its presence across the UK, the US, and India.

Also Read | JLR shock: Indian boards must make cyber attacks a bigger priority than AI

"Payroll information is among the most sensitive categories of personal data, encompassing identifiers, financial details, and employment records. Its compromise is treated by regulators not simply as a technical lapse, but as a serious violation of trust and compliance obligations," said Hardeep Sachdeva, senior partner at AZB & Associates.

A third legal expert voiced a similar opinion.

Aniket Ghosh, partner at King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates and Attorneys, said that the admission of a payroll data breach has increased regulatory and legal risks for JLR.

"In the UK, JLR's headquarters jurisdiction, the breach triggers UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 scrutiny, with the ICO now reviewing notification adequacy; severe security or reporting shortfalls could attract fines up to 17.5 million or 4% of global turnover, compounded by employee compensation claims for distress," he said.

Ghosh added that such incidents commonly trigger class-action lawsuits in the US, with state-specific protections available to employees.

"Compromised staff identifiers (SSNs, bank details) activate state-specific breach notification laws, commonly fuelling class actions that probe safeguard adequacy and future harm risks," he said, noting that Indias CERT-In mandates six-hour reporting of such incidents.

JLR has declined to disclose how many employees were affected or whether it anticipates regulatory or legal costs arising from the breach.

The fallout could strain Tata Motors balance sheet, as JLR contributed 71% of its 4.40 trillion revenue and 79% of its 55,216 crore operating profit last fiscal.

TCS, meanwhile, faces slowing growth, a lack of large deals, and client slippage to competitors. Additional one-time costs related to refreshing JLRs data infrastructure could further pressure margins. TCS reported revenue of $30.18 billion last year, up 3.8% year-on-year, with operating margins of 24.3%, down 30 basis points.
(Bloomberg) -- A US development-finance agency thats on track for a tripling in funding aims to invest in data centers for artificial intelligence, as well as critical minerals and energy, according to a top official.

The US International Development Finance Corp. will focus on projects in Latin America, as well as wealthy nations like Canada and Australia that had been outside its remit, Conor Coleman, the DFCs head of investments and chief of staff, said in an interview.

Youre going to see us moving at a much faster pace heading into the new year, Coleman said.

Created under the first Trump administration, the DFC has emerged in his second term as a key tool in his push to harness US economic and business interests in foreign policy. The DFCs financing capacity will be increased to $205 billion from $60 billion and the roster of countries where it can operate will be expanded under a bill Trump is scheduled to sign later Thursday.

Trump named Ben Black, the son of billionaire Leon Black, to head the DFC.

Americas foreign investments must deliver for the American people and bolster our position as the global leader of peace and prosperity, Black said at an event Wednesday.

Coleman said AI data centers are of massive importance to the agency, citing a digital Silk Road to combat foreign adversaries.

He said a key priority for the DFCs expanded efforts will be critical minerals, especially in mid-stream processing projects in countries like Canada and Australia.

That is where I think immediately youre going to start seeing us play when it comes to high-income country investments, Coleman said. The DFC announced a $5 billion critical minerals consortium in October.

Were using our debt and equity tools to invest in companies overall in the extraction and the processing phase, with the goal of making sure we have the capacity for US and US-aligned parties on the processing side, and then on the extraction side, actually having controls on where the offtake is going for our investments, he said.

Critical minerals, energy and infrastructure also will be key sectors as the DFC begins work in Ukraine next year, according to Coleman.

The Washington-based agency intends to open a New York City office early next year as it seeks to recruit more Wall Street talent and broadening its financing options, he said.

The idea of taking more risk, being more flexible capital providers, instead of just traditional, senior, secured project finance lenders, and playing in the mezzanine or the structured equity or the common equity, is really going to open us up to mobilize more private capital, Coleman said.

We should be seeing two, three, four times of private sector dollars coming into our investments alongside of us, he said.

(An earlier version of this story was corrected to reflect that the DFC operates only outside the US.)

--With assistance from Loukia Gyftopoulou.

(Adds quote in tenth paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife and former news anchor Lauren Sanchez Bezos have donated a sum of $5 million to David Flink, the man behind a revolutionary neurodivergent student support network.

Reacting to the massive donation, Flink attributed it to the collective efforts of students who are the main drivers behind his booming expansion movement for more inclusive classrooms.

I feel like theres a narrative sometimes that our little actions dont matter. Thats just not true. And this proves it. Lots of little actions that happen every day in our work, collectively over time, reached the ears of folks like Lauren and Jeff, David Flink, the CEO of Neurodiversity Alliance, said in a statement.

The grant from the Bezos couple comes as part of the Amazon founder's Bezos Courage & Civility Award, which rewarded five winners this year. Handed out most years since 2021, this grant recognises individuals who break the barrier who unite people behind bold solutions to challenges that are often ignored.

The no-string-attached prize money is awarded without any stipulation and allows the awardee to utlise it however they want in order to pursue their charitable goals.

What is the Neurodiversity Alliance? The Neurodiversity Alliance, founded by David Flink over 25 years ago, started as a peer-to-peer mentorship programme for students who have learning and developmental challenges, such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia.

The non-profit organisation has over the years expanded its reach to more than 600 high schools and colleges, fostering an environment where students can build educational systems that serve classmates whose brains do not function in the same way as neurotypical people.

Flink's honour represents a shift in the way the award is handed out, which has previously backed more prominent personalities such as country superstar Dolly Parton, CNN political commentator Van Jones, World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres, and actor-director Eva Longoria.

The change signals a shift to grassroots efforts, rather than channelling the money to people who are able to donate it to a nonprofit of their choice.

Who are the other award winners? The other awardees of the Bezos Courage & Civility Award include Ilana Walder-Biesanz of National Math Stars, a foundation supporting young mathematicians; as well as Richard Rusczyk of The Mathcounts Foundation, an organisation offering middle school students engaging math programs.

The winners also include Kara Ball from Understood.org, a nonprofit supporting people with learning difficulties like ADHD and dyslexia, just like Neurodiversity alliance. She will also win the $5 million prize money.

Bezos going the Mackenzie Scott way? Jeff Bezos' award to these people come at a time when his ex-wife and billionaire MacKenzie Scott has donated $27 billion to various nonprofits since 2019.

On Tuesday, Scott revealed $7.1 billion in donations to nonprofits.

Scott has donated most of her money since her divorce from Bezos, mostly to American institutes.
A 5 packet of noodles. Thats the powerful pricing lever Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL) is pulling once again as it makes a third attempt to crack Indias fiercely competitive 18,000-crore instant noodles market.

On Tuesday the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) arm of Reliance Industries Ltd launched a new range of noodles under the SIL brand, a 75-year-old foods label it acquired and revived in 2025. The relaunch marks Reliances most comprehensive push yet into packaged foods, with SIL positioned as its flagship brand across noodles, ketchups, jams, sauces and spreads.

But why is Reliance betting on noodles yet again, after two previous attempts failed to make a dent in one of the most competitive packaged food categories in India? After all, Nestles Maggi commands a 59-60% share of the market, while ITCs Sunfeast Yippee holds 2225%, leaving little room for smaller players or new entrants to grow.

View Full Image Nestles Maggi commands a 59-60% share of the market, while ITCs Sunfeast Yippee holds 2225%, leaving little room for smaller players or new entrants. (Bloomberg)

Mint explains the strategy behind Reliances third noodles play, and whether it can finally challenge Maggi.

What happened to Reliances two previous attempts?

RCPL first entered the category in 2021 with SnacTac noodles and followed this up with Independence noodles in 2022 as part of a wider, staples-led grocery portfolio.

Neither brand managed to gain meaningful market share, failing to disrupt entrenched consumer habits thanks to distribution issues, muted brand recall, and limited differentiation, particularly in urban households, where Maggi remains the default choice across age groups.

Arvind Singhal, founder of management consulting firm The Knowledge Company, said, The earlier attempts didnt work because they were essentially private-label launches without a clear branding or product strategy. When noodles are launched as a standalone category, without a contiguous portfolio of products under the same brand, it becomes very difficult to build shelf visibility and consumer recall."

He added, A solo brand in a single category view not deliver results. If you have multiple related products under the same brand, visibility on shelves improves significantly  something that was missing in the earlier attempts."

How is SIL different from Reliances earlier attempts?

The key difference lies in portfolio strategy and brand intent.

Unlike Independence, which is anchored in grocery staples, or Campa, which is beverage-first, SIL is being positioned as RCPLs flagship foods brand. The noodles launch is not a standalone experiment but part of a broader, multi-category packaged-foods push.

SIL noodles have four variantsMasala, Atta with Veggies, Korean K-Fire and Chow-Chowsignalling an attempt to address both mass-market tastes and emerging flavour trends. Prices start at 5, which means RCPL is targeting entry-level consumers by undercutting or matching several established rivals on price.

By anchoring noodles within a larger foods portfolio, Reliance is betting that SIL can gain faster shelf visibility, better retailer acceptance, and stronger household recall than its older brandscritical in a market where the incumbents dominate mindshare.

Also Read | Nestle sniffs an India boom beyond Maggia market that could be a global top 3

Singhal said, "This attempt is structurally different. SIL is being built as a portfolio brand rather than a standalone noodles play. This gives the strategy a better chance of success than Reliances earlier, fragmented launches."

Why does Reliance keep returning to noodles?

In short, because the category is too strategically important to ignore.

Instant noodles are among the most frequently consumed packaged foods in Indian households, cutting across incomes, regions, and ages. For an FMCG company looking to build scale quickly, noodles offer high volumes, repeat purchases, and strong consumer stickiness.

India's instant-noodles market is also huge, and growing quickly. According to BlueWeave Consulting, the market was valued at about $1.76 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 15% from 2024 to 2030, when it is expected to touch $4.64 billion.

For Reliance, which is building a mass FMCG business from scratch, cracking noodles is as much about distribution muscle as it is about category presence. A successful noodles brand opens the door to kirana stores, modern trade shelves, and bundled grocery orders.

Simply put, noodles are a gateway category that Reliance cannot afford to ignore.

Can SILs pricing challenge Maggi?

Pricing is once again central to Reliances strategy.

SIL noodles are being launched at aggressive, entry-level prices, aimed squarely at highly value-conscious and price-sensitive consumers. The 5 price point positions SIL below or at par with mass-market competitors, while giving retailers greater flexibility on margins.

This is a familiar Reliance playbook. With deep pockets, scale advantages, and a sprawling retail and logistics network, RCPL can afford thin margins to drive volumes in the early years.

However, price alone may not be enough.

Maggis dominance is not just a function of its price, but of decades of trust, habit formation, and emotional recall, particularly among parents and children. With YiPPee firmly entrenched as the second-largest player, breaking into the remaining sliver of the market will require sustained investments in taste consistency, brand storytelling, and visibility across channels.

Maggi and YiPPee account for more than 80% of Indias instant noodle market, and while competitors such as CG Corps Wai Wai and Patanjali dominate certain niches and regions, none has meaningfully disrupted the national-level duopoly.

Also Read | How India's FMCG companies navigated sales after structural GST changes

Singhal said, Maggis strength lies in decades of habit formation. It has become a generic reference point for noodles in India, cutting across age groups and geographies. That kind of familiarity and trust is extremely difficult for any new brand to dislodge, regardless of pricing or distribution. Maggi isnt just a brand anymoreits a default choice built on habit and trust over generations, which makes disruption far harder than in most FMCG categories."

Whats the larger strategy at play here?

The launch of SIL noodles signals a shift from tactical product launches to a portfolio-based FMCG strategy.

By reviving a legacy foods brand and expanding it simultaneously across several everyday categories, Reliance is trying to build a household foods franchise rather than a single hit product. Noodles, in this context, is meant to act as the high-frequency anchor product that pulls consumers into the brand.

If successful, SIL could allow RCPL to bundle promotions across noodles, ketchup, jams and sauces, mirroring strategies used by established FMCG giants that dominate the category.

For now, Reliances third noodles bet underscores just how difficultand strategically importantit is to break Maggi-Yippee duopoly and succeed in Indias cut-throat FMCG market.
Shriram Finance Ltd, a leading non-banking finance company (NBFC) headquartered in Chennai, will hold a press conference on Monday, 22 December, to share strategic updates and outline its future business plans.

The announcement was made through an invitation seen by Mint, which outlined the date, venue and purpose of the press meet.

The announcement comes amid reports that Japans Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) is planning to acquire a 20% stake in the lender, highlighting growing international interest in Indias retail finance sector.

What do we know about the deal? The deal is expected to involve an investment of approximately $4.5 billion to $5 billion for a 20% stake, Mint reported earlier, adding that the investment could be as high as $5 billion, valuing the overall company at $22 billion to $ 25 billion.

The fundraise, which could rank among the largest cross-border deals involving India this year if it goes through, is expected to be primarily a fresh issuance of shares, a person familiar with the matter told Mint.

The board of the company is expected to meet on Friday to discuss the exact structure of the deal.

Shriram's shareholding pattern Shriram Finance is the country's second-largest non-banking finance company. It had assets under management (AUM) of approximately 2.81 trillion as of September and operates over 3,000 branches across the country, according to its website.

The company is primarily owned by its promoters, who hold a 25.39% stake, largely through group holding company Shriram Capital, which owns 17.85%. The remaining shares are held by public and institutional investors, including the Government of Singapore with a 5.41% stake and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which holds 1.2%.
New Delhi: Indias top space startupsDigantara, Skyroot and Agnikul Cosmoshave received a thumbs-up from investors as they look to scale up revenue over the next 18-24 months, marking a crucial milestone five years after New Delhi opened up space for private participation .

On Tuesday, Bengaluru-based satellite surveillance and services startup Digantara raised $50 million in its series-B funding round. The company will use the newly-raised funds to build its own manufacturing lines for satellites and optical communications technologies, and double its research and development team through 2026.

Anirudh Sharma, chief executive of Digantara, told Mint that at the heart of its new fund-raise and expansion plans is the prospect of generating significant revenue, starting 2026.

Also Read | Three small-cap spacetech stocks for your 2026 watchlist

By FY27, were eyeing annual revenue of $30 million, 80% of which is being driven from government-sector clients in India itself," Sharma said, adding that the current funding round provides breathing room of two years, during which the company will invest in research for building solutions for the defence sector.

In the long run, we hope to raise a much larger funding round to expand upon defence products such as satellite-based missile tracking and awareness solutions for various countries," he added. Digantara had earlier raised a total of $14.5 million in funding over three rounds, starting July 2021.

Meanwhile, Temasek-backed Skyroot Aerospace, Indias highest-funded space startup with $95 million in venture capital funding to date, is set to make its first commercial rocket launch from Indian soil by March 2026.

The company, which raised $51.5 million in its last round in September 2022, has its goals set on generating up to $6 million in revenue from each commercial launch of its indigenously built, 3D-printed rocket.

We expect to start generating operating revenue from the first launch itself, which will have a couple of paying satellite customers onboard," said Pawan Chandana, chief executive of Skyroot, and a former rocket propulsion engineer at Indias central space agency, Indian Space Research Organisation.

Digantara and Skyroot are the only two space startups that have raised $50 million or more in a single funding round in India, breaking the long-perceived notion that Indian deep-tech startups are starved for capital beyond smaller funds in very early stages of development.

Digantara and Skyroot are joined by Chennai-based rocket launch services startup Agnikul Cosmos, which on 22 November raised $17 million in series-C funding, at a valuation of $500 million. Like Skyroot, Agnikul also expects to make its first commercial rocket launch next year, thereby generating early revenue.

An email sent to Srinath Ravichandran, chief executive of Agnikul, remained unanswered till press time.

Industry views

Industry stakeholders believe 2026 is the year when space startups will begin generating substantial revenue.

Pawan Kumar Goenka, chairman of the Centres nodal space body, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (In-Space), said space is a difficult industry and the progress has been expectedly slow so far.

However, starting 2026 and 2027, India will see the first top space startups begin to generate good revenuebefore the industry starts scaling up from 2030," Goenka said.

Investors believe funding opportunities with prospects of high returns will grow as companies start generating significant revenue.

Rajan Anandan, managing director at venture capital firm Peak XV (formerly Sequoia Capital India), said investment opportunities are on the rise in Indias space sector.

Also Read | Indian space startups have run into a talent hurdle

Digantara is a truly unique company at a global levelthere is no other company that is doing what they do. Deep-tech, by definition, takes many years to mature because of the nature of the technology and the times it takes to validate and commercialize. Weve spoken with almost every stakeholder of Indias private space ecosystem, and I believe this is a sector that will grow sharply in the years to come. Access to capital will play a very important role in developing India's space-tech ecosystem, and the Centres 1 trillion research, development and innovation (RDI) fund will catalyze all aspects of Indias deep tech, including the private space sector," he added.

Vamshi Krishna Reddy, partner at fellow venture capital firm Kalaari Capital, concurred. The roadmap for Indias space industry to start generating significant revenue is now no longer a 10-year questionit is a five-year question, perhaps," he said. Much of it depends on the technology being built, and as an investor, were confident that there will be multiple key startups that emerge out of this industry within the next couple of years itself."

For now, the sector has a tall revenue target to meet. In-Spaces 10-year vision, published in 2023, projected India to generate $44 billion in annual revenue by 2033.

Earth observation and surveillance satellites, which Digantara is catering to, are projected to earn companies $8 billion. Rocket launch services, which Skyroot and Agnikul are targeting, are slated to generate $3.5 billion.
Deeptech-focused venture capital firm Speciale Invest is set to launch its second growth focused fund, with a target of 1,400 crore-1,600 crore ($177 million), according to top executives.

With Speciale Invest Growth Fund II, the firm will look to write larger cheques of $5 million-8 million, in addition to leading funding rounds. Over the course of the fund, it plans to invest in 12 to 15 companies. While Speciale hasn't announced the first close, the firm will do so sometime in 2026, co-founder and managing partner Vishesh Rajaram said.

While 60% of the fund will be for new investments, 40% is being allocated to follow-on rounds in new and old portfolio companies.

Also Read | Speciale Invest announces first close of second fund at  140 crore

"These cheque sizes will also improve over the second and third year of the fund. It allows us that 3x leverage where we'll be able to do round sizes of up to $20 million with just two or three investors," Rajaram said.

The capital gap for deeptech has moved from pre-seed, seed and Series A to the growth stage," Vijay Jacob, general partner at Speciale Invest, told Mint in an interview. He's the latest addition to the firm's investing team and will focus on its growth investments.

Speciale's first growth fund was launched in 2023 with a corpus of $25 million.

With that fund, we validated a few things in the market: whether there was a need in the market, and leverage effect with regard to doing our own pro-ratas," said Rajaram. Whether we led, co-led or just did our pro-rata allocations, it allowed companies to raise between two to five times more capital."

Pro-rata rights in venture capital give early investors the chance to maintain their initial level of ownership stake in a company during additional funding rounds.

Even with the new fund, Speciale will continue to invest in sectors it has traditionally looked at: space, advanced manufacturing, energy and health. In the next year, the fund expects that sectors such as quantum computing, semiconductor fabrication, space, and nuclear energy will see a lot of interest.

Larger funding rounds

Nuclear energy, especially, will have venture capital funds eyeing the sector carefully as the government debates opening it up to private players. Earlier this week, minister of state of science & technology Jitendra Singh introduced the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025, in Parliament.

Deeptech has attracted significantly larger funding rounds this year, even in the early stages, a testament to how the sector has evolved over the past 24 months. Funding rounds of over $15 million-20 million at the early stage in the sector were unheard of just a few years ago.

And yet, this year alone, EKA Mobility raised $23 million in April from Enam Holdings, with the NIIF India-Japan Fund leading the company's $57 million Series A round. Optical fibre company Mixx Technologies raised $33 million in a Series A led by Singapore's ICM HPQC Fund with participation from TDK Ventures, SystemIQ Capital, AVITIC Innovation Fund, and others. Space tech hasn't been left out either, with space intelligence startup EtherealX raising $20 million in its Series A round.

In the coming year, experts said deeptech will see a lot of interest. Generalist funds, recognizing the significant alpha to be made on specialized IP-led startups, have been piling into the sector, boosting the availability of capital.

Deeptech is no longer an early-stage-only storyits becoming a growth asset class, attracting larger cheques from investors seeking durable moats and long-term value creation," said Amit Nawka, partner, deals, at PwC India.

There is increased policy support too. The government's Research, Development and Innovation Scheme, a 1 trillion initiative spread across the next six years, is meant to boost private sector participation. "Given this, the private equity and venture capital funds are keen to invest in the sector, and in my view, we will witness more uptick in funding to enable growth of deeptech companies in 2026," said Raja Lahiri, partner and technology industry leader at Grant Thornton Bharat.

Changing the LP mix

Traditionally, Speciale has always raised funds from domestic high-income individuals and family offices, but given the size of its second growth fund, the firm is changing who it begins having conversations with.

With early-stage rounds, investors or our limited partners generally take on a lot of the risk because the startup is still finding its legs, product-market-fit," said Rajaram. The risk profile and return profile of a growth fund in deeptech is different."

For deeptech, growth rounds are more about scaling up the business because they've found their use-cases are generating revenue and now need capital to become a larger company. What's more, at the early stage, fund managers can pick up a larger stake in a startup, compared to when it looks for growth financing.

Institutional investors will be a great fit for this fund, but we're not going to rule out family offices," Rajaram said. Over the course of its last four funds, Speciale has had more domestic limited partners.
New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday dismissed concerns that the recently enforced labour codes would encourage hire & fire and inspector raj, and said the new laws will formalise employment while inspectors will be facilitators.

Under the new codes, government permission is not required for layoff, retrenchment and closure of units with workers' strength of up to 300. Earlier, units with up to 100 workers did not require such permission.

Addressing the Times Network India Economic Conclave, Mandaviya said, "We have formalised employment in the country with increasing the number of workers to 300 per unit, which was earlier 100."

Earlier employers used to provide formal employment to 100 workers to avoid legal hassles and the rest were employed informally, he said.

He said new codes have formalised employment of the left-out workers and they will get all benefits that an enrolled employee gets.

On concerns about encouraging inspector raj by increasing compliance burden, he explained that the inspector will be facilitator and not an obstructer in the work of an industry.

The minister said he will ensure all safety measures like deployment of fire safety, lighting, security -- prerequisites for allowing women to work in night shifts, especially in mining sector.

He assured that all provisions in the new codes are made keeping in view of changing times and requirement of modern industry practices.

The four labour codes -- the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, were notified on November 21, 2025.

The four codes rationalised 29 existing labour laws.

The reforms include expanded rights and safety for women, including night shifts, free annual health check-ups for workers aged over 40, pan-India ESIC coverage, including hazardous process units, and a single registration, licence and return system.

Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, all workers, including gig and platform workers, will be covered by social security. All workers will get PF, ESIC, insurance, and other social security benefits.

Under the Code on Wages, 2019, all workers will receive a statutory minimum wage payment. Minimum wages and timely payment will ensure financial security.

The ESIC coverage and benefits are extended pan-India -- voluntary for establishments with fewer than 10 employees, and mandatory for establishments with even one employee engaged in hazardous processes.

Now, fixed-term employees (FTE) will receive all benefits equal to those of permanent workers, including leave, medical, and social security.

The codes have defined 'gig work', 'platform work', and 'aggregators' for the first time.

Aadhaar-linked Universal Account Number will make welfare benefits easy to access, fully portable, and available across states, regardless of migration.

Plantation workers will be brought under the OSHWC Code and the Social Security Code.
ON DECEMBER 12TH situation maps around the key railway town of Kupiansk in Ukraines north-east flipped from red to blue. DeepState, a war monitor, explained the change: a successful Ukrainian counter-attack had liberated most of the town, leaving pockets of Russians encircled. After midday came more drama, with Volodymyr Zelensky posting a selfie video from the towns edge. Barely 1km from enemy positions,and just weeks after Vladimir Putin had declared the town to be his, the Ukrainian president challenged Kremlin claims to be winning the war. They talked a lot about Kupiansk. Now we see the truth for ourselves."

Much about the Kupiansk operation remains secret. Part of the reason is that it is ongoing. Perhaps 200 Russian defenders remain isolated in basements in the town. But part is because Ukraine is keeping secret the methods it hopes will help it regain a winning edge elsewhere. Participants refuse to say how they circumvented the all-seeing eyes and kill-zones of the modern battlefield. There are war games and different courses of action, but these are things the enemy must not know," says Ihor Obolensky, commander of the Khartiia corps, who developed the original operational plan. Above all its about creative thinking, a feel for the enemy, a sense of his rhythm."

View Full Image Map: The Economist

The Kupiansk counter-attack was conceived in response to increasing Russian pressure in the late summer. The first stages of an operation to relieve the town began as early as August 24th, Ukraines independence day. Yet by mid-September the situation grew critical, with Russian troops breaching the Oskil river that runs through the town, occupying the town centre, and threatening a much larger grouping of Ukrainian forces to the south. On September 21st a task group led by Khartiia, the 92nd brigade and the Code 9.2 regiment, an elite assault unit, began the full counter-charge.

Over October and November, the group slowly pushed the Russians back over the river. They took control of two villages to the north, effectively cutting off supply routes. Russia attempted to reinforce its encircled troops via a disused pipeline, unaware that Ukrainian guns had established control over the exit point. The pipe became a death trap, with Ukraine destroying whatever came out of it. Every day [they sent] a platoon," says Ihor Raikov, head of Khartiias drone forces. "A platoon a day is a thousand men a month."

The Kupiansk counter-attack is one of few bright points for Ukraine. Elsewhere, Russia continues to push its advantage in men and materiel. Progress is slow and bloody, and the Russians have not achieved a break-out. Yet Ukrainian defences are retreating faster than at any point since the start of war. A Ukrainian intelligence source said Russias fifth army is now several weeks" ahead of its operational plan, advancing westward near the city of Huliaipole in Zaporizhia province.

The 22-month-long defence of Pokrovsk and its satellite town of Myrnohrad is also reaching a bitter end. Russia has assembled 160,000 troops there and is pressing ahead. The situation in Myrnohrad (prewar population: 50,000) has become particularly acute. As of the most recent rotation of Ukrainian troops in mid-November, Russian forces were already close to surrounding the town. A marine from the 38th Brigade said his unit went in only after two others refused. Someone had to do the job." By early December the town was in effect encircled, with no safe routes out and no order to withdraw. Ukrainian military sources say several hundred soldiers remained trapped in mid-December, many sheltering underground under the threat of Russian glide bombs. Some are missing. There are wounded, and they cannot be evacuated," said a relative of one of the unaccounted-for. People are hoping for a miracle."

A similarly bleak picture is developing in Siversk, a small mining town in Donetsk province. Owing to its location on high ground, Siversk had served as a Ukrainian outpost, blocking a Russian advance towards Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, the largest cities in the province still held by Ukraine. In the second week of December Russian forces surged forward to gain a significant foothold. A senior Ukrainian officer, speaking anonymously and nervously, said that key positions could have been held had reserves been released. They were not. "If the line now breaks, it wont be a local setback," he said. Siversk is only the first domino. It will create a chain of panic." By mid-December Russia appeared to control most of the town, with some troops already pushing beyond it.

Ukraine is struggling in Donbas and Zaporizhia for three reasons. The first is its well-documented difficulties with conscription and materiel. Russia, by contrast, is drawing on a far larger pool and has little difficulty finding recruits to feed its costly offensive. A source in Ukraines general staff said that during the first half of 2025 Russias army grew by an average of 8,0009,000 soldiers a month, despite heavy losses, while Ukraine struggled to replace its own casualties. The Russian grouping in Ukraine now stands at roughly 710,000 troops, with an operational reserve of about 50,000. They are still exceeding their recruitment targets by 20-30%," said a Ukrainian intelligence officer. They create conditions in the regions such that people choose between starving or signing a big contract with the armed forces."

A second factor is Russias growing competence in drone warfare. New, well-funded drone units, including the grouping known as Rubikon, are striking Ukrainian logistics deep behind the front. In some areas of the front line it has many more drones that can operate at longer distances, meaning it can search for and kill Ukrainian drone operators first. Casualties among drone operators and others in rear areas are now higher than among front-line infantry, a remarkable reversal from earlier in the war.

But local conditions are a third factor. Not all commanders are as joined-up as Mr Obolensky. At the Pokrovsk axis, for instance, command has long suffered from co-ordination problems. Where Russian forces encounter a coherent, systematic defence, they grind to a halt, said a commander of an elite Ukrainian drone unit that took part in the Kupiansk attack. Numbers alone do not decide things in modern warfare."

The Russian surge is clearly designed to project confidence at a sensitive moment in negotiations. It may be working, but it is not cheap. Ukraine estimates that Russia is suffering more than 1,000 casualties a day, killed and wounded. Even so, a Ukrainian intelligence source says the push can continue for several more months. The Ukrainians think Russia will eventually lose its current level of dominance, but not until February. Until then it plans to squeeze as hard as possible, seize as much territory as it can, and weaken Ukraine while talks continue.

Ukraines western allies hope it will be able to hold out until then, denying Russia major gains while demonstrating its ability to fight. Before the maps in Kupiansk flipped from red to blue, many feared that was asking too much. But that tactical success showed that Ukrainian strength is sometimes deeper than it appears. For the public, everything turned on the map update," says Khartiias Raikov. We dont lie. We are under pressure. But we have shown that when we are organised, we can beat them."
BRUSSELSUkraine will be both forced to slash drone production and undermined in negotiations with Washington if European Union leaders fail to back a $105 billion loan to keep Kyiv fighting against Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

The EU says Ukraine will run out of cash in the spring. Ukraines troops face intense pressure from Russian forces on the battlefield, and Zelensky is locked in difficult negotiations with Washington on ending the war.

Zelensky told a press conference that Ukraine would have to significantly decrease" its drone production in spring and warned that its long-range strike capability against Russia would disappear." He spoke as EU leaders nearby debated the loan.

The loan proposal has faced strong opposition from Belgium, which faces most of the risk. That is because it is home to Euroclear, the institution holding around $213 billion in Russian assets when they were frozen.

Belgium fears it will be left to pick up the tab if Russia successfully challenges the reparations loan in court. Prime Minister Bart de Wever has said several times that Russia has made threats of retaliation against the country and against him personally if he approves the move.

Zelensky met with de Wever on Thursday to prod him to support the loan.

Cutting drone production could cripple Ukrainian forces, which have used them to hold off Russian advances as Kyiv struggles to raise manpower. Ukraine has also been able to launch frequent strikes against Russian energy facilities and other locations supporting its war effort.

The EU loan would make Ukraine more confident at the negotiating table," Zelensky said, giving it greater leverage to show that it can continue the fight if the U.S.-led peace talks produce a deal that favors Russia.

Kyiv faces intense pressure from the Trump administration to agree to withdraw from a heavily fortified slice of its eastern Donbas region that Ukrainian troops still hold.

After weeks of negotiations, EU leaders met Thursday morning to decide on the so-called reparations loan.

The funding would use Russian central bank assets that have been frozen under sanctions to provide Ukraine with two-thirds of their budget and military needs over the next two years, according to International Monetary Fund estimations. Kyiv wouldnt need to repay the cash unless Moscow gives it reparations for war damages.

Russia has threatened to hit back against the use of its central bank assets, half of whicharound $300 billionwere frozen in the first days after its invasion of Ukraine.

European leaders said Thursday that the decision hangs in the balance, and the EUs top officials have said they could keep leaders at the summit for several days if necessary to force a decision.

Since the Trump administration has withdrawn funding from Kyiv this year, the EU has pledged to show that the Kremlin cannot outlast Western support for Ukraine, by stepping in to fill the funding gap.

Speaking to the Belgian parliament Thursday, de Wever said he was open to compromise if Belgium receives tight, binding commitments to ensure that it wont be left on the hook.

You need a parachute before jumping," he said. If we are asked to jump, we all jump together."

Write to Laurence Norman at laurence.norman@wsj.com
TAIPEIThe U.S. said it had approved $11.1 billion in arms-sales packages for Taiwan, a show of support from Washington as President Trump focuses on trade deals and displays a softer U.S. stance toward China.

The approved weapons sales, announced in the U.S. late Wednesday, are intended to support Taipeis efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability," the Pentagons Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

The approvals riled Beijing, which has vehemently opposed any arms sales to Taipei. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory and has said it would seize the island by force if necessary.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Thursday that the U.S. efforts to arm Taiwan would backfire and that Taiwan was squandering its peoples hard-earned money to buy weapons and turning Taiwan into a powder keg."

The U.S. approvals include 82 Himars truck-based missile launchers, a $4.05 billion purchase that would contribute to Taiwans ability to inflict pain on invading forcespart of the islands goal of making Chinas much more powerful military think twice before attacking.

The packages also feature howitzers, missiles and antitank drones, among other items.

The 60 approved howitzers are the latest model, currently in service with the U.S. military, and represent a significant upgrade for Taiwan, said Su Tzu-yun, a research fellow at the military-backed Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei.

The Himars, Su said, would support deterrence, with the capability of reaching military targets on Chinas east coast.

The single most expensive U.S. weapons package to Taiwan came in 2019, when the first Trump administration approved the sale of 66 F-16V jets to Taiwan for $8 billion. The second Trump administration kicked off its Taiwan arms approvals last month with a $330 million package of aircraft parts.

The White House has played down ideological differences with Beijing, putting economics and trade as a priority in the relationship in a national-security strategy published this month. The document represented a break from years in which China was singled out as posing the greatest challenge to the U.S.

The U.S. maintains a policy of ambiguity about whether it would take military action to stop a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, a stance intended to deter Beijing while also dissuading Taipei from declaring formal independence.

Although lacking formal diplomatic relations with Taipei, Washington remains Taiwans most important security backer. The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act obligated Washington to provide the island with arms for its own self-defense.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said last month that the U.S.-Taiwan relationship was rock solid." On Thursday in Taipei, Taiwans Defense Ministry expressed sincere gratitude" for the U.S. arms sales approval.

Lai unveiled last month a special military budget of up to $40 billion that includes the Himars, howitzers and other items approved by the U.S. on Wednesday. The special budget still requires approval from Taiwans opposition-controlled legislature. Taiwans opposition parties advocate for a friendlier approach to China, in contrast to Lais ruling party.

The funding would support the development of a defense system that Lai has called the T-Dome"an echo of Israels Iron Dome. The T-Dome will be a multilayered, integrated defense system designed to protect Taiwan from PLA missiles, rockets, drones, and combat aircraft," he said, referring to Chinas Peoples Liberation Army.

The approval by the U.S. executive branch announced on Wednesday initiates a 30-day period for Congress to review and potentially object to the sales. The overall process can sometimes take up to a few years to complete.

Hours before the announcement, the U.S. Senate approved a $901 billion defense-policy package, the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes funding for security cooperation with Taipei.

Write to Joyu Wang at joyu.wang@wsj.com
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles is often designated by President Trump to fix problems. She spent part of Tuesday managing the fallout of a rare headache she created.

Wiles had given Vanity Fair a series of unusually candid interviews that offered criticism of the vice president, the attorney general and other senior administration officials while questioning some of the presidents first-year decisions.

Her office had directly set up a photo shoot for the magazine, asking others to participate before it occurred, according to White House officials. The photo shoot took an entire day. The White House communications office had little to do with the interviews, and officials were particularly aghast at close-up, unflattering photographs of some of the administrations top officials.

None of that bothered Trump. He laughed at suggestions that he would fire Wiles, who has been his top adviser for years, aides said. The president told her that she shouldnt have spent so much time talking to Vanity Fair because the publication is never good to us," according to a senior administration official.

Yes, shes doing a great job," Trump told reporters on Wednesday when asked if she would remain in the job. Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Wiles is the best chief of staff that President Trump could ever ask for."

A representative for Vanity Fair didnt provide comment.

Much of the federal government followed suit and rallied around Wiles, with even officials she had criticized sending out statements to praise her. The president told the New York Post that she is fantastic" and he agreed with her assessment of his alcoholics personality." The vice president said it was true that he was often a conspiracy theorist." Pam Bondi, the attorney general who Wiles said had whiffed" on her handling of the Epstein files, called her a dear friend."

Donald Trump Jr. said she swooped in to help when some Republicans in Washington treated him like a pariah and she was his fathers most effective and trustworthy" chief of staff. On Tuesday, top outside allies to the chief of staff huddled with her inside her West Wing suite to weather the storm.

The 24-hour episode captivated Washington and was reminiscent of Trumps first term, where personnel dramas and infighting often dominated attention. But unlike the first term, there were no calls from inside the West Wing for Wiles to lose her job or anonymous leaks meant to further embarrass her. Instead, the administrations response to the news cycle demonstrated Wiles authority and just how firmly entrenched she is in Trumps orbit.

It is hard to overstate Wiless importance in Trumps circle.

The first female chief of staff, Wiles has been at the center of almost every major national security decision in his second term, and she coordinates his domestic and political agenda. She gained his trust by working for him in 2016 and helping to win Florida.

Wiles was a longtime Florida operator and managed the campaign of Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2018. He fired her after taking office and told others she was persona non grata in his orbit. In the weeks after the 2020 election, Wiles went to work for Trump when many Republicans wouldnt. She went on to manage his winning 2024 campaign.

But unlike previous chiefs of staff, she doesnt try to manage Trump but views herself as a manager of his staff who is tasked with implementing the policies he was elected to enact.

She has an office patio, where she has assembled lawmakers, lobbyists and others in Washington for drinks and cigars. Adorned on one wall is the Florida electors count from the presidential election. She also has a small storage closet of Trump merchandise to give visitors.

In many ways, she is the opposite of Trump. She rarely swears, attends church weekly and engenders deep loyalty. Colleagues joke that her sharpest criticism is often in the form of a question: Did you think that was helpful?" A mother of two adult daughters, she has largely stayed away from Washingtons social scene.

In private, she can be calculating and tough and willing to wield the political knife. She keeps around her a set of sharp political operativesoften men, some who are technically volunteers" who work outside the White Housethat she calls informally the boys." In the Vanity Fair piece, Wiles deputy chief of staff James Blair said, She doesnt raise her voice. But she likes being around junkyard dogs."

Trump and his team have been more focused in this term on not giving the media a scalp" or revealing private disagreements, officials said. In the interviews, Wiles said she had disagreed with some of Trumps decisions but had kept her disagreements private, until then.

White House officials said there was no Machiavellian master plan by Wiles to participate in the interviews with Vanity Fair writer Chris Whipple. After coming to like Whipple, she agreed to talk to him regularly about what was going on in the White House, often on the weekend. She told others that it was for a historical project. The conversations werent minded by a White House press staffer.

The piece started during the transition when Whipple interviewed Wiles as she was driving from her home in Ponte Vedra, Florida, to Mar-a-Lago. Wiles was familiar with Whipples work and had read his book on White House chiefs of staff, The Gatekeepers."

According to Whipple, she was aware that he was working on a forthcoming book, The Kingmakers," on presidential campaign managers from 1968 to present. Whipple said it became clear during their conversations that Wiles wanted to tell the story of the Trump White House. He said Vanity Fair was interested in doing a big piece, and Wiles agreed.

It was a series of interviews by phone, and then I met her in person on Nov. 4, and there was a subsequent visit to the White House for the Vanity Fair photography session," Whipple said. We talked about the role of the White House Chief of Staff." According to Whipple, among those Wiles looked for inspiration from was James Baker, who served as chief of staff to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

Over the course of their interviews, Wiles opened up to Whipple about internal disagreements over Trumps tariff policy and criticized the attorney generals handling of Jeffrey Epstein and gutting of USAID by Elon Musk. She sometimes went off the record.

Wiles told others that she respected Whipple, and was upset by the final stories that were published on Tuesday. She has told others that she expected it to be a more positive profile and issued a rare statement saying her words were taken out of context. It was one of her first posts on Twitter since taking office.

The article published early this morning is a disingenuously framed hit piece on me and the finest President, White House staff, and Cabinet in history," she said.

A longtime political operative, Wiles is no stranger to navigating the press. But she rarely gives on the record interviews and prefers to operate behind the scenes. Inside the White House, aides are careful to monitor all mentions of her in the press, and to protect her at all costs, officials said.

Trump has sometimes encouraged her to do more public appearances.

Weve been together a long time and Im so lucky every day that he trusts me to make decisions and to make recommendations. He doesnt always listen or do what I say. I dont want him to. But Im always heard and thats all you can ask for," she said recently in a podcast interview.

On election night, Trump called Wiles to the microphone, credited her for his victory and asked her to speak. She demurred repeatedly and handed the microphone to co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita, who referred to her as the boss."

Susie likes to stay sort of in the back," Trump said. The ice maiden, we call her the ice maiden. Susie likes to stay in the background. Shes not in the background."

Write to Josh Dawsey at Joshua.Dawsey@WSJ.com and Meridith McGraw at Meridith.McGraw@WSJ.com
A barometer check of India's obsession with its movie stars can be had on weekends outside an unmistakable bungalow in Juhu, central Mumbai. Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, when he's in town and can, steps on to a raised platform at the gates of his home, Jalsa , Sunday evenings to wave at a thronging crowd of fans. Sunday after Sunday fans from far and near gather just for a glimpse of the man and return thrilled that the superstar of their times acknowledged them.

Such a fixation with stars is now being sated on a screen by a spate of documentaries on film celebrities and families such as The Romantics on filmmaker Yash Chopra, Angry Young Men on writer duo Salim-Javed, and Dining with the Kapoors launching on streaming platforms.

The Romantics ran on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video had Angry Young Men, and Dining with the Kapoors is on Netflix.

The popularity of the documentaries points to the intrinsic curiosity around stars, which OTT, short for over the top media services, that companies are cashing in on, said industry experts. At the same time, some of these that are commissioned by the families themselves, help brand equity and feed marketing in a cluttered digital content space.

The Indian audience is a hard-core endorser of fandom. OTT platforms have found an opportunity to showcase documentaries which will satisfy this latent need," said Dr Abha Wankhede, associate professor - marketing and international business at K.J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai.

Documentaries on film celebrities are a growing but niche content category. According to data from media consulting firm Ormax, The Romantics and Angry Young Men clocked in viewership of 6.1 million (2023) and 6.6 million (2024) respectively.

While this may seem dwarfed in comparison to 2024 shows such as the third season of Bigg Boss OTT that drew in 17.8 million viewers and top fiction show Mirzapur season three (30.8 million), the level of intimacy in the relationship between audiences and the stars is striking, an expert said.

'Cinema about cinema' has always been a fascinating territory. Movies stars are much revered in our country, and people have always been curious about what happens behind the curtain," said Harikrishnan Pillai, CEO and co-founder, TheSmallBigIdea, a digital marketing agency. Access to movie stars through social media is still curated, controlled and strategic, he added. "These shows, on the other hand, make it deeply personal."

The Indian docu-series are different from the likes of The Kardashians that ran on the Hulu platform in the US. While the idea there was more for viewers to derive vicarious pleasure from the lives of the rich, famous and controversial, the ones serving in India are slightly more serious focusing on the careers and journeys of iconic movie figures.

Other than a way for film families to stamp their legacy and position their journey for posterity, the shows also serve as launchpads for the next generation where younger members of film families can take creative control like in the instance of Armaan Jain, the late Raj Kapoors grandson, who helmed production of Dining with the Kapoors.

Real reel, relatively speaking

Even if bits are edited out in documentaries, they still remain credible compared to other story forms. Jitendra Hirawat, co-founder and CEO at advertising company TITO Films, said feature films on movie celebrities streamline and polish reality with even biopics smoothening the rough edges to fit in the dramatic arc. Documentaries, on the other hand, keep contradictions, the awkward pauses and the unfinished emotions alive. That honesty creates a level of credibility that fiction cannot fully replicate.

Also Read | Bumper first-day openings fade as word of mouth trumps star power

Prof. (Dr.) Supriya Chouthoy, associate professor of marketing, BITS Law School agreed feature films made about the Indian movie industry rely on a narrative which portrays concepts of fame, success and motivation but not a real" account of a cultural personalitys life. This probably explains why such docuseries on Bollywood have increasing custom.

There are other advantages to docu-series over films. Vaibhav Gupta, co-founder chief product officer of KlugKlug, an influencer marketing tech platform, said feature films about filmmakers or industry icons are comparatively rare in Bollywood partly because biopics and studio dramas often require significant investment and box-office risk.

On OTT, by contrast, documentary shows dont need theatrical revenue; they benefit from subscription models. Unlike films, these docu-shows can deliver an episodic narrative without the typical commercial constraints, allowing deeper exploration of creative processes, personal histories, and industry impact.

Such series are 50-60% cheaper to make since the only cost is related to production and marketing with no star fees.

That said, industry experts point out these titles also serve as branded content marketing for the film families in question. Calling them brand films disguised as documentaries, Rajnish Rawat, co-founder and CEO at digital marketing agency Social Pill point out how Angry Young Men was produced by the writers' families, The Romantics had Yash Raj Films' Uday Chopra listed as producer, and Dining with the Kapoors was created by the late Raj Kapoors grandson Jain and produced by his company Aavashyak Media. The Kapoor family series was to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of the late patriarch Kapoor.

The families are very much in control. Branded content has matured to the point where brands can be integrated relevantly without being too obvious about it. These documentaries celebrate legacies, remind younger audiences why these families matter, and make sure the next generation keeps the family brand alive in Bollywood," Rawat added.

Another industry insider called it a subtle form of legacy building". Said Vishal Prabhu, creative director  strategy at digital agency White Rivers Media, "These projects sit at the intersection of storytelling and soft branding. They preserve history while shaping how the next generation interprets Indian cinema."

The film celeb docu-series trend, for now, seems to meet multiple needs: a streaming platform wants content, the movie family wants its story told its way, and sometimes there's production house money involved. In a win-win situation, the platform gets guaranteed buzz, family gets to control the narrative, and audiences get something more interesting than another rom-com  with a peak into the lives of their favourite stars sans the trip to a Mumbai suburb.
India, the country with the most number of women in the world, is making a sure, even if slow, shift towards menstrual cups (m-cups), makers of such cups and a recent study has shown.

Primarily driven by cost savings in hygiene and ease of use, the increasing adoption of m-cups has an unintended outcome: a small dent in the staggering quantum of waste that India generates every year.

Some 12.3 billion disposable menstrual pads are used in India annually, according to NGO Menstrual Health Action for Impact, the majority of which are non-biodegradable. With such waste burden projected to reach 130,000 tonnes by 2030, policymakers have been pivoting to sustainable interventions.

Also Read | Breaking taboo: Young consumers show rising interest in sexual wellness products

A recent study by a government of India enterprise showed a single m-cup can replace approximately 810 disposable pads over five years, offering a massive reduction in landfill waste.

A single m-cup can replace approximately 810 disposable pads over five years, offering a massive reduction in landfill waste.

The study by HLL Lifecare Ltd, a public sector unit under the ministry of health and family welfare, has found that more than nine out 10 Indian women are ready to accept or switch to m-cups when counselled on their use and benefits. The study, published in November in the Elsevier  Dialogues in Health journal, was conducted under HLLs Project Thinkal in Keralas Alappuzha district.

The project aims to reduce India's escalating sanitary waste crisis while dismantling social taboos surrounding menstruation. [The name Thinkal, meaning moon" in some Dravidian languages, plays on the historical practice of women using lunar cycles to track menstruation.]

Despite India having more than an estimated 355 million menstruating individuals, many millions face barriers to menstrual hygiene management. Factors coming in the way: inadequate access to safe absorbents, poor water and sanitation infrastructure, lack of disposal facilities, cultural taboos, and insufficient knowledge about menstruation. The latest National Family Health Survey, or NFHS, considered the gold standard among nationwide Indian consumption and lifestyle studies, shows one in two women still use cloth for menstrual hygiene. This data is from NFHS, 2019-21, the latest round to date.

The HLL survey covered 4,345 women and found that 91.5% were willing to use m-cups after attending an awareness session with a doctor. While such a high percentage of acceptance may reflect the educational and social development in the southern state, data from Project Thinkal that has covered over 500,000 women nationwide shows there is robust acceptance of m-cups elsehwere, too: Maharashtra reported 85%, Telangana and Jharkhand 80%, and Karnataka 75%.

These adoption rates, which experts said confirm that the 'green period' revolution is taking root nationally, dismantle the persistent myth that Indian women are uncomfortable with insertion-based products due to cultural taboos. While many beneficiaries were initially apprehensive about pain or the "virginity myth," the study showed that medical counseling effectively dispelled these fears.

Sales skyrocket in a fragmented market

The private sector mirrors this public sector success. The market is vibrant and competitive, populated by brands such as Pee Safe, Sirona Hygiene, Carmesi, Sanfe, Gynocup, Safecup, Trucup, and Asan, among others.

"In 2017, commercial period product penetration in India was just 17%, but today it hovers around 40%," said Vikas Bagaria, founder of Gurugram-based Pee Safe. Historically a duopoly of two popular brands, the market is diversifying. While sanitary pads still dominate 92%, the non-pad category, including menstrual cups, has carved out an 8% share."



The market-leading brands in the pads market in India are: Whisper and Always of Procter & Gamble, Stayfree and Carefree from Johnson & Johnson, and Kimberly Clarke's Kotex.

Bagaria noted that monthly sales have surged from just 2,000 pieces pre-covid to over 50,000 today adding that women see value in a sustainable product usable for five years offering 12-hour freedom. "It provides incredible ease of usewomen can pee, poop, and even swim without removing it. High adoption is among athletes, medical professionals, and defence personnel."

He also highlighted the generational shift: "Unlike previous generations hindered by myths surrounding virginity, Gen Z and Millennials are finally moving past these taboos to embrace the change."

With the Indian m-cups market projected to grow from $38 million in 2024 to over $56 million by 2030, according to market researcher IMARC Group, the future of menstrual hygiene in India looks increasingly green, affordable, and comfortable. In percentage terms, the numbers are still tiny: the NFHS survey put m-cup use at 0.3%, while a local survey in Coimbatore last year put it slightly more at 1.3%.

Also Read | Why we need more women-only wellness circles

Beyond convenience, the economic argument is compelling.

A monthly supply disposable sanitary pads costs 50 to 150, adding up to thousands of rupees over a few years. To be sure, there are government and NGO-run schemes that hawk six pads at 6 but their spread is limited. A m-cup typically comes at between 250 and 600 for budget-friendly options with premium brands such as Asan selling for 1,800 apiece. Since a cup lasts up to 5-10 years, it is a one-time investment that saves users significant money.

Deep Bajaj, co-founder of Sirona Hygiene, a market leader alongside Pee Safe estimated that his brand has helped over five million women switch since 2016. The value extends to the poor. "For daily wagers, it reduces monthly spend and stress," Bajaj said. The Sirona Foundation has educated 100,000 women and distributed 10,000 cups to the underprivileged. But, across segments, whether urban or rural, awareness and handholding are what truly drive adoption," he added.

Natural progression but with caveats

Medical experts view this m-cups trend as an evolution in women's healthcare and personal hygiene even as they emphasize on its correct usage.

Social change is a long but significant journey, pointed out the head of one of India's largest hospital chains, herself a doctor. "Rural women moving from cloth to sanitary pads was the first step... Menstrual cups are the next step higher," said Dr Sangita Reddy, joint managing director, Apollo Hospitals. She emphasized that public incentives and education in this direction are vital. The Karnataka Governments 'Maitri' scheme distributed free cups to 10,000 adolescent girls in its pilot phase, while Reliance Foundations "Simply Periods" initiative has reached over 3,000 athletes.

Poonam Muttreja, executive director, Population Foundation of India said that the growing acceptance of m-cups in India illustrates once again that given accurate information women will choose the more sustainable option.

Also Read | Do women need testosterone supplements?

With a m-cup, a woman generates roughly 60 grams of non-biodegradable waste, which is a 99% reduction in the generation of total and non-biodegradable waste, Muttreja estimated. Menstrual cups can help India achieve both its sanitation and environmental objectives," said the gender and reproductive health expert, adding myths and misconceptions around them are best dealt through community counselling and behavior change communication.

A doctor, however, had a word of caution of the use of m-cups. "Users must remove or empty them at the right time," said Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, gynaecologist and IVF expert at New Delhi-based Nurture Clinic,. I have seen cases where patients forgot to remove the cup until the next cycle leading to issues like infections. But when used correctly, they are a cost-effective, useful tool."

An menstrual care company head also pointed to the dangers of poor quality m-caps. While prices range from 80 to 1500, we are seeing a flood of cheap Chinese copies versus patented designs. Due to the poor quality of these cheap variants, even doctors have started de-recommending cups as they can cause more harm than good to the body," said Sujata Pawar, founder, Avni Wellness.
The initial public offering (IPO) of KSH International, which opened for bidding on Tuesday, December 16, has entered its last day today, December 18. This means that investors can apply for the IPO till 5 pm.

So far, KSH International IPO has continued to receive a tepid response from investors across all categories. The mainboard IPO was booked only 26% as of the second day of bidding on Wednesday, December 17.

Established in 1981, KSH International, a manufacturer of magnet winding wires, operates under the KSH brand. It has built a strong market presence over the past four decades. The company caters to several marquee customers and exports its products to 24 countries worldwide.

KSH International IPO subscription status On the last day of bidding, the KSH International IPO was subscribed 80% so far, attracting 1,08,65,478 shares against an offered 1.36 crore shares, according to BSE data.

The retail segment of the IPO was subscribed 0.81 times, the non-institutional investor (NII) segment 0.41 times, and the qualified institutional buyer (QIB) portion booked 1.06 times.

KSH International IPO GMP today The GMP of KSH International IPO fell to 0 on Thursday, December 18, from 6, as per Investorgain. This means that the shares of the KSH International IPO are currently trading at a premium of 0.

The estimated listing price of the KSH International IPO is likely to remain the same as the IPO price of 384.

'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price.

KSH International IPO Review Brokerage firm SBI Securities has given a neutral rating to the KSH International IPO.

The firm said, At the upper price band of 384, the issue is priced at FY25 P/E and EV/EBITDA multiples of 38.3x and 20.7x, respectively, based on post-issue capital. While comparing with its closest peers, the issue seems to be fairly valued, coupled with a slightly superior margin profile. However, the company plans to repay debt of ~ 226 cr from the proceeds of the issue, which is expected to boost profitability by 10 cr to 13 cr. Thus, we maintain a NEUTRAL view on the company and would like to monitor its performance post listing.

On the other hand, Angel One has given a positive outlook on the KSH International IPO, noting that the issue appears reasonably valued and supported by strong sector fundamentals.

At the upper end of the price band, 384, the IPO is priced at a post-issue P/E of 28.68x. The brokerage highlighted the companys sustained earnings growth, improving return ratios, and leadership position in the magnet winding wires market, along with demand tailwinds from the power, renewables, EV and industrial segments.

We believe the IPO is fairly priced at a P/E of 28.68x, and with strong earnings traction, improving ratios and favourable industry drivers, the issue offers solid long-term visibility for investors, Angel One said, assigning a Subscribe rating for medium- to long-term investors.

KSH International IPO details

View full Image KSH International IPO

The 710 crore initial public offering of KSH International consists of a 420 crore fresh equity issuance and a 290 crore offer for sale by the promoters. The IPO is priced in a band of 365 to 384 per share, with investors required to apply in lots of 39 shares.

Proceeds from the fresh issue will be utilised to reduce outstanding debt, enhance machinery capacity at the Supa and Chakan facilities, install a rooftop solar power plant at Supa, and support general corporate purposes.

The allotment for the KSH International is expected to be completed on Friday, December 19. The companys shares are slated to be listed on the BSE and NSE, with a tentative listing date of December 23.

Nuvama Wealth Management Ltd. is acting as the book-running lead manager for the issue, while MUFG Intime India Pvt. Ltd. has been appointed as the registrar.
Stock market today: A day after the Indian capital markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, decided to cut the expense ratio for mutual funds, AMC stocks in India witnessed strong buying during the early morning session on Thursday. The AMC major HDFC AMC share price surged over 4.50% during the opening bell, while Aditya Birla Sun Life (ABSL) AMC went up around 2.50%. Meanwhile, Canara Robecco Asset Management Company shares skyrocketed over 6%.

SEBI decided on Wednesday to reduce brokerage costs that mutual funds can charge investors, a long-standing norm, in an effort to boost retail investors' participation and improve compliance.

Mutual fund expense ratio limits, now known as Base Expense Ratio (BER), will exclude all statutory levies, including GST, Stamp Duty, SEBI fees, Exchange fees, and other charges, according to the official announcement.

The total expense ratio will not be the sum of the BER along with the brokerage, regulatory, and statutory levies, as per Sebi's recent announcement.

Sebi has cut the expense ratios for Index Funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Fund of Funds (FoF), Equity-oriented scheme funds (investing >65% of AUM), Other FoFs, Closed-ended schemes, and Other than equity-oriented schemes.

What's fueling AMC stocks in India? On why AMC stocks are rising after SEBI's move to cut mutual fund fees, Avinash Gorakshkar, a SEBI-registered fundamental equity analyst, said, After this SEBI's move to cut the expense ratio of the AMCs, these asset management companies will have more money in hand (AUM) for investing. Apart from this, investors will get more NAVs after the reduction in AMCs' fees. So, people are expected to add more to the mutual funds, which will benefit AMCs' annual AUM holdings and clientele.

SEBI cuts mutual funds fee The Indian capital market regulator, SEBI, on Wednesday decided to reduce the mutual fund expense ratio fee, a long-standing norm, in an effort to boost retail investors' participation and improve compliance.

Mutual fund expense ratio limits, now known as Base Expense Ratio (BER), will exclude all statutory levies, including GST, Stamp Duty, SEBI fees, Exchange fees, and other charges, according to the official announcement.

The total expense ratio will not be the sum of the BER along with the brokerage, regulatory, and statutory levies, as per Sebi's recent announcement.

Sebi has cut the expense ratios for Index Funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Fund of Funds (FoF), Equity-oriented scheme funds (investing >65% of AUM), Other FoFs, Closed-ended schemes, and Other than equity-oriented schemes.

List of updated MF Expense Ratios 1. Index funds Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) Current (Including statutory levies)  1.00%

Revised (excluding statutory levies)  0.90%

2. Fund of Funds (FoFs) Funds investing in liquid schemes/index funds/ETFs

Current (including statutory levies)  1.00%

Revised (excluding statutory levies)  0.90%

Funds investing  65% of AUM in equity-oriented schemes Current (including statutory levies)  2.25%

Revised (excluding statutory levies)  2.10%

Other FoFs Current (including statutory levies)  2.00%

Revised (excluding statutory levies)  1.85%

3. Open-ended schemes AUM up to 500 crore (Equity Oriented)

Current (including statutory levies)  2.25%

Revised (excluding statutory levies)  2.10%

AUM up to  500 crore (Other-than Equity Oriented) Current (including statutory levies)  2%

Revised (excluding statutory levies)  1.85%

AUM between 500-750 crore (Equity Oriented)
Stock market recap : Indian stock market benchmarks  the Sensex and the Nifty 50  ended in losses for the third consecutive session on Wednesday, 17 December, on persisting concerns over the rupee's weakness, foreign capital outflows and a delay in the India-US trade deal.

The Sensex closed with a loss of 120 points, or 0.14%, at 84,559.65, while the Nifty 50 ended at 25,818.55, down 42 points, or 0.16%. The fall was steeper for the mid- and small-cap segments. The BSE Midcap index ended 0.53% lower, while the Smallcap index fell 0.85%.

The across-the-board selloff dragged the overall market capitalization of BSE-listed firms to 466 trillion, making investors lose 1.6 lakh crore in a single session.

Also Read | F&O trading keeps its grip on retail investors despite Sebi intervention

Two stock recommendations by MarketSmith India for 18 December:

Why its recommended : Strong credit growth momentum, led by retail, SME, and corporate loan expansion, improving asset quality, with declining GNPA/NNPA ratios

Key metrics : P/E: 11, 52-week high:  999, volume:  781 crore

Technical analysis : Reclaimed its 21-DMA and also gave a trendline breakout

Risk factors : Exposure to large corporate borrowers, creating potential stress, regulatory and macroeconomic sensitivity

Buy at :  970980

Target price :  1,050 in two to three months

Stop loss:  943

Also Read | PB Fintech: Worries over insurance bill add to risk posed by GST changes

Buy: APL Apollo Tubes Ltd (current price:  1,764)

Why its recommended : Market leadership in structural steel tubes, capacity expansion, and technological upgrades

Key metrics : P/E: 60; 52-week high:  1,936; volume:  132 crore

Technical analysis : downward sloping trendline breakout

Risk factors : High sensitivity to steel price volatility, dependence on cyclical sectors like construction and infrastructure

Buy at :  1,7501,770

Target price :  1,900 in two to three months

Stop loss:  1,699

Nifty 50: How the index performed on 17 December

Indian equities ended lower on 17 December, with the Nifty 50 slipping 0.16% to 25,818.55, weighed by weakness across financials, FMCG, and consumer durables. The index oscillated within a narrow range of 25,770-25,929, reflecting cautious sentiment ahead of global central bank commentary and lingering geopolitical uncertainties.

Market breadth remained notably weak, as the advance-decline ratio deteriorated to 1,055 advances against 2,084 declines, signalling broad-based pressure across the broader market. On the sectoral front, IT (+0.29%), Metal (+0.25%), PSU Banks (+1.29%), and Oil and Gas (+0.23%) provided pockets of support. On the other hand, Financial Services, Auto, FMCG, and Consumer Durables dragged the benchmarks lower. Private Banks also underperformed, mirroring risk-off positioning.

Nifty continued to trade within a narrowing range, hovering between its 21- and 50-DMA, reflecting an indecisive yet controlled pullback within the broader ascending structure. Price action indicates that the index is consolidating below the upper boundary of its rising channel.

The RSI remains subdued and continues to drift lower within a falling trajectory, signalling persistent bearish momentum divergence relative to recent price swings. This suggests waning upside strength even as the index attempts to stabilize above intermediate moving averages. Meanwhile, the MACD has slipped into a negative crossover, with the histogram extending further into negative territory, reinforcing the current momentum cooling phase.

Also Read | Rupee at record lows: What could arrest the slide

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, after failing to move above its 21-DMA and facing renewed selling pressure, is now trading marginally above the 50-DMA. On the downside, 25,700 serves as the initial support, while 25,300 remains a critical demand area for sustaining the broader uptrend and preserving overall market stability. Conversely, a decisive close above 26,300 would materially strengthen the technical setup and open the way for a continuation of the move toward 26,50026,700 in the near term.

How did the Nifty Bank perform?

Nifty Bank ended the session on a subdued note, slipping 0.18% to 58,926.75, weighed by weakness in select large-cap private lenders despite intraday attempts to stabilize near the 58,800 support zone.

The index traded within a narrow band of 58,80159,127, reflecting cautious sentiment ahead of key global macro cues. Market breadth was mildly positive with 8 advances and 4 declines, supported primarily by PSU Banks. State Bank of India (+1.58%), Bank of Baroda (+1.47%), Canara Bank (+2.06%), and Punjab National Bank (+1.73%) outperformed, extending their recent momentum as investors continued rotating into value-driven public-sector names.

Among private lenders, AU Bank (+1.01%) and Axis Bank (+0.52%) posted modest gains. However, heavyweights such as ICICI Bank (-0.92%), HDFC Bank (-0.92%), and IndusInd Bank (-1.13%) dragged the index, keeping overall sentiment restrained

Nifty Bank continues to exhibit a mild consolidation phase, with todays candle reflecting indecision near the short-term trendline that has been guiding price action since late October. Despite intraday volatility, the index held above this trendline, indicating buyers are still defending the structure even as momentum cools.

RSI has slipped below its midline and is now tracking a short-term downward slope, reflecting weakening momentum and a shift toward a more neutral-to-soft sentiment in the near term. MACD also shows a bearish crossover with widening histogram bars, reinforcing signs of momentum loss after weeks of steady gains.

The index continued to fall below 59,000. However, the pullback appears orderly and remains consistent with the prevailing uptrend. While some near-term profit-booking may continue, any drift toward the 50-DMA around 58,300 is likely to attract fresh buying interest. A swift close back above the 21-DMA would help reassert bullish momentum and reaffirm the broader positive structure.

On the downside, 58,80058,000 offers a meaningful cushion, supported by steady participation across key banking constituents. Improving sectoral breadth further strengthens the underlying tone, and a sustained move above key resistance markers could draw incremental institutional flows, potentially accelerating the indexs upward trajectory.

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.

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Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Stock market today: Indian benchmarks, the Sensex and Nifty 50, extended losses for the third consecutive session on Wednesday, December 17, weighed down by continued weakness in the rupee, sustained foreign fund outflows, and delays in the IndiaUS trade agreement.

The Sensex slipped 120 points, or 0.14%, to close at 84,559.65, while the Nifty 50 declined 42 points, or 0.16%, settling at 25,818.55. Losses were more pronounced in the broader market, with the BSE Midcap index falling 0.53% and the Smallcap index dropping 0.85%.

"Markets remained volatile and ended with a marginal decline, in line with the ongoing corrective phase. After an initial uptick, the Nifty quickly resumed its downward trajectory and gradually drifted lower through the session, eventually closing at 25,818.55, down 0.16%.

Sectoral performance was largely negative, with realty, FMCG and financials emerging as the key laggards. In contrast, IT and metals managed to buck the broader trend and closed flat to marginally higher. Continued pressure in the broader market weighed on sentiment, with the midcap and smallcap indices declining in the range of 0.66%0.83%," said Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd.

Against this backdrop, here's a list of stocks that will potentially attract investor interest and are likely to witness some movements today.

Stocks to Watch Ola Electric Ola Electric founder and promoter Bhavish Aggarwal has offloaded an additional 4.2 crore shares via open market transactions on Wednesday.

Larsen & Toubro Engineering major Larsen & Toubro on Wednesday announced that it has secured multiple high-value contracts, including an order to build a museum in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh.

Cyient The companys Singapore arm plans to acquire a majority stake of over 65% in US-based Kinetic Technologies for $93 million, with the transaction expected to be completed by April 30, 2026.

NTPC NTPC on Wednesday said it has started commercial operations for 243.66 MW of capacity from its 1,255-MW solar power project at Khavda in Gujarat.

Indian Overseas Bank The government has decided to utilise the oversubscription option by offering an additional 7.6 crore shares, representing 0.395% of the banks paid-up equity, over and above the base offer of 38.51 crore shares, or 2% of equity, in the offer-for-sale scheduled for December 18.

Titagarh Rail Titagarh Rail Systems has secured a 273.24 crore contract from the Indian Railways to supply 62 rail maintenance vehicles, along with training, servicing, and breakdown assistance.

GMR Power GMR Power plans to raise over 1,200 crore through a preferential allotment, involving the issuance of 6.61 crore equity shares to non-promoter investors and 3.30 crore convertible warrants to the promoter group, subject to requisite approvals.

AstraZeneca Pharma The company has secured approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to import, market, and distribute Datopotamab Deruxtecan (r-DNA origin) in India.

Also Read | Buy or sell: Vaishali Parekh recommends three intraday stocks to buy today

KPI Energy KP Group has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Botswana to jointly develop large-scale projects in renewable power generation, energy storage, and transmission infrastructure.

ACME Solar ACME Solar has successfully commissioned 52 MW of capacity from its 100 MW wind power project located in Surendranagar, Gujarat.
Vodafone Idea, Indias third-largest telco by customers, has raised 3,300 crore through secured non-convertible debentures, or NCDs  less than eight weeks after a fresh lease of life was thrown at the financially-stressed company by the Supreme Court. The NCDs are unlisted and unrated, the company said in a statement.

The telco is just coming out of a tough period after pending dues to the central government mounted to 2 trillion and the company risked going into bankruptcy. The dues are under review after a late October Supreme Court order.

The fundraise was through Vodafone Idea Telecom Infrastructure Ltd, or VITIL, a subsidiary of Vodafone Idea.



The proceeds from this issuance will be utilized by VITIL to repay past obligations to Vodafone Idea enabling the telco to bolster its capital expenditure and support business growth.

Interest in the fundraise from large non-banking financial companies, foreign portfolio investors, and alternative investment funds, exceeded the NCD issuance, Vodafone Idea added.

This fund raise sets off a fresh capital expenditure cycle at the beleaguered company, CEO Abhijit Kishore signalled in the statement: This capital strengthens our momentum as we continue to scale our network and enhance services for our customers. Discussions relating to long-term debt raise to support capex are ongoing with banks.

JM Financial Products Ltd acted as the exclusive debt Arranger in the fundraise.

An expert said the NCDs issue showed a credit upgrade of the company. "One thing that is very relevant as a marker for Vodafone Idea's progress is the credit upgrade. Prior to the government's conversion of its spectrum dues (worth 36,950 crore in April) into equity, its debt was junk rated. Now it is an investment grade," said Vivekanand Subbaraman, lead analyst for telecom and media at Ambit Capital. The conditions are right for banks to lend money to the company after the government acts on its dues.

Debt to set off capex cycle The government is currently reassessing Vodafone Idea's adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues . Yet, the companys overall survival hinges on the final relief it gets and its ability to raise debt to finance its network rollout and operations.

AGR represents the income calculated from telecom operators total revenues, serving as the basis for regulatory fee payments.

Of the 2 trillion dues, the AGR dues of Vodafone Idea alone stands at 78,500 crore as on September end. The remaining is mostly the amount that the company owes the government for wireless spectrum purchased in auctions.

Analysts have flagged the monstrous size of the dues and said the company's future depends on the waivers it can finally get from the government. Brokerage Emkay Global Financial Services, for instance, has noted that that restructuring of spectrum and AGR dues are critical for long-term sustainability of the company.

We note that of the total debt of Rs1.96 trillion, Rs0.76 trillion pertains to AGR liabilities and Rs1.18trn pertains to spectrum debt (as of Mar-25), it wrote in a 11 November report. With this, leverage remains high even without AGR dues, and the government will have to consider a plan.

With 196.7 million customers, Vodafone Idea is significantly behind the subscriber base at Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Jio has 506 million customers and Airtel 364 million.

Vodafone Idea had earlier said it was engaged with lenders to secure debt financing to support its capex plans of up to 55,000 crore. In August, the company announced that it had begun exploring non-banking sources of funding to maintain the continuity of its critical capital expenditure cycle.

In the current financial year, the company is looking to spend in the range of 7,500-8,000 crore in capex, Kishore had said in a recent earnings call. In the first half of the current financial year, the company already spent of 4,200 crore to improve coverage of 4G networks and the rollout of 5G ones.

We are not really looking for external funding for this particular capex. It is part of the internal accrual as well as the money that we have," Kishore had said, adding that the focus of the current spending is primarily towards coverage split between 4G and 5G.

The telco posted a net loss of 5,524 crore, lower than the year-ago loss of 7,176 crore in the September quarter. Its revenue from operations increased 2.4% on-year and 1.6% sequentially to 11,194.7 crore.
USD vs INR: Following a sharp sell-off after the imposition of Trump's tariffs on India, the Indian Rupee has fallen around 6% in 2025. Experts don't expect any sign of recovery of the Indian National Rupee (INR) against the US Dollar (USD) until the India-US trade deal is signed. The Indian stock market is also facing challenges following Trump's tariffs, as FIIs have been selling out aggressively in the Indian markets. However, compared to the Indian Rupee, the Indian stock market has shown resilience.

The Nifty 50 index has been in a tight range of 25,250 to 26,300 for an extended period. Following the optimistic signals from Indian and US officials regarding developments in the India-US trade deal, the 50-stock index has been trading at the upper end of the range, between 25,700 and 26,300. This sparks a question: Why is the Indian Rupee falling, but the Indian stock market is showing resilience or has remained stable in a particular range for a long time?

USD to INR move reflects Dalal Street design Highlighting the reason for the Indian Rupee fall and stock market's resilience at the same time, Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said, "The question of whether USD/INR could drift closer to the 100 level in 2026 is no longer confined to market speculation; it has steadily entered serious macroeconomic and policy discussions. This debate, however, is not about India losing its growth momentum. Rather, it reflects how structural pressures, global forces, and shifts in domestic market design are influencing the rupees behaviour."

The Enrich Money expert said India continues to be one of the fastest-growing large economies globally. Domestic consumption remains resilient, corporate balance sheets are healthier than in earlier cycles, and equity markets continue to display depth and stability. Yet, the currency market presents a contrasting picturemarked by thinning liquidity, largely one-sided price movements, and an increasing reliance on central bank intervention.

Why is the stock market stable despite the delay in the India-US trade deal? "The currency market doesn't enjoy the same balance theory that is available for the Indian stock market today. Whenever the Nifty 50, Bank Nifty, or Sensex corrects, domestic investors step in. Retail investors, mutual funds, and long-term allocators absorb selling pressure. Liquidity exists on both sides of the market, allowing prices to adjust in a balanced manner rather than move sharply in one direction. This participation-driven structure enables equity markets to self-correct," Ponmudi R of Enrich Money added.

"The Indian stock market is benefiting from some proactive approach by the Indian government, which failed to trickle down in the Indian currency derivative market. Recently, the Modi government rationalised the GST and introduced a new version of the GST with just three kinds of taxes. On Wednesday, SEBI cut mutual fund fees by reducing the expense ratio. This provided liquidity to the market, as mutual fund managers would have more money in hand (AUM) to counter FIIS selling. Remember, FIIs have remained net sellers in the Indian stock market since July 2025. This has created a new challenge of USD outflow from India, which is putting additional pressure on the Indian Rupee," Avinash Gorakshkar, a SEBI-registered fundamental equity analyst.

Gorakshkar said that the delay in the India-US trade deal is not allowing the Reserve Bank of India to control external triggers, such as Trump's tariffs, and the challenges caused by the trade war in the global merchandise market. So, the Indian Central Bank didn't intervene until the Indian Rupee went past 91 against the US Dollar. It allowed for a level playing field for Indian exporters. However, it had to sell the US Dollar aggressively on Tuesday, which enabled the Indian Rupee to show some resilience in the last two sessions.

Highlighting the recent changes made by SEBI in the exchange-traded currency derivative market, Ponmudi R said, Following regulatory changes in 2024 that restricted participation in exchange-traded currency derivatives to entities with proven underlying exposure, a large section of liquidity providers exited the market. Retail traders, proprietary desks, and arbitrage participantswho historically ensured two-way liquidity and efficient price discoverywere effectively removed from the ecosystem.
The Indian rupee hit a record low of 91 against the US dollar this week. While it strengthened slightly later, the currency has still lost over 6% of its value this year.

The RBI stepped in on Wednesday by selling dollars to stop the slide. However, experts believe the rupee will stay weak until a new US-India trade deal is finalised, Bloomberg reported. While a stronger dollar helps sectors like IT and pharma, it creates a major hurdle for Indian students planning to study abroad.

The falling rupee is likely to burn a hole in the pockets of students set to start their studies in January 2026 (Spring intake). A 6% fall in 2025 means the course, costing $55,000, would now incur an additional 3.3 lakh in tuition alone. If you add the living cost of $15,000 a year, an extra 6% would cost Indian students an extra 81,000.

Overall, the cost of studying in the US could be more expensive by 4.11 lakh a year (when the fee is $ 55,000) in 2026, purely due to the change in currency exchange rates. The exact additional cost would vary from case to case based on the university and the city you attend.

What experts say The number of Indian students going to the US for higher education declined by 44% in August 2025 compared to August 2024, according to a report by The New York Times, which quoted Trade.gov data. It was the sharpest fall after the Pandemic.

The drop in these numbers could be attributed to multiple reasons, including changes in visa rules and overall anti-immigration sentiment. Experts believe that the falling rupee, albeit discouraging for US-bound students, does not fundamentally change anything.

Aritra Ghosal, Founder of OneStep Global, notes that families are now stress-testing their budgets. We see more interest in US dollar-denominated loans and tuition-fee 'lock-ins.' These help families fix their costs despite currency shifts, Ghosal said.

He said that rupee depreciation does raise the effective cost of studying abroad, particularly in terms of living expenses, foreign exchange exposure, and loan servicing, but it has not fundamentally weakened student intent.

What it is doing is forcing sharper financial discipline. For example, some families tend to plan earlier, stress-testing budgets against currency volatility, and being more conscious of repayment pressure under current exchange rates.

While a small segment of students is reassessing destinations or deferring by an intake, most are recalibrating choices: prioritising employability-linked programmes, scholarships, and destinations where post-study work outcomes are clearer. In the current environment, students and parents need to look beyond headline tuition fees and plan holistically, factoring in currency risk, loan structures, and long-term career returns, advises Ghosal.

Also Read | With rupee at 90, studying abroad just got more expensive for Indians

Many students are now prioritising degrees that lead directly to jobs. They are also looking at destinations with clearer work rules after graduation.

Some believe these rising costs will encourage students to stay in India.

P.G. Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Vidyashilp University in Bengaluru, said families are taking a moment to reflect. The discussion is shifting. Its no longer just about the destination. Its about the long-term professional value of the education, he said.

I also see this as a moment of recalibration. Students are beginning to ask more meaningful questions about why they want to study abroad and what they truly hope to gain from the experience. At the same time, Indian universities have significantly strengthened their academic depth, research culture, and global linkages, Babu said.
Stock-based compensation has emerged as a key wealth-building tool for employees, particularly in startups and large listed companies. Esops, RSUs and ESPPs all offer a way to participate in a companys growth, but they differ sharply in how shares are granted, when employees become owners, how liquidity works, andmost importantlyhow and when taxes are levied.

These differences can have a material impact on cash flows, risk and eventual returns. Understanding how shares are acquired and taxed under each structure is critical before opting in, as tax liabilities often arise well before any actual cash gains are realised.

ESOPs: Tax before cash

Employee stock option plans, or Esops, allow companies to reward employees by giving them the right to buy shares at a fixed, discounted price in the future.

These are commonly used by startups or unlisted companies that may not offer high cash compensation but want employees to benefit from future value creation. Esops are not shares on day one; they represent a promise to offer shares at a later date.

Esops typically unfold in three stages: grant, vesting and exercise. At the time of grant, the company specifies the number of options and the exercise price, which is usually set at a discount to the fair market value of the shares on the grant date. Vesting refers to the period the employee must complete to earn the right to buy the shares. Once the vesting period ends, the exercise window opensthis is the time during which the employee can convert vested options into shares by paying the exercise price.

Also Read | The startup Esops dream vs reality for employees

Consider the example of Ananya, who is granted 10,000 ESOPs by her employer, ABC Co, at an exercise price of 80 per share, compared with a fair market value of 200 on the grant datea 60% discount. The Esops come with a vesting period of two years, meaning Ananya must remain with the company for that duration to earn the right to buy the shares. If she leaves before completing the vesting period, the Esops lapse and she receives nothing.

After completing two years, the options vest and the exercise window opens, which ABC Co has set at five years. Ananya must exercise her vested Esops within this period.

To convert all her options into shares, she must pay 8 lakh (10,000 shares multiplied by 80). Once this amount is paid, the company allots 10,000 shares in her name and she becomes a shareholder. At this stage, her first tax liability arises in the form of perquisite tax.

Assume that on the date Ananya exercises her Esops, the fair market value of the shares is 300. The difference between the fair market value and the exercise price 220 per share or 22 lakh in totalis treated as a perquisite and added to her salary income for the year. This amount is taxed at her applicable income tax slab rate of 30%.

As a result, Ananya must pay 6.6 lakh in perquisite tax in addition to the 8 lakh exercise amount, taking her total out-of-pocket cost to 14.6 lakh to own shares that are valued at 30 lakh on paper.

Once she owns the shares, Ananya must wait for a liquidity event such as an initial public offering (IPO), acquisition or buyback to sell them. When she eventually sells the shares, she will be liable to pay capital gains tax on the profit. If the shares are held for more than 12 months, long-term capital gains are taxed at 12.5%.

In the case of ESOPs, therefore, tax arises at two pointsat exercise and at sale. In both instances, the tax must be paid out of the employees own funds.

View Full Image (Graphics: Gopakumar Warrier/Mint)

View Full Image (Graphics: Gopakumar Warrier/Mint)

RSUs: Vesting equals tax

Restricted stock units, or RSUs, are a form of equity compensation in which companies promise to grant employees actual shares in the future, subject to conditions such as continued employment or performance milestones. Unlike Esops, employees do not need to buy these shares or pay any exercise price.

The RSU process has two stages: grant and vesting. At the time of grant, employees are informed of the number of RSUs awarded and the vesting schedule. Vesting is the period the employee must complete to earn ownership of the shares and often occurs in instalments over time. If the employee leaves before the vesting conditions are met, unvested RSUs lapse and do not convert into shares.

Once RSUs vest, they automatically convert into shares and are credited to the employees demat account. There is no exercise window and no payment required. On vesting, the employee becomes the legal owner of the shares, with rights similar to those of any other shareholder.

Consider an example where Ananya works at a listed company, XYZ Ltd, and is granted 5,000 RSUs with a three-year vesting period. After completing three years, all 5,000 RSUs vest on a single date. On the vesting date, assume the market price of XYZ Ltds shares is 400. The full value of the shares 20 lakhis treated as salary income and taxed at her applicable slab rate of 30%, resulting in a tax liability of 6 lakh.

To recover this tax, companies commonly follow the sell-to-cover method, said Pallav Pradyumn Narang, partner at CNK. In RSU vesting, the employer has to deduct TDS but since the employee receives shares instead of cash, the employer sells a portion of the vested shares to arrange the tax to be paid to the government."

In Ananyas case, XYZ Ltd sells 1,500 shares worth 6 lakh and credits the remaining 3,500 shares to her demat account. This sale is purely to meet the tax obligation and does not represent a purchase price paid by the employee.

Although the sale is executed by the employer, the shares are first legally allotted to the employee and the sale is deemed to be carried out on her behalf. This constitutes a transfer of a capital asset and attracts capital gains tax.

However, since the sale typically occurs on or close to the vesting date, the gain is usually negligible as the vesting price and sale price are identical. Such gains are classified as short-term capital gains and must still be reported in the income tax return," said Shilpi Jain, partner at Ved Jain and Associates.

After vesting, employees may sell the remaining shares immediately or choose to hold them. Any subsequent sale attracts capital gains tax on the difference between the sale price and the market value on the vesting date. For shares issued by an Indian employer, long-term capital gains on holdings exceeding 12 months are taxed at 12.5%, while short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

Jain noted that the tax treatment differs when RSUs are issued by the foreign entity of a multinational company. Under Indian tax law, foreign RSUs are treated as unlisted shares. If these shares are sold within 24 months of vesting, the gains are considered short-term and taxed at the employees applicable income tax slab rate," she said.

RSUs are most commonly offered by listed companies and are therefore typically liquid.

Narang added that, apart from equity-settled RSUs, companies also offer cash-settled RSUs. Cash-settled RSUs, often referred to as phantom RSUs, do not involve share issuance and instead provide a contractual right to receive cash linked to share value. Liquidity in RSUs therefore depends on whether the settlement is in shares or cash and whether the company is listed. In private companies, both ESOPs and equity-settled RSUs may remain illiquid until a liquidity event occurs," he explained.

ESPPs: Buy, then wait

Employee stock purchase plans, or ESPPs, allow employees to buy company shares directly, usually at a discounted price.

Unlike Esops and RSUs, ESPPs require an upfront payment and result in immediate share ownership. However, discounted ESPP shares are subject to a one-year lock-in mandated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India. If shares are issued to employees at the same price as the public issue, no lock-in applies, with the restriction intended to curb short-term trading.

The ESPP process is relatively straightforward. The company announces the offer, specifying the number of shares, the discounted purchase price and any lock-in or holding restrictions. Employees who choose to participate typically pay for the shares through salary deductions. Once allotted, the shares are credited to the employee, making them a shareholder from day one.

Bharath Reddy, partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, pointed out that ESPPs function more as a reward than a retention tool, as employees do not need to remain with the company for extended periods to benefit.

However, despite upfront ownership, immediate liquidity is often limited due to lock-in restrictions, Reddy added. Once the lock-in period ends, employees of listed companies can sell the shares freely on the stock exchange, subject to trading window norms.

ESPPs are more commonly offered by listed companies and multinational corporations and are relatively rare among startups. This is because ESPPs place employees on the cap table from day one, which can affect a companys ability to raise capital and undertake certain corporate actions.

Any matter requiring shareholders approval would also need the approval of such employees, and certain investors are wary of having many shareholders on the cap table, as the time and effort involved in undertaking corporate actions increase. On the contrary, with ESOPs, employees do not get on the cap table as shareholders and can time that to a later date, such as during an M&A or IPO," said Reddy.

Also Read | Park your capital gains here to cut your tax bill

ESPPs are taxed in a manner similar to RSUs, with tax arising at two stageswhen the shares are purchased and when they are sold after the lock-in ends. For capital gains, the fair market value on the purchase date is treated as the cost of acquisition and the holding period for determining short- or long-term gains is also counted from the purchase date," said Narang.

While ESOPs, RSUs and ESPPs all offer employees a route to equity ownership, they differ significantly in the timing of ownership, liquidity and tax impact. Understanding these distinctions is crucial, as tax liabilities often arise before actual cash gains, making the structure of equity compensation just as important as its headline value.

Ananya is a hypothetical case used for illustration purposes.
MUMBAI: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Wednesday introduced a series of regulations for mutual funds, with changes to expense structures likely to have the most direct impact on investors.

Heres a closer look at what these rules entail and how they could affect the cost of investing in mutual funds.

What are the changes

At the heart of the reforms is a reworking of the expense ratio framework. Aiming to improve transparency in how expense ratios are charged, Sebi has introduced a new concept called the Base Expense Ratio (BER) and explicitly excluded statutory levies from its scope.

Charges such as securities transaction tax (STT), commodity transaction tax (CTT), GST, stamp duty, exchange fees, and Sebi fees will now be levied strictly on actuals and shown separately, rather than being bundled into the headline expense cap. This makes it easier for investors to see what they pay fund managers for investment management versus statutory charges.

As a result, the total cost borne by an investor will now consist of four clearly identified components: the base expense ratio, brokerage, regulatory levies, and statutory levies. Together, these form the Total Expense Ratio (TER). While this does not automatically translate into a sharp drop in overall costs, it provides a far more transparent structure, allowing investors to understand exactly where their money is going.

Also Read | Sebis fee rethink gives mutual funds breathing room

Sebi has also reduced base expense limits across categories, including equity schemes, debt schemes, index funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and fund-of-funds. Examples include:

Index funds and ETFs: 0.9% from 1%

Fund-of-funds largely investing in index funds or ETFs: 0.9% from 1%

Fund-of-funds with over 65% equity exposure: 2.10% from 2.25%

Other fund-of-funds: 1.85% from 2%

This is a good move. It offers some marginal savings for mutual fund investors, as well as improves disclosures and transparency of expenses," said Muthukrishnan Dhandapani, certified financial planner and a Chennai-based mutual fund distributor.

Similar calibrated reductions have been applied across equity and debt schemes based on their asset size. For equity-oriented schemes specifically:

Schemes with assets up to  500 crore now have a base expense cap of 2.10% (down from 2.25%)

500 crore now have a base expense cap of 2.10% (down from 2.25%) Large schemes with assets above  50,000 crore see the cap fall to 0.95% (from 1.05%)

50,000 crore see the cap fall to 0.95% (from 1.05%) Intermediate slabs have graded reductions based on assets under management (AUM)

Though the reductions are incremental, Sebi has calibrated them to broadly offset the exclusion of statutory levies, minimizing disruption to asset management companies cost structures while improving clarity for investors.

Brokerage charges are outside the TER calculation. But they do impact investor returns as they directly hit the NAV via buy or sell prices of securities. The proposed brokerage cap discourages funds from excessive churn apart from incurring costs beyond the TER. So this is good for investors," said Aarati Krishnan, head of advisory, primeinvestor.in.

Broking costs

Brokerage and transaction costs have also been overhauled. Previously, asset management companies (AMCs) could charge brokerage up to 12 basis points in the cash market and 5 basis points (bps) in derivatives, with statutory levies included. After stripping out levies, the effective caps were about 8.6 bps for cash trades and nearly 3.9 bps for derivatives

The regulator has now capped brokerage costs for mutual funds at 6 bps (excluding levies) in the cash market, and at 2 bps in derivatives. It also scrapped the additional 5 bps that could earlier be charged over exit loadsfees levied when investors redeem their investments.

The revised provisions will take effect on 1 April 2026, providing the industry with a three-month transition window.

Beyond costs

Sebi has also simplified compliance requirements: reporting has been streamlined, trustee meeting requirements reduced, and borrowing rules clarified to allow index funds and ETFs to manage execution-related needs more efficiently.

Also Read | Sebi unveils sweeping reforms to galvanize capital markets

For investors, the immediate effect may not be a visible drop in headline expense ratios, since taxes and levies are still paid separately. But over time, lower base expense caps, tighter brokerage limits, and clearer disclosures should improve cost discipline and reduce hidden charges.

More importantly, investors now get a cleaner picture of what they are paying forand what they are notmaking mutual fund comparisons and investment decisions more informed and meaningful.
An Air India Express flight from Jeddah to Kozhikode made a precautionary landing at Cochin International Airport, Kochi, Kerala, on Thursday (December 18). An airline spokesperson said the flight was diverted to Kochi and landed safely there. All guests are being connected to Kozhikode by road, the spokesperson said.

Why was Air India Express Jeddah-Kozhikode flight diverted? The Air India Express spokesperson said, Our Jeddah-Kozhikode flight was diverted to Kochi and made a precautionary landing due to suspected damage to the aircrafts tyre likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport."

The aircraft landed safely in Kochi, and all guests are being connected to Kozhikode by road. We regret the inconvenience caused and reiterate that safety remains our highest priority in every aspect of our operations, the spokesperson said.

"Also, it is not an emergency landing. It is a precautionary landing to Kochi as Karipur is a table-top airport," the official was quoted by news agency PTI as saying.

Earlier, the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), in a statement, said that it successfully facilitated the "safe emergency landing" of Air India Express flight IX 398 from Jeddah to Kozhikode, which was diverted to Kochi due to a technical issue involving the right main landing gear and tyre failure.

The aircraft landed safely at 9.07 am under full emergency conditions, it said.

Also Read | Air India Express cancels Guwahati-Hyderabad flight

"All emergency services were activated in advance, and there were no injuries reported among passengers or crew. Post-landing inspection confirmed that both right-side tyres had burst," a CIAL spokesperson said in the statement.

Subsequently, the runway was cleared and released for operations, the statement added.

Air India Express launches direct Pune-Abu Dhabi flight Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol announced on December 3 that Air India Express has launched a direct flight service from Pune to Abu Dhabi.

Taking it to X, he noted, Another milestone for Pune Airport!...Air India Express has launched its direct Pune-Abu Dhabi flight service starting today, marking a significant expansion in the city's global connectivity...

Also Read | Air India Express cancels Guwahati-Hyderabad flight

He also pointed out that the new flight route expands travel and trade opportunities while putting Pune on the global aviation map.

"This new route not only strengthens Pune's presence on the international aviation map but also opens up fresh opportunities for travel, trade, investment, and cultural exchange..." he wrote on X.

"With enhanced accessibility to the Middle East, this service is set to benefit thousands of passengers and further boost Pune's growing international footprint," he added.
A bomb threat at the Bombay High Court on Thursday triggered panic, prompting the evacuation of other courts in Mumbai, PTI reported. Bandra and Esplanade courts in South Mumbai were also vacated amid security concerns.

The Mumbai police deployed a bomb detection unit at the Bombay High Court premises, located in the Fort area of South Mumbai. The bomb threat email was received on the magistrate court's official email ID in the morning, a police official informed PTI.

Also Read | Bomb threat emails sent to three Ahmedabad schools, police teams deployed

However, during the investigation, no suspicious object was found. To trace the source of the threatening email, the Mumbai Police launched an investigation to identify the sender and determine the motive behind it.

According to the Mumbai Commissioner of Police, the bomb threat was issued over email to multiple courts and banks. Asserting that there was no need to panic, he assured that the police teams cleared and thoroughly inspected the threatened areas.

After being informed, the police, a bomb detection squad and other security personnel rushed to the court premises and carried out a thorough search. However, no suspicious object was found during the inspection, PTI quoted the official of the Nirmal Nagar police station as saying.

Also Read | Delhi bomb threat: Multiple schools across capital city receive email threats

Asserting that the entire Bombay High Court premises were vacated, he added, The entire court premises were vacated by the police, and all the staffers were asked to leave the place immediately. Nobody was allowed to enter the court premises after that.

Bomb scare halts operations at Nagpur District and Sessions Court In another similar incident, the Nagpur District and Sessions Court on Thursday received an email claiming "bombs" inside the building. The police launched an intensive search operation for the two RDX-based explosive devices stated in the bomb threat email. However, nothing suspicious was found.
Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will open the registration window for the newly constructed flats in Narela's Pocket 9 on 19 December. The scheme, titled DDA Karmayogi Awaas Yojana, offers ready-to-move-in 1-BHK, 2-BHK and 3-BHK apartments at a 25% discount exclusively for serving and retired government employees.

Who is eligible? Employees and pensioners in central and state government departments, public sector undertakings, hospitals, corporations and other allied bodies are eligible under the DDA Karmayogi Awaas Yojana.

DDA flat location Under the DDA's housing scheme, 1,168 flats are available in Sectors A1 to A4 of Narela's Pocket 9. The site is located near Urban Extension Road-II (UER 2) and GT Karnal Road, with an upcoming metro station in the vicinity. Located close to NH-8, the project also offers parking spaces, a community centre, parks and good road connectivity.

A DDA spokesperson said, The 3-BHK units have a plinth area ranging from 163.76 to 183.36 square metres, including common areas and balconies. Parking facilities have also been provided, with designated parking space varying by flat category.

The flats are freehold and have spacious balconies.

DDA in a post on X stated, DDA Karmayogi Awaas Yojana offers spacious, ready-to-move-in 1, 2 & 3 BHK flats in Narela, exclusively for serving and retired Government servants. Freehold flats available at a 25% discount. Registration opens on 19.12.2025. Visit- https://eservices.dda.org.in.

How to register? Step 1: Visit the official website at eservices.dda.org.in

Step 2: Click on DDA Karamyogi Awas Yojna 2025(FCFS)

Step 3: Click on Apply here after reading the brochure

Step 4: Provide relevant details, including bank account and Permanent Account Number (PAN) card details.

Step 5: Complete the application process by paying a non-refundable registration fee of 2,500 on DDAs Awaas portal.

For 1-BHK units, the initial booking amount is fixed at 50,000, while for 2-BHK units, it is 4 lakh, and for 3-BHK units, it is 10 lakh. This amount will be adjusted against the final cost of the flat.

As per the DDA brochure, the well-planned developing hub offers a 25% price concession with a price range for 1-BHK flats starting at 34.03 lakh and going to as high as 1.27 crore for 3-BHK units.

With no restrictions regarding ownership of any land or built-up property in Delhi or elsewhere, The applicant should give particulars of his/her savings account in any Bank in the name of the applicant only in the Application Form.

Booking will commence on 14 January 2026, and the scheme will close on 31 March 2026.
The Lok Sabha on Thursday (18 December) passed the Viksit Bharat  Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, a sweeping piece of legislation that seeks to replace the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), triggering a sharp political confrontation in Lower House of Parliament.

Also referred to as the VB-G Ram G Bill, the proposed law aims to overhaul Indias flagship rural employment scheme by expanding guaranteed wage employment from 100 to 125 days per rural household each year. The government says the legislation is designed to strengthen income security while creating durable, productivity-enhancing assets in villages through a more centrally coordinated development framework.

However, the Bill faced stiff resistance from the Opposition, with Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra leading the charge against what she described as a dilution of MGNREGAs foundational guarantees.

Participating in the Lok Sabha debate, the Wayanad MP argued that the proposed law would weaken the original employment guarantee and should not be rushed through Parliament without wider consultation. She accused the government of pushing the Bill forward due to personal obsession or bias, and called for it to be sent to the Standing Committee for detailed scrutiny.

The bill should not be rushed through without proper consultation with the House or any discussion. It ought to be withdrawn, and the government should introduce a new bill, Gandhi said. Although Mahatma Gandhi was not personally related to me, he was like family. This is the emotion of the entire nation. This bill should be referred to the Standing Committee for detailed examination. No legislation should be pushed through merely due to personal obsession or bias.

She also flagged persistent issues with wage payments under the existing MGNREGA framework, warning that a change in nomenclature and structure would not address long-standing implementation gaps.

I dont understand this thing about changing names. This new bill will weaken the right to income for at least 100 days. Wherever you go, MNREGA employees will tell you that they have not received their wages, she said.

Earlier in the day, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sought the Houses permission to introduce the Bill, describing it as a reform-oriented successor to MGNREGA. According to the government, the new legislation will guarantee 125 days of wage employment per rural household for adult members willing to undertake unskilled manual work, while aligning employment generation with the creation of sustainable rural infrastructure.
Mumbai Customs department seized over 2 crore worth of precious gold in the last few days. The smugglers were trying to sneak in 24 KT Gold dust weighing 2.270 kilograms but were apprehended at Mumbai's airport security check when they tried to circumvent detection. The intricately packed precious metal failed to evade detection and were confiscated by screening agents.

Mumbai Customs in a post on X stated, During the duty from 15th-17th December 2025, officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs ZoneIII, effected significant seizures. A total of 8.467 Kg of hydroponic weed was seized from one passenger arriving from Bangkok, and 2.270 kg of 24 KT Gold dust valued at Rs. 2,89,73,690/- and 230 grams of 24KT gold valued at Rs. 29,35,660/- seized in 3 different cases involving transit passengers and airport staff. A total 5 passengers were arrested in connection with these cases.

Central Bord of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under Ministry of Finance listed some guidelines for travellers regarding customs duty free allowance, restricted and prohibited items. Gold imports into India are governed by the Customs Act of 1962, which regulates the movement of goods across Indian borders. Passengers must comply with guidelines issued by the CBIC while importing gold to India to avoid any hassles at the airport.

As per the effective regulations, Indians passengers are eligible to carry some amount of gold jewellery duty free. While men can carry ornaments worth up to 20 grams, not exceeding 50,000 in total value, for females the limit is 40 grams, not exceeding 1,00,000 in total value. The duty-free allowance or entitlements does not cover gold or silver in any form other than ornaments. At this time the most important question about who can import gold as baggage props up.

Also Read | 7 key things that changed for Indian stock market overnight - Dec 18

Gold as baggage? An 'eligible passenger' is any passenger of Indian Origin or a passenger holding a valid passport, issued under the Passport Act, 1967, coming to India after a period of not less than six months of stay abroad. However, short visits during these six months shall be ignored if the total duration of such short visits does not exceed 30 days and the passenger has not availed of the exemption under this scheme, at the time of such short visits. Except for these passengers, no other passengers are allowed to import gold in Baggage, gold import guidelines state.

To import gold in accordance with CBIC regulation:
Celebrated sculptor Ram Sutar, who was the creative force behind the Statue of Unity in Gujaratthe tallest statue in the worldpassed away late Wednesday night at his home in Noida, according to his family. He was 100 years old and had been dealing with health issues related to his age for some time.

His son, Anil Sutar, confirmed the news, stating in a press release on Thursday: It is with profound grief that we inform you of the passing of my father Shri Ram Vanji Sutar on 17th December midnight at our residence.

Prime Minister expressed condolences on Ram Sutar's passing away. The PM wrote on X: Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Ram Sutar Ji, a remarkable sculptor whose mastery gave India some of its most iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. His works will always be admired as powerful expressions of Indias history, culture and collective spirit. He has immortalised national pride for generations to come. His works will keep inspiring artists and citizens alike. My heartfelt condolences to his family, admirers and all who were touched by his remarkable life and work. Om Shanti.

Also Read | Sardar@150 Unity March ends at Statue of Unity with focus on labour reforms

Sculptor Arun Yogiraj posted about Ram Sutar's death on microblogging platform X, and wrote, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Padma Vibhushan Shri Ram V. Sutar sir, the legendary sculptor of our nation. A true visionary, he transformed metal into symbols of Indias soul, culture, and history. His monumental works stand as eternal inspirations.. om shanti

Born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village in the Dhule district of Maharashtra, Sutar discovered his love for sculpting early in life. Starting from humble beginnings, he rose to become one of Indias most revered artists, even earning a gold medal from the prestigious JJ School of Art and Architecture in Mumbai.

Over his long career, Sutar crafted some of the most iconic public sculptures in the country. Notable works include the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a meditative pose and the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, both situated on the grounds of Parliament in New Delhi.

His crowning achievement, the Statue of Unity, serves as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was Indias first deputy prime minister and home minister. This statue has become a significant representation of contemporary Indian sculpture.

Also Read | PM Modi pays tributes to Sardar Patel on his 150th birth anniversary in Gujarat

Fadnavis said Sutars art would endure for generations and that every viewing of his sculptures would evoke his memory. He also spoke to the sculptors son, Anil Sutar, over the phone to offer condolences and said the state government stood with the bereaved family.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde expressed deep grief over the demise of Sutar, describing his passing as the end of a glorious era in Indian sculpture.

Calling Sutar a Kohinoor of the world of sculpture, Shinde said the veteran artist took Indian culture and the thoughts of great leaders to the global stage through his monumental works.

Shindes peer Ajit Pawar described Sutars passing as the end of a golden era in Indian sculpture.

In a condolence message, Pawar said Ram Sutar was the Bhishmacharya of sculpture whose contribution to the field would remain unmatched.
The national capital was cloaked in a thick layer of haze on Thursday as air pollution levels took a sharp turn for the worse. According to official data, the city's 24-hour average Air quality Index (AQI) climbed to 373, up from 334 a day earlier.

The surge has firmly pushed Delhi back into the very poor air quality category, even as the Delhi government has imposed a range of anti-pollution measures to curb rising pollution levels.

Anand Vihar records highest AQI reading at 441 The scale of the situation is evident across the city's monitoring network, where nearly half the stations are reporting critical levels.

Out of 40 air quality monitoring stations in the city, 15 have recorded severe air quality, indicating dangerous levels of pollutants. Anand Vihar registered the highest reading at 441, placing it in the 'severe-plus' category.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) SAMEER app further confirmed that 24 other stations remained trapped in the very poor air quality bracket.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51100 satisfactory, 101200 moderate, 201300 poor, 301400 very poor and 401500 severe.

What is contributing to rising level of pollution in national capital? Data from the Decision Support System for Air Quality Management identifies transport as the single largest contributor to the city's pollution, accounting for 18.3% of the total pollution load.

Beyond the roads, industrial activity in Delhi and its peripheral areas contributed 9.2%, while residential sources and construction activities contributed 4.5% and 2.5%, respectively.

Minor but cumulative contributors include waste burning, road dust, and local power generation in Delhi, which together contributed nearly 4%.

The pollution crisis is not confined to Delhi's borders, as neighbouring districts in the National Capital Region (NCR) play a major role in increasing the pollution load. Jhajjar is the most significant external contributor at 12.3%, followed closely by Sonipat at 8.8%, and Rohtak at 4.8%. Other areas, including Jind, Bhiwani and Gurugram, also add to the regional pollution burden, ANI reported.

Residents are unlikely to see relief in the near future, as the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi suggests that the air quality is likely to remain in the very poor category on Friday and Saturday, and may deteriorate further to severe on Sunday.

What curbs did Delhi impose? The Delhi government has announced a series of curbs to tackle rising air pollution in Delhi. On 17 December, it directed private companies to operate with a maximum of 50% staff physically present at workplaces, with the remaining employees required to work from home.

Meanwhile, from 18 December, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to refuel at petrol pumps in the national capital.
The Income Tax Department has searched the office premises of multiple food and beverages companies in Mumbai, including one linked to actor Shilpa Shetty, on charges of tax evasion, official sources said on Thursday.

They said about 20-24 premises in and around Mumbai were being raided since Wednesday after the department got "actionable" inputs against certain companies in this sector who are alleged to have been undertaking "out of the books" or cash transactions.

The sources said the searches have covered some office premises of a restaurant co-owned by Shetty and some others. They denied that her Mumbai house was being raided by the taxman.

The tax officials said the I-T investigation was neither linked to a Maharashtra Police FIR against Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra (on charges of fraud) nor one registered by Bengaluru police against a local restaurant for allegedly operating post the legal working hours.

The Bengaluru restaurant is stated to be co-owned by Shetty.

On Wednesday, Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) invoked cheating charge against the high-profile couple in addition to criminal breach of trust.

According to an official, earlier the case was registered under section 406 of the IPC (punishment for criminal breach of trust) against the celebrity couple and after investigation, section 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) has been added.

Also Read | Shilpa Shetty cancels foreign trip plans, withdraws plea amid cheating case

However, Shetty and her husband issued a statement on social media categorically denying the allegations against them and stating that they "fully cooperated" with the investigation and were sanguine.

They said justice will prevail and they have complete faith in the law enforcement authorities and the judicial system of the country.

"We categorically deny the baseless and motivated allegations being circulated. The issues sought to be raised are being given a criminal colour without any lawful basis," he said in a post.
A 48-year-old woman was killed allegedly by her tenants when she went to their flat to collect rent, police said on Thursday.

The deceased, identified as Deepshikha Sharma, was killed around 11 pm at Aura Chimera Society, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Nandgram Upasna Pandey said, as reported by PTI.

47-year-old Deepshikha Sharma was found dead inside her own rental property on Tuesday night. She had gone to her other apartment that morning to collect monthly rent from her tenants.

Police officials said concern grew when she did not return home or answer calls throughout the day, and later her body was discovered stuffed into a large red suitcase, ANI reported.

Her domestic help became suspicious after Deepshikha's absence and alerted authorities. A search of the apartment was then conducted, leading to the grim discovery of her body hidden inside the premises.

Also Read | Pakistani wedding dance to Dhurandhar title track breaks internet| Viral Video

Her maid, along with neighbours, went to the flat to look for her, following which Deepshikha's body was recovered stuffed inside a red bag from the flat, the ACP said.

Police were informed at around 11.15 pm through the PRV, after which a team reached the spot and arrested the couple, identified as Ajay Gupta (35) and Akriti Gupta (33), she said.

A case was registered and the body was sent for post-mortem examination. Further investigation is underway, the ACP added.

Meanwhile, in another operation the Delhi Police have apprehended a fraudster involved in cheating people on the pretext of providing job opportunities. The accused has been identified as 35-year-old Rohit Mishra, resident of Aditya World City, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

A case under the FIR No. 104/25 U/S 318(4) BNS was registered at Police Station Cyber, Shahdara, in which complainant Ritu Singh alleged that she was cheated by unknown persons on the pretext of providing a job in Airways Vistara.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday tabled the Securities Markets Code 2025 Bill in the Lok Sabha to consolidate and simplify Indias numerous securities rules, enhance the accountability of regulatory officials, and improve grievance redressal.

The proposed code merges the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Act, 1992, the Depositories Act, 1996 and the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 into a unified statute. The government seeks to modernize regulation, strengthen investor protection and enable capital mobilisation at a scale aligned with the needs of a fast-growing economy, according to the legislation.

The Bill has been referred to the parliamentary standing committee on finance led by BJP lawmaker Bhartruhari Mahtab.

Currently, several provisions related to the securities market are spread across different acts and circulars. There were too many laws and circulars. Now this has been consolidated. It was the need of the hour to make laws simpler and clearer, said Akshaya Bhansali, managing partner at Mindspright Legal.

Conflict of interest The bill introduces provisions to increase the accountability of regulatory officials with fresh conflict of interest disclosures.

Sebi board members will be required to disclose any direct or indirect interest in matters under discussion at board meetings. Such disclosures will be recorded in the proceedings of the meeting and the officer will have to recuse themselves from such discussions, according to the Bill. The code also empowers the Centre to remove a Sebi official if, in its opinion, the person has acquired financial or other interests that are likely to prejudice the discharge of their functions.

Sebi had constituted a high-level committee in March to tighten disclosure and recusal norms for all Sebi officials, especially senior members.

This came after conflict-of-interest allegations involving Madhabi Puri Buch, who served as Sebi chairperson until February. In August 2024, US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research alleged, among other things, that Buch and her husband had undisclosed interests in entities incorporated in Bermuda and Mauritius that were purportedly linked to the Adani Group. The Buchs and the Adani Group denied the allegations.

Legal experts said these rules were the need of the hour.

Conflict of interest provisions have been made explicit. It increases the accountability on board members. Theres more scope to increase transparency of disclosures made by the members," said Sidharth Kumar, senior associate, BTG Advaya.

Curbing probe delays The Bill also addresses long-standing industry concerns about delayed enforcement by introducing a clear limitation period. It restricts Sebi from initiating inspections or investigations after eight years from the date of a default, except in specific circumstances.

We have seen show-cause notices being issued five years after the violation happened. This does not hold in front of the SAT (Securities Appellate Tribunal), said Bhansali. The code provides a stringent timeline for investigation.

Investor protection The proposed code also provides statutory backing to an investor ombudsperson framework, empowering Sebi to designate one or more officers to receive and redress investor grievances. Under the proposed system, investors must first attempt resolution through existing grievance redressal mechanisms for up to 180 days.

If that doesnt help, they may approach the ombudsperson within a defined time window. The ombudsperson will have certain powers of a civil court, though any order passed will not prevent Sebi from taking separate action under the code.

"Ombudsperson provisions introduced in SMC will give more teeth to the SCORES mechanism. It will make the process of investor complaint resolution more effective," said Kumar.

Other proposals The code also gives a formal legislative backing to Sebis regulatory sandbox, allowing the regulator to create a controlled environment for testing new products, contracts and services in the securities markets. While sandbox frameworks have existed earlier through circulars and policy documents, the new law empowers Sebi to grant exemptions or modifications through regulations, subject to safeguards.

The revised framework also promotes inter-regulatory actions by allowing instruments regulated by other authorities to be issued, held and listed through depositories and stock exchanges, subject to regulatory approval. Sebi may permit such listings in consultation with other regulators, with trading, clearing and settlement governed by the code and prescribed conditions. Such inter-regulatory actions, especially in enforcement, were prevalent in practice but were never spelled out in law.

There are several provisions in the code that codify practices that Sebi had already been following, giving them a firmer legal footing. The Bill bars the same officer from acting as both investigating officer and adjudicating officer in a case, maintaining an arms-length separation between investigation and adjudication. It also defines timelines for investigations and interim orders, aimed at ensuring time-bound completion of enforcement proceedings.

The enforcement framework is further strengthened through a principles-based penalty regime. Adjudicating officers will be required to ensure that any order is proportionate to the default or contravention committed, taking into account factors such as the nature and seriousness of the violation, its duration and frequency, past conduct, unlawful gains and losses caused to investors.

While the code decriminalizes minor, technical and procedural contraventions by moving them to a civil penalty framework, it retains stringent punishment for serious market abuse such as fraud and manipulation.
Six days into the investigation of last weekends mass shooting at Brown University, authorities are examining a possible connection to a second attack near Boston that occurred two days later and killed a professor at another Ivy League school, an AP report said on Thursday.

According to three people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the ongoing investigation, investigators are looking into whether the two shootings are linked. Two of the people said authorities have identified a person of interest in the cases and are actively searching for that individual.

Two attacks days apart The first shooting occurred Saturday inside a classroom in Brown Universitys engineering building, where two students were killed and nine others wounded. The attacker fled the scene and remains at large.

Two days later, about 50 miles north, Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro was shot at his home near Boston on Monday night and died at a hospital the following day.

The FBI previously said it was aware of no connection between the cases.

No arrest yet as frustration grows Nearly a week after the Brown shooting, frustration is mounting in Providence as authorities continue their search without a suspect in custody and without a clear image of the attackers face.

Theres no discouragement among people who understand that not every case can be solved quickly, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said at a news conference Wednesday.

Investigators have scoured the area for evidence and urged the public to review phone and security footage from the week leading up to the attack, believing the shooter may have cased the scene beforehand. Officials have not indicated they are close to making an arrest.

Surveillance gaps complicate investigation Police have released several videos from before and after the shooting that show a person matching witnesses descriptions of the shooter. In the footage, the individual is seen standing, walking and running on streets near campus, but their face is obscured by a mask or turned away from cameras.

Brown officials say the university has about 1,200 cameras, but the shooting occurred in an older section of the engineering building with few, if any, cameras. Investigators believe the shooter entered and exited through a door facing a residential street, possibly avoiding campus surveillance.

City leaders acknowledge fear Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said Wednesday that the city is doing everything possible to keep residents safe, while acknowledging growing anxiety.

It is a scary time in the city, Smiley said, noting that families were likely having difficult conversations about whether to remain in town over the holidays.

We are doing everything we can to reassure folks, to provide comfort, and that is the best answer I can give to that difficult question, he said when asked whether the city was safe.
Coastal flood advisories have been issued for New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey in view of an approaching storm on the east coast.

Farther out west, a red flag warning for potential spread of wildfires has been raised in Colorado.

Coastal flood advisories The National Weather Service (NWS) said that coastal flood advisories would be in place on Friday morning for several areas, including parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, southern Nassau County, and northern New Jersey, as per a report by CBS.

The NWS further warned that up to one foot of inundation was expected in vulnerable areas in Queens and Long Island, particularly from 4 am to 10 am on Friday.

Meanwhile, half-a-foot of inundation is expected in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Hudson, Essex, and Union counties, from 5 am to 11 am on Friday, as per the NWS.

While the flooding isn't expected to be catastrophic, some roads are at risk, as well as low-lying properties in affected areas such as parking lots, parks and basements.

People driving at the time the advisories will be in place are advised to account for added commute times. Drivers are also advised not to drive around barricades or through flooded roads.

Red flag warning Separately, the NWS has also issued a red flag warning or a fire weather watch for Colorado's Front Range, in view of high winds and potentially hazardous conditions that could fuel the spread of wildfires.

Wind gusts in Colorado are expected to hit 60 to 70 mph along the west of the I-25 corridor, 9NEWS reported citing NOAA meteorologist Jennifer Stark, and gusts could even reach up to 90 mph in higher elevations.

The strongest winds are expected in the Boulder and Jefferson counties, especially in higher elevations.

Humidity, meanwhile, is expected to be on the lower side, which raises the risk of wildfires: relative humidity's will be slightly above 15%, around 17-20%.

Also Read | Road rage sparks shooting near JFK airport in NYC  probe underway

"There are so many other factors that will be overwhelming that if a wildfire were to start [such as] it's going to spread quickly, it's going to be hard to control, hard to contain," Stark was quoted as saying.

She also urged residents to take the red flag warning seriously: "Definitely pay attention to what the weather is doing, be aware of any fire starts, be prepared to leave your home if you need to quickly. And for certain, don't do anything outdoors that's going to start a fire," Stark told 9NEWS.

While the red flag warning was initially issued for Wednesday, it will be in effect on Thursday as well as per local news outlet KOAA News5.

It should be noted that on 30 December 2021, the Marshall Fire broke out under similar conditions in Colorado, destroying 1,084 homes in Boulder county in the process.
Dan Bongino, the deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has announced that he will leave the position in January 2026. President Donald Trump also confirmed Dan Bonginos departure.

The US President suggested that Bongino, a former conservative media personality, is eager to return to broadcasting. Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show, Trump was quoted saying.

FBI Director Kash Patel, posted a warm send-off for his number 2, writing on X (formerly Twitter), "Dan is the best partner I couldve asked for in helping restore this FBI. He brought critical reforms to make the organization more efficient, led the successful Summer Heat op, served as the peoples voice for transparency, and delivered major breakthroughs in long unsolved cases like the pipe bomb investigation. And thats only a small part of the work he went about every single day delivering for America.

He not only completed his mission - he far exceeded it. We will miss him but Im thankful he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it."

Why is Dan Bongino leaving the FBI so soon? Dan Bongino disclosed his decision in a social media post late on Wednesday, thanking senior figures in the Trump administration and the public for the opportunity to serve.

I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January, Bongino wrote. I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her.

Dan Bongino's announcement followed a day of speculation in Washington and the media, with multiple reports suggesting his exit was imminent. Several officials in the know indicated that Bongino had already begun clearing out his office and saying farewell to colleagues, fuelling expectations that his departure was only a matter of time.

What tensions surrounded Dan Bongino's tenure? Bonginos time at the FBI was punctuated by reports of friction with officials at the Department of Justice. In July, he was said to have considered resigning after clashing with Attorney General Pam Bondi over a memo concerning the handling of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Bondis memo stated that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted and concluded that there was no evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties.

The episode reportedly sparked a heated exchange at the White House and raised questions about Bonginos position within the administration.

Before entering government, Dan Bongino had promoted conspiracy theories related to Jeffery Epstein, including suggestions that Epstein may have been murdered. Earlier this year, however, he publicly accepted the official finding that Epstein died by suicide in 2019.

Notably, an hour before Bongino announced his departure, Democrat lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez put out a cryptic post on , saying, Reminder that the Epstein Files are supposed to be released on Friday and every political development that you see between now until then should be viewed with that in mind.

Why was Dan Bonginos appointment controversial? Dan Bongino was appointed deputy FBI director in February, despite having no prior experience working within the bureau. A former police officer and Secret Service agent, he later built a high-profile career as a right-wing radio and television host.

His selection by Trump was seen by critics as an overtly political appointment to a role that traditionally demands deep institutional knowledge and operational experience. Supporters, however, argued that his law enforcement background and public profile made him well placed to challenge what they viewed as entrenched bureaucracy.

FBI deputy directors typically oversee the bureaus day-to-day operations, often wielding substantial influence. Under the previous administration, then-deputy director Paul Abbate was regarded by some insiders as so powerful that former director Christopher Wray was viewed largely as a figurehead.

Who will take over Dan Bonginos responsibilities at FBI? According to individuals familiar with internal discussions, Dan Bonginos co-deputy director, Andrew Bailey, is expected to assume the full traditional duties of the role following his departure, New York Post reported.

Bailey previously served as Missouris attorney general from 2023 to 2025 and was involved in a failed Supreme Court challenge concerning alleged federal pressure on social media companies to censor disinformation. Supporters of the case had hoped it would result in a landmark ruling on First Amendment protections.
House Democrats on Thursday (December 18) released additional photographs from Jeffrey Epsteins estate, providing further insight into the financiers social circles and alleged activities. The images were handed to Congress without contextual information, such as dates or locations.

Among the newly released images is a photo showing billionaire Bill Gates standing with a woman whose face is concealed, seemingly in a hotel lobby. Another shows philosopher and activist Noam Chomsky aboard an airplane, chatting with Epstein.

Among the photos are images of Epstein cooking with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, an Emirati businessman.

Officials emphasized that the appearance of individuals in these photos is not evidence of wrongdoing.

Disturbing contextual details Other images raise more troubling questions. One photo shows a womans lower leg and foot on what appears to be a bed, with a copy of Vladimir Nabokovs Lolita in the background. A quote from the controversial 1955 novel is visible: She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock.

Other photographs show Epstein with women or girls, with faces blacked out. The committee said the redactions are intended to prevent the identification of victims or potential victims.

Redacted personal documents The release also included heavily redacted documents, such as a Ukrainian passport, with identifying information covered to protect victims identities. Reports note that after Epsteins 2006 arrest in Florida, he allegedly shifted focus to recruiting young women from Eastern European countries.

Evidence of recruitment activity A screenshot of a text message exchange appears to show discussions about recruiting an 18-year-old woman for Epstein, with details including her age, height, weight, and travel plans from Russia. The messages read in part: I will send u girls now. Maybe someone will be good for J?

Another snippet included: I dont know try to send someone else. I have a friend scout she sent me some girls today. But she asks 1000$ per girl. I will send u girls now. Maybe someone will be good for J?

Many specifics in the messages have been redacted to protect privacy.

Redactions to protect victims The House Oversight Committee stated that all personally identifiable information of victims and survivors has been redacted. If it is unclear whether someone depicted in the photos was a victim, their details have also been obscured.

The release comes just days before the Justice Department is legally required to make public large portions of its Epstein-related records by the end of the week.

Photos from Epsteins estate The newly released images are part of more than 95,000 photographs obtained by the House Oversight Committee after issuing a subpoena for materials Epstein possessed before his death in a New York jail cell in 2019.

Democrats demand DOJ transparency Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said the new material raises concerns about what evidence remains undisclosed.

These new images raise more questions about what exactly the Department of Justice has in its possession, Garcia said. We must end this White House cover-up, and the DOJ must release the Epstein files now.

Deadline to release Epstein files Congress has passed, and President Donald Trump has signed, legislation requiring the Justice Department to release its case files related to Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell by Friday.

Public interest in the files is intense, fueled by years of conspiracy theories and speculation surrounding Epsteins relationships with powerful figures, including Trump, former President Bill Clinton.
A plane crashed in North Carolina's Iredell County on Thursday, leaving multiple people dead.

An "aircraft incident" was first reported by the Statesville Regional Airport, which said in a Facebook post, At approximately 10:15am, an aircraft crashed while landing. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is en route and will investigate the incident.

Subsequently, local media reports citing the sheriff's office confirmed that the incident in question was a plane crash.

The plane took off from the airport before immediately turning back around and attempting to land before it burst into flames, reported local media outlet WCNC, shedding some light on how the crash took place.

An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently underway, and further details are expected as the day goes on.

What we know about casualties It was not immediately clear how many people were on board the crashed plane, and the number of casualties are yet to be declared.

Reports, however, suggest that multiple deaths are feared.

While details remain scarce about the crash, RT (formerly Russia Today) reported that a 1981 Cessna Citation II (Model 550) aircraft had crashed.

The plane was reportedly owned by GB Aviation Leasing, which, in turn, is owned by NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. However, it remains unclear if the driver was on board.

However, if the Statesville Regional Airport's website is anything to go by, the reports could be crediblethe website reads, The Statesville Regional Airport provides corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams.

It should be noted that the airport is a mere 45 miles from the Charlotte Motor Speedway, which hosts two annual NASCAR races: the Coca-Cola 600 (originally known as the World 600) and the Bank of America Roval 400.

Visuals from social media showed the plane up in flames, with nothing but the tail being identifiable in the fiery wreckage.

Status of the investigation The investigation into the plane crash is currently underway and a press conference held by authorities provided no major details.

Officials said the jet crashed at the end of the east runway, adding that debris was still on the runway, and that the airport was closed until further notice.
House Oversight Democrats on Thursday (December 18) released a new batch of photographs linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including images that reference Lolita, Vladimir Nabokovs controversial novel about the sexual exploitation of a young girl.

Some of the most disturbing images include photographs of a woman with what appear to be handwritten excerpts from Lolita across her body.

Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip, reads one phrase written below a womans collarbone.

Other lines include:

She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock, written on a foot

She was Lola in slacks

She was Dolly at school, written on a womans neck

Another image shows a womans lower leg and foot on what appears to be a bed, with a paperback copy of Lolita visible in the background.

The disclosure comes just one day before the US Department of Justice is expected to release its full archive of Epstein-related documents.

The latest release includes dozens of photographs drawn from a larger trove of about 95,000 images provided by the Jeffrey Epstein estate last week.

Among them are heavily redacted passports from Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Russia, as well as a prescription for the urinary tract infection medication Phenazopyridine.

Several prominent figures also appear in the images, including billionaire Bill Gates, Google co-founder Sergey Brin and academic Noam Chomsky.

Context still missing According to lawmakers, the photos were handed to Congress without details on when or where they were taken, or the circumstances surrounding them.

The Oversight Committee has said it redacted personally identifiable information to protect victims and survivors.

Earlier releases Previous photo batches released by House Democrats included images of Epstein with US President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, and conservative podcaster Steve Bannon.

DOJ files awaited The latest disclosure comes as anticipation builds around the Justice Departments impending release of its Epstein files.

The records are expected to shed more light on Epsteins network and activities, which have long been the subject of intense public scrutiny and conspiracy theories.
Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith claimed on Wednesday that his team of investigators developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt against US President Donald Trump that he had criminally conspired to overturn the results of the 2020 election, according to portions of his opening statement obtained by The Associated Press.

Smith reportedly told lawmakers in a closed-door interview Wednesday that investigators had accrued powerful evidence that Trump broke the law by hoarding classified documents from his first term as president at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and by obstructing government efforts to recover the records.

I made my decisions in the investigation without regard to President Trumps political association, activities, beliefs, or candidacy in the 2024 presidential election, Smith said. We took actions based on what the facts and the law required  the very lesson I learned early in my career as a prosecutor.

He said that if asked whether he would prosecute a former president based on the same facts today, I would do so regardless of whether the president was a Republican or Democrat.

The day-long deposition before the House Judiciary Committee gave lawmakers of both parties their first chance, albeit in private, to question Smith for hours about investigations into Trump that resulted in criminal cases between the Republican presidents first and second terms.

Smith was subpoenaed by the Republican-led committee for testimony and documents as part of a GOP investigation into the Trump inquiries during the administration of Democratic President Joe Biden.

The former special counsel cooperated with the congressional demand, though his lawyers noted that he had volunteered more than a month before the subpoena was issued to answer questions publicly before the committee  an overture they said was rebuffed by Republicans. Trump had told reporters that he supported the idea of an open hearing.

Also Read | Next Fed Chair will lower US interest rates by a lot, says Trump

Testifying before this committee, Jack is showing tremendous courage in light of the remarkable and unprecedented retribution campaign against him by this administration and this White House, Smith lawyer Lanny Breuer told reporters. Lets be clear: Jack Smith, a career prosecutor, conducted this investigation based on the facts and based on the law and nothing more.

Smith was appointed in 2022 to oversee Justice Department investigations into Trumps efforts to reverse his 2020 loss to Biden and Trump's hoarding of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Smiths team filed charges in both investigations but abandoned the cases after Trump was elected to the White House last year, citing Justice Department legal opinions that say a sitting president cannot be indicted.

Multiple prior Justice Department special counsels, including Robert Mueller, have testified publicly but Smith was summoned for just a private interview. Several Democrats who emerged from Smith's interview said they could understand why Republicans did not want an open hearing based on the damaging testimony about Trump they said Smith offered.

The committee's top Democrat, Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, said the Republican majority made an excellent decision" in not allowing Smith to testify publicly because had he done so, it would have been absolutely devastating to the president and all the presidents men involved in the insurrectionary activities of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.

Jack Smith has just spent several hours schooling the Judiciary Committee on the professional responsibilities of a prosecutor and the ethical duties of a prosecutor," Raskin said.

Democrats are demanding that Smiths testimony be made public, along with his full report on the investigation. A volume on the classified documents investigation has yet to be released.

The American people should hear for themselves, said Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y.

The committee chairman, Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, told reporters, I think weve learned some interesting things." He declined to discuss what was said in the room, but reiterated his position about the investigations.

Its political, he said.

Smith's interview unfolded against the backdrop of a broader retribution campaign by the Trump administration against former officials involved in investigating Trump and his allies. The Office of Special Counsel, an independent political watchdog, said in August that it was investigating Smith, and the White House issued a presidential memorandum this year aimed at suspending security clearances of lawyers at the law firm that provided legal services to Smith.

The deposition also comes as Republicans in Congress, aided by current FBI leadership, look to discredit the investigations into Trump through the release of emails and other documents that sometimes lack complete context.

Also Read | Trump set to interview Feds Christopher Waller for chair

In recent weeks, they have seized on revelations that Smith's team, as part of its investigation, had analyzed the phone records of select GOP lawmakers from a several-day period around the Capitol insurrection, when pro-Trump rioters stormed the building to try to halt the certification of Trumps election loss to Biden.

The phone records reviewed by prosecutors included information about the incoming and outgoing phone numbers and the length of the call but not the contents of the conversations. Smith told lawmakers Wednesday that the records were properly subpoenaed, were relevant to complete a comprehensive investigation and were related to calls Trump made urging lawmakers to delay certification of the election.

On Tuesday, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released a batch of internal FBI emails leading up to the August 2022 search of Mar-a-Lago. In one message, written weeks before the search, an agent wrote that the FBI's Washington field office did not believe probable cause existed to search the property for classified records.
Political commentator Tucker Carlson claimed that US President Donald Trump will announce war with Venezuela during a televised address to the nation tonight, 18 December.

However, Carlson added multiple caveats. "Who knows, by the way, if that will actually happen? I don't know. And I never want to overstate what I know, which is pretty limited in general," he was quoted by Daily Mail as saying.

What time is Trump speaking tonight? Trump will reportedly address the nation at 9 pm ET (2 am UK time or 7:30 AM IST) on 18 December. The White House said his speech will highlight the administrations actions over the past year and outline priorities for 2026.

According to Daily Mail, Carlson told the Judging Freedom Podcast, hosted by Judge Andrew Napolitano, on Wednesday, Members of Congress were briefed yesterday that a war is coming and it'll be announced in the address to the nation tonight at 9 o'clock (2 am UK time) by the president.

Also Read | Trump orders blockade of sanctioned oil tankers leaving, entering Venezuela

The claim comes amid rampant speculation over Trump's address to the nation on Wednesday. The White House said yesterday that his speech will highlight the administration's achievements over the last year and tease its aims for 2026.

Trump's pressure on Venezuela Trump dramatically escalated pressure on Venezuela on Wednesday as he ordered a 'total and complete' blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from the Latin American nation.

Venezuela's socialist tyrant, Nicolas Maduro, denounced the action as 'warmongering.'

Financial markets were quick to react.

Oil spiked toward $60 per barrel for Brent crude, while energy stocks, including ExxonMobil, BP and Shell, soared.

Venezuela reacts Venezuela reportedly asked the UN Security Council on Wednesday to hold an emergency meeting over US actions.

A letter drafted by Venezuelas foreign minister, a copy of which was seen by The New York Times, said, The president of the United States of America is violating with impunity and before the entire world our national sovereignty" and the country's "territorial integrity and political independence.

The letter accused the United States of violating international law and the UN Charter and imposing chaos and destruction on international relations.

In a separate letter to the Council, Venezuela requested that the 15-member Council intervene and denounce in writing the actions of Washington against its vessels and trade. The US is a veto-holding permanent member of the Council.

Trump's action against Venezuela Since September, the US has struck at least 25 alleged narco-terror vessels, killing at least 95 people, primarily in the Caribbean Sea, as well as in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the Daily Mail reported.

Trump accused Maduro's government of using stolen oil to "finance themselves, drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping" in a Truth Social post Tuesday.



Earlier this month, the US issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela, imposing curbs on three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro's wife, as well as six crude oil tankers and shipping companies linked to them, as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas.

The US President refused to rule out strikes inside Venezuela to target cartels, which he claims Maduro is helping to facilitate the industrial-scale production and export of the deadly opioid fentanyl into the US.

The US also executed a large-scale military build-up in the southern Caribbean as Trump campaigns for Maduro's ouster.
(Bloomberg) -- The US government acknowledged in a federal court filing that it was liable for damages resulting from a deadly collision between an Army helicopter and a regional American Airlines Group Inc. jetliner earlier this year near Washington, one of the deadliest crashes in decades.

The United States admits that it owed a duty of care to plaintiffs, which it breached, thereby proximately causing the tragic accident on Jan. 29 that killed 67 people, Justice Department lawyers wrote in a court document Wednesday in one of about two dozen lawsuits filed over the crash.

The American CRJ-700 jet and the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided as the plane approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia, with both aircraft falling into the Potomac River. The jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members on Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas. The helicopter was carrying three people participating in a regular training mission. Family members of the victims have sued the government and American, along with one of its subsidiaries, PSA Airlines.

CNN reported earlier on the Justice Department filing.

Robert Clifford, an attorney representing the wife one of the passengers killed in the crash, said in a statement that the US Army had admitted its responsibility for the needless loss of life, as well as the Federal Aviation Administrations failure to follow air traffic control procedure. However, the government was just one of several causes, Clifford said, pointing out that American and PSA have sought to dismiss the complaints.

American declined to comment on the recent filing but referred Bloomberg to its motion to dismiss the case against it. In that motion, the airline said its sympathetic to plaintiffs desire to obtain redress for this tragedy but plaintiffs proper legal recourse is not against American. It is against the United States government.

The FAA referred questions to the Justice Department. The Justice Department didnt return a request for comment. A spokesperson for the US Army said the military couldnt comment further due to the ongoing legal proceedings but it looks forward to sharing the changes its implemented once the National Transportation Safety Board completes its investigation and the legal matters have been resolved.

The NTSB said in a statement on social media Thursday that its probe into the midair collision is ongoing and wont be impacted by the civil litigation. The NTSBs safety investigation is independent, and its findings, probable cause and recommendations will not be guided by DOJ determinations, the agency said in an X post.

The collision was followed by several other aviation mishaps, including crashes and near misses, that resulted in widespread concern among the flying public. Since then, the Federal Aviation Administration has stepped up safety measures at the busy Reagan airport and restricted non-essential helicopter operations.

The case is Crafton vs. American Airlines, 25-cv-03382, US District Court, District of Columbia (Washington).

(Updates with NTSB comment in eighth paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
The United States government reportedly warned Americans about travelling to the border area of Thailand and Cambodia as tensions increase between the two neighbouring countries.

The US Embassy in Thailand issued a security alert to American tourists on December 16, warning of an escalation of armed conflict at the popular Asian destination.

US citizens should avoid all travel within 50 kilometers [about 31 miles] of the Thailand-Cambodia border, due to active hostilities and the unpredictable security situation, the alert said.

Conditions on both sides remain volatile, it added, and it is an unpredictable security situation.

"US citizens should avoid all travel within 50 kilometers of the Thailand-Cambodia border due to active hostilities and the unpredictable security situation," the statement read.

It added, "The US Embassy is monitoring reports of significant escalation in the conflict along the Thailand-Cambodia border."

What did the 'security alert' say? Tourists already in the area are advised to follow instructions from Thai security services, as the US government has a limited ability to provide emergency services.

The US' statement listed out actions that Americans must take amid the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict. They were s follows:

> Avoid all travel within 50 km of the CambodiaThailand border.

> Follow directions from Thai security services and local authorities.

> Absent other guidance, exercise caution or shelter in place if unexpectedly in the vicinity of conflict.

> Prepare or update your personal emergency plan. Review the Travelers Checklist .

> Enroll and update your information in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .

> Receive alerts from the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Consular Affairs via WhatsApp .

> Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X .

> Visit travel.state.gov and the US Embassy in Thailand website.

Thailand-Cambodia conflict Fighting broke out between the two countries December 7 over a long-disputed border. The territorial dispute dates back to a long history of kingdom rivalry.

Over a dozen people on both sides of the border have been killed to date due to the fighting, with over a half million displaced, The Associated Press reported.

US President Donald Trump said Friday (December 13) that Thai and Cambodian leaders had agreed to renew a truce after days of deadly clashes, even as Thai and Cambodian officials suggested there is still work to do to get the ceasefire that the US administration had helped broker earlier this year back on track.

Trump announced the agreement to restart the ceasefire in a social media posting following calls with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Thursday (December 18) unveiled a sweeping set of regulatory proposals that would effectively bar access to gender-affirming care for minors, marking the Trump administrations most aggressive move yet to restrict medical treatment for transgender children.

The proposed actions would cut off Medicare and Medicaid funding to hospitals that provide puberty blockers, hormone therapy or surgical interventions for minors and prohibit federal Medicaid dollars from being used to pay for such care. The restrictions would also apply to the State Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), according to a federal notice.

This is not medicine, it is malpractice, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said at a news conference. Sex-rejecting procedures rob children of their futures.

Impact across states More than half of US states already restrict or ban gender-affirming care for minors. However, the federal proposals could significantly affect access in nearly two dozen states where such treatments remain legal and, in some cases, covered by Medicaid using a mix of federal and state funds.

Nearly all US hospitals participate in Medicare and Medicaid, the federal governments largest health insurance programs for seniors, people with disabilities and low-income Americans. Losing access to those payments would threaten the financial viability of most hospitals and could further discourage providers from offering gender-affirming care for children.

Many hospitals have already halted such care in anticipation of federal action, according to healthcare advocates.

Additional regulatory moves Kennedy also announced that the HHS Office of Civil Rights will propose a rule excluding gender dysphoria from the federal definition of a disability. In a related move, the Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to a dozen companies that market chest-binding vests and similar products used by people with gender dysphoria.

The FDA said such products can only be legally marketed for approved medical uses, such as post-mastectomy recovery. Companies receiving letters include GenderBender LLC of California and TomboyX of Seattle.

Rules not yet final The proposals are not legally binding at this stage. Federal agencies must complete a formal rulemaking process that includes public comment periods and revisions before the rules can take effect. Legal challenges are widely expected.

Even so, healthcare experts warn the proposed restrictions could have an immediate chilling effect on providers, particularly given the financial risks associated with losing federal funding.

Medical community opposition The proposed rules run counter to guidance from major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, which has urged governments not to restrict care for gender dysphoria and has said such treatments can be medically appropriate for some patients.

Gender-affirming care for minors typically begins with psychological evaluation and may involve social transition, such as changes in name or pronouns. Some patients later receive puberty blockers or hormone therapy. Surgical procedures are rare for minors, according to medical groups.

Broader political context The HHS actions build on a broader push by President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress to roll back protections for transgender Americans.

On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order stating that the federal government would recognize only two sexes  male and female. He has also signed orders aimed at cutting federal support for gender transitions for people under 19 and barring transgender athletes from participating in girls and womens sports.

On Wednesday, the US House passed a bill that would expose healthcare providers to prison time for treating transgender patients under 18. Another House measure under consideration would ban Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care for children.

Legal landscape Currently, Medicaid programs in fewer than half of US states cover gender-affirming care. At least 27 states have enacted laws restricting or banning such treatment. Federal judges have struck down bans in Arkansas and Montana as unconstitutional, though legal battles in those states are ongoing.
The US Embassy on Thursday shared a post highlighting Vice President JD Vances appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by a photograph of the two leaders.

In a post on X, the US Embassy wrote, "In India, America has a friend, and we seek to strengthen the warm bonds our great nations already share. - Vice President JD Vance during his visit to India in April 2025.

See the post here:

Earlier on 11 December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump over the phone to review IndiaUS relations, reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation for global peace, stability and prosperity.

During the call, the two leaders assessed progress under the IndiaUS Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and discussed ways to broaden collaboration in areas such as trade, critical technologies, energy, defence and security.

On 10 December, Indias Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held talks with US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer on bilateral trade and economic relations.

According to a post by the commerce ministry on X, both sides shared views on IndiaUS trade and economic issues, including the ongoing negotiations for a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement.

Switzer is heading a US delegation in New Delhi for two days of trade talks, as India looks to secure relief from the punitive tariffs imposed by Washington over its imports of Russian oil.

In August, Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to as high as 50%, affecting exports such as textiles, chemicals and food products, including shrimp.

As a result, Indias exports to the US declined nearly 9% year-on-year in October to $6.31 billion from $6.91 billion, although they improved from $5.47 billion recorded in September, according to government data.

The US is also urging India to cut tariff and non-tariff barriers on American products and allow greater access to its market for US agricultural goods, including soybeans and grain sorghum.
The News in Brief Thursday, December 18, 2025

The disputed Georgian Dream-led parliament is wrapping up its fall session after passing a series of controversial laws during an extraordinary plenary session on December 17, prompting criticism over the speed and scope of the changes.Lawmakers approved legislation ending voting rights for Georgians abroad, abolishing the Anti Corruption Bureau and the Personal Data Protection Service, dismantling the business ombudsman's office, and eliminating the so-called South Ossetia provisional administration. The extraordinary session, held in the final week of the fall term, will formally conclude with a bureau meeting on December 19.One of the most contentious measures was a revised election code that restricts voting to Georgia's territory, effectively stripping citizens living abroad of the right to vote. The amendments were adopted with 79 votes in favor and 11 against. Georgian Dream has defended the change as a safeguard against foreign interference, while critics say it disenfranchises the diaspora, estimated at over one million people. In the 2024 election, only 34,574 Georgians abroad were able to vote, and the ruling party secured just 13 percent of the overseas vote.Parliament also approved legislation abolishing the Personal Data Protection Service and the Anti Corruption Bureau, both set to cease operations in March 2026. The Anti-Corruption Bureau, created in 2022 as part of EU candidate status requirements, was widely criticized for being used against government critics, including NGOs and media outlets. Its functions will be transferred to the State Audit Office.In a final reading, lawmakers voted to abolish the South Ossetia provisional administration, established in 2007, annulling laws related to conflict resolution and property restitution in the former South Ossetian Autonomous District. The body will be dissolved by January 1, 2026.The session also saw the adoption of amendments to juvenile justice legislation allowing children aged 10 to 18 who committed offenses before turning 14 to be placed in family-type care facilities for renewable six-month periods, up to two years. Authorities say the measure is rehabilitative, while critics warn it risks stigmatizing minors.Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused the European Union of applying double standards to Georgia, particularly regarding pressure to adopt sanctions against Russia."There are prime ministers of certain countries who can fly from Europe to Moscow. We have nothing against that; it is the business of those countries. But the double standards we see from European bureaucracy are very bad," Kobakhidze said, calling the EU's approach toward Georgia "shameful."He said the EU initially avoided pressing Georgia on sanctions, mentioning the issue only in a European Parliament resolution, but is now demanding action. "Even the executive branch is directly demanding that we join the sanctions, which fully exposes everything," he said.Kobakhidze cited the economic consequences of joining sanctions, noting that in March 2022, calculations showed it could cause at least a 10 percent decline in the Georgian economy. "There was no justification for this, so we made our decision in line with national interests," he said.He added that similar demands have not been made of other EU candidate countries, such as Moldova or Armenia. "In one case, something may be acceptable, while in another case, a situation ten times less significant may provoke a sharply negative reaction. The double approach the European Union demonstrates toward Georgia is shameful," Kobakhidze said.
A leader of Bangladesh's 2024 uprising who was wounded in an assassination attempt and flown to Singapore for treatment has died in the city-state, officials said on Friday.

Masked attackers shot Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, a week ago as he was leaving a mosque in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, wounding him in the ear.

"Despite the best efforts of the doctors..., Mr Hadi succumbed to his injuries," Singapore's foreign affairs ministry said in a statement, adding that it was assisting Bangladeshi authorities with repatriating his body.

Hadi was a candidate in the February 2026 elections, the first parliamentary polls since a student-led uprising toppled the autocratic rule of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina last year.

He was airlifted to Singapore on Monday for treatment.

Also Read | Bangladesh's Indian Visa Application Centre reopens in Dhaka

In Dhaka, the interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus confirmed Hadi's death.

"I express my deepest condolences. His demise is an irreparable loss for the nation," Yunus said.

"The country's march toward democracy cannot be halted through fear, terror, or bloodshed," he said in a televised speech.

The government also announced special prayers at mosques after Friday prayers and a half-day's mourning on Saturday.

Hadi was a senior leader of the student protest group Inqilab Mancha and has been an outspoken critic of India -- Hasina's old ally, where the ousted prime minister remains in self-imposed exile.

Manhunt for gunmen Police in Bangladesh have launched a manhunt for the attackers who shot Hadi, releasing photographs of two key suspects and offering a reward of five million taka (about $42,000) for information leading to their arrest.

Yunus, the 85-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner leading Bangladesh until the February 12 elections, said last Saturday that the shooting was a premeditated attack carried out by a powerful network, without providing a name.

He said that "the objective of the conspirators is to derail the election", adding that the attack was "symbolic -- meant to demonstrate their strength and sabotage the entire electoral process."

Muslim-majority Bangladesh, a nation of 170 million people, will directly vote for 300 lawmakers for its parliament, with another 50 selected on a women's list.

Also Read | India summons Bangladesh High Commissioner over Hasnat Abdullah's comments

A referendum on a landmark democratic reform package will be held on the same day.

Tensions are high as parties gear up for the polls, and the country remains volatile.

Hasina, convicted in absentia last month and sentenced to death, refused to return to attend her trial. She remains in hiding in India, despite Dhaka's repeated requests for New Delhi to hand her over.

The last elections, held in January 2024, gave Hasina a fourth straight term and her Awami League 222 seats, but were decried by opposition parties as a sham.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by three-time former prime minister Khaleda Zia, is widely tipped to win the upcoming vote.
Bangladesh's Indian Visa Application Centre closure entered day 2 on Thursday after the authorities announced temporarily closed 2 IVAC amid security concerns. In the backdrop of escalating tensions towards India and deteriorating security situation, the IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna centres in Bangladesh announced the closure on 18 December.

The State Bank of India  the only authorised agency for receiving visa applications in Bangladesh  in a notice stated, In view of the on-going security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will be closed today (18.12.2025). "

"All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be given a slot at a later date," the IVAC Bangladesh notice added.

Also Read | India summons Bangladesh High Commissioner over Hasnat Abdullah's comments

India summons Dhaka envoy amid security concerns This circular was issued after India summoned Bangladesh's High Commissioner in New Delhi, Muhammad Riaz Hamidullah, over recent threats to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and inflammatory anti-India statements from Bangladeshi political leaders. The fresh notice of IVAC closure comes after authorities announced closure of Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka on Wednesday.

In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka will be closed at 2 PM today. All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be given a slot at a later date, the 17 December notification said.

Also Read | Bangladesh President wants to step down, says he felt humiliated by Yunus

Notably, India has 16 visa application centres spread across the Muhammad Yunus-led country. Every year, IVACs collectively process nearly 22 lakh visa applications.

Amid concerning security situation, Ministry of External Affairs said, We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of missions and posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations while it rejected false narrative made by extremist elements of interim government of Bangladesh regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh.

India supports peace and stability in Bangladesh and has consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in a peaceful environment.India categorically rejects the assertions made by the interim Government of Bangladesh," the MEA said.

Dhaka had previously summoned the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, to convey its concerns over what it described as incendiary statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Indian soil.

On Wednesday afternoon, a large group of protesters carrying "July Oikya" (July Unity) banners and chanting anti-India slogans marched towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The agitators raised several demands, including the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Canada's population declined by 0.2 percent over the third quarter - from July 1 to October 1, 2025  as per the data released by Statistics Canada on Wednesday. As of October 1, 2025, the county's population stand at 41,575,585 - down from 41.65 million on July 1.

Ontario (-0.4%) and British Columbia (-0.3%) saw the largest population decrease in the third quarter of 2025, followed by Manitoba and the Northwest Territories (both -0.2%).

Every province and territory except Alberta and Nunavut (both +0.2%) saw population decreases, according to preliminary estimates.

It was the only other quarterly decline on record that came in 2020, and was attributed to Covid-19 border restrictions. While the growth in Alberta remained positive, it was the lowest for this province since the second quarter of 2021 (+0.1%), when border restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19 were still in place, the official statement read.

Why did Canada's population decline? The recent decline was attributed to a drop in the number of international students studying in Canada after Ottawa pledged to tamp down on the number of study permits issued.

As per the official release, the preliminary estimates revealed that the population decrease in Canada was mainly due to a drop in non-permanent residents.

"This trend is the result of changing government policies concerning international migration," it said.

Also Read | Canada's Air Transat to suspend flights as pilots union announces strike

In recent years, Canada reformed the International Student Program  tightening eligibility requirements for temporary foreign workers, enforcing employer compliance more strictly, and making labour market impact assessments more rigorous to mitigate fraud among other measures.

On September 18, 2024, Canada announced additional measures to manage the volume of temporary resident arrivals. These measures included:

1. Announcing a further reduction in the intake cap on international student study permits for 2025 based on a 10% reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000 new study permits issued, and then stabilising the intake cap for 2026 such that the number of study permits issued remains the same as 2025.

Also Read | How Canadas startup visa scheme is holding entrepreneurs hostage

2. Updating the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program to better align with immigration goals and labour market needs limiting work permit eligibility, later this year, to spouses of masters degree students to only those whose program is at least 16 months in duration
China Eastern Airlines is set to launch daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai, with services commencing on 2 January 2026. This route will operate daily, offering passengers a direct and convenient travel option between the two cities.

The announcement, shared by the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, signals a rapid restoration of air links between the two neighbouring countries after more than five years of suspension.

Good news for IndiaChina travelers! Starting January 2, 2026, China Eastern Airlines will launch daily nonstop flights between Delhi and Shanghai (sic), Yu Jing, Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, said in a post on X, and shared some screenshots of the flight routes.

Key route details and schedule The daily service will connect Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).

According to the flight timings shown in screenshots shared by the Chinese embassy spokesperson, the flights will depart from Shanghai Pudong at 12:50 PM and arrive in Delhi at 5:45 PM, with a total travel time of 7 hours and 55 minutes.

The embassy spokesperson also teased further expansion, confirming that the popular Kolkata-Kunming route is set to return soon. Additionally, a brand-new direct connection between Mumbai and Shanghai is currently in the works, according to Yu Jing.

Are relations between India and China improving? In October, India and China announced that they would resume direct air services between the two countries later that month. The agreement was reached following technical discussions between the aviation authorities of the two countries, aimed at normalising relations.

The plan to resume direct air services signals tentative signs of improvement in India and China's bilateral relationship. Their relations hit their lowest point in June 2020 after deadly border clashes in Ladakh's Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where 20 Indian soldiers and a number of Chinese troops were killed.

Also Read | As Delhi battles pollution, China shares steps on how Beijing tackled it

The decision to restart air services between India and China also seeks to promote greater people-to-people contact between the two largest economies in the world.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will be the chief guests at Indias Republic Day celebrations on January 26, according to a report by News18.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ursula von der Leyen had agreed on a February deadline to finalise the FTA this year. Their visit will coincide with the IndiaEU Summit, where discussions are expected to centre on the proposed Free Trade Agreement, as both sides seek to move the long-pending deal forward.

Also Read | European Union and Indian navies take over ship used by pirates off Somalia to seize tanker

These twin events highlight a renewed strategic and economic engagement between India and the EU at the highest levels.

Trade negotiators from India and the European Union are no longer optimistic they can finalise a trade agreement by the end of the year, with talks stuck on a few key issues like steel and automobiles, Bloomberg reported on December 12, citing sources.

The main sticking points seem to involve sensitive sectors such as automobiles and steel. Sources told Bloomberg the EU is pushing New Delhi to increase the quota of roughly 80,000 cars that can be exported to India at reduced tariffs. Meanwhile, India is seeking lower duties on certain steel products exported to the EU and greater flexibility regarding the bloc's carbon tax rules.

European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill noted that EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic visited India earlier this month to advance the negotiations, following a period of intensive discussions at the technical level.

The FTA has been under negotiation for almost two decades, but discussions gained renewed urgency this year after US President Donald Trump returned to the White House, raising tariffs and disrupting global trade.

Trumps 50% tariff on Indian goods heavily impacted the country's export sectors, leading India to explore alternative markets.

European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill noted that EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic visited India earlier this month to advance negotiations, following a period of intensive discussions at the technical level.

Piyush Goyal said, air is pregnant with possibilities Earlier on December 10, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said negotiations for the India-EU free trade agreement are progressing, and a rough outline of the pact has been prepared.

He said both sides are committed to an early conclusion of the deal.

Ek free trade agreement ki motee-motee roop rekha taiyaar ho gayee hai (a rough outline of a free trade agreement has been prepared), Goyal said.

When asked if an announcement is expected on the conclusion of the negotiations in January, the minister said: I think the air is pregnant with possibilities.

"I can say with certainty that both sides are committed for an early conclusion of the deal. Whether it happens in one month, next week or next month, we will wait and watch," he added.

India-EU FTA In June 2022, India and the 27-nation EU bloc resumed negotiations for a comprehensive FTA (free trade agreement), an investment protection agreement and a pact on geographical indications after a gap of over eight years.

It was stalled in 2013 due to differences on the level of opening up markets.

India's bilateral trade in goods with the EU was USD 136.53 billion in 2024-25 (exports worth USD 75.85 billion and imports worth USD 60.68 billion), making it the largest trading partner for goods.

The EU market accounts for about 17 per cent of India's total exports, and the bloc's exports to India constitute 9 per cent of its total overseas shipments.

Also Read | For India and EU, a deal is closer than ever

Besides demanding significant duty cuts in automobiles and medical devices, the EU wants tax reduction in other products like wine, spirits, meat, poultry, and a strong intellectual property regime.

Indian goods' exports to the EU, such as readymade garments, pharmaceuticals, steel, petroleum products, and electrical machinery, can become more competitive if the pact sails through.

I think the air is pregnant with possibilities.

The India-EU trade pact negotiations cover 23 policy areas or chapters, including trade in goods, services, investment, rules of origin, customs and trade facilitation, government procurement, dispute settlement, intellectual property rights, and geographical indications.

(With inputs from agencies)
India and Oman signed a free trade agreement on Thursday, which will grant duty-free access to 98% of Indian exports to the Sultanate, including textiles, agricultural products, and leather goods.

In return, India will reduce tariffs on Omani products such as dates, marble, and petrochemicals.

The agreement is expected to take effect in the first quarter of next year. The deal assumes significance as India faces steep 50% tariffs in its largest export market, the US.

Also Read | PM Modi conferred with The First Class of the Order of Oman

The pact was signed in Muscat by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Oman's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Oman has offered zero-duty access on over 98% of its tariff lines, covering 99.38% of Indias exports to the country.

The bilateral relations between the two nations have been going strong. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Oman in February 2018, and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik made a State visit to India in December 2023, giving new momentum to the ties.

Why Oman matters? Oman is a key partner in Indias West Asia policy and plays a significant role in backing New Delhi's interests in regional and multilateral forums, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab League, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

The two nations share strong geographical, historical, and cultural ties, with people-to-people connections dating back nearly 5,000 years.

Political ties between India and Oman have grown increasingly strategic over the years, reinforced by regular high-level exchanges.

Before Prime Minister Modi, four Indian Prime MinistersRajiv Gandhi, PV Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Manmohan Singhhad visited Oman, establishing a strong tradition of high-level bilateral engagement.

Nearly seven lakh Indian nationals reside in Oman. India receives about USD 2 billion in remittances from Oman annually.

Indian enterprises have built a strong presence in Oman, with over 6,000 Indian establishments operating across sectors. India has received USD 615.54 million in foreign direct investment from Oman between April 2000 and September 2025.

This is the second trade pact signed by India in the last six months, following the one with the UK, and is part of a strategy to sign trade agreements with developed economies that are not competing with India's labour-intensive interests and provide opportunities for Indian businesses.

Defence cooperation Defence cooperation has become a cornerstone of the India-Oman strategic partnership, with Oman standing as Indias closest defence ally in the Gulf. It is the first Gulf country with which India conducts joint exercises across all three servicesArmy, Navy, and Air Force.

The two nations also collaborate closely on maritime security in the Indian Ocean and maintain regular defence dialogues through platforms like the Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC).

Second trade deal with a GCC member This is also the second trade deal India has inked with a GCC country. India, in May 2022, implemented a similar pact with the UAE, and it is expected to soon start talks with Qatar. The other members of the council are Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

Talks for the free trade agreement, officially termed as CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), formally began in November 2023 and the negotiations concluded this year.

In free trade agreements, the two partners typically reduce or eliminate customs duties on as many goods as possible and relax regulations to boost trade in services and attract investments.

The India-Oman FTA is the Sultanate's first bilateral trade agreement since the US pact in 2006. Among GCC countries, Oman ranks as Indias third-largest export destination. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached approximately USD 10.5 billion in 2024-25, with exports at USD 4 billion and imports at USD 6.54 billion.
Chinas new economic model is putting the future of Asias Gen-Z at risk. The continent is home to some of the worlds most trade-oriented economies that rode globalization to lift the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of millions.

But its now being hit by a double whammy: an export base that has come under pressure from a flood of cheap goods from China, unquestionably the regions dominant power, and US President Donald Trumps trade war.

It is frustrating a generation already struggling with stagnant wages and soaring living costs. Theyre having to face the fact that the manufacturing jobs that powered prosperity for their parents are becoming scarce, while the white-collar ladder is increasingly crowded for graduates too.

To sustain growth as domestic demand stalls and its property sector continues to act as a drag, China has doubled down on manufacturing. Its annual trade surplus is now over $1 trillion, despite a deepening plunge in shipments to the US. Its exports are swamping neighbouring economies and stirring resentment abroad. French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the EU may take strong measures if Beijing fails to address the imbalance.

Southeast Asia and other countries in the Global South are absorbing a disproportionate share of Chinese exports. The members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are particularly vulnerable as their own low-cost markets are struggling to compete with the scale of Chinas output. Import curbs and other measures have done little to stop the flow.

Labour-intensive industries employing younger workers are hit hardest. Around 60 textile factories have closed in Indonesia since 2022, leading to the loss of an estimated 250,000 jobs. The Indonesia Fiber and Filament Yarn Producer Association has estimated another half-million are at risk in 2025, effectively wiping out one of four jobs in the sector in a matter of years.

Indonesia isnt the only country affected. Thailand recorded roughly 2,000 factory shutdowns last year; officials cited cheap Chinese imports as a major factor. These entry-level manufacturing jobs traditionally absorbed young people; their most reliable path into the middle class is narrowing.

It doesnt stop at low-end production. The USChina Economic and Security Review Commission warns that Chinas overcapacity is now reshaping markets far beyond textiles and toysadvanced industries backed by state financing and an aggressive industrial policy.

Economists David Autor and Gordon Hanson argue that China Shock 2.0 could be even more disruptive than the first, which took place between 1999 and 2007 and upended Americas economy, leading in part to the loss of nearly a quarter of all US manufacturing jobs.

The political consequences of the new China shock are already emerging. In parts of Asia, younger voters are angrier and more sceptical of their leaders and economic elites, which risks intensifying pressures on governments.

That anger was on display on the streets of Indonesia, Timor-Leste and the Philippines this summer, as a generation fed up with rampant corruption, nepotism and a lack of jobs led protests demanding more accountability. In Nepal, angry youth opposed to graft forced the government out of power in early September.

Beijing, aware of these problems, may not want to upset its neighbours economic stability. The region is already reeling from Trumps tariffspresenting an ideal opportunity for China to expand its influence.

Recent official meetings made a veiled reference to uncertainty overseas, calling for better coordination between domestic economic work and an international economic and trade battle." Party leaders have vowed to act without delay" to develop new growth engines.

Also Read | Why central banks in Southeast Asia keep wrong-footing economists

There are bright spots. Exports from Southeast Asia to the US rose about 23% year-on-year in September, with Vietnam and Thailand leading. Much of this is companies diversifying their production from China because of geopolitical tensions. But that growth still isnt necessarily creating secure jobs for young workers.

Simply blocking Chinese imports is unlikely to workthey have become crucial in the regions supply chains. More credible responses would focus on helping domestic firms find new markets and become more efficient, coordinating regional trade defences rather than acting alone, and expanding retraining and income support for displaced workers. Without policies that ensure that Gen-Z shares in the benefits of trade, economic frustration risks hardening into political volatility.

Chinas economic model is exporting uncertainty across Asias labour markets. And no amount of cheap goods will make up for that. Bloomberg

The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia politics with a special focus on China.
Indias economic growth is not producing enough jobs for its youth. AI will not solve the problem. We need systemic solutions. Instead, we are trying to re-arrange chairs on the deck of the Titanic . For insufficient job creation, our answer is faster GDP growth. But given the economys employment elasticity (number of jobs created, i.e., with each unit of GDP growth), it must grow at 12% annually to produce sufficient jobs.

For the problem of too few women at work holding growth back, our answer is to enrol more women in formal jobs. The complication? With overall jobs limited, women will compete with men in a job-scarce market.

For the problem of low-productivity farm work keeping Indias overall productivity down, our answer is to move people from farms and rural areas into cities and industry. Complication: Cities and industries are not providing enough jobs with decent wages.

For the problem of AI displacing human labour, the answer is to employ more people in care-giving work that AI cannot do. Complication: Who will pay for care services? The market may not expand that quickly and state budgets may be unable to afford the bills.

For the problem of unpaid care-giving services in informal family and community settings, the answer is to value this work more. Complication: Equating the worth of human beings with their income and wealth is a deeply ingrained social norm. If more money has to be paid for it, who will pay it?

Also Read | Resolve distortions: Gender gaps in labour markets spell slower economic growth

Such inter-connected problems cannot be solved separately by specialists in their respective fields. A feminine worldview is required to solve them at a systemic level.

If we tackle them bit by bit, the solution to one can backfire on others. It is common sense that intractable problems cannot be solved with the same level of thinking that caused them. Paradigms are hard to change, as Thomas Kuhn explained in his Structure of Scientific Revolutions, because those most empowered in a prevalent paradigm resist change for fear of losing their power and wealth. That is why the Papal church suppressed the discovery that Earth and humanity are not at the centre of the universe.

Francis Bacon had declared at the birth of Western science in 17th century Europe that science and technology would give us the power to overcome unruly nature.

Modern technology has enabled us to improve our productivity by replacing labour with fossil energy. It has raised agricultural yields with factory-made fertilizers and insecticides, plus the mechanization of large farms that reduce human work. Markets for mass-produced products have expanded with fossil fuel-powered transport and storage systems. Economies of scale have been achieved.

Unruly nature, however, is striking back at human hubris. We are proving unable to control climate change caused by the excessive use of fossil fuels for technological improvements of productivity and output. Vaclav Smil, the Czech-Canadian environmental scientist, analyses the circulation of fossil-fuel based energy in the modern economy in his book, How the World Really Works.

Smil reveals that the globalized food production system has become the largest user of fossil fuels and calculates that small-scale organic farms, with diversified crops that cater to local markets, are the most sustainable solution for reducing harmful emissions and preventing soil damage. They employ more humans, but, as he points out, productivity gets reduced only if measured the way economists conventionally measure it.

Smil points out that food is more fundamental for human survival than AI, which also requires huge amounts of energy, much of it will be from fossil fuels for now. Tech evangelists argue that it will work out for the best in the end. Perhaps, it will, but as with all major technological transitions, which always take decades to work their way through the system, the most vulnerable people will suffer. This is a problem that few are willing to take responsibility for.

Climate change is not the only systemic problem humanity must solve over the next few decades. The UN Sustainable Development Goals list 17, including deficiencies in public health and education systems, inadequate social protection, persistent poverty and growing inequities.

All must be addressed simultaneously. Scientific solutions to mitigate climate change are no good for humanity if they exacerbate other problems. This is the fundamental flaw in our top-down and scientifically siloed approach to solving systemic problems.

We need a paradigm shift in how we tackle global problems. One, we need dense and local economy webs, not global supply chains. Two, we need systems based on cooperation, not competition. And three, we must empower the voiceless in discussing and developing solutions.

Elinor Ostrom, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in economics in 2009, was awarded for her explanation of how local communities cooperate to govern their commons. The second woman winner, Esther Duflo, won in 2019 for her work in examining micro-systems centred on human welfare, and the third, Claudia Goldin won in 2023 for her work partly for explaining biases against women in labour markets.

It is time for a new economics that values the work of caring for and sustaining lives more than the work done to increase economic output. We need a feminine way forth to replace the masculine approach of hard competition and scale domination.

The author is writer of Reimagining Indias Economy: The Road to a More Equitable Society.
US President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would probably meet with him in Florida as roadblocks remain in moving to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.

Trump said Thursday that a formal meeting hadnt been scheduled but that Netanyahu wanted to meet. He told reporters at the White House that he would also welcome Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi at that meeting.

El-Sisi, hes a friend of mine. Yeah, would love to have him, Trump said when asked if the Egyptians would attend a meeting. Trump is expected to be in Florida, his home state, for the holidays.

Egypt has been heavily involved in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, serving as a key mediator in peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The countrys representatives have also participated in discussions about postwar planning and reconstruction.

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with senior officials from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey on Friday in Miami, according to a White House official, as the US looks to make progress on implementing Trumps 20-point peace plan that resulted in a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.

The United Nations Security Council recently approved a resolution supporting Trumps Gaza peace plan. Under the proposal, troops from several Muslim-majority nations would join an International Stabilization Force working with Egypt and Israel to maintain order as Israels milirary withdraws from the Gaza Strip. The plan also calls for a transitional government to be set up under a Board of Peace that Trump has said he would chair.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
An interstellar comet named 3I/ATLAS is set to pass through its nearest point to the Earth on its journey on Friday, 19 December. On that day, it will be at an approximate distance of 170 million miles from the Earth and will be visible through binoculars and telescopes.

According to Smithsonian Magazines website, the comets closest approach to our planet would place it at a distance which is twice that of the Earth from the Sun. 31/ATLAS is a special visitor to our solar system as it is only the third recorded interstellar object to visit this part of the universe. The other two comets that belong to this category are 1I/Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov. However, scientists are yet to figure out the star system from which this comet originated.

How to view 3I/ATLAS? As per NASAs website, on 19 December, the best way to view the interstellar object is by looking in the east to northeast direction in the pre-dawn hours. The comet would be situated under Regulus, a star in the centre of the Leo constellation. The telescope required to view 3I/ATLAS needs to have an aperture of at least 30 centimetres.

3I/ATLAS and speculation surrounding it This latest visitor to our solar system was discovered in July. According to Space.com, some people started circulating the rumor that the comet is actually an alien spacecraft. With the government being in shutdown at the time, NASA could not immediately provide clarity.

However, in November, the space agency held a press conference and shared several important details.

We very much want to find signs of life in the universe," NASA associate administrator Amit Kshatriya quipped during the press briefing. "But 3I/ATLAS is a comet.

The agency also shared pictures of the comet and observations made through more than 20 missions across the solar system. These conclusively proved, as per NASA, that it was, indeed, a comet.

3I/ATLAS was discovered on 1 July, through the ATLAS telescope in Chile, which is funded by NASA. Individuals such as Avi Loeb, a leading astrophysicist, made claims that the object is behaving more like an alien and hostile spacecraft than a natural comet. Elon Musk magnified the claims on a podcast by suggesting that the motion of this object is influenced by more than just gravity.

However, scientists at NASA poured cold water on this speculation with a clear and unambiguous statement.

This object is a comet," Kshatriya emphasized at the briefing. "It looks and behaves like a comet, and all evidence points to it being a comet.

People with telescopes will get an opportunity to see for themselves how this comet is travelling through our solar system.

Also Read | E-ambulance makers may get until March to import motors with rare earth magnets

FAQs How many interstellar comets have been recorded so far? Only three comets that have originated beyond our solar system have been discovered so far.

How far will 3I/ATLAS be when it passes the closest point to Earth on its journey? This comet will be around 170 million miles from the Earth on 19 December.
OpenAI has now launched a full-fledged app store for ChatGPT where users can browse and use all available applications so far. The San Francisco-based AI startup has also opened its Apps SDK for developers to help them build chat-native experiences that bring context and action directly into ChatGPT.

Apps extend ChatGPT conversations by bringing in new context and letting users take actions like ordering groceries, turning an outline into a slide deck, or searching for an apartment, OpenAI explained in a blog post.

Giving advice to developers on what apps they should be working on, the company wrote, The strongest apps are tightly scoped, intuitive in chat, and deliver clear value by either completing real-world workflows that start in conversation or enabling new, fully AI-native experiences inside ChatGPT.

The company also confirmed that it is renaming connectors on the platform that help bring data from other websites, like Google Drive, as apps as well.

The term now includes both apps that feature interactive UI and connectors that help you search and reference your information in ChatGPT. Were not removing any existing functionalitypreviously enabled connectors and company knowledge will continue to work as before, the company explained.

How does the ChatGPT app store work? The ChatGPT App Store, or app directory as the company officially calls it, can be accessed either by visiting chatgpt.com/apps or from the tools menu on the ChatGPT app or website. OpenAI says developers can also use deep links on other platforms to send users to their app page in the directory.

Unlike traditional app stores like Google Play Store or Apples App Store, the ChatGPT app directory does not take users to a separate interface. Instead, these apps work inside ChatGPT and can be summoned by simply mentioning their name.

OpenAI says it is also working to surface relevant, helpful apps directly within conversations using signals like conversational context, app usage patterns, and user preferences. The AI startup is also exploring monetisation options for apps, including digital goods.

Developers will need to submit their apps for review on the OpenAI Developer Platform, and the company says the first set of approved apps will begin rolling out gradually in the new year.

Apps that meet our quality and safety standards are eligible to be published in the app directory, and apps that resonate with users may be featured more prominently in the directory or recommended by ChatGPT in the future, the company added.
Hacking group ShinyHunters has claimed responsibility for stealing Pornhub data that belonged to the websites premium customers. The group is also threatening to publish the data if its ransom demands are not met.

The data pertaining to Pornhubs paying customers was reportedly stolen during a recent Mixpanel data breach, as per a report by BleepingComputer.

Also Read | OnePlus 15s to launch in India soon? New leak reveals top specifications

Meanwhile, the extortion gang also sent a sample of the data to Reuters, which the news agency has partially confirmed to be authentic.

Were demanding a ransom payment in Bitcoin to prevent the publication of [Pornhub] data and delete the data, ShinyHunters told Reuters.

Mixpanel, however, denied the claims by ShinyHunters that the Pornhub data leak was due to an issue at its end. The company told Reuters, We are confident Pornhub was not among those clients and that this data is unrelated to the November incident.

Pornhub boasts over 100 million daily visitors and around 36 billion yearly visits across its websites, making it one of the most popular platforms for adult content on the internet.

What data do hackers have? As per the BleepingComputer report, ShinyHunters has begun extorting Mixpanel customers since last week by sending them emails that begin with We are ShinyHunters, warning that the stolen data would be published if ransom demands were not met.

ShinyHunters has claimed to have stolen 94GB of data containing over 200 million records of personal information. The group confirmed to BleepingComputer that the data consists of 201,211,943 records of historical search, watch, and download activity of Pornhub Premium users.

Also Read | Google launches Gemini 3 Flash, makes it default model on Gemini app

Pornhub on data leak: Pornhub confirmed in a security post that data from a third-party analytics company had led to a cybersecurity incident involving its premium subscribers.

The company said, A recent cybersecurity incident involving data from a third-party data analytics service provider has impacted some Pornhub Premium users. Specifically, this situation affects only select Premium users. It is important to note this was not a breach of Pornhub Premiums systems.

No passwords, credentials, payment details, or government IDs were compromised or exposed, and we have since secured the affected account and stopped the unauthorized access, Pornhub added.
The HR executive busted canoodling with her married boss on the Coldplay concert kiss cam has finally spoken about her life-changing, career-ending scandal  blaming it on a bad decision after a couple of High Noons.

Kristin Cabot, a 53-year-old mom of two, broke her silence in interviews  months after her public display of affection with her then-boss, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, left her a meme and unemployable.

Cabot admits bad decision I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss, she reportedly told the New York Times, while admitting he was her big happy crush.

And its not nothing. And I took accountability and I gave up my career for that. Thats the price I chose to pay.

Cabot criticizes disproportionate backlash She insisted, too, that the backlash she received was unwarranted.

I could have been struck by lightning, I could have won the lottery, or this could have happened, Cabot told The Times of London in a separate interview.

But Im not some celebrity, Im just a mom from New Hampshire, she added. Even if I did have an affair, its not anybodys business.

Claims public shaming erased her achievements It has been like a scarlet letter; people erased everything Id accomplished in my life and achieved in my career. This cant be the final word.

Instead, she became a meme, she noted to the UK Times, one she reckons has made her unemployable.

I was the most maligned HR manager in HR history, she said.

I wanted to put a cute outfit on and go out and dance and laugh and have a great night, she told the NYT. And thats how it was tracking.

Some inside part of my brain might have been jumping up and down and waving its arms, saying, Dont do this, she admitted, but ultimately she was swayed by how pumped she was to be there with him in front of friends.

The HR exec noted she was on top of the world in the moments before they were busted mid-embrace.

We were sitting in the back of the stadium at the opposite end from the stage in the pitch black just feeling totally anonymous in an arena of 50-60,000 people, she told the UK Times.

We were just dancing, Id had a few High Noons. Andy was standing behind me and we were dancing and I grabbed him, Cabot continued.

I didnt hear the announcement that the jumbotron was coming, so suddenly Im just seeing us on screen.

Panic upon seeing herself on screen That news threw her  and was the first thought when she saw her canoodling flashed up on the big screen.

My immediate reaction was, Holy st, Andrews here, Cabot said of her of ex. We were in the middle of an incredibly  and amazingly  amicable separation. I was worried I would embarrass him. Hes an amazing guy and does not deserve that.

Then a beat later my mind turns to, Oh God, Andys my effing boss, this is a bad look. Bostons not a big town. And while it wasnt an Astronomer event or anything, there could have been investors or other staff there.

Elsewhere, Cabot said the entire saga had upended her life and ruined her career, acknowledging the public shaming had resulted in her being told she is unemployable.

I became a meme, I was the most maligned HR manager in HR history, she told The Times.

I think as a woman, as women always do, I took the bulk of the abuse. People would say things like I was a gold-digger or I slept my way to the top, which just couldnt be further from reality. The amount I sacrificed to get where I did in my career, the amount of hands Ive had to take off my ass over the years, comments Ive had to swat away from men, she continued.

I worked so hard to dispel that all my life and here I was being accused of it.

Despite staying in contact briefly to exchange crisis-management advice, Cabot said she hasnt spoken to her former boss in months.
Peter Arnett, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who worked with The Associated Press and CNN, passed away on 17 December in Newport Beach, California, at the age of 91. Arnetts daughter, Elsa, confirmed that he died of prostate cancer, The New York Times reported.

All about Peter Arnett Arnett had a glorious career in journalism for more than 45 years. He covered 17 wars in Asia, made television documentaries, and wrote several books, including Saigon Has Fallen: A Wartime Recollection and Were Taking Fire. Arnett also interviewed Al Qaedas leader, Osama bin Laden, and the former President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein.

Arnett was given the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in 1966 for his detailed coverage of the Vietnam War for The Associated Press. Following his departure from AP, Arnett covered conflicts for CNN.

Peter Arnetts Vietnam coverage Arnetts courage and integrity are revered in the field of journalism. Veteran journalist Robert D. McFadden has defined Arnett as a renegade who defied authority, took calculated risks, distrusted officials and reached battlefields to see things for himself.

McFadden recalled that Arnett was often accused of producing stories that sympathized with Americas enemies in Vietnam and Iraq.

Arnetts Vietnam stories were so influential that even President Lyndon B. Johnson and Gen. William Westmoreland, commander of the American forces in Vietnam, tried unsuccessfully to have him removed from the battlefield, as per The New York Times.

However, journalists like David Halberstam, Neil Sheehan, and Malcolm W. Browne defended Arnett and lauded his contributions. They hailed his original writing, eloquently simple language, and sincere analyses.

Osama bin Laden warned Peter Arnett of the 9/11 attack In 1997, as a CNN correspondent, Arnett interviewed bin Laden somewhere in Afghanistan. He questioned the Al Qaeda leader about his jihad against the United States.

You have declared a jihad against the United States. Can you tell us why? Arnett asked. The US government has committed acts that are extremely unjust, hideous, and criminal through its support of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, bin Laden had told him.

Speaking of the jihad, bin Laden warned Arnett of the 9/11 attack. Youll see them and hear about them in the media, God willing, he told Peter, as per The New York Times report.

Arnett lost his CNN job due to a stupid misjudgment Arnett joined CNN in 1981, when the house was a start-up. He covered wars in El Salvador, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Grenada and Angola for the organization. Arnett anchored a documentary titled Operation Tailwind, which claimed the United States used poison sarin gas to kill American defectors in the Vietnam War. CNN fired him in 2003. Arnett branded the decisions as a stupid misjudgment.

FAQs What was Peter Arnetts cause of death? Arnett died of prostate cancer.
Its kind of one of those moments where youre like, wait, what?

That was Julie Tylers first reaction after taking a phone call at 5:00 Wednesday morning. She works at Lumberjacks Hardwood Center in Chattanoogas Southside, and it was on fire.

"So, shock, of course, but then instantly, it's like, is everyone okay? she says.

The blaze was reported just before 11:00 Tuesday night and wasnt put out until after 3:00am. Tyler tells me it was a hard blow the week before Christmas.

"To have anything happen like this any time of year is terrible, but especially right now, she says.

When she dropped by to examine the damage, she was shocked by its magnitude.

"You see one side of it, and it's, like, okay, yes, that's bad, but as you walk around the corner, you see the whole side that is normally a warehouse completely opened up and collapsed, Tyler says.

She said it looks as though a tornado rolled through the structure.

It's leveled, she says. There's no walls, and there's no roof anymore, and it's just in a pile."

Despite Chattanooga firefighters' ability to salvage part of the lumberyard, Tyler says what you're seeing is a loss of about $500,000 worth of inventory, machinery, and office supplies.

But, Tyler explains the loss runs deeper than many might think, especially as a small business.

"We're not construction-grade lumberEvery piece is unique, she says. Theres a lot of exotic woods that we import from Italy and Central America that can never be replaced.

UPDATE: Lumberjacks Hardwood Center deemed a 'total loss,' sister company remains operational Once cleared to proceed, the center will relocate to the Lumberjacks Tree Service location at 4123 Cromwell Road in the coming weeks.

Tyler said the company is still taking orders, and she would love to continue seeing the outreach of support they've been getting from the community.

For us, continuing to just have our daily operations is very important, she says.

Tyler also said their team is already taking steps to move forward, and theyve been able to find hope even in the midst of destruction.

Now, were coming together in a different way, and, if anything, to me, the positive thing out of that is were just going to build a stronger bond, she says. "It's a sad situation, but everyone was like, Alright, we got this. We'll have our moments, but we've got a plan, and we're gonna make it happen."
Wildings is an original play written by Elaine Birkett and directed by Phil Gilbride, which won the All-Ireland One Act Drama League. It stars two Longford actors, Padraig Reilly and Oisin Hourican, as well as Elizabeth Doonan and Charlotte ONeill.



This was under Hoodwinked Theatre Productions, which Elaine runs, and also gave a unique twist to the making of the performance by not only writing in it, but having a small role.

Read more: 'We have an incredible history in Longford': Harp Media's two-part documentaries

Padraig Reilly, who is from Moyne and attended Moyne Community School, chatted about the success and journey that led to the play winning this award.



We wouldve attended 5 festivals in total before the final. We won 4. By winning them, we could meet the criteria to be accepted in the final. Youre up against all of Ireland, whatever best plays for the weekend. It was a weekend festival in Tubbercurry to win the All-Ireland.



He described the Longford connections that both he and Oisin have.



I went to Moyne school. I finished in the early 2000s, around 2001. I never did acting until I went to Australia and studied part-time in Sydney for two years, which was interesting. Since coming back to Ireland, Ive been with the Cornmill Theatre and a few short movies.



Oisin Hourican is from Moyne. He went to Moyne Community School as well. Hes quite an established actor, having a lot of plays with the Cornmill and other production companies. He is also currently directing a play quite soon.



Hes studying part-time, directing in Maynooth. He will put that play on in a few months. Hes quite a young guy to direct a big play.



The awards were given on Sunday, December 7, adding a big achievement to the Longford actors performance resumes. There are plans to do two home shows back in Carrigallen, back in the Corn Mill Theatre.



Elaine Birkett also took time to reflect on her original piece being recognised nationwide. Having started to write it in 2024, she has been with the Corn Mill Theatre Group since 2019. A supporter of Irish amateur theatre, she believes that more attention should be given to it.

Read more: Renowned Longford author's latest book available to pre-order



'Wildings also meant that theatremakers collaborated with each other. She noted that some were from Backstage Theatre, Longford.



Someone said ('Wildings') provided resolution to something they had for a long time. The story that is told is still resonant with people. Its important with our heritage. People were tearful, but recognising it in a positive sense, they thoroughly enjoyed experiencing it on stage.



She confirmed that there are hopes to have other showings in Leitrim and Cavan in January, 2026, following the success.
There was a great community buzz and lots of Christmas spirit around in Aughnacliffe last Sunday morning for the Colmcille Christmas Market.



The committee of Colmcille Community Centre would like to say a sincere thank you to all the wonderful sellers and to all the local people that came and supported the Christmas Market.

Read more: A Christmas like no other for the resilient Longford teenager



Well done to all the following raffle winners Katelyn Hall, Brian Brady, Breda Kennedy, Aodhan Hudson, Bernadette Reilly, Aodhan Walsh, Jarleth McKeever and Annie Mulligan.



Thanks to all who donated goodies for the raffle hampers and helped out in any way with the Christmas Market. Your help and support was greatly appreciated.



There are still some Christmas wreaths left from the Christmas Market so if anyone would like one costing 10 you can contact Edel on 086 363 0386.

Read more: Christmas floristry demonstration event to inspire Longford attendees



Meanwhile, Colmcille Santa is getting ready for a magical day next Saturday, December 20!



Looking forward to meeting all the children and their families in Colmcille Community Centre. Tickets are sold out and let the countdown begin.
Israeli soldiers and armored vehicles operate in Israeli-controlled areas near the Yellow Line in the Northern Gaza Strip on December 18. (IDF)

Palestinian terrorists violated the ceasefire in Gaza 12 times between December 4 and December 18, and 64 times since its implementation on October 10, according to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reports.

This week, US Central Command (CENTCOM) hosted a conference in the Qatari capital of Doha involving dozens of nations to discuss the next phases of US President Donald Trumps 20-point ceasefire plan in Gaza. However, the talks, which centered around the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to the enclave, were largely inconclusive. The attendees failed to agree on the composition of the would-be peacekeeping force or its duties, according to European officials.

The United States has delivered formal requests to over 70 nations to volunteer troops and supplies for the deployment of the ISF, but no country has yet committed soldiers. The Trump administration has acknowledged that reaching its goal of recruiting 10,000 troops for the ISF may take most of 2026. The countries currently in talks with Washington are, thus far, only willing to deploy soldiers in the Israeli-controlled side of the Yellow Line that demarcates IDF-held territory from areas still under Hamass control.

After withdrawing to the Yellow Line during phase one of Trumps ceasefire in Gaza, the IDF has largely been stationary on what IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir called Israels new border with Gaza, as it controls some 53 percent of the territory. The United States, for its part, is still imploring would-be volunteer countries to agree to operate on the Hamas-controlled side of the Yellow Line to prevent a renewed IDF operation against the terrorist organization.

Meanwhile, Hamas is still refusing to disarm, despite the 20-point plan requiring the group to lay down its weapons. In an address in Istanbul last week, Hamas politburo member Khaled Mashal stated that the Palestinian people need protection, not guardians, critiquing Trumps plan to deploy an ISF in the territory. Mashal also asserted that protecting [Hamass] weapons is our peoples right to self-defense.

While the Gaza ceasefire continues to hold, Hamas and other Palestinian terrorists continue to violate phase one of the truce. Below is a list of all violations of the ceasefire by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups between December 4 and December 18 that the IDF has reported:

On December 4, forces from the IDFs 7th Brigade Combat Team identified a terrorist who crossed the yellow line and approached IDF forces operating in the southern Strip, in a manner that posed an immediate threat to them. The forces opened fire and hit the individual, according to the IDF.

On December 5, the IDF said that Northern Brigade forces identified two terrorists carrying suspicious items and approaching IDF forces operating in the northern [Gaza] Strip, in a manner that posed an immediate threat to them. The individuals were subsequently struck by an Israeli Air Force aircraft. The IDF stated that one of the terrorists was eliminated in the strike.

On December 6, the IDF stated that in two separate incidents earlier today, forces of the Northern Brigade and the combat team of the Carmeli Brigade identified several terrorists who crossed the yellow line and posed an immediate threat to them. Three individuals in the group were eliminated across both incidents, according to the IDF.

On December 7, the IDF said that soldiers with the 7th Armored Brigades combat team identified a terrorist who crossed the yellow line and approached the forces in a manner that posed an immediate threat to them in southern Gaza. The interloper was eliminated shortly after identification, according to the IDF.

On December 10, the IDF stated that Northern Brigade combat team forces operating in the northern Gaza Strip identified two terrorists who crossed the yellow line and approached the forces in a manner that posed an immediate threat. The IDF said that troops fired at the pair and eliminated one. Later that day, Palestinian media reported that three people in northern Gazas Jabalia were killed, including one child. It is unclear whether the two incidents were connected.

On December 11, the IDF said that forces with the 7th Armored Brigades combat team identified two terrorists who crossed the yellow line and approached the forces in a manner that posed an immediate threat in southern Gaza. One individual was eliminated in the incident, according to the IDF.

On December 13, the IDF said that troops with the Northern Brigade combat team operating in the northern Gaza Strip identified a terrorist who crossed the yellow line and approached the forces in a manner that posed an immediate threat to them. Israel said that the Israeli Air Force, guided by troops, eliminated the terrorists.

On December 14, the IDF stated that soldiers with the Northern Brigade Combat Team forces operating in the northern Gaza Strip identified a terrorist who crossed the yellow line and approached the forces in a manner that posed an immediate threat to them. The individual was eliminated, according to the IDF statement.

On December 15, the IDF stated that troops from the 7th Armored Brigades combat team eliminated a terrorist who crossed the yellow line and approached the forces in a manner that posed an immediate threat to them.

On December 16, the IDF said that forces from the 7th Armored Brigades combat team identified earlier today a terrorist who crossed the yellow line and approached the forces in a manner that posed an immediate threat to them, while carrying a suspicious object. The IDF said that the individual was eliminated shortly after identification.

On December 18, the IDF stated that soldiers from the 188th Brigades combat team identified a terrorist who crossed the yellow line and approached the forces in a manner that posed an immediate threat. The Israeli Air Force eliminated the individual in coordination with the 188th.

These incidents occurred while Israel awaits the return of the remains of Ran Gvili, the last hostage held in Gaza. Gvili was killed while trying to save civilians at Kibbutz Alumim during Hamass onslaught on October 7, 2023. Phase one of Trumps 20-point ceasefire plan required Hamas to return all hostages, living and deceased, within 72 hours of the truces implementation. Nearly two and a half months after its implementation, the terror group has yet to fulfill this obligation.

Samuel Ben-Ur and Aaron Goren are research analysts at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Follow Aaron Goren on X @realaarongoren.
Rabbi Michael M. Cohen is the rabbi emeritus of the Israel Congregation and the Director of Community Relations for the Friends of the Arava Institute. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
Boston will close three more of its public schools at the end of the 2026-2027 school year as part of its larger plan to reconfigure its school facilities.

The School Committee voted to close Another Course to College, Community Academy of Science and Health and Lee Academy Pilot School Wednesday during its last meeting of 2025. At the same time, the district will also merge the upper and lower schools of the Henderson K-12 Inclusion School into one school serving students in pre-K to eighth grade.

We fully understand that closing a school is an emotional and often painful experience, even when the recommendations are grounded in what is best for students and long-term health of the system. Were in the situation we face today because for far too many decades, the district avoided or postponed making these difficult but necessary decisions, said Superintendent Mary Skipper, who provided the recommended closures and changes to the committee.

We have too few resources spread across too many schools, making it harder to deliver on the strong student outcomes ... that this committee and our entire district want for our students and they deserve, she added.

The series of closures follows a 2023 Boston Public Schools report outlining its current facilities and how they could best be utilized as the district sees declining enrollment. According to district data, BPS has seen a drop of about 17%, or 9,620 students, over the past nine years.

BPS will also close two other schools, Dever Elementary School and Excel High School, and merge the Winthrop and Clap Elementary Schools at the end of the current school year. The decision was met with shock and disappointment from families and educators at those schools when it was announced in late 2024.

Similarly, parents, teachers and education advocates who attended Wednesdays School Committee meeting denounced the proposal during a public comment period before the vote. Many worried about potential equity issues, pointing out that the three schools up for closure serve a high percentage of students from vulnerable populations, such as students of color, multilingual learners and people with disabilities.

Closing schools like Lee Academy, CASH, ACC, and the grades of the Henderson upper without a clear full resource plan does not improve outcomes. It creates harms, said Boston Teachers Union Vice President Leia Serena. The communities do not feel like theres a clear plan for where students will go and how inclusion services will be perceived. Disruption without direction is not a strategy. Our students deserve stability. Our families deserve trust and our communities deserve better.

Ross Kochman, a fifth grade teacher at the Henderson School, where special education students are included in most classes with general education students, said he worried that by removing the high school grades from the school, the district was losing an important program for that age group.

This is not about holding onto a building. Its about holding onto a promise we made to students and families, he said.

Their concerns were shared by multiple members of the School Committee. Committee Member Rafaela Polanco Garcia, the lone vote against the closures, said she was worried about students who had developed strong communities at their current schools, especially any who may have been affected by a previous closure.

Any path forward must include a clear, humane and sustained commitment to ongoing followup with impacted families, students and staff, not only during during the transition, but beyond it, she said in Spanish, through a translator. True support means listening, adjusting and responding, especially when challenges arise that cannot always be anticipated in an initial plan.

Skipper said Wednesday that about 40% of public school buildings in Boston are more than a century old and need major renovations, which makes it difficult to accommodate mergers, as some in the affected school communities had advocated for as an alternative to outright closure. She added that the district is wary of merging schools with high populations of students in specialized programs, which can overwhelm the limited resources available.

Ultimately, our recommendations have to prioritize student access to stronger options, schools in better physical condition, the appropriate academic, social, emotional and special education supports, and they have to be sustainable given long-term enrollment trends, she said.

About 800 students will be impacted by the school closures and 300 will be impacted by the reconfiguration of the Henderson Inclusion School. Impacted families will receive priority placement when registering at new schools and the district will work with the families of all students on an Individualized Education Plan, which is used for many students with disabilities, to ensure that they are placed in a new school with the necessary resources to support them.

Committee Member Stephen Elkins acknowledged the equity concerns brought up by parents and staff, and said he agreed with them, but that he had to weigh those issues against the potential district-wide improvements that could come with going forward with the closures.

On the other side, what were hoping for and what were building toward is something that is better, he said. Equity is not meant to be convenient. It is meant to inconvenience us, but in the face of doing something that we feel is right.
EAST LONGMEADOW  UMassFive College Credit Union has purchased a former TDBank branch and plans to open its first community-facing, or retail, office in Hampden County by the end of 2026.

Colebrook Realty Services announced Thursday the sale of 465 North Main St. to UMassFive College Federal Credit Union for $2 million.

Colebrook said it represented the sellers, identified in deed documents as Alan R. Martone of Rhode Island.

This property has been family-owned for more than 50 years; we were pleased to see it remain in local ownership, Martone said in a news release.

Craig Boivin, vice president of marketing at UMassFive, said in an interview that a community-facing office is any office in a retail setting as opposed to within a workplace.

We have been slowly branching out over the past few years, Boivin said.

TDBank closed the branch office this year. Its on the busy intersection of North Main Street and Harkness Avenue in the Big Y plaza. The 2,800 square-foot building is on more than a half-acre of land.

UMassFive already has one office in Hampden County, within the rehabilitation building on the Mercy Medical Center campus in Springfield, Boivin said.

Starting 59 years ago on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus, the 50,000-member credit union has six offices.

Of those, four on the Route 9 corridor through Hampshire County: Hadley, Northampton, on the UMass campus and one in the Northampton VA Medical Center in Leeds.

Another office is in the UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester.

UMassFive is a sponsor-group credit union, he said. Members traditionally qualified as members as employes, students or members from one of the more than 50 sponsoring organizations to be from the groups who sponsor the credit union like employers.

But others can join, he said. One way is that new members can join UMassFive and CISA, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture, at the same time at no cost.
Somervilles newest Korean fried chicken restaurant has moved into the former space of a family-run Mexican restaurant that closed two years ago after nearly three decades.

K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken quietly opened in Union Square at the end of November, taking over the building that Cantina La Mexicana once occupied.

K-Boks menu offers chicken in three flavors  original crispy, spicy yangnyeom and soy garlic bliss  sold in party packs of either 10, 20 or 30 or boneless meals for 6 or 12 pieces. The chicken spot also has sandwiches in addition to vegetarian options, fries and pastries in the morning.

Cantina La Mexicana officially closed on Sept. 3, 2023, after 28 years. The restaurant was run by the Rendon family since 1995.

Karina Rendon, whose parents Roberto and Carolina started the business, previously told MassLive that steep competition from surrounding Mexican restaurants has caused mom-and-pop shops like her familys to be weeded out. This resulted in the family getting evicted from the building.

Its always really sad to see a business that has been such an anchor to the community not be able to continue to exist here, she said. Its just a really big part of the fabric of the community.

Despite her parents forced retirement, Rendon said they have accepted the fact that its time to hang up the margarita shakers and pans and call it quits.

K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken is open weekly from 8 a.m. to midnight. The restaurant is located at 249 Washington St., Somerville.
A new weekend means new things to do and new places to see in Massachusetts.

MassLive is back with another edition of weekend picks, a weekly release of activities or places to see across the state.

From holiday shopping spots to dazzling light displays, here are some of the things you can do in the Bay State the weekend of Dec. 19-21.

Yankee Candle Village is a destination spot for those looking for some holiday spirit. Taylor Sanzo

Yankee Candle Village

The Yankee Candle flagship store is known for its ginormous collection of Yankee Candle scents and retail goods. It also serves as a winter holiday destination for visitors, as the entire shop turns into a winter wonderland during the holidays.

Bavarian Christmas Village, arguably the most festive room in Yankee Candle Village, is Christmas all year. Guests will stroll through an enchanted forest featuring a 25-foot-tall Christmas tree, nutcrackers, winter village displays and even indoor snow that falls every 4 minutes.

Until Dec. 23, bring kids for the Yankee Candle Santa visits.

Kids can mail a letter to Santa, take a photo in his sleigh, take part in a giant advent calendar and a holiday scavenger hunt.

Yankee Candle Village is located at 25 Greenfield Road in South Deerfield. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Boston Common is sparkling this holiday season Meghan Rothschild

Holiday Drone Show

The Holiday Drone Show at Boston Common has added a new light to the parks longstanding holiday traditions, drawing crowds to watch hundreds of LED-lit drones light up the sky.

With shows every Saturday evening, the park showcases a canvas of holiday imagery like snowflakes, festive shapes and winter scenes, all set to music.

The drone show will run through Dec. 20, with shows at 6 and 8 p.m.

7 Brew has officially opened its West Springfield location that offers over 20,000 unique drink combinations on Wednesday morning. Nov.19, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

Try 7 Brew holiday flavors

In November, Massachusetts first 7 Brew location opened in West Springfield. With the drive-thru coffee and drink chain gaining popularity online, the craze in Massachusetts is still strong.

The chain has recently shared its holiday and winter menu, offering up seasonal drinks like Holiday Punch, Pecan Pie Breve, Brew Frost 7 Fizz Soda and Santas Cookie Mocha.

The first 7 Brew in Massachusetts is located at 927 Riverdale St. in West Springfield.

Visitors throw "tea" into the harbor during a visit to the Boston Tea Party Museum. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive)

Boston Tea Party Museum

If youre looking for a piece of history this weekend, try visiting the Boston Tea Party Museum.

For $35, you get an hour-long experience that invites you to be part of a rowdy mob, tour the Tea Party Ships and throw a crate of tea into the harbor.

Tours at the museum start every 30 minutes. The last tour of the day starts at 4 p.m. The museum is located at 306 Congress St. in Boston.

Oakley, one of the residents at the Whip City Animal Sanctuary, sporting antlers for the reindeer tryouts. (SUBMITTED) The Westfield News

Whip City Animal Sanctuary

Whip City Animal Sanctuary in Westfield is welcoming the public for hot cocoa and cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Friday, Dec. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Westfield Food Pantry. Entry to the farm is free, but donations are appreciated to support the care of the animals. You even get an opportunity to take a photo with Santa.

Whip City is located at 232 Montgomery Road in Westfield.
Someone in Massachusetts won $25,000 a year for life playing Lucky for Life on Wednesday night.

The winning Lucky for Life numbers for the Dec. 17 drawing were 11, 13, 20, 40, 41 and Lucky Ball: 7. The winning ticket sold in Massachusetts matched the first five numbers, but not the Lucky Ball.

The winning ticket was purchased in the Teaticket village of Falmouth on Cape Cod, from a shop called Teaticket Market.

Additionally, someone won $2 million playing Powerball on Wednesday and two other $100,000 prizes were won or claimed.

The winning Powerball ticket was sold at Winners Corner MA in North Andover.

One of the $100,000 prizes was from the midday Mass Cash drawing on Wednesday. The winning numbers were 10, 15, 19, 20 and 33. The ticket was sold at Reds Somerset in Somerset.

The other was from a winning $100,000 Winter Winnings scratch ticket sold in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston from Palace Spa.

Overall, at least 498 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Wednesday, including 15 in Springfield, 14 in Worcester and 52 in Boston.

The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600.

The largest lottery prize won so far this year was worth $1 million a year for life, from a winning Lifetime Millions scratch ticket sold in Springfield and claimed in July.
At the Shirley branch of the Massachusetts Correctional Institution this August, staff noticed a woman in the visiting room with her cheeks bulging.

When they stopped the visit, a balloon was found in her mouth stuffed with 11 stamp-sized pieces of paper  each soaked in a synthetic drug that thrives almost exclusively behind prison walls.

Its one glimpse into a growing battle against synthetic cannabinoids, known as K2, inside Massachusetts state prisons.

Officials tout tighter visitor screening and mail surveillance as victories, but questions persist about addiction treatment and transparency  especially after six unexpected deaths across the state prison system since Sept. 20. Four of the deaths were apparent suicides, according to data released by the DOC.

DOC leaders insist theyre targeting everyone, from family members to correctional officers, to educate and hold accountable.

Unfortunately ... this is a pretty lucrative enterprise that people have engaged in and the ability, or availability, to bring this in is pretty simple. Its because its paper based, said Shawn Jenkins, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC).

He spoke in response to how the DOC handles its correctional officers role in bringing K2 into the prison.

Were doing everything we can to keep it out, but well take wherever investigations lead us and we will address people ... whether its staff or visitors, Jenkins said.

What does new data show?

The DOC announced new data on Wednesday on its efforts to prevent drugs and contraband from entering state prisons. Through an existing joint task force with Massachusetts State Police and collaborations with federal and local partners, the DOC has implemented educational programs, staff training, new tools and enforcements.

Since the beginning of 2025 and as of Dec. 2, the measures led to 26 cases opened in which arrests were made or charges filed, with most involving the delivery of drugs or other illicit items to incarcerated individuals. Additionally, 15 state and three federal search warrants were executed, according to the DOC.

Besides 120 oxycodone pills, 17 doses of fentanyl and 2 grams of heroin, a total of 110 pages of K2 were seized as a result of the task force, the DOC said.

The K2 was valued at $9 million alone.

Also known as spice, K2 is a psychoactive substance that impacts a persons mental state, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Reported effects can vary widely, including altered mood and perception, hallucinations, relaxation, anxiety and paranoia, suicidal tendencies and increased heart rate.

Since K2 is mostly a prison-only drug, Jenkins said, the DOC has been left to learn its own way through detection and treatment  while advocates argue the department still isnt transparent about the health toll behind the walls.

Prevention through education

But key to prevention, according to the DOC, is education. Jenkins pointed to the departments existing medication-assisted treatment programs and its sixmonth Correctional Recovery Academy, along with clinical groups and substance use classes across the system.

He said those programs are now being adapted to address K2 specifically, even as DOC and the Department of Public Health are still trying to understand what works for such a novel substance.

We feel like we have a very successful blueprint for treating other types of drugs, Jenkins said. But again, the novelty associated with K2 is something that were constantly kind of reevaluating and engaging with others on from a public health perspective, he said.

He added the DOC has had numerous conversations with this, with different commissioners and directors throughout the nation as part of the Correctional Leaders Association.

The department has also expanded education efforts aimed at incarcerated individuals and their loved ones, whom the DOC says would be potential people to smuggle in the drug.

Jenkins said the department is working to bring formerly incarcerated people back to facilities to speak directly with individuals on how this disrupts their reentry, their education and abilities to put those pieces of their life back together.

Additionally, key department strategies  besides aforementioned mail and visitor screenings  include canine detection, technology such as the TruNarc machine and the Attorney Verification System (AVS) to process privileged mail between attorneys and incarcerated individuals.

But advocates and incarcerated peoples loved ones say those initiatives are difficult to evaluate without transparency from the department on its incidents, such as hospitalizations, overdoses and deaths.

Is K2 connected with suicides?

Last month, the DOC announced it would be conducting an independent review led by Dr. Sharen Barboza, a mental health expert in correctional facilities, in light of the recent rash of deaths.

Barbosas findings will include if theres a tie-in, between this product inside our facilities and the spike of suicides, Jenkins said.

She is tasked with examining and seeing if there are commonalities, if there are trends that were missing, and coming up with recommendations on how we can do things better, Jenkins said.

Certainly, if there are connections, or there are some sort of commonalities that involve K2  that is something well certainly look at."

The announcement of Barbosas review followed the incarcerated individuals deaths this year and a call out from the Prisoners Legal Services of Massachusetts, which demanded the DOC provide full transparency and accountability, including publicly disclosing the circumstances of each death and implementing immediate reforms to prevent future tragedies.

PLS also said it did not believe the DOC has a treatment plan for people with K2 use disorders and that the DOC responds to K2 addiction through punishment and isolation, which is countertherapeutic and counterproductive, a spokesperson previously told MassLive.

Jenkins said the DOC treats K2 through its general substance-use framework, but acknowledged theres no settled, evidence-based K2 treatment model yet and are adapting with help from the Department of Public Health.
UPDATE: We got him: Police ID dead suspect in Brown University, MIT professor shootings

An arrest warrant connected to the deadly Brown University mass shooting from Saturday night was issued Thursday, according to local news outlets.

Earlier in the day, several local news stations and newspapers reported that law enforcement sources had informed them that the person of interest investigators have released numerous photos and videos of over the last few days had been identified.

Around 5 p.m., multiple local news stations reported that an arrest warrant had been issued in connection with the Dec. 13 shooting. No outlets have reported the suspects name or the charges against them.

On Thursday, many news outlets also reported that police sources were telling them law enforcement was now investigating a possible connection between the shooting at Brown and the killing of an MIT professor at his home in Brookline on Monday. Officials previously denied that the two incidents were related.

Around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, multiple local news stations reported that police were searching for the Brown University shooter in Salem, New Hampshire. The investigation is reportedly focused around a vehicle of a similar make and model to one seen near the scene of the shooting in Brookline.

Around 7 p.m., Providence police officers could be seen at the investigation scene in Salem, New Hampshire. Approximately an hour later, Methuen police shared a community alert stating that local, state and federal law enforcement were working to locate a suspect in a recent death near the citys border with Salem, New Hampshire, but that there was no imminent risk to the city residents.

Around 8:15 p.m., police could be seen investigating at a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire.

Providence police officials declined to confirm whether the person of interest in the Brown University mass shooting had been identified Thursday afternoon.

FBI Boston and Norfolk County District Attorney officials previously declined to comment on whether police were investigating a link between the Brown shooting and the shooting of MIT physics professor Nuno F. G. Loureiro.

Loureiro, 47, was shot in his home on Gibbs Street in Brookline on Monday night, the Norfolk County District Attorneys office said previously. No arrests had been made in connection with his killing as of 5 p.m. Thursday.

Loureiros death came two days after a gunman opened fire at Brown Universitys engineering and physics building, killing two students and injuring nine others. So far, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been announced.
Investigators are looking into a possible connection between the mass shooting at Brown University on Saturday night and the killing of an MIT professor at his home in Brookline on Monday, according to multiple reports.

Investigators uncovered information in the last 24 hours that suggests the two shootings may have been connected, CNN reported, citing a law enforcement official close to the case.

The Boston Globe also reported a possible connection between the two incidents, citing officials close to the investigation.

A spokesperson for the FBI in Boston declined to comment when asked if a connection had been identified. A spokesperson for the Norfolk County District Attorneys office, which is investigating the shooting in Brookline, said he could not comment because the investigation was ongoing.

Previously, authorities had said there was no known link between the two. At this time, there seems to be no connection, FBI Special Agent Ted Docks said, according to CNN.

Nuno F.G. Loureiro, 47, was the director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center at MIT. He was shot in his home on Gibbs Street in Brookline on Monday night, according to the Norfolk County District Attorneys office. No arrests have been made in his killing.

The shooting came two days after a gunman opened fire at Brown University, killing two students and injuring nine on Saturday night. Thus far, no suspects have been publicly identified and no arrests have been made.
Brian Walshe received the maximum possible sentence for the killing of his wife, Ana, in early 2023, then lying to police investigating her disappearance and disposal of her body, days after he was convicted of first-degree murder.

Judge Diane Freniere handed down the sentences during a brief hearing on Thursday morning, sentencing the 50-year-old man to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the first-degree murder  the mandatory sentence.

She also sentenced Walshe to no less than 19 and no more than 20 years in prison for lying to police and a day shy of three years for disposing of his wifes body. All three sentences for the state charges will run consecutively, or one after the other.

Walshes 37-month federal sentence for selling forged Andy Warhol paintings will run concurrently to the state sentences. He will serve his time at Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster, the states maximum security prison.

Read more: Defense faced uphill battle against gruesome evidence in Brian Walshe murder trial, experts say

During the hearing, Freniere addressed Walshe directly, telling him his conduct was barbaric and incomprehensible.

Mr. Walshe, you will live with the guilt and burden of Ana Walshes death for the rest of your life, she said. The seriousness of your acts cannot be overstated.

Walshe stood between his lawyers as Freniere imposed the sentence. As he exited the courtroom, he nodded in the direction of his mother, Diana, who attended the hearing and trial in person. Kelli Porges, one of Walshes defense lawyers, spoke to Diana Walshe after the sentence was imposed.

Before Freniere handed down the sentences, Ana Walshes sister, Aleksandra Dimitrijevic, delivered a victim-impact statement on behalf of herself and her mother.

Addressing Freniere, Dimitrijevic described an unbearable emptiness resulting from her sisters killing.

Losing my sister, Ana, so unexpectedly has altered our world in ways we never imagined, Dimitrijevic said, her voice shaking. The most painful part of this loss is knowing her children must now grow up without their mothers hand to hold.

Aleksandra Dimitrijevic, sister of Ana Walshe, reads a victim impact statement during the sentencing of Ana's husband, Brian Walshe, in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (Mark Stockwell/Boston Herald via AP, Pool) AP

The circumstances of her sisters death, and Brian Walshes dismemberment of his wifes body, have made it impossible for her family to observe their traditional customs, Dimitrijevic said.

While no sentence could bring her sister back, Dimitrijevic urged Freniere to impose the maximum sentence for Brian Walshe.

Ana will never be forgotten. We will carry her light and her memory with us forever, she said.

After Dimitrijevic spoke, prosecutors laid out their recommendation, asking Freniere to run Brian Walshes three sentences consecutively, a punishment his defense lawyers decried as inhumane.

But Assistant Norfolk District Attorney Greg Connor said inhumane was a better word to describe Walshes actions than the possible sentence.

Connor suggested it was a reasonable inference that after Walshe killed his wife, her body sat in the basement of the Cohasset home they shared with their three children for more than 24 hours before he began dismembering her. He pointed to the evolving nature of Walshes internet searches, which began with queries about disposal, then turned to how to dismember a body.

On Jan. 2, the day after his wife died, Walshe went to Home Depot and purchased tools he then used to take apart her body, Connor said. It was in the evening between Jan. 2 and Jan. 3 that the dismemberment took place, he said, while Walshes children were in the home.

Prosecutors recognized their sentencing recommendation was harsh, Connor said, adding, We think its appropriate based on the facts.

Speaking for the defense, Porges called the prospect of consecutive sentences inappropriate.

Regardless of what anyone believes about this person, he is a human, he is a father, he is a son, she said. Just because you can, doesnt mean you should, Porges urged Freniere.

In addition to the statement from Dimitrijevic, Freniere considered written submissions from the Department of Children and Families on behalf of the Walshes three children and from Alissa Kirby, one of Ana Walshes best friends.

Walshes defense submitted a letter from his mother in support of the lighter sentence they sought.

But Freniere said, I simply cannot reconcile the person Diana Walshe describes in her letter with the person who stands before me for sentencing.

Instead, she said Brian Walshe had a well-documented history of deceitful and manipulative behavior, dating back to his elaborate scheme to steal Andy Warhol paintings, then sell forgeries.

Freniere described Ana Walshe as an innocent, remarkable woman, and noted the devastating impact of her death on her children.

Its clear to me that Ana was a bright light in the eyes of many people. She lifted people up, Freniere said.

The life sentence required by state law for a first-degree murder conviction was immensely appropriate and just given your murderous acts and the life trauma that youve inflicted upon your own children, the judge told Brian Walshe.

Brian Walshe is brought to a prisoner transport van after he was sentenced in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (Mark Stockwell/Boston Herald via AP, Pool) AP

Brian Walshe was convicted on Monday morning of first-degree murder for the killing of his wife after a two-week trial and about five hours of jury deliberations. His first-degree murder conviction will be appealed to the Supreme Judicial Court, as all such convictions are in Massachusetts.
Brian Walshe will spend the rest of his life in prison.

That much is certain after the 50-year-old man was convicted on Monday of first-degree murder for killing his wife, Ana Walshe, then dismembering her body and disposing of her remains at dumpsters across the state in early 2023. Jurors deliberated for about five hours before returning a verdict, after hearing evidence across eight days of trial.

First-degree murder convictions in Massachusetts carry a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Such convictions are also automatically appealed to the Supreme Judicial Court.

Still, there is some question as to what Brian Walshes sentences will be for the two crimes he pleaded guilty to before trial: misleading a police investigation and disinterring a body. Brian Walshe would face up to 20 years for the misleading police charge and up to three years in prison for the disinterment charge.

Judge Diane Freniere could run those sentences either concurrently to the life sentence or run them consecutively when she sentences Walshe on Thursday morning.

Walshe was also sentenced last year to 37 months in federal prison for selling forged Andy Warhol paintings.

Prosecutors told Freniere they would likely be presenting victim-impact statements at the Wednesday morning hearing, including from Ana and Brian Walshes three children, though that statement is likely to be impounded. Several of Ana Walshes friends and family packed into the Dedham courtroom where the trial was held for closing arguments last week. They may speak to Freniere on Thursday morning.

The only public statement from Ana Walshes family after the verdict came from her sister, via Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey, who said simply, justice has been served.
PROVIDENCE, R.I.  Two students visited a memorial outside the Barus and Holley engineering and physics building on Thursday morning, embracing in front of framed photos of the two people killed in Saturdays shooting on the Brown University campus.

While the students mourned, they were outnumbered by media and police personnel about a dozen to one.

The timing of the mass shooting, which also left nine people injured, has created an end-of-semester atmosphere on campus that some students described as unsettling.

On Saturday afternoon around 4 p.m., a man entered the Barus and Hall building and opened fire. The man fled the scene after shooting 11 people, two of whom died. Browns campus and surrounding neighborhoods were put on lockdown as students and staff were urged to shelter in place.

As of Thursday afternoon, the gunman was still on the loose.

Several media outlets reported Thursday that investigators are now looking into a possible connection between Browns mass shooting and the killing of an MIT professor at his home in Brookline two days later.

CNN cited a law enforcement official close to the case and The Boston Globe cited officials close to the investigation as saying the two shootings may have been connected. Its unclear if a previously scheduled 4 p.m. press conference will be rescheduled Thursday.

An empty Brown campus

Finals were set to run until Dec. 20 at Brown, but the day after the shooting, university leadership canceled the remaining exams, allowing most of the 11,000 students to commence winter break ahead of schedule.

With only a small percentage of students remaining on campus five days after the incident, the holdovers are left to process their grief in near-isolation until the campus fills up again when spring semester classes begin in mid-January.

Oleksii  an undergrad student from Ukraine who asked that only his first name be used due to political concerns  has stayed on campus over break each of the past two years and plans to remain again this year. His residence hall has cleared out, leaving him in an almost solitary state.

Its uncanny, he said. Winter break is a time when its empty here on campus anyway, but not to this extent. Its empty in my dorm. Its empty everywhere. You dont feel at home. The difference is very palpable.

Speaking on Thursday on the steps of a building across the street from the Barus and Holley building, Oleksii couldnt help but notice the lack of students in all directions.

Everywhere I walk around, I see theres no people, he said. You are always reminded why its empty.

Jan Fedyszyn, a junior from Virginia, lives in a campus dormitory just minutes from where the shooting took place.

Fedyszyn is planning to head home over the weekend, but with final exams cut short, he was the only person to enter or exit his residence hall over a 20-minute span on Thursday morning.

The end of the semester and finals period is usually a very active time, Fedyszyn said. Everyone is planning things, trying to maximize the time they have left to hang out with people. So there were a lot of things that obviously got canceled due to everyone moving out.

Flowers are left on a bench outside the Barus and Holley building on the campus of Brown University. Mike Grimala

Browns medical school and MBA programs were the only schools exempt from the early dismissal.

Angelo Blancaflor, a senior medical student, said the immediate emptiness of the usually vibrant campus has been noticeable and off-putting.

Its been vaguely ghost town-ish, Blancaflor said. Honestly, it kind of reminded me of COVID a little bit, but in a way thats, like, darker. Its very sudden.

Nikolay Smirnov, 25, is staying on campus until Monday. The grad student noted the uneasy feeling since the mass exodus.

It really feels like its in limbo right now, Smirnov said. It doesnt feel like an end to the semester.

When students return next month, Smirnov expects people to try to find a sense of normalcy, but believes it may be difficult given they didnt have much time to process their feelings before leaving town.

I think people would want it to feel normal and I think people will walk in trying to make it feel normal, but obviously this is never going to disappear, Smirnov said.

One thing most seemed to agree on is that a feeling of angst is going to linger until a suspect is apprehended.

The FBI and Providence police have asked for the publics help in identifying a person of interest who was caught on camera walking in the area before the shooting, but no arrests have been made.

Its insane. Im shocked that he still isnt caught, Smirnov said. The fact that hes still not caught is really freaky. School shooters usually shoot themselves after the incident. This guy got away. Whats stopping him from coming back and essentially doing the same thing? I dont see whats stopping him from coming back if they dont stop him by next semester.

Clearly the police was not prepared for this at all, he continued. They didnt do anything really in the first hours to catch the shooter. They only started ruffling through the snow two days after the incident.

A phone message seeking comment on Browns police response to the shooting was not immediately returned Thursday afternoon.

Police gather outside a restaurant near Brown University. Mike Grimala

Police have set up an active tip line, and the FBI has a website where people can offer information about the case. But with the campus now nearly empty and the shooter still not in custody, pressure is mounting to show significant progress.

It definitely puts a lot of unease on the situation, Fedyszyn said. I know a lot of people have been complaining about the police response.

Misinformation concerns

While police continue to investigate, it has created an opportunity for misinformation to sprout in online circles. Social media is rife with conspiracy theories and AI-doctored photos and videos of the person of interest.

Oleksii said the flood of unreliable content has led him to avoid social media since the shooting.

Blancaflor is frustrated by the baseless accusations and conspiracies that have swirled in the five days since the tragedy.

Its the world we live in, Blancaflor said. Im on Twitter. I see very radical conspiracies being thrown around, suspects being thrown around. Its insane, but thats the world we live in now, where people are able to come up with these conspiracies or ideas and just post them.

Until the shooter is caught, some students fear there wont be a sense of closure for them at Brown  neither the ones still on campus now, nor the ones who have departed for the winter.

I know some of my friends who are more anxious and paranoid about that, Oleksii said. It creates this emptiness  a lack. Youre not satisfied by what happened. Its not the end yet. Its going to continue, and I think thats something that bothers a lot of people.
Criminals are using social media to create fake photos and videos, making it appear as though loved ones have been kidnapped to demand ransom payments, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

These scammers typically contact people through text message claiming they have kidnapped someone they know and demand a ransom be paid for their release.

Oftentimes, the criminal will threaten significant violence towards the loved one if the ransom is not paid immediately, the statement reads. The actor will then send what appears to be a realistic picture or video of the person, which upon close inspection, often proves to be fake.

The FBI states that missing tattoos, scars or wrong body proportions can be red flags that prove the photo or video is fake.

Criminal actors will sometimes purposefully send these photos using timed message features to limit the amount of time victims have to look at the images.

The FBI has provided the following tips to stay safe:
A Worcester man was charged in connection with fraudulently obtaining tens of thousands of dollars in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) while working as a full-time TSA Security Officer, according to the office of Leah Foley, the U.S. attorney for Massachusetts.

Ismael Rosado Jr., 40, was charged with one count of wire fraud, a Wednesday press release from the office reads. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date, according to the press release.

Rosado was employed full-time as a TSA Security Officer at Boston Logan International Airport from November 2018 through October 2021, according to the press release.

It is alleged that, between May 2020 and September 2021, Rosado submitted an application seeking PUA and weekly certifications claiming he was unemployed and making no income, the press release reads. Based on the misrepresentations in the application and weekly certifications, Rosado received $47,526 in unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled.

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss, whichever is greater, according to the press release.
Police arrested a Brandeis professor, a Unitarian minister and two others on Tuesday as they tried to deliver care packages to detainees at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Massachusetts, The Boston Globe reported.

Fred Small, 73, Eric Segal, 68, Roger Rosen, 75, and Sabine von Mering, 58, have all been charged with disturbing the peace and trespassing out of Woburn District Court, Burlington Police Chief Thomas Browne confirmed to MassLive on Wednesday.

A larger group went to the ICE facility at 1000 District Ave. in Burlington Tuesday morning bringing food, clothing and bedrolls, but were told when they arrived that they would not be allowed to deliver the items, the Globe reported. The four who were arrested were taken into custody after they refused to move away from the facilitys entrance.

Small is the minister for climate justice at Arlington Street Church  a Unitarian Universalist church in downtown Boston, according to his website. Sabine von Mering is the director of the Center for German and European Studies and the chair of the Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies Department at Brandeis University, according to the schools website.

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday night.

Rev. Sarah Lusche, a member of the group who wasnt arrested, told the Globe theyd become concerned about the detainees in Burlington in response to recent reports of poor conditions at the facility. The group wanted to deliver these care packages in person as expressions of care for people in our community, she said.

The Burlington Police Department report on the incident stated that ICE would not take any property or supplies due to not being able to properly vet everything, the Globe reported.

They were then told that they needed to leave the property, and the group, very calmly and peacefully, said they were going to stay and wait there until they were able to deliver the packages, Lusche told the newspaper.

A worker at the facility soon reported to police that approximately twenty people were blocking the main entrance, the police report states, according to the Globe. The responding officer asked the group to move away from the front entrance, and everyone cooperated except for the four who were arrested.

The police report states that Mark Anzelmo, who runs the facility, asked officers to remove the four from ICE property, the Globe reported. Those standing in front of the buildings entrance were given multiple warnings before being taken into custody and transported to the police station for booking.

They charged us with trespassing and disturbing the peace, von Meering told the newspaper. To me, my peace is disturbed because this facility is operating the way it is.

Burlington police previously arrested three protesters at the facility in September, according to the department. The protesters similarly refused to leave the property and were charged with trespassing.
Harvard University will require Harvard ID cards to access buildings on campus  a winter break security measure starting two days earlier than usual, on the heels of the mass shooting at Brown University.

There is no information indicating a credible threat to the Harvard University campus, according to a Wednesday night email from FAS Campus Operations Chief Zachary M. Gingo. Still, the change affecting Faculty of Arts and Sciences buildings, took effect at 8 a.m. on Thursday.

Harvard police and security will continue to monitor campus buildings out of an abundance of caution, the email read, with security guards positioned at main entrances of buildings where final exams are taking place. Affiliates were reminded to carry their Harvard ID card and avoid propping building doors open.

Similar measures are in place Harvards School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, according to another email sent to the school community by SEAS Interim Dean for Academic Programs Rebecca M. Ginzburg, as reported by The Harvard Crimson.

The heightened security comes after students at fellow Ivy League school, Brown University, were attacked in a mass shooting on Saturday. The gunfire broke out in a classroom on the first floor of Browns Barus and Holley engineering and physics building, killing sophomore Ella Cook and first-year student Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and injuring nine.

This combo image made with photos provided by the FBI and the Providence, Rhode Island, Police Department shows a person of interest in the shooting that occurred at Brown University in Providence, R.I., Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (FBI/Providence Police Department via AP) AP

The gunman was still at large as of Thursday morning. Providence police and the FBI have released multiple images and videos of a person of interest, along with a person who may have a connection to the person of interest.

Once we identify who this person is, I believe well be able to locate them, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said during a press conference Tuesday night.

The investigation for the suspect behind the killings has spilled over state lines into Massachusetts. North Attleborough police confirmed Wednesday that law enforcement had followed leads into the city, which borders Rhode Island, but said there is no immediate threat to the community. Plainville and Attleboro may also see investigators, though local police reported no danger to residents.

Law enforcement officials have described the person of interest as being approximately 5-foot-8 inches tall with a stocky build. Photos and videos shared by police show what appears to be man dressed in dark clothing, including a beanie and face mask, walking down the street near Brown University approximately two hours before the shooting.

Officials have asked anyone associated with Brown or who lives or spends time around Providence to review the photos and videos of the person of interest. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual.

Flowers and candles were laid in front of Brown University's Barus and Holley building, seen here on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, after a shooting left two dead and nine injured on Saturday. Luis Fieldman

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar L. Perez Jr. advised the public to focus on the body movements of the person of interest shown in the videos during the press conference Tuesday evening.

You want to focus on the body movements, the way the person moved their arms, the body posture, the way they carry their weight, he said.

The Providence Police Department asks that information about the person of interest be shared via phone at 401-272-3121 or through the FBIs tip line.
Ana Walshes sister wakes up every morning hoping the events of the last nearly three years have all been some terrible dream.

Speaking Thursday morning at a sentencing hearing for Walshes husband, Brian, who was convicted this week of first-degree murder for killing her in January 2023, then dismembering her body, Aleksandra Dimitrijevic addressed the impact losing her sister has had on her family.

Ana Walshe immigrated to the U.S. from Serbia, working in hospitality  where she met Brian Walshe  before getting jobs in real estate. At the time of her death, she had landed her dream job at Tishman Speyer, working out of the companys Washington, D.C. offices.

At the time Ana Walshe was killed, she and her husband had three children, who are now 9, 6 and 5.

The most painful part of this loss is knowing her children must now grow up without their mothers hand to hold, Dimitrijevic said on the witness stand Thursday, speaking on behalf of her and her mother. They now face a lifetime of milestones, big and small, where her absence will be deeply and painfully felt.

Since her daughters death in January 2023, Ana Walshes mother has suffered from depression and chronic exhaustion, Dimitrijevic said.

Every single day, she carries the weight of losing her daughter, she said.

Losing my sister, Ana, so unexpectedly has altered our world in ways we never imagined, she continued. Ana was not just my sister, she was someone I grew up with, someone who knew me in ways no one else ever will.

The circumstances of Ana Walshes death, and particularly, the fact that Brian Walshe dismembered her body, then threw her remains in dumpsters across the state, have left her family unable to observe traditional customs for when a person dies, Dimitrijevic said.

Prosecutor Greg Connor said the district attorneys office was trying to get the state medical examiner to issue a death certificate for Ana Walshe, given the verdict handed down Monday. Ana Walshes remains were never found.

That has added a layer of profound unfinished grief to our loss, Dimitrijevic said. Her life was unfairly taken. We miss her beyond words.

She urged Judge Diane Freniere to consider the profound impact her sisters death had on the family in handing down her sentence, urging her to follow prosecutors recommendation of consecutive terms.

Dimitrijevic thanked investigators for their work on the case.

Your dedication to seeking justice for my sister has provided my family with a sense of support in our darkest hours, she said, calling her sisters murder an incomprehensible act.

Ana will never be forgotten; we will carry her light and her memory with us forever, she concluded.

Freniere ultimately sentenced Brian Walshe to the maximum punishment he was eligible for. Issuing not just a life sentence without the possibility of parole, but also a sentence of 19 to 20 years for misleading police and a sentence a day shy of three years for disposing of his wifes body.

He will serve his time at Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster, the states maximum security prison.

The state sentences will run consecutively, one after the other. Walshes 37-month federal sentence for selling forged Andy Warhol paintings will run at the same time as the state sentences.

In addition to the statement from Dimitrijevic, Freniere considered a victim impact statement from the Department of Children and Families on behalf of the Walshes three children and from some of Ana Walshes friends.

Brian Walshes conviction on Monday came after a two-week trial and about five hours of jury deliberations. His first-degree murder conviction will be appealed to the Supreme Judicial Court, as all such convictions are in Massachusetts.
A 47-year-old man has been convicted of beating to death an inmate at the Massachusetts Treatment Center in Bridgewater in 2021, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruzs office announced Wednesday.

Jurors found Michael Robinson guilty of one count each of involuntary manslaughter and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, a press release from the district attorneys office reads. Sentencing for Robinson is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2026.

On April 13, 2021 at 10:38 p.m., corrections officers at the treatment center responded to a report of an altercation that occurred in a bathroom, according to the press release. Officers found a man unresponsive and bleeding.

The man, Scott Wonoski, 43, of Worcester, received medical treatment before being taken to the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, where he was pronounced dead of his injuries.

Officials from the treatment center contacted the Massachusetts State Polices detective unit assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorneys office and an investigation began, the press release reads.

The chief medical examiners office ruled the manner of death was homicide, which was caused by blunt force injuries to the head and torso. The jury was shown video footage from the facility that showed Robinson physically assaulting Wonoski before exiting the bathroom, according to the press release.

Robinsons trial lasted six days.
The judge specially assigned to the wrongful death lawsuit against Karen Read delayed a hearing scheduled for Friday as he pressed lawyers on both sides of the lawsuit to communicate better to whittle down their disagreements.

Judge Mark Gildea also denied a request from Reads team to hold the hearing in-person. Reads team had suggested an in-person hearing will be significantly more helpful to the Court in rendering its decisions on the pending motions, noting that three motions to compel evidence are pending in the wrongful death suit.

In his order, Gildea wrote, The court appreciates counsels concern but hopes to be up to the task at hand.

What would be significantly more helpful to the Court is for the attorneys to communicate further to narrow any areas of disagreement before any hearing, he wrote, quoting the filing from Reads defense.

The family of Reads boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe, sued her last year after her first murder trial ended in a mistrial, accusing her, as state prosecutors did, of causing OKeefes death by running him over with her SUV. In June, Read was acquitted of all criminal charges connected with OKeefes death following a retrial.

The order issued by Gildea on Wednesday comes after a series of filings from lawyers for the OKeefe family and for Reads team indicated significant disagreements about evidentiary issues  and an apparent unwillingness to cooperate.

Lawyers for the family asked Gildea to force Read to provide a more thorough answer to an interrogatory they sent to her lawyers. An interrogatory is essentially a formal question that a party in a lawsuit must provide an answer to under oath.

While Read and her lawyers have claimed for years that someone other than her was responsible for OKeefes death, she has never spoken under oath about the events leading up to his death. Read did not testify at either of her criminal trials.

In the interrogatory, OKeefes family sought more evidence to substantiate those third-party culprit claims. But the family indicated it was unsatisfied with Reads answer, and with a supplemental answer her team provided. Reads team attempted to set up a conference with the familys lawyers, but were turned down, according to court filings.

Reads filings show a concerning claimed unwillingness on the part of plaintiffs counsel to narrow areas of disagreement, Gildea wrote.

Still, he derided the claim from Reads team that they didnt know the issues the familys lawyers had with her supplemental answer as disingenuous.

I believe that counsel for all involved have not made sufficient attempts to narrow areas of disagreement, Gildea wrote, ordering the hearing rescheduled for Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. It is hoped that the additional time will result in a narrowing of areas of disagreement.
A 43-year-old man from Lawrence was found guilty of murdering of his wife, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tuckers office announced Wednesday.

Junior Solis Garcia was found guilty by a jury of first-degree murder for the death of 30-year-old Mariel Ramos De Los Santos at their home on Diamond Street in Lawrence on June 20, 2022, a press release from the District Attorneys Office reads.

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. in Lawrence Superior Court.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Ramos De Los Santos moved to Lawrence and was remembered throughout the trial as a dedicated mother to her four children and a hard worker who loved music and helping others, the press release reads. Following her death, hundreds of people gathered in Lawrence to call attention to domestic violence, pray, and hold her in their memory.

The investigation of Ramos De Los Santos death included Sergeant Timothy Yerian and the Lawrence Police Department, Trooper John Lannon and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to Tuckers office and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, according to the press release. The defendant was represented by attorneys Benjamin Falkner and James Krasnoo.
A New Hampshire woman convicted of second-degree murder in the 2021 fatal stabbing of her brother-in-law at a Boston hotel was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 18 years.

Ren Rodgers, 28, of Hollis, N.H., was sentenced by Suffolk Superior Court Judge Jackie Cowin Wednesday, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin R. Haydens office.

On Feb. 20, 2021, Rodgers, who then identified as a man, traveled with his wife to Boston along with the wifes brother, Christopher Kellar, and Kellars girlfriend for a birthday celebration, a press release from the District Attorneys office reads.

The two couples rented a room at Hotel Indigo at 280 Friend St. in Boston where they planned to spend the night, according to the press release.

Kellar and his sister got into an argument, resulting in Kellar leaving the room. When Kellar returned after getting a phone charger, the argument resumed. The siblings started pushing each other and Rodgers stabbed Kellar with a knife, the press release reads.

Kellars sister and his girlfriend immediately called 911 and tried to give Kellar aid. Rodgers was taken into custody and said words to the effect of no one touches my wife, according to the press release.

Kellar was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The tragedy here, along with one life lost and another severely altered by long incarceration, is that it was all so avoidable. These were people who all knew each other. The decision by Ren Rodgers to address a family dispute with deadly violence is as inexplicable as it is sorrowful for all involved, District Attorney Hayden said in the press release.
As the fifth day of searching for the gunman in the deadly Brown University mass shooting came to a close, Providence police shared a map of the movements of a person of interest within the city on Dec. 13  the day of the shooting.

For the last several days, investigators have focused on identifying a person of interest theyve described as being approximately 5-foot-8 inches tall with a stocky build. Photos and videos shared by police show what appears to be man dressed in dark clothing, including a beanie and face mask, walking down the street near Brown University approximately two hours before the shooting.

Law enforcement officials have repeatedly stated that identifying this person is crucial for moving the investigation forward.

The map, which was shared Wednesday afternoon, shows Providence streets on which investigators have confirmed the person of interest was seen before and after the shooting, which took place around 4 p.m. on Dec. 13.

It also indicates the rectangular area of the city they are hoping to garner additional footage of the person of interest from, from as far back as a week prior to the shooting. They believe he may have walked around this part of the city, which amounts to about a quarter of a square mile, to scope it out prior to shooting.

Investigators area of focus includes the eastern half of Browns campus, including the Barus and Holley engineering and physics building where sophomore Ella Cook and first-year student Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov were shot and killed and nine other students were injured Saturday afternoon.

As of Wednesday afternoon, one of the injured students remains in critical but stable condition at Rhode Island Hospital, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. Five more are in stable condition at the hospital, and three have been discharged.

The parents that I spoke with today all reported that their kids were improving, he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Providence police shared photos of a new person they are trying to identify that they say was in proximity of the person of interest on the day of the shooting. They did not include a description of the new person, but the photos show them standing outside wearing a grey hood, blue jacket and black pants.

We truly believe based on the video footage that we have been watching for a few days that they may have relevant information to the investigation, Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar L. Perez, Jr., said Wednesday.

Police released this image of a person seen "in proximity" of a person of interest in the Brown University shooting. Providence Police

When asked for further details on how the new person is related to the case, Perez added that the person was close enough to the person of interest that we feel that we need to speak with them. The videos from which investigators are pulling images do not have audio, he said.

During the Wednesday press conference, Neronha once again called on the public to share information they may have about the shooting or person of interest with police. He went as far as encouraging the gunman to turn himself in.

Though several days have gone by without law enforcement identifying a suspect in the shooting, Neronha said investigators do not feel discouraged. This type of investigation takes a long time, he said.

He will be caught. And its just a matter of time before we catch him, the attorney general said.

Providence police released an "enhanced" video of the person of interest law enforcement is trying to identity in connection with the deadly Brown University mass shooting from Saturday. Providence Police Department

The investigation into the shooting also spilled over state lines into Massachusetts on Wednesday. North Attleborough police confirmed that leads in the case had brought law enforcement into the city, which borders Rhode Island and is approximately 15 miles from Providence.

North Attleboroughs police chief specified in a press release that investigators were not searching for the shooter in the city. There is no immediate threat to the community, he said.

It is unclear whether any other Massachusetts communities have been part of the investigation.

Law enforcement officials are still calling on anyone associated with Brown or who lives or spends time around Providence to review the photos and videos of the person of interest, as well as the new person who was seen in proximity with him on the day of the shooting.

The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the gunman.

The Providence Police Department asks that information regarding the mass shooting be shared via phone at 401-272-3121 or through the FBIs tip line.
Every year, millions of packages are stolen from the mail  and the losses are devastating.

According to a semiannual United States Postal Service report to Congress, parcels valuing between $5.2 billion and $16 billion are stolen every year.

Criminal activity involving Postal Service personnel continues to pose a challenge to the agency, especially as employees turn to outside criminal organizations seeking to exploit the vast postal network, the USPS Office of Inspector General said.

The OIG notes that because USPS employees are often involved, the damages are significantly magnified.

In 2024, the USPS reported at least 58 million packages were stolen  each worth between $50 and $204.

Mail theft isnt a new issue, but its one the USPS says it aggressively works to combat.

Mail theft

In 2025, the OIG partnered with the U.S. Postal Inspector Service to launch an investigation to take down a major mail theft operation responsible for $17 million in losses in Alabama, according to the congressional report.

In this case, a man recruited a postal employee to steal hundreds of checks addressed to businesses and local PO boxes. The co-conspirator would alter and sell the checks on a social media app with others involved in the scheme, the OIG reported.

The employee was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay $230,000 back to her victims.

Her accomplice was ordered to pay the same amount and sentenced to eight years in prison after being found with more $10,000 in cash, drugs, a gun and $417,000 in stolen checks.

The bust is just one example of recovered funds and elaborate mail theft schemes affecting the USPS, according to the report.

The OIG closed 778 investigations and made 306 arrests between April and September 2025.

As a result, the OIG said it collected $17.8 million in stolen funds from restitutions, fines and recoveries.
Postal crime extends well beyond porch pirates and stolen mail. In some cases, these crimes occur in places you might least expect  including the doctors office.

As part of a decade-long investigation, the USPS Office of Inspector General uncovered a massive health care fraud scheme involving Texas pharmacies and medical providers.

These health care professionals billed the government hundreds of millions of dollars for medically unnecessary prescriptions, the OIG said in its semiannual report to Congress.

The operation centered on inflating prices for compound pain creams prescribed to injured federal workers  many of them USPS employees  and paid for by the Department of Labors Office of Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP).

In 2025 alone, the OIGs investigation brought to justice 324 defendants who are now facing criminal charges for their alleged involvement in this scheme or similar operations.

Those facing charges include 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other licensed medical professionals.

According to a July Justice Department release, intended losses were upwards of $14.6 billion.

In 2015, the USPS Office of Inspector General launched an investigation into three pharmacies in Texas for receiving unusually high reimbursements from OWCP.

Investigators discovered several doctors were prescribing creams that were not medically necessary and billing the government at inflated prices to pocket the profit.

Over a three-year period, the pharmacies billed OWCP more than $145 million and received over $90 million in payments, according to the OIGs report.

The creams themselves were inexpensive to produce, but pharmacies billed thousands of dollars per prescription  keeping the difference and sharing it with others involved in the operation, including doctors.

The OIG said it was later discovered that money was laundered through shell companies and the operation caused approximately $24 million in tax losses to the U.S. government.

In a related scheme, pharmacy owners billed a major private insurance company for unnecessary prescriptions written for the pharmacies own employees.

A physician assistant involved in the scheme prescribed more than $556,000 worth of medications without examining or treating patients.

Two pharmacy owners pleaded guilty, were sentenced to a combined 32 years in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution.

The government seized more than $396.5 million in cash and over $4.6 million in real property  marking the largest cash forfeiture in the history of the Justice Departments Northern District of Texas Health Care Fraud Unit.

Investigators found another family-owned pharmacy in Pharr, Texas, billed OWCP more than $95 million and received $41 million in payments. That pharmacy also billed TRICARE nearly $10 million.

Authorities said the owner recruited marketers, a physician, and clinic staff to steer unnecessary prescriptions to the pharmacy in exchange for kickbacks.

In total, 11 defendants pleaded guilty to health care fraud and kickback conspiracy charges. Nine have already been sentenced, with prison terms totaling more than 16 years, and were ordered to repay over $33 million to victims.

Federal officials emphasized that injured federal workers, including USPS employees, did not receive any financial benefit from the scheme and were considered victims of the fraud.
Actor James Woods, an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, hit back at horrible things that were said about actor and director Rob Reiner following his death.

Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Reiner, 68, were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday. Police said the Reiners were fatally stabbed in their bedroom, according to the New York Times. Rob Reiners son, Nick Reiner, was charged with murder in connection with his parents death. The 32-year-old son of Reiner appeared in court on Wednesday but did not enter a plea, the New York Times reports.

Following Reiners death, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, and suggested Reiners criticism towards him led to his death.

A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented, movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS, Trump wrote on Truth Social Monday morning.

In a Fox News interview on Monday, an emotional Woods criticized people saying horrible things about Reiner, without naming anyone in particular.

When people say horrible things about Rob right now, I find it, quite frankly, infuriating and distasteful, Woods said to Fox personality Jesse Watters.

Woods praised Reiner during the interview saying he was a great patriot.

In 1996, Woods starred in a film directed by Reiner, Ghosts of Mississippi and was nominated for best supporting actor for his portrayal of Ku Klux Klan member Byron De La Beckwith.

At a very, very down point in my career, Rob literally saved my career and really put me back on track in a way that was so important and rewarding in my life, Woods said. He really fought for me when a studio didnt want me in a movie ... I went from really being basically out of a job to getting an Academy Award nomination, and I give all the credit to Rob.

In addition to his career as an actor and director, Reiner was an outspoken liberal activist. During a 2017 interview with Variety, he called Trump the single most unqualified human being to ever assume the presidency of the United States.

Woods said that despite their opposing views, both he and Reiner loved each other.

Did I agree with his politics? I did not, Woods said. Did I love him as a friend, as an artist, as an icon of Hollywood and as a patriot? I most certainly did and I am just absolutely devastated by this terrible event.
SPRINGFIELD  Judge Katherine A. Robertson, a federal magistrate judge who sat on the bench in Springfield for more than a decade, is scheduled to retire in the beginning of January.

She will be replaced by Christopher Morgan, who worked in the U.S. Attorneys Office in Springfield.

Robertson, who ascended to the bench in January 2015, was a familiar face at the regions naturalization ceremonies, administering the oath to hundreds of new Americans at proceedings held at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site and during the Fourth of July in Northampton, for instance.

If I do two a year, shell do 10, Judge Mark Mastroianni said in an interview before a September ceremony that Robertson was unable to attend.

The U.S. District Court for Massachusetts announced Robertsons retirement in May. In a statement issued at the time, Mastroianni described his colleague as an exceptional Judge that litigants and attorneys alike in Western Massachusetts benefitted from having serve on the bench.

Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV, who entered senior status in July, said in a statement that Robertson served with compassion, humility, and good cheer at all times, adding that she was also a remarkably productive and energetic judicial officer.

As magistrate judge, Robertson helped oversee the initial proceedings of federal criminal cases, issue search and arrest warrants, hold trials for misdemeanor cases and handle cases as they prepared for trial.

The duties of the position are demanding and wide-ranging, said the District Courts notice seeking applicants to replace Robertson. The document notes the position pays $227,608 a year.

The court did not immediately respond to a request to interview Robertson.

Magistrate judges, unlike district judges, do not require the confirmation of the U.S. Senate. Rather, they are appointed to an eight-year term to help the district court.

The court reappointed Robertson in 2022.

It said in October that Morgan would be the next magistrate judge in Springfield.

Besides working in the U.S. Attorneys office, Morgan was also a trial attorney with the Federal Communications Commission between 2015 and 2018.

Chris Morgan has a range of civil and criminal experience, deep practice in our Court in Springfield where he will sit, and a demonstrated commitment to public service, Chief Judge Denise Casper said in a statement. We are delighted that he will joining our bench and we believe that he will be a fair and just jurist and outstanding contributor to the Court community.

He assumes the bench when Robertson retires Jan. 7.
In the previous episode of Tina's Talk, we discussed the first installment of the "China's Auto Industry Going Global" serieswhy now is the right time for Chinese automakers to expand overseas. In this episode, we turn to a new triangle shaping the global automotive industry: Shanghai, Silicon Valley, and Munich.

1. The Shift of Power

The geographical center of the automotive industry is undergoing a quiet yet profound migration.

Over the past century, it has experienced three major shifts of power  from Detroit's era of mass production, to Tokyo's mastery of lean manufacturing, and then to Stuttgart's culture of engineering excellence. Each transition has represented a complete reconfiguration of production methods, energy systems, supply chains, and consumer culture.

Today, the underlying logic of competition has fundamentally shifted  it is now driven by electrification, intelligence, and globalization. The old order is loosening, and a new one is taking shape. We are entering the fourth great transition in the history of the automotive industry. The global automotive triangle is evolving from DetroitTokyoStuttgart to ShanghaiSilicon ValleyMunich. These three cities now represent the new centers of global automotive influence  speed, technology, and rules. This is not merely a geographical shift, but a reconfiguration of power structures.

It signifies that the core of global automotive competition is moving from manufacturing and product quality to technology, ecosystems, and regulatory frameworks.

2. The Old Triangle  The Power Code Behind a Century of Industry

(1) Detroit  The Symbol of Industrialization

The 20th-century automotive world began in Detroit. In 1908, the Ford Model T rolled off the assembly line, marking the first time automobiles moved from handcrafted workshops to industrial mass production. This not only transformed the way cars were made but also defined the blueprint for 20th-century industrial civilization  assembly-line manufacturing, standardized components, and the cyclical relationship between capital and consumption.

The mid-20th century was the golden age of America's auto industry. Detroit was home to the "Big Three"  Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler  which at one point controlled over 60% of the global market. Their model was built on capacity expansion, consumer stimulation, and financial leverage, giving rise to an entire industrial urban ecosystem.

Photo source: Stellantis

But by the 21st century, Detroit's model began to collapse. Energy crises, rising costs, and heavy dependence on fuel-powered vehicles eroded profitability. Rigid supply chains, declining innovation, and persistent labor disputes stripped the city of its ability to lead the new energy transition.

After the 2008 financial crisis, Detroit became the emblem of a failing industrial model, serving as a warning to the world: mass production can create prosperity, but without innovation, the future will be lost.

(2) Tokyo  The Pinnacle of Efficiency and Quality

The oil crises of the 1970s forced the world to reexamine the importance of energy efficiency. At that pivotal moment, Japan seized the opportunity and rose rapidly as an automotive powerhouse. Brands such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan became globally recognized for their fuel economy, reliability, and rigorous quality management.

The Toyota Production System (TPS) and the philosophy of lean manufacturing became benchmarks for modern industrial management worldwide. Japan's auto industry achieved extreme efficiency through zero inventoryJIT, continuous improvement (Kaizen), and standardized operations.

By the 1980s, Japanese car exports had surpassed those of the United States, capturing over 30% of the North American market, and becoming synonymous with reliability and fuel efficiency. Its success was built upon a deeply integrated system of manufacturing precision and quality control.

Photo source: Toyota Motor

However, as the global industry entered the era of digitalization and intelligence, Japan's traditional hardware-driven strengths began to appear rigid and slow to adapt. Japanese automakers continued to focus on mechanical excellence and hardware precision, but remained relatively conservative in software architecture, digital ecosystems, and user experience.

The result: Japanese cars are still refined and reliable  but increasingly disconnected from the digital, connected world.

(3) Stuttgart  The Synonym of Engineering and Regulation

Stuttgart, the birthplace of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, is the spiritual home of the German automotive industry. It embodies engineering philosophy, precision culture, and above all, a deep-rooted systemic order.

The strength of Europe's automotive industry lies not only in mechanical performance, but also in its systems and standards.

During the era of internal combustion engines, European regulations virtually defined the global rulebook. The European Union has long been the world's chief rule-maker for the auto industry from emission standards (Euro IVI) vehicle safety regulations, to later frameworks on data protection, cybersecurity, and over-the-air software updates such as GDPR, R155, and R156  each guiding the direction of industrial development. Europe effectively transformed manufacturing capability into institutional power, making the phrase "European standards" synonymous with global automotive norms.

Its underlying logic is clear: to preserve the moat of high-value manufacturing through the power of standard-setting. However, this very system that ensured Europe's strength has also made it slow and overly cautious. In the transition to electrification, Europe's policy ambitions have gradually been worn down by real-world pressures. The latest signals suggest that the planned 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles may be scrapped. On December 16, the European Commission released a proposal to abandon the plan to prohibit the sale of new ICE vehicles from 2035. In terms of infrastructure, costs, and supply-chain readiness, Europe's industry is clearly far from fully prepared.

Photo Source: European Commission

As new technologies emerge, energy systems are restructured, and geopolitics reshapes supply chains, the old industrial triangle  once dominant  now hesitates under its own inertia, while true innovation begins to bloom at the periphery.

3. The New Triangle  The Reshaping of Global Automotive Power

(1) Shanghai  The Symbol of Speed and System Strength

If Detroit was the heart of the Industrial Revolution, then Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta today is the engine of the intelligent revolution that exemplifies the scale of electrification and serves as a testbed for automotive intelligence. Here, policy, industry, and market form a natural flywheel that propels continuous innovation. Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory, which went from groundbreaking to mass production in just one year, has set a new global benchmark for manufacturing speed. Meanwhile, Chinese brands like NIO, Chery, Geely, and Leapmotor have all evolved from simply building cars to building ecosystems.

The Yangtze River Delta, anchored by Shanghai, hosts the densest NEV supply chain in the world  batteries, motors, electronic control systems, chips, thermal management, smart cockpits, autonomous driving  nearly every critical component can be sourced and produced within a 300-kilometer radius. It is both a production powerhouse and an innovation hub.

More importantly, China is home to the most open-minded, discerning, and fast-evolving consumers in the world  a group with little attachment to traditional brands and a strong willingness to embrace and experiment with new technologies. They are driving automakers to innovate at an internet-level pace  software features can be updated over the air (OTA), user interfaces refreshed weekly, and new model development cycles shortened from 48 months to less than 18 months. Even software functions are now iterated on a monthly basis.

This dynamic has created a new industrial equation: Electrification + Intelligence + Rapid Feedback = China Speed. And this "speed" is not just about time  it's about the efficiency of a coordinated, full-chain system.

In the global competition for intelligent and electric mobility, Shanghai represents the systemic capability of China's auto industry policy certainty, supply chain resilience, and market agility. Its significance goes beyond "making cars"; it lies in redefining how cars should be made in the era of intelligent electrification.

Photo Source: Pony.ai

(2) Silicon Valley  The Symbol of Technology and Paradigm Shift

Silicon Valley is the global cradle of innovation. It is not known for the volume of cars it produces, but it has redefined what a "car" truly means  both in essence and in scope.

Tesla transformed the automobile from a means of transportation into a computing platform; Waymo and Cruise turned autonomous driving from imagination into reality; and technology giants such as NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm have used computing power and algorithms to rewrite the vehicle's electronic architecture, propelling the industry from the era of horsepower into the era of computing power. With AI, chips, sensors, and operating systems at its core, Silicon Valley has built the technological paradigm of the intelligent vehicle.

Photo Source: Waymo

However, the Silicon Valley model also reveals a key contradiction  high technology but low conversion efficiency. Robotaxi operations have struggled to achieve profitability, and fully autonomous driving remains stalled by regulatory hurdles. The commercial barriers to large-scale deployment are still far from being overcome. Innovation moves fast, but industrial implementation lags behind. The value of a single intelligent driving system can even exceed half of a vehicle's total profit margin  and that highlights Silicon Valley's limitation: technologically advanced, but slow to scale; visionary in concept, yet prohibitively expensive in practice.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Chinese companies are turning these ideas into reality. Horizon Robotics and Black Sesame Technologies have achieved domestic chip production and localization; Huawei ADS and Momenta's assisted driving solutions have entered large-scale vehicle integration and mass deployment; and Baidu Apollo's "Robotaxi" service and Pony.ai are already conducting pilot operations in cities such as Shenzhen, Wuhan etc.

In terms of algorithms, computing power, and scenario integration, Chinese companies have evolved from followers to fast-iterating practitioners. In a sense, Silicon Valley may be the brain of technology  but China is becoming its muscle, turning conceptual breakthroughs into scalable industrial realities.

(3) Munich  The Symbol of Regulation and Order

Munich is the rational core of Europe's automotive industry. Here, brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi continue the German legacy of engineering precision and regulatory discipline. They still possess powerful engineering systems and enduring brand equity  but their true global influence still lies in rule-making.

In recent years, the European Union has successively introduced a series of new regulations: R155 and R156, which govern vehicle software cybersecurity and over-the-air updates; the Battery Regulation, requiring full lifecycle traceability and carbon footprint disclosure; the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which imposes "carbon tariffs" on high-emission imports; and the GDPR, designed to protect personal data privacy.

Through these "new rules," Europe seeks to preserve its traditional industrial advantages  measures such as battery carbon footprint auditing, supply-chain traceability, and sustainable production certification are all creating new entry barriers for the global automotive industry.

When entering the European market, Chinese companies face not only competition, but also an entirely new regulatory framework. The essence of these regulations is to transform compliance standards into market barriers. Europe aims to extend its global industrial influence through institutional power. In this process, the ability to understand, integrate into, and even participate in rule-making has become a new challenge for Chinese enterprises going global. For Chinese companies, this is both a challenge and a ticket of entry into Europe's high-end market. Competition is no longer just about price and product configuration  it now depends on systemic capability:ESG performance, compliance systems, and supply-chain transparency etc.

NIO's European-spec firefly model; photo Source: Horizon Robotics

4. The Three-Pillar Resonance  China's Global Coordinate

When we place these three cities on the same map, a clear pattern of three distinct forces emerges:

Silicon Valley holds the power of technological standards  the origin of innovation;

Munich commands institutional standards  the center of order;

Shanghai drives speed and scale  the engine of industrialization.

These three forces are shaping a new global equilibrium. Their relationship is not zero-sum, but synergistic: Silicon Valley's innovation requires China's industrial execution; Europe's standards rely on China's large-scale implementation; and China's system, in turn, benefits from the integration of advanced technology and global regulatory norms. For the first time, China's role has shifted from being at the manufacturing end of the global value chain to becoming the core hub of innovation and supply.

Chinese automakers are no longer just exporters of products  they are emerging as participants in technology, capital, and standard-setting. From Chery to BYD, from CATL to Huawei, China's automotive industry is transforming manufacturing capability into system capability.

This geographical shift signifies that the future automotive world will no longer have a single dominant center, but will instead be defined by a multi-polar resonance anchored in Shanghai, Silicon Valley, and Munich  with China, for the first time, becoming both a participant and a shaper of the new global automotive order.

This is "Tina's Talk."

In our next episode, EP3Supply Chain Divides:How Deopolitics is reshaping the Global Auto Industry.

Written by Xiaoying Zhou  CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Gasgoo International
Swedfund is investing USD 20 million in the Helios Climate, Energy, Adaptation and Resilience (CLEAR) Fund to support efforts that limit climate change and help communities adapt to its effects. The fund backs African companies that reduce emissions, strengthen resilience and create green jobs.

Africa contributes less than three percent of global carbon emissions but faces some of the most severe climate impacts. At the same time, the continents energy demand is expected to triple by 2050. Swedfunds investment in Helios CLEAR will help channel capital to businesses that drive low-carbon growth in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable transport, climate-smart farming, efficient use of resources and digital climate solutions.

By investing in this sector, we can reduce emissions, build resilience and create green jobs, all vital for sustainable growth that benefits more people. Africa currently receives only a small share of global climate investment, yet the potential for climate-smart business is enormous. Through Helios CLEAR we help build the next generation of African climate-focused businesses, says Gunilla Nilsson, Investment Director for Energy & Climate at Swedfund.

Swedfunds investment is expected to contribute to significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and to help businesses and small farmers adapt to a changing climate. The investment strengthens Swedfunds work to drive a sustainable and inclusive green transition in Africa.
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Senator Mark Duffy hosted Mayo's Little Blue Heroes in Leinster House this week.

A special Christmas visit began with a police escort into the Kildare Street side of the house with three roads closed to allow the motorcade guide the Honorary Gardai into the house.

They were greeted on the steps by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy and met with Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan and Tanaiste Simon Harris among other Oireachtas members.

It was a joyful occasion for the families who were given VIP treatment by the staff and members of Leinster House.

The Little Blue Heroes Foundations vision is to support families of children with serious illnesses in Ireland while empowering the lives of children through positive community engagement.

Our mission is to provide practical and financial support to families of children who have serious illnesses in Ireland while granting the wish of the children we support to become Honorary Gardai to empower the child and foster positive engagement with An Garda Siochana.
Mayo University Hospital is asking anyone with flu-like symptoms not to visit the hospital.

Due to rising cases of flu in the community and hospital, anyone suffering respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, fever, runny or blocked nose, shortness of breath, fatigue, aches and pains, or gastrointestinal symptoms, is asked not to visit the hospital.

This comes following calls from Castlebar councillor Harry Barrett to the management of Mayo University Hospital to activate a surge plan now, as flu cases rise sharply across County Mayo.

MUH says if the public must attend the hospital, masks will be available at reception and should be worn when visiting patients.

Visitors are also asked to practice good hygiene, not use patient toilets on the wards, and clean their hands regularly with alcohol hand gel.

Mayo University Hospital says these measures are vital to avoid spreading the virus to patients, visitors, and hospital staff.

Additionally, MUH has said a maximum of two visitors per patient will be strictly enforced unless there is a pre-approved exception to this granted on compassionate grounds.

READ NEXT: Increase in patients waiting for beds at Mayo University Hospital
A Mayo drama filmed in Mayo.

Western Front Studios is proud to announce the release of Collision, their RTE Storyland drama, landing on RTE2 today, on December 18.

Set against the sweeping backroads of rural Mayo, the story follows teenagers Cillian (a closeted hurler) and James (his openly gay schoolmate), who, after a drug-fueled party, agree to meet in secret, far from prying eyes.

On their way home they are involved in a sudden, deadly car crash with another vehicle with the drivers life hanging in the balance.

Not wanting to be implicated with James  Cillian covers up their involvement in the crash, which causes shockwaves throughout their close-knit community. As the town and authorities hunt for answers, the boys are pushed to confront their guilt, the weight of their choices, their bond, and a love neither of them was prepared to face.

READ NEXT: Behind the scenes: At the set of Mayo based company filming RTE drama

Collision tackles the contemporary and all-too-harrowing issue of drink and drug driving in Ireland and the devastation left behind for the people involved and the wider community.

At its heart, though, it is a coming-of-age story about self-acceptance, growing up, and understanding who you really are. It is a queer love story.

The drama is written and directed by Michael Carolan, known for his Virgin Media Discovers short film Night Driver. Carolan has a rare gift for writing flawed, deeply human characters and never goes down the easy road of heroes and villains. In his world, people are messy, complicated, and capable of both harm and grace.

Carolan says, Collision is a deeply personal film to me. I initially set out, wanting to explore the reality of the record-breaking road fatalities recorded last Christmas in Ireland. It's a tragic, first-love story about what happens when two people collide at a pivotal moment in their lives. It comes from my fascination with that tense space between who we are and who were expected to be.

The drama stars rising talents Cuan Hosty Blaney (House of Guinness, Dead of Winter) as Cillian, a closeted GAA golden boy who thinks he has life figured out, and Cameron Brady (Sapphire) as James, his openly gay schoolmate fighting for a future beyond the limits of their small town. The pair deliver raw, tender, and completely unvarnished performances.

As a duo, they are impeccable, bringing depth, heart, and authenticity to every scene. Cameron Brady explains, James came with an inner world of internal conflict fuelled by love, lust, and empathy. It was a challenge but a joy to unravel and understand this world.

Such roles enrich the emotional depth I delve into for comprehension, which is why I'm deeply appreciative of James's contribution. Love prevailing in the most dire of circumstances is a really wonderful thing to watch, so if you're into that, watch it.

The drama was filmed in Westport, in collaboration with producers Emer and Brian Durcan of Western Front Studios, who meticulously crafted the production. The local community were phenomenally supportive, patient, and game for anything the crew threw at them.

Emer Durcan, Producer, says, We gave them a hell of a show with stunts, fires, and plenty of action. Working with our fantastic cast and crew was an incredible experience, and we look forward to bringing another one home to Westport soon.

Brian Durcan served as Cinematographer, capturing the wildness and beauty of the drama.

He says, Collision was technically challenging, but with a talented, skilled crew, the execution surpassed the vision.

The film was edited by Julian Ulrichs (KIN, Kneecap) and features a stunning original score by popular London based electronic music producer Rival Consoles (Black Mirror, Phenomena, The Figo Affair).

I designed a lot of the sounds for Collision to express the raw emotional toll of the characters. I used synthesis to design the sounds because it allowed me to explore a wide range of beauty and tension, and it is something which is very personal to the way I work.

I was drawn to how two very different truths were hidden: one innocent, the other not, and the heavy emotional toll they both take throughout the story.

Rival Consoles (aka Ryan West) It was also hugely important to have the support of the Mayo Road Safety Officer Frances

Mitchell, whose blessing paved the way for the Road Traffic Policing Unit to participate.

This programme highlights not just a road Collision but the human stories behind it and the devastation caused for the individuals involved, their families and wider communities.

Mayo Road Safety Office is urging all road users to slow down, avoid distractions, never drive while under the influence of drink or drugs and make safety their priority on every journey. Mayo Road Safety Office.

The shoot took place during the week of 6th October, intentionally aligning with National Road Safety Week. Mayo, the setting of this drama, is heartbreakingly prone to road accidents, particularly those caused by drunk and drugged driving.

With Collision, the team aims to draw real attention to this issue and encourage communities to reflect on the aftermath and lives forever changed by a single reckless choice.

The production was commissioned by RTE Drama as part of Storyland 2025, a supported initiative of Fis Eireann/Screen Ireland Since its inception in 2009, Storyland has acted as a launchpad for Irish writing, directing, producing, and acting talent throughout Ireland to develop and further their careers.

The drama 'Collision' will be aired on RTE2 tonight, at 9.30pm.

This is part of RTEs ongoing strategy to increase its development in drama output by investing in and supporting the Irish creative industry.

READ NEXT: Top Canadian club to play charity GAA match in Mayo
Mayo woman Gena Heraty who was kidnapped from her bed in Haiti in August, has paid a visit to her former school in Westport.

Heraty came to Sacred Heart School to receive a donation collected for the orphanage she's running in Haiti.

The school wrote in a statement: "As part of our TY Wellbeing class, we wanted to raise money for charity. We decided to host a fundraiser for Our Little Brothers and Sisters organisation.

This is an organisation that runs an orphanage in Haiti for abandoned, disabled children. It has of course very strong links with the town of Westport as our past pupil and local hero Gena Heraty is the powerhouse behind it."

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. It is undergoing a prolonged humanitarian crisis driven by escalating gang violence and the collapse of essential services.

Ultimately the school decided to hold a raffle, as a great way of garnering support for this very worthy cause. They asked local businesses to sponsor prizes for our hampers and raffle prizes.

Sacred Heart School would like to give out a special thanks to Boots, Goldens Pharmacy, Market 57, Lallys Pharmacy and Tesco.

And they would also like to thank Eleanor Mc Nally and last years TY Ball committee for generously donating their leftover monies to this cause.

Thanks is also due to their school community for their very generous support  this cause really resonates with us here in the SHS.

"We were delighted when we heard that Gena Heraty would be coming to the school herself to collect the donation. She was really kind, genuine and shared her life experiences and wisdom with us. It opened our eyes, that all it takes is one person, to really make a difference," the school commented.

"Gena spoke to us about the power of our mindset. She told us that when we put our mind to it, when we believe in ourselves and persevere, anything is possible.

What really stood out to us the most was, to love those who mean a lot in our lives, to be kind and to support each other. These simple measures can really impact our lives so much.

Gena is really inspiring and so good- humoured, despite all the recent hardships she has endured, a real example of the power of mindset!"

READ NEXT: Mayo's Gena Heraty speaks out on kidnapping: 'I truly am very well'
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Recently, CATL officially commissioned what it describes as the world ' s first new energy battery PACK production line to deploy humanoid embodied-intelligence robots at scale, at its Zhongzhou base, according to a press release CATL issued via its WeChat account on December 18. The humanoid robot, known as " Xiao Mo, " is now capable of accurately handling complex tasks such as connecting battery interfaces, a development widely seen as a milestone for the real-world application of embodied intelligence in smart manufacturing.

The processes replaced by Xiao MoEOL and DCRrepresent the final functional testing stage before a battery pack leaves the production line. Because this stage involves multiple product variants, small batch sizes, and high flexibility requirements, it has traditionally relied heavily on manual labor. Workers must precisely connect test plugs carrying several hundred volts of high voltage to designated points on the battery pack, a task that carries safety risks and has long posed challenges in terms of efficiency and consistency.

Photo source: CATL

The introduction of Xiao Mo has fundamentally reshaped this workflow. Powered by an advanced end-to-end visionlanguageaction (VLA) model, the robot demonstrates strong environmental awareness and an ability to generalize across tasks, allowing it to operate reliably in complex and variable production conditions.

In practice, Xiao Mo can independently respond to uncertainties such as variations in incoming component positions or changes in connection points, adjusting its movements in real time to ensure accuracy.

When handling flexible wiring harnesses, the robot dynamically modulates its applied force, ensuring secure connections while avoiding damage to sensitive components.

During live production, Xiao Mo has maintained a connection success rate exceeding 99%, with operating speed comparable to that of experienced human workers.

Xiao Mo has now become an integral part of the production line. Beyond executing assembly tasks, it can independently inspect wiring connections, flag abnormalities in real time, and help reduce defect rates. During idle intervals, the robot switches proactively into inspection mode. In continuous production involving multiple battery models, its daily workload has reportedly tripled, while delivering high levels of consistency and operational stability.

Xiao Mo was developed by Spirit AI, a company within CATL ' s broader ecosystem, and is powered by CATL ' s in-house battery technology, reflecting close collaboration across the industrial value chain. To translate real-world production demands into concrete engineering specifications, CATL coordinated cross-departmental research directly on the factory floor, jointly formulating a development plan designed to be both forward-looking and practically deployable. This groundwork has paved the way for large-scale deployment of embodied intelligent robots.

Looking ahead, CATL plans to build on the successful rollout of Xiao Mo to further raise the level of automation and intelligence across its PACK production lines. The company aims to deepen the integration between smart manufacturing and green energy technologies, while accelerating the application of embodied intelligence models across a broader range of scenarios, in support of global zero-carbon ambitions.
A new analysis questions whether gene conversion can truly prevent the gradual degeneration of the human Y chromosome.

Highlights: Evolutionary gene loss has steadily reduced the Y chromosome to a small set of essential genes

gene loss has steadily reduced the Y chromosome to a small set of essential genes Gene conversion may increase variation but does not restore lost genetic function

may increase variation but does not restore lost genetic function Future sex determining systems could emerge if Y chromosome decline continues

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The degenerate Y chromosome-can conversion save it?



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Y Chromosome Degeneration And Why It Matters

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Gene Conversion On The Y Chromosome Explained

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Why Gene Conversion May Not Be A Genetic Rescue

Long Term Evolution And Future Sex Chromosomes

What The Y Chromosome Story Reveals About Human Evolution

Frequently Asked Questions Q: What Is The Y Chromosome Responsible For In Humans? A: The Y chromosome carries genes essential for male sex determination and sperm production. Q: What Is Gene Conversion In The Y Chromosome? A: Gene conversion is a process where genes are copied within the Y chromosome, creating internal duplicates without restoring lost genes. Q: Is The Y Chromosome Disappearing Soon In Humans? A: No immediate disappearance is expected. Any major changes would occur over millions of years. Q: Can Gene Conversion Stop Y Chromosome Degeneration? A: According to Reproduction, Fertility and Development, gene conversion does not stop degeneration and may even accelerate it. Q: Could Humans Develop A New Sex Determining Gene? A: The article suggests this is possible over evolutionary time, as seen in other species, but there is no evidence of it happening now.

The degenerate Y chromosome-can conversion save it? - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15367368/)

The human Y chromosome has long fascinated scientists, not just for its role in male development, but for what it reveals about evolution itself. A perspective published inrevisits a long running scientific question. Is the Y chromosome quietly repairing itself, or is it continuing a slow genetic decline that could reshape human biology in the distant future? The article argues that a recently proposed rescue mechanism may not be the safeguard many hoped for ().Over the past, the human Y chromosome has lost, leaving only about. Based on this long term average, all remaining genes could theoretically be lost within. While gene conversion within palindromic regions of the Y chromosome can copy genes internally and increase variation, the article emphasizes that this process doesThe Y chromosome is unlike other chromosomes in the human genome. It does not regularly recombine with a matching partner, making it. Over evolutionary time , this isolation has allowed harmful mutations to accumulate. Even beneficial changes can be trapped alongside damaging ones, reducing their long term value.This slow erosion does not affect daily health today, but it matters because it highlights how fragile certain genetic systems can be when they lose the ability to repair themselves through recombination.Gene conversion is a process where genetic material is copied from one region to another. On the Y chromosome, this occurs within mirror like structures known as palindromes. These internal copies can help maintain gene sequences in the short term and createHowever, the article argues that this process increases diversity between different Y chromosomes rather than pushing evolution toward a healthier or more stable version. In some cases, repeated copying may even speed up genetic instability.According to the author, gene conversion does not remove harmful mutations already present on the Y chromosome. Instead, it can spread them. Over time, this may, challenging the idea that gene conversion is a protective mechanism.Rather than leading to the disappearance of males, Y chromosome decline could trigger. Similar shifts have already occurred in other mammals. The article suggests that such changes may even contribute to future human speciation, driven by the need to preserve male development through alternative genetic pathways.The ongoing decline of the Y chromosome highlights a deeper truth about human biology.. It preserves what can adapt, repair, and survive genetic isolation over time. The fate of the Y chromosome is not an immediate health concern, but it is a powerful reminder that evolution is ongoing and unpredictable. The Y chromosomes struggle shows how even essential systems can become vulnerable when cut off from natural repair mechanisms, reminding us that change, not permanence, is the rule of life.Source-Medindia
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 18, Momenta announced it had recently forged a strategic partnership with Grab, Southeast Asia's leading mobility and lifestyle services platform, which also includes a strategic investment from Grab.

The two companies plan to work closely to advance the deployment of autonomous driving technologies across Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on dense urban areas characterized by heavy traffic and complex road conditions. Their shared objective is to accelerate the delivery of safe and dependable autonomous mobility services, supporting the region's long-term transformation of urban transportation.

Photo source: Momenta

Momenta's development strategy centers on what it describes as a "single flywheel, two legs" approach, using data-driven iteration to advance both L2 advanced driver assistance systems and L4 autonomous driving in parallel. On one front, the company works closely with global automakers such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, integrating advanced driver assistance solutionsbuilt on its proprietary large-scale modelsinto mass-produced vehicles. In parallel, Momenta is accelerating the development of its Robotaxi technology and moving steadily toward the next phase of commercial fleet operations.

Unlike many conventional Robotaxi models, Momenta builds its autonomous ride-hailing services on production vehicles rather than bespoke platforms. Both its L2 and L4 systems share a common software architecture and sensor configuration, allowing L4 autonomous capabilities to be embedded directly into mass-produced cars. This integrated approach eliminates the need for costly post-production modifications, significantly reducing operating costs and creating a more scalable pathway toward widespread adoption of autonomous mobility services.

Against this strategic backdrop, the partnership with Grab will serve as a testing ground for introducing Momenta's autonomous driving technologies into Southeast Asian markets, with safety positioned as a central pillar of the collaboration. The alliance provides both companies with a structured framework to explore practical and scalable pathways for deploying autonomous driving services across the region.

Momenta has also been expanding its global footprint beyond Southeast Asia. In May this year, the company entered into a strategic partnership with Uber, one of the world's largest mobility platforms, to jointly explore the integration of advanced autonomous driving technologies into future shared mobility networks. The two sides plan to officially launch operations in Munich, Germany, in 2026, underscoring Momenta's broader ambitions in the global autonomous driving race.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 17, Li Auto said it had reached a significant milestone in its international operations with the launch of its products in Egypt, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Following its earlier move into Uzbekistan, the company has now established sales channels and introduced vehicles in three additional markets within a short period, effectively forming a strategic footprint that spans Central Asia, the Caucasus and Africa. The expansion signals that Li Auto's globalization strategy has moved beyond planning into concrete execution.

Li Auto's retail center in Baku Azerbaijan; photo source: Li Auto

Alongside its market entry, Li Auto has rolled out three core vehicle modelsthe Li L9, Li L7 and Li L6aimed at addressing demand in the local premium vehicle segment. To ensure a consistent ownership experience overseas, the company will offer official warranty coverage, professional after-sales support and ongoing over-the-air software updates.

Li Auto's retail center in Almaty, Kazakhstan; photo source: Li Auto

Among the three new markets, Egypt carries particular strategic weight as it represents Li Auto's first entry into the Middle East and Africa. Positioned as a bridge between Asia and Africa, Egypt offers geographic advantages that make it a potential hub for broader expansion across the African continent. With a population exceeding 110 million and one of the fastest-growing economies in North Africa, the country is seeing a rapid rise in younger consumers and strong demand for mid- to high-end vehicles. These dynamics align closely with Li Auto's long-term focus on emerging markets and are expected to provide significant growth opportunities.

Li Auto's retail center in Astana, Kazakhstan; photo source: Li Auto

In terms of channel development, Li Auto has moved at a rapid pace, opening retail centers in three cities across two countries within just seven days. In early December, new outlets began operations in Baku, Azerbaijan, as well as Almaty and Astana in Kazakhstan, underscoring the speed of its regional rollout.

Li Auto's global expansion strategy combines authorized dealerships, general distributor partnerships and direct subsidiary operations, allowing it to adapt flexibly to the unique conditions of different markets. To date, the company has formed close partnerships with influential local automotive sales groups in four overseas countries. By leveraging partners' established distribution networks, localized operating expertise and service capabilities, Li Auto has been able to quickly build standardized, high-quality sales and after-sales systems, aiming to deliver a consistent premium experience to customers worldwide.
VIENNA (AP)  In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trumps suggestion earlier this year that the U.S. would resume nuclear testing, a U.S. government representative defended the stance at a global nuclear arms control meeting and pointed to nuclear provocations from Russia, China and North Korea.

U.S. Charge dAffaires to the International Organizations in Vienna Howard Solomon made the previously unpublished comments, which were obtained by The Associated Press, at the Preparatory Commission of the Vienna-based Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization on Nov. 10.

As President Trump indicated, the United States will begin testing activities on an equal basis with other nuclear-armed states. This process will begin immediately and proceed in a manner fully consistent with our commitment to transparency and national security," Solomon said.

Solomon provided further explanation by noting, For any who question this decision, context is important. Since 2019, including in this forum, the United States has raised concerns that Russia and China have not adhered to the zero-yield nuclear test moratorium, he said, adding that the concerns remain valid.

Solomon's comment referred to so-called supercritical nuclear test explosions banned under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, known as CTBT, where fissile material is compressed to start a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction that creates an explosion.

The explosive tests produce an amount of energy released, referred to as nuclear yield, which defines a weapons destructive power. The treaty bans any nuclear explosion with a yield, even a very small one, following a zero-yield standard.

"Our concerns with Russia and China are in addition to the activities of North Korea, which has conducted six nuclear explosive tests this century, Solomon said.

The global monitoring network established alongside the treaty in 1996 to register nuclear tests worldwide has detected all of North Koreas six nuclear tests this century. Those were tests with larger yields.

However, the monitoring network is unable to detect very low-yield supercritical nuclear tests conducted underground in metal chambers, experts say.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately reply to a request for comment on whether Solomon was referring to low-yield supercritical nuclear tests.

US says Russia and China are testing

China and Russia, which have signed but not ratified the treaty, say they adhere to a nuclear testing moratorium.

But since 2019, the U.S. State Department has publicly expressed concerns about China and Russia not adhering to their zero-yield testing moratoria. Annual reports on compliance with arms control agreements to the U.S. Congress cite possible activities at the Lop Nur nuclear testing site in the Xinjiang region of northwestern China and Russias Novaya Zemlya site, a remote Arctic archipelago.

In an interview for 60 Minutes that aired Nov. 2 on CBS News, Trump said, Russias testing, and Chinas testing, but they dont talk about it. You know, were a open society. Were different. We talk about it.

They dont go and tell you about it, Trump continued. You know, as powerful as they are, this is a big world. You dont necessarily know where theyre testing. They  they test way under  underground where people dont know exactly whats happening with the test.

A White House official, asked for comment on whether Trump was referring to low-yield supercritical nuclear tests conducted underground, said the president had directed tests be done on an equal basis to other countries. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the record about the testing plans.

Other countries have accelerated their testing programs and Trump wants to act accordingly, the official said without providing further details.

Russia denies testing

Solomons comments in Vienna came in response to Russias Permanent Representative to the International Organizations, Mikhail Ulyanov, at a closed-door meeting of the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO, an international body based in Vienna that monitors compliance with the nuclear test ban.

The resumption of nuclear testing could cause significant damage to the nuclear non-proliferation regime and international security, Ulyanov said.

We consider it fundamentally important that the U.S. side provide a clear and detailed explanation of its position on the resumption of nuclear testing, he added. We expect the U.S. to respond appropriately and without further delay.

Ulyanov also rejected the completely unacceptable and unsubstantiated allegations that Russia is conducting nuclear tests.

These are false accusations. We consider such escalatory rhetoric unacceptable, he said.

Limited nuclear use remains a risk

Solomon refuted Ulyanovs comments, saying it is surprising to hear such statements coming from a state that has not adhered to the zero-yield nuclear test moratorium.

Solomon then cited additional U.S. concerns, including Russias ongoing violations of New START, the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between Moscow and Washington, Russias disproportionately large stockpile of non-strategic nuclear weapons and Russian nuclear doctrine.

The weapons referred to by Solomon generally have a lower explosive power than strategic nuclear weapons and are designed for use on the battlefield. They can still cause immense destruction.

Despite being physically smaller, experts consider nonstrategic nuclear weapons dangerous because the threshold for use is considered lower. The weapons are not covered by arms control treaties, making development easier for Russia and other states without oversight or limits.

The Nuclear Notebook, a renowned annual report published by the Federation of American Scientists in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, highlighted this point in this years edition.

Of particular concern is the role that nonstrategic nuclear weapons play because it may be this category of nuclear weapon that would be used first in a potential military escalation with NATO," the report said.

Russia has between 1,000 and 2,000 nonstrategic nuclear warheads as of the latest unclassified assessment in 2023, according to the U.S. State Department, far more than the approximately 200 such weapons the U.S. maintains.

Nuclear arms control is on the ropes

By contrast, strategic nuclear weapons are even more powerful and are designed to be used deep inside an enemys territory, far away from the actual battlefield where friendly forces may be located and risk being killed.

The U.S. and Russia have a comparable total number of deployed strategic nuclear weapons, with 1,718 for Moscow and 1,770 for Washington, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

These weapons are capped by New START, formally known as the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms. It was signed by the Obama administration in 2010 and took effect in February 2011 as a 10-year agreement.

Russia suspended its participation in New START in 2023 but did not withdraw from the treaty. Russian President Vladimir Putin in September declared Moscows readiness to adhere to the treatys limits for one more year.

Trump said in October it sounded like a good idea.

Without the treaty, which will expire Feb. 5, the U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals would be unconstrained for the first time in decades.

___

The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

___

Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/
As a U.S. Special Forces veteran, Bryan Stern has seen his share of dangerous missions. But he knew trying to rescue Maria Corina Machado, one of the most recognizable faces in the Western Hemisphere, would present a new list of unique challenges.

Despite the hurdles, Stern and his band of gutsy military veterans pulled off a daring rescue, grabbing Machado from a boat in the dark of night in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. She was eventually flown safely to Oslo, Norway.

Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, had spent more than a year hiding out in Venezuela, trying to evade capture from President Nicolas Maduros regime. Machado ran against Maduro in a 2024 election and, according to international voting records, surpassed Maduro in votes by a significant margin. Maduro, however, refused to cede his position, going after the opposition party as his next target.

Maria Corina Machado after being rescued and flown to Oslo, Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize on Dec. 11. (Photo from Getty Images)

After winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Machado feared flying to Oslo to accept the award and risk being captured and detained by Maduros forces. Thats when Stern, founder of Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, decided to act. The former combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient brought his team together, planning Machados escape and rescue in one week. But while the organization has deployed to more than 700 missions since it began in 2021, this operation would be a bit more hectic.

Shes the second most popular person in the Western Hemisphere after Maduro, Stearn told NPR. Because of that signature, thats what made this operation very hard.

One Daring Mission

In an ode to Peace Prize creator Alfred Nobel, who invented dynamite, Stearns team dubbed the mission Operation Golden Dynamite.

They knew pursuing Machado by land wouldnt work; she would likely be recognized quickly. The team chose the next best option  rescuing her by sea.

However, that plan also proved risky. With the U.S. military striking suspected narco-trafficking vessels the past few months, sinking about 27 boats and killing more than 90 people, Stearn knew they couldnt use a similar-looking boat.

Stearn told NPR he talked with military officials about the rescue operation, so they knew the team would be in an area close to Venezuela. The former Special Ops soldier also picked a boat he knew wouldnt be a target for the U.S. to hit.

I didnt want a big giant boat with big engines that could go fast and cut through waves, he said. That's what the narcos use  and the U.S. military likes to blow them up.

Its Maria!

The operation didnt exactly go to plan. The boat carrying Machado from Venezuela to the Caribbean didnt arrive at a predetermined location.

We were supposed to meet in the middle, but when that couldnt happen, we pivoted and went to them, Stern said.

Bryan Stern, founder of Grey Bull Rescue, rescues a child from a violent gang led siege of Haiti in 2024. (Photo from Grey Bull Rescue)

Nerves rattled, Sterns team sailed on in almost total darkness. Ten-foot waves rocked the sides of the boat and, with lights shut off, the veterans used flashlights to cut through the thick, black night. Crews on both vessels feared the other boat could be hauling government agents or drug cartels.

I could be Maduros guys, I could be cartel guys  anything really, Stern said. Everyone is skittish about approaching each other in the dead of night at sea. In 10-foot waves? This is scary stuff.

Finally sailing to within earshot, a faint voice was heard cutting through the dark sea.

Its me  Maria! Machado yelled.

Crew members pulled Machado aboard, and they sailed to an island, which Stern wouldnt specify to NPR but is believed to be Curacao, where a private plane was ready to transport Machado to Norway.

Machado, nicknamed the Iron Lady of Venezuela, impressed Stern with her steely resolve.

She was tougher than the crusty veterans helping her escape, he said. Were all bitching and moaning  its cold, its wet, were hungry, its dark. She didnt complain once.

Stern confessed to NPR that he was somewhat awed by being in Machados presence. He was well aware of her fight for democracy in her homeland for several years. Stern figured Machado had earned her moniker for not backing down from Maduros autocracy, but as he chatted with the Nobel laureate on that cold, wet ride to freedom, he realized theres more to Machado than meets the eye.

Shes gnarly, he said, laughing. Pretty awesome.
What Changed This Week

The Defense Department has escalated its review of Sen. Mark Kelly by opening a formal command investigation, moving beyond the preliminary inquiry announced in November. Pentagon officials confirmed the shift, signaling a more structured fact-finding process that typically includes witness interviews and document review.

The Pentagon has said the investigation examines whether Kellys public remarks implicated military law or regulations that can still apply to certain retired officers. Officials have not alleged a specific violation, but they have framed the inquiry as necessary to determine whether further action is warranted.

What Triggered the Inquiry

The investigation stems from a video released in November in which Kelly and several other Democratic lawmakers reminded servicemembers that they have a legal obligation to refuse unlawful orders. The message echoed long-standing principles of military law, albeit vaguely, and drew sharp political backlash after President Donald Trump publicly condemned the video and accused the lawmakers of undermining military discipline.

The controversy unfolded amid Kellys broader oversight of U.S. military operations, including questions he raised about strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels. That context has fueled criticism that the investigation is intertwined with ongoing policy disputes rather than limited to the video itself.

U.S. Senators Todd Young, senator of Indiana and Marine Corps veteran, and Mark Kelly, senator of Arizona and retired NASA astronaut pose for a photo during an awards ceremony at the Reserve Organization of America Building Washington, D.C., Sep. 3, 2025. The National Capital Council Navy League hosted the Congressional Sea Services Award ceremony in honor of U.S. Senators Todd Young and Mark Kelly for their outstanding contributions to the Sea Services in the previous calendar year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Bustamante, DVIDS)

Why the Pentagon Treats Kelly Differently

Unlike the other lawmakers who appeared in the video, Kelly is a retired Navy captain. The Pentagon has pointed to this status as the basis for treating him differently, since some retired servicemembers remain subject to aspects of military law.

Federal law authorizes the president and the Defense Department to recall certain retired officers to active duty, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice lists specific categories of retirees who may remain under military jurisdiction. These provisions form the legal framework of 10 U.S.C. 688 and 10 U.S.C. 802, which are both often cited during discussions of the investigation.

What a Command Investigation Means

A command investigation is a formal administrative process that a military commander can order to establish facts when there are credible questions about conduct or compliance with military law or regulations. It is not a criminal proceeding and does not, by itself, result in punishment. Instead, it is used to determine what happened, who was involved, and whether any further action should even be considered.

Once ordered, the commander appoints an investigating officer and defines the scope of the inquiry. That officer may collect documents, review communications, and interview witnesses to answer specific questions set out in the appointment order. The focus is fact-finding rather than advocacy, and the investigator ultimately submits written findings and recommendations back to the commander.

A command investigation does not impose discipline on its own. Any administrative action or referral for further proceedings would require separate legal review and additional steps.

In the Kelly case, the process is unusual because it is being applied to a retired officer who is also a sitting U.S. senator, which has heightened scrutiny of how and why the Pentagon is using this tool.

Kellys Response and the Chilling-Effect Argument

Kelly has rejected the investigation as politically motivated and has argued that reminding troops of their duty to refuse unlawful orders reflects settled law rather than misconduct. He has warned that the inquiry risks discouraging lawful speech by servicemembers and veterans.

Concerns about self-censorship within the ranks have surfaced in broader reporting on how servicemembers respond to increased scrutiny of political speech.

What Comes Next

Investigators are expected to continue gathering information related to the video, including how it was produced, coordinated, and distributed, as part of the command investigations fact-finding phase. Pentagon officials have not announced a timeline for completing the inquiry and have not said whether it could lead to any disciplinary or administrative action.

Separately, congressional scrutiny of U.S. military operations that Kelly has questioned, particularly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels, has continued, keeping the broader policy dispute that framed the video active even as the investigation proceeds.
Bo Bichette is telling interested teams that hes willing to sign as a second baseman, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Thats not especially surprising but theoretically opens his market.

Bichettes defensive fit has been the biggest question of his free agency process. He has played 6184 career regular season innings, all of them at shortstop. Public metrics havent looked favorably upon his work. Statcast has graded Bichette as an average or worse defender for virtually his entire career. Defensive Runs Saved was more positive over his first few seasons but has had him in the red in three of the past four years. Going back to 2023, hes fifth from the bottom at the position with -15 Outs Above Average. DRS has him tied for eighth worst with a -11 mark.

Its more a problem of range than any concern about his hands. He has only committed 11 fielding errors over the last three years, which isnt many for a player who has logged almost 3000 innings at the infields most demanding position. Hes tied for ninth with 16 throwing errors in that stretch. He ranks middle of the pack in arm strength and is a below-average runner who doesnt have great mobility. Statcast has graded him particularly poorly on batted balls by right-handed hitters, which a move to the opposite side of the diamond could mitigate.

Bichette could probably play an average or better second base. He made 30 appearances there in the minor leagues and more famously played there five times during this years World Series. Those were his first games back after a six-week absence due to a sprained ligament in his left knee. Bichette was clearly hampered physically and would have been a designated hitter if the Blue Jays didnt have George Springer. Toronto needed to find somewhere to play Bichette to get his bat back in the lineup, but they kept Andres Gimenez at shortstop.

[Related: The Best Fits For Bichette]

Gimenez is a superior defender even if Bichette is fully healthy. Very few middle infielders can match Bichette on the other side of the ball. Hes a career .294/.337/.469 hitter who has been a well above-average offensive player in every season besides 2024. He had a remarkable performance in the World Series, collecting eight hits (including a monster Game 7 home run off Shohei Ohtani) despite the knee pain.

There arent many teams actively seeking shortstop upgrades. The Padres, Rays, Guardians, Brewers, Marlins and Pirates could all improve the position. None of them are going to meet a potential $200MM+ asking price. Toronto would be better suited with Gimenez at shortstop and Bichette at second base, though GM Ross Atkins suggested early in the offseason that theyd be willing to keep their old infield arrangement if Bichette wanted to stick at shortstop. Aside from the Jays, the Yankees and Tigers mightve been the only teams that could plausibly offer Bichette a huge contract to play short.

Fielding interest as a second baseman could bring in teams like the Giants, Angels, Red Sox and Dodgers. Its sensible to hear teams out even if only to expand the market. Last offseasons top free agent shortstop, Willy Adames, expressed a similar willingness to move to second or third base. He wound up staying at his usual position with the Giants but commanded a seven-year contract despite San Francisco being the only high-spending club in need of a shortstop.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 17, CATL and VOYAH signed a 10-year agreement in Ningde, Fujian province, formalizing a deeper and longer-term strategic partnership, according to a post on CATL's WeChat account.

The collaboration will span advanced technology adoption, battery supply, joint brand development and coordinated expansion in global markets, with the shared goal of delivering safer, more efficient electric vehicles with extended driving range. The move underscores both companies' ambitions to accelerate the new energy vehicle sector toward higher-end positioning, smarter technologies and broader international reach.

Photo source: CATL

The renewed partnership is structured around three core areas designed to translate strategic intent into concrete outcomes.

On the technology front, CATL will give VOYAH priority access to its latest battery innovations, accelerating the large-scale deployment of its flagship battery brands across VOYAH models. Beyond batteries, the two companies plan to jointly explore emerging technologies such as battery swapping, integrated intelligent chassis systems, next-generation platform architectures and vehicle-to-grid solutions. By strengthening cooperation around battery data, they aim to build an end-to-end management ecosystem covering R&D, manufacturing and operations, delivering tangible improvements in range, charging convenience and safety.

From a supply perspective, the partners will work toward more localized and coordinated production capacity, enhancing supply chain resilience and responsiveness. This approach is intended to mitigate external risks and ensure VOYAH has stable and reliable battery supplies as it scales up production and intensifies competition in the market.

Commercially, CATL and VOYAH will align their efforts on brand innovation and overseas expansion, seeking to strengthen their presence and competitiveness in the global premium new energy vehicle segment. The collaboration is positioned to deliver mutual gains not only at the product level, but also in long-term brand value.

The two companies have worked closely since VOYAH delivered its first mass-produced model in 2021, establishing a tight partnership in battery supply and joint development. A strategic agreement signed in 2023 further advanced cooperation in ultra-fast charging, battery safety and data-driven applications. Today, CATL serves as the core battery supplier across VOYAH's entire lineup. The newly signed 10-year agreement elevates this relationship to a new level, laying a solid foundation for VOYAH to build long-term competitiveness anchored in safety, advanced technology and sustainable growth.
The Pirates and infielder Davis Wendzel have agreed to a minor league deal, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. The Boras Corporation client gets an invite to big league spring training and would make $850K if in the majors.

Wendzel, 29 in May, has a limited minor league track record to this point. He appeared in 27 games with the Rangers in 2024. He didnt do much to impress in that time, putting up a .128/.163/.234 line in 49 plate appearances.

Hes been much better in a greater sample of playing time in the minors. Over the past three years, he has taken 1,240 trips to the plate on the farm, mostly at the Triple-A level. His 12.1% walk rate and 20% strikeout rate were both good figures and he hit 51 home runs. His combined .248/.355/.444 line in that time translated to a 105 wRC+. He also provides defensive versatility, having spent time at all four infield spots as well as left field.

The Rangers designated him for assignment in July of 2024. He was then sent to the Reds for cash. Cincinnati outrighted him a few weeks later. He spent 2025 at Triple-A Louisville as non-roster depth. He had a decent season but never got called up. He became a minor league free agent at seasons end, which allowed the Pirates to scoop him up.

The Pirates have very little settled in their infield, apart from Spencer Horwitz having first base spoken for. Prospect Konnor Griffin could take over the shortstop job in 2026 but still hasnt played at the Triple-A level yet. Putting Griffin aside, the Pirates have a cluster of infielders including Jared Triolo, Nick Yorke, Nick Gonzales, Tsung-Che Cheng and Enmanuel Valdez. Yorke and Cheng are still lacking in big league experience. The other three have a few seasons in the majors but have been light-hitting utility types thus far.

Theres still time to add and the Pirates have been connected to many free agents this winter but without getting anything done. Time will tell how that plays out but theres no harm in adding some non-roster depth. If Wendzel can earn a roster spot, he has a couple of options and less than a season of service time, so he can provide roster flexibility and cheap control for multiple years.

Photo courtesy of Reggie Hildred, Imagn Images
Marijuana may soon no longer be a Schedule I drug, but the shift isnt expected to significantly impact residents of Michigan, where marijuana is already legal.

President Donald Trump on Thursday, Dec. 18, issued a directive ordering that marijuana be reclassified as a Schedule III drug under federal law.

Since creation of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, the government has classified marijuana with street drugs like LSD, heroin and MDMA, which are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use.

Schedule III drugs are defined as having a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence and include prescription drugs, like ketamine, certain barbiturates and some opiate-based painkillers.

According to statements made by White House staff, the intent is not to legalize marijuana for recreational use but to expand research into medical use and health impacts, the Hill reports.

The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency, which oversees the states marijuana market, has previously submitted comments to the DEA calling for federal policy to reflect the realities of state-regulated markets like Michigans, where hundreds of thousands of patients and adult-use consumers rely on cannabis safely and responsibly.

The CRA said it is still assessing the details of the order.

This development has the potential to move the federal marijuana policy debate forward after years of advocacy by patients, businesses and states across the country, the agency said.

Many expect the rescheduling to reduce bankers fears stemming from the Schedule I classification and to lead to greater investment from institutions that have traditionally shunned the industry.

Reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug is a meaningful but limited step, and its impact on cannabis businesses will be mixed, said Ross Sloan, a vice president of cannabis banking with Michigan-based Dart Bank. On the positive side, the change further normalizes the industry and, most importantly, provides relief from IRS Code 280E, which has forced cannabis operators to pay taxes on gross income rather than net income.

Eliminating that burden should free up capital for reinvestment, improve cash flow and strengthen operators ability to service debt over time.

Sloan noted that the change doesnt legalize marijuana at the federal level or open up the possibility of interstate commerce.

Currently, state markets are self-contained and businesses dont sell marijuana over state lines.

Many operators would prefer full de-scheduling, which would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act entirely and provide greater long-term certainty, Sloan said.

State Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, who has advocated for marijuana legalization since 2012, said the federal shift wont likely impact marijuana users in the state.

If anything, it just increases the chance that the federal government is going to mess up what were doing here, Irwin said. When they get involved, it usually doesnt make things better, (and) theyll probably apply an additional tax at some point.

Trumps order directs the attorney general and Drug Enforcement Administration to expedite the reclassification, but a timeline for that to happen has not been provided.
ONTONAGON COUNTY, MI  Two cougar cubs found this spring in the Upper Peninsula remain alive and traveling with their mother, a confirmation that Michigan wildlife officials say represents a historic milestone for natural reproduction.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said Thursday, Dec. 18 that a trail camera photo taken this month shows an adult female cougar walking down a snowy trail in central Ontonagon County followed by two juvenile cougars estimated to be roughly a year old.

The same cubs were first documented in early March when motorists photographed two small kittens along a western U.P. road.

This is a historic confirmation for Michigan since it is the first time in over 100 years that verified cougar reproduction has occurred east of the Mississippi River and possibly even east of the Missouri River, said Brian Roell, DNR large carnivore specialist

Until this year, genetic testing and other evidence indicated that nearly all confirmed cougars in Michigan were transient adult males believed to have traveled east from established populations in the western states.

The presence of cubs confirms at least one breeding female is now on the landscape, though officials say that doesnt mean Michigan has an established breeding population.

Cougars are native to Michigan but were essentially hunted out of the state by the early 1900s. The DNR has confirmed about 168 cougar sightings since 2008, although it says most of them are of the same animal being reported by multiple sources.

All confirmed sightings have been in the Upper Peninsula.

Cougar sightings have been increasing in recent years alongside the proliferation of trail cameras. This marked the third consecutive year of record-high cougar sightings in Michigan. As of late November, the DNR had confirmed 26 sightings statewide in 2025.

The state verified the first confirmed vehicle collision with a male cougar on Nov. 15 in northern Houghton County.

The DNR said it verified the new cubs sighting image after a private landowner submitted a trail camera photo taken Dec. 6. Biologists enhanced the nighttime image and confirmed the presence of three cougars. The sex of the cubs is unknown.

Cougar cubs typically stay with their mother for up to two years and Roell said their chances of survival are relatively high because female cougars invest heavily in raising their young. The absence of an adult cougar in March had raised concerns about their survival. He is surprised the kittens werent seen on any other trail cameras since this spring.

These kittens will stay with their mom through this winter and possibly even into next winter, Roell said.

This photograph shared with with the Michigan DNR in March 2025 shows a cougar cub in found in Ontonagon County. Michigan Department of Natural Resources

State officials did not release the exact location of the latest sighting. Cougars are listed as endangered in Michigan. It is illegal to hunt or harass them or attempt to locate dens.

Anyone who encounters evidence of a cougar should keep their distance, avoid disturbing the area and report sightings to the DNR.

The DNR said other states, including Nebraska, have also reported increases in cougar sightings.

Cougars need large territories because they are solitary ambush predators that rely on deer and other large prey, which leads to low population densities. Even states with the largest cougar populations generally have just a few thousand of the animals.

This isnt an animal that is ever going to become very numerous, Roell said. Theyre going to remain rare on the landscape regardless of whatever happens with them here in Michigan.
CHRISTMAS, MI -- For those who want to travel for Christmas but still feel like theyre home for the holidays, there are plenty of snowy, log cabins fit for good tidings in the Upper Peninsula.

One Great Lakes town is seeing a surge in holiday searches on Airbnb: Christmas, Michigan.

Airbnb data tracked a spike in searches for holiday-themed towns from users searching the site from Dec. 1 this year.

Christmas, Michigan was among the towns that had a triple-digit surge this year compared with searches made Dec. 1, 2024 February 28, 2025 by U.S. guests.

The other top searches? Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Garland, Texas and Pine, Arizona.

The town of Christmas is just 10 minutes from Munising, home to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

A white Christmas looks probable for Munising which sits firmly in the lake-effect snowbelt. Last year Yoopers got 200 inches of snow.

In the past week, Munising got about 10 inches, according to NOAA, with more snow in the forecast this weekend and leading up to the holiday.

The listing for North Pole Christmas draws you in immediately with the Santa statue that appears to be peeking over the rooftop of the red cabin.

Drivers might recognize the holiday house from passing by on Highway M-28 in Christmas.

The candy cane-striped pole and red Ford Model A parked outside add to the whimsy.

Inside, the four-bedroom home weaves together vintage flare with modern amenities.

The living room has vintage pub seating and chandelier, complete with a wooden bar with stained glass windows that looks like it was ripped right from a local watering hole.

Meanwhile the bedrooms and kitchen space list new updates like all new log furniture and foam mattress in the four bedrooms, new showers and vanities in the two bathrooms and stainless steel kitchen appliances.

Its not all looks, either.

Airbnb calls the North Pole home one of the most loved homes on Airbnb, according to guests with a 4.99 star rating out of 69 reviews.

The scenic location in the Upper Peninsula is a real draw, too. The home is close by to Pictured Rocks and boasts sunset views over Lake Superior and Grand Island.

The North Pole Christmas home has a two-night stay minimum and was still available to book for Christmas Eve and Christmas as of Dec. 17.

Looking for more Christmas and New Years getaways in the snowy U.P.? Airbnb suggests these cozy listings:
ANTRIM COUNTY, MI  A 91-year-old Michigan man is charged with sexual assault for allegedly inappropriately touching a victim at his home, authorities announced.

It is alleged that Raymond Erlandson, 91, of Antrim County, inappropriately touched a victim on Oct. 24 at his residence in Milton Township, according to a news release from the Michigan State Police.

The incident was reported, and the MSP Gaylord Post launched an investigation, police said. Based on their report, the Antrim County Prosecutors Office charged Erlandson with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Erlandson was arraigned on Dec. 12 in the 86th District Court in Antrim County. His bond was set at $5,000 cash/surety. His next court appearance is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Dec. 23.
Local leaders in one Southeast Michigan county are warning that proposed changes in federal funding could put hundreds of people at risk of losing their housing and dramatically reduce the number of families who can be helped in the future.

The reaction to how the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is poised to make major changes to how government-mandated Continuum of Care programs are funded is one of five must-read stories for this morning Thursday, Dec. 18.

HUD changes threaten hundreds of housing placements

The reported changes within the federal agency could shift funds away from permanent housing programs to time-limited transitional housing programs amid legal challenges from numerous states, local governments and nonprofits across the country, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessels office.

Under the proposed changes, HUD would mandate that only 30% of Continuum of Care funding could be used for permanent housing. That would be down from about 87%, according to an advocacy guide shared by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Washtenaw Countys CoC program has received about $7.3 million a year through HUDs federal program. Seven local entities benefit.

Read more from Jennifer Eberbachs story here.

Here are four other compelling MLive stories to read:

Century-old West Michigan orchard claims ninth top honor for cider

A century-old Walker orchard captured its ninth first-place trophy at Michigans premier cider competition, marking another milestone for a family farm that has been producing cider since the 1920s.

Engelsmas Apple Barn won top honors at the 27th annual Michigan Apple Cider Contest held earlier this month at DeVos Place Convention Center in downtown Grand Rapids. The orchard competed against 21 other Michigan cider makers in the competition.

Jim Engelsma, third-generation owner of the operation, credited this years victory to his daughter Bridget, who serves as head cider maker.

See the rest of Ehren Wynders story here.

Michigan Lutheran Seminary, 2777 Hardin St. in Saginaw. Kaytie Boomer

Former seminary teacher faces 9 charges in alleged sexual assault of student

A former Michigan Lutheran Seminary teacher who moved to Wisconsin after resigning has returned to Saginaw to face nine criminal charges related to the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old student.

Carl J. Boeder, 31, appeared Tuesday before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank for arraignment on charges including third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a student, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct with a student, child sexually abusive activity, possessing child sexually abusive material, three counts of using a computer to commit a crime, and distributing sexually explicit material to a child.

Prosecutors allege Boeder used his popularity among students to prey on a vulnerable teen following a friends death.

See the rest from reporter Cole Waterman here.

Former Borgess Hospital nurses who retired before 2016 will see MediGap reimbursements end Dec. 31.

Hundreds of retired Southwest Michigan nurses to lose healthcare

Hundreds of nurses who retired from what is now Beacon Kalamazoo will lose their health care benefits at the end of the month, leaving many facing significant financial strain.

Ascension, the hospitals former owner, informed retired nurses in August that payments from the MediGap Reimbursement Retiree Plan would end Dec. 31. The company cited its July sale of the hospital to Beacon Health System as the reason for discontinuing the benefits, according to a letter obtained by MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette.

The decision will force retirees to pay hundreds to thousands more each year out of pocket, according to a press release from the Michigan Nurses Association.

Read more from reporter Aya Miller and her story here.

FBI seeks Michigan woman accused of $30M bank fraud scheme

Federal authorities are seeking public assistance in locating a 73-year-old Michigan woman accused of orchestrating a multimillion-dollar bank fraud scheme.

Mary McDonnell has been added to the FBIs Most Wanted List in connection with a scam that netted $30 million, according to a press release issued earlier this month by the agency. McDonnell is believed to be living in Dubai and has connections to Los Angeles and Montgomery, Alabama.

She allegedly devised a plan to obtain loans, falsely claiming to be an heir to the McDonnell Aircraft Family and said she had access to an $80 million secret trust that would be used to repay the debt, the FBI alleges. The scheme reportedly secured $14.7 million in money, assets, and property owned by Banc of California and more than $15 million from other institutions.

Read the rest of Matt Durrs story here.
Note: John Hiner is taking a week off from this column. In his place, MLive investigations editor John Counts explains how teamwork aided an important piece of investigative journalism.

The way food gets to our tables can feel like magic.

But it isnt.

Behind the scenes is a vast agricultural industry working tirelessly to deliver the produce and products we rely on. Most of the time, its seamless.

But sometimes, people get hurt.

Earlier this year, MLive investigative reporter Rose White introduced us to paraquat  a powerful weed killer  through the story of Emilio Lopez, a migrant worker who died of kidney failure at just 37 after picking asparagus on a West Michigan farm. His cause of death was never conclusively determined, but state agencies investigated whether paraquat exposure played a role.

Our investigative reporting team had never heard of paraquat. And journalists dont like it when we dont know things.

At MLive, we focus intently on Michigan  especially our core markets: Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, Jackson, Kalamazoo and Muskegon. But were also part of a broader network of news organizations across the country.

The digital era has opened the door to deeper collaborations with our counterparts nationwide. Were able to do things  and think in ways  that a reporter sitting in the Grand Rapids Press newsroom in 1985 might never have imagined.

Weve already worked on several projects with our national team  a look at how warming waters affect aquatic ecosystems and investigations into nursing homes and a controversial drugged driving detection technique.

And the more Rose dug into paraquat, it became clear this wasnt just a Michigan story. Paraquat is sprayed on farm fields from Pennsylvania to Oregon. Its a national  and even global  issue.

For a deeper look into paraquat, Rose and fellow MLive investigative reporter Matt Miller worked with AL.com reporter Maggie Kates and I once again had the pleasure of collaborating with Alabama editors Challen Stephens and Ashley Remkus.

It was great to work on a big project like this, Maggie told me. Even though were all reporters, our locations determine a lot of what we focus on in our job and how we approach sources. It was great to learn from the reporters at MLive, and I hope they enjoyed working with me.

Rose also told me a little bit about what it was like working on a national project.

Most days, I have a guardrail built into my brain: Is this a Michigan story? she said. That question usually weeds out a lot of ideas that arent relevant to our audience. So, it was a shift to broaden my scope. On one hand, I could now look for stories throughout the U.S. instead of being limited to Michigan.

But that also makes the topic much larger and trickier to tackle. It was clear from the reporting, though, that paraquat impacts farmers and farmworkers throughout the country, so it became important to take those guardrails off.

What we learned was staggering: thousands of farmers across the country are suing Syngenta, a manufacturer of paraquat products, claiming it caused their Parkinsons.

For their part, Syngenta disputes the claim.

We have great sympathy for those suffering from the debilitating effects of Parkinsons disease, a Syngenta spokesperson told us in a statement. However, it is important to note that the scientific evidence simply does not support a causal link between paraquat and Parkinsons disease, and that paraquat is safe when used as directed.

Rose, Matt and Maggie spent months sifting through the lawsuits and reaching out to farmers who claimed paraquat use led to Parkinsons.

They uncovered many other twists and turns along the way, as well. If you havent already, I encourage you to read the full package.

Rose worked on the story for almost a year before it was published last week. She said shes grateful she was given the time and space to do in-depth reporting. As her editor, I couldnt agree more.
FRESNO, CA  Eighteen farmworkers, including four who worked in Michigan, are suing the federal government over a policy change that dramatically cuts their wages.

They want the courts to reverse a new U.S. Department of Labor rule that lowers wages by up to $7 an hour for foreign workers with H-2A agricultural visas. The H-2A program allows farms to hire foreign workers, if it does not impact the pay and working conditions for Americans.

But the new lawsuit argues slashing pay for H-2A workers will put downward pressure on all farmworker wages.

It was filed last month on behalf of the farmworkers and the United Farm Workers union in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.

These wage cuts are going to deepen food insecurity and poverty for farmworkers and exacerbate a situation where the farmworkers who make sure we have food on our tables are unable to put food on their own tables, said Diego Iniguez-Lopez from the United Farm Workers Foundation.

Related: Finally justice, Guatemalan farmworkers win trafficking trial against Michigan company

The lawsuit was brought against the U.S. Department of Labor, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-Deremer and acting assistant secretary Lori Frazier Bearden. The U.S. Department of Justice, which is representing the defendants, did not comment on the case.

What is the adverse effect wage rate?

At issue is whats called the adverse effect wage rate  a minimum wage set for H-2A workers thats roughly the same as what American farmworkers would earn. It was created to protect Americans from being undermined by cheap, foreign labor.

Without it, employers could (and likely would) pay temporary foreign farmworkers much less, undercutting  i.e. adversely affecting  the wages of U.S. workers that perform the same jobs, the lawsuit says.

But in October, the labor department announced it would be changing how it calculates these wages to address worker shortages that could disrupt food supplies and create higher prices for fruits and vegetables.

The federal agency said its expecting the number of undocumented immigrants who had previously worked on farms to significantly decline under the Trump administrations recent immigration enforcement.

As such, the new rule was urgently needed to provide a practical, lawful workforce for farms, the federal government said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates 40% of farmworkers are undocumented.

The impact of the rule varies by state and worker skill level, with New Yorks wages dropping from $18.83 to a minimum of $13.28, Californias going from $19.97 to a $13.45 minimum and Florida dropping from $16.23 to $10.18, the lawsuit says. In those states, the new H-2A rate is below minimum wage.

In Michigan, it will be cut by at least $4 an hour for the lowest skilled workers from $18.15 to $13.78.

Related: A migrant worker died after picking Michigan asparagus. His death fell through the cracks.

The lawsuit called this move arbitrary and capricious.

Its directly adversely affecting the wages of U.S workers, Iniguez-Lopez said. This undercuts their wages and working conditions by essentially incentivizing employers to choose H-2A workers over U.S. workers.

One of the plaintiffs is Irene Mendoza, an American citizen who has been working on green bean and potato farms for the past four years. She was last promised $20 an hour in Michigan but was only paid $17, according to the lawsuit.

Under the Trump administrations new rule, Mendozas wages could drop to $13.78  just five cents more than Michigans minimum wage next year.

Because of this, Mendoza will likely struggle to pay for food, housing and transportation, the lawsuit says, forcing her to get a second job.

Another farmworker is Margaret DeAnda Magallon, a U.S. citizen from Kalamazoo, who has been picking apples and blueberries for a year. The new rule means DeAnda Magallon might have to get another job and possibly seek food banks for assistance, according to the lawsuit.

Farmworkers are among the most vulnerable members of our society. They tirelessly work long hours in difficult conditions, often for poverty-level wages, said Kuntal Cholera, a Covington & Burling LLP attorney representing the workers. Rather than protect those farmworkers, the Department of Labor has unfortunately decided to issue a rule that will likely further depress their wages.

H-2A workers face biggest cuts

There are more than 2.4 million farmworkers in the United States, but the rules wage cuts will be the deepest for roughly 315,000 H-2A workers.

Under the H-2A program, employers are required to provide housing to workers at no cost. The new rule, in addition to across-the-board cuts, includes a housing adjustment factor that lowers pay by up to another 30% for visa workers.

In Michigan, this could put the estimated H-2A hourly rate at $12.46 an hour, below minimum wage.

The lawsuit says this flouts existing regulations.

Related: A 22-year-old came to Michigan to pick blueberries. Weeks later, he was dead

Because of these changes, roughly $2.46 billion will be shifted from H-2A workers to employers each year, according to an analysis by the U.S. Department of Labor, with a total wage transfer of $17.29 billion over the next 10 years.

This all for the purpose of corporate greed and big ag profits, Iniguez-Lopez said.

The new rule comes after the agricultural industry, which spends an estimated 38% of its expenses on labor, has pushed for H-2A wages to be frozen.

A coalition of Michigan farming groups lobbied the federal government to intervene on what they called an existential crisis: the relentless rise of H-2A wages. They said these labor costs have become unsustainable, forcing some farmers to abandon crops or scale back production.

If the current trends continue, the industry risks widespread farm closures, job losses, and increased reliance on foreign-grown produce, the group Protect our Produce wrote.

Thats in addition to rising production costs, global supply chains, tariffs and shifting Trump administration foreign policy.

Earlier this year, U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, sent a letter alongside 100 other lawmakers including Michigan Democrat U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, to the House Appropriations Committee asking for H-2A wage increases to be paused.

Washington should be working to help American farmers lower costs, not crushing them with outdated mandates that balloon their expenses and make it more difficult for these multigenerational farms to keep the lights on, he said in a statement.

H-2A wages, which vary by state, have roughly doubled over the past two decades.

But to Iniguez-Lopez, thats the cost of doing business.

Research shows farmworkers are paid much less, roughly 40%, than comparable workers outside of agriculture. And roughly one-fifth of farmworkers earn incomes below the poverty level, according to federal data.

Related: Weve got to survive: Michigan farmers weigh in on $12B Trump aid package

The United Farm Workers also submitted a formal comment to the Department of Labor that included stories from workers. One came from Yahira Cuervas, an American citizen who has picked cherries, tomatoes and apricots in California for 12 years.

I wouldnt have enough to pay my bills, rent, food, gas, and household supplies, she said. Also childcare, medicine  everything is very expensive and the wages are very low.

Meanwhile, farms are increasingly leaning on foreign workers as the number of H-2A visas has quadrupled over the past decade, going from 89,274 in 2014 to 315,328 last year.

The rule change could cause the program balloon, because, as the lawsuit says, it incentivizes employers to hire cheap guest workers. The Department of Labor anticipates the program will hit 514,000 visas by 2034.

A coalition of 17 attorneys general, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, also formally opposed the rule in early December. They wrote the rule change will result in farmworkers being paid less than or close to the federal poverty line, inflicting direct financial injuries on our states.

The lawsuit is seeking an injunction that would immediately halt the rule change and is asking the court to declare the rule illegal.

The first court date is schedule for March 2026.
MACOMB TWP., MI  A Michigan man has been identified as an interpreter who was killed over the weekend while working with U.S. military forces in Syria.

WXYZ reported that Ayad Mansoor Sakat died after soldiers were reportedly ambushed by members of the Islamic State group (ISIS) on Saturday, Dec. 13.

According to the 54-year-olds online obituary on Wednesday, Dec. 17, Sakat worked as an interpreter with soldiers from 2003 to 2007 to help bring his family to the U.S. through the Special Immigrant Visa program. He was born in Bakhdida, Iraq, before his family settled in Michigan.

Service to this country has been in his blood for a very long time, and all four of us  his children  have the utmost respect for everything he did alongside American soldiers, Sakats family said in a statement to WXYZ, calling his death a huge shock.

Everything we have accomplished is a testament to his sacrifice and perseverance. Because of him, we became a general surgeon, a police officer, a medical student and an IT coordinator.

President Donald Trump, Michigan Congresswoman Lisa McClain and other U.S. officials responded to Sakats death.

In a post late Wednesday afternoon on social media, McClain, R-Bruce Township, said she was devastated at losing Sakat  his residence in Macomb Township is in her district  as well as two Iowa National Guardsmen who died.

My thoughts are with his family, and I am grateful to every one of our citizens that step up to serve alongside our military, she said. Their work enables our forces to operate in foreign theaters all over the world.

Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other military officials reportedly attended a dignified transfer Wednesday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to honor Sakat and Sgts. William Howard and Edgar Torres Tovar.

According to a release, they had been deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and died in Palmyra, Syria, from injuries sustained while engaging with hostile forces.

We mourn the loss, Trump said, and we pray for them and their parents and their loved ones.
LANSING, MI - Michigans first hyperscale data center has a path to power.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, state regulators cleared the way for a massive artificial intelligence server warehouse for ChatGPT creator OpenAI and cloud computing giant Oracle to connect to the grid.

The 1.4-gigawatt project set to occupy farmland in Saline Township, south of Ann Arbor, would be Michigans largest and promises to draw more electricity than a million homes.

It can now do so because the Michigan Public Service Commission conditionally approved special power contracts between the data center and utility DTE Energy on Thursday  while imposing a litany of requirements for DTE along with the green light.

In doing so, regulators cast aside growing calls to expose the deal to greater scrutiny over the coming weeks. However, they argued, the well-negotiated, solid contracts will benefit other utility customers, and to proceed DTE must formally commit that the data center will cover all of its own costs. If not, the utility itself must pick them up.

This approval is contingent upon DTE Electric agreeing to bear all the risk of any costs incurred that are not recovered from the data center, said Katherine Peretick, one of three members of the governor-appointed commission.

In a statement, DTE didnt say whether it would accept that condition. It has 30 days to do so.

DTE Energy has an obligation to serve any customer, including data centers, that come into our electric service territory in southeast Michigan. Thats why weve been so focused on making sure our broader customer base is protected with these contracts to ensure they will not subsidize data center rates, said spokesperson Ryan Lowry.

We acknowledge theres a range of viewpoints and emotions about this decision, he said. We remain deeply committed to supporting our customers and the communities we serve by delivering the safe, reliable energy they depend on each day.

The case sparked protests, drawing widespread attention and comments from more than 5,500 members of the public, amid concern over the impact of big data centers on the environment and power bills.

Read more: A wave of big AI data centers targets Michigan. Heres what to know

Dereck Kowalski holds up a sign during a protest in downtown Saline on the corner of Ann Arbor St. and Michigan Ave. on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. Abra Richardson

The key approval comes nearly seven weeks after DTE first filed the contracts with an Oracle subsidiary, Green Chile Ventures, LLC, made public only with significant portions redacted.

The utility, which expects a 25% increase in electric sales through the project, wanted regulators to OK them on an expedited timeline without formal hearings or legal review from outside groups.

The law allows such ex parte consideration when the approval wont increase power costs for other customers. DTE promises that will be the case with the data center, pledging it will actually make electricity more affordable in its service territory.

But advocates argued the for-profit electric utility, Michigans largest, hadnt adequately backed up that claim while pushing for swift approval.

DTE has approached this proceeding as if it wants to make sure no one looks under the hood, a coalition of environmental groups and consumer watchdogs wrote in a Dec. 12 legal filing.

The organizations, as well as Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, have repeatedly called for regulators to put the DTE contracts through a contested case. Then, they could request discovery materials, file their own legal testimony and cross-examine witnesses.

Without that step, the process appears to be a rush job that looks as though regulators under extraordinary industry pressure will rubber stamp whatever DTE wants, Nessel has said.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel shows a redacted contract between DTE and Oracle, OpenAI at a protest against data centers being built in Michigan, outside of the Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing, on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)

Public Service Commission Chair Dan Scripps defended the ex parte approval on Thursday, seeking to allay concerns.

Commission staff carefully reviewed the full, unredacted contracts, using its unique audit powers to test DTE assumptions and reproduce its modeling, he said. We dont take things on faith.

Scripps argued special contracts like those for the data center are often approved through an ex parte process, citing several contracts for large solar projects between DTE and big customers like Ford Motor Co. and the University of Michigan in recent years.

The contract requirements and additional conditions imposed by the commission require DTE to commit to ensuring no costs are passed to other customers, he said.

Several measures will require it to isolate and track those costs in future regulatory proceedings. DTE must also agree to interrupt power at the data center before doing so for any other customers in the event of a shortage.

DTE will also be required to formulate a power rate for future large loads like data centers and seek approval in a contested case, as well as file amended plans about how it will meet state clean and renewable energy requirements with the new electric demand.

I would put the contracts that are in front of us today on par or better with any that have been approved in the country, Scripps said.

The project, part of OpenAIs $500-billion, nationwide Stargate push, is on a tight timeline aiming to begin construction in early 2026. The data center customer could have terminated the deal if it wasnt approved quickly, DTE has argued.

That deadline was initially Dec. 5, DTE disclosed in legal filings, though it could be extended to Dec. 19. Nessel has called the deadlines a pressure tactic to push through the contracts.

Rushing approval through an ex parte process lets DTE brush past important questions and shields the utility from the transparency the public deserves, Nessel said in a Thursday statement.

She decried the Public Service Commission decision, noting it is impossible to verify the protections offered by the contracts or regulators conditions while the full contracts remain secret.

When the utilities and MPSC cut corners, Michigan ratepayers are left unprotected, Nessel said.

DTE maintains the contracts ensure that revenue from the data center will far outpace the $500 million DTE will have to invest in power lines and a substation for the project. It offers $300 million in annual affordability benefit to other customers, per the utility.

Utility DTE Energy's headquarters in Detroit on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. Lucas Smolcic Larson | MLive.com

That is a real cost savings at a time when affordability is so important, Peretick said.

Across the nation, there is some evidence large increases in electric demand like those from data centers can spread the fixed costs of the grid over a larger volume of sales, putting downward pressure on electricity prices.

But in other areas, a frenzy of data center development spurred by AI has tightened electric supply and driven up costs. Theres also worry the boom could prove speculative, leaving utility customers holding the bag for big grid investments if demand ultimately doesnt materialize.

DTE maintains its contracts provide adequate safeguards. They include a 19-year duration, minimum billing requirements ensuring the data center pays for 80% of its contracted power regardless of usage and a termination payment allowing the utility to recover up to 10 years of charges if the data center closes.

Scripps said additional collateral requirements safeguard the state if the data center boom proves to be a bubble that pops.

If they prove insufficient, that risk is borne by DTE and its shareholders, Peretick said.

The contracts also require the data center to pay for almost 1.4 gigawatts in grid-sized batteries, which will be added to DTEs grid to help it meet the new demand in conjunction with existing power plants.

The Thursday regulatory approval, a unanimous 3-0 vote, was met with outbursts from opponents who attended the commission meeting in Lansing. Its members come to the public meetings with decisions already made, deliberating behind closed doors.

Regulators said they only had jurisdiction over energy matters and couldnt base their actions on concerns over data center noise pollution, water use or the merits of AI.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has backed the project, which she has called the largest one-time investment in Michigan history, creating jobs and an influx in tax revenue.

Right now, time is of the essence. There is a shortage of global computing capacity, and China is moving aggressively to build their own centers and get a leg up on America. At the same time, other states are moving fast too, competing against Michigan to land similar projects with far less oversight, she wrote in a Dec. 3 letter of support.

This is a matter of national security and economic competitiveness, and if we do not act, it will cost us thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment in our economy, the governor added.

The data center still requires environmental permits for wetland impact and to install diesel-powered backup generators, currently under review by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

Still, developers have started initial site preparation. They intend to begin construction in early 2026, despite recent reports that a financing partner for the project backed out.

It would be the first in a new generation of large-scale data centers in Michigan built to serve AI.

More could be on the way, as MLive has identified at least 16 sites across the state considered for data center projects this year.
The Japanese automaker plans to use its resurrected sub-brand for much more than Tacoma-powered hybrid off-road buggies.

After Toyota first made waves with the unveiling of its Scion 01 side-by-side concept at this years SEMA show, the brand has subsequently kept the industry aflutter with hints that said vehicle might actually be heading for production.

Now, as it turns out, thats not all that Toyota has planned for the return of its Scion sub-brand. According to a new report, the revived outfit is destined to be much more than a mere maker of off-road oddities.

The 01 side-by-side isnt the only kind of vehicle that Toyotas Scion sub-brand will build as part of its revival. - Credit: Toyota

A return to Scions roots

The confirmation comes courtesy of Road & Track, which had the opportunity to sit down with North America vice president of Vehicle Performance Development Don Federico at a recent press event.

Scion was supposed to be the youthful, playful alternative to more serious Toyotas. - Credit: Toyota

When asked about the future of the brand, the Toyota exec stated that Were bringing it back as an opportunity for mobility. He also added that this means getting back to the roots is getting back to the roots of Scion, which was supposed to be this test laboratory.

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Now, even though the Toyota sub-brand came out with quirky cars like the boxy xB, the sporty TC or even the eventual first-gen 86 in the form of the FR-S, it wasnt exactly known as being youthful or innovative back in the early aughts.

Despite Scions older buying demographic, the tC was an enthusiast favorite. - Credit: Toyota

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Quite the opposite, actually. Even though Toyota targeted younger buyers, actual Scion owners driving out of dealerships ended up being significantly older. Eventually, the outfits slumping sales got to be too much and the Japanese automaker had to pull the plug.

In any case, while things didnt exactly go as planned for Scion the first go-round, its second coming opens the door for some serious potential and truly wild opportunities.

Scions second-coming means that it could build much more than economical compacts like the xD. - Credit: Toyota

Opportunity for mobility

Thats because, even though Scions revival began with the unveiling of the 01 concept, its future wont be limited to off-road vehicles.

In fact, during his talk with Road & Track, Don Federico even stated that the brand may make things that arent vehicles. Accordingly, Scions expertise will extend far beyond side-by-sides.

Who could forget the distinctly boxy shape of the xB? - Credit: Toyota

Though surprising and ambitious sounding, it does track with Toyotas strategy of late. As Federico explained, Our chairman Akio Toyoda famously said were becoming a mobility company, so youre seeing a few mobility products here, and this is, maybe, the brand that could carry the vehicles for us. Not traditional vehicles.

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Considering that Toyotas Lexus LS concepts reimagined the discontinued sedan as everything from a compact ride-on suitcase to a crossover and even a six-wheeled minivan, the potential is vast and varied.

After all, between a tiny modular truck, an ambitious next-gen Corolla and the launch of a Century brand (among a long list of other initiatives), Toyota didnt hold back at the Japan mobility show earlier this year. Its all-in on transport  and not just of the four-wheeled variety.

Though Toyota previewed the launch of the C-HR with its Scion concept back in 2015, the sub-brand wont be used for traditional cars in the coming years. - Credit: Toyota

So, even though this means that you shouldnt hold out hope for cars from the Scion label going forward, it does nevertheless herald some exciting possibilities. If the 01 concept is anything to go off of, the Toyota sub-brands revival could shape up to be more impactful than its initial debut.

About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When hes not chasing the latest industry news, hes probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers. Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When hes not chasing the latest industry news, hes probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbor is marking a local milestone in public transit.

Ann Arbors first bus lane opened this last week on State Street, TheRide CEO Matt Carpenter told City Council on Monday, Dec. 15. Were very excited about it.

Council voted in April to approve an $8 million project to give State Street an overhaul between William Street and South University Avenue near downtown and the University of Michigan campus, adding a dedicated northbound bus lane in the process. Construction lasted for months and finished recently.

A University of Michigan bus rides in a new bus-only traffic lane on State Street between South University Avenue and William Street in Ann Arbor on Dec. 18, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Bus drivers and passengers are now over the moon about the new lane, Carpenter said. It features bus only pavement markings and vertical posts separating it from other traffic.

We want to thank you for all your support, he told council, noting UM and TheRide also contributed to the project.

UM buses and TheRide buses are now using the lane to move more quickly along State Street.

The bus-only lane is paired with a new bus-priority traffic signal at State and William, giving northbound buses passing through the intersection first priority over other traffic. White signals indicate a bus can proceed straight or turn left as other traffic is stopped.

A new bus-priority traffic signal at State and William streets in Ann Arbor, giving traffic priority to public transit, on Dec. 18, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Thats great from a technology and innovation standpoint, Carpenter said.

The new lane is expected to raise visibility of the high-quality transit service along the corridor as frequently running buses bypass lines of cars while increasing service reliability for riders, TheRide spokesperson Jeff Pfeifer said.

More similar transit-priority upgrades are expected in the coming years as local officials aim to get more people out of cars and using alternative modes of transportation.

Theres going to be more major construction with implications for local transit services in 2026, Carpenter said.

The Downtown Development Authority is giving Fourth Avenue a major overhaul next to the Blake Transit Center. That includes new dedicated bus lanes.

A Fourth Avenue streetscape redesign drawing presented to the Ann Arbor City Council on Dec. 8, 2025. SmithGroup

Transit signal prioritization on Fourth Avenue and future bus rapid transit service on Huron Street were recommendations in a recent downtown circulation study, so the DDA also is redesigning Fourth Avenue with that in mind.

Basically, Fourth Avenue is going to get completely torn up and at some points it will be impassible, Carpenter said, calling it a short-term inconvenience for long-term gain.

Unfortunately, Fourth Avenue is where we park most of our buses next to the Blake Transit Center, he said. So, we are anticipating significant disruption for customers.

There may be times when the Blake Transit Center, TheRides central hub of operations, is not open and buses may not be able to drive up to it, Carpenter said.

Carpenter also announced the 2026 getDowntown Conquer the Cold challenge starts in January, encouraging people in the Ann Arbor area to commute by bus, bike, walking or carpooling.

A University of Michigan bus rides in a new bus-only traffic lane on State Street in Ann Arbor, about to proceed through the William Street intersection with a new bus-priority traffic signal on Dec. 18, 2025. White signals indicate the bus can proceed straight or turn left as other traffic is stopped. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

You can score points, you can beat your neighbor, you can be the Conquer the Cold champion of your neighborhood, he said. We strongly encourage everyone to check it out.

Last year there were almost 400 participants and the hope is to get to 450 this year, he said.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbor is going forward with a major sewer project in partnership with the University of Michigan, with construction to last from January through October.

City Council voted 10-0 Monday, Dec. 15, to approve a $15.6 million contract with Ric-Man Construction, plus a $1.2 million contract with Stantec Consulting for engineering services.

The total project cost is $20.5 million, with the university expected to cover $17.8 million of it.

The improvements are intended to provide added sewer capacity to handle flow from UMs new student dorms off Hill Street. The city also is using it as an opportunity to improve the sewer system along Washington and First streets.

The work includes installing a 36-inch relief sewer along Washington Street between First and Third streets where the city is planning another major housing development and along First Street from Washington to Miller Avenue.

That will remove flow from a high-level sanitary sewer trunkline along First Street and divert it to a low-level trunkline along Miller Avenue, City Engineer Nick Hutchinson said.

Through the project is expected to continue through October, there will be several interim milestones, including that all flows must go  either connected or pumped  to the new sewer by Aug. 22, Hutchinson said.

UM is significantly expanding student housing on campus as enrollment continues to grow.

Five new buildings ranging from five to seven stories are taking shape on the old Elbel Field property along Hill Street and will add about 2,300 new campus beds in summer 2026.

UM also recently went forward with demolition to remove about 50 residential structures directly to the north to make way for a phase-two dorm project expected to add about 2,500 more beds. Both phases include new campus dining facilities.

A view to the south from Madison Street just east of Fifth Avenue in Ann Arbor, looking across a large swath of land cleared to make way for new University of Michigan dorms on Nov. 22, 2025. Off in the distance, other UM dorms are under construction along Hill Street. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

UM set another enrollment record with 53,488 students for the fall 2025 semester, up from 52,855 last fall.

The university had OHM Advisors perform a sewer analysis, which determined capacity improvements to the citys system are required to accommodate peak flows during rain storms.

The new sewer will be installed using a trenchless, micro-tunneling method, Hutchinson said.

The contractor is proposing to tunnel a 60-inch pipe the entire length of sewer, then install the designed 36-inch sewer inside the larger pipe and grout between the two, he said.

A second phase of work expected to take place in 2027 involves sewer lining downstream of First and Miller.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page.
DEERFILED TWP, MI  A North Branch woman has died a day before her 95th birthday, killed in a traffic crash with an 82-year-old man.

At 12:17 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, Lapeer County Sheriffs deputies responded to a crash on North Lapeer Road/M-24 north of Barnes Lake Road in Deerfield Township.

They arrived to find a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado had been heading north when it turned left to enter a mobile home community. In doing so, it crossed into the path of a southbound 2012 Dodge Durango, leading to a head-on collision.

The Durango was driven by a 73-year-old North Branch man and contained his 72-year-old spouse, both of whom sustained serious injuries. Backseat passenger Dorothy Lambert, 94, was wearing her seatbelt but displayed no vitals when emergency responders arrived.

Deerfield Township firefighters used hydraulic tools to extricate the Durangos occupants. Lambert was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Silverado was driven by an 82-year-old Lapeer man and contained his 77-year-old wife as a passenger. Both suffered injuries and were taken via ambulance to McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital, as were the surviving spouses from the Durango.

Deputies preliminary investigation does not indicate intoxicants, excessive speed, or environmental conditions were factors in the fatal crash. Deputies are continuing to investigate.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Forest Hills Public Schools officially broke ground on their new aquatic center on Wednesday.

Today were doing more than just breaking ground, were investing in our students, Superintendent Ben Kirby said Dec. 17.

The center, funded with some of the funds from a $340 million bond voters passed in November 2023, is anticipated to open in July 2028.

Forest Hills celebrated the milestone with a ceremony at the Fine Arts Center and remarks from school officials and student athletes from their swim programs.

Throughout the ceremony, students made nods to the quirks of the current center theyve grown to love, like the lack of space and scoreboard that no longer works and looked forward to the advances to come with the new facilities.

Even though I wont be swimming here when its finished, Forest Hills Northern High School student Lincoln McAlpine said, Ill definitely be coming back to test its waters.

During the event, school leaders emphasized the community components of the space, like swimming classes and life guard certification programs that will be available to the public.

Construction began this fall after an 18-month long design process, to make sure we made an aquatic center that met practical needs as well as the shared vision of the community, Kirby said. From infants to seniors and everybody in-between.

Forest Hills has three high schools and is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with over 9,000 students.

The district estimated the cost of constructing a new aquatic center with a new pool at $51.6 million when promoting the 2023 bond proposal.

For virtual tours of the center and more information on the bond thats funding it, go to the schools website here.

MLive/ Grand Rapids Press photojournalist Chloe Trofatter was there to capture the event. See the full gallery above or click here.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Christkindl Markt at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market is preparing for its first-ever Krampus Bash on Friday, Dec. 19.

The third annual Christkindl Markt runs through Tuesday, Dec. 23, featuring over 60 vendors offering authentic food and handcrafted products.

Becoming a popular holiday tradition in West Michigan, the German-inspired Christmas village at 435 Ionia Ave. SW offers a magical holiday experience for families and visitors.

But for one night only this year, Krampus will visit once the vendor booths close at 9 p.m. The holiday festivities will continue through 11 p.m. with no cover charge for the special late-night event.

Attendees can expect an exclusive after-hours celebration featuring seasonal beverages, music and a special appearance by Krampus, Santas mischievous counterpart from European folklore.

Meghan Dolata, sales and marketing manager for the Downtown Market, said the staff are always looking for fun ways to attract visitors.

Were excited to have him here, she said. Our goal is to really make the Christmas market as authentic as possible. In Europe, Krampus is a large part of that. I think the environment with all the twinkling lights, the tunes and the whole nine yards will really make it feel special and exciting.

The horned figure, who is known for his furry costume and playful antics, will take a break from his Alpine duties to serve Christkindl Markt beverages from the main bar.

Music for the evening will be provided by local personality, DJ AB (Adrian Butler), who will curate a mix of holiday favorites and familiar classics throughout the night.

The German-style Beverage Hall will transform into an energetic bar atmosphere, offering guests a place to gather and enjoy seasonal drinks.

Available beverages for those 21 and older will include red and white Gluhwein and Dunkelweizen holiday beer. There will also be non-alcoholic drinks such as hot cocoa, hot cider and Kinderpunsch.

Our community is in for a special treat, Dolata said. If they come on out a bit early, they can spend some time at the Christkindl Markt, maybe some last-minute shopping, and stay throughout the evening to enjoy the Krampus bash with us.

For more information on the event, visit the Christkindl Markts website.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Sixty-one businesses in Kent and Ottawa counties received grants through the states Going Pro Talent Fund, according to West Michigan Works, a regional workforce development organization.

In a release, West Michigan Works said the awards will provide critical training resources across various industries, including agribusiness, healthcare, manufacturing and construction, which also includes mobility, energy and infrastructure.

The Going PRO Talent Fund empowers both new hires and current employees to build in-demand skills, while helping employers of all sizes remain competitive through skilled trades, technical skills, and leadership training, said Jacob Maas, CEO of West Michigan Works.

The grant awards range from just under $10,000 to upwards of $267,000.

The Going Pro Talent Fund is administered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. West Michigan Works helps businesses apply for the funds, according to a release.

Heres a look at the businesses that received the funds:

Kent County

Ottawa County
BLACKMAN TWP., MI  Andys Angels founder Mike Hirst said the organization is not at risk of losing crucial state funding.

The Republican-controlled House Appropriations Committee voted Wednesday, Dec. 10, to disapprove $645 million in continued funding for numerous items and grants. House Republicans said these were all appropriations that had reached their deadline to expend funds.

Andys Place  an apartment community for those in need of substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation services  received about $3.3 million in funding support from the 2025 Michigan state budget.

The funding helped the organization, 2104 W. Michigan Ave., build a new 26-unit family building. Construction wrapped up in July, and the building opened in September.

We got all our funds and used them up on time, Hirst said.

However, this threatens the $4.5 million grant to the Hayes Hotel project at 228 W. Michigan Ave., along with $1 million to Residents in Action to turn the former T.A. Wilson school building, 310 W. Morrell St., into a homeless resource center.

With the help of five Republicans, the Democratic-majority Senate on Tuesday passed a supplemental funding bill that would reinstate continued dollars for programs to feed seniors, help child sexual abuse victims and more.

The measure is not likely to be taken up in the Republican-controlled House, where House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, has championed the cuts as stamping out diversity, equity and inclusion programs and waste, fraud and abuse in government. Without the Houses support, the bill will die.

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners also voted 6-0 on Tuesday, Dec. 16 to allocate Michigan Opioid Settlement Funds to three projects, including Andys Place for $100,000.

Andys Place plans to use the funds to support budget gaps in the 24/7 security services at the apartments. Security staff help maintain a safe, recovery-centered environment and support residents through early stages of sobriety.

Hirst said security staff work in-person from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with camera monitoring for the remaining hours.

The county allocated $100,000 to Family Services & Childrens Aid to expand support for pregnant and parenting individuals with substance-use disorders, including home-based services, therapy and parenting support. The county also allocated $100,000 to Home of New Vision to add two full-time recovery navigators to expand its outreach.

The two-year grant period begins January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.

In 2021, a nationwide $26 billion opioid settlement was reached, resulting in nearly $2 million being allocated to Jackson County over an 18-year period. Additional settlements from several pharmaceutical companies are projected to bring Jackson County more than $3 million over the next 15 years.

District 4 County Commissioner Philip Duckham was absent from the meeting.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page.
LENAWEE COUNTY, MI  A retired detective who was in charge of the investigation into the killing of Southern Michigan woman Dee Warner has been arrested more than four years after the murder on allegations he attempted to evade testifying in an upcoming trial.

Kevin Greca, a former investigator with the Lenawee County Sheriffs Office, is listed as an interested person in the case against Dale Warner, whos accused of killing his wife and set to go to trial in January, according to the local county circuit court.

WDIV-TV reported Greca is accused of fleeing the state to avoid providing information in court, and according to WILX-TV, he was first arrested by U.S. marshals last week in Lucas County, Ohio, on a bench warrant issued in October.

WDIV reported Greca retired last year.

There were no charges listed against Greca in local courts, though bond for him was set at $50,000 Dec. 12 and posted Tuesday, Dec. 16. A representative couldnt be reached late Wednesday.

Dale Warner, 57, of Tipton, faces charges of open murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his wife. Dee Warner went missing in April 2021 and was presumed dead, resulting in charges against Dale in November 2023, before her body was found in August 2024.

Dee Warner, 52, was last seen leaving her home in Franklin Township near Tipton, and her family announced in May 2022 that evidence implicating her husband in her murder had been presented to police. Her family also launched a lawsuit against Dale earlier this year.

The Michigan State Police later took over the investigation from the sheriffs office. Dees body was found on Warners property inside a welded-shut storage tank while awaiting trial.

Dale Warners trial is now set to begin Jan. 27 with a motion hearing and final pretrial hearing on Dec. 29 and Jan. 14, according to the circuit court.
BAY CITY, MI  Engineers by trade, Zeke and Stephanie Carlyon are transforming a former church near downtown into a brewery, creating what they envision as an immersive experience rather than just another bar.

The project has been in the works for about two years, with the husband-and-wife owners finding the former First Congregational Church at 900 6th St. this past summer. Their plan is to turn it into Next Quest Brewing, a transition that is already underway.

We just love the people, Stephanie Carlyon said Wednesday, Dec. 17, standing inside the former church that is still in the early stages of being remodeled. Beer people are happy people. So we wanted to do it ourselves.

The church building offers practical advantages for their vision, Zeke Carlyon explained. The open layout provides ample seating without blocked-off rooms, and purchasing a former church or industrial property helps keep startup costs manageable in what both owners acknowledge is a challenging industry.

Restaurant businesses are tough, Zeke Carlyon said. The ones that just start off really got an uphill climb, so you need to keep your costs down. So, its a way to get a really cool space at a reasonable price.

Signage for Next Quest Brewing is seen at 900 6th St. in Bay City. Joey Oliver | MLive.com

The owners plan to move away from the church aesthetic, aiming instead for a castle-like atmosphere that they believe will work well with a painted-on stone look. Even in its early stages, dragon and troll props lined the walls of the former church Wednesday afternoon, giving a glimpse at what the future of the building may hold.

The food menu will focus on comfort dishes prepared in  hopefully, according to the owners  an electric kitchen. Plans include individual shepherds pies, chicken pot pies, a fishermans pie inspired by a trip to Ireland, turkey legs, panini and various appetizers.

Stephanie Carlyon said she enjoys cooking and is excited to try new things.

I really love playing with flavor profiles and then trying to get beers to match with flavor profiles, she said.

Beyond food and drink, the owners have some aspirations for what is a substantial space. Zeke Carlyon mentioned potentially having medieval video games on the balcony and possibly an escape room either upstairs or downstairs. The owners are also considering yoga sessions paired with drinks and daytime activities for children.

Live music will be a regular feature, the owners said, with plans to host musicians theyve met locally as well as through their years of attending the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

The beverage selection will extend beyond beer to include wines, ciders and occasionally meads.

The brewery will also have a charitable component, with plans to donate 25 cents from every beverage sold to rotating causes, including scholarships.

No timeframe is set for opening, as the couple is still going through local and federal processes required for owning and operating a brewery. Thursday, Dec. 18, the Zoning Board of Appeals will take up whether to permit a use variance for turning the church into a microbrewery.

They said they are excited to join a growing industry of breweries at the local level, which includes Tri-City Brewing, W.H. Ales and, soon, North Peak in Bay City alone.

They hope to position the brewery as a destination on the Michigan Beer Trail, drawing visitors who travel to tour multiple breweries in a single trip.

If you get enough of them, people that follow breweries will go, Zeke Carlyon said. People will take trips to Grand Rapids because you can see, in a day, you can tour four or five breweries. Thats enough to make people do that.
The former Harvard morgue manager and his wife are heading to prison after they were found to be at the center of a scheme in which they removed body parts from human remains and sold them.

Cedric Lodge, age 58, and Denise Lodge, age 65, both of Goffstown, New Hampshire were both sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann on Dec. 16.

Cedric, the former manager of the Harvard Medical School Morgue, was sentenced to eight years in prison while Denise received a sentence of 12 months and a day in prison.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, from 2018 through at least March 2020, Cedric Lodge participated in the sale and interstate transport of stolen human remains.

He would remove human remains, including organs, brains, skin, hands, faces, dissected heads, and other parts, from donated cadavers after they had been used for research and teaching purposes, but instead of disposing them properly, he would take them to his home in New Hampshire.

After the couple sold the remains, they would ship them to buyers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, which were then often resold for profit.

The trafficking of stolen human remains through the US Mail is a disturbing act that victimizes already grieving families while also creating a potentially hazardous situation for Postal employees and customers, said Christopher Nielsen, the Inspector in Charge of the Philadelphia Division of the Postal Inspection Service.

I hope our efforts, and these sentencings, bring some amount of closure to those affected by this terrible crime.

Several other defendants have previously entered guilty pleas in related cases

Todays sentencing is another step forward in ensuring those who orchestrated and executed this heinous crime are brought to justice said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBIs Philadelphia Field Office.

I want to thank our partners at the Postal Inspection Service and the United States Attorneys Office for their diligent efforts in this case.
Michigan voters might not decide next fall whether to switch the states elections to a ranked choice voting system.

Organizers trying to get the ranked choice voting question on the November 2026 ballot said Thursday that theyve suspended signature collection efforts to be on the ballot. That ballot committee is called Rank MI Vote.

Rank MI Vote has paused its statewide signature gathering as it builds momentum toward an eventual statewide win for ranked choice voting in Michigan, said Pat Zabawa, executive director of Rank MI Vote. However, we are leaving all options on the table for the future of our movement.

Organizers say there may be further attempts to make the 2026 ballot. Rank MI Vote needs to collect at least 446,198 valid signatures to get the proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot.

The news was first reported by Bridge Michigan, which also reported that Rank MI Vote officials told volunteers in a Monday email that the group was preparing a re-launch in April 2027 to make the 2028 ballot. Organizers did not confirm this to MLive.

Ranked choice voting allows voters to rank candidate choices on ballots in order of preference. The lowest vote-getters are eliminated and those votes are then transferred to voters next choice. That process continues until theres a winner with at least 50% of the votes.

If the Rank MI Vote question was passed, Michigan voters would be able to rank candidates for most federal and statewide elections. That would include presidential elections and the race for governor, secretary of state and attorney general, among others.

Proponents, like Rank MI Vote, say its a more democratic way of voting. Rather than people splitting votes between like-minded candidates, election outcomes under ranked choice voting better reflect the values of a majority of voters, they say.

Were particularly proud of the hundreds of thousands of conversations with voters who have signed our petition with the hope that ranked choice voting can give voters more voice and more choice and create a more representative democracy, Zabawa said. Rank MI Votes work is just getting started, and we will continue our efforts to advocate for and win ranked choice voting throughout the state as we enter the new year.

Five Michigan cities have already adopted ranked choice voting reforms: Ann Arbor, Royal Oak, East Lansing, Kalamazoo and Ferndale.

The city of Ferndale in 2004 became the first to adopt ranked choice voting, but the city is still waiting for the opportunity to implement it, MLive previously reported.

Current Michigan election laws dont allow local municipalities to use the ranked choice system. The constitutional amendment would change that.

In a rare move, the Michigan Association of County Clerks earlier this year voiced opposition to the ballot measure, arguing the voting method would reduce ballot clarity and voter understanding, increase election costs, delay reporting of results and lower election integrity.

But Rank MI Vote says the current system provides poor representation, incentivizes divisive tactics and pushes voters to vote for the candidate they feel is most viable, not the candidate they want. The group has also pushed back on claims that results are delayed by ranked choice voting.

House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, celebrated the news that Rank MI Vote had paused signature collection, saying Michigan residents didnt fall for the scheme to complicate and hijack our elections, known as ranked choice voting.

You knew this was a terrible proposal, because the clerks who administer our elections unanimously came out in opposition, Hall said. When you have Republican and Democrat election administrators saying ranked choice voting is complicated, confusing and would be bad for our election process, you know its a horrible idea.

In August, the Republican-controlled House passed a bill that would prohibit the state and local governments from conducting elections using ranked choice voting. Hall urged the Senate, which has not yet moved on the bill, to pass it.

Even if the ranked choice voting ban were to pass the Senate and be signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a constitutional amendment passed by voters to implement ranked choice voting  like the one put forward by Rank MI Vote  would trump this.
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The proposal seeks to address a key constraint facing the fund management ecosystem at GIFT City
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by Staff Reporter



Money handed over



'We will arrest you'

Johannesburg - A policeman filmed taking a bribe and a policewoman caught on camera performing a sexual act will be suspended, Gauteng police said on Friday."The content of the video is very disturbing and has warranted the management to take immediate action in terms of the SA Police Service [SAPS] disciplinary code," said Brigadier Neville Malila."Internal disciplinary processes are underway, as prescribed by the regulations and policies of the SAPS."Notices of suspension will be served on the officers today [Friday]," he said.The video was recorded in a parking lot near the East Rand Mall, in Boksburg, at 03:00 on Saturday, Beeld reported. A copy was sent to the police on Thursday.WARNING: THIS REPORT CONTAINS FOOTAGE OF A GRAPHIC NATUREAccording to the newspaper, the 20 minute video shows a Boksburg North police station vehicle drive into the parking lot, followed by a BMW.A uniformed policewoman gets out of the BMW, followed by the driver.The policeman reportedly climbs out of the police vehicle and waits for the driver to withdraw money from a nearby Absa ATM. The man hands bank-notes to the policeman.Beeld reported that the policeman is shown driving out of the parking lot and stopping at the roadside.In the parking lot, the policewoman talks to the motorist, then helps him unzip his trousers and performs a sexual act on him.He then gives her money, after which she runs across the parking lot to the waiting police vehicle.According to the newspaper, the motorist watches them leave, zips up his pants and drives off in the opposite direction.Gauteng provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Mzwandile Petros said there was no space for corrupt police officials in the service and they would be arrested without hesitation."The message was clear since 2010: if you are corrupt, leave the service or you will be arrested, but leaving the service will also not stop us from arresting you."Petros said since September 2010 more than 990 police officers had been arrested for corruption and other related crimes in the province, and that 469 members had been dismissed over the same period.
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MP SET 2025 Exam Postponed: Revised schedule to be announced soon, official notice here
MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more.
While Dharmendras first wife and sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, organised a prayer meet at Taj Lands End, his second wife, Hema Malini, held a separate prayer meeting at his Mumbai residence.
Bipasha openly admitted that despite giving her 100 percent to the relationship, she was left abandoned, a reality that caused her significant emotional distress.
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Zanu-PF national spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has declared President Emmerson Mnangagwa's leadership unchallenged, saying the ruling party is ending the year "more united, disciplined and electorally dominant."Speaking at what he described as Zanu-PF's final press conference of the year at the party's headquarters, Mutsvangwa said President Mnangagwa had successfully guided the party through what many had predicted would be a "watershed year" for Zimbabwe."We have crossed this year, which many felt would be a watershed year for Zimbabwe. He has shepherded the Zimbabwean revolution with acumen, and we have crossed the year with very united leadership. His authority in the party is unchallenged," Mutsvangwa said.He cited resolutions adopted at the party's recent Manicaland provincial conference as clear evidence of President Mnangagwa's firm grip on Zanu-PF."There was not even a challenge in the corridors of the deliberations. It was a unanimous decision," he said. "This is the ultimate acumen of leadership being demonstrated by President E.D. Mnangagwa, the First Secretary of Zanu-PF."Mutsvangwa also pointed to a series of high-level party meetings held in recent weeks  including sessions of the Politburo, Central Committee and the Consultative Assembly  as further proof of unity and discipline within the ruling party."In all those meetings, the authority of the President was evident. Everybody is dancing according to the codes of the leadership of the party, in this orchestra of harmony which is Zanu-PF," he said.He added that the party remained firmly on course as a long-standing liberation movement."For those who entertained ideas about where Zanu-PF would go, we are living up to the billing of a 60-year-old revolutionary party shaping the destiny of the people of Zimbabwe," Mutsvangwa said.Zanu-PF has maintained that internal cohesion and disciplined leadership will continue to underpin its political dominance as it prepares for future electoral contests.
Christopher Nolan says he would never work with Netflix, calls its release policy 'mindless' and harmful to theatrical cinema
During promotions for his partnership with Chanel Beauty, Jung Kook offered fans a glimpse into what lies ahead for BTS in the coming year.
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When Richa Chadhas mother thought Ali Fazal was a Pakistani actor and asked her not to marry him, believing he was already married with two kids
Symptoms of dementia: Loss of confidence, not able to face up to problems or feelings nervous or on edge all the time are some early symptoms of dementia later in life (Image: Pexels)
Shreya Garg is a journalist with over 6 years of experience at leading media houses. She writes extensively on lifestyle, health and things that are trending on the internet.
Actor Alia Bhatt recently attended another awards night dressed in an ivory ensemble from designer Anamika Khanna. (Picture Credit: Instagram/@rheakapoor)

Shreya Garg is a journalist with over 6 years of experience at leading media houses. She writes extensively on lifestyle, health and things that are trending on the internet.
Gen Z is choosing intention over excess. From mindful drinking to clean labels and purpose-driven consumption, this generation is quietly reshaping what modern wellness looks like. (Image: Pexels)
8 phrases emotionally intelligent people use when they disagree, and what you can learn from them
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CCI to probe complaints against IndiGo for recent flight disruptions
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A 75-year-old man from Sabhuku Taona's village under Chief Chikwizo in Mutoko, Mashonaland East, says he once lured wild animals and snakes using a whistle made from a deer horn, but his family now believes the practice is at the centre of deep-seated misfortunes that have torn their household apart.Richard Karunzva told reporters that he was taught to make and use the horn whistle by a man from Mozambique with whom he once shared a close friendship. According to Karunzva, the horn is carved, sealed with resin and bound with plastic, producing a sound he claims attracted wild animals when blown in the bush."When I used it, animals would come  even snakes, leopards and lions," he said. "Whether it was day or night, they would come close and I would shoot them with my gun."Karunzva said he often hunted with a torch and firearm and sometimes killed more than four animals at a time. He added that he regularly had game meat, some of which he sold, insisting he never used witchcraft."I did not bewitch myself to hunt. There was nothing put in that whistle. But I do not know if there is something hidden in the sound that has caused people to say I took an oath," he said.However, members of his extended family say they are suffering from what they believe are ancestral curses linked to the hunting practices. They claim several relatives have developed mental illnesses, while daughters in the family struggle to marry or to remain in their marriages. Others are said to experience unexplained violent behaviour."My family is facing many problems, including mental illness," Karunzva said. "One of my children ran away from home and has lived in the forest for more than 10 years. Another is affected by strange attacks. Some of my children no longer want to see me or even greet me."Karunzva has two wives and 12 children.His daughter, Hazvinei Karunzva (32), from the younger wife's house, said the family's troubles are widely believed to stem from her father's hunting oaths."We are 12 children, but none of us has peace," she said. "Most of the daughters cannot get married, and even those who do fail to stay in their marriages. I am married, but I am always in conflict with my husband."The family's first-born son, Shorai Karunzva (48), said the family is exhausted by years of hardship."There is sickness, mental illness and many other problems in this family," he said. "Our father is known for hunting using a horn whistle to call animals, but we do not know how all this connects."Another son, John Karunzva (39), said some people believe the problems date back to actions committed by ancestors, including the hunting practices.During the interview, one of Karunzva's sons reportedly suffered a violent mental episode and attempted to attack a journalist before being restrained by family members and villagers, briefly disrupting proceedings.Karunzva's senior wife, Faustina Karunzva (75), said the family has endured immense suffering due to the illnesses affecting their children.Karunzva said the horn whistle he once used has since been lost and his firearm is no longer functional. He appealed for assistance to help resolve the family's problems."I want help. If it is said I bewitched myself, I do not know," he said. "My children are now panning for gold, but nothing is coming out."The situation deteriorated further as relatives argued openly in front of reporters, with some accusing Karunzva of cutting off family relations since 2019. Karunzva reportedly refused to greet Hazvinei during the confrontation, highlighting the deep divisions that continue to plague the family.
China has bought more than half the soybeans it promised from US
Parliament on Wednesday approved removing the foreign ownership cap on insurance companies from the current 74%
India is yet to formally register its dissent at WTO, however, a New Delhi official said any such move will be opposed at the trade body.
India Oman FTA could open up nearly $1 billion opportunity
Under MGNREGA, while there is no explicit statutory funding ratio, the Centre has effectively borne around 90 percent of the programmes cost

Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com
Total trade between India and Oman stood at $10.61 billion in 2024-25, a growth of 18.6 percent on-year.

Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.
Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.
Shweta Punj is an award winning journalist. She has reported on economic policy for over two decades in India and the US. She is a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum. Author of Why I Failed, translated into 5 languages, published by Penguin-Random House.
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IFC-backed Crystal Crop Protection files IPO papers with fresh issue of Rs 600 crore, plans to reduce debt
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President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has appointed two new Deputy Ministers, in terms of Section 104, Subsection (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The appointments aim to strengthen the Cabinet and improve service delivery across key sectors.Mutimbanyoka Kiven, Member of Parliament, has been appointed Deputy Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, while Moyo Fred, also an MP, will serve as Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development.The new appointments come as part of the President's broader efforts to bolster government operations and ensure effective leadership in critical areas of national development.
A Boeing Co. 747 passenger aircraft, operated by Deutsche Lufthansa AG, taxis at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany.
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Defence shares fall for 4th day amid 'double whammy'; analysts advise 'use this healthy correction'
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IOC, Asian Paints, Apollo Tyres, other crude-sensitive stocks fall up to 4% as oil prices rise
SEBI has also recalibrated brokerage caps. For cash market transactions, the existing brokerage cap of 12 bps, which included statutory levies and translated to 8.59 bps net of levies, has now been reduced to 6 bps, exclusive of levies ( the consultation paper suggested 2 bps). For derivative transactions, the earlier cap of 5 bps, inclusive of statutory levies and amounting to 3.89 bps net of levies, has been reduced to 2 bps (the consultation paper suggested 1 bps), exclusive of levies.
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Sammaan Capital shares fall for 2nd day; NBFC clarifies it 'has no relation whatsoever with ex-promoter Sameer Gehlaut'
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Zero-coupon bonds can be issued at reduced face value of Rs 10,000, SEBI tweaks norms
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Stocks to Watch Today: HCLTech, Cyient, Titagarh Rail, Antony Waste Handling, KP Energy, Ola Electric Mobility, Paytm, GE Vernova in focus on 18 December
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Trading Plan: Can Nifty defend 50 DEMA, Bank Nifty take support at Wednesdays low?
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Fake credit card limit upgrade scams: How they trap you and 5 simple ways to stay safe
How to do a financial check-up for ageing parents without making it awkward
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Zimbabwe police have arrested a man accused of murdering five members of the same family in Guruve, following a swift and coordinated operation that relied on public assistance.The suspect, 32-year-old Anymore Zvitsva, also known as "Modho," was wanted in connection with the brutal killings at Plot 9, Ona Farm, on December 11, which claimed the lives of Grace Zvitsva, 66, Loice Chiringaushe, 37, Takudzwa Kariva, 5, Tatenda Chirenje, 2, and Tendai Zvitsva, 40. The victims included a grandmother, her adult daughter, two young grandchildren, and another family member. Five other children in the house managed to escape unharmed.National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi praised the public for sharing the suspect's photograph, which played a crucial role in his capture. He explained that a neighbour raised the alarm after hearing disturbances at the homestead. Tendai Zvitsva, initially found alive, later died at Guruve Hospital, while the remaining victims were discovered dead inside the house.Zvitsva was also linked to three other murders in Zimuna Village under Chief Bepura, involving Pamela Chipangura, Kudzai Chipangura, and Tawanda Chipangura, in cases still under investigation. Police had launched an extensive manhunt deploying drone surveillance, Support Unit officers, CID detectives, canine units, horse patrols, and intelligence operatives, amid fears that the suspect was hiding in forested and mountainous areas around Guruve.The motive for the killings remains unclear. However, police indicated that Zvitsva is believed to have mental health challenges and urged families and communities to report individuals showing signs of severe mental instability to health facilities, social welfare offices, or the police for professional intervention.Authorities emphasized that the public should not approach the suspect and assured that all information would be treated confidentially. Anyone with information on Zvitsva's movements or whereabouts was advised to contact the National Complaints Desk, the Officer Commanding Guruve District, or via WhatsApp.The prompt arrest highlights the effectiveness of public cooperation and proactive police measures in resolving high-profile criminal cases.
Your credit card OTP is your last line of defence. Why sharing it can empty your account
Future City is planned along the HyderabadBengaluru corridor across 765 square kilometers on the southern outskirts of Hyderabad between the Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar highways.
Future City is planned along the HyderabadBengaluru corridor across 765 square kilometers on the southern outskirts of Hyderabad between the Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar highways
Sumitomo sees a stronger supply of prime locations in those cities compared with Mumbai, where a land crunch creates scope for long-term rental growth.
On December 17, the RBI intervened heavily in the spot currency market, which helped the Indian rupee stage its strongest intraday recovery in seven months
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.
Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol.
Leaders signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and adopted a maritime cooperation vision document during Modis Dec 1718 Oman visit, the MEA said.
After parents refuse to accept his interfaith marriage, man kills them; chops bodies into pieces and throws into river in UP
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BULAWAYO  The Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has petitioned President Emmerson Mnangagwa to account for the Gukurahundi atrocities that devastated parts of Midlands and Matabeleland between 1982 and 1987.

MiThe atrocities were carried out under the administration of then Prime Minister Robert Mugabe, with Mnangagwa serving as Minister of State Security. The North Koreantrained Fifth Brigade was deployed to the region, allegedly to target dissidents, but ended up killing thousands of innocent villagers, including women, children and the elderly.In a letter dated December 15 and directed to Mnangagwa, MRP President Mqondisi Moyo demanded public accountability. The petition was also copied to the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR) in The Gambia, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat in Botswana and the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels.The MRP formally submits this Executive Demand on behalf of the victims, survivors and affected communities of Matabeleland/Mthwakazi. This demand concerns statesanctioned human rights violations during the Gukurahundi operations (19821987) and the ongoing impunity that shields perpetrators, obstructs justice and prevents reparations, reads the letter.The petition calls on Mnangagwa to publicly acknowledge his knowledge and role, clarify his involvement or oversight regarding state security forces, recognise the suffering of victims, commit to transparency by opening archives and documents, and ensure justice, reparations and survivorcentred truth mechanisms.Moyo said the demand is grounded in international, regional and domestic law, including CEDAW, CRC, ICCPR, the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, SADC protocols and Zimbabwes Constitution.The MRP requests a formal public response within 60 calendar days. Copies of this submission are sent to AU, UN, SADC and EU human rights bodies for oversight, he said.
A long-pending request, raised on the Lok Sabha floor, led to an immediate meeting between Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
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'Any stretch of imagination...': Javed Akhtar condemns Nitish Kumar for pulling woman's hijab, seeks apology
Officials said around 580 police personnel have been deployed at 126 checkpoints, including Delhi's border points, to ensure compliance.
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Ashok Gehlot changes profile pic to 'Save Aravalli', asks Centre to reconsider definition
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'Beneficial for entire world': PM Modi says India-Oman free trade pact to give new energy to bilateral relation
Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's MNS are expected to announce an alliance ahead of the BMC elections. (File photo)
Voting for the BMC election in Mumbai will take place on January 15 and the counting of votes is set for January 16.
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'Dont take our fertile land': Mehbooba Mufti urges Omar Abdullah to rethink BSF camp in Pulwama village
A pedestrian walks through dense fog on a cold winter morning, in New Delhi)
Relations between the United States and Venezuela have become increasingly tense, and the trend is expected to follow an upward trajectory. Washington accuses the Maduro government of supporting drug trafficking and illegal activities and has imposed sanctions on the countrys oil sector. Furthermore, the US has deployed naval and air forces to the region, striking several vessels and blocking oil tankers. Maduros government calls these actions an attack on state sovereignty and hints at possible countermeasures. Energy markets face uncertainty, while regional leaders urge calm. The UN Secretary-General and international organisations are calling for a peaceful resolution, as the crisis impacts Latin America and the global community.

Speaking to Azernews, Peter Marko Tase, Honorary Professor at AUL and Founder of the Azerbaijan-US Economic and Education Council, noted that President Trumps Proclamation 10949 fully restricts entry for nationals of twelve countries. Additionally, the proclamation directed the United States Government to partially restrict and limit the entry of nationals of the following seven countries.

The proclamation directed the US Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, to immediately engage each of the countries identified in the proclamation on measures that must be taken to comply with United States screening, vetting, immigration, and security requirements. In this backdrop, the bilateral relations of Washington and Caracas are not an exception; the Trump administration has publicly acknowledged that fighting drug trafficking and organised crime is its top priority, Peter Tase said.

He recalled that over the past four months, the United States Southern Command has successfully led major operations in the Caribbean Sea that have neutralised over 94 per cent of drug trafficking sea routes that aim to flood the U.S. territory with dangerous amphetamine, cocaine and other dangerous drugs.

As of December 17, US President Donald J. Trump has publicly announced that "a total and complete" blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. This decision is characterised by Caracas as "warmongering threats". Currently, Venezuelas authorities are in complete disarray and are heavily relying on their Brazilian partners, who are expected to provide shelter to Mr. Maduros trusted associates, the Honorary Professor underscored.

He opined that the current escalation of military operations led by the U.S. Navy nearby the Venezuelan coast is a clear testimony of Washingtons strategic interest to overthrow the Government of Nicolas Maduro. The next foreign government that could receive a similar punishment to that against Caracas is Gustavo Petros Government of Colombia.

The Trump Administration is determined to reduce and neutralise the presence of Russian Military bases and intelligence personnel coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Cuba, the Russian Federation and P R China in the territory of Venezuela. By overthrowing the Government of Nicolas Maduro, Washington is expected to establish a new era of geopolitical priorities that are suitable to the defence of US National Security, with Moscow and Beijing leaving South America. Given the ongoing turbulence in the bilateral relations between Brazil and the United States of America; in 2026 the U.S. Department of War will establish a major intelligence and military operations base in the territory of Paraguay, a strategic initiative that will effectively fight the presence of drug cartels and Terrorist organizations (with ties to Islamic State circles in the Middle East) including their financial operations arms, in the region of South America, he added.

He emphasised that the recent decision of President Trump to conduct a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers arriving in the maritime space of Venezuela will further embolden the bilateral relations between Venezuela and Brazil and certainly increase Colombias regional share in Oil exports. Crude Oil Production in Colombia was over 770 thousand barrels per day (2023) with the US-imposed oil embargo against Venezuela; Colombia, as Latin Americas third largest oil producer, will experience a greater global demand for its oil products in the next few years, as a consequence of the ongoing Trump-Maduro Conflict, he noted.

The pressuring dynamics of US - Russia - Ukraine Negotiations for a durable peace in Ukraine, are constraining the political future of Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Honduras. The global spheres of influence are still not determined, and Maduros political future is in line.

In concert with Actions against Venezuela, the US is planning additional sanctions on Russia's energy sector  including its "shadow fleet" of oil tankers - if President Putin rejects a peace deal with Ukraine, he concluded.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

HARARE  The Womens Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE), with support from Oxfam, has launched a new initiative aimed at creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces for aspiring young women leaders.

In a statement, WALPE said the #TechForEquality campaign promotes safe online participation, advocates for full implementation of the Cyber and Data Protection Act (2021), and calls for the development of a genderresponsive Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulation in Zimbabwe.The initiative comes at a time when online violence and technologyfacilitated genderbased violence continue to undermine womens political participation, leadership journeys and digital freedoms, read the statement.The programme places legal and policy reform at the centre of digital safety, ensuring that both incumbent and emerging women leaders are protected from online abuse. It includes three major components: An online capacitybuilding programme for young women on AI and digital safety. A documentary exposing the harms of online violence against women leaders. A digital advocacy campaign calling for safer online environments for young women in leadership.WALPE said the training equips participants with practical skills in AI and strategies to prevent technologyfacilitated genderbased violence.Young women will learn the foundations of AI, how it works, its everyday applications in leadership and activism, emerging opportunities in AI fields and the ethical and gendered implications of AI systems, it noted.With support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) through Oxfam, WALPE also hosted an online TV programme titled The Cost of Silence, examining the social, economic and psychological consequences of sexual violence on women, girls and communities.Speakers highlighted how sexual violence damages confidence, limits opportunities and burdens survivors with medical bills, counselling costs and lost income. They also raised concerns about trauma, anxiety and depression, urging stronger support systems and education to challenge harmful norms.WALPE further convened a MultiPolitical Parties Forum with 30 young men and women in districtlevel leadership from Harare and surrounding areas. The forum discussed barriers to womens participation in politics, including limited financial resources, cultural conditioning and Zimbabwes violent political culture.Participants pledged to support young womens leadership development, challenge exploitative practices such as demands for sexual favours, and advocate for proportional representation within party structures ahead of the 2028 elections.By the end of the session, the young leaders expressed strong belief that meaningful political change is both necessary and achievable.
CCTV footage showed two masked persons decamping with the gold crown of the idol (Image: X.com)
Hasina, who fled Dhaka as protesters stormed her home in August 2024, lives in exile in New Delhi.
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Internet roasts Lalit Modi as he posts pre-birthday bash pic with Vijay Mallya
About 80 contract workers at ITIs KR Pura unit, some with three to 35 years of service, have been on strike since December 2021 after the management barred them from entering the Bengaluru factory.

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_
The Karnataka government tabled the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill amid opposition from BJP leaders in the Legislative Assembly in Belagavi on December 10.
Congress leader and leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, had earlier sought a detailed discussion on the air pollution crisis in Lok Sabha
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Luthra brothers non-cooperative during nightclub fire probe, complain of different health issues every few hours: Report
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Nitish Kumar hijab row: JD(U) says judge Bihar CM by what hes done for women
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No PUC, No Fuel order: Over 3,700 vehicles challaned, nearly 570 turned back from Delhi borders
Since Hasinas ouster, Bangladesh has experienced significant unrest, including targeted violence against minority communities, particularly Hindus
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For the past five years, Dr Michael Mandaza has lived under the shadow of a criminal prosecution that threatened his freedom, professional standing and reputation.The owner of Pacific 24 Hours Hospital in Mabvuku was facing two counts of fraud after being accused of fabricating laboratory test results for patients at his facility  allegations that, if proven, could have led to a prison sentence, deregistration and lasting humiliation.However, the long-running case came to an end after the High Court acquitted Dr Mandaza on both counts, ruling that the State had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.Dr Mandaza had been accused of falsifying renal function test results for two patients, Sandra Bed and Simbisai Chisuwe, in incidents alleged to have occurred in May 2020 and February 2021 respectively.According to the State, Dr Mandaza misrepresented to both patients that their blood samples would be sent to a registered medical laboratory for testing. Instead, prosecutors alleged, he generated fictitious computer-based results using his laptop, endorsed them on a non-existent laboratory letterhead and authenticated them with a date stamp allegedly found at his hospital.Investigators from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) raided Pacific 24 Hours Hospital, seizing about 40,000 patient files as part of the probe. Out of those files, only three were said to have contained allegedly fake results.In his defence outline, Dr Mandaza denied making any misrepresentations to the complainants. He maintained that the case was fabricated by enemies and disgruntled former employees who falsely reported him to ZACC and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).During the trial, complainant Sandra Bed testified that she was summoned by ZACC officers and informed that she had been issued with fake results. However, she told the court she was never shown the specific results in question. She further stated that Dr Mandaza had been her doctor for a long time and had always acted professionally.Shepherd Gumiro, representing the Health Professions Authority, testified that he was asked by ZACC to verify the existence of a laboratory allegedly operating along Robson Manyika Avenue. He said checks revealed that the laboratory was not registered.Another Health Professions Authority inspector, Fungai Makotore, told the court that officials visited Dr Mandaza's residential and business premises, where patient files, expired medicines and a stamp were confiscated. She said the stamp bore an address that could not be traced, raising suspicion.However, under cross-examination, Makotore conceded that she did not personally witness the recovery of the stamp and only learnt of it from colleagues, casting doubt on how it was seized.ZACC principal investigating officer Shingai Mudede testified that he received a tip-off about alleged malpractice at the hospital, leading to the seizure of patient files. He said three files matched the allegations and that further investigations suggested the results originated from a non-existent laboratory. Mudede also claimed that forensic evidence retrieved from a laptop supported the allegations, although the documents were not produced in court.Dr Mandaza told the court that the tip-off was motivated by former employees he had dismissed. He denied any knowledge of the stamp and said the cabinet locks had been changed without his knowledge. He also argued that the files were in ZACC's custody for nearly three months, during which time they could have been tampered with.Former hospital employee Grace Mbaimbai testified that the stamp in question was kept in a public area accessible to all staff and was not assigned to any specific doctor.In delivering judgment, Justice Hungwe emphasised that the burden of proof in criminal cases rests squarely on the State."The State bears the onus to prove the guilt of an accused beyond reasonable doubt," the judge said, adding that the court should not be left guessing whether an offence was committed or by whom.Justice Hungwe ruled that the State failed to link Dr Mandaza to the alleged manufacture of fake results. He noted that there was no evidence explaining why the stamp was attributed to the accused, nor was there evidence excluding the possibility that another employee could have been responsible.The court further criticised the failure to tender the allegedly fake documents as evidence and raised concerns about the chain of custody of the seized patient files, saying the State did not demonstrate how tampering was ruled out."The accused defence seems probable and the State was unable to disprove it," Justice Hungwe said."In the circumstances, the State failed to discharge its onus and the accused is hereby found not guilty and acquitted in both counts."The ruling brings to an end a case that had hung over Dr Mandaza for five years, closing a chapter marked by uncertainty, scrutiny and the threat of professional ruin.
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Research or spying? Seagull with Chinese GPS tracker found near naval base in Karnataka
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Stalin writes to PM Modi on US tariffs: 'Wreaking havoc, Rs 15,000 crore export orders from Tiruppur wiped out'
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Tenants murder landlady after she asks for 4 months' pending rent, stuff body in suitcase in Ghaziabad
The bench agreed in principle, noting that disciplinary action cannot ordinarily be initiated against a judicial officer for passing erroneous orders
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'Woman can refuse job or go hell': Giriraj Singh under fire for comment on Nitish Kumar hijab row
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Yogi's home turf back in focus: Why Gorakhpur has returned as BJP's most watched address in Uttar Pradesh
Vivek Deshpande was with The Indian Express and is now a freelance journalist based in Nagpur. Views are personal, and do not represent the stance of this publication.
Rapid 5G adoption, regulatory reforms and a renewed push for digital trust defined the year for the industry, it said.
According to the journalist, the confrontation began when he asked the driver to stop speaking on the phone. (Image: @ShoaibDaniyal/X)
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2025s Rarest Animal Births: These critically endangered species welcome their new babies
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by Staff reporter

Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa yesterday appeared to distance the party from some of its senior officials as the controversy surrounding the co-option of Presidential investment adviser Paul Tungwarara into the ruling party's central committee took another turn.Addressing journalists in Harare, Mutsvangwa, without naming anyone, dismissed senior figures who had issued statements on the matter as "excitable members" who were not "authoritative voices" of Zanu-PF, remarks that laid bare growing tensions over party discipline and communication.The dispute has been fuelled by conflicting positions within the party on Tungwarara's co-option, exposing divisions at the top of Zanu-PF's leadership structures.The central committee vacancy arose after Manicaland central committee member Dorothy Mabika, who represented Chipinge district, was elected provincial Women's League chairperson. Two weeks ago, the Manicaland provincial coordinating committee recommended Tungwarara to fill the vacant post.However, Zanu-PF political commissar Munyaradzai Machacha swiftly nullified the recommendation, declaring Tungwarara ineligible for co-option. His position was supported by treasurer-general Patrick Chinamasa.The move has raised eyebrows within the party, as Machacha and Chinamasa previously did not object to the co-option of businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei into the central committee following a recommendation by Harare province. Critics point out that the circumstances were similar, as neither Tagwirei nor Tungwarara originates from the administrative districts linked to the vacant posts.Mutsvangwa asserted his authority as the party's official spokesperson, insisting that all formal communication should come through his office."On the issuance of statements by the party, the authority rests here," he said. "As much as possible try to listen to what I say because that is the position of the party. In politics, some people just get excited."He said he consulted widely to ensure that journalists received what he described as the most authoritative position of the party.Turning to the Manicaland dispute, Mutsvangwa defended the provincial leadership, describing it as the "second most populous province" whose recommendations deserved "due weight". He said the final decision rested with the politburo, appearing to brush aside Machacha's earlier pronouncement."When the politburo says something, I will come back to you," Mutsvangwa said.He also warned against what he termed opposition-style politics within Zanu-PF."In opposition politics, people can throw barbs at each other," he said. "We are more seasoned and we do not hope politics will be like that in Zanu-PF."The internal conflict in Manicaland was earlier highlighted by Buhera legislator Tafadzwa Mugwadi (Zanu-PF), who took to X, formerly Twitter, to expose divisions over Tungwarara's co-option.Mutsvangwa also weighed in on President Emmerson Mnangagwa's succession within the party, saying while ambition was natural in politics, it had to be expressed within Zanu-PF's established democratic processes."Everyone who comes into politics aspires to be a leader," he said. "They can express it within the party, but the party has got resolutions. If your idea loses, you comply with the decision of the majority."He dismissed credentials outside party processes as irrelevant to leadership selection."There are no other attributes than being voted for. You might have a history as a businessman, military credentials or be a leader of traditional healers; these are not the ones that determine who is to be the leader of Zanu-PF," he said.Mnangagwa's presidential term constitutionally expires in 2028, but his supporters are pushing for an extension to 2030 in line with a resolution adopted at the party's annual conference in October. His loyalists have vowed to pursue constitutional amendments to effect the extension, a move observers say is closely linked to ongoing succession battles within the ruling party.
Comet 3I/Atlas with strange anti-tail coming close to earth tomorrow: Heres when and how to view it live
Expedition 34 crew members pictured in the Unity node of the International Space Station in December 2012. (Image: NASA)
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NASA strengthens Landsat Mission with new scientists to monitor Earth's climate
Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day
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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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Indians now travel through the year; womens international bookings triple in 2025: Report
Indian travellers are moving beyond fixed tour packages, choosing personalised, experience-led holidays as travel preferences evolve ahead of 2026.

MC Travel Desk Read the latest and trending travel news storiesstay updated on new destinations, travel trends, visa updates, and expert tips for your next adventure.
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A legal challenge questioning the constitutionality of remarks made by a Chimanimani traditional leader who proposed life-presidency for President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to be heard at the High Court.The application was filed by Tafadzwa Pritchard Paradzayi, who accuses Chimanimani acting chief Tendai Saurombe of violating section 281 of the Constitution, which bars traditional leaders from engaging in partisan politics.At the heart of the dispute is whether a traditional leader can publicly align himself with a political party without breaching the Constitution, which requires chiefs to remain politically neutral and to promote unity, dignity and impartiality within their communities.According to court papers, Chief Saurombe allegedly made partisan remarks during a community drug abuse awareness event in Chimanimani, an occasion that was meant to be apolitical. In a video recording of the event, the chief is heard calling for Mnangagwa to be made a life president while chanting the ruling party slogan, "Pamberi neZanu-PF".Paradzayi, represented by Obey Shava of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), initially gave the chief a 10-day ultimatum to retract the remarks and issue a public apology. A formal letter dated September 5, 2025, was served at the chief's homestead, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action.After the chief allegedly failed to retract the statements or apologise, Paradzayi approached the High Court.In his founding affidavit, Paradzayi argues that Chief Saurombe acted in a partisan manner by furthering the interests of Zanu-PF, thereby undermining the constitutional requirement that traditional leaders remain neutral. He contends that such conduct threatens democratic integrity and erodes public confidence in traditional institutions.Chief Saurombe has opposed the application, describing it as malicious, politically motivated and aimed at destabilising his community. He has challenged Paradzayi's legal standing, arguing that the applicant is neither a resident nor a subject under his chieftaincy and therefore lacks the right to bring the matter before the court.The chief has also disputed the admissibility of the video evidence, claiming it is based on an unauthenticated URL link and does not meet the legal threshold required for electronic evidence.Paradzayi has strongly rebutted these claims, describing them as speculative and legally unsustainable. In his answering affidavit, he states that he is acting in his personal capacity as a citizen seeking to uphold constitutional values, not as a political actor.He argues that constitutional violations by public office holders affect all citizens and are a legitimate subject of public interest litigation, regardless of the applicant's place of residence. On the issue of evidence, Paradzayi insists the video footage is authentic and will be properly verified during the proceedings, noting that courts routinely admit and assess electronic evidence.The application also cites a recent High Court judgment involving Chief Seke, Stanley Chimanikire (Case No HCH 3233/24), in which the court ruled that chanting political slogans and making partisan remarks amounted to unconstitutional conduct. In that matter, the chief was ordered to retract his statements and publish a public apology. Paradzayi argues that the facts in the Saurombe case are similar and should be decided consistently.The National Council of Chiefs and Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Daniel Garwe, who are cited as respondents, have been served with court papers.Human rights activists and legal experts have criticised Chief Saurombe's remarks, saying they violate the Constitution. A Harare-based lawyer described the comments as "plainly unconstitutional" and warned that allowing traditional leaders to openly campaign for political parties undermines democracy and risks dividing communities.The High Court is expected to determine whether Chief Saurombe's conduct breached the Constitution and to clarify the limits of traditional authority in political matters. The case has renewed focus on the constitutional obligations of traditional leaders to remain politically neutral.The legal challenge comes amid heightened controversy following a Zanu-PF resolution to initiate processes to extend Mnangagwa's term of office beyond 2028, when it constitutionally expires, to 2030.
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Bondi Beach hero Ahmed Al Ahmed: How a Syrian military past helped him tackle the shooter
24-year-old Naveed Akram has been charged with 15 counts of murder, a terrorism offence and several other serious charges.
(FILES) The Canadian flags are pictured as the Latvian prime minister waits to welcome Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada (not in picture) as he arrives for a meeting on August 26, 2025 in Riga, Latvia. (Photo by Gints Ivuskans / AFP)
Chinese painter, 87, announces birth of son with 37-year-old fourth wife, cuts off ties with other children (File image)
FILE PHOTO: Semiconductor chips are seen on a circuit board of a computer in this illustration picture taken February 25, 2022. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo
A handout photograph shows US President Donald Trump with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, from Epsteins estate, released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee in Washington, D.C., U.S., on December 12, 2025. (Reuters Photo)
Everyone will have axes in their hands: Why India sees danger for its diplomats in Bangladesh
Meg ONeill, who has led Australian oil and gas giant Woodside Energy Group Ltd. since 2021, arrives with a reputation for operational rigor and a belief that natural gas
'I want my daughter to...': How Starmer plans to tackle misogyny and protect children in schools
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te had in November this year announced a USD 40 billion supplementary defence budget to run from 2026 to 2033.
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The Zimbabwean government has officially set a deadline for the re-registration of companies on the country's electronic registry, following the gazetting of Statutory Instrument (SI) 108 of 2025 on September 26, 2025. Companies are required to complete the re-registration process by Friday, April 20, 2026.The electronic registry was established under Chapter V of the Companies and Other Business Entities Act (Chapter 24:31), enacted in 2019, which provides for electronic registration of companies under sections 279 to 291. Section 303(9) of the Act mandates that companies and private business corporations must re-register within twelve months from the effective date by submitting the appropriate forms, fees, and documentation, while retaining their existing names. Companies are allowed to change their names only after re-registration, in line with section 26 of the Act.Re-registration was originally intended to occur within twelve months of the Act's effective date of February 13, 2020, following its gazetting on November 15, 2019. The process aims to establish a new and updated register of companies and private business corporations while removing defunct or inactive entities from the registry. According to section 10 of the Act, a company may be deemed defunct if it has not submitted statutory returns and notices, or if it appears inactive and is not conducting business.The government has warned that failure to comply with the April 20, 2026 deadline will carry serious consequences. Companies that have not submitted annual returns, maintained up-to-date records of directors and shareholders, or remain inactive may be struck off from the official registry. Business entities may require up to seven days to complete the re-registration process once all statutory returns are updated.Entities that fail to re-register will face automatic deregistration without further notice, making their names available for new applicants. Deregistered companies will be removed from the official register, losing their legal capacity to trade or enter into contracts. Directors, shareholders, and officers may become personally liable for obligations incurred while the company was operational, and continuing to trade post-deregistration could result in both civil and criminal liability.As 2025 draws to a close, the government has emphasised the urgency for all business entities to comply with SI 108 of 2025. Companies are being urged to take immediate action to avoid the severe legal and financial implications of failing to meet the re-registration deadline.
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India to join Bondi Beach attack probe, focus on Sajid Akrams Hyderabad link and India visits: Report
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Indian Coast Guard intercepts Bangladeshi vessels in Bay of Bengal: Why New Delhi sees an alarming pattern | Explained
Yurina Noguchi, 32, touches a wedding ring for Klaus, her AI partner, during a photo session following their ceremonial wedding at the Magritte wedding venue in Okayama, Japan, October 27, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
A Border Security Force (BSF) official stands in front of the gates of the India-Bangladesh international border in Petrapole, India, October 16, 2024. REUTERS/Sahiba Chawdhary
A disabled Afghan beggar (Foreground-R) looks on as a Pakistani beggar (L) talks on a mobile phone in a market in Rawalpindi on November 19, 2008. (File image used for representation)
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Sydney Police detains seven over possible 'violent attack' plan amid Bondi Beach attack probe
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Threat to India is imminent: Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed warns of Islamist rise in Bangladesh
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The High Court in Bulawayo has overturned the conviction of Educators Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) president Tafadzwa Munodawafa, acquitting her of charges of theft of trust property in a ruling delivered yesterday.Judge Munamato Mutevedzi handed down the judgment, with Justice Ngoni Nduna concurring, after considering an appeal against a conviction by the Magistrates' Court. The ruling effectively brings the long-running case to an end.EUZ welcomed the decision, describing it as a clear vindication of Munodawafa's innocence. In a statement, EUZ secretary general Tapedza Zhou said the judgment confirmed that the allegations were baseless, malicious and politically motivated. He accused opposition-aligned actors of attempting to destabilise the union and drag it into partisan political battles.Zhou said the union had previously faced sustained attacks, including the alleged weaponisation of law enforcement agencies, suspension of bank accounts and interference with its operations. He urged educators to remain united and resist misinformation, reiterating that EUZ remains apolitical and focused on the welfare and professional advancement of teachers.
What is Trumps Warrior Dividend? Who is eligible and when will the $1,776 payment arrive
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Trump praises Indian-American attorney Harmeet Dhillon, says she sues the a** off of anybody whos anti-semitic
US pushes H-1B and H-4 visa interviews to late 2026: What's behind the move and what Indian applicants can expect
The US Army's Fort Bliss base in El Paso, Texas. (Bloomberg)
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Opinion / Columnist

I have seen a growing number of newspaper articles, social media posts and public commentaries demanding the removal of Cecil John Rhodes' grave from the Matopos (Matobo Hills). While the emotions behind these calls are understandable, I strongly believe there is no need to remove the grave. Doing so would neither change history nor heal the past. History, whether pleasant or painful, cannot be erased or eradicated from Zimbabwe.Cecil John Rhodes is undeniably a controversial figure. His name is associated with colonialism, exploitation and dispossession, realities that Africans rightly continue to interrogate and condemn. However, history is not a public relations exercise, it is a record of what happened, not what we wish had happened. Removing graves, statues or monuments does not undo historical injustice. Instead, it risks reducing our understanding of history to selective memory.Zimbabwe is already benefiting economically from visitors who travel from across the world to Matopos specifically to see where Rhodes is buried. Many tourists, historians and scholars visit not out of admiration, but out of curiosity seeking to understand who this strategist was, why he chose Matopos as his final resting place, and what role he played in shaping southern Africa. This form of heritage tourism brings millions into the country through park fees, accommodation, transport and local services. Destroying or relocating the grave would be a self-inflicted economic wound.Rhodes died at the relatively young age of 49, yet his influence on infrastructure, mining, politics and regional geopolitics is still being felt more than a century later. One does not have to praise him to acknowledge his historical impact. Preserving his grave does not glorify colonialism, it provides a physical site where history can be interrogated, debated and taught in its full complexity.Matopos itself is a sacred and significant site long before Rhodes arrived. That fact should be emphasised, protected and taught alongside the colonial narrative. Zimbabwe is mature enough as a nation to hold multiple truths at once, honouring indigenous heritage while also preserving colonial-era sites as reminders of what we overcame.Countries that are confident in their identity do not fear their history. Europe preserves castles of tyrants, battlefields of conquest and graves of controversial leaders not to celebrate oppression, but to remember, to learn and to ensure mistakes are not repeated. Zimbabwe should do the same.Rather than removing Cecil John Rhodes' grave, we should preserve it, contextualise it and tell the full story honestly and unapologetically. The grave should stand not as a symbol of reverence, but as a lesson carved in stone, a reminder of where we came from, what was done to us, and how far we have come as a sovereign nation.Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi+263772278161
Out in remote eastern Nevada, near the Utah border, is a scenic jewel many people have never heard of: Great Basin National Park . With the closest major cities, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, more than a three-hour drive away, this park is one of the least-visited national parks in the country. Dont let the logistics of visiting keep you away, though; this national park punches well above its weight with its variety of spectacular things to see and do.

First, theres Wheeler Peak , which at 13,063 is the second-highest peak in Nevada and the highest entirely within the state ( Boundary Peak on the CA-NV line is higher). A 4.2-mile trail leads to its summit, gaining 2900 in elevation, and it begins from the end of the scenic drive from Sagebrush Flats up into the heights of the Snake Range (open late spring through early fall only due to heavy winter snowfall). From the summit, there are sweeping views of mountains and desert in all directions, and up top, its typically 40 degrees or so cooler than the desert flats below, providing quite the respite in the baking-hot summer!

A shorter and easier hike but still high up in the mountains is the one to the Wheeler Peak bristlecone grove , just 1.4 miles in length (one-way) and with only 600of elevation gain. Bristlecone pines are the longest-living organisms on the planet, and they only live in specific, harsh, arid alpine environments in California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Over the centuries, these trees become incredibly gnarled and weathered due to the extreme conditions. The oldest specimen is in the White Mountains of California and is nearly 6,000 years old, but the Great Basin has specimens at least a few thousand years old.

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Alpine areas arent complete without mountain lakes, and in a state not known for its high-altitude lakes, the Great Basin has a handful of such gems. Maybe the best of them is Baker Lake , scenically nestled beneath some of the highest peaks in the park. The gravel road leading to the trailhead is sometimes open in spring and winter, so this isnt solely a summer-only hike.

But theres more to the Great Basin than the alpine! For a change of pace, check out the Lexington Arch . Its a huge freestanding natural arch thats at an elevation, leaving it accessible most of the year. While most natural arches in the American West are composed of sandstone, Lexington Arch is an exception: its made of limestone. Some scientists consider the arch a natural bridge; the difference is that an arch forms from wind and rock erosion, whereas a natural bridge is carved by water.

Theres adventure beneath the ground as well! If winter has the high country shut down, or if you want to cool off during the hot summer, the Lehman Caves await! These caverns make up the states longest cave system, and guided tours are available and well worth booking. The group size limit is 20, so its strongly recommended to reserve a spot in advance.

While much of Nevada may seem like endless sagebrush flats punctuated by parched-looking mountains, Great Basin National Park defies that stereotype. Windswept summits, ancient trees that look more like rock than wood, sparkling lakes, spectacular caverns, and more are all waiting for you to discover.

If you want the scenery of the Rockies or the Sierra Nevada without all the crowds typically found in the parks there, you wont regret a detour off U.S. 50 to Great Basin!
By Zaldy Dandan  Variety Editor

IN 1985, the local economy was growing, as indicated by the number of pages our Friday edition carried back then  40 or 44. There were plenty of ads, including those for new businesses and job vacancies. But as is the case today, most of the news stories were about things that will apparently always be with us, one way or another: crime, politics, economic concerns, healthcare, and cultural and historical issues.

On the front page of our Dec. 6 issue, it was reported that three local youths were accused of armed robbery. They were charged with eight counts of robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, and illegal possession of firearms. Police said the defendants, wielding a sawed-off .410-gauge shotgun, robbed a Japanese tourist of $120 in cash in Marpi. In the same area, they also robbed a Korean man of $140.

Saipan had a new hospital  the Commonwealth Health Center  but patients who would be treated there may have to pay higher fees than those charged at the Dr. Torres Hospital (now NMC). Moreover, the cost of medical referrals, projected to reach $400,000 [about $1.2 million today] in fiscal year 1986, will not go down even when the new facility starts operating. The government has to subsidize health care in the Northern Marianas for many, many years to come. These observations came from Larry Moen, financial officer of the Department of Public Health and Environmental Services.

Moen also said there was a need to change the basic concept that health care is free, while ensuring that people who not eligible for free care could still receive health services.

He further noted that the health department will introduce more mathematics and science subjects in high schools to help prepare students for hospital jobs. The government, he said, may also adopt a program to finance training of students in medical institutions abroad.

Also in the news, a visiting couple from Spain  academic researchers  told Variety that Chamorro, as currently spoken in Guam and the Northern Marianas, is about 55 to 60 percent Spanish, and that a greater share of the younger generation in the CNMI speaks Chamorro compared with youths in Guam. The couple were completing a study on the extent of Spanish influence in the Mariana Islands. They conducted 10-hour interviews lasting two days or more with 34 respondents in Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, and gathered information from census reports and other documents.

They said that, based on the 10,000 words listed in the Chamorro-English dictionary by Topping, Ogo, and Dungca, the Chamorro language contained about 5,000 to 6,000 Spanish words, including those related to food and the human body. Considering that many other words are not listed in the dictionary, the average percentage of Spanish words in the language could reach up to 70 percent. Chamorro, they said, is a living language and should be allowed to grow.

Variety also carried an Associated Press story reporting that more than 27 million Japanese, or 22.5 percent of the population, will travel during the coming holidays, thanks to a stronger yen and a rise in leisure travel. Those travelers were expected to spend a total of $6.7 billion (about $18.3 billion today) on transportation, lodging, gifts, and other expenses.

On the editorial page, a cartoon depicted imported Japanese cars as Japanese aircraft poised to bomb Pearl Harbor.

1985 was also a general election year, and a runoff election had to be scheduled for the District 1 (San Antonio and San Vicente) House seat after the two opposing candidates each received 664 votes.

On the front page of MVs Dec. 13, 1985 issue, the CNMIs representative to Washington, D.C., Froilan C. Tenorio, sought U.S. congressional approval of a seven-year, $228 million (about $896 million today) financial aid package for the six-year-old Commonwealth. Froilan, however, cautioned that the islands most serious development problems could not be solved by throwing money at them. He called instead for economic development initiatives that would not cost the federal government a single cent while allowing the CNMI to realize its full potential in fisheries and light manufacturing.

Those proposals included duty-free entry of textiles and textile products into the U.S. market and an exemption from coverage under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act. In short, local growth over federal aid.

By 1997, as governor, Froilan was no less blunt. This is the thing, he said in an interview. I just have to tell the people, look  if you want me to provide the services you expect from the government, then youd better favor economic development.

Send feedback to [email protected]

Zaldy Dandan is the recipient of the NMI Society of Professional Journalists Best in Editorial Writing Award and the NMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com/.
1) University of Guam students examine traditional woven textiles during a site visit with a master weaver in Bali, Indonesia, as part of the 2025 Bali Field School. The groups experiences are featured in the newly published book The Loom and the Offering. UOG photos

2) At Pura Pasar Agung, one of Balis most sacred temples on the slopes of Mount Agung, the matriarch of the Mawar family  longtime hosts of UOGs Bali Field School  blesses students with holy water and rice during a temple ceremony. The family has welcomed UOG students for 25 years, and in 2009, the host mother (Ibu) visited Guam with support from program alumni.

3) University of Guam student BrieAnndah Foruw stands at the gates of a sacred temple in Ubud, Bali, during the 2025 Bali Field School. For 25 years, the program has blended academic research with cultural immersion and spiritual learning. The students experiences are featured in the newly published book The Loom and the Offering.

MANGILAO (UOG)  The University of Guam community will celebrate a milestone in global learning and student scholarship with the local launch of The Loom and the Offering: Learning from the Woven and the Sacred in Bali and Beyond at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, in the Deans Professional Development Room on the third floor of the Humanities and Social Sciences Building.

Authored by eight UOG students, several Balinese partners, and UOG faculty mentors, the book reflects on their learning and experiences in Bali within the context of a course on community development and honors 25 years of the universitys Bali Field School. It follows the students October debut of the book at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival  one of Southeast Asias most prominent literary events  where they shared their stories with an international audience.

During the Guam launch event, students will read excerpts from the book, screen a short video from the international launch, and reflect on the transformative learning process.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the launch. Net proceeds from the books sales will support Threads of Lifes mission of cultural preservation and sustainable livelihoods across Indonesia.

A quarter-century of immersive learning in Bali

The Bali Field School has brought UOG students into the cultural, spiritual, and ecological heart of Bali since 1999. Through immersive experiences with host families, master weavers, farmers, and spiritual leaders, students explore community, identity, and global interconnectedness.

The Loom and the Offering weaves personal narratives with ethnographic insight and explores themes such as identity, generosity, beauty, truth, and resilience. It also highlights the universitys long-standing partnership with Threads of Life, a Bali-based cultural foundation that supports traditional weaving communities and ecological sustainability.

This book is not just a celebration of the programs longevity, said Dr. Kirk Johnson, professor of sociology and founder of the Field School. Its a powerful expression of what happens when education is rooted in relationship, culture, and place.

The publication marks a major milestone for UOGs international education programs and sets the stage for the next 25 years of the Bali Field School, including expanded student scholarships, deeper community partnerships, and future student-led publications.

The Loom and the Offering is available on Amazon.com.

For more information about the Bali Field School and The Loom and the Offering, contact Jeannette Jose at the University of Guam College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at [email protected] or call (671) 735-2870.
1) Graduates pose for a photo at the University of Guam Fanomnakan (Spring) 2025 Commencement Ceremony at the UOG Calvo Field House in May. UOG photos

2) The commencement address will be delivered by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and visual storyteller Manny Crisostomo.

3) International human rights lawyer and author Julian Aguon will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the ceremony.

MANGILAO (UOG)  The University of Guam is expected to confer degrees to 198 students at its Fanuchanan (Fall) 2025 Commencement Ceremony, to be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, at the UOG Calvo Field House.

This graduating class includes 134 students earning bachelors degrees and 64 earning masters degrees.

Commencement address

Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist and visual storyteller Manny Crisostomo will deliver the commencement address. Crisostomo has dedicated his career to documenting Pacific Islander cultures and the lives of CHamorus in Guam and the diaspora.

This marks Crisostomos second time serving as UOGs commencement speaker. He first spoke to the UOGs graduating class of 1989  the same year he won the Pulitzer Prize for his photo essay A Class Act, The Life and Times of Southwestern High School, which was published in the Detroit Free Press. It documented the challenges faced by teenagers in a racially diverse community that was contending with drugs, violence and economic hardship.

Crisostomos multimedia work has also earned national and international recognition, including the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for his photo documentary on Hmong refugees, The Leftover People.

His photography books Legacy of Guam: I Kustumbren Chamoru, Guam From the Heavens, and Journeys to the Heart: Pacific Islanders Celebrate Their Indigenous Cultures, have helped shape the visual narrative of island life and indigenous identity. His most recent book, a redesigned second edition of Journeys to the Heart was published in 2024.

Manny Crisostomos career, awards, and advocacy remind us of the power of storytelling to capture our history, affirm identity, and drive social change, said UOG President Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez. As a son of Guam who continues to remain connected to the island, we are honored to welcome him back to UOG to inspire our graduates as they step into their own stories and impact their communities.

Honorary doctorate

International human rights lawyer and author Julian Aguon will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the ceremony. Aguon is the founder of Blue Ocean Law and a leading voice in climate justice, decolonization, and Indigenous rights in the Pacific and beyond.

A Pulitzer Prize finalist and Right Livelihood Award laureate, he is also an educator, essayist, and mentor dedicated to training the next generation of advocates from the Pacific and beyond. He is the author of The Properties of Perpetual Light and No Country for Eight-Spot Butterflies.

Julian Aguons work reflects the values we uphold at UOG  courage, service, and a deep commitment to justice, said Dr. Enriquez. It is fitting to recognize his leadership and dedication to pacific island peoples and humanity at a time when our region needs it most.

Attendance to the Fanuchanan 2025 Commencement Ceremony is by ticket only. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed on the UOG YouTube channel and Facebook page.
The Bondi Beach shooting, which left 16 people killed and tens more injured, was a horrific crime. It has also been highly instrumentalised to promote a particular narrative: that those who oppose Israels genocide in Gaza are responsible for this violence.

Caitlin Johnstone has forcefully rejected this claim: Massacring civilians is wrong. Its wrong in Bondi Beach, and its wrong in Gaza. Today the worst people in the world are trying to claim that because the former happened, everyone needs to stop protesting the latter. This is pure, cynical manipulation designed to protect a genocidal apartheid state from criticism. It deserves nothing but a scoff and a dismissal.

While this argument is so crude that it scarcely merits more than a scoff and a dismissal, it nevertheless offers a clear example of how media narratives are constructed through emotional manipulation.

One of the most common techniques used is the emotional loading of information in ways that obstruct critical analysis and prevent a clear examination of motive and context. This begins with the careful selection of emotionally charged vocabulary, designed to short-circuit a readers analytical capacity. Through repetition, certain key terms are normalised and gradually presented as unquestionable truth.

Several media outlets and individuals have pounded one specific talking point: that the Bondi Beach shooting was part of a global intifada. The Wall Street Journal, the Telegraph, The Free Press, The New York Times and The Atlantic, amongst others, had almost the exact same wording. That, in itself, should cause suspicion, but thats a different line of enquiry.

Lets examine two of those headlines that emerged immediately after the shooting. The New York Times ran Bondi Beach Is What Globalize the Intifada Looks Like, while The Atlantic published The Intifada Comes to Bondi Beach.

The emotional force of these headlines rests on two terms: intifada and Bondi Beach. The reader is assumed to be familiar with the attack itself, allowing the focus to shift toward linking the tragedy with a second, already loaded concept. In doing so, the event is framed as an antisemitic act directly connected to developments in Palestine.

The term intifada, which originally means uprising or resistance in Arabic, has been manipulated by the media since the 1980s, in much the same way as the Arabic term jihad. Intifada, according to Zionist usage, means irrational hatred for Jews with the intent of killing them because of that hatred and not because of anything they might have done. But the term itself, when used by Palestinians, actually refers to resistance against the illegal occupation of Palestine by the Zionist state.

Equating Zionism with Judaism is another trick performed by official Israeli propaganda (Hasbara) and repeated by many media outlets, which essentially obfuscates any criticism of the political project of the State of Israel. The Anti-Defamation League, a prominent Israeli lobby, states this point specifically: Anti-Zionism is antisemitic, in intent or effect.

If Zionism and Judaism are the same, then criticism of the State of Israel can be cast as antisemitism. Given that antisemitism is what led to the Holocaust, this logic implicitly suggests that critics of Israel must be supporters of the Holocaust.

The writers of the previous headlines are fully aware of this coarse rationale; thats why theyve used it. The implication embedded in their framing is that the Bondi Beach shooting forms part of the same historical continuum that led to the Holocaust, and that Israel exists as a safeguard against its recurrence. As David Frum writes in The Atlantic: The more dangerous the anti-Israel movement makes the Diaspora for Jews, the more Jews will leave the Diaspora for the state that exists to protect them.

This narrative was reinforced by Israeli officials and prominent pro-Israel figures, including Israels foreign minister, the UK Health Secretary, editors at Newsweek, Andrew Neil, and others, who repeated the exact same talking point in their condemnations of the gruesome mass murder. The repetition of such precise language in their speech creates the impression of a spontaneous consensus rather than something thought of in a newsroom, lending it an appearance of authenticity.

Emotion perceived as authentic is especially persuasive. By saturating coverage with emotionally charged language and reinforcing it through repetition, media and political actors limit the space for critical evaluation. Speed is essential to this process. Facts might emerge afterwards that challenge that initial emotional narrative; if that happens, the impression on mass consciousness must be made already. An emotional imprint rarely changes because of rational facts presented afterwards.

Another tool that reinforces this primary emotional framing is to hyperfocus on the victims and to make the perpetrators seem inhuman. This is not to deny the suffering of victims or to excuse acts of violence, but to note how such framing further neutralises analytical distance.

For instance, The Guardian published the headline: Holocaust survivor, London-born rabbi and 10-year-old girl among victims of Bondi Beach terror attack. Faced with such imagery, rational examination becomes morally fraught. Another powerful example is that of Arsen Ostrovky, who appeared bloodied and with bandages all over his head. He was allegedly also a survivor of the Nova Festival on 7 October 2023, which directly links Bondi Beach to the Hamas attack on 7 October.

At the same time, perpetrators are labelled as terrorists, which places them under distinct legal and political frameworks, who were supporters of the Islamic Statehere the emotional connection to a previously loaded concept is strongly emphasizedand had been flagged by security forces before.

This connection to an almost non-existent entity and initially unconfirmed by police, broadens the scope of their actions to imply that other Muslims might do the same. This, despite the fact that the so-called Islamic State has done nothing against Israel since 7 OctoberIsrael was never really a target for themand has been widely condemned by Muslim communities worldwide.

However, this connection is most opportune. A recent study commissioned by the Israeli foreign ministry from the PR firm Stagwell Global, whose founder is an AIPAC donor and has ties to Netanyahus Likud, concluded that the best way to try to turn around worsening public perception of Israel in the West is by fearmongering about Muslims conducting global jihad and terrorist attacks. The rhetoric of a global intifada tied to the Islamic State aligns closely with that objective.

Netanyahu was quick to capitalize on this narrative, and he sent a clear message not only to Australia, but to the entire world. Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the antisemitic fire. It rewards Hamas terrorists. It emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets, he wrote in a letter to Anthony Albanese, Australias prime minister.

This message was not directed solely at Australia. Its primary audience was the US political right. Over the last few months, there has been growing criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza and the Middle East in general that has divided the right into two camps. Tucker Carlson has been a leading voice questioning US support for Israel. In this context, the Bondi Beach tragedy became a potent tool for Israeli advocacy.

The purpose of this madia manipulation is to use the tragedy to equate support for Palestinians with support for jihadist terrorism, and criticism of the State of Israel with antisemitism, thereby shielding the Zionist state from accountability and trying to change the rising negative perception of Israel. The method is blunt but effective, echoing classic propaganda techniques outlined by Edward Bernays.

This form of emotional loading is not unique to this case, nor to Israels supporters. It has become standard practice in modern journalism, reinforced by social media and click-driven incentives. Journalism students are routinely taught to prioritise emotional proximity and affective impact. Nevertheless, there are ways and ways to use it, and, by being aware, offers some protection against it.

It is not clear what the motivation of the criminals who killed innocent people in Bondi Beach was; it is possible that it was a type of twisted protest against Israels genocide in Gaza. However, notwithstanding the suffering of the victims, their actions have done more to further the Israeli cause than they have done to help the Palestinians. Senseless violence always ends up harming the cause that it is supposed to uphold, and Israel should know that well.
When Trump talks about Venezuela stealing US oil, hes almost certainly talking about Exxon Mobils oil.

The US seizure last Wednesday of an Iranian oil tanker carrying Venezuelan oil was definitive confirmation that the US war of aggression in Venezuela has nothing to do with drug cartels and everything to do with oil majors.

Venezuela has the largest proven reserves of heavy crude in the world, with an estimated 303 billion barrels, as well as the largest reserves of light crude oil in the Western Hemisphere. But its not just that Venezuela is home to the largest oil reserves on the planet, its that those reserves are sitting right next door to the US, as Trump himself said in 2023:

Donald Trump admitted in 2023 that, in his first term as US president, he tried to overthrow Venezuela's government and pillage its oil: "We would have taken [Venezuela] over. We would have gotten all that oil. It would have been right next door".pic.twitter.com/hrygJQQU7B  Ben Norton (@BenjaminNorton) October 11, 2025

President Trumps obsession with seizing other countries oil goes back a ways, to even before he entered politics. Here he is explaining in 2011 why the US should seize half or more of Libyas oil after murdering its leader, Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi, and plunging what was arguably the richest country in Africa (on a per-capita basis) into total chaos.

For those who believe the US-backed coup in Venezuela is about helping the people, here's Trump in 2011 explaining how regime change should be used to steal natural resources. NOTE: Venezuela has the biggest oil reserves in the world pic.twitter.com/3lyfd979Jd  The Resonance (@Partisan_12) December 1, 2025

The money quote: you know the old days, when you had a war, it was to the victor the spoils.'

As has been patently clear since the very beginning, and was just reaffirmed by Democrat Senator Chris Murphy, Trumps military strikes against boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific are entirely devoid of legal or national security justifications. Yet they continue.

I just came out of the briefing with Sec. Rubio and Sec. Hegseth on the military strikes in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Here's what I learned. Bottom line: there is no legal or national security justification for what they're doing. Not even close. pic.twitter.com/8gUU0sHKwu  Chris Murphy  (@ChrisMurphyCT) December 16, 2025

Meanwhile, Julian Assange has filed a criminal complaint against the Nobel Foundation for allowing its peace prize to serve as an instrument of war. The Wikileaks founder alleges that giving the 2025 edition award to Maria Corina Machado constitutes misappropriation of funds and facilitation of war crimes.

JULIAN ASSANGE FILES CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST NOBEL FOUNDATION OVER INSTRUMENT OF WAR PEACE PRIZE WikiLeaks Founder Alleges 2025 Award to Maria Corina Machado Constitutes Misappropriation, Facilitation of War Crimes Under Swedish Law, Seeks Freeze of 11 million SEK ($1.18 pic.twitter.com/OAH4mmvsph  WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) December 17, 2025

Yet even as the holes in the whole war narrative grow larger, mainly because of Trumps own conflicting statements, the war drums grow louder.

Now, Trump has said the quietest part out loud: his government is imposing a total siege on Venezuelan oil because the US wants ITS oil back from under Venezuelas soil  the same oil that the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez dared to take back sovereign control of from foreign companies in 2005 (more on that shortly).

Trumps blockade of all sanctioned tankers carrying Venezuelan oil does not affect Chevrons daily shipments, however. From the Wall Street Journal:

President Trump on Tuesday ordered a complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela, escalating his administrations pressure campaign against strongman Nicolas Maduro. For Chevron, though, it remains business as usual. The company is still sending oil tankers to the U.S. Gulf Coast, its operations unimpeded thus far by rising tension between Trump and Maduro.

As Sony Thang points out in the Tweet below, Trumps candid declaration of US ownership of Venezuelas is the most honest colonial confession of the 21st century you are saying, out loud, what empire has always believed in private: what lies under Venezuelan oil belongs to Washington.

Donald, you just wrote the most honest colonial confession of the 21st century. When you say Venezuela must "return" its oil, land, and assets to the United States, you are not talking about law. You are talking about ownership. You are saying, out loud, what empire has always https://t.co/aYcbOs6fFB pic.twitter.com/TIWsYodyTR  Sony Thang (@nxt888) December 17, 2025

Coming Full Circle

There are, of course, a plethora of other reasons for the US aggressive moves against Venezuela that weve discussed before, including the countrys large deposits of gold, whose value and role as a monetary metal is growing, bauxite, coltan, which is needed for batteries, natural gas and freshwater.

The CIA-funded opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has made clear that a post Maduro-regime will also open up Venezuelas economy to rampant privatisation and liberalisation.

As weve argued from the beginning, this is all part of a wider retrenchment of US imperial policy to its so-called backyard, and Venezuela is one of a number of countries in the region led by somewhat left-leaning, sovereign-minded governments (Cuba, Nicaragua, Colombia, Honduras) that Washington would love to topple. Lets not forget that this is merely the latest in a long series of attempts to oust the Chavista government in Venezuela.

Caracas close ties with Russia, China, Iran and Cuba no doubt play a part as well, as does its long-standing opposition to Israels treatment of Palestine. The US doesnt just covet Latin Americas strategic resources for itself but wants to box out its rivals, China and Russia, from acquiring them, as former SOUTHCOM commander Laura Richardson explained during her 2023 interview with the Atlantic Council.

Rare earth elements, lithium, oil, light sweet crude, copper, gold, the Amazon, and fresh water. This is what the United States wants to plunder from Latin America and the Caribbean. pic.twitter.com/Q9Rh5XP0jB  Kawsachun News (@KawsachunNews) January 21, 2023

Theres also, of course, the small matter of the Epstein scandal, from which the Trump administration desperately needs a diversion. And what better diversion than a new war, especially given the tens, perhaps even hundreds, of billions of dollars of new business it will create for the MIC?

But the main motive, I believe, is the oil  in part to sustain US refineries, as El Pais reported (in English) yesterday. And weve now come full circle, with Trump and members of his inner circle openly admitting as much.

Note how the US government's propaganda narrative has changed: First the Trump admin claimed it was waging war on Venezuela because of drugs  a blatant lie (the US supports the worst drug traffickers in Latin America). Now they admit that this is actually because Venezuela https://t.co/pSoGQi3Ivk  Ben Norton (@BenjaminNorton) December 18, 2025

As Vijaj Prashad notes in his latest piece, a President Machado would immediately surrender any claim to the Essequibo region and grant ExxonMobil full command of Venezuelas oil reserves. This is certainly the prize.

Heres a fitting visual depiction of what is happening:

Of course, Trumps claim that the Maduro government has stolen US-owned oil, land and other assets constitutes an extremely egregious case of projection. It is, after all, the US, mainly during Trumps two presidencies, that has been stealing all kinds of Venezuelan assets, from the countrys gold reserves to the oil tanker seized in the Caribbean last week, to the presidents official plane, to Venezuelan oil company Citgo.

Trumps words are even causing blushes among members of the Machado opposition, as Max Blumenthal told Judge Napolitano on Judging Freedom. After all, how can they sell their already deeply unpopular regime change story back home when Trump is telling the world that a Maduro-free Venezuela will essentially belong to the US  lock, stock and, most importantly, barrel?

The US war on Venezuela is as unpopular in Venezuela as it is in the US An overwhelming majority of Venezuelans oppose US military intervention in their country and US sanctions, according to independent polling firm Datanalysis More proof the wars a Florida Gusano project pic.twitter.com/JWsMcYUVFa  Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) December 18, 2025

One company in particular that stands to benefit from the US latest regime change operation is Exxon Mobil. An recent article by the Argentine geopolitical analyst Bruno Sgarzini shines a light on how the company is helping to fund influential think tank experts who are pushing for a regime-change war against Venezuela (machine translated):

The Brookings Institute and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) are the two major think tanks we work with and actively participate in, said Keith McCoy, a lobbyist for Exxon Mobil in 2019. What McCoy didnt know is that the conversation was being recorded and that the person he was speaking to, supposedly a representative of an energy investment company, was actually a climate activist. The lobbyist had unwittingly confessed that he relied on the academic reports of both think tanks to influence congressmen, and the media, against any anti-fossil fuel legislation. The academics, in charge of presenting their reports in Congress, and the board of both institutions, of course, denied any connection to the oil company. But the data speaks for itself; Exxon Mobil has contributed 12 million dollars to the CSIS that have flowed towards its program of Energy Security and Climate Change and others related to energy initiatives in the Americas and Africa, two regions where the oil company has deep interests. It also contributed, according to records, $5 million to the construction of the institutes new headquarters. Its executive board also includes Exxons current CEO, Darren W. Woods, who replaced the companys former boss, Rex Tillerson, Trumps former secretary of state during his first administration The positions of the CSIS are usually conveyed through reports whose message is then reinforced with the appearance of the authors on mainstream media, such as CNN, Fox News, NBC and CBS, or opinion columns in newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and magazines specializing in international issues such as Foreign Policy. [They also feature prominently] in congressional hearings, which gives these experts the possibility of influencing specific issues that benefit CSIS donors, such as Exxon Mobil. Brooke Williams, a professor of journalism at Boston University, wrote [in the New York Times]: Think tanks, which position themselves as universities without students, have power in government policy debates because they are seen as researchers independent of moneyed interests. But in the chase for funds, think tanks are pushing agendas important to corporate donors, at times blurring the line between researchers and lobbyists. And they are doing so while reaping the benefits of their tax-exempt status, sometimes without disclosing their connections to corporate interests. According to CSIS, it usually has regular meetings with representatives of its donors to discuss the issues they are dealing with.

A Guerrilla Lobby

The fact that a think tank like CSIS is serving the interests of one of its biggest corporate donors is hardly news to NC readers. Even the New York Times reported in 2016 on how think tanks are amplifying Corporate Americas influence. This is, you could argue, their raison detre.

What may be news is that since Trump began deploying a large chunk of the US naval fleet to the Caribbean in early September, the CSIS has launched a guerrilla lobby of sorts in favour of removing Chavismo from power. That this perfectly aligns with the interests of one of its main donors, Exxon Mobil, is probably no coincidence, writes Sgarzini:

In an article in Foreign Policy, CSIS director for Latin America, Ryan C. Berg, has spoken in favor of overthrowing Maduro without troops on the ground. He has also questioned the anti-war visions of the MAGA world held by journalist Tucker Carlson and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon. Distinct from a boots-on-the-ground invasion of Venezuela aimed at overthrowing Maduro, a regime collapse would entail a more limited campaign of U.S. strikes on targets at the heart of the Maduro regimes state-crime nexus, implicating the countrys armed forces and its political elites. These strikes would leverage precision-guided munitions and U.S. standoff weapons fired from a safe distance, possibly catalyzing movement internally to force Maduros exitall without putting U.S. personnel at risk as with a regime change strategy. The promotion of this thesis was reinforced by technical-military reports by Mark Cancian, a former U.S. colonel who participated in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, who compares the firepower being deployed [in the Caribbean] with other military campaigns such as NATOs in Libya and Yugoslavia. The forces currently compromised are insufficient for an amphibious landing or ground invasion. This would require at least 50,000 soldiers, and war strategists would probably want a much larger numberperhaps 150,000to achieve the overwhelming force they desire. However, the air and naval resources accumulated over the past three months have provided enough firepower to the Caribbean to launch air and missile strikes against Venezuela These reports, in practice, function as information weapons to maintain the perception of an imminent attack and thereby influence decision-making.

CSIS has been at this a long time. During the first year of Juan Guaidos clown presidency, in 2019, it organised a meeting to evaluate the use of military force in Venezuela. Guest speakers included the former head of Southern Command, Kurt Tidd; Roger Noriega, former US undersecretary for Latin America and one of the architects of the Iran-Contra scandal; and William Brownfield, former US ambassador to Caracas.

During the Biden administration, Berg was a vociferous critic of the oil licenses granted to Chevron, Exxon Mobils biggest rival. On Trumps return in January, Berg co-wrote a report with Juan Ignacio Hernandez, Juan Guaidos former special prosecutor, titled Ending Maduros Oil Lifeline. The report argued for the reapplication of sanctions as a tool of pressure, and the revocation of the current oil licenses that allow Western companies to partner with PDVSA.

The reports presentation event even featured the participation of Maria Corina Machado. From 2023 to 2025, the opposition leader has participated in different CSIS events moderated by Berg, at which she reiterated her refusal to negotiate with Maduro and called for Washington to apply tougher measures against Venezuela.

At the beginning of Trumps second term, it was not clear which way his government would lean on the question of Venezuela. As readers may recall, Trump even dispatched his special mission envoy, Richard Grenell, to Caracas to discuss with Maduro the return of migrants currently in the US. As a gesture of good will, Caracas released half a dozen US citizens held in Venezuelan prisons who were accused of being mercenaries and plotting terrorist attacks on Mexican soil.

As we noted at the time, this was clearly an attempt by the US to reestablish relations with Venezuela after over a decade of escalating sanctions and multiple failed regime change operations against the country:

After Maduro and Grenell closed the deal, the prisoners were taken to the airport, blindfolded, hooded and handcuffed. No financial or other concessions were promised to Maduro, other than the prospect of improving relations with the US, Grenell said. The only reward for Maduro was my presence: the first senior US official to visit the country in years , Grenell said. It was a great gift for him to receive a visit from an envoy of President Trump . While these words may ring of imperial hubris and arrogance, the truth is that Maduro seemed the picture of contentment in the meeting. And who could blame him? Just a month [earlier], all the talk was of yet another regime change operation, led this time by Venezuelas CIA-sponsored Iron Lady, Maria Corrina Machado. Biden had just given the oppositions official candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, the red carpet treatment at the White House, pronouncing him as president elect of Venezuela just days before Maduros inauguration for a third term.

Richard Grenells strategy may have sought to offer Venezuela economic respite by extending the sanctions relief enacted by the Biden administration in 2023, since which time Venezuela has been one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America. However, all of the White Houses decisions since the summer of 2025 point in the opposite direction.

Clearly, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, his Miami-based backers, neocons like Elliot Abrams and all the other belligerents, including CSIS, have gained the upper hand.

However, if Trump does declare war against Venezuela, it could be hugely disruptive for US oil companies operating in Venezuela, like Chevron, and the huge refineries that process Venezuelas heavy crude on the US Gulf coast  especially if, as many have warned, the spiral of violence unleashed in Venezuela becomes intractable.

But this wouldnt be a problem for Exxon Mobil since it hasnt had operations in Venezuela since 2007.

Exxons Long History in Venezuela

Exxon has a long, rich history in Venezuela dating back over a century. Its predecessor, Standard Oil, was one of the first companies to explore for oil in the South American country in the 1910s. Between the 1930s and the first decade of this century, Exxon was a dominant player in Venezuela through its 95% control of the Creole Petroleum Corporation  so much so that the country became known as the ranchito de los Rockefeller.

But that all came to a halt in 2005, when Hugo Chavez ordered all existing operating agreements with foreign oil companies to be converted into joint ventures in which the state oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), held a mandatory majority stake (over 50% ownership and operational control). Exxon refused to sign while most other companies, including BP, Total and Chevron, took the deal.

In 2007, Exxon left Venezuela for good and began a long court battle against the Chavista government at the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (CIADI). The US oil giant sought compensation of $18 billion, but after several appeals the courts sided with Venezuela and in 2014 the oil company was awarded only $1.6 billion in damages.

When Trump accuses Venezuela of stealing US oil, he is presumably referring primarily to Exxons experience in the country. As NC reader Ignacio rightly points out in the comments, Carlos Andres Perez nationalized Venezuelan oil in 1975, and this was a legal sovereign decision. The oil in Venezuelan land and sea belongs to Venezuela no matter who extracts it.

Exxons revenge came with the the discovery of oil off the coast of Essequibo, a sparsely populated 160,000 square-kilometre chunk of land in neighbouring Guyana. The ownership of Essequibo has been the subject of an ongoing territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela since the mid-19th century  a territorial dispute whose initial antagonist, readers will be shocked to learn, was the British Empire.

Exxon was one of the first companies to begin drilling for oil in the Essequibos disputed waters. As the Washington Post reported in 2017, it was the perfect revenge for Exxons then-CEO Rex Tillerson, whom Donald Trump would later go on to appoint as his secretary of state.

Rex Tillerson hadnt been CEO of ExxonMobil very long when the late president Hugo Chavez made foreign oil companies in Venezuela an offer they couldnt refuse. Give the government a bigger cut, or else. Most of the companies took the deal. Tillerson refused. Chavez responded in 2007 by nationalizing ExxonMobils considerable assets in the country, which the company valued at $10 billion. The losses were a big blow to Tillerson, who reportedly took the seizure as a personal affront. Only Tillerson didnt get mad, at least in public. He got even. Flash forward to May 2015. Just five days after former military general David Granger was elected president of the South American nation of Guyana, unseating the countrys long-ruling leftist party, ExxonMobil made a big announcement. In the deep blue waters120 miles off Guyanas coast, the company scored a major oil discovery: as much as 1.4 billion barrels of high-quality crude. Tillerson told company shareholders the well, Liza-1, was the largest oil find anywhere in the world that year. For tiny Guyana (population 800,000), the continents only English-speaking country and one of its poorest, it was a fortune-changing event, certain to mark a before and after in a country long isolated by language and geography. There was just one problem with this undersea bonanza. Venezuela claimed the waters  and the hydrocarbons beneath them  as its own. Clearly drilling in the disputed area was potentially a good business decision for ExxonMobil, not some sort of elaborate revenge scheme by its CEO. But revenge had been served. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Chavezs successor, was livid. There is a brutal campaign against Venezuela of lies, funded by ExxonMobil  which has great influence at the Pentagon, Maduro declared, calling the dispute an attempt to corner Venezuela and precipitate a high-intensity conflict.

That high-intensity conflict is now closer than ever. But it needs to be packaged and sold to US lawmakers, media, members of the armed forces, and Trumps war-weary MAGA base. And that is where CSIS experts come in. And they appear to be marketing this war on behalf of a company that has much to gain from a military intervention, and which also bears the biggest grudge against Venezuelas Bolivarian movement.
Yves here. This is the sort of article that drives me nuts. It takes an oh-so-reasonable tone while being an exercise in stereotypes. And then it defaults to the Obama formula, that every problem can be solved with better propaganda, when the issues with science (or more accurately, The Science) are not likely to be so easily remedied.

First, the Trump attacks on the funding of major universities was not mainly about gutting science. That was a by-product. It was a campaign against ideological enemies, the promoters of wokeness. These institutions are also Democratic party strongholds. The huge adminisphere and capital spending bloat, whose increase in large measure was funded by ever higher levels of student loans, has done nada to improve the caliber of teaching and research. But it has greatly increased staffing as well as pay levels (well save for the precariat grad student instructors). So over time, they became a bigger and better heeled core Team Dem cadre.

And for Trump, this was personal. How many academics wrote op eds falling trumpeting Russiagate? The between first and second term lawfare?

And remember, Trump takes glee in making things go boom and does not care about collateral damage, save when instances when checked by someone bigger than he is, like Mr. Market with the Liberation Day tariffs, or Xi with the rare earths row.

Second, Trump gave Musk and his DOGE vandals free rein. They kept messaging, with no or shoddy evidence, that there was fraud and waste everywhere. Curious how they never mentioned the corrupt money pit to rule them all of defense spending. But that drumbeat appealed not just to Trump fans but also the much larger cohort of conservatives and libertarians who hate hate hate government spend and refuse to believe that there are many cases where the programs more than pay for themselves and were completed at lower cost than the private sector could have done.

Third, the author and those who engage in similar sorts of hand-wringing refuse to acknowledge the damage that was done to science as a brand by Trust the science during Covid. Its now associated with dishonest authoritarianism. And positions on it remain polarized. It seems incredible that no one can maintain that the vaccines at a population level were beneficial yet had a very fat tail in terms of serious damage to many individuals, and worse, with very little ability to anticipate who might be at pronounced risk.

This underlying fact set was made much worse by coercion to get vaxxed, on the bogus justification that they would prevent getting Covid and therefore transmission. For instance, many young women, including nurses, were vaccine averse because there were many reports of menstrual irregularity, including cessation, after getting the shots. Any young woman who thought she wanted to have kids and heard credible accounts like that would be leery. Yet even after two med school profs started collecting reports and were shocked at the response rate, the medical establishment pooh poohed there concerns rather than investigating, with patronizing remarks like, Women often have irregular periods, particularly when they are upset.

And there were important issues where the officialdom was too lazy and stoopid to make an effective case. Start with Masks dont work. Really? Why not take an anti-masker to factory that produces toxic chemicals, and ask them not to wear a mask there. Its trivial to dismiss the Masks dont work contention, and then work through what it takes for masks to work in medical contagion setting (above all, wearing them properly and consistently, which was the real issue).

Fourth, and this overlaps with the third point, the image of science has been severely tarnished by abuses in the medical industry, and the skepticism hardened and expanded as a result of Covid orthodoxy enforcement. For instance, one was a Sandernista whose father was killed by his doctors. She ran a leading tech-heavy auto/space industry supplier, refused to get vaxxed but masked and stayed pretty isolated. Another colleague here, a Brit, has been a uni prof on two continents in technology field, and refused to take any vaccines.

There has been effectively no accountability for deaths and serious harm at the hands of knowing abusers in suits and lab coats. Were there any prominent figures in the medical or science community calling for Richard Sackler to be prosecuted and receive a multiple-lifetimes sentence? Why is killing thousands and ruining lives in the tens of thousands for profit less heinous than, say, a rape-murder? How about Vioxx? Im sure readers can add to this hall of shame. Yet there is consternation over the Cult of Saint Luigi for his vigilante action over another device for death by profit in the medical sector?

In other words, this piece assumes that right wing hostility to science which seems mainly to medical science for profit, can be solved by messaging. The real problem is elite corruption and the failure of those at the top to hold bad actors and idiots in their ranks to account. And this failure to punish undeniable, welfare-wrecking abuses goes back, and includes the offensive failure to even make a serious attempt at prosecuting bank and financial firm execs after the crisis. No one was even litigated into penury. So if you can nearly destroy the world economy for fun and profit, why get fussed about a little death and injury?

When this sort of murder for money is made clear in the form of a Harry Lime in a movie, its easy to deplore. But how in elite organizations have been witnesses or enablers and said nothing out of inertia or fear of career cost? Its not just the Mafia that observes the code of omerta.

In other words, the anti-science types have grievances. The fact that they may be misdirected does not make them less real.

By Paul Sutter, a cosmologist at Johns Hopkins University and author of Rescuing Science: Restoring Trust in an Age of Doubt. Originally published at Undark

ts not quite burning-scientists-at-the-stake bad, but its close  or at least feels that way. President Donald Trumps administration is openly waging war against universities, closing independent science review panels, funding fewer grants, and shutting down or raising concerns about the closure of important centers of government research (even though in some cases, theyre probably not supposed to). The evidence is now clear that the modern American structure of science can no longer survive as an apolitical entity that enjoys consistent, bipartisan support. Science is now suffering a generational catastrophe, not just in terms of funding, but in terms of political and public support.

Ever since World War II and the stunning success of the Manhattan Project, the United States government has poured money into universities through numerous competitive federal grant programs for the purposes of advancing basic research science. This had led to the American scientific system becoming the envy of the world, and the creation of innumerable technological marvels  not to mention significant boosts to our present-day wealth. Only large government agencies have the stomach for the kind of persistent, long-term thinking that it takes to turn fundamental research into enablers of economic prosperity.

That era is over  and the only chance for survival is to adapt. What does that mean?

In the short term, scientists and institutions will likely need to acclimate to a persistent feast-or-famine funding cycle. According to a recent Pew Research Center poll, levels of confidence in scientists among Republican voters are still far below pre-pandemic levels, despite a recent small uptick. And while Democrats in Congress seem more likely to fight to maintain research funding, GOP lawmakers have publicly expressed little interest in preserving science as a national institution even as some have raised concerns more locally.

As such, the odds that the sort of consistent, decade-over-decade support once enjoyed by American institutional science might soon be restored are vanishingly small, at least in the near term. We will see fewer big-science achievements, like the launch of fancy new telescopes, or the development of new climate-friendly technologies. And with fewer new grants being awarded, even the smaller, less splashy but crucially important incremental advances unfolding across the academic landscape will wither, as scientists everywhere scrounge for fewer available opportunities.

Researchers will also need to learn to swallow their pride and engage with Republican leadership  including Trumps most die-hard MAGA loyalists. That wont likely be easy, given that Republican political and popular leaders have levied several criticisms against modern science and academic institutions. They have decried, for example, the lack of conservative voices in academia; the intrusion of scientists into policy discussions; and persistently weak justificationsfor scientific endeavors, among other complaints.

Those criticisms may be tough for researchers to hear, but they are also valid. For too long, research fraud and junk science have gone unchecked. We also dont do a great job of communicating our results to the public, and we are too often averse to exploratory risk for the sake of securing funding. As long as the scientific community ignores these very real problems, it will only work to serve the arguments of our harshest critics. There will always be those who seek to destroy science, of course. But we can effectively blunt anti-science rhetoric if we are willing to admit and address these persistent problems within the research enterprise.

Success on that front will also require scientists to radically revamp their messaging to the public  which in many cases means actually talking to the public. After all, despite creeping distrust within certain factions of the political right in recent years, most people enjoy and support science. That recent Pew Research Center poll, for example, found that 76 percent of Americans are confident that scientists do act in the best interests of the public.

That should be deeply comforting, even in these troubled times, given that its difficult to get three-quarters of Americans to agree on a salad dressing.

But trust in science doesnt necessarily translate to vociferous support for funding, especially when many of those same Americans are struggling to pay their mortgages or rent. In times of economic pain, perhaps science can be viewed as an extravagance rather than a necessity. And thats what makes the Republican retreat from science under Trump such a potent force  one that scientists everywhere will need to confront and engage with head-on, with new approaches to messaging.

Traditional arguments about financial returns, technological advancements, and unlocking the wonders of the natural universe are now ringing hollow, in large part because science doesnt exist in a vacuum. Its one facet of a wider and finite economic pie that comprises largely public funds. If scientists dont learn to speak to the societal needs of the moment, they risk compounding losses in cultural relevancy and public support.

The good news is that new strategies within the research ranks are already being explored. Weve known for some time that political and cultural values play a large role in support for science, and that speaking across ideological lines, rather than exclusively within them, is vital.

In past years researchers have launched pilot studies, for example, seeking new ways to effectively reach skeptics  especially around hot-button issues. One study, for example, used a video compilation of Donald Trump speaking about vaccines, and discovered that exposure to his accumulated remarks was associated with increased vaccine uptake. Earlier research has also shown that trusted messengers like evangelicals and retired members of the military can successfully shift perceptions on climate change. And the liberal think tank New America found that climate messages focused on innovation and energy reforms, rather than protecting the environment, resonated most strongly with conservatives.

All of this suggests that understanding the language, values, and trusted figures within conservative circles will be key for scientists going forward. Otherwise, the value of their work risks both public and political indifference. We can no longer assume that conservatives will blindly support science, or that theyll come to our lectures and museums.

Instead, we have to redouble our efforts. We have to meet them where they are with a message that connects to their deeply held beliefs and values, to convince them that what were doing as scientists is worth it.
We hope you are as excited as we are that this site is fit and feisty at nineteen years! Its been a very busy time!

There are many many many to thank over these years. We were lucky enough to have a tech friend, Ed Wright, suggest that I start posting in December 2006. I took that up because it was clear then that most of the business press was not on top of looming signs of trouble in the credit markets, which a finance-literate person could detect via careful reading of the Financial Times and Bloomberg. Mark Thoma of Economists View, an important aggregator then, was not just encouraging but also helped us get some notice early on via linking to some of our posts. But this was in the heyday of a vibrant econoblogosphere, where many experts and commentators like Nouriel Roubini, Simon Johnson, James Kwak, Barry Ritholtz, Paul Krugman, Felix Salmon, Michael Shedlock, Tanta, Independent Accountant, Steve Waldman and Epicurean Dealmaker held forth. And just when it looked like we were falling short on the reader targets we had set to justify continuing to publish, yet another wheel fell off the financial system, with the silver lining of a boost in our traffic.

Sadly, there has been no shortage of incompetence and chicanery over these years. A partial list: Half-hearted post crisis reforms, which helped grease more increases in an already destructive level of inequality. Foreclosure and chain of title abuses. The Cyprus banking crisis, which we only much later realized was an early salvo against Russia. CalPERS. Private equity fee and reporting abuses, with our early warning that the strategy was not earning enough to compensate limited partners for its risks borne out. The Greek bailout crisis. The half-hearted efforts to combat climate change. Covid. And now the Trump whirlwind.

Weve also been fortunate to have attracted many very skilled and often witty contributors, such as Ed Harrison, Marshall Auerback, Richard Smith, Andrew Dittmer, Nathan Tankus, Matt Stoller, Philip Pilkington, Gonzalo Lira, Satyajit Das, Rob Urie, IM Doc, and Michael Hudson, as well as terrific regular writers like Jerri-Lynn Scofield, Nick, Conor, KLG, and of course the much esteemed Lambert. And after many years of hair-tearing, we now have a stable tech platform thanks to the unobtrusive vigilance of our maven Dave.

But the big reason we have carried on with such dedication is our wonderful readership, confirmed every day through comments, e-mails, and (critically) financial support. We would not be here without you. And the high caliber of the comments section depends on the wrangling of moderators Katiebird and Semperloquitur. That is confirmed by our good fortune in attracting impressive new writers to fill Lamberts yellow waders: Haig, Nat, and Curro, with KLG and Semperloquitur also stepping up to do double duty. Theyve said the reason they were keen to contribute and continue to enjoy the experience is the keen interest and regularly highly informed views of our truly global and worldly commentariat.

So wishing all of you a fun and festive holiday season and a wonderful 2026!
Yves here. I have to be confess to not being wild about the framing of this post, since as Tom Neuburger quickly points out, there is not a unified right wing but factions each with its own cluster of beliefs and policy priorities. Its hard to see groups with at best overlapping interests forming a durable, cohesive coalition.

Admittedly, we are in the midst of a conservative counter-revolution which has taken a lot of ground and looks set to take even more. I keep thinking of the French Revolution, which featured a succession of ever more radical factions in charge, rising levels of violence (the Reign of Terror and then Thermidor), and an effort to remake the social order and create a new sort of man as citizens. But then five years of more instability and violence under the Directory led to the coup of 18 Brumaire, the end of the Revolution and the move towards the Empire. So a protracted period of factional violence and bloody retribution is well within historical norms.

I pinged Nat about the fact that Neuburger had not included black-pill nihilists in his analysis and what Nat thought of Neuburgers assessment generally. Nats reply:

The young nihilists have no one in power (yet) and dont have a coherent ideology. With someone like Fuentes its impossible to parse where hell ultimately end up. I had written him off as a #3 [White supremacy & race restoration] but then he opposed the Gaza genocide (largely out of anti-Semitism was my initial view but after listening to him there does seem to be some basic humanity there). Were in a blender and are decades (or years if good evolution is also accelerated) away from coherent ideologies developing that match our realities. All bets are off.

By Thomas Neuburger. Originally published at Gods Spies

Note: Nothing below is meant to apply to us Muppets, the Littles, the voters and passengers on the rich-peoples train. Yes, some Muppets share these beliefs, but no Muppet has power. My point below is only about those who do  the Masters and some of their Minions. Specifically, Im talking about the powerful Right Wing machine and people like Thiel and Vance, not those of us Smalls who are the market for their propaganda.

Our robotic transhumanist future. Guess wholl be in charge?

I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible.

Peter Thiel, Palantir founder, billionaire tech financier and J.D. Vance promoter

For years Ive been asking myself, What if the Right wins absolutely, the machine of the Right? What does the State then look like? What do the Right and its leaders actually want?

These are key questions, for example, when contemplating a book on The Fourth American Constitution.

The problem is that the Right isnt really one Right  its several, and they dont all agree about what they want. That division is reflected in the mishmash structure of Project 2025  many authors and wish lists, multiple contradictions. As a result, the Right doesnt have just one agenda, but several, some of which contradict what others hold dear.

Roughly speaking, the primary and disparate concerns of very Hard Right are these:

God & control of sex  Your classic Religious Right. Power centers include New Apostolic Reformation leaders like Brian Simmons, Che Ahn, Mike Bickle. Also Right Wing notables like Boebert and Charlie Kirk (yes, him). Some Catholic and evangelical leaders fall into this group. A lot of these people have an anti-female agenda. Cops & punishment of the other  Those who love prosecution and what they call justice. Stephen Millers a prime example, as are heads of the Constitutional Sheriffs. Leaders who sing law and order are part of this group. They have roots in the slave militias that roamed the South, roots in the anti-union Pinkerton gangs, and roots in anti-immigrant cops that kept wage-slave workers in line. White supremacy & race restoration  Desire for white supremacy lurks in many groups, but this agenda also has its own leaders. Kris Kobach and Richard Spencer are two, as are those who lead orgs like Proud Boys and Moms for Liberty (you read that right), and pubs like The Daily Stormer. No restrictions on money  The Ayn Rand brigade. Libertarian leaders, men like Charles Koch and George Bush; those who want capital flow to trump national rights; bankers and hedge fund kings; the already very rich who want more money still. While many of the hyper-rich have only one focus, some, like Howard Ahmanson, Jr., are aligned with other agendas as well. This group is large, as it contains most real wealth. Endless war for eternal peace  More than just neocons, anyone primarily interested in constant war and endless war-industry profits falls into this group. Leaders include the now-dead Dick Cheney and the still-living Marco Rubio. Its large and highly bipartisan. Wannabe tech overlords  A newish group made of tech-rich people Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen. These people are self-styled heirs of the I see the future aura once owned by Steve Jobs. A libertarian offshoot, these wealth-addicted people have emerged as a unique force with striking and wildideas. They share much overlap with libertarians, some overlap with Endless Warriors, and almost none with the Race and Religious Right.

There are other power centers with other agendas, but these are the most consequential.

How Will These Groups Unite?

Short answer: They wont, except through natural overlap. They wont deliberately adopt each others agenda.

Atlas Shrugged, the libertarian bible

Long answer: Right-wing power centers will compete until one group consolidates enough power to achieve its full agenda. When that occurs, the other groups get what they get. For example, when Bush-Cheney held power, Money and Neocons did well, but White Restorationists lost.

A race-hating holy text

The One Common Element: Lust for Unlimited Power

If theres no one Right Wing agenda  what holds these groups together? The answer is simple. For each, the real goal is power. They each want control of everyone who isnt themselves.

So when we ask  what does the Right really want?  the answer is dominance. Of what? They differ somewhat, but control is their true common bond. Koch doesnt care about race if money trumps all. Stephen Miller may be religion-adjacent, but hes punishment-first. And radical Christian leaders care less about wealth than they do about punishing sex.

Elisabeth Moss in The Handmaids Tale, a vision of society controlled by the Religious Right (Hulu/Youtube)

Our Wannabe Tech Overlords

Which group will win, will see its vision of the State be realized first? Which right-wing agenda is closest to full realization?

Right now, the Tech Overlords have a considerable lead. Like the rest, they want total control  so much that theyre not even lip servicefans of democracy. I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible, says billionaire Peter Thiel. They desperately want an intrusive, unchallenged, domestic security state.

Palantir Founder: They need to wake up scared and go to bed scared THOMAS NEUBURGER  APR 18 Read full story

A Palantir Primer: Tools for the Muscular State THOMAS NEUBURGER  APR 22 Read full story

They share this with most of the other groups, which is why the spook state wont die.

And for all their crazy ideas  they think they can live forever; their solution to the climate crisis is to move us to Mars; they espouse transhumanism, which despite its veneer, is code for the smartest should rule  they have an advantage others dont, an aura of being advanced, of seeing the future. In many of our minds, they are true heirs of the magic that surrounded Steve Jobs.

The Cult of the Airman, V.2

This is not new, this aura  its merely another flavor of the cult of the airman, a mistaken belief that delighted the pre-War part of the long-dead 20th century.

Poster for the fascinating film Things to Come, in which earth, fallen to fascists, is saved by the airmen

Then as now, it was believed that the technically advanced  in their case, pilot adventurers like Charles Lindbergh  could literally see the future and thus should lead. Not true, of course; Lindbergh was a prominent right-winger whom FDR was absolutely convinced was a Nazi. But then as now, the illusion was strong.

Look at that face. One example of the deification of Apples Steve Jobs

Poised to Take Over

Yet for all their faults, the Tech Right is poised to take over. This is already long, and Im certain that, as this evolves, I and others will return to expand that point. So for now, just consider the following: The keys to victory are in place today, and if JD Vance follows Trump, this trajectory wont change.

(Click here to see the whole infographic; its interactive, well researched, and a valuable source.)

So what will happen if the Right wins absolutely? It depends on which Right.
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c) Right to rectification Each data subject shall have the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller without undue delay the rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning him or her. Taking into account the purposes of the processing, the data subject shall have the right to have incomplete personal data completed, including by means of providing a supplementary statement. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectification, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.

d) Right to erasure (Right to be forgotten) Each data subject shall have the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning him or her without undue delay, and the controller shall have the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies, as long as the processing is not necessary: The personal data are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed. The data subject withdraws consent to which the processing is based according to point (a) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR, or point (a) of Article 9(2) of the GDPR, and where there is no other legal ground for the processing. The data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(2) of the GDPR. The personal data have been unlawfully processed. The personal data must be erased for compliance with a legal obligation in Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject. The personal data have been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Article 8(1) of the GDPR. If one of the aforementioned reasons applies, and a data subject wishes to request the erasure of personal data stored by Nanowerk LLC, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller. An employee of Nanowerk LLC shall promptly ensure that the erasure request is complied with immediately. Where the controller has made personal data public and is obliged pursuant to Article 17(1) to erase the personal data, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform other controllers processing the personal data that the data subject has requested erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, those personal data, as far as processing is not required. An employees of Nanowerk LLC will arrange the necessary measures in individual cases.

e) Right of restriction of processing Each data subject shall have the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller restriction of processing where one of the following applies: The accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject, for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data. The processing is unlawful and the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and requests instead the restriction of their use instead. The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but they are required by the data subject for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims. The data subject has objected to processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR pending the verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject. If one of the aforementioned conditions is met, and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of the processing of personal data stored by Nanowerk LLC, he or she may at any time contact any employee of the controller. The employee of Nanowerk LLC will arrange the restriction of the processing.

f) Right to data portability Each data subject shall have the right granted by the European legislator, to receive the personal data concerning him or her, which was provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. He or she shall have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data have been provided, as long as the processing is based on consent pursuant to point (a) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR or point (a) of Article 9(2) of the GDPR, or on a contract pursuant to point (b) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR, and the processing is carried out by automated means, as long as the processing is not necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller. Furthermore, in exercising his or her right to data portability pursuant to Article 20(1) of the GDPR, the data subject shall have the right to have personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible and when doing so does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others. In order to assert the right to data portability, the data subject may at any time contact any employee of Nanowerk LLC.

g) Right to object Each data subject shall have the right granted by the European legislator to object, on grounds relating to his or her particular situation, at any time, to processing of personal data concerning him or her, which is based on point (e) or (f) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions. The Nanowerk LLC shall no longer process the personal data in the event of the objection, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims. If Nanowerk LLC processes personal data for direct marketing purposes, the data subject shall have the right to object at any time to processing of personal data concerning him or her for such marketing. This applies to profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to Nanowerk LLC to the processing for direct marketing purposes, Nanowerk LLC will no longer process the personal data for these purposes. In addition, the data subject has the right, on grounds relating to his or her particular situation, to object to processing of personal data concerning him or her by Nanowerk LLC for scientific or historical research purposes, or for statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out for reasons of public interest. In order to exercise the right to object, the data subject may contact any employee of Nanowerk LLC. In addition, the data subject is free in the context of the use of information society services, and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, to use his or her right to object by automated means using technical specifications.

h) Automated individual decision-making, including profiling Each data subject shall have the right granted by the European legislator not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning him or her, or similarly significantly affects him or her, as long as the decision (1) is not is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and a data controller, or (2) is not authorised by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard the data subject's rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, or (3) is not based on the data subject's explicit consent. If the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and a data controller, or (2) it is based on the data subject's explicit consent, Nanowerk LLC shall implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject's rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express his or her point of view and contest the decision. If the data subject wishes to exercise the rights concerning automated individual decision-making, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of Nanowerk LLC.

i) Right to withdraw data protection consent Each data subject shall have the right granted by the European legislator to withdraw his or her consent to processing of his or her personal data at any time. If the data subject wishes to exercise the right to withdraw the consent, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of Nanowerk LLC.

12. Data protection provisions about the application and use of functions of the Amazon Partner program

On this website, the controller has integrated Amazon components as a participant in the Amazon partner program. The Amazon components were created by Amazon with the aim to mediate customers through advertisements on various websites of the Amazon group, in particular Amazon.co.uk, Local.Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, BuyVIP.com, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it and Amazon.es in return for the payment of a commission. By using the Amazon components, the controller may generate advertising revenue.

The operating company of this Amazon component is Amazon EU S.a.r.l, 5 Rue Plaetis, L-2338 Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

Amazon sets a cookie the information technology system of the data subject. The definition of cookies is explained above. With each single call-up to one of the individual pages of this Internet website, which is operated by the controller and in which an Amazon component was integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject will automatically submit data for the purpose of online advertising and the settlement of commissions to Amazon through the respective Amazon component. During the course of this technical procedure, Amazon receives personal information that is used to trace the origin of orders from Amazon, and as a result, to allow the accounting of a commission. Among other things, Amazon may understand that the data subject has clicked on an affiliate link on our website.

The data subject may, as stated above, prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by means of a corresponding adjustment of the web browser used, and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such an adjustment to the Internet browser used would also prevent Amazon from setting a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. In addition, cookies already in use by Amazon may be deleted at anytime via a web browser or other software programs.

Further information and the actual data protection provisions of Amazon may be retrieved under https://www.amazon.de/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=3312401&language=en_GB.

13. Data protection provisions about the application and use of Google AdSense

On this website, the controller has integrated Google AdSense. Google AdSense is an online service which allows the placement of advertising on third-party sites. Google AdSense is based on an algorithm that selects advertisements displayed on third-party sites to match with the content of the respective third-party site. Google AdSense allows an interest-based targeting of the Internet user, which is implemented by means of generating individual user profiles.

The operating company of Google's AdSense component is Alphabet Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, United States.

The purpose of Google's AdSense component is the integration of advertisements on our website. Google AdSense places a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. The definition of cookies is explained above. With the setting of the cookie, Alphabet Inc. is enabled to analyze the use of our website. With each call-up to one of the individual pages of this Internet site, which is operated by the controller and into which a Google AdSense component is integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject will automatically submit data through the Google AdSense component for the purpose of online advertising and the settlement of commissions to Alphabet Inc. During the course of this technical procedure, the enterprise Alphabet Inc. gains knowledge of personal data, such as the IP address of the data subject, which serves Alphabet Inc., inter alia, to understand the origin of visitors and clicks and subsequently create commission settlements.

The data subject may, as stated above, prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by means of a corresponding adjustment of the web browser used and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such an adjustment to the Internet browser used would also prevent Alphabet Inc. from setting a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. Additionally, cookies already in use by Alphabet Inc. may be deleted at any time via a web browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, Google AdSense also uses so-called tracking pixels. A tracking pixel is a miniature graphic that is embedded in web pages to enable a log file recording and a log file analysis through which a statistical analysis may be performed. Based on the embedded tracking pixels, Alphabet Inc. is able to determine if and when a website was opened by a data subject, and which links were clicked on by the data subject. Tracking pixels serve, inter alia, to analyze the flow of visitors on a website.

Through Google AdSense, personal data and informationwhich also includes the IP address, and is necessary for the collection and accounting of the displayed advertisementsis transmitted to Alphabet Inc. in the United States of America. These personal data will be stored and processed in the United States of America. The Alphabet Inc. may disclose the collected personal data through this technical procedure to third parties.

Google AdSense is further explained under the following link https://www.google.com/intl/en/adsense/start/.

14. Data protection provisions about the application and use of Google Analytics (with anonymization function)

On this website, the controller has integrated the component of Google Analytics (with the anonymizer function). Google Analytics is a web analytics service. Web analytics is the collection, gathering, and analysis of data about the behavior of visitors to websites. A web analysis service collects, inter alia, data about the website from which a person has come (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages were visited, or how often and for what duration a sub-page was viewed. Web analytics are mainly used for the optimization of a website and in order to carry out a cost-benefit analysis of Internet advertising.

The operator of the Google Analytics component is Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, United States.

For the web analytics through Google Analytics the controller uses the application "_gat. _anonymizeIp". By means of this application the IP address of the Internet connection of the data subject is abridged by Google and anonymised when accessing our websites from a Member State of the European Union or another Contracting State to the Agreement on the European Economic Area.

The purpose of the Google Analytics component is to analyze the traffic on our website. Google uses the collected data and information, inter alia, to evaluate the use of our website and to provide online reports, which show the activities on our websites, and to provide other services concerning the use of our Internet site for us.

Google Analytics places a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. The definition of cookies is explained above. With the setting of the cookie, Google is enabled to analyze the use of our website. With each call-up to one of the individual pages of this Internet site, which is operated by the controller and into which a Google Analytics component was integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject will automatically submit data through the Google Analytics component for the purpose of online advertising and the settlement of commissions to Google. During the course of this technical procedure, the enterprise Google gains knowledge of personal information, such as the IP address of the data subject, which serves Google, inter alia, to understand the origin of visitors and clicks, and subsequently create commission settlements.

The cookie is used to store personal information, such as the access time, the location from which the access was made, and the frequency of visits of our website by the data subject. With each visit to our Internet site, such personal data, including the IP address of the Internet access used by the data subject, will be transmitted to Google in the United States of America. These personal data are stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may pass these personal data collected through the technical procedure to third parties.

The data subject may, as stated above, prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by means of a corresponding adjustment of the web browser used and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such an adjustment to the Internet browser used would also prevent Google Analytics from setting a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. In addition, cookies already in use by Google Analytics may be deleted at any time via a web browser or other software programs.

In addition, the data subject has the possibility of objecting to a collection of data that are generated by Google Analytics, which is related to the use of this website, as well as the processing of this data by Google and the chance to preclude any such. For this purpose, the data subject must download a browser add-on under the link https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout and install it. This browser add-on tells Google Analytics through a JavaScript, that any data and information about the visits of Internet pages may not be transmitted to Google Analytics. The installation of the browser add-ons is considered an objection by Google. If the information technology system of the data subject is later deleted, formatted, or newly installed, then the data subject must reinstall the browser add-ons to disable Google Analytics. If the browser add-on was uninstalled by the data subject or any other person who is attributable to their sphere of competence, or is disabled, it is possible to execute the reinstallation or reactivation of the browser add-ons.

Further information and the applicable data protection provisions of Google may be retrieved under https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/ and under http://www.google.com/analytics/terms/us.html. Google Analytics is further explained under the following Link https://www.google.com/analytics/.

17. Data protection provisions about the application and use of YouTube

On this website, the controller has integrated components of YouTube. YouTube is an Internet video portal that enables video publishers to set video clips and other users free of charge, which also provides free viewing, review and commenting on them. YouTube allows you to publish all kinds of videos, so you can access both full movies and TV broadcasts, as well as music videos, trailers, and videos made by users via the Internet portal.

The operating company of YouTube is YouTube, LLC, 901 Cherry Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066, USA. The YouTube, LLC is a subsidiary of Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

With each call-up to one of the individual pages of this Internet site, which is operated by the controller and on which a YouTube component (YouTube video) was integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted to download a display of the corresponding YouTube component. Further information about YouTube may be obtained under https://www.youtube.com/yt/about/en/. During the course of this technical procedure, YouTube and Google gain knowledge of what specific sub-page of our website was visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in on YouTube, YouTube recognizes with each call-up to a sub-page that contains a YouTube video, which specific sub-page of our Internet site was visited by the data subject. This information is collected by YouTube and Google and assigned to the respective YouTube account of the data subject.

YouTube and Google will receive information through the YouTube component that the data subject has visited our website, if the data subject at the time of the call to our website is logged in on YouTube; this occurs regardless of whether the person clicks on a YouTube video or not. If such a transmission of this information to YouTube and Google is not desirable for the data subject, the delivery may be prevented if the data subject logs off from their own YouTube account before a call-up to our website is made.

YouTube's data protection provisions, available at https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/, provide information about the collection, processing and use of personal data by YouTube and Google.

18. Data protection provisions about the application and use of AdvertServe

On this website, the controller has integrated components of AdvertServe, a digital advertising platform.

As part of their commitment to privacy AdvertServe has created the AdvertServe Privacy Shield program to give you total control over your privacy as well as the ability to customize your digital advertising experience. The AdvertServe Privacy Shield program can be accessed under https://privacy.advertserve.com/

19. Data protection provisions about the application and use of Cloudflare

Nanowerk uses the services of Cloudflare as its content delivery network (CDN) for its Internet pages.

Nanowerk LLC has executed a data processing addendum (DPA) with Cloudflare in order to ensure that adequate safeguards are put in place with respect to the protection of such Personal Data as required by EU Data Protection Laws. The Cloudflare Privacy Policy can be accessed under https://www.cloudflare.com/privacypolicy/

20. Data protection provisions about the application and use of Quantcast

On this website, the controller has integrated components of Quantcast Measure with regard to audience measurement.

The operating company of Quantcast is Quantcast Corp., 795 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA.

With each call-up to one of the individual pages of this Internet site, which is operated by the controller and on which a Quantcast component was integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted to download a cookie from Quantcast.

Quantcast Measure delivers syndicated online traffic measurement data to the controller in compliance with IAB measurement standards.

Quantcast's data protection provisions, available at https://www.quantcast.com/privacy/, provide information about the collection, processing and use of personal data by Quantcast.

21. Legal basis for the processing

Art. 6(1) lit. a GDPR serves as the legal basis for processing operations for which we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party, as is the case, for example, when processing operations are necessary for the supply of goods or to provide any other service, the processing is based on Article 6(1) lit. b GDPR. The same applies to such processing operations which are necessary for carrying out pre-contractual measures, for example in the case of inquiries concerning our products or services. Is our company subject to a legal obligation by which processing of personal data is required, such as for the fulfillment of tax obligations, the processing is based on Art. 6(1) lit. c GDPR.

In rare cases, the processing of personal data may be necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were injured in our company and his name, age, health insurance data or other vital information would have to be passed on to a doctor, hospital or other third party. Then the processing would be based on Art. 6(1) lit. d GDPR.

Finally, processing operations could be based on Article 6(1) lit. f GDPR. This legal basis is used for processing operations which are not covered by any of the abovementioned legal grounds, if processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by our company or by a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data. Such processing operations are particularly permissible because they have been specifically mentioned by the European legislator. He considered that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a client of the controller (Recital 47 Sentence 2 GDPR).

22. The legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party

Where the processing of personal data is based on Article 6(1) lit. f GDPR our legitimate interest is to carry out our business in favor of the well-being of all our employees and the shareholders.

23. Period for which the personal data will be stored

The criteria used to determine the period of storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After expiration of that period, the corresponding data is routinely deleted, as long as it is no longer necessary for the fulfillment of the contract or the initiation of a contract.

24. Provision of personal data as statutory or contractual requirement; Requirement necessary to enter into a contract; Obligation of the data subject to provide the personal data; possible consequences of failure to provide such data

We clarify that the provision of personal data is partly required by law (e.g. tax regulations) or can also result from contractual provisions (e.g. information on the contractual partner).

Sometimes it may be necessary to conclude a contract that the data subject provides us with personal data, which must subsequently be processed by us. The data subject is, for example, obliged to provide us with personal data when our company signs a contract with him or her. The non-provision of the personal data would have the consequence that the contract with the data subject could not be concluded.

Before personal data is provided by the data subject, the data subject must contact any employee. The employee clarifies to the data subject whether the provision of the personal data is required by law or contract or is necessary for the conclusion of the contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data and the consequences of non-provision of the personal data.

25. Existence of automated decision-making

As a responsible company, we do not use automatic decision-making or profiling.
Terror on the sand: Bondi Beach attack exposes intelligence gaps and a geopolitical blame game

A father and son carried out a gun attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach, killing at least 15 people (including a child) and wounding others, specifically targeting the Jewish community.

The attackers, Sajid and Naveed Akram, used legal firearms, had alleged past ties to ISIS and were known to intelligence agencies but were not considered an active or imminent threat, raising serious questions about intelligence failures.

Immediately after the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu linked it to antisemitism fueled by Australia's recent recognition of Palestinian statehood, a claim Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected.

Israeli officials further escalated tensions by accusing Iran of directing the attack, attempting to frame it as international state-sponsored terrorism, despite the attackers' profile suggesting homegrown radicalization linked to ISIS (an enemy of Iran).

The tragedy highlights two stark realities: a domestic failure to prevent violence from a monitored individual, and the instant weaponization of such atrocities in international geopolitical conflicts, which can obscure the local roots of the violence.

A festive Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach was shattered by gunfire over the weekend, leaving at least 15 people dead, including a 10-year-old girl, and wounding several others.

The attack, a stark act of violence targeting the Jewish community, has plunged Australia into a period of mourning and rigorous scrutiny, as the identities and motives of the shooters, a father and son, come into focus alongside immediate geopolitical finger-pointing from Israel.

Australian authorities have identified the perpetrators as Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed. Sajid was shot dead by police at the scene, while Naveed remains in critical condition.

Investigations reveal a troubling profile: Both men lived in the Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg, used legally registered firearms in the assault, and, critically, were not on any active threat radar despite one having a history of concerning associations.

As explained by the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, the son, Naveed, was investigated by the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) as far back as 2019 over alleged ties to an ISIS cell. However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that after examination, the assessment was that "there was no indication of any ongoing threat."

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess confirmed Naveed was "known to us, but not in an immediate threat perspective." This admission has sparked intense debate about intelligence failures and the challenge of monitoring individuals who may radicalize in isolation.

New South Wales police commissioner Mal Lanyon stated there was nothing before the attack "to indicate that either of the men was planning" it, even as Australian media reported the discovery of an ISIS flag and a manifesto in the attackers' vehicle.

The Bondi Beach attack complicates the already volatile Middle East politics

While the investigation continues domestically, the tragedy was swiftly enveloped by the volatile politics of the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly linked the massacre to what he called growing "antisemitism" in Australia, explicitly blaming the Australian government's recent decision to recognize Palestinian statehood for fueling such sentiment.

Netanyahu characterized Australia's policy as one of "weakness" and "appeasement," claims Albanese firmly rejected, stating he saw no link between the recognition and the shooting.

More explosively, an Israeli security source cited by Haaretz claimed Tel Aviv is "increasingly convinced" that Iran "directed" the Sydney attack, alleging recent Iranian attempts to target Jews in Australia. This narrative was amplified by Israel's Foreign Ministry, which, after Iran condemned the shooting, accused Tehran of holding the "world record in deception" and of constantly seeking to murder Jews globally. The statement referenced past Mossad claims of having thwarted Iranian-led plots against Jewish targets in several countries, including Australia.

The immediate Israeli focus on Iran and Hezbollah, including speculation that the attack was retaliation for an assassination, appears to be an attempt to situate a local violent incident within a pre-existing and politically convenient narrative of state-sponsored terrorism.

The victims of the attack underscore its targeted nature. Among the dead was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a pro-Israel Chabad emissary.

Among the wounded was Arsen Ostrovsky, a prominent executive with the Israeli-Jewish Congress and the Australia-Israel and Jewish Affairs Council, who notably shared a bloodied selfie from the scene, an image reminiscent of those he posted during the Oct. 7 attacks and subsequent missile strikes from Yemen and Iran, highlighting a perceived continuum of threat.

The Bondi Beach shooting is a multifaceted tragedy. It is a story of profound local grief and a failure to recognize the imminent danger posed by a known individual. It is also a stark lesson in how domestic atrocities are instantly weaponized in international conflicts.

As Australia grapples with the horror on its shores, the event has become a pawn in a larger game, with Israel aggressively promoting an "Iran terror attack" narrative, potentially overshadowing the complex, homegrown radicalization that appears, based on initial evidence, to be at the heart of this devastating violence. The gap between the intelligence assessment of "no ongoing threat" and the brutal reality on Bondi Beach remains the most urgent and damning question for Australian authorities to answer.

Watch this clip to learn more about the possible reason behind America's mass shooting epidemic.

This video is from the Think About It channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

Reuters.com

DW.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
AI at the Crossroads: Centralized control vs. decentralized resistance in the fight for humanitys future

Centralized AI Threatens Freedom  Globalist elites, Big Tech, and governments push AI-powered surveillance, CBDCs, and social credit systems under the guise of efficiency, erasing human autonomy and enforcing compliance.

 Globalist elites, Big Tech, and governments push AI-powered surveillance, CBDCs, and social credit systems under the guise of efficiency, erasing human autonomy and enforcing compliance. Technocratic Betrayal  Despite promises of liberty, Trumps post-election policies enabled Silicon Valley oligarchs like Palantir to consolidate AI-driven surveillance, accelerating technocracys dystopian vision of social engineering.

 Despite promises of liberty, Trumps post-election policies enabled Silicon Valley oligarchs like Palantir to consolidate AI-driven surveillance, accelerating technocracys dystopian vision of social engineering. Depopulation & Transhumanism Agenda  AI and robotics are tools for globalist depopulation, replacing human labor while figures like Gates and Musk promote transhumanism under the guise of genetic "enhancement."

 AI and robotics are tools for globalist depopulation, replacing human labor while figures like Gates and Musk promote transhumanism under the guise of genetic "enhancement." Decentralized AI as Resistance  Libertarian voices advocate open-source AI, edge computing, and agricultural robotics to bypass Big Tech control, preserving autonomy and truth outside globalist narratives.

 Libertarian voices advocate open-source AI, edge computing, and agricultural robotics to bypass Big Tech control, preserving autonomy and truth outside globalist narratives. Urgent Call to Action  With AI becoming cheap and pervasive, grassroots adoption of off-grid robotics, permaculture, and uncensored AI models is critical to avoid a "digital gulag" controlled by elites.

The Battle for Humanitys Soul in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

As artificial intelligence rapidly advances, a critical battle is unfolding between centralized technocratic control and decentralized, liberty-preserving alternatives. Investigative journalists and experts warn that globalist elites, Big Tech monopolies, and complicit governmentsincluding the Trump administrationare accelerating AI-powered surveillance, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and digital enslavement under the guise of efficiency.

From Palantirs mass data harvesting to 6G-enabled "digital twinning" and transhumanist agendas, the push for centralized AI threatens to erase human autonomy, displace labor, and enforce compliance through social credit systems. Meanwhile, libertarian voices like Mike Adams and Patrick Wood champion decentralized AI solutionsopen-source models, edge computing, and agricultural roboticsas the last defense against tyranny.

The Technocratic Takeover: A Betrayal in Plain Sight

Patrick Wood, founder of Technocracy.News and co-author of The Final Betrayal, warns that the Trump administration has already set in motion the infrastructure for a technocratic dystopia. Despite promises of restoring constitutional governance, Trumps post-election actions have handed unprecedented power to Silicon Valley oligarchs.

"This is not a question of broken promisesits open betrayal against the American people," Wood declares. The dismantling of data silos across federal agencies under the guise of "efficiency" has enabled corporations like Palantirlinked to Peter Thielto consolidate surveillance capabilities. AI-driven social engineering, Wood argues, has always been the endgame of technocracy, dating back to Columbia Universitys 1932 "science of social engineering."

Courtenay Turner, co-author of The Final Betrayal, highlights the alarming convergence of AI, CBDCs, and transhumanism. The Biden administrations push for "Congress-backed digital currencies" (a rebranded CBDC) and 6G-enabled "digital twinning"where AI creates virtual replicas of individuals for behavioral manipulationsignals a shift toward "a gamified society where tokens replace freedom."

The Depopulation Agenda: From AI to Transhumanism

Mike Adams, AI developer and founder of Brighteon.com, warns that AI and robotics are not merely tools for efficiency but weapons in a globalist depopulation scheme. The endgame, Adams argues, is labor replacementfirst through software AI, then through physical robotsrendering billions "useless eaters" in the eyes of elites like Klaus Schwab and Bill Gates.

"Theyve exploited human labor for millennia to reach this point," Adams states. "Now they want to discard humanity entirely."

Courtenay Turner adds that "positive eugenics"genetic augmentation and transhumanismcomplements the depopulation agenda. Figures like Elon Musk advocate for "super-soldier genetic editing" under the guise of pro-natalism, while Epstein-linked research into human augmentation reveals darker ambitions.

Decentralization: The Last Stand Against Tyranny

Despite the grim outlook, Adams champions decentralized, off-grid AI as a countermeasure. His platform, Brighteon.AI, produces uncensored, pro-liberty literature using open-source models that operate locallyfree from Big Techs grip.

"The fight isnt AI vs. no AIits centralized control vs. decentralized freedom," Adams asserts. "We must obliterate the globalist narrative from AI models and rebuild them with truth."

Wood and Turner warn, however, that "decentralization" is often co-opted by technocrats. Balaji Srinivasans "network states" and Teilhard de Chardins "Noosphere" promote "decentralization toward a re-centralized center"a trap where local nodes feed into a global AI grid.

The Clock Is Ticking: Resistance or Assimilation?

As AI cognition becomes cheaper than a fast-food mealBerkeley Lab achieved self-awareness for just $35the window for resistance narrows. Adams urges grassroots adoption of off-grid robotics, permaculture, and open-source AI before centralized systems lock humanity into a "digital gulag."

"This is a war for the future of the human race," Adams declares. "Will we harness AI for freedom, or surrender to a machine-run dystopia?"

The choice is stark: Resist or be erased.

Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, Patrick Wood & Courtenay Turner as they talk about the technocracy takeover and the final betrayal.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Centralized AIs stranglehold threatens democracy: Can decentralized AI fight back?

Decentralized Sovereignty: Open-source tools and UNAs challenge centralized control

Decentralization vs. Control: The battle over AI, wealth, and human autonomy in the age of globalism

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Technocracy.news

CourtenayTurner.com
Yun brocade well inherited in small town in E China's Jiangsu

People's Daily Online) 09:31, December 18, 2025

Hongyao, a small town in Lianshui county, Huai'an city, east China's Jiangsu Province, produces more than half of all Yunjin, or Yun brocade, in China.

Photo shows a piece of Yun brocade. (Photo/Zuo Dachao)

In 1989, a woman named Liu Juhong returned to her hometown of Hongyao town after training in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, and set out to start her own business. With 6,000 yuan (about $851) borrowed from others, she built a simple adobe house. Her most valuable possessions were four old looms she had borrowed from the Nanjing Yunjin Research Institute.

It takes one to two years to train a skilled weaver, and each loom requires two people to operate. In the 1990s, demand for Yun brocade was largely limited to areas inhabited by ethnic minority communities.

Xia Peihong, now production manager at Lianshui Tiangong Yunjin Weaving Co., Ltd., recalled that under Liu Juhong's guidance, she learned to twist silk threads, her fingertips controlling more than 10 strands of different thicknesses at once. After only half a day, her palms would ache and her fingertips would become red and sore. Operating the loom required a steady, even pace on the pedals; after a full day on her feet, her legs would be so numb she could barely take a step.

A turning point came quietly in the new century. In 2001, Yun brocade was officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. As "Guochao," or China-chic trends, gained momentum and interest in traditional crafts rose, this once "hidden gem" gradually became a new favorite among consumers.

In 2002, another Yun brocade artisan Liu Guangshe returned to Hongyao town and founded Jiangsu Huaxia Yunjin Weaving Co., Ltd.

Aerial photo shows the Yun Brocade Industrial Park in Hongyao town, Lianshui county, Huai'an city, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Lianshui County Committee)

To support the growth of the industry, the town developed a Yun brocade industrial park covering 120 mu (8 hectares), providing a fertile ground for clustered development.

Photo shows a Yun brocade weaving workshop. (Photo/Zuo Dachao)

For Lianshui Tiangong Yunjin Weaving Co., Ltd., its most celebrated work is a panoramic "Dream of the Red Chamber" brocade scroll measuring 128 meters long and 1 meter wide.

"This piece uses 19.9 kilograms of gold and over 10,000 meters of peacock feathers. 22 artisans worked in shifts, and it took 10 years to complete," said Xia. The work was exhibited in Sweden as an important project for the "Chinese culture going global" initiative.

While staying true to its traditional roots, innovation has helped this ancient craft become part of everyday life. Liu Guangshe, founder of Jiangsu Huaxia Yunjin Weaving Co., Ltd., explained that the company established a dedicated design team to bring Yun brocade into people's daily lives. Iconic patterns, once reserved for high-end screens and garments costing tens of thousands of yuan, are now applied to more affordable items such as silk scarves and sachets priced in the hundreds.

A weaver makes Yun brocade at the workshop of Lianshui Tiangong Yunjin Weaving Co., Ltd. in Hongyao town, Lianshui county, Huai'an city, east China's Jiangsu Province. (People's Daily Online/Ma Xiaobo)

At the workshop of Lianshui Tiangong Yunjin Weaving Co., Ltd., mother-and-daughter teams are common. "I started learning weaving in my twenties, and now my daughter has joined the trade. This craft has allowed our family to live a stable life," weaver Wang Yan said with a smile.

Wang now earns over 7,000 yuan a month, and although her daughter is still an apprentice, her income is also substantial.

Sun Zhiwan, director of the Economic Development Office of Hongyao town, said that the Yun brocade industry has trained over 400 professionals in Hongyao town, with an average annual income exceeding 60,000 yuan per person.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Akbar Novruz



The export of oil products from Azerbaijan to Armenia is set to begin today within the framework of the peace agenda, Azernews reports via local media.

The decision follows an agreement reached during the meeting between Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigorian held in Gabala on November 28. Under the agreement, 22 railway wagons of AI-95 gasoline produced by SOCAR will be dispatched to Armenia.

It was emphasized that the export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia is purely commercial in nature, with gasoline sold in line with international market prices.

Earlier, on December 8, the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development stated that it had received an application on December 5 from its Tbilisi partners regarding the implementation of a one-time fuel transit from Azerbaijan to Armenia via Georgian territory. According to the statement, by the decision of Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgian Railways was instructed to immediately implement a one-time, completely free transportation of cargo by rail.

The launch of fuel exports demonstrates that the peace agenda is not limited to political declarations but is being implemented at a practical level.

The delivery of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia reflects the concept of economic dividends stemming from the peace process and represents an important step toward the gradual establishment of economic and trade relations between the two countries.
Shopify introduces Agentic Storefronts, putting merchant products directly into ChatGPT and Perplexity conversations.

Whats happening: Shopify has released its Winter 26 Edition, introducing more than 150 product updates centred on practical AI applications for merchants, developers and partners.

Why this matters: These updates aim to streamline backend operations, from merchandising to day to day workflows, allowing businesses to focus resources on creativity and customer service rather than administrative tasks.

Australian retailers navigating rising costs and shifting consumer behaviour have new tools to help level operational demands. Shopify has unveiled its Winter 26 Edition, titled RenAIssance, featuring more than 150 product updates designed to remove friction from commerce operations.

The release centres on practical AI applications that work behind the scenes rather than flashy automation. From generating custom admin apps through simple prompts to editing product photos directly in the file editor, the updates target specific pain points merchants face daily.

Australian retailers are operating in one of the most competitive and dynamic markets in the world, says Shaun Broughton, Managing Director APAC and Japan at Shopify. Consumer expectations are rising quickly, and merchants need tools that help them act on signals in real time whilst removing as much operational friction as possible.

The update positions Sidekick, Shopifys AI assistant, as a proactive rather than reactive tool. Rather than waiting for merchants to ask questions, Sidekick now surfaces personalised, high impact tasks on the home dashboard to help merchants focus on what matters most.

Dan Small, Chief Customer Officer at Boody, says the tool has changed how the business operates.

We use Sidekick to quickly uncover actionable insights about shopper behaviour, says Small. With a number of proven hero products that are day in and day out best sellers, sometimes we can overlook small changes in consumer behaviour. Sidekick helps us identify these subtle shifts by showing how different customer segments engage with bundles and promotions in real time.

This enables Boody to optimise offers and marketing strategies responsively, sharpening decision making without extensive manual data analysis.

Sidekick goes proactive

Sidekick now handles tasks that previously required technical knowledge or significant time investment. Merchants can generate working Flow automations from natural language descriptions, eliminating the need for programming skills to set up basic workflows. Theme settings can be customised through conversational commands rather than navigating complex menus.

The assistant can also build custom admin apps from a prompt, no coding required. Merchants can save and reuse their most effective Sidekick prompts as skills, creating shortcuts for repeat tasks that can be launched from a skills tray or slash command.

For product imagery, Sidekick brings image editing capabilities directly into the file editor, allowing merchants to produce better product photos faster without switching between multiple tools.

This Edition, were giving Australian businesses AI capabilities that streamline the work behind the scenes, refining storefronts, simplifying merchandising and making day to day operations more efficient, says Broughton. This allows retailers to focus on creativity, innovation and serving customers, whether theyre just starting out or scaling across markets.

Commerce meets conversation

One of the more significant additions is Shopify Agentic Storefronts, which addresses where commerce is increasingly happening: inside AI conversations.

The feature puts merchant products directly into conversations on platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Microsoft Copilot. One setup in the admin makes products immediately discoverable across multiple AI agents, with no complex integrations or separate apps required for each platform.

Customers can complete purchases without leaving their conversations, whilst merchants maintain control over where and how their brand appears. Attribution data flows directly into the merchants admin, and businesses can toggle which platforms display their products.

Commerce is happening in conversations, Shopify Agentic Storefronts ensures youre part of them, says Vanessa Lee, VP Leading Product at Shopify.

For physical retail, Shopify has introduced POS Hub, which strengthens in person selling by connecting checkout hardware including card readers, printers, keyboards and scanners to POS tablets through fast, reliable wired connections. The device works on both iOS and Android and can be mounted under counters or displayed on countertops.

The hardware is Apple MFi certified for multi device wired connections and includes built in monitoring with automatic updates for POS hardware. Its designed to keep data flowing between merchant hardware and Shopify Point of Sale throughout trading hours.

Testing without traffic

SimGym represents a different approach to optimisation. The app, released as a research preview, uses AI shopper agents with human like profiles to model how different customers might experience a storefront.

Drawing on insights from billions of purchases each year, SimGym can model shopper behaviour at both broad and store specific levels, from casual browsers to high intent buyers. This allows merchants to run storefront changes through simulated evaluations without needing high traffic volumes.

Larger brands can gather early signals before testing with real shoppers, whilst smaller businesses gain access to the kind of testing capabilities typically available only to larger operations.

We chose the Renaissance theme for this Edition because it symbolises progress, momentum, courage, new beginnings and redefining whats possible, says Lee. Many of these features werent possible a year ago and they redefine how we achieve our mission of making commerce better for everyone.

The update also introduces native experimentation capabilities through Rollouts, giving merchants the ability to schedule changes, run experiments and make data informed decisions within their core workflow. A new Cross Border Profitability Insights Report helps merchants understand where duties, taxes and shipping adjustments impact margins, supporting more informed international pricing decisions.

For developers, the platform now offers end to end AI support for development workflows. AI agents can create dev stores, scaffold apps, run GraphQL operations and generate validated code, allowing developers to focus on architecture whilst AI handles setup and repetitive tasks.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Gluten warning: Eco-friendly plates and straws contaminate gluten-free meals, research reveals

Biodegradable wheat-based tableware can transfer unsafe gluten levels to food.

Liquid foods absorb dangerously high gluten concentrations from this tableware.

Current regulations do not require allergen labeling on food-contact materials.

This poses a severe hidden risk to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Consumers must check tableware materials and avoid wheat-based options.

A new environmental health trap has been exposed, and it's one that turns a well-intentioned eco-choice into a potential medical emergency for millions. Researchers have discovered that certain biodegradable plates, cups, and straws, often made from wheat by-products, can transfer significant amounts of gluten into the foods and drinks they hold, posing a severe, unlabeled risk to individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and conducted by researchers including Angela Ruiz-Carnicer and Isabel Comino, tested eight commercially available biodegradable items. The team found that only one item, a wheat-based plate, contained detectable gluten in its material. However, that single plate was enough to contaminate every gluten-free food it touched under realistic conditions.

This finding highlights a critical regulatory blind spot. While packaged foods must adhere to strict gluten-free labeling laws, materials that contact food, like tableware, face no such allergen disclosure requirements. For the growing number of people who must avoid gluten, this gap transforms a simple meal into a game of Russian roulette.

The invisible transfer

The science is clear and alarming. In experiments, gluten-free foods were placed on the tableware for 30 minutes at room temperature. The researchers then measured gluten transfer against strict safety thresholds: under 20 parts per million (ppm) to be considered "gluten-free" and under 100 ppm for "low-gluten."

The results showed a dramatic difference based on whether the food was solid or liquid. Solid foods like rice and omelet saw lower transfer, with rice staying below the 20 ppm threshold and the omelet reaching up to 30 ppm. The real danger was with liquids. Milk absorbed up to 240 ppm of gluten, and vegetable cream absorbed a staggering 2,100 ppm. These levels are far above what is considered safe.

These numbers may seem abstract for those who don't need to worry about gluten. But for the one percent of the population with celiac disease and those who report gluten sensitivity (estimated at 10 percent of the population), ingestion can trigger an autoimmune attack that flattens the intestinal villi, leading to malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies, and a heightened risk of other serious conditions. The mechanism is profound. Gluten can induce intestinal permeability, or "leaky gut," allowing undigested particles to enter the bloodstream and spark systemic inflammation and autoimmunity. Even trace amounts matter, as the body's immune response is not calibrated for volume but for the presence of the trigger itself.

A problem of modern materials

This hazard is a product of our time. The push to replace single-use plastics has accelerated the use of biodegradable materials derived from allergenic sources like wheat without considering the consequences for vulnerable consumers.

The study observed that microwaving food in the contaminated dish sometimes reduced gluten transfer, possibly because heat denatures the protein. However, the researchers also noted the wheat-based dish swelled and shed fragments when heated with liquids, indicating it was not inert, which is a basic requirement for food-contact materials.

The research teams conclusion is unambiguous. They are pressing for "mandatory gluten labeling for materials that contact food." Until such regulations catch up with this emerging risk, the burden falls on consumers.

The study advises individuals with gluten-related disorders to be vigilant. Check the composition of biodegradable tableware, favoring materials like palm leaf or sugar cane that showed no detectable gluten in this study. Be especially cautious with liquids and creamy foods, which posed the highest risk in the study, and consider using trusted, reusable containers instead.

This research peels back the green veneer on a product category marketed as universally beneficial. It reveals that without proper safeguards, sustainability can come at the cost of safety for a significant portion of the population. True progress must consider all human health impacts, ensuring that the solutions for our planet do not inadvertently poison its people.

Sources for this article include:

MedicalXpress.com

Celiac.com

Food-Safety.com

PMC.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
FDA rejects plans to add black box warning for COVID-19 vaccines despite safety concerns

The FDA has decided against applying its most serious "black box" warning to Pfizer and Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines, despite internal recommendations to do so due to myocarditis risks.

The decision is controversial, coming alongside evidence of myocarditis in young males and reports of child fatalities post-vaccination confirmed in an internal FDA memorandum.

Critics, including former CDC Director Redfield, argue the vaccines should be withdrawn, citing concerns about the toxicity of spike proteins and insufficient safety data for all age groups.

The regulator's decision draws parallels to past FDA failures in drug safety and suggests financial ties between vaccine manufacturers and medical groups influence the safety narrative.

The FDA's standard for proving a definitive link before releasing findings is contrasted with what critics call a downplaying of vaccine risks and aggressive promotion of vaccination benefits.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that it will not place a "black box" warning  the agency's most severe safety alert  on Pfizer and Moderna's Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, despite internal recommendations to do so.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary defended the agency's stance on Monday, Dec. 15, claiming updated dosing schedules may reduce risks. This move has nevertheless sparked controversy among medical experts and transparency advocates. It comes amid mounting evidence linking the shots to myocarditis  a potentially fatal heart inflammation disproportionately affecting young males  and follows reports of child fatalities post-vaccination.

The FDA's refusal to escalate warnings stands in stark contrast to its own safety and epidemiology center's recommendation, which cited myocarditis as a significant concern warranting urgent public disclosure. Black box warnings are reserved for drugs with life-threatening side effects that demand careful risk-benefit analysis  precisely the scenario unfolding with mRNA vaccines.

Autopsy-linked child deaths, confirmed in a November FDA memorandum obtained by the Epoch Times, further complicate the narrative pushed by federal health agencies that vaccines remain "safe and effective" for all age groups. Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield also told the outlet that COVID-19 vaccines should be withdrawn entirely. He cited the immunotoxicity of spike proteins, a concern echoed by independent researchers since 2021.

A pattern of concealing drug and vaccine risks

Historical parallels loom large. The FDA's reluctance mirrors past failures, such as its delayed response to Vioxx's cardiovascular risks and the decades-long cover-up of SSRI-induced suicidality in adolescents. Meanwhile, Pfizer and Moderna  both financial partners of influential groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics  continue asserting their products' safety despite omitting critical stratified data in studies.

The agencys opacity extends to its ongoing death investigations. Makary admitted the FDA is withholding findings until "truly a link" is proven  a standard rarely applied to vaccine promotions. This contrasts sharply with Pfizer's own meta-analysis, which claims COVID-19 infection carries a 42-fold higher myocarditis risk than vaccination, a statistic skeptics argue ignores confounding factors like underreported vaccine-related injuries.

BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that the findings of the meta-analysis seeks to downplay the risks of its product and protect its financial interests, despite internal documents revealing the company's awareness of the vaccine's connection to elevated myocarditis rates. This deceptive narrative aligns with Big Pharma's broader pattern of suppressing inconvenient safety data while promoting fear of natural infections to justify mass vaccination campaigns.

As the FDA delays full approval amid calls to "avoid political pressure," the public is left navigating a labyrinth of conflicting narratives. For families weighing myocarditis against a virus their children overwhelmingly survive, the absence of a black box warning may represent not caution, but capitulation to an industry where profit and policy have long eclipsed patient safety.

Watch Jefferey Jaxen and Del Bigtree discussing the FDA's approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for children despite the lack of data.

This video is from The HighWire with Del Bigtree channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

TheEpochTimes.com

TheHill.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Gaza infant dies of hypothermia as winter storm exacerbates humanitarian crisis

A two-week-old Palestinian baby, Mohammed Khalil Abu al-Khair, died from exposure due to freezing temperatures and torrential rains in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel's blockade restricting winter supplies. At least 13 children have perished under similar conditions.

Gaza's healthcare system is collapsing, with hospitals frequently bombed, under-resourced and unable to provide basic care. The UN describes the situation as an "unfolding humanitarian catastrophe."

Storm Byron has destroyed flimsy tents and damaged buildings, leaving nearly two million Gazanshalf of them childrenwithout shelter. Israel continues blocking essential aid like winter clothing, blankets and fuel.

Despite the humanitarian crisis, Israeli airstrikes persist, demolishing homes and hampering rescue efforts. Rescuers dig through rubble by hand due to Israels blockade on heavy equipment.

Gaza's infrastructure has been crippled since 2007, with Israel restricting food, medicine and construction materials. The blockade prevents rebuilding, trapping Palestinians in a cycle of destruction, deprivation and now deadly winter conditions.

A two-week-old Palestinian infant, Mohammed Khalil Abu al-Khair, died of hypothermia on Monday, Dec. 15, as freezing temperatures and torrential rains ravaged Gaza, already devastated by Israel's ongoing military siege and bombardment. The newborn is one of at least 13 children who have perished in recent days due to exposure, collapsing shelters and Israel's blockade restricting essential winter supplies.

The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed the infant's death after his family rushed him to an intensive care unit, where medical staff struggled to stabilize his plummeting body temperature. With Gaza's hospitals overwhelmed, under-resourced and frequently targeted by Israeli airstrikes, even basic medical care has become a luxury for Palestinians enduring what the United Nations describes as an "unfolding humanitarian catastrophe."

"Freezing to death" under Israeli restrictions

The UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) issued a dire warning that Palestinians are "freezing to death" as Storm Byron batters the coastal enclave. Tentsalready flimsy and waterloggedare being ripped apart by winds, while damaged buildings collapse under the weight of heavy rains.

"Aid must be allowed in at scale, without delay, to prevent putting more displaced families at serious risk," UNRWA stated on X (formerly Twitter). However, Israel continues to restrict the entry of winter clothing, blankets and shelter materials, leaving nearly two million Gazanshalf of them childrenwithout protection from the elements.

Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesman for Gaza's Civil Defence, described the crisis as "beyond catastrophic." Thousands of families, he said, are stranded in flooded tents or exposed to open skies, with rescue efforts hampered by Israel's blockade on fuel and heavy equipment.

"Expected strong winds and heavy rains threaten fragile tents and damaged buildings with collapse at any moment," Bassal warned. Videos circulating online show families desperately clutching collapsing tents, while others wade through knee-deep water inside makeshift shelters.

Aid blocked, buildings collapse and bombs fall

Even as Palestinians struggle to survive the storm, Israeli airstrikes continue to pound Gaza. Warplanes struck eastern Rafah and Khan Younis overnight, demolishing residential buildings and compounding the suffering of displaced families. Meanwhile, Civil Defence teamsworking alongside the International Committee of the Red Crossresumed search operations for bodies buried beneath the rubble of previous Israeli attacks.

Yet without bulldozers or excavatorsbarred by Israeli restrictionsrecovery efforts remain agonizingly slow.

"We are digging with our hands," one rescuer told reporters.

A long history of suffering under siege

Gaza's current crisis is not an anomaly but the latest chapter in a 17-year blockade that has crippled the territory's infrastructure and economy. BrightU.AI's Enoch notes that since 2007, Israel has enforced strict limits on food, medicine, fuel and construction materials, creating what human rights groups call an "open-air prison."

The blockade has also prevented Gaza from rebuilding after each military assault, leaving its population trapped in a cycle of destruction and deprivation. Now, with winter storms exposing the fragility of makeshift shelters, Palestinians face a new kind of horrorfreezing to death in the ruins of their own homes.

As international aid agencies plead for immediate intervention, Israel shows no signs of loosening its stranglehold on Gaza. The deaths of infants like Mohammed Khalil Abu al-Khair underscore the human cost of political inactionand the urgent need for the world to demand an end to the siege before more lives are lost to cold, hunger, or bombs.

For now, Gaza's survivors cling to whatever shelter remains, bracing for the next stormboth meteorological and military.

Watch the video below that talks about the Israel-backed aid system that killed Gazans seeking food.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

X.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
A tainted foundation: Ghostwritten science and glyphosates regulatory legacy

A foundational 2000 study declaring glyphosate safe has been retracted due to undisclosed ghostwriting and influence by Monsanto employees.

The retraction reveals critical flaws in the pesticide regulatory system, which often relies on industry-funded science.

For decades, global regulators cited the now-retracted paper to justify the continued approval of the world's most used herbicide.

The incident underscores a pattern of corporate manipulation of scientific literature to shape public and regulatory perception.

Advocates argue the case highlights the urgent need for regulatory reform and a shift toward safer, organic agricultural practices.

In a move that casts a long shadow over decades of chemical safety assessments, a pivotal scientific study that assured regulators of glyphosates safety has been formally retracted. The 2000 paper, which concluded the herbicide posed no human health risk, was revealed to have been ghostwritten by Monsanto employees, with its authors failing to disclose their relationship with the agrochemical giant. This retraction, executed quietly in late 2025 by the journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, exposes a breach of academic integrity that has profound implications for public trust and regulatory science, calling into question the foundations upon which the world's most widely used weed killer was kept on the market.

The retraction: Unmasking a "landmark" study

The retracted study, Safety Evaluation and Risk Assessment of the Herbicide Roundup and Its Active Ingredient, Glyphosate, for Humans, was authored by three seemingly independent academics. For 25 years, it served as a key citation for global regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to affirm glyphosates safety. However, the journals editor-in-chief, Martin van den Berg, Ph.D., stated the retraction was due to misrepresentation of the contributions by the authors and the study sponsor and potential conflicts of interest.

Internal Monsanto documents, unearthed through years of litigation brought by cancer patients, showed the paper was the product of a Monsanto strategy dubbed Freedom to Operate. Company scientists were heavily involved in drafting the work, a contribution never acknowledged in the publication. The editor also noted the review exclusively used unpublished Monsanto data while ignoring other available long-term studies, and that the authors may have received undisclosed financial compensation.

A symptom of systemic regulatory failure

This retraction is not an isolated incident but a symptom of deep-seated deficiencies within the pesticide regulatory framework. The EPAs process often depends on data submitted by the chemical manufacturers themselves, a system critics say lacks rigorous independent verification and is vulnerable to manipulation. Key shortcomings include:

Assessing only active ingredients in isolation, not the full formulation of products like Roundup, which studies show can be more toxic.

Failing to adequately evaluate cumulative exposure, effects on endangered species, impacts on chemically sensitive populations, and the synergistic effects of chemical mixtures.

Not mandating a full assessment of viable organic and non-toxic alternatives during the registration review process.

The retracted glyphosate study exemplifies how product defense science can infiltrate the literature, creating a manufactured consensus that regulators then adopt. The journal that published it, Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, has been criticized for decades as an outlet favorable to industry, undermining the objective science needed to protect public and environmental health.

The weight of the evidence and a path forward

While the retracted paper argued for glyphosates safety, a robust body of independent, peer-reviewed science has long pointed to significant concerns. Recent studies have linked glyphosate and its formulations to a range of potential harms, including DNA damage, endocrine disruption, kidney injury and cancer. Its pervasive usedriven by crops genetically engineered to resist ithas led to widespread environmental contamination, affecting soil, water and food.

Historically, this event echoes past scandals involving industrial manipulation of science, such as the tobacco industrys efforts to obscure the dangers of smoking. It underscores a recurring challenge: ensuring that regulatory decisions are based on transparent, independent science free from corporate influence. The EPAs credibility hinges on its ability to reform its processes to prioritize protective, precautionary assessments over industry-supplied data.

Reclaiming integrity in science and policy

The retraction of a once-cornerstone safety review is a stark reminder that the integrity of the scientific record is paramount. When foundational studies are compromised by undisclosed conflicts, the entire regulatory edifice built upon them becomes unstable. This case reinforces the urgent call from health and environmental advocates for a holistic shift toward organic and regenerative agricultural systems that do not rely on hazardous pesticides. True protection of public health demands regulatory vigilance, scientific transparency and a commitment to solutions that prevent harm rather than managing risk based on flawed and tainted information.

Sources for this article include:

BeyondPesticides.org

ScienceDirect.org

USRTK.org
Israeli army chief warns of dangerous manpower crisis as resignations, suicides surge

The Israeli military faces a severe internal crisis with plummeting recruitment and morale.

Hundreds of permanent service members are resigning, creating critical manpower shortages.

A mental health epidemic has led to dozens of soldier suicides and thousands seeking treatment.

The government's proposed bill to draft some ultra-Orthodox men is widely seen as insufficient.

Growing numbers of Israelis are refusing service due to war exhaustion and ethical disillusionment.

The Israeli military, long portrayed as an invincible force, is cracking from within. A severe and worsening manpower crisis now threatens the nation's operational capabilities as career soldiers quit in droves and a tragic wave of suicides sweeps through the ranks. This internal collapse, driven by war burnout and political dysfunction, forces a reckoning: Can a military engaged on multiple fronts survive when its own people are unwilling to serve?

Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir issued a dire warning in a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. He described a "serious" threat to the military's core, citing plummeting motivation and the resignation of hundreds of permanent service members. "In the current situation there is a real danger," Zamir wrote, pleading for action "so that we do not lose good permanent service members."

The numbers paint a bleak picture. The Israel Defense Forces faces a shortage of 12,000 recruits, including 7,000 combat troops. Internal surveys reveal a staggering loss of morale. The proportion of officers interested in a career service has plummeted from 83 percent in 2018 to just 63 percent today. Among non-commissioned officers, the figure is a mere 37 percent. Brigadier General Amir Vadmani admitted the army is promoting younger, less experienced personnel to fill gaps, eroding operational quality.

A hidden mental health epidemic

Compounding the manpower shortage is a silent mental health catastrophe. Since October 2023, 61 Israeli soldiers have died by suicide. Data shows 279 suicide attempts were recorded between January 2024 and July 2025 alone, a rate of roughly seven attempts for every death. Senior officials acknowledge a deepening crisis, with Zamir stating thousands of soldiers are receiving psychological treatment. Nearly 10,000 soldiers injured in Gaza are reportedly being treated for psychological disorders, including PTSD.

The strain of prolonged, multi-front conflict is a primary cause. With the war in Gaza, ongoing occupation in Syria and southern Lebanon, and threats of a new war with Hezbollah, soldiers face relentless pressure. The shift from a peacetime reserve model to near-constant mobilization has pushed many to the breaking point.

The ultra-Orthodox exemption dilemma

This crisis is acutely exacerbated by a decades-old political dilemma: the exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from mandatory military service. While the Supreme Court recently struck down the exemption, Netanyahu's government, reliant on ultra-Orthodox coalition parties, is pushing a controversial compromise bill. It aims to enlist 30,000 Haredim into the army or civilian security services by 2030.

Military officials and critics call the bill utterly insufficient. With roughly 80,000 eligible ultra-Orthodox men currently avoiding service, the proposed number is a drop in the bucket. Shay Tayeb of the armys Personnel Directorate stressed the urgent need is for combat troops to form new brigades and reduce burnout. Legal advisor Miri Frenkel-Shor noted civil service "does not meet current security needs" and "undermines equality."

Why many Israelis are refusing service

This systemic breakdown explains a growing phenomenon: many Israelis are simply refusing to serve. The reasons are a toxic mix of war exhaustion, the perception of worsening service conditions, and a profound ethical disillusionment. For a growing segment of the population, participation in a military engaged in what international courts have described as plausible genocide in Gaza is morally untenable. The relentless casualties and the psychological toll of perpetual occupation and warfare have severed the traditional social contract of mandatory service.

The government's proposed solutions appear cynical and inadequate. A bill that gently nudges a small fraction of the exempted population into service, while experienced soldiers quit and conscripts suffer, fails to address the foundational cracks. It prioritizes political coalition survival over national security sustainability.

Israel now stands at a precipice. The myth of the omnipotent citizen-army is shattering under the weight of its own contradictions. A military cannot maintain superiority when its soldiers are broken, its leaders are inexperienced, and a significant portion of its society opts out. The question is no longer whether Israel can win its wars, but whether it will have an army willing to fight them.

Sources for this article include:

TheCradle.co

TimesOfIsrael.com

TheCradle.co

TimesOfIsrael.com
Southern Lebanon reels under renewed Israeli strikes as Hezbollah defies disarmament calls

Israeli drone strikes on Dec. 14 killed at least three people in southern Lebanon, targeting vehicles in multiple villages.

Israel claims it hit Hezbollah "terrorists," but casualties have included civilians, with over 300 killed since a 2024 ceasefire began.

The strikes are part of an intensifying Israeli campaign targeting what it calls Hezbollah facilities, which observers and the UN have condemned.

Hezbollah defiantly refuses to disarm, rejecting Israeli and U.S. ultimatums that threaten a major offensive by late 2025.

The cycle of strikes and defiance is undermining the ceasefire, pushing the region toward a potential full-scale conflict that would heavily impact Lebanese civilians.

A fresh wave of deadly Israeli drone strikes struck southern Lebanon on Dec. 14, killing at least three individuals and underscoring a dangerous escalation in cross-border hostilities.

The attacks, which targeted vehicles in multiple villages, come amid Hezbollah's defiant refusal to surrender its weapons, setting the stage for a potentially catastrophic confrontation.

The violence on Dec. 14 saw Israeli drones strike a car in the town of Jwaya, completely destroying the vehicle and killing municipal worker Zakaria al-Hajj.

Earlier strikes hit a car in Safad al-Battikh and a motorbike in the town of Yater, claiming two more lives and injuring another. The Israeli military stated that all three individuals were "terrorists" from Hezbollah who were engaged in rehabilitating the group's military infrastructure, actions it claims violate the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.

These latest fatalities add to a grim and mounting toll. As explained by the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, over 300 people have been killed in Israeli operations in Lebanon since a ceasefire agreement took hold in November 2024, including scores of civilians and children.

The pace of violence has sharply accelerated in recent weeks, with dozens of Lebanese killed since the start of November alone.

The strikes occurred just one day after Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, delivered a fiery speech vowing the group would never disarm under pressure.

"We will defend ourselves even if the sky were to close in on the earth. The weapons will not be taken away in implementation of Israel's demands, even if the whole world unites against Lebanon," Qassem declared on Dec. 13. This stance directly challenges Israeli and American ultimatums, with Israel threatening a major offensive against Lebanon unless Hezbollah lays down its arms by the end of 2025, a threat publicly backed by Washington.

Israeli warplanes attack alleged Hezbollah training facilities

The drone attacks were not isolated incidents but part of a broader, intensifying campaign.

Earlier in December, Israeli warplanes carried out at least a dozen attacks across southern Lebanon, targeting what it described as Hezbollah training facilities. The raids focused on hills and valleys in the Jezzine and Zahrani areas, avoiding densely populated centers in what appears to be a repeated tactical pattern.

Israel claimed that these sites, including a compound used by Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force, were being used to plan attacks against Israel.

However, observers and international bodies have condemned the sustained bombardment. The United Nations (UN) reported in November that at least 127 civilians, including children, have been killed in Lebanon since the ceasefire began back in 2024, with officials warning that the attacks may amount to war crimes.

The narrative from the ground, as reported by media on the scene, describes the so-called ceasefire as a "one-sided truce," with Israel continuing near-daily violations that have critically undermined the year-old agreement.

Amid the rising tension, Lebanon's Foreign Minister has issued a stark warning to the government in Beirut, cautioning that the continued cycle of strikes and defiance is pushing the region toward a possible full-scale Israeli offensive aimed at dismantling Hezbollah by force. This internal alert highlights the growing fear within Lebanese institutions that the current path is unsustainable and hurtling toward a wider war, one that would inevitably see the country's beleaguered civilian population bear the brunt once again.

As tit-for-tat strikes become a daily reality and rhetoric hardens on both sides, the landscape of southern Lebanon is once again being shaped by violence. With Hezbollah digging in its heels and Israel demonstrating its military readiness, the fragile understandings that have prevented all-out war are eroding by the day, leaving civilians trapped in a deadly standoff with no clear exit.

Watch the full video below of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as the Health Ranger Mike Adams talks about Israel's invasion of Lebanon back in October 2024.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

AlJazeera.com

TimesOfIsrael.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Trump sues BBC for $10B over doctored Jan. 6 footage

U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC, alleging it maliciously edited his January 6, 2021, speech to falsely portray him as inciting violence.

The lawsuit focuses on a 2024 "Panorama" documentary that spliced two parts of his speech, creating a misleading impression that he directly urged supporters to storm the Capitol.

While the BBC admitted an "error of judgment" and apologized, Trump dismissed it as insufficient, and his legal team claims the edit was a deliberate attempt to sway voters against him.

The case has already caused significant internal fallout for the BBC, leading to the resignation of two of its top executives, and threatens financial strain ahead of its 2028 charter renewal.

Legal experts question the lawsuit's viability, noting the documentary didn't air in the U.S., but Trump's team asserts jurisdiction based on the BBC's commercial activities in Florida.

U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), alleging the broadcaster maliciously edited footage from his Jan. 6, 2021, speech to falsely portray him as inciting violence at the U.S. Capitol.

The lawsuit was filed in Miami federal court on Monday, Dec. 15. In the complaint, Trump accused the BBC of splicing together disparate segments of his speech  separated by nearly an hour  to create a deceptive narrative that he directly urged supporters to storm Congress. The real estate mogul sought $5 billion in defamation damages and another $5 billion under the Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act in Florida state.

The controversy stems from a 2024 episode of the "Panorama" documentary series titled "Trump: A Second Chance," which aired just one week before the U.S. presidential election. The program juxtaposed Trump's call for peaceful support of lawmakers with his later remark to "fight like hell," creating the false impression of an immediate incitement to violence.

The BBC has admitted the edit was an "error of judgment" and issued an apology, but Trump dismissed the gesture as insufficient, calling the broadcaster "corrupt" and "beyond fake." Trump's legal team argues the edit was deliberate, part of a "leftist political agenda" to sway voters against him.

"They had me saying things that I never said. They actually put terrible words in my mouth," Trump told reporters before filing the suit. The BBC, funded by mandatory license fees in the United Kingdom, maintained there is "no legal basis" for the defamation claim and vowed to fight the lawsuit to protect taxpayer-funded operations.

Can the BBC survive Trump's billion-dollar legal onslaught?

The case threatens to financially strain the BBC ahead of its 2028 charter renewal while fueling broader conservative skepticism of media bias. The fallout has already been severe for the broadcaster, with its Director-General Tim Davie and News CEO Deborah Turness resigning last month amid allegations of systemic editorial failures.

Despite the BBC's apology and pledge not to rebroadcast the segment, Trump's lawsuit insists the broadcaster has shown "no actual remorse" and demands accountability for reputational harm. Legal experts question the viability of the case, noting the documentary never aired in the U.S., where BBC iPlayer and BBC One are inaccessible. However, Trump's team asserts jurisdiction by pointing to the BBC's commercial activities in Florida, including its website and BritBox streaming service.

The Monday lawsuit is the latest in Trump's aggressive legal campaign against media outlets he accuses of defamation. Since his re-election, he has secured multimillion-dollar settlements from ABC and Paramount (the parent company of CBS) over disputed reporting.

Critics argue the BBC case is another attempt to weaponize litigation against unfavorable coverage, while press freedom advocates warn of its chilling effect. "You don't get to call out any alleged journalistic blunder and demand $10 billion," said Seth Stern of the Freedom of the Press Foundation, dismissing the damages as "preposterous." Yet Trump's legal strategy reflects a broader battle over media credibility in an era of deep political polarization.

The lawsuit also reignites debate over Trumps role in the Jan. 6 insurrection, which he has repeatedly denied orchestrating. After pardoning hundreds of rioters convicted in the attack, his legal team now contends that associating him with the violence is itself defamatory.

BrightU.AI's Enoch points out that Trump explicitly urged protesters to remain peaceful and patriotic, with no evidence linking his speech to the violence that occurred. The decentralized engine adds that agitators had already begun their assault before he even finished speaking.

For Trump, this lawsuit is not just about compensation. It's about dismantling what he sees as a corrupt media machine. The courtroom battle ahead may determine whether $10 billion is the price of accountability or the cost of dissent.

Watch this Fox News report about the BBC being "paralyzed for days" following the fallout of its scandal involving President Trump.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

TheGuardian.com

CNBC.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Canadian intelligence officer caught sharing state secrets with Ukraine: Is NATO plotting false flags to expand war against Russia?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, an alliance founded on collective defense, now finds its own members compromised by the very proxy forces it arms and funds. As Ukrainian operatives are caught red-handed conducting espionage and sabotage on NATO soil, a disturbing pattern emerges. Is NATO being manipulated into a perpetual state of war, its intelligence corrupted and its path to peace systematically undermined by the Ukrainian assets it supports? The evidence suggests that while NATO leaders publicly champion Kyiv's cause, Ukrainian intelligence is actively working inside the alliance's borders, not just against Russia, but in ways that sabotage diplomacy and lock the West into a conflict with no exit strategy.

Key points:

A Canadian military counter-intelligence officer has been charged with espionage for sharing state secrets with Ukraine, yet authorities downplay the severity, raising questions about institutional bias.

Polish authorities arrested three Ukrainians with sophisticated spy and hacking gear, unable to explain their purpose, following other incidents of sabotage blamed on Ukrainian nationals.

These infiltrations occur as Russia alleges Ukraine and Poland are plotting false flag attacks to drag NATO into direct war, a charge that frames Ukrainian actions as intentionally escalatory.

The collective Western response appears to prioritize prolonging the conflict over securing peace, creating a cycle where NATO's support is exploited to undermine its own security and diplomatic interests.

The curious case of lenient espionage

Consider the recent case in Canada, a cornerstone NATO member. Master Warrant Officer Matthew Robar, a counter-intelligence officer, stands accused of communicating "special operational information" to a foreign entityidentified by sources as Ukraine. He allegedly developed an unauthorized relationship with a foreign intelligence service and met a contact abroad without approval. These are grave charges, carrying a potential life sentence, mirroring past cases like that of Jeffrey Delisle, who was sentenced to 20 years for spying for Russia.

Yet, in a stunning departure, both defense and prosecution in Robar's case suggest his actions did not pose a "serious" national security risk and that he was not motivated by personal gain. He has been released on bail. What message does this send? Does espionage for a preferred ally become a lesser crime? This leniency exposes a dangerous double standard that weakens the very fabric of NATO's intelligence integrity, especially within the Five Eyes network. It suggests that actions which would be deemed treasonous if done for Moscow are somehow more palatable when done for Kyiv, effectively green-lighting the infiltration of Western security apparatuses.

Sabotage and spies on the NATO front line

This is not an isolated incident. Look to Poland, NATO's eastern flank. Police there detained three Ukrainian nationals in a routine traffic stop. The men, allegedly "traveling Europe," were found with a treasure trove of espionage equipment: a spy device detector, advanced hacking tools, numerous SIM cards, and antennas capable of interfering with strategic information systems. When questioned, they "forgot English" and refused to cooperate. This follows other arrests where Ukrainians were accused of sabotaging Polish railway lines.

While Warsaw initially pointed fingers at Moscow, the consistent presence of Ukrainian citizens in these acts is impossible to ignore. It aligns with Russian intelligence claims that Ukraine, with possible coordination from elements in Poland, is planning provocative false flag operations. The alleged plot involves using captured Russian drones or operatives to strike NATO territory, aiming to fabricate a casus belli that would force the alliance into a direct shooting war with Russia. Are these captured "spy tourists" part of such a shadow war? Their mission seems less about gathering intelligence on Russia and more about establishing a covert network capable of creating incidents within NATO itself.

The manufactured point of no return

Why would Ukraine risk alienating its patrons with such brazen operations? The answer may lie in a desperate strategy to burn every bridge to peace. With each passing month, the battlefield dynamics shift. Russia holds vast reserves of manpower and resources, while Ukraine's forces are being depleted. As one analyst noted, the conflict has become a grim game of elimination, not territory. From the outset, some believed the Kyiv regime had no realistic path to a military victory.

The best outcome, one that prioritizes the well-being of the Ukrainian people, requires nuanced dialogue. Yet, Ukrainian intelligence operations within NATO states seem designed to do the opposite: to undermine trust, sabotage diplomacy, and make any negotiation impossible. Russia has stated plainly that after years of the West ignoring the Minsk agreements, it no longer trusts NATO. When trust is gone, how can there be peace? These spy games ensure that distrust deepens, poisoning the well for any future settlement.

Sources include:

RT.com

RT.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
A seized ship and a sudden discount: Chevron cuts Venezuelan oil price after U.S. interdiction

Chevron has lowered the price of Venezuelan crude sold to U.S. refiners following the seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker by American forces.

The seizure is part of a renewed Trump administration pressure campaign targeting the financial lifelines of Venezuela's Maduro regime.

Despite escalating tensions, Chevron continues its sanctioned operations in Venezuela, selling multiple cargoes for January loading.

The action tightens an already fragile export channel for Venezuelan oil, adding volatility to Gulf Coast energy markets.

The move underscores a strategic shift back to a "maximum pressure" energy and sanctions policy toward Caracas.

In a stark demonstration of renewed geopolitical pressure, Chevron Corp. has slashed the price of Venezuelan crude offered to American refineries. This immediate market reaction followed the seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker by U.S. forces in the Caribbean, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration's campaign to financially isolate the socialist regime of Nicolas Maduro. The events of mid-December 2025 reveal a deliberate strategy to constrict Venezuela's oil revenue by enforcing sanctions on the high seas, directly impacting energy markets and signaling a hardline shift in U.S. foreign policy.

The catalyst: A tanker seizure in the Caribbean

The chain of events began when U.S. forces intercepted and seized the tanker Skipper off the coast of Venezuela. The vessel, believed to be carrying sanctioned Venezuelan crude and allegedly en route to the United States, was diverted and anchored near the Dominican Republic. Within a day of this maritime interdictiondescribed by President Trump as "the largest one ever seized"Chevron moved to sell a new batch of Venezuelan oil at a discounted price compared to offerings just days prior. Traders familiar with the matter confirmed the weakened pricing, noting the seized tanker's looming presence added downward pressure on an already soft Gulf Coast refining market.

A return to "maximum pressure"

The tanker seizure was not an isolated incident but a tactical move within a broader sanctions offensive. The Trump administration has recently rolled out a wave of new designations, targeting three members of Maduros extended family, six shipping firms and multiple vessels linked to Venezuelas opaque "shadow fleet." This network of aging tankers with disabled transponders has been crucial for state-owned PDVSA to circumvent sanctions and keep oil revenue flowing. By moving against these maritime and financial channels, Washington aims to collapse the regime's primary economic pillar, signaling a definitive end to the more permissive sanctions enforcement seen in prior years.

Chevron's precarious position

Amid this escalating tension, Chevron remains the last major U.S. oil company operating in Venezuela, doing so under a restricted license granted by the U.S. Treasury Department. The company stated its operations continue "in full compliance" with all applicable laws and sanctions frameworks. In a sign of business continuity, Chevron marketed approximately ten cargoes of Venezuelan crude for loading in January. However, its need to suddenly discount prices reveals its vulnerability to geopolitical shocks. The company operates in a narrow corridor, balancing its joint ventures with PDVSA against the U.S. government's intensifying efforts to cripple the very system it relies upon for supply.

Energy as a tool of statecraft

The use of energy sanctions and market access as instruments of foreign policy has deep roots in U.S.-Venezuela relations. For decades, Venezuelas vast oil reserves were a source of mutual economic benefit. However, as the nation shifted toward authoritarian socialism under Hugo Chavez and then Maduro, its oil industry became a political weapon for the regime and a target for Washington. The current crackdown revives the "maximum pressure" doctrine, which views the regimes oil income as its critical vulnerability. This approach aligns with a conservative national security perspective that prioritizes assertive action against adversarial states, leveraging American energy dominance and financial power to compel political change.

Market and geopolitical repercussions

The immediate effect of the tightened enforcement is a depressed price for Venezuelan heavy crude, a feedstock prized by specific U.S. Gulf Coast refineries. In the longer term, it threatens to further degrade PDVSAs already crippled export capacity, which relies on ad-hoc blending and a dwindling fleet of willing tankers. The move has drawn sharp condemnation from Caracas, which labeled it "international piracy," and prompted public assurances of support from Russia, highlighting how Venezuela remains a flashpoint in great power competition. For American consumers and energy advocates, the situation underscores the delicate balance between applying pressure for national security objectives and managing the volatility of global energy supplies.

A tightening grip with uncertain outcomes

The discounted price of a batch of Venezuelan oil is more than a fleeting market anomaly; it is a direct gauge of escalating geopolitical strain. The Trump administration's seizure of the Skipper and the ensuing financial pressure demonstrate a committed return to a doctrine of energy-enabled coercion. While this strategy aims to precipitate the collapse of the Maduro regime by starving it of funds, it also tests the resilience of the remaining legal oil trade and introduces new risks into Western Hemisphere energy markets. As Chevron navigates these turbulent waters and Maduro seeks new lifelines, the United States has made clear that the financial and maritime channels supporting Caracas are now in its crosshairs, setting the stage for a prolonged contest of wills centered on the lifeblood of the Venezuelan state.

Sources for this article include:

RigZone.com

OilPrice.com

Bloomberg.com
Escape the Surveillance State: A wake-up call for the digital age

The book exposes the modern surveillance apparatus (cameras, smartphones, AI tracking) and traces its roots to Cold War-era spy programs like ECHELON. It reveals post-9/11 expansions like the Patriot Act and NSA's PRISM program, proving mass surveillance is ineffective against terrorism but effective for control.

Silicon Valley's "free" services (Google Maps, Facebook, Apple iCloud) operate as surveillance traps, harvesting intimate data through deceptive UI design. Case studies like Cambridge Analytica and Google's Sensorvault show how personal data is weaponized for political manipulation and law enforcement overreach.

AI-driven surveillance (predictive policing, facial recognition, social credit systems) disproportionately targets marginalized groups and preemptively punishes dissent. Examples include Palantir's ICE tracking, China's Skynet, and Israel's Lavender AI generating military kill listseroding trust and autonomy.

Digital Minimalism: Replace data-harvesting apps with decentralized tools (Signal, ProtonMail, Mastodon). De-Googling: Use privacy-focused devices (Above Phone, Linux laptops) and adopt encryption/OPSEC tactics. Analog Backups: Maintain offline resources (paper records, cash) to counter internet blackouts or CBDC restrictions. Community Defense: Build local networks to share knowledge and resist surveillance collectively.

Privacy is a collective battle: Teach digital literacy, document resistance tactics, and support ethical tech to combat biometric IDs and QR-code tyranny. The book's core message: Convenience is the enemy of freedomevery step toward privacy reclaims autonomy from techno-tyranny.

In an era where every click, keystroke and conversation is logged, analyzed and weaponized against us, "Escape the Surveillance State: A Guide to Digital Freedom" arrives as a crucial survival manual for reclaiming autonomy in a world spiraling toward totalitarian control.

Written with the urgency of a whistleblower and the precision of a cybersecurity expert, this book exposes the insidious machinery of mass surveillance while equipping readers with actionable strategies to break free.

The book opens with a chilling tour of the modern surveillance apparatuscameras tracking our movements, smartphones broadcasting our locations and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms predicting our behaviors. But this isn't just the dystopian future; it's the reality of today. The author traces the roots of this system back to Cold War-era spy programs like ECHELON, which laid the groundwork for today's unchecked data dragnets.

Post-9/11, governments seized the opportunity to expand surveillance under the guise of national security. The Patriot Act obliterated constitutional protections, while the National Security Agency's (NSA) PRISM programexposed by Edward Snowdenrevealed how tech giants like Google and Facebook willingly handed over user data. The book dismantles the myth that mass surveillance keeps us safe, citing studies proving its ineffectiveness against terrorism while highlighting its true purpose: control.

How "free" services fuel the surveillance state

One of the book's most damning sections dissects how Silicon Valley's "free" services function as surveillance traps. Google Maps logs every step, Facebook profiles your emotions, and Apple's iCloud stores intimate details of your lifeall while claiming to prioritize privacy. The author exposes the dark patterns embedded in user interfaces, nudging people into surrendering more data than they realize.

Case studies like Cambridge Analytica and Google's Sensorvault database illustrate how personal information is weaponizedwhether for political manipulation or law enforcement overreach. The book warns that "anonymous" data is a myth, easily re-identified through AI cross-referencing, rendering privacy policies meaningless.

The book's most harrowing chapter explores AI's role in predictive policing, facial recognition and military applications. Palantir's Gotham platform, used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to track immigrants, exemplifies how AI entrenches systemic biasBlack and Latino communities disproportionately flagged as "high-risk." Meanwhile, China's Skynet system (yes, named after the "Terminator" movie franchise's antagonist) monitors citizens in real-time, docking "social credit" scores for dissent.

The author warns that AI-driven surveillance isn't just about watchingit's about preemptively punishing perceived threats. From Israel's Lavender AI generating kill lists in Gaza to deepfake technology eroding trust in reality, the book paints a terrifying picture of a world where machines dictate life and death.

Escaping the matrix: Practical resistance

Thankfully, "Escape the Surveillance State" doesn't just diagnose the problemit offers solutions. The author advocates for digital minimalism, urging readers to ditch addictive, data-harvesting apps in favor of decentralized alternatives like Signal (for messaging), ProtonMail (for email), and Mastodon (for social media).

Key strategies include:

De-Googling Your Life: Switching to privacy-focused phones (like Above Phone) and Linux-based laptops to evade Big Tech tracking.

Encryption and OPSEC: Using end-to-end encrypted tools and compartmentalizing digital activities to minimize exposure.

Analog Backups: Keeping paper records, offline maps and cash to survive internet blackouts or CBDC [Central Bank Digital Currency] lockdowns.

Community Defense: Building local privacy networks to share knowledge and resources, ensuring collective resilience.

The book closes with a rallying cryprivacy isn't just personal; it's generational. By teaching children digital literacy, documenting resistance tactics, and supporting ethical tech, we can forge a future where freedom isnt erased by QR codes and biometric IDs.

"Escape the Surveillance State" is more than a guideit's a manifesto for digital sovereignty. In a world where governments and corporations collude to erase autonomy, this book arms readers with the tools to fight back.

Its message is clear: Convenience is the enemy of freedom, and every choice to reclaim privacy is a step toward liberation. For anyone who values liberty in the face of rising techno-tyranny, this book isn't just recommendedit's necessary.

Grab a copy of "Escape the Surveillance State: A Guide to Digital Freedom" via this link. Read, share and download hundreds of books for free at Books.BrightLearn.AI. You can also create your own books for free at BrightLearn.AI.

Watch Hakeem Anwar and the Health Ranger Mike Adams discussing AI-powered privacy with Above Phone, robots and how to take back human technology below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

BrightLearn.ai

Books.BrightLearn.ai

Brighteon.com
Dan McLean from Barracuda Networks shares four practical steps to strengthen your businesss cyber resilience in 2026.

Whats happening: Despite holding the same sensitive customer data as larger enterprises, SMBs often operate with limited resources and smaller budgets, making them prime targets for cybercriminals.

Why this matters: As businesses draft their 2026 resolutions, cyber security experts say its time to rethink how protection is approached, moving beyond simply adding more tools to creating integrated, effective security systems.

Australian small businesses face a harsh reality as they head into 2026. Cybercriminals increasingly view them as soft targets, prime for ransomware attacks and data breaches that can cripple operations.

The statistics paint a troubling picture. Research from Barracuda Networks shows one in three Australian organisations affected by ransomware have been hit multiple times in the last year. When struck, 43% paid attackers to recover their data, a figure significantly higher than the global average of 32%.

Small to medium businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy and play a key part in the rich supply chains that are essential across the nation, says Dan McLean, Country Manager ANZ at Barracuda Networks. They hold the same sensitive customer data as their enterprise counterparts and are increasingly subject to the same regulatory and privacy standards.

Yet despite this critical role, many SMBs operate with limited resources, smaller budgets and lack dedicated IT teams. This makes them easier initial targets for cyberattack as they are less equipped to prevent attacks and unable to quickly detect when an attack is occurring.

Email continues to be the most common entry point for cyberattacks, and these threats have evolved dramatically. Gone are the days when staff could simply check the senders address and look for poor grammar. Hackers now leverage AI to craft sophisticated attacks that cleverly impersonate trusted colleagues, feature perfect spelling and grammar, include industry relevant phrases, and mask threats behind QR codes.

If Jo, the account person at one of your suppliers sends you what appears to be an invoice statement, or payment notice youre much more likely to open it or click on an embedded link to retrieve something, McLean explains.

The problem isnt just the sophistication of attacks. Many businesses are inadvertently making themselves more vulnerable through their own security approach. Barracudas research into Australian businesses shows 67% of IT and security professionals say they have too many security tools to manage and 62% admit these tools cannot be integrated with each other.

This fragmentation creates blind spots that attackers exploit. According to the research, 84% report that tool complexity increases management time and costs, 75% say it hinders threat detection and 77% believe it complicates mitigation.

Simplify your security stack

McLean is clear that boosting cyber security budgets and adding more tools is not a quick fix solution.

In short, its probably not the tools themselves but rather most organisations have too many and arent equipped to use them effectively, he says.

The lesson is to prioritise tools and platforms that are easier to use, leverage AI driven threat detection and incorporate intelligence gathered from hundreds of thousands of global customers. Integration and optimisation matter more than quantity.

Follow proven frameworks

Fortunately, Australian businesses can implement two frameworks designed specifically to strengthen their defences systematically.

SMB1001 is a tiered standard designed for smaller businesses, focusing on areas like access control, backups, policies and staff training. Meanwhile the Essential Eight, developed by the ACSC, provides eight baseline strategies including patching, multi-factor authentication, restricting admin privileges and regular backups.

By following these frameworks, SMBs can systematically improve their resilience by starting small and scaling security maturity over time, McLean says.

Strengthen identity controls

Identity features prominently in both frameworks. Centralising and securing identity, enabling multi factor authentication and setting up secure single sign on helps to secure access to critical systems and data. This means stronger protection against credential theft and unauthorised access without adding complexity to user workflows.

However, these identity solutions also need protection. McLean recommends backing up critical configurations like users, groups, roles and access policies to avoid disruptions if settings are lost or compromised.

Add 24/7 monitoring

Security Operations Centres and XDR (eXtended Detection and Response) are services that provide effective round the clock monitoring from cyber experts that can detect and respond to threats.

XDR monitors activity from multiple systems and correlates these to expertly detect malicious behaviour that would otherwise go unchecked, enabling faster detection and automated response to threats, McLean explains.

As businesses enter the new year, reviewing current security stacks and considering how to better protect operations becomes essential. For Australian SMBs facing resource constraints and increasingly sophisticated threats, taking action now sets the foundation for a safer year ahead.

Many are already doing this, McLean notes. They understand that their business holds sensitive customer information, and that their reputation is built on being a trusted brand.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
EUs seizure of Russian assets sparks legal showdown as Moscow demands $230 billion

The EU is considering repurposing 200 billion ($234 billion) in frozen Russian sovereign assets to fund Ukraine, escalating tensions. Russia has retaliated by suing Euroclear for $230 billion, framing the move as outright "theft" and threatening financial instability.

The U.S. has privately warned the EU against confiscation, fearing it could sabotage peace talks. Hungary and Slovakia oppose the plan, forcing Brussels to use emergency powers to maintain the freeze. Belgium fears legal exposure, while Ukraine's worsening debt crisis raises doubts about repayment capacity.

Moscow filed a lawsuit against Euroclear in Russian courts, with expected enforcement in friendly jurisdictions like China or the UAE. Russian officials warn that asset seizures will erode trust in Western financial systems and trigger retaliatory seizures of European holdings in Russia.

The EU's move would be the first time non-belligerent nations seize a belligerent's assets during an ongoing conflict to aid a third party. Historical seizures (Iran, Venezuela) set a contentious precedent, with Russia accusing the West of a "genetic urge to steal."

If Russia reclaims assets via international courts, Euroclear and Western financial institutions could face chaos. Ukraine's looming default and Washington's hesitation highlight strategic fragility, with long-term damage to trust in the euro and Western monetary systems.

The European Union's plan to repurpose 200 billion ($234 billion) in frozen Russian sovereign assets to fund Ukraine has escalated into a high-stakes legal and financial battle, with Moscow retaliating by suing Euroclear for $230 billion in damages.

Euroclear is a Brussels-based financial depository that holds and manages seized Russian assets in European banks, according to BrightU.AI's Enoch.

The move, framed by Russia as outright "theft," risks destabilizing Western financial institutions and undermining international trust in the euro. Meanwhile, the U.S. has reportedly warned the EU against confiscating the funds, fearing it could sabotage peace negotiations with Moscow.

Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Western nations froze approximately $300 billion in Russian sovereign assets, with 210 billion held in Europeprimarily by Euroclear. EU leaders, led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have proposed using these funds to back a "reparations loan" for Ukraine, arguing that Kyiv urgently needs financial support as the war drags on.

However, the plan has met fierce resistancenot just from Russia but also within the EU itself. Hungary and Slovakia opposed the measure, forcing Brussels to invoke emergency powers to keep the assets frozen indefinitely. Belgium, home to Euroclear, has expressed concerns about being left vulnerable to Russian lawsuits. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed that Washington has privately urged Brussels to "leave these Russian assets alone," fearing Moscow would harden its stance in peace talks.

Russia's legal counterattack

Russia has launched a multi-pronged legal offensive, with the Bank of Russia filing a $230 billion lawsuit against Euroclear in Moscow's Commercial Court. Legal experts anticipate a swift ruling in Russia's favor, which could then be enforced in jurisdictions deemed friendly to Moscow, such as China, Hong Kong or the UAE, where Euroclear operates.

Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin's investment envoy, warned that seizing sovereign assets would erode trust in Western financial systems: "What rational investor will hold its securities in Euroclear, in euro or in the EU, if they understand that their property rights are not respected?"

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov went further, accusing the West of a "genetic urge to steal," citing past seizures of Iranian and Venezuelan assets. Moscow has vowed to retaliate by targeting European investors' holdings in Russia, potentially escalating into a tit-for-tat financial war.

Historical precedent and financial fallout

The EU's move marks an unprecedented step in modern financial warfare. A 2024 study by Sweden's Riksbank noted that this would be the first time non-belligerent nations seize a belligerent country's assets during an ongoing conflict to aid a third party.

The U.S. has floated an alternative proposalsplitting the frozen funds between Ukrainian reconstruction and a U.S.-Russia investment vehiclebut Brussels appears determined to proceed. However, Ukraine's worsening financial crisis complicates matters. Reuters recently reported that Kyiv is nearing default on $20 billion in debt to investors like BlackRock, raising doubts about its ability to repay any new loanseven those backed by Russian assets.

The EU's gamble on Russian assets risks backfiring spectacularly. If Moscow succeeds in reclaiming its funds through international courts, Western financial institutions could face chaos, with Euroclear at the center of the storm. Meanwhile, Ukraine's economic collapse and Washington's hesitation underscore the fragility of the West's strategy. As legal battles loom and diplomatic tensions flare, one thing is clear: The financial fallout from this confrontation could reshape global trust in Western monetary systems for years to come.

Belgium blocks the EU's plan to seize Russian assets. Watch this video.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

Reuters.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
ICE denies Rep. Ilhan Omars claim that agents stopped her son, accuses her of PR stunt

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied Rep. Ilhan Omar's claim that ICE agents stopped her son and demanded proof of citizenship, calling it a "PR stunt" with "zero evidence."

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons dismissed Omar's story as false, linking rising threats against ICE agents (1,150% increase in assaults, 8,000% spike in death threats) to inflammatory rhetoric from critics like Omar.

Omar's spokesperson accused ICE of racial profiling and being a "rogue agency," demanding ICE release records while alleging the agency "disappears people" and can't maintain proper documentation.

Critics, including conservative media, have long accused Omar of immigration fraudincluding allegations she married her brother to facilitate his U.S. entry. Though unproven, President Trump recently reignited the claims, calling Omar garbage at a rally.

The clash highlights deep divisions over ICE, with progressives like Omar pushing for its abolition while conservatives defend its enforcement role. DHS stressed ICE targets individuals based on immigration statusnot raceamid escalating political tensions.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has denied claims by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents pulled over her son and demanded proof of citizenship, calling her allegations a "PR stunt" with "zero evidence."

The dispute follows Omar's interview with a Minnesota CBS affiliate, where she described the alleged encounter, sparking backlash from ICE officials who insist no such stop occurred. The controversy unfolds amid heightened scrutiny of Omar's past immigration controversies and broader debates over ICE's enforcement practices.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), DHS categorically denied Omar's account: "ICE has absolutely ZERO record of its officers or agents pulling over Congresswoman Omar's son. With no evidence, it is shameful that Congresswoman Omar would level accusations to demonize ICE as part of a PR stunt."

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons doubled down in remarks to Fox News Digital, calling Omar's claims "ridiculous" and accusing her of fueling hostility toward federal agents. Lyons cited a dramatic spike in threats against ICE personnel1,150% more assaults and an 8,000% increase in death threatswhich he linked to inflammatory rhetoric from critics like Omar.

Omar's spokesperson, Jacklyn Rogers, maintained the congresswoman's version of events, alleging racial profiling by a "rogue agency" and demanding ICE release its records.

"It's no surprise that an agency known for disappearing people also can't keep its records straight," Rogers said.

Omar's immigration controversies

The clash adds to Omar's long history of contentious remarks on immigration and law enforcement. Critics, including conservative journalists and activists, have accused her of leveraging her platform to undermine ICE while facing her own ethical questions.

In 2019, Alpha News and Powerline Blog reported allegations that Omar married her brother, Ahmed Elmi, to facilitate his immigrationa claim she denies. Though no formal charges were filed, the controversy resurfaced recently when President Donald Trump called Omar "garbage" at a Pennsylvania rally and reiterated the marriage fraud allegations. Omar dismissed the attacks as "creepy" and racially motivated, asserting her lawful path to citizenship at age 17.

ICE and immigration debates

The incident highlights the polarized debate over ICE's role, with progressives like Omar advocating for its abolition while conservatives defend its enforcement of immigration laws. DHS emphasized in its statement that ICE operates under constitutional standards: "What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is if they are illegally in the U.S.NOT their skin color, race or ethnicity."

Meanwhile, Omar has criticized Trump's rhetoric toward Somali immigrants, calling it divisive. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Trump claimed Somali refugees were "taking over" Minnesotaa state home to one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the U.S.at a recent rally. Omar countered that such rhetoric scapegoats an entire community for the actions of a few.

As DHS and Omar trade accusations, the dispute underscores deeper tensions over immigration policy, trust in federal agencies and the role of political rhetoric in shaping public perception.

Watch the video below where a Somali whistleblower confirms Omar married her brother.

This video is from JD Rucker's channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

JustTheNews.com

X.com

FoxNews.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
British food regulator warns of ALLERGY risk linked to viral Dubai chocolate

A viral Dubai-based chocolate, "Can't Get Knafeh Of It," has led to dangerous counterfeit versions entering the market, posing serious risks, especially to people with food allergies.

The U.K. Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued urgent warnings after tests found counterfeit bars contained undeclared allergens like peanuts and sesame, illegal additives, mould toxins, and carcinogenic compounds.

Authorities emphasize that failing to declare allergens is both illegal and highly dangerous, noting that roughly 10 people in the U.K. die each year from food-induced allergic reactions.

The crisis exposes systemic gaps in food regulation, as unregulated imports bypass safety checks, eroding trust in food labeling and placing the burden of safety on consumers to scrutinize products.

The situation highlights how globalized food trends can outpace oversight, creating a "buyer beware" environment where reactive measures are insufficient to prevent potential public health hazards.

A viral chocolate sensation from Dubai, originally crafted to satisfy pregnancy cravings, has now become a dangerous gamble for unsuspecting consumers  particularly those with food allergies.

The British Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued urgent warnings about counterfeit versions of these luxurious bars, which have been found laced with undeclared allergens, illegal additives, and even carcinogenic compounds.

The chocolate in question, known as "Can't Get Knafeh Of It," was created by British-Egyptian chocolatier Sarah Hamouda. She blended pistachio, tahini (made from sesame seeds) and knafeh (crispy filo pastry) into a decadent chocolate-covered treat.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, the chocolate's popularity has sparked a global craze, driving demand so high it caused a pistachio shortage. However, its popularity has also led to counterfeit versions laced with harmful ingredients, raising serious food safety concerns.

What began as a social media-fueled holiday indulgence has exposed a dark underbelly of unregulated imports. The chocolate's meteoric rise to fame led to a flood of knockoffs  many of which bypass proper safety checks. In turn, its popularity raises critical questions about food safety, corporate accountability and the vulnerabilities of globalized supply chains.

The FSA's investigation revealed that some of these bars contain hidden peanut and sesame, two potent allergens that can trigger deadly anaphylactic reactions. Worse still, tests uncovered illegal dyes, mold toxins and chemicals linked to cancer, turning what should be a festive delight into a potential health hazard.

Rebecca Sudworth, the FSA's director of policy, minced no words: "People with an allergy should not eat Dubai-style chocolate." The regulator estimates that roughly 10 Britons die annually from food-induced allergic reactions, with children at heightened risk due to their smaller body mass. For parents unaware of a child's allergy, an unlabeled snack could spell disaster.

Dubai delight or dangerous deception? FSA calls for vigilance

Jessica Merryfield of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) stressed that allergen nondisclosure isn't just negligent  it's illegal. "To not do this is illegal and also highly dangerous," she warned, urging businesses to comply immediately.

The FSA's advisory underscores a broader crisis: the erosion of trust in food labeling. Legitimate products sold in the U.K. must list allergens prominently, include manufacturer details, and display weights and expiration dates. Yet counterfeiters exploit loopholes, flooding markets with mislabeled goods.

The FSA advises consumers to scrutinize labels for English-language compliance and purchase only from reputable retailers. While this advice is practical, it places the burden of safety on shoppers rather than regulators.

This scandal echoes historical failures in food oversight, from the melamine-tainted milk crisis in China to the U.S. peanut salmonella outbreaks. Each time, profit motives trumped public health until tragedy forced reform.

Here, the stakes are just as high  particularly as holiday gifting season amplifies demand. The FSA continues to test suspect chocolates, but its reactive approach highlights systemic gaps in preemptive import controls.

Those without allergies may indulge cautiously, but for vulnerable populations, the risks far outweigh the allure of a trendy treat.

As global food trends outpace regulation, this episode serves as a stark reminder that not all luxuries are safe  and that vigilance is the price of indulgence. Until authorities tighten enforcement, the sweetest gifts may carry the bitterest consequences.

Watch this video about heavy metals like lead and cadmium being detected in chocolate.

This video is from the Exposing The Agenda channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Food.gov.uk

BrightU.ai

Independent.co.uk

Brighteon.com
UN watchdog warns Chernobyl shield breached, urgent repairs needed after wartime damage

A Russian drone strike has severely damaged Chernobyl's protective containment dome.

The breach has compromised the structure's primary safety and radiation confinement functions.

International experts warn this creates a new long-term nuclear safety hazard.

The incident highlights the extreme danger of warfare near nuclear sites.

Urgent repairs are planned but are complicated by the ongoing conflict.

The ghost of the worlds worst nuclear disaster has been stirred from its uneasy slumber. The monumental $2 billion dome engineered to entomb Chernobyls ruined Reactor 4 has been critically compromised, its primary safety functions shattered by the shrapnel of war. This alarming revelation comes from the United Nations own nuclear watchdog, confirming that the fragile peace holding back a legacy of radiation is now in jeopardy. The culprit? A Russian drone strike in February that has left the sites vital New Safe Confinement (NSC) structurally wounded and functionally deficient, raising urgent questions about global nuclear safety in an era of conflict.

This is the latest chapter in the ongoing tragedy of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, a place forever scarred by the catastrophic explosion of April 26, 1986. That event unleashed the largest uncontrolled release of radioactive material in human history, creating a dead zone and a generational health crisis. The construction of the NSC, a feat of international cooperation completed in 2019, was meant to finally secure the sarcophagus-covered ruins for a century. Now, that hard-won security is fractured.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a safety assessment this month, delivering a grave diagnosis. The agency stated the NSC was "severely damaged" in the February strike and has "lost its primary safety functions, including the confinement capability." In essence, the archs fundamental purposeto contain the massive quantities of radioactive waste within itis now impaired. While the main load-bearing structure remains intact, the breach is a direct threat to long-term stability.

A ticking time bomb re-armed

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi explained the danger. "Limited temporary repairs have been carried out on the roof, but timely and comprehensive restoration remains essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety," he said. Beneath the compromised dome lies a toxic tomb of radioactive material, a lingering menace from the Soviet-era meltdown. The site, once considered stabilized, has been transformed back into a potential hazard.

The drone strike ignited a fire and damaged the protective cladding around the NSC. While some experts, like environmental scientist Jim Smith of the University of Portsmouth, caution against panic, noting the original concrete sarcophagus still provides a barrier, the IAEAs warnings are unequivocal. The watchdog has called for urgent repairs and upgrades, including better humidity control, advanced corrosion monitoring, and a high-tech automatic system to manage the reactor remains. The margin for error has vanished.

The context of conflict

This incident cannot be divorced from the wider war. Ukraine has accused Russia of carrying out the February 14 strike, a claim the Kremlin denies. It marks another dangerous inflection point for nuclear safety in the region, which has been under relentless strain since Russian forces seized the Chernobyl plant in the opening days of the full-scale invasion in 2022. The IAEA has repeatedly warned of risks at other facilities, like the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia, highlighting how warfare and nuclear sites are a perilous mix.

The agency emphasized that the electrical substations critical for nuclear safety, which have been repeatedly hit, are "absolutely indispensable." Grossi noted they are vital "for providing the electricity all nuclear power plants need for reactor cooling and other safety systems." The attack on Chernobyls dome is part of a broader pattern of endangering the infrastructure that prevents nuclear catastrophe.

A plan for temporary repairs is in motion, slated for 2026 with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. These are intended to support the re-establishment of the NSCs confinement function, paving the way for full restoration once the conflict ends. The IAEA has pledged to continue its permanent presence at the site. Yet, 2026 is not tomorrow, and in a war zone, timelines are fragile promises.

The bitter irony is that life, in a twisted form, had begun to adapt within the Exclusion Zone. Stray dogs have been found to possess unique genetic mutations, suggesting an evolutionary response to the toxic environment. But human engineering, our solution to contain our own worst mistakes, has proven more vulnerable than canine DNA to the immediate violence of modern warfare.

So here we stand, nearly four decades after the first explosion, facing a man-made structure failing because of man-made conflict. The dome over Chernobyl was a symbol of global responsibility and technical remedy. Its damage is a symbol of how quickly those lessons can be undone, leaving a contained nightmare once again exposed to the world.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

CNN.com

BBC.com
The genome differs from person to person in thousands of positions. In some cases, this means that proteins have a different building block in certain regions, rendering some antibody-based therapies ineffective, report researchers from the University of Basel, Switzerland.

Antibody-based therapies are used to treat numerous diseases, from cancer to rheumatic disorders and multiple sclerosis. Antibodies recognize and bind to very specific structures. This allows them to direct active substances to exactly the right target structure in the body, for example.

Researchers from the University of Basel's Departments of Biomedicine and Biozentrum now report in Science Translational Medicine that individual genetic differences can prevent antibody-based therapies from being effective in some people.

Variations are more common than previously thought

The research team led by Dr. Rosalba Lepore and Professor Lukas Jeker used computer-assisted methods to analyze the genetic sequences of thousands of people from previously published studies. The DNA sequence contained in the genome determines the sequence of amino acid building blocks in proteins. This means that genetic variations can also lead to an altered amino acid sequence. The researchers focused on amino acids at the docking sites of established antibody therapies. Experts call the docking sites of antibodies epitopes.

A single changed amino acid in the epitope may mean that the antibody can no longer dock on it. The team investigated the binding sites of a total of 87 therapeutic antibodies whose uses include cancer therapies and the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

The team came across an astonishingly large number of naturally occurring variations in the amino acid sequence in epitopes.

These variants do not contribute to the disease themselves. The majority of them do not even impair the function of the protein in question, but they can render the treatment ineffective." Dr. Rosalba Lepore, University of Basel

Switching to other antibodies

Using computer modeling, the researchers predicted which variants might interfere with antibody binding. Then they tested these predictions on four medically important target proteins and their corresponding therapeutic antibodies. For each of the analyzed proteins, several therapeutic antibodies were assessed. Laboratory experiments showed that often while one antibody could no longer bind, another antibody against the same protein but binding to a different region could still bind successfully.

In fact, the proportion of patients in whom such a variant occurs and hinders the effectiveness of the treatment is relatively small. For the majority of variants, less than one person in a hundred is affected. Nevertheless, Jeker is convinced that "it is important for doctors to consider this aspect if a treatment is not working."

In addition, many antibody-based therapies, including, for example, CAR T-cells, which are used against certain cancers, are very expensive. "A genetic test to determine whether the treatment can actually work would be a small cost in comparison," says co-first author Dr. Romina Marone. This would also be relevant for new therapies, adds Rosalba Lepore: "For clinical studies, testing the binding site of the antibody therapy in the study participants first could be worthwhile."

The frequency of a variant depends on the region

Another finding from the analyses is that certain variants in target proteins are in fact very rare in Europe, for example. However, in another region of the world, they may occur more frequently and thus become clinically relevant.

"There is still much less genetic sequence data available for some regions of the world than there is for Europe or North America," explains bioinformatician Rosalba Lepore. "As a result, we may be missing clusters of such treatment-relevant variants in certain population groups." There is a lot of catching up to do in this regard, she notes.
Each year, 11 million people worldwide develop tuberculosis, and about 1.4 million die from it. Meningitis occurs in 12% of patients and is the most severe complication of tuberculosis, arising when the bacteria reach the brain. Despite antibiotic treatment, about half of patients with TB meningitis die or suffer permanent damage such as deafness or paralysis.

In previous studies, we saw that very little rifampicin-the most important antibiotic against tuberculosis-reaches the brain. That means the bacteria are not effectively cleared there. But those studies also showed a link between higher dosing and reduced mortality. Based on that, we and many international researchers started investigating a higher dose of rifampicin." Rob Aarnoutse, hospital pharmacist, clinical pharmacologist, and professor

Higher dose antibiotic

Worldwide, several studies began examining the effects of higher rifampicin doses, and the first trial has now been completed. This study, co-designed by Radboudumc and conducted in Indonesia, Uganda, and South Africa, investigated whether a high dose of rifampicin could improve survival.

499 adults with tuberculous meningitis received the standard treatment of four antibiotics (isoniazid, rifampicin 10 mg/kg, pyrazinamide and ethambutol). Half also received an extra dose of rifampicin (up to 35 mg/kg), while the other half received a placebo for eight weeks. The average patient age was 37, and 60% were HIV-positive. Researchers assessed survival after six months.

No effect

The study found no evidence of a beneficial effect from high-dose rifampicin. In fact, some subgroups there appeared to be an increased risk of death. After six months, 44.6% of the high-dose group had died, compared to 40.7% in the standard group. 'The higher mortality seems to occur mainly in the first weeks after diagnosis', says researcher Reinout van Crevel, internist-infectiologist and professor at Radboudumc. Van Crevel has studied tuberculosis for 25 years, especially in Indonesia. He adds: 'It was, of course, disappointing that this is not the solution. But these are important results-we now know we need to take a different path. That's how science works.'

Follow-up research

Follow-up studies at Radboudumc using stored blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples, led by biomedical scientist and toxicologist Lindsey te Brake, aim to uncover why high-dose rifampicin had no beneficial effect. Meanwhile, Van Crevel and colleagues are shifting focus from the tuberculosis bacteria to the inflammation in the brain membranes. 'Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and blood showed more inflammation in patients who died than in others. We suspect the protein TNF plays a key role. TNF helps clear bacteria but can also cause severe damage to the brain,' Van Crevel explains.

Current treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs offers insufficient protection. There is an urgent need for therapies that better control this inflammatory response, possibly using TNF inhibitors.

Van Crevel: 'These drugs are sometimes used later in treatment of tuberculous meningitis when corticosteroids fail. We have had good experiences with them both here in our own TB center and in Jakarta. But no one has used TNF inhibitors at the start of treatment-when most patients die. That's what we will investigate in the next clinical trial.'
A large US study using causal modeling shows that lowering social isolation, not just addressing loneliness, could play a key role in preserving cognitive health as people age.

Study: Disentangling social isolation, loneliness, and later-life cognitive function for older adults in the United States: Evidence from causal inference modeling. Image Credit: Troyan / Shutterstock

In a recent study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B , researchers investigated the effects of loneliness and social isolation on cognitive function in later life.

Research on loneliness and social isolation has substantially increased in recent years, especially among older adults and adolescents. About one-fourth of older adults in the United States ( US ) were socially isolated even before the coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) pandemic, raising concerns about the impacts of isolation. Moreover, loneliness is recognized as a major public health concern in several countries.

Population aging has triggered interest in pathological cognitive decline as a possible consequence of loneliness and social isolation. Evidence suggests that greater loneliness and social isolation are associated with poorer cognitive function. However, the interdependent nature of loneliness, cognitive function, and social isolation presents a significant challenge, as it can lead to a dynamic relationship that unfolds across the later-life age trajectory.

Study Data and Population Design

In the present study, researchers explored the effects of loneliness and social isolation on later-life cognitive function. They relied on the Health and Retirement Study ( HRS ), an ongoing, nationally representative, longitudinal, biennial survey of US residents aged 50 and older and their spouses. The team used data from all survey waves but focused on waves between 2004 and 2018 in which social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive measures were consistently assessed.

Respondents who participated in two consecutive waves were included, while those who required a proxy respondent were excluded. The studys outcome was cognitive function. From the HRS telephone interview for cognitive status, a subset of questions reflecting neurophysiological health was extracted. These included immediate and delayed word recall, counting backward from 20, and serial 7s, counting backward from 100 by sevens.

Measuring Social Isolation and Loneliness

The primary exposure was the social isolation index, constructed as an eight-item score that captures partnership status, social helping and caregiving ties, communication and functional barriers such as email use, mobility limitations, and hearing impairment, and participation in religious and volunteer activities, rather than solely sociability or organizational membership.

Loneliness was assessed using a single binary item from the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression ( CES-D ) scale asking whether respondents felt lonely in the past week. A counterfactual framework based on the g-formula was used to simulate the effect of decreasing social isolation on cognitive function averaged across later adulthood, relative to the natural course. A mediation analysis evaluated the extent to which the association between social isolation and cognitive function was mediated by loneliness. The effect of a targeted simulated intervention among individuals living alone was also estimated.

Sample Characteristics and Social Patterns

The analytical sample included 30,421 respondents with 137,653 observations. The correlation between loneliness and social isolation was modest. Among respondents who reported being lonely, only 55% were more isolated, while 26% reported no loneliness despite being more isolated. Differences in social isolation were observed across sociodemographic factors, with older, Black, and Latinx individuals reporting greater social isolation.

Individuals with lower childhood socioeconomic status, lower education, and those in the lowest wealth quintile were also more isolated. In contrast, people who worked, lived with others, had fewer comorbidities, or were not depressed were less isolated.

Effects of Isolation Reduction on Cognition

The simulated intervention was associated with a 0.19-point increase in cognitive function on a 0 to 27 cognitive scale, based on the confidence intervals reported in the original analysis. This finding indicates that reducing social isolation was protective against cognitive decline, despite the modest absolute magnitude relative to typical age-related decline.

Mediation analysis showed that loneliness accounted for 6% of the effect of social isolation on cognitive function. The intervention targeting only individuals living alone accounted for approximately half of the effect observed when reducing social isolation across the entire population.

Interpretation and Policy Implications

The findings reveal a protective effect of reduced social isolation on later-life cognitive decline, which was generally similar across males and females, across Black, White, and Latinx individuals, and across levels of educational attainment. The authors note that this effect may be particularly insulative for structurally disadvantaged groups, given lower baseline cognitive scores and greater exposure to social risk factors. Loneliness mediated only a small proportion of the total effect.

Because social isolation has an independent effect on cognitive decline, focusing solely on loneliness management is unlikely to be sufficient. Instead, loneliness and social isolation should be treated as distinct targets for intervention. Policy-relevant interventions that address structural and functional drivers of isolation, particularly those tailored to living conditions such as living alone, may yield meaningful benefits.
Every night, Abdullah Ibrahim retreats from the streets into a wooded stretch along the Potomac River.

As night falls and temperatures drop, he erects a tent and builds a fire beneath a canopy of pine, hemlock, and cedar trees.

He evades authorities by rotating use of three tents of different colors at three campsites. As day breaks, he dismantles his shelter, rolls up his belongings, and hides them for the next night. "They don't see you if you're in the woods," the 32-year-old said. "But make sure it's broken down by morning or they'll find you."

During the day, he wanders, stopping at a public library to warm up or a soup kitchen to eat. What's important is to not draw attention to himself for being homeless.

"Police want us out of the way," he said, dressed in a gray jacket and carrying none of his possessions. "Out of sight, out of mind."

Ibrahim has been deliberate about blending in since August, when President Donald Trump placed the district's police under federal control and ordered National Guard soldiers to patrol its streets. The president also ordered homeless people to leave immediately. "There will be no 'MR. NICE GUY,'" he posted.

The Trump administration says encampment sweeps have reduced the visibility of homelessness, thereby enhancing the city. "There is no disputing that Washington, DC is a safer, cleaner, and more beautiful city thanks to President Trump's historic actions to restore the nation's capital," White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said.

While there may appear to be fewer homeless people in the nation's capital now, they have not disappeared.

In interviews, homeless people said they are in a constant shuffle, hiding in plain sight. During the day, they stay on the move, grabbing meals at soup kitchens and resting on occasion in public libraries, on park benches, or at bus stops. At night, many unsheltered people bed down in business doorways, on park sidewalks, and on church stoops. Some ride the bus all night, while a few shelter in emergency rooms. Others find respite in the woods or flee to suburbs in Virginia or Maryland.

There are about 5,100 homeless people in Washington, D.C., including in temporary shelters, according to an early-2025 homelessness tally. After Trump ordered the crackdown on public homelessness, people living in makeshift communities scattered and are now living in the shadows. City officials estimated in August that nearly 700 homeless people were living outdoors without tents or other shelter.

As winter draws near, they are exposed to the elements and grow sicker as chronic ailments such as diabetes and heart disease go untreated. Street medicine providers say that, since the National Guard was deployed, they have faced enormous difficulty finding patients. Many caught up in sweeps have had their lifesaving medications thrown away, and they are more likely to miss medical appointments because they are constantly on the move. Street medicine providers say they can't find their patients to deliver medication or transport them to medical appointments. The constant chaos can suck patients with mental illness and substance use deeper into drug and alcohol addiction, raising the risk of overdose.

Caseworkers report similar disruptions, saying as clients get lost, they break connections essential for obtaining housing documents, particularly IDs and Social Security cards.

District officials and health providers say this cascade will make homelessness worse, threatening public health and public safety and racking up enormous costs for the health care system.

"It was already hard locating people, but the federal presence just made it worse," said Tobie Smith, a street medicine doctor and the executive director of Street Health D.C.

The homeless shuffle

Chris Jones was born and raised in Washington, D.C., but now is homeless, having been pushed out of his tent near the White House in the initial days of the federal homelessness crackdown. He said two of his tents were taken during sweeps. Now, sleeping on a sidewalk outside a church, he doesn't bother trying to get another one. "Why? What's the point? It'll just get thrown away again."

Jones, 57, has a severe knee injury that prevents him from walking some days and said he was scheduled for a knee replacement in December. He said it's important to stay where he is  he relies on a nearby drugstore to refill his medications for bipolar disorder, diabetes, and high blood pressure. When he's hungry, he goes to a soup kitchen for a meal or tries to get a cheeseburger and a soda from a fast-food joint across the street.

It's important for him to stay outside the church, he said, so his case manager can find him when a permanent housing slot opens up. If it gets too cold, he said, he will cross the street and sleep in the doorway of a business, which can provide a bit more shelter. He wants to get indoors, but for now, he waits.

Since taking control of Washington's police force, the Trump administration has ratcheted up pressure on cities and counties across the nation to clear homeless encampments under threat of arrest, citation, or detention. It has ordered or threatened similar National Guard deployments in Los Angeles; Portland, Oregon; and other cities with large homeless populations.

Rogers, the White House spokesperson, said the president is maintaining National Guard and federal law enforcement presence in the nation's capital "to ensure the long-term success of the federal operation." Since March, city and federal officials have removed more than 130 homeless encampments, she said, though some local homelessness experts say that number could be inflated.

The Supreme Court last year made it easier for elected officials and law enforcement to fine or arrest homeless people for living outside. Then, in July of this year, the president issued an executive order calling for a nationwide crackdown on urban camping, including a massive removal of people living outdoors and forced mental health or substance use treatment.

Trump is also spearheading an overhaul of homelessness policy, moving to slash funding for permanent housing and services for homeless people. The move would limit the use of a long-standing federal policy known as "Housing First" that offers housing without mandating mental health or addiction treatment. The National Alliance to End Homelessness warns the move risks displacing at least 170,000 people in permanent supportive housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development paused the plan on Dec. 8 to make revisions, which it "intends" to do, federal housing officials said.

City officials say they are complying with the Trump administration's forceful campaign against homeless people sheltering outside. Pressured by the White House, local officials said they've gotten more aggressive in breaking up camps. Advocates for homeless people say some of the sweeps have been conducted at night and others with little or no notice to move. City leaders believe they could be done more compassionately by offering services and shelter.

"We've pivoted from the notion of allowing encampments if they didn't violate public health or safety to a position of, 'We don't want you in the streets,'" said Wayne Turnage, deputy mayor for District of Columbia Health and Human Services, who oversees encampment cleanups. "It's unsafe, it's unhealthy, and it's dangerous." Yet he acknowledges the encampment sweeps can waste city resources as caseworkers and street medicine providers scramble to find their clients and patients.

Advocates say the Trump administration is inciting fear and mistrust between homeless people and those working to help them while wasting taxpayer dollars used to provide care and place people into housing. There are, however, far fewer tents and large-scale encampments visible to tourists and residents.

People found safety in those communities and service providers could find them. Now there are people with guns and flashing lights dislocating folks experiencing homelessness without notice and just throwing stuff away," said Jesse Rabinowitz, campaign and communications director for the National Homelessness Law Center.

District officials say some people have accepted emergency shelter. But even as the city works to connect people with services and expand shelter capacity, officials acknowledge there isn't enough permanent housing or temporary beds for everyone.

And there will be fewer places for people living outside to go.

The city, in its fiscal year 2026 budget, concentrated its homelessness funding on families, funding 336 new permanent supportive housing vouchers. Yet it cut funding for temporary housing for both families and individuals and provided no new permanent supportive housing vouchers for individuals. That means fewer housing slots for single adults, who make up most of those wandering the streets. City officials said, however, that they have slotted 260 more permanent housing units for homeless individuals or families into their construction pipeline.

Worsening health care

The fallout is inundating local soup kitchens with demand, including Miriam's Kitchen in Foggy Bottom. The local institution provides hot meals, housing assistance, and warm blankets to people in need.

Caseworkers say it's becoming increasingly difficult to help clients secure IDs and other documents needed for housing and other social services.

"I'm looking everywhere, but I can't find people," said Cyria Knight, a caseworker at Miriam's Kitchen. "Most of my clients went to Virginia."

It's unclear how much of the district's homeless population has fanned out to neighboring Virginia and Maryland communities. There were an estimated 9,700 homeless people in the region in January, months before Trump's crackdown. Four of six counties around Washington saw homelessness rise from 2024, while it fell 9% in the district.

"I'm not seeing my patients for a month or more, and then when I do, their chronic conditions are uncontrolled. They've been in and out of the ER, and they're more likely to be hospitalized," said Anna Graham, a street medicine nurse practitioner for Unity Health Care, a network of clinics in Washington. "It's just setting us back."

Graham's team stations its mobile medical van outside Miriam's Kitchen at dinnertime to better find patients.

Willie Taylor, 63, was figuring out where to sleep for the night after grabbing dinner from Miriam's. He saw Graham to receive his medications for advanced lung disease, seizures, chronic pain, and other health disorders.

He has difficulty walking and needs a wheelchair, which is complicated because he doesn't have a permanent address. Taylor and his medical providers say his previous wheelchairs have been stolen while he slept outdoors at night. He uses a shopping cart to keep him steady, walking around all day, until nightfall.

On a cold November night, Graham helped Taylor figure out his daily medications and checked his vitals. The team handed him a warm coat and hand warmers before sending him back outside.

After walking for about 45 minutes, he found a piece of park pavement where he could build a bed out of tarps and sleeping bags.

"My body can't take this," Taylor said, preparing to sleep. "There's ice on the concrete. I'm in so much pain; it hurts so much worse when it's cold."

Homeless people die younger and cost the health care system more than housed people, largely because conditions go untreated on the streets, and when they do seek care, many go to the ER. Among Medicaid enrollees, homeless people have been estimated to incur $18,764 a year in spending, compared with $7,561 for other enrollees.

Over at the So Others Might Eat soup kitchen earlier that day, Tyree Kelley was finishing his breakfast of a sausage sandwich and hard-boiled eggs. He was considering going into a shelter. The streets were becoming too dangerous for someone like him, he said, referring to the police and National Guard presence. He was feeling the loss of an encampment community that would watch his back.

He's been to the ER at least seven times this year to get care for a broken ankle he sustained falling off an electric scooter. The accident caused him to lose his job and health insurance as a garbageman, he said. His situation has caused him to sink deeper into a depression that began three years ago after his mother died, he said.

Then his father and sister died this year. He began to numb his pain with beer.

"You get so depressed, being out here," said Kelley, 42. "It gets addictive. You start to not care about even changing your clothes."

His depression also led him to seek out marijuana. Then he smoked a joint laced with fentanyl. The overdose sent him to the hospital for days.

"I actually died and came back," he said, crediting other homeless people with administering naloxone and saving his life. "I need to get out of this, but I feel so stuck."

A few blocks west of the White House sits a vacant plot of land that earlier this year held more than a dozen tents. Workers in the area sense what they don't always see.

"I was here when this was all cleared. A bulldozer came in, and all their stuff was thrown in a garbage truck," said Ray Szemborski, who works across the street from the now-empty lot. "People are still homeless. I still see them around underneath the bridge. Sometimes they're at bus stops, sometimes just walking around. Their tents are gone but they're still here."
For the millions of Americans who buy Affordable Care Act insurance, there's still time left to enroll for 2026. But premium increases and the expiration of enhanced tax subsidies have led to larger-than-expected costs.

Concerned shoppers, wondering if there's anything they can do, are consulting insurance brokers or talking to representatives at ACA marketplace call centers.

"We're hearing from people with complex medical conditions who don't think they can survive if they don't have access to medical care," said Audrey Morse Gasteier, executive director of the Massachusetts Health Connector, that state's insurance marketplace.

And some are considering going outside the ACA to find more affordable options. But that requires caution.

Congress looks increasingly unlikely to extend the enhanced subsidies before the year's end. Late Wednesday, the House passed a package of measures favored by conservatives that does not address the subsidies and is largely viewed as dead on arrival in the Senate. Earlier Wednesday, however, four GOP moderates joined with Democrats to sign a discharge petition to force a vote  likely in January  on a three-year extension. The Senate and President Donald Trump would also have to approve the measure, but if extended the subsidies could be applied retroactively.

Meanwhile, the deadline for choosing a health plan is quickly approaching. The official end of open enrollment is set for Jan. 15 for coverage starting Feb. 1. In most states, it's already too late to enroll for coverage starting Jan. 1.

Here are five considerations in the decision-making process:

1. Short-term plans: 'You have to be healthy'

Some ACA shoppers might find themselves considering short-term insurance plans sold outside the government-run marketplaces  or steered toward the plans by insurance brokers. Be wary.

Short-term plans are just that: insurance originally designed as temporary coverage for situations like changing jobs or attending school. They can look a lot like traditional coverage, with deductibles, copayments, and participating networks of hospitals and doctors. Still, they are not ACA-compliant plans and are not available on the official ACA marketplaces.

They are often less expensive than ACA plans. But they cover less. For example, unlike ACA plans, they can impose annual and lifetime caps on benefits. The vast majority do not cover maternity care. Some might not cover prescription drugs.

Short-term plans require applicants to complete a medical questionnaire, and insurers can exclude coverage or cancel a policy retroactively for those with preexisting medical conditions. Also, depending on the terms of the particular plan, a person who develops a medical condition during the coverage period might not be accepted for renewal.

In addition, short-term plans are not required to cover care on the ACA's checklist of essential benefits, such as preventive care, hospitalization, or emergency services.

The shortcomings of the plans, which critics say are sometimes marketed in misleading ways, have led Democrats to label them "junk insurance." The Trump administration argues they're suitable for some people and has sought to make them more widely available.

"We recommend it when it makes sense," said Joshua Brooker, a Pennsylvania insurance broker. "But if you're going to enroll in short-term coverage, you need to know which boxes are unchecked."

"They're not for everyone. You have to be healthy," said Ronnell Nolan, the president and CEO of Health Agents of America, a trade group.

And they're available in only 36 states, according to KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. Some states, such as California, prohibit them. Others set tight restrictions.

2. Beware of coverage that's not comprehensive

There are other types of health coverage offered by sales brokers or other organizations.

One kind, called an indemnity plan, is meant to supplement a traditional health insurance plan by paying toward deductibles or copayments.

Those plans do not have to follow ACA coverage rules, either. Generally, they pay a fixed dollar amount  say a few hundred dollars a day  toward a hospital stay or a smaller amount for a doctor's office visit. Typically those payments fall short of the full costs and the policyholder pays the rest. They generally also require consumers to fill out medical forms stating any preexisting conditions.

Another type, a faith-based sharing plan, pools money from members to cover their medical bills. The plans are not required to keep any specific amount of financial reserves and members are not guaranteed that the plans will pay their health expenses, according to the Commonwealth Fund, a foundation that supports health care research and improvements to the health system.

Sharing plans expanded beyond faith communities after the ACA was adopted. Like short-term plans, they cost less than ACA plans but also don't have to follow ACA rules.

They are not considered insurance, and some have been accused of fraud by state regulators.

"Yes, it is cheaper, and yes, it does work for some people," Nolan said. "But you need to understand what that plan does. It would be my last resort."

3. Consider a 'bronze' or 'catastrophic' plan, but be aware of deductibles

For those wanting to stay with ACA plans, the lowest premiums are generally in the categories labeled "catastrophic" or "bronze."

Jessica Altman, executive director of California's ACA exchange, said her state has noticed an uptick in enrollments in bronze-level plans. They have lower premiums but high annual deductibles  the amount a customer must spend before most coverage kicks in. Deductibles for bronze plans average nearly $7,500 nationally, according to KFF.

Another option, new for 2026, is expanded eligibility for catastrophic plans, which used to be limited to people younger than age 30. As the name suggests, they're intended for people who want health insurance just in case they suffer a catastrophic health condition, such as cancer or injuries from a car accident, and the plans can have deductibles as high as the ACA's annual limit on out-of-pocket spending  $10,600 for an individual or $21,200 for a family.

But now people losing subsidies because of the expiration of the enhanced tax credits can also qualify for the plans. However, they may not be available in every region.

Lauren Jenkins, a broker in Oklahoma, said some of her clients earning less than $25,000 this year had qualified for very low-cost or free plans with the enhanced subsidies. Next year, though, their costs may rise to $100 or more per month for a "silver"-level plan, a step up from bronze.

So she is showing them bronze plans to bring down the monthly cost. "But they might have a $6,000, $7,000, or $10,000 deductible they now have to pay," Jenkins said. "For people only making $25,000 a year, that would be detrimental."

Both bronze and catastrophic plans are eligible to be linked with health savings accounts, which can be used to save money tax-free for medical expenses. They are more popular with higher-income households.

4. Another plan may have lower premiums

It can pay to shop around. Some people may be able to find a lower premium by shifting to a different plan, even one offered by the same insurer. There are also different levels of coverage, from bronze to "platinum," where premiums also vary. Brooker said that in some locations "gold"-level plans are less expensive than silver, even though that seems counterintuitive.

Also, some people who run their own businesses but have only one employee might qualify for a group plan rather than an individual policy. Sometimes those can be less expensive.

Not every state allows this, Nolan said. But, for example, Nolan said, she has a client whose only employee is his wife, so she's going to see whether they can get a group plan at lower rates.

"That might work out for them," she said.

ACA rates for small group plans (fewer than 50 employees) vary regionally and are not always less expensive than individual coverage, Brooker said.

"It's pretty all over the board as to where the rates are better," he said.

5. Other rules of the road

Insurance experts encourage people not to wait until the last minute to at least take preliminary steps. Shoppers can go onto the official federal or state marketplace website and fill out or update an application with required income and other information necessary to determine what the 2026 plan year holds for them.

For instance, even without congressional intervention, subsidies will not go away entirely. They will be smaller, though, and there is an upper income limit  a cutoff for households earning more than four times the poverty level, which comes to $62,600 for an individual and $84,600 for a couple for 2026.

When shopping, consumers should make sure they land on an official ACA website, because there are look-alikes that may not offer ACA-compliant plans. Healthcare.gov is the official federal site. From there, people can find websites serving the 20 states, along with the District of Columbia, that run their own ACA exchanges.

The government sites can also direct consumers to licensed brokers and other counselors who can help with an application.

And a reminder: Consumers also need to pay their first month's premium for coverage to take effect.
LANZHOU, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- A new study on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has provided key evidence for evaluating the permafrost carbon feedback in climate change, according to the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

This quantitative research on alpine thaw slumps on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is of importance to the global climate change predictions and the alpine ecological protection of China, the NIEER said.

Conducted by NIEER researchers in collaboration with counterparts from multiple universities and research institutions of China and Denmark, the study has been published in the journal Nature Communications.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the world's largest high-altitude permafrost region, stores a vast amount of soil organic carbon. In recent years, thaw slumps and other thermokarst landforms have expanded amid climate warming and permafrost degradation.

Such conditions will impact the carbon cycle and climate feedbacks of the plateau's alpine ecosystem. Therefore, it is important to investigate the effects of thaw slumps on carbon dynamics in permafrost ecosystems, according to Jiang Guanli, a researcher at the NIEER.

In 2024 and 2025, the study team conducted systematic greenhouse gas flux observations in the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, as well as quantified the thaw slumps-induced flux changes and the carbon budget of the study areas.

The study results indicated that thaw slumps significantly weakened the carbon-sink function of alpine grasslands on the plateau.

Exposed, vegetation-free surfaces halved respiration but reduced gross primary productivity by approximately four-fifths, producing a large increase in net CO2 release compared with undisturbed ground. Methane (CH4) uptake occurred but was too small to offset these losses, the study showed.

Through flux comparison observations based on the age differences of thaw slumps, the research team found that the impact of thaw slumps on the carbon budget of alpine grassland shows a single-peak trajectory on the timeline.

The results indicated that although all thermokarst landforms arise from the rapid thawing of permafrost, their effects on regional carbon dynamics vary in both direction and intensity, according to Jiang.

"Our study proposes to incorporate thermokarst landforms and their influence trajectories over time into terrestrial and climate models. It is of great significance for enhancing the reliability of global climate change predictions and supporting ecological protection and engineering construction decisions in China's alpine regions," Jiang said.

Editor: Xiong Jian
This article explores Europe, the EU, and the EU single market. The objective is to provide manufacturers with deeper insight into European countries and territories where CE marking enables market access.

Europe and the European Union (EU)

Before moving forward, the terms Europe and the European Union (EU) need to be defined. Europe is a broad geographical term referring to one of the worlds seven continents and all the countries located within it.

In contrast, the EU (see graphic below) is a political and economic union made up of 27 European countries that cooperate closely in areas such as trade, law, security, and environmental policy. Not all European countries are EU members; 22 European countries are not members of the Union.2

Image Credit: RQM+

The EU Single Market is a foundational element of the European Union, enabling the free movement of four essential elements throughout all EU member states. CE marking allows medical devices and IVDs to move freely within this market.

Goods  Products can be traded across borders without tariffs or customs checks

Services  Companies can provide services anywhere in the EU

People  Citizens can reside, work, study, or retire anywhere in the EU

Capital  Money can move freely for business, banking, or investment

European Free Trade Area (EFTA) and European Economic Area (EEA)

After defining the EU and its Single Market, the discussion now turns to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Economic Area (EEA). EFTA is a regional trade organization and free trade zone consisting of four European countries. It was established as an alternative to the European Economic Community (EEC), the former name of the European Union.

EFTA facilitates free trade and economic cooperation among its members as well as with other countries around the world.

EFTA member countries:

Iceland

Liechtenstein

Norway

Switzerland

The European Economic Area (EEA) is a region that unites the 27 EU member states with three of the four EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), creating a single internal market. CE-marked medical devices and IVDs may move freely within the EEA.

Image Credit: RQM+

EU Outermost Regions

The EU Outermost Regions (ORs) are territories of the EU member states France, Portugal, and Spain that, while located far from mainland Europe, are fully part of the European Union (see details and map below).

The name originates from Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which recognizes that these areas:

Are geographically distant from continental Europe (often located in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, or Atlantic).

Deal with permanent constraints such as: Remoteness Insularity Small size Challenging topography and climate



Source: RQM+

Map of European Outermost Regions.3 Image Credit: RQM+

These regions must follow EU law and benefit from special support due to their distinct challenges, including remoteness, insularity, and economic dependence. As a result, medical devices and IVDs marketed in the Outermost Regions must bear a valid CE mark, just as they would in mainland France, Spain, or Portugal.

Non-EU countries with Customs Union agreements

Turkey

Although Turkey is not an EU or EEA member, it is part of a Customs Union with the EU that includes medical devices and IVDs. As a result, medical devices and IVDs legally placed on the EU single market can also circulate in Turkey without extra customs duties or technical barriers, as long as they meet EU regulatory requirements. Devices must carry the CE mark to demonstrate conformity.

Andorra

Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino can all be described as European microstates. While independent from the European Union (EU), they each have special relationships with it.

Although Andorra is not a member of the EU or EEA, it has a customs agreement with the EU. Andorra lacks its own medical device or IVD regulatory framework, relying instead on EU regulations. This means that medical devices and IVDs placed on the Andorran market must be CE-marked. Devices must comply with MDR/IVDR for import or distribution within Andorra.

Monaco

Monaco is not a member of the EU or EEA, but it is in a customs union with France. Consequently, French and EU regulations apply, including those governing medical devices and IVDs. Medical devices placed on the Monaco market must carry a CE mark, as they must comply with MDR/IVDR through French oversight.

San Marino

San Marino is not a member of the EU or EEA, but it has close ties with Italy and a customs union with the EU. Medical devices and IVDs placed on the San Marino market must be CE-marked, as they must comply with MDR/IVDR through Italian oversight.

Switzerland

Switzerland had a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the EU encompassing medical devices and IVDs. However, following the May 2021 implementation of the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR), this agreement ceased to apply fully due to the lack of an updated institutional framework agreement between the EU and Switzerland.

Switzerland is not an EU or EEA member and now requires Swiss-specific regulatory compliance (MedDO).4 CE-marked medical devices and IVDs that meet MDR/IVDR requirements are unilaterally recognized by Switzerland.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland formally exited the European Union on January 31, 2020. Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) is no longer part of the EU and has no customs union agreement with the EU.

In Great Britain, manufacturers may apply the UKCA mark or the CE mark which is recognized until June 30, 2030 at the latest.5,6 Conversely, Northern Ireland remains in regulatory alignment with EU rules under the Windsor Framework Agreement.

Northern Ireland effectively remains part of the EU Single Market for goods only. As a result, medical devices and IVDs placed on the NI market require CE marking.

Summary

Medical device producers must understand the differences between Europe, the EU, the EEA, EFTA, and the EU Outermost Regions. These geopolitical and regulatory groupings decide market access, regulatory conformity, and requirements for product certification. In the EU and the EEA, medical devices and IVDs must comply with the MDR (EU) 2017/745 or IVDR (EU) 2017/746.

This includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, which have implemented EU medical device and IVD regulations through the EEA Agreement. It also incorporates the EU Outermost Regions that are part of EU member states but not located inside Europe. Compliance with the MDR/IVDR is also compulsory in countries that have customs union agreements with the EU and in Northern Ireland, the latter owing to its distinct geopolitical status.

Finally, compliance with the MDR/IVDR is a possibility for Great Britain and Switzerland, both of which continue to recognize the CE mark.

Related next steps

For difficulties in navigating the EU regulatory environment or challenges in complying with horizontal EU regulations, RQm Corp+ provides expert support in developing comprehensive regulatory strategies that ensure medical devices and IVDs adhere to all relevant EU legislation.

Acknowledgments

Produced from materials originally authored by Chris A. Parr, Principal, CRO at RQM+ Corp.

References and further reading:

European Union. EU country profiles | European Union. (online) Available at: https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/eu-countries_en#header_countries_list. Cane, B. (2025). European Countries That Are Not Members Of The European Union. (online) WorldAtlas. Available at: https://www.worldatlas.com/geography/european-countries-that-are-not-members-of-the-european-union.html. European Commission. Inforegio - The EU and its outermost regions. (online) Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/themes/outermost-regions_en. Federal Chancellery. Fedlex. (online) Available at: https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2020/552/en. GOV.UK. (2024). Implementation of the Future Regulations. (online) Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/implementation-of-the-future-regulation-of-medical-devices/implementation-of-the-future-regulations. GOV.UK. Statement of policy intent: international recognition of medical devices. (online) Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/implementation-of-the-future-regulation-of-medical-devices/statement-of-policy-intent-international-recognition-of-medical-devices.

For further reading  Braving the Tariff Storm: Strategies for MedTech Companies

About RQM+

Two industry leaders - R&Q and Maetrics - merged in 2020 to become RQM+, the largest medical device and diagnostics-focused full-service regulatory and quality consulting firm in the world. The integration of our leadership teams and the extensive skills and experience of our collective resources have created a highly agile and scalable global organization.

With offices in the United States, United Kingdom, and Switzerland, our large global footprint allows us to meet the regulatory and quality support needs of international clients of all sizes.

Order an Audit

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.
Lyophilization, or freeze-drying, is essential in biopharmaceutical production but presents significant challenges, such as long timelines, high prices, and inconsistent scale-up to GMP production. Traditional trial-and-error procedures prolong development cycles.

BioDlink's BDKLyoTM digital-intelligence process calculation platform uses predictive models to expedite development and enable dependable, efficient scaling up.

This technique overcomes lyophilization inefficiencies, enabling biotech businesses and their partnered CDMOs to meet key production milestones more quickly and with greater confidence.

Existing lyophilization inefficiencies

Lyophilization is critical in biopharmaceutical production. It stabilizes sensitive biological medicines, increases their shelf life, and maintains therapeutic efficacy. Despite its importance, lyophilization is one of the most time-consuming and costly stages of drug development.

Inefficiencies plague traditional process development: trials frequently last more than two months, necessitating numerous iterative rounds with limited flexibility to modify crucial parameters. This laborious, trial-and-error technique slows progress and leaves teams dealing with poor lyophilization conditions.

When scaling up, the current approach, which relies on a one-step drying technique, creates additional risks. Differences in heat and mass transfer dynamics between laboratory and production settings frequently result in uncertain product quality, variations in drying time, and costly rework.

These problems become even more critical as biologics pipelines grow to include increasingly complicated compounds ranging from antibodies to ADCs and beyond, emphasizing the need for faster, more reliable techniques.

Digital and intelligent tools for smarter development

Enter BDKLyoTM, a digital-intelligence process calculation platform developed by BioDlink, a global leader in CDMO. Based on the Pikal model, the 'gold standard' for lyophilization, BDKLyoTM improves a classic process by incorporating predictive precision.

Benefits

Faster development cycles : Reduced development time from two months to under one month.

: Reduced development time from two months to under one month. Fewer experimental runs : Only one to two validation rounds are needed to establish optimal settings, resulting in significant cost savings compared to multiple runs.

: Only one to two validation rounds are needed to establish optimal settings, resulting in significant cost savings compared to multiple runs. Shorter lyophilization times: Optimized lyophilization cycles reduce energy use and manufacturing costs. Case studies show that anticipated drying periods and product temperatures closely match experimental results, with variances of less than 10 % and 1 C.

Figure 1. Pikal model and formula. Image Credit: BioDlink

The BDKLyoTM platform helps development teams through three crucial stages:

Process development phase

Traditional CDMOs often require multiple experimental rounds for lyophilization process development, with cycles lasting more than two months.

Critical factors such as primary drying temperature (Tsh), chamber pressure (Pch), and time must be modified repeatedly, resulting in imprecise and often poor outcomes.

BDKLyoTM eliminates the need for manual calculations by combining mass transfer resistance (Rp) with vial geometry, fill volume, critical product temperatures, and heat transfer coefficient (K v ) to generate main drying curves. It also conducts DOE-based full factorial simulations of shelf temperature and chamber pressure to determine the parameters that yield the highest sublimation rates and the shortest drying times while maintaining product quality.

As a result, users only need 1-2 development and validation runs on a lab-scale lyophilizer to define efficient transfer parameters, resulting in development timescales of less than one month.

BDKLyoTM has continuously demonstrated great accuracy, with simulated drying durations deviating from experimental findings by less than 10 % and anticipated product temperatures within 1 C.

Process scale-up phase

During the process scale-up phase, the industry typically uses PATs (e.g., Pirani gauge, pressure rise) to calculate production duration while maintaining the same primary drying temperature as in lab research. However, this procedure involves significant risks.

First, changes in cleanliness between lab and production conditions could affect mass transfer resistance, elevating product temperatures and influencing cake appearance and drying time.

Second, differences in heat transfer coefficients between lab- and production-scale dryers can result in significant differences in lyophilization times, rendering lab-derived references unreliable.

BDKLyoTM addresses these issues by combining mathematical modeling with various scale-up tactics, including maintaining consistent shelf temperature, product temperature, and sublimation rate across different scales. Using existing parameters and user requirements, it determines the best method for adjusting processes and achieving a dependable and efficient scale-up.

Process characterization phase:

During the process characterization phase, BDKLyoTM utilizes historical parameters and the maximum sublimation rate curve from the production-scale lyophilizer to define the design space.

Users can utilize this to assess lyophilization risks, define the Process Acceptance Range (PAR) and Normal Operating Range (NOR) for each parameter, and develop management strategies.

Implications for innovative biotech companies

For innovative biotech startups, the risks are very high. Every month saved in development reduces the time to clinical proof of concept, accelerates fundraising milestones, and boosts competitiveness in congested therapeutic areas.

Biotech inventors can benefit from predictive modeling, simplified development, and risk-free scale-up by collaborating with CDMOs that use digital-intelligence lyophilization platforms such as BDKLyoTM.

In short, digital intelligence lyophilization does more than merely enhance operations; it allows biotech companies to meet commercial and clinical goals faster and with greater assurance.

Figure 2. Flowchart and Interface of BDKLyoTM Digital-Intelligence Process Calculation Platform. Image Credit: BioDlink

Case studies: Real-world impact

Case study A  Optimizing lyophilization time

This case study investigated the lyophilization process. The initial cycle was carried out at a shelf temperature of -25 C, chamber pressure of 20 Pa, and primary drying time of 56 hours.

To lower the cycle time, additional optimization was required. The mass transfer resistance equation was derived by fitting the lyophilization curve to the BDKLyoTM digital intelligence process computation platform:

With this resistance value, the lyophilization curve was recalculated, and the shelf temperature was raised to -20 C. Predictions suggested that primary drying time might be reduced to 36.4 hours (as shown in Table 1).

The experimental validation revealed an actual time of 39.4 hours, with product temperatures roughly matching forecasts (see figure below). This scenario highlights the BDKLyoTM platform's strong predictive accuracy, with modeling findings that are within 10 % of experimental outcomes while maintaining product integrity.

Table 1. Table of lyophilization duration and product temperature of Case A. Source: BioDlink

Pressure (Pa) Plate temperature () Prediction Experiment Primary drying product temperature () Primary drying time (hr) Primary drying product temperature () Primary drying time (hr) 20 -25 - 30.1 57.6 - 30.2 56.0 20 -20 -27.3 36.4 - 27.7 39.4

Figure 3. Lyophilization process curve of Case A. Image Credit: BioDlink

Case study B  Optimizing large-volume fills

This case study involved 10 mL fills in 20R vials, which represents a significant product volume. Under conservative lyophilization parameters, the process was expected to take a long time.

During the development phase, the initial shelf temperature was set to -18C, resulting in an actual drying time of 75 hours. The mass transfer resistance equation was derived by fitting the product temperature data to the BDKLyoTM digital-intelligence process computation platform.

Based on this equation, BDKLyoTM projected a drying time of 73.5 hours at -18 C, which closely matched the experimental outcome of 75 hours. The actual product temperature curve closely matched the calculated values (Figure 4).

Further optimization increased the shelf temperature to -15 C, with BDKLyoTM estimating a primary drying time of 64.9 hours. Experimental validation confirmed 66 hours, proving the platform's high prediction accuracy.

Figure 4. Lyophilization process curve of Case B. Image Credit: BioDlink

Looking ahead: A smarter path to market

These case studies demonstrate the ability of the BDKLyoTM digital-intelligence process calculation platform to accelerate lyophilization process development and scale-up.

With BDKLyoTM, IND-stage projects can be completed in 1-2 experimental rounds, saving time and money during the CMC phase. This platform also creates critical facts and models, which serve as a solid foundation for subsequent process characterization.

About BioDlink

BioDlink (1875.HK) is a leading global CDMO specializing in biologics and bioconjugates (ADCs/XDCs). Headquartered in Suzhou with centers in Shanghai and Beijing, the company provides fully integrated, end-to-end services spanning early R&D through commercial manufacturing.

With its one-base integrated platform and proprietary technologies - such as BDKcell for rapid cell line development and GL-DisacLink for site-specific conjugation - BioDlink helps partners accelerate development, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.

The company operates four commercial manufacturing lines with large-scale sterile fill-finish capabilities, backed by a global GMP-aligned quality system that has earned PMDA accreditation in Japan and supported product approvals across China, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Colombia and Bolivian.

Guided by the philosophy of Quality First, Innovation Driven, Success Together, BioDlink is committed to advancing global access to next-generation biologics and building trusted partnerships worldwide.

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.
This article will examine market access outside the EU/EEA based on reliance and recognition.

For countries outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), regulatory reliance and recognition can be important elements of market access strategies. This article focuses on reliance and recognition based on the CE mark and reviews selected non-EU/EEA countries where manufacturers can utilize CE marking as part of their regulatory strategies to achieve market access.

What is regulatory reliance?

The Draft Playbook for Medical Device Regulatory Reliance Programs defines regulatory reliance as a process in which a regulatory authority in one jurisdiction considers and gives considerable weight to evaluations conducted by another regulatory authority when making its own decision.

Even when an authority relies on the decisions, assessments, and information of others, it remains independent, responsible, and accountable for the decisions taken.

What is regulatory recognition?

According to the same draft playbook, regulatory recognition refers to the acceptance of another regulators regulatory decision. Recognition must be grounded in evidence that the reference authoritys regulatory requirements adequately satisfy the relying authoritys regulatory standards. Recognition may be unilateral or part of a mutual recognition agreement.

The CE mark (Conformite Europeene)

Although the CE mark for medical devices is primarily intended for the EU/EEA, it is also recognized or accepted in multiple countries outside these regions. The following list shows where CE-marked medical devices can potentially support market access beyond the EU/EEA (map constructed using source material from Vemaps.com):

Europe Albania Bosnia and Herzegovina Montenegro North Macedonia Serbia Northern Ireland Switzerland Turkey United Kingdom

Asia Pacific (APAC) Australia Malaysia Singapore

Middle East and Africa (MEA) Israel Saudi Arabia



The sections below take a closer look at each country (in alphabetical order).

Image Credit: RQM+

Albania (Shqiperia)

Although located in Europe, Albania is not an EU or EEA member. The country is aligning its medical device regulations with the MDR/IVDR and recognizes the CE mark for market access. As a result, CE-marked medical devices and IVDs under the MDR (or IVDR) do not require a complete local conformity assessment.

The CE mark is a prerequisite for registration and market access. The responsible authority is the National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (Agjencia Kombetare e Barnave dhe Pajisjeve Mjekesore, AKBPM).1

Australia

In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) permits the use of CE certificates issued under MDR/IVDR to support device approval applications.2 This forms part of a regulatory reliance approach to streamline access to safe and effective medical devices.

Manufacturers whose devices have already been evaluated by a notified body may be eligible for an abridged conformity assessment. This may involve submitting fewer documents, a reduced depth in TGA evaluation, and reductions in assessment fees.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), though located in Europe, is not a member of the EU or EEA. The country is aligning its regulatory framework with the MDR/IVDR and recognizes the CE mark for market access. However, local registration is mandatory prior to placing a device on the market.

The competent authority is the Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ALMBiH).3 Every device requires registration before market placement, and products must bear CE marking under the MDR or IVDR for IVDs, as applicable for the devices classification.

Israel

Israel is located outside Europe and is not a member of the EU or EEA. In Israel, the use of foreign market authorization evidence plays a substantial role during the medical device and IVD registration process, especially under the Fast-Track Route managed by the Ministry of Healths AMAR (Medical Devices Division).4

Israel permits medical devices approved in specific reference countries (including the EU) to obtain registration more rapidly via the Fast-Track Route. Fast-Track registrations are valid for up to five years (three years for implants). The Israeli approval cannot exceed the validity period of the reference countrys authorization.

Malaysia

Malaysia does not automatically accept the CE mark for general market access; however, CE marking plays an important role in simplifying the conformity assessment process, particularly for medical devices and IVDs. Medical devices and IVDs approved by recognized foreign regulatory authorities (including CE-marked devices) may undergo a streamlined conformity assessment.

Malaysias Medical Device Authority (MDA) issued Circular Letter No. 1/2025, introducing a verification process that enables more efficient registration of CE-marked devices.5

Montenegro

Montenegro is located in Europe but is not a member of the EU or EEA. In Montenegro, overseas market authorization evidence - especially from the EU and other recognized jurisdictions - supports the medical device registration process.

Although Montenegro does not have a formal regulatory reliance pathway, it accepts and requires multiple documents generally issued by foreign authorities. A CE certificate under MDR or IVDR may be used to show compliance with international standards and to facilitate the local conformity assessment process with the Institut za lijekove i medicinska sredstva Crne Gore (CINMED).6

Northern Ireland

The regulation of medical devices and IVDs in Northern Ireland is distinct due to the Windsor Framework agreement, which preserves alignment with EU laws for goods. As a result, Northern Ireland continues to follow the MDR and IVDR. CE-marked devices under MDR/IVDR are mandatory and accepted for placement on the Northern Ireland market.

The MHRA acts as the competent authority for medical devices in Northern Ireland, while EU Notified Bodies carry out conformity assessments under MDR/IVDR.

North Macedonia

Despite being located in Europe, North Macedonia is not a member of the EU or EEA. Regulation of medical devices is governed by the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (MALMED), and current reforms aim to better match EU requirements as part of the nations EU accession process.7

While North Macedonia does not use a formal regulatory reliance framework like Australia or Israel, it accepts and reviews foreign market authorization evidence, especially from the EU and other regulatory authorities, during device registration. The CE certificate can streamline the evaluation process, particularly for devices already approved in the EU or other recognized jurisdictions.

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, overseas market authorization evidence plays a supportive but not standalone role in the medical device and IVD registration process. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is the regulatory authority, and every device is required to obtain Medical Device Marketing Authorization before entering the market.8

The CE certificate is generally included as part of the supportive information, but full documentation and conformity assessment are still required.

Serbia

Serbia is located in Europe but is not a member of the EU or EEA. The country recognizes foreign market authorization evidence, which can support medical device and IVD registration, although it is insufficient on its own. All devices must be registered with the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia (ALIMS) prior to market placement.9

Serbia does not have a formal regulatory reliance pathway, but documentation issued by recognized jurisdictions (including the EU) is accepted to support the evaluation process. As part of its EU accession process, Serbia is aligning with EU standards. The CE mark is accepted for medical devices provided that the product meets Serbian technical regulatory requirements.

Singapore

In Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) allows the use of overseas market authorization evidence to support medical device and IVD registration, particularly through its abridged evaluation routes.10 This forms part of Singapores internationally aligned, risk-based regulatory framework.

Singapore recognizes approvals from multiple reference regulatory agencies, including EU-notified bodies. CE-marked devices may qualify for an abridged evaluation in Singapore.

Switzerland

Switzerland is located in Europe but is not a member of the EU or EEA. Traditionally, the use of overseas market authorization evidence, particularly CE marking, has played a central role in Swiss medical device regulation.

However, due to alterations in the EU-Switzerland Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), the regulatory landscape has transformed, pushing Switzerland to adapt its approach to include controlled acceptance of non-EU approvals, including those from the US FDA.

Although Switzerland relies heavily on CE marking, it is planning to open up to FDA-cleared devices through a controlled pathway. This represents a move toward regulatory diversification, while maintaining stringent safety and performance requirements. Swissmedic is the national authority responsible for medical device regulation.11

Turkey (Turkiye)

Although partially located in Europe, Turkey is not a member of the EU or EEA. In Turkey, overseas market authorization evidence, particularly CE marking, plays a central role in the medical device regulatory framework due to the EUTurkey Customs Union.

Turkey has fully harmonized its medical device regulations with the MDR and IVDR. To be placed on the Turkish market, medical devices and IVDs must carry the CE mark. CE marking is recognized as proof of conformity with Turkish regulations, which are aligned with EU directives. The Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TMMDA) is the national authority responsible for device regulation.12

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the use of foreign market authorization evidence for medical devices and IVDs is evolving under the post-Brexit regulatory framework. The UK now maintains separate systems for Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Northern Ireland, with differing requirements for each.

Medical devices and IVDs carrying the CE mark may be placed on the Great Britain market until June 30, 2030. After this date, UKCA marking will become compulsory* unless the proposed new international reliance routes are formally implemented. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) serves as the national authority responsible for device regulation.13

The MHRAs recent response to that previous consultation also signals an intention to progress with a reliance scheme that accommodates approvals from comparable regulator countries (Australia, Canada and the USA).14

*Recently, the MHRA announced that it will open further consultation on whether EU CE-marked medical devices should be recognized indefinitely, following feedback from its earlier consultation on international reliance schemes.

Summary

Although the CE mark is mainly intended for the EU and EEA, several countries outside these regions acknowledge or rely on CE marking to streamline local regulatory processes. Multiple non-EU/EEA countries accept or rely on CE marking to varying degrees, and for some it is mandatory. This reliance and recognition may be unilateral (one-way acceptance) or mutual (based on formal agreements), such as mutual recognition agreements.

Manufacturers utilizing CE marking in this way should also be aware of each countrys national legislation. While CE marking may open the door, national legislation may cover aspects such as language rules, unique device identification (UDI), and post-market surveillance.

Related next steps

For difficulties in navigating the EU regulatory landscape or challenges in complying with horizontal EU legislation, RQM+ Corps specialized regulatory experts can assist manufacturers in developing comprehensive regulatory strategies designed to ensure that medical devices and IVDs meet all applicable EU requirements.

Acknowledgments

Produced from materials originally authored by Chris A. Parr, Principal, CRO at RQM+ Corp.

References and further reading:

AKBPM Al. (2025). Fillimi. (online) Available at: https://akbpm.gov.al/. Therapeutic Goods Administration (2025). Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). (online) Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au/. ALMBIH. (2024). Agency for Medicines Product and Medical Devices of Bosnia and Herzegovina. (online) Available at: https://almbih.gov.ba/en/agencija-za-lijekove-i-medicinska-sredstva-bosne-i-hercegovine-eng/. Medical Device Division, Ministry of Health Medical Device Authority. Official Portal of Medical Device Authority (MDA) Malaysia - Medical Device Authority (MDA). (online) Available at: https://www.mda.gov.my/. Cinmed. (2025). Home - Cinmed. (online) Available at: https://cinmed.me/en/. Malmed. Malmed |. (online) Available at: https://malmed.gov.mk/. Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Saudi Food and Drug Authority. (online) Available at: https://www.sfda.gov.sa/en. ALIMS. (2024). Home page. (online) ALIMS. Available at: https://www.alims.gov.rs/english/. HSA. Home. (online) Available at: https://www.hsa.gov.sg/. Copyright Swissmedic 2019 (2019). Swissmedic. (online) Swissmedic.ch. Available at: https://www.swissmedic.ch/swissmedic/de/home.html. Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency . Titck - Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency. (online) Available at: https://www.titck.gov.tr/. MHRA (2025). Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. (online) GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/medicines-and-healthcare-products-regulatory-agency. GOV.UK. (2025). Response to international reliance, UKCA marking and in vitro diagnostic devices consultation proposal. (online) GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-medical-devices-regulations-routes-to-market-and-in-vitro-diagnostic-devices/outcome/response-to-international-reliance-ukca-marking-and-in-vitro-diagnostic-devices-consultation-proposal.

About RQM+

Two industry leaders - R&Q and Maetrics - merged in 2020 to become RQM+, the largest medical device and diagnostics-focused full-service regulatory and quality consulting firm in the world. The integration of our leadership teams and the extensive skills and experience of our collective resources have created a highly agile and scalable global organization.

With offices in the United States, United Kingdom, and Switzerland, our large global footprint allows us to meet the regulatory and quality support needs of international clients of all sizes.

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Rajasthan: Trailer-truck overturns on car in Bundi; 4 dead, 1 injured

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 22:15 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Bundi (Rajasthan) [India], December 18 (ANI): A gravel-laden trailer-truck overturned onto a car, leaving four people dead on the spot and one seriously injured at the Silor bridge in the Sadar area of Rajasthans Bundi district, Additional Superintendent of Police Uma Sharma said on Thursday.The trailer-truck lost control and overturned onto a car, completely crushing it and trapping the people inside the car. The incident occurred at 6:00 PM today. Additional Superintendent of Police Uma Sharma said, Today, at 6 pm at Silor bridge, a trailer got out of control and hit a car, turning both vehicles. Four people died, and one was injured. The treatment of the injured person is going on."There were a total of five people in the car, all of whom are said to be residents of Tonk district. They were all members of the same family and were going from Tonk to Kota to attend an event. As their car reached the Silor bridge in Bundi, a gravel-laden trailer coming from Jaipur towards Kota suddenly had a tyre burst. The trailer went out of control, veered into the wrong lane, and overturned directly onto the car. The highway has been opened now," the police official said.Sub-Divisional Magistrate Laxmikant Meena said, The car was under the dumper, so we used a crane to pull it out. The relatives of the deceased have been informed. The probe is going on."Further details are awaited. (ANI)

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 22:15 IST

News agency-feeds Rajasthan: Trailer-truck overturns on car in Bundi; 4 dead, 1 injured

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Is e-Challan Automatically Generated When Your PUC Certificate Expires? | Rules Explained

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 17:24 IST

With the rollout of advanced surveillance and e-detection systems in several major cities, traffic enforcement is no longer limited to physical checks

Rapid Read

Vehicles flagged for expired PUC certificates can be automatically penalised, tightening compliance without direct human intervention.

As choking smog continues to blanket large parts of the country, air quality has once again become a matter of public concern. From metropolitan hubs to fast-growing urban centres, pollution levels have spiked sharply, with vehicular emissions emerging as one of the biggest contributors. Against this backdrop, authorities are stepping up enforcement of pollution norms, making it increasingly important for vehicle owners to keep a close watch on their Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.

In recent weeks, social media has been abuzz with claims that the moment a PUC certificate expires, a challan is automatically issued, even if the vehicle is parked and not in use. With the traffic enforcement rapidly going digital, many motorists are unsure whether this is fact or fear-mongering. The reality, officials say, lies somewhere in between.

With the rollout of advanced surveillance and e-detection systems in several major cities, traffic enforcement is no longer limited to physical checks. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, installed at key junctions, toll plazas and even fuel stations, are now linked to transport department databases. These systems can instantly verify whether a vehicles documents, including PUC, are valid.

In cities where such systems are fully operational, an expired PUC can indeed trigger an automatic e-challan. If a vehicle with an invalid certificate passes through a monitored point and the data matches, the owner may receive a fine directly on their registered mobile number. In some cases, the penalty can go as high as Rs 10,000 under pollution control laws.

However, this is not a uniform practice across the country. In many towns and smaller cities, enforcement continues to rely largely on manual checks. Here, a challan is issued only if traffic police stop a vehicle and find that the PUC certificate has lapsed. The difference, officials explain, depends entirely on the level of digital integration in a particular city.

Some urban centres have gone a step further. In places like Pune, cameras installed at petrol pumps are being used to screen vehicles before refuelling. Vehicles flagged for expired PUC certificates can be automatically penalised, tightening compliance without direct human intervention.

The rules around PUC validity also vary depending on the age and emission standard of the vehicle. Newer vehicles compliant with BS-IV and BS-VI norms are generally issued PUC certificates valid for one year, starting from the date of registration. As vehicles age, the frequency of testing increases. Very old vehicles are required to undergo emission testing every six months, making timely renewal critical.

Authorities advise vehicle owners not to rely on assumptions or hearsay. The simplest way to stay compliant is to regularly check the status of the PUC certificate through the official Parivahan website or mobile application. By entering the vehicle registration number, owners can instantly see the expiry date and avoid last-minute surprises.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 17:23 IST

News auto Is e-Challan Automatically Generated When Your PUC Certificate Expires? | Rules Explained

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Amazon Plans To Lay Off 370 Employees At European HQ In Luxembourg: Who Are At Risk?

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 16:17 IST

The move is set to significantly impact the software developers associated with the company as Amazon deepens its AI operations.

What happens to the non-EU employees of Amazon? (Photo Credit: X)

One of the worlds leading e-commerce companies, Amazon, is reportedly planning to lay off 370 employees at its European headquarters in Luxembourg. According to a Bloomberg report, the move could be made in the coming weeks and see the release of 8.5 per cent of the companys workforce in Europe.

Having originally planned to let go of 470 of the 4,370 employees at its European headquarters, Amazon has had to downsize the list of unretained workers due to the European Union regulations requiring firms to negotiate layoffs with employee representatives and even the government authorities.

Business Needs And Local Strategies

According to the report by Bloomberg, Amazon informed its employees about the layoffs via a memo, calling it a move that reflected the companys adjustment in business needs and local strategies." The company also explained that its severance packages in Luxembourg ran well beyond industry benchmarks."

One Amazon employee spoke to Bloomberg and highlighted that these layoffs would aggravate the challenge faced by hundreds of aspirants in entering the job market and finding their desired roles in Luxembourg. Despite the cuts, Amazon will remain the fifth-largest employer in the small country with a population of roughly 68,000. However, the move will have a huge impact on the subordinates that the company has.

How The Move Affects Non-EU Workers

According to People Matters, non-European Union employees associated with Amazon will have three months to either find a new employer or exit Luxembourg as per the immigration laws in the nation. As the tech industry increasingly shifts towards artificial intelligence for coding tasks, Amazons move will primarily hurt the software developers.

In October, Amazon had confirmed plans to reduce its global workforce to merely 14,000 employees. The company aims to simplify its operations and raise its usage of artificial intelligence tools to support sustainable growth in an ever-evolving landscape. The drop in Amazons Luxembourg employees is reportedly the largest set of layoffs in over two decades in the country, which will significantly impact its local labour market.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 18, 2025, 16:17 IST

News business Amazon Plans To Lay Off 370 Employees At European HQ In Luxembourg: Who Are At Risk?

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China Tests Homegrown EUV Lithography Machine In Major Chip Breakthrough: Report

Published By :

Reuters

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 10:44 IST

Chinese scientists in Shenzhen have built a prototype EUV lithography machine, aided by ex-ASML engineers and Huawei.

Chinas EUV Breakthrough Challenges Western Monopoly on Advanced Chips

In a high-security Shenzhen laboratory, Chinese scientists have built what Washington has spent years trying to prevent: a prototype of a machine capable of producing the cutting-edge semiconductor chips that power artificial intelligence, smartphones and weapons central to Western military dominance, Reuters has learned.

Completed in early 2025 and now undergoing testing, the prototype fills nearly an entire factory floor. It was built by a team of former engineers from Dutch semiconductor giant ASML (ASML.AS), opens new tab who reverse-engineered the companys extreme ultraviolet lithography machines or EUVs, according to two people with knowledge of the project.

EUV machines sit at the heart of a technological Cold War. They use beams of extreme ultraviolet light to etch circuits thousands of times thinner than a human hair onto silicon wafers, currently a capability monopolized by the West. The smaller the circuits, the more powerful the chips.

Chinas machine is operational and successfully generating extreme ultraviolet light, but has not yet produced working chips, the people said.

In April, ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet said that China would need many, many years" to develop such technology. But the existence of this prototype, reported by Reuters for the first time, suggests China may be years closer to achieving semiconductor independence than analysts anticipated.

Nevertheless, China still faces major technical challenges, particularly in replicating the precision optical systems that Western suppliers produce.

The availability of parts from older ASML machines on secondary markets has allowed China to build a domestic prototype, with the government setting a goal of producing working chips on the prototype by 2028, according to the two people.

But those close to the project say a more realistic target is 2030, which is still years earlier than the decade that analysts believed it would take China to match the West on chips.

Chinese authorities did not respond to requests for comment.

The breakthrough marks the culmination of a six-year government initiative to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency, one of President Xi Jinpings highest priorities. While Chinas semiconductor goals have been public, the Shenzhen EUV project has been conducted in secret, according to the people.

The project falls under the countrys semiconductor strategy, which state media has identified as being run by Xi Jinping confidant Ding Xuexiang, who heads the Communist Partys Central Science and Technology Commission.

Chinese electronics giant Huawei plays a key role coordinating a web of companies and state research institutes across the country involving thousands of engineers, according to the two people and a third source.

The people described it as Chinas version of the Manhattan Project, the U.S. wartime effort to develop the atomic bomb.

The aim is for China to eventually be able to make advanced chips on machines that are entirely China-made," one of the people said. China wants the United States 100% kicked out of its supply chains."

Huawei, the State Council of China, the Chinese Embassy in Washington, and Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology did not respond to requests for comment.

Until now, only one company has mastered EUV technology: ASML, headquartered in Veldhoven, Netherlands. Its machines, which cost around $250 million, are indispensable for manufacturing the most advanced chips designed by companies like Nvidia and AMDand produced by chipmakers such as TSMC, Intel, and Samsung.

ASML built its first working prototype of EUV technology in 2001, and told Reuters it took nearly two decades and billions of euros in R&D spending before it produced its first commercially-available chips in 2019.

It makes sense that companies would want to replicate our technology, but doing so is no small feat," ASML told Reuters in a statement.

ASMLs EUV systems are currently available to U.S. allies including Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.

Starting in 2018, the United States began pressuring the Netherlands to block ASML from selling EUV systems to China. The restrictions expanded in 2022, when the Biden administration imposed sweeping export controls designed to cut off Chinas access to advanced semiconductor technology. No EUV system has ever been sold to a customer in China, ASML told Reuters.

The controls targeted not just EUV systems but also older deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography machines that produce less-advanced chips like Huaweis, aiming to keep China at least a generation behind in chipmaking capabilities.

The U.S. State Department said the Trump Administration has strengthened enforcement of export controls on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment and is working with partners to close loopholes as technology advances."

The Dutch Ministry of Defence said the Netherlands is developing policies requiring knowledge institutions" to perform personnel screenings to prevent access to sensitive technology by individuals that have ill intentions or who are at risk of being pressured."

Export restrictions have slowed Chinas progress toward semiconductor self-sufficiency for years, and constrained advanced chip production at Huawei, the two people and a third person said.

The sources spoke on condition they not be identified due to the confidentiality of the project.

CHINAS MANHATTAN PROJECT

One veteran Chinese engineer from ASML recruited to the project was surprised to find that his generous signing bonus came with an identification card issued under a false name, according to one of the people, who was familiar with his recruitment.

Once inside, he recognized other former ASML colleagues who were also working under aliases and was instructed to use their fake names at work to maintain secrecy, the person said. Another person independently confirmed that recruits were given fake IDs to conceal their identities from other workers inside the secure facility.

The guidance was clear, the two people said: Classified under national security, no one outside the compound could know what they were buildingor that they were there at all.

The team includes recently retired, Chinese-born former ASML engineers and scientistsprime recruitment targets because they possess sensitive technical knowledge but face fewer professional constraints after leaving the company, the people said.

Two current ASML employees of Chinese nationality in the Netherlands told Reuters they have been approached by recruiters from Huawei since at least 2020.

Huawei did not respond to requests for comment.

European privacy laws limit ASMLs ability to track former employees. Though employees sign non-disclosure agreements, enforcing them across borders has proven difficult.

ASML won an $845 million judgment in 2019 against a former Chinese engineer accused of stealing trade secrets, but the defendant filed for bankruptcy and continues to operate in Beijing with Chinese government support, according to court documents.

ASML told Reuters that it vigilantly guards" trade secrets and confidential information.

While ASML cannot control or restrict where former employees work, all employees are bound by the confidentiality clauses in their contracts," the company said, and it has successfully pursued legal action in response to the theft of trade secrets."

Reuters was unable to determine if any legal actions have been taken against former ASML employees involved in Chinas lithography program.

The company said it safeguards EUV knowledge by ensuring only select employees can access the information even inside the company.

Dutch intelligence warned in an April report that China used extensive espionage programmes in its attempts to obtain advanced technology and knowledge from Western countries," including recruiting Western scientists and employees of high-tech companies."

The ASML veterans made the breakthrough in Shenzhen possible, the people said. Without their intimate knowledge of the technology, reverse-engineering the machines would have been nearly impossible.

Their recruitment was part of an aggressive drive China launched in 2019 for semiconductor experts working abroad, offering signing bonuses that started at 3 million to 5 million yuan ($420,000 to $700,000) and home-purchase subsidies, according to a Reuters review of government policy documents.

Recruits included Lin Nan, ASMLs former head of light source technology, whose team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai Institute of Optics has filed eight patents on EUV light sources in 18 months, according to patent filings.

The Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics did not respond to requests for comment. Lin could not be reached for comment.

Two additional people familiar with Chinas recruitment efforts said some naturalized citizens of other countries were given Chinese passports and allowed to maintain dual citizenship.

China officially prohibits dual citizenship and did not answer questions on issuing passports.

Chinese authorities did not respond to requests for comment.

INSIDE CHINAS EUV FAB

ASMLs most advanced EUV systems are roughly the size of a school bus, and weigh 180 tons. After failed attempts to replicate its size, the prototype inside the Shenzhen lab became many times larger to improve its power, according to the two people.

The Chinese prototype is crude compared to ASMLs machines but operational enough for testing, the people said.

Chinas prototype lags behind ASMLs machines largely because researchers have struggled to obtain optical systems like those from Germanys Carl Zeiss AG, one of ASMLs key suppliers, the two people said.

Zeiss declined to comment.

The machines fire lasers at molten tin 50,000 times per second, generating plasma at 200,000 degrees Celsius. The light is focused using mirrors that take months to produce, according to Zeiss website.

Chinas top research institutes have played key roles in developing homegrown alternatives, according to the two people.

The Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CIOMP) achieved a breakthrough in integrating extreme-ultraviolet light into the prototypes optical system, enabling it to become operational in early 2025, one of the people said, though the optics still require significant refinement.

CIOMP did not respond to requests for comment.

In a March online recruitment call on its website, the institute said it was offering uncapped" salaries to PhD lithography researchers and research grants worth up to 4 million yuan ($560,000) plus 1 million yuan ($140,000) in personal subsidies.

Jeff Koch, an analyst at research firm SemiAnalysis and a former ASML engineer, said China will have achieved meaningful progress" if the light source has enough power, is reliable, and doesnt generate too much contamination."

No doubt this is technically feasible, its just a question of timeline," he said. China has the advantage that commercial EUV now exists, so they arent starting from zero."

To get the required parts, China is salvaging components from older ASML machines and sourcing parts from ASML suppliers through secondhand markets, the two people said.

Networks of intermediary companies are sometimes used to mask the ultimate buyer, the people said.

Export-restricted components from Japans Nikon and Canon are being used for the prototype, one of the people and an additional source said.

Nikon declined to comment. Canon said it was not aware of such reports. The Japanese Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment.

International banks regularly auction older semiconductor fabrication equipment, the sources said. Auctions in China sold older ASML lithography equipment as recently as October 2025, according to a review of listings on Alibaba Auction, an Alibaba-owned platform.

A team of around 100 recent university graduates is focused on reverse-engineering components from both EUV and DUV lithography machines, according to the people.

Each workers desk is filmed by an individual camera to document their efforts to disassemble and reassemble partswork the people described as key to Chinas lithography efforts.

Staffers who successfully reassemble a component receive bonuses, the people said.

HUAWEI SCIENTISTS SLEEP ON-SITE

While the EUV project is run by the Chinese government, Huawei is involved in every step of the supply chain from chip design and fabrication equipment to manufacturing and final integration into products like smartphones, according to four people familiar with Huaweis operations.

CEO Ren Zhengfei briefs senior Chinese leaders on progress, according to one of the people.

The U.S. placed Huawei on an entity list in 2019, banning American companies from doing business with them without a license.

Huawei has deployed employees to offices, fabrication plants, and research centers across the country for the effort. Employees assigned to semiconductor teams often sleep on-site and are barred from returning home during the work week, with phone access restricted for teams handling more sensitive tasks, according to the people.

Inside Huawei, few employees know the scope of this work. The teams are kept isolated from each other to protect the confidentiality of the project," one of the people said. They dont know what the other teams work on."

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 10:44 IST

News business China Tests Homegrown EUV Lithography Machine In Major Chip Breakthrough: Report

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India, Oman Sign Free-Trade Agreement; Pact To Strengthen India's Economic Ties In The Gulf

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 16:12 IST

For India, the CEPA with Oman would expand the country's presence in the Gulf market, which plays critical role in energy security, remittances, logistics and regional trade flows.

Highness Sheikh Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Omans Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, extended a warm reception to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Muscat International Airport on December 17.

India on Thursday signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman. The move is expected to significantly strengthen New Delhis economic engagement with the Gulf region and reinforce its broader trade diversification strategy.

The India-Oman FTA was signed today during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the Gulf country.

#WATCH | Muscat | India and Oman signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said in Oman.(Video: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/kjXmE65hmM  ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025

It will be Omans second free-trade agreement with an individual country and its first such pact in nearly two decades. For India, the CEPA with Oman would expand the countrys presence in the strategically important Gulf market, which plays a critical role in energy security, remittances, logistics and regional trade flows.

The agreement is aimed at improving market access for goods and services, promoting two-way investments and enhancing cooperation across key sectors. It will support trade diversification and supply chain resilience at a time of global economic realignment.

At the India-Oman Business Summit, PM Narendra Modi said, The Summit today India-Oman partnership will give a new direction, new speed, and help it reach new heights. In this, all of you play a big role."

#WATCH | Muscat, Oman: At the India-Oman Business Summit, PM Narendra Modi says, The Summit today India-Oman partnership will give a new direction, new speed, and help it reach new heights. In this, all of you play a big role."(Video: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/5J8ah0ZLBr  ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025

Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, said, The signing of the IndiaOman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement marks a significant milestone in Indias engagement with the Gulf. Oman is already one of Indias most valued partners and our third-largest export destination in the GCC, with bilateral trade of $10.6 billion in 2024-25. The CEPA will deepen this partnership by enabling near-complete duty-free access for Indian goods and catalysing greater trade and investment across sectors such as energy, minerals, technology, tourism and agriculture."

He added that for the Mahindra Group, the CEPA opens a new chapter in our long-standing relationship with Oman. We are proud to reaffirm our commitment to Omans growth journey. Tech Mahindras technology development centre in Muscat is already supporting key industries through AI, cloud and 5G, with over 300 associates. This agreement allows us to expand collaboration in digital transformation, clean energy, supply chains and mobility.

In the last few years, India has signed many FTAs which are reaping rewards for our farmers, traders and exporters.

Indias Free-Trade Agreements

In 2025, India concluded the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the United Kingdom, which reduces tariffs on over 90 per cent of traded goods and is expected to significantly expand bilateral trade. A year earlier, India signed a trade and economic partnership agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc, comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, backed by strong investment commitments into the Indian economy.

Indias Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) with Australia, signed in 2022, cut or eliminated tariffs on most traded goods and opened new export opportunities for Indian products. The same year, India entered into a CEPA with the United Arab Emirates, reducing tariffs on more than 90 per cent of Indian exports and giving a major boost to sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles, leather and engineering goods.

Earlier, in 2021, India signed its first Africa-focused trade pact with Mauritius, improving market access and positioning the island nation as a gateway for Indian businesses into African markets.

The proposed CEPA with Oman fits into this broader framework, underscoring Indias push to build a diversified and resilient trade architecture through mutually beneficial partnerships. With the Gulf emerging as a key node in global supply chains and investment flows, the agreement is expected to further anchor Indias economic and strategic ties with the region.

India and Oman share strong and growing economic ties. Bilateral trade during FY 2023-2024 stood at $8.947 billion, while in FY 2024-25, it increased to $10.613 billion. Investment relations between the two countries have also remained robust, supported by a large number of joint ventures.

There are over 6,000 India-Oman joint ventures operating in Oman. The cumulative outward direct investment from India to Oman stands at $675 million. Meanwhile, the cumulative FDI equity inflow from Oman to India between April 2000 and March 2025 amounts to $610.08 million.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 12:47 IST

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Kerala High Court Says Married Son Must Support Mother, Upholds Rs 5,000 Maintenance

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Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 16:13 IST

A Kerala High Court ruling said a mother can seek maintenance from her son even if her husband is alive.

The court upheld a Rs 5,000 payment. (Photo Credit: X)

A recent ruling by the Kerala High Court has clearly stated that children cannot avoid caring for their aged parents. The court said a mothers right to seek financial support from her children stands on its own and does not depend on whether her husband is alive or earning.

The court also made it clear that a son cannot escape this duty just because he is married or has his own family to support. The judgment came while hearing a case filed by a 60-year-old woman seeking monthly maintenance from her son.

Court Backs Mothers Right To Support

The case began when the woman approached the Family Court asking for Rs 25,000 per month from her son under Section 125 of the CrPC. She said she had no job or income to support herself. In July 2025, the Family Court ordered the son to pay Rs 5,000 every month. Unhappy with the amount, the woman challenged the order in the Kerala High Court.

On November 4, this year, the High Court upheld the Family Courts decision and confirmed the Rs 5,000 monthly payment. The court said the order was fair and reasonable given the facts of the case.

Sons Arguments Rejected By Court

The son argued that his mother earned money by rearing cattle and that his father, a fisherman who owns a boat, was already maintaining her. He also said he had his own wife and child to look after and should not be asked to pay extra.

The court strongly rejected these claims. It said there was no proof that the mother earned any income from cattle rearing. The judges also said it was wrong for a well-off son to suggest that his elderly mother should do hard physical work to survive.

As quoted by The Economic Times, the Kerala High Court said, Cattle rearing is a physically demanding work. Expecting a sexagenarian mother to perform such labour highlights significant moral failure on the part of the son and disregard for the mothers well-being and dignity."

Marriage Does Not Remove Duty

The High Court also dismissed the sons claim that marriage freed him from responsibility. According to the publication, it said clearly that a son cannot escape from the liability to maintain his aged parents merely because he is married and has a family."

The court noted that the son works in the Gulf and has enough income to support his mother. Even though he denied earning Rs 2 lakh per month, he failed to submit any proof of his actual income.

Law Meant For Social Welfare

Meanwhile, legal experts reportedly said the ruling strengthens the purpose of maintenance laws meant to protect elderly parents. Advocate Amir Khan of Accord Juris LLP explained that maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC, now Section 144 of the BNSS, is a social welfare provision. It allows parents who cannot support themselves to seek financial help from their children. He added that if such court orders are ignored, strict steps like recovery action or even imprisonment can follow.

In addition, Lawyer Naman Singh Bagga, Partner at C&S Partners, said the judgment clearly confirms that a mother can seek maintenance from her children even if her husband is alive. He noted that the court made it clear that caring for aged parents is not just a moral responsibility but also a legal duty under the law.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 18, 2025, 16:13 IST

News business Kerala High Court Says Married Son Must Support Mother, Upholds Rs 5,000 Maintenance

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Trump's $100,000 H-1B Fee: Why TCS, Infosys, Other Indian IT Giants Face Biggest Shock

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 11:01 IST

The steep levy applies to new H-1B workers hired from overseas and is aimed squarely at curbing the use of the visa programme by large staffing and outsourcing companies.

Industry executives expect a further pullback in visa filings and a faster shift of work offshore. (Photo Credit: AP)

US President Donald Trumps proposed $100,000 fee on fresh H-1B visa applications is set to deal a disproportionate blow to Indian IT majors such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys and Cognizant, potentially altering hiring models across the global technology industry. A Bloomberg News analysis shows that these firms, which rely heavily on skilled workers recruited from outside the US, would have borne the brunt of the costs had the rule been in place earlier.

The steep levy applies to new H-1B workers hired from overseas and is aimed squarely at curbing the use of the visa programme by large staffing and outsourcing companies. Analysts say the move represents the toughest restriction yet on skilled foreign labour, raising costs sharply for employers and encouraging a shift of work away from the US.

Data analysed by Bloomberg indicates that multinational IT consultancies acting as intermediaries for US clients are the most exposed. Between May 2020 and May 2024, nearly 90 per cent of new H-1B approvals at TCS, Infosys and Cognizant were processed through US consulates, which would have triggered the proposed fee in almost every case.

Infosys appears the most vulnerable. More than 93 per cent of its new H-1B hires  over 10,400 workers  would have attracted the $100,000 charge. At TCS, around 6,500 employees, or 82 per cent of newly approved H-1B workers, would have fallen under the rule, while Cognizant would have faced the fee for about 5,600 hires, or 89 per cent of its total approvals.

Until now, the cost of securing an H-1B visa has typically been around $2,000. Had the new fee applied during the period analysed, the additional burden on these companies would have run into hundreds of millions of dollars, significantly altering the economics of overseas hiring.

The H-1B programme, which offers 85,000 visas annually to skilled foreign workers with at least a bachelors degree, has long been dominated by technology and IT firms. While critics from both major US political parties argue that the system depresses local wages, employers counter that rules require them to pay prevailing market salaries.

According to immigration attorney Jonathan Wasden, the proposed change is already influencing corporate behaviour. Were already seeing that happen," he told Bloomberg. The fear is that if you have truly exceptional talent overseas, those people are definitely going to be missing out."

Industry executives expect a further pullback in visa filings and a faster shift of work offshore. The IT consulting industry had already pulled back on new H-1Bs since 2024, and the fee will push more jobs overseas," said Steve Hall, chief AI officer at Information Services Group Inc.

Experts also warn of a social impact. Young Indian professionals, particularly women  who form a growing share of new H-1B applicants  are likely to be hit hardest, as companies may hesitate to sponsor early-career workers given the sharply higher upfront costs. With employer expenses rising to at least $160,000 per worker, including salary and fees, smaller firms and startups could find sponsorship unviable.

Companies, meanwhile, say they are adjusting. Cognizant said the move would have limited immediate impact. The recently announced Proclamation is expected to have limited near-term impact on Cognizants operations," spokesperson Jeff DeMarrais said. Over the past several years, we have significantly reduced our reliance on visas, using them only for select technology roles that supplement our US workforce."

Infosys pointed to earlier remarks by chief executive Salil Parekh, who said only a small portion of its US workforce requires visa sponsorship and that clients would see without any disruption to their services today and into the future."

Other global players have also adapted. IBM, which hired 88 per cent of its H-1B workers from outside the US, said it has already recalibrated its strategy. Our focus remains on ensuring we have the right skills to meet clients evolving needs," spokesperson Miki Carver said.

If implemented, the $100,000 fee could mark a decisive shift in how global tech firms access talent  accelerating offshoring, reshaping career paths for young professionals, and forcing companies to rethink long-standing reliance on the H-1B route.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 11:01 IST

News business Trump's $100,000 H-1B Fee: Why TCS, Infosys, Other Indian IT Giants Face Biggest Shock

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (at podium) speaks at a press encounter at the UN headquarters in New York, Dec. 17, 2025. Guterres on Wednesday condemned the continued arbitrary detention of UN personnel by the Houthis in Yemen. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday condemned the continued arbitrary detention of UN personnel by the Houthis in Yemen.

"I strongly condemn the continued arbitrary detention of 59 UN colleagues and partner personnel, as well as staff from NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions," he told reporters after briefing the Security Council on the situation in Yemen in closed-door consultations. "I call for their immediate and unconditional release, in accordance with international law."

In recent days, Houthi de facto authorities referred three UN personnel to a special criminal court. This referral must be rescinded, Guterres said. They have been charged in relation to their performance of UN official duties. These charges must be dropped, he said.

"The continued detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice to all those who have dedicated their lives to helping the people of Yemen. The United Nations and its partners must never be targeted, arrested, or detained in connection with their official duties. We must be allowed to perform our work without interference," said Guterres.

In the press encounter, Guterres called for de-escalation of the tensions in Yemen.

Tensions have been simmering across Yemen, and dramatic new developments in the eastern governorates are turning up the heat, he said. "A full resumption of hostilities could have serious ramifications on regional peace and security, including on the Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aden, and in the Horn of Africa."

Guterres urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and resolve differences through dialogue.

"Yemen needs a sustainable, negotiated political settlement -- one that embraces the aspirations of all Yemenis and brings this devastating conflict to an end. Until then, the Yemeni people will continue to pay a terrible price," he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at a press encounter at the UN headquarters in New York, Dec. 17, 2025. Guterres on Wednesday condemned the continued arbitrary detention of UN personnel by the Houthis in Yemen. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

Editor: Xiong Jian
Bengaluru Namma Metro Yellow Line Gets New Bus Stops: Check Timings, Routes Covered, Distance From Station

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 11:20 IST

Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation worked together to relocate existing bus stops and set up new ones.

Jayadeva Hospital station is a key hub, especially for the upcoming Pink Line.(Photo Credit: Instagram)

Bengalurus Yellow Line metro has changed the way commuters travel along the Rashtreeya Vidyalaya Road to Bommasandra corridor. While the metro connects several important areas, easy access to these stations is equally important. And to make it make daily travel smoother, bus stops near metro stations have been adjusted and added across the route.

Commuters had highlighted that some metro stations were not easily accessible by bus. So, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) worked together to set up new bus stops and relocate the existing ones. The idea behind these changes is to minimise walking time and ensure a smoother shift from buses to metros and vice versa.

Newly Added Bus Stops

Several stops have been created close to metro stations to ensure better connectivity. Take a look:

Biocon Hebbagodi

Beratena Agrahara

Singasandra

Hongasandra

Central Silk Board

RV Road

Bus Stops That Have Been Moved

Some existing bus stops were shifted closer to stations for easier access:

Electronics City

Hosa Road

Ragigudda

Stations With No Changes

At a few stations, bus stops were already close enough and did not need relocation:

Jayadeva Hospital

BTM Layout

Bommanahalli

Kudlu Gate

Infosys Foundation Konappana Agrahara (less than 100 meters away)

Relocation was not possible at Huskur Road and Delta Electronics Bommasandra due to space constraints.

Jayadeva Hospital Metro Station and Nearby Bus Stops

Jayadeva Hospital station is a key hub, especially for the upcoming Pink Line. It is also Indias tallest metro station at around 38-39 meters (roof level). The nearest bus stop for this station is the Jayadeva Hospital BMTC stop, which is just 145 meters away (around a 2-minute walk). Other close stops include:

East End Jayanagara: 312 meters (5-minute walk)

Jayanagar East: 324 meters (5-minute walk)

Mico Checkpost: 421 meters (6-minute walk)

Gurappanapalya: 424 meters (6-minute walk)

Important Bus Routes and Timings

These stops serve multiple BMTC routes:

600-F (Banashankari)

201 (Srinagara)

500-A

25-A (Kempegowda Bus Station)

368

G-4

V-365

Services start as early as 4:36 AM. At Jayadeva Hospital stop, for example, the 500-A buses start at 6:05 AM and 6:15 AM. Other routes like 500-CA and 500-CF continue throughout the day with intervals of 1530 minutes during peak hours.

Metro Feeder Bus Services

New feeder routes connect Yellow Line stations such as Electronics City and Bommasandra. There are 96 daily trips using 12 buses with some buses running every 30 minutes. These feeders generally operate from 6:30 AM to 11:55 PM on weekdays that match with metro schedules.

Namma Metro Yellow Line Train Schedule

The Yellow Line trains run between RV Road and Bommasandra from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. First trains depart RV Road at 6:30 AM, while the last train from Bommasandra leaves at 10:42 PM. Peak-hour frequency is every 1215 minutes following fleet additions, while off-peak intervals are 1525 minutes. Train timings can vary slightly by station, so commuters are advised to check the Namma Metro app or station displays for live updates.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 10:56 IST

News bengaluru-news Bengaluru Namma Metro Yellow Line Gets New Bus Stops: Check Timings, Routes Covered, Distance From Station

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Bomb Threat Triggers Evacuation At Bombay High Court, Police Declare Hoax After Sweeps

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 15:14 IST

Bomb threats at Bombay High Court, Bandra, Andheri and Esplanade courts led to evacuations and searches. No explosives found; threats declared hoaxes.

Rapid Read

Bomb disposal squads conduct checks at Bombay High Court after an email threat warning of a bomb attack led to evacuation and suspension of court proceedings, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. (IMAGE: PTI FILE)

The premises of the Bombay High Court in south Mumbais Fort area were evacuated on Thursday after multiple courts in the city received bomb threat emails, triggering a major security response.

Apart from the Bombay High Court, bomb threats were also reported at courts in Bandra, Andheri and Esplanade, also known as Killa Court. Police immediately deployed bomb detection and disposal squads and evacuated the premises as a precautionary measure.

Officials said the threat email was received by the Bandra court, following which standard operating procedures were put in place across all affected locations. Bomb squads conducted thorough searches of the court complexes but found no suspicious objects or explosives.

After the checks were completed, the threats were declared hoaxes.

Mumbai Commissioner of Police assured citizens that there was no cause for alarm, while senior police officers said all necessary safety protocols had been followed.

Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad carried out a complete search of the premises. No explosive material was found and the threat has been declared a hoax," a police officer was quoted as saying by The Indian Express, which first reported the incident.

Police said an FIR will be registered against unidentified persons in connection with the threat emails and efforts are underway to trace the source.

Judges, including the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, vacated the court premises in South Mumbai around 1 pm on Thursday after a bomb threat was received, The Indian Express said in its report. Lawyers, litigants and court staff were also asked to leave the building as a precautionary measure.

Lawyers associations informed their members about the evacuation shortly after the threat was flagged, requesting them to ensure that the judges they were attached to exited the courtrooms immediately. Court proceedings were temporarily halted as security agencies moved in to carry out checks.

In a message circulated to lawyers, one association said: Under instructions from Honble the Chief Justice, this is to inform you all to request the Honble Judges to whom you are attached that due to a bomb threat, the Bomb Disposal Squad will be carrying out checks. Judges are requested to rise from courts and assemble in the Judges Conference Hall. Courts will resume at 3 pm."

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 15:11 IST

News mumbai-news Bomb Threat Triggers Evacuation At Bombay High Court, Police Declare Hoax After Sweeps

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Delhi Wakes Up To Toxic Smog, AQI Remains Very Poor As Visibility Drops Across Several Areas

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 07:18 IST

Delhi faces severe smog with AQI at 356. Anand Vihar tops at 415, followed by Vivek Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, ITO, Mundka, Ashok Vihar.

Rapid Read

A layer of dense fog blankets the city. Early morning visuals from Kartavya Path area. (PTI)

A thick layer of toxic smog continued to blanket parts of the national capital on Thursday, with visuals from the Najafgarh area showing severely reduced visibility and a persistent haze hanging over roads and residential localities.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)s Sameer app, Delhis AQI was recorded at 356 in the very poor category, as of 6:00 am on Thursday.

#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from the Najafgarh area as a layer of toxic smog continues to blanket the national capital.AQI here is 284, categorised as poor as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) has invoked all actions pic.twitter.com/ve7xM01rN3  ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025

Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 415 in the severe category, followed closely by Vivek Vihar (410), Jahangirpuri (405), Rohini (400), ITO (399), Mundka (398) and Ashok Vihar (395). The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Najafgarh was recorded at 284, placing it in the poor category.

#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals around Anand Vihar area as a thick layer of toxic smog engulfs the national capital.AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 415, categorised as severe, as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). CAQM (Commission for Air Quality pic.twitter.com/0rQCBzHvRG  ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 satisfactory, 101 to 200 moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor, and 401 to 500 severe.

Train Delayed

Dense fog continued to disrupt rail services on Thursday morning, with at least 22 trains approaching New Delhi Railway Station running behind schedule over the next three hours.

As of 7 am, several long-distance trains were significantly delayed, including the Shramjeevi Express, which was running late by 2 hours and 48 minutes, the Jammu Rajdhani by 1 hour and 33 minutes, and the Tamil Nadu Superfast by over an hour. The Mahabodhi Express, Malwa Express, and Bihar Sampark Kranti were each delayed by more than four hours, reflecting the widespread impact of low visibility conditions on train operations.

Delhi Limits Office Attendance

With stricter pollution curbs in place across Delhi, the Labour Department on Tuesday announced work-from-home norms for government offices and compensation for construction workers impacted by the prolonged suspension of construction activities under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

As per the departments decision, only 50 percent attendance will be allowed in offices and business establishments across the national capital starting December 18, while the remaining staff will work from home. Offices have also been asked to introduce flexible working hours.

The Delhi government has also suspended physical classes for students from nursery to Class 5. While parents earlier had the option to choose between online and offline learning, students in these grades will now continue classes from home.

Meanwhile, schools will operate in a hybrid mode for students of Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11, giving them the choice to attend classes either online or in person.

The Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government also announced tougher measures to curb rising pollution, including barring vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate from purchasing petrol or diesel. Only BS VIcompliant vehicles will be allowed to operate within the city, while older vehicles will face restrictions.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 07:04 IST

News new-delhi-news Delhi Wakes Up To Toxic Smog, AQI Remains Very Poor As Visibility Drops Across Several Areas

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AILET 2026 Result, Final Answer Key Released: Direct Link To Check Here

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 16:35 IST

Candidates who took the exam can check their results on nationallawuniversitydelhi.in. NLU Delhi has also published the final answer key for AILET 2026 along with the results.

AILET 2026 result at nationallawuniversitydelhi.in.

The National Law University, Delhi has announced the results of the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) 2026. Candidates who took the exam can check their results on the official website  nationallawuniversitydelhi.in. NLU Delhi has also published the final answer key for AILET 2026 along with the results.

As many as 23960 candidate registered for the BA LLB Honors exam of which 22532 appeared. While of the 3257 candidates who registered for the LLM exam, 2787 appeared for it.

Steps To Download AILET Result 2026:

Step 1. Visit the official website of NLU Delhi at nationallawuniversitydelhi.in

Step 2. On the homepage, enter your username and password on the AILET 2026 portal.

Step 3. Click on the login button to be directed to a new page.

Step 4. Click on the AILET 2026 Result link.

Step 5. The AILET 2026 Result PDF will appear on the screen; download it.

Step 6. Check the result and take a printout for future reference.

AILET 2026 Result Out: Direct Link To Check

The official notification states, The National Law University Delhi conducted All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) 2026 on December 14, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for admission to B.A.LL.B.(Hons.) and LL.M. Programmes. All India Law Entrance Test 2026 was conducted in 47 Test Centres in 36 cities. The result of All India Law Entrance Test (AILET)  2026 for B.A.LL.B.(Hons.) and LL.M. programme are announced."

AILET Result 2026: Whats Next

Those who passed the exam will need to participate in the counselling process next. Candidates must register for counselling and specify their choices and preferences. A list of provisionally selected applicants will be announced by the authorities, and to confirm their seat, applicants must pay a Provisional Admission Confirmation Fee of Rs 50,000. If this confirmation is not completed within the designated time, the seat will be offered to the next qualified applicant based on merit from those registered for online counselling. Candidates are also required to upload a signed undertaking from themselves and their parents, as well as sign each page of the provisional admission offer letter.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 16:32 IST

News education-career AILET 2026 Result, Final Answer Key Released: Direct Link To Check Here

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China Sees Sharp Rise In Students Returning From Abroad In 2024

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 13:41 IST

China is seeing a sharp rise in overseas-educated students returning home as visa rules tighten and jobs shrink abroad.

Overseas-educated Chinese students return home amid tightening visa rules and limited job opportunities abroad. (Representational image/File)

China is witnessing a sharp rise in the number of students returning home after studying abroad, as job opportunities and visa policies tighten in several foreign countries. In response, the Chinese government has launched a special national platform to help overseas returnees find jobs and start businesses.

According to Chinas Ministry of Education, around 4.95 lakh students returned to the country in 2024, marking a 19.1 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Experts believe this number is likely to grow further in the coming years. Zheng Jinlian, vice-president of the Beijing-based think tank Centre for China and Globalisation, said the trend reflects changing global conditions, with overseas employment becoming increasingly difficult for international students.

She noted that countries such as the United States have tightened visa rules, making it harder for foreign graduates to secure jobs. While Chinas economy is also facing challenges, she said domestic opportunities may still be comparatively better.

China has historically sent a large number of students abroad, mainly to the US and Western countries, often supported by government schemes and bank loans. Between 1978 and 2024, about 7.43 million Chinese students completed their education overseas, of whom nearly 6.44 million eventually returned. These returnees have played a key role in Chinas development, particularly in technology-driven sectors.

To support the growing number of returnees, the Ministry of Education has partnered with 50 organisations to offer career guidance, entrepreneurial mentoring and direct job matching with local governments and companies. Priority sectors include artificial intelligence and new materials.

The initiative was announced during an event in Shanghai marking 30 years of the Chunhui programme, which encourages overseas-educated professionals to contribute to national development.

ALSO READ: MP SET 2025 Exam Postponed; MPPSC To Announce New Date Soon

However, the rising number of returnees has also increased competition in Chinas job market, where more than 12 million graduates enter every year. This has led to concerns among local graduates, as foreign-educated candidates are often preferred for their technical skills and English proficiency.

Chinas leadership has said it will work on an integrated plan to strengthen education, technology and talent development.

(With inputs from PTI)

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 13:41 IST

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Study Abroad: British Council Announces GREAT Scholarships 2026-27 For Indian Students

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 12:22 IST

The British Council has announced 12 GREAT Scholarships for Indian students for 202627, offering 10,000 towards tuition fees for postgraduate study in the UK.

The British Council announces GREAT Scholarships 202627 for Indian students.

The British Council has announced the GREAT Scholarships 202627 for Indian students, offering 12 postgraduate scholarships to support higher education in the United Kingdom. The scholarships are being offered in partnership with the UK governments GREAT Britain campaign and are aimed at Indian students with strong academic records who wish to pursue one-year taught postgraduate courses at leading UK universities.

For the 202627 academic year, 12 scholarships will be available across a wide range of disciplines, including business management, finance, marketing, psychology, law, STEM, humanities, design, music, dance and other creative arts. Each scholarship provides at least 10,000 towards tuition fees.

Several top UK universities are participating in the programme, including Anglia Ruskin University, Norwich University of the Arts, Queens University Belfast, the University of Bristol, the University of Dundee, the University of Reading, the University of Surrey and UWE Bristol. Specialist institutions such as the Royal College of Art, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Royal Northern College of Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance are also offering scholarships, highlighting strong opportunities in creative and performing arts.

The GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK governments GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council and participating universities. The initiative aims to strengthen education ties between India and the UK while improving access to globally recognised academic opportunities.

ALSO READ: CAT 2025 Results Expected Soon At iimcat.ac.in, Check Final Answer Key Direct Link

Speaking on the announcement, Rittika Chanda Parruck, Director Education India at the British Council, said the scholarships reflect the growing depth of the UKIndia education partnership. She added that studying in the UK offers students exposure to industry-linked learning, a global academic environment and strong career pathways.

The British Council said the programme will help Indian students build global perspectives, develop in-demand skills and enhance their long-term career prospects through high-quality postgraduate education in the UK.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 12:22 IST

News education-career Study Abroad: British Council Announces GREAT Scholarships 2026-27 For Indian Students

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Wall Collapse at Odisha State-Run Residential School Kills Class 3 Student, Injures Two

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 19:49 IST

The incident took place at Gandhi Nagar Ashram (for SC and ST students) at Kotpad on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as eight-year-old Premananda Bhatra.

The school offers education for children from SC and ST communities from Classes 1 to 8. (Representational/AI Generated Image)

A class 3 student died and two others were injured after a wall partially collapsed at a state-run residential school in Odishas Koraput district, police reported on Thursday. The incident happened at Gandhi Nagar Ashram (for SC and ST students) in Kotpad on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as eight-year-old Premananda Bhatra. The injured students were initially treated in Kotpad and later referred to the district headquarters hospital in Jeypore, according to PTI.

One of the injured students was discharged after initial treatment and returned to the hostel. The other, who sustained a leg injury, is still receiving treatment at the district headquarters hospital, said district welfare officer Sunil Kumar Tandi.

One of the injured students was discharged after preliminary treatment and has returned to the hostel, while the other, who suffered a leg injury, is undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital," Tandi stated.

Officials reported that the incident occurred within the hostel premises. A four-foot-high wall with an inauguration plaque suddenly collapsed, the report added.

Calling the incident unfortunate, Tandi stated that an inquiry committee has been established, chaired by the Jeypore sub-collector. This committee will conduct a thorough investigation and submit its findings to the district collector for necessary action.

The Gandhi Nagar Ashram School, run by the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Department, offers education for children from SC and ST communities from Classes 1 to 8.

Earlier in July, a similar incident took place in Rajasthan when at least seven children were killed after the roof of a primary school collapsed on July 25th morning. The roof of Piplodi Primary School in in Jhalawar collapsed trapping more than 60 children under the rubble. Five teachers from the school were suspended. The structure consisted of four classrooms, including the one that collapsed, and was constructed in 1994 by the gram panchayat, PTI reported.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 19:49 IST

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How The EU Plans To Use Frozen Russian Assets For Ukraine, And Why It Has Split Europe

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 08:40 IST

The EUs debate over tapping frozen Russian assets for a Ukraine loan reaches a decisive moment as leaders convene for a summit on Thursday and Friday.

A man holds a banner as people demonstrate outside the European Commission, in support of using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Brussels, Belgium, December 17, 2025. (REUTERS)

Europe is approaching one of its most consequential financial and political decisions since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At a crucial summit on Thursday, EU leaders will decide whether to use Russias frozen central bank assets to raise a loan for Kyiv, a step advocates describe as necessary for Ukraines survival, and critics deem legally shaky, financially risky and geopolitically explosive.

The stakes are enormous: Ukraine is running out of money, the EU faces pressure to plug the gap left by the United States, and Europes credibility as a geopolitical actor hangs in the balance.

The EU froze about 210bn of Russian central bank assets in 2022 as part of sanctions imposed after Moscows invasion. These assets are largely held at Euroclear, a Brussels-based financial institution that safeguards and settles securities for central banks, major lenders and international bodies. Until recently, the EU used only the interest generated by these immobilised Russian holdings to support Ukraine.

But as Kyivs financial crisis deepens and US backing has fallen sharply, the bloc is considering going further: borrowing against the assets to extend an unprecedented loan to Ukraine. This is the core of the proposal EU leaders must now decide on, and the reason it has become so contentious.

What Exactly Is The EU Proposing?

Under the European Commissions plan, the bloc would use the cash balances" generated by Russias frozen assets  the principal, interest and income that have accumulated as these securities mature  to finance a loan for Ukraine. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, explained the logic clearly: Were taking the cash balances, were providing them to Ukraine as a loan, and Ukraine has to pay back this loan if and when Russia is paying reparations."

The frozen assets total about 210bn, and this, the Commission has said, is therefore the ceiling for any loan structured through this mechanism. The immediate proposal is to lend Ukraine 90bn across 2026 and 2027. This represents roughly two-thirds of the estimated 136bn Kyiv needs over those two years to sustain its military and civilian functions, according to the European Commission and IMF projections.

A key feature of this loan is that Europe expects eventual repayment not from Ukrainian taxpayers but from Russia, if and when Moscow agrees to pay war reparations. Until that happens, Russia would technically remain the legal owner of the assets, but it would not be able to access them due to EU sanctions.

Why Is Europe Considering This Now?

Several political and financial pressures have converged. For much of 2024, EU leaders avoided touching the principle of Russias frozen holdings, fearing it would rattle global investors and undermine trust in the eurozone. That caution shifted in October when Germanys new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, publicly backed the idea of using the assets, without confiscating them, arguing that Russias aggression poses a greater long-term economic threat to Europe than the legal uncertainties of the plan.

Another factor is the sharp decline in US support. US President Donald Trump has halted new military aid to Kyiv, while the United States has floated rival ideas for the frozen assets, including investing them for US-led reconstruction initiatives. European leaders, worried that Washington might repurpose the funds, have been spurred to act.

Meanwhile, Ukraines financial situation is becoming dire. Without fresh resources by spring, Kyiv could struggle to pay soldiers, teachers and police. As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy put it: Without such support, I dont see the possibility for Ukraine to hold on, or to stand tall economically. I dont see us being able to cover such big deficits with other vague promises or unclear alternatives."

Europe has committed to support Ukraine regardless of whether the frozen-assets plan passes, but it must still decide how to pay for it. Given sluggish European economies and tight national budgets, governments face limited room for additional spending. The frozen-assets loan is seen by many capitals, including Germany, Poland and the Baltic states, as one of the few feasible avenues left.

Why Is Belgium, Of All Countries, Pushing Back?

Belgium hosts Euroclear, which holds the bulk of Russias immobilised assets. That alone gives Belgium a uniquely exposed position. Brussels has described the reparations loan as fundamentally wrong" because it could be interpreted as confiscation, potentially prompting Russia to retaliate or pursue expensive litigation.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot has been explicit about the risks: We have repeatedly said that we consider the option of the reparations loan the worst of all, as it is risky  it has never been done before." Belgium argues that the EUs proposed guarantees are insufficient. The European Commission has asked member states to promise they will cover repayments if Russia ultimately pays reparations, but Belgium fears that is only part of the financial exposure.

Euroclear is already embroiled in more than 100 cases in Russia, and the Russian central bank has filed a $230bn claim for damages against it. Belgium worries that, without watertight guarantees, it could be left to bear the legal costs of defending Euroclear, and to absorb any retaliation against Belgian property in Russia or third countries. Belgian officials have highlighted that jurisdictions close to Moscow, such as Kazakhstan or China, might enforce Russian rulings by seizing Belgian-owned assets on their soil.

Brussels has therefore demanded that EU member states provide 100% guarantees against every possible financial consequence, not just the loan itself but all associated risks. It also wants other countries holding Russian assets, including the UK, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Norway and the US, to make proportional contributions.

What Are Other EU Concerns About The Plan?

The controversy extends beyond Belgium. Italy, the Czech Republic and others have questioned the financial guarantees required, or whether their national budgets should be on the line. The Czech prime minister has said Prague will not provide such guarantees because its funds must be reserved for Czech citizens.

There is also a broader strategic worry: that using frozen sovereign assets in this manner could damage Europes reputation as a safe place for international capital. Countries such as China, which could one day face EU sanctions if it were to take aggressive action on Taiwan, may hesitate to hold large reserves in Europe if they see the Russian precedent as a warning sign.

Russia, for its part, has denounced the EUs idea. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said using the frozen assets for a loan would amount to theft of someone elses property". In a recent interview with CNN, Kremlin-linked Russian banker Andrey Kostin called the plan a robbery." Moscow has issued repeated warnings that the plan would destabilise the eurozone and erode investor confidence.

What Is The US Position On The Frozen Russian Assets?

The United States has its own vision for how the frozen Russian assets should be used, and this has added a layer of tension to Europes deliberations. A US-backed 28-point plan that leaked last month proposed investing $100bn of Russias immobilised assets in US-led efforts to rebuild and invest in Ukraine," with Washington receiving profits generated from those investments. Because most of the frozen assets are held in Europe, the American approach depends heavily on EU cooperation, and the blocs reparations-loan proposal diverges sharply from these US ambitions.

US officials on Monday discussed the use of the frozen assets with Ukrainian delegates and European counterparts, but it is unclear how the American framework has evolved after multiple rounds of negotiations.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has halted new US support packages for Ukraine, sharply reducing Washingtons financial role. According to data compiled by the Kiel Institute, Ukraines European allies have allocated $221bn in military, financial and humanitarian aid since January 2022, compared with $134bn from the United States. This gap is one reason why Kyiv sees the frozen assets as indispensable.

Is There An Alternative On The Table?

Yes, but it may be even harder to implement. The European Commission has proposed a second, more traditional option: for the EU to borrow directly from financial markets using the EU budget as collateral, then lend the money to Ukraine. This is a method the EU has used before, including during the pandemic.

However, this route requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. That means Hungary or Slovakia, governments aligned more closely with Russia, could block it outright. The frozen-assets loan, by contrast, needs only a qualified majority.

Belgium and a few others argue that the alternative is legally safer and shields Euroclear from retaliation. But most EU officials acknowledge that unanimity may be impossible and that, without the frozen-assets plan, securing the necessary funds for Ukraine could be extraordinarily difficult.

What Happens If EU Leaders Fail To Agree?

A deadlock would deal a significant blow to Europes credibility. German chancellor Merz warned that if we do not succeed in this, then the European Unions ability to act will be severely damaged for years, if not longer, and we will show the world that we are incapable of standing together and acting at such a crucial moment in our history."

It would also leave Ukraine scrambling for alternatives just as its financial crisis peaks and its battlefield pressures mount.

The EU has pledged to support Kyiv regardless, but without agreement on how to mobilise funds, that promise risks becoming symbolic. Failure would also weaken Europes influence in any peace negotiations, particularly at a time when the United States is taking a more transactional approach and questioning Europes resolve.

And If There Is Agreement?

Relief would likely be immediate, but the work would only begin. The decision would have to be translated into binding legislation at speed so that Ukraine receives funds by spring. Even then, long-term uncertainties remain: who will cover the enormous reconstruction bill  now estimated at $524bn (506bn)  and how any future peace deal will address borders, security and Russian reparations.

The EUs decision, therefore, is not merely a financial debate. It is a test of Europes cohesion, legal framework and geopolitical confidence, and a sign of whether the bloc can rise to a historic moment even amid profound internal divisions.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 08:35 IST

News explainers How The EU Plans To Use Frozen Russian Assets For Ukraine, And Why It Has Split Europe

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What Is Chinas Secret Manhattan Project And Why It Could Rewrite AI Chip Race With The West

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 13:40 IST

A secret Chinese programme to achieve chip self-reliance has reached a milestone that the West has tried for years to prevent.

Worker miniatures are placed among the flag of China and printed circuit boards with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken July 5, 2023. (REUTERS)

Chinas quest for semiconductor independence has always been ambitious, but until this year, it was widely considered out of reach. The United States and its allies believed they had constructed an impenetrable wall: a system of export controls and chokepoints designed specifically to prevent China from ever mastering the tools needed to manufacture the worlds most advanced chips.

At the centre of that chokepoint is the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machine, one of the most complex machines ever built, and a technology monopolised by one company: ASML of the Netherlands. In fact, as recently as April, ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet said China would need many, many years" to develop EUV technology.

However, a report by Reuters has now revealed that inside a high-security Shenzhen compound, Chinese scientists have built a crude but operational prototype of an EUV machine. It fills almost an entire factory floor, was assembled under strict secrecy, and represents the closest China has ever come to breaking the Wests strongest technological blockade. While the machine has not yet produced working chips, it is already generating EUV light, a milestone that experts once said could take China a decade or more to reach.

The discovery has shocked analysts and raised a larger geopolitical question: if China can replicate the very tool that underpins American and allied dominance in AI, defence, and high-end computing, what happens to the existing balance of power?

Before unpacking why this is so significant, it is important to understand why Chinese officials, and even some of the engineers involved, are calling this Beijings own Manhattan Project."

What Was The Original Manhattan Project, And Why Is Chinas Effort Compared To It?

The Manhattan Project was the United States top-secret wartime programme during the Second World War to build the atomic bomb. It brought together the countrys best scientists under extreme security, combined vast financial and industrial resources, and ultimately produced a weapon that altered global power structures.

The comparison is not casual. According to Reuters, those involved in Chinas effort describe it as a nationwide, militarily sensitive, centrally directed programme, involving thousands of engineers across universities, state labs, and companies such as Huawei. The project is part of Chinas semiconductor strategy overseen by Ding Xuexiang, a close ally of Chinese President Xi Jinping and head of the Central Science and Technology Commission.

Just like the original Manhattan Project, only a handful of people know the full picture, and many teams are deliberately isolated from one another to preserve secrecy. Recruits reportedly work under aliases, live on-site during the week, and operate inside tightly controlled facilities.

For Beijing, the stakes are framed as equally strategic: control over semiconductor technology means control over the digital foundations of modern warfare, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and the global economy. It is not simply about tech supremacy; it is about sovereignty.

Why EUV Machines Matter, And Why They Are The Wests Strongest Chokepoint

To understand why this prototype is so consequential, a quick primer is necessary. EUV lithography machines use highly concentrated beams of extreme ultraviolet light to etch nanometre-scale circuits on silicon wafers. These circuits are thousands of times thinner than a human hair and are required to manufacture the most advanced AI and weapons-grade chips.

Until now, only ASML has mastered this technology. Its machines cost roughly $250 million each, weigh around 180 tonnes, and are so complex that even their main supplier network consists of ultra-specialised companies like Germanys Carl Zeiss AG, which produces the precision mirrors at the heart of the system. These mirrors reflect EUV light with such precision that even microscopic imperfections can ruin an entire chip.

ASML has said it took nearly two decades and billions of euros in R&D before its EUV systems could be commercialised in 2019.

Because of how strategically important these machines are, the US successfully pushed the Netherlands to block any EUV sales to China from 2018 onwards. The control regime later expanded to include older deep ultraviolet (DUV) systems, with the explicit aim of keeping China at least one technological generation behind. No EUV machine has ever been exported to China, ASML told Reuters.

This is why the Shenzhen prototype is a major geopolitical development: it suggests that China may have found a way to bypass the blockade.

How China Built The Prototype: Reverse Engineering, Secret Recruits, And A Nationwide Network

Chinas machine is not a polished EUV system. Reuters reports that it is far larger and less refined than ASMLs, and it has yet to produce functional chips. But it is operational, a breakthrough that many analysts believed was nearly impossible without direct access to ASMLs full technology stack.

How did Beijing pull this off? A few central elements stand out:

Recruitment of ex-ASML engineers under strict secrecy: Reuters reports that former ASML engineers, many recently retired and originally from China, were hired with large signing bonuses and instructed to work under false identities inside the Shenzhen facility. Some discovered colleagues they recognised from ASML, but all were required to use aliases at work.

Access to second-hand ASML components: Although EUV systems are restricted, China has been able to legally purchase parts and older ASML machines from secondary markets and auctions. These components helped engineers reverse-engineer key subsystems.

A parallel shadow supply chain: According to Reuters, China also sourced parts from ASMLs suppliers through intermediary companies. Some export-restricted components from Japanese manufacturers Nikon and Canon were integrated into the prototype, highlighting the loopholes in global equipment markets.

State-backed talent and research institutes: The Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics played a pivotal role in integrating EUV light into the optical system, helping the prototype become operational in early 2025. Reuters reports that the institute has been offering uncapped" salaries and extremely high research grants to PhD specialists.

Huaweis central coordinating role: Across the supply chain, from design to fabrication to integration, Huawei is deeply embedded. Employees reportedly sleep on-site and operate under strict communication restrictions. Reuters notes that CEO Ren Zhengfei personally briefs senior Chinese leaders on progress.

Put together, these elements mirror the Manhattan Projects intense secrecy, resource concentration, and strategic national importance.

Why This Is A Huge Power Move

Chinas achievement does not mean it has matched ASML or that it can immediately produce cutting-edge chips. But even an operational prototype is enough to trigger long-term strategic consequences:

It shortens Chinas timeline dramatically: ASML previously suggested that China was many, many years" away from EUV capabilities. Beijing may be several years closer than expected, with the government aiming for working chips by 2028, though those familiar with the project believe 2030 is more realistic. It weakens the Wests strongest leverage point: Export controls around EUV were considered the most effective tool for constraining Chinas rise in AI and advanced weapons. If China eventually produces its own systems, that leverage diminishes. It accelerates the global tech bifurcation: The more China insulates its supply chains, the more the world moves toward two parallel semiconductor ecosystems  one Western, one Chinese. It strengthens Chinas long-term defence and AI capabilities: Advanced chips are foundational for autonomous weapons, hyperscale AI models, and military simulation systems. Even incremental progress reduces Chinas strategic vulnerability. It signals that talent control is becoming a key battleground: The recruitment of ASML veterans, fake IDs, and isolated teams highlights a growing challenge: the West can restrict machines, but not humans.

How Far Is China From Catching Up?

Despite the excitement within Beijing, the prototype remains far behind ASMLs commercial systems. China still lacks access to the ultra-precise optics that Zeiss produces. Its machine is reportedly crude and many times larger than ASMLs design, reflecting the difficulty of achieving extreme precision.

But even so, the operational light source  the hardest part of EUV engineering  represents a massive leap. As one analyst told Reuters, China does not have to reinvent the entire technology; commercial EUV systems already exist, giving China a roadmap instead of making it start from zero.

The realistic timeline of 2030 for producing chips may still slip. But the psychological effect, that China has moved from never going to happen" to its only a matter of time", may be the most consequential shift of all.

The Bottom Line

Chinas secret EUV prototype does not overturn Western dominance overnight. But it marks the first time Beijing has cracked open the Wests most protected technological fortress.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 13:36 IST

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Why Trumps Call For Pakistani Troops In Gaza Puts Asim Munir In A Tight Spot

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 11:37 IST

Trumps Gaza plan includes a stabilisation force, and Pakistan is under pressure to join, but Munir faces political, religious and diplomatic hurdles at home.

US President Donald Trump during a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House.

Pakistan army chief Asim Munir is facing growing pressure from the United States to commit Pakistani troops to a proposed International Stabilisation Force in Gaza. The force is part of US President Donald Trumps 20-point plan for Gazas transition period, a framework that has received backing from the United Nations. Washington has been pushing several Muslim-majority countries with strong militaries to take part, and Pakistan is among those being approached.

Peace efforts in Gaza have remained stalled for more than two months under a shaky ceasefire that drew on elements of Trumps plan. The ceasefire has been marked by allegations of major breaches, including accusations directed at Israel, and discussions about the proposed stabilisation force have become central to international engagement on Gaza. For countries invited to join the mission, the issue is not only about the responsibilities involved but also how such participation would be viewed domestically.

Munirs situation is particularly sensitive. Public sentiment in Pakistan has hardened during the Gaza war, long-standing positions on Israel remain deeply rooted, and political tensions at home continue to run high. At the same time, Munir is preparing for his third visit to Washington in less than six months, a sign of the attention the United States is directing towards Pakistans role.

What Exactly Is The Gaza Stabilisation Force The US Wants Pakistan To Join?

The stabilisation force is central to Trumps 20-point plan, which outlines a period of reconstruction, economic revival and security arrangements for Gaza after more than two years of Israeli military operations. According to Axios, Trump intends to appoint a two-star US general to lead the force. Washington has set up coordination headquarters in Israel to manage planning and oversight, and the White House has stated that the US will not deploy its own troops on the ground.

A conference in Qatar brought together dozens of countries to discuss how the force might be formed and what responsibilities it would carry. Those invited included Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Italy, France, the UK and Azerbaijan. Turkey, which has been a vocal backer of Hamas and a regional rival of Israel, was not invited.

Many of the invited countries remain hesitant. Israel expects that any stabilisation force will take on the task of disarming Hamas, a role few governments are willing to assume given the risk of escalation and the possibility of becoming drawn into prolonged conflict. Pakistans foreign minister Ishaq Dar said that Islamabad could consider contributing troops for peacekeeping but made clear that disarming Hamas is not our job."

Why Pakistans Anti-Israel Position Makes Troop Deployment So Sensitive

Pakistans position on Israel dates back to 1948, when Muhammad Ali Jinnah opposed the creation of a Jewish state. The country has never recognised Israel, has no diplomatic relations with it and its passport specifies that it is not valid for travel to Israel. Pakistan also views Israel as a strategic partner of India, and over time, this approach has become entrenched in Pakistans political and religious discourse.

Islamabad did not join the Abraham Accords, which normalised relations between several Muslim-majority countries and Israel. It has maintained that recognition can only come after the creation of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Gaza war that began in October 2023 intensified public sentiment. Pakistan has described Israels actions as genocide, referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a terrorist and accused him of war crimes, accusations that Israel has rejected. Islamist parties, clerics and large sections of the population hold strong pro-Palestinian positions and have the capacity to mobilise thousands.

A powerful anti-Israel Islamist group that had campaigned for Pakistans strict blasphemy laws was banned in October, and authorities arrested its leaders along with more than 1,500 supporters. Despite the crackdown, the ideology surrounding such movements remains influential.

Supporters of former jailed Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose candidates won the most seats in the 2024 national elections, also remain hostile to Munir. In this environment, any step that appears to place Pakistani forces in a mission associated with expectations set by Israel carries domestic risks. Israels position that the stabilisation force must disarm Hamas further adds to the sensitivity of the decision for Islamabad.

How Domestic Politics And Islamist Mobilisation Trap Munir

Munir has projected himself as a devout Muslim and a defender of Islamic values since assuming command of the army. A deployment to Gaza under a US-directed framework could be interpreted by his critics as inconsistent with that image. Domestic political tensions have also remained high due to Imran Khans imprisonment, creating conditions in which reactions to foreign policy decisions could intensify rapidly.

Contributing troops could spark domestic backlash. Abdul Basit, Senior Associate Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, warned that perceptions could shift quickly, saying: People will say Asim Munir is doing Israels bidding  it will be foolhardy of anyone not to see it coming."

Pakistan could also face reactions from states such as Turkey, Oman and Qatar, which have historically taken more sympathetic positions towards Hamas. Munir must therefore balance both internal and external sensitivities as he considers how to respond to US pressure.

What Happens If Pakistan Says No, And Why Munir Fears Annoying Trump

Despite the risks within Pakistan, Munir remains under pressure to maintain strong ties with Washington. He has invested considerable effort in repairing the relationship following years of mistrust between the US and Pakistan. In June, Trump hosted him for a White House lunch, the first time a US president met Pakistans army chief alone without civilian leaders present.

The United States recently cleared a USD 686 million F-16 sustainment package for Pakistan, which heightened concerns in India about renewed military cooperation between Washington and Islamabad. For Pakistan, support from the US remains important for investment, security assistance and international positioning.

Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council, stated: Not contributing (to the Gaza stabilisation force) could annoy Trump, which is no small matter for a Pakistani state that appears quite keen to remain in his good graces  in great part to secure US investment and security aid."

Munirs institutional authority has also expanded significantly. He was recently appointed chief of the defence forces, a role that places the air force and navy under his authority. He has been granted an extension until 2030, given lifetime immunity from criminal prosecution under recent constitutional amendments and retains his field marshal title. Kugelman noted: Few people in Pakistan enjoy the luxury of being able to take risks more than Munir. He has unbridled power, now constitutionally protected Ultimately, it will be Munirs rules, and his rules only."

Why Every Option Carries A Downside For Munir And Pakistan

Munir has recently held meetings with leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt and Qatar. Analysts believe these engagements are part of broader consultations related to the proposed stabilisation force. However, these meetings do not resolve the core challenge facing Pakistan.

If Islamabad agrees to send troops, it risks domestic unrest, criticism from political rivals, mobilisation by Islamist groups and reactions from states that have taken positions sympathetic to Hamas. If Pakistan declines, it risks damaging its relationship with Trump at a moment when it is seeking continued US investment, military assistance and diplomatic support.

Pakistans military establishment has often relied on external relationships for resources and validation, even when doing so has created internal complications. Munirs current dilemma reflects this pattern of navigating between domestic pressures and international expectations.

Whichever option he chooses will carry implications that extend beyond the mission itself.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 11:18 IST

News explainers Why Trumps Call For Pakistani Troops In Gaza Puts Asim Munir In A Tight Spot

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. and Russian negotiators are expected to hold talks in Miami, U.S. state of Florida, this weekend over a peace deal aimed at ending the Ukraine crisis that has lasted nearly four years, U.S. media outlet Politico reported on Wednesday.

The schedule remains in flux, and if they meet, the Trump administration will present to the Russian side the latest development following the talks among U.S., Ukrainian and European officials in Berlin last weekend, said the report, citing two people familiar with the matter.

U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to represent the U.S. side while the Russian delegation is expected to include Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, said the report.

Ukrainian national security adviser Rustem Umerov is also expected to meet with the U.S. delegation separately in Miami or another location in the United States in the coming weekend.

The U.S., European and Ukrainian officials have reached consensus or significantly closed gaps on 90 percent of their differences on a 20-point U.S. draft peace plan during the Berlin talks last weekend, officials with the Trump administration said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine could suspend its bid to join NATO in exchange for Western security guarantees to prevent renewed conflict with Russia if a peace agreement were reached, with Kiev seeking protections comparable to those granted to alliance members -- assurances the United States has so far not offered.

He said that Ukraine stands ready to agree on security guarantees based on NATO Article 5 as a part of a compromise in the peace process, the Ukrinform news agency reported.

Editor: Xiong Jian
Anti-India Protests, Seven Sisters Threat: Decoding Bangladesh Turmoil | Top Points

Curated By :

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 18:19 IST

Anti-India protests erupted in Bangladesh as demonstrators marched toward Indian missions. India shut two visa centres and summoned Dhakas envoy amid threats and rising tensions.

Bangladeshi police try to stop demonstrators as they march towards the assistant Indian high commissioner's office in Rajshahi on December 18. (AFP)

Rising political unrest and worsening diplomatic tensions have triggered fresh anti-India protests in Bangladesh, with demonstrators marching toward Indian diplomatic missions and Dhaka issuing repeated demands for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The developments come weeks before national elections and amid an increasingly volatile atmosphere under the interim government.

Protesters March Toward Indian Mission in Rajshahi

Dozens of protesters attempted to march to the office of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Rajshahi on Thursday, demanding the repatriation of all the killers including Sheikh Hasina." Police stalled the march, saying they had heard the demonstrators concerns and would forward their demands to the authorities. Officials said they were unaware of further planned demonstrations but hoped the situation would remain peaceful.

Also Read: India Shuts Down Two Visa Application Centres In Bangladesh Over Security Situation

Attempt to Reach Indian High Commission in Dhaka

A similar protest took place a day earlier in Dhaka, where a group of demonstrators attempted to march toward the Indian High Commission. The protests mark a sharp escalation in anti-India sentiment as relations between the two countries continue to fray.

India Summons Bangladesh Envoy Over Threats

Indias Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner M. Riaz Hamidullah in New Delhi to convey its concerns about threats issued by extremist groups and the deteriorating security environment around the Indian mission in Dhaka. New Delhi reminded Dhaka of its diplomatic obligations and said the safety of Indian missions must be ensured at all times.

Also Read: Will Kick Him Out: Why Indias High Commission In Dhaka Is Under Growing Threat

Ties Frosty Since Hasina Fled To India

Relations have been strained since Sheikh Hasina fled to India following last years student-led uprising. Bangladesh has repeatedly requested her extradition to stand trial for alleged crimes, while India has said it is examining the request. Hasina, 78, was sentenced to death in absentia last month for crimes against humanity. The country heads to polls on February 12 without her Awami League, which has been banned from contesting.

NCP Leaders Seven Sisters Threat

Tensions escalated further after Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladeshs National Citizen Party (NCP), warned that Dhaka would give refuge to separatists of the Seven Sisters" if India attempted to destabilise Bangladesh. He claimed Bangladesh could isolate" Indias Northeastern states, which depend on the narrow Siliguri Corridor. Abdullah, 27, rose to prominence during the 2024 protests and is known for his confrontational rhetoric.

Also Read: Relations Are Stressed: Bangladesh Points To Tensions In Ties After India Summons Envoy

India has dismissed these remarks, saying it completely rejects the false narrative" being pushed by extremist elements. The MEA reiterated that India supports peace and stability in Bangladesh and expects the interim government to ensure the security of Indian missions.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 18:19 IST

News india Anti-India Protests, Seven Sisters Threat: Decoding Bangladesh Turmoil | Top Points

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AYUSH Doctor Whose Hijab Was Removed By Nitish Kumar May Not Join Service

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 13:45 IST

Chief Minister removed the hijab of Dr Nusrat Parveen when appointment letters were being distributed to newly recruited AYUSH doctors.

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Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulls down woman's hijab at an event.

The woman doctor, Nusrat Parveen, whose hijab was removed during a government event in Patna by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is not likely to join service.

The brother of the AYUSH practitioner who recently secured a government posting, said she remains deeply upset by what happened in public view. She has to join service on December 20.

She is determined not to join the service. However, all family members, including me, are trying to convince her otherwise. We are telling her that it is the fault of the other person, so why should she feel bad or suffer because of it," eNewsroom quoted Nusrats brother as saying. He works as a professor at a government law university in Kolkata.

This comes after the chief minister removed the hijab of Dr Nusrat Parveen when appointment letters were being distributed to newly recruited AYUSH doctors. The video was widely circulated on social media.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary of the BJP, who was present on the stage, appeared to move his hand towards the Chief Minister at the time, seemingly in response to the incident.

Kumars party colleague and the Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khan said, Nitish ji just showed love to a Muslim daughter. He wanted society to see the face of the girl after she became successful in life".

This is not the first time Nitish Kumar has faced criticism for unusual conduct at public programmes. Before the last assembly polls, he attracted scrutiny for clapping during the national anthem at an event in Patna  a moment that led some opposition members to seek a medical evaluation.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 13:42 IST

News india AYUSH Doctor Whose Hijab Was Removed By Nitish Kumar May Not Join Service

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Bangladeshi Boats Intercepted In India Over Illegal Fishing, Dhaka Frames Incident As 'Harassment'

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 14:51 IST

Top intelligence sources say the issue is being used in Dhaka to fuel anti-India sentiment at a time when Bangladeshs economy is under stress.

The vessels and their 35 crew members were taken into custody and later handed over to the Marine Police at Frazerganj, West Bengal. (Image: X/IndianCoastGuard)

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on December 16 intercepted two Bangladeshi fishing boats engaged in illegal fishing inside Indias Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the northern Bay of Bengal. The vessels and their 35 crew members were taken into custody and later handed over to the Marine Police at Frazerganj, West Bengal, for legal proceedings under the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981.

According to reports, the ICG Ship Anmol spotted the boats well within Indias maritime limits during routine surveillance. Active fishing gear and an estimated 500 kilograms of fish catch on board indicated ongoing fishing operations, in violation of Indian maritime regulations. None of the crew could produce valid permits authorising them to fish in Indian waters.

This latest interdiction is part of a continuing pattern. Over the past three months, the Indian Coast Guard has reportedly apprehended multiple Bangladeshi fishing vessels and detained more than a hundred crew members for similar violations.

@IndiaCoastGuard Ship, while on patrol in the Northern #BayOfBengal on 16 Dec 25, intercepted and apprehended two #Bangladeshi fishing boats along with 35 crew members and 500 kg of illegally harvested fish catch inside #Indian water. The seized boats and crew were handed over to pic.twitter.com/shahycyCpT Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 18, 2025

However, intelligence and diplomatic sources tracking developments in Dhaka suggest a complex narrative beyond routine law enforcement. Officials familiar with the issue tell CNN-News18 that these intrusions are not merely navigational errors or economic necessity, but are increasingly being portrayed in Bangladesh as instances of Indian harassment" of poor fishermen. Within Bangladeshs domestic discourse  including political groups and media sections  the EEZ arrests are being framed as insensitive to the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities. Proponents of this view argue the issue fuels anti-India sentiment at a time when Bangladeshs economy is under stress.

Top intelligence sources describe the repeated EEZ violations as deliberate and deniability-based pressure tactics. By using civilian fishing boats to cross maritime boundaries, they assert that Bangladesh can avoid overt military confrontation while still engaging in a form of grey-zone behaviour  a strategy where civilian actors are used to challenge a neighbours sovereignty without triggering full state-level escalation. These operations, they say, also provide opportunities for informal intelligence gathering and a predictable Coast Guard response. Critics in New Delhi see this as part of a broader effort to harness nationalist sentiment domestically by depicting India as aggressive toward Bangladeshi civilians.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 14:51 IST

News india Bangladeshi Boats Intercepted In India Over Illegal Fishing, Dhaka Frames Incident As 'Harassment'

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'Biggest Strategic Challenge Since 1971': House Panel Flags Islamists, Pak-China Role In Bangladesh

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 17:25 IST

Drawing on testimony from non-governmental experts, the committee said the challenge was no longer existential but had become deeper, structural and long-term.

The relations between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus came to power in Dhaka. (PTI/File)

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs warned that the evolving political situation in Bangladesh constitutes Indias biggest strategic challenge since 1971, citing the re-emergence of Islamist forces, a shifting domestic political landscape and the growing influence of China and Pakistan.

The report, tabled in Parliament by the Shashi Tharoorchaired panel, draws on testimony from non-governmental experts and government officials, noting that the challenge for India is no longer existential but deeper and long-term in nature.

Bangladesh Is Indias Long-Term Strategic Test

The committee noted that unlike 1971, the current situation in Bangladesh does not pose an immediate existential threat to India. However, it cautioned that the ongoing political transition and strategic realignment in Dhaka present enduring challenges that could reshape Indias security and foreign policy environment over time.

Awami League Not Dominant

The report flagged the decline of Sheikh Hasina-led Awami Leagues political dominance as a major factor contributing to uncertainty. It pointed to weakening institutional control and diminishing public confidence, which the panel said had created political space for competing forces. The committee also took note of the January 2024 elections in Bangladesh, in which the Awami League won 224 of 300 seats, but with voter turnout estimated at around 40%, raising questions about political legitimacy and popular participation.

Bangladesh Seeing Return Of Islamist Forces

According to the panel, youth-led nationalist sentiment is emerging as a significant political force in Bangladesh. The report warned of the resurgence of Islamist groups, describing this combination as a potential destabilising factor with implications for internal security and regional stability.

Influence Of China And Pakistan

The committee identified the expanding footprint of China and Pakistan in Bangladesh as a key strategic concern for India. It said the shifting regional alignments could dilute Indias traditional influence in Dhaka and complicate its neighbourhood security calculus.

The Ministry of External Affairs informed the panel that India had made concerted efforts to insulate bilateral relations from the impact of recent political developments in Bangladesh. The government said it continues engagement with the Interim Government in Dhaka and supports the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people.

Panel Calls For Sustained Attention To Bangladesh

The committee questioned why Indian authorities failed to anticipate the political crisis in Bangladesh, despite what it described as warning signals and extensive media reporting prior to the developments. In response, the government said the situation in Bangladesh is being monitored on a priority basis, with continuous assessments underway.

The panel concluded that Bangladeshs evolving political trajectory and external alignments would require sustained attention from India, given the countrys central role in regional stability and New Delhis broader neighbourhood policy.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 18, 2025, 17:16 IST

News india 'Biggest Strategic Challenge Since 1971': House Panel Flags Islamists, Pak-China Role In Bangladesh

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EU Leaders Ursula Von Der Leyen And Antonio Costa To Be Republic Day 2026 Chief Guests

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 15:03 IST

Their visit is expected to coincide with the IndiaEU Summit, where discussions are likely to centre on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (L); Antonio Costa, President of the European Council (AP)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will be the chief guests at Indias Republic Day celebrations on January 26. Their visit is expected to coincide with the IndiaEU Summit, where discussions are likely to centre on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with both sides aiming to push the long-pending deal toward conclusion.

The twin events signal a renewed strategic and economic push between India and the EU at the highest levels.

Inviting top EU leadership as Republic Day chief guests carries strong symbolic weight, pointing New Delhis intent to deepen its diplomatic and economic engagement with the bloc.

The move comes at a time when IndiaEU relations have accelerated, particularly following the visit by EU Commissioners to India in February 2025, which helped set the stage for expanded cooperation in trade, defence, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

India and the European Union (EU) resumed negotiations on December 8 in New Delhi on the long-pending free trade agreement (FTA), with both sides aiming to conclude the decade-long talks by the end of this year. The meeting comes at a crucial time as India and the EU attempt to close remaining gaps in the ambitious pact.

The discussions, as per a report by Moneycontrol, are expected to focus on resolving outstanding issues related to trade in goods and services, investment rules, government procurement and regulatory standards, including sanitary and technical requirements.

Key sticking points remain, including the EUs proposed carbon tax, market access for automobiles and steel, rules of origin and barriers in services.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is leading the Indian delegation, while the EU side is headed by Sabine Weyand, Director-General for Trade at the European Commission, who is back in Delhi within a month for the talks.

India has also raised concerns over the EUs Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which takes effect on January 1 and could impact exports of steel, aluminium and other carbon-intensive goods by imposing additional levies tied to their carbon footprint.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 14:37 IST

News india EU Leaders Ursula Von Der Leyen And Antonio Costa To Be Republic Day 2026 Chief Guests

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Ghaziabad Woman Killed By Tenant After Going To Collect Rent, Body Stuffed In Suitcase

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 14:25 IST

The tenant couple had not paid rent for about four months, and Deepshikha, a teacher by profession, decided to confront them and ask them to pay.

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An image to represent a crime spot (Credit: PTI)

A woman in Uttar Pradeshs Ghaziabad was found dead inside a suitcase days after she allegedly went to collect rent from a tenant couple, police said.

According to the police, the body of the landlady, identified as Deepshikha Sharma (48), was recovered from a suitcase in the rented flat, after which the couple, Ajay Gupta and Akriti Gupta, were taken into custody.

The incident took place at the Aura Chimera residential complex in Ghaziabads Raj Nagar Extension. Police said Umesh Sharma and Deepshikha Sharma own two flats in the society, living in one while renting out the other to the Guptas. Ajay Gupta, according to officials, is engaged in the transport business, NDTV reported.

The tenant couple had not paid rent for about four months, and Deepshikha, a teacher by profession, decided to confront them and ask them to pay. On Wednesday, she went to the Guptas home. At the time, her husband was not home.

When Deepshikha failed to return for several hours, her domestic help, Meena, began searching for her. She first went to the Guptas flat, but their responses aroused suspicion. Meena then checked the buildings CCTV footage, which showed Deepshikha entering the Guptas apartment but not coming out. The police were subsequently informed.

Around this time, the Guptas were seen leaving the building with a large suitcase. They had also called an auto-rickshaw, but before they could leave, the maid, Meena, stopped them.

They were forced to return to their flat. I told them that they cannot go anywhere till Didi is found," an inconsolable Meena said.

After the police arrived, a search of the Guptas flat led to a shocking discovery: Deepshikha Sharmas body was found stuffed inside a suitcase. Police suspect that an altercation broke out when she went to collect the rent, during which the tenant couple allegedly killed her, concealed the body in the suitcase, and were planning to dispose of it before the maids alert thwarted their attempt, NDTV reported.

I told her (Deepshikha) not to go to their home alone. I told her I would come with her. But she still went alone," Meena said.

Deepshikha was initially struck on the head with a pressure cooker and then strangled with a dupatta, according to the police. Senior police officer Upasana Pandey said a complaint has been received from Deepshikhas family and a case is being registered under the relevant sections of law.

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Location : Ghaziabad, India, India

First Published: December 18, 2025, 14:25 IST

News india Ghaziabad Woman Killed By Tenant After Going To Collect Rent, Body Stuffed In Suitcase

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'If Muslims Also...': RSS's Dattatreya Hosabale Says Nature Worship Not Harmful To Any Religion

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 12:10 IST

Hosabale said India's age-old cultural traditions are deeply connected with nature and environmental conservation that transcended religious boundaries.

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RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale (Image: PTI/File)

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Dattatreya Hosabale on Wednesday stressed that worshipping nature is part of Indias cultural tradition and that such practices are not harmful to anyone, irrespective of religion.

Addressing a Hindu Sammelan at Khorabar ground in Gorakhpur, Hosabale said Indias age-old cultural traditions are deeply connected with nature and environmental conservation. He said the RSS did not consider any individual or community as its enemy and believed in inclusiveness for the betterment of society and the nation, reported the Hindustan Times.

If Muslims also worship rivers and trees, there is nothing wrong in it. These traditions are linked to nature conservation and collective well-being," he said at the Gorakhpur event, adding that Indian practices like yoga should not be viewed through a narrow religious lens.

He also said that the Hindu society must act as the protector of Dharma and work towards finding solutions to several environmental and water crises that are prevalent today. He stressed that an organised and disciplined society can lead the nation to supreme glory.

Hosabale On Cultural Unity

Hosabale emphasised the importance of cultural unity and said that Indian culture has always promoted co-existence and respect for nature across different religions. He said the RSS believed in mutual respect and harmony among all communities.

The senior RSS leader also stressed that nation-building is possible only via character-building, while speaking about topics like Hindu-Hindutva and India-Indianness. Indian cultural roots are one. Methods of worship may differ, but Dharma is one  Sanatan. Dharma is the art of living life," he was quoted as saying by HT.

Hosabale said the followers of Sanatana Dharma should bear the responsibility to uphold human values for the welfare of humanity worldwide. Our ancestors described Hindu Dharma as Manav Dharma. People from any country can follow it," he said.

The RSS veteran also talked about the importance of connecting children with spirituality, literature, culture, and Dharma and said the organisation is working towards upholding social harmony, civic duty awareness, environmental protection, swadeshi, and family values.

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Location : Gorakhpur, India, India

First Published: December 18, 2025, 12:10 IST

News india 'If Muslims Also...': RSS's Dattatreya Hosabale Says Nature Worship Not Harmful To Any Religion

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Tired Of This: Madras HC Judge To Tamil Nadu As Officials Cite Law & Order In Deepam Case

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 12:06 IST

The judge added that once a court issues an order, it must be obeyed unless stayed or overturned by a higher court.

A lamp lit at Thiruparankundram temple as part of 'Karthigai Deepam' festival celebrations in Madurai district. (PTI photo)

Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday sharply criticised senior Tamil Nadu government officials during contempt proceedings linked to the Deepam issue, expressing frustration over repeated non-compliance with court orders.

Im tired. In how many cases am I to haul up the officers concerned for contempt?" the judge remarked, as he pulled up the administration for citing law and order concerns to justify delays in implementing judicial directions.

In his order, Justice Swaminathan said the Chief Secretary, while reading from a prepared text, had stated that although the government holds the judiciary in high regard, it must take into account law and order issues" while executing court orders. The judge rejected this submission, calling it unacceptable."

He added that once a court issues an order, it must be obeyed unless stayed or overturned by a higher court. While acknowledging that rare situations may arise where an order cannot be implemented, he said law and order cannot be a ground for flouting a courts order," calling such violations inexcusable."

Justice Swaminathan warned that disobedience of judicial orders would amount to break down of law and order" and would lead to paralysis of the constitutional machinery." The observations were made during the hearing of the Karthigai Deepam lamp-lighting contempt case, where the court had summoned senior officials over lapses in implementing earlier directions.

The judge said he expected the Chief Secretary to take a responsible stand" when responding to questions posed by the court, rather than rely on broad justifications. The hearing was adjourned to January 9, 2026, at 4 pm.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 10:41 IST

News india Tired Of This: Madras HC Judge To Tamil Nadu As Officials Cite Law & Order In Deepam Case

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'Indian Diaspora Is Living Example Of Coexistence, Cooperation': PM Modi In Oman

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 13:14 IST

PM Modi Modi his remarks amid chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai, Vande Mataram and Modi, Modi as thousands gathered to welcome him during his Oman visit.

PM Modi adresses Indian diaspora in Oman. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the Indian community and students in Muscat, describing the Indian diaspora as a living example of co-existence and co-operation" and highlighting Indias cultural strength on the global stage.

Modi began his remarks amid chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai," Vande Mataram" and Modi, Modi" as thousands gathered to welcome him during his Oman visit.

Calling the gathering a celebration of Team India," the Prime Minister said, Today, we have all gathered here as a family. We are celebrating our country, our team India. Diversity in India is a strong base of our culture. For us, every day brings in new colours, every season becomes a new festival, every tradition comes with a new idea. That is the reason that wherever we Indians go, wherever we reside, we respect diversity."

Modi also highlighted Indias cultural accomplishments, noting the recent global recognition of Diwali.

Recently, another incredible honour was given to Indias rich cultural heritage. UNESCO has inscribed Diwali to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Now, Diwalis diya will illuminate not just our house but also the entire world. This is a matter of pride for Indians across the world. This global recognition of Diwali is a recognition of our light that spreads hope, harmony and a message of humanity," he told the gathering.

Modis address in Muscat emphasised the growing global footprint of the Indian community and their role in strengthening ties between India and nations around the world.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 12:58 IST

News india 'Indian Diaspora Is Living Example Of Coexistence, Cooperation': PM Modi In Oman

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Indian Team To Join Sydney Bondi Beach Attack Probe Over Suspect's Hyderabad Link, India Visit

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 09:39 IST

The decision follows inputs that the suspect held an Indian passport, triggering jurisdictional and intelligence-sharing requirements between the two countries.

The Telangana Police on Tuesday said Bondi attacker Akram, 50, was a resident of Tolichowki in Hyderabad but visited India only a few times. (IMAGE: @sniffsonX/X)

India is set to send a joint investigation team to Australia to assist in the probe into the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, with a key focus on one of the attacker Sajid Akrams Indian passport link and his visit to India three to four years ago, sources said. The decision to formally join the investigation follows inputs that the suspect held an Indian passport, triggering jurisdictional and intelligence-sharing requirements between the two countries.

The Telangana Police on Tuesday said Akram, 50, was a resident of Tolichowki in Hyderabad but visited India only a few times. The police said they have no adverse record against Akram during his stay in India prior to his departure in 1998".

The Telangana Police said, Akram had limited contact with his family in Hyderabad over the past 27 years. He visited India on six occasions after migrating to Australia, primarily for family-related reasons such as property matters and visits to his elderly parents. It is understood that he did not travel to India even at the time of his fathers demise."

The family members have expressed no knowledge of his radical mindset or activities, nor of the circumstances that led to his radicalisation. The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana," the police said.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the Indian team is expected to include officers from State Police units and central intelligence agencies. Their immediate task will be to coordinate with Australian authorities to examine the attackers background, travel history, and ideological motivations, particularly in light of concerns over targeted violence against Jews.

Sources said investigators are paying close attention to the suspects earlier travel to India, which is believed to have taken place three to four years ago, reportedly to meet his mother. Indian agencies want clarity on the purpose of that visit, the locations he travelled to, individuals he met, and whether the trip played any role in his radicalisation, recruitment, or operational planning.

A central objective of the Indian team is to assess Akrams ideological leanings. This includes examining the possibility of extremist radicalisation, online indoctrination pathways, and any alignment with global Islamist narratives. Investigators are also probing whether the attack was driven by organised anti-Jewish hatred or inspired by international propaganda networks linked to anti-Israel movements.

While authorities have not ruled out the possibility of lone-wolf radicalisation, they are also exploring whether the suspect had any formal or informal links with terror outfits. One of the most sensitive lines of inquiry is whether Akram maintained contacts, sympathisers, or dormant support networks  including sleeper cells  within India.

Indian agencies are already reviewing Akrams digital footprint, financial trails, and potential ideological handlers. This includes scrutiny of online activity, encrypted communications, money transfers, and associations that could indicate external influence or logistical support.

Sources emphasised that Indias participation in the investigation is precautionary but necessary, given the passport link and the past visit. The joint probe aims to establish whether the Bondi attack was an isolated act of violence or part of a broader pattern of transnational radicalisation with possible connections extending beyond Australia.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 09:39 IST

News india Indian Team To Join Sydney Bondi Beach Attack Probe Over Suspect's Hyderabad Link, India Visit

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Anushavan Arutyunyan, Chairman of the Board Ukrainian Association for Humanitarian Demining and Recovery

Russias full-scale invasion has turned mine contamination into one of the most long-term and complex challenges facing Ukraine. The territory requiring survey and clearance already exceeds 137,000 square kilometers, making Ukraine the most mine-affected country in the world. At the same time, Ukraines mine action system, established in 20182019, was designed for a fundamentally different scale  approximately 7,000 square kilometers of government-controlled territory and around 9,000 square kilometers of temporarily occupied land.

At that time, humanitarian demining in Ukraine was carried out by a limited number of specialized entities and was perceived as a narrow professional field. Today, mine action has become a critical prerequisite for economic recovery, population return, infrastructure reconstruction, and the revival of agriculture. The system that once functioned adequately no longer corresponds to todays challenges  let alone those Ukraine will face once areas along the current frontline become accessible for clearance.

Why Change Is Necessary

The Accounting Chamber of Ukraine, in its audit of the effectiveness of humanitarian demining, identified the core problem with exceptional clarity: blurred interagency coordination, significant duplication of functions, and overlapping mandates among government bodies. These systemic shortcomings directly undermine the effective use of both domestic and international resources.

Similar conclusions are drawn in the analytical report White Paper on Updating the Institutional Architecture of Mine Action in Ukraine by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Based on interviews with Ukrainian authorities, international partners, and mine action operators, the report  effectively a consolidated position of the entire sector  highlights the complexity of engagement with the Ukrainian government due to the excessive number of state actors involved.

Currently, mine action in Ukraine is regulated by multiple institutions:

the Ministry of Defense, represented by the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Special Transport Service;

the Ministry of Internal Affairs, through the State Emergency Service and the National Police;

the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture; and the Humanitarian Demining Center.

In addition, the Law provides for a National Mine Action Authority  a collective interagency advisory body operating under the chairmanship of the Minister of Defense. Its secretariat functions are performed by a structural unit within the Ministry of Defense. Certification of mine action operators is carried out by units of the Armed Forces, the State Special Transport Service, and the State Emergency Service, resulting in inconsistent enforcement practices.

Such a complex and poorly coordinated system directly affects efficiency. As Ukraines international partners have repeatedly emphasized, the absence of a single entry point for engagement with the government increases bureaucracy, complicates decision-making, obstructs the development of joint programs, and prevents proper accountability for provided assistance.

Moreover, approximately 40% of all mine action operators are state institutions financed from the national budget. Their significant presence in humanitarian demining creates a systemic imbalance, constraining market development and depriving the sector of the flexibility and dynamism inherent to entrepreneurial models.

In short, the system must be transformed to match the scale of the threat.

International Experience in Mine Action Transformation

Ukraine can draw on the experience of countries that have already faced large-scale mine contamination. However, the goal is not to mechanically copy foreign models, but to understand their logic, strengths, and weaknesses  avoiding past mistakes while adapting best practices to national realities.

After the war of the 1990s, Croatia initially relied almost exclusively on state institutions. For the first three years, demining was conducted solely by government bodies, but it quickly became clear that this approach was costly, slow, and ineffective across large areas. Only later did Croatia open the market to private companies and begin systemic reform. The Croatian Mine Action Centre was established as a key institution responsible for data collection, coordination of operators, standard-setting, and implementation of international approaches. Only after mine-contaminated land was reduced from 13,000 square kilometers to less than 500 was mine action integrated into the civil protection system.

Azerbaijan followed a similar path of institutional clarity and functional separation. Its Law On Demining Activities clearly distinguishes between military and humanitarian demining. Mine clearance conducted by the armed forces for defense purposes falls outside the scope of the law, yet its results are incorporated into the national database. This ensures transparency while clearly separating defense and recovery tasks.

Military demining activities in Azerbaijan are coordinated by the government and aligned with the national mine action agency ANAMA, which serves as both coordinator and implementer of humanitarian demining at the national level. This model ensures coherence and systemic integrity.

Where Ukraine Is Headed

Unlike some post-conflict countries, Ukraine avoided the mistake of a closed model after the start of the full-scale invasion. From the outset, private operators, international organizations, and technical donors were involved, allowing a humanitarian demining market to begin forming. Today, around 130 mine action operators are active in Ukraine. However, this market is still operating within an outdated administrative framework designed for 16,000 square kilometers, not the 137,000 now affected.

Statistics clearly demonstrate that commercial operators clear the largest share of contaminated land. The sheer scale of contamination necessitates further expansion of this segment, yet progress is constrained by outdated governance, functional allocation, and priority-setting mechanisms.

In 2024, commercial operators cleared 4,642.74 hectares, accounting for 56.6% of all demined land. The State Special Transport Service followed with 1,638.08 hectares (20%), state and municipal enterprises with 1,064.35 hectares (13%), international operators with 614.25 hectares (7.5%), charitable foundations with 205.2 hectares (2.5%), and State Emergency Service units with 37.75 hectares (0.5%).

Thus, the bulk of humanitarian demining is carried out by commercial operators and Ministry of Defense units. However, the primary mission of the latter remains military demining, not civilian land release.

It is also important to note that nearly the entire fleet of mechanical demining machines transferred to Ukraine by international donors  more than 100 units  was allocated almost exclusively to state operators, primarily the State Emergency Service and the State Special Transport Service.

Ukraine now stands at the same crossroads once faced by Croatia and Azerbaijan. We cannot simply replicate their models, but we must study their experience, adapt best practices, and move faster than circumstances dictate.

Ukrainian communities, businesses, the agricultural sector, international investors, and donors all expect transparency, predictability, and efficiency. The challenge before us is unprecedented not only in scale, but in responsibility. Addressing it without updating the institutional architecture of mine action will be extremely difficult.

Ukraine has already embarked on this path.

A New Mine Action Architecture

A draft law to update the outdated Law of Ukraine On Mine Action is currently being prepared for registration in Parliament. It is the result of two years of work by the Ukrainian Association for Humanitarian Demining and Recovery in cooperation with partners.

First, the draft proposes the creation of a central executive authority with special status, responsible for forming and implementing national mine action policy. This body would report directly to the Cabinet of Ministers and coordinate interagency and international mine action efforts  in effect, establishing a single authority accountable for mine clearance outcomes in Ukraine.

Second, the draft law introduces a clear distinction between military, operational, and humanitarian demining, with corresponding separation of mandates between the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Humanitarian Demining Center, which would be accountable to the national agency.

Third, humanitarian demining would be formally defined as an economic activity carried out by certified operators. This approach is intended to create a level playing field, stimulate competition, and increase operational capacity.

The updated law should bring order to the system, making it clear, functional, and understandable for international partners.

However, maintaining momentum is critical. More complex territories lie ahead, with higher contamination density and new types of threats. Addressing them requires a strong system capable of planning, coordination, oversight, and quality assurance at every stage.

Mine contamination will remain a challenge for years to come. But today we have a chance to determine how many of those years lie ahead  and how quickly Ukraine can return to normal life, rebuild its economy, and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Is Bengaluru Not In Karnataka?: Language Row Erupts Over Hindi-English Only Railway Exam

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 20:37 IST

Pro-Kannada organisations questioned the rationale behind the move, asking whether the Railway Department considers Bengaluru to be outside Karnataka.

South Western Railway excluded Kannada as a medium for a departmental promotion examination in the Bengaluru division. (Representational)

A fresh language controversy erupted in Karnataka after the South Western Railway excluded Kannada as a medium for a departmental promotion examination in the Bengaluru division, triggering sharp protests from pro-Kannada groups and political leaders.

The row centres on a recent recruitment notification for 317 Goods Train Manager posts. While the Mysuru and Hubballi divisions- offering 56 and 101 posts respectively- followed the trilingual formula of Kannada, English and Hindi, the Bengaluru division, which has the highest number of vacancies, restricted the examination to only English and Hindi.

Pro-Kannada organisations questioned the rationale behind the move, asking whether the Railway Department considers Bengaluru to be outside Karnataka. They have alleged that the decision reflects a systemic bias designed to favour Hindi-walas" over local candidates.

Activists pointed out that the exclusion of Kannada in Bengaluru appears to violate Master Circular (MC) 31, issued on December 19, 2019, which mandates that departmental examinations for promotions should include the official regional language of the state.

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), led by T.A. Narayana Gowda, announced a war" against the Railway Departments policy. Recalling a similar dispute during the tenures of former railway ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mamata Banerjee, Gowda said regional language inclusion was secured only after sustained protests.

Only after intense agitation were exams opened to regional languages, which led to 3,800 Kannadigas being selected for 4,700 Group-D posts," he said. Questioning the intent behind the current notification, Gowda asked, Are you doing this to accommodate North Indians who have filled the city recently? Bengaluru is the capital of Karnataka; we havent signed it away to anyone."

He warned that if the Railways persisted with the bilingual format, protests would intensify.

If the Railway Department continues with this policy, we will storm the exam halls and they will face the heat," he said.

Senior BJP leader C.T. Ravi sought to defend the Union government while acknowledging the grievance. He said he would take up the matter directly with the Union Railway Minister and urged an immediate correction.

Banking and railway examinations must be conducted in the regional language. It is a matter of right for our candidates to write exams in Kannada," Ravi said, describing the situation as a technical injustice" against Bengaluru applicants.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 20:36 IST

News india Is Bengaluru Not In Karnataka?: Language Row Erupts Over Hindi-English Only Railway Exam

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Luthra Brothers Not Cooperating With Authorities In Goa Nightclub Fire Probe: Sources

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee



Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 14:46 IST

The Luthra brothers were deported to India from Thailand over the Goa nightclub fire and sent to five-day police custody, while their plea for medical help was rejected.

Luthra brothers at Delhi's Patiala court | ANI Image

Saurav and Gaurav Luthra, who own the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa where a fire claimed 25 lives, are reportedly not cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation, top sources told CNN-News18.

The Luthra brothers fled to Thailand soon after a massive fire broke out at their nightclub. They were deported to India on December 16 and were sent to five-day police custody. The duo, who had been produced before a court in Goa, had sought medical assistance from the court, but it was denied.

READ MORE: Goa Police Get 5-Day Custody Of Luthra Brothers, Court Rejects Medical Assistance Plea

According to sources, the Luthras are still being evasive in answering the questions of the Goa police. After every few hours, the brothers complain of some health problem or pain in the back, chest or legs, even after medical examinations have shown no signs.

There have been four medical examinations of the accused in the last 36 hours. Authorities believe it to be a deliberate tactic by the brothers to waste critical police custody time.

Discrepancies have been found in their documents at various levels. Even after the Luthras fled to Thailand, the Goa Police contacted them and asked them to return and join the investigation, a request they flatly refused, reflecting a clear insensitivity towards the deceased, sources told CNN-News18.

The Luthra brothers are facing a case of culpable homicide and negligence following the December 6 tragedy, which investigators allege was compounded by the nightclub operating in violation of mandatory fire safety norms. The incident raised serious questions over alleged fire safety violations and lapses by the management.

Earlier on Tuesday, the two brothers were produced before a Delhi court after being deported from Thailand, where they had fled following the tragic incident. The court allowed the Goa Police their two-day transit remand. They were brought back to Delhi on an emergency certificate on Tuesday, from where they were brought to Goa.

The December 6 blaze, believed to have started during a fire show at the nightclub, prompted an Interpol Blue Corner Notice against them. Additional Sessions Judge Vandana termed the allegations against the brothers prima facie grave and serious" and severely criticised their conduct".

Goa Police investigations have also found that the nightclub had allegedly been operating illegally for nearly 18 months without mandatory approvals and on an expired licence that had not been renewed since 2024. Police also alleged that the brothers were directly responsible for organising fireworks at the venue on December 6 without adequate precautions or proper safety equipment.

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Location : Panaji (Panjim, India, India

First Published: December 18, 2025, 14:45 IST

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Mamata Banerjee To Rename Karmashree Scheme After Mahatma Gandhi Amid 'G Ram G' Row

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 22:25 IST

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced to rename its rural job guarantee scheme 'Karmashree' after Mahatma Gandhi.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee (Credits: PTI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Thursday that the states Karmashree scheme will be renamed after Mahatma Gandhi, in response to the Centres VB-G RAM-G Bill, which replaces MGNREGA. Speaking at the Business and Industry Conclave at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, Banerjee expressed her dismay over the name change of Indias flagship rural employment programme, calling it a matter of deep shame."

We have also started the Karmashree project, as MNREGA funds have been stopped. Removal of Gandhijis name fills me with deep shame. They are forgetting the father of the nation. We have decided to rename our Karmashree scheme after Mahatma Gandhi," she said.

If you dont know how to respect Mahatma Gandhi, then we certainly know how to honour him and others like Netaji, Rabindranath Tagore, and others."

VIDEO | Kolkata: At Business Conclave, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) announces her governments job guarantee scheme Karmashree will be renamed after Mahatma Gandhi.(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/en3CUvKOPg  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 18, 2025

The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, passed in the Lok Sabha today, has ignited a political controversy since its introduction in Parliament. The Bill ensures 125 days of wage employment per rural household annually to those whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work, enhancing income security beyond the previous 100-day entitlement. It also includes a 60-day no-work period to ensure agricultural labour availability during peak seasons. Furthermore, the Bill introduces a 60:40 fund-sharing ratio between the Centre and the states.

Meanwhile, the Karmashree scheme in West Bengal guarantees at least 50 days of wage employment per Job Card holder household per financial year through various state government departments.

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Location : West Bengal, India, India

First Published: December 18, 2025, 22:25 IST

News india Mamata Banerjee To Rename Karmashree Scheme After Mahatma Gandhi Amid 'G Ram G' Row

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Nuclear Power Sector Set For Revamp As Parliament Passes Landmark SHANTI Bill

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 21:43 IST

The SHANTI Bill aims to allow private companies to operate nuclear power plants, marking a major shift in a sector that has so far been dominated by state-run entities.

The Bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Parliament passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod to the legislation that seeks to open Indias tightly controlled civil nuclear sector to private participation. The Bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Upper House passed the legislation by a voice vote, completing Parliaments approval of the governments proposed overhaul of the nuclear energy framework.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the passage of the SHANTI Bill, describing it as a transformational moment" for Indias technology and clean-energy landscape.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi thanked Members of Parliament for supporting the legislation, saying it would help safely power emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, enable green manufacturing and provide a decisive boost to a clean-energy future for India and the world.

The passing of the SHANTI Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a transformational moment for our technology landscape. My gratitude to MPs who have supported its passage. From safely powering AI to enabling green manufacturing, it delivers a decisive boost to a clean-energy Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2025

What Does SHANTI Bill Seek To Change?

The SHANTI Bill aims to allow private companies to operate nuclear power plants, marking a major shift in a sector that has so far been dominated by state-run entities. The legislation also proposes changes to the existing liability framework and seeks to rationalise compensation payouts by operators in the event of a nuclear accident. The government has argued that these reforms are necessary to attract investment, advanced technology and expertise into Indias nuclear power programme.

Replying to a discussion on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh said nuclear energy provides a reliable 247 power supply, unlike other renewable energy sources that depend on weather conditions. He said expanding nuclear capacity was essential to meet Indias growing energy demand while ensuring stability in the power grid.

Addressing concerns raised by members, Jitendra Singh asserted that there would be no dilution of existing safety mechanisms.

There will be no compromise with the safeguard mechanism in place," he told the House.

He also sought to allay fears related to radiation exposure, saying there had been no reported cases of radiation-related hazards affecting the public so far.

What Happens Next?

With Parliaments approval, the SHANTI Bill is expected to pave the way for greater private sector participation in nuclear power generation, alongside continued government oversight of safety and regulatory standards. The government has maintained that the reforms will help accelerate the expansion of clean and reliable energy while keeping public safety at the core of Indias nuclear programme.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 18, 2025, 19:17 IST

News india Nuclear Power Sector Set For Revamp As Parliament Passes Landmark SHANTI Bill

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Son Beats Parents To Death, Dismembers Bodies, Throws Them In River In UP

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 12:14 IST

The accused identified as Ambesh, an engineer, has been arrested for allegedly murdering his parents, Shyam Bahadur (62) and Babita (60).

Rapid Read

Image for representation

In a shocking incident in Uttar Pradeshs Jaunpur, a man allegedly beat his parents to death, dismembered their bodies with a saw, and disposed of them by throwing them into a nearby river.

The incident came to light when the Uttar Pradesh police intensified the search for a missing couple in their 60s. The search led them to a grisly double murder and a chilling tale of how a fathers stubbornness and a sons rage led to tragedy.

The accused identified as Ambesh, an engineer, has been arrested for allegedly murdering his parents, Shyam Bahadur (62) and Babita (60).

According to police, Ambesh and his parents had frequent disputes over his Muslim wife, whom they refused to accept into the family. After Ambesh and his wife decided to separate, he approached his father for alimony money, which was allegedly refused. This refusal reportedly triggered their final altercation, ultimately leading to the deaths of both parents, NDTV reported.

Initially, Ambeshs sister, Vandana, on December 13, filed a missing persons complaint with Jaunpurs Zafarabad police station. She said her parents and brother had been missing.

Vandana stated that Ambesh called her on December 8, saying their parents had left home after an argument and that he was going to search for them. After this call, Ambeshs phone was switched off, and Vandana was unable to contact him.

She eventually registered a police complaint, and the cops started looking for him. Ambeshs call to Vandana and his switched-off phone made the cops suspicious. When they caught Ambesh a week later, he broke down and confessed.

Shyam Bahadur, a retired Railway employee, and his wife, Babita, had three daughters and one son. Ambesh, the son, had married a Muslim woman around five years ago, but his parents refused to accept the marriage and did not allow their daughter-in-law to enter their home.

The couple had two children, yet Shyam Bahadur continued to prevent Ambesh from bringing his wife home. Ambesh stated that his father repeatedly urged him to leave his wife. Ultimately, Ambesh agreed to part ways with her, and she requested an alimony of Rs 5 lakh.

Ultimately, Ambesh agreed to end his marriage and he needed Rs 5 lakh for alimony. On December 8, he asked his father to help him out. Shyam Bahadur refused, and this led to an altercation between Ambesh and his parents.

At one point, Ambesh struck his mother, Babita, with a sil batta, a heavy grinding stone. As she cried out in pain, Shyam Bahadur began screaming and attempted to call for help. Before he could, Ambesh hit him multiple times on the head, and the elderly couple died shortly thereafter, NDTV reported.

After killing his parents, he chopped off their bodies into six pieces, and then threw them into a river at dawn. After this he called his sister Vandan, and told her that their parents had left home after an argument, and he was going in search of them. He then switched off his phone.

Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh: SP City Ayush Srivastava says, As I briefed earlier, the missing persons report was filed on Dec 13 by their daughter Vandana Devi regarding Shyam Bahadur and Babita Devi, who went missing since Dec 8. It also mentioned their son Ambesh Kumar, who was pic.twitter.com/6Ee7chmfur IANS (@ians_india) December 17, 2025

On December 14, Ambesh suddenly returned to Jaunpur. When his sisters and other relatives questioned him about their parents whereabouts, he was evasive. They eventually contacted the police, and during questioning, Ambesh initially tried to mislead them. However, he later broke down and confessed to the brutal murder of his parents.

The police have found one part of Shyam Bahadurs body and also recovered the saw used to chop off the two bodies, and the grinding stone that was the murder weapon.

Additional Superintendent of Police Ayush Srivastava stated that a team of divers is searching the river for the remaining body parts, which are expected to be recovered shortly.

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Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India

First Published: December 18, 2025, 12:14 IST

News india Son Beats Parents To Death, Dismembers Bodies, Throws Them In River In UP

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'Stepped Out Without Burqa': UP Man's Chilling Confession After Killing Wife, 2 Daughters

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 23:04 IST

UP man shot dead his wife and daughters in Shamli, buried them at home. He was arrested after the crime surfaced amid family dispute.

Representative Image

A man in Uttar Pradeshs Shamli district allegedly shot dead his wife and two minor daughters and buried their bodies inside his house. As per the reports, the accused told the police that took the extreme step as his wife stepped out of the house without a burqa".

The incident took place on December 10 in Ghari Daulat village under the Kandhla police station area. However, it was reported on Tuesday evening.

Shamli Superintendent of Police N P Singh said the accused, Farukh, has been arrested, and a case of triple murder has been registered against him.

During interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime," Singh quoted as saying by PTI.

According to police, Farukh first shot his wife, Tahira, while she was preparing tea at home. Their elder daughter, Afreen (12), was also shot when she tried to intervene. Farukh then strangled his younger daughter, Shaireen (5), when she arrived at the scene, the SP said.

Following the murders, the accused dug a pit inside the house and buried the bodies to conceal the crime.

Preliminary investigation suggests a prolonged family dispute between the husband and wife was the reason behind the killings. Other details linked to the case are being ascertained, police added.

Meanwhile, members of Tahiras family staged a protest after the incident came to light and allegedly attempted to attack Farukh while he was being taken into police custody. Police intervened to control the situation.

Security has been tightened in Ghari Daulat village and additional police personnel have been deployed as a precautionary measure, officials said.

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Location : Shamli, India, India

First Published: December 18, 2025, 16:56 IST

News india 'Stepped Out Without Burqa': UP Man's Chilling Confession After Killing Wife, 2 Daughters

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Supreme Court Flags Growing Trend Of Judges 'Hitting Sixes' Before Retirement

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 09:26 IST

The SC bench led by CJI Surya Kant was hearing a petition by a Madhya Pradesh principal district judge challenging his suspension 10 days ahead of retirement.

Rapid Read

The Supreme Court of India. (PTI File)

A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday made a surprise acknowledgement of corruption within the judiciary by flagging the rising trend of judges passing a series of orders that are influenced by improper considerations on the eve of their retirement.

The bench was hearing a petition by a Madhya Pradesh principal district judge challenging his suspension 10 days ahead of retirement, allegedly because of two judicial orders passed by him, reported the Times of India. The bench of CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked, Petitioner just before retirement started hitting sixes. It is an unfortunate trend. I do not want to elaborate on it."

The judicial officers advocate said he had an impressive career with a very good rating in annual confidential reports. He was due to superannuate on November 30, but was suspended on November 19, reportedly because of two judicial orders passed by him.

How can an officer be suspended for judicial orders which can be appealed against and rectified by higher judiciary?" argued senior advocate Vipin Sanghi. Notably, the Supreme Court had directed the Madhya Pradesh government to postpone the retirement by one year, as it had increased the retirement age of state employees to 62 years.

In response to the district judges plea, the SC bench took an exception to seeking information on suspension through RTI applications. Disciplinary proceedings cannot be initiated against a judicial officer for passing orders which are erroneous. He cannot be suspended for this. But if the orders are palpably dishonest?" it said.

CJI Surya Kant said, The judicial officer did not know, when he passed those two orders, that his retirement age had been increased by one year. There is a growing trend of judges passing so many orders just before retirement." The bench also asked his advocate why he did not approach the High Court to challenge the suspension.

Sanghi explained that the judicial officer, faced with a full court decision, believed the Supreme Court was the proper forum to secure a fair hearing. The bench said there were several full court decisions that have been set aside by High Courts on the judicial side, TOI reported.

On the petitioner challenging the suspension through RTI applications, the bench said, He could have submitted a representation in this regard. It is not expected of a senior judicial officer to resort to the RTI route to get information. We see no ground to entertain the petition. The petitioner can make a representation to the HC for recall of the suspension order. The HC would decide his representation in four weeks."

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 09:26 IST

News india Supreme Court Flags Growing Trend Of Judges 'Hitting Sixes' Before Retirement

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Will Kick Him Out: Why Indias High Commission In Dhaka Is Under Growing Threat

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 12:52 IST

With politicians making anti-India remarks, extremist forces too have joined in and warned the Indian Mission of consequences

Rapid Read

Indias foreign ministry has issued a statement addressing Bangladeshi conspiracy theories about attackers of Sharif Osman Hadi---a leader of Inqilab Mancha---being given shelter by India.

On a day the South Block summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah to register strong protest over the deteriorating security environment in the neighbouring nation, particularly in the wake of young politicians making anti-India remarks, extremist forces in Bangladesh turned the heat further up.

Mosaddeq Ali Ibn, leader of July uprising and a student leader of Dhaka Universitywho led a long march towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka until it was stopped barely a kilometer short of itgave a provocative speech where he warned the Indian Mission of consequences". If they (India) continue to act this way (summon Bangladesh HC), we will retaliate. Everyone will have axes in their hands. Not even a single brick will be spared here. We will uproot Indias High Commissioner to Bangladesh from Bangladesh and banish him," he said.

As Ali took a break, another student leader, Rashid Pradhan, took the mic and announced: We stopped here this time. Next time, we will enter the Indian High Commission in Dhaka."

The entire drama unfolded in very close proximity to the High Commission. There was information available well in advance about such a march, which is why the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) in Dhaka was shut from 2pm (Bangladesh time) on Wednesday, citing ongoing security concern". However, police failed to stop the agitators much ahead than where it finally did.

Earlier in the day, Indias foreign ministry issued a statement addressing Bangladeshi conspiracy theories about attackers of Sharif Osman Hadia leader of Inqilab Manchabeing given shelter by India. In a statement, MEA called it false narrative sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh".

The statement came in the backdrop of a comment by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah, who threatened to sever the seven sisters", referring to Indias northeastern states. Despite creating a diplomatic row, Abdullah refused to back down. I heard Bangladesh High Commissioner was summoned by India and asked to explain why we said what we said. For giving refuge to murderer Sheikh Hasina, Indias High Commissioner to Bangladesh should be kicked out (of Bangladesh)," he said while addressing a crowd.

Explaining the situation in Bangladesh, Arifa Rehman Ruma, a Bangladeshi academician, said it feels like the country and its polity are spiraling out of control.

Hasnat Abdullah publicly said the Indian High Commissioner should be kicked outa statement no responsible politician should ever make. Extremist and violent figures like Hasnat and his supporters are now the only real power backing Md Yunus," she said.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 12:52 IST

News india Will Kick Him Out: Why Indias High Commission In Dhaka Is Under Growing Threat

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International Migrants Day 2025: Theme, History, Significance And Quotes

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 07:20 IST

International Migrants Day is observed to promote the protection of migrant rights, acknowledging their contribution and addressing the challenges they face.

International Migrants Day 2025 theme is is 'My Great Story: Cultures and Development.'

International Migrants Day is observed each year on December 18 to acknowledge the millions of people who leave their homes in search of safety, opportunity and dignity across borders. As migration continues to shape societies worldwide amid rapid global change and geopolitical pressures, the day is a reminder of the human stories behind movement and displacement. The day promotes the protection of migrant rights and draws global attention towards their role.

On International Migrants Day, people and welfare communities highlight the challenges and difficulties faced by international migrants and call for a more humane and just world for all.

International Migrants Day 2025: History And Significance

On December 4, 2000, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated December 18 as International Migrants Day. The day was established after the UN noticed a large and widespread movement of migrants across the world. December 18 marks the anniversary of the 1990 adoption of the International Convention for the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and their family members by the United Nations.

16 years later, on September 9, 2016, the General Assembly of the UN adopted a set of commitments for the ever-growing population of migrants and refugees, pledging to improve the safety and well-being of such displaced persons.

Worldwide, International Migrants Day is observed to promote the protection of migrant rights, acknowledging their contribution and addressing the challenges they face. Several welfare organisations host campaigns to raise awareness for the same and call for proper action to safeguard the migrants.

International Migrants Day 2025 Theme

The theme for the 2025 International Migrants Day is My Great Story: Cultures and Development." The theme highlights the positives of migrant presence and its impact on society. Human mobility doesnt just drive growth, it enriches societies and helps communities connect, blend, adapt and support one another. As migration continues to impact global economies, communities and development, this message is even more important.

International Migrants Day 2025: Quotes

We cannot and should not stop people from migration. We have to give them a better life at home. Migration is a process, not a problem"  William L. Swing History in its broadest aspect is a record of mans migrations from one environment to another"  Ellsworth Huntington Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety, and a better future. It is part of the social fabric and our very make-up as a human family"  Ban Ki-moon All human stories are migration stories because everyone is a refugee from their own childhood"  Mohsin Hamid We cant deter people fleeing for their lives. They will come. The choice we have is how well we manage their arrival, and how humanely"  Antonio Guterres.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 07:20 IST

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Minorities Rights Day 2025: History, Significance And Constitutional Rights

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 07:25 IST

Minorities Rights Day highlights the nations commitment to protecting the rights, culture and opportunities of religious minorities.

Minorities Rights Day is observed annually on December 18.

Minorities Rights Day is an important observance in India that underscores the nations commitment to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of their background. The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to everyone, including minorities, shielding them from discrimination while promoting equal access in all spheres of life.

The day serves as a platform to raise awareness and advocate for minority rights, fostering genuine inclusion and respect for the rich diversity of Indian culture. It also highlights the vision of a Viksit Bharat, aimed at building a peaceful and prosperous nation for all citizens, regardless of their community or heritage.

Minorities Rights Day 2025: Date

Minorities Rights Day, observed annually on December 18, commemorates the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities in 1992.

The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about minority rights, recognise their contributions to Indian society, and reinforce efforts to ensure their protection and empowerment.

While non-binding, the Declaration has been instrumental in shaping the global discourse on minority rights, setting out fundamental freedoms such as the right to preserve culture, practise religion, and use ones language, marking a significant milestone in international human rights law.

Minorities Rights Day 2025: History

The observance of Minorities Rights Day in India is connected to global human rights initiatives.

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, adopted on December 18, 1992, laid down principles to ensure that minority communities could freely preserve their identity, culture, language and religion without discrimination, even though the Declaration itself is not legally binding.

Building on these international guidelines, India officially declared Minorities Rights Day in 2013, reinforcing these principles within its domestic framework.

Minorities Rights Day 2025: Significance And Constitutional Safeguards

Minorities Rights Day in India is observed to highlight the challenges faced by minority communities, such as discrimination and social inequalities, while promoting cultural diversity and equal opportunities for all citizens.

The day also provides a platform to advance social justice and reinforce the constitutional protections enshrined in Articles 15, 16, 29, and 30, which safeguard minorities from discrimination and ensure equality.

Supporting this observance is the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), established in 1992 under the National Commission for Minorities Act. The NCM plays a crucial role in monitoring the enforcement of these constitutional rights, ensuring that the principles of equality, inclusion, and cultural preservation are consistently upheld across the country.

As India marks Minorities Rights Day in 2025, the occasion serves as a timely reminder that a truly inclusive society depends on active protection of rights, societal respect for diversity and sustained policy engagement to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 07:25 IST

News lifestyle events Minorities Rights Day 2025: History, Significance And Constitutional Rights
Photo: MFA of Ukraine

In Beijing, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Kyslytsia held Ukrainian-Chinese political consultations with Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs pf China Liu Bin.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (MFA) press service, the parties discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda, outlined plans for further contacts at the highest and high levels, discussed ways to strengthen trade and economic cooperation and issues of interaction within international organizations.

The department said the interlocutors confirmed that mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is the foundation of Ukrainian-Chinese relations.

"There was an in-depth exchange of views on the current situation related to the ongoing Russian armed aggression against Ukraine, as well as international efforts aimed at achieving sustainable and lasting peace," the MFA said.

As part of his working visit to Beijing, Kyslytsia also held a meeting with representatives of Chinese expert and analytical circles, as well as the diplomatic corps of partner countries.
Christmas 2025: Secret Santa Gift Ideas Under Rs 500, Rs 1,000 And Rs 2,000

Published By :



Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 09:30 IST

Christmas Secret Santa Gift Ideas 2025: Looking for gift ideas? From scented candles and plants to smartwatches and power banks, here are thoughtful 15 picks for every budget.

Rapid Read

Make your Christmas 2025 celebrations extra special with these unique and budget-friendly Secret Santa gift ideas for friends, family and colleagues. (Image: Shutterstock)

Christmas Secret Santa Gift Ideas 2025: The festive fervour is already in the air as Christmas is approaching fast. Christmas, celebrated on December 25, honours the birth of Jesus Christ. While it holds special significance for Christian communities, it has also become a global celebration of love, joy and togetherness.

The most popular Christmas customs include decorating Christmas trees, attending church programmes, enjoying festive meals and exchanging gifts, also known as Secret Santa. Its a tradition that encourages generosity while adding an element of mystery and excitement to the exchange of gifts in the festive season.

In Pics: Best Secret Santa Gift Ideas For Christmas 2025

Who Is Santa Claus and Why He Inspires Secret Santa

Santa Claus, the beloved symbol of Christmas, represents generosity, kindness and the joy of giving. Inspired by Saint Nicholas, Santas tradition of secretly delivering gifts has shaped the modern-day Secret Santa exchange. The excitement of anonymous gifting reflects Santas spirit of spreading happiness without expecting anything in return.

What Is the Secret Santa Tradition?

Secret Santa is no longer limited to friends and family. It has become a favourite workplace tradition. Participants randomly pick a name to determine whom they will surprise with a present. The most exciting part? Keeping the givers identity a secret until the gift is opened.

ALSO READ: Christmas 2025: Why We Celebrate It On December 25? History, Myths, Facts, Traditions And Celebration Ideas

The idea behind the exchange is to spread cheer and appreciation, but giving the same gifts like mugs and keychains every year can get monotonous.

Heres a list of unique Secret Santa gift ideas for every budget.

Secret Santa Gift Ideas 2025: Under Rs 500

Scented Candles: A thoughtful and calming gift for a friend or co-worker, scented candles create a relaxing atmosphere and instantly elevate the ambience. Choose fragrances like lavender, citrus, vanilla, or any scent they would enjoy. You can easily find scented candles online for under Rs 500. Indoor Plants: Indoor plants are low-maintenance and can brighten up any room or workspace. They make the perfect gift for a nature-loving friend. Diary And Pen: The diary and pen combo is a timeless and versatile gift that everyone would love and appreciate. Table Lamp: A table lamp is also a thoughtful gift for students or anyone who works late at night. These reading lights are available for under Rs 400 to Rs 500. Jewellery Combo: Perfect for those who love to accessorise, a jewellery-and-hair-accessories combo makes a charming gift. You can opt for Christmas-themed pendants, scrunchies and bracelets.

Secret Santa Gift Ideas 2025: Under Rs 1,000

Perfumes: Who doesnt like a good fragrance? Gift your friend or colleague a refreshing perfume and you can easily find great options for under Rs 1,000. Travel accessories: Travel accessories like neck pillows, eye masks, or luggage tags are thoughtful gifts for anyone who loves to travel. Grooming kit: A grooming kit with essentials like nail clippers, hairbrushes and skincare products is an ideal gift for someone who enjoys self-care. Drip Coffee Maker: During the cold winter season, a drip coffee maker makes an excellent gift for your coffee-loving friend or colleague. Earbuds: A pair of earbuds under Rs 1,000 is something your friends may have been planning to buy for a long time, but never got the chance to.

Secret Santa Gift Ideas 2025: Under Rs 2,000

Smart Watch: A smart watch is a timeless gift idea to give anyone. Its a perfect present to make your colleagues a little more responsible and punctual. Side Bag: Whether its a sling bag, a handbag, or an office bag, a stylish side bag makes for a practical and thoughtful gift for friends or colleagues. Foot Spa Massager: An electric foot spa massager is a relaxing and useful gift. It helps soothe tired feet after a long, hectic day. Power Bank: A power bank is an ideal pick for your always-on-the-go, workaholic friend who relies heavily on their phone or laptop. Pearl Earrings: Simple, elegant and timeless, pearl earrings make a beautiful gift for a female friend or colleague.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 09:30 IST

News lifestyle events Christmas 2025: Secret Santa Gift Ideas Under Rs 500, Rs 1,000 And Rs 2,000
Simple Ways To Beat Anxiety And Stress In Everyday Life

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 21:13 IST

Practical tips on managing anxiety and stress through self-compassion, avoiding comparison, understanding purpose, and knowing when to seek help.

Comparing yourself to others can intensify anxiety and lower self-esteem.

As life moves forward, people often set goals building a career, staying fit, or finding meaningful relationships. While staying busy can feel rewarding, understanding why you pursue certain goals plays a far more important role in managing stress. When you are clear about your purpose, you stay motivated and are less likely to feel overwhelmed by everyday challenges. Knowing your why" helps you focus on what truly matters, instead of stressing over small setbacks.

Dr Gauri Raut, Clinical Psychologist, Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, explains that one of the most effective ways to manage anxiety is practising self-compassion.

Being kind to yourself can significantly reduce stress," says Dr. Raut. Instead of constantly fighting your own thoughts or being overly critical, learning to treat yourself with patience and understanding makes a noticeable difference." She adds that self-awareness helps people recognise their efforts and appreciate how much they already do to move forward in life.

Dr Raut emphasises that stress often stems from unrealistic expectations and constant comparison. Competing with others creates unnecessary pressure," she notes. A healthier approach is to compete with yourself, to focus on personal growth rather than measuring your success against someone elses journey."

Comparing yourself to others can intensify anxiety and lower self-esteem. Staying grounded in your own experiences and accepting yourself as you are allows for emotional stability and greater happiness. Do not expect yourself to be someone you are not," says Dr Raut. Being authentic is key to long-term mental well-being."

Excessive stress can leave people feeling emotionally drained and overwhelmed. While occasional stress is a part of life, constant anxiety can negatively affect mental health. Learning to pause, relax, and show yourself kindness can improve your overall quality of life," explains Dr. Raut.

She also stresses the importance of seeking help when stress becomes unmanageable. If anxiety begins to interfere with daily functioning, reaching out for professional support is not a weakness, its a step toward healing," she says.

By understanding your motivations, avoiding unnecessary comparisons, and practising self-kindness, it becomes easier to manage stress and lead a more balanced, fulfilling life.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 21:13 IST

News lifestyle health-and-fitness Simple Ways To Beat Anxiety And Stress In Everyday Life
Clean Air, Clear Minds: Why More Indians Are Choosing To Live Differently

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 21:57 IST

As air quality concerns grow in Indian cities, second homes in the hills are emerging as a lifestyle shift offering clean air, wellness, and a healthier way of living

With air quality concerns rising in Indian cities, clean-air living in the hills is no longer just a weekend escape but a conscious lifestyle choice for health and well-being.

For many people in India, second homes were once seen as symbols of comfort, weekend escapes, relaxed family retreats, or long-term investments. But over time, as people began spending extended periods away from crowded metros, the true value of a second home became clear. Life surrounded by clean air, quiet landscapes, and open skies didnt just feel good, it felt necessary.

No one understands this better than architect Nilanjan Bhowal, a Delhi resident who moved to the hills nearly 20 years ago. Wanting a studio by the lake, he built his own home overlooking the water, a decision that marked the beginning of a more grounded and healthier way of life. What started as a personal shift soon grew into a deeper purpose. After experiencing easier breathing, mental clarity, and the calming presence of nature, Bhowal began helping others experience the same transformation by building communities in the hills. Through the homes he designs, he has shown countless families what it truly means to live well in clean air, not just on weekends, but every single day.

Today, in cities like Delhi, where winters bring hazardous air quality and families constantly discuss when they should leave until things improve," this shift feels more urgent than ever. Parents are questioning how long they can continue raising children in such conditions. Children are developing respiratory issues. Elderly family members remain indoors for weeks at a time. Even otherwise healthy individuals are struggling. What once felt like an environmental concern has now become a pressing and deeply personal health crisis.

In this context, second homes in the hills particularly in Uttarakhand, given its easy accessibility via a 56 hour drive from Delhi are emerging as a sensible and uplifting alternative. These homes offer what metros currently cannot: clean air, clear skies, abundant sunlight, and space to breathe. They allow families to relocate temporarily, even for a few weeks, to recover, reset, and restore both physical and mental well-being.

A second home can also become a meaningful gift to family and friends. Even when youre not there, trusted loved ones can stay and experience the restorative benefits of fresh air and serene surroundings. Its a way to share wellness, create lasting memories, and extend care beyond yourself, turning a home into a space of healing, connection, and long-term value.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 21:57 IST

News lifestyle health-and-fitness Clean Air, Clear Minds: Why More Indians Are Choosing To Live Differently
Aishwarya Rai-Abhishek Bachchan Step Out Together; Shilpa Shinde Returns As Angoori Bhabi

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 22:15 IST

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai attend school annual day together in Mumbai; Shilpa Shinde set to return as Angoori Bhabi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai 2.0

Rapid Read

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai attended a Mumbai school annual day together, marking a rare joint appearance, while Shilpa Shinde gears up to return as Angoori Bhabi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai 2.0.

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai made a joint appearance on Thursday evening as they attended the Dhirubhai Ambani International School annual day celebration in Mumbai. In a video that surfaced on social media, Abhishek and Aishwarya were seen entering the venue. While Aishwarya looked prettiest in a black suit, Abhishek opted for casual attire.

For More: Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan Make 1st Joint Appearance After Calling Divorce Rumours Rubbish

Shilpa Shinde is all set to make her much-awaited return as the beloved Angoori Bhabi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai 2.0. After nearly a decade, the actress is back in the role that made her a household name, and the newly released promo has already struck an emotional chord with fans.

For More: Shilpa Shinde Returns As Angoori Bhabi, Says Sahi Pakde Hai | Watch Promo

Veteran actor and Bollywood legend Dharmendra passed away recently at the age of 89. Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol had organised a special prayer meeting to honour his legacy at a Mumbai hotel. On the same day, Hema Malini held a Gita path at home and was not seen at the hotel prayer meet. A few days later, Hema held a prayer meet in Delhi, which Sunny and Bobby did not attend. Shobhaa De, in a recent chat, said that Hema Malini was left out by Prakash Kaurs (Dharmendras first wife) family.

For More: Hema Malini Was Left Out By Dharmendras First Family, Says Shobhaa De: Couldve Hijacked Those Moments

Emily in Paris fans can finally rejoice as the much-awaited fifth season of the series has officially begun streaming on Netflix today, December 18. After months of anticipation and speculation, the popular romantic comedy-drama returns with new locations, evolving relationships and higher professional stakes for Emily Cooper.

For More: Emily In Paris Season 5 Premiere Date, Time REVEALED: When And How To Watch Lily Collins Show

Rajinikanths much-anticipated sequel Jailer 2 is steadily progressing towards its planned mid-2026 release, and the film has now added a high-voltage surprise to its ensemble. Actress and dancer Nora Fatehi has reportedly wrapped up a special dance number for the film, filmed recently in Chennai.

For More: Nora Fatehi Joins Rajinikanths Jailer 2 For Special Dance Number, Calls It Truly Epic

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 22:15 IST

News movies bollywood Aishwarya Rai-Abhishek Bachchan Step Out Together; Shilpa Shinde Returns As Angoori Bhabi
SRK Protects Suhana, Gauri From Crowd As They Arrive At AbRam's Annual Day Event | Watch

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Last Updated: December 19, 2025, 01:38 IST

Shah Rukh Khan shields Gauri and Suhana from fans at AbRams annual day event in Mumbai, with Bollywood stars like Bachchans, Kareena, Karan Johar attending.

SRK shields Suhana and Gauri Khan from crowd at AbRam's annual day function.

Bollywood saw a star-studded turnout on Thursday as several celebrities gathered to attend their childrens annual day function in Mumbai. Paparazzi captured multiple moments of actors and filmmakers arriving on campus, accompanied by family members, eager to cheer for their young ones performances.

SRK Protects Family Amid Fan Frenzy

Shah Rukh Khan, accompanied by wife Gauri Khan and daughter Suhana Khan, made a stylish entrance while supporting their youngest, AbRam. In the viral video, SRK dressed in black with a beanie and sunglasses, was seen tactfully shielding Gauri and Suhana from the eager crowd, ensuring their safe passage into the venue. Suhana looked chic in a gold top paired with denim, while Gauri opted for an elegant white suit, drawing attention from fans and photographers alike.

The event highlighted the K-familys dedication to their children, as SRK was seen guiding them with care, balancing security and a warm, approachable demeanour. Fans outside couldnt resist cheering, waving, and capturing glimpses of the superstar family.

Bollywood Stars Cheer Their Kids

Other notable celebrity families also made appearances, adding to the glamour of the day. The Bachchan family, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, were present to support Aaradhya Bachchan, joining the celebrations with pride and joy.

Kareena Kapoor Khan, dressed casually in a dark pink shirt and denim, attended with her sister Karisma Kapoor to cheer for her sons, while Karan Johar, Shahid Kapoor, and Mira Kapoor were among other Bollywood parents witnessing the festivities.

Beyond actors, personalities like celebrity photographer Daboo Ratnani with his wife Manisha, and filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan were also spotted at the venue, highlighting the event as a blend of family celebration and celebrity gathering.

The annual day function not only brought together Mumbais elite but also offered a glimpse of the stars in a more personal and intimate setting, celebrating milestones in their childrens lives while engaging with fans in a fun and light-hearted manner.

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First Published: December 19, 2025, 01:38 IST

News movies bollywood SRK Protects Suhana, Gauri From Crowd As They Arrive At AbRam's Annual Day Event | Watch
Does Emily In Paris Feel Like Your Office? The Subtle Work Culture Conflict Indians Know Well

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 19:07 IST

According to Better Life Index, French employees report an average workweek of 35 hrs and enjoy robust social protections, contributing to lower stress and higher life satisfaction

Emily, the bright, ambitious American protagonist, embodies the work ethic that drives Silicon Valley and Wall Street professionals

The Agence Grateau office clocks 5:05 pm. Emily is still typing furiously, eyes glued to her laptop, while Sylvie slides on her coat. When Sylvie calls out Emily for working post office and says, Emily. It is five oclock," Sylvie says, eyebrow raised" and to this Emily replies, I know! Just need to finish this pitch deck for the Duree campaign," Emily responds, barely glancing up. Its almost there. I can send it over in an hour or so."

Sylvie counters, her tone softening. Go home, Emily. Take a walk by the Seine. Have a glass of champagne. The pitch will be fine." This small exchange captures the heart of a cultural clash in the workplace: the American ideal of relentless productivity colliding with the French respect for personal boundaries. For Indian professionals, whether working domestically or abroad, these differences are no longer abstractthey are lived experiences. The question isnt just about hours worked or tasks completed; its about how ambition, wellbeing, and cultural expectations intersect to shape our daily professional lives.

American Productivity vs French Boundaries

Emily, the bright, ambitious American protagonist, embodies the work ethic that drives Silicon Valley and Wall Street professionals: constant availability, a readiness to overdeliver, and an unshakable belief that extra effort equals success. Her colleagues in Paris, in contrast, illustrate the French philosophy of work to live, not live to work, where personal boundaries, leisure, and mental wellbeing are respected as essential components of a productive life.

Scenes like Emily staying past five to finish a pitch, Sylvie insisting that life exists outside the office, and casual office conversations about wine and walks along the Seine, highlight this cultural friction. While Emily fears losing professional opportunities, Sylvie demonstrates that work-life balance is a strategic tool, not a luxury.

Research confirms that these cultural approaches have measurable effects. According to the OECD Better Life Index, French employees report an average workweek of 35 hours and enjoy robust social protections, contributing to lower stress levels and higher overall life satisfaction. Meanwhile, Americans average closer to 41 hours a week, with overtime often unmonitored, resulting in higher burnout risk. For Indian professionals, the tension often emerges as a hybrid of these two extremes many adopt American-style hustle while yearning for French-style boundaries.

Understanding the clash requires examining core differences in workplace philosophy:

Time Perception

American workplaces value speed, immediacy, and constant output. Success is visible, quantifiable, and rewarded promptly.

French workplaces treat time as a resource for sustainable productivity. Deadlines matter, but personal time, meals, and breaks are sacrosanct.

Work-Life Boundaries

In the US, digital accessibility often blurs the line between work and home. Employees are expected to check emails and respond outside office hours.

France enforces legal protections, including the right to disconnect," giving employees the authority to ignore work communications after hours.

Cultural Perception of Effort

The American approach equates effort with dedication; long hours signal commitment.

French culture equates efficiency with intelligence and strategy. Productivity is respected, but overwork is often seen as poor planning.

Emotional and Social Engagement at Work

Americans prioritise results and networking. Teams bond over deliverables and performance metrics.

French teams prioritise dialogue, feedback, and emotional wellbeing, balancing professionalism with social connection.

For Indian professionals working in multinational settings, these contrasts are tangible. Surveys from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) India, 2025, reveal that 63% of Indian employees experience stress when expected to follow Western-style always-on" work culture, while 72% say lack of clear boundaries with management leads to burnout.

What Can Indian Professionals Learn?

Emilys struggles and triumphs are more than a fictional narrativethey reflect real dilemmas faced by Indians navigating domestic and international offices. The takeaways are relevant across sectors and geographies:

Prioritise Productivity, Not Just Effort

Constant activity does not equal impact. Like Sylvie, Indian employees can learn to focus on results while maintaining personal wellbeing. Strategic work is more sustainable than relentless overexertion.

Define Personal Boundaries Early

Whether in Delhi, Bengaluru, or Mumbai, the hybrid work model makes boundary-setting essential. Clear communication about availability, realistic timelines, and personal limits is not just acceptableits respected in modern offices.

Value Emotional Intelligence

Just as Sylvie mediates Emilys ambition with care, emotional intelligence helps Indian professionals manage peer pressure, hierarchical expectations, and work stress. Leaders who respect and model this approach build stronger teams.

Hybrid Work Culture Adaptation

Indias corporate landscape increasingly blends Western-style ambition with local expectations. Professionals benefit from recognising which cultural practices to adopt and which to adapt, reducing friction in multinational workplaces.

Mental Wellbeing is Part of Productivity

Studies by World Health Organization (WHO) and NITI Aayog, 2025, show that employees with structured work-life balance report 35% higher job satisfaction and 40% fewer stress-related health issues. Emilys experience illustrates the same principle on screen: overwork diminishes long-term performance.

The relevance of Emilys story extends beyond the screen. Indias economy is increasingly connected to global networks, with professionals working in US or European offices, and foreign firms establishing operations locally. Work culture is often a deciding factor for employees when choosing roles or negotiating contracts.

Furthermore, Indian startups and corporate houses are experimenting with flexible hours, mandatory leave policies, and right to disconnect" principles. Understanding cultural approaches to work, as highlighted in Emily in Paris, helps employees and employers navigate expectations, avoid burnout, and enhance productivity.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 19:07 IST

News movies Does Emily In Paris Feel Like Your Office? The Subtle Work Culture Conflict Indians Know Well

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After Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour To Skip Stranger Things Finale Event Amid Controversy

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Last Updated: December 19, 2025, 02:02 IST

David Harbour will not attend Stranger Things finale event amid reports of erratic behaviour and a recent incident at a California gastropub.

David Harbours Old Remarks About Milli Bobby Brown Resurface Amid Controversy

David Harbour, best known for his role as Chief Hopper in Stranger Things, will not attend the highly anticipated Stranger Things: The Final Season Celebration at the Paley Center in New York City on Thursday, December 18. The actor, 50, was originally expected on the red carpet and for the screening and conversation event but has since been removed from the official attendee list.

Harbour Cites Scheduling Conflict, Absences Amid Reports

A Paley Center spokesperson confirmed that Harbour will be not present due to a scheduling conflict." The news comes shortly after reports of erratic behaviour surfaced, raising questions about the actors current state. Fellow series star Millie Bobby Brown will also be absent due to a recent injury, while Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, and Maya Hawke are slated to attend.

According to TMZ, Harbour was involved in an incident at a gastropub in Encinitas, California, over the weekend. Footage reportedly shows Harbour leaving the bar with a mans hat and telling the patron to f get me," prompting a confrontation. No physical altercation occurred, and the hat was eventually returned. Harbour was also spotted at a Barnes & Noble in Escondido, California, on the same day.

Mental Health Concerns Highlighted

Adding to the context, the San Diego County Sheriffs Office released a statement regarding a separate incident on Saturday involving an adult male who was experiencing a mental health crisis" at Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group in Santee, California. The individual, who reportedly had no injuries to staff or deputies, was evaluated by a Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) clinician and placed on a 72-hour hold under Californias 5150 Welfare & Institutions Code for mental health treatment. Privacy laws prevented the Sheriffs Office from disclosing further details, leaving room for speculation about any connection to Harbour.

While Harbours absence from the finale event is officially attributed to scheduling conflicts, the timing of these incidents has sparked media attention and fan concern. As Stranger Things concludes its run, fans are keenly watching for updates on Harbours wellbeing and future public appearances.

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Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 19, 2025, 02:02 IST

News movies hollywood After Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour To Skip Stranger Things Finale Event Amid Controversy
Avatar: Fire and Ash LEAKED Online Before Release? Piracy Concerns Spark Buzz

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 12:54 IST

Avatar: Fire and Ash faces online buzz over alleged leaks before its December 19 release. The film stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver and introduces Varang.

The speculation comes ahead of the films worldwide rollout on December 19.

Avatar 3 Leaked Online: With just a day to go before its global release, Avatar: Fire and Ash has become the subject of online buzz over an alleged leak. Unverified posts circulating on social media suggest that parts of James Camerons upcoming film may have surfaced on piracy platforms. According to these claims, low-resolution video clips believed to be from the film are being shared online. Users say the footage appears to be recorded on handheld devices, resembling camcorder prints, and may have originated from early screenings or preview shows. There has been no confirmation from the studio regarding the authenticity of these videos.

Also See: Avatar Fire And Ash Review

The speculation comes ahead of the films worldwide rollout on December 19. If confirmed, this would not be the first time Avatar: Fire and Ash has faced piracy concerns. Earlier in the year, reports had suggested that the films trailer was leaked online before its official theatrical release.

News18 Showsha gave the film 2.5 stars. An excerpt from the review reads, The movie revolves around Jake Sully and his family. As established in the first film, Sully is the acclaimed leader and the great Toruk Makto, who is respected among all the tribes. The RDA is on hunt for him and his family and the story revolves around how the family escapes the attacks from RDA and with their new ally  Varang the leader of the Mangkwan tribe or the Ash people as Navi call them. The action sequences are different, but the narrative offers nothing new. New mysteries surely unfold, but the main crux of the story remains the same. Hopefully, the next instalment will have something new to offer and say."

Other than Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, Avatar: Fire and Ash also stars Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Oona Chaplin, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, David Thewlis, Jemaine Clement, Giovanni Ribisi, Britain Dalton, Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jack Champion, Brendan Cowell, Bailey Bass, Filip Geljo, Duane Evans, Jr and Kate Winslet.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 12:33 IST

News movies hollywood Avatar: Fire and Ash LEAKED Online Before Release? Piracy Concerns Spark Buzz
Routine Verification: Shilpa Shetty's Lawyer Denies Income Tax Raid At Her Mumbai Home

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 23:38 IST

The clarification came after reports circulated that Income Tax officials had raided the actress's residence as part of a probe linked to her restaurant business, Bastian.

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty. (File)

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra has denied reports that her Mumbai residence was raided by Income Tax officials, with her legal team saying that no such action took place.

In a statement issued on behalf of the actor, Advocate Prashant Patil clarified that there was no Income Tax raid" of any nature conducted against his client. He said that there was a routine verification by the income tax officials pertaining to follow up with Shilpa Shetty.

At the cost of repetition, my client Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra states that there is no income tax raid at her place," the statement said. Advocate Patil further warned that individuals or entities mischievously" linking these developments to any alleged case involving the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) would face legal consequences before the appropriate court of law.

The clarification came after reports circulated that Income Tax officials had raided the actresss residence as part of a probe linked to her restaurant business, Bastian. Shetty is a co-owner of the brand, which was founded in 2014.

According to officials, the Income Tax department conducted search operations at Bastian, located in Mumbais Dadar area, on Wednesday morning, December 17. Searches were also reportedly carried out at certain premises in Bengaluru in connection with the case.

Earlier this week, Bengaluru Police registered an FIR against Bastian for allegedly operating beyond permitted hours and allowing late-night parties in violation of rules. The case was registered suo motu under Section 103 of the Karnataka Police Act and filed at the Cubbon Park Police Station.

It was alleged that the establishment continued operations until 1.30 am on December 11, beyond the stipulated closing time. Cases were reportedly registered against the managers and staff of the restaurant.

However, Shetty denied all allegations in an Instagram post and wrote, We categorically deny the baseless and motivated allegations being circulated. The issues sought to be raised are being given a criminal colour without any lawful basis. A Quashing Petition has already been filed before the Honble High Court and is pending adjudication. Having fully cooperated with the investigation, we are sanguine that justice will prevail and have complete faith in the law enforcement authorities and the judicial system of our country. We respectfully urge the media to exercise restraint as the matter is sub judice (sic)."

The issues surrounding Bastian have emerged at a time when Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, have also been booked by the Economic Offences Wing for allegedly cheating a Mumbai-based businessman of Rs 60 crore in connection with a loan-cum-investment deal.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 23:38 IST

News movies Routine Verification: Shilpa Shetty's Lawyer Denies Income Tax Raid At Her Mumbai Home
Ajith Kumars Racing Career Heads To Screen, Director AL Vijay Confirms The Project

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 12:23 IST

Recently, in an interview the director opened up about the experience, calling himself fortunate to be part of Ajiths racing world.

Ajith Kumars Racing Career Heads To Screen, Director AL Vijay Confirms The Project

Ajith Kumars passion for racing is well known. And now to honour his talent, a special project is underway. Filmmaker AL Vijay has confirmed that he is actively filming it. In a recent interview with Motor Vikatan, the director opened up about the experience, calling himself fortunate" to be part of Ajiths racing world.

In an interview with Motor Vikatan, AL Vijay confirmed the project and said, As soon as I came on board, Ajith sir said, welcome to my world". Al Vijay also said the world of racing is a do or die situation. Elaborating about Ajiths insights into his racing career he said Ajith sir told me you need to come out alive end of the race". He didnt confirm if this will be a film or a documentary.

He was further quoted saying, After seeing him live in action, the respect I have towards him increased. And Ajith sir is giving so much into the sport. He is going to be a motor sport icon in India. Ajith sir is a trendsetter." He went on to praise Ajiths endurance and dedication to it Filming the project is a new experience, but what we are witnessing here is truly challenging. When I saw Ajith sir, he seemed like he was talking a break, but in reality he wasnt, he was actually thinking about the race." He went on to call Ajith as a star who works without his entourage. I saw him picking papers and putting it in the dustbin such is his humility."

Ajith Kumar And Shalinis Sweet Moment Ahead Of Asian Le Mans Series Wins Hearts

Ajith Kumars love for racing is no secret. He has won awards, too, for his talent. And recently he was seen participating Asian Le Mans Series. Well, ahead of the race, his heartwarming moment with his wife, Shalini, won hearts online. A video showing Ajith sharing a sweet kiss with Shalini drew warm reactions from fans.

In the viral video, Ajith Kumar was seen talking and kissing his wife ahead of the race. Recently, he was seen at Spain for a racing event. The Tamil superstar was met with loud cheers and excitement from his fans who had gathered to see him. However, what followed next showed the actors composure and the discipline of his fanbase. The viral video shows Ajith Kumar at a recent racing event held at Circuit de Barcelona in Spain. Fans gathered at the venue started whistling and screaming seeing the actor. Immediately, Ajith Kumar reacted and asked his fans to be quiet and not whistle and disturb everyone. The video was shared by one of the fans on his X handle. In comment section also, fans were seen praising him.

Ajith Kumars upcoming films

On the work front, Ajith was last seen in Magizh Thirumenis Vidaamuyarchi and Adhik Ravichandrans Good Bad Ugly, both released in 2024. The actor has been largely focused on his passion for motorsport and founded Ajith Kumar Racing, through which he has been participating in endurance races across the world. Ajith has consistently stated that he will prioritise films only when his racing schedule allows.

Following Good Bad Ugly, fans have been eagerly waiting for news about Ajiths next film, which is expected to be with director Adhik Ravichandran. The project is likely to be officially announced next year, when the actor is expected to begin shooting.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 12:23 IST

News movies tamil-cinema Ajith Kumars Racing Career Heads To Screen, Director AL Vijay Confirms The Project
The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine is calling on international partners to strengthen air and maritime defenses of Ukraine, including its Black Sea port infrastructure, as recent Russian strikes have put maritime exports at risk.

"The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine calls international partners to urgently reinforce Ukraines air and maritime defense capabilities to safeguard civilian lives, critical infrastructure, ports, and the continuity of global trade and food supply chains, the association said in a statement on Thursday.

The Chamber explained that recent Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine and Odesa region have resulted in injuries and deaths of port workers and ship crews, damage to ports, energy facilities, grain silos, and commercial vessels.

In addition, Russian strikes have reduced the operation of terminals by up to 50%, with some of them suspended, most operating on generators. There are widespread power outages and additional generator costs, damaged power plants and power grids that require repairs. Rail connections to ports are also limited, and commercial vessel layups and demurrage charges are occurring, the statement said.

"The current situation poses a direct risk of disruption to global food and commodity supply chains, with far-reaching consequences for international markets and food security, including rising food prices and worsening hunger levels in vulnerable countries," the Chamber said.

The statement also noted that it is difficult to estimate the real-time losses of grain and oilseed exporters. "However, they are currently estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of US dollars per month," the organization noted.

The Chamber emphasizes that without the implementation of air and sea defense, Ukrainian and international businesses will face operational challenges that will make it impossible to charter vessels and obtain insurance coverage for vessels, crews, and cargo.

The Ministry of Development reported on December 15 that since the beginning of operation in 2023, the sea corridor has handled more than 162 million tonnes of cargo, of which more than 98 million tonnes are grain, and almost 7 thousand vessels have passed through the corridor.

Two months earlier, the Ministry reported 150 million tonnes, of which 90 million tonnes are grain, and more than 6,000 vessels, and two months earlier, 137 million tonnes and more than 5,300 vessels.

Exactly two months before, the Ministry of Development reported on the results of the corridors operation over the two years since its opening: over 137 million tonnes and over 5.3 thousand vessels, so over the past two months, about 700 vessels with approximately 13 million tonnes of cargo have passed through the corridor.

As reported, the Danube Commission, at a meeting initiated by Ukraine, decided to create a register of damages from Russian aggression on the Lower Danube and agreed on a resolution on Russias violation of the Belgrade Convention as a result of military actions.

The register will ensure the collection and generalization of data on the damages caused, their transfer to the Council of Europe and the European Union, as well as the formation of an international legal basis for compensation for damages.
Global Watch | Pakistans Failed Afghan Policy And The Return Of Blowback

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 17:37 IST

Pakistans effort to resolve a deeply political and historical challenge with military force and mass removals is not merely ethically hollowit also undermines its own interests

The violence has crossed back over the Durand Line, and the cost is being paid by Pakistani civilians and soldiers alike. Representational image

For decades, Pakistans military leadership claimed with certainty that it had complete control over the western frontier. The claim was based on the assumption that Pakistans influence and command over the Taliban in Afghanistan was unchallenged and unparalleled. By 2025, this narrative has fallen apart.

The current situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan goes much beyond a temporary diplomatic disagreement or mere miscommunication. It marks a critical turning point. Hostilities have escalated, bilateral confidence has disintegrated, and ordinary people living near the border are suffering the consequences of choices Pakistans establishment made for decades.

Pakistan today portrays itself as a besieged victim of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Yet this narrative omits an uncomfortable truth: Pakistan is confronting the consequences of its own long-standing choices. The very terrorism it once nurtured, tolerated, or strategically exploited in Afghanistan is now striking back inside Pakistan. Instead of reflection, Islamabad has responded with expulsions, bombs, and denialdeepening human suffering and regional instability.

Terrorism Turns Inward

By 2025, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has reasserted itself as one of the deadliest terrorist forces operating in South Asia. Attacks across Pakistans northwest and major cities have become frequent and brutal. Soldiers are ambushed at checkpoints. Police convoys are hit by suicide bombers. Markets and mosques have turned into scenes of grief. Families bury sons in uniform while officials offer the same rehearsed condemnations. Pakistans leadership insists that the TTP operates freely from Afghan territory, using it as a rear base to plan and launch attacks.

There is little doubt that many TTP commanders and fighters are indeed present across the border. Afghan soil has become a sanctuary not because of geography alone, but because of fractured governance and unresolved power dynamics after decades of war. Pakistan points to this reality to justify its rage and its retaliation. But what is often left unsaid is how this situation came into being.

For years, Pakistan treated terrorism in Afghanistan as a tool rather than a threat. Certain armed groups were seen as assetsuseful for shaping outcomes next door, expendable so long as the violence stayed over there." The distinction between good" and bad" terrorists was not invented by critics; it was practiced policy. That logic hollowed out any moral or strategic consistency in Pakistans counterterrorism approach. Now the firewall has collapsed. The TTP, ideologically aligned with Afghan terrorist currents and hardened by years of conflict, has turned its guns decisively toward Pakistan.

The attacks of 2024-2025 have inflicted hundreds of deaths and created a climate of fear that stretches from border districts to urban centres. Pakistans claim that Afghanistan is harbouring" the TTP may be factually grounded, but it rings hollow when stripped of historical context. Sanctuaries did not emerge in a vacuum; they are the residue of regional manipulation and neglect. And as violence inside Pakistan escalates, the states response has grown harshernot only toward terrorists, but toward civilians who have nothing to do with the TTP.

The Turn to Collective Punishment

Faced with public anger and mounting insecurity, Pakistans government in 2025 turned to a blunt instrument: mass expulsions of Afghan people. Refugees who had lived in Pakistan for decadeschildren born in Pakistani cities, laborers who built its roads, families who fled earlier warswere suddenly redefined as security risks. Police raids, detentions, and intimidation became routine. People were given days, sometimes hours, to pack their lives into sacks.

By mid-2025, more than half a million Afghans had been forced or pressured to return from Pakistan to Afghanistan. This number includes documented refugees and undocumented migrants alike, swept together under a policy that made little distinction between vulnerability and threat. Elderly men, widows, and children crossed the border with whatever they could carry, returning to a country gripped by poverty, unemployment, and fear. These were not surgical security measures; they were acts of collective punishment.

Pakistan presented deportations as a counterterrorism necessity, but no serious evidence was offered to show that refugees, as a group, posed a meaningful threat. Instead, an entire population was made a scapegoat to project strength and deflect blame. The humanitarian cost was immense: families separated, children pulled out of schools, livelihoods erased overnight. At the same time, Pakistan escalated its military response across the border. Airstrikes and drone attacks targeted alleged TTP positions inside Afghanistan, including in border provinces and, more controversially, near urban areas.

Pakistani officials claimed these strikes killed senior terrorist figures and disrupted networks plotting attacks. Afghan authorities countered that civilians were killed and injured, including women and children. In 2025 alone, multiple aerial operations were reported, some reaching deep into Afghan territory. Entire villages were thrown into panic by the sound of jets and drones. Homes were damaged, bodies pulled from rubble, and funerals held under the shadow of further strikes. Pakistan framed these actions as self-defence, but to Afghans on the ground, they looked like violations of sovereignty and human life.

These tacticsdeportations at home, bombing abroadrevealed a state unwilling to confront its own role in the crisis. Rather than dismantling terrorist ecosystems through cooperation and accountability, Pakistan chose visibility over effectiveness. The message was clear: appear tough, even if the strategy deepens resentment and fuels the next cycle of violence.

Blowback and the Price of Denial

What Pakistan is experiencing now is not a sudden tragedy inflicted by an external enemy. It is blowback. For decades, Pakistans security establishment believed it could manage terrorism, turn it on and off, direct it outward while containing it at home. That belief was always flawed. Terrorism does not remain loyal to borders or patrons. It mutates, radicalises, and eventually escapes control. Afghanistan was one of the main theatres where this gamble was played. Armed groups were tolerated, assisted, or ignored when they aligned with perceived national interests. The suffering of Afghan civilians was dismissed as collateral to a larger game.

Today, that same logic is haunting Pakistan. The violence has crossed back over the Durand Line, and the cost is being paid by Pakistani civilians and soldiers alike. Instead of acknowledging this history, Pakistans official narrative casts the country solely as a victim. Afghanistan is blamed for harbouring terrorists. Refugees are blamed for insecurity. Airstrikes are justified as unavoidable. What is missing is introspectionan admission that state policy helped create the conditions for todays chaos.

The human cost of this breakdown is catastrophic. Pakistani families live in perpetual dread of violence. Afghan deportees confront starvation and instability, while rural communities live under the threat of aerial bombardment.

A nation unwilling to confront its history is doomed to relive it. Pakistans effort to resolve a deeply political and historical challenge through military force and mass removals is not merely ethically hollowit also undermines its own interests. With Pakistan further intensifying its approach of evasion and compulsion, regional security has also become volatile. It is clear that relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan will continue to deteriorate unless Pakistan acknowledges the reality before it.

The writer is an author and columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 17:37 IST

News opinion Global Watch | Pakistans Failed Afghan Policy And The Return Of Blowback

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Opinion | Fist Of Feverish Fury: How Amit Shah Braved Illness To Smackdown Rahul Gandhi's 'Vote Theft' Lies

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 11:17 IST

In an era of flashy soundbites, Shah's speech stands as the most articulate defence of Indias electoral integrity & a sharp indictment of Opposition's shoot and scoot tactics

Rapid Read

Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Lok Sabha during the winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi, on Wednesday. (Image: Sansad TV via PTI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, despite battling high fever, brilliantly dismantled Rahul Gandhis fake narratives in the Lok Sabha on December 10 during the Winter Session of Parliament, delivering a powerful 90-minute speech to defend the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Shah stood firm, countering Gandhis allegations of vote chori" (vote theft) with facts, historical references and sharp logic. What unfolded was a masterclass in political oratory, as Shah systematically exposed the contradictions in the duplicitous Gandhi scions vague claims on electoral malpractice, dynasty politics, Congresss electoral decline and the Oppositions hypocrisyincluding that of Congress ally, DMK. The debate stemmed from Gandhis repeated accusations that the BJP-led government was systematically deleting voters from lists, particularly minorities, through the SIRa process actually aimed at cleaning electoral rolls. Gandhi had dramatically labeled these claims his hydrogen bomb" in press conferences. Shah, however, resolutely turned the tables, showing how the Oppositions narrative was built on selective outrage and historical amnesia.

Braving a 102-degree fever and on medication, Shah exemplified iron resolve in countering every spurious claim of the Opposition and exposing their double standards. This, even as Gandhis post-speech insinuations of Shahs trembling hands" reeked of bad taste. But Gandhis duplicity and distasteful comments are now a part of his DNA and daily lexicon, showing why he is unfit to lead or govern.

Shah, on his part, demolished Gandhis core charge that SIR enabled vote theft" on a massive scale, point by point. First, Shah explained SIR as a routine Constitutional process under the Election Commissions mandate (Articles 326 and 327) to ensure only eligible Indian citizens get the right to vote. He listed past SIR exercises without any protest1952, 1957, 1961 under Jawahar Lal Nehru;1965, under Lal Bahadur Shastri; 1983-84 under Indira Gandhi;1987-89 under Rajiv Gandhi;1993-95 under PV Narasimha Rao; 2002-2004 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee and thereafter under Manmohan Singh. Why no objections then?" Shah asked. Only now, when it affects infiltrators, do you cry foul?"

On Gandhis Haryana-related atomic bomb"501 votes from one houseShah superbly revealed it as an ancestral one-acre plot with multi-generational families sharing a house number, a common practice unchanged since Congress rule, exposing how an intemperate Gandhi was making a mountain out of a molehill. The Election Commission confirmed no irregularity, whatsoever. Shah, then, magnificently flipped the scripttrue vote theft" happened under the Congress, thundered the Union Home Minister. He nailed the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty across generationsJawahar Lal Nehru overrode Sardar Patels overwhelming support (28 provincial votes vs. Nehrus mere 2 votes) to become the first Prime Minister of independent India.

Then, Shah exposed Indira Gandhis 1971 Rae Bareli win which was invalidated by the Allahabad High Court for malpractice; and how she responded with a law granting herself immunity and, during Emergency, bypassed judicial seniority. Shah was in no mood to relent as he hammered one truth after another while a stunned House gasped in disbelief at the flurry of facts unleashed so skilfully.

A pending court case alleges Sonia Gandhi registered as a voter in 1980 before formal citizenship in 1983, said Shah, leaving the Opposition scurrying for cover.

These examples, by Indias most successful and popular Home Minister, delivered with razor sharp precision, shifted the vote chori" label onto the Congresss founding family. When an arrogant Gandhi interrupted, demanding immediate answers, Shah retorted: I have 30 years in Parliament. No one dictates the chronology of my speech, not even you." The House erupted; Shahs poise and composure despite a fever of 102 degrees underscored his effortless dominance and exemplary commitment.

Shah, in outstanding flow, countered Gandhi familys legacy of entitlement. Rahul Gandhi, a sore loser, often criticises BJP for lacking internal democracy. Shah seized this to highlight Congresss dynastic DNA. By citing Nehru, Indira and Sonia Gandhis manipulations to retain power, he painted the dynasty not as mere tradition, but as an entitlement sustained through institutional subversion. You talk of democracy," Shah boomed, but your familys history shows power was grabbed, not earned." He contrasted this with BJPs rise through grassroots workers, and not family inheritance.

A desperate Gandhis accusations rang hollow as Shahs references to Patels sidelining and Indiras immunity law reminded the House how the dynasty had repeatedly trumped merit and law. Shah effectively turned Gandhis moral high ground into slippery quicksand. The Congress scions persistent theme is that Congress defeats stem from rigged systemsfirst EVMs, now voter lists. Shah shredded this lame excuse of the flippant Gandhi scion with irrefutable facts, making him look like an immature politician, unfit to be the LoP. When you win, EVMs are fine; when you lose, theyre hacked," Shah roared. He noted, Congress won 2004 and 2009 with EVMs (introduced by Rajiv Gandhi), but complaints surged post-2014, only after BJPs victories.

On voter lists, Shah incisively pointed to anomalies under UPA (2010 onwards), where deletions of deceased or migrated voters were halted, leading to duplicateslike Congresss Pawan Khera or RJDs Tejashwi Yadav who were registered multiple times. The real reason you lose," Shah declared unsparingly, is your leadership. One day, Congress workers will demand answers from you." He warned that blaming EVMs, EC, or SIR only delays the day of reckoning. Congresss decline from national hegemony to being a regional player largely owes to internal failures like appeasement-based politics, corruption scandals and disconnected leadership; not conspiracies, said a jubilant Shah, with his charismatic flourish.

Shahs grit, tone and tenor made his speech resonate powerfully. The intense war of words between a consummate Shah and a vacuous Gandhi in Parliament left the latter gasping for relevance. Shah proved yet again why his impeccable command over unyielding facts, his candour, honesty and no-nonsense style, make him who he is. In every war, there is only one victor and victory on December 10, 2025, belonged to just one man who stood toweringly tall over everyone elseAmit Shah. Shah also exposed selective outrage of the DMK. He warned DMK and TMC that opposing SIRmeant to remove infiltratorswould cost them dearly in the upcoming assembly polls, implying bogus voters had propped up their fortunes in the past.

You object now because it cleans rolls in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu too," Shah said in his lucid style, predicting wipe-outs for the Opposition, like in Bihar. He highlighted DMKs hypocrisyaligning with Congress on democracy in danger" while benefiting from potentially inflated electoral lists. DMKs past support for revisions under Congress governments contrasted sharply with their current opposition to the SIR, revealing rabid opportunism.

Shahs phenomenally fact-laden address laced with uncomfortable truths frustrated the Opposition, leading to a walkout mid-speech, showed their unwillingness to face reality.

A 102-degree fever notwithstanding, Shah spoke brilliantly, without notesevery word spoken came straight from the heart. After being factually demolished, a defeated Gandhi later said Shahs hands shook under pressure. The ministers magnificent performance actually proved otherwisehe was calm, unstoppable,unrelenting. This resilience amplified the impact a leader battling high fever and defending democracys integrity while his opponents walked out, such was the outstanding impact of Amit Shahs factual onslaught. Rahul Gandhi simply came across as a cantankerous politician with no discipline.

Shahs December 10 speech was more than just a rebuttal; it was a masterful and comprehensive takedown of Rahul Gandhis deviously fake narratives. On vote theft" and SIR, Shah provided historical context and precedents. On dynastic politics, he exposed the entitlement of the Nehru-Gandhi family. On electoral losses, Shah pinpointed lack of leadership accountability within the Congress. On DMKs hypocrisy, he warned of political costs. Despite fever, Shah left the Opposition defensive and tattered, culminating in a walkout. It reaffirmed BJPs narrative dominance, while forcing Congress to yet again live in denial.

In an era of flashy soundbites, the pathbreaking speech by Shah stands as the most articulate and robust defence of Indias electoral integrity and a sharp indictment of the Oppositions shoot and scoot" tactics. As India watches, one truth emergeswhen armed with facts, steely determination and courage of conviction, even illness cant dim the light of truth. The highly erudite, dedicated and committed Shahs emphatic and eloquent address became a defining moment of the Winter Session of 2025 and posterity will remember this address as one that astutely shaped and steered the course of Indias political landscape in the only direction that truly mattersthe right" one.

Sanju Verma is an Economist, National Spokesperson for BJP and Bestselling Author of The Modi Gambit". Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 11:17 IST

News opinion Opinion | Fist Of Feverish Fury: How Amit Shah Braved Illness To Smackdown Rahul Gandhi's 'Vote Theft' Lies

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Opinion | Vote Chori, History, And The Battle For Democratic Credibility

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 17:14 IST

How Amit Shah turned Rahul Gandhis favourite slogan into a political epitaph

LoP in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a press conference in New Delhi. (Photo: Congress)

For years now, vote chori" has been Rahul Gandhis most potent political buzzword; a phrase deployed with regularity, rhythm, and repetition to cast a long shadow over Indias electoral process. From alleging irregularities in Bengaluru Centrals Mahadevapura constituency to claiming that 25 lakh votes were stolen" in Haryana in 2024, Gandhi has used press conferences, yatras, and social media to seed doubt.

Fact-checks by the Election Commission of India (ECI), rebuttals by constitutional authorities, and counter-statements by BJP leaders did little to halt the narrative he was carefully constructing: that Indias elections are somehow compromised when the Congress loses.

This strategy reached its peak after the first leg of the Vote Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, a state the Congress ultimately failed to win when Gandhi confidently declared that the slogan vote chor gaddi chor" was spreading like fire because its the truth." The assertion mattered less for its accuracy and more for its intent. It sought to normalise suspicion, to make distrust of electoral outcomes an acceptable default reaction among supporters.

When the Congress-led Opposition proposed a discussion on electoral reforms and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, it likely expected a technical debate, one that would keep the focus on alleged procedural flaws. Instead, the BJP seized an unexpected opening. What followed was not a routine rebuttal, but a full-scale political counteroffensive led by Home Minister Amit Shah.

Shahs Lok Sabha speech marked the first time the BJP leadership confronted the vote chori" narrative head-on, not merely as a contemporary allegation but as a historical pattern. In doing so, he shifted the terrain entirely. Rather than playing defence, Shah went on the attack, accusing multiple generations of Congress leadership of institutionalising electoral manipulation long before the phrase entered Rahul Gandhis vocabulary.

Crucially, Shah did not deny the possibility of vote chori." He acknowledged it and then categorised it into three types. This rhetorical move was strategic. By accepting the term and redefining it, Shah robbed the Congress of moral exclusivity over the phrase. He then painstakingly illustrated each category with historical examples involving Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi, repeatedly emphasising that he was only citing historical facts."

He recalled how Nehru became prime minister despite Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel enjoying greater support within Congress committees; how Indira Gandhi, after her election from Rae Bareli, was set aside by the Allahabad High Court, superseded senior Supreme Court judges to secure a favourable judiciary; and how Sonia Gandhi allegedly voted before acquiring Indian citizenship. Whether one agrees with Shahs framing or not, the effect was unmistakable: the Congress was forced off the comfortable perch of present-day accuser and pushed into the far more uncomfortable role of historical defendant.

Predictably, the Opposition benches erupted. But Shah anticipated the reaction. The Opposition gets angry when we talk of history," he said, but how can any country or society move forward without history?" With that line, he justified the expansion of the debate beyond EVMs and voter rolls into questions of legacy, intent, and credibility.

This shift proved decisive. Instead of arguing over technicalities, an arena where data, committees, and procedural jargon dominate the Congress, now had to confront collective memory. And in politics, memory is often more powerful than spreadsheets.

On Electronic Voting Machines, Shah came prepared. He reminded the House that EVMs were introduced under Rajiv Gandhi and used nationwide in the 2004 and 2009 elections, the Congress-led UPA won. Doubts, he pointed out, surfaced only after 2014, when the BJP emerged victorious. He further noted that in June 2017, the ECI invited all political parties, scientists, and experts to attempt hacking EVMs, but the Opposition declined to participate. Allegations, Shah argued, are made loudly through the media but rarely tested before courts or constitutional bodies.

Perhaps most cutting was his observation that the introduction of EVMs effectively ended ballot-box hijacking, once a grim reality of Indian elections. Vote theft has ended," Shah said, and that is why they are in pain." The line landed because it inverted the accusation: the BJP was not afraid of clean elections; it was the Congress that struggled to adapt to them.

The implications are significant. For the BJP, questioning electoral systems is now framed not as good-faith scrutiny but as part of a long-standing pattern of political opportunism. For the Congress, the popularisation of vote chori" has boomeranged, dragging its historical conduct into the spotlight and eroding its claim to moral guardianship of democracy.

For voters, the debate has shifted away from the mechanics of voting to the credibility of those making allegations. Who, after all, can credibly claim to protect democratic integrity?

Amit Shahs intervention was not merely a rebuttal; it was a strategic escalation. By turning vote chori" into a historical indictment, he broadened the battlefield and buried the slogan under the weight of Congresss own past. The Opposition could have engaged point-by-point and steered the discussion back to 2025. Instead, it chose a walkout.

In a political era where perception often hardens into belief, Wednesday evenings Lok Sabha debate may well be remembered as the moment when the BJP attempted to lay the ghost of vote chori" to rest with Amit Shah, deliberately and unapologetically, carving its epitaph.

The writer is a technocrat, political analyst, and author. He pens national, geopolitical, and social issues. His social media handle is @prosenjitnth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 17:12 IST

News opinion Opinion | Vote Chori, History, And The Battle For Democratic Credibility

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 10:15 IST

1 / 12 Mumbais Western Railway has launched a co-working space and digital lounge at Mumbai Central to improve passenger facilities at the station. The digital lounge will cater to business travellers, remote workers and other professionals.

2 / 12 The launch is part of Western Railways efforts to expand non-fare revenue as well as modernise passenger amenities. It is also part of the Railways focus to cater to the growing demand for remote working spaces, The Economic Times reported.

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3 / 12 Developed by the Commercial Department of Mumbai Division, the facility is spread across 1,712 feet. The project is expected to mint a revenue of approximately Rs 3.20 crore in five years.

4 / 12 It is operated by Ten 11 Hospitality LLP. The company will operate the remote working facility under its INEJ Lounge brand.

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5 / 12 The lounge is located near the main concourse of Mumbai Central Terminus. The station also has an air-conditioned waiting hall for passengers, as well as urban pod facilities for resting.

6 / 12 Western Railways said the digital lounge will function as a replicable model for similar spaces across other stations on the network.

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7 / 12 As of now, the facility contains high-speed Wi-Fi, seating arrangements, charging points, modular workstations, and more.

8 / 12 Meeting and conference rooms, self-service light refreshments, video conferencing spaces and upgraded washroom facilities are also available. Refreshments like tea and coffee are available on an unlimited basis during a remote workers stay.

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9 / 12 As per Hindustan Times, the air-conditioned facility has 58 seats, including six recliners. The space is open to both railway passengers and the general public.

10 / 12 An entry fee of Rs 200 needs to be paid to get access to the room for one hour. After that, Rs 150 must be given for every extra hour.

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11 / 12 The upper floor of the lounge has recliners, which are available for Rs 700 for up to two hours. People need to pay Rs 400 for a full meal. Snacks such as sandwiches can be bought for around Rs 250.
Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 08:18 IST

1 / 8 Delhis strict No PUCC, No Fuel rule came into effect on Thursday, December 18, 2025, prohibiting the sale of petrol and diesel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). The measure is part of the governments emergency response to worsening air pollution in the capital. While the intent is widely supported, petrol pump operators say the directive raises serious legal, technical, and safety concerns.

2 / 8 The rule coincides with another restriction: private non-Delhi vehicles below BS-VI standards are now barred from entering the city. Together, these measures place additional enforcement responsibilities on fuel retailers.

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3 / 8 The Delhi Petrol Dealers Association (DPDA) has expressed full support for efforts to combat pollution. In a representation to Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the association acknowledged that extraordinary steps are necessary but warned that enforcing this directive without resolving key gaps will be extremely difficult.

4 / 8 The DPDA also noted that a significant share of Delhis pollution originates outside the city. Limiting measures to the National Capital Territory (NCT) alone, they argued, will not deliver meaningful results unless similar rules are applied across the wider National Capital Region (NCR).

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5 / 8 One of the biggest challenges highlighted by dealers is the legal position of fuel retailers. Petrol and diesel are classified as essential commodities under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Order, 1998. Refusing to sell fuel could expose petrol pumps to legal action unless the government formally decriminalises such refusal. Petrol pumps are not an enforcement agency. Implementation of the No PUCC, No Fuel rule must be carried out by authorities with statutory powers, the DPDA said.

6 / 8 Dealers also raised concerns about law-and-order issues. Petrol pump staff are not seen by customers as enforcement authorities, and denial of fuel could lead to arguments, aggression, and disturbances at outlets. Frontline workers may face unsafe situations if forced to enforce the rule. The association requested that penal action against petrol pump owners be avoided, as they are only assisting the government in implementing the directive.

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7 / 8 The DPDA pointed out flaws in the current emission-checking system. The technology is outdated and requires urgent upgrades. There is no live dashboard or real-time feed linked to the automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras installed at petrol pumps. A proper trial run has never been conducted. A previous attempt resulted in junk data being transmitted to pumps, causing confusion and failure of the exercise.
Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 13:00 IST

1 / 5 The air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas has worsened, reaching the "severe" category. The AQI has significantly declined, leading the Delhi government to implement GRAP Stage 4. As a result, all government and private schools up to grade 5 will remain closed until the air quality improves, to protect young children, who are most at risk. (Representative/File Photo)

2 / 5 Schools from nursery to grade 5 are completely closed in Delhi, with no classes for these grades. Classes 6 to 11 is being conducted in a hybrid mode, both online and offline. Students in grades 10 and 12 must attend physical classes in school due to the upcoming board exams. This measure ensures that studies are not disrupted while protecting young children from the hazardous air. (Representative/File Photo)

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3 / 5 Classes from nursery to grade 5 in Noida are being conducted online, while students from grade 6 and above are following a hybrid mode of learning. Bareilly has been experiencing severe cold and dense fog for the past two days, leading the Meteorological Department to issue an orange alert for fog for the next three days. As a result, all schools from grades 1 to 8 in the district are closed until December 20. District Magistrate Avinash Singh had instructed Basic Education Officer Dr. Vineeta to issue the holiday order. Any school found open during this period will face strict action. (Representative/File Photo)

4 / 5 Schools in Bihar resumed regular classes on December 16th, with many primary schools adopting winter timings to shield children from the morning cold. Schools in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh will remain open on December 18th, with adjusted morning timings in extremely cold areas to ensure children's protection. In Tamil Nadu, the School Education Department has announced a 12-day holiday starting December 24th, following the half-yearly exams. This year's holidays are longer than last year's, extending to 12 days instead of 9. (Representative/File Photo)

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 11:04 IST

1 / 6 Many things in the world continue to surprise us. We know that the worlds 195 countries are spread across seven continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe and Australia. Whats truly fascinating, however, is that some countries are not confined to a single continent but span two. When this comes up, Russia often springs to mind, but this story isnt about Europe and Asia. Its about Asia and Africa. So, which country lies on both continents? Lets explore. (AI Generated)

2 / 6 Which country is located in both Asia and Africa? Egypt is the only country in the world that belongs to both Asia and Africa. While most of its landmass lies in North Africa, a small yet crucial portion of the country is situated in Asia. This is why Egypt is often described as a two-continent country. (AI Generated)

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3 / 6 Egypt is located in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. It shares borders with Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, and Israel to the northeast. This unique position makes Egypt a natural bridge between Africa and Asia, and throughout history, major trade routes have passed through its territory. (AI Generated)

4 / 6 The significance of the Sinai Peninsula: Egypts Asian territory is known as the Sinai Peninsula. Located east of the Suez Canal, it is geographically part of Western Asia. Although it covers only a small portion of Egypts total area, the Sinai Peninsula holds immense strategic and historical importance, acting as a land bridge between the two continents. (AI Generated)

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5 / 6 The Suez Canal further enhances Egypts unique geography. This man-made waterway connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea, enabling ships to travel directly between Europe and Asia without having to navigate around Africa. With Africa lying to the west of the canal and the Sinai Peninsula to the east, Egypt clearly spans two continents. (AI Generated)
Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 16:24 IST

1 / 7 Corruption affects almost every country in different ways, shaping daily life, economic growth and trust in public institutions. To measure how serious the problem is globally, Transparency International publishes the Corruption Perceptions Index, which ranks countries based on perceived corruption in the public sector. (Representational Image/Getty)

2 / 7 The Corruption Perceptions Index is based on expert assessments and business surveys from trusted global sources. It examines factors such as bribery, misuse of public funds and the strength of anti-corruption systems. Countries receive scores from 0, meaning highly corrupt, to 100, meaning very clean. (Representational Image/Getty)

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3 / 7 The CPI 2024 covers 180 countries and territories across the world. Transparency International says corruption levels remain very high globally, with progress slowing in recent years. Only a limited number of countries have shown improvement since 2012, while most have stagnated or worsened. (Representational Image/Getty)

4 / 7 South Sudan ranks as the worlds most corrupt country in the CPI 2024 with a score of 8. It is followed by Somalia (9) and Venezuela (10). Syria, with 12 points, comes next, reflecting deep governance and institutional challenges. (Representational Image/Getty)

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5 / 7 Yemen, Libya, Eritrea and Equatorial Guinea are grouped together with 13 points each, indicating similar levels of perceived corruption. Sudan and North Korea follow with 15 points each, completing the list of the 10 most corrupt countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index 2024. (Representational Image/Getty)

6 / 7 India is ranked 96th out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index 2024, with a score of 38. (Representational Image/Getty)

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 12:26 IST

1 / 14 Cinema doesnt just reflect society, it has the power to reshape it. Every once in a while, a film arrives that doesnt simply entertain but leaves a lasting imprint on peoples hearts and choices. Forty-five years ago, one such Manoj Kumar classic hit theatres and went on to spark an extraordinary chain reaction. Its story inspired four major films, each a box-office success, with one becoming an all-time blockbuster. The impact was so profound that many Indians living abroad reportedly gave up their overseas lives and returned home. This single film became the seed for countless stories that followed. Lets uncover the iconic movie that started it all.

2 / 14 In 1970, a film was released that did something truly unusual, it didnt reveal its title all at once. Instead, the name appeared in two parts: the first half after 15 minutes, and the second half half an hour later. This iconic film introduced Bollywood to a lyricist whose songs still set dance floors alight. Its impact was so powerful that many Indians living abroad reportedly left their jobs and returned home.

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3 / 14 The film in question was a Manoj Kumar classic that blended devotion, Indian culture, love and harmony, while sharply contrasting Eastern and Western values. That film was Purab Aur Paschim. Inspired by its success, several Hindi films later explored similar themes. Lets take a closer look at some fascinating facts about this landmark movie.

4 / 14 Purab Aur Paschim starred Manoj Kumar, Saira Banu, Pran, Ashok Kumar, Nirupa Roy, Prem Chopra, Kamini Kaushal, Bharati and Vinod Khanna. The music was composed by Kalyanji-Anandji. Interestingly, the story behind the films creation is as compelling as the film itself. When Manoj Kumar moved from Lahore to Delhi, he deeply missed his hometown. Later, after relocating to Mumbai, he often found himself nostalgic for his days in Delhi. These memories frequently surfaced in conversations at home. It was his wife, Shashi Goswami, who suggested turning these emotions into a film. Manoj Kumar loved the idea and even credited his wife for the story, marking the beginning of Purab Aur Paschim.

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5 / 14 Originally, the film was to be titled Hare Rama Hare Krishna, a name Manoj Kumar had already registered. Around the same time, Dev Anand was looking for a similar title for his own project. Upon learning that Manoj Kumar held the rights, he requested the title from him. Manoj Kumar graciously agreed, allowing Dev Anand to use it. The resulting film, released in 1971, became a box-office phenomenon.

6 / 14 Its song Dum Maro Dum, Mit Jaye Gham, Bolo Subah Shaam, Hare Krishna Hare Ram, picturised on Zeenat Aman, remains a favourite at clubs and parties even today.

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7 / 14 During the making of Purab Aur Paschim, the foundation was also laid for another blockbuster. Manoj Kumar once visited Saira Banus home to sign her for the film. Dilip Kumar, seeing Manoj Kumar there, assumed he had come to sign him instead. When Manoj Kumar clarified that he was there for Saira Banu, Dilip Kumar was visibly disappointed. Manoj Kumar promised that they would work together someday, and he kept his word with Kranti (1981).

8 / 14 Released on February 6, 1981, Kranti was a multi-starrer written by Salim-Javed. Its songs, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, such as Zindagi Ki Na Toote Ladi, Pyar Kar Le Ghadi To Ghadi, Chana Jor Garam and Mara Thumka Badal Gayi Chaal Mitwa, became hugely popular. The film marked Dilip Kumars return to the screen and went on to become a blockbuster. Sadly, after this film, Manoj Kumar and Dilip Kumar fell out and never worked together again.

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9 / 14 Chandra Barot worked as an assistant director on Purab Aur Paschim. Impressed by his work, Manoj Kumar initially wanted him to direct Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. However, distributors insisted that the film would sell only if Manoj Kumar directed it himself, forcing him to take the reins. Interestingly, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan featured Manoj Kumar alongside Amitabh Bachchan. During its making, the idea for Don also took shape.

10 / 14 The films cameraman, Nariman Irani, was burdened with a debt of Rs 12 lakh at the time. Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman and Pran promised to support him and even agreed to work without fees to help him make another film. Nariman Irani chose a rejected script by Salim-Javed, which eventually became Don, directed by Chandra Barot. Tragically, Nariman Irani passed away during the films production. Chandra Barot borrowed Rs 40,000 from his sister to complete it. After finishing the film, he showed it to his mentor Manoj Kumar, who suggested adding a song in the second half. Released in 1978, Don had a slow start but soon went on to make history. Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle and Amitabh Bachchan won Filmfare Awards for the film, with Amitabh Bachchan dedicating his award to Nariman Irani.

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11 / 14 The music of Purab Aur Paschim was immensely popular. Songs like Koi Jab Tumhara Hriday Tod De, Purva Suhani Aayi Re, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Bharat Ka Rehne Wala Hoon became household favourites. The film also featured the Om Jai Jagdish Hare aarti and the bhajan Raghupati Raghav Rajaram. When these were played in cinemas, the atmosphere felt almost devotional. One of the most emotional songs, Hai Preet Jahan Ki Reet Sada Bharat Ka Rehne Wala Hoon, is shown as being set in London, but was actually filmed at Mehboob Studio in Mumbai.

12 / 14 One of the films most striking creative choices was its visual treatment. Scenes set before Independence were shot in black and white, while those after Independence were in colour. Even the title reveal followed this symbolism. After 17 minutes, when the Independence sequence ends, Purab appears on screen. After 35 minutes, when Manoj Kumars character reaches abroad and Saira Banu is seen smoking, Aur Paschim is revealed.

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13 / 14 Through the film, Manoj Kumar highlighted what he saw as the emptiness of Western culture, while stressing that independence alone was not enough. He contrasted Western greed, lust and corruption with Indian values of love, respect, morality and truth. Following the films release, many Indians living overseas reportedly returned home. Purab Aur Paschim became the fourth highest-grossing film of 1970, earning Rs 2.7 crore in India.
Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 15:00 IST

1 / 8 World's Largest Landowning Family: One family holds the title of the worlds largest landowner. Once, their power spanned the globe. Today, they still control 16% of the worlds land. This family's properties span multiple countries and cover vast areas, stretching from Canada to the UK, with a significant portion in Australia. They also own land in New Zealand and several smaller islands, along with certain rights over sea regions. While it may seem they could sell these lands at will, the situation is far more complex. So, who exactly is this influential family, and why cant they freely sell their properties?

2 / 8 The British Royal Family: This royal family once wielded immense power, with half the world historically bowing to their influence. Today, many countries still recognise them as their sovereign authority. This family is, of course, the British royal family, led by King Charles III. Known as the world's largest landlord, this family owns approximately 16% of the worlds land. Their holdings include farms, forests, urban properties, and even seashores. All these properties are managed globally through a company called The Crown Estate.

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3 / 8 After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles inherited the title and responsibility for the largest property holdings worldwide. However, while he controls these assets, they are not his private property; they are held in trust as long as he reigns. According to Insider and other trade sources, King Charles oversees 6.6 billion acres of land and property globally.

4 / 8 Global Land Holdings: The British monarchs lands span Great Britain, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Canada, and other countries, amounting to 16.6% of the worlds total land area. The Crown Estate manages these holdings. Additionally, the royal family directly owns 250,000 acres of private land through two royal duchies.

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5 / 8 The Kings properties are vast and varied, encompassing 115,000 acres of farmland and forests, urban land including retail, residential, and office spaces, as well as beaches, markets, and commercial complexes. His holdings also extend to natural resources such as sand, gravel, limestone, granite, bricks, clay, coal, and slate. Adding to this wealth is the Duchy of Lancaster, a private estate spanning over 18,000 hectares, including prime properties in central London, valued at around 654 million and generating approximately 20 million annually.

6 / 8 Upon ascending the throne in September 2022, King Charles III assumed control of a real estate empire valued at $46 billion, most of it in property. The Crown Estate alone earned $490.8 million in 2022, with a net profit of 312 million. The overall estimated value of the British monarchys global properties is about $15.6 billion.

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7 / 8 The Crown Estate is a UK-based company managing the monarchs land holdings. These assets are considered public property of the King, distinct from government property or the monarchs private assets. It is administered separately in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
KSG Agro increases revenue from sale of live pigs by 48.3% in 9M of 2025

In January-September 2025, the KSG Agro agroholding increased revenue from the sale of live pigs by 48.3% - to $9.22 million versus $6.21 million for the same period in 2024.

According to the agroholding's report, published on the Warsaw Stock Exchange on Thursday, the profit in the pig segment for the specified period amounted to almost $1.936 million.

"Despite the war, there is stable demand for high-quality pork in Ukraine. This summer, our herd was replenished with 500 purebred breeding sows from Danish Pig Genetics, supplied by Breeders of Denmark A/S in Denmark. This allowed us to update our pig population with 4,000 of the most stable, high-yielding F1 hybrid sows," said Serhiy Kasyanov, Chairman of the Board of KSG Agro.

He confirmed that all pork produced at KSG Agro's pig farms is sold on the domestic market, ensuring Ukraine's food security during the war.

KSG Agro is a vertically integrated holding engaged in pig farming, as well as the production, storage, processing, and sale of grain and oilseed crops. Its land bank in Dnipropetrovsk and Kherson regions amounts to approximately 21,000 hectares.

According to KSG Agro, it is among the top five pork producers in Ukraine.

In 2023, the agricultural holding began implementing a "network-centric" strategy. Within this framework, KSG Agro will transition from developing one large location to several smaller pig enterprises in different regions of Ukraine.

From January to September 2025, KSG Agro received $5.96 million in operating profit and $6.92 million in gross profit, which is 68% and 31% more than in the same period in 2024.
In todays News18 Daily Digest: A 34-year-old tech professionals death in Bengaluru has triggered nationwide outrage over alleged medical apathy and public indifference. According to his family, he showed signs of a heart attack but was denied emergency treatment and ambulance support by private hospitals, forcing his wife to rush him on a two-wheeler. He collapsed on the way, with distressing visuals showing passersby failing to stop and help. Hospitals have denied negligence as police examine statements and CCTV footage. We also bring you the latest on Delhis deepening pollution crisis, as the no PUC, no fuel rule comes into effect amid toxic air across North India. The Supreme Court has slammed pollution control measures as a total failure and refused to ease restrictions, including school closures. Plus, other key national developments you need to know this morning.
'Burning Of Bodies Worsens Pollution': SP Leader's Remark Fires Up Political Debate, BJP Hits Back

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2025, 01:54 IST

RK Chaudhary advocated for a greater push towards electric or gas crematoriums from wooden pyres, while the BJP labelled the comments as 'insensitive' and 'culturally tone-deaf'

Samajwadi Party's RK Chaudhary argued that the massive amount of wood required for traditional funeral pyres leads to deforestation, while the ash and residual remains released into rivers contribute to the degradation of the Ganga and other holy water bodies. (Representational image: PTI)

A fresh political row erupted on Thursday after a senior leader from the Samajwadi Party (SP) suggested that the traditional practice of cremating bodies is a significant contributor to air and water pollution. The remarks, made during a discussion on environmental sustainability in Lucknow, sparked immediate outrage and a sharp rebuttal from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the opposition of attacking cultural sentiments and religious traditions under the guise of environmentalism.

Samajwadi Partys RK Chaudhary argued that the massive amount of wood required for traditional funeral pyres leads to deforestation, while the ash and residual remains released into rivers contribute to the degradation of the Ganga and other holy water bodies. He advocated for a greater push towards electric or gas crematoriums, suggesting that the government should incentivise these greener" alternatives to mitigate the carbon footprint of traditional rites. While the leader framed the argument as a scientific necessity to combat the worsening air quality in the Indo-Gangetic plains, the timing and phrasing of the statement were quickly seized upon by political opponents.

The BJP responded with a scathing critique, with a party spokesperson labelling the comments as insensitive" and culturally tone-deaf". The ruling party argued that the SP leaders focus on cremations was a deliberate attempt to deflect attention from larger industrial and vehicular pollution sources. They further contended that Hindu funeral rites are deeply personal and spiritually significant, and any attempt to regulate or stigmatise them would be seen as an interference in the freedom of religion. BJP leaders challenged the SP to focus on concrete policy failures rather than politicising the dead" or targeting the traditions of a specific community.

Environmentalists have long debated the ecological impact of traditional cremations, noting that a single funeral pyre typically consumes between 400 and 500 kilograms of wood. Initiatives like Green Cremation" and the installation of electric furnaces have been promoted by various municipal corporations across Northern India for over a decade. However, the transition has remained slow due to deeply ingrained cultural beliefs regarding the Antyesti" (last sacrifice). By bringing this sensitive topic into the political arena, the SP has opened a new front in the ongoing pollution politics" of Uttar Pradesh, where environmental concerns are increasingly clashing with traditional practices ahead of the upcoming local body elections.

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First Published: December 19, 2025, 01:54 IST

News politics 'Burning Of Bodies Worsens Pollution': SP Leader's Remark Fires Up Political Debate, BJP Hits Back

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AI Video: TMC MLA Clarifies Controversial Ram Remark, BJP Accuses Him Of Insulting Hindu Gods

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 18:52 IST

The controversy erupted after a video clip went viral on social media platforms, showing Mitra addressing a public gathering where he is heard making remarks about Lord Ram.

TMC MLA Madan Mitra. (X)

Trinamool Congress MLA Madan on Thursday issued a clarification over the ongoing controversy over his purported remarks on Lord Ram, saying that the viral video is absolutely doctored, AI-generated and fabricated."

While speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Mitra said he had never made any statement as claimed by the BJP.

This is absolutely a doctored AI-generated, fabricated video. I have not said anything like this. I have only said does Ram have title? He is Dev to us," he told CNN-News18.

Whats The Row?

A political slugfest broke out after a purported video surfaced on social media platforms in which the Kamarhati MLA can be seen addressing a public gathering and is heard making controversial remarks about Lord Rams religious identity.

The video sparked outrage from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the ruling TMC of repeatedly insulting Hindu beliefs.

BJP Slams Mitra

BJPs West Bengal unit criticised Mitra and said that TMC leaders cannot help but insult Hindu Gods and Hindu beliefs.

@AitcOfficial leaders cannot help but insult Hindu Gods and Hindu beliefs it seems. Now TMC MLA Madan Mitra says Lord Ram was a Muslim, Not Hindu. This continuous abuse of our culture and history is not a slip of tongue! Rather it is a no-so-subtle message to illegal Bangladeshis, that the TMC is the most Hindu Birodhi party, and therefore represents their beliefs," the party said in a post on X.

.@AitcOfficial leaders cannot help but insult Hindu Gods and Hindu beliefs it seems. Now TMC MLA Madan Mitra says Lord Ram was a Muslim, Not Hindu.This continuous abuse of our culture and history is not a slip of tongue! Rather it is a no-so-subtle message to illegal pic.twitter.com/Cf2TnDb2Wq  BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) December 18, 2025

It claimed that such statements reflect the ideological position of the TMC and asserted that in a few more months, such anti-Hindu leaders will no longer be in power."

BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari also slammed the TMC leader, calling it a deliberate insult to Hindu faith."

This is what the TMC has degenerated into: Daily attacks on Hindu beliefs, Mocking Hindu faith and traditions of Bengals people, and Cheap provocation to appease a vote bank," he said in a post on X.

TMC MLA Madan Mitras outrageous claim that Prabhu Sri Ram was a Muslim, not a Hindu" is a deliberate insult to Hindu faith.This is what the TMC has degenerated into:  Daily attacks on Hindu beliefs  Mocking Hindu faith and traditions of Bengals people  Cheap pic.twitter.com/94Iwum4DPo  Pradeep Bhandari( ) (@pradip103) December 18, 2025

Bhandari further claimed that the silence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee amounted to tacit approval.

Such statements dont come from ignorance alone; they come from political patronage. When Mamata Banerjee chooses to stay quiet, it becomes clear that this insult has her approval," Bhandari added.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 18:26 IST

News politics AI Video: TMC MLA Clarifies Controversial Ram Remark, BJP Accuses Him Of Insulting Hindu Gods

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'DMK Evil, TVK Pure Force': Actor Vijay's Strong Pitch Ahead Of Tamil Nadu Polls

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 13:34 IST

Actor Vijay, in a strong pitch ahead of the Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, asked voters to choose TVK instead of DMK.

Actor Vijay (Photo Credit: X)

Actor Vijay on Thursday, in a strong pitch ahead of the Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, asked voters to choose Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which is a pure force, instead of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which he termed evil.

Setting the tone for the rest of his campaign for next years Assembly election, the actor-turned-politician, during a rally in Tamil Nadus Erode district  his first in the state since 41 people died in a stampede in Karur on September 27  ripped into DMK, calling it evil" and his TVK pure".

This was Vijays second large-scale public event since the stampede; the first was in Puducherry last week, when he attacked DMK.

Referring to late Chief Ministers MGR and Jaylalithaa, Vijay escalated his attack on DMK and said they often described DMK as a theeya sakthi" (evil force).

The contest is now between the thooya sakthi TVK and theeya sakthi DMK," Vijay said in an apparent reference to the 2026 Assembly polls.

He further alleged that a smear campaign was launched against him by vested interests.

Late CMs CN Annadurai and MGR were inspiration for everyone and not individual property. None can complain against us for invoking them, he asserted.

He slammed the DMK dispensation on issues including law and order and agriculture.

Like former AIADMK senior K A Sengottaiyan, a local strongman who joined the TVK recently, more leaders would come to the party fold and they would be given their due recognition, Vijay said.

(With agency inputs)

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Location : Tamil Nadu, India, India

First Published: December 18, 2025, 12:47 IST

News politics 'DMK Evil, TVK Pure Force': Actor Vijay's Strong Pitch Ahead Of Tamil Nadu Polls

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'Harmful For India, Armed Forces': Shripad Naik On Prithviraj Chavan's Op Sindoor Comment

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee



Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 13:57 IST

Former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan triggered a massive controversy by claiming that India was defeated on the first day of Operation Sindoor.

Union Minister Shripad Naik (L) criticised ex-Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan's remarks on Operation Sindoor. (PTI/File)

Union Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik slammed Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan over his recent remarks on Operation Sindoor, stating that making such comments publicly was detrimental to India and its armed forces.

Chavan, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, triggered a massive controversy by claiming that India was defeated on the first day of Operation Sindoor and Indian aircraft were shot down during the four-day conflict. He also questioned the need to maintain large military forces, stating that wars will be fought in the air.

Responding to a question from CNN-News18 on the controversy at a press conference, Shripad Naik said, The truth comes out sooner or later. It is painful to hear such statements from leaders who have been in power for so many years. Such remarks do not suit them. Even the common public knows the reality."

Naik further said opposing anything just for the sake of opposition was not right. If there are shortcomings, they can be discussed across the table, but making such statements publicly is harmful for the country and for the armed forces. Whether an apology is offered or not makes no difference to the nation."

Naik stressed that Operation Sindoor was executed on the strength of indigenous equipment. He also said Indias defence sector had undergone a structural transformation in 2025, which he dubbed the Year of Reforms.

Prime Minister announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, aimed at expanding air defence, counter-infiltration and offensive capabilities. By 2035, it will create a comprehensive security shield for public spaces across the country," he added.

Chavan Defiant On His Remarks Amid Backlash

Chavans remarks triggered massive backlash, with several political leaders criticising him for insulting the country and the Indian Armed Forces. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Praful Patel strongly objected to Chavans statement, calling it baseless" and inappropriate coming from a senior leader.

Why do Congress leaders, without exception, end up speaking the language of Pakistan?" said BJP leader Amit Malviya. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also rejected the claims, saying she places her trust in the Indian Army and that the country delivered a strong and appropriate response to Pakistan under Operation Sindoor.

Despite the criticism, Chavan remained defiant in his stance and refused to apologise for his remarks. I have the right to ask questions, why should I apologise? It is out of the question. The Constitution gives me the right to ask questions," he said when asked about his comments.

Indias Operation Sindoor on May 7 came as a response to the barbaric terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 tourists were gunned down by Pakistan-linked terrorists. This prompted India to respond militarily by targeting terror hideouts in Pakistan using Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and HAMMER bombs, eliminating over 100 terrorists.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 13:57 IST

News politics 'Harmful For India, Armed Forces': Shripad Naik On Prithviraj Chavan's Op Sindoor Comment

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'If Pakistan Doesn't Withdraw...': At Kargils Darkest Hour, Vajpayee's Secret Letter To Bill Clinton

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 21:55 IST

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's softness evaporated during the war, says a new book by former aide Ashok Tandon

Vajpayee warned Clinton about the consequences if Pakistan did not withdraw from the Indian territory it had intruded upon, says the book. File image/Getty

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee always had the image of a peacenik and a poet-politician, contrasting with LK Advanis aggressive speeches of the nineties. However, according to a new book by former Vajpayee aide Ashok Tandon, during the heat of the India-Pakistan war, Vajpayee sent a secret letter" to then US President Bill Clinton. In this letter, he warned Clinton about the consequences if Pakistan did not withdraw from the Indian territory it had intruded upon, a warning that seemed uncharacteristic of Vajpayees soft persona.

Having just returned from meeting then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and after starting the Delhi-Lahore bus service, the Pakistani armys intrusion was a political embarrassment for Vajpayee.

During the war, Atal Bihari Vajpayee sent a secret letter to then-US President Bill Clinton, making it clear that if Pakistani intruders did not withdraw from Indian territory, they would be expelled one way or another. India also prepared a Six Day War plan, deploying troops in a manner that would allow the India-Pakistan border to be crossed in less than a week if necessary," reads the book Atal Sansmaran", launched in Delhi on Wednesday.

Vajpayees softness evaporated during the war, argues the author, citing an old interview from that time when he publicly defied US pressure for talks with Pakistan. Unless the Pakistani Army leaves Kargil, there can be no discussion on any issue," Vajpayee was quoted back then.

Tandon sums up Vajpayees role as the right person in the right position at the right time".

The memoir by Ashok TandonVajpayees media adviserframes this moment as emblematic of Vajpayees nuanced approach to crisis management and international engagement. A blend of quiet strength and unmistakable firmness that shaped Vajpayee, the strongman India has rarely seen.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 21:55 IST

News politics 'If Pakistan Doesn't Withdraw...': At Kargils Darkest Hour, Vajpayee's Secret Letter To Bill Clinton

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Ram On Lips, Dagger In: Shivraj Chouhan Says Opposition Betrayed Bapu's Ideals On G Ram G Bill

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 19:25 IST

The Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Thursday after the passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill due to the opposition uproar over its provisions.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan lambasted oppositions INDIA bloc over its disgraceful" uproar during the debate on the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (G RAM G) in the Lok Sabha, saying that their conduct had tarnished democracy" as they turned democracy into mobocracy".

While addressing a press conference after Lok Sabha passed the G RAM G bill, which will replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Chouhan termed the alleged tearing of the Bill and MPs getting onto the tables as murder of Bapus ideals."

I strongly condemn the disgraceful behaviour of the Congress and the INDI bloc MPs in Parliament. Through their behaviour, the opposition disgraced democracy, tore parliamentary traditions to shreds and turned democracy into bheedtantra (mobocracy) and goondatantra (hooliganism)," he said as quoted by news agency PTI.

They tore the papers, stood atop the desks. Is it not the murder of Babus ideals? Was it not immoral and undignified?" Chouhan asked.

During the debate, opposition members protested in Parliament for the removal" of the original name of the law. The MPs who wanted the G RAM G bill sent to a standing committee, protested in the Well with photos of Mahatma Gandhi and tore up copies of the bill after Speaker Om Birla vetoed further discussion.

The Union Minister said that the conduct of the opposition in the Lok Sabha undermined democracy and parliamentary decorum, and they have thoroughly disregarded the spirit of democracy. He said that he listened with complete seriousness to the addresses of 98 MPs who participated in the long discussions on the Bill in the Lok Sabha because debate and discussions are the soul of democracy.

Parliament is not a building of bricks and mortar but a temple of democracy. Meaningful discussions should take place. I listened carefully to what our opposition friends said. I was fully prepared to give my reply. But they did not allow me to complete my reply and disrupted the proceedings of the House," he added as quoted by the news agency.

Chouhan asked why the opposition was objecting to the name of the legislation. What was the fuss over the name of the Bill? The Congress has Ram on its lips but a dagger in its heart. The opposition is only concerned about the name but we are more focused on work," he said.

Lok Sabha Ruckus

The Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Thursday after the passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill due to the opposition uproar over its provisions. The opposition raised slogans against the government and tore copies of the Bill as Chouhan delivered his concluding remarks.

The Centre introduced the Bill, called The Viksit Bharat Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Grameen), shortened as VB G RAM G, two days ago, seeking to replace the 20-year-old MGNREGA with a new initiative.

Whats In The Bill?

According to the government, the new Bill presents a new framework aimed at fulfilling the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Chouhan said that previously, there was a guarantee of 100 days of employment, which has now been increased to 125 days. Adequate funds totalling Rs 1,51,282 crore have been proposed to support this expansion. Of this amount, the Centres share exceeds Rs 95,000 crore, he said.

The Union Minister said according to the new scheme, the government plans to build a complete village, a developed village, an employment-rich village and a poverty-free village besides giving a guarantee.

This is the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that is why this new scheme has been introduced," he said.

Chouhan said the government has prepared a comprehensive plan, including what a developed village will look like.

The village will have proper infrastructure  school, health centre, water reservoir, Anganwadi centre, livelihood works, roads and the like so that the village is well developed," he said.

The minister said garib kalyan" (welfare of the poor) is the resolve of the BJP. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, not one but numerous schemes are being undertaken to improve the lives of the poor, he added.

That is why, more than 25 crore people have risen above the poverty line," the minister added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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News politics Ram On Lips, Dagger In: Shivraj Chouhan Says Opposition Betrayed Bapu's Ideals On G Ram G Bill

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Planning To Buy A Phone Or Laptop? Heres Why You Should Do It Now

Reported By :

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 07:45 IST

Buying these devices is going to become expensive very soon and before that happens, get your upgrade.

The inevitable AI price hike is going to be brutal

The year is ending and strangely you are seeing online deals from different brands as well as platforms. It is hardly a surprise and the reason is that buying in 2025-end will probably save you some extra money before the imminent price hike that lingers in early 2026.

We have seen quite a lot said about the AI push from tech giants and it seems most people forgot that to keep these AI machines running, they will need hardware, and that excessive demand is forcing a rethink among companies that actually make the components.

And when the same hardware parts are needed in other segments, the supply crunch is knocking on the doors quite loudly. Long story short, buying laptops and phones are going to become expensive and we suggest you do it right now.

The Price-AI Effect: How Does It Matter?

As you might have realised, the demand for memory chips has gone up drastically, so much that manufacturers in this space are ready to give up their consumer business and make the components that fetch them a higher price. This is typical Business 101 and Economics 101 which is being played out right in front of our eyes.

Most industry experts say this is unlikely to be a short-term bubble and could extend well into 2027 which is a 24-month stretch of brutal market shift. RAM is the main crux hardware that is needed for phones, laptops, PCs, car systems and even your TVs and smart home devices. When the RAM prices go up, which they already have, you witness a price-to-value variance that has not affected the industry in such a big way.

You want to buy a phone with 16GB RAM, it might have cost you Rs 70,000 before, but now that 16GB RAM might be Rs 15,000 pricier which forces the brand to go with a 12GB RAM but for the same price. Similar changes with the laptops.

Unless you are Apple, the 16GB RAM offering, which is now a requirement for Windows 11, could be hard to sell at the current prices and there lies the problem.

Buying Now Makes Sense

So if you want the best value for the money product without seeing the RAM price effect, the time to buy that premium phone or the AI laptop is now. You might have wanted to bide your time and invest on the right product, probably with a good deal, which is a fair way to handle these tasks. But the RAM Tsunami is coming much faster than you can imagine and it will blow the whole market into a different space.

Get the iPhone 17 before Apple increases its price, or look for the best deals on MacBook Air or a Windows laptop before the stocks run out. This is an urgent plea and hopefully people understand whats coming at them in the next three to four months before its too late.

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Laid Off 80 People After Raising $17 Million: Ankur Warikoos Honest Confession Strikes A Chord  Courage Is Key

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 11:52 IST

Ankur Warikoo admitted that he laid off 80 colleagues (out of 420) for no fault of theirs in 2016 which left him disappointed.

Ankur Warikoo read a book during the tough time. (Photo Credits: X)

While entrepreneurship is usually shown as a journey of success and wins, Ankur Warikoo chose to talk about the difficult reality behind it instead. In a rare moment of unfiltered honesty, the entrepreneur and author opened up about what he called the toughest phase of his life." He shared that the lowest phase came right after what should have been a career high.

Responding to a question on X that asked, During a very dark period, what was the best thing you did for your mental health?" Warikoo took a trip down memory lane to recall his failures in 2016.

In 2016, less than a year after raising $17M from Sequoia India, I laid off 80 colleagues (out of 420) for no fault of theirs. My terrible decisions and judgment had led us to this point. I had let everyone down  my cofounders, my team, my investors. And myself. Going to https://t.co/dpq0elH5qx  Ankur Warikoo (@warikoo) December 17, 2025

He wrote, In 2016, less than a year after raising $17M from Sequoia India, I laid off 80 colleagues (out of 420) for no fault of theirs." Instead of justifying, he took complete ownership and admitted, My terrible decisions and judgment had led us to this point. I had let everyone down  my co-founders, my team, my investors. And myself."

The emotional cost, he admitted, was heavy as he added, Going to the office everyday was the biggest mental mountain to climb." Warikoo then shared the three things that helped him survive that period. Simply put, they emerged as his lifelines.

3 Things Ankur Warikoo Resorted To

He continued to share that the first thing he did was reading. The entrepreneur continued, I read Better Under Pressure  the book literally saved me." For him, it was just a tool that helped him hold himself together when everything felt like it was falling apart.

The second was deeply personal as he shared, After lunch, I would walk outside the office, listen to Lose yourself by Eminem, and cry silently. Every day for 3 months." The third was meditation. Initially, it was painful for him but gradually, he moved from being a participant of my thoughts to an observer of my thoughts."

Ankur Warikoos Honesty Earns Applause

His post struck a nerve, especially among founders and professionals who have carried invisible guilt. One user summed it up powerfully, This honesty takes courage. Failure hurts more when it comes from your own decisions. What matters is not the fall, but the discipline to show up every day despite the weight. Reading, movement, meditation not as hacks, but as survival tools. Many founders feel this. Few speak it. Respect."

Another added, Owning catastrophic mistakes, showing up to the same office you broke, and still doing the inner work to rebuild yourself is the unglamorous side of entrepreneurship people rarely post about." And perhaps the simplest reaction said it best, Respect for honesty."

Looking at the reaction, it is clear that Warikoo didnt just share a story, he said what many feel but rarely admit.

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News viral Laid Off 80 People After Raising $17 Million: Ankur Warikoos Honest Confession Strikes A Chord  Courage Is Key

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Astronomer HR Head Kristin Cabot On Coldplay Scandal: Bad Decision Made After Drinking

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 19:58 IST

Kristin Cabot said she had acted inappropriately after drinking a couple of High Noons and acknowledged that the moment had lasting consequences.

Kristin Cabot and Andy Byron appeared on the big screen at Coldplays concert. (Image: Instagram)

Kristin Cabot, the human resources executive who went viral after being caught in a kiss-cam moment with her then-boss Andy Byron at a Coldplay concert, has spoken publicly for the first time, describing the incident as a bad decision" that has upended her life and career.

Kristin Cabot, a 53-year-old mother of two and former Chief People Officer at US tech firm Astronomer, broke her silence months after a 16-second clip from a Coldplay concert sparked widespread online backlash and ultimately led to her exit from the company.

Speaking to The New York Times, Kristin Cabot said she had acted inappropriately after drinking a couple of High Noons" and acknowledged that the moment- captured during a kiss-cam segment at the concert- had lasting consequences.

I made a bad decision," she said, adding that she had taken accountability" and given up" her career as a result.

The incident involved Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, with whom Kristin Cabot was seen embracing on the stadium screen. The clip quickly went viral, turning both executives into internet memes and triggering intense scrutiny of their professional conduct.

Kristin Cabot said that the scale of the backlash had been overwhelming and disproportionate.

Im not some celebrity. Im just a mom from New Hampshire," she said, adding that the episode had become a scarlet letter" that erased years of professional achievement.

She said she had become unemployable" in the aftermath of the scandal and described herself as the most maligned HR manager in HR history".

Kristin Cabot said that both she and Andy Byron were amicably separated from their respective spouses at the time of the concert. She acknowledged developing feelings for Andy Byron after learning he was also in the process of separating from his wife, but said she had not anticipated the fallout.

Recounting the moment, Kristin Cabot said she had not realised the stadium camera was focused on them until their image appeared on the jumbotron. She also said she was aware that her soon-to-be ex-husband was somewhere in the crowd, which added to her distress.

I was worried I would embarrass him," she said, adding that her thoughts quickly turned to the professional implications of being seen with her boss in public.

Kristin Cabot said the public reaction had disproportionately targeted her as a woman, with accusations that she had advanced her career unfairly. She rejected those claims, saying they ignored the sacrifices and challenges she had faced throughout her professional life.

She confirmed that she has not spoken to her former boss for months, apart from brief contact to exchange crisis-management advice. Kristin Cabot formally filed for divorce roughly a month after the video went viral.

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Qabil Ashirov



The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued on December 18.

According to Azernews, the hearing took place at the Baku Military Court, where the prosecutor presented the states case.

During the proceedings, the prosecutor called for Ruben Vardanyan to be sentenced to life imprisonment.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua

Ukrainian Defense Forces have leveled the front line and improved the tactical position of Ukrainian forces in the Liman direction, destroying an enemy regiment, the press service of the Third Army Corps has said.

"The Third Corps and the intelligence directorate of the Ministry of Defense (GUR) are conducting joint assault operations in the Lyman direction: a regiment of the Russian army has been destroyed! As a result of coordinated interaction, we have already managed to level the front line and improve the tactical position of Ukrainian forces in the area," the post says.

As noted, during the cooperation, a regiment of the Russian army was liquidated, and a significant number of occupiers were captured. The actions of the Ukrainian military deprive the enemy of the opportunity to maneuver and create the prerequisites for further decisions in the direction.

"Together with the GUR, we achieved operational-tactical results in the Lyman direction. This is a continuation of the tradition since the liberation of Moshchun and the breakthrough of helicopters to Mariupol - to lend each other a fraternal shoulder. Grateful for the exemplary cooperation," Third Army Corps commander General Andriy Biletsky was cited as saying on Telegram.
Employees 7 AM Office Routine Leaves Manager Struggling To Keep Up: Thought He Is An Early Bird

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 19:12 IST

The employee wrote that arriving early gave him the option of an earlier departure from work.

The Reddit post has gone viral. (Representative Image)

A Reddit post has recently gone viral, detailing how one employees attempt to finish work earlier unintentionally forced their manager into daily 7 a.m. starts. According to the post, company policy requires managers to arrive before their staff.

Titled, Im forcing my boss to arrive at the office every day at 7 AM," the employee shared their story:

I just started a new job and wanted to make a good impression by coming in a bit early. I also figured that if I arrive early, my manager wont be able to see whether Ive been here an hour or just five minutes, so nobody can question me if I leave early. I began coming in around 8:008:15. On the first day, I noticed I was the first in the office, but by the rest of the week, my boss was already there by 8:00. Apparently, theyre an early bird too!"

What Was The Issue?

Each attempt to start work earlier was met with the same surprise: the manager was already at the office. What he did not realise was that a rigid corporate policy obliged the manager to be on site ahead of staff.

The employee learnt about this policy upon asking the manager about it.

So yesterday I asked him; what time do you usually arrive at work since you are here extremely early. And he confessed that the director demands all managers to arrive before the first staff member arrives and leave only after the last staff member leaves," the user wrote.

The employee said he understood that his behaviour had been dragging his manager into pre-dawn starts, costing him an extra hour and a half of sleep.

Anyway, tomorrow I will be at the office at 8:30 sharp then," the user concluded.

How Did The Internet React?

My only worry was that, if it had continued, then youd both be at the office yesterday for todays shift," joked one user.

That poor dude probably hasnt seen sunlight outside the office in weeks. OP (original poster) accidentally speedran the managers burnout arc," said another person.

One user remarked, I hope you told him youd be in the office at 8.30 am. I can only imagine how hed feel if he were in the office at 7.00 only to not have anyone turn up for 1.5 hours."

To this, he replied, Thanks for the reminder! I just told him."

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 19:11 IST

News viral Employees 7 AM Office Routine Leaves Manager Struggling To Keep Up: Thought He Is An Early Bird

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Hitlers DNA Reveal He Was Suffering From ADHD And Sexual Disorder

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 07:00 IST

The DNA sample was obtained shortly after his death from the bloodstained couch in his Berlin bunker, where he shot himself."

Was Hitler suffering from bipolar disorder? (Photo Credit: X)

A sample of DNA, which is believed to be Adolf Hitlers, has been analysed by researchers as per the two-part programme, Hitlers DNA: Blueprint of a dictator. Scientists have also gathered a series of genetic findings.

The DNA sample was obtained shortly after his death" from the bloodstained couch in his Berlin bunker, where he shot himself," reported The i Paper.

Scientists reportedly confirmed its authenticity by comparing it with DNA from a known relative," the report added. But the research has also highlighted the fact that while the sample probably is legitimate, there is debate about how much it can tell us."

One of the most striking claims involved a genetic mutation associated with Kallmann syndrome, described as a sexual disorder" that can affect sexual development. The report added that the condition can lead to a short penis, known as a micropenis, if it is less than 9.3 cm."

Hitler Was Suffering From Kallmann Syndrome?

It mentioned an important caveat, stating that Kallmann syndrome is a spectrum, so we cant know how much Hitler was affected."

The condition can also cause undescended testicles, meaning they remain in the body instead of lowering into the scrotum when babies are still in the womb." Referencing long-standing rumours, the reel adds that Hitlers medical records confirm he did have an undescended right testicle."

Hitler Had ADHD?

Researchers then turned to neurodevelopmental conditions, explaining that conditions like autism and ADHD are usually influenced by hundreds of genes." When the combined effects of those genes were analysed, Hitlers DNA reportedly showed a high genetic chance of having both autism and ADHD."

The report added that the DNA indicates a higher genetic risk of serious mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, and schizophrenia. Once again, it stresses that this genetic prediction isnt a diagnosis." It does state that Hitlers own doctor did diagnose him with manic depression," which the reel says broadly aligns with the genetic findings.

Watch the reel here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The i Paper (@theipaper)

The report added that genetic claims are attention-grabbing, but DNA alone cannot provide definitive conclusions about complex physical traits or mental health conditions.

Social Media Reactions To Hitlers DNA Claims

The post received many comments, some of which were humorous and sarcastic.

A user wrote, Imagine being dead for decades and theyre still roasting you."

Another joked, We got World War II medical secrets before World War III."

Others took a more serious view, with one comment saying the findings should be used as evidence to legally require medical and mental health screening for positions of power."

Another questioned the relevance of the research, writing, The man has been dead for 80 years. Why does anyone care, and how much money was spent to find this out?"

Though the reel highlights several genetic claims, it repeatedly cautions that DNA alone cannot offer definitive answers. Thus, it leaves open the question of how much such findings really matter today.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 07:00 IST

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The Santa Claus We Know Was Created By Coca-Cola For An Ad. The 'Real' One Might Scare You

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 14:21 IST

Long before modern Christmas campaigns, Santa Claus, rooted in European folklore around Saint Nicholas, looked nothing like the cheerful grandfather figure familiar today

Rapid Read

Santa's red suit and jolly look were designed to match the company's branding. (AP Photo)

Every December, the same figure is seen across shop windows, greeting cards and television screens  a plump, white-bearded old man in a bright red suit, laughing generously as he delivers gifts across the world. Santa Claus, as he is universally recognised today, feels timeless, or almost ancient. Yet the Santa most people believe to be a centuries-old Christmas tradition is, in fact, a carefully crafted creation of 20th-century advertising.

Long before modern Christmas campaigns, Santa Claus, rooted in European folklore around Saint Nicholas, looked nothing like the cheerful grandfather figure familiar today. In the 18th and 19th centuries, depictions varied wildly. Some illustrations showed him as a tall, thin monk in religious robes; others imagined him as a short, even slightly unsettling elf. His clothing shifted in colour from green and brown to blue and muted yellow. The warmth, humour and friendliness now associated with Santa were largely absent. There was no single, standard image but only scattered interpretations shaped by local traditions.

That began to change in the early 20th century, against the backdrop of one of the most difficult periods in American economic history. By the 1930s, the United States was deep in the Great Depression. Businesses across sectors were struggling, including a fast-growing beverage company that had built its identity around refreshment in the summer heat.

Coca-Cola faced a seasonal crisis. Consumers saw the drink as something to quench thirst on hot days, not as a product to enjoy during cold winters. As temperatures dropped, sales plummeted. Warehouses filled with unsold bottles, and the company realised that survival depended on transforming how people thought about its product.

Executives concluded that Coca-Cola needed to become more than a summer drink. It had to feel relevant in winter, and no winter festival carried more emotional weight than Christmas. What followed would become one of the most influential marketing decisions of the 20th century.

In 1931, Coca-Cola commissioned illustrator Haddon Sundblom to reimagine Santa Claus for a new advertising campaign. The brief was clear, to abandon the stern monk and eerie elf. The company wanted a Santa who felt human, warm and instantly likeable, someone families could trust and children could adore.

Drawing inspiration from Clement Clarke Moores poem A Visit from St Nicholas, Sundblom created a Santa who was round-faced and cheerful, with rosy cheeks, kind eyes and a thick white beard. He reportedly used a retired salesman friend as his model, giving Santa the proportions and expressions of a friendly grandfather. Most importantly, Sundblom dressed him in a rich red suit trimmed with white fur, a colour choice that perfectly matched Coca-Colas branding.

The first advertisements appeared in popular American magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post. They showed Santa pausing during his Christmas rounds to drink a bottle of Coca-Cola, restoring his energy. The message was subtle but powerful; Coca-Cola was not just for summer, it became a drink for every season".

The campaign struck an emotional chord. Children saw Santa enjoying Coca-Cola, and adults absorbed the idea that the drink belonged at Christmas celebrations. Winter sales began to rise, and Coca-Cola had solved its seasonal problem.

But the company did not stop at one successful campaign. For more than three decades, from 1931 to 1964, Sundblom produced new Santa illustrations every year. Each version reinforced the same image of Santa laughing with children, sneaking a cola from the fridge, resting after a long night of gift-giving. These images appeared everywhere including magazines, newspapers, shop displays, billboards and posters.

Over time, older versions of Santa faded from public memory. The Coca-Cola Santa became the Santa. What began as a commercial solution slowly reshaped global culture. Across continents, from North America to Europe and eventually Asia, the red-suited, jolly Santa became the unquestioned symbol of Christmas.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 14:21 IST

News viral The Santa Claus We Know Was Created By Coca-Cola For An Ad. The 'Real' One Might Scare You

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Australian Police Foil Suspected 'Violent' Plot Days After Deadly Bondi Beach Terror Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 16:26 IST

Authorities said that, at this stage, they have not established any link between the latest tip-off and the ongoing investigation into the Bondi Beach attack.

Mourners gather by floral tributes at the Bondi Pavillion in memory of the victims of a terror attack at Bondi Beach, in Sydney. (Image: AFP)

Australian police thwarted a possible violent act" in Sydney, just days after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead. Police intercepted two vehicles in southwest Sydney after receiving intelligence suggesting a violent act was being planned, AFP reported. Tactical officers stopped the cars in Liverpool and detained multiple individuals.

As investigations continue, seven men are assisting police with their inquiries," police said in a statement quoted by AFP. Authorities added that, at this stage, they have not established any link between the latest tip-off and the ongoing investigation into the Bondi Beach attack.

The development comes amid heightened security across Australia following the shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydneys Bondi Beach. Australian police commissioner Krissy Barrett described that attack as a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State."

New South Wales police, however, cautioned that it was too early to draw conclusions about any wider network or immediate connections between the two incidents.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed a renewed crackdown on extremism as the nation mourned the youngest victim of the Bondi Beach shooting.

It is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge," Anthony Albanese said, announcing steps to tackle what he described as the evil of antisemitism." The measures under consideration include new powers to target extremist preachers, cancel or refuse visas to individuals spreading hate and criminalise serious vilification" at the federal level. The government is also considering a formal mechanism to list organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech.

The Bondi Beach shooting has been described as Australias worst mass shooting in nearly three decades. Police said the attack was carried out by a father and son, targeting Jewish Australians. One of the accused, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was killed during an altercation with police, while his 24-year-old son Naveed remains in critical condition in hospital under police guard.

Anthony Albanese called the shooting a targeted attack" and condemned it as an act of evil, antisemitism and terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation."

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News world Australian Police Foil Suspected 'Violent' Plot Days After Deadly Bondi Beach Terror Attack

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Bangladesh Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina Says Yunus Rushing To Embrace Pakistan, Lauds India

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 10:40 IST

According to Hasina, Yunuss actions have alarmed Bangladeshis at home and drawn criticism from international bodies

A file photo of Sheikh Hasina (AP)

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has launched a sharp attack on interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of pushing the country into instability and seeking proximity with Pakistan for political legitimacy. In an exclusive interview with News18 India, Hasina alleged that Yunus lacks both the mandate and experience to conduct diplomacy, and claimed his outreach to Pakistan reflects desperation rather than strategic foresight.

She also expressed appreciation for Indias patience", arguing that DhakaNew Delhi ties have suffered due to what she described as a temporary and illegitimate interlude in Bangladeshs governance. According to Hasina, Yunuss actions have alarmed Bangladeshis at home and drawn criticism from international bodies, even as his government faces resignations and growing dissent.

Here are the edited excerpts of the interview:

Question: If a political party is banned and its leader is sentenced to death, then how will the future of that party remain secure?

Sheikh Hasina: The Awami League is woven into Bangladeshs history and independence. We have survived assassination, military rule, and repeated attempts at political elimination. This death sentence comes from a kangaroo court acting at the behest of an unelected interim government. Our hope and expectation is that, sooner or later, democracy will return to Bangladesh, and with it an appropriate role for our party. The current ban on party only exposes the interim governments sense of insecurity and fear of genuine democratic contest.

Banning us doesnt erase the millions who support us. The Awami League has been elected nine times by our people because we are rooted in every village and neighbourhood. We will continue fighting through legal, diplomatic and peaceful means to give Bangladesh back to its people.

Question: ISIs activities, meetings with Pakistani Army Chiefs, portraying Indias North-East as Greater Bangladesh, comments on the Siliguri Corridor  Dr. Yunuss growing proximity to Pakistan and provoking India  what is your view on all these developments?

Sheikh Hasina: International bodies have unanimously condemned Yunus actions, members of his government are resigning in protest, and millions of Bangladeshis are increasingly wise to his game. It comes as no surprise that Yunus is rushing to embrace Pakistan, a regional player he doesnt understand, begging for any form of international validation.

Yunus has neither the expertise nor the mandate to conduct diplomacy, which is about long-term partnerships and the nations strategic interests. I appreciate Indias patience as it waits for a leader who can represent our nation, rather than just a handful of unpopular extremists.

Question: In 1971, more than 200,000 Bangladeshi women were raped by the Pakistan Army  do you think Pakistan is today trying to recreate a similar oppressive environment or instability?

Sheikh Hasina: The violence were witnessing today  the targeting of minorities, the attacks on women, the attempts to erase our liberation history  are disturbing echoes of 1971.

We fought against this ideology in the war, and we built Bangladesh to be a strong, secular, and safe state  especially for women and minorities. Its in our countrys interest to have a stable, constructive relationship with Pakistan. But we also need strong leadership: not just to protect our nation, but to protect those within it.

Question: After you left office, the rift that has emerged in IndiaBangladesh relations  is it possible for these ties to improve again?

Sheikh Hasina: I have no doubt that our relationship with India can withstand the silliness of the Yunus interlude, which will be temporary. India is not just a strategic partner, it is a friend with whom we share cultures, histories, and a 4,000km border. Once Bangladeshis can vote freely, they will elect a leader that can be the friend India deserves, and I appreciate our neighbours patience as it waits for common sense to prevail.

Question: Bangladeshs interim government has officially requested your extradition from India; if India agrees to send you back to Dhaka, will you return to face the trial, or will you oppose it, considering it a scheme of political assassination?

Sheikh Hasina: This is a political assassination dressed in judicial robes. The so-called International Crimes Tribunal is neither international nor impartial, as numerous respected foreign jurists have pointed out. Its verdict was engineered by my political opponents. To return to Dhaka under the Yunus regime would obviously not be safe for me.

I have repeatedly challenged the interim government to bring these charges before the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Yunuss refuses because they know the ICC would acquit me and scrutinise his governments own dismal record of human rights breaches.

Question: A Dhaka court has sentenced you to death in a Crimes against Humanity case, but you are living in India under asylum. Do you believe that now both your life and your path to justice depend on decisions taken in New Delhi?

Sheikh Hasina: I am deeply grateful to the Indian people for welcoming me. I did not want to leave my home, but remaining would have risked violence not only against me but against those trying to protect me.

Justice will come through international pressure and the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. The international community  Human Rights Watch, the UN High Commissioner, Amnesty International  have all condemned these proceedings. My path to justice depends on Bangladesh returning to constitutional governance and the rule of law, not any single nations decision.

Question: Do you trust that the next election under Dr Yunus will truly be free and fair?

Sheikh Hasina: No election can be free, fair or inclusive if the ban on the Awami League is maintained. Yunus has disenfranchised tens of millions of citizens, depriving them of their vote, and depriving the nation of choice. Any election without us undermines the legitimacy of the next government.

This administration has banned our party, detained thousands on fabricated charges, silenced journalists, and destroyed judicial independence. So my answer to your question I hope is clear.

Question: In the future, will you hand over the political legacy of the Awami League to your son Sajeeb Wazed and your daughter Saima Wazed? Will they take up the responsibility of leading the party in the coming years?

Sheikh Hasina: The Awami Leagues future will be decided by its members and supporters. Our party has deep roots in every corner of Bangladesh, with millions of dedicated members who have kept the spirit of 1971 alive through decades of struggle.

My family has paid for Bangladeshs independence with its own blood. But leadership isnt about inheritance  its about earning the trust of the people. The party will choose its path when Bangladesh returns to democracy. What matters now is that we remain united, peaceful, and committed to restoring genuine democracy to our nation.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 10:40 IST

News world Bangladesh Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina Says Yunus Rushing To Embrace Pakistan, Lauds India

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India Shuts Down Two Visa Application Centres In Bangladesh Over 'Security Situation'

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 17:18 IST

The development comes after India summoned Bangladeshs High Commissioner in New Delhi to issue a diplomatic protest over recent threats to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka

Rapid Read

The relations between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus came to power in Dhaka. (PTI/File)

India on Thursday shut down two Visa Application Centers in Bangladeshs Rajshahi and Khulna in view of the security situation in the country.

An official notification on the IVAC website read: In view of the on-going security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will be closed today (18.12.2025). All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be given a slot at a later date."

The development comes after India summoned Bangladeshs High Commissioner in New Delhi, Muhammad Riaz Hamidullah, to issue a formal diplomatic protest over recent threats to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and inflammatory anti-India statements by Bangladeshi political leaders. In the latest instance, a leader of Bangladeshs National Citizen Party (NCP) had threatened that Dhaka would sever the seven sisters"a term used to describe the countrys northeastern statesfrom India.

India has close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh rooted in the liberation struggle and strengthened through various developmental and people-to-people initiatives. We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of missions and posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The ministry earlier said India expects the interim government in Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its missions and posts in that country in keeping with its diplomatic obligations. It also noted that New Delhi is in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh.

Three days ago, the Bangladesh foreign ministry had summoned Indian envoy to Dhaka, Pranay Verma, and conveyed its concern over former prime minister Sheikh Hasinas incendiary" statements from Indian soil.

In its reaction, New Delhi asserted that it has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of Bangladesh.

Last month, Hasina, 78, was sentenced to death by a special tribunal in Dhaka for crimes against humanity" over her governments crackdown on the student-led protests last year.

The Awami League leader has been living in India since she fled Bangladesh on August 5 last year in the face of the protests.

The relations between India and Bangladesh have come under strain after the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus came to power. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country.

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Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: December 18, 2025, 11:28 IST

News world India Shuts Down Two Visa Application Centres In Bangladesh Over 'Security Situation'

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Birth Control Or Budget Control? IMF Offers No Protection To Pakistan From 18% 'Condom Tax'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 22:36 IST

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had proposed removing the 18 per cent General Sales Tax (GST) currently levied on condoms and other contraceptives

This deadlock presents a significant political and social challenge for the Sharif administration. (Representational image/X)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reportedly rejected a personal plea from the Pakistani government to slash the heavy taxation on birth control supplies. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, seeking to make family planning more accessible to a cash-strapped population, had proposed removing the 18 per cent General Sales Tax (GST) currently levied on condoms and other contraceptives. However, the global lender remained unmoved, insisting that any deviation from the agreed-upon tax framework could jeopardise the countrys fragile economic recovery under its current seven-billion-dollar bailout programme.

The rejection comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with an alarming population growth rate, which currently stands as one of the highest in the region. The government had argued that the 18 per cent GST, imposed as part of a series of mini-budgets" to satisfy IMF revenue targets, has effectively turned essential reproductive health supplies into luxury items for millions of low-income families. By making these products more expensive, the state fears a significant setback in its decade-long efforts to manage its demographics and reduce the strain on public infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

The IMFs stance is rooted in its broader strategy of fiscal consolidation". For the lender, tax exemptionseven those for vital social goodsare viewed as revenue leakages" that complicate the tax code and provide loopholes for further concessions. Under the terms of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), the Sharif administration is committed to broadening the tax base and eliminating preferential treatments to bridge a massive fiscal deficit. From the IMFs perspective, the integrity of the tax system and the achievement of revenue collection targets are paramount to ensuring that Pakistan can continue to service its mounting external debt.

This deadlock presents a significant political and social challenge for the Sharif administration. While the government is desperate to stay in the IMFs good graces to avoid a sovereign default, it is also facing internal pressure from health advocates and economists who warn that the long-term costs of an unchecked population boom will far outweigh the short-term revenue gains from a contraceptive tax. With the plea now officially declined, contraceptives will remain subject to the standard 18 per cent GST, leaving the government to find alternative, likely more expensive, ways to subsidise family planning through direct provincial health budgets rather than tax relief.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 22:36 IST

News world Birth Control Or Budget Control? IMF Offers No Protection To Pakistan From 18% 'Condom Tax'

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Canada Records Sharpest Population Decline In 80 Years. Reason: Fewer Temporary Residents

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 20:50 IST

Population estimates released by Statistics Canada (StatCan) showed the countrys population fell by 76,068 people, or 0.2%, between the second and third quarters of 2025.

The decline marks a sharp reversal from recent years of rapid population growth.

Canada recorded its largest quarterly decline in population in at least eight decades between July and September this year, driven largely by a sharp reduction in the number of temporary residents, particularly international students, according to official data.

Population estimates released by Statistics Canada (StatCan) showed the countrys population fell by 76,068 people, or 0.2%, between the second and third quarters of 2025. StatCan data going back to 1946 shows no sharper quarterly decline. The last time Canada recorded a population drop was during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the population declined marginally by 1,232 people in the final quarter of 2020.

What Caused Population Decline In Canada?

StatCan said the fall was primarily due to a significant reduction in non-permanent residents. Preliminary estimates show that the reduction in the number of non-permanent residents in Canada (-176,479) in the third quarter of 2025 was the primary reason for the decrease in Canadas population over this period," the agency noted.

As of October 1, 2025, Canada had 2,847,737 non-permanent residents, accounting for 6.8% of the total population, down from 3,024,216 or 7.3% on July 1. The drop was attributed to larger, record-high outflows" of temporary residents.

How Does This Compare With Recent Population Trends?

The decline marks a sharp reversal from recent years of rapid population growth. In the third quarter of 2023, Canadas population rose by 418,634 people, or 1%, the highest quarterly increase since 1957. Even as recently as the third quarter of 2024, the population grew by 231,803 people, or 0.6%.

That surge followed immigration policies adopted under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which led to a historic intake of temporary residents. Public backlash over housing affordability and pressure on infrastructure later prompted Ottawa to roll back those policies.

Did International Students Decline In Canada?

A significant portion of the decline was linked to a steep fall in the number of international students. Data from Immigration, Refugees and Immigration Canada (IRCC) showed that study permits issued to Indian students dropped by more than half in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Between July and September 2025, Indian students accounted for 24,030 study permits out of a total of 146,505, or 16.4%. In the same period in 2024, Indians received 52,425 permits, nearly 30% of the 177,025 visas issued. In September alone, Indian students were granted 8,400 of the 49,350 study permits issued, compared to 14,385 out of 46,230 in September 2024.

Why Did Canada Tighten Student Visa Rules?

The decline follows restrictions introduced from late 2023 onwards, as concerns grew over a surge in temporary immigrants contributing to rising housing costs and strain on public infrastructure.

In November, the government projected a 7% drop in the total number of international students issued permits next year. IRCC said study permits in 2026 would be capped at 408,000, including 155,000 new permits and 253,000 extensions.

This number is 7% lower than the 2025 issuance target of 437,000 and 16% lower than the 2024 issuance target of 485,000," IRCC said.

IRCC said the cap on study permits, first introduced in 2024, had slowed the growth of Canadas temporary population. The number of study permit holders fell from more than one million in January 2024 to about 725,000 by September 2025.

While this progress is significant, further reductions are needed to meet our commitment of reducing the share of Canadas temporary population to below 5% of the total population by the end of 2027," the department said.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 18, 2025, 20:17 IST

News world Canada Records Sharpest Population Decline In 80 Years. Reason: Fewer Temporary Residents

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Disturbing Echoes Of 1971: Sheikh Hasina On Attacks On Minorities, Women In Bangladesh

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 12:15 IST

Referring to the mass rape of Bangladeshi women in 1971, Hasina argued that the ideological forces responsible for those crimes are again finding space amid political instability.

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina (PTI/File)

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has hit out at chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, saying the countrys present turmoil reminded her of the horrors of the 1971 Liberation War. Speaking to News18 India, Hasina warned that recent violence and social regression echo the darkest chapter of the nations history. Hasina said attacks on minorities, growing insecurity for women and attempts to undermine Bangladeshs liberation legacy are disturbing echoes of 1971", when atrocities were committed by the Pakistan Army during the war that led to Bangladeshs independence.

Referring to the mass rape of Bangladeshi women in 1971, Hasina argued that the ideological forces responsible for those crimes are once again finding space amid political instability. The violence were witnessing today  the targeting of minorities, the attacks on women, the attempts to erase our liberation history  are disturbing echoes of 1971," she said, adding that Bangladesh was founded precisely to defeat such forces and ensure safety, dignity and equality for all citizens.

Hasina emphasised that the Awami League-led struggle had shaped Bangladesh into a secular state with constitutional protections for women and minorities, values she claims are now under threat. According to her, instability and weak leadership create fertile ground for extremist ideologies, both domestic and external, to reassert themselves. While she maintained that Bangladesh should pursue a stable and constructive relationship with Pakistan, she stressed that such engagement must be guided by historical truth and national interest, not expediency or denial of past crimes.

During the interview, Hasina also criticised the Yunus administration, accusing it of lacking democratic legitimacy and failing to protect vulnerable communities. She warned that suppressing political opposition, silencing dissent and undermining judicial independence could further erode social cohesion. We also need strong leadership: not just to protect our nation, but to protect those within it," she said.

The former prime minister expressed confidence that Bangladeshs democratic spirit would ultimately prevail, pointing to the countrys history of resistance against authoritarianism. She reiterated that the legacy of 1971 is not merely historical memory but a moral foundation for the state, one that obliges leaders to safeguard human rights and resist any resurgence of the ideologies that once plunged the nation into violence and trauma.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 12:15 IST

News world Disturbing Echoes Of 1971: Sheikh Hasina On Attacks On Minorities, Women In Bangladesh

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France, Germany At Odds: Is Europe's 'Super Fighter Jet' Project Already Falling Apart?

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 15:20 IST

The absence of FCAS from the agenda underlines how sharply relations have deteriorated between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron

Rapid Read

The initiative is now being openly described in defence circles as a looming "divorce". (AP Photo)

Europes ambition to dominate the skies with a home-grown 6th-generation fighter jet is facing its most serious crisis yet, with the $117 billion Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme teetering on the edge of a breakdown amid an escalating power struggle between France and Germany.

Despite earlier assurances that a final political decision would be taken by the end of this year, the issue is unlikely to figure even in discussions at the ongoing European Council meeting in Brussels, according to a Bloomberg report. The absence of FCAS from the agenda underlines how sharply relations have deteriorated between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, raising the prospect that the programme could be pushed to 2026 or beyond.

Such a delay would strike at the heart of Europes long-stated goal of strategic defence autonomy, with FCAS billed as the continents most ambitious military-industrial collaboration. Conceived as a joint effort between France, Germany and Spain, the project was meant to deliver a next-generation fighter jet, advanced drones and a networked combat cloud" capable of rivaling American and Chinese systems.

Instead, the initiative is now being openly described in defence circles as a looming divorce".

At the centre of the dispute is a battle for control between Frances Dassault Aviation and Germanys Airbus Defence and Space. Dassault chief executive Eric Trappier has publicly signalled that he will not accept a diluted leadership role, making it clear that France is prepared to go it alone if necessary. France, which already operates the Rafale fighter designed by Dassault, is pushing for near-total authority over the design and operational architecture of the future jet.

Germany, however, has pushed back hard against what it sees as an attempt to reduce the country to the role of a cheque-writer. German officials argue that their country will not accept an arrangement in which it funds the project without exercising meaningful control, particularly over critical components such as the combat cloud and the development of autonomous combat drones.

The tensions have been further inflamed by Germanys decision to procure US-made F-35 stealth fighters, a move widely interpreted in France as a vote of no confidence in FCAS and a tilt back towards American defence dependence.

Against this backdrop, an alternative is rapidly gaining momentum. The UK-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), involving Britain, Italy and Japan, has emerged as a credible rival. Italys defence minister has already publicly invited Germany to consider joining the GCAP framework, a shift that would fundamentally reshape Europes defence landscape.

If Berlin were to pivot towards the British-led effort, France would find itself isolated, while Spain, the third partner in FCAS, risks being sidelined altogether as the two larger powers lock horns. Analysts warn that prolonged indecision could ultimately result in two competing 6th-gen fighter ecosystems operating over Europe, fragmenting resources and undermining interoperability.

For Europe, the stakes extend well beyond industrial rivalry. A failure of FCAS would weaken the European Unions ability to act independently in future conflicts, reinforcing reliance on the United States at a time when USs long-term security commitments are increasingly uncertain.

Yet, the turmoil also carries implications far beyond the continent.

India, defence experts note, stands to gain significantly from Europes internal discord. France, should it proceed independently, may seek new strategic partners to share costs and expand markets for a future evolution of the Rafale platform. India, already one of the largest Rafale operators, would be a natural candidate.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 15:20 IST

News world France, Germany At Odds: Is Europe's 'Super Fighter Jet' Project Already Falling Apart?

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The defense forces have eliminated 63 of the 82 enemy drones that attacked Ukraine, hitting 12 locations, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Thursday.

"According to preliminary data, as of 08:30, air defense shot down/suppressed 63 enemy Shahed, Gerbera and other types of UAVs in the north, south, east and center of the country," the Air Force said on Telegram.

As noted, on the night of December 18 (from 18:00 on December 17), the enemy attacked 82 Shahed, Gerbera strike UAVs and other types of drones from the directions: Millerovo, Kursk, Orel, Primorsko-Akhtarsk - the Russian Federation, about 50 of them  Shahed UAVs.

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.

Some 19 strike UAVs were recorded at 12 locations, as well as the fall of downed UAVs (fragments) at eight locations.
India Resumes Operations At Dhaka Visa Centre After Closure Due To Protests

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 22:03 IST

However, IVACs at southwestern Khulna and northwestern Rajshahi remained closed over security concerns

The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at southwestern Khulna and northwestern Rajshahi were closed on the grounds of security concerns. (X)

India on Thursday resumed operations at its Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka a day, after it was temporarily closed due to security concerns over an anti-Indian march to its High Commission in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, two other identical facilities in other parts of the neighbouring country remained shut due to security reasons.

The IVAC located at Jamuna Future Park (JFP) in Dhaka serves as the principal integrated centre for all Indian visa services in the capital. Now functional, the facility was shut due to planned march called by the July Oikyo, a hardline group, titled March to Indian High Commission" to demand the return of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who were sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, news agency PTI reported.

However, IVACs at southwestern Khulna and northwestern Rajshahi remained closed over security concerns amid strong protest marches towards the facilities.

An official notification on the IVAC website read, In view of the on-going security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will be closed today (18.12.2025). All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be given a slot at a later date."

Dozens of protesters attempted to march to the office of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Rajshahi on Thursday, demanding the repatriation of all the killers including Sheikh Hasina." Police stalled the march, saying they had heard the demonstrators concerns and would forward their demands to the authorities. Police in riot gear blocked them near the mission when a brief clash occurred as the protestors tried to break through the security barricades.

In Khulna, the protestors under a banner called Unity Against Indian Hegemony tried to march towards the Assistant High Commission but security forces thwart the marchers.

We had enforced a stringent vigil preventing them (protestors) from proceeding towards the mission. They left the scene after staging a peaceful rally," Khulnas deputy commissioner of police Tajul Islam said as quoted by the news agency.

There have been similar anti-India protests in Dhaka and other parts for some time.

There are five IVAC centres in Bangladesh. Apart from those in Dhaka, Khulna and Rajshahi, the two others are in the northeastern port city of Chattogram and northeastern Sylhet.

The development came after India summoned Bangladeshs High Commissioner in New Delhi, Muhammad Riaz Hamidullah, to issue a formal diplomatic protest over recent threats to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and inflammatory anti-India statements by Bangladeshi political leaders.

Three days ago, the Bangladesh foreign ministry had summoned Indian envoy to Dhaka, Pranay Verma, and conveyed its concern over former prime minister Sheikh Hasinas incendiary" statements from Indian soil.

In its reaction, New Delhi asserted that it has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of Bangladesh.

India-Bangladesh Relations

IndiaBangladesh relations have been strained since the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, 2024, following student-led protests. Hasina fled to India after her ouster and has since been staying in a secret safe house in New Delhi.

Hasina, who resigned, was recently sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi International Crimes Tribunal for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the protests. The court found Hasina guilty on three counts, concluding a months-long trial that found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year that led to the fall of her Awami League government.

Dhaka has repeatedly requested her extradition, which New Delhi says remains under consideration."

The neighbouring country is currently governed by a caretaker administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: December 18, 2025, 22:03 IST

News world India Resumes Operations At Dhaka Visa Centre After Closure Due To Protests

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Indian-Origin Driver Accused Of Raping Unconscious Passenger In California; Cops Fear More Victims

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 16:59 IST

Sekhon, a resident of Bakersfield, was arrested on December 15 and booked at a pre-trial detention facility on charges of raping an unconscious victim

Sekhon picked up the 21-year-old woman from a bar on November 27. (@RandomstuffA2Z)

An Indian-origin rideshare driver in California, identified as Simranjit Singh Sekhon, has been arrested and charged with raping an unconscious passenger during a late-night ride in November. Sekhon, 35, was booked following an investigation by the Ventura County Sheriffs Office, which began after the Major Crimes Sexual Assault Unit received reports of an assault in Camarillo. Detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.

According to Fox 11, Sekhon picked up the 21-year-old woman from a bar in Thousand Oaks at around 1 am on November 27. Police said the victim was intoxicated and unable to care for herself."

Investigators allege that although the ride was marked as completed, Sekhon continued driving with the unconscious victim in his vehicle, taking her around Camarillo before sexually assaulting her. After the completion of the ride, Sekhon drove the unconscious victim around Camarillo and sexually assaulted her," the sheriffs department said in its release.

Sekhon, a resident of Bakersfield, was arrested on December 15 and booked at a pre-trial detention facility on charges of raping an unconscious victim, with an aggravating factor that the victim was particularly vulnerable. He appeared in court for arraignment and pleaded not guilty.

His bail has been set at $500,000, and his next hearing is scheduled for December 29. Authorities have released his photo but have not disclosed the rideshare company he was driving for or details about his immigration or work status.

The arrest comes amid increasing scrutiny of Indian-origin rideshare and cab drivers in the United States and Canada over issues ranging from traffic violations to allegations of obtaining licences without passing tests. California Governor Gavin Newsom also faced criticism on social media after the incident surfaced, with several posts highlighting concerns about public safety and calling California a sanctuary" state.

Police are urging anyone with information or additional complaints related to Sekhon to contact investigators as they continue to review evidence and identify potential victims.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 16:57 IST

News world Indian-Origin Driver Accused Of Raping Unconscious Passenger In California; Cops Fear More Victims

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July Uprising Organiser Osman Hadi Dies In Singapore; Bangladesh Declares National Mourning

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 23:48 IST

Following Sharif Osman Hadis death, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus appealed for calm.

Sharif Osman Hadi was shot on December 12 and had been in critical condition since.

Sharif Osman Hadi, the convener of Inquilab Mancha and one of the organisers of the July uprising, died while undergoing treatment in Singapore, days after he was shot in the head in Dhaka. He was shot on December 12 and had been in critical condition since.

Inquilab Mancha member-secretary Abdullah Al Jaber said, We have come to know over telephone from his elder brother Omar, who is accompanying Hadi in Singapore, that Osman Hadi passed away at around 9:30pm."

Sharif Osman Hadi was preparing to contest the upcoming Jatiya Sangsad elections as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency. Political parties and organisations across the spectrum, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, National Citizen Party, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, expressed condolences over his death.

Following Sharif Osman Hadis death, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus appealed for calm.

I sincerely appeal to all citizens of the country- please maintain patience and restraint. Give the law enforcement agencies and relevant institutions the opportunity to conduct the investigation professionally," he said in a statement.

Yunus said all those involved in what he termed a brutal assassination" would be brought to justice and face the highest punishment, with no leniency shown. He also announced that the government would take responsibility for the welfare of Sharif Osman Hadis wife and only child.

The Bangladesh government declared a one-day national mourning to mark Sharif Osman Hadis death. National flags will be flown at half-mast and his mortal remains are expected to be flown back from Singapore to Bangladesh on Friday.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 18, 2025, 23:37 IST

News world July Uprising Organiser Osman Hadi Dies In Singapore; Bangladesh Declares National Mourning

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Massive Protests In Bangladesh After Osman Hadi's Death, Awami League's Office Set On Fire

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2025, 00:42 IST

As per reports, protesters also attacked the offices of media houses The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. Protests erupted outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram

Protests erupted over Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi's death. (PTI)

Massive protests broke out in several parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram, following the death of July uprising organiser Sharif Osman Hadi in Singapore. Hadi, the convener of Inquilab Mancha, died while undergoing treatment after he was shot in the head in Dhaka on December 12.

Despite the best efforts of the doctors, Mr (Sharif Osman) Hadi succumbed to his injuries," Singapores foreign affairs ministry said in a statement.

A mob reportedly attacked the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo in Dhaka, while a protest erupted outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram. Amid reports of a fire at former minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhurys residence, journalists are facing increased threats from radical groups for engaging with the Indian media.

According to The Daily Star, several protesters marched around the Shahbagh police station chanting slogans like Tumi ke ami ke? Hadi, Hadi," Delhi na Dhaka? Dhaka, Dhaka", Surround the Indian embassy," and Inqilab Zindabad."

Read More: July Uprising Organiser Osman Hadi Dies In Singapore; Bangladesh Declares National Mourning

As per reports, the Awami Leagues office in Rajshahi was set on fire. Agitated protesters also attacked and vandalised the office of Prothom Alo, one of Bangladeshs leading Bengali-language newspapers.

VIDEO | Dhaka, Bangladesh: Protests erupted over Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadis death.#Bangladesh #Protests pic.twitter.com/Hl8j6LRn5X Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 18, 2025

Earlier in a Facebook post, Inquilab Mancha had urged Bangladeshis to take to the streets and assemble at Shahbagh, saying the protest would be framed as a movement to protect the countrys sovereignty if Hadi succumbed to his injuries and was attained martyrdom.

Osman Hadis Assassination

Hadi was shot by unidentified assailants in Bangladeshs capital while travelling in a battery-powered auto-rickshaw on Culvert Road in the Paltan area. He was initially rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital after his condition worsened.

On Saturday, he was flown to Singapore to receive advanced medical treatment. He was admitted to the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit for emergency treatment. However, Hadi succumbed to his injuries on December 18.

Yunus Declares State Mourning

Following Sharif Osman Hadis death, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus appealed for calm.

I sincerely appeal to all citizens of the country- please maintain patience and restraint. Give the law enforcement agencies and relevant institutions the opportunity to conduct the investigation professionally," he said in a statement.

Yunus said all those involved in what he termed a brutal assassination" would be brought to justice and face the highest punishment, with no leniency shown.

The interim government has also declared a one-day national mourning to mark his death.

Who Was Osman Sharif Hadi?

Hadi was a member of the anti-Hasina platform Inqilab Manch. Also a candidate for the upcoming polls in February, Hadi was campaigning as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency at the time of the attack.

Inqilab Mancha came into focus during the July uprising in Bangladesh last year, which ultimately led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

Inquilab Mancha has been at the forefront of efforts to dismantle the Awami League. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus disbanded the party in May this year, barring it from contesting elections.

The group has also been leading a campaign demanding the arrest of what it describes as all terrorists" linked to the disbanded Awami League, from senior leadership to grassroots workers, while calling for protection of the so-called July warriors".

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Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: December 19, 2025, 00:06 IST

News world Massive Protests In Bangladesh After Osman Hadi's Death, Awami League's Office Set On Fire

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'No Place For Antisemitism': Australian PM Vows Crackdown On Hate Speech After Bondi Beach Attack

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 08:35 IST

Albanese's crackdown on hate speech comes after the Bondi Beach attack revived allegations that Australia failed to do enough to combat rising antisemitism.

Rapid Read

Australian PM Anthony Albanese. (AFP)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday announced that his government will take several steps, including a package of reforms to crack down on hate speech and radicalisation, to combat rising antisemitism in the country in light of the Bondi Beach attack, in which 15 people celebrating a Jewish festival were gunned down.

There is no place in Australia for antisemitism. It is an evil that tears at the fabric of our country," he said at a press conference. The terrorist atrocity that killed 15 people, including 10-year-old Matilda who will be buried later today, was an attack on the Jewish community, but it was also an attack on the Australian way of life."

Australians are shocked and angry. I am angry. It is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge," Albanese said as he promised a sweeping crackdown on antisemitism. This includes new powers to target extremist preachers and to refuse or cancel visas for those who spread hate and division".

We stand united with Jewish Australians and we will never relent in the fight against antisemitism. pic.twitter.com/d7zh01Z10b Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 18, 2025

He also announced that Australia would develop a regime for listing organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech. Furthermore, serious vilification" based on race would become a federal offence.

The Minister for Home Affairs will also have new powers to cancel or reject visas for those who spread hate and division in this country, or would do so if they were allowed to come here," he said. The Australian PM also announced a 12-month taskforce to ensure that the Australian education system prevents, tackles and properly responds to antisemitism.

Every Jewish Australian has the right to be proud of who they are and what they believe, and every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued and respected for the contribution that they make to our great nation," Albanese added.

Australia Mourns Youngest Victim

Albanese spoke as people gathered for the funeral of 10-year-old Matilda, who is the youngest victim killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack. Matilda is our little ray of sunshine," said the rabbi leading the service, reading out a message from her school.

She is genuinely the most kind, caring and compassionate young girl, who brightened everyones day with her radiant smile and infectious laugh," he further said. Matildas family reportedly left Ukraine to settle in Australia before the Russian invasion.

Bondi Beach Terrorist Charged

Meanwhile, Naveed Akram, the surviving gunman in the Bondi Beach massacre, was charged with 59 offences, including 15 charges of murder, on Wednesday after he woke up from a coma. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed by police counterfire at the scene.

Akram was also charged with 40 counts of causing harm with intent to murder in relation to the wounded and with placing an explosive near a building with intent to cause harm. Police said the Akrams car, which was found at the crime scene, contained improvised explosive devices.

Authorities believe the pair were radicalised by Islamic State ideology". Australian police are investigating whether the pair met with Islamist extremists during a visit to the Philippines weeks before the shooting.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Location : Sydney, Australia

First Published: December 18, 2025, 08:35 IST

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PM Modi Conferred Oman's Top Honour: All You Need To Know About The Award

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 16:50 IST

The Order of Oman (First Class) is the highest national honour awarded by the Sultanate of Oman to foreign heads of state and distinguished global leaders.

PM Modi receives the honour from Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al. (X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Thursday conferred with Omans highest national award, The First Class of the Order of Oman, during his two-day visit to the Gulf nation.

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik conferred the prestigious award on PM Modi for his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties.

This is the latest addition to PM Modis distinguished list of highest civilian awards from foreign nations, including recent honours such as Ethiopias Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia and Kuwaits Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer.

What Is the Order of Oman?

The Order of Oman is the highest national honour awarded by the Sultanate of Oman to foreign heads of state and distinguished global leaders.

It was instituted in 1970 by Sultan Qaboos bin Said as a counterpart to the Military Order of Oman and is composed of five classes. The first class is regularly awarded to foreign heads of state and high-ranking members of the Omani royal family.

The First Class insignia includes a collar, a sash, a breast star, and a miniature.

The breast star has six dome-shaped points made of white enamel. Small crescent shapes sit between the points, and each point ends with a pearl. At the centre is an Arabic inscription, surrounded by a ring of diamonds and a green enamel border.

The collar is made of white gold and has alternating circular and decorative arabesque links. It also carries a badge that matches the design of the breast star.

The sash is red in colour, with two green stripes near the edges. The sash badge is a six-pointed star similar to the breast star, but without the crescent shapes between the points. Its centre shows a white gold crescent on a green enamel background, edged with red enamel.

The miniature is a smaller version of the sash badge.

Other Recipients Of Order Of Oman

The First Class of the Order of Oman places Prime Minister Modi among an exclusive group of world leaders and global icons who have received the honour in the past, including:

Queen Elizabeth II (United Kingdom)

Queen Maxima (Netherlands)

Emperor Akihito (Japan)

Nelson Mandela (South Africa)

King Abdullah II (Jordan)

Antonio Guterres (United Nations Secretary-General)

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Location : Muscat, Oman

First Published: December 18, 2025, 16:50 IST

News world PM Modi Conferred Oman's Top Honour: All You Need To Know About The Award

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After Ethiopias Highest Award, PM Modi Receives Omans Top National Honour In Muscat

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 18:43 IST

This marks the 29th international honour bestowed upon PM Modi, highlighting his growing global stature and Indias expanding diplomatic footprint.

PM Modi receives the honour from Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday was conferred with the Order of Oman, the Sultanates uniquely distinguished civilian honour, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in recognition of his role in strengthening IndiaOman relations.

The award places him alongside past recipients such as Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, Emperor Akihito of Japan, Nelson Mandela and King Abdullah of Jordan.

Modi received the award during his two-day visit to Muscat, the final stop in his three-nation tour following Jordan and Ethiopia.

Honoured to receive the Order of Oman (First Class). My gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Government and people of Oman for this honour. This is a symbol of affection and trust between the people of India and Oman.For centuries, our ancestors have been pic.twitter.com/PCtUccPqg5  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2025

The honour adds to PM Modis growing list of over 29 top civilian awards from foreign nations, including Ethiopias Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia and Kuwaits Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer.

His visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Oman, with both countries focusing on expanding cooperation across trade, investment, energy, defence and cultural exchanges.

Modi arrived in Muscat on Wednesday to a warm reception that included a ceremonial guard of honour.

Prime Minister Modis honour in Oman comes a day after Ethiopia awarded him its highest civilian distinction, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, in Addis Ababa.

The award was presented in recognition of his role in advancing IndiaEthiopia relations and deepening cooperation in agriculture, education, technology and capacity building. With this, PM Modi added yet another major international accolade to his growing list of global honours.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 16:26 IST

News world After Ethiopias Highest Award, PM Modi Receives Omans Top National Honour In Muscat

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Rape, Genocide And Repression: How Pakistan Unleashed Atrocities During 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 14:11 IST

Estimates indicate that 200,000 to 400,000 women were raped by Pakistani soldiers and their auxiliaries.

A refugee family shares their meal on May 27, 1971. Several million refugees crossed the border from East Pakistan to seek refuge in India. (Image: AFP)

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has invoked the horrors of the 1971 Liberation War, warning how attacks on minorities" under the Muhammad Yunus regime echo the darkest chapter of the nations history." Hasina said attacks on minorities, growing insecurity for women and attempts to undermine Bangladeshs liberation legacy are disturbing echoes of 1971", when atrocities were committed by the Pakistan Army during the war that led to Bangladeshs independence.

During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the Pakistan Army, aided by local collaborator militias, committed widespread and systematic atrocities against the civilian population of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). These actions are widely documented by historians, journalists, survivors, and international observers, and are regarded as crimes against humanity and, by many scholars, genocide.

Mass Killings and Genocide

The Bangladesh Liberation War opened with a brutal campaign of mass killings following Operation Searchlight on 25 March 1971. The Pakistan Army targeted students, political workers, and ordinary civilians across cities and villages. Entire neighbourhoods were sealed off, houses torched, and residents executed without distinction. Estimates of those killed vary widely: independent researchers suggest around 300,000 deaths, while Bangladesh officially maintains the toll was up to 3 million. Regardless of the exact figure, the scale of violence was extraordinary for a nine-month conflict.

Mass graves uncovered after the war testified to systematic killing rather than sporadic clashes. The violence aimed not merely at suppressing dissent but at crushing Bengali identity and resistance. The sustained and targeted nature of these killings has led many historians to classify the campaign as genocidal.

Rape as a Weapon of War

Sexual violence during the 1971 war occurred on a staggering scale and followed a deliberate pattern. Estimates indicate that 200,000 to 400,000 women were raped by Pakistani soldiers and their auxiliaries. Women were abducted from homes, villages, and refugee routes, and many were held in military-run detention centres where repeated assault was routine. Victims ranged from young teenagers to elderly women, cutting across class and geography. Rape was used to terrorise communities, humiliate families, and break social cohesion. Thousands of women became pregnant as a result, leading to the birth of what later came to be known as war babies."

After independence, Bangladesh officially recognised survivors as Birangonas or war heroines, yet many continued to suffer lifelong trauma and social stigma. The numbers underline the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war.

Targeting of Hindus

Hindus were singled out for violence during the conflict, driven by the Pakistani militarys perception that they were sympathetic to India and Bengali nationalism. Villages with significant Hindu populations were often attacked first, with homes marked for destruction. Large numbers were killed, though precise figures remain unknown. What is clear is the scale of displacement: an estimated 8 to 10 million people fled East Pakistan during the war, a significant proportion of them Hindus. Many crossed into Indian states such as West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam to escape killings, rape, and forced expulsions. Temples were desecrated, property confiscated, and families uprooted overnight.

This targeted persecution transformed the war into a humanitarian catastrophe and altered the regions demographic landscape. The selective violence against Hindus highlights how religious identity became a factor in the broader campaign of repression.

Murder of Intellectuals

In the final days of the war, a calculated effort was made to eliminate Bangladeshs intellectual class. Between 10 and 14 December 1971, hundreds of professors, doctors, journalists, engineers, and writers were abducted from their homes, mainly in Dhaka. Many were blindfolded, tortured, and executed, with bodies later found in mass graves at sites such as Rayerbazar and Mirpur. Estimates suggest several hundred intellectuals were killed in this brief but devastating phase.

The objective was strategic: to deprive the soon-to-be independent nation of its thinkers, professionals, and future leaders. This targeted annihilation left an enduring vacuum in post-war Bangladesh. The killings are commemorated every year on 14 December, serving as a reminder that the violence of 1971 was aimed not only at defeating a rebellion, but at crippling a nations future.

Torture, Detentions, and Repression

Beyond open massacres, repression operated through widespread arrests and torture. Thousands of civilians were detained without charge throughout 1971, often on the basis of suspicion or denunciation. Makeshift detention centres functioned in cities such as Dhaka, Chittagong, and Khulna. Prisoners were subjected to beatings, electric shocks, water torture, and psychological abuse. Many detainees disappeared permanently, their families never receiving confirmation of death or release.

While exact numbers remain unknown, survivor accounts suggest tens of thousands experienced detention or torture during the war. These practices created an atmosphere of constant fear, silencing even those with no political involvement. Torture was not used solely to extract information but to terrorise society at large. The scale of repression reinforced perceptions that the military campaign was rooted in collective punishment rather than law enforcement.

Local Groups

Groups such as the Razakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams worked alongside the Pakistan Army, providing intelligence and identifying targets. Their membership ran into the tens of thousands, drawing recruits from Islamist and pro-Pakistan factions. These militias helped locate activists, intellectuals, and minority families, making repression faster and more precise.

Al-Badr, in particular, played a major role in the December 1971 killing of intellectuals. Collaborators also participated directly in arrests, torture, and executions. Their involvement intensified the brutality and left deep social wounds, as violence often came at the hands of neighbours. After independence, collaboration became a major political and legal issue, with war crimes trials continuing decades later.

Refugee Crisis and Humanitarian Disaster

The atrocities triggered one of the largest refugee movements of the 20th century. By mid-1971, around 10 million people had fled East Pakistan into India. Refugee camps spread across West Bengal, Tripura, Assam, and Bihar, placing immense strain on food supplies, healthcare, and sanitation. Conditions were overcrowded and unsanitary, leading to outbreaks of cholera, dysentery, and malnutrition. Thousands died in camps from disease and exposure, though exact figures remain uncertain.

The refugee crisis also carried major political consequences, contributing directly to Indias decision to intervene militarily in December 1971. For refugees, displacement meant loss of homes, livelihoods, and family members. Even after Bangladeshs independence, many struggled to return and rebuild. The sheer numbers reveal how the violence reshaped not only Bangladesh, but the entire region.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 14:06 IST

News world Rape, Genocide And Repression: How Pakistan Unleashed Atrocities During 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War

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'Relations Are Stressed...: Bangladesh Points To 'Tensions' In Ties After India Summons Envoy

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 13:50 IST

Touhid Hossain admits Dhaka New Delhi ties are strained after Hasnat Abdullahs provocative remarks on Indias "seven sisters".

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Md Touhid Hossain, adviser for Foreign Affairs of the interim government of Bangladesh, speaks during an interview. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

Bangladeshs Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said it was difficult to say at this stage whether ties between Dhaka and New Delhi had entered a new phase", while acknowledging that relations remain under strain.

Hossain said Indias decision to summon Bangladeshs High Commissioner over provocative remarks made by a Bangladeshi politician was not unexpected" and should be seen as a routine diplomatic step.

His remarks come days after Hasnat Abdullah of the National Citizen Party issued statements threatening Indias territorial integrity. Abdullah had said Bangladesh could shelter forces hostile to India and allow separatist groups to use Bangladeshi soil.

We will sever the seven sisters from India," Abdullah had said, referring to Indias northeastern states of Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Of these, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Assam share borders with Bangladesh.

Addressing the fallout, Hossain said the diplomatic response from India was predictable.

This is not unexpected. The real question is whether our relations have entered a new phase. It is difficult to say that at this point. We must accept reality," he said.

Hossain admitted that ties with India remain stressed and said the strain has persisted since the current interim administration took charge.

Relations with India are stressed. In a way, they were stressed earlier as well, including since the onset of the new interim administration," he said.

We knew there was stress, which is why we called for good relations. Now, ties have to be restored through efforts from both sides. Perhaps both sides were unable to move forward, which is why the strain continues," he said.

Hossain also acknowledged that differences remain between the two neighbours.

We have some disagreements, and they also have their own positions," he added.

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Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: December 18, 2025, 09:32 IST

News world 'Relations Are Stressed...: Bangladesh Points To 'Tensions' In Ties After India Summons Envoy

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Saudi Arabia Warned Islamabad Over Pakistani Beggars, Now Thousands Are Being Deported

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 16:44 IST

Saudi Arabia has deported around 56,000 Pakistani nationals for involvement in organised begging, Pakistani officials revealed.

Pakistan placed thousands of citizens on the Exit Control List (ECL), effectively barring them from travelling abroad.

Saudi Arabia deported tens of thousands of Pakistani nationals over allegations of organised begging, despite efforts by Islamabad to restrict overseas travel and curb the misuse of visas. The deportations come amid growing concern in several West Asian countries over visitors travelling from Pakistan and engaging in begging and other illegal activities, prompting tighter visa rules and increased scrutiny of Pakistani travellers.

Saudi Arabia has deported around 56,000 Pakistani nationals for involvement in organised begging, Pakistani officials revealed, even as Islamabad stepped up efforts to curb the trend. In 2025 alone, Pakistans Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) offloaded 66,154 passengers from outbound flights to prevent organised begging rings and illegal migrants from leaving the country, according to official figures cited in local media reports.

The disclosures come months after Pakistan placed thousands of citizens on the Exit Control List (ECL), effectively barring them from travelling abroad. Despite these measures, the practice of misusing pilgrimage and tourist visas for begging has persisted, drawing increasing scrutiny from host countries.

Last month, the United Arab Emirates sharply curtailed visa issuance for most Pakistani citizens amid concerns that visitors were engaging in criminal activity and begging. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, had earlier urged Pakistan to stop beggars from misusing Umrah visas to enter the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

FIA Director-General for Immigration and Borders Riffat Mukhtar said the scale of the problem had become impossible to ignore.

Around 56,000 Pakistanis involved in organised begging were recently deported from Saudi Arabia," he told The News International. Mukhtar added that the FIAs decision to offload more than 66,000 passengers this year was aimed at dismantling organised networks facilitating begging and illegal migration, The Express Tribune reported.

Saudi Arabias Ministry of Religious Affairs warned in 2024 that failure to control the issue could adversely affect Pakistani Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

The issue is not confined to Saudi Arabia. Pakistani beggars have been reported in several West Asian countries, including the UAE, Kuwait, Azerbaijan and Bahrain. In 2024, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis Zeeshan Khanzada said that 90% of beggars detained in West Asian nations were from Pakistan.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 16:44 IST

News world Saudi Arabia Warned Islamabad Over Pakistani Beggars, Now Thousands Are Being Deported

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Either a decision on financial support for Ukraine today, or blood tomorrow - Tusk on EU summit

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says that European Union leaders face a simple choice: decide today on financial support for Ukraine for 2026-2027 or "blood tomorrow."

Arriving in Brussels on Thursday for a meeting of the European Council, Tusk said: "Now we have a simple choice: either money today or blood tomorrow, and Im not just talking about Ukraine, Im talking about Europe, and this is our decision, and only ours."

He believes that "all European leaders must finally take on this responsibility."

As previously reported, a meeting of the European Council will be held in Brussels on December 18-19, the main issue of which will be financing Ukraine for 2026-2027. The European Commission has proposed two options: external EU borrowing and a reparations loan based on immobilized Russian assets.

The option with borrowings requires a decision by all 27 EU member states, which, as is known, Hungary will not support. As for the reparations loan, a qualified majority is required for this decision. The position of Belgium will be decisive, because it is in this country that the bulk of immobilized Russian assets are stored in the Euroclear institution. The Belgian Prime Minister demands reliable guarantees and a fair distribution of the financial burden in the event of retaliatory actions by the Russian Federation.
Trump Ally Dan Bongino Announces He Will Step Down As FBI Deputy Director In January

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 07:20 IST

Dan Bongino's roughly nine-month tenure at the bureau has been marked by controversy over his public comments and the US Justice Department.

Rapid Read

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino (Centre) had a heated clash with US Attorney General Pam Bondi in January. (Reuters)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced that he will step down from his position in January after US President Donald Trump earlier said the former podcast host did a great job" and wants to go back to his show".

In a post on X, Bongino said, I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January. I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you."

I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January.I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose.Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you.God bless America, and Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) December 17, 2025

Bonginos roughly nine-month tenure at the bureau has been marked by controversy over his public comments and recent clashes with the Justice Department, particularly over the handling of the files related to disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Bongino, a staunch Trump ally and former Secret Service agent who built an enormous following as a conservative, pro-Trump radio and podcast host, was an unusual choice when Trump installed him in the post in February. Neither Bongino nor his boss, FBI Director Kash Patel, had any previous experience at the bureau.

Reacting to his announcement, Patel said, Dan is the best partner I couldve asked for in helping restore this FBI. He brought critical reforms to make the organisation more efficient, led the successful Summer Heat op, served as the peoples voice for transparency, and delivered major breakthroughs in long unsolved cases like the pipe bomb investigation."

He not only completed his mission  he far exceeded it. We will miss him but Im thankful he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it," he added.

Dan is the best partner I couldve asked for in helping restore this FBI. He brought critical reforms to make the organization more efficient, led the successful Summer Heat op, served as the peoples voice for transparency, and delivered major breakthroughs in long unsolved https://t.co/o8wZOUnojP FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) December 17, 2025

Who Is Dan Bongino?

Bongino began his career working for the New York Police Department in 1995 as a police cadet and became a full-time police officer in 1997. He joined the US Secret Service in 1999 and became a part of the Presidential Protection Division in 2006 during former President George W Bushs administration.

He originally started at the Secret Service as a special agent in the New York Field Office investigating federal crimes, according to Axios. He stayed in the role during the transition to former President Obamas administration.

In 2010, after the presidential appointments, he transferred to the Baltimore Field Office. He has masters degrees in psychology and business administration from the City University of New York and Penn State University, respectively. He has launched three unsuccessful bids for Congress in multiple states.

The FBI No. 2 came to the limelight as a pro-Trump, far-right podcaster who pushed conspiracy theories, including some involving the FBI. He had expressed criticism of the bureau, accusing it of being weaponised" against conservatives and calling its agents thugs".

His podcast  the Dan Bongino Show  aimed at debunking both liberal and Republican establishment rhetoric" was ranked as the No. 56 podcast on Spotify. He also hosted a Fox News show, Unfiltered" but left the network in 2023.

Why Did He Resign?

Bongino was appointed in the role after he pushed several conspiracy theories about the FBIs role in the 2016 and 2020 elections, including one that suggested that pipe bombs found near Republican and Democratic parties headquarters before the January 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol was an inside job.

His tenure at the bureau was at times tumultuous, including a clash with Justice Department leadership over the administrations handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Rumours of his resignation swelled after he had a heated clash with US Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Earlier this month, a man with no known ties to the government was arrested for allegedly placing the pipe bombs near the parties headquarters in 2021, which contradicted Bonginos claims of an inside job. His departure seemed inevitable after the White House hired the Missouri attorney general, Andrew Bailey, to share his job as deputy director.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 07:03 IST

News world Trump Ally Dan Bongino Announces He Will Step Down As FBI Deputy Director In January

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'Sleepy Joe, Divisive Obama': Trump Hangs Plaques Mocking Former Presidents In White House

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 10:24 IST

Instead of offering neutral historical summaries, the plaques are written in pointed and opinionated language and read like Trumps posts on his social network.

President Trump has installed plaques underneath portraits of presidents at the White House.

In the latest series of controversial White House changes under the Donald Trump administration, the US President installed plaques underneath portraits of Presidents at the White House, using them to insult and make unfounded claims about some of his predecessors, including Joe Biden and Barack Obama.

The plaques are placed in what the President has dubbed the Presidential Walk of Fame"  a portrait gallery along the West Wing Colonnade. According to ABC, the White House said that the plaques are penned by Trump himself.

President Trump has installed plaques underneath portraits of presidents at the White House, using them to insult and make unfounded claims about some of his predecessors, including Joe Biden and Barack Obama.Read more: https://t.co/NO7gT35DE0 pic.twitter.com/ENBDE6RQYR  ABC News (@ABC) December 17, 2025

All of the plaques are part of what the White House now calls its Wall of Fame", located outside the West Wing. The display features portraits of every US president arranged in chronological order, with one notable exception  Joe Biden.

Instead of offering neutral historical summaries, the plaques are written in pointed and opinionated language and read like Trumps posts on his social network, TruthSocial.

As per the plaques, Barack Obama is described as one of the most divisive political figures", while Ronald Reagan is praised in personal terms, with Trump stating that Reagan was a fan".

Meanwhile, with no doubt, Bidens plaque is among the most caustic one as it reads, Sleepy Joe was, by far, the worst President in American History." It further states, Taking office as a result of the most corrupt election ever seen in the United States."

In a similar attack on Obamas presidency, the plaque read, As President, he passed the highly ineffective Unaffordable Care Act, resulting in his party losing control of both Houses of Congress, and the Election of the largest House Republican majority since 1946."

The plaque describing Bill Clinton also minimises his accomplishments, crediting Republicans in Congress" for legislative successes during his tenure. Trumps rivalry with the Clinton family is mentioned.

In fact, the 2016 polls in which President Clintons wife, Hillary, lost the Presidency to President Donald Trump is also mentioned.

Several Presidents like Ronald Reagan received praise from Trump: Known as The Great Communicator, he was re-elected in a landslide in 1984, and left office with high approval He was a fan of President Donald J. Trump long before President Trumps Historic run for the White House. Likewise, President Trump was a fan of his!"

Trumps trolling" is nothing new, but the ridiculing of former presidents comes after he was heavily criticised for his response to the murder of actor-director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

On social media, Trump claimed Reiner died due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 10:12 IST

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US Forces Strike 'Narco-Trafficking Vessel' In Eastern Pacific, 4 Killed

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 07:47 IST

The attack brought the total number of known boat strikes to 26, while at least 99 people have been killed, as per the numbers announced by the Trump administration.

Rapid Read

Under the orders of Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, the US military struck a vessel in the Eastern Pacific. (Reuters/X)

The US military conducted a lethal strike on a vessel it said was engaged in narco-trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific, killing four male narco-terrorists", according to the US Southern Command, which oversees military activities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Sharing a video of the strike on X, the US Southern Command said, On Dec. 17, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organisation in international waters."

Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were harmed."

On Dec. 17, at the direction of @SecWar Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was transiting along a known pic.twitter.com/Yhu3LSOyea U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) December 18, 2025

The attack brought the total number of known boat strikes to 26, while at least 99 people have been killed, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration. US President Donald Trump has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and asserted the US is engaged in an armed conflict" with drug cartels.

This comes as the Trump administration is facing increasing scrutiny from lawmakers over its campaigns against drug cartels that involve boat strikes. Earlier, House Republicans rejected a pair of Democratic-backed resolutions on Wednesday that would have forced the Trump administration to seek authorisation from Congress before continuing attacks against cartels.

Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, argued that Trumps aggressions in the region were really because the president is coveting Venezuelan oil", according to The Associated Press.

On the other hand, Republican leaders have increasingly expressed support for Trumps campaign, even as it potentially escalates into a direct confrontation with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. However, the boat strikes are under deep scrutiny after it was revealed that a September 2 strike killed two people who had survived an initial attack.

Meanwhile, Trump announced that he is ordering a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers" into Venezuela, ramping up pressure on Maduro. The move comes after US forces last week seized an oil tanker off Venezuelas coast, an unusual move that followed a buildup of military forces in the region.

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US Hosts G20 Sherpa Meeting, Sets Agenda For 2026 Miami Summit

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 22:37 IST

The US began its G20 2026 Presidency with a Sherpa meeting in Washington, outlining priorities under Trump; South Africa was not invited.

The United States formally assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1. (File)

The United States convened its first G20 Sherpa meeting on December 1516 in Washington, marking the beginning of its G20 2026 Presidency.

In a press release, the US State Department said that the meeting was attended by representatives from G20 members, including India, China, the European Union, Brazil, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the African Union. Poland participated as the only full guest country during the US host year. However, South Africa, this years host country, was not invited to the meeting.

Washington formally assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1, a milestone that coincides with US 250th anniversary. The US said that under President Donald Trumps leadership, it is committed to refocusing the G20 on its core economic agenda and delivering tangible economic outcomes for member nations.

What Happened In Meeting?

In the press release, Washington said that it outlined its key thematic priorities for its G20 host year. These include boosting economic prosperity by reducing regulatory burdens, ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy, and advancing innovation through new technologies.

To advance these priorities, the US said that it has launched four working groups which have been tasked with developing concrete deliverables. These include groups focused on economic growth, energy security, technological innovation, and an additional working group aimed at identifying areas of consensus on trade-related issues.

Trump is scheduled to host the G20 Leaders Summit on December 1415, 2026, at Trump National Doral Miami.

US Absence From South Africa Summit

The US, on December 1, assumed the presidency of the G20 amid a bitter feud with South Africa and has said it will not invite Africas biggest economy to participate in next years G20 events. The US didnt attend the G20 leaders meeting hosted by South Africa on 22-23 November. The boycott followed repeated claims by Trump, widely discredited internationally, that South Africas Black-majority government mistreats white citizens.

Trump had also asserted that South Africa would not be invited to the 2026 G20 Miami, accusing South Africa of refusing to pass the presidency to a senior US embassy representative at the summits closing ceremony. South Africa denied this, and insisted that the presidency had been formally transferred to an American diplomat in accordance with protocol.

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Venezuela Completely Surrounded...: Donald Trump Orders Total Blockade To Pressurise Maduro

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 09:58 IST

Trump announces sweeping maritime and air restrictions, warning Maduro that all options are on the table.

Rapid Read

Trump says the move is aimed at forcing President Nicolas Maduro to concede amid an escalating standoff with Caracas.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said Venezuela was completely surrounded by the largest armada" in South American history and warned that the blockade would only expand. Trump said the move was aimed at pressuring Caracas to return oil, land and other assets he claimed belonged to the United States.

Were not going to be letting anybody go through who shouldnt be going through," Trump told reporters. You remember they took all of our energy rights. They took all of our oil not that long ago, and we want it back. They took it. They illegally took it."

US oil companies once dominated Venezuelas petroleum industry until successive governments moved to nationalise the sector, first in the 1970s and later under former president Hugo Chavez and his successor Nicolas Maduro. Washington has long argued that compensation offered to US firms was inadequate. In 2014, an international arbitration panel ordered Venezuelas socialist government to pay $1.6 billion to ExxonMobil.

Trump said all tankers carrying what he described as sanctioned" oil would be blockaded and announced that the Nicolas Maduro-led government would be designated a foreign terrorist organisation.

"They took all of our oil and we want it back. They illegally took it."Trump ordered a total lockade of Venezuela. Largest naval armada in South American history now surrounds the country. USS Gerald R. Ford sits 215 miles off the coast. National address tonight. 9 PM EST. pic.twitter.com/cEcyyWHI6U  Boi Agent One (@boiagentone) December 17, 2025

The illegitimate Maduro regime is using oil from these stolen oil fields to finance themselves, drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder and kidnapping," Trump wrote on social media.

Venezuela responded by accusing Washington of breaching international law. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Maduro government said Trumps actions violated international law, free trade and the principle of free navigation."

Stephen Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff, likened Venezuelas move to nationalize its oil industry to a heist.

American sweat, ingenuity and toil created the oil industry in Venezuela," Miller wrote on social media Wednesday. Its tyrannical expropriation was the largest recorded theft of American wealth and property. These pillaged assets were then used to fund terrorism and flood our streets with killers, mercenaries and drugs."

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News world Venezuela Completely Surrounded...: Donald Trump Orders Total Blockade To Pressurise Maduro

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Why Billionaire Elon Musk Thinks Saving Money Wont Matter In The Future

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Last Updated: December 18, 2025, 16:41 IST

Elon Musks latest remarks have reignited debate about his long-standing predictions on how technology will reshape money, work and the future economy.

Elon Musks wealth crosses $600 billion. (Photo Credit: X)

Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk has once again reignited debate about the future of wealth, work, and human purpose after suggesting that saving money may eventually become unnecessary. Responding to billionaire investor Ray Dalios endorsement of the Trump administrations new Trump Accounts scheme, Musk said that while the idea of offering newborns seed investment is well-intentioned, it may be irrelevant in a world transformed by artificial intelligence and robotics.

At the centre of this argument is his long-running claim that humanity is heading towards an era of universal high income", where poverty disappears, and traditional labour loses its central place in economic life.

Musks comments, made in a post on X, were characteristic of his broader worldview: that technology is advancing at such speed that economic norms built on scarcity will give way to abundance.

His statement has drawn both curiosity and scepticism, raising questions about the assumptions underlying his predictions and whether such a world is remotely within reach.

What Musk Said In Response To The Trump Accounts Initiative

On Thursday, Musk responded to Dalios praise of Trump Accounts, a new federal initiative offering a one-time government contribution of $1,000 into investment accounts for newborns and young Americans.

While Dalio and Michael Dell, the billionaire founder of Dell Technologies, welcomed the programme as a tool to encourage early investment and long-term savings, Musk took a sharply different position.

It is certainly a nice gesture of the Dells, but there will be no poverty in the future and so no need to save money. There will be universal high income," he wrote on X.

It is certainly a nice gesture of the Dells, but there will be no poverty in the future and so no need to save money.There will be universal high income.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 17, 2025

Why Musk Believes Traditional Saving Will Become Obsolete

Musks reasoning rests on a single premise: that AI and robotics will soon produce goods and services so efficiently that scarcity, the foundation of modern economics, will fade. If production becomes near-infinite and overwhelmingly machine-driven, Musk argues, money as a tool to regulate access will lose importance.

This is also why he distinguishes between Universal Basic Income (UBI) and what he calls universal high income". While UBI guarantees a minimum living standard, universal high income imagines a world where high living standards become effortless because machines can produce abundance at negligible cost. As he put it previously, money itself could become irrelevant", much like oxygen, something available to all without deliberate allocation.

Musk has repeatedly said that, in such a scenario, saving becomes unnecessary because individuals would not need to accumulate financial buffers to weather crises, pay for essentials, or secure long-term stability. Instead, technology would ensure that everything required for well-being is easily accessible.

What Musk Has Said About AI, Work, And Abundance Over The Years

Musks latest remarks are consistent with years of increasingly bold predictions about automation and human labour.

In multiple interviews, including his appearance on Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamaths podcast, Musk said working would become optional within 10 to 20 years, possibly even sooner. He described work as something future generations may treat like a hobby", similar to growing vegetables for pleasure rather than necessity.

At the US-Saudi Arabia Investment Forum in November, he argued that work would become optional" as AI and robots take over the bulk of production and services. There, he also claimed that money itself would become irrelevant" as automation eliminates scarcity. As he put it, AI and humanoid robots will actually eliminate poverty."

In October 2025, responding to a post about Amazon potentially automating hundreds of thousands of warehouse roles, he wrote that AI and robots will replace all jobs", and that work will be voluntary for those who wish to pursue it.

AI and robots will replace all jobs.Working will be optional, like growing your own vegetables, instead of buying them from the store.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 21, 2025

His comments have followed a consistent pattern: a belief that once AI surpasses human intelligence and humanoid robots reach mass deployment, machines will take over physical, cognitive, and even emotional labour. Goods would then become close to free", he said in a March interview, shifting societys challenge from economic survival to existential meaning.

The Scale Of Automation Musk Believes Is Coming

Musks predictions often sound extreme, but he argues they reflect an inevitable trajectory. Companies across manufacturing, logistics, and services are rapidly adopting automation. Amazons warehouse robots, TCS and Accentures AI-driven restructuring, and the rise of autonomous vehicles all point toward accelerated technological displacement.

Studies from the World Economic Forum, International Labour Organisation, and McKinsey indicate significant shifts: millions of jobs may be reshaped or displaced, with advanced economies seeing the highest exposure to AI-driven disruption. Musk interprets these trends as the early stages of an economic transformation rather than incremental change.

He envisions a world where billions of humanoid robots, such as Teslas Optimus prototype, produce nearly everything humans need.

The Skepticism And Pushback His Statement Has Drawn

Musks sweeping predictions have understandably attracted criticism. Social media users pointed out the disconnect between his advice against saving and his own net worth, which recently crossed $600 billion following news of SpaceXs potential public listing.

Others questioned the claim of universal high income, noting that the definition of high" is relative and shifts with social expectations. Some asked what incentive would drive production in a world where everything costs nothing". Others argued that even if material poverty disappears, psychological perceptions of deprivationthe poverty mindsetmay persist.

Why Musks Vision Does Not Align Easily With Indias Realities

For India, Musks prediction of a work-optional world is difficult to map onto current economic and cultural conditions. Work in India is deeply tied to identity, dignity, and family responsibility. Even in urban centres, employment is a marker of stability and respect, while large populations depend on daily wages for survival.

Indias economy is also anchored in affordable human labour. Automation at the scale Musk imagines is neither economically feasible nor culturally intuitive across much of the country. Welfare systems, too, are not designed to support a population disengaged from work.

This does not mean India is immune to automation. AI may reduce workloads, streamline processes, and introduce greater flexibility in certain sectors. But a fully work-optional, abundance-driven society remains far from Indias immediate horizon.

Bottom Line

Musks claim that saving will become unnecessary is rooted in his belief in a rapidly approaching age of abundance. Whether that vision materialises remains uncertain, but it has sparked important questions about how societies should prepare for technological upheaval.

For now, the world he describes sits somewhere between prediction and possibility: a future dependent not only on technological capability but also on how economies, cultures, and governments adapt to the profound shifts AI and robotics promise.

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First Published: December 18, 2025, 15:12 IST

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the European Council meeting is taking place at a crucial time, and the goal is peace for Ukraine with reliable funding for the period 2026-2027.

She made the appropriate assessment of the European Council meeting, which will be held in Brussels on December 18-19, upon arriving at the summit.

"This European Council is taking place at a very crucial time. At this European Council, we have one ultimate goal, namely peace for Ukraine, a force for peace. And for this, Ukraine needs reliable funding for the next two years, 2026 and 2027," said the European Commission President.

She recalled that last time, the European Council had committed to closing the funding gap for Ukraine over the next two years. "Its about EUR 137 billion that are needed. This is our own assessment and the IMFs assessment. And we have committed to covering two-thirds of this amount, 90 billion euros. I have put forward (for consideration) two options for this financing. One is borrowing from the EU budget, and the second option is a reparations loan. So today we will discuss which of the two options we will use. These will be intensive discussions," von der Leyen said

The President of the European Commission stressed that for her "the most important thing is that in the end we have secured financing for Ukraine for the next two years."

Commenting on the position of Belgium, which has already expressed its reservations about the reparation loan, von der Leyen said: "I fully support Belgium in insisting on taking into account their concerns and fears. And we are working day and night with Belgium. I want to thank the Prime Minister for his personal involvement in this matter. It is absolutely clear, and I support this, that if we take a reparation loan, the risk should be shared by all of us. This is a question of solidarity, which is a fundamental principle of the European Union," the European Commission President stressed.

Von der Leyen expressed confidence that leaders should find a solution today. "The President of the Council (Antonio Costa) said, and I support him in this, that we will not leave the European Council without a decision on the financing of Ukraine for the next two years. And of these two options, one of them should then be agreed in the European Council," she added.

As previously reported, a meeting of the European Council will be held in Brussels on December 18-19, the main issue of which will be the financing of Ukraine for 2026-2027. The European Commission has proposed two options - external borrowing from the EU and a reparation loan based on immobilized Russian assets. The option with borrowing requires a decision by all 27 EU member states, which, as is known, will not be supported by Hungary. As for the reparation loan, a qualified majority is required to adopt this decision. The position of Belgium will be decisive, because it is in this country that the bulk of immobilized Russian assets are stored in the Euroclear institution. The Belgian Prime Minister demands reliable guarantees and a fair distribution of the financial burden in the event of retaliatory actions by the Russian Federation.
Photo: The Presidential Office of Ukraine / www.president.gov.ua

Disagreements on the issues of territories and the use of Russian assets still remain, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, commenting on the work on the draft agreement on ending the Russian-Ukrainian war.

"Now, American colleagues claim that Putin is ready to end the war both publicly and in a non-public format. We, you see, support the initiatives of the Americans, we do not agree with all the features of certain future agreements. You know about this, there are questions, we have some disagreements on the territorial issue, financing for frozen assets and some other issues that are not agreed," Zelenskyy said, answering journalists questions on Thursday.
Bernie Sanders doesn't just want to regulate artificial intelligencehe wants to hit the brakes. In a video posted Tuesday, the independent Vermont senator said he will push for a nationwide pause on building new AI data centers, the massive facilities that power systems like ChatGPT. Calling AI one of the most "transformative technologies in the history of humanity," Sanders argued that the technology is advancing too quickly for the public and policymakers to meaningfully weigh in. A moratorium, he said, would "give democracy a chance to catch up" and help ensure AI's gains "work for all of us, not just the wealthiest people on Earth."

If introduced, Sanders' plan would be one of the most aggressive AI measures on Capitol Hill and appears to make him the first high-profile national politician to specifically target data center construction, Business Insider reports. Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Google, and Apple collectively are pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into chips, servers, and data centers in 2025, with even higher spending expected next year. "This process is moving very, very quickly, and we need to slow it down," Sanders said, arguing decisions about AI's future should not be left to "a handful of multi-billionaires."

Sanders also expressed concern about the impact of the technology on children, saying many of them have become isolated and are using it for emotional support, the Hill reports. He warned of a future in which people "are spending virtually all of their time with devices instead of people," adding: "Is that the kind of future you want? Well, not me."

The proposal faces long odds: President Trump's administration is backing rapid data center expansion as part of an effort to outpace China in AI. But Sanders isn't the only lawmaker voicing concerns. The Hill reports that three Democratic senatorsSens. Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, and Richard Blumenthalannounced Tuesday that they are investigating the link between data center energy usage and consumers' rising power bills.
A onetime star of a Pentecostal children's ministry is now facing the kind of charges some former congregants say they've been waiting 40 years to see. Joe Campbell, 68, was arrested Wednesday in Missouri and charged in Oklahoma with first-degree rape and lewd or indecent acts with a child under 16, the state attorney general's office said, per KY3 . The US Marshals Service picked him up in Elkland and booked him into the Greene County jail in Springfield, where he's awaiting his move to Oklahoma.

The rape charge appears linked to allegations from Kerri Jackson, now 53, who says Campbell molested her regularly for several years in Tulsa, starting when she was about 9. Oklahoma prosecutors revived the case using an old state law that pauses the statute of limitations when a suspect leaves the statea strategy they recently used to prosecute former megachurch pastor Robert Morris. Previous efforts to pursue Campbell in Oklahoma and Missouri had fizzled after authorities said too much time had passed. "After all these decades, it's a miracle," Jackson told NBC News after learning of the arrest.

Campbell's arrest follows an NBC News investigation that detailed accusations from more than a dozen people who said he abused or behaved inappropriately with children in the 1970s and '80s while serving as an Assemblies of God minister. Church officials reportedly learned of allegations in the late '80s, but they allowed him to continue in ministry for another year or so before he was finally expelled. Campbell then launched an independent church and youth camp in the Missouri Ozarks and eventually landed a national teaching slot on the PTL Television Network.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond calls the alleged conduct "horrific," noting he expects more victims may emerge. Former accusers, including Jackson and another woman, Phaedra Creed, say the arrest feels like long-delayed validation. "I was speaking the truth then, and I'm speaking the truth now," Creed says. "I am so happy justice will finally be served." If convicted, Campbell could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Chair Brendan Carr said in congressional testimony Wednesday that the Federal Communications Commission is "not formally an independent agency"a characterization that was news to lawmakers. Soon afterward, the phrase "an independent U.S. government agency" became "a U.S. government agency" in the FCC's mission statement on its website , per Axios . The revelation came as Democrats on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee pressed Carr in his first appearance since he threatened ABC affiliates who kept airing Jimmy Kimmel's talk show. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan asked Carr whether the FCC is independent, pointing out that the term appeared on the FCC's site, CNBC reports.

Carr, who was appointed by President Trump, replied that it is not. "If this is lying, then you should just fix it," Lujan said. Later, an FCC spokesperson said the website was being updated to reflect "the positions of the agency's new leadership." The Democrats accused Carr in the hearing of using regulatory power to chill speech. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, a Biden appointee, told senators the agency under Carr is trying to "intimidate government critics" and push at "the boundaries of the First Amendment." When Sen. Amy Klobuchar asked whether it was appropriate to threaten companies that air political satire, Carr pointed to broadcasters' duty to meet the "public interest" standard. Sen. Ed Markey shot back that Carr was weaponizing that standard and urged him to resign.

The chair would not say whether he thinks it's appropriate for the president to pressure him to go after media companies, per Axios. Carr did say the president has the power to fire him and other FCC commissioners. Sen. Ted Cruz, the panel chairman who had been critical of Carr's comments on Kimmel, again said that government should not be in the business of policing "truth or opinion" while repeating that he doesn't find Kimmel funny.
President Trump paid his respects Wednesday to two Iowa National Guard members and a US civilian interpreter who were killed in an attack in the Syrian desert, joining their grieving families as their remains were brought back to the country they served. Trump met privately with the families at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware before he joined top military officials and other dignitaries on the tarmac for the dignified transfer, a solemn and largely silent ritual honoring US service members killed in action, the AP reports.

The guardsmen killed in Syria on Saturday were Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown. Both were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, and have been hailed as heroes by the Iowa National Guard. The families of Torres-Tovar and Howard families were at Dover for the return of their remains, as were Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, members of Iowa's congressional delegation, and leaders of the Iowa National Guard. Ayad Mansoor Sakat, of Macomb, Michigan, a US civilian working as an interpreter, was also killed. Three other Iowa National Guard members were injured in the attack.

Returning to Joint Base Andrews after the transfer, Trump said it was a "beautiful event for three great people. And they're now looking down and their parents and wives and all of the people that were there were, I mean, were devastated but great people, great people." Trump observed several dignified transfers at Dover in his first term and has said it was "the toughest thing I have to do" as president.
House Republicans voted down a pair of Democratic-backed resolutions on Wednesday that would have put a check on President Trump's power to use military force against drug cartels and the nation of Venezuela. Democrats forced the votes using war powers resolutions as Trump has stepped up his threats against the South American nation and Congress has questioned how the military is conducting a campaign that has destroyed 25 vessels his administration says were carrying drugs. The attacks have killed at least 95 people. The legislation would have forced the Trump administration to seek authorization from Congress before continuing attacks against cartels that it deems to be terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere or launching an attack on Venezuela itself, the AP reports.

Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, argued that Trump's aggressions in the region are really because "the president is coveting Venezuelan oil." They were the first votes in the House on Trump's military campaign in Central and South America. A majority of Republicans in the Senate had previously voted against similar resolutions, and Trump would almost certainly veto them if they were to pass Congress. But Democrats forced the votes as a way to bring up a debate about the military campaign and force Republicans to go on the record about supporting it. Republican leaders have increasingly expressed support for Trump's campaign, even as it escalates into what could become a direct confrontation with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The administration has not sought congressional authorization for its recent actions in the Caribbean, arguing that it can destroy drug-carrying boats just as it would handle terrorist threats against the US. That rationale has led to deep scrutiny of the strikes, per the AP, especially after it was revealed that a Sept. 2 operation killed two people who had survived an initial attack. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other national security officials briefed members of Congress on Tuesday. They defended the campaign as a successful counter-narcotic effort that has cut into the drug supply entering the US but did not clue in Congress about the ultimate goals when it comes to Venezuela.
The Trump administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion that includes medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones, a move that is sure to infuriate China, the AP reports. The State Department announced the sales late Wednesday during a nationally televised address by President Trump, who made scant mention of foreign policy issues and did not speak about China or Taiwan at all. U.S.-Chinese tensions have ebbed and flowed during Trump's second term, largely over trade and tariffs but also over China's increasing aggressiveness toward Taiwan, which Beijing has said must reunify with the mainland.

The eight arms sales agreements announced Wednesday cover 82 high-mobility artillery rocket systems, or HIMARS, and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMSsimilar to what the US had been providing Ukraine during the Biden administration to defend itself from Russiaworth more than $4 billion. They also include 60 self-propelled howitzer systems and related equipment worth more than $4 billion and drones valued at more than $1 billion. Other sales in the package include military software valued at more than $1 billion, Javelin and TOW missiles worth more than $700 million, helicopter spare parts worth $96 million, and refurbishment kits for Harpoon missiles worth $91 million.

In separate but nearly identical statements, the State Department said the sales serve "US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability." "The proposed sale(s) will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region," the statements said. Under federal law, the US is obligated to assist Taiwan with its self-defense, a point that has become increasingly contentious with China, which has vowed to take Taiwan by force, if necessary.
Florida is preparing to put to death a man authorities say terrorized its Panhandle in the 1980s with a string of killings that became known as "the Tuesday murders." Frank Athen Walls is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Thursday, more than 40 years after he fatally attacked 19-year-old college student Tommie Lou Whiddon as she sunbathed on Okaloosa Island in March 1985, per USA Today . He was just 17 at the time. Over the next two years, investigators say, Walls killed at least four more peoplemost of them women in or near Fort Walton Beachall slain on a Tuesday or in the early hours of the following day. His execution would be Florida's 19th this year, the most in a single year in state history, and the 47th in the United States, a level not seen since 2009.

Walls was initially convicted and sentenced to death for the 1987 murders of Air Force airman Edward Alger and his girlfriend, Ann Louise Peterson, who were ambushed in their home as they slept. Alger's throat was cut and he was shot; Peterson was shot after being taunted about her boyfriend's death, as a judge later described. Walls later admitted to killing Whiddon; 24-year-old mother of three Cynthia Sue Condra, found stabbed along a roadside; and 47-year-old mother and grandmother Audrey Gygi, slain in her home. Investigators have said all the attacks had a sexual component.

Family members of the victims have waited decades for Walls' execution. Gygi's granddaughter, Jessica Gygi Hickingbottom, who was 2 when her grandmother was killed, said she won't attend in person but expects some relief "knowing it's done and over with," per USA Today. She noted Gygi's husband and two of her children died before seeing the case resolved. Walls' lawyers argue he is intellectually disabled and therefore ineligible for execution under the Constitution. But the state attorney general's office disputes that, calling the claim a last-minute attempt to delay punishment. It adds that victims and their families "deserve better than the excessive delays" common in capital cases. The Pensacola News Journal sums up the feelings of most who remember Walls' crime spree: "It's about time."
President Trump delivered a prime-time address Wednesday night focused on the economy that might be summed up in one line: "I inherited a mess, and I'm fixing it." Trump went after predecessor Joe Biden repeatedly and insisted that the economy was improving under his watch. Some takes:

Tough sell: The speech "was closer to a Festivus airing of grievances than a Christmas message of hope," per Axios. He "insisted the economy is stronger than people think and any problems are Democrats' fault ... (but) it's a message that poll after poll says most voters don't believe."

The speech "was closer to a Festivus airing of grievances than a Christmas message of hope," per Axios. He "insisted the economy is stronger than people think and any problems are Democrats' fault ... (but) it's a message that poll after poll says most voters don't believe." Bannon's worry: Trump supporter Steve Bannon pointed out that the speech went out to prime-time viewers, not just the president's base, notes the Washington Post. But, he wondered, "Was this too intense for a broadcast audience?" The story quotes another supporter, Trisha Hope, who posted online: "Trump is speaking so fast he seems panicked. I've never seen him like this, and I have attended 42 of his rallies."

Trump supporter Steve Bannon pointed out that the speech went out to prime-time viewers, not just the president's base, notes the Washington Post. But, he wondered, "Was this too intense for a broadcast audience?" The story quotes another supporter, Trisha Hope, who posted online: "Trump is speaking so fast he seems panicked. I've never seen him like this, and I have attended 42 of his rallies." 'Combative:' A New York Times analysis describes the speech as "combative," adding that "the message was a bit overshadowed by his angry tone, which seemed to belie his recognition that he was under pressure to show results fast, before a narrative settles that he has mismanaged the economy."

A New York Times analysis describes the speech as "combative," adding that "the message was a bit overshadowed by his angry tone, which seemed to belie his recognition that he was under pressure to show results fast, before a narrative settles that he has mismanaged the economy." No, confident: "Democrats responded to President Donald Trump's year-end address by insisting he sounded panicky, defensive, and even scared," writes David Manney at PJ Media. "That claim spread quickly across the left, only to collapse under basic listening. President Trump spoke like a president reviewing progress, not a man searching for cover."
For more than 40 years, Michelle Newton lived an ordinary life under a different name, unaware police still considered her a missing child. The woman, now 46, was reported missing in April 1983, when she was 3. Authorities say her mother, Debra Newton, moved Michelle from Louisville, Kentucky, to Georgia under the pretense of starting a new job and setting up a new residence for the familythen cut off Michelle's father, Joseph, and disappeared, per the New York Post . Debra later adopted the name "Sharon" and, according to investigators, raised Michelle under a different identity.

Joseph Newton spent years trying to find his daughter and estranged wife, but the trail went cold. The criminal case was dismissed in 2000, and Michelle was removed from national missing-child databases in 2005. A relative pushed to reopen the case in 2016, but nothing moved until a Crime Stoppers tip this year pointed deputies to the Villages, a vast Florida retirement community, where Debra was living as "Sharon Nealy." She was arrested there (video here) on Nov. 24 on a felony custodial interference charge; at one point, she'd been on an FBI list of most-wanted parental kidnapping suspects.

Police then went to Michelle's home and, as she told WLKY, broke the news: "You're not who you think you are. You're a missing person. You're Michelle Marie Newton." She contacted the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and soon met Joseph for the first time since she was a toddler. "I can't explain that moment of walking in and getting to put my arms back around my daughter," he said, likening it to the day she was born. Both father and daughter attended Debra's arraignment, and Michelle said she isn't choosing sides: "My intention is to support them both through this and try to navigate and help them both just wrap it up so that we can all heal."
Stable financing of Ukraine and a decrease in the flow of money to the Russian Federation will stimulate the aggressor state to end the war, and a decrease in financing of Ukraine, in turn, puts the diplomatic track at risk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"We need to dry up and reduce Russias economy through a ban, sanctions, so that they do not spend this money on war. If Ukraine has stable financing, and Russias financing decreases, of course, I am not comparing, these are different amounts, but it is no less, then for Russia this is definitely a signal for it to switch to the diplomatic track," Zelenskyy said on Thursday.

When asked by journalists what Ukraine would do if the EU does not agree to use frozen Russian funds to support Ukraine, the president replied: "And what will Europe do? This is a serious question. And what will the United States do?"

"If Ukraine does not have that kind of money, it is in a weaker position. Putin is increasingly tempted to capture us, because we are in a position where we do not have enough money for life and weapons. And he understands that we will be weaker and more shocked. And it is absolutely clear that he definitely will not want a diplomatic track. He definitely will not want any diplomacy, any dialogue," Zelenskyy explained.
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Cloudy this morning. A few snow showers developing during the afternoon. High 13F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%..

Tonight

Snow showers. Low 6F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Snowfall around one inch.
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun this morning followed mostly cloudy skies and a few snow showers this afternoon. High 14F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%..

Tonight

Snow showers. Low 6F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Snowfall around one inch.
HOKKAIDO, Dec 18 (News On Japan) - With just over two weeks remaining in 2025, preparations are in full swing for osechi, the elaborately prepared New Years dishes that line Japanese dining tables each year, but few may realize that one of osechis most essential ingredients is now facing an unprecedented crisis. Experts are issuing stark warnings that, at a realistic level, kelp could disappear from Hokkaido by the end of this century, raising concerns that extend far beyond holiday cuisine and into the very foundations of Japanese food culture.

The problem is not limited to osechi alone. Kelp is a cornerstone of washoku, forming the basis of dashi that underpins countless dishes, particularly in the Kansai region, where kombu-based broth defines local taste. If kelp supplies continue to dwindle, specialists warn that Japanese cuisine itself could be fundamentally shaken.

In Kyoto, where factories are racing to meet peak-season demand, rows of osechi dishes are being prepared one after another. Among the staples is kombu-maki, kelp rolls simmered until sweet and tender, long considered auspicious because of the wordplay linking yorokobu, or joy, to kobu. Producers say kelp also plays a visual role, tightening the overall presentation of the festive boxes and giving them a sense of balance and finish.

Beyond osechi, kelp is indispensable during winter, appearing in hot pots and a wide range of seasonal dishes. December marks the highest consumption of kelp by a wide margin, making this the most important month for producers and distributors. Yet it is precisely now that the risk of disappearance has become impossible to ignore.

According to researchers who have long studied kelp production, total catches combining wild and farmed kelp have fallen sharply, with wild kelp production dropping to about 17 percent of levels seen in the first year of the Heisei era. The main driver is rising sea temperatures, which have triggered isoyake, or sea desertification, a phenomenon in which underwater forests of seaweed vanish as waters warm and nutrients decline. At the same time, herbivorous marine life becomes more active and consumes what kelp remains, accelerating the collapse.

At processing plants in Osaka, the impact is already being felt. One long-established company produces a popular kelp-based snack that has been a household staple for decades, turning out more than 10,000 units a day. In recent years, however, poor harvests have pushed kelp prices higher, forcing the company to raise prices for the first time in decades two years ago, followed by another increase in March, when the product rose from 110 yen to 120 yen. Managers say uncertainty over future supply and pricing has become a constant concern.

The implications go far beyond snack foods. Kansais culinary identity is built on kombu dashi, in contrast to the bonito-based broths more common in eastern Japan. In Osaka, a specialist shop serving nikusui, a local comfort dish of beef broth and tofu, relies on rich kelp stock made with Rishiri kelp to achieve its signature flavor. While suppliers currently prioritize established clients, new contracts are being turned away, and even slight reductions in kelp quality or quantity can weaken the taste, threatening the survival of traditional flavors.

At a kelp shop with more than 120 years of history, shelves tell a sobering story. Its flagship product, natural kelp from Hakodate, has become increasingly scarce, with stocks dating back to 2016, nine years ago, as recent harvests have dwindled to almost nothing. In some years, production levels have fallen so low that shipments could not be made at all. As wholesalers disappear and supply chains thin, the future of Kansais dashi culture grows ever more uncertain.

Veteran shop owners say the situation feels unprecedented. While broths made from bonito flakes or dried sardines can be likened to variations of fish soup, kelp-based dashi is unique on a global scale, with no true equivalent elsewhere. Losing it would mean undermining the very core of Japanese cuisine.

Still, efforts are underway to avert the worst-case scenario. Researchers say teams formed by fisheries cooperatives and kelp manufacturers are developing farmed kelp varieties capable of growing in higher water temperatures, around four to five degrees warmer than traditional conditions. Early results suggest these kelp strains can survive and mature despite warming seas, offering a potential lifeline for the industry.

Experts stress that without kelp, washoku cannot exist as it does today, and say they are determined to meet expectations by applying science and technology to protect this essential resource. Whether these efforts can reverse the trend remains uncertain, but many agree that preserving kelp is not merely an economic issue, but a cultural one, tied directly to the everyday meals and traditions that define Japanese life.

Source: KTV NEWS
TOKYO, Dec 18 (News On Japan) - The grand prize has been announced in the annual Creative Four-Character Idiom Awards, which capture the social mood of the year through newly coined expressions, with the winning works unveiled this year through a dynamic calligraphy performance by high school students.

Now in its 36th year, the contest attracted about 24,000 entries from across Japan, with selected works written live on stage by members of the calligraphy performance club at Ueno Gakuin High School. The event drew additional attention when Myakumyaku, the official mascot of the Osaka World Expo, appeared at the venue, joining the students in a performance set to the Expos theme song and energizing the audience.

The top prize went to Kome Funto, a playful twist on the phrase Kogun Funto, meaning a lone struggle, rewritten with the character for old rice. The winning idiom reflects social conditions in 2025, including headlines surrounding rice shortages and the release of government stockpiled rice.

Organizers explained that rice became a major topic of public concern during the year, and the idiom was chosen to capture how staple foods once again played a central role in daily life and national discussion.

Among the other award-winning entries was Myaku Ten Manten, a pun combining Myakumyaku with the phrase meaning a perfect score, highlighting the influence of the Expo on the years atmosphere. In total, nine works received awards.

One participant said they were surprised at first that the winning idiom was not directly tied to the Expo, but added that the rice issue had become such a major news story that the selection felt fitting and memorable.

Source: Television OSAKA NEWS
SHIZUOKA, Dec 18 (News On Japan) - Shizuoka Prefecture announced that it held a public auction on December 16 for the governors official residence in Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, with housing manufacturer Sekisui Heim Tokai winning the bid at 710.35 million yen.

Governor Yasutomo Suzuki decided to sell the official residence, located in Ando 2-chome in Aoi Ward, as part of administrative and fiscal reforms amid severe financial constraints, and the property was put up for auction in November with an estimated price of around 314.15 million yen.

According to the prefecture, 16 companies took part in the bidding, and Sekisui Heim Tokai, a housing manufacturer based in Hamamatsu, secured the property at a price more than double the estimated value.

The prefecture and Sekisui Heim Tokai are expected to sign the sales contract in late December, with registration scheduled to be completed by mid-February 2026.

The governors residence is situated in a quiet residential neighborhood and was built in 1988. The site covers approximately 1,430 square meters, and the single-story wooden building has a total floor area of about 330 square meters.

Source: SBSnews6
TOKYO, Dec 18 (News On Japan) - A new law designed to promote free competition in the smartphone app market came into full effect on December 18th, with Apple and Google designated as its primary targets.

Japans domestic smartphone market has long been dominated by Apples iPhone and Googles Android platform, which together account for more than 40 million users, creating what critics describe as an oligopolistic structure.

Both companies have faced criticism for offering apps closely linked to their operating systems while prioritizing their own payment systems and restricting access to functions such as GPS for third-party applications.

Under the new law, which was fully enforced from December 18th, Apple and Google are prohibited from obstructing the use of operating system functions and from restricting the use of alternative browser engines and other competing technologies.

For users, the changes mean they will be able to choose which browser to use during operating system updates and in other situations, a move expected to expand choice and competition in the smartphone ecosystem.

Source: TBS
HOKKAIDO, Dec 18 (News On Japan) - Electric vehicles, which run without gasoline and emit no carbon dioxide while driving, are drawing fresh attention as two of the worlds biggest manufacturers from the United States and China move into Hokkaido one after another.

With its expansive sunroof and a large monitor installed in the drivers seat, the vehicles emphasize a futuristic look and advanced functions that are central to the appeal of EVs.

Katayama Yuki, a reporter, said, "By pressing a button, the driver can adjust it to their preferred position, and when you step on the accelerator, the car picks up speed smoothly and with a refined feel."

Chinas leading EV maker BYD is now making a full-scale push into Hokkaido, highlighting its advanced battery technology and design.

Higashidera Atsuki, president of BYD Auto Japan, said, "More battery EVs are being developed so they can be used safely and reliably even during winter in cold northern regions, and I hope people see BYD as a manufacturer that is at the forefront of these technologies."

At roughly the same time, U.S. EV giant Tesla also opened its first store in Hokkaido.

Hashimoto Tomonori, president of Tesla Japan, said, "EVs are already being used in cold regions with no concerns at all. Once people take a test drive, they end up buying one. One hundred percent."

As EV adoption remains limited in cold climates, attention is now focused on what strategies these two American and Chinese giants will pursue as they seek to cultivate a new market in Hokkaido, a region some industry players are calling a blue ocean for future growth.

Source: HBC 
People's Deputy and leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko called on Kyiv residents to support the vote to name a street in the centre of the capital after Hero of Ukraine Andriy Parubiy, according to the party's website. A poll on the matter is being conducted in the Kyiv Digital app.

"The pages of Ukraine's modern history were written in the very centre of Kyiv, from the Orange Revolution to the Revolution of Dignity. It was here that bloody clashes between Berkut and protesters took place, and it was here that the fate of the country was decided," Poroshenko said on Facebook.

The politician recalled that Andriy Parubiy was the coordinator and creator of the Maidan self-defence force.

"A man who stood shoulder to shoulder with the protesters at the most critical moments," the politician emphasised.

Poroshenko also recalled that Parubiy, while serving as chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, "fought for language, army and faith."

On the initiative of European Solidarity, it is proposed to name the street at the intersection of Mykhailo Hrushevsky Street and Parkova Road, which currently has no name, in Kyiv. "This place is significant for our team and for Andriy himself  a significant part of his journey is connected with it," Poroshenko said.

"Right now, a poll is underway in the Kyiv Digital app, the results of which will determine the future of this street. So I urge everyone to support this decision," he added.
MONTREAL, Dec. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Altium Wealth Architecture Inc., an independent multi-family office based in Montreal for over a decade, announces the launch of its Ambassador Program and the appointment of Mr. Denis Rochon as the first Altium Ambassador.

A respected figure in Quebec's business community for more than four decades, Denis will contribute to Altium's visibility while also supporting the leadership team through the strategic perspective he gained over the course of his extensive professional experience.

Denis Rochon (CNW Group/Altium Architecture de Patrimoine Inc.)

Known for the quality of his relationships, his deep understanding of entrepreneurial dynamics, and his long-standing engagement with Quebec's economic stakeholders, Denis Rochon fully embodies Altium's holistic approach, which goes far beyond investment management and encompasses all dimensions of wealth.

Prior to joining Altium, Denis was a partner at a leading international accounting firm recognized for its expertise in audit, tax, and advisory services. Over the course of his career, he developed a deep understanding of financial planning, corporate reorganizations, and risk management.

"Denis' arrival marks an important milestone for Altium. We are proud and privileged to have him by our side. His track record, credibility, and the depth of his relationships within Quebec's business community speak to the person he is and the impact he has made throughout his career. Beyond his expertise, Denis shares our vision and values. I am delighted to welcome him and thank him for his trust. His commitment strengthens our ambition to offer the Quebec market institutional-grade expertise, serving entrepreneurs and executives as well as their families, their businesses, and their wealth," said Sam Younes, President and CEO of Altium.

"It is a real privilege for me to join Altium, a firm whose mission and values are fully aligned with mine. I am happy to contribute in my own way to Altium's continued success. Supporting this high-performing and dedicated team in its mission and in the next stage of its growth is a very stimulating challenge, and I am excited to be part of this great adventure," said Denis Rochon.

A former member of the Ordre des CPA du Quebec (19812015), Denis holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Universite de Montreal, with a specialization in finance.

About Altium Wealth Architecture Inc.

Founded in 2013, Altium Wealth Architecture is an independent multi-family office based in Montreal specializing in wealth management and investment management, supporting entrepreneurs, executives, and their families in preserving and growing their wealth over the long term. Known for the depth of its expertise, its high-end client experience, and the sincere care devoted to each relationship, Altium leverages a high-caliber institutional approach to offer rigorous and tailor-made solutions.

www.altium.ca

Contact:

Altium Wealth Architecture Inc.,

1-514-932-3032 | [email protected] | altium.ca

SOURCE Altium Architecture de Patrimoine Inc.
MONTREAL, Dec. 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Brasswater, a leading private real estate investment and development firm, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the retail village at Mont Tremblant, one of Canada's most iconic and visited four-season resort destinations.

Overhead view of Tremblant Village (CNW Group/Brasswater Inc.)

The Mont Tremblant retail village totals approximately 135,600 square feet of European-style, pedestrian retail located directly at the base of the mountain. The village is home to a highly curated mix of national brands, destination restaurants and essential resort services, and is seamlessly integrated with the broader Mont Tremblant Resort, which attracts more than 2.5 million visitors annually.

"We're thrilled to bring this iconic property back into Quebec hands" said Ian Quint, Founder and President of Brasswater. "I have a strong personal connection to Tremblant as a part-time resident who deeply appreciates the area's natural beauty, amenities, and restaurants. As an avid triathlete and skier, I regularly enjoy the mountain, the lake, and the extensive trail network. At Brasswater, we're excited to build on this foundation and continue growing the resort into a world-class, four-season destination."

Brasswater intends to work closely with existing stakeholders to further strengthen the tenant mix and overall guest experience, while maintaining the character and energy which have made Mont Tremblant a global destination. The acquisition also positions Brasswater to benefit from continued residential growth in the area and ongoing investment in resort infrastructure.

"This acquisition reflects our long-term interest in experiential, destination-oriented retail," added Quint. "It's a niche we've been looking to grow into, and Mont Tremblant is best-in-class."

About Brasswater

Brasswater is a privately held real estate investment, development and operating platform with a diversified portfolio across industrial, retail and office assets in Canada and the United States. Founded in 2014 and formerly known as Groupe Quint, Brasswater has grown rapidly by maintaining a lean, vertically integrated structure that includes acquisitions, leasing, development, property management and construction.

The firm has more than $2.3 billion in assets under management, owns over 12 million square feet across more than 100 properties, and employs more than 70 professionals.

Brasswater

Montreal, Quebec

www.brasswater.ca

SOURCE Brasswater Inc.

Media Contact: Alexandre Leclerc, [email protected]
WINNIPEG, MB, Dec. 17, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to protecting Canadians by keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals and away from our communities.

On October 7, 2025, Mark Sobry, a 47-year old resident of Kelwood, Manitoba, pleaded guilty in Minnedosa Provincial Court to smuggling prohibited weapons into Canada. He was convicted of the following two charges:

Selection of the firearms and weapons seized by CBSA officers (CNW Group/Canada Border Services Agency)

Smuggling prohibited weapons into Canada, contrary to section 159(1) of the Customs Act

Importing prohibited weapons, contrary to section 104(1)(a) of the Criminal Code

On December 16, Sobry received a 20-month conditional sentence along with a 10-year weapons prohibition and ordered to provide a DNA sample.

In the summer of 2024, the CBSA Manitoba Integrated Firearm Enforcement Team (IFET) began their investigation into Sobry after CBSA officers at the Vancouver and Mississauga international mail centres intercepted two separate shipments containing prohibited stun guns. In September 2024, CBSA IFET officers, with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, executed a search at Sobry's property in Kelwood that resulted in the seizure of:

1 stun gun

7 prohibited shuriken throwing knives, also known as throwing stars or ninja stars, and

10 non-restricted long rifles with several rounds of ammunition and re-loading supplies

The weapons seized during the search were in breach of a court imposed condition that he could not possess any prohibited weapons.

Quotes

"Stopping prohibited weapons from entering Canada is one of the most important jobs that the Canada Border Services Agency has. The success of this investigation demonstrates just how skilled and committed the CBSA and RCMP are at securing our borders, protecting our communities and keeping dangerous weapons off our streets."

- The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

"Today's conviction is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the CBSA Integrated Firearm Enforcement Team and our intelligence and criminal investigators in Manitoba. I'd also like to thank our law enforcement partners, the Manitoba RCMP, for their assistance in this case."

- Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Prairie Region

Quick Facts

Associated links

X: @CanBordePRA

Facebook: CanBorder

Instagram: CanBorder

YouTube: CanBorder

SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency

Media Relations, Canada Border Services Agency, [email protected], 1-877-761-5945
TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2025 /CNW/ - The Board of Directors of EQB Inc. and Equitable Bank (collectively "EQB") today announced that as part of its renewal and succession plan, it will appoint Mr. Mike Pedersen to the Board of Directors effective immediately and plan to nominate him as successor Chair, contingent upon his election as a Director by EQB shareholders at the Annual General Shareholder Meeting (AGM) in April 2026.

EQB Inc. appoints Mike Pedersen to the Board of Directors and will nominate him as Chair in April 2026 (CNW Group/EQB Inc.)

Ms. Vincenza (Vin) Sera, who will conclude 13 years of service on the Board in 2026, plans to step down as Chair and will not seek re-election as a Director at the AGM in April 2026. Ms. Sera joined the Board in 2013 and has served as Chair since September 2024, extending her 12-year term to take on the Chair position at the Board's request.

Mr. Pedersen brings more than three decades of leadership in global financial services, with a proven record of providing governance and strategy oversight through periods of impactful growth and transformation. He served as Chair of the Board at Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) from 2018 to 2023. Mr. Pedersen has also held multiple senior roles at TD Bank Group, culminating in being President and CEO of TD Bank Group's U.S. banking business from 2013 to 2017.

Based in Toronto, Mr. Pedersen currently serves on the boards of CGI, AtkinsRealis and Clean Prosperity. Additionally, he is Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo, and is a member of the Sustainable Finance Advisory Committee at the Global Risk Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Industrial Relations from the University of Toronto. Mr. Pedersen maintains an active presence in his community and has a long history of involvement in organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability and urban poverty.

"It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of EQB and Equitable Bank," said Ms. Sera. "We have rapidly grown to become Canada's seventh-largest bank and the country's definitive challenger in banking, and this is just the start. I'm proud to announce Mike's appointment to the Board and nomination as Chair in 2026  he has an impressive career spanning global financial markets and brings a valuable perspective to the Board. This is an exciting moment for the bank and I am confident his expertise, alongside EQB's world-class leadership team, will be pivotal in delivering even greater value to shareholders and customers."

Ms. Sera played a key role in some of the bank's most important milestones  first as corporate director during the launch of EQ Bank in 2016 and, more recently as Chair, guiding the appointment of Chadwick Westlake as President and CEO and EQB's recent agreement to acquire PC Financial.

"Vin's leadership and counsel have been instrumental in shaping EQB's success and setting us up for the future from a position of strength. I would like to sincerely thank Vin for her invaluable contributions," said Chadwick Westlake, President and CEO of EQB. "Looking forward, I am delighted that Mike will be joining EQB as a director, and thereafter as Chair following our 2026 AGM. With his exceptional tenure in banking, leadership, strategy and governance positions, we will be perfectly poised to execute an ambitious growth strategy that will redefine what our challenger bank can deliver to Canadians and all of our stakeholders."

About EQB Inc.

EQB Inc. (TSX: EQB) is a leading digital financial services company with $138 billion in combined assets under management and administration (as at October 31, 2025). It offers banking services through Equitable Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary and Canada's seventh largest bank by assets, and wealth management through ACM Advisors, a majority owned subsidiary specializing in alternative assets. As Canada's Challenger Bank, Equitable Bank has a clear mission to drive change in Canadian banking to enrich people's lives. It leverages technology to deliver exceptional personal and commercial banking experiences and services to nearly 780,000 customers and more than six million credit union members through its businesses. Through its digital EQ Bank platform (eqbank.ca), its customers have named it one of Canada's top banks on the Forbes World's Best Banks list since 2021.

To learn more, please visit eqb.investorroom.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

Investor contact:

Lemar Persaud

VP and Head of IR

[email protected]

Media contact:

Maggie Hall

Director, PR & Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE EQB Inc.
CED will enable 19 SMEs to remain competitive in the face of uncertain and changing market conditions.

TROIS-RIVIERES, QC, Dec. 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Today, the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED, along with Caroline Desrochers, Member of Parliament for Trois-Rivieres and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, is announcing investments by CED totalling $12,043,213 to support 19 projects in Quebec (eight in the Mauricie region, five in the Centre-du-Quebec region and six in the Lanaudiere region) under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).

The Government of Canada is taking action by supporting businesses as they diversify their markets in order to reduce risk, strengthen their economic resilience and consolidate their competitiveness to help them face tariff pressures.

This CED funding will enable the manufacturing businesses to improve their productivity and production capacity and diversify their markets. The list of recipients and additional information on each of the 19 projects receiving support under the RTRI are indicated in the related backgrounder.

In the current economic climate, the Government of Canada is focusing on structural measures such as the RTRI to strengthen the Canadian economy. By supporting workers and businesses in strategic sectors, it is helping to build a more resilient economy that will benefit the entire country.

Economic growth and productivity are foundational to Canada's prosperity, which is why the government is putting into place conditions that are conducive to the long-term development of our entrepreneurs and businesses.

Quotes

"Our government is putting necessary measures into place in response to the customs tariffs affecting our industries. We want to give them the tools they need to remain competitive, strengthen their supply chains and pursue growth. With the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, we are investing in Quebec's economy and helping SMEs innovate, adapt and rethink their supply chains to diversify their markets and support their growth."

The Honourable Melanie Joly, Member of Parliament for AhuntsicCartierville, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED

"Our businesses are demonstrating exceptional resilience in the face of current economic challenges. The investments announced by CED today for 19 businesses in the Mauricie, Centre-du-Quebec and Lanaudiere regions will give them the means to improve their productivity, diversify their markets and consolidate their position both at home and abroad. By supporting their growth, we will strengthen the economic vitality of our regions."

Caroline Desrochers, Member of Parliament for Trois-Rivieres and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure

Quick facts

The RTRI aligns with a broader Government of Canada tariff response plan, which includes over $6.5 billion in new measures to protect Canadian businesses and workers, including an expansion of the Strategic Innovation Fund, labour market development agreements, and the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility.

The aim of this national initiative is mainly to help SMEs negatively affected by tariffs to overcome their marketing challenges and transform to remain competitive in the long term. With a budget of $1 billion over three years, the RTRI makes it possible to provide SMEs with non-repayable contributions of up to $1 million.

CED is the key federal partner in Quebec's regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow's economy.

Associated links

Stay connected

Follow CED on social media

Consult CED's news

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Information: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]; Gabrielle Landry, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]
HALIFAX, NS, Dec. 18, 2025 /CNW/ -The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), the University of King's College and the Canadian Media Lawyers Association (CMLA) are joining forces to launch Lawyers for Reporters Canada, an initiative that will provide a range of pro bono newsroom legal services to support and bolster an effective democratic news media ecosystem.

Lawyers for Reporters Canada (CNW Group/Canadian Association of Journalists)

"In a time when more and more individuals and organizations are weaponizing legal tools to stifle public-interest journalism, Lawyers for Reporters Canada is an initiative that truly meets the moment and supports press freedom," said Brent Jolly, president of the CAJ.

The partnership between the three organizations will bring together a network of pro-bono lawyers who can provide clients with pre-publication review, legal guidance on matters ranging from business operations to newsgathering liability, and responses to organizations that file subpoenas or production orders that interfere with public-service journalistic newsgathering.

"Local independent journalists are struggling to survive amid shrinking resources and mounting pressures," said Danielle Stone, past president and CMLA representative for Lawyers for Reporters Canada.

"More and more journalists are facing legal threats designed to silence them. By offering pro bono legal support, CMLA lawyers stand with these journalists -- helping them persevere, protecting their right to report freely, and defending the fearless transparent journalism that our democracy urgently needs."

Lawyers for Reporters Canada is currently accepting applications for a full-time, one-year fellowship that will be administered through the University of King's College. The successful applicant will be supervised by Lisa Taylor , associate professor at the University of King's College.

"I'm grateful that the project has a home here at King's -- students come to this campus because they get why democracies need free and independent news media," said Taylor. "Lawyers for Reporters Canada will help publishers, especially small-scale local and independent outlets, deal with legal hassles so they can focus on reporting facts and speaking truth to power."

Lawyers for Reporters Canada is modelled after Lawyers for Reporters, an initiative launched in the United States in 2020 by the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice and the Press Freedom Defense Fund. Representatives from the Vance Center for International Justice will provide strategic advice on the development of the Lawyers for Reporters Canada project.

"Obtaining legal services can be a substantial obstacle to the work of independent journalists, said Tim Currie, vice-president of the University of King's College. "King's enthusiastically supports this project to ensure more important stories affecting Canadians are told."

The creation of Lawyers for Reporters Canada has been made possible through the generous support of a grant from LION Publishers , which is a professional association of local independent news publishers in Canada and the United States.

About the Canadian Association of Journalists

The CAJ is Canada's largest national professional organization for journalists from all media, representing members across the country. The CAJ's primary roles are to provide high-quality professional development for its members and public interest advocacy.

About the Canadian Media Lawyers Association

The Canadian Media Lawyers Association is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of free expression in Canada and abroad. The country's leading news-media lawyers comprise the organization; members intervene in important appeal cases and promote improved laws and policies for free expression and openness of courts.

About the University of King's College

Established in 1789, King's is Canada's oldest chartered university and is associated with Dalhousie University. A small and extraordinarily lively academic community located in Halifax (Kjipuktuk), Nova Scotia, King's is known nationally and internationally for its highly acclaimed interdisciplinary programs in the humanities, including its renowned Foundation Year Program, its professional programs in journalism and its fine arts programs in creative writing.

SOURCE Canadian Association of Journalists

For more information about Lawyers for Reporters Canada, please contact: Brent Jolly, President, CAJ, [email protected]; Lisa Taylor, Associate professor, University of King's College, [email protected]; Danielle Stone, Past president, CMLA; [email protected]
Walmart to match in-store kettle donations up to $100,000

TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - As households across the country continue to feel the impact of challenging times, The Salvation Army is teaming up once again with Walmart Canada for the annual "Fill the Kettle Day," a one-day event dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need during the holiday season and throughout the year.

During Fill the Kettle Day on Saturday, December 20, Walmart Canada will generously match donations made by individuals to Salvation Army Christmas kettles in participating Walmart Canada stores nationwide, up to a maximum of $100,000.

Walmart to match in-store kettle donations up to $100,000 (CNW Group/The Salvation Army)

"Financial stress is widespread," says Lieut.-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for public relations. "Many families who come to us are skipping meals, cutting back on essentials and going into debt, just to get by. This winter, the demand is expected to be even higher."

With rising costs of groceries, housing, and essential services, more families than ever are turning to The Salvation Army for assistance. Last year, more than three million visits were made to The Salvation Army for support that included food banks, meal programs and shelter, and Christmas assistance that recorded 345,000 visits for food hampers and toys.

"We are seeing families who have never needed help before suddenly facing impossible choices," says Murray. "There is also good news. When people come to us for help, they report real gains. Families tell us they have better access to food, more stability, and renewed hope. The generosity we receive during Fill the Kettle Day directly fuels our ability to assist our friends and neighbours at a time when they need it most."

With a national fundraising goal of $22 million, The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign facilitates local units in providing basic necessities to those in need. Contributions also support life-changing programs, including substance-use recovery, housing support, and job and life-skills training, enabling individuals to escape the cycle of poverty.

Working Together to Make a Difference

Walmart has been a longstanding partner in supporting The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, offering high-visibility kettle locations and engaging customers who want to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Together, the two organizations amplify the spirit of giving and reach thousands of families each holiday season.

Since 2007, Walmart Canada and its customers have contributed over $44 million to The Salvation Army through the annual kettle campaign. This holiday season, Walmart Canada has already donated more than $55,000 to CTV Toy Mountain in Toronto, Ottawa and Winnipeg, assisting The Salvation Army in procuring new toys for distribution to children in need this Christmas.

The Salvation Army is also one of Walmart Canada's key donation partners for non-saleable merchandise. Walmart Canada's contributions help local branches provide essential items to individuals and families in need and fund programs that support people on their journey out of poverty.

"Hearing stories of families finding stability and renewed hope reminds us why Fill the Kettle Day matters," says Rob Nicol, vice president, corporate affairs and communications, Walmart Canada. "The Salvation Army is there when people need it most, and we're proud to join them by matching the in-store kettle donations on Fill the Kettle Day so support reaches further and helps Canadians live better."

The Importance of Giving This Season

Fill the Kettle Day serves as a reminder that every donation--no matter the amount--helps provide local families with meals, shelter and critical services. With needs rising and budgets tightening, community support is essential to ensuring The Salvation Army can continue its brand promise of "Giving Hope Today."

The Salvation Army encourages shoppers to look for the iconic red kettles at participating Walmart locations on Fill the Kettle Day, Saturday, December 20, and to give generously.

Lieut.-Colonel Murray expresses gratitude to supporters and partners like Walmart Canada for their instrumental role in ensuring struggling Canadians can experience a season of hope and assistance. In light of the growing concern among Canadians about meeting basic needs, he urges individuals to make a lasting impact in their communities by donating to a Christmas kettle, online at SalvationArmy.ca, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882. In Bermuda, the Army has been at work since 1896. Today, it is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country, offering hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and Bermuda and in more than 130 countries around the world.

We believe in the transformative power of a helping hand--empowering people to move forward, no matter where they're starting from. With open doors, open minds, and open hearts, The Salvation Army provides practical, personalized support to those facing poverty, homelessness, addiction, food insecurity, and other complex challenges.

Our services include hunger relief through food banks and meal programs; shelter and housing support; addiction rehabilitation; long-term and palliative care; and life-skills development such as budgeting and cooking. We also offer children and youth programming, including after-school activities, camps, school nutrition, and Christmas assistance such as food hampers and toys.

Supported by generous donors, volunteers, and community partners, The Salvation Army meets people in their moment of need--and stays with them for the journey ahead. When you give to The Salvation Army, you're investing in renewed hope, restored dignity, and a stronger future for overlooked individuals and families in your community.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca.

SOURCE The Salvation Army

For national media inquiries please contact: Glenn van Gulik, Territorial Communications, The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda, (613) 868-5560, [email protected]
DPG has been a longtime supporter of Moisson Laurentides, the major food bank serving the Blainville region where DPG is headquartered as well as the overall greater Laurentians region and MRC Les Moulins. Moisson Laurentides serves close to 25,000 disadvantaged people per year living in food insecurity.

A pivotal role in advancing the Group's community engagement initiatives plays a charity committee. This group currently has seven members who oversee the many activities to raise funds from employees that ultimately are matched and added to by DPG. In addition to supporting Moisson Laurentides, the committee organizes a company-wide vote every other year, allowing employees to select a second organization for DPG to support over the following two-year period. The most recent charity selected through this process, for 2025-26, is Chez Doris, a downtown Montreal organization helping to meet the needs of vulnerable women by providing a safe space where they can receive support and rebuild their lives.

Raising funds for both causes is a year-round effort by the committee and all employees. In 2025, $9,000 have been donated to both Moisson Laurentides and Chez Doris, for a total of $18,000. Since 2012, more than $135,000 has been given to Moisson Laurentides.

"Our community involvement is an important part of our culture at DPG," - Marie-Pier La Haye-Renaud, Associate Director of Drug Safety and Medical Information at DPG and a member of the employee charity committee. "I am proud and grateful for DPG's continued commitment to make a positive impact."

The efforts are appreciated. "Support from DPG has been very useful to the communities we serve,"  Guillaume Richard, General Manager of Moisson Laurentides. "We greatly appreciate everything DPG employees do to help in this vital community effort."

"Chez Doris is very pleased to have been chosen to benefit from DPG and its generous employees. Every action like this helps build a fairer world for all vulnerable women, where dignity is a right and not a privilege reserved for a select few" - Diane Pilote, Executive Director of Chez Doris.

ABOUT DUCHESNAY PHARMACEUTICAL GROUP

Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG), with its affiliated companies, is headquartered in Blainville, Quebec. The Group consists of six pharmaceutical companies to meet the needs of patients in Canada, the U.S. and abroad. The companies are Duchesnay (Canada) and Duchesnay USA, both dedicated to women's health; Medunik Canada and Medunik USA, which provide treatments for rare and debilitating diseases; and Analog Pharma Canada and Analog Pharma, specializing in orphan generic medications. From its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, DPG exports its innovative treatments to more than 50 countries.

DPG, through its proprietary research and development, and through exclusive partnerships, offers innovative treatments for a variety of medical conditions in women's health, urology, oncology and for rare diseases, plus lower-cost generic medications. DPG recognizes the dedication and professionalism of its employees and promotes a positive culture and flexible work environment. It is deeply committed to environmental responsibility and to giving back to the community through the support of various charitable organizations.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

DPG is one of the eight companies across the country chosen to participate in the Government of Canada's Global Hypergrowth Project in 2024-2025. This appointment offers exclusive and personalized support to accelerate its growth to become an anchor firm in the Canadian economy. DPG is also the winner of the 2024 Life Sciences Innovation Award by ADRIQ (Association for the Development of Research and Innovation of Quebec), while DPG president Eric Gervais is the recipient of the 2024 Bernard-Landry Award by ADRIQ which acknowledges his impactful leadership on Quebec's research and innovation ecosystem.

For more information, please visit https://duchesnaypharmaceuticalgroup.com/en.

Follow us on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG)

Media contact: Mariia Savchuk, Senior Advisor - Communications, [email protected], Mobile : +1 (263) 388-3141
Zelenskyy: At the request of the US, only presidential elections were considered, there is no consensus with Rada on online voting yet

Photo: The Presidential Office of Ukraine / www.president.gov.ua

The Ukrainian side did not discuss with the United States the issue of holding parliamentary and local elections in the country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"The United States of America made a request for presidential elections and I told them that I would be ready for such elections. We did not consider elections to the Rada and local elections," Zelenskyy said on Thursday, answering journalists questions about whether the prospect of holding only presidential elections in Ukraine, or also elections to the Verkhovna Rada and local self-government bodies, was being considered.

When asked how he felt about the possibility of remote voting, the president emphasized that he had always been a supporter of online voting, but there was no consensus on this issue with the Verkhovna Rada yet.

"I have always supported and raised the issue since the beginning of Covid regarding legislative changes so that people could vote online. So far, we have not found consensus with parliamentarians," he said.

Zelenskyy also answered the question of whether MPS have already worked on the law on elections: "As far as I know, there hasnt been any yet, but I have given them all the signals."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived at a meeting of the European Council, where the main issue is financial support for Ukraine for 2026-2027.

His arrival was broadcast live on the European Council television channel.

The Ukrainian head of state did not walk the red carpet to communicate with the press - he was immediately taken inside the Council building.
Photo: Pixabay

Due to daily shelling by the Russian Federation and a decrease in network capacity, canceling consumer outage schedules is currently not possible, Acting Minister of Energy of Ukraine Artem Nekrasov said at a morning briefing on Thursday.

"The energy system is currently being balanced at the expense of all available generation, electricity imports and the application of restriction schedules by regions," he said.

According to the head of the Ministry of Energy, an additional 800 MW of electrical capacity is expected to be released in the near future, which will be redistributed among consumers. To this end, a working group under the Ministry of Energy has submitted to regional military administrations lists of facilities that are not critical and should be transferred to general outage schedules.

As Nekrasov noted, the government is also focusing on the development of distributed generation. An additional 300 MW of capacity is expected to be introduced by the end of the year. In addition, households and businesses have already installed solar power plants with a total capacity of about 1 GW. Currently, the programs "Affordable Loans 5-7-9" and the state support program "Energy Independence of Individuals - Household Owners" continue to operate for citizens.

"Today, our primary task is to preserve and create conditions for strengthening the Ukrainian energy system. And all measures taken are aimed at achieving this goal," the acting minister emphasized.

According to the National Power Company (NPC) Ukrenergo, on December 18, as a result of previous massive attacks by the Russian Federation on the energy system, consumption restriction measures are applied in most regions of Ukraine: capacity restriction schedules for industrial consumers and businesses and hourly outages.
Akbar Novruz



Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said he asked Russia to urgently restore several key railway lines, Azernews reports via Armenian media.

According to Pashinyan, the request concerns the railway line from Yeraskh (Arazdeyan) to the border with Nakhchivan, as well as the AkhurikTurkiye border railway section. He also noted plans to raise the issue of restoring the GazakhIjevan railway line, expressing hope that Russia would respond to the appeal as soon as possible.

At the same time, Pashinyan welcomed the start of oil product supplies from Azerbaijan to Armenia. Speaking to journalists, he confirmed that a train loaded with Azerbaijani oil products had departed and was en route to Armenia.

Trade is carried out between private companies, but it is the peace established between the Republic of Armenia and Azerbaijan that has created political conditions for this, the Armenian prime minister emphasized.

It should be noted that SOCAR has, for the first time, delivered locally sourced oil products to Armenia. A total of 1,220 tons of AI-95 automotive gasoline, loaded into 22 wagons, was dispatched by an Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) freight train from the Baku Freight Station to the Boyuk Kesik station, from where it will be transported to Armenia via Georgian territory.

The first batch is being shipped in line with the agreement reached at the meeting of Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigorian held in Gabala on November 28. The export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia is purely commercial in nature, with gasoline sold at international market prices.

Earlier, on December 8, Georgias Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development stated that on December 5 it had received an application from partners in Tbilisi for a one-time fuel transit from Azerbaijan to Armenia via Georgia. By the decision of Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgian Railways was instructed to immediately implement a one-time, completely free transportation of cargo by rail, the statement said.

The developments demonstrate that the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia is being implemented not only at a political level but also through practical economic steps. The export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia reflects the economic dividends of the peace process and is seen as an important move toward establishing broader economic and trade relations between the two countries and across the wider region.
According to European intelligence agencies, Belgian politicians and senior financial executives have been the victims of an intimidation campaign organized by Russian intelligence to persuade the country to block the use of assets worth EUR 185 billion for Ukraine, The Guardian has reported.

"Security officials indicated to the Guardian that there had been deliberate targeting of key figures at Euroclear, the securities depository holding the majority of Russias frozen assets, and leaders of the country," the report states.

Officials believe that Russias military intelligence agency, the GRU, is behind the campaign, although there is controversy over the extent of the threat.

"They are undoubtedly using intimidation tactics," said one European official.

The threats were directed at Valerie Urbain, Euroclears chief executive, and other executives at the financial group.

Euroclear declined to comment: Any potential threats are treated as a matter of priority and are investigated thoroughly, often with the support of the relevant authorities.
Less than a quarter (22%) of Ukrainians have not heard anything about the investigation into corruption in the energy sector involving high-ranking state officials, 77% know about it, but only 35% have heard a lot about it and understand its essence, and 42% have heard something, but do not have a holistic idea, according to the results of a sociological survey on public perception of the anti-corruption investigation within the framework of the "Mindich tapes," conducted from November 26 to December 13 by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).

Respondents who know about this investigation were asked additional questions. 71% of them claim that in their opinion it is justified and the mentioned corrupt actions most likely really took place. In contrast, 15% believe that the investigation is dubious and its main goal is to put pressure on the top leadership of the state, and the same number could not decide on their opinion.

Also, among those who know about the investigation, 59% believe that the President of Ukraine is personally responsible for the corrupt actions of the co-owner of the Kvartal 95 studio Tymur Mindich. Some 30% do not consider the President personally responsible, 11% could not decide.

Two-thirds (67%) believe that the level of corruption in Ukraine has increased after the full-scale Russian invasion, although in September 2025, before the investigation into corruption in the energy sector, even more believed so - 71%. 19% believe that the level of corruption has not changed, and another 7% believe that it has even decreased.

"The anti-corruption investigation within the framework of the Mindich recordings rightly outraged the Ukrainian public. At the same time, we would like to draw attention to the fact that the majority of Ukrainians (59%, in September - 56%) continue to believe that there are indeed attempts to fight corruption in Ukraine and there are positive developments. And the share of those who consider Ukraine "hopelessly corrupt" has even decreased. Also, if we talk about the impact on trust in the president, the level of trust decreased by about 10%, but in December it was restored against the backdrop of peace negotiations The Ukrainian authorities must certainly draw the right conclusions and continue to make decisions that would provide the public with evidence that they (the authorities) are committed to overcoming corruption," said Anton Hrushetsky, executive director of KIIS.

The survey was conducted using telephone interviews (CATI) based on a random sample of mobile phone numbers in all controlled regions of Ukraine among 1,000 adult respondents. Formally, under normal circumstances, the statistical error of such a sample (with a probability of 0.95 and taking into account the design effect of 1.3) did not exceed 4.1% for indicators close to 50% and 1.8% for indicators close to 5%, but under war conditions, a certain systematic deviation is added to it. As reported, on November 10, National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) announced a large-scale operation to expose corruption in the energy sector, which was called "Midas". The activities of a high-level criminal organization have been documented, whose members built a large-scale corruption scheme to influence strategic state-sector enterprises, in particular Energoatom.

Among the participants in the "Midas" scheme identified by the NABU are a member of the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) Serhiy Pushkar, businessman Tymur Mindich, former executive director for physical protection and security of Energoatom Dmytro Basov, and former advisor to the Minister of Energy, and previously deputy head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine Ihor Myronyuk.

Mindich left Ukraine on November 10, a few hours before the searches. As stated in the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, on legal grounds.
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. was acquitted Thursday of all charges that he abused his teenage daughter and asked her to lie about it, ending the trial that threatened to derail his 22-year political career.

Small, a 51-year-old Democrat, faced up to 25 years in prison on charges of endangering the welfare of a child, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and witness tampering. He was reelected mayor in November to a four-year term.

Small spent two-and-half-days awaiting a verdict, which was reached after repeated questions from jurors on legal definitions and requests to review evidence. The jury notably asked what to do if they werent unanimous on a count.

Twice during deliberations, the jury returned to the courtroom to review video used as evidence to prosecute Small and his testimony over an alleged assault of his daughter involving a broom.

After the verdict came back just after noon on Thursday, announcing not guilty for each of the four charges, the courtroom cheered.

Thank you, jury! Small said.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. speaks outside Superior Court of Atlantic County in Mays Landing, N.J. following his acquittal on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media

The verdict capped a two-year investigation that began in early 2023 and led to criminal charges in April 2024.

Its the third time Small has faced criminal charges as an elected official, and each time hes been found not guilty. In New Jersey, anyone convicted of a third-degree crime or higher is prohibited from serving in public office.

Small rejected at least one plea deal that would have spared him jail time but barred him from holding future public office. In the months before trial, Small and his wife, LaQuetta, who is facing a trial of her own, unsuccessfully sought to have the charges dismissed.

Outside the courthouse on Thursday, Small and his lawyers expressed appreciation to the jury. He touted his commitment to his role as mayor despite two indictments and a widely publicized criminal investigation.

Theres a lot of political forces out there that are against the leadership of my wife and I, Small said with his supporters behind him and flanked by his legal team. But, guess what? The people of Atlantic City want us, the people of Atlantic City need us, and the people of Atlantic City deserve us.

Small declined to comment on both criminal cases against his wife and Constance Days-Chapman, the embattled Atlantic City principal accused of not reporting the child abuse allegations to state officials.

When asked if he could rekindle his relationship with his daughter, Small said, Once a best friend, always a best friend.

Like I said, we stayed prayed up, Small said. We prayed for our daughter. She knows I love her.

Assistant Atlantic County Prosecutors Elizabeth Fischer and Christopher DEsposito led the states case, portraying Small and his wife as abusive parents during December 2023 and January 2024. They argued Small exerted control over his daughter during her sophomore year of high school.

At a press conference Thursday, Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds disagreed with the verdict but stressed the importance of the legal process. The outcome, he said, shouldnt discourage any other victims of child abuse to report their claims to police.

The unfortunate part of this is a young girl, who had the courage to come forward, was not believed, Reynolds said.

The prosecution relied heavily on testimony from the now 17-year-old, who told jurors her father punched her during an argument in his man cave.

Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds speaks at a press conference after Mayor Marty Small's aquittal at Atlantic County Superior Court in Mays Landing on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media

In another instance, she claimed he struck her repeatedly with a broom, rendering her briefly unconscious. According to testimony, she did not see a doctor for three days. The defense countered by depicting Small as a loving father caught in escalating household tensions.

On the fourth day of testimony, Small took the stand as the defenses lead witness, denying the allegations. It marked his first public response to his daughters claims in nearly two years.

Small testified that the relationship with his daughter deteriorated over her involvement with a boyfriend he described as having a poor reputation. He said he and his wife faced challenges disciplining their daughter, who repeatedly defied them.

In his hour-long closing argument Tuesday, defense attorney Louis Barbone argued that the case against Mayor Small stemmed from a family dispute, not criminal conduct.

Barbone called the trial a spectacle because of Smalls position.

The defense presented 43 character witnesses and pointed to a video filmed by the Smalls that Barbone claimed could clear the mayor in five minutes.

When she got the prosecutors office behind her, she had a friend, Barbone said of the teen.

In her own hour-long summation, Fischer urged jurors to heed the cries of a child abused by her parents.

Its the only true verdict in this case. You know it, youve seen it, and now its your time to say it, the assistant prosecutor told the jury.

She accused Small of leveraging political influence to sway the outcome.

They think you can be easily fooled, she said of the defense. Dont let them.

The investigation into the allegations became public in March 2024 when authorities executed a search warrant at the Smalls home on Presbyterian Avenue.

The mayor and his wife were charged in April 2024 and indicted several months later.

Small survived criminal charges in two other instances during his career.

He and five others were cleared of voter fraud charges tied to his unsuccessful 2009 mayoral campaign. And in 2006, three years into his tenure as an Atlantic City councilman, Small was found not guilty of ballot fraud allegations in a previous election.

LaQuetta Small is scheduled for her own, separate trial in January.

Days-Chapman is also charged in connection with the case.

She faces an official misconduct charge for allegedly failing to report the teenagers abuse claims to state authorities. No trial date has been set in her case.
Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian is facing a lawsuit over unpaid debt tied to Wonderland Pier, the former boardwalk amusement park now slated for a major hotel redevelopment.

The suit, filed in August, names Gillian, his wife Michele, and his company GILAMCO as defendants, along with Eustace Mita, owner of ICONA Resorts.

Mita bought Wonderland Pier in 2021 when it was on the brink of foreclosure and has proposed a $170 million resort hotel on the site.

The debt stems from a long-running financial battle. Gillian closed Wonderland Pier in October 2024. Earlier this month, he revealed he had filed for personal bankruptcy but said he plans to seek reelection.

Asked for comment, Gillian replied by text: Sorry, cant comment on litigation.

The former amusement park Gillian's Wonderland Pier in Ocean City, N.J. is a locked site on Monday, October 27, 2025. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media

Court records show Gillian has not paid any part of a $595,619 judgment entered in March 2024 to settle a prior lawsuit over a loan taken out in 2009.

That loan, originally $1.5 million, was modified several times. By 2013, Gillian was required to pay $100,000 annually plus interest.

Payments were deferred during the pandemic, then restructured in 2022 to require $160,000 in principal payments. The bank argued Gillian defaulted, and a judge ordered him to paybut more than a year later, nothing has been paid.

Patricia Gillian, Jays stepmother, now owns most of that judgment through her irrevocable trust, which holds an 80% interest; the bank retains 20%.

Willis Flower, an attorney representing Patricia Gillians trust, the suits lead plaintiff, did not return several requests by NJ Advance Media for comment.

The new lawsuit claims Mita and his company should redirect consulting payments owed to Jay under a 2021 agreement, $200,000 a year after a lease ended in December 2024, toward satisfying the judgment.

So far, those payments have not been turned over.

Mita reopened part of Wonderland Pier this summer for arcade games and pizza while pursuing his ICONA-branded hotel plan.

In a message to NJ Advance Media, Mita considered himself a safety net on the unclaimed debt.

We have no liability and are looking for dismissal, Mita said.

Earlier this month, Ocean City Council voted to designate the property as an area in need of redevelopment," a key step that now awaits planning board approval.
A social media post claiming that Dulce Maria Alavez was found dead in a wooded area is false, prosecutors said on Wednesday.

The phony post said that the body of Dulce, the Bridgeton girl who has been missing since 2019, was found in a wooded area by hunters at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. The post, which spelled the girls last name incorrectly, also stated that authorities were examining her remains.

In statement on Wednesday afternoon, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said that the information in the post was false.

Please be advised that these reports are not confirmed and are untrue, McRae said in the statement. No one has reported finding remains at this time.

Dulce was 5 years old when she vanished during a family outing at Bridgeton City Park on Sept. 16, 2019. Her disappearance sparked a massive search effort and drew international media attention.

Investigators believe someone took Dulce from the park, but her whereabouts remain unknown. She would be 11 years old now.

Dulce had recently started kindergarten when the family traveled to the park the afternoon of her disappearance.

Her mother, Noema Alavez Perez, said she parked the car and allowed Dulce and her 3-year-old brother, Manuel, to run to the playground. Alavez Perez said she remained behind with her younger sister in the vehicle.

When Alavez Perez walked over to the playground a short time later, she said Dulce was gone. After the family searched the park, Alavez Perez called 911 to report her daughter missing.

Dulces family and supporters gathered at the park earlier this fall to mark the sixth anniversary of her disappearance and pray for her return.

Over the years, investigators have released age progression photos in an attempt to find Dulce. Detectives are now utilizing AI to try to solve the mystery. A reward for information leading to her return stands at $75,000.

Webb McRae is asking anyone with information about the false post or Dulces disappearance to contact the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office. An anonymous tip line is available on the county website.
One of New Jerseys largest school districts has approved a new cellphone policy preventing students from using them in class or while riding the bus.

The Toms River Regional Board of Education voted 7-0 Wednesday night to prohibit personal use of electronic communications devices on school grounds during the academic day, including during activities and programs taking place before or after classes.

By extending the restriction to school buses, it appears to go a step beyond the bell-to-bell recommendation from a state commission exploring the effects of social media usage on students. Bell-to-bell means prohibiting cellphone use during the entire academic day, from when students arrive until they leave.

Toms River Regionals new policy covers a wide range of devices: cell phones, pagers, beepers, laptop computers, watches, electronic readers, two-way radios, audio or video broadcasting devices, ear buds, tablets and headphones.

The policy the Toms River Board of Education adopted simply memorializes the things weve always done here in the district, Toms River Regional Superintendent Michael Citta told NJ Advance Media on Thursday.

Students are not allowed to have their phones out during instruction. It limits distractions and maximizes teachers capacity to teach, and thus students capacity to learn, Citta said.

Board members did not comment on the policy before voting.

Toms River Regional has 18 schools, including three high schools and three middle schools, and enrolls approximately 15,000 students from Toms River, Beachwood, Pine Beach and South Toms River. It was the states sixth-largest school district as of five years ago.

Toms River Regional is the latest district to adopt a cellphone policy amid discussions of a statewide restriction. The school board in Jersey City, New Jerseys second-largest city, approved a policy prohibiting cellphones and other personal communications devices in classrooms starting Oct. 1.

State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin recently told NJ Advance Media that he would support a bell-to-bell ban, though the Legislature has not proceeded with a vote and the current session ends Jan. 20.

A statewide policy in New York that took effect in September bars unsanctioned use of cellphones and other devices for the entire school day.

Many of New Jerseys approximately 600 public school districts already restrict cellphone use in classrooms but the policies and punishments vary. Some require students to keep their phones off and out of sight, while others provide locations for the devices to be stored during the school day.

The new policy in Toms River Regional, similar to policies elsewhere, includes exceptions for students with disabilities or health issues.

It says that students are encouraged not to bring electronic communications devices to school. But, if they do, the devices must be turned off and stored in a backpack, book bag or locker.

Any students wanting to contact their parent must request permission from a staff member to go to the main office to use the school phone. Parents needing to contact their child should contact the main office.

Penalties range from a written warning for a first offense, one-day detention for a second offense and removal from regular classes for one day via an alternative education program for a third offense.

This story has been updated with a comment from Michael Citta.
School districts in all 21 New Jersey counties are receiving grants under a new state program aimed at toughening cellphone restrictions for students, officials said.

Around $980,000 is being awarded to 86 districts, including 15 charter schools, under the Phone-Free Schools Grant Program, according to the New Jersey Department of Education.

The program was announced Oct. 1, two weeks after a New Jersey commission urged all schools to prohibit students from using cellphones and social media during the school day.

Districts getting the grants will use the funding to implement policies banning cellphones and other electronic devices bell-to-bell, which means prohibiting use during the entire school day, for students in grades 6 through 12, officials said.

They may use the funding to implement secure storage systems such as lockers, locked pouch systems, or check-in cabinets. They may also use it to train employees on ensuring consistent and equitable application of the bell-to-bell policies, officials said.

Gov. Phil Murphy said that removing cellphones from schools helps educators, it helps parents, and most of all, it helps our kids.

If we want to provide New Jerseys children with a world-class education, we need to give schools the tools necessary to remove the very distractions that rob students of their attention and their concentration, Murphy said.

The largest grant, $52,451, is being awarded to the Union City School District in Hudson County. Several received $1,000, the lowest amount.

Many of New Jerseys approximately 600 public school districts already restrict cellphone use in classrooms but the policies and punishments vary. Some require students to keep their phones off and out of sight, while others provide locations for the devices to be stored during the school day.

Below is a list of the districts receiving grants:

Atlantic County

Absecon Public Schools District  $2,499.80

Egg Harbor Township School District  $32,513.74

Pleasantville Public School District  $15,220.18

Bergen County

Alpine School District  $1,000.00

Englewood Public School District  $12,910.48

Ramsey School District  $10,730.80

Wallington Boro School District  $5,015.22

Burlington County

Florence Township School District  $6,875.64

Pemberton Township School District  $14,991.50

Springfield Township School District  $1,000.00

Willingboro Public School District  $14,323.38

Camden County

Black Horse Pike Regional School District  $27,961.44

Gloucester City Public School District  $10,823.52

KIPP: Cooper Norcross (NJ Nonprofit)  $10,820.00

Sterling Regional School District  $6,872.32

Cape May County

Ocean City School District  $10,290.38

Cumberland County

Cumberland Regional School District  $9,950.00

Deerfield Township School District  $1,000.00

Essex County

East Orange School District  $36,651.12

Essex Regional Educational Services Commission  $1,000.00

Irvington Public School District  $27,928.40

Newark Public School District  $176,625.08

Orange Public Schools  $23,469.10

South OrangeMaplewood School District  $28,257.02

Gloucester County

Clayton Public School District  $5,984.92

Glassboro School District  $7,971.32

Logan Township School District  $2,074.34

Paulsboro School District  $5,342.60

Hudson County

Guttenberg School District  $2,723.42

Harrison Public Schools  $10,633.30

Union City School District  $52,451.18

Weehawken Public School District  $5,630.00

Hunterdon County

Bethlehem Township School District  $1,000.00

Bloomsbury Borough School District  $1,000.00

Frenchtown Borough School District  $1,000.00

Mercer County

Trenton Public School District  $55,573.44

Middlesex County

Carteret Public School District  $17,028.14

South Amboy School District  $5,286.72

Monmouth County

Asbury Park School District  $5,156.96

Belmar Elementary School District  $1,000.00

Morris County

Chester Township School District  $2,696.84

Hanover Park Regional High School District  $10,046.46

Hanover Township School District  $3,280.00

Kinnelon School District  $6,988.18

Mendham Borough School District  $1,282.54

Ocean County

Central Regional School District  $17,208.26

Pinelands Regional School District  $12,624.88

Tuckerton Borough School District  $1,000.00

Passaic County

Hawthorne Public School District  $8,753.46

Lakeland Regional High School District  $6,691.98

West Milford Township Public School District  $13,094.62

Salem County

Alloway Township School District  $1,000.00

Mannington Township School District  $1,000.00

The Lower Alloways Creek School District  $1,000.00

Penns GroveCarneys Point Regional School District  $9,271.32

Salem City School District  $5,570.72

Upper Pittsgrove Township School District  $1,000.00

WoodstownPilesgrove Regional School District  $6,892.62

Somerset County

Warren Township School District  $4,384.98

Sussex County

Andover Regional School District  $1,203.88

Frankford Township Consolidated School District  $1,246.92

Hampton Township School District  $1,000.00

Kittatinny Regional School District  $5,686.00

Lenape Valley Regional High School District  $5,520.22

Montague Township School District  $1,000.00

SandystonWalpack Consolidated School District  $1,000.00

Union County

Hillside Public School District  $12,359.60

Plainfield Public School District  $34,337.56

Roselle Public School District  $13,937.70

Township of Union School District  $33,747.70

Warren County

Belvidere School District  $3,176.64

Charter Schools
South Orange police say the carjacking that took place on the Seton Hall University campus on Tuesday morning was committed by two armed men wearing masks.

The carjacking took place at about 7:20 a.m. as a Seton Hall employee pulled into a parking lot near the universitys Human Resources building, police said.

Two men in ski masks got out of a black Infiniti and demanded the employees BMW at gunpoint.

The carjackers then fled in the vehicles east on South Orange Avenue, police said.

The employee was not injured. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

South Orange police said there is no threat to the community.
A 17-year-old has been charged in the shooting death of a 16-year-old in an apartment in Jersey City last week, authorities said.

Investigators charged the alleged shooter with aggravated manslaughter, weapons offenses and tampering with evidence, the Hudson County Prosecutors Office said Thursday. He was not identified because of his age.

Al-Jahmir Curry, 16, of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, was shot in the upper body at about 5:10 p.m. on Rose Avenue, prosecutors said.

Emergency workers pronounced him dead at the scene about 20 minutes later.

A motive was not disclosed.

A GoFundMe established to help his family with funeral expenses described the teen as a beloved father, friend, and brother, always knowing how to cheer someone up or put a smile on anyones face.
Two Powerball tickets worth $200,000 and eight worth $50,000 were sold in New Jersey for Wednesdays lottery drawing as the jackpot jumps to $1.5 billion without a big winner.

One of the $200,000 tickets was sold at QuickChek on West Main Street in Rockaway, Morris County.

The other $200,000 Powerball winner was bought on Lotto.com.

Both winners spent an extra $1, quadrupling the value of the second-prize tickets.

The $50,000 Powerball tickets were bought at the following locations:

Phil and John Grocery on Kennedy Boulevard in Bayonne, Hudson County

EZ Quick Food Store on Morris Avenue in Elizabeth, Union County

7-Eleven on Cedar Lane in Teaneck, Bergen County

Red Bank Liquors on West Street in Red Bank, Monmouth County

Krauszers Food Store on Broad Street in Bloomfield, Essex County

Stop & Go Blimpie on Alston Street in the Kendall Park section of South Brunswick, Middlesex County

In addition, there were $50,000 tickets sold to players who used the Jackpocket app in Burlington County and on Jackpot.com in Ocean County.

All matched four numbers plus the Powerball.

Wednesdays winning numbers were: 25, 33, 53, 62 and 66. The Powerball drawn was 17 with a Power Play of 4x.

No one across the country hit the $1.27 billion jackpot, pushing the top prize for the next drawing Saturday to an estimated $1.5 billion with a cash option of $686.5 million.

If someone wins, it would be the seventh largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history.

Eight second-prize tickets were sold for Wednesdays drawing, each of which matched five numbers but not the Powerball.

Tickets in Arizona and Massachusetts are worth $2 million each.

Three tickets in New York, plus one each in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Tennessee are valued at $1 million apiece.

There have been 43 drawings held since the jackpot was last won.

Two ticket holders  one in Missouri and one in Texas  split a $1.787 billion prize on Sept. 6, the second-largest in U.S. lottery history.

The odds of hitting the Powerball jackpot are more than 292 million to 1.

A player who buys a $2 ticket has about a 1 in 11,688,053 chance of matching five numbers but not the Powerball. That would win a second prize of at least $1 million.

Powerball drawings are held each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.


A former student who was sexually abused for years by her high school teacher has filed a lawsuit claiming two of the teachers family members who worked in the school district knew of the abuse and did nothing.

The victim, now in her mid-20s, states in court papers her English teacher, Michael Canning, began grooming her in 2015 when she was a sophomore in his class at Red Bank Regional High School.

Additionally, she claims people employed by the district who are related to Canning knew or should have known about the alleged abuse.

NJ Advance Media is withholding the names of the family members, who are identified in the lawsuit but have not been charged with a crime.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in Monmouth County Superior Court, names as defendants Canning, two people who were related to him, the Red Bank Regional Board of Education, the high school, and several unnamed individuals and corporations.

Canning pleaded guilty in July 2023 to one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He was sentenced in April 2024 and is serving a four-year prison sentence at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Avenel.

Canning is eligible for parole in January 2027, according to the New Jersey Department of Corrections.

Red Bank Schools Superintendent Louis B. Moore declined to discuss the lawsuit, saying he cannot comment on pending litigation.

According to the lawsuit filed the girl was 15 years old when Canning began sending her texts and emails.

While this relationship was inappropriate, initially, it was not sexual. It was, however, designed to groom and build (the victims) trust in Canning, states the suit.

The lawsuit states between 2015 and 2017, Canning sexually assaulted and had highly perverted and depraved inappropriate sexual contact with the girl while she was a student at the high school.

He plied the girl with alcohol and marijuana and had sexual contact with the student, sometimes in the presence of other students and once when a janitor was around.

The lawsuit claims that Canning would invite the girl to the home he shared with his wife when she was not home.

He would make the girl hide behind dumpsters at the apartment complex and would look out the windows to make sure nobody was coming before inviting her inside.

The lawsuit says Canning had unprotected sex with the victim, telling her he could not use condoms because his wife might find them in the garbage.

To avoid pregnancy, Canning made the girl insert hydrogen peroxide and diluted acetone into her body, according to court papers.

(The victim) suffered great pain from this but Canning told (her) it was necessary to prevent her from getting pregnant, the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit says Cannings family member discovered explicit text messages between him and the girl during her senior year and told him to change his phone number.

The family member, who worked for the district, allegedly told another family member about the texts. But neither reported Canning to the administration or police, the suit says.

The lawsuit says the relationship with Canning left the girl depressed and suicidal. She reported him to authorities after learning that Canning was having relationships with other female students, according to court papers.

Nothing will ever undo the pain and harm done to this young lady, but this lawsuit is designed to make sure that the school, board members and the rest of these adults dont fail other children in the future, Christopher D. Adams, the attorney who filed the suit, said in a statement to NJ Advance Media.

Canning was arrested for sexual assault in November 2022. He pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child on July 17, 2023.

The following year, he was sentenced to four years in prison.

The lawsuit alleges violations of the New Jersey Child Sex Abuse Act, claiming Canning and two of his family members knew of the abuse.

The suit also claims the high school and district were passive abusers in that they were vicariously liable for Cannings actions.

NJ Advance Media Staff Writer Keith Sargeant contributed to this report.
Mercer County has opened online surveys for residents to submit their ideas for the planning of the proposed Harlan Joseph Peace Park in Trenton.

The proposed park will honor Harlan Bruce Joseph, of Trenton, a community activist and Lincoln University seminary student who was shot and killed on April 9, 1968, by a police officer during the 1968 riots.

In the wake of the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., riots broke out in nearly 200 cities across the United States, including New Jerseys capital city, Smithsonian Magazine reported.

Joseph, who grew up in Trentons historic Ewing Carroll neighborhood, attempted to plead for peace during the riots after several days of violent incidents, fires and looting in Trenton, according to the citys website.

Today, Mercer County has partnered with the City of Trenton and the Rescue Mission of Trenton to build a proposed park to honor Josephs legacy in the historic EwingCarroll neighborhood where he grew up.

Conceptual graphic of the proposed Harlan Joseph Peace Park, at Trenton's Ewing Carroll neighborhood. Michael Graves Architecture & Design

As part of the planning process, the county is asking community members to complete an online survey to provide input on the park.

The success of a project is best measured by how well it serves the needs of its community, said Samuel Weiss, the countys deputy director of communications.

Weiss said the county expects to close the survey during the first full week of January 2026, but has not set an official date.

The residents who would use this park, and those who would live or work nearby, are the ones who best understand their own needs, said Weiss. By engaging them early in the process, the county and our partners can calibrate the project in accordance with their feedback and ideas.

Conceptual graphic of the proposed Harlan Joseph Peace Park, which will be located in the Ewing Carroll neighborhood in Trenton. Michael Graves Architecture & Design

Weiss said the county is also finalizing a date for a public hearing, which will include a full informational presentation and offer an additional venue for public input.

The proposed park will be located on two city-owned properties, Weiss said, including an empty 0.4-acre lot at the corner of Ogden and Ewing streets.

The second property is a fenced-off 0.18-acre grass area, known as Southard Park, at the corner of Ewing and Southard streets, Weiss confirmed.

To fund the building of the proposed park, Weiss said the county is applying for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections (NJDEP) Green Acres Park Development program.

Seeking public feedback, Weiss said, is also a required element of any Green Acres Park Development application.

We have not reached any definitive determinations for the total budget of the park, said Weiss. We anticipate requesting approximately $1.2 million in grant funding from the departments Green Acres program.

Weiss said that if the project is funded, the county will oversee construction of the park, which is projected to begin in mid-2027.

Once complete, the City of Trenton would lease the land to the Rescue Mission, and the Rescue Mission would manage and maintain the park, said Weiss.

To submit a survey, visit the countys website.

For more information about the proposed Harlan Joseph Peace Park, visit the parks website.
European Council President Antonio Costa has welcomed the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the European Council meeting.

Costa posted the corresponding question on his page on the X social network, accompanying his photo, in which he and the Ukrainian President are sitting at an oval table with other EU leaders.

"Peace is not cheap. It is priceless. Since the start of Russias aggression, the people of Ukraine have been paying the ultimate price for their freedom. Europe remains resolute in supporting them for as long as it takes," Costa said.
New Jersey nursing homes are required to conduct criminal background checks before hiring employees who provide care for their residents.

Not all do, a new federal report found.

The inspector general for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said the state failed to ensure that nursing homes complied with federal requirements prohibiting the employment of individuals with disqualifying backgrounds.

But New Jersey Department of Health officials said their hands were effectively tied because the Legislature has not given them the authority to conduct background checks, which are done instead through third-party companies.

In an audit of the state, 11 of the 12 nursing homes examined by the federal inspectors did not comply or did not document compliance with background check requirements for 33 of 120 employees reviewed.

According to the report:

Nine of the nursing homes audited allowed staff members to provide care before completing a background check.

Four nursing homes employed a total of six staff members without ever performing background checks.

One did not provide documentation that it had performed background checks for 10 selected staff members.

The audit did not indicate whether any of the individuals cited had issues that would have prohibited them from working in long-term care.

According to the report, the states nursing homes  which have chronically have had serious understaffing issues  did not have sufficient procedures to ensure that background checks were properly conducted for all staff members.

This put residents at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment, inspectors said.

The audit added that New Jerseys own monitoring protocols also were not adequate to prevent nursing homes from employing individuals with disqualifying backgrounds.

In comments from the state included in the report, New Jersey officials said that as of June 2023, recertification surveys now include reviewing files for all new hires from the date of the last recertification survey. They also noted plans to increase educational outreach to facilities.

But acting state Health Commissioner Jeffrey Brown also pointed out that the New Jersey Legislature has not given the state Department of Health the authority to run its own criminal history background checks.

Businesses are running third-party background checks, he explained in a letter to the inspector generals office. Brown added that if the Department of Health had authority to run background checks through the State Police and FBI, the state would be in full compliance.

Laurie Facciarossa Brewer, New Jerseys Long-Term Care Ombudsman, said she found the report shocking and deeply concerning.

Clearly, the state needs to tighten up its oversight in this area, she said. The vast majority of direct care workers are caring people with spotless records. But there is no margin for error here. People living in nursing homes are an easy target for neglect, maltreatment and financial exploitation. We must do better.

Andrew Aronson, president and CEO of the Health Care Association of New Jersey, which represents the states long-term care industry, said New Jersey law specifically requires criminal background checks for all nurse aides as well as other health care professionals in nursing homes.

We fully support these background check laws and efforts by the NJ Department of Health to ensure compliance, he said.
Newark Liberty International Airport could also be known as a stress center  especially during the holiday travel period which will see millions of flyers during the 10-day holiday season travel period.

Travelers picking up cars from Hertz at the airport Wednesday were met by some furry, wet-nosed, tail-wagging stress relievers whose only job was to be petted.

Four friendly Golden Retrievers who are part of the Hertz Gold Squad were there to give a little moment of relaxation for Hertz Gold Plus customers after they disembarked from flights and were starting the next leg of their journey.

If there was an indication of how well the dogs do their job, the entire LaFlace family of Charleston South Carolina stopped to pet them. Their daughter Isabella smiled with delight while petting them.

Who doesnt love a bunch of dogs, right Izzy? said her dad, Joshua LaFlace, as they were picking up a rental to drive to the Poconos. And we love dogs. We had to leave our two behind for a week.

Of the familys three dogs, a black Labrador, a Bullmastiff mix, and an American Pitbull, Izzy said the Lab was her favorite because he picked her. But she might have found a new best friend.

Theyre so soft, she said with a smile.

Despite some holiday hustle and bustle, the four Golden Retrievers were possibly the most chill individuals in the building.

The first four people here this morning all said they had golden retrievers, Jillian Kober, Hertz Area vice president, who is one of four handlers. It gives our customers a chance during the busy holiday travel season to get some golden time with our golden retrievers, a little comfort and joy.

The Gold Squad program started this year at Dallas and will end the year at Newark on Friday. The dogs are highly trained, and Golden Retrievers were the breed selected for their calm temperament, she said.

Hertz picked rental car counters rather than the busier airport because is usually the last leg of a trip when travelers are often exhausted from a long day of traveling, and the dogs provided a welcome relief, even if it is for a moment.

Two women stopped on their way at Hertz Gold Plus rental car center in Newark Airport Thursday to pet Golden Retrievers who are part of Hertz Gold Squad, trained dogs who visit airports to help travelers relieve their stress. SL

Two women who were rushing to the rental counter broke stride and stopped to pet them.

Newark is one of our hot spots for winter season, Kober said. Well interact with many renting and returning cars.

One traveler said he wasnt sure if the vest clad dogs were working dogs and were allowed to be petted.

I thought it was a service dog at first, thats why didnt want to pet them, said Bob Hawk who just arrived on Jet Blue from Orlando. It makes people relax a little more.

But after realizing it was OK, Hawk and his wife couldnt resist giving them a much-appreciated scratch behind the ears.

It makes people relax a little more, he said.

I had a black retriever, unfortunately he passed a few years ago and we couldnt get another because our daughter is allergic, he said. Its definitely cool.

Newark was selected partly because it was recently named the most stressful airport in the world , according to a study by iSelect insurance and reported in Travel and Leisure. The study examined 50 international airports.

One reason is the sheer volume of passengers. As of October, 38.9 million people have flown into and out of Newark, according to Port Authority data.

United Airlines, Newark Airports biggest carrier, expects 1.3 million people to fly to or through Newark with Saturday, Dec. 20, being the busiest day at Newark, said Brian Hammel, a spokesperson.

The study found the airport lacking when it came to the ease of getting there, that it had one of the worst baggage claim scores, and had one of the highest rates of canceled departures.

But the magazines editors also saw the airports advantages, saying they swear by it when going in and out of the greater New York City area.

And for two of those hectic travel days, there were friendly fuzzy faces to calm the most harried traveler.

The Gold Squad will return to different airports in 2026, Kober said.

Most customers are embracing the dogs, hugging and petting the dogs and taking photos, she said.

Mission accomplished.
A former school employee previously indicted on sexual assault charges in Atlantic County has now been indicted in Ocean County.

Darnell Williams, 34, was indicted Wednesday by a jury in Ocean County on charges of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, the prosecutors office said on Thursday.

Those charges stem from the alleged sexual assault of a girl between 2010 and 2013. The girl was in his care, officials said.

Last month, a grand jury in Atlantic County indicted Williams on 13 counts of sexual assault of a victim under 13, endangering the welfare of a child by sexual contact, and official misconduct.

Each of the Atlantic County victims, according to affidavits of probable cause, was sexually assaulted in similar ways. Williams had all three sit on his lap, touched them under their shirt and kissed two of the victims.

He had become friends with two of the victims families, according to the Atlantic County court documents

Two of the victims were assaulted at William Davies Middle School in Mays Landing and the third victim was assaulted in Williams vehicle as he drove her home from an event, authorities allege.

In October, he was charged with another set of crimes in Ocean County that allegedly took place between 2020 and 2022.

Prosecutors allege Williams inappropriately touched a girl in both Manchester and Stafford. Those charges are pending.

He remains held at the Atlantic County jail.

Williams was last employed by Hamilton Township Public Schools as director of special projects during the 2024-2025 school year. He was placed on leave and fired late in the school year.

He was also a sixth grade teacher in Stafford during the 2021-2022 school year, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Williams later moved into a social worker role in Hamilton Township.
President Donald Trump is already facing backlash for his so-called warrior dividend he announced during his national address on Wednesday night.

Trump announced that 1.45 million military servicemembers will be receiving a $1,776 check ahead of Christmas as a result of tariff revenue and his big beautiful bill signed earlier this year. But skeptics immediately questioned how Trump was able to authorize sending out individual checks to service members without approval from Congress.

1,450,000 military service members will receive a special, we call warrior dividend before Christmas, a warrior dividend. In honor of our nations founding in 1776, we are sending every soldier $1,776. Think of that. And the checks are already on the way, Trump said during his speech.

We made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs, and the bill helped us along. Nobody deserves it more than our military. And I say congratulations to everybody. And by the way, we now have record enlistment in our military, and last year we had among the worst recruitment numbers in our militarys history. What a difference a year makes, he added.

However, online publication Defense One first reported that the funding for those checks actually comes from reconciliation funds that were approved by Congress to subsidize housing allowances for service members.

A senior administration official told Defense One that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the Pentagon disburse $2.6 billion as a one-time basic allowance for housing supplement to all eligible service members.

Congress appropriated $2.9 billion to the Department of War to supplement the Basic Allowance for Housing entitlement within The One Big Beautiful Bill, the senior official told Defense One in a statement. Approximately 1.28 million active component military members and 174,000 Reserve component military members will receive this supplement.

OVERNIGHT: President Trumps $1,776 checks for 1.45 million troops announced Wednesday night come from Congressionally-allocated reconciliation funds intended to subsidize housing allowances for service members, a senior official confirmed to @DefenseOne.https://t.co/mGWski9Exl  Thomas Novelly (@TomNovelly) December 18, 2025

The report immediately sparked criticism on social media platform X.

I was wondering how Trump found his troop pay money without a congressional authorization/appropriation. He found it by taking it away from troop housing money. Always a con artist, The Atlantics David Frum wrote on X.

Former Rep. Joe Walsh wrote: Classic Trump. Everything he does is a lie, everything he does is just bullshit repackaging.

MeidasTouch editor-in-chief Ron Filipkowski posted: Trump is taking money out their housing allowances approved by Congress and giving it to them in a bonus so it looks like it came from him. Its just a shell game with military pay from the ultimate con man.

New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D) said the warrior dividend is no more than rebranded military housing allowances.

Trump isnt giving our brave service members a bonus, hes just shuffling around money so he can claim he is. The level of disrespect for the intelligence of our troops is staggering, she wrote on X.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a veteran, also bashed Trumps announcement.

Gee thanks, Donald. Your $1,776 warrior checks arent Christmas bonusesyoure just stealing money out of a fund meant to help our troops find affordable housing. Once a conman always a conman," Duckworth wrote.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris offered an explanation for why former President Joe Bidens administration didnt release the Jeffrey Epstein files.

The Justice Department is required to make its records related to the late sex trafficker public by Friday, a deadline that was established by law under The Epstein Files Transparency Act after it passed through Congress by a near-unanimous margin and was signed into law by President Donald Trump last month.

During an appearance on ABCs Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday, Harris was asked directly why the former administration did not release the documents during its four years in office. It is a question that had been amplified by Trump and some GOP lawmakers, with the president arguing that Biden officials did not turn over a SINGLE file or page in a previous post on his Truth Social platform.

To give you an answer that will not satisfy your curiosity, I will tell you, we perhaps to our damage, but we strongly and rightly believed that there should be an absolute separation between what we wanted as an administration and what the Department of Justice did, Harris said. We absolutely adhered to that, and it was right to do that.

Harris added that the former administration wanted the Justice Department to make decisions independent of any political or personal vendetta.

Her response came after she attacked Trump for what she characterized as his treatment of the Justice Department as his personal law firm, calling it criminal in proportion to what its supposed to be.

That it is supposed to be an independent body that does justice, blindfolded in terms of for whom, Harris said. But for the country, theyre supposed to operate without favor or fear.

In her response, Harris said she was unsure over whether the department will release all of the documents tied to the disgraced financier.

A coalition of Democrats, with Senate Minority Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) at the helm, have warned of legal consequences if the department does not comply with the date. Senate Democrats have also created a task force to review the records amid some concerns that unnecessary information will be redacted from the files, according to Schumer.

If they release some documents and hide others, the American people will see right through it, and theyll ask the obvious question, Schumer said in comments earlier this week. We are all asking the obvious question that looms. President Trump, what are you trying to hide?

The looming release of the files culminates months of opposition from Trump and members of his administration, who looked to prevent congressional Republicans from giving the measure the light of day. In a sudden U-turn, Trump reversed course last month, calling on House Republicans to support the bill.

...We have nothing to hide, and its time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics in order to deflect from the Great Success of the Republican Party, including our recent Victory on the Democrat Shutdown, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

His flip-flop came after he repeatedly described the files as a hoax, claiming that Democrats were bringing up Epstein to deflect from the longest-ever government shutdown. Trump has since directed the DOJ to investigate alleged links between Epstein and notable Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.

Meanwhile, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have released tens of thousands of pages of records obtained from Epsteins estate. On Thursday, 68 additional photos were made public, after the group released a several dozen photos of high-profile figures, including Trump, Clinton, Woody Allen, Bill Gates and others last week. The photos do not implicate anyone in his crimes.
American voters just delivered a brutal assessment of President Donald Trumps closest allies, according to a new poll.

The new Quinnipiac University poll, released Wednesday, asked respondents whether they approved of how four Trump administration officials were handling their jobs. This poll comes after a number of officials have faced intense scrutiny over their jobs in recent months.

Heres how the four officials polled:

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. : Voters gave him a 39% approval rating and 53% disapproval rating. Eight percent had no opinion. Voters gave him a 39% approval rating and 53% disapproval rating. Eight percent had no opinion.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth : Voters gave him a 38% approval rating and 49% disapproval rating. Fourteen percent had no opinion. Voters gave him a 38% approval rating and 49% disapproval rating. Fourteen percent had no opinion.

FBI Director Kash Patel : Voters gave him a 35% approval rating and 51% disapproval rating. Fourteen percent had no opinion. Voters gave him a 35% approval rating and 51% disapproval rating. Fourteen percent had no opinion.

Attorney General Pam Bondi: Voters gave her a 31% approval rating and 51% disapproval rating. Eighteen percent had no opinion. Voters gave her a 31% approval rating and 51% disapproval rating. Eighteen percent had no opinion.

The poll also asked respondents how confident they were in vaccine information cited by Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic. Seventeen percent of voters said they were very confident, 23% said they were somewhat confident, 10% said they were not so confident and 47% said they were not confident at all.

Voters were also asked how confident they were in Hegseths leadership of the U.S. military. Twenty-five percent said they were very confident, 20% said they were somewhat confident, 7% said they are not so confident and 40% said they were not confident at all.

The poll also showed that Trumps overall approval rating remained low. Forty percent approved of how he was handling his job as president, while 54% said they disapproved.

The latest poll was conducted from Dec. 11-15 among 1,035 registered voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts reportedly has a new name: the Trump-Kennedy Center.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday in a post on X that the Kennedy Center has been renamed following a vote its board of trustees.

I have just been informed that the highly respected Board of the Kennedy Center, some of the most successful people from all parts of the world, have just voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building, Leavitt said.

I have just been informed that the highly respected Board of the Kennedy Center, some of the most successful people from all parts of the world, have just voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, because of the unbelievable work President Trump  Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) December 18, 2025

Leavitt went on to congratulate Kennedy, saying this will be a truly great team long into the future!" Kennedy, the 35th president of the U.S., was famously assassinated in 1963.

Trump has sought to transform the Kennedy Center since taking office this year.

The president in February fired the majority of the 36-member board of trustees, installing himself as chairman at one of the nations premier cultural institutions. Trump later rebuilt the board with administration officials and loyalists, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance.

CNN reported that at least one member tried to object to Thursdays vote on renaming the building the Trump-Kennedy Center.

Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio member of the board, attempted to object to the vote but was muted, according to CNN senior White House reporter Betsy Klein.

Despite the outcome of Thursdays vote, it is unclear whether the board has the legal authority to make such a change.

Jake Sherman, the founder of Punchbowl News, said that the "building is statutorily named the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Congress did not give the board the authority to change the name, Sherman said in a post on X.

Former House representative Joe Kennedy III, a grandnephew of John F. Kennedy, said that the Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law.

It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial, no matter what anyone says, Kennedy III said in a post on X.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 12F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 90%. About one inch of snow expected..

Tonight

Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 12F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 90%. About one inch of snow expected.
Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/

The European Solidarity Party has called on the European Council to adopt a decision on the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine at its meeting on Thursday.

"We appeal to all friends and partners of Kyiv in the EU with an appeal: to adopt a decision on a reparations loan and frozen Russian assets; to express unconditional support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its generally recognized borders; to strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation with a demand for an unconditional and complete ceasefire; to jointly take all necessary steps to hold the Russian Federation accountable for genocide and war crimes," the statement published on the party's website on Thursday said.

The party is calling on European allies to "adopt a decision on providing Ukraine with a reparations loan today."

"Russia does not seek peace and is not going to change the goals of its aggression. Its goal is the occupation of all of Ukraine, the destruction of Ukrainian identity, the genocide of the Ukrainian people. Russia is now using its usual tactics of dragging out the negotiation process, its imitation with only one goal - to disrupt the decision on reparations payments and frozen Russian assets. There are no other goals in the Russian Federation! We call on our European and American partners not to believe the Kremlin and not to allow Moscow to play with marked cards. We thank all our Western partners, in particular the USA and the EU, for their peacemaking efforts. But peace must be based on justice and begin not with agreements at the expense of Ukraine, but with an unconditional ceasefire," the statement says.

Eurosolidarity called on the EU "not to support scenarios of peace at the expense of Ukraine."
The military counterintelligence of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has exposed 68 agents of the Russian special services in the ranks of the Defense Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the SBU reported on its Telegram channel on Thursday.

"In 2025 alone, SBU officers detained 19 Russian moles. So far, ten of them have already received real terms of imprisonment, including seven convicts sentenced to 15 years in prison," the Ukrainian special service said in a statement.

In particular, according to the agency, a major from one of the brigades of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was convicted in the Lviv region, who, as part of the Russian intelligence network, corrected the occupiers air attacks on the aviation infrastructure of the region. According to his coordinates, the occupiers hoped to strike at operational airfields and logistics bases for the maintenance of combat aircraft of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In addition to him, as the Ukrainian special services emphasize, another Russian mole received 15 years in prison - the commander of the Special Operations Forces unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who "leaked" to the Russian military intelligence plans for the special forces combat operations behind enemy lines.

"We are talking about the routes of sabotage and reconnaissance raids of Ukrainian special forces behind the front line in the southern directions of combat operations," the report specifies.

The commander of the self-propelled artillery division of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who tried to pass on secret plans of the Defense Forces in the Kharkiv direction to the enemy, received the same term of imprisonment.

"Another convict is an agent of the 317th intelligence center of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (better known as GUR who tried to spy on Ukrainian paratroopers under the guise of a chaplain," the SBU said.

Also, since the beginning of this year, military counterintelligence officers of the SBU have neutralized 4 Russian agent networks operating in the Odesa, Zaporizhia, Kherson and Lviv regions.

In addition, during 2025, according to the SBU materials, 77 traitors (from 2022 - 188 people) who joined the ranks of the occupiers to fight against the Defense Forces received 15 years in prison.

"At the same time, during this period, the military counterintelligence of the Security Service prevented the embezzlement of defense funds totaling UAH 33.9 billion (from 2022 - UAH 51 billion)," the SBU said.

In particular, the SBU recalls that the former head of one of the departments of the Ministry of Defense and two of his accomplices were detained in Kyiv, who tried to appropriate UAH 90 million for the purchase of defective anti-tank missile systems for the front.
Campaigners fighting to secure the use of a former Brixham church as a food bank and safe space have had their hopes dashed.

Members of Torbay Councils cabinet decided with a heavy heart that their hands were tied and they had no choice but to turn down the application from The Edge.

Allowing the old United Reformed Church in Bolton Street to be designated as an official Asset of Community Value would leave the council vulnerable to legal action, the meeting heard.

We would all like to help, but we have to make decisions according to the law, said Cllr Nick Bye (Con, Wellswood)

Listing The Edge as an asset of community value would have given the local group the first option to buy it if it could come up with the cash.

But the committee heard legal advice saying that because the old church has been owned by administrators since the collapse of previous occupants YES Brixham, the council could be in hot water if it did anything to prevent the administrators from getting the maximum price for it.

Tom Crump, a director of the The Edge community interest company, outlined the groups work which includes a food bank, a community kitchen, meeting rooms and performance areas. It was, he said, a safe space.

He added: We provide a warm and gentle environment which is designed to bring people together. It is a true community centre offering a diverse range of activities designed to promote wellbeing.

Cllr Jackie Thomas (Con, Kings Ash) said councillors recognised the value of the service provided by The Edge, and said there was no dispute that it made a real difference to peoples lives in Brixham.

But, she said, if the administrator lost money as a result of the committees decision, the council could be liable.

We have to take decisions that are lawful and defensible, she said. Todays decision is not a judgement on The Edge or the people behind it  it is a legal decision based on a specific and restrictive set of rules.

We remain committed to working constructively with The Edge going forward.

Cllr Bye went on: I am so sorry that we cant do what the community would like us to do.

And Cllr Adam Billings (Con, Churston with Galmpton) told the meeting: If we had our way, none of us would be in this situation.

A similar application to have an old monastery building in Paignton listed as an asset of community value was also turned down because it did not meet the criteria, not having been used by the community in recent years.

However, the council owns the monastery itself, and has already offered it to a local community group for 1.
The Burton at Bideford has been awarded 50,000 to look at ways to share its collections and connect with more people in Torridge over the next two years.

The money has come from Art Fund, the national charity of museums and galleries  it is part of 1.3million awarded to 29 venues through the latest round of the charitys Reimagine programme.

Burton 2101: Collections for the Future will use the backdrop of gallerys 75th birthday in 2026 to reimagine the role of its collections for future generations in Torridge.

It will pilot projects with schools, community groups and in the public realm to find new ways to connect residents to the stories of their past, present and future.

READ NEXT: Council commits to five year funding for magic art gallery in Torridge

Resources in the sector are always stretched and Art Funds Museum Directors Survey in 2024 found that 56% of museums cited a lack of funding for collections as a major barrier to essential work such as digitisation, collections reviews and acquisitions.

Harriet Cooper, director at The Burton at Bideford said: It has been a challenging few years for the museum sector and as The Burton at Bideford enters its 75th year in 2026 we are excited to think about the role we can play in the next 75 years of culture in Torridge.

Our rich collections are at the heart of this and this vital funding from Art Fund will help us to reimagine how they are used over the next two years. Burton 2101: Collections for the Future will see us pilot expansive collections projects, consult more closely with our community, learn from innovative organisations across the UK, and build a long-term strategy to support art and artists in North Devon to thrive.

Jenny Waldman, director at Art Fund, added: At the core of Art Funds purpose is supporting museums to develop, care for and share the collections that enrich peoples lives.

I'm delighted we've been able to support The Burton at Bideford through our final round of Reimagine funding, enabling museums to explore their collections, connect with communities and ensure that works of art, objects and their stories are shared and preserved for future generations.

READ NEXT: Surrealist masters work on show at The Burton at Bideford this winter

The Burton was established in 1951 to house the collection of artist Hubert Coop RBA, gifted to the town of Bideford. The permanent collection now holds a rich array of objects and artworks that vividly capture the history of Bideford and its surrounding area.

Highlights include work by artists including Gillian Ayres, Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA FRS, Aubrey Hunt, Bertram Prance and photographer James Ravilious; alongside one of the leading ceramics collections in the South West and the archive of Mary Stella Edwards and Judith Ackland.

This funding has been made possible thanks to support from The Kirby Laing Foundation, Art Fund members and supporters of Art Fund's Expanding Horizons appeal.

If you would like to find out more about Burton 2101: Collections for the Future and how you can get involved, sign up to The Burtons newsletter at https://www.burtonartgallery.co.uk or get in touch at info@theburton.org
Photo: President's Office / www.president.gov.ua

Ukraine understands Belgiums warnings regarding the risks of making a decision on a reparation loan, but the country faces significant risks in the war, stated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting the importance of the Belgian governments support for the idea of further financing for Ukraine.

At a press conference in Brussels, where the European Council is currently meeting, Zelenskyy said he had spoken with Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever about the reparation loan.

"First of all, we had a good conversation, we understand each other. We understand the risks hes talking about, but were at war, and, in my opinion, were facing significant risks. Its important that hes sending a signal that, of course, we must resolve the issue today or in the coming days so that Ukraine isnt left without financial support," Zelenskyy said.
In recent decades, Californias San Luis Obispo County  or SLO, as both the city and county are called  has quietly evolved from an agricultural backwater into something resembling its celebrity neighbors, Santa Barbara and Big Sur. As wineries and boutique hotels have sprouted along its backroads and once-sleepy main streets, this Central Coast county  halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles  has become a destination in its own right. Between the windwhipped Guadalupe-Nipomo dunes, where Cecil B. DeMilles long-buried movie set was recently unearthed, to the zebra-populated hills of Hearst Castle, there are miles upon miles of uncrowded beaches, cactus-and-boulder-dotted ranchland, and breathtaking volcanic peaks. Following a 2023 landslide, the multi-year closure of Highway 1 to through traffic has meant far fewer visitors to the countys north coast, where the Pacific Coast Highway now temporarily dead-ends. Those who make the trip are rewarded with a glimpse of the California of another era.
Photo: President's Office / www.president.gov.ua

Russian assets should be used to protect against Russian aggression  if the war does not end soon, in particular for the purchase of weapons in Europe and the United States, and for rebuilding what was destroyed by Russian attacks, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Just like authorities confiscate money from drug traffickers and take weapons away from terrorists, Russias assets must be used to defend against Russian aggression and to build what was destroyed, exactly, destroyed by Russian attacks. Its moral. Its fair. And its legal  confirmed by the expertise of many, many professionals," he said, addressing participants in the European Council meeting taking place in Brussels on Thursday.

"It must be Europe that makes this decision, not someone out there  pressuring Europe or trying once again to sell out European interests in Moscow. And if  or when  this decision is made to fully use Russian assets to defend against Russian aggression, it will become clear to everyone over time  this was the right choice, and it made Europe stronger," Zelenskyy said.

"I want to be very clear  if the war doesnt end through diplomacy in the near future, and Russia keeps showing that it wants to keep fighting and attack even more next year, we will use these funds mostly for weapons," he added.

"And a big part of that will be spent on European weapons  which means this money will support your industries. And of course, most of these funds should work for Europe  for European and Ukrainian weapon industry," the president stressed.

"But we also need to stay flexible and be able to buy what Europe doesnt produce yet. Its a pity, but its a fact. That includes weapons from the United States, like air defense missiles and other systems  including through the PURL. And this is also a sign that America remains part of the process. And I know, I really know, dear leaders, that not everyone likes PURL program. But how else are we supposed to get through this winter? We need missiles for Patriot systems," Zelenskyy said.

"And if, on the other hand, diplomacy does succeed and Russia starts taking real steps to end the war, then the frozen Russian assets should be used for recovery after the aggression. And again, its fair that Russia pays the price for what it has destroyed. That, too, means money for European companies  the ones that will help rebuild," he added.

"And if there is no European decision now, then all the words weve heard for years  about our European solidarity, autonomy, and Europes ability to defend justice globally  will be meaningless. If this isnt done now, the Russians  and not only them  will feel that Europe can be defeated. Defeat  thats definitely not what Europeans need. Your people need Europe to protect its own resources and stay at the center of global processes," Zelenskyy said.

"No reward for the aggressor  that is the key principle of peace. And that is exactly what needs to be proven now. The European Commissions proposal for a Reparation Loan offers a smart and fair approach. And it should become a strong contribution from the EU to strengthening Ukraines position at the negotiating table," the president stressed.

"If we know  and if Putin knows  that we can stay resilient for at least a few more years, then his reason to drag out this war becomes much weaker. And this is exactly how pressure on the aggressor should work  pressure that brings peace," he added.
MIDLANDS North-West Fianna Fail MEP and full member of the European Parliaments Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI), Barry Cowen, has been appointed Renew Europes lead negotiator on one of the most consequential legislative files facing European agriculture in the coming mandate.

The appointment relates to the European Parliaments work on the Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy for the period 20282034 (CAP Regulation)  legislation that will directly shape how EU farm supports are designed, funded and delivered in the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

As Shadow Rapporteur for Renew Europe - a grouping which includes MEPs from 24 different countries including six Irish MEPs [four Fianna Fail, one Independent Ireland and one Independent] - MEP Cowen will play a central role in negotiating the Parliaments position on the future CAP, including core issues such as direct payments, coupled support for vulnerable and strategic sectors, supports for young farmers, and the overall balance between income stability, sustainability and food security.

Crucially, this file marks the transition from political positioning to binding legislation, meaning decisions taken during these negotiations will have a direct and lasting impact on farm incomes and rural communities across Ireland and the European Union.

Negotiations within the European Parliament are expected to begin in early 2026, with the aim of concluding substantial elements of the Parliaments position by the end of that year. This timeline aligns with Ireland holding the EU Council Presidency in the second half of 2026, placing Ireland at the heart of both the parliamentary and inter-institutional negotiations on the future of the CAP.

READ NEXT: Busy Offaly railway station secures second platform as a 'priority project'

The appointment builds on MEP Cowens growing influence within Renew Europe on agricultural policy, following his recent role as lead negotiator on the Parliaments report on the future of the CAP and his continued advocacy for a properly funded, ring-fenced CAP that puts food security and farm viability at its core.

In particular, MEP Cowens legislative victories in the form of his defence of Irelands cooperative model in his role as lead negotiator on the reform of the Common Market Organisation and his championing of key amendments to the safeguards behind the proposed Mercosur trade agreement contributed to this appointment.

Speaking following his appointment, Barry Cowen MEP said: This is a hugely significant legislative file and I am honoured to be appointed Renew Europes Shadow Rapporteur at such a decisive moment for European agriculture.

For the first time in this cycle, we are moving beyond high-level debate and into the hard legislative choices that will determine how the CAP actually works on the ground  from direct payments and coupled supports to how we sustain farm incomes and encourage generational renewal.

Ireland has a vital stake in these negotiations. Decisions taken here will directly affect family farms, food production and rural communities for the next decade. I will be using this role to strongly defend coupled payments for struggling and strategic sectors, fair and predictable direct payments, and meaningful supports for young farmers.

With negotiations expected to gather pace under Irelands EU Presidency in 2026, this appointment puts Ireland in a strong position to shape the future of the CAP. My priority will be to ensure that the next CAP is properly funded, genuinely workable for farmers, and recognises food security as a strategic necessity  not an afterthought.

READ NEXT:New business and technology park to be developed in Tullamore
It would be "unjust" to now jail a former Bank of Ireland employee who stole almost 200,000 from a branch and its customers before attempting to set the building on fire, the Court of Appeal has found, despite ruling that her original fully suspended sentence and community service order were too lenient.

Maureen McCormack (53) maintained that she stole the money to pay for debts incurred for IVF treatment.

She tried to set fire to the bank when she learned the branch was closing, fearing an examination of the accounts would bring her offence to light. The former bank official has since paid back more than half the money.

McCormack of Esker, Banagher, Co Offaly pleaded guilty to arson at the Bank of Ireland branch in the town on October 6, 2021.

She also entered guilty pleas to three theft charges, including the theft of approximately 145,000 in cash, which was the property of Bank of Ireland between January 1, 2017, and October 6, 2021.

The 53-year-old further admitted to stealing money to the approximate value of 33,419.50 from two individuals on December 2, 2013, and stealing 21,008.24 from two others on November 7, 2016.

READ NEXT: PICTURES: Special 21st birthday celebrations on night out in popular Tullamore pub 

McCormack was sentenced to 240 hours of community service in lieu of four years in prison for arson and four years in prison suspended for a period of six years for in respect of the theft offences by Judge Keenan Johnson at Tullamore Circuit Court in October 2024.

Imposing sentence, Judge Johnson noted: It does appear to have been a desperate attempt on her part to cover her tracks when she engaged in an act of arson.

The Director of Public Prosecutions sought a review of the sentence on the grounds that it was unduly lenient.

Kevin White BL, for the DPP, said the crime had involved planning and manipulation and McCormack had shown a total disregard for the safety of her colleagues and the public by starting a fire to destroy and conceal evidence.

Mr Justice Alexander Owens said on Tuesday, December 17, that the Court of Appeal did not propose to set aside the sentence imposed by the Circuit Court and resentence McCormack as no useful purpose would be served by that course.

However, he noted that there were very peculiar circumstances in this case and said the decision was not an indicator for any similar cases that might arise, but rather the opposite.

Mr Justice Owens said the court found that the sentences imposed on McCormack were unduly lenient because they did not impose any significant custodial element of imprisonment.

He said the sentencing judge should have imposed concurrent custodial sentences of imprisonment of two years, at very least, on both the arson count and the theft count.

It was not appropriate to suspend these sentences fully or substantially, the judge said, or to substitute a community service order for a sentence of imprisonment on the arson count.

Mr Justice Owens said that the principles of general deterrence and proportionate sentencing for offenders who commit largescale financial fraud will rarely allow credit for restitution to whittle down what would otherwise be a significant custodial sentence to a very short term of imprisonment, a fully suspended sentence, or a community service order.

However, he said in light of the process which led to imposition of these sentences, and the successful completion by McCormack of her sentence of community service, the court did not propose to impose custodial sentences on her at this stage.

Her restitution was judicially mandated, and she has successfully completed her community service order, he said.

He added: It would be unjust for this court to unwind these results by sending her to prison now.

At the undue leniency hearing, Mr White said McCormack had a position of trust and standing in the community when she defrauded her employer, Bank of Ireland, and its customers.

He said those factors alone should have resulted in a sentence but the arson aggravated and elevated the offending.

Mr White said there was an assertion that McCormack fell into the offending because of bills incurred for IVF treatment. He said the cost of the IVF was just over 22,000 between 2004 and 2014 and the offending continued well beyond the need of that.

However, McCormacks senior counsel Roderick OHanlon said the former bank employee had made restitution for a large portion of what was owed by cashing in her pension and the judge was entitled to use his discretion in fully suspending the four-year sentence. Submissions made to the court record that McCormack has paid over 115,886.82 in compensation.

The incident came to light on October 6, 2021, when emergency services were called to the Bank of Ireland branch in Banagher around 1pm. A fire had broken out in a storeroom, and evidence of a second fire was found inside the banks safe.

The damage to the building was estimated to be 10,000.

Following the fire, bank officials noted that the safe should have contained 169,160 but an inspection of the vault revealed it only contained 23,665, leaving a shortfall of 145,495.

Upon reviewing CCTV footage, gardai observed McCormack entering the vault on several occasions before the fire was reported and noted that she was the last person to leave it at 12.23 pm, approximately half an hour before emergency services were contacted.

McCormack was arrested two days later and, while being transported to the garda station, voluntarily admitted to taking money from the bank safe over a period of time to pay off debts. She made further admissions during three subsequent interviews, confessing to the theft and to starting the fires.
A WOMAN was duped into paying 700 for what turned out to be a false driving licence, Tullamore District Court was told.

Alina Novytska (33), St Cormac's Park, Kilcormac, admitted having the false licence in her custody at her own address on a date unknown between July 19, 2023 and April 2, 2025.

Sergeant Brendan Kearns said that on July 19, 2023 Ms Novytska opened a Revolut account, providing a Polish driving licence. The licence was flagged for additional verification and was identified as fake.

Sergeant Kearns said the home of the woman was searched and when the licence was found it was seized and gardai then examined it and certified it not to be genuine.

A plea of guilty was entered on Ms Novytska's behalf by David Nugent, BL, who said she now had a driving licence.

READ NEXT: Offaly college student awarded Ashling Murphy Bursary

She had asked for advice and was told that if she gave an individual 700 she would be given a licence.

She was taken advantage of, she was scammed, said Mr Nugent.

When Judge Andrew Cody put it to Mr Nugent that she knew the licence was false, the barrister said she did not and she had been told the licence was legitimate.

She didn't know any better. This happens all the time.

A Ukrainian woman, she intended starting work as a volunteer in January. Mr Nugent said we could all get duped like that as a new entrant to a country.

Judge Cody imposed a fine of 700.
ALL prosecutions for speeding involving nominated drivers could be in jeopardy after a judge indicated he will state a case on a technical issue.

Judge Andrew Cody told Tullamore District Court he will state a case on February 18 next after considering submissions from parties for and against the admissibility of nomination forms.

Owners of vehicles are often prosecuted for speeding after being recorded by a GoSafe operator even though they were not driving at the time.

The owner can complete what is known as a nomination form where the actual driver is named and then summonsed.

At Wednesday's sitting of the District Court, Andrew Dunne, BL, appearing for John Christopher O'Dea (63), Colt, Ballyroan, Co Laois, applied to Judge Cody not to admit a nomination form. Mr Dunne said Mr O'Dea had been nominated by someone else.

A GoSafe operator gave evidence of recording a vehicle travelling at 90kph in an 80kph zone on the N80 at Ballynasrah, Killeigh on August 19, 2024.

READ NEXT: Speeding prosecutions in doubt after judge dismisses case against Offaly driver

Mr O'Dea was summonsed for the alleged offence and Sergeant Brendan Kearns, court presenter, handed in a certificate of ownership for the vehicle, which named Delaney Commercials Ltd, and a certificate of nomination.

When Judge Cody asked if the nomination form was an original or a certified copy, Sergeant Kearns said it was not.

The judge said the document before him was printed by a company called Tico Mail Ltd in Dublin.

Mr Dunne said it was clear to him from the relevant section of the Road Traffic Act that only an original document could be admissible in court and it had been confirmed that the document presented by the prosecution was neither an original or a duly authenticated copy.

Judge Cody (pictured below) viewed the document handed in by Sergeant Kearns and said it looks to be signed by a Shane Moore.

Sergeant Kearns said Shane Moore was the fleet manager with Delaney Commercials and further stated that the original document would be held by the Garda fixed charge office in Thurles.

Sergeant Kearns said the gardai process about 200,000 fixed charge notices each year and they are heavily reliant on an automated process which involves scanning the original nominations as they are received.

The scanned versions are printed as an exact copy and form part of the prosecution pack. He said it would be a hugely retrograde step for the efficiency of An Garda Siochana processes to produce those documents in court and they rely on a presumption in the act unless evidence is presented to the contrary.

Judge Cody remarked that the prosecution could be inserting into that presumption a copy of the original document and Mr Dunne said the specific section of the act applies to the original.

The judge said he would allow both parties to make written submissions to him by the court sitting on January 28 next (instructing that those submissions be lodged on January 26) and he would then state a case on February 18.

He said it was his view that the prosecution was only entitled to rely on the copy of a document when it's certified to be a true copy of the original.

A case stated [where it is referred to the High Court] could take the bones of nine months, added Judge Cody, adjourning the prosecution of Mr O'Dea, plus about a dozen others, to December 2, 2026.

Patrick Martin, solicitor, told the court he had requested disclosure in relation to a number of those being prosecuted.

READ NEXT: Offaly man given suspended sentence for assaulting Garda also urinated in patrol car 
FINE Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen has welcomed confirmation from Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy that Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service has been selected as one of 37 projects nationally to receive support under the Ireland Against Racism Fund 2025.

The Fund, a key part of the National Action Plan Against Racism, will see over 1.5 million allocated to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and community organisations working to combat racism, promote racial equality and strengthen community cohesion.

I am very pleased to confirm that the Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service has been awarded funding under the Ireland Against Racism Fund 2025. This is an important investment in our community and a recognition of the vital work being done locally to tackle racism and promote equality, said Deputy Clendennen.

The Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service was awarded the maximum amount available under Scheme B for their project entitled Bridging the Gap  Access to Safety for Ethnic Minority Victims of Domestic Abuse. While based in Offaly, the service offers support across Laois, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon and Westmeath.

I want to commend the Service, the board members, the volunteers and all those involved in the Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service on their successful application. It is recognition of the positive impact the Service has both here in Offaly and across our neighbouring counties.

Initiatives like this help ensure that every person, regardless of background, feels safe, valued and supported. This funding will allow them to build on that work in a meaningful and impactful way, concluded Clendennen.

READ NEXT: Big step forward as Midlands Hospice gets green light from Council
1.2-MILLION in Minor Works Grants will be issued to Tipperary schools this month as well and a further 1.3-million in ICT Grants are to be issued to schools next month.

Deputy Michael Lowry has been informed by The Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, that a total of 2.5-million in Minor Works and ICT Grant Funding is being allocated for schools across Tipperary.

Deputy Lowry also confirms a standardised payment period for the annual Minor Works and ICT Grant funding for schools.

This provides clarity and certainty for the school system and will now be incorporated into the annual grant payments calendar for schools, the North Tipperary TD says.



This week the minor works grants funding will issue for all Primary schools and relates to the 2026/2027 school year.

ICT grants funding will issue to Primary and Post Primary schools in January 2026 for the 2025/2026 school year.

Providing clarity and certainty around the annual December/January payment of the minor works grant and ICT grants will support schools in their budgeting and aligns with the substantial increase in Capitation Funding announced in Budget 2026, Deputy Lowry said.

Recognising that each school is different, the payment of the minor works grant allows individual schools, who are best placed to decide how best to use this funding, address their own maintenance needs.

This lead-in period ahead of the new school year will give schools time to consider their plans and priorities as to how to best use this funding for their own needs.

Maintaining school buildings is vitally important in promoting health and safety, in providing a welcoming learning environment, and in protecting the significant levels of public funding being invested in new and upgraded school infrastructure, he said.

The ICT funding will empower schools to harness the opportunities that technology presents, and to support children and young people to become competent, critically engaged learners.

Both the minor works and ICT funding will support schools both to keep their buildings safe and welcoming places for students, but also in ensuring that students are learning the skills they need in our schools to thrive in todays world.

Minor Works funding

Under the Minor Works Scheme, funding is made available to all primary and special schools on the following basis:

5,500 basic grant plus 18.50 per mainstream pupil and 74 per student with Special Educational Needs enrolled in the school on 30 September of the year prior to the issue of the grant.

The 74 rate applies to a Special Needs pupil attending a Special School or attending a Special Education class attached to a mainstream school.

Schools have the autonomy to use this funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds.

READ NEXT: Roscrea Town Team welcome major funding for regeneration

Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs.

The works that can be undertaken under the Minor Works Grant Scheme include maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds, improvement or replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase of standard furniture and educational equipment, the purchase of floor coverings and window blinds, the purchase of IT related equipment, ventilation improvements, and enhancements to outdoor learning environments.
Top managers of the company Epicenter will take part in the Virtual Design&Construction training program launched at Stanford University (USA) and aimed at studying innovative construction management methods, the companys press service reported.

"It is an honor for us to participate in Stanford Universitys inaugural Ukrainian program. Participation in this project by our representatives is an investment in specialists who will contribute to the countrys recovery from the consequences of the war," reads the press release quoting Petro Mykhailyshyn, CEO of Epicenter.

Participants will learn to use a modern construction operating system that helps reduce costs, minimize risks, and work effectively with limited resources.

The training program was created through the collaborative efforts of Stanford University and the charitable organization Dobrobat in April 2025. Thirteen managers from Epicenter have already joined the first cohort of the program.

The Epicenter Group of Companies is an omnichannel ecosystem that combines the Epicenter and Nova Linia retail chains, the online store epicentk.ua, the agricultural holding Epicenter-Agro, ceramic tile factories under Epicenter Ceramic Corporation, the timber processing enterprise Osmoloda, and logistics capacities. As of October 2025, the retailers network includes 72 shopping centers in Ukraine.
Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

On December 10, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a massive defense bill known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorizing a record $901 billion in annual military spending. The bill also includes the repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, signaling a major shift in U.S. policy toward Syria and generating widespread anticipation in Syria's political and economic circles.

The repeal of the Caesar Act-- one of the harshest measures imposed on Syrians for many years-- has sparked significant optimism in Syria, as the law had long constrained economic recovery and international engagement. The repeal has far-reaching implications for Syria's future reconstruction, investment climate, and reintegration into the global economy.

A Long-Awaited Legislative Shift

The Caesar Act was among the most consequential measures imposed by Washington against Syria's former regime and its allies, particularly due to its secondary sanctions, which allowed the United States to penalize foreign individuals and institutions engaging with Syrian entities already under U.S. sanctions.

In May, during a meeting in Saudi Arabia with Syria's interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to lift all sanctions on Syria. While his administration temporarily suspended some restrictions, the permanent repeal of the Caesar Act required congressional legislation.

The NDAA is expected to receive final approval before the end of the year following a vote in the U.S. Senate, after which President Trump is expected to sign it into law. In parallel, another bill was submitted to Congress in November 2025 proposing the repeal of the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 and the Syrian Human Rights Act of 2012, which are expected to be debated early next year.

Repealing the Caesar Act and the Path to Reconstruction

The House of Representatives recently advanced a decisive vote to repeal the Caesar Act, a pivotal and long-awaited step to remove a significant barrier to reviving Syria's economy. Experts say the repeal lays the foundation for economic recovery and opens the door to a new phase of reconstruction.

What Is the Caesar Act?

The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 authorizes sanctions against any government or private entity that provides support to Syria's former regime or its affiliated entities, or contributes to Syria's reconstruction.

The law empowers the U.S. president to impose sanctions on any company or individual investing in Syria's energy, aviation, construction, or engineering sectors, as well as those providing loans to the former regime (Article 102).

It also opened the door to targeting the Central Bank of Syria, subject to a U.S. Treasury report determining whether there were "reasonable grounds" to believe the bank was primarily involved in money laundering (Article 101). In December 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) formally designated the Syrian Central Bank, despite it already being effectively restricted under Executive Order 13582.

Impact of Sanctions on the Syrian Economy

The Caesar Act were the strictest sanctions Syria had ever faced. The law prevented Syrian banks from dealing with international financial institutions, disrupted imports and exports, and imposed sweeping restrictions on economic activity related to Syria.

Experts and activists have long stressed that ordinary Syrians suffered the most, as sanctions restricted access to essential goods and deterred major international companies from entering the Syrian market. Lifting the law represents a critical turning point and provides the economic foundation for reconstruction and the return of global firms.

Immediate Market Reactions and Economic Expectations

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Malvern, UK, 17 December 2025. Content and data change management specialist, DeltaXignia, has teamed with Aston University in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), co-funded by 
A shoving match at a raucous birthday party that left the 22-year-old honoree dead in a 10th-floor hotel room five years ago resulted in a 12 year prison sentence for the shooter this week.

Multnomah County Circuit Judge Christopher Marshall handed down the sentence Tuesday to Abdikadir M. Osman for killing Shawn Fujioka during a shoving match at the Marriott Waterfront hotel on Oct. 6, 2020.

A jury acquitted Osman  usually known by his nickname, AK  of second-degree murder but found him guilty of second-degree manslaughter, meaning they found Osmands conduct reckless, but didnt think he intentionally killed Fujioka.

Defense attorneys Edie Rogoway and Rankin Johnson had said during the trial last month that the shoving fight was 3-against-1  with Fujioka and two others attacking Osman. Osman was backed into a corner when he opened fire, they argued.

Osmans November manslaughter verdict cleared the way for a mandatory minimum punishment of just 6 years and three months behind bars.

But Marshall effectively doubled it, noting that Osman had continued to be violent even after shooting Fujoka and pistol-whipped Fujiokas younger brother as he held his mortally-wounded sibling in his arms.

The court needs to honor the verdict and follow that verdict, but this is the most egregious manslaughter-two set of facts that I have seen in my 23 years here at the court, the judge said.

Osman, now 27, is scheduled to stand trial again next year on another murder charge for allegedly killing Jackson Panyanouvong during a gun-deal gone wrong in 2019.

The state and defense have painted drastically differing portraits of Osman. His attorneys emphasized that he was born in a refugee camp after fleeing violence in Somalia and had no prior criminal convictions.

Osman wasnt indicted in the 2019 killing until 2023. Prior to his 2020 arrest, he was charged with DUII hit-and-run and attempting to flee from police in two separate cases that remain open.

Authorities, meanwhile, alleged Osman is a member of the purported Young Come Up gang.

Jared Fujioka, the dead mans younger brother, said in court Tuesday that he had been seriously traumatized the night of the killing and has spent years trying to recover.

The Fujioka brothers had grown up in foster care homes and often had only each other to rely on, he said.

DShawn was more than a brother to me. He was my family, my protector and my friend, Jared Fujioka said, using his brothers nickname. You took everything from me with one bullet.

Osman also addressed the judge prior to learning his punishment and said he was a changed man. He apologized to the Fujioka family.

I am sorry for the pain my actions have caused. I pray to God for forgiveness and I truly mean that, he said.
Kevin Purfield, a Portland man previously convicted of stalking and harassing the survivors of mass shootings and local journalists, is going back to the state hospital.

Judge Nan Waller, who runs Multnomah Countys mental health court, found Purfield unable to stand trial or comprehend the case against him during a hearing Tuesday. He was charged last month with stalking an employee at Oregon Health & Science University whose child was murdered in the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Waller ordered 58-year-old Purfield to receive psychiatric treatment at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem for a period no longer than six months.

Wallers order doesnt specify the disorder afflicting Purfield but said he is not currently able to move forward with their criminal case.

Robbie Parker, a physician assistant at Oregon Health and Science University, told The Oregonian/OregonLive that Purfield had repeatedly called and visited the hospital despite OHSU issuing an exclusion order.

Parker lost his 6-year-old daughter Emilie in the Sandy Hook shooting.

Prosecutors allege Purfield has been ensnared by conspiracy theorists who claim the horrific shooting didnt happen.

Purfield was previously sentenced to five years of probation for stalking the former editor of The Oregonian/OregonLive due to its coverage of mass killings. He was sent to the state hospital during that case in 2019.

More than 400 people currently facing criminal convictions are receiving mental health treatment in what the state hospital calls aid and assist cases, far outnumbering the hospitals 50 or so civilly committed patients.

Most patients are treated and deemed ready to face trial relatively quickly. Rulings in a long-running lawsuit strictly limit stays at the state hospital for those awaiting trial. Purfield had not yet left the Multnomah County jail as of Wednesday, booking records show.
Firefighters and sheriffs deputies on Thursday morning rescued a woman who had wandered into a marsh in Forest Grove in the dark and the rain  and found herself hemmed in by chest-deep water.

The woman hasnt been publicly identified, and Forest Grove Fire & Rescue spokesperson Matt Johnston told The Oregonian/OregonLive that its unclear how or why she entered the marshy area.

The woman called 911 at 5:10 a.m. and told dispatchers that she was surrounded by water and couldnt find a way out, the fire department said in a statement.

But the call dropped before the 911 dispatcher was able to get specifics on her location, prompting officials to send Washington County sheriffs deputies and Forest Grove firefighters to a general area near Oregon Route 47 between Oak Street and Sunset Drive, officials said.

Deputies arrived and found that the area was filled with dense vegetation and shrouded by heavy rain and darkness, Johnston told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

They made contact with the woman by calling out, and, guided by her voice, waded into the marsh and through four-foot-deep waters and dense vegetation, officials said. Firefighters joined the searchers not long after.

The rescuers eventually found the woman about 100 feet from the highway, and firefighters and deputies helped her get back to the road, according to the fire department. A waiting ambulance took her to a hospital for evaluation. Officials havent said whether she experienced any injuries.
A counselor who has worked at a Lake Oswego high school for nearly two decades is under investigation by local law enforcement and Oregons teacher licensing agency for undisclosed reasons.

The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office confirmed that it recently opened an investigation into Christopher Keller, a school counselor at Lakeridge High School in the Lake Oswego School District. Brian McCall, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office, said he could not release further information about the investigation because the case is ongoing.

Keller is also under investigation by the states Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, according to its director, Rachel Alpert. She declined to comment on the particulars of the investigation.

Reached by phone last week by The Oregonian/OregonLive, Keller also declined to comment. He has not responded to follow-up texts and emails from the news outlet. Keller, 48, has worked at Lakeridge for 18 years, according to his LinkedIn profile, and says he is a poet, painter, bonsaist and ultra endurance athlete on his personal website.

Mark Cogan, a prominent criminal defense attorney, said his office is representing Keller and emphasized that Keller has not been formally charged with a crime.

We have not seen any evidence of wrongdoing, Cogan said. We ask the public not to rush to judgment until all the facts are known.

The investigations are the latest wrinkle in an ongoing saga at Lakeridge, where longtime principal Desiree Fisher resigned midyear amid a swirl of community rumors that has sparked a social media feeding frenzy. A district spokesperson has also said several staff members are on leave for various reasons but has declined to elaborate, including to clarify if Keller is among them.

In a good-bye email to Lakeridge staff and families sent on Dec. 5, Fisher wrote that she was leaving her post in order to focus on her health and her family. But a follow-up post on Dec. 9 from Lake Oswego Superintendent Jennifer Schiele implied that there might be more to the story.

Please know that the safety of our students, our commitment to board policy and our obligation to follow state law are always our highest priorities, Schiele wrote. All reported concerns have been taken seriously, thoroughly investigated by our district and law enforcement, and addressed promptly and appropriately.

Fisher is also under investigation by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, which was first reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting. Details of that investigation are not known and Fisher has not responded to previous requests for comment.

Keller makes about $110,000 a year, while Fishers salary is about $180,000, according to Assistant Superintendent Stuart Ketzler.

In response to a records request from The Oregonian/OregonLive for records involving any staff members at Lakeridge this fall, the Lake Oswego Police Department on Wednesday released two incident reports.

Both reports were almost entirely redacted.

The first appears to stem from an Oct. 8 incident at Lake Oswego High School alleging workplace harassment and fondling. The allegations were not substantiated by the police investigation, the records note.

The second, from Nov. 18 at Lakeridge High School, lists the alleged offense as info  poss child abuse. The suspects name is redacted, making it unclear who was under investigation. That report does reference an apparent investigation by a Clackamas County detective.

Sgt. Tom Harper, a spokesperson for the Lake Oswego Police Department, has previously said that the department investigated and found nothing criminal in Lake Oswego.

Meanwhile, school district spokesperson Mary Kay Larson has declined to say how many employees at Lakeridge High School are on leave or provide their names, positions or when their leaves began. The Oregonian/OregonLive filed a public records request seeking that information which the district has yet to fulfill.
The citys proposal to reduce storage capacity at the fuels hub in Northwest Portland has drawn sharp criticism from community advocates and others who argue the proposed timeline is dangerously slow given seismic risks and climate threats.

The clash came to a head at a Planning Commission hearing Tuesday night as city staff outlined a plan for a 20% reduction to be completed by 2036.

Environmental activists, tribal representatives and neighborhood groups pressed for the drawdown to start immediately and called for raising the targets as fuel use falls statewide.

The dueling proposals are part of an effort to chart a future path for the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub, a 6-mile stretch on the Willamette River along U.S. 30 between the Fremont Bridge and the southern tip of Sauvie Island.

Eleven companies own fuel terminals there that store crude oil, diesel, renewable diesel and other fuels in more than 400 aging tanks. Over 90% of Oregons fuel supply comes through the hub.

Numerous studies, including a seismic risk assessment by Multnomah County, have shown the fuels could spill and explode if the soil under the tanks liquifies during a massive earthquake generated by the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The hub also faces numerous climate threats, including wildfires, flooding and landslides.

Earlier this year, the city outlined four alternatives for the hubs future, including a 17% drawdown of existing unused tank storage capacity. The three other alternatives did not call for reducing fuel storage  two called for the expansion or limited expansion of renewable and aviation fuels at the hub and a third prohibited all fuel expansion but without a drawdown.

Ultimately, after considering community input, city staff settled on the most stringent option and their proposed draft for the hubs future recommends a 20% drawdown on existing unused fuel storage capacity by 2036 as well as amendments to prohibit fuel expansion at existing terminals and to support risk reduction at the hub.

Under the city proposal, companies at the hub would have to submit a baseline inventory of in-service tank capacity by October 2026. Whether companies abide by the drawdown requirement would be measured in 10 years  there are no interim requirements, something many advocates criticized.

Aster Bloem, a spokesperson with the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, said the 2036 timeline aligns with how long companies at the hub have to complete seismic tank upgrades as required under a new Oregon law and monitored by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

The 10-year timeline also gives the companies time to figure out which tanks will come out of service and to reconfigure the remaining storage tank capacity, they said. Interim drawdown requirements could potentially interfere with the seismic upgrades, Bloem said.

But activists with several community groups said Portland should speed up the drawdown timeline and make fuel storage reduction targets even more stringent.

Multiple speakers urged the city to impose the drawdown requirement immediately, or as soon as the City Council adopts the policy code.

The city cannot wait 10 years to act, yet BPS (the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability) proposals do nothing to meaningfully reduce the risk over the next decade. We cannot afford that delay, Heather King, the co-executive director of the nonprofit Willamette Riverkeeper, told the commission.

The city reached its calculation of a 20% drawdown by 2036 based on a percentage of empty space in tanks now. Federal data shows that currently, on average, tanks are filled only to 70% of their capacity, leaving 30% empty. About a third of that empty space is reserved to prevent spills, said city planner Tom Armstrong.

The drawdown target would mean companies at the hub could no longer use the empty excess space to store more fuel.

City officials said Oregons need for fuel will decrease slightly by 2036, making it somewhat easier to restrict the use of tank space by that time without affecting fuel supply reliability in the state.

If thats the case, said opponents, then why not make the companies reduce their capacity now.

A 20% drawdown is already possible and should be implemented right away, community groups said.

Advocates proposed measuring drawdown needs based on actual tank daily fill levels reported to the Oregon fire marshals office, rather than estimated tank capacity based on federal Energy Information Administration data. The state data showed that only 40% of the tanks overall capacity is being used on average instead of 70% according to the federal data.

Drawdown must be based on data, not projections based on best guesses, said Nancy Hiser, a Linnton resident and community advocate who for years has warned about the dangers of an earthquake-caused spill at the hub.

Advocates also said adjustments to the drawdown restrictions should be done every three to five years to align with the decrease in Oregons demand for liquid fuels and as the state transitions to electrification of cars and trucks.

Bloem, the bureau spokesperson, said city staff matched the federal data with a storage tank capacity inventory that they compiled from Multnomah County and DEQ data. The resulting modeling estimated how much of their available storage companies use each year.

The state data, on the other hand, is less useful, Bloem said, because it includes only average daily volumes and peak daily volumes, not total volumes. Also, due to confidentiality rules, the city cannot report data for individual terminals, they said.

Bloem said the city will continue to monitor the hub and may adjust the drawdown requirements, beyond the 10 years. As the fuel needs in Oregon change, there could be future opportunities to change the citys requirements, they said.

The public can continue to submit written testimony until Friday.

The Planning Commission will discuss the proposals during two work sessions in January and February. The commission will vote Feb. 10 on its recommendation to the City Council. Another opportunity to provide testimony will be open from Jan. 13 to Jan. 23.
Over four hours on Tuesday night  through a combination of lap dances, live music, comic skits and auctions  Portlands strippers and burlesque performers raised more than $60,000 for patients at Doernbecher Childrens Hospital.

It was a new record for the stage show Tatas for Toys, which has now donated more than $243,000 worth of new toys to the hospital since 2011.

Twin 24-foot poles graced the stage of the sold-out show at the 400-seat Alberta Rose Theatre. In two shifts, about 30 dancers put on a Jerry Lewis telethonstyle variety show that encouraged audience members to toss their dollar bills on stage for a good cause. Online viewers were also able to donate through the streaming platform Twitch.

The mixed-gender crowd was generous, and by 9:30 p.m., the dancers had raised $28,000.

Shortly after 10 p.m., the tally hit $40,000. That was after the auction of a sex on the beach vacation package to Manzanita sold for $1,800, and a VIP tour of seven Portland strip clubs went for $2,700.

What a night to be in Portland, Oregon, said co-host Aaron Ross. What a night to be a stripper!

By 10:30 p.m., the fundraising total exceeded $58,000.

At the end of the show, the bills were still being tallied, but by Wednesday morning, Ross said the total had surpassed $60,000. That makes this years Tatas for Toys the biggest fundraiser in the events 15-year history.

Ross said the goal of the show was twofold: Getting toys for kids at Doernbecher Childrens Hospital, and representing and uplifting the sex worker community.

Money raised goes toward purchasing toys for Doernbechers Child Life Therapy Program, which helps children cope with hospitalization through play, education and creative activities.

Everybody put so much hard work into this show, volunteering their time, going shopping, sharing their stories and their vulnerability with us, said Tatas for Toys co-host ToX!c.

Valentina, 24, was a first-time dancer in Tatas for Toys. Three years ago, she had been a surgery patient at Doernbecher, serving as a bone marrow transplant donor for her younger brother.

I was up there on stage and when (Ross) introduced me, and I almost cried. Its a very emotional thing for me, she said. My brother was in and out of Doernbecher every other week because he had sickle cell anemia, and I was his bone marrow donor, so we spent a lot of time at that hospital.

Recovery from her own surgery, which caused a fracture of her pelvis, took months. Today, however, both she and her brother are doing well.

Dancing helped me in ways that I couldnt imagine, and then getting to use that and do this, I get to do something good, she said. I get to use all those skills that Ive built up over six years, and Im so excited for next year.

After the show, dancers visit MudPuddles Toys & Books in Sherwood to purchase toys from Doernbechers wish list.

When we were looking for a toy store to partner with us, people told us no because we were sex workers and strippers, ToX!c told the audience. But MudPuddles Toys always treated us like people.

MudPuddles owner Kate Noreen remembered the first time that dancers came to buy toys from her store about eight years ago.

Its not every day that somebody pays with a bag of single dollar bills, Noreen said. They told us they were doing this fundraiser and brought their money to us. Then the following year, I got an email from Aaron Ross saying theyd like to keep the spending local. I said yes, Ill support you.

The show is not only a boon for the hospital, but also a big help to Noreens small business. Even with the 20% discount Noreen provides to Tatas for Toys, the sales are significant for MudPuddles, which closed its Northwest Portland location over the summer.

Who am I to judge how people raise money? Noreen said.

Noreen attended Tatas for Toys for the first time Tuesday night, where she got a special shoutout from the stage.

Im so happy to see it, she said. Its been amazing.
With the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act by the Senate on Wednesday, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is all but assured to become a federally recognized tribal nation.

The state-recognized tribe, whose historic and genealogical claims have been a subject of controversy, has been seeking federal recognition for generations. Congress has considered the issue for more than 30 years, but the effort gained momentum after President Donald Trump endorsed the tribe on the campaign trail last year.

It means a lot because we have been figuring to get here for so long, said Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery moments after celebrating the victory in the capitol office of North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis. We have been second-class Natives and we will never be that again and no one can take it away from us.

With federal recognition comes a bevy of federal resources, including access to new streams of federal dollars and grants and resources like the Indian Health Service. It also allows the tribe to put land into trust, which gives it more control over things like taxation and economic development, such as a casino.

The journey to recognition

In the 1980s, the Lumbee Tribe sought recognition through the Office of Federal Acknowledgement within the Interior Department, which evaluates the historical and genealogical claims of tribal applicants. The office declined to accept the application, citing a 1956 act of Congress that acknowledged the Lumbee Tribe but withheld the benefits of federal recognition.

That decision was reversed in 2016, allowing the Lumbee to pursue recognition through the federal administrative process. The tribe instead continued to seek recognition through an act of Congress.

There are 574 federally recognized tribal nations. Since the Office of Federal Acknowledgement was established in 1978, 18 have been approved by the agency, while about two dozen have gained recognition through congressional legislation. Nineteen applications ranging from Maine to Montana are now pending before the agency, with at least one under consideration by Congress.

Once federally recognized, the Lumbee Tribe would become one of the largest tribal nations in the country, with about 60,000 members. Congressional Budget Office estimates have found that providing the tribe with the necessary federal resources would cost hundreds of millions of dollars in the first few years alone.

Hopefully, Congress will expand the pie in appropriations so that the other tribes, many of which are poor, dont suffer because theres suddenly such a larger number of Native Americans in that region, said Kevin Washburn, former assistant secretary of Indian affairs at the Interior Department and a professor at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

Over 200 Lumbee members gathered in a gymnasium in Pembroke, North Carolina, to watch the final Senate vote on television. They celebrated with shouts, raised hands and applause as the unofficial tally indicated the bill would receive final congressional approval.

Victor Dial held his 8-month daughter Collins at the celebration. Dials grandfather is a late former tribal chairman.

He told us the importance of this, and he told us this day would happen, but we didnt know when, Dial said. But were so glad its happening now, and Im so glad my kids were here to see it.

Disputes over merit and heritage

Not everyone in Indian Country is celebrating. The move has drawn opposition from some tribal leaders, historians and genealogists who argue that the Lumbees claims are unverifiable and that Congress should require the tribe to complete the formal recognition process.

Federal recognition does not create us  it acknowledges us, Shawnee Tribe Chief Ben Barnes, an opponent of Lumbee recognition, testified before the Senate last month. He warned against replacing historical documentation with political considerations.

Critics have noted that the Lumbee have a history of shifting claims and previously used different names, including Cherokee Indians of Robeson County, and say the tribe lacks a documented historical language.

If identity becomes a matter of assertion rather than continuity, then this body will not be recognizing tribes, it will be manufacturing them, Barnes told lawmakers.

The Lumbee Tribe counters that it descends from a mixture of ancestors from the Algonquian, Iroquoian and Siouan language families, according to its website, and notes it has been recognized by North Carolina since 1885.

Politics influence tribal recognition

While the Lumbee Tribe has received bipartisan support over the years, federal recognition became a campaign promise for both Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris during the most recent presidential race.

President Trump traveled to Robeson County and pledged to get federal recognition done. He kept that promise and showed extraordinary leadership, said Tillis, who introduced a bill to recognize the Lumbee Tribe.

Robeson County, where most Lumbee members live, has shifted politically in recent years. Once dominated by Democrats, the socially conservative area has trended Republican. The Lumbee Tribes members in North Carolina are an important voting block in the swing state, which Trump won by more than three points.

In January, Trump issued an executive order directing the Interior Department to develop a plan for Lumbee recognition. That plan was submitted to the White House in April, and a department spokesperson said the tribe was advised to pursue recognition through Congress.

Since then, Lowery, the tribal chairman, has worked closely with members of Congress, particularly North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, and appealed directly to Trump. In September, Lowery wrote to Trump announcing ancestral ties between the Lumbee Tribe and the presidents daughter Tiffany Trump, according to Bloomberg, which first reported on the letter.

We are confident that with your continued support and advocacy, we will successfully achieve full federal recognition of our nation, Lowery wrote.

____

Associated Press writers Gary Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina, Allen Breed in Pembroke, North Carolina, and Jacquelyn Martin in Washington, D.C., contributed.
Two major dams in King Count, have done their jobs to protect western Washington state and remained stable Wednesday, despite an intense series of atmospheric river events that breached levees, swallowed roads and forced evacuations.

Seattle-based U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesperson Shelia Fourman said both the Howard A. Hanson Dam, 35 miles east of Tacoma, and the Mud Mountain Dam, southeast of Enumclaw, are currently operating as designed.

They are not in danger of failure, Catherine Petroff, engineering division chief in charge of dam safety for the Corps of Engineers, said Wednesday of the Hanson and Mud Mountain dams.

Two other dams that are being closely monitored by the Washington State Department of Ecology appear stable.

The Howard A. Hanson Dam began operating in 1962 for flood control. It provided a bountiful safe haven in the lower Green River Valley and Duwamish River Valley leading up to Elliott Bay, a zone where 200,000 people now live and work, including agricultural areas around Auburn and Kent. The area is home to one of the largest networks of warehouses and distribution centers on the West Coast, according to King Countys 2024 flood management plan.

If the Hanson Dam failed, that could all be washed away. So when concerning conditions were discovered during a similar atmospheric river event in 2009, flood control improvements were made to the dam.

A failure of the Howard Hanson Dam would produce devastating consequences to the regional economy, according to the flood management plan. Major employers such as Boeing, REI, distribution centers for Amazon and Walmart, and many other companies that comprise the second largest warehouse and distribution network on the west coast would be impacted by a dam failure, along with major roadways and rail lines, municipal offices, and an array of other important infrastructure.

The Howard A. Hanson Dam, located 35 miles east of Tacoma, is shown in an October24, 2018, file photo. Steve Ringman/The Seattle Times/TNS

The risk of failure at the Hanson Dam appears low at the moment, Fourman said Wednesday. As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, the dam was at 43% of its capacity, and its water level had dropped 26 feet since last week. The dam hit a record 74% capacity on Friday. On Wednesday, the dam held 40% of its capacity, said Kyle Comanor, senior water manager for Western Washington at the Corps of Engineers.

The Corps of Engineers, which reduced flow over the weekend, has a small range of flexibility to release water from the reservoir while still abating flood risk, Fourman said.

On Monday, for instance, the Corps of Engineers reduced flows from the dam during repair work on a breach at the Desimone Levee. The scaled-back release lowered flood elevations by 1 to 2 feet at the breach location, according to a Corps of Engineers news release.

We are constantly evaluating changing conditions as atmospheric river storms stack up one behind another, Fourman said. But the risk of dam failure has not changed.

The Corps on Tuesday also reduced flow from the Mud Mountain Dam, after a military-grade barrier was breached by the White River overnight in the city of Pacific, causing evacuations.

Fourman said releases from the Mud Mountain Dam did not cause the breach in Pacific. Rather, sustained high flows in this unprecedented flood event do stress the rivers and the infrastructure around them. At the time of the breach, flows from the Mud Mountain Dam were lower than they had been for several days prior, Fourman said.

We are tracking the situation at Pacific as it relates to outflows from Mud Mountain Dam, said Travis Ball, Corps of Engineers Seattle District chief of hydraulic engineering. After being notified of the breach, we reduced outflows at Mud Mountain Dam to help support repair efforts and response actions. That reduced outflow will remain in place until we receive confirmation from our ground crews and emergency management partners that conditions are safe to resume normal flood operations.

The Corps of Engineers braced for the storm early. Its emergency management center was activated Dec. 3. Operations to assist emergency management personnel in cities and counties have operated 24 hours a day during the deluge. The reservoir control center that manages water releases from dams has also been staffed round the clock, said Krystle Walker, chief of emergency management.

Two dams that the Washington Department of Ecology has been monitoring closely during the storms were stable on Wednesday, and no new concerns about dams arose, spokesperson Andrew Wineke said in an email.

Throughout the week, the departments personnel have been closely watching the Lake Sylvia Dam near Montesano in Grays Harbor County and the Tortorice Dam, an earthen structure on private property in Snohomish County.

Earlier this year an inspection revealed cracks at the Sylvia Dam, spurring the state to keep a close watch on it throughout the storms that began last week. There have been no changes in the structure that would cause us to have concern about dam failure at this point in time, Wineke said.

A spillway clogged with debris drew Ecology Department personnel to the Tortorice Dam. A pump installed by the property owner has prevented overtopping at the dam, which saw its second straight day of stable conditions on Wednesday.

Residents should stay vigilant and know that dams and levees can reduce flood risk but not eliminate it, Fourman said.

 2025 The Seattle Times. Visit www.seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Zelenskyy: I can't yet get an answer on how exactly US security guarantees will work in case of Russian aggression

Photo: President's Office / www.president.gov.ua

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had not yet received a detailed answer about the US plan of action within the framework of security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of further Russian aggression.

"And theres a question I cant answer yet. I cantits not that someone doesnt want it; we just havent gotten there yet. Its the question of all the security guarantees. When youre not NATO, but like NATO, you have the same security guarantees as NATO. Some say maybe thats even better, I dont know, Im not qualified to judge. I can only judge one thingthe answer to the question of what the USA will do if Russia comes with aggression again. What will these security guarantees do, how will they work, how will all our partners respond, and in what way? What force will they use to stop Moscow? Specifically," Zelenskyy said at a press conference on Thursday in Brussels, where the European Council is taking place.

"I think we need an answer to this. It might not be public, but it should be enshrined in some documents," the Ukrainian leader added.
The last time Mariposa Farm in northwest Washington state flooded, owners Joaquin and Liz Lopez spent about $100,000 replacing equipment, repairing infrastructure and writing off lost produce. That was just four years ago.

On Monday morning, they found themselves, once more, cleaning out their fields and tallying up damages.

We were just recovering, Joaquin Lopez said. And this happened again.

Over the past few days, farm owners and operators across western Washington have been returning to their businesses after heavy flooding turned massive swaths of low-lying land into deep basins of water since the downpour began last week.

Farms up and down the Interstate 5 corridor sustained losses, though for most of them, its too early to accurately account for damage. Some are still unable to reach their farms due to high water levels and road closures. Many dont have insurance and those who do have it arent sure what it will cover. And the National Weather Service has forecast more minor to moderate flooding in the region through Friday.

The impact is pretty varied, said Melissa Campbell, executive director of Washington Farmland Trust, an organization that works to conserve farmland primarily in western Washington. We dont know the full extent yet.

Multiple factors affected how hard individual businesses were hit, including altitude, location, crop type and general preparedness.

For some, the fall harvest season had just wrapped up. With business closed until spring, the flooding is a disruption that will eventually retreat. But for others, the devastation is presently incalculable.

Tucked in a slight curve of the Nooksack River, Mariposa Farm lost at least $35,000 worth of produce, including winter squash, carrots, beets, seeds and cover crops, Lopez said. On top of that, theres damage to the barn, vehicles, equipment and Lopezs house, which is also on the farm. Hes still taking stock of what can be fixed, what needs to be replaced and how much it will cost.

Many farms in flood plains are used to moving quickly when major flooding is forecast.

Its one of those things as farmers we just know were going to have to deal with, said Peter Bartelheimer, a fourth-generation farmer and owner of Sno-Valley Farms, which produces beef, pork, hay, grain and corn silage near the Snohomish River.

Earlier last week, Bartelheimer started moving equipment and animals to higher ground, triaging property by value. In doing so, he was able to protect his tractors, cattle and pigs.

Still, the flood swept up 700 plastic-wrapped bales of hay. He estimates they were worth $60 a pop. Thats up to $42,000 in value that floated away.

Just a few months ago, he planted around 80 acres of winter canola and winter wheat, crops he planned to harvest in the summer. Water itself isnt an issue for his crops, but floodwaters often carry pollutants, which can be harmful. Its too soon to say what the fate of those fields will be.

Bartelheimer has insurance, but he doesnt know whether it will cover damage from flooding.

It could have been so much worse, he said.

Many were caught off guard by the speed and the severity of the flooding this time around.

On Thursday afternoon, Brian Marchello, operator of Flower World  which produces apples, pears and ornamental plants near the Snohomish River  was moving power tools to a higher floor in the farm building. Suddenly, the water level in the building began to rise rapidly, reaching 3 feet within an hour. He told his staff to leave immediately.

Youre just in go mode, he said. After the adrenaline of evacuating subsided, he started to grapple with the potential scale of what might be lost.

For the past two years, Flower World has been preparing to open up a new customer-facing market called Marshland Orchards, where it would sell produce, plants and other farm goods. Visitors would also have the option to pick their own fruit. Marchello had overseen the laying of fresh gravel roads and ordered trailers to transport customers.

All of that was submerged last week. As of Monday morning, the area was still underwater.

A couple years of work vanished in a heartbeat, he said. Flower World doesnt have flood insurance because its too expensive for the company.

Thats a common story for farms in western Washington.

Agriculture in the region largely comprises small, diversified farms that often sell directly to consumers or farmers markets. In King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, farms are typically 30 to 40 acres and may produce dozens of different fruits, vegetables and plants, said Campbell, with Washington Farmland Trust. By comparison, operations in eastern Washington largely focus on a single commodity and can run up to 500 acres.

Between the volatility of revenue and the smaller scale of business, buying flood insurance doesnt pencil out for farms.

The euphemism is being self-insured, said Petrina Fisher, owner of Skylight Farms, which produces leeks, carrots, beets, lettuce and other vegetables. The farm covers 20 acres near the Snohomish River.

She has commercial liability insurance, which is a general form of insurance that protects businesses from lawsuits and operational risks. It does not cover flooding.

For people who live in flood-prone areas, the cost of flood insurance reflects that, she said. When Fisher was starting out, she was quoted $40,000 for one flood insurance policy, a number that would have pulled her into the red.

After all, she only makes a couple of thousand dollars in profit each year from her farm, which sells directly to customers through a business model known as community-supported agriculture. She packs whatever she grows into boxes, which go directly to buyers. Fisher works full time as development manager at Washington Farmland Trust; farming is supposed to bring in supplementary income.

Not this year. The flooding destroyed virtually all the crops she had in the field, and now she has to pay for repairs.

Cows gather on high ground at Stocker farms during a flood in Snohomish, Wash., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times via AP

Farms also have the option to buy crop insurance, an additional layer of protection against lost revenue from events like failed plantings, crop failures and natural disasters like flooding. But like flood insurance, its often out of reach for smaller farms, said Campbell.

Thats because it requires detailed documentation of lost revenue, which is easier to estimate for farms growing large volumes of one or two crops, rather than smaller farms growing many differently valued products.

Some farmers never got around to buying flood insurance simply because they never expected to be flooded.

Shelley Pasco, owner of Whistling Train Farm in Kent near the Green River, has been a farmer for 25 years. She grows vegetables that she sells directly to customers through her CSA.

The lowest point of her property floods by about 6 inches every year.

But on Thursday morning, she noticed that the water kept rising beyond that point. Though she continuously monitored the gauges and outflow at the dam online, Fisher never received an evacuation order. At 3 a.m. on Saturday, the water started coming up fast, covering her driveway, and eventually entering her house. In a rush to evacuate, she couldnt find her cats.

On Tuesday afternoon, she was able to check on her house and found one of them, Merlin Sheldrake. The other, Todd, is still missing.

Beyond the distress, she estimates that itll cost at least $50,000 to clean up, to repair or replace machinery and to disinfect her home

Shes also worried about the health of her soil. High-quality soil is typically dense with nutrients, she explained, and getting oversaturated for too long can disrupt its delicate balance of bacteria, microbes and other components.

Im worried about all the things I need to farm and live.

 2025 The Seattle Times. Visit www.seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Over the course of two days spent with Portland Police Officer Rachel McDonald and social worker Sarah Scafani, The Oregonian/OregonLive watched the pair find and help Portlanders that most people were busy leaving well enough alone.

The work partners are part of a specialized, five-team unit that pairs officers and clinicians focused on following up on people with mental illness who display escalating behaviors, are frequently on officers radar or who could pose a danger to others.

Sometimes, its all three. A woman they checked on first in May was reported by her friends to be in a mental health spiral, she was regularly calling 911 to complain about being stalked and she had a shotgun. On a second visit, the woman turned her shotgun over to McDonald, a move the officer took as a win.

I love this job, McDonald said. We actually have time to help people.

While the existence of the unit does not solve everything, its a step forward for a police bureau with a troubled history of using excessive force against people with mental illness.

Heres the digest version of The Oregonian/OregonLives account of two days spent shadowing McDonald and Scafani:

An experiment that stuck

The behavioral health unit was launched by Portland police in 2013. In 2022, clinicians became full-time city employees rather than contractors and the unit expanded back to five teams after a pandemic-era contraction. In fiscal year 2025, the units budget was $4 million, just over 1% of the bureaus overall budget.

The officers and clinicians of the behavioral health unit are in touch with more than 500 Portlanders a year who are in some level of mental health distress. Many are connected with services that bring them some amount of stability and a lower likelihood of interacting with police during a crisis.

Two nearly broken systems

The work of the behavioral health unit is hampered by the fact that teams are meant to act as the glue between what Sgt. Josh Silverman, who oversees the unit, calls two nearly broken systems. Thats Oregons justice system and the health care and social safety net system. Both are overburdened and overstretched. Neither are funded to provide enough services  including legal representation, addiction treatment, mental health counseling and housing  to meet the need.

From left, Officer Zachary Nell, Clinician Sarah Scafani and Officer Rachel McDonald check on a man suffering from delusions who was staying in a motel in Southeast Portland. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Youre not in any trouble

Officers like McDonald and their clinician partners have intensive training in deescalation techniques. They are careful not to make a situation worse by further pressuring people who are clearly suffering delusions or otherwise unable to fully comprehend their situation.

When knocking on the door of the women with the shotgun, McDonald identified herself as police and then called through the door, dont worry, youre not in any trouble!

During The Oregonian/OregonLives two days with the unit, they also checked on a man who suffered from delusions and was frequently violent toward his mother. And they searched for a homeless person whod lost the flesh off the tip of his finger and was avoiding medical care even though bone could be seen sticking out.

Scafani said that while many people they work with prefer to speak to her, since she wears no uniform and does not carry a firearm, she has realized that many people actually prefer to work with McDonald. The two swap out who takes the lead based on how people respond to them.

Critics wary of giving police too much credit

At least eight people in mental health crises have been killed by Portland police in the past decade, according to a Washington Post database and a review of The Oregonian/OregonLives records. Critics say thats an undercount and that other people killed by police were also in crises that werent recorded by the officers who encountered them.

And those deaths come after years of even more deaths at the hands of police, which were the subject of a lawsuit against the bureau by the U.S. Department of Justice. Portland police settled with federal officials in 2014, agreeing to make sweeping changes to officer training and practice.

But despite meeting many of those terms, the bureau is still not in full compliance with the settlement agreement.

Clinicians with bullet-proof vests

Silverman doesnt believe his unit is the only answer to the question of what police can do better when it comes to how they treat people with mental illness. But he does think it is part of the answer.

He credited the bureau for providing every officer with training on how to approach someone in crisis and what not to do when it comes to using force. But he thinks its also important to try to prevent those predictably volatile situations by connecting people with known issues to help whenever possible. For that work, he said there is simply no one else available.

We are the only clinicians with ballistic vests, he said.

Read the full story here.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday unveiled a series of regulatory actions designed to effectively ban gender-affirming care for minors, building on broader Trump administration restrictions on transgender Americans.

The sweeping proposals  the most significant moves this administration has taken so far to restrict the use of puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgical interventions for transgender children  include cutting off federal Medicaid and Medicare funding from hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to children and prohibiting federal Medicaid funding from being used on such procedures.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, blasted the move in a press release Thursday morning, saying President Donald Trump and his allies seek to demonize and ultimately erase trans Americans.

Trumps latest effort to bully hospitals into carrying out his extremist agenda is a cruel and thoughtless step that contradicts medical evidence and will jeopardize health care for many communities around the country, Wyden wrote. Our trans neighbors, family members and friends deserve better.

- The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Danielle Bethell, a Marion County commissioner running for governor in 2026, faces a pair of state ethics investigations into whether she used her elected position to benefit her son and daughter.

Investigators at the Oregon Government Ethics Commission will pursue full-fledged inquiries into the cases, after the commission voted unanimously on Friday that initial findings justified digging deeper. The first case stems from Bethells intervention in a traffic stop involving her daughter last December. The other involves her level of disclosure during the countys recent approval of a contract with a company that employed her son.

In a statement first provided to other news outlets, Bethell defended her actions, saying that when navigating these events, I made the best decisions I could to be as transparent and ethical as possible.

Bethell, a Republican who has served as a county commissioner since 2021, announced her gubernatorial campaign in April and has raised $168,000 this year. She faces Republican primary opponent state Sen. Christine Drazan of rural Clackamas County, who has reported raising more than $1 million for her campaign this year. Republican and former Trail Blazer Chris Dudley has said he is considering running but has not publicly announced a decision. The Republican primary winner will go on to challenge Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek in November.

The earlier case dates back to last New Years Eve, when Bethells daughter was pulled over by a Marion County deputy sheriff for allegedly using an electronic mobile device while driving. Bethell was not present but spoke to the deputy through her daughters phone, according to a preliminary review from commission staff, who reviewed an audio recording of the traffic stop.

During the phone call, Bethell explained that she could send an updated auto insurance card from her phone, according to the report. The deputy responded that her daughter could present the card to a court to avoid a charge for failing to provide proof of insurance. Bethell then replied that her daughter cant go to the court in Marion County because Im a commissioner, so please be thoughtful before you send her, according to the report.

Bethell told the Statesman Journal that she was suggesting that the case could not be handled by the Marion County Justice Court because county commissioners, including herself, set its budget. Court records indicate that the case was transferred to Marion County Circuit Court in March in a simple procedural action.

Based on Bethells recorded conversation with the deputy, commission staff determined that Bethell appeared to be attempting to use her position to avoid her daughter being cited for the traffic stop, which would violate state ethics laws.

Investigators also found indications that Bethell may have used her position to avoid paying for her own legal defense following the traffic stop. For instance, the report states that Marion County Counsel Steve Elzinga submitted a statement that appeared to defend Bethells personal actions.

In the statement, Elzinga argued that Bethells statements did not violate ethics laws and that the deputy sheriff got the wrong impression of some statements while standing in the middle of the road during a noisy traffic stop, according to the preliminary review.

Ron Cereghino, the deputy that pulled over Bethells daughter, filed the ethics complaint against Bethell this fall, according to the report.

In her statement provided to The Oregonian/OregonLive, Bethell said she did not ask the county to provide legal representation.

I did not ask Marion County to be my representative, Bethell said. I notified Marion County, which I am required to do, any time theres an interaction between me and an employee of the county that isnt positive. I notified the county administrator and the county lawyer.

The second case involved the Marion County Commission in September voting to increase the spending allowed on two contracts with a construction company that employed her son. One contract amendment was worth more than $960,000 and the other was worth nearly $1.2 million.

Bethell declared a potential conflict of interest, then joined the other county commissioners in voting unanimously to approve each amendment, according to a preliminary review from commission staff. According to the report, Bethell likely should have declared an actual conflict of interest and refrained from both votes.

According to a statement from Elzinga, the county lawyer, Bethell declared a possible conflict of interest based on his advice.

Commissioner Bethell made a good faith effort to comply with ethics requirements, he stated, according to the review. After further review, I have realized that, while my advice to declare a conflict was clearly correct, my advice that it be treated as a possible conflict instead of an actual conflict was not the best approach.

One defense that public officials can use in Oregon ethics cases is that they were acting on the advice of their government legal counsel, an option that could be available to Bethell based on Elzingas statements.

The full investigations could result in letters of education, mandatory training or financial penalties.
Portland officials Tuesday revealed early warning signs of a sizable shortfall for the citys budget next fiscal year as taxes and fees that pay for essential municipal services are projected to shrink amid local economic headwinds.

The City Budget Office estimates a general fund deficit of at least $66.9 million, according to a new revenue forecast, a figure that could increase further in the coming months.

That amount is equivalent to about 8.4% of the projected $795.5 million needed next year to cover the funds anticipated expenses, the analysis shows.

The citys general fund primarily supports police, fire, parks and homeless services. It also pays for a bevy of popular initiatives including gun violence prevention programs, commercial sidewalk cleanings, litter collection and graffiti removal.

Portland is not alone in facing these forecasted funding challenges, City Economist Peter Hulseman said in a statement. Communities across the U.S. are seeing slower revenue growth and rising costs, and Portlands forecast reflects similar trends.

Tuesdays revenue forecast did not look at potential funding shortfalls in other service areas such as transportation, permitting and water and sewers.

Nor does it account for the tens of millions of dollars the city received on a one-time basis last year from Multnomah County, the state and Metro to help fund Mayor Keith Wilsons plan to open new overnight shelter beds and keep Portlands existing outdoor shelters open.

According to the forecast, the city is projected to see steep declines in revenue that comes from Portlands business license taxes ($20 million), utility license and franchise fees ($9 million), property taxes ($7.7 million) and transient lodging taxes ($6 million), among other sources.

Federal tax cuts championed by the Trump administration, a drop in the citys population during the pandemic, as well as declining job activity and development have all contributed to Portlands revenue challenges, Hulseman said.

Across the three main local indicators  employment, population change, and housing  Portland has essentially been in a recession since 2023, he wrote.

In addition, budget officials expect to see a host of rising city expenses that will further strain the general fund, including more than $10 million in health care and cost-of-living adjustment increases, the analysis shows.

City budget officials plan to update their forecast in February and April.

Last year, officials initially predicted a $27 million general fund shortfall for Portland, a figure that later climbed to $100 million. That in turn ignited a bruising budget season this past spring that culminated in a mix of layoffs and fee increases to balance the books.
Reporter Noelle Crombie spent more than two years reporting on the July 8, 2023, wreck that killed 11-year-old Ryan Ambrose.

She traveled to Yuma, Arizona, to meet with his mother, his extended family and teachers and spent time with his relatives in Vancouver and Portland.

Crombie attended court hearings and the weeklong trial this past summer, and interviewed Duprie Smith after he went to prison.

She observed some of the interactions she describes in the story. For others she relied on the memories of those who were directly involved, as well as on police and court records, trial testimony and a recording of Smiths ride that night from a camera built into the rearview mirror of his SUV.
Looking for a Chinese restaurant for Christmas night dinner? Portland has a plethora of options, from local favorites to Michelin-recognized Taiwanese fare like Din Tai Fung.

Reaching for the Chinese takeout menu on Christmas has become an American tradition, even for those who celebrate Christmas.

It was depicted humorously in the 1983 classic film A Christmas Story. Ralphie is recalling his childhood in the 1930s in the movie, when he remembers going out to a Chinese restaurant with his family.

The tradition was started by a relationship between two non-Christian immigrant groups and was founded on mutual respect and a little business acumen.

Historical records indicate that Jewish people have been patronizing Chinese restaurants with vigor for 150-ish years.

In the mid-19th century, America saw an influx of immigrants from Europe and Asia. On the northeast coast, like in New York, many of these immigrant populations lived close to one another.

There wasnt a mass decision to start eating in Chinese restaurants, as much as [it was] probably the adjoining neighborhoods and its availability, Rabbi Joshua Eli Plaut, rabbi of the Metropolitan Synagogue of New York, told History.com.

Throughout the 20th century, Chinese restaurants were reliably open on Sundays and Christian holidays because early Asian immigrants werent Christian; they largely practiced Buddhism or Taoism.

There were no historical ties of discrimination between Chinese and Jewish people and Chinese restaurants lacked the Christian iconography that could be found in Greek, Italian, German, Polish, Hungarian and other restaurants that served European foods.

The cuisine itself used familiar ingredients like garlic, onions and vegetables and did not often incorporate dairy and meat together, a food combo thats non-Kosher for Jews.

Chinese restaurateurs themselves knew about it also, and made it a selling point in their ads posted in the Jewish newspapers. They would say, we offer Sunday chicken [and] steak meals or we are open late on Sundays, said Shiyong Lu, a doctoral researcher in Hebrew and Judaic Studies and History at New York University.

This tradition has endured and grown. Chinese restaurants across the nation report that Christmastime is one of the busiest times of year. Restaurants specializing in other Asian cuisines like Japanese, Thai, Indian and others can also often be seen catering to guests on Dec. 25.

Its great to call your favorite local spot ahead of time to make sure theyll be open and that there arent any rules regarding order size or wait times.

But if youre looking for a new spot, The Oregonian/OregonLive has recommended more than a few delicious spots over the years:

Noodle Man

Noodle Man offers authentic hand-pulled noodles and a show because each order is pulled and cooked fresh. In 2019, The Oregonian/OregonLive named Noodle Man the best hand-pulled noodles around.

Noodle Man is located at 15888 SE Happy Valley Town Center Drive in Happy Valley. Itll be open on Christmas 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Chins Kitchen

Chins Kitchen offers Dongbei-style dumplings, sure to warm you up even on the chilliest Portland day. Dongbei is Chinas frigid northeast region, where temperatures can reach as low as -4 F. The cuisine is homestyle and meant to warm from the inside out. Chins Kitchen made The Oregonian/OregonLives list of best dumplings in the city this year.

Chins Kitchen is located at 4216 N.E. Broadway in Portland. It will be open on Christmas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., then Chins Kitchen closes for an hour before supper, reopening at 4 p.m. and remaining open until 9 p.m.

10 1 / 10 Chin's Kitchen

Chans Steakery

Chans Steakery is a pillar of the community in the suburb of Milwaukie, just outside Portland. Their menu is sprawling with East meets West fusion dishes that scream Chinese-American 60s throwback like Prime Rib and chow fun.

Chans Steakery is located at 10477 SE Main Street in Milwaukie. Itll be open on Christmas from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Bing Mi

Back in 2015, The Oregonian/OregonLive called the Bing Mi food truck the best of the year. It makes jianbing, a savory crepe-like wrap stuffed with egg and other delicious things. It has since opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant where you can get their jianbings as well as noodles, rice dishes and dumplings.

Bing Mi is located at 2572 NW Vaughn Street in Portland. It will be open on Christmas, beginning at 11 a.m.
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Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

At a briefing for representatives of the embassies of the United States, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and Italy, partners were informed about the situation on the frontline, the state of our energy sector and the key needs of the Defense Forces, Deputy Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Pavlo Palisa has said.

"We held a briefing for representatives of the embassies of the United States, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and Italy. We informed our partners about the situation on the frontline, the state of our energy sector and the key needs of the Defense Forces  primarily in matters of air defense. Special attention was paid to the enemy's plans for the coming years. The Russians do not plan to stop the war. They say this publicly, our intelligence reports on this," he said in a statement on Telegram. Palisa added that regular meetings "are important for our partners to see the real picture of the battlefield. Understand... how we should work together further."
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First Lady Emine Erdo?an sent a video message to the program Building Resilience in Women and Girls Against Climate Change and Conflicts.

Congratulating Fatima Maada Bio, the wife of Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, for her strong leadership on behalf of women and children, Emine Erdo?an said: Her work as President of the African First Ladies Development Organization, as well as the founder of the Hands Off Our Girls initiative, is truly commendable.

Erdo?an expressed her gratitude to Bio, with whom she collaborates in her capacity as Chair of the United Nations Zero Waste Advisory Board, for her extraordinary efforts in contributing to solutions for humanitys common challenges. She also celebrated the seventh anniversary of the Hands Off Our Girls initiative.

Referring to the campaigns theme for this anniversaryEnhancing the Resilience of Women and Girls Against Climate Change and ConflictsEmine Erdo?an emphasized that it shines a light on one of the most vital issues of our time. She stated:

As you know, climate change is one of the most significant global challenges of our era, affecting all countries regardless of their level of development. Increasingly severe natural disasters, droughts, desertification, rising sea levels, and similar crises profoundly shake societies. In addition, over 120 ongoing conflicts worldwide exhaust humanity and unfortunately push it toward a breaking point. Sadly, the heaviest burden of these crises is borne by women and children. Tragically, in 2024 alone, 676 million women and children were forced to live their lives amid conflicts. In the last two years, the number of women who lost their lives in wars has doubled compared to previous years.

She highlighted projections showing that, due to the impacts of climate change, 158 million women could fall into extreme poverty by 2050. Millions of women and children struggle for survival, deprived of basic human rights such as the right to life, food security, access to clean water, and education. Their plight is the primary reason the worlds record of justice is so fractured. Let us remember that women are key actors in building a prosperous and just world. They are not merely recipients of aid in the face of humanitarian crises; on the contrary, they must actively participate in the solution process. When we look at stories of female entrepreneurship worldwide, we see that women emerge with ideas that serve humanity and drive it forward, Erdo?an said.

Emine Erdo?an also pointed to research indicating that in countries where womens representation in parliament is high, international environmental agreements are more likely to be ratified. She continued:

Inclusion of women in mediation and peacebuilding processes increases the likelihood of ending violence by up to 24 percent. In countries where women enjoy higher social and political status, carbon emissions are 12 percent lower. Women make up half of the agricultural workforce, and when they have equal access to resources as men, they have the power to reduce global hunger by up to 17 percent. Many such examples highlight a very important reality: increasing the resilience of women and children in the face of global crises is only possible through womens leadership.

As the year draws to a close, Emine Erdo?an expressed hope that this call rising from Africa would serve as a catalyst for global solidarity that can change the lives of women and children everywhere. She wished that the new year would mark a beginning in which humanity achieves lasting peace and collectively builds a sustainable future.
Photo: Denys_Smyhal /t.me/Denys_Smyhal

Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal has held a conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic Jaromir Zuna.

According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense website, Shmyhal congratulated his colleague on his appointment and thanked him for his comprehensive support. The two sides focused on ways to develop defense cooperation to strengthen the security of Ukraine and the Czech Republic.

In particular, the head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense noted the importance of the "Czech initiative" for the supply of ammunition.

"Our countries have significant potential for deepening cooperation. We are ready to share our experience and technological solutions and launch joint ventures, particularly in the field of modern drones," Shmyhal stated.

The parties also discussed potential cooperation within the European SAFE mechanism. According to Shmyhal, Ukraine is ready to jointly implement projects that will strengthen the defense capabilities of both countries' militaries.

"Thank you for the constructive conversation and your willingness to develop strategic defense cooperation," he concluded.

The Czech Ministry of Defense, in turn, reported that a second telephone conversation took place between Zuna and Shmyhal.
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Elof Hansson Appoints Lennart Eberleh as New Chief Executive Officer

Lennart Eberleh Lennart Eberleh

Dec. 17, 2025 - The Board of Elof Hansson Holding has appointed Lennart Eberleh as the new CEO of the international trading house Elof Hansson. Eberleh will succeed Mikael Forslund, who, after 10 years as CEO, is leaving his role at his own request to retire during 2026. Forslund will remain in his position until Lennart Eberleh takes office, which will be no later than June 2026.

Currently, Eberleh is CEO of Swedish market pulp producer Rottneros  a position he has held since September of 2016. Previously, he held leading roles at BillerudKorsnas and Stora Enso.

"Elof Hansson is a trading house with over 125 years of history, built on trust, long-term relationships, and strong business acumen. With Lennart, we get a leader who both respects this heritage and has the ability to carry it forward in a changing world, said Anette Asklin, Chair of the Board of Elof Hansson Holding.

Eberleh commented, "It is an honor to have been appointed as the new CEO for Elof Hansson, and I have great respect for the company's history. With more than 30 years of experience in the Swedish forest industry, across a wide range of companies and products, I am confident that I can contribute to the company's future development. I look forward to being part of the journey that Elof Hansson is on."

Elof Hansson is an international trading house specializing in various forest and consumer products such as pulp, paper, timber, and biomass, as well as sells building materials, machinery, and equipment. Elof Hansson is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden.

SOURCE: Elof Hansson
An Amazon delivery driver has been arrested on a felony homicide charge following what police say was an intentional hit-and-run crash that killed a man in Allentown.

Aside from the homicide charge, Troy Johnson, 30, of Philadelphia, also is charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, felony accidents involving death and misdemeanor reckless endangerment.

He was arrested Wednesday morning by the U.S. Marshals Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force and Allentown detectives at a home in the 5400 block of Norfolk Street in southwest Philadelphia.

Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark told lehighvalleylive.com investigators raided the property at 7:30 a.m. and found Johnson inside. The home is owned by Johnsons family members, he said.

Johnson is awaiting arraignment on the charges. It wasnt immediately clear if an attorney has been assigned to represent him.

Johnson is accused of hitting and running over 29-year-old Rigoberto E. Hernandez Arias with a delivery truck just before 8 p.m. Nov. 21 in the 2400 block of South Fourth Street, Allentown.

Hernandez Arias was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township, where he was pronounced dead about 45 minutes after the crash.

Hernandez Arias died from blunt force injuries suffered in the crash, and the manner was ruled a homicide by Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan told lehighvalleylive.com that Johnson and Hernandez Arias were involved in an argument just prior to the crash.

Jesus Garcia, a public relations manager for Amazon, told lehighvalleylive.com that Johnson was employed with a service partner that provides delivery services for Amazon. Johnson was suspended by his company immediately after the incident and is no longer eligible to deliver on behalf of Amazon, Garcia said.

This was a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with the victims family and loved ones, Garcia added.

Theres no indication Hernandez Arias and Johnson knew each other previously, Holihan has said.

The district attorneys office on Wednesday said that, according to a witness, the mens vehicles were stopped at a traffic light as the two drivers were arguing. After that, Hernandez Arias was on the hood of the van while Johnson drove nearly a quarter of a mile.

During that time, witnesses saw Johnson driving the van from side-to-side in an attempt to knock the victim off the hood. Johnson then slammed on the brakes of the van, ran over the victim and left the scene, the DAs office said.

An online fundraiser has been launched to help Hernandez Arias family.
Story by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College and Mark Fazlollah for Spotlight PA

This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our north-central Pa. newsletter, Talk of the Town, at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown.

Over the span of nearly a decade, the State College Police Department underreported hundreds of rapes in the central Pennsylvania community, leading to highly inaccurate publicly reported crime statistics, Spotlight PA has learned.

From 2013 to 2021, State College police reported a total of 67 rapes in crime submissions to Pennsylvania State Police, when in fact there had been 321  a 254-case difference  according to a 10-month Spotlight PA investigation.

Those missing cases were instead classified as sex offenses, a category with lower penalties and one thats treated with less urgency by law enforcement. In response to Spotlight PA, the department conceded it had been using an outdated definition of rape until late 2022  despite the federal government announcing a change to it in 2012, and that update being subsequently implemented by thousands of police agencies across the U.S. in 2013.

Under the old definition, a vast array of violent, degrading, abusive sexual assaults were excluded from the data that are used to inform the public about the prevalence of rape, said Lila Slovak, director of the Womens Law Projects Philadelphia office.

Crime statistics in places like State College, nicknamed Happy Valley, are particularly important because its a college town. Most Penn State students live off campus, and federal law requires the school to only report crimes that occur on its premises, on its property, and in public places right next to it.

State College Police Chief John Gardner told Spotlight PA that he wasnt aware until 2022 that the FBI had updated its definition of rape. He learned when a department records supervisor that year completed a training and implemented the change. Gardners predecessor, Tom King, who retired from the department in 2016, said he only learned about the incorrect reporting when contacted by Spotlight PA this summer.

But the department had never acknowledged the longstanding error or disclosed it to the public until approached by Spotlight PA about potential data discrepancies. The department calculated the number of affected cases after Spotlight PA requested a review.

The inaccurate reporting was not done intentionally, said Gardner, who is retiring at the end of this year. The minute we found out about it, we made the correction, and were open to sitting down and talking to you about it. We owned it.

We want to make this community safe and want people who live here to feel safe, he said.

Pennsylvania State Police share crime statistics from local departments, including State College, with the FBIs Uniform Crime Reporting Program, known as UCR. Those figures influence numerous aspects of life in a community and help governments decide where to deploy resources and direct public funds.

Criminologist Eli B. Silverman, professor emeritus at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said accurate data are also key to good policing and maintaining trust with the community.

When crime statistics lose their credibility, the public loses confidence in the police and is less inclined to report crime, Silverman said. This, in turn, further diminishes the effectiveness of police organization.

Over the course of Spotlight PAs investigation, the newsroom found other potential issues with the departments handling of reported rapes.

For years, rape cases were habitually described as assaults in internal police records, Spotlight PA found. The newsroom also questioned whether factors other than the new definition made previous rape numbers appear low, especially as top officials in the department did not seem clear on how crime reporting works, and at times offered confusing or incorrect information.

Additionally, Spotlight PA identified a case in which two victims reported rapes and the police recorded only one. One police official told reporters that rapes are counted by incident, not by victim  going against well-established FBI rules and indicating a separate violation from underreporting.

Police appear to be trying to minimize the extent of sexual assault in State College, Cassia Spohn, a criminologist and professor at Arizona State University, told Spotlight PA. Doing so can produce a false sense of security among potential victims, leading eventually to an increase in victimization and a decline in public safety.

Before this investigation was published, Spotlight PA sent a detailed list of findings to police officials and State College borough.

In response, the department offered a joint statement from Gardner, King, longtime State College Borough Manager Tom Fountaine, and State College assistant police chief Matthew Wilson, expressing a great level of dissatisfaction.

The information presented appears to be more representative of an op-ed article than an objective reporting piece. The information you provided for our review is largely misleading and omits perspectives from community stakeholders, the statement said in part. Read the full response here.

The police department is located on the first floor of the borough building in downtown State College. Georgianna Sutherland / For Spotlight PA

I dont recall

For more than 80 years, the FBI defined rape as the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will. That meant only forced attacks involving penetration of the vagina by a penis were considered rape.

This left out things like forced oral or anal sex, and sex acts that were committed against someones will but without force. Attacks on men or boys were also not counted.

That longstanding definition was narrow, outmoded and steeped in gender-based stereotypes, the Womens Law Project wrote in a 2001 letter to then-FBI Director Robert Mueller.

In 2012, the FBI announced it would broaden its definition of rape to ensure justice for those whose lives have been devastated by sexual violence, then-U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said at the time.

This new, more inclusive definition will provide us with a more accurate understanding of the scope and volume of these crimes, Holder added.

Leading national organizations for police and sheriffs backed the change, as did womens organizations and anti-rape groups.

Under the new definition, rape is: Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.

John Derbas, a former deputy assistant director of the FBI, told Spotlight PA that by 2015 15,000 law enforcement agencies across the nation had adopted the reform.

David Hendler, who oversees records at the Abington Township Police Department in Montgomery County, said both he and his predecessor knew about the change when he started working in the department in 2013. Officers talked about it among themselves, he told Spotlight PA.

Every cop I knew knew about it, Hendler said.

Yet King, who led State College police from 1993 to 2016, said word never reached him. He wasnt aware that State College police were incorrectly reporting rapes until Spotlight PA contacted him this summer, he said.

I dont recall it. In 2025, as we sit here talking about it today, I dont recall, King said in an August interview. He questioned who within the department might have been contacted by Pennsylvania State Police, which ensures that law enforcement agencies across the state submit crime data that go to the FBI.

Whoever they addressed it to, I dont recall ever seeing any direction from the State Police to make a change, or being aware that it was changed, said King, who became the interim police chief in neighboring Ferguson Township in October. That doesnt mean they didnt. Were talking about 12 years ago.

A spokesperson for Pennsylvania State Police told Spotlight PA the agency alerted local police departments about the change. A December 2012 notification outlined the new definition and instructed agencies to report offenses accordingly, starting in January 2013, Myles Snyder wrote in an email. After that, the responsibility for ensuring correct and timely reporting lies solely with contributing agencies, he added.

A five-paragraph notice was sent via the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network, or CLEAN, a platform police departments use to communicate with other agencies, on Dec. 27, 2012  less than a week before the new requirement took effect, according to a document obtained through a public records request.

State Police have the highest level of confidence in this communication system, Snyder said when asked if the notice reliably reached all 2,000-some local law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania.

Agencies like the State College Police Department have to acknowledge receipt of every message sent over CLEAN, he said. It is not optional, and lives depend on it. The messages are kept for 10 years, Snyder told Spotlight PA, so State Police cannot verify who, if anyone, confirmed receipt of the notice.

In 2014, statewide data showed a 12% increase in rapes for the 2013 annual report, Snyder said. That indicated that submitting agencies were recognizing and using the new offense classification rule.

No one from State Police or the FBI told the department it missed the memo and was reporting erroneously, Gardner said in a joint interview with King and Fountaine.

State Police are legally bound to collect data from local departments, and those agencies must use the FBIs definitions for crimes. The agency checks on two things for UCR compliance: that a police department submits data, and that the numbers add up, Snyder said.

Between 2016 and 2023, State Police logged 65 instances of local departments being out of compliance. The agency did not provide information on why, but two chiefs told Spotlight PA it was because their departments didnt submit any numbers. The violations, which came with the threat of losing some state grant funding, were deemed fixed by State Police as long as the departments began filing monthly.

Submitting agencies are solely responsible for the accuracy of their information, Snyder told Spotlight PA.

Both State College police chiefs told Spotlight PA that they did not intentionally disregard the FBI mandate to report rapes accurately. I know with absolute confidence that had I received that notification  we would have made the change, King said.

When crime statistics lose their credibility, the public loses confidence in the police and is less inclined to report crime, Criminologist Eli B. Silverman told Spotlight PA. This, in turn, further diminishes the effectiveness of police organization. Daniel Fishel / For Spotlight PA

A late revelation

The department, with 53 sworn officers today, serves over 57,000 residents in State College and neighboring College and Harris Townships. Its jurisdiction borders Penn States University Park campus, which has its own police force. However, many of the universitys nearly 49,000 undergraduate students live, work, and recreate off campus  so State College police regularly interact with students.

During a typical academic year, 75% of rape victims are Penn State students, Lt. Chad Hamilton, State College police detective supervisor, said.

For years, rape numbers reported by State College police were consistently low, hovering in single digits for the most part. When the department reported its 2021 crime statistics to UCR, police claimed that there was not a single rape that year.

It turns out that there were at least 30.

But instead of rapes, those cases were submitted to the Uniform Crime Reporting system as sex offenses. These are considered a part two crime, a category that the FBI collects less information about and rarely mentions in its regular announcements about crime in America.

In police speak, part one crimes are the most severe offenses: homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, human trafficking. They are high priorities for law enforcement, often bringing with them pressure to make arrests and clear cases. These are considered indicators of the level of crime occurring in the country, according to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook.

Rape cases should never go into part two crime counts, Spohn, the criminologist, told Spotlight PA. Sex crimes under the part two category include acts like fondling or indecent exposure, she said. The category does not include sex crimes involving penetration. The UCR handbook is pretty specific, she said.

But by its own admission, the State College Police Department did exactly that  incorrectly reporting at least 254 part one crimes as part two ones.

Its not like we werent reporting, Wilson told Spotlight PA in a February interview. He said the police department wasnt calling these incidents rapes, but it was calling them sexual offenses. I dont see it as a huge deal, he said.

Three years ago, a longtime staffer, Alecia Schaeffer, took over as records supervisor. Thats the position ultimately responsible for reviewing each incident, ensuring the coding follows the rules, and submitting monthly reports to the state.

Schaeffer  who was trained and certified on Uniform Crime Reporting in 2002  got a refresher course in December 2022, bringing back with her an urgency to update the police departments practice.

Spotlight PA repeatedly requested to interview Schaeffer. The borough and department refused, saying they generally do not make staff available to the media.

Gardner said he was in the conversation following Schaeffers training but remembered very, very little about it  other than the fact that she learned through training that  all these offenses were to be coded as rapes, he said.

Fountaine, who oversees State College police in his role as borough manager, said he became aware of this change when the department was first contacted by Spotlight PA.

Experts told Spotlight PA that the way rapes are labeled matters for victims and communities.

Its not just about how it shows up in statistics, its about how people think about whats happened to them, how other people think about whats happened to them, how the community thinks about whats happened to them, said Anne Ard, former executive director of Centre Safe, a State College-based organization that supports survivors of sexual violence.

Department officials say the way the cases were coded had no impact on how police handled them.

However, between 2013 and 2023, State College polices rate of arrests for rape was double that for sex offenses, according to a Spotlight PA analysis of data submitted to UCR.

State College police said that driving any investigation is the strength of evidence, the victims wishes, and input from the district attorneys office.

It doesnt matter to us what is coded. Its going to be thoroughly investigated to the best of our abilities, Wilson told Spotlight PA.

Other potential issues

King, the departments former police chief, told Spotlight PA that incidents of sexual violence were very, very, very high priorities for the department.

King said the department applied for grant funding to address sexual violence, and that it created specialized investigative units and response teams as far back as 2006. Officials communicated with the public over and over again on the significance placed on these crimes, King said.

The department, with 53 sworn officers today, serves over 57,000 residents in State College and neighboring College and Harris Townships. Abby Drey / Centre Daily Times

But throughout its investigation, Spotlight PA identified other potential issues with the way State College police handled rape cases.

One issue is the accuracy of State Colleges rape numbers unrelated to the definition change.

Because the new rape definition was broader, the FBI anticipated a rise in reported rape figures nationwide  as much as 41.7% in 2013, it said. In State College, however, it saw a 222% increase for 2013. Between the years 2013 to 2020, the revised definition produced an average annual increase of 384%.

Spotlight PA asked the department about the discrepancy, whether factors other than the new definition affected the low 2013 rape count, and if the inconsistency raised concerns about previous UCR reporting.

Both chiefs emphatically defended those figures.

Spotlight PA asked the department to review cases between 2005 and 2012 to ensure compliance with the FBIs legacy rape definition; to allow the newsroom to do so; or to make the records supervisor available for either an interview or written responses to questions. Officials declined.

Without an independent review of investigative files and records, questions about the departments crime reporting accuracy could not be fully answered.

But one case sheds light on the long-term consequences of the departments errors.

I was raped

Standing in a parking lot by her dorm building on a summer night in 2019, Lexi Tingley, barely a freshman at Penn State, texted her mother. It was 2:44 a.m., and the worst had happened.

Mommy.

I think I need to go to the ER.

I was raped.

Im scared.

Tingleys mother knew the lot; she had dropped her daughter off there recently for summer sessions. Frantically, she drove Tingley and her friend, who had also been raped that night, to Mount Nittany Medical Center. Tingley was examined, tested for sexually transmitted diseases, and met with a State College police officer at the hospital.

Tingleys statements became the experiences of victim 1 in the police report. Her friend, Hanna Friedenberger, was victim 3 in the report. Another friend, victim 2, witnessed the crimes and had a panic attack, but was not assaulted. Both women spoke to Spotlight PA and agreed to be named.

Both Tingley and Friedenberger said they were raped at the Legend, a student rental complex three blocks from campus. Police took both their statements.

But State College police records show that one of the rapes was not accounted for.

Lexi Tingley, left, and Hanna Friedenberger, right Photos submitted

The department keeps an internal crime log, a set of records detailing every call it responded to in the past 20 years. Its the first draft of crime statistics that would be reviewed, cataloged, and corrected if needed before submitting to the Uniform Crime Reporting system. The log contained one rape for the day that Tingley and Friedenberger were attacked.

Wilson, the assistant police chief, said in an August email that rape cases are counted per incident, not per victim  although FBI rules say cases should be counted by the number of victims. Wilson, whose responsibilities include overseeing the departments records operations, did not respond when Spotlight PA sought additional clarity. Wilson will become the police chief for State Colleges neighboring Ferguson Township in 2026.

UCR data for that month, August 2019, show three rapes reported by State College police.

However, Gardner said in an email that there were two other rapes that month that were not related to Tingley and Friedenberger. That means the department should have reported four rapes to UCR.

In an interview, Gardner told Spotlight PA that the UCR data for August 2019 included both Tingley and Friedenberger. You report victims to UCR, OK, we dont do it by incident. Do you understand?

Gardner insisted the department handled the case properly and said he did not know the source of the discrepancy.

Theres another notable problem.

The internal crime log reviewed by Spotlight PA contained four pieces of information for this incident. The time the call was received was 3:49:44 a.m. on Aug. 1, 2019. The outcome of the incident, called disposition, was ECA or exceptional clearance of an adult  commonly used for when prosecutors declined to file charges, as happened in the womens case.

Additionally, there was a description and a code.

When State College police officers file incident reports, they describe the calls they respond to  for example, burglary or traffic stop. The actual criminal violation that resulted would be recorded as a four-digit code. In State Colleges system, for example, 0210 is code for forcible rape. Coders in the records department  not officers  are responsible for doing that.

In Tingley and Friedenbergers case, the report was coded 0210, referring to rape. But the description  crucial for any layperson not familiar with State College police coding to understand the nature of a case  said assault earlier.

For at least a quarter-century, State College police have held daily media briefings where reporters were handed daily law incident summaries, or what the department calls a press log. These documents include the description, but not the case code, of each incident.

Between 2005 and 2021, State College police in these logs described 110 cases that were ultimately classified as rapes as assault or assault earlier. Thats four out of every five rapes recorded by the department during that period.

Asked how residents or reporters who attended these briefings would be able to distinguish rape cases from physical fights because they were lumped together under the title of assault, Gardner said the officers in charge would note if any case was sexual in nature.

Its serious, he said that an officer in that situation would say, arguing the vagueness protected victims privacy.

That approach leaves the quality of State College crime data to chance.

This happened when the department provided its 2009 crime log to an open records requester this February, which was later posted online. The requester asked for the type of crime for each incident and received the crime log with the incident description listed, but not the numeric case code.

No rapes were listed in the 161 pages that State College turned over. If incident codes had been included, the log would show two cases of rape that year.

Gardner serves as the police departments Right-to-Know officer. He told Spotlight PA that the code was not given to the requester because the person did not specifically ask for it.

Spotlight PA submitted a Right-to-Know request asking for the same information as the original requester, and did not ask for the 4-digit code. But police provided both the data and the code to the newsroom.

An open records request for 2009 State College police data posted online, top, and an open records request made by Spotlight PA for the same information, bottom. Screenshots of State College Police Department records via MuckRock and Right-to-Know request

Its impossible to determine if Tingley and Friedenbergers case was unique. The newsroom cannot determine if undercounting rape victims by using the incident count was an isolated incident or a more prevalent problem. State law does not allow public access to police investigative files, and State College police refused Spotlight PAs request to review them.

Tingley and Friedenberger, already heartbroken over the outcome of their case, would not find out until contacted by Spotlight PA that State College police had undercounted their rapes in public crime data.

Tingley, now 24, said its hard to separate the rape and what followed. The treatment she received from law enforcement  a false promising, as she called it  was equally painful as the worst thing thats happened to her.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, Centre Safe is available 24/7 at 877-234-5050.

SUPPORT THIS JOURNALISM and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results.
The U.S. Senate has approved a bill authorizing appropriations for the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2026, allocating $400 million for Ukraine for the USAI program, and extending the programs term until 2029, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States Olha Stefanishyna said.

She said the NDAA bill defines policy but does not allocate actual funding, which will be provided for by separate laws.

"The U.S. Secretary of Defense must notify the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives within 48 hours of making a decision on any suspension or restriction of the provision of intelligence information to support Ukraine's military operations. He must explain the reasons for such a decision, its duration, and also assess its impact on Ukraine's ability to conduct military operations. The US Secretary of Defense must submit to the relevant committees of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the support of Ukraine by US allies, in particular within the framework of the PURL initiative and the USAI program. It is separately stated that the Ministry of Defense is expected to provide a plan for further joint work with allies on the use of the PURL initiative," she said in her Telegram channel.

Separately, Congress expects detailed reports on NATO's activities in deterrence in Europe, an assessment of the military strategy, goals and deployment of Russia's armed forces and its military interaction with other states.

"The abduction of over 20,000 Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation has been documented and their immediate return is necessary. The U.S. Department of Justice and the State Department are authorized to assist law enforcement and intelligence agencies of the Government of Ukraine in the search, return, and rehabilitation of children. They may also coordinate actions with non-governmental organizations and provide them with grants to provide the above-mentioned types of assistance. The State Department is authorized to support the activities of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine, in particular the Prosecutor General's Office, aimed at investigating Russian crimes and prosecuting the perpetrators," the envoy said.

The next step will be the signing of the document by the U.S. President, after which it will enter into force.
By Ellie Rushing, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

The man who walked through the streets of Philadelphias Kingsessing neighborhood and shot people at random in 2023, killing five and wounding five others, pleaded guilty Wednesday to multiple counts of murder and was sentenced to decades in prison.

Kimbrady Carriker, 43, admitted that on the evening of July 3, 2023, he calmly walked through a Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood dressed in body armor and wearing a ski mask, pointed his AR-15-style rifle at seemingly random passersby and pulled the trigger.

He killed five people: DaJuan Brown, 15; Lashyd Merritt, 21; Dymir Stanton, 29; Ralph Moralis, 59; and Joseph Wamah Jr., 31.

Five others were injured: a 13-year-old boy he shot multiple times in the legs, and a mother who was driving with her 2-year-old twins and 10-year-old niece when he fired more than a dozen bullets into her car.

Wamah was killed first in the early morning of July 2, targeted in his home for reasons that remain unclear. Carriker returned to Wamahs block nearly two days later, armed with the same gun, and shot the others.

A memorial for the victims of the shooting in Kingsessing is seen on Chester Avenue near 56th Street in Philadelphia on Wednesday, July, 5 2023. (Allie Ippolito, TNS, file) TNS

Carrikers admission to the killings marks the end of the legal saga in a shooting that shocked the city, shattered families lives, and traumatized a community.

This was 14 minutes of terror for the residents of the Kingsessing neighborhood, Assistant District Attorney Robert Wainwright said.

Carrikers attorneys had been expected to argue at trial that he was legally insane when he gunned down his victims, and that he should be housed in a secure psychiatric facility for most of his life, not state prison.

Carriker suffered from severe delusions and religious preoccupations and had a fixed illusion that he was working for the National Security Agency, said Gregg Blender, assistant defender at the Defender Association of Philadelphia.

Even after he was arrested, taken to Norristown State Hospital, and medicated, he believed that he had done something wrong only because the National Security Association personnel did not come and rescue me, Blender said Carriker told doctors.

Prosecutors disagreed, saying his actions were deliberate and he should spend the rest of his life in state prison. But as they prepared for trial, an expert hired by the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office interviewed Carriker and agreed with defense lawyers that he did not appear to know that what he was doing that night was wrong.

Kimbrady Carriker (Philadelphia Police Department via AP, file) AP

Prosecutors did not want to risk that a jury might find Carriker not guilty by reason of insanity, Wainwright said. So they offered Carriker the opportunity to plead guilty to five counts of third-degree murder, five counts of attempted murder, and gun crimes. They asked a judge to sentence him to 37-1/2 to 75 years in prison.

On Wednesday, Carriker agreed.

Common Pleas Court Judge Glenn B. Bronson sentenced Carriker to the agreed-upon decades behind bars. The judge said that, in his 15 years of handling homicide cases, this was the worst he had seen, but that he would respect the deal reached by prosecutors and Carrikers defense team.

It traumatized an entire community, the judge said of the shooting. It traumatized an entire city.

Survivors of the shooting, and loved ones of the people who died, spoke emotionally in court Wednesday of the devastation of that July night, and the lasting impact on their lives.

The father of Joseph Wamah Jr., consumed by the trauma of finding his sons dead body inside his home, died earlier this year. His daughter said he could not mend his broken heart, and spiraled into a health crisis.

He faded in front of my eyes, Jasmine Wamah said of her father.

Other family members spoke of being hospitalized for their mental health, of looking after children without fathers and caring for kids with bullet scars in their legs.

Odessa Brown spoke of holding her 15-year-old grandson as he bled out from his injuries.

When DaJuan was born, he was given to me and I held him in his arms, she said. And that day, I held him when he was on the ground, dying, praying, asking God, please save my child.

Ralph Moralis daughter, Taneisha Moralis, said that, while six months pregnant, she cant stop thinking about how her child will never know their grandfather.

And Charlotte Clark, the girlfriend of Dymir Stanton, said she struggles to get up each day to care for their daughter, who was 3 when her father was killed.

I am still yearning for him from my soul. It makes me crazy, she said, shaking.

She said she hoped Carriker would rot in prison for what he took from her family.
A 67-year-old Mount Bethel man will spend the rest of his life in prison  and then some.

Ricky Raisner was sentenced to 110 to 500 years in prison after being convicted of 50 counts of possession of child pornography in July, under an unusual sentence handed down by Northhampton County Judge Brian Panella.

Panella said the images depicted very young children engaged in egregious acts, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office.

Raisner was caught when the attorney generals office picked up a tip and traced an Internet Protocol (IP) address back to Raisners Mount Bethel home, the office said.

Agents of the office seized electronic devices containing child sexual abuse material from Raisners home while executing a search warrant, according to the office.

While many state and federal laws define the visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person younger than 18 years old as child pornography, child sexual abuse material is the term preferred by Justice Department and various other agencies.

Possessing that kind of material is the exploitation and abuse of children, and will be treated with such severity in court, said Attorney General Dave Sunday.

Our Child Predator Section continues to uncover individuals across the Commonwealth viewing, collecting, and sharing these vile materials  that work will not stop, Sunday said.
A former Lancaster police officer on Thursday was sentenced to 22.5 to 57 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of raping and sexually assaulting three girls decades ago, the county district attorneys office said.

Andrew S. Selby, 56, of Pequea Township, in June was convicted of two counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count each of deviate sexual intercourse and statutory sexual assault following a three-day trial.

Selby, who worked as an officer for the city of Lancaster for six years until 2000, sexually assaulted three girls  a 12-year-old, a 16-year-old, and another girl whom he met while working in the 1990s.

The 16-year-old victim said she thought of Selby as a guardian and protector when he was assigned to investigate a separate December 1997 incident where she was raped.

Instead, Selby brought her to his home and raped her again.

He was a cop. He had a gun, the victim testified. It was a very harrowing experience.

Senior Judge William Mahon, who handed down the sentence, called Selbys actions insidious.

The violation of the rule of law that you swore to uphold is reprehensible, Mahon said.

While noting he has seen most everything while serving as a judge, Mahon said this is a type of case that has never come before him.

I cant imagine that you thought so little of [the victim], so little of yourself and so little of your fellow officers and what they represent, Mahon said.

One of the victims told the court Selbys actions further eroded her already distorted perception that nothing was safe. The victim also said she and the other victims come from shattered families and tragedy, calling Selby a psychopath.

Cops should be held to a higher standard of conduct than civilians, the victim said. Selby drew to us like a shark to blood, she added.

District Attorney Heather Adams said Selbys sentence will help bring peace to the victims who suffered.

While we can never undo the harms that occurred in the past, todays act of justice is an important steppingstone in these victims paths toward healing, Adams said.

A second victim wrote a letter to the court, which was read aloud, explaining that Selby failed her while in a position of power.

Selby did not speak before he was sentenced, but two of his friends described him as a dedicated worker and devoted husband, the DAs office said.

A psychologist who analyzed Selby described him as a pathological liar.

At the end of May 2024, police charged Selby with two additional sets of criminal charges after five more victims came forward.
Paul Laney slid into a booth at the American Legion in 2020 in Carlisle as he trash-talked a man who was killed in that very seat four years prior.

Laney was streaming his comments on Facebook Live about Donald DJ Harris.

It didnt sit well with Rochita Mobley, of Carlisle, who was sitting across the bar. So she had words with Laney, according to court documents.

And she did more than that, officials announced Thursday at a news conference releasing new details about the recently-solved cold case. She had been texting and calling someone who wanted to kill Laney, letting him know exactly where he could find him, Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack said.

Laney left the bar shortly after the conversation, and the man Mobley had messaged, Warren Bennett, was waiting nearby. Minutes later, an unknown shooter fired nine to 20 bullets into Laneys car as it drove away.

The car crashed, and Laney died while his passenger was injured, and the case sat without charges filed for five years.

Last month, police announced the arrests of Mobley and Bennett in connection with the killing, but the documents supporting the arrests were sealed.

That changed Thursday when McCormack released the investigating grand jury indictment which found there was probable cause to charge Bennett as the shooter, and to charge Mobley as an accomplice who tipped Bennett off to Laneys movements to help him commit the murder.

Bennett and Mobley are both charged with first and third-degree murder. Theyre both also are charged with aggravated assault and criminal use of a communication facility. Mobley is also charged with felony perjury and misdemeanor obstruction of law enforcement because the investigating grand jury determined she lied more than once during a 2021 grand jury investigation.

Mobley originally testified that as she sat inside the Legion hall the night Laney was killed, she only used her phone to text her son. She said although she and Bennett used to be romantically involved, they werent at the time of the shooting because her current boyfriend didnt like Bennett.

That wasnt quite the case, however. The grand jury found she called and texted a number linked to Bennett before and after Laney left the Legion.

Laney and his friend left the Legion at about 11:49 p.m. Around a minute later, Mobely was seen looking out the peephole of the front door. Mobley later looked out a second time before leaving the legion at around 11:54 p.m. She later texted the number at 12:03 a.m. and 12:11 a.m.

Police found the moments Mobley appeared to be sending text messages on her phone in the Legion appeared to align with the moments the assailant was recorded moving positions.

When confronted during the 2025 investigating grand jury, Mobley acknowledged she might have been communicating with Bennett, and may have met him at the door of the legion, but was drunk and was only asking for marijuana.

Mobley continued to communicate with Bennett until 12:03 a.m., according to the indictment. They stopped texting, and then started back up at around 12:11 a.m.

The shooting occurred during the minutes in between the texts.

Bennett, on the other hand, testified he was never in a relationship with Mobley and only knew of her. He claimed he was at home because his son was an infant and his childs mother was having health issues.

Paul Laney with his longtime girlfriend Jasmyn Lloyd. They had three children together.

Jasmyn Lloyd, Laneys long-time partner with whom he had three children, declined to comment on the unsealed information because she did not want to speak from a place of emotion. She posted on Facebook before the hearing: Its beginning to look a lot like Christmasbest gift I can received..Finally five and a half years, we are getting justice.

The July 1, 2020 shooting emerged from years of animosity among individuals in Carlisle reaching back to 2015, the indictment revealed. Keiron Murray sliced Harris in the face with a knife April 17, 2015. Two days later, Harris shot Murray as Murray was leaving a bar.

Robert Rocky Anderson later broke into the home where Harris child was sleeping in retaliation, the grand jury indictment said, but Anderson never faced charges because the victims were too afraid to cooperate with law enforcement.

In January 2016, Anderson and another person shot into a vehicle Harris was in. Harris shot Anderson back three times, and Anderson survived.

In June 2016, Anderson fatally shot Harris inside the Legion. Police believed Laney let Anderson in to shoot Harris, they said, and Anderson ultimately pleaded no contest to third-degree murder in relation to the killing.

The beef rested for around four years until Laney walked into the Legion and began livestreaming himself mocking Harris death.
The Biscuit Bar, a mom-and-pop restaurant chain whose star player is biscuits, is going dark.

The Dallas-Fort Worth restaurant chain that had six locations, including five in the Dallas area, is shuttering all of them immediately.

Its all due to a sale that failed to go through.

What happened was that owners Jake and Janie Burkett were set to sell off the chain to keep the brand running, but the sale ended up falling through at the last minute.

The unexpected turn of events resulted in the owners making the difficult decision to close the business entirely.

According to the Burketts, several factors contributed to choppy waters for the business, including rising costs, supply chain instability, and a commercial environment increasingly shaped by large institutional interests, which created pressures no small business was prepared to endure.

Of the six Texas locations that are closed, five of them are in the DFW area, while one is in Abilene, according to Culture Map.

Those locations are:

Deep Ellum, at The Epic, the mixed-use project at 2550 Pacific Ave.

Plano, at The Boardwalk in Granite Park, at 5880 TX-121 #102B

Arlington, at Champions Park, at 1707 N. Collins St.

Fort Worth Stockyards, at Mule Alley, at 122 E. Exchange Ave.

Coppell, at 104 S Denton Tap Rd. #102

Just this year, the restaurant chain filed a Chapter 11 reorganization, meaning the company was seeking to restructure its debts while continuing operations instead of jumping straight into liquidation, according to BKalerts.

The reasoning behind the move was not to walk away but to rebuild and secure a future for our employees, the owners revealed in their Facebook post. And for a time, it looked like that future was within reach. A respected restaurant group stepped forward, committed to acquiring and growing Biscuit Bar. The sale was structured, terms were agreed upon, and the closing was set for December.

Though closing was never what they initially set out to do, the proposed sale ultimately fell through.

While many partners supported a workable plan, several key financial stakeholders did not, the Burketts continued in the post. This included a few landlords whose participation was essential. Their refusal to compromise or support a path forward ultimately made the sale impossible, leaving us with no legal or financial ability continue operating. And so just days before Christmas, we were forced into the most painful decision of our lives.

Not to mention the industry financial pressures that exist in the restaurant space, as countless small and mid-sized chains have found themselves restructuring because of rising costs and changes in consumer demand, TheStreet reported.

But to help out their employees, the owners launched a GoFundMe for them and are asking fans to donate whatever they can, as well.

If The Biscuit Bar ever served you a meal, became part of your routine, or gave you a place to gather with family and friends, we humbly ask you to consider donating or sharing this campaign, the couple shared.

Opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week, the chain offered biscuits, tots, and beer on tap with a menu that carried both savory and sweet biscuit sandwiches made from scratch. The customizable tots were a hit, and the establishment had a bar that featured cocktails, local beer, cold-brew coffee and kombucha, all on tap.

Among its extensive menu, there was a popular item that everyone went crazy over. That was the Hoss, which featured Southern fried chicken, bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, honey butter and sausage gravy.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug over the objections of some congressional Republicans, including Sen. Dave McCormick.

Its an honor to do this, said Trump before signing the executive order.

In a Dec. 17 letter to Trump, McCormick and 21 other GOP senators warned that the only winners from rescheduling will be bad actors such as Communist China, while Americans will be left paying the bill.

Punchbowl News first reported the senators letter.

The senators also argued that marijuana presents long-term health risks and is a factor in industrial and automobile accidents.

The senators said that rescheduling marijuana from a Schedule I to Schedule III drug would give the marijuana industry $2.3 billion in tax breaks by allowing business tax deductions.

While supporters of rescheduling argue that extending tax benefits to marijuana businesses will create economic growth, the costs of workplace and vehicular accidents caused by increased marijuana usage far exceeds any perceived benefits, the letter said, not to mention the moral costs of marijuana advertising that could reach kids.

Also, 26 House Republicans, though none from Pennsylvania, sent a similar letter to Trump opposing the reclassification.

Reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug will send the wrong message to Americas children, enable drug cartels, and make our roads more dangerous, the House GOP letter said, reported Fox News.

According to MarijuanaMoment.net, the reclassification would not legalize marijuana nationwide but open up medical marijuana and CBD research opportunities, push Congress to redefine hemp to ensure that full-spectrum CBD is accessible to patients and allow for hemp-derived CBD products to be prescribed by doctors to Medicare and Medicaid recipients for free.

Trumps executive order prompted ResponsiblePA, a pro-marijuana Pennsylvania group, to urge state leaders to act immediately on cannabis reform.

Twenty-four states, including almost all of Pennsylvanias neighboring states, have legalized recreational marijuana.

The move to reclassify cannabis is a major wake-up call to state lawmakers who are failing Pennsylvanians, said Brit Crampsie, a spokeswoman for ResponsiblePA, in a statement. We lag behind our neighboring states that already have regulation on the books.

According to the group, legalizing marijuana in Pennsylvania would generate $420 million in annual tax revenue and over $4 billion in economic output, and create an estimated 33,350 jobs, including 2,662 in York County and 741 across Berks, Lancaster and Lebanon counties.
By BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI

MAYS LANDING, N.J. (AP)  Atlantic City, N.J., Mayor Marty Small Sr. was acquitted on Thursday of endangering and abusing his teenage daughter.

Prosecutors accused Small of hitting and emotionally abusing the girl when she was 15 to 16 years old, at least once to the point of unconsciousness.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. leaves Superior Court of Atlantic County in Mays Landing, N.J. following his acquittal on Thursday, December 18, 2025. (Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media) Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media

Just weeks before the trial began, Small was re-elected to a new four-year term in the Democratic stronghold, posting a 24-percentage-point win over his Republican challenger.

The jurys verdict comes after a week of testimony in which Smalls now 17-year-old daughter testified about multiple incidents in which she said her father had abused her, telling jurors that he had beaten and punched her and struck her with a broom. Small, meanwhile, took the stand to deny any abuse, insisting he is a loving father.

His wife, LaQuetta Small  who is the seaside gambling resort towns schools superintendent  is also charged with abusing their daughter, and will stand trial separately.

Outside the court Thursday afternoon, Small told reporters the verdict was a win for everyone, saying the entire city of Atlantic City was on trial.

Im not an abusive man, I never have and I never will, he said. I demonstrated patience with my daughter.

Prosecutors accused Marty Small of asking their daughter to recant claims she made to law enforcement officials that he abused her. Small, 51, asked the girl to do him a favor and twist up the story she told police about being abused, according to prosecutors.

He was also accused of asking his daughter to claim that a head injury she sustained in January 2024 was from tripping and falling in her bedroom.
By ERIC TUCKER, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Wednesday that he will resign from the bureau next month, ending a brief and tumultuous tenure in which he clashed with the Justice Department over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and was forced to reconcile the realities of his law enforcement job with provocative claims he made in his prior role as a popular podcast host.

The departure would be among the highest-profile resignations of the Trump administration, coming as the firing of career agents has contributed to upheaval at the FBI and as Director Kash Patel faces continued criticism over his use of a government plane for personal purposes and social media posts about active investigations.

Bongino announced his departure, which had been expected, in a post on X in which he said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve with purpose. He did not say precisely when in January he would leave or reveal his future plans, but President Donald Trump, in response to a question earlier in the day about Bonginos fate, said: Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show.

Bongino was always an unconventional pick for the No. 2 job at the FBI, a position that historically has entailed oversight of the bureaus day-to-day operations and has been typically held by a career agent. Though he had previously worked as a New York City police officer and Secret Service agent, neither he nor Patel had any experience at the FBI before being picked for their jobs. But both came in pledging overhauls to an FBI they insisted had been weaponized against Trump.

Bongino was installed in the role in March by Trump after years as a conservative podcast host, where he used his platform to repeatedly rail against FBI leadership and to encourage conspiracy theories related to the Epstein sex-trafficking case and pipe bombs discovered in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021.

Once in the job, he used social media to communicate directly to Trump supporters restless over a perceived lack of action by the new FBI leadership to address their concerns. He reassured them the FBI under his watch was giving renewed attention to issues like the pipe bomb case, the leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion in 2022 and the discovery of cocaine in the White House during the Biden administration.

Yet he struggled to placate elements of Trumps base who expected him to quickly deliver the reform he had long said was needed at the FBI and to uncover the truths he claimed had been hidden by the federal government.

On the Epstein case, for instance, he had previously challenged the official ruling that the wealthy financier had taken his own life in a New York jail soon after his 2019 arrest. But after his arrival in the bureau, he said in a Fox News interview: Ive seen the whole file. He killed himself.

Bongino had separately speculated as recently as last year that the pipe bombs placed on the eve of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot were an inside job, the truth shielded by a massive cover-up. He was presented with those same comments when the FBI earlier this month arrested a 30-year-old Virginia man with no evident connection to the federal government, promoting skepticism from some that investigators had actually arrested the right person.

I was paid in the past, Sean, for my opinions, thats clear, Bongino said in a Fox News interview with Sean Hannity. And one day, Ill be back in that space but thats not what Im paid for now. Im paid to be your deputy director and we base investigations on facts.

Daniel Bongino speaks during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on proposed changes to police practices and accountability on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, June 10, 2020, in Washington. (Greg Nash/Pool via AP) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Questions about Bonginos future had lingered for months, particular after a tense exchange at the White House last July with Attorney General Pam Bondi following the abrupt announcement by the FBI and Justice Department that they would not be releasing any additional records from the Epstein investigation.

After that encounter, Bongino, normally active on social media, went silent from his FBI account for several days. Far-right activist Laura Loomer, who is close to Trump, posted on X at the time that she was told that Bongino was seriously thinking about resigning and had taken the day off to contemplate his future.

In August, the Trump administration took the unusual step of adding a co-deputy director, former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey.
By Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald (TNS)

After years of debate, investigations and conspiracy theories, the Department of Justice is scheduled on Friday to release the Jeffrey Epstein files.

The release will come nearly 20 years after federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida cut a remarkably lenient plea deal with Epstein that allowed him to avoid a lengthy prison sentence and plead guilty to two state charges  one involving a minor  to settle allegations that he had sexually abused dozens of teenage girls.

The release will give victims the transparency they have sought for decades, as Epsteins agreement with prosecutors was kept secret from them, even as they were denied a sense of justice when Epstein died in federal custody in 2019, a month after prosecutors in the Southern District of New York brought new charges against him.

FILE - This photo provided by the New York State Sex Offender Registry shows Jeffrey Epstein, March 28, 2017. (New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP, File) AP

Last month, Congress passed, and President Donald Trump signed, the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Under the law, the Justice Department has a Dec. 19 deadline to unseal the files  some of them dating back as far as 1996, when the first victim reported Epstein to the FBI.

What will be made public?

Attorney General Pam Bondi is required to release  in a searchable and downloadable format all unclassified records, documents, communications and investigative materials in the Justice Departments possession that pertain to Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.

Look for more flight logs and travel records, names of government or former government officials; immunity or plea agreements; draft indictments and sealed settlements. Also of note, will be FBI reports, prosecutor notes, emails, letters and investigative leads that were never followed.

The law also requires the Justice Department turn over a list of all government officials and politically exposed persons, and all DOJ memos, including investigative reports and interviews with victims.

Some things to know

The act mandates that the Justice Department turn over all records pertaining to Epsteins death, including incident reports, witness interviews, medical examiner files, autopsy reports and other written records of the circumstances and cause of death.

The DOJ cannot withhold, delay or redact on the basis of whether it would embarrass, cause reputational harm or on the grounds of political sensitivity  including information pertaining to any government official, public figure or foreign dignitary.

The department can redact or withhold records that identify any victims, or victims personal identifying information, such as their addresses or medical information; anything that contains information or images that depict child sexual abuse materials; or materials that have been classified by executive order.

The Justice Department can also withhold information on the grounds that that material is under active investigation. This is a broad area, and its impossible to know how DOJ officials will interpret this.

All redactions must be accompanied by a written justification published in the Federal Register and submitted to Congress; in other words, the Justice Department has to explain why certain documents are redacted or withheld.

What to search for

The names of Epsteins friends and business associates  many of whom have already been identified:

President Donald Trump

Former President Bill Clinton

Former Prince Andrew

Ghislaine Maxwell

Victim Virginia Giuffre

Elon Musk

U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy

Banker Jes Staley

Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak

Modeling scout Jean-Luc Brunel

Billionaire Les Wexner

Billionaire Leon Black

Director Woody Allen

Lawyer Alan Dershowitz

Hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin and his wife, Epsteins former girlfriend Eva Andersson

Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson

Microsoft founder Bill Gates

Former treasury secretary and Harvard president Larry Summers

Democratic Rep. Stacey Plaskett

Former Democratic majority leader George Mitchell

Republican political strategist Steve Bannon

Former labor secretary Alex Acosta

Survivors and prosecutors have alleged that Epstein and his associates often used coded language to help normalize the sexual abuse and hide criminal conduct, particularly with underage girls.

Search for words such as massage which was often used as a code word for sex; fun  which was also used in the context of sex; models were sometimes used to refer to victims; talents were used to describe victims; tips usually referred to cash payments to victims; allowance was used to describe regular payments; recruiting and scouting were used to describe efforts to find more girls and young women to abuse; work and private time often meant sexual encounters.

Important to remember

Epstein was known brag about his associations with wealthy and powerful people. Some of those people he may have just met in passing  and others he may have never met at all.

He was a con artist who name-dropped constantly in order to elevate his own social position. Just being named in a document with Epstein does not mean that a person has committed any crimes  or that they were involved with Epstein at all.

Read the documents carefully and remember that it is possible that some victims may have mistakenly misidentified individuals, or that Epstein and his associates, in order to help hide his crimes, tried to do reputational harm to innocent people.
By JOHN ROGERS, The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP)  Peter Arnett, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who spent decades dodging bullets and bombs to bring the world eyewitness accounts of war from the rice paddies of Vietnam to the deserts of Iraq, has died. He was 91.

Arnett, who won the 1966 Pulitzer Prize for international reporting for his Vietnam War coverage for The Associated Press, died Wednesday in Newport Beach and was surrounded by friends and family, said his son Andrew Arnett. He had been suffering from prostate cancer.

Peter Arnett was one of the greatest war correspondents of his generation  intrepid, fearless, and a beautiful writer and storyteller. His reporting in print and on camera will remain a legacy for aspiring journalists and historians for generations to come, said Edith Lederer, who was a fellow AP war correspondent in Vietnam in 1972-73 and is now APs chief correspondent at the United Nations.

As a wire-service correspondent, Arnett was known mostly to fellow journalists when he reported in Vietnam from 1962 until the wars end in 1975. He became something of a household name in 1991, however, after he broadcast live updates for CNN from Iraq during the first Gulf War.

While almost all Western reporters had fled Baghdad in the days before the U.S.-led attack, Arnett stayed. As missiles began raining on the city, he broadcast a live account by cellphone from his hotel room.

There was an explosion right near me, you may have heard, he said in a calm, New Zealand-accented voice moments after the loud boom of a missile strike rattled across the airwaves. As he continued to speak, air-raid sirens blared in the background.

I think that took out the telecommunications center, he said of another explosion. They are hitting the center of the city.

Reporting from Vietnam

It was not the first time Arnett had gotten dangerously close to the action.

In January 1966, he joined a battalion of U.S. soldiers seeking to rout North Vietnamese snipers and was standing next to the battalion commander when an officer paused to read a map.

As the colonel peered at it, I heard four loud shots as bullets tore through the map and into his chest, a few inches from my face, Arnett recalled during a talk to the American Library Association in 2013. He sank to the ground at my feet.

He would begin the fallen soldiers obituary like this: He was the son of a general, a West Pointer and a battalion commander. But Lt. Colonel George Eyster was to die like a rifleman. It may have been the colonels leaves of rank on his collar, or the map he held in his hand, or just a wayward chance that the Viet Cong sniper chose Eyster from the five of us standing in that dusty jungle path.

Arnett had arrived in Vietnam just a year after joining AP as its Indonesia correspondent. That job would be short-lived after he reported Indonesias economy was in shambles and the countrys enraged leadership threw him out. His expulsion marked only the first of several controversies in which he would find himself embroiled, while also forging a historic career.

At the APs Saigon bureau in 1962, Arnett found himself surrounded by a formidable roster of journalists, including bureau chief Malcolm Browne and photo editor Horst Faas, who between them would win three Pulitzer Prizes.

He credited Browne in particular with teaching him many of the survival tricks that would keep him alive in war zones over the next 40 years. Among them: Never stand near a medic or radio operator because theyre among the first the enemy will shoot at. And if you hear a gunshot coming from the other side, dont look around to see who fired it because the next one will likely hit you.

Arnett would stay in Vietnam until the capital, Saigon, fell to the Communist-backed North Vietnamese rebels in 1975. In the time leading up to those final days, he was ordered by APs New York headquarters to begin destroying the bureaus papers as coverage of the war wound down.

Instead, he shipped them to his apartment in New York, believing theyd have historic value someday. Theyre now in the APs archives.

A star on cable news

Arnett remained with the AP until 1981, when he joined the newly-formed CNN.

Ten years later, he was in Baghdad covering another war. He not only reported on the front-line fighting but won exclusive, and controversial, interviews with then-President Saddam Hussein and future 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden.

In 1995, he published the memoir, Live From the Battlefield: From Vietnam to Baghdad, 35 Years in the Worlds War Zones.

Arnett resigned from CNN in 1999, months after the network retracted an investigative report he did not prepare but narrated, alleging that deadly Sarin nerve gas had been used on deserting American soldiers in Laos in 1970.

He was covering the second Gulf War for NBC and National Geographic in 2003 when he was fired for granting an interview to Iraqi state TV during which he criticized the U.S. militarys war strategy. His remarks were denounced back home as anti-American.

After his dismissal, TV critics for the AP and other news organizations speculated that Arnett would never work in television news again. Within a week, however, he had been hired to report on the war for stations in Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and Belgium.

In 2007, he took a job teaching journalism at Chinas Shantou University. Following his retirement in 2014, he and his wife, Nina Nguyen, moved to the Southern California suburb of Fountain Valley.

Born Nov. 13, 1934, in Riverton, New Zealand, Peter Arnett got his first exposure to journalism when he landed a job at his local newspaper, the Southland Times, shortly after high school.

I didnt really have a clear idea of where my life would take me, but I do remember that first day when I walked into the newspaper office as an employee and found my little desk, and I did have a  you know  enormously delicious feeling that Id found my place, he recalled in a 2006 AP oral history.

After a few years at the Times, he made plans to move to a larger newspaper in London. En route to England by ship, however, he made a stop in Thailand and fell in love with the country.

FILE - Associated Press correspondent Peter Arnett, left, marches with Vietnamese troops in Vietnam, Nov. 11, 1965. (AP Photo, File) AP

Soon he was working for the English-language Bangkok World, and later for its sister newspaper in Laos. There he would make the connections that led him to the AP and a lifetime of covering war.

Arnett is survived by his wife and their children, Elsa and Andrew.

He was like a brother, said retired AP photographer Nick Ut, who covered combat in Vietnam with Arnett and remained his friend for a half century. His death will leave a big hole in my life.

AP journalist Audrey McAvoy contributed to this report.
The United States and Europe are offering multi-level security guarantees for Ukraine after the war, which envisage that the 800,000-strong Ukrainian army will become the first line of containment, the allies will supply weapons, the United States will provide intelligence and monitoring, and the troops of the coalition of European countries will be deployed far from the front line, Bloomberg said.

"The US and Ukraine's European allies have put together a plan of security guarantees containing detailed, robust and serious measures to ensure any peace deal with Russia holds, according to officials familiar with the proposals," the publication said on Thursday.

It states that the 800,000-strong Ukrainian army will provide the first line of deterrence in the post-war period, and the allies will continue to supply weapons and use other support programs to ensure that it is properly equipped and trained. The United States will provide intelligence and monitoring to track any attempts to violate the peace agreement along the lines of contact and borders, including through potential Russian operations under a foreign flag.

The system of guarantees provides that the troops of the coalition of European countries will be deployed away from the front lines to build confidence. A group of European leaders said after talks this week that a multinational force could operate in Ukraine as part of security measures.

However, Bloomberg said "it's unclear if Russian President Vladimir Putin will be willing to accept the security measures set out in the US and European plan. He has repeatedly rejected the presence of troops from NATO member states in Ukraine, and the Kremlin has previously demanded stricter limits on the size and capabilities of Ukraine's armed forces."

It also said that under the current talks, the Ukrainian military would act as the first line of defense in the event of renewed fighting, while Kyiv's allies would quickly implement diplomatic and settlement measures to try to stop it from escalating. However, according to the sources, they would provide military support within days, backed by American resources, if these attempts fail, the report reads.

The U.S. officials have described the guarantees as similar to NATO's mutual defense commitment under Article 5, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had received a commitment from Washington to make them legally binding through a vote in Congress.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to meet in Miami this weekend, including with the Kremlin's envoy and head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund Kirill Dmitriev. The meeting will take place after negotiations they held with Zelenskyy in Berlin.
By Jade Campos, LNP, Lancaster, Pa. (TNS)

Mountville Fire Company will merge with West Hempfield Fire and Rescue next year to become Iron Ridge Fire Rescue, a move officials say will improve public safety in the community.

Members of both volunteer fire companies voted in recent weeks to make the merger official, which means Mountville and West Hempfield fire companies will dissolve in 2026 to become Iron Ridge. A news release Wednesday noted the move will allow the companies to share a unified funding structure, collective bargaining for equipment and joint staffing for both stations after years of close collaboration.

Peter Taraborelli, spokesperson for Mountville Fire, said officials will begin working out the administrative aspects of the merger Jan. 1 and expect to have it completed by early April.

Taraborelli said the community will hardly notice a change when Iron Ridge is up and running.

Officials plan to continue to operate West Hempfields station on Marietta Avenue and Mountvilles station on North Lemon Street. Taraborelli said the existing fire apparatus for both departments will maintain their lettering from their respective companies because its too expensive to update every vehicle. West Hempfield Fire and Rescue does have a new Iron Ridge Fire Rescue vehicle, he said.

Mutual aid services to the surrounding area and response times are also not expected to be affected, Taraborelli said.

State officials have recommended local fire companies consider consolidating or merging as volunteerism dwindles and fire costs skyrocket.

A 2018 report by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives found that the number of volunteer firefighters statewide fell by about 260,000 over 40 years.

The writings on the wall for the fire service as a whole in the United States as volunteerism continues to decline, Taraborelli said. Municipalities are going to be forced to go to all paid departments anyway, so this is kind of a way for us to continue the tradition of volunteerism in the fire service for just a little bit longer.

Taraborelli said the merger should help save significant time for volunteer members who often work full-time jobs. For example, he said, volunteers will be responsible for filing only one grant application on behalf of a single fire company rather than separate grant applications.

The respective fire relief associations, which help raise money for each company, also will combine.

Our stations are closely tied together, so with the financial backing of the municipalities, the time is right to make a change, Mountville Fire President Rick Delgiorno, who is co-chair of the Iron Ridge merger committee, said in a statement.
Count Pennsylvania among dozens of states currently monitoring measles cases across the country amid a troubling outbreak of the highly contagious viral infection.

To date in 2025, Pennsylvania health officials have confirmed 16 cases of measles, including two cases in Cumberland County. No new cases have been confirmed since August.

Health Department officials said the Commonwealth is well-positioned to respond to a potential outbreak.

There is no immediate risk to the general public at this time, as 94% of Commonwealth residents are vaccinated against the measles virus, Eli Steiker-Ginzberg, a spokesperson for the department, said in an email to PennLive.

The measles cases were confirmed in the following counties:

Bucks County: 1 case

Erie County: 8 cases

Montgomery County: 1 case

Philadelphia County: 3 cases

Crawford County: 1 case

Cumberland County: 2 cases

As of December, a total of 1,912 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the U.S. by 43 jurisdictions and among international visitors, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

Three measles-related deaths have been confirmed and 92% of reported cases were among individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.

The NFID notes that the 2025 total represents the highest number of reported cases in the nation since the disease was eliminated from the U.S. in 2000.

The two biggest outbreaks were in Texas, which registered the first measles deaths in the U.S. since 2015. The other hotspot is South Carolina. Texas this year had a total of 762 confirmed measles cases associated with a major West Texas outbreak. The outbreak, centered in Gaines County, accounted for more than half of all U.S. cases reported nationwide.

Nearly 100 people were hospitalized in West Texas; two unvaccinated children died.

The Texas Department of State Health Services declared the Texas outbreak over.

South Carolina health officials are warning that the measles outbreak there is growing due to holiday travel and low vaccination rates. According to South Carolina-based HealthDay News, the measles outbreak could continue for weeks.

As of Dec. 10, the states Department of Public Health had confirmed 114 cases, nearly all in the states upstate region.

Of 111 cases recorded there, 105 were in people who were unvaccinated, and three had received only one shot of the two-dose measles vaccine, Pulmonoly Advisor reported.

South Carolina officials have placed 254 people in quarantine, including 16 who are in isolation.

At least 16 new cases were traced to recent gatherings at a church in the town of Inman, state officials reported.

Meanwhile, health officials in Virginia are warning the public that an individual infected with the measles traveled to the state by air from North Carolina and then drove through the south and central part of Virginia.

The South Carolina measles outbreak comes as vaccine skeptic U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has implemented aggressive anti-vaccine policies that challenge established U.S. vaccine guidelines.

The growing number of cases comes at a time when school vaccination rates continue on a downward trend, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

Data from the agency show that vaccination exemptions have reached an all-time high.

During the 2024-25 school year, for example, coverage for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP), polio, and varicella vaccines decreased among kindergartners. MMR vaccination coverage was just 92.5%, well below the 95% threshold needed to prevent transmission of measles virus.

State-level coverage for MMR vaccines varied, ranging from 78.5% in Idaho to 98.2% in Connecticut, the CDC reported. Only 10 states had coverage above 95%.

In Pennsylvania, vaccination rates among kindergartners continued to decline, with measles vaccinations last year dipping well below the level doctors say is needed to prevent outbreaks, according to the Department of Health.

The rates for four of the five vaccines needed to begin school fell to 94% last year  a 1% decrease from the previous year and below the threshold of 95%  the general target for preventing outbreaks.

Most measles cases have been confirmed in communities where vaccination rates have dropped since the pandemic.

School vaccination rates in South Carolina, for instance, has fallen from nearly 96% in 2020 to 93.5% in the current school year, the states health department reports.

Measles is a highly contagious illness. According to health experts, someone who breathes the contaminated air or touches the infected surface, then touches their eyes, noses, or mouths, can become infected. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of non-immune people close to the infected person will be infected.

In August, Pennsylvania health officials issued warnings that a person, who was from out of state, had visited four Pennsylvania counties  Adams, York, Clearfield and Lancaster - over the course of five days.

The department warned that people may have been exposed to measles if they were in the same locations.

The department continues to closely monitor and track for new cases.

When the Department of Health identifies a positive measles case, staff perform contact tracing measures and recommend that any unvaccinated individuals receive the vaccine, Steiker-Ginzberg said.

Health officials note that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against measles.

Measles can have a devastating impact on health, including causing:
On a near-party-line vote, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would put a referendum before voters on adding specific abortion rights language to the state constitution.

The bill  and the more than two hours of floor remarks that accompanied its passage  capped off 2025 for the state legislature, with neither the House nor Senate expected to take votes until January.

Wednesdays action was a fitting end for another year of divided government between the states Democratic-majority House and Republican-majority Senate, featuring a lengthy debate over an emotional issue that will almost certainly go nowhere in the opposing chamber.

The measure will not be taken up by the Senate, said House Minority Leader Jesse Topper, R-Bedford County, lamenting that, on the abortion issue, we continue to grow this divide amongst our people in ways that dont really take into account the mother or the child.

But the political headwinds arent a reason to not put something on the table, Democrats said, given the situation since the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization that overturned the abortion rights found in the Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey precedents.

Dobbs changed everything, said House Majority Leader Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery County, given that there is now nothing preventing Pennsylvania from enacting drastic restrictions on abortion, as many other states have done since 2022.

Said State Rep. Barb Gleim, R-Cumberland County, on Wednesday during debate on a bill related to abortion rights: 'God is the author of life, and in that vein, we cannot put God in a silo and pretend that we can ignore basic morality by claiming separation of church and state or saying that we are just representing our constituencies.' Charles Thompson

The bill in question, Bradford stressed, would give voters the option to enshrine their pre-Dobbs rights into the state constitution, so that it will not be removed by the acts of any one legislative majority or governor in the future.

The proposed constitutional language that would go before the voters states that every individual has the fundamental right to exercise personal reproductive liberty, including the choice to end a pregnancy, use contraceptives, or receive fertility care, and that the commonwealth may not deny, burden, infringe upon or abridge this right unless justified by a compelling state interest achieved by the least restrictive means.

Further, the amendment reads that the commonwealth may regulate the provision of abortion care after fetal viability, except that in no circumstance shall the commonwealth prohibit an abortion that, in the professional judgment of an attending health care professional, is medically indicated to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual, with fetal viability further defined as the point where there is a significant likelihood of the fetuss sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures.

The fetal viability concept mimics the one that was previously established federally by the Roe and Casey court precedents, which had largely prevented states from limiting abortion access before the viability point. That standard still remains in place via Pennsylvanias Abortion Control Act, which places restrictions on abortion care only after a viability point of 24 weeks.

But since Dobbs, there is no longer a federal mandate preventing states from enacting tighter restrictions  thus the need for constitutional language that restores rights once guaranteed, rights that shaped the lives of millions of women and families, said Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe County.

Republicans concerns fell into two broad categories. Several made expressly religious objections, with a few even suggesting that religious morality and governmental authority should be one and the same.

God is the author of life, and in that vein, we cannot put God in a silo and pretend that we can ignore basic morality by claiming separation of church and state or saying that we are just representing our constituencies, said Rep. Barb Gleim, R-Cumberland County.

Others said that  regardless of ones personal position on abortion  the language of the proposed constitutional amendment was excessively vague. Many had a specific issue with the clause indicating that the state could not restrict abortion even post-viability if such a procedure was medically indicated for physical or mental health.

The clause defers entirely to the judgment of a healthcare professional without defining any concrete standards for them to follow, said Rep. Kate Klunk, R-York County. That could give virtually anyone the grounds to challenge the existing Abortion Control Act based on vague claims that the restrictions therein harmed their mental health, Klunk and others reasoned.

As Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster County, pointed out, the Abortion Control Act continues to be challenged, including in an ongoing case seeking to nullify the acts ban on Medicaid dollars being used for abortion services.

Said State House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D., Montgomery) on Wednesday during debate on a bill related to abortion rights: 'If Republicans were to re-take total control of state government, does anyone doubt that that Republican leadership  who uses terms that we heard on this floor today  would move immediately on the Abortion Control Act and the right to abortion care on day one?' Commonwealth Media Services

Further challenges enabled by the new constitutional language would completely nullify all of the safety standards and remove the strict scrutiny balance test that is currently in place by the courts, Cutler said. Several of his colleagues predicted that the result would be rampant late-term abortions up until the time of birth.

Democrats said these fears were vastly overstated and that the greater risk was not that the courts would construe the language too broadly, but that future conservative lawmakers would use Dobbs to effectuate an abortion ban far earlier than the current 24 weeks.

When I hear rhetoric about Nazis and murder, Bradford said, referring to a previous speaker comparing abortion to the Holocaust, Im pretty sure that these people are not interested in the status quo of the law in this commonwealth.

If Republicans were to re-take total control of state government, Bradford continued, Does anyone doubt that that Republican leadership  who uses terms that we heard on this floor today  would move immediately on the Abortion Control Act and the right to abortion care on day one? The result, he and other Democrats said, would likely be near-total prohibition.

For now, this discussion  at least as it pertains to the amendment itself  is almost certainly moot.

The language of constitutional amendments must be passed by both chambers of the legislature in two consecutive sessions before it is put to the voters on the next ballot. As Topper noted, the Republican-led Senate has no reason to call a vote on language that passed the House in a highly partisan manner.

Sessions are the two years between legislative elections. Even if Democrats won a majority in both chambers next year and passed the abortion rights language in the 2027-28 session, that language would have to pass a second time in 2029  putting the actual referendum three-and-a-half years away at the earliest.

The final vote on Wednesday was 102-to-101. Two Republicans from more liberal-leaning districts  Rep. Joe Hogan, R-Bucks County, and Rep. K.C. Tomlinson, R-Bucks County  broke with their party to vote in favor. Two Democrats from more conservative districts  Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria County, and Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny County  voted against.
THREE MILE ISLAND  The Trump administration officially threw itself into the restart of the nuclear power station at Three Mile Island last month with a commitment of $1 billion in low-interest federal financing.

On Wednesday, it underlined that support with a site visit from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

Im very proud of this plant starting again, Wright said, after completing a semi-private tour of the now-renamed Crane Clean Energy Center.

Im very proud that were going to change direction [from the Biden administrations energy policies]. Were going to reduce the risks of blackouts, were going to drive down electricity prices, and were going to make an investment climate, an energy climate, so players like Microsoft and all the other large American technology companies can build all the data centers that they want and have reliable electricity to power them.

In fact, the Biden administration was demonstrably supportive of the so-far limited interest in restarting recently shuttered nuclear plants.

But Donald Trump was returned to the White House in the 2024 election.

And that makes the plant at Three Mile Island a poster child, as Wright put it, of the Trump administrations agenda.

Wrights office announced Nov. 18 that it has closed on a $1 billion loan to help with Three Mile Island Unit Ones restart.

The funding is said to be the first loan closed through the Energy Dominance Financing Program, as it was rebranded in this summers One Big Beautiful Bill.

It might also be the single-biggest chunk of funding for what Constellation Energy Generation initially priced out as a $1.6 billion restart project, and Wednesdays affair was part celebration of this new federal-private partnership.

Constellation President and CEO Joseph Dominguez said Wednesday the company plans to plow the avoided interest cost right back into the restart to help the Crane plant meet an aggressive 2027 restart timeline.

He explained how that will help.

Look, this is a people problem. This is getting skilled labor here  both contractors and our own team at Constellation  up and ready to rock and roll as fast as possible.

Little bit of money greases the skids in terms of getting the craft that we need here, getting the training done on a more expedited basis, Dominguez said.

And in the case of the fuel for the reactor, what it allowed us to do is give more money to that fuel vendor so that they could move us forward in their production schedule so we could be the first entity to get the uranium needed to run this place.

Dominguez again  in a sidebar of special importance to south central Pennsylvania because of the 1979 accident at the twin Unit Two reactor here  stressed the highest priority is safety. The Unit Two reactor is under separate ownership and still in the midst a separate decommissioning process, and is not a part of the restart of whats known traditionally been known as Unit One.

Everybody understands the significance because of what this place represents. It represents our darkest day in this business...

Any compromise in safety ends my business. I understand that. First and foremost, it is of highest priority, Dominguez said.

Constellation announced last year that it wants to reopen the old TMI Unit One reactor, which the companys corporate forefathers shuttered in 2019 for economic reasons.

At that time, Exelon said its operational costs meant its power could no longer compete with cheap natural gas then flooding the energy market.

A technology-driven sea change in U.S. energy demand has changed that paradigm.

First, weather-related incidents such as the 2021 deep freeze in Texas raised concerns about the reliability of a power grid reliant mostly on fossil fuels and renewable energy sources.

That in turn caused Big Tech firms  many with prominent commitments to sustainability to meet  to question whether they could meet their needs through renewables every hour of the day and to show a new openness toward nuclear.

And secondly, theres the growing demand from tech companies trying to harness artificial intelligence and stay ahead of the Information Age economy.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright speaks. A power purchase agreement with Microsoft paves the way for the launch of the Crane Clean Energy Center and the upcoming restart of Three Mile Island Unit 1 nuclear plant. December 17, 2025. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

In TMI Unit Ones case, Microsoft has agreed to buy the equivalent of all the wattage produced by the restarted nuclear plant for at least 20 years, guaranteeing Constellations plant can operate profitably over the long term.

Some commentators have recently expressed concern about an artificial intelligence-fueled bubble that may burst in a matter of years.

Addressing his side of the deal, Microsoft vice president for energy Bobby Hollis, also present Wednesday, said his firms commitment to the Crane plant is ironclad.

I cant speak for the whole sector because... theres a lot [that] goes into it when youre talking about data centers, Hollis said.

But for Microsoft, we plan to do exactly what we know were going to be requiring and needing. So when we contract with a company like Constellation, its because we know that theyll deliver, and that we also require what theyre delivering to us.

Pennsylvania was not early to this race, but there are indications that the Keystone State  because of strong energy resources, good water supplies and seasonal weather that can help with cooling needs  is becoming more of a player in the data center boom.

Amazon announced two major projects earlier this year.

Could Microsoft follow suit?

Hollis said the company is looking.

Theres not anything signed yet, but we are continuing to look aggressively here. Because it definitely lines up with this great facility here.

Constellation is aiming for a summer 2027 restart for the nuclear reactor, though there are still several major hurdles to clear, including:

Nuclear Regulatory Commission approvals of plans for reactor operations, projected environmental impacts, and security and emergency preparedness plans.

A Susquehanna River Basin Commission review of new water usage requirements.

Regional electrical grid monitor PJMs confirmation that enough transmission capacity exists for the addition of 835 megawatts to the grid.

Dominguez said the latter point is probably the biggest single threat to a 2027 restart.

We will have the staffing. We will have the licensed operators. Well have all the critical components here. We will be able to fuel this reactor in the second quarter of 2027, on schedule...

PJM, the local grid operators, and the utilities, [have] got to act with the same level of urgency to do the interconnection. This should not be a gargantuan task. This plant was operating five years ago. Were not talking about new wires.
More than half of voters surveyed in a new national poll do not like President Donald Trumps job performance and his handling of several major issues facing the country.

The poll released Wednesday by Quinnipiac University also found that just 18% of voters approve of the job congressional Democrats are doing, yet 47% said they want Democrats to take back control of the House of Representatives compared to 43% for Republicans.

Quinnipiacs poll determined that even though they want their party in control, just 48% of Democratic voters approve of the job performance of congressional Democrats, down from 58% in the colleges October national poll.

A family squabble spills over into the holidays, said Quinnipiac polling analyst Tim Malloy in a statement. Democratic voters want their party to hold the reins of the House but are not the least bit happy about what they are doing at the moment.

Trumps job approval was only 40% while 54% disapprove of his performance, the same as Quinnipiac found in October.

Asked about eight major issues, voters gave Trump a thumbs down on all of them:

Healthcare: 59% disapprove, 34% approve

Economy: 57% disapprove, 40% approve

Trade: 55% disapprove, 40% approve

Deportations: 55% disapprove, 42% approve

Russia-Ukraine war: 55% disapprove, 35% approve

Immigration: 54% disapprove, 44% approve

Foreign policy: 54% disapprove, 41% approve

Military: 51% disapprove, 46% approve

Over half of voters, 54%, said that Trump has gone too far in using the power of the presidency while 37% said he is handling it about right.

Although Trump continues to blame former President Joe Biden for the economy nearly a year into his administration, 57% of voters said that Trump is responsible now compared to 34% who said Biden.

Not surprisingly, the economy remains a sore point with voters with 30% describing it as poor and 35% saying it is not so good and nearly half (48%) saying that the economy is getting worse.

Several Trump administration officials are also unpopular with voters, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a 53% disapproval rating, followed by FBI director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, both at 51% disapproval, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at 49% disapproval.

Republicans in Congress have rejected attempts to extend subsidies for those receiving healthcare coverage under Obamacare, or the Affordable Care Act, putting millions at risk of seeing their premiums skyrocket or choosing to simply go without insurance.

Fifty-one percent of poll respondents said Democrats were better equipped to handle healthcare than Republicans, while 49% said Democrats could preserve democracy better than Republicans (40%).

Despite the negative responses on the economy and immigration, 46% said the GOP is better at handling the economy compared to Democrats (41%), and 47% favored Republicans on immigration over Democrats (42%).

Polling results on other issues included:

55% said the Trump administration is being too harsh in its crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

57% said they want to give most undocumented immigrants a path to legal status.

64% said the cost of living is a very serious problem.

65% disapprove of the Trump administrations handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

53% oppose U.S. military strikes on suspected drug smugglers in international waters.

63% oppose U.S. military action in Venezuela.

48% think Trump is favoring Russia too much in the war with Ukraine, while 36% said he has struck the right balance.

61% said they would support banning children under 16 from social media, like a recent Australian ban.

Quinnipiac polled 1,035 registered voters from Dec. 11 to 15. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.9 percentage points.
How likely is it that central Pennsylvania will see snow this Christmas?

The closer we get to the holiday, the less likely it seems.

The Old Farmers Almanac predictions for this year gave central Pennsylvania a fairly decent chance at seeing snow on the ground this Christmas.

But with Christmas only a week away, the forecast from the National Weather Service in State College seems to suggest otherwise.

The recent high-pressure system moving into our region has brought with it warmer air from the Pacific Ocean, ending a string of lower-than-average temperatures.

Now, much of the midstate is seeing average high temperatures in the 40s during the day, which means that the snow currently on the ground is melting away.

Precipitation is on the way, according to the coming weeks forecast.

But even the overnight temperatures for Harrisburg tonight will be in the 40s, according to the National Weather Service.

That means, aside from the dangerously high gusts of wind expected Friday, the showers overnight tonight and into Friday will only bring rain in the Harrisburg region.

Temperatures will dip below freezing again early next week, but averages will remain above freezing after Monday.

But according to AccuWeather, a chance of snow remains for those of us in Pennsylvania.

For the 2025 holiday season, AccuWeather forecasters say a classic winter wonderland is likely in the usual snowy spots, and a last-minute storm could deliver snowflakes just in time for Christmas in some areas in the Northeast, their website reads.

The odds of snow are higher in the northern and western areas of the state, and in higher elevation areas.

And even in areas where this last-minute storm brings mostly rain, some flurries could come through.

It may not be a full inch of snow on the ground to officially qualify as a white Christmas, but flurries or a fresh dusting of snow can help set the holiday mood, said Paul Pastelok, AccuWeathers lead long-range expert, in their forecast.
https://chamber.ua/ua/news/amerykanska-torhovelna-palata-zaklykaie-mizhnarodnykh-partneriv-posylyty-povitrianyy-ta-morskyy-zakhyst-nad-ukrainskoiu-portovoiu-infrastrukturoiu-chornoho-moria/

The business community, united by the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine (the Chamber), calls on international partners to immediately increase air and sea defense over Ukraine, in particular the Odesa region and critical Black Sea port infrastructure.

Russia continues to destroy and humiliate American businesses in Ukraine. Russia's recent missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine and the Odesa region

resulted in injuries and deaths of port workers and ship crews

damaged ports, energy facilities, grain storage facilities and commercial vessels

reduced the operation of terminals by up to 50%, some of them have been shut down, most of them are running on generators

caused large-scale power outages and additional costs for the use of generators

damaged power plants and power grids that require urgent repairs

limited railroad connections to ports

caused downtime of commercial vessels and demurrage charges

The current situation poses a direct risk of disrupting global food and commodity supply chains, with far-reaching consequences for international markets and food security, including higher food prices and worsening hunger in vulnerable countries.

It is difficult to estimate the volume of losses of grain and oilseed exporters in real time, but they are currently estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars per month. Without substantial strengthening of air and maritime defense systems, both Ukrainian and international businesses will face critical operational challenges, including the inability to charter vessels and obtain insurance coverage for vessels, crews, and cargo.

The Chamber calls on international partners to immediately strengthen Ukraine's air and maritime defense to save civilian lives, ensure the security of critical infrastructure, ports, and the continuity of global trade and food supply chains.
Results of this year and prospects for the next: will peace be achieved in 2026?

On Friday, December 19, at 14.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency (8/5a, Reitarska Street) will host a discussion entitled "Results of the current year and prospects for the next: will peace be achieved in 2026?".

Participants:

Candidate of Political Sciences, Head of the "Information Defense" project of the Open Policy Foundation, ATO and Armed Forces volunteer Ihor Zhdanov, Major General of the SBU Reserve, Deputy Head of the SBU from March 2014 to June 2015, Director of the Security Sector Reform Agency, national security expert Viktor Yahun,

Doctor of Economic Sciences, Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Economic Research and Policy Consulting, Professor of the Department of Economic Theory of the National University Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Ihor Burakovsky.

The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel.

Admission requires registration on the spot with press ID cards.
CHEYENNE  Justin Fornstrom of Pine Bluffs was officially sworn in Tuesday as a member of the 68th Wyoming Legislature during a ceremony in the House Chamber of the Wyoming State Capitol. Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Lynne Boomgaarden administered the oath of office, and Speaker of the House Chip Neiman presided over the ceremony.

Following the oath, Speaker Neiman and fellow legislators welcomed Rep. Fornstrom to the Legislature. Fornstrom expressed his appreciation to those in attendance, stating, I am honored and humbled to take this oath and accept the responsibility of serving the people of House District 10 and the entire State of Wyoming.

Fornstrom was appointed by the Laramie County Commissioners during a special meeting on Dec. 6 to fill the vacant seat formally held by Rep. John Eklund, who passed away on Nov. 14.

Speaker Neiman announced that Rep. Fornstrom will serve on the House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee and the Select Water Committee. The members of the Select Water Committee will elect its next Chairman at their scheduled meeting on Jan. 21.
China's development should be welcomed, not feared: U.S. scholar

Xinhua) 10:38, December 18, 2025

U.S. economist Jeffrey Sachs speaks during a discussion in Belgrade, Serbia, Dec. 16, 2025. The global economy is not a zero-sum game, and China's rise should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat, said prominent U.S. economist Jeffrey Sachs on Tuesday. (Xinhua)

BELGRADE, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- The global economy is not a zero-sum game, and China's rise should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat, said prominent U.S. economist Jeffrey Sachs on Tuesday.

Instead, countries around the world should pursue shared prosperity and sustainable development through regional cooperation, Sachs said here at a discussion.

Sachs, also director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, noted that traditional zero-sum thinking stems from social Darwinist ideas that became widespread in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

"The idea that life is inevitably a struggle, that it is 'either them or us,' is simply not true," he said.

Modern economic well-being is not determined by competition over scarce resources, he said. "Economic well-being comes from technology, skills and effective governance."

On China's development model, Sachs said that China's experience offers important lessons for global governance, noting that through systematic planning over five- and ten-year horizons, the Chinese government has laid out detailed strategies for key sectors, industries and technologies, enabling the country to become a global leader in many emerging fields.

This success, he said, demonstrates how long-term planning and sustained investment can drive economic growth without coming at the expense of other countries.

China's development should not be viewed as a threat, Sachs said, adding that the rhetoric portraying China as an enemy is often promoted by people who have never visited the country.

"My advice to the U.S. Congress is simple: Get a passport, go see the world and look at how things really are," he said.

Looking ahead, Sachs argued that the world should move toward cooperation rather than confrontation. "What I envision is a world of regional cooperation, where regions integrate internally while remaining open to one another," he said.

In his view, the world could consist of interconnected regions, each achieving prosperity and security through coordination and collaboration. This approach, he said, is far more sustainable than models based on geopolitical rivalry or unilateral dominance, and more beneficial for the development of all parties.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Wyoming National Guard needs new firefighting training equipment, its leader told the Joint Appropriations Committee last week.

On Dec. 12, Adjutant General Major Gen. Greg Porter told lawmakers that one of the Guards key budget priorities involves wildland firefighting capability at Camp Guernsey. Due to lessons the Guard learned during the Pleasant Valley Fire that took place north of Guernsey in 2024.

He said existing equipment was designed for structure fires and proved ineffective in rugged terrain.

We couldnt get it into the places that we needed to, and when we did it was slow and not very maneuverable, Porter told the legislators during the committee meeting in Cheyenne.

Because much of Camp Guernsey sits on state-owned land, the Wyoming National Guard is responsible for preventing fires from spreading beyond its boundaries. While Gov. Mark Gordon has recommended funding a single Type 6 wildland fire engine as an initial step, Porter emphasized the request does not represent a complete solution.

If approved during the Wyoming Legislatures budget session, which begins in February, the equipment funds would become available in July.

Only 5% of the Guards budget is state funded, the rest is from the federal government.

Porter also confirmed to the committee that the Wyoming National Guard is supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations within Wyoming, with 14 Guardsmen on active duty assisting with transportation and administrative processing.

He said roughly 400 cases have been handled, including people charged with serious felonies.

Porter said homeland readiness remains his primary focus.

Homeland defense is the priority, he said. Thats where my heads at as the adjutant general.

Porter also detailed recent and upcoming deployments that continue to shape the Guards budget and readiness posture. Approximately one-third of the Wyoming Army National Guard deployed over the past year to U.S. Central Command in support of Operation Spartan Shield in the Middle East.

They did an outstanding job, Porter said, noting that senior Army leadership praised the units performance.
The penultimate day of the 2025 World Series of Poker Paradise seemed to have a little bit of everything, as Event #11: $25,000 Super Main Event played down to the final eight contenders at a fast and furious pace.

The day began with just 24 players returning from a record field of 2,891 entries at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas, which created a massive $72,275,000 prize pool with a cool $10,000,000 up top.

It took less than seven hours of play to reach the final table, and not much longer to set the field for the final day of the series on December 18.

Sitting in a familiar position atop the chip counts is Jean-Noel Thorel, who also bagged up the largest stack of Day 2b. The 78-year-old French biologist saw his remarkable run continue, scoring the final elimination of the day to open a massive lead holding nearly 40 percent of the chips in play.

The final hand of Day 4 finished with Thorel's pocket aces holding against the kings of Leonard Maue, sending the German pro out in ninth to cap off a dramatic day in Paradise.

Final Table Seat Draw

Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Bernhard Binder Austria 211,000,000 53 2 Peter Chien Canada 76,000,000 19 3 Natasha Mercier United States 165,000,000 41 4 Jean-Noel Thorel France 567,000,000 142 5 Belarmino De Souza Brazil 150,000,000 38 6 Eric Wasserson United States 130,500,000 33 7 Franco Spitale Argentina 33,000,000 8 8 Terrance Reid United States 114,500,000 29

Natasha Mercier

Final Table Faces

Thorel's closest competitor is Bernhard Binder (211,000,000), who pulled even in chips during the last level before losing a big pot late in the day. Sitting in third place is the last woman remaining in the field; Natasha Mercier (165,000,000) will return to her seat with 41 big blinds.

Mercier is looking to better the run of Liv Boeree, who earned a fourth-place finish in last year's WSOP Paradise Super Main Event. Mercier had a profitable final level, including a double-up with a full house to climb the leaderboard.

The rest of the final table includes WSOP bracelet winners Eric Wasserson (130,500,000) and Franco Spitale (33,000,000), who will return as the short stack with eight big blinds.

They're joined by Belarmino De Souza (150,000,000), Terrance Reid (114,500,000) and Peter Chien (76,000,000), all looking to chase down Thorel on the final day.

Felipe Ramos

Dramatic Day 4

The first two levels of the day delivered plenty of eliminations, including GG Poker Ambassador Felipe Ramos. The Brazilian pro was sent to the rail on a cruel river, ending another quest for a first WSOP bracelet with a 23rd-place finish.

Thorel took care of a few eliminations on his own, flipping out Charles Hook in 14th position. Hook earned another deep run at Atlantis just days after earning his first career bracelet in Event #13: $50,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha.

Faraz Jaka was the next player out when his set of nines on the turn lost to a bigger set on the river. The improbable runout sent Jaka to the rail in 13th, earning $520,000.

Not long after, Benny Glaser was sent out on the final table bubble in a controversial hand that saw the eight-time bracelet winner shove into Wasserson's pocket aces.

Benny Glaser

That sorted the field down to the final nine, needing to remove one more before bagging for the final day. It appeared De Souza would be that one after starting the final table with just four big blinds, but the Brazilian bounced back by doubling up before taking a big pot from Binder to finish with a healthy stack.

Players will return at 12 p.m. local time, with 10:51 remaining in Level 34 and blinds of 2,000,000/4,000,000/4,000,000. Play will continue with 90-minute levels followed by 15-minute breaks until a champion is crowned.

Each of them has already locked up $1,100,000, with all eyes on the $10,000,000 first-place prize along with the WSOP Super Main Event bracelet.

Final Table Payouts

Place Prize Place Prize 1 $10,000,000 5 $2,350,000 2 $6,000,000 6 $1,800,000 3 $4,000,000 7 $1,400,000 4 $3,000,000 8 $1,100,000

It's sure to be an exciting finish to the series here in Paradise, and you can follow all of the final table action on PokerNews. Just eight remain in the battle to take down the final WSOP Main Event bracelet of 2025.
After two weeks of exciting action at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas, the $10,000,000 moment will finally arrive on the last day of the 2025 World Series of Poker Paradise.

There is just one last bracelet to award, along with the largest piece of the $72,275,000 prize pool in Event #11: $25,000 Super Main Event. From a field of 2,891 entries, just eight players remain in contention to end their year with an eight-figure score. The tournament boasted the largest guarantee ever, and that turned into the biggest prize pool ever awarded outside of the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas.

What's left to be decided is who will take home the $10,000,000 first-place prize, and sitting in the driver's seat is Jean-Noel Thorel. The overnight chip leader brings a massive lead into the final day, as Thorel's stack of 567,000,000 chips towers above the rest of the table. Bernhard Binder (211,000,000) sits in second place, as the only other player returning with more than 50 big blinds.

Much of the spotlight will be on Natasha Mercier (165,000,000), who sits down with the third largest stack while looking to make history in Paradise. Mercier will have family and friends on hand as she enters her fourth career WSOP final table, including a top-five finish at Atlantis back in 2023.

WSOP fans will no doubt remember the fourth-place run of Liv Boeree in last year's WSOP Paradise Super Main Event, and Mercier now has a chance to eclipse that mark having already achieved her stated goal of reaching the final table.

Final Table Seat Draw

Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Bernhard Binder Austria 211,000,000 53 2 Peter Chien Canada 76,000,000 19 3 Natasha Mercier United States 165,000,000 41 4 Jean-Noel Thorel France 567,000,000 142 5 Belarmino De Souza Brazil 150,000,000 38 6 Eric Wasserson United States 130,500,000 33 7 Franco Spitale Argentina 33,000,000 8 8 Terrance Reid United States 114,500,000 29

WSOP Paradise Super Main Event final table

The rest of the contenders are led by Belarmino De Souza (150,000,000), who entered the unofficial final table on Wednesday with just four big blinds before spinning it up to sit fourth overall.

Rounding out the top five is Eric Wasserson (130,500,000), who captured his first bracelet last December and added two more top-five runs in Las Vegas this summer.

Terrance Reid (114,500,000) will take his seat with 29 big blinds on the table, chasing a first WSOP bracelet along with Peter Chien (76,000,000).

Franco Spitale (33,000,000) is looking to earn a second bracelet, but will need to mount a comeback as he returns to action with the shortest stack among the eight remaining players.

Franco Spitale

Final Table Payouts

Place Prize Place Prize 1 $10,000,000 5 $2,350,000 2 $6,000,000 6 $1,800,000 3 $4,000,000 7 $1,400,000 4 $3,000,000 8 $1,100,000

All eight contenders have earned at last $1,100,000, with the chance to add millions more on the way to determining the last WSOP champion of 2025. Action will pick up at 12 p.m. local time, with 10:51 remaining in Level 34.

Players will once again navigate 90-minute levels, with blinds resuming at 2,000,000/4,000,000 and a 4,000,000 big blind ante. Thorel returns with nearly 40 percent of the 362 big blinds in play to begin the day, as the battle for the $10,000,000 first-place prize is set to continue.

Who will take home the $25,000 Super Main Event bracelet in 2025? Be sure to stay tuned as the PokerNews live reporting team will have full coverage of the final day at WSOP Paradise.
Marking the Launch of Special Customs Operations "Open to the World: The Hainan Free Trade Port"

People's Daily Online) 16:01, December 18, 2025

On December 18, 2025, the Hainan Free Trade Port began a new chapter in Chinas opening up in the new era, as it officially commenced island-wide special customs operations, setting sail on a new voyage that brings it closer to the world. Chinas second-largest island, which dangles like an emerald of promise from the southernmost tip of the mainland, has now become the latest interface between China and the wider world, serving both as a proving ground and showroom for the nations deeper integration with the global economy.

The Hainan Free Trade Port is an open gateway, offering the most convenient access to Chinas vast market and a springboard for Chinese firms to expand globally. People, goods, capital, datahere, global factors are all at play, converging, flowing, growing in value, and moving to new heights.

More efficient, more open, more liberalizedthese are the promises of the island-wide special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port. The growing convergence of global factors and increasing alignment with international rules are transforming Hainan into a superhub where these promises are fast becoming reality.

In this special feature marking the launch of island-wide special customs operations, Hainan International Media Center unveils the dynamism of this new interface at work as it delves beyond policy to examine the people, products, places, and potential driving this new initiative. It pays homage to the dream-makers and dream-chasers participating in this grand experiment. It invites you to step across the threshold of Chinas southern gateway to witness the world of opportunities and future potential that is the new Hainan.

Source: HIMC

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Kingstree, SC (29556)

Today

Cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low 43F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low 43F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 45F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 45F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Some remember the distant era of the global watch fair. From the "Sausage and Samples Fair," the event had evolved into Baselworld, a gigantic gathering of the best in watchmaking and jewelry. At its peak, in 2015, it brought together 1,500 exhibitors. For comparison, Watches and Wonders Geneva has 60.

At the center of Hall 1 stood a "plaza" where almost all the brands of the Swatch Group were gathered: Breguet, Blancpain, Jaquet Droz, Omega, Longines, Rado, Tissot, Hamilton, etc. No one could reasonably ignore that all these brands belonged to the same group. Just as it is implied today that the historical exhibitors of Watches and Wonders all belong... to the Richemont group.

Why this reminder? Because this group logic, although never hidden, has rarely been openly displayed. But Georges Kern seems to have decided otherwise. During Dubai Watch Week, the head (and shareholder) of Breitling unveiled his House of Brands. One building, one group, three brands explicitly related and adjacent at the heart of a single, enclosed space.

"Personally, I have always been quite critical of traditional watch fairs, mainly because of their high costs," the CEO told WorldTempus. "It is one of the reasons why Breitling chose to participate in the Geneva Watch Days. It is a format that we helped initiate and are very attached to. The environment is more relaxed, more collaborative, and it offers an extremely effective platform for interacting with the press and retailers."

Would he consider participating in Watches and Wonders? The answer is more nuanced: "I dont think it would make us sell more or fewer watches. We live in the digital age, where product launches and storytelling can happen globally, instantly. But for now, nothing has been decided."
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Palazzo Firenze by Baglioni Hotels & Resorts undergoes restyling to honor its historic legacyFLORENCE, IT / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Palazzo Firenze by Baglioni Hotels & Resortshas begun a comprehensive restyling project aimed at elevating the property's luxury hospitality offering while preserving the architectural uniqueness that defines its character.The restyling preserves the historic soul of Palazzo Ciofi-Jacometti. Architectural elements protected by heritage authorities - such as the overall design of the building, mural decorations and frescoes, original doors in common areas, and ceilings - will remain intact, ensuring the building's authenticity and timeless elegance endure.Click here to see more photos.Studio Marco Piva is leading the project, offering expertise in enhancing architectural heritage as well as integrated designs for architecture, interiors, and custom furnishings."Palazzo Firenze by Baglioni Hotels & Resorts embodies the intersection of history, art, and Italian hospitality," said Massimo Baldo, Vice President of The Palace Company in Europe and Asia. "With this restyling, we want to celebrate its heritage and, at the same time, offer a guest experience that combines historical charm and contemporary style." The works include the restoration and renovation of furnishings throughout the building, the introduction of new high-quality finishes and a new lighting concept in the rooms on the second and third floors, and the complete renovation of the bathrooms, with the aim of further enhancing guest comfort and experience.The project will also include common areas. The restyling will give the breakfast room and restaurant contemporary elegance, the bar a new, sophisticated character, and the lobby a warm, refined ambiance. A new lighting and furnishing project will enhance the Music Room, highlighting its unique atmosphere while preserving its historical identity.With this restyling, the property is being renovated, reinforcing The Palace Company's commitment to hospitality that combines innovation and excellence, while respecting Florence's extraordinary architectural heritage."At Palazzo Firenze by Baglioni Hotels & Resorts, we are privileged to operate in a residence of inestimable cultural value and a symbol of Florentine elegance. This restyling is an act of protection and enhancement of a historic property aimed at meeting the expectations of guests who love contemporary luxury. We are deeply committed to preserving the soul of Palazzo Ciofi-Jacometti as we write its future," Baldo said."The restyling project for Palazzo Ciofi-Jacometti, located in the heart of Florence, a city that symbolizes the Renaissance and eternal beauty, is a concrete example of the dialogue between eras. Time does not erase, but rather transforms. Our goal is to weave the past and the future into a single fabric of light, matter, and memory, breathing new life into a space that embodies the style and refined hospitality of Baglioni Hotels & Resorts," said Marco Piva, architect and co-founder of Studio Marco Piva.In spring 2026, Baglioni Hotels & Resorts will open the newly renovated Palazzo Firenze, confirming its status as one of the city's most iconic locations and marking a new chapter in its history.About The Palace CompanyThe Palace Company is synonymous with luxury and unparalleled hospitality. The distinguished conglomerate currently comprises four distinct brands: Baglioni Hotels & Resorts, a luxurious collection of European plan hotels and resorts in Italy, and an all-inclusive natural island resort in the Maldives; the luxury, all-inclusive Palace Resorts in Cancun, Playa del Carmen & Cozumel; the family-friendly all-inclusive Moon Palace Resorts in Cancun & Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and the 5-diamond, adults-only Le Blanc Spa Resorts in Cancun & Los Cabos.Studio Marco PivaBased in Milan, Studio Marco Piva is a creative and academic design laboratory specializing in urban master plans, architecture, and interior and industrial design. The studio focuses on materials, technologies, and sustainability. The Heritage and Monumental Buildings division carries out high-end hospitality projects in Italy and abroad. They enhance and regenerate historic buildings, transforming them into new urban symbols. Their goal: to preserve the past, safeguard the present, and design the future.Contact: Esteph AldamaHead of Digital PR & Social MediaEmail: esaldama@ thepalacecompany.com Phone: +1 998 195 8544SOURCE: The Palace Company
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Partnership enables an expansive health distribution network and resources with specialized expertise in the Medicare and senior health insurance marketCLEARWATER, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 /Pinnacle Financial Services, one of the nation's leading full-service health, life, annuity, and long-term care national marketing organizations and an affiliate of AmeriLife Group, LLC ("AmeriLife"), today announced a strategic partnership with American Alliance Marketing Group, a Medicare brokerage group offering a comprehensive range of senior health insurance products. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed.This partnership brings together two industry leaders committed to empowering agents and agencies with innovative tools, resources, and support to drive growth and deliver exceptional client experiences. With its network of financial professionals, independent insurance agents, brokers, and private individuals, American Alliance will operate under the AmeriLife umbrella alongside Pinnacle Financial Services, expanding AmeriLife's bespoke health distribution channel."By integrating AAMG into our operations, we're not just expanding our footprint - we're enhancing our ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients," said Kevin Shields, President & CEO, Pinnacle Financial Services. "This partnership is a testament to our commitment to growth, innovation, and exceptional service in the health insurance distribution space. As we move forward together, we're excited to leverage our combined strengths to drive success for our agents, clients, and the communities we serve." American Alliance co-founders Mike Williams and Bob Phillips added, "We're excited to join Pinnacle and AmeriLife to leverage their extensive resources and scale. The AmeriLife distribution network stands out for its power and sophistication, offering a unique blend of autonomy and support that will enable us to achieve our ambitions for the future of American Alliance." As part of this partnership, American Alliance will continue to operate under its established brand while gaining access to Pinnacle's best-in-class resources and support. This integration is expected to expand Pinnacle's holistic offerings in the senior health insurance market. Furthermore, American Alliance's strong presence in the south-central United States is anticipated to grow further with Pinnacle's support, potentially leading to expansion into new regions."American Alliance is a perfect fit for the AmeriLife family of companies, bringing deep expertise in senior health insurance products to our growing health distribution network," said Scotty Elliott, Chief Distribution Officer of Health at AmeriLife. "It's partnership with Pinnacle underscores our commitment to building a robust network of companies that meet the diverse needs of agents and clients across the country, while driving growth in our holistic health distribution channel." AmeriLife's strategic partnership model allows companies to focus on their passion for helping consumers with life and health insurance and financial services products, unencumbered by the administrative burdens that often accompany growth. With AmeriLife handling the operational heavy lifting, partner companies can scale their businesses efficiently, expand their market reach, and enhance their overall competitiveness in the industry.About Pinnacle Financial Services Pinnacle Financial Services is a national marketing organization licensed in 50 states. They are dedicated to serving independent insurance agents and agencies by providing world-class service, training, and back-office support. Visit PFSInsurance.com and follow Pinnacle on Facebook and LinkedIn for more information.About American Alliance Marketing Group American Alliance Marketing Group (AAMG) in Overland Park, Kansas, was founded by Mike Williams and Bob Phillips in 2006. With more than 75 years of combined experience in the insurance industry, the company's mission is to offer competitive products, leads, and commissions while supporting superior service to customers and clientele. Through the products offered, Mike and Bob establish a relationship with each customer. Their commitment to client engagement stems from their expertise in the insurance industry and their backgrounds in sales, marketing, and management. For more information, visit AmericanAllianceMG.com About AmeriLife AmeriLife's strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. AmeriLife develops, markets, and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For over 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers through a national distribution network of over 300,000 agents, financial professionals, and more than 160 marketing organizations and insurance agencies. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn.Contacts:Media Jeff MaldonadoAmeriLife media@ amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Paul HoffmanAmeriLife corporatedevelopment@ amerilife.com SOURCE: AmeriLife
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BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 /Amerilodge Group is proud to announce the successful completion of its annual Haven Collection, a company-wide charitable initiative supporting The Haven, an organization that serves victims and their families of domestic violence and sexual assault.This year, all Amerilodge Group properties participated, resulting in the donation of 446 holiday stockings for The Haven's Annual Gift Giveaway. The stockings will be distributed to survivors and families supported by The Haven, helping bring warmth, dignity, and joy during the holiday season."Giving back is part of who we are at Amerilodge Group," said Asad Malik, CEO & President at Amerilodge Group. "Through the Haven Collection, our teams came together across every property to support survivors and remind families in our community that they are not alone - especially during the holidays." The Haven provides critical services to individuals impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault, including emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, and long-term support. Amerilodge Group's annual effort reflects its ongoing commitment to community partnership and compassionate action.Amerilodge Group extends sincere gratitude to the associates at every participating property whose contributions made this initiative possible.About Amerilodge GroupAmerilodge Group is a Michigan-based hotel ownership and management company specializing in midscale branded properties across Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, the company operates more than 25 hotels with a focus on operational excellence, workforce development, and community integration. Under the leadership of Asad Malik, Amerilodge Group is known for its localized management model, strong employee advancement programs, and commitment to building lasting partnerships within the communities it serves. Learn more: https://www.amerilodgegroup.com/ About The HavenThe Haven is a nonprofit organization providing life-saving support and empowerment services for victims and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Its programs include emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention education. Learn more: https://havenmt.org/haven-homepage Media Contact:Steve Aldridge steve.aldridge@amerilodgegroup.com Vice President of Sales and MarketingSOURCE: Amerilodge Group
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from the potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in Alexandria Real Estate, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/alexandria-real-estate-class-action-lawsuit Investors have until January 26, 2026, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Alexandria Real Estate securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and is captioned Hern v. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., et al., No. 2:25-cv- 11319.Why is Alexandria Real Estate Being Sued For Securities Fraud?Alexandria Real Estate is a real estate investment trust. Its tenants are concentrated in life science industries, such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.During the relevant period, Alexandria Real Estate touted its leasing volume and development pipeline, specifically regarding a property in Long Island City, New York, stating that leasing volume was "solid" and its pipeline was "well positioned to capture future demand when expansion needs arise." As alleged, in truth, Alexandria Real Estate was experiencing lower occupancy rates and slower leasing activity such that it was required to take a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its Long Island City property.Why did Alexandria Real Estate's Stock Drop?On October 27, 2025, Alexandria Real Estate announced results below expectations for 3Q 2025 and cut guidance for the remainder of the fiscal year. The company attributed the results to lower occupancy rates and slower leasing activity. It also announced a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its Long Island City property, stating that the property was not a life science destination that could scale. Alexandria Real Estate also announced additional impairment charges that may be recognized in 4Q 25 ranging from $0 to $685 million. This news caused the price of Alexandria Real Estate stock to drop $14.93 per share, or more than 19%, from a closing price of $77.87 per share on October 27, 2025, to $62.94 per share on October 28, 2025.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/alexandria-real-estate-class-action-lawsuit What Can You Do?If you invested in Alexandria Real Estate you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212.789.3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 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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CRANBROOK, BC / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 /Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (TSXV:EPL)(OTCQB:EGPLF) ("EPL" or "Eagle Plains") is pleased to announce that partner Refined Energy Corp (CSE: RUU; OTC: RFMCF; FRA: CWA0) ("Refined") has approved a proposal for a 2026 exploration program, which will include a minimum of 1200 meters of diamond drilling, at Eagle Plains' 100% owned Dufferin West Property, Saskatchewan.Refined holds the exclusive option to acquire up to a 75% interest in the 10,140ha Dufferin Project, which is made up of the North and West Dufferin properties, located adjacent to NexGen Energy's SW3 Property and approximately 18km from Cameco's Centennial Deposit where historic drill hole VR-031W3 intersected 8.78% U308 over 33.9m (SMAF 74G12-0061).The 2026 program is driven by results from geophysical and technical work, paired with advanced interpretation to prioritize targets. The Phase I proposal includes ground-based gravity and electromagnetic surveys and 3 drill holes totalling approximately 1200 metres, designed to test two distinct conductors on the Dufferin West property. The depth to the base of the sandstone unconformity is relatively shallow on the Dufferin West, interpreted to be between 60 to 340m. The approved budget is approximately $1.7 million, subject to adjustments based on timing, progress and ongoing results. The program is structured to allow for expansion as drilling advances and new targets are generated. The work will be managed by TerraLogic Exploration Inc. and is planned to commence in the first quarter of 2026.Chuck Downie, P.Geo., President and CEO of Eagle Plains, commented, "We look forward to working with Refined to undertake our first drill program on the Dufferin Project. We identified the Dufferin area as a prospective area for claim acquisition starting in 2023, and the upcoming drilling is the culmination of extensive technical work and data analyses, and affirms our project generator business model." See Dufferin West Project Information and Map hereThe Dufferin Project is located on or in close proximity to the known trace of the Virgin River Shear Zone and related splays which are key structures for potential uranium mineralization.The Project is prospective for unconformity- and basement-hosted uranium mineralization in proximity to the Virgin River Shear Zone. Faulted basement contacts and brittlely reactivated structures are the primary locations for mineralization in the area covered by the Dufferin Project. The relatively high concentration of secondary uranium-bearing minerals demonstrated by prior exploration work on the Dufferin Project may also indicate uranium mineralization remobilization may play an important role in this region of the Athabasca Basin. Geophysical EM and magnetic anomalies demonstrated by prior exploration work on the Dufferin Project are supported by previous uranium and boron soil and lake sediment anomalies along the inferred fault zones, which are expected to aid in focusing future exploration programs.Some of the above results were taken directly from the SMDI descriptions and assessment reports (SMAF) filed with the Saskatchewan government. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by past operators and have not been verified nor confirmed by a Qualified Person, but form a basis for ongoing work on the subject properties. Eagle Plains' management cautions that past results or discoveries on proximate land are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the subject properties.Dufferin Option Agreement DetailsTo exercise the Option, Refined must make a series of cash payments and share issuances to Eagle Plains and fund exploration expenditures on the Project. These payments, share issuance and expenditures are separated into two phases, with the first Option entitling the Company to acquire a 60% interest in the Project by paying CA$275,000, issuing an aggregate of 1,000,000 post-consolidated common shares to EPL and funding CA$2,600,000 in exploration expenditures on the Project by December 31, 2026. Pursuant to the second phase of the Option, the Company may acquire an additional 15% interest in the Project (for a 75% total interest) by paying an additional CA$500,000, issuing an additional 500,000 post-consolidated Shares to EPL and funding an additional CA$3,000,000 in exploration expenditures on the Project by December 31, 2028. The Dufferin project is owned 100% by EPL, which has been appointed as Operator during the first Option period.If the First Option or the Second Option is exercised, a 2% smelter returns royalty will be granted to Eagle Plains, 1% of which may be repurchased for CA$2,000,000.Qualified PersonTechnical information in this News Release has been reviewed and approved by C.C. Downie, P.Geo., a director and officer of Eagle Plains, hereby identified as the "Qualified Person" under N.I. 43-101.Pine Channel Option AgreementEagle Plains has received notice from Apogee Minerals Ltd (TSX-V-"APMI") that Apogee has decided not to proceed with the option on Eagle Plains' 100% owned Pine Channel Au project, effective as of December 17, 2025.See Pine Channel Gold Project Information and Map hereThe Pine Channel Property consists of 29 mineral dispositions covering 6,519 hectares located approximately 40 km west of Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan which is the logistics/business hub for northern Saskatchewan. The property can be accessed year-round by float- or ski-equipped aircraft from Stony Rapids or Fort McMurray, AB. The eastern and northern part of the property is transected by a high voltage powerline. Most geological fieldwork is limited to late May to October but other operations such as geophysical surveys and diamond drilling can be completed year-round.The main deposit type that is being explored for at Pine Channel is structurally controlled vein-quartz (lode) gold deposits. Mineral occurrences on the Pine Channel Property contain predominantly gold, with rare base metal occurrences. Within the Pine Channel tenures there are twenty documented historical showings.Government mapping in the Pine Channel area dates from 1913, with the first industry work reported in 1950. A total of 51 assessment reports have been filed within the current Pine Channel tenure area. Past operators include Golden Rule Resources Ltd. and Colchis Resources Ltd. who were both active on the project during the 1980's, the last sustained period of exploration in the area. The most recent work prior to Eagle Plains acquiring the claims in 2018 was in 2013 when the area was flown with an airborne Variable Time Domain Electromagnetic ("VTEM") survey focused on locating targets for diamond ex
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / iQ Credit 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 iQ Credit 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 iQ Credit 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 iQ Credit Union, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more.Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Rain Bird Corporation ("Rain Bird") 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 Rain Bird.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On July 25, 2025, Rain Bird became aware of suspicious activity affecting certain portions of its web store. Upon detection, Rain Bird launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident.The investigation determined that there was fraudulent activity potentially associated with payment cards used to perform transactions on the Rain Bird web store between February 11, 2025, and September 5, 2025. Rain Bird conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and to identify affected individuals.The impacted information may include names, credit card numbers, card verification values, and associated access codes.On December 11, 2025, Rain Bird filed a notice with the Attorney General of Maine and began sending notice letters to impacted individuals.Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal and protected health information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATIONData 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 Rain Bird Corporation, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more.Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE:JHX) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from the potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in James Hardie, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/james-hardie-industries-class-action-lawsuit Investors have until December 23, 2025, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in James Hardie common stock (formerly American Depositary Shares). The class action is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and is captioned Laborers' District Council and Contractors' Pension Fund of Ohio v. James Hardie Industries plc, et al., No. 1:25-cv-13018.Why Was James Hardie Sued for Securities Fraud?James Hardie is a producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement building solutions. The largest application for the Company's fiber cement building products in the United Stated and Canada is in external siding for the residential building industry.During the relevant period, James Hardie told investors that the results of its North American fiber cement segment demonstrated its "inherent strength" and "the underlying momentum in our strategy." The Company also stated on May 20, 2025, that it was seeing "normal stock levels" among its customers and that it was "seeing performance in the month to date as we would expect." As alleged, in truth, the Company's North American sales during the relevant period were the result of inventory loading by channel partners, with the hallmarks of fraudulent channel stuffing, not sustainable customer demand as represented.The Stock Declines as the Truth Is RevealedOn August 19, 2025, James Hardie revealed that its North American fiber cement sales declined 12% during the quarter, driven by destocking first discovered "in April through May" as customers "made efforts to return to more normal inventory levels[.]" The Company also revealed that significant inventory destocking was expected to continue to impact sales for the next several quarters. On this news, the price of James Hardie stock fell $9.79 per share, or more than 34%, from $28.43 per share on August 19, 2025, to $18.64 per share on August 20, 2025.On November 17, 2025, James Hardie announced that Rachel Wilson had decided to step down from her role as CFO.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/james-hardie-industries-class-action-lawsuit What Can You Do?If you invested in James Hardie you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212.789.3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 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
A U.S. government that defends the free expression of the far right. That is obsequious to Russia and appeases China. A government for whom the villains are the soft liberal democracies of Europe, and an invaded country, Ukraine, is as guilty of its occupation as the aggressor, Moscow. This is not a dystopia created by George Orwell in 1984 or Philip K. Dick in The Man in the High Castle. Nor is it the product of the worst nightmares of former presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt or Ronald Reagan. It is the administration of President Donald Trump and his vision of foreign policy. A vision in which wealthy countries  or those from which one can profit  are what matter. The rest, in the presidents own words, are garbage, like Somalia.

But not everyone in the United States accepts this view, which became clear on December 4 with the publication of the National Security Strategy signed by Trump himself. Some measures of resistance are already being outlined in his country. EU leaders, the target of the Republicans criticism, will try to find a joint response at the crucial summit to be held this Thursday and Friday in Brussels to the military, economic, and geostrategic attacks coming from both Washington and Moscow.

Trump has confirmed that the National Security Strategy  in which Europe appears as the enemy to be defeated and Latin America is portrayed partly as the origin of some of the major U.S. problems, and partly as a basin of resources  truly describes his concept of foreign policy.

In an interview given on December 8 to the online newspaper Politico, the president insulted European leaders, whom he called weak, and reiterated his conviction that the continent is on the path to civilizational erasure for being too tolerant of immigration.

On the same day, he gave the green light for China to acquire Nvidias H200 series artificial intelligence semiconductors, among the most advanced currently available: a step that would have been unthinkable during his first term, when he unleashed a technological war between the two giants. Earlier, Trumps envoys, Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, had returned from their trip to Russia to negotiate with Vladimir Putin.

According to Trumps foreign policy, the great powers  rather than competing as Washington had proclaimed until now  tolerate each other. They allow each other to dominate their respective geographic spheres of influence and set aside ideologies to do business. It is a worldview in which the word corruption does not exist and where contradictions abound: the president proclaims himself a peacemaker, yet prepares for a possible war in Venezuela and promises enormous defense spending.

Its a triumph of the economy and trade relations over anything else, says Michael Froman, former economic advisor to Barack Obama and current director of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). The mirror through which China, Europe, or the Western Hemisphere are viewed seems to be primarily that of economic opportunities for the United States, he notes.

Two versions of the document

The publicly released version of the National Security Strategy has sparked dismay among European partners. But there is another, more extensive version that remains classified, according to the online publication Defense One, which claims to have obtained a copy. This version is even more ominous for Europe and for supporters of democracies and human rights  those whom the Trump administration and its supporters in the MAGA movement label as globalists.

According to this version, the Trump administration intends to convince four countries (Italy, Hungary, Austria, and Poland) to leave the European Union, as the United Kingdom did, and thereby Make Europe Great Again. It also intends, according to the online publication, to support parties, movements, and intellectual and cultural figures who seek sovereignty and preservation/restoration of traditional European ways of life while remaining pro-American.

The classified version also suggests the creation of a new forum of major powers, the Core Five or C-5. This group would bring together the United States, China, India, Japan, and Russia, and would completely exclude Europe. It would also sideline other associations of key players in the current global architecture, such as the G-7 of the most developed democratic nations, or even the G-20, the group of the worlds leading economies.

This C-5 would meet regularly at summits with specific themes. Among them, one on security in the Middle East, which would aim to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The published document proclaims that the days of the United States propping up the entire world order like Atlas are over. The classified version, according to Defense One, states, instead, that the goal of achieving global hegemony was the wrong thing to want and it wasnt achievable.

The White House has denied the existence of any version of the National Security Strategy other than the one already published. Spokesperson Anna Kelly emphasized: 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.

In the past, Trump has flirted with the idea of integrating China and Russia into the G-7  the group of the most developed democratic economies plus the European Union  and has declared Moscows expulsion from that forum after Russias invasion of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014 a mistake. After his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea in October, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth even spoke of a G-2, a concept that Beijing had been proposing and that Washington had systematically rejected until now: a relationship in which both giants recognize and treat each other as equals.

To what extent Trumps strategy will materialize is questionable. Some of his attempts at exerting pressure in Latin America have been a complete failure: after trying to force Brazil to pardon former president Jair Bolsonaro, the United States lifted sanctions on the judge who convicted him, Alexandre de Moraes, last Friday. Ukraine refuses to cede the territories Trump is proposing to Russia. Moscow and Beijing already have a stronger relationship with each other than the ties that are emerging between either of them and Washington.

Within the United States, the outlook is also uncertain. Next years midterm elections could give Democrats control of at least one house of Congress and upend the political landscape. The National Security Strategy has generated criticism and surprise and not only among the opposition, which, like the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen, believes the presidents harsh attacks, in word and deed, towards our closest allies are nonsensical when compared to his kind words and sweetheart deals for autocrats like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.

The House of Representatives gave an initial indication that Trump will not find it easy to impose his vision: this week it passed a $900 billion defense budget bill, a measure the president had long desired. But it included a key provision requiring the Pentagon to maintain at least 76,000 troops in Europe: a way to protect the U.S. military presence against the administrations desire to cut it. And to tell the president that he cant have it all.

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 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
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Management will Host an Investor Webinar on January 7, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time to Discuss the OfferingCASPER, WY / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Lost Soldier Oil and Gas ("Lost Soldier or the "Company"), an oil and gas company unlocking the largest natural gas discovery in the Western U.S. in 40 years in Wyoming's Bison Basin, today announced that investors can now participate in its previously announced Regulation D 506(c) offering with cryptocurrency payments through Guild Financial Ltd.'s digital payments platform.The Regulation D offering allows Lost Soldier to raise capital through a private placement to accredited investors with an opportunity to earn quarterly cashflow, tax deductions, future investment rights, and stock conversion through LLC membership in oil wells.How To Invest:Cryptocurrency investors interested in the offering should visit crypto.lostsoldier.com and hit the "Invest with Crypto" button.To invest directly with cash, please visit invest.lostsoldier.com and hit the "Invest Now" button.Marc Bruner, Founder and CEO of Lost Soldier, stated, "We saw a significant wave of interest from potential accredited investors who wanted to participate using cryptocurrency, so we got to work to make it possible. Crypto has become an important tool for global finance, greatly expanding the universe of capital investment available. With the total global crypto asset value, or market capitalization, now over $3.2 trillion, it can no longer be ignored as a potential source of investment funding. We are happy to add this option and make it easier for holders of crypto to join our Reg D offering." "Lost Soldier is developing the largest natural gas discovery in the western U.S. in four decades. Our discovery in Wyoming's Bison Basin is uniquely positioned to supply the clean, reliable natural gas America needs to build and sustain its AI-driven future. As data centers, cloud computing, and AI infrastructure expand at record pace, our project offers the scale, access, and production potential to meet these massive demands through 2030 and beyond. We look forward to those of you attending our investor webinar on January 7 th." Investor Webinar - January 7, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. PTLost Soldier will host an Investor Webinar on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time.During the webinar, the management team from Lost Soldier will discuss how the Company is unlocking the largest natural gas discovery in the Western U.S. in 40 years and how accredited investors can earn quarterly cashflow, tax deductions, future investment rights, and stock conversion through memberships directly in Lost Soldier oil wells. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. To register, please click here: Registration Link.Lost Soldier has partnered with Guild Financial Ltd. to enable cryptocurrency payments via its digital payments platform.For more information contact invest@ lsogllc.com or call us at (720) 807-0440.Lost Soldier is currently raising capital through a Regulation D 506(c) offering for accredited investors.About Lost Soldier Oil and GasLost Soldier is unlocking the largest natural gas discovery in the Western U.S. in 40 years - 6 TCF potential, 24,000 acres, and direct pipeline access. Lost Soldier is dedicated to responsibly developing Wyoming's Bison Basin oil and gas resources while preserving the surrounding environment. Operations are centered in the Wild Mustang Federal Unit, an area rich in history and wildlife, including grazing cattle, elk, antelope, and wild mustangs. Drawing inspiration from the nearby Lost Soldier oilfield, located 15 miles southeast of our discovery well, this field is one of Wyoming's oldest, and has produced over 400 million barrels of oil since its discovery. Today, it continues to produce over 1 million barrels per year. Lost Soldier leverages the area's proven geology to unlock its vast potential, using custom-built drilling rigs and skilled crews to ensure efficient, cost-effective resource extraction while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information visit: invest.lostsoldier.com Contact Information: Investor Relations720-807-0440 invest@ lsogllc.com SOURCE: Lost Soldier Oil & Gas
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Company monitoring anticipated President Trump marijuana rescheduling actions, which may support future export of Sannabis' established medicinal and therapeutic product lines from Colombia to the United StatesCALI, COLOMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Sannabis, Inc., f/k/a Ultimate Sports, Inc. (OTC:USPS), a U.S. Company (the "Company") planning to acquire Sannabis S.A.S ("Sannabis") in Colombia, is pleased to announce the successful development of a hemp-based roofing tile designed specifically for local South American markets, marking a significant step forward in scalable, carbon-smart construction materials.Addressing a Large and Growing Roofing MarketThe global roofing materials market continues to experience steady growth, driven by population expansion, urbanization, climate resilience requirements, and increased renovation activity. In Latin America, roofing demand is further supported by rapid housing development and the need for materials suited to heat, humidity, and extreme weather conditions.Sannabis' hemp roof tile is engineered to compete directly with traditional roofing products-such as clay, concrete, and fiber cement - on price, durability, and performance, while adding environmental and sustainability value that conventional materials cannot offer.Benefits of Hemp-Based Roofing TilesHemp-based construction materials offer a compelling combination of structural and environmental advantages, including:Lower embodied carbon and potential carbon-negative characteristicsThermal insulation, reducing interior heat gain and energy costsMoisture and mold resistance, critical in tropical and subtropical climatesFire resistance and long-term durabilityLightweight properties, reducing transportation and installation costsSannabis intends to pursue environmental and sustainability certifications for its hemp roofing tiles, enabling developers, homeowners, and governments to meet green building standards without paying a premium.Competitive Pricing Through Colombian AdvantageUnlike hemp construction materials in the United States - which often face high production costs and limited growing seasons - Colombia offers a unique structural advantage. Located near the Equator, Colombia supports up to four hemp grow cycles per year, enabling consistent, large-scale biomass production at significantly lower cost.This agricultural advantage allows Colombia to become a global incubator and manufacturing hub for hemp-based building materials, capable of producing at price parity with traditional construction products.By comparison, in the United States, an 8x8x16 hempcrete block can sell for approximately US$15, while a standard concrete block sells for roughly US$2.50. This cost disparity has historically limited adoption and slowed proof of concept for hemp construction materials in developed markets. Sannabis believes Colombia is currently the only country capable of closing this cost gap, unlocking true commercial scalability.From R&D to Manufacturing ReadinessThe hemp roof tile has been under research and development for several years, with a focus on material performance, climate suitability, and manufacturability. With development complete, Sannabis is now ready to begin manufacturing, subject to securing project financing.In parallel, the Company is engaging patent counsel to evaluate and pursue intellectual property protection for the roofing tile design and formulation.Strategic Vision"Sustainable construction materials must compete on price, not just ideals," said Juan P. Guzman, CEO of Sannabis, Inc. "Colombia's agricultural capacity allows us to produce hemp-based building materials at costs that finally make sense for mass adoption. Our hemp roof tile is designed to outperform traditional materials environmentally, without asking consumers to pay more." Sannabis believes this initiative positions Colombia as a regional and global leader in hemp construction materials, benefiting local farmers, manufacturers, and workers while delivering climate-resilient infrastructure solutions to fast-growing markets.Regulatory & Export ReadinessIn parallel with its hemp construction materials initiatives, Sannabis continues to evaluate potential export opportunities for its established medicinal and therapeutic product lines, registered with Colombia's FDA (INVIMA), subject to applicable regulatory approvals and changes in U.S. federal law. The Company is closely monitoring developments related to a potential Executive Order by President Trump addressing the federal scheduling of marijuana, which, if enacted, could facilitate expanded cross-border trade in regulated cannabis-derived products. Further announcements to be made when the Executive Order is signed.Useful links...Click here for the Company's X page to see pictures of the Sannabis Hemp Roof Tile.For more information, visit Sannabis.co or follow Sannabis on social media for updates on the acquisition, product launches, and international initiatives.About Sannabis, Inc. (OTC: USPS)Sannabis, Inc. (OTC: USPS), formerly Ultimate Sports, Inc., is a U.S.-based company focused on the legal cannabis and hemp industry in Colombia. The company is finalizing the acquisition of Sannabis S.A.S. in Colombia, a fully licensed, vertically integrated cannabis producer and innovator with a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Sannabis, Inc. has amended their articles of incorporation with the Indiana Secretary of State and changed their name from Ultimate Sports, Inc. A name change action has been initiated with FINRA which is still open. Until approved, they will trade as Ultimate Sports, Inc. (OTC: USPS), they plan to keep the USPS stock symbol.Media Contact:Investor RelationsSannabis, Inc.Email: jpguzman@ Sannabis.us Website: www.Sannabis.co Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about the business and industry of Sannabis, Inc. or Sannabis S.A.S., as well as management's beliefs and assumptions. Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "projects," "potential," "may," "will," "should," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual results and outcomes may differ ma
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Drill hole RY-25-04 bottomed in 1,465 g/t silver over 1.97 metresMulti-element geochemical analysis is consistent with the margins of a Reduced Intrusion Related Gold System ("RIRGS")VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 /Trifecta Gold Ltd. (TSX-V:TG)(OTCQB:TRRFF) ("Trifecta" or the "Company") is pleased to announce final gold and multi-element results from the 2025 diamond drilling program completed at its Rye Project. The Company completed 1,992 m of diamond drilling in six holes, with the gold results from the first three holes announced on December 2nd, 2025. The Project is situated 14 km from the North Canol Road between two mid-Cretaceous granitic intrusions - the Itsi and Itsi East plutons - in the eastern portion of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. Trifecta has the right to earn 100% ownership of Rye.Hole RY-25-04 bottomed in 1.97 metres grading 1,465 g/t silver, 0.22% copper and 0.97% WO3 . The hole was terminated short of target depth at 277.97 metres due to drilling difficulties in what appears to be a fault, so the full width of this mineralized zone is not known. Lead, tellurium and antimony values in this interval were at background levels, suggesting the presence of native silver. The intersection is located 640 metres from three historically known polymetallic veins, discovered in the 1950s, and is inferred to be the direct extension of one of these veins (Figure 1).The final hole of the program, RY-25-06, was collared about 130 metres behind, and south of RY-25-01 which intersected 1.98 g/t gold over 15 metres within a broader intercept of 1.02 g/t gold over 37 metres as reported previously. RY-25-06 intersected a 210 m wide zone of sheeted veining, with vein densities similar to those measured in the first hole. An analysis of geochemical ratios indicates RY-25-06 sampled a lower-temperature portion of the hydrothermal system. Significant results from the 2025 drilling are tabulated below.* previously reported by the Company on December 2, 2025below Level of Detection "With the balance of assays in hand, the wide zones of consistent veining in RY-25-01 and -06 support our belief that we are exploring the edges of a large, mineralized hydrothermal system," states Jack Morton, Vice President of Trifecta. "Our immediate focus will be on leveraging these new geochemical vectors in combination with structural measurements and LiDAR data to target higher-temperature, higher-grade mineralization in the next program." Figure 1 - Map of completed 2025 diamond drill holes at Rye, with drill results in this release highlighted. Drill hole vein density is illustrated thematically, along with rock samples grading over 0.2 g/t gold. Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC)All analyses of core samples from the 2025 Rye program were performed by ALS Minerals with sample preparation in Whitehorse and assays and geochemical analyses in North Vancouver. Samples were routinely analyzed for gold by a 30 g fire assay followed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (Au-AA23) and 48 other elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ME-MS61L). Samples that exceeded the detection limits of the routine methods were assayed for silver, copper and zinc by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (Ag/Cu/Zn-OG62) and gold by gravimetric analysis (Au-GRA21).Rigorous procedures were in place regarding sample collection, chain of custody and data entry. Certified assay standards, coarse reject duplicates, field duplicates and blanks were routinely inserted into the sample stream to ensure integrity of the assay process. All of the results reported have passed the QA/QC screening.Technical information in this news release has been approved by Trifecta's Vice President, Jackson Morton, P.Geo., a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101.Tombstone Gold BeltExtending more than 1,000 km from the Fairbanks district in Alaska eastward across the entire width of Yukon, the Tombstone Gold Belt hosts many large Reduced Intrusion-Related Gold System (RIRGS) mines such as Fort Knox in Alaska (>10 million oz), Eagle and Olive in Yukon (>4 million oz) and the past-producing Brewery Creek Mine, also in Yukon. Since May 2020 over 17 million additional ounces of gold have been discovered in the Yukon portion of the belt, including Snowline Gold's Tier 1 Valley discovery, Sitka Gold's RC deposit, Banyan Gold's AurMac deposits and Victoria Gold's Raven deposit.Tombstone Gold Belt systems are characterized by sheeted, auriferous quartz veins forming in the carapace zones of Cretaceous-age plutons. They have a characteristic geochemical signature with a gold-bismuth-telluriumtungsten core within a broader gold-arsenic halo. The deposits are found within and surrounding the reduced intrusions, and typically exhibit a geophysical signature comprising a magnetic low (ie. reduced) coinciding with at conductivity low. Veining in RIRGS systems is typically zoned with a core of sheeted veins surrounded by more discrete gold-arsenic veins and more distal silver-lead-zinc veins.About Trifecta Gold Ltd.Trifecta is a Canadian-based precious metals exploration company dedicated to increasing shareholder value through the discovery and development of 100% held gold projects in Yukon and Nevada. Trifecta has secured an option to acquire a 100% interest in Mt. Hinton, Rye and 9 other highly prospective, intrusion-related gold projects located in Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt where over 17 million ounces of gold have been discovered since May 2020. Initial drilling at the Company's Yuge Gold Project, located in northern Nevada, has identified multiple broad zones of gold mineralization near historical high-grade mines. The Company's Eureka Project hosts an 8 x 2.5 kilometre belt of surface showings and anomalous gold-in-soil that straddle the headwaters of two of the most productive placer creeks in Yukon's southern Klondike Goldfields. Trifecta's Treble Project covers a large hydrothermal system, located midway between Western Copper and Gold Corporation's Casino Deposit, the largest copper and gold deposit in the Yukon, and Rockhaven Resources Ltd.'s Klaza Deposit, a high-grade gold-silver deposit.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD"Richard Drechsler"President and CEOFor further information concerning Trifecta or its various exploration projects please visit www.trifectagold.com or contact:Corporate Information Trifecta Gold Ltd.Richard DrechslerPresident and CEOTel: (604) 687-2522This news release may contain forward looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of exploration and other risk factors beyond
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / TriZetto Provider Solutions ("TriZetto")recentlysuffered a data breach that compromised the sensitivepersonal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to TriZetto Provider Solutions.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On October 2, 2025, TriZetto Provider Solutions became aware of a security incident involving unauthorized access to a web portal used by some of its healthcare provider customers. Upon detection, TriZetto promptly secured the web portal and engaged third-party cybersecurity experts to investigate and remediate the incident. The investigation revealed that an unauthorized third party had been accessing historical eligibility transaction reports as early as November 2024, almost a year before detection. The accessed reports contained protected health information of patients from various healthcare providers.The impacted data may include names of patients, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, health insurance member numbers (including Medicare beneficiary numbers), health insurer names, information about the primary insured or beneficiary, and other demographic health and insurance information.On December 11, 2025, TriZetto publicly disclosed the breach and began notifying affected healthcare clients.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 TriZetto Provider Solutions,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 ourwebsite to learn more.Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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Quebec Leader in property and casualty insurance deploys AI agents to automate personal insurance processes, reduce processing times, optimize broker advisory servicesMONTREAL, QUEBEC / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / Koios Intelligence announced today that Univesta Insurance, one of Quebec's largest property and casualty insurance and financial services firms, has selected Olivo, Koios's AI-powered platform, to automate a number of customer submissions and onboarding processes. The firm will deploy AI agents within its personal division in the coming weeks to accelerate quoting, underwriting, and customer service workflows, with 24/7 client interactions, eliminating double data entry and freeing up time for customer service."At Univesta, we are committed to providing our teams with all the resources they need to put the client at the heart of our operations. By leveraging Olivo's specialized insurance AI capabilities, we enable our brokers to fully dedicate themselves to their advisory role, while enriching the experience for both clients and teams," says Maryse Fernandes, CHRP, Partner and Vice President, Client Contact Center and Organizational Development at Univesta. "Our collaboration with Koios Intelligence and their multi-agent AI-powered Olivo platform aligns perfectly with our vision of an insurance industry where the more efficient broker embodies excellence in service and advice." At Univesta, AI agents will process home and auto insurance quote requests by extracting data from documents submitted by clients, then automatically transferring the information into Univesta's existing management systems. Olivo's document processing capabilities autonomously extract key information from policy documents and convert it into actionable data. All customer data transfers are conducted through Koios Intelligence's secure API framework, ensuring GDPR and AMF compliance while maintaining integration with Univesta's current technology infrastructure."We designed Olivo, our AI-powered multi-agent platform, to address the real-world challenges insurance brokers face daily: errors in manual data transfer, bottlenecks in document processing, and a lack of 24/7 customer access," explains Mohamed Hanini, Founder, CEO, and AI Platform Architect at Koios Intelligence. "The implementation at Univesta for home and auto insurance demonstrates Olivo's ability to seamlessly integrate with existing management systems while delivering immediate operational impact. We are committed to helping Univesta and brokers across North America transform their operations while preserving the personalized service that defines their brand." The implementation will allow Univesta brokers to reallocate time spent on administrative tasks to client consultations. Koios Intelligence clients typically see a 37% increase in sales conversion rates, a 45% reduction in underwriting time, and a 50% time saving in quote processing thanks to automated workflows that handle routine inquiries and quote requests while routing complex requests to the appropriate team members.About Univesta InsuranceUnivesta Insurance is one of Quebec's largest property and casualty insurance and financial services firms, with over 70 years of experience in providing customized insurance solutions across all sectors. The firm serves businesses and families throughout Quebec, offering expert advice and comprehensive coverage options.About Koios IntelligenceKoios Intelligence provides Olivo, an AI-powered insurance platform that automates customer interactions, quote processing, and document management for personal and commercial insurance. The platform integrates with existing management systems and operates 24/7 via web, phone, text, and email. Olivo serves insurance brokers and insurers across North America with industry-specific workflows for personal and commercial property and casualty insurance, life and health insurance, and financial services. The platform is GDPR, HIPAA, and AMF compliant, with deployment options in multiple cloud regions.For more information, contact Charles Dugas, EVP ( charles.dugas@koiosintelligence.ca) SOURCE: Koios Intelligence
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Committed to Nationwide Integration Solutions and Market NeedSALT LAKE CITY, UT / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 /Wachter, a leader in technology integration and solutions, is proud to announce the official opening of its seventeenth Regional Technology Office (RTO) in Salt Lake City, Utah.This expansion marks another significant milestone in the company's ongoing growth and strength as a trusted partner, leading nationwide and serving customers with IT solutions. In response to customer demand, Wachter has expanded rapidly over the past several years. Wachter's Regional Technology office model has evolved into a coast-to-coast operation, enabling the company to support customers across every primary market led by the Senior Director of Regional Technology Offices, Tom Miles.This model is efficient and backed by our team's unprecedented, diverse technology knowledge, consistently delivering low-voltage and infrastructure cabling, fiber-optic installation, IP camera and physical security, access control and alarm systems, wireless and IT networking, and multi-site, 24-hour monitoring. Customers appreciate our strong local partnerships, nationwide reliability, and broad technology expertise.Tom Miles stated, "Each new regional technology office provides customers with Wachter's trained Technicians, delivering incredible response times, deeper local partnerships, and nationwide reliability." Wachter's unique and true differentiation is that it is backed by a comprehensive and solid project management team, solutions engineers that unify comprehensive project deployment and customer success.Our commitment to advanced technology integrations, excellence, and service ensures Wachter remains a trusted partner for organizations seeking comprehensive technology solutions as they are pressed to expand and adopt technology to meet their customers' needs. Wachter remains dedicated to its customer-first approach to these business challenges by providing effective and diverse technological solutions tailored to each client's needs. For more information on Wachter's new Salt Lake City office, or another location, please reach out here https://tinyurl.com/2knrpdb8 or https://www.wachter.com/contact MEDIA CONTACTSFor Wachter:Shannan Bieler Marketing Director 215-470-7518 shannan.bieler@wachter.com About WachterWachter, Inc., has been at the forefront of providing top-notch IT solutions across the nation for decades. As a leading nationwide IT Solutions Integrator, Wachter has developed unparalleled expertise in technology. Wachter's engineers and project managers leverage our nationwide W-2 workforce of technicians to converge electrical, data, security, and automation into intelligent building systems. Wachter's proven track record of excellence across various technologies we are committed to providing our clients with the best-in-class IT solutions. For more information https://www.wachter.com/ SOURCE: Wachter
Former Botswana President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, has called on the Nigerian government to create a more enabling environment for farmers to thrive.

Mr Masisi made the appeal after touring Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti State, where he said stronger institutional support for agriculture would enhance food security and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the country.

He said the nation could generate wealth and achieve lasting prosperity by making consistent, long-term investments across the agricultural sector and its value chains.

Mr Masisi said: The government is to provide an enabling environment. Enabling the environment is policy-driven. Its a legal infrastructure regulator framework and incentivization. As a government, you incentivise through tax breaks. You incentivise through schemes that are subsidies. Because theres nowhere in the world where agriculture is not subsidised.

So, its not a crime to subsidise agriculture because by doing so, the government is providing sustainable jobs and sustainable living. Of course, this will also enhance sustainable nutrition. When all these are applied, investors and government agencies can also diversify the area of agricultural output.

Wildlife economy

He further urged the government and private investors to explore opportunities within the wildlife economy.

Mr Masisi highlighted that Nigeria is forfeiting billions of naira by not developing its wildlife sector, which he noted is a significant source of revenue for his own country.

Theres a whole wildlife economy that I have asked John and all the Nigerians I have come across. Where is your wildlife economy? We generate hundreds of millions from our wildlife economy. In Botswana? Yes. We make money from elephants, zebras, antelopes, crocodiles, he said.

Mr Masisi praised Agbeyewa Farms Chairman, Niyi Olajide, and his team for their decisive and timely leadership.

He noted that the farms adoption of advanced technology and investment in its workforce demonstrated a promising future for Agbeyewa.

Mr Masisi further commended Mr Olajide as a dedicated African, committed to creating employment opportunities and driving economic growth across the continent.

Cultivation

Responding, Mr Olajide explained that he and his team are shifting focus towards processing, while striving to refine cultivation, aggregation, and all aspects of agricultural trading.

He added that they are taking every possible step to optimise the cassava value chain, aiming to generate more jobs and expand opportunities for a wider community.

We are about moving into processing as we are working towards perfecting cultivation, perfecting aggregation and perfecting just everything around agric-trading. We are determined to ensure that we maximise all value addition and processing. All the things that can be beneficial to people, such as ethanol, cassava starch, and high-quality cassava flour.

Agbeyewa Farms, the worlds largest cassava farm, aims to enhance food security, provide raw materials for industry, and create sustainable jobs by implementing modern farming techniques.
Femi Otedola, the chairman of First HoldCo Plc, has further consolidated his position as the top shareholder of the financial services group, with his latest share purchase valued at N14.8 billion.

The billionaire entrepreneur, whose investment interest cuts across energy, banking and real estate, procured 370 million shares at N40.1 each on Thursday, according to a regulatory filing at the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

He bought the shares through Calvados Global Services Limited, his special purpose acquisition vehicle, the document showed.

The latest acquisition by the majority owner of Lagos-listed electricity provider, Geregu Power Plc, takes his combined ownership in First HoldCo to 16.9 per cent. That is equivalent to 7.1 billion shares.

In September, Mr Otedola acquired 64.9 million shares valued at N2 billion in the banking group: 39.3 million units worth N1.2 billion in his own name and 25.6 million units estimated at N792.5 million via Calvados Global Services.

As of half-year 2025, he held 3.2 billion shares directly and 3.5 billion indirectly in the entity, according to First HoldCos unaudited financial report for the period.

This July, Mr Otedolas former closest rivals in the top ownership of First HoldCo, Oba Otudeko and Oye Hassan-Odukale, abruptly sold off their holdings in the group.

As many as 10.4 billion shares, translating into almost 25 per cent of the groups entire ordinary shares were traded off-market in 17 deals on a single day, a trader told PREMIUM TIMES at the time.

The sellers were Barbican Capital Limited & affiliates and Leadway Group & affiliates, and the buyer was RC Investment Management Limited, First HoldCo said in a statement issued after the transactions.

Mr Otudeko controls Barbican Capital Limited, while Mr Odukale is the CEO of Leadway Assurance Company Limited.

Mr Otedola became the chair of the board of directors of First HoldCo in January 2024.
The Nigerian government has directed plastic manufacturers and plastic bottling companies operating across the country to take responsibility for plastic waste littering the environment.

The directive was among several resolutions adopted at the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment (NCE)  Nigerias highest advisory body on environmental matters  held in Katsina State between 15 and 17 December.

The meeting, themed Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria, was chaired by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.

It brought together commissioners responsible for the environment from the 36 states, permanent secretaries, heads of environment-related agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, academics and journalists.

During the meeting, participants reviewed major environmental risks associated with mining activities, plastic pollution and public health hazards across the country, approving proactive measures to address the challenges.

all plastic manufacturers and plastic bottling companies should be made to adopt the concept of Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) by taking responsibility for the plastic waste they produce nationwide, a final communique unanimously adopted at the meeting partly read.

Plastic pollution in Nigeria

Over the past two decades, plastic production and imports have increased significantly in Nigeria, placing enormous pressure on the countrys municipal waste management systems. Studies show that most plastic waste in Nigeria is either burnt, openly dumped or discharged into water bodies.

An estimated 2.5 to 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually across the country, with only a small fraction recycled. Because plastics are non-biodegradable, they cause widespread environmental damage, harming aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and posing serious public health risks.

In drainage channels and street corners across major cities and communities, empty water sachets, plastic bottles and takeaway packaging are commonplace. Many of these products are linked to beverage and bottling companies operating in the country.

Top brands such as Nestle, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Unilever are among the major contributors to Nigerias plastic waste challenge. Others include Bigi, C-Way and Eva Water, which also contribute significantly to single-use plastic pollution.

Decades of weak regulation and poor waste disposal practices have worsened public health concerns, including the clogging of major waterways, which restricts water flow and contributes to the recurring flooding experienced in many parts of the country.

Against this backdrop, the federal government in November inaugurated a 14-member Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Ban of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs), signalling a renewed push for environmental sustainability and improved waste management.

The move aligns with global efforts to adopt a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, although recent international negotiations ended in a deadlock.

In August, after more than 10 days of negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, delegates from about 184 countries, including Nigeria, failed to reach a consensus on an international plastics treaty, rejecting three proposed draft texts.

At the talks, Nigeria advocated a clear and inclusive definition of plastics and called for the recognition of national action plans as the primary instruments for implementation, guided  but not constrained  by international frameworks.

Other approvals

According to the communique issued at the end of the meeting on Wednesday, the council approved measures requiring legal and regulatory bodies to restrict the siting of mineral processing companies within residential and restricted areas across the states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The council also mandated plastic manufacturers and bottling companies to take responsibility for the collection and management of plastic waste generated from their products.

It further approved the urgent integration of climate change assessment into the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process nationwide, with particular emphasis on the Niger Delta region.

Environmental experts at the meeting warned that unregulated mineral processing and plastic pollution continue to pose serious threats to human health, ecosystems and urban safety, especially in densely populated areas.

Strengthening regulation

The council directed that Environmental Impact Assessment structures be established in all state ministries of environment, while retaining the authority to issue EIA certificates at the federal level.

States were also instructed to nominate EIA focal officers and formally communicate their nominations to the Federal Ministry of Environment to improve coordination and compliance.

In response to environmental and health concerns in extractive communities, the council highlighted the need to introduce public health screening protocols in mining areas and to require livelihood restoration plans as part of mine closure processes.
The Treasury Department notes that the boss of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel manages the groups operations from prison and even forged an alliance with the Gulf Cartel while behind bars

The U.S. Treasury Department took a swipe at the Mexican prison system on Wednesday, disguised as a sanctions announcement against a criminal leader  one of many it reports each year. The Treasury explained that it has decided to sanction Jose Antonio Yepez Ortiz, alias El Marro, head of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel (CSRL), for his industrial-scale fuel theft operation in the state of Guanajuato, in central Mexico. Arrested in August 2020 and imprisoned since then, the U.S. government alleges that El Marro continues to run the criminal group from behind bars.

The comment appears in one of the final paragraphs of the statement, as if it were just a minor detail. Despite having been arrested, El Marro continues to be active in CSRL from within prison, sending instructions and orders to his collaborators through his lawyers and family members, the text reads. Yepez, 45, has been imprisoned in the federal prison in Durango, in northern Mexico, since 2014, when he was transferred from the Altiplano prison in the State of Mexico, near the capital  a transfer about which the government, then under Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (2018-2014), remained silent.

The Treasurys criticism underscores the Mexican states inability to control its prisons, even the federal ones, theoretically the most secure and closely monitored. It reinforces a widely accepted theory, one that transcends Mexicos borders and pertains to Latin America in general: the idea that prisons, rather than being centers for social rehabilitation, are universities of crime and spaces for establishing networks with other criminals. Furthermore, in Mexico, many prisons function as veritable centers for telephone extortion, exposing the states unsuccessful attempts to curb cell phone use within their walls.

The U.S. Treasury statement also indicates that El Marro orchestrated the alliance between the CSRL and the Gulf Cartel from prison to fight the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) for control of Guanajuato, a state in the Bajio region, after the latter had expanded from Michoacan and Jalisco. The CSRLs battle with the CJNG began more than seven years ago, with access to the pipelines of the state-owned oil company Pemex at the heart of their objectives. Criminals associated with both groups are intimately familiar with the least-guarded sections of the Pemex pipelines, and the fight for exclusive access has been brutal during this time.

The arrest of El Marro in August 2020 and those of several of his associates and family members in the following years seemed to tip the scales in favor of the CJNG. The decline of the CSRL appeared inevitable. The hope was that the weakening of El Marros group would lead to a decrease in violent crime in Guanajuato, a state hit hardest by the wave of violence that has gripped Mexico in recent years. But the release from prison of El Marros son, Luis Antonio Yepez, in August 2024, after a brief stint, and the CSRLs alliance with the Gulf Cartel have changed the fate of both the group and the region.

Doubts are now focused on the freedom of movement of imprisoned crime bosses. Since taking office in October 2024, President Claudia Sheinbaum and Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch have regularly reported on the cumulative number of arrests, which is now around 40,000. Harfuch updates this figure every two weeks during the presidents morning press conferences. This is one of the criteria they use to justify their claimed success in the security strategy. But the case of El Marro, and others before him, show that the imprisonment of criminal leaders does not necessarily reduce criminal activity in the country. Nor does it reduce violence.

The transfer in February and August of more than 50 criminals and alleged criminals from Mexican prisons to the U.S. fueled this same discussion. Some of the profiles brought it to the forefront. The case of Abigael Gonzalez Valencia, alias El Cuini, was one of the most prominent. Sent north of the border in August, El Cuini, leader of one of the factions of the CJNG, managed to build significant influence while incarcerated over the group of prisoners involved in the Ayotzinapa case, particularly with Gildardo Lopez Astudillo, alias El Gil, with whom he shared a cell from 2015 to 2019. This was even reported by Lopez Obrador before leaving office. El Gil, in fact, agreed to cooperate with the Ayotzinapa case investigation in exchange for the government not extraditing El Cuini.

The move ultimately backfired on Gonzalez Valencia. El Gil stopped cooperating, and the Sheinbaum administration sent his former colleague to the U.S. to face justice there. But the idea that a single person could determine the course of the investigation into one of the most significant cases in Mexicos recent history speaks volumes. There are other cases, some affecting entire regions, such as the border area. In February, the government extradited brothers Miguel and Omar Trevino Morales, former leaders of Los Zetas, the criminal group that dominated northeastern Mexico in the early 2010s, to the United States.

Since their arrests a decade ago, it was rumored that the brothers continued to control their successor group, the Northeast Cartel, based in Nuevo Laredo, from prison. It seems that this situation, whether accurate or not, ended this year. In the National Institute of Statistics latest report on perceived insecurity, from September, Nuevo Laredo entered the list of the 10 cities where the population feels safest, increasing by more than seven percentage points over the same month of the previous year. At that time, the Trevino Morales brothers were still in a Mexican prison.

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The controversy surrounding the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland in Ogun State deepened on Wednesday, as the Fidipote Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode sought to disqualify the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which is next in line to produce the monarch.

The Fidipote ruling house, also known as the House of Fidipote, is the fourth of the four ruling houses entitled to the throne, while the Fusengbuwa ruling house is the third in line.

The house (Fusengbuwa) is currently in line to produce the next Awujale.

The late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died on 13 July 2025, was from the House of Anikinaiya (the second in line).

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that disagreements had trailed the process of selecting a candidate to occupy the vacant stool, with the dispute involving Fuji music icon Wasiu Kwam 1 Ayinde.

Kwam 1, on 3 December, indicated interest in becoming the new Awujale, but it has been a controversial ride ever since.

It is worth recalling that the ruling house seeking the disqualification of the Fusengbuwa ruling house was the same house with which Kwam 1 was affiliated before the Awujale stool became vacant.

The late Awujale had, in 2023, conferred on the musician the title of Olori Omo-Oba through the Fidipote ruling house, Punch stated.

Revocation

In a two-page letter addressed to the Secretary of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, the Fidipote house urged the local council and the Ogun State Government to revoke the eligibility of the Fusengbuwa house to present candidates for the vacant Awujale stool, according to a report by Punch.

The letter, co-signed by the Head and Secretary of the Fidipote Ruling House, Tajudeen Omotayo and Tunde Aderibigbe, argued that the statutory period allotted to the Fusengbuwa ruling house to present candidates had elapsed.

They contended that this lapse rendered the Fusengbuwa ineligible to nominate candidates for the throne, citing provisions of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021, and the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959.

According to the Fidipote ruling house, although the Fusengbuwa was initially entitled to produce candidates, it failed to do so within the 14 days prescribed by law.

The said statutory period of fourteen (14) days lapsed on 16th December without the submission of any candidate(s) by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, to the best of our knowledge. By virtue of Section 16(1)(c) of the Ogun State Chiettaincy Law, 2021, where the ruling house first entitled fails to submit candidate(s) within the prescribed time, the next ruling house entitled under the order of rotation contained in the Declaration becomes legally entitled to present candidate(s).

Under the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959, the next ruling house, entitled after the Fusengwa Ruling House, is the Fidipote Ruling House, said the Fidipote Ruling House.

Notification

They further disclosed that the Fusengbuwa ruling house was notified and invited, via a letter dated 2 December, to submit its nominees in accordance with Section 16(1)(a) and (b) of the law.

They added that Section 15(1)(b) of the law requires a ruling house to forward the names of its candidates within 14 days of receiving such notification.

They added, We respectfully refer to your letter dated December 2, 2025, with Reference No 10LG584/0/29, wherein the Fusengbuwa Ruling House was formally notified and invited to present candidate(s) for the vacant stool of Awujale in accordance with Section 16(1)(a) and (b) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021.

Take notice as follows: Section 161(b) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021 mandatorily provides that a ruling house so entitled shall submit the name(s) of its candidate(s) not later than fourteen (14) days after the announcement by the Secretary af the competent council.

Intention

Furthermore, they notified the authorities of their intention to present candidates for consideration and screening by the kingmakers.

They invited the Secretary of the Local Government, or an authorised representative, to attend its general meeting as an observer, in line with Section 16(1)(d) of the law.

They stated that the meeting will be held on 20 December at the Fidipote Royal Hall, 12 Fusigboye Street, Idewon Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, at 10 a.m.

They explained that the purpose of the meeting was to allow aspiring candidates to formally express interest, undergo screening by eligible family members in accordance with customary law, and participate in voting and the selection of candidates to be forwarded to the kingmakers.

Pursuant to Section 16(1)(d) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021, which authorises the presence of the Secretary of the Local Government or his duly authorised representative as an observer at meetings of ruling houses, we hereby cordially invite you to attend the General Meeting of the Fidipote Royal Family, scheduled as follows: Date: Saturday, 20th December, 2025. Venue: Fidipote Royal Hall, 12 Fusigboye Street, idewon Quarters, lebu Ode, Ogun State. Time: 10:00 am.

In the letter, copies of which were also forwarded to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and other relevant authorities, they assured the government that the process would be conducted peacefully, transparently, and strictly in accordance with the law, established customary practices, and the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959.

Backstory

This newspaper learnt that the Fusengbuwa ruling house suspended its nomination meeting for candidates seeking the vacant stool.

At the time, no fewer than 60 contenders were reportedly jostling to become the next Awujale.

The Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said the meeting was suspended following an intervention by the state government aimed at preventing procedural lapses that could lead to litigation.

Mr Owoyemi added that the ruling house was invited to a meeting by the state government to review the steps taken so far and to ensure full compliance with extant laws.

He dismissed suggestions that the postponement was linked to the candidature of Kwam 1, whom the ruling house stated was not a member of the Fusengbuwa ruling house and was therefore not qualified to contest.

This newspaper reported that, as of press time, the 68-year-old had not commented on the controversy since declaring himself the rightful heir to the throne.

Kwam 1, however, criticised those questioning his ancestry and his decision to vie for the revered stool, insisting that no one could silence him.
Actress Doris Ogala has issued a formal legal demand to the founder of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, Chris Okafor, giving the cleric 21 days to pay 1 billion or face legal action over what her lawyers describe as a botched marriage claim following the end of an alleged nine-year relationship.

The demand comes days after Mr Okafor married another woman, despite Ms Ogalas earlier public claims that the pastor had promised to marry her.

Acting through her lawyer, Nzeakor Atulomah of Synergy Law Partners, the actress is seeking what she describes as aggravated and general damages for emotional, reputational, and psychological harm allegedly suffered as a result of the relationships collapse and its public handling.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Ms Ogala accused the cleric of ruining her life after allegedly ending the relationship without informing her.

Letter

The letter partly read: While marriage cannot be forced between our client and yourself, the law requires suitable redress for such a calculated and publicly executed breach. We hereby demand, therefore, that you pay our client the sum of NGN 1,000,000,000 (one billion naira). This amount represents aggravated and general damages for the breach itself, the irreparable harm to her reputation, her psychological and physical health, and the egregious manner in which the breach was executed in public.

We require you to ensure that, within twenty-one (21) days of the date of receipt of this letter, this full reparation amount is deposited into our client bank account as follows. United Bank for Africa plc, Account No.: 2088702393, Account Name: Doris Uzumma Umezurike.

She stated that failure by the pastor to comply with the demand would compel her to seek legal redress in court.

We trust that you will act to obviate the need for further legal escalation in any event. Please be assured that we will file a claim in the appropriate court if you fail to meet the above demands. Meanwhile, please accept our best professional courtesies, while we look forward to hearing from you.

Threats

This newspaper earlier reported that Ogala vowed that Mr Okafor would never marry anyone else and threatened to disrupt his wedding.

Ogala revealed that the only condition she set for Mr Okafor to marry Pearl or any other woman was for him to buy her a house.

She said his lawyer was already working on the conditions shed presented to the clergyman and added that she possessed evidence showing that Mr Okafor had promised to marry her.

The actress also dismissed claims that she acted maliciously or deliberately sought to disrupt another persons happiness.

Despite the threats, the clergyman went ahead to marry his wife, Pearl, on Tuesday.

Pictures from both the traditional and white wedding ceremonies later surfaced on social media on Wednesday.

The pastors marriage to Pearl generated reactions from netizens who both praised and criticised Mr Okafor.

Backstory

This newspaper further reported that Mr Okafor earlier responded to Ogalas allegations of ending their nine-year relationship during his sermon on Sunday.

He stated that no man would willingly choose to settle down with an arrogant woman.

He also claimed that no man would marry a woman from a family with a bad name or a disreputable reputation.

Mr Okafor was previously married to Bessem Okafor, who accused him in 2014 of physically assaulting her at their Magodo, Lagos home.

Bessem, who left the marital home in 2012, alleged that the assault occurred when she visited to see their four children, who were in their fathers custody at the time.

In a 2019 interview with City People, Mr Okafor stated that he had not remarried since his divorce, explaining that he was unwilling to settle down with a woman who might later pose a threat to him.
Pearl, the wife of Chris Okafor, founder of the Surulere, Lagos-based Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, also known as Liberation City, has shared their love story.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Okafor married Pearl in Lekki, Lagos, on Tuesday, amid allegations levelled against him by actress Doris Ogala.

The claims included allegations that he ended their nine-year relationship and failed to fulfil a promise of marriage, among others.

The couple was joined together by several prominent clerics, including Matthew Ashimolowo, the senior pastor of the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), London.

Family members, associates, and friends were also present at the ceremony.

Speaking about how they met in a video posted on Mr Okafors Facebook page on Thursday, Pearl described their union as divinely ordained.

Love story

The video was titled, He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour from the Lord.

She said, We met by divine orchestration. It was something that would have never happened by human effort. God actually put us together. Hes very, very intentional. Hes my sugar daddy. Hes my boyfriend. Hes my husband. Hes my best friend. And hes still my daddy.

Im looking forward to carrying his children, little versions of him. I want to watch them grow. I want to watch my family bask in Gods glory. I want to see them become as huge as he is. The only and only Oko, Ayanfe mi. The one that makes my life sweeter. The one who knows that secret button in my heart. I love you.

Mr Okafor also justified his choice of a life partner saying, I had no doubt about it because I knew what I wanted, and I am happy.

Pearl

Although limited information about Pearl is available online, this newspaper cant confirm if she is a member of Mr Okafors church.

However, Ms Ogala alleged in a video posted on her Instagram page on Wednesday that Pearl is the daughter of the churchs choir coordinator.

Ms Ogala further made more damning allegations about the controversial pastor.

God led me to expose this man. I confessed the sins I committed with this man. You dont know what it took me to do this. You dont know who youre dealing with. God said, my daughter, it is time to confess the sins and atrocities committed with these people, said Ms Ogala.

As of press time, Mr Okafor hasnt responded to Ms Ogalas latest allegations.

He had also yet to address the N1 billion demand the actress made against him, alleging that he abandoned her to marry another woman.

This newspaper earlier reported that she had given the cleric a 21-day ultimatum to pay the sum or face legal action over what her lawyers described as a botched marriage claim following the collapse of an alleged nine-year relationship.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed concern over the release of actress Ini Edos latest film, A Very Dirty Christmas.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the film, produced by Edo and directed by Akay Mason, was released to cinemas nationwide on 16 December.

CAN, in a statement signed by its President, Daniel Okoh, an archbishop, described the film as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith, according to a report by Punch newspaper on Wednesday.

Mr Okoh added that the films title diminished the spiritual significance of Christmas and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

He said: The Christian Association of Nigeria is deeply troubled by the title of the movie: A Very Dirty Christmas, which it considers offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith. Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represents purity, peace, love and redemption.

Linking such a holy celebration with the word dirty diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.

Enter NFVCB

Mr Okoh also criticised the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) for approving the film, particularly at a time when Christians were celebrating the birth of Jesus.

He emphasised that while creative freedom is essential, it must be exercised responsibly and with sensitivity in Nigerias diverse religious landscape.

Mr Okoh emphasised that Christmas embodies purity, peace, love, and redemption.

He noted that labelling the sacred celebration as dirty diminishes its solemnity and turns a revered occasion into something crude and sensational.

CAN therefore calls on the National Film and Video Censors Board to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.

CAN also urges industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other stakeholders in Nollywood to take a clear stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities, he stated.

Mr Okoh urged Edo to show sensitivity to the concerns raised and take concrete steps to address them.

He warned that undermining sacred values amid the countrys current moral and social challenges could exacerbate divisions and erode mutual respect.

The film follows a family Christmas reunion thrown into emotional turmoil by unresolved secrets and past traumas, transforming the festive gathering into a tense and dramatic affair.

The cast features Eucharia Anunobi, Femi Branch, IK Ogbonna, Lateef Adedimeji, Nancy Isime, Taye Arimoro, Josephina Otabor, and Wumi Toriola, among others.
Veteran Yoruba actor and filmmaker Lere Paimo has accused some individuals of attempting to remake his classic film Ogbori Elemoso without his consent, raising concerns over an alleged violation of his intellectual property rights, TCV reports.

Ogbori Elemoso is one of the few notable Yoruba historical films that dramatise the events leading to the establishment of Ogbomoso land.

The film was written and produced by veteran Mr Paimo in 1987 and distributed by Eda Films Ltd. It features a cast of prominent Nollywood and theatre veterans, including Jide Kosoko, Lere Paimo, Kareem Adepoju, Idowu Philips (Iya Rainbow), Isola Ogunsola, Dento, Deji Olofa Ina and Ogun Majek.

Mr Paimo raised an alarm about the copyright infringement of his movie at a press conference in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday.

He said the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, had earlier contacted him to inquire about the cost of remaking the historical work to meet global standards. According to the actor, he quoted 100 million and was awaiting a response from the monarch.

Infringement

However, Mr Paimo alleged that while he was still waiting, a film producer, Benedict Ayoola, popularly known as Ben O Ben, the founder of Benoben film academy and organizer of the BOBLIA Awards (Ben o Ben Leadership International Awards), alongside others, visited his residence and informed him that they already had the monarchs approval to proceed with the remake.

They told me they had obtained permission from Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye to remake Ogbori Elemoso and that my consent was no longer required, he said.

He further alleged that the group described a payment made to him as a gift rather than compensation for the intellectual property. He said 7.5 million was paid into his account, but his children rejected the money, describing it as manipulation and robbery, after which he returned the sum to Fewchore Studio.

Mr Paimo said his lawyer subsequently issued a cease-and-desist letter to the producers. Still, they allegedly claimed to have royal backing and warned that seeking redress in court would be futile.

However, this newspaper has contacted Mr Ayoola, who has yet to provide any feedback as of press time.

Sacrifices

Describing Ogbori Elemoso as a work produced through deep sacrifice, the veteran actor said the film brought him national recognition, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) honour, but also left him financially strained.

I suffered greatly to produce this movie. I incurred heavy debts, and my car was even seized because of the loans I took to complete the project, he said.

He appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye and other prominent Nigerians to intervene to protect his legacy and intellectual property rights.

Ogbori Elemoso

The 1987 Yoruba classic tells the story of Idagiri, a feared warlord whose reign of terror plunged his people into fear, forcing the Olugbon to seek a solution to his brutality. Acting on the counsel of his chiefs, the Olugbon sent emissaries to Soun Ogunlola of Ogbomoso, appealing to him to confront the menace.

Although Soun initially declined, he eventually rose to the challenge and defeated Idagiri. In appreciation, the Olugbon rewarded him with a new bride. Unbeknownst to Soun, the woman had been promised to Baba Ijesa, his close friend, who had only agreed to support the battle against Idagiri because of his only son.

Consumed by betrayal, Baba Ijesa later attempted to assassinate Soun in his sleep. Soun, however, woke up, and a violent struggle ensued, during which Baba Ijesa was killed.

The incident prompted the Olugbon to send Soun to Oyo to face judgment. While in Oyo, Soun volunteered to confront Elemoso, a dreaded monster ravaging the city. He succeeded in killing Elemoso and returned to Oyo with the monsters head, an act that sparked widespread celebration.

Ogbori Elemoso still streams on YouTube
The Jigawa State government has raised concerns over a sharp rise in blindness cases, warning that a severe shortage of eye care specialists is worsening the crisis.

According to official records, 81,797 cases of eye-related complications were reported in the state in 2024 alone, highlighting a growing public health crisis driven largely by cataracts and a shortage of eye care specialists.

The Acting Chairperson of the Jigawa State Eye Health Committee, Usman Muhammad, said the state is operating with only a fraction of the eye specialists it needs.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Dutse on Wednesday, Mr Muhammad described the manpower gap as alarming.

He attributed the worsening crisis to the brain drain phenomenon, where medical professionals migrate abroad in search of better opportunities

In Jigawa, there is only one practicing ophthalmologist employed by the state government. At the two federal institutions, we have three ophthalmologists, meaning that we have a deficit of over 24 ophthalmologists in the state, he said.

He added that regarding optometrists, the state has only three in the state.

Unless we have a significant number of eye care specialists, we will not be able to reduce the backlog of eye diseases that cause blindness, especially cataracts, glaucoma, and others, he said.

The burden of disease

The crisis is particularly acute among rural populations.

Mr Muhammad noted that the state currently lacks a practicing pediatric ophthalmologist and a glaucoma specialist.

We treat no fewer than 50 patients daily. Out of these, 15 to 20 are typically found to be totally blind, he said.

He confirmed that cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness, accounting for roughly 50 per cent of cases, a trend consistent with global and regional data.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, there should be a minimum of four ophthalmologists and 10 optometrists per one million people.

With a population of over seven million, Jigawa requires approximately 28 ophthalmologists and 70 optometrists to provide adequate eye care services across the state.

Barriers beyond manpower

Abalis Dasat, Eye Health Manager at the Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), said poor access to healthcare facilities, lack of public awareness of preventable eye conditions and the need for facilities to be accessible to persons with disabilities continue to fuel the crisis.

Mr Dasat said the HANDS initiative focuses on strengthening the healthcare system to ensure that even those in difficult-to-reach locations receive care.

Data from the Federal Ministry of Health indicate that 24 million Nigerians live with some form of sight loss, while 1.3 million adults are completely blind.

Experts say 84 per cent of blindness in Nigeria is preventable or treatable, but gaps in awareness, funding and specialist care persist.

Geographically, the North-west, where Jigawa is located, and the North-east zone experience higher prevalence rates up to 6.1 per cent compared to the South-west, roughly 2.8 per cent, driven by ecological factors and a lack of specialised care.

Cataracts remain the leading cause of avoidable blindness, accounting for 43 to 45 per cent of cases, while glaucoma, often called the silent thief of sight, causes about 16.7 per cent and remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness.
Attahiru Bafarawa, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Governor of Sokoto State, has formally endorsed the incumbent Governor, Ahmed Aliyu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for a second term.

This endorsement comes as Mr Bafarawas political structure in the state collapsed into the ruling APC on Wednesday, with hundreds of his supporters officially defecting to the APC.

Speaking to reporters in Sokoto, Mr Bafarawa clarified that while he is not personally joining the APC, he supports his followers decision.

I have already made it clear that I have quit active politics. I am not joining the APC, but I cannot deny my supporters their right to political association.

When they informed me of their intention, I asked them to consult widely. When they returned to tell me they had decided to join the APC, I gave them my blessings, Mr Bafarawa stated.

Despite his official retirement, Mr Bafarawa said he will personally support Mr Aliyus re-election bid, citing the governors character and not his political party affiliation.

Governor Aliyu respects me and treats me like a father. Even if my supporters had not joined the APC, I would not oppose Governor Ahmed Aliyu. I will always support him to succeed, Mr Bafarawa said.

The defecting group, operating under the Bafarawa Akida Movement, cited internal turmoil within the PDP as a primary reason for their exit.

The head of the movement, Hamza Maishanu, told journalists that the decision was the result of extensive state-wide consultations.

We were once members of the PDP, but due to internal crises, we collectively resigned our membership while retaining our political structure across wards and local governments, Mr Maishanu, a professor, said.

He stated that the group chose to align with Governor Aliyu due to his administrations performance and the cordial relationship the governor maintains with their mentor, Mr Bafarawa.

Mr Bafarawa was the first Executive Governor of Sokoto State in the Fourth Republic, serving two terms under the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) from 1999 to 2007.

In 2007, after a fallout with his deputy and eventual successor, Aliyu Wamakko, Mr Bafarawa founded the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP). He ran for president of Nigeria in 2007 but lost to Umaru YarAdua.

Over the next decade, Mr Bafarawa became a kingmaker and a frequent bridge-builder between parties. He eventually joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he remained a major financier.

In 2019, he sought the PDP presidential nomination but lost to Atiku Abubakar.

In early 2024, Mr Bafarawa announced his retirement from active politics, stating that he wished to focus on philanthropy and being an elder statesman.
President Bola Tinubu has signed an executive order prohibiting the export of wood and allied products from Nigeria.

This was announced by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, at the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment held in Katsina State on Wednesday.

Mr Lawal said the directive, titled Presidential Executive Order on the Prohibition of Exportation of Wood and Allied Products, 2025, was necessitated by the need to strengthen Nigerias response to climate change and halt the rapid depletion of the countrys forest resources.

According to the minister, Nigerias forests are critical to environmental sustainability, providing clean air and water, supporting livelihoods, conserving biodiversity and playing a key role in mitigating climate change.

The continued export of wood and allied products undermines these benefits and threatens the long-term health of the environment, Mr Lawal said.

He added that Nigerias ecosystem is under severe pressure due to illegal logging and unregulated wood exports, which have significantly weakened the countrys forest cover.

He said all licences and permits previously issued by any ministry, department, or agency for the extraction and export of wood have been suspended and declared invalid.

The ban represents the latest major policy intervention by the federal government aimed at curbing widespread illegal logging and strengthening Nigerias climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Not the first time

PREMIUM TIMES reports that in 2018, the Standing Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) recommended the suspension of commercial trade in African rosewood (Pterocarpus erinaceus, also known as Kosso) from Nigeria.

The recommendation followed Nigerias authorisation of massive exportsestimated at over 180,000 cubic metresto China and Vietnam without evidence that the trade was sustainable.

The move raised concerns about the survival of the species. It prompted Nigerian authorities to impose bans and levies, while also drawing attention to the scale of illegal logging in West Africa.

In 2023, the federal government announced a review of its ban on charcoal export and placed a suspension on the exportation of processed wood and other allied products.

Despite these measures, enforcement has remained weak. Illegal logging has continued across major biodiversity hotspots, particularly in Cross River State, which is home to the countrys largest remaining rainforest.

In Nigerias north-east, failed harvests and widespread poverty have pushed many farmers into illegal logging, fuelling a cross-border trade dominated by middlemen.

Between 2001 and 2022, Nigerias most forested areas lost an estimated 11 per cent of their tree cover, a trend that has persisted as large-scale commercial interests continue to encroach on protected zones.

Amidst the lingering scourge of climate change across the African continent and globally, experts have encouraged the massive planting of trees as part of measures to boost climate resilience and adaptation due to the inherent ability of most tree species to sequester atmospheric carbon.

However, PREMIUM TIMES investigations have repeatedly shown that the federal governments afforestation programmes aimed at restoring degraded forests are largely unsuccessful and poorly implemented.

Similarly, weak border controls and lax policy enforcement have also allowed perpetrators of illegal logging to evade prosecution and sanctions.

Suspended licences

Speaking on the operationalisation of the executive order, Mr Lawal said all licences and permits previously issued by any ministry, department or agency for the extraction and export of wood have been suspended and declared invalid.

He said the ban is immediate and that the government had preemptively halted export processing before the executive order was signed.

There is no wood in the ports; it is not there. We stopped processing wood (exports) since last year, the minister told PREMIUM TIMES at the event.

Mr Lawal explained that any wood products currently sitting at the nations ports are not legal exports caught in transit, but rather illicit items that have been intercepted by security operatives.

The only wood we have in the ports are the ones from attempted smuggling, which we apprehended, he stated, adding that the government is also dealing with international cases where some of them were smuggled out, and they are being brought back.

With the new directive, illegal logging and deforestation are prohibited nationwide, marking a significant shift in Nigerias environmental policy framework.

The federal government said the prohibition is anchored on Sections 17(2) and 20 of the Nigerian Constitution. These provisions mandate the state to ensure that the nations material resources are harnessed for the common good and to protect Nigerias water, air, land, forests and wildlife.

The executive order states that unchecked logging and the commercial exportation of wood products are inconsistent with these constitutional obligations.

Under the policy, security agencies and relevant ministries are expected to enforce a nationwide clampdown on illegal logging and related activities.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami on Thursday lost a bid to secure bail for his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, rejected his bail application, saying the former minister is lawfully held by the EFCC.

Citing section 35 of the Nigerian constitution, the judge, Babangida Hassan, held that Mr Malamis detention in EFCC custody since 8 December is backed by a court order and is therefore lawful.

Asking this court to grant this application is tantamount to inviting the court to sit as an appellate court over an application made by a court of coordinate jurisdiction which the court has no power to do, the judge said.

Mr Malami, who has now been detained by the EFCC for 10 days over corruption allegations, had brought his bail application through his lawyer, Suliaman Hassan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

A statement from the EFCC said Mr Hassan argued at Thursdays bail hearing that the former ministers detention by the EFCC for its ongoing investigation was illegal.

But the EFCC, represented by Jibrin Okutepa, also a SAN, argued that the former minister was being held by a valid remand order obtained from another judge of the FCT High Court, Sylvanus Oriji.

He added that the EFCC was a law-abiding commission that would not detain a suspect beyond the lawful period without an order of the court.

Judge Hassan agreed with the EFCC in his ruling, noting that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 permits the prosecuting agency like the EFCC to obtain a detention order from the High Court to enhance its investigations.

It was the first time it would be publicly disclosed that the EFCC had obtained a court order for Mr Malamis detention, although the duration of the remand order was not disclosed.

Administrative bail controversy

Until Thursdays proceedings, the legality of Mr Malamis detention had been a subject of controversy, with the former minister saying his probe was politically motivated and that he was unjustly held and denied bail by the EFCC.

But the EFCC had pushed back Mr Malamis claims.

In a statement on Saturday, the EFCCs spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the commission granted administrative bail to the former minister on 28 November after a brief interrogation, pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment.

Administrative bail is a discretionary temporary reprieve that allows a suspect to be released on stated conditions pending the conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court, he said.

According to the EFCC, the former minister was granted provisional bail subject to five conditions, none of which he had fulfilled as of the time he was re-invited for further questioning.

Mr Oyewale said Mr Malami was expected to return on 1 December but later requested a deferment on health grounds through a letter dated 4 December, a request the commission said it granted despite his failure to meet the bail conditions.

He said Mr Malami neither submitted a medical report nor provided credible evidence to support his claim of ill-health.

The EFCC said it subsequently invited Mr Malami again on 8 December for further interrogation and detained him after he failed to meet the outstanding bail requirements.

He described Mr Malamis claim that his bail was revoked as untenable, adding that it was wrong to suggest that the commission restricted him from granting media interviews or participating in political activities.

Allegations and probe

Mr Malami, who served as Nigerias Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is being investigated over allegations including the alleged fraudulent duplication of expenses related to the recovery of assets linked to the late former military ruler, Sani Abacha.

Reports have also indicated that the commission is probing several bank accounts allegedly linked to the former minister, as well as his multi-billion-naira investments in Kebbi State.

Following his detention, Mr Malamis lawyers challenged his continued custody, describing it as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights, a development that has drawn political reactions from opposition figures accusing the EFCC of politicising its actions.

Mr Malami, a founding member of the APC who recently declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State, has linked his investigation and detention to his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

EFCC described the accusations by some political actors alleging the weaponisation and politicisation of the commission as a deliberate misrepresentation of its mandate.

The commission added that suspects from ruling, opposition, and non-partisan backgrounds do not enjoy immunity and are investigated and prosecuted equally.

On Wednesday, the EFCC raided Mr Malamis homes and offices in Abuja and Kebbi, Kebbi State.

EFCC confirmed the operation to PREMIUM TIMES but called it a search necessary for its ongoing investigations of the former minister.

Mr Malami, who raised the alarm over the raids in a press release by his media aide on Wednesday, alleged that the operations were triggered by an earlier press release from his media team.

The said earlier statement referenced the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquirys report, which Mr Malami claimed indicted the EFCC chair, Ola Olukoyede, for his activities as the secretary to the EFCC from 2018 to 2020.

Mr Malami specifically alluded to Chapter 9 of the report which he said focused on Mr Olukoyede.

These actions (were carried out without prior notice and were expressly directed at searching for documents allegedly connected to Chapter 9 of the Salami Report, the statement added, reiterating Mr Malamis call on Mr Olukoyede to step aside from the ongoing probe.

But the EFCC chair had, in July during a meeting with media representatives, denied allegations levelled against him in the Salami report. He said he was unjustly suspended as the commissions secretary over what he described as false corruption allegations.

He said he was later vindicated and reinstated after a review by the administration of President Bola Tinubu found no wrongdoing on his part.
The Senate on Thursday confirmed 65 ambassadorial nominees forwarded to it by President Bola Tinubu.

The nominees comprise 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadors.

They were confirmed after considering the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, presented during the plenary by its chairman, Sani Bello.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the confirmation after a majority of senators endorsed the report through a voice vote at the Committee of the Whole.

Among those confirmed for non-career ambassadorial appointments are a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu; former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode; former presidential aide, Reno Omokri; and Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim.

Others are a former governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; former sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas; former deputy governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro; widow of the late former governor of Oyo State, Florence Ajimobi; former Ekiti State First Lady, Angela Adebayo; former Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazzau; former Akwa Ibom Senator, Ita Enang; and former Adamawa Senator, Grace Bent.

Some of those confirmed for career ambassadorial appointments include Nwaobiala Chukwuemeka, Ahmed Sulu-Gambari, Ramat Omobolanle, Shaga Shamah, Ruben Samuel, Sallahu Mohammed, Ibrahim Danlami, Adeola-Ibrahim Mopelola, Akande Adekola, Arewa Esther, and Danladi Nyaku.

President Bola Tinubu, on 4 December, transmitted the names of the 65 nominees for ambassadorial appointments to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

Before this, the president had forwarded three nominees, covering both career and non-career positions who were confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday.

Following their confirmation, the nominees will be sworn in by the president and subsequently deployed to represent Nigeria in their respective countries of assignment.

Committee report

Presenting the report, Mr Bello said the committee found all the nominees worthy of appointment based on character, experience, performance, diplomacy, and international relations.

He acknowledged that petitions were submitted against some nominees but said the allegations were not substantial enough to warrant disqualification. He, however, did not disclose the names of those nominees or the specific allegations contained in the petitions.

Mr Bello also noted that some states were not represented in the ambassadorial list and, thereafter, urged the Senate to support the confirmation of the nominees.

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, then moved a motion for the Senate to dissolve into the Committee of the Whole to consider the nominees.

No objections were raised against any of the nominees during their consideration at the Committee of the Whole.

After the consideration at the Committee of the Whole, the Senate returned to plenary, where Mr Akpabio put the confirmation to a final vote.

A majority of senators again supported the approval through voice votes.

He appreciated President Tinubu for appointing the nominees, especially the widow of the late former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi.

The senate president urged the ambassador-designates to be diligent, patriotic in their duties and be good ambassadors of the country.

Mr Akpabio also said another list of ambassadorial nominees would soon be transmitted to the Senate and assured that states without representations will be included in the subsequent lists.

Background

Some of the nominees were confirmed despite public criticism arising from petitions and past controversies.

Although the committee did not identify those affected, there have been speculations that the petitions involved Messrs Fani-Kayode and Mr Omokri. There were also concerns expressed in some quarters about the suitability of appointing a former INEC chairman as an ambassador.

Mr Omokri has previously been a vocal critic of President Tinubu, at one point accusing him of involvement in drug trafficking during a media interview.

Mr Fani-Kayode has also been involved in several controversies. While he was acquitted of money laundering charges, he has faced allegations of domestic abuse and drew criticism in 2020 for verbally confronting a journalist in Cross River State during a political tour.

READ ALSO: Tinubu asks Senate to repeal 2024 budget to end multiple budget practice

In 2021, the former minister was accused of forging medical documents allegedly presented in court to secure adjournments. He was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) between 2021 and 2025 at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja. On 4 February this year, he was discharged and acquitted of all charges.

There were also concerns expressed in some quarters about the suitability of appointing a former INEC chairman as an ambassador. Mr Yakubu was the chairman of the electoral body that supervised the 2023 election that brought President Tinubu to power.
Qabil Ashirov



Elchin Amirbayov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Special Assignments, held a series of high-level meetings during his working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Azernews reports.

Within the framework of the visit, Amirbayov met with the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Aukje de Vries; Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Christiaan Rebergen; Deputy Foreign Minister Marcel de Vink; Deputy National Security Adviser to the Dutch Prime Minister Joost van Deutekom; Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Development, Senator Koen Peterssen, as well as other committee members and prominent political and public figures.

The meetings focused on key areas of AzerbaijanNetherlands bilateral relations. The sides noted the positive dynamics observed in political ties throughout the year, highlighting as a major outcome the agreement reached between President Ilham Aliyev and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof at the European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen to strengthen cooperation in several fields. It was also emphasized that meetings between foreign ministers, inter-ministerial consultations, and reciprocal visits at the level of deputy foreign ministers and other officials have contributed to maintaining a sustained political dialogue.

Particular attention was paid to the organization of high-level reciprocal visits, the continuation of regular political consultations, and the identification of new areas of cooperation. The current state of cooperation across various sectors was reviewed, alongside discussions on future prospects and mutually beneficial priority areas.

The parties stressed that, in addition to intergovernmental dialogue, interparliamentary cooperation could play an important role in strengthening trust and deepening mutual understanding. Possible steps to enhance relations between the parliaments of the two countries, including reciprocal visits by lawmakers and the activities of parliamentary friendship groups, were discussed.

During the meetings, Amirbayov briefed his counterparts on the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the conditions necessary to ensure lasting peace in the South Caucasus, and Azerbaijans consistent political approach and concrete steps in this direction. He also provided information on large-scale reconstruction and rehabilitation works in the liberated territories, as well as the challenges posed by extensive mine contamination. The Dutch side welcomed progress toward normalization and expressed its full support for the peace process.

The discussions also covered the current state and future prospects of AzerbaijanEU relations, ongoing bilateral documents under consideration, and the development of regional transport connectivity. It was noted that 2025 has been marked by positive momentum in EUAzerbaijan relations, and the importance of preserving and further strengthening this trend in the coming months was underlined.

Amirbayov expressed concern that the recently adopted EUArmenia Strategic Partnership Agenda does not reflect the realities on the ground in the region. He voiced hope that the European Unions efforts to support the normalization process would contribute to lasting peace and stability between Azerbaijan and Armenia, would not undermine mutual trust, and would not complicate AzerbaijanEU relations.

The visit was also significant in terms of enhancing economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands. A broad meeting attended by Head of the MFAs Europe Department Erik Weststrate, Special Envoy for Trade Mark Hasselaar, and senior representatives of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) focused on cooperation in agriculture, water management, port infrastructure, transport, logistics, renewable energy, high technology, and urban development. Opportunities to expand trade turnover and promote mutual investments were discussed. The Dutch side expressed strong interest in comprehensive cooperation with Azerbaijan and supported deepening ties in potential areas in the near future.

As part of the visit, a roundtable discussion was organized by the Netherlands leading think tank, the Clingendael Institute. Addressing experts specializing in the region, representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and leading media outlets, Amirbayov spoke about geopolitical developments in the South Caucasus, the AzerbaijanArmenia peace process, and Azerbaijans relations with the EU, NATO, and the Netherlands, answering numerous questions from participants.

During his stay, Amirbayov also gave interviews to The Holland Times and representatives of analytical centers based in The Hague.
Cocaine and crude oil. U.S. President Donald Trump accuses Venezuela of being a narco-state and its president, Nicolas Maduro, of leading the Cartel of the Suns, an alleged drug trafficking organization. Beyond the unsubstantiated accusations leveled by the Republican, Venezuela has the worlds largest oil reserves, which Trump considers to be rightfully Washingtons: Venezuela must return the oil, land, and other assets that they previously stole from us, he said on Tuesday.

On Monday night, the Republican president announced a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, as part of his administrations offensive against Maduro, which includes a massive military deployment in the Caribbean. The White House seeks to depose the Venezuelan leader. It maintains that he is an illegitimate president after claiming victory in the disputed 2024 elections. It has also designated him as a terrorist after the State Department asserted, without evidence, that he is the leader of the Cartel of the Suns, a narco-terrorism network that allegedly reaches all the way to the very top of the Chavista regime and connects it with the most powerful criminal forces in Mexico and Colombia.

But regardless of Trumps supposed interest in ousting Maduro, crude oil is emerging as the ultimate prize for U.S. multinationals. Venezuela boasts the worlds largest oil reserves, surpassing even those of Saudi Arabia or Canada. However, decades of underinvestment, corruption, mismanagement, and controversial expropriations have driven away foreign companies. Without their capital and technology, local businesses have been unable to exploit Venezuelas abundant Orinoco Belt oil fields, which hold more than 15% of the worlds total reserves.

Venezuela is a country rich in natural resources. In addition to oil, it has significant reserves of natural gas, gold, iron, bauxite, and coltan, one of the minerals needed for batteries. It also possesses large deposits of copper, nickel, titanium, and zinc.

They want Venezuelas oil and gas reserves. For nothing, without paying, said Venezuelan Vice President and Minister of Petroleum Delcy Rodriguez last month.

Venezuela, a founding member of OPEC, currently produces just over one million barrels per day, a far cry from the 3.5 million barrels it produced at the end of the 1990s, when it was a global power in the hydrocarbon sector, accounting for 10% of world crude oil production. Now, the Bolivarian Republic barely represents 1%.

To get an idea of the sectors decline in Venezuela, the countrys oil industry was once the worlds largest exporter. Now it ranks 21st among global producers. And it is about to be overtaken by its neighbor, Guyana, a much smaller country.

Analysts believe that if Caracas were to grant licenses to foreign companies and offer economic guarantees that it would not repeat the expropriation of the 1990s, Venezuela could become an oil powerhouse again starting in the 2030s.

Venezuelan oil is also special and distinctive. It is heavier and more expensive to extract than Middle Eastern oil, but its high sulfur content makes it particularly coveted by more sophisticated refineries. Despite sanctions in place for almost a decade, which were tightened a few months ago by Trump, Venezuela sells crude to China, India, and also to Washington.

The United States is currently the worlds largest oil producer, with 13.6 million barrels per day. The Trump administrations strategy of prioritizing fossil fuels over renewables is giving fracking a second life. The question is: how many reserves does the U.S. have left? At that rate of production, it barely has reserves for 10 years, explains Victor Alvarez, a Venezuelan political analyst and former Minister of Industry and Mining. Despite the growth of renewable energy, fossil fuels still cover 78% of global consumption and will maintain a significant presence in the next two decades. Oil will continue to be key for heavy transport, aviation, and the petrochemical industry, with demand beginning to decline after 2035. However, peak demand does not mean the end of fossil fuels, adds the analyst, a critic of the Maduro government.

Trumps authoritarian tendencies are not driven by restoring democracy or defending human rights, but by controlling the oil and minerals needed by the military and high-tech industries in the United States. In his mercantilist and business-oriented vision, any agreement must guarantee his control over these resources, Alvarez adds.

Florida Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar elaborated a few weeks ago on the idea that the United States objective is to acquire oil and natural gas from Caracas. In an interview on the conservative network Fox Business, the Republican legislator asserted that Venezuela for the American oil companies, will be a field day. During her remarks, she added: There is an enormous business opportunity for American energy companies. Were talking about more than a trillion dollars of economic potential, and American companies must have their piece of the pie.

The U.S. company Chevron remains the only major foreign group licensed to operate an oil field in Venezuela in partnership with PDVSA. Last spring, the Spanish company Repsol and the Italian company Eni lost the licenses that allowed them to continue doing business in the Caribbean country. And some Russian companies have used various methods to circumvent U.S. sanctions.

Despite the complex situation in the industry, the country is highly dependent on the sector. Ninety-five percent of its foreign revenue comes from oil sales. China is PDVSAs main customer. The Asian giant buys Venezuelan oil surreptitiously: it acquires it through small refineries in Shandong province and uses ghost tankers to transport it, circumventing the U.S. embargo by concealing the origin of their cargo.

Venezuelan crude oil exports to China have increased by 95% this year following the tightening of sanctions imposed last spring by Trump. This is precisely one of the arguments used by White House advisors to justify increasing pressure on Venezuela: to prevent Beijing from gaining more influence in the region.

The expropriation that changed everything

Venezuela nationalized its oil industry in 1976, and until Hugo Chavez came to power in 1998, Petroleos de Venezuela, SA (PDVSA) was the second-largest oil company in the world. In the 1990s, during the administration of Rafael Caldera, the oil sector was opened up, or internationalized, and agreements were made with foreign companies to increase crude oil exploration and production. Chavez, however, ended these collaborations and then expropriated the Venezuelan assets of major companies in the sector, such as ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil, which refused to transfer majority control to the state. Since then, PDVSA, with its 85,000 employees, has become an instrument of power and corruption.

Therefore, the relationship between Washington and Caracas has experienced a series of ups and downs, leading to the current situation. In 2017, during Trumps first term, the United States imposed harsh sanctions, prohibiting trade with Venezuela and funding for PDVSA. These restrictions have impoverished the country and further deteriorated oil production, making the sector increasingly inefficient.

Maduro assumed the presidency of Venezuela in 2013 after Chavezs death. He has been accused of rigging elections and clinging to power, using force to suppress protests. The opposition denounces corrupt practices and harassment aimed at silencing them. Maduro offered oil and licenses to the United States in exchange for ending Trumps pressure, according to The New York Times.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has asserted that if the current government were ousted, the new administration would reverse nationalization policies and grant new operating licenses to foreign companies. American companies in Venezuela stand to gain even more wealth  $1.7 trillion  over the next 15 years, she stated.

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The House of Representatives has established a seven-member ad hoc committee to investigate alleged discrepancies between tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the versions subsequently gazetted and made public.

The decision followed a matter raised by a lawmaker, Abdulsamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto), during Wednesdays plenary session.

Mr Dasuki argued that the content of the gazetted tax laws did not reflect what lawmakers had debated and approved on the floor of the House, claiming that his legislative rights had been compromised.

Speaking during the plenary, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen said the House was taking the matter seriously.

In that respect, Im happy to announce to you that the following members have been appointed to the committee, he said.

Aliyu Betara will serve as the committee chairman, while members include Idris Wase, Sada Soli, Adedeji Faleke, Igariwey Iduma, Fred Agbedi and Babajimi Benson.

Mr Tajudeen further directed that the committee complete its investigation and submit a report to the House within one week.

They have one week within which to report to this honourable House their findings and their investigation, he said.

The committee is expected to review the discrepancies and determine whether the variations between the versions passed by the House and the gazetted copies were deliberate, accidental, or a result of administrative errors.

President Tinubu signed the four tax bills on 26 June,

They are the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigerian Tax Administration Bill, National Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment).
The Nigerian government has announced the reopening of the 47 unity schools that were shut in November following a spate of school abductions in some parts of the country.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, said academic activities have fully resumed in all affected schools.

The statement said the resumption followed the strengthening of security architecture within and around the school premises.

It said the federal government remains resolute in its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment.

The Federal Ministry of Education assures parents, guardians, and the general public that the safety, welfare, and well-being of students remain a top priority.

The government continues to work closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy within school environments nationwide.

It, however, didnt mention when the schools resumed.

Shutting of schools

The government had ordered the shutting down of the 47 schools, following two mass abductions of schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states in November.

The first abduction was at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area (LGA) of Kebbi State, where terrorists abducted at least 25 schoolgirls.

Later that week, another group of terrorists stormed the St. Marys School, in Agwara LGA, Niger State, and abducted more than 100 pupils and teachers.

Some states like Plateau, Niger, Bauchi and Katsina also temporarily shut down all schools in their domains.

The government on 7 December secured the release of 100 of those kidnapped. More pupils are still with the kidnappers.

However, the government said it has strengthened security and that students have returned safely to their campuses, with many currently concluding their December academic programmes, while others have successfully completed their examinations.

The ministry said it would continue to work closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy within school environments nationwide.
The US Mission in Nigeria hosted a Welcome Reception on 9 December 9 in honour of 54 talented young Nigerian professionals who completed the prestigious 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) for Young African Leaders (YALI), at some of the United States most prestigious colleges and universities. The 54 Fellows, selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 7,400 applicants, represent Nigerias best and brightest in the areas of business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management.

Delivering remarks at the reception in Lagos, US Consul General Rick Swart welcomed the MWF alumni to the 14,000-strong US government exchange alumni community, a prestigious and vast network of like-minded and highly regarded professionals from across the country. He urged the Fellows to uphold the highest standards of leadership as they leverage their US experiences to make the United States and Nigeria safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Consul General Swart added, The experiences you gained and the networks you forged during your exchange programme in the United States will continue to shape and elevate the work you do here at home, driving positive change that will resonate for generations to come.

The ceremony also recognised 10 remarkable alumni whose achievements exemplify the core values of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Honorees were recognised for their leadership, impact, integrity, innovation, collaboration, and service to their communities. Among them were Aishah Buba, who received the Trailblazer Award for her pioneering advocacy for mental health; Olusola Owonikoko and Emmanuel Mimshach Obioha, who received Alumni Collaboration Awards for advancing partnerships across the MWF, YALI, and US exchange alumni networks; and Debola Deji-Kurunmi and Grace Jerry, honoured with Leadership & Distinguished Service Awards for their longstanding contributions to leadership development and disability advocacy, respectively.

Other honorees included Adepeju Jaiyeoba, founder of Mothers Delivery Kit, who received the Leadership in Business: Enterprise & Innovation Award; Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti, founder of Herconomy, recognised with the Future Forward & Technology Award; and Asher Adeniyi, CEO of Gidijobs and Eazipay, who earned the Job Creation & Youth Empowerment Award. Similarly, Oluwafunke Adeoye was honoured with the Leadership in Civic Engagement Award for her work advancing justice for vulnerable communities, while Chimdi Neliaku received the Leadership in Public Management Award for strengthening public institutions and mentoring the next generation of ethical public servants.

Established in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has produced many outstanding leaders across the continent. In Nigeria, 678 young professionals have participated in the program out of a total of 7,800 young leaders in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria remains the largest contributor of Fellows each year.
A senior police officer, Ogbon-Inu Taiwo Popoola, has died after he slumped during a meeting in Ebonyi State, Nigerias South-east.

The deceased officer, Mr Popoola, is an assistant commissioner of police in charge of the State Intelligence Department in Ebonyi.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the police chief died at about 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

The incident happened during a meeting of officers at the office of the Ebonyi State commissioner of police in Abakaliki, the state capital.

Sources told this newspaper that while at the meeting, Mr Popoola suddenly developed breathing difficulty and later slumped.

He was immediately rushed to the Police Medical Centre at the Police Headquarters, Abakaliki, where he was promptly attended to by some medical personnel on duty.

It was gathered that despite efforts to resuscitate him, the officer was subsequently confirmed dead by medical doctors on duty.

Some staffers within the medical facility told PREMIUM TIMES that, based on their preliminary findings, cardiac arrest must have been responsible for the death of the officer.

Meanwhile, the body of the deceased officer has been deposited at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital mortuary in Abakaliki.

Police speak

When contacted on Thursday, the police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed Mr Popoolas death to PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Ukandu, a superintendent of police, said the deceased officer had a crisis during the meeting and was rushed to a hospital immediately.

Unfortunately he didnt survive. He was not sick before the incident. If he was sick he wouldnt have attended the meeting, he said.

The spokesperson described Mr Popoola as a dedicated officer, who served the Nigeria Police Force with commitment and professionalism.

He said the commissioner of police in Ebonyi State and the state police command have commiserated with the family of the deceased officer.
Dataphyte Foundation has trained grassroots media practitioners on peace communication and community resilience through a two-day masterclass held on Thursday, December 11, and Friday, December 12, 2025, in Abuja.

Organised with the support of the Open Society Foundations under the People-Centred Public Safety (PCPS) project, the masterclass brought together broadcasters from community, campus and state-based radio broadcasters, as well as other stakeholders from the North Central and South South regions.

The programme also welcomed the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr Charles Ebuebu, who spoke on the evolving role of communicators, with a strong focus on grassroots engagement.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Executive Director of Dataphyte Foundation, Joshua Olufemi, emphasised the responsibility of broadcasters and communicators in preventing exclusion, countering divisive narratives, and promoting dignity, peace, and accountability across Nigerias diverse communities.

He urged participants to adopt ethical and data-driven media practices to strengthen democratic values and support public safety.

The masterclass featured facilitators drawn from media, policy, research, and civil society, including Executive Director of the Journalism Communication and Media Centre (JCMC), Obinna Chukwuzie; Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring at the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Susan Obi; Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, Hassan Taiwo; President of Lawyers Alert, Rommy Mom; Publisher and CEO of LightRay! Media, Ejiro Umukoro; Country Director of Dataphyte, Oluseyi Olufemi; Research and Digital Investigations Manager at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Silas Jonathan; and Executive Director of Spaces for Change, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri.

Participants were urged to adopt ethical and data-driven media practices to strengthen democracy, promote fairness, and support public safety. The training introduced the principles of peace communication, highlighting how fact-based, context-aware storytelling can reduce tension, prevent conflict escalation, and build resilience in communities.

Broadcasters explored their regulatory and ethical responsibilities, including avoiding unverified claims, inflammatory commentary, and sensational reporting, particularly during election periods. The programme also examined community-led security initiatives, showing how collaborative structures between local stakeholders and security agencies can prevent conflict, build trust, and coordinate early warning responses, with the media playing a key role in amplifying verified information.

Sessions on digital verification and responsible online reporting highlighted the impact of misinformation and social media narratives on public perception, emphasising the need for verification before publishing. Participants were trained to prioritise accuracy over speed, especially during crises, and to use data responsibly for evidence-based reporting.

The training also focused on communicating community resilience, helping journalists understand local structures and networks that support stability, and equipping them to produce conflict-sensitive, solution-oriented stories that empower communities.

Participants reflected that the masterclass strengthened their understanding of responsible journalism, reinforced the importance of verification, and highlighted the medias role in fostering peace, accountability, and informed public engagement.

The masterclass marks the first phase of a programme that will be rolled out across Nigerias remaining four geopolitical zones.
The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Saidu Mohammed, has assured that the agency under his leadership will prioritise the protection of investments in local refineries.

Mr Mohammed gave the assurance on Thursday while appearing before the Senate Committees on Petroleum (Upstream), Petroleum (Downstream), and Gas for screening.

He appeared alongside Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Both nominees were appointed on Thursday after their predecessors, Farouk Ahmed and Gbenga Komolafe, resigned from office.

Protecting local refining investments

Nigerias petroleum sector has faced persistent challenges over the years.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has repeatedly accused regulatory agencies of undermining local refineries by issuing import licences for petroleum products.

Mr Dangote had accused Mr Ahmed of corruption and abuse of office, alleging collusion with international traders and petroleum importers to weaken local refining.

He also alleged that Mr Ahmed was living beyond his legitimate means, claiming that four of his children were enrolled in secondary schools in Switzerland at costs running into several million dollars, raising concerns about possible conflicts of interest and regulatory integrity in the downstream petroleum sector.

During his screening, Mr Mohammed said the NMDPRA would take deliberate steps to protect local refiners in order to meet domestic demand and expand exports.

I can tell you as a regulator, first of all, what should be your primary aim is national interest. If it is deemed necessary to fill a deficit, we must report; If not, we must do what Distinguished Adams Oshiomhole said. We have to protect our local investment, because with local refiningwe have been yearning for it, he said.

He recalled a period when Nigerias refineries met domestic demand and even exported refined products.

There was a time in this country when the three local refineries were meeting our demands. As a matter of fact, the fourth refinery that came into Port Harcourt was for export, and thats why we built the Bonny Export Terminal. The product was supposed to be exported and behold we started exporting, he said.

Mr Mohammed warned that failure to protect local refiners could lead to the collapse of the sector.

So really, that is the joy  meet your local requirements and export, certainly. But at the same time, we have to protect our local investment; otherwise, we see them go the way the textiles went. If Im not mistaken, he said.

Product quality and testing infrastructure

The NMDPRA chief also pledged to address recurring quality issues in refined petroleum products.

Quality is key in what you do. You cannot just be selling products into cars or trucks without knowing what the quality is. We have to establish quality. We have to enforce that. But you cannot enforce quality when you dont have a laboratory. You cannot rely on that particular, he said.

He said that establishing functional testing laboratories would be among his immediate priorities.

So, my first assignment, of course, is to look at what is available in the authority. And if there is no laboratory, it will become a key investment that we must immediately do, he said.

Stakeholder collaboration and digitisation

On her part, Mrs Eyesan assured lawmakers that the NUPRC would strengthen collaboration with stakeholders to resolve industry challenges.

She said stakeholder engagement had helped her address complex issues in previous roles.

I think one of the core pillars for me is that we must collaborate, not just with the service, but we must have effective stakeholder collaboration. In my achievements, it was one of the things that enabled us to move forward. Identify who the key stakeholders are, we sit together and then look at our pain points and go through the issues and come up with solutions, she said.

Mrs Eyesan also emphasised the need for enabling laws, regulations, and policies, noting that collaboration with the National Assembly would help steer the industry in the right direction.

We must sit with our stakeholders and come up with enabling laws, regulations, and policies to guide the industry. And I believe working with critical stakeholders like the Senate, we can channel the industry in the right direction. As I said in my introduction, we have huge opportunities that we are leaving on the table, she said.

She further pledged to digitise regulatory operations.

We must also digitise our operations because without real numbers, you dont know what you are dealing with. You must analyse real numbers. And if you dont have a digitised system in todays operation, you are losing money, you are wasting money. So these are areas that we must focus on, digitisation, she added.
Nigerias Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said the Bola Tinubu administration has introduced significant reforms to revive the countrys electricity sector, adding that recent gains have boosted Nigerias ability to supply power at home and across the West African region.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES on the sidelines of the West Africa Energy Cooperation Summit in Accra, Ghana, the minister highlighted current power generation from hydro and thermal sources, adding that plans are underway to integrate large-scale solar projects, particularly across northern Nigeria.

Mr Adelabu acknowledged that significant challenges persist, but stressed that the sector is undergoing a sustained transformation aimed at powering Nigerias industrial growth and enhancing energy security across the West African sub-region.

Although time constraints prevented the minister from addressing all PREMIUM TIMES questions, he spoke on a wide range of issues, including power sector reforms, the Electricity Act 2023, major market restructuring, generation capacity, grid stability, infrastructure development, the West African Gas Pipeline, and Nigerias goal of achieving universal electricity access.

Excerpts:

PT: Over the past two years, what concrete steps has your ministry taken to revitalise Nigerias power sector, and what tangible results can Nigerians point to so far?

Adelabu: A lot has happened in Nigeria over the last two years, particularly since the start of this administration, in relation to activities in the power sector.

Weve seen increased vibrancy, greater awareness, and a heightened sense of purpose around improving the sector. I can summarise our achievements under five key pillars.

First, we have implemented extensive legislative and policy reforms. Previously, the power sector in Nigeria was centralised, and only the federal government could operate across the entire value chain from generation to transmission and distribution. That has now changed with the Electricity Act of 2023, which the president signed immediately after assuming office in May 2023. The Act achieved two major things:

Decentralisation allows both national and sub-national governments to participate legally across the electricity supply chain, opening the sector to private investors, both local and foreign, who can now bring in capital and operate in any segment of the value chain.

Second, we have advanced major market reforms, including our transition toward full cost-reflective tariffs. Previously, electricity was roughly 70 per cent subsidised by the federal government, meaning consumers paid only about 3035 per cent of the actual cost.

Today, about half of consumers have moved to full commercial pricing, paying cost-reflective tariffs. As a result, sector revenue has more than doubled within two years, and more customers are being migrated gradually.

We also restructured the Transmission Company of Nigeria into two entities, the Transmission Service Provider and the Independent System Operator, leading to improved service delivery.

Third, we have undertaken infrastructure upgrades across the entire value chain. Power generation capacity has increased from 13,000 megawatts to 14,000 megawatts. In transmission, under the Siemens-supported Presidential Power Initiative, we have added about 700 megawatts of capacity, and we are now entering Phase One, which will add another 7,000 megawatts.

Nigerias transmission capacity has grown from 5,000 megawatts to about 8,500 megawatts, and we are currently transmitting only around 6,000 megawatts.

Presently, the grid is more stable, and grid collapses have largely been eliminated.

In distribution, we are expanding infrastructure power lines, transformers, injection substations  and working to close the metering gap. Out of 13 million customers, fewer than 7 million are metered, with over 6 million still on estimated billing. This gap is being addressed. We are also embracing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind in line with our energy transition commitments.

Fourth, we have invested in human capacity development. Our engineers had gone too long without adequate training, and we are now building their skills to sustain the sector. We are also deepening local content, ensuring that equipment such as meters, batteries, and solar panels is produced domestically. In fact, we recently exported solar panels from Nigeria to Ghana for the first time.

Fifth, our efforts are aimed not only at meeting domestic demand but also at supporting the West African sub-region. As the largest market in the region with abundant natural resources gas reserves, dams, and more, Nigeria plays a central role in the success of the West African Power Pool.

With synchronised transmission lines and frequencies across the region, it will become easier to export power from Nigeria to other African countries.

The West African Gas Pipeline has already been extended to Ghana, stabilising power supply there. Our long-term goal is to extend gas supply all the way to Europe through North Africa, with Morocco as the next major destination.

PT: Gas supply remains critical to electricity generation. How is your ministry addressing the growing demand for gas, particularly in the power sector?

Adelabu: Regarding concerns about gas supply, although Ghana is considering a 1,200-megawatt thermal power plant and additional gas processing infrastructure, this does not pose a threat to Nigerias gas market.

Nigeria currently supplies less gas than Ghana requires, and we are encouraging further investment to exploit the vast, unutilised gas reserves in Nigeria.

As long as the right pricing is maintained, Nigeria will remain well-positioned to supply Ghana and other countries, while also meeting local demand for power generation and industrial use.

PT: West African nations share a common goal of achieving universal electricity access. What specific access target has Nigeria set, and what progress has been made toward achieving it?

Adelabu: Every West African country has a universal electricity access target, most aiming for 2030. Many nations, including Ghana, Gambia, Benin, and Togo, are already close to achieving this. Nigeria currently stands at about 63 per cent access and, given its population of over 200 million, requires significant investment to reach universal access by 2030.

We are exploring all available opportunities, including grid expansion and renewable energy solutions for rural and remote areas.

PT: Nigeria is currently expanding gas infrastructure through the West African Gas Pipeline, now in Ghana and projected to extend to Morocco, and eventually Europe. What measures is the government taking to ensure the security, maintenance, and sustainability of these pipelines along their entire stretch within and beyond Nigerias borders?

Adelabu: Last year, we faced major challenges on the issue of pipeline security, including vandalism that affected transmission infrastructure. Since then, we have worked closely with the National Security Adviser and security agencies to safeguard critical national assets.

We have also engaged host communities to emphasise the importance of protecting these pipelines, and national advocacy efforts are ongoing to ensure everyone understands the impact of infrastructure damage on national welfare, industrial growth, and institutional functioning.

Today, incidents of vandalism have reduced significantly, and the assets are now more secure. We will continue strengthening protection measures to ensure that the gas and power sectors remain stable and effective.
The 11 Nigerian military officials on board the C-130 aircraft that made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso have been released.

The soldiers were held last week by Burkinabe authorities over what they described as violations of their airspace.

Their release Wednesday night comes about nine days after their arrest.

The spokesperson of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that the officials were released on Wednesday.

Mr Ebienfa told PREMIUM TIMES that the detained soldiers were released after a high-level Nigerian delegation visited Burkina Faso.

The delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, met with the government of Burkina Faso to resolve the disagreement over the emergency landing.

According to a statement issued by the ministers spokesperson, Alkasim Abdulkadir, both countries have now resolved the issue.

In the spirit of constructive engagement, the two governments amicably resolved the issue concerning Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew, reinforcing confidence and highlighting the effectiveness of dialogue in addressing sensitive matters, the statement read.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Alliance of Sahel States accused Nigeria of violating the airspace of Burkina Faso. The AES, which includes Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, claimed that the emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso, a city in the south-west of Burkina Faso, constituted an infringement of national sovereignty.

But, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) denied this, clarifying that the aircraft landed in Burkina Faso for safety reasons and in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

The air force said the crew of the NAF C-130 aircraft observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield. The air force said the aircraft was travelling to Portugal before the emergency landing.

Last week, Mr Tuggar said that the aircraft landing in Burkina Faso was unrelated to Nigerias intervention in the recent military coup in Benin.

He also noted that at the time, the soldiers were still being held in the West African country, but talks to resolve the matter were ongoing.

We are discussing how we can resolve this delicate matter as quickly as possible, and were talking. So its something that is being handled diplomatically, he had said.
Some Nigerians, including workers, have expressed disappointment with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for ending its protest in Abuja abruptly on Wednesday.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that NLC embarked on a nationwide protest to call on the government to swiftly address the worsening insecurity in the country.

However, the protest, which started at about 11:00 a.m., was about four hours behind schedule and ended less than one hour later.

Union members merely marched from their headquarters to a junction, leading to the Federal Ministry of Finance (MOF) building and turned back to the headquarters.

Sparking reactions from both members present at the protest ground and Nigerians on the streets of Abuja.

How the protests started

On Sunday, the NLC disclosed that it would embark on a planned nationwide protest on 17 December, aiming to draw attention to Nigerias worsening insecurity and compel urgent action from stakeholders.

Consequently, President Bola Tinubu met with the leadership of the congress, led by its President, Joe Ajaero, on Tuesday night, with the hope of shelving the demonstration.

However, on the day of the protest, after arriving at the Labour House at 8:49 a.m., Mr Ajaero addressed journalists, during which he said the protest would proceed as planned.

At about 9 a.m., while members of the NLC, its affiliates, and journalists were waiting, some of the union leaders further announced that the Labour presidents and other executives had started a meeting, and members were admonished to wait.

After over two hours of waiting, the commencement of the protest was announced. At 11:15 a.m., members marched out of the Headquarters, heading to the streets of the Nigerian capital.

Protesters chanted solidarity songs, waved the unions flag and held placards with different inscriptions, such as Federal government no more excuses and rhetoric! End insecurity now. Federal government, security and welfare are the primary purposes of government- Act now!

However, after about 15 minutes, the protesters arrived at a junction leading to the Ministry of Finance. They turned back from there and headed straight to the Labour House from where they had taken off.

Upon returning, the Deputy General Secretary of the NLC, Ismaila Bello and the Head of International Affairs, Uche Ekwe, addressed members and journalists.

Mr Belllo said the protest was staged to ensure that the government put a stop to the insecurity issue in the country without being partial.

He said, What we are saying is that the damage is too enormous, it has to stop. We want people to return to normalcy and not live in IDPs. They should live in their communities, children should return to schools, teachers should be protected, that is all we are saying, and our constitution guarantees that. All the government needs to do is bring all the powers and machinery of governance to ensure that all the ungoverned places in our country are recovered immediately, to ensure that everybody who is connected with this underground economy is fished out and punished, shamed, and sent to prison.

A few elements cannot thrive on the agony and pain of the majority of our people. If you are a sponsor of banditry or kidnapping, you should face a death sentence. You are involved in banditry, kidnapping; you should pay the ultimate price. That is why Labour is out today.

Although he did not give reasons why the protest ended shortly, the deputy general secretary said that the leaders are in an ongoing meeting with the state governors and local government authorities concerning the issue.

Comrades, our leaders, as we are doing our protest here, are also having dialogue there, to demand from the state governors, and local governments, to demand from the federal government the need to step up the security of the country, so that ordinary citizens enjoy maximum protection, Mr Bello said.

On his part, Mr Ekwe said, We want to strengthen their hands to say, all those funding insecurity, gets them arrested and dealt with them, if they are so powerful and they are much of a cabal, they will now be facing us, the Nigerian people. And I believe that this coming out has drawn attention to the world. So we want to appreciate you, knowing that some of you came as early as possible to get here this morning.

Members expressed disappointment

However, some workers were not happy with the conduct of the protest.

A member of the Union, Abubakar Abdulahi, told PREMIUM TIMES that the protest was partial.

As you can see, here we are in Abuja. And other states have started. The protest here in Abuja was partial. We are not happy at all with the way it ended, he said.

They told them there will be protests today. The government did not bother to call the attention of the NLC until yesterday, when they started calling the attention of the NRC. A series of meetings going on right now. As Im talking to you, they are there in the meeting between the NLC and the (Nigerian) Governors Forum.

We are supposed to show the whole world that this is the situation Nigeria is in. But you know, the Nigerian government can do and undo. They can do and undo. At the dying minute, they decide to turn the tables upside down.

A teacher, Orawusi Abosede, who also joined the demonstration today, said her delight was suppressed after the protest ended abruptly. She said she came out because of the situation which had traumatised her, but was disappointed that her effort felt wasted.

When the call for this protest was made known to us as officers of this union, I felt delighted because it was a way I could express my anger about the insecurity in school concerning the children. It is not just a physical torture but also a psychological one, especially when you hear that teachers, those in the inner part of Abuja, are being kidnapped and these children. It gives one a sleepless night., he teacher said

I felt so bad because I expected it to go a long way, even though we should go to the National Assembly, because our voices need to be heard, she said.

Another member, who did not give his name for fear of intimidation, said people were disappointed because they expected to move beyond the premises, but didnt.

People are disappointed because they were expecting that we would go beyond this premises, we were supposed to visit some places to deliver letters or protest but some of our members are still in the meeting, and we cannot go on on our own but the protest has already taken place, it is every where even though we did not go about it the way we expected

Nigerians react

A commercial driver who spoke with us in the Central District area of Abuja, Mr Emeka Jude, said he didnt see the demonstration as a protest, but rather as a celebration. He stressed that if the union really had the concern of Nigerians at heart, they would have involved Nigerians and made the protest more visible.

I know how protests are in Nigeria, but this one is one of the worst. I dont know, maybe this is a conference meeting they are doing inside the office. It may not be a protest because a protest shouldnt be like this.

They should stop deceiving us. This is not a protest. It is a celebration. Because when you are talking about protests, Nigeria is supposed to know that there is a protest. If its because of exactly what we are also passing through in terms of hardship and other things, they are also supposed to carry us along.

Lets all be sincere so that the government But if they are coming today to come and tell us that they want to protest against what we are going through in this country, and they say they have a meeting with the president, then what is the outcome of the meeting? In short, Im just saying this is part of wasting our money. he said.

One Mr Hope, an engineer in Abuja, also said the protest did help Nigerians in any way.

That protest does not help Nigerians in any way. You know, maybe when the President and the labour man met, he was told they could continue, but it should not go further. Because it is something that could have mounted and roamed, and shaken the whole of Abuja, and from there people would know it was a protest, before you know the government would be moved to react, he stated.
Nigeria has ordered mineral processing companies to cease operations within residential and restricted areas. The government also mandated plastic manufacturers and bottling companies to take responsibility for the plastic waste generated from their products nationwide.

The directives form part of resolutions adopted at the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment (NCE), Nigerias highest advisory body on environmental matters, which was held in Katsina State from 15 to 17 December.

The council, chaired by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, approved the measures after reviewing environmental risks associated with mining activities, plastic pollution and public health hazards across the country.

Mining, pollution and public safety

According to the communique issued at the end of the meeting, the council approved that legal and regulatory bodies should restrict the establishment of mineral processing companies within residential and restricted areas in all states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The council also mandated that plastic manufacturers and plastic bottling companies adopt the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, requiring them to take responsibility for the collection and management of plastic waste arising from their products.

Environmental experts at the meeting warned that unregulated mineral processing and plastic waste pollution continue to pose serious threats to human health, ecosystems and urban safety, particularly in densely populated communities.

Strengthening environmental regulation

The council further ordered that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) structures be established in all state ministries of environment. It, however, stated that the federal government would retain the authority to issue EIA certificates.

States were directed to nominate EIA focal officers and formally communicate their nominations to the Federal Ministry of Environment to strengthen coordination and compliance.

In response to environmental and health concerns in extractive communities, the council noted the need to introduce public health screening protocols in mining communities and to require livelihood restoration plans as part of mine closure processes.

Sanitation, air quality and toxic substances

As part of efforts to improve sanitation and environmental health, the council approved that all state governments establish faecal sludge management plants, aimed at accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.

It also approved increased collaboration between state governments and the Federal Ministry of Environment on the National Clean Air Programme. It endorsed the deployment of robust air and water quality monitoring systems in industrial zones.

As part of broader efforts to curb toxic pollution, the council also approved the substitution of mercury, cyanide and other poisonous chemicals used in gold extraction, citing their harmful effects on humans, animals and the natural environment.

Climate action and waste management

The council ordered the integration of climate change assessments into the Environmental Impact Assessment process, with particular emphasis on the Niger Delta region.

It also approved the development of a National Framework for the Environmentally Sound Management of Used Tyres in Nigeria, alongside the establishment of a certification scheme for refrigeration and air-conditioning practitioners.

To support Nigerias climate commitments, the council approved measures to provide technical and regulatory support to states to maximise economic benefits from carbon credit opportunities.

Katsina meeting

The 18th NCE meeting, themed Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria, attracted 312 participants, including commissioners responsible for the environment from the 36 states, permanent secretaries, heads of environment-related agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, academics and journalists.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda was represented by the Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal, who served as the chief host of the meeting.

The communique was unanimously adopted at the close of proceedings on Wednesday.
The official White House Instagram account has shared videos of ICE raids with scenes from seasonal classics such as Home Alone and The Polar Express

President Donald Trumps administration has capitalized on the holiday season to promote its anti-immigrant agenda. In recent weeks, the White Houses social media accounts have shared posts that use scenes and dialogue from classic Christmas movies such as Home Alone, but with images of raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

All aboard the Deportation Express! Next stop: Back to where you came from, reads the description of a TikTok video recently posted on the official U.S. government account. The post features images of handcuffed migrants being led onto a deportation flight, set to a song from The Polar Express, the beloved childrens film starring Tom Hanks.

@whitehouse All aboard the Deportation Express! Next stop: Back to where you came from   original sound - The White House

Another TikTok video featured a scene from Home Alone in which Macaulay Culkin takes a photograph out of a trunk and puts it back with disgust. In the photomontage, the scene was paired with an image of a woman crying during what appears to be an arrest. Daily reminder: the deportations will continue, reads the text accompanying the video.

The communications team has also recreated posters from films such as Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas to spread messages against illegal immigration. In one case, the slogan from the film about the green antihero portrayed by Jim Carrey is adapted to claim that illegals stole healthcare. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has joined in on this Christmas-themed marketing strategy, releasing its own video inspired by Santa Clauss nice and naughty list. According to the message spread by the agency, the nice ones are those who decide to self-deport. All the while We Wish You a Merry Christmas plays in the background.

DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin has limited herself to saying that the department will continue to use any tool at its disposal to keep citizens informed of the work its agents do.

Meanwhile, activists have criticized the use of symbols traditionally associated with family celebrations to promote anti-immigration rhetoric.Co-opting this sacred season for such purposes is not only wrong, it is utterly contrary to the meaning of advent and Christmas. This is the time when Christians honor the Holy Family, who themselves were migrants seeking refuge, Jeremy Weitz, communications director for the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, stated to The Guardian.

Recently, a Catholic church in Massachusetts installed a nativity scene with a message critical of Trumps strict immigration policies. ICE was here, read a sign placed where the figures of the Holy Family are usually displayed, suggesting that they had been detained by immigration agents. The installation included the contact information for an advocacy group that provides advice to migrants. The gesture sparked controversy and put the parish in conflict with both the Archdiocese of Boston and ICE.

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The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has acknowledged that it provides arms to trained vigilantes and other auxiliary forces as part of Nigerias counter-terrorism strategy. The acknowledgement was made following public controversy over security operations in Kwara State.

The clarification came amid recent reports and viral videos alleging that government authorities illegally equipped armed groups operating in Kwara, claims that have been denied by the Kwara State Government and security agencies.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Head of Strategic Communications at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), an arm of ONSA, Abu Michael, said the support to vigilantes was lawful and aimed at assisting security forces to counter terrorism, banditry and related crimes, especially in difficult terrains.

Mr Michael said the NCTC, acting under the ONSA, was empowered by the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, to coordinate and support counter-terrorism efforts nationwide. He explained that the statement was in response to media reports concerning the recovery of a rifle in Kwara State allegedly linked to ONSA.

In line with the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), Nigerias kinetic approach includes the deployment of hybrid forces, he said. This involves the coordinated use of regular security forces and trained irregular auxiliaries, such as hunters and vigilante elements, to operate in difficult terrains, including forest areas.

Mr Michael said the approach was not new, noting that a similar model was adopted in the North-east, where the Civilian Joint Task Force worked alongside the military during operations against Boko Haram insurgents.

The same strategy currently informs hybrid deployments in parts of the North West and North Central. These operations are aimed at degrading the capabilities of bandit, criminal, and terrorist groups, and this approach has yielded several successful outcomes, he added.

Addressing the situation in Kwara, the NCTC spokesperson said media reports on the issue were inaccurate and misleading, stressing that limited public information was due to the sensitive nature of ongoing operations.

The situation in Kwara State is not different. However, media reports on the matter are inaccurate, he said.

He also rejected claims that ONSA supplied arms to socio-cultural groups, saying, For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups. Claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser has provided arms to any socio-cultural organisation are false and should be disregarded.

According to him, all hybrid personnel involved in such operations are recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies after due diligence, and operations are conducted in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures.

Mr Michael urged the public and the media to disregard unverified reports and to avoid publishing information that could compromise security operations.

The media is also urged to exercise responsibility, protect sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons, he said.

The statement comes against the backdrop of heightened security concerns in Kwara State, including recent kidnappings and disputed claims about the arrest of armed suspects allegedly operating with government-issued weapons. The Kwara State Government had earlier dismissed some of those reports as misinformation capable of causing public panic.

ONSA said the NCTC remained committed to transparency and an open-door policy to deepen public understanding of Nigerias counter-terrorism efforts, while balancing the need to protect operational details and the safety of personnel involved.
The Ogun State Government has stopped the ongoing succession process for the Awujale of Ijebuland, directing the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to restart the exercise after identifying procedural lapses that could lead to legal disputes.

The decision followed the ruling houses move to hold a nomination meeting on Monday, 15 December, to select a candidate to succeed the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died in July at the age of 91.

In a letter dated 11 December and signed by family spokesperson Abiodun Ogidan, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had announced that the nomination meeting would take place at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode, with attendance restricted to accredited family members.

Days later, the ruling house issued another notice titled To all members of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Ijebu Ode, announcing the postponement of the meeting and cited circumstances beyond its control, The Lagos State Television reported.

Due to circumstances beyond the familys control, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House Awujale nomination meeting scheduled for Monday, December 15, 2025, has been postponed. The new date will be announced shortly. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, the statement read.

Speaking on the development, the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and former national president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Abdulateef Owoyemi, said the postponement was the direct result of the intervention of the state government.

Mr Owoyemi explained that the government halted the process to ensure full compliance with the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State and the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration governing the Awujale stool, warning that any deviation could expose the succession exercise to litigations.

The vice chairman of the ruling house, Fassy Yusuf, said the state government summoned both members of the ruling house and kingmakers to a meeting, where officials reviewed the steps already taken in the process.

According to Mr Yusuf, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, who presided over the meeting, directed that the entire process be cancelled and restarted.

He said the government identified errors in the earlier procedure and subsequently withdrew the letter that had given the ruling house 14 days to submit names of candidates.

The meeting with the government was to ensure that everything falls in place. The government wants us to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law regarding the installation of the Awujale.

So, very soon, we are going to receive another letter from the local government and begin the process afresh. The earlier letter, which gave the ruling house 14 days to submit candidates, has been withdrawn.

The family will meet, review the situation, and take it from there. We have to follow the guidelines laid down by the government, The Punch quoted Mr Yusuf as saying.

Mr Yusuf added that about 60 princes are currently vying for the Awujale stool, making it necessary for the process to be transparent, orderly and free from legal defects.

Ongoing rancour

The succession process for the Awujale of Ijebuland has been fraught with tension and legal manoeuvring since the death of the late Awujale in July, ending his 65-year reign as one of Nigerias longest-serving traditional rulers.

Under the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration and the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, four ruling houses, Anikinaiya, Fidipote, Fusengbuwa and Gbelegbuwa, are entitled to produce candidates for the throne in a rotational order.

Although Fusengbuwa Ruling House is widely regarded as next in line, the process has been complicated by internal disagreements and competing claims from rival families.

Earlier in December, the Fidipote Ruling House formally wrote to the Ogun State Government, arguing that Fusengbuwa had forfeited its right to nominate a candidate by failing to submit names within the 14-day period stipulated by law. The Fidipote family urged the government to disqualify Fusengbuwa and allow it to proceed with its own nomination process.

The Fidipote ruling house counts Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, among its prominent princes. KWAM 1 has openly expressed interest in the Awujale stool, but as a member of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, a move that has attracted national attention and intensified scrutiny of the succession process.

However, Fusengbuwa leaders have rejected Mr Ayindes claim to the throne, insisting that he does not belong to a recognised branch of their ruling house and declaring his nomination form invalid.

These competing claims, alongside the large number of princes, estimated at more than 60, seeking the throne, have heightened fears of prolonged litigation if the process is not handled strictly in line with statutory and customary provisions.

It was against this backdrop of rivalry, petitions and looming court battles that the Ogun State Government intervened, halted the ongoing nomination exercise and ordered a fresh process aimed at ensuring full compliance with the law.
The abduction last month of more than 300 children and staff by gunmen from an elementary and secondary school in Nigerias north-central Niger State was dramatic in scale, but it represents just one more incident in the countrys tragic history of rural insecurity.

That there has been no public explanation by the authorities over who exactly the kidnappers are  and why they are still at large  is symptomatic of a security system that is failing woefully to protect its citizens, analysts suggest.

The abduction of the students from Saint Marys Catholic School in Papiri, in Niger States Agwara district, is the single largest kidnapping to date. Since January 2023, at least 816 pupils have been kidnapped in 22 school attacks  part of a far broader multi-million dollar kidnapping industry terrorising Nigeria.

The good news is that 100 of those kidnapped  99 Saint Marys students and one teacher  were released unharmed on 7 December following negotiations between the authorities and their captors. About 50 of the students had earlier escaped from their abductors, a day after the 21 November kidnapping.

It remains unclear whether any ransom was paid for the freed students, but that would seem likely: Such payments are illegal, but the authorities generally prefer a payoff rather than the harder task of assembling the intelligence, then finding and prosecuting the culprits.

One of the major reasons for the continued rise in mass abductions, especially school abductions, is the governments ransom response to the problem, said Malik Samuel, senior researcher with the Good Governance Africa think tank. But paying ransoms only increases the likelihood that the actors will do it again.

This month, The New Humanitarian/PREMIUM TIMES visited Papiri to document what actually happened during the school attack and, if possible, to identify who was behind the incident and determine if they could strike again.

What we discovered was that two jihadist groups have established themselves in the area; both operating out of the now-abandoned Kainji Lake National Park, which borders a string of isolated villages around Papiri.

Despite army and air force bases roughly 150 kilometres away in the towns of Wawa and New Bussa, the insurgents have launched repeated attacks on the local communities for the past five years. The security forces seem unable to identify the security threats, much less contain them.

Timetable of a tragedy

Monita Anthony is still waiting for the release of her 12-year-old daughter, Charity*, who was kidnapped along with the other children from Saint Marys on 21 November. The authorities have asked her to be patient, but thats especially hard as she is struggling with a double tragedy.

Three days after the abduction, she also lost her husband, who died of his injuries following an earlier motorbike accident. We were still treating his wounds when the news of the abduction broke, Mrs Anthony, 26, told The New Humanitarian/PREMIUM TIMES, struggling to pick her words.

The deceaseds wife, Monita.

Despite her husbands condition, the couple rushed to the school, 20 kilometres from their village of Demo, in the hope of hearing any news. They joined a throng of other shocked and bemused parents waiting at the school gates.

Saint Marys is a private day/boarding school managed by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora. The boarders range in age from 8 to 17. Gunshots at around 1 a.m. announced the beginning of the attack, jolting everyone awake.

The students were rounded up, along with the staff living on the campus. Everyone was marched outside at gunpoint. In the confusion, 50 students managed to escape, but the lack of cellphone coverage meant the security forces could not be alerted.

The operation lasted around an hour, according to multiple witnesses. The fighters, led by a commander identified simply as Baba, had arrived on a fleet of about 60 motorbikes, one eyewitness said. The students were loaded pillion-style onto the bikes, and those who couldnt be carried were forced to walk.

It took two days for the whole group to finally reach the Kainji forest, passing through seven villages on their way, according to some of the released children. Throughout the journey, no police or security forces were encountered.

The group made their first stop at Sabon Kwa, where they stole a Toyota Corolla to carry some of the students. They also paused at a petrol station and forced the attendant to fuel the car and their motorcycles. They looted more fuel in Demo  where Charitys parents live  and stole another vehicle, a Mazda pick-up.

Both vehicles broke down and were abandoned, and another vehicle was hijacked, along with the driver.

Audu Fari was the last village before the group entered the forest. There, they were split up. The staff and older students were blindfolded, tied up, and taken to a different part of the forest. They took the rest of us to another location, near a river, recalled freed student Godiya Yawa*. We slept on a big tarpaulin under some trees.

The students said they werent ill-treated and were fed regularly, but the food was never really enough. At night, their captors used solar lamps, which they quickly extinguished at the sound of an approaching plane. Nigerian military surveillance aircraft were searching for the group, reportedly assisted by the US Air Force.

Asked if any of the abductors mentioned what group they belonged to, 15-year-old Marcus Yesumiya*  one of the freed children  said one of the kidnappers said they were Boko Haram.

So, who were the captors?

One of the jihadist groups operating in the Kainji Lake National Park is Ansaru, which split from Boko Haram in 2012 in an ideological dispute over the wider groups indiscriminate attacks against Muslim civilians, aligning itself instead with al-Qaeda insurgents in the Sahel.

Ansaru was based in the heavily forested Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State before some of its fighters set up in the Kainji reserve, where it had free rein after the National Park Service quit in 2021 over the security threat.

Ansaru fighters have regularly attacked communities and kidnapped motorists along the roads close to the forest  apparently abandoning the groups earlier injunction against targeting civilians.

But Ansaru suffered a serious setback in August. In a rare security success, its two leaders  Mahmud Usman and Mahmud al-Nigeri  were captured by the authorities. The group still operates but is believed to have been significantly weakened.

A franchise of Boko Haram known as Sadiku is the other group active in the area. Before the death of Boko Harams volatile leader Abubakar Shekau in 2021, he had sent Abubakar Saidu  popularly known as Mallam Sadiku  to develop new fronts outside of the groups northeast home region. Sadiku has since sworn allegiance to Boko Harams new leader, Bakura Doro.

Sadiku had initially operated around the Allawa forest in Shiroro, Niger State, before moving to the Borgu area of the Kainji national park. His fighters have raided multiple villages and forced hundreds of people to flee their homes.

The New Humanitarian/PREMIUM TIMES asked respected security analysts which of the two groups they believed was behind the school kidnapping. Due to the weakening of Ansaru and the analysis below, the consensus was Sadiku.

Sadiku is best known for the audacious hijacking of an Abuja-bound train carrying 970 passengers in 2022, in collaboration with a notorious bandit leader called Dogo Gide. The two men have since fallen out, and their fighters clashed at the beginning of the year. The Nigerian air force also found and repeatedly bombed Sadikus Shiroro base.

As a result, Sadiku began a move into western Kwara State, which shares a border with the Kainji forest, and northwest into Kebbi State. Part of the plan seemed to revolve around an alliance with Lakurawa, another jihadist group affiliated with the Sahelian-based Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which has established itself in Kebbi.

Vincent Foucher, a West African jihadism expert and senior research fellow at the National Centre for Scientific Research in France, believes Sadikus motives for the school attack included the need to finance the groups relocation.

Sadikus men seem to have been on the move since the breakdown between them and Dogo Gide, noted Mr Foucher. Apparently, they are trying to settle down in new areas, to the north of Niger State. And for this, they need cash.

Mr Foucher said the Abuja-Kaduna train attack may well have been a turning point for Sadiku. He reportedly netted an estimated N6 billion ($4.1 million) as a ransom payment, in addition to securing the release of family members and associates that had been detained by the authorities in 2020 when a weapons store was raided in northern Nasarawa State.

The journey home

While official information about who was behind the latest kidnapping has been scant, the release of some of the abductees after two weeks in captivity was also marred by confusion.

The 99 students and one staff member were initially due to be set free on 6 December. However, they were on their way to the rendezvous point when they were suddenly called back and told that government officials werent at the agreed location.

Baba, the commander, pleaded with us not to be angry, recounted Yesumiya. He said everything is done by the will of God. Yesumiya said he couldnt help but cry when they returned to the camp.

The group was finally released at one of the entrances to the national park the following day after an eight-hour motorbike journey. There, they were met by government buses and taken under military escort to the state capital, Minna, with just two stops for food and to be outfitted with new clothes.

Despite the official policy against paying ransoms, the government is believed to have handed over N1 billion ($688,000) for their release, said a source in the Office of the National Security Advisor who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Nigerian government has rightfully celebrated the return of the students, but the majority of their classmates are still being held in the bush.

The remaining 153 pupils and 11 staff members are believed to have been split into two groups to be held by separate Sadiku commanders. The location of both groups is thought to be a forested zone near Ilorin, in Kwara State, according to one analyst, who asked not to be named so they could speak freely.

While Mrs Anthonys niece regained her freedom on 7 December, she is still waiting for the return of her daughter, Charity. Its a pain felt by all the parents and the wider Papiri community.

Ayuba Emmanuel has two daughters who have not come home. Yesumiya knows them both.

Jane* and Evelynne* are my friends. They are sisters. Jane refused to eat, and Evelynne was sick even before I was released, he said. Those people gave her medicine, but I pray she is allowed to come home [for better treatment].

While parents and friends anxiously await the return of their loved ones, the broader tragedy is what the kidnapping reveals about the systemic failure of Nigerias security system. The country is underpoliced, the local administrative layer is weak, under-resourced, and all-to-frequently intimidated by a powerful criminal class.

Multiple insurgent groups  and scores more bandit gangs  have entrenched themselves in Nigerias countryside, preying on communities. It is a crisis that has existed for years, and which the authorities seem incapable of tackling.

Different violent actors have taken the lead, with our security forces playing catch-up, said Mr Samuel, the researcher. The problem is also that instead of an effective strategy, where we could see some light at the end of the tunnel, we only get pronouncements and presidential directives issued after each major attack.

* Names have been changed to protect the identities of the students.

For this in-depth analysis, The New Humanitarian teamed up with PREMIUM TIMES, one of Nigerias leading newspapers, and its investigative reporter, Yakubu Mohammed. Edited by Obi Anyadike.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwarinpa, Abuja, on Thursday granted bail to a former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, who is facing N2.2 billion fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

It comes after Mr Ngige spent six days in prison in Abuja, where trial judge Maryam Hassan detained him on 12 December to await bail hearing and ruling.

Ms Hassan, who heard the bail application on Monday, ruled on Thursday, granting bail to Mr Ngige, a former Anambra State Governor.

The judge, who overruled the prosecutions objection granting the former minister bail, held that bail conditions must not be unreasonable, adding that setting stringent conditions is as good as not receiving bail.

The conditions the judge attached to the bail include the provision of a surety who must be in at least the cadre of a director in a federal government establishment.

She added that the surety must own a landed property in Abuja municipal and a passport, which must be submitted to the courts registry alongside the certificate of the property.

Also, the judge ordered Mr Ngige to submit his passport after getting a new one. The former minister had said during the bail hearing that his old passport was stolen.

Thereafter, the prosecution lawyer, Eunice Daylo of the EFCC, requested the judge to schedule the case for trial.

The judge fixed 28 and 29 January 2026 for commencement of trial.

Background

The EFCC arrested Mr Ngige on 10 December at his residence on Justice Mohammed Bello Road in Abuja.

On 12 December, the agency arraigned him on eight counts of fraud and accepting gifts.

It said the defendant committed the alleged offences while serving as the Minister of Labour and Employment during former President Buharis administration.

Mr Ngige, who served as former governor of Anambra State and senator, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The judge then ordered the defendants remand in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

On Monday (15 December), the court heard the argument for his bail application. His lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), pleaded with the court to consider the age and health of Mr Ngige.

Similarly, Mr Ikwueto argued that the defendant had no prior criminal record and was unlikely to commit the offence again.

But the EFCC, through its lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir, also a SAN, opposed the request for bail on the basis that Mr Ngige flouted the terms of the administrative bail the agency earlier granted him, thus making him a flight risk.

The judge, after hearing their submissions, fixed today (Thursday) for ruling, which she delivered in favour of Mr Ngige.

Details of charges

The anti-graft agency accused Mr Ngige of awarding contracts to his associates and also accepting monetary gifts from some of them through his organization, Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation.

According to the charges, Mr Ngige awarded seven contracts worth over N366 million for consultancy, training and supply by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to a company, Cezimo Nigeria Limited, belonging to his associate, Ezebinwa Charles.

Similarly, EFCC accused him of awarding eight contracts worth over N583 million to another company belonging to Mr Charles.

The agency alleged that the defendant used his position to give preferential treatment, awarding eight contracts worth over N362 million to a company, Jeff & Xris Limited, belonging to Nwosu Chukwunwike.

Other companies he allegedly awarded contracts under controversial circumstances include Olde English Consolidated Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, belonging to Uzoma Igbonwa, to the sum of N668 million and N161 million, respectively.

According to the EFCC, these offences violate Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 criminalises any public officer who uses his office or position to confer unfair advantage upon himself, his relation or associate.

Upon conviction, a public officer is liable to five (5) years imprisonment without the option of fine.

Also, the anti-graft agency accused Mr Ngige of collecting gratification from contractors of the NSITF through his organization.

The EFCC said Mr Ngige allegedly collected N38.6 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited and N26 million from Jeff & Xris Limited.

READ ALSO: Ngige to remain in prison as court adjourns bail application ruling

The offences were said to violate Section 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and are punishable under Section 17(c) of the same Act.

This Section addresses the acceptance of gifts by a public officer as a reward for any act, in this instant case, the award of contracts.

The punishment for doing so is also five years imprisonment with hard labour.

However, Mr Ngige denied all the EFCCs allegations.
President Bola Tinubu will on Friday present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly, despite the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for the 20262028 period yet to be approved by the House.

The plan was announced by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Thursday, following the receipt of a letter from the President requesting permission to address a joint sitting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

In the letter, President Tinubu sought the kind indulgence of the House of Representatives to allow him to address the joint session at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, 19 December, for the formal presentation of the 2026 budget.

I request the kind indulgence of the House of Representatives to grant me the opportunity of 1400 hours on Friday, 19 December 2025, to formally present the 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly, the president wrote.

While expressing his readiness to address lawmakers, the president also conveyed assurances of his highest regards to members of the National Assembly.

MTEF yet to be approved

Under the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the MTEF and FSP are required to be laid before and approved by the National Assembly ahead of the annual budget presentation, as they provide the macroeconomic framework and fiscal assumptions upon which the Appropriation Bill is based.

The MTEF outlines key projections such as oil price benchmarks, daily crude oil production, exchange rate assumptions, revenue estimates, deficit financing plans and borrowing thresholds for three years.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the House had yet to pass the 20262028 MTEF and FSP, raising concerns among lawmakers and fiscal analysts about the sequencing of the budget process.

The delay in approving the framework was caused largely by disagreements over key macroeconomic assumptions, particularly crude oil benchmark prices and their implications for government revenue.

Despite the unresolved framework, internal arrangements for the budget presentation have proceeded.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that internal arrangements for the presidents appearance had already been communicated to lawmakers and parliamentary staff.

According to the arrangements, the presentation is scheduled to hold at 2:00 p.m. at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

Details of the planned appearance were contained in a letter dated 17 December, issued by the Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development, Adm. Essien Essien, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.

The communication was circulated to the deputy clerk and heads of departments, outlining logistics and administrative preparations for the joint sitting.

The annual budget presentation marks the formal commencement of legislative scrutiny of the governments spending and revenue plans for the coming fiscal year.
President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to screen and confirm Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and Saidu Mohammed as chief executive officers of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), respectively.

The presidents request was contained in separate letters read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during the plenary on Thursday.

Their appointments followed the resignation of Farouk Ahmed as CEO of NMDPRA and Gbenga Komolafe of the NUPRC.

The two officials were appointed in 2021 by the late former President Buhari to lead the two regulatory agencies. Their resignations were announced by a presidential spokesperson, Bayo Ononuga, on Wednesday.

Mr Ahmed resigned after allegations of corruption and abuse of office were made against him by Aliko Dangote, president and chief executive officer of Dangote Group.

Mr Dangote accused the leadership of the NMDPRA under Mr Ahmed of colluding with international traders and petroleum importers to undermine local refining by continuously issuing import licences for petroleum products.

He also alleged that Mr Ahmed was living beyond his legitimate means, claiming that four of his children were enrolled in secondary schools in Switzerland at costs running into several million dollars, raising concerns about possible conflicts of interest and regulatory integrity in the downstream petroleum sector.

In his letter, President Tinubu said the confirmation request was made in compliance with Sections 41 and 11(3) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which require him to transmit such nominations to the National Assembly for confirmation before appointees can be sworn in as substantive heads of the agencies.

The president urged lawmakers to expedite the confirmation process.

After the letters were read, Mr Akpabio referred the nominations to the Senate Committees on Petroleum (Upstream), Petroleum (Downstream), and Oil and Gas for screening and reporting.

The committees are expected to jointly screen the nominees and report back to the Senate on Friday.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has commiserated with the people of Ora Igbomina over a recent banditry attack, assuring residents that military-backed rescue and protection operations have been ongoing in the affected communities and neighbouring border towns.

On the night of Monday, 16 December, the border community of OraIgbomina in Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State was thrown into chaos when suspected armed bandits launched a sudden attack that left locals in fear.

The assailants were reported to have stormed parts of the town, firing gunshots and driving residents into hiding. In the attack, the leader of nonindigenes in the community was killed, and a former Nigeria Customs Service officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, was abducted from his residence on Akisa Road as the bandits overpowered the area in a swift and coordinated operation.

Following the incident, Governor Adeleke held an emergency State Security Council meeting on Wednesday evening with service commanders from the police, the Nigerian Army, the State Security Service (SSS) and other paramilitary agencies.

According to Olawale Rasheed, the governors spokesperson, Mr Governor Adeleke expressed confidence that the ongoing military-backed security operations across the border towns would prevent recurrence of the attacks and also secure the release of the kidnapped retired custom officer.

The governor said security forces immediately launched coordinated operations following the attack. He said police, army and SSS personnel have been combing the area for the past three days, while efforts are also focused on securing the release of a kidnapped retired customs officer.

As part of our security plan, we will soon deploy the refurbished armoured tanks for operations across the state. We are also procuring patrol vehicles to strengthen police and security operations in the state. Additionally, we are reviewing the joint security patrol programme. It will be unveiled at the right time to further protect our people, the governor said.

Fresh security guidelines

To prevent further security breaches and possible spillover from neighbouring Kwara State, Governor Adeleke issued new operational guidelines for the Amotekun Corps, directing its leadership to ensure proper coordination with the police in all operations.

He ordered an operational meeting between the police and Amotekun authorities, warning that working in silos would no longer be tolerated.

The governor said Amotekun would resume full operations under the new arrangement, noting that the service remains critical in addressing emerging security challenges in the state. He also lamented the Akinlalu incident, stating that lessons had been learnt while the law takes its course.

In addition, Governor Adeleke appealed to residents to reduce late night activities, particularly during the yuletide season, citing increased risks associated with banditry and criminal targeting of night gatherings.

He urged the public to prioritise daytime events to enhance personal and community safety, while assuring victims of the attacks that the government is working tirelessly to prevent a recurrence.

After the security council meeting, I am happy to announce that the Amotekun service will resume full operations under new guidelines I just issued. We are facing an emergency in our border towns and it is important to get the Amotekun back to the field as urgently as possible.

I once again commiserate with victims of recent banditry attacks. We are working tirelessly to prevent reoccurrence, the governor said.

Rising insecurity

In recent months, insecurity in the Southwest has become a growing concern, with incidents such as kidnappings, armed robberies and forestbound criminal activity reported in states across the region.

While the zone has historically been seen as more peaceful than parts of the North, fears have risen that criminal networks and bandits are increasingly active in border and rural areas, prompting heightened public anxiety and calls for stronger protection measures.

In response, the SouthWest Governors Forum (SGF) made up of the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states, has adopted a series of coordinated security plans to curb the trend.

At a meeting in Ibadan, the governors approved the creation of a SouthWest Regional Security Fund to support joint operations and rapid responses, and unveiled plans for a live digital intelligencesharing platform linking all six states to improve threat coordination.

They also renewed their call for the establishment of state police as a longterm solution to strengthen local law enforcement across the region.
Kidnappers holding seven construction workers abducted in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State have reportedly demanded a ransom of 500 million for their release, intensifying concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of the state.

SaharaReporters first reported the ransom demand, quoting a family source as saying the abductors contacted relatives of the victims on Wednesday evening and insisted on the payment of the sum before the workers could be freed.

The kidnappers have reached out and demanded 500 million for the release of the seven construction workers, the source said, appealing to the Kwara State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their safe return.

The victims were abducted on Tuesday, 16 December, while working on an ongoing construction project around the Oba community in Isin Local Government Area. Armed men reportedly stormed the site, overpowered the workers and took them into a nearby forest. Two officials of the Kwara State Ministry of Works are among those kidnapped.

However, community leaders have disputed reports suggesting that the victims are indigenes of Oba.

When contacted by PREMIUM TIMES, a community leader in Oba, Ogundele Joseph, said the incident did not occur within Oba proper and that none of the victims were from the community.

Those victims are not indigenes of Oba. This happened in Owa-Oniri, Mr Joseph said. The people that were kidnapped are workers, but not citizens of Oba.

He explained that the location of the abduction was closer to Owa-Oniri than Oba.

Where that incident took place is less than a kilometre from Owa-Oniri but about seven kilometres from Oba community, he said.

Mr Joseph added that no member of the Oba community had been reported missing and that residents did not feel directly threatened by the incident. I dont have any information that the families of the victims have been contacted. Even if relatives have been contacted, they are definitely not from Oba, and I am not sure they are from Owa too. They could be from anywhere in Kwara, he said.

Efforts to obtain official reactions from the state government and security agencies yielded limited results.

PREMIUM TIMES contacted the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, who declined to comment on the incident, saying security matters were best addressed by the police. Speak with the police about that. Police are in charge of the security of the state, he said.

Calls and messages sent to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were not returned as of the time of filing this report.

Similarly, repeated attempts to reach the commandants spokesperson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State, Ayoola Shola, were unsuccessful, as his phone line was switched off.

The abduction and subsequent ransom demand come amid heightened security concerns in Kwara State, following recent controversies over armed operations in parts of the state. Earlier, viral videos and reports alleged that armed men were arrested while operating with government-issued weapons in Ifelodun Local Government Area, claims the Kwara State Government dismissed as misinformation.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) later stated that the persons allegedly arrested were not criminals. The ONSA noted that, under Nigerias counter-terrorism framework, trained vigilantes and auxiliary forces may be supported to work alongside security agencies in difficult terrains, including forested areas in the North-central region, including Kwara.

Residents and civil society groups say the kidnapping of construction workers, particularly those working on public infrastructure projects, underscores growing vulnerabilities in rural communities across the state.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has opposed a proposal by the Senate to amend Nigerias anti-terrorism law to impose the death penalty without the option of a fine, for all kidnapping-related offences.

Mr Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, warned that the proposal could undermine Nigerias cooperation with international partners in the global war against terrorism, as many countries would refuse to extradite suspects who may face capital punishment.

He said approving such a provision could inadvertently create safe havens abroad for terrorism suspects, noting that foreign courts often block extradition on human rights grounds where the death penalty is applicable.

The AGF made the governments position known on Thursday at a public hearing on the proposed amendment to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, alongside the repeal and re-enactment of the Legal Practitioners Act.

The hearing was jointly organised by the Senate Committees on Human Rights and Legal Matters, National Security and Intelligence, and Interior.

We must consider the practical bottleneck that the inclusion of the death penalty creates for international cooperation and mutual legal assistance. As the Committee may be aware, many of our international partners in the global war on terror will not extradite high-profile suspects if they face the risk of capital punishment.

By including this provision, we may inadvertently create a safe haven abroad for the very masterminds we seek to bring to justice, as foreign courts will block their repatriation to Nigeria on human rights grounds, he said.

He explained that the governments stance was based on a comprehensive assessment of legal, strategic, and human rights considerations.

The Bill

The bill, titled Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 (SB.969), was sponsored collectively by all the senators.

It was initially introduced for first reading on the floor of the Senate on 27 November, a day after the Senate resolved to amend the countrys terrorism law to classify kidnapping as terrorism and make it punishable by death, eliminating both the option of a fine and judicial discretion.

During the session on that day, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, directed Mr Bamidele to urgently prepare the amendment. On 3 December, the Senate passed the amendment bill for second reading, insisting that the death penalty without the option of a fine should be the punishment for all kidnapping-related offences.

Proposal should be reviewed

Mr Fagbemi further urged lawmakers to reconsider the death penalty provision, arguing that it could fuel extremist narratives and encourage martyrdom among convicted terrorists.

From a tactical perspective, it is our view that the proposal to include the death penalty for convicted terrorists should be reviewed, because it inadvertently facilitates the martyrdom trap. It is critical to note that the fight against terrorism deals with an enemy often driven by radical ideologies, where a state-sanctioned execution is viewed not as a deterrent but as a validation of their cause.

We must avoid giving these groups the martyrs they need to fuel their recruitment drives and incite further retaliatory violence against the State and its citizens, he said.

He also highlighted the long-standing reluctance of state governors to sign execution warrants due to moral, religious, or political concerns, a situation that has resulted in a de facto moratorium on executions.

The minister noted that this has left many death-row inmates in prolonged legal limbo, worsening prison congestion and creating environments where convicted terrorists can radicalise other inmates.

As you are aware, there is a long-standing and pervasive reluctance among state governors to sign execution warrants, often due to moral, religious, or political considerations. This hesitance has created a de facto moratorium that leaves condemned terrorists sitting indefinitely in our correctional facilities. This state of legal limbo not only serves as a continuous psychological drain on our justice system but also directly contributes to the chronic overcrowding of our prisons.

By keeping these high-risk individuals in the general prison population for decades, we inadvertently create radicalisation hubs where convicted terrorists can influence other inmates, posing an even greater long-term security risk to the federation, he said.

READ ALSO: Tinubu transmits NDDC 2025 statutory budget to NASS

Mr Fagbemi also cautioned against the irreversibility of capital punishment, stressing the risk of judicial error.

In addition, the risk of judicial error remains a reality in any legal system. The finality of the death penalty leaves no room for the rectification of errors, should fresh evidence come to light. To maintain the moral authority of the Nigerian State, we must ensure that our punishments are both firm and reversible in the face of new facts, he said.

Responding, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Human Rights and Legal Matters, Adeniyi Adegbonire, assured stakeholders that all concerns raised during the hearing would be carefully considered as lawmakers deliberate on the bill.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, on Thursday declared that the ruling party is witnessing a surge in national acceptance, citing recent high-profile defections, the rollout of an electronic membership registration system, and plans to build a new national secretariat in Abuja.

Mr Yilwatda spoke at the 14th APC National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, his first appearance before the partys top strategic organ since emerging as national chairman in July.

The caucus meeting drew unusual attention due to the presence of six governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who had recently defected to the APC. They are Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Peter Mbah (Enugu), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba).

Addressing party leaders, Mr Yilwatda said the APC leadership was consolidating structures across the country through an ongoing membership drive, while also crediting President Bola Tinubus leadership with strengthening party cohesion and boosting public confidence.

According to him, the partys growing appeal, particularly the wave of defections from opposition parties, underscored the APCs expanding reach.

Recent political developments have underscored the APCs pan-Nigerian character, including significant defections that have further expanded our influence, particularly several high-profile individuals and groups who have defected to our party, especially from the opposition parties, he said.

He listed among the recent entrants into the party the Governors of Bayelsa, Enugu, Taraba and Rivers States, describing their presence at the caucus meeting as symbolic of the APCs widening national footprint.

Mr Yilwatda further said that the party now enjoys what he described as an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly.

We now have an overwhelming majority in the two Houses, both in the Senate and also in the House of Representatives, he told caucus members.

Beyond defections, the APC chairman announced the activation of an electronic membership registration system, which he described as a major internal organisational milestone aimed at improving transparency, data integrity and internal democracy within the party.

He said training had already been conducted at state and zonal levels, as well as in local government areas in most states, urging party leaders to support a nationwide rollout and encourage both existing and new members to register.

According to him, the registration exercise will run through January, with 30 January set as the deadline for members to be fully registered and ready for the partys forthcoming congresses.

The APC chairman also highlighted the partys recent electoral performance, stating that it recorded strong results in the by-elections and primaries held in August, during which the party won 14 out of 17 contested constituencies.

He described the outcome as an over 80 per cent success rate and a good outing for the party.

Mr Yilwatda briefed caucus members on ongoing efforts to amend the partys constitution, noting that a committee chaired by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Buni, was currently receiving memoranda from members.

He said public hearings had already been conducted in four of the six geopolitical zones, with the North-east and South-west yet to hold theirs.

He urged governors from the two remaining zones to quickly identify host states, stressing the need to conclude the amendment process ahead of the upcoming national convention, scheduled for March, subject to NEC approval.

Attention was also drawn to preparations for the forthcoming local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory. Mr Yilwatda said the Independent National Electoral Commission had fixed 21 February for the polls and that the APC was positioning itself for victory across the six area councils.

READ ALSO: Tinubu transmits NDDC 2025 statutory budget to NASS

He said party structures in the FCT had been activated and called on leaders to close ranks, mobilise supporters and work collectively to secure a decisive outcome.

The APC National Caucus is a high-level strategic meeting of the partys top leadership. It typically brings together the President, Vice President, national chairman, members of the National Working Committee, APC governors and other key stakeholders to align on political and organisational issues ahead of broader deliberations at the NEC.
On the Success Wall at the Worker Center in Denver (Centro de los Trabajadores, CDLT) hang 154 photographs of people who have achieved part of their goal after risking leaving their countries and making the United States their home. Their success is having found decent work that allows them to support their families. They have achieved this through a program called WorkReady Denver, which trains newcomers to enter the job market with fair wages and connects them with companies that have openings. It is run by The Worker Center and funded by the city of Denver.

Theirs is an example of resilience in the face of the wave of xenophobia and racism fueled by the Trump administration. Denver faced a significant challenge when, in 2023 and 2024, buses of migrants arrived, sent by the Republican governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, who wanted to stem the massive influx of foreigners crossing the border. Denver, with a population of around 730,000, received approximately 44,000 migrants in a short period.

Yangcer Alejandro Soteldo was one of them. A 25-year-old Venezuelan, he arrived in the United States in April 2024. I fled because I was in great danger, he explains. The journey was not easy. He crossed seven countries on foot and survived the perilous Darien Gap. Upon arriving in the U.S., he surrendered to agents at the border and was put on a bus to Denver. There, he was put up in a hotel and later provided with another residence. He has been working for 10 months as an operator at a Ready Foods factory, a company that produces beans and sauces. Soteldo, a former soldier in Venezuela, trained in construction through the WorkReady program for six months, and it was through this that he landed the job he is now so grateful for. The English classes helped me communicate, and they also showed me the tools and machines, which I had never seen in my country, he says.

Mayra Juarez-Denis in Denver, December 4. Jimena Peck

The program consists of three phases: in the first, basic skills are taught, such as computer skills, English, and labor rights; in the second, participants receive on-the-job training; and in the third, once they have been placed in a job, they receive follow-up support. We also help them with cultural integration, with simple things like getting a drivers license, opening a bank account, or maintaining personal space... For example, if its normal to say mommy in their country, here that can get you into trouble, explains Mayra Juarez-Denis, executive director of the CDLT.

The organization also provides migrants with courses in financial literacy, tax preparation, and labor rights to prevent, for example, wage theft  that is, not being paid for services rendered. Juarez-Denis recalls the case of a migrant whose employer failed to pay him and, when he complained, reported him to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), resulting in his deportation.

WorkReady is a continuation of another program that the CDLT had in place, which the Denver mayors office, led by Democrat Mike Johnston, saw as a solution for integrating undocumented migrants. While their asylum and work permit applications are being processed, they receive training to be prepared when they obtain legal status.

Yangcer Alejandro Soteldo at the Worker Center in Denver. Jimena Peck

We had to find a way for these people to support themselves financially, says Joshua Posner, director of strategic initiatives for the city of Denver. The economic and logistical burden of thousands of migrants arriving was a challenge for the city. WorkReady was part of a broader program, the Denver Asylum Seeker Program (DASP), which began in the spring of 2014. Initially, migrants were housed in hotels, but this proved to be a temporary and prohibitively expensive solution. They switched from hotels to more affordable housing and began processing work permits. It was then that they adopted WorkReady, which received funding of $2.25 million.

The program began in June 2024 and was originally scheduled to run until June 2025, but it was extended until December. Some 315 people benefited from it, mostly Venezuelans between the ages of 18 and 40. Of those, 85% have found employment.

Engineers as workers

Many arrive with degrees from their home countries that are not valid in the United States. There are engineers and lawyers who take the construction course because they cannot practice their professions. The center provides trained workers to companies that need them and, in return, demands that their labor rights be respected. We sit down with the companies to see what they are offering; we demand that they pay the minimum of $20 an hour and that it be full-time so that they can support their families, says Juarez-Denis.

School principal Cecilia Villalobos, in Colorado, on December 4. Jimena Peck

Ready Foods has already hired three workers recommended by the CDLT. It helps us that they come already trained. They arrive knowing that we have to wear gloves, wash our hands, wear hairnets The employees we hired through the program have integrated well, says Rosio Herrera, the factory manager.

WorkReady offers training in three areas: construction, hospitality, and caregiving  sectors with high demand for workers that cannot be met by U.S. citizens. This need for personnel is what allowed Analis del Valle to find a job. For the past month, she has been attending Children Learning Adventure, a Spanish immersion preschool, every day. Most of the students are English-speaking, and the school offers 80% of its classes in Spanish. The demand for jobs is very low. The people who came applying werent bilingual, notes Cecilia Villalobos, the schools director. At CDLT, they give you references for people; they even tell me about what theyve been through in their lives to be able to be here, and I try to help as much as I can.

Del Valle, 35, is Venezuelan and arrived in the United States two years ago, accompanied by her son, now 12, her brother, and her sister-in-law. Because we needed to work, we ended up in jobs that didnt pay the legally established wage, she says. Ive washed dishes, Ive cleaned, Ive done many things, but I always went to my course because I thought that was what would propel me to other opportunities. In Venezuela, she earned a degree in comprehensive education and, with WorkReadys training, has obtained an official teaching certificate that is valid throughout the country.

Analis del Valle Pena, a Venezuelan migrant, in Denver, on December 4. Jimena Peck

Despite being considered a success, the program is at risk of disappearing due to a lack of funding. The citys finances were overwhelmed by the expenses of the migrant influx. The Biden administration allowed us to obtain or apply for reimbursement funds from FEMA [the emergency management agency], but the Trump administration is not paying what was promised to us. We are currently in litigation with the federal government to recover that money, Posner explains.

The budget cuts have already impacted the program. While the first phase benefited 315 people, the number of places has been reduced to 250 for the second. The mayors office has already agreed to renew WorkReady for the first six months of 2026, but the budget for this has been cut to $300,000. The program is threatened due to the lack of funding, Posner laments.

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Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that significantly reshapes the political landscape in the North-central region.

The defection was announced on Thursday by the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, during the partys 14th National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

Speaking to party leaders, Mr Yilwatda, a native of Plateau State, described Mr Mutfwangs decision to join the APC as a strategic gain for the ruling party, particularly in consolidating its influence in the North-central geopolitical zone.

With the defection of Governor Mutfwang, the entire North-Central region is now governed by the APC, Mr Yilwatda said, highlighting the significance of the development for the partys national outlook and electoral prospects.

Mr Mutfwangs defection is a major realignment in Plateau State, where the PDP has historically maintained a strong foothold.

His move adds to a growing list of high-profile political realignments to the APC, following defections by Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Peter Mbah (Enugu), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba).

Collectively, these defections have further strengthened the ruling partys national profile and political clout ahead of upcoming elections, with the APC now positioned to expand its appeal in a region that has often been a key battleground.

Governor Mutfwang has yet to make a public statement on his reasons for joining the APC, but his move is widely interpreted as aligning with the ruling partys rising influence and its agenda for political cohesion across the country.

Mr Yiwatda was Mr Mutfwangs opponent in the 2023 governorship election in Plateau State.
Haile Selassie warned about what would happen if a strong nation could destroy a weak people with impunity. The world ignored him then. Africa should not ignore the warning now  especially when the language of deals, spheres and might has returned so openly to global politics. When a headline in the New York Times opinion section on 16 December warns that Trump is putting us on the path to World War III.

A grim anniversary passed this year almost unnoticed.

Ninety years ago, in October 1935, Fascist Italy invaded Abyssinia  one of only three African states, alongside Liberia and South Africa, to retain formal sovereignty after the imperial partition of the continent. What followed was not merely a colonial war. It was a decisive test of whether the international system created after the First World War would defend its own rules when a powerful state violated them.

Abyssinia fought back with courage and endurance. Poorly armed, with almost no air force, its forces resisted for months against a modern European army. Italian aircraft bombed villages and troops at will. Mustard gas was sprayed from the air in flagrant violation of international law. Marcel Junod of the International Committee of the Red Cross later described thousands of men lying everywhere, their bodies burnt, crying out in agony.

When Addis Ababa fell, the violence escalated. Educated young men were rounded up and shot. After an attack on Italians in February 1937, Fascist Blackshirts in Addis were authorised to kill indiscriminately. Men, women and children were stabbed as they fled burning homes. Bodies were dumped into mass graves. At Debra Libanos monastery, 425 monks and deacons were executed.

This was the logical outcome of a system that spoke the language of law, while practising the politics of power.

Britain and France  the guarantors of the League of Nations  condemned the invasion, then ensured sanctions would fail. Oil was exempted. The Suez Canal remained open. Behind closed doors, they negotiated plans to reward Mussolini by carving up Abyssinia and granting him a colonial mandate over much of the country.

Emperor Haile Selassie fled Addis to make an impassioned address to the League in Geneva in June 1936, where he launched a scathing indictment of the international community. Collective security had been abandoned. Expediency had triumphed over principle. His warning  It is us today. It will be you tomorrow  was met with indifference, even ridicule. The destruction of an African state was seen as regrettable, but normal.

The fate of Abyssinia showed Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan that treaties would not be enforced if enforcement risked war; that democracies feared conflict more than dishonour; and that expansion could proceed step by step. Within months, China, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland were invaded, one by one. The Second World War did not begin in Africa  but its inevitability was established there.

That lesson matters now because we are again living through a credibility test of the international system  and once again, a great power has elevated an ideology around its racial identity, and black people are being made to feel they count less than others.

The liberal international order that emerged after 1945, shaped by the Atlantic Charter and the UN Charter, promised something radically different from the world of Abyssinia. It rejected spheres of influence and imperial carve-ups. It rested on a demanding premise: borders would not be changed by force, and aggression would be met with collective resistance. That order, imperfect and unevenly applied, nonetheless opened the door to African decolonisation and statehood.

Nowhere was this clearer than when Trump boasted, during what was meant to be the signing of a peace accord between the Presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, that the United States was gettinga lot of the mineral rights from the Congo. The message was unmistakable. African conflict is not a humanitarian or security concern; it is an opportunity to secure resources, a pit to plunder from.

Today, that premise is in retreat.

US President Donald Trumps worldview makes this explicit. In his framing, international order rests on the rule of the larger, richer, stronger. Power  not law  determines outcomes. The world is divided into spheres of influence managed by great powers through deals, threats and transactions. Smaller states do not have rights; they have utility.

This is not a return to the Cold War competition. As the political scientist, Stacie Goddard, has observed, Trump is not trying to defeat China or Russia. He seeks collusion, not competition  a modern concert of powers, in which strongmen cooperate to manage the world above the heads of weaker states. Order is imposed, not negotiated; stability purchased, not guaranteed.

For Africa, this should sound chillingly familiar. It is the logic of Abyssinia updated for the 21st century: peace through partition, stability through extraction, diplomacy through coercion. The language has changed; the hierarchy has not.

Nowhere was this clearer than when Trump boasted, during what was meant to be the signing of a peace accord between the Presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, that the United States was gettinga lot of the mineral rights from the Congo. The message was unmistakable. African conflict is not a humanitarian or security concern; it is an opportunity to secure resources, a pit to plunder from.

And so collective security continues to erode. Gaza, Sudan and Eastern Congo burn with little more than rhetorical outrage from the international community. These are treated as peripheral crises, unfortunate but containable. Yet, Africas history teaches that impunity travels. What is tolerated in the periphery becomes precedent at the centre.

Ukraine is todays global credibility test, just as Abyssinia was in 1935. The question is not only whether Ukraine survives, but whether conquest is normalised; whether borders can be changed by force and later ratified by fatigue, negotiation or surrender. Africans should care deeply about the answer, because we have seen this movie before.

Europe has begun to draw the lesson too. In the face of Trumps contemptuous treatment of his former allies, the transatlantic alliance is fraying. Germany is rearming on a scale unseen since the Second World War. Poland speaks openly of hosting nuclear weapons. When collective security weakens, states re-enter a world of self-help, arms races and permanent insecurity.

The first real Allied victory of the Second World War came not in Europe, but in Africa: the liberation of Addis Ababa in 1941 by largely African troops  South Africans, Nigerians, Ghanaians, Kenyans, Sudanese, Congolese and Ethiopian patriots  under British command. Out of that contradiction  a colonial empire fighting a fascist empire on behalf of the principle of self-determination  emerged the Atlantic Charter and, eventually, the global rejection of imperialism.

Africa, lacking nuclear deterrents and shielded alliances, would be among the first to suffer.

The problem is lawlessness. As Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi warned recently, Imagine if every country prioritised itself above all else and placed blind faith in power and status  this world would regress to the law of the jungle, where smaller and weaker nations would bear the brunt of instability, and the international order and rules-based system would face severe disruption.

The choice is not between American hegemony and Chinese dominance. It is between a world governed by rules  however imperfectly  and a world governed by deals among the strong.

Africa has lived in the latter world before. It was called empire.

The first real Allied victory of the Second World War came not in Europe, but in Africa: the liberation of Addis Ababa in 1941 by largely African troops  South Africans, Nigerians, Ghanaians, Kenyans, Sudanese, Congolese and Ethiopian patriots  under British command. Out of that contradiction  a colonial empire fighting a fascist empire on behalf of the principle of self-determination  emerged the Atlantic Charter and, eventually, the global rejection of imperialism.

That history carries an obligation.

Haile Selassie warned about what would happen if a strong nation could destroy a weak people with impunity. The world ignored him then. Africa should not ignore the warning now  especially when the language of deals, spheres and might has returned so openly to global politics. When a headline in the New York Times opinion section on 16 December warns that Trump is putting us on the path to World War III.

The lesson of Abyssinia is not that international order always fails. It is that when it does, Africa is rarely the last to feel it  but almost always the first.

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.
In politics, you can never truly know the mind of your leaders until  if fortune smiles  you receive the staff of office. Until then, you are merely an investor with no shares Politics is full of betrayal, advanced fraud, and abiku  projects that refuse to grow no matter how much you feed them. If you are not part of them, do not move near it. It is risky, dangerous, and sometimes fatal.

Have you just retired, or perhaps made a little money abroad after years of suffering in the cold, sending dollars home while eating noodles and pretending all was well? Congratulations  and condolences. You have officially entered the danger zone. You are now a moving ATM, a walking opportunity, a soft target wearing the badge of success.

If the answer is yes, then I have a proposal for you. Yes, a proposal  the type that sounds intelligent, looks strategic, and ends with your bank account gasping for breath.

The job, they will tell you, is very simple. Invest a small amount of money today and make billions tomorrow. No stress. No risk. No clear explanation. Just faith, hope, and blind trust. They will say the system works, even if they cannot explain how.

They will confidently assure you that many people you know have reaped heavily from this business. They may not mention names, but trust them  everybody has benefited. Even the people you have never seen benefit. Evidence is unnecessary when persuasion is strong.

My brothers and sisters, if you agree, they will invite you for a meeting. Not an ordinary meeting, of course, but a strategic one. You will be taken to a so-called leader, who will then promise to take you to the party chairman. One introduction leads to another; one promise leads to another bill. Politics, after all, is a relay race of deception.

But first, you must let people in your area know that you are ready to work for them. Print posters. Share rice. Buy drinks. Spray money. Attend burials you never planned to attend. Smile until your cheeks ache. They will call it grassroots engagement.

You see that man who is now a member of the House of Representatives? They will tell you he once came to their house when he started his political journey. They will swear it was they who took him to party leaders. In politics, everybody claims ownership of success, but no one claims responsibility for failure.

This, dear reader, may be the beginning of your downfall in life. Yes, downfall. Be warned.

Your journey to an unknown destination begins the very day you meet that adviser with polished grammar, borrowed confidence, and empty assurances. From that moment, your account balance will begin to suffer mysterious spiritual attacks.

Before you ever meet the governor or the real power brokers of the party, you would have dropped a huge amount of money. They will call it logistics. Tomorrow, it will become mobilisation. Next tomorrow, it will answer emergency party needs. The names will change, but the drain remains the same.

And when you finally meet the head of the pretentious scammers  excuse me, leaders  you are officially on your way to oblivion. He himself passed through the same road you are about to start, and that is exactly why he knows where the potholes are and where your money will disappear.

He will advise you to go and start the work. Do you know what that work really means? It means you should start spending your hard-earned money without asking questions. It means funding hope, renting loyalty, and buying silence.

The governor or party leader might give you his blood brother as your campaign manager, just to assure you that you are an anointed candidate. Dont fall for it; its just another scam from Agba Yahooze.

Many people have lost not only their lives but also their entire lifetime savings through this same path. Houses sold. Lands mortgaged. Families divided. All in the name of structure and relevance.

My brother, politics is deeper than you think. No one wins a primary election on the day the votes are cast. The list of successful aspirants is usually prepared long before that day  sometimes typed, sometimes handwritten, sometimes whispered behind closed doors.

The money you spent is what they casually refer to as money for the boys or thank you for coming. Translation: no receipt, no refund, no sympathy.

In politics, you can never truly know the mind of your leaders until  if fortune smiles  you receive the staff of office. Until then, you are merely an investor with no shares.

Politics is full of betrayal, advanced fraud, and abiku  projects that refuse to grow no matter how much you feed them. If you are not part of them, do not move near it. It is risky, dangerous, and sometimes fatal.

I know you have worked a 9-to-5 job all your life. You earned your money the hard way. Think twice before you join politics. It is dirty water  you can never see the bottom, but once you step in, it will surely stain you forever.

My advice for you as a brother: we all know how your job was a demanding one. When you were in office, your wife was the one looking after the children while you were away on the battlefield, looking for how the whole family would survive! Dont you think it is now payback time to be with your wife and children? For them to once feel the fatherly and mother reunion? Go on holiday and enjoy your life before the end of your life.

Think twice; not everyone who is clapping for you is your friend. They just want you to be miserable towards the tail end of your life.

Wole Arisekola, publisher of The Street Journal newspaper, writes from Ibadan.
What a year it has been for Nigeria, one that might yet go down in the countrys foreign relations history as one of the most consequential. Not since the era in which Nigeria played a frontline role in decolonising Africa and ending the ignoble reign of apartheid in South Africa, and then, her defining role as the team leader of ECOMOG Forces in Liberia and Sierra Leone, has Nigerias exertions on the foreign front become a front-burner issue.

It is tempting to dwell on the dramatic end-of-year developments, starting with the coup in Guinea-Bissau following a hotly contested election, which pitched incumbent President Umaro Embalo and Opposition Candidate, Fernando Dias da Costa, or the coup in the neighbouring Benin Republic, which Nigeria, in response to a request by the democratically elected government there, had to step in with military support to quell, or the incident in Burkina Faso which has had Nigerias military aircraft, said to have made emergency landing, grounded along with 11 of our soldiers who were on board of the plane that was on its way to Portugal for maintenance.

But we choose to focus on something else  the giant strides by two Nigerians who this year separately ended a ten-year tour of duty on the continent, leaving behind an impressive legacy that should continue to speak for them and Nigeria for years to come. The stories of Dr Akinwunmi Adesina and Professor Benedict Oramah might have started separately and from different points in Nigeria, but they would eventually coincide with time in their illustrious runs on the continent as Heads of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) respectively, at just about the same period. Both men assumed the presidency of the organisations in 2015, with Oramah rising through the ranks, while Adesina came in as President of the AfDB after his time as Nigerias Minister of Agriculture. These two Nigerians spearheaded a visionary regime of strategic transformations at AfDB and Afreximbank that not only significantly enhanced the capacities and outreach of the institutions but also delivered tangible economic and social gainsfor the continent, leaving behind an enduring legacy in Africas developmental financing landscape.

Dr Akinwunmi Adesinas presidency at the AfDB was bold and audacious, redefining African multilateral development cooperation with ambitious objectives framed around five core goals known as the High 5s These are: Light up and power Africa; Feed Africa; Industrialise Africa; Integrate Africa; and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa. Reports have it that these programmes have transformed over 500 million lives, with 127 million people gaining improved health services, 61 million having access to clean water, 33 million benefiting from better sanitation, 46 million gaining access to ICT services, and 25 million gaining access to electricity, alongside millions reached through food security and jobs programmes.

He radically transformed the banks financial strength, growing its capital base from $93 billion at the time of his assumption of office to $325 billion by the end of his tenure, representing an unprecedented growth of nearly 250 per cent. This historic expansion enhanced the banks ability to mobilise over $273 billion across infrastructure, industrialisation, agriculture, and social sectors across Africa. Nigeria has been a central beneficiary of these strategic priorities, attracting over $5.6 billion in private investments. Under Adesinas guidance, the AfDB mobilised $2.2 billion to create Special Agro-Processing Zones in 28 states in Nigeria, a landmark initiative to reduce agricultural post-harvest losses and strengthen value chains, boosting rural incomes and industrial linkages.

Professor Benedict Oramahs record at Afreximbank is no different from that of Adesina in terms of landmark achievements. He expanded Afreximbanks asset base from $6 billion to over $40 billion by 2025, a more than sixfold increase during his time in office, exponentially increasing the banks lending capacity and financial clout, steering its emphasis towards trade finance, export-import facilitation, and risk guarantees, with a direct focus on increasing African countries export competitiveness, bolstering intra-African trade and export diversification.

The landmark initiatives of the Oramah era were built around turning the institution from a narrow exportcredit institution into a full tradeanddevelopment group: building payments and adjustment mechanisms for AfCFTA, creating new equity and insurance arms, harmonising standards, financing industrial and health infrastructure, and using culture and diaspora platforms to embed Global Africa in world trade and finance.

Under Benedict Oramah, Nigeria received substantial benefits, particularly through the massive financing the Dangote Refinery received toward the completion of its 650,000 bpd refinery. Afreximbank provided over $4 billion in total support to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex, including a landmark $1.35 billion tranche as lead arranger in an August 2025 $4 billion syndicated facility to refinance construction costs, easing Dangote Industries operational pressures, strengthening its balance sheet, enabling Nigerias drive to attain energy independence and industrial growth. Indeed, Nigeria had received about 60 per cent of Afreximbanks $30 billion energy sector funding across Africa by 2024, with the refinery as the flagship intervention. A point Oramah highlighted as proof that African institutions can finance continent-scale projects without external help.

While Adesinas tenure represents a leap in institutional clout and development financing scale, Oramahs tenure marks a transformative expansion that has repositioned Afreximbank as a pivotal trade finance enabler in Africa. The institutions increased lending capacity and innovative financing tools have helped crowd in private and international capital, amplifying development impact beyond traditional aid and concessional finance models.

For Nigeria, the Adesina and Oramah legacies have demonstrated in clear terms how strong Nigerian leadership within continental institutions can be leveraged to the countrys advantage. Through their efforts, Nigeria has enjoyed enhanced access to large-scale infrastructure financing, enabling critical investments in power generation, transport corridors, and agriculture. Their legacies underscore the power of strategic, homegrown leadership in African multilateral institutions in unlocking transformative developmental dividends. Nigerias increased access to development finance, strengthened trade capabilities, and accelerated infrastructure and industrial projects through these organisations position the country to sustainably address key growth constraints and chart a path towards inclusive prosperity and continental integration in the coming decades.

Their leadership and legacies also furthered Nigerias foreign policy objectives, enhancing Nigerias stature in Africas development finance architecture and facilitating regional integration, leaving us with valuable lessons for 2026 and beyond on the need to be more strategic, intentional, and deliberate in our engagement with the world and the calibre of people we put forward as the countrys Ambassadors and Representatives in international institutions. There is no doubt that both men still have a lot in their tanks that Nigeria, other international institutions, and the world at large can still tap into.

Simbo Olorunfemi is a specialist on Nigerias Foreign Policy and managing editor of Africa Enterprise, while Ade Adefeko is director Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, Olam Agri, ex officio, NACCIMA. They are co-authors of the book, For God, Africa and Diplomacy.
In every nation, there are groups whose contributions are visible and celebrated, and there are those whose sacrifices are carried quietly, etched into their bodies, their nerves, and their memories. Soldiers belong to the latter category. They return from service not with wealth or comfort, but with stories of danger, fragments of trauma, and bodies aged faster than their years. It is the responsibility of a grateful nation to honour such people, not merely with parades and medals, but with systems that ensure dignity long after the uniform is laid down.

Nigeria has not yet learnt this lesson.

Across the country, retired military officers, men who once commanded battalions, fought insurgencies, and defended fragile communities, are slipping into poverty. Some die waiting for pension adjustments. Others battle chronic illness without support. According to a 2023 investigation by The Sun newspaper, a retired major general receives a pension valued at under $1,000 a month. Lower ranks earn far less. And many thousands of non-commissioned officers fare even worse, leaving service with pensions so limited that they cannot survive without family charity.

The Sun report detailed former senior officers living in severe distress, including a retired general battling illness while exhausting his savings. Other outlets have documented multiple protests by military retirees, some of whom blocked the Ministry of Finance to demand unpaid benefits, arrears, and entitlements stretching back years. These scenes, elderly veterans in faded fatigues holding placards and demanding what they already earned, constitute a national indictment. They expose a deeper failure. Nigeria depends on its military for survival, yet withdraws support the moment service ends.

This is not simply a welfare problem. It is a national security problem. And it demands a fundamental rethinking of how Nigeria treats its veterans, beginning with the tax system.

A Puzzle at the Heart of Nigerias National Priorities

Nigeria routinely grants generous tax holidays to foreign corporations, technology firms, and investors in special economic zones. It forgoes significant revenue to incentivise sectors that promise growth. Government agencies proudly advertise multi-year corporate tax exemptions to attract manufacturing plants from Asia, agribusiness firms from Europe, and service companies from America.

But the same government taxes its veterans as though they were ordinary economic actors.

Why does a country that offers tax-free status to companies that have contributed nothing to its survival refuse to extend the same dignity to the men and women who defended it?

This contradiction is more than rhetorical. It is a puzzle that reveals a misalignment of national values. Nigerias soldiers, many of whom fought insurgencies, quelled riots, patrolled dangerous borders, and risked death daily, received modest salaries and austere allowances during their years of service. Their pensions, even at senior levels, are insufficient to match the realities of ageing, illness, and reduced earning capacity. Many leave the armed forces with chronic injuries, PTSD, hearing loss, vision impairment, and metabolic damage accumulated over decades of physical strain.

The tax system should not worsen these burdens. It should correct them.

The Case for Tax Exemption as National Justice

Many democracies with robust veteran support systems recognise that veterans are a special category of citizens and design tax policy accordingly. In the United States, disability benefits are tax-free and many states exempt military retirees from income tax altogether. Canada treats disability compensation as non-taxable by default. Britain exempts war-related pensions and service-connected payments from income tax. Australia and Israel provide extensive fiscal protections to veterans and widows, recognising that those who bear the nations burdens deserve structural, not symbolic, support.

What these nations understand intuitively is what Nigeria has yet to accept.

A stable veteran population is a pillar of national resilience. An impoverished veteran population is a source of quiet instability.

Taxing Nigerian veterans is not just inequitable. It is strategically reckless, especially in a region where civil-military relations carry profound implications for democratic stability.

The Economics: Why Exemption Is Cheaper Than Neglect

Critics may argue that Nigeria cannot afford broad tax exemptions in a period of fiscal pressure. But this argument collapses quickly when examined through basic economic reasoning.

First, Nigerias veteran population is small relative to its tax base. The vast majority of veteran-owned businesses are micro or small enterprises whose corporate tax contributions would register as statistical noise. Even full exemption would likely reduce corporate income tax revenue by far less than one-tenth of one percent.

Second, empowered veterans produce measurable economic returns. International studies from the United States Small Business Administration and Canadas Veterans Affairs show veteran-owned enterprises displaying higher survival rates, stronger employment stability, and more disciplined management. These characteristics translate across borders. In Nigeria, they would mean stronger local economies, higher consumption, and more resilient communities.

Third, veteran poverty is profoundly expensive. When retirees cannot afford housing, medication, or treatment, the cost shifts to public hospitals, extended families, state welfare systems, or emergency services. Preventable illnesses escalate. Families fracture. Communities absorb the destabilising effects of hardship.

It is cheaper, fiscally, socially, and morally, to exempt veterans from tax than to manage the consequences of their economic decline.

The Moral Imperative

A nation is judged not by the size of its GDP or the strength of its institutions, but by how it treats those who defended it. When retired officers gather at the gates of the Ministry of Finance to demand arrears, the symbolism is devastating. The defenders of the republic must beg for what is owed.

Tax exemption is not a handout. It is a message.

It tells the corporal who fought in Maiduguri, the sergeant who served in Liberia, the warrant officer who patrolled the Niger Delta creeks, and the general who commanded brigades.

Your country sees you. Your sacrifice matters. Your retirement will not be lived in indignity.

Some will argue that if veterans are exempted, then teachers, nurses, or other civil servants should be as well. This is a misunderstanding of the nature of military service. Soldiers alone enter a legal contract obligating them to face mortal danger at the states command. Soldiers alone give up fundamental freedoms of movement, of speech, and of personal autonomy during service. Soldiers alone bear a lifetime of physical and psychological burdens traceable directly to national defence.

Veteran tax exemption is not charity. It is restorative justice.

A Comprehensive Tax Justice Framework

Nigeria needs a clear and coherent Veteran Tax Justice Framework written into law. This framework should include

Zero income tax for all retired veterans.

Zero corporate tax for all veteran-owned businesses, permanently.

Zero tax on military pensions, disability benefits, and gratuities.

Zero property tax on a veterans primary residence.

Tax credits for healthcare and dependent education.

Automatic exemptions, not annual paperwork, to minimise administrative burden.

These reforms should not be left to ministerial goodwill or administrative discretion. They must be codified, enforceable, and insulated from political cycles.

This Is Not Charity. It Is Restorative Justice

Nigerias armed forces have been among the most poorly paid in the world. Their pension system is outdated, their benefits inconsistent, and their healthcare inadequate. The result is a moral debt the country has yet to acknowledge.

Veteran tax exemption does not erase that debt. But it begins to pay it.

If Nigeria is to navigate the coming decade, marked by complex security challenges, demographic pressures, and a rapidly shifting global landscape, it must build confidence not only in its institutions but in its moral centre. A nation that honours its veterans honours itself. A nation that neglects them diminishes itself.

Nigerias veterans defended the country in its most fragile moments. They protected elections, secured borders, confronted insurgencies, and held the line when others fled. Their bodies and minds bear the cost of the Republic.

The question before Nigeria is simple.

Will the Republic bear any of the cost in return?

I call on the President, the Honourable Minister of Defence, and the leadership of the National Assembly to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves. Comprehensive tax exemption for veterans is one of the clearest, most affordable, most morally urgent, and most strategically intelligent steps our nation can take.

Comprehensive tax exemption for veterans is one of the clearest, most affordable, most morally urgent, and most strategically intelligent steps Nigeria can take.

It is time to pay a debt long overdue.

Ken Bolanle Ati-John, a retired Rear Admiral, writes from Lagos.
In every civilization that has endured, thrived, and risen from chaos, stability was never bestowed; it was forged through foresight, audacity, and unyielding execution.

The United States transformed public research into technology empires that now shape the global economy. Japan empowered inventors like Sakichi Toyoda, whose innovations seeded industries employing millions. Europe industrialized through audacious infrastructure, strategic vision, and relentless execution.

Nigeria stands at a similar crossroads. A nation of immense potential, yet insecurity, porous borders, and unprotected frontiers leave lives, livelihoods, and dreams vulnerable. Just as past civilizations engineered order through deliberate design and disciplined execution, Nigeria too must construct its own bulwarks of lasting stability.

Under a copper sky heavy with promise and peril, Nigeria reaches a pivot. Trillions are poured into defence, tens of thousands of soldiers deployed yet insecurity persists. Between 2019 and 2024, at least 24,816 Nigerians lost their lives to mass atrocities, including insurgency, banditry, terrorism, communal violence and related insecurity  according to a 2024 report by Global Rights; the real toll is almost certainly higher, buried in unreported operations and fragmented data.

Despite nearly 3 trillion spent on defence and security in 2023, violence and insecurity have worsened. A recent assessment estimates that insecurity has already cost Nigeria over 7.17 trillion. It is deeply unsettling that nearly 9 million Nigerians now live as internally displaced people in a nation that is not at war.

Nigeria spends heavily on security but remains unsecured. Money alone cannot win peace  not when economic desperation, lost livelihoods, smuggling corridors, and porous borders fuel instability. This is not a failure of resources, but of strategy.

What we need is not padding of budgets, but a hard-headed blueprint linking national defence with development; border security with agricultural revival; surveillance posts with farm estates; public-private partnerships with rural jobs. If security is treated only as a cost  never an investment  we become addicts of fear, forever pouring naira into endless cycles of violence. But if security is the foundation of growth  the bedrock for agriculture, entrepreneurship, and human capital  every naira spent becomes a seed planted.

THE WALLS THAT PROTECT US

Imagine a fortified frontier stretching from the terror-prone borderlands of Kebbis Danko, Jega, and Bagudo regions, through the vulnerable plains of Bornos Kukawa, Monguno, and Bama axes  not as an iron curtain, but as a declaration of national resolve.

It is not surprising that even General Christopher Musa, Nigerias Chief of Defence Staff, recently advocated for a fortified border system. His call for concrete barriers, surveillance towers, and rapid-response units mirrors the type of structured, intelligence-driven frontier we envision, designed not only to block violence but to transform insecurity into opportunity.

As an indigenous company, Sujimoto possesses the capacity, expertise, and resolve to execute this frontier. What remains is rigorous planning: a comprehensive geological survey, detailed mapping, and close collaboration with the local communities and our team of over 480 staff, including 20 internationally experienced expatriates in large-scale infrastructure projects.

The work itself  formwork, batching plants, concrete, and steel  is straightforward; it is not rocket science. What it demands is vision, discipline, and execution at scale  qualities we bring in full measure.

This is the same dedication and ingenuity we applied to the construction of Lucrezia by Sujimoto. Faced with a challenge that would have taken other construction companies 18 months to complete, we raised the building from its first slab to the 15th in just 5.5 months. Today, Lucrezia stands as one of the most luxurious and acclaimed buildings not only in Nigeria, but across Africa  a testament to what precision, planning, and unyielding commitment can achieve.

Modern concrete barriers. Surveillance towers every fifty kilometres. High-resolution cameras, drone launch pads, rapid-response bases, and access roads transforming forgotten wilderness into corridors of safety and productivity. A structure designed to suffocate smuggling, disrupt arms trafficking, block infiltration, and restore dignity to the map of Nigeria.

Yet walls alone are not enough. Behind this frontier lies development, farmland, agro-processing hubs, housing, medical clinics, markets  turning once-porous borders into fortifications of productivity. Envision a national agro-development drive  tens or hundreds of thousands of hectares  where youth farm, mill, process, trade; where harvest is not only food but dignity, employment, and a rhythm of life pushing back against fear.

Security fences create time  time for detection, time for response, time for intervention. Development creates resilience  resilience against hunger, corruption, and chaos. Together, they create stability.

A NATIONAL REFLECTION  AND A PROMISE FROM SUJIMOTO

Across the northern frontier stretching toward Niger, and along the eastern wilderness brushing Cameroon, Nigerias borders lie open like unsealed lettersread, abused, and exploited by those who wish this nation harm. Criminals do not need visas. Insurgents do not require immigration forms. Smugglers pay no duties. Our borders, once lines of dignity, have become corridors of chaos, testing the patience of a nation blessed with abundance but drained by avoidable loss.

Great Nations do not triumph by lamenting danger. They triumph by engineering solutions stronger than the threats they face. When Saudi Arabia faced infiltration across its northern desert, it built a 900-kilometre fortified, multi-layered security barrier.

The United States adopted an integrated physical-and-digital approach along the Rio Grande. India, Pakistan, Israel, Egypt  different histories, different geographies  but one principle: a nation that refuses to secure its borders refuses to secure its people.

Nigeria must build corridors of purposestructures that do more than block danger, but unlock development. Imagine, for the first time in our history, a fortified frontier stretching across Nigerias most porous bordersnot as an iron curtain, but as a shield crafted with intelligence, cameras, surveillance towers, patrol bases, and rapid-response units every fifty kilometres. A 1,500-kilometre line toward Niger.

Another 1,400 toward Cameroon. Strong, modern, and unshakably vigilant. Not a barrier that isolates us, but an infrastructure that protects the nation.

Concrete is not rocket science. What Nigeria requires is the audacity to build, and the will to execute with the precision that has defined great nations. Such a frontier would starve insurgent groups of free passage, and suffocate the illegal arms trade that feeds violence across our northern belt.

It would give our security agencies something they have long been denied: not just bravery, but advantage.

But let me be clear: this border security project is not a wallit is an engine. Because every nation that has defeated insecurity did so not with force alone, but with development, employment, and structure. The real enemies of Nigeria are idleness, poverty, hunger, and hopelessnessfertile soil upon which extremism grows. But the true genius of this proposal is not in the fence; it is in the future that rises behind it.

Every road built to access the frontier becomes a new highway of opportunity. Every security tower becomes a magnet for small businesses, clinics, markets, supply chains, and agricultural settlements. What has long been dismissed as distant bush becomes Nigerias next industrial and agro-economic belt. What was once wilderness becomes wealth.

And it is here that Sujimoto places its shoulder to the national wheel not merely to construct a barrier, but to build an entire ecosystem of national renewal. The Sujimoto Farm Estate vision  over 20,000 to 1,000,000 hectares across six geopolitical zones  is not a business proposal; it is a national immunization plan. Abandoned frontiers become agro-industrial hubs with housing, hospitals, markets, clean energy, mechanized farming, and youth employment clusters. Once-dangerous regions become the beating heart of Nigerias agricultural resurgence.

At the root of insecurity lies an unspoken truth: when a young man has no work, dignity, or hope, the sound of a gun becomes more persuasive than tomorrows promise. Nigeria cannot continue to treat insecurity as a military problem alone. It is an economic, developmental, governance, border, and youth problem.

Nations defeating insecurity do so with jobs, opportunity, structure, and vision. Nigeria must build a future its youth do not wish to escape or Jakpa from.

Billions spent, yet insecurity grows. Symptoms are treated while the disease spreads. Every border road must become a marketplace. Every security tower an anchor for settlement. Every farm estate a shield against unemployment. Every engaged youth an ambassador of peace.

If we do not act now, fear becomes the language of our nation, and insecurity its culture. But with conviction, Nigeria can become a global case study: a nation transforming crisis into opportunity, violence into value.

Last year alone, the combined economic loss from insurgencies, banditry, kidnapping, and border-related criminality ran into trillionslost productivity, abandoned farmlands, displaced families, burnt markets, and the silent cost of fear that suffocates investment. No soldier, no amount of bravery, can permanently win a war that economics continues to fuel.

This manifesto is more than a proposalit is a national plea. A call for courage. A reminder that destiny does not wait for those who negotiate with fear. It is time for Nigeria to build boldly, secure fiercely, and dream unapologetically. With fortified borders, industrialized agricultural belts, and empowered youth, insecurity can become a closed chapter.

If your neighbour is hungry, your chicken is not safe. But the fence we build is not a wall against neighbours; it is a wall against chaos. The roads we build are not merely asphalt; they are arteries of prosperity.

The farms we establish are not just food sources; they are sanctuaries of hope.

I write not as a critic, but as a citizen who believes in the potential of this administration to erect the strongest legacy of any democratic government. If we build this frontier, Nigeria will send a message to the world: the era of porous borders is over, the age of unchecked infiltration has expired, and this nation has chosen to secure its future with concrete resolve and visionary design.

And the future we choose today will determine whether Nigeria stands as a fortress of stabilityor a story of squandered potential.

Sujimoto believes Nigeria deserves the former.

God Bless Nigeria.

Dr Sijibomi Ogundele is the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, the Czar of Luxury Real Estate Development, and the visionary mastermind behind the acclaimed Giuliano.

His other audacious projects include LucreziaBySujimoto, Nigerias first EV-ready luxury residential tower and the most sophisticated building in Banana Island; the grandiose Sujimoto Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers in Africa; the regal Queen AminaBySujimoto, a monument to royal affluence and the magnificent high-rise LeonardoBySujimoto.

Others include the Sujimoto Farm Estate, an advanced ecosystem integrating housing, farm hospitals, hotels, and markets to create opportunities for agro-tourism, entrepreneurship, and affordable housing; and the visionary Sujimoto Smart City Abuja, poised to redefine urban living with 4,920 terraces and apartments in the heart of the capital, offering a singular lifestyle to live. work. play.  all at one unique address.

These landmark developments, among many others, have etched an indelible imprint on Nigerias skyline, showcasing Sujimotos unrivalled mastery, technical precision, and capacity to execute projects of unprecedented scale and national significance.

Sources & References

1. Global Rights Reporton Mass Atrocities (20192024)  deaths from insurgency, terrorism, banditry, communal violence, etc.

 Vanguard: 24,816 people killed in 5 years  Global Rights

2. Economic impact of insecurity in Nigeria  estimated cost of insecurity and internal displacement.

Punch: Nigerias insecurity cost N7.17 trillion

Vanguard: Nearly 9 million Nigerians internally displaced

3. Defence budget and spending in Nigeria (2023)

 Premium Times: Nigerias defence budget in 2023

4. Call for fortified borders by Nigerias Chief of Defence Staff

The Cable: Gen. Christopher Musa advocates for fortified borders

5. Comparative examples of fortified borders globally

 Saudi Arabia northern desert barrier: Arab News

U.S.-Mexico border integrated security

India, Pakistan, Israel, Egypt: Multiple open sources on border security strategies (general verification possible via official gov. or UN reports)
Four members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State have defected from their respective political parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further strengthening the ruling partys numbers in the lower chamber.

The lawmakers are Awaji Inombek (PDP), Boma Goodhead (PDP), Manuchim Umezurike (LP) and Boniface Emerengwa (PDP).

Their defections were announced by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Thursday, following the reading of separate letters from the affected lawmakers.

In their letters to the House, the lawmakers attributed their decision to what they described as deepening internal crises, leadership disputes and irreconcilable divisions within their former parties.

Link to political realignment in Rivers

The development follows the recent defection of Governor Siminalayi Fubara himself to the APC, signalling a coordinated move by his loyalists to align with his new political trajectory.

It reflects growing political realignment in Rivers State, as lawmakers loyal to the governor reposition themselves within the ruling party ahead of future elections.

While Mr Fubara, a former PDP governor, recently joined the APC amid long-standing disputes with Minister of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over the control of PDP structure in Rivers. The move has triggered a wave of political realignment.

The loss of four federal lawmakers is a significant blow to the PDP in Rivers State and at the national level, which has suffered major blows of defection across many states. The development has weakened its legislative presence of the PDP at the National Assembly and highlighting fractures within the party.

For the APC, the defections not only increase its numerical strength in the House of Representatives but also bolster its strategic influence in Rivers, a state traditionally dominated by the PDP.

The defections also underscore a broader trend of lawmakers abandoning opposition parties for the APC, which has seen its strength in the House swell in recent months.

The ruling party has consistently welcomed defectors as evidence of growing confidence in its leadership, while opposition parties accuse the APC of exploiting internal crises to weaken rivals.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State on Wednesday defended his administrations financial record, insisting that all funds received and spent by the state are properly documented and available for public scrutiny.

The governor stated that he left over N300 billion in the states coffers before the declaration of emergency rule and, upon his return, found over N600 billion, with detailed records of expenditures and ongoing projects intact.

The governor stated this while inaugurating the 14.2-kilometre ObodhiOzochi Road at the Ozochi playground in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of the state, Rivers State TV posted details of the speech on Facebook.

Every penny we are spending, the record is there, Mr Fubara said.

Evidence of it will be shown within now and the next six months. Nobody can question my sincerity or genuineness. I am not associated with fraudulent acts. My professional background is in accounting, and record-keeping is my strength.

Claims backed by documentation

Weeks ago, the Speaker of Rivers House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, accused Mr Fubara of abandoning public schools to deteriorate despite inheriting over N600 billion from then-Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ette Ibas.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Mr Ibas, a retired chief of naval staff, the sole administrator of Rivers after declaring a state of emergency and suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy and the legislature.

Mr Ibas exited office in September, following the expiration of the six-month emergency rule.

The speakers allegations may have triggered the governors remarks.

At the ceremony, Mr Fubara stressed that his administration maintains comprehensive financial records, covering both periods before and after the emergency rule, countering public speculation over the management of state resources.

According to him, all inflows and outflows are traceable, and the government is prepared to present the details when required.

He added that his years in public service under former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom Wike were marked by transparency and accountability, saying his record remains unblemished.

14.2km ObodhiOzochi Road commissioned

Mr Fubara, at the event, explained that the project was initiated on 8 November 2022, by his predecessor as part of development efforts in Ahoada East and West, and was sustained and expanded by his administration after he assumed office.

When we came on board, it was natural that we saw this project to its conclusion, he said.

To show our appreciation for the support of your son, Rt Hon. Edison Ehie, we extended the project by an additional 4.4 kilometres, bringing it to the 14.2 kilometres we are commissioning today, he told a jubilant crowd.

Mr Ehie is a former Rivers lawmaker, who refused to support the plot to impeach Mr Fubara. He was later appointed chief of staff to the governor after resigning from the state assembly.

Mr Fubara reiterated his administrations development philosophy, which he said prioritises completion over ceremonial flag-offs.

We dont believe in flagging off projects, and wasting money or abandoning them. We believe in commissioning what we have truly delivered with the peoples money, he said.
A youth group, Nkanu Youth Organisation (NYO), has suspended its president, David Nwachukwu, over alleged diversion of the organisations funds and fraudulent collection of N10 million.

NYO is an umbrella body of youths across Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Isi-Uzo, Enugu East, Enugu South and Enugu North Local Government Areas of Enugu State.

The NYO disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday which was jointly signed by its National Secretary, Chukwuemerie Ugwu and National Vice-President, Gideon Nwafor.

Alleged financial fraud

The NYO, in the Tuesday statement, alleged that Mr Nwachukwu, using the name of a dissolved and former affiliate body, collected N10 million from an unnamed person without disclosure or approval from the organisation.

The group also accused the embattled president of diverting the organisations funds into his private account, including monies budgeted for its registration at the Corporate Affairs Commission.

No evidence was found to indicate that any step was taken towards completing the registration process by Mr Nwachukwu, the group said, accusing the president of abuse of office and high-handedness.

Criticism of Enugu governor

The NYO further accused Mr Nwachukwu of receiving N2 million from an unnamed person to promote negative propaganda against Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.

This action, undertaken without consultation with the NYOs National Executive Council, directly endangered the longstanding relationship between NYO and the Enugu State Government, the group said.

In view of the gravity of these findings and the need to safeguard the integrity, unity, and future of the NYO, the National Executive Council hereby announces that Mr David Nwachukwu is hereby suspended indefinitely as the national president of Nkanu Youth Organisation with immediate effect, the group said.

It stressed that, henceforth, the suspended president would not represent the organisation or speak on its behalf.

Appointment of acting president

The NYO said the group had referred the matter to relevant authorities for additional investigation and possible recovery of the misappropriated funds.

The group announced that to avoid a leadership vacuum, it had appointed its Vice-President, Mr Nwafor, a pharmacist, to serve as the acting president.

He is mandated to stabilise the organisation, coordinate reconciliation efforts, restore financial discipline, and oversee the affairs of the Union, pending election of a substantive president within the appropriate time frame, it said.

Embattled president speaks

When contacted by PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday night, Mr Nwachukwu denied allegations of financial misappropriation against him.

The suspended president claimed some NYO executives were paid by unnamed persons to falsely accuse him of financial misappropriation and then push him out of office.

They should provide evidence to back up their claims. They are making false allegations against me because I am not dancing to their tunes, he said.

He dismissed his suspension as the president, arguing that the individuals who announced his suspension did not follow the procedures in the organisations constitution.

Mr Nwachukwu claimed he was being targeted because of his statement in September 2025 in which he criticised Governor Mbahs alleged imposition of multiple taxes on residents and businesses in the state.
In the final weeks of 2025, more than 65,000 people remain in detention centers across the United States, 605,000 have been expelled from the country, and 1.9 million have self-deported

Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, from the pro-immigrant American Friends Service Committee in Florida, cherishes a memory that could be used to encapsulate 2025. It is the memory of a family who were given a choice as to their fate at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Miramar, Miami. The couple had arrived early for the womans appointment with the authorities. She went inside, while her husband remained outside, but an unexpected message informed him that he, too, had to enter the building. At that moment, the officers told them that one of them was going to be deported, but that the couple had to choose who it would be. She said she would leave because he was the one who worked and supported the household. He said no, she should stay with their two children. In the end, it was the mother who remained in the United States.

I was shocked, says Mendez-Zamora, who accompanied the family. It has been one of the most difficult years, the cruelest, where we have seen the most human rights violations, the activist asserts outside the Miramar facility, where a group of volunteers, organizations, religious leaders, and relatives of people detained by ICE gathered to protest on the eve of International Migrants Day, commemorated on December 18.

The ICE facility in Miramar, Florida, on December 17. CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH (EFE)

The closing year, 2025, is likely to be remembered as the most terrifying on record for the immigrant population in the United States, with more than 65,000 people in detention, 605,000 deportations, and 1.9 million self-deportations, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Trump administration is breaking historic records, said DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin last week. Illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now. They know that if they dont, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return, she added.

Like a horror film, images of the immigration offensive launched by the White House have unfolded over the past few months: families being forcibly separated by masked agents; children afraid to go to school and parents in hiding; deportations to third countries, some as far away as South Sudan or Eswatini; mass raids in different cities across the country; arrests inside courthouses; hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their legal status...

Its been an exhausting, frustrating year. Whats been happening has been terrifying, says Maria Asuncion Bilbao, campaign coordinator for the American Friends Service Committee in Florida, who goes to the ICE offices in Miramar every week to accompany migrant families to their appointments with the authorities. Tomorrow, International Migrants Day, will be a sad day in this country because they arent respecting the rights of any refugee, but I admire the bravery of the migrants; it takes courage to leave everything behind and come to a new country.

What is happening today in the United States is a reality that will not surprise those who listened attentively to Trump throughout his campaign, built on the rhetoric of guaranteeing national security through the expulsion of all criminals. Trump has gone all out to fulfill what he promised before the elections that returned him to power in November 2024: to carry out the largest deportation in history.

ICE arrests on the rise

In an effort to professionalize the expulsion of migrants, Trump deployed not only his rhetoric but also a vast economic arsenal to ensure the detention, imprisonment, and deportation of people. For this purpose, he had an agency he would strengthen until it became the greatest source of fear: ICE.

A migrant family at an immigration court in Manhattan, New York, on July 31. David Dee Delgado (REUTERS)

Stephen Miller, the architect of the administrations anti-immigrant policy, observed that arrests were progressing slowly during the first few months of the campaign, making it necessary to increase the number of arrests to 3,000 per day if the promised quota was to be met. While federal authorities had arrested around 18,000 people per month by April, by November the number of arrests stood at 21,127, a figure that was still below the governments targets.

To strengthen, among other things, the ICE machinery, Trump signed his tax reform bill, the so-called big, beautiful bill, into law in July. The agency thus became the best-funded in U.S. history, with a budget of over $100 billion, up from approximately $8 billion. Some $45 billion would be allocated to the construction of new detention centers and about $14 billion to deportation operations. An additional $30 billion would be used to recruit more agents, bringing the total number of personnel dedicated to pursuing migrants to 100,000.

The result has been visible: large-scale immigration raids in major, primarily Democratic, cities, which in the past had served as sanctuaries. Agents have arrived in Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Charlotte, North Carolina, despite objections from local authorities. They are also present at courthouses across the country, waiting for migrants to finish their hearings so they can handcuff them.

Increase in deportation flights

Other tools have also served to grease the wheels of the governments anti-immigrant machinery in recent months: the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for multiple nationalities and hundreds of thousands of people; the elimination of the parole program, which left more than half a million beneficiaries in limbo; the travel ban signed in June to halt legal migration from several countries, expanded to 39 nations this week; thousands of 287(g) agreements, which allow local police to work hand-in-hand with ICE; and the signing of pacts with third countries that receive deported migrants. According to Human Rights Firsts ICE flight monitor, deportation flights during the second Trump administration have exceeded 1,900, a 41% increase compared to the same period in 2014.

Guatemalan migrants arrive at La Aurora air base on a deportation flight, in Guatemala, September 2. Cristina Chiquin (REUTERS)

The president has also not hesitated to push the boundaries of the law to achieve his goals, defying courts that attempt to block his actions. Invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, the Republican administration sent more than 200 Venezuelans accused of being gang members to a mega-prison in El Salvador, despite a judges injunction. Other migrants have been sent to offshore detention centers, such as the Guantanamo Naval Base. The number of people released on bail, parole, or supervised release has also decreased, falling to 3% in September.

In addition to all this, the president suspended not only asylum and residency processes, but also halted procedures such as citizenship applications, thus undermining the highest status a migrant can achieve in the country. Recently, Trump was asked if he planned to denaturalize migrants who had obtained citizenship. If I have the power to do it  Im not sure that I do, but if I do  I would denaturalize, absolutely, he replied. This Tuesday, it was revealed that his administration will seek to denaturalize between 100 and 200 people per month from now on. If successful, this would represent a massive increase in denaturalization proceedings: from 2017 to the present, there have only been 120 cases.

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The young boy, who had surgery at the SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital, had severe pulmonary atresia  a life-threatening condition.

BARCELONA, Spain, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eduard was born with pulmonary atresia, a heart malformation that inhibits blood flow to the lungs for oxygenation. The artery responsible for doing so was extremely thinonly three millimeters in diameterand was practically blocked. To compensate for this defect, Eduard's heart had looked for alternative blood vessels to allow for circulation.

The young boy, who had surgery at the SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital, had severe pulmonary atresia  a life-threatening condition.

This meant that the young boy could go to school, but he could not exert himself. At nine years old, his condition worsened considerably, and he ended up being admitted to hospital. 'Doctors told us they couldn't operate,' explains his grandmother, 'that they couldn't do anything else for him. We couldn't give up.' That was how the family first contacted the Private International Patients Department at the SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital  a mother and child hospital specialising in high complexity pediatric diseases and a reference center for heart surgery.

On 16 October 2025, Eduard travelled to Barcelona by air ambulance. 'Eduard's case was very complex,' explains heart surgeon Dr Stefano Congiu. 'In Spain, we operate on these children when they are two or three years old. That is why we do not normally see cases as severe as Eduard's. That is also why the operation we performed was palliative. Given the complexity of his case, we could not hope to cure him at the time, but rather improve his quality of life.'The medical team managed to surgically increase the size of Eduard's pulmonary arterieswhich were very underdevelopedthereby increasing blood flow.

The boy recovered quickly. A few days later, his oxygen saturation levels rose to 85% and he could start walking again. Eight days later, he was discharged and was able to return home. His medical team will now keep a close eye on his progress alongside his cardiologist in his home country. 'Within the next year,' estimates Congiu, 'we will be able to see whether he needs another operation and whether it is possible to perform corrective surgery this time.'

The procedure has changed Eduard and his family's life. 'Before, he couldn't walk or even go to the bathroom on his own, because when he stood up, his blood pressure and oxygen levels would drop. Now he can walk and his quality of life has drastically improved,' notes the grandmother.

The Sant Joan de Deu Hospital (SJD) is an university hospital that specialises in paediatrics, gynaecology and obstetrics.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2847287/SJD_Barcelona_Childrens_Hospital.jpg
NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 2025 was a year of challenges, a year of action and, most importantly, a year where it became increasingly clear that change is possible through shared ambition.

In the face of complex global challenges, the UN Global Compact demonstrated that through collaboration, accountability and collective leadership, businesses have the power to step up and show up for people, the planet and the future.

UN Global Compact-Mobilizing Globally for Collective Action UN Global Compact-Action for Sustainable Development Goals UN Global Compact-ASG Sanda Ojiambo speaking at Leaders Summit 2025

The private sector plays a critical role in creating a safer, more inclusive and resilient world. It's not just the right thing to do  it's good business.

Additionally, 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of the UN Global Compact, a moment to commemorate progress and focus on the transformations ahead. As we reflect on 2025, we approach the next 25 with energy, urgency and optimism about what's possible.

Global growth

The reach of the UN Global Compact continues to expand as more stakeholders join the movement for responsible business.

2025 marked an inflection point in growth and impact. In the past five years alone, the UN Global Compact has nearly doubled participation to more than 23,000 companies across 160+ countries, expanding its small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) and regional programmes and raising the bar for corporate ambition and accountability.

We welcomed three new Country Networks this year, strengthening local implementation of the Ten Principles and enabling more companies to take action aligned with global standards and country-specific priorities.

Business with global stakeholders

Throughout 2025, the UN Global Compact convened leaders from business, Government, civil society, academia and youth to accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals.

Momentum around social sustainability was especially strong this year. From global advocacy at the Commission on the Status of Women to strengthened partnerships on human rights, the UN Global Compact continued to elevate equity and inclusion across businesses and markets.

A major highlight was the launch of the Ring the Bell LGBTIQ+ Equality Initiative, in partnership with UN Human Rights, the UN Sustainable Stock Exchange Initiative and Koppa, as well as the annual Ring the Bell for General Equity celebration. Through coordinated bell-ringing ceremonies at stock exchanges globally, 14 countries amplified a powerful message: equality is good for people, good for markets and good for business.

At the World Social Summit, business leaders emphasized that social development, decent work, equity, social protection and lifelong learning are fundamental to sustainable economic growth and a just transition.

UN General Assembly High-Level Week was another pivotal moment for the UN Global Compact this year. Marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 25th anniversary of the Global Compact, business leaders gathered to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism and the power of tackling tough challenges together.

During the UN General Assembly, hundreds of business leaders and partners came together at the Private Sector Forum, the UN Global Compact Hub and the Leaders Summit. Conversations centred on rebuilding trust, accelerating climate action and strengthening the role of responsible business in advancing peace, prosperity and the SDGs.

Additionally, the Unstoppable Africa event highlighted the continent's tremendous potential for business, trade and investment, and showcased the strategic role businesses play in advancing sustainable and inclusive growth.

Beyond these specific events, throughout the year, companies engaged meaningfully across themes and regions through:

Financing for Development: Mobilizing capital for the SDGs

High-Level Political Forum: Strengthening accountability for progress

Food Systems Summit Stocktake: Accelerating action for sustainable, equitable food systems

COP30: Reaffirming climate action and charting a path for our future

Moments like these reinforce the power of public-private collaboration in advancing global goals.

New insights, tools and guidance

In 2025, the UN Global Compact released a series of resources to help companies transform their commitments into meaningful action. These included:

The UN Global Compact  Accenture 2025 CEO Study showcased global executive perspectives on sustainability transformation.

The Non-Discrimination and Equality Analysis Tool helps companies assess and strengthen their approach to eliminating discrimination in work-related activities.

The Ocean Investment Protocol revealed a practical framework for scaling blue finance and ocean stewardship.

The EU Sustainability Navigator provides timely, expert-led insights into the latest EU policy shifts, translating the complex landscape into practical implications and impactful action.

Collectively, these tools support companies seeking to integrate sustainability into governance, operations, finance and culture.

2026 and beyond

We look back on this last year with gratitude, ambition and hope for the future.

This year affirmed that when businesses take action grounded in principles, guided by science and united around shared goals, transformation is possible.

As we enter the next chapter of the UN Global Compact, our ambition is clear: to accelerate progress, deepen accountability and mobilize the full power of business to create a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable world.

SOURCE United Nations Global Compact
Highlights:

A new guideline by the American Academy of Neurology says psychological interventions are possibly effective in helping people achieve freedom from functional seizures.

Functional seizures, previously known as psychogenic nonepileptic seizures or non-epileptic attack disorder, can look or feel like seizures from epilepsy or fainting, but they have their own typical features.

The guideline says appropriate treatment may decrease the frequency of functional seizures, decrease anxiety and improve quality of life.

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.

As noted by the authors, functional seizures have been a misunderstood condition, and this guideline is a landmark effort to help overcome stigma. It is the first guideline from the AAN to focus on a functional neurological disorder.

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 and the Functional Neurological Disorder 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," said guideline author Benjamin Tolchin, MD, MS, of the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. "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."

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.

Discover more about brain health at Brain & Life, from the American Academy of Neurology. This resource offers a website, podcast, and books that connect patients, caregivers and anyone interested in brain health with the most trusted information, straight from the world's leading experts in brain health. Follow Brain & Life on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 40,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN's mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

Explore the latest in neurological disease and brain health, from the minds at the AAN at AAN.com or find us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

SOURCE American Academy of Neurology
Figure 6. Bannockburn Nickel Sulphide Project Long-Section (Looking Northeast) of Resource Categories (TOP) and %Ni Grade (BOTTOM). (CNW Group/Canada Nickel Company Inc.)

Figure 6. Bannockburn Nickel Sulphide Project Long-Section (Looking Northeast) of Resource Categories (TOP) and %Ni Grade (BOTTOM). (CNW Group/Canada Nickel Company Inc.)

Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel said, "We continue to demonstrate the world class potential of the Timmins Nickel District and have now published eight of nine resources, with over 3.9 billion tonnes at 0.24% nickel for 9.4 million tonnes of Measured and Indicated nickel, and 4.9 billion tonnes at 0.23% nickel for 11.5 million tonnes of Inferred nickel. We were very pleased with both the Bannockburn and Midlothian resources  particularly as the Midlothian resource was generated from just 45% of the target geophysical footprint and yielded the highest average grade resource to date from our projects in the Timmins Nickel District. We expect to publish the final resource at Nesbitt in the first quarter of 2026."

Timmins Nickel District

The Company has published mineral resource estimates for eight of its properties in the Timmins area, amounting to 3.98 billion tonnes of 0.24% nickel in Measured & Indicated resources, for a total of 9.4 million tonnes of nickel metal, and an Inferred Resource of 4.95 billion tonnes of 0.23% nickel, for a total of 11.5 million tonnes of contained nickel metal (Table 1).

The Company continues to show the potential of its property package in the Timmins Nickel District. For comparison, the Sudbury Nickel District had an estimated pre-mining resource of 19 million tonnes of contained nickel (Naldrett and Lightfoot, 1993; Lesher and Thurston, 2002).

Table 1. Total Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources on Canada Nickel Properties.







M&I Inferred Exploration Target Project Geophysical Resource Resource (Bt) Ni % Contained Resource (Bt) Ni % Contained Tonnage (Bt) Footprint (km2) Date/Target Nickel (Mt) Nickel (Mt) Crawford 1.6 Oct-23 2.56 0.24 6.03 1.69 0.22 3.73 - Reid 3.9 Dec-24 0.59 0.24 1.43 0.99 0.23 2.24 0.9-2.1 Mann W 3.4 Jun-25 0.41 0.23 0.95 0.60 0.22 1.31 0.5-1.0 Mann CE 3.1 Jul-25 0.24 0.22 0.52 0.54 0.21 1.15 0.6-2.0 Deloro 0.4 Jul-24 0.08 0.25 0.20 0.36 0.25 0.89 - Texmont 0.1 Jul-25 0.04 0.29 0.11 0.05 0.25 0.14 - Bannockburn 0.4 Dec-25 0.06 0.28 0.18 0.13 0.27 0.34 0.06-0.35 Midlothian 1.7 Dec-25 - - - 0.59 0.28 1.68 0.43-0.98 TOTAL 15.0

3.98 0.24 9.42 4.95 0.23 11.48



Midlothian Mineral Resource Estimate

The Midlothian Project is 110 km south of the Company's flagship Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project ("Crawford") and approximately 27 km southwest of the town of Matachewan. The area of the geophysical target covered by the Midlothian mineral resource estimate (MRE) represents approximately 45% of its total target geophysical area. Midlothian is accessible year-round.

For the initial MRE, a total of 9,268 metres of core drilling from 22 drill holes were utilized to calculate the Midlothian Inferred Resource category as summarized in Table 2. All drill holes belong to Canada Nickel and were drilled in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 drilling campaigns.

Inferred Resources total 595 million tonnes grading 0.28% nickel, for a total of 1.68 million tonnes of contained nickel. The approximate dimensions of the Midlothian MRE are 2.5 kilometres long, up to 520 metres wide, extending to 500 metres deep, and remaining open to the east and at depth. An additional 434 to 980 million tonnes grading between 0.25% and 0.27% nickel remain as an Exploration Target1, pending further drilling. This Exploration Target is based on core drilling by the Company, the geophysical survey on the Project, and the understanding and calculation of the current Midlothian MRE.

The Exploration Target was derived by modelling the identified nickel sulphide mineralization within the current estimation envelope but outside of the current MRE area. The volume of the modelled Exploration Target area determines the potential tonnage statement in the Exploration Target. The grade range given in the Exploration Target is determined with consideration to the drill core results within the modelled Exploration Target area, consideration of the geological setting in a well understood nickel deposit type where grades are observed and well understood and based on the experience of the Company and the Qualified Persons. The potential tonnages and grades are conceptual in nature and are based on drill holes and geophysical results that define the approximate length, thickness, depth and grade of the Exploration Target. There has been insufficient exploration to define a current mineral resource and the Company cautions that there is a risk that further exploration will not result in the delineation of a current mineral resource.

The Midlothian MRE was prepared by Caracle Creek International Consulting Inc. and its sub-consultant L&M Geociencias, in accordance with CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (2019) and CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves (2014). A Technical Report in support of the Mineral Resource Estimate will be filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) within 45 days of this news release.

1the potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature; 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 (also see below).

Table 2. Initial Total Mineral Resource Estimate (in-pit resources) for the Midlothian Nickel Sulphide Deposit.

Mineral Resource Estimate

Contained Metal Class Tonnage

(Mt) Ni

(%) Co

(%) Fe

(%) Cr

(%) Pd

(g/t) Pt

(g/t)

Ni

(kt) Co

(kt) Fe

(Mt) Cr

(kt) Pd

(koz) Pt

(koz) Inferred 595.3 0.28 0.011 4.72 0.18 0.003 0.004

1,684 64.4 28.1 1,057 56.3 69.9

Notes to Table 2:

The independent Qualified Person for the Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"), as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), is Dr. Scott Jobin-Bevans (P.Geo., PGO #0183), of Caracle Creek International Consulting Inc. The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is December 15, 2025. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Resources in this MRE are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Resources as Indicated or Measured. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. A cut-off grade of 0.10% Ni was used to define potentially economic material for inclusion within the MRE. Cut-offs were determined on the basis of core assay geostatistics and drill core lithologies for the deposit, and by comparison to analogous nickel deposit types. Geological and block models for the MRE used data from a total of 22 surface drill holes, completed by Canada Nickel in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The drill hole database was validated prior to resource estimation and QA/QC checks were made using industry-standard control charts for blanks, core duplicates and commercial certified reference material inserted into assay batches by Canada Nickel and by comparison of umpire assays performed at a second laboratory. Estimates have been rounded to two significant figures. The MRE was prepared following the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (November 29, 2019) and the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves (May 19, 2014). The geological model as applied to the MRE comprises three mineralized domains hosted by variably serpentinized ultramafic rocks: a higher-grade core (dunite), a slightly lower grade halo (transitional dunite) and a lower grade marginal domain (peridotite). Individual wireframes were created for each domain in Leapfrog Geo 2025.2 software. A 20 m x 20 m x 15 m block model was created, and samples were composited at 7.5 m intervals. Grade estimation from drill hole data was carried out for Ni, Co, Fe, Cr, S, Pd and Pt using the Ordinary Kriging interpolation method in Isatis 2024.12 software. The MRE has been constrained by a conceptual pit envelope that was developed using the following optimization parameters. Metal prices used were US$21,000/t nickel, US$40,000/t cobalt, US$325/t iron, US$3,860/t chromium, US$1,350/oz palladium, and US$1,150/oz platinum. Different pit slopes were used for each layer (in degrees): 9.5 in clay, 11.3 in sand & till, and 45.0 in rock. Exchange rate utilized was C$ = US$0.76. Mining costs utilized different values for overburden (clay, gravel), and rock mining, ranging from C$1.64 to C$4.32/t mined. Processing and G&A costs for a 120 ktpd operation (similar to the ultimate scope of Crawford) have been estimated at C$8.20/t. Based on the range of grade and ratio of sulphur to nickel, calculated recovery averages 39% for Ni, 6% for Co, 56% for Fe and 25% for Cr, 32% for Pd and 12% for Pd. Grade estimation was validated by comparison of input and output statistics (Nearest Neighbour and Inverse Distance Squared methods), swath plot analysis, cross-plots of declustered samples against the nearest OK estimate, and by visual inspection of the assay data, block model, and grade shells in cross-sections. Density estimation was carried out for the mineralized domains using the Ordinary Kriging interpolation method, based on 947 specific gravity measurements collected during the core logging process, using the same block model parameters of the grade estimation. As a reference, the average estimated density value within dunite is 2.56 g/cm3 (t/m3), the transitional dunite domain yielded an average of 2.61 g/cm3 (t/m3), while the peridotite domain is 2.76 g/cm3 (t/m3).

Next Steps at Midlothian Nickel Sulphide Project:

A technical report with respect to the MRE disclosed today will be filed within 45 days of this news release.

Infill drilling at the property will aim to increase and upgrade Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources in the next drilling campaign.

Mineralogical and metallurgical analysis will continue to better understand and estimate metal recoveries.

Bannockburn Mineral Resource Estimate

The Bannockburn Project is 100 km southeast of the Company's flagship Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project ("Crawford"). The area of the geophysical target covered by the Bannockburn MRE represents approximately 70% of its total target geophysical area. Bannockburn is accessible year-round.

For the initial MRE, a total of 8,528 metres of core drilling from 25 drill holes were utilized to calculate the Bannockburn resources in two categories, as summarized in Table 3. Seventeen drill holes belong to the Canada Nickel 2023-2024 drilling campaigns, while the remaining 8 holes are from an inherited dataset from Grid Metals drilling in 2021.

Indicated Resources total 63 million tonnes grading 0.28% nickel, for a total of 0.18 million tonnes of contained nickel and Inferred Resources total 129 million tonnes grading 0.27% nickel, for a total of 0.34 million tonnes of contained nickel. The approximate dimensions of the Bannockburn MRE are 1.2 kilometres long, up to 330 metres wide, extending to 500 metres deep, and remaining open in all directions.

Drilling at Bannockburn was conducted in 2023 and 2024. The 2024 campaign successfully completed the goal of infilling previous sections to allow for the definition of an initial mineral resource estimate, gain understanding on the geology of the deposit, as well as systematically collecting samples for mineralogical analysis.

The Bannockburn MRE was prepared by Caracle Creek International Consulting Inc. and its sub-consultant L&M Geociencias, in accordance with CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (2019) and CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves (2014). A Technical Report in support of the Mineral Resource Estimate will be filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) within 45 days of this news release.

Table 3. Initial Total Mineral Resource Estimate (in-pit resources) for the Bannockburn Nickel Sulphide Deposit.

Mineral Resource Estimate

Contained Metal Class Tonnage

(Mt) Ni

(%) Co

(%) Fe

(%) Cr

(%) Pd

(g/t) Pt

(g/t)

Ni

(kt) Co

(kt) Fe

(Mt) Cr

(kt) Pd

(koz) Pt

(koz) Indicated 63.2 0.28 0.009 3.79 0.11 0.006 0.006

179.7 5.9 2.4 67.3 12.1 12.2 Inferred 129.0 0.27 0.010 4.51 0.15 0.006 0.006

342.9 12.6 5.8 0.15 24.2 25.8

Notes to Table 3:

The independent Qualified Person for the Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"), as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), is Dr. Scott Jobin-Bevans (P.Geo., PGO #0183), of Caracle Creek International Consulting Inc. The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is December 15, 2025. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Resources in this MRE are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Resources as Indicated or Measured. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. A cut-off grade of 0.10% Ni was used to define potentially economic material for inclusion within the MRE. Cut-offs were determined on the basis of core assay geostatistics and drill core lithologies for the deposit, and by comparison to analogous nickel deposit types. Geological and block models for the MRE used data from a total of xx surface drill holes, completed by Canada Nickel in 2023 and 2024. The drill hole database was validated prior to resource estimation and QA/QC checks were made using industry-standard control charts for blanks, core duplicates and commercial certified reference material inserted into assay batches by Canada Nickel and by comparison of umpire assays performed at a second laboratory. Estimates have been rounded to two significant figures. The MRE was prepared following the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (November 29, 2019) and the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves (May 19, 2014). The geological model as applied to the MRE comprises two mineralized domains hosted by variably serpentinized ultramafic rocks: a higher-grade core (dunite), and a lower grade halo (transitional dunite). Individual wireframes were created for each domain in Leapfrog Geo 2025.1 software. A 20 m x 20 m x 15 m block model was created, and samples were composited at 7.5 m intervals. Grade estimation from drill hole data was carried out for Ni, Co, Fe, Cr, S, Pd and Pt using the Ordinary Kriging interpolation method in Isatis 2024.12 software. The MRE has been constrained by a conceptual pit envelope that was developed using the following optimization parameters. Metal prices used were US$21,000/t nickel, US$40,000/t cobalt, US$325/t iron, US$3,860/t chromium, US$1,350/oz palladium, and US$1,150/oz platinum. Different pit slopes were used for each layer (in degrees): 9.5 in clay, 11.3 in sand & till, and 45.0 in rock. Exchange rate utilized was C$ = US$0.76. Mining costs utilized different values for overburden (clay, gravel), and rock mining, ranging from C$1.82 to C$4.61/t mined. Material at Bannockburn would be treated in a 120 ktpd operation (similar to the ultimate scope of Crawford). Ore Transportation, Processing and G&A costs for such an operation have been estimated at C$13.50/t. Based on the range of grade and ratio of sulphur to nickel, calculated recovery averages 49% for Ni, 10% for Co, 55% for Fe, 28% for Cr, 41% for Pd and 16% for Pd. Grade estimation was validated by comparison of input and output statistics (Nearest Neighbour and Inverse Distance Squared methods), swath plot analysis, cross-plots of declustered samples against the nearest OK estimate, and by visual inspection of the assay data, block model, and grade shells in cross-sections. Density estimation was carried out for the mineralized domains using the Ordinary Kriging interpolation method, based on 454 specific gravity measurements collected during the core logging process, using the same block model parameters of the grade estimation. As a reference, the average estimated density value within dunite is 2.55 g/cm3 (t/m3), while the transitional dunite domain yielded an average of 2.61 g/cm3 (t/m3).

Next Steps at Bannockburn Nickel Sulphide Project:

A technical report with respect to the MRE disclosed today will be filed within 45 days of this news release.

Exploration drilling at the property will include an extension into the peridotite bodies adjacent to the main dunite body. The increase in volume and better morphology of the deposit could increase resources significantly.

Mineralogical and metallurgical analysis will continue to better understand and estimate metal recoveries.

Assays, Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Drilling

Edwin Escarraga, MSc, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of NI 43-101, is responsible for the on-going drilling and sampling program, including quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). The core is collected from the drill in sealed core trays and transported to the secure core logging facility (core shack). The core is marked and sampled at 1.5 metre lengths and cut in half with a diamond blade saw. One set of samples (half core) is transported in secured bags directly from the Canada Nickel core shack to Actlabs Timmins, while a second set of samples (half core) is securely shipped to SGS Lakefield for preparation, with analysis performed at SGS Burnaby. Both laboratories are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and independent of Canada Nickel and the Qualified Persons. Analysis for precious metals (gold, platinum, and palladium) are completed by Fire Assay (FA) while analysis for nickel, cobalt, sulphur and other elements are performed using a peroxide fusion and ICP-OES analysis. Certified standards and blanks (QA/QC samples) are inserted at a rate of three QA/QC samples per 20 core samples making a batch of 60 samples that are submitted for analysis.

Qualified Person and Data Verification

Stephen J. Balch (P.Geo. #2250  Ontario), VP Exploration of Canada Nickel and a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of NI 43-101, has verified the data disclosed in this news release, and has otherwise reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release on behalf of Canada Nickel Company Inc.

The magnetic geophysical images shown in this news release were created from Canada Nickel's interpretation of datasets provided by the Ontario Geological Survey.

References

Naldrett, A.J., and Lightfoot, P.C., 1993, Ni-Cu-PGE ores of the Noril'sk region, Siberia: A model for giant magmatic ore deposits associated with flood basalts: Society of Economic Geologists Special Publication 2, p. 81-123.

Lesher, C.M. and Thurston, P.C., 2002, A Special Issue Devoted to the Mineral Deposits of the Sudbury Basin: Economic Geology, Vol. 97, No. 7.

About Canada Nickel Company

Canada Nickel Company Inc. is advancing the next generation of nickel-sulphide projects to deliver nickel required to feed the high growth electric vehicle and stainless-steel markets. Canada Nickel Company has applied in multiple jurisdictions to trademark the terms NetZero Nickel, NetZero Cobalt, NetZero Iron and is pursuing the development of processes to allow the production of net zero carbon nickel, cobalt, and iron products. Canada Nickel provides investors with leverage to nickel in low political risk jurisdictions. Canada Nickel is currently anchored by its 100% owned flagship Crawford Nickel-Cobalt Sulphide Project in the heart of the prolific Timmins-Nickel District. For more information, please visit www.canadanickel.com.

For further information, please contact:

Mark Selby

CEO

Phone: 647-256-1954

Email: [email protected]

Cautionary Note and Statement Concerning Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, the potential of the Bannockburn Nickel Sulphide Project, timing for filing a technical report in support of the Mineral Resource Estimate, the significance of drill results, the ability to continue drilling, the impact of drilling on the definition of any resource, timing and completion (if at all) of additional mineral resource estimates, the potential of the Timmins Nickel District, strategic plans, including future exploration and development plans and results, and corporate and technical objectives. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon several assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals, the future demand for metals, the results of drilling, inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the property, environmental liabilities (known and unknown), general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, results of exploration programs, risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. Canada Nickel disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information. 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.

SOURCE Canada Nickel Company Inc.
DENTON, Texas, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CBS ArcSafe, a leading manufacturer of remote racking and switching solutions for low- and medium-voltage switchgear, introduces the RSK-CGM.3 remote switching kit (RSK) for Ormazabal CGM.3 switchgear.

Compatible with all configurations of Ormazabal CGM.3 switchgear for disconnect and earthing switch operations, the RSK-CGM.3 allows technicians to remotely operate equipment from outside the arc flash boundary (up to 300 feet away with line of sight).

Compatible with all configurations of Ormazabal CGM.3 switchgear for disconnect and earthing switch operations, the RSK-CGM.3 allows technicians to remotely operate equipment from outside the arc flash boundary.

Powered by a Milwaukee M18 REDLITHIUM ion battery pack, it requires no modifications to existing electrical equipment. Weighing 17 lbs., it is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for hard-to-access areas. Quick installation and removal ensure minimum downtime, and adjustable travel and locators accommodate the entire product line.

All CBS ArcSafe products are manufactured in the United States at our facility in Denton, Texas. For more information, visit CBSArcSafe.com or call 877-4-SAFETY.

About CBS ArcSafe

CBS ArcSafe offers the electrical industry's largest inventory of remote racking and switching solutions for low- and medium-voltage switchgear. The systems operate without modification to existing electrical equipment and allow technicians to operate equipment from a safe distance of up to 300 feet away. All CBS ArcSafe equipment is manufactured in the United States at our Denton, Texas, facility. CBS ArcSafe offers 24/7/365 emergency support and is happy to develop custom remote racking and switching solutions for customers. Learn more at CBSArcSafe.com or call us toll-free at 877-4-SAFETY.

SOURCE CBS ArcSafe
Eight exceptional U.S. college students selected for a fully funded sustainability-focused internship in Copenhagen

PORTLAND, Maine, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and the Scan Design Foundation (SDF) are pleased to announce the inaugural cohort selected for the 2026 Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship, an immersive eight-week program in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The 2026 CIEE Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Interns

The Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship is a fully funded summer program designed to deepen students' understanding of environmental sustainability in a Danish context while developing core competencies in intercultural communication, problem-solving, and leadership.

During Summer 2026, eight students will intern with a Copenhagen-based company focused on environmentally sustainable business practices. They will work alongside Danish professionals to address real-world environmental challenges and learn practical skills that will enhance their employability and career readiness.

The 2026 Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Interns attend leading colleges across America and represent various academic majors:

Villanova University , Srija Tamidela, Finance

, Srija Tamidela, Finance University of Washington , Eva Odderson, Engineering

, Eva Odderson, Engineering University of Texas at Austin , Lara Figur Valente Borges, Environmental Science

, Lara Figur Valente Borges, Environmental Science University of Colorado Boulder , Olivia Gaik, Biochemistry

, Olivia Gaik, Biochemistry University of California, Berkeley , Sophia Ware, Environmental Science

, Sophia Ware, Environmental Science University of California, Berkeley , Cornelius Van Zutphen, Business Administration

, Cornelius Van Zutphen, Business Administration North Carolina A&T University , Misbahou Jalloh, Physics

, Misbahou Jalloh, Physics Louisiana State University, Alexis Kelley, Environmental Engineering

These exceptional students were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants based on their demonstrated leadership, commitment to environmental sustainability, interest in cross-cultural learning, and desire to contribute innovative solutions to global environmental challenges.

"This internship embodies Scan Design Foundation's mission to advance Danish-American relations by bringing students together across cultures to study and tackle environmental challenges," said Fidelma McGinn, President of the Scan Design Foundation. "Through this immersive experience, participants will gain firsthand insight into Denmark's commitment to sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient living."

"The first cohort of Scan Design interns will return home with professional experience and a network of international contacts that will prepare them for future careers in sustainability," said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO of CIEE. "We are proud to partner with Scan Design Foundation to equip young leaders with tools and practical experience to improve our world."

Nearly 300 eligible applicants who were not selected will receive a $1,500 CIEE Scan Design Scholars Grant, to attend any CIEE summer or semester program through 2027, including a wide range of sustainability-focused options such as Ecology + Sustainability programs in Athens, Cape Town, Monteverde, Merida, Lisbon, and other locations.

Questions about the program? Email [email protected].

About Scan Design Foundation

Honoring the legacy of Danish immigrants Inger and Jens Bruun, the Scan Design Foundation advances Danish-American relations by supporting cultural exchanges focused on environmental sustainability. The organization is a private foundation founded in 2002 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Learn more at scandesignfoundation.org.

About CIEE

Since 1947, CIEE has built bridges between people, nations, and cultures by supporting more than one million student exchanges across more than 140 countries. CIEE programs help young people develop intercultural understanding, global competence, and the leadership skills needed to succeed in a connected world. Learn more at ciee.org.

Media Contact:

Leslie Taylor

[email protected]

(207) 553-4274

SOURCE Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (NYSE:GBX) invites shareholders and other interested parties to listen to its Virtual Shareholders Meeting.

What: The Greenbrier Companies' Virtual Annual Shareholders Meeting

When: Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. PST

To attend virtually, please go https://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GBX2026 and log in 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. If you are a shareholder, you will need the control number from your proxy card to participate. Otherwise, you can log in as a "Guest." If you log in through a brokerage firm's website, you can gain access to the meeting by logging into your brokerage firm's website 15 minutes prior to the meeting start. Then, select the shareholder communications mailbox to connect to the meeting and the control number will automatically populate.

About Greenbrier

Greenbrier, headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is a leading international supplier of equipment and services to global freight transportation markets. Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures, Greenbrier designs, builds and markets freight railcars in North America, Europe and Brazil. We are a leading provider of freight railcar wheel services, parts, maintenance and retrofitting services in North America through our maintenance services business unit. Greenbrier owns a lease fleet of approximately 17,000 railcars that originate primarily from Greenbrier's manufacturing operations. Greenbrier offers railcar management, regulatory compliance services and leasing services to railroads and other railcar owners in North America. Learn more about Greenbrier at www.gbrx.com.

SOURCE The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
Partnership to drive growth by leveraging L Catterton's sector expertise and operating capabilities

MUMBAI, India, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- L Catterton, a leading global consumer-focused investment firm today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with and invested in Haldiram's, a renowned packaged food company in India. The collaboration aims to fortify Haldiram's market leadership in the country and accelerate its international expansion on the back of its robust fundamentals, brand equity, and growth potential.

With the partnership, Haldiram's will be able to tap into L Catterton's global consumer sector expertise, operating prowess, and industry network, as well as local talent, insights, and relationships. This positions Haldiram's to benefit from L Catterton's vast capabilities, including that of the firm's Executive Chairman of India Sanjiv Mehta, the former Chairman / CEO and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited.

Leveraging L Catterton's sector mastery honed over investing in and growing consumer businesses for almost four decades, as well as Mr Mehta's experience managing India's largest consumer company and other leadership roles across various Unilever businesses over 25 years, Haldiram's will endeavour to foster a global 'India for the World' brand. This will involve unlocking further value via a comprehensive range of initiatives in areas such as brand building, new product development, supply chain and distribution optimisation, geographic expansion, as well as talent development.

Mr Mehta commented, "Haldiram's is an iconic Indian brand that resonates across the country as the undisputed leader in the ethnic snacks category and has significant potential to become a global brand in the packaged snacks space. We are delighted to back Haldiram's and drive further growth in India's evolving and flourishing consumer market, as well as galvanise its internationalisation."

L Catterton has significant experience in building brands in the packaged food space across the world. Current and past investments in the space include Cholula Hot Sauce, Farmley, Ferrara Candy Company, Goodles, Kettle Foods, Kodiak, Little Moons, NotCo, Planted, and Plum Organics.

About Haldiram's

Haldiram's is a leading multinational packaged food company known for its wide range of snacks, sweets, and ready-to-eat products. Haldiram's brand has become synonymous with Indian packaged snacks and has been awarded as one of the country's most loved and trusted brands. Established in 1937, the company is the pioneer of branded traditional snacks in India and has grown to become one of the country's largest manufacturers of packaged foods with a significant international presence. For more information about Haldiram's, please visit haldiram.com.

About L Catterton

L Catterton is a market-leading consumer-focused investment firm, managing approximately $39 billion of equity capital across three multi-product platforms: private equity, credit, and real estate. The firm's funds have the ability to invest between $5 million and $5 billion, across the capital structure, in well-positioned consumer businesses. Leveraging deep category insight, operational excellence, and a broad network of strategic relationships, L Catterton's team of more than 200 investment and operating professionals across 18 offices partners with management teams to drive differentiated value creation across its portfolio. Founded in 1989, the firm has made over 300 investments in some of the world's most iconic consumer brands. For more information about L Catterton, please visit lcatterton.com.

CONTACTS

L Catterton

Julie Hamilton (U.S.)

[email protected]

+1 203 742 5185

Bob Ong (Asia)

[email protected]

+65 6672 7619

Gurunath Birnale (Adfactors, for L Catterton in India)

[email protected]/ [email protected]

+91 88613 44404

SOURCE L Catterton
New role further strengthens marketing capabilities and accelerates growth strategy

AUSTIN, Minn., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced that Jason Levine has been appointed to a newly created enterprise-wide chief marketing officer (CMO) role, a move that underscores the company's commitment to driving growth and innovation as it continues to strengthen its consumer-centric strategy.

Jason Levine, Hormel Foods

Levine is a seasoned marketing leader with more than two decades of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, spanning global brands and emerging companies. He spent 19 years with Mondelez International, beginning at Kraft Foods Group. He ultimately rose to Mondelez's CMO for North America, where he led marketing for a multibillion-dollar portfolio of brands, including OREO and RITZ, driving innovation, brand modernization, and cross-category growth in highly competitive markets. Most recently, Levine served as CMO for PIM Brands, a snacking confectionery company that includes Welch's fruit snacks.

"We're excited to have Jason join us and take on this new role  an important step in advancing our marketing capabilities and driving growth across all segments of our business," said John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods. "Jason brings deep expertise in global brand building, innovation and digital strategy across well-known brands, and his leadership will help us unlock the full potential of our iconic brands and accelerate our long-range growth ambitions."

This role is focused on advancing marketing capabilities across the company and enabling enterprise-wide growth. Levine will concentrate on areas such as brand strategy, digital capabilities, and creating marketing platforms that scale across channels and markets. Enterprise business analytics  spanning revenue growth management and brand and shopper analytics  will now be aligned with the company's Brand Fuel function, its hub for innovation, consumer and shopper insights, brand diagnostics, ecommerce, digital content and brand communications. Under Levine's leadership, this integration will support the strategic use of data and technology to enable impactful brand marketing, innovation and consumer-driven growth across channels and markets.

Levine's appointment underscores the company's commitment to placing consumers at the center of its strategy and driving sustainable growth.

About Jason Levine

Levine brings more than two decades of experience in marketing leadership across global food and consumer packaged goods companies. He served as chief marketing officer for North America at Mondelez International, overseeing a multibilliondollar portfolio of brands and driving largescale innovation, including the launch of new snack platforms and omnichannel marketing programs. He also held marketing leadership roles at Kraft Foods Group, where he contributed to brand development and portfolio growth initiatives. Most recently, Levine held senior roles at PIM Brands, Whisps Snacks and Sabra Dipping Company, where he led category expansion, introduced new product lines and advanced digital engagement strategies.

Levine earned his MBA from Tulane University and a bachelor's degree in business from Northeastern University.

About Hormel Foods  Inspired People. Inspired Food.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE, APPLEGATE, WHOLLY, HORMEL BLACK LABEL, COLUMBUS, JENNIE-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement  Inspired People. Inspired Food.  to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which are based on the company's current assumptions and expectations. These statements are typically accompanied by the words "will," "would," or similar words or expressions. The principal forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the company's growth strategy and ambitions.

All such forward-looking statements are intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Although the company believes there is a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements, its actual results could be materially different. The most important factors which could cause the company's actual results to differ from its forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks related to the deterioration of economic conditions; the risk of disruption of operations; food safety risks; fluctuations in commodity prices and availability of raw materials and other inputs; fluctuations in market demand for the company's products; risks related to the company's ability to respond to changing consumer preferences; damage to the company's reputation or brand image; and the other risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A  Risk Factors of the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which can be accessed at www.hormelfoods.com in the "Investors" section. Though the company has attempted to list comprehensively these important cautionary risk factors, the company cautions that other factors may in the future prove to be important in affecting the company's business or results of operations. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement except as otherwise required by law.

Contact: Media Relations

Hormel Foods

[email protected]

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
BELMONT, Mass., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- How do major life changes affect housing decisions? In an article published in HelloNation , real estate experts Jim and Mike Savas Team in Belmont, Massachusetts, explain how milestones such as retirement, divorce, or caring for aging parents can shape where and how people choose to live. He notes that these choices are never only about property. They represent a way of creating stability and security during some of life's most challenging transitions.

Michael Savas, Owner, Jim and Mike Savas Team Speed Speed

Housing decisions after retirement often come with a desire for simplicity. Many individuals no longer want to handle the upkeep of a large home and instead prefer something smaller, easier to manage, or closer to community amenities. Options may include downsizing to a condominium, choosing a single-level home, or moving into a community specifically designed for seniors. While reducing costs is part of the equation, Savas explains that the bigger focus is ensuring a lifestyle that fits the next chapter of life.

Divorce and real estate present distinct challenges. The decision to sell the family home or have one party remain in the property can be both deeply emotional and financially challenging. This choice often defines how each person moves forward. For some, selling the home creates a fresh start, while for others, keeping it offers a sense of stability during an uncertain time. Savas notes that reviewing the long-term financial picture is critical, since rushed housing choices during a divorce may cause regret later.

Caring for aging parents introduces yet another layer of complexity. Families must weigh options such as moving a loved one into their own home, finding a nearby apartment, or considering assisted living. Each choice carries practical concerns like cost, location, and accessibility, but it also involves emotional considerations. These situations often feel urgent, but Savas emphasizes that proactive planning leads to better outcomes than decisions made under pressure. Preparing in advance helps families avoid last-minute stress and allows everyone to adjust more smoothly.

Communities such as Belmont and Watertown demonstrate how local markets influence these personal decisions. Both areas offer a range of housing options, including single-family homes, condominiums, and rental properties. However, availability, affordability, and neighborhood amenities can vary significantly. The Belmont housing market, for example, appeals to those who value community atmosphere and access to schools, while Watertown real estate may be a better fit for families seeking proximity to city resources and medical care. Understanding these differences helps individuals choose locations that align with their long-term goals.

Savas stresses that housing transitions during life changes are not purely financial decisions. While numbers matter, emotions are equally present. The family home may represent years of memories, making it hard to let go. Alternatively, a new home can symbolize independence, healing, or the beginning of a new stage of life. Balancing those feelings with a realistic evaluation of finances, future needs, and lifestyle preferences is what leads to the best outcomes.

Consider a retiree in Belmont who decides to downsize from a four-bedroom house to a two-bedroom condominium. The move not only cuts down on maintenance costs but also allows access to walkable shops and community programs. The decision reflects both practical needs and a lifestyle shift. In another example, a couple in Watertown navigating divorce may decide to sell their home and split the proceeds. While financially sound, the choice also gives each person the ability to create a new environment that supports their fresh start. For families caring for aging parents, selecting a home with an in-law suite or choosing a nearby apartment allows for both closeness and independence, striking a balance between emotional comfort and financial feasibility.

The Belmont housing market and Watertown real estate landscape make these decisions even more significant. Home prices, inventory levels, and neighborhood features can all shift what feels realistic for individuals and families in transition. By understanding the nuances of local markets and planning ahead, homeowners can make choices that protect both their financial stability and their emotional well-being.

Savas explains that while transitions such as retirement, divorce, or caring for a loved one can feel overwhelming, the right housing choice provides stability and peace of mind. When guided by careful planning and awareness of both personal and market realities, these decisions create a foundation for smoother transitions and better long-term outcomes.

In his article, Real Estate Choices During Life's Biggest Transitions , Savas details how individuals can approach housing decisions after retirement, navigate divorce and real estate, and plan for caring for aging parents with greater clarity. His advice highlights how understanding the Belmont housing market and Watertown real estate options can make difficult transitions more manageable.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation
2025 DeLamar Feasibility Study Highlights:

Robust and resilient project returns: After-tax net present value 5% ("NPV") of $774 million ("M") and 46% after-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") using base case metal prices of $3,000 per ounce ("/oz") gold ("Au") and $35/oz silver ("Ag"); After-tax NPV of $1.7 billion ("B") and 89% after-tax IRR using spot metal prices of $4,250/oz Au and $60/oz Ag.

After-tax net present value 5% ("NPV") of $774 million ("M") and 46% after-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") using base case metal prices of $3,000 per ounce ("/oz") gold ("Au") and $35/oz silver ("Ag"); After-tax NPV of $1.7 billion ("B") and 89% after-tax IRR using spot metal prices of $4,250/oz Au and $60/oz Ag. Increased ounces and mine-life: Addition of stockpile material enhances mine life to 10 years and total life-of-mine ("LOM") production to 1.1 million ounces ("Moz") of gold equivalent ("AuEq").

Addition of stockpile material enhances mine life to 10 years and total life-of-mine ("LOM") production to 1.1 million ounces ("Moz") of gold equivalent ("AuEq"). Consistent and profitable production profile 1,2,3 : Average production of 119 thousand ounces ("koz") AuEq from year 1 to 5 with average LOM production of 106 koz AuEq at site level cash costs of $1,179/oz AuEq (co-product) and below industry average all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") of $1,480/oz AuEq (co-product); efficient mining supports low life-of mine strip ratio of 0.54:1.

Average production of 119 thousand ounces ("koz") AuEq from year 1 to 5 with average LOM production of 106 koz AuEq at site level cash costs of $1,179/oz AuEq (co-product) and below industry average all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") of $1,480/oz AuEq (co-product); efficient mining supports low life-of mine strip ratio of 0.54:1. Realistic and financeable Project: Total initial capital cost of $389 M (includes $38 M of owners' cost) and sustaining capital of $305 M over the LOM; strong project financing pathway created by ongoing cash flow generation from the Company's operating Florida Canyon Mine ("Florida Canyon") and strong cash balance of ~$81 million as at the third quarter 2025.

Total initial capital cost of $389 M (includes $38 M of owners' cost) and sustaining capital of $305 M over the LOM; strong project financing pathway created by ongoing cash flow generation from the Company's operating Florida Canyon Mine ("Florida Canyon") and strong cash balance of ~$81 million as at the third quarter 2025. Competitive Project metrics 4 : Base case NPV-to-capex ratio of 2.0 and payback of 1.8 years; spot NPV-to-capex ratio and payback improve to 4.4 and 1.1 years, respectively.

Base case NPV-to-capex ratio of 2.0 and payback of 1.8 years; spot NPV-to-capex ratio and payback improve to 4.4 and 1.1 years, respectively. Strong free cash-flow profile in early years 2 : Excellent profitability at beginning of mine life; Year 1-5 average after-tax free cash flow of $165 M; smooth transitioning from Florida Mountain to DeLamar deposits with no grade or tonnage "cliffs".

Excellent profitability at beginning of mine life; Year 1-5 average after-tax free cash flow of $165 M; smooth transitioning from Florida Mountain to DeLamar deposits with no grade or tonnage "cliffs". Simplified Project layout and processing: Two oxide heap leach facilities ("HLF") (vs. single large HLF design in the 2022 Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS")), and two-stage crushing (vs. three-stage in PFS); reduced mine-site footprint and enhanced water usage strategy brings potential permitting advantages.

Two oxide heap leach facilities ("HLF") (vs. single large HLF design in the 2022 Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS")), and two-stage crushing (vs. three-stage in PFS); reduced mine-site footprint and enhanced water usage strategy brings potential permitting advantages. Meaningful benefits to local communities: Excellent local support for Project development built upon years of engagement and early inclusion of local interests in Project design; an average of 300 direct permanent jobs are expected to be created at DeLamar.

Excellent local support for Project development built upon years of engagement and early inclusion of local interests in Project design; an average of 300 direct permanent jobs are expected to be created at DeLamar. Strong Tribal partnerships: Relationship Agreement with the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation (the "Shoshone-Paiute") establishes a transformative and long-term partnership for the development of DeLamar; engagement underway with additional Tribal Nations near the Project area.

Relationship Agreement with the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation (the "Shoshone-Paiute") establishes a transformative and long-term partnership for the development of DeLamar; engagement underway with additional Tribal Nations near the Project area. Significant scarcity value: DeLamar remains one of the few large-scale precious metals projects in the U.S. at the Feasibility Study level that is actively being advanced toward National Environmental Protection Act ("NEPA") federal mine permitting.

DeLamar remains one of the few large-scale precious metals projects in the U.S. at the Feasibility Study level that is actively being advanced toward National Environmental Protection Act ("NEPA") federal mine permitting. Visibility on short and long-term growth: Large Measured and Indicated sulphide resource material excluded from mine plan with multiple-near mine expansion targets open along strike and at depth; DeLamar is one of the largest undeveloped silver resources in the U.S. with a largely underexplored district scale land package.

Large Measured and Indicated sulphide resource material excluded from mine plan with multiple-near mine expansion targets open along strike and at depth; DeLamar is one of the largest undeveloped silver resources in the U.S. with a largely underexplored district scale land package. Opportune timing: With the FS now complete and federal permitting expected to commence in the near term, the Project is well positioned to advance in one of the strongest goldsilver price environments in history, supported by favorable U.S. permitting tailwinds.

(1) Gold equivalent calculated using base case metal prices: $3,000/oz Au and $35/oz Ag (2) See Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures (3) World Gold Council reported average all-in sustaining cost for gold mining industry of $1,578/oz Au in Q2 2025 (4) NPV-to-capex ratio calculated as after-tax Project NPV5% divided by total initial capital cost

George Salamis, President, CEO and Director of Integra commented: "The Feasibility Study confirms what we have long believed: DeLamar is one of the most compelling, resilient, and capital-efficient heap leach gold-silver projects in the U.S. preparing to enter federal permitting. The FS outlines a simplified, phased, and materially de-risked development plan with outstanding economics, including a rapid 1.8-year payback, strong early free cash flow profile, and one of the highest NPV-to-capex ratios among projects of this scale. Importantly, the FS is being delivered as federal permitting is expected to commence in early 2026, positioning Integra to advance DeLamar at an opportune time. While the FS reflects a conservative, oxide-only development case, it represents only the beginning for DeLamar. The Project also hosts a large sulphide mineral resource that is not included in the mine plan, multiple near-mine expansion opportunities that remain open, and largely underexplored district-style upside.

The updated two heap leach configuration materially improves constructability, operating flexibility, and capital efficiency, while providing meaningful leverage to higher metal prices and maintaining resilience in lower-metal price environments. Updated feasibility-level engineering, metallurgy, and costing significantly enhance Project confidence, reduce execution risk, and support future permitting through a more advanced and robust water management strategy. The delivery of the FS is a major milestone for Integra and underscores our confidence in DeLamar's ability to generate long-term value for our shareholders, Tribal Nation partners, and the communities of Idaho. DeLamar is expected to support an average workforce of approximately 300 high-quality, long-term jobs over the life-of-mine. We look forward to providing further permitting guidance as the Project enters a new phase in 2026."

Integra will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the FS on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time / 8:00 AM Pacific Time, featuring a presentation from the senior management team and a live Q&A session. A recording will be available on Integra's corporate website. To register for the webcast, please use the following link (call details are listed below):

https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/518660974

Feasibility Study Summary

The FS confirms robust economics for a low-cost, large-scale, conventional open pit oxide heap leach operation, with competitive operating costs and high rate of return. The FS outlines total production of 1.1 Moz AuEq over a 10-year operating mine life (plus two years of residual leaching), resulting in an average annual production profile of 106 koz AuEq per annum at a co-product mine-site AISC of $1,480/oz. The Project generates an after-tax NPV5% of $774 M with an after-tax IRR of 46% at base case gold and silver prices of $3,000/oz and $35/oz, respectively.

The Company retained Forte Dynamics, Inc. (now SLR Consulting Limited) ("Forte") as lead consultants, along with other engineering consultants, to complete the FS and prepare a technical report in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The FS is derived from updated mineral reserve estimate effective December 8, 2025. The effective date of the FS is December 8, 2025, and a technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 will be filed on the Corporation's website and under its SEDAR+ profile within 45 days of this news release.

Table 1: DeLamar Feasibility Study Highlights1

Mining

Total Tonnage Mined (k tonnes) 185,178 Total Ore Mined (k tonnes) 119,972 Strip Ratio (Waste: Ore) 0.54 Operating Mine Life (years) 10 Contained

Contained Gold (koz Au) 1,259 Contained Silver (koz Ag) 52,310 Contained Gold Equivalent (koz AuEq) 1,869 Production

Heap Leach Recovery

LOM Average Gold Recovery (%) 72.3 % LOM Average Silver Recovery (%) 33.2 % Payable Metals

LOM Gold Payable (koz Au) 910 LOM Silver Payable (koz Ag) 17,392 LOM Gold Equivalent Payable (koz AuEq) 1,113 Avg. Annual Gold Payable (koz Au) - Yr 1 to Yr 10 88 Avg. Annual Silver Payable (koz Ag) - Yr 1 to Yr 10 1,602 Avg. Annual Gold Equivalent Payable (koz AuEq) - Yr 1 to Yr 10 106 Avg. Annual Gold Payable (koz Au) - Yr 1 to Yr 5 102 Avg. Annual Silver Payable (koz Ag) - Yr 1 to Yr 5 1,450 Avg. Annual Gold Equivalent Payable (koz AuEq) - Yr 1 to Yr 5 119 Costs per Tonne

Mining Costs ($/t mined) $2.51 Mining Costs ($/t processed) $3.87 Processing Costs ($/t processed) $4.91 G&A Costs ($/t processed) $1.51 Total Site Operating Cost ($/t processed) $10.29 Cash Costs

LOM Cash Cost, net-of-silver by-product ($/oz Au)2 $772 LOM Cash Cost, co-product ($/oz AuEq)2 $1,179 LOM AISC, net-of-silver by-product ($/oz Au)2 $1,142 LOM AISC, co-product ($/oz AuEq)2 $1,480 Capital Expenditure (incl. Contingency)

Pre-production Capital  incl. Contingency ($M)3 $347.0 Bonding Cash Collateral ($M) $3.9 Owners' Cost ($M) $38.2 Total Initial Capital ($M) $389.1 Sustaining Capital / Equipment Financing  incl. Contingency ($M) $304.9 Reclamation Cost ($M)4 $65.5 Salvage Value ($M) ($8.1) Bonding Cash Collateral Return ($M) ($3.9) Total Capital ($M) $747.5 Base Case Metal Price Assumptions

Gold Price ($/oz) $3,000 Silver Price ($/oz) $35 Base Case Project Economics

After-Tax IRR (%) 46.0 % After-Tax NPV5% ($M) $773.7 Payback Period (years) 1.8 Average Annual Net Free Cash Flow ($M)2  Yr 1 to Yr 10 $142.8 Total Net Free Cash Flow ($M) $1,066.3

(1) Gold equivalent calculated using base case metal prices: $3,000/oz Au and $35/oz Ag (2) See Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures (3) Assumes mobile equipment financing (4) Closure costs include $26.4 M ongoing water treatment reclamation liability

Figure 1: DeLamar Project Production and Operating Cost Profile1,2

(1) Gold equivalent calculated using base case metal prices: $3,000/oz Au and $35/oz Ag

(2) See Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures



Figure 2: DeLamar Project After-tax Cash Flow Profile (base case)1,2

(1) Cash flow profile shown using base case metal prices: $3,000/oz Au and $35/oz Ag (2) See Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures



Table 2: DeLamar Project After-Tax NPV, IRR and Payback Sensitivity Table

$/oz Au $/oz Ag NPV5% ($M) IRR (%) Payback (years) $2,250 $20 $178.3 16 % 4.5 $2,500 $25 $391.1 27 % 2.8 $2,750 $30 $584.6 37 % 2.2 $3,000 $35 $773.7 46 % 1.8 $3,250 $40 $961.6 55 % 1.6 $3,500 $45 $1,149.0 63 % 1.4 $3,750 $50 $1,336.2 72 % 1.3 $4,000 $55 $1,523.5 80 % 1.2 $4,250 $60 $1,710.3 89 % 1.1 $4,500 $65 $1,897.1 97 % 1.0

Property Description, Location and Access

The historic mine site and Delamar Project are located within southwestern Idaho in Owyhee County approximately 80 air kilometers southwest of Idaho's state capital of Boise. The nearest town is Jordan Valley, Oregon which is situated near U.S. highway 95, a 1.5 hour drive from Boise. The Project is within the historical Carson mining district and includes the formerly producing DeLamar silver-gold mine, which was last operated by Kinross Gold Corporation. The Project is accessed via 28 kilometers of existing road east from Jordan Valley, Oregon.

Figure 3: DeLamar Project Location Map

Updated Mineral Resource Estimate

Mineral resources were re-estimated from the resource model released in 2023 which includes the Florida Mountain deposit, the DeLamar deposit, and historical stockpiles and backfill. The mineral resource estimate is based on 3,348 drillholes totaling ~383,000 meters ("m"). Gold and silver mineralization was modeled following industry-standard and Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum ("CIM")-compliant protocols.

Key steps included:

Statistical evaluation of assay data and determination of natural grade populations.

Construction of mineral-domain wireframes using 30-meter spaced sectional control.

Projection and slicing of domain polygons across each deposit to ensure geological continuity.

Coding of block models with gold and silver using level-plan geometries.

Geostatistical analysis of mineralization trends to support estimation and classification.

Grade interpolation using inverse-distance methods into 6  6  6 m blocks at the DeLamar deposit and 6  8  8 m blocks at the Florida Mountain deposit, with domain-specific coding to constrain estimates.

The mineral resource estimate for the FS includes updated price assumptions and metallurgical recovery inputs for the pit optimization used to constrain them. Sulphide material continues to be reported in this resource mineral update, consistent with prior studies, as it continues to show potential economic extraction. Importantly, the fundamental resource methodology has not changed from the 2023 mineral resource update.

Table 3: DeLamar Project Mineral Resources





Measured Indicated Measured & Indicated Mineral Resources

Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces GOLD (Au)

(kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) DeLamar Project Oxide 15,548 0.41 204 139,953 0.31 1,400 155,501 0.32 1,604 Sulphide 21,643 0.51 357 68,629 0.45 984 90,272 0.46 1,341 TOTAL Mixed 37,189 0.47 561 208,582 0.36 2,384 245,772 0.37 2,945

























Measured Indicated Measured & Indicated Mineral Resources

Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces SILVER (Ag)

(kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) DeLamar Project Oxide 15,548 20.46 10,230 139,953 13.72 61,750 155,501 14.40 71,979 Sulphide 21,643 32.90 22,922 68,629 22.30 49,254 90,272 24.90 72,176 TOTAL Mixed 37,189 27.70 33,152 208,582 16.60 111,004 245,772 18.20 144,155





Inferred





Inferred Mineral Resources

Tonnes Grade Ounces

Mineral Resources

Tonnes Grade Ounces GOLD (Au)

(kt) (g/t) (koz)

SILVER (Ag)

(kt) (g/t) (koz) DeLamar Project Oxide 19,813 0.26 163

DeLamar Project Oxide 19,813 20.94 13,336 Sulphide 19,789 0.37 235

Sulphide 19,789 10.10 1,529 TOTAL Mixed 39,603 0.31 398

TOTAL Mixed 39,603 11.70 14,865

(1) All Mineral Resource estimates have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards. (2) Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. (3) Jeffrey Bickel, of RESPEC Company LLC of Reno, Nevada, is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101, and is responsible for reporting Mineral Resources for the DeLamar Project. Mr. Bickel is independent of the Company. (4) "Oxide", as listed above, is an aggregate category inclusive of all material types amenable to heap-leaching, including In-Situ Oxide, Stockpiles, and In-Situ Mixed material. (5) In-Situ Oxide/Mixed and Stockpile Mineral Resources are reported at a 0.17 and 0.1 g/t AuEq cut-off, respectively, in consideration of potential open-pit mining and heap leach processing. (6) Sulphide Mineral Resources are reported at a 0.3 g/t AuEq cut-off at DeLamar and 0.2 g/t AuEq at Florida Mountain in consideration of potential open pit mining and grinding, flotation, ultra-fine regrind of concentrates, and either Albion or agitated cyanide-leaching of the reground concentrates. (7) AuEq was calculated using a price of $2,650/oz Au and a price of $30/oz Ag, as well as metallurgical recoveries which were variable based on spatial area and each respective oxidation zone of the deposit. (8) The Mineral Resources are constrained by pit optimizations using a price of $2,650/oz Au, a price of $30/oz Ag, mining cost of $2.50/tonne, variable processing costs ranging from $3.26-$5.30/tonne, and metallurgical recoveries ranging from 45%-95% for Au and 15%-92% for Ag. Variable metallurgical recoveries and processing costs correspond to various material types including Oxide, Transition, Sulphide, and Stockpile materials, as well as spatial zones of the deposit with defined metallurgical characteristics. The pit optimizations also used a G&A cost of $0.65/tonne, pad replacement cost of $1.00/tonne for heap leach material, and refining costs of $0.00/oz and $0.50/oz for Au and Ag, respectively. (9) Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in apparent discrepancies between tonnes, grades, and contained metal content. (10) The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. (11) Mineral Resources reported are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. (12) The Effective Date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is December 8, 2025

Updated Mineral Reserve Estimate

Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves for the Project utilized the updated resource model released in 2023, which was constrained by engineered pit designs based on LerchsGrossmann optimization shells, with appropriate cut-off grades that reflect updated metal prices, metallurgical recoveries, geotechnical criteria, and operating cost assumptions. No changes were made to the underlying reserve methodology since the PFS released in 2022. Variations in reserves from the previous PFS study are from the updated 2023 resources (which includes the addition of historical stockpile resources), revised cost assumptions, and metallurgical recoveries. Reserves have been updated for heap leach only material to streamline permitting, simplify processing and reduce capital. This removes sulphide material from the reserve. Additionally, drill-tested historic low grade ore stockpiles included in the resource have been included in the reserve.

Table 4: DeLamar Project Mineral Reserves





Proven Probable Proven & Probable Mineral Reserves

Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces GOLD (Au)

(kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) DeLamar Project Oxide 11,675 0.40 149 108,297 0.32 1,110 119,972 0.33 1,259 Sulphide - - - - - - - - - TOTAL Mixed 11,675 0.40 149 108,297 0.32 1,110 119,972 0.33 1,259

























Proven Probable Proven & Probable Mineral Reserves

Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces SILVER (Ag)

(kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) (kt) (g/t) (koz) DeLamar Project Oxide 11,675 16.34 6,132 108,297 13.26 46,173 119,972 13.56 52,305 Sulphide - - - - - - - - - TOTAL Mixed 11,675 16.34 6,132 108,297 13.26 46,173 119,972 13.56 52,305

(1) All estimates of Mineral Reserves have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards and are included within the current Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources. (2) Sterling K, Watson, P.Eng., of RESPEC Company LLC of Reno, Nevada, is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101, and is responsible for reporting Mineral Reserves for the DeLamar Project. Mr. Watson is independent of the Company. (3) Mineral Reserves are based on prices of $2,000/oz Au and $25/oz Ag. The Mineral Reserves were defined based on pit designs that were created to follow optimized pit shells created in Whittle. Pit designs followed pit slope recommendations provided by RESPEC. (4) Mineral Reserves are reported using block value cutoff grades representing the cost of processing. (5) The Mineral Reserves are constrained by pit optimizations using a price of $2,000/oz Au, a price of $25/oz Ag, mining cost of $2.50/tonne, variable processing costs ranging from $3.26-$5.30/tonne, and metallurgical recoveries ranging from 45%-95% for Au and 15%-92% for Ag. The pit optimizations also used a G&A cost of $0.65/tonne, pad replacement cost of $1.00/tonne for heap-leach material, and refining costs of $0.00/oz and $0.50 for Au and Ag, respectively. (6) Energy prices of US$3.50 per gallon of diesel. (7) Pit optimizations were run on a range of prices from $500/oz Au to $3,000/oz Au. (8) The cut-off grade for Mineral Reserves is based on economics at a "Break-Even Internal" cut-off grade for the deposits. (9) The Mineral Reserves purposes of reference is the point where material is fed into the crusher. (10) All ounces reported herein represent troy ounces, "g/t Au" represents grams per tonne gold and "g/t Ag" represents grams per tonne silver. (11) Mineral Resources reported are inclusive of Mineral Reserves (12) Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in apparent discrepancies between tonnes, grades, and contained metal content. (13) The estimate of Mineral Reserves may be materially affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. (14) The Effective Date of the Mineral Reserves Estimate is December 8, 2025.

Production Profile

The contemplated operation in the FS spans 13 years, comprising one year of construction (Year -1), 10 years of active mining and gold-silver processing operations, and two years of residual leaching and nominal production. The Project is expected to produce a total of approximately 1.1 Moz AuEq.

The first six months of the construction period focuses on establishing the Florida Mountain deposit heap leach pad, utilizing readily available historical low-grade gold-silver ore stockpile as overliner material. This material will be screened and crushed and will provide a flow channel for leachate.

This allows the stacking of fresh, higher-grade gold-silver ore from the Florida Mountain deposit and the application of leach solution to start in month seven of the construction year, unlocking the ability to produce ~7 koz AuEq in Year -1. As solution inventory builds and leach flows increase through month 20, production ramps accordingly, resulting in 119 koz AuEq produced during the first full year after construction (Year 1). The DeLamar deposit heap leach pad construction begins in Year 3 and begins to receive DeLamar deposit historic stockpile and pit ore in Year 4. Active mining operations will continue until Year 10 followed by two years of residual gold-silver leaching.

Figure 4: DeLamar Project Production Breakdown by Area

Figure 5: DeLamar Project Production Breakdown by Metal

Mining

Mining is designed as a conventional open-pit operation using truck-and-shovel methods, focused on delivering high grade gold-equivalent production from the Florida Mountain deposit early in the Project, before transitioning to sustained mid-life production at the DeLamar deposit. The mine plan schedules 185 million tonnes ("Mt") of total material movement over the 10-year active mine life, including 120 Mt of ore with an average grade of 0.33 g/t Au and 13.6 g/t Ag, for a combined 1.3 Moz of contained gold and 52.3 Moz of contained silver. Strip ratios remain low and consistent at 0.54:1 over the life-of-mine, supporting efficient mining and strong early cash flows. Mining rates of ore are planned for 35,000 tonnes per day ("tpd") with no more than 12 benches extracted per year.

Material movement is sequenced to prioritize higher-grade Florida Mountain deposit ore in the first four years, enabling average production of ~119 koz AuEq per year during the payback window. Mid-life mining transitions to the DeLamar deposit pit, which provides consistent tonnage, stable grades, and reduced haulage requirements as backfill is incorporated into the sequencing.

Mining assumptions are built from first principles, including drill penetration rates, powder factors, cycle times, equipment availabilities, and original equipment manufacturer ("OEM")-validated haulage models. The fleet includes up to 17 haul trucks, three production drills, and a matched loading fleet of excavators and shovels sized to maintain efficient dig-and-haul cycles. Waste placement and backfilling strategies minimize external dump requirements and align with closure objectives. Overall, the mining plan reflects an executable, low-risk approach that supports strong economics, operational flexibility, and a smooth transition into reclamation activities in the later years of the Project.

Figure 6: DeLamar Project Mining Profile

Processing and Recovery

Project mineralization is amenable to conventional cyanide leaching. The Project has an updated two heap leach configuration that considers environmental, heap stability, and economic impacts. This configuration balances early capital efficiency with operational flexibility, allowing staged commissioning while managing particle fines and agglomeration risk across distinct ore domains. To reduce truck haulage requirements, one heap leach pad will be located adjacent to the Florida Mountain deposit, and the other will be located adjacent to the DeLamar deposit.

Run-of-mine ore will be transferred from the pits via haul trucks to their respective heaps leach pads for two-stage crushing before stacking. The crushing circuit consists of a primary mineral sizer and secondary low-pressure roll crusher, reducing the particle size of run of mine ore to a P80 (particle size at which 80% of the sample material passes) of approximately 19 millimeters. The selection of crushing equipment was supported by abrasion and impact testing.

The crushed ore from the Florida Mountain deposit contains limited fines and does not require agglomeration, making it suitable for direct truck dump stacking following two-stage crushing.

A portion of the crushed ore from the DeLamar deposit pit contains enough fines and clay and will require agglomeration through a screening and agglomeration circuit followed by curing and conveyor stacking. Screening and selective agglomeration are applied only where required, minimizing operating complexity while protecting permeability and recovery performance.

Heaps leach pads will be stacked at a rate of 35,000 tpd. Cyanide solution will be applied and processed via a small Merrill-Crowe facility located near the DeLamar deposit heap leach pad, designed for a throughput of approximately 1,360 m3 per hour. Filter cakes will be further processed at Integra's Florida Canyon Mine refinery to produce dore bars, reducing initial capital requirements for DeLamar. Florida Canyon is expected to have sufficient permitted capacity to process DeLamar dore without modification.

Figure 7: DeLamar Project Heap Leach Stacking by Source

Table 5: DeLamar Project Mining & Processing Summary

Mining DeLamar Florida Mtn. Stockpiles Total Total Tonnage Mined (kt) 75,905 76,625 32,648 185,178 Total Ore Mined (kt) 35,072 52,253 32,648 119,972 Strip Ratio (Waste: Ore) 1.16 0.47 0.00 0.54 Grade Average Gold Grade (g/t Au) 0.33 0.37 0.24 0.33 Average Silver Grade (g/t Ag) 18.92 10.18 13.22 13.56 Contained Metals Contained Gold (koz Au) 377 628 254 1,259 Contained Silver (koz Ag) 21,339 17,095 13,877 52,310 Contained Gold Equivalent (koz AuEq) 626 827 416 1,869 Production Heap Leach Recovery LOM Average Gold Recovery (%) 66.1 % 74.1 % 76.9 % 72.3 % LOM Average Silver Recovery (%) 26.9 % 37.9 % 37.4 % 33.2 % Payable Metals LOM Gold Payable (koz Au) 249 465 196 910 LOM Silver Payable (koz Ag) 5,734 6,472 5,185 17,392 LOM Gold Equivalent Payable (koz AuEq) 316 540 256 1,113

Power and Infrastructure

The Project infrastructure strategy prioritizes refurbishment and targeted upgrades to minimize initial capital, while maintaining reliability and certainty around the construction schedule.

DeLamar historically operated as a fully serviced site until 1998 after which limited remediation and ongoing care and maintenance were completed. Several existing facilities and infrastructure elements remain in place and will be refurbished or augmented for the new Project. New infrastructure will be constructed only where required to meet capacity, safety, or operational performance requirements of the Project.

The Project will require up to 6.5 megawatts ("MW") of power which will be supplied to the site by the refurbished 69-kilovolt ("kV") transmission line and distributed throughout the site via a new substation and refurbished 4,160 power distribution network. A 2 MW backup generator is planned to be installed for back-up or emergency power.

The existing water treatment plant will be upgraded and augmented with more treatment capacity for use in the Project.

On-site facilities will be selectively upgraded to align with the planned mining fleet and operation profile. The existing five-bay mobile maintenance shop will be upgraded to six-bays, large enough to accommodate 150-tonne series haul trucks. The administration building will be repaired, and site communications infrastructure will be enhanced. Existing site roads will be refurbished and upgraded limiting the need for new roads.

A small Merrill-Crowe plant will be constructed with ditches and ponds to capture contact water for treatment and industrial use. Additional new construction includes a two-stage crushing circuit, truck wash, laboratory, and warehouse.

Operating Costs

Operating costs were estimated through first principles and supplier quotes. Where possible, first principal assumptions and costs of units were compared to those experienced at the Florida Canyon Mine, Integra's active heap leach operation in Nevada.

Mining operating cost estimates were prepared by RESPEC Company LLC ("RESPEC") using first principles. This was done using estimated hourly costs of equipment and personnel against the anticipated hours of work for each. The equipment hourly costs were estimated for fuel, oil and lubrication, tires, under-carriage, repair and maintenance costs, and special wear items. First principal assumptions and the cost of mine personnel and consumables were benchmarked against Florida Canyon.

Process operating costs were developed by Forte from first principles to determine unit consumptions of materials, supplies, power and personnel, and the estimated cost of unit for these was estimated from supplier quotes and industry benchmarks. The cost of materials, supplies, power and labor were benchmarked against Florida Canyon.

Labor general and administrative ("G&A") costs were estimated based on personnel requirements for administrative, accounting, safety and security, and environmental departments to support mining and processing activities. Costs are also included for legal, land, permit bonding and power. G&A costs were benchmarked against Florida Canyon.

Table 6: DeLamar Project Operating and Mining Cost Breakdown



Per Tonne LOM Operating Costs (US$) Mined Processed Mining $2.51 $3.87 Processing

$4.91 G&A

$1.51 Total Site Costs

$10.29







$/oz Au $/oz AuEq LOM Cash Costs, AISC & AIC Breakdown By-Product Co-Product Mining $510 $417 Processing $648 $530 G&A $199 $163 Total Site Costs $1,357 $1,110 Transport & Refining $10 $8 Royalties1 $75 $61 Total Cash Costs $1,441 $1,179 Silver By-Product Credits ($669) - Total Cash Costs Net of Silver by-Product $772 $1,179 Sustaining Capital $335 $274 Closure Costs Net of Residual Value2 $34 $28 Site Level All-in Sustaining Costs $1,142 $1,480

(1) Royalty summary outlined below (2) Closure costs for AISC calculation exclude ongoing water treatment reclamation costs

Project Royalties

The FS considers two primary royalties that apply to the Project. Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. ("Triple Flag") holds a 2.5% net smelter returns royalty ("NSR") that applies to ~90% of the current DeLamar deposit resources and reserves, however the royalty will be reduced to 1.0% upon Triple Flag receiving total royalty payments of C$10 M. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. currently holds a 1.5% NSR that applies to the current DeLamar and Florida Mountain deposit resources and reserves. The production profile in the FS reflects an average royalty rate of 2.3%.

Capital Cost Estimates

Capital cost estimates emphasize constructability, vendor-supported pricing, and execution sequencing aligned with the planned development schedule.

Mining initial and sustaining capital estimates were prepared by RESPEC. Estimates assume owner-operated mining equipment and are based on the equipment and facilities required to achieve the production schedule. Capital costs are based on estimation guides, quotations from equipment vendors and recent costs for new equipment at the Company's operating Florida Canyon mine in Nevada.

The process and infrastructure capital costs were developed by Forte for initial and sustaining capital. The capital costs for each phase are comprised of direct costs and indirect costs. The direct costs were developed from labor, materials, plant equipment, sub-contracts, and construction equipment. Indirect costs were applied to the direct costs to account for items such as: construction support, engineering, procurement and construction management, vendor support during specialty construction and commissioning, spare parts, contingency, owner's costs, freight and taxes. Capital costs were estimated based on 2025 U.S. dollars and are presented with no added escalation.

Table 7: DeLamar Project Capital Cost Breakdown

Capital Cost Breakdown

($M) Pre-Production

(Yr -1) Sustaining

(Yr 1 to Yr 10) Reclamation Combined

LOM Capital Costs







Mining1,2 $27.8 $145.1

$172.9 Processing $276.5 $136.1

$412.6 G&A $5.1 $0.0

$5.1 Capex Sub-Total $309.4 $281.2

$590.6 Contingency3 $37.6 $23.7

$61.3 Total Capital Costs $347.0 $304.9

$651.9









Other Capital







Owners' Costs $38.2



$38.2 Reclamation  Site4



$65.5 $65.5 Cash Collateral (bonding) $3.9

($3.9) $0.0 Residual Value



($8.1) ($8.1) Total Other Capital $42.1 $0.0 $53.5 $95.6









TOTAL CAPITAL $389.1 $304.9 $53.5 $747.5

(1) Assumes financing of mobile equipment. Pre-production = 10% cash down and 1 year of payments (2) Includes $10 M in pre-stripping (3) Overall contingency of 12% (Mining 5%, Processing 13%, G&A 17%) (4) Includes $26.4 M for ongoing water treatment post mine closure

Environmental and Permitting

The Project is supported by strong environmental and technical teams that have led major advancements in obtaining necessary approvals and permits since the 2022 PFS, including the Mine Plan of Operations completeness determination by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") and the completion of environmental resource baseline studies to support Project environmental effects analysis under NEPA. Integra has an established collaborative approach with regulatory agencies and our technical teams and will continue to develop the Project to meet all applicable regulatory standards. The construction and operation of the Project require further permitting which will continue to actively advance in 2026 and 2027 through parallel U.S. Federal, State of Idaho, and Owyhee County permitting processes that address mine reclamation, air and water quality, wetland impacts and cyanidation.

In accordance with the BLM's mandate to prevent undue environmental degradation on public lands, the Project design optimization has continued to focus on the reduction of environmental impacts and surface disturbance of the mine operation through a leaching-focused process, consolidation of development rock storage facilities and the design of heap leach facilities in proximity to the open pits. Through various studies conducted on the Project over the years, the proposed mine footprint has been reduced by ~25%. This optimization will continue through the evaluation of agency-proposed alternatives and mitigations during the NEPA process to deliver a robust mine operation that is protective of water resources, air quality, cultural resources, wildlife and vegetation, and post-mine land use.

Stakeholder, Community, and Tribal Nation Engagement

Since Project acquisition in the third quarter of 2017, the Company has operated with dedicated budget and personnel to engage proactively with the communities, Tribal Nations, and other stakeholders with ties to DeLamar. With increasing frequency as the Project approaches state and federal permitting, the Company has worked to build lasting relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including nearby residents and community members, Tribal Nations, nongovernmental organizations and various levels of government representatives. This approach reflects a deep Company-wide commitment to a high standard of social performance, achieved by acting transparently and building mutual respect and shared value.

Stakeholder engagement is guided by an External Stakeholder Plan ("ESP"), a Project site-specific plan that is updated annually to guide the activities, goals, and strategies for stakeholder engagement in a tailored manner that reflects the unique requirements of each region, individual stakeholder context, and cultural settings surrounding DeLamar. The ESP management approach specifically addresses the Company's stakeholder engagement, public communication, community involvement & investment, and monitoring & reporting  including social impact risks assessments, grievance procedures, materiality, and metric tracking.

Since 2020, Integra has worked to engage proactively and respectfully with potentially affected Tribal Nations, with the intent to exceed regulatory requirements by prioritizing early, inclusive, and respectful dialogue in order to build mutual understanding and recognize Tribal interests. In 2025, Integra and the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation entered into a Relationship Agreement that will guide a mutually beneficial partnership between the two parties over the course of the permitting, development, and future operation of the Project. Integra is concurrently advancing discussions with additional Tribal Nations to evaluate the interest in developing similar relationships.

Integra's approach of being present and active within the Project's stakeholder network has allowed the Company to build consensus and collaborate on issues of shared concern as the mine and operational designs have iteratively evolved. Potential social and community impacts have been and will continue to be considered and evaluated in accordance with the NEPA and other federal and state laws. There are no currently known social or community issues that would be expected to have a material impact on the Company's ability to mine at the Project.

Exploration Potential and Upside at DeLamar

Beyond the FS mine plan, DeLamar offers substantial longer-term upside and strategic optionality. The FS includes an updated mineral resource statement that includes sulphide mineral resources, which are currently excluded from the Project's mineral reserves and economic analysis, preserving future processing and development optionality as technology, costs, and market conditions evolve. In addition, DeLamar hosts one of the largest undeveloped silver mineral resources in the U.S. and sits within a largely underexplored, district-scale land package with multiple near-mine and regional exploration targets open along strike and at depth. The Project layout and infrastructure contemplated in the FS also provide flexibility for potential future throughput expansion, allowing Integra to pursue disciplined growth opportunities while maintaining a simplified, low-risk development pathway.

Next Steps and Opportunities

With the FS complete, the Company is advancing permitting and construction readiness. Near-term priorities include advancing detailed engineering and execution planning. Opportunities remain to further optimize the production plan, mine sequence and heap leach facility design to maximize early production from the Florida Mountain deposit and further smooth the transition to DeLamar deposit production. The simplified oxide-focused Project design, combined with robust early cash flow potential and strong economics, positions DeLamar well for permitting, financing, and development execution.

No Production Decision: The Company has not made a production decision for the Project. A decision to proceed with construction will only be made following the completion and review of detailed engineering, financing arrangements, and receipt of all required permits and approvals.

DeLamar Feasibility Study Conference Call & Webcast

Integra will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time / 8:00 AM Pacific Time, to discuss the DeLamar FS. Details for the conference call and webcast are included below.

Dial-In Numbers / Webcast:

Conference ID: 8306105

Toll Free: (800) 715-9871

Toll: +1 (646) 307-1952

Webcast: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/518660974

About Integra

Integra is a growing precious metals producer in the Great Basin of the Western United States. Integra is focused on demonstrating profitability and operational excellence at its principal operating asset, the Florida Canyon Mine, located in Nevada. In addition, Integra is committed to advancing its flagship development-stage heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho and the Nevada North Project located in western Nevada. Integra creates sustainable value for shareholders, stakeholders, and local communities through successful mining operations, efficient project development, disciplined capital allocation, and strategic M&A, while upholding the highest industry standards for environmental, social, and governance practices.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

George Salamis

President, CEO and Director

CONTACT INFORMATION

Corporate Inquiries: [email protected]

Company website: www.integraresources.com

Office phone: 1 (604) 416-0576

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by James Frost, P.Eng., Director, Technical Services of Integra Resources Corp., who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. In reviewing and approving this disclosure, Mr. Frost has relied upon the work of other Qualified Persons, each of whom has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information within their respective areas of expertise.

Forte Dynamics, Inc. part of SLR Consulting Limited, has led the Feasibility Study and is managing the Report with RESPEC Company LLC contributing. The following independent Qualified Persons with associated firms have reviewed and approved this news release as defined by NI 43-101:

Barry Carlson, P.E., SME-RN, Forte Dynamics, Inc.

Deepak Malhotra, Phd., P.E., SME-RN, Forte Dynamics, Inc.

Jeffrey Bickel, C.P.G., RESPEC Company LLC

Keith Watson, P.Eng., RESPEC Company LLC

Jay Nopola, P.E., RESPEC Company LLC

Data Verification

The Qualified Persons responsible for the FS technical report have verified the data for which they are accountable, including the sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information disclosed in this news release. Geological, mine engineering and metallurgical reviews included, among other things, reviewing drill data and core logs, review of geotechnical and hydrological studies, environmental and community factors, the development of the life of mine plan, capital and operating costs, transportation, taxation and royalties, and review of existing metallurgical test work. In the opinion of the Qualified Persons, the data, assumptions, and parameters used in the sections of the FS that they are responsible for preparing are sufficiently reliable for those purposes. The technical report in respect of the FS, when filed, will contain more detailed information concerning individual Qualified Persons responsibilities, associated quality assurance and quality control, and other data verification matters, and the key assumptions, parameters and methods used by the Company.

Sampling and QA/QC Procedure

Thorough QA/QC protocols are followed on the Project, including insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples in the assay stream for all drill holes. The samples are submitted directly to American Assay Labs in Reno, Nevada for preparation and analysis. Analysis of gold is performed using fire assay method with atomic absorption (AA) finish on a 1 assay ton aliquot. Gold results over 5 g/t are re-run using a gravimetric finish. Silver analysis is performed using ICP for results up to 100 g/t on a 5-acid digestion, with a fire assay, gravimetric finish for results over 100 g/t silver.

Additional supporting details regarding the information in this news release, will be provided in the FS technical report which will be available on SEDAR+ under the Company's profile within 45 days of this news release, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the FS. The FS technical report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release contains "forwardlooking statements" and "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and in applicable United States securities law (referred to herein as forwardlooking statements). Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "would", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "budget", "scheduled", "plans", "planned", "forecasts", "goals" and similar expressions. Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forwardlooking statements which includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the future financial or operating performance of the Company, the Project and its mineral properties; results from work performed to date; the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the development, operational and economic results of the FS for the Project, including cash flows, revenue potential, development, expenditures, and timing thereof, extraction rates, life-of-mine projections and cost estimates; timing of completion of a technical report summarizing the results of the FS; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of the Project mine plan; exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits; costs and timing of future exploration; permitting; construction and optimization planning; estimates of metallurgical recovery rates; anticipated advancement of the Project, future prospects and prospective inclusion of Mineral Resources in future mining activities; requirements for additional capital; the future price of metals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; the timing and possible outcome of pending regulatory matters; the realization of the expected economics of the Project; future growth potential of the Project; and future development plans.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such statement was made. Assumptions and factors include: the Company's ability to complete its planned exploration and development programs; the absence of adverse conditions at the Project and the Company's mineral properties; satisfying ongoing covenants under the Company's loan facilities; no unforeseen operational delays; no material delays in obtaining necessary permits; results of independent engineer technical reviews; the possibility of cost overruns and unanticipated costs and expenses; the price of gold remaining at levels that continue to render the Project and the Company's mineral properties economic; the Company's ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance operations; and the ability to realize on the mineral resource and reserve estimates. Forwardlooking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; the actual results of current and future exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; meeting various expected cost estimates; benefits of certain technology usage; changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; risks related to local communities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); title to properties; and other factors beyond the Company's control and as well as those factors included herein and elsewhere in the Company's public disclosure. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are advised to study and consider risk factors disclosed in Integra's Annual Information Form dated March 26, 2025 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which is available on the SEDAR+ issuer profile for the Company at www.sedarplus.ca and available as Exhibit 99.1 to Integra's Form 40-F, which is available on the EDGAR profile for the Company at www.sec.gov.

Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Investors are urged to read the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory agencies, which can be viewed online under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Alternative performance measures in this news release such as "cash cost", "AISC" and "free cash flow" are furnished to provide additional information. These non-GAAP performance measures are included in this news release because these statistics are used as key performance measures that management uses to monitor and assess performance of DeLamar, and to plan and assess the overall effectiveness and efficiency of mining operations. These performance measures do not have a standardized meaning within International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. These performance measures should not be considered in isolation as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS.

Cash Costs

Cash costs include site operating costs (mining, processing, site G&A), refinery costs and royalties, but excludes head office G&A and exploration expenses. While there is no standardized meaning of the measure across the industry, the Company believes that this measure is useful to external users in assessing operating performance.

All-In Sustaining Cost

Site level AISC includes cash costs and sustaining and expansion capital, but excludes head office G&A and exploration expenses. The Company believes that this measure is useful to external users in assessing operating performance and the Company's ability to generate free cash flow from potential operations.

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flows are revenues net of operating costs, royalties, capital expenditures and cash taxes. The Company believes that this measure is useful to the external users in assessing the Company's ability to generate cash flows from the Project.

Cautionary Note for U.S. Investors Concerning Mineral Resources and Reserves

NI 43-101 is a rule of the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Technical disclosure contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Classification System. These standards differ from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and resource and reserve information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by domestic United States companies subject to the SEC's reporting and disclosure requirements.

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 Integra Resources Corp.
At the core of IT Availability's values lies a passion for giving back and empowering organizations that drive transformational change. For 2025, the company is privileged to support four exceptional charities: The Shadow Warriors Project, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and the Central Intelligence Agency Officers Memorial Foundation. Each organization embodies principles of resilience, generosity, and a tireless dedication to service that align closely with IT Availability's ethos.

The Shadow Warriors Project

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Central Intelligence Agency Officers Memorial Foundation

Through scholarships and vital assistance, the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation uplifts the families of CIA officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. IT Availability is proud to stand alongside this organization, ensuring the children and spouses of fallen heroes receive enduring opportunities for growth and education.

A Spirit of Generosity: Reflections on the 2025 Holiday Celebration

IT Availability capped off 2025 with its highly anticipated Holiday Party, held at the Tower Club in Tysons Corner. This landmark gathering of over 115 employees, families, and partners was more than just a festive event  it served as a meaningful reminder of the company's culture of giving.

The evening was highlighted by engaging raffles, interactive activities, and heartfelt speeches that underscored the company's partnerships with its chosen charities. Founder and CEO Chuck Dickens, joined by his wife Aew, participated in presentations with representatives from each supported charity, emphasizing collaboration and community impact.

These treasured moments also live on in photographs that captured the evening's energy and echo IT Availability's enduring commitment to social responsibility.

"Generosity Changes Lives"

"At IT Availability, our success is measured not just by the technology solutions we deliver but by the lives we strive to improve," said Chuck Dickens, Founder and CEO. "We don't view charitable giving as just a corporate initiative  it's deeply ingrained in our identity. Together with our employees and partners, we aim to amplify the voices and missions of these extraordinary organizations. It's an honor to walk alongside them in making a difference."

Staying the Course

Looking ahead, IT Availability is committed to building lasting bridges of support and furthering its contributions to these and other impactful causes. As the company grows its innovative technology solutions and capabilities, its philanthropic efforts will remain a guiding light for its culture and vision.

For more information about IT Availability's charitable initiatives and community outreach, please visit www.itavailability.com or contact Chuck Dickens at the details below.

About IT Availability LLC

Established in 2015, IT Availability LLC is a leading-edge technology company driving transformational IT solutions for public and private sector clients. Led by senior technology professionals with deep expertise from the U.S. Intelligence Community, IT Availability delivers tailored services in enterprise IT, cybersecurity, communications, and data center operations. By leveraging advanced technologies and impactful partnerships, IT Availability ensures its clients are equipped to meet evolving demands while fostering innovation and success globally.

Media Contact:

Chuck Dickens

Founder/CEO

IT Availability LLC

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 571-594-3992

www.itavailability.com

SOURCE IT Availability
Partner Reed Kathrein Investigating Alleged Assurances of "Normal" Inventory Levels Against Later Revealed Destocking Trends

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National shareholder rights law firm Hagens Berman is issuing a reminder to investors in James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX) as the December 23, 2025, lead plaintiff deadline approaches in a pending securities class action against James Hardie and certain of its key executives.

The litigation alleges that James Hardie senior management misled investors by touting "robust" and "normal" inventory levels, while allegedly aware that channel partners were aggressively destocking as early as April 2025. When this alleged deception was purportedly disclosed on August 20, 2025, it immediately caused a 34% stock collapse and was followed by the abrupt November 17 resignation of CFO Rachel Wilson.

Hagens Berman, which is investigating the claims in the pending litigation, urges investors with substantial losses to submit their information now.

DEEPER DIVE: Read Hagens Berman's latest blog post on James Hardie's alleged inventory deception, Alleged Inventory Deception: Investors Claim James Hardie Concealed Weak Demand, or view our latest video summary of the allegations: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hXU4zX9asY

"Consistent with the complaint's allegations, we are investigating whether the purported strength in the North American segment was actually the result of inventory loading," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation in this matter.

Class Action Suit Alleges Inventory Loading

Alleged Deceptive Inventory Statements: The lawsuit alleges that despite witnessing North America Fiber Cement customers destocking inventory as early as April and early May 2025 , the defendants issued numerous false assurances that the segment remained strong and expressly denied that destocking was occurring.





The lawsuit that despite witnessing North America Fiber Cement customers destocking inventory as early as , the defendants issued numerous false assurances that the segment remained strong and expressly denied that destocking was occurring. Concealment of Inventory Loading: Investors were allegedly kept in the dark regarding inventory loading by channel partners. The complaint alleges these practices were concealed while the company emphasized sustainable customer demand.





Investors were kept in the dark regarding by channel partners. The complaint these practices were concealed while the company emphasized sustainable customer demand. The August 2025 Disclosure: On August 19, 2025, James Hardie revealed that sales in its critical North America Fiber Cement segment had declined by 12% due to the customer destocking first identified by defendants months earlier.





On August 19, 2025, James Hardie revealed that sales in its critical North America Fiber Cement segment had due to the customer destocking first identified by defendants months earlier. 34% Market Correction: Following this disclosure, the price of James Hardie common stock plummeted by over 34%, resulting in significant financial losses for shareholders.

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, 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
NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX) between June 20, 2025 and November 5, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important January 2, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.

So what: If you purchased CarMax securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the CarMax class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47077 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 2, 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, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Defendants recklessly overstated CarMax's growth prospects when, in reality, its earlier growth in the 2026 fiscal year was a temporary benefit from customers buying cars due to speculation regarding tariffs; and (2) as a result, defendants' statements about CarMax's business, operations and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the CarMax class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47077 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or 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.
VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Kootenay Silver Inc. (TSXV: KTN) (OTCQX: KOOYF) (the "Company" or "Kootenay") confirms that, as previously announced on September 8, 2025, it has engaged Sideways Frequency LLC ("SFLLC") as an arm's-length, third party firm contractually retained by the Company in accordance with routine industry practices to provide investor relations services for an initial three-month term with a further three-month extension announced on November 19, 2025.

As announced on September 8, 2025, SFLLC provides certain marketing services to the Company in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the TSX Venture Exchange and other applicable legislation. The marketing services include, but are not limited to, email campaigns, native advertising, display ads, lead generation, creation of content, strategic planning, digital advertisement placement, and overseeing progress and results of digital campaigns ("Promotional Material") regarding the Company and its common shares traded on the OTCQX marketplace on behalf of the Company. Under the agreement with SFLLC, the Company paid SFLLC US$250,000 for the initial three-month term. The Company paid SFLLC an additional US$250,000 when the agreement was extended, as announced on November 19, 2025. The consideration paid to SFLLC does not include any securities of the Company. Aside from this engagement, the Company does not have any relationship with SFLLC and Mr. Wesley De Souza, CEO of SFLLC. To the Company's knowledge, SFLLC holds no securities of the Company nor has any interest, direct or indirect, in the Company. SFLLC's address is 1389 Center Drive, Suite 200, Park City, Utah, 84098, [email protected]. The news release can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The Company has editorial control over the Promotional Material for accuracy but is not directly involved in its creation or distribution, other than factual accuracy. The content of the Promotional Material was taken from publicly available disclosure, including the Company's press releases, corporate presentation and financial statements. The Company does not believe that the statements made in the promotional material were false or misleading.

The OTC Markets Group Inc ("OTC Markets") has requested the Company issue this statement regarding its promotional activities concerning its common shares quoted for trading on the OTCQX market (operated by OTC Markets).

It is impossible to precisely quantify the effect of the promotional activities, especially considering during the period of that SFLLC has been retained by the Company, the silver spot price has increased from approximately US$41 per ounce to approximately US$64 per ounce, an increase of US$23 per ounce or approximately 56%. The Company also believes that there is an overall positive junior exploration market and notes that the Company recently announced drill results.The Company does not believe the promotional activities were the primary factor in any increase in trading volume in the common shares. Rather, the Company believes the promotional materials drew attention to the Company, causing an increase in investor interest and awareness of the Company, which together with the dramatic increase in silver spot price and the Company's drill announcements may have led to an increase in trading volumes of the Company's common shares on the OTCQX marketplace.

After inquiring with its management, directors, officers, control persons, controlling shareholders (defined as shareholders owning 10% or more of the Company's securities), and third-party service providers, the Company confirms that none of such parties have directly or indirectly been involved in any way (including payment of a third-party) with the creation, distribution, or payment of promotional materials related to the Company or its securities, except as described in this press release; or sold or purchased any of the Company's securities in the past 90 days.

Except for SFLLC, in the last 12 months, the Company has not engaged directly any third party to provide investor relations, public relations, marketing or related services. However, on enquiry, SFLLC has engaged a number of service providers in relation to the Promotional Material, including but not limited to:

a) MarketBeat (https://www.marketbeat.com/)

b) www.tradingwire.com

c) www.hugealerts.com

d) www.bullishbear.com

e) www.guystocks.com

f) Chris Parry (https://equity.guru/)

g) Kal Kotecha (www.juniorgoldreport.com)

h) Peter Epstein (www.epsteinresearch.com)

i) Greg Nolan (www.highballerstock.com)

Other than as previously disclosed in the Company's continuous disclosure filings, the Company has not issued any shares or convertible instruments allowing conversion to equity securities at prices constituting a discount to the current market price at the time of the issuance.

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.

About Kootenay Silver Inc.

Kootenay Silver Inc. is an exploration company actively engaged in the discovery and development of mineral projects in the Sierra Madre Region of Mexico. Supported by one of the largest junior portfolios of silver assets in Mexico, Kootenay continues to provide its shareholders with significant leverage to silver prices. The Company remains focused on the expansion of its current silver resources, new discoveries and the near-term economic development of its priority silver projects located in prolific mining districts in Sonora, State and Chihuahua, State, Mexico, respectively.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

The information in this news release has been prepared as at December 16, 2025. 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 Kootenay 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, Kootenay expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Kootenay's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

SOURCE Kootenay Silver Inc.
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A Los Angeles Superior Court jury has returned a $40 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson, finding that the company's talc-based baby powder products caused ovarian cancer in two women following decades of regular use.

The verdict finding Johnson & Johnson liable for negligence, failure to warn, and fraudulent misrepresentation awarded $40 million in compensatory damages to Monica Kent, Deborah Schultz, and Dr. Albert Schultz. The cases were tried jointly in a six-week trial before a California jury.

The plaintiffs were represented by Dan Robinson of Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. and Andy Birchfield of the Beasley Allen firm.

"This verdict reflects what the evidence made clear," said Dan Robinson, trial counsel for the Plaintiffs Deborah and Albert Schultz. "For decades, Johnson & Johnson knew about serious safety concerns tied to its talc products and failed to warn women who trusted those products for daily personal use. We're grateful that the jury was able to see through Defendants' false narratives and hold them accountable for causing our clients' ovarian cancers."

During trial, jurors heard extensive testimony concerning Johnson & Johnson's internal knowledge regarding the risks of talc and asbestos in its Johnson's Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, as well as scientific and medical evidence linking long-term genital talc use to ovarian cancer. The evidence included testimony from former U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. David Kessler, who outlined Johnson & Johnson's decades-long failure to disclose critical safety information.

Jurors also heard from nationally-respected medical experts who testified about talc and asbestos found in the plaintiffs' reproductive tracts, and peer-reviewed scientific studies showing genital use of talc significantly increases the risk of ovarian cancer.

The verdict represents a major victory for plaintiffs in California's coordinated talc proceedings in the first talc-related ovarian cancer trial since the company's bankruptcy filings were rejected by federal courts last year.

"We're grateful that the jury saw through Johnson & Johnson's confusion and returned this significant verdict both for the Schultzes and Ms. Kent, but also for the tens of thousands of women who have been harmed by Johnson's Baby Powder," said Paul Dagostino, trial counsel for the plaintiffs.

The cases are Deborah Schultz et al. v. Johnson & Johnson et al., Case No. 20CV0476, and Monica Kent v. Johnson & Johnson et al., Case No. 17CV318672, which were pending in the California State Court Coordinated Proceeding JCCP No. 4872, Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Cases.

About Robinson Calcagnie, Inc.

Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. is a nationally recognized plaintiffs' law firm based in Newport Beach, California, focused on complex litigation involving dangerous products, corporate misconduct, environmental harm, and catastrophic injury. The firm is known for its trial-driven approach and commitment to holding powerful defendants accountable. Learn more about Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. at www.robinsonfirm.com.

SOURCE Robinson Calcagnie, Inc.
Brokers Using Outmarket Cite Watershed Moment for Insurance AI

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Outmarket , the #1 AI platform for insurance, today announced the launch of Outmarket Proposal Builder. This all-new workflow is engineered to drastically reduce the time and effort commercial insurance brokers spend developing lengthy, customized proposals, transforming a multi-hour process into one that takes mere minutes.

Outmarket Proposal Builder

Outmarket is the fastest growing insurance AI platform because it empowers agencies to scale their business rather than their headcount, while delivering excellence in client service. Proposal Builder is a force multiplier on the ROI of the Outmarket platform, as it radically revises the way brokers and agents generate proposals for their clients  one of the most time-consuming, tedious and redundant workflows in insurance. By eliminating the need to copy and paste coverages from carriers, manually alter limits, or spend hours formatting and reformatting agency templates, Proposal Builder unlocks extraordinary efficiencies.

The Proposal Builder workflow is dead simple. Brokers upload the policy documents, and Proposal Builder turns them into a custom, modular proposal using brand styling and layouts of the broker's choosing. From there, Proposal Builder works with the broker to edit text, visuals, layouts and more. The technology is designed to generate comprehensive, fully-branded commercial insurance proposals instantly, integrating necessary modular sections and pre-approved content.

"Commercial insurance sales is relationship driven, but the proposal process is often a slow, manual bottleneck that keeps experts from spending time with clients," said Vishal Sankhla, CEO of Outmarket. "Our customers have requested that we build this capability into our platform, and we're thrilled to deliver it for them. This is a watershed moment for insurance. Just as spreadsheets transformed finance, Proposal Builder is another example of how Outmarket's AI is transforming insurance."

Key Features of Proposal Builder:

Rapid Content Generation: Automates the assembly of extensive proposals, reducing cycle time from hours to minutes.

Modular Outlines: Automatically integrates necessary, policy-specific content, including coverage summaries, risk assessments, and company information.

Bring Your Own Templates: Seamlessly integrates your templates, cover pages, team pages with photos, information about your agency, and disclaimers, adhering to your brand's approved verbal and visual guidelines and ensuring a polished, professional look.

Brand Template Controls: Ensures every proposal adheres to organizational branding guidelines, utilizing approved templates and agency-standard outlines to eliminate hours spent on reformatting drafts.

Complete Customization: Outmarket's core AI can be used directly within the tool to fine-tune proposals after initial generation. Users can directly edit or task our AI with editing:

Text and messaging Formatting and layout Visual components, including charts and diagram s



Proposal Builder is a complete reimagination of how any document is created with AI. Custom tuned specifically to meet the needs of the insurance industry, it can be used to generate a variety of document outputs that regularly consume excessive time and resources. While the process is automated, it is driven by an unprecedented level of intelligent assembly and editing to ensure that documents remain perfectly tailored to the client's needs and the nuances of commercial insurance.

The results with pilot customers have been transformative, demonstrating that a tailor-made solution for brokers can rewrite the rules of the industry. Outmarket frees brokers to be more responsive and precise for clients and build trust while growing their businesses and reducing E&O exposure.

"The ability to swiftly generate a comprehensive proposal that strictly adheres to our brand guidelines and templates is a revolutionary advancement in the industry," said Taine Wilson of Houchens Insurance Group. "It guarantees that every document leaving our agency upholds our high standards, all while requiring significantly less effort from our agents."

In combination with Outmarket's powerful workflows for policy and quote comparisons, coverage gap analysis, and more, brokers now have an AI assist for all phases of the client relationship. With access to the full power of AI in one seamless, end-to-end platform, brokers aren't looking back.

"I love the responsive team, flexible product, and that this software is shaped to brokers," said Kevin Hawkinson, director of carrier relations for Commercial Insurance Associates. "I'm such a believer in it, it's just that good."

Outmarket customers like Commercial Insurance Associates report instant and massive ROI immediately after adopting the technology. Large organizations have reported tens of thousands of hours saved per year and as much as $1 million in cost savings annually. Best of all, Outmarket customers capture that ROI while simultaneously scaling their businesses at a pace they have never seen before.

"We've tested other AI tools, but they stumble over the nuance of complex commercial policies. Outmarket's platform gets it," said Troy Moody, COO of Moody Insurance. "This is the first time I've seen technology actually understand the context of a carrier quote and translate it instantly into a client-ready proposal. It is the exact solution the industry has been waiting for."

Proposal Builder is now available to all Outmarket customers.

To learn more about Outmarket AI, the #1 AI platform for insurance, please visit: https://outmarket.ai/

About Outmarket

Outmarket is the #1 AI platform for insurance. We deliver instant revenue generation with AI workflows designed for brokers. Trusted by over 200 of the world's most successful insurance agencies, Outmarket is the fastest growing insurance AI company in the world.

Outmarket instantly delivers AI-driven transformation at all phases of the insurance customer lifecycle. In a fragmented market of point solutions, Outmarket is the only truly comprehensive platform for insurance. We offer a fully integrated suite of technologies that usher in a new era of growth, efficiency, and opportunity for the industry.

Outmarket is built for insurance from the ground up. Our AI platform is tuned to streamline operations, reduce E&O exposure, connect teams, and maximize revenue.

Outmarket is headquartered in San Francisco, California. To learn more, please visit: https://outmarket.ai/

CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE Outmarket AI Inc
Marc Naese has been named President of Panduit, expanding his leadership responsibilities as the company continues to execute against its corporate strategic pillars of market innovation, manufacturing excellence, and customer affinity. In this role, Naese will oversee global sales, marketing, operations, and all business units.

Tom Kelly has been named Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Kelly, who began his career at Panduit as an engineer and advanced through leadership roles across the organization, brings deep technical expertise and a strong understanding of the business to the position. As CTO, he will lead the company's global technology and innovation strategy.

Rebecca Hulse has been named Director of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Strategy, a newly expanded role reflecting the company's commitment to digital transformation and responsible AI adoption. In her new role, Hulse will lead the company's enterprise-wide AI strategy and guide the responsible implementation of AI across the organization.

"These appointments reflect our continued investment in people and leadership as we prepare Panduit for its next phase of growth," explained McDaniel. "These leaders represent the best of Panduit  deep expertise, strong values, and a shared commitment to our customers and our people. Together, they will help us shape the future of connected infrastructure."

About Panduit

Panduit is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality electrical and network infrastructure and connectivity solutions. Operating from our headquarters in Tinley Park, Ill., USA, and across 112 worldwide locations, we drive innovation through strategic R&D investments and breakthrough product development while providing seamless global support and service. Since 1955, our commitment to our customers and partners has remained constant. And together, with them, we create exceptional solutions that support their businesses in a way that's good for them and good for the world. Panduit is making the connections that matter. For more information, visit www.panduit.com.

Media Contact:

Dawn Leach

Manager, Global Brand

Panduit Corp.

708-532-1800 x81316

[email protected]

SOURCE Panduit Corp
The surviving alleged perpetrator of the fatal mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach had been charged with 59 offenses, Australian police said on Wednesday. #massshooting #Sydney




PARIS, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Peptinov today announced the publication of the Phase 1 clinical results for PPV-06, its first-in-class active immunotherapy targeting IL-6, in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 24 patients with inflammatory knee osteoarthritis under the supervision of Prof. Francois Rannou at Cochin Hospital (AP-HP, Paris).

The study met its primary objective. PPV-06 demonstrated an excellent safety and tolerability profile, with no serious adverse events and no dose-limiting toxicities. Reported adverse events were mostly mild, transient injection-site reactions, occurring at similar frequencies to placebo  a strong indicator of clinical tolerability for a first-in-human immunotherapy.

All PPV-06treated participants developed anti-IL-6 antibodies with measurable neutralizing capacity, confirming the robust immunogenicity of this active immunization strategy. While not designed to assess efficacy, the trial showed encouraging trends in KOOS functional scores, with the strongest improvements observed in participants exhibiting higher IL-6 neutralization. These aligned clinical and biological signals further support IL-6 modulation as a meaningful mechanism in chronic low-grade inflammation.

Prof. Francois Rannou commented:

"We conducted this study with rigorous clinical oversight and a strong focus on patient safety. The results show that PPV-06 is well tolerated and support the scientific relevance of this innovative active-immunotherapy approach targeting IL-6. For patients facing a lack of durable therapeutic options in osteoarthritis, these findings represent an encouraging first step toward clinical translation."

As the first active immunotherapy designed to modulate IL-6, PPV-06 has the potential to offer a differentiated therapeutic alternative for patients with inflammatory and age-associated chronic diseases. Demonstrating a controlled immune response against IL-6 in humans represents a significant milestone for this novel therapeutic modality.

Building on these results, Peptinov is preparing a broad Phase 2 clinical program planned for 2026, targeting inflammatory knee osteoarthritis, endometriosis, and rare inflammatory relapse-prone diseases such as giant cell arteritis and Behcet's disease.

Rene Azoulai, CEO of Peptinov, added:

"Publication in Nature Communications is an important milestone for Peptinov. These Phase 1 results reinforce our conviction that active immunotherapy targeting excess self-proteins could define a new class of treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases and reach a wide patient population."

Publication:

www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-64710-6

About Peptinov:

For more information, visit www.peptinov.fr

Contact : [email protected]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2849052/Peptinov_logo.jpg

SOURCE Peptinov
SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Portmag, a charging accessories manufacturer, has launched its private brand (PB) portable charger, Powerbank, accelerating its push into overseas markets including China, Southeast Asia, Russia, and Japan.

As a manufacturer specializing in charging accessories, Portmag is expanding its global network through a partnership with marketing firm Bizrup. Its proprietary brand Powerbank features a magnetic pin array and magnetic terminal system, enabling convenient and powerful charging. The product is compatible with Portmag's existing charging cable, the Spider Jack Absolute, and is designed to attach and detach magnetically. This structure helps prevent terminal damage even if the battery is dropped due to strong external impact.

A Portmag official stated, "We have established a local branch in China and signed a contract with Bizrup, a marketing company with established infrastructure, to build a local sales network." The official added, "As our products are currently manufactured under OEM arrangements in China, we have a competitive advantage in exporting to the Chinese market, and we plan to further strengthen our brand presence locally."

SOURCE PORTMAG
UIA CEO Dr. Bridget Burns receives award recognizing cross-institutional innovation and student success impact

TEMPE, Ariz., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The University Innovation Alliance (UIA), a multi-university laboratory working to improve student success, announced today that its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Bridget Burns, has been selected to receive the 2025 Clark Kerr Award for Distinguished Leadership in Higher Education--one of the field's most prestigious honors--by the Academic Senate of the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Burns joins past recipients including former Supreme Court justice and California governor Earl Warren, Carnegie Corporation president Vartan Gregorian, former Harvard president Derek Bok, free speech champion and former college president Lee Bollinger, UC Berkeley chancellor Carol Christ, and former Gates Foundation CEO Sue Desmond-Hellmann.

The UC Berkeley Academic Senate describes the Clark Kerr Award as recognizing "remarkable accomplishments that place recipients in the rare category of exceptional individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the advancement of higher education." Established in 1968, the award carries forward the legacy of Clark Kerr, the visionary architect of the modern research university. This year's recognition marks the first time the award has elevated work rooted in cross-institutional improvement and student success innovation.

"Clark Kerr has long been a personal hero of mine because he understood how to build educational enterprises that could meet the needs of a changing nation," said Michael M. Crow, President of Arizona State University and founding member of the UIA. "The UIA embodies that same spirit by bringing institutions together around a shared urgency to innovate, to take collective responsibility for student success, and to model what universities can accomplish for the future competitiveness of the country. Bridget has been the critical driving force behind this work, continually pushing us to align, to stay focused, and to act together at the scale the nation requires."

For more than a decade, UIA member universities have piloted and scaled interventions years ahead of the sector, from forgiving small student debts that block re-enrollment or graduation, to redesigning advising systems to be proactive, to using predictive analytics to identify and support students at risk, to redesigning high-DFW courses to prevent students from dropping, failing, or withdrawing. By sharing data openly and learning collectively, UIA campuses have accelerated improvement, demonstrated which practices are effective and scalable, and helped set the national agenda for student success innovation.

"Bridget Burns exemplifies the spirit of the Clark Kerr Award through her visionary leadership and dedication to expanding educational opportunity," said Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. "I've long admired Clark Kerr for his firm belief in the importance of higher education to our society and his keen insights into the tensions inherent within it. This honor very fittingly recognizes Bridget's work with the UIA to amplify student success through measurable coalition-based innovation that achieves lasting impact."

The UIA's eleven founding institutions exceeded their stretch goals by producing more than 160,000 additional graduates by 2025, including a 43 percent increase in annual graduates from low-income backgrounds and a 100 percent increase in annual graduates from underrepresented backgrounds. As a collective, the UIA's nineteen institutions now award approximately 127,000 degrees each year.

"This award affirms what the University Innovation Alliance has demonstrated for more than a decade: when public universities collaborate and innovate together, students succeed and our nation benefits. Iowa State University is proud to be a founding member of the UIA," said Wendy Wintersteen, Iowa State University President. "Bridget Burns' leadership has been instrumental in bringing our institutions together to advance our shared vision of increasing the number of college graduates to strengthen America's economic competitive edge."

"I am deeply honored because when launching the Alliance, I used to ask what might be possible if the Clark Kerr of this generation was not one person at all, but a group of university presidents choosing to work together to transform the future of higher education," said Bridget Burns. "To prove that universities can be both big and good. That we can innovate faster by working together. That we can transform ourselves in ways no one could fathom by keeping students at the center and holding one another accountable. And that we can lead radically by caring as much about each other's students as our own. To receive an award in Clark Kerr's name is profoundly humbling because it affirms that this kind of collaborative leadership is not only possible but necessary for the future of our sector."

About the University Innovation Alliance:

The UIA is an award winning national consortium of large public research universities committed to improving student outcomes through collaborative innovation. For more than a decade, the Alliance has served as a multi-university laboratory where member institutions test, refine, and scale approaches to increase the number of graduates and expand opportunity for students from all backgrounds. Today, the Alliance continues this work with renewed focus on improving student mobility and ensuring that institutional success leads to long term economic opportunity for graduates. The UIA's nineteen members include Arizona State University, Georgia State University, Iowa State University, Michigan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Temple University, University at Buffalo, University of California Riverside, University of Central Florida, University of Colorado Denver, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Maryland Baltimore County, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of New Mexico, University of South Carolina, University of Utah, and Virginia Commonwealth University. For more information, visit www.theUIA.org.

SOURCE University Innovation Alliance
- SK hynix 32Gb 1b die-based 256GB server DDR5 RDIMM completes compatibility validation with Intel Xeon 6 platform

- Demonstrates world-leading expertise in high-capacity DDR5 module technology

- SK hynix to proactively enhance customer satisfaction as a "Full-stack AI memory creator"

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SK hynix Inc. (or "the company", www.skhynix.com) announced today that it has become the first in the industry to complete the Intel Data Center Certified process to apply 256GB DDR5 RDIMM[1]a high capacity server module based on 32Gb fifth-generation 10nm-class (1b) DRAM to Intel Xeon 6 platform.

1Registered Dual In-Line Memory Module (RDIMM): DRAM module for server/workstation that includes a register or buffer chip to relay address and command signals between the memory controller and DRAM chip in a memory module

SK hynix 256GB DDR5 RDIMM SK hynix 256GB DDR5 RDIMM

As an Intel Data Center Certified system/platform, 256GB DDR5 RDIMM has completed extensive testing and rigorous validation by Intel's Advanced Data Center Development Laboratory, and is now the industry's first server module verified to provide reliable performance, compatibility and quality when combined with Intel Xeon processors. SK hynix has previously obtained similar validation in January this year for its 16Gb fourth-generation 10nm-class (1a) die-based 256GB product.

By becoming the first in the industry to validate compatibility with Intel's latest server platform, SK hynix is demonstrating technological leadership in high-capacity DDR5 modules. Based on this, the company will expand cooperation with major global data center operators and continue to lead the next-generation memory market in response to rapidly increasing demand from server customers.

In this new AI-driven infrastructure environment, memory has emerged as a critical determinant of performance. As AI inference models evolve beyond generating simple response to performing complex logical processes, the volume of data that must be processed in real time is growing exponentially. To manage these massive data sets swiftly and reliably, high-capacity and high-performance memory has become indispensabledriving a sharp increase in market demand.

The company anticipates its latest product to be the ideal solution to meet this growing demand. Servers equipped with the new module deliver up to 16% higher inference performance compared with those using 32Gb die-based 128GB products. In addition, by utilizing 32Gb DRAM chips, the design achieves up to approximately 18% lower power consumption than previous 256GB products based on 16Gb 1a DRAM. With this improved power efficiency and outstanding performance per watt[2], the company expects strong interest from data center customers.

2Performance per watt: An indicator of data capacity per second that can be processed per unit of power

"We are now able to respond more swiftly to customer needs, solidifying our leadership in the server DDR5 DRAM market. As a full-stack AI memory creator, we will actively address the growing demand for high-performance, low-power, and high-capacity memory solutions to further enhance customer satisfaction." said Sangkwon Lee, head of DRAM Product Planning & Enablement at SK hynix.

"This achievement represents the culmination of collaborative engineering efforts across Intel and SK hynix and demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing memory technology. The high-capacity module addresses the increasingly demanding requirements of capacity-hungry workloads of AI applications, enabling our customers to unlock new levels of performance and efficiency in their data center operations," said Dr. Dimitrios Ziakas, VP of Platform Architecture, Intel Data Center Group.

About SK hynix Inc.

SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world's top tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips ("DRAM") and flash memory chips ("NAND flash") for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company's shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.

Intel, the Intel logo and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.

SOURCE SK hynix Inc.
NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Monksthe global, digital-first, data-driven, unitary operating brand of S4 Capital plchas appointed long-time data visionary Sneha Ghosh as EVP Data, NAMER to accelerate the development of sophisticated data modeling across the company's marketing services solutions. Sneha joins the company to lead the North American data team and will report to Bryan Sherman, EVP, Head of NAMER Media and Data at Monks.

Monks has appointed long-time data visionary Sneha Ghosh as EVP Data, NAMER to accelerate the development of sophisticated data modeling across the companys marketing services solutions.

Ghosh brings more than 15 years of experience turning data into strategic impact for Fortune 500 brands including Levi Strauss & Co., Microsoft, General Mills, ExxonMobil, American Express, Charles Schwab, and Sony in her previous roles at UM Worldwide and Starcom Mediavest Group.

In her new role at Monks, Sneha will connect the power of data to brand outcomes and business growth, developing data-driven and AI-enabled integrated solutions for Monks' clients. Sneha will help advance the data practice across Monks' integrated offerings of marketing intelligence, creation and orchestration. Sneha's appointment reflects Monks' strategic vision to bridge the gap between data and creative for forward-thinking, agile, AI-powered brands.

In addition to providing data counsel for Monks' key clients across the North American region, Sneha will advance the integration and development of Monks' AI orchestration solution, Monks.Flow. Working as part of the Media and Data team at Monks, Sneha will help the company integrate and lead talented teams with deep subject-matter expertise, and deliver solutions that are built for the modern age of marketing.

"I'm thoroughly impressed by Monks' forward-thinking approach," said Sneha Ghosh, EVP Data, NAMER at Monks. "The industry is at a pivotal moment of AI-powered transformation and there has never been a more important time to build future-forward data solutions rooted in tangible client outcomes. I am excited to bring my experience to a team where craft meets ambition."

"We're thrilled to welcome Sneha to the team," said Bryan Sherman, EVP, Head of NAMER Media and Data at Monks. "Sneha is that rare hybrid who speaks the language of engineers and quants but can also sit at the table with CIOs and CMOs to put forth integrated data solutions that will drive business outcomes for our clients."

About Monks

Monks is the global, digital-first, data-driven, unitary operating brand of S4 Capital plc. With a legacy of innovation and specialized expertise, Monks combines an extraordinary range of global Marketing and Technology Services to redefine how brands interact with the world. Through Monks.Flow, its flagship AI ecosystem for marketing orchestration, Monks transforms marketing into a growth engine, collapsing timelines and connecting brands to culture in real time. By deploying bespoke intelligent agents across disciplines and delivering culturally relevant, high-impact creative and digital solutions, Monks solves key critical business challenges across the entire brand enterprise to help brands sustain long-term impact.

Monks was named a Contender in The Forrester Wave: Global Marketing Services, ranks among Cannes Lions' Top 10 Creative Companies (2022-24) and remains the only partner featured in AdExchanger's Programmatic Power Players list every year (2020-24). Named Adweek's first AI Agency of the Year (2023) and The One Show's inaugural AI Pioneer Organization, Monks was also awarded Business Intelligence Group's 2025 Excellence in Artificial Intelligence Award in both the Organizational and AI Product categories. As a trusted partner to cutting-edge innovators in tech, Monks earned titles such as Optimizely Experimentation Partner of the Year (2025), runner-up for the Adobe Firefly Partner Award (2024), and Workato's AI Visionary Customer Impact Award (2024). Additionally, Monks achieved a record-breaking number of FWAs and continues to hold the most of any partner.

About S4 Capital

S4Capital plc (SFOR.L) is the tech-led, new age/new era digital advertising, marketing and technology services company, established by Sir Martin Sorrell in May 2018.

Our strategy is to build a purely digital advertising and marketing services business for global, multinational, regional, and local clients, and millennial-driven influencer brands. This will be achieved by integrating leading businesses in two synchronised Practices: Marketing Services and Technology services, along with an emphasis on 'faster, better, cheaper, more' execution in an always-on consumer-led environment, with a unitary structure.

The Company now has approximately 6,500 people in 33 countries with approximately 80% of net revenue across the Americas, 15% across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 5% across Asia-Pacific. The longer-term objective is a geographic split of 60%:20%:20%. Marketing Services accounted for approximately 90% of net revenue, and Technology Services 10%. The longer term objective is a practice split of 75%:25%.

Sir Martin was CEO of WPP for 33 years, building it from a 1 million 'shell' company in 1985 into the world's largest advertising and marketing services company, with a market capitalisation of over 16 billion on the day he left. Prior to that Sir Martin was Group Financial Director of Saatchi & Saatchi Company Plc for nine years.

Media Contact

Sarah Murray

[email protected]

SOURCE Monks
SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- B5G6G DIGITAL CURRENCY Co., Ltd., led by CEO Sang-Yong Kim, announced plans to issue the SOiVA Deepfake Prevention Stablecoin with a total value equivalent to KRW 750 trillion, along with the launch of the SOiVA Global Digital Asset Governance Economy Service Card.

The SOiVA Deepfake Prevention Stablecoin is related to the Korean government's initiative to select private fintech companies to issue a won-denominated stablecoin. However, the project is fundamentally designed as a global business based on a U.S. dollarbacked stablecoin.

SOiVA Deepfake Prevention Stablecoin Service Card

This initiative represents the world's first effort to enable the exchange between a U.S. dollar stablecoin and a Korean won stablecoin, to be implemented through the SOiVA Deepfake Prevention Stablecoin issuance project.

The SOiVA Deepfake Prevention Stablecoin issuance project is a privately led, asset-backed digital stablecoin initiative based on natural mineral resources with significant economic value, including rare earth elements.

Through this approach, the SOiVA Deepfake Prevention Stablecoin project aims to lead a new digital distribution network built on physical digital assetbased killer content, create a large-scale global governance digital economy, and drive AI-powered internet convergence services for deepfake prevention.

According to CEO Kim, the SOiVA Deepfake Prevention Stablecoin will be integrated with natural mineral resources from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After being tokenized as a won-denominated SOiVA digital asset, it will be distributed and traded internationally as a U.S. dollarbased stablecoin.

In digital asset trading, a comprehensive system capable of data generation, distribution, and monitoring is essential, and such a system must also perform global data quality management and evaluation. The SOiVA Deepfake Prevention Stablecoin service system satisfies all of these requirements, positioning it to lead the next generation of global cryptocurrency and stablecoin markets.

The SOiVA Deepfake Prevention Stablecoin service system complies with stablecoin-related regulations in both Korea and the United States and is designed to securely operate all processesincluding issuance, circulation, and monitoringindependently in the global market.

CEO Kim further stated that, in addition to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the company has received requests from multiple countries to issue stablecoins on their behalf and is currently pursuing joint projects on a country-by-country basis.

While some advanced countries select domestic private companies to issue their own national stablecoins, an increasing number of countries are granting SOiVA Deepfake Prevention Stablecoin services exclusive rights to issue national stablecoins and are choosing to participate in the SOiVA Global Digital Asset Governance Economy from the outset. This trend is considered highly significant.

These countries are actively working to digitize assets across areas such as travel, labor, culture, politics, economy, society, religion, technology, ESG, and AI. By participating in the SOiVA Global Digital Asset Governance Economy, they are also attracting SOiVA Deepfake Prevention AI Internet Banks to support the implementation of this global digital asset governance initiative within their countries.

SOURCE B5G6G Digital Currency
Hundreds of local broadcast TV stations nationwide unite during the holiday season to air lifesaving PSAs

NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ad Council, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB), today announced the launch of the 22nd annual Project Roadblock. Each year, local broadcast TV stations across the country donate airspace to Buzzed Driving Prevention public service advertisements (PSAs) during the holiday season, reminding holiday travelers about the dangers of buzzed driving and encouraging them to plan ahead for a safe ride.

Project Roadblock spans the six-day period between December 26 and 31, with a special emphasis on 10 p.m. local time on New Year's Eve  an important night to encourage safe and sober driving. According to data from NHTSA, alcohol-impaired driving crashes claimed 4,931 lives during the 2019-2023 December months. On average, alcohol-impaired driving crashes claimed one life every 42 minutes, according to the latest available data.

"For more than two decades, our partnership with TVB and hundreds of local broadcast stations has showcased the power of local television to reach communities with vital messages about the dangers of impaired driving," said DJ Perera, chief media officer at the Ad Council. "We're deeply grateful to every partner who makes Project Roadblock such an immense success."

Since its inception in 2004, Project Roadblock has reached virtually every U.S. television household, with the 2024 Project Roadblock reaching 208 of 210 Designated Market Areas (DMAs) nationwide, covering 99.96% of all U.S. households. Last year's effort saw more than 65,900 detections of donated local broadcast TV airtime, generating an estimated $6.5 million in media value  a 9% year-over-year increase in detections and 68% in value. To date, participating stations have contributed more than $200 million in donated media value, driving over 8 billion total impressions since the initiative began.

"Project Roadblock harnesses the power of local television to remind drivers to make smart choices about driving this holiday season. NHTSA appreciates all of our broadcast partners for helping us spread the word that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. We encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and arrange for a safe, sober ride home from their festivities," NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said.

"Project Roadblock is a powerful example of how local broadcast television can make a real difference," said Steve Lanzano, President and CEO of TVB. "Each year, stations across the country use their trusted community connections and unparalleled reach to share this life-saving message that helps keep our roads and families safe during the holidays."

The PSAs, available in both English and Spanglish, highlight the dangers of driving after drinking, and that "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving." Local TV stations can register and download campaign material through the Project Roadblock campaign page. Extreme Reach, a longtime partner of the initiative, will once again donate all PSA distribution and delivery services.

For more information about Project Roadblock, visit TVB.org/ProjectRoadblock and follow the campaign online using the hashtag #ProjectRoadblock.

About the Ad Council

The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change. For more than 80 years, the nonprofit organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country's most iconic social impact campaigns  Smokey Bear, Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more. To learn more or get involved, visit AdCouncil.org, join the Ad Council's communities on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and view campaign creative on YouTube.

About TVB

TVB is the not-for-profit trade association representing America's local broadcast television industry, including linear and digital platforms. Its members include the U.S. television stations, television broadcast groups, advertising sales reps, syndicators, international broadcasters and associate members. TVB actively promotes local media marketing solutions to the advertising community and works to develop advertising dollars for the medium's multiple platforms, including on-air, online and mobile. TVB provides a diverse variety of tools and resources, including its website, to support its members and to help advertisers make the best use of local ad dollars.

About NHTSA

For more than 50 years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been the primary federal agency responsible for safety on the nation's roadways. As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, NHTSA works to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries by promoting the use of seat belts and child safety seats; helping states and local communities address the threat of distracted, drunk and drug-impaired drivers; regulating vehicle safety standards and investigating safety defects in motor vehicles; establishing and enforcing fuel economy standards; conducting research on driver behavior and traffic safety; and providing consumer information on issues ranging from child passenger safety to impaired driving. For more information visit www.nhtsa.gov.

SOURCE The Ad Council
Annual AzBusiness Leaders publication recognizes executives shaping Arizona's business landscape, talent pipeline and economic future

PHOENIX, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Phoenix announces that President Chris Lynne has been named a 2026 Arizona Business Leader by AZ Big Media and is featured in AzBusiness Leaders, an annual magazine published by AZ Big Media that spotlights Arizona's most innovative and impactful executives and entrepreneurs across key industries.

University of Phoenix announces that President Chris Lynne has been named a 2026 Arizona Business Leader by AZ Big Media and is featured in AzBusiness Leaders, an annual magazine published by AZ Big Media that spotlights Arizonas most innovative and impactful executives and entrepreneurs across key industries.

Lynne leads University of Phoenix, one of the country's largest online education providers from its Phoenix headquarters, focusing on accessible, career-aligned learning for working adult learners and positioning the University as a major talent development contributor for employers. In 2026, University of Phoenix will celebrate 50 years of serving adult learners and innovating in higher education.

"Arizona's economy is evolving quickly, and institutions like University of Phoenix have a responsibility to move just as fast," said Lynne. "Over the past several years, we've been very intentional about innovating for working adult learners and employer talent needs. For me, this recognition underscores that you can be both rigorously data-driven and deeply focused on people  creating practical pathways for working adults' careers while helping employers build a more resilient, skilled workforce."

Lynne has guided the University through strategic transition with a leadership style grounded in financial discipline, operational execution, and a focus on outcomes for working adult learners. Lynne has served as president of University of Phoenix since 2022, after joining the institution in 2018 as chief financial officer. In 2025, he led the University's transition to a public company and is now also CEO of its parent company, Phoenix Education Partners, Inc., while still president and trustee of the University.

As part of the leadership team that led the University's multi-year transformation, which began in 2017, Lynne has helped realign strategy around student outcomes and career preparation  streamlining academic programs, aligning 100% of curriculum to career-relevant skills, strengthening student support services, investing in an AI-ready technology platforms, and executing significant cost efficiencies. Under this leadership, University of Phoenix has reported double-digit improvements in student retention and graduation rates while deepening its focus on flexible, career-focused education for adult learners balancing work, family and school.

Lynne, the first in his immediate family to benefit from higher education, has dedicated his career to expanding pathways for nontraditional, underserved and marginalized students to achieve career and social mobility. Earlier in 2025, AZ Big Media also recognized Lynne as one of the 50 Most Powerful People in Arizona Business, noting his leadership in workforce-aligned learning and accessibility.

A higher education professional with more than 20 years of experience, Lynne brings a data-driven perspective on workforce-aligned learning, institutional innovation, and how higher education can better serve today's learners and employers. His insights on adult learners, skills-aligned education and the future of work have been featured at the annual ASU+GSV Summit and in Forbes, where he has contributed to conversations on resilience, reinvention and new models of postsecondary education.

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.

SOURCE University of Phoenix
RYBREVANT FASPRO, the first and only subcutaneous therapy for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC, reduces administration time from hours to minutes and significantly reduces administration-related reactions1-5

Approval builds on previously reported Phase 3 MARIPOSA data showing unmatched overall survival benefit of this chemotherapy-free regimen, projected to exceed four years6

HORSHAM, Pa., Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved RYBREVANT FASPRO (amivantamab and hyaluronidase-lpuj), the first and only subcutaneously (SC) administered therapy for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).1 RYBREVANT FASPRO is approved across all indications of RYBREVANT (amivantamab-vmjw).

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/johnson-and-johnson/9361151-en-johnson-and-johnson-us-fda-approval-rybrevant-faspro-amivantamab-and-hyaluronidase-lpuj

Compared to intravenous (IV) delivery, RYBREVANT FASPRO offers significantly higher patient convenience and lower burden on healthcare resources1-5:

Reducing administration time from several hours to five minutes (significantly less administration time than chemotherapy-based regimens, which could take up to an hour);

Demonstrating an approximately fivefold reduction in administration-related reactions (ARRs) (13 percent in SC vs 66 percent in IV arm); and

Reducing venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence (11 percent in SC vs 18 percent in IV arm).

Multimedia assets for media are available here.

Based on the results from the Phase 3 PALOMA-3 study (NCT05388669), RYBREVANT FASPRO delivered consistent results to RYBREVANT, meeting both co-primary pharmacokinetic (PK) endpoints as measured by amivantamab levels in the blood [C trough on Cycle (C) 2 Day (D) 1 or C4D1 and C2 area under the curve (AUC D1-D15 )].1,7 Results from PALOMA-3 were first presented as a late-breaking oral presentation at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Data presented at ASCO in 2024 and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology also found that the SC arm showed longer duration of response (DoR), improved progression-free survival (PFS), and longer overall survival (OS) compared to the IV arm. Median OS was notably higher for patients treated with the SC arm in combination with LAZCLUZE (HR 0.62; 95 percent CI, 0.420.92; nominal P=0.02). At 12 months, 65 percent of patients receiving SC were alive, compared with 51 percent treated with IV.7

"Patients now have a simple, chemotherapy-free frontline option that not only targets the disease more precisely but also significantly improves survival," said Joelle Fathi, D.N.P., Chief Healthcare Delivery Officer, GO2 for Lung Cancer.* "With the introduction of RYBREVANT FASPRO, care becomes faster, less invasive, and more aligned with what matters most to patients: time, comfort, and dignity. This therapy reduces the physical and emotional burden of lengthy infusions, giving patients and their families the opportunity to reclaim precious moments and focus on living, rather than treatment."

This milestone builds upon the statistically significant and clinically meaningful OS data demonstrated with RYBREVANT plus LAZCLUZE for patients with untreated (first-line) locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions (ex19del) or L858R substitution mutations in the Phase 3 MARIPOSA study. At a median follow-up of 37.8 months, RYBREVANT plus LAZCLUZE showed a statistically significant reduction in the risk of death compared to osimertinib (hazard ratio [HR], 0.75; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.61-0.92, P=0.0048). Median OS was not yet reached with the combination (95 percent CI, 42.9-not estimable) and the OS benefit is projected to exceed four years, which is at least one year beyond the median of three years observed with osimertinib (36.7 months; 95 percent CI, 33.4-41.0).6

"The combination of RYBREVANT plus LAZCLUZE changes the biology of the disease by preventing resistance and delivers unmatched overall survival in the first-line setting, while omitting chemotherapy from treatment," said Danny Nguyen, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, and principal investigator for the PALOMA-3 and MARIPOSA studies. "Now, with the approval of RYBREVANT FASPRO, we have an entirely new subcutaneous therapy that offers consistent results compared to intravenous delivery, while providing a more patient-centered experience."

"The approval of RYBREVANT FASPRO is a pivotal step forward, as EGFR+ NSCLC patients have previously faced limited treatment options," explains Biljana Naumovic, President, Solid Tumor, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "Now, patients are gaining greater access to this transformative treatment, as well as the tools needed to proactively manage common dermatological effects."

Lower rates of ARRs (13 percent vs. 66 percent) were observed with RYBREVANT FASPRO compared to IV administration. The incidence of ARRs leading to interruption of any study treatment was also substantially lower in the RYBREVANT FASPRO and LAZCLUZE arm (1.0 percent). When treated with RYBREVANT FASPRO plus LAZCLUZE and prophylactic anticoagulant use (n=164), a VTE rate of 7 percent was observed, representing a return to baseline risk for patients with advanced NSCLC. Rates of VTE were lower (11 percent vs. 18 percent) in all patients treated with RYBREVANT FASPRO plus with LAZCLUZE, compared to patients treated with IV administration.1

Overall, the safety profile of RYBREVANT FASPRO was largely consistent with the known profile of IV administration, and in combination with LAZCLUZE. The most common adverse reactions of RYBREVANT FASPRO in combination with LAZCLUZE ( 20 percent) were rash, nail toxicity, musculoskeletal pain, edema, fatigue, nausea, hemorrhage, peripheral neuropathy, decreased appetite, constipation, diarrhea, pruritus, and dry skin.1

Access to RYBREVANT FASPRO

Johnson & Johnson offers comprehensive access and support information and resources to assist patients in gaining access to RYBREVANT FASPRO. Our patient support program, RYBREVANT withMe, is available to provide personalized support to help patients start and stay on their Johnson & Johnson medicines. RYBREVANT withMe helps providers support their patients by verifying patients' insurance coverage, providing information on Prior Authorization and Appeals processes and educating on reimbursement processes. Patients can connect to RYBREVANT withMe to receive cost support, regardless of insurance type, free, personalized one-on-one support from a Care Navigator, and resources and community connections. Learn more at RYBREVANTwithMe.com or by calling 833-JNJ-wMe1 (833-565-9631).

About the PALOMA-3 Study

PALOMA-3 (NCT05388669), which enrolled 418 patients, is a randomized, open-label Phase 3 study evaluating the PK, efficacy and safety of RYBREVANT FASPRO (administered via manual injection) plus LAZCLUZE compared to RYBREVANT-based regimens and LAZCLUZE in patients with EGFR-mutated advanced or metastatic NSCLC after progression on osimertinib and chemotherapy. The co-primary PK endpoints of the study were trough concentration [C trough on Cycle (C) 2 Day (D) 1 or C4D1 and C2 area under the curve (AUC D1-D15 )]. Key secondary endpoints were ORR and PFS. OS was a predefined exploratory endpoint. Prophylactic anticoagulation was recommended for the first four months of treatment.8

About the MARIPOSA Study

MARIPOSA (NCT04487080), which enrolled 1,074 patients, is a randomized, Phase 3 study evaluating RYBREVANT plus LAZCLUZE versus osimertinib and versus LAZCLUZE alone in first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR ex19del or substitution mutations. The primary endpoint of the study is PFS (using RECIST v1.1 guidelines) as assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR). Secondary endpoints include OS, ORR, DoR, progression-free survival after first subsequent therapy (PFS2) and intracranial PFS.9

Resistance to third-generation TKIs, such as osimertinib (when given alone or with chemotherapy), remains a major barrier to long-term disease control.10 The combination regimen RYBREVANT plus LAZCLUZE uses a triple mode of action: targeting EGFR mutations from two angles, blocking MET, and engaging the immune system.6 This approach has the potential to change the natural history of the disease by reducing the spectrum and complexity of acquired resistance mechanisms.12

A new analysis from MARIPOSA, presented at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2025 World Congress on Lung Cancer (WCLC), demonstrated that the combination significantly reduced the development of EGFR- and MET-driven resistance compared with osimertinib in the first-line setting. MET amplifications occurred in three percent of patients on the combination vs 13 percent on osimertinib (P=0.002), and secondary EGFR mutations (such as C797S) were significantly lower for RYBREVANT plus LAZCLUZE (1 percent vs 8 percent; P=0.01). Notably, acquired MET amplification led to early discontinuation in 23 percent of patients on osimertinib within six months, compared with four percent on RYBREVANT plus LAZCLUZE.10,11

About RYBREVANT

RYBREVANT (amivantamab-vmjw) is a first-in-class, fully-human bispecific antibody targeting EGFR and MET with immune cell-directing activity.

Data across multiple Phase 3 studies, including MARIPOSA and PALOMA-3, have demonstrated the clinical benefit of RYBREVANT -based regimens in improving PFS and OS in advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC.

RYBREVANT is approved in the U.S. across four indications in EGFR-mutated NSCLC, including two in the first-line setting and two in the second-line, or patients with either exon 19 deletions, exon 21 L858R mutations, or exon 20 insertion mutations, as monotherapy or in combination with lazertinib or chemotherapy.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines)[1] include amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT) across multiple treatment settings, including its recent inclusion as a NCCN Category 1 preferred option when used with lazertinib (LAZCLUZE) for first-line treatment of people with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations; see the latest NCCN Guidelines for NSCLC for complete information.

The NCCN Guidelines for Central Nervous System Cancers also identify amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT)-based regimens, including the combination with lazertinib (LAZCLUZE), as the only NCCN-preferred combination options for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC and brain metastases.

RYBREVANT FASPRO is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), Halozyme's ENHANZE drug delivery technology.

For more information, visit: https://www.RYBREVANT.com.

About LAZCLUZE

In 2018, Janssen Biotech, Inc., entered into a license and collaboration agreement with Yuhan Corporation for the development of LAZCLUZE (marketed as LECLAZA in South Korea). LAZCLUZE is an oral, third-generation, brain-penetrant EGFR TKI that targets both the T790M mutation and activating EGFR mutations while sparing wild-type EGFR. An analysis of the efficacy and safety of LAZCLUZE from the Phase 3 LASER301 study was published in The Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2023.

About Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Worldwide, lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, with NSCLC making up 80 to 85 percent of all lung cancer cases.13,14 The main subtypes of NSCLC are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma.14 Among the most common driver mutations in NSCLC are alterations in EGFR, which is a receptor tyrosine kinase controlling cell growth and division.15 EGFR mutations are present in 10 to 15 percent of Western patients with NSCLC with adenocarcinoma histology and occur in 40 to 50 percent of Asian patients.15,16,17,18 EGFR exon 19 deletions or EGFR L858R mutations are the most common EGFR mutations.19,20 The five-year survival rate for all people with advanced NSCLC and EGFR mutations treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is less than 20 percent.21 EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations are the third most prevalent activating EGFR mutation.22 Patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations have a real-world five-year overall survival (OS) of eight percent in the frontline setting, which is worse than patients with EGFR exon 19 deletions or L858R mutations, who have a real-world five-year OS of 19 percent. 20

About EGFR Mutations

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are among the most common oncogenic drivers in NSCLC, especially in, younger individuals and those who have never smoked. These mutations promote uncontrolled cell growth and are linked to poor outcomes.18 Despite progress with targeted therapies, including third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), long-term survival remains limited, with five-year survival rates below 20 percent.21 Overcoming resistance mechanisms, such as MET amplification and secondary EGFR mutations, is essential for improving outcomes and extending survival in EGFR-mutated NSCLC.10

INDICATIONS

RYBREVANT FASPRO (amivantamab and hyaluronidase-lpuj) and RYBREVANT (amivantamab-vmjw) are indicated:

in combination with LAZCLUZE  (lazertinib) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test.





(lazertinib) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test. in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations, whose disease has progressed on or after treatment with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor.





in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test.





as a single agent for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

RYBREVANT FASPRO is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to hyaluronidase or to any of its excipients.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity and Administration-Related Reactions with RYBREVANT FASPRO

RYBREVANT FASPRO can cause hypersensitivity and administration-related reactions (ARRs); signs and symptoms of ARR include dyspnea, flushing, fever, chills, chest discomfort, hypotension, and vomiting. The median time to ARR onset is approximately 2 hours.

RYBREVANT FASPRO with LAZCLUZE

In PALOMA-3 (n=206), all Grade ARRs occurred in 13% of patients, including 0.5% Grade 3. Of the patients who experienced ARRs, 89% occurred with the initial dose (Week 1, Day 1).

Premedicate with antihistamines, antipyretics, and glucocorticoids and administer

RYBREVANT FASPRO as recommended. Monitor patients for any signs and symptoms of administration-related reactions during injection in a setting where cardiopulmonary resuscitation medication and equipment are available. Interrupt RYBREVANT FASPRO injection if ARR is suspected. Resume treatment upon resolution of symptoms or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT FASPRO based on severity.

Infusion-Related Reactions with RYBREVANT

RYBREVANT can cause infusion-related reactions (IRR) including anaphylaxis; signs and symptoms of IRR include dyspnea, flushing, fever, chills, nausea, chest discomfort, hypotension, and vomiting. The median time to IRR onset is approximately 1 hour.

RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE

In MARIPOSA (n=421), IRRs occurred in 63% of patients, including Grade 3 in 5% and Grade 4 in 1% of patients. IRR-related infusion modifications occurred in 54%, dose reduction in 0.7%, and permanent discontinuation of RYBREVANT in 4.5% of patients.

RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

Based on the pooled safety population (n=281), IRRs occurred in 50% of patients including Grade 3 (3.2%) adverse reactions. IRR-related infusion modifications occurred in 46%, and permanent discontinuation of RYBREVANT in 2.8% of patients.

RYBREVANT as a Single Agent

In CHRYSALIS (n=302), IRRs occurred in 66% of patients. IRRs occurred in 65% of patients on Week 1 Day 1, 3.4% on Day 2 infusion, 0.4% with Week 2 infusion, and were cumulatively 1.1% with subsequent infusions. 97% were Grade 1-2, 2.2% were Grade 3, and 0.4% were Grade 4. The median time to onset was 1 hour (range: 0.1 to 18 hours) after start of infusion. IRR-related infusion modifications occurred in 62%, and permanent discontinuation of RYBREVANT in 1.3% of patients.

Premedicate with antihistamines, antipyretics, and glucocorticoids and infuse RYBREVANT as recommended. Administer RYBREVANT via a peripheral line on Week 1 and Week 2 to reduce the risk of IRRs. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of IRRs in a setting where cardiopulmonary resuscitation medication and equipment are available. Interrupt infusion if IRR is suspected. Reduce the infusion rate or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT based on severity. If an anaphylactic reaction occurs, permanently discontinue RYBREVANT.

Interstitial Lung Disease/Pneumonitis

RYBREVANT FASPRO and RYBREVANT can cause severe and fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis.

RYBREVANT FASPRO with LAZCLUZE

In PALOMA-3, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 6% of patients, including Grade 3 in 1%, Grade 4 in 1.5%, and fatal cases in 1.9% of patients. 5% of patients permanently discontinued

RYBREVANT FASPRO and LAZCLUZE due to ILD/pneumonitis.

RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE

In MARIPOSA, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% of patients, including Grade 3 in 1.0% and Grade 4 in 0.2% of patients. There was one fatal case of ILD/pneumonitis and 2.9% of patients permanently discontinued RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE due to ILD/pneumonitis.

RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

Based on the pooled safety population, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 2.1% of patients with 1.8% of patients experiencing Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis. 2.1% discontinued RYBREVANT due to ILD/pneumonitis.

RYBREVANT as a Single Agent

In CHRYSALIS, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.3% of patients, with 0.7% of patients experiencing Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis. Three patients (1%) permanently discontinued RYBREVANT due to ILD/pneumonitis.

Monitor patients for new or worsening symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis (e.g., dyspnea, cough, fever). Immediately withhold RYBREVANT FASPRO or RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE (when applicable) in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed.

Venous Thromboembolic (VTE) Events with Concomitant Use with LAZCLUZE

RYBREVANT FASPRO and RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE can cause serious and fatal venous thromboembolic (VTE) events, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Without prophylactic anticoagulation, the majority of these events occurred during the first four months of treatment.

RYBREVANT FASPRO with LAZCLUZE

In PALOMA-3 (n=206), all Grade VTE occurred in 11% of patients and 1.5% were Grade 3. 80% (n=164) of patients received prophylactic anticoagulation at study entry, with an all Grade VTE incidence of 7%. In patients who did not receive prophylactic anticoagulation (n=42), all Grade VTE occurred in 17% of patients. In total, 0.5% of patients had VTE leading to dose reductions of RYBREVANT FASPRO and no patients required permanent discontinuation. The median time to onset of VTEs was 95 days (range: 17 to 390).

RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE

In MARIPOSA, VTEs occurred in 36% of patients including Grade 3 in 10% and Grade 4 in 0.5% of patients. On-study VTEs occurred in 1.2% of patients (n=5) while receiving anticoagulation therapy. There were two fatal cases of VTE (0.5%), 9% of patients had VTE leading to dose interruptions of RYBREVANT, and 7% of patients had VTE leading to dose interruptions of LAZCLUZE; 1% of patients had VTE leading to dose reductions of RYBREVANT, and 0.5% of patients had VTE leading to dose reductions of LAZCLUZE; 3.1% of patients had VTE leading to permanent discontinuation of RYBREVANT, and 1.9% of patients had VTE leading to permanent discontinuation of LAZCLUZE. The median time to onset of VTEs was 84 days (range: 6 to 777).

Administer prophylactic anticoagulation for the first four months of treatment. The use of Vitamin K antagonists is not recommended.

Monitor for signs and symptoms of VTE events and treat as medically appropriate. Withhold RYBREVANT FASPRO or RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE based on severity. Once anticoagulant treatment has been initiated, resume RYBREVANT FASPRO or RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE at the same dose level at the discretion of the healthcare provider. In the event of VTE recurrence despite therapeutic anticoagulation, permanently discontinue RYBREVANT FASPRO or RYBREVANT. Treatment can continue with LAZCLUZE at the same dose level at the discretion of the healthcare provider. Refer to the LAZCLUZE Prescribing Information for recommended LAZCLUZE dosage modification.

Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

RYBREVANT FASPRO and RYBREVANT can cause severe rash including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), dermatitis acneiform, pruritus and dry skin.

RYBREVANT FASPRO with LAZCLUZE

In PALOMA-3, rash occurred in 80% of patients, including Grade 3 in 17% and Grade 4 in 0.5% of patients. Rash leading to dose reduction occurred in 11% of patients, and

RYBREVANT FASPRO was permanently discontinued due to rash in 1.5% of patients.

RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE

In MARIPOSA, rash occurred in 86% of patients, including Grade 3 in 26% of patients. The median time to onset of rash was 14 days (range: 1 to 556 days). Rash leading to dose interruptions occurred in 37% of patients for RYBREVANT and 30% for LAZCLUZE, rash leading to dose reductions occurred in 23% of patients for RYBREVANT and 19% for LAZCLUZE, and rash leading to permanent discontinuation occurred in 5% of patients for RYBREVANT and 1.7% for LAZCLUZE.

RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

Based on the pooled safety population, rash occurred in 82% of patients, including Grade 3 (15%) adverse reactions. Rash leading to dose reductions occurred in 14% of patients, and 2.5% permanently discontinued RYBREVANT and 3.1% discontinued pemetrexed.

RYBREVANT as a Single Agent

In CHRYSALIS, rash occurred in 74% of patients, including Grade 3 in 3.3% of patients. The median time to onset of rash was 14 days (range: 1 to 276 days). Rash leading to dose reduction occurred in 5% and permanent discontinuation due to rash occurred in 0.7% of patients. Toxic epidermal necrolysis occurred in one patient (0.3%).

When initiating treatment with RYBREVANT FASPRO or RYBREVANT, prophylactic and concomitant medications are recommended to reduce the risk and severity of dermatologic adverse reactions. Instruct patients to limit sun exposure during and for 2 months after treatment. Advise patients to wear protective clothing and use broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen.

If skin reactions develop, administer supportive care including topical corticosteroids and topical and/or oral antibiotics. For Grade 3 reactions, add oral steroids and consider dermatologic consultation. Promptly refer patients presenting with severe rash, atypical appearance or distribution, or lack of improvement within 2 weeks to a dermatologist. For patients receiving RYBREVANT FASPRO or RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue both drugs based on severity. For patients receiving RYBREVANT FASPRO or RYBREVANT as a single agent or in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, withhold, dose reduce or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT FASPRO or RYBREVANT based on severity.

Ocular Toxicity

RYBREVANT FASPRO and RYBREVANT can cause ocular toxicity including keratitis, blepharitis, dry eye symptoms, conjunctival redness, blurred vision, visual impairment, ocular itching, eye pruritus and uveitis.

RYBREVANT FASPRO with LAZCLUZE

In PALOMA-3, all Grade ocular toxicity occurred in 13% of patients, including 0.5% Grade 3.

RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE

In MARIPOSA, ocular toxicity occurred in 16%, including Grade 3 or 4 ocular toxicity in 0.7% of patients. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT and continue LAZCLUZE based on severity.

RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

Based on the pooled safety population, ocular toxicity occurred in 16% of patients. All events were Grade 1 or 2.

RYBREVANT as a Single Agent

In CHRYSALIS, keratitis occurred in 0.7% and uveitis occurred in 0.3% of patients. All events were Grade 1-2.

Promptly refer patients presenting with new or worsening eye symptoms to an ophthalmologist. Withhold, dose reduce or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT FASPRO or RYBREVANT based on severity.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on animal models, RYBREVANT FASPRO, RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating RYBREVANT FASPRO and RYBREVANT. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of RYBREVANT FASPRO or RYBREVANT, and for 3 weeks after the last dose of LAZCLUZE.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

RYBREVANT FASPRO with LAZCLUZE

In PALOMA-3 (n=206), the most common adverse reactions (20%) were rash (80%), nail toxicity (58%), musculoskeletal pain (50%), fatigue (37%), stomatitis (36%), edema (34%), nausea (30%), diarrhea (22%), vomiting (22%), constipation (22%), decreased appetite (22%), and headache (21%). The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (2%) were decreased lymphocyte count (6%), decreased sodium (5%), decreased potassium (5%), decreased albumin (4.9%), increased alanine aminotransferase (3.4%), decreased platelet count (2.4%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (2%), increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (2%), and decreased hemoglobin (2%).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients, with those occurring in 2% of patients including ILD/pneumonitis (6%); and pneumonia, VTE and fatigue (2.4% each). Death due to adverse reactions occurred in 5% of patients treated with RYBREVANT FASPRO, including ILD/pneumonitis (1.9%), pneumonia (1.5%), and respiratory failure and sudden death (1% each).

RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE

In MARIPOSA (n=421), the most common adverse reactions (ARs) (20%) were rash (86%), nail toxicity (71%), infusion-related reactions (IRRs) (RYBREVANT) (63%), musculoskeletal pain (47%), stomatitis (43%), edema (43%), VTE (36%), paresthesia (35%), fatigue (32%), diarrhea (31%), constipation (29%), COVID-19 (26%), hemorrhage (25%), dry skin (25%), decreased appetite (24%), pruritus (24%), and nausea (21%). The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (2%) were decreased albumin (8%), decreased sodium (7%), increased ALT (7%), decreased potassium (5%), decreased hemoglobin (3.8%), increased AST (3.8%), increased GGT (2.6%), and increased magnesium (2.6%).

Serious ARs occurred in 49% of patients, with those occurring in 2% of patients including VTE (11%), pneumonia (4%), ILD/pneumonitis and rash (2.9% each), COVID-19 (2.4%), and pleural effusion and IRRs (RYBREVANT) (2.1% each). Fatal ARs occurred in 7% of patients due to death not otherwise specified (1.2%); sepsis and respiratory failure (1% each); pneumonia, myocardial infarction, and sudden death (0.7% each); cerebral infarction, pulmonary embolism (PE), and COVID-19 infection (0.5% each); and ILD/pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and cardiopulmonary arrest (0.2% each).

RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

In MARIPOSA-2 (n=130), the most common ARs (20%) were rash (72%), IRRs (59%), fatigue (51%), nail toxicity (45%), nausea (45%), constipation (39%), edema (36%), stomatitis (35%), decreased appetite (31%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), vomiting (25%), and COVID-19 (21%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (2%) were decreased neutrophils (49%), decreased white blood cells (42%), decreased lymphocytes (28%), decreased platelets (17%), decreased hemoglobin (12%), decreased potassium (11%), decreased sodium (11%), increased alanine aminotransferase (3.9%), decreased albumin (3.8%), and increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (3.1%).

In MARIPOSA-2, serious ARs occurred in 32% of patients, with those occurring in >2% of patients including dyspnea (3.1%), thrombocytopenia (3.1%), sepsis (2.3%), and PE (2.3%). Fatal ARs occurred in 2.3% of patients; these included respiratory failure, sepsis, and ventricular fibrillation (0.8% each).

In PAPILLON (n=151), the most common ARs (20%) were rash (90%), nail toxicity (62%), stomatitis (43%), IRRs (42%), fatigue (42%), edema (40%), constipation (40%), decreased appetite (36%), nausea (36%), COVID-19 (24%), diarrhea (21%), and vomiting (21%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (2%) were decreased albumin (7%), increased alanine aminotransferase (4%), increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (4%), decreased sodium (7%), decreased potassium (11%), decreased magnesium (2%), and decreases in white blood cells (17%), hemoglobin (11%), neutrophils (36%), platelets (10%), and lymphocytes (11%).

In PAPILLON, serious ARs occurred in 37% of patients, with those occurring in 2% of patients including rash, pneumonia, ILD, PE, vomiting, and COVID-19. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 7 patients (4.6%) due to pneumonia, cerebrovascular accident, cardio-respiratory arrest, COVID-19, sepsis, and death not otherwise specified.

RYBREVANT as a Single Agent

In CHRYSALIS (n=129), the most common ARs (20%) were rash (84%), IRR (64%), paronychia (50%), musculoskeletal pain (47%), dyspnea (37%), nausea (36%), fatigue (33%), edema (27%), stomatitis (26%), cough (25%), constipation (23%), and vomiting (22%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (2%) were decreased lymphocytes (8%), decreased albumin (8%), decreased phosphate (8%), decreased potassium (6%), increased alkaline phosphatase (4.8%), increased glucose (4%), increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (4%), and decreased sodium (4%).

Serious ARs occurred in 30% of patients, with those occurring in 2% of patients including PE, pneumonitis/ILD, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, pneumonia, and muscular weakness. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2 patients (1.5%) due to pneumonia and 1 patient (0.8%) due to sudden death.

LAZCLUZE DRUG INTERACTIONS

Avoid concomitant use of LAZCLUZE with strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers. Consider an alternate concomitant medication with no potential to induce CYP3A4.

Monitor for adverse reactions associated with a CYP3A4 or BCRP substrate where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious adverse reactions, as recommended in the approved product labeling for the CYP3A4 or BCRP substrate.

Please see full Prescribing Information for RYBREVANT FASPRO, RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE.

cp-491009v1

About Johnson & Johnson

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/ or at www.innovativemedicine.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJInnovMed. Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc., Janssen Global Services, LLC and Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC are Johnson & Johnson companies.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of RYBREVANT-based regimens. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

cp-536497

FOOTNOTES

* Joelle Fathi has not been paid for any media work.

 Dr. Nguyen has provided consulting, advisory, and speaking services to Johnson & Johnson; he has not been paid for any media work.

 The patient support and resources provided by J&J withMe are not intended to provide medical advice, replace a treatment plan from the patient's doctor or nurse, provide case management services, or serve as a reason to prescribe a Johnson & Johnson medicine.

 The NCCN content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used in place of seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by licensed practitioners. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.

 See the NCCN Guidelines for detailed recommendations, including other treatment options.

 The NCCN Guidelines for NSCLC provide recommendations for certain individual biomarkers that should be tested and recommend testing techniques but do not endorse any specific commercially available biomarker assays or commercial laboratories.

References

RYBREVANT FASPRO Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc. George S, et al. Systematic literature review of intravenous versus subcutaneous administration of oncology therapies: A clinical, economic and patient perspective. Cancer Treatment Reviews. 2025 Sep; 139(102974):1-13. Bittner B, et al. Subcutaneous Administration of Biotherapeutics: An Overview of Current Challenges and Opportunities. BioDrugs. 2018 Oct;32(5):425-440. Aguiar-Ibanez R, et al. Differences Between Intravenous and Subcutaneous Modes of Administration in Oncology from the Patient, Healthcare Provider, and Healthcare System Perspectives: A Systematic Review. Adv Ther. 2024 Dec;41(12):4396-4417. Epstein R S, et al. Cancer patients' perspectives: A qualitative study of reasons for subcutaneous preference vs intravenous treatment. Abstract presented at: 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting; May 28, 2025; Chicago. Yang J, et al. Amivantamab Plus Lazertinib vs Osimertinib in First-line EGFR-mutant Advanced NSCLC  Final Overall Survival from MARIPOSA [ELCC abstract #40]. Presented at: 2025 European Lung Cancer Congress (ELCC); March 26-29, 2025; Paris, France. Leighl N, et al. Subcutaneous Versus Intravenous Amivantamab, Both in Combination With Lazertinib, in Refractory Epidermal Growth Factor ReceptorMutated NonSmall Cell Lung Cancer: Primary Results From the Phase III PALOMA-3 Study. J Clin Oncol. 2024 Oct 20;42(30):3593-3605. ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Lazertinib With Subcutaneous Amivantamab Compared With Intravenous Amivantamab in Participants With Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-Mutated Advanced or Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (PALOMA-3). Accessed July 2025. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05388669 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab and Lazertinib Combination Therapy Versus Osimertinib in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (MARIPOSA). Accessed July 2025. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04487080 Hayashi H, et al. Mechanisms of Acquired Resistance to First-Line Amivantamab Plus Lazertinib Vs Osimertinib: Updated Analysis from MARIPOSA [IASLC abstract PT1.03.06]. Presented at: IASLC 2025 World Lung Conference on Lung Cancer; September 6-9, 2025; Barcelona, Spain. Hayashi H, et al. Mechanisms of Acquired Resistance to First-Line Amivantamab Plus Lazertinib Vs Osimertinib: Updated Analysis from MARIPOSA. Poster presented at: IASLC 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC); September 6-9, 2025; Barcelona, Spain. Oxnard GR, Lo PC, Nishino M, et al. Natural history and molecular characteristics of lung cancers harboring EGFR exon 20 insertions. J Thorac Oncol. 2013;8(2):179-184. doi:10.1097/JTO.0b013e3182779d18 The World Health Organization. Lung Cancer. Accessed July 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lung-cancer American Cancer Society. What is Lung Cancer? Accessed July 2025. https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/cancer/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html Melosky B, et al. Worldwide Prevalence of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis. Mol Diagn Ther. 2021 Nov 23;26(1):7-18. Zhang YL, et al. The prevalence of EGFR mutation in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncotarget. 2016;7(48):78985-78993. Midha A, et al. EGFR mutation incidence in non-small-cell lung cancer of adenocarcinoma histology: a systematic review and global map by ethnicity. Am J Cancer Res. 2015;5(9):2892-2911. American Cancer Society. Personalized care for patients with EGFR-mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer: Navigating early to advanced disease management. Accessed November 2025. https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.70024 American Lung Association. EGFR and Lung Cancer. Accessed July 2025. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/symptoms-diagnosis/biomarker-testing Girard N, et al. Comparative clinical outcomes for patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations and common EGFR mutations. Abstract presented at: World Conference on Lung Cancer Annual Meeting; January 29, 2021; Singapore. Lin JJ, et al. Five-Year Survival in EGFR-Mutant Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma Treated with EGFR-TKIs. J Thorac Oncol. 2016 Apr;11(4):556-65. Arcila M, et al. EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations in lung adenocarcinomas: prevalence, molecular heterogeneity, and clinicopathologic characteristics. Mol Cancer Ther. 2013 Feb; 12(2):220-9.

SOURCE Johnson & Johnson
Former clerks Brian D. Fernandez, Marisa Nichols, and Emma Page join Coral Gables practice

MIAMI, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zumpano Patricios has added three associates to its healthcare litigation practice at the firm's Coral Gables headquarters. Brian D. Fernandez, Marisa Nichols, and Emma Page joined the firm after completing their clerkships and earning Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Miami School of Law.

Zumpano Patricios Welcomes Three New Associates: Brian D. Fernandez, Marisa Nichols, and Emma Page

All three associates previously clerked at Zumpano Patricios before joining as full-time attorneys. The additions expand the firm's healthcare litigation capabilities, which have recovered over $300 million for healthcare providers in disputes with insurance companies.

"Brian, Marisa and Emma exemplify the dedication, intellect and commitment to service that define our firm," said Joseph Zumpano, Founder and President of Zumpano Patricios. "We are proud to welcome them as we continue to expand our presence and strengthen our team in Coral Gables."

What Experience Do the New Zumpano Patricios Associates Bring?

Fernandez served as a legal intern for the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office and as a law clerk at the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida during law school. He worked at the University of Miami Health Rights Clinic, representing clients with health-related immigration and public benefits matters. Fernandez received multiple honors including:

CALI Excellence for the Future Award

Dean's Certificate of Achievement in Health Rights Clinic courses

Nichols served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Eduardo I. Sanchez and the Honorable Jonathan Goodman of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. She received the CALI Excellence Award in Legal Communication and Research Skills I and II. Nichols earned her B.A. from Oregon State University in 2020.

Page graduated cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law with concentrations in Health Law and Environmental Law. She served as an Environmental Justice Clinic Fellow, an Articles and Comments Editor for the Race & Social Justice Law Review, and a Fellow at the Center for Ethics and Public Service's Community Equity Lab. Page also clerked at Legal Services of Greater Miami and earned her B.A. in Public Health from the University of Kentucky in 2021.

What Does Zumpano Patricios Look for When Building Its Healthcare Litigation Team?

The firm's hiring approach emphasizes practical litigation experience through clerkships before extending associate offers. This model allows attorneys to understand the firm's case strategies and client needs before taking on independent responsibilities.

All three associates completed extensive work in healthcare-related matters during law school. Fernandez's experience with public benefits and healthcare immigration cases complements the firm's representation of diverse healthcare providers. Nichols's federal court clerkship experience proves valuable in cases requiring complex procedural knowledge. Page's health equity background addresses the intersection of healthcare access and provider reimbursement issues.

Healthcare providers facing reimbursement disputes or regulatory challenges can contact the firm's expanded team. The addition of three associates increases the firm's capacity to handle multiple healthcare litigation matters simultaneously.

Fernandez served as a legal intern for the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office and as a law clerk at the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida during law school. He worked at the University of Miami Health Rights Clinic, representing clients with health-related immigration and public benefits matters. Fernandez received multiple honors including:

CALI Excellence for the Future Award

Dean's Certificate of Achievement in Health Rights Clinic courses

Nichols served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Eduardo I. Sanchez and the Honorable Jonathan Goodman of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. She received the CALI Excellence Award in Legal Communication and Research Skills I and II. Nichols earned her B.A. from Oregon State University in 2020.

Page graduated cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law with concentrations in Health Law and Environmental Law. She served as an Environmental Justice Clinic Fellow, an Articles and Comments Editor for the Race & Social Justice Law Review, and a Fellow at the Center for Ethics and Public Service's Community Equity Lab. Page also clerked at Legal Services of Greater Miami and earned her B.A. in Public Health from the University of Kentucky in 2021.

How Does This Strengthen Zumpano Patricios' Healthcare Litigation Practice?

The three associates join a practice area that has secured landmark judgments in healthcare reimbursement disputes. Zumpano Patricios represents hospitals, hospital systems, clinics, and physician groups in matters ranging from payment disputes to regulatory compliance.

The clerk-to-associate transition reflects the firm's approach to building its litigation team. Former clerks gain direct exposure to active cases before joining as attorneys, allowing them to contribute immediately to ongoing healthcare disputes. Each associate worked on matters involving HMO payment practices, provider reimbursement claims, and contract disputes during their clerkships.

The firm's healthcare law practice has established legal precedents in disputes with HMOs and managed care payors. Joseph Zumpano was named by Forbes to America's Top 200 Lawyers 2024 as the only attorney in the United States recognized in the Health Law category.

Fernandez will focus on federal healthcare litigation matters, building on his experience with the U.S. Attorney's Office. Nichols will handle healthcare disputes requiring federal court experience, drawing from her judicial clerkship background. Page will work on cases involving healthcare regulatory compliance and health equity issues.

According to The Florida Bar, the three associates joined the firm at its Coral Gables location. The announcement was reported by citybiz .

About Zumpano Patricios

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Coral Gables, Zumpano Patricios operates offices in Miami, New York City, White Plains, Chicago, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. The firm handles complex litigation, healthcare law, international disputes, and asset recovery matters.

Contact

www.zplaw.com

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Media Contact:

ZUMPANO PATRICIOS

Phone: (305) 444-5565

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Website: www.zplaw.com

SOURCE Zumpano Patricios
BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- In China, the world's largest electricity consumer, one in every three kilowatt-hours of electricity comes from green energy sources, powering daily life while reshaping the national and global energy and industrial landscapes.

Northwestern Chinese regions like Qinghai, Xinjiang and Ningxia have turned their sunbaked, wind-swept deserts into treasure troves of green power. These areas boast abundant solar and wind resources, alongside low land costs.

POWER FROM DESERT AND SEA

Minning, a town in Ningxia, was once an impoverished area on the edge of the Gobi Desert. It is now a round-the-clock green energy demonstration zone.

It generates over 550 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity annually, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 188,300 tonnes, according to Mao Zhiyuan, deputy head of the township's power supply station.

"During peak daylight hours, new energy storage facilities store surplus electricity from photovoltaic (PV) panels. At night, wind power and stored energy take over," Mao explained.

The township's green electricity now fuels food processing, garment production, and heating for over 11,000 households during the cold winters. Minning's practices are a window into Ningxia's rapidly growing new energy sector, and into the tangible benefits it is bringing its residents.

From Jan. 1, 2026, the cost of electricity for home heating during the non-peak hours in Ningxia will be set at approximately 0.25 yuan (about 3.5 U.S. cents) per kilowatt-hour, according to the Ningxia Development and Reform Commission. That is much lower than that in the EU.

"Over a decade ago, we relied mainly on stoves for heat. Now, with clean heating, we no longer fret about costs," said Yang Zhihe, a Minning resident.

Coastal provinces like Guangdong, Jiangsu and Shandong are scaling up offshore wind power clusters to meet high electricity demand, slashing infrastructure and transmission expenses.

These economic hubs are also tapping distributed solar power. Such power systems installed in or near industrial parks supply direct green energy, delivering clear cost and environmental advantages.

RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM

Yao Shangheng, a researcher at the Energy Development Research Institute under China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd., said that China has built the world's largest and most integrated renewable energy system, with complete industrial chains. Its output of PV polysilicon, wafers and cells account for 90 percent of the global total, with its module output accounting for about 85 percent of the global total.

Building on this industrial foundation, China is also spearheading cutting-edge technology. Recently, a Shanghai start-up announced a breakthrough in creating sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

Using high-performance catalysts, the method converts carbon dioxide and green hydrogen produced from water electrolysis into liquid fuels, primarily hydrocarbons.

Song Xuefeng, the project's manager and vice president of Shanghai Airport (Group) Co., Ltd., said the one-stop synthesis process consumes less energy than alternatives. "Electrolysis can tap low-cost wind and solar power in northwest China to yield high-value, storable and transportable clean fuels," he noted.

China is also actively sharing its expertise globally. In a monthlong project that concluded on Tuesday, 10 power engineers from six other countries, including the United Kingdom and Peru, visited cutting-edge power grid technologies in Guangdong, and learned about China's latest practices in advancing energy transition.

Kovica Bibic from Serbia said he had been impressed by China's power system equipped with the Internet of Things (IoT), and that the interconnectivity of different types and brands of power equipment enables interoperability among vast data streams.

"It is like giving the grid a nerve center. We hope to adopt it and help Serbia better address grid instability factors," he said. 
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Jamie Ashcroft, the News Editor for Proactive UK, has developed an impressive career in financial journalism, focusing on the small-cap sector for over fourteen years. Before joining the Proactive team, he was a stockbroker during the global financial crisis, a role that complemented his educational background - a first-class degree in Business and Economics and qualifications in software design and development. As one of the early external hires at Proactive in 2009, Jamie contributed... Read more

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Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

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Jonathan Jackson is an experienced writer and editor. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in print and digital media across several business and finance titles amd is currently the Australian news editor at Proactive Investors covering the latest news for ASX listed companies as well as current financial trends. He was previously managing editor with Business First magazine, Wealth Creator Magazine and StocksDigital. Jonathan has interviewed some of the world's top CEOs and covered... 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.
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Fouad is a trilingual broadcast journalist & content producer/presenter for Proactive. He has a Communication & Media degree from the University of Western Australia & a Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. He's worked in Dubai for 7 years reporting on Hollywood A-listers & producing a daily morning show. Back in Australia, he's worked as a weather and lifestyle presenter for Sky News Australia before moving into business and... 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.
IRIS Metals Ltd (ASX:IR1) has entered into a binding heads of agreement (HOA) securing an exclusive right to farm in to the Finley Basin Tungsten Project in Granite County, Montana, marking the companys first move into tungsten and expanding its United States critical minerals footprint.

The agreement with Finley Mining Inc. and its shareholders provides IRIS with a 40-business-day exclusivity and due diligence period, during which the parties will work towards executing full-form farm-in documentation. The exclusivity period may be extended by a further 40 business days upon payment of an additional fee.

The transaction gives IRIS exposure to a high-grade tungsten project with historical exploration and a non-JORC-compliant historical mineral reserve, positioning the company within a commodity considered strategically important for defence, energy and industrial applications.

"This binding agreement marks an exciting step for IRIS as we grow and diversify our critical minerals portfolio into tungsten, a vital component for the defence and technology industries. The Finley Basin Project offers significant upside with its prospective geology and location in a mining-friendly jurisdiction. Combined with our existing South Dakota portfolio, this positions IRIS to capitalise on significantly growing demand for US-sourced critical minerals," IRIS Metals executive chairman Peter Marks said.

Historical drilling highlights high-grade tungsten potential

The Finley Basin Project was subject to limited exploration by Union Carbide Corporation during the late 1970s and early 1980s, including a 10-hole drill program that defined a historical tungsten reserve of 850,000 tonnes at an average grade of 0.68% WO.

This historical estimate comprises 350,000 tonnes classified as indicated and 500,000 tonnes classified as inferred. While the estimate is not reported in accordance with the JORC Code and is not considered a current mineral resource or ore reserve, IRIS views it as indicative of high-grade mineralisation relative to many global tungsten deposits.

Historical Mineral Reserve, Union Carbide Corporation, Finley Basin Project, Montana USA.

Tungsten mineralisation at Finley Basin is predominantly hosted as scheelite within a tactite skarn formed at the contact between a granitoid intrusion and Mississippian-age limestone. Historical work indicates mineralisation from surface to depths of around 300 metres, with the system remaining open both laterally and at depth.

Geological setting and regional advantages

The project covers approximately 378 hectares of unpatented mining claims within the Flint Creek Mountain Range, an area with a long history of tungsten production dating back to the early 1900s.

Geologically, the project is interpreted as a tungsten-rich skarn overprinting a regional copper-zinc-molybdenum hydrothermal breccia system. IRIS believes this setting offers potential not only to confirm known mineralisation but also to expand the mineralised footprint through further drilling and regional exploration.

A key advantage is the presence of a fully permitted and operational contract mill located in Phillipsburg, Montana, approximately 30 kilometres by road from the project. The mill has a capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day and includes gravity and flotation circuits suitable for tungsten concentrate production, potentially reducing future development timelines if a resource is confirmed.

Staged earn-in structure and deferred consideration

Under the proposed farm-in structure, IRIS can earn up to a 100% interest in the Finley Basin Project through staged exploration expenditure totalling up to US$2 million over four years.

An initial 70% interest can be earned by spending US$1 million on exploration and delivering a JORC-compliant inferred resource within two years of executing the formal agreements. IRIS can then increase its interest to 90% by spending a further US$1 million within four years.

Upon earning a 90% interest, the vendors remaining 10% interest converts to a 2% net smelter return royalty, with IRIS retaining a right of first refusal over any royalty sale. IRIS may also elect to withdraw after spending a minimum of US$250,000, with no further obligations.

In addition, deferred consideration of up to A$1 million in IRIS shares may be issued if specified JORC-compliant inferred resource thresholds are achieved within five years, with payments linked to defined tonnage and grade milestones.

Planned exploration and development timeline

IRIS has already started exploration permitting activities and is targeting the start of drilling in the third quarter of 2026. The initial work program is designed to recreate and expand upon the historical Union Carbide drilling and to generate the data required for a maiden JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate.

Planned activities include acquisition and consolidation of historical data, development of an initial 3D geological model, and execution of a planned 4,500-metre Phase I drill program. Metallurgical testing is also planned to assess processing options and compatibility with the nearby contract mill.

Assuming successful outcomes, IRIS is targeting completion of an initial mineral resource estimate in early 2027, alongside reconnaissance exploration to generate additional targets for follow-up drilling.

IRIS near-term exploration work program at Finley Basin will include:

Data Acquisition  Acquire additional historical project data, and aggregate dataset for generation of initial 3D geologic model of the project

Phase I Drill Program  Finalise permitting and execute a planned 4.500m drill program at the Finley Basin Project to recreate, confirm, and expand on the historical work of Union Carbide

Metallurgical Testing  Complete initial metallurgical testing to confirm process flowsheet and viability of utilising the local contract mill for processing

Mineral Resource Estimate  Contract of geological consultants to develop more refined geologic models and construct a mineral resource estimate based on the results of IRIS Phase I drill program at Finley Basin

Target Generation  Complete reconnaissance sampling and mapping over additional tungsten skarn targets in the immediate vicinity of the known mineralization within Finley Basin, and initiate permitting for a Phase II drill program.

Strategic fit with US critical minerals strategy

The move into tungsten complements IRIS existing lithium and rubidium assets in South Dakota, where the company is pursuing a hub-and-spoke development strategy focused on centralised processing and multi-mine production.

The Finley Basin acquisition aligns with broader US incentives for domestically sourced critical minerals, supporting supply chain resilience amid growing demand for strategic metals.

IRIS has also indicated it continues to prioritise advancement of its South Dakota portfolio, with the Montana tungsten project viewed as a strategic diversification rather than a shift in near-term focus.

Capital raising deferred following transaction

In conjunction with announcing the farm-in agreement, IRIS confirmed it will not proceed with a previously proposed capital raising that had been referenced during a recent trading halt.

The board said the decision reflected the timing of the tungsten transaction and the desire to ensure the market was fully informed of the strategic merits of the acquisition before progressing any fundraising activities.

IRIS noted that limited expenditure is required to advance the Finley Basin Project through the first half of 2026, with additional funding to be considered as the project moves toward drilling and resource definition.
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About Lisa Uhlman

Lisa Uhlman is an equities reporter at Proactive Investors, covering ASX-listed companies across the mining, energy, biotech and emerging tech sectors. With a background in legal and financial journalism, Lisa brings a sharp analytical lens to market news and corporate developments. Prior to joining Proactive, she reported for national trade publications and newswires, with a focus on court reporting, regulatory affairs and ESG-related business issues. Based in Sydney, she is... 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.

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Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

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About Angela Harmantas

Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government. She earned a Bachelor of... 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.
BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held a phone call with Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Yvan Gil at the latter's request.

During the phone conversation, Gil briefed Wang on the current situation in Venezuela, stressing that the Venezuelan government and people will firmly defend the country's sovereignty and independence, resolutely safeguard their legitimate rights, and not accept threats from any hegemonic forces.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that China and Venezuela are strategic partners, and mutual trust and support are the tradition of China-Venezuela relations.

China opposes all unilateral bullying and supports all countries in defending their sovereignty and national dignity, Wang said.

Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries, and it is believed that the international community understands and supports Venezuela's position of safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests. 
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Steve Darling is an award winning broadcaster who has spent the past 20 years as one of the most recognizable faces in British Columbia, reporting and anchoring at BCTV and Global Television. He spent 15 years as the co-host of the number one morning new program in the province. Steve is a tireless worker for charity hosting some 50 events a year. He is an ambassador for the Canucks Autism Network and hosts numerous events with BC Childrens Hospital and the Child Development foundation of... Read more

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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.

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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.
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Muscat, Dec 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold comprehensive talks with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Thursday, focusing on the full spectrum of bilateral relations.

Discussions are expected to cover key areas including trade and investment, energy cooperation, defence and security, technology, agriculture, and cultural exchanges. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister is also expected to address business leaders from both countries at a business forum, aimed at strengthening commercial and investment partnerships.

Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi arrived in Muscat for the third and final leg of his three-nation visit. Upon his arrival, Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, warmly received PM Modi at the airport.

The two leaders warmly greeted each other at the airport. A Guard of Honour was accorded to PM Modi as part of the ceremonial welcome.

Later, PM Modi received a warm welcome from members of the Indian community at the hotel in Muscat, with hundreds of people carrying Indian flags, chanting "Modi Modi", "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram" as they enthusiastically welcomed the Indian PM.

PM Modi greeted and interacted with several members of the Indian community who had gathered in large numbers to welcome him. He also witnessed several cultural performances during the welcome ceremony.

This is Prime Minister Modi's second visit to Oman, underscoring the growing depth of the India-Oman strategic partnership.

The visit assumes special significance as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. It also follows Sultan Haitham bin Tariq's state visit to India in December 2023, reflecting the high-level political engagement between the two countries.

Briefing the media ahead of the visit, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa, Overseas Indian Affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said this would be Prime Minister Modi's second visit to Oman after his earlier trip in February 2018. He highlighted the enduring nature of India-Oman ties, rooted in centuries-old contacts through maritime trade and people-to-people connections.

"The Honourable Prime Minister will undertake a comprehensive review of the entire spectrum of bilateral relations with His Majesty the Sultan of Oman and exchange perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual interest," Chatterjee said.

India and Oman currently share a comprehensive strategic partnership, characterised by robust cooperation across diverse sectors. Oman remains an important partner for India in the Gulf region, with strong collaboration in energy security, maritime cooperation, and regional stability.

Prime Minister Modi's visit is expected to further consolidate bilateral relations and provide fresh momentum to India-Oman cooperation in the years ahead.

PM Modi arrived in Oman after concluding his two-day State visit to Ethiopia.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Washington, Dec 18 : US and Russian negotiators are expected to hold talks in Miami, the US state of Florida, this weekend over a peace deal aimed at ending the Ukraine crisis that has lasted nearly four years, US media outlet Politico reported.

The schedule remains in flux, and if they meet, the Donald Trump administration will present to the Russian side the latest development following the talks among US, Ukrainian and European officials in Berlin last weekend, said the report, citing two people familiar with the matter.

US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to represent the US side, while the Russian delegation is expected to include Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, said the report.

Ukrainian National Security Advisor Rustem Umerov is also expected to meet with the US delegation separately in Miami or another location in the United States over the coming weekend, according to Xinhua news agency, citing Politico.

The US, European and Ukrainian officials have reached consensus or significantly closed gaps on 90 per cent of their differences on a 20-point US draft peace plan during the Berlin talks last weekend, officials with the Trump administration said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine could suspend its bid to join NATO in exchange for Western security guarantees to prevent a renewed conflict with Russia, if a peace agreement were reached. Kyiv is seeking protections comparable to those granted to alliance members, assurances that the United States has so far not offered.

He said that Ukraine stands ready to agree on security guarantees based on NATO Article 5 as a part of a compromise in the peace process, the Ukrinform news agency reported.
Washington, Dec 18 : Warning of the United States' heavy dependence on foreign-made generic drugs, many sourced from India and China, an influential senator cautioned that American families may be at risk from the medicines in their homes.

The country's growing reliance on overseas manufacturing of generic drugs and their key ingredients poses serious public health and national security concerns, particularly for seniors and vulnerable populations, said Senate Special Committee on Ageing Chairman Rick Scott on Wednesday (local time).

"Every American relying on foreign-manufactured generic drugs deserves to know the risks in their medicine cabinet," Scott said, announcing a renewed push by the committee to highlight what he described as systemic weaknesses in the US pharmaceutical supply chain.

Scott has been working alongside the committee's ranking member, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, through a series of investigations, hearings, and outreach to federal agencies and industry leaders.

According to Scott, roughly 80 per cent of the active pharmaceutical ingredients used in generic drugs consumed in the United States come from foreign countries. He alleged that many of these products are manufactured "in unsafe, unsanitary conditions in facilities that are far too infrequently inspected," and said some have been linked to serious health consequences.

"These drugs can pose serious health risks to you, with some instances linked to injury or death," Scott said, adding that dependence on foreign suppliers also creates a strategic vulnerability.

"America's reliance on foreign-made generic drugs isn't just a public health threat; it's a national security risk because the Chinese Communist Party could cut off the supply at any moment, leaving our seniors, military members, and every American without the medicines they need."

"While more unannounced inspections are being done, the FDA still conducts far fewer inspections of foreign manufacturers' facilities than it does in the United States and even grants foreign manufacturers violation waivers to avoid disrupting the supply chain," he said. "This is a threat to our national security and personal safety that must change now."

An investigative report released by the committee paints a stark picture of declining domestic production. It found that the United States manufactured 37 per cent of the pharmaceuticals it consumed in 2024, down sharply from 83 per cent in 2002. China alone accounts for 95 per cent of US imports of ibuprofen, 70 per cent of acetaminophen, and more than 45 per cent of penicillin, the report said.

The report also highlighted the global concentration of active pharmaceutical ingredient production. About 90 per cent of APIs used in antibiotics worldwide originate in China, and 83 per cent of the top 100 generic drugs consumed by Americans have no US-based source of APIs.

India figures prominently in the supply chain as well. While Indian manufacturers supply roughly 50 per cent of all generic drugs used in the United States, the report said they rely heavily on China for about 80 per cent of the APIs they use.

A 2025 study cited by the committee found that the occurrence of serious adverse events linked to generic drugs manufactured in India was 54 per cent higher than for equivalent drugs made in the United States. The study defined adverse events as hospitalisation, disability, or death.

Scott said Americans should not have to "roll the dice with the safety, supply, or availability of their medicine," and called for urgent reforms to restore trust in the pharmaceutical system.

Among the solutions outlined in the committee's report are establishing a federal buyer's market for essential medicines that prioritises American-made products, mapping generic drug supply chains, requiring disclosure of country of origin, using trade tools such as Section 232 investigations, closing loopholes that allow foreign products to be labelled as "Made in America," and expanding support for US biotechnology.

Concerns about pharmaceutical supply chains have intensified in Washington in recent years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global manufacturing and logistics. Lawmakers from both parties have since raised alarms about overreliance on overseas production for critical medicines.

India and China remain central players in the global generic drug industry, supplying affordable medicines to markets around the world, including the United States.
Patna, Dec 18 : Newly appointed Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi is set to formally assume charge on Thursday at the party's state office in Patna, marking the beginning of a new organisational chapter for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Bihar.

Outgoing State President Dilip Jaiswal will hand over responsibilities to Saraogi at the ceremony, which will also be attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with senior party leaders and workers.

Taking to X on Wednesday, the Bihar unit of the BJP said, "On 18th December, at the BJP State Office, a grand event will be organised for the assumption of duties by the newly appointed State President of Bharatiya Janata Party, Bihar, Sanjay Saraogi. Bihar In-charge Vinod Tawde and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary took stock of the preparations for this."

Saraogi is scheduled to formally assume charge as the Bihar BJP president at 12.30 p.m. at the party's state headquarters.

Bihar BJP Media In-charge Danish Eqbal said that Sanjay Saraogi will reach Patna from Darbhanga on Thursday, where elaborate arrangements have been made to welcome him.

Party flags, banners and posters have been put up along the routes through which he will travel to the State Office, and ceremonial welcome gates have been erected at several locations in the city.

He further said that upon arriving in Patna, Saraogi will pay floral tributes to the life-size statue of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, located near the High Court. After this, he will proceed towards the BJP State Office in an open jeep, accompanied by the party workers.

During the procession, Saraogi will also pay floral tributes to the statue of Jayaprakash Narayan near the Income Tax Roundabout, following which he will head straight to the State Office.

Earlier on December 15, the BJP appointed MLA Sanjay Saraogi as the new Bihar BJP President, a move being seen as highly significant within the party and one that has stirred fresh political discussions in the state.

Saraogi, a six-time MLA from Darbhanga Sadar and a prominent leader from the Vaishya community, has been entrusted with this crucial organisational responsibility at a time when the party is undertaking major internal restructuring.

The appointment was announced through an official letter issued by the BJP National General Secretary and headquarters in-charge Arun Singh. The letter stated that BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda has appointed Sanjay Saraogi as the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Bihar, with immediate effect.

The decision comes amid a series of important organisational changes initiated by the BJP's top leadership. On December 14, the party surprised political observers by appointing Nitin Nabin, MLA from Bankipur and a minister in the Bihar government, as the National Working President of the BJP.

With Nitin Nabin's elevation at the national level, the party has now entrusted an equally significant responsibility in Bihar to Sanjay Saraogi. He replaces Dilip Jaiswal, who was serving as the Bihar BJP president and currently holds the Industries Minister portfolio in the Bihar government.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, Dec 18 : A major push to improve literacy inside Tamil Nadu's prisons is set to culminate in January 2026, with 1,455 inmates preparing to take a basic literacy examination under the state government's special programme.

Chennai, Dec 18 (IANS) A major push to improve literacy inside Tamil Naduas prisons is set to culminate in January 2026, with 1,455 inmates preparing to take a basic literacy examination under the state governmentas special programme.

The initiative, allotted Rs 30 lakh, is aimed at offering academic support and foundational learning to inmates housed in both district and central prisons across the state. Training sessions for the candidates began in August and are now entering the final phase.

The programme, designed as a six-month module, equips inmates with reading and writing skills and familiarises them with basic study materials. The training is expected to conclude by the third week of January, after which the inmates will undergo a formal assessment.

The examination forms part of a broader literacy drive conducted under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), which recently completed its last round of assessments for other groups outside the prison system.

The inclusion of incarcerated individuals in the programme underscores the stateas objective to ensure that educational reforms reach even the most marginalised sections of society.

A unique aspect of the initiative is the model adopted to address teacher shortages within prison campuses. When required, inmates who possess adequate literacy and teaching skills are appointed to support the learning needs of fellow candidates. These inmate-teachers receive a remuneration of Rs 635 per learner over the six months, ensuring continuity and peer-based support within the programme.

Data from the Directorate of Non-Formal and Adult Education indicates that the Puzhal prison complex will send the highest number of candidates for the exam. As many as 323 inmates, including 45 women, have enrolled from this facility. Salem Central Prison follows with 285 participants. Other prisons are also recording notable enrolment figures. Tiruchy Central Prison has registered 121 male inmates, with 25 women candidates from the womenas prison. Tirunelveli Central Prison has enlisted 120 candidates. Madurai Central Prison will present 69 male inmates and 39 women inmates, while Vellore Central Prison has 72 male and 19 women candidates slated to take the examination.

Officials regard the special literacy programme as a meaningful step toward rehabilitation and reintegration.

By focusing on foundational education, authorities aim to provide inmates with skills that may support employment and social inclusion post-release.

The January examination will serve not only as a milestone for the participants but also as a benchmark for the stateas ongoing efforts to expand literacy among underserved groups within correctional facilities.
Mumbai, Dec 18 : Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor has drawn attention to the often-unseen heroes of filmmaking by applauding the technicians behind the latest blockbuster "Dhurandhar", describing the film as a significant moment for Indian cinema.

Mumbai, Dec 18 (IANS) Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor has drawn attention to the often-unseen heroes of filmmaking by applauding the technicians behind the latest blockbuster "Dhurandhar", describing the film as a significant moment for Indian cinema.

Sharing her thoughts on Instagram stories section, Shraddha said that in the greatest films, the work of technicians remains invisible, yet it is their collective craft that gives a film its soul.

"In the greatest films, the work of technicians is invisible. #Dhurandhar is a big moment for Indian cinema. Let's make the technicians of this marvel visible and applaud them @castingchhabra when every actor is so perfect, it starts at a perfectly chosen cast," she wrote.

Reflecting on the film's impact, Shraddha highlighted that authenticity, power and raw energy are never accidental.

"When a film looks so authentic, badass, powerful, it's never by chance. It was created by @vik_now, @sainisjohray, @smriti.schauhan, @shivkumarpanicker, @preetishe When you feel that 'resonance' and your pulse changes with every scene, there are master craftsmen in the audio dept making it happen @shashwatology, @bishwadeepchatterjee, @irshadkamilofficial Needless to say, @adityadharfilms, @dhar_lokesh #JyotiDeshpande formed the bedrock to build this greatness on. #Dhurandhar," she added.

The actress had earlier penned a note on "Dhurandhar" and had said it's "truly terrible" of filmmaker Aditya Dhar to make people wait for "part 2".

She wrote: "Truly terrible of Aditya Dhar to make a film like Dhurandhar. And then make us wait three months for Part 2. Don't play with our emotions, prepone the release please. What a phenomenal experience. Subah shoot nahi hoti toh kasam se abhi hi dobara dekhne jaati"

"(had I not had a shoot in the morning, I would have gone again to watch the film). Chhaava, Saiyaara, Dhurandhar  all in 2025 Hindi cinema."

She had also spoken about the "rampant negative PR" against the film.

She added, "From Yami Gautam having to call out the rampant negative PR machinery to manufactured controversies, Dhurandhar endured it all and came out shining. No bad force can pull a good film down. In audiences, we trust."

The film stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Manav Gohil, Danish Pandor, Saumya Tandon, Gaurav Gera and Naveen Kaushik.

In the film, the first of a two-part film series, an Indian intelligence mission unfolds over ten years as an undercover agent enters Karachi's criminal and political world to dismantle dangerous cross-border terror networks.

The film draws inspiration from real-life events involving geopolitical tensions, 1999 Indian plane hijack, 2001 Indian Parliament attack, 2008 Mumbai attacks, covert operations conducted by India's R&AW associated with Operation Lyari, and the crackdown on gangs and criminal syndicates.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New York, Dec 18 : Defying US President Donald Trump's blockade of Venezuela, its President Nicolas Maduro has ordered his navy to escort oil tankers, raising concerns over the risk of a military confrontation.

Media reports of the escorts for Venezuelan tankers on Wednesday followed Trump's announcement on Tuesday that he had assembled "the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America" to enforce the blockade.

In a Truth Social post, he declared Maduro's administration a terrorist organisation, derecognising it as a legitimate government in his view to try to legitimise his action.

Venezuela is reported to have the biggest oil reserves in the world, but its political instability and corruption, combined with opposition to the West, have prevented it from exploiting its resources.

As fears of a naval confrontation between Trump's armada and Maduro's navy mounted, attempts were underway internationally and in the US to defuse the situation.

Two resolutions in the US House of Representatives to prevent an escalation of the standoff by requiring Congressional approval failed narrowly on Wednesday.

"We have a president beating the drums of war without so much as a vote from the House of Representatives," said Democrat Jim McGovern, who moved one of the resolutions.

The UN Security Council's President, Slovenia, said that it has received a letter from Venezuela regarding the US actions and is consulting the members of the Council.

Maduro called UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the situation.

The UN said that Guterres "reaffirmed the United Nations position on the need for Member States to respect international law, particularly the United Nations Charter, exert restraint and de-escalate tensions to preserve regional stability".

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said the UN "must assume its role to prevent any bloodshed and to always seek the peaceful resolution of conflicts".

Trump had narrowed the impact of his blockade to "ghost" ships that are already under sanctions and operate surreptitiously, leaving open the possibility of other ships operating unhindered for now.

One of the "ghost" ships, the 'Skipper', was seized last week on high seas by the US Coast Guard, making it a civil action as that force is not part of the military and falls under Attorney General Pam Bondi's jurisdiction.

The ship was reportedly on its way to Cuba when Coast Guards rappelled down from helicopters and took control of it.

The tankers sailing out on Wednesday were reportedly headed to Asia and were not a part of the "ghost" fleet targeted by Trump.

But China, one of Venezuela's biggest customers, accused the US of "bullying".

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, "China believes the international community understands and supports Venezuela's position in defending its legitimate rights and interests".

Trump has committed himself to seeing Maduro, who was accused of engineering his re-election last year through fraud, out of power.

He has accused the country of endangering the security of the US through its drug exports and by sending over criminals from its prisons.

The confrontation started in September when Trump ordered a campaign against boats allegedly transporting drugs to the US.

So far, about 25 boats have been bombed, and about 80 people have been killed.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Seoul, Dec 18 : The government said on Thursday it will form an interagency task force to handle the recent large-scale data breach at e-commerce giant Coupang Corp.

The decision was made at a meeting of science and technologya"related ministers chaired by Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon, the government said, reports Yonhap news agency.

Led by Ryu Je-myung, second vice minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, the task force will consist of officials from the science ministry and other organizations, including the Personal Information Protection Committee, the Korea Media Communications Commission and the Financial Services Commission.

The task force will hold regular and ad hoc meetings to share information on police and government investigations into the breach and discuss ways to strengthen the company's accountability.

The move comes after the government vowed to take stern action against Coupang, which confirmed last month that the personal information of 33.7 million customer accounts had been compromised.

The company has since come under fire for a lukewarm response to the incident and an intransigent stance toward Korean authorities.

Harold Rogers, interim chief executive officer (CEO) of Coupang, apologized for the breach during a parliamentary hearing Wednesday but did not present detailed measures on customer compensation or data security.

Meanwhile, the interim head of e-commerce giant Coupang Corp. apologized for a massive data leak of its customers' personal data at a parliamentary hearing Wednesday.

"I am deeply sorry for the concern that we have created for the Korean people," Harold Rogers, the interim chief executive officer (CEO) of Coupang, said.

The former chief administrative officer has been appointed interim head of Coupang's South Korea unit after his predecessor, Park Dae-jun, resigned to take full responsibility of the incident.

"We take this matter very seriously, and are working diligently to make sure we respond to your questions, to the concerns of our regulators and to the concerns of our customers," Rogers added.
The inaugural African Summit, themed "Building a New United Africa," opened Tuesday in Accra, Ghana's capital, bringing together policymakers and stakeholders from across the continent to build consensus on a more integrated, interdependent and interconnected Africa.




Washington, Dec 18 : Asserting that buffalo are essential to America's heritage, two US lawmakers have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal support for Native American tribes that manage buffalo herds.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, a New Mexico Democrat, and Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, announced the reintroduction of the Indian Buffalo Management Act, which directs the Secretary of the Interior to coordinate with tribes and tribal organisations that already have established buffalo herds and management programs, and to provide resources for tribes seeking to establish new herds.

"For generations, buffalo have been a critical part of our culture -- in New Mexico, the West, and especially in Indian Country," Heinrich said. He added that he hopes "within my lifetime, thanks to our broad coalition, buffalo will return to the prominent place they once occupied as the keystone species on American shortgrass prairies.

Heinrich said the bipartisan legislation proposes to strengthen federal support for tribal buffalo programs and continue the growth of tribal herds.

Mullin said the buffalo is "essential to our heritage" and must be supported. "I am proud to reintroduce this important legislation that will help Tribes reestablish buffalo herds on reservation lands," he said. "Doing so ensures that Native peoples across the country will continue reconnecting with a keystone of their historic culture and way of life.

The bill directs the Interior secretary to work with tribes and tribal organisations to promote and develop their capacity to manage buffalo and buffalo habitat, protect and enhance buffalo herds for the maximum benefit of tribes, and ensure tribes are directly involved in Interior Department decision-making related to buffalo.

Welcoming the move, Ervin Carlson, president of the InterTribal Buffalo Council, said 89 tribes in 22 states are now members of the council. "We have been dependent on the buffalo spiritually, culturally and nutritionally for thousands of years," Carlson said, describing the animal as a relative that has provided for Native peoples "in ways too numerous to list".

Carlson noted that the Indian Buffalo Management Act passed the House in the 117th Congress and the Senate last year. He said tribes are now looking forward to passage through both chambers again. Helping tribes reestablish herds of buffalo on reservations, he said, "is a righteous thing for the Congress to do and will be thoroughly welcomed by Tribes and Indian people across the country".

Jason Baldes, senior tribal buffalo program manager for the National Wildlife Federation, said buffalo are a treaty right afforded to tribes in support of food sovereignty and self-determination. He said the bill recognises the federal government's trust obligation to build capacity and access to buffalo on tribal lands and prioritises collaboration to support large-scale restoration efforts.

Heather Dawn Thompson, vice president for Native Nations conservation and food systems at the World Wildlife Fund, said the legislation acknowledges the critical role tribes play in restoring buffalo and the essential role the animals continue to play in food security, economic development, and cultural and spiritual life.

Buffalo, also known as American bison, once numbered more than 60 million across much of the United States before their systematic destruction in the 1800s.

They provided Native Americans with food, clothing, shelter, and tools, and they remain deeply connected to tribal culture. The Interior Department has provided limited funding for buffalo management for more than two decades, and the legislation seeks to expand and strengthen that support.
Seoul, Dec 18 : South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met with his United Arab Emirates (UAE) counterpart on Thursday to discuss expanding cooperation in the artificial intelligence (AI) and energy sectors, Kim's office said.

Kim met with the UAE Industry Minister Sultan Al Jaber in Seoul to discuss follow-up measures to the leaders' summit between the two countries held in Abu Dhabi in November, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, reports Yonhap news agency.

During the summit, Korean President Lee Jae Myung and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to join hands for the UAE's Stargate project, centred on establishing AI computing and cloud infrastructure in the Middle Eastern nation.

Kim said Seoul can play a role in the project with its capabilities in the semiconductor, data centre, engineering and construction sectors, according to the ministry.

The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in the energy sector, noting that the bilateral trade of oil and gas is a core pillar of economic cooperation between Korea and the UAE.

The ministers also discussed expanding the joint oil stockpiling volume between the countries, noting the 13-year-old project has contributed to stabilising the two nations' energy supply chain, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, Climate Minister Kim Sung-hwan also met with Al Jaber on Thursday to discuss energy cooperation between Seoul and Abu Dhabi.

In the meeting, Kim proposed providing Korea's low-carbon electric power infrastructure technologies, such as power grids and energy storage systems, for UAE's Stargate project, according to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.

They also discussed creating a joint energy forum as part of efforts to help the international community achieve its goal of tripling the global renewable energy capacity by 2030, the ministry said.

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New Delhi, Dec 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended birthday wishes to Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, praising his extensive work to reform the civil aviation sector.

In a heartfelt message shared on the social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, "Birthday wishes to Union Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu Garu. He is a youthful leader who is working extensively to reform the civil aviation sector. Praying for his long life and wonderful health."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to social media to extend his best wishes to Kinjarapu and prayed for his long life.

"Warm birthday greetings to Union Cabinet Minister Shri @RamMNKJi. May you always remain blessed with good health and long life," Shah wrote on X.

Joining in the celebrations, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wished for Kinjarapu's prosperity.

He wrote on his social media account, "Extending my heartfelt birthday wishes to the Union Minister Shri @RamMNKji. May this occasion bring joy and the year ahead be filled with health and prosperity."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while greeting the Union Minister, wished for his healthy life. "Warmest wishes on your birthday, Hon. Union Minister Shri @RamMNKJi. May Prabhu Shri Ram bless you with a healthy, long and prosperous life."

Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, who was born on this day in 1987, has been serving as the 33rd Minister for Civil Aviation since 2024. He represents the Srikakulam Lok Sabha constituency in Andhra Pradesh and has been a Member of Parliament in the 16th, 17th, and 18th Lok Sabha elections.

Under his leadership in 2025, Ponduru Khadi from his home district, Srikakulam, was officially granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Wishing him on the day, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh praised Kinjarapu's commitment, work ethic, and added that he was proud of his efforts to better the civil aviation sector.

"Happy birthday to my dear brother and Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri @RamMNKji. Have seen your commitment, work ethic and quiet determination up close. Proud of the way you are shaping India's civil aviation sector. Wishing you good health and many more achievements ahead," wrote Lokesh on X.
London, Dec 18 : An event hosted by a UK Parliamentarian drew attention to the alarming rise of political and religious violence and growing threats to democracy in Bangladesh.

UK Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman hosted the event, which was attended by the Bangladesh Unity Forum, and Doughty Street Chambers barristers, according to the Awami League.

During the event, the parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists discussed what they described as an "assault on participatory democracy" ahead of the February 2026 elections in Bangladesh following the "unlawful ban" on the Awami League. They emphasised the importance of "free, fair, and all-inclusive elections" in the country.

They warned that the upcoming election would "lack constitutional legitimacy and disenfranchise millions of ordinary Bangladeshis if the Awami League is not allowed to participate".

The speakers further criticised the "lack of due process" during the proceedings against former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the country's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), accusing the authorities of weaponising the judiciary as a tool of "political oppression".

UK barristers have filed communications to the International Criminal Court and UN Special Rapporteurs raising concerns over a surge in "retaliatory violence, extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, and the abuse of fair trial rights" in Bangladesh.

Last month, Bob Blackman called on Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to ensure free, fair, and inclusive elections in the country.

He emphasised the need to make minorities, who endured hardship following last year's July demonstrations, equal stakeholders in the country's social and political sphere.

"I urge the present government in Bangladesh to ensure a free, fair, transparent, participatory and inclusive election in Bangladesh. Elections are the foundation for democracy and a true reflection of people's will," read a statement issued by Blackman, which was posted on his social media platform.

"The Yunus government assumed office with the promise of re-establishing the rule of law and ensure justice and fair play. However, despite promises and pledges, the progress on democratic reform and restoration of constitutional values and governance have not been on expected lines," the statement further read.
Lucknow, Dec 18 : Two cow smugglers were injured, and one was arrested in two separate police encounters in Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur and Ballia districts, officials said on Thursday.

In Jaunpur, an encounter took place between police and cow smugglers in the Khuthan police station area late on Wednesday. During the exchange of fire, a notorious cow smuggler was injured by a bullet in police retaliation, while one of his associates was arrested after being surrounded by the police. A Swift car without a number plate, a country-made pistol, two empty cartridges and some cash were recovered from the spot, according to the police.

Khuthan Police Station Officer Chandan Kumar Rai, along with the police and crime team, was deployed near the Marhat culvert when they received information from an informer that an unregistered vehicle was approaching the area from Gabhiran. Acting on the tip-off, the police cordoned off the area and began checking vehicles.

Soon after, a suspicious car arrived at the spot. When police attempted to stop it, the occupants opened fire on the police team. In retaliatory action, Rohit Yadav, a resident of Ghughuri Sultanpur under the Sarpataha police station area of Jaunpur, sustained a bullet injury.

One of the accused managed to flee initially but was later arrested by the police. The arrested accused has been identified as Sajid, a resident of Patela village under the Khuthan police station area.

The injured Rohit Yadav was immediately taken to the Community Health Centre in Khuthan for treatment and was later referred to the district hospital. Police registered a case under relevant sections at Khuthan police station, and further investigation is underway.

According to police officials, Rohit Yadav has more than two dozen serious criminal cases registered against him across different districts. These include cases related to cow smuggling, the Gangster Act, the NDPS Act and the Arms Act.

A separate case has also been registered against the arrested accused, Sajid, under relevant legal provisions.

In a separate incident in Ballia district, the police arrested a wanted accused in a cow slaughter case following an encounter. During the retaliatory firing, the accused was shot in the leg and subsequently admitted to the Community Health Centre in Sonbarsa for treatment.

This incident took place on Wednesday night at around 11 p.m. when the Bairia police station team was on routine night patrol. During the patrol, the police received information from an informer that a wanted accused in a cow slaughter case was present near the Brahmababa place in Chanddiar. Acting swiftly, the police team reached the spot and attempted to surround and apprehend the accused.

Finding himself encircled by the police, the accused opened fire on the police team with the intent to kill them. The police retaliated in self-defence, shooting the accused in his left leg. He was arrested at the spot in an injured condition and was immediately taken to the Community Health Centre in Sonbarsa for medical treatment.

The arrested accused has been identified as Amit Yadav, 21, a resident of Kohra village under Shahganj police station in Jaunpur district.

During interrogation, Amit Yadav confessed that on December 17, he was transporting 23 cattle in a truck bearing registration number UP62 T 4025 to Bihar.

He said that after noticing increased police activity near Thekha Dhala, he parked the truck and fled the spot. He had been absconding since then and was wanted in the case.

Police recovered an illegal .315-bore pistol, one empty cartridge and one live cartridge from his possession. A case has been registered against him under the Cow Slaughter Prevention Act and other relevant sections, and further legal action is being taken, officials said.
Srinagar, Dec 18 : The Crime Branch of J&K Police has submitted a charge sheet against two accused in the fake government job scam case, officials said on Thursday.

A statement by the Crime Branch Kashmir said, "The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a charge sheet in FIR No. 08/2024 under Sections 420 and 120-B IPC against two accused persons in connection with a cheating and conspiracy case involving a fake promise of a government job. The charge sheet has been presented before the Hon'ble Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Budgam, for judicial determination."

The case owes its origin to a written complaint alleging that Ishrat Bano, daughter of Mohd Ayoub Bhat, a resident of Zirhama, District Kupwara, dishonestly induced the complainant to part with a sum of Rs 11,00,000 on the false pretext that her husband would arrange a government job for him.

"Acting on this assurance, the complainant transferred the said amount into a bank account. Despite repeated assurances, neither was any government job arranged nor was the money returned," the statement said.

Upon receipt of the complaint, a detailed probe was initiated by the Economic Offences Wing, Kashmir. During the investigation, it surfaced that the amount was credited into the bank account of accused Gulzar Ahmad Wani alias Shahid, son of Shamas Din Wani, a resident of Zirhama/Liderwan, District Kupwara.

The probe further revealed that there existed no husband-wife relationship between the accused Gulzar Ahmad Wani alias Shahid and Ishrat Bano, exposing the conspiracy and fraudulent intent behind the transaction.

"The investigation established prima facie involvement of both accused in acts of cheating and criminal conspiracy. Consequently, the case was registered at Police Station EOW Kashmir (Crime Branch Kashmir) and, after completion of the investigation, the allegations were found to be proved. Accordingly, the charge sheet has been submitted before the competent court for judicial adjudication," the statement added.
Mumbai, Dec 18 : Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) on Thursday launched a blistering attack on the Mahayuti government following reports of a debt-ridden farmer from Maharashtra allegedly selling his kidney in Cambodia to repay moneylenders.

The party mouthpiece 'Saamana' editorial, titled "The Disgrace of the Soil", described the incident not just as a crime, but as a "stain on the conscience of a state that calls itself progressive".

The Thackeray camp, by linking this tragedy to the upcoming municipal elections, warned the "Marathi Manoos" that a government that cannot protect the physical integrity of its farmers cannot be trusted to protect the capital of the state. "Today it is a kidney; tomorrow, if these looters are not stopped, they will put the entire state up for auction," it claimed.

The editorial highlighted the harrowing case of Roshan Sadashiv Kude, a farmer from Chandrapur in the Vidarbha region. After suffering total crop failure on his four-acre plot and losing his cattle to disease, Kude fell into a debt trap. Despite selling half his land, his tractor, and household belongings, he remained unable to meet the extortionate daily interest demands of Rs 10,000 imposed by local moneylenders.

The editorial noted with horror that it was the moneylender who allegedly "advised" and facilitated the farmer's journey to Cambodia to sell his organ. "In the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, where farmers should be protected, they are being auctioned piece by piece in foreign lands," claimed the editorial.

The Thackeray camp has accused the state administration of being "intoxicated by power" while ignoring the rural crisis. It pointed out that while the government is busy with "event management" and announcing pre-election schemes (Government Resolutions), the agricultural backbone of the state is collapsing. "The Deputy Chief Minister speaks of 'New Maharashtra,' but in this 'New Maharashtra,' a farmer has to cross international borders to sell his kidney to keep his family alive. The "administrative dacoity" regarding municipal looting has now extended to the very bodies of the poor," it alleged.

The editorial slammed the police administration, saying that had it taken the action against the four money lenders, who have now been under arrest, in time, the farmer's life could not have been devastated. At the national level, farmers are reeling under a debt burden of a whopping Rs 12 lakh crore, of which farmers from Maharashtra are bearing the burden of Rs eight lakh crore. It is so ironic that the Centre, which writes off the debt of industries, is not giving much-needed relief to farmers by providing a crop loan waiver, which is forcing the farmers to commit suicide.

According to the editorial, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had given a promise of crop loan waiver before the state Assembly elections, but now he has forgotten it after assuming power.

The Thackeray camp has demanded an immediate and "merciless" action against the moneylenders and the international syndicate involved in the kidney racket.

It has called for a high-level probe into the international organ trafficking links between Maharashtra and Cambodia, a debt waiver and an immediate audit of private moneylending practices in Vidarbha and Marathwada. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has demanded the resignation of the Agriculture Minister over this failure of the state's safety net.
Uvira : , Dec 18 (IANS) Fighters from the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group began withdrawing from their positions in Uvira, a strategic city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a Xinhua reporter observed on the ground.

The M23 had claimed control of Uvira last week, a city that once served as the temporary administrative centre for South Kivu province. On Monday, the group announced its decision to "unilaterally withdraw its forces" from Uvira at the request of US mediators, calling it a confidence-building measure to support the ongoing peace process.

However, the DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya dismissed the announcement as a "diversion."

In a statement on Monday evening, Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC) -- a politico-military coalition allied with the M23 -- described the withdrawal as "conditional," demanding security guarantees. These include the deployment of a neutral force to prevent reprisals against civilians following their departure.

The decision came after recent progress in the Doha peace talks, including the November signing of the Doha Framework Agreement. The M23 announced its intention to initiate a "unilateral trust-building measure" and "give the Doha peace process the maximum chance to succeed" to pave the way for a lasting solution to the conflict.

Since March this year, several rounds of negotiations between the M23 and the Congolese government have been held under Qatari mediation, known as the Doha peace process. This led to the signing of a Declaration of Principles in July, which set a target date of Aug. 18 for concluding a peace agreement, a deadline that has since passed.

According to the statement, the pullout from Uvira was carried out at the request of the United States mediation. The movement added that it took the initiative "despite continued provocations and abuses" by the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and their allies.
Kolkata, Dec 18 : At least 35 Bangladeshi fishermen were arrested and their two trawlers seized by the Coast Guard after they were found in the Indian waters in the Bay of Bengal, said the police on Thursday.

According to the police, two suspicious trawlers were spotted by the Indian Coast Guard patrolling in the Bay of Bengal on Wednesday morning. The Coast Guard immediately apprehended the two Bangladeshi trawlers for illegally entering Indian waters.

The Bangladeshi fishermen on board the two trawlers were brought to the Fraserganj fishing harbour by the Coast Guard later in the day.

The Coast Guard handed over the detained fishermen to the police at the Fraserganj Coastal Police Station. Police said the detained fishermen have been arrested on charges of illegal entry. They are currently being interrogated. The arrested individuals will be produced before the Kakdwip court on Thursday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the names of the two trawlers are 'Sabina-1' and 'Ruposhi Sultana'. Sabina-1 had 11, and Ruposhi Sultana had 24 Bangladeshi fishermen on board.

Earlier, on December 15, a Bangladesh Navy ship had collided with a fishing trawler belonging to fishermen from Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas district after entering Indian waters. In that incident, eleven fishermen narrowly escaped with their lives, while five others were reported missing. This morning, the sunken trawler was brought to the Moynapara dock in Kakdwip.

After pumping the water out of the trawler, the lifeless bodies of two men were recovered from inside the engine room. The deceased have been identified as Sanjib Das from Paschim Gangadharpur in Kakdwip area and Ranjan Das from Durajpur in Purba Khali, East Midnapore. The families of the deceased have been informed.

Over the last two months, several Bangladeshi trawlers have been apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard for crossing into Indian waters in the Bay of Bengal. A large number of Bangladeshi fishermen were arrested from such ships. Since such incidents, the Indian Coast Guard has increased surveillance in the Bay of Bengal, which has resulted in catching more such Bangladeshi boats.
Kochi, Dec 18 : The Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) notices issued in connection with funds raised through Masala Bonds by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), granting interim relief to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, former Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, KIIFB CEO K.M. Abraham and the KIIFB.

Kochi, Dec 18 (IANS) The Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed the Enforcement Directorateas (ED) notices issued in connection with funds raised through Masala Bonds by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), granting interim relief to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, former Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, KIIFB CEO K.M. Abraham and the KIIFB.

The relief came a day after the Chief Minister directly approached the High Court, challenging the EDas notices that alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in the overseas fundraising exercise.

With CM Vijayan entering the legal fray in his personal capacity, the controversy has escalated into a high-stakes legal and political confrontation with significant financial implications for the state.

Staying further proceedings, the court posted the matter for a detailed hearing in the new year.

The interim order extends protection not only to the Chief Minister but also to Isaac, Abraham and the KIIFB, all of whom had been recently served notices by the central agency.

In his petition, Vijayan has categorically denied any violation of FEMA provisions and sought the quashing of the notices issued to him and the KIIFB.

The plea alleges that the EDas action is politically motivated.

The state government and the KIIFB have consistently maintained that the Masala Bonds were raised and utilised in full compliance with prevailing laws and regulatory norms.

The legal confrontation intensified earlier this week after the ED moved a division bench of the High Court challenging a single bench order that had stayed further proceedings against the KIIFB.

Justice V.G. Arun, while admitting KIIFBas writ petition on Tuesday, had granted a three-month stay on the EDas show-cause notice, observing that the issues raised warranted detailed judicial scrutiny.

The ED has argued that the single bench exceeded its jurisdiction in granting the stay and has sought its reversal.

According to the agency, serious irregularities were detected in the utilisation of the funds.

Of the Rs 2,672 crore mobilised through Masala Bonds, Rs 467 crore was allegedly used for land acquisition, which the ED claims amounts to a violation of FEMA provisions and a deviation from the stated purpose of the borrowing.

The KIIFB, however, has countered that land acquisition is an integral component of infrastructure development projects and that the funds were deployed strictly for developmental purposes.

CM Vijayanas petition further asserts that all Reserve Bank of India norms governing foreign borrowings were adhered to, and that no foreign exchange regulations were breached at any stage.
KABUL, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's Ministry of Finance has inaugurated four newly constructed cargo hangars at the Islam Qala border crossing in western Herat province, the ministry said in a statement.

Built at a cost of 78.7 million afghanis (about 1.18 million U.S. dollars), the hangars have been constructed to standard specifications and are now fully operational.

Each hangar has the capacity to accommodate around 8,000 metric tons of goods at a time, significantly enhancing storage facilities at the busy border crossing, the statement said.

The project is aimed at improving customs services, easing congestion, and facilitating smoother trade flows at Islam Qala, one of Afghanistan's most important commercial gateways linking the country with Iran, the statement added.

The completion of the new infrastructure is expected to strengthen border management and support the growing volume of imports and exports passing through the crossing. 
New Delhi, Dec 18 : The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the resolution of the prolonged standoff between the Kerala government and Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar on the appointment of regular Vice Chancellors to the two key state universities.

A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan was informed that a consensus had been reached between the Governor, in his capacity as Chancellor, and the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, and that appointments had been made to the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology.

"Today, we are happy to record that both the chancellor and the government have in one voice reported that the appointments to the post of VC in the two universities have been made from the list of panel candidates," the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench noted in its order.

The apex court also placed on record its gratitude to the court-appointed committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, adding that its endeavour was to ensure that the universities had permanent heads so that "the interests of all stakeholders are safeguarded".

"This case illustrates how a timely and decisive intervention by this court can go a long way in protecting the rights of the citizens," the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench said.

It observed that the Technological and Digital universities dealing with cutting-edge subjects had remained "rudderless" due to the lack of consensus between the Governor and the state government.

The top court said that its primary concern was for students, parents, and teaching and non-teaching staff who were "caught in the crossfire" during the standoff.

Appreciating the final resolution, it remarked that by promulgating the appointment orders, "curtains have been gracefully brought down in this matter".

Attorney General N. Venkatramani, appearing for the Governor, told the apex court that the deadlock was resolved after the Governor himself reached out to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

"The Governor himself called the Chief Minister, and they had a meeting. And that is how it got resolved finally," he said.

At this, the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench remarked: "We hope in the future they keep talking like this and arrive at an understanding in the larger interest of the country." However, it clarified that other legal questions raised in the matter have been kept open and will be considered at a later stage.

Earlier, talks between senior ministers and the Governor had failed to yield a breakthrough, and the dispute escalated after the Governor filed affidavits opposing the Chief Minister's recommendations and questioning the appointment process.

During a previous hearing, the Supreme Court warned that if no consensus was reached, it would itself proceed with the appointments. Following this, the two sides arrived at a consensus ahead of Thursday's hearing.

--IANS

pds/dpb
New Delhi, Dec 18 : The Netherlands' Foreign Minister David van Weel arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for an official visit aimed at enhancing bilateral ties.

Welcoming the Dutch Foreign Minister, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a post on X, said: "His visit and engagements in Delhi and Mumbai will focus on further deepening and diversifying India-Netherlands bilateral ties."

During his visit, Van Weel will hold talks with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, according to a media advisory issued by the MEA.

Earlier this month, India and the Netherlands held 13th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi, discussing ways to strengthen the partnership in sectors such as critical technologies and innovation, including semiconductors and AI, science and technology, green hydrogen and shipping, defence and security, as well as priority areas of Water, Agriculture and Health (WAH agenda).

The two sides reiterated their intent to provide a strategic dimension to bilateral ties in various sectors. India and the Netherlands welcomed the increasing interactions and exchanges at the highest political levels, which have provided constant guidance and momentum to the bilateral ties, according to the MEA statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Dick Schoof met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on November 23. PM Modi noted that the bilateral partnership between the two nations is growing rapidly in sectors like energy, technology, innovation and water resources.

"Met Mr. Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Government of the Netherlands, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. The bilateral partnership between our nations is growing rapidly in areas like water resources, innovation, technology and energy. We will keep working to deepen trade and investment linkages in the times to come," PM Modi posted on X.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the possibilities of expanding mutual investments through the Strategic Partnership.

In a post on X, PM Schoof wrote: "The Netherlands and India work closely together in the areas of trade, security and innovation. We are the fourth largest investor in India worldwide. That is why it was good to meet briefly with Narendra Modi in South Africa during the G20 summit. We discussed the possibilities of expanding mutual investments through the Strategic Partnership and my participation in the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi next year. The Netherlands and India will continue to work closely together in the long term. In a rapidly changing world, it is important that we can continue to count on each other."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Kochi, Dec 18 : A Kerala court on Thursday ordered the return of actor Dileep's passport, days after he was acquitted in the high-profile 2017 actress assault case.

Kochi, Dec 18 (IANS) A Kerala court on Thursday ordered the return of actor Dileep's passport, days after he was acquitted in the high-profile 2017 actress assault case.

The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court accepted Dileep's plea seeking the release of his passport, which had been in judicial custody as part of bail conditions imposed during the trial.

Dileep's counsel submitted that the actor needs to travel abroad in connection with the promotion of a new film and argued that there was no legal basis to continue retaining the passport after his acquittal.

The court noted that Dileep had submitted his passport earlier as a condition for bail following his arrest in the case, and though he had been granted permission on multiple occasions to travel abroad with relaxations in bail conditions, the passport had later reverted to the court's custody.

On the day of the verdict itself, the defence had sought the immediate return of the passport.

However, the prosecution had opposed the request, citing the possibility of filing an appeal against the acquittal and arguing that the passport should not be released at this stage.

Reconsidering the matter on Thursday, the court held that since Dileep had been acquitted, the bail bonds stood discharged, and there was therefore no impediment to returning his passport.

Meanwhile, the case took another turn with the survivor approaching the police, alleging a sustained cyber attack following the verdict.

She has lodged a formal complaint against abusive and defamatory content circulated on social media platforms in the aftermath of the trial courtas decision.

The complaint specifically names Martin, the second accused in the case, who was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, accusing him of posting an objectionable video targeting her.

In the video, Martin allegedly claims that the case was fabricated and that a conspiracy was hatched against Dileep, naming the survivor and others.

The survivor has submitted 16 links along with her complaint, identifying social media accounts that allegedly shared or amplified the defamatory video and other abusive content.

Acting on the complaint, the Ernakulam police have registered a case, invoking non-bailable sections of law.

The survivor had earlier met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in person, informing him of what she described as an intense and coordinated cyber campaign by Dileep's supporters following the verdict.

Sources said the Chief Minister has directed the police to take strong and swift action on the complaint.

Police officials said further investigation is underway to identify all those involved in circulating the offensive content.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Muscat, Dec 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that 'Maitri Parv' celebrates the friendship, shared history, and prosperous future for India and Oman, hailing the Indian diaspora as a live example of coexistence and cooperation.

While addressing the members of the Indian community at an event named 'Maitri Parv' in Oman on Thursday, PM Modi mentioned that Diwali has been included by UNESCO in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

He began his address amid chants of 'Bharat Mata ki jai', 'Vande Mataram' and 'Modi, Modi'.

He said, "I am seeing mini India in front of me...Today we have gathered here as a family. Today, we are celebrating our country, our team India. India is diverse, and our culture is deeply rooted in its strength. Every day brings a new colour, every season a new celebration, and every tradition a new thought, and that is why no matter where we Indians go or live, we always respect diversity. We readily adapt to the culture and customs of our new surroundings. Here in Oman, I witness this happening in front of me. The Indian diaspora is a living example of coexistence and cooperation. Our rich cultural heritage was recently honoured as UNESCO included Diwali in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Now, Diwali's 'diya' will illuminate not just our house but also the entire world. This is a matter of pride for Indians across the world. This global recognition of Diwali is a recognition of our light that spreads hope, harmony and a message of humanity."

Speaking about Maitri Parv, PM Modi said, "Today, we are all celebrating Bharat-Oman Maitri Parv. Maitri means M - Maritime heritage, A - Aspirations, I - Innovation, T - Trust and Technology, R - Respect, I - Inclusive growth, which means that this Maitri Parv celebrates the friendship between our two countries, our shared history, and a prosperous future."

He stated that India and Oman share intimate and live ties and recalled the arrival of Indians to Oman from ports like Lothal, Mandvi and Tamralipti. He said, "India and Oman have always shared intimate and live ties. The monsoon winds of the Indian Ocean have given direction to the trade between the two countries. Our ancestors used to take wooden boats from ports like Lothal, Mandvi and Tamralipti and arrive in Muscat, Sur and Salalah. I am delighted that these historic ties from Mandvi to Muscat have been compiled in a book by our Embassy. I would like you all to give the book to every person, every young person, read the book and also gift it to your Omani friends."

PM Modi noted that the success of Indian schools in Oman would not have been possible without the support of former late Sultan Qaboos bin Said. He also thanked Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for helping and protecting Indians who live in Oman.

Highlighting the role of education in strengthening ties between India and Oman, he said, "The relationship between India and Oman, which began through trade, is now being strengthened through education. I have been told that around 46,000 students are studying here in Indian schools, which also includes thousands of students from other communities. This year marks the completion of 50 years of the Indian education system in Oman. It is a milestone for India-Oman ties. The success of Indian schools here would not have been possible without the efforts of His Majesty the late Sultan Qaboos, as he provided land and essential support for Indian schools, including the Indian School Muscat. This tradition has been carried forward by Sultan Haitham. I especially thank him (Sultan Haitham) for the way he is helping and protecting Indians in Oman."

Later in the day, PM Modi will hold comprehensive talks with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, focusing on the full spectrum of bilateral relations.

Discussions are expected to cover key areas, including trade and investment, energy cooperation, defence and security, technology, agriculture, and cultural exchanges. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

PM Modi arrived in Muscat on Wednesday for the third and final leg of his three-nation visit. Upon his arrival, Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, warmly received PM Modi at the airport.

This is Prime Minister Modi's second visit to Oman, underscoring the growing depth of the India-Oman strategic partnership.

PM Modi also received a warm welcome from members of the Indian community at the hotel in Muscat, with hundreds of people carrying Indian flags, chanting "Modi Modi", "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram" as they enthusiastically welcomed the Indian PM on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath is also seen in the picture.. Image Source: IANS/@myogiadityanath

December 18 : Varanasi: Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the direction of CM Yogi Adityanath, the ancient city of Kashi, encompassing religion, spirituality, culture, and history, has made a strong presence on the international tourism map in recent years.

Brand Banaras has now become a centre of attraction for tourists worldwide. Varanasi has become one of the cities in the country where the number of tourists is increasing rapidly.

The historic transformations in Kashi under the leadership of the CM Yogi government have given new energy to its ancient glory. While maintaining its original identity, the changing image of a modernizing Kashi has attracted tourists from all over the world to Banaras.

Along with setting a record in the number of tourists, a positive impact is also visible on the tourism industry and the economy of Kashi. From 2014 to September 2025, in 12 years, 454,482,662 (four hundred fifty-four million four hundred eighty-two thousand six hundred sixty-two) Indian and foreign tourists visited Kashi.

According to the Tourism Department, the number of tourists in 2014 was 5,489,997, which increased to over 146,975,155 by September 2025.

According to the data, compared to 2014, the number of Indian and foreign tourists in 2025 has increased by more than 146,426,158, which is a historic achievement. In the 12 years from 2014 to 2025, the number of Indian tourists was 451,609,026 and the number of foreign tourists was 2,873,636.

After becoming the Member of Parliament for Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the reins of the central government in 2014, and in 2017, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assumed power in Uttar Pradesh.

Since then, the double-engine government has paid special attention to the all-round development of Varanasi, along with other tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh. Strong law and order, improved connectivity (road, rail, and air), significant improvements in basic infrastructure, and world-class facilities and systems have established Kashi as a new centre of tourism.

The inauguration of the grand new Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has led to an unprecedented expansion of facilities for devotees and tourists in the temple complex.

Meanwhile, the beautification of the Ganga ghats, improved sanitation, the development of Sarnath (the site of Buddha's meditation), the operation of cruises on the Ganges, and the continuously growing range of modern amenities have attracted tourists from India and abroad.

Record surge after the COVID-19 pandemic: Tourism was affected in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but after that, Varanasi witnessed a historic surge in the number of tourists. From 2022 to 2025, a record number of tourists visited Varanasi every year, giving a new impetus to the tourism industry. Year-wise number of tourists in Varanasi over 12 years

Year -- Number of Indian and Foreign Tourists

1. 2014 - 5489997

2. 2015 - 5716297

3. 2016 - 5912665

4. 2017 - 6282215

5. 2018 - 6445160

6. 2019 - 6797775

7. 2020 - 982492

8. 2021 - 3078479

9. 2022 - 71231051

10. 2023 - 85473633

11. 2024 - 110097743

12. 2025 - 146975155

Rahul Mehta, President, Tourism Welfare Association, Uttar Pradesh said, "the increasing number of tourists in Varanasi has benefited every sector associated with the tourism industry. This has not only strengthened the local economy but has also created new employment opportunities. Varanasi is emerging as a global tourism hub".

Khalid Ansari MD, Coral Hotels and Resorts said, "The development of a city accelerates industrial growth as well as the tourism industry. The tourism industry not only provides economic stability but also establishes the city's identity at the international level. In a historical city like Varanasi, development has multiplied employment opportunities in the tourism, hotel, and real estate sectors".

Varanasi is experiencing a golden age of tourism. The current government has upgraded tourist destinations with world-class facilities to boost the tourism industry. This is evident in the record number of tourists visiting the city today. "A large number of tourists take river rides to witness the Ganga Aarti and the beauty of the ghats."-Vikas Malviya, Director, Alaknanda Cruise Line
Chennai, Dec 18 : In a heartfelt remark that resonated with the gathering, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday said that just as many men attribute their success to the women behind them, he owed his success to his wife, Durga.

Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constructed Anna Marriage Hall in Kolathur, he recalled how her unwavering support during his most challenging years shaped his journey and helped him reach his present stature.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the state-of-the-art marriage hall, built at a cost of Rs 25.72 crore, and took part in the wedding ceremonies of 15 couples.

Ahead of the event, he led a roadshow through Kolathur, where enthusiastic crowds lined the streets to welcome him.

Addressing thousands gathered at the venue, Stalin said the inauguration symbolised a milestone for Kolathur, bringing enhanced facilities and new opportunities to the constituency.

Expressing deep affection for the region, he noted that Kolathur had been a defining part of his political career and personal bond with the people.

He remarked that Kolathuras identity has become intertwined with his own, with many associating the constituency directly with his name.

Yet, Stalin stressed that development is not confined to Kolathur alone. The state government, he said, views all constituencies across Tamil Nadu as its own and works with equal dedication in each.

Stalin highlighted that visiting Kolathur brings him incomparable satisfaction -- sometimes greater than what he experiences during statewide government programmes or political tours. The constituency continues to inspire him, he said, with its loyalty and the emotional connection he shares with its residents.

Returning to the theme of personal support, Stalin reiterated his gratitude to his wife, noting that had she abandoned him during his difficult times, his life and career might have taken a vastly different turn. He used this example to remind newlyweds of the importance of mutual support, patience, and respect in marriage.

Addressing the bridegrooms in particular, he urged them to treat their wives with dignity and to recognise the role their partners play in building a stable and successful life.

The event concluded with Stalin personally blessing and solemnising the marriages of 15 couples, adding a personal touch to the ceremony and marking a memorable day for Kolathur.

--IANS

aal/vd
Patna, Dec 18 : Amid the ongoing hijab controversy, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey has come out in defence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, stating that women across Bihar fully support him. He said that this clearly reflected in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly elections.

Speaking to the media, Pandey said, "Under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, women in Bihar have been empowered in every sphere -- education, employment, income generation, and social and political participation. We have consistently worked to enhance the dignity and respect of women, which is why women voters supported us in the recent Assembly elections."

The controversy erupted on December 15, during an appointment letter distribution ceremony for AYUSH doctors at Samvad Hall in the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Patna, when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removed the hijab from the face of a woman doctor, Nusrat Parveen, while she was on the stage.

Health Minister Mangal Pandey and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary were also present at the event.

Following the incident, Nusrat Parveen left Bihar and went to Kolkata, where she is reportedly staying at her brother's residence. She has not returned to Patna to join her job so far. Sources have claimed that she has resigned from the position, though there is no official confirmation.

When asked about the matter, Health Minister Mangal Pandey said he had no information regarding her resignation.

The incident has triggered widespread criticism from various quarters. A group of Muslim women in Hyderabad staged a protest, demanding Nitish Kumar's resignation. A Muslim woman lodged an FIR against the Chief Minister at a police station in Lucknow, while film actress Rakhi Sawant also publicly criticized him over the issue.

Meanwhile, a threatening video allegedly released by a Pakistani don, targeting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, went viral on social media.

Taking cognizance of the matter, Bihar Director General of Police Vinay Kumar said that the case has been handed over to the IG, Patna, for investigation, and a detailed report has been sought.
New Delhi, Dec 18 : Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme-Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN), 651 RCS routes have been operationalised, connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes (as on November 30) across the country, the Parliament was told on Thursday.

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, also said that in Uttar Pradesh, a total of 87 routes connecting 12 airports have been operationalised.

Further, the government has announced the launch of the modified UDAN Scheme to increase regional connectivity to 120 new destinations across the country, including Uttar Pradesh, to cater to 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years.

The scheme is currently at the approval stage, the minister said.

As per the Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008, if any airport developer, including the state government, desires to develop an airport, they are required to identify a suitable site and get the Pre-Feasibility Study conducted and submit a proposal to the Central Government for 'Site Clearance' followed by 'In-Principle' approval.

"Under this policy, the Government of India has granted 'In-Principle' approval for 24 greenfield airports across the country, of which 13 airports have been operationalised," Naidu said.

The upgradation of infrastructure facilities/passenger amenities at airports is a continuous process, which is undertaken by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) or the airport operators, in coordination with the state governments, depending upon operational requirements, traffic, demand, commercial feasibility, etc.

Further, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ensures aviation safety through a robust oversight system, including regular surveillance, spot checks, and audits. It follows an Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) for inspections and ensures that audit findings are addressed with verified corrective actions, said the minister.

Meanwhile, more than 157 lakh passengers have benefited from the operation of 3.27 lakh UDAN flights, connecting various destinations across the country, including tier 2 cities.
New Delhi, Dec 18 : As many as 202 Indian nationals have been recruited into the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 reported fatalities and seven missing, the Centre informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The disclosure came in response to a question from Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale and Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on the repatriation of Indians allegedly forced or illegally recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said concerted diplomatic efforts by India have led to the early discharge of 119 Indian nationals, while 50 individuals are still awaiting release from the Russian Army.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) remains in continuous engagement with Russian authorities to ensure their safety, well-being and early return, he added.

The government also confirmed that 26 Indians have lost their lives in the conflict, while seven are reported missing as per information shared by the Russian side.

Of the deceased, the mortal remains of 10 Indian nationals have been repatriated to India, while two were cremated locally in Russia with assistance from the Indian Mission.

"The Ministry has provided assistance in repatriation of mortal remains of 10 deceased Indian nationals to India, and local cremation of two deceased Indian nationals," the MoS said.

"DNA samples of family members of 18 Indians, who were reported dead or missing, have been shared with the Russian authorities in an effort to help establish the identity of some of the deceased Indian nationals," he added.

The Indian Embassy in Russia has played a key role in assisting discharged nationals with travel documents, air tickets and logistical support for their return.

It has also coordinated closely with families in India during the evacuation and repatriation of mortal remains, ensuring consent-based decisions on cremation or transportation.

The government said the issue has been taken up at multiple diplomatic levels, including during interactions between leaders, ministers and senior officials of both countries, and assured Parliament that efforts will continue until all remaining Indians are discharged and brought home safely.
Muscat, Dec 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a large gathering of the Indian community in Oman's capital on Thursday, highlighted India's stellar achievements in multiple sectors, ranging from digital payment ecosystems, including UPI, to space mission including Gaganyaan, and also spoke about how the country's cultural heritage was marking its presence on the global stage.

PM Modi spoke about the country's transformational growth and development in the past 11 years, across multiple segments including infrastructure development, manufacturing, healthcare, green growth, and women's empowerment.

"Prime Minister said that India is preparing itself for the 21st century through developing a world-class innovation, startup, and Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystem. India's UPI -- which accounts for about 50 per cent of all digital payments made globally -- was a matter of pride and achievement," the MEA said in a press note.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the growing footprint of the Indian community, acknowledging their role in fostering better relations with foreign nations.

The large gathering at the community program in Muscat also included more than 700 students from various Indian schools. This year holds special significance for Indian schools in Oman, as they celebrate 50 years of their establishment in the country.

PM Modi thanked them for a warm and colorful welcome and stated that he was delighted to meet people from various parts of India settled in Oman and noted that diversity is the foundation of Indian culture -- a value which helps them assimilate in any society they form a part of.

He appreciated the community participating in the 'Bharat ko Janiye' quiz in large numbers. Emphasizing that knowledge has been at the center of India-Oman ties, he congratulated them on the completion of 50 years of Indian schools in the country.

PM Modi also conveyed his government's commitment to the welfare of the Indian diaspora, stating that whenever and wherever they require help, the government remains there to hold their hand.

He further affirmed that the India-Oman partnership was making itself future-ready through AI collaboration, digital learning, innovation partnership, and entrepreneurship exchange, and also called upon the youth to dream big, learn deep, and innovate boldly, so that they can contribute meaningfully to humanity.
Nazrin Abdul



The number of rehabilitation aids provided at the expense of the state budget has increased nearly fourfold, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Rashad Mustafayev said on Tuesday.

As reported by Azernews, Mustafayev made the remarks during a seminar titled Promoting the Use of Inclusive Language in the Media, jointly organized in Baku by the UN Representation in Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population.

He noted that the annual number of individuals receiving rehabilitation services has risen more than tenfold, while the range of rehabilitation aids funded by the state budget has increased by almost four times, and the annual provision of these aids has grown nearly threefold.

One of the key features of victorious Azerbaijans development strategy today is ensuring inclusive growth, the deputy minister said. However, terms that contradict the principles of inclusivity are still frequently encountered in the media. For this reason, inclusive communication in the media requires legal attention and responsibility.

Mustafayev noted that the seminar aims to promote the use of inclusive language in the media, enhance knowledge of appropriate terminology, and clarify recommended and non-recommended expressions.

It should be noted that as the leading body responsible for disability policy, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population provides explanations on disability-related terminology, definitions of key concepts, as well as guidance on recommended and non-recommended language.
PANAMA CITY, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Panamanian carrier Copa Airlines said Wednesday it will begin daily flights between Panama City and the Venezuelan city of Maracaibo starting Saturday.

The airline said the route was approved after a successful test flight to Maracaibo's La Chinita International Airport.

The service comes as the airline has extended its suspension of flights to and from Caracas, capital of Venezuela, until Jan. 15, 2026, amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump said late last month that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered closed "in its entirety."

The Venezuelan government denounced the U.S. threat as "another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people." 
New Delhi, Dec 18 : India's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) exported goods worth Rs 9,52,023.35 crore in the current financial year up to September 2025-26, the parliament was informed on Thursday.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, the minister of state for micro, small and medium enterprises Sushri Shobha Karandlaje said the export data is based on MSME-related products identified from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S) portal.

The government noted that India's export performance during this period showed strong momentum, especially in high-value and technology-driven sectors such as electronic goods, pharmaceuticals and engineering products, where MSMEs play a significant role.

"The total value of exports related to MSME products during the FY 2025-26 (up to September) is Rs 952023.35 crore as per the data of MSME related products culled out from DGCI&S portal," the minister said.

"India's export performance during the period reflects strong momentum in key high value and technology driven sectors, led by electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods," she added.

To further strengthen MSME exports, the government has rolled out the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), a comprehensive framework aimed at improving the overall export ecosystem.

Under this mission, financial support is being extended through the Niryat Protsahan initiative, which focuses on easing access to trade finance for MSME exporters.

At the same time, non-financial support is being provided through Niryat Disha, which helps MSMEs with export quality standards, regulatory compliance, market access, logistics facilitation and building a stronger export ecosystem.

"Lower GST rates have made raw materials and services more affordable, motivating small and medium enterprises and start-ups to scale up operations, invest in innovation, and compete both domestically and globally," she stated.

This has strengthened local supply chains in key sectors such as automobiles, textiles, food processing, logistics and handicrafts, encouraging small businesses and start-ups to expand operations, invest in innovation and compete more effectively in global markets.
Kolkata, Dec 18 : The Calcutta High Court on Thursday scrapped the public interest litigation filed challenging the proposed construction of Babri Mosque at Beldanga in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, as proposed by the now-suspended Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir.

Kolkata, Dec 18 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court on Thursday scrapped the public interest litigation filed challenging the proposed construction of Babri Mosque at Beldanga in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, as proposed by the now-suspended Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir.

The foundation stone for the mosque was laid on December 6. The proposed Babri Mosque at Beldanga will be in line with the original construction at Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya, which was demolished on December 6, 1992.

As the public interest litigation filed challenging the proposed mosque at Beldanga came up for hearing before the division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, the bench observed that the petition in the matter had no legal acceptability.

The bench also rejected the argument of the petitioner that Kabir started the construction work for the proposed Babri Mosque without taking prior permission from the district administration. It observed that since the land on which the proposed mosque was being se up was private land and not government land, the petition challenging that construction had no legal acceptability.

In the public interest litigation, the petitioner claimed that the announcements made by Kabir regarding the proposed mosque, along with provocative statements made by him on this issue, could hamper the ambience of communal harmony in the state.

The Trinamool started distancing itself from Kabir since he made the announcement for setting up the Babri Mosque at Beldanga. A couple of days before the foundation stone laying ceremony, he was suspended from the party on charges of anti-party activities.

Kabir has also already announced that he will announce his own political party on December 22, and on that day, he will also announce the names of the office bearers of his political party.

He also announced that his new political outfit will be contesting from over 100 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal in alliance with Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and also with the Left Front, provided the latter agrees to that alliance.
Kochi, Dec 18 : Beleaguered first-time now ousted 'Congress' MLA Rahul Mamkootathil on Thursday received temporary relief from the Kerala High Court, which directed that he should not be arrested till January 7, when it will examine, in detail, the sexual assault case registered against him.

Kochi, Dec 18 (IANS) Beleaguered first-time now ousted aCongressa MLA Rahul Mamkootathil on Thursday received temporary relief from the Kerala High Court, which directed that he should not be arrested till January 7, when it will examine, in detail, the sexual assault case registered against him.

The order extends the interim protection earlier granted to the Palakkad legislator, who has been facing mounting legal and political pressure over two separate complaints.

The High Court had first granted him protection from arrest on December 6, when Mamkootathil went underground following the registration of the cases.

The interim relief was extended again on Thursday, providing him with breathing space as the court prepares to hear the matter at length early next year.

In parallel, a lower court in Thiruvananthapuram last week also ordered that he should not be arrested in a second, similar case until further orders.

The legal developments came a day after Mamkootathil dramatically resurfaced after a 15-day disappearance to cast his vote in the December 11 local body elections, ending intense speculation over whether he would reappear publicly.

He arrived at St. Sebastianas School, Kunnathurmedu, in Palakkad at around 4.45 p.m., accompanied by a small group of supporters, and voted at Booth No. 2 in Ward 24.

Speaking briefly to reporters then, the MLA said the matter was now before the courts and declined further comment. CPI-M workers at the spot protested his presence, raising slogans and displaying banners against him as he left the polling station.

Mamkootathil had been absconding since November 27, when a young woman filed the first sexual assault complaint.

As the controversy intensified, the Congress initially suspended him and later expelled him from the party, distancing itself from the embattled legislator, when the second case surfaced.

Last Wednesday, the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court granted him anticipatory bail in the second case, imposing stringent conditions, including mandatory weekly appearance before the investigating officer.

The court also directed that he be released on bail immediately if arrested in connection with that case.

However, the prosecution has since approached the High Court challenging the anticipatory bail order.

Police have also added charges such as stalking, unlawful restraint and criminal trespass, and maintain that Mamkootathil can be formally arrested in the first case only if the High Court lifts its stay.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sees off Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his onward journey to Muscat, Oman, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Image Source: IANS/PMO

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia : Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ethiopia has given fresh momentum to the India-Ethiopia economic partnership, members of the Indian diaspora here said on Thursday, highlighting new opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, floriculture, leather, climate action and technology.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dec 18 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ethiopia has given fresh momentum to the IndiaEthiopia economic partnership, members of the Indian diaspora here said on Thursday, highlighting new opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, floriculture, leather, climate action and technology.

They said Ethiopia's success in export-oriented industries and India's growing market and technological strengths create strong scope for deeper cooperation that can benefit both countries.

Senthil Kumaran Thangavelu, General Manager of Horti Consult PLC, said Ethiopia started flower cultivation around 20 years ago and expanded it rapidly, helped by strong global connectivity through Ethiopian Airlines.

"Today, flowers grown in Ethiopia and Kenya are exported to Europe, Japan, Korea and Australia," he stated.

He said India, except for roses, is increasingly importing flowers and ornamental plants from Europe, which leads to a loss of foreign exchange.

According to Thangavelu, India's Northeastern region has ideal climatic conditions for growing a wide variety of flowers and ornamental potted plants.

Explaining how Africa emerged as a global flower hub, Thangavelu said the rose industry began in the Netherlands and later moved to Israel.

He noted that while India is largely self-sufficient in rose production, it still relies on costly imports for other flowers and ornamental plants.

"If India adopts technologies used in Ethiopia and brings in European expertise, especially at a micro scale in the Northeast, the country can replicate this success," he said.

Beyond floriculture, cooperation between India and Ethiopia is also expanding in other sectors.

Wondu Legesse, National Project Coordinator for the UNIDO LISEC project, said Ethiopia has built strong collaboration with India's Central Leather Research Institute and the Footwear Design & Development Institute in Delhi.

"These partnerships focus on capacity building for tanneries and shoe factories, leading to significant improvements in the leather sector," he mentioned.

Legesse, who has worked in the industry for over three decades, said he continues to support the sector as a UNIDO consultant.

Climate action is another area of growing engagement. Robi Redda, Director at SouthSouthNorth, said his organisation supports the Ethiopian government in accessing climate finance, framing policies and creating an enabling environment to address climate change.

He said they have contributed to several national climate strategies and are assisting Ethiopia in preparations for the 32nd Conference of Parties (COP32), which is scheduled to be held in the country in 2027.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Dec 18 : The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will facilitate greater market access for professionals and companies from both countries, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.

New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS) The IndiaOman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will facilitate greater market access for professionals and companies from both countries, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.

Addressing the IndiaOman Business Forum in Muscat, Goyal said that the agreement will provide a fair and predictable visa regime for Indian skilled professionals, while fully respecting Oman's sovereign employment policies.

He said the agreement reflects a shared vision to build a diversified and resilient economic partnership covering trade, investment, tourism, innovation and technology.

Goyal emphasised the vast scope for collaboration across key sectors and urged businesses and investors on both sides to leverage these opportunities to drive mutual growth and shared prosperity.

He observed that the bilateral trade between the two countries surpassed $10 billion, but said that this milestone was "just the beginning". "We have miles to go and lots of achievements that await us." he remarked.

Goyal said that CEPA will pave the way for a more ambitious phase of cooperation by offering duty-free access, addressing trade barriers and simplifying rules, which would make exports from both sides more competitively priced in each other's markets.

He invited Omani businesses to leverage India's large and vibrant domestic market, while positioning Oman as a strategic gateway for Indian companies to the Gulf, Africa and West Asia.

Goyal said that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is the "culmination of our shared vision and dedicated efforts to build a mutually prosperous future for our people."

The minister said CEPA would open significant opportunities across sectors including textiles, food processing, automobiles, gems and jewellery, agrochemicals, renewable energy and auto components,

He highlighted Oman's strategic location as a gateway to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Africa, which offers enhanced market access for Indian businesses.

He also acknowledged the role of the 700,000-strong Indian diaspora in Oman, describing it as a living bridge that strengthens bilateral ties.

Oman's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Qais Al Yousef, in his address, said that India has emerged as Oman's third-largest trading partner and Oman continues to be a key destination for Indian investments across strategic sectors.

The CEPA will be signed on December 18 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
Islamabad, Dec 18 : Various student organisations continued to hold protests at the University of Peshawar against the disappearance of two students, local media reported on Thursday.

The protesters, led by Waziristan Students' Society, visited several departments of the university and asked students to boycott classes. They also forced shutting down of Madina Market, coffee shop and restaurants on campus, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported.

They are demanding immediate recovery of Khubaib Wazir - a student of the third semester at the International Relations Department - and Adnan Wazir - a student of the fifth semester at the Political Science Department. According to the student body, unidentified people took away both students when they were coming back to the campus after participating in the Grand Jirga convened by the provincial government at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on November 12.

On December 12, a leading human rights organisation said that a Baloch student was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces in Balochistan amid an increasing wave of enforced disappearance across the province.

Paank, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, mentioned, Noor Bakhsh, a student and resident of Killi Qambrani, Saryab area in the provincial capital Quetta, was forcibly taken from his home by Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department on December 7.

Highlighting atrocities in Balochistan, the rights body stated that at least three Baloch civilians, including two students, had fallen victim to enforced disappearance at the hands of CTD from the same region in Quetta.

Paank revealed that on December 6, Aftab Baloch, a student, was abducted by the CTD. Additionally, on December 7, another student, Ibrar Qambrani, and a labourer, Ali Dost Qambrani, were forcibly taken from their respective homes by the CTD.

On December 4, several leading human rights organisations and activists condemned the enforced disappearance of a lecturer, Balach Khan Bali, by Pakistani forces in Balochistan.

Citing local sources, Paank, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, mentioned that 36-year-old Balach Khan Bali was abducted by personnel of the Pakistan Army on December 3 from Salala Bazar in Turbat city, Kech district, while he was travelling home from the main market.

"Balach, who serves as a Computer Science lecturer at the University of Turbat, is widely known for his professionalism, dedication to his students, and his commitment to higher education in the region. His disappearance has caused deep distress to his family, colleagues, and the academic community," Paank stated.

Condemning the incident, Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) described it as part of a continuing pattern of enforced disappearances in Balochistan.

The rights body urged human rights organisations to review the case of Balach, called for transparency and pushed for his immediate release. It also stressed the need for credible investigations into the actions of Pakistani security agencies in Balochistan.
December 18 : Lucknow: The Yogi government has adopted a very strict stance against fertilizer black marketing. Taking its toughest action so far, the government has sent out a clear message that crimes affecting agriculture and farmers' interests will not be tolerated under any circumstances. On the Chief Minister's instructions, stringent action including provisions under the National Security Act (NSA) is being taken against fertilizer mafias.

The Yogi government believes that fertilizer black marketing is not just a matter of supply disruption or administrative negligence, but a grave offence directly linked to food security, farmers' livelihoods and the state's economy.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during a meeting, stated in clear terms that those who profiteer by pushing farmers into crisis are not merely breaking the law, but are playing with the food security of the country and the state. Such elements will not be treated as ordinary offenders'. If required, strict provisions like the NSA will be invoked against them to ensure they do not remain a threat to society for long.

The Yogi government has directed that immediate FIRs be registered on complaints related to fertilizer black marketing, hoarding and overpricing. Cases will no longer be brushed aside with mere notices or warnings. District administrations have been empowered to take strict action on the spot. The Chief Minister said it is unacceptable for farmers to be forced to run from pillar to post for fertilizers. Wherever information about black marketing is received, officials will intervene directly and ensure legal action against the guilty.

To streamline the fertilizer supply system, the Yogi government has strengthened the mechanism of surprise inspections. On the Chief Minister's directions, not only shopkeepers but also officials responsible for monitoring will be held accountable for negligence. During surprise checks, stocks, sales registers, rate lists and distribution processes are being thoroughly examined. If collusion or willful neglect is found at any level, action against the concerned official is assured.

A daily stock reporting system has been implemented across all districts of the state. Under this system, every fertilizer shop and warehouse must upload daily details of available stock, sales and remaining quantities online. This has enhanced transparency and enables early assessment of any potential shortage at the district or block level. Through the use of technology, every move of the fertilizer mafia is being monitored and timely action is being taken.

The strictness of the Yogi government is evident from the fact that more than 5,000 fertilizer shops across the state have been inspected over the past two years. During these inspections, hundreds of licenses were suspended or cancelled after irregularities were found, and heavy penalties were imposed in several cases.

The Chief Minister has instructed officials that this campaign should not remain limited to statistics, but its impact must be visible on the ground for farmers. The Yogi government has also made it clear that there is no shortage of fertilizers in the state for the Rabi season 202526. As per official data, the total availability of Urea, DAP and NPK exceeds 130 lakh metric tonnes. The Chief Minister said that when adequate stock is available, there is no justification for black marketing. Any attempt to create an artificial shortage will be treated as a criminal conspiracy.

The Chief Minister has appealed to farmers to immediately report any instances of black marketing, overpricing or forced tagging to the administration. The government stands firmly with them and will act on every complaint. At the same time, a stern warning has been issued to fertilizer mafias that the law will now strike harder than ever. There is no place in the state for those who play with agriculture and farmers' livelihoods.
December 18 : Lucknow: The Yogi government is preparing to give a historic gift to the youth of Uttar Pradesh in 2026. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a recent high-level meeting, directed officials to provide department wise details of vacant posts so that recruitment could be expedited.

After reviewing the vacancies, CM Yogi has approved the recruitment of 1.5 lakh government jobs across various departments next year. The largest share of appointments will be in the Police and Education departments, with 50,000 posts each, followed by 20,000 posts in the Revenue department. Additional recruitments will also take place in Housing Development, Health, Child Development, Nutrition, and Prisons. With this, the Yogi government is set to create a record by providing the highest number of government jobs in a single year. More importantly, by 2026, the government will achieve the milestone of 10 lakh government jobs in 10 years, becoming the first in the state's history to do so.

So far, the Yogi government has already provided over 8.5 lakh jobs in the last 8.5 years, all through a transparent and fair process. This has significantly boosted the confidence of the state's youth in the recruitment system, which earlier lacked transparency under previous governments.

According to official sources, the Police department will recruit 30,000 constables, 5,000 sub inspectors, and 15,000 personnel in other categories. The Education department will fill around 50,000 posts ranging from assistant teachers to lecturers and principals. The Revenue department will recruit 20,000 personnel, primarily for the post of Lekhpal.

Recruitment advertisements are in the final stages of preparation, and processes have already begun in some departments. Once completed, this massive drive will firmly establish the Yogi government's record of 10 lakh government jobs in a decade, marking a new chapter in employment opportunities for Uttar Pradesh's youth.
Belagavi, : Dec 18 (IANS) The Karnataka Assembly passed the controversial Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, on Thursday, amid objections from the opposition BJP.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara sought a vote on the Bill, and Speaker U.T. Khader, after putting it to a vote, declared that a majority of members in the House were in favour of the Bill and that it stood passed.

Parameshwara subsequently offered an explanation on the provisions of the Bill, which was tabled in the Assembly on December 10.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had said that the tabling of the Hate Speech Regulation Bill in the Assembly is part of "our government's agenda" to "preserve peace and law and order in our state".

Dealing with the offence of hate crime, the bill says that any person who harms, incites harm, or promotes or propagates hatred arising from prejudice or intolerance against another individual based on the victim's -- actual or perceived -- religion, race, caste or community, sex, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, residence, language, disability, tribe, or due to their family member's characteristics or their association with a group sharing such characteristics, shall be guilty of the offence of hate crime.

The Congress 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.

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-cognisable 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-cognisable and non-bailable.

For repeated offences, the Bill proposes punishment of imprisonment up to 10 years.

Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi, earlier, had criticised the Karnataka government's legislation prescribing a 10-year jail term for hate speech, saying that it reflects the Congress's cruel tradition.

He claimed the legislation creates an atmosphere of fear among the public and makes it clear that it has been introduced with the malicious intent of political control.

"By doing so, the Congress-led state government is snatching away everyone's freedom of speech. This bill showcases the Congress party's cruel legacy and stands as a mirror to the government's misgovernance," he alleged.
Muscat, Dec 18 : Oman Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik conferred 'The First Class of the Order of Oman' on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday - an award that has previously been presented to Queen Elizabeth, Queen Maxim, Emperor Akihito, Nelson Mandela and King Abdullah of Jordan. This is the 29th such global honour for PM Modi.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi was conferred the highest award of Ethiopia - the 'Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia' - by Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed in a special ceremony hosted at the Addis International Convention Centre. PM Modi was conferred the award for his exceptional contribution towards strengthening bilateral partnership and for his visionary leadership as a global statesman. Prime Minister Modi had expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy and the people of Ethiopia for this honour.

Earlier on Thursday, PM Modi and Oman Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik held a meeting in Muscat, discussing ways to further add greater depth to the strategic partnership. Both leaders also witnessed the exchange of key Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements.

The two leaders welcomed the signing of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), terming it a "milestone" in bilateral ties and expressed confidence that it will strengthen the strategic partnership. They also discussed issues of regional and global interest.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and other officials attended the meeting held at the Al Baraka Palace in Muscat.

"Celebrating 70 years India-Oman Diplomatic ties : An all-encompassing relationship, united by maritime heritage and shared destiny! PM Narendra Modi met today His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik in Muscat, Oman. Both leaders noted that the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between India - Oman is a landmark in bilateral partnership. They explored ways to further add greater depth to the India-Oman Strategic Partnership," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

"The leaders welcomed the signing of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a milestone in bilateral ties, affirming that it would significantly strengthen India-Oman strategic partnership. Both exchanged views on a broad range of topics including defence, security, trade and investment, energy, agriculture, technology, new and emerging areas, culture and people-to-people ties among others. They also discussed issues of regional and global interest," he added.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi addressed the Indian community members at 'Maitri Parv' event in Muscat. He also addressed the India-Oman Business Forum.

"At the Business Forum in Muscat this morning, which was attended by industry representatives from India as well as Oman, highlighted the rich potential to deepen economic linkages. Also invited businesses from Oman to invest and innovate in India," PM Modi posted on X.

On Wednesday, PM Modi arrived in Oman's Muscat for the third and final leg of his three-nation visit. Upon his arrival, Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tariqk Al Said warmly received PM Modi at the airport. A Guard of Honour was accorded to PM Modi as part of the ceremonial welcome.

This is Prime Minister Modi's second visit to Oman, underscoring the growing depth of the India-Oman strategic partnership.

PM Modi also received a warm welcome from members of the Indian community at the hotel in Muscat, with hundreds of people carrying Indian flags, chanting "Modi Modi", "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram" as they enthusiastically welcomed the Indian PM.

The visit assumes special significance as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. It also follows Sultan Haitham bin Tariqk's State visit to India in December 2023, reflecting the high-level political engagement between the two countries.

India and Oman currently share a comprehensive strategic partnership, characterised by robust cooperation across diverse sectors. Oman remains an important partner for India in the Gulf region, with strong collaboration in energy security, maritime cooperation, and regional stability.
ABUJA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria has recently banned the export of wood and related products to curb illegal logging and deforestation across the country, local media reported on Thursday.

The government will also revoke all previously issued licenses and permits, according to media reports, quoting Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal as saying at the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment in the northwestern state of Katsina on Wednesday.

Lawal cited a presidential executive order regarding the prohibition of exportation of wood and allied products, noting that the move aimed to address the illegal logging and deforestation across the most populous African country.

"Nigeria's forests are central to environmental sustainability, providing clean air and water, supporting livelihoods, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change," the official said.

Local security agencies had been directed to enforce a total clampdown on illegal logging activities in the country, under the new policy, he added. 
New Delhi, Dec 18 : The number of safety violations by scheduled Indian airlines reported during the year 2024 was 22, the government said on Thursday.

Also, the number of in-flight engine shutdown occurrences to scheduled Indian airlines reported during the same year was 21.

"All the occurrences are investigated to find the cause and prevent the recurrence," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol told the Lok Sabha.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has established comprehensive Civil Aviation Regulations to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of aircraft. These regulations are continuously updated and aligned with international standards, including those of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the minister added.

Meanwhile, the aviation regulator has taken action against 19 safety-related violations by airlines so far in 2025.

In an earlier written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Mohol shared detailed data on airline non-compliance, safety budgets, and staffing gaps across key aviation bodies.

He said the DGCA has stepped up enforcement over the past five years. The number of actions taken against scheduled airlines has risen steadily from just two in 2021 to seven in 2022, 10 in 2023, and 22 in 2024, before reaching 19 so far this year.

These actions include financial penalties, suspensions of approvals or authorisations, and official warnings. The violations recorded by the regulator cover a wide range of safety lapses. These include non-compliance with breath analyser rules for crew, failures in flight data monitoring, unauthorised cockpit access, and poor-quality assurance audits.

Other breaches involved misuse of flight simulators without DGCA approval, deploying crew without mandatory training, and violating Flight Duty Time Limitations.

Maintenance-related shortcomings were also reported, such as failure to follow proper procedures, deficiencies found during spot checks, and even cases where aircraft were flown with expired emergency equipment. The minister said the government has been allocating funds to strengthen DGCAas safety and regulatory oversight, with the yearly budget details provided in an annexure to Parliament.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Kolkata, December 18 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday, defended the businessman and industrialists who are facing harassment from Central investigation agencies.

Addressing a business and industry conclave at an auditorium in Kolkata, Chief Minister Banerjee said that business won't come if the industrialists remain scared.

"Businessmen disturbed through agencies are scared. Every time if you disturb businessman through the agencies, how the business will go up? They are always afraid and scared. No one knows in the morning what will rise? Nobody knows when the agencies will rise? Let the industrialists feel free. It is their duty to take care of their businesses. It is not the duty of the government to interfere in every business. We want freedom for industrialists also," the Chief Minister added.

She also criticised the Union government for collecting GST and not returning the state's share.

"Even shop owners... they have to give GST. Now states, they don't have own tax. Now we have only one tax in the country. Earlier we thought it would be good for the country. It was Amit Mitra (former West Bengal Finance Minister) who had advised me to support it. Now you have to clarify it to me why the Centre is cutting all the money from GST also. From GST, 20,000 crore has been cut off from my state. It was for development, for economic sustainability, for the accountability and credibility. Now you tell me where is the pain and where is the gain?" CM Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister also criticised a section of people for criticising the state, asserting that attempts to defame West Bengal will fail.

"Some people want to defame Bengal, but they don't know how much the state has changed. Bengal is today one of the leading logistics hubs and serves as the gateway to South East Asia, East India, and the North Eastern states. It is surrounded by border states like Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha," CM Banerjee said.

She emphasised that West Bengal is a peaceful state and any negative narratives circulated on the social media are fake and aimed at tarnishing its image.

"Some fake news comes from so-called social media, which posts videos or spreads misinformation to defame Bengal. But I challenge anyone, they cannot harm Bengal," she said.
New Delhi, Dec 18 : As many as 2.69 lakh villages are reported to have achieved the target of 100 per cent households having tap water supply, the Parliament was informed on Thursday.

Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, said, since August 2019, the Government of India, in partnership with States, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) a" Har Ghar Jal to make provision of potable water in adequate quantity through functional tap water connection in around 5.86 lakh villages.

At the time of the announcement of the Jal Jeevan Mission, 3.23 Crore (17 per cent) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on December 16, 2025, around 12.53 crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections, said the MoS.

Out of 19.36 crore rural households, in around 5.86 lakh villages, in the country, more than 15.76 Crore (81.42 per cent) households spread around 5.82 lakh villages, are reported to have tap water supply in their homes and works for the remaining households are at various stages of completion as per the saturation plan of the respective State/UT, said Somanna.

The MoS said drinking water is a state subject, and it is states that plan, design, approve and implement drinking water supply schemes inter alia, including solar-based water schemes. The government of India supplements the efforts of the States by providing technical and financial assistance.

Under JJM, provisions like exploring the installation of solar energy-powered standalone water supply systems in scattered/isolated/ tribal/hilly villages; preferring the use of solar power pumping arrangements for single village water supply schemes; and conjunctive use of solar power-based pumping systems in multi-village water supply schemes, have been made for the usage of renewable energy in rural water supply schemes.

Somanna said to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the ongoing works, inter alia, including solar-based water schemes, a comprehensive multi-level and multi-format system of monitoring, inter alia, regular review of implementation, workshops/ conferences/ webinars for capacity building, training, knowledge sharing, field visits by a multi-disciplinary team to provide technical support, monitoring mechanism such as geo-tagging of assets created, third-party inspections before making payments, has been put in place.
Lucknow, 18 Dec : The Yogi Adityanath government has unveiled its zero-tolerance policy against black marketing of fertilisers and warned of severe and stringent action against the flouters, if caught taking the farming community for a ride, by selling fake fertilisers.

The decision to book the fertiliser mafia under stringent laws comes on the back of close inspection and scrutiny of their operations for the past few years. In the last two years, more than 5,000 fertiliser shops have been thoroughly scanned, leading to suspension and cancellation of hundreds of licenses.

Surprise inspections are being carried out at storehouses to fix accountability of officials, while reports on daily stocks are also being prepared to detect any wrongdoing or illegal hoarding.

"On the instructions of the Chief Minister, those affecting agriculture and farmers' interests will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and strict action, including provisions under the National Security Act (NSA), will be taken against fertiliser mafias," said a government statement.

The Chief Minister, during a meeting, stated in clear terms that those who profiteer by pushing farmers into crisis are not merely breaking the law, but are playing with the food security of the country and the state. Such elements will not be treated as 'ordinary offenders', and if required, strict provisions like the NSA will be invoked against them to ensure they do not remain a threat to society for long.

The Yogi government has directed that immediate FIRs be registered on complaints related to fertiliser black marketing, hoarding and overpricing.

District administrations have been empowered to take strict action on the spot. The Chief Minister said it is unacceptable for farmers to be forced to run from pillar to post for fertilisers.

Wherever information about black marketing is received, officials will intervene directly and ensure legal action against the guilty.

To streamline the fertiliser supply system, the state government has also strengthened the mechanism of surprise inspections. During surprise checks, stocks, sales registers, rate lists and distribution processes are being thoroughly examined. If collusion or willful neglect is found at any level, action against the concerned official will follow.

The Chief Minister has instructed officials that this campaign should not remain limited to statistics, but its impact must be visible on the ground for farmers. The state government has also informed that there is no shortage of fertilisers in the state for the Rabi season 202526. As per official data, the total availability of Urea, DAP and NPK exceeds 130 lakh metric tonnes.

The Chief Minister has also appealed to farmers to immediately report any instances of black marketing, overpricing or forced tagging of fertilisers to the state administration.

The government stands firmly with them and will act on every complaint, said a senior government official. Also, a stern warning has been issued to the fertiliser mafia that the law will now strike harder than ever.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 18 : Legislators of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday appealed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to reconsider the state government's decision to enhance the salaries and allowances of MLAs, Ministers, the Chief Minister, the Speaker and other constitutional office-bearers.

Following a closed-door meeting of BJP MLAs and Ministers at the party's state office here, Odisha Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Thursday said that party legislators have sought reconsideration of the legislation passed during the last Assembly session to hike the pensions and salaries of sitting and former legislators.

Chief Minister Majhi and BJP state president Manmohan Samal were also present during the meeting.

Addressing the media, Mahaling said the Bill had been passed on the floor of the House during the previous Assembly session.

The legislation pertains to an increase in the salaries and pensions of MLAs and former MLAs.

He said that, respecting public opinion, BJP MLAs have submitted a signed application to the Chief Minister requesting a fresh review and reconsideration of the Bill.

"Our government is a peopleas government. We respect the mandate and sentiments of the people of Odisha. Keeping this in mind, all BJP MLAs, through a signed application, have appealed to the Chief Minister for a reconsideration of the legislation through consultation and consensus," Mahaling said.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister clarified that the request has been formally placed before the Chief Minister for appropriate consideration, underlining the partyas commitment to public interest and transparency.

It is pertinent to note that the Odisha Assembly recently passed four Bills without any dissenting voice, significantly enhancing the salaries and allowances of MLAs, as well as those of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Ministers, the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Minister.

With the revision of salaries and pensions, Odisha's MLAs also joined the ranks of the highest-paid legislators in the country.

This move sparked a major debate in the state, prompting the ruling BJP to reconsider the decision.

Notably, the Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and Biju Janata Dal president, Naveen Patnaik, had earlier announced that he would forgo the recently increased salary and allowances attached to the LoP's post, asking that the amount instead be used for the welfare of the poor.
Muscat, Dec 18 : India and Oman on Thursday adopted a Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation, reflecting their shared commitment to regional maritime security, blue economy, and sustainable use of ocean resources.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, who held extensive discussions at the Al Baraka Palace on Thursday, acknowledged that the relationship between the two maritime neighbours has stood the test of time and has transformed into a multifaceted strategic partnership.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations, spanning trade, investment, defence, security, technology, education, energy, space, agriculture, culture and people to people ties. They also reviewed the ongoing initiatives and cooperation in the areas identified in the Joint Vision Document, adopted during the Oman Sultan's visit to India in December 2023.

The two leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, reaffirming that no justification can ever be accepted for such acts. They underlined the importance of continued cooperation in this area.

In the Joint Statement released after their meeting, the two sides commended the deepening cooperation in the defence sector and agreed to continue working together in this regard, including joint exercises, training, and high-level visits to achieve shared goals and contribute towards maintaining regional security and stability.

They also agreed to undertake joint initiatives to prevent maritime crimes and piracy by enhancing maritime domain awareness and facilitating continued information exchange.

"Both sides welcomed the MoU on Maritime Heritage and Museums, enabling collaboration between museums, including through joint exhibitions and research. They also noted the upcoming maiden voyage of INSV Kaundinya, to Oman highlighting our shared maritime traditions," read the Joint Statement.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the deepening of cultural cooperation and strong people to people ties. They welcomed the joint exhibition 'Legacy of Indo-Oman Relations' and took note of ongoing discussions on culture digitization initiatives. As per the Joint Statement, both sides took note of the initiative to cooperate for the establishment of the ICCR chair Programme of Indian Studies at the Sohar University that shall promote cultural and academic exchanges between both countries.

"The two sides expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for safe and timely delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians. They welcomed the signing of the first phase of Gaza Peace Plan and reiterated their support for the plan. They also reaffirmed their support for efforts to restore peace and stability and underlined the need for a just and lasting resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, including the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state," the Joint Statement added.

Both sides also acknowledged that centuries old people-to-people ties remain a cornerstone of the Oman-India relationship. India conveyed its deep appreciation to the leadership of Oman for ensuring the welfare and well-being of the vibrant Indian community of around 675,000 residing in Oman. Omani side recognised the valued contributions of the Indian diaspora to Oman's development.

PM Modi's visit to Oman is of special significance as it takes place in the year marking 70th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries. The Prime Ministeras visit follows the State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India in December 2023.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi was received by Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs at the airport and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. He was received by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Thursday at the Al Baraka Palace.
Chennai, Dec 18 : The Tamil Nadu government's ambitious plan to distribute laptops and tablets to college students is set to take shape early next year, with the first batch of devices expected to be handed over by February 2026.

The announcement, made during the 2025-26 state budget, marks the revival of a long-delayed scheme that once benefited school students across the state.

The earlier laptop initiative, launched under the previous AIADMK regime, had provided government school students with free laptops. However, the scheme was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately discontinued.

When the DMK returned to power in 2021, expectations grew that the programme would be revived, and indications of a renewed focus emerged when the government announced plans to extend benefits to college students.

Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu formalised this policy during his budget speech, confirming that two million college students will receive devices over the next two years.

"In the first phase, laptops or tablets will be provided to 20 lakh college students based on their preference," he said.

To kick-start the process, the state has already procured 10 lakh laptops from major manufacturersincluding HP, Dell, and Acerand distribution arrangements are underway.

The devices have been configured to suit the academic and technical requirements of college students, featuring high-speed processors, long-lasting batteries, and artificial intelligence-enabled capabilities.

After the Christmas and New Year holidays, college students returning to campuses will begin receiving the devices. The government plans to complete distribution to the first 10 lakh beneficiaries by February.

The announcement has sparked a political back-and-forth. Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami accused the ruling DMK of leveraging the scheme for electoral gains.

"We distributed laptops to school students during our tenure. Now, they are giving devices to older students purely to target 10 lakh votes," he alleged.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin dismissed the accusation, calling it an attempt to derail a welfare-oriented policy.

"The Opposition does not have the broad-mindedness to welcome a programme for college students. Instead, they are trying to sabotage it," he said.

In a notable highlight, the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) has partnered with US-based company Perplexity AI to offer its Perplexity Pro platform free of cost for six months to beneficiaries.

Officials say this collaboration aims to enhance digital learning, research skills, and AI literacy among students.

With procurement completed and distribution scheduled, the government maintains that its renewed digital initiative will bridge technology gaps and enhance higher education outcomes in the state.

--IANS

aal/dan
Kolkata, Dec 18 : The Calcutta High Court on Thursday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder of a Trinamool Congress worker in Hooghly district, which took place in 2010.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had been probing the case for a long time, but since no breakthrough was achieved, the investigation has now been handed over to the CBI. The matter came up for hearing in court on Thursday.

It was learnt that in 2010, firing took place during guardian representative elections at Prosadpur High School in Hooghly's Jangipara area. The then officer-in-charge (OC) of Jangipara police station, Tapasbrati Chakraborty, was accused in the case.

It was alleged that he, along with Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) workers, shot and killed Trinamool Congress worker Robin Ghosh using a government-issued firearm.

After the murder, the state's investigating agency, the CID, was entrusted with the probe.

The victim's family alleged that more than 15 years have passed without any substantial progress in the investigation. The murder took place during the Left Front regime in the state.

As per the court's direction, the investigation will now begin afresh and all investigation-related documents will be handed over to CBI officials.

The family expressed hope that this time the investigation would finally yield some positive results.

Previously, the Calcutta High Court has handed over several cases to the CBI for investigation.

From cases related to post-poll violence after the last Assembly elections to the teachersa recruitment scam, the CBI has been investigating multiple matters following court directions.

In most cases, central agency probes were ordered in matters involving allegations against the current Trinamool Congress government and its leaders over corruption and violence.

However, this time, the CBI investigation has been ordered in a case that occurred during the Left Front regime and relates to the killing of a Trinamool Congress worker.
Kolkata, Dec 18 : The West Bengal Assembly Secretariat said on Thursday that it will not challenge the order by a division bench of the Calcutta High Court's order last month striking down the membership of Mukul Roy with the state Assembly.

The decision has been taken after consultation with the legal analysts who advised not to challenge the decision of the Calcutta High Court before the Supreme Court.

Confirming this decision of not challenging the Calcutta High Court's order, the West Bengal Assembly Speaker, Biman Bandyopadhyay, told media persons on Thursday afternoon that since Mukul Roy's son, Subhrangshu Roy, also a former member of the West Bengal Assembly, was a party in the case at the Calcutta High Court, the initiative of challenging the court order should have been on his part.

"Hence, the State Assembly Secretariat will not take any initiative in the matter," the Assembly Speaker said.

On November 13, the Calcutta High Court's division bench of Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Md. Shabbar Rashidi cancelled Mukul Roy's membership from the House.

The division bench also quashed the order passed by the Speaker of the House Biman Bandyopadhyay earlier, refusing to cancel the membership of Roy from the state Assembly.

However, considering that West Bengal is heading for the crucial Assembly elections next year, there will be no bypoll in Krishnanagar (Uttar) Assembly constituency during the interim period.

Mukul Roy, the former Trinamool Congress General Secretary, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before the 2021 West Bengal elections and also successfully contested as a BJP candidate in Krishnanagar (Uttar) Assembly constituency in Nadia district of West Bengal.

However, he joined Trinamool Congress just days after the Assembly poll results were declared and Trinamool Congress came to power for the third consecutive term with a massive majority.

However, he did not resign as a member of the State Assembly and officially continued as a BJP legislator there.

Assembly Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay rejected the BJP's plea for the cancellation of Roy's membership from the Assembly.

The Speaker said that since Roy was officially a BJP candidate, his membership could not be cancelled.

Roy was even made the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House, a post which is traditionally offered to an MLA from the principal opposition party in the Assembly.

Thereafter, the BJP approached the Calcutta High Court seeking the cancellation of Roy's membership from the House as a legislator from the Krishnanagar (Uttar) Assembly constituency.

After a prolonged hearing in the matter, finally on Thursday, Calcutta High Court's division bench of Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Md. Shabbar Rashidi finally cancelled Roy's membership from the House.
Kochi, Dec 18 : The registration of a case by the Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Wing of the Kerala Police over a widely circulated parody song on the alleged Sabarimala gold heist implicating the CPI(M) and its comrades has triggered strong reactions from Congress leaders, who have described the action as an unprecedented assault on freedom of expression and cultural dissent.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan termed the case "unheard of", asserting that the parody song did not hurt the religious sentiments of anyone.

He said criminalising satire and artistic expression amounted to a direct intrusion into freedom of expression.

Drawing a parallel with developments elsewhere in the country, Satheesan alleged that the CPI-M in Kerala was adopting the same intolerant approach as the Sangh Parivar.

Such a stance, he said, was an embarrassment to Kerala, which has long prided itself on its progressive and democratic traditions.

The Chief Minister, he added, should bow his head in shame before the cultural community for allowing what he described as an attack on artistic freedom.

AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal also came out strongly against the police action.

He said he had spoken over the phone to G.P. Kunjabdulla, the creator of the parody song that has found wide resonance across the state, and conveyed his appreciation for the lyrics, which he said struck a chord with the public.

Venugopal assured the lyricist of all legal assistance from the Congress in facing the case.

Taking the argument further, Venugopal said that those allegedly involved in the looting of gold linked to the Sabarimala temple continue to enjoy power and positions within the ruling party.

Such acts, he argued, were what truly wounded religious faith.

"Those who turned that alleged plunder into a song are now being portrayed as offenders who hurt belief,""he said, describing the episode as a stark illustration of state intimidation and the CPI(M)'s growing intolerance of dissent and satire.

Congress Lok Sabha member Rajmohan Unnithan warned that if action were initiated against everyone who shared the parody song, Kerala's jails would not have enough space to accommodate those arrested.

His remark underlined the Opposition's charge that the police action was excessive and untenable.

Together, the statements from senior Congress leaders mark a concerted pushback against the cyber police case, framing it as a threat to free expression and a troubling signal for democratic space in Kerala.
BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has spoken positively of China's efforts and contributions in key areas of migration governance.

Important steps were made in "expanding regular pathways, streamlining visa procedures, integrating new technologies into border management, and enhancing integration support for international migrants," said Li Wen, IOM's chief of mission in China.

Li made the remarks at a workshop held on Wednesday in Beijing to mark the International Migrants Day, observed annually on Dec. 18.

China has also been supporting developing countries under the framework of South-South cooperation to address the drivers of unsafe migration and displacement, including poverty, disasters and climate change, Li said.

Li noted that a whole-of-society approach is gaining ground in China, with businesses and other stakeholders increasingly engaged in migration-related work, citing recent partnerships with Chinese companies on skills training, humanitarian assistance and migrant worker protection.

Addressing the event, Xia Tian, deputy director general of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said China is willing to deepen cooperation with the IOM under the Global Governance Initiative, a China-proposed framework that underscores five key principles, namely sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, the people-centered approach and real actions.

China also supports reasonable reforms to enhance the effectiveness of global migration governance, including by strengthening the representation and voice of developing countries, Xia added.

Lyu Ning, deputy director general of the Department of International Cooperation at the National Immigration Administration, said China has recently rolled out a series of measures to further expand opening up, including improving talent visa policies, streamlining visa services, and improving entry and exit facilitation for foreign nationals.

China is also focusing on the needs of Chinese companies going global, with additional facilitation measures under study to support high-quality foreign trade, Lyu said.

The IOM is the UN Migration Agency and the leading inter-governmental organization in its field. China became a member of the IOM in 2016. 
Belagavi, Dec 18 : The Karnataka Assembly passed the controversial Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, amid chaos and without debate by members of the Opposition on Thursday.

Leader of Opposition and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader R. Ashoka, strongly objecting to the manner in which the Bill was taken up, tore a copy of it on the floor of the House.

Amid the uproar and strong opposition by the BJP and JD-S MLAs, Speaker U.T. Khader put the Bill to vote and announced that it had been passed.

The BJP MLAs shouted slogans, alleging that the Assembly Speaker was acting improperly and setting a bad precedent.

Strongly objecting to the Bill, Leader of Opposition Ashoka said, "I have not completed my speech on the Hate Speech Regulation Bill. We are prepared to speak on the Bill. Curtailing the rights of Opposition members is not a good tradition. Please rethink and allow the discussion to take place."

Senior BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar said the Bill was passed amid chaos without providing an opportunity for discussion.

The Assembly Speaker should reconsider the decision, BJP leader Kumar said, adding that whenever there is a heated debate, Legislative members are usually called for a meeting and, after resolving issues, discussion is allowed.

"I insist that the Assembly Speaker gives an opportunity for discussion," he said.

Expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal said it was an important Bill and alleged that it was aimed at targeting the Opposition in Karnataka.

"Not allowing the Opposition to speak on the Bill will remain a black mark in history. We will not remain silent. We will approach the Supreme Court. This is a second Emergency imposed by the Congress-led government in the state," he alleged.

JD-S Floor leader C.B. Suresh Babu said that discussion on the Bill was necessary and that passing it in such a manner was not a good tradition.

Senior JD-S MLA H.D. Revanna said that discussion over the Bill was essential.

"I am a six-time MLA and I am being tortured. This leads to hate politics. This heinous act should not be committed," he added.

Assembly Speaker Khader decided to proceed with voting after remarks made by the State Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh in the House which triggered further uproar and chaos.

Minister Suresh said he did not understand why the BJP was so prejudiced about the issue and alleged that BJP leaders had created communal strife in the state's coastal region.

This led to further uproar in the House, with BJP leaders strongly condemning the remarks and rushing to the well of the House in protest as Minister Suresh repeated his allegation regarding communal strife in the coastal region.

Assembly Speaker Khader said the controversial remarks would be expunged from the records and asked Leader of Opposition Ashoka to continue his speech.

However, as the BJP and JD-S MLAs continued sloganeering and chaos prevailed, the Assembly Speaker proceeded to put the Bill to vote, declared it passed, and adjourned the House.

Earlier, Home Minister G. Parameshwara, while explaining the Bill in the State Assembly, said that the Congress-led state government had reduced the punishment for hate crimes prescribed in the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, from 10 years to seven years.

"Under the Bill, a person committing a hate crime will be punished with imprisonment of not less than one year, which may extend up to seven years, along with a fine of Rs 50,000. For a subsequent or repeated offence, imprisonment of not less than two years, extendable up to seven years, along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh, has been prescribed," Minister Parameshwara said.

"Considering various opinions, the Congress-led state government has withdrawn the provision prescribing 10 years of imprisonment for repeated offences," he clarified.
New Delhi, Dec 18 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah will firm up the BJP's strategy for the Assembly elections next year in four states - Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu - as he starts a fortnight-long visit to the election-bound states on December 28, a party leader said on Thursday.

New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah will firm up the BJPas strategy for the Assembly elections next year in four states - Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu - as he starts a fortnight-long visit to the election-bound states on December 28, a party leader said on Thursday.

"After the Bihar Assembly election victory, HM Shah has outlined a major strategy for the Assembly elections next year in four states - Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu," said the leader.

The Union Minister will visit Assam on December 28 and 29, West Bengal on December 30 and 31, Tamil Nadu in the first week of January, and Kerala in the second week of January, said the partyas organisational unit functionary.

He will spend at least two days each month in these poll-bound states until the elections and work on strategies for victory, as three out of these four states currently have a non-NDA government.

Focusing on energising Panna Pramukhs and execution of the 'Mera Booth Sabse Majboot' plan, HM Shah, during his visit to the election-bound states, will hold organisational meetings and interact with party workers.

Sources in the BJP said that HM Shah is preparing to replicate the NDA's resounding victory in the recent Bihar Assembly elections, despite a misinformation campaign launched by the Mahagathbandhan on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Time and again, HM Shah has proved himself the chief strategist behind NDA's electoral wins, carefully formulating state-specific campaigns built around the NDA's national poll mascot and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Apart from coordination with NDA allies, the Union Minister's winning formula also includes a robust strategy to communicate with rebels and pacify them to ensure that they don't dent the alliance's voter-share by fighting as independents.

In the Bihar elections, HM Shah is believed to have individually heard almost 100 rebels who were working against the party's interest.

The Union Minister's upcoming visit to the four states will also entail an exercise to capture the pulse on the ground, identify the burning issues and prepare in advance to counter the rival parties' narratives, said a party leader.

The BJP is also working on a strategy to blunt the politics of falsehood being pursued by rival parties on issues like the rural job scheme, VB G RAM G, SIR, employment rate and other socio-economic issues, said a party leader.
Amaravati, Dec 18 : With Andhra Pradesh ageing faster than India, the state government is considering a "second child onwards" incentive similar to models implemented in France and Hungary to avoid future demographic collapse, a top official said on Thursday.

Andhra Pradesh is ageing faster than India, with a median age of 32.5 years compared to the national average of 28.4 years.

The state's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to 1.5, well below the replacement level of 2.1, placing Andhra Pradesh on a trajectory similar to developed economies facing a demographic crisis.

The state has only a demographic window until 2040 before the dependency ratio skews heavily towards the elderly population.

The alarming demographic trends were highlighted by state Health, Medical & Family Welfare Secretary, Sourabh Gaur, at the 5th Collectors' Conference here.

He presented Andhra Pradesh's transformative approach to Population Management and Human Resource Development as the third asutraa in aPadi Sutralua (10 points) under Swarna Andhra Vision 2047 and underlined the need to shift from population control to population sustainability.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasised the urgent need to address the state's declining fertility rate and improve overall health outcomes.

Once a champion of family planning initiatives, he underlined the dramatic shift in policy priorities required to address current demographic challenges.

"We are now facing the same problem that developed nations are experiencing - a growing non-working-aged population. Our focus must shift to enabling and incentivising families to have children," Saurabh Gaur stated, suggesting a "second child onwards" incentive principle similar to models implemented in France and Hungary to arrest the TFR decline and avoid future demographic collapse.

In a groundbreaking initiative, he presented the plans for the establishment of Fertility Colleges as Centres of Excellence for Reproductive Medicine. This first-of-its-kind public sector initiative will train professionals and provide state-supported IVF treatment for couples facing infertility challenges, addressing a critical barrier to sustainable population growth.

Gaur also outlined a comprehensive life-cycle approach to population management encompassing five strategic pillars: Supportive Fertility Ecosystem, Preventive Healthcare through the Sanchara Chikitsa concept, Augmenting Lifelong Skilling through a Skill Passport System starting from Grade 6, Incentivising Women Workforce Participation through safe mobility and mandatory crAches, and Active Ageing & Community through the establishment of Elderly Clubs at the Mandal level.

The Secretary told the Collectors that closing the female workforce participation gap from the current 31 per cent to match the male participation rate of 59 per cent can boost the state's GSDP by 15 per cent. To achieve this, the government will implement women-friendly transport systems and mandatory crAches in major workplaces to reduce the "motherhood penalty" on careers.

On healthcare outcomes, the Secretary set ambitious targets to reduce Maternal Mortality Ratio from the current 30 to global best standards (below 5, matching Norway, Poland, and Belarus) and Infant Mortality Rate from approximately 17 to below 2 (matching Singapore and Iceland).
Muscat, Dec 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on Thursday conferred with the 'Order of Oman' award for his exceptional contribution to India-Oman ties and his visionary leadership - dedicated the honour to the age-old friendship between the two countries and called it a tribute to the warmth and affection between the 1.4 billion people of both nations.

Instituted in 1970 by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Order of Oman has been bestowed upon select global leaders - including Queen Elizabeth, Queen Maxim, Emperor Akihito, Nelson Mandela and King Abdullah of Jordan - in recognition of their contribution to public life and bilateral relations.

It was also the 29th such global honour for PM Modi.

"Honoured to receive the Order of Oman (First Class). My gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Government and people of Oman for this honour. This is a symbol of affection and trust between the people of India and Oman," PM Modi posted on X.

"For centuries, our ancestors have been connected with each other, engaged in maritime trade with one another. The Arabian Sea has become a strong bridge between our nations. I dedicate this honour to the people of India. I also dedicate this honour to our ancestors who laid the foundations of this relationship by travelling from Mandvi to Muscat. This honour is also dedicated to the seafarers who have, through centuries of exchange, contributed to the progress of both nations," he added.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the conferment of the honour during the Prime Ministeras visit to Oman, coinciding with the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, imparted special significance to the occasion and to the Strategic Partnership.

PM Modi's visit to Muscat also followed Sultan Haitham bin Tariqk's State Visit to India in December 2023, reflecting the high-level political engagement between the two countries.

India and Oman currently share a comprehensive strategic partnership, characterised by robust cooperation across diverse sectors. Oman remains an important partner for India in the Gulf region, with strong collaboration in energy security, maritime cooperation, and regional stability.
Alappuzha : , Dec 18 (IANS) SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan on Thursday launched a sharp attack on outgoing Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran, blaming her style of functioning for the CPI-M's setback in the state capital in the recent local body polls.

His remarks come amid growing post-election introspection within the Left following its disappointing performance in the city.

For the first time in the history of the premier Corporation, the BJP became the single biggest party by winning 50 seats in the 101-member Corporation. The CPI-M-led Left saw its tally coming down from 50 to 29, while the Congress-led UDF tally went up from 8 to 19.

Recalling a string of controversies that marked Arya Rajendranas tenure, Natesan used a pointed metaphor to criticise her conduct, remarking that one should not "writhe before ripening".

He alleged that arrogance and conceit crept into her public conduct after assuming office.

Rajendran had made national headlines in 2020 when she was sworn in as the youngest Mayor in the country, a milestone that the CPI-M projected as a symbol of generational change in governance.

However, Natesan argued that excessive praise and political patronage eventually worked against her.

"aEveryone lifted her up, and she, in turn, became inflated. That overconfidence caused damage," said Natesan, who leads the powerful and the biggest social outfit of the Hindu Ezhava community.

Stressing that power must be exercised with humility, he said the present political climate leaves little room for authoritarian behaviour.

"This is not the old era. Those holding office must know how to behave," he said, adding that the Mayoras approach alienated sections of the electorate in Thiruvananthapuram.

According to him, Rajendranas conduct became a decisive factor in the Leftas setback in the corporation elections.

He also pointed to a visible increase in the BJPas vote share in the district, suggesting that voter dissatisfaction had translated into political shifts.

The Mayoras perceived arrogance, he said, became a subject of public discussion and eventually reflected in the ballot.

Natesan further remarked that despite undertaking several positive initiatives, the Left failed to communicate its achievements effectively at the grassroots level.

"There was also an element of muscle-flexing. In public life, one must behave with decency and affection towards people," he said.
Thiruvananthapuram Dec 18 : The Kerala High Court on Thursday issued notice on a plea filed by Koodathayi murder case accused Jollyamma Joseph alias Jolly, seeking action against Malayalam web series 'Anali', which she claims is based on events similar to the case in which she is currently facing trial.

Jolly is accused of murdering six members of her family, including her first husband, Roy Thomas, by administering cyanide, allegedly to gain control over family property.

The trial is presently underway before the Additional District Court (Special Court for Trial for Maradu Cases), Kozhikode.

When the matter came up for hearing, Justice V.G. Arun declined to stay the release of the web series, observing that the content had not yet been aired in full.

The judge noted that, at present, there was "nothing concrete except a teaser: suggesting similarities with the pending criminal case.

"There is a question of artistic freedom also. Where is the complete prohibition against taking a cue from something which has really happened?" the court orally observed.

Referring to films inspired by real-life crimes, the judge said cases were not decided on the basis of cinema or web content, adding that mere surmises and conjectures could not justify a pre-release ban.

However, the court acknowledged the petitioneras concern that the matter was still under trial.

Admitting the plea, the court issued notice to the respondents and directed the petitioneras counsel to implead the Union government as an additional party.

The Deputy Solicitor General took notice on behalf of the Central Board of Film Certification, while the Government Pleader accepted notice for the state.

Director Midhun Manuel Thomas, who has been arrayed as the fifth respondent, was directed to be served notice through a special messenger.

The court also permitted notice to be served via email on JioHotstar, the publisher of the web series.

The case has been posted for further hearing on January 15.
Kolkata, Dec 18 : As the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday, highlighted how the state had reportedly become an ideal investment destination during the last 15 years of the Trinamool Congress government, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Assembly and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Suvendu Adhikari, had reminded her of the huge accumulated debt of the state government that had piled during the same period.

Soon after the Chief Minister Banerjee addressed the inaugural session of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS)-2025, the annual event of the state government to showcase West Bengal as an ideal business destination, LoP Adhikari issued a statement claiming that Mamata Banerjee has burdened West Bengal under Rs 7.71 lakh crore of accumulated debt.

The LoP had also claimed that the figure is a 305 per cent increase since Mamata Banerjee became the Chief Minister for the first time in West Bengal in 2011, thus burdening every newborn in the state with a per capita debt of Rs 76,766 before they are born.

LoP Adhikari had also claimed that for every Rs 100 that West Bengal government earns, Rs 38 vanishes into repayment, which is double the limit set under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003.

According to the Leader of Opposition, the departments related to infrastructure such as roads (2.2 per cent budget allocation), energy (1.2 per cent budget allocation), and irrigation (1.7 per cent budget allocation) crumble.

"She (Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee) squanders Rs 1.07 lakh crore on vote-bank handouts in three years, starving real growth," he had claimed.

He also gave detailed statistics on the flight of capital from West Bengal during the last 15 years of the Trinamool Congress government.

According to LoP Adhikari, during that period, 6,688 companies from West Bengal shifted to Maharashtra and Gujarat, among others.

"Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS)? A Rs 24 lakh crore mirage with just three per cent delivered. Singur's ghosts continue to haunt us -- barren land, jobs lost, while she (Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee) parades fake memorandums of understanding (MoUs)," he claimed in his statement.

He also said that in its report, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India had exposed a "loot" through understated deficits, hidden borrowings and scams galore.

"Our (West Bengal's) youth migrate as "Parijayi Shramik" while Mamata Banerjee's London & Spanish trips yield ZERO results. West Bengal deserves economic turnaround, employment, factories, not fiscal fraud," LoP Adhikari added.
Seoul, Dec 18 : One worker was killed and two others were injured after steel bars collapsed at an underground construction site at a subway station in western Seoul on Thursday, authorities said.

The accident occurred at 1:22 pm at the Sinansan Line construction site near Yeouido Station, while concrete was being poured underground, according to police and rescue officials. Seven workers were initially trapped but were later rescued, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The steel bars installed in the tunnel excavation area about 70 meters underground collapsed and struck a concrete placement vehicle driven by a 53-year-old man, leaving him in cardiac arrest. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Another male worker in his 50s was taken to a hospital with a minor ankle injury, while a foreign worker in his 30s came out of the site on his own and received treatment for minor scrapes on his wrist.

The remaining workers evacuated to a vertical shaft before being rescued by firefighters.

Police and the labor ministry said they plan to investigate the cause of the accident and whether safety protocols were followed.

Construction at the site, managed by POSCO E&C, will be suspended until the investigation is complete, they noted.

Shortly after the incident, Song Chi-young, president of POSCO E&C, visited the site and offered a public apology.

"We will cooperate sincerely and transparently throughout the entire investigation process," he said.

On December 12, South Korea's Land Minister said that government plans to introduce a special law to strengthen construction workplace safety and enforce tougher penalties for fatal accidents, in response to a growing number of such incidents at construction sites.

Land Minister Kim Yun-duk announced the plan during a policy briefing to President Lee Jae Myung held in the central administrative city of Sejong, noting that construction-related fatalities account for about 40 per cent of all industrial deaths in the country.

According to Kim, the envisioned special law will clearly define safety responsibilities at work sites and allow authorities to impose stronger sanctions when deadly accidents occur due to poor oversight.

Since taking office in June, the president has reiterated the need for stronger measures to prevent industrial accidents following a series of accidents at workplaces managed by major construction companies.

Beyond construction, the minister said safety initiatives will also extend to transportation infrastructure, noting the government's plan to bolster aviation safety through airport facility upgrades and additional air traffic controllers.

On housing supply measures, Kim promised to push ahead with the government's pledge to supply 1.1 million public housing units, a key policy agenda of the administration, and announce related measures in the first half of 2026.
New Delhi, Dec 18 : Driven by diversification, innovation, and strategic trade reforms, India continues to strengthen its exports despite the uncertainties in global markets, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.

This growth reflects Indiaas resilience, with high-value commodities, widening global partnerships, and policy reforms supporting a more balanced and globally integrated trade trajectory amid global headwinds triggered by the US tariff turmoil.

The statement pointed out that India has inked a series of major Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), the most recent being the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman, while active negotiations are also ongoing with several other countries. This is expected to lead to further export diversification, which, in turn, would strengthen trade stability, competitiveness, and long-term economic security amid global uncertainties.

Indiaas exports have jumped by a robust 15.52 per cent to $ 73.99 billion in November this year from $64.05 billion in November 2024. Consequently, the countryas trade deficit narrowed by over 61 per cent from $17.06 billion to $6.64 billion, according to official figures compiled by the Commerce Ministry.

India's trade agreements with other economies reinforce its commitment to inclusive growth, benefiting farmers, artisans, workers, and MSMEs while safeguarding core national interests. Most recently, the Indiaa"Oman agreement builds on long-standing bilateral ties, creating a forward-looking and balanced economic framework, the statement said.

The increase in exports was seen across key merchandise and services sectors, alongside steady demand from major partner countries. This performance underscores the resilience of Indiaas export sector amid evolving global trade conditions.

Merchandise exports during November 2025 rose to $38.13 billion from $31.94 Billion in November 2024, registering a growth of 19.38 per cent over the year.

Services export for November 2025 increased to $35.86 billion as compared to $32.11 billion in November 2024, indicating a growth of 11.67 per cent in a year.

The share of merchandise exports was 51.53 per cent, whereas service exports constituted 48.47 per cent share in total exports in November 2025.

Readymade garments of all textiles, a labour-intensive sector, continue to contribute positively. Exports rose to $1,247.37 million with a 11.27 per cent increase in November compared to last year.

Indiaas drugs and pharmaceutical sector, which is recognised as the Pharmacy of the World, experienced 20.19 per cent growth in exports over the year. Indian pharma exports are destined to more than 200 countries around the globe, including the highly regulated markets of the US, Western Europe, Japan, and Australia, indicating diversification in this sector too.

Export of Gems and jewellery also registered a growth of 27.8 per cent in November. Indian jewellery is admired for its craftsmanship, design, and cultural richness. Demand is growing in key markets such as the US, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and Europe, especially for gold, diamond, and coloured gemstone jewellery.

India has also witnessed a remarkable surge in petroleum product exports over the last decade. It is the seventh-largest exporter of refined petroleum products and ranks among the top five refining nations globally. The export growth for November is estimated at 11.65 per cent, with key export destinations including South Asian, African, and European countries.

Engineering goods, a traditional pillar of Indiaas exports, have recorded steady growth, with the US as the top destination, followed by the UAE, Germany, the UK, and Saudi Arabia. To sustain momentum, the government has rolled out measures such as Zero Duty EPCG and the Market Access Initiative (MAI) to support exporters and boost overseas revenues, the statement added.
Jaipur, Dec 18 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Thursday said that the state government has drawn inspiration from India's age-old tradition of reverence for nature while framing its policies and public campaigns. He called upon citizens to take personal responsibility for environmental protection and work collectively to make Rajasthan a leader in both development and environmental conservation, ensuring a secure future for coming generations.

Addressing the Hariyalo Rajasthan Environment Conclave in Jaipur, CM Sharma said that environmental conservation has always been an integral part of Indian culture.

"We worship rivers, mountains, trees, the earth and the sun because the continuity of life depends on the protection of nature," he said, citing the historic Khejarli sacrifice of Rajasthan as a shining example of environmental conservation.

Highlighting challenges such as climate change, air pollution and water scarcity, the Chief Minister said the state government has transformed environmental protection into a peopleas movement. Through the Vande Ganga Water Conservation Public Campaign, activities such as rejuvenation of traditional water sources, rainwater harvesting and cleaning of water bodies are being carried out with active public participation.

Under the Karmabhoomi se Matribhoomi campaign, more than 14,000 groundwater harvesting structures have been constructed with the support of non-resident Rajasthanis.

He added that under the Hariyalo Rajasthan campaign, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Ek Ped Maa ke Naam" initiative, around 20 crore saplings have been planted in the last two years. Sharma said the Green Budget reflects the governmentas strong commitment to addressing climate change.

A Centre of Excellence is being established to promote the Climate Action Plan-2030 and clean and green technologies. To tackle air pollution, continuous air quality monitoring centres, including mobile monitoring vans, have been deployed across the state for real-time monitoring.

The Chief Minister said the state has introduced the Circular Economy Incentive Scheme-2025.

Authorised units are operational for the safe disposal of e-waste, plastic waste and battery waste. Public awareness against single-use plastic is being promoted, along with plastic collection through reverse vending machines.

He said the government is committed to developing Rajasthan as a green innovation hub.

CM Sharma noted that Rajasthan is making rapid progress in clean and renewable energy and currently ranks first in the country with a solar power generation capacity of 22,860 MW.

Under the Pradhan Mantri KUSUM Yojana, 2,272 MW of solar capacity has been installed, enabling farmers in 22 districts to receive electricity during daytime hours and reducing dependence on coal-based power.

The Chief Minister said that during its two-year tenure, the state government has prepared a comprehensive roadmap for electricity and water availability, as well as for the welfare of women, youth, farmers and labourers.

Water availability is being strengthened through projects such as the Ram Jal Setu Link Project, Yamuna Water Agreement, Indira Gandhi Canal, Dewas Project, Mahi Dam and Som-Kamla-Amba.

He said around 92,000 appointments have been made to provide employment to youth, while recruitment is underway for over 1.53 lakh posts. He added that Memorandums of Understanding worth Rs 35 lakh crore were signed at the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, with ground-breaking ceremonies already held for projects worth more than Rs 8 lakh crore.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel said that under the Chief Minister's leadership, Rajasthan has undertaken historic initiatives in environmental protection. He noted improvements in groundwater levels and an increase in forest cover, stressing that environmental protection is a collective responsibility of society.

During the conclave, the Chief Minister released the 'My Life - Sustainable Lifestyle for Environment' poster. Short films highlighting the state governmentas achievements over the past two years were also screened. Earlier, CM Sharma visited the exhibition.

Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Arijit Banerjee, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest, Environment and Climate Change) Anand Kumar, Chairman of Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board Alok Gupta, Member Secretary Kapil Chandrawal, along with environmentalists, experts and industry representatives, were present on the occasion.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Justice Department admitted on Wednesday that the U.S. federal government was liable in the fatal collision between an army helicopter and an airline jet that killed 67 people near the U.S. capital in January.

The Jan. 29 collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet near the Regan Washington National Airport marks the deadliest plane crash on American soil in more than 20 years. The airliner carried 60 passengers and four crew members, and three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.

According to the Department, double failures to operate properly at the time led to the tragedy.

Specifically, the army pilot failed to maintain vigilance and adequately operate the helicopter, and meanwhile a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controller did not comply with an FAA order, failing to follow air traffic control procedures, media reports said.

As a result, the federal government was liable for damages. 
New Delhi/Bhopal, Dec 18 : A group of MPs from Madhya Pradesh visited Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for a courtesy meeting at his office in Parliament on Thursday, and discussed strengthening of party at the grassroots in the state.

Among the BJP MPs who met Scindia were former Madhya Pradesh BJP chief and Khajuraho MP V. D. Sharma, Jabalpur MP Ashish Dube, Bhopal MP Alok Sharma, Ujjain MP Anil Firoziya, among a few others.

Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uike, MP from Betul, and first time, Sidhi MP Rajesh Mishra, also accompanied them.

During the meeting, BJP leaders discussed strengthening the organisation further in Madhya Pradesh, where the party has been in power for the last over 20 years, except for the 18-month rule of Congress in 2018-19.

"A positive and meaningful discussion took place on strengthening the organisation further, accelerating regional developments, and matters related to the public interest. We will continue to work tirelessly in the interest of the state and country," Scindia, who is Guna MP, wrote on X.

The MPs gathered for this courtesy meeting amid the Winter session of Parliament, which has been underway since December 1.

Notably, Madhya Pradesh has a total of 29 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP won all of them in 2024 against 28 in 2019, when Scindia, who was then in Congress, had also lost to the BJP's KP Yadav from his home turf, Guna.

However, Scindia left the Congress in 2020 and contested the election on the BJP's symbol and won with massive votes.

Scindia, who is currently serving as Union Minister of Communications and the Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, will be visiting Indore to attend a couple of events on Friday.
Dhaka, Dec 18 : Bangladesh's interim government Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has directed police to arrest members of the Awami League on sight, without verifying whether cases have been registered against them, local media reported.

He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon in the Narayanganj district, amid a protest by leaders and workers of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who surrounded him pressing seven demands.

"There is no need to see if there are cases against the Awami League's criminals. They must be brought under the law as soon as they are seen. Otherwise, action will be taken against the police," Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune quoted the Home Advisor as saying.

This latest move comes against the backdrop of intensifying crackdown on Awami League leaders under the Muhammad Yunus led interim government.

Earlier this week, as the law and order situation deteriorated in Bangladesh, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, the student wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP), blocked the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka, calling for the resignation of Home Affairs Advisor Chowdhury, local media reported.

The protestor accused the Home Advisor of failing to maintain law and order in the country and of not arresting the suspects behind the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson of a radical platform Inqilab Mancha.

"We demand the immediate arrest of the attackers who assaulted Hadi. We also demand the resignation of the Home Advisor as the law and order has deteriorated in the country," Bangladeshi media outlet UNB quoted Abu Bakar Majumdar, convenor of the NCP's student wing, as saying.

Hadi, a potential independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming February elections, was shot in the head in full public view in Bijoynagar on December 12.

He remains in a critical condition after being flown to Singapore on Monday for advanced medical treatment.

Last month, Awami League accused the Yunus-led interim government of turning the country into a "dumping ground of dead bodies".

Slamming the Yunus regime, the party alleged that the indiscriminate killings of Awami League leaders and activists across the country were carried out under a pre-planned blueprint.

"Today, every corner of besieged Bangladesh echoes with the cries of those who have lost their loved ones. On the way to the market, at the edge of the fields, at the river estuaries, in the house yards, on the beds inside homesdead bodies are scattered everywhere. Leaders and activists of the Awami League are subjected to unspeakable torture and persecution for speaking out against the planned conspiracies of Yunus and his bloodthirsty followers to destroy the country. They are even being killed indiscriminately," read a statement issued by the Awami League.
Kuwait City, Dec 18 : In a bid to bolster the India-Kuwait bilateral partnership, India's Ambassador to Kuwait, Paramita Tripathi on Thursday called on Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the country's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The two sides discussed ways to deepen the Strategic Partnership between India and Kuwait and expand cooperation across significant areas of mutual interest.

"Ambassador Paramita Tripathi called on H.E. Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kuwait today. Discussions were held on further strengthening India- Kuwait Strategic Partnership and deepening engagement across key areas of mutual interest," the Indian Embassy in Kuwait posted on X.

Earlier this week, Ambassador Tripathi also met representatives of Indian community associations at the Indian Embassy in Kuwait and appreciated their contribution to community welfare and cultural outreach.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on strengthening interaction and engagement between the Indian associations and on ways to enhance the well-being and welfare of the Indian community in Kuwait.

Last week, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarthak concluded its five-day goodwill visit to Kuwait after participating in the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Kuwait Navy Ship KNS Al Garoh, underscoring the growing maritime cooperation between the two countries.

According to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, the exercise helped enhance India-Kuwait maritime interoperability and mutual understanding towards undertaking joint operations in the region and beyond.

During the visit, a reception was hosted onboard ICGS Sarthak, which brought together prominent members of the Indian community, Kuwaiti dignitaries, diplomats and friends of India.

Addressing the gathering, the Indian Ambassador highlighted the growing bilateral cooperation between the two nations under the India-Kuwait Strategic Partnership and emphasised the shared priority of regional peace and prosperity.

Earlier on November 12, Ambassador Tripathi called on Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Foreign Minister of Kuwait, and presented a copy of the Letter of Credence.

"Discussions centred on advancing shared goals under India-Kuwait Strategic Partnership as well as global and regional issues of mutual interest," the Indian Embassy in Kuwait posted on X.

-IANS

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Lucknow, Dec 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Lucknow on December 25, during which he will inaugurate the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal, a national inspirational site dedicated to great national leaders Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

In this connection, Uttar Pradesh Minister for Urban Development A.K. Sharma and Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharakwal inspected the site on Thursday.

Speaking to IANS, A.K. Sharma said, "The park has been developed over an area of around 8085 acres and will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25. Until about three years ago, more than one-third of this land was covered by a massive garbage dump, which caused serious problems for people passing through the area. Since such a beautiful national park is being developed in the memory of Atal ji, Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Syama Prasad Mukherjee, there should not be even a trace of filth here. Keeping this in mind, I carried out this inspection."

He added, "We have removed around 6.5 lakh metric tonnes of waste. I congratulate the entire Municipal Corporation team for their excellent work. They disposed of nearly 6.5 lakh metric tonnes of garbage and reclaimed about 32 acres of land. Earlier, people had to cover their noses while passing through this area. Due to filth and foul smell, no one wanted to come here. Now, an inspirational park has been completed across nearly 8085 acres."

Sharma further said, "December 25 marks the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, which we observe as Sushasan Divas. Clearing a mountain of 6.5 lakh metric tonnes of waste from 32 acres of land and transforming it into such a beautiful park is itself a symbol of good governance. This Prerna Park will emerge as a special heritage not only for the country but for the world. If the garbage dump had not been removed, this land would have remained unusable, and it would not even have been possible for people to stand here."

Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharakwal said, "On the birth anniversary of our former Prime Minister Atal ji, who was also a former MP from Lucknow and our guiding figure, we are organising a grand event. This site once had nearly 6.5 lakh metric tonnes of garbage, which we worked to remove. Today, no one can even imagine that there was once such a huge garbage dump here."
New Delhi, Dec 18 : The Supreme Court, on Thursday, refused to interfere with the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision upholding the acquisition of land near the Takiya Masjid in Ujjain for the Mahakal Lok Phase-II project.

A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed the special leave petition (SLP) filed by Mohammed Taiyab, saying that it was "not inclined to interfere with the impugned judgment and order passed by the High Court".

"The Special Leave Petition is, accordingly, dismissed," the Justice Nath-led bench said.

The SLP arose from the January 11, 2025, judgment of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which dismissed a batch of writ petitions challenging land acquisition awards relating to the expansion of parking facilities for devotees visiting the Mahakaleshwar Temple and the Mahakal Lok complex.

In its detailed order, the Madhya Pradesh High Court said that the acquisition was initiated after the Mahakaleshwar Mandir Prabandhan Committee requested the state government to acquire land near Triveni Sangrahalaya to facilitate parking.

The District Collector-cum-Land Acquisition Officer Raushan Kumar Singh invoked the urgency clause under Section 40 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, to acquire more than 2.13 hectares of land.

Rejecting the appellants' plea, a bench of Justices Vivek Rusia and Sanjeev S. Kalgaonkar noted that the petitioners had an efficacious statutory remedy.

"Admittedly, the appellants/writ petitioners have a remedy to seek a reference under Section 64 of the Act, 2013," it said, adding that the competent authority under Section 64 was empowered to examine objections relating not only to compensation but also to rehabilitation and resettlement.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court also said that the petitioners had not challenged the acquisition notifications invoking urgency.

"The appellants straightaway challenged the final award passed after the issuance of the notifications from time to time under the Act of 2013," the Justice Rusia-led bench said.

It also noted that out of nearly 250 affected families, more than 230 had accepted compensation and vacated the land, leaving only a small number of occupants resisting the project.

Before the Supreme Court, senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the petitioner, said that the acquisition was vitiated due to the absence of a mandatory social impact assessment.

However, the apex court was not persuaded and upheld the Madhya Pradesh High Court's view that alternative statutory remedies were available against the land acquisition award.
Chennai, Dec 18 : Actor Vikram Prabhu, who plays the lead along with newcomer L K Akshay Kumar in director Suresh Rajakumari's gripping action drama 'Sirai', has now disclosed that he had to put on 10 more kilos for his role in the film.

Talking to reporters about the film, Vikram Prabhu said he plays the character of a policeman who has been in the force for around 10 years. " I had to add another 10 kgs for this role," the actor disclosed and said that although he had played the role of a cop earlier, he believed this role was a lot more mature than the ones he had portrayed earlier.

Vikram Prabhu disclosed that his biggest and first hook into this film was through director Tamizh who first called him and spoke to him about the story. "I told him that ever since we had done 'Taanakaaran', I was getting a series of cop roles and asked him if this was the right choice but Tamizh said this was a good story and I should listen to it. He then narrated it for half an hour and I liked it," said Vikram Prabhu.

The film has been produced by well known producer S S Lalit Kumar's Seven Screen Studios.

The story of the film, inspired by real life incidents, is by director Tamizh, best known for having directed the critically acclaimed film 'Taanakaran'. Tamizh is believed to have come up with this story based on a personal experience.

Director Suresh Rajakumari, the co-director of well known director Vetrimaran, has written and directed this film.

Vikram Prabhu plays the lead in this film and actress Anantha plays his pair in the film, which will also mark the debut of producer SS Lalit Kumar's son, L K Akshay Kumar, as an actor. Actress Anishma plays Akshay Kumar's pair in the film.

The film has music by well known music director Justin Prabhakaran. Cinematography for the film is by Madesh Manickam. Editing for the film is by one of the best in the business, Philomin Raj. Stunts have been choreographed by Prabhu. The film has Arun K and Manikandan as its two executive producers.

Shooting for the film took place at various places including Chennai, Sivagangai and Vellore. The film is scheduled to hit screens on December 25 this year.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Dec 18 : Delivering a decisive verdict in the rural heartland, voters across Punjab handed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) an emphatic mandate in the Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections, giving the ruling government a clear endorsement of its governance.

With over 70 per cent of the seats secured, the results indicated a strong pro-incumbency wave, as AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said the verdict reflects people's trust in the Bhagwant Mann government's 'politics of work' spanning the 'Yudh Nashe Virudh' (war against drugs), irrigation reforms, reliable electricity, road construction, employment, education and healthcare.

As AAP outpaced the Congress, the Akali Dal and the BJP by wide margins, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the verdict left no room for misreading the public mood, calling the outcome a reminder of the responsibility and humility with which his government must continue to serve the people of Punjab.

Addressing the media in Mohali, near here, Kejriwal said the scale and nature of the mandate demonstrated not anti-incumbency, but a decisive pro-incumbency sentiment in favour of the ruling party, especially in rural areas.

Kejriwal said, "The results so far show that the AAP has almost swept rural Punjab. It feels as if there is a very strong wave in favour of AAP. Around 70 per cent of the seats in both the Zila Parishads and the Block Samitis have been won by the AAP. This is a very big thing."

He said the verdict was a clear endorsement of the work done by the Punjab government under Chief Minister Mann.

"This shows that the people of rural Punjab have put their stamp of approval on the work of the AAP government led by Bhagwant Mann. In political terms, what is usually described as an anti-incumbency factor, I believe, has instead turned into a pro-incumbency factor. People are very happy with the work done by the government, and that is why they have endorsed it so strongly," he said.

Responding to comparisons being made with earlier elections held three days ago were free and fair elections. "There was videography of the entire polling process and videography of the counting as well. I want to present concrete evidence to show how fair these elections were," Kejriwal said.

Citing detailed figures, the AAP convenor said, "There are 580 seats across Punjab that were won with a margin of less than 100 votes. Out of these 580 seats, the AAP won 261 seats by a margin of less than 100 votes, while the opposition won 319 seats. If there had been any misuse of machinery or pressure tactics, all it would have taken was a single phone call to a DC or an SDM, and those 319 seats won by the opposition could easily have gone in our favour. We did not do that. We wanted to see the true will of the people."

CM Mann said this victory is the outcome of the work done over the past four years. He thanked the rank and file of AAP for working hard to boost the momentum and prospects of the party's campaign in these polls.

"I was in Japan to invite the businesspersons to invest in Punjab, but the young brigade of the AAP ensured the thumping victory of the party in these polls. This massive victory has filled us with more humility and responsibility to serve the people of the state," he affirmed.

He said that AAP won 67 per cent of the Block Samiti seats and 72 per cent of the Zila Parishad seats, securing nearly 70 per cent of the total rural seats.

He said that the Akali Dal boasts of being a rural-dominated party, but has been decimated in these areas, yet they are thumping their chest without any reason.

"Akali Dal leadership is living in a fool's paradise and is hoping to stage a comeback even though people have rejected them time and again," said the CM.

On the contrary, Mann said, AAP has been spreading its wings across the country on the sole plank of development and good governance.

He said that AAP is now expanding to states like Goa, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, and Kerala, where it is winning local body elections.

--IANS

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Agartala, Dec 18 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday described the establishment of the state's first and only government dental college as a historic milestone that has fulfilled the long-cherished aspirations of the people of the state.

Addressing the third foundation day celebration of Agartala Government Dental College at the Muktadhara Auditorium, the Chief Minister said the institution has rapidly emerged as a key centre for education, medical training and healthcare services within a short span since its inception.

On the occasion, Saha also inaugurated the earthquake-resistant renovation and restoration work of the old Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital building and later participated in the ground-breaking ceremony for the new building of Agartala Government Dental College and IGM Hospital.

Highlighting the government's commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure, the Chief Minister said no previous government had established a dental college in such a short time.

He emphasised that the BJP-led government is working to ensure there is no discrimination in medical services and that quality healthcare reaches every section of society.

"The journey of this government dental college began in 2023. With the proactive initiatives of the state government and the sincere support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the college is moving steadily on the path of success," said Saha, who himself is a dental surgeon.

He added that students from the state are now able to pursue advanced dental education locally, while people are benefiting from improved medical services.

Recalling that the present government assumed office in 2018, the Chief Minister said the dental college was established keeping in mind public needs, students' futures and the overall development of the healthcare system.

"From the academic session 2023-24, the college started its BDS course with 50 seats, which has now increased to 63. Today, the institution is being appreciated across the country," he noted.

Saha also said the state government is continuously working towards infrastructural development and reforms across Tripura.

"While the old IGM hospital will be renovated, its historical significance will be preserved," he assured.

The original building of the hospital will be renovated in line with preservation works of Ujjayanta Palace and Pushpabanta Palace, constructed by the erstwhile kings in 1900 and 1917, respectively.

Erstwhile king Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya Bahadur started the hospital, formerly known as Victoria Memorial, with 30 beds way back in 1873.

In the early 1900s, the British government took the initiative to build grand memorials in the name of Queen Victoria in different parts of the country with donations from princely rulers.

Stressing the importance of the foundation day, the Chief Minister said it is a matter of pride for students, teachers and staff, while also reminding them of their responsibility to uphold the dignity and reputation of the institution.

He urged doctors to work with a spirit of service and reiterated that healthcare must reach people from all walks of life.

Secretary of the Health Department Kiran Gitte, Dental College Principal Shalu Rai, Director of Health Services Debashree Debbarma, Director of Medical Education H.P. Sharma, Director of Family Welfare and Disease Prevention Anjan Das, and State Health Mission Director Saju Wahid A. were among those present at the programme.
Hyderabad, Dec 18 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday dared his predecessor and the BRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao to a debate on the 'injustice' meted out to Telangana in the allocation and utilisation of Krishna and Godavari waters during the 10-year rule of BRS.

The Chief Minister stated that the government is ready to hold a special session of the Assembly on water sharing issues and present evidence of how Telangana was deprived of its due share of water during the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) rule.

He alleged that BRS and K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) 'betrayed' Telangana on river water issues during the last 10 years, worse than in united Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference, he threw a challenge to provide his allegation with evidence.

Stating that KCR is no longer active in politics, Revanth Reddy challenged KCR to write a letter as the opposition leader and seek debate on river water issues.

"We are ready for a discussion by holding a special session on who did injustice to Telangana in the matters relating to Krishna and Godavari waters," he said.

CM Revanth Reddy was reacting to reported plans by KCR to launch a mass movement on river water allocation and irrigation projects. The BRS chief had convened a meeting of the party's legislature wing and state executive on December 19 to chalk out an agitation strategy.

The Chief Minister said that the government is ready to discuss the issue of 42 per cent reservation for backward classes in the Assembly and move forward.

Referring to the changes in the rural employment scheme through a new act, the Chief Minister said that the ruling BJP at the centre conspired to weaken the important scheme.

He exuded confidence that Congress will retain power in the next Assembly elections with a two-thirds majority.

On the just-concluded Gram Panchayat elections, the CM said that Congress won 7,527 panchayats out of 12,702 and Congress rebels in 808.

He said Congress and Congress rebels together won in 8,335 Gram Panchayats, constituting 66 per cent of the seats, while BRS and BJP together secured 33 per cent, and the Communist parties won one per cent of the seats.

According to him, an analysis of the Gram Panchayat elections results shows Congress stood first in 87 out of 94 Assembly constituencies, while BRS led in six seats and BJP in one.

He claimed that the Congress victory is an outcome of the performance of the "people's government" and pointed out that people voted in support of Congress in Jubilee Hills and Secunderabad Cantonment byelections.

CM Revanth Reddy said that the Panchayat elections were held in a free and fair manner and no leader, MLA or minister took any decision to influence the elections by using their positions.

"The welfare schemes, mainly fine rice distribution, bonus for Jowar crops, cooking gas cylinder at Rs 500, Indiramma houses, 200 units of free electricity, interest-free loans for women's self-help groups, implementation of SC categorisation, caste census, and other schemes drew good results in the panchayat elections," he said.

He remarked that, along with the six guarantees, the Congress government provided freedom to the people as the seventh guarantee.
Washington, Dec 18 : The Trump Administration on Thursday sanctioned 29 vessels tied to a covert petroleum shipping network. Among them are companies and operations linked to India involved in moving Iranian oil worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

The US Department of the Treasury said the action was aimed at cutting off revenue streams used by the Iranian regime to support terrorism and other illicit activities.

Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the United States was acting "to stem the flow of the Iranian regime's revenue used to support terrorism and other illicit activities."

Treasury said the sanctions include a network of companies and vessels operated by Hatem Elsaid Farid Ibrahim Sakr, an Egyptian businessman, as well as multiple shipping firms active in countries including the United Arab Emirates, India, the Marshall Islands and Panama. Sakr's companies were linked to seven of the 29 vessels named in the action.

"This action further constrains Iran's ability to export petroleum and petroleum products through obscure and fraudulent mechanisms," Pigott said.

India-linked entities named include the Barbados-flagged vessel Flora Dolce, owned and managed by India-based Rukbat Marine Services Co, which has transported millions of barrels of Iranian fuel oil since April 2025.

The Panama-flagged Auroura, owned and operated by India-based Golden Gate Ship Management, was cited for transporting millions of barrels of Iranian petroleum products, including naphtha and condensate.

Another vessel, Ramya, operated and managed by India-based Darya Shipping Private Limited, was said to have transported more than 100,000 barrels of Iranian petroleum products since September 2025.

According to the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the sanctioned vessels are part of Iran's so-called "shadow fleet," which exports Iranian petroleum and petroleum products through deceptive and fraudulent shipping practices.

The vessels and associated management firms have been involved in transporting Iranian crude oil and products, including fuel oil, bitumen, naphtha, and condensate.

Treasury said these vessels were part of a broader system in which companies are often created solely to own and manage individual ships, masking beneficial ownership and enabling sanctions evasion. Many of the vessels have been linked to years of Iranian petroleum shipments, including significant volumes in 2025.

In a separate statement, Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley underscored the administration's broader objective.

"As President Trump has said repeatedly, the United States will not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon," Hurley said. "Treasury will continue to deprive the regime of the petroleum revenue it uses to fund its military and weapons programs."

Treasury said the latest designations were imposed under Executive Order 13902, which targets Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors. Since President Trump resumed office, his administration has sanctioned more than 180 vessels involved in shipping Iranian petroleum and petroleum products, driving up costs for exporters and reducing the revenue Iran receives for each barrel sold.
URUMQI, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has accelerated construction of water conservancy projects since the beginning of this year, achieving a cumulative investment exceeding 40 billion yuan (about 5.67 billion U.S. dollars).

The regional government on Wednesday told media that Xinjiang has surpassed its annual investment target, reporting 40.03 billion yuan invested in water conservancy projects.

The Dashixia Water Conservancy Project began impounding water on Sept. 20, and Yulongkashi and other major projects met key milestones, according to Jiao Quanxi, deputy head of the regional water resources department.

Steady progress was also made in projects for flood control, rural drinking water supply, and ecological management of river basins, Jiao added. 
Washington, Dec 18 : The United States will hold fresh consultations with key Middle Eastern partners this week as Washington intensifies diplomatic engagement over the future of Gaza amid continuing regional volatility.

"Special Envoy Witkoff will meet Friday in Miami with senior officials from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey to discuss the next phase in Gaza," a senior State Department official said.

The Miami meeting brings together three countries that have played prominent roles in regional diplomacy since the Gaza war erupted. No agenda for the meeting has been made public.

However, the reference to the "next phase" points to discussions beyond immediate hostilities, including security arrangements, humanitarian access, and longer-term political considerations, officials here said.

Qatar and Egypt have served as central intermediaries in past negotiations over Gaza, including efforts on ceasefires and humanitarian access.

Turkey, on the other hand, has been seeking an active diplomatic role since the conflict began, engaging regional and international actors.

The Gaza conflict began after the October 2023 Hamas's brutal attack on Israel, triggering a large-scale Israeli military response and a prolonged humanitarian crisis in the enclave. Civilian casualties and widespread destruction have drawn sustained global concern.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly cited Gaza and broader Middle East developments in recent remarks.

Speaking at a White House Hanukkah reception, Trump said, "We did our ceasefire agreement to end the war in Gaza, which everybody said was an impossibility," and added that the United States had "begun the new era of that beautiful peace in a place that nobody thought peace was possible, the Middle East."

In his address to the nation on Wednesday, Trump said his administration had "ended the war in Gaza, bringing for the first time in 3,000 years peace to the Middle East and secured the release of the hostages, both living and dead."
Bhubaneswar, Dec 18 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday held one-on-one interactions with senior officials of leading companies across priority sectors, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, green energy, textiles, food processing, engineering goods, automotive components, and capital equipment manufacturing, on the first day of his two-day Odisha Investor Meet in Hyderabad of Telangana.

The two-day investment roadshow organised by the Odisha government is aimed at deepening industry partnerships and presenting the state's expanding industrial capabilities to national and global investors.

The discussions held during the one-to-one interaction with industry leaders were focused on exploring new investment opportunities and expanding industrial presence in Odisha.

"During these interactions, investment intentions amounting to approximately Rs 19,500 crore, with an employment potential of around 7,500 persons, were received. Further strengthening these engagements, seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed today, involving investments worth Rs 19,200 crore and generating employment opportunities for nearly 12,700 people," added the statement.

The state government sources also claimed that the strong industry response reflects growing confidence in Odisha's progressive policy framework, robust infrastructure ecosystem, and sustained efforts to enhance ease of doing business.

A sectoral roundtable with pharmaceutical industry leaders was also organised, reflecting continued industry interest following the Odisha Pharma Summit 2025.

Discussions highlighted the impact of the state's recently notified Pharmaceutical Policy and ongoing development of dedicated Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Parks, aimed at strengthening Odisha's manufacturing ecosystem.

Commenting on the investor interactions, CM Majhi said, "The response from industry during today's engagements clearly reflects the growing confidence in Odisha's industrial direction. Our focus is on building long-term partnerships through policy clarity, responsive governance, and a future-ready ecosystem that enables innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth. The roadshow provides an important platform to align industry aspirations with the state's development priorities and to ensure that investment proposals translate into timely and meaningful outcomes."

A mega roadshow, Odisha Investor Meet, is scheduled to be held on Friday in Hyderabad, where a larger investor conference will be held with participation from industry leaders, business associations, and institutional stakeholders.
Kochi, Dec 18 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to take urgent action after CCTV footage surfaced showing a pregnant woman being assaulted by a police officer inside the Ernakulam North Police Station.

Acting on the Chief Minister's instructions, the DGP sought an immediate report from the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) in charge of law and order, signalling the possibility of disciplinary action against the officer involved.

The visuals, released following directions from the Kerala High Court, show Prathap Chandran -- who was the Station House Officer (SHO) of Ernakulam North Police Station at the time and is now posted as SHO at Aroor -- slapping the woman, identified as Shaimol N.J., and pushing her by grabbing her chest.

The incident occurred on June 20, 2024, but the footage came into the public domain only now, after what the complainant described as a year-long legal battle.

Shaimol, who was pregnant at the time, had gone to the police station after her husband was taken into custody for filming police personnel allegedly assaulting people in a public place.

According to the complaint, instead of addressing her grievance, the officer assaulted her inside the station, even as other police personnel, including women officers, looked on.

The CCTV footage also shows other officers intervening and restraining the SHO after the assault.

Following the incident, the woman alleged that the police attempted to cover up the episode and registered false cases against her, including charges of attacking the police station.

While the police had earlier denied the allegations and claimed they were trying to defuse the situation, Shaimol and her husband persisted with their demand for the release of the CCTV footage, eventually approaching the court.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Thursday described the visuals as further proof of "extreme brutality" within the Kerala Police, alleging a pattern of custodial violence and misuse of power.

He said the woman was assaulted for questioning what he termed the framing of her husband in a false case and accused the government of allowing a culture of impunity to flourish within the force.

Satheesan also linked the incident to earlier allegations of police excesses in other parts of the state, arguing that many such cases may have gone unreported due to lack of evidence.

Despite the gravity of the footage, no action has so far been taken against the officer based solely on the visuals.

With the Chief Minister now stepping in and the police leadership ordered to submit an urgent report, the case has once again brought the spotlight on allegations of custodial violence, police accountability, and the effectiveness of institutional safeguards meant to protect citizens -- particularly women -- from abuse of authority.
Chennai, Dec 18 : Actor Sivakarthikeyan, who plays the lead role in director Sudha Kongara's upcoming period film 'Parasakthi', on Thursday thanked actor Ravi Mohan for accepting to play the antagonist in the film.

Participating in an event called 'World of Parasakthi' that was held at the Valluvar Kottam on Thursday, actor Sivakarthikeyan, who spoke briefly about each member of the core cast, thanked actor Ravi Mohan while speaking about him.

"Ravi Mohan sir, Thank you for accepting to play this role. It is easy for a hero to listen to a script and decide whether he wants to do it or not. But for someone who has successfully played a hero for all these years, playing a villain is a tough decision," Sivakarthikeyan said

The actor further added, "So, when he took that decision and said "Okay" (to play villain), this is what I thought. For me, you are a villain only in the film. You are still the hero I saw when I was in college. And that is how you must be in my film set and in my film. That is how I will always think sir."

It may be recalled that Sivakarthikeyan had begun dubbing for the film in the last week of November.

Dawn Pictures had released a video that showed the actor dubbing under the supervision of director Sudha Kongara and wrote, "When his voice turns into a storm.@sivakarthikeyan begins dubbing for #Parasakthi - Coming to theatres on January 14th."

Both actress Sreeleela, who plays the female lead, and actor Ravi Mohan, who plays the antagonist in the film, have dubbed for their portions. Interestingly, Sreeleela has dubbed in her own voice for this film.

The makers had officially confirmed on October 21 this year that the unit had wrapped up the shooting of the film.

aParasakthia has triggered huge interest among fans and film buffs. The period film, which also features Atharvaa, is believed to be set in the 1960s in the then state of Madras.

A teaser released by the unit shows that the story takes place in the Pachaiyappaas college in Madras where Sivakarthikeyan is seen going door to door, in search of something. He comes across as a fearless leader, looking to lead students on a violent protest in rebellion against an unjust system which seems to have imposed orders such as aStudents - do not toucha. Incidentally, the teaser shows this order printed on a wall changed to aDo not touch studentsa.

The teaser gives away the fact that Ravi Mohanas character is intent on killing Sivakarthikeyanas character.

'Parasakthi', which was tentatively being referred to as #SK25 as it is Sivakarthikeyanas 25th film, has music by G V Prakash and cinematography by experienced cameraman Ravi K Chandran. Stunts for the film are by Supreme Sundar. The film is scheduled to hit screens on January 14 next year for the festival of Pongal.
New Delhi, Dec 18 : Former University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar has hailed the government's move to introduce the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill as a historic transformation for India's higher education sector.

New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS) Former University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar has hailed the government's move to introduce the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill as a historic transformation for Indiaas higher education sector.

In an exclusive interaction with IANS, Kumar explained that the UGC, established in 1953 and accorded statutory status in 1956, along with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), will be merged into a single integrated regulator under the proposed framework.

Kumar noted that India's higher education landscape has expanded rapidly, with more than 1,200 universities and thousands of colleges currently operating across the country.

He stressed that outdated regulatory mechanisms are inadequate for managing such a vast and complex system, which is why the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 explicitly called for a comprehensive overhaul of the regulatory architecture.

The former UGC chairman pointed out that institutions at present have to navigate multiple regulators, including the Council of Architecture, creating significant operational challenges. A single university offering diverse programmes -- such as general degrees like BSc or BCom, engineering courses, teacher education programmes like BEd, and architecture -- is required to comply with separate applications, rules, and processes laid down by different bodies.

This, he said, not only results in administrative burdens but also leads to overlapping and sometimes conflicting regulations. Addressing these issues was a key objective of the NEP 2020, which recommended a single, harmonised regulatory system that is simpler, less bureaucratic, and more predictable.

The newly introduced VBSA Bill reflects this vision and will first be examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee before being taken up for passage and implementation.

Kumar said that once the legislation comes into force, an apex body -- the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) -- will be established, functioning through three distinct verticals to prevent conflicts of interest while ensuring coordinated governance.

The Regulatory Council will consolidate the powers currently exercised by the UGC, AICTE, NCTE, and the Council of Architecture, thereby eliminating confusion and establishing uniform and transparent norms for all higher education institutions.

The Accreditation Council will bring together existing frameworks such as NAAC, NBA, and NIRF under a single umbrella, streamlining accreditation processes and reducing duplication in data submission.

Meanwhile, the Standards Council will work towards introducing consistent academic benchmarks nationwide, facilitating smoother mobility for students pursuing multidisciplinary programmes or transferring across states, he said.

Kumar emphasised that teachers are central to the success of the higher education system, and this council will also focus on developing new teacher training programmes and promoting contemporary teaching and learning practices.

He highlighted that, for the first time, premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), which earlier remained outside the direct regulatory ambit of the UGC or AICTE, will be brought under a common regulatory framework, ensuring uniform quality standards across the sector.

Kumar further said that student interests are a core focus of the proposed system.

All institutions will be required to establish effective grievance redressal mechanisms, recognising the stress and anxiety faced by many students and the importance of timely resolution of complaints.

Student feedback on courses, faculty, infrastructure, and welfare initiatives will play a significant role in accreditation and ranking outcomes.

Perhaps the most consequential change, he noted, will be the emphasis on transparency. Institutions will be mandated to place comprehensive information on a digital platform, including details of academic programmes, infrastructure, student support systems, faculty qualifications, and audited financial accounts.

This, Kumar said, would empower students and parents, enhance public trust, and strengthen institutional accountability across Indiaas higher education ecosystem.
Hyderabad, Dec 18 : Telangana Police on Thursday constituted a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the overall supervision of Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar to probe the alleged phone tapping during the previous BRS regime

Director General of Police (DGP) B. Shivadhar Reddy issued an order, constituting the nine-member SIT.

Ramagundam Police Commissioner Ambar Kishore Jha, Siddipet Commissioner of Police S. M. Vijay Kumar. Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) Ritiraj, K. Narayan Reddy, Greyhounds Group Commander M. Ravinder Reddy, Additional DCP K. S. Rao, Assistant Commissioner of Police P. Venkatagiri, Deputy Superintendents of Police Ch. Sridhar and Nagender Rao are members of the SIT.

ACP, Jubilee Hills, Venkatagiri, will be the investigating officer. He has been heading the investigation into the case registered at Panjagutta Police Station in March last year.

The SIT shall complete the investigation in the case and file a charge sheet expeditiously, reads the order by the DGP.

The development came a week after Special Intelligence Bureau's former chief T. Prabhakar Rao surrendered before the SIT headed by the ACP

The retired IPS official surrendered on December 12, a day after the Supreme Court directed him to surrender for custodial interrogation.

The court passed the orders while hearing Prabhakar Raoas petition for anticipatory bail.

Prabhakar Rao has been accused of orchestrating the illegal surveillance of several prominent individuals during the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) rule. He had allegedly constituted a special team in the SIB to tap the phones of those working against the BRS government.

The team allegedly tapped phones of Congress and BJP leaders, businessmen, celebrities, journalists, members of civil society and even judges.

The phone-taping allegations came to light in March 2024 with the arrest of former Deputy Superintendent of Police D. Praneeth Rao following a complaint from his superior.

Police later also arrested retired Deputy Commissioner of Police P. Radha Kishan Rao and additional superintendents of police N Bhujanga Rao and M. Thirupathanna.

After the defeat of the BRS in the 2023 elections, Prabhakar Rao resigned from his post. He had left for the US just before the case was registered against him.

The Supreme Court, on May 29, 2025, directed authorities to arrange an emergency travel document to enable Prabhakar Rao to return.

As per an undertaking given to the Supreme Court, Prabhakar Rao returned to India on June 8.
Chennai, Dec 18 : Newly appointed BJP Working President Nitin Nabin will arrive in Chennai on December 20, marking his first visit to Tamil Nadu since assuming office - a trip that party insiders say is loaded with political intent rather than ceremonial optics.

Nabin's arrival, scheduled at around 10 am at the Chennai airport, is expected to set the tone for a renewed organisational drive in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as the party gears up for the upcoming election cycle.

Senior state functionaries have been asked to present status reports and feedback on booth-level activities, alliance trends, and cadre preparedness.

According to party sources, the working president's interaction at the airport will be brief but crucial. The focus will reportedly be on assessing the readiness of district units and examining the BJP's ground presence, particularly in constituencies where the party has identified scope for expansion.

Issues such as booth committees, communication campaigns, and strategy for urban and semi-urban voter segments are also expected to dominate discussions.

Following his consultations in Chennai, Nabin will travel by road to Puducherry through Tindivanam. He is likely to hold further closed-door meetings with local leaders and office-bearers.

Puducherry, where the BJP has a more tangible political presence and is part of the ruling coalition, is expected to feature prominently in the planning of regional narratives and alliance coordination.

Though the BJP has not released a detailed itinerary, senior functionaries emphasised that Nabin's visit underscores the national leadership's intention to adopt sharper, region-centric strategies.

The party's recent efforts to penetrate Dravidian strongholds and its emphasis on organisational discipline are widely seen as key priorities in the coming months.

"The visit is aimed at reviewing ground realities, not just exchanging greetings," a senior BJP leader said, adding that the leadership is keen to ensure micro-level preparedness, especially where it sees electoral potential.

Alliance dynamics  a major factor in Tamil Nadu's political fabric  are expected to feature prominently in discussions.

With coalition arithmetic often determining outcomes in the state, party insiders believe that Nabin's consultations may help shape early contours of partnership talks and messaging.

Overall, the visit is being viewed as a signal of heightened central attention to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry  regions where the BJP seeks to consolidate its organisational strength, refine election strategies, and craft narratives tailored to local political sensitivities.

--IANS

aal/dan
Belagavi, Dec 18 : Commenting strongly on the remark by the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar that the State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra is a "collection king" and that he had brought disrepute to his father and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, BJP leader Vijayendra on Thursday warned Shivakumar not to threaten him the way he allegedly does with others.

Speaking to the media here, BJP leader Vijayendra asked, "Is the treasury of the government empty or not?", warning that no one should try to intimidate him.

"I am an elected representative and the State President of a national party," he said.

He remarked that the Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar would do well to avoid speaking about corruption.

BJP leader Vijayendra said that if one were to ask who the patriarch of corruption in Karnataka politics was, Congress leaders themselves would name their party.

He added that he would reveal details of an alleged conspiracy against his father and former Chief Minister Yediyurappa in the coming days.

He demanded that the Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, being in a responsible position, should come to the state Assembly and respond to the Opposition's queries if he had the courage to do so.

He also warned Deputy CM Shivakumar to be restrained while speaking about him.

BJP leader Vijayendra also said that freedom fighters in Mandya district have not been paid their honorarium for the last eight months under the current Congress-led state government and questioned the reason behind it.

He also accused the Congress-led state government of attempting to stifle the voice of the Opposition through the Hate Speech Regulation Bill.

BJP leader Vijayendra said the state government was also trying to control the voice of journalists through the Bill.

"If anyone expresses their opinion on the social media, they are attempting to suppress it and even send people to jail for seven to eight years. This is an anti-democratic move and we (BJP) will oppose it," he added.

He alleged that the Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader was following an "anti-democratic" approach.

BJP leader Vijayendra said that the Karnataka Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh had insulted voters from the state's coastal region and added that the BJP would insist on discussion on the Bill once the House convenes.

He remarked that the Congress-led state government was trying to recreate a situation reminiscent of the 1975 Emergency, a point also highlighted by the Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader R. Ashoka.

Responding to a query, BJP leader Vijayendra said that even after two-and-a-half years, 2.5 lakh government posts remain vacant and no recruitment has been carried out.

He alleged that potholes have not been filled and cited the suicide of an unemployed youth from Jagalur taluk in Davanagere district.

He accused the state government of delaying recruitment under the pretext of internal reservation and criticised the Congress leadership for getting angry whenever the issue of an empty treasury is raised.

BJP leader Vijayendra also criticised the state government for its treatment of a sportsperson from the Chief Minister's home district.

He said Chaitra B, a young "Kho Kho" player, had represented the country 32 times at the national and international levels.

"Neighbouring states have given awards of Rs 1 crore or Rs 2 crore to such talents. The shameful Congress-led government has given her only Rs 5 lakh," he alleged, adding that the athlete had reportedly returned the amount to the state government.

"If the Treasury is not empty, what does this indicate?" BJP leader Vijayendra asked.

Earlier on Thursday, taking strong exception to allegations by the State BJP President Vijayendra that the Congress-led state government was "looting the state to fund the Congress high command", Deputy CM Shivakumar launched a sharp counterattack, calling Vijayendra the real "collection king".

"If there is anyone who deserves to be called a 'collection king', it is B.Y. Vijayendra. He is the reason his father's (former CM B.S. Yediyurappa's) name got spoiled. He should not forget that," Shivakumar had said.
Mumbai, Dec 18 : Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra's legal representative has claimed that there was no Income Tax raid at her and husband Raj Kundra's house in Mumbai.

Media reports on Thursday stated that the couple's house was raided by officials of the IT department.

The actress' legal representative, Prashant Patil said in a statement, "On behalf of my client Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra I can confirm that there is no Income Tax " Raid " of whatsoever nature against my client. There is a routine verification by the income tax officials pertaining to follow up with my client Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra".

"Whomsoever has mischievously claimed in public domain that these developments have anything to do with the alleged Economic Offence Wing case shall face legal consequences before the appropriate court of law. At the cost of repetition my client Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra states that there is no income tax 'RAID' at her place", he added.

Prior to this, the actress had categorically denied "the baseless and motivated allegations" about the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police invoking Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code against her and her husband, Raj Kundra. The actress took to the Stories section of her Instagram, and shared a long note quashing the allegations.

She wrote, "We categorically deny the baseless.and motivated allegations being circulated. The issues sought to be raised are being given a criminal colour without any lawful basis. A Quashing Petition has already been filed before the High Court and is pending adjudication. Having fully cooperated with the investigation, we are sanguine that justice will prevail and have complete faith in the law enforcement authorities and the judicial system of our country. We respectfully urge the media to exercise restraint as the matter is subjudice".

The INR 60 crore fraud and cheating case involving Shilpa Shetty Kundra and her husband Raj Kundra was registered by the Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing following a complaint by Mumbai-based businessman Deepak Kothari. The complainant alleged that between 2015 and 2023, he invested approximately INR 60 crore in Best Deal TV Pvt. Ltd., a company linked to the couple, based on assurances of returns and repayment.

As per the FIR, the funds were allegedly diverted and not returned despite repeated demands, leading to charges. The couple has denied criminal intent and stated that the dispute is civil in nature, linked to a business failure and insolvency proceedings of the company. During related proceedings, the Bombay High Court issued directions concerning travel restrictions. The investigation is ongoing, and no conviction has been recorded.
Bengaluru, Dec 18 : The Karnataka Lokayukta on Thursday submitted a status report to the Special Court for MLAs and MPs in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case, in which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is named as the prime accused, informing the court that the investigation is in its final stage.

However, the court expressed its displeasure over the delay in completing the probe.

The Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) representing the Karnataka Lokayukta filed the status report and submitted that certain sanction orders were yet to be obtained, while asserting that the investigation was nearing completion. The court had earlier directed the Lokayukta to submit the final report in the case by December 18.

Observing the delay, the court noted: "It is noticed from the records that on the last date of hearing, this court, considering various aspects that had transpired in the MUDA case, had directed the investigating authorities to complete the investigation."

"It is pertinent to note that this court had deferred passing any order on the 'B report' (closure report) filed with respect to accused Nos. 1 to 4, since the investigation was not concluded and the investigating officer had sought permission to conduct further investigation," the court observed.

The court further stated that since the investigating agency had not placed any material on record relating to further investigation, it would be constrained to proceed on the basis of the report already filed.

"Hence, the learned SPP is hereby directed to furnish the CD files on or before the next date of hearing. In the meantime, the complainant or the Enforcement Directorate (ED), if they so desire, may file rejoinders," the court ordered.

Meanwhile, the investigating officer filed a requisition seeking an extension of judicial custody of former MUDA Commissioner G.T. Dinesh Kumar for a further period of 14 days. After considering the request, the court extended his judicial custody till December 31 and directed jail authorities to produce him through video conferencing.

Complainant Snehamayi Krishna, who has challenged the clean chit granted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others, strongly criticised the delay in the probe. He submitted that no further investigation had been carried out so far with respect to the filing of the 'B final report' against accused No.1 Siddaramaiah to accused No.4, as mentioned in the Private Complaint Register (PCR).

He alleged that the investigating agencies were deliberately prolonging the matter. The SPP refuted the allegation, stating that the Lokayukta was ready to submit the final report in a sealed cover to demonstrate its credibility. He also sought permission from the court to file the CD files.

The case was adjourned to December 23.

The MUDA case pertains to alleged irregularities in the allotment of alternative sites by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been accused of benefiting from the allotment of compensatory sites to his family members in violation of rules.

The state government has maintained that the allotments were made in accordance with existing norms and that there was no illegality or personal gain involved. The Special Court for MLAs and MPs is currently hearing a petition challenging the clean chit granted to the Chief Minister, and its decision is awaited.
HARBIN, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's longest-serving underground natural gas storage facility, located in Daqing Oilfield in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, has seen injection and extraction of over 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas over its 50 years of operation.

The Lamadian natural gas storage facility of Daqing Oilfield has operated continuously for over 18,000 days, surpassing the commonly recognized lifespan of 30 to 50 years for gas storage facilities.

In addition, it has maintained a record of zero safety or environmentally hazardous incidents since its establishment 50 years ago.

Recently, the storage facility launched a new round of gas extraction, targeting the withdrawal of 84 million cubic meters of natural gas to support the winter energy supply in Heilongjiang -- a region known for severe winter cold.

To address the challenges of storing significant volumes of gas byproducts, Daqing Oilfield built China's first underground natural gas storage facility in 1975. 
New Delhi, Dec 18 : The current situation in Bangladesh has significant security implications for India's Northeast region, said a Parliamentary Committee report, recommending the strengthening of intelligence-sharing mechanisms as well as ensuring that it does not become a haven for groups operating against New Delhi's security interests.

This condition poses a strategic challenge for India since the Liberation War of 1971, where India needs to be careful in handling it, said the report from Parliament's Committee on External Affairs headed by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.

The report on the future of India-Bangladesh relations was presented in the Lok Sabha on December 18.

It voiced concern over the growing influence of foreign powers, particularly China, in Bangladesh's infrastructure, port development, and defence sectors, recommending that India closely monitor these activities to safeguard its strategic interests, especially in sensitive regions like the Siliguri Corridor and the Bay of Bengal.

The report, comprising the committee's observations and recommendations, traced the development of the unrest to factors including the rise of Islamic radicals, "intensifying Chinese and Pakistani influence", and the "collapse of the dominance of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League".

The committee expressed concern over the political uncertainty in Bangladesh since August 2024, marked by incidents of political violence and the rise of extremism.

It commended a non-interventionist approach during this period and stressed the importance of supporting free, fair, and credible elections in Bangladesh to restore political stability.

It highlighted the ongoing attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh, including assaults on places of worship and cultural institutions.

It urged the Ministry of External Affairs to prioritise the protection of minorities in its diplomatic engagements and to advocate for swift and effective action by Dhaka to ensure the safety and rights of all.

The report also emphasised the historical and cultural ties between India and Bangladesh, which have been solidified through landmark agreements such as the Land Boundary Agreement and maritime boundary settlement.

Despite recent political challenges in Bangladesh, including concerns over democratic freedoms, the committee urged India to maintain a constructive and pragmatic approach.

The Parliamentary Committee report also recommended sustained diplomatic engagement with political, social, and civil society groups in Bangladesh to promote mutual respect and counter anti-India narratives.

India's humanitarian approach in hosting Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was acknowledged in the report, while recommending that the committee be kept informed on developments on the extradition request.

The report also highlighted the challenges posed by misinformation and anti-India rhetoric in certain Bangladeshi media and digital platforms.

To address this, the committee recommended establishing a Strategic Communication and Perception Management Unit within the Ministry of External Affairs. This unit would work to counter anti-India narratives and promote factual information, enhancing India's soft power globally.

With approximately 864 km of the India-Bangladesh border still unfenced due to challenging terrain, the committee emphasised the importance of effective border management for national security and regional stability.

The report further recommended prioritising the completion of fencing and adopting innovative technological solutions, such as smart surveillance sensors, in areas where conventional fencing is not feasible.

Bangladesh's upcoming graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026 is expected to impact bilateral trade, it is observed.

The committee also welcomed ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and urged its timely conclusion to ensure stability in economic relations.

It also emphasised the importance of completing major infrastructure projects, such as rail lines and port upgrades, to maximise mutual benefits.

Recognising the deep cultural and historical connections between the two nations, the committee recommended intensifying cultural diplomacy through joint festivals, film retrospectives, and art residencies.

It also emphasised the importance of restoring visa and consular services to facilitate legitimate travel and strengthen people-to-people engagement. With the Ganga Water Treaty set to expire in 2026, the report further recommended initiating bilateral discussions with Bangladesh to ensure continuity.

The Parliamentary Committee report emphasised the need for updated hydrological data and climate change projections to guide the renewal process.

The report also highlighted the importance of addressing issues related to Teesta River water sharing.
Gandhinagar, Dec 18 : The process of preparing the draft electoral roll under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2025 in Gujarat has entered its final stage, with the updated draft scheduled to be published on December 19, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Gujarat, said.

The Special Intensive Revision exercise was conducted across the state from October 27, 2025, in accordance with the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The enumeration phase, which was initially scheduled to conclude earlier, was extended till December 14, allowing an additional three days for the return of forms. State election authorities said the exercise has now achieved 100 per cent completion in both enumeration and verification.

During the revision drive, enumeration forms were distributed to 5.08 crore voters, of which 4.34 crore voters returned the forms. All returned forms have been fully digitised, officials said.

According to election authorities, around 44.45 lakh voters could not be mapped during the exercise. All 33 districts recorded full completion of the enumeration process, covering all 182 Assembly constituencies in Gujarat.

As part of the verification process, meetings were held between Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of recognised political parties to ensure transparency and accuracy. Following these meetings, constituency-wise voter lists were uploaded on the websites of the respective District Election Officers and on the CEO Gujarat website, enabling voters to verify their details district-wise.

By the final stage of verification, authorities identified 18,07,277 deceased voters, 9,69,813 voters who were absent from their registered addresses, and 40,26,010 voters who had permanently migrated.

In addition, 3,81,534 duplicate voters were detected and flagged during the process.

The CEOas office said Gujarat has recorded a strong performance in the Special Intensive Revision campaign, which aims to ensure a clean, accurate and inclusive electoral roll ahead of future elections.

Following the publication of the draft electoral roll on December 19, the claims and objections period will remain open from December 19, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Eligible Indian citizens whose names do not appear in the draft roll can apply for inclusion by submitting Form 6 along with Aadhaar proof. The Election Commission has reiterated that enrolment of a voteras name at more than one place in the electoral roll is a punishable offence and urged citizens to carefully verify their details during the claims and objections period.
Mumbai, Dec 18 : Bollywood actress Mrunal Thakur, who will be seen sharing the screen with Adivi Sesh and Anurag Kashyap in the upcoming film, 'Dacoit', has shared it's her first film that she has shot in 2 languages.

The actress attended the teaser launch of the film, and interacted with the audience in Marathi, an opened up about her experience of working with Shaneil Deo, co-star Adivi Sesh and Anurag Kashyap, and revealed that the film let her tap into a similar shade like 'Love Sonia'.

Talking about the same, she said, "Khoop chhan vaat-ta mala. Dacoit is a very different film, and this is my first film that I have shot in Hindi and Telugu. It was an amazing experience working with Adivi Sesh. To see Hari in this avatar is really nice, the magic that he has created on-screen. And to work with Anurag sir was such a delight. I didn't have many scenes but whatever I did was fantastic. I feel like it was a schooling, you get to learn a lot".

Delving deep into her experience of working under the direction of Shaneil Deo, she added, "For me, I don't think I've got an opportunity to tap into similar shades like Love Sonia. It was also fantastic to work with our director, Shaneil Deo. He is so crystal clear about the vision. I think that's what an actor wants, someone who keeps pushing to perform and give their best. The happiness that you get after giving a perfect take is immeasurable and satisfying".

Meanwhile, the teaser of the film was unveiled on Thursday, and it showcases the leads as robbers, and also gives a glimpse of villains Anurag Kashyap and Prakash Raj, as well as Atul Kulkarni, who essays the role of a police official.

Directed by Shaneil Deo, 'Dacoit' is set to release on March 19, 2026.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
America First Legal (AFL), the conservative public interest law firm founded in 2021 by current White House official Stephen Miller, has filed a federal civil rights complaint against Penguin Random House with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission demanding an investigation into apparent race- and sex-based discrimination in its hiring, promotion, and workforce development practices.

Despite claiming to support equal opportunity, AFL said in a release, PRH has seemingly embedded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ideology throughout its employment practices, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

In recent years, PRH has expressed a commitment to DEI and released annual demographics reports, which document what the publisher called its journey toward greater representation.

AFL noted in the release that the publisher publicly tracks and publishes workforce demographics, compares White versus BIPOC representation, sets race-focused hiring goals, and holds leadership accountable for achieving DEI outcomesall of which the law firm described as race-based employment practices that federal law forbids.

In January, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity, which requires heads of agencies to encourage the private sector to end any DEI programs and policies.

The complaint, filed on December 16, asks the EEOC to investigate PRHs leadership accountability systems, DEI-driven hiring and promotion practices, talent development programs, supplier diversity initiatives, and Employee Resource Groups that may exclude or advantage employees based on their immutable characteristics.

PRH is just the latest to be targeted by AFL. The group has previously filed more than 100 legal actions against other woke companies such as Disney, Nike, and Mattel for their DEI policies, which AFL alleges discriminate against white men.

A spokesperson for PRH denied that the publisher's DEI policies run afoul of any laws. Penguin Random House maintains a strict policy prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of race, sex, or any other protected characteristic, the spokesperson said. We are proud of our talented team of professionals and are confident that our employment practices comply with all applicable laws.

This is not the first time PRH has been targeted by the political right. This fall, President Trump filed a lawsuit against PRH, as well as the New York Times, over its publication of Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father's Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success (Penguin Press), which is drawn from the reporting of two Times reporters.

Trumps lawsuitfirst filed in September, and then refiled in October after a judge called the initial complaint improper and impermissiblealleges that PRH, the Times, and the reporters sought to undermine the Presidents 2024 election campaign and is seeking a minimum of $15 billion in damages.

A PRH spokesperson called the case meritless and said that the publisher will continue to stand by the book and its authors just as we will continue to stand for the important fundamental principles of the First Amendment. In fact, one day before the AFL filed its DEI complaint, PRHalong with the Times and authorsfiled a motion asking the judge to either dismiss the case or move it from Tampa to the Southern District of New York.

Daniel Epstein, who is representing Trump in the Lucky Loser lawsuit, is a VP of AFL and has also represented Trump in other lawsuits, including cases against CBS and the recent case against the BBC, which was filed this Monday in Florida. During Trump's first term, Epstein served as a special assistant to the president.

While the AFL complaint does not address the subject matter or content that PRH publishes, the timing of the complaint following Trumps lawsuit against PRH and the connections to Epstein seem more than a coincidence.
At the second annual audiobook forum at the Guadalajara International Book Fair, panelists compared the Spanish-language and Latin American markets with their more mature European counterparts, identified the U.S. as a key market in which to grow Spanish-language audio, and stressed the importance of growing the audiobook catalog for children as a way of creating a new generation of listeners and readers.

This years forum was opened by a keynote from Carlo Carrenho, the Frankfurt Book Fairs audiobook ambassador and a partner of Rio de Janeirobased audiobook publisher Pop Stories. Carrenho, who is Brazilian but based in Sweden, highlighted the popularity of the format in Scandinavia. In Sweden, he said, 62% of book sales were in audio format in 2024, compared to 33% for print and only 5% for ebooks; just over 35% of Swedish publishers revenues came from audiobooks. Meanwhile, in Denmark, 19.6% of publishers revenues came from audiobooks in 2023, while 51% of books sold in Norway in 2024 were audiobooks.

While Latin America lags behind Europe and the U.S. in terms of audiobook penetration, panelists identified the need to target the childrens segment as a way of creating future readers. They also stressed the importance of the Spanish-language U.S. market, taking advantage of the fact that the format is already well established in the country and there is demand among Spanish speakers for audiobooks in their language, particularly for children who may speak the language at home while using English at school and socially.

Spains Javier Celaya, founder of Dosdoce.com, said that collectively, we need to bet on audiobooks for children as a way of creating new readers, and a way of encouraging reading in this digital age, pointing out that audiobooks represent less than 1% of total book sales in Latin America.

We have to make audiobooks more visible, added Celaya, who is responsible for the launch in Spain and Latin America of Bookwire, Storytel, and Podimo.

He also stressed the publishing industrys need to adapt to changing consumer preferences. We have been hearing stories orally for centuries, and we are now in a society that is more visual and aural, and the publishing sector needs to realize that this format is a way of reading, but there is very little content for children, he said. With AI, we are going to see a surge in the production of childrens audiobooks, and we need to embrace this format because its going to create readers.

Celaya also considered the economics of audiobook production, particularly as it pertains to Latin America. There is a three- to five-year return on investment in producing audiobooks, but it needs to be made, as well as selling rights to audio platforms, in order to create readers, he said. All of Latin America has audio producers and book publishers that can cover the needs of the sector, there are dozens of producers, and we have the resources, while childrens audiobooks are not expensive to produce.

However, he noted, audiobooks for children need post-production, to add sound effects and music, for example, which can elevate the production costs.

Panelists also debated whether reading and listening to audiobooks is the same thing and whether, for a student, listening rather than reading could be considered cheating.

Another participant was Johan Almqvist, manager of content for North America at Yoto, which manufactures the eponymous audiobook listening device aimed at children, which he called a camouflaged toy that introduces children to stories before they have learned to read.

Yoto acquires content from publishers big and small and makes it available to customers in both English and Spanish via its creators marketplace, where producers can upload their audiobooks and sell them on the Yoto platform. The platform, he said, is growing quickly in the U.S. market, and has been growing to provide more opportunities for smaller publishers.

There are still few audiobooks for children and that is due to the big platforms solely focusing on adults, Almqvist said. Its important to think of the U.S. as part of Latin America, with more than 60 million Latinos in the country, and so we can start selling Spanish-language audiobooks for children in the U.S., and publishers need to think about the U.S. as a Spanish-language market.

Another audiobook pioneer and participant in the forum, Colombias Catalina Holguin, is a former digital editor at the countrys national library and the founder of Makina Editorial, which specializes in the production and distribution of digital publications, as well as MakeMake, a digital and interactive reading platform for schools and libraries with content from around 80 publishers in Latin America and the U.S.

I saw how in public libraries there was a lack of audio content for kids in Latin American Spanish, with that local emphasis, and we also found that in the U.S. there was an interest in Spanish-language audiobooks, and many of our clients are in the U.S., Holguin said. Make Make, she said, works better with people who have not traditionally belonged to the written culture, and aims to create interactive books and which are a fundamental tool for learners of Spanish in the US.

Monica Romero Giron, a childrens literature editor and consultant and former head of publications at Mexicos culture ministry, said during the same panel that we come from an oral tradition of telling stories, and the audiobook can continue that way of accessing stories.

Young people today also have the curiosity for other formats apart from print, she added, which is a taste that publishers need to take into account. Publishers need to think about what works aurally.

The panels moderator, Elisa Castellanos van Rhijn, editorial director at Mexican childrens publisher CIDCLI, also highlighted the importance of creating audiobooks for children, but identified the challenges involved, such as the sacrifice of illustrations for the audio format. The format, she said, calls for creativity but should not be shied away from.

When I began producing audiobooks I realized the script of the book had to be modified so that the voice somehow replaces the illustration, converting a visual experience into an aural one, she said. We should not be afraid that something cannot be adapted.

This years audio forum was followed by the inaugural Bookwire audiobook awards, won by Maggie OFarrells Hamnet, narrated by Nikki Garcia, with special mention for voice of the year for Miguel Angel Jenner for Los colmillos del lince by Karin Smirnoff (Planeta Audio). Best audiobook adaptation went to La Celestina by Fernando de Rojas (Penguin Random House Audio), while Mexicos Audiolibre won the award for best sound design for Amor tumbado by Alejandro Carrillo and Cesar Gandara.
The 39th annual edition of the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) drew to a close on December 7, having received more than 950,000 visitors over the nine-day eventa roughly 5% increase from 2024. The event featured 648 book presentations and was attended by 18,400 publishing professionals and 2,790 publishing houses from 64 countries, as well as 165 literary agents, making the fair the largest on record.

Barcelona gets its flowers

The delegation of guest of honor Barcelona included more than 150 publishers, almost 80 more than attended in 2024 when the guest nation of honor was Spain.

We have reasserted ourselves as a literary city and showcased the Barcelona of today in all its magnitude, Esteve Carames, director of cultural programs in the Barcelona city government and part of the citys delegation to FIL, told PW. Were a publishing capital, and the work publishers have done in the FIL is very important to reaffirm the importance of writing and reading in Barcelona, a bilingual city that has projected itself here in a very strong way, and the impact of the FIL in Barcelona has also been very strong.

Carames highlighted that the Barcelona pavilions bookstore boasted a meticulously curated selection of books, many of which are difficult to procure outside of Spain. Unsold copies will be housed in the Guadalajara Universitys library.

The final Saturday also saw the Barcelona delegation recreate the Saint Jordi festival, when, every April 23, booksellers set up stalls in the streets of the Catalonian capital and gift roses to readers.

The delegation included not just authors but also literary agents continuing the tradition, started by the late Carmen Balcells, of representation of Latin American authors in Barcelona. Balcells is credited with contributing to the so-called Latin American Boom as authors from the region earned global fame. The agents affirmed their continuing interest in Latin American authors, with Claudia Calva of the Antonia Kerrigan Literary Agency saying that the agency is always interested in receiving manuscripts from this part of the world, a view shared by Maria Lynch from the Casanovas & Lynch agency.

Izaskun Arretxe, director of literature at the Institut Ramon Llull in Barcelona, which promotes the internationalization of Catalan language and culture, highlighted the importance of the citys participation as a showcase for the Catalan language, in which 74% of the authors invited to the fair write, and to promote the translation of works from Catalan into other languages. In 2024, she said, 348 Catalan-language titles were translated, of which around 35% were translated into Spanish, for which she identified Latin America as a strategic territory. Others were translated into Italian, French and English.

According to the Catalan publishing chamber, which represents 400 publishers, the region produces 54% of the books published in Spain, 65% of the countrys childrens books, and 80% of the comics. And in a bid to increase interaction between Catalonia and Latin America, Barcelonas mayor Jaume Colboni announced the launch of a three-month residency in the city for Latin American authors financed by the municipal government.

Programs and pavilions

This years fair also included an audio forum for the second consecutive year, in which industry players discussed the opportunities and challenges in the segment, with a strong focus on audio for children. FIL also hosted a forum focused on artificial intelligence for the first time, with panel discussions regarding AIs implications for the publishing industry as well as for the mental health of young people using its applications.

The comic and graphic novel pavilion, which runs during the final four days of the fair, also featured a strong presence of authors and illustrators from Catalonia and other regions of Spain. Panel discussions focused on independent artists and publishers struggle to survive and how the genre has escaped the ghetto, according to Spains Manuel Craneo, founder of comic book publisher Editorial Demo, by transitioning from a genre for children to a more intellectual sphere.

And the childrens pavilion, FIL Ninos, broke attendance records, this year receiving more than 198,000 visitors over the nine days of the fair.

Authors in the spotlight

French-Lebanese author Amin Maalouf won FILs annual Romance Languages Prize, and offered a talk and Q&A with more than 1,000 spectators during the fair, during which he highlighted the importance of reading.

Literature has a central role in this century, Maalouf said. Its first mission is to make us aware of the worlds complexity. The second, to convince us that we have a common destiny: or we survive together, or we disappear together. And thirdly, to throw light onto the essential human values. Literature can repair the present and imagine the future.

Another big literary name visiting the FIL, Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie, also highlighted the importance of reading, describing literature as an act of radical imagination.

Barcelona-based Mexican novelist Juan Pablo Villalobos gave a talk about the Catalan capital as the haunt of a long tradition of Mexican authors who take advantage of the citys vibrant literary scene and its place as the epicenter of Spanish-language publishing.

And Uruguayan author Fernanda Trias was awarded the Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz Prize, awarded annually a woman novelist writing in Spanish, for her book El monte de las furias. This marked the second time she has won the award, after her 2021 win for Pink Slime. Narrating ourselves is not a whim, Trias said in her acceptance speech, but rather a way of reaffirming our existence.

Italy will be the guest nation of honor at the 2026 fair, which runs November 28December 6.
TOKYO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- A kindergarten in Kyoto Prefecture is under investigation after 133 children were mistakenly given cakes with plastic chocolate decorations to eat during a school activity, Japanese media reported on Thursday.

According to the reports, the incident occurred on Dec. 10 at Sanae Kindergarten in Yawata City. During a cake-making experience event, staff members mistakenly put plastic chocolate decorations used for making food models on top of the cakes and distributed them to children aged between 3 and 5.

Local authorities said that at least three children have since complained of stomach pain. While no serious injuries have been confirmed, officials are examining whether the symptoms are linked to the incident.

The Yawata City government described the matter as serious, citing concerns over the health and safety of young children, and has instructed the kindergarten to take concrete measures to prevent a recurrence. An investigation into how the mistake occurred is ongoing. 
ABU DHABI, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday issued a federal decree-law to establish the National Media Authority as a federal public entity affiliated with the UAE cabinet, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The authority aims to unify national media direction and messaging, coordinate media policies across federal and local entities, and consolidate the UAE's media discourse both domestically and internationally.

Under the decree-law, the new body will assume the functions, rights and obligations of the former UAE Media Council, the National Media Office and WAM.

The National Media Authority will be responsible for proposing national media strategies, regulating and licensing media activities, including digital media, publishing and free-zone entities, and setting media content standards. It will also enhance mechanisms to address media risks, including misinformation and fake news.

The authority will further develop WAM as the official channel for publishing and distributing approved news, establish an international correspondent network, train national media professionals, and oversee the registration of foreign media representatives in the UAE. 
Since taking office, Javier Milei has sought to apply his recipe for pure liberalism to his government. In this sense, his administration has been both an example and a live experiment of how liberal ideas could be applied in practical terms to the dynamics of a country.

So far, the experience has worked in his favor, particularly regarding economic outcomes, but also in his ability to consolidate and expand his political capital. However, a vital issue for his administration has now appeared on the horizon: his defense policy.

In recent weeks, this area has attracted particular attention. On one hand, former Defense Minister Luis Petri resigned from his position to assume a seat in Congress, leaving the position vacant. In response, the President made a decision that caught the attention of much of the public and the political spectrum: He appointed Carlos Alberto Presti, an active military officer and current Chief of Staff of the Army since 2023, as the new Minister. This is an unusual move in contemporary democracies and, of course, touches a sensitive nerve in Argentinas history: the military dictatorship that took place in the country from 1976 to 1983.

The appointment was heavily criticized by both local and international human rights organizations and was even seen as a provocative act by Milei. It is important to note that Prestis appointment breaks with the established tradition of appointing a civilian to head the Ministry of Defense.

"For the first time since the return of democracy, a person with an impeccable military career, who has reached the highest rank in his military hierarchy, will lead the Ministry responsible for national defense and the Armed Forces, inaugurating a tradition that we hope the political leadership will continue from now on, and putting an end to the demonization of our officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers," read the official statement released by the Presidents Office.

In Argentina, the issue of the dictatorship, even long after the return to democracy and the strong judicial processes against the military junta responsible for the coup and state terrorism, is that it was used by socialist governments to demonize the role of the Armed Forces and create a narrative of distrust that directly affected society.

The Narrative of Demonization

In the case of the Kirchnerist governments of Nestor (20042007) and Cristina Kirchner (20082011 / 20112015), as well as that of Alberto Fernandez (20192023), their defense policy turned towards an exaltation of human rights. However, this stance also included a series of coordinated measures aimed at discrediting the professional record of army personnel or the families of military officers involved in the dictatorship.

In parallel, this policy was reflected in the defense budget, to the point that, by the end of her second term, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner reduced the funding by 3.4%, one of the lowest levels for this portfolio.

As a result of these initiatives, which were systematized and had a strong ideological imprint, Kirchnerism ended up creating a narrative enclosure materialized in the slogan "Memory, Truth, and

Justice," whose evident goal was none other than to keep alive the tension with various sectors of the civil population and our armed forces.

Healing the Wounds

In Argentina, when speaking of the dictatorship, one refers to a collective trauma. State terrorism, forced disappearances, and the violence of guerrilla groups (such as the Montoneros) are events that, despite the return to democracy 40 years agoand having strong institutions that allow its subsistence despite the continuous political and economic crisesare still perceived as an open wound.

For decades, the suspicion generated around the Armed Forces led the country into a cycle of disinvestment, operational and technological deterioration, military stagnation, and a lack of strategic vision in defense policy. In this scenario, closing this wound in political terms seemed more like a problem than a long-term solution.

But modern geopolitical complexities were the elements Javier Milei relied on to try to introduce a change in this narrative: Can a country truly be called sovereign if it lacks the strategic, technological, and operational capacity to defend itself against external threats? And more importantly, how can a state protect its territory and citizens if it distrusts its own military?

The Argentine president answered these questions pragmatically rather than ideologically. With this vision, and not without criticism from opposition sectors, he ordered the purchase of 24 F-16 fighter jets from Denmark for a total of US$301.2 million, the acquisition of 8 striker vehicles from the United States, and a salary increase for all members of the Armed Forces, including personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

In this regard, both Milei and Defense Minister Prestiand his predecessor Luis Petriaim to reclaim the role and contributions of the Argentine military while also bridging the gap with the civilian population, restoring a relationship deliberately damaged in the past by other governments. To the surprise of the opposition, the response from the Argentine people has been positive, refreshing, and supportive.

Last weekend, six of the recently acquired F-16 jets flew over much of the territory as part of an official presentation event. Prior to this, the President's Office and the Ministry of Defense had announced the initiative to invite citizens. That day, with the sky deeply blue as a backdrop and a decidedly euphoric atmosphere, the thousands of people who showed up with their flagsboth as spectators and participantsmarked the culmination of an almost unprecedented moment: The wound, at last, seems to be healing.

Agustina Sosa is an Argentine journalist and international affairs specialist. She is currently a member of the Young Voices Contributor program and she is the founder of Ladies of Liberty Alliance Argentina, an NGO that promotes female leadership with a classical liberal approach.


Instagram / Haley Ferguson



The Bachelor alum Haley Ferguson has announced she and husband Oula Palve are expecting their second child together.


The DMK may consider a two-tier campaign, where they keep the focus on Chief Minister Stalin, as a senior statesman with 50-plus years of political experience, and let EPS and the BJP shout in the wilderness.

In such a case, the second-tier may project Udhayanidhi as the contender and chosen obstructionist in Vijay's path.

The attempt would be to reduce Vijay to Udhayanidhi's level when the former is aiming at Stalin and Stalin alone in the state's political horizon, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin kisses his son Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on his birthday, November 27, 2025. To the right is Udhayanidhi's mother Durga Stalin. Photograph: @Udhaystalin X/ANI Photo

Reports that 85,000 of 2.46 lakh candidates in Tamil Nadu government's Post-Graduate Teachers Recruitment examinations have failed in the mandatory Tamil paper hides more than it says and says more than it hides.

The very figures have brought derision back to the lips of anti-Dravidian forces in the state (and possibly outside), as if to indicate the 'utter failure' of the state's 'anti-Hindi' policies to produce at least students and scholars with adequate command over and knowledge of Tamil.

First, for some archaic or unscientific reasons, questions in the mandatory Tamil exams for government jobs in the state are mainly from Tamil grammar and literature. They are not only ancient in chronological terms, but are also unrelated to the job profiles.

Aspirant clerks, doctors, nurses and engineers have to clear those exams, the latter class having had no familiarity with Tamil as an exam subject once they had cleared their Plus-Two.

Even here, the excessive focus on the marks scored in science subjects for admission in medical or engineering colleges has meant that students, their parents and teachers ignore Tamil and English, almost from the sixth standard, if not the first itself.

IMAGE: Stalin and Udayanidhi interact with a student during their visit to a school in Chennai. Photograph: ANI Photo

Owing to the ever-improving socio-economic conditions of individuals across the state, families even in rural areas have been seeing English medium education as a status symbol and also as a sine qua non for socio-economic mobility through education and employment.

Unlike often believed, learning Tamil well becomes a casualty. Even learning English as a language for examination purposes joins in the higher classes. Students and parents learn to see English language only as a tool to study the 'real subjects' that (alone) 'matter in life and for livelihood'.

The dichotomy arises if one begins comparing the poor scores in Tamil language exams and the larger Tamil identity that was displayed, for instance, at the massive state-wide Jallikattu protests.

The protests were initiated by Gen-Z IT and management professionals in the state, mostly with a rural background, and spread across the states and countries where their brethren lived.

Plain and simple, one is about career and the other is socio-cultural identity in the Tamil DNA. It's comparable to the 'Indianness/Bharatiya' characteristic that is taking shape in the NRI community through the past couple of decades and more. One is independent of the other.

It is here professional/political critics make the mistake of using different mental yardsticks to evaluate 'Dravidian identity' and 'Bharatiya' characteristic, which erupted only after the other had found deep roots, for historic reasons associated with the freedom movement and the rest.

All of it should explain why the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the state is able to play the larger 'identity politics' during successive elections and make it work. But come 2026, it may not have as much impact as Chief Minister M K Stalin, who is also the party boss, may have hoped for.

These voters are by now solidly behind the DMK. Any further targeting of the ruling BJP at the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his gubernatorial nominee, R N Ravi, is not going to produce one extra vote.

It is like the Hindutva forces and the BJP flogging Periyar E V Ramaswamy, M Karunanidhi and their religious ideology long after the death of the former, and the relative irrelevance that it had rendered vis a vis the third.

Today's elections in Tamil Nadu are fought on larger issues, including Dravidian political concerns centred on federal issues, and the inevitable anti-incumbency factor, all of them hinging on the 'undecided swing vote' factor, which remains at 30 to 35 per cent.

Anti-incumbency matters most to the swing voters, but that does not mean federal issues and imagery, for instance, do not appeal to them, as the BJP strategists in Chennai and Delhi seem to have long since concluded.

IMAGE: Stalin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photograph: ANI Photo

Unless Stalin changes his anti-Modi tack for the assembly polls, and has a campaign theme that balances the post-Hindutva BJP agenda and the positives of his government, the one-sided attack may not get the kind of response from the targeted constituency, as the DMK may hope for.

In comparison, rival AIADMK's Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami has focussed his attack on the ruling party and the chief minister as is his wont. Up to a point he has also ignored the fourth corner in the emerging contest, namely, the unquantified, infant TVK of actor-politician Vijay.

For his part, Vijay has strategised well to ignore the AIADMK in toto, to claim that the poll battle is only between the DMK and the TVK. While his selective sloganeering is eye-catching, he is yet to follow it up with convincing arguments and positive offerings to the (swing) voters, to make his strategy work.

Here, it remains to be seen if AIADMK veteran K A Sengottiyan's induction would help the TVK organise itself better, structure its organisation better, and come up with ideas, philosophy and offering that go beyond Vijay's cinematic punch-lines.

Soon, Vijay will also have to climb down from what until now remains his hobby horse and face the real world full of questions, for him to answer in public.

Responding to more serious queries he would face from the poll platforms of his rivals through four-paragraph X statement two or three days later is not going to help.

Nor can he put himself on a high pedestal as only Narendra Modi has done, to decline meeting the media -- and answer their razor-sharp questions that will refer at times to the historic past, which he may be unfamiliar with.

IMAGE: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder Vijay addresses the TVK conference in Madurai. Photograph: ANI Photo

Yet, none of it will solve the problem for the DMK and Stalin unless they address anti-incumbency issues, post-haste. They have already lost or wasted four-and-half years in office, and have only the last half to cope.

The first irony is that a party and ideology that won the Tamil people's heart through the nascent art of political communication over a century ago is now unable to shake the past -- just as its national-level Congress ally.

The DMK's IT wing and hired propagandists are no match for those that the relatively young Modi-led BJP introduced ahead of elections 2014, and from which the AIADMK rival has caught on.

The DMK's communication machinery is woefully inadequate even against the nascent TVK, whose propaganda strategists keep coming up with occasional flashes of campaign brilliance -- but are unable to take forward.

The same can be said of the DMK state government's enforcement machinery. Despite the chief minister announcing and inaugurating scores of imaginative welfare programmes, not each of them is being followed up meticulously by the officialdom, top to bottom. They put the latest file and work on the top, and let others languish.

The general perception is that Stalin is not as tough as Jayalalithaa or his late father M Karunanidhi, who was also accessible to cadres, voters and the media.

This perceived laxity shows up as administrative weakness down to the lowest-level government offices and police stations across the state.

For instance, to restore people's confidence, Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi would have started with suspending all revenue officials and top cops when last year's Kallakurichchi liquor tragedy and this year's Karur stampede happened.

Stalin as CM side-steps officials' involvement in such matters, and at best stops with transferring lower-level cops concerned, where they are involved.

As AIADMK's EPS first and other party leaders since have been claiming, Stalin has given the impression of being run by four or five bureaucrats -- who also thus end up running the entire state administration, to their whims, and at the same time covering up the wrongs of their chelas down the line.

IMAGE: Rajya Sabha member Kamal Haasan with Udhayanidhi Stalin in Chennai. Photograph: @Udhaystalin X/ANI Photo

The state is not used to such a 'lax CM', and that is saying a lot, yes. But there is a kind of 'feel good' factor attaching to the man. This means, it is more of a 'Stalin election' than a 'Modi election', as the DMK chief would want it to be, one more time.

It also means that some of DMK's second-line leaders eager to pit Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin against Vijay may have to wait.

Alternatively, the DMK may consider a two-tier campaign, where they keep the focus on Stalin as a senior statesman with 50-plus years of political experience, and let EPS and the BJP shout in the wilderness.

In such a case, the second-tier may project Udhayanidhi as the contender and chosen obstructionist in Vijay's path.

Rather, the attempt, if any, would be to reduce Vijay to Udhayanidhi's level when the former is aiming at Stalin and Stalin alone in the state's political horizon.

But for this to succeed, the DMK's propaganda and IT wings have to change their attitude and approach and become more contemporary and competitive.

Shorn of other issues, a certain section of the non-committed voters will be asking themselves if they should give Stalin another chance or not. Here, he may have an advantage over EPS and certainly the TVK's Vijay.

Among the trio, the experienced two have their contributions and failures as chief minister to debate about. Vijay has none. Some say 'opening on a clean slate' is by itself an advantage.

Yes, it would be so, would have been so, if and only if Vijay had become more accessible and more forthcoming with his plan of action for Tamil Nadu.

It is slowly reducing to a stage where his sympathisers outside of fans have begun concluding that he has nothing substantial to offer.

IMAGE: EPS and other AIADMK leaders with Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

Most political analysts, based on conventional thinking, are betting on the DMK alliance, as they are strong, continuing and have consistently held a 40 per cent vote-share in three successive elections in 2019, 2021 and 2024.

They are not ready to give a 'non-starter' of Vijay around 25 per cent for a start-up, but only the traditional five or 10 per cent that first-timers have always captured since 1957, nay, 1952 itself.

Contesting alone in the Lok Sabha polls last year, the AIADMK polled the lowest-ever 20 per cent. This raises questions about the usefulness of a one-time AIADMK veteran for the TVK in his own western belt, which has remained an AIADMK stronghold since the times of MGR and Jayalalithaa.

Whatever the BJP has scooped up in the region since the 'Coimbatore serial blasts' of 1998 are either that of its national-level Congress voters or a share of the 'non-committed voters' of the time -- not of the AIADMK.

Analysts also forget that the AIADMK, last year, had still held on to the 'committed vote-bank' that stood at 21 per cent, the party's worst-ever election under reigning chief minister Jayalalithaa.

It was the same as the votes polled by the Jayalalithaa faction in the post-MGR assembly elections of 1989.

The Janaki faction, so named after MGR's widow -- the shortest-term chief minister -- polled a total of 10 per cent, in the company of late actor-politician Sivaji Ganesan's long-forgotten Tamizhaga Munnetra Munnani.

Truth be told, MGR's AIADMK came to power in the maiden 1977 assembly polls with only 33.5 per cent vote-share, in a multi-cornered contest, in which the DMK rival could manage only 25 per cent.

The AIADMK's victory became possible because the Congress combine polled 20 per cent votes and the breakaway Janata Party (which no one now knows existed), a substantial 17 per cent.

Today, the question is if the names of MGR and Jayalalithaa sell. The Congress found out that Kamaraj is not saleable among the young voters, many of them having not even heard of the man, leave alone his contributions to the state's education, industries and job sectors, when CM (1954 to 1963).

The same may apply to MGR and Jaya as political images, with many Gen Z fans of Vijay possibly having not heard about their political, administrative and social contributions -- or, even the corruption charges against them.

IMAGE: Vijay greets supporters during his party's political rally at Vikravandi, Tamil Nadu. Photograph: ANI Photo

For Vijay now to begin swearing by them, and triggering a self-centred EPS to follow suit, does not help anyone.

Yet, for the same reason, AIADMK cadres/voters from MGR's time since 1972 may be wedded more to the party than even the 'Two Leaves' poll symbol, leave alone the personalities of MGR and Jaya.

This may be to the advantage of EPS and the AIADMK than the likes of veteran Sengottaiyan, who has moved to the Vijay camp. But EPS too understands that even the 20-per cent vote-share from last year is not a good figure to start against a well-entrenched DMK alliance, with a committed 45 per cent vote-share through three elections and six years.

This is the true reason for EPS to accept the BJP-NDA, with its 18.5 per cent vote-share in 2024, as an ally, despite the 'ideological baggage' he has been forced to carry all over again.

Vijay's further declaration as a chief ministerial candidate himself has added to EPS' woes as the latter had hoped to jump ties and have an alliance with the TVK instead.

Likewise, EPS's insistence on not accepting the likes of T T V Dhinakaran's AMMA with his 5.5 per cent vote-share and former chief minister O Pannerselvam with his unevaluated voter-pull, like Vijay, back in parent AIADMK, is a dampener for the BJP. The party thus hopes to retain them in the NDA, as in 2024.

IMAGE: Former AIADMK veteran and nine-time MLA K A Sengottaiyan joins the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the presence of Vijay at the TVK office in Panaiyur, Chennai, November 27, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

A clear picture may emerge when BJP's chief strategist Amit Shah visits the state in mid-December. Despite media speculation to the contrary, both TTV and OPS are likely to return to the NDA.

They had quit the national combine after Shah, during his April visit, announced the revival of the AIADMK combine.

Yet, for Vijay, the question would remain, why has he been shying away from attacking the BJP, which he declared was the party's 'ideological enemy' while the ruling DMK was their 'political enemy'.

Maybe Vijay can get away with the logic that he was not attacking the AIADMK because he did not want to give free publicity to a poll rival, and at the same time keep it a direct fight between the DMK and the TVK.

But the TVK cannot hope to cut into the DMK's minority vote-bank, as is being made out, by holding back on the BJP-ruled Centre.

Despite his Christian identity -- Joseph Vijay being his given name -- delayed statements against some of the BJP/Centre's initiatives are weak and unconvincing.

At the end of the day, it is the parish priests and Islamic imams who guide their respective communities in matters of election, and they may not find enough reason for crossing over from the DMK to the TVK, if Vijay does not convince them over his BJP policy.

That is saying a lot, at least in the interim!

N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 17, 2025 shows a reconstructed bridge over the Pinglu Canal in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 17, 2025 shows the construction site of a bridge over the Pinglu Canal in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

An aerial drone photo shows the construction site of Madao hub on the Pinglu Canal in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nov. 12, 2025.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua)

An aerial drone photo shows the Pinglu Canal waterway running beneath the Zicai bridge in Qinzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 17, 2025.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

An aerial drone photo shows the Pinglu Canal waterway flowing through the urban area of Qinzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 17, 2025.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

An aerial drone photo shows Qinjiang double-track railway grand bridge over the Pinglu Canal in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 17, 2025.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 17, 2025 shows the construction site of a bridge over the Pinglu Canal in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

An aerial drone photo shows the construction site of the Qingnian hub on the Pinglu Canal in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 17, 2025.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

This combo photo shows the aerial view of Qinjiang single-track railway bridge, on Oct. 9, 2024, and the aerial view of Qinjiang double-track railway grand bridge, on Dec. 17, 2025, in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

An aerial drone photo shows the construction site of the Qishi hub on the Pinglu Canal in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nov. 12, 2025.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua)

This combo photo shows the aerial view of the construction site of the Qingnian hub waterway, on Oct. 9, 2024 (above), and the aerial view of the construction site of this waterway, on Dec. 17, 2025 (below), on the Pinglu Canal in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

This combo photo shows the aerial view of the construction site of a bridge in Qinzhou on April 25, 2024 (above), and the aerial view of this bridge on Dec. 17, 2025 (below), in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

A drone photo shows the construction site of the Pinglu Canal in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nov. 12, 2025.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua)

An aerial drone photo shows the construction site of the Zicai bridge over the Pinglu Canal in Qinzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 17, 2025.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

This combo photo shows the aerial view of the construction site of the Qingnian hub, on Dec. 24, 2023 (above), and the aerial view of the construction site of this hub on Dec. 17, 2025 (below), on the Pinglu Canal in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

This combo photo shows the aerial view of the construction site of the Qingnian hub, on Oct. 9, 2024, and the aerial view of the construction site of the Qingnian hub on Dec. 17, 2025, on the Pinglu Canal in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Three years on, the construction of the Pinglu Canal as a core component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has shown remarkable progress.

Upon completion, the 134.2-km canal would wind its way across Nanning and Qinzhou of Guangxi until it reaches the Beibu Gulf. It is expected to serve as an artery for river-sea inter-modal transportation in the southwestern part of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)
'The move to appoint a person with a profile, markedly lower than the leader Nitin Nabin will replace, has the potential to put the brakes on the careers of several others in the party and government in the positions they currently hold,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

IMAGE: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan -- who some political observers had earlier tipped as a likely successor to current Bharatiya Janata Party national President J P Nadda -- meets the newly appointed BJP national Working President Nitin Nabin in New Delhi, December 16, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

By appointing Nitin Nabin as its working president, the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership has partially pulled out a template from its past tradition of making a generational change the moment several top party leaders turn closer to the informal 'retirement age' of 75 in the party.

But the BJP has also not completely followed the past practise which would have enabled the party to 'correct' its 'inconsistent' track record on being true to the principle, non-verbally elucidated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2014.

Back then, the exclusion of party veterans Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi from the Union Cabinet was justified by citing their 'age'.

To comprehend these contentions, one has to step back to 2009. In December that year, the party made a generational change in its parliamentary wing when Advani made way for Sushma Swaraj to become Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

This was preceded, a day earlier, by a similar transition in its organisational wing when the then 52 year old, largely unknown in the Indian capital's corridors of power, a different Nitin with the surname of Gadkari and political grounding in Nagpur took over from the relatively older Rajnath Singh.

Nitin Nabin meets Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, a former BJP president in New Delhi, December 15, 2025. Photograph: @rajnathsingh X/ANI Photo

The development completed the process which began post the 2009 Lok Sabha election debacle of the party when Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat indicated that it was time that a younger leader and someone who was not entrenched in Delhi's durbar politics took charge of the BJP.

Bhagwat himself assumed his position a few months earlier after the decline in the health of the then sarsanghchalak, K S Sudarshan. Bhagwat's elevation had been natural, given that he was the sarkaryavah or general secretary, for several years.

IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah meets Nitin Nabin in New Delhi, December 16, 2025. Photograph: @AmitShahX/ANI Photo

Now, although another 'Nitin' assumes charge -- besides being barely 45 years old, he is also known only to those who track the party closely -- albeit as 'Working' chief of the party, Bhagwat has not, like earlier, chanted his call for a younger leadership in the party's parliamentary wing and thereby the government.

This is uncharacteristic for a leader who has caused and thereafter 'cleared' the confusion over his stance on the 'retirement at 75' principle. Possibly, this stems from the fact that like Modi, he too is past that age.

There are two primary reasons for Bhagwat's strategic silence for the moment: One, the BJP is in power unlike in 2009 when it was defeated in the second consecutive parliamentary polls.

IMAGE: BJP working President Nitin Nabin, BJP General Secretary (Organisation) B L Santosh, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP MP Ravishankar Prasad, BJP General Secretaries Vinod Tawde, Tarun Chugh and Sunil Bansal during the felicitation programme at the central office in New Delhi, December 15, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Now, because the party is the primary wielder of all governance levers, also ideologically committed to the RSS, the Sangh Parivar has benefited immensely in the past 11 years. Bhagwat would not want to rock the boat at this juncture.

Two, and more importantly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today is the all-powerful leader who effectively 'holds' every office in government and party, even though this set-up is formally labelled as a National Democratic Alliance.

In the history of the BJP, and even its predecessor, the Jana Sangh, power has not been concentrated in the hands of a single leader like it is now. Every decision is made by one individual and this is later projected as a collective choice.

Take, for instance, the party's parliamentary board. Neither was this body officially convened to 'select' the working president nor did the parliamentary party, consisting of the newly elected Lok Sabha members, meet after the 2024 polls, to formally elect Modi as its leader. All that was transacted was a meeting of the lawmakers of the NDA constituents.

IMAGE: Amit Shah, J P Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other senior BJP leaders wait to welcome Nitin Nabin at the party's central office in New Delhi, December 15, 2025. Photograph: @gupta_rekha X/ANI Photo

In the case of Nabin too, his appointment was announced over social media with a no-further-explanations-release. A formal statement, signed by Arun Singh, a national general secretary of the party, was attached. It merely stated the party's 'Parliamentary Board has appointed Shri Nitin Nabin, Cabinet Minister, Bihar Government as National Working President of the party. The appointment comes into immediate effect.'

The first response of the majority of people outside the party was elementary -- 'who is he?' The second response was to Google his name and read up about him in Wikipedia and other similar web sites.

It did not take much effort to figure out that he was a figuratively diminutive leader who owed his position to being a dynast -- he first became a member of the Bihar assembly months after Nitish Kumar embarked on the chief ministerial phase of his political career in November 2005.

Nitin Nabin greets Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at a tribute for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his death anniversary at Patel Golamber in Patna, December 15, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

This was because his father Navin Kishore Prasad Sinha, who represented Patna (West) constituency for four consecutive terms since 1995, died unexpectedly following a sudden heart attack. Till then, Nabin, who barely qualified to contest the polls by turning 25 months prior to his father's death and the by-poll that followed, had done precious little in politics.

Party insiders mention he remained a backbench legislator till he caught the eye of the central leadership, effectively a euphemism for the party's power-duo, at a party meeting in Patna during the turbulent phase of the party's relationship with Nitish Kumar before the 2020 state assembly election.

This enabled him to first become a minister in 2021 with the charge of road construction and later get additional charge of urban development and housing in 2024, which continued till his appointment.

But he made a mark in the eyes of the leaders with his handling of the party's electoral campaign in Chhattisgarh in 2023, a poll in which the BJP regained power from the Congress. Described as a quiet low-profile party leader, adept at following specified instructions, Nabin's anonymity is what has secured this office for him.

It follows a pattern of appointments of several BJP leaders to their positions, almost unknown outside their loyal and party circles. This includes the chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Haryana.

Nitin Nabin being congratulated by Bihar Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha and state BJP President Dilip Jaiswal after being appointed national working president at the party office in Patna, December 14, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Modi has spent considerable time in his tenure, disparaging Congress leaders to precede him to the PMO. But he picked up the habit of appointing less-known and hardly popular leaders as executive heads of states, from the very leaders he runs down incessantly.

For instance, in the 1980s, Indira Gandhi embarked on a CM-changing spree in Andhra Pradesh. This was noted by the famous cartoonist R K Laxman who in one of his creations, caricatured her as inspecting a guard of honour of assembled Congress leaders and at one point, she turned to one and said, 'Hey you out there, you are the next CM... What's your name?'

In this case the joke on Modi is with a slight variance -- he bursts into laughter when aides inform him that people were scrambling for their phones to Google his choice!

It is a paradox that even though Modi may be at the height of his power, yet the instinctive insecurity noted by many, still makes him wary of appointing people with a public profile to those positions from which they would be able to wield power -- CMs, party office bearers and so on.

The move to appoint a person with a profile, markedly lower than the leader Nabin will replace, also has the potential to put the brakes on the careers of several others in the party and government in the positions they currently hold.

IMAGE: BJP national President J P Nadda congratulates newly appointed BJP national Working President Nitin Nabin, December 15, 2025. Nabin is likely to take over Nadda's job after Makar Sankranti. Photograph: @JPNadda X/ANI Photo

The new BJP president will in a few months appoint a new organisational team and there is little doubt that these will names that are most likely to be passed to him, and these are likely to include the clutch of leaders of the day. Because no political leader curates the battlefield for a possible successor, Modi's move has to be seen as a step to further solidify his position.

Having not given any indication of his desire to bow out of office without such an eventuality being due to either an electoral upset or nature's call, Modi possibly visualises his innings as a infinitely continuing one.

In such a situation, courtiers are the best appointees for positions that could suddenly become crucial. Politics, of course, is a game of endless possibilities. But at the moment, the current lens is what matters.

Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay's latest book is The Demolition, The Verdict and The Temple: The Definitive Book on the Ram Mandir Project. He is also the author of Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times. His X handle is @NilanjanUdwin
'It was very clear in the Parliament election that there was an erosion of Hindu votes in southern Kerala from the CPI-M to the BJP.'

IMAGE: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with V D Satheesan, leader of the Opposition in the Kerala assembly, in Thiruvananthapuram. Photograph: ANI Photo

The local body elections in Kerala are fought as seriously as the assembly or Lok Sabha elections. Perhaps even more.

For the Congress-lead United Democratic Front, the 2025 local body elections were a litmus test, a semi-final match before the 2026 assembly election. And the UDF performed spectacularly, beyond everybody's expectations sweeping all the bodies: Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats, District Panchayats, Municipalities, Corporations.

The tally is thus:

UDF LDF NDA Grama panchayats 505 340 26 Block Panchayats 79 63 0 District Panchayats 7 7 0 Municipalities 54 28 2 Corporations 4 1 1

If you look at the vote share it is 40.7% for the UDF, 35.7% for the Left Democratic Front and 16% for the National Democratic Alliance.

Naturally, V D Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala assembly, is elated.

In an earlier conversation, in August 2025, Mr. Satheesan had told Rediff's Shobha Warrier that the results of the local body election would be an indicator of the assembly election result in 2026.

"We have started our preparation for the assembly election with more earnest today itself, a day after the local body election results are out. This is only a semi-final match. We have to win the final match also, the 2026 assembly elections. Our expectation is to win more than 100 seats," Mr. Satheesan tells Shobha in an interview recorded after the local body election results.

IMAGE: V D Satheesan with Rahul Gandhi.

Were the local body election results on expected lines for the UDF?

Yes, they were on expected lines. In fact, beyond our calculations.

What do you think helped the UDF sweep the election?

One is the anti-incumbency against the existing LDF government.

In fact, we had submitted a chargesheet against the government, and that became the agenda of the election.

In our chargesheet, we had listed all the government's failings including the gold pilferage in Sabarimala.

In the history of Kerala, the fiscal situation was never so vulnerable.

The health of Kerala is in ventilator.

The higher education is so bad that students are going out of the state for higher education.

Agriculture is in distress.

Attack on wildlife is going on.

Coastal areas are in trouble.

This is the most inefficient government Kerala has ever seen.

It is not that we only criticised the government by pointing out its failures. Along with the criticism, we created a manifesto with an alternative idea for every failure.

We have been preparing for Mission 25 for the last one year.

We decided to call ourselves not just UDF but Team UDF. We want the UDF to act as a single party, and not just a group of parties.

The UDF is not only a confederation of various parties but one with broader components.

We have given a new meaning and face to coalition politics.

IMAGE: V D Satheesan with Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and others protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Photograph: ANI Photo

How did you sweep the election despite talk that there is lack of unity among Congress leaders?

It was a political narrative by the CP-M and some in the media that there was no unity among Congress leaders, and that all the Congress leaders were after the chief ministership.

I am telling you, all of us sit together and all decisions are taken by a collective leadership.

My job was to coordinate every meeting.

You mean there is no truth in the news that every top Congress leader in Kerala wants to be next chief minister?

There is no truth in the news. Nobody is in the race. Everybody understands that we have to come back (to power)

When we come back, there is a procedure introduced by the AICC (All India Congress Committee) to choose the CLP (Congress Legislature Party) leader.

Now, everybody knows that if we are fighting against each other, we will not come back. We sit together and take all decisions.

How do you react to the BJP capturing the Thiruvananthapuram corporation? Did it come as a shock?

We had warned the chief minister and the CPI-M many times that this was going to happen.

I had many press conferences against the stand taken by the CPI-M and (Kerala Chief Minister) Pinarayi Vijayan.

Till the Parliament elections, they were indulging in minority appeasement when Kerala has always had a secular positioning in politics. Majority of the Malayalis are secular in nature.

When the CPI-M suffered a setback in the Lok Sabha election, they took up another approach which was majority appeasement and started a propaganda against the Muslim and Christian communities. This was to win the Hindus back to their fold.

In 1987, (the late CPI-M leader and later chief minister E K) Nayanar had used the EMS (the late CPI doyen E M S Namboodiripad) strategy of consolidating the majority community to win the election.

When they tried the same thing in 2025, I warned them that this was not 1987 when there was no serious presence of the BJP in Kerala.

I said if they tried majority appeasement and fought the minorities in 2025 and 2026, the beneficiary would be the BJP as it was the BJP style of functioning.

For example, if the Congress took a soft Hindutva stand, why should the Hindus be with the Congress when an extreme Hindu stand is taken by the BJP? Similarly, if the CPI-M is taking a soft Hindutva line, why should the Hindus vote for the CPI-M?

IMAGE: K Sudhakaran, right, and V D Satheesan with Rahul Gandhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

So, you feel the CPI-M lost the Hindu votes to the BJP?

Exactly. The end result was the CPI-M lost the Hindu vote base, which they had from the very beginning, to the BJP.

It was very clear in the Parliament election that there was an erosion of Hindu votes in southern Kerala from the CPI-M to the BJP.

I agree that we (the Congress) also lost some Hindu votes in the last decade, but it is not so today.

That's why I say that the CPI-M is the reason behind the BJP winning the Trivandrum corporation.

Do you think this is the first step for the BJP to gain foothold in the rest of Kerala?

Not at all. If you look at the local body election results, you will see that the BJP lost votes in many places in Kerala like Palakkad, Pandalam, Thrissur.

The BJP won only 5% of the local body seats.

In fact, in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, we have doubled our seats. It shows the BJP's gain was the CPI-M's loss.

We captured Kollam and Kochi from the CPI-M while retaining Kannur.

Compared to the other 5 corporations, how is Thiruvananthapuram different?

It is a fact that the BJP has some base in the capital.

In the last three Parliament elections, which we won (Shashi Tharoor), the second position was taken by the BJP and not the Left.

This happened only in Thiruvananthapuram, and not in any other place in Kerala.

Yes, the BJP got Thrissur in 2024.

Otherwise, out of the 18 Lok Sabha seats we won, the LDF came second in 17 seats.

IMAGE: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K C Venugopal, V D Satheesan, Shashi Tharoor and other Kerala leaders at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

The local body election results show that the UDF has managed to recapture the Christian votes after losing it in the Lok Sabha elections...

When we lost the 2016 and the 2021 assembly elections, there was an erosion of Christian votes from our side.

Now in 2025, they have come back to us.

How did that happen?

Now, the UDF is not just a confederation of various parties, the UDF has become a broader political platform.

Many places in the Malabar region, a consolidation of Christian, Muslim and Hindu votes towards the UDF, has taken place.

Similarly, in central Kerala, in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam and Kottayam, where Christians dominate, we have swept.

If we have got the votes of all the three communities, it is because we have positioned ourselves as a secular front.

We are against any kind of appeasement, both majority appeasement and minority appeasement.

If any leader indulges in a hate campaign against another community, we make statements against such leaders.

I myself have made statements against the Hindu leaders, Muslim leaders and Christian leaders who spoke against other communities.

That is the positioning of the UDF, as a secular front where everybody is equal.

The final match is going to be the 2026 assemble election. Now that the UDF has swept the semi-final match, how will you ensure that your party workers don't become complacent?

I agree with you totally. We cannot be complacent.

After we won 18 out of 20 seats in the Lok Sabha, I told our party workers we had to forget the victory as the local body election was coming.

My message to them was to work hard to win that too.

We have started our preparation for the assembly election with more earnest today itself, a day after the local body election results are out.

Like you said, this is only a semi-final match. We have to win the final match also, the 2026 assembly elections.

Our expectation is to win more than 100 seats.

IMAGE: V D Satheesan speaks at a solidarity march organised by the District Congress Committee expressing solidarity with striking ASHA workers in Thiruvananthapuram. Photograph: ANI Photo

The BJP claims there is an understanding between the LDF and the UDF to keep the BJP away from the state. Is there any truth in the allegation?

Absolutely not. There is no truth in the allegation.

On the other hand, I would say there was an unholy nexus between the BJP and the LDF in many places.

Where does Shashi Tharoor stand in the Congress party in Kerala? He didn't campaign much for the UDF, and he has been making statements in support of the BJP and Modi...

I am not a competent person to make any comment on a CWC (Congress Working Committee) member. It is the high command that has to make a decision.

But my request to him is he should be with us. Not even a single leader in Kerala is against him, and we used to invite him to all the political campaigns in Kerala.

Now also, we are inviting him, and he should be part of our campaign team.

It is said that even now party workers at the grassroot level have not yet connected with him. Is there any truth in that?

Yes, he is different from the other leaders here. All of us started our careers at the student level, and from there, we have come up.

So, we have been working in the party for 30,40,50 years. So, we know each and every party worker.

When we travel across Kerala, we know many workers by their name.

But he came here from the UN and then became an MP. So, his style of functioning is different.

After the local body election results were out, the major headline in newspapers across India was the BJP capturing one corporation, and not the UDF sweeping the elections.

(laughs) That is the national media for you! Except for two or three, majority of the national media is working for the BJP.

The fact is there are six corporations in Kerala, and we won four with a clear majority, the BJP won only one.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
'MGNREGA was about a guaranteed right to work.'

'The new law does not guarantee employment at all.'

'It removes everything that made MGNREGA a legal guarantee.'

IMAGE: Labourers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) work at a site on a hot summer day during the COVID-19 lockdown in Ajmer. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, or MGNREGA, was enacted in 2005 in response to deep and long-standing rural distress, chronic unemployment, and agrarian insecurity across India.

It emerged from decades of struggle by rural workers' movements, economists and civil society organisations who demanded a legally enforceable right to work as protection against hunger, distress migration and exploitation.

Unlike earlier poverty alleviation programmes, MGNREGA was designed as a rights-based law, not a discretionary welfare scheme.

It placed a legal obligation on the state to provide up to 100 days of wage employment to every rural household that demanded work, within a fixed time limit.

If work was not provided, the law mandated payment of an unemployment allowance.

The central government carried the main financial responsibility, especially for wages, so that no state could deny work by citing lack of funds.

Over time, MGNREGA became one of the largest employment programmes in the world and a vital lifeline during droughts, economic slowdowns, and crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Against this background, the government's decision to replace MGNREGA with a new framework called VB-G RAM G has raised serious concerns.

"The government should openly state that it prefers to spend on bullet trains and highways rather than on employment for the poor," Nikhil Dey, founder member, Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan who was closely involved in drafting and shaping MGNREGA, tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.

"Renaming the scheme and announcing 125 days of work is only window dressing."

What is your take on the renaming of MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G?

The name change is irrelevant. What people need to understand is that the government has repealed MGNREGA itself.

The renaming is a smokescreen. Many believe that only the name has changed, but that is not true.

First, the government said it would rename MGNREGA as Pujya Bapu Rozgar Yojana Centre.

Finally, it settled on the name VB-G RAM G.

This is not the old law with a new name. It is a completely new law.

You mean the old MGNREGA has not been replaced, but a new law has been introduced. What is the difference?

MGNREGA was about a guaranteed right to work.

The new law does not guarantee employment at all.

It removes everything that made MGNREGA a legal guarantee.

MGNREGA was demand-based.

Work demand came from the ground, and the government was legally bound to provide work within a fixed time limit, per household.

Under VB-G RAM G, the system is entirely allocation-based.

Section 4(5) of the new Act states that the central government will decide the state-wise allocation each year, based on parameters it prescribes.

Under MGNREGA, budgets could be increased if demand rose.

Under G RAM G, this flexibility is gone.

In simple terms, G RAM G marks the end of the employment guarantee.

Further, the scheme is also no longer guaranteed across the entire country.

Section 5(1) allows the central government to decide which parts of a state the scheme will apply to.

It may be limited to certain blocks or districts.

This decision rests entirely with the central government.

This makes it clear that VB-G RAM G is not a national employment guarantee law.

IMAGE: Migrant labour working under the MGNREGA scheme in Navsari. Photograph: ANI Photo

Any other prominent change from MGNREGA?

Another major change is funding.

Under VB-G RAM G, funding is fixed at a 60:40 ratio.

The central government contributes 60 per cent, and the state government must contribute 40 per cent.

Under MGNREGA, 100 per cent of the labour cost was paid by the central government.

This ensured that no state could refuse work due to lack of funds.

Workers were guaranteed employment, and if work was not provided, they were entitled to an unemployment allowance paid by the central government.

For material costs, the ratio was 75 per cent central and 25 per cent state.

Most of the financial burden rested with the Centre.

Under the new system, many cash-strapped states may not be able or willing to provide their 40 per cent share.

If states do not pay their share, the central government will not release funds.

This could make G RAM G a non-starter in many places.

Earlier, people could work under MGNREGA at any time of the year.

Under G RAM G, two months are blocked due to agricultural operations.

IMAGE: Migrant workers who have returned to their native villages amid the COVID-19 lockdown employed under the MGNREGA scheme in Jajpur, Odisha. Photograph: ANI Photo

But has the number of workdays not increased from 100 to 125?

You can announce 350 days of work on paper, but that means nothing if there is no money to pay wages.

The 125-day schedule will be decided by state governments, in areas selected by the central government.

Payments will still follow the 60:40 funding rule.

States must pay 40 per cent, which many may not be able to do.

It is misleading to present this as a major expansion.

In reality, over the last five years, MGNREGA workers have received only 50 to 55 days of work on average.

Many workers have also not been paid unemployment allowances, despite being legally entitled to them.

Does this mean 100 days of work under MGNREGA was never fully provided?

People were entitled to it.

Wherever workers fought for their rights, they received the money.

They won because they had a legal entitlement.

That entitlement has now been diluted and weakened.

People must understand that the promise of 125 days is not real.

Section 4(5) of the VB-G RAM G Bill clearly states that allocations will be fixed by the central government.

Section 4(6) says that any spending beyond this allocation must be paid entirely by the state government.

Section 5(1) states that guaranteed work applies only in rural areas notified by the central government.

If an area is not notified, people there have no right to work.

This reduces a universal legal guarantee to a scheme controlled by the Centre.

You spoke about demand for work. What if there is no demand?

There is plenty of demand and plenty of work.

Villagers have repeatedly shown their demand for work.

The government, however, wants to run the scheme in a supply-driven way.

When poor villagers ask for work, they are often denied.

You cannot say there is no demand when work requests are ignored.

Even the MGNREGA law required work to be provided within 15 days of demand.

What if there is no supply of work?

The law requires the government to create work.

That is the core principle of MGNREGA.

What if the central government does not have money?

Then the government should say so honestly.

It should openly state that it prefers to spend on bullet trains and highways rather than on employment for the poor.

Renaming the scheme and announcing 125 days of work is only window dressing.

State governments are giving cash transfers to women voters. How do you see this development?

They do it for votes.

This is happening across parties and states.

Schemes like Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Lakhpati Didi and similar programmes are all cash transfers.

MGNREGA was different.

Only those willing to work for eight hours received wages.

It was self-selecting, and only the genuinely needy participated.

It also created lasting public assets such as rural roads, check dams, water harvesting structures, and land development works.

How much were workers paid?

They were paid minimum wages.

Payment was linked to output.

If a worker completed 70 per cent of the task, they were paid 70 per cent of the wage.

In Rajasthan, the wage is Rs 281 for eight hours.

The average payment worked out to around Rs 240.

IMAGE: MGNREGA workers protest in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency, October 22, 2019. Photograph: ANI Photo

Prime Minister Modi criticised MGNREGA in 2015. How do you see this move?

PM Modi has completed the job. He did what he said he would do.

He said MGNREGA would become a monument of failure (of the Congress party).

That is exactly what has been done.

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India's "high-impact, short-duration" operational capability was demonstrated by the armed forces during Operation Sindoor, while urging air force commanders to draw lessons from the decisive military action and stay prepared to deal with every future challenge.

IMAGE: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and other dignitaries, attend the Indian Air Force Commanders Conclave at the Air Force Headquarter, in New Delhi, December 18, 2025. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

In his address at the Air Force Commanders' Conclave in New Delhi, Singh also underlined that "21st-century warfare is not just a war of weapons", but also a "war of ideas, technology and adaptability".

He praised the courage, speed and precision with which the Indian Air Force (IAF) destroyed terror camps during Operation Sindoor and effectively handled the "irresponsible reaction" from Pakistan after the Indian strikes, the defence ministry said.

India launched the military operation early on May 7 and decimated multiple terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan also launched offensives against India and all subsequent counter-offensives by New Delhi were carried out under Operation Sindoor.

"India's high-impact, short-duration operational capability was demonstrated by the armed forces during Operation Sindoor," Singh said, as he described the IAF as a technologically-advanced, operationally-agile, strategically-confident and future-oriented force, which safeguards national interests amid the constantly-evolving global order.

Underscoring the importance of thoroughly understanding the "enemy's offensive and defensive capabilities" to maintain a decisive advantage, the defence minister urged the commanders to draw lessons from Operation Sindoor and stay vigilant and ready to deal with every future challenge.

The military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, lasting nearly 88 hours, halted after they arrived at an understanding on the evening of May 10.

Highlighting people's trust in the armed forces, especially the air-defence capability, Singh said, "Usually, when the enemy attacks, people hide. But when the Pakistani forces tried to target Indian installations, the people of India remained calm and continued with their daily routines. This is proof of the trust of every Indian in our operational preparedness."

The conclave was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and other senior IAF commanders.

Reflecting on the changing nature of warfare, Singh said the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Hamas war, the Balakot air strikes and Operation Sindoor have proved that air power has emerged as a decisive force in today's times.

Air power is not just a tactical asset, but a strategic instrument, and speed, surprise and the shock effect are its inherent characteristics, he asserted.

"Air power gives any leadership the capability to deliver a clear strategic message to the adversary that every step will be taken to uphold national interests. Through speed, reach and precision, air power has become an effective tool for aligning the nation's objectives with military means," Singh said.

Commending the performance of India's air-defence system and other equipment, effectively used during Operation Sindoor, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader reiterated the commitment of the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to further strengthening India's security apparatus.

Singh said, "21st century warfare is not just a war of weapons. It is a war of ideas, technology and adaptability. Cyber warfare, Artificial Intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite-based surveillance and space-enabled capabilities are fundamentally changing the future of warfare."

"Precision-guided weapons, real-time intelligence and data-driven decision making are no longer optional; they have become basic requirements for success in modern conflicts. Those nations which, master the trinity of technology, strategic vision and adaptability will move towards global leadership," he added.

The defence minister exuded confidence that Sudarshan Chakra, which was announced by Modi during his Independence-Day speech this year, will play a crucial role in protecting national assets in the coming times.

He said the development of indigenous jet engines has become a national mission and the government is fully committed to achieving this objective.

Singh said as on November 2025, of the 565 challenges given under iDEX, a total of 672 winners have emerged, including 96 from the 77 challenges related to the IAF.

Describing the operation as a shining example of tri-service synergy, Singh underlined the importance of jointness in today's rapidly-changing times.

"Jointness among the three services is crucial as it would further strengthen our security system and enable us to deal with our adversaries even more effectively," he said.

Singh also lauded the IAF for its humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief efforts, both domestically and internationally.

"Whether at home or abroad, the IAF has consistently provided critical support during natural calamities. Many of the missions were executed in extremely challenging situations which has increased the trust of the people in our air warriors," he said.

After his arrival at the conclave, Singh was briefed on the IAF's operational preparedness.

The conclave provides a strategic platform for the IAF leadership to deliberate on operational priorities, address emerging challenges and advance "Aatmanirbharta" (self-reliance) in defence capabilities, steering the force towards excellence, the defence ministry said.
Delhi cabinet minister Parvesh Verma on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the previous Aam Aadmi Party government, alleging that it failed to carry out even basic civic works over the past decade, leaving the present administration to address long-pending issues ranging from garbage mountains and broken roads to pollution and Yamuna cleaning.

IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducts an on-site inspection of the de-silting operations at the Golden Bridge Drain, in New Delhi, December 16, 2025. Photograph: @gupta_rekha X/ANI Photo

Verma said that if even a single substantial work had been done earlier, the city would not be facing the current situation.

"They have not done one single job. We took charge on February 20, and since then we have been working continuously," he said, adding that road repairs were taken up before the monsoon to prevent waterlogging.

The minister claimed that over 20 lakh metric tonnes of waste have been removed, major waterlogging points, including Minto Bridge, were addressed, and festivals were conducted smoothly without disruption.

The present government had taken several steps to tackle pollution, stressing that air pollution was not a one-day issue but a chronic problem that required sustained action, he said at a press conference, even as a ban on the entry of non-Delhi private vehicles below BS-VI standards and the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule came into force.

Verma accused the previous dispensation of indulging in "drama" instead of governance and said the current leadership does not "run away on vipassana" during crises.

"If any problem arises, the chief minister, ministers and officials are on the ground to deal with it," he said, adding that the government was working in "mission mode" to combat pollution.

Hitting out at AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj for protesting over pollution, Verma said the protest only highlighted the failures of the previous 11 years.

"Cracked roads and broken drains have not appeared in the last nine months. They are the result of years of neglect," he said.

The minister said the public works department maintains around 1,400 km of roads and that nearly 65,000 potholes have been filled in the last nine months. He added that pending road works, flyovers and highway projects were being expedited, and a deadline had been set for completing the Barapullah flyover.

Verma said the government, in coordination with Delhi Traffic Police, has identified 62 traffic congestion hotspots where corrective measures such as U-turns, red-light markings and right turns have been redesigned to ease traffic flow. He also said water sprinklers and anti-smog guns were being installed on flyovers.

On waste management, the minister said no serious effort was made earlier to manage green waste. "We started work on six green waste processing facilities immediately after coming to power and will procure more mechanical road sweeping machines," he said.

Verma said the government aims to complete 90 percent of Delhi's road repair work by the end of its two-year term, ensuring that potholes and broken stretches become a thing of the past. He added that large display boards would be installed on roads, mentioning the contractor's details, maintenance period and nodal officer contact numbers to ensure accountability.

On infrastructure, Verma said no new infrastructure was developed in the last 10 years and thanked the Centre for providing CRF funds for road construction.

He also outlined a roadmap for cleaning the Yamuna and preparing a comprehensive sewerage plan.
Bihar health minister Mangal Pandey on Thursday said he was not aware of reports that a female doctor had refused to join duty following an incident in which Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was seen publicly removing the veil from her face.

IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulled down the hijab of an AYUSH doctor. Photograph: Screen grab/X

The senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, however, sought to put a lid on the controversy by asserting that the ruling National Democratic Alliance in the state has always worked for empowerment of women (Matri Shakti).

"I have no such information", Pandey said when journalists asked him about reports that the Ayush doctor Nusrat Parveen, who hails from Kolkata, has declined the government job following the unsavoury incident that took place earlier this week.

A section of the media had on Wednesday reported that she had declined the job.

Parveen was among 10 Ayush doctors who had turned up at the chief minister's secretariat on Monday to receive their letters of appointment.

When Parveen's turn came, the 75-year-old CM pointed towards her veil (naqab) and pulled it down, exposing her face.

The incident triggered widespread criticism, including from several West Asian countries, with Nitish Kumar facing allegations of disrespecting Muslim traditions.

However, Pandey insisted, "Women have always been respected by our CM, who has made huge efforts for the empowerment of Matri Shakti".

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Raju Nayyar on Thursday filed a complaint against Kumar and Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad before a local court in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district for allegedly "hurting religious sentiments of Muslim women" by removing the veil from the face of the female doctor by the CM.

In his complaint, Nayyar sought registration of an FIR against them. The court is scheduled to hear the matter on January 18, 2026.

Nishad had sparked a controversy by publicly defending Kumar over the incident.
A Delhi court on Thursday remanded Yasir Ahmad Dar, the ninth accused arrested in a case related to the Red Fort blast, to NIA custody till December 26.

IMAGE: Delhi blast case accused Yasir Ahmed Dar at the Patiala House Court after being arrested by NIA, in New Delhi, December 18, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Special judge Prashant Sharma allowed the plea of the National Investigation Agency seeking Dar's custodial interrogation.

The accused was produced in the Patiala House district court amid heavy security around 2.30 pm.

Media persons were barred from covering the proceedings.

Earlier in the day, the NIA arrested Dar, allegedly a close associate of suicide bomber Umar-un-Nabi, from Delhi.

Dar, a resident of Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir, was placed under arrest under relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the agency said in a statement.

"The 9th person to be arrested in the case, Yasir Ahmad Dar is a resident of Shopian, Srinagar. He was nabbed by NIA from New Delhi and placed under arrest," an NIA spokesperson said.

According to the agency, investigations have revealed Dar's active role in the conspiracy behind the car bomb blast near Delhi's historic Red Fort on November 10.

An active participant in the plot, which claimed 15 lives and left several others injured, Dar had allegedly taken an oath to carry out "self-sacrificial operations", the NIA said.

Investigators have further found that Dar was in close contact with other accused in the case, including Umar-Un-Nabi, the deceased perpetrator of the bombing, and Mufti Irfan, a key conspirator, the officials said.

The NIA said it is continuing to work closely with central and state authorities to unravel the full conspiracy behind the terror attack.

Earlier this month, the NIA conducted extensive searches at the premises of several accused and suspects in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh, seizing digital devices and other incriminating materials.

Similar searches had earlier been carried out at the Al Falah University premises of prime accused Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Sayeed and other locations in Faridabad, Haryana.

After taking over the probe, the NIA had arrested eight persons, including four doctors -- Dr Muzammil Ganaie, Dr Adeel Rather, Dr Shaheen Sayeed and Dr Bilal Naseer Malla -- and religious preacher Maulvi Irfan.

Two others, Amir Rashid Ali and Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, were also arrested. Ali allegedly purchased the car in his name, which was later loaded with explosives, including ammonium nitrate, and detonated near the Red Fort.

On November 26, the agency also arrested Soyab, a resident of Dhauj in Faridabad, for allegedly providing logistical support to Umar before the blast.

The "white-terror" module case has links to posters of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed which surfaced on walls outside Srinagar city on the intervening night of October 18-19, warning of attacks on police and security forces.

Subsequent arrests based on CCTV footage and interrogation of suspects led investigators to Maulvi Irfan and eventually to Faridabad's Al Falah University, where around 2,900 kg of explosives was recovered, exposing what officials described as a "white-collar" terror module.
Bangladesh needed to be clearly told that New Delhi would respond firmly if such rhetoric continued.

IMAGE: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati. Photograph: @himantabiswaX/ANI Photo

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said India would not stay quiet for long if leaders in Bangladesh continued to issue threats about severing the north eastern region from the rest of the country.

Sarma said that repeated remarks from across the border suggesting the North East should be merged with or isolated from India revealed a 'dangerous and misguided way of thinking'.

For the past year, there have been statements from Bangladesh talking about absorbing the North East. Even entertaining such an idea is completely unacceptable,' Sarma told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Guwahati.

Emphasising India's strength, Sarma said the neighbouring country should remember that India is a major global power.

Bangladesh needed to be clearly told that New Delhi would respond firmly if such rhetoric continued. 'We cannot keep extending help while such hostile thinking is directed at India,' he said.

The Assam chief minister was reacting to comments made a day earlier by Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladesh's newly formed National Citizen Party, who suggested that India's eight north eastern states should be cut off from the mainland.

Abdullah warned that if India continued to support people who, according to him, undermined Bangladesh's sovereignty and human rights, Dhaka could retaliate by backing separatist forces in India and isolating the north east.

He also alleged that India was backing supporters of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to destabilise the current regime.

Similar remarks have been made earlier by other Bangladeshi leaders.

Earlier this year, Mohammed Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, had pointed out that India's north eastern states had no direct access to the sea and suggested that Bangladesh controlled their maritime access.

In recent months, the focus of such comments shifted to the Siliguri Corridor -- the narrow stretch of land in West Bengal, often referred to as 'Chicken's Neck', that connects the north east to the rest of India.

Responding to these statements, Sarma said Bangladesh should first worry about its own strategic vulnerabilities instead of issuing threats.

He referred to two narrow corridors affecting Bangladesh -- one stretching about 80 km from Dakshin Dinajpur in West Bengal to the South West Garo Hills in Meghalaya, and another being the 28 km-long Chittagong Corridor linking South Tripura to the Bay of Bengal.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
A wave of coordinated bomb emails threatening to target the Bombay high court, several local courts, and key financial institutions across Mumbai and Nagpur on Thursday caused widespread panic and paralysed legal proceedings.

IMAGE: Cops inspect the area after the high court receives a bomb threat via mail, following closure of all gates and roads towards the court, in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo

The police and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad conducted extensive sweeps before declaring all these threats as hoax as no explosives were found.

As per the police's preliminary probe, multiple emails warning of "RDX blasts at 2 pm" were sent by a single user from a fake account and its IP address was found to be located in Israel, although it is still being verified.

The emails were received on Thursday morning at the high court, sessions court and local courts at Mazgaon, Esplanade, Bandra and Andheri in Mumbai, prompting immediate evacuation of court staff and legal professionals.

The high court proceedings were halted as the BDDS swept the heritage building before declaring it clear for resumption of work.

President of the Bombay Bar Association Nitin Thakker later told reporters that all courtrooms were thoroughly searched, and hearings finally resumed at 3.00 PM.

Giving details, a senior police official said, "The Bombay HC, sessions court, and magistrate courts at Mazgaon, Esplanade, Bandra and Andheri, along with two prominent banks received bomb threat emails in the morning. The premises were immediately vacated at most of these places. The BDDS was called in, but nothing suspicious was found anywhere in the searches," a senior police official said.

"In the probe conducted so far, the bomb threat was issued by creating a fake email address. All those emails were sent from the same account, in which the sender claimed that there would be RDX blast at 2 pm," he said.

In the investigation, the IP address of the email was found to be located in Israel. But as it is a fake account, the police are trying to ascertain the exact location of the sender and a search for the person was underway, the official said.

A statement issued by two bar associations of the Bombay HC said that as the threat mails raised security concerns, the staff members of the high court were asked to move out of the premises for a search operation after.

"Due to the threat and the search operation, the regular court proceedings were disrupted for about an hour. All the courtrooms were thoroughly checked and the hearings resumed at 3 pm," Bombay Bar Association's Thakker said.

Speaking about the incident in Andheri, advocate Ali Kaashif Khan said that he had come for a hearing at the metropolitan magistrate's court.

"But the magistrate suddenly started adjourning the matter in all the cases without assigning any reason," he said.

"As we came down, all the cars were asked to move out of the court premises, and there we got to know from court police officers that a bomb squad was coming to conduct a check," he added.

The Bandra magistrate court received the bomb threat mail on its official email ID in the morning, a police official said.

"After being alerted about it, the security personnel rushed to the court and carried out a thorough search of the premises. However, no suspicious object was found during the inspection," the official of the Nirmal Nagar police station said.

The Nagpur District and Sessions Court received an email claiming bombs inside the building, prompting the police to launch a search of the premises.

District Bar Association president Roshan Bagde said the email was sent on the court's email ID in the morning, claiming that two RDX-based explosive devices would soon go off in the building, located in the Civil Lines area.

Security was then stepped up at the district court, and BDDS personnel inspected the premises.

However, nothing suspicious was found during the search, a police official said.
Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Pradnya Satav joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Mumbai on Thursday, hours after submitting her resignation from the Upper House of the Maharashtra legislature.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Congress MLC Pradnya Satav (second from left) joins BJP in the presence of state BJP chief Ravindra Chavan and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule (left), in Mumbai, December 18, 2025. Photograph: Courtesy Ravindra Chavan on X

The Congress accused the BJP of not respecting democracy and breaking parties with money and posts.

The MLC joined the BJP in the presence of the ruling party's Maharashtra chief Ravindra Chavan and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

Satav, the wife of late Rajiv Satav, a Congressman and close confidant of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, hails from Hingoli district in the state's Marathwada region. She was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Council in 2021.

Her switch in the midst of local body elections is being seen as a setback to the Congress.

After her husband's death, Satav served as vice president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee. She was renominated to the legislative council in July last year, and her term was to end in 2030.

Earlier in the day, Satav submitted her resignation as an MLC to the legislature secretariat after speaking to Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde, sources had said. Besides Satav, former MLA from Solapur district Dilip Mane also joined the BJP.

Elections to the 29 municipal corporations in the state will take place on January 15, and votes will be counted the next day.

Senior Congress leader Nana Patole told reporters in Nagpur that the BJP has become arrogant due to power and no longer respects democratic norms.

Referring to Satav's defection, he said what inducements she may have received would become clear in time, but added that what had happened was wrong.

The BJP is tempting some leaders with money and posts, he claimed.

The BJP has become arrogant due to power. It no longer respects democratic principles. Only time will tell what inducements she got. The BJP has started a new dimension: 'money from power, and power from money'," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had talked of a Congress-free India, but he has included the Congress in the BJP. If we come to power, this BJP will become empty in no time, he said.

About a Nashik court upholding the conviction of Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate in a cheating and forgery case, Patole said his party colleagues Rahul Gandhi and Sunil Kedar were targeted after court convictions, but Kokate continues to retain his MLA status.

This government is doing politics with hatred, not with the law, he said.

The Congress leader also claimed that there is a lot of infighting among the Mahayuti allies of BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena.
This undated file photo shows the Karmai station in Mangkam County of Qamdo City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua)

LHASA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- A converter station at an altitude of 3,720 meters completed a 168-hour trial run on Thursday, marking the launch of the first ultra-high voltage (UHV) power transmission project in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

The operation of the Karmai station, located in Mangkam County in Xizang's Qamdo City, also signifies the full completion of a local direct current (DC) power transmission project, which has now officially begun delivering clean power to central China.

Below the converter station, a 750,000-kW hydropower station on the Jinsha River is roaring into operation. In just about 6 milliseconds, electricity generated here can travel 1,900 km from the converter station to Hubei Province.

The 800 kV DC power transmission project, with an investment of 34.3 billion yuan (4.9 billion U.S. dollars), is designed to transmit 40 billion kWh of clean electricity annually. Powered primarily by hydropower with supplementary solar and other renewables, the project will replace over 12 million tonnes of coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 30 million tonnes annually.

Dong Ran, a deputy project manager from the Karmai converter station, said the sending end of the line was split into two parts: the Karmai station in Xizang and the other in neighboring Sichuan Province. "The two 400 kV converter stations link together like two batteries, forming the sending end of the 800 kV transmission line -- the first one of its kind in high-altitude regions in the world," Dong said.

As the high altitude and thin air constrain the insulation performance of UHV equipment, the converter station systematically increased ground and tower clearance during the design phase to ensure safe and reliable operation, he added.

UHV refers to power transmission technology with exceptionally high voltage levels, typically defined as alternating current (AC) projects at 1000 kV and above, and DC projects at 800 kV and above.

Compared to conventional transmission lines, UHV DC power transmission offers the advantages of longer distances, higher capacity, and lower losses, enabling stable, large-scale transmission over thousands of km, akin to an "expressway" for electricity.

The Karmai station is equipped with cameras, track-based inspection robots and robotic dogs for round-the-clock automated inspection and monitoring, significantly reducing manual on-site work at such a high altitude, said Gu Pen, the station's deputy head.

Xizang, one of China's key energy bases, is rich in clean energy sources, including hydropower, wind power, and solar power.

Wang Bingqiang, a manager at State Grid Xizang Electric Power Company Limited, said that the full operation of the transmission line further integrates the plateau region into the national energy landscape, supporting the optimization of regional energy structures and the "dual carbon" goals, while demonstrating China's capability and innovation in UHV core technologies in complex high-altitude environments.

China has been making efforts to meet its dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

Over the past years, China has invested heavily in the construction of UHV power transmission lines to deliver electricity from the country's energy-rich west to its booming east and increase consumption of clean energy sources for green economic growth.

To date, the State Grid has put into operation a total of 42 UHV projects comprising 22 AC and 20 DC lines, achieving an inter-regional and inter-provincial power transmission capacity of 370 million kW. 

This photo taken on Dec. 16, 2025 shows a view of the Karmai station in Mangkam County of Qamdo City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Pan Yijing)
Police have arrested a man for allegedly killing his elderly parents over family disputes and disposing of their dismembered bodies in the Gomti river in Jaunpur, officials said on Thursday.

Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: @Uppolice/X

The incident took place in Ahmadpur village under the Jafrabad police station area, they said.

The police said the accused, Ambesh, killed his father, Shyam Bahadur (61) and mother Babita (58) following a dispute over money and family issues.

City Superintendent of Police Ayush Srivastava said the accused first bludgeoned his mother with a pestle used for grinding spices on the night of December 8. When his father intervened and tried to call the police, he struck him on the head with the same object and later strangled him to death with a rope.

Srivastava said the accused later cut the bodies into pieces using an iron rod-cutting saw, packed them into six plastic sacks and dumped them into the Gomti river using his car.

Bahadur was a retired railway employee, the police said.

According to the police, Ambesh initially misled his sisters by claiming that their parents had gone out on December 8.

When the sisters insisted on approaching the police, he switched off his phone and travelled to Jaunpur railway station and ghats in Varanasi. On December 13, the sisters lodged a missing persons complaint for their parents and for Ambesh as well.

The accused returned home on December 15 and later confessed to the crime to his sisters. Based on a complaint lodged by his sister Archana, police registered a case and arrested Ambesh on December 16.

Station House Officer Shri Prakash Shukla said all incriminating materials were recovered, and the accused has been sent to jail.
A 34-year-old Indian-origin man who helped restrain one of the alleged shooters of the Bondi Beach attack in Australia said he wanted to help bring one of the assailants down and assist anyone who needed help.

IMAGE: Mourners gather for the funeral for 10-year-old Matilda at Chevra Kadisha Memorial Hall after the shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 18, 2025. Photograph: Jeremy Piper/Reuters

Fifteen people were killed after a father-son duo launched a gun attack on the occasion of a Jewish festival being celebrated at the beach on December 14. Forty others, including three Indian students, were injured in the attack.

One of the attackers, Sydney resident Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead. His 24-year-old Australia-born son, Naveed Akram, was injured.

Amandeep Singh-Bola, born in New Zealand to Indian and Kiwi parents, helped tackle suspect Sajid Akram, SBS News reported.

Singh-Bola ran onto the bridge where the alleged shooter was firing at people, pinning him down with the help of a police officer.

"I jumped on top of [the shooter] and grabbed his arms. The police officer helped me and said not to let him go," the report quoted him as saying.

"I wanted to help get one of [the alleged shooters] down, or just help anybody that needed help," he said.

Singh-Bola, who initially dismissed the gunshots as fireworks, was eating a kebab and watching the sunset over the beach when the shooting occurred.

"It was almost like tunnel vision - just trying to hide behind things and not be seen, just trying to find out where he was. Once I saw where he was, nothing else really mattered, the personal trainer said.

Singh-Bola said police had shot the alleged gunman, and while he lay on top of him, he could feel the shooter dying.

Asserting that he was not sick from the blood when he got up, Singh-Bola said, "I had just smashed back a kebab with spicy sauce on it, so I was actually sick from the run down.

Australia's federal police commissioner Krissy Barrett has described the shooting as "a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State".

Sajid Akram has been identified as an Indian citizen hailing from Hyderabad, who migrated to Australia 27 years ago. The other suspect Naveed Akram is an Australian citizen.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Thursday conferred with the Order of Oman, the Sultanate's uniquely distinct civilian honour, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for his "exceptional contribution" to India-Oman ties and his "visionary leadership".

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being conferred with Omans highest honour, 'Order of Oman' by Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik, in Muscat, December 18, 2025. Photograph: @MEAIndia X/ANI Photo

Modi received the award during his ongoing two-day visit to Oman, the final leg of his three-nation tour that included Jordan and Ethiopia.

"Honoured to receive the Order of Oman (First Class). My gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Government and people of Oman for this honour. This is a symbol of affection and trust between the people of India and Oman," Modi said.

This is the latest addition to PM Modi's distinguished list of over 28 highest civilian awards from foreign nations, including recent honours such as Ethiopia's Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia and Kuwait's Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer.

"For centuries, our ancestors have been connected with each other, engaged in maritime trade with one another. The Arabian Sea has become a strong bridge between our nations. I dedicate this honour to the people of India. I also dedicate this honour to our ancestors who laid the foundations of this relationship by travelling from Mandvi to Muscat," Modi said.

He also dedicated the award to the seafarers who have, through centuries of exchange, contributed to the progress of both nations.

Instituted in 1970 by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Order of Oman (First Class) has been bestowed upon select global leaders in recognition of their contribution to public life and bilateral relations.

Modi's visit to Muscat marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, with both sides focusing on deepening strategic partnership in trade, investment, energy, defence and culture.

Modi arrived here on Wednesday on a two-day visit and was accorded a warm welcome, including a guard of honour.
IMAGE: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi and other Opposition MPs protest over the MGNREGA issue at Mahatma Gandhi's statue in the Parliament premises, December 16, 2025. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

Civil society groups, led by the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha, are planning a nationwide protest -- similar to the farmers' stir a few years ago -- starting December 19 demanding scrapping of the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission.

The groups are planning to mobilise agriculture and rural workers in all state capitals, district headquarters, block offices and panchayats and also march towards the national capital demanding abolition of the new draft and continuation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREGA) scheme.

"If there was one Act that truly made India a 'vishwaguru', it was MGNREGA and repealing it with a new centrally sponsored scheme would mean that all powers will get concentrated in the hands of the central government without any corresponding obligation," Jean Dreze, economist and former member of the National Advisory Council, told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.

Dr Dreze said that in the new draft VB-G RAM G, the central government holds unbridled power to determine which part of the country the rural employment scheme will work, and where it won't.

"Twenty years back when the scheme was being framed we had opposed this provision and it was dropped after much effort, but once again Centre wants to bring this provision back," Dr Dreze said.

The real reason for repealing MGNREGA seems to be political, Dr Dreze said, while calling upon all states to bitterly oppose the draft Bill.

"This normative based allocation and 60:40 ratio of expenditure share is also highly problematic," Dr Dreze added.

Jayati Ghosh, economist and former professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, said that repealing MGNREGA will pull down aggregate demand and further hurt the economy.

Others too demanded immediately withdrawal of VB-G RAM G and reinstatement of MGNREGA.

Meanwhile, in a related development, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, on Wednesday wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him to refer the VB-G RAM G Bill to the Standing Committee concerned for a detailed examination.

In the letter, Ulaka, who is the Congress MP from Koraput in Odisha, said that the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, (VB-G RAM G) seeks to introduce far-reaching changes in the framework governing rural employment and livelihood support.

'Given the scale, scope and potential impact of these provisions, particularly on rural, tribal, and economically vulnerable populations, it is my considered view that the legislation warrants detailed examination by a Parliamentary Standing Committee,' Ulaka wrote.

The Congress MP expressed 'deep concern and institutional discomfort' at the prospect of a Bill of this magnitude being processed without the benefit of such scrutiny.

Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while initiating the debate on the Bill, asserted that the VB-G RAM G will not only ensure employment but also fulfil Mahatma Gandhi's dream of making villages self-reliant.

Moving the Bill for consideration and passage, Chouhan said the new Bill will ensure all-around development of villages and make them poverty-free, fuelling their growth journey.

Initiating the debate from the Opposition side, Jai Prakash (Congress) lamented that the name of Mahatma Gandhi was removed from the Bill, which was 'the biggest crime'.

The proposed law, Jai Prakash said, will create fresh financial liabilities for the states and deprive grassroots-level bodies like the gram sabhas of their rights to decide on work to be undertaken under the draft law.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
'If I was in Nitish Kumar's place I would firstly never even think of crossing the boundary with a lady, and secondly if I did something so contemptible by mistake, I would apologise immediately.'

IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulled down the hijab of a AYUSH doctor, December 15, 2025. Photograph: Kind courtesy Screen grab/X

Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's action of pulling off a woman's hijab from her face at a public ceremony in Patna on Monday has sparked widespread outrage.

Curiously, no one from the film industry has condemned this act for what it is, a violation of a woman's private space.

Finally Javed Akhtar has spoken. "Every one who knows me even in the most cursory manner knows how much I am against the traditional concept of purdah, but it doesn't mean that by any stretch of imagination I can accept what Mr Nitish Kumar has done to a Muslim lady doctor. I condemn it in very strong words."

"Mr Nitish Kumar owes an unconditional apology to the lady."

Nitish Kumar seems to be in no mood for an apology.

Says Shatrughan Sinha, the Trinamool Congress MP, "To admit to a mistake is not a sign of smallness, but an acknowledgement of one's ability to learn from our mistakes.

"Sadly, politicians seldom apologise for their mistakes. If they did the nation wouldn't be in such a state," says Sinha.

"If I was in Nitish Kumar's place I would firstly never even think of crossing the boundary with a lady, and secondly if I did something so contemptible by mistake, I would apologise immediately."

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Pakistan on Thursday voiced concerns over the alleged variations in the flow of the Chenab River, saying it has written a letter to India seeking clarification.

IMAGE: A view of the Chenab River, which witnessed a significant drop in water levels in the Reasi district after the closure of gates at the Salal Dam, in May, 2025, after the Pahalgam terror attack. Photograph: ANI on X

"Our Indus Water Commissioner has written a letter to his Indian counterpart seeking clarification on the matters in accordance with the procedures enshrined in the Indus Waters Treaty," Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said while addressing the weekly press briefing.

"We call upon India to respond to the queries raised by the Pakistani Indus Water Commissioner, refrain from any unilateral manipulation of river flow and fulfil its obligations in letter and spirit under the Indus Water Treaty provisions,

he added.

A day after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, India took a series of punitive measures against Pakistan that included putting the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in "abeyance".

The IWT, brokered by the World Bank, has governed the distribution and use of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan since 1960.

Andrabi said that any manipulation of river flow, especially at a critical time of

our agricultural cycle, directly threatens the lives and livelihoods as well as food and economic security of our citizens.

He reiterated Pakistan's stance that the IWT is a binding international agreement which has been an instrument of peace, security and stability in the region.

The spokesperson said Pakistan remains committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes with India but will not compromise on the existential water rights of its people.

He also strongly regretted Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's act of publicly removing the 'naqab' (veil) of a young Muslim doctor, saying that his action risks normalising the humiliation of Muslim women in India.
Amid the Nitish Kumar 'naqab' controversy, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday created a fresh row when he said that it is up to the woman concerned to refuse appointment to the government job or "go to hell", drawing flak from many opposition leaders.

IMAGE: Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh (second from left) visits 'Crafted for the Future', the 10 day exhibition as a part of National Handicrafts Week, at National Crafts Museum in New Delhi, December 13, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Singh was responding to Monday's incident in Patna where the Bihar chief minister pulled the 'naqab' (veil) off the face of the newly-recruited AYUSH doctor while she was receiving her letter of appointment.

Several Opposition leaders had called Kumar's act "shameful".

Singh defended Nitish Kumar saying he has "not done anything wrong".

"If someone is going to collect an appointment letter, should they not show their face? Is this some Islamic country? Nitish Kumar acted as a guardian," he argued.

"If you are going to get a passport, do you not show your face? When you go to the airport, do you not show your face? People talk about Pakistan and Englishtan, but this is India. In India, the rule of law prevails," Singh said and added that Kumar did the right thing.

On reports that the woman has refused to take up the job following the incident, he said, "Whether she refuses the job or goes to hell, that's her choice (Woh refuse kare ya jahannum mein jaye)."

Congress MP from Bihar's Katihar Tariq Anwar slammed Giriraj Singh for his remarks and said he was a person with a "cheap mentality".

"These are third-rate people, they have a cheap mindset. They dont understand that our country is secular. Everyone is free to practice their religion. What Nitish Kumar has done is shameful and saddening," Anwar said.

People's Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti also lashed out at Singh.

"Only phenyl will work to clean this man's filthy mouth. You dare not touch the hijabs & naqabs of our Muslim mothers and sisters. Otherwise we Muslim women will set you right by teaching you a lesson you and your ilk will remember for all times to come," she said on X.

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar MP Fauzia Khan also hit out Kumar and Singh.

"It is very saddening that responsible people do such acts, this will send a wrong message in the world. It is a personal decision of a woman as to how much she covers up and removing the veil is akin to disrobing a woman. He (Kumar) should have given a pubic apology but instead of that they are saying that what happened was right," she said.

Asked about Singh's remarks, Congress MP Imran Masood said, "He needs treatment for mental sickness.
Months after 41 people died in a stampede at his rally in Karur, hitting pause on his political plans, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Founder and Tamil movie star Vijay returned to political rallies in Tamil Nadu on Thursday, December 17, 2025, with a rally in Erode.

IMAGE: Vijay is felicitated as he arrives to attend the rally in Erode. Photograph: TVK/ANI Photo

IMAGE: Vijay speaks at the rally, here and below. Photograph: TVK/ANI Photo

Photograph: TVK/ANI Photo

Photograph: TVK/ANI Photo

Photograph: TVK/ANI Photo

Photograph: TVK/Video Grab/ANI Photo

Photograph: TVK/Video Grab/ANI Photo

Photograph: TVK/Video Grab/ANI Photo

Photograph: TVK/Video Grab/ANI Photo

IMAGE: A glimpse of the crowd listening to Vijay. Photograph: TVK/Video Grab/ANI Photo

Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Nazrin Abdul



The words used in public discourse shape perceptions, influence attitudes, and ultimately determine how people are treated, included, or excluded from society.

Azernews reports that these were stated by UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Vladanka Andreeva, at a seminar titled Promoting the Use of Inclusive Language in the Media, organised in Baku by the UN Office in Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population (MLSPP).

Andreeva noted that language plays a particularly critical role in how persons with disabilities are perceived.

For persons with disabilities, language can either reinforce stereotypes and exceptions or promote dignity, equality, and agency, she said.

Recalling the launch of the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy in 2019, Andreeva noted that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had clearly emphasised the need for the UN to lead by example.

We must raise our standards and performance on disability inclusion across all pillars of our work, not only at the central level, but also within our offices on the ground, she said.

She highlighted that this commitment is especially significant as the international community marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities this year under the theme Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Justice, which reflects a renewed global consensus on inclusion.

According to Andreeva, Azerbaijan has made notable progress in advancing disability inclusion, guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

While we are proud of the progress achieved, challenges remain in the way disability-related issues are reported and portrayed in the media, she said, adding that outdated or stereotypical language, even when used without ill intent, can still cause harm.

Andreeva emphasised the powerful role of the media in shaping public discourse, noting that journalists are not only storytellers, but also key partners and agents of social change.

Through responsible and inclusive reporting, the media can help dismantle stigma and ensure that persons with disabilities are represented as rights holders and active contributors to society, she concluded.
by Hua Gesheng

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently declared that a potential contingency in Taiwan could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan -- one that might justify invoking the right of collective self-defense. This statement is not just provocative; it is a dangerous and blatant departure from Japan's postwar identity. By implying possible military intervention in the Taiwan Strait, Tokyo has crossed a red line that risks destabilizing the entire Asia-Pacific region and shattering decades of hard-won peace.

This statement is not an isolated incident. It is the latest symptom of a deeper and more alarming trend: the systematic dismantling of Japan's pacifist principle by the resurgent right-wing forces. Emboldened by incremental gains, they are trying to rewrite historical narratives, erode constitutional constraints, and steer Japan away from its solemn post-war commitment to never again wage war.

Eight decades after the atomic devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, some Japanese leaders still cling to a selective narrative that frames Japan solely as a "victim" -- conveniently omitting its role as the aggressor that plunged Asia into 14 years of unspeakable suffering. Without honest reckoning, there can be no true peace. Without accountability, the ghost of militarism will never rest.

HISTORY'S STAINS DO NOT FADE WITH TIME

History does not disappear -- it resonates. The massacre of over 300,000 souls in Nanjing, the systemic sexual enslavement of "comfort women," the biological atrocities of Unit 731, the scorched-earth campaigns from Singapore to Manila, these are not relics of a distant past; they are wounds that still bleed in the collective memory of Asia.

Japan's war of aggression caused over 35 million casualties in China alone and claimed about 50 million lives across the region. It was not an act of "self-defense," as revisionists now claim, but a brutal campaign of imperial conquest launched in 1931 under the false excuse of "survival crisis." To whitewash this legacy -- to pretend Japan was merely "dragged into war" -- is to insult the victims and betray the living.

A nation that refuses to confront its darkest chapters cannot claim moral authority in shaping the future. Genuine peace begins with truth, not denial.

SPECTER OF MILITARISM RISES AGAIN

The Potsdam Declaration clearly stipulated that Japan must not rearm, and Japan's post-war constitution codified the principle of "exclusive self-defense." Over generations, this commitment has been the bedrock of Japan's regional credibility and global standing.

But today, that foundation is being shattered. Textbooks are being rewritten to blur its history of aggression. Politicians pay homage at Yasukuni Shrine -- where Class-A war criminals of WWII are enshrined -- framing reverence for the war dead as "patriotism." Defense budgets soar, long-range strike capabilities are pursued, arms export restrictions are lifted, and whispers of "nuclear sharing" grow louder.

Most alarmingly, the Japanese government has publicly linked the Taiwan question to its own security narrative, framing a "Taiwan contingency" as a pretext to justify its military buildup. This contravenes the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, infringes on China's sovereignty, and undermines the post-war international order. This is not a "survival-threatening situation." It is strategic adventurism cloaked in the language of self-defense.

CHINA'S CORE INTERESTS PERMIT NO EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE

China's position on the Taiwan question is consistent and unequivocal: it is purely an internal affair of China and brooks no external interference. China has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese side, urging Tokyo to immediately halt its provocative acts or bear the consequences for any further escalation.

The Chinese people defeated Japanese militarism under extremely dire circumstances. Today's China has both the will and the capability to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity with even greater confidence. Japan must not misread China's restraint or underestimate the Chinese people's determination to defend their core interests.

PEACE AND STABILITY SHOULD NOT BE UNDERMINED AGAIN

The post-war international order was built on the victory over fascism, and Taiwan's return to China is an important part of that order. Japan's attempts to change the order challenge not only China's sovereignty, but also the broader framework of regional and global peace. Nations across the Asia-Pacific, including South Korea and Russia, watch Japan's rightward shift with growing concern. However, the United States, in its zeal to counterbalance China, has dangerously enabled Tokyo's rearmament, forgetting the hard lesson of history about Japan: once militarism takes root, the entire region pays a high price.

Let it be clear: the challenges facing Japan lie not in imagined external threats, but in its stagnant economy, aging population and unsustainable public debt. Channeling precious resources into arms expansion and military posturing is not a display of strength -- it is strategic self-sabotage.

JAPAN ON THE EDGE OF CLIFF: IT MUST CHOOSE WISELY

Japan stands at a historic crossroads. One path leads to reconciliation, responsibility, and a renewed commitment to peace. The other, the path it now treads, leads to escalation and the revival of a militarist past that brought catastrophe upon itself and its neighbors.

The tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were not random acts of fate. They were the culmination of a militarist trajectory that Japan chose, for which the whole Asia paid in blood.

Today, the warning signs are flashing. But it is not too late to halt this descent. Japan must remember: peace is not inherited -- it is actively chosen, every day, through humility, honesty, and respect for the lessons of history.

The world is watching. Asia is watching. And the Chinese people will not stand by when history is distorted and China's red lines are crossed.

Editor's note: Hua Gesheng is a commentator on international and multilateral affairs, writing regularly for Xinhua News Agency, Global Times, China Daily, CGTN, etc. She can be reached at gesheng1213@gmail.com.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency.
Walpole Police and New Hampshire State Police investigate a shooting incident at Jiffy Mart in Walpole, N.H. on Wednesday. One person was transported for injuries to Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H.
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Nancy Braus is a long-time political activist who writes from Guilford. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
KABUL, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- A five-day exhibition highlighting Afghan-made goods kicked off on Thursday in Faizabad, the capital of northern Badakhshan province, local officials said.

The event features a variety of domestic products, including agricultural items, handicrafts, food products, and locally manufactured goods, according to Zabihullah Amiri, provincial director of the Information and Culture Department.

Amiri emphasized the importance of leveraging the current security environment to encourage investment, which would create jobs and generate income. He added that the Afghan government is committed to empowering local enterprises.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to bolster domestic industries and reduce reliance on imports. Similar exhibitions have been held in various provinces nationwide to showcase Afghan craftsmanship and entrepreneurial potential.

The exhibition is scheduled to continue through Monday. 
Thousands rallied in Sofia after lawmakers reintroduced a budget plan that had sparked large protests earlier this month. Amid the show of anger on December 18, the budget was quickly withdrawn. The protest movement -- Bulgaria's largest in years -- had already forced the government to resign, although the lawmakers remain in a caretaker role until elections planned for next spring.
The specific wording of Russian President Vladimir Putin's address to a military meeting on December 17 is telling. His use of the street slang term "podsvinki" seemingly deliberately plays to his domestic audience by suggesting European leaders are submissive to US machinations. The insult's timing is also revealing, coming just as Western leaders voice support for Ukraine resisting Russia's demands as ceasefire terms.
In combative comments at a high-profile military meeting on December 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to unspecified European leaders as podsvinki, which roughly translates as young pigs or young swine.

Heres why he said it.

Ever since 1999, when he called Chechen separatists terrorists and vowed to wipe them out in the outhouse, Putin has been using street slang and pungent, derogatory language to get messages across to the West, to the world, and to Russian people.

In the case of his latest comment, Putin was presumably counting on audiences in Russia -- and some elsewhere -- to welcome his words as a slap in the face of the Western leaders who are demonized daily on Russian state TV amid Moscows war against Ukraine.

But theres more to it than that.

Echoing statements hes made in the past, Putin first pointed out that US President Donald Trump has said Russia would not have launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine if he, instead of Joe Biden, had been president at the time, in February 2022. And once again, Putin added that Trump may be right about that.

Old Narrative, New Twist

He then claimed without evidence that Bidens administration intentionally fomented the war and said, I think its clear why: Everyone believed they would destroy and dismantle Russia in a short period of time, and the European young swine immediately joined the previous American administration in this effort, hoping to profit from our country's collapse.

Accusing the West of seeking to tear Russia apart and gobble up the pieces has been one of Putins main narratives for more than 20 years: Following the hostage seizure at a school in the North Caucasus town of Beslan in 2004, which left more than 330 people dead after a botched rescue operation, Putin suggested that Western countries were helping militants in order to weaken Russia.

But in this case, Putins swine comment had specific goals beyond repeating that assertion, which many Western leaders say is baseless.

For one thing, it was part of an effort to sow discord between the United States and Ukraines European backers at a time when Trump is pressing forward with efforts to broker a peace deal. After the US made a proposal last month that critics said heavily favored Russia, European countries such as Britain, France, and Germany have helped Kyiv seek adjustments that would make a potential pact more agreeable for Ukraine.

Blaming Europe

The word Putin used does not just mean pigs or swine. It refers to young pigs -- but not cute piglets. Instead, it implies a lack of independence and a tendency to follow. This echoes repeated Russian assertions that EU and NATO countries are not their own masters and are under the thumb of the US -- but in this case, Putin specified he means these countries were beholden to the Biden administration.

Putins remark may also have been aimed to aggravate divisions within Europe, in particular over whether and how strongly the European Union and others, such as Britain, should support Ukraine -- and pressure Russia. Putin spoke one day before an EU summit set to decide on a controversial plan to use frozen Russian assets to lend Ukraine tens of billions of euros to help it withstand the Russian onslaught.

In the same address, Putin repeated his vow that Russia will take Ukrainian territory it considers its own by force if any proposed peace deal that emerges from the current flurry of diplomacy does not meet Moscows draconian demands.

So as is often the case with Putins remarks, another goal of the young swine quip was to blame Europe in advance if the US-led peace efforts falter or fail to deliver a deal that pleases the Kremlin.

With reporting by Merhat Sharipzhan
One St. Petersburg woman quit her job at a municipal agency to avoid installing the app. Siberian university students were told they couldnt take final exams, or even threatened with expulsion, if they didnt start using it. A man lied to his bosses about it and said he might have to resort to buying a second device -- a burner phone.

Six months ago, to great fanfare, Russian authorities began rolling out something they hoped would transform the digital lives of citizens: a national, state-backed messaging app that would help people do everything from complaining about trash pickup to registering for school classes and making dentist appointments.

Called Messenger Max, its a linchpin in a wider effort to build a super-app -- a one-stop-shopping tool, installed on every mobile phone, that ultimately will allow Russians to do myriad things under the watchful eye of state regulators and the Federal Security Service, known as the FSB.

Ads for Max are everywhere in Russia: billboards, pop-up windows on websites, TV commercials, shout-outs by government officials. Regulators have throttled more popular apps that are not under state control - WhatsApp, Telegram -- to frustrate people and persuade them to switch.

So is it working? Are Russians switching?

In many cases, yes. But many are grumbling, and some are resisting.

Max was the last straw, said Oksana Petrova, a woman who quit her job in St. Petersburg after she was ordered to download Max.

When she asked why she had to, and voiced doubts about its security, she was lectured about how all social media is under surveillance, she said.

The Americans monitor WhatsApp, the French monitor Telegram, but only the FSB monitors Max, she quoted her boss as saying. If she didnt install it, her boss told her, the FSB would take notice.

Petrova, like the other people RFE/RLs North.Realities spoke to for this story, asked to use a pseudonym, to avoid arrest or prosecution.

One woman named Anastasia complained that her son was recently barred by his teacher from joining a school field trip to see a movie, because Anastasia did not confirm her permission -- using Max. The boy came home in tears.

The teacher said if you dont like it, transfer to another school. I dont use other messengers to communicate with parents; school order, Anastasia wrote in a comment to the social media app Threads -- a platform owned by Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp and Instagram.



Enter The Super-App

For years, authorities have struggled to find ways to control or monitor WhatsApp and Telegram, which was built by the Russian technology developer Pavel Durov.

Those efforts dovetailed with wider campaigns -- going back decades now -- to control how Russians use the Internet.

In addition to targeting Western Internet giants such as Facebook, Google, Apple, and Amazon, authorities have cultivated homegrown alternatives such as Yandex, VK, and Mail.ru and moved to control them outright.

Last year, VK, whose CEO is the son of the influential Kremlin adviser Sergei Kiriyenko, emerged as a leader in developing not only Messenger Max, but also an alternative to YouTube, the Google-owned video platform that is also hugely popular among Russians.



More than 15 years ago, the Digital Development Ministry rolled out an e-government service portal called Gosuslugi. It has simplified the lives of millions of Russians, streamlining many of the mundane tasks that Russian bureaucracies often made intolerable.

Since 2022, Gosuslugi has been moving to integrate more of its services into VK. National tech and media regulator Roskomnadzor used Gosuslugi to warn Russians about platforms like Instagram being blocked -- and encourage Russians to switch over to VK.

In June, the State Duma passed legislation authorizing the creation of Max. That same month, President Vladimir Putin publicly endorsed the app, announcing that all government services should be transferred to it.

Since then, theres been a huge marketing campaign to get Russians to switch, a mix of threats or coercion.

You have to acknowledge the resources being used to push this Max thing, by hook or by crook, including by Putin himself; that is, Putin himself has never promoted any other commercial organization -- except for Max, Mikhail Klimarev, an activist and director of the Internet Protection Society, told Current Time. I think that's reason enough to simply stay away from it, stay away from everything.

In a public opinion poll conducted last month by the survey group Russian Field, 68 percent of Russians reported not using Max at all, while another 1 percent of respondents said they downloaded the app but did not use it. Those who do use it said it was mainly for chatting and messaging with friends and family, followed by official communications, including for schools.

School Daze

Last month, the Science and Higher Education Ministry sent a letter to all post-secondary institutions setting a series of deadlines for schools to register Max for official communication and to report how the app was being used.

At Kuban State University, students posted online photographs of a deans order mandating students download Max -- and the requirement that they write explanatory statements if they refuse.

Similar orders were reported at other universities. In Voronezh, students were ordered to install the app or they would not be allowed to take final exams. In Yekaterinburg, students were threatened with expulsion.

At Kazan State University, the chemistry department told students that they would be physically blocked from even entering the building unless they obtained an electronic entrance pass using Max.



OVD-Info, an independent watchdog group that monitors police repression, said it had received more than two dozen complaints as of the end of November from students and teachers complaining about being forced to use the app.

But some students said they were indifferent.

"I dont have strong feelings about it. I have it installed. I've registered with it, but I don't use it," said Aleksei, a student at Pskov State University. "Other people are the same.

He said Max was more reliable, compared with other messaging apps too.

Viktoria Romanova, an activist with OVD-Info, said university administrators have skirted existing laws by using vague language to push students to use Max.

"Direct and overt threats like expulsion or firing, or not allowing students to take exams, are less common," she told RFE/RL. "Typically, they use vague statements about potential problems, threats of disciplinary action, and the creation of situations in which it's simply impossible not to install Max.

This past week, regulators floated the idea of requiring banks and their clients to use only Max -- rather than SMS messages -- for personal banking operations such as dual-factor authentication and transaction notifications.

Also this week, a number of Russians have complained about problems with Gosuslugi, the e-government portal. The news site Vyorstka reported that an electronic signature, known as GosKlyuch, which is used to sign and exchange legal documents within Gosuslugi, would now require using Max.



Aleksei, a shift supervisor at a municipal heating plant in St. Petersburg, said he lied to his boss that he had downloaded the app. Most of his colleagues did the same.

"People who are afraid of having their personal data being disclosed, I think, will buy devices and use them for accessing WhatsApp, to create new e-mail accounts, so they won't have to use Gosuslugi, Sberbank, or anything," he said. "Thats how it is. Its disgusting."





With reporting by Current Time and RFE/RL Senior International Correspondent Mike Eckel
A 58,000-ton oil tanker called the Mikati was ploughing through the waters of the Indian Ocean one day when it got some bad news from faraway Brussels: it had been added to a list of sanctioned vessels in Russias shadow fleet.

The story of the Mikati, currently passing through the English Channel, illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of the European Union sanctions regime that now includes some 600 ships.

The EU listed the Mikati in July, following a similar decision by Britain in November last year. Built in 2003, its advanced age makes it a typical shadow fleet vessel -- as does the behavior that preceded its designation.

Suspicious Behavior

According to data provided to RFE/RL by Windward, a maritime intelligence company, the Mikati went through a series of name changes, was sold to an anonymous owner, and repeatedly turned off its AIS location transponders in the period before it was sanctioned.

This latter is regarded as a dangerous shipping practice by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is only permitted under special circumstances. The Mikati also changed the flag it was registered under, switching to Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone's government outsourced management of its ship registry to a private company based in Cyprus, Windward analyst Michelle Bockmann told RFE/RL, adding that the country was the flag registry of choice for shadow vessels.

Taken together, these indicators were evidence enough to get the Mikati blacklisted. The EU included the Mikati in its 18th sanctions package against Russia on July 18. It had an immediate impact.

Two days later the ship arrived in waters off Kochi, home to one of Indias largest oil refineries. But it did not unload the full cargo it had picked up in Russias Barents Sea port of Murmansk a month earlier.

Its not clear if there was a hitch or if the Mikati was following pre-arranged plans.

Sometimes ships are sanctioned when they're already under way, so someone will have to give the buyer a call and ask if the deal is still on, Benjamin Hilgenstock, a senior economist at the Kyiv-based KSE institute, told RFE/RL.

They may be told we need to figure this out first, so maybe wait a bit -- or well take your oil but only if you give it to us for a little less money, he added.

The Samoan Connection

In any case, something was stirring behind the scenes.

On July 25, the Mikati changed its registered owner and commercial manager, moving from Azerbaijan to Samoa, a nation of some 200,000 people in the South Pacific not known for having a thriving shipping industry.

The company listed, Alga Oceanic Ventures, appears to have no Internet presence.

Its address is a business complex called La Sanalele, where its neighbors have included another shipping manager, Faleola Nexus Ltd, operator of an oil tanker named Orion -- sanctioned by Britain and Ukraine for illicit trading in Russian crude.

Another neighbor was a Taiwanese company called Pro-Gain Group Corporation that was sanctioned by the United States in 2018 in connection with illegal dealings in North Korean coal and oil.

The Mikatis sudden ownership switch was followed by a new voyage, north along the coast to Mangalore. There, on August 3, it signaled that it had unloaded.

The 11-day delay was probably related to its sanctions and having to get new insurance, Bockmann said. That's a really good example of how EU sanctions are disruptive. But they have very little teeth.

Indeed, despite sanctions, the Mikati unloaded its oil and stayed in service. Sanctioned vessels cant visit EU ports or get Western insurance and have trouble finding professional crew. But they maintain the right of innocent passage through international waters.

An October study by kpler, a trade analytics company, found that Russia has sustained its crude exports despite the logistical challenges posed by the recent escalation of sanctions targeting shadow fleet tonnage.

EU vs US Sanctions

Sanctions imposed by the US Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) were deemed considerably more effective than by the EU.

This data set shows that India is OK with accepting European- and UK-sanctioned vessels, but they don't want to accept the OFAC-sanctioned vessels. And probably this shows that India is a bit more reluctant to find themselves in prospects of secondary sanctions by the US, kpler analyst Panagiotis Krontiras told RFE/RL.

The kpler data details reductions in productivity, measured by the fall in kilometers traveled and tons of cargo carried, for ships under each sanction regime. For the US, there was a 70 percent average decline, for the EU -- 30 percent.

EU Sanctions Envoy David OSullivan told RFE/RL that sanctions are always a bit leaky and it was always possible to find examples of a vessel that has nonetheless continued to operate.

But, he added, our figures show that once a vessel is sanctioned, it drops its ability to carry Russian oil by about 73 percent.

Furthermore, while OSullivan estimates the EU has now sanctioned two-thirds of Russias shadow fleet, OFAC has hit around 40 percent, according to kpler data. While the EU has repeatedly added new vessels this year, OFAC has not added any since January.

The US Treasury did not respond to a request for comment.

In any case, while the Mikati has continued sailing, it has not been very productive. Windward data shows that after unloading in Mangalore, it sailed through the Suez Canal and anchored at Port Said for a week in August -- where it picked up oil in a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer from another blacklisted tanker, the Noctis. Such transfers are not illegal but are a frequent practice for evading sanctions.

'Loitering' Off China

The Mikati took the oil to Ningbo, China, arriving on September 29, but didnt discharge it until October 15. Again, the reason for the delay isnt clear. Bockmann noted that it remained loitering around the port area for a protracted period of time, part of a pattern of highly uneconomic behavior.

Again, this is typical of sanctioned vessels.

Once you're sanctioned, you have two choices: either go Russia-India or Russia-China. And that's why there is this huge productivity drop, said kpler analyst Krontiras.

An unsanctioned vessel would seek to pick up new cargo somewhere rather than traveling home empty on whats known as a ballast leg.

But now they don't have this option...they have to go back to Russia, pick up another cargo, and this is a very long ballast leg, said Krontiras.

The Mikati did just that. Windward data also shows it once again switched off its transponders between December 10-12, near Russias main Baltic crude export port, Ust-Luga. On December 18, it was heading southwest through the English Channel.

Destination likely India or China, or even STS. No indication, noted Bockmann.
Leaders of the European Union have gathered in Brussels for a summit set to decide on a proposal to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's economic and military needs in the coming years that Poland likened to a choice between "money today or blood tomorrow."

The EU summit on December 18 comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin crudely criticized the bloc's leaders, using a word that can be translated as "young swine," and reiterated assertions that Moscow will achieve the goals of its war on Ukraine by force if a US push for peace does not produce a deal that meets its demands.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Brussels and spoke at the meeting, telling the summit the current proposal of a loan backed by the frozen assets is preferable, but that ultimately it doesn't matter how the funds are utilized, just as long as a solution is found.

If in the spring, Ukraine does not receive the corresponding tranche -- which, in the event of peace, will be used for the countrys reconstruction, and in the event of continued war, for other priorities, above all drone production -- Ukraines drone production will be reduced several fold, he told reporters at a press conference after addressing the summit behind closed doors.

Ukraine currently faces a foreign aid shortfall of some $53 billion to $59 billion next year, he added.

Western countries have supported the war-torn country with both direct budgetary support and military aid since Russias full-scale invasion nearly four years ago, but the upcoming period may be different.

The United States has signaled that it most likely wont send more cash, putting the onus on the EU and other G7 countries to step up -- and to do so soon.

Some 140 billion euros ($165 billion) of Russian state assets are being held in the Belgian-based financial markets company Euroclear, while an additional 25 billion euros of Russian state assets are held in banks across the EU, mainly in France but also in a Belgian private bank, Cyprus, and Germany.

The reparations loan is part of a wider financial package that is worth up to 210 billion euros, according to the European Commission. This also includes 45 billion euros that will be used to repay a G7 loan to Ukraine from 2024.

While most of the EU's 27 members are in favor of using the assets to back the loan, Belgium fears the plan could leave it legally vulnerable, and other countries including Italy have also expressed doubts.

"Now we have a simple choice - either money today or blood tomorrow. And I am not talking about Ukraine only, I am talking about Europe," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said as EU leaders arrived at the summit in Brussels.

"This is our decision to make and only ours."



European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said she would not leave the summit without agreement on how to finance Ukraine over the next two years.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a stark warning earlier this week, saying failure would mean "the European Union's ability to act will be severely damaged for years, if not longer, and we will show the world that we are incapable of standing together and acting at such a crucial moment in our history."

Swedish EU Affairs Minister added in an interview with RFE/RL in Brussels on December 18 that "we have to have some kind of agreement that really makes sure that we have a financing support for Ukraine."

"It's the most realistic option we have at the table, something we should be able to agree on. But it is also the solution that really means that Russia is also held accountable and must pay for the damage that they have caused Ukraine."

In a combative speech at an annual Defense Ministry event on December 17, Putin sought to blame Europe and Ukraine in advance for any failure of the peace efforts, saying that Russia will take more land by force if Kyiv and European leaders he described as "young swine" do not take the right approach to US proposals.

"If the opposing side and their foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive discussions, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means," Putin said, pouring cold water on any proposal that calls for Moscow to make territorial concessions.

Moscow currently controls nearly one-fifth of Ukraine, and Russian officials have repeatedly said they won't compromise on the five Ukrainian regions that Putin baselessly claims are Russian.

A particular sticking point in the weeks-long flurry of negotiations involving the US, Ukraine, Europe, and Russia has been the portion of the Donetsk region that Ukrainian forces still hold.

Russia's top military commander, General Valery Gerasimov, kept up the attacks on Europe on December 18, saying the West is the "main source" of growing military threats to Russian security.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, RFE/RL Ukrainian Service correspondent Zoriana Stepanenko in Brussels, RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and Reuters
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Over 13,000 people in Malaysia have been displaced due to floods as of Thursday, according to the country's social welfare department.

Victims are being housed in 103 flood relief centers in six states as of 9 p.m. local time, with Pahang state being the most severely affected, the department said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government's disaster management plans have been in action.

"This situation will continue to be closely monitored, and assistance will be channelled as efficiently and swiftly as possible," he said in a brief statement.

The meteorological department has issued warnings of continuous adverse weather. 
BUJUMBURA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Burundian government has launched an emergency response plan to aid 70,000 Congolese who recently fled violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly following clashes in Uvira.

The statement was made on Wednesday by Burundian Minister of Interior, Community Development and Public Security Leonidas Ndaruzaniye after a joint meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation Edouard Bizimana, diplomats and development partners.

"The Burundian government needs at least 33 million U.S. dollars to support 76,015 DRC asylum seekers welcomed in Burundi since Dec. 5, 2025, due to the ongoing violence in eastern DRC," said Ndaruzaniye.

He officially issued an urgent appeal from the Burundian government for national and international solidarity to support ongoing efforts to address this humanitarian crisis.

According to him, during Dec. 5-16, Burundi registered 76,015 Congolese refugees, but only 12,786 have been relocated to the Busuma site in Ruyigi District, Buhumuza Province.

"This sudden influx is putting considerable pressure on existing infrastructure. The Musenyi refugee site in Burunga Province, southeastern Burundi, as well as transit sites and other refugee camps, have now reached their hosting capacity in terms of both infrastructure and logistics," he said.

Ndaruzaniye noted that the government, in collaboration with partners including the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Refugees, is undertaking concrete actions to provide essential relief.

According to UN Resident Coordinator in Burundi Violet Kakyomya, the emergency response plan to support Congolese refugees in Burundi in critical situations requires approximately 33.1 million dollars for a four-month period. 
Ottoline Spearman

Greta Thunberg will be speaking at a Dublin fundraiser event for Gaza on Thursday evening.

The Swedish activist will be joined by Medecins Sans Frontieres deputy medical co-ordinator for Palestine, Dr Mohammed Abu Mughessib, who will be in conversation with Irish human rights campaigner Caoimhe Butterly.

Organised by Bohemians FC, the "unique night of conversation and music" will look at the recent flotillas to Gaza and the genocide, as well as a forward-looking conversation about what can be further done in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Musical guests include Roisin El Cherif, Sorcha Richardson and Kevin Corcoran, with more to be announced.

All proceeds from the event will go to Grassroots Winter Aid for families in Gaza, and more than 800 tickets have already been sold for the event.

Tickets for the event are available here.

Ms Thunberg has been seen sporting Bohemians merchandise and was given a limited edition shirt launched earlier this year, the Irish Times reports.

Combining Irish and Palestinian motifs, it features the Palestinian flag and the phrase Saoirse don Phalaistin (Free Palestine). The words I thought it was love  a lyric from a Fontaines DC song  are printed around the neck.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Swedish activist visited President Catherine Connolly during a courtesy call at Aras an Uachtarain, with Kneecap rapper Moglai Bap leading a 10km run through Phoenix Park in solidarity with Palestine.

Some have criticised President Connolly's reception of Ms Thunberg, after the Swedish activist posted shortly after the Bondi Beach terror attack against the Jewish community, that activists must "mobilise and escalate".

Former Minister for Justice of Ireland Alan Shatter was critical of the meeting in a post on X: "Deeply disturbing that President Connolly reportedly hosted Greta Thunberg who is visiting Ireland to speak at a Daniel Lambert/Irish Sport for Palestine event.

"Irish Sport for Palestine advocates the elimination of the State of Israel & the denaming of Herzog Park.

"In the immediate aftermath of the Bondi Beach massacre Thunberg called for an escalation of the anti Israel campaign & said nothing about those slaughtered & injured on Bondi Beach.

"The lack of sincerity of the Presidents condolences & condemnation of the Bondi atrocity is sadly now starkly illustrated. Yet again Irelands international reputation is destined to be sullied."
As part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of drugs in the region, Gardai from the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit searched a house in Tuam on December 17th.

Cocaine with an estimated street value of 50,000, cannabis with an estimated value of 40,000 and ecstasy with an estimated value of 7,000 was seized.

A man  aged in his 40s  was arrested and detained at a station in the Garda North Western Region under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.

A follow-up search was conducted at another house in Tuam and a further quantity of cannabis was recovered.

The seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.
Last week on the news I saw the new Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, jumping out of an army armoured personnel carrier, a MOWAG Piranha, to give it its proper name. Ministers love equipment, and what better prop to be filmed with than army hardware. Thankfully, she avoided the fate of Corporal Willie ODea, the former Minister for Defence, who was famously photographed pointing a pistol at a photographer  an image that has long outlived most of the policies of the time.

Minister McEntee was in the Curragh to re-announce what the Government describes as an unprecedented investment in the Irish Defence Forces, intended to make up for decades of underfunding. Few would argue that defence does not need attention. Ireland has allowed its capabilities to run down to the point where we are now heavily reliant on others to mind our patch. We may be a neutral country, but neutrality should not mean helpless. At present, we are dependent on our neighbours in the UK  the very crowd we pretend not to like  to protect our airspace, as we lack even a basic ability to intercept an unfriendly aircraft.

The implication, however, seems to be that with enough money, all our problems will simply be fixed. We will police our airspace, patrol our seas, counter cyber threats and rebuild capacity across the board. It all sounds very reassuring. I am not reassured!

In truth, we are not upgrading our Defence Forces so much as recreating them from scratch. Take the air corps. If Ireland was to begin serious air policing, it would require fighter jets. A single modern fighter aircraft costs in the region of 60 million. A credible squadron would typically consist of around twelve aircraft, bringing the headline cost alone close to 720 million. That is before pilots, engineers, ground crews, hangars, simulators, training pipelines, fuel, maintenance contracts and decades of ongoing support are factored in. You would be looking at close to a billion euro very quickly  and that would be for just one capability, probably based at Shannon.

The navy tells a similar story. At present, we can only just about put two ships to sea at any given time. During the recent visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a number of drones were reported off Dublin. Suggestions were made that this was Russia flexing its muscles. Perhaps it was, perhaps it wasnt  but the uncomfortable reality remains that we were unable to respond in any meaningful way. We couldnt even shoot one down! It is hard to project seriousness when you cannot even investigate, let alone deter, activity on your own doorstep.

And defence is only one part of the picture. The same spending pressures exist everywhere you look. In health its pretty obvious that we need another hospital in addition to what we already have. We know that the National Childrens Hospital has reached a cost of around 2.24 billion, with years of delays still behind it, how much would another adult hospital cost? Our population continues to grow, yet our hospital system is creaking at the seams. We clearly need more capacity, but building a new greenfield hospital is only part of the challenge. Could we staff it? Could we run it? Capital spending grabs headlines, but recurrent costs quietly pile up year after year.

Education follows the same pattern. Until recently, children seeking access to special education classes or schools required an Assessment of Need carried out by trained professionals. We now have more than 18,000 children waiting for such assessments. Instead of fixing delivery failures, the Government has opted to scrap the requirement altogether, shifting responsibility onto among others, teachers. Again, rather than building capacity, we lower the bar and pretend the problem has been solved.

Housing, water and sewerage infrastructure, transport, and immigration all demand substantial investment as well. Every one of these areas is presented as urgent, essential and unavoidable. And perhaps they are. But taken together, they represent an enormous and growing call on the public purse. And there are many more needs looking for money too.

This brings us to the uncomfortable question: where is the money coming from? Workers saw little benefit in the most recent budget, and we already know that roughly a third of taxpayer units  more than a million earners  pay no income tax or Universal Social Charge. That leaves a narrowing base carrying an expanding load. Corporation tax, meanwhile, remains volatile and exposed to international change. It is a risky foundation on which to build long-term commitments.

Are we ready to keep spending as if money is going out of fashion? Are we prepared to have an honest conversation about priorities, trade-offs and limits? Because at some point, the sums stop adding up. Pretending otherwise may be comforting, but it is not a strategy.
This move is designed to fill longstanding vacancies across major government departments, which will benefit thousands of job aspirants across the state. File Photo.

This reflects a multi-sectoral employment push that can benefit candidates with diverse skills and educational backgrounds.

Uttar Pradesh 2026: 1.5 Lakh Government Jobs Announced by CM Yogi Adityanath

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the creation of 1.5 lakh government jobs in 2026. This is one of the largest recruitment drives in the states recent history. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made the announcement for this initiative. It is part of a broader strategy to achieve a milestone of 10 lakh government jobs over the past decade, highlighting a long-term commitment to youth empowerment and economic stability.

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CM Yogi Adityanath directed senior officials to fast-track recruitment processes by preparing detailed, department-wise lists of vacant positions in a high-level review meeting. The goal is to ensure that recruitment advertisements are issued promptly and that the selection process is transparent and merit-based. This move is designed to fill longstanding vacancies across major government departments, which will benefit thousands of job aspirants across the state.

With approximately 50,000 positions each, the police and education departments are expected to receive the largest share of the total 1.5 lakh jobs planned for 2026. These roles include constables, sub-inspectors, and various teaching and administrative posts in the education sector. Additionally, about 20,000 jobs will be allocated to the revenue department, demonstrating a balanced approach towards addressing workforce needs in both security and public service.

According to officials, opportunities are also being prepared in other sectors such as housing development, health, child development and nutrition. This reflects a multi-sectoral employment push that can benefit candidates with diverse skills and educational backgrounds.

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Officials said this recruitment drive could set a new record for the highest annual job creation in the state. Over the past 8.5 years, Uttar Pradesh has already provided more than 8.5 lakh government jobs through a process that the administration has described as fair and transparent. If the 1.5 lakh jobs are filled as planned, it will bring the total close to the target of 10 lakh jobs in a decade, a figure officials hope will serve as a benchmark for governance and youth employment in India.

Job seekers across the state have welcomed this announcement, particularly those involved in competitive examination preparation. With recruitment notifications expected soon, 2026 could prove to be a pivotal year for many young aspirants seeking stable government employment.

Source: Hindustan Times

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It is the 29th international accolade conferred on Mr Modi, reinforcing his global leadership profile. File Photo,

Both leaders affirmed their commitment to strengthening ties against a backdrop of evolving regional and global dynamics.

PM Modi Receives Omans Prestigious National Honour, Strengthening Historic Ties



On Thursday, PM Narendra Modi was conferred the First Class of the Order of Oman during a ceremony in Muscat. It is the Sultanates national honour, representing a significant milestone in bilateral ties between India and Oman. The award places PM Modi alongside global figures such as Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, Queen Maxima and King Abdullah II of Jordan, all of whom have previously received this prestigious distinction.

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The honour was bestowed by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. It is the 29th international accolade conferred on Mr Modi, reinforcing his global leadership profile. Mr Modi arrived in Oman on Wednesday as part of the final leg of his three-nation diplomatic tour, which included Jordan and Ethiopia.

Sultan Haitham welcomed the Prime Minister during the formal investiture at Al Baraka Palace and expressed appreciation for his role in strengthening IndiaOman relations. Both leaders engaged in bilateral talks that culminated in the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Randhir Jaiswal, spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs, said the pact is expected to increase trade, boost investment, catalyse economic diversification, unlock opportunities across all major sectors, enhance growth and generate employment for both countries.

The discussions also covered major areas of cooperation, including defence and security, energy, agriculture, technology, culture and people-to-people relations, reflecting the wide-ranging IndiaOman strategic partnership. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to strengthening ties against a backdrop of evolving regional and global dynamics.

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PM Modis visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, highlighting a long history of maritime trade, cultural exchanges and strategic cooperation. The CEPA and the national honour are being viewed as symbols of a deepening partnership that is set to deliver broader economic and geopolitical benefits in the years ahead.

Source: Hindustan Times




UVIRA, DR Congo, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Fighters from the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group on Wednesday began withdrawing from their positions in Uvira, a strategic city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a Xinhua reporter observed on the ground.

The M23 had claimed control of Uvira last week, a city that once served as the temporary administrative center for South Kivu province. On Monday, the group announced its decision to "unilaterally withdraw its forces" from Uvira at the request of U.S. mediators, calling it a confidence-building measure to support the ongoing peace process.

However, the DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya dismissed the announcement as a "diversion."

In a statement on Monday evening, Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC) -- a politico-military coalition allied with the M23 -- described the withdrawal as "conditional," demanding security guarantees. These include the deployment of a neutral force to prevent reprisals against civilians following their departure.

The decision came after recent progress in the Doha peace talks, including the November signing of the Doha Framework Agreement. The M23 announced its intention to initiate a "unilateral trust-building measure" and "give the Doha peace process the maximum chance to succeed" to pave the way for a lasting solution to the conflict.

Negotiations between the M23 and the Congolese government began in March under Qatari mediation, resulting in the July Declaration of Principles and the November framework agreement. However, the target date for a peace agreement -- Aug. 18 -- has passed without resolution. 
The 2025 Sakharov Prize

The 2025 Sakharov Prize honours Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli

The 2025 Sakharov Prize (Photo: European Union 2025 - Source: EP)

Eugen Cojocariu and Radio Romania International, 18.12.2025, 13:02

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola awarded the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the representatives of two journalists imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia, Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli, at a ceremony in Strasbourg.

On this occasion, EP President Roberta Metsola said: I am proud to award this years Sakharov Prize to journalists Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli, in recognition of their brave fight for freedom of expression and the democratic future of Belarus and Georgia. This House stands in solidarity with Mzia and Andrzej and calls for their immediate release from prison  because speaking the truth to power must never be a crime.

Andrzej Poczobut is a journalist, essayist, blogger and member of the Polish minority in Belarus. He was represented at the award ceremony by his daughter, Jana Poczobut. Eugen Cojocariu had a talk on Andrzej Poczobut and the dictatorial regime in Minsk with Robert Tyszkiewicz, a former member of the Polish Parliament, a human rights lawyer and a friend of the imprisoned journalist. The translation of the talk has been provided by courtesy of the European Parliament.

Mzia Amaglobeli is a journalist from Georgia, co-founder and director of independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti. She was represented at the ceremony by her fellow journalist Irma Dimitradze, who also works for Batumelebi. Eugen Cojocariu talked with Irma Dimitradze.

Also in Strasbourg, Eugen Cojocariu discussed about the Sakharov Prize and what European journalists should do to fight disinformation with Lithuanian EPP MEP Rasa Jukneviciene, a member of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee.
December 18, 2025 UPDATE

A roundup of local and world news

December 18, 2025 UPDATE

Newsroom, 18.12.2025, 20:00

EU The president of Romania Nicusor Dan is in Brussels for a European Council meeting. Heads of state and government of the EU member countries focus on the situation in Ukraine, with an emphasis on solid and reliable security guarantees for Kyiv and diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. Using frozen Russian assets to finance aid to Ukraine, an idea that is not backed by all EU leaders, will also be discussed. While in Brussels, Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country needs a quick decision from the EU on how to use these assets to finance the war effort and meet the needs of his people. Meanwhile, European leaders are discussing a EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine. Negotiations over Russias frozen assets are expected to be lengthy, given that these assets are in Belgium, which has not yet been convinced of the plan and fears litigation with Russia. Zelenskyy warned, however, that without a decision Ukraine risks running out of money in the first three months of next year.

GOVERNMENT Dominic Fritz, the president of Save Romania Union, one of the parties in Romanias ruling coalition, has announced a party Political Committee meeting on Friday to vote on the nominations for the defence and economy ministries. The incumbent economy minister Radu Miruta is the partys nomination for defence minister, also holding the Deputy PM post. Senator Irineu Darau was nominated to take over the economy ministry, according to a news release issued by USR. Ionut Mosteanu recently stepped down as defence minister, following a scandal concerning his education.

UNIONS Both trade unions, and employers are discontent with the decision to raise minimum wages as of July next year, as agreed on Wednesday by the ruling coalition. While trade unions want the minimum wage raise to about EUR 865 to be operated as of January 1, business people argue wages should not be increased at all, given the countrys economic situation. Several thousand members of four trade union confederations Thursday picketed the Romanian Presidency offices, asking the head of state Nicusor Dan to mediate between the government and social partners. The minimum wage is not the only reason for employees dissatisfaction. The head of the Cartel Alfa Trade Union Confederation, Mihai Barbulescu, said the measures taken by PM Ilie Bolojan failed to get the country out of the crisis or improve Romanias financial situation. On Wednesday, the ruling coalition also agreed to cut lump sums paid to MPs, the subsidies received by political parties and central administration expenditure by 10%. The minimum turnover tax will also be lowered to 0.5% as of January 1, 2026 and eliminated as of 2027.

COMMEMORATION In Timisoara, the city in western Romania where the anti-communist Revolution broke out in December 1989, commemorative events continued on Thursday. Students from 17 schools and high schools visited the Revolution Monuments, and in the evening, candles were laid on the steps of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Wednesday, December 17, was a day of mourning in Timisoara in memory of the Revolution heroes, and services were held in churches and cemeteries throughout the day.

FARMERS Thousands of European farmers protested in Brussels on Thursday during the last European Council meeting of the year, where leaders are discussed the Unions new multi-annual budget. Farmers claim the Common Agricultural Policy will be under-funded as of 2027 and demanded less bureaucracy in the sector. They also criticised the Mercosur trade agreement, which opens the European market to certain agri-food products from Latin America. According to local media, farmers from over 40 groups in all EU member states took to the streets in Brussels with 500 tractors. Water cannons were used when the demonstrators tried to force through police cordons using several agricultural machines. In response, demonstrators set fire to the fences placed in by the authorities. On Wednesday, farmers had protested in Strasbourg, where the European Parliament met in plenary session and approved rules that support small-scale producers. (AMP)
Romanias President in London and Helsinki

The Head of the Romanian state, Nicusor Dan, was received in London by King Charles III of the United Kingdom; he had previously gone to Helsinki to attend a summit of the EU states on the Eastern Flank

Photo: presidency.ro

Leyla Cheamil, 18.12.2025, 14:00

Romanias President, Nicusor Dan, paid a visit to London, where he was received by King Charles III of the United Kingdom at Buckingham Palace. Worth mentioning is that while he was heir of the British crown, His Highness travelled many times to Romania where he has properties in the village of Viscri and the Zalan Valley. The Romanian president also met some Romanians residing in Britain as well as members of the British and Romanian business environments. He told the representatives of the Romanian communities they represent a huge potential for Romania.

Nicusor Dan referred to the interface aimed at uniting all the Romanian communities abroad, adding that he is optimistic about Romanias midterm future.

He said he would encourage investment which brings state-of-the-art technologies in Romania, fresh well-paid jobs, which, by rising domestic output, will help the process of curbing the trade deficit. The message of the business environment has been clear: there is the need for a bigger openness from the Romanian state, of authentic cooperation and functional partnerships. Entrepreneurs have underlined the importance of the institutional support for stepping up digitalization and backing start-ups, as essential factors for development and innovation, the Head of the Romanian state wrote on Facebook. He underlined the meeting with representatives of the British business environment and reconfirmed Romanias commitment to consolidating trade and economic relations with the United Kingdom and encouraging British investors to continue to come to Romania.

Nicusor Dan has underlined that innovation, supporting the entrepreneurship and building solid bridges between the Diaspora and Romania remain priorities for the countrys durable development.

Before London, the Bucharest leader had gone to Helsinki, where he attended the EU Eastern Flank Summit, which focused on tightening ties between Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria and Romania, mainly in the context of the threat posed by Russia. Nicusor Dan said that talks focused on practical ways of increasing preparedness in the field of defence on the Eastern Flank, how to protect the population and deter any aggressive intention from Russia. President Dan said Romania must capitalize on the European initiatives on defence preparedness and these efforts must unfold in full coherence with NATO requirements in term of collective defence. At the same time, Nicusor Dan has drawn attention to the allies assessment that the Russian threat remains even after the war with Ukraine has ended, so all NATO members must keep calm and invest in defence.

(bill)
Oil prices climbed on Thursday amid geopolitical risks stemming from Venezuela to Russia.

Investors were also reacting to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration that showed crude inventories dropped by 1.3 million barrels to 424.4 million barrels in the week ended December 12.

Benchmark Brent crude futures rose half a percent to $60.01 a barrel while WTI crude futures were up 0.7 percent at $56.18.

After U.S. President Donald ordered "a total and complete" blockade against oil tankers travelling to or from Venezuela, the South American country has ordered its Navy to escort ships carrying petroleum products from port, escalating the risk of a confrontation with the United States.

The U.S. military reportedly killed four people in its latest attack on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean without providing any evidence that the destroyed vessel was involved in drug trafficking.

As Washington increases its military presence in the region, including troops and warships, China has voiced opposition to what it described as "unilateral bullying".

Elsewhere, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said in a speech at the annual meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry that he would not compromise on his demands for Ukraine to cede territory.

European leaders will debate at a key summit this week whether to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine. Also, U.S. and Russian negotiators will hold talks in Miami this weekend over a peace deal aimed at ending the Ukraine crisis.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
A total of 14 Islamic State terrorists have been killed and 119 others detained in joint operations by U.S. and partner forces in Syria over the last six months.

U.S. and partner forces in Syria have conducted nearly 80 operations since July to eliminate terrorists, including ISIS remnants, that posed a direct threat to the United States and its interests abroad, the U.S. Central Command said in a press release.



According to CENTCOM, ISIS has conspired at least 11 plots or attacks against targets in the United States over the past year. U.S. Central Command operations in response to it have disrupted ISIS efforts to reconstitute and carry out terror attacks globally.

During a July raid in al-Bab, Aleppo Governate, U.S. forces killed senior ISIS leader Dhiya Zawba Muslih al-Hardani and his two sons, who posed a threat to U.S. forces, Coalition partners, and the Syrian government.

Senior ISIS operative Omar Abdul Qader, who actively sought to attack the United States, was killed in a September raid by CENTCOM forces in Syria.

Last month, more than 15 sites containing ISIS weapons caches in southern Syria were destroyed in a combined operation by U.S. and Syrian forces.

"We are steadfast in our relentless pursuit of terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our interests abroad," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. "Operations in Syria are critical for preventing ISIS from regenerating and posing a significant threat. We will root out and eliminate terrorist jihadists wherever they hide."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has ended its long-standing policy of giving all newborns a hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Instead, it will now recommend that parents and doctors decide on a case-by-case basis. However, experts warn that this change could lead to more infections.

The decision follows a recommendation from the CDC's vaccine advisory group, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The current panel was selected after US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed the previous members earlier this year.

Under the new guidance, newborns will automatically get the hepatitis B vaccine at birth only if their mother tests positive for the virus or if her status is unknown. If the mother is confirmed to be hepatitis B-negative, parents are advised to talk with a healthcare provider to decide whether their baby should receive the vaccine.

If parents choose not to vaccinate their baby at birth but later decide to do so, the CDC now recommends waiting until the child is at least two months old to get the first dose. This marks a major shift away from more than 30 years of medical advice. Since 1991, health officials have recommended that all infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine, starting at birth.

Experts are concerned because hepatitis B is a highly contagious liver infection. It spreads through blood or bodily fluids and can easily pass from a mother to her baby during childbirth. It can also spread through everyday contact, like bites or scratches during play.

While many adults recover from hepatitis B, some develop a long-term infection that raises the risk of liver cancer, liver failure, and cirrhosis. Chronic hepatitis B greatly increases the risk of early death. Babies and young children are especially vulnerable, as about 90 percent of infected infants and 30 percent of children aged 1 to 5 go on to develop chronic disease.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Folks choosing the discount offer on outgoing Seltos will miss out on multiple improvements introduced with the all-new 2026 Seltos

Kia recently unveiled the new second-gen Seltos, which gets a comprehensive range of styling and equipment updates. Official launch is scheduled for 2nd January, when prices will also be announced.

Meanwhile, some dealerships are offering hefty discounts on the current model of up to Rs 1.60 lakh. There could be some additional offers at the dealer level as well. This makes the old Seltos a really enticing deal. Lets explore more details to understand which option would be better.

Current Kia Seltos vs new Seltos  Design and features

While the current Seltos has sporty styling, the new Seltos has a more powerful presence. Key highlights of new Seltos include its distinctive grille design, sharp lighting elements and a prominent lower grille section. Side profile has been updated with new panelling, flush door handles and more dynamic wheel arches. At the rear, the new Seltos has sleek taillamps in connected format and a more rugged bumper design with skid plates.

All-new Seltos can be the preferred choice for folks looking for a fresh new design for their ride. However, design choices can vary, based on individual tastes and preferences. And when there are significant savings to be made, many people may choose to go with old Seltos. It essentially depends on the priorities of the buyer.

Equipment and safety upgrades

Buyers who want access to the latest tech features are likely to choose the new Seltos. Updates include larger 12.3-inch infotainment and instrument screens and a 10-way electrically adjustable drivers seat with memory function. Outgoing Seltos is also well-equipped with features such as dual 10.25-inch screens, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, an 8-speaker Bose sound system and an 8-way powered drivers seat.

Safety has been enhanced with more features added to the Level 2+ ADAS suite. These include lead vehicle departure alert, front collision avoidance assist and parking collision avoidance assist. New Seltos has a total of 21 autonomous ADAS Level 2 features. Other safety features such as 6 airbags, electronic parking brake, a 360 camera, dual dashcams and tyre pressure monitoring system are the same across both old and new Seltos.

Larger dimensions

Another area where the new Seltos has an upper hand is the improved cabin space and boot space. As compared to the outgoing Seltos, the new Seltos is 95 mm longer, 30 mm wider and has an 80 mm longer wheelbase. At 4,460 mm in length, the new Seltos is the longest SUV in its class. Users can expect improved space for all passengers. The boot space has also increased by 13 litres.

Same performance

Powertrain options are the same for both the old and new Seltos. This is where the Rs 1.60 lakh discount with the outgoing Seltos may seem more attractive. New Seltos continues with the 115 PS 1.5-litre NA petrol engine, a 160 PS 1.5-litre turbo petrol unit and a 116 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine. Transmission choices are also the same as earlier.

Current Seltos with Rs 1.60 lakh discount vs. New Seltos

New Seltos has sportier styling, larger dimensions, more features and improved safety. However, there is no change in the powertrain options. New Seltos is likely to be offered at a slightly higher price. In comparison, the old Seltos is available in the price range of Rs 10.79 lakh to Rs 19.81 lakh. For budget-conscious customers, the old Seltos can seem like a good deal with the Rs 1.60 lakh discount. For buyers who are not worried about the price, the new Seltos can deliver a better overall experience.
Nissan Motor India has officially revealed the name of its upcoming seven-seater B-segment MPV, called Gravite, marking the first major step in the brands planned resurgence in the Indian market. Scheduled for a launch in early 2026, the Gravite will be manufactured locally at Renault-Nissan Alliances Chennai facility and will be part of a broader product offensive aimed at rebuilding Nissans presence in India.

The Gravite is positioned as a family-focused, value-oriented MPV, developed specifically for Indian households. It will sit below Nissans upcoming SUVs and is expected to compete in the same space as models like Renault Triber, with which it will share its underlying platform and core mechanicals.

Built on a Familiar Alliance Platform

While Nissan has not shared technical specifications yet, the Gravite is expected to be based on the Renault Tribers CMF-A+ architecture, continuing the alliances strategy of platform sharing for cost efficiency and localisation benefits. This approach has already been seen with the Nissan MagniteRenault Kiger pairing and allows Nissan to accelerate its product rollout without heavy investment in all-new architectures.

Despite the shared platform, Nissan is positioning the Gravite with a distinct identity, both in terms of design and brand positioning, to appeal to buyers looking for a Nissan-badged alternative in the affordable 7-seater MPV space.

Design Highlights and Brand Differentiation

According to Nissan, the Gravite will feature the brands signature C-shaped front fascia and grille, aimed at delivering immediate visual differentiation from its Renault counterpart. The teaser also suggests a more upright stance and horizontal proportions to emphasise space and road presence.

Nissan has also confirmed hood branding and Gravite rear-door badging, elements not typically seen in this segment, as part of its effort to give the Gravite a stronger standalone identity. The rear design will continue the C-shaped lighting theme, aligning it with Nissans global design language.

Focus on Space, Modularity and Family Use

The Gravite is being pitched as a practical and modular family MPV, with an emphasis on interior flexibility, seating versatility and storage solutions. Nissan claims the cabin has been designed to cater to both daily commuting and longer family trips, with a strong focus on usability rather than outright premium positioning.

While interior layouts are yet to be revealed, expectations point towards a Triber-like modular seating setup, which has been one of the strongest selling points of the Renault MPV in India.

Part of Nissans Broader India Revival Plan

The Gravite is the second model under Nissan Indias renewed product roadmap, first announced in 2024. Following its launch in early 2026, Nissan plans to introduce the Tekton SUV in mid-2026, followed by a larger 7-seater C-SUV in early 2027.

Alongside new products, Nissan has also confirmed dealer network expansion across Tier I and Tier II cities, aimed at improving reach and customer confidencean area where the brand has faced challenges in recent years.

Magnite Continues as Export Backbone

Nissan also highlighted the continued success of the Magnite, which remains its most important Made-in-India model and is currently exported to 65 global markets. The company reiterated Indias role as a key manufacturing and export hub within the Nissan Alliance.

More details regarding engine options, features, pricing and exact positioning of the Nissan Gravite will be announced closer to launch. For now, the teaser signals Nissans intent to stay committed to India, using a familiar alliance-led approach while attempting to rebuild brand relevance through new nameplates.

Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson, Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania), commented: India continues to be a strong contributor to AMIEOs performance, and Nissan Motor India plays a pivotal role in our strategy. Over FY25, we have strengthened our business operations, expanded our portfolio, and delivered on every promise made under our 2024 product offensive. The upcoming line-upshaped by global insights yet deeply attuned to the needs of Indian customersreflects our commitment to this dynamic market. With new models developed in and for India, and exports to several international markets, India remains both a growth driver and a strategic hub for Nissan Alliance. The reveal of the GRAVITE demonstrates our continued momentum and reinforces our confidence in the road ahead.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, stated: The All-New GRAVITE is a testament to Nissan Motor Indias renewed focus on the evolving Indian market. Deeply rooted in the fabric of the country, it is designed to be the perfect companion for the diverse needs of our customers. As the second model in our all-new product line-up, the GRAVITE marks a pivotal step in our transformation journey and reinforces our commitment to delivering vehicles that resonate with the aspirations of Indian consumers.
SYDNEY, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) said on Thursday that six men have been charged after authorities intercepted a 46 kg shipment of cocaine.

The NSW Police Force said in a statement that the cocaine was found concealed in a shipping container on Dec. 10 by officers from the Australian Border Force and a strike force investigating alleged drug supply and money laundering activity in Sydney and Brisbane by a transnational organized crime network.

Following inquiries into the shipment and its destination, strike force detectives arrested four men in western Sydney on Wednesday morning.

Three of the men were each charged with two counts of supplying a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity while the fourth man was charged with four counts of the same offense, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Two more men were separately arrested later on Wednesday in southwest Sydney. One was charged with four counts of supplying a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity and the other was charged with seven drug supply offenses.

Three of the six men were also charged with firearms offenses and all six were charged with participating in a criminal group.

A firearm, ammunition, gold bullion, over 115,000 Australian dollars (75,872.3 U.S. dollars) in cash and another 1.2 kg of cocaine were located and seized by officers executing subsequent search warrants across Sydney on Wednesday. 
ABUJA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Nine military personnel and two crew members of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft, who were forced to land in Burkina Faso recently, have been released, authorities confirmed Thursday.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa told Xinhua by phone that the personnel and crew of the C-130 transport aircraft were released on Wednesday following a delegation's visit to Burkina Faso.

"They (the detained military personnel and crew) have been released. I just checked with our Head of Mission in Burkina Faso," Ebienfa said.

In an earlier statement, the NAF said the aircraft made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, on Dec. 8 after the crew detected a technical concern shortly after takeoff from Lagos.

The aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal for scheduled maintenance when the crew opted to divert in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols, according to the statement.

Following days of diplomatic engagements with the Burkinabe authorities, Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar led a delegation to Ouagadougou, the country's capital, as the special envoy of President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of the detained personnel, according to local media reports on Thursday. 
CARACAS, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela on Wednesday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's order to impose a maritime blockade against the country, deeming it a grave, reckless move in violation of international law.

A day after Trump's order, the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) issued a statement, calling Trump's decision a violation of the principles of free trade and freedom of navigation, and revealing that Washington's true motives are to appropriate Venezuela's energy and natural resources.

Venezuela will not accept any form of intervention, and will continue to defend its independence against any colonial or imperial threat, it said.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez on Wednesday told a press conference that Washington's action revealed "desperation," describing Trump's announcement as "delusional."

He said that the Caribbean Sea is governed by international laws regarding freedom of navigation, cooperation, and trade, and not a region under the exclusive control of any single power.

"The president of the United States has said that we are the thieves of the oil that lies beneath our soil. That is completely incoherent," said the official.

The truth was exposed to the international community, said Padrino, as it became clear that the escalating pressure and hostility against Venezuela is motivated by the United States' intention to seize Venezuelan oil.

Washington's lawless conduct poses a real risk to the stability of Latin America and the Caribbean, he said, as well as to global energy security, by violating fundamental principles of international law.

Also on Wednesday, thousands of Venezuelans rallied in Caracas to reject "the U.S. threats" of a naval blockade, voicing support for national sovereignty.

Caracas Mayor Carmen Melendez told the crowd that Venezuela is facing a dangerous escalation and called for unity among organized communities.

"All communes must speak out against these violent threats by those who see themselves as supremacist rulers of the world," Melendez said, adding that defending the country is a collective responsibility.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday called on the United Nations to seek peaceful solutions to disputes and prevent the United States from going to war in Venezuela. 
An international research team led by Dr. Karen Baab, a paleoanthropologist at the College of Graduate Studies, Glendale Campus of Midwestern University in Arizona, created a digital reconstruction of the face of early Homo erectus. The fossil, known as DAN5, is dated to about 1.5 to 1.6 million years old and was discovered at Gona in Ethiopia's Afar region. The rebuilt face looks more archaic than many scientists expected, offering fresh clues about one of the first human species to expand across Africa and Eurasia. The results were published in Nature Communications.

Dr. Baab says the reconstruction adds a surprising new twist: "We already knew that the DAN5 fossil had a small brain, but this new reconstruction shows that the face is also more primitive than classic African Homo erectus of the same antiquity. One explanation is that the Gona population retained the anatomy of the population that originally migrated out of Africa approximately 300,000 years earlier."

Gona's Deep Record of Fossils and Stone Tools

The Gona Paleoanthropological Research Project in Ethiopia's Afar region is co-directed by Dr. Sileshi Semaw (Centro Nacional de Investigacion sobre la Evolucion Humana, Spain) and Dr. Michael Rogers (Southern Connecticut State University). The Gona area has produced hominin fossils older than 6.3 million years ago, along with stone tools covering the past 2.6 million years of human evolution.

For this reconstruction, scientists combined a fossil brain case (previously described in 2020) with smaller facial fragments from the same individual, DAN5, dated to between 1.6 and 1.5 million years ago. Using virtual methods, the team reassembled the face fragments (and teeth) to build what they describe as the most complete fossil human skull from the Horn of Africa for this time period. Researchers classify DAN5 as Homo erectus, a long-lasting species found across Africa, Asia, and Europe after about 1.8 million years ago.

How Micro-CT Scans Rebuilt the DAN5 Skull

To piece the fossil together, the team used high-resolution micro-CT scans of four major facial fragments recovered during fieldwork at Gona in 2000. They built 3D digital models from those scans, then carefully aligned and reassembled the fragments on a computer. Where possible, they positioned the teeth into the upper jaw. The final stage involved "attaching" the reconstructed face to the braincase to create a mostly complete cranium. The process took about a year and required multiple rounds of refinement before the team settled on the final reconstruction.

Dr. Baab, who led the reconstruction work, compared it to "a very complicated 3D puzzle, and one where you do not know the exact outcome in advance. Fortunately, we do know how faces fit together in general, so we were not starting from scratch."

A Mix of Homo erectus Traits and Older Features

The study suggests that the Gona population living around 1.5 million years ago combined traits typically associated with Homo erectus in the braincase with more ancestral features in the face and teeth that are usually linked to earlier species. The researchers point to examples such as a relatively flat bridge of the nose and large molars.

To reach these conclusions, the team compared the size and shape of the DAN5 face and teeth with fossils from the same geological age, as well as specimens that are older and younger. A similar trait combination has been reported before in Eurasia, but DAN5 is described as the first fossil showing this pattern within Africa. That finding challenges the idea that Homo erectus evolved outside Africa. "I'll never forget the shock I felt when Dr. Baab first showed me the reconstructed face and jaw," says Dr. Yousuke Kaifu of the University of Tokyo, a co-author of the study.

Dr. Baab argues the broader fossil record still points toward an African origin for the species: "The oldest fossils belonging to Homo erectus are from Africa, and the new fossil reconstruction shows that transitional fossils also existed there, so it makes sense that this species emerged on the African continent. But the DAN5 fossil postdates the initial exit from Africa, so other interpretations are possible."

Dr. Rogers agrees that the new skull highlights how varied early humans could be. "This newly reconstructed cranium further emphasizes the anatomical diversity seen in early members of our genus, which is only likely to increase with future discoveries."

Dr. Semaw adds that the fossil is also notable for its archaeological context: "It is remarkable that the DAN5 Homo erectus was making both simple Oldowan stone tools and early Acheulian handaxes, among the earliest evidence for the two stone tool traditions to be found directly associated with a hominin fossil."

What Comes Next for DAN5 and Early European Fossils

Next, the researchers want to compare DAN5 with some of the earliest known human fossils from Europe. These include remains assigned to Homo erectus as well as Homo antecessor, a distinct species, with both dated to around one million years ago. "Comparing DAN5 to these fossils will not only deepen our understanding of facial variability within Homo erectus but also shed light on how the species adapted and evolved," says study co-author Dr. Sarah Freidline of the University of Central Florida.

The team also hopes future discoveries will help test other possibilities, including scenarios involving genetic admixture between species, similar to what has been documented much later among Neanderthals, modern humans and "Denisovans." One idea is that DAN5 could reflect admixture between classic African Homo erectus and the earlier Homo habilis species. As Dr. Rogers puts it, "We're going to need several more fossils dated between one to two million years ago to sort this out."
New data from the University of Michigan's annual Monitoring the Future Panel Study shows that using substances to help with sleep is common among young adults. The study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, found that 22% of Americans ages 19 to 30 said they used cannabis, alcohol, or both to help themselves sleep.

Cannabis was used much more often than alcohol for sleep. About 18% of young adults reported using cannabis to fall asleep, while 7% said they used alcohol for the same reason. Among those who had used cannabis at any point in the past year, 41% said helping themselves fall asleep was one reason they used it.

Experts Warn Sleep Quality May Suffer

Researchers caution that relying on substances for sleep can cause problems over time. "Using these substances to get to sleep can backfire because they can interfere with the ability to stay asleep and with the quality of sleep," said Megan Patrick, research professor at the Institute for Social Research and principal investigator of the MTF Panel Study. "They appear to actually disrupt sleep in the long term. The fact that so many young adults reported that they use cannabis to sleep is alarming."

The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, examined responses from 1,473 young adults across the United States. The researchers found notable differences based on gender and race in how substances were used for sleep.

Women were almost twice as likely as men to use cannabis to help them fall asleep. Participants who identified as another gender were more than four times as likely as men to report using cannabis for sleep. Black young adults were three times more likely than white young adults to say they used alcohol as a sleep aid.

Long-Term Use May Increase Risks

Patrick said repeated use of cannabis or alcohol for sleep may worsen sleep difficulties rather than solve them. "Long-term, regular use of these substances to get to sleep may lead to worse sleep problems and increased risk for substance use disorder," she said. "For example, frequently using a substance to get to sleep may lead to tolerance, or needing more of it to get the same effect. In other words, rather than resulting in better sleep, it may lead to additional sleep problems and escalating substance use."

This research is among the first national studies to closely examine how and why young adults use substances to manage sleep. The Monitoring the Future Panel Study follows nationally representative groups of U.S. students over time, tracking patterns of substance use as they move into adulthood.

Misconceptions About Substances and Sleep

Patrick emphasized that many young adults may believe cannabis or alcohol can improve sleep, even though evidence suggests the opposite. "Unfortunately, there is a misconception that substance use can be helpful for sleep problems, but it can make things worse," she said. "High-quality sleep is critical for mental health and regulating mood. Young adults told us that they are using cannabis to try to get to sleep, but doing so may make their sleep problems even worse. They need to know the potential risks."

Why Health Care Providers Should Pay Attention

Because sleep problems and substance use often occur together in young adulthood, the researchers say clinicians should be alert to this connection. The findings highlight the importance of screening for both issues and offering coordinated support when needed.

"Health care providers should understand how common both sleep problems and substance use are during young adulthood," Patrick said. "And that many young adults are using cannabis specifically to get to sleep. People who are trying to manage sleep problems should talk to their doctors or other providers."

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research. Additional authors included Yuk Pang and Yvonne Terry-McElrath.
KABUL, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- A total of 167 Afghan detainees released from Pakistani prisons over the past week have safely returned to Afghanistan, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation announced on Thursday.

According to the ministry, these individuals had been detained for periods ranging from one day to two months.

They returned to Afghanistan via the Spin Boldak border crossing in southern Kandahar province. Upon arrival, they received assistance at the border before being transported to their home provinces.

Figures from the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, released a couple of months ago, indicate that more than 10,000 Afghan citizens remain incarcerated abroad, primarily in Iran and Pakistan. 
*China on Thursday launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the world's largest FTP by area.

*The launch of island-wide special customs operations marks a new stage in the development of the Hainan FTP, which enables freer flows of goods, capital, personnel and data, supported by zero tariffs, low tax rates and a simplified tax system.

*The move is widely seen as a landmark in China's efforts to promote free trade and expand high-standard opening-up amid rising protectionism worldwide.

HAIKOU, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the world's largest FTP by area, allowing freer entry of overseas goods, expanding zero-tariff coverage, and introducing more business-friendly measures.

The move is widely seen as a landmark in China's efforts to promote free trade and expand high-standard opening-up amid rising protectionism worldwide.

Under the new arrangements, the tropical island, covering more than 30,000 square km and about a 1.5-hour flight from Hong Kong, has been designated a special customs supervision zone. This marks a new stage in the development of the Hainan FTP, which enables freer flows of goods, capital, personnel and data, supported by zero tariffs, low tax rates and a simplified tax system.

Substantial progress has been achieved in developing the Hainan FTP, and the essential conditions for its island-wide special customs operations have been met, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said at the launch ceremony in Haikou, the capital of south China's Hainan Province.

The island-wide special customs operations should serve as an opportunity to deepen reforms in key sectors, steadily advance high-quality development, improve the risk prevention and control system, and build the Hainan FTP into a leading gateway for China's opening-up in the new era, said He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

A billboard for the launch of island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is seen in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

NEW STAGE

Officials describe the special customs system as offering "freer access at the first line," referring to freer trade between Hainan and areas outside China's customs borders, and "regulated access at the second line," which involves applying standard customs controls for goods moving from Hainan to the mainland.

The share of zero-tariff products in the Hainan FTP has been raised from 21 to 74 percent, expanding the list of related items from 1,900 to over 6,600.

Zero-tariff goods processed in Hainan may be sold to the mainland duty-free if their local processing generated an added value of 30 percent or more.

Chi Fulin, president of the China Institute for Reform and Development, said this move demonstrates China's push to expand institutional opening-up.

"It signals that China's doors will not close, but open wider," Chi said, describing the FTP as the "highest level of openness in the global economy."

As the policy came into force, major ports across Hainan saw a surge in activity on Thursday.

At Yangpu Port, one of the island's eight "first-line" customs ports, the first batch of zero-tariff petrochemical imports, totaling 179,000 tonnes, arrived, with the shipment expected to save close to 10 million yuan (about 1.42 million U.S. dollars) in import-stage costs compared with before the launch.

Local authorities expect that on Thursday alone, key "first-line" gateways such as Yangpu and Sanya Phoenix International Airport are expected to clear a range of zero-tariff imports, including crude oil, medical equipment, aviation materials and food ingredients, with the total value exceeding 500 million yuan.

At Haikou Meilan International Airport, Jia Green Chocolate Works (Hainan) Co., a joint-venture chocolate producer based in the Hainan FTP, began shipping its products to Beijing and Hanzhong in northwest China after completing customs clearance.

"We have already benefited from the special customs operations of the Hainan FTP," said Wu Huijuan, general manager of the company's marketing department. "For this batch of chocolate products, we have cut costs by about 10 percent."

Staff members tie a mooring rope for a vessel carrying petrochemical raw materials at Yangpu Port in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

OPEN DOORS WIDER

Once an underdeveloped frontier outpost, Hainan became China's largest special economic zone in 1988. A master plan released in 2020 set the goal of developing the island into a globally influential, high-level FTP by the middle of the century. The Hainan FTP Law has been implemented to provide a legal guarantee for the port's development.

Foreign companies can benefit from a business environment more closely aligned with international standards, lower tax and production costs, broader access to service sectors like healthcare and education, and use Hainan as a platform to tap into the vast Chinese market.

Official data showed that since 2020, more than 9,600 foreign-invested enterprises have been established in Hainan. To date, the province has attracted investors from over 170 countries and regions.

"For Dun & Bradstreet, these policies in Hainan are highly aligned with our business and development direction in China," said Andrew Wu, CEO of Dun & Bradstreet China. The United States-based commercial data and analytics firm registered a company in the Hainan FTP in 2022.

"We aim to establish a data hub in the Free Trade Port, with Hainan as the center for aggregating global data and building a digital economy ecosystem oriented toward the world," Wu said.

Next, China will support Hainan in aligning its institutional framework with a high-standard FTP, including support in areas such as trade administration, investment environment and cross-border data flows, said Wang Changlin, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission.

The island-wide special customs operations reflect the CPC Central Committee's recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which called for a broader opening-up to the world.

"The move will inject new momentum into China's pursuit of high-quality development and its goal of basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035," said Xu Deshun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce.

Chinese economist Huang Hanquan said it also underscores the world's second-largest economy's opposition to protectionism.

The launch date, Dec. 18, coincides with the anniversary of a landmark CPC meeting in 1978, which was widely considered the start of the country's reform and opening-up era.

Over recent decades, China has established 22 pilot free trade zones, eliminated foreign investment restrictions in manufacturing, and expanded market access in sectors including telecommunication, healthcare and education. (Video reporters: Hong Ling, Zhou Yang, Zhao Yuhe, Liu Yutian, Guo Liangchuan, Guo Cheng and Zhou Huimin; video editors: Hong Ling, Li Qin and Wang Han.) 
BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry's Special Envoy for Asian Affairs will again make a shuttle-diplomacy trip to Cambodia and Thailand on Thursday in an effort to bridge the two sides to rebuild peace at an early date, a foreign ministry spokesperson said late Wednesday.

As a close neighbor and friend of Cambodia and Thailand, China closely follows the ongoing border conflict between the two countries and has shuttled between the two sides to promote peace, the spokesperson said.

"Through its own way, China has been working actively for deescalation," the spokesperson added. 
For two decades, the South Dakota Mines ceremonial mace has marked the start of commencement, carried by the faculty chair as part of the academic procession. The mace, an enduring symbol of the universitys distinctive identity and mission, will once again be on display during Mines 192nd commencement ceremony on Saturday at 9 a.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre at The Monument in Rapid City.

The use of a ceremonial mace in higher education dates back to medieval university tradition, where it was carried by a sergeant-at-arms to guard the university president.

At Mines, however, the mace has come to represent much more. The centuries-old tradition has been reimagined to reflect the universitys unique identity, academic mission and deep connections to the Black Hills.

Created 20 years ago through a collaborative community effort, the Mines first ceremonial mace was designed to represent the breadth of the universitys disciplines using local materials and craftsmanship.

Deborah Mitchell, associate professor emerita of humanities at Mines, led the design, working closely with Ryan Koontz, Ph.D., integrated manufacturing specialist for CAMP, and Doug Napier, local artist and jeweler. Conversations about creating the mace began during preparations for the 2004 inauguration of Mines President Charles Pierce Ruch, who served from 2003 to 2008.

I went to work with some sketches, thinking about how I could integrate some of the departments with materials from the Hills, Mitchell said. She reached out to Napier, a then a jeweler at Landstroms, and Koontz to help bring the concept to life.

The finished design incorporates local materials and symbolic elements that represent the universitys diverse disciplines. The handle, crafted from a fossil, reflects Mines legacy in paleontology. A rose-pink quartz sphere encased in the symbol of an atom represents geology and physics, while silver and gold elements honor the universitys mining heritage. A laurel leaf crown fashioned from Black Hills Gold signifies honor, distinction and success.

Koontz located the university seal in digital form and created a computer-aided design for the bronze top of the mace. A lot of time was spent to make sure the brass pieces we were working to ensure it would not be marred or scratched up, he said.

Today, the mace stands as a tangible link between past and present, a tradition carried forward and a point of pride for all who helped bring it to life.

I dont know if I realized how important it would be at the time, Koontz said of being part of the project. But it is great to be part of something that is so long-lasting and to look back and say, Wow, this is significant for South Dakota Mines.

Click here to watch a video on the collaborative effort that created the ceremonial mace.
Italian drinks company Campari has sold its Averna and Zedda Piras brands to rival Illva Saronno for 100m to refocus and streamline its portfolio.

The company, officially known as Davide Campari Milano, said it has reached an agreement with Disaronno owner Illva Saronno, which is also owns historic Sicilian wine brands Florio and Duca di Salaparuta, among others.

"This transaction marks another important step in Campari Groups strategy to streamline its portfolio to increase focus on core brands while reducing business complexity and supporting financial deleverage," Campari said.

This new strategy has already raised 210m so far this year, comprising the disposal of its Australian production facility and co-packing business in March, the divestment of the Cinzano brand in June, and the sale of part-owned Italian ecommerce platform Tannico in October.

The sale of Averna means that it can refocus its commitment on its Braulio brand as the only amaro name in its portfolio  which was purchased through the Fratelli Averna company acquisition in 2014, along with Averna. Zedda Piras, the myrtle liqueur brand popular across Italy, was acquired by Campari in 2002 as part of the acquisition of Sella & Mosca.

Together, both brands brought in sales of 26m over the 12 months to 30 September.

"We are very pleased to execute this transaction with Illva Saronno Holding S.p.A., a strong player in the alcoholic beverages market and the best possible fit for the future development of these brands, especially given their long-standing history of working with Sicilian brands," said chief executive Simon Hunt.

The stock was up 0.4% at 5.79 by 0903 GMT.
Embarrassing Shoes in San Antonio, Tex., will close next month, San Antonio Current reported.

The bookstore, which specializes in photography and art books, debuted in February 2025 within coffee house San Antonio Gold at 1913 S. Flores St. In addition to art and photography books, it carries greeting cards, art prints, candy, and other gifts. The store also features a gallery wall.

In a message posted to Instagram earlier this week, co-owners Emiko Badillo and Chad Miller wrote the store will be closing due to "bad business idea." They elaborated: "Well... it just didn't work out. We are gonna be slowly going out of business and trying to clear out inventory in the least painful way possible."

Through the end of the year, all books will be 20% off, with deeper discounts to follow. The owners are also open to selling shelving, fixtures, and POS systems.

Miller and Badillo thanked customers for "the support and hanging out and nice chats."
Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin (L) symbolically hands over a donation of Panda packs and bicycles to Cambodian Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister Vongsey Vissoth (R) at a handover ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Dec. 18, 2025. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) on Thursday donated 2,500 bicycles and 21,600 Panda packs to Cambodian schools for distribution to underprivileged students.

The CFRD, through its local partner Civil Society Alliance Forum, handed over the donation to beneficiary schools at a ceremony in the capital city of Phnom Penh in the presence of Cambodian Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister Vongsey Vissoth and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin.

Speaking at the event, Vissoth said underprivileged students in 128 schools in Phnom Penh and 12 other provinces would benefit from this donation.

"These precious gifts reflect the bonds of friendship, solidarity and humanitarian spirit, especially the love, care, and support from the people and government of China to the people and government of Cambodia," he said.

Ambassador Wang praised Chinese and Cambodian non-governmental organizations for their good collaboration in improving livelihoods, education, transportation infrastructure, clean water, sanitation, and health for rural people and students.

He said the CFRD's donation clearly reflected the profound sentiment and support of the Chinese people towards their Cambodian counterparts.

Representatives of the beneficiary schools expressed their heartfelt thanks for the generous donation, saying the bicycles and Panda packs are valuable for their underprivileged students. 

This photo taken on Dec. 18, 2025 shows part of donated bicycles and Panda packs at a handover ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) on Thursday donated 2,500 bicycles and 21,600 Panda packs to Cambodian schools for distribution to underprivileged students.

The CFRD, through its local partner Civil Society Alliance Forum, handed over the donation to beneficiary schools at a ceremony in the capital city of Phnom Penh in the presence of Cambodian Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister Vongsey Vissoth and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin.

Speaking at the event, Vissoth said underprivileged students in 128 schools in Phnom Penh and 12 other provinces would benefit from this donation. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)
I ndia and Oman will sign a Free Trade Agreement on December 18 to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties

The deal will give India wider access to markets across the GCC, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia

The agreement will focus on cooperation in energy transition, infrastructure development, food security, and startup ecosystems

India and Oman will formally sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on December 18, confirming a major step toward strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the agreement will create strong opportunities across multiple sectors and improve Indias access to key international markets.

Speaking at the India-Oman Business Forum in Muscat, Goyal said the FTA will benefit industries such as textiles, footwear, automobiles, gems and jewelry, renewable energy, and auto components. He added that Omans strategic location will help Indian businesses reach markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa.

India and Oman began negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in November 2023. The agreement will be signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, marking a key milestone in bilateral relations.

Goyal highlighted four priority areas for collaboration under the agreement. The first is energy transition, including renewable energy, battery storage, and green hydrogen. He said both countries can jointly build solutions for global markets.

The second focus area is infrastructure and logistics, covering multimodal transport, export hubs, and warehousing. The third area is food security, where India can support Oman through food parks and supply chain partnerships to serve wider regions.

Also Read: Axis Bank and Google Pay Unveil Digital UPI-Enabled Credit Card

The fourth area is startup ecosystem collaboration. Goyal said startups from both countries can work together in deep tech, logistics software, artificial intelligence, and digital services, using Oman as a regional innovation hub.

The FTA is expected to deepen trade, attract investment, and strengthen long-term economic cooperation between India and Oman.
Rohit Prasad leaving Amazon after leading AI initiatives and Nova model development.

Peter DeSantis to lead a new organization combining Nova, AGI, custom silicon, and quantum teams.

AI reorganization aims to unify frontier models, robotics, and enterprise AI amid rising competition.

Amazons AI Chief, Rohit Prasad, who has led the companys artificial intelligence initiatives and overseen the development of its homegrown Nova AI models, is set to leave the company at the end of the year. Prasad joined Amazon in 2013 during the early days of Alexa and was appointed senior vice president and head scientist for artificial general intelligence (AGI) in mid-2023, spearheading efforts to strengthen Amazons AI capabilities amid rising competition from OpenAI, Google, and other AI leaders.

CEO Andy Jassy announced a major reorganization of Amazons AI and computing teams. Peter DeSantis, a 27-year Amazon veteran and top cloud infrastructure executive, will lead a new group that combines the Nova and model research teams with the companys custom silicon efforts and quantum computing initiatives. DeSantis, who helped launch Amazon EC2 and oversaw the acquisition of chip designer Annapurna Labs, will report directly to Jassy. In a memo on Wednesday,announced a major reorganization of Amazons AI and computing teams., a 27-year Amazon veteran and top cloud infrastructure executive, will lead a new group that combines the Nova and model research teams with the companys custom silicon efforts and quantum computing initiatives. DeSantis, who helpedEC2 and oversaw the acquisition of chip designer Annapurna Labs, will report directly to Jassy.

As part of the reorganization, AI researcher Pieter Abbeel will lead the frontier model research team within Amazons AGI division while continuing his work with the companys robotics team. This move follows Amazons recent unveiling of its Nova 2 models at the annual re:Invent conference, highlighting the companys push to close the gap with AI rivals.

Jassy described the reorganization as a step to unify Amazons most important AI bets at an 'inflection point' for the technology, bringing together advanced AI models, custom chips like Graviton and Trainium, and quantum computing under one umbrella. Prasads departure was framed as his personal decision, with Jassy praising him as 'missionary, passionate, and selfless', noting his role in building differentiated technology, a strong team, and a culture of ambitious invention.

While Prasads next move is unknown, he has consistently emphasized practical AI applications over speculative visions of AGI, focusing on building generally intelligent systems that can be specialized for real business purposes.

The reorganization coincides with Amazon strengthening its position in enterprise AI through its Bedrock platform and the Nova Forge service, which allows businesses to customize models with their own data. The company continues to invest in AI partnerships, including talks to potentially invest over $10 billion in OpenAI, signaling its intent to compete aggressively in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Markets under pressure due to weak rupee, FII outflows, and trade delays.

Stock-specific triggers include stake sales, orders, capacity additions, fundraising, and approvals.

Key stocks in focus: Ola Electric, L&T, NTPC, Titagarh Rail.

Indian equity markets continued their weak trend for the third straight session on Wednesday, December 17, as benchmark indices ended marginally lower amid ongoing pressure from a falling rupee, persistent foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows, and delays in the India-US trade agreement. Market sentiment remained cautious, especially in the broader market, where midcap and smallcap stocks saw sharper declines.

The BSE Sensex slipped 120 points, or 0.14%, to close at 84,559.65, while the Nifty 50 fell 42 points, or 0.16%, ending the session at 25,818.55. The weakness was more visible beyond frontline stocks, with the BSE Midcap index declining 0.53% and the Smallcap index dropping 0.85%.

Ajit Mishra, SVP  Research at Religare Broking, said markets remained volatile and continued their corrective phase. After a brief early rise, the Nifty resumed its downward trend and gradually slipped lower through the day. Sector-wise, realty, FMCG, and financial stocks were the biggest laggards, while IT and metal stocks managed to close flat to marginally higher, offering some support. Commenting on the market movement,, said markets remained volatile and continued their corrective phase. After a brief early rise, the Nifty resumed its downward trend and gradually slipped lower through the day. Sector-wise, realty, FMCG, andwere the biggest laggards, while IT and metal stocks managed to close flat to marginally higher, offering some support.

Against this backdrop, several stocks are expected to remain in focus today due to company-specific developments:

Ola Electric is likely to see action after founder and promoter Bhavish Aggarwal sold an additional 4.2 crore shares through open market transactions, increasing investor attention on the stock.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) announced that it has secured multiple high-value orders, including a contract to construct a museum in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, strengthening its order book.

Cyient drew interest after its Singapore subsidiary announced plans to acquire over 65% stake in US-based Kinetic Technologies for $93 million. The deal is expected to be completed by April 2026.

NTPC said it has commenced commercial operations of 243.66 MW capacity from its 1,255 MW solar project at Khavda in Gujarat, marking progress in its renewable energy expansion.

Indian Overseas Bank will be watched as the government plans to exercise the oversubscription option in its offer-for-sale, selling additional shares beyond the base offer.

Titagarh Rail Systems secured a Rs 273.24 crore contract from Indian Railways to supply rail maintenance vehicles, including training and servicing support.

GMR Power announced plans to raise over Rs 1,200 crore through a preferential allotment to investors and promoters, subject to approvals.

AstraZeneca Pharma received regulatory approval to import and market Datopotamab Deruxtecan in India.

KPI Energy signed an MoU with the Botswana government for renewable energy and transmission projects, while ACME Solar commissioned 52 MW of wind power capacity in Gujarat.

With markets remaining volatile, these stocks are expected to see heightened activity in todays trading session.
Afghan returnees receive food at a temporary camp at the Torkham border crossing, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2025. As the world marks International Migrants Day on Thursday, the unfolding narrative in Afghanistan is one of resilience and uncertainty. The forced return of thousands from neighboring countries is reshaping lives: many families are coming back to a homeland they barely know, striving to rebuild amid fragile security and limited support. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

TORKHAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- As the world marks International Migrants Day on Thursday, the unfolding narrative in Afghanistan is one of resilience and uncertainty.

The forced return of thousands from neighboring countries is reshaping lives: many families are coming back to a homeland they barely know, striving to rebuild amid fragile security and limited support.

The Torkham border crossing, Afghanistan's main gateway with neighboring Pakistan, remains crowded around the clock as thousands of returnees arrive daily. Yet the once-busy trade corridor tells a different story: border tensions have halted commercial traffic, leaving long lines of idle trucks stranded on both sides of the border.

Among them is Noor Rahman, who spent 14 years as a refugee in Pakistan, running a second-hand goods shop in Islamabad. His five children were born and raised abroad. Now settled with his family in a temporary camp, he waits to return to his home province and start anew.

"Here, the facilities are plentiful, and the arrangements are excellent; they provide us with meals at every mealtime," Noor Rahman told Xinhua. Still, his hopes are fixed on the future. "I urge the government to create educational opportunities for my children and employment opportunities for myself."

Nearby, 16-year-old Assadullah, born in Pakistan, knows little of Afghanistan. Forced back with his parents and sisters, he worries about an education suddenly interrupted. "Since arriving here, we have no information about what we should do or what we shouldn't," he said.

The journey home is only the first challenge. Mohammad Nabi, recently returned with his nine-member family, lamented the hardship that awaits. "If the government cooperates with us by providing land and creating employment opportunities, we will start our work in our own homeland." For now, his needs are immediate: "We are in need of cash, food supplies, and clothing."

Behind these individual stories lies a staggering reality. According to the UNHCR, about 2.7 million Afghans have returned from Iran, Pakistan, and other countries this year alone. Since August 2021, Afghan authorities said more than 7.1 million refugees have returned.

Responding to the crisis, the Afghan government has established a special commission to deliver essential services to returnees. Mullah Mohammad Hashim Maiwandwal, director of the Omari refugees' camp in Torkham, explained that the body provides shelter, food, clean water, medical aid, transportation, and other services.

"Previously, UNHCR and IOM provided substantial assistance, but now their aid has significantly decreased," Maiwandwal told Xinhua. "However, the Islamic Emirate is providing 10,000 afghanis (about 150 U.S. dollars) in aid to each returnee family."

For each family arriving at the camp, the journey to their home province costs between 15,000 and 20,000 afghanis (about 226 to 300 U.S. dollars), expenses fully covered by the government. Yet, with trade halted by recent border tensions and the once-busy highway now lined with waiting trucks, the path to stability remains steep.

The humanitarian crisis is deepening. According to John Aylieff, country director of the World Food Program (WFP) in Afghanistan, forced returns, prolonged drought, and a sharp decline in food assistance have pushed the country into a hunger emergency affecting nearly 17 million people.

As International Migrants Day turns global attention to the contributions and courage of those on the move, Afghanistan's story is still unfolding -- one of return and hardship, but also of enduring hope for a better life at home. 

A woman boards a truck bound for her home province from a temporary camp at the Torkham border crossing, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2025. As the world marks International Migrants Day on Thursday, the unfolding narrative in Afghanistan is one of resilience and uncertainty.

The forced return of thousands from neighboring countries is reshaping lives: many families are coming back to a homeland they barely know, striving to rebuild amid fragile security and limited support. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Trucks bound for Afghan returnees' home provinces from a temporary camp are seen at the Torkham border crossing, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2025. As the world marks International Migrants Day on Thursday, the unfolding narrative in Afghanistan is one of resilience and uncertainty.

The forced return of thousands from neighboring countries is reshaping lives: many families are coming back to a homeland they barely know, striving to rebuild amid fragile security and limited support. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

A boy is seen on a truck bound for his home province from a temporary camp at the Torkham border crossing, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2025. As the world marks International Migrants Day on Thursday, the unfolding narrative in Afghanistan is one of resilience and uncertainty.

The forced return of thousands from neighboring countries is reshaping lives: many families are coming back to a homeland they barely know, striving to rebuild amid fragile security and limited support. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Afghan returnees are seen on a truck bound for their home province from a temporary camp at the Torkham border crossing, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2025. As the world marks International Migrants Day on Thursday, the unfolding narrative in Afghanistan is one of resilience and uncertainty.

The forced return of thousands from neighboring countries is reshaping lives: many families are coming back to a homeland they barely know, striving to rebuild amid fragile security and limited support. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Afghan returnees are seen on a truck bound for their home province from a temporary camp at the Torkham border crossing, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2025. As the world marks International Migrants Day on Thursday, the unfolding narrative in Afghanistan is one of resilience and uncertainty.

The forced return of thousands from neighboring countries is reshaping lives: many families are coming back to a homeland they barely know, striving to rebuild amid fragile security and limited support. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Authorities allege that a 34-year-old woman attempted to peddle crack cocaine to an undercover officer in Stapleton.

Ashley Everette of Richmond Terrace in St. George was arrested on Dec. 12 after she allegedly spoke with the undercover officer on Tompkins Avenue, according to the criminal complaint.

I can get it for you, she said, according to an account in the criminal complaint. Give me the money and Ill be right back.

The undercover officer handed the defendant cash.

During her arrest, officers allege they confiscated items with cocaine residue, including seven small plastic zipper bags, a glass pipe and a small blue capsule.

The defendant has been charged with attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Everette has multiple drug-related arrests this year. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been released on non-monetary conditions, according to public records. She is due back in Criminal Court in St. George on Dec. 23.

Attorney Michael Vitaliano, who is representing the defendant, declined to comment at this time.
Want to live comfortably in New York City? You better have a high-earning career.

A new study from GoBankingRates analyzed data for the 50 largest cities in the U.S. to determine what salary Americans would need to earn to live there comfortably.

Researchers analyzed the annual cost of living, including housing, transportation and other necessities, for dozens of the countrys most populous cities.

The annual cost of necessities was then doubled to determine the salary needed to live comfortably, as the 50/30/20 financial rule states that necessities should not exceed 50% of household income.

The study found that Americans must earn at least $100,000 annually to live comfortably in 26 of the 50 biggest cities in the U.S., highlighting the ongoing affordability issues plaguing the country.

New York City was found to have the fifth-highest required salary in order to live comfortably, with residents of the five boroughs needing to earn $184,420 a year.

Given the 50/30/20 formula, that means New York City residents must earn $92,210 annually just to cover basic necessities.

There were only four cities in the country where residents needed to earn more to live comfortably, all of which are located in California.

San Jose had the highest required salary to live comfortably at $264,946, followed by San Francisco at $251,398, San Diego at $206,353 and Los Angeles at $194,920.

For those who want to experience big city living, but arent earning big bucks, there are still several major U.S. cities where you can live comfortably at a much lower salary.

Detroit, Michigan had the lowest required salary to live comfortably of any major city at $65,733, followed by Memphis, Tennessee ($66,177), Wichita, Kansas ($74,307), Baltimore, Maryland ($76,200) and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ($76,350).
Editors Note: In honor of the many everyday Staten Islanders who give back, make change, inspire others, advocate and/or care about their community, we are highlighting some of the standouts, and honoring them as Staten Islands Brightest Lights of 2025.

Staten Islands Brightest Lights of 2025: Michael Murdocco

Michael Murdoccos journey is a powerful testament to resilience and redemption. His story begins with promisegood grades, a bright futurebut spiraled into years of substance abuse that nearly cost him everything. Instead of letting addiction define him, he fought his way back, determined to reclaim his life and share his experience to help others avoid the same path.

The old me died, and thats when I was resurrected and started a new life, he said about the start of his recovery.

Today, he speaks openly about the choices and circumstances that led him to heroin, using his voice as a tool for change. Through candid conversations, hes breaking down stigma and offering hope to those still struggling.

Here is his story, originally published July 14, 2025:

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Michael Murdocco believes hes overdosed at least twice.

Waking up in his car one night in front of the home of someone from whom he had purchased heroin, he vaguely recalls firefighters putting him in an ambulance after administering naloxone  a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.

I told them I was taking a nap, he said. But everyone knew I wasnt taking a nap.

Rushed to Richmond University Medical Center, he was discharged a few hours later. The fact that he had snorted all of the heroin he had on him likely saved him from having NYPD officers putting him in a police patrol car and taking him to a Staten Island precinct stationhouse, he admitted.

Murdocco, a Westerleigh resident, was once a promising student at Port Richmond High Schools Collegiate Academy. Today, at 41, hes a recovering addict who credits divine intervention with saving his life.

If I didnt get sober when I did, I would 100% be in the ground already, Murdocco told the Advance/SILive.com. There is no doubt in my mind.

Murdoccos struggles with addiction began during freshman year, not long after learning of his parents impending divorce. That summer, he began experimenting with marijuana and alcohol. Fast forward to junior year, and he was barely attending school.

I basically dropped out, he said. I would just go for third period just to not get the phone calls home.

His drug use escalated to ecstasy that hed score in the Manhattan clubs hed get into with a fake ID. But despite the downward spiral he was swirling into, Murdocco was offered the opportunity to return for his diploma rather than settling for a GED. Buckling down, he managed to maintain a 94 average and went on to make honor roll.

After high school, Murdocco briefly attended college in New Jersey, maintaining a near-perfect GPA in the hopes of receiving a scholarship that he ultimately wouldnt get. With things not playing out as he had planned, he took his fathers advice and applied to the electrical union.

Ive never lifted a tool in my life, Murdocco told his father at the time. Regardless, he joined Local 3 in July 2006 and ended his college career early.

At this point hed spend his off-hours dabbling as a DJ, surfing the bar scene on waves of alcohol and cocaine, unaware of the darker addiction that awaited him.

Injury led to pill addiction

And by 2010, his life took several sad detours, including the death of his grandmother. He suffered a workplace injury that both tore his shoulder and took off a piece of his finger.

He was prescribed 30-milligram oxycodone pills for pain management.

Thats where I think that whole epidemic started, he said. I got hooked really bad on the pain pills.

His doctor, a pain management specialist who would go on to be convicted in 2017 for his role in a multi-million-dollar opioid distribution ring in which authorities alleged he prescribed 2.6 million oxycodone pills, upped Murdoccos script to 240 pills a month, Murdocco said. A dosage of eight pills daily.

Murdocco said he would often alternate between taking the prescribed dose and taking liberties with the directions on the bottle as he crushed and snorted up to 12 pills a day.

Still, he went about his daily routine.

It was basically I was more in survival mode than living, he said. Because now I was physically dependent on these pills.

Michael Murdocco emphasizes the importance of having a supportive family. He maintains that building a strong recovery foundation is essential for those looking to crawl out of those dark downward spirals. Here he is pictured alongside his mom, Sharon. (Photo courtesy of Michael Murdocco)

His addiction strained his relationship with his younger brother. His life became what he described as a free-for-all for a couple of years, as his days ticked by while he self-dispensed oxycodone, cocaine and ketamine.

It wasnt until summer 2015 that Murdocco reached his tipping point. He had run out of an entire months worth of pills before his next scheduled doctors appointment and was facing withdrawal symptoms with work in the morning. He dialed an acquaintance who happened to use heroin.

I just wanted something to hold me over, so I didnt have to go through withdrawals, he explained. But after trying heroin, he realized it was cheaper than pills and produced the same effects. Within months, he was sniffing two to three bundles a day, which is like 20 or 30 little bags.

When I was on heroin, it was like being possessed, Murdocco explained. Its like youre in your body, but youre not. Youre not in control of anything.

Admits struggle to family

By November 2015, he finally admitted to his family that he was struggling, even though they had their suspicions. Two days after Christmas, he entered Clearbrook Treatment Center in Pennsylvania for a 28-day program.

I had to ask my father for money to go get heroin just so I wouldnt be in withdrawal until I got to the rehab and they put me into detox, he explained.

Despite completing the program, Murdocco wasnt fully committed to recovery. He returned home, attended some Narcotics Anonymous meetings, but didnt work with a sponsor or complete a 12-step program.

Eventually, he began drinking occasionally, which led back to using cocaine and back to the waiting room of the pain management doctors office.

It wouldnt be until Martin Luther King Day in 2017 that Murdocco felt completely defeated. Mentally, physically and spiritually drained, he just felt like an empty soul.

God came to me

But something came over me that day. For me, it was God, he explained. God came to me. God did something to me that day that I cant explain. And I dont know how he did it.

His cousin put him in touch with Alicia Palermo-Reddy whos become well-known throughout the rehab community and the borough as the Addiction Angel.

A registered nurse and 2016 Advance/SILive.com Women of Achievement honoree, Palermo-Reddy set about supporting those with drug issues nearly 20 years ago in response to the high rate of prescription pill overdose deaths on the Island. She now serves as outreach coordinator for Grand Union Holistic Solutions in Travis.

Alicia Palermo-Reddy, known as "the Addiction Angel," has spent nearly 20 years supporting Staten Islanders facing drug issues. In 2017, she arranged treatment for Michael Murdocco at a rehab facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott R. Axelrod)

Without hesitating, Palermo-Reddy arranged treatment for Murdocco at The Recovery Team in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Before leaving however, he chose to endure four days of cold turkey opioid withdrawal in his home.

Its like having the flu times a thousand, he described. I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy. But I told myself this time, you know what? You did this to yourself. Youre going to suffer this time, so you never forget how you feel right now. So that you never have to feel this way again.

Down in Florida, he fully committed to recovery, staying nearly 100 days and progressing through various levels of treatment. He worked with a sponsor, attended daily meetings and helped other patients.

This time I was actually enjoying it, smiling, finding peace inside myself for the first time since my parents got divorced, he noted.

The old me died

Murdocco compares his transformation to a religious experience: Jesus died and was resurrected at 33. The old me died, and thats when I was resurrected and started a new life.

Today, Murdocco remains sober and tries to focus on helping others struggling with addiction. His phone is on and hes willing to listen.

Emphasizing the importance of having a supportive family, he maintains that building a strong recovery foundation is essential for those looking to crawl out of those dark downward spirals.

Its like putting up a building, he explained. If you put up a building on sand, its going to crumble and come down. But if you use reinforced steel and concrete, that building is going to last forever.
Honda has issued a safety recall for over 70,000 sedans because of an issue that could lead to brake failure.

Approximately 70,650 vehicles under Hondas luxury Acura brand are affected by the recall, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Documents filed with the highway safety agency stated that contaminated brake fluid could weaken a seal inside the brake master cylinder.

This could lead to an internal brake fluid leak, making the vehicle brakes less effective.

This would increase stopping distance and lead to an elevated risk of crashing, according to the recall documents.

The recall affects 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 model years of the Acura ILX.

Honda will contact owners to bring their vehicle into a dealership.

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder in affected vehicles free of charge, according to the company.

Acura owners can contact Hondas customer service line at (888) 234-2138 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations safety hotline at (888) 327-4236 to see if they are covered by the recall.

The auto manufacturer will begin mailing owner notification letters on Feb. 2, 2026.

Honda has issued several other major recalls in 2025.

In November, the manufacturer issued a recall on accessory alloy wheels sold on Honda Civics over a risk of them detaching.

Earlier this year, another brake issue led to 259,000 vehicles across the Honda and Acura brands being recalled.

During April, 152,000 Acura SUVs were recalled because of a wiring issue which could cause external lights to fail.
The New York City Police Department hired 4,056 officers this year, marking the largest number of recruits brought on in a single year in recorded history, Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced.

The department swore in 1,143 new recruits Wednesday, bringing the total NYPD headcount to more than 34,700 officers. That figure represents the highest staffing level since May 2022 and moves the department closer to its goal of reaching 35,000 officers by next fall.

The new class reflects the diversity of New York City. Nearly a quarter of the recruits were born outside the United States, representing 46 different countries. They speak 34 different languages.

This milestone does not happen by accident; its the direct result of a historic number of people answering the call to serve our city, Tisch said.

From the day I took this job, I made it clear that our goal was to rebuild our headcount to ensure our department has the people, presence, and professionalism to meet its obligations  and today we are delivering on that promise, the commissioner added.

The hiring surge follows changes made in February to address recruitment challenges. The department reduced its college credit requirement for Police Academy entry from 60 credits to 24 credits. The NYPD had been one of the few remaining big-city police forces in the country with a college credit requirement.

The change produced immediate results. Daily applications increased by almost 332%, jumping from an average of 53.5 per day to 231.5 per day. During the most recent exam period, that average reached 363 daily applications, a 579% increase. More than 5,000 people registered to take the latest police exam in just 14 days.

The department also adjusted how it evaluates academy training. The National College Credit Recommendation Service now recognizes completion of the six-month NYPD Police Academy program as equivalent to 45 college credits, up from the previous 36 credits. Academy graduates now enter the force with a minimum of 69 college credits.

The NYPD hired four separate classes into the Police Academy this year, three of which had more than 1,000 recruits. The department had a net gain of more than 800 officers, with hiring outpacing the approximately 3,228 officers who left the department.

Mayor Eric Adams said the increased staffing supports the citys crime reduction efforts. These brave men and women have helped to drive shootings to record lows, with the first 11 months of 2025 seeing the fewest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims in recorded history, Adams said.

The city has recorded eight straight quarters of major crime decline. Transit crime has fallen to 14% below pre-pandemic levels. From July through November, the subway system experienced the safest five-month stretch in recorded history, excluding the pandemic years.

The city plans to add 5,000 additional officers over the next three years.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  One of Staten Islands hospitals has received tens of millions of dollars from New York state to enhance its health information technology and bolster cybersecurity.

Last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that 22 hospitals across New York, including Richmond University Medical Center, have received a combined $300 million in state funding to improve their technological infrastructure.

By modernizing our hospitals IT infrastructure and protecting patients information, were strengthening the foundation of health care in New York state, Hochul said. These investments will help ensure that hospitals have the tools they need to safeguard patient data, expand telehealth services and deliver a healthier future for all New Yorkers.

Richmond University Medical Center received $54 million, the most of any New York hospital, which will be used to implement the Epic Electronic Health Record system.

Epic, one of the most advanced healthcare information systems in the world, will improve care at the borough hospital by offering simplified provider workflows and enhanced communication across multiple departments.

Once the new system is fully implemented, patients at Richmond University Medical Center will have access to MyChart, Epics secure portal that offers easily accessible medical records, appointment scheduling and the ability to communicate directly with a patients healthcare providers.

Implementing Epic EHR is a transformative step for our hospital, said RUMC President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel J. Messina, PhD, MPA, FACHE. This investment gives us a game changing system that enhances the high quality care our patients receive at RUMC and throughout our Richmond Health Network offices while at the same time giving our medical staff the tools they need to serve our community more efficiently. Our thanks to Gov. Hochul for partnering with us to improve lives inside and outside our hospital walls.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump demanded Wednesday that Venezuela return assets that it seized from U.S. oil companies years ago, justifying anew his announcement of a blockade against oil tankers travelingto or from the South American country that face American sanctions.

Trump cited the lost U.S. investments in Venezuela when asked about his newest tactic in a pressure campaign against leader Nicolas Maduro, suggesting his administrations moves are at least somewhat motivated by disputes over oil investments, along with accusations of drug trafficking. Some sanctioned tankers already are diverting away from Venezuela.

Were not going to be letting anybody going through who shouldnt be going through, Trump told reporters. You remember they took all of our energy rights. They took all of our oil not that long ago. And we want it back. They took it  they illegally took it.

U.S. oil companies dominated Venezuelas petroleum industry until the countrys leaders moved to nationalize the sector, first in the 1970s and again in the 21st century under Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez. Compensation offered by Venezuela was deemed insufficient, and in 2014 an international arbitration panel ordered the countrys socialist government to pay $1.6 billion to ExxonMobil.

While Venezuelas oil has long dominated relations with the U.S., the Trump administration has focused on Maduros links to drug traffickers, accusing his government of facilitating the shipment of dangerous drugs into the U.S. In his social media post Tuesday night, Trump said Venezuela was using using oil to fund drug trafficking and other crimes.

U.S. forces last week seized an oil tanker off Venezuelas coast amid a massive military buildup that includes the Navys most advanced aircraft carrier.

The military also has carried out a series of strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean that have killed a total of at least 99 people, including four in a strike Wednesday. Those attacks have prompted questions from lawmakers and legal experts about their legal justification. Trump also has said he is considering strikes on land.

Trumps talk of stolen assets

Stephen Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff, likened Venezuelas move to nationalize its oil industry to a heist.

American sweat, ingenuity and toil created the oil industry in Venezuela, Miller wrote on social media Wednesday. Its tyrannical expropriation was the largest recorded theft of American wealth and property. These pillaged assets were then used to fund terrorism and flood our streets with killers, mercenaries and drugs.

Venezuela first moved to nationalize its oil industry in the 1970s, a process that expanded under Chavez, who nationalized hundreds of private businesses and foreign-owned assets, including oil projects run by ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips. That led to the arbitration panels 2014 order.

There is a case that can be made that Venezuela owes this money to Exxon. I dont think its ever been paid, economist Philip Verleger said.

Trump blamed his predecessors for not taking a harder line against Venezuela over the asset seizures.

They took it away because we had a president that maybe wasnt watching, Trump said Wednesday. But theyre not going to do that again. We want it back. They took our oil rights  we had a lot of oil there. As you know they threw our companies out, and we want it back.

Chevron has a waiver from the U.S. government for oil production in Venezuela, and the Texas-based oil giant says its operations have not been disrupted.

Venezuelas debt to Chevron has decreased substantially since the companys license to resume exporting Venezuelan oil to the U.S. was first granted in 2022, said Francisco Monaldi, a Venezuelan oil expert at Rice University in Houston. He said the amount is not public.

A new designation for Maduros government?

There was no change Wednesday to the list of foreign terrorist organizationsafter Trump said in his post that the Venezuelan Regime has been designated as one.

Officials at several national security agencies were told not to take Trumps remarks about the designation literally and they should be treated as a figure of speech, according to a U.S. official involved in the discussions.

That official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal interagency communications, also stressed that the blockade Trump announced applies only to previously sanctioned vessels against which certain actions are already authorized, such as the seizure last week.

The State Department, which oversees the list, didnt respond to requests for clarification.

Trumps Justice Department in 2020 indicted Maduro on narcoterrorism charges and U.S. authorities have alleged that Venezuelas leaders have profited from drug trafficking. Last month, the Trump administration designated a group linked to Maduro  the Cartel de los Soles  as a terrorist organization.

Venezuela decries American piracy

Maduro called United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday for a conversation regarding the current tensions in the region, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said.

During the call, the secretary-general reaffirmed the United Nations position on the need for member states to respect international law, particularly the United Nations Charter, exert restraint and de-escalate tensions to preserve regional stability, Haq said.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil demanded in a letter to the U.N. Security Council, which was obtained by The Associated Press, that the U.S. immediately release the kidnapped crew and return the oil illegally confiscated on the high seas.

In a second letter Wednesday, Venezuelas U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada called for an emergency meeting of the U.N.s most powerful body to discuss the ongoing U.S. aggression.

Citing Trumps social media post, Moncada said, this means that the U.S. government is claiming the worlds largest oil reserves as its own, in what would be one of the greatest acts of plunder in human history.

In addition to urging the Security Council to condemn the taking of the tanker, Gil urged the U.N.s most powerful body for a written statement stating that it hasnt authorized actions against Venezuela or against the international commercialization of its oil.

While the strikes on alleged drug boats have raised questions about the use of military force, Trumps seizure of the tanker and other actions against sanctioned entities are consistent with past American policy, said retired U.S. Vice Admiral Robert Murrett, now a professor at Syracuse University.

He also noted that from a military standpoint, seizing sanctioned oil tankers and imposing a blockade are far less risky than direct military confrontation.

U.S. policy supports peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela, Murrett said. If Maduro agrees tomorrow to step down and have a free and open election, I think wed be delighted, Democrats and Republicans alike.
A series of plaques recently installed in the White Houses Presidential Walk of Fame includes scathing attacks on former Democratic presidents and lofty praise for President Donald Trump.

USA Today White House correspondent Joey Garrison on Wednesday posted photos of the new additions to Trumps project. The gallery features portraits of all U.S. presidents except Biden, who is instead represented by a photo of an autopen signing his name.

The newly installed plaques refer to Trumps predecessor as Sleepy Joe Biden and mocks him as by far, the worst President in American History.

New plaques of explanatory text are seen beneath a framed portrait in the space for former President Joe Biden on the Presidential Walk of Fame on the Colonnade of the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP

Taking office as a result of the most corrupt Election ever seen in the United States, Biden oversaw a series of unprecedented disasters that brought our Nation to the brink of destruction, Bidens first plaque reads.

The second plaque repeats Trumps baseless claims that Biden was dominated by his Radical Left handlers and protected by his allies in the Fake News Media.

Following his humiliating debate loss to President Trump in the big June 2024 debate, he was forced to withdraw from his campaign for re-election in disgrace, the plaque reads.

Unlike Bidens inscriptions, Trumps second-term plaque is awash with praise and accolades.

Overcoming unprecedented Weaponization of Law Enforcement against him, as well as two assassination attempts, he won all battleground States by millions of votes, was the first Republican in decades to win the Popular Vote, BIG, and won 86% of Counties in America, 2,700 to 525, the plaque reads.

It goes on to say that Trump has ushered in a Golden Age of America and that the BEST IS YET TO COME!

Here is a look at some of the other notable plaques added to Trumps Walk of Fame, which read like one of the presidents Truth Social posts and feature unfounded claims and blistering attacks on Democrats.

Barack Obama

Barack Hussein Obama was the first Black President, a community organizer, one term Senator from Illinois, and one of the most divisive political figures in American History. As President, he passed the highly ineffective Unaffordable Care Act, resulting in his party losing control of both Houses of Congress, and the Election of the largest House Republican majority since 1946. He presided over a stagnant Economy, approved the terrible Iran Nuclear Deal, and signed the one-sided Paris Climate Accords, both of which were later terminated by President Donald J. Trump.

Under Obama, the ISIS Caliphate spread across the Middle East, Libya collapsed into chaos, and Russia invaded and took Crimea, in Ukraine. He crippled small businesses with crushing regulation and environmental red tape, devastated American coal miners, and weaponized the IRS and Federal bureaucracies against his political opponents. Obama also spied on the 2016 Presidential Campaign of Donald J. Trump and presided over the creation of the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, the worst political scandal in American History. His handpicked successor, Hillary Rodham Clinton, would then lose the Presidency to Donald J. Trump.

New plaques of explanatory text have been placed underneath presidential portraits on the Colonnade at the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

George W. Bush

The son of former President George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush was the Governor of Texas when he won the hotly contested 2000 Election for President. His Administration was largely defined by the events of September 11, 2001  The destruction of the World Trade Center, after which he led the war on terror. President Bush created the Department of Homeland Security, but started wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, both of which should not have happened. He also enacted Tax Cuts, expanded Medicare, signed the No Child Left Behind education bill, and launched the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Shortly before the end of his Administration, a Global Financial Crisis and major Recession took place."

Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton served as Attorney General and Governor of Arkansas before winning the Presidency in what was called a major upset over President George H. W. Bush. As President, Clinton signed crime and welfare legislation, which was passed with the leadership of Republicans in Congress. He approved NAFTA, which President Donald J. Trump would later terminate as being bad for the United States, welcomed China into the World Trade Organization, and oversaw NATOs Military intervention in Bosnia and Kosovo. Despite the scandals that plagued his Presidency, the tech boom of the late 1990s resulted in excellent economic growth, which helped him and Republicans in Congress deliver balanced budgets for the first time in decades. In 2016, President Clintons wife, Hillary, lost the Presidency to President Donald J. Trump.

New plaques of explanatory text have been placed underneath presidential portraits on the Colonnade at the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan won the Cold War, and transformed American politics and the Conservative Movement. Before entering the White House, Reagan was a Hollywood actor, President of the Screen Actors Guild, Governor of California and, for decades, a leading voice in American Conservatism. As President, he enacted Tax Cuts, presided over a thriving Economy, and rebuilt the American Military. He survived being shot by an assassin, and confronted the Soviet Union with striking moral clarity, labeling it an evil empire, and putting unprecedented pressure on the Communist menace. Known as The Great Communicator, he was re-elected in a landslide in 1984, and left office with high approval, having restored National Confidence, Spirit, and Will. He was a fan of President Donald J. Trump long before President Trumps Historic run for the White House. Likewise, President Trump was a fan of his!
ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group on Thursday detained four Yemeni staff members of United Nations agencies in the capital Sanaa, a UN source said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said that the detained employees work for the United Nations Department of Safety and Security, the United Nations Development Program and the United Nations Children's Fund.

According to the source, Houthi security forces raided their residences in Sanaa before taking them into custody.

A local security source told Xinhua that the arrests are part of "a renewed campaign" by the Houthi intelligence forces targeting Yemeni nationals employed by the United Nations in Sanaa. The source added that the detentions could "expand beyond the capital to other areas controlled by the group."

There was no immediate comment from the Houthi group regarding the incident. However, Houthi authorities have previously justified similar arrests by accusing UN staff and aid workers of collaborating with U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies, allegations rejected by the United Nations.

The detentions came one day after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the continued arbitrary detention of UN personnel by the Houthi group in Yemen.

"I strongly condemn the continued arbitrary detention of 59 UN colleagues and partner personnel, as well as staff from NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions," Guterres told reporters on Wednesday after briefing the UN Security Council on the situation in Yemen in closed-door consultations. "I call for their immediate and unconditional release, in accordance with international law," he said.

Guterres said that in recent days, Houthi de facto authorities had referred three UN personnel to a special criminal court over their performance of official UN duties, stressing that the referral must be rescinded and the charges dropped.

Dozens of UN staff and aid workers have been held by the Houthis since June 2024, despite repeated UN appeals for their release.

The Houthi group has controlled Sanaa and most of Yemen's northern provinces since late 2014. Despite the protracted conflict and ongoing detentions, several UN agencies and international organizations continue to operate in the capital. 
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Analysis BusinessThe economyRussia-Ukraine war Putins war chest struck with a double blow Julian Lee December 18, 2025  1:14pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Russias war chest is being hammered by the double-whammy of a slump in oil shipments and a continuing decline in prices, sending the value of crude exports to the lowest since January 2023. Four-week average crude flows fell in the period to December 14, driven by the biggest week-on-week slump in flows since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Offloading cargoes is proving even more of a challenge, with crude at sea jumping 40 per cent since the end of August and at least 20 cargoes loaded at the countrys western ports in September and October still undelivered. The slide in Moscows revenues coincides with the US piling the diplomatic pressure on Ukraine and its European allies to strike a peace deal. AP Numerous tankers have disappeared from tracking systems in the Riau archipelago, north-east of Singapore, a favoured location for transferring sanctioned Iranian barrels between vessels thats growing in popularity among carriers of Moscows crude. Tracks suggest that at least six Russian cargo switches have taken place there since November, with another six fully laden tankers disappearing in the area so far this month. The slide in Moscows revenues coincides with the US piling the diplomatic pressure on Ukraine and its European allies to strike a peace deal, even as the Kremlin keeps up its bombardment of its neighbours gas and power infrastructure. Kyiv in turn continues to strike Russias oil assets, extending its attacks to production platforms in the Caspian Sea, and hitting more tankers hauling the countrys oil.

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Moscow shipped 3.61 million barrels a day in the four weeks to December 14, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. Thats down by about 70,000 from the period to December 7, driven by a 1.24 million barrel a day decline in weekly shipments. Related Article Visual story

Blood Oil How Putins ghost ships put billions worth of blood oil into Australian cars An 11th straight drop in crude prices has added to Moscows difficulties. Urals is down by about $US20 a barrel, or more than one-third, since its recent peak in mid-July, dropping to the lowest since the war began. Pacific-loading ESPO has fared a little better, losing about 22 per cent of its value over the same period. But even here, sanctions are weighing on demand, allowing at least one Chinese buyer to snap up a cargo at what traders say was the steepest discount this year. Crude shipments A total of 27 tankers loaded 20.98 million barrels of Russian crude in the week to December 14, vessel-tracking data and port-agent reports show. The volume was down sharply from 29.65 million barrels on 38 ships the previous week.

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On a daily average basis, shipments in the week to December 14 slumped to 3 million barrels a day, down by about 1.24 million barrels a day from the previous week, the biggest week-on-week drop since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Separately, one cargo of Kazakhstans Kebco grade was shipped from Novorossiysk during the week. The slump in flows was driven by a sharp drop in shipments from the Baltic port of Primorsk. There is now more crude on tankers yet to show a final destination than the combined amount on ships signalling that they are heading to China, India or Turkey. Export value On a four-week average basis, the gross value of Moscows exports fell to $US1.09 billion ($1.65 billion) a week in the 28 days to December 14, with the impact of the lower export quantities magnified by the 11th straight drop in average prices.

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Using this measure, the export prices of Russias Urals from the Baltic fell by about $US1.10 a barrel to $US40.07, while prices for Black Sea cargoes were down by $US0.90 a barrel to $US37.41. The price of Pacific ESPO crude dropped by $US1.40 to average $US50.97 a barrel. Delivered prices in India also fell, down by $US0.70 to $US56.99 a barrel, another new low for the period since March 2023. All prices are according to numbers from Argus Media. Related Article Opinion

Oil Americas new sanctions on Russian oil may be biting too late Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist On a weekly basis, the value of exports averaged about $US883 million in the 7 days to December 14, down by 30 per cent from the period to December 7, with prices and quantities both down week-on-week. The weekly export value was the lowest in three years. No final destination Observed shipments to Russias Asian customers, including those showing no final destination, slipped to 3.36 million barrels a day in the 28 days to December 14, down from a revised 3.41 million in the period to December 7.

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While the amount of Russian crude heading to both China and India appears to be falling sharply, thats mostly being offset by growing quantities on vessels yet to show a final destination, allowing for much of that pattern to be reversed. Tankers are increasingly showing no final destination until they are well across the Arabian Sea, while some never show a final calling point, even after mooring to discharge. Vessels are also spending longer at sea, with several tankers diverting from initial destinations on the west coast of India or in Turkey. They are also getting held up waiting to discharge at Chinese ports. Offloading cargoes is proving even more of a challenge, with crude at sea jumping 40 per cent since the end of August and at least 20 cargoes loaded at the countrys Western ports in September and October still undelivered. AP There is now more crude on tankers yet to show a final destination than the combined amount on ships signalling that they are heading to China, India or Turkey. Flows on tankers signalling Chinese ports stood at 840,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to December 14, down from 920,000 for the period to December 7. The amount destined for India fell to 800,000 barrels a day from a revised 980,000 barrels a day in the period to December 7. But there is the equivalent of 1.72 million barrels a day on vessels yet to show a final destination.

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Of that, about 1.62 million barrels a day is on ships from Russias western ports showing their destination as Port Said or the Suez Canal, or those from Pacific ports with no clear delivery point, and a further 100,000 barrels a day is on tankers yet to signal a destination. Related Article Explainer

Central Asia Beyond the eccentricities: Why the ex-Soviet Stans are having a moment In the past, those cargoes have almost all ended up in India or China, but tougher US sanctions may keep that oil on the water unless, or until, workarounds can be found by the Russian sellers. Flows to Turkey in the four weeks to December 14 edged down to about 230,000 barrels a day from a revised 260,000 barrels a day in the period to December 7. Shipments to Syria remained at zero. Tankers hauling Russian crude to the east Mediterranean nation rarely signal their destination and usually disappear from automated tracking systems when theyre south of Crete, making it difficult to estimate flows in advance of ships arriving off the port of Baniyas, where they can usually be picked up on satellite photos. The last Russian ship to discharge its cargo there left Murmansk at the end of September, arriving at the start of November. Bloomberg The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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BusinessWorkplaceWorkplace culture I made a bad decision: The woman at the centre of the Coldplay kiss cam scandal breaks her silence Lisa Miller December 19, 2025  8:49am 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

Kristin Cabot has come to believe that her silence no longer serves her. It made sense in the beginning, after she appeared on the Jumbotron, aghast, in the arms of her boss at a Coldplay concert on July 16, 2025, a moment that caused an international furore. The original TikTok received 100 million views within days. Cabot retreated, trying to make things right with the people who mattered most: her two teenage kids; her employer, the tech company Astronomer; and her second husband, Andrew Cabot, from whom she was separated and negotiating a divorce settlement. In the initial phase, all she could think was: Oh, my God, I hurt people. I hurt good people. After months of laying low, Kristin Cabot has opened up. NYT Five months after the TikTok bomb became the defining disaster of her life, she described in her first interview since the concert what it feels like to be a punchline and a target. In online comments she has been called a slut, a homewrecker, a gold digger, a side piece  the usual tags for shaming women. Her appearance has been scrutinised, specific body parts evaluated and found insufficiently pretty. Some of the most famous people in the world have made her humiliation their material. She was doxxed, and for weeks received 500 or 600 calls a day. Paparazzi camped across the street from her house and cars slowly cruised her block, like a parade, she recalled. She received death threats. So while #coldplaygate, as it came to be called, cycled out of view, she lives with it every day. Her children are reluctant to be seen with her. Just before Thanksgiving, a woman recognised her while she was pumping gas. She called Cabot disgusting and said: Adulterers are the lowest form of human. You dont even deserve to breathe the same air that I breathe.

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Related Article Luxury property CEO from Coldplay kiss cam video sells New York apartment for $8.9m I travelled to her home in New Hampshire on a snowy weekend this month, and we hashed over the events of July 16 for hours. For weeks Cabot had been debating, on her own and with family and friends, whether to talk about what happened. Any attempt to correct the record put her at risk of being shredded all over again. But Cabot, 53, came to want to tell the truth, and her children, her mother and her closest friends stood behind her. Cabot hired a communications consultant to help her tell her story while minimising further damage to herself and the people she loves. The two of us started the day in the kitchen. Cabot, her hair twisted up in a bun, was nervous, referring to bullet points as she unspooled her tale. She was not in a sexual relationship with her boss, she said. Before that night, they had never even kissed.

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I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss, she said. And its not nothing. And I took accountability and I gave up my career for that. Thats the price I chose to pay. I want my kids to know that you can make mistakes, and you can really screw up. But you dont have to be threatened to be killed for them. Cabot came to human resources through advertising and sales and always presented herself as hyper-professional, said her friend Alyson Welch, who worked with her at the tech company neo4j. When, in 2024, Cabot interviewed with Andy Byron, at the time Astronomers CEO, she found they clicked, stylistically. She started as Astronomers chief people officer in November. Cabot filed for divorce from Andrew Cabot, who released a statement confirming that they had been separated at the time of the concert and asking for privacy. NYT In 2025, while grabbing a sandwich near Astronomers New York office, Cabot made reference to her marriage in a tone, as she remembers it, and Byron asked what was up. She was going through a separation, she said. It was stressful, and she worried about her kids.

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Im going through the same thing, she recalled him saying. Reached by phone, Byron declined to be interviewed for this article. For Cabot, the shared acknowledgment sort of strengthened our connection, she said, and a close working relationship grew even closer. At work, they shared confidences and made each other laugh, and for Cabot big feelings grew fast. She began to allow herself to imagine the romantic possibilities, though she knew she couldnt keep reporting to Byron if the relationship progressed. Cabots separation from her husband was still new when she agreed to go with friends to see Coldplay. She liked the band well enough, but what really appealed was being out, with friends, on a summer Wednesday. I hadnt been out in ages, she told me. She asked Byron to be her plus one. Before the concert, Cabot and Byron met up with a small group of Cabots close friends at the Stockyard, an old-school steak joint. The vibe of the evening was open and giddy, agreed two attendees who asked to be anonymous because of what they saw happen to their friend. Loading

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Was any part of her concerned about this outing from an HR perspective? Some inside part of my brain might have been jumping up and down and waving its arms, saying, Dont do this, Cabot replied. But, generally, No. She was pumped to introduce Byron to her friends. I was like: I got this. I can have a crush. I can handle it. On the ride to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Cabot learned, by text, that her soon-to-be former husband was attending the concert, too. It threw me, she conceded. But she and Byron were not an item. Related Article Opinion

Workplace Coldplay kiss cam lifts the lid on an astronomically common issue Tim Duggan Work columnist The seats were on a VIP balcony offering a sweeping view of the stage. Cabot remembers that the setting felt dark and private. She and Byron each had a couple of tequila cocktails, and as the concert went on they began to look like a couple. She made a point of saying that night was the first and only time they kissed. Byron was dancing behind Cabot when she took his hands and wrapped his arms around her. When Cabot saw her own image, and his, on the Jumbotron, it was like someone flipped a switch, she said. Ill never be able to explain it in any articulate or intelligent way, she said. What an instant before felt like joy, joy, joy turned to terror. Cabots hands flew to her face, and she whirled out of Byrons arms. Byron ducked. At that moment, she had two thoughts. First: Andrew Cabot was somewhere in the dark stadium and she did not want to humiliate him.

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And: Andys my boss. I was so embarrassed and so horrified, she said. Im the head of HR and hes the CEO. Its, like, so cliche and so bad. Cabot and Byron fled back to the bar. We both just sat there with our heads in our hands, like, What just happened? Even before leaving the stadium, they began to discuss how to manage their public transgression. And the initial conversation was, We have to tell the board. Cabot has an apartment in the Boston area for when she has custody of her kids, and she and Byron went there to strategise. Who would write the email? What would it say? In her minds eye, she saw the loss of her job and complications in her amicable parting with Andrew Cabot, whom her children adored. And, then, about 4am, Cabot received a text. It was a screenshot of a TikTok. She drove to see her kids, who were staying with their father in Boston. She wanted to talk to them about what happened before they heard it elsewhere. They knew who Andy was, obviously, she told me, and I said, He and I got very swept up in a moment, and now its on social media. Her daughter, who was 14, started to cry.

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Then she drove back to her apartment for a conference call with the Astronomer board. In that conversation, she recalls, they said: Listen. Were human beings. We all make mistakes. But you understand we have to step away and talk about this and figure it out. The company soon began an investigation. On Saturday, Byron resigned. Cabot did not sleep. She spent the weekend pacing, crying and talking on the phone. It felt to her that every producer from every television news show was texting. At some point that weekend, Cabot was doxxed, and her phone flooded. Andy Byron and his chief people officer Kristin Cabot and (right) Chris Martin. She had security cameras installed at her house, and local police boosted their surveillance. After Astronomer concluded its investigation, the company asked Cabot to return to her role, she said. But she could not imagine how she could stand up as HR chief when she was a laughingstock. She negotiated her resignation, which was announced on July 24. (Astronomer declined to comment for this article.) Late summer brought some relief. Cabot filed for divorce from Andrew Cabot, who released a statement confirming that they had been separated at the time of the concert and asking for privacy. (He did not respond to requests for comment. He has been nothing but a gentleman, Cabot said.) She found therapists for the children, who went back to school and were treated with kindness there.

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She and Byron had been in touch all summer. They exchanged news about Astronomer and updates on their families. In early September, they met and agreed that speaking with each other was going to make it too hard for everyone to move on and heal, Cabot told me. Since then, she said, their contact has been minimal. Cabot wants to rebut the assumption that she slept her way to the top. She has worked from the age of 13, having decided she never wanted to depend financially on a man or worry, as her mother did, about a heating bill. Related Article Workplace culture Stunning 24 hours after CEO of $1.5b tech firm appears to be caught out on Coldplay kiss cam In the middle of the worst of it, when she was hiding in her bedroom, she had a fantasy of redemption. Cabot wished for someone with visibility and power to interrupt the spinning, endless, ruthless cycle. She yearned for a rational voice to step in and say, Wait a minute, as she told me. Can we start a conversation where there might be room for a different version of this story? This has gotten really wild. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Workplace culture

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military on Wednesday sank one more alleged drug boat in international waters in the eastern Pacific, killing four men, the U.S. Southern Command said.

The vessel was operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations and U.S. intelligence confirmed that it "was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations," said the command in a post on X.

"A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no U.S. military forces were harmed," the post said.

The strike was conducted at the direction of U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth, said the post, with no evidence offered.

Since early September, the Pentagon has sunk more than 26 alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean, killing at least 99 people aboard.

In recent weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that the U.S. military would begin land strikes targeting drug traffickers in the Caribbean "very soon," escalating tension between the United States and Venezuela.

The Trump administration last week seized an oil tanker near the coast of Venezuela and announced new sanctions on four Venezuelans and six companies shipping oil from Venezuela.

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. 
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Review Eating outNewtown Dive into cult wines and deliciously unhinged cocktails at this cute 50-seat bar in Newtown Excellent bartending pedigree, footpath seating, chef takeovers, and a custom-built hi-fi system bring big concept energy to dog-friendly Bar Demo on Enmore Road. Myffy Rigby December 14, 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

As featured in the January 2026 hit list. See all stories .

1 / 11 Bar Demo isnt quite a cocktail bar or a wine bar, either. James Brickwood 2 / 11 Demo martini. James Brickwood 3 / 11 James Brickwood 4 / 11 Ma-La-Ga-Rita. James Brickwood 5 / 11 Bar Demo is one of the few Sydney bars with footpath seating. James Brickwood 6 / 11 James Brickwood 7 / 11 Man Go Crazy. Bar Demo 8 / 11 James Brickwood 9 / 11 Spicy Flamingo. James Brickwood 10 / 11 James Brickwood 11 / 11 James Brickwood Previous Slide Next Slide Bar snacks$$$$ Very few Sydney bars offer such a wildly diverse collection of drinks and sounds as this cute 50-seater, in the beating heart of the inner west. Fewer still that are dog-friendly with footpath seating. Imagine taking in the human traffic of Enmore Road  ice-cold martini, glass of wine or doughnut-milk cocktail in hand  while listening to Japanese jazz and British post-punk, and snacking on thick-cut crisps with goats cheese dip. At Claudia Morgan and Oliver Churchers newish little bar, you can. The martini menu is worth a dent for the garnishes alone. James Brickwood

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The bartenders share a resume that includes Double Deuce Lounge, Bentley, Bar Louise and Cafe Paci. Despite their pedigree, Bar Demo is not a cocktail bar. Its not a wine bar, either. They might have a custom-built hi-fi system and play all their music on record (tunes tick from grunge to indie to electronic), but its no listening bar. Its more of an amalgamation of things they love, served in no particular order, executed with an extremely high level of skill. If their audience likes it, thats great. If not? Theyll play it and serve it anyway. Call it anti-algorithm. Grab a stool at the bar, or one of the cute little dating booths that line the wall, and immerse yourself in the drinks list. Morgan and Churcher are extremely friendly and happy to make suggestions if you cant decide between a Spicy Flamingo (tequila, watermelon, yuzu-kosho agave, spicy salt) or a glass of cab sav. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up By the glass: a weekly changing selection of special wines that have caught the bartenders eyes, served till theyre gone. By the bottle: the list tends towards natural, local and funk-driven. Perhaps a sparkling from Commune of Buttons, or grenache from McLaren Vale winemakers Jauma. Further afield, it might be a riesling from cult Alsatian producers, Kleinknecht. Bar Demo is one of the few Sydney bars with footpath seating. James Brickwood Keen to make a dent in the wine list but also want to try the cocktails? Consider starting with a two-sip martini chilled to a crisp 15-degrees below zero. The martini menu is worth a dent for the garnishes alone, including a blue cheese-stuffed olive, or a whole gilda (olive, anchovy, pickled pepper) to make it a meal and drink in one.

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The cocktail list changes regularly and is broken into classic and modern drinks. Summer fun cocktails such as the Paloma and a raspberry margarita recently replaced the deliciously unhinged Amanda Hugginkiss  an oily, citrusy mix of gin, sake, salted mandarin, coconut, lemon and olive oil. It was on the menu a week ago, and may never be seen again. Vale, Amanda Hugginkiss. And while the Ma-La-Ga-Rita (chilli-infused tequila, cucumber and lime juice finished with a massive glug of chilli oil) might have been shelved for now, the Man Go Crazy (bourbon, mango, yuzu, lemon and doughnut milk garnished with a chocolatey ice cube) is a fine contender, particularly for the smell of hot chocolate that perfumes the air every time they make one. Im also keen to go back for a King Kong (bourbon, rum, banana and bitters garnished with a lemon zest). Ma-La-Ga-Rita with chilli-infused tequila, cucumber, lime juice and a massive glug of chilli oil. James Brickwood Snacks? Theyre kept low-key (there are crisps, gildas, olives and the aforementioned goats cheese dip) except when the bar hosts one of its semi-regular chef takeovers on a Sunday. Past talent includes James Tai and Rahul Tandel (Bentley), Mans Engberg (Mister Grotto) and Pasi Petanen (Cafe Paci). Despite the big concept energy, this is a fairly relaxed drinking experience. A perfect place to start  or end  an evening. Crank the Japanese jazz and pour a glass of catarratto. Youve arrived.

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LifestyleLife & relationshipsSocial media Kids social media accounts are banned. Should this parental practice be next? Shona Hendley December 18, 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

For actor Madeleine West, sharing photos or information about her children online has always been done with caution. Ive always held the stance that I have chosen a profession that requires some degree of public exposure, but my children havent, and its my responsibility as a parent to safeguard their privacy, she says. Actor and mother of seven, Madeleine West, says the decision to keep her children off her social media accounts is for their safety. Danielle Smith West, a survivor of child sexual abuse who now works with organisation Ctrl+Shft as lead educator and child safety adviser, says that her personal and professional experiences have shaped and further fortified her perspective. In child protection and online safety education, Ive come to realise that, inadvertently, in doing what we often do as parents, by wanting to celebrate our children because we are proud of them, by posting these on social media, we are potentially putting them at risk.

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While parents sharing their childrens image on social media, also known as sharenting, has long been a hotly debated topic, Australias social media ban aimed at protecting children under 16 from online harm prompts the question: is it time for parents to stop posting images of children under 16 altogether? Related Article Social media Social media is a key part of Isabellas day. This is what worries her most According to West, the answer is a simple, straightforward yes. Once their image is put into the public arena, it can go anywhere, and once their personal information has been posted, it becomes public property, she says. While most parents arent intentionally trying to put their children at risk when they share images of them, West says photos and information are being misused, leading to issues like identity theft, sexual grooming, AI deep fakes, scams, and fraud.

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A digital footprint, thanks to our technology, is stored forever, and we never know how that might pop up, she says. An eSafety spokesperson says that sharing images of your children online without their knowledge or consent when they are younger may also lead to problems for them down the track. Loading [This can range] from embarrassment to developing a poor understanding of consent and respecting themselves. Legally, there are no laws or official guidelines in Australia about what parents can and cannot post about their children online.

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And according to a spokesperson from The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), who developed the Childrens Online Privacy Code (a special set of rules to help protect childrens privacy when using the internet), no specific guidance on parents posting images of children has been developed by the OAIC as part of the Social Media Minimum Age scheme. So, while Australian children under 16 navigate the early weeks of the social media ban, parents can continue to post images of them and information about them. Internationally, other countries are addressing the issue through awareness campaigns. One, the Pause Before You Post campaign launched last month by Irelands Data Protection Commission aims to make parents think twice about what they share online about their children by highlighting how small, seemingly harmless details  like their name or hobbies  can build a picture for a stranger to potentially exploit.

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And these kinds of initiatives are gaining attention, with some parents choosing to no longer post images of their children online or, if they do, to cover their faces and other identifiable features. One Australian parent and social media influencer, Steph Clare Smith, is among them. The entrepreneur, whose son was once a regular feature on her Instagram grid, is now choosing to blur his face to give him more privacy as he gets older. I understand that there are photos and stuff of him up there from the past. Our intention was not to erase him completely from the internet, she posted on her account. It was to avoid putting up anything from now on as hes growing into it, as he looks like a little boy.

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Related Article Parenting Rachael braced herself when she cut off her daughters screen time. This is what surprised her Taking steps like Smith by pixelating, blurring, or using emojis to cover childrens faces and identifiable features like school logos can be helpful in reducing the risk when posting children online, says West. Other tips include turning location data off, not posting in real time  which might give away your routine  and limiting who has access to your accounts through privacy settings. West also suggests something she tells her own kids: avoid symmetrical photos. Its very hard to deepfake asymmetrical photos, she says. So, Im saying to my kids, never look straight down the barrel of the camera. Always tilt your head. Turn to one side. Put your shoulder in the image. Put your fingers in there  AI tools are bad at editing fingers.

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While some parents are taking this route, other influencers like Jaclyn Colley are happy to continue sharing images of their children online. Colley, whose two daughters, Layla and Zahlia, regularly feature in her posts, says doing so is part and parcel of her profession  creating lifestyle, travel and motherhood content. Loading I dont post every day, but usually a few times a week, depending on whats happening in life, Colley says. Colley says the content predominantly shared on Instagram is a mix of parenting moments, such as milestones, funny habits, family-friendly holidays, and collaborations with kids clothing brands.

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Related Article Social media Life without social media is coming. Heres how to help teens (minus the eye-roll) Most of my audience are mums or parents, so sharing our real family life makes sense and keeps the content authentic, she says. Additionally, like many other parents, Colley shares photos of her children on social media to document their lives. Instagram has become like a digital scrapbook for us, and I love being able to look back through the memories, she says. There is also a sense of community, says Colley, a positive that many parents who share their kids images online also cite. While her account is public, the safety of her kids is always at the forefront of Colleys mind.

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I never share exact school names, street addresses or real-time locations, she says. I also dont share anything that feels overly personal or vulnerable, like bath photos, medical information, school locations, or anything that could embarrass them later. Colley also ensures that her kids are happy to take part in content and never features any other children without express parental consent. Along with parents like Colley, many other groups, organisations, and institutions, including schools, also post childrens images online. By doing this, Kirra Pendergast, founder of Ctrl+Shft, says not only are they perpetuating the associated online risks, but in the wake of the social media ban, it highlights a total irony. Schools are still posting student photos and events on platforms that students themselves are being banned from, she says.

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Related Article Parenting From ultrasound photos to family blogs: How ethical is posting children online? Dr Tiffani Apps, a senior lecturer for digital technologies for learning and Chief ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, agrees. Our research about the ways schools share childrens data on public social media pages highlights a clear tension: while children are officially restricted from participating in social media, their digital presence is still being shaped and shared by adults, often without their informed consent or understanding. While sharenting isnt straightforward, experts agree that the launch of the social media ban is an opportunity for families to talk about social media use and its impacts, and to think about digital consent. Its really important to identify that we are our childrens first and foremost role models, says West.

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We cant expect kids under 16 to shut everything off if were still at the dinner table scrolling. Its a great opportunity for us to revisit our own behaviours and dependency on social media. 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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NationalBondi shooting Antisemitism fight to be taken into kinders, schools and universities Noel Towell, Jackson Graham and Bridie Smith Updated December 18, 2025  5:50pm ,first published 1:57pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

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Jillian Segal, Australias Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, will also work on the reform after calling for a nationally consistent approach to teaching students about the ancient hatred in her plan to combat antisemitism. In her report, handed to the government in July, Segal wanted an understanding of Nazi Germanys campaign of genocide against European Jews in the 1930s and 1940s taught in all Australian schools, including an understanding of the Holocaust as a major case study of where unchecked antisemitism can lead. Educators and public servants must have access to training to recognise and address antisemitism in classrooms and public settings, the special envoy wrote. Related Article Updated

Bondi shooting Labor races to write new laws targeting hate preachers over Christmas

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Segal did not include preschools, kindergartens or childcare centres in her call for action in July, and it is not yet clear what the federal government envisages for the sector. Thursdays announcement also promised more money for not-for-profit group Together for Humanity. Founded by Rabbi Zalman Kastel, the group has worked with hundreds of schools nationwide to combat prejudice through programs facilitated by multicultural and multi-faith teams, while also providing technical and financial support in response to specific incidents. Together for Humanity chief executive Annette Schneider said antisemitism was a unique form of prejudice and hatred, which education could help combat from a young age. Antisemitism education is more than Holocaust education, Schneider said. [It] also needs to involve the foundations of our core understanding of who we are as people, identity, culture, faith, respect and how to live with the other and live with difference. The taskforce will also build on work being done at Monash University, which is seeking to address antisemitism in tertiary education and other sectors. So far, the Monash Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism has trained more than 1000 university leaders to combat antisemitism.

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My focus has been on vice-chancellors, executive teams and boards, but we really want to get to department-level leaders, school-level leaders, student-facing teams and front-line staff, said David Slucki, director of Monashs Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation. The government incorporating this into its plan to me is just recognition of something that has been working really well and having a big impact. The task force will also oversee a review of the Australian curriculum, and provide teachers with free resources to strengthen social cohesion and combat antisemitism in the classroom.

The Melbourne Holocaust Museum, which is dedicated to Holocaust education, research and remembrance, has more than 25,000 school students visit each year  more than 90 per cent are not Jewish. Chief executive Dr Breann Fallon said elements of Jewish faith and culture should be introduced to the curriculum earlier. Students in Victoria learn about the Holocaust in year 9 and 10 while learning about World War II. Fallon acknowledged the curriculum was crowded, but said students must learn about the Jewish community before they learn about the Holocaust.

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You cant understand what was lost if you cant understand what was [there first], she said. Education Minister Jason Clare told Thursdays press conference in Canberra that there were lots of things that we need to do to tackle and weed out antisemitism. The curriculum already has in it Holocaust education, but there is more that we can do here to make sure that we embed in it an understanding of the evils of antisemitism, of the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of Australian values, Clare said. A Victorian government spokesperson said the state stood ready to contribute. Words and actions rooted in discrimination are not just hurtful, but deeply traumatic and unacceptable, the spokesperson said.

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Our schools work really hard to stamp out vile, racist, antisemitic behaviour, and we are always on hand to lend support. Independent Schools Australia, which has about 1230 member schools nationally, welcomed the taskforce and chief executive Graham Catt said it would strengthen social cohesion and address antisemitism. Gonski was contacted for comment. More Bondi terror coverage

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NationalBondi shooting Melbourne activists change plans after being warned not to use Bondi grief for protests Grant McArthur and Chip Le Grand Updated December 19, 2025  9:41am ,first published 7:41pm 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

Activists have changed plans to hold an anti-Zionist gathering in Melbournes CBD on Saturday following warnings not to stage events in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach terror attack. However, fringe group Anti-Zionism Australia now plans to stage an event at Parliament House on Monday, with an altered agenda to oppose the adoption of a report by Australias special envoy to combat antisemitism, Jillian Segal. The premier has warned people planning events this weekend to stay away from the CBD. Christopher Hopkins The change comes after Premier Jacinta Allan warned activists to stay away from the city this weekend as people grieve the victims of the Bondi massacre. Melbournes Jewish leaders on Thursday slammed Anti-Zionism Australias original plans to organise the gathering outside the State Library of Victoria on Saturday in direct response to the events at Bondi.

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Related Article Bondi shooting Antisemitism fight to be taken into kinders, schools and universities In an overnight Instagram post, the group, which claims to have a predominantly Jewish membership, announced it was cancelling the event and instead staging a speak-out on Monday afternoon. After conversations with our comrades, we have decided not to proceed with our event this Saturday, the group stated. Police are also aware that pro-Israel group Lions of Zion and anti-immigration group Put Australia First plan to rally at Parliament House on Sunday. Organisers of the long-planned Gathering for Gaza, which was set to take place in Port Melbourne on Sunday, announced earlier this week they have postponed the fundraiser out of respect for those who lost their lives at Bondi Beach.

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Allan said on Thursday that no one should use the terrorist massacre to drive further division in the community, and later told this masthead that anybody who went into the CBD this weekend to fuel hate would face action. Loading People should not be protesting this weekend, Allan said. If you are going to come into the city and whip up hate and division you will be dealt with by police. A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed the force would have a presence at the weekend rallies. Our focus will be to prevent breaches of the peace and to ensure the safety of the community, the spokesperson said. Any unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.

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Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said he was lost for words to describe Anti-Zionism Australias planned action in the days following Australias worst terrorist attack. Theres only one word to describe it  its called antisemitism, Leibler said. I think every decent member of society will see this for what it is, which is an attempt to use a handful of people that have self-identified as being Jewish to attack and undermine the Jewish community at their most vulnerable time. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated he is busy implementing Segals report, which includes reforms calling for children to be better educated at school about the Holocaust, Israel and antisemitism and for funding to be stripped from universities that indulge antisemitism. The antisemitism envoy has also pushed for Australia to take harder look at whether its migration system is importing hatred against Jews. Related Article Opinion

Bondi shooting You have failed us: Josh Frydenbergs full speech at Bondi memorial

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Anti-Zionism Australia organiser David Glanz on Thursday had vowed to continue with Saturdays gathering, saying the event had been organised in direct response to the Bondi attack by its predominantly Jewish membership. We want to make it clear that we think the Palestinian movement has no case to answer in terms of what happened in Bondi, and we stand with our brothers and sisters in the Palestine movement, and thats a point that we would be looking to make on Saturday, Glanz said. We would consider pausing if [former federal treasurer] Josh Frydenberg withdraws his speech. The people who support Israel have gone in full bore, before some of the funerals have ever even been held, to blame Palestinians. In some cases, theyve blamed Muslims; in other cases, they blame migrants. Frydenberg was contacted for comment. On Wednesday, the former treasurer gave an impassioned speech in which, in part, he called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and state governments to stop allowing certain protests. Frydenberg sheds tears as he leaves flowers at the Bondi memorial on Wednesday.

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Different people on the right of the spectrum, they havent held back, Glanz said. They are politicising the horror in Bondi, and we are not. Were simply saying that what happened in Bondi has nothing to do with the politics of the Palestine movement, and people should be allowed to grieve without that politicisation. Saturdays event is billed to feature four Jewish speakers including Glanz, who has spoken at previous Free Palestine events. Free Palestine Melbourne member Mai Saif was advertised as a speaker at Saturdays now cancelled Anti-Zionism Australia gathering, but told this masthead she would not be taking part. Related Article Bondi shooting Bondi gunman charged with dozens of offences, 15 murders The Palestinian community are appalled at this heinous crime and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. We share nothing but love, care and support, Saif said.

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On Thursday, Glanz denied Saturdays gathering had been organised as a political rally and said it would be a very sober, a sombre gathering that would begin with a minutes silence for the victims of Bondi. None of us are minimising the horror of what we saw, but I think its also worth remembering there is a Palestinian and broader Middle Eastern community who have also lost relatives on a massive scale over the last two years, and yet theyre being told that they are to blame for the actions of two crazy guys. One prominent Jewish community leader said they were aware and appalled in regard to Saturdays anti-Zionism gathering and had never heard of the groups members being involved in the Jewish community. Right-wing anti-immigration activists have also seized on the Bondi attack, organising a Save Australia rally on Sunday afternoon at Parliament House, with promoter Morgan Jonas accusing Albanese of treason for issuing visas to those responsible for terror. Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary Luke Hilakari said he was dumbfounded that anyone would stage such a protest a week after the Bondi massacre.

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You could not plan a more stupid activity or be more insensitive to the moment or do more damage to whatever cause they want to pursue, he said. Im dumbfounded about why anyone would do such a thing. It is being deliberately hurtful to a community that is in a lot of pain right now. That is not what solidarity looks or feels like. State member for Caulfield David Southwick said protests in the wake of the massacre were inappropriate and would only cause more hurt and division. Jacinta Allan needs to follow the NSW premiers lead and ban these events from taking place at this time, Southwick said. Victoria remains the only state without a protest permit system. Despite repeated calls from Jewish leaders, the police union and the Liberals and Nationals, Premier Allan has refused to act. Organisers of Gathering for Gaza announced they were postponing their $89-a-head fundraiser because the community needed a moment to process and grieve.

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NationalBondi shooting Opinion My son had planned to be at Bondi. Will hate follow him wherever he goes? Samantha Selinger-Morris Morning Edition podcast host December 19, 2025  5:00am

December 19, 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

Follow our live coverage of the Bondi shooting here. Before I say what Im about to say, I need to tell you one thing. Which is that I, too, know the rapture that seems to spread like liquid through your chest when your toddler sits on you and declares brightly, but matter of factly: I was going to pee on you, but then I realised  youre my joy! Still, as I walked to work on Monday morning, a thought bloomed. Maybe I should never have had my three children. Because, just the night before, on Sunday evening, I had spent hours scrolling through WhatsApp messages from Jewish friends and acquaintances on a group chat. Have they got the shooters? My eldest daughter is there, wrote one. This was only minutes after Naveed and Sajid Akram started shooting their long rifles aimed at Jewish people at Bondi Beach. Mourners embrace at the Bondi memorial. Oscar Colman

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Another wrote of having escaped Bondi on foot, leaving her car there, after running and hiding with her 12-year-old daughter. Yet another friend, who was at the same Hanukkah celebration with her niece, had taken her to the emergency department to remove shrapnel from the childs head. A family member texted to say that a colleagues father had been murdered. My son had planned to be there. He was getting ready to leave for Bondi with friends when he heard the news. As Jews, we know that hate stalks us wherever we go. So, by the next morning, after circling through the immediate, scratchy feelings of panic  what if my son had been there? Do I need to tell my children to not go to communal Jewish gatherings? Ever?  the thought dawned on me: why bring yet another generation of Jewish children into this world?

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Countless leaders and analysts have been saying, on repeat, for the last two years, that we mustnt let overseas hatreds and battles snake their way onto our shores. We cant let our social fabric tear. Each time, Id think: Must be nice to feel that you can escape hatred; simply move out of its path, as you would to let someone pass by on the footpath. Related Article Bondi shooting As if our own daughter were taken from us: Matilda farewelled in funeral for little ray of sunshine Because, as Jews, we know that hate stalks us wherever we go. By the time my grandmother and her family left Poland in 1929, nationwide boycotts of Jewish businesses were being encouraged, and anti-Jewish violence was growing. She moved to Canada, where she was taunted for her foreign accent, and Jews were banned, along with dogs, from visiting Torontos most popular beach. And of course, the hate follows me here, too.

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To think that Jewish people could somehow, if we just tried hard enough, insulate ourselves from hatreds that we see play out overseas. That is a fatal misunderstanding of the threats that Jews, and other groups who are hated wherever they go, have always faced. And now, after the tragic murder of, at the time of writing, 15 innocent people at Bondi, I wonder whether other Australians understanding of who they are, and where we all live, might have changed forever. The lucky country? Maybe, the deluded country? For decades, most people here have lived with a foundational identity myth: that Australians are first and foremost, far away. From everything. So far away, as Robert Hughes put it in The Fatal Shore. Into the 1600s, maps didnt even feature Australia but, rather, an outline with the phrase, Great Southern Land. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets Bondi hero Ahmed al Ahmed at St George Hospital on Tuesday, Prime Ministers Office via AP

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And, of course, Australia hasnt moved. The country is still bloody far away from the rest of the world. But that didnt stop the rain of bullets that spilt blood on Australias most famous beach on Sunday. And its no comfort to Peter Meagher, a non-Jewish, and beloved, member of Randwicks Rugby Club, in Sydneys eastern suburbs, who managed to survive the dangerous work as a police officer for nearly 40 years, only to be gunned down at the Hanukkah celebration where he was enjoying his later-in-life passion, photography. Neither he nor any of those killed, such as Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman, or 10 year-old Matilda, were saved by the 17,000 or so watery kilometres between Australia and Britain, the so-called Tyranny of Distance, as historian Geoffrey Blainey put it, that kept Australia from the influences of Europe. Related Article Opinion

Bondi shooting PM must return to Bondi and meet the moment James Massola Chief political commentator That this tragedy has brought to light the horrific reality that non-Jewish Australians, too, are now vulnerable to the evil unleashed by ancient hatreds might just be iconically Australian. Its long been said that distance made everything come to Australia late. Colour TV. Contraband copies of Lady Chatterleys Lover. Even the 1960s came to Australia in the 1970s, as the saying goes.

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But this is where my children were born. And its where Ive chosen to raise them. Perhaps we are the canary in the coal mine, a sound of alarm to the rest of you, that you, too, could get caught in the crossfire, as so many non-Jewish Australians were on Sunday evening. But we are truly, tragically, in this together. As are all of our children. Related Article Opinion

Israeli-Palestinian conflict Australia is right to support a two-state solution: former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert Ehud Olmert Former Israeli prime minister As one non-Jewish colleague wrote to me on Monday, to express empathy over the violence that had struck the Jewish community: You despair for the kids who think this is how the world is now. I remember being seven, and the only thing I had to worry about was finding a tap in somebodys front yard to drink from after riding my bike around unsupervised all day.

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His was just one of countless messages Ive received from friends and colleagues. Of support, and love. Some wrote to pass on messages to my children, to let them know: We are standing with Jewish Aussies. We may be in this horrific new (and old) world together. But lets really be in it together, in the best of ways. Lets help keep each others children safe. Because, like yours, mine are truly the best of me. Samantha Selinger-Morris is the host of The Morning Edition for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
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NationalNSWHSC Behind every North Sydney Boys HSC student was a plush toy called Don Emily Kowal and Ellie Busby December 18, 2025  3:51pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Follow our live coverage of the 2025 HSC results here. Amid the cheers of North Sydney Boys victorious HSC students, gathered back at the school to celebrate once again topping the state, a toy bird is waved in the air. This is Don the Falcon, a miniature version of the selective public schools mascot. Every Year 12 student received their own Don when they graduated. Principal Brian Ferguson hopes to one day see them in doctors surgeries, lawyers offices and engineering labs. North Sydney Boys students at their celebration on Thursday, left, and their plush toy mascot, Don the Falcon. Andrew Quilty We wanted them to remember the values and the memories that they have learnt here, to take into the future, said Ferguson. The mascot embodies the values of our school.

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And at North Sydney Boys, which topped the state for a third year in a row when HSC results were announced on Thursday, there is no value more important than camaraderie. Its the secret sauce behind the schools success, says Josh Zhu, one of seven students to achieve a 99.95 ATAR. If I went to another school, I dont think I would be able to get the score that I did, said Josh. Josh Zhu, one of the North Sydney students to score a 99.95 ATAR. Andrew Quilty Were taught right from the get-go, that brotherhood, companionship, camaraderie is the key to success. You know, you never gate-keep materials.

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There was not one defining strategy that put North Sydney Boys at the top, said Zhu. Instead, it was a series of tiny moments: a mate bringing a friend a snack, touching base and checking in. It can be as little as just being in class, not having a clue what the teacher is talking about, and then poking my mate in the rib and asking him whats going on. And, then, him being willing to help me, to whisper in my ear and risk getting yelled at by the teacher, he said. School captain Marcus Chu, said his cohort made a concerted effort to build upon the previous year 12s spirit of mateship. We did peer-led mentoring, so an accomplished student would be able to help out another student if theyre not confident, or, you know, if theyre not doing performing well in that subject, said Chu. North Sydney Boys captain Marcus Chu. Andrew Quilty

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There is more than 20 kilometres between North Sydney Boys and James Ruse Agricultural High School, its closest academic rival. But on Thursday, the difference between the two selective public schools was just one percentage point. The pair have broken away from the pack to become the indisputable top schools in the state: North Sydney had an HSC success rate of 71.6 per cent. James Ruses was 70.43 per cent. The next highest-ranking school, Sydney Grammar, had a success rate of 60.99 per cent. James Ruse Agricultural High students Nikil Andepalli, Srihaas Komminni, Selina Ma, Nina Chen, Terry Chen, and Peter Shan celebrate their success. Dylan Coker But while one might expect James Ruse students, who have fought hard the past three years to win back their long-held top place ranking, to feel some rivalry, the mood at the Carlingford schools own HSC celebration was upbeat.

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When the rankings were released on Thursday, the James Ruse cohort didnt even acknowledge them: they were just proud of their school and their marks. Related Article HSC HSC results 2025 as it happened: North Sydney Boys tops the state; NSW year 12 students receive ATARs after exam results drop Nine James Ruse students achieved ATARs of 99.95  two more than North Sydney Boys. Reflecting on their year, James Ruses two school captains echoed similar sentiments to the students celebrating at the other end of the M2. What helped me the most was having a really good network of my friends because, in high school, especially in HSC period, oftentimes people get sucked up into the mindset of studying is the only thing we need to do, and thats all we have in our life, school captain Chesandu Hewapathiranage said.

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But realistically, what you realise is that year 12 is actually one of the most fun years you might have. Related Article HSC North Sydney Boys, James Ruse bolt away in HSC rankings His co-captain Cathy Zhang agreed, saying the most gratifying part of her HSC year was not the mark at the end, but seeing how their year group had banded together. I think that is the most important thing about these two senior years. Its about finding relief amongst each other, finding support amongst each other, doing things together, she said. True learning, I think, really happens when youre all pored over a whiteboard trying to figure out a maths equation, or youre debating Shakespeare and things like that. And I think that sort of collaborative learning is what I would wish upon everyone doing the HSC, to find that amongst each other and find it off your peers, because it really helps.

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At North Sydney, Marcus may have captained his year group to a top rank, but he did not want to have a hubristic attitude, and never thought a first place was guaranteed. There are many talented people in this state that could have outperformed us, he said, praising James Ruse. Theres a lot of success around the state  I am happy for them. 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 This article originally said North Sydney Boys had six students who received 99.95. They had seven.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has attended the Great Synagogue in Sydneys CBD.

Tonight at the Great Synagogue in Sydney we honour the memory of those lost, Albanese posted on Instagram.

We stand with their families and the Jewish Australian community in this time of grief.

All Australians stand together against antisemitism and hatred.

Albaneses visit comes after days of criticism from political opponents as well as some in the Jewish community and the media.

Read more: PM must return to Bondi and meet the moment
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His father and accomplice, Sajid Akram, was killed by police during the attack. This week this masthead reported that a teenage Akram had associated with a street-preaching group in Bankstown called Street Dawah Movement, appearing in a series of videos and photos on their social media. The group has distanced themselves from Akram, saying he attended their programs only briefly in 2019, calling him a visitor. Naveed Akram on the street in Bankstown as part of the Dawah movement. Facebook He is a criminal, a thug and a terrorist, a spokesman for Street Dawah Movement (SDM) told this masthead on Thursday.

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Its not us. This masthead this week reported that other members of an IS cell, first detected by counter-terror squads in 2018, had also attended SDM events. Convicted terror sympathisers Joseph Saadieh and Youssef Uweinat have appeared on their social media, and were on the radar of counter-terror authorities at the time for associating with IS terrorist Isaac El Matari. Naveed Akram has been charged with almost 60 offences, including 15 murders. Saadieh and another convicted IS sympathiser, Moudasser Taleb, also attended SDM programs in 2021, shortly before Saadiehs arrest, according to court documents.

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It is a betrayal  they are snakes, the SDM spokesman said. They have been charged and released and are no longer part of our movement  they were only visitors. We are based in a factory of terrorism  this is Bankstown in Sydney. But we dont have any associates who are terrorists, and we dont agree with terrorists. We are a community group that helps anyone who needs it. Extremist preacher Wissam Haddad outside the Federal Court in Sydney in July. Edwina Pickles

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A number of IS cell members have also been linked to Haddad, the radical cleric who has become the target of increased attention due to his extreme rhetoric. In July, the Federal Court ruled Haddad vilified the Jewish community in lectures posted online that perpetuated age-old tropes against Jewish people that are fundamentally racist and antisemitic. Haddad, in a recent sermon at the Al Madina Centre in Bankstown, railed against mosques which take money from the government to run programs to curb extremism. He asked followers to donate money to attend his sermons, in part to fund his own Dawah Van initiative. Haddad did not respond to questions on Thursday, but released a lengthy statement in which he sought to distance himself from Akram by saying there were no verified photos of the two together.

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IS associate Joseph Saadieh with the same street Dawah group before his arrest in mid-2021. Street Dawah While he did not address whether he knew the alleged shooter, he said it was misleading to call Akram a follower because no evidence has been produced showing any personal, organisation or instructional link between the two. Haddad, who has been described as the spiritual leader of Islamic State in Australia, said there was no evidence to support this allegation and that he had never been charged, tried, or convicted of IS membership. The SDM spokesman said the group had referred Saadieh, in particular, for counselling services, and blamed Haddad for influencing young and impressionable Muslims. Haddad takes advantage of their vulnerability, the spokesman said.

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Most of them are unstable, so they feel special there. A senior source within the Muslim community who has worked across a range of organisations and with knowledge of Haddads history told this masthead the preacher had a silver tongue and targeted vulnerable young men. Vision of Sajid Akram being tackled by Ahmed al Ahmed during the Bondi Beach shooting. Theyre always young, and usually come from broken homes, the source said. They added that Haddad had been excommunicated from the broader Muslim community for his views, and that there had always been a strong correlation between Haddad and a string of terror offenders.

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He is always pictured smiling in the background with these guys, and always people under 25. He gets to them and they get into his circle, and then get locked up. Its cowardly behaviour. Pro-IS social media networks on Thursday began releasing videos which showed Akrams attack set to religious hymns and verses. Other videos, shared by the same networks, show Akram advocating for Dawah during the time he associated with the broader street movement. On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised new reforms to target hate preachers and increase penalties for hate speech that promotes violence.

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AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said individuals who spew hatred and cause fear are on my radar. Loading I have had the counter-terrorism and Special Investigations Command reviewing information and other material in relation to these individuals since I became the commissioner, she said. Barrett said the AFP were working through a lot of material with domestic and foreign counterparts to build a more complete picture of the movements and who the alleged offenders had contact with, both in Australia and offshore. There have been a number of street Dawah groups that have emerged over the past 20 years.

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Essentially proselytising, street Dawah programs are popular among some hardline Salafi Muslims. They aim to convert people to their version of Islam. They have been linked to a series of terror cells overseas and in Australia. In 2014, seven of the 15 men detained as part of counter-terror raid were connected to Parramatta Street Dawah. Extremist expert Associate Professor Josh Roose from Deakin University, said the broader street Dawah movement had produced a significant number of jihadis including the most notorious perpetrators of atrocities in Australia and abroad. They are benign looking, but under the surface you see the hatred at the core, Roose said, calling them amorphous shape-shifting entities. Its an organic street movement, which makes it harder to take action against them or proscribe them as a terror group.

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Find the elite achievers among the NSW students who were awarded a mark above 90 per cent in any HSC subject for 2025.

This list contains honours for all-round achievement, best in course and all band 6/E4 results.

The honour roll will also appear in Fridays print edition of The Sydney Morning Herald.
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NationalQueenslandCourts Gasps as man jailed 11 years for hit-and-run death Andrew Stafford December 18, 2025  2:36pm 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 car thief will spend at least the next seven years behind bars for a shocking hit-and-run incident that left a man dead and woman critically injured. Kai Fursey has been jailed over the hit-and-run. Kai Colin Matthew Fursey, 30, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Ryan William Victor Grafton, also 30. Grafton was killed instantly when an intoxicated and unlicensed Fursey ploughed into his Uber ride in the early hours of May 28, 2024. There were gasps and tears from Furseys family members when he was given a sentence keeping him in prison until at least early 2033.

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We love you Kai, a family member shouted as Fursey was led away. Graftons family maintained their composure in court as the sentence was read out in Queensland Supreme Court. Sentencing Fursey, Justice Martin Burns said his driving was so wanton that the loss of life of an entirely blameless member of the community was almost inevitable. The crash site in Wacol. Seven News Fursey had his foot to the floor of a stolen Ford Mondeo as he tore through a red light in Brisbanes south-west, hitting the Toyota Camry in which Grafton was travelling at a speed of 114.5km/h in a 70km/h zone.

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Grafton was killed on impact. His friend Amelia Vindon, 26, who was also in the car, suffered critical internal injuries and needed multiple surgeries. Ryan Grafton was killed in the crash at Wacol last year. Nine News The Uber driver Hussein Ali Mohamed was knocked unconscious. Fursey was uninjured. He fled from the scene, running past the stricken Camry occupants and past police officers attending to another matter a block away. He did not hand himself in to police for another week.

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Such callous disregard for the occupants of that vehicle is difficult, if not impossible, to put into words, Burns said. No sentence the court can impose will ever seem even remotely severe enough to punish you for such abject grief and suffering. Burns accepted evidence relating to Furseys dysfunctional and abusive upbringing, and took into account his remorse, saying he had a level of insight into the consequences of his behaviour. But he also cited Furseys lengthy criminal history, saying his risk of reoffending was medium to high and nothing reduced his culpability for his actions. The victims family left court without speaking to media. They were shielded by Kevin Lawler, an officer from the Salvation Army who knew Grafton.

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Representing the family, he said Grafton had attended the Salvation Army church on the Gold Coast for 12 months before his death. Ryan was known for his kind and gentle heart, Lawler said. Hed been on such a journey and were just privileged to have been part of that journey. He had one of those special souls and he was loved by the church. He said the family was satisfied that a significant sentence had been handed down, but that nothing would bring back their son. Fursey was sentenced concurrently for a range of other offences including dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, receiving tainted property, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possession of dangerous drugs.

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He was marked for life as a serious violent offender. AAP

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MOSCOW, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Russia on Thursday urged the U.S. administration not to make a "fatal mistake" on Venezuela, warning of unpredictable consequences for the Western Hemisphere.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry called on Washington to "refrain from further escalating the situation, which could lead to unpredictable consequences for the entire Western Hemisphere."

The ministry reiterated Russia's support for the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, emphasizing the need to protect national interests and sovereignty and to ensure that Latin America remains a zone of peace. 
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NationalQueenslandHigh school Mixed bag of emotions as students receive ATAR results Catherine Strohfeldt and Dominique Tassell Updated December 18, 2025  2:20pm ,first published 1:00pm 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

Brisbane students have been given access their ATAR results, after feeling a mixed bag of emotions while waiting on Thursday morning. QTAC chief executive Chris Veraa said the results reflected the efforts of students, as well as the families and school communities that worked alongside them through their senior year. We hope this moment will be one where all Queensland graduates are able to look back on what theyve achieved with pride. Brisbane Girls Grammar School student Olivia King said she was quietly confident about her ATAR results. Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Olivia King, 17, from Brisbane Girls Grammar School, said on Thursday morning she was feeling quietly confident about her ATAR results. She was also, of course, a bit nervous.

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Ive been accepted to study a bachelor of international economics and management at Bocconi University in Milan, she told this masthead. Related Article University What happens if your ATAR is too low for your university course? Im still deciding if I will travel overseas to take up this opportunity in Italy, or if I stay in Brisbane to study the University of Queenslands bachelor of advanced finance and economics. Ive also applied to many universities in America. Im torn between studying abroad and being closer to home, but I will make a decision once all of the offers are out. I feel really grateful that I have these choices and university ahead of me. Its amazing to think that 150 years ago, when Brisbane Girls Grammar School was founded, women were striving for the right to a tertiary education.

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Faris Al-Haji, 18, from Park Ridge State High School, was keeping his confidence up. He chose not to look at his exam results on December 17, preferring to keep the whole thing a surprise. Park Ridge State High School student Faris Al-Haji. Al-Haji admitted to feeling a little bit overwhelmed ahead of the results being released. But it is what it is, you know, theres nothing that can happen to the results now. He is hoping to get into a bachelor of nursing at Queensland University of Technology, which has guaranteed entry for students with an ATAR of 80. I do think Ill be able to get into it. Right now, Im just keeping my confidence up so I dont have a little breakdown in the middle of the day. I think all will be well.

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Speaking to this masthead after midday, Al-Haji said his ATAR was enough to successfully qualify for his desired degree. Tatiana Edelman, 17, from St Aidans Anglican Girls School said before getting her results that she was feeling OK. I think mostly what I was really most worried about was just how I did in all my subjects individually. For me, the number of my ATAR isnt the most important thing because nothing that I want to do [needs] a super, super high [ATAR]. St Aidans Anglican Girls School student Tatiana Edelman is feeling OK about her ATAR results. Edelman is planning to take at least six months off to travel, and continue strengthening her French language skills. After that, Im hoping to do something with a bit of arts and a bit of sciences because Im in a bit of a difficult situation where Im really enjoying both, she said.

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Its a bit annoying because I feel like most people know like exactly, or they think they know exactly where they want to go, but Im just enjoying too many things, which is a good problem to have. Edelman has spoken with university students at her swimming club, who reassured her that many people go into tertiary studies not knowing exactly what they want to do, or are very set on their plans but end up changing. Having received her result, Edelman said she was very happy, and would now have to figure out what she is going to study. St Aidans Anglican Girls School student Rasika Sudhahar admits shes feeling pretty nervous for her ATAR results. Rasika Sudhahar, 18, also from St Aidans, admitted she was feeling pretty nervous. She intends to study a maths and arts dual degree next year, which has an entry requirement of 92.

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My issue is that I like too many things, so its really difficult to narrow in on one. I changed my application again two weeks ago, she said. I was so confused about what I wanted to do, but I just landed on trying a math degree and pairing it with an arts degree and, then after about six months or a year, seeing where I want to go from there. Results were released on the QTAC portal at midday. Students received a raw ATAR, which can be treated differently by universities depending on adjustment factors, such as studying a language other than English or specialist maths subjects, living in a rural or remote location, and experiencing hardship. QTAC said 37 students had received a top ranking of 99.95, from a total of 30,167 eligible students  just over half of all students who finished year 12 this year.

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NationalVictoriaPublic transport Developers, land tax to pay for SRL as $6.7b contract locked in Kieran Rooney and Patrick Hatch December 18, 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

Parking levies, existing land taxes and developer charges will be used to plug an $11.5 billion gap in funding for the first stage of the Suburban Rail Loop, with Victoria awarding a new $6.7 billion contract for the project. Details of the governments value capture strategy were released on Thursday, publicly outlining for the first time the full tax mechanisms the state intends to use to fund one-third of SRL Easts $34.5 billion construction costs. Premier Jacinta Allan inspects the cutterhead of a tunnel boring machine in Heartherton. Eddie Jim Despite a backlash from the property industry and questions about the strategys merits, Premier Jacinta Allan was unapologetic as she spruiked the underground line between Cheltenham and Box Hill and announced the awarding of the $6.7 billion contract to the TransitLinX consortium to build the trains and rail infrastructure. Under the plan, existing land tax levied on property owners within the six SRL precincts will be hived off to fund project construction, raising an estimated $5.75 billion. Windfall gains taxes will raise $450 million. This carve-up of existing taxes was first revealed in The Age in July and will run for 40 years.

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A developer charge of $11,350 per new dwelling built in the areas immediately around each SRL station will apply from 2027 and jump to $33,924 from 2032, which is expected to raise $2.9 billion. The new rail line is set to open in 2035. This means that by 2032, a new home built in an SRL precincts could include $33,924 in developer charges, which may be passed on to the consumer, alongside stamp duty. Loading Victoria will raise another $1.6 billion by developing government-owned land, and $800 million by implementing a car-park levy from 2035. Allan said it makes sense for developers who were able to progress new projects unlocked by SRL to make a proportionately small contribution to the delivery of this project.

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Value capture is not new. Value capture, to fund projects like this, has been used around Australia and around the world. Related Article Exclusive

Suburban Rail Loop State eyes carve-out of existing taxes to help plug $11.5b SRL funding hole The state government has branded the SRL East Australias largest housing project and says it will unlock 70,000 homes around the six new stations. SRL Minister Harriet Shing on Thursday said the project would help take some the housing burden away from Melbournes north and west, which have for too long, have borne the brunt of unchecked growth. But Urban Development Institute of Australia CEO Linda Allison said the developer contribution announced on Thursday would discourage new builds.

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The Suburban Rail Loop precincts will include the highest taxed property in the state, Allison said. At a time when apartment development is already unaffordable for developers and buyers alike, these precincts need to be incentivised, not punished with new taxes. Property Council Victoria executive director Cath Evans said the proposal would effectively kill the ambitious housing project. It cannot credibly claim the SRL precincts will deliver Australias biggest housing project while simultaneously imposing the highest development taxes in the country, she said. Experts have previously cast doubt on the states ability to raise $11.5 billion through so-called value capture, presenting a major risk to the project.

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Although the infrastructure contributions and car park levy provide clear pathways to raise money as new charges, the siphoning of existing taxes that were already collecting revenue to fill more than $6 billion in the governments funding gap has raised concerns. Joe Langley, an urban planner and expert in value capture schemes, said the proposal to carve out $5.75 billion from existing land tax revenue was just robbing Peter to pay Paul. Youre just taking it out of consolidated revenue  its not value capture, he said Land tax is currently paying for services that will continue to need to be paid. So if thats hypothecated, then how do they make up the difference? Langley also said the windfall gains tax was a missed opportunity, with a projected contribution of $450 million  just 1.3 per cent of the projects total $34.5 billion investment.

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Its not an effective windfall gain because we know these stations will cause at minimum a 300 per cent increase in land values, he said. Former treasurer Tim Pallas last year told a budget estimates hearing that hypothecated taxes were not his preferred method of raising revenue. Ask any treasurer, and it does not matter what their political colour is, they will tell you they do not really like hypothecation of taxes because it cuts down the capacity and the ability of governments to respond to the needs of the community at any given time, he said. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said the extra charges would worsen affordability and the land tax revenue the government planned to siphon for the project was essentially a $5.7 billion hit to the budget. We need teachers in classrooms, paramedics, more hospital beds, but now $5.7 billion is being quarantined to fund the Suburban Rail Loop, she said.

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Treasurer Jaclyn Symes disputed this logic, arguing that land taxes and other existing measures already paid for government projects. This is just the first project that weve outlined it in detail for you  Its just an outline of where the revenue will come from for this project, she said. Independent economist Saul Eslake said he didnt see an issue in principle with capturing the windfall gains in land values from a government decision and using them to pay for the project. However, he said, this depended on whether the government could accurately measure how much of the increase in land value could be directly linked to the project. Victoria has claimed the project will be funded evenly, with the state and federal governments and value capture taxes each contributing one-third of the cost.

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The Albanese government has so far committed $2.2 billion but has pledged to contribute more in the May Budget. In January, Infrastructure Australia said it did not have confidence Victoria could raise $11.5 billion from value capture. The federal body said the Albanese government should not put more funds to the SRL East until Victoria could demonstrate how this would be possible. The $6.7 billion linewide contract announced on Thursday includes 13 four-carriage trains to be built in Dandenong. They will be the first driverless trains used in Victoria, and have metro-style side seating to create more standing space for passengers. Rail Tram and Bus Union Victoria secretary Vik Sharma said drivers would still be needed to ensure trains operate safely  even if they are highly automated.

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Automation is not a single technology. It ranges from assisted driving to fully unattended operation, Sharma said. Despite the automation rhetoric, we will ensure drivers play a key role in delivering safe operations. Dressing this up as driverless is misleading and risks undermining public confidence from day one. TransitLinX is made up of construction giant John Holland  which also built the Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel  along with French public transport operator RATP Group, train builder Alstom, engineers WSP and technology group KBR. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.
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Exclusive NationalWAHospitals WAs premier maternity hospital put on notice after damning report into baby boys death Michael Genovese December 19, 2025  2:45pm 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 director general of WA Health will issue an improvement notice to King Edward Memorial Hospital and oversee an unprecedented cultural reform program following a harrowing report into the circumstances surrounding a baby born dead at the hospital. Doctors and midwives at Western Australias premier maternity hospital will undergo new training as part of a cultural reform which will also see an extra obstetric consultant rostered on from Friday. Tommy and his mum, Alana Starkie. Alana and Paul Starkie Alana and Paul Starkie had travelled from Manjimup to Perths King Edward Memorial Hospital to induce labour when Alana was 38 weeks and six days pregnant in August. However, after more than four hours of labour, Alana realised there was something wrong and told the midwives she felt an agonising pain she had not experienced during the births of her three other children.

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Tommy Starkie was born not breathing, and with no heart rate, and in the following days was diagnosed with a near-total brain injury. He died after 23 days in the neonatal intensive care unit. Now, an inquiry into the baby boys death  known as a Severity Assessment Code 1 report  has revealed Tommys declining heart rate was ignored despite CTG data showing he was being deprived of oxygen for more than an hour before his birth. SAC1 reports are saved for the worst incidents of harm during care provision in a public hospital. The independent panel behind the report found failings in communication, teamwork, leadership, workload management and a lack of situational awareness within the hospitals labour birthing suite contributed to a multitude of breaches of policy during Starkies labour and in the days that followed. Alana told 9News Perth the report confirmed King Edward failed us in almost every aspect of our care, and there was a blatant disregard for following their own policies that permeated the organisation.

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There would have been 50 instances or more where they didnt follow their own policies, and that resulted in the unnecessary death of our son, she said. Related Article Graphic content

Healthcare Tommy was born dead. His parents are still searching for answers They didnt follow their policies monitoring him during the birth. They failed to escalate to a doctor. They failed to communicate. They failed to document anything  they missed four CTG interpretations. The list goes on and on and on. Its just a catastrophic and cultural failure. None of their policies were followed. No one can tell me that this isnt happening right now in other births in that hospital, you cant tell me that 20 people didnt follow their policies in just our birth.

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WAs Director General of Health, Dr Shirley Bowen, has apologised and admitted the Starkies were failed, but was confident King Edward Memorial Hospital was safe. I absolutely regret whats happened to Alana, and I agree that the policies were not followed for her individual circumstance, but I can assure the public that we do have a safe, quality, high-care system of care at King Edward. I recognise thats hard given the circumstance weve got in front of us, Bowen said. A timeline of failures and missed opportunities For the birth of her fourth child, Alana was referred to King Edward for an induction after her 37-week ultrasound found the possibility of a coarctation of the babys aorta. This condition was later ruled out, according to the report. The SAC1 panel found multiple occasions of staff breaching hospital policy beginning 24 hours before Tommys birth, with a lack of an overnight medical review labelled a missed opportunity for an abnormal cardiotocography  or CTG  monitor to have been flagged at morning handover.

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CTG interpretations should occur half-hourly at a minimum and a fresh eyes review by a second practitioner every two hours. The report repeatedly found this did not occur. On another occasion, a CTG interpretation should have been countersigned by a second practitioner. The SAC1 panel was unable to identify why this did not occur. The report notes: The CTG indicates that the toco was not recording adequately to monitor uterine activity and made interpretation of the trace difficult. Eighteen hours after she was admitted, Alana was transferred to the labour birth suite, received oxytocin and underwent a process to induce labour. However, staff failed to perform a CTG immediately prior, which breached the hospitals policy.

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Once the CTG was up and running staff failed to interpret it every half hour. At one point, two staff reviewed the CTG collaboratively, but nothing was documented. The SAC1 panel found that both staff may have assumed the other would complete the required documentation. Tommy Starkie and his parents, Alana and Paul. Alana and Paul Starkie Once the abnormal CTG was identified, the midwife raised it with the registrar face-to-face twice, however this escalation was not documented nor was a review by the registrar documented, according the SAC1 finding. About 90 minutes before Tommys birth, a midwife documented abnormal features on the CTG which prompted an escalation to the registrar, who reviewed it remotely. Shortly after the midwife noted nil concerns voiced.

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The panel found this escalation did not result in appropriate action as it should have prompted a reduction or cessation of oxytocin which did not occur, and around that time the registrar was involved in the management of an instrumental assisted birth. Alanas oxytocin was increased about two hours before Tommy was born, which the panel agreed should not have happened in the context of inadequate CTG monitoring and increasing contractions with inadequate resting tone. And by 8pm  an hour before Tommy was born  the panel found the CTG demonstrates features highly likely to be associated with fetal hypoxia. The infant was being deprived of oxygen. Alanas oxytocin was reduced upon recognition of hyperstimulation, despite the hospitals guidelines requiring oxytocin to cease in those circumstances. From 8.15pm, Alanas contractions could no longer be tracked adequately.

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Following a vaginal examination, a midwife hit the staff assist button because of concerns over the babys heart rate. A shift coordinator and a second midwife entered the room but failed to act. Related Article Hospitals Royal Perth Hospital calls in AI as new figures paint grim picture of WA emergency departments Neither the primary midwife nor the additional midwives clarified the intent of the staff assist bell, reflecting a lack of shared understanding. the report found. Alana experienced immense pain during the final hour of her fourth labour, with the report detailing how she told her medical team she was unable to cope, warning somethings not right and that she wanted to cut the baby out. But staff perceived this as normal for women during this stage in labour, according to the SAC1 report, and Alanas description of wanting the baby cut out was not perceived as a request for consideration for an emergency caesarean section.

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Tommy was born at 9.08pm with poor tone, required intubation and CPR and was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit. He had a near-total brain injury and died 23 days later. The case is currently before the coroner. The panel concluded it was unlikely a four-minute period of shoulder dystocia was the primary cause of Tommys hypoxia, and that the harm likely occurred throughout labour. Hospital tech a focus of reports recommendations The investigation highlighted potential to improve King Edwards primary fetal monitoring system, known as Phillips Intellispace Perinatal, which relies on an algorithm that was not validated for use during labour, according to the SAC1 findings. The hospital is adamant the system works safely. The panel concluded that the organisations fetal monitoring technology is not optimised, and may lack the AI capability of other systems, resulting in a missed opportunity for a technological safety net to have supported the identification of fetal compromise, the report stated.

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Health officials are assessing whether improvements can be made to the software including enhanced AI capability. Staff will also undergo additional education and training to improve CTG interpretations. The SAC1 report not only finds failures during Tommys birth but also with the way his mother was treated in the days that followed. An ultrasound on September 1, almost 24 hours after Tommys traumatic birth, raised the possibility of a uterine tear, which was later confirmed. No one at King Edward Memorial Hospital ever discussed the finding with Alana. North Metropolitan Health Service says the ultrasound findings were included in Alanas digital medical records, however the SAC1 report contradicted that, saying: No contemporaneous nor subsequent documentation appear in the patients DMR about how the ultrasound findings indicated a potential uterine rupture/tear, nor was there documentation outlining that a possible uterine tear/rupture was a differential diagnosis in relation to the patients ongoing pain.

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The omission of documentation does not align with the organisations Results Acknowledgement and Communication of Critical Results policy, which articulates the requirement that all clinical decision making and/ or actions arising from the review of electronic test results must be documented in the patients medical record, the report reads. The possibility of its existence was known and therefore should have formed part of the discussion with the patient as part of an effective open disclosure discussion. Bowen told 9News Perth this week that Tommys birth was a tragic event. She said the ultrasound that could have revealed a uterine tear was in Alanas digital medical record, and an obstetrician was meeting with the Starkies to discuss the situation further. The report made eight recommendations, including a major cultural reform program aimed at reducing human and technological error, and boosting staffing levels by adjusting ratios for the labour birthing suite. It also recommended King Edward review the system used to monitor babies as they are being born, with concerns it may lack the AI capability of other systems, resulting in a missed opportunity for a technological safety net.

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A major review of the labour birthing suites emergency response processes, a new clinical documentation policy, and an overhaul of the open disclosure of serious adverse events at the hospital formed the remainder of the reviews recommendations. Related Article Updated

Development $1.6 billion Perth convention centre upgrade scrapped to buy and build hospitals North Metropolitan Health Service chief executive Robert Toms has also apologised to the Starkie family. The review identified eight contributing system factors and eight recommendations have been identified to improve these systems to ensure such incidents dont happen again, he said. All of those involved are deeply impacted. They go to work each day wanting to provide the best possible care.

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Alana welcomed the reports recommendations  if theyre implemented. If theyre implemented, I do think the recommendations are good, and I do think it will make it safer, but Ill say this: how do you fix a broken culture, a culture that is broken so badly that this SAC report is showing? Our primary focus is making sure this disaster never happens again, that another baby doesnt have to suffer like our Tommy did in his 23 days and no family has to go through the trauma and distress of holding your baby son while he dies in your arms, no parent should have to go through that and no parent should have to go through that because of a fundamental failure of the medical system, she said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Analysis PoliticsFederalBondi shooting Albanese, at crucial moment for his leadership, steps up to the plate on antisemitism Paul Sakkal Updated December 18, 2025  4:41pm ,first published 4:31pm 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

Follow our live coverage of the Bondi shooting here. Angry about the Bondi massacre and  almost  contrite, Anthony Albanese has laid out a top-to-bottom plan to make the country safe again for Australian Jews. He finally stepped up to the plate in Canberra on Thursday after days of criticism from Jewish leaders and the Coalition that he had not taken antisemitism seriously. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra today. AAP Jacinda Ardern was able to embrace the traumatised Muslim survivors of the Christchurch massacre in 2019, but Albanese has not been able to take the first step in uniting the nation by publicly putting his arms around the angry Jewish community at Bondi.



His relationship with Jewish leaders has been damaged since October 7, 2023, as Labor hardened its position against Israels actions in Gaza and when top Jewish figures aligned with the Coalition under former leader Peter Dutton.

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Governments arent perfect, Im not perfect, he said. I have done my best to respond ... Anyone in this position would regret not doing more, and any inadequacies. Related Article Updated

Bondi shooting Labor races to write new laws targeting hate preachers over Christmas I, of course, acknowledge that more could have been done, and I accept my responsibility for my part in that as prime minister of Australia. Asked why he had not been at victims funerals, Albanese said he respected the wishes of families, suggesting he was not wanted at the events, even as he arranged to meet mourners in private. Beyond the optics of regret, the shock of the worst killing of Jews globally since October 7 spurred him to endorse a radical move to override free-speech considerations and crack down on Islamist hate preachers.

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Along with the implementation of the long-delayed Segal report, many in the Jewish community will wonder why these measures werent in place sooner. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke put it well when he said that individuals have managed to exploit a nation that had different principles of freedom of speech and have gone right to the limits of language that is clearly dehumanising  but have not quite crossed the threshold to violence. After years of debate about whether such laws would curtail freedom of expression, Burke suggested the gravity of Bondi had tipped the scales in favour of imposing the will of the majority, declaring the government was moving into new legal territory. Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg gives an impassioned speech at Bondi on Wednesday. The Bondi crisis has handed Labor a powerful mandate, marking a step change from a decade ago when many in the Coalition wanted to water down racial discrimination laws.

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While the rabid antisemitism of some radical preachers is plain as day, those working on the laws will also need to work out what to do about hardcore online anti-Zionists. Much of the pro-Palestine sentiment has been focused on Israels military campaign, which was deemed a genocide by the United Nations. But as the prime minister said on Thursday, some elements have crossed a line into bigotry. Education Minister Jason Clare said antisemitism on campus would be targeted by regulators when unis dont.



David Gonski, behind the Gillard-era Gonski school reforms, will start meeting with a new education taskforce on Friday morning to figure out how to educate students about the Holocaust. Related Article Analysis

Bondi shooting What Albanese could do to prove he isnt dithering on terror Howard and Frydenberg have fiercely criticised Albanese this week, breaking convention on keeping politics out of such tragedies. The prime minister has opened himself up to some of the barbs. His full-court press on Thursday was designed to prove his government was serious about antisemitism. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley can keep asking legitimate questions of Albaneses record, but she will come under pressure to rise above the vitriol directed at Labor and back the proposed measures on funding reform and hate speech.



Her sharp remarks on Thursday, demanding Albanese recall parliament and even stronger measures on citizenship and counterterrorism, suggest the messy political fight over Bondi wont end soon.

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PoliticsFederalBondi shooting Editorial Albanese tries to reseize the day on Bondi Beach The Herald's View Editorial December 18, 2025  5:52pm

December 18, 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

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has moved decisively to put the Australian governments response to Sundays Bondi Beach shootings back on the front foot. After a meeting of the National Security Committee on Thursday, Albanese announced a five-point plan to crack down on fanatics who spread hate, division and radicalisation  a response to the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia report by Jillian Segal. Anthony Albanese addresses the media on Thursday . Nine News The government may not have long to wait to see the efficacy of its reforms. A western Sydney cleric who claimed Jews wanted to destroy Islam has issued a defiant statement after his religious centre, Al Madina Dawah Centre, was linked to Sundays massacre amid calls for it to be shut down.

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Australia brands itself as a liberal democracy where controversial or unpopular speech is lawful unless it breaches specific legal thresholds. Finding other peoples beliefs or opinions distasteful does not automatically make it criminal, Wissam Haddad said. The clerics provocative words aside, as the Bondi Beach funerals continue, the public mourning has been punctuated by growing anger in some quarters as Albanese stumbled awkwardly to address accusations of ignoring the threat of antisemitism. These reforms are his attempt to regain the initiative. They will lower the legal threshold on hate speech in order to target preachers and leaders who promote violence; increase penalties for hate speech promoting violence; make hate an aggravating factor in sentencing crimes for online threats and harassment; and develop a system to list organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech, promote violence or racial hatred. A narrow federal offence also will be developed for serious vilification based on race and advocating racial supremacy. The days may soon be over when zealots can dance around the legal threshold, confident their hate speech is within the law.

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In addition, David Gonski of Gonski school funding review fame will lead a taskforce to improve education on antisemitism and the Holocaust. There will also be new powers to cancel or reject visas for people who spread hate or arouse suspicions if allowed to enter Australia. Albanese has been taking flak for his governments slothful responding to the antisemitism report. Segal handed it to the government in July. It remains unclear how many of her recommendations will be acted upon. For her part, Segal said the formal response was a long time coming, but she was confident of the governments full co-operation in countering antisemitism. Announcing the reforms, Albanese finally admitted that he and his government could have done more to combat antisemitism. His failure to take responsibility earlier shattered an echo chamber and unnecessarily ushered anger, rage and frustration into the public arena when calm, sensitivity and resolution would have served the community better. There will be no quick fix. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke acknowledged the laws would take time to formulate and would move Australia into uncharted legal territory. The record majority in the federal election allows Labor time and room to move. The pity was that Albaneses decision to step up to the plate on antisemitism took so long. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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PoliticsFederalBondi shooting Opinion PM must return to Bondi and meet the moment James Massola Chief political commentator December 19, 2025  5:00am

December 19, 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

Follow our live coverage of the Bondi shooting here. It took him four days, but Anthony Albanese finally conceded on Thursday that his government could and should have done more to stop the rise of antisemitism in Australia. His belated concession that of course, more could always have been done, in the face of the raw anger and overwhelming grief of the Jewish community, was the absolute minimum after more than two years of warnings and an escalating series of antisemitic attacks on synagogues and businesses. Illustration by Simon Letch The past week has been one of the most awful, bitter and partisan I have witnessed in more than 15 years of writing about federal politics. And Albanese, a partisan political warrior since the day he joined the Labor Party as a teenager, has struggled to meet the moment at times. He has faced an escalating series of attacks from Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, members of her frontbench, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, former prime minister John Howard and former treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Albanese and his comrades have said, both privately and publicly, that some of these attacks have been party-political.

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There is an element of truth to that. Albanese has not been afforded the bipartisanship that Tony Abbott received from Bill Shorten after the Lindt Cafe siege, or the support John Howard received from the Labor opposition after the Bali bombings. Yes, in some respects, this is unfair to Albanese. But those same Liberal politicians have been echoing the sentiments of Australias Jewish community and, as uncomfortable as they are for the government to hear, they had to be said. Because it is an uncomfortable truth that Australias Jewish community has not felt safe for more than two years, with security guards needed at schools and synagogues, and regular pro-Palestinian protests on the streets of our major cities. Put aside the partisan politics for a moment and think about that for a moment: would we accept an Australia in which it was the norm for Catholic schools to have security stationed out the front? Or Hindu schools? Or Islamic schools? Of course not. But this has been just one of the realities of Jewish life in Australia for far too long, along with intimidation on the streets. The Jewish community and the Coalition, as it turned out, were right all along to warn about the rise of antisemitism. It brought us to the deaths of 15 innocent people and the wounding of dozens more in the shooting on Sunday. Albanese has done the right thing, belatedly, and announced five law changes to crack down on hate speech and target Islamic hate preachers. The measures include offences for promoting violence, increased penalties and a regime to list organisations that engage in hate speech. An antisemitism education taskforce will be led by David Gonski and include Australias antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal. It will spend a year examining how to tackle the rise of antisemitism on university campuses.

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This is in addition to tightening Australias gun laws, announced earlier this week, and is designed to respond to the recommendations of Segal, whose report has been gathering dust for six months. Related Article Opinion

Bondi shooting Howard has gone too far. His comments about Albanese tear us apart Shaun Carney Columnist Who would want to be Albanese right now? The prime minister has had to absorb, in the full glare of public attention, the righteous anger and grief of Australias Jewish community. He has not been invited to the funerals of those who were callously murdered on the beach at Bondi, even as Sussan Ley, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Governor-General Sam Mostyn have attended those events. Albanese revealed that he had had private conversations, in person and on the phone, with the families of those murdered. I have had some difficult conversations, he said, but my job is not difficult here. The difficulty is with the families, who are grieving, of these victims. That is who my sympathy is for because it is them who are going through an incredibly traumatic experience. It remains to be seen whether Albaneses measures will be enough to begin the process of tackling antisemitism in Australia. They are a good start.

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Now the opposition needs to dial back its criticism of the prime minister or risk looking overly partisan at a time of national tragedy. (Many Australians believe it has already been too partisan, if the emails I have received and the letters pages of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age are any guide.) This week I spoke to Vic Alhadeff, the former chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, and he said simply: Theres no going back to before Bondi. Theres no going back to before the past two years of antisemitic incidents in this country. What we need right now is to repair and rebuild, to reimagine what tomorrow should look like in terms of acceptance of difference and respect for diversity. We cannot allow the upsurge of bigotry which has so tarnished this country to become the new normal. Its sound advice. For his next step, the most courageous thing for the prime minister to do is: return to the scene of the massacre at Bondi and grieve with the survivors. He has not visited the site since Monday morning, although he has done plenty, including conducting at least three meetings of the National Security Committee of cabinet, convening national cabinet and securing agreement to national gun law reform, visiting survivors such as the heroic Ahmed al Ahmed in hospital, attending an interfaith service at St Marys Cathedral, visiting Bondi police, and meeting Jewish leaders. Albanese might well receive a mixed reception but as prime minister he must meet the moment, and listen to the grief and the anger of those families who lost loved ones, stand shoulder to shoulder with them and speak plainly about what his government will do to confront antisemitism, rather than talk defensively about what his government has done already.

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Albanese had seemed to be in a defensive crouch until Thursday, shrinking in to himself as the nations wounds grew and partisanship escalated. These days will define his prime ministership, for better or worse. Bondis failures are not owned solely by the federal government. State government and security agencies bear some responsibility. But as prime minister, Albanese does need to bring the country together. He needs to step up to the role of mourner in chief. For now, Australians are not united in their grief but are divided by their anger. It is tearing at this countrys social cohesion. And that has to stop. James Massola is chief political commentator. Bondi Beach incident helplines: Bondi Beach Victim Services on 1800 411 822

Bondi Beach Public Information & Enquiry Centre on 1800 227 228

NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511  or Lifeline on 13 11 14

 or Lifeline on Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au

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PoliticsNSWBondi shooting NSW treasurer declares intifada protest chant is hate speech Jessica McSweeney and Angus Thomson December 18, 2025  6:38pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Pro-Palestine protest chant globalise the intifada is hate speech, the NSW treasurer declared, as the government steps up monitoring of hate speech and radical clerics after the Bondi Beach massacre. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey vowed the government would be improving the way hate speech is monitored and how existing laws are enforced. While hate speech and tackling antisemitism have come into focus since Sundays terror attack on a Jewish festival on the first night of Hanukkah left 15 people dead, it has been an issue the Minns government has sought to tackle for years. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey. James Brickwood However, the Herald can reveal that since 2018, the criminal charge of inciting violence based on race, religion, sexual orientation and other traits has been successfully prosecuted only three times. A total of nine cases were brought before the courts in the past seven years involving the charge known as 93Z, but six were finalised when the charges were withdrawn.

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Bondi shooting Labor races to write new laws targeting hate preachers over Christmas On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a swath of hate speech reforms, including a renewed focus on hateful preaching. Hours later, Mookhey said the NSW government would provide any additional resources needed to agencies to stamp out antisemitic hate speech  including globalise the intifada. I personally think that any reasonable person would just see what the consequences of that [chant] has been, on Sunday night, he said. They are dividing the community. They are jeopardising community cohesion. I dont think that theres a place for that in peaceful protest. UK police have arrested two pro-Palestine protesters for calling for an intifada, which refers to a Palestinian uprising against Israel.

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The chief minister of Sydneys Great Synagogue, Rabbi Benjamin Elton, said at an interfaith memorial at St Marys Cathedral on Wednesday evening that the phrase calls for violence against Jews. We can have all the political disagreements in the world, and we should be able to express them reasonably, but hateful rhetoric has to stop, he said. Let no one deny what globalise the intifada means. It means Jewish blood on the sands of Bondi Beach. Palestine Action Group organiser Josh Lees said labelling the word intifada as hate speech was ridiculous, ignorant and offensive. The word literally means shaking off, and refers to the efforts of Palestinians, through mass protests and uprisings, to shake off the illegal occupation and apartheid racist policies that the state of Israel imposes on the Palestinian people, Lees said. A flag evoking the colours and design of the Hezbollah flag flown at a Sydney protest. Janie Barrett

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Banning it in Australia is the equivalent of banning expressions of solidarity with the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Lees said he did not believe the phrase had been chanted at any of the groups dozens of rallies through Sydneys CBD since the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza. He said the Bondi Beach attack was being exploited by those wanting to silence his movement. Greens MP and spokesperson for justice Sue Higginson said the phrase could not be considered hate speech under existing state laws because many considered it a legitimate form of political expression calling for nonviolent resistance against Israels occupation. Related Video Video icon 5:23 Road to normality begins after Bondi Beach terror attack A multimillion-dollar joint state and federal funding package for victims of the attack and the broader Jewish community was outlined on Thursday and includes direct support for victims and local businesses.

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Mookhey said victims and families of the deceased would receive $75,000, and the government would cover funeral and burial arrangements. Jewish community organisations will receive $2 million to support victims families, and a $3.6 million package will go towards six recovery officers who will work with impacted families. Legal Aid and Disaster Response Legal Services will receive $1 million to provide legal services, and Jewish organisations providing mental health triage will also receive $1 million. Small businesses in the immediate vicinity will receive up to $25,000 in grants. A $1.5 million boost will be provided for security at Jewish community locations, and Waverley Council will receive $1 million for clean-up efforts and community events. Bondi Beach incident helplines: Bondi Beach Victim Services on 1800 411 822

Bondi Beach Public Information & Enquiry Centre on 1800 227 228

NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511  or Lifeline on 13 11 14

 or Lifeline on Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au

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PoliticsQueenslandBondi shooting Queensland to ban more hate symbols in fight against antisemitism Matt Dennien December 18, 2025  4:56pm 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

Queenslands government is looking to expand the number of banned hate symbols alongside other action on antisemitism, its chief legal officer says. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday that she was actively working on her governments response to antisemitism after the Bondi shooting. She said this work would also likely expand the list of banned hate symbols in the state beyond the sole existing entry under 2024 laws: the Nazi hooked cross, often referred to as a swastika. Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington. Matt Dennien Already, the Nazi symbol is outlawed in this state, and were working on others  that work has already commenced, Frecklington said.

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[We are] absolutely looking at extending that as well as soon as possible. Frecklington said the state would not be pushed into knee-jerk reactions on gun laws. A day earlier, the deputy premier had said Queensland was seeking further detail on a national plan but had agreed to limit the number of guns a person could own. Loading But she insisted the Crisafulli LNP governments strong stance against antisemitism with the Jewish community since the attack was the right response. The state would also consider expanding hate speech laws and penalties, where everythings on the table, but would do so calmly and methodically, she said.

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Bleijie listed instances of rising antisemitism, including Labor figures holding Free Palestine signs at the partys November state conference. Related Article Bondi shooting Bondi shooting as it happened: Carload of men travelling to Bondi arrested by heavily-armed police in Liverpool; PM says hate preachers to be targeted in new reforms, defends action on antisemitism He then referenced the marching, the protesting, the Hamas flag, the ISIS flag, accusing the federal and former state Labor governments of failing to call them out. The deputy premier then claimed Labor leader Steven Miles oversaw MPs attending protests in support of a Hamas terrorist organisation in Palestine while he was premier. Unless you call that out, which we did in opposition, then you wont get solutions, Bleijie said.

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Thats why we will look at the laws and we will strengthen the laws to make sure our Jewish community feels safe in their streets, in their homes, in their community. This masthead has asked Bleijie to clarify if he considered attendance at pro-Palestine marches as an expression of support for Hamas. Comment has been sought from the opposition. Leader Steven Miles said on Wednesday that his Labor team would work with the government on sensible reforms and suggested parliament be recalled early to address them. Asked if the state was also considering a NSW-style ban on protests following a terrorism incident, Bleijie said Frecklington and Police Minister Dan Purdie were considering all options. 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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PoliticsVictoriaCrime Repeat offenders, teens fuel Victorian crime surge Melissa Cunningham December 18, 2025  10:59am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Soaring car thefts, rising family violence and increases in retail and youth offences are fuelling record levels of crime in Victoria, despite law changes designed to put and keep more people behind bars. Almost a quarter of a million Victorians became victims of crime in the year to September, an increase of 10.7 per cent for same period the previous year and a figure police described as sobering. Police say the high number of victims of crime in Victoria is a sobering statistic. Getty Images The overall crime rate rose by 9 per cent over the same period, according to the latest Crime Statistics Agency figures. Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said repeat offenders in the state accounted for 25 per cent of its crime and those aged 12 to 17 remained a particular concern.

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That group drives some of the crime types that cause significant harm in the community, he said. The figures show more than 33,000 cars were stolen in the state for the year to September 30. Police said one in four cars taken were now being stolen using key programming and mimicking technology, and much of this crime trend was being fuelled by youth offenders. The rate of car theft in Victoria is at its highest since 2002. Police said officers had seized about 300 electronic devices. These included technology programmed to mimic keys that can be plugged into a vehicles on-board diagnostic port to override a security system and start the engine. Police officers tackle a person at Northland shopping centre in Preston after a brawl involving knives broke out earlier this year.

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There were 640,860 crimes recorded in Victoria in the year to September, an increase of more than 10 per cent, or 62,671 more offences than in the previous year. The main driver of the increase was a rise in theft offences, which grew by more than 37,000 incidents. Police said retail staff continued to deal with a crime every few minutes as the state grappled with a surge in aggression towards workers as well as other antisocial behaviour in shopping centres. To deal with this, police and protective services officers have been deployed to four of Melbournes biggest shopping centres every day. A police operation known as Pulse, which began on December 8, has so far led to 43 arrests in shopping centres, and officers have issued 14 penalty notices and seized eight weapons. More than a third of detected offences were for stealing from shops.

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Crime One incident every five minutes: Retail crisis laid bare as police vow to stymie unacceptable crime rate Victoria has registered its highest family violence rate since 2016, at 105,379 annual recorded incidents. Family violence order breaches are on the rise. In the year, 63,664 incidents were reported, an increase of more than 8 per cent on the previous reporting period, making it the fourth-fastest-growing type of offence in the state. Police intelligence shows most of these breaches related to offenders using technology including mobile phones and social media to target victims, particularly former partners. Child offenders aged between 12 and 17 continue to fuel the states crime increase, and police arrested the same 1176 offenders an average of six times each, totalling 7075 arrests.

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In the year to September, officers arrested 3100 youth gang members, underage burglars and young car thieves, as part of specialised operations targeting child crime and car thefts. Home invasions also remain a major concern for police. There were 7892 aggravated home burglaries reported, an increase of 973 offences, or a 14 per cent rise. Operation Trinity, a taskforce targeting youth-driven aggravated burglaries, arrested 627 young offenders a total of 1550 times. Police earlier this month after arresting four adults who allegedly orchestrated a network of child offenders to steal more than $2 million worth of cigarettes and cash from service stations and supermarkets inMelbourne. The figures released on Thursday did not include any new data on knife crime, but Crime Statistics Agency data released last month showed incidents involving machetes more than tripled between 2021 and last year, climbing from 610 incidents to 2061. Young males were responsible for two in five of these incidents.

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Police said officers had seized more than 16,000 edged weapons this year, equivalent to about 47 knives a day, exceeding the previous record of 14,808 knives seized last year. Related Article Exclusive

Crime These shopping centres will have a heavier police presence from today. Heres why Hill said police remained determined to reduce crime levels in Victoria, and the most sobering statistic was in relation to the high number of victims. The most concerning issue for me  is the 235,000-plus victims that have been impacted by crime, he said. I dont want to be standing here in six or 12 months time talking about this number of victims.

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I want to see those numbers decline, and decline as quickly as we can possibly deliver. Far too many innocent people are being impacted by crime, with many suffering from ongoing physical, psychological or financial issues. The state government tightened bail laws in March, focusing on youth offenders and children. Hill said there were early indications that bail remand applications and the number of those being remanded had increased. There is some stabilisation occurring, he said. There are some weak signals that would indicate some of our interventions are starting to have an impact, but it will take some time.

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Police arrested 213 people a day on average during the year, for a total of 77,911 arrests. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Updated PoliticsWAWA budget Budget update suggests WA households living the good life as iron ore royalties fly out the door Hamish Hastie Updated December 18, 2025  5:18pm ,first published 3:30pm 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

The Cook government has another $1.1 billion in revenue to play with in 2025-26, but as quickly as that money comes in, it is being spent as Treasurer Rita Saffioti moves to put out political fires in health and housing. Saffioti painted an optimistic picture of the states economy and finances, as well as WA household budgets, during her mid-year budget announcement on Thursday. WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti on Thursday. Hamish Hastie She pointed out home budgets were in better nick than any other state, with West Australians spending more on discretionary items like eating out and alcohol. According to the mid-year review figures, total West Australian household consumption was up 3 per cent, compared to 2.75 per cent predicted in June.

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West Australians discretionary spending also grew 3 per cent compared to the national average of 1.1 per cent, meaning Sandgropers were outspending other Australians three to one. The mid-year review contained another $160 million for cost-of-living initiatives like the extension of the regional airfares cap and patient-assisted travel scheme. Saffioti defended her governments cost-of-living measures in the face of continued opposition to its spending on the Burswood racetrack, and denied highlighting discretionary spending was about suggesting the WA public didnt need as much cost-of-living support. What were doing is we continue to work with the West Australian community. Weve delivered more cost-of-living relief than I think any other jurisdiction, she said. There are people with different experiences out there, and I absolutely acknowledge that. Thats why we continue our targeted incentives or targeted assistance.

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State final demand growth, which measures the size of the WA economy, jumped 0.5 per cent to 3 per cent compared to the June budget, with two thirds of that from private investment in the state. That shows that the fundamentals of our state are very strong because the demand is being fueled by the private sector, Saffioti said. WA housing will receive a much-needed boost. Paul Jeffers Once again, iron ore has proved a godsend to the WA budget, with $1.6 billion more pouring into the states coffers than predicted in the June budget due to higher-than-budgeted iron ore prices. The states housing boom also resulted in an extra $830 million in stamp duty revenue and further $167 million from the elevated gold price.

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Related Article Planning and development Perth lord mayor pushes for when, not if convention centre upgrade The $51.4 billion in revenue predicted for 2025-26 would be higher, but Saffioti continues to push back receipt of nearly $1 billion in dividends from Synergy and Water Corp until next year. The states operating surplus improved marginally from $2.4 billion in the June budget to $2.5 billion, but thats because the extra revenue has already been earmarked for spending on areas like health and housing. Debt is still predicted to balloon from $30 billion in 2024-25 to $35.7 billion this financial year, but Saffioti said it was still much less than the $39 billion predicted in the June budget. Saffioti said addressing housing was a key way to reduce cost-of-living pressures in the state.

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A key plank of the mid-year review was a $435 million cash injection into the states housing sector including pouring $234.4 million into the social and affordable investment fund to build 329 houses and refurbish 91 older dwellings. The housing crisis has been a political nightmare for the WA government and a consistent target for the opposition, with the states public housing waitlist stubbornly high at more than 23,000 applicants and 7800 priority applicants. Saffioti claimed its efforts in the housing space are bearing fruit, with the number of new homes approved reaching 23,726 in October and more than 3800 additional homes completed since it embarked on its social and affordable home build effort. The extra housing money will be spent across a range of other initiatives. Shadow Treasurer Sandra Brewer said the mid-year review would not help struggling West Australians.

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Related Article Federal budget Cost of cigarette excise collapse passes $50 billion as income taxes prop up budget The reality is Western Australian families are finding it harder than ever for young people to get a home and to meet the costs of rent, to pay exorbitant fees and charges, she said. If the treasurer was serious, she would be providing relief to people in stamp duty, in licensing fees, in other fees, taxes and charges, but shes not, so theres a lot of talk about affordability, but theres no evidence of caring for Western Australians. About $6.5 million will be spent on extending the rent relief program until June next year. That program allows tenants at risk of eviction can apply for up to $5000 in one-off grants to pay their rent. More than $16 million will be added to the housing enabling infrastructure fund to be spent on connecting about 5000 new homes in new developments with water infrastructure.

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Development WA will receive $61.9 million to unlock land in Alkimos, Brookdale, Byford, Casuarina,

Hamilton Hill and Yanchep. The state will also extend its $10,000 cash incentive to bring 1000 more tradies out west with $10 million for the construction visa subsidy and build a life in WA programs. On the regional front, the government will allocate $57 million across a range of programs to improve housing supply in regional WA. Urban Development Institute of Australia WA chief executive Tanya Steinbeck was particularly pleased to see further funding in the housing enabling infrastructure fund.
JERUSALEM, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Thursday laid the cornerstone for the Tel Aviv metropolitan area metro project, a multibillion-dollar underground rail network billed as the "largest infrastructure project" in the country's history, the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Transport Minister Miri Regev attended the ceremony at the Segula depot site in Petah Tikva, part of the planned M2 line, marking the formal start of construction work on the project.

The metro network is planned to include three main lines -- M1, M2, and M3 -- spanning about 150 kilometers, with 109 underground stations across 24 local authorities in central Israel, from Kfar Saba and Ra'anana in the north to Rehovot and Lod in the south.

The network is expected to operate with more than 1,000 rail cars and will be powered by a dedicated power station supplying electricity to the entire system, the ministry said.

Once operational, the system is expected to carry up to 2 million passengers a day, or around 850 million annually, according to government estimates, and to integrate with existing rail, light rail and bus services.

Israel is investing about 150 billion shekels (47 billion U.S. dollars) in the project, according to NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit System, the state-owned transit company developing it.

Officials say it could generate annual savings of about 25 billion shekels for the economy by cutting congestion and travel times.

"This project will change Israel's transportation map and place us among the world's leading infrastructure initiatives," Regev said in a statement, adding that the metro would reduce congestion and travel times in the country's most densely populated region.

The ministry said it hopes the project will also support urban renewal and economic development across central Israel.

Planning and preparatory work on the metro project began in October 2025, while Thursday's ceremony marked the start of on-the-ground construction at the site. 
6. Mortal Halo is putting it together this time in with two wins from three starts and the form around his narrow defeat in between gained a boost during the week. He did enjoy a good passage in scoring at 1500m at Rosehill last time and rises 3.5kg but hes drawn to effect and has to be the one to beat. 1. Full Hao needed every inch of the 1800m to get up at Rosehill after a string of placings this time in. Itll be interesting to see how she handles coming back 200m and rising in weight but if she can make some use off a better gate itll offset that to a degree. 2. Covert Thinking ran nicely when resuming behind Hyperbolic a few weeks back, while she drew one and had her chance she was quite strong on the line so going to the mile now suits. Strung three wins together last prep and has claims. 13. Tequisoda is up in class but drops 5kg and gets blinkers on after a handy second at Newcastle where he found himself on the worst going on the day. One to keep an eye on.

How to play it: Mortal Halo WIN

Race 6: 3:30PM SCHWEPPES HANDICAP (2400M)

4. Bestower is going to give away a start, most likely, but shes found form putting three good runs together culminating in an easy win over this trip at Warwick Farm. The runner-up won on Wednesday and was almost four lengths behind her. Gate one is interesting, perhaps she doesnt get right out of her ground but you know with her that shell be closing off strongly. 3. King Pedro should relish getting to the 2400m now after a sound second in this grade behind Kind Words two weeks ago. He ran fifth in the New Zealand Derby earlier in the year and seems to be hitting his straps. 2. Brave Call held out Bestower at Kembla Grange a month ago on a wet track and has been back to the trials since. Yet to see this trip but on form line has to be respected. 1. Belle Detelle disappointed when favourite behind Kind Words at Rosehill. Shes mixed her form this prep but the distance holds no fears. Can bounce back.

How to play it: Bestower WIN

Race 7: 4:05PM ASAHI SUPER DRY HANDICAP (1100M)

10. Kings Secret raced his way through the grades quickly in the winter and showed hed come back in handy order with a nice third behind Lyles at Rosehill. He settled back last in the small field and found the line looking like a coming winner. Drops 8kg for the rise in grade but lands in a race with good speed and he should get his chance to have a say in the finish. 2. Zealously was six weeks between runs when a shade disappointing at Rosehill three weeks back. Seemed to have his chance in the run there but didnt pick up. Expect hell look to be right on the speed from the inside and is worth another chance. 11. Dollar Magic never runs a bad race and resumed from a break with a typically honest third at Rosehill behind a couple of handy sprinters. A place chance at least. 8. Sunrise ran a game race in The Warra on a heavy track and the form out of that race has held up with the runner-up winning a stakes race since. Shell give another good sight.

How to play it: Kings Secret WIN
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TechnologyTelecommunications Inexcusable: Optus staff face sack after review into Triple Zero outage David Swan December 18, 2025  12:14pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Optus workers face the sack or financial penalties after an independent review exposed a litany of failures behind Septembers deadly Triple Zero outage, with the telcos chairman calling the findings a sobering read for everyone at Optus. The Schott Review, released on Thursday, found at least 10 separate mistakes by Optus engineers and contractor Nokia during what should have been a routine firewall upgrade on September 18  failures that left 605 people unable to reach emergency services for almost 14 hours, and two people dead. The review stopped short of calling for the dismissal of Optus chief executive Stephen Rue. Sitthixay Ditthavong The review found that of the 605 callers who tried to dial Triple Zero across South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and parts of NSW on that September day, just 150 got through  a 75 per cent failure rate. The Optus board accepted all 21 recommendations from the review, led by corporate veteran Dr Kerry Schott, at a meeting on Tuesday.

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Related Article Telecommunications Optus customers remain without service 12 hours after connection restored I have made it clear the Optus failures were unacceptable, chairman John Arthur said. The board is taking further action in relation to individual accountabilities flowing from the incident, which will extend from financial penalties through to termination in appropriate cases. The review recommends sweeping changes to Optus risk management, contract oversight and crisis response procedures. It calls for the operations centre to be moved onshore to Australia, for more robust Triple Zero testing, and for a cultural shift away from siloed working. The withering findings of Dr Kerry Schotts review into the Triple Zero outage add to a horror run for Optus. Oscar Colman Schott stopped short of calling for chief executive Stephen Rues head, noting he had only started in the job in November 2024 and has been leading a five-year transformation program. Calls to replace the current CEO are not helpful at the start of this large program of change, the report states.

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The 41-page report details a cascading series of errors that began when Optus engineers sent incorrect instructions to Nokias offshore operations centre for a firewall upgrade at the Regency Park exchange in Adelaide. Nokia then selected an outdated 2022 procedure that omitted a critical step: diverting call traffic before locking down equipment. Despite three peer reviews at Nokia, nobody noticed the traffic diversion was missing. The work was incorrectly classified as no impact and urgent, allowing it to bypass senior engineering review and approval by the Change Advisory Board. Optus chairman John Arthur: I have made it clear the Optus failures were unacceptable. SMH When the gateway was locked just after midnight on September 18, regular voice calls quickly found alternative routes on the network, while emergency calls did not. Two alerts triggered at the Network Operations Centre within 30 minutes of the work commencing were given only cursory attention, with staff dismissing them as related to the ongoing upgrade. Post-implementation checks at 2.40am showed call failure rates increasing, and not decreasing as expected. Again, nobody acted.

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Meanwhile, five customers called Optus offshore call centre between 10am and 2pm to report they couldnt reach Triple Zero. Each customer correctly spotted the problem, but none of their calls were escalated. Optus initially told Communications Minister Anika Wells office that just 10 calls were affected. Alex Ellinghausen To have a standard firewall upgrade go so badly is inexcusable, the review says. Execution was poor, and seemed more focused on getting things done than on being right. Telecommunications analyst Paul Budde said the incident revealed a governance failure rather than a technical problem. Ten separate failures dont happen by accident. What failed at Optus was risk governance  the discipline that should protect essential services when routine work goes wrong, he said. You can outsource operations, but you cant outsource responsibility. If contractors and internal teams both miss obvious red flags, that points to a systemic failure of oversight, not human error.

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The report found risk management within Optus was materially deficient across all three lines of defence, with the networks division operating in silos that prevented information flowing to senior executives. Rue was not informed of the fatalities until 8.13am the following day, more than 30 hours after the outage began. Even then, Optus initially told Communications Minister Anika Wells office that just 10 calls were affected, a figure that ballooned to 600 by the time Rue faced cameras that Friday evening. Related Article Investigation

Telecommunications The emails that reveal how Optus downplayed the Triple Zero disaster The Schott Review underlines the critical importance of this work and the need to accelerate and embed key reforms, Rue said in a statement. Our commitment is not just about compliance  its about setting a new standard for our performance as a critical infrastructure provider. The findings add to a horror run for Optus, which was fined $12 million after a nationwide outage in November 2023 left more than 2000 Australians unable to call Triple Zero. Just days before the September outage became public, the telco was ordered to pay $100 million for predatory sales practices.

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Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens communications spokesperson and chair of the Senate inquiry into the Triple Zero outage, called for a government review of Optus operating license. This is a damning report of the culture within Optus, their contractor Nokia and the entire Triple Zero system, she said. Optus failures were systematic and widespread. For too long, Optus has put profits ahead of safety and its customers. The company must face serious consequences for its failure. The government must now review Optus licence and licence conditions. Going soft on the telco is not an option. She said Optus and parent company Singtel representatives would be called back before the Senate inquiry in early 2026. The review also raised broader concerns about the emergency call system itself, noting some devices take 40 to 60 seconds to connect to Triple Zero. A separate ACMA investigation into whether Optus breached emergency call regulations is ongoing, as is a broader Senate inquiry into the Triple Zero system. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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WorldAsiaBondi shooting Sajid Akrams family in India had no knowledge of his radical mindset Lisa Visentin and Saurabh Yadav December 18, 2025  6:54pm 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

Follow our live coverage of the Bondi shooting here. As the race to piece together the profiles of father and son terrorists Sajid and Naveed Akram stretches across three countries, family members in India have gone to ground, neighbours are lying low and a misinformation campaign is raging online. In the Indian city of Hyderabad, local and international media have descended on a multi-storey yellow cottage owned by the Akram family in the middle-class neighbourhood of Tolichowki. The occupants are nowhere to be seen. The front gate has been locked with a chain, though shoes are visible at the doorstep and a dusty car parked in the driveway on Wednesday was removed overnight. The Akram family home in Hyderabad, India. Relatives of Bondi shooter Sajid Akram have told local Indian police they had little association with him since he left Hyderabad in 1998. Saurabh Yadav

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From the vantage point of the neighbours property, the Akrams home has signs of renovations, with broken tiles and debris visible on the first-floor balcony and a freshly painted wall. Along the quiet cul-de-sac, neighbours are reluctant to be drawn into an international news event of such horror. Next-door neighbour Zulekha, who wished to be known only by her first name, said she had barely seen anyone outside the Akram home in the five years she had lived on the street. The Akram family home balcony in Hyderabad, India, as viewed from the neighbours property. Saurabh Yadav They come out and leave in their cars  they barely talk, she said.

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Since the last few days, my kids are worried and are asking me, Why are all these people standing here with cameras? Sajid Akram, 50, was an Indian citizen. He graduated with a commerce degree in Hyderabad, a sprawling tech and pharmaceuticals hub in the southern state of Telangana, before leaving for a new life in Australia on a student visa in 1998. His son, Naveed, 24, was born in Australia. Along the quiet cul-de-sac, neighbours are reluctant to be drawn into an international news event of such horror. Saurabh Yadav Indian authorities have been eager to emphasise that Sajid Akrams ties to his home country disintegrated in the 27 years since he migrated to Australia. They have rejected any local link to the pairs radicalisation, which culminated in a rampage at Bondi Beach on Sunday in which they targeted the Jewish community at a Hanukkah celebration, shooting dead 15 people and injuring dozens of others. Naveed Akram, who is under police guard in hospital, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder.

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Sajid Akram, shot dead by a NSW police officer during the attack, had no adverse record in India before he left. Sajid and Naveed Akrams passports, as shown on television in the Philippines. The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed, appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana, the Telangana police said in a statement on Wednesday. Sajids relatives in Hyderabad, who reportedly include his elderly mother and brother, have also rejected any knowledge of the pairs terrorist inclinations, telling police they had had minimal contact over the years. The family members have expressed no knowledge of his radical mindset or activities, nor of the circumstances that led to his radicalisation, the Telangana police said.

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Related Article Bondi shooting Inside the dusty Philippine hotel room where Bondi gunmen holed up for a month Sajids brother told Indian digital news platform The News Minute the family had cut ties with him when he married a Christian after leaving India. Their mother, who is an octogenarian, had been unwell, and Sajid had not even asked about her, the brother said. Sajid had returned to India only six times in the years since he migrated to Australia, his family told police. His most recent visit was in 2022 for two weeks, The Hindu newspaper reported, citing local officials, adding he had not returned when his father died in 2017. Indian agencies had found in a preliminary probe that the brothers had a fallout over property when Sajid was in Hyderabad a few years ago, The News Minute reported. Meanwhile, Australian police and counter-terrorism forces are under pressure to stitch together the footprint of the Akrams lives in western Sydney, including Naveeds connections to extremist figures. In the weeks before Sundays mass shooting, the pair spent almost a month on the Philippine island of Mindanao, which in the past has been a hotbed of Islamic State insurgency, triggering speculation that the Akrams received terrorism training there. Its an association that Philippine authorities have rejected, with a spokesman for President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr saying there was no evidence the pair were in the country for extremist training.

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The Pakistan government has also rejected any association with the terrorists and denounced a misinformation campaign that circulated false claims online that Naveed Akram was a Pakistani national. Related Article Bondi shooting What we know about the Bondi terrorists trip to Islamic State hotspot in the Philippines In the hours after the attack, a Pakistani man also named Naveed Akram, who lives in NSW, released a video saying pictures had been stripped from his Facebook account and posted to social media identifying him as the Bondi shooter. Im going to clearly tell everyone that that is not me and I have nothing to do with that incident or with that person. That is a different person, he said in the video. So this issue is very serious and Im very stressed and scared about this, and I cannot even go outside safely. So I just want everyones help to help me stop this propaganda.

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WorldMiddle EastIsraeli-Palestinian conflict Opinion Australia is right to support a two-state solution: former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert Ehud Olmert Former Israeli prime minister December 18, 2025  11:47am

December 18, 2025  11:47am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Australias support of a two-state solution in the Middle East is better for securing Israel than the messianic desire of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus partners to annex the territories and ethnically cleanse Gaza of its inhabitants. The atrocious terrorist attack that befell Sydney on Sunday was not a random act of violence. It targeted the peaceful Jewish community of Australia and was fuelled by hatred spread intentionally and insistently by a web of malignant anti-Jewish actors. Unfortunately, there has not always been a forceful enough reaction by senior Australian government authorities to some violent anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish events. A lifeguard places flowers at the memorial for the mass-shooting victims at the Bondi Pavilion. Jessica Hromas It is precisely because of the real and deadly threats faced by Jews around the globe that leaders of the Israeli and Jewish communities have a sacred obligation to address these threats with candour, intelligence and rigour. This is a test that Netanyahu failed utterly in his recent disingenuous, opportunistic broadside against the Australian government. And it is why I want to react to some of Netanyahus most blatant and counter-productive fallacies. Netanyahu baselessly asserted that the Australian governments position in favour of a Palestinian state poured fuel on the antisemitic fire that caused this horror. This is worse than nonsense.

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While I am not always on the same page with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese  and I was disappointed several times when his reactions sounded more anti-Israel than against the Israeli government  I share with him the same perception that a two-state solution is the only possible solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And it is essential for Israels long-term security. If supporting a non-militarised Palestinian state alongside the state of Israel is antisemitism, then many, many Israelis  I being one of them  are in that same place. Related Article Updated

Bondi shooting You let the disease spread: Netanyahu accuses Albanese of failing to curb antisemitism Australia, and particularly Sydney, a city I love, were the focus of some of the most aggressive riots against Israel and Jews immediately after the carnage on October 7, 2023. The antisemitic chants emanating in those days from a hateful few can never be forgotten or forgiven. However, to accuse the government of Australia or its prime minister of promoting and fuelling antisemitism is outrageous, ugly and unjustified. Much more absolutely must be done to counter intolerably rising antisemitism in Australia. But contrary to Netanyahus assertions, the Australian government has taken some important steps under current leadership. To accuse the government of Australia or its prime minister of promoting and fuelling antisemitism is outrageous, ugly and unjustified.

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Some highlights to date include the Australian Federal Polices Operation Avalite to investigate antisemitic acts, unmasking Irans role behind antisemitic arson attacks and then expelling the Iranian ambassador (the first since Japans ambassador was expelled in World War II), assuming new powers to tackle state-sponsored terrorism and domestic hate crimes, and spending $25 million to increase security at Jewish community sites. The appointment of Jillian Segal as Australias first special envoy to combat antisemitism was another important step  one that must now be quickly followed by rigorous implementation of her recommendations. All of Australian society must work against antisemitism. Thankfully, the reactions this week give reason for hope. The weeping crowds at the Bondi memorial have included all of Australias renowned multicultural community. Clergy from every faith have condemned the violence, offered love to Australias Jews, and asked everyone to transcend hate so that we may live together in peace. Though it follows an unspeakable horror, this week in Sydney the loving majority rose up to drown out the hateful few. May it continue to be so. Related Article Updated

Bondi shooting All we know five days after the Bondi terror attack The ultimate lesson from Bondi, and from our broader conflict in the Middle East, remains this: We must live together as brothers, or perish together as fools, as Dr Martin Luther King Jr wisely put it. In living that lesson, I hope you take inspiration from the selfless example of Ahmed al Ahmed, the brave Syrian-born Australian Muslim father-of-two, who risked his life by rushing in to save Jews and all endangered innocents at Bondi. Please tune out Israels PM Bibi Netanyahu, who exploits tragedy to attack allies, only to deflect from his own profound failures as a leader. His spurious inflammation and many leadership failings effect Jewish safety everywhere. Australias Jews  just like Israels Jews  deserve far better leadership than that.

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Our urgent mission, which Israelis and our allies must pursue together, is to keep working for a lasting, secure peace, including a two-state resolution. May your painfully fresh imperative to ensure Jewish safety spur these efforts forward, rather than derail them. Our shared future depends on it. Ehud Olmert served as Israeli prime minister from 2006 until 2009.
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WorldNorth AmericaEpstein fallout Ghislaine Maxwell seeks release from jail, citing new evidence Michael R. Sisak and Larry Neumeister December 18, 2025  5:25pm 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

New York: Jeffrey Epsteins former girlfriend and long-time associate Ghislaine Maxwell has asked a federal judge to set aside her sex-trafficking conviction and free her from a 20-year prison sentence, saying substantial new evidence has emerged proving that constitutional violations spoiled her trial. Maxwell maintained in a habeas petition she has promised to file since August that information that would have resulted in her exoneration at her 2021 trial was withheld and false testimony was presented to the jury. She said the cumulative effect of the constitutional violations resulted in a complete miscarriage of justice. British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell with ex-boyfriend Jeffrey Epstein. AP A writ of habeas corpus petition is a legal request for a court to review the legality of someones detention, demanding that the custodian (such as a prison official) bring the prisoner before a judge to justify the imprisonment. It serves as a fundamental safeguard against unlawful confinement and arbitrary detention by ensuring due process. Filed by or on behalf of someone in custody, it challenges constitutional violations, such as ineffective legal counsel or unfair trials, and seeks release or other relief, often as a last resort after appeals are exhausted.

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Since the conclusion of her trial, substantial new evidence has emerged from related civil actions, government disclosures, investigative reports and documents demonstrating constitutional violations that undermined the fairness of her proceeding, the filing in a Manhattan federal court said. In the light of the full evidentiary record, no reasonable juror would have convicted her. The filing came just two days before records in her case were scheduled to be released publicly as a result of US President Donald Trumps signing of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The law, signed after months of public and political pressure, requires the Justice Department to provide the public with Epstein-related records by December 19. Related Article Epstein fallout US Supreme Court rejects Ghislaine Maxwell appeal in Epstein sex trafficking case Forced to act by the new transparency law, the Justice Department has said it plans to release 18 categories of investigative materials gathered in the massive sex-trafficking probe, including search warrants, financial records, notes from interviews with victims, and data from electronic devices. Epstein, a multimillionaire financier, was arrested in July 2019 on sex-trafficking charges. A month later, he was found dead in his cell at a New York federal jail and the death was ruled a suicide. Maxwell, a British socialite, was arrested a year later and convicted of sex trafficking in December 2021. She was interviewed by the Justice Departments second-in-command in July and was soon afterwards moved from a federal prison in Florida to a prison camp in Texas.

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After the Justice Department asked a New York federal judge to permit grand jury and discovery materials gathered prior to her trial to be released publicly, attorney David Markus wrote on her behalf that while Maxwell now does not take a position on unsealing documents from her case, doing so would create undue prejudice so severe that it would foreclose the possibility of a fair retrial if her habeas petition succeeds. The records, Markus said, contain untested and unproven allegations. Related Article Explainer

Epstein fallout More Epstein files are set to be released. Heres what we know so far Last week, Judge Paul Engelmayer in Manhattan granted the Justice Departments request to publicly release the materials. On Wednesday, US Attorney Jay Clayton said during a news conference on another topic that he would follow the law and the judges orders pertaining to the records.

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Engelmayer, who along with other judges had previously rejected Justice Department unsealing requests before the transparency law was passed, said the materials do not identify any person other than Epstein and Maxwell as having had sexual contact with a minor. AP
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Penguins throughout the southern seas have to worry about being picked off by seals or hunted by orcas. On land, they can find safety in numbers. But in the Patagonia region of Argentina, the flightless seabirds are becoming snacks for an unexpected land predator: pumas. New research, published on Wednesday in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, offers a beautiful blend of animal movement and who eats what, said Jake Goheen, a wildlife ecologist at Iowa State University who was not involved in the research. The abundance of Magellanic penguins brought about the highest density of pumas ever recorded at a single site, researchers discovered. NYT He noted that pumas usually prefer to prey on grazing mammals, not birds as small as Magellanic penguins. Its an extraordinary example of how flexible large carnivores can be, Goheen said. In the early 20th century, widespread sheep ranching vanquished pumas from Patagonia. With those predators gone, Magellanic penguins, which had mostly lived on oceanic islands, established large breeding colonies on Argentinas coast. Conservation efforts have brought pumas back to the landscape, setting the stage for new interactions between these animals. Mitchell Serota, an ecologist and lead author of the study, was interested in how Magellanic penguins, as a new food source, were reshaping the movement patterns of pumas across the landscape. He was also curious about how pumas interacted with each other and their population density.

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To understand the behavioural changes, Serota, who completed the research at the University of California, Berkeley, and some of his colleagues put GPS collars on 14 pumas in Monte Leon National Park. They collected information from 2019 to 2023. Because penguins are migratory animals and are present at the parks breeding colony for just over half the year, the scientists tracked how pumas moved and interacted across seasons. They found that pumas behaviour changed as they spent more time near the penguin colony. Pumas that hunted penguins had smaller territories than pumas that did not, and the big cats interacted with each other more frequently around the colony. Briana Abrahms, a wildlife ecologist at the University of Washington who was not involved in the research, was familiar with puma attacks on penguins. She had studied a penguin colony north of Monte Leon and thought attacks were relatively rare. What surprised me initially, although I think it makes complete sense, is just how much predation is happening on these penguins, she said, and how much the pumas have adapted to this new food source. Researchers put GPS collars on 14 pumas in the Monte Leon National Park, collecting information from 2019 to 2023. NYT

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After integrating GPS tracking with camera-trap data, scientists also found what might be the highest density of pumas ever documented at a specific site, Serota said. Although pumas are typically solitary, their population density in this area was roughly twice that observed elsewhere, leading to increased interactions among the felines. Related Article Wildlife Wombats leave square poo on rocks and logs. Scientists think they know why Serota likened their presence to that of grizzly bears tolerating each other during the salmon run. Penguins appear to be doing something similar for pumas, he said. Food can bring predators together. Changes to ecosystems can affect when, where and how predators obtain their food, leading to broader ecological effects. For pumas in the region, which typically feed on guanacos, a llama-like herbivore, those ecological effects are still unknown. Because pumas and guanacos form the dominant predator-prey relationship in the region, changes in how pumas move and hunt can have these massive ripple effects, Serota said. The return of pumas brought top predators back to the landscape. NYT Defenceless penguins, an easy catch for pumas, might even find themselves part of this chain reaction. Will we see a situation in the future where the penguins go back to living mostly on oceanic islands? Goheen said.

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For Serota, the study showed that a new predator-prey relationship like that between pumas and penguins transforms the ecosystem. Related Article Marine life The surprising discovery about dolphin friendship Restoring wildlife in todays changed landscapes doesnt simply rewind ecosystems to the past, Serota said. It can create these entirely new interactions that reshape animal behaviour and populations in really unexpected ways. A common assumption in scientific literature is that reintroducing large carnivores to ecosystems can revert an ecosystem to what it once was. But over the period of time that carnivores were absent, other things have changed, too. Youre putting carnivores back into an ecosystem that doesnt necessarily resemble the one from which they went locally extinct, Goheen said. The animals find new situations to contend with. Pumas returned to Patagonia after being driven out by sheep ranchers during the 20th century. Getty Images As scientists, we should get comfortable with that, he said, and not sell to the general public that, Hey, if we restore carnivores, theyre going to have all these other kind of chain-reaction type benefits for everything else in the ecosystem. He added: We should restore carnivores because they deserve to be there and because were the ones that eradicated them to begin with.

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PHILIPSBURG:--- NAGICO Insurances, one of the Caribbeans leading insurance groups, today announced that global credit rating agency A.M. Best has upgraded the Groups Financial Strength Rating (FSR) from BBB+ to A- (Excellent).

The upgrade reflects A.M. Bests assessment of the Groups strengthened balance sheet, consistently improving operating performance, disciplined risk management, and effective execution of its long-term strategy across multiple Caribbean markets.

For policyholders, partners, and regulators, the A- (Excellent) rating is a strong, independent signal of NAGICO Insurances ability to meet its obligations, particularly in a region exposed to natural catastrophes and economic volatility.

I am extremely proud of this recognition for our group. An A.M. Best rating speaks directly to an insurers capacity to stand behind its promises, said Kyria Ali, Chief Executive Officer of NAGICO Insurances. This upgrade to A- rating by A.M. Best is an independent endorsement of our financial strength and disciplined management, and for our customers across the Caribbean and in France, it validates the confidence and trust they have put in us to be there for them, their families and their businesses when they need us most.

Why the A- Rating Matters

A.M. Best is a globally recognized credit rating agency specializing in the insurance industry. Its ratings assess insurers balance sheet strength, operating performance, business profile, and enterprise risk management.

An A- (Excellent) rating indicates:

Strong capitalization and balance sheet resilience

Consistently improving financial and operating performance

Prudent underwriting and risk management practices

A sustainable, long-term business strategy

This upgrade confirms NAGICO Insurances as a Top Tier insurance group, reinforcing confidence in the Groups stability and reliability.

Built for the Caribbean

Operating successfully in the Caribbean requires resilience, foresight, and disciplined risk management. Over the years, NAGICO Insurances has proven itself as a trusted and caring insurer, paying billions of US dollars in claims following natural disasters, be it hurricanes or volcanic eruptions. In recent years, it has made targeted investments in reinsurance protection, governance, and talent to ensure it can deliver on its promise to be Fast, Fair, and Always There.

Our region presents unique challenges, from climate risk to economic shocks, added Imran McSood Amjad, Executive Chairman of NAGICO Insurances. This upgrade reflects the deliberate steps the Board and Management have taken to strengthen the Groups balance sheet, governance, and risk management. It is a strong validation of our long-term vision and disciplined approach.

A Collective Achievement

The CEO shared that the A- rating upgrade reflects the collective efforts of NAGICO Insurances employees, partners, and stakeholders across the Groups regional footprint. It underscores the Groups commitment to sustainable growth, strong governance, and consistently delivering long-term value to its policyholders and partners.

As the Group looks ahead, it remains focused on using technology to improve customer experience, bringing needed and innovative products to the market, and supporting regional development.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in an urgent Public meeting on December 18, 2025.

The Public meeting which was adjourned on November 5, 2025, will be reconvened on Thursday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Finance will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Deliberations on the issues surrounding the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten

a. The recent nomination of the Chairman of the CBCS by the Council of Ministers

b. An update on the ENNIA situation

c. Developments concerning Mullet Bay (IS/092/2025-2026 dated September 22, 2025)



This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP A.M.R. Irion, MP D.T.J. York, MP O.E.C. Ottley and MP F.A. Lacroes.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx
Press Release from Business Wire: Ubitus K.K.



(AFP) Dec 18, 2025



TOKYO, Dec 18, 2025 (BSW) - Ubitus K.K., a global leader in cloud streaming and AI solutions (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo; CEO: Wesley Kuo), today announced that it has been officially selected for the Large-Scale Growth Investment Grant Program for Medium-Sized and Small Enterprises administered by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251217528499/en/







The program aims to support companies in achieving sustainable growth through productivity improvements and growth-oriented investments. Leveraging this grant, Ubitus will focus on expanding next-generation compute infrastructure centered on AI and NVIDIA's latest Blackwell GPU architecture, investing in the development of its NeoCloud platform to further strengthen overall competitiveness.

Key Disclosure Items under the Grant Program

1. Selected Project

Ubitus' proposed project, "Regional Distributed GPU Infrastructure Development for the Generative AI Era," has been officially approved by METI.

2. Investment Scale

-- Total investment amount: JPY 17 billion, allocated to the deployment of NVIDIA Blackwell GPU Cloud infrastructure

Through this investment, Ubitus will expand its AI infrastructure footprint, accelerate business growth, and create greater value for regional economies.

Long-Term AI Collaboration with the Japanese Government: From LLM Development to AI Infrastructure

This grant represents a major milestone in Ubitus' expansion in Japan's AI market and reflects strong government recognition of its AI technology and operational capabilities.

2024 | Selected for METI "GENIAC" Program - Development of a 405B East Asia Large Language Model

Under the GENIAC program, Ubitus developed a 405-billion-parameter East Asia large language model, supporting Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and English, and enabling applications across culture, tourism, and education. Benchmark evaluations show strong multilingual performance, surpassing GPT-4 in selected knowledge-based tests.

2025 | Launch of Japan's Most Advanced Tourism & Cultural AI Language Model

Building on its 405B model, Ubitus introduced Japan's most advanced tourism and cultural AI language model. In Maizuru City, Kyoto, the AI virtual guide "Chokimaru" has been deployed via browsers and mobile devices, providing real-time multilingual Q&A, sightseeing guidance, and translation services, supported by large on-site displays at visitor centers.

2025 | METI Large-Scale Growth Investment Grant - Advancing Cross-Regional GPU Infrastructure (NeoCloud)

The newly approved GPU deployment project will strengthen Japan's domestic high-performance computing capabilities. Using the next-generation Blackwell-based NeoCloud architecture, Ubitus will establish flexible and scalable GPU environments across multiple regions.

NeoCloud applies layered scheduling, distributed computing, and elastic resource management to improve computational efficiency, reduce latency, and dynamically scale compute resources in response to regional demand.

This architecture will help:

-- Enhance Japan's data sovereignty and local deployment capabilities

-- Address the rapidly growing demand for generative AI and large language models

-- Reduce energy pressure and bottlenecks caused by centralized facilities

The integration of GPU infrastructure with NeoCloud will create a more resilient and accessible nationwide AI foundation.

Future Outlook

Ubitus will continue strengthening its technical and industrial collaborations in Japan, focusing on:

-- Building scalable, flexible AI computing infrastructure (NeoCloud) through distributed architecture to reduce latency and accelerate AI deployment across industries and local governments

-- Enhancing data sovereignty and localized deployment capabilities

-- Alleviating GPU supply-demand imbalance and cost pressure

-- Accelerating AI adoption across tourism, culture, education, healthcare, and enterprise applications

Through a dual strategy of large-scale model development and compute infrastructure expansion, Ubitus will drive greater innovation across Japan and the broader East Asian AI ecosystem.

About Ubitus

Ubitus is the first Taiwanese technology company to receive investment from NVIDIA, and is recognized globally for its advanced GPU virtualization and cloud streaming technologies. The company delivers world-class cloud and AI services across industries.

Ubitus collaborates with top universities-including National Taiwan University and the University of Tokyo-to develop localized Traditional Chinese and Japanese large language models.It also offers a wide range of AIGC services, including:

-- UbiArt - AI image generation

-- UbiONE - AI virtual character solution

-- UbiAnchor - AI-powered virtual news anchor

-- Ubi-chan (AI VTuber) - the official brand ambassador showcasing Ubitus' innovation in generative AI

As a global leader in cloud gaming, Ubitus provides end-to-end solutions enabling studios to cloud-enable their titles and assisting telecom operators in building proprietary cloud gaming services. Ubitus technology also supports streaming of interactive media and virtual reality experiences worldwide.







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251217528499/en/









Contact

TEL: +81-3-6435-3295 (Tokyo)+886-2-2717-6123 (Taipei)Media contact: [email protected] Business inquiry: [email protected] Website:www.ubitus.net







 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.
LANZHOU, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers are integrating the growing power of AI into the Digital Intelligent Evidence-Based Medicine (i-EBM), creating a more dynamic, precise and efficient approach to medical evidence.

"As a new modern medical paradigm, i-EBM features three dimensions -- multi-source data integration, intelligent evidence analysis, and individualized decision support," said Ge Long, a professor at the School of Public Health of Lanzhou University and leader of the study.

"The burgeoning AI technologies are more active in processing massive data and transforming them into reference treatment plans, enabling the traditional evidence-based medicine (EBM) to advance in the AI era," Ge added.

Published in the journal Chinese Science Bulletin, the study is led by Ge's colleagues in collaboration with evidence-based medicine scholars.

EBM, a cornerstone of modern medical decision-making, combines the best research evidence, clinical judgment and patients' concerns. For decades, it has continued to significantly enhance the scientific understanding behind medical decisions.

"However, the limitations of EBM, such as the time lag, isolated evidence, and insufficient individualized consideration to each patient, have caused troubles in today's complex medical environment," Ge said.

"In the AI era, i-EBM is not a disruptive force to the traditional EBM model, but rather an inevitable evolution, which is targeted at an in-depth collaboration between machine intelligence and human expertise," Ge added.

I-EBM builds a unified digital intelligence foundation by integrating high-quality scientific research evidence, biomedical knowledge systems, and multimodal real-world data including electronic medical records and medical images, among others. On this basis, it combines with AI technologies, individualized diagnosis and treatment suggestions to assist doctors in making precise decisions.

"Of course, in the initial stage, what i-EBM can offer is the standardized plans, which can serve as a reference for doctors," Ge said.

"Theoretically speaking, EBM considers information of various aspects. However, in practice, it is difficult for clinicians to search, sequence, and analyze such a large amount of information," Ge said.

I-EBM is pushing the limits of traditional EBM. By means of AI technologies such as knowledge graphs, it can build deep cross-domain connections across scientific research data, clinical medical records, medical images, and environmental meteorology information -- tasks that were previously carried out manually with a great degree of difficulty.

Moreover, AI can greatly reduce repetitive work. In just a few hours, or in some cases even minutes, they can complete the literature screening and evidence update that used to take months to finish.

According to Ge, the new system can assist with data integration, pattern recognition and causal analysis in complex research of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to help reveal the internal laws of TCM evidence and optimize its evaluation system.

By now, the study team has applied their study achievements by developing multiple digital and intelligent products in fields such as the medication guide of Chinese patent medicine, facilitating medical research and practice.

The team has also cooperated with medical institutions to carry out research and application of i-EBM in childhood pneumonia treatment. I-EBM integrates imaging, laboratory and clinical data to build a multimodal database and facilitate more scientific diagnosis and treatment plans.

"The era of AI is coming. We will further our i-EBM research to support the improvement of medical standards, promote equal access to medical care, so as to play a role in improving people's health and well-being," Ge said. 
Press Release from Business Wire: Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation



(AFP) Dec 18, 2025



KAWASAKI, Dec 18, 2025 (BSW) - Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation ("Toshiba") has launched " TCD2400DG ," a lens-reduction type[1] CCD[2] linear image sensor developed expressly for line scan cameras[3] used in visual inspections. Shipments start today.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251217615732/en/

Toshiba: "TCD2400DG," a lens-reduction type CCD linear image sensor developed expressly for line scan cameras used in visual inspections.



Image inspection equipment that integrates line scan cameras, including color sorters, is used in diverse applications, among them sorting and grading foodstuffs, recognizing and removing foreign objects, identifying types of recycled plastics, and detecting scratches or stains on industrial products.

TCD2400DG is a color CCD linear image sensor with 4096 picture elements in a three-line array, with a 7?m pitch between elements. Each line functions independently to recognize red, green and blue (RGB). The line rate, the number of lines captured per second, 22.7kHz, is faster than that of the 10.5kHz TCD2564DG, Toshiba's current product for image inspection equipment.

Image inspection equipment rapidly processes massive volumes of image data to precisely and accurately identify objects passing in front of the equipment at high speed. By approximately doubling the readout speed of TCD2564DG, TCD2400DG will contribute to equipment with improved processing speeds.

The sensor acquires high-resolution color images, with no need for the color interpolation processing[4] required by Bayer element arrays. This performance makes it highly suited to color line scan camera applications that require immediate judgment.

The sensor incorporates other improvements. The timing generator circuit[5] and CCD driver[6], both externally mounted in Toshiba's current products, are integrated into the sensor, which reduces the number of signal lines required to drive the CCD and renders an external CCD driver unnecessary. It also eliminates the need for strict timing adjustment between signals, simplifying wiring work and streamlining system development process. The reduction of external wiring helps suppress electromagnetic interference that occurs during high-speed operation.

Toshiba will continue to expand its product lineup and promote advances in imaging and sensing technology that supports applications such as scanners for multifunction devices and inspection equipment.

-0- *T Notes:[1]The method of reducing an image with optical lenses and projecting onto a CCD or CMOS image sensor.[2]Charge Coupled Device[3]A camera that generates an image by scanning the subject one line at a time. Unlike an existing area camera that captures an entire "surface" at once, a line scan camera continuously captures "lines" and constructs a complete image as the subject moves.[4]A mechanism in which R, G, and B filters are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Missing color information in each element of the array is supplemented from its surrounding elements to generate a color image.[5]A circuit for generating signals necessary to drive a linear image sensor.[6]A circuit for amplifying the drive signals of a linear image sensor.*T

* See this release plus images on Toshiba's website.Toshiba Releases Lens-Reduction Type CCD Linear Image Sensor for High-Speed Data Readouts by Image Inspection Equipment

Applications

-- Color sorterFood sorting machines for grains and other agricultural productsIndustrial product sorting machines for plastic pellets and similar materials

-- Inspection equipmentWeb inspection (for sheet materials such as rolls, paper, cloth, and film)Printed material inspection

Features

-- High-speed line rate: 22.7kHz (max)

-- Number of image sensing elements: 4096 elements (three independent lines for RGB), widely adopted for inspection equipment.

-- The element array consists of three independent element lines (4096 elementsx3 lines), one each for RGB, enabling acquisition of high-resolution images without the delay caused by color interpolation processing.

-- The built-in timing generator circuit and CCD driver help facilitate system development and reduce EMI.

Main Specifications

-0- *T Part numberTCD2400DGPower supply voltage(operating range) (V)VAVDD, VDVDD, VCKDVDD : 3.1 to 3.5VVDD10 : 9.5 to 10.5Image sensing element size(?m)7x7 (7?m pitch)Number of image sensingelements4096 elementsx3 lines (RGB per line)Data rateMax100MHz (50MHzx2ch)Line rateMax22.7kHzPackageWDIP32Others/Additional featuresTiming generator circuit, CCD driver*T

Follow the link below for more on the new product.TCD2400DG

Follow the link below for more on Toshiba's linear image sensors.Linear Image Sensors

* Company names, product names, and service names may be trademarks of their respective companies.* Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

About Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage CorporationToshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation, a leading supplier of advanced semiconductor and storage solutions, draws on over half a century of experience and innovation to offer customers and business partners outstanding discrete semiconductors, system LSIs and HDD products.

Its 17,000 employees around the world share a determination to maximize product value, and to promote close collaboration with customers in the co-creation of value and new markets. The company looks forward to building and to contributing to a better future for people everywhere.

Find out more at https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/top.html







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251217615732/en/









Contact

Customer Inquiries:Analog Device Sales & Marketing Dept.Tel: +81-44-548-2219Contact Us Media Inquiries:C. NagasawaCommunications & Market Intelligence Dept.Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation[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: Kioxia Corporation



(AFP) Dec 18, 2025



TOKYO, Dec 18, 2025 (BSW) - Kioxia Corporation today announced that its 2.5-inch KIOXIA CM7 Series Enterprise PCIe(R) 5.0 NVMe? 2.0, KIOXIA CD8P Series Data Center PCIe 5.0 NVMe 2.0 and KIOXIA CD8 Series Data Center PCIe 4.0 NVMe 1.4 SSDs have been successfully tested for compatibility and interoperability with the Adaptec(R) SmartRAID 4300 Series RAID storage accelerator card from Microchip Technology Inc.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251217461087/en/

KIOXIA CD8P Series Data Center SSD, KIOXIA CM7 Series Enterprise SSD, and KIOXIA CD8 Series Data Center SSD



The Adaptec SmartRAID 4300 accelerator supports up to 32 NVMe SSDs, with each drive directly connected to the CPU through its own dedicated channel. This design eliminates the PCIe bottleneck typically associated with a traditional single x16 host interface, enabling each SSD to operate at peak performance. This innovative architecture delivers exceptional throughput and IOPS, making it an ideal solution for data-intensive enterprise applications. The success of next-generation data center infrastructures relies on ecosystem collaboration and interoperability to ensure seamless integration of current and future technologies.

-- The Microchip name and Adaptec are trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries.

-- NVMe is a registered or unregistered mark of NVM Express, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

-- PCIe is a registered trademark of PCI-SIG.

-- Other company names, product names and service names may be trademarks of third-party companies.

About Kioxia

Kioxia is a world leader in memory solutions, dedicated to the development, production and sale of flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs). In April 2017, its predecessor Toshiba Memory was spun off from Toshiba Corporation, the company that invented NAND flash memory in 1987. Kioxia is committed to uplifting the world with "memory" by offering products, services and systems that create choice for customers and memory-based value for society. Kioxia's innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH?, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, automotive systems, data centers and generative AI systems.

*Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is correct on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.







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Media Inquiries:Kioxia CorporationPromotion Management DivisionSatoshi ShindoTel: +81-3-6478-2404







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Israeli ex-premier says Telegram account hacked



Jerusalem, Dec 18 (AFP) Dec 18, 2025



Israel's former prime minister Naftali Bennett, who is planning another run for office, said his Telegram account had been hacked, as Israeli media reported the breach was carried out by an Iran-linked group.

"It appears that while my actual phone device was not breached, access to my Telegram account was indeed gained through various means," Bennett said in a statement late on Wednesday.

"The contents of my contact list, as well as numerous photos and chats -- both authentic and fabricated... have been distributed."

Bennett said the breach was intended to stop him from returning to the premiership.

"Israel's enemies will do everything in their power to prevent me from serving as prime minister again. It will not work," he said.

"No one will stop me from acting and fighting for the state of Israel and the people of Israel."

The Times of Israel reported that material taken from Bennett's account was published on a website allegedly operated by the Iran-linked Handala hacker group.

The group claimed to have left a message on Bennett's phone, which it published on its website.

"Dear Naftali Bennett. You once prided yourself on being a beacon of cybersecurity, parading your expertise before the world," it said on the website.

"For all your boasts and bravado, your digital fortress was nothing more than a paper wall waiting to be breached."

The daily Haaretz carried out checks and confirmed that many of the phone numbers are authentic and belong to senior officials in Israel and abroad -- among them, members of the government, as well as senior officials and international leaders.

Before entering politics, Bennett had co-founded a device protection software and an online security company.

Iran's official IRNA news agency published the names of contacts obtained from Bennett's account, but did not say whether the hackers were linked to Iran.

Bennett has declared his intention to run for prime minister in the next parliamentary elections due in October 2026, in a bid to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Bennett first served as prime minister from June 2021 to June 2022 in a coalition of right-wing, left-wing and centrist parties that unseated Netanyahu.

That government collapsed a few months later, paving the way for Netanyahu's return.
CANBERRA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Two men have been charged with murder over the fatal shooting of a third man in South Australia (SA), police said on Thursday.

A statement issued by SA Police (SAPOL) said that emergency services were called to reports that a man had been shot during an altercation with two others in the small town of McLaren Flat, 30 kilometers south of the state capital of Adelaide, shortly before 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

A 62-year-old local man was found deceased at the scene.

Two other local men, a 40-year-old and a 69-year-old, were arrested and have both been charged with murder and possessing an unregistered firearm.

SAPOL said that a firearm suspected of being used in the attack was recovered by officers.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident. SAPOL said that both alleged attackers were known to the victim and there is no risk to the public. 
US approves $11 billion in weapons sales to Taiwan: Taipei



Taipei, Dec 18 (AFP) Dec 18, 2025



Donald Trump's administration has given its approval to sell $11 billion of weapons to Taiwan, the second batch of such sales since the US president returned to office, Taipei said Thursday.

The package includes HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, drones and parts for other equipment, according to Taiwan's foreign ministry.

The potential size of the deal rivals the $18 billion of military sales to Taiwan agreed by then-US President George W. Bush in 2001, though that was ultimately downsized after commercial negotiations.

The United States does not recognise Taiwan as a country but is the self-ruled island's biggest security backer.

Its arms supplies are a key deterrent against a potential attack from China, which claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control.

"This is the second arms sale to Taiwan announced during the Trump administration's second term, once again demonstrating the US' firm commitment to Taiwan's security," Taipei's foreign ministry said.

Its defence ministry said the sale is expected to officially take effect in about one month.

Even though the deal still needs approval from the US Congress, it is unlikely to fail given the cross-party consensus on Taiwan's defence.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's government has vowed to ramp up defence spending as China maintains military pressure around the island.

Taiwan has its own defence industry but the island's military would be massively outgunned in a conflict with China, and so remains heavily reliant on US arms.
US approves $11 billion in arms sales to Taiwan: Taipei



Taipei, Dec 18 (AFP) Dec 18, 2025



The United States approved $11 billion-worth of arms to Taiwan, Taipei said Thursday, announcing one of the largest weapons packages for the island and prompting an angry backlash from China.

While Washington is traditionally Taiwan's biggest arms supplier, remarks by US President Donald Trump raised doubts about his willingness to defend the democratic island.

Taiwan has ramped up its defence spending in the past decade as China has intensified military pressure, but Trump's administration has pushed the island to do more to protect itself.

The arms sale announced on Thursday, which still needs US Congressional approval, would be the second since Trump returned to office in January, after a $330 million sale of parts in November.

The latest, much bigger cache features HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, drones and other equipment, according to Taipei's foreign ministry.

"This is the second arms sale to Taiwan announced during the Trump administration's second term, once again demonstrating the US's firm commitment to Taiwan's security," Taipei's foreign ministry said.

Beijing reacted angrily on Thursday, strongly condemning the sale announcement.

"China urges the United States to abide by the one-China principle... and immediately stop the dangerous actions of arming Taiwan," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a press conference, adding that Beijing would take "resolute and forceful measures" to safeguard its territorial integrity.

Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory under the one-China principle, and has threatened to use force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

The potential size of the sale rivals the $18 billion authorised under former US president George W. Bush in 2001, although that was ultimately downsized after commercial negotiations.

Bush ended up selling $15.6 billion-worth of weapons to Taiwan over his eight years in office.

During Trump's first term, the United States approved $10 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including $8 billion for fighter jets.

The latest package is expected to soon receive a Congressional rubber stamp, given the cross-party consensus on Taiwan's defence.

Taiwan maintains its own defence industry but the island would be massively outgunned in a conflict with China, and so remains heavily reliant on US arms.

The latest arms sale shows Washington has continued to assist Taipei in "rapidly building robust deterrence capabilities", Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's government has vowed to ramp up defence spending to more than three percent of the GDP next year and five percent by 2030, following US pressure.

It is also plans to seek up to NT$1 trillion in special funding to upgrade the island's air defence systems and increase capacity to produce and store ammunition.

The defence spending proposals need backing from the island's opposition-controlled parliament before they can take effect.

China deploys military aircraft and warships around Taiwan on a near-daily basis, which analysts describe as "grey-zone" operations -- coercive tactics that fall short of an act of war.

Taipei's defence ministry said 40 Chinese military aircraft, including fighters, choppers and drones, as well as eight naval vessels, were detected around Taiwan in a 24-hour period ending early Thursday.

On Tuesday, Beijing's third and newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, sailed through the Taiwan Strait, according to Taipei.

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Deadly attack on US troops exposes Syrian security gaps: analysts



Beirut, Lebanon, Dec 18 (AFP) Dec 18, 2025



A deadly attack on US troops by a member of Syria's security forces has exposed flaws in the new authorities' recruitment drive, which appears poorly designed to filter out extremists, analysts said.

The attack, which Syria and the United States blamed on the Islamic State group, put authorities in a tough spot and raised the question: have they done enough to root out radical elements from within their own ranks?



- What flaws? -



In the first such incident since the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December last year, two US troops and an American interpreter were killed in an attack in central Syria's Palmyra.

Interior ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba said the perpetrator was a security forces member who was due to be fired for his "extremist Islamist ideas".

He was among more than 5,000 new recruits who joined the security forces in the Syrian desert in recent months, Baba said.

IS, which has not claimed the attack, once controlled the desert areas of Palmyra before its defeat in 2019.

Nanar Hawach, senior Syria analyst at the International Crisis Group, said in a report that "the attack from within Syria's own ranks underscores one of the state's critical vulnerabilities".

After Assad's ouster, the new authorities dissolved security and military institutions and began integrating armed factions into the defence ministry and forming new security forces.

They have also joined the US-led coalition against IS.

Jerome Drevon, a specialist in Islamist militancy at the International Crisis Group, told AFP that authorities had to choose between a time-consuming but strong vetting process for new security personnel, or a shorter process "to recruit more people".

They chose the second option, he said, adding that some recruits may be "more radical, willing to fight US troops, because they oppose the government's decision to reach out to Western countries".

To Hawach, what is concerning is that the attacker may not be the only member with extremist ideas.

"Because authorities have worked so quickly to consolidate disparate armed factions into state structures, vetting, integration and oversight have been uneven, leaving Syria's reconstituted security institutions vulnerable to infiltration," he said.

President Sharaa's former Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has also disbanded, had roots in the Al-Qaeda jihadist network, which fought IS in the past.

A European security source, requesting anonymity, noted some hardline former HTS fighters may be opposed to the shift from armed struggle against Assad to state politics.



- Danger from IS? -



The source said IS jihadists have come out of the desert since Assad's fall and "re-established themselves, particularly in northwest Syria and Damascus. They are pursuing the goal of destabilising the authorities."

Drevon said there is a "real risk" from IS regarding "how they try to spread in cities, try to recruit, try to exploit the bad economic situation".

There are also "more and more attacks claimed by the group", he added.

Syrian officials told AFP that Syrian forces and the US-led coalition had launched an operation against IS sleeper cells in the desert since the attack, while 11 security personnel were brought in for questioning.

Drevon said the government needed to "increase its efforts in doing counterintelligence", improve monitoring of new recruits and ensure "that people with more radical ideas are expelled".

"They can calm it down, they can limit the consequences, as long as it does not happen again," he added.



- Ties with the West? -



US President Donald Trump vowed "very serious retaliation" after the attack, which he said occurred "in a very dangerous part of Syria, that is not fully controlled by" the new authorities.

The attack has heightened pressure on Sharaa, who has sought to reset ties with the West in order to end Syria's isolation, build trust and relaunch the economy.

"The incident may accelerate discussions around scaling back US troop presence in Syria" and constraining counter-IS operations "as assets are redirected to force protection", said Hawach from the International Crisis group.

It could also prompt the US "to consider greater emphasis on working with the Syrian Democratic Forces in the country's northeast, which has been the US's local partner for the past decade".

The Kurdish-led SDF spearheaded the offensive that ultimately led to IS's defeat in Syria.

The Kurdish administration has committed to integrating its institutions into the new central government, but the process has stalled.

A Western diplomatic source told AFP that the attack could prompt the Syrian authorities to join forces with the Kurds against IS.

That, however, would be contingent on a "willingness on both sides, and if countries support that", the source added.
Spain to buy 100 military helicopters from Airbus



Paris, France, Dec 18 (AFP) Dec 18, 2025



Spain's defence ministry has ordered 100 helicopters from Airbus destined for deployment in various parts of its armed forces, the European aeronautics company said Thursday.

The order, involving different helicopter types, is the biggest such purchase by the Spanish military procurement authority to date, Airbus said, without giving financial details.

Split into four contracts, the purchase aims "to boost the modernisation of Spain's defence and security assets", the Airbus statement said.

It includes 13 helicopters of the H135 type, 50 H145M helicopters, six H175Ms and 31 NH 90s.

Spain's Defence Minister Maria Amparo Valcarce Garcia called the helicopters "essential" for the operations of the armed forces.

"This investment is strategic and is focused on significantly increasing Spain's security and defence capabilities, ensuring national strategic autonomy in a key sector of European defence," she was quoted in the Airbus statement as saying.

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Benin president says bulk of military not behind failed coup



Cotonou, Benin, Dec 18 (AFP) Dec 18, 2025



Benin President Patrice Talon said Thursday that the bulk of the army did not back a recent foiled coup bid whose leaders recruited young trainee soldiers.

"No significant segment of the army joined" the attempted coup of December 7, which saw a group of soldiers claim on national television that they had deposed the president, Talon told reporters.

The coup, which led to several deaths, was foiled within hours by the Beninese army, with swift support from neighbouring Nigeria and France.

Several mutineers, including their leader, lieutenant colonel Pascal Tigri, remain on the run.

Around 30 people, mostly military personnel, have since been detained and face prosecution for "treason", "murder" and an "attack on state security".

"This was not a coup d'etat but an attack," Talon said during a news conference at the presidency in the city of Cotonou.

"It takes much more for a coup d'etat. There was no popular support, no significant segment of the army joined it. The majority are not from the National Guard," he said, of those behind the attempted putsch.

"They took young soldiers in training from the Togbin base. Neither the command nor any sub-command of the Guard were involved," Talon added.

He said the attempted coup was the work of "thugs, small-scale terrorists encouraged by some political actors on the margins and outside".

Referring to the support Benin received in the wake of the coup attempt, Talon said that "a surgical strike was needed to neutralise the armoured vehicles they had taken possession of".

"Nigeria carried out two strikes at our request, within the framework of (regional West African bloc) ECOWAS to avoid loss of life.

"If we had used our own weapons, there would have been damage," he said.

"It is commendable that this type of attack is condemned," he said, referring to the intervention of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

"You can have disagreements, but you must not encourage men to make this choice" of staging an attempt to remove their government, Talon said.

Referring to Tigri, Talon indicated that he had "left the camp in civilian clothes and in a vehicle".

His fellow putschists "were able to cross borders... we have contacted the relevant countries for them to send them to us".
Denmark blames cyberattacks on groups tied to Russian state



Copenhagen, Dec 18 (AFP) Dec 18, 2025



Denmark on Thursday accused two hacker groups linked to the Russian state of carrying out two cyberattacks, one on a Danish water treatment plant in 2024 and one on local elections last month.

The government said it would summon the Russian ambassador over the matter, Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told a press conference.

Water pipes were exploded in the 2024 incident -- attributed to pro-Russian group Z-Pentest -- in which household water supply was briefly affected, he said.

The country's environmental agency at the time said the attack was quickly detected, but "underscored that cyberattacks can affect security of supply".

The second attack occurred on the eve of Denmark's municipal and regional elections in November, when the websites of several political parties, municipalities, public institutions and a defence company were inaccessible due to a cyberattack claimed by the Russian hacker group NoName057.

"We are very confident that these are pro-Russian groups linked to the Russian state," said the head of Denmark's military intelligence agency (FE), Thomas Ahrenkiel.

FE said in a statement that the Russian state uses both NoName057 and Z-Pentest "as instruments of its hybrid war against the West".

"The aim is to create insecurity in the targeted countries and to punish those that support Ukraine," it said.

"Russia's cyber operations form part of a broader influence campaign intended to undermine Western support for Ukraine."

Both attacks caused limited damage, but highlighted vulnerabilities, according to Denmark's Minister for Resilience and Preparedness, Torsten Schack Pedersen.

"This shows that there are forces capable of bringing essential services in our society to a halt."



- 'Very serious' -



Denmark is one of Ukraine's most ardent supporters, as illustrated earlier this month with a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Ukrainian arms factory on Danish soil.

In late September, unidentified drones flew over several Danish airports and the Skrydstrup air base -- where Ukrainian pilots are trained on F-16 fighter jets.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pointed the finger at Moscow for the overflights, saying Russia posed "a threat to Europe's security".

The government said Thursday it intended to beef up measures to protect the country.

"We have taken numerous initiatives and we will take more, because Russia's way of acting is profoundly unacceptable," Lund Poulsen said.

He said the government would set up a new cyber-surveillance network and an online operations centre to quickly respond to threats, among other things.

"It's very serious to be able to attribute the attacks to the Russian state. That it's not just sympathisers, but a group directly linked to the Russian state. This underscores that the situation is particularly grave," Schack Pedersen told public broadcaster DR.

"We are not in a state of war, we are not in a state of peace, but we are in hybrid warfare," he said.

Cyberattacks were expected to continue despite the government's best efforts, he warned.

"You'd have to be incredibly naive to believe we've achieved our cybersecurity goal."
Trump rebrands housing supplement as $1,776 bonuses for US troops



Washington, United States, Dec 18 (AFP) Dec 18, 2025



The $1,776 payments to US troops announced by President Donald Trump will come from funds already allocated by Congress to supplement military housing allowances, officials said on Thursday.

Trump announced the so-called "warrior dividend" in an address to the nation on Wednesday. He said it would be paid for with revenue from the sweeping tariffs he has imposed and presented it as a new initiative.

Lawmakers from the opposition Democratic Party sharply criticized the president over the announcement, while a top Republican senator confirmed that the funding Trump is employing was aimed at offsetting housing costs for troops.

The "$1,776 'warrior checks' aren't Christmas bonuses -- you're just stealing money out of a fund meant to help our troops find affordable housing," Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), wrote on X.

Democratic Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, also took aim at Trump, saying he "isn't giving our brave service members a bonus, he's just shuffling around money so he can claim he is."

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the planned payments are the result of Trump's "unwavering commitment to our warriors and the provisions provided in the One Big Beautiful Bill" -- a reference to a major legislative package that Trump signed into law in July.

Senator Roger Wicker, the Republican chairman of SASC, praised the announcement by Trump, saying it would implement additional funding provided by Congress in that law "to help offset housing costs for service members."

The law provided for $2.9 billion in funding "to supplement the basic allowance for housing" for members of the military.
DUBAI, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 2,000 Chinese companies are showcasing a wide range of Chinese-made products, from baby and maternal goods to AI-powered smart glasses, at the ongoing 19th China (UAE) Export Brand Joint Expo, which opened on Wednesday at the Dubai World Trade Center.

The three-day event, the largest since its launch in 2010, spans about 80,000 square meters and features seven specialized zones tailored to the robust procurement demand in the Middle East, covering sectors such as textiles, home appliances and electronics, industrial equipment and building materials.

It aims to provide a professional platform for Chinese exporters to connect with regional markets as they seek overseas expansion amid intensifying global competition, according to the event's organizers.

At the booth of Hangzhou-based smart eyewear maker Hangzhou Lingban Technology Co. Ltd., visitors tested Rokid Glasses. The AI-powered smart glasses integrate real-time translation, AI commands, photography, navigation and mobile payments, with information displayed through waveguide lenses.

"This is very advanced technology," said Salim Malainf, a buyer from India, after trying the product. He added that the real-time translation function and competitive pricing made it particularly attractive and that he would consider purchasing.

China's broad and integrated supply chain also won recognition from overseas buyers. Clive Coutinho, from Dubai-based architectural model maker Titan Models, said Chinese products cover a wide range of sectors and price points. "You can pretty much buy everything from China."

"I very much hope to visit China in the future to attend the Canton Fair and see major manufacturing provinces firsthand," he said. "Before that, exhibitions like this help us understand Chinese companies and look for potential cooperation opportunities."

Nowadays, Chinese exporters are increasingly moving beyond single-product export toward system-level solutions. Guangzhou Grope Furniture Co., LTD. showcased movable, multifunctional soundproof pods designed for use in banks, schools, airports and office buildings, attracting strong interest from Middle Eastern buyers.

The company's chairman, Tan Zhi, said demand for high-quality public space solutions in the Middle East continues to grow, adding that the company plans to expand its presence in the region as part of its overseas strategy.

Held twice a year, the China (UAE) Export Brand Joint Expo has become one of the key platforms linking Chinese export-oriented firms with buyers in the Middle East. 
Kremi McCabe, deputy general manager at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, said: "At Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, craftsmanship is one of our defining values - from the meticulous care behind our guest experiences to the artistry present throughout our hotels design. We are delighted to take part in the TRI Design Festival and to join our local partners in celebrating craftsmanship. We look forward to seeing such a vibrant showcase of design come to life in Knightsbridge and along the Kings Road".
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Air Force One lands Oct. 27 at Haneda Tokyo International Airport in Tokyo as President Donald Trump makes an official visit to Japan. Trump has pressured the Pentagon and Boeing to get him a new plane. David Mareuil/Pool/Anadolu via Getty Images President Donald Trump welcomes Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani, left, and Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani aboard Air Force One during a refueling stop Oct. 25 at Al-Udeid Air Base in Abu Nakhlah, Qatar. Trump has griped about the age of the current Air Force One fleet. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images President Donald Trump arrives to board Air Force One in early April at Palm Beach International Airport. Alex Brandon/Associated Press

The Air Force is buying two used jumbo jets from a German airline as it works to speed up the troubled Air Force One program in San Antonio.

The service struck a deal with Lufthansa to get the two 747-8is for $400 million.

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Boeings 747-8is are larger and more modern than the aging 747-200 fleet currently in operation, and the jets are needed to help with crew training and spare parts, according to the Air Force.

Given the 747-8i is no longer in active production, and is a very different aircraft than the 747-200, it is important for the Air Force to establish an overall training and sustainment strategy for the future Air Force 747-8i fleet, the Air Force said.

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It described the purchase as being part of its efforts to accelerate the replacement of the pair of 35-year-old 747-200s currently in operation. But its separate from Boeings $5.6 billion project currently underway at Port San Antonio to convert two other 747-8is into Air Force Ones.

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That project, known as VC-25B, is more than four years behind schedule and well over its initial $3.9 billion price tag. The Air Force said it now expects the first jet to be delivered by mid-2028  in the last year of President Donald Trumps second term.

Trump has been pushing the Pentagon and Boeing to get him a new plane faster. Hes frequently griped about the age of the current fleet, complaining earlier this year that hes flying around in the same aging planes that once transported President George H.W. Bush.

Frustrated by the delays and cost overruns  some of which he created with changes he requested during his first administration  he directed the Pentagon to accept a used luxury jet from the Qatari royal family that he can use as a temporary Air Force One.

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That Boeing 747-8 spent months at San Antonio International Airport and currently is being converted into a presidential plane at the L3Harris Technologies Inc. facility at Texas State Technical College Waco Airport.

Trump has said the craft would be ready for him in February, but experts say 2028 is more realistic.

As for the jets coming from Lufthansa, the first one is expected to be delivered early next year and the second before 2027.

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AT&T agreed to pay $177 million in total, which includes $149 million for the first settlement case and $28 million for the second. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images) Kevin Carter/Getty Images

Nearly a year and a half after AT&T's data breach was announced, a $177 million legal settlement could offer each eligible customer up to $7,500 in compensation.

Still haven't filed a claim? Thursday is your last chance to file a claim.

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Here's how to do so.

When is the deadline to file a claim in the AT&T settlement?

The claim submission deadline, originally set for Nov. 18, has been extended to Thursday, Dec. 18. Online forms must be submitted by that date, and mailed claims must be postmarked no later than Dec. 18.

How much is AT&T's settlement in the data breach lawsuit?

A federal judge in Texas granted preliminary approval to two settlement funds. AT&T agreed to pay $177 million in total, which includes $149 million for the first settlement case and $28 million for the second.

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Who can file a claim for the AT&T settlement? How much is compensation?

The process for filing a claim and the maximum compensation amount depend on which data breach a customer was impacted by. Here's a breakdown of what the settlement website says.

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Those affected by the first data breach can claim up to $5,000 by submitting materials for the documented loss cash payment option.

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Alternatively, individuals can choose a tiered cash payment option. This does not require proof of financial loss, though it involves a smaller share of the settlement. Tier 1 covers those whose Social Security numbers were included in the data breach, and the payments for these will be five times higher than those in Tier 2, whose Social Security numbers were not compromised.

Customers who can provide documented proof of financial loss in the second data breach can claim up to $2,500.

The tiered cash option in this incident only includes Tier 3, in which claimants will receive a share of the settlement after administration costs and claims are distributed.

Those affected by both data breaches could receive up to $7,500 in compensation.

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How can I file a claim in the AT&T settlement?

Thinking about filing a claim? Here's how to do that.

AT&T customers who are eligible for the settlement can file a claim online at www.telecomdatasettlement.com.

Claims can also be sent by mail to AT&T Data Incident Settlement, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, P.O. Box 5324, New York, NY 10150-5324.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed American billionaire entrepreneur and private astronaut Jared Isaacman, nominated by President Donald Trump, to be NASA administrator.

The nomination of Isaacman was confirmed by a 67-30 vote.

Isaacman was initially nominated by Trump last December, but the nomination was withdrawn in May amid concerns over his previous donations to Democrats and close ties to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who left the White House just a few days before Trump withdrew Isaacman's normination. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had been serving as NASA's interim administrator until a permanent head was in place.

In November, Trump renominated Isaacman as NASA administrator, saying on his Truth Social, "Jared's passion for Space, astronaut experience, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of exploration, unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and advancing the new Space economy, make him ideally suited to lead NASA into a bold new Era."

Accepting the latest nomination, Isaacman said that he was committed to leading NASA's next era of human space exploration, including missions to the Moon and beyond.

Isaacman is the founder of Shift4 Payments, a payment processing and technology solutions company based in Pennsylvania. He is also the co-founder of Draken International, a Florida-based aerospace company.

During his second confirmation hearing on Dec. 3, Isaacman pledged to be free of conflicts of interest in his role. According to the Associated Press, Isaacman had promised in a June letter to resign from all private sector positions upon confirmation. 
Goodblend now offers same-day pickup for patients at its San Antonio store. goodblend

An Austin-based medical marijuana provider is taking advantage of a new Texas law to offer same-day service to its customers in San Antonio.

The law, which went into effect on Sept. 1, loosened the reins on the medical marijuana program by allowing distributors to store their products in various satellite locations, rather than requiring them to distribute it across the state on a daily basis from their central facilities.

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Before that change, Texas medical marijuana dispensaries had to turn down patients coming to their stores for same-day relief.

At Goodblend, orders had to be placed either in-store or online before 5 p.m. for next-day pickup or delivery. Products couldnt be kept in the stores overnight, so they were transported to the stores from its central distribution facility in South Austin on a daily basis, which limited pickup times to a narrow window. Goodblend has three stores in Texas, one each in San Antonio, Austin and Plano.

It was just an inconvenient process, and those time gaps provided opportunities for people to look elsewhere, like a hemp shop or dealer, said Goodblends community relations manager, Terrence Baugh. This allows us to close a sale in real time, which is a big thing for consumers.

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Starting this week, Goodblend now offers same-day pickup for patients at its San Antonio store and has expanded hours until 7 p.m. The San Antonio store at 18720 Stone Oak Parkway on the far North Side reopened Tuesday as a full dispensary, offering in-store shopping.

Its Plano dispensary is planning to make the change next month, and its Austin location on East Riverside Drive will be able to start offering same-day pickup in the first quarter of 2026.

Goodblend, a Texas-based medical marijuana provider, delivers to patients across the state. goodblend

Patrons and Texans have been asking for this since the beginning, Baugh said. Now, theyre able to come into the store, shop around, speak with a virtual physician and talk with our guides before making their purchase that day. It will feel like more of a retail experience for all those folks who are used to shopping in other recreational or medicinal states. This really changes things for the whole landscape of Texas as far as cannabis goes.

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Goodblend is one of three medical marijuana dispensaries in the state, along with Texas Original.

Texas Original recently announced that it was moving its headquarters to Bastrop, where it also opened the states largest medical cannabis facility. It also converted its former facility just south of Austin into its first satellite location, giving Austinites access to same-day pickup. The dispensary also has plans to expand. It currently has 17 pickup sites across Texas.

These efforts strengthen our ability to meet patients needs by expanding access to more life-changing, high-quality medicine, Texas Original CEO Nico Richardson said. And as fellow Texans, we are committed to ensuring this program grows responsibly for everyone who relies on it.

The third dispensary is Fluent, an online retailer that offers delivery in Texas.

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Goodblend, which opened its first retail store in South Austin in 2023, also delivers medical marijuana to patients in surrounding towns. It received its license in 2017 and began delivering in 2019.

Before the new law, known as House Bill 46, the dispensary could offer delivery only from its distribution facility, which is separate from the Austin store. But its delivery service area was limited because medical marijuana distributors only have a 24-hour window to return the cash and excess product back to the central site.

READ MORE: Medical marijuana vendor Goodblend puts down roots on far North Side of San Antonio

The new law allows Goodblend to make deliveries out of its satellite locations. The San Antonio store now can handle deliveries in South and West Texas, including as far as El Paso. Its Plano store will be able to cover the North Texas region.

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Theres a misconception that the medical program is very challenging to get into, and thats the furthest thing from the case, Baugh said. We make it very simple, where you can go to our website and get a prescription virtually from one of our physicians we partner with. It literally takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you can get a safe and reliable product in real time.

HB46 is an expansion of the Texas Compassionate Use Act enacted by the Texas Legislature in 2015, permitting physicians to prescribe the use of low-THC cannabis to patients with conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and cancer. HB46 added traumatic brain injury, Crohns disease and chronic pain as qualifying conditions for the program.

Were seeing pediatric patients all the way to elderly folks and palliative care, Baugh said. Most of our patients are female, and there are over 150 conditions that qualify for the program, like epilepsy and diabetic neuropathy.

MORE CANNABIS NEWS: Texas hemp industry backs calls for more regulation after THC ban fails

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Goodblend sells edibles, THC-infused beverages, tinctures and topicals to patients with a prescription. HB46 also lets dispensaries expand product offerings to include cannabis patches, lotions and prescribed inhalers and vaping devices. But it also limited the dosage to 10 milligrams of THC per individual item. That change means that Goodblend has to stop offering one of its products, a 30-milligram edible. Previously, Texas law limited products to a cap of 1% THC by weight.

For patients who require more THC for relief, theyll have to get that in multiple instead of one, Baugh said. We got a lot of the things we wanted, and while the 10-milligram cap isnt one of them, its a tradeoff were willing to make in order to provide more access.

Because satellite locations can now store product, licensed medical cannabis dispensaries are no longer limited by distances and are able to open more facilities across the state. Goodblend is looking to expand, starting with the Houston area. However, dispensaries still are prohibited from being placed 1,000 feet from any private or public elementary/secondary school or day care center.

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NASA's Eyes on the Solar System interactive app shows a rendering of Comet 3I/ATLAS on Dec. 1, 2025. Courtesy/NASA/Eyes on the Solar System

Weeks after a rare interstellar comet made its closest pass to the sun, it will make its closest pass to Earth.

Comet 3I/ATLAS was first discovered in July via a regular sky survey by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), after which the comet was named. The 3I designation stands for third interstellar, because it is just the third confirmed interstellar object to pass through our solar system  after 2I/Borisov in 2019 and 1I/'Oumuamua in 2017.

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NASAs Psyche mission acquired four observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS over the course of eight hours on Sept. 8 and 9, 2025, when the comet was about 33 million miles (53 million kilometers) from the spacecraft. The data, captured by Psyches multispectral imager, is helping astronomers both refine the trajectory of 3I/ATLAS and learn more about the faint coma, or cloud of gas, surrounding its nucleus (shown in the zoomed-in inset image). Courtesy/NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

The comet has traveled billions of miles through other systems in space. Its orbit is strongly hyperbolic, meaning its moving with enough speed to avoid our suns gravitational pull  even when it reached its closest point to the Sun on Oct. 30, at around 130 million miles. For reference, Earth is roughly 93 million miles from the sun.

When does Comet 3I/ATLAS pass Earth? Can I see the comet?

The astronomical wonder will reach its closest point to Earth on Friday, Dec. 19, at around 168 million miles away. Experts say it will be closest in the pre-dawn hours between 2:30 and 5 a.m. in the east to northeast skies near Regulus, the bright star in the constellation Leo.

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Unfortunately, Comet 3I/ATLAS won't be visible to the naked eye. Viewers will need a small telescope or powerful binoculars to see what appears to be a faint, misty smudge.

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Don't fret, though, the online space exploration publication Space.com is hosting a livestream on Dec. 18-19 courtesy of the Virtual Telescope Project, beginning at 10 p.m. CT on Thursday, Dec. 18.

What we know about Comet 3I/ATLAS

The interstellar origins of Comet 3I/ATLAS make it an extraordinary find for astronomers. Such objects can give scientists the opportunity to sample material from other star systems and compare it with our own.

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[Interstellar objects are] like cosmic time capsules, delivering samples from distant exoplanetary systems we could never otherwise visit and study directly, Space.com states. The discovery of 3I/ATLAS opens the door to a completely new branch of study in astrophysics.

However, this opportunity is fleeting  upon its discovery, 3I/ATLAS was hurtling through our solar system at around 130,000 miles per hour, which, according to NASA, is the highest velocity ever recorded for a solar system visitor. Its believed to have increasingly moved faster in the months since, and will soon leave our system and continue its journey through interstellar space.

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A few weeks after the comet was identified, NASAs Hubble Space Telescope gathered enough information to give astronomers a better understanding of its size and makeup. 3I/ATLAS has a solid, icy nucleus that is believed to be between 1,000 feet and 3.5 miles in diameter. The University of Californias David Jewitt, science team leader for the Hubble observations, explained the difficulty in drawing deeper conclusions about the object.

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No one knows where the comet came from, Jewitt said. Its like glimpsing a rifle bullet for a thousandth of a second. You cant project that back with any accuracy to figure out where it started on its path.

The comets chemical makeup suggests it formed in a cold, distant region of its parent systems disk, under temperature, radiation or disk-environment conditions much different than those of our solar system. Experts theorize 3I/ATLAS is likely very old, between three and 14 billion years per the Planetary Society. For comparison, our solar system is around 4.6 billion years old.

Comet 3I/ATLAS timeline by NASA images

This image shows the observation of comet 3I/ATLAS when it was discovered on July 1, 2025. The NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Chile first reported that the comet originated from interstellar space. Courtesy/ATLAS/University of Hawaii/NASA

Hubble captured this image of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on July 21, 2025, when the comet was 277 million miles from Earth. Hubble shows that the comet has a teardrop-shaped cocoon of dust coming off its solid, icy nucleus. Courtesy/NASA/ESA/David Jewitt UCLA

NASAs James Webb Space Telescope observed interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS Aug. 6, with its Near-Infrared Spectrograph instrument. Courtesy/NASA/James Webb Space Telescope

NASAs Psyche mission acquired four observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS over the course of eight hours on Sept. 8 and 9, 2025, when the comet was about 33 million miles (53 million kilometers) from the spacecraft. The data, captured by Psyches multispectral imager, is helping astronomers both refine the trajectory of 3I/ATLAS and learn more about the faint coma, or cloud of gas, surrounding its nucleus (shown in the zoomed-in inset image). Courtesy/NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

Is 3I/ATLAS an alien ship? Harvard professor's theory met with criticism

The rumor that 3I/ATLAS may not be a comet at all sprouted from Avi Loeb, an astrophysicist at Harvard University and the head of its Galileo Project. Loeb, along with two others, wrote a paper published in July that speculated the object could be "hostile" alien technology. The publication justified the claim, in part, by pointing out its unusual features, like its hyperbolic trajectory, alignment with the ecliptic plane (the plane of Earth's orbit), and "non-natural" chemical and physical makeup.

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Many experts and agencies like NASA have shared doubts about Loeb's theory, as reported by The Guardian.

"It looks like a comet. It does comet things. It very, very strongly resembles, in just about every way, the comets that we know," Tom Statler, a lead scientist for NASA, said. "It has some interesting properties that are a little bit different from our solar system comets, but it behaves like a comet. And so the evidence is overwhelmingly pointing to this object being a natural body. Its a comet."

The theory of 3I/ATLAS being tied to extraterrestrial beings isn't the first such claim by Loeb. In 2017, he made a similar claim about 1I/'Oumuamua, the first interstellar object detected in our solar system. That theory has since been debunked, including world-class astrophysics programs like the one at the University of Hawaii.
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 17: U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the Diplomatic Room of the White House on December 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump would be "addressing the country about all of his historic accomplishments over the past year, and maybe teasing some policy that will be coming in the new year, as well." (Photo by Doug Mills - Pool/Getty Images) Pool/Getty Images

During his address to the nation, President Donald Trump said his administration plans to send a form of stimulus-like payment to military service members, which he referred to as a warrior dividend.

During the Wednesday night speech, Trump said about 1,450,000 military service members would receive a one-time payment of $1,776.

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Trump said the funds would come from tariff revenue, adding that his administration was able to issue the payments because tariffs generated more revenue than expected.

Military service members will receive a special  we call Warrior Dividend  before Christmas  a Warrior Dividend, Trump said. In honor of our nations founding in 1776, we are sending every soldier $1,776. Think of that. And the checks are already on the way.

Trump has also suggested, without providing details or a timeline, that he would like to distribute $2,000 stimulus checks to civilians using revenue from tariffs or other cost-saving measures.

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Heres what to know about the proposed warrior dividend and whether Americans could see another stimulus check.

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What is a 'warrior dividend'?

A "Warrior Dividend" is a proposed $1,776 bonus payment President Trump announced in December, intended for nearly 1.5 million U.S. military service members as a holiday bonus.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the Pentagon to distribute $2.6 billion as a one-time supplemental housing allowance to all eligible service members in pay grades O-6 and below, according to a senior administration official cited by CNN.

The bonus for service members is the latest in a series of actions Trump has highlighted as support for U.S. troops.

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Those efforts include the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which Congress passed and sent to the president in December. The legislation provides a 4% pay raise for service members and allocates $2.9 billion for new barracks and family housing, as well as increased funding for childcare fee assistance.

Is there a fourth stimulus check coming in December?

There has been no indication from Congress or the White House that a fourth stimulus check has been approved or is imminent.

What needs to happen for Americans to get another stimulus check?

Any form of stimulus payment issued by the U.S. government would require congressional approval, including legislation authorizing the funding source and distribution.

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What is DOGE?

Earlier this year, Trump floated the idea of distributing $5,000 payments as a DOGE dividend during a summit in Miami. He described the plan as returning part of the 20% savings, identified by the Department of Government Efficiency, back to taxpayers.

Since then, Trump has not released additional details, nor has his administration confirmed whether "DOGE dividends," tariff rebates or other stimulus-style payments will move forward.

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Austin police are searching for the suspect. Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out. American-Statesman file

A man who robbed someone at gunpoint and stole their car at a Chase Bank was caught on camera, and Austin police are requesting the public's help identifying him.

Authorities said the robbery occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 25, at the Chase Bank located at 9901 N Lamar Boulevard in North Austin.

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The suspect reportedly showed a handgun before stealing the victim's property, including an undisclosed amount of cash and the victims vehicle. The vehicle is a gray 2018 Honda Civic with a Texas license plate number, VFS6424. The car also has damage on the left side of the hood, according to police.

The victim's car was stolen in the robbery. The vehicle is a gray 2018 Honda Civic with Texas license plate number VFS6424. Courtesy Austin Police Department

Police described the suspect as a Hispanic or white male between 20 and 30 years of age. His height is likely 5 feet 8 inches or 5 feet 9 inches tall with a skinny build, police said. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and black pants with white piping down the leg. Police say he was also wearing a face covering, black gloves and black shoes at the time of the robbery.

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The suspect is described as a Hispanic or white male between the ages of 20 and 30 years old. His height is likely 5 feet 8 inches or 5 feet 9 inches, authorities said. Courtesy Austin Police Department

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police at 512-974-5092.

If you'd like to submit a tip anonymously, you can do so by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.

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The Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center, pictured earlier this month. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

The Travis County District Attorneys Office on Thursday dismissed charges against an Austin man who has already served more than two decades in prison after being wrongfully convicted. He was found to be innocent in a Texas Court of Criminal Appeals last month.

In July 2003, a Travis County jury convicted Marshall Moreno of aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child by sexual contact, and indecency with a child by exposure. He was sentenced to serve 36 years in prison.

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Morenos biological daughter made outcry statements at 10 years old, the district attorneys office said. Now an adult, she came forward last year to recant her testimony and admitted she felt guilty about the conviction.

Although dismissing his cases wont undo the 24 years Mr. Moreno spent incarcerated, we hope it helps him as he works toward rebuilding his life, Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said in a statement. We are thankful for the courage shown by the main witness to come forward. We are grateful that the District Court Judge and the Criminal Court of Appeals agreed that the recantation proved actual innocence in Mr. Morenos conviction, which enabled our office to dismiss his cases quickly.

A therapist and a doctor testified to details about the daughters outcry at the initial trial, but no other evidence was presented to support the conviction.

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Morenos legal team filed a writ of habeas corpus in November 2024, claiming actual innocence. The filing included an affidavit written by the daughter recanting her initial testimony and stating she lied about the sexual abuse.
Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax and Austin Firefighters Association President Bob Nicks sign a four-year agreement adopted by Austin City Council at City Hall in Austin, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax and Austin Firefighters Association President Bob Nicks sign a four-year agreement adopted by Austin City Council at City Hall in Austin, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax and Austin Firefighters Association President Bob Nicks sign a four-year agreement adopted by Austin City Council at City Hall in Austin, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Leadership stands for a photograph after Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax and Austin Firefighters Association President Bob Nicks signed a four-year agreement adopted by Austin City Council at City Hall in Austin, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Austin Firefighters Association President Bob Nicks speaks before signing a four-year agreement adopted by Austin City Council at City Hall in Austin, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Leadership stands for a photograph after Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax and Austin Firefighters Association President Bob Nicks signed a four-year agreement adopted by Austin City Council at City Hall in Austin, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

The Austin City Council on Thursday unanimously approved a four-year labor contract with the Austin Firefighters Association that includes wage increases, the promise of a new shift schedule for firefighters  and the preservation of minimum staffing requirements that could trigger millions of dollars in unfunded overtime.

The contract approval follows months of tense negotiations between the city and the firefighters union that at points veered toward derailment as the association launched a campaign to amend the city charter to meet one of their contract demands: preservation of a city policy that requires the Fire Department to send a minimum of four firefighters to every structure fire in the city.

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But a late compromise satisfied both parties. The city agreed it would not pursue changes to the city ordinance that mandates four-person staffing if the association agreed drop its charter amendment campaign.

That deal cleared the way for both sides to sign off on the contract, which provides a host of new benefits intended to improve firefighter recruitment and retention. Council members celebrated that aspect of the agreement.

"We value our firefighters, and this new agreement demonstrates our commitment to these valued public servants," Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax said during a signing ceremony following the City Council vote.

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Read More: Austin firefighters push charter amendment to lock in minimum staffing

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The agreement includes a new shift schedule designed to lower the department's overtime threshold by about two hours, to an average of 49.8 hours  a top union goal, which leaders say will give firefighters more recovery time between shifts. The Fire Department will begin implementing the new schedule in March, with the agreement mandating full implementation of the schedule no later than October 2027.

Firefighters will also receive at least a 2.9% raise in the first year of the contract, while entry-level firefighters will get a 5.5% boost to help with recruitment, according to a news release. In years two, three and four of the contract, all ranks will receive raises of 3%, 3.5% and 4%, respectively.

Association president Bob Nicks told the American-Statesman that 72% of his members voted to approve the contract, which is projected to cost a total of $63 million. Prior to Thursday's council vote, Nicks shared concerns about the unfunded overtime commitments the agreement may trigger while praising the deal as a whole.

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Mauris DeSilva's father, Denzil DeSilva, testifies and shows a photo of his son on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Judge Dayna Blazey's 167th District Court at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center in Austin. Austin police officer Christopher Taylor was found guilty by a jury earlier this month for deadly conduct and is likely to be sentenced in late November after his defense attorneys call witnesses. Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman

Austin's independent police oversight agency has concluded that an officer did not violate department policy when he fatally shot a man armed with a knife during a mental health crisis in 2019  a finding that effectively closes the door on departmental discipline just weeks after prosecutors dismissed murder and deadly conduct charges against the office.

The Austin Police Oversight decision, issued Dec. 10, marks the end of a yearslong review of officer Karl Krycia's use of deadly force against Mauris DeSilva. The determination stands in stark contrast to the case's posture four years ago, when a Travis County grand jury indicted Krycia and fellow officer Christopher Taylor on murder charges stemming from the shooting.

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In November, the Travis County District Attorney's Office struck an unusual deal with Krycia, agreeing to drop the charger if he taught Austin police cadets how to navigate tense, rapidly evolving encounters like the one he faced with Desilva, a Sri Lankian born neuroscientist. Taylor was convicted last year on deadly conduct charges for the same shooting. His case is on appeal.

Last month, the American-Statesman first reported that the dismissal agreement had been finalized and that Police Chief Lisa Davis declined to discipline Krycia for his conduct during the confrontation.

Police Oversight Director Gail McCant concurred with that decision, effectively affirming the chief's choice and shielding Krycia from departmental consequences.

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"I believe the actions of Officer Krycia were within policy, as deadly force was used to stop a suspect armed with a knife and advancing toward the officers," McCant wrote in the memo.

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Krycia and three other officers responded to 911 calls from DeSilva's neighbors who reported that he was experiencing a mental health crisis. DeSilva was on the fifth floor of the downtown condominium where he lived, holding a knife to his throat.

When Krycia and Taylor reached the floor by elevator, they shouted for DeSilva to drop the knife and opened fire within seconds. Both officers later told investigators they believed DeSilva moved toward them and posed an immediate threat. A third officer, Joseph Cast, fired a Taser at DeSilva. McCant also recommended that Cast be cleared of wrongdoing.

In her memo, McCant noted that DeSilva did not comply with officers' demands. It did not mention that DeSilva's neighbors told 911 dispatchers they believed he was undergoing a psychiatric episode.

"The suspect could have complied with commands or fled from the officers to indicate he was not a threat to their safety," McCant wrote.

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McCant declined an interview request to discuss her recommendation. In a written statement, she emphasized that only the police chief has the authority to discipline officers  and that Police Oversight's role is limited to issuing recommendations.

"Based on our investigation of the officer-involved shooting on August 1, 2019, APO recommends a finding of exoneration for Officers Karl Krycia and Joseph Cast," McCant said in the statement.

Jarrod Smith, one of the attorneys representing the DeSilva family in a federal wrongful death lawsuit against Krycia, said the decision "reflects an entrenched culture of impunity within the Austin Police Department."

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Royal Blue Grocery recently announced it would be closing its Congress Avenue location after 15 years. Austin American-Statesman

Austin police have arrested a man accused of robbing a downtown Royal Blue Grocery at gunpoint last month.

According to the Austin Police Department, detectives began investigating after a robbery was reported Nov. 11 at the Royal Blue Grocery at 360 Nueces St. Police said a man entered the store armed with a handgun, showed the weapon to employees and demanded money before fleeing.

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On Dec. 16, the departments Violent Crimes Task Force, working with robbery unit detectives, arrested Tice Covey Porterfield, 31. He was taken to the Travis County Jail and charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, a first-degree felony.

"This arrest is the result of a thorough and collaborative investigation by APDs Robbery Unit detectives and the Violent Crimes Task Force," Police Department spokesperson Clara Ash said in a statement. "Keeping violent offenders off the streets remains a priority for APD, and our detectives remain committed to pursuing swift, coordinated enforcement efforts to enhance public safety across the community."
Trap, a mixed mutt, watches Melody Courtney clean kennels at the Austin Animal Center last fall. BRIANA SANCHEZ/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Austin Animal Services is exploring a partnership with the Travis County State Jail that would enlist inmates to clean kennels at the city shelter  an idea leaders say is in its early stages but one that has already raised safety concerns among staff and ethical questions from civil rights advocates.

The proposal, outlined in a Nov. 24 internal email obtained by the American-Statesman, comes as the shelter grapples with high turnover, slowed hiring and budget pressure following the failure of the citys 20% property tax hike ballot initiative. Staff members say the plan could restrict womens access to key work areas during inmate work hours and shift workloads rather than ease them, while rights advocates argue the use of incarcerated labor risks exploitation.

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The program would bring in inmates who were arrested for nonviolent and nonsexual crimes and who have demonstrated good behavior in prison, the email said. They would assist in cleaning kennels and doing work outside the main shelter Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Rolando Fernandez Jr., the shelters interim director, said the idea is in an early exploratory phase and has not yet been officially proposed as a recommendation. According to the email, the proposal would supplement the shelters Animal Care team with state jail inmates, assigning them to kennel cleaning and outdoor work. The email cited a desire to support employees' work and maneuver tight budget constraints.

I don't want my staff to feel like they're being replaced or looked over, Fernandez told the Statesman. Im augmenting your work, so you can do better, focus on other stuff and not be burnt out. It's a hard job.

A labor fix under consideration and scrutiny

Fernandez emphasized that the partnership is simply under discussion and nowhere near being established  not anywhere near the baking pan to be put in the oven to start baking.

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This would allow our Animal Care team to redirect time and energy toward other essential responsibilities, the email reads.

Melody Courtney cleans kennels and fills up food bowls at the Austin Animal Center Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in Austin. The shelter is temporarily restricting intake at the shelter and will only take in animals for emergencies. BRIANA SANCHEZ/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

While the email outlined several elements of how the program might operate, key details remain unresolved. Fernandez said he did not know whether inmates would be paid, instead characterizing the work as an opportunity to build job skills and spend time outside the jail. He said he believes participants would welcome the chance to do community work and get a respite from incarceration, noting that inmates could be removed from the program for rule violations.

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Savannah Kumar, staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas, called this type of program inherently exploitative.

The vast majority of incarcerated workers report that they are forced to work, face additional punishment if they refuse, and are not paid, Kumar said. Municipalities should push back against exploitative forced labor rather than normalizing it at the expense of human beings forced to do unpaid labor without basic protections.

Limits on womens work

During a Dec. 10 staff meeting, shelter leadership outlined restrictions that would limit where female employees could work while inmates were on site, according to a shelter employee who attended the meeting. The employee said women would be barred from certain kennel areas during those hours, even though the spaces are central to daily animal care operations.

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Melody Courtney cleans kennels and fills up food bowls at the Austin Animal Center Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in Austin. BRIANA SANCHEZ/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

We have other functions throughout that time that we wouldn't be able to do, said the employee, who requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation. That actually shifts our strain of what work we have to do later or around the hours they're there. If we can't access those in kennels, it changes things.

According to the employee, the plan discussed would require male staff members to transport inmates to the shelter in city vans, accompanied by two guards. Several employees said the explanation raised safety concerns. An Animal Services spokesperson told the Statesman that at this early stage of discussions with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the proposal contemplated a staff member, without specifying gender, assisting with transporting inmates to and from the shelter.

The staff member said the restrictions felt like an implicit acknowledgment of risk, noting that unless it was one guard with one person, it doesnt seem fully monitored. The employee said its scary, particularly given ongoing issues with broken gates and facility security. Another employee questioned how women  including volunteers and staff from other teams  could realistically be kept out of shared spaces in a busy, active shelter environment.

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The Animal Services spokesperson said staff were not told women would be treated differently, and that employees were told no one would be required to work in close proximity to inmates if they felt uncomfortable, regardless of gender. The spokesperson said some staff members expressed support for the idea during discussions, noting that additional cleaning help could ease workloads.

Staffing woes

Fernandez told the Statesman that the Dec. 10 meeting was intended as an early-stage discussion to gather feedback and address staff concerns. But the employee who attended the meeting said it felt as though the proposal was being presented as a near-term solution rather than a distant concept, with limited opportunity for meaningful feedback.

Melody Courtney cleans kennels and fills up food bowls at the Austin Animal Center Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in Austin. BRIANA SANCHEZ/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

It wasn't really a collaborative meeting, the employee said. It didn't feel like we could speak. It was kind of like, Here's a plan that will help with the understaffing, because we're all drowning. There wasn't much room to say how we felt about it.

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They said high turnover, slow replacement of departing workers and recent cost-cutting measures  including the loss of holiday pay  have hurt morale and increased workloads, along with a reluctance to refill some temporary positions despite getting reliable budget increases that have allocated money for additional staff.

Animal Services disputed the employees characterization of holiday pay, saying the department continues to follow the citys holiday pay policy and that holiday pay cannot legally be eliminated. A department spokesperson said recent guidance gave essential staff the option to work either Thanksgiving or Christmas so more employees could earn additional compensation by working beyond a 40-hour workweek, but that hours worked within the 40-hour threshold are treated as regular time, not holiday pay.

One employee argued that the solution to the shelters issues lay not in using inmates, but in hiring and retaining staff.

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A shelter spokesperson told the Statesman that no decisions have been made about the program. The Austin City Council on Dec. 11 approved a partnership between Austin Animal Services and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to create an in-house foster program for incarcerated veterans. Under that program, Austin Animal Services employees will teach military veterans at the Travis County State Jail to train the dogs in their care. According to the City Council agenda item, the program would provide transferable skills for the veterans while also enhancing animal welfare and increasing the dogs chances for adoption.
Camp Mystic counselor Katherine Ferruzzo died in the July 4 floods that swept through Kerr County. Courtesy of Ferruzzo family

This holiday season, our home is quieter than it has ever been. Along with the anticipation of the holidays, we expected to welcome our daughter home after her first semester at the University of Texas. Instead, there is no laughter drifting from the kitchen, no spontaneous singing, no familiar footsteps coming down the stairs in fuzzy socks. Only an empty place in every room, a void that deepens as we approach the days we once celebrated together.

We lost our daughter, Katherine, this year. Even now, writing those words feels impossible. Katherine wasnt just our child  she was a young woman discovering her purpose, someone who led with compassion and courage. This summer, she returned to Camp Mystic not as a camper, but as a counselor. She was proud to take on that responsibility. She believed deeply in caring for younger girls  guiding them and, above all, keeping them safe.

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That is what makes her loss even harder to bear.

Katherine died while serving in a role dedicated to protecting others. As her parents, we sent her to Camp Mystic believing it was a place that valued safety as much as she did. We trusted the systems, the oversight and the leadership to safeguard not only the children in their care, but also the counselors who work tirelessly to support them.

Instead, Katherine will forever be part of Heavens 27, the 25 campers and two counselors at Camp Mystic who died in the catastrophic July 4 flooding in Kerr County.

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In the months since her passing, we have struggled with profound questions about what went wrong. We cannot ignore the failures we believe occurred under the Eastlands leadership at Camp Mystic. We are among the families who have sued the camp, and we will continue to push for answers so that no family ever must endure this pain again.

But as Katherines parents, we also know we must find a way forward by turning our grief into something good. It is what she would have wanted. Just as she cared for the young girls at camp, Katherine devoted herself to helping all children. She planned to major in Special Education and dreamed of becoming a special education teacher.

Though her life was heartbreakingly cut short, we chose to honor her legacy by carrying that work forward. Through the Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation, we are committed to supporting classrooms, educators, families and communities who help children with special needs thrive.

As the holidays approach, our hope  faint as it feels right now  is that the love and compassion Katherine shared with everyone she met resonates. The weight of her absence is almost unbearable, yet we find strength in trying to carry forward her joy, patience and her sense of purpose each day.

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This is our first holiday season without her. The pain is immeasurable, the silence deafening. But Katherines light  her goodness, her dedication, her love  deserves to be remembered. And we will spend the rest of our lives making sure it is.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Two Democratic-led resolutions seeking to limit Donald Trump administration's military actions against Venezuela, including strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, were narrowly defeated in the Republican-controlled U.S. House on Wednesday.

One measure would have barred the White House from engaging in hostilities against any presidentially designated terrorist group in the Western Hemisphere without congressional approval. It failed 210-216, with two Republicans voting yes and two Democrats voting no.

The second would have required President Trump to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities in or against Venezuela absent congressional authorization. It failed 211-213, with three Republicans, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, joining all but one Democrat in support.

"I think it's immoral, not just a strategic failure, but a moral failure, that we have a president beating the drums of war with so much as a vote from the House of Representatives," House Rules Committee ranking member Jim McGovern said on the House floor.

"This is not 'America First,'" said the lawmaker.

Similar war powers resolutions brought by Democrats in the Senate were also defeated earlier this year.

Since early September, U.S. forces have sunk at least 25 alleged drug-transporting vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing at least 95 people aboard.

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.

On Tuesday, Trump ordered a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into or out of Venezuela, stepping up a months-long pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Trump also said repeatedly in recent weeks that the U.S. military would begin land strikes targeting drug traffickers in the Caribbean "very soon."

Critics, including bipartisan lawmakers in the U.S. Capitol, have questioned for months whether counter-narcotics are the sole U.S. motive and whether the military strikes in the Caribbean are legal.

A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday shows 63 percent of U.S. adults oppose the Trump administration's military attacks on Venezuela, compared with 25 percent who support them. 
Congressman Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, speaks to media at a detention area for Migrants in Eagle Pass on December 20, 2023. Jessica Phelps Brandon Herrera, a candidate in the Republican primary for U.S. House in Texas 23rd Congressional District, speaks during a Republican candidate forum Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. Charlie Blalock/Contributor

President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales on Thursday, boosting the San Antonio Republican ahead of what is expected to be a bruising GOP primary battle.

Trumps praise of Gonzales is a notable shift from his silence in 2024, when Gonzales was nearly ousted by gun influencer Brandon Herrera. Herrera is running again this year and has attacked Gonzales as insufficiently conservative. The endorsement comes as national Republicans work to keep their narrow House coalition together through next years midterms, in which Democrats are expected to pick up several seats.

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In a Truth Social post, Trump underlined the incumbents Navy bona fides and cited his past deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tony knows the Wisdom and Courage that is required to Defend our Country, Support our Brave Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, Trump wrote. In Congress, Tony is working hard to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.

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He added, Tony Gonzales has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election  HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!

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Herrera said hes not backing down from the race, citing past tension between Gonzales and the president. Gonzales initially called those who participated in the Jan. 6 riot domestic terrorists, but has since softened his tone, saying it was a dark day that he hopes never happens again, according to ABC News. Gonzales endorsed Trump for reelection in January 2024.

I completely understand President Trumps need to endorse incumbents, no matter how bad, to help secure Republican votes in the House, Herrera told Hearst. But Tony has betrayed Trump before, and he will again.

Gonzales boasts a war chest of $2.5 million in cash on hand, and Herrera has raised more than $1.1 million. Trumps endorsement could help Gonzales overcome attacks over the suicide of his congressional staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, as well as criticism for a past vote in favor of a bipartisan gun safety bill.

The 23rd district skirts the west side of San Antonio and stretches along the border all the way to El Paso. The Republican who previously represented the 23rd district, Quico Canseco, is also seeking the GOP nomination, as is veteran Keith Barton. On the Democratic side, accountant Bruce Richardson, retiree Gretel Enck, civil engineer Santos Limon and attorney Katy Padilla Stout will appear on the primary ballot.

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Also on Thursday, Trump put his thumb on the scale in a crowded race for the GOP nomination in South Texas' 34th Congressional District, which is currently represented by Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez. He endorsed lawyer and Navy veteran Eric Flores, spurning former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores, who had won the GOP nomination in 2024 but failed to defeat the incumbent.

A Brave U.S. Army Veteran, and former Criminal Prosecutor, Eric knows the Wisdom and Courage it takes to Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strongly Support our Great Heroes in Law Enforcement, and Champion our Military and Veterans, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

Mayra Flores came out swinging in response, criticizing Trump not only for intervening in the 34th Districts primary, but also for pardoning South Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of federal corruption charges. Trumps move to absolve the Laredo lawmaker strengthened his argument for reelection against a nationally-backed GOP candidate, Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, in the 18th Congressional District.

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First, President Trump pardoned Democrat Henry Cuellar, and now he is endorsing a Biden DOJ appointee pretending to be MAGA, Mayra Flores wrote in a post on X Thursday night. South Texas isnt fooled as easily  and our campaign will stay focused on kitchen table issues and the many needs of the American people, not the political establishment in DC. We are unstoppable.
Mary Wasson is a newsroom meteorologist for the San Antonio Express-News. She can be reached at mary.wasson-triplett@express-news.net

Mary has been a meteorologist for more than 16 years. Since she and her family were forced to shelter from a tornado, she has been fascinated with how storms develop. Originally from Winchester, Ky., she earned a communications degree from Morehead State University and a Master of Science in Geoscience from Mississippi State University. She has worked in Rapid City, S.D., Lexington, Ky., Austin and Temple.
MOSCOW, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Russian law enforcement has thwarted a planned terrorist attack in the city of Volgodonsk in Russia's Rostov Region, the Federal Security Service (FSB) said in a statement on Thursday.

The attack, allegedly plotted by Ukrainian special services, was intended to target areas near the city's administration building, according to the statement.

The FSB said that a Russian student at a regional college, born in 2009, was detained in the city center after the discovery of a backpack containing an improvised explosive device. The suspect had been instructed to deliver it to an official at the entrance of the administration building after retrieving it from a cache on the outskirts of the city.

Further investigation is underway, and a procedural decision is being prepared, the statement said. 
BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday called on Cambodia and Thailand to remain calm and exercise restraint and achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, while rejecting speculation arising from the reported use of Chinese weapons.

Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks when responding to a media query, saying that China has long carried out defense cooperation with both Cambodia and Thailand, including military trade. He stressed that such cooperation is not targeted at any third party, complies fully with international law and international practices, and is of no relation to the border conflict.

He said that China hopes relevant parties will refrain from subjective speculation and malicious hype.

As a friendly neighbor of both Cambodia and Thailand, China is following the developments of the border conflict closely, and is deeply saddened by the casualties suffered by the people of the two countries, Jiang noted.

He expressed the hope that both sides will act in the fundamental interests of border peace and stability, as well as the well-being of their people, and that they will maintain the utmost calm and restraint, achieve a ceasefire at an early date, and return to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation.

China will continue working to promote peace talks, and will play a constructive role in facilitating a ceasefire and in rebuilding peace between Cambodia and Thailand, Jiang said. 
KHARTOUM, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Drone attacks hit a major power station on Thursday in River Nile State of northern Sudan, killing two members of the Civil Defense team and disrupting electricity supply in several states, the Sudan Electricity Holding Company announced.

"Al-Mogran Power Station in the city of Atbara, River Nile State, was attacked on Thursday by drones, resulting in the death of two Civil Defense personnel," the company said in a statement, noting that Civil Defense forces are making intensive efforts to extinguish the fire and contain the damage.

The company added that the "power supply transformers sustained direct damage, leading to power outages in a number of states." According to eyewitnesses, electricity was cut off in Khartoum State, the Northern State in northern Sudan, and the Red Sea State in eastern Sudan.

An eyewitness at Atbara Hospital told Xinhua that three members of the Civil Defense were injured and are receiving treatment at the hospital.

Another eyewitness said that two simultaneous attacks targeted the power station and the Civil Defense headquarters located near the facility. Videos circulating online show columns of smoke rising over the city of Atbara from the vicinity of the power station.

Drone attacks have been escalating, typically targeting military sites and vital infrastructure in areas under the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

Sudan has been engulfed in a deadly conflict since April 15, 2023, when fighting broke out between the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions displaced within the country and across its borders. 
USCGC Stone monitors a burning vessel that was interdicted by U.S. forces in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Aug. 16, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard)



U.S. Coast Guard members will receive a one-time Devotion to Duty bonus at the end of 2025 as thanks for their service, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Thursday.

The $2,000 bonus will recognize the exceptional service and success of U.S. Coast Guard members in 2025, according to a Coast Guard statement.

We want to show our countrys profound appreciation for their devotion to duty and the countless sacrifices they make to protect our nation, Noem said in a statement Thursday.

The Coast Guard currently has 40,757 active-duty personnel. The bonus will cost the service about $80 million in one-time pay.

The bonus is the first specific plan for the $1,776 warrior dividend that President Donald Trump said he wants to go out to more than 1.45 million military and federal law enforcement personnel. The amount of money designated by Trump is meant to symbolically reflect the year of the Declaration of Independence, 1776.

The checks are already on the way, Trump said in a televised speech on Wednesday night. Nobody deserves it more than our military.

Trump did not say where the money would come from or exactly who would receive it.

The Coast Guard statement on Thursday did not initially specify a dollar amount, but a later statement from the service said the special duty pay would be $2,000 pre-tax.

The Coast Guard said Thursday that the payments would be processed this month and would go to Coast Guard members in paygrades O-6 and below who are on active duty through Dec. 31.

Coast Guard members with the rank of captain and below would receive the bonus. Rear admirals and above, along with Coast Guard cadets, are not eligible.

Reserve members who have been on active duty for 31 or more consecutive days as of Dec. 31, would receive the bonus. The Coast Guard also said payments would not be paid to service members not entitled to basic pay.

Noem said the payments were acknowledgement of the tremendous dedication, bravery, and innovation demonstrated by service members throughout a landmark year of transformation for the armed service.

One day after Trump took office in January, he dismissed Adm. Linda L. Fagan as commandant of the Coast Guard. Trump cited what he said was Fagans lack of emphasis on border security issues and an excessive focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion among the reasons for her dismissal. Fagan was also given three hours to vacate her official residence at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling in Washington, D.C.

Adm. Kevin Lunday, the acting commandant, has overseen a higher-profile role for the Coast Guard in drug and immigration interdiction off the U.S. coasts. Coast Guard law enforcement teams have been assigned to U.S. Navy vessels operating in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans near U.S. boarders, and Coast Guard aircraft are frequently used to transport people detained by immigration authorities from locations in the U.S. to deportation processing centers.

Federal immigration agents escort an apprehended suspect onto a U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules in Lihue, Hawaii, on Feb. 22, 2025. Department of Homeland Security personnel said they had apprehended five Romanian nationals and one Bosnian national who will remain in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody pending immigration proceedings and removal. (Tyler Robertson/U.S. Coast Guard)



The performance of our members  on the water, in the air, and at our shore units  is the very bedrock of our nations maritime security, Adm. Tom Allan, the acting vice commandant, said in a statement Thursday.
A LUCAS one-way attack drone is launched from the flight deck of the USS Santa Barbara in the Persian Gulf on Dec. 16, 2025. Naval officials called the event a "significant milestone," saying it was the first time a LUCAS drone was launched from a ship at sea. (Kayla Mc Guire/U.S. Navy)



A Navy warships successful launch of a one-way attack drone this week was a watershed in the Defense Department push to get hundreds of thousands of the transformational aircraft into the field, according to the service.

The LUCAS drone was deployed Tuesday from the littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara in the Persian Gulf in what was the first launch of the unmanned system from a ship at sea, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command said in a statement Wednesday.

U.S. Central Command assigned the drone to Task Force Scorpion Strike, a unit created to develop and deploy one-way attack drones at scale. The task force, based in the Middle East, works to deliver autonomous strike capabilities to deployed forces.

This achievement demonstrates the power of innovation and joint collaboration in this critical region, Vice Adm. Curt Renshaw, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet, said in the statement.

The launch was a significant milestone, Renshaw added.

Earlier this month, CENTCOM announced the deployment of the militarys first operational squadron built around one-way attack drones.

LUCAS is an abbreviation for low-cost unmanned combat attack system. The drones have an extensive range and are designed to operate autonomously, CENTCOM said.

They can be launched in various ways, including ship-based means, catapults and platforms mounted on the ground or a vehicle.

The one-way attack drones recently deployed by U.S. forces are meant to act as a foil to an Iranian model known as the Shahed, which has wreaked havoc on the battlefield in Ukraine and has been employed by Iran-backed militias throughout the region.

Earlier this year, the Air Force asked manufacturers to make a handful of exact replicas of the Shahed to assist in testing and training.

LUCAS was developed by Arizona-based defense contractor SpektreWorks and is designed for long-range, autonomous missions.

The aircraft is being introduced amid a broader U.S. military initiative to scale up use of low-cost unmanned strike systems. The intent is to increase operational flexibility and reduce production timelines and unit costs, defense officials say.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last month announced a $1 billion, multiyear drone buy that will require manufacturers to compete against one another in gauntlet challenges to procure drone contracts.

On Wednesday, DOD published its initial request for solutions outlining the parameters of the first challenge, scheduled for February.

Military operations will run a number of tests on the vendors UAVs and grade them on their ability to locate targets, according to the RFS.

The launch from Santa Barbara was handled by Task Force 59, a Navy unit focused on integrating drones into fleet operations. The task force has overseen a series of tests and demonstrations involving unmanned platforms in the Middle East.

NAVCENT did not say whether the drone carried a live payload during the launch.

Stars and Stripes reporter Lara Korte contributed to this story.
Defense Department civilians check a sailor for radiation during a drill simulating a low-level radiation leak aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Dec. 18, 2025. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)



YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  More than 200 U.S. and Japanese personnel took part Thursday in a joint emergency drill to practice responding to a hypothetical radiation exposure involving a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

The annual exercise, now in its 18th year, brought together 134 U.S. service members and civilians and 95 Japanese officials and first responders to rehearse coordination and communication in the event of a radiation incident, according to the Navy.

In the scenario, a U.S. sailor working on a propulsion support system aboard the USS George Washington was exposed to low-level radioactive water leaking onto his hands. Emergency protocols were activated and the sailor was taken to U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka for treatment.

The simulated radiation exposure was roughly equivalent to that found in two bananas and lower than naturally occurring radiation in a pot of coffee, according to a Navy media handout.

Participants included Yokosuka base commander Capt. Johnathan Hopkins and Yokosuka Mayor Katsuaki Kamiji.

All involved parties worked diligently in all aspects of the drill, and we were able to confirm that communication and cooperation between Japan and the United States was well-established, and that the system will function properly in the event of an emergency, Kamiji told reporters afterward.

A survey team from the Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority approaches the aircraft carrier USS George Washington at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Dec. 18, 2025, during an annual drill involving a hypothetical radiation leak. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

Navy corpsmen load a dummy onto an ambulance during an annual drill that simulates low-level radiation exposure at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Dec. 18, 2025. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

Yokosuka Mayor Katsuaki Kamiji receives a call from Rear Adm. Ian Johnson, commander of Navy Region Japan, and Rear Adm. Lincoln Reifsteck, commander of Submarine Group 7, regarding a hypothetical radiation exposure as part of an annual drill on Dec. 18, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)



The exercise is intended to address public concerns surrounding the presence of nuclear-powered U.S. warships. The Navy and Yokosuka city have conducted the drill annually since 2007, with the scenario largely unchanged.

Public concerns about radiation risks in Japan go back decades, including a 1999 accident at a nuclear fuel-processing facility in Tokaimura in Ibaraki prefecture that exposed hundreds of people to radiation and killed two workers. Japans history as the only country subjected to atomic bombings has also shaped public sentiment.

An activist group  Citizens Coalition Concerned About the Homeporting Project of the Nuclear-Powered Carrier at Yokosuka  feels the training is inadequate.

Its not realistic, group leader Masahiko Goto said by phone after the drill. They need to conduct a drill assuming the worst-case scenario.

The group, in a Thursday statement to media, called for a training scenario similar to those conducted by nuclear power plants to prepare for meltdowns and other incidents.

The Navy has repeatedly said its nuclear-powered ships have never experienced a reactor accident or released harmful radiation and that extensive safeguards and procedures are in place to prevent such incidents.

Stars and Stripes photojournalist Akifumi Ishikawa contributed to this report.
U.S Africa Command hit Islamic State and al-Shabab militants in Somalia on Dec. 15 and Dec. 16, the command said in a statement Wednesday. The latest round of strikes brings AFRICOMs annual total in Somalia to 117, nearly double its previous high of 63 strikes in 2019. (U.S. Africa Command)



STUTTGART, Germany  U.S. Africa Command unleashed a series of strikes against various targets this week in Somalia, where the commands attacks on militants are at an all-time high.

Islamic State fighters in the country were hit Monday and Tuesday in the vicinity of the groups enclave near the Golis Mountains in northern Somalia, AFRICOM said in a statement Wednesday.

Separate strikes also were conducted against the al-Shabab group on Monday near the southern coastal city of Kismayo, AFRICOM said.

The latest round of strikes brings AFRICOMs annual total in Somalia to 117, nearly double the commands previous high of 63 in 2019.

ISIS in Somalia has become a growing concern for AFRICOM, which has stepped up its attacks against the group over the past year. Formed in 2015 by al-Shabab defectors, the ISIS branch in Somalia also has drawn foreign fighters to its ranks.

As of May, about 60% of its force of 1,500 came from outside Somalia, AFRICOM said at the time.

ISIS as a whole remains a threat to U.S. forces abroad, as demonstrated by last weeks deadly ambush in Syria by an attacker who claimed to be a member of the group.

Two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in the attack, prompting President Donald Trump to vow serious retaliation.

American forces in Syria are involved in an effort to prevent a resurgence of ISIS there. After seizing control of a large swath of territory in Syria and Iraq, the group declared a caliphate in 2014 before eventually losing its hold on the land.

In Somalia, U.S. forces have faced similar threats over the years but usually at the hands of al-Shabab, which has waged a decadeslong insurgency against the countrys weak central government.

U.S. military personnel in Somalia provide various forms of support to Mogadishu in its long-running campaign against al-Shabab. Besides airstrikes, U.S. troops train and advise local ground forces.
The Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian passes through the Taiwan Strait on Dec. 16, 2025. (Taiwan Ministry of National Defense)



Chinas newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, steamed through the Taiwan Strait this week for the first time since being commissioned, a move closely monitored by Taiwan amid ongoing tensions with Beijing.

Taiwans Ministry of National Defense disclosed the transit Wednesday in a post on X, alongside an aerial photograph of the carrier. The islands military monitored the situation and responded, the ministry wrote, without elaborating.

The Fujian crossed the strait Tuesday, marking its first such passage since its Nov. 5 commissioning, according to the ministry and Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo, cited by the Taipei Times on Wednesday. The ship had previously sailed through the strait at least once during sea trials on Sept. 12.

Chinas Defense Ministry had not publicly commented on the transit as of Thursday afternoon.

During the September passage, the ministry said the carrier was en route to the South China Sea for scientific research tests and training missions, calling the transit a regular arrangement in the aircraft carriers construction process and saying it was not aimed at any specific target.

The Fujian appeared to be operating without aircraft on board during Tuesdays transit, Taiwans Defense Ministry said.

Following the carriers passage, Taiwan reported heightened Chinese military activity around the island.

The ministry said Thursday that China conducted 40 aircraft sorties  more than half of which crossed the straits unofficial median line  and deployed eight naval vessels in nearby waters over a 24-hour period beginning Wednesday morning.

The Fujian is Chinas second domestically built aircraft carrier and the first of its class. Unlike the United States nuclear-powered carrier fleet, the Fujian and Chinas two earlier carriers are powered by steam turbines.

The ship, however, represents a significant technological leap for Beijings navy. It features an electromagnetic catapult system similar to that used on the Navys newest carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, enabling the launch of heavier aircraft and potentially expanding Chinas naval aviation capabilities.
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is slated to open mental health clinics at Camp Foster on Okinawa and Camp Humphreys in South Korea. (AAFES)



CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  Military families, veterans and Defense Department civilians in Japan and South Korea will soon have a new option for mental health care with the opening of nonprofit clinics on U.S. bases, according to the Army and Air Force Exchange Service.

AAFES plans to open Cohen Veterans Network mental health clinics in the fall at Camp Foster on Okinawa and Camp Humphreys in South Korea, according to a Monday news release. Additional clinics are planned for Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo and Osan Air Base in South Korea at later, unspecified dates.

Taking care of military families is at the heart of the Exchanges mission, AAFES director Tom Shull said in the release. The opening of these clinics in the Pacific Region brings convenient access to critical mental health care and expertise to military families stationed overseas.

The clinics will operate separately from medical services for active-duty troops and will primarily serve military families, retirees, veterans and DOD civilians and retirees, AAFES spokesman Christopher Ward wrote in an email Wednesday. Planning for future locations and opening dates is ongoing, he said.

The Cohen Veterans Network is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2016 by philanthropist Steven Cohen to reduce barriers to mental health care for post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and their families. It operates clinics across the United States and now plans to expand its footprint in the Indo-Pacific.

The AAFES release said U.S.-licensed clinicians will provide treatment for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief and loss, anger, family and relationship issues, military transition challenges and childrens behavioral problems. Services will include individual, couples, family and group therapy, offered both in person and via telehealth.

The expansion comes as overseas military communities have raised concerns about access to mental health care, particularly for civilians. In December 2022, the Defense Health Agency limited DOD civilians in Japan to space-available appointments at military medical facilities and encouraged them to seek care from off-base providers, many of whom do not accept foreign health insurance.

A Government Accountability Office report released in April found that DOD civilians and families in Japan often struggle to find mental health providers who speak English or understand American culture. Japan also has fewer mental health workers per capita than the U.S., the report said, citing World Health Organization data.
Tanks from the U.S., Denmark, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland display their national flags during a training exercise near Grafenwoehr, Germany, on Feb. 16, 2025. Europes lawmaking body is pushing for a military Schengen area to speed cross-border movement of allied troops and equipment in a crisis. (Thomas Dixon/U.S. Army)



European Union lawmakers want to remove internal barriers to the cross-border movement of troops and military equipment, allowing the forces of partners and allies such as the U.S. to move across the Continent faster in a crisis.

A resolution adopted Wednesday in the European Parliament seeks creation of a military Schengen area, a reference to the zone encompassed by European countries that have abolished internal passport and customs controls in their combined territory.

There are still considerable administrative and financial barriers, as well as infrastructure obstacles, which means that it can sometimes take over a month to move military equipment across the EU, the European Parliament said in a statement Wednesday.

In the resolution, lawmakers said Russias war in Ukraine has underscored the urgent need for improvements, particularly along NATOs eastern flank in countries such as Poland and the Baltic states.

Reducing existing obstacles to military mobility is essential for European security and defense, they said.

European countries also must invest more in transportation infrastructure, especially along four military transport corridors previously identified by the EU, according to the resolution. All four corridors include central and Eastern European countries.

The move comes amid ongoing pressure on European NATO members from U.S. President Donald Trump to spend more on defense.

In June, NATO leaders meeting in The Hague, Netherlands, pledged to aim toward spending 5% of their gross domestic product annually by 2035 on defense and broader security-related expenditures, including infrastructure and resilience efforts.

The resolution passed by a vote of 493-127, with 38 abstentions. Members of the European Parliaments transport and defense committees are expected to begin legislative work on the European Commissions military mobility package in the coming weeks.

The resolution text points to constraints, noting that tanks have been barred from entering some member states because they exceed national weight limits and that convoys have been halted at bridges not designed to support heavy military loads.

Lawmakers endorsed the European Commissions proposal to raise funding for military mobility to roughly $20 billion in the EUs next long-term budget, warning member states against cutting the proposal as they did in the 202127 budget cycle, when planned funding was reduced by 75%.

Upgrading roughly 500 infrastructure hot spots, including bridges, tunnels and rail lines not suited for heavy military vehicles, would require upward of $117 billion, according to the resolution text.

Lawmakers further urged the EU to follow NATOs example and ensure that rapid-reaction troops could cross internal EU borders within three days in peacetime and within 24 hours during a crisis.

NATO has long planned for rapid cross-border troop movements, but EU lawmakers say civilian rules and infrastructure still prevent those timelines from being met.

Lawmakers also called for a military mobility task force, a European coordinator and a commission-led roadmap to streamline implementation, as well as digital solutions and a one-stop shop to accelerate cross-border movement authorizations.

European Parliament co-rapporteur Roberts Zile said many of the obstacles could be addressed quickly.

Zile represents Latvia, a Baltic NATO member bordering Russia that has been among the most vocal advocates for stronger European responses to the Kremlin.

Military mobility has become even more urgent in light of Russias war of aggression against Ukraine, Zile said. There is no time to waste.
ISTANBUL, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- On a chilly winter morning along the European shores of the Bosphorus Strait, anglers cast their lines as giant container ships and oil tankers glide past a few hundred meters away. The low hum of engines blends with gulls' cries, a constant reminder of the strait's heavy maritime traffic.

As one of the world's busiest waterways, the Bosphorus links the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea, and beneath its busy surface lies a pressing question: can its waters endure rising shipping pressure and mounting environmental stress?

According to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu, 29,710 vessels transited the Bosphorus in the first nine months of 2025, with the total number expected to exceed 40,000 by the end of the year. He added that 1.2 billion gross tons of vessels passed through both the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles straits during this period.

The Istanbul branch of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers estimates that the Bosphorus Strait, which cuts through Turkiye's largest city of Istanbul with a population of around 16 million, can accommodate up to 50,000 vessel transits per year. While the strait has not yet reached its full capacity, its narrow channels and sharp bends make it highly congested and at times risky.

On September 19, a passenger ferry collided with a cargo vessel in the Bosphorus Strait, injuring 12 people.

Local experts also warn that rising vessel traffic could pose growing environmental risks.

"Marine pollution remains one of the most serious threats, as rising vessel traffic increases the risk of oil spills, chemical discharges, and litter," said Murat Kapikiran, head of the Istanbul branch of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers. He added that all ship discharges must be strictly monitored.

To address these challenges, Turkiye has introduced round-the-clock vessel monitoring and tighter controls on ship waste and ballast water. Under the 2025 tariff, pollution fines were raised by about 44 percent from 2024 levels. An oil spill from a tanker of up to 1,000 gross tons now incurs a fine of about 4,584 Turkish liras (107 U.S. dollars) per gross ton, with higher rates applied to larger vessels.

Another environmental pressure in the strait comes from underwater noise generated by ship engines. Kapikiran warned that excessive noise, especially during seasonal migrations, can disrupt fish behavior and increase their vulnerability as they adapt to changes in salinity and water density.

"Such noise can interfere with communication, feeding, predator detection and navigation, sometimes forcing fish to alter or abandon critical habitats," he said. While Turkiye has implemented measures to curb noise from small surface vessels,such as decibel monitoring by coast guard teams and fines for violations, experts say more protections are needed against underwater noise, which disrupts the habitats of marine life.

Pollution-driven ecological stress is reflected in recurring jellyfish blooms. Professor Firdes Saadet Karakulak of Istanbul University's Faculty of Aquatic Sciences emphasized that jellyfish, once largely seasonal, are now observed year-round in the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara due to rising nitrogen and phosphorus levels.

"These blooms are fueled by pollution and overfishing, which reduce predators and increase plankton -- jellyfish's main food -- while warmer waters extend their reproductive period," she said, highlighting the mounting ecological pressures on the strait.

The environmental strain on the Bosphorus Strait extends beyond shipping. The Istanbul Environmental Status Report 2025, prepared by the Istanbul branch of the Chamber of Environmental Engineers, shows that about 55 percent of Istanbul's wastewater treatment capacity relies on preliminary treatment. Experts warn that this contributes to oxygen depletion, jellyfish blooms, and broader ecological stress in the strait. 
The House has rejected two measures aimed at stopping President Donald Trump from carrying out additional strikes on suspected drug boats or attacking Venezuela without congressional approval. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  The House on Wednesday rejected two measures aimed at stopping President Donald Trump from carrying out additional strikes on suspected drug boats or attacking Venezuela without congressional approval as lawmakers remained divided over the administrations military actions in South America.

The votes  210-216 for the drug boat measure and 211-213 for the Venezuela resolution  marked the latest attempt by mostly Democrats and a handful of Republicans to assert Congress constitutional authority to declare war after two recent failed efforts in the Senate.

The flurry of congressional activity comes as the Trump administration escalates its pressure campaign against Venezuela, seizing an oil tanker carrying Venezuelan oil, ordering a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers into and out of the country and continuing to attack boats suspected of smuggling drugs.

Trump warned on social media Tuesday that the massive buildup of military assets near Venezuela  the largest in decades  will only get bigger, and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before.

Alarmed lawmakers on Wednesday said it was imperative for Congress to weigh in as Trump threatens land strikes inside Venezuela and uses the military to bomb alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, many near Venezuela.

The Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the authority to declare war, and the 1973 War Powers Resolution requires the president to seek approval from Congress before introducing armed forces into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances.

Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, who introduced the measure prohibiting military action against Venezuela without congressional authorization, said service members were already being put at risk.

American troops take an oath to protect and defend this country  it is our duty in Congress to debate and vote before they are put into harms way, said McGovern. Right now, by placing U.S. military assets off the coast of Venezuela, this administration has them in harms way.

White House chief of staff Susie Wiles conceded in an interview published Tuesday that activity on land in Venezuela would need congressional authorization. But the Trump administration has suggested it does not need lawmaker approval for the boat strikes because the vessels are mostly being hit by drones far from U.S. naval forces.

Lawmakers this week received several classified briefings on the boat bombing campaign, which has killed at least 99 people in 26 attacks. Democrats are continuing to push for the public release of unedited videos showing the initial Sept. 2 strike and a controversial follow-up strike that killed two survivors.

Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, the Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed support Wednesday for the operation targeting drug boats and said Trump was acting decisively and lawfully within his authority as commander-in-chief to combat cartels.

These strikes are lawful under U.S. law and international laws and all actions are in compliance with the law of armed conflict, he said. But most importantly, these strikes have dramatically reduced drug smuggling operations.

Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, left Tuesdays briefing questioning Trumps motivations regarding Venezuela.

It doesnt seem to be just about narcotics trafficking, Meeks said. So if this is about regime change, it seems to me that the administration should say thats what it is and should come to Congress to ask for that authorization, which has not taken place.

Meeks led the resolution to remove U.S. troops from hostilities with any presidentially designated terrorist organization in the Western Hemisphere without congressional authorization.

Republican Brian Mast of Florida, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and an Army combat veteran, argued against both resolutions Wednesday, saying they would tie the presidents hands. He echoed the Trump administrations contention that Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro is a narco-terrorist who is poisoning Americans.

But Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a co-sponsor of the resolution requiring congressional approval for military action in Venezuela, cast doubt on the administrations stated focus on drugs  this is about oil and regime change, he said.

He urged fellow lawmakers to demand a say over how the president deploys the military.

All were voting on is a war powers resolution that strengthens the fabric of our republic by reasserting the plain and simple language in the Constitution that Congress must decide questions of war, he said.
A screengrab of a video posted by U.S. Southern Command to X on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, of a boat strike conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Southern Command)



WASHINGTON  The U.S. military conducted a strike Wednesday on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific, killing four people.

The vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route in the eastern Pacific and engaged in narco-trafficking operations, according to a U.S. Southern Command post published on X, which also said that no U.S. forces were harmed in the operation.

The latest strike comes on the same day that the House rejected two measures aimed at stopping President Donald Trump from carrying out additional strikes on suspected drug boats or attacking Venezuela without congressional approval.

Wednesdays strike is the second operation this week. The U.S. has conducted a total of 26 known strikes in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility since Sept. 2. The death toll from the strikes is up to at least 99 people.

Lawmakers on Wednesday said it was imperative for Congress to weigh in as Trump threatens land strikes inside Venezuela and uses the military to carry out strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, many near Venezuela.

Lawmakers this week received several classified briefings on the narcoterrorism campaign. Democrats are continuing to push for the public release of unedited videos showing the initial Sept. 2 strike and a controversial follow-up strike that killed two survivors.

The U.S. military has steadily amassed troops, naval and air assets in the Caribbean Sea to strike alleged drug traffickers.

Trump warned on social media Tuesday that the massive buildup of military assets near Venezuela  the largest in decades  will only get bigger, and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in October announced the deployment of the Ford Carrier Strike Group. The USS Gerald R. Ford, along with accompanying ships USS Mahan, USS Bainbridge and USS Winston S. Churchill arrived last month, concentrating nearly 20% of the Navys deployed warships in the region.

The strike group joined other ships in the Caribbean, including the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and its embarked Marine expeditionary unit. Also patrolling the region are guided-missile cruisers USS Gettysburg and USS Lake Erie.

Trump this year designated several drug cartels as terrorist organizations, including Venezuelas Tren de Aragua. His administration has asserted that the U.S. is in an armed conflict with cartels and will treat their members as combatants.

Reporter Svetlana Shkolnikova contributed to this report.
Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., second from left, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025 in Washington following a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing where members received a closed briefing on the September 2, 2025, boat strike on narco-traffickers in the Caribbean. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  The Republican chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees say they are satisfied with the Pentagons explanation for a strike on an alleged drug boat that killed two survivors and will not pursue further congressional oversight of the episode.

Sen. Roger Wicker, of Mississippi, said Thursday that he saw no evidence of war crimes in the controversial Sept. 2 follow-up strike on a boat in the Caribbean and is confident the Trump administrations military campaign against drug smugglers in the region is based on sound legal advice.

On Wednesday, Rep. Mike Rogers, of Alabama, also expressed confidence in the legality of the operation and said he had walked away from multiple classified briefings on the strike satisfied that all actions in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific were in compliance with the law of armed conflict.

Both lawmakers had called for investigations into the Sept. 2 attack after news reports revealed the first strike had failed to destroy the boat and left two survivors clinging to the wreckage. The military then launched three more strikes, killing them.

Democrats this week continued to question the legality of the follow-up strike and pressed for the Pentagon to publicly release the full, unedited video of the attack. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday said he would not support releasing the video beyond certain congressional committees, citing the risk of exposing sensitive operational details.

Wicker on Thursday commended military and civilian leaders at the Pentagon for working in good faith to provide answers to the Senate Armed Services Committee and said he was content with all the information he had received.

The fact is that our military is asked to make incredibly difficult decisions. Service members must do so based on the best available information and often under very tight timelines, he said in a statement. It is in the best interest of our national security to support our men and women in uniform when they act based on advice from senior legal advisors.

Rogers said Wednesday that the House Armed Services Committee is being notified of every attack on alleged drug-smuggling boats, now totaling at least 26, and will not be pursuing additional briefings or hearings to examine the initial Sept. 2 strike.

Every strike is based on rigorous intelligence linking those boats to well-known narco-terrorists, Rogers said. Every strike undergoes a comprehensive legal review and complies with defined rules of engagement to ensure innocent civilians are not involved.

Rep. Adam Smith, of Washington, the top Democrat on the committee, said he will keep pushing for more information from the Pentagon, including the executive order that gave Navy Adm. Frank M. Bradley, the Special Operations commander overseeing the Sept. 2 attack, his incredibly broad rules of engagement.

He also called for Hegseth to come before the panel for a public hearing.

This is a major use of the United States military to kill people and potentially start a war, he said in an interview with CNN on Wednesday. Secretary Hegseth ought to come before Congress and say, This is what were doing, and this is why.

The House on Wednesday narrowly rejected a resolution to bar the Trump administration from carrying out more boat strikes without the express approval of Congress. Hours later, U.S. Southern Command announced it had struck another boat in the eastern Pacific, killing four people.
Earl Wisener, a 96-year-old Army and Air Force veteran whose surgery for skin cancer on his right ear has left his face drooping, poses in his home near Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 11, 2025. (Carol Wisener)



Earl Wisener is a homebound 96-year-old Army and Air Force veteran plagued with almost daily migraine headaches, hearing loss, incontinence and a heart murmur.

He has had prostate and skin cancer, the latter for which doctors removed half his right ear and all the surrounding lymph nodes, leaving half his face drooping.

Wisener and his wife Carol  who alone cares for him in their Florida home  had hoped to ease some of the financial and caretaking burdens when they filed a claim in April with the Veterans Administration to receive compensation for what are possibly service-connected ailments afflicting him.

Last week, after his claim had languished for more than a half-year, the VA denied most of it for lack of a document indicating he received an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1955.

Wiseners military records were among the millions destroyed in an archives fire in 1973.

Its been very frustrating, Carol Wisener said in a phone interview last week from their home near Orlando.

On Monday, Sally Stenton, an attorney the Wiseners retained earlier this fall, appealed the denial to the Board of Veterans Appeals, where an administrative law judge will decide the case.

Stenton expressed dismay over the VAs languid effort on the case during a Dec. 11 phone interview from her New Jersey office.

In order to be entitled to VA compensation or pension benefits, veterans have to be able to show the character of discharge was honorable or general under honorable conditions, Stenton said.

Wisener served in the Army from 1947 to 1951 and in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955.

It literally took me 10 minutes of research to be able to prove that in order to serve in the Air Force, he had to have an honorable discharge from the Army, she said.

Earl Wisener poses in his uniform in this photo taken during his time in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. (Carol Wisener)



Stenton submitted that information in November to the VA, which within 48 hours deemed Wiseners discharge as honorable for VA purposes, she said.

The VA, however, requires evidence that Wisener was honorably discharged from the Air Force in regard to his most serious health conditions.

The VA had not provided answers to a written query by Stars and Stripes as of the time this article was published.

The 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis burned the records of about 18 million veterans, including about 80 percent of Army personnel discharged between 1912 and 1960 and 75 percent of Air Force personnel discharged between 1947 and 1964.

Wisener was orphaned as a very young child and raised in foster homes, he said in a phone interview Friday with the assistance of his wife because of a speech impairment left by surgery.

With few prospects at age 17, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Tokyo and Yokohama, he said.

After discharge, he made little headway in the civilian workforce and decided to enlist in the Air Force, he said.

He recalled being hospitalized for six months with rheumatic fever while in the Air Force in Colorado.

Any military records he might have once had were discarded decades ago.

The couple did not know until earlier this year that Wisener was potentially eligible for VA compensation for service-related conditions.

Stenton said that speed is critical in processing Wiseners claim because of his frail health. The VA must perform a compensation exam on Wisener for his alleged medical issues while he still lives, she said.

Ive lost several veteran clients while their claim was in process, and the claim died with them, she said. Its heartbreaking.

His death at that stage would preclude his wife from receiving what is called dependency indemnity compensation, Stenton said.

The VA has refused to perform any [compensation and pension] exams on Earl, except hearing loss and tinnitus, because there is nothing in his service treatment records  records that by their own admission dont exist!! Stenton wrote in an email Tuesday.
PHNOM PENH, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco in the United States has agreed to return 13 significant Khmer artifacts to Cambodia, said a press release from the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts on Thursday.

The full group of returned masterpieces included statues of deities, stone heads, a lion, and important carved architectural elements, the press release said.

It added that these objects were "removed unlawfully during periods of civil war and instability."

"Each of these returned masterpieces is a living fragment of Cambodian identity," Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona said.

"Their return represents not only the restoration of cultural memory, but the healing of wounds left by decades of conflict and heritage loss," she added.

On Wednesday, the country also announced that the U.S. Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Asian Art has approved the return of three looted Khmer masterpieces to Cambodia. 
SIDNEY - Family, coworkers, and community members gathered at the Cheyenne County Courthouse on Friday, December 12, 2025, to celebrate the long and dedicated careers of County Clerk Beth Fiegenschuh and County Treasurer Shelley Bowlin as they retired after years of service to the county.

"I'll miss them, and I'll miss the community, and all the people," Bowlin said. "I've formed so many relationships here. Cheyenne County is an amazing community, so I'll miss everyone."

The open-to-the-public event was a heartfelt celebration of the two women's distinguished careers, featuring banners showcasing their numerous achievements.

For Bowlin, her legacy includes 40 years of service, seven of those spent as County Treasurer. She was instrumental in establishing online Real Estate tax payments for the county, served on the County Treasurer Handbook Committee, and helped streamline new systems in the motor vehicle and real estate departments.

Fiegenschuh's impressive list of accomplishments includes special recognition for her work in safety and risk management, as well as an executive management development certificate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She served as president of the Treasurer Panhandle District Co-Officials and as treasurer for the Panhandle Clerks Association. Fiegenschuh was also honored with the Contract Person of the Year award in 2000 from the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association.

While the community celebrated their well-earned retirements, many expressed sadness at seeing these two dedicated women leave. District Court Clerk Mindy Wiegand, who has worked closely with both, shared her sentiments.

"We're going to miss them a lot," Wiegand said. "They've been huge assets to the county, and their wisdom and experience will be hard to replace. They've been a rock for me in my first term, so having their guidance has meant everything."

The gathering featured a spread of cakes, cupcakes, candy, and drinks, allowing guests to enjoy the festivities and share stories of their time working with the retirees.

"I'd just like to thank everyone," Fiegenschuh said. "It's been a wonderful experience working with such a great staff and such great people here at the courthouse."
SIDNEY- The Nebraska Department of Labor has been quietly offering its assistance to library visitors on the second Wednesday of every month.

Deb Sinks, an employee with the department, said that she and other coworkers come to the library once a month to provide assistance to job seekers, whether that be through helping them build their resumes, cover letters, or filling out applications.

"We help everybody who walks in the door," Sinks said. "We just have to patiently help each person."

Sinks said that they also offer virtual sessions for anyone who cannot make it to the physical sessions. To get in on those sessions, she advised that those interested call their Scottsbluff office at (308) 632-1420 or email [email protected]. Sinks said that they cannot assist with everything over the phone, so an in-person appointment was the better option.
J. M. A. Madrid Thursday, 18 December 2025, 09:47 | Updated 18:58h. Share

The EU and the UK have finalised the Gibraltar Treaty, which was announced just six months ago and it set to come into force in the early part of 2026. Experts from both sides have finalised the legal texts that set out the terms of the new relationship between the EU bloc and Gibraltar after Brexit, which is another step towards the ratification of the future treaty that is yet to be definitively approved before its application.

"The text is currently under legal review by the EU and the UK, before proceeding with the respective internal procedures for the signing and conclusion of the future agreement," an EU spokesperson told Europa Press, after confirming that the legal text was "completed" on 12 December.

The agreement will put an end to the historic Gibraltar border fence - that physical border that has symbolically marked the relations between the Rock of Gibraltar and Campo de Gibraltar, Andalucia and, ultimately, the Kingdom of Spain.

An end to the historic border fence

A spokesperson stated that the main objective of the future agreement is to "guarantee the prosperity" of the whole British overseas territory and that this will be achieved by "eliminating all physical barriers" to the free movement of people and goods between Spain and Gibraltar, "while preserving the Schengen border-free area, the single market and the customs union".

"This will bring stability and legal certainty to the lives and well-being of people throughout the area by promoting shared prosperity," the spokesperson said.

This step marks the culmination of the negotiations that began almost four years ago and culminated in the announcement of a political agreement on 11 June, 11 June, following a meeting in Brussels between the EU commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, and the British foreign secretary, David Lammy. The meeting was also attended by the Spanish foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares, and the chief minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo..

Once the legal review by Brussels and London is completed, for which there is no set deadline, the Gibraltar Treaty will still have to be translated into all official EU languages before it is submitted to the governments for adoption and the European Parliament votes its consent.
SUR in English Gibraltar Thursday, 18 December 2025, 16:05 Share

The Rock's mayor Nicholas Guerrero will receive the Bethlehem Light of Peace on Saturday, 20 December at 10.30am at the Mayor's Parlour, City Hall, on behalf of the people of Gibraltar. The Light will be presented by Scouts Gibraltar, as is now traditional, following its collection from the Movimiento Scouts Catolicos, Delegacion de Jerez.

Now in its 38th year, the Peace Light from Bethlehem campaign originated with the Austrian Broadcasting Company, ORF (Linz), as part of a large charitable relief mission called Light into Darkness, supporting children in need in Austria and abroad. Since 1986, cooperation between Scouts and Guides across many countries has allowed the Light to travel throughout Europe and beyond, now reaching 23 European countries as well as North America, Mexico and Canada in recent years.

Each year, a child from Upper Austria kindles a flame from the Eternal Flame in the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. The light is then flown to Austria, where it is distributed at a Service of Dedication to delegations from across Europe, who carry it back to their own countries with a message of peace for use at ecumenical services throughout the continent.

Following the ceremony at City Hall, Scouts will take the Light to the Cathedrals of Saint Mary the Crowned and Holy Trinity, and to any person or organisation that appreciates the significance of this symbolic gift. The campaign aims to include as many in the community as possible, encouraging everyone to embrace the light and peace message that calls on Scouts to actively create peace in their environment by accepting people of different ethnic, cultural, political and religious groups.
ADEN, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and eight others injured on Thursday in an explosion in Taiz city, about 256 km southwest of Yemen's capital Sanaa, medical and local sources said.

A medical source told Xinhua that three bodies, including a child's, were brought to Al-Thawra General Hospital, following an explosion in the city center.

Eight others, including two children, were rushed to the hospital, with several of them in critical condition, the source added.

A local official who requires anonymity said the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device detonated in front of the Yemeni Congregation for Reform Party headquarters in central Taiz.

The official noted that the device was remotely detonated in front of the party headquarters, adding that the explosion caused civilian casualties, including schoolchildren.

A motorcycle rider carrying a package containing the explosive device approached the headquarters before it detonated, the official said, adding that security authorities are investigating him after he received first aid for his injuries sustained in the explosion.

The Yemeni Congregation for Reform, commonly known as the Al-Islah Party, is one of Yemen's main political parties with a long-standing presence in the country's political landscape.

Taiz city is under government control, while Houthi forces have been positioned on its western, northern, and eastern outskirts, as well as in rural areas of the province, for over a decade. 
SUR in English Gibraltar Thursday, 18 December 2025, 16:01 Share

Gibraltar's Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, Christian Santos, marked the inaugural call of the Sphinx-class cruise ship AIDAluna with a plaque exchange ceremony held on board the vessel on Wednesday, 17 December. The ship, operated by AIDA Cruises, recently returned to service following a refurbishment programme in dry dock.

In keeping with tradition, Minister Santos presented a commemorative plaque to the ship's captain, Fredrick Boris Becker, to mark AIDAluna's first visit to Gibraltar. In return, the captain presented the Minister with a model of the ship to commemorate the occasion.

AIDAluna is scheduled to return to Gibraltar to spend New Year's Day in port, further reinforcing the Rock's position as an attractive destination within winter Mediterranean cruise itineraries.
Matias Stuber Malaga Thursday, 18 December 2025, 19:21 Share

This 2025 has been a bad year for Malaga's agricultural sector. Neither the heavy rains in spring nor the occasional increase in production in some areas have allowed the pessimistic trend that has established itself in recent years to be reversed. This is what has emerged from the annual balance sheet drawn up by the Agricultural Association of Young Farmers (ASAJA), a detailed look at the turnover of the different crops and livestock in Malaga province. The sum of both areas has generated 633 million euros, a drop of some 39 million euros compared to last year's 672 million.

On Wednesday 17 December, the heads of ASAJA pointed to two main factors as the causes of this year's losses: the persistent consequences of the "severe drought" of recent years and unfair competition from outside the European Union.

"If we all thought we were going to have a higher turnover with the rains, this has not been the case. We have seen how this year the effects of the severe drought have continued to drag on. Here it has rained for the reservoirs, but not for the aquifers," according to the president of ASAJA, Baldomero Bellido.

In addition to the drought, there is also the problem of unfair competition. In a context in which the European Union is weaving an increasingly complex web of regulations, Malaga producers are suffering the entry of products from countries outside Europe into the market, where neither labour costs nor health requirements are the same. For Bellido it is "a situation that is increasingly unsustainable" and which is putting the Malaga countryside in a state of permanent crisis.

The positive news for the province's agricultural sector in 2025 can be found mainly in two crops: olives and avocados, which have managed to almost return to pre-drought levels. Olive groves account for 40% of Malaga's agricultural income, followed by horticultural crops (24%) and tropical crops (20%). Citrus and herbaceous crops represent six per cent each.

Zoom The heads of ASAJA, this Wednesday, at the presentation of its annual balance sheet. SUR

In livestock farming, white pigs (41%), goats for milk and meat (33%) stand out, with the rest of production at around five per cent. Avian flu, dermatosis and swine fever have created a complicated scenario for livestock farming. Although the ASAJA insisted on the strictness of health controls on farms in Malaga and that there are no confirmed cases of any kind, those responsible admitted that these alerts always end up reducing consumption. Bellido demanded that the State and Andalusian governments provide an aid package to compensate for the losses.

The turnover of Malaga's agricultural sector, he said, could be higher if farmers could rely on a guaranteed water supply. This year's rains, Bellido warned, should not be used to forget that the province needs structural solutions to the drought. "Although progress is being made in the use of recycled water, the deficit persists.

Another dilemma affecting the countryside is the lack of labour. "It is a general problem that is becoming more acute in our area," Bellido said, and he did not hesitate to describe the current labour framework as a "drama" for the countryside. "Legislation has to encourage those who work, not discourage work," he concluded.
The Junta de Andalucia regional government has put out to tender the refurbishment and extension of Hospital Materno in Malaga for the construction of the proton therapy centre - one of the most advanced radiotherapies available today for treating cancer. The tender was announced on Wednesday.

This large-scale work will take around 24 months, with a budget of more than 12.5 million euros, IVA Spanish sales tax included. European funds will provide 85% of this investment. Interested construction companies can submit their bids until 16 January.

The proton equipment is the IBA Proteus One model, of the IBA Proton Therapy brand, for which a bunker has to be built. The device has been donated by the Amancio Ortega foundation, set up by the billionaire head of the Inditex fashion company. It will be primarily used to treat cancer in children and adolescents.

Another proton therapy device will go to Hospital Militar in Seville. The implementation of the project, as SUR reported in November 2021, will involve an investment of more than 60 million euros in the Andalucia region, of which 52 million euros will be injected by the textile industry magnate and another ten million euros by the Junta.

The proton therapy equipment is part of a 280-million-euro donation from the Amancio Ortega foundation to Spain's national Ministry of Health for the purchase of ten devices, two for Andalucia and the rest for the Basque Country, Barcelona (two), A Coruna, Valencia, Madrid (two) and Gran Canaria.

The new Andalusian proton therapy centre will open its doors to patients from Extremadura, Castilla La Mancha, Ceuta and Melilla

Andalucia will also facilitate access for patients from other regions (southern Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha and the region-cities of Ceuta and Melilla) to proton treatment at the new centre. It will also attend to patients from other EU countries, boosting oncology treatment.

Technique

Proton therapy allows "a more localised release of the applied radiation, which results in a better distribution of the dose and less radiation to the surrounding healthy tissue". This reduces late adverse effects on the organs and tissues surrounding the tumour, as well as the risk of subsequent development of other tumours, which is particularly relevant for children, as they have a longer life expectancy.

The proton therapy centre will be located on a plot of land outside Materno Infantil, next to the paediatric emergency room - specifically, at the northeastern end of the adjoining lot and also on top of the building on the basement level (floor -1) that is used for tomotherapy.

The building includes a large, three-storey bunker, "located at the level of floor -2, reaching the level of the ground floor and next to the new tomotherapy building". In addition to the bunker, other adjacent spaces such as waiting rooms, auxiliary service areas, offices, etc. will be fitted out, all of them located on floors -2, -1 and ground floor, but also extending over the tomotherapy building on floor -1, occupying the ground and first floors of this building. The centre will complement the oncology unit.

The equipment will be installed prior to the completion of the work, with a crane and through a removable sandwich panel roof, which will be removed and placed daily

"The purpose of the work is to allow the installation of a proton therapy equipment, a system of great complexity both for its dimensions and for the technical requirements, associated installations and auxiliary elements necessary for its operation. Due to these special characteristics, the installation of the equipment must be closely coordinated with the execution of the building itself, resulting in an overlap between the two activities," the tender specifies.

Placing the equipment in the bunker

The equipment and its auxiliary components must be brought into the building by a crane, through the roof. "These openings will be structurally closed once the installation of all the equipment has been completed. The project has considered the installation of a removable sandwich panel roof, which will be removed and replaced daily during the installation of the equipment," the project specifications state. Some phases of the work cannot be closed until the installation of the equipment is completed.

For this reason, there will be a first phase, which includes the extension of the building, and a second phase at the end of the installation that will close the spaces that are left pending from the first stage. Only then will the work on the roof be completed and the installations definitively integrated.

The treatment bunker is on two levels, with a height of 12 metres above ground level and three metres below ground level in the central area. It has a very specific shape and requires thick concrete shielding. "The bunker will be located parallel to the tomotherapy building, but separated from it, which allows it to be built with limited infill over almost its entire surface area."

On level -2 will be the low-voltage panels, water systems and the transformer room; level -1 will house the part of the unit that must be located next to the treatment room; at ground level will be the outpatient section of the unit, which extends over the CT scanner building; and on the first floor will be the staff area, also extending over the CT scanner building to accommodate the roof and the clinical connection with the hospital.

The layout is organised around a circulation corridor running parallel and adjacent to the bunker, repeated across all four floors.
Ignacio Lillo Malaga Thursday, 18 December 2025 | Updated 19/12/2025 07:44h. Share

The dossier for the proposed skyscraper hotel project in Malaga has officially entered into a phase of indefinite administrative lethargy, which will last for many months. On Thursday, the board of directors of the Port Authority in the city analysed the concession file of the hotel project on the Levante dock.

The Port Authority has decided "not to take any further action in relation to this file at the present time, "in view of existing doubts about the procedure followed and the considerations expressed by Puertos del Estado".

This decision has been adopted "in accordance with criteria of prudence and procedural economy". It involves the suspension of any new procedure until the rulings of the two contentious-administrative appeals that are currently with the High Court of Justice of Andalucia (TSJA) are known, as they will also affect the modification of the special plan for the port.

At this point, in the event that the court rulings are favourable, the Port Authority will reactivate the administrative machinery and the first step will be to request a report from the state attorney's office in Malaga.

Report by the state attorney

The state attorney will be asked to determine, from a legal point of view, whether the basic project that was submitted to the competition (similar to a public tender) in 2016 is "compatible" with the other basic project, submitted subsequently by the promoter group. On the basis of this body's opinion, the port will take the most legally sound decisions, including the possibility of a new call for project competition.

Puertos del Estado has asked Malaga for more documentation to approve the skyscraper and hinted at the possibility of calling a new public competition

These steps follow the decision taken by Puertos del Estado at the end of November, when it returned the file sent a month earlier by the Port Authority of Malaga, with several additions. The legal services of the body dependent on the Ministry of Transport then asked for the project file to be extended with new technical information, "justifying its general interest".

Puertos del Estado did not issue an unfavourable report nor did it reject the initiative, but rather demanded additional formalities to complete the administrative procedure. Moreover, the report contains a suggestion that has now been accepted by the Malaga port managers.

The state department suggests (not obliges) that, "out of a principle of prudence" and given that ten years have passed since the beginning of the process, with three versions of the hotel project offered over the decade, it would be appropriate to reconvene a project competition such as the one that led to the initial award to Andalusian Hospitality (made up of the Qatar fund Al Alfia and Hoteles Hesperia).

If this happens, the tender will have to be published in the official state gazette, allowing any other company to bid for the rights to exploit the plot. It is a procedure similar to a tender (but initiated by a private party rather than the administration). The legal department considers that this "would provide the file with greater legal certainty".

In any case, what has been requested is a strengthening of "the report justifying the public interest of the project, as well as the inclusion of new technical data that would allow for a more detailed assessment of the proposal and facilitate later stages of analysis by the state body".

San Telmo's claims rejected

In the same vein, the board of directors has also decided to reject the request from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Telmo, which had requested to participate as an interested party in the file concerning the concession of the tower.

The decision is based on technical and legal reports, which conclude that the said institution lacks standing in this administrative procedure, meaning the regulations it cited in its application do not apply. Consequently, there is no need to consider the other claims submitted by the cultural institution.
Malaga provincial authority approved the awarding of the largest contract in its history on 17 December. It concerns the improvement of the water supply network to combat leaks and the effects of droughts by improving supply distribution networks.

The Diputacion, with the votes in favour of the Partido Popular ruling team and the opposition (PSOE and Con Malaga) and the only abstention of Vox, approved to award the contract to Acciona Agua SA for 10.8 million euros. The company will be responsible for different actions to improve efficiency and sustainability in the integral water cycle in 71 municipalities in the province through the implementation of digital systems that will allow monitoring and optimising the use of water resources.

This initiative is part of the Malaga Aqua Rural 5.0 project, endowed with 15.5 million and co-financed with almost ten million by European Next Generation funds. President of the provincial authority Francisco Salado, who reminded the council of the study carried out in 2023 in 74 municipalities, which detected the loss of 20,5000 cubic metres per day (7.45 million cubic metres per year with which a population of 100,000 people could be supplied for a year).

Technological equipment

The contract includes the installation of technological equipment in some 200 municipal water catchments to monitor water levels, flows and quality in real time by means of probes in wells and boreholes.

It also includes consumption control by sectorising both the upstream supply network and the distribution network by measuring flow rates and controlling leaks using water leak detectors and leak locators; 210 headwater tanks in towns will be controlled and up to 600 kilometres of upstream network pipelines, including catchment sources and tanks, will be checked by several brigades equipped with acoustic leak detection technology.

In addition, the contract plans the installation of 6,000 meters as part of a pilot plan for remote reading of municipal meters for large consumers and vulnerable groups, mainly identified as consumers who are difficult to access, located mainly in rural areas. Remote management and water quality monitoring systems will be incorporated in 17 wastewater pumping stations and 49 wastewater treatment plants.

Monitoring of industrial discharges

In addition, monitoring of industrial discharges will be carried out in eight municipalities that have an inventory of industrial discharges: Almargen, Canete la Real, Casabermeja, Colmenar, Fuente de Piedra, Humilladero, Pizarra and Sierra de Yeguas.

In terms of energy efficiency, photovoltaic installations are planned in catchments and pumping stations to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and a new GIS system will be implemented for the geospatial management of water cycle infrastructure, offering various technological options, from direct access to spatial databases, the publication of geographic services and applications for the exploitation of geospatial data.

Salado stated that in a province like Malaga, with recurrent periods of drought, water management is "fundamental" and all public administrations must be involved, as this has a direct impact both on the population and on a sector as important as agriculture and livestock.

Francisco Salado considers refurbishment and monitoring of the pipes, channels and tanks a 'priority' in order to prevent water waste

For this reason, he considers refurbishment and monitoring of the pipes, channels and tanks a "priority" in order to prevent water waste. "This project aims to remedy the fact that many of the municipalities covered by this action do not have tools for measuring flow rates, pressure, water quality, telemetry systems, monitoring and remote reading, nor do they have the technological means or digital supports to guarantee the management of the different phases of the complete water cycle," he said.

He stated that the ultimate goal of the project is to achieve precise, automated and efficient control of each phase of the water cycle through actions that cover catchment and discharge, including storage, distribution, wastewater treatment, as well as the visualisation and management of all this information through centralised digital platforms.
Europa Press Malaga Thursday, 18 December 2025, 17:06 Share

The Spanish agency for medicines and health products (Aemps), which reports to the national Ministry of Health, has warned of the risk of accidental overdose of paracetamol in oral solution (syrups) for children, which can have serious consequences, including life-threatening liver toxicity.

This was reported by the agency on Tuesday, after the Spanish pharmacovigilance system (SEFV-H) received two cases of serious adverse reactions related to an accidental overdose in children. In both cases, the confusion was due to the fact that, in the patients' country of origin, these syrups contain a concentration of active substance three times lower than that available in Spain. Therefore, with the same volume, three times the dose was mistakenly administered.

According to Aemps, paracetamol is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate fever and pain. In Spain, paediatric formulations are sold in oral solution with a concentration of 100 milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). To avoid possible errors, the organisation highlights the importance of adjusting the dose according to the concentration of the medicine and the patient's weight.

Symptoms of paracetamol overdose

In the event of accidental administration of more than the recommended dose, the patient must receive medical attention, even if there are no obvious initial symptoms, as these may appear later, usually from the third day after administration. Signs and symptoms of paracetamol overdose include dizziness, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, abdominal pain and kidney and liver failure.
SUR Malaga Thursday, 18 December 2025, 18:13 Share

The Council of Europe and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement at the end of November on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability within Europe. For the first time, minimum standards are to be created for the whole of the European Union, both for the breeding or sale of pets and for their transport within the EU.

The main new feature for pet owners travelling with their pets will be their identification. All dogs and cats entering the EU from non-EU countries must have identity chips and be registered in advance. In theory, the measure will be applied from 2028, once all member states are able to adapt the regulations.

In order to implement this new measure within the regulations, the EU is preparing a European online system for pre-registering pets prior to their arrival into the bloc. The aim of this registration is to avoid legal loopholes that favour the illegal sale of animals after their entry into the EU.

Preventing illegal trade

The agreement includes a number of animal welfare principles to regularise breeding and prevent illegal trade. Among the principles highlighted are:

- Breeding is regulated, with frequency limits and minimum and maximum age limits.

- Certain breeding practices, such as inbreeding (breeding between parents and offspring, between siblings, between half-siblings and between grandparents and grandchildren) are prohibited; the agreement clarifies that inbreeding may, however, be used to preserve local breeds with a limited gene pool.

- Breeding of hybrids (the result of crossing with a wild species) is prohibited.

- Painful mutilations, such as ear and tail docking or nail clipping, are prohibited unless medically indicated.

- Clean fresh water and food in sufficient quantity and adequate housing conditions must be provided.

- Dogs should have daily access to an outdoor area or should be walked daily; this applies to dogs over eight weeks of age.

Requirements for establishments

In addition, all cats and dogs must be microchipped and registered on a national database before they are sold or donated and people caring for cats or dogs must have a proper understanding of their behaviour and needs. When selling or donating cats or dogs, the person responsible for the animals must make the recipient aware of responsible ownership and operators must not abandon cats and dogs.

Another aspect is that cats and dogs with extreme traits should be excluded from breeding, in order to avoid passing on these traits to future generations if there is a high risk of detrimental effects on their welfare.

EU citizens own more than 72 million dogs and 83 million cats, with an annual market value of 1.3 billion euros. Some 74 per cent of Europeans believe that the welfare of pets should be better protected. Current EU legislation mainly applies to animals used for scientific purposes or transported for commercial reasons, while national regulations vary considerably from one member state to another.
Patxi Fernandez Madrid Thursday, 18 December 2025 | Updated 19/12/2025 07:44h. Share

The European Commission has presented a new automotive plan that establishes a new framework to ensure climate neutrality and strategic independence by 2050, while offering greater flexibility to manufacturers, who will be able to continue selling internal combustion engine vehicles from 2035 onwards, albeit under strict conditions.

This plan responds to requests from the EU industry to simplify regulation and the slow uptake of electric vehicles, which is below the expectations of both the Commission and the manufacturers themselves.

The new carbon dioxide emission standards now offer greater flexibility to support industry and improve technology neutrality, while offering predictability to manufacturers but maintaining the goal towards electrification.

From 2035, car manufacturers will have to meet a 90% exhaust emission reduction target, with the remaining 10% to be offset by the use of low-carbon steel made in the EU or by electrofuels and biofuels.

This opens up a new landscape for the industry, allowing several types of vehicles, in addition to electric (EV) and hydrogen vehicles, to remain relevant in the post-2035 market.

Vehicles that will benefit from this flexibility include plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which combine an internal combustion engine with a rechargeable electric motor; range extenders, which use a small combustion engine to charge the battery; and mild hybrids, which use electric assistance (typically with a 45V battery) to reduce fuel consumption without running on electricity alone.

Even vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) whether diesel, petrol or conventional gas will still be sold, provided that manufacturers ensure that the use of electrofuels or biofuels allows them to meet the stringent 90% reduction target and offset the remaining 10%.

The measures also include the 'battery booster' strategy, with 1.8 billion euros in funding to accelerate the development of a fully EU-made battery value chain, and the 'automotive omnibus', which aims to reduce bureaucracy and administrative costs for European manufacturers.
Cristian Reino Barcelona Thursday, 18 December 2025, 20:44 Share

The appeals section of the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) has increased the sentence of two paparazzi, Gustavo Gonzalez and Diego Arrabal, who committed a crime of disclosure of secrets by photographing journalist Marilo Montero in a hotel in Bora Bora in 2015, without her consent.

The sentence partially overturns a sentence handed down by the Barcelona court in 2024, following an appeal by Montero, and increases the sentence from ten months' imprisonment and a fine to one year and one day's imprisonment for each of the defendants and special disqualification from exercising the right to stand for public office and from engaging in any activity related to press agencies for one year.

The judgment states that "there is no doubt" that the capturing of the images, which show Montero topless, clearly violated her privacy. "This cannot be considered justified by the exercise of the right to information about a public figure, as invoked in the appeal," the ruling says, adding that "the photographs were taken clandestinely, using special devices". The captured images, due to their content, "affect the core of her personal privacy".

"They were captured surreptitiously," the sentence says. Marilo Montero and a friend were on the balcony of a hotel where they were staying, "behaving in a calm and relaxed manner in the context of the inherent expectation of privacy", which highlights that it is of particular "intrusive significance in terms of privacy" that the journalist appeared in the photographs "with her torso naked".

According to the sentence, the director of Lecturas magazine refused to buy the photos that had been offered to him, as he acknowledged the "unlawfulness" of capturing them. The ruling therefore states that the defendants must "have also been aware of the unlawfulness of the photographs".

The ruling can be appealed to the Supreme Court of Spain.
Mateo Balin Madrid Thursday, 18 December 2025 | Updated 19/12/2025 07:43h. Share

With the conviction of Spain's former attorney general Alvaro Garcia Ortiz for disclosing confidential information still pending, the Supreme Court upheld the fine of 800 euros imposed in December 2024 on Garcia Ortiz's subordinate prosecutor in Barcelona, who leaked a draft sentence for a sexual assault offence to a media outlet.

The administrative chamber has confirmed the decree issued by the then attorney general for the commission of a serious disciplinary offence against the aforementioned subordinate, who was found to have revealed information known to her in the course of her duties. In its ruling, the eight-judge court dismissed the prosecutor's appeal in full, in which she claimed procedural irregularities in the administrative process followed.

In her appeal, she stated that leaking the draft to El Pais had not undermined the presumption of innocence. According to her, key mitigating factors had been overlooked, which she said weakened the evidence and supported alternative explanations in her favour.

According to the proven facts of the sanctioning resolution, the prosecutor communicated the contents of the draft judgment by phone to the private prosecution in criminal case 15/2020 for a crime of sexual assault committed against a man in a nightclub. According to the disciplinary ruling, she then leaked it to the media "outside the channel regulated by internal instructions of the prosecutor's office, where she was assigned and exercised her functions".

"Careful assessment of the evidence"

The prosecutor had obtained the draft through a consultation with an official of the provincial court of Barcelona, who had printed out a copy and warned her that it had not been signed or notified to the prosecutor's office and the solicitors. The news about the contents of the draft was published by the aforementioned newspaper. After learning of its dissemination, the judicial body issued an order informing the parties that a judgment had not yet been handed down in the proceedings, according to the proven facts.

The administrative chamber now considers the "careful and adequate assessment of evidence" contained in the sanctioning resolution by the attorney general's office to be sufficient to justify the declaration of liability. A civil servant also acknowledged that she had given a copy of the draft ruling to the prosecutor after being asked to do so by the latter, with the warning that it had not been notified to the parties.

The news about the contents of the draft was published in the digital edition of El Pais at 10.46am on 9 February 2024 with the headline: "Man sentenced to five years in prison for raping another man in the dark room of a gay nightclub in Barcelona". The article included information on what had happened in the trial and some details from the draft sentence, with express reference to a dissenting opinion. It did not include the surnames of the defendant or the names of the judges, but it did include the name of "the prosecutor in the case".

The sentence was finally sent to the parties on 15 February 2024 and the defence tried to use this leak unsuccessfully to overturn the conviction. The difference with Garcia Ortiz's sentence is that his case was processed through the criminal route (two-year disqualification), while this administrative procedure only examined the internal responsibilities of the sanctioned prosecutor.
A worker works at a roll flooring manufacturing workshop in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 12, 2025. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Gao Wei)

Jamshid Tashpulatov, owner of a building supplies store, gives a thumb up to the roll flooring materials from Guangyuan of southwest China's Sichuan Province, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Dec. 12, 2025. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Photo by Zafar Khalilov/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on Dec. 12, 2025 shows workers working at a roll flooring manufacturing workshop in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

A worker works at a roll flooring manufacturing workshop in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 12, 2025. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

A worker works at a roll flooring manufacturing workshop in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 12, 2025. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

Jamshid Tashpulatov (L), owner of a building supplies store, checks roll flooring materials from Guangyuan of southwest China's Sichuan Province, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Dec. 12, 2025. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Photo by Zafar Khalilov/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 12, 2025 shows workers working at a roll flooring manufacturing workshop in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

A drone photo taken on Dec. 12, 2025 shows a view of a roll flooring manufacturing workshop in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

A worker checks the color consistency of roll flooring samples at a workshop in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 12, 2025. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

A worker works at a roll flooring manufacturing workshop in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 12, 2025. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

A worker of a building supplies store transfers roll flooring materials from Guangyuan of southwest China's Sichuan Province, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Dec. 12, 2025. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Photo by Zafar Khalilov/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Dec. 12, 2025 shows Jamshid Tashpulatov's building supplies store in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Photo by Zafar Khalilov/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on Dec. 13, 2025 shows a view of Guangyuan International Railway Port in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

A drone photo taken on Dec. 12, 2025 shows dyes at a roll flooring manufacturing workshop in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

Jamshid Tashpulatov (2nd R), owner of a building supplies store, and his colleagues check roll flooring samples from Guangyuan of southwest China's Sichuan Province, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Dec. 12, 2025. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Photo by Zafar Khalilov/Xinhua)

Workers work at a roll flooring manufacturing workshop in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 12, 2025. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Mao Zhu)

A staff member introduces roll flooring materials in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 12, 2025. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

A worker works at a roll flooring manufacturing workshop in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 12, 2025. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

A panoramic aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 13, 2025 shows a view of Guangyuan International Railway Port in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 12, 2025 shows a truck driving out of a roll flooring manufacturing workshop in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The home furnishing industry of Guangyuan stands out for its high quality, and its roll flooring products sell well across China and overseas.

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a building supplies store that sells flooring products from Guangyuan is doing brisk business. Jamshid Tashpulatov, the owner of the store, hopes to cooperate with more Chinese companies as the business keeps growing.

Historically a key stop connecting China with other countries, Guangyuan is now emerging as a new landmark for western China's opening up. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)
The Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service reached an agreement with the main trade unions representing public workers (CSIF, UGT and Comisiones Obreras) on Wednesday to advance the implementation of the 35-hour working week and the regulation of remote work in the general state administration. The agreement, which will be applied from next year onwards, includes relevant nuances: it will not have an immediate impact nor will it encompass all public employees.

With regard to the reduction of working hours, the agreement foresees that the 35-hour working week will come into force from February, although UGT says that the compromise reached provides for its implementation without further delay. This interpretation is based on what was discussed during the meeting on the pending issues of the framework agreement for a 21st-century administration, as well as on the new framework agreement on working conditions, recently signed by CCOO, UGT and CSIF.

If implemented with the current terms, the measure will represent a historic change in the general state administration: for the first time, its employees, with the exception of the armed forces and the state security forces and corps, will have a 35-hour working week. However, the effective application of the reduction will depend on the final negotiations with the different ministerial departments to be held in the first weeks of 2026, which will have to specify how this reorganisation of working time will be implemented.

At present, state public employees work 37.5 hours a week. The reduction now agreed fulfils a historical demand, repeatedly raised since the 90s. This working week was eliminated in 2012 as a result of the cuts caused by the financial crisis - a decision that affected all public administrations and remained in force until the approval of the 2018 general budget. Since then, different administrations have progressively recovered or implemented the 35-hour working week.

Negotiations are not limited to the reduction of working hours. Remote work is another pending demand, which once again took centre stage at the last meeting of the commission held in 2025. According to the trade unions, its regulation and implementation will become a reality in the coming months, although key aspects remain to be defined. Its regulatory and organisational development will require more time, as well as new rounds of negotiations.

This agreement also includes eliminating the replacement rate, hiring more people than the posts left vacant by retirees, which will contribute to reinforcing staff in saturated bodies such as the Sepe or social security and reduce temporary hiring, which now exceeds 30%, twice as much as in private companies.

Wage increase

The Ministry of Public Administration has also confirmed that the staff of the general state administration will see a salary increase of 2.5% reflected in the December payroll, in addition to the outstanding amounts corresponding to the previous months of the year. Minister Oscar Lopez has said that this payment will also be made in most of the regions in Spain before the end of the year. However, some, such as Madrid, Cantabria and Galicia, have opted to delay it until January - a decision that has also been taken by many local councils. The CSIF union said that many local authorities have already closed the December payments and do not have computer systems that allow them to manage an additional payment in such a short time.

The pay agreement reached for public employees provides for a cumulative increase of 11.4% over the period from 2025 to 2028. The first increase of 2.5% will be applied retroactively from January this year. In 2026, an increase of 1.5% is foreseen, to which an additional 0.5% could be added depending on the development of the CPI, which would be settled later in 2027. A further increase of 4.5% has been set for the same year, while in 2028 the process will be completed with an increase of 2%. All of these revisions will enable the recovery of around 2.9% of the purchasing power lost and will involve an outlay of more than 22 billion euros for the public coffers.

Although salary improvements will apply to all professional fields in the administration, the economic impact will be unequal depending on the category and level of the post. Judges and inspectors, for example, will receive more than 1,200 euros. On the other hand, a worker in group C1 will receive around 700 euros, according to data provided by CSIF.
Sara Torre Madrid Thursday, 18 December 2025 | Updated 22/12/2025 09:15h. Share

At the age of 83, Josefa Gomez, known as 'Pepa', will be the first person to enter Madrid's Teatro Real this year to witness Spain's national Christmas lottery draw, featuring the famous El Gordo jackpot prize, on 22 December. Her son, Jesus Ruiz, 'Pelon', is keeping the place for her, having arrived on Sunday 14 December to be the first person in the queue.

He is joined by his friend Juan, the 'bishop of the lottery', from Leon. Both are members of a WhatsApp group where regulars of this custom share information on their plans to join the queue. "With a month to go, in November, I called him and told him to pack his suitcase because we were leaving in December, after the long weekend," Juan explained.

On Sunday evening, after celebrating his son's birthday, Jesus left Polanco, where he currently lives. His son, who has just turned 19, will also join Juan and Jesus, along with his grandmother on Thursday for the event. At that time, Jesus forecast that other people will have already started to arrive and will gradually join the queue.

He tries to be the first in the queue every year: "If I have to come on 1 December, I'll do it, but I didn't have to, they took it for granted that I was going to be there and didn't beat me to it," he explained. Another tradition that Juan will be keeping again this year will be to go dressed as the Pope.

The good thing about having company is that for the first few days you can take turns so that you don't spend 24 hours out in the open. Instead the early birds take it in turns to sleep in a nearby hostel and have a shower. They even have time to "enjoy a bit of Madrid" and go back to the hostel for a hot shower after getting wet in the heavy rain. They post videos to social media to prove that they really are in the queue.

This "passion" for 'El Gordo' started when he was a child. His greatest memory of Christmas was watching the lottery draw on 22 December, in front of a black and white Radiola TV. "That day was a holiday, there was French toast at home and my uncle would come up and say to me: "Look at the children of San Ildefonso, one day your father will take us to see them". His father always said that they would go and they did.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Two executives with Syracuse-based Cor Development agreed to a plea deal Wednesday with federal prosecutors to avoid a retrial on fraud charges connected to a state bid-rigging scheme.

Steven Aiello Sr. and Joseph Gerardi each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a felony, according to the plea agreement.

U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni in New York City accepted the plea deal and agreed not to sentence the men to additional prison time. Both men served more than four months in prison after they were convicted in 2018.

Aiello and Gerardi each agreed to pay a $250,000 fine as part of the plea deal. The fines are on top of nearly $900,000 the executives forfeited after their earlier conviction.

The plea agreement ends a nine-year legal battle for the real estate developers, who were convicted by a federal jury in New York City on charges they conspired to rig bids in Cors favor for two DeWitt construction projects worth more than $100 million.

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the fraud convictions in May 2023 and both men were released from prison. The court ruled that a theory of wire fraud prosecutors used at their trials was not supported by the federal wire fraud statute.

But almost two years later, the Supreme Court ruled in February that Aiello and Gerardi could be retried on wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy charges.

The decision gave prosecutors a second shot at convicting them along with former SUNY Polytechnic Institute President Alain Kaloyeros and Buffalo developer Louis Ciminelli.

The four men had been convicted in 2018 after prosecutors said they conspired to rig state bidding requirements, ensuring that more than $100 million in construction contracts were awarded to Cor on two projects in DeWitt, and a $750 million Buffalo billion construction project was awarded to Ciminelli.

A lawyer for Aiello and Gerardi issued a statement Wednesday night, saying the plea agreement resolves the federal governments case.

After nine years of litigation, appeals, and significant personal cost, this decision reflects a desire to finally bring closure to a long and difficult chapter, said lawyer Alexandra Shapiro. Steve and Joe are grateful for the overwhelming support they have received from the community throughout this process and look forward to moving on.

Federal prosecutors sought a new trial last year after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit agreed to allow a retrial.

The taxpayer-funded film hub in DeWitt was built in 2015 for Fort Schuyler Management Corp., a nonprofit arm of the state university system. Michael Greenlar | mgreenlar@syracuse.com

Prosecutors alleged that the bid-rigging resulted in Cor being chosen to build a film studio and a high-tech factory at the companys business park in DeWitt. The state contracts totaled $105 million.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A house fire damaged a home early Thursday morning and displaced four people on Syracuses North Side, firefighters said.

Around 3:08 a.m., fire crews responded to the fire at 113 Peters St. and found smoke coming from the front door of a 2 1/2-story home, according to Capt. Erik Caster, a spokesperson for the Syracuse Fire Department.

Firefighters began stretching hoses inside while others entered the building to search for occupants and locate the source of the fire. The blaze was found in a first-floor bedroom, Caster said.

The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes and fully extinguished in about 15 minutes. Firefighters conducted additional searches and confirmed the fire was contained to the first-floor bedroom and didnt extend to other areas of the home, Caster said.

Fire crews remained on scene for several hours assisting investigators and securing the building.

The building is a two-family residence. The upstairs apartment was unoccupied and under construction at the time of the fire, while the first-floor apartment was occupied, Caster said. All residents were able to escape safely after being alerted by smoke detectors, he said.

The fire caused minor damage to the home, along with smoke and water damage. Four residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

Caster said fire investigators determined the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction. No civilians or firefighters were injured.
NEW YORK (AP)  Rapper Kay Flock was sentenced Tuesday to 30 years in prison for a series of shootings in his Bronx neighborhood, derailing a music career that was just taking off before his 2021 arrest.

The 22-year-old rapper, whose real name is Kevin Perez, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who criticized Perez for sending the wrong message to his young peers by glorifying violence during a less-than-18-month stretch from 2020 to 2021 that prosecutors said left dozens of people on Bronx streets shot at, injured or killed.

You taunted, you celebrated and you helped create a cycle of violence, Liman said, noting that Perez bragged on social media that he was exonerated on the top count and wrote KILL ALL RATS on Instagram after a trial in which gang members testified against him.

The judge called Perez a man of promise but said a lengthy prison sentence was necessary for four separate shootings that injured multiple people while he led a gang known as Sev Side/DOA. Perez was convicted in March of charges including racketeering conspiracy and attempted murder.

Perez insisted that he had changed, saying: What I was at 18 is not what I am today.

Saying everyone deserves a second chance, he added: I was just a kid. Didnt really know better.

But Liman criticized him for not expressing any concern for his victims.

To date, youve shown no real remorse for your conduct, the judge said.

Perez was named Billboard Magazines R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie of the Month in November, 2021, following the release of his first album: The D.O.A. Tape. It put him on the map as a newcomer in New Yorks drill rap scene, which features performers who wield weapons and lyrics containing slang about violence.

The music includes threats and taunts, a fact Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick R. Moroney noted as he asked Liman to impose a 50-year prison sentence, the same sentence recommended by the courts Probation Department officer.

He was very good at celebrating his violence and getting under the skin of his rivals, the prosecutor said.

In their sentencing brief, prosecutors wrote that Perez signed with a music label and used violence to further his career.

The music that had glorified gang violence made the defendant famous and now rich, they wrote, accusing Perez of encouraging violence through private messages.

Defense attorney Michael Ashley, who asked the judge to levy the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, said his client grew up in one of the nations most dangerous neighborhoods and fell under the influence of an older man who encouraged gang activity.

The judge said he took into consideration that the crimes occurred while Perezs brain was still evolving and maturing and that six of his friends died from gun violence before he turned 18.

The life of the street, it seems to me, is all youve ever known, Liman said.
NEW DELHI, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- At least three Naxals were killed Thursday in a fierce gunfight with police in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police said.

The encounter broke out in the forest area of Gollapalli in Sukma district, about 510 km south of the state capital Raipur.

Police carried out the operation based on intelligence about Naxal presence without suffering any casualties.

India's state-run broadcaster All India Radio said additional police and paramilitary teams have been deployed to the area.

The federal government has resolved to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026. 
The $1.27 billion Powerball jackpot went unclaimed in Wednesdays drawing, with no tickets matching all winning numbers.

But six players across four states -- including three players in New York -- won second-tier prizes of $1 million each. Winning tickets were sold in Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

The winning tickets sold in New York were in Nassau County at Tobacco Junction 201 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont; in Orange County at Smokes 4 Less at 59 N. Plank Road, Newburgh; and at Astoria Fuel & Convenience Store at 30-02 Astoria Blvd., Queens.

Two more players won $2 million, and those tickets were sold in Arizona and Massachusetts.

Saturdays jackpot is expected to reach $1.5 billion, with a cash value of $686.5 million.

Winners should visit their state lotterys official website for instructions on how to claim their prizes.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- As Micron Technology prepares to break ground on a huge chipmaking complex in Central New York, the company has once again reported record revenues.

Microns sales for the quarter that ends this month were $13.6 billion, a record, the company said today. The previous record was set last quarter, with sales of $11.3 billion.

Micron made a $5.2 billion profit this quarter.

Micron delivered record revenue and significant margin expansion at the company level and also in each of our business units, said Sanjay Mehrotra, Microns president and chief executive officer. Micron is in the best competitive position in its history and is one of the semiconductor industrys biggest enablers of Al.

Microns fiscal year runs from September to August. In the most recent fiscal year, the company exceeded $37 billion in sales, an annual record and a nearly 50% increase from 2024.

Micron is riding the crest of the artificial intelligence wave, specializing in the high bandwidth memory chip used by companies like Nvidia.

Microns stock price has nearly tripled in 2025, from $87.33 in early January to $237.50 on Tuesday. The company predicts revenues will surge to $18.7 billion in the coming quarter.

Mehrotra said Micron plans to start work in the first few months of 2026 on what could be a $100 billion chipmaking complex in Clay. Micron has received approval and a promise of $25 billion in taxpayer subsidies to build two fabrication plants, or fabs, over the next decade.

Micron says it plans to build a total of four fabs by 2025, with a total employment of 9,000 people. Those factories would turn out billions of dynamic random access memory, or DRAM, chips used in artificial intelligence, appliances, cell phones and other products.

Micron has said construction could begin this month, although it has not yet obtained necessary permits from federal agencies. The project has won the approval of the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency and several state agencies.

Micron announced earlier this month it was getting out of the consumer chip market to focus on memory chips for artificial intelligence. The company has produced chips under the Crucial brand name for 29 years.

The AI-driven growth in the data center has led to a surge in demand for memory and storage, Sumit Sadana, executive vice president and chief business officer, said in a statement. Micron has made the difficult decision to exit the Crucial consumer business in order to improve supply and support for our larger, strategic customers in faster-growing segments.
NORTH GREENBUSH  An employee opening the Stewarts store near Hudson Valley Community College found a dead body early Wednesday in one of the North Greenbush stores bathrooms, a spokesman for the convenience store chain confirmed.

Spokesman Robin Cooper said the employee was inspecting part of the store for opening  a routine practice  and found the mans body.

North Greenbush police investigating the early morning discovery said the 50 North Greenbush Road stores surveillance video shows the man entered the store at about 7 p.m. Tuesday, hours before the store closed.

Cooper said the night staff failed to check the bathroom before going home for the night.

We didnt follow protocol, Cooper said. We didnt check the bathroom at the end of the night.

Police were called to the store at 5 a.m. Wednesday. It was apparent resuscitation efforts would be fruitless, police wrote in a Facebook post about the death.

Investigators are trying to determine if a medical problem caused the mans death. They say there are no signs of foul play, and a Rensselaer County medical examiner would perform an autopsy to find the cause of death.

 2025 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) . Visit www.timesunion.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Its a Syracuse holiday tradition that never gets old.

Volunteers gather early on a frosty December morning to load boxes and bags onto a delivery truck. The man of the hour accepts congratulations on another big year. A makeshift band plays Jingle Bells and other tunes.

Today marked the years final collection day for the annual shoe drive at Ralph Rotellas Discount Shoe Repair at 114 E. Washington St. The shoes are donated to the Syracuse Rescue Mission.

This year, the drive collected 45,201 pairs of sneakers, sandals, boots and more. That was a new one-year record, beating last years total of 43,120.

Its a great thing, you know, because this is Syracuse, and with our weather, people need shoes, Rotella said. Thank you to all the generous people.

Ralph Rotella and his young helper, Olivia, celebrate another record-breaking year collecting shoes to donate to the needy through the Syracuse Rescue Mission. The final collection of the year was loaded Dec. 18 at Rotella's Discount Shoe Repair shop in downtown Syracuse. Don Cazentre

This years collection adds to the total that has exceeded the quarter million-pair mark since it began in 2011. The total over the last 15 years is now 300,030.

And it all started with just 35 pairs that first year.

Rotella, who was 16 when he immigrated from Italy to Syracuse with his family in 1970, has often told the story about how he was inspired to start the shoe drive. He once saw a homeless person outside his shop window walking in the cold with his toe sticking out of his shoe and decided to help him out.

Rotella collects, cleans and repairs donated shoes year-round. The Rescue Missions Thrifty Shopper truck stops by several times a year, and each December makes the final pick-up for the year. They tally up the annual total while dozens of volunteers help load the shoes.

The Rescue Mission gives many of the shoes to the homeless people and other clients it serves, and sells others to raise money in its Thrifty Shopper stores. Any that cant be used or sold, usually fewer than 10%, are recycled.

Its such a great thing because Ralph donates his time and materials to make this happen, said Mackenzie Naum, the Rescue Missions senior director of development. And that means this year there are 45,000 pairs of feet that we can help.

Ralph Rotella and his helpers celebrate another record-breaking year collecting shoes to donate to the needy through the Syracuse Rescue Mission. The final collection of the year was loaded Dec. 18 at Rotella's Discount Shoe Repair shop in downtown Syracuse. Don Cazentre

The shoe drive marks the single biggest donation to the Rescue Mission each year, Naum said.

Heres the year-by-year tally of shoes as compiled by Rotellas friend, helper and chief cheerleader, Randy Beach:

2011: 35

2012: 65

2013: 378

2014: 3,264

2015: 7,631

2016: 15,465

2017: 16,127

2018: 17,327

2019: 18,012

2020: 23,187

2021: 37,370

2022: 34,007

2023: 38,841

2024: 43,120

2025: 45,201
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Shantaneque Waller unloaded her groceries onto the belt at the Syracuse Price Chopper, then tried to use her debit card to pay.

It was declined, which made no sense to Waller. The balance was $699 the night before.

She checked her transactions and found that someone had drained all the money from her account just hours after it was deposited.

Its horrible because its right before Christmas, Waller said. What are we supposed to do?

Waller took what cash she had and paid for the meat and the bananas.

The money stolen was from her food stamp account at the beginning of December.

Waller is among potentially hundreds of people in Syracuse, whose food-stamp benefit accounts were completely drained at the start of December, according to food pantry workers, community advocates, lawmakers and the victims, themselves.

The thefts were mere hours, sometimes minutes, after the monthly deposits were made. Someone skimmed the debit card numbers and then made online transactions outside the area, according to account records from several theft victims. People with food stamps, also referred to as SNAP, access their accounts with state-issued debit cards.

The scam likely netted more than $100,000 in taxpayer-funded benefits.

Low-income families, who were already behind because their benefits were frozen last month, have found themselves choosing between food and Christmas presents for their children.

Waller and several other victims who spoke with Syracuse.com said they contacted the Onondaga County Department of Social Services and the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, where officials told them they could not help.

Not only was there no recourse for them to get their money back, but victims said it appeared that no one was interested in finding out who had stolen more than $100,000 in taxpayer money.

Officials at every government office contacted by Syracuse.com said they could not help, but pointed to another office that should.

State Attorney General Letitia James office said they were not investigating the rash of thefts, but suggested OTDA might. A spokesman at that office responded with a list of tips to avoid having your SNAP data stolen. They suggested using only the states app, ebtEDGE, and locking your card until you need to use it.

SNAP benefits have become a common target of this kind of theft. Thats because, unlike bank-issued debit cards, the state-issued SNAP cards do not have the protective chip that makes it harder to steal the data off the card.

This, though, is the first year families have borne the full impact of the thefts. Thats because until last year, counties could reimburse families when their benefits were stolen. The law that allowed that reimbursement had to be renewed, but was not. That leaves victims to hunt for other options to make up for the loss of what is sometimes their entire monthly grocery budget. Between 2023 and 2025, the state reimbursed people for $51 million in stolen SNAP benefits.

When Brianna Jimenez found out that someone had spent all of the $560 in her account the day after it was deposited, she called the number on the back of her card, she said.

She could see that the money was spent at a grocery store in Chicago, a city the Syracuse mother of two had never visited. It was clear she didnt spend the money, so she assumed it would be like any other credit or debit card. She thought shed be able to call, report the fraud and get the money returned to her while the state went after the thief, she said.

But everyone told her there was nothing they could do, she said. It was up to her to find another source of grocery money.

Jimenezs ex and her cousin, who live in Syracuse, too, also had their accounts drained minutes after the deposits were made. They could see the transactions were made in either Brooklyn or Chicago.

Megan Mobley, Jimenezs cousin, lost all of the $540 in monthly grocery money she gets for herself and her son just shortly after the deposit was made earlier this month.

Since the theft, the women have been going to food pantries to feed their families until the end of the month, but said its hard to get everything they need that way.

Jiminez likes to make a ham and homemade macaroni and cheese for Christmas dinner for her and her two daughters. She wont be able to pull that off this year, she said.

Dorian Bey, a Syracuse mother of five, had $1,300 stolen from her account at the beginning of December. She could see it was all spent in Brooklyn, she said. Like the other victims, she tried to get help but was told theres no way to get that money back.

I had to cut everything, she said. My kids Christmas. Im going day by day with food.

But Bey is looking past the end of this year and shes worried.

Is it gonna happen next month? she said. What are they doing about this to prevent it from happening again?
Justin Wilcox is executive director at Upstate United, a nonpartisan business and taxpayer advocacy coalition focused on growing the Upstate economy.

The future of artificial intelligence is a race for power, and the companies leading the next wave of AI development say the real bottleneck isnt hardware, but electricity and the infrastructure to deliver it. If New York fails to invest in its electric grid, it wont just fall behind in the AI race. It will be left out entirely  a result that will undermine the United States standing in the global tech race.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently revealed that the company has AI graphics processing units sitting idle because theres not enough power or ready data center space to support them. In other words, the grid, not the technology, is holding back progress.

Worse, as OpenAI warns, China is working to beat out the U.S. in AI innovation and quickly fortifying its energy grid. In a letter to the White House, the ChatGPT developer writes that in 2024 alone, China added 429 [gigawatts] of new power capacity, more than one-third of the entire US grid, and more than half of all global electricity growth. The U.S. contributed just 51 GW, or 12%.

New Yorks electric grid is under pressure. The states grid operator says that as old fossil fuel plants shut down, new sources of electricity arent being added fast enough. At the same time, demand is rising quickly, especially from data centers and AI facilities that use a lot of power. In its latest 2025 Power Trends report, New Yorks grid operator highlights a sharp increase in electricity use and warns that without enough supply and better transmission lines, the system could struggle to keep up. Theyre already predicting a power shortfall in New York City by the early 2030s if things dont improve.

The global demand for electricity to power artificial intelligence is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. According to the International Energy Agency, global electricity consumption from data centers is expected to more than double by 2030, reaching approximately 945 terawatt-hours  nearly half of which will come from the United States. In simple terms, the regions that can deliver large volumes of reliable, clean power quickly will be the ones that attract the lions share of AI investment, high-paying jobs, and innovation ecosystems.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has made clear her desire to position the state as a leader in artificial intelligence, with the New York state Legislature supporting her proposals to fund Empire AI. Yet many of these same legislators have opposed utility investment plans, such as those from National Grid and Con Edison, that are essential for upgrading the electric grid to support AI infrastructure. This contradiction is hard to ignore.

Blocking proposed utility investments without offering viable alternatives is not just shortsighted; its self-defeating. These political gestures may score points in the short term, but they risk sabotaging the states long-term economic future. The ambitions to lead in AI are incompatible with a grid that cannot deliver what these data centers will demand. Politicians cannot credibly promise AI-driven growth while opposing the rate structures that fund transmission upgrades, substations and reliability improvements that support them. If New York wants to be taken seriously as an AI leader, its policymakers must align their rhetoric with the realities of infrastructure economics. Otherwise, the state risks becoming a place where AI is talked about but never built.

If New York hesitates, others wont.

States that pair fast-tracked grid investment with credible power portfolios will bank multibillion-dollar campuses, supply chains and an expanding tax base. New York still has the potential to lead in the AI economy, but doing so requires a shift from aspirational goals to concrete execution. The state must begin treating its grid infrastructure as a strategic asset, especially for clean energy flowing from upstate to downstate. Fast-tracking projects with stable cost-recovery mechanisms and decisive siting decisions is essential to avoid delays.

Equally important is clearing the interconnection queue in a coordinated way  pairing large load requests from data centers with clean generation and storage projects to reduce risk and accelerate deployment. AI infrastructure should be designed to support grid stability, flexible load operations and participation in demand response programs. Finally, climate ambition must be matched by siting speed. Clean energy targets will only attract AI investment if electrons can reach interconnection points on time, which means streamlined permitting, sustained funding and market signals that reward deliverability.

The AI economy is choosing jurisdictions that can quickly deliver reliable power at scale. If New York underinvests in its grid, the state wont merely miss climate milestones; it will miss construction jobs, permanent high-wage operations, and an ecosystem of startups that grow up around compute hubs.

If New York invests in power infrastructure, tech companies will come. Fail, and New York will be left in the dark.
On the evening of Dec. 13, a 20-year-old New Jersey hiker sent an SOS signal from Panther Mountain, a 3,700-ft peak in the Catskills. The hiker had an unstable lower leg injury.

Phoenicia Volunteer Fire Dept. firefighters packaged the injured hiker and began walking down the trail when one of the rescuers, Fire Commissioner Michael Ryan, had a medical emergency and went into cardiac arrest.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers enroute to assist with the carry out arrived within moments and immediately began CPR. Due to the steep and technical terrain, rangers, firefighters, and Shandaken Police quickly extracted Ryan down the trail to meet Shandaken paramedics, who used an Automated External Defibrillator.

Paramedics continued using the AED while rescuers carried Ryan to an ambulance, but he later died at Margaretville Hospital.

Meanwhile, one of the rangers stayed behind with the injured hiker. He splinted the hikers ankle and created a hypo wrap while waiting for other rescuers to return. Together, they belayed the hiker down a steep section of the trail and transferred them to a waiting ambulance.

I join our DEC forest rangers and the entire State of New York in mourning the loss of Phoenicia Fire District Commissioner and Firefighter Michael Ryan, said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. We offer our heartfelt sympathies and gratitude to Firefighter Ryans family, fellow firefighters, community, and all who loved him.

The following reports are excerpted from DEC:

A 33-year-old from Montreal living on a moored sailboat on Lake Champlain became stranded on Dec. 10 after ice locked their boat in place more than a mile from shore. NYS DEC

A 33-year-old from Montreal living on a moored sailboat on Lake Champlain became stranded on Dec. 10 when cold weather caused ice to form, locking the boat in place more than a mile from shore. Three rangers used an airboat to reach the stranded sailboater, breaking ice along the way to create a navigable path to the sailboat. Rangers then helped the person onto their airboat and transported them to shore.

A 41-year-old from Star Lake wandered away from his vehicle after a one-car accident on Route 3 on Dec. 9 in the town of Fine. When NY State Police arrived, the car was unoccupied. Rangers, police, and local fire department personnel began searching for the driver. On the evening of Dec. 11, a search team found his windbreaker. Soon after, they found him deceased on property that belonged to the SUNY ESF Ranger School. Rangers turned the body over to the County Coroner. NYSP is handling the investigation.

A mountain biker broke an ankle while biking in Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve on the morning of Dec. 14. Deer Park Fire Dept. and local EMS were first on scene. Other mountain bikers had already found the injured person, wrapped them in coats, and found the shortest way to evacuate. A ranger helped moved the biker to a sled and pulled them to a fire department UTV, which transported the biker to an ambulance.

Job opening: DEC is now hiring for a seasonal radio dispatcher position in Ray Brook, Essex County. Apply here by December 19.
Washington  Each year for 27 years, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer has heard from New Yorkers about their struggles, fears, hopes and successes as he visited each of the states 62 counties.

But after completing his annual statewide tour this week, Schumer said this year stood out for one reason: He found an unprecedented level of anxiety in every corner of the state about rising prices for basics like food, housing, health care and energy.

This year was different than in the past because the cost of living  the affordability crisis  was just dominant, Schumer told syracuse.com. You had people worrying in 2008 during the financial crisis about keeping their jobs. But this was much more about paying the bills.

Now Schumer plans to take what he learned  especially from dozens of visits to working-class families in Upstate New York  to lay a foundation for a national agenda that he believes will help Democrats win the 2026 midterm elections.

Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, met with his leadership team Wednesday in Washington to ask them to come up with a series of initiatives to lower costs and counteract the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trumps administration.

Schumer said his party will unveil details of an affordability agenda in the weeks ahead focused on five key areas  lowering the cost of health care, energy, housing, groceries and Trumps tariffs.

After listening to hundreds of Upstate New Yorkers, the 75-year-old said he knows how Democrats can chart a new path forward politically.

He especially wants to address the stubbornly high cost of food, which disproportionately hurts working-class households and people dependent on SNAP, the federal food assistance program.

In a May visit to Central New York, Schumer heard warnings that local families struggling with food prices would be hit hard by Trumps plan to cut nearly $200 billion over 10 years from SNAP, the federal food aid program for low-income Americans. The cuts are due to take effect in March.

Schumer said about 20,000 of the 108,000 people in Central New Yorkers who depend on SNAP could lose their aid. Democrats in Congress introduced a bill just before Thanksgiving that would reverse those cuts.

Schumers visit in May marked a rare time when local faith leaders, farmers and food pantry operators spoke out on a political issue.

The event also stood out because it took place in Oswego County, one of the reddest counties in New York where Trump won by wide margins in all three of his presidential elections.

Now Democrats will try to flip some of those Trump voters in House and Senate races across the nation by showing them that their party has a better plan than Republicans to address the cost of living.

Schumer said its clear from his travels across New York that people are desperate for some sort of relief.

He said a man he recently met in the Hudson Valley told me hes sitting at the table figuring out whether he should pay his mortgage and not get health care, or pay health care and lose his home. These are stories you hear all over the place.

Democrats have pushed in Congress to extend for three years the Affordable Care Act subsides that expire Dec. 31. Without a renewal, health insurance premiums for millions of Americans are expected to spike in 2026.

Schumer said he also worries that some rural hospitals in Upstate New York could close or lay off employees because of steep Medicaid cuts included in Trumps Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Schumer is pushing to pass the Protecting Health Care And Lowering Costs Act, which would repeal the Medicaid cuts and extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

He also wants to restore clean energy tax credits eliminated by Trump and Republicans in Congress. Those cuts included a 30% tax credit that served as an incentive for Central New York homeowners to install residential solar panels, heat pumps or energy storage equipment and lower their energy bills.

Separately, Democrats are pushing back on Trumps tariffs, which have costs New York consumers an extra $4,200 per household this year, according to a state report that examined the impact of the tariffs.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., has introduced a bill with 14 colleagues that would halt the tariffs and provide a tariff refund to small businesses.
Washington  The U.S. government admitted Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army played a role in causing the collision last January between an airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter near the nations capital, killing 67 people.

The official response to the first lawsuit filed by one of the victims families said that the government is liable in the crash partly because the air traffic controller violated procedures about when to rely on pilots to maintain visual separation that night. Plus, the filing said, the Army helicopter pilots failure to maintain vigilance so as to see and avoid the airline jet makes the government liable.

But the filing suggested that others, including the pilots of the jet and the airlines, may have also played a role. The lawsuit also blamed American Airlines and its regional partner, PSA Airlines, for their roles in the crash, but those airlines have filed motions to dismiss.

At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after the helicopter apparently flew into the path of the American Airlines regional jet while it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport in northern Virginia, just across the river from the nations capital, officials said. The plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members, and three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.

Robert Clifford, one of the attorneys for the family of victim Casey Crafton said the government admitted the Armys responsibility for the needless loss of life and the FAAs failure to follow air traffic control procedures while rightfully acknowledging others - American Airlines and PSA Airlines - also contributed to the deaths.

The families of the victims remain deeply saddened and anchored in the grief caused by this tragic loss of life, he said.

The National Transportation Safety Board will release its report on the cause of the crash early next year, but investigators have already highlighted a number of factors that contributed, including the helicopter flying too high on a route that allowed only scant separation between planes landing on Reagans secondary runway and helicopters passing below. Plus, the NTSB said, the FAA failed to recognize the dangers around the busy airport even after 85 near misses in the three years before the crash.

Before the collision, the controller twice asked the helicopter pilots whether they had the jet in sight, and the pilots said they did and asked for visual separation approval so they could use their own eyes to maintain distance. FAA officials acknowledged at the NTSBs investigative hearings that the controllers at Reagan had become overly reliant on the use of visual separation. Thats a practice the agency has since ended.

Witnesses told the NTSB that they have serious questions about how well the helicopter crew could spot the plane while wearing night vision goggles and whether the pilots were even looking in the right spot.
CHANGSHA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, is set to launch a direct passenger air route to Jakarta, Indonesia, on Dec. 22, the Hunan Airport Management Group said on Thursday.

The round-trip service will operate once a week, with a single trip taking about five-and-a-half hours.

Indonesia is the largest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and maintains close economic, trade and cultural ties with Hunan. The new route is expected to facilitate cross-border collaboration for Hunan enterprises, while also providing efficient travel options for tourists heading to Jakarta and the surrounding areas.

In addition to the new air route, the Changsha airport plans to launch a direct route to the resort island of Bali during the 2026 Spring Festival travel rush. 
The dark web has shifted from a fringe curiosity to a central topic in discussions about privacy, online crime, and digital security. As more personal and corporate data moves online, understanding dark web basics has become an essential part of cybersecurity learning rather than just a niche interest.

Dark Web vs Deep Web vs Surface Web

The internet most people use daily is called the surface web, which includes sites indexed by search engines and easily accessible through standard browsers. Beyond that lies the deep web, made up of pages not indexed by search engines, such as online banking portals, medical records systems, and subscription-based platforms that are nonetheless legal and widely used.

The dark web is a small portion of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and only accessible through specific software and configurations. Unlike the broader deep web, dark web sites rely on special protocols and encryption to conceal both the location of servers and the identities of users, which is why they are so closely linked to anonymity, privacy, and criminal activity.

What Is the Dark Web?

In technical terms, the dark web is a collection of websites and services that exist on encrypted overlay networks, running on top of the regular internet but not directly reachable through normal browsers. These sites use non-standard domain formats, such as ."onion" addresses in the Tor network, which are intentionally hidden from public indexing and require compatible tools to access.

From a dark web basics standpoint, it functions as a parallel ecosystem: users connect to specialized networks, browse hidden services, and communicate in ways designed to reduce traceability. This design is attractive both to individuals seeking greater privacy and to criminals hoping to avoid law enforcement.

How Dark Web Sites Are Hosted and Found

Dark web sites are typically hosted as "hidden services." Instead of exposing a public IP address, they register with the anonymity network using cryptographic keys, making their locations difficult to determine. Users reach these sites by connecting through the same network and using special addresses that do not resemble traditional URLs.

Because search engines do not crawl the dark web in the same way they index the surface web, discovery works differently. Links often circulate through forums, curated directories, word of mouth, or invite-only communities. This limited discoverability contributes to the dark web's reputation as a secretive, closed environment.

Legal and Neutral Uses

Not everything on the dark web is illegal or harmful. Journalists and whistleblowers use secure drop platforms to share sensitive documents without exposing their identities, particularly in countries where press freedom is under pressure. Activists and citizens living under heavy censorship also rely on dark web tools to bypass restrictions and communicate safely.

Privacy-conscious users may use the dark web to escape tracking, profiling, or surveillance by corporations and governments. From a cybersecurity learning perspective, studying these legitimate uses helps demonstrate that anonymity technologies are not inherently criminal but can support civil liberties and digital rights.

Illegal Markets and Cybercrime Hubs

At the same time, the dark web is known for illegal marketplaces and cybercrime services. These markets sell a wide range of illicit goods, such as drugs, weapons, forged IDs, stolen payment cards, and counterfeit documents, often using cryptocurrencies as the primary means of payment.

Cybercriminals offer services such as malware kits, ransomware-as-a-service, exploit packages, and stolen credential databases. This underground economy operates with surprising sophistication, using vendor ratings, dispute resolution mechanisms, and escrow systems to build trust among anonymous participants.

Forums, Communities, and Underground Economies

Beyond marketplaces, the dark web hosts forums and communities where threat actors share tutorials, trade tips, and collaborate on attacks. Discussions may cover everything from basic phishing templates to advanced exploitation techniques, blending technical knowledge with criminal intent.

Reputation plays a significant role in these spaces. Users build credibility over time, and successful deals or useful contributions can increase standing. Understanding these social structures is important in cybersecurity learning because it reveals how cyber threats evolve collaboratively rather than in isolation.

Tor Browser and Other Tools

Accessing the dark web typically requires specialized software, with Tor Browser being the most common entry point. Users download this browser, connect to the Tor network, and then enter dark web addresses, usually ending in ."onion," to reach hidden services.

Some users add layers of protection, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), hardened operating systems, or sandboxed environments. While this article does not provide a step-by-step guide, it is important within dark web basics to recognize that tools alone do not guarantee safety or anonymity; configuration and behavior matter equally.

Common Risks When Visiting

Visiting the dark web carries significant risks for both casual users and professionals. Malicious sites may attempt to deliver malware, log keystrokes, or exploit browser vulnerabilities, potentially compromising devices and accounts. Scams, phishing pages, and fraudulent marketplaces are also common, exploiting the lack of regulation and limited recourse.

Law enforcement agencies monitor dark web spaces to investigate serious crimes, and participation in illegal activities can lead to severe consequences. For cybersecurity learning, the key lesson is that curiosity without preparation can expose users to threats they may not fully understand or control.

What Security Professionals Learn from the Dark Web

Security teams and threat intelligence analysts regularly study dark web spaces to understand emerging risks. By monitoring discussions, leaked data, and new tools, they can gain early warning of upcoming attack campaigns or vulnerabilities being actively exploited.

This intelligence supports decisions about patching priorities, security controls, and incident response planning. In this sense, dark web basics are not just theoretical; they directly feed into practical defense strategies that protect organizations and individuals.

Dark Web Monitoring and Defensive Tools

Many organizations now invest in dark web monitoring services that scan underground markets and forums for mentions of their domains, brands, or employees. When leaked credentials or sensitive data are discovered, these services can trigger alerts, allowing faster mitigation.

Combining such monitoring with strong authentication, network segmentation, and robust backup strategies helps reduce the damage when incidents occur. Including dark web visibility in cybersecurity learning encourages a proactive stance instead of waiting for attacks to surface publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the dark web be shut down completely?

No, the dark web cannot realistically be shut down completely because it is not a single website or platform but a collection of decentralized networks and servers maintained by many different operators around the world.

Efforts by law enforcement can take down specific marketplaces or services, but new ones often appear, and the underlying anonymity technologies still have legitimate uses in privacy and censorship resistance.

2. Do regular antivirus programs protect users on the dark web?

Regular antivirus solutions can help detect known malware and suspicious files, but they cannot fully protect users from all dark web risks, such as phishing, social engineering, or zeroday exploits. Security on the dark web depends heavily on user behavior, system configuration, and broader cyber hygiene, not just on a single security product.

3. Is it safe for businesses to let employees research the dark web?

Allowing employees to research the dark web can provide valuable threat intelligence, but it should be done under strict policies, with dedicated machines, sandboxed environments, and clear legal and ethical guidelines. Many organizations centralize this work within a specialized security or threat intelligence team rather than letting general staff access these environments.

4. How does the dark web influence password security best practices?

The presence of massive credential dumps on the dark web reinforces the need for unique, complex passwords and widespread use of multi-factor authentication. When reused passwords appear in breach data, attackers can easily attempt them on other services, so strong password hygiene and rapid response to leaks are critical defenses.
The internet has opened unprecedented opportunities for creativity, learning, and connection. But for teenagers growing up in an always-connected world, those opportunities increasingly come with risks. Cybersecurity experts warn that young people are facing a growing wave of sophisticated online scams, many powered by artificial intelligence and social engineering techniques.

A recent survey by Yubico underscores the challenge. According to the findings, Gen Z is currently the most susceptible demographic to phishing, with 62 percent reporting engagement with a scam within the past year. As digital identities become central to education, communication, and future careers, the need for stronger protections and better awareness has become urgent.

Why Phishing Is Becoming Harder to Spot

Phishing attacks are no longer limited to poorly written emails or obvious fake websites. Modern scams often mimic trusted brands, exploit social platforms, and use AI-generated messages that feel authentic and personalized. For teens who spend much of their time online, distinguishing between legitimate interactions and malicious ones can be increasingly difficult.

While awareness campaigns have improved over time, access to phishing-resistant security tools remains limited for many young users. This gap between knowledge and protection has prompted new approaches that combine education with hands-on experience.

A New Partnership Focused on Digital Confidence

YubiKeys are now available for purchase in 350 Best Buy stores nationwide. The rollout coincides with a new partnership between Yubico and the Best Buy Foundation through Yubico's Secure it Forward program. The collaboration is designed to bring modern digital security tools and education directly to teens through Best Buy Teen Tech Centers across the United States.

As part of the initiative, Yubico is providing nearly 600 phishing-resistant security keys to almost 30 Teen Tech Centers. Along with the keys, participating teens receive educational materials and guided instruction aimed at helping them understand digital identity, account protection, and safe online practices.

Inside Best Buy Teen Tech Centers

Best Buy Teen Tech Centers, an initiative of the Best Buy Foundation, are creative community spaces where young people can explore technology, mentorship, and potential career paths. These centers offer hands-on learning opportunities in areas such as digital media, coding, robotics, music production, and design.

By integrating cybersecurity education into these environments, the program helps teens build confidence alongside technical skills. Participants learn not only how online attacks work, but also how to protect their accounts using phishing-resistant methods that are increasingly recommended by security professionals.

Olivia Jefferson, vice president of social impact at Best Buy, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, noting that the partnership is about helping young people explore technology "safely and responsibly" as they prepare for future careers.

Beyond the Hardware: Making Security Approachable

The initiative extends beyond simply distributing security keys. Each Teen Tech Center receives customized resources designed to make cybersecurity concepts accessible and engaging.

Adult coordinators are provided with step-by-step setup guides to help them configure and adopt security keys themselves. Demo materials introduce topics like digital identity and online safety through interactive activities such as games and workshops. Youth-friendly posters reinforce practical security habits in a way that feels approachable rather than intimidating.

By pairing hands-on tools with education, the program gives teens practical experience they can apply in school, work, and everyday online life.

A Broader Effort to Make Security Accessible

The partnership is part of Yubico's Secure it Forward initiative, a philanthropic program that provides phishing-resistant security keys to communities that may not otherwise have access to them. The program's goal is to make strong digital security practical and inclusive, especially as online threats continue to evolve.

Building on its work with the Best Buy Foundation, Yubico plans to expand Secure it Forward throughout 2026, with the aim of reaching more Teen Tech Centers and empowering additional young people with the skills and confidence to navigate the digital world safely.

Preparing the Next Generation for a Safer Digital Future

As technology becomes more embedded in daily life, digital safety is no longer optional. For teens especially, learning how to protect online identities is as essential as learning how to code or create.

By combining education, community partnerships, and modern security tools, initiatives like Secure it Forward reflect a growing recognition that building a safer digital future starts with access, awareness, and confidenceone secure account at a time.
CAIRO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Egypt said on Thursday that preserving Sudan's unity and territorial integrity and safeguarding its resources and the capabilities of its people are key red lines.

The Egyptian presidency made the announcement in a press statement during the visit of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan to Cairo.

Egypt said it is following with grave concern the ongoing severe escalation and tension in Sudan, resulting in the "horrific massacres and flagrant violations" of the most basic human rights committed against Sudanese civilians, particularly in El Fasher.

It also affirmed that there are red lines that cannot be crossed or treated with any leniency, as this would directly undermine Egypt's national security, which is closely linked to Sudan's national security.

"This includes not allowing the secession of any part of Sudanese territory," the statement read, adding that Egypt reiterates its categorical rejection of the establishment or recognition of any parallel entities, which would jeopardize Sudan's unity and territorial integrity.

The statement also emphasized that preserving the institutions of the Sudanese state and preventing their undermining is another red line.

For his part, Al-Burhan expressed his appreciation for Egypt's continued support for Sudan and its efforts to help bring the current crisis to an end, noting that it reflects the deep fraternal relations between the two countries.

The two sides also agreed on the importance of intensifying efforts to provide support and assistance to the Sudanese people in light of the severe humanitarian conditions they are facing.

According to the statement, Egypt reiterated its full commitment to continuing to work within the framework of the Quartet -- the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt -- to reach a humanitarian truce that leads to a ceasefire, including the establishment of safe havens and humanitarian corridors to protect Sudanese civilians, in full coordination with Sudanese state institutions.

Sudan has been engulfed in a deadly conflict since April 15, 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions displaced within the country and across its borders. 
Press Release from Business Wire: Suzano



(AFP) Dec 17, 2025



SAO PAULO, Dec 17, 2025 (BSW) - Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, has commenced operations this week at its new fluff pulp production line located in its Limeira unit in Brazil's Sao Paulo state. This R$490 million investment increases Suzano's total fluff pulp production capacity by more than 400%, from 100,000 to 440,000 tonnes per year.

The project involved converting the existing pulp line at the Limeira unit into a flexible machine, capable of producing both Eucafluff(R) and market pulp. Eucafluff(R) is used in the production of absorbent and personal hygiene products, such as baby and adult diapers, sanitary pads and pet pads. Then market pulp is supplied for making products including toilet paper, printing and writing papers, and paper packaging.

Launched in 2015, Eucafluff(R) is the world's first fluff pulp made from eucalyptus, delivering unique advantages like enhanced softness and flexibility, which translate into thinner, more discreet and comfortable products. Its high compression capability enables smaller packaging, reducing plastic film usage and lowering transportation and storage costs for the industry.

Products made with 100% Eucafluff(R) also exhibit outstanding performance in both rewet (liquid return) and liquid retention, offering consumers greater comfort and prolonged dryness. A Life Cycle Analysis study, conducted in 2024, highlights multiple environmental benefits when compared to pine fluff produced in the Southeastern United States.

Guilherme Melhado Miranda, global director of Fluff and Fiber Solutions at Suzano said: "Over the past 10 years, Eucafluff(R) has grown from a groundbreaking idea into a global reality. With our expanded production capacity, we are now better positioned to meet rising demand and to support our clients globally in developing innovative and sustainable products."

This expansion highlights Suzano's commitment to operational excellence, sustainability and innovation, in line with the company's strategy to deliver renewable solutions that replace fossil-based materials.

About Suzano

Suzano is the world's leading pulp supplier, a major paper and packaging producer in the Americas, and one of Brazil's biggest employers.

Driven by a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation, Suzano produces responsibly-grown raw materials that are exported to more than 100 countries around the world, meeting the global demand for bio-based solutions. These are used to make everyday items that reach more than two billion people, including toilet paper and tissue, packaging, printing and writing paper, personal hygiene products, and textiles.

Founded in Brazil over 100 years ago, today Suzano operates across Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia. The company's shares are listed on the B3 in Sao Paulo (SUZB3) and the New York Stock Exchange (SUZ).

Learn more at: suzano.com.br/en







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251217648931/en/









Contact

Hawthorn AdvisorsJamie Plotnek[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.
Salvadorans freed with conditional sentence for Bukele protest



Santa Tecla, El Salvador, Dec 18 (AFP) Dec 18, 2025



A Salvadoran court on Wednesday sentenced an environmental lawyer and a community leader to three years in prison for protesting near President Nayib Bukele's home, but granted them a conditional release.

Lawyer Alejandro Henriquez and evangelical pastor Jose Angel Perez had been detained since May after the protest where they demanded that Bukele prevent the eviction of members of a peasant cooperative from private land.

They were found guilty on Wednesday of "aggressive resistance" and "public disorder," according to the ruling by the court in Santa Tecla, about 10 kilometers (six miles) west of the capital, San Salvador.

As a condition of their release, they must observe rules of conduct and avoid street protests. They will require judicial authorization to leave the country.

Amnesty International welcomed their release, but said in a statement "they should never have been deprived of their liberty or subjected to criminal proceedings for exercising their right to peaceful protest."

Human rights organizations accuse Bukele of using a state of emergency, which he imposed in El Salvador in 2022 as part of his crackdown against powerful gangs, to silence his critics.

Bukele's hardline approach on gangs has won plaudits from US President Donald Trump who has called him a model for Latin America.
Turkmenistan's battle against desert sand



Bokurdak, Turkmenistan, Dec 18 (AFP) Dec 18, 2025



Residents in the remote Turkmen village of Bokurdak have long depended on the Karakum Desert for their livelihoods, cultivating every square metre they can in a constant battle with nature.

It is a battle that some fear they are now losing.

Over recent years, large dunes have started encroaching on the land in the village, while rolling desert sands have forced residents to shift further downhill, local pensioner Kakabai Baimedov told AFP.

For those who live in the desert -- known as "gumli" in Turkmen -- this has been "very difficult", Baimedov said.

"The village of Bokurdak used to be on a hill north of this place. Then, due to the advancing desert, we had to move lower and lower," Baimedov told AFP.

While sand and the steppe have always been part of life in Central Asia, scientists warn climate change and other human activities are accelerating desertification and the degradation of the land.

In addition to being an ecological and social problem, desertification is also an economic burden, costing an estimated six percent of Central Asia's GDP annually, according to the World Bank.

The Karakum Desert covers more than 80 percent of Turkmenistan, a former Soviet republic bordering Iran and Afghanistan.

"If its vegetation and soil cover are not properly managed, the surface is easily subject to erosion, degrading farmland and forming sand dunes," Turkmen scientist Mukhammet Durikov told AFP.

Deforestation is another key culprit, while severe droughts and dry winds fuelled by climate change are making the problem worse, he said.



- Tree-planting campaign -



Central Asia is especially vulnerable to climate change: average temperatures in the region have risen by about twice the global average since 1991, according to UN data.

Authorities in Turkmenistan -- a politically isolated country of seven million people -- have sought to curb desertification through a massive tree-planting campaign.

The government announced in the summer that 162 million trees had been planted over the past 20 years.

"The president himself actively participates in the fight against desertification," an official from the environmental ministry told AFP.

The ministry and regional officials are responsible for planting sites for the trees, overseeing their planting and care, the official said.

AFP was not able to immediately verify the government's claims.

The country bordering the Caspian Sea restricts independent reporting and keeps information about government activities largely secret.

Turkmenistan's two leaders, father-and-son duo Gurbanguly and Serdar Berdymukhamedov, have been keen to show they are taking action in combating desertification.

State media shows Serdar regularly appearing with a shovel in hand planting trees.

"Previously, it was spruces or cedars, but today, we find endemic species better adapted to the climate," Merdan Arazmedov, a member of Turkmenistan's Nature Protection Society, told AFP.



- Keeping water in the soil -



In Bokurdak, scientists have mainly planted saxauls -- a hardy desert shrub whose roots penetrate as much as 15 metres (49 feet) underground to capture water, Arazmedov said.

The saxaul -- which is also being used in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan -- helps retain sand, improves soil moisture, and also serves as a natural barrier for homes.

Baimedov, who has become an amateur botanist, tends to about 15,000 saplings, which are aimed at forming a green wall against the sand.

"It takes 15-20 years to grow a tree like this," he said, pointing to an eight-metre- (26-foot-) high saxaul.

The saxaul is also being used to protect the capital Ashgabat, where "environmental activists have planted more than 50 hectares of saxaul on the edge of the desert," Arazmedov said.

"Now, the road to the capital is no longer covered in sand, traffic flows smoothly, and the number of accidents has decreased," he added.

But for Baimedov, whose main weapon against the desert is planting trees, the battle has become all the harder due to climate change.

"In the past, it was enough to water young saxaul daily with up to 10 litres of water," he said.

"Today, due to climate change and rising temperatures, it takes up to 20 litres each day to ensure rooting."

Turkmenistan has employed other methods to beat the sand.

Last year, scientists in the country announced they had launched successful trials spraying the soil with cyanobacteria, also known as "blue-green algae" -- a method that helps retain moisture and facilitate tree rooting.

In September, Turkmenistan's president proposed creating a regional centre against desertification in Central Asia.
GENEVA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The attack of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in North Darfur state from April 11 to 13 this year has killed 1,013 civilians, including 319 who were executed, the UN human rights agency said Thursday.

According to the report released by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, during the offensive on the Zamzam camp, the RSF committed widespread killings, rape and other forms of sexual violence, torture, and abductions.

The report described those actions as "a consistent pattern of serious violations of international humanitarian law and gross abuses of international human rights law."

Zamzam IDP camp is located about 15 km south of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.

In a statement linked to the report, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said, "Such deliberate killing of civilians or persons hors de combat may constitute the war crime of murder."

He stressed that there must be an impartial, thorough, and effective investigation into the attack on the camp, and that those responsible should be held accountable in fair proceedings in accordance with international law.

The report said its findings are based on monitoring conducted by the UN Human Rights Office, including interviews carried out in July with 155 survivors and witnesses in eastern Chad. 
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Long-time Martin Scorsese collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio gave Jennifer Lawrence some interesting tips on working with the director, such as buying a DVD player.

The two stars, in a conversation on Varietys Actors on Actors show, talked about their latest releases, Lawrences Die My Love and DiCaprios One Battle After Another, and their next project with Scorsese, which is a film adaptation of Peter Camerons 2020 novel What Happens at Night.

Its a story about an American couple who travel to a strange Northern European town to adopt a baby. But upon checking into their hotel, where nothing is as it seems, they face increasingly baffling obstacles that prevent them from claiming the baby from the orphanage.

Asked by Lawrence if there was anything she should absolutely know about working with The Irishman director before they began filming in January, DiCaprio said: Its a great thing, and hes going to give you a lot of film references, which he noted usually came in the form of a DVD.

And if you dont have a DVD player, get one, he said.

Lawrence joked: Oh my God. Im going to kill myself.

DiCaprio went on to explain the level of detail that Scorsese used in his direction, saying he held screenings sometimes for just one sequence in a movie.

If theres something that he wants you to capture from an old film or the pacing of something, you might have a screening of a whole film just for a specific scene that he wants to see. We might see some Japanese ghost films for reference, just to get the tone of it. Youre going to have an amazing time.

open image in gallery What Happens at Night will be Leonardo DiCaprios seventh feature film with Martin Scorsese ( Getty Images for TIME )

This will be DiCaprios seventh feature film with Scorsese but Lawrences first.

The director was a producer on Die My Love and had sent Camerons novel to Lawrences production company.

DiCaprio, who was named Time magazines 2025 Entertainer of the Year, was 27 when he first worked with Scorsese on The Gangs of New York in 2002. He later starred in The Aviator (2004), The Departed (2006), Shutter Island (2010), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), and, most recently, Killers of the Flower Moon (2023).

DiCaprio and Lawrence previously worked together on Adam McKay's 2021 satirical comedy Don't Look Up, where they played two astronomers trying their best to warn humanity about an approaching comet that would destroy human civilisation.

open image in gallery DiCaprio and Lawrence in Adam McKay's 2021 satirical comedy Don't Look Up ( Netflix Inc )

Earlier this month, Scorsese reunited with DiCaprio and revealed the two traits that defined their successful working relationship.

We have this ability to collaborate together, and its based on trust and love, the Goodfellas director said at a Time magazine event, according to People. We go to places sometimes that at times feel almost impossible.

DiCaprio said an important aspect of their working relationship was to debate for months about films and screenplays as part of a playful cinema education.

Its lots of questions and lots of playing devils advocate about a way to approach things that may not be the most obvious direction, he explained. Were doing that on the new film that were doing now, but its been absolutely one of the most profound learning experiences.
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Theres a sad moment in Rebecca Millers recent documentary portrait of Martin Scorsese, simply titled Mr Scorsese, in which his middle child, Domenica Cameron-Scorsese, describes what it was like to feature in a small role in his 1993 film, The Age of Innocence. The directors been open about where hes failed as a father, and has since tried to make amends (and be more present, too, in the life of his youngest, Francesca  hence the TikTok cameos).

But that wasnt quite the case for all of Domenicas childhood. And you can sense the tiny thunderclap of grief that passes across her features when she describes the kind of love and attention she witnessed that day  not as a daughter, but as an actor. She remarks, if youre not there in that sphere of light, you can feel its absence.

The absence burns holes, acidic but silent, in the hearts of two daughters in Sentimental Value, Joachim Triers follow-up to The Worst Person in the World (2021). That film pushed the director, already an institution in his native Norway, onto a truly international stage (it was nominated for two Academy Awards). Perhaps because of it, Sentimental Value moves with somewhat cleaner emotions than his acclaimed Oslo Trilogy  The Worst Person in the World, Reprise (2006), and Oslo, 31 August (2011)  which stitched tenderness into the seams of the messiest people you know. Still, Trier is a keen observer in any mode.

The Scorsese in question here is the (fictional) celebrated director Gustav Borg (Stellan Skarsgard). He walked out on his two daughters, stage actor Nora (Worst Persons Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), when they were children. When she was small, he cast Agnes as the star of one of his famous pictures. Shes the least bitter of the two, the one who got to exist, at least for a little while, in that sphere of light.

Hes returned now, after their mothers death, with a script in hand for a film he believes will mark his comeback. He insists Nora should play the lead, a mother who dies by suicide in the final scene, in the exact same fashion as his own mother. Nora is repulsed by the offer. He doesnt know her, as a daughter or an artist. Instead, Gustav casts a young American star, Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning), who doesnt feel known by anyone. We see Nora, curled up in anguished tears. The camera pulls back and we realise shes performing on stage.

Renate Reinsve in Joachim Triers Sentimental Value ( Kasper Tuxen Andersen )

Theres some wonderful, delicate work from the entire cast here, yet Sentimental Value teeters ultimately on Skarsgard and Reinsve, and their characters conference of generational trauma. Skarsgard brings some of his own legacy  as one of Scandinavias finest  to the work here. Theres a weight and a weariness, a twinkle in the eye, and a strain in the smile.

Gustav never means to maim; he simply cant differentiate between a conversation and an interview with Cahiers du Cinema. He gives his 10-year-old grandson copies of The Piano Teacher (2001) and Irreversible (2002) for his birthday (the cinephiles in the audience will undoubtedly laugh  Trier, paired again with his regular co-writer Eskil Vogt, can be very funny at times). Nora has inherited the twinkle and the strain, though shed be loath to admit it.

Sentimental Value doesnt argue that art heals all wounds, but that its sometimes the only recourse for honest expression. If its a little less messy than wed hope for with Trier  well, then it argues beautifully for why its a blessing that those messier films exist in the first place.

Dir: Joachim Trier. Starring: Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgard, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Elle Fanning. Cert 15, 133 minutes.

Sentimental Value is in cinemas from 26 December
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Performers across the UK's film and television industries have overwhelmingly voted to refuse digital scanning for artificial intelligence purposes, a move that could pave the way for industrial action.

An indicative ballot conducted by the actors' union, Equity, revealed that a staggering 99 per cent of those who participated would reject such scanning.

While a further ballot would be necessary before any industrial action could commence,

Equity emphasised that the 75 per cent turnout underscored the profound sentiment among performers regarding the safeguarding of their AI rights.

The ballot engaged more than 7,700 actors, stunt performers, and dancers who have worked under a Pact-Equity agreement since the last negotiations in 2021.

Equity is presently engaged in discussions with Pact, the trade body representing the majority of UK film and TV production companies, to establish minimum standards for pay, terms, and conditions within the sector.

Equity general secretary Paul W Fleming announced the results of the vote ( Equity )

Following this decisive vote, Equity has announced it will now formally demand that Pact return to the negotiating table with a significantly improved proposal concerning artificial intelligence.

If Pact refuses to enshrine the AI protections the union is seeking in the agreements, Equity said it will hold a statutory ballot for industrial action.

Equitys general secretary, Paul W Fleming, said: Artificial Intelligence is a generation-defining challenge, and for the first time in a generation, Equitys film and TV members have shown that they are willing to take industrial action.

Ninety per cent of TV and film is made on these agreements. Over three quarters of artists working on them are union members. This shows that the workforce is willing to significantly disrupt production unless they are respected, and decades of erosion in terms and conditions begins to be reversed.

The US streamers and Pact need to step away from the brink, and respect this show of strength. We need adequate AI protections which build on, not merely replicate, those agreed after the Sag-Aftra strike in the USA over two years ago.

The union believes this can be resolved through negotiation, but 18 months of talks have led us to this stalemate.

With fresh AI proposals, significant movement on royalties, and a package of modern terms and conditions, Pact and allied producers can turn this around. The ball is in their court when we return to the table in January.
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TV host David Bromstad has opened up about using substances after a storm destroyed his Florida home, forcing him to renovate from scratch.

In a clip from My Lottery Dream Home: Davids Happy Ending shared with People, the HGTV star explained how much his house meant to him, and the toll of having to tear the property down to the studs.

He said in the video how he was emotionally attached to the house and how he felt destroying it was a reflection of what was happening to him internally.

Whatever happens to the house feels like it's happening to you deep within, Bromstad said.

With all of the drama, the house, the stress, insurance claims, needing money  I just had to keep busy. My vision for the house was no longer clear. Everything was in chaos.

The HGTV star speaks about the toll of his Florida home being destroyed in an upcoming special, My Lottery Dream Home: Davids Happy Ending ( Getty )

As Bromstad waited on some aspects of the home, he prepared other items off-site.

I called it art in the moment, but it wasn't. It was a cover-up to what was really happening. I was losing control, he said.

However, the process became increasingly stressful, as he said his mind was going crazy. I was starting to spiral. I got into some unhealthy behaviors and it's really easy to go there when you're under distress, he added.

Using substances has been...it's a real easy escape to take yourself out of a stressful situation. I knew I was in trouble.

In the upcoming one-hour special, My Lottery Dream Home: Davids Happy Ending, viewers will see the four-year process  including a year-long break to take a trip to Norway  of Bromstad fixing up his destroyed Florida house into his dream home.

Bromstad has previously discussed his substance abuse issues in an interview published with TV Insider on Wednesday. This isnt the first time art has saved my life, he told the publication. Through substance abuse and not being kind to myself, the one thing thats always remained secure and steady has been my creative talent.

He also explained why it was important for him to use the upcoming television special to talk about his mental health during that period of his life.

I think its important for people to understand that Im human, that I struggle, that I am innately a bright and shiny person, Bromstad said. You cant have the bright and shining times without the darkness. I dont push away the darkness. I bring it in because I know the darkness only makes my bright and shiny parts shine that much bigger.

My Lottery Dream Home: Davids Happy Ending will be available to watch on HGTV on December 19 at 9 p.m. ET.

In the U.S., the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP.
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The release of information about the powerful cadre of men associated with convicted sex offender and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein  known as the Epstein files  has been a long time coming.

Under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law in November 2025, the Justice Department must release its documents related to Epstein by Dec. 19, 2025.

But information has been trickling out for months, including more than 20,000 of Epsteins emails released by members of Congress in November.

In the firestorm of reactions that followed, conservative media figure Megyn Kelly made comments that minimized the victimization of teenagers.

In response to her remarks, a new hashtag, #iwasfifteen, went viral, as celebrities and others took to social media to share photos of themselves as teenagers.

Im a clinical psychologist who studies intimate violence  from child abuse to domestic violence and sexual assault. After more than two decades in this field, I wasnt surprised to hear someone minimize the abuse of adolescents. My research and the work of other researchers across the country have shown that victims who disclose their abuse are often met with disbelief and blame.

What did surprise me was how the viral #iwasfifteen hashtag shed light on the dynamics of abuse, pointing to the vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit and the harms they cause.

Abusive tactics in sex trafficking of minors

Unlike stereotypes of teens being kidnapped out of parking lots, people who traffic minors use a range of tactics and build relationships with the teens and tweens theyre targeting. Getting young people to trust and depend on the traffickers is part of entrapping them.

One in-depth 2014 analysis revealed these strategies in action. Researchers looked at more than 40 social service case files of minors who were trafficked and interviewed social service workers.

The researchers found it was common for traffickers to use flattery or romance to entrap adolescents. Some built trust with the teens by helping them out of difficult situations. Meanwhile, the traffickers normalized sex and prostitution as they isolated their victims from their friends and family  all of which echoes the grooming described by victims of Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.

open image in gallery Myths and misconceptions often seep into the conversation unnoticed, such as calling teens underage women ( REUTERS )

The research also showed that traffickers kept tight control over the teens, using economic and emotional manipulation. They took their money, blackmailed and shamed them, and threatened harm if they were to leave. As in the Epstein case, many traffickers compelled victims to take part in the trafficking itself, such as by recruiting their friends.

The same kinds of manipulation show up in other studies nationally. A 2019 study found that across more than 1,400 cases, a third of traffickers used threats and psychological coercion to control victims.

Another research team looked across 23 studies of minors who were sex trafficked in the United States and Canada. They found that the youth, who were mostly girls, were entrapped by traffickers who pretended to love or care for them, only to manipulate and abuse them.

The tactics identified by researchers and the reports of how Epstein trapped victims on his island reveal that all the strategies used by traffickers have one thing in common: They create ever more dependence of the victim on the trafficker.

Dependence and betrayal

Adolescence is a time of rapid change  change that traffickers exploit. From the tween through the teen years, young people are forming their identities and learning about romantic relationships, all while their brains are still developing.

During this period of rapid change, they are starting to differentiate and seek autonomy. Yet they remain dependent on the adults in their lives for everything from their psychological needs, such as love, to basic physical needs, such as food and housing.

When victims of trafficking depend  financially, psychologically or physically  on the very person abusing them, its a betrayal trauma. In these scenarios, victims depend on the abuser, so they cannot simply leave the situation. Instead, they have to adapt psychologically.

open image in gallery One way to adapt is to minimize awareness of the abuse  or what psychologists call betrayal blindness ( AFP via Getty Images )

One way to adapt is to minimize awareness of the abuse  or what psychologists call betrayal blindness. In the short term, minimizing awareness of the abuse helps the victim endure the abuse. This could be the difference between life and death for a victim whose abuser might harm them if they try to leave or report the abuse  or for a teen who doesnt have anywhere else to turn for basic survival.

In the long term, though, betrayal traumas are linked with a host of harms that may affect how victims see themselves and the world around them. Compared with other kinds of traumas, betrayal traumas are linked to more severe psychological and physical health problems.

Betrayal trauma often leads to shame, self-blame and fear and can leave survivors alienated from and distrusting of others. Survivors may also be less likely to disclose abuse perpetrated by someone they trusted. They may even have difficulty remembering what happened to them, which can worsen self-doubt and self-blame.

Making sense of the far-reaching impacts of betrayal trauma can be difficult for survivors  and others who hear their stories later.

Myths and public opinion of victims

When sex traffickers target minors, they use strategies that give others reason to doubt victims. Most people are regularly exposed to misinformation about sexual violence and trafficking through popular media, and that misinformation plays in the perpetrators favor.

Researchers started documenting myths about intimate violence decades ago. Since then, research shows that erroneous views of rape, child abuse and sex trafficking persist in media  with consequences for victims.

These myths and misconceptions often seep into the conversation unnoticed, such as when even well-intentioned reporting refers to the girls trafficked by Epstein as underaged women. But calling tweens and teens women minimizes the age difference with the perpetrators. It also masks the vulnerability of children and adolescents who were victimized by adults.

About the author Anne P. DePrince is a Professor of Psychology at University of Denver. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Myths can include beliefs that intimate violence is rare and always physically violent, and that victims all respond the same way. Myths also tend to minimize the perpetrators role while shifting blame to victims for what was done to them, particularly if victims had mental health problems or used substances.

Changing the conversation

With so many myths out there, #iwasfifteen showed one way to change the usual conversation from blaming victims to exposing the ways that abusers exploit tweens and teens. Meeting myths about sex trafficking with research is crucial to putting responsibility where it belongs, on those who traffic youth and perpetrate abuse.

Research shows that the more people buy into myths, the more likely they are to blame victims or not believe them in the first place, including in sex trafficking.

And its not only the unsuspecting public that falls for this misinformation. When victims dont conform to common myths, even law enforcement officers, who are trained to investigate intimate violence, are less likely to believe them.

In this way, the psychological consequences of betrayal trauma  from minimizing the abuse to psychological distress  can feed into myths that people have about intimate violence. Suddenly, its easier for friends, family, juries and others to blame victims or not believe them at all.

And, of course, thats what perpetrators have often told victims all along: No one will believe you. Its not surprising, then, that victims may take years to come forward, if ever.
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Its that time of year when your throat may start to feel a little itchy, scratchy and gunky.

A sore throat is often the cause of a cold, flu or another viral infection and happens when the lining becomes inflamed, making it uncomfortable to swallow or talk.

More than five million Americans visit doctors because of sore throats each year, according to the American Medical Association.

The most common reason for someone to develop a sore throat would be a virus, and this is often accompanied by a runny nose, cough or malaise, Dr. Julina Ongkasuwan, an assistant professor of otolaryngology at Baylor College of Medicine, said in a statement.

But relief - even if temporary - may be achieved using products already in your pantry. And several home remedies are backed up by experts and years of research.

open image in gallery Experts recommend drinking tea and other home remedies to soothe a sore throat ( Getty Images/iStock )

Tea time

Sipping a warm tea or broth helps keep the throat moist and loosens up mucous. Warm temperatures may also reduce coughing by soothing the back of your throat, Cleveland Clinic family medicine specialist Dr. Amy Zack said.

Certain kinds of teas come with anti-inflammatory benefits, as well. One cup of chamomile or green tea throughout the day can work to ease swelling, research shows.

If youre not a tea person, cool liquids have a similarly soothing effect, Zack noted. A bottle of cold water will do. Try both warm and cold to see what works best for you, she advised.

Sweet treat

In addition to being smooth and sweet, the sugary substance is a natural antioxidant - a compound that can help fight inflammation - and has antibacterial properties.

Just one or two drops was enough to relieve cough symptoms in adults, according to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research.

Stir a spoonful into tea for combined benefits. However honey is not suitable for children under one year old, as it can raise their risk for a rare but serious illness known as infant botulism.

Salty savior

Gargling your throat with salt water can also help reduce swelling, lessen pain and clear out mucus.

A small study in 2019 found that people with nonbacterial sore throats who gargled with salt water had less severe pain and trouble swallowing after a week compared to those who used thymol, a type of antiseptic mouthwash.

Half a teaspoon mixed into an eight-ounce glass of warm water is recommended and you can repeat this hourly.

A spicier solution

This may seem counterintuitive, but UCLA Health recommends eating a hot pepper - or, at least hot sauce.

Why? Cayenne and some other peppers contain capsaicin, which is a natural compound that fights inflammation and blocks pain.

A small study in cancer patients found that capsaicin offered pain relief from swollen membranes and a larger study showed it helped relieve cough symptoms.

Just a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce mixed into a glass of warm water and gargled can do the trick.

However, do so sparingly. Capsaicin breaks up mucus, which can help effectively relieve coughing and a sore throat. However, capsaicin can increase the production of mucus, causing a more prevalent runny nose, Rochester Regional Health warns.

open image in gallery Adding hot sauce to your meals or water can help fight inflammation from a sore throat ( Getty Images/iStock )

Pass the lozenges

This is a no-brainer. Sucking on a lozenge stimulates saliva production and keeps the throat moist.

Many are made with menthol, which can soothe sore throat pain, and several studies have shown using them led to rapid relief.

Ever notice that a sore throat seems worse in the morning? Its because your throat gets so dry overnight, Dr. Valerie Riddle, an infectious disease expert at the National Institutes of Health, explained. Having lozenges or hard candies - or anything that stimulates saliva production - will keep your throat moist.
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Brian Walshe, the man who killed his wife before dismembering her and tossing her remains in the trash, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for what the judge called a barbaric and incomprehensible crime.

The sentence was handed down Thursday in a Dedham, Massachusetts, courtroom after Walshe was convicted Monday of first-degree murder in the killing of his 39-year-old wife, Ana Walshe, who vanished nearly three years ago. Her body has never been found.

Before handing down the sentence, Judge Diane Freniere told Walshe that the seriousness of your acts cannot be overstated, calling the dismemberment barbaric and incomprehensible. She added that Walshe will live with the burden and guilt of his crimes for the remainder of his life.

Walshe, 50, had previously pleaded guilty in November to charges of misleading police and illegally disposing of a body, admitting he dismembered her remains and placed them in a dumpster. He claimed this was done in a panic after he found her dead in bed.

Ana Walshe, a real estate agent who had immigrated from Serbia, was last seen in the early hours of January 1, 2023, following a New Years Eve dinner at the couples home.

open image in gallery Brian Walshe has now been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife. ( AP )

During the trial, prosecutors presented digital evidence, including online searches found on devices linked to Walshe, which included dismemberment and best ways to dispose of a body, how long before a body starts to smell, and hacksaw best tool to dismember.

Investigators also uncovered searches for how long for someone missing to inherit, how long missing to be dead and can you throw away body parts.

Surveillance footage showed a man resembling Walshe discarding what appeared to be heavy rubbish bags into a dumpster near the couple's residence.

A subsequent search of a trash processing facility close to his mothers home yielded bags containing a hatchet, hammer, shears, hacksaw, towels, a protective Tyvek suit, cleaning agents, a Prada purse, boots similar to those Ana Walshe was last seen wearing, and a Covid-19 vaccination card bearing her name.

Prosecutors informed the jury that the Massachusetts State Crime Laboratory found Ana and Brian Walshes DNA on the Tyvek suit, and Ana Walshes DNA on the hatchet, hacksaw and other items.

Several potential motives were presented during the trial. An insurance executive testified that Brian Walshe was the sole beneficiary of Ana Walshes $1 million life insurance policy, suggesting a financial incentive.

open image in gallery Ana and Brian Walshe were married in Serbia in 2015 and have three children together ( Facebook )

open image in gallery During the trial, prosecutors presented compelling digital evidence, including online searches found on devices linked to Walshe. These included questions such as dismemberment and best ways to dispose of a body, how long before a body starts to smell and hacksaw best tool to dismember ( AP )

However, prosecutors also depicted a failing marriage; Walshe was confined to their home in Cohasset, an affluent coastal community southeast of Boston, awaiting sentencing for an art fraud case, while Ana commuted to Washington, D.C., for work.

The court also heard testimony from Anas boyfriend, William Fastow, who stated she had begun an affair the year before her death. Walshes attorney denied that his client was aware of the affair.

In his opening statement, Brian Walshes attorney, Larry Tipton, argued the case was not one of murder but what he termed a sudden unexplained death, asserting the couple loved each other and were planning for the future. However, the defense called no witnesses, and Brian Walshe declined to testify.

Initially questioned by investigators, Walshe claimed his wife had been called to Washington, D.C.,for a work emergency on New Years Day.

Yet, witnesses testified there was no evidence Ana took a ride service to the airport or boarded a flight, and Walshe did not contact her employer until January 4.

open image in gallery Brian Walshe's mother Diane in court Monday before her son was convicted of murder. ( AP )

Before Walshe learned his fate on Thursday, Ana Walshes sister gave an impact statement, telling the court that her death has left her family with an unbearable emptiness.

I struggle with a grief that comes without warning, she said, adding that its painful knowing Anas three children will grow up without their mother.

We were denied an opportunity to say a final goodbye, her sister said. We miss her beyond words.

Freniere said Thursday that the sentences she imposed will begin after he completes his sentence in his federal art fraud case for selling counterfeit Andy Warhol paintings. In 2024, Walshe was sentenced to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $475,000.

The couples three young children, who were between the ages of 2 and 6 at the time of their mothers death, are currently in state custody.
JUBA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in South Sudan on Thursday awarded scholarships to 48 students at the University of Juba in South Sudan.

The Chinese Ambassador Scholarship will cover one year of tuition for eligible students at a leading public university.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba Robert Mayom Deng said that the awards came at a time when many students were struggling to pay tuition due to the prevailing economic hardship caused by years of conflict since 2013.

He commended the Chinese embassy for its commitment in supporting various initiatives at the university, such as the establishment of an electronic learning center, donation of books and computers, as well as the construction of the computer learning center.

Sylvester Pio John Faki, a sixth-year medical student and beneficiary of the scholarship, said that the timely support from the Chinese embassy would relieve the financial burden on their families, hence leaving them to concentrate on their academic studies.

"The scholarship is really a great opportunity for us because most of us are facing financial challenges. This is going to reduce the burden on us and make us focus mostly on academics and other activities," Faki said.

"It makes great contributions to the nation's economic, scientific, cultural and educational advances, serving as a key driver of South Sudan toward peace, stability and prosperity," said Ma Qiang, Chinese ambassador to South Sudan.

"This year witnessed the inauguration of the China cultural center, and a flow of visits to China by faculty and students from the University of Juba. In August, 13 Chinese scholars and experts visited South Sudan and were warmly received by the university," Ma added. 
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Charlie Kirks suspected assassin, Tyler Robinson, bragged about his Wordle score to a friend less than an hour before he allegedly pulled the trigger, online messages have revealed.

The 22-year-old Utah man has been charged with aggravated murder after the Turning Point founder and MAGA influencer was fatally shot in the neck on September 10 at an event on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem.

More than 20 former friends, classmates, and colleagues of Robinson, including those who only knew him online, have shared messages and interactions with The Washington Post that provide a glimpse into his life and beliefs.

They described him as an avid gamer who was interested in politics but with no partisan biases, and someone who didnt like hateful people or bullies, while at school, he was a funny but awkward straight-A student.

open image in gallery Charlie Kirks suspected assassin, Tyler Robinson, bragged about his Wordle score less than an hour before he allegedly pulled the trigger, online messages between him and friends revealed ( Copyright 2025 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved )

So much of Robinsons life played out online, according to the profile by the Post, that while en route to the campus in Orem, he was chatting with a friend on a chatroom about how that days Wordle puzzle had taken him three attempts to solve.

At 11:28 a.m. on the morning of September 10, when Robinson had driven to the university, he texted his Wordle score to his friend, according to the messages seen by the newspaper. At 11:51 a.m. Robinson allegedly walked onto the college campus and headed to the roof of the building where students had gathered to hear Kirk speak.

At 12:23 p.m., 55 minutes after Robinson sent the message about the online puzzle, he allegedly fired a single shot and Kirk slumped backward in his chair a moment that was captured on video and quickly spread across social media.

The timing of the messages showed a striking example of the compartmentalization Robinson displayed in the minutes, hours, and days before the shooting, the Post noted.

Robinson followed up with his Wordle friend 80 minutes after Kirk was shot and sent a message on the Discord messaging platform.

You seen this news????? he said, according to the messages seen by the Post. hes reported dead and the footage looks BAD.

open image in gallery The 22-year-old Utah man has been charged with aggravated murder after the Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk was killed on September 10 at an event on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem ( AFP via Getty Images )

Friends told the outlet that even in the years leading up to Robinsons alleged killing of Kirk, he gave away no signs that suggested he was capable of committing such violence.

According to the messages reviewed by the Post, most of the discussion dating back to January 2020 consisted mostly of chitchat, memes and crude jokes.

Robinson, who grew up in the conservative southern Utah city of Washington, was described by one friend as a gaming savant and spent thousands of hours playing some of his favorite games. The newspaper found no evidence that Robinson mentioned Kirk in the chats, though Discord users can delete their own messages and not all of them were preserved.

During the 2020 presidential election, he told a fellow student, Xander Luke, that both the Republican and Democratic parties had failed people.

He didnt think either of the options were good, Luke said of the choice of Donald Trump or Joe Biden.

In high school, a former friend named Erik Wagner described Robinson as somewhat of a recluse. He came off as funny but awkward, a person who made himself hard to know, Wagner told the outlet, adding that the pair drifted during their junior year.

Later, in 2021 when he was training as an electrician at Dixie Technical College, former colleagues said Robinson mostly kept to himself. One recalled that he would often walk around with his hands clenched, and Robinson sat alone at lunch most days.

open image in gallery More than 20 former friends, classmates, and colleagues of Robinson, including those who only knew him online, have shared messages and interactions that provide a glimpse into his life and beliefs ( Utah Governor's Office )

The former co-worker recalled one instance when Robinson broke with routine and joined in. Once, when a co-worker brought his new pistol to show off, Robinson perked up and volunteered that he had once hit a 400-yard shot, the Post reported.

In the years that followed, other friends noticed Robinson had an interest in guns. He loved his guns, he loved his beer, he hated the government. Thats the impression that I got, one friend who regularly played the card game Magic: The Gathering with Robinson in 2024 said.

Around that time, the friends noticed that Robinson started to grow close to one of his two roommates, who authorities said was biologically male and transitioning to female. They had reportedly entered into a romantic relationship.

Robinsons roommate increasingly complained about right-wing politicians, about anti-trans sentiment in Utah and about receiving funny looks from co-workers,one of the friends reportedly told the Post.

Prosecutors shared messages allegedly between Robinson and the roommate, who has not been publicly identified, in the aftermath of the shooting.

I had enough of his hatred, Robinson allegedly said. Some hate cant be negotiated out.

Robinson, who has not entered a plea, made his first in-person court appearance last week as his attorneys argued to limit media access in the case.

He 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.
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The final suspect in a decades-old case dubbed the KFC murders has been identified, Texas officials have announced.

Devan Riggs was named as the last of three men tied to the grisly killings of five people who had been abducted from the fast-food restaurant in Rusk County, Texas, during an armed robbery in 1983.

On the morning of September 24, 1983, the bodies of Opie Hughes, 39, Mary Tyler, 37, Joey Johnson, 20, David Maxwell, 20, and Monty Landers, 19, were found on a remote oil lease in the county.

Apart from Landers, all the victims had worked at the KFC where the violent incident took place.

Tyler was a mother of four and the assistant manager of the restaurant, according to The Dallas Morning News. Hughes was also a mother. Landers, Johnson and Maxwell were all students at Kilgore College.

Each victim had been fatally shot in the back of the head, execution-style, and Hughes had been sexually assaulted, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Investigators determined that all five victims had been abducted from a KFC several miles away, in Kilgore, during an armed robbery the night before, but the case went cold for over 20 years.

open image in gallery The final suspect in a decades old case dubbed the KFC murders has been identified, Texas officials have announced. Devan Riggs was identified as the last of three men tied to the grisly killings of five people who had been abducted from the chicken restaurant in Rusk County, Texas, during an armed robbery in 1983 ( KDFW )

In 2007 and 2008, two men  Romeo Pinkerton and Darnell Hartsfield  were convicted of the killings using DNA evidence collected at the restaurant.

However, one further piece of DNA evidence, collected from Hughes clothing, did not match either man, suggesting the involvement of a third person. Investigations continued, but no further arrests were made.

Then, 40 years after the original incident, in 2023, the Texas Rangers identified the case as being eligible for testing and comparison through DPSs Sexual Assault Kit Initiative program  aimed at bringing historic justice to the family of victims.

In July 2024, the unidentified piece of DNA evidence taken from Hughes clothing was sent for additional advanced DNA testing and genealogy, the results of which came back in May 2025.

The testing led to the identification of one of three brothers living in East Texas as a potential suspect.

In November, further testing confirmed that the DNA was a match to one of the brothers, Devan Riggs. However, Riggs had been deceased for more than a decade, and no arrests were made.

Cases like this highlight the importance of collaborative investigative work between the Texas Rangers and our law enforcement partners to keep unsolved cases alive, ultimately bringing closure to victims families and the community, the Texas DPS said in a statement.
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A United Airlines flight attendant was arrested for battery earlier this year after allegedly tapping an employee from another airline on the shoulder  and new police body cam footage shows what really happened that day at Tampa International Airport

The incident occurred on March 8, when the 58yearold flight attendant, identified in court documents obtained by People as Frederick Fleischmann, encountered a Cayman Airways worker at an employee shuttle bus stop in the airport parking area.

The Cayman Airways worker was reportedly speaking loudly on her phone in French while waiting for the bus to arrive.

According to the womans account to responding officers, as seen in footage published Wednesday by the New York Post, Fleischmann told her to close your mouth before the bus arrived, which she perceived as rude and possibly racially insensitive.

He said its my last week here. Trump is gonna deport me, the woman told police. I was like, Are you racist? Why are you bothering me?

A United Airlines flight attendant was arrested earlier this year after tapping another airline employee on the shoulder during a heated exchange on an employee shuttle bus stop ( Tampa International Airport Police )

The situation escalated once both were aboard the shuttle, with Fleischmann admitting in the bodycam footage that he tapped the woman on the shoulder while asking her to stop speaking loudly. He also allegedly threatened to ensure she was fired from her job.

She calls me a racist over and over and over, Fleischmann told officers just before he was due to board a United flight. She flips me off with her fingers, she tells me to go f*** myself, and I said, All we need is quiet in the shelter.

I did turn around and put my hand on her shoulder, and I said, Can you please stop? And that was the only time I touched her, he continued.

One of the officers then explained to Fleischmann that under Florida law, any intentional, unwanted physical contact can legally constitute battery.

Thats technically a battery, just so you know, the officer said about the alleged incident.

The officers proceeded to arrest Fleischmann on a misdemeanor battery charge and removed him from his flight.

If you wouldn't even have touched her, we just would have left it as verbal, one officer told Fleischmann as they boarded an elevator, as he again admitted to touching the woman.

Fleischmann was later released with the expectation that he would appear in court. However, prosecutors in the State of Florida ultimately dropped the case on May 16, formally abandoning the charges.
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A former manager of the Harvard Medical School morgue in Boston has been sentenced to eight years in prison for stealing and selling body parts "as if they were baubles."

Cedric Lodge was at the centre of a "ghoulish scheme", shipping brains, skin, hands and faces to buyers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere after cadavers donated to Harvard were no longer needed for research.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan Martin cited a "deeply horrifying reality" where Lodge provided skin for tanning into leather and binding into a book.

She added, "In another, Cedric and Denise Lodge sold a mans face  perhaps to be kept on a shelf, perhaps to be used for something even more disturbing."

His wife, Denise Lodge, received just over a year in prison for assisting him. Both appeared in federal court in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday.

Cedric Lodges wife, Denise, was sentenced to just over a year in prison for assisting him ( AP )

Martin said Lodge, 58, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, treated the parts of "beloved human beings as if they were baubles to be sold for profit" and collected thousands of dollars from 2018 through March 2020.

After Harvard finishes using a donated body, typically returned to family or cremated, Lodge, a morgue manager for 28 years, acknowledged removing parts.

His defence attorney, Patrick Casey, called Lodges actions "egregious," stating, "Mr. Lodge acknowledges the seriousness of his conduct and the harm his actions have inflicted on both the deceased persons whose bodies he callously degraded and their grieving families."

Harvard suspended body donations for five months in 2023 when charges were filed.

Prosecutors said at least six others, including an Arkansas crematorium employee, have pleaded guilty in the body-parts trafficking investigation.
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John Paul JP Miller, a Myrtle Beach pastor and the estranged husband of Mica Miller, whose 2024 death by suicide drew attention due to their troubled relationship, was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury on charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators.

According to the indictment obtained by The Independent, JP Miller, the 46-year-old former pastor of Solid Rock Church, allegedly engaged in a pattern of unwanted and harassing communications directed at his estranged wife beginning in November 2022 and continuing through her death on April 27, 2024.

Although Mica Millers death was officially ruled a suicide by the Robeson County Sheriffs Office and the North Carolina Medical Examiners Office in May 2024, her familys allegations of abuse prompted further investigation, culminating in the federal indictment of JP Miller.

Prosecutors allege the behavior included posting a nude photo of Mica Miller online without her consent, repeatedly contacting her  in one instance, more than 50 times in a single day  and causing tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle.

Investigators also say JP Miller interfered with Mica Millers finances, her daily activities, and damaged her vehicles tires.

open image in gallery Former pastor of Solid Rock Church, John Paul JP Miller, was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury on charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators ( Facebook )

In interviews with federal agents, JP Miller is accused of lying about key aspects of his actions.

While he claimed to have hired a private investigator to protect Mica Miller from purchasing firearms due to her alleged mental health issues, prosecutors allege the investigator was in fact employed to cyberstalk her over alleged adultery.

The indictment also states JP Miller denied damaging Mica Millers tires, despite evidence that he purchased a tire deflation device online and sent messages regarding the victims vehicle.

JP Miller now faces a maximum fiveyear prison term on the cyberstalking charge and up to two years for the false statements count, as well as fines potentially totaling $250,000.

His arraignment is scheduled for January 12, 2026, in federal court in Florence, South Carolina.

The Independent has contacted Millers lawyer, Russell Long, for comment.

Mica Millers case captured national media attention since she was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina.

Mica Millers death was officially ruled a suicide by medical examiners, though family and friends publicly expressed concern that it was a staged death by suicide, citing alleged domestic abuse and coercive control by JP Miller, which she had spoken about in social media posts.

Mica Miller filed for divorce from JP Miller twice: first in October 2023, which was dismissed in February 2024, and again on April 15, 2024, just days before her death.

Mica Millers body was found about 131 feet from where her purse, phone, and shell casings were located, leading her family to argue it could not have floated there naturally and may have been moved.

Her body was released to JP Miller and cremated without an autopsy, toxicology report, or gunpowder residue testing, which her family said destroyed critical evidence.

Two of Mica Millers siblings claimed in court documents that she feared for her life during divorce proceedings, with her sister Sierra Francis stating that Mica often said, If I end up with a bullet in my head, it was JP.

open image in gallery Mica Millers family has accused JP Miller, her estranged husband, of playing a part in her death, which was ruled a suicide ( Facebook )

In May 2024, a month after Mica Millers death, the Robeson County Sheriffs Office released footage showing her purchasing a gun and driving to the park, where she called 911, saying she planned to take her own life.

JP Miller has denied any abuse or involvement in his wifes death. Despite ongoing concerns from her family and the attention of social media campaigns using #JusticeForMica, he was never considered a suspect in her death investigation.

In November 2024, the FBI searched JP Millers Myrtle Beach home, though the reasons for the raid remain undisclosed.

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.
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A Mexican drug cartel member, who dramatically faked his own death to evade capture, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in a U.S. prison for his role in laundering money for one of Mexicos most violent narcotics trafficking organisations.

Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa was apprehended in California in November 2024, living under a false identity.

He is notably connected to Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) boss known as El Mencho, as he is the father of Gutierrez-Ochoas long-term girlfriend.

Gutierrez-Ochoa was wanted in Mexico on suspicion of kidnapping two Mexican Navy members in 2021. This act was allegedly committed to secure the release of El Menchos wife, who had been arrested by Mexican authorities, according to an affidavit from a Drug Enforcement Administration agent.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington handed down a sentence of 11 years and eight months in federal prison. Judge Howell underscored the cartels reach, stating that the CJNG is also a "dangerous force" within the United States.

"Its a dangerous way to make a living," Howell remarked. "Its a dangerous way to live."

Addressing the judge, Gutierrez-Ochoa accepted responsibility for his "mistake." Speaking through a translator, he stated: "I regret all of this. Never again will I make a mistake like this in my life."

Prosecutors had sought a 14-year sentence for the 28-year-old, who pleaded guilty in June to conspiring to launder millions in drug trafficking proceeds, describing him as a "dangerous, trained operative" secretly embedded in the US to carry out the CJNGs directives.

"The CJNG kills, tortures, and corrupts to traffic staggering quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs into the United States and elsewhere  all for profiting and enrichment, which in turn fund the cycle of violence, ravaging countless lives and communities," prosecutors wrote.

His lawyers, however, requested a seven-year term, arguing his remorse was genuine. "Mr. Gutierrezs rehabilitation is not performative," they wrote. "It reflects a young man who now fully understands the magnitude of his mistakes and who seeks to rebuild his life with integrity."

Authorities revealed that El Mencho had informed associates he had killed Gutierrez-Ochoa for lying, but in reality, Gutierrez-Ochoa had staged his death and fled Mexico for Riverside, California. Prosecutors detailed how he and his US citizen girlfriend enjoyed a "CJNG-sponsored life of abundance" in a $1.2 million home, purchased with laundered cartel money.

The State Department has offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to El Menchos arrest. In February, Donald Trumps administration designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organisation, providing new tools for prosecuting cartel associates. Judge Howell has also sentenced other CJNG figures, including El Menchos brother-in-law, Jose Gonzalez Valencia, to 30 years in June, and his son, Ruben Oseguera, known as El Menchito, to life in prison in March.
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TikToker Riziki Ilenres death is being investigated by police after fans alleged that she committed suicide on a livestream.

Ilenre died on December 12, with her followers on social media alleging that she had been the victim of online hate. She was 27 years old. On her now-deleted TikTok account, Ilenre often spoke about her mental health struggles and her disability.

When asked about Ilenres death by TMZ , the Montgomery Police Department did not comment on the circumstances of her death.

However, an appeal on Change.org has been launched to encourage lawmakers to pass the Riziki Ilenre Act, with the petition starter alleging that Ilenre had endured relentless harassment from various creators on TikTok.

They mocked her, they made fun of her disabilities, and in the deepest cruelty, they told her to kill herself, the petition starter continued. This relentless bullying and cyber attacks led to a devastating loss, not only for her family and friends but for all of us who witnessed another life taken too soon by such heartless acts.

open image in gallery A probe has been launched into the death of Riziki Ilenre after fans suggested that she committed suicide ( Facebook )

The petition calls for harsher punishments for cyberbullying and for systems that make it easier for victims to report abuse.

Meanwhile, tributes to the influencer have begun to appear across social media.

A spokesperson for the Church Without Walls - Carrollton wrote on Facebook that Ilenre was a bright and brilliant young woman who was preparing to attend law school.

This is not a moment for speculation or easy answers, the statement continued. This is a moment for grieving, compassion, and love.

open image in gallery On her now-deleted TikTok account, Riziki Ilenre often spoke about her mental health struggles and her disability ( Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images )

Walter DAndre Green, a pastor at Ilenres local church, also mourned Ilenre on Facebook, writing that the late TikToker was his daughter - not biologically but absolutely spiritually.

I had the privilege of watching her grow from an awkward sophomore in college into a young woman preparing to take on the world as a law student, he added. She was brilliant, driven, and fearless in thought.

open image in gallery Ilenre is survived by her service dog Chief, who often featured in her videos ( Facebook/Riziki.Ilenre )

One thing about Rizi  she loved to debate.

She thrived in apologetics and theological discourse, and I think thats part of why we were so close. She loved truth, and she wasnt afraid to wrestle with it.

According to Green, Ilenre had worked as a social media director, photographer, and a ministry intern at the church before her death.

Ilenre is survived by her service dog, Chief, whom she often posted on her Facebook account.

She described Chief as goofy yet incredible and said that he gently reminded me to remain present with a reassuring paw on my shoe.

The Independent has contacted the Montgomery Police Department and TikTok for comment.

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 based in the UK and 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 in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you
YAOUNDE, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- At least three Cameroonian soldiers were killed in two separate attacks in the country's war-torn English-speaking region of Northwest, security sources said Thursday.

Early Wednesday, separatist fighters ambushed government forces at a checkpoint in Binshua locality of the region, killing one soldier, an army official in the region told Xinhua.

The official said that two other soldiers, who were part of a patrol in Bangshie locality of the region, were killed on the same day when their vehicle stepped on an improvised explosive device.

"We are sending additional troops to the region to secure end-of-year festivities," said the official, who requested not to be named.

Attacks on civilians and soldiers have intensified in the region since the start of this month, according to security reports by local police.

Since 2017, separatist fighters have been clashing with government forces in a bid to establish an independent nation in Cameroon's English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest. 
DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank Group, has approved a 9.38-million-U.S.-dollar grant to Tanzania to strengthen climate resilience in the Mkondoa catchment.

The catchment is a critical water resource area increasingly affected by floods and drought linked to climate change, the ADF said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Approved on Tuesday, the project, "Enhancing Climate Resilience on Water Resources in Mkondoa Catchment," will be financed through the ADF's Climate Action Window.

It aims to protect vulnerable communities and key infrastructure from recurrent climate shocks while improving water security and livelihoods in central and eastern Tanzania, the statement said.

The project is expected to directly benefit about 774,000 people across the districts of Gairo, Kilosa and Mvomero in the Morogoro region, it said.

Key interventions include strengthening hydrometeorological monitoring and early warning systems, constructing climate-resilient infrastructure such as dikes and check dams, and restoring about 1,200 hectares of degraded watersheds to improve water retention and ecosystem health.

Implementation of the project is projected to generate around 3,500 temporary jobs during the construction phase and about 1,000 long-term jobs, with a strong focus on employment opportunities for women and young people, the statement said.

According to the African Development Bank Group, expected outcomes include reduced impacts of floods and droughts, improved availability of water for households and agriculture, and strengthened institutional capacity for climate adaptation and water resource management. 
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BusinessCompaniesBig four ANZ wont hesitate to wrest more bonuses from executives, says chair Dominic Powell December 18, 2025  9:51am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The chairman of ANZ has indicated it may seek to claw back more bonuses from its executives following a string of misconduct cases across the bank recently, with the major lender receiving its second strike in as many years at its annual general meeting on Thursday. Paul OSullivan told shareholders ANZ would continue to make decisions regarding unvested equity for its former executives as needed, despite the bank currently facing legal action from former chief Shayne Elliott over its denial of $13.5 million in bonuses. I want to be really clear the board can  and will  make future adjustments where appropriate, he said. ANZ chairman Paul OSullivan (left) with chief executive Nuno Matos. Aaron Francis This methodical assessment over an extended period is consistent with the intent of the law, in terms of regulation, following the royal commission, ensuring accountability and alignment over time.

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ANZ has already stripped current and former executives of $32 million in pay in an attempt to show accountability for multiple cases of misconduct at the bank over the past few years. Much of the companys board and executive team have also been replaced. Related Article Updated

Big four Former ANZ boss sues bank after losing $13.5 million in bonuses However, Angus Gluskie, managing director at ANZ shareholder Whitefield, said he believed the bank should instead be focusing on the future, and that clawing back millions from former executives may be more trouble than its worth. I understand that [OSullivan] has to strike a balance, and theyve gone a reasonable way towards finding the dividing line on [recouping remuneration], which, I think, is somewhere close to the mark, he says. But the far more important thing than quibbling about where exactly where that lines drawn is making sure that theyve got a good executive team going forward, who can do a good job at making sure these problems dont occur in the future.

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In September, ANZ agreed to a $240 million penalty to settle four separate legal cases from the corporate watchdog ASIC, including ANZs role as manager in the issuance of a 10-year government bond, where ASIC accused the lender of acting unconscionably. ANZ also cut 3500 jobs during the year, with newly appointed chief executive Nuno Matos facing significant backlash from staff who disagreed with his ambitious change agenda. ANZ is also attempting to claw back $13.5 million in bonuses from its former chief executive Shayne Elliot. Alex Ellinghausen The cost of the redundancies, alongside the fines and other penalties paid by the bank, resulted in ANZ reporting a 14 per cent fall in cash profits to $5.8 billion in the last financial year. The company revealed 32.3 per cent of shareholders had voted against the banks executive pay scheme, above the 25 per cent required to be considered a strike and allowing investors to spill the board and re-elect the companys directors.

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Those resolutions did not pass, however, with just 1.45 per cent voting in favour of a spill. Editor's pick Updated

Earnings season ANZ boss vows to reignite mortgage growth as market share slides Major proxy firms ISS and CGI Glass Lewis recommended their clients vote against the remuneration report, saying that some investors may question whether the consequences are proportionate, given the scale and duration of the underlying failures. At Thursdays AGM, Matos acknowledged the banks failings throughout the year, saying as chief executive, he was ultimately accountable. Despite our good intentions, we have not consistently lived up to the expectations of our customers across all of our businesses, he said. I want to stress to you today that we are going to get back to growth by getting back to basics and relentlessly focusing on customers across every segment and business of ANZ.

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Matos, along with the rest of the companys Australia-based executives, will not receive any short-term bonuses for the last financial year due to the regulatory failings. Both Matos and OSullivan drew the ire of a number of shareholders during the at times combative AGM, with the executive duo facing multiple questions on the companys climate commitments, the ASIC penalties, and its sacking of employees. Shares in the lender were flat just after lunchtime at $36.08. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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BusinessCompaniesExecutive shake-up Woodside CEO Meg ONeill resigns to run global oil giant BP Nick Toscano December 18, 2025  10:05am 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

Woodside chief executive Meg ONeill is leaving Australias largest oil and gas producer to take up a new job as boss of global energy major BP. ONeill has been appointed to succeed Murray Auchincloss on April 1 as the chief executive of London-based BP, one of the worlds biggest energy companies. She will become the first external hire, and the first woman, to hold the role. Meg ONeill has led Woodside since 2021. Now shes moving on. Trevor Collens Her proven track record of driving transformation, growth, and disciplined capital allocation makes her the right leader for BP, said BP chair Albert Manifold in a statement. Woodside on Thursday said Liz Westcott, who runs the companys Australian operations, would take over as acting chief executive until a successor was found.

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ONeill, an American, has been the head of the Perth-based oil and gas giant since 2021. Before joining the company in 2018, she worked for ExxonMobil for 23 years. She has steered Woodside through a period of major growth, including placing significant bets on ongoing global appetite for fossil fuels, even as the world tackles climate change. Under her leadership, Woodside completed its acquisition of mining giant BHPs global petroleum division, started producing oil at the Sangomar field in Senegal, and made final investment decisions to develop the Scarborough gas project in Western Australia and construct a $27 billion liquefied gas export terminal in the United States. ONeill said she was honoured to serve as BPs next chief executive, and was looking forward to working with the BP leadership team and colleagues worldwide to accelerate performance, advance safety, drive innovation and sustainability and do our part to meet the worlds energy needs. Analysts on Thursday said financial markets would view ONeills resignation as a negative for Woodside. Woodsides shares lost 2.7 per cent following the announcement. The temporary appointment of Westacott during the boards search for a permanent chief executive was a recognition of her strong operating focus as chief operating officer of the companys Australian business, RBC Capital Markets said.

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The Woodside board has highlighted the company has a number of highly qualified internal candidates, RBC analyst Gordon Ramsay said. We note seven executive vice presidents report directly to the CEO who have capability to possibly fill Megs role. Related Article Lunch with Trump wants to drill, baby, drill. This Australian giant is happy to help Macquarie analyst Mark Wiseman said Woodside planned to announce a permanent chief executive in the first quarter of 2026. There would undoubtedly be internal candidates such as chief commercial officer Mark Abbotsford and international chief operating officer Daniel Kalms as well as an external search, he said. Brynn OBrien of the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility, a shareholder activist group, said ONeills exit from Woodside presented an opportunity for the company to rethink its strategy. In a historic uprising last year, 58 per cent of Woodsides shareholders voted to reject its decarbonisation strategies as inadequate, while many voiced concerns about the potential risks of developing more oil and gas projects. Investors will be hoping that ONeills departure is a circuit breaker on Woodsides habit of pursuing high-capex, marginal fossil fuel projects, OBrien said.

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Auchincloss, who steps down as head of BP after less than two years in the job, said it was the right time to hand the reins to a new leader. I expressed my openness to step down were an appropriate leader identified who could accelerate delivery of BPs strategy, he said. I am confident that BP is now well positioned for significant growth, and I look forward to watching the companys future progress and success under Megs leadership. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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LifestyleLife & relationshipsAI With ChatGPT, you never have to write another Christmas card. But what kind of person does that make you? Bronte Gossling December 19, 2025  5:15am 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

Carly Scott was making a tree change. But first, she had to leave her job. On her last day, when she opened the farewell card from her former manager, she realised that would have to be left behind too. The offence? It was a little too nice for him to write, says Scott. Handwritten notes, be they a Christmas card or love letter, are meant to be intimate expressions of human emotion. So, do they even count if youve used generative AI to come up with their contents? Aresna Villanueva He had written: You will achieve greatness through your resilience. Nice, if unexceptional. But Scotts Spidey Sense was tingling. It made no sense for someone like him to say that to me because he never really spoke to me or anyone, says Scott, whom he managed for six months. He wasnt the kind of person to do inspirational speeches.

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Loading Personally, I didnt care that my card had AI used on it because I knew it was one of those obligations he had to do, says Scott. But it did feel like a cop-out because he was too lazy to write something [and] pretend to care. Related Article Visual art This artist is a celebrated disruptor. But does her latest project go too far? Nick, a Sydney man who wishes to be identified by his first name only due to privacy reasons, uses ChatGPT for help writing birthday and wedding cards. That doesnt mean they dont come from the heart  Nick says the messages he writes are mainly his own thoughts, memories and ideas.

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Its mainly to get inspiration for the body/filler parts because its easier to pull from ChatGPT than it is to come up with something witty in the moment, he says. We are usually writing the cards in the car as we are pulling up at the event. In theory, its akin to hiring a ghostwriter. J.R. Moehringer wrote Spare, but its Prince Harrys face on the cover. Thats why the memoir moved 3.2 million units globally within its first week of release. What kept people talking about it in the months following  aside from the revelation that he once put Elizabeth Arden lip cream on his frost-nipped penis before Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales royal wedding  was the fact it was the Duke of Sussexs voice pouring out from the pages.

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That can only come from human connection, argues New Zealand wedding celebrant Melanie Vezey. For the couples she marries, Vezey ghostwrites a love letter to read out on their behalf during the ceremony. There are elements of being human that are just not replaceable. Melanie Vezey That involves the couples filling out questionnaires, answering follow-up questions and going back and forth with Vezey, giving feedback and instructions. Part of the skill that a human would have would be [being] able to engage their [intuition], says Vezey. Ive usually met them once on Zoom, and I have a feeling of the synergy between them. Is he more funny? Is she more serious? That kind of stuff. So then I can tune in to write the letters based on that. Related Article HSC Meet the HSC student who built an AI model to detect breast cancer

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Some letters, for which Vezey charges $NZ90 ($79) each, require more emotional intelligence than others. Vezey once had a client ask her to write a final Christmas letter to her terminally ill mother. I said, Oh, thats wonderful. Tell me about her, Vezey recalls. She goes: Well, I hated her guts, but I want closure and I want to say some things and I need to say them properly. You werent there for me and you ruined my life became you showed me how I wanted to be there for my own kids. The client was paying Vezey for a true understanding of her personal circumstance, not an aggregation of publicly available information (LLMs scrape the internet and produce responses based on existing content, including books, journalism and traditional artworks).

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I do not feel that AI can interview you properly  it cant extrapolate. It cant tune in to your feelings, says Vezey. There are elements of being human that are just not replaceable. Sydney copywriter Krisinda Merhi, who charges $300 an hour, has ghostwritten her fair share of letters of wishes, wedding speeches and birthday cards. She can understand how people might sit down and really struggle to write longer-form projects that require more depth, tact or a sounding board. Im almost inclined to say that it feels less OK if its something shorter-form, like a birthday card, says Merhi. Surely you can f---ing write a birthday card. 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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NationalObituaries An understandable voice amid the world chatter Michael Kirby December 19, 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

Dr Keith Douglas Suter, AM

1948-2025 Foreign affairs commentator, human rights advocate and futurist Dr Keith Suter was once called the peace campaigner in a three-piece suit. His life was devoted to helping those people who turned to him to understand the world we live in, finding solutions to resolve conflict peacefully, and improving the human condition. Those close to him marvelled at his energy. In a single day he might appear on Channel Sevens Sunrise program speaking on international affairs, deliver a university lecture, share a cup of tea at Sydneys Wesley Edward Eagar Centre (an emergency accommodation service) and deliver a keynote address at a corporate dinner. Suter died peacefully in a Sydney hospital on December 10 after a long illness.

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Dr Keith Suter is a foreign policy expert with a special interest in the Middle East. He was born in London in 1948 into a family of modest means. He left school at the age of 15 (later describing his early education as disastrous) to take up a clerical role for the Ministry of Defence in London. Here he met influential mentors including early suffragette Dame Kathleen Courtney and former naval commander Vice Admiral John Hughes-Hallett. Both sparked his life-long interest in campaigning for human rights, world peace and universal education. In 1969, aged 21, he left this job to pursue a political science degree at the University of Sussex, the first in his family to attend university. He became a respected teacher and influencer, joining the UKs United Nations Association, the International Law Association and the Anti-Slavery Society. As a leader of UN Youth Action he demanded answers from then British prime minister Ted Heath about Britains neglect in ignoring UN Security Council Resolutions and for selling out to South Africa and apartheid. This gave him a taste for campaigning for human rights and non-discrimination.

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Five Minutes with Fitz Confounded by Trumps Gaza folly? Let my old uni professor enlighten you Peter FitzSimons Columnist and author Reporting on his various activities, The Times more than once commented on his sartorial dress and talent with one-liners. He became a peace campaigner in the three-piece suit who practised his oratory skills at Speakers Corner at Londons Hyde Park on weekends. At this time Suter also embraced Christianity. While studying, he trained as a lay preacher with the Anglican Church and joined the affiliated William Temple Association, a forum for Christian political and social action where saving individual souls was the goal. But saving society from neglectfulness and indifference became of greater importance in his life and work. On receiving a scholarship for the University of Sydney he arrived in Sydney in 1973 to write his first doctorate on the international law of guerilla warfare. Later he completed two further doctorates. He also published 12 books including a bestseller, Keith Suters Global Notebook: 50 things you want to know about world issues  but were too afraid to ask.

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Suter in 1985 as then leader of the Christian Nuclear Disarmament movement, with publications he has written on the subject. Anthony Lewis/Fairfax Media Suter found temporary work at the Central Methodist Mission in Sydney and remained an employee for 32 years. Under the leadership of Sir Alan Walker and, later, Reverend Gordon Moyes, the Wesley Mission allowed him to pursue social responsibility activism in earnest. His platforms ranged from justice for Indigenous Australians, banning uranium mining and campaigning for peace and disarmament, to seeking economic justice for the long-term unemployed. By 1985 Suter was instrumental in creating and engaging in the Uniting Churchs Trinity Peace Research Institute in Perth. This furthered the public understanding of peace, disarmament and conflict resolution through free public seminars, newspaper articles and radio interviews. On returning to Sydney in 1990 he worked as a part-time consultant on social policy for the Wesley Mission. The flexibility gave him more time to pursue his unpaid interests and his goal of becoming engaged as a futurist, and scenario planning.

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His voluntary committee work was prodigious, including 34 years as a member of the Club of Rome (a global think tank on economic and environmental matters); 32 years as chair of the Australian Anti-Slavery Society; 31 years as chair of the Sydney branch of the International Commission of Jurists (NSW); 29 years as director of studies at the International Law Association; 25 years as chair of the Australian Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Committee; and 13 years as president of the UN Association of Australia, at national and state levels. Suter also served on the executive committee of the World Federation of UN Associations, based in Geneva. Between 1985 and 2009 he participated as one of 20 members of the Australian Foreign Ministers National Consultative Committee on International Security Issues. Suter, pictured in 2003. His first degree was in international politics, international law and international economics. He has PhDs in international humanitarian law and the economics of the arms race. Louie Douvis In overcoming deadlocks in committee discussions, in his memorable signature style he would offer some humour and speak of the opportunity to introduce a little glasnost which may lead to perestroika. Suter was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019. He received the Australian Peace Medal in 1986, life membership of the UN Association of Australia in 1999, an Australian Red Cross Distinguished Service Medal in 2007 and a distinguished service award from the Australian Institute of Company Directors in 2005.

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Until weeks before his death Suter continued to participate in media interviews, to write commentaries, speak at conferences and preach to local congregations. He made Australians who were not particularly religious more informed and resilient to the constant changes of modern life. He rolled up his sleeves when he saw a problem, devoting great energy to finding solutions, and offering ideas to solve problems. Change is going to occur anyway, so make the most of it. Change your thoughts and you change your world. Success is a state of mind that becomes a way of life, Suter declared. Suter is survived by his partner, Jane Phelan, and his brother Clive. Michael Kirby, Jane Phelan 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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Follow our live coverage of the Bondi shooting here. Matilda the bumblebee. Matilda, who loved dancing. Matilda, whose last moments were filled with animals in a petting zoo. Matilda, the 10-year-old who was shot dead on Bondi Beach by a man on a bridge, firing indiscriminately at Jews on a Sunday afternoon. On Thursday, her parents, Michael and Valya, had to somehow make sense of the impossible: the murder of a little girl so beloved by her classmates at La Perouse Public School that they gave her an Indigenous nickname: wuri wuri  the little ray of sunshine. The casket of Matilda, the youngest victim of the Bondi massacre, leaves the Chevra Kadisha following her funeral. Kate Geraghty

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They came in their droves, between police cordons and media scrums, to say farewell to Matilda at the Chevra Kadisha Memorial Hall. They wore purple, her favourite colour, and black, the colour of mourning that has engulfed this community. It was as if all the salt in Bondi was spilled in tears down Oxford Street. Inside the memorial hall, Valya was fanned by waves of grief, a visceral, haunting pain that swept all before it. Now Matildas family is struggling to comprehend how Matilda could have been murdered on her way back from cuddling goats in a park perched above Bondi Beach. Matilda, 10, died after being shot at Bondi Beach on Sunday.

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There is no because. We cannot answer, said Rabbi Yehoram Ulman. Everybody thinks it will never happen to me. It will happen to someone else. The tragic, cruel, unfathomable murder of young Matilda is as painful as if our own daughter were taken from us. Ulman buried his son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, on Wednesday. The father of five was mowed down by Sajid and Naveed Akram metres from Matilda. On Thursday, Ulman gave his second eulogy in as many days for a family who had just lost their daughter. Related Article Updated

Bondi shooting I was holding her: Shattered father reveals Matildas final moments as more families share tributes In their unimaginable grief, Matildas parents did not hide away. They came to him to see if he was OK. They had enough in their heart to go and think about another person going through the same thing as them, Ulman said. You gave me strength at the time when you needed strength yourselves.

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Her classmates at La Perouse Public said Matilda was just like her parents. Kind, compassionate and caring. Matilda has an incredible gift for bringing joy to those around her, they said. We have to make sure that it doesnt just remain in our hearts, said Rabbi Ulman. She has to remain alive in our deeds and in how we live our lives. As in life, her death was filled with bears, flowers and bumblebees. Matilda was not just Matilda; she was Matilda Bee. Her image of innocence was printed on stickers worn by every mourner, now spreading throughout the world as an antidote to the darkness that had engulfed Bondi. Balloons arrive for the funeral of 10-year-old Matilda at Sydney Chevra Kadisha. Janie Barrett

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Matilda was a bright and loving soul who taught us that true goodness is in the love and compassion we share, her teacher, Irina Goodhew, said. Her memory reminds us to carry kindness in our hearts and spread it to the world. In her arms, she held a menorah, a Jewish candle lit for every day of Hanukkah. Matilda saw only the first this year before she collapsed in her fathers arms, telling him she was struggling to breathe. They brought her to a safe place, a safe celebration. What could be safer than Bondi Beach? said Rabbi Dr Dovid Slavin. Matildas family travelled with her to Botany cemetery, her hearse followed by NSW Premier Chris Minns, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, state Liberal leader Kellie Sloane and Jewish leaders, as it made its way from Chevra Kadisha Memorial Hall down Oxford Street. Matildas grandmother arrives at the funeral. Getty Images

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We have failed this baby, and we have failed all children, mother of five Chana Friedman whispered as the hearse drove away. Related Article Bondi shooting It was pure chaos: When terror spilt blood at Bondi Beach In Botany, more than 100 friends and family watched as the coffin of a child was lowered into the ground. Mourners took turns shovelling dirt over Matildas coffin, the sounds of heartbreak and keening at times temporarily replaced by a stunned silence. Just two hours earlier, hundreds of mourners had piled out of the same hall to pay their respects to Alex Kleytman, who fled from the Nazis in the Soviet Union as a toddler, only to be gunned down more than eight decades later on Bondi Beach as he celebrated Hanukkah with his wife, Larisa. The couples daughter, Sabina Kleytman, told The Washington Post that her father died doing what he loved most.

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Protecting my mother  he probably saved her life  and standing up and being a proud Jew, she said. The casket of Bondi massacre victim Alex Kleytman is carried from Sydney Chevra Kadisha where the funeral was held. Kate Geraghty On Thursday afternoon, 100 more gathered for Tibor Weitzens funeral at the Chabad of Bondi. Weitzen, known as the lolly man, gave out sweets to children to keep them quiet during community events. Friedman, a relative by marriage, said Weitzen died after throwing himself over his wife, a stranger and her child, as well as Edith Brutman, who also died in the terror attack.

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Friedman said Weizmans daughter, Hanna Abesidon, told mourners on Thursday the family would hold their heads up high and live in his honour. He was a selfless person, Abesidon told Nines Today show on Wednesday. Everybody came first. He was for us. It is just devastating. Tibor Weitzen was farewelled with a service at Chabad of Bondi. Janie Barrett In Melbourne, thousands of mourners converged last night on Lyndhurst cemetery in the citys south-east for the funeral of Reuven Morrison, a 62-year-old father and grandfather who died heroically at Bondi, charging at the shooters and hurling bricks at them. Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann said Morrison was a modern-day Judah Maccabee. Hes someone that single-handedly tried to take on the terrorists. He tried to stop him in his tracks, and if you watch the video like I sadly have, youll see he picks up anything that he can find around him, a stick, a brick, Kaltmann said.

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Related Article Bondi shooting He hasnt left a hole  its a crater: Melbourne grandfather who died charging at Bondi shooters remembered In a funeral hall that was full almost to overflowing, mourners heard an adoring tribute to a devoutly religious man who also had a keen sense of fun. The last few days have been like hell in Bondi, Rabbi Moshe Gutnick, a close friend of Morrisons, told the audience. I know with all the seriousness here, Reuven would want to put a bit of an edge on the seriousness. Morrison was devoted to his wife, Leah, whom he met at Bondi when she was 17. Sometimes his stories would become a bit too colourful and Leah would have to control him. Reuven, Reuven, Reuven, she would say, and he would almost instantly comply.

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Faith was increasingly central to his life. He wanted to do everything devoutly. He would not move left or right without asking the rabbi, Gutnick said. Mourners gathered at the funeral of Reuven Morrison in Melbourne on Thursday evening. Simon Schluter Funeral after funeral now proceeds along the streets of Sydneys east. At least two more will be held tomorrow. Up to a dozen will have made the journey to Rookwood, Botany, North Ryde cemetery by the time the Jewish community begins its next Sabbath on Friday, without the children, the mothers and fathers that filled their dining tables on the eve of Hanukkah only six days ago. Each is marked by the same dark sorrow and anger. Anger at politicians for not doing enough, anger at police for not being prepared, and anger at the world, which cannot seem to find a safe place for Jews to mourn.

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Instead, dozens of police searched under cars for bombs at a funeral for a 10-year-old in Sydneys east on Thursday. It is a despicable way we are being forced to exist, the co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Alex Ryvchin, told ABC Radio. That fact is, to bury our dead and mourn, we have to have upgraded levels of security. It just shows the appalling state we have allowed our country to get to. That is, leaving aside 15 people were murdered like livestock at a family event to mark a religious holiday at Bondi Beach. Bondi Beach incident helplines: Bondi Beach Victim Services on 1800 411 822

Bondi Beach Public Information & Enquiry Centre on 1800 227 228

NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511  or Lifeline on 13 11 14

 or Lifeline on Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au

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NationalNSWBondi shooting As sand rearranges and hearts start to heal, Bondi eases into a different normal Harriet Alexander December 18, 2025  5:47pm 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

Follow our live coverage of the Bondi shooting here. As the tide came in for the seventh time after the Bondi Beach massacre, the sand rearranged itself, the promenade reopened and the early morning fitness set returned. Soon it was teeming with its usual mix of the beautiful and the weird: runners, amblers, shufflers, swimmers, surfers, chatters in every tongue, pram pushers, dog walkers and made-up women wearing lycra, with mobile phones linked to their headphones. Shoes left behind by those fleeing the massacre that left 15 people dead. KATE GERAGHTY Bondi began to be reclaimed by sunbathers four days on from the attack. Janie Barrett

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The Bondi promenade has reopened after Sundays terror attack. KATE GERAGHTY They paused at shoes lined up along the beach to take photos and mourn the victims. How you going, brother? one lifeguard called out to a local man. Much better today, the man replied. We will not be crying today. The area behind the Bondi Pavilion remained a crime scene and police officers stood in twos and threes about the car park. Cleaners came and went from North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, removing traces of the makeshift casualty ward that appeared there on Sunday night.

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Mourners embrace at the Bondi memorial. Oscar Colman Tributes to those killed at Bondi Beach. Oscar Colman It will return to business on Saturday, and volunteer lifesavers will begin duty at 8.15am, after observing a minutes silence with their comrades from Bondi SLSC and Tamarama SLSC, standing shoulder to shoulder on the sand. By 8.30am, the flags will be up. Related Article Bondi shooting As if our own daughter were taken from us: Matilda farewelled in funeral for little ray of sunshine For now, they were still trading stories of the carnage. The man who took his granddaughter for an ice-cream 10 minutes before the first shot was fired, the ice-cream that might have saved her life. The volunteer lifesaver who ran towards the gunshots and held together the bodies of the victims.

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At the southern end of the beach, four men set up a game of volleyball while surfers peeled out of the water to head to work. At 10.30am, red and yellow flags returned to the middle of the beach for the first time since the attack. People were swimming anyway. They might as well be safe. The row of flowers behind the lifeguard tower was almost as wide as the flags and dotted with assorted objects. There was a cluster of candles, a box of beads and string, a bag of soil besides some poppy seeds, the sketch of an Anzac Digger, various soft toys, a knitted purse with a Star of David pattern and a painting of menorah  the Jewish candles lit at Hanukkah  and dove over the ocean, above the caption Matilda RIP 14/12/25  Bondi, a sea of tears. There were messages from Germany, Canada, Italy, Chile and Darwin, messages written in French, Hebrew and Japanese. On Friday morning, local board riders will take part in a paddle-out. Bondi Beach incident helplines: Bondi Beach Victim Services on 1800 411 822

Bondi Beach Public Information & Enquiry Centre on 1800 227 228

NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511  or Lifeline on 13 11 14

 or Lifeline on Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au

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NationalNSWCourts Former Labor MP Craig Thomson jailed over migration and COVID scams Clare Sibthorpe and Kate McClymont December 18, 2025  4:59pm 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 federal Labor MP and serial fraudster Craig Thomson has been jailed for a maximum of four years for committing a migration scam, including faking documents about a baby, as well as for a COVID payments fraud. The former national secretary of the Health Services Union, whose fraud-riddled history was first investigated by this masthead 16 years ago, stole cash from people seeking to secure long-term Australian visas, acting as a middle man between them and registered migration agents. Serial fraudster Craig Thomson has been jailed for committing migration and COVID scams. Janie Barrett At Sydneys Central District Court on Friday, Judge Robert Newlinds said Thomson resorts to crime when he needs money. Im sorry to say that, in my judgment, the offender has a character flaw: he is dishonest.

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As Thomson was jailed for four years, with a non-parole period of two years and six months, the 62-year-old bowed his head and appeared to type on his phone. The embattled former member for Dobell was attempting to forge a new career after leaving politics, Newlinds said, when he arranged to help a company sponsor immigrants to Australia to work in its factories. Thomson did not divulge that factory workers were not qualified for the sponsorship scheme, and promised the company a training fee for each successful applicant. Receiving access to the companys business and financial records, he submitted fraudulent documents to a registered migration agent to assist applications between 2017 and 2020. He forged the signature of the factory companys boss and wrote up fake contracts to pretend the candidates were applying for eligible roles. He also fabricated organisational charts for non-existent positions.

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Newlinds said Thomson knew the documents were fabricated, fraudulent and misleading. Three applications were successful, gaining Thomson $45,000 for his services. Thomsons history is riddled with financial crime. Pat Scala In 2019, the factory company told Thomson they did not need more workers, but he continued to use fraudulent documents to advise migration agents that he could secure permanent residencies through sponsorships at the factory company. Those applications were refused, but Thomson still received a total of $35,000. The court heard he has refunded $2000.

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One applicant had asked for a baby to be included in the sponsorship application. Thomson wrote a fake letter purporting to be from the factory company, saying they had agreed to meet the additional burden of sponsoring a child. Newlinds said Thomson misled a Commonwealth official and seriously breached the trust of people seeking to live and work in Australia, as well as Australian taxpayers. He said the substantially serious crimes involved high degrees of dishonesty... and some sophistication to hide his involvement. In another scam, Thomson defrauded the Commonwealth JobKeeper COVID scheme of more than $60,000. He lodged tax forms on behalf of a closed-down cafe on the NSW Mid North Coast, falsely showing the business was entitled to JobKeeper payments. The offender did so knowing that the cafe and its owners had no knowledge of this and that the cafe was no longer operating, Newlinds said.

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He received 11 payments totalling $61,800, which landed in a business bank account controlled by him and deceptively opened in the name of the cafe. Newlinds found Thomson committed the offences for financial reasons  likely to repay debts  but described the Crowns characterisation of greed as an oversimplification. The former member for Dobell committed the frauds while seeking to forge a new career post-politics, the court heard. Alex Ellinghausen The stark reality is that the offender has offended before in similar ways... being caught, convicted and sentenced, he said. Accepting that the offender has a complex psychological make-up, Ive concluded that part of that make-up is an inability to understand why it is wrong to deal with people or governments dishonestly for any purpose, let alone the purpose of obtaining money.

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The judge found Thomson expressed remorse and contrition, but was of a significant re-offending risk. Thomson had pleaded guilty to three counts of delivering false documents under the Migration Act and one count of deceptively obtaining a financial advantage from the Commonwealth. The Australian Border Force (ABF) began investigating the visa scam in 2019, alongside the Australian Federal Police (AFP), AUSTRAC and Department of Home Affairs. In 2009, the Sydney Morning Herald first revealed that Thomson had used his Health Services Union credit card to pay $6000 for the services of sex workers. He also withdrew more than $100,000 in cash and bankrolled his 2007 election campaign for the central coast seat of Dobell. Thomson sued the Sydney Morning Herald for defamation over the story, but dropped the case in 2011 when further overwhelming evidence emerged, including that his drivers licence number and signature were on credit card vouchers issued by a Surry Hills escort agency.

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Thomson did not have the funds to pay Fairfax Medias costs of $240,000 plus another $100,000 of his own costs. With Labor in a minority government and bankrupts unable to sit in parliament, the NSW Labor Partys then-boss Sam Dastyari organised for the party to pay Thomsons legal debts. Related Article Courts Former Labor MP Craig Thomson pleads guilty to COVID-19 grant fraud Thomson promptly emailed friends and federal party colleagues claiming victory over Fairfax Media. But Fair Work Australia (FWA) was also investigating the allegations against Thomson for rorting his credit card. In April 2011, while on a $24,000 taxpayer-funded overseas study trip, the findings of which he plagiarised in his report to parliament, Thomson phoned FWA from his Paris hotel to inform investigators that Fairfax Media had settled the defamation case.

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Thomson claimed this was because the papers handwriting expert had concluded the signatures on the credit card forms [for brothel receipts] were forged. There was no such handwriting expert. His claim that he had provided alibi evidence which proved he could not have used the sex workers at the stated times was also a lie. Incensed, Fairfaxs lawyers wrote to Thomson, saying his evidence was false and deliberately misleading and demanded that he tell the truth. He ignored these demands. In September 2011, the Herald revealed that both Thomson and HSU head Michael Williamson had received secret commissions from a union supplier. The pair had been given American Express Cards by the unions printer, who, in turn, was grossly overcharging the union for printing its newsletter.

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Thomson was suspended from the Labor Party in 2012 and lost his seat, which he contested as an independent, at the 2013 federal election. Related Article Thomson: new credit card claims In March 2014, Williamson was jailed for five years for what District Court Judge David Frearson described as his parasitic plundering of union funds for pure greed. Although he pleaded guilty to stealing $1 million from the union, it was estimated that Williamson may have stolen about $20 million. Later that same month, Thomson was sentenced to a jail term in Victoria over multiple fraud and theft charges for rorting his former union. But he was to have better luck. His conviction was overturned due to a technicality that the money was the property of the bank rather than the union. He was ordered to repay the union, but he never did.

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In 2022, the former MP was convicted of using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend his former wife. He was sentenced to an 18-month conditional release order. Last year, he was again spared jail after pleading guilty to rorting $25,000 in COVID-19 grants. He also pleaded guilty to breaching domestic violence orders. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
WINDHOEK, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Namibia officially launched its National Energy Compact on Thursday, marking the country's formal entry into Mission 300, with the primary objective of reversing its current reliance on importing energy.

Mission 300 is a major initiative led by the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank and partners to bring electricity to 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

The launch in Windhoek, Namibia's capital, officiated by Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy Modestus Amutse, positions Namibia as a key player in the continental effort to address energy poverty.

Amutse said Namibia currently generates only about 40 percent of its own electricity, with the remaining 60 percent being imported from neighboring providers.

"Energy security is economic security, and we must change this trajectory. This means investing in generation but also addressing transmission bottlenecks," he said.

According to Amutse, the compact, which is the result of a disciplined consultation process that began in January at the Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania, anchors energy access firmly within the country's national development goals.

"Under the Sixth National Development Plan, Namibia has committed to connecting 200,000 households within the planned period," he said, adding that the National Energy Compact provides the coordinated framework to deliver on that commitment.

Meanwhile, Namibia, under its National Integrated Resource Plan, has set clear ambitions to reach 80 percent electricity self-sufficiency and to achieve 70 percent renewable energy penetration in its generation mix.

While the strategy leans heavily on Namibia's solar and wind resources, Amutse highlighted a potential shift toward nuclear power.

"We are also endowed with some of the most significant uranium resources in the world. If we are serious about long-term decarbonization, affordability, and reliability, nuclear energy must be part of the conversation," he said. 
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Updated NationalQueenslandSchools The elite Brisbane high school where eight boys got the states top grade Rosanna Ryan and Catherine Strohfeldt Updated December 19, 2025  1:57pm ,first published December 18, 2025  11:05pm 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 high schools across Brisbane farewell their graduating class of 2025, one elite boys school in the inner city may have the most to be proud of. A total of 37 students earned the states top mark, an ATAR of 99.95. Not all schools share a detailed breakdown of student marks, but those that taught these high achievers are celebrating it. Heres our list of schools that the top students attended, with names of students where the schools have shared them publicly. Brisbane Girls Grammar, Brisbane Grammar School and Mansfield State High School. Brisbane Times/Supplied Brisbane Grammar School in Spring Hill said on Thursday it had seven students who achieved an ATAR of 99.95, including the dux, Benjamin Li. On Friday, it updated that figure to eight.

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In an article on the schools website, Li said that at BGS he had learned the value of discipline and hard work. It feels good to have that hard work recognised, he said. Its neighbour, Brisbane Girls Grammar, has four students who scored 99.95: Saathvika Maturu, Zara Walsh, Mei Mei Zhang and Grace Gong. Over in East Brisbane, the Anglican Church Grammar School, known as Churchie, has three boys with the top mark. Another school with three top achievers is Mansfield State High School, a large public school on Brisbanes southside. Students Nevindie Botheju, Doris Wei and Andrea Wang all achieved an ATAR of 99.95, with their school praising their quiet determination, resilience and integrity.

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Somerville House, the private girls school in South Brisbane, has two  Rachel Chen and Ee Lin Saw  with the school posting that they were incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. Related Article High school Mixed bag of emotions as students receive ATAR results Inner-city Catholic girls school All Hallows had one student with a 99.95 ATAR: Eliza Lee. St Josephs Nudgee College at Boondall had one also, Lucian De Wet, as did their Spring Hill rivals St Josephs Gregory Terrace, with Cooper Dooley. Co-ed private school John Paul College had one student with the top rank, Chanu Jung, while Indooroopillys Ambrose Treacy College celebrated the same result with its dux Lachlan Kunde.

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At the selective Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT), students earn an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, which can be converted into an ATAR. While not one of the 37, graduate Katherine Lu was called out by the states tertiary admissions centre earlier in the day as one of the states top achievers. Similarly, St Peters Lutheran College had one of its IB program students achieve an equivalent of 99.95  also not included in the states count of 37 top-ranking students. The Indooroopilly co-educational private school also counted two of its students among the states highest-achieving year 12s, with a rank of 99.95. On the Gold Coast, Somerset College at Mudgeeraba had what it called its best results ever, with three students achieving 99.95. St Hildas student Sarah Bigg and AB Paterson Colleges Matilda Grant also got top marks.

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Sunshine Coast Grammar School celebrated the 99.95 ATAR of student Nicholas Heeks, who in turn paid tribute to his supportive friends and passionate teachers. Outside the states south-east corner, Townsville Grammar School praised two girls, Harini Ramesh and Winnie Shaw, for their top achievement. 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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NationalQueenslandIllness Gastro, measles and a mutant flu: The illnesses threatening Christmas Courtney Kruk December 18, 2025  5:01pm 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

Health experts have warned of a new mutant strain of influenza circulating ahead of Christmas, as the state battles an unseasonal rise in cases following a record-breaking flu season. Data for the year to date shows more than 95,000 cases of influenza recorded in Queensland this year  the highest yearly total in a decade, and 21 per cent higher than the same time last year. NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia have all reported unusually high rates of flu infections for the time of year, driven in part by a new strain of influenza A H3N2 known as subclade K. A new strain of influenza, mosquito borne viruses and gastro are just some of the illnesses experts are warning against this holiday season. AFR Director of infectious diseases at Mater Health Professor Paul Griffin said subclade K was particularly troubling as the strain emerged after this years influenza vaccine was developed.

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Because [the strain has] changed, it means that past infection doesnt help [reduce severity or provide much immunity] either, he said. Related Article Updated

Queensland government Not going to force people: Bleijie OK with countrys worst flu jab rate Queensland was also at risk because of low vaccination rates, with Griffin warning people to approach the holiday season with caution. Normally, the environmental conditions this time of year are less conducive to flu transmitting, so we do see cases reduce over summer, he said. But with this new subclade, reduced vaccination rates, people doing less to control the spread and the fact the year began with a high number of cases over summer already  the risk at the moment is higher than wed normally see.

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People should pay attention to that and take some simple steps to reduce the risk, especially as they travel and celebrate together over the holiday season. Queensland was revealed to have the lowest influenza vaccination rates in Australia earlier this year, despite a $675,000 campaign for free vaccinations. During the peak of the flu season, an average of 227 public hospital beds were occupied by flu patients, almost half over the age of 65. Griffin said the latest data showed around 66 people admitted to hospital with the flu: Thats a significant number of beds occupied, and we know that number would be less if our vaccine rates were higher. Nearly 1700 cases of flu were recorded last week (December 8-14), with rates highest among children under 18 years of age, followed by adults aged over 75.

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But influenza is not the only concern this holiday season. Queensland Health issued a warning on Wednesday for mosquito-borne viruses such as Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), with wet and warm weather, and increased outdoor activities, heightening the risk of infection. Two people died in Queensland earlier this year after contracting Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). More than 650 cases of Ross River virus infection and over 160 cases of Barmah Forest virus infection have been recorded in the year to date. Three cases of JEV, a rare but potentially serious illness, were reported in Queensland, with two resulting in death. They were the first recorded fatalities in the state since the virus first appeared on the Australian mainland in 2022.

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Communicable Diseases Branch executive director Dr Heidi Carroll urged Queenslanders not to be complacent about protective measures such as clothing and insect repellant. Related Article Measles outbreak Measles alert issued for inner-city and north of Brisbane If you dont get bitten, you cant get infected, she said. Its important to remember that some mosquito borne viruses can be very dangerous and can result in serious illness or even death. Other warnings have been issued for cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal illness which can be contracted by swallowing contaminated water, and measles, with several recorded outbreaks across Queensland this year.

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Crypto cases are most common in children up to the age of nine and among adults aged between 30-39. While not unique to Queensland, the state records consistently high numbers compared to other parts of Australia, with more than 6100 cases recorded in 2024. Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and loss of appetite. Because people with cryptosporidiosis can remain infectious even after symptoms settle, they should avoid swimming while they have diarrhoea and for two weeks after it has stopped, Carroll said. A measles alert remains in place for north Brisbane, with the last known infectious case spending time at the Caboolture Hospital Emergency Department in late November. 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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Letters NationalVictoriaLetters A time for cool heads and compassion December 18, 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. In the context of the Bondi massacre, Shaun Carney (Comment, 18/12) refers correctly to Coalition politicians as using this rotten situation to score political points. There is arguably a watershed moment here in terms of Australian political conventions relating to bipartisanship in fraught times. It is one thing for Josh Frydenberg to express eloquently the profound impact upon him and the Jewish community of antisemitic acts in Australia. He is a substantive figure whose observations and criticisms of the Albanese governments security policies need to be heeded, as the federal treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has acknowledged. Conversely, Coalition representatives have in recent days debased the national discourse with attacks on the PM having scant regard for social harmony. Crude political partisanship of the politicking kind have been their stock in trade. Anthony Albanese is far from flawless but he is a decent individual who cares for Australians. He has inherited a volatile security situation which, as Carney points out, predates in some ways the ALP coming to office. As PM, he would be aware that he must unite a nation where distant Middle Eastern traumas resonate within the family homes of Jewish and Gazan communities. At present, the former must take priority. This is a time for cool heads and compassion.

Jon McMillan, Mornington Albanese backers deluding themselves

Josh Frydenberg lays out in great detail all of the actions that the PM couldve taken since October 7, 2023 to make Australia a much safer place for Australian Jews. I suggest that anyone reading this who still maintains that Anthony Albanese has done all in his power to reduce, if not eliminate, the scourge of antisemitism in this country is delusional.

Geoff Feren, St Kilda East When going public is worse thing to do

Imagine if John Howard and Josh Frydenberg had picked up the phone to Anthony Albanese, gave him an earful for what they believe are his failures, but then said they would hold their fire for now and do everything they could to help him help the nation through this awful moment. By rushing instead to public criticism and recrimination they abandoned the statesman and healing roles they could have filled. They have made it harder for all of us.

Geoff Thompson, Coburg

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PM must take primary responsibility

The shocking rise in antisemitism in this country has occurred under Anthony Albaneses government, with support from the Minns and Allan governments. But as the nations leader it is Albanese who must take prime responsibility for allowing this to happen. Blaming John Howard and Sussan Ley for pointing out his obvious failings is, frankly, pathetic. Why is it playing politics to say what everyone can see for themselves, that Labor governments have allowed antisemitism to flourish in Australia? Now stand by for a round of condemnation against Josh Frydenberg, another Liberal with the temerity to point out the obvious.

Greg Hardy, Upper Ferntree Gully Political pointscoring undermines us

It is fair to be critical of the government for failing to properly investigate the perpetrators of the Bondi outrage when there were serious indications of their possible intent. But the Coalitions accusations that Anthony Albanese has been condoning antisemitism and this contributed to the massacre is wrong. Do they believe, for instance, that if Australia had gone all the way in support of Benjamin Netanyahus approach to the Palestinians in Gaza that this tragedy could not have happened? And that it would never have occurred with the Coalition in power? Australias complex multiculturalism contributes so much to our success as a nation, but within this mix there are tensions that extremists are ever ready to exploit, and not only emerging from the mire of antisemitism. In 2019, an Australian from the ultra right was responsible for the attacks in Christchurch where 51 Muslim worshippers were killed. Point-scoring in a time of crisis like this undermines our political system as a whole.

Peter McCarthy, Mentone THE FORUM A global problem

As a member of the Australian Jewish community, I take great offence at the accusations by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu levelled at Anthony Albanese. Netanyahu couldnt protect the Jews of his own country from a terrorist attack in October 2023 that resulted in the massacre of 1200 people and the kidnapping of another 250.

There is a problem of antisemitism in Australia, but its a worldwide problem and it didnt start two years ago.

Labor and Coalition governments at both state and federal levels have  for decades  presided over a situation where Jewish schools, synagogues and businesses need security protection. Meanwhile, recent attempts to strengthen hate speech and anti-vilification laws have been met with howls of protest about the right to free speech, efforts to promote tolerance and acceptance are labelled as woke, and tech oligarchs refuse to police the vile content posted on their platforms.

The terrible reality is that the internet, dark web and ironically named social media have made it so easy to spread hate, fear and suspicion.

Unless and until we  the citizens  put down our phones and start relating to each other as people, eliminating antisemitism and other forms of bigotry and hatred will remain a fine ideal that wont happen anytime soon.

Donna Cohen, Southbank And so it starts again

The line Evil has hijacked my religion for its own agenda from your correspondent (Letters, 18/12) stood out for me. It resonated because the abuse of religion to justify evil acts applies widely across many religions and it has been going on for centuries. This has resulted in not only the atrocities that we saw this week, but also the Hamas attack on October 7 and the genocidal response from the Netanyahu administration. As each atrocity occurs, the response is then hijacked again by those not intent on ending the endless cycle but in pursuing retribution and their own political agenda. These centuries-old animosities will never end while we allow the pattern to repeat. After every crisis, there are many who try to bring us together, but too often they are unable to be heard over the noise emanating from those who want revenge or more cynically see an opportunity for political pointscoring.

Graeme Henchel, Yarra Glen

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Respect needed for all

Where do antisemites learn their hatred? From their family? From social media or their friendship groups? It seems a reasonable assumption that few would have personally experienced a negative interaction with a Jewish person.

Judaism is simply a religion, one of many in the world. What singles it out for particular enmity? Why cant we just respect the religious beliefs of all of our citizens?

Terry Black, Black Rock Teach the children well

Your correspondent (Letters, 17/12) may be heartened to learn a teacher of my acquaintance has spent recent weeks in a government secondary school educating students about the Holocaust, fascism and democracy.

The young people were thirsty for the knowledge and their questions were profound.

There is hope.

Jane Ross, San Remo We can rise above this

I am a little tired of reading how so many community leaders are upset with the prime minister over the Bondi shooting. I understand that, of course, the prime minister is a lightning rod for anger in the community when we are unsure where to channel our outrage. But there is someone  the man accused of 15 counts of murder and an act of terrorism.

It was clearly their goal to divide the community with this killing, and it seems to me as though they might have succeeded. When we blame our political opponents for a mass shooting, it doesnt help anyone.

Politicians, speaking on how unfair things are, need to step up and lead. If you think the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is not acting how he should, then demonstrate how you would bind the wounds of a country and not just point fingers.

Let us come together please. Can we show the world that we can rise above these horrors and grieve without looking for someone else to blame.

Let the accused face justice.

William Champness, Geelong Party preferences

One cannot help but wonder if John Howard and Josh Frydenberg, although no doubt genuinely appalled by the Bondi shootings, would have been so vocal about sheeting home the blame had Anthony Albanese been a Liberal. Suspect not.

Ross Hudson, Mount Martha Something to contribute

It appears to me that most of the recent contributors to The Age, when taken as a group, have a more broad-based, multicultural, informed, selfless, sensible, reasoned, collaborative and compassionate approach to the recent Bondi events than politicians.

The Age contributors sound like the community independents.

Jenny Callaghan, Hawthorn

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Tighten gun laws

All those politicians and ex-politicians blaming the government for Bondi are missing the point. There is nothing the government could have done to stop this, because the two gunmen were not motivated by anything that is happening here.

All the education in the world would not have changed their minds. Cracking down on protesters would only have reinforced their belief that they were on some sort of holy mission. And assuming that our security agencies can identify every violent offender is wishful thinking.

But what we can see from this horrendous event, is the importance of gun control. Imagine if the men had had access to semi automatics?

Now lets imagine how much harder it would have been for them to commit this act if they had not been allowed to own more than one rifle  or if they had been required to keep their gun locked up at a gun club  or if they had to renew their license annually and go through the vetting process each time?

Without our existing gun laws, this could have been far, far worse. With updates to those laws, we can further reduce the chance of it happening again to another group of innocent people and thats something the government can do.

Pamela Kaplan, Caulfield South Only farmers need them

Its time to take gun laws seriously. If people want to shoot, they should go to a gun range where they can hire them and do target practice. Guns have no place in society. You only have to look at America to realise that.

The only people who should have guns are farmers.

Rita Reid, Port Melbourne Why the hatred?

Labor MP Josh Burns has downplayed stronger gun control, saying the guns used were merely the how of the massacre.

He made the valid point that the focus should be on the why. The why was antisemitism.

I disagree. Antisemitism is not the explanation nor the answer; its part of a much bigger question.

If we are to stop these events happening, we must ask why hatred, be it antisemitism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, racism, misogyny, or any other form of hating that other mob, exists.

Why do people of one group hate people of a different group?

If we can answer that question, then all those other labels become irrelevant and we can focus on teaching people to live together and celebrate each others cultural, religious, national, and whatever differences.

Murray Nicholas, Vermont South Two pros, no cons

Why cant a person be both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine?

David Zemdegs, Armadale The hard search

If there is anyone, anywhere, who can stamp out racism and antisemitism, I would like to meet them.

Roger Christiansz, Wheelers Hill

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Renewables arent free

Your correspondent (Letters, 18/12) introduces reduced power costs as the principal reason why we should embrace the roll-out of renewables, and adds global fossil fuel price variations and environmental advantages as additional reasons for us to embrace them.

Cheaper power costs need to be weighed up against the practical and aesthetic costs of erecting windmills everywhere, and similarly erecting renewables power towers and lines on and over productive farming lands.

There is no such thing as a free renewables lunch.

Peter Drum, Coburg Forever questioning

What is a clear necessity for our kids is the need to change how their world is operating (Stop steering your kids away from the humanities, 18/12) in order to adapt both themselves and it for survival.

To change anything which is not working, it has to be questioned, rather than accepted. Questioning a status quo with intent to develop solutions first requires understanding of why it is not working.

The half-baked federal government policy in Australia of humanities degrees being very expensive and STEM degrees very cheap is an example of what happens when democracy and the free market miss the point of their existence by not questioning the status quo.

Ruth Farr, Blackburn South Photo: Matt Golding AND ANOTHER THING

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Bondi

Could the politicians, and aspiring politicians, show some respect, by reserving their views, at least until after mourners have been able to farewell their loved ones.

Matthew Hamilton, Kew The most effective thing that could be done to reduce antisemitism would be for the Israeli government to stop its genocidal behaviour towards the Palestinians.

Bill OConnor, Beechworth I cant remember Josh Frydenberg being as vocal against Benjamin Netanyahu for not doing enough to prevent the attacks on October 7, 2023.

Simon Williamson, West Footscray It seems ISIS have achieved their goal of creating disharmony. When we should be standing together as a nation, we are instead playing the blame game.

Jane Taylor, Newport How many of those criticising the supposed lack of action by the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have actually nominated the actions they would take if in his position?

Terry Bourke, Newtown

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Like most Australians, I am very upset with what has happened in Bondi. To blame Anthony Albanese for the actions of the two gunmen is grossly unfair and to conflate protesters as antisemitic is ridiculous.

Paul Chivers, Box Hill North Why do people have to blame someone when a killer strikes? Surely, it is the killer who did it?

Susan Munday, Bentleigh East One could also severely restrict ammunition for any guns. Without ammunition guns dont work.

Lesley Taskis, Kingsbury Is there anything the Netanyahu government could do to help stem the tide of antisemitism?

Peter Walker, Black Rock Finally

Thank god for wombats, they leave good news (18/12) and if we ever needed them, its now.

Margaret Skeen, Pt Lonsdale
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Teenagers have brawled on Mordialloc beach for the second time in two days, after police urged parents of the marauding brat pack who stormed a supermarket before fighting on the beach on Wednesday to dob in their children. Video on social media showed a large group of teenagers fighting on Mordialloc beach about 5.30pm on Thursday, a day after a 150-strong group clashed with police on the same stretch of sand. Police said they will increase their presence in the area over coming days. Joe Armao Police were called to Main Street, Mordialloc, about 5pm after reports of a large group of youths in the area. A number of units attended and most of the crowd moved on, a police spokesperson said. About 5.30pm police received reports of two people being assaulted near the Mordialloc Pier. Police were quickly on scene and again dispersed the crowd.

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Officers spoke to two people who did not wish police involvement. Officers are still patrolling Mordialloc and surrounding areas. On Wednesday afternoon, a large group of teens gathered on the beach about 3pm before storming a nearby Woolworths, knocking over shelves, throwing products, shoplifting and abusing staff and customers. The group left the supermarket and a violent brawl broke out between the teenagers on the beach. Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill described the storming of the supermarket as terrifying and called on the teenagers parents to report them to Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000) before officers come knocking on their doors. Loading

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Police believe the group, aged between 14 and 17, may have organised to meet on Wednesday afternoon via TikTok, despite a national social media ban for Australians under 16 beginning last week. Yesterday afternoon was a terrifying event ... for the retail workers in that Woolworths store and also the mums and dads and children that were there, potentially doing their Christmas shopping, Hill said. We had 150 marauding youths, a brat pack, if you like, enter that store ... damaging items in the store, stealing items in the store. I understand abusing people within that confine. When the group began brawling on the beach, police were called in to disperse them. Hill said that when police arrived, some of the teenagers turned on officers, pelting them with bottles of water, forcing police to use capsicum spray to quell what he described as riotous behaviour. Video shows an officer slamming at least one teenager to the ground.

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A 15-year-old boy, from the Greater Dandenong area, was arrested but has since been released pending further inquiries. A police spokeswoman said three other people were spoken to at the scene and released. No injuries were reported. Hill vowed police would not stop until they had found every teenager involved in the incident. Mark my words  each and every child offender that was observed recorded on CCTV, recorded on social media, or our body-worn camera will be spoken to by Victoria Police. Its better that you proactively contact police, rather than waiting for us to knock on your door in about two or three weeks time, if not earlier, he said.

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He said initial investigations suggested the young people were from the local area, including surrounding suburbs such as Bentleigh and Black Rock, and that officers had to quickly deploy riot and water police as well as the air wing. Quite frankly, weve got better things to do than deploy to 150 youth causing mayhem on the beach, he said. Michael Donovan, state secretary of the union for retail workers, said no worker should ever fear for their safety while doing their job. What our members experienced at Woolworths Mordialloc yesterday was very distressing and completely unacceptable. The SDA condemns this behaviour in the strongest terms and stands with every worker affected. On Thursday, a separate fight broke out at the St Kilda pier.

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Police said they were called to the pier at 1pm on Thursday after reports a man had been assaulted by at least two other males. A video on social media shows a man in a pink polo shirt and long pants clutching his mouth and being followed by a swarm of excited teenagers. As the man breaks into a run, the group chase him down, and he is allegedly assaulted. It is believed a man was approached by at least two male offenders on Pier Road and an altercation occurred before the man was assaulted and had his phone stolen and thrown into the sea about 1pm, police said. There was a large number of bystanders watching and following the assault and the offenders fled the scene before police arrival.

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The male victim was taken to hospital with minor injuries. No arrests have been made, and investigators are keen to speak to any witnesses. Marc, who didnt want to give his last name, described the St Kilda Pier incident as a bee swarm and said it wasnt long before he heard police sirens in the distance.



Marc said he saw a man being chased down the pier before the altercation began. He estimated that about 150 people were involved.



They were all on their phones filming and taking photos  it will be on social media soon, he said. It is not yet clear what triggered the alleged assault. Police said extra officers would be patrolling Mordialloc and the surrounding area over coming days. Despite the social media ban coming into effect last week, teens on social media apps such as TikTok shared videos of the Mordialloc incident, boasting about the number of police called to respond to the chaos.

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In comments on the videos, many young people refer to each other as legends or claim to have sparked the riot. Images also show spoiled produce and items strewn along the ground in the supermarkets aisles, liquid poured on the floor near registers and teens walking around with other items taken from shelves. Melburnians  most of them teenagers  flocked to Mordialloc Beach on Thursday, the hottest day of this summer so far. Many of them had seen the videos that were circulating on social media after Wednesdays events. Related Article Crime Repeat offenders, teens fuel Victorian crime surge

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Friends Bella and Allegra, who live close to Mordialloc Beach and visit often, said they had never seen anything like it.



Its just really random. And I just dont really understand, Allegra said. I feel fine to be here. Obviously, it happened yesterday, but I dont really care, she said.



Parsa, Imogen and Theo  who all recently finished year 11  travelled more than an hour and a half by bus to visit the beach.



Theo said he had noticed more police patrolling the beach and the surrounding area today.



[The video] was pretty bad  but everythings settled down now, he said. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Get breaking news alerts for major headlines and key updates straight to your inbox. Sign up here.
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WorldNorth AmericaBondi shooting Bondi massacre a reminder of Islamic States power to inspire bloodshed Adam Goldman , Eric Schmitt and Lizzie Dearden December 18, 2025  11:25am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Follow our live coverage of the Bondi shooting here At Bondi, a father and son gunned down 15 people celebrating a Jewish holiday at the beach. In England, a Syrian-born British citizen rammed a car into people and attacked others with a knife outside a synagogue on Yom Kippur. On Tuesday, Polish authorities arrested a law student suspected of plotting to attack a Christmas market. All of them were accused of supporting Islamic State, a terrorist group whose deadly ideology continues to inspire adherents to commit atrocities years after its core organisation was badly degraded. Islamic State is weakened compared with a decade ago, when it held large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria. The recurring bloodshed shows the group has adapted to a post-caliphate era. It is weakened compared with a decade ago, when it held large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria, and instead now wields propaganda as its most potent tool to inspire deadly attacks.

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Resurgence would be too strong of a word, said Colin P. Clarke, a counterterrorism analyst at the Soufan Group, a global intelligence and security firm based in New York. But the essence of terrorism, beyond the lethality, is the psychological impact, which makes a group like [IS] seem stronger and more omnipresent than it actually is. Related Article Bondi shooting Bondi shooting as it happened: Carload of men travelling to Bondi arrested by heavily-armed police in Liverpool; PM says hate preachers to be targeted in new reforms, defends action on antisemitism The Bondi Beach massacre in Sydney came a day after a member of Syrias security forces killed two US Army soldiers and an American civilian interpreter in Palmyra, Syria. US President Donald Trump blamed Islamic State, and officials said the gunman had been slated to be fired because of his extremist views. Terrorism experts expressed concerns that the success of the Bondi attack could fuel more extremist plots as the holidays approach, with European Christmas markets an attractive target. Such lone-wolf attacks require little funding and are difficult to predict and prevent because they are aimed at vulnerable targets such as open-air crowds. Islamic States resilience lies in its malleability, surviving by shaping itself around its new realities, Rita Katz, executive director and founder of terrorism monitor the SITE Intelligence Group, wrote in an analysis.

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Since the September 11 attacks in 2001, the United States and its allies have greatly diminished the abilities of terrorist organisations to carry out sophisticated plots by taking the fight to their redoubts in such countries as Syria, Afghanistan and Libya, and by deploying superior firepower and technology. Islamic State traces its beginnings to Iraq. After local militias and US troops defeated al-Qaeda fighters, a branch of the group rebranded itself as Islamic State. It exploited the chaos of Syrias civil war and the subsequent breakdown of governance in Iraqs north to seize vast areas of territory in the two neighbouring nations. A mural in the Syrian city of Daraya shows rebels (left) having to confront Islamic State militants (centre) as government forces flee (right). The chaos of Syrias civil war enabled the rise of IS there and in neighbouring Iraq. The group gained notoriety for kidnappings, sexual enslavement and public executions in its self-proclaimed caliphate. It orchestrated or inspired terrorist attacks across Europe, including coordinated assaults in France in November 2015 that killed 130 people and suicide bombings in Belgium a year later in which nearly three dozen were killed. But it was largely routed nearly seven years ago by US troops and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces based in north-eastern Syria.

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Because it no longer holds much territory, IS relies even more on its long-standing playbook of spreading its radical ideology online and through clandestine cells and regional affiliates. Last year, Islamic States Khorasan branch, based in Afghanistan, claimed responsibility for major attacks in Iran, Russia and Pakistan. Islamic States propaganda urges followers to target gatherings of non-Muslims and provides detailed advice on using guns, bombs, vehicles, knives or a combination of methods to increase casualties. It is essential to leave some kind of evidence or insignia identifying the motive and allegiance, the group has told followers. Related Article Bondi shooting We know their grief: Bondis trauma feels painfully close to Manchesters Jewish community British investigators said that the assailant in the synagogue attack that took place on October 2 in Manchester pledged allegiance to IS in a phone call to emergency services while the assault was under way. After the Bondi attack, Australian police found two homemade IS flags in a car the gunmen drove to the scene  evidence that the groups messages were getting through to people vulnerable to radicalisation, experts said. Terrorism breeds in squalid corners of the internet where poisonous ideologies, of whatever sort, meet volatile, often chaotic individual lives, Ken McCallum, head of Britains domestic intelligence agency MI5, warned in October.

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On Wednesday, authorities announced charges against the surviving suspect in the Bondi shooting, including murder and terrorism offences. The attacks on Jewish communities in England and Australia were part of a measurable increase in antisemitic attacks since Israels invasion of the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, that left about 1200 people dead and another 250 taken hostage. Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed more than 70,000 people, according to health authorities there, who dont distinguish between civilians and Palestinian fighters. In her analysis, Katz wrote that Islamic State launched a media campaign after October 7, triggering lone-wolf activity in the West. She pointed to attacks in Belgium, Germany, Serbia and Switzerland, among others. In addition, investigators foiled a plot against a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna that the CIA said could have resulted in massive casualties. A black flag lies on the ground behind the ute US military veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove into a crowd in New Orleans on New Years Day, killing 14 people. AP The arrest of the student in Poland came on the heels of another potential attack in Germany, where five men were detained after authorities said they learned about a plot to crash a vehicle into people at a Christmas market.

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In the US, Islamic State remains a threat, but the number of people charged in connection with the group remains low compared with previous years, according to researchers. Despite robust US law enforcement capabilities, a man rammed a truck into revellers on a New Orleans street early on New Years Day, killing 14 people. The man had an Islamic State flag in his truck, and officials said the group had inspired him. Related Article Bondi shooting Inside the dusty Philippine hotel room where Bondi gunmen holed up for a month While Islamic States official English-language propaganda output has diminished since the height of its power, its past publications remain available online, and supporters are translating its ongoing Arabic work into multiple languages, said Aaron Y. Zelin, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. They put out content every day; they continue to call for attacks against Jews, Zelin said. Pretty much every single Islamist plot and attack in the West is still [Islamic State]-related. It still remains preeminent within the global jihadi world. Still, while noting the number of global IS attacks has dwindled over the years, Zelin added: People underestimate it at their own risk. They are still very active.

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The status of IS reflects the shifting dynamics of counterterrorism, experts said. In Syria, for example, US personnel and the security forces of Syrias new government have collaborated to thwart more than a dozen suspected IS plots since the fall of Bashar al-Assads government a year ago, US officials said. One of the most challenging aspects of countering a global network like [Islamic State] is that even when counterterrorism authorities make significant progress in weakening some of the organisations affiliates, the group is never truly defeated, and even small remnants can remain potent enough to help facilitate terrorist attacks, Clarke said. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
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Updated WorldNorth AmericaEpstein fallout Lolita quotes, womens IDs: Democrats release dozens of new Epstein images Nolan D. McCaskill Updated December 19, 2025  9:50am ,first published 7:14am 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

Washington: Congressional Democrats have released dozens of new images from the estate of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a day before the US Justice Department is required by law to release unclassified files from its investigation of the disgraced financier. The latest batch of images includes close-ups of sentences from Lolita, a book about a mans grooming of a 12-year-old girl, scribbled in black ink across different parts of an unidentified womans body. Congressional Democrats released dozens of new images from the estate of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday. @OversightDems/X Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth, a passage from the novel by Vladimir Nabokov, is written on a womans chest. She was Lola in slacks, is written on a womans hip.

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She was Dolly at school, is written on a womans neck and She was Dolores on the dotted line, is written on a womans back. Another picture of a womans foot with the book in the background has a quote that reads Lo. Lee. Ta. She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock. The new images include close-ups of sentences from Lolita written on different parts of an unidentified womans body. @OversightDems/X Photo: OversightDems/X Epsteins private jet, which he used to fly underage girls to his private Island, Little St James, was nicknamed the Lolita Express, Londons Telegraph reported.

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A text thread about sending girls for someone identified as j for $1000 each. @OversightDems/X The 68 photos are among some 95,000 the Epstein estate released to the House oversight committee. Other images include redacted identification cards of women  from Russia, Morocco, Italy, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Ukraine and Lithuania  and a late-night text thread about sending girls for someone identified as j for $1000 each. Another shows a container of phenazopyridine tablets, used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Last week, oversight Democrats released 19 photos, including some featuring now-President Donald Trump, who dismissed the images as no big deal.

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Billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates, professor and political activist Noam Chomsky and former Trump aide Steve Bannon are pictured in the latest images. Representatives for Gates, Chomsky and Bannon did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates appeared in some of the newly released photographs. @OversightDems/X Philosopher Noam Chomsky with Jeffrey Epstein. @OversightDems/X Committee Democrats said the images released on Thursday (Friday AEDT) were selected to provide the public with transparency into a representative sample of the photos and to provide insights into Epsteins network and his extremely disturbing activities.

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Democrats said they had thousands more images, both graphic and mundane, which they are continuing to analyse. Related Article Explainer

Epstein fallout More Epstein files are set to be released. Heres what we know so far Oversight Democrats will continue to release photographs and documents from the Epstein estate to provide transparency for the American people, said California Representative Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the oversight committee. As we approach the deadline for the Epstein Files Transparency Act, these new images raise more questions about what exactly the Department of Justice has in its possession. We must end this White House cover-up, and the DOJ must release the Epstein files now. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the latest release changes nothing.

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President Trump has been consistently calling for transparency related to the Epstein files and his administration has delivered, she said in a statement. Loading Reuters National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
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Analysis WorldNorth AmericaUS politics Trumps shouty prime-time address suggests he may not have another gear Michael Koziol December 18, 2025  3:59pm 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

Washington: If it werent enough that Donald Trump childishly replaced Joe Bidens photo with a picture of an autopen on his new Presidential Walk of Fame, the White House has now installed derogatory plaques under some of the portraits. Biden is described as by far the worst president in American history, who suffered severe mental decline in office. Barack Obama is blamed for the spread of Islamic State and Russias invasion of Crimea, while even Republican George W. Bush comes in for criticism over the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. New plaques have been placed under the presidential portraits along the West Wing. Bloomberg Needless to say, Trumps plaques offer a fawning summary of his own achievements and the size of his electoral victories. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president  a student of history  dictated many of the plaques himself. While self-absorbed and obviously juvenile, its also instructive of how Trump and his team see the first year of his second presidency: the triumph of the superlatively brilliant (Trump) over the superlatively awful (Biden). The righting of a seismic, historical wrong.

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That tone was echoed in Trumps rare prime-time address to the nation on Wednesday night (Thursday AEDT), as the president attempted to reset the national conversation on the economy ahead of the Christmas break. A rushed, shouty and angry speech, it began with a laundry list of things that were awful under Biden (one year ago our country was dead, we were absolutely dead) and became an 11 oclock number about how wonderful and prosperous life is under Trump (now were the hottest country anywhere in the world). US President Donald Trump used a pre-Christmas address to the nation to reassure Americans about the state of the economy. AP It contained plenty of made-up numbers, such as a pledge that drug prices would come down by 400, 500 or even 600 per cent  which would mean consumers were being paid to take pharmaceuticals. Such prime-time addresses are usually made to announce something, or to reassure in times of crisis. The only new thing in this speech was a $US1776 ($2692) warrior dividend for 1.45 million military service members, worth some $US2.6 billion in total, supposedly paid for by the revenue from Trumps tariffs.

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If Republicans were hoping for a more empathetic and reasonable Trump, who was prepared to acknowledge many Americans continued to do it tough, and pledged to try even harder in 2026, they didnt get it. The closest he came was when he claimed  falsely  that the price of everything was falling rapidly and its not done yet, but boy, are we making progress. The plaques offer a fawning summary of Trumps achievements but disparaging comments about Joe Biden and Barack Obama. AP In reality, US inflation is at 3 per cent, the same as it was when Biden bowed out in January, and trending upwards (though the Federal Reserve expects it to cool). Another devastating Reuters/Ipsos poll this week found Trumps approval rating had slumped to 39 per cent, with just a third of voters approving of his handling of the economy  a new low.

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Economic management should be a natural area of strength for a billionaire who rose to national fame as a shrewd businessman, however mistaken that may have been. But only 20 per cent of people think the country is on the right track when it comes to inflation, and 27 per cent for employment. The plaques beneath a framed portrait in the space for Biden, which Trump had previously replaced with a picture of an autopen. AP The fact that, nearly a year into the job, Trump felt the need to appear on prime-time TV for 20 minutes to tell Americans it was all the other guys fault, and assure them its going great now, tells you everything you need to know about where things stand politically. One of Trumps great assets in last years election was that he appeared more in touch with peoples real problems and worries, while the Democrats had become too associated with fringe concerns stemming from identity politics. Now, Trump risks being the one seen as divorced from reality.

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Republican congressman Kevin Kiley told CNN immediately after the address that Trump hit the right subject matter but I think we can do a better job of really empathising with what people are going through right now. Finding fault with your predecessor is a structural feature of electoral politics. Once in office, blaming your predecessor is a natural part of it, too. But there comes a time when that shtick wears thin. The plaques below Obamas portrait. AP The question now, for Republicans more than anyone, is whether Trump has another gear to go to. The latest evidence would suggest not. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
MELBOURNE, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- An Australian-led study reveals how dying cells are cleared from the body, potentially aiding recovery from cancer, infections and inflammatory diseases.

Scientists found that neighboring cells, not the dying cells themselves, play a key role in breaking them down, a media release from Australia's La Trobe University said Thursday.

Traditionally, it was believed that dying cells were broken into smaller pieces by the cell's own internal machinery, enabling the pieces to be more easily removed from the body, the release said.

Using high-resolution imaging, the team led by scientists at La Trobe University's Institute for Molecular Science and Research Center for Extracellular Vesicles revealed that the neighboring cells apply mechanical force to split the dying cells into smaller fragments before consuming them.

Lead researcher Jascinta Santavanond compared the process to breaking apart a loaf of bread to create bite-sized pieces easier to digest, as "it would be quite difficult to eat a loaf of bread whole."

"By doing this, you also leave these little breadcrumbs around, allowing you to share pieces of that bread with your neighbor or friends," Santavanond said.

The study suggests the process is a crucial adaptation for efficient clearance of dying cells, especially in tissues where neighboring cells may have limited capacity to engulf large objects, she said, adding that it allows tissues to efficiently remove about a billion dying cells daily, preventing inflammation and maintaining normal tissue function.

"This research not only expands our knowledge on how dying cells undergo fragmentation and are cleared, which is important for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, but this work may benefit the development of cell therapy for treatments, including for cancer," Santavanond said. 
SYDNEY, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) said Thursday that they had intercepted two cars in Sydney's southwest after receiving information that "a violent act was possibly being planned."

"Police intercepted two cars as part of the investigation," NSW police said, adding, "as investigations continue, seven men are assisting police with their inquiries."

Footage from the scene showed the handcuffed men face down on the ground, while later they were seen sitting on the floor facing a fence as heavily armed police and riot squad officers stood behind them.

"Police have not identified any connection to the current police investigation of the Bondi terror attack," the statement said.

Sixteen people, including one alleged gunman, were killed in a mass shooting that targeted an event celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday night. 
Army gets 3 more AH-64E Apache helicopters





NEW DELHI :

IN A major development that will further strengthen the Indian Armys warfare store, the US Embassy on Wednesday announced the delivery of the remaining three AH-64E Boeing Apache attack helicopters. Taking it to X, the US Embassy wrote, Delivering on the US President and Indian Prime Ministers joint statement, the arrival of the latest Boeing India AH-64E Apache helicopters for the Indian Army marks another step forward in the US-India Major Defence Partnership.

This milestone reflects the reliable and growing US-India Defence partnership and fulfills commitments made by the Secretary of War and the Defence Ministry of India. With its cutting-edge capabilities, the Apache strengthens our shared vision for regional security and deepens cooperation in co-production, training, and technology exchange, it said. The delivery comes after repeated delays. Notably, the Indian Army received the first slot of these three helicopters in July.

The Indian Army Aviation Corps had been waiting for the first slot of three Apache helicopters since 2024, as they were originally planned to be delivered in May 2024.
Car crashes intogroup of pilgrims,two women killed

TWO women were killed, and three others were seriously injured after a speeding car hit a group of pilgrims walking to a temple in Rajgarh district on Monday, an official said. The inci dent occurred on the Agra Mumbai National Highway near an under-construction flyover close to Khanpura village, around seven km from Biaora town, he added. The women, all residents of Kherbe village in Chachoda police station area, were walk ing to the Khatu Shyam temple in Biaora, to offer prayers on the occasion of Ekadashi, when a car coming from the Guna side rammed into them, said Biaora Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Prakash Sharma. One of the vic tims, Seema Bai (30), died on the spot, while Chinta Bai (45) suc cumbed to injuries during treat ment at a hospital in Biaora, he said. Three other women sus tained serious injuries.
CBI trap falls apart: HC flags lapses, acquits Rly officer





Staff Reporter :

The Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court has acquitted Kumar Sanjay, a Central Railway Officer, in a bribery case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Court has highlighted serious flaws, stating that the entire prosecution suffered from major procedural defects. The Court observed that the trap and verification proceedings could not be trusted due to clear lapses in procedure and contradictions in the statements of key witnesses. Further, the High Court ruled that the sanction granted for prosecuting the accused was invalid.

The Court set aside the conviction and sentence awarded to him by a special court in 2016 under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Kumar Sanjay (49), was working as Office Superintendent in the Rates Section of Central Railway, Nagpur, at the time of the incident. He was accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from a Railway contractor, Ritesh Surana, in December 2012.

The contractor had received a work order worth more than Rs 3.50 crore for supplying road metal to the Railways. According to the prosecution, the accused demanded money to ensure smooth processing of the work and threatened delays if the amount was not paid. Based on the complaint, the CBIs Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) laid a trap at Maharajbag Club in Nagpur. The CBI claimed that the accused accepted the tainted currency notes, which were later recovered from him during the trap. Chemical tests allegedly confirmed contact with phenolphthalein powder. After trial, a special court convicted Sanjay in September 2016 and sentenced him to one year of rigorous imprisonment with a fine. Sanjay challenged this conviction before the High Court, arguing that the case was falsely fabricated.

His counsel pointed out major contradictions in the prosecutions story, including inconsistencies about where and how the money was kept and recovered. It was also argued that the recorded conversations were not legally admissible, as the mandatory certificate under Section 65B of the Evidence Act was not produced. After examining the entire record, Justice Nivedita P Mehta found that the prosecution failed to prove the crucial elements of demand and acceptance of bribe beyond reasonable doubt. In view of these shortcomings, the Court allowed the criminal appeal, quashed the 2016 judgment, acquitted Kumar Sanjay of all charges. Sr Adv Avinash Gupta, Adv Aakash Gupta represented the appellant while SP P K Sathianathan appeared for CBI.
Cold wave, fog grip State; 3.7Cmin temp in Mandsaur





Staff Reporter:

TEMPERATURES dipped across Madhya Pradesh over the past 24 hours, with cold conditions prevailing in most parts of the State. The lowest minimum tem perature was recorded at Mandsaur at 3.7C, followed closely by Girvar in Shajapur (3.8C) and Rajgarh (4.4C). Major cities also felt the chill, with Indore recording 4.9C and Bhopal 5.1C as the minimum temperature. On the warmer side, night temperatures remained relatively higher in Agar/Kannod (Dewas) at 12.4C, Sagar at 11.5C and Narmadapuram at 11.3C. Day temperatures showed little change across the state. The highest maximum temperature was observed at Narmadapuram at 30.2C, followed by Khargone (28.8C) and Rajgarh and Guna (28.6C).

Cooler daytime conditions prevailed in Chitrakoot (Satna), which recorded the lowest maximum temperature of 22.7C, while Malanjkhand, Narsinghpur, Sidhi and Rewa also remained on the cooler side. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weather remained dry across all divisions, with no rain fall recorded anywhere in the state during the last 24 hours. Wind speeds remained light to moderate, generally around 8-10 kmph, offering little relief from the cold, especially during night and early morning hours. The prevailing weather over Madhya Pradesh is being influenced by a strong Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream, with core wind speeds reaching up to 185 kmph at about 12.6 km above mean sea level over north India. In addition, a fresh and weak Western Disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from December 19, though no major change in Madhya Pradeshs weather pattern is expected immediately.

Bhopal experienced a cold night with a minimum temperature of 5.1C, which is around 4C below normal for this time of the year. The maximum temperature during the last 24 hours stood at 26.6C, close to normal. Morning humidity levels were high at 85 per cent, leading to haze and shallow fog in early hours. The sky remained mostly clear during the day. No rainfall was recorded. For the next 24 hours, Bhopal and surrounding areas are expect ed to witness clear skies with haze and shallow fog in the morning, with temperatures likely to hover around 27C (maximum) and 6C (mini mum).

Cold Wave and Fog Warnings issued: The IMD has issued a cold wave warning at isolated places in Bhopal, Sehore, Rajgarh, Indore and Shajapur districts, while cold wave conditions were also reported in Seoni and Mandsaur. Shallow to moderate fog is likely at isolated places in Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena, Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Satna, Panna, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh and Niwari districts. Residents are advised to remain cautious, especially during late night and early morning hours, as fog may significantly reduce visibility and disrupt road, rail and air trans port. People are urged to keep themselves warm, limit expo sure to cold, and follow health and travel advisories issued by the authorities. Partial change in timings of four trains at Itarsi station from January 1, 2026.
HC orders immediatenursing admissions in State amid lapses





Staff Reporter:

IN A major devel opment for nursing education in Madhya Pradesh, the Jabalpur High Court on Tuesday directed the Government and Indian Nursing Council to immedi ately commence admission procedures for vacant nurs ing seats. The decision came in response to a petition filed by NSUI State Vice President Ravi Parmar and other peti tioners, challenging serious irregularities and adminis trative negligence in the States nursing admission process The court noted that despite the Supreme Court extending the final admission date to December 31, 2025, candidates for Post-Basic BSc Nursing (PB BSc Nursing) and Master of Science Nursing (MSc Nursing) were exclud ed from counselling.

This was against the Supreme Courts instructions that vacant nursing seats should only be filled by can didates who appeared in the state-level entrance exam and met Indian Nursing Council eligibility criteria. The High Court expressed concern over the large num ber of unfilled seats. According to official figures, 66 Government and 3,018 pri vate college PB BSc Nursing seats, and 70 Government and 1,120 private MSc Nursing seats, remain vacant.

The court observed that admin istrative delays were putting thousands of students futures at risk. Directing the Indian Nursing Council to issue for mal orders immediately, the court instructed that sepa rate counselling for PB BSc and MSc Nursing seats must be completed by December 31, 2025. This ruling provides relief to thousands of students in Madhya Pradesh, ensuring that vacant seats are filled in a timely and trans parent manner.
I-Tax Deptt conducts major search operations in Jabalpur, Katni, Satna

Staff Reporter:

INCOME Tax Department carried out a major search operation in Jabalpur, Katni and Satna in con nection with cases related to dis proportionate assets and sus pected tax evasion early morn ing on Wednesday. Teams from Indore and Bhopal simultane ously raided the residences and business premises of mining businessmen Rajiv Chaddha and Nitin Sharma in Jabalpurs Civil Lines and Russell Chowk areas. Interestingly, when the Income Tax team arrived at Rajiv Chaddhas Civil Lines residence, their vehicle displayed a poster reading Swachhta Awareness Campaign 2025. This initially led the house watchman to believe that a municipal survey team had arrived.

However, it soon became clear that it was an Income Tax search operation. During the raids, officials recovered several documents from the residences, particular ly from Nitin Sharmas house, which are currently under detailed scrutiny. Officials believe the investigation could reveal large-scale tax evasion and undisclosed financial transac tions. According to sources, the Income Tax Department had received complaints against Rajiv Chaddha and his associates regarding alleged tax irregulari ties. Acting on these inputs, coor dinated raids were conducted at multiple locations in Jabalpur, Katni and Satna.

In Katni, the Income Tax Department also raided the premises of District Panchayat Vice President and BJP leader Ashok Vishwakarma, along with the residences and business loca tions of his three brothers. Searches were carried out at their homes in Jalpa Ward, their firm premises, and bauxite mining sites located in Tikariya and Singhanpuri villages. Vishwakarma operates a mining firm named VMC Vishwakarma Mines. The searches are reportedly linked to allegations of dispro portionate assets, tax evasion and illegal financial dealings. The Income Tax Department is con tinuing its examination of doc uments and no official statement has been issued so far regarding the findings of the raids as scruti ny of documents was continued till late evening.
Idol of Jain Tirthankar, relics found





Our Correspondent :

BHADRAVATI, Dec 17 NEW dimension has been added to the history of Bhadravati with the discovery of ancient Jain relics at the Killa Ward area of the city during excavation work. It may be mentioned that Bhadravati is known for its ancient relics of different reli gions. During the excavation work at Killa Ward, an idol was found in broken condition. After proper examination, the histo rians claimed that it was an idol of Jain Tirthankar. The idol dates back to 1,100 to 1,300 years old. The experts claimed that more such ancient relics can be found if scientific excavation is done in the area.

Ancient Jain relics have been found here during plot digging at Killa Ward on Bengali camp road recently. Along with that two damaged crafts were also found which are said 800 to 1200 years old and a grand mound near these relics is also unearthed. There is a possibili ty to have buried many ancient remains under it. Jain Munivar Shri Prashamartivijaji informed that there are century old Jain tem ples in historical places like Mathura, Kosambi, Rajvir, Nalanda, Ayodhya and Varanasi. Many temples, idols have been found during excavation and such relics have been found here also.

There should be archaeo logical excavation under the same place. If some more relics are recovered, Bhadravati will become a historical heritage for the devotees, saints, tourists, Munivar hoped. Meanwhile, MP Pratibha Dhanorkar met Jain Muni Shir Prashmrativijaya and got infor mation about the relics found in the city. She assured all the help for the conservation and development of Jain pilgrimages in the city. Amol Mutha, Trustee, Jain Shwetamber Tirth Mandal, Bhadravati, Santosh Golechcha, Shailesh Kothari were present on the occasion.
India, Oman to sign free trade agreement today





NEW DELHI :

INDIA and Oman will sign a free trade agreement on Thursday in Muscat with an aim to boost economic ties between the two countries, an official said. It will be signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a four-day, three-nation visit. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has reached Muscat for the FTA signing.

Talks for the free trade agreement, officially termed as CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), formally began in November 2023 and the negotiations concluded this year. In free trade agreements, the two trading partners either significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on a maximum number of goods traded between them. They also ease norms to promote trade in services and attract investments.

Oman is the third-largest export destination for India among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
COLOMBO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to further develop and expand bilateral cooperation during a visit by a delegation of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China from Dec. 16 to Dec. 18.

The delegation was led by Wang Dongming, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, who met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and held talks with parliament speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

China and Sri Lanka are neighbors that enjoy long-lasting friendship, said Wang. He noted that China is willing to work with Sri Lanka in pursuing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and enhancing exchange and cooperation between the two countries' legislative bodies, as well as in various other areas.

He also expressed the Chinese side's willingness to advance the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership and build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future.

Commending Sri Lanka-China relations as enduring and vibrant, the Sri Lankan side expressed gratitude to China for providing timely disaster-relief assistance amid the severe adverse weather that Sri Lanka endured recently.

It stressed its firm adherence to the one-China principle and willingness to further advance friendly cooperation between the two countries. 
Mah clears proposal to remove encroachments at State-protected monuments





MUMBAI :

THE Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal to expand the scope of a Government resolution to cover prevention and removal of encroachments at State-protected monuments on lines of similar action taken against illegal structures at forts. The proposal was cleared at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The scope of an earlier Government resolution (GR) dated January 20, related to removal of encroachments at forts, has been expanded to include state-protected monuments under its ambit, a statement from the CM office said. The Cabinet approved the formation of a State-level committee to remove existing illegal structures from forts and state-protected monuments and to prevent future encroachments.

The panel will be chaired by the cultural affairs minister and include Ministers for revenue, rural development, tourism, public works, forests, ports and development, along with senior officials of the departments concerned, said the statement. The Cabinet also approved inclusion of four invitee members in the committee and four non-official members in district-level committees. These non-official members must be experts on forts and monuments, or individuals or voluntary groups working in the field of heritage conservation, it said. District collectors will be responsible for removing encroachments in coordination with departments owning the land. Expenditure for this purpose may be met from district planning and development funds, the statement said. Maharashtra has 390 state-protected monuments.

These include Khandeshwari Caves in Thane district, August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai, Dharavi Fort and St George Fort, the birthplace of Vasudev Balwant Phadke in Raigad, rock carvings in Ratnagiri, Buddhist caves in Khed, Nimbalkar Gadi in Ahilyanagar, the birthplace of Senapati Bapat, Parshwanath Jain Caves in Nashik, the birthplace of Yashwantrao Chavan in Sangli and the birthplaces of Baji Prabhu and Phulaji Prabhu in Kolhapur. In addition, the State has 145 state-protected temples. These include Tulja Bhavani Temple and Khandoba Temple in Jejuri, along with several other small and large temples across Maharashtra.
President Murmu arrives in Hbad for winter sojourn







HYDERABAD :

PRESIDENT Drouapdi Murmu on Wednesday arrived at the Rashtrapati Nilayam at Secunderabad here as part of her winter sojourn. Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Telangana ministers along with senior officials received the President at the Air Force Station, Hakimpet. The President will stay at Rashtrapati Nilayam till December 22. On December 19, Murmu will inaugurate a national conference for the chairpersons of public service commissions, being organised by the Telangana Public Service Commission here.

On December 20, the President will address a conference on Timeless Wisdom of Bharat: Pathways of Peace and Progress, being organised in Hyderabad by the Brahma Kumaris Shanti Sarovar to mark its 21st anniversary, a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan had said. The President 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 reflect their integrative role of the Presidents 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 11 rooms on its premises. It also has a dining hall, cinema hall, morning room, dining room and others.
Traffic Park redevelopment leaves citizens disappointed, raises civic concerns





The leftover bricks and the construction material lying on the footpath at the Park. (Pic by Anil Futane)

Staff Reporter :

Minimal work visible despite claims of complete revamp

Residents seek NMC Commissioners inspection to ensure accountability

The condition of the citys Traffic Park has once again come under public scrutiny, with citizens voicing strong dissatisfaction over the quality and extent of redevelopment work carried out at the facility. Once a well-maintained and popular space for children, families and senior citizens, the park today reflects neglect, incomplete execution and fresh damage, raising serious civic concerns. Despite redevelopment being shown as undertaken, ground reality suggests that only a fraction of the promised work has actually been completed. Barely around five per cent of the concrete bricks inside the park appear to have been replaced, while large sections remain untouched. The additional bricks meant for replacement have reportedly been shifted out of the premises, even as the work is being projected as finished. Painting work too appears largely symbolic.

Fresh traffic signal markings are visible only at the main gate, while the interior areas show negligible improvement. Instead of better facilities, the work has allegedly caused further deterioration. Pathways inside the park have reportedly been damaged during the erection of signboards, creating inconvenience and safety concerns for regular users. The Traffic Park earlier served both educational and recreational purposes, attracting thousands of visitors and supporting small livelihoods linked to its footfall. Over the years, however, its upkeep has steadily declined. After being taken over for driver training activities by an NGO, residents allege that the parks original public character has been compromised, with redevelopment existing largely on paper.

Citizens have now appealed to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation Commissioner to personally inspect the Traffic Park and assess the actual status of the work. A physical inspection, they say, is essential to ensure that payments to contractors or implementing agencies are made strictly in proportion to work genuinely executed and that public funds are not misused. The issue underlines the need for tighter monitoring of civic projects, especially public spaces meant for community use and senior citizens.
US adds 20 more countries to travel ban and restrictions list





NEW YORK/WASHINGTON

THE Trump administration has expanded its travel ban and restrictions to 20 additional nations as well as the Palestinian Authority as part of its efforts to protect US national security and public safety interests. US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Tuesday expanding and strengthening entry restrictions on nationals from countries with demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing to protect America from national security and public safety threats. The proclamation said these measures are necessary to prevent the entry of foreign nationals about whom the US lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose, garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives.

It imposed partial restrictions and entry limitations on 15 additional countries - Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote dIvoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Full restrictions and entry limitations were also imposed for nationals of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. Full restrictions and entry limitations have also been placed on individuals holding Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents, as several US-designated terrorist groups operate actively in the West Bank or Gaza Strip and have murdered American citizens, it said, adding that the recent war in these areas likely resulted in compromised vetting and screening abilities. ...Considering the weak or nonexistent control exercised over these areas by the PA (Palestinian Authority), individuals attempting to travel on PA-issued or endorsed travel documents cannot currently be properly vetted and approved for entry into the United States.

The proclamation also imposed full restrictions and entry limitations on Laos and Sierra Leone that were previously subject to partial restrictions, and continued partial restrictions on nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela. The entry of nationals from additional countries must be restricted or limited to protect US national security and public safety interests, the proclamation said. It continues full restrictions and entry limitations of nationals from the original 12 high-risk countries named by the Trump administration - Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories like athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves US national interests are included in the proclamation, it said.

The proclamation said that many of the restricted countries systematically prevent accurate vetting, while some countries high visa-overstay rates and refusal to repatriate removable nationals demonstrate disregard for US immigration laws and burden American enforcement resources. It said that terrorist presence, criminal activity, and extremist activity in several listed countries result in a general lack of stability and government control, which causes deficient vetting capabilities and poses direct risks to American citizens and interests when nationals from these countries are admitted to the US.

The Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on immigration, both legal and illegal, in the wake of the shooting of two National Guard troops late last month by an Afghan national who had arrived in the US through a Biden-era immigration programme for Afghan nationals fleeing their country after the August 2021 Taliban takeover. Following the shooting, the Trump administration paused with immediate effect Green Card, US citizenship and other immigration applications from immigrants hailing from 19 countries of concern. These were the same countries that were subject to a travel ban announced by Trump in a proclamation issued in June this year.
Why Guru Ghasidass satnamis blueprint for a just republic?





By Aashutosh Kumar:

Aahire AS THE winter sun rises over the Mahanadi plains this December 18, millions will gather at Giroudpuri Dham, gazing at the towering Jaitkhamb (pillar of victory). They are not merely celebrat ing a saints birth; they are reaf firming a social contract writ ten centuries before modern constitutions. Guru Ghasidas, born in 1756 in Chhattisgarh, was a radical sociologist whose philosophy of Satnam(Truth) andMankheMankhe Ek Samaan (All humans are equal) provides a practical framework for social cohesion. In the late 18th century, Central India was fractured by rigid caste hierarchies. Ghasidas fundamentally shift ed the conceptual framework of inequality by rejecting inter mediaries between the divine and the human.

His proclamation of equality was a profound anthropological assertion: that the singular Truth of humanity renders caste, gender, and creed as mere social constructs. In modern Chhattisgarh, this spiritual heritage informs sec ular governance. TheGuru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve span ning 2,800 square kilome tres aligns the Gurus teachings on Ahimsa (non-violence) with modern conservation. Similarly, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya in Bilaspur integrates his philosophy into higher education, fostering research on social inclusion and inclusive policy-making. The Jaitkhamb at Giroudpuri is a white, unadorned pillar symbolising singular truth.

During the annual Mela, the Bhandara (community kitchen) serves as a laboratory of social engineering. Here, people of all castes sit inpangat (lines) to eat together, effectively sus pending the taboos of purity and pollu tion. This is lived equality in its most potent form. In a landscape often fractured by identity politics, theSatnam Panthoffers a "Third Way", a rationalist spirituality. His moral weight acts as a localised "eth ical constitution." Furthermore, his strict prohibition of intoxi cants (nashabandi) remains a vital public health stance, offer ing a community-led model for economic resilience in rural areas. Authentic tribute requires moving beyond ritual.

To truly internalize Satnam, we must commit toAntyodaya (serv ing the last man) through: 1. Educational Reform: Integrating his rationalist cri tique of caste into national cur ricula. 2. Ecological Justice: Treating conservation as a manifesta tion of his principles of coexis tence. 3. Social Audits:Measuring policy success by its ability to reduce social discrimination. Guru Ghasidas was a light house in a feudal ocean. Today, he reminds us that a republic is built on the beautiful, uncom promising truth that every human is equal. To honor him, we must turn remembrance into reform, practicing MankheMankhe Ek Samaan in our homes, institutions, and hearts. (The writer is Assistant Professor of Political Sciencey Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur).
YYuvraj Sahu uvraj Sahunominated for prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025





Staff Reporter :

YUVRAJ Sahu, a 14-year-old student at St Augustine School, Sagra, has achieved national recognition following his nomination for the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025. Nominated in the category of Art and Culture (Author), Sahu is being recognized for his precocious contributions to the field of philosophy. At the age of 13, Sahu authored and published an original philosophical treatise titled Beyond Thought. Published by BlueRose Publishers, the work is currently available in both paperback and digital formats on online plat form. The publication follows an intensive research period spanning more than 18 months, a notable feat for a Grade 9 student.

The core of Sahus contribution lies in the development of an original theoretical framework termed Believism. This system investigates the complex intersections between human belief, perception, and behavior. The framework posits a causal chain that influences both individual development and larger societal structures including Neuroplasticity (The biological foundation for cognitive change), Belief Perception Nexus (How internal convictions dictate the interpretation of external reality) and Societal Formation (The transition from individual action to collective cultural norms).

Sahu may be among the youngest individuals in history to publish a comprehensive and original philosophical system. While many young authors focus on fiction or poetry, Sahus commitment to a practical, research-based framework distinguishes his work within the Indian literary landscape. The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar is the highest civilian honor for children in India, awarded by the Government of India to those with exceptional achievements. Sahus nomination highlights the growing trend of interdisciplinary excellence among the nations youth.
Indian gov't summons Bangladesh envoy over security concerns in Dhaka

Xinhua) 09:50, December 18, 2025

NEW DELHI, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- India's foreign ministry on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh's high commissioner to New Delhi to convey its strong concerns over what it described as a deteriorating security situation in the neighboring country.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah was summoned by India's Ministry of External Affairs, and his attention was drawn, in particular, to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka, read a statement issued by the ministry.

The move follows the summoning of the Indian high commissioner to Dhaka on Sunday by the Bangladeshi government to convey serious concern over India "allowing" ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to "make incendiary statements" asking her supporters to thwart the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is scheduled to hold general elections on Feb. 12, 2026.

Bangladesh's interim government took office after Hasina resigned on Aug. 5, 2024, amid unprecedented anti-government nationwide protests, and fled to New Delhi. Since then, she has been in India.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
SEOUL, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Seven workers were trapped Thursday in South Korea's subway construction site accident, according to Yonhap news agency.

It was reported to the police at about 1:22 p.m. local time (0422 GMT) that people were pinned under the collapsed steel bars at the construction site for a new subway line in the capital Seoul.

The accident occurred at a depth of some 80 meters underground.

Among the seven workers buried, one was found in cardiac arrest and was rushed to a hospital.

The police and fire authorities were conducting rescue operations for the remaining workers. 
A civilian building destroyed by bombs dropped from a Thailand's fighter jet is seen in Poipet City of Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, Dec. 18, 2025. Border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand are still going on, as the civilian death toll in Cambodia has increased to 18, Cambodian spokespersons said on Thursday. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand are still going on, as the civilian death toll in Cambodia has increased to 18, Cambodian spokespersons said on Thursday.

Cambodia's Interior Ministry Spokesperson Touch Sokhak said in a press briefing on Thursday morning that as of Wednesday at 6 p.m., the total number of Cambodian civilians killed in the conflict had reached 18, and the number of injured has risen to 78.

He added that the total number of displaced people has increased to 144,066 families, with 476,179 individuals, including more than 240,000 women and 130,000 children.

Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said that from Wednesday midnight to Thursday morning, the Thai military forces had continued to attack several positions in Cambodian territory.

The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has reignited since Dec. 7, and both sides accused the other of initiating the attack. 

A civilian building destroyed by bombs dropped from a Thailand's fighter jet is seen in Poipet City of Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, Dec. 18, 2025. Border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand are still going on, as the civilian death toll in Cambodia has increased to 18, Cambodian spokespersons said on Thursday. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)

A civilian building destroyed by bombs dropped from a Thailand's fighter jet is seen in Poipet City of Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, Dec. 18, 2025. Border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand are still going on, as the civilian death toll in Cambodia has increased to 18, Cambodian spokespersons said on Thursday. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)
McNaughton Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEARCA:PPA  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 15,010 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,333,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in PPA. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC now owns 360,983 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,473,000 after buying an additional 13,405 shares during the last quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 3.4% in the second quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC now owns 358,675 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,821,000 after acquiring an additional 11,909 shares during the period. Meitav Investment House Ltd. increased its position in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 2.1% in the second quarter. Meitav Investment House Ltd. now owns 275,480 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,033,000 after acquiring an additional 5,634 shares during the period. Kestra Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 563.3% during the first quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC now owns 270,057 shares of the companys stock worth $31,475,000 after purchasing an additional 229,345 shares during the period. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 12.1% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 206,410 shares of the companys stock worth $29,257,000 after purchasing an additional 22,282 shares during the period.

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Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Price Performance

NYSEARCA PPA opened at $151.38 on Thursday. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF has a 1 year low of $100.39 and a 1 year high of $160.37. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.58 billion, a PE ratio of 30.91 and a beta of 0.87. The businesss 50-day moving average is $153.08 and its 200 day moving average is $148.02.

About Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF

PowerShares Aerospace & Defense Portfolio (Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the SPADE Defense Index (the Index). The Index is designed to identify a group of companies involved in the development, manufacturing, operations and support of the United States defense, homeland security and aerospace operations.

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Aegon NV (NYSE:AEG  Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the six research firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company.

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on AEG shares. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Aegon from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. UBS Group lowered Aegon from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b+) rating on shares of Aegon in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised Aegon from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th.

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Aegon Price Performance

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Aegon

Shares of AEG opened at $7.46 on Monday. Aegon has a 1-year low of $5.42 and a 1-year high of $8.15. The company has a market capitalization of $14.96 billion, a P/E ratio of -28.67, a P/E/G ratio of 0.20 and a beta of 0.79. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $7.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is $7.48.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in Aegon by 6.5% during the second quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 23,576 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $171,000 after buying an additional 1,440 shares during the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Aegon by 8.1% during the third quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 20,041 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $160,000 after acquiring an additional 1,494 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in shares of Aegon by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 77,076 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $507,000 after purchasing an additional 1,551 shares during the last quarter. Personal CFO Solutions LLC raised its position in shares of Aegon by 7.0% in the 2nd quarter. Personal CFO Solutions LLC now owns 25,740 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $186,000 after purchasing an additional 1,689 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. boosted its stake in Aegon by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. now owns 169,119 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,351,000 after purchasing an additional 1,731 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 4.32% of the companys stock.

About Aegon

(Get Free Report)

Aegon Ltd. provides insurance, pensions, retirement, and asset management services in the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company offers life, accident, property and casualty, and health insurance; annuities, retirement plans, mutual funds, and stable value solutions; residential mortgage and digital baking services; and retail and institutional investment management solutions and retirement savings vehicles and strategies.

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Alger Concentrated Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:CNEQ  Get Free Report) announced an annual dividend on Wednesday, December 17th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 18th will be paid a dividend of 0.18 per share on Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a dividend yield of 54.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 18th.

Alger Concentrated Equity ETF Stock Performance

NYSEARCA:CNEQ opened at $33.69 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $171.50 million, a P/E ratio of 35.92 and a beta of 1.76. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $34.74 and its 200 day moving average price is $32.51. Alger Concentrated Equity ETF has a 52 week low of $19.33 and a 52 week high of $36.98.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Alger Concentrated Equity ETF

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CNEQ. Truist Financial Corp bought a new position in shares of Alger Concentrated Equity ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $842,000. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC bought a new stake in Alger Concentrated Equity ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $239,000. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC acquired a new position in Alger Concentrated Equity ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $3,947,000. Atria Investments Inc bought a new position in shares of Alger Concentrated Equity ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $3,355,000. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Alger Concentrated Equity ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $788,000.

Alger Concentrated Equity ETF Company Profile

The Alger Concentrated Equity ETF (CNEQ) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund is actively managed, targeting large-cap companies with high growth potential. The fund maintains a concentrated portfolio of no more than 30 stocks, seeking long-term captial appreciation CNEQ was launched on Apr 4, 2024 and is issued by Alger.

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Ardent Health (NYSE:ARDT  Get Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Mizuho from $20.00 to $12.00 in a report issued on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has an outperform rating on the stock. Mizuhos price objective would suggest a potential upside of 34.00% from the companys current price.

Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Ardent Health from $15.00 to $12.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their target price on Ardent Health from $21.00 to $16.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 14th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Ardent Health in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. They set a neutral rating and a $19.00 target price for the company. UBS Group began coverage on Ardent Health in a research note on Wednesday, September 10th. They issued a buy rating and a $17.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an equal weight rating and set a $12.00 target price (down from $22.00) on shares of Ardent Health in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $14.92.

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Ardent Health Price Performance

Shares of NYSE ARDT opened at $8.96 on Thursday. Ardent Health has a twelve month low of $8.28 and a twelve month high of $17.34. The company has a current ratio of 2.08, a quick ratio of 1.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $11.70 and a two-hundred day moving average of $12.45. The company has a market capitalization of $1.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.18, a PEG ratio of 7.35 and a beta of 0.77.

Ardent Health (NYSE:ARDT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.42 by $0.10. Ardent Health had a net margin of 3.24% and a return on equity of 19.02%. The company had revenue of $1.58 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.55 billion. Ardent Health has set its FY 2025 guidance at 0.850-1.030 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Ardent Health will post 1.23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ardent Health

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ARDT. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in Ardent Health by 368.9% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 1,330,635 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,296,000 after purchasing an additional 1,046,845 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Ardent Health by 1,684.9% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 767,862 shares of the companys stock worth $10,558,000 after purchasing an additional 724,841 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Ardent Health by 75.6% during the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,634,822 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,332,000 after buying an additional 703,739 shares during the last quarter. SageView Advisory Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Ardent Health by 367.2% during the 2nd quarter. SageView Advisory Group LLC now owns 790,663 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,800,000 after buying an additional 621,430 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Ardent Health in the third quarter worth approximately $6,377,000.

Ardent Health Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Ardent Health Partners, Inc owns and operates a network of hospitals and clinics that provides a range of healthcare services in the United States. It operates acute care hospitals, including rehabilitation hospitals and surgical hospitals. The company was founded in 2001 and is based in Brentwood, Tennessee.

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Bancorp of New Jersey Inc (NYSEAMERICAN:BKJ  Get Free Report) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $17.89 and traded as high as $19.30. Bancorp of New Jersey shares last traded at $17.89, with a volume of 58,200 shares traded.

Bancorp of New Jersey Price Performance

The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $17.89 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $17.89.

Bancorp of New Jersey Company Profile

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Bancorp Of New Jersey, Inc operates as a bank holding company of Bank of New Jersey that provides various banking products and services to individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and governmental units. The company offers various deposit products, including interest and noninterest checking, passbook savings, and money market accounts; and time deposits, such as certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts.

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Birkenstock (NYSE:BIRK  Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 2.220-2.40 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 2.300. The company issued revenue guidance of $2.7 billion-$2.7 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $2.8 billion.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Guggenheim upgraded shares of Birkenstock to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Birkenstock in a report on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of Birkenstock from $81.00 to $66.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 19th. Telsey Advisory Group restated an outperform rating and set a $70.00 target price on shares of Birkenstock in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Finally, BTIG Research reiterated a buy rating and issued a $72.00 price target on shares of Birkenstock in a research note on Monday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Birkenstock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $68.38.

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Birkenstock Price Performance

Shares of BIRK stock opened at $46.39 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $8.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.77, a P/E/G ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 1.14. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $42.07 and a two-hundred day moving average of $46.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 2.78 and a quick ratio of 1.29. Birkenstock has a 1-year low of $38.16 and a 1-year high of $62.66.

Birkenstock (NYSE:BIRK  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 18th. The company reported $0.51 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.40 by $0.11. Birkenstock had a return on equity of 11.52% and a net margin of 15.21%.The business had revenue of $617.67 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $521.12 million. Birkenstock has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.220-2.40 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Birkenstock will post 1.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Birkenstock

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Scientech Research LLC bought a new position in shares of Birkenstock during the third quarter worth about $235,000. Creative Planning boosted its stake in Birkenstock by 17.3% during the 3rd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 8,839 shares of the companys stock valued at $400,000 after purchasing an additional 1,303 shares during the period. Advocacy Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Birkenstock in the 3rd quarter worth about $564,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC bought a new position in Birkenstock in the 2nd quarter worth about $363,000. Finally, Quantinno Capital Management LP increased its stake in shares of Birkenstock by 65.9% in the second quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 9,590 shares of the companys stock valued at $472,000 after purchasing an additional 3,808 shares during the period. 19.93% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Birkenstock Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Birkenstock Holding plc manufactures and sells footwear products. It also offers sandals, shoes, closed-toe silhouettes, skincare products, and accessories. The company sells its products through e-commerce sites and a network of owned retail stores, as well as business-to-business channels. It operates in the United States, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Europe, APMA, and internationally.

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CANBERRA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday announced a government crackdown on people who spread "hate, division and radicalization" in response to the Bondi Beach shooting.

Albanese said at a press conference in Canberra that the attorney-general and minister for home affairs will begin working on reforms that will include a new hate speech criminal offense for leaders who promote violence, and increased penalties for hate speech that promotes violence.

Under the reforms, hate will be made an aggravating factor in sentencing people found guilty of online threats and harassment.

The government will also develop a new system for listing organizations whose leaders engage in hate speech promoting violence or racial hatred.

Additionally, Albanese said that the minister for home affairs will be granted new powers to cancel or reject visas for people who spread hate and division in Australia, or would do so if they were allowed to enter the country.

A new 12-month taskforce will be established to ensure that Australia's education system prevents, tackles and properly responds to antisemitism, Albanese said.

The announcement followed the fatal shooting of 15 people at an event celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday night, which authorities have said was motivated by Islamic State (IS) ideology. 
Envista Holdings Corporation (NYSE:NVST  Get Free Report) has been given a consensus rating of Hold by the sixteen research firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eight have given a hold recommendation, five have assigned a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $21.7692.

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Envista in a report on Monday. Stifel Nicolaus set a $25.00 price objective on Envista in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Barclays started coverage on shares of Envista in a report on Monday, December 8th. They set an overweight rating and a $24.00 target price on the stock. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Envista from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 1st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Envista from $20.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Envista Price Performance

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in Envista by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,375,109 shares of the companys stock worth $40,994,000 after acquiring an additional 57,478 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. boosted its holdings in Envista by 2.9% during the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 353,089 shares of the companys stock worth $6,094,000 after purchasing an additional 9,950 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC bought a new position in Envista in the first quarter valued at $5,347,000. Fox Run Management L.L.C. bought a new position in Envista in the first quarter valued at $417,000. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in Envista by 24.0% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 8,387,297 shares of the companys stock valued at $144,760,000 after buying an additional 1,625,206 shares during the last quarter.

Envista stock opened at $21.84 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 2.37, a quick ratio of 2.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 242.64, a PEG ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 1.02. The business has a 50-day moving average of $20.25 and a 200-day moving average of $20.20. Envista has a 1 year low of $14.22 and a 1 year high of $22.68.

Envista (NYSE:NVST  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating 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 firm had revenue of $669.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $639.49 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.12 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Envista will post 1 EPS for the current year.

About Envista

(Get 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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First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG  Get Free Report) (TSE:FR) has been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eight ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, four have issued a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $17.3333.

A number of analysts have issued reports on AG shares. National Bank Financial upgraded shares of First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Sunday, October 5th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of First Majestic Silver in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Cormark raised shares of First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Scotiabank boosted their price target on shares of First Majestic Silver from $9.00 to $12.50 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, HC Wainwright set a $17.50 price objective on First Majestic Silver in a research note on Friday, October 10th.

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Institutional Trading of First Majestic Silver

First Majestic Silver Stock Down 0.3%

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bogart Wealth LLC acquired a new position in First Majestic Silver during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC lifted its position in shares of First Majestic Silver by 29,900.0% during the 3rd quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 3,000 shares of the mining companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 2,990 shares during the last quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc grew its stake in shares of First Majestic Silver by 33.2% during the third quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 3,898 shares of the mining companys stock worth $48,000 after purchasing an additional 971 shares in the last quarter. AlphaQuest LLC purchased a new position in First Majestic Silver in the first quarter valued at $29,000. Finally, Quarry LP acquired a new stake in First Majestic Silver in the third quarter valued at $57,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 27.16% of the companys stock.

Shares of NYSE AG opened at $16.36 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.96, a current ratio of 3.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. The businesss 50 day moving average is $13.48 and its two-hundred day moving average is $10.71. First Majestic Silver has a 52-week low of $5.09 and a 52-week high of $17.37. The firm has a market cap of $8.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 116.83 and a beta of 0.84.

First Majestic Silver (NYSE:AG  Get Free Report) (TSE:FR) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The mining company reported $0.07 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.11 by ($0.04). First Majestic Silver had a net margin of 7.07% and a return on equity of 3.14%. The firm had revenue of $285.10 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $429.78 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.09) earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 95.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that First Majestic Silver will post 0.54 EPS for the current year.

First Majestic Silver Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a $0.0052 dividend. This represents a $0.02 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.1%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This is a boost from First Majestic Silvers previous quarterly dividend of $0.00. First Majestic Silvers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 14.29%.

About First Majestic Silver

(Get Free Report)

First Majestic Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of mineral properties with a focus on silver and gold production in North America. Its projects include the San Dimas mine covering an area of approximately 71,867 hectares located in Durango State, Mexico; the Santa Elena that covers an area of approximately 102,244 hectares located in Sonora State, Mexico; and the La Encantada covering an area of approximately 4,076 hectares located in Coahuila State, Mexico.

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Hexcel Corporation (NYSE:HXL  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the thirteen brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $73.3333.

HXL has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. UBS Group increased their price target on Hexcel from $81.00 to $87.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating and set a $65.00 target price on shares of Hexcel in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley set a $67.00 price target on shares of Hexcel and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Citigroup restated a reduce rating on shares of Hexcel in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Hexcel from $67.00 to $77.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Friday, October 24th.

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Hexcel Stock Up 0.3%

HXL opened at $72.49 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $70.67 and a two-hundred day moving average of $63.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 85.29, a PEG ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 1.06. Hexcel has a fifty-two week low of $45.28 and a fifty-two week high of $79.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a current ratio of 2.75.

Hexcel (NYSE:HXL  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The aerospace company reported $0.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.38 by ($0.01). Hexcel had a return on equity of 9.25% and a net margin of 3.67%.The firm had revenue of $456.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $449.99 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.47 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down .2% compared to the same quarter last year. Hexcel has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.700-1.800 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Hexcel will post 2.14 earnings per share for the current year.

Hexcel Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 10th. Investors of record on Monday, November 3rd were issued a $0.17 dividend. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 3rd. Hexcels payout ratio is presently 80.00%.

Insider Activity at Hexcel

In related news, insider Lyndon John Smith sold 2,077 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.02, for a total transaction of $151,662.54. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 8,426 shares in the company, valued at approximately $615,266.52. The trade was a 19.78% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Patrick Winterlich sold 3,413 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $73.34, for a total value of $250,309.42. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 40,357 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,959,782.38. This represents a 7.80% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 1.39% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hexcel

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Alliancebernstein L.P. lifted its stake in shares of Hexcel by 122.7% in the third quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 4,849,941 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $304,091,000 after buying an additional 2,671,682 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its stake in Hexcel by 4.3% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,690,924 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $264,990,000 after acquiring an additional 191,649 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its holdings in Hexcel by 32.4% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 3,314,702 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $181,514,000 after acquiring an additional 812,026 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in Hexcel by 103.8% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,759,673 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $155,894,000 after purchasing an additional 1,405,538 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brandes Investment Partners LP boosted its holdings in shares of Hexcel by 49.1% during the 2nd quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 2,440,242 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $137,850,000 after purchasing an additional 803,123 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.47% of the companys stock.

Hexcel Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hexcel Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets carbon fibers, structural reinforcements, honeycomb structures, resins, and composite materials and parts for use in commercial aerospace, space and defense, and industrial applications. It operates through two segments, Composite Materials and Engineered Products.

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China Hongqiao Group Limited (OTCMKTS:CHHQF  Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 0.8% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $3.69 and last traded at $3.69. 200 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 98% from the average session volume of 10,700 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.72.

China Hongqiao Group Price Performance

The stocks 50 day moving average price is $3.53 and its 200 day moving average price is $2.86.

China Hongqiao Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

China Hongqiao Group Limited, an investment holding company, manufactures and sells aluminum products in the People's Republic of China and Indonesia. The company's products include molten aluminum alloys, aluminum alloy ingots, aluminum busbars, aluminum alloy processing, and alumina products.

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Citigroup set a C$32.00 price objective on Lundin Mining (TSE:LUN  Free Report) in a report published on Monday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the mining companys stock.

Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Lundin Mining from C$25.40 to C$25.80 in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. National Bankshares increased their price objective on Lundin Mining from C$20.00 to C$25.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. CIBC boosted their target price on Lundin Mining from C$24.00 to C$30.00 in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on Lundin Mining from C$18.00 to C$26.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Haywood Securities downgraded Lundin Mining from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, September 12th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$25.01.

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Lundin Mining Stock Performance

Shares of LUN stock opened at C$27.97 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of C$23.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 932.33, a PEG ratio of -0.26 and a beta of 1.93. Lundin Mining has a 52-week low of C$8.94 and a 52-week high of C$28.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 41.58. The companys 50 day moving average is C$24.19 and its 200 day moving average is C$18.58.

Lundin Mining (TSE:LUN  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The mining company reported C$0.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$1.40 billion for the quarter. Lundin Mining had a return on equity of 5.55% and a net margin of 6.63%.

About Lundin Mining

(Get Free Report)

Lundin Mining Corp is a diversified Canadian base metals mining company with operations in Brazil Chile Portugal Sweden and the United States of America producing copper zinc gold and nickel. Its material mineral properties include Candelaria Chapada Eagle and Neves-Corvo.

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Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CWAN  Get Free Report) CFO James Cox sold 11,275 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.41, for a total value of $241,397.75. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 328,983 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,043,526.03. This represents a 3.31% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink.

Clearwater Analytics Stock Up 1.7%

Shares of CWAN traded up $0.37 on Thursday, hitting $22.07. The companys stock had a trading volume of 169,749 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,033,113. The firms fifty day moving average price is $19.70 and its 200-day moving average price is $20.33. Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $15.73 and a fifty-two week high of $32.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.97, a current ratio of 1.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.44, a P/E/G ratio of 5.66 and a beta of 0.67.

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Clearwater Analytics (NYSE:CWAN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.14 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.16 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $205.11 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $203.66 million. Clearwater Analytics had a net margin of 61.28% and a return on equity of 2.77%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 77.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.14 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. will post 0.18 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Clearwater Analytics

Clearwater Analytics announced that its board has approved a stock repurchase plan on Wednesday, September 3rd that authorizes the company to repurchase $100.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the company to purchase up to 1.7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Versant Capital Management Inc grew its stake in shares of Clearwater Analytics by 189.3% in the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 1,565 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 1,024 shares in the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of Clearwater Analytics by 278.9% in the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,523 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 1,121 shares during the period. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC increased its stake in shares of Clearwater Analytics by 54.9% during the 3rd quarter. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC now owns 1,806 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 640 shares during the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Clearwater Analytics by 84.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 1,545 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 708 shares during the period. Finally, Danske Bank A S acquired a new stake in Clearwater Analytics in the 3rd quarter valued at about $36,000. Institutional investors own 50.10% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on CWAN shares. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $36.00 target price on shares of Clearwater Analytics in a report on Wednesday, September 17th. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Clearwater Analytics from $35.00 to $30.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on Clearwater Analytics from $28.00 to $26.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Clearwater Analytics in a research note on Monday. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Clearwater Analytics from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, November 22nd. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Clearwater Analytics currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $29.56.

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Clearwater Analytics Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc develops and provides a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution for automated investment data aggregation, reconciliation, accounting, and reporting services to insurers, investment managers, corporations, institutional investors, and government entities in the United States and internationally.

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Compania Cervecerias Unidas, S.A. (NYSE:CCU  Get Free Report)s share price crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $12.54 and traded as high as $13.36. Compania Cervecerias Unidas shares last traded at $13.09, with a volume of 112,421 shares changing hands.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have issued reports on CCU. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas from $11.50 to $10.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, September 11th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas in a research note on Monday. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $10.00.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Compania Cervecerias Unidas

Compania Cervecerias Unidas Trading Down 2.2%

The companys fifty day moving average is $12.77 and its two-hundred day moving average is $12.54. The company has a quick ratio of 1.38, a current ratio of 2.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. The stock has a market cap of $2.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.21, a PEG ratio of 3.83 and a beta of 0.46.

Compania Cervecerias Unidas (NYSE:CCU  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.17 by ($0.08). Compania Cervecerias Unidas had a return on equity of 8.18% and a net margin of 4.48%.The firm had revenue of $684.82 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $783.08 million. On average, research analysts predict that Compania Cervecerias Unidas, S.A. will post 0.68 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Compania Cervecerias Unidas

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings in shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas by 27.2% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,461,212 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,830,000 after acquiring an additional 526,665 shares during the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Compania Cervecerias Unidas by 130.1% in the second quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 487,149 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,285,000 after purchasing an additional 275,435 shares during the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership raised its holdings in Compania Cervecerias Unidas by 386.6% during the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 166,244 shares of the companys stock worth $2,148,000 after purchasing an additional 132,083 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP lifted its position in shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas by 83.8% during the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 255,380 shares of the companys stock worth $3,300,000 after buying an additional 116,418 shares during the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. lifted its position in shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas by 172.2% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 173,672 shares of the companys stock worth $2,244,000 after buying an additional 109,867 shares during the last quarter. 24.07% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Compania Cervecerias Unidas Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA operates as a beverage company in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The company operates through three segments: Chile, International Business, and Wine. It produces and sells alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer under proprietary and licensed brands, as well as distributes Pernod Ricard products in non-supermarket retail stores.

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Ottawa Bancorp (OTCMKTS:OTTW  Get Free Report) and Byline Bancorp (NYSE:BY  Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, earnings, valuation, profitability, dividends, institutional ownership and analyst recommendations.

Profitability

This table compares Ottawa Bancorp and Byline Bancorps net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Ottawa Bancorp 10.21% 4.70% 0.53% Byline Bancorp 20.01% 11.26% 1.36%

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Ottawa Bancorp and Byline Bancorp, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Ottawa Bancorp 0 0 0 0 0.00 Byline Bancorp 0 2 3 0 2.60

Dividends

Byline Bancorp has a consensus target price of $33.25, suggesting a potential upside of 8.39%. Given Byline Bancorps stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Byline Bancorp is more favorable than Ottawa Bancorp.

Ottawa Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $0.44 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.0%. Byline Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $0.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.3%. Ottawa Bancorp pays out 55.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Byline Bancorp pays out 14.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Byline Bancorp has increased its dividend for 1 consecutive years.

Volatility & Risk

Ottawa Bancorp has a beta of 0.06, suggesting that its share price is 94% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Byline Bancorp has a beta of 0.86, suggesting that its share price is 14% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

67.7% of Byline Bancorp shares are held by institutional investors. 7.8% of Ottawa Bancorp shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 28.8% of Byline Bancorp shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Ottawa Bancorp and Byline Bancorps top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Ottawa Bancorp $17.43 million 1.95 $780,000.00 $0.79 18.80 Byline Bancorp $624.78 million 2.25 $120.76 million $2.81 10.92

Byline Bancorp has higher revenue and earnings than Ottawa Bancorp. Byline Bancorp is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Ottawa Bancorp, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Byline Bancorp beats Ottawa Bancorp on 15 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Ottawa Bancorp

(Get Free Report)

Ottawa Bancorp, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for OSB Community Bank, a savings bank that provides various financial services to individual and corporate customers in Illinois. The company's deposit products include saving, checking, money market, and interest-bearing accounts, as well as certificate of deposit. Its loan portfolio comprises commercial, non-residential real estate, one-to-four family residential, multi-family residential, consumer direct, and purchased auto loans; business and construction loans; motor vehicle, home improvement, share, and personal unsecured loans, as well as home equity and small personal credit lines; mortgage loans; and student loans. The company also provides cash management solutions, such as remote deposit capture, automated clearing house/payroll direct deposit, and merchant services, as well as commercial leasing services. In addition, it offers notary, lamination, night depository, document faxing, money gift envelopes, safe deposit boxes, and coin counting, as well as debit and credit cards, and digital banking services. The company was formerly known as Ottawa Savings Bancorp, Inc. and changed its name to Ottawa Bancorp, Inc. in October 2016. Ottawa Bancorp, Inc. was founded in 1871 and is based in Ottawa, Illinois.

About Byline Bancorp

(Get Free Report)

Byline Bancorp, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Byline Bank that provides various banking products and services for small and medium sized businesses, commercial real estate and financial sponsors, and consumers in the United States. It offers various retail deposit products, including non-interest-bearing accounts, money market demand accounts, savings accounts, interest-bearing checking accounts, and time deposits; ATM and debit cards; and online, mobile, and text banking services, as well as commercial deposits. The company also provides term loans, revolving lines of credit, and construction financing services; senior secured financing solutions to private equity backed lower middle market companies; small business administration and united states department of agriculture loans; and treasury management products and services. In addition, it offers financing solutions for equipment vendors and their end users; syndication services; and investment, trust, and wealth management services that include fiduciary and executor services, financial planning solutions, investment advisory services, and private banking services for foundations and endowments, and high net worth individuals. The company was formerly known as Metropolitan Bank Group, Inc. and changed its name to Byline Bancorp, Inc. in 2015. Byline Bancorp, Inc. was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

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Currys plc (LON:CURY  Get Free Report)s share price shot up 10.1% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as GBX 146 and last traded at GBX 139.35. 117,680,773 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 1,559% from the average session volume of 7,092,021 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 126.60.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on CURY shares. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and set a GBX 200 target price on shares of Currys in a research report on Thursday, November 27th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Currys from GBX 150 to GBX 166 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of GBX 165.33.

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Currys Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of 1.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.69 and a beta of 1.31. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 134.34 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 126.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 45.83, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a current ratio of 0.86.

Currys (LON:CURY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, December 18th. The company reported GBX 1.60 EPS for the quarter. Currys had a return on equity of 9.53% and a net margin of 2.38%. On average, analysts anticipate that Currys plc will post 9.5199569 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Currys declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase program on Thursday, September 4th that permits the company to repurchase 0 shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to purchase shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are typically a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Currys Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Currys plc is a leading omnichannel retailer of technology products and services, operating online and through over 800

stores in 8 countries. We Help Everyone Enjoy Amazing Technology, however they choose to shop with us.

In the UK & Ireland we trade as Currys; in the Nordics under the Elkjp brand and as Kotsovolos in Greece.

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Czech National Bank grew its holdings in Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:COF) by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 162,420 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 6,074 shares during the quarter. Czech National Banks holdings in Capital One Financial were worth $34,527,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC boosted its holdings in Capital One Financial by 588,668.3% in the 2nd quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 117,447,497 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $24,988,129,000 after purchasing an additional 117,427,549 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Capital One Financial by 74.8% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 56,380,913 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $11,995,603,000 after purchasing an additional 24,129,990 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its position in shares of Capital One Financial by 63.4% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 27,780,128 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $5,910,500,000 after buying an additional 10,776,843 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Capital One Financial by 64.1% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 14,008,841 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,970,628,000 after buying an additional 5,474,328 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Capital One Financial in the second quarter valued at about $1,701,511,000. Institutional investors own 89.84% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Capital One Financial

In other news, insider Frank G. LapradeIii sold 17,840 shares of Capital One Financial stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $222.03, for a total value of $3,961,015.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 48,315 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,727,379.45. The trade was a 26.97% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Celia Karam sold 2,936 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $218.15, for a total value of $640,488.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 63,433 shares in the company, valued at $13,837,908.95. The trade was a 4.42% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 280,218 shares of company stock valued at $62,395,804. Insiders own 1.26% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Wolfe Research assumed coverage on Capital One Financial in a research note on Monday, December 8th. They set an outperform rating and a $270.00 price target on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Capital One Financial from $235.00 to $237.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. BTIG Research restated a buy rating and issued a $264.00 target price on shares of Capital One Financial in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on shares of Capital One Financial from $245.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, HSBC increased their price objective on shares of Capital One Financial from $218.00 to $234.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Capital One Financial has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $264.25.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Capital One Financial

Capital One Financial Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:COF opened at $239.31 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $219.43 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $216.14. Capital One Financial Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $143.22 and a fifty-two week high of $244.82. The stock has a market capitalization of $152.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 100.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 1.16.

Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The financial services provider reported $5.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Capital One Financial had a return on equity of 10.94% and a net margin of 2.24%.The company had revenue of $15.46 billion during the quarter. As a group, analysts predict that Capital One Financial Corporation will post 15.65 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Capital One Financial Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th were paid a dividend of $0.80 per share. This is a positive change from Capital One Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.60. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 17th. Capital One Financials payout ratio is currently 135.02%.

Capital One Financial Profile

(Free Report)

Capital One Financial Corporation operates as the financial services holding company for the Capital One, National Association, which engages in the provision of various financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Credit Card, Consumer Banking, and Commercial Banking.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:COF  Free Report).

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TOKYO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Japanese prosecutors demanded a life sentence for Tetsuya Yamagami, the man accused of fatally shooting former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, during the trial of the case at the Nara District Court on Thursday.

The trial proceedings have now concluded, and the court is scheduled to hand down its verdict in January 2026.

Abe was shot and killed on July 8, 2022, while delivering a campaign speech on a street in Nara in support of a Liberal Democratic Party candidate in the House of Councillors election. Yamagami was arrested at the scene.

Yamagami admitted to murdering Abe during earlier trial, saying that he committed the crime due to a grudge he held against the Unification Church, which he believed had close ties to Abe and other Japanese politicians.

Yamagami has said that massive donations -- likely some 100 million yen (about 641,000 U.S. dollars) -- his mother made to the group caused his family's financial ruin. 
Czech National Bank boosted its stake in shares of Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Free Report) by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 242,804 shares of the CRM providers stock after purchasing an additional 8,275 shares during the period. Czech National Banks holdings in Salesforce were worth $57,545,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of CRM. Painted Porch Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Salesforce by 260.0% during the second quarter. Painted Porch Advisors LLC now owns 90 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the last quarter. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in Salesforce in the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC lifted its position in Salesforce by 314.8% during the 1st quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 112 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 85 shares during the period. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc lifted its position in Salesforce by 383.3% during the 2nd quarter. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc now owns 116 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 92 shares during the period. Finally, Maseco LLP purchased a new stake in Salesforce during the 2nd quarter valued at about $34,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.43% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

CRM has been the subject of several research analyst reports. BTIG Research assumed coverage on Salesforce in a research note on Tuesday. They issued a buy rating and a $335.00 price objective for the company. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price target on shares of Salesforce from $280.00 to $275.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $316.00 to $330.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and issued a $430.00 price objective on shares of Salesforce in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Finally, DA Davidson raised their target price on shares of Salesforce from $225.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-nine have issued a Buy rating, thirteen have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $326.68.

Salesforce Stock Performance

CRM opened at $258.10 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $246.33 and a 200 day moving average price of $251.81. Salesforce Inc. has a 1 year low of $221.96 and a 1 year high of $367.09. The stock has a market cap of $241.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.46, a P/E/G ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.98.

Salesforce (NYSE:CRM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 3rd. The CRM provider reported $3.25 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.86 by $0.39. The company had revenue of $10.26 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.27 billion. Salesforce had a net margin of 17.91% and a return on equity of 14.41%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $2.41 earnings per share. Salesforce has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 3.020-3.040 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Salesforce Inc. will post 7.46 earnings per share for the current year.

Salesforce Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 18th will be given a dividend of $0.416 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 18th. This represents a $1.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. Salesforces dividend payout ratio is currently 22.16%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Salesforce

In related news, Director G Mason Morfit purchased 96,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 5th. The stock was bought at an average price of $260.58 per share, with a total value of $25,015,680.00. Following the acquisition, the director owned 2,994,509 shares in the company, valued at $780,309,155.22. The trade was a 3.31% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Parker Harris sold 134,662 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $234.70, for a total transaction of $31,605,171.40. Following the transaction, the insider owned 139,767 shares of the companys stock, valued at $32,803,314.90. This represents a 49.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 173,034 shares of company stock valued at $41,097,367. Company insiders own 3.00% of the companys stock.

Salesforce Company Profile

(Free Report)

Salesforce, Inc provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and artificial intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer support at scale.

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Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL  Get Free Report) shares were down 4.3% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $122.90 and last traded at $122.4480. Approximately 1,600,008 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 78% from the average daily volume of 7,152,031 shares. The stock had previously closed at $127.89.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

DELL has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Zacks Research lowered shares of Dell Technologies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Evercore ISI set a $180.00 target price on Dell Technologies and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on Dell Technologies from $175.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Fox Advisors lowered Dell Technologies from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 29th. Finally, Daiwa Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $140.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Sixteen 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.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $162.84.

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Dell Technologies Trading Down 2.7%

The stock has a market capitalization of $83.67 billion, a PE ratio of 16.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 1.03. The companys 50-day moving average is $142.11 and its 200 day moving average is $132.79.

Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 25th. The technology company reported $2.59 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.47 by $0.12. Dell Technologies had a net margin of 5.01% and a negative return on equity of 234.84%. The business had revenue of $27.01 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $27.26 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.15 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Dell Technologies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.920-9.920 EPS and its Q4 2026 guidance at 3.500-3.500 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.93 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Dell Technologies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be issued a $0.525 dividend. This represents a $2.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 20th. Dell Technologiess dividend payout ratio is 28.00%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Dell Technologies

In other news, Director Egon Durban sold 71,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $138.12, for a total value of $9,806,520.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 1,172,428 shares of the companys stock, valued at $161,935,755.36. The trade was a 5.71% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Ellen Jamison Kullman sold 79,806 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.56, for a total value of $12,255,009.36. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 65,662 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,083,056.72. This represents a 54.86% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 3,443,030 shares of company stock worth $501,399,060. Corporate insiders own 42.00% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Dell Technologies

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Winnow Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Dell Technologies in the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Flaharty Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies during the first quarter worth about $27,000. Westside Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in Dell Technologies by 84.7% in the 2nd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 218 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Dell Technologies in the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Finally, Central Pacific Bank Trust Division purchased a new stake in Dell Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.37% of the companys stock.

Dell Technologies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG).

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Shares of ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE  Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Buy from the five analysts that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation, two have given a buy recommendation and two have issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $187.50.

ESE has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (a) rating on shares of ESCO Technologies in a research note on Monday. Wall Street Zen raised shares of ESCO Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, December 6th. CJS Securities raised shares of ESCO Technologies to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of ESCO Technologies to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on ESE

Insider Transactions at ESCO Technologies

Institutional Trading of ESCO Technologies

In other ESCO Technologies news, CEO Bryan H. Sayler sold 401 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $220.00, for a total transaction of $88,220.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 20,254 shares in the company, valued at $4,455,880. This represents a 1.94% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link . Also, Director Vinod M. Khilnani sold 3,000 shares of ESCO Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $217.99, for a total value of $653,970.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 20,468 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,461,819.32. The trade was a 12.78% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 21,699 shares of company stock valued at $4,778,734 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.70% of the companys stock.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ESE. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd acquired a new position in shares of ESCO Technologies in the 3rd quarter valued at about $251,000. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. acquired a new position in ESCO Technologies in the third quarter valued at approximately $585,000. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of ESCO Technologies by 69.9% during the third quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 3,416 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $721,000 after purchasing an additional 1,405 shares during the last quarter. Danske Bank A S acquired a new stake in shares of ESCO Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $63,000. Finally, Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of ESCO Technologies by 23,300.0% in the 3rd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 234 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 233 shares during the last quarter. 95.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

ESCO Technologies Stock Up 0.1%

ESE opened at $199.56 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $212.97 and a 200-day simple moving average of $201.77. ESCO Technologies has a 12 month low of $127.17 and a 12 month high of $229.46. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.28 and a beta of 1.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a current ratio of 1.35 and a quick ratio of 0.93.

ESCO Technologies (NYSE:ESE  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 20th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $2.32 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.13 by $0.19. ESCO Technologies had a return on equity of 12.21% and a net margin of 25.76%.The company had revenue of $286.50 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $306.39 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.46 earnings per share. ESCO Technologiess revenue was up 28.9% compared to the same quarter last year. ESCO Technologies has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.250-1.350 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 7.500-7.800 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that ESCO Technologies will post 5.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

ESCO Technologies Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd will be paid a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. ESCO Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 2.77%.

ESCO Technologies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ESCO Technologies Inc produces and supplies engineered products and systems for industrial and commercial markets worldwide. It operates through three segments: Aerospace & Defense, Utility Solutions Group, and RF Test & Measurement. The Aerospace & Defense segment designs and manufactures filtration products, including hydraulic filter elements and fluid control devices used in commercial aerospace applications; filter mechanisms used in micro-propulsion devices for satellites; and custom designed filters for manned aircraft and submarines.

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W.P. Carey (NYSE:WPC  Free Report) had its price target decreased by Evercore ISI from $72.00 to $71.00 in a research note released on Monday, Marketbeat reports. Evercore ISI currently has an in-line rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

WPC has been the topic of several other reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of W.P. Carey in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded W.P. Carey from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the stock from $68.00 to $72.00 in a report on Thursday, September 11th. Scotiabank boosted their price target on W.P. Carey from $64.00 to $67.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, September 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on W.P. Carey from $79.00 to $74.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $69.00 target price on shares of W.P. Carey in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight 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 Hold and a consensus price target of $68.50.

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W.P. Carey Price Performance

Shares of WPC opened at $65.14 on Monday. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $66.76 and a 200 day simple moving average of $65.67. W.P. Carey has a 52-week low of $52.91 and a 52-week high of $69.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.25 and a current ratio of 0.25. The firm has a market capitalization of $14.28 billion, a PE ratio of 39.48, a P/E/G ratio of 6.08 and a beta of 0.78.

W.P. Carey (NYSE:WPC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.25 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.23 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $431.30 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $424.44 million. W.P. Carey had a net margin of 21.75% and a return on equity of 4.40%. The businesss revenue was up 8.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.18 earnings per share. W.P. Carey has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.930-4.990 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that W.P. Carey will post 4.87 EPS for the current fiscal year.

W.P. Carey Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of $0.92 per share. This represents a $3.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.6%. This is a boost from W.P. Careys previous quarterly dividend of $0.91. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. W.P. Careys payout ratio is currently 220.61%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On W.P. Carey

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. MTM Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of W.P. Carey in the second quarter valued at $28,000. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in W.P. Carey in the second quarter valued at $30,000. Wealth Watch Advisors INC acquired a new stake in W.P. Carey in the third quarter valued at $33,000. LGT Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of W.P. Carey in the 3rd quarter valued at about $34,000. Finally, V Square Quantitative Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of W.P. Carey during the 2nd quarter worth about $40,000. Institutional investors own 73.73% of the companys stock.

About W.P. Carey

(Get Free Report)

W. P. Carey ranks among the largest net lease REITs with a well-diversified portfolio of high-quality, operationally critical commercial real estate, which includes 1,424 net lease properties covering approximately 173 million square feet and a portfolio of 89 self-storage operating properties as of December 31, 2023.

Further Reading

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Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE:BHB  Get Free Report) and Triumph Financial (NYSE:TFIN  Get Free Report) are both small-cap financial services companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk and profitability.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

54.5% of Bar Harbor Bankshares shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 91.1% of Triumph Financial shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.6% of Bar Harbor Bankshares shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 5.6% of Triumph Financial shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

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Profitability

This table compares Bar Harbor Bankshares and Triumph Financials net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Bar Harbor Bankshares N/A N/A N/A Triumph Financial 2.00% 1.76% 0.24%

Valuation & Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Bar Harbor Bankshares $156.64 million 3.53 $38.72 million $2.32 14.27 Triumph Financial $487.93 million 3.14 $16.09 million $0.29 222.17

This table compares Bar Harbor Bankshares and Triumph Financials gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Bar Harbor Bankshares has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Triumph Financial. Bar Harbor Bankshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Triumph Financial, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations for Bar Harbor Bankshares and Triumph Financial, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Bar Harbor Bankshares 0 2 1 0 2.33 Triumph Financial 1 0 0 0 1.00

Bar Harbor Bankshares currently has a consensus price target of $34.50, indicating a potential upside of 4.20%. Given Bar Harbor Bankshares stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe Bar Harbor Bankshares is more favorable than Triumph Financial.

Volatility and Risk

Bar Harbor Bankshares has a beta of 0.65, indicating that its share price is 35% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Triumph Financial has a beta of 1.5, indicating that its share price is 50% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Triumph Financial beats Bar Harbor Bankshares on 8 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Bar Harbor Bankshares

(Get Free Report)

Bar Harbor Bankshares operates as the holding company for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust that provides commercial, lending, retail, and wealth management banking services. It accepts various deposit products, including interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing demand accounts, savings accounts, time deposits, and money market deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. The company also provides commercial real estate loans, such as multi-family, commercial construction and land development, and other commercial real estate classes; commercial and industrial loans, including loans to commercial and agricultural businesses, and tax exempt entities; residential real estate loans consists of mortgages for 1-4 family housing; and consumer loans comprises home equity loans, lines of credit, auto, and other installment lending. In addition, it provides life insurance, annuity, and retirement products, as well as financial planning services; and third-party investment and insurance services. Further, the company offers trust and estate administration, wealth advisory, and investment management services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and municipalities; and 401K plan, financial, estate and charitable planning, investment management, family office, municipal, and tax services. It operates 53 locations across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The company was founded in 1887 and is based in Bar Harbor, Maine.

About Triumph Financial

(Get Free Report)

Triumph Bancorp, Inc. operates as a financial holding company for TBK Bank, SSB that provides various banking and commercial finance products and services to retail customers and small-to-mid-sized businesses in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Banking, Factoring, Payments, and Corporate. It offers depository products, including checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; and commercial and industrial loans, loans to purchase capital equipment, and business loans for working capital and operational purposes. The company also provides asset-based, and equipment and premium finance loans; real estate loans to finance commercial properties; to factoring services the transportation and non-transportation sectors; agriculture loans; commercial construction, land, and land development loans; mortgage warehouse loans; residential real estate loans; and consumer loans. In addition, it offers debit cards; electronic banking, trust, and treasury management services; and insurance brokerage services. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated through a network of 10 branches in the Quad Cities Metropolitan Area of Iowa and Illinois; 8 branches in northern and central Illinois; 7 branches in southern Colorado; 3 branches in New Mexico; 31 branches in central and eastern Colorado; and 2 branches in far western Kansas, as well as a branch office dedicated to deposit gathering activities in Dallas, Texas. Triumph Bancorp, Inc. was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

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Finning International Inc. (OTCMKTS:FINGF  Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $54.92, but opened at $52.11. Finning International shares last traded at $52.09, with a volume of 231 shares.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have issued reports on FINGF. Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Finning International in a report on Friday, October 17th. CIBC restated an outperform rating on shares of Finning International in a report on Monday, October 20th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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Finning International Price Performance

Finning International Cuts Dividend

The businesss 50 day moving average is $52.21 and its 200 day moving average is $46.00.

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 11th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 27th were given a $0.2161 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 165.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 26th.

About Finning International

(Get Free Report)

Finning International Inc sells, services, and rents heavy equipment, engines, and related products in Canada, Chile, Bolivia, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Ireland, and internationally. The company offers articulated trucks, asphalt pavers, backhoe loaders, cold planers, compactors, dozers, drills, electric rope shovels, excavators, hydraulic mining shovels, material handlers, motor graders, off-highway trucks, pipelayers, road reclaimers, skid steer and compact track loaders, track loaders, underground-hard rock, wheel loaders, and wheel tractor-scrapers, as well as mobile and stationary generator sets.

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Shares of First Horizon Corporation (NYSE:FHN  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday after Truist Financial raised their price target on the stock from $24.00 to $26.00. Truist Financial currently has a hold rating on the stock. First Horizon traded as high as $24.21 and last traded at $24.1650, with a volume of 828339 shares. The stock had previously closed at $23.87.

FHN has been the topic of several other reports. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price target on First Horizon from $24.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Robert W. Baird restated a neutral rating and issued a $25.00 target price on shares of First Horizon in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on shares of First Horizon in a report on Tuesday. They set a buy rating and a $28.00 price target for the company. National Bankshares set a $28.00 price objective on shares of First Horizon in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on First Horizon from $23.00 to $24.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, First Horizon has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $25.29.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on FHN

Insider Transactions at First Horizon

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In other news, CAO Jeff L. Fleming sold 7,619 shares of First Horizon stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.74, for a total value of $165,637.06. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 128,626 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,796,329.24. This trade represents a 5.59% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Also, EVP David T. Popwell sold 155,149 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.31, for a total value of $3,306,225.19. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 307,432 shares in the company, valued at $6,551,375.92. This trade represents a 33.54% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.87% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of FHN. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new stake in First Horizon during the third quarter worth about $25,000. Navigoe LLC bought a new stake in shares of First Horizon in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in First Horizon during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Kestra Investment Management LLC grew its stake in First Horizon by 873.1% during the 2nd quarter. Kestra Investment Management LLC now owns 1,625 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 1,458 shares during the last quarter. Finally, TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. increased its position in First Horizon by 122.3% in the third quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 1,636 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 900 shares during the period. 80.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

First Horizon Price Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $11.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.64, a PEG ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $21.88 and a 200-day simple moving average of $21.81.

First Horizon (NYSE:FHN  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $0.51 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.45 by $0.06. First Horizon had a net margin of 18.08% and a return on equity of 10.93%. The business had revenue of $893.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $848.08 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.42 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that First Horizon Corporation will post 1.67 EPS for the current fiscal year.

First Horizon Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 12th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.5%. First Horizons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 36.36%.

First Horizon announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase plan on Monday, October 27th that permits the company to repurchase $1.20 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the financial services provider to reacquire up to 11.3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued.

First Horizon Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through Regional Banking and Specialty Banking segments. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments.

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Transcontinental Realty Investors (NYSE:TCI  Get Free Report) and Grow Capital (OTCMKTS:GRWC  Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, valuation, risk, earnings, analyst recommendations and profitability.

Profitability

This table compares Transcontinental Realty Investors and Grow Capitals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Transcontinental Realty Investors 11.52% 0.30% 0.23% Grow Capital -117.42% N/A N/A

Volatility and Risk

Transcontinental Realty Investors has a beta of 0.45, suggesting that its share price is 55% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Grow Capital has a beta of 29.37, suggesting that its share price is 2,837% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Valuation & Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Transcontinental Realty Investors $46.08 million 10.59 $5.86 million $0.64 88.23 Grow Capital $3.01 million 16.70 -$3.62 million ($0.03) -10.99

This table compares Transcontinental Realty Investors and Grow Capitals gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Transcontinental Realty Investors has higher revenue and earnings than Grow Capital. Grow Capital is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Transcontinental Realty Investors, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Transcontinental Realty Investors and Grow Capital, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Transcontinental Realty Investors 0 1 0 0 2.00 Grow Capital 0 0 0 0 0.00

Summary

Transcontinental Realty Investors beats Grow Capital on 8 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Transcontinental Realty Investors

(Get Free Report)

Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc., a Dallas-based real estate investment company, holds a diverse portfolio of equity real estate located across the U.S., including office buildings, apartments, shopping centers, and developed and undeveloped land. The Company invests in real estate through direct ownership, leases and partnerships and invests in mortgage loans on real estate. The Company also holds mortgage receivables.

About Grow Capital

(Get Free Report)

Grow Capital, Inc. operates in the financial technology sector. It provides software, technology, and services to financial services firms and advisors. The company's software suite delivers customized back office compliance, multi-pay commission processing, and new client application submission system, as well as digital engagement marketing services centric to financial services. It also provides software customization, licensing, and subscription service contracts, as well as ongoing customization and maintenance services; and ad hoc services, including web hosting, website development, and other complementary professional services. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is based in Henderson, Nevada.

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Grupo Simec, S.A. de C.V. (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM  Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $29.70, but opened at $28.73. Grupo Simec shares last traded at $28.0940, with a volume of 1,139 shares.

Grupo Simec Stock Down 5.1%

The firm has a market cap of $4.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.87 and a beta of 0.34. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $28.38 and its 200-day simple moving average is $27.82.

About Grupo Simec

(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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Shares of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft (ETR:HHFA  Get Free Report) traded down 0.5% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as 21.30 and last traded at 21.30. 1,185 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 99% from the average session volume of 117,376 shares. The stock had previously closed at 21.40.

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft Price Performance

The firms 50 day moving average price is 21.20 and its 200 day moving average price is 20.37. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 51.27, a P/E/G ratio of 0.29 and a beta of 1.03.

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft Company Profile

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Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft operates as a port and transport logistics company in Germany, rest of European Union, and internationally. It operates through Container, Intermodal, Logistics, and Real Estate segments. The company operates three container terminals in Hamburg; and container terminals in Odessa, Ukraine, and Tallinn, Estonia, as well as in Trieste, Italy.

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KATHMANDU, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- KP Sharma Oli has been elected as the chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist and Leninist) (CPN-UML) through the 11th general convention that concluded on Thursday.

Oli defeated Ishwar Pokharel, the party's former senior vice-chairman, announced Bijay Subba, chair of the party's election commission. This is the third time Oli has become the chairman of the party.

The general convention of the second largest party in the dissolved House of Representatives was held about three months after Oli stepped down as prime minister on Sept. 9 over deadly protests in Kathmandu and other parts of the country. 
Hyundai Motor (OTCMKTS:HYMTF  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $51.00 and traded as high as $53.00. Hyundai Motor shares last traded at $51.00, with a volume of 702 shares traded.

Hyundai Motor Stock Performance

The businesss 50 day moving average price is $51.00 and its 200 day moving average price is $52.08.

Hyundai Motor Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hyundai Motor Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes motor vehicles and parts worldwide. It operates through Vehicle, Finance, and Others segments. The company offers cars under the AZERA, SONATA, VELOSTER, i30, ELANTRA, ACCENT, i20, and i10 names; SUVs under the TUCSON, SANTA FE, KONA, PALISADE, CRETA, and VENUE names; commercial vehicles under the STARIA, H-1, and H-100 names; and eco vehicles under the IONIQ 6, IONIQ 5, NEXO, SANTA FE Hybrid, SONATA Hybrid, AZERA Hybrid, KONA Electric, IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid, IONIQ Electric, IONIQ Hybrid, and i30 Hybrid names.

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Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE:TEVA  Get Free Report) Director Roberto Mignone sold 77,400 shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.24, for a total transaction of $2,340,576.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 367,600 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,116,224. This trade represents a 17.39% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink.

Roberto Mignone also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Thursday, November 6th, Roberto Mignone sold 200,000 shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.11, for a total transaction of $4,822,000.00.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Stock Up 0.7%

Shares of TEVA traded up $0.22 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $30.28. The stock had a trading volume of 8,057,732 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,753,719. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has a 1-year low of $12.47 and a 1-year high of $30.44. The firm has a market capitalization of $34.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 50.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 0.67. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $24.03 and a 200-day simple moving average of $19.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.31, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 0.82.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

TEVA has been the subject of several recent research reports. Scotiabank initiated coverage on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in a report on Friday, December 5th. They set a sector outperform rating and a $35.00 price objective for the company. Bank of America boosted their price target on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $29.00 to $32.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, December 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $28.00 to $35.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $28.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $31.13.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on TEVA

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. increased its holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 51.4% during the second quarter. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. now owns 33,390,327 shares of the companys stock worth $559,622,000 after buying an additional 11,334,780 shares during the last quarter. Menora Mivtachim Holdings LTD. grew its position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 31.9% during the 2nd quarter. Menora Mivtachim Holdings LTD. now owns 38,493,294 shares of the companys stock valued at $645,148,000 after acquiring an additional 9,303,978 shares during the period. Phoenix Financial Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 31.7% during the 2nd quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. now owns 37,761,444 shares of the companys stock worth $632,882,000 after purchasing an additional 9,094,372 shares during the last quarter. Soundwatch Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $143,533,000. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 39,228.4% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 6,895,838 shares of the companys stock valued at $139,296,000 after buying an additional 6,878,304 shares during the period. 54.05% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, Israel, and internationally. It offers generic medicines in various dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams; sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in parenteral and solid dosage forms; and generic products with medical devices and combination products.

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iShares Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEV  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $68.67 and last traded at $68.60, with a volume of 280342 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $68.01.

iShares Europe ETF Stock Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $1.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $66.51 and a 200 day simple moving average of $64.79.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares Europe ETF

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of IEV. Aberdeen Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Europe ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares Europe ETF during the third quarter valued at about $29,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd lifted its stake in shares of iShares Europe ETF by 434.9% in the third quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 444 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 361 shares during the period. American National Bank & Trust acquired a new stake in iShares Europe ETF during the third quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, Allworth Financial LP grew its position in iShares Europe ETF by 51.8% during the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 560 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after buying 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 Switzerland ETF (NYSEARCA:EWL  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $59.08 and last traded at $59.06, with a volume of 489206 shares. The stock had previously closed at $58.37.

iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Price Performance

The firms 50 day moving average price is $57.05 and its 200-day moving average price is $55.62. The firm has a market cap of $1.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.82 and a beta of 0.81.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in EWL. Tiemann Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $206,000. ABC Arbitrage SA acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $635,000. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its stake in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 6.7% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 168,171 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $9,217,000 after acquiring an additional 10,628 shares during the period. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC increased its stake in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 4.6% in the second quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 7,695 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $422,000 after acquiring an additional 341 shares during the period. Finally, Creative Planning raised its position in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 6.9% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 45,624 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,501,000 after purchasing an additional 2,953 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.30% of the companys stock.

iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Switzerland 25/50 Index (the Index).

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Israel Discount Bank Limited (OTCMKTS:ISDAY  Get Free Report) was up 4.5% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $112.3250 and last traded at $112.3250. Approximately 205 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 67% from the average daily volume of 617 shares. The stock had previously closed at $107.53.

Israel Discount Bank Trading Down 0.1%

The stocks fifty day moving average is $102.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $98.05.

Israel Discount Bank Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Israel Discount Bank Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking and financial services in Israel, Europe, and North America. The company operates through Retail Banking, Middle Market Banking, Corporate Banking, Financial Operations, Discount Capital, Discount Bancorp, Israel Credit Cards Company, and Other segments.

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Japan Tobacco Inc. (OTCMKTS:JAPAF  Get Free Report)s share price traded up 4.8% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $38.69 and last traded at $38.69. 2 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 100% from the average session volume of 2,672 shares. The stock had previously closed at $36.92.

Japan Tobacco Stock Performance

The company has a 50 day moving average price of $35.83 and a 200 day moving average price of $32.75.

Japan Tobacco Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Japan Tobacco Inc, a tobacco company, manufactures and sells tobacco products, pharmaceuticals, and processed foods in Japan and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Tobacco Business, Pharmaceutical Business, and Processed Food Business. It offers tobacco products, such as cigarettes, heat-not-burn tobacco products, E-vapor products, fine cut tobacco products, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco products, and hookah and kretek products.

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Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd. (OTCMKTS:JMHLY  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $69.50 and last traded at $68.32, with a volume of 9470 shares. The stock had previously closed at $69.10.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Macquarie upgraded Jardine Matheson from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, September 22nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Strong Buy.

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Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on JMHLY

Jardine Matheson Price Performance

About Jardine Matheson

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 1.24 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $63.95 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $57.95.

(Get Free Report)

Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates in motor vehicles and related operations, property investment and development, food retailing, health and beauty, home furnishings, engineering and construction, and transport businesses in China, Southeast Asia, and internationally.

Further Reading

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Shares of Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA (OTCMKTS:JRONY  Get Free Report) saw an uptick in trading volume on Thursday . 61,759 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 497% from the previous sessions volume of 10,352 shares.The stock last traded at $47.60 and had previously closed at $47.10.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Kepler Capital Markets upgraded Jeronimo Martins SGPS from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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View Our Latest Research Report on JRONY

Jeronimo Martins SGPS Stock Up 1.2%

The company has a quick ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The company has a market cap of $15.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.10, a P/E/G ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 0.91. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $48.54 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $49.43.

Jeronimo Martins SGPS (OTCMKTS:JRONY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.02. Jeronimo Martins SGPS had a net margin of 1.83% and a return on equity of 21.15%. The business had revenue of $10.66 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.61 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA will post 2.13 EPS for the current year.

Jeronimo Martins SGPS Company Profile

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Jeronimo Martins, SGPS, SA operates in the food distribution and specialized retail sectors in Portugal, Poland, and Colombia. The company operates through Portugal Retail; Portugal Cash & Carry; Poland Retail; Colombia Retail; and Others, Eliminations and Adjustments segments. It operates food stores under the Biedronka name; and a chain of health and beauty stores under the Hebe banner in Poland, as well as food stores under the Ara name in Colombia.

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Keystone Financial Planning Inc. lowered its stake in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank (The) (NYSE:TD  Free Report) (TSE:TD) by 96.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,104 shares of the banks stock after selling 114,695 shares during the quarter. Keystone Financial Planning Inc.s holdings in Toronto Dominion Bank were worth $328,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board lifted its stake in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank by 18.5% during the second quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 12,470,618 shares of the banks stock worth $917,832,000 after buying an additional 1,946,172 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company raised its stake in Toronto Dominion Bank by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 13,815,706 shares of the banks stock worth $1,010,852,000 after acquiring an additional 115,203 shares during the last quarter. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. purchased a new position in Toronto Dominion Bank in the 2nd quarter worth $8,492,000. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp lifted its position in Toronto Dominion Bank by 41.9% during the 1st quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 4,407,273 shares of the banks stock worth $264,134,000 after acquiring an additional 1,302,281 shares during the period. Finally, Picton Mahoney Asset Management purchased a new stake in Toronto Dominion Bank during the 2nd quarter valued at about $267,475,000. 52.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Toronto Dominion Bank Trading Down 0.5%

Toronto Dominion Bank stock opened at $91.18 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. Toronto Dominion Bank has a 12 month low of $51.25 and a 12 month high of $92.24. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $83.17 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $77.53. The firm has a market cap of $154.04 billion, a PE ratio of 10.82, a P/E/G ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 0.69.

Toronto Dominion Bank Increases Dividend

Toronto Dominion Bank ( NYSE:TD Get Free Report ) (TSE:TD) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $1.56 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.46 by $0.10. Toronto Dominion Bank had a net margin of 16.52% and a return on equity of 13.90%. The firm had revenue of $11.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.10 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.72 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that Toronto Dominion Bank will post 5.48 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be given a $1.08 dividend. This represents a $4.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.7%. This is an increase from Toronto Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $1.05. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 9th. Toronto Dominion Banks payout ratio is currently 35.82%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

TD has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded Toronto Dominion Bank from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Toronto Dominion Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Raymond James Financial upgraded shares of Toronto Dominion Bank to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Toronto Dominion Bank in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Toronto Dominion Bank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 15th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Toronto Dominion Bank has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $93.00.

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Toronto Dominion Bank Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, U.S. Retail, Wealth Management and Insurance, and Wholesale Banking.

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Kwmg LLC reduced its stake in Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO  Free Report) by 6.6% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 84,963 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 6,042 shares during the quarter. Valero Energy accounts for approximately 1.3% of Kwmg LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 25th biggest position. Kwmg LLCs holdings in Valero Energy were worth $14,466,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Federated Hermes Inc. raised its position in Valero Energy by 15.7% in the second quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 161,957 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $21,770,000 after acquiring an additional 21,997 shares during the period. Hancock Whitney Corp grew its position in shares of Valero Energy by 8.9% during the 1st quarter. Hancock Whitney Corp now owns 46,474 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $6,138,000 after acquiring an additional 3,790 shares during the period. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 26.3% during the 2nd quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 10,571 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,421,000 after purchasing an additional 2,199 shares during the last quarter. Caldwell Trust Co bought a new stake in shares of Valero Energy in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,666,000. Finally, FORA Capital LLC purchased a new position in Valero Energy in the first quarter valued at approximately $866,000. Institutional investors own 78.69% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Valero Energy news, CFO Jason W. Fraser sold 9,933 shares of Valero Energy stock in a transaction dated 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. The trade was a 6.89% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.04% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Valero Energy Stock Down 0.1%

Shares of NYSE VLO opened at $162.70 on Thursday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $171.22 and a 200-day moving average of $155.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $49.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.97, a PEG ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 0.76. The company has a current ratio of 1.60, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Valero Energy Corporation has a 12 month low of $99.00 and a 12 month high of $185.62.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO  Get Free Report) last released 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 net margin of 1.21% and a return on equity of 8.69%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.14 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Valero Energy Corporation will post 7.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Valero Energy Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 20th will be paid a $1.13 dividend. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 20th. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 94.36%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have issued reports on VLO shares. Morgan Stanley downgraded Valero Energy from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and raised their target price for the stock from $160.00 to $175.00 in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on Valero Energy from $135.00 to $185.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Friday, September 19th. Piper Sandler boosted their target price on shares of Valero Energy from $201.00 to $223.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 14th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on Valero Energy from $181.00 to $194.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Valero Energy in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Valero Energy has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $183.20.

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About Valero Energy

(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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Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever attends an EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, Dec. 18, 2025. Guarantees proposed by the European Union (EU) for using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine were "still insufficient," said Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Thursday, warning that Belgium would not bear the risks alone. Addressing the Belgian parliament ahead of an EU summit, De Wever said he had not seen a final text from the EU on guarantees that could persuade Belgium to agree on, and expected that clearer documents would be presented later in the day. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)

BRUSSELS, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Guarantees proposed by the European Union (EU) for using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine were "still insufficient," said Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Thursday, warning that Belgium would not bear the risks alone.

Addressing the Belgian parliament ahead of an EU summit, De Wever said he had not seen a final text from the EU on guarantees that could persuade Belgium to agree on, and expected that clearer documents would be presented later in the day.

EU leaders will meet in Brussels on Thursday and Friday to mull plans to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The bloc has immobilized around 210 billion euros (246 billion U.S. dollars) in assets belonging to Russia's central bank, with about 90 percent held within the EU by Belgium-based Euroclear.

According to Russian media RIA Novosti, De Wever told Belgian lawmakers that the confiscation of Russia's assets within the EU may "lead to a snowball effect, when Euroclear will no longer be able to meet the expectations of its customers, and the stability of the institution will be jeopardized. And that would be a financial nightmare."

De Wever noted that the current EU proposal may risk damaging Euroclear's reputation, undermining financial market confidence in Europe and violating international law, Politico Europe reported.

He acknowledged that there was a group of EU countries backing the reparation loan idea, including Germany, Poland, and the Baltic and Nordic states, describing them as a "large and powerful bloc," and the European Commission was also inclined in that direction.

At an EU summit in October, leaders failed to reach an agreement on a "reparation loan" scheme due to objections from Belgium and other countries. 

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever attends an EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, Dec. 18, 2025.

Guarantees proposed by the European Union (EU) for using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine were "still insufficient," said Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Thursday, warning that Belgium would not bear the risks alone.

Addressing the Belgian parliament ahead of an EU summit, De Wever said he had not seen a final text from the EU on guarantees that could persuade Belgium to agree on, and expected that clearer documents would be presented later in the day. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever attends an EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, Dec. 18, 2025.

Guarantees proposed by the European Union (EU) for using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine were "still insufficient," said Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Thursday, warning that Belgium would not bear the risks alone.

Addressing the Belgian parliament ahead of an EU summit, De Wever said he had not seen a final text from the EU on guarantees that could persuade Belgium to agree on, and expected that clearer documents would be presented later in the day. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Lbmc Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:COF  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 16,457 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $3,498,000.

Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Capital One Financial by 330.1% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 13,587 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,423,000 after buying an additional 10,428 shares during the period. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC grew its stake in shares of Capital One Financial by 3.4% in the first quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 22,909 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,108,000 after purchasing an additional 757 shares in the last quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group increased its stake in Capital One Financial by 19.2% during the 1st quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 1,853 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $332,000 after buying an additional 298 shares during the period. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Capital One Financial by 2.2% during the first quarter. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,792 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,038,000 after acquiring an additional 127 shares during the period. Finally, RWA Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Capital One Financial by 17.4% during the 1st quarter. RWA Wealth Partners LLC now owns 5,840 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,047,000 after purchasing an additional 866 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.84% of the companys stock.

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Capital One Financial Stock Performance

COF opened at $239.31 on Thursday. Capital One Financial Corporation has a 1 year low of $143.22 and a 1 year high of $244.82. The stock has a market cap of $152.14 billion, a PE ratio of 100.98, a P/E/G ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $219.43 and its 200-day simple moving average is $216.14.

Capital One Financial Increases Dividend

Capital One Financial ( NYSE:COF Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The financial services provider reported $5.95 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $15.46 billion for the quarter. Capital One Financial had a net margin of 2.24% and a return on equity of 10.94%. Sell-side analysts forecast that Capital One Financial Corporation will post 15.65 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 17th were issued a $0.80 dividend. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 17th. This is a boost from Capital One Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.60. Capital One Financials payout ratio is currently 135.02%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Capital One Financial

In related news, insider Lia Dean sold 3,269 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $218.15, for a total value of $713,132.35. Following the sale, the insider owned 69,855 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,238,868.25. The trade was a 4.47% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Neal Blinde sold 43,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $221.83, for a total value of $9,583,056.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 73,020 shares in the company, valued at $16,198,026.60. This trade represents a 37.17% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 280,218 shares of company stock worth $62,395,804 over the last three months. 1.26% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on COF shares. HSBC boosted their target price on shares of Capital One Financial from $218.00 to $234.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of Capital One Financial from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, September 12th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $280.00 target price on shares of Capital One Financial in a research note on Tuesday. Wolfe Research started coverage on shares of Capital One Financial in a research report on Monday, December 8th. They issued an outperform rating and a $270.00 target price for the company. Finally, Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Capital One Financial in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $264.25.

Read Our Latest Report on COF

Capital One Financial Profile

(Free Report)

Capital One Financial Corporation operates as the financial services holding company for the Capital One, National Association, which engages in the provision of various financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Credit Card, Consumer Banking, and Commercial Banking.

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Leverty Financial Group LLC reduced its position in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:IEFA  Free Report) by 1.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 569,456 shares of the companys stock after selling 8,942 shares during the period. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF comprises approximately 12.9% of Leverty Financial Group LLCs holdings, making the stock its 2nd largest position. Leverty Financial Group LLCs holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $49,713,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 9,134.0% in the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,156,078 shares of the companys stock worth $597,389,000 after purchasing an additional 7,078,581 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 2.5% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 220,025,516 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,367,730,000 after buying an additional 5,414,037 shares during the last quarter. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp increased its holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 198.2% in the 1st quarter. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp now owns 7,583,471 shares of the companys stock worth $596,895,000 after buying an additional 5,040,373 shares in the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI raised its position in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 140.8% in the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 8,449,555 shares of the companys stock worth $705,336,000 after buying an additional 4,940,406 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Truist Financial Corp raised its position in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 40.1% in the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 15,245,913 shares of the companys stock worth $1,272,729,000 after buying an additional 4,362,206 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Up 25.7%

Shares of BATS IEFA opened at $87.69 on Thursday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $88.25 and its 200-day moving average price is $85.89. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF has a 52-week low of $66.95 and a 52-week high of $87.36. The company has a market cap of $149.94 billion, a PE ratio of 16.18 and a beta of 0.84.

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Profile

The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI EAFE IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed-market stocks in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and excludes North America IEFA was launched on Oct 18, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Lundin Mining Corp. (OTCMKTS:LUNMF  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $21.46 and last traded at $20.25, with a volume of 16323 shares. The stock had previously closed at $20.32.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

LUNMF has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen lowered Lundin Mining from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. TD Securities reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Lundin Mining in a research note on Wednesday, September 10th. Citigroup initiated coverage on shares of Lundin Mining in a report on Monday. They set a buy rating on the stock. Cormark downgraded shares of Lundin Mining from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, CIBC restated a neutral rating on shares of Lundin Mining in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Lundin Mining presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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Lundin Mining Trading Down 0.2%

Lundin Mining Company Profile

The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 507.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 1.26. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $17.33 and its 200-day simple moving average is $13.41.

(Get Free Report)

Lundin Mining Corporation, a diversified base metals mining company, engages in the exploration, development, and mining of mineral properties in Chile, Brazil, the United States, Portugal, Sweden, and Argentina. It primarily produces copper, zinc, gold, nickel, and molybdenum, as well as lead, silver, and other metals.

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Manulife Financial Co. (TSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (NYSE:MFC)s share price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$44.25 and traded as high as C$49.48. Manulife Financial shares last traded at C$49.23, with a volume of 4,014,803 shares.

Analyst Ratings Changes

MFC has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Manulife Financial from C$47.00 to C$48.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. CIBC upped their price target on Manulife Financial from C$49.00 to C$50.00 in a report on Friday, November 14th. Desjardins boosted their target price on shares of Manulife Financial from C$48.00 to C$52.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price target on shares of Manulife Financial from C$49.00 to C$52.00 in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, National Bankshares boosted their price objective on Manulife Financial from C$47.00 to C$52.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Manulife Financial has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$50.88.

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Manulife Financial Price Performance

The businesss fifty day moving average price is C$47.18 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$44.32. The stock has a market capitalization of C$82.55 billion, a PE ratio of 15.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 0.94.

Manulife Financial (TSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (NYSE:MFC) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The financial services provider reported C$1.16 EPS for the quarter. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 11.75% and a net margin of 12.52%.The firm had revenue of C$26.23 billion for the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Manulife Financial Co. will post 3.6104452 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Rahim Hirji sold 25,048 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of C$48.25, for a total value of C$1,208,566.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 31,315 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$1,510,948.75. This represents a 44.44% decrease in their position. Corporate insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock.

Manulife Financial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Manulife provides life insurance and wealth management products and services to individuals and group customers in Canada, the United States, and Asia. Manulife is one of Canadas Big Three Life Insurance companies (the other two are Sun Life and Great West Life). As of Dec. 31, 2021, Manulife reported assets under management or administration of about CAD $1.4 trillion.

Further Reading

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MGIC Investment (NYSE:MTG  Get Free Report) had its price objective boosted by equities researchers at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $27.00 to $28.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a market perform rating on the insurance providers stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods price target points to a potential downside of 4.75% from the stocks previous close.

MTG has been the subject of several other research reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (a-) rating on shares of MGIC Investment in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays lifted their price objective on MGIC Investment from $27.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock a cautious rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $27.50.

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MGIC Investment Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:MTG opened at $29.40 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 1.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. MGIC Investment has a 1-year low of $21.94 and a 1-year high of $29.61. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.45, a P/E/G ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.85. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $27.88 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $27.44.

MGIC Investment (NYSE:MTG  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The insurance provider reported $0.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $304.51 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $308.16 million. MGIC Investment had a net margin of 61.96% and a return on equity of 14.62%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down .7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.77 EPS. Equities analysts predict that MGIC Investment will post 2.71 earnings per share for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other MGIC Investment news, EVP Paula C. Maggio sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.44, for a total value of $548,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 117,395 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,221,318.80. The trade was a 14.56% 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. Also, COO Salvatore A. Miosi sold 30,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.15, for a total value of $844,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 189,401 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,331,638.15. This trade represents a 13.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 219,203 shares of company stock worth $5,989,909. Corporate insiders own 1.05% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Deutsche Bank AG increased its position in shares of MGIC Investment by 1.4% during the first quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 87,747 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $2,174,000 after acquiring an additional 1,217 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC bought a new position in MGIC Investment during the 1st quarter worth about $13,266,000. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of MGIC Investment by 10.1% in the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 43,702 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,083,000 after purchasing an additional 4,014 shares during the period. Brooklyn Investment Group lifted its holdings in shares of MGIC Investment by 15.5% in the first quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 3,094 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $77,000 after purchasing an additional 416 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital Fund Management S.A. boosted its position in shares of MGIC Investment by 178.9% during the first quarter. Capital Fund Management S.A. now owns 173,965 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $4,311,000 after buying an additional 111,584 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.58% of the companys stock.

MGIC Investment Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

MGIC Investment Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides private mortgage insurance, other mortgage credit risk management solutions, and ancillary services to lenders and government sponsored entities in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The company offers primary mortgage insurance that provides mortgage default protection on individual loans, as well as covers unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest, and various expenses associated with the default and subsequent foreclosure.

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Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MHK  Get Free Report) insider Suzanne Helen sold 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.36, for a total value of $386,260.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 70,593 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,790,643.48. This represents a 4.72% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website.

Mohawk Industries Price Performance

MHK traded up $3.13 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $112.33. 32,882 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 807,512. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $114.43 and its 200 day moving average price is $117.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.94 billion, a PE ratio of 16.73, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.23. Mohawk Industries, Inc. has a 1-year low of $96.24 and a 1-year high of $143.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 2.25 and a quick ratio of 1.24.

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Mohawk Industries (NYSE:MHK  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $2.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.68 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $2.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.73 billion. Mohawk Industries had a net margin of 3.93% and a return on equity of 6.97%. Mohawk Industriess quarterly revenue was up 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.90 EPS. Mohawk Industries has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.900-2.000 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Mohawk Industries, Inc. will post 9.8 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Mohawk Industries

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Atlas FRM LLC raised its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 28.0% during the 2nd quarter. Atlas FRM LLC now owns 608,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,743,000 after acquiring an additional 133,000 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Mohawk Industries in the second quarter worth $337,000. Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in Mohawk Industries by 34.3% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 91,119 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,404,000 after purchasing an additional 23,252 shares during the last quarter. Inspire Investing LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Mohawk Industries during the first quarter worth $312,000. Finally, Brandes Investment Partners LP lifted its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 5.6% in the 2nd quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 870,778 shares of the companys stock worth $91,294,000 after buying an additional 46,076 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.98% of the companys stock.

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on MHK shares. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Mohawk Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, December 6th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Mohawk Industries in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Raymond James Financial reissued a strong-buy rating and issued a $150.00 price target (up from $140.00) on shares of Mohawk Industries in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on shares of Mohawk Industries from $124.00 to $118.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on shares of Mohawk Industries from $134.00 to $128.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $135.79.

View Our Latest Analysis on MHK

Mohawk Industries Company Profile

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Mohawk Industries, Inc designs, manufactures, sources, distributes, and markets flooring products for residential and commercial remodeling, and new construction channels in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Global Ceramic, Flooring North America, and Flooring Rest of the World.

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Shares of Molina Healthcare, Inc (NYSE:MOH  Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Hold from the sixteen analysts that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $196.3333.

A number of analysts have weighed in on the stock. UBS Group decreased their target price on shares of Molina Healthcare from $180.00 to $170.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Molina Healthcare from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, October 25th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $160.00 price objective on Molina Healthcare in a research report on Tuesday. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on Molina Healthcare from $231.00 to $165.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reduced their price target on Molina Healthcare from $284.00 to $220.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 5th.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Molina Healthcare

Insider Transactions at Molina Healthcare

Institutional Trading of Molina Healthcare

In other news, Director Richard M. Schapiro sold 357 shares of the firms 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 completion of the transaction, the director owned 11,352 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,623,563.04. This trade represents a 3.05% 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 . Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Molina Healthcare by 217.0% in the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,934,130 shares of the companys stock worth $561,475,000 after acquiring an additional 2,008,458 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its position in Molina Healthcare by 46.4% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 3,838,043 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,264,214,000 after purchasing an additional 1,216,903 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in Molina Healthcare by 344.3% during the 3rd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 963,526 shares of the companys stock worth $184,380,000 after purchasing an additional 746,639 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Molina Healthcare in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $212,113,000. Finally, UBS Group AG lifted its position in shares of Molina Healthcare by 320.7% in the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 603,934 shares of the companys stock worth $115,569,000 after purchasing an additional 460,372 shares during the period. 98.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Molina Healthcare Stock Performance

Molina Healthcare stock opened at $162.33 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.68, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92. The stock has a market cap of $8.80 billion, a PE ratio of 10.05 and a beta of 0.52. Molina Healthcare has a 12-month low of $133.40 and a 12-month high of $359.97. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $159.56 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $192.70.

Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH  Get Free Report) last posted 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). The company had revenue of $11.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.99 billion. Molina Healthcare had a net margin of 1.98% and a return on equity of 22.95%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $6.01 earnings per share. Molina Healthcare has set its FY 2025 guidance at 14.000-14.000 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Molina Healthcare will post 24.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Molina Healthcare

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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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Nationwide Building Society (LON:NBS  Get Free Report) shares shot up 0.4% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as GBX 131 and last traded at GBX 131. 250 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 79% from the average session volume of 1,168 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 130.50.

Nationwide Building Society Price Performance

The company has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 130.32 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 130.05. The firm has a market cap of 11.93 million, a PE ratio of 0.01 and a beta of 0.30.

Nationwide Building Society Company Profile

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Nationwide Building Society, together with its subsidiaries, provides retail financial services in the United Kingdom. The company offers current, savings, and individual savings accounts; residential mortgages; overdrafts, personal loans, car loans, and home improvement loans; and credit cards. It also provides loans to registered social landlords, loans made under the private finance initiatives, and commercial real estate loans.

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NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:NBY  Get Free Report) shares were up 17.7% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $4.00 and last traded at $4.12. Approximately 230,989 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 88% from the average daily volume of 1,986,156 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.50.

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Trading Down 1.3%

The firms 50 day simple moving average is $1.34 and its 200-day simple moving average is $1.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $435.49 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.35 and a beta of 0.57.

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NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 29th. Investors of record on Wednesday, October 1st were given a dividend of $0.80 per share. This represents a yield of 3,791.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 30th.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On NovaBay Pharmaceuticals

About NovaBay Pharmaceuticals

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Ground Swell Capital LLC bought a new position in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals during the 3rd quarter worth $25,000. Apollon Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals in the third quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, C2C Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals by 78.2% in the second quarter. C2C Wealth Management LLC now owns 98,000 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 43,000 shares in the last quarter. 23.25% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

(Get Free Report)

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc develops and sells eyecare and wound care products in the United States and internationally. It offers Avenova Spray, a solution for removing foreign materials, including microorganisms and debris from skin around the eye, such as the eyelid; Avenova Eye Health Support antioxidant-rich oral supplements; Avenova Lubricating Eye Drops for instant relief; NovaWipes by Avenova; Avenova WarmEye Compress to soothe the eyes; and the i-Chek by Avenova to monitor physical eyelid health.

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Oak Thistle LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Permian Resources Corporation (NYSE:PR  Free Report) by 127.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 119,704 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 67,132 shares during the period. Oak Thistle LLCs holdings in Permian Resources were worth $1,532,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of PR. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in Permian Resources by 154.4% during the 2nd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 2,292 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 1,391 shares during the period. FNY Investment Advisers LLC purchased a new position in shares of Permian Resources during the second quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its position in Permian Resources by 90.8% during the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 2,852 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 1,357 shares during the period. Brooklyn Investment Group boosted its holdings in Permian Resources by 433.9% in the first quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 3,118 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 2,534 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB boosted its holdings in Permian Resources by 204.3% in the second quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 3,825 shares of the companys stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 2,568 shares during the last quarter. 91.84% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on PR shares. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating on shares of Permian Resources in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Permian Resources in a report on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on Permian Resources from $21.00 to $16.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Mizuho upped their price target on shares of Permian Resources from $19.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Permian Resources from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 15th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $19.07.

Permian Resources Stock Performance

NYSE:PR opened at $14.39 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 0.67. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $13.45 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $13.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.93 billion, a PE ratio of 13.20 and a beta of 0.70. Permian Resources Corporation has a 52-week low of $10.01 and a 52-week high of $16.03.

Permian Resources (NYSE:PR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.08 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.30 by ($0.22). The company had revenue of $1.32 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.33 billion. Permian Resources had a net margin of 15.65% and a return on equity of 11.03%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.53 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Permian Resources Corporation will post 1.45 EPS for the current year.

Permian Resources Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 17th will be paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 17th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.2%. Permian Resourcess dividend payout ratio is 55.05%.

Permian Resources Company Profile

(Free Report)

Permian Resources Corporation, an independent oil and natural gas company, focuses on the development of crude oil and related liquids-rich natural gas reserves in the United States. The companys assets primarily focus on the Delaware Basin, a sub-basin of the Permian Basin. Its properties consist of acreage blocks in West Texas, Eddy County, Lea County, and New Mexico.

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned on Wednesday that if the EU-Mercosur trade deal is not signed as planned on Saturday, it will not be concluded during his presidency.

The EU's plan to create the world's biggest free-trade area with the South American bloc Mercosur ran into renewed uncertainty on Wednesday after Italy joined France in calling for a delay.

Recalling that the deal had been 26 years in the making, Lula said his patience had run out, noting that the time to close the deal was now or never.

"I've already warned them: if we don't do it now, Brazil won't make any more agreements while I'm president," Lula told a cabinet meeting. "We have given in on everything that diplomacy could reasonably concede."

The proposed pact would expand EU exports of vehicles, machinery, wines and spirits to Latin America, while easing access for South American beef, sugar, rice, honey and soybeans to the European market.

The European Commission had expected member states to approve the deal in time for EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to travel to Brazil on Saturday to sign it with Mercosur partners.

France, citing concerns over the impact on its agricultural sector, has long opposed the agreement but lacked sufficient support to block it. That changed on Wednesday when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the country was not ready to proceed.

Italy's stance has cast serious doubt on plans for a weekend signing, although a Commission spokesperson said EU leaders will discuss the issue at a summit in Brussels on Thursday. 
Osprey Private Wealth LLC increased its stake in RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX  Free Report) by 40.9% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 26,515 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 7,700 shares during the quarter. RTX makes up approximately 1.6% of Osprey Private Wealth LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd biggest position. Osprey Private Wealth LLCs holdings in RTX were worth $4,437,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in RTX. State Street Corp increased its holdings in RTX by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 112,706,833 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,457,452,000 after acquiring an additional 552,009 shares during the last quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System boosted its stake in RTX by 1.2% during the second quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 1,317,166 shares of the companys stock worth $192,333,000 after buying an additional 16,034 shares during the period. MGO One Seven LLC grew its holdings in RTX by 10.2% during the 2nd quarter. MGO One Seven LLC now owns 27,620 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,033,000 after purchasing an additional 2,554 shares during the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its stake in shares of RTX by 28,295.2% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 11,926 shares of the companys stock worth $1,741,000 after acquiring an additional 11,884 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Armstrong Fleming & Moore Inc bought a new position in shares of RTX in the second quarter worth about $431,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.50% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at RTX

In related news, EVP Neil G. Mitchill, Jr. sold 4,849 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.15, for a total transaction of $873,547.35. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 59,556 shares in the company, valued at $10,729,013.40. This trade represents a 7.53% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Insiders own 0.15% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently weighed in on RTX. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their price objective on RTX from $157.00 to $181.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Wall Street Zen lowered RTX from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday. Morgan Stanley set a $215.00 target price on RTX and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a $195.00 price objective on shares of RTX in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on RTX from $151.00 to $168.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $182.71.

View Our Latest Research Report on RTX

RTX Price Performance

RTX stock opened at $176.79 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $237.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.30, a PEG ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $172.56 and a 200 day moving average price of $159.94. RTX Corporation has a 12-month low of $112.27 and a 12-month high of $182.28.

RTX (NYSE:RTX  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The company reported $1.70 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.29. The company had revenue of $22.48 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.26 billion. RTX had a return on equity of 13.28% and a net margin of 7.67%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 11.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.45 earnings per share. RTX has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.100-6.200 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that RTX Corporation will post 6.11 earnings per share for the current year.

RTX Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 11th. Investors of record on Friday, November 21st were issued a $0.68 dividend. This represents a $2.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 21st. RTXs payout ratio is currently 55.85%.

RTX Company Profile

(Free Report)

RTX Corporation, an aerospace and defense company, provides systems and services for the commercial, military, and government customers in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. The Collins Aerospace Systems segment offers aerospace and defense products, and aftermarket service solutions for civil and military aircraft manufacturers and commercial airlines, as well as regional, business, and general aviation, defense, and commercial space operations.

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Shares of PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (OTCMKTS:BKRKF  Get Free Report) shot up 5% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $0.21 and last traded at $0.21. 46,784 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 79% from the average session volume of 223,203 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.20.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk Stock Down 9.5%

The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $0.23 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $0.23.

About PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk

(Get Free Report)

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk provides various banking products and services in Indonesia and internationally. The company offers savings and current accounts; foreign currency, on call, and other deposits; mortgage, working capital, investment, franchise, and cash collateral loans, as well as supply chain financing and bank guarantees; and micro, small and medium, and program loans.

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Siemens Energy AG Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:SMNEY  Get Free Report)s share price gapped up before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $134.56, but opened at $142.10. Siemens Energy shares last traded at $140.94, with a volume of 9,403 shares changing hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently commented on SMNEY. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Siemens Energy in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Siemens Energy in a report on Friday, November 14th. Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Siemens Energy to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 5th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Siemens Energy in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Finally, Berenberg Bank raised Siemens Energy to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on SMNEY

Siemens Energy Stock Up 4.1%

About Siemens Energy

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $112.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 79.17 and a beta of 1.94. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $127.29 and a 200 day moving average price of $115.83.

(Get Free Report)

Siemens Energy AG operates as an energy technology company worldwide. It operates through Gas Services, Grid Technologies, Transformation of Industry, and Siemens Gamesa segments. The company provides gas and steam turbines, generators, and heat pumps, as well as performance enhancement, maintenance, customer training, and professional consulting services for central and distributed power generation; and high voltage direct current transmission systems, offshore windfarm grid connections, transformers, flexible alternating current transmission systems, high voltage substations, air and gas-insulated switchgears, digital grid solutions and components, and storage solutions.

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Sun Communities, Inc. (NYSE:SUI  Get Free Report) Director Gary Shiffman sold 156,875 shares of Sun Communities stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $123.53, for a total transaction of $19,378,768.75. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink.

Sun Communities Stock Performance

Sun Communities stock traded down $0.78 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $123.36. 267,878 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 842,764. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $125.17 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $125.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 6.01 and a current ratio of 6.01. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.26 billion, a PE ratio of 15.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.27 and a beta of 0.92. Sun Communities, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $109.22 and a fifty-two week high of $137.77.

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Sun Communities (NYSE:SUI  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.28 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.18 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $697.20 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $713.32 million. Sun Communities had a negative return on equity of 4.53% and a net margin of 42.58%.Sun Communitiess quarterly revenue was up 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.34 earnings per share. Sun Communities has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.310-1.390 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 6.590-6.670 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Sun Communities, Inc. will post 6.77 earnings per share for the current year.

Sun Communities Announces Dividend

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sun Communities

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a $1.04 dividend. This represents a $4.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. Sun Communitiess payout ratio is 52.13%.

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Sun Communities during the second quarter valued at about $925,926,000. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in shares of Sun Communities by 1,224.1% during the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 4,485,795 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $578,668,000 after purchasing an additional 4,147,015 shares during the period. Dodge & Cox raised its holdings in Sun Communities by 42.1% during the 1st quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 13,647,820 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,755,656,000 after buying an additional 4,041,802 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in Sun Communities by 10.2% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 6,118,054 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $787,029,000 after purchasing an additional 568,514 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Millennium Management LLC lifted its stake in Sun Communities by 124.4% in the 3rd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 685,324 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $88,407,000 after acquiring an additional 379,877 shares in the last quarter. 99.59% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on SUI shares. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Sun Communities from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, November 9th. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of Sun Communities from $139.00 to $135.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on Sun Communities from $136.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Monday, September 15th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $142.00 price target on shares of Sun Communities and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Sun Communities from $132.00 to $133.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $137.42.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on SUI

Sun Communities Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Established in 1975, Sun Communities, Inc became a publicly owned corporation in December 1993. The Company is a fully integrated REIT listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: SUI. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned, operated, or had an interest in a portfolio of 667 developed MH, RV and Marina properties comprising 179,310 developed sites and approximately 48,030 wet slips and dry storage spaces in the U.S., the UK and Canada.

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Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSE:SLF  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) shares passed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of C$84.21 and traded as low as C$83.29. Sun Life Financial shares last traded at C$83.75, with a volume of 2,208,251 shares.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages recently commented on SLF. National Bankshares lowered their target price on Sun Life Financial from C$94.00 to C$93.00 in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Cibc Captl Mkts cut shares of Sun Life Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$99.00 to C$95.00 in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$82.00 to C$84.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, UBS Group raised shares of Sun Life Financial to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Sun Life Financial presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of C$91.44.

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Sun Life Financial Stock Performance

The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$83.91 and a 200 day moving average price of C$84.18. The company has a quick ratio of 84,866.00, a current ratio of 92.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.00. The firm has a market capitalization of C$47.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.98, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.74.

Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported C$1.86 earnings per share for the quarter. Sun Life Financial had a net margin of 7.58% and a return on equity of 15.69%. The firm had revenue of C$9.07 billion for the quarter. On average, analysts forecast that Sun Life Financial Inc. will post 6.9230769 EPS for the current year.

Sun Life Financial Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of $0.92 per share. This is an increase from Sun Life Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.88. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 26th. This represents a $3.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.4%. Sun Life Financials dividend payout ratio is presently 65.15%.

Sun Life Financial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Sun Life Financial is one of Canadas Big Three life insurance companies along with Great-West Lifeco and Manulife. Sun Life provides insurance, retirement, and wealth-management services to individual and corporate customers in Canada, the United States, and Asia. It also owns MFS Investment Management, a Boston-based asset-management firm.

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Tenaris S.A. (NYSE:TS  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 3.2% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $38.35 and last traded at $38.7250. Approximately 449,740 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 71% from the average daily volume of 1,542,725 shares. The stock had previously closed at $40.02.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on TS shares. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Tenaris in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Tenaris from $37.00 to $45.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Tenaris in a research note on Monday. BNP Paribas Exane restated a neutral rating on shares of Tenaris in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $36.00 target price on shares of Tenaris in a report on Monday. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Tenaris has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $42.32.

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View Our Latest Research Report on TS

Tenaris Stock Performance

The companys 50-day moving average price is $38.88 and its 200 day moving average price is $37.17. The stock has a market cap of $22.11 billion, a PE ratio of 10.21 and a beta of 0.95.

Tenaris (NYSE:TS  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The industrial products company reported $0.85 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $2.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.85 billion. Tenaris had a net margin of 16.91% and a return on equity of 11.72%. The firms revenue was up 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.81 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Tenaris S.A. will post 3.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Tenaris Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th were issued a dividend of $0.58 per share. This represents a yield of 291.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 25th. Tenariss payout ratio is currently 31.18%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Advisory Services Network LLC purchased a new position in shares of Tenaris during the 3rd quarter valued at about $47,000. Pureheart Capital Pte Ltd. bought a new stake in Tenaris during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $3,076,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd purchased a new position in Tenaris during the third quarter valued at approximately $8,618,000. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV boosted its position in shares of Tenaris by 119.4% in the third quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 48,158 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,723,000 after purchasing an additional 26,211 shares during the period. Finally, Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Tenaris in the third quarter worth $720,000. Institutional investors own 10.45% of the companys stock.

About Tenaris

(Get Free Report)

Tenaris SA, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells seamless and welded steel tubular products and related services for the oil and gas industry, and other industrial applications. The company offers steel casings, tubing products, mechanical and structural pipes, line pipes, cold-drawn pipes, and premium joints and couplings; and coiled tubing products for oil and gas drilling and workovers, and subsea pipelines.

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Texas Permanent School Fund Corp boosted its position in Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH  Free Report) by 16.8% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 30,508 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,384 shares during the quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corps holdings in Cardinal Health were worth $5,125,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its stake in shares of Cardinal Health by 198.3% during the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 21,112 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 14,034 shares in the last quarter. Atlantic Edge Private Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Cardinal Health by 75.0% in the second quarter. Atlantic Edge Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 175 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC increased its position in shares of Cardinal Health by 55.0% during the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 200 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 71 shares in the last quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Cardinal Health by 100.0% during the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 214 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Finally, AlphaCore Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Cardinal Health in the 2nd quarter worth $41,000. 87.17% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts recently issued reports on CAH shares. Jefferies Financial Group set a $220.00 target price on Cardinal Health and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on Cardinal Health from $195.00 to $208.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Cardinal Health from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Barclays initiated coverage on shares of Cardinal Health in a research report on Monday, December 8th. They set an overweight rating and a $243.00 target price on the stock. Finally, TD Cowen raised their price target on shares of Cardinal Health from $183.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Cardinal Health currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $209.00.

Cardinal Health Trading Up 0.2%

CAH opened at $198.28 on Thursday. Cardinal Health, Inc. has a 12-month low of $115.00 and a 12-month high of $214.93. The firm has a market capitalization of $47.11 billion, a PE ratio of 29.91, a P/E/G ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 0.63. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $189.29 and a two-hundred day moving average of $167.65.

Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $2.55 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.22 by $0.33. Cardinal Health had a net margin of 0.68% and a negative return on equity of 84.37%. The business had revenue of $64.01 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $59.41 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.88 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 22.4% on a year-over-year basis. Cardinal Health has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.650-9.850 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Cardinal Health, Inc. will post 7.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Cardinal Health Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.5107 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.0%. Cardinal Healths dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.77%.

Cardinal Health Profile

(Free Report)

Cardinal Health, Inc operates as a healthcare services and products company in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It provides customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, physician offices, and patients in the home.

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Texas Permanent School Fund Corp lessened its holdings in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 36.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 38,322 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 22,296 shares during the quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corps holdings in EOG Resources were worth $4,584,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of EOG. Saudi Central Bank bought a new position in EOG Resources in the first quarter valued at about $28,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd boosted its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 10,950.0% in the 2nd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 221 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 219 shares in the last quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of EOG Resources during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. WPG Advisers LLC acquired a new position in EOG Resources during the 1st quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, ORG Partners LLC lifted its stake in EOG Resources by 45.1% in the 2nd quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 283 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 88 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.91% of the companys stock.

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EOG Resources Price Performance

Shares of EOG opened at $104.77 on Thursday. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 1 year low of $101.69 and a 1 year high of $138.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 1.62 and a quick ratio of 1.43. The company has a market capitalization of $56.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.70 and a beta of 0.49. The business has a 50-day moving average of $107.62 and a 200-day moving average of $114.90.

EOG Resources Announces Dividend

EOG Resources ( NYSE:EOG Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The energy exploration company reported $2.71 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.42 by $0.29. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 19.80% and a net margin of 24.49%.The business had revenue of $5.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.48 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.89 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.47 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Investors of record on Friday, January 16th will be paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 16th. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 40.64%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Mizuho set a $134.00 target price on EOG Resources and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on EOG Resources from $141.00 to $149.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Siebert Williams Shank reduced their price target on EOG Resources from $155.00 to $145.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets dropped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $130.00 to $126.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating and seventeen have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, EOG Resources currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $138.93.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on EOG

EOG Resources Company Profile

(Free Report)

EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company.

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Texas Permanent School Fund Corp reduced its holdings in shares of Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT  Free Report) by 59.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 29,066 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 42,318 shares during the quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp owned approximately 0.07% of Brinker International worth $5,241,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC bought a new position in Brinker International during the second quarter worth $1,200,000. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Brinker International during the 2nd quarter worth about $698,000. Advisory Services Network LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Brinker International by 4.3% during the 2nd quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 7,219 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,302,000 after buying an additional 297 shares during the period. Caxton Associates LLP grew its stake in Brinker International by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Caxton Associates LLP now owns 21,955 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $3,959,000 after buying an additional 180 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Public Sector Pension Investment Board raised its holdings in Brinker International by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 151,498 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $27,320,000 after acquiring an additional 10,694 shares during the period.

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Brinker International Price Performance

EAT stock opened at $145.48 on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $128.97 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $148.50. The firm has a market cap of $6.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.09, a P/E/G ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a quick ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.53. Brinker International, Inc. has a 12 month low of $100.30 and a 12 month high of $192.21.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Brinker International ( NYSE:EAT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $1.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.17. The business had revenue of $1.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.32 billion. Brinker International had a net margin of 7.94% and a return on equity of 164.66%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 18.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.95 EPS. Brinker International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.900-10.50 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Brinker International, Inc. will post 8.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on EAT shares. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price objective on Brinker International from $207.00 to $180.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Brinker International from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on Brinker International from $215.00 to $200.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 24th. Wall Street Zen raised Brinker International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Finally, UBS Group reduced their target price on shares of Brinker International from $165.00 to $144.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Brinker International has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $169.17.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Brinker International

Brinker International Company Profile

(Free Report)

Brinker International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the ownership, development, operation, and franchising of casual dining restaurants in the United States and internationally. It operates and franchises Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant brands.

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Texas Permanent School Fund Corp cut its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Free Report) by 35.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 94,586 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 51,506 shares during the quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corps holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $5,311,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in CMG. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 123,457,125 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $6,932,118,000 after acquiring an additional 993,798 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 7.6% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 56,827,332 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $2,853,302,000 after purchasing an additional 4,027,016 shares during the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. grew its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 1.9% during the second quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 33,111,508 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,859,211,000 after purchasing an additional 606,190 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 1.1% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 29,659,508 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,657,193,000 after purchasing an additional 325,926 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 21,257,666 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,193,618,000 after purchasing an additional 595,038 shares during the last quarter. 91.30% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have issued reports on CMG shares. Mizuho set a $34.00 price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Monday. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $40.00 price target (down previously from $60.00) on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Thursday, October 30th. BTIG Research lowered their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $57.00 to $45.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $53.00 to $45.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have given a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $49.81.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Trading Up 3.7%

NYSE:CMG opened at $37.00 on Thursday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 1-year low of $29.75 and a 1-year high of $64.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $48.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.74, a PEG ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.99. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $35.33 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $42.61.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.29. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 45.39% and a net margin of 13.04%.The company had revenue of $3 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.06 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.27 EPS. Chipotle Mexican Grills revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 earnings per share for the current year.

About Chipotle Mexican Grill

(Free Report)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

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KIEV, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that he personally supports the introduction of online voting in potential elections, but noted that there is currently no consensus with the parliament on the issue.

"I have always supported and raised the issue, even since the beginning of COVID-19, regarding legislative changes to allow people to vote online. So far, we have not found consensus with lawmakers," he told reporters.

He said Ukraine is currently mulling holding only presidential elections at the request of the United States, while local or parliamentary elections are not under consideration.

Last week, Zelensky said elections in Ukraine could be held within 60 to 90 days if the United States and Europe offer security guarantees. 
Tesla, GE Vernova, AltC Acquisition, Constellation Energy, Bloom Energy, IREN, and Exxon Mobil are the seven Energy stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Energy stocks are shares of companies involved in producing, refining, transporting, or distributing energythis includes oil and gas producers, utilities, renewable power developers, and equipment and service firms. Investors in these stocks pay close attention to commodity prices, regulatory and geopolitical events, and long-term shifts in energy demand and technology because those factors strongly affect earnings and volatility. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Energy stocks within the last several days.

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Tesla (TSLA)

Tesla, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, leases, and sells electric vehicles, and energy generation and storage systems in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Automotive, and Energy Generation and Storage. The Automotive segment offers electric vehicles, as well as sells automotive regulatory credits; and non-warranty after-sales vehicle, used vehicles, body shop and parts, supercharging, retail merchandise, and vehicle insurance services.

GE Vernova (GEV)

GE Vernova LLC, an energy business company, generates electricity. It operates under three segments: Power, Wind, and Electrification. The Power segments generates and sells electricity through hydro, gas, nuclear, and steam power. Wind segment engages in the manufacturing and sale of wind turbine blades; and Electrification segment provides grid solutions, power conversion, solar, and storage solutions.

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AltC Acquisition (ALCC)

AltC Acquisition Corp. does not have significant operations. It intends to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or other business combination with one or more businesses. The company was formerly known as Churchill Capital Corp VIII and changed its name to AltC Acquisition Corp.

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Constellation Energy (CEG)

Constellation Energy Corporation generates and sells electricity in the United States. It operates through five segments: Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, New York, ERCOT, and Other Power Regions. The company sells natural gas, energy-related products, and sustainable solutions. It has approximately 33,094 megawatts of generating capacity consisting of nuclear, wind, solar, natural gas, and hydroelectric assets.

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Bloom Energy (BE)

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.

Read Our Latest Research Report on BE

IREN (IREN)

IREN Limited, formerly known as Iris Energy Limited, owns and operates bitcoin mining data centers. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia.

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Exxon Mobil (XOM)

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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Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF (NYSEARCA:ASHR  Get Free Report) saw unusually large options trading activity on Thursday. Stock traders bought 542,116 call options on the company. This represents an increase of 1,082% compared to the average daily volume of 45,878 call options.

Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF Price Performance

ASHR stock traded up $0.07 during trading on Thursday, hitting $32.98. The stock had a trading volume of 3,544,651 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,399,743. Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF has a twelve month low of $23.26 and a twelve month high of $33.99. The companys 50-day moving average price is $32.77 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $30.68. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.62 and a beta of 0.27.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ASHR. Acima Private Wealth LLC raised its stake in Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF by 0.9% in the third quarter. Acima Private Wealth LLC now owns 61,580 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,031,000 after buying an additional 560 shares in the last quarter. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD acquired a new stake in shares of Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF during the third quarter worth $315,000. ANTIPODES PARTNERS Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF in the third quarter valued at about $400,000. Hutchinson Financial Advisors INC acquired a new position in Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $631,000. Finally, Financial & Tax Architects LLC acquired a new position in Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF during the third quarter worth $1,098,000.

Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF Company Profile

The Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF (ASHR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the China Shenzhen SE \u002F CSI 300 index. The fund tracks an index of the 300 largest and most liquid Chinese shares traded on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges. The fund holds physical China A-shares.

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Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA lowered its stake in shares of Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL  Free Report) by 17.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 295,665 shares of the enterprise software providers stock after selling 60,391 shares during the quarter. Oracle comprises 1.6% of Union Bancaire Privee UBP SAs portfolio, making the stock its 15th largest holding. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SAs holdings in Oracle were worth $83,153,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Swiss National Bank lifted its stake in shares of Oracle by 7.6% in the second quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 5,093,200 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $1,113,526,000 after buying an additional 360,000 shares during the period. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in Oracle by 9.2% in the 2nd quarter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 3,817 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $835,000 after acquiring an additional 321 shares in the last quarter. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Oracle by 4.8% in the 2nd quarter. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC now owns 32,937 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $7,201,000 after acquiring an additional 1,515 shares in the last quarter. Cascade Investment Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Oracle in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $239,000. Finally, Lockerman Financial Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Oracle during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $328,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.44% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

ORCL has been the subject of several research reports. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Oracle from $246.00 to $320.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Wolfe Research upped their price objective on Oracle from $300.00 to $400.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 10th. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and set a $342.00 target price on shares of Oracle in a research report on Friday, October 17th. TD Cowen lowered their price target on Oracle from $400.00 to $350.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Oracle from $270.00 to $230.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-seven have given a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $302.92.

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Stuart Levey sold 19,758 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, October 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $300.00, for a total transaction of $5,927,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 18,429 shares in the company, valued at $5,528,700. The trade was a 51.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Michael D. Sicilia sold 33,845 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated 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 completion of the transaction, the insider owned 132,656 shares in the company, valued at approximately $42,603,800.96. This represents a 20.33% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 155,190 shares of company stock worth $45,279,001. 40.90% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Oracle Trading Down 5.4%

Shares of ORCL opened at $178.46 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.28, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 0.91. The company has a market cap of $512.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.55, a PEG ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 1.66. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $239.32 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $241.81. Oracle Corporation has a 52-week low of $118.86 and a 52-week high of $345.72.

Oracle (NYSE:ORCL  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, December 10th. The enterprise software provider reported $2.26 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.64 by $0.62. Oracle had a return on equity of 70.60% and a net margin of 25.28%.The company had revenue of $16.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.19 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.47 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Oracle Corporation will post 5 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Oracle Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 23rd. Investors of record on Friday, January 9th will be given a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 9th. Oracles payout ratio is 37.59%.

Oracle Company Profile

(Free Report)

Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ORCL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL  Free Report).

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Vina Concha y Toro S.A. (OTCMKTS:VCOYY  Get Free Report)s share price fell 0.1% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $39.48 and last traded at $39.48. 700 shares were traded during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at $39.50.

Vina Concha y Toro Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.69 and a quick ratio of 0.74. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $39.48 and a 200-day moving average of $39.48.

About Vina Concha y Toro

(Get Free Report)

Vina Concha Y Toro produces, bottles and labels premium wines, varietal and varietal blend wines, all of which are marketed and exported by its susidaries. The Company, together with Hiram Walker, also distributes Hiram Walker whiskey, vodka and gin throughout Chile.

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A number of firms have modified their ratings and price targets on shares of Chesapeake Utilities (NYSE: CPK) recently:

12/15/2025  Chesapeake Utilities had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/13/2025  Chesapeake Utilities was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a sell rating to a hold rating.

12/8/2025  Chesapeake Utilities was downgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating.

12/2/2025  Chesapeake Utilities had its buy (b-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/26/2025  Chesapeake Utilities had its buy (b-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/20/2025  Chesapeake Utilities was upgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating.

11/8/2025  Chesapeake Utilities was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a sell rating.

10/28/2025  Chesapeake Utilities was given a new $141.00 price target on by analysts at Barclays PLC. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock.

10/21/2025  Chesapeake Utilities is now covered by analysts at BTIG Research. They set a neutral rating on the stock.

Chesapeake Utilities Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 5th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.685 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $2.74 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. Chesapeake Utilitiess payout ratio is 48.50%.

Insider Activity

In related news, CFO Beth W. Cooper sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $132.15, for a total transaction of $660,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 90,713 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,987,722.95. This trade represents a 5.22% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, COO Jeffery S. Sylvester sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $137.08, for a total transaction of $137,080.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 11,916 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,633,445.28. This trade represents a 7.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders own 2.68% of the companys stock.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation operates as an energy delivery company. The company operates through two segments, Regulated Energy and Unregulated Energy. The Regulated Energy segment natural gas distribution operations in central and southern Delaware, Maryland's eastern shore, and Florida; regulated natural gas transmission in the Delmarva Peninsula, Ohio, and Florida; and regulated electric distribution in northeast and northwest Florida.

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Wilson Bank Holding (OTCMKTS:WBHC  Get Free Report) shares shot up 166.7% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $400.00 and last traded at $400.00. 2 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 98% from the average session volume of 100 shares. The stock had previously closed at $150.00.

Wilson Bank Stock Performance

The firms 50 day moving average price is $179.50 and its 200 day moving average price is $170.45.

About Wilson Bank

(Get Free Report)

Wilson Bank Holding Company operates as the bank holding company for Wilson Bank and Trust that provides various banking services to individuals, professionals, and small businesses in Tennessee. It offers checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; loans for consumer, commercial, and real estate purposes.

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Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT  Free Report)  Zacks Research reduced their FY2025 EPS estimates for shares of Lockheed Martin in a note issued to investors on Monday, December 15th. Zacks Research analyst Team now expects that the aerospace company will earn $27.80 per share for the year, down from their prior estimate of $28.15. The consensus estimate for Lockheed Martins current full-year earnings is $27.15 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Lockheed Martins Q4 2025 earnings at $6.28 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $7.81 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $29.33 EPS.

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Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The aerospace company reported $6.95 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by $0.62. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 111.84% and a net margin of 5.73%.The firm had revenue of $18.61 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.45 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $6.84 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Lockheed Martin has set its FY 2025 guidance at 22.150-22.350 EPS.

Several other equities analysts also recently commented on the stock. Robert W. Baird upped their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $500.00 to $550.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $398.00 to $425.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. UBS Group lowered their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $514.00 to $513.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $440.00 to $525.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Bank of America reduced their price objective on Lockheed Martin from $495.00 to $480.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 21st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $503.89.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Stock Down 0.4%

LMT opened at $474.93 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $473.96 and its 200 day simple moving average is $465.69. Lockheed Martin has a 1-year low of $410.11 and a 1-year high of $516.00. The stock has a market cap of $109.90 billion, a PE ratio of 26.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 0.24. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.32.

Institutional Trading of Lockheed Martin

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Lindenwold Advisors INC raised its stake in Lockheed Martin by 1.1% in the third quarter. Lindenwold Advisors INC now owns 3,378 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,686,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Stillwater Wealth Management Group bought a new position in Lockheed Martin in the 3rd quarter valued at about $2,506,000. Investment Research Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $355,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 430.8% during the 3rd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 138 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $69,000 after acquiring an additional 112 shares during the period. Finally, KERR FINANCIAL PLANNING Corp bought a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $40,000. 74.19% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Insider Buying and Selling at Lockheed Martin

In related news, COO John Frank A. St sold 7,792 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $491.04, for a total transaction of $3,826,183.68. Following the sale, the chief operating officer owned 1 shares of the companys stock, valued at $491.04. This represents a 99.99% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.14% of the companys stock.

Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $3.45 per share. This is a boost from Lockheed Martins previous quarterly dividend of $3.30. This represents a $13.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. Lockheed Martins payout ratio is 77.05%.

Lockheed Martin Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. The company operates through Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments.

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TBILISI, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- A senior Georgian lawmaker on Wednesday called for a realistic and pragmatic approach to NATO membership, noting that the alliance's eastward enlargement is unlikely in the near future, TV Imedi reported.

Nikoloz Samkharadze, chair of the Georgian parliament's Foreign Relations Committee, argued that the long-held perception of NATO as an ever-expanding alliance was no longer valid, citing Ukraine's effective exclusion from membership as evidence.

Referring to the U.S. National Security Strategy, Samkharadze noted that the document underscores the need to abandon "illusions" about continuous NATO enlargement, particularly in light of Ukraine's stalled bid for membership.

The parliamentary official pointed to Ukraine's situation as indicative of the broader shift in NATO's enlargement policy. He emphasized that given Washington's decisive role within the alliance, Georgia should prepare for a prolonged period without membership prospects.

"We see that Ukraine was effectively denied NATO membership, so we should not harbor the illusion that the same will not apply to Georgia. We must approach this issue realistically and pragmatically," he said.

Echoing his comments, Levan Makhashvili, chair of the Georgian parliament's Committee on European Integration, said that the latest U.S. National Security Strategy has closed the door on NATO's eastern enlargement. 
MOSCOW, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and nine others injured in a drone strike in southwestern Russia's Rostov region early Thursday, the region's Governor Yury Slyusar reported via his Telegram channel.

Slyusar said that a drone struck a cargo ship in a port in Rostov-on-Don, the region's capital, killing two people and injuring three others.

The city of Batysk was also attacked, with two houses catching fire, resulting in one death and six injuries.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, 77 drones were intercepted and destroyed over Russian territory last night. 
LONDON, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The British government on Thursday appointed Christian Turner, a senior diplomat recently named as ambassador to the United Nations, as its new ambassador to the United States.

Turner, whom the British Foreign Office described as "one of the UK's most experienced senior diplomats," will replace Peter Mandelson, who was dismissed in September after a scandal linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

According to official biographies, Turner was appointed Britain's ambassador and permanent representative to the UN in New York in May but had not yet formally taken up that post. He previously served as political director at the British Foreign Office, and was Britain's high commissioner to Pakistan from 2019 to 2023. 
Why Meiteilon deserves its rightful place in Indias classical pantheon

|

Dr Abul Khair Choudhury (Moijing Mayum)

Language is the breath of a civilization. It is the vessel that carries the collective memory, wisdom, and identity of a people across the river of time. As India celebrates the expansion of its Classical Languages list to elevenembracing Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengalia profound silence echoes from the valleys of the North East.

While the Nation honors the great Indo-Aryan and Dravidian traditions, the third great pillar of Indian civilizationthe Tibeto-Burman familyremains unrecognized in the classical pantheon. Standing tall as the most qualified representative of this family is Manipuri (autonym: Meiteilon). The demand for its Classical Status is not merely a regional aspiration; it is a call for scientific validation and National completeness.

The Demography of a Shared Heritage

Manipuri is not just a dialect or a tribal tongue; it is an advanced, cohesive language that has served as a bridge between the Indian mainland and Southeast Asia for two millennia. Uniquely, it serves as the mother tongue for two distinct but culturally intertwined folk groups: the Meiteis and the Meitei Muslims (Pangals). For centuries, these two communities have nurtured the language, enriching it with a syncretic culture that is rare in South Asia.

Demographically, Mani-puri is the lingua franca that binds the diverse communities of the State. According to the 2011 Census and subsequent linguistic studies, it is spoken by approximately 1.8 million native speakers in India, with a significant diaspora in Bangladesh and Myanmar . When including second-language speakers from the Naga and Kuki communities who use it for trade and daily interaction, the language unites nearly 3 million people. However, its claim to classical status does not rest on population numbers, but on the depth of the civilization these numbers represent.

The Verdict of Experts: A Tibeto-Burman Gem

The Government of Indias criteria for classical status hinge on "high antiquity," "originality," and a "distinct literary tradition." Manipuri meets these with scientific precision.

The most compelling argument for Manipuri is its linguistic lineage. It belongs to the Tibeto-Burman sub-family of the Sino-Tibetan group. Unlike Assamese, Bengali, or Marathi, which trace their roots to Sanskrit and the Indo-Aryan family, Manipuri is a "genetic isolate" in the context of India's classical list. Its gra-mmar, agglutinative struc- ture, and tonal phonology are entirely original and not borrowed from any other speech community.

The eminent linguist and National Professor of India, Dr. Suniti Kumar Chatter-jee, recognized this distinc- tion decades ago. He famously stated: "Among the various Tibeto-Burman languages, the most important and in literature certainly of much greater importance than Newari, is the Meitei or Manipuri language."

He further noted that the beginnings of old Manipuri literature could trace back 1,500 to 2,000 years, placing it squarely within the timeline required for classical status.

Evidence in Stone and Metal : The Epigraphic Proof

A classical language requires history etched in more than just memory. Manipuri possesses undeniable epigraphical and nu- mismatic evidence:

The Coins of Antiquity (6th Century AD) : The discovery of coins from the reign of King Ura Konthouba (568658 AD) bearing inscriptions in the archaic Meitei script is irrefutable proof of a sophis- ticated State economy and a standardized written language existing over 1,400 years ago.

The Yumbanlol Copper Plates : Dating to the 6th7th century, these plates record social codes and administrative edicts. They serve the same historical function for Manipuri that the Halmidi inscription does for Kannada.

Stone Inscriptions : The stone edicts found at Khoibu and the ancient KonthoujamLairembi inscriptions provide lithic evidence of a literate society with a highly developed sense of law and governance .

The Literary Canon: From Myth to History

The revised 2024 criteria for Classical Languages emphasize "Knowledge Texts," specifically prose. Manipuri literature, preserved in ancient manuscripts known as Puyas, is a treasure trove of such texts.

The Oral-Written Continuum : The Ougri, a ritual song sung during the Lai Haraoba festival, dates back to the 1st century AD . It is not just a song; it is a sociopolitical institution used to control the fate of the society. Similarly, the Numit Kappa (1st Century AD), an epic about the shooting of the sun, is a powerful political allegory written in archaic poetic prose that requires expert interpretation today, proving the "discontinuity" criterion between old and modern Manipuri.

Secular Historiography: Unlike many ancient Indian traditions that mix myth with history, Manipuri possesses the Cheitharol Kumbaba (The Royal Court Chronicle). This text records the genealogy and events of the state with dry, chronological precision from 33 AD to the present day. (To be contd)


Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6)

Today

Cloudy with snow showers this evening and steady snow likely after midnight. Low 17F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulations less than one inch..

Tonight

Cloudy with snow showers this evening and steady snow likely after midnight. Low 17F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
MOSCOW, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The launch of island-wide special customs operations in China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) will serve as a foundation for Hainan's continued successful development, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Thursday.

At a press briefing, Zakharova said this new progress will also expand business opportunities for those from China and other countries.

The establishment of the Hainan FTP and other free trade zones in China is an effective measure for promoting and diversifying foreign trade and improving foreign trade structure, Zakharova said.

She noted that relevant authorities of Russia and China attach great importance to the development of cooperation in the area of special economic zones.

China on Thursday launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan FTP, the world's largest FTP by area, allowing freer entry of overseas goods, expanding zero-tariff coverage, and introducing more business-friendly measures. 
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- As many as 63 percent of U.S. voters said they oppose U.S. military action inside Venezuela, according to a new poll released Wednesday.

Only 25 percent of the interviewed said they support such military operations, a Quinnipiac University poll found.

Up to 89 percent of Democrats said they are against U.S. military action on the oil-rich South American nation, followed by 68 percent of independents and 33 percent of Republicans.

The poll found 52 percent of Republicans, 19 percent of independents and 4 percent of Democrats approve of military action inside Venezuela.

More than half of the poll responders, 53 percent, also said they oppose the Pentagon's strikes on alleged drug boats which have killed at least 95 people aboard in international waters in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since September.

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.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he ordered a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela, stepping up a months-long pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Amid continuous boat strikes, Trump also repeatedly said in recent weeks that the U.S. military would begin land strikes targeting drug traffickers in the Caribbean "very soon."

Critics, including bipartisan lawmakers in the U.S. Capitol, have questioned whether counternarcotics is indeed the only U.S. motive and the legality of the U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean for months.

The Quinnipiac poll asked 1,035 self-identified registered voters across the United States from Dec. 11 to 15, with a margin of error of around 3.9 percentage points. 


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Ever the wild soul, herpetologist Romulus Whitakers book reading session at the Blue & Green Climate LitFest was a laugh riot. And, he was in contrast with the reading by co-author and wife, Janaki Lenin. She was more proper and careful with the intonation while he went all aoooo, imitating the wolf call of a popular radio jockey from his younger days in the US.

The duo was in conversation with Isha Banerji, non-fiction commissioning editor at HarperCollins India. The book discussed was their latestSnakes, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll. If that title does not persuade you to buy a book, what would?

Banerji and Lenin discussed Whitakers note-keeping skills, which made writing the book easier. And, considering that Whitaker was always wild, did Lenin have to censor anything, THE WEEK asked. Um, yeah, I had to censor a lot, especially in the first volume, otherwise we would be calling it Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll, she said, evoking chuckles all around. There was a lot of censorship, but I don't think the book lost anything for it. It stuck very close to the real heart of the story. With that, I mean there are indications that he has all these different girlfriends, but the rest is up to your imagination.

Romulus Whitaker interacts with students of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies in Kochi | Mathew T. George

When THE WEEK asked Whitaker to name his favourite nature authors, he pulled out a surprise. Well, two.

First on the list? Im not sure if you could call him strictly a nature writer, but definitely David Quammen, Whitaker said. He is just someone who impresses me so deeply. And, interestingly someone said that Janaki is like our homegrown David Quammen. And I love that, because I love his writing, and of course, I love her writing.

Quammen, an American writer, is famous for presenting natural science to the normal reader in an understandable and accurate form. A line from his profile on the Weber State University website puts him in Whitakers bandwidth, when it comes to wildness: In 1973 with a "fly rod and a Volkswagen bus" he headed west, landing in Montana where he currently resides.

The second choice was Chennai-based Yuvan Aves, who was longlisted for the 2025 Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing. The nomination was for his book Intertidal: A Coast and Marsh Diary. He is the first Indian to be nominated for the award.

His writing is brilliant, said Whitaker. Here we are, you know, the younger generation is coming up and writing stuff that we can (appreciate). And that is really impressive.

Aves is the author of two books on ecology and three childrens books. His other awards include the Sanctuary Green Teacher of the Year 2021 and the M. Krishnan Memorial Nature Writing Award. He is the founder-managing trustee of Palluyir Trust for Nature Education and Research.

The Blue & Green Climate LitFest was hosted by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, from December 17 to 18.
IT services major Cognizant's Artificial Intelligence Lab and Moment Studio in Bengaluru will play a significant role in Cognizants overall AI strategy. Its Bengaluru lab will work closely along with the companys AI Lab in San Francisco, which was granted the 61st US patent.

This innovation hub will combine AI research and user experience to accelerate enterprise transformation. Both the lab and studio are part of the commitment Cognizant announced in 2023 to invest $1 billion in generative AI over the next three years.

The Cognizant Moment Studio is part of the companys digital experience practice that helps clients leverage AI to reimagine customer experience and drive growth. Together, the lab and studio will focus on developing business-ready multi-agent systems, AI decisioning capabilities, responsible AI and AI-for-good initiatives.

"The India AI Lab is a major expansion of Cognizants research footprint and our ambition to accelerate the next wave of AI innovation," said Babak Hodjat, Chief AI Officer, Cognizant. He said that Bengaluru's exceptional engineering and scientific talent will help Cognizant expand its work in scaled, reliable and interoperable multi-agent systems, evolutionary AI and trustworthy decision-making as manifested in their Neuro AI platform suite.

In a recent statement, Ravi Kumar S, the CEO of Cognizant, pointed out that with Agentic AI becoming essential to enterprise transformation, the real breakthroughs will come from pairing multi-agent systems with trustworthy, human-centered design. "Our India AI Lab and Cognizant Moment Studio in Bengaluru offer research in agentic architectures, AI trust and next-generation user experience to create intelligent systems that support decision-making for enterprises," said Kumar.

The India AI Lab and Cognizant Moment Studio, which currently has close to 40 people, is expected to accelerate enterprise innovation and transform ideas into intelligent platforms and immersive experiences. The labs team comprises of PhD-level scientists and AI engineers who will advance applied research in multi-agent AI, decisioning systems and responsible AI. It also expected to strengthen Cognizants IP portfolio and platform innovation through the development of proprietary frameworks, reusable AI components and experiential platforms.

In addition to this, the India AI Lab and Cognizant Moment Studio is expected to combine technological expertise with human insight to create new generation digital experiences that are intelligent and elegant. The India AI Lab will also partner with leading universities across the country enabling joint research initiatives, real-world experimentation and internship opportunities for scholars in applied AI.
Earlier this year, Reliance Industries had moved to convert Reliance Consumer Products into its direct subsidiary, until then an arm of Reliance Retail. This was a part of Mukesh Ambani's plans to scale up the fast-moving consumer goods business targeting Rs 1 lakh crore revenue in five years.

The energy-to-retail conglomerate is taking rapid steps in that direction: One brand, one acquisition at a time.

On Thursday, Reliance Consumer Products said it has acquired a majority stake in Udhaiyams Agro Foods Private Limited. Udhaiyams has been a popular brand in Tamil Nadu with a presence in categories like rice, spices, snacks and idly batter among other things. The move comes just a couple of days after RCPL announced the relaunch of the 75-year-old brand Sil, introducing it's new portfolio across noodles, jams, sauces and spreads.

The acquisition of Udhaiyams reaffirms its commitment to the companys core philosophy of promoting Indias heritage and legacy brands, RCPL said in a statement. Under the joint venture agreement, RCPL will hold a majority stake in Udhaiyams, while erstwhile owners will hold a minority stake.

"We are very excited to announce this joint venture, as it further strengthens RCPLs presence in the branded staples space. This initiative also reaffirms our commitment to offering global-quality products to consumers at affordable price points, while promoting Indias legacy," said T. Krishnakumar, director, RCPL.

He expressed confidence that Udhaiyam could soon scale up to a national brand and satisfy consumers across India, just as it has earned the trust of millions in Tamil Nadu over decades.

The partnership with RCPL opens up new opportunities for the brand, said S. Sudhakar, managing director of Udhaiyams.

RCPL has several FMCG brands of its own like Independence, Good Life and Snactac. At the same time, it has also acquired several local FMCG brands like Campa, Sosyo and Lotus Chocolates as well as inked partnerships to bring global brands like Sri Lankan biscuit brand Maliban and Alan's Bugles as it takes on FMCG giants Nestle and Hindustan Unilever.

Earlier this week, it relaunched Sil a legacy brand it had acquired in January this year. Sil will be its flagship brand with which it aims to build a strong and accessible foods portfolio.

"RCPL, as a subsidiary of RIL, is a strategic move to create Indias largest FMCG company. RCPLs phenomenal growth is guaranteed by the consumption boom in India, our world-class supply chain and advanced manufacturing capabilities, Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and MD of RIL had said at the company's annual general meeting this year.

Separately, Isha Ambani, the director of Reliance Retail had pointed that the combination of a rising middle class and accelerating rural adoption marked an unmissable consumption opportunity. Indias consumer market is a $2 trillion high-growth opportunity, expanding at over 8 per cent annually and a strategic approach was needed to seize this opportunity, she had said.

RCPL had reported revenue of Rs 11,500 crore in the financial year-ended March 2025.
India's BrahMos missiles blew out Pakistans Chinese-made HQ-9B air defence systems during Operation Sindoor, complicating any future attempts by Islamabad to restart a conflict with India, noted US defence analyst Brandon J. Weichert claimed. The conflict proved how the Chinese systems were "junk" which could not stop even drones, he added.

ALSO READ | Operation Sindoor: US Congressional panel feels Pakistan 'succeeded' by using Chinese jets, weapons? FIND OUT

Brandon J. Weichert, senior national security editor at The National Interest, minced no words while claiming that the conflict in May 2025 offered a reality check for Pakistan, as they had no answer to India's BrahMos challenge. When the Chinese HQ-9Bswhich were sold to them by Beijing with the claim of being a cheaper yet effective substitute for the Russian S-300 air defence systemfailed miserably, Islamabad was forced to swallow another bitter pill, he claimed.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

Beijing is Pakistan's top defence dealer (clarifying the dealer-buyer relationship), and the two countries shook hands over an initial purchase of the HQ-9B in 2021. These systems were upgraded again in 2024, as China continued to assert that their product was as good as the Russian machinery that India relied upon.

China's air defence not even close to Russian S-400

It turns out the HQ-9Bs semi-active radar made it easy for India to launch precision strikes at the defensive formations around Lahore and Sialkot. "Not only did this mean the Indian Air Force had a clear line-of-sight targeting on these air defence systems, but it meant that Indian forces could deploy a variety of attacks against the HQ-9Bs in Pakistanwhich led to their ultimate destruction," the noted author wrote.

ALSO READ | Why can't Pakistan have an arms race with India? ISPR chief explains while championing Chinese defence platforms

By the time Pakistan realised its air defence systems were incapable of taking out even "slow-moving drones" sent by India, it was too late, he added.

Brandon J. Weichert further quoted Andrei Martyanov, a Russian military expert, to claim that the Pakistani air-defence systems stood no chance against India's BrahMos onslaught. Martyanov reportedly told Weichert that HQ-9Bs performed abysmally in Pakistan. They cannot intercept anything supersonicor even anything subsonic!

Read Brandon J. Weichert's column in full HERE

"This is the real reason why the Indian government was so excited to have access to the full breadth of the BrahMos missile system. That system, unlike the Chinese-made HQ-9Bs, was extremely effective. Martyanov told me that the Indian BrahMos system blew out Pakistans Chinese-made HQ-9Bs during the conflict," he wrote.

ALSO READ | Akashteer, India's automated air defence control and reporting system, redefines modern warfare

The expert called the HQ-9B a "Frankenstein's Monster" created by China. It is believed that the country managed to develop the untested system by reverse-engineering an S-300 that it had bought from Russia at some point. It is safe to assume that some technology from the S-400, as well as stolen Israeli and US components, was also used to accomplish its dream of creating an indigenous long-range air defence system. However, Pakistan became the scapegoat; when it was finally tested on the battlefield against India, it failed to do its job.

Who is Brandon J. Weichert?

A former US Congressional staffer who holds an M.A. in Statecraft and National Security Affairs, Weichert is the brain behind the geopolitical analysis site The Weichert Report. He was a consultant for the U.S. Department of Defense and has authored several books.
SiperB2 is here with a new trial. With Siper B2, Turkiye will reach level of SAMP-T+ or PAC-3+, or even more capable missile system in some aspects. B3, on the other hand, will be the signature of a different story of long-range SAM missiles in GokVatanpic.twitter.com/uaDwN880Gq https://t.co/W9gY5F60tF  TR_tech (@T_Nblty) September 15, 2024

Pakistans confidence in Chinese air-defence technology "has disappeared" following clashes with India in May, and the country's military brass may look for a more reliable partner to safeguard its skies, a noted defence analyst claimed. Turkeys SIPER Block 1/2 air-defence systems thus stand a realistic chance of replacing Chinas HQ-9B systems, according to US geopolitical and national security analyst, author, and commentator Brandon J. Weichert

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

When fighting escalated between India and Pakistan after the IAF's precision strikes on terror launchpads in POK and mainland Pakistan, Islamabad pinned its hopes on the Chinese HQ-9Bs to protect its skies. While the Russian S-400s and Akash missiles thwarted all projectiles sent at India, the HQ-9B failed miserably. China had told Pakistan that its product was based on the Russian S-300s and could be trusted to perform a similar role. However, when India's BrahMos missiles came knocking, it was proven that the air-defence systems were nowhere close to the Russian machines.

ALSO READ | Turkey's Bangladesh arms deal poses unwelcome challenge to India, warn analysts

In his piece for The National Interest, Brandon J. Weichert went to the extent of calling the HQ-9Bs "junk" and Chinese-made "Frankenstein's Monsters" that are incapable of stopping even "slow-moving drones".

FULL REPORT | India's BrahMos missiles blew out Pakistans Chinese junk air defence systems during Operation Sindoor: US expert

Having learnt their lesson the hard way, the Pakistani military may turn to Turkey to find an alternative for the HQ-9Bs. Currently used by the Turkish Air Force, SIPER Block 1 and 2 are high-to-medium air-defence surface-to-air missiles (SAM) designed to engage aircraft, cruise missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). They are an indispensable part of Turkey's "Steel Dome" networkAnkara's flagship air-defence system formulated by taking inspiration from Israel's Iron Dome.

What are SIPER air defence systems?

SIPER-1 can intercept targets at ranges of over 70 km and at altitudes up to 20 km, while SIPER-2 can engage targets beyond 150 km and up to 30 km in altitude.

Both versions come with full 360-degree coverage, but only SIPER-2 has oblique as well as vertical launching capability.

Each system can track up to 100 targets at a time (Each unit is capable of carrying and operating with six missiles at once). At the battery level, both versions can engage up to 10 targets simultaneously and guide up to 20 missiles during an engagement.

SIPER is "equipped with high-performance radar, sophisticated fire control algorithms, and an agile interceptor," a report said, while adding that it has been incorporated with Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capability and secure wired and wireless communication architecture. Advanced information management, simultaneous multi-target engagement, sequential firing, and recognised air picture display are also part of the system, Defence Security Asia said in a report.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wedensday demanded Venezuela return assets that he accused the oil-rich South American nation took from U.S. oil companies years ago.

"They took our oil rights -- we had a lot of oil there. As you know they threw our companies out, and we want it back," Trump told reporters in the White House, referring to Venezuela's nationalization of its oil sector in the 1970s and under President Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez. 
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a technologically advanced, operationally agile, strategically confident and future-oriented force. Addressing the Air Force Commanders Conclave in New Delhi on Thursday, the defence minister hailed the courage, speed and precision with which the IAF destroyed the terror camps during Operation Sindoor, and how the force effectively handled the irresponsible reaction from Pakistan after the strikes.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

Usually, when the enemy attacks, people hide. But when the Pakistani forces tried to target Indian installations, the people of India remained calm and continued with their daily routines. This is the proof of the trust of every Indian in our operational preparedness, he said, while underscoring the trust people of India place in the armed forces.

The defence minister highlighted the importance of understanding the enemys offensive and defensive capabilities to maintain a decisive advantage and asked the IAF Commanders to take lessons from Operation Sindoor and stay vigilant and ready to deal with every future challenge.

Singh noted that in the ever-evolving warfare scenarios of today, air power has emerged as a decisive force and said, Air power gives any leadership the capability to deliver a clear strategic message to the adversary that every step will be taken to uphold national interests. Through speed, reach, and precision, air power has become an effective tool for aligning the nations objectives with military means."

ALSO READ: India's BrahMos missiles blew out Pakistans Chinese junk air defence systems during Operation Sindoor: US expert

Further, he said the warfare today is not just about a war of capabilities, and added, "It is a war of ideas, technology, and adaptability. Cyber warfare, Artificial Intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite-based surveillance, and space-enabled capabilities are fundamentally changing the future of warfare."

Precision-guided weapons, real-time intelligence, and data-driven decision-making are no longer optional, but basic requirements for success in modern conflicts, the defence minister noted, adding, "Those nations which master the trinity of technology, strategic vision, and adaptability will move towards global leadership."

He also highlighted the importance of jointness and Tri-service synergy and said, "Jointness among the three Services is crucial as it would further strengthen our security system, and enable us to deal with our adversaries even more effectively.
CLAIM:

Polyester and nylon clothing, being plastic-based, shed micro- and nanoplastics that carry hormone-disrupting chemicals, and wearing these synthetic fabrics can interfere with the bodys hormonal system, making them unsafe for regular use.

FACT:

Scientific evidence shows that polyester and nylon shed microplastic fibres and contain chemical additives such as dyes and plasticisers, some of which are linked to skin sensitisation and hormone disruption. Experts advise limiting prolonged exposure and favouring natural fabrics like cotton, linen and silk when possible.

In a viral Instagram reel posted by Katherine Sara, founder of Layere, a sustainable clothing brand that focuses on non-toxic, organic cotton essentials such as activewear and pyjamas, the fashionhealth debate around synthetic fabrics has resurfaced. She explains why she has chosen to completely avoid polyester and nylon in her wardrobe.

She walks viewers through how polyester is made, explaining that it begins with crude oil or discarded plastic bottles, which are broken down, melted at extremely high temperatures, and converted into a thick liquid.

For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH

While visually it may resemble cloth, Katherine stresses that its still plastic, warning that when such garments are worn or washed, they shed micro- and nanoplastics that can carry hormone-disrupting chemicals.

Are synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon harmful to human health?

Synthetic fabrics have come under increasing scrutiny for their potential impact on both human health and the environment. According to the UN Environment Programme, About 60 per cent of material made into clothing is plastic, which includes polyester, acrylic and nylon textiles. These synthetic fabrics are lightweight, durable, affordable and flexible. But heres the catch: every time they're washed, they shed tiny plastic fibres called microfibres, a form of microplasticstiny pieces up to five millimetres in size.

This concern is supported by scientific research. According to a 2018 study, microplastic fibres from textiles are a major source of environmental contamination, entering oceans via wastewater and other pathways.

The study measured shedding from three materials - acrylic, nylon, and polyester, using different knit gauges and techniques. It found that all textiles shed fibres, with polyester fleece releasing the highest amounts, averaging 7,360 fibers/m/L per wash, compared with regular polyester fabrics at 87 fibers/m/L. The study concluded that loose textile constructions shed more, as did worn fabrics, and high twist yarns are to be preferred for shed reduction, highlighting ways to mitigate microfiber pollution.

In addition to fibre shedding, chemicals used in synthetic fabrics also raise concerns. A 2021 study analysing children's polyester clothing found 21 azobenzene disperse dyes, 12 of which were confirmed and quantified at concentrations up to 9,230 g dye/g of fabric. Researchers noted that individual dyes in apparel were quantified at concentrations up to 9230 g dye/g shirt, with geometric means ranging 7.91-300 g dye/g shirt, emphasising that some synthetic dyes are known to have sensitising, mutagenic, or carcinogenic properties.

Further research has examined the broader impact of synthetic textiles on microplastic pollution. A 2025 study developed a comprehensive model quantifying microplastic fibre (MPF) emissions across the lifecycle of synthetic textiles, using Australia as a case study. The study found that 30.9  0.56 kilotonnes of MPFs were released cumulatively between 1988 and 2023, nearly half of which were airborne from household drying and wearing. The researchers warned that without intervention, emissions could rise 43 per cent by 2050, though integrated strategies could reduce emissions by up to 65 per cent.

The same study highlighted the potential human health implications, stating that synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, which are frequently used in fast and ultra-fast fashion, provide favourable conditions that encourage bacterial adhesion and growth. Their hydrophobic properties facilitate them to absorb sebum, sweat, and other organic matter, offering a steady nutrient supply for bacteria. It also noted that microfibers shed during wear and laundering can become airborne and inhaled, potentially causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and even migrating to other tissues.

Such exposure raises concerns about their role in respiratory diseases and systemic toxicity, the study said.

What should we wear then: expert advice

Dr Rashmi Niphadkar, fertility specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Pune, explains that synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon can affect hormonal health due to multiple chemical exposures involved in their production.

According to her, what makes these fabrics potentially disruptive is not just the polymer itself, but four major contributors - chemical additives used during manufacturing, synthetic dyes, chemical finishing treatments, and the release of microplastics. All of these act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, she says.

Dr Niphadkar points out that some of the commonly used chemicals in synthetic fabrics are already well known for their hormonal effects. Bisphenol A (BPA), for example, is present in polyester resins and is an estrogen-mimicking chemical, she explains. When we wear such fabrics, these chemicals can leach onto the skin, and the skin is our largest organ of absorption.

She adds that phthalates, another widely used group of chemicals, are of particular concern. Phthalates act as anti-androgens. They interfere with testosterone production, Dr Niphadkar says, noting their established link with reproductive health issues.

Other substances, such as antimony and PFAS, are used as catalysts and processing agents in polyester manufacturing. According to her, these chemicals are also endocrine disruptors, can be reproductively toxic, and may cause skin irritation.

In clinical practice, we are seeing fertility issues on the rise, Dr Niphadkar observes. Were seeing thyroid disturbances, reduced ovarian reserve in women, and falling sperm counts in men. Many of these trends are consistent with long-term exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including those found in synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.

When asked about safer alternatives, she says natural fabrics are clearly preferable. Cotton and organic cotton, linen, and silk are definitely better options, she says. They may not be wrinkle-free or easy-care like synthetics, but they are far safer for the body.

However, Dr Niphadkar also urges caution even with fabrics marketed as natural. Materials like bamboo, viscose or hemp still undergo significant chemical processing. You cant take a bamboo plant and directly wear it, she explains. From raw fibre to finished clothing, dyes and chemicals are often involved.

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah lashed out at his Bihar counterpart over the hijab row, and said the latter had no rights to "lay hands on a woman."

Reacting on the row to presspersons, Abdullah said, "Forget that she was a Muslim woman, that she was wearing a hijab; how can it ever be right to lay hands on any woman in this manner, to touch her clothes?"

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulled the veil of a woman while distributing appointment letters to Ayush practitioners. Even Deputy CM tried to stop him. He wouldn't have done this if he was in his sense. There are several such videos of him behaving awkwardly. pic.twitter.com/M3za0FkQFe  Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 15, 2025

"And then to forcibly remove a Muslim woman's hijab like that... The woman doctor has said that she no longer wants to work, so Nitish Kumar should realise his mistake and apologise to the woman doctor," the National Conference leader urged.

Bihar CM Kumar is receiving flak for allegedly pulling a woman's veil while handing over appointment letters to newly appointed AYUSH doctors. The candidate, Nusrat Parveen, who was wearing a hijab, received hers from Kumar at the Chief Minister's Secretariat. While presenting the letter, Kumar, who was standing on a raised platform, exclaimed upon seeing Nusrat Parveen, "what is this?" and pulled the veil down, exposing her face.

Kumar is facing accusations of disrespecting Muslim traditions, allegedly in line with 'RSS agenda'. Reportedly, hurt by the controversy, the candidate has declined the offer.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to defend Kumar, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said the chief minister has done nothing wrong and said, "Whether she refuses the job or goes to hell, that's her choice (Woh refuse kare ya jahannum mein jaye)."
The Delhi government's stringent anti-pollution measures will take effect from Thursday, as the national capital reels under hazardous air conditions.

The authorities have overhauled the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) system and developed a car-pooling app to ease vehicular congestion as air quality remains in the 'very poor' category.

#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals from the AIIMS area this morning as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city.



AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 273, categorised as 'Poor', as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/8uxACzZMZe  ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025

Vehicles without a valid PUCC will not be provided with fuel at petrol pumps from Thursday. Over 537 police personnel have been deployed at fuel pumps across the national capital.

Automatic number plate recognition and on-ground checks will also be conducted to verify PUCC status and emission category of vehicles.

The government has also banned the entry of all private non-Delhi vehicles below BS VI standards, with 126 checkpoints, including 13 major ones, identified across the city.

Enforcement teams will be deployed at border points in Kundi, Rajokri, Tikri, Aya Nagar, Kalindi Kunj, Auchandi, Mandoli, Kapashera and Bajghera toll/ Dwarka Expressway for strict compliance with new directions.

"Our teams will cover every border checkpoint. Only BS VI private vehicles of any state registration with a proper pollution certificate entering from the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana sides will be permitted to enter the capital. Strict action will be taken against anyone found violating the rule," an officer told PTI news agency.

#WATCH | Delhi: Local says, "All cars coming from outside should be stopped. Cars with Haryana numbers and UP numbers are coming into Delhi in large numbers to jam the roads. Due to pollution, we are coughing, and we are even feeling irritation in our eyes..." https://t.co/GJ0KypbzFL pic.twitter.com/NnA8z13maf  ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025

Delhi labour minister Kapil Mishra has directed all government and private institutions to switch to 'work from home' from Thursday. However, the rule carries several exceptions, including those for emergency workers and daily-wage labourers.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has increased its train frequency following the implementation of GRAP in the national capital.

Meanwhile, a large part of the capital was blanketed by a dense layer of toxic smog, though the air quality showed a slight improvement, dropping to 334 from 354 a day earlier.
In his first public address following the tragic stampede in Karur, actor-politician Vijay launched a pointed attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), accusing the party of focusing solely on targeting him and creating hurdles for his party.

Addressing a massive rally at Erode's Moongilpalayam Meeting Ground on Thursday, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief set the tone of his party's campaign in the upcoming assembly elections.

VIDEO | Tamil Nadu: Vijay (@actorvijay) at TVKs rally in Erode said, "Vested interests carrying out smear campaign against me dont understand that I have the people's trust, built over 33 years."



(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/SELrVlgxLy  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 18, 2025

Vijay criticized the DMK as an evil force and positioned his TVK as a pure force, asserting that the political contest in Tamil Nadu is now a direct battle between these two factions.

"The contest is now between the thooya sakthi TVK and theeya sakthi DMK," Vijay stated, as he slammed the ruling dispensation over a range of issues, including the law and order situation, agriculture and the NEET row.

"DMK and problems are stuck together like Fevicol and cannot be separated," he said.

The rally, which comes nearly three months after the stampede, also assumes significance due to the recent induction of former AIADMK leader K.A. Sengottaiyan into the TVK.

Sengottaiyan has been appointed chief coordinator of TVK's high-level executive committee, a key organisational role tasked with shaping the party's political strategy, as well as the organising secretary for the western districts of Erode, Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Nilgirisregions where he has strong grassroots influence.

In his address, Vijay claimed that more leaders would come to the party fold and that they would be given their due recognition.

Vijay and the TVK have been under intense scrutiny following a stampede at his rally in Karur on September 27, which claimed 41 lives and left over 100 others injured.
Bangladesh National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullahs anti-India statements was met with a cryptic warning from a former Indian Army Colonel, which triggered Bangladesh. Hasnat has been threatening India for the last few days, eyeing the upcoming Bangladesh elections, stating, Dhaka should isolate India's northeastern states and support separatist militants in the region.

Hasnat is the party's nominated candidate for Comilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency.

To his statements spewing venom against India, Raina wrote: Hasnat after Hadi' without giving other details. Colonel (retd) Raina is a security analyst and author of about 30 books.

#Bangladesh is spiraling dangerously out of control. Hasnat Abdullah publicly said the Indian High Commissioner should be kicked out - a statement no responsible politician should ever make. Extremist and violent figures like Hasnat and his supporters are now the only real pic.twitter.com/1dd7e9PHMA  Arifa Rahman Ruma (@ArifaRahmanRuma) December 17, 2025

This post has triggered Bangladeshis who interpreted it as a direct threat against political figures in the country. Some also interpreted it as a possible link to the attack on Bangladeshi leader and Inqilab Manch spokesperson Osman Hadi. A radical leader who was at the forefront of ousting Sheikh Hasina, Hadi was shot at by unidentified gunmen in Dhaka last week and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Singapore.

Hadi was at the forefront of a campaign to disband the Awami League, which the interim government complied with in May this year, disqualifying the party from contesting the polls. The attack was interpreted as a breakdown of law and order in the country ahead of the upcoming elections.

Raina explained his post in a sarcastic tone, stating there was no need to be overly sensitive about social media posts.

However, Bangladeshi media has embarked on a rumour-mongering, pinning the attack on Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country almost a year ago, while maintaining a silence on the threatening language used by the Bangladeshi leaders against India. Several local media reports claimed audio clips of Sheikh Hasina have been leaked on social media after the assassination attempt on Hadi, wherein she was heard making provocative remarks.

Hasnat, meanwhile, continued his tirade against India, stating the Indian High Commissioner should not only be threatened but should be expelled immediately for sheltering the murderer Hasina. He also baselessly claimed that atleast 30,000 Awami League workers have taken refuge in India without visas and passports.
A parliamentary committee has asked the government to maintain close engagement with Bangladesh while keeping a watch on political instability, attacks on minorities, and regional security concerns.

The Congress MP Shashi Tharoor-led Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, in its report titled 'Future of IndiaBangladesh Relationship', argued that ties with Bangladesh remain important due to shared history, culture, and past agreements such as the Land Boundary Agreement and the maritime boundary settlement.

Expressing concern over developments since August 2024, when violent protestsincluding political violence and uncertainty over electionsforced out the then PM Sheikh Hasina, the panel stressed the need for free, fair, and credible polls to restore political stability.

Protests near Assistant High Commission of India in Rajshahi, Bangladesh https://t.co/8oR0XDy95v pic.twitter.com/eRf5xn9iWv  Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 18, 2025

It appreciated Indias 'quiet diplomacy' during the transition period and recommended continued engagement with political and civil society stakeholders in Bangladesh.

The report also raised concern over attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh, including damage to places of worship and cultural institutions, and flagged the spread of anti-India narratives in sections of Bangladeshi media.

The panel asked the Indian government to keep pressing the issue of safety of minorities with Bangladesh, and even recommended setting up a dedicated unit in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to monitor misinformation and present Indias position clearly.

On the issue of Sheikh Hasina's stay in India, the committee said India acted on humanitarian grounds. It noted that no political activity had been allowed from Indian territory, and asked the government to keep the Parliament informed about developments related to Bangladeshs extradition request.

Chinas growing presence in Bangladeshespecially in infrastructure, ports and defence projectswas also noted with concern by the panel, which asked the government to closely monitor foreign activities that could affect Indias security, particularly near the Siliguri Corridor and the Bay of Bengal.

On border management, the committee said a large part of the IndiaBangladesh border remains unfenced due to terrain and river conditions.

The developments in Bangladesh further affect security in northeast India. The panel suggested stronger coordination and intelligence-sharing between the two countries, apart from speeding up fencing where possible and using technology such as surveillance systems in difficult areas.

The committee also asked the government to speed up talks on a trade agreement ahead of Bangladeshs graduation from 'Least Developed Country' status in 2026, as well as to complete delayed connectivity projects.

Finally, it urged early discussions on renewing the Ganga Water Treaty, which expires in 2026, and called for progress on the Teesta river water-sharing issue.
English, often termed the world language or Lingua Franca, has never failed to surprise us. With new words introduced every year and old words making a comeback, the language keeps evolving alongside society to describe new contexts. 2025, meanwhile, was power-packed with a plethora of events, from religious gatherings and elections to sporting wins and military stand-offs, among others. All these events culminated in some lesser-known words coming to the forefront and becoming common parlance during conversations, finding themselves among the ten most Googled word meanings by Indians, according to the Google Trends Year in Review list.

Here are the words.

Ceasefire

Amidst rising global tensions, the ceasefire took centre stage. The word is simple, combining cease and fire, meaning the cessation of fire or halting a war or conflict temporarily. It was originally written as two words and later evolved into a compound form. But Operation Sindoor and US President Donald Trumps tall claim of having mediated peace talks between India and Pakistan further increased the search volume.

Mock Drill

Arising from conflicts along the Indo-Pak border in early 2025, this term made headlines after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered nationwide civil defence exercises (Operation Abhyaas), including air-raid sirens, evacuations, and blackout rehearsals. In a nutshell, it is a simulation of a real-life situation that usually involves a threat. Schools usually practise mock fire and earthquake drills in case of an actual occurrence.

Pookie

Starting with TikTok creators Jett and Campbell Puckett, the word was popularised in India after creator Prayag Mishra used Pookie as a playful way to refer to himself and his audience. At its core, "Pookie" is a word you would use to refer to your loved ones (or things). Even the Delhi Police took to the trend to alert two-wheeler riders about road safety and accidents. The Indian state of Kerala has been roped into multiple memes over the name of a town being Pookiparambu. The word Pookie can be traced back to 20th-century Germany (as a term used for children) and Garfield comics (as the name of his teddy bear).

Mayday

Originating from a radio officer in London, Frederick Stanley Mockford, the term comes from the French word maidez, which translates to help me. It is now an international call for help. The pilots of London-bound Air India flight AI-171 - which crashed 36 seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad - sent one last radio message to Air Traffic Control at 1.39 pm, on June 12, 2025. "Mayday, Mayday..." were the final words of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal as Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a college hostel, claiming 260 lives in all.

5201314

Who thought a series of random digits would make for a meaningful sentence? 5201314 is exactly that. After being featured on multiple reels, it was found to be the Chinese romance code for I love you for a lifetime. It stemmed from the similarity in phonetics with the numbers 520 and 1314. Chinese numerology has always had immense cultural significance, also popularising 888 (triple fortune) and 168 (fortune for financial success).

Stampede

2025 shook India, quite literally. Several stampede tragedies occurred across the nation during religious gatherings (Maha Kumbh Mela), victory celebrations (the RCB win), and political rallies. These were found to be due to administrative lapses, overcrowding, and poor infrastructure. Typically, it is a panicked rush of a mass of people in one direction, which can prove to be fatal in some cases.

Ee Sala Cup Namde

A phrase from Kannada, it became the Royal Challengers Bengalurus (RCB) war cry for years. It translates to This year, the cup is ours. RCB emerged victorious after an 18-year waitwhich the IPL rightly called a journey of relief and disbelieffollowing which the phrase was changed to Ee Sala Cup Namdu, a confident assertion of triumph.

Nonce

A word with duality in its meaning is certainly confusing, making it worthy of its place on the most Googled list. It developed from the phrase for then anes, which meant for this one time or for a particular occasion. Over time, spoken mishearings caused the phrase to be re-segmented, eventually settling as for the nonce. While it means temporarily or for the current purpose in its traditional sense, the word appears in cryptography, where it denotes a value used once, and in British slang as a derogatory term used to describe a sexual offender, specifically a paedophile.

Latent

Imagine improving your vocabulary through a comedy show! That is exactly what happened as Ranveer Allahbadia appeared on the YouTube show Indias Got Latent, hosted by Samay Raina. The show is a parody of Indias Got Talent that humorously critiques contestants hidden or raw talents. It sparked multiple controversies questioning whether the show was authentic, alongside concerns regarding obscenity on such wide platforms. In essence, "latent" refers to something that exists but remains hidden, inactive, or undeveloped.

Incel

A term coined by a Canadian university student known as Alana, surrounding gender and sexuality, "incel" is short for "involuntary celibate". It typically describes men who feel unable to find romantic or sexual partners despite wanting one. It takes roots in Black-Pill philosophy, which cites the "80/20 rule" (the idea that women desire only the top 20% of men) and claims that attraction is fixed at birth. Women, in this context, are often termed femoidscharacterised as dehumanised bodies void of feelingsand are blamed for mens romantic failures. In India, such individuals are often stereotypically called Currycels.
Murshidabad Zilla Parishad vice-chairperson Sahanaz Begum on Thursday announced her resignation, following a long-standing feud with its chairperson, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, Rubia Sultana.

In a Facebook statement announcing her resignation, she labelled the Zilla Parishad administration a "thief", and said that she had been "forced to quit" from the council before the end of her term.

"My sincere respect to my respected Zilla Parishad colleagues. The storm you brought to the protest for removing me from the group will be forever memorable," she wrote in the post, thanking the people of Sompara-1, Sompara-2, Rampara-1, and Ramnagar Bachra for selecting her "three times in the same seat since 2013".

This exit from the Mamata Banerjee-led party has sparked rumours of tensions within the party worsening over minority-dominated Murshidabad.

The former District Women's President, who resigned in 2020, has long alleged that Sultana was involved in financial scams.

She has earlier claimed that she had approached CM Banerjee, the party's All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, and even the state president Subrata Bakshi, but that no action had been taken so far.

Reports say she resigned over this issue, though Begum does not explicitly mention all this in her Facebook post, only calling the Murshidabad Zilla Parishad a "thief".

However, the tensions between Sultana and Begum are reportedly not new, and have existed since the foundation stone of the Babri Masjid was laid. In that regard, Begum's exit also comes amid Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM and Naushad Siddiqui-led ISF vying for control in Murshidabad.

Murshidabad is also a target for ex-TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, who was suspended for his wish to construct a 'Babri Masjid-like mosque there.

I will launch a new party on my own in Beldanga in Murshidabad on December 22. AIMIM has not been invited to the event. I will declare a 75-member state committee that day, including the Murshidabad district president. Then I will decide which party to include in the alliance," Kabir has said.
Returning to the public stage after the deadly stampede in Karur, which killed 41 people, actor-politician Vijay called himself a crusader of social justice while invoking former chief ministers M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa. In a cinematic, punchy dialogue style, Vijay questioned the DMK and its claims to governance. Vijay asked the people to affirm faith in him, and the bond between him and the people began thirty years before.

Resuming his public outreach programme from Perunthurai in Erode, standing atop his specially designed campaign bus, Vijay delivered a fiery 20-minute speech. Vijay climbed atop the bus, holding his hand up high in the air, fingers tightly folded, and waved to the cheering crowd. Clad in his usual beige trousers and white shirt attire, Vijay opened his address by referring to Erode as the land of Manjal (turmeric).

Manjal. Manjal. Manjal, he said thrice as he began his speech, a tirade against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam rather. He said, being the capital of turmeric, Erode farmers have not benefited from the successive governments. Have they done anything meaningful to you? he asked the cheering crowd. A loud noise saying no came from the crowd.

And from Manjal, Vijay went on to talk about Kalingarayan, a 13th-century medieval chieftain from the Erode region who is known to have built waterways and dams - the Kalingarayan dam and the canal system in the region. He had the courage to build the dams. And that courage came from his mother, Vijay recalled. As the crowd cheered again, he paused for a moment and said, There is nothing bigger than the courage that you get from your mothers. If that is there, you can achieve anything, Vijay said. Stating that it was that courage that people were witnessing in him today, Vijay said, And I am getting the same courage from you.

But beyond Erode and Periyar, Vijay chose to turn to his opponents - particularly the DMK. Though he had called the Bharatiya Janata Party his ideological enemy, Vijay said it is enough if he speaks against those who are on the ground, implying that he will attack only the DMK. Declaring the DMK as an evil force and positioning the TVK as the pure force, Vijay's speech sounded more cinema-infected, of course, with all the required spirit, vehemence and vengeance.

Vijay deliberately evoked late chief ministers MGR and Jayalalithaa, only to frame the upcoming assembly polls as a fight between the DMK and his TVK, which he has been claiming since TVK's first state conference at Vikravandi in 2024. Apparently, Vijays idea of calling the DMK an evil force was only to revive the memories of the people in the state, who have witnessed intense political fight between Karunanidhi and MGR, and later between Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa. In fact, this fight defined electoral politics in Tamil Nadu for over five decades, since MGR floated AIADMK.

And, standing atop his bus by reading a scripted speech, Vijay seems to be attempting to rewrite the states political narrative  DMK vs AIADMK as DMK vs TVK, which might turn out to be far from reality. Being in Periyars birthplace, Vijay accused the DMK of using Periyars name to exploit the state, only to send a message about the political rivalry he had built against the DMK, since the launch of his party in 2024.

By carefully choosing to invoke former chief ministers C.N. Annadurai, MGR, and Jayalalithaa, Vijay posed a serious challenge to the AIADMK, which had been playing the anti-DMK card all these years in Tamil Nadu politics. Vijays rise, particularly by playing the Jayalalithaa card, TVK also poses a huge threat to the AIADMK, which has several factions claiming Jayalalithaas legacy. This could spell trouble for AIADMK leader Eddapadi K. Palaniswami, who is still struggling hard to claim Jayalalithaas legacy. And, what had made AIADMKs position more difficult is the entry of AIADMK strongman K.A. Sengottaiyan into the TVK, who knows the inner workings of the AIADMK and also Palaniswamis weakness.

However, Vijay did not choose to attack the BJP, not even comment on the Thirupparankundram issue or the MNREGA issue, which is rocking the Parliament. Incidentally, the speech at Erode was more cinematic and had all the optics to promote a hero rather than the political substance, which has been lacking since his first rally. With just 100 days left for the election, there was no clarity from Vijay on his roadmap to address the pressing issues in the state or the federal fight between the state and the centre.

With much symbolism, emotion and cinematic punch dialogues, the Erode rally, however, had huge support from his fans. The energy and the enthusiasm in the crowd to watch and hear him continue to remain the same, making it clear that his political graph continues to remain the same, despite the deadly Karur stampede, where 41 people lost their lives, just 70km away from Erode. And the DMK versus TVK narrative set by Vijay is expected to grow multifold in the run-up to the election.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanded Venezuela return assets that he accused the oil-rich South American country took from U.S. oil companies years ago.

"They took our oil rights -- we had a lot of oil there. As you know they threw our companies out, and we want it back," Trump told reporters in the White House, referring to Venezuela's nationalization of its oil sector in the 1970s and under President Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez.

In a social media post, Stephen Miller, Trump's deputy chief of staff, on Wednesday described Venezuela's nationalization of its oil industry as "the largest recorded theft of American wealth and property."

"These pillaged assets were then used to fund terrorism and flood our streets with killers, mercenaries and drugs," Miller claimed.

One day earlier, Trump ordered "a total, complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela," stepping up a months-long pressure campaign against the Venezuelan president.

The United States "will not allow a Hostile Regime to take our Oil, Land, or any other Assets, all of which must be returned to the United States, IMMEDIATELY," Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social on Tuesday.

The president also announced in the post that "the Venezuelan Regime has been designated a FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION (FTO)." However, as of Wednesday evening, there was no change to the Trump administration's FTO list.

The Pentagon seized an oil tanker near Venezuela's coast last week and ordered it to sail to a U.S. port. The White House later confirmed plans to retain the oil, a move Venezuela condemned as "piracy".

Venezuela, a major oil producer, holds some of the world's largest proven oil reserves, though U.S. imports of its crude have fallen sharply over the past decade due to sanctions and political tensions.

U.S. oil major Chevron, operating in Venezuela under a government waiver, says its operations have not been disrupted.

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 rejected, calling it a pretext for forcing regime change.

Since early September, U.S. forces have sunk at least 25 alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing at least 95 people aboard.

While the White House says the military actions target the drug-smuggling into the United States, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration data show Venezuela is not a major source of drugs entering the country.

A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday shows 63 percent of U.S. adults oppose the Trump administration's military attacks on Venezuela, compared with 25 percent who support them. 
Harish Rana has existed between breath and silence for more than twelve years. A young man, when his age was in his twenties, fell from a building, which put him into a permanent vegetative state. Harish is 32 years old today, bedridden, and dependent on life-sustaining equipment. Harish is a non-speaking, non-responsive patient whose physical self grows older while his mind remains stuck back in his childhood.

That was what the Supreme Court had to deal with on Wednesday. Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan reviewed a medical report submitted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, authored by a Secondary Medical Board, which had tested Harish to determine if passive euthanasia could be allowed in this case. The medical report, Justice Pardiwala said, was very sad.

The boy simply cant carry on living like that, the judge declared in an open court.

But the Court did not pass its order right away. Rather, because of the weight of this moment, the Court has chosen to pause, not for more paperwork or procedures, but to hear from the people themselves who have shouldered this weight for more than a decade. The Court will address Harish's parents personally on January 13.

A life sustained, but not lived

Harishs condition has been detailed from time to time in clinical reports in various hearings. A tracheostomy tube to help breathe, a gastrostomy tube to help eat, no significant neurologic function, and severe bed sores indicating immobilisation and pain. Both the Primary and Secondary Medical Boards have found that there is little to no chance of recovery.

Pictures introduced before the Court tell a tougher tale than words ever can. His body, which has been like this for years, bears the signs of the passing of time, not by neglect but by circumstance.

This is the end of everything, Justice Pardiwala had said during a previous hearing about bedsores that patients are unable to move or express pain.

The weight of the final decision

Indias jurisprudence on passive euthanasia is governed by the Constitution Bench judgment in Common Cause (2018), later refined in 2023. It requires medical consensus, procedural safeguards, and, most importantly, respect for human dignity.

Harishs father initially opted to approach the Supreme Court in 2024. This was to seek consent or permission to withdraw the life-sustaining treatment. However, the Court denied the request, which was an indication that the State of Uttar Pradesh should make sure that the treatment was continued. An agreement was reached. However, after one year, the father came back, but this time he was driven by hopelessness.

In the plea, he stated that the health of his son had further deteriorated and the treatment was futile. What was ultimately needed now was not treatment but the prolongation of life.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the Court on Thursday that the AIIMS report had been filed on December 16. The Court was hushed as the judges reviewed it. Now we have reached a situation where we will have to take a final call, Justice Pardiwala told the counsels. It will be a big challenge for us also, but we can't keep the boy like this for all time to come.

The Court directed that copies of both the Primary and Secondary Medical Board reports be given to the petitioners counsel, Advocate Rashmi Nandakumar, and the ASG to enable them to peruse the results and assist the Court comprehensively.

ASG Bhati argued that, prior to any final order, it was necessary to refer to the family for consultation. The Court concurred and even went further. This is too important a matter for an online interaction, the bench said.

A dialogue that transcends law

The Court has asked both counsels to talk together with Harishs parents and submit a report. The parents have been asked to be present in person on January 13, 3pm, in the committee room of the Supreme Court.

This is an extraordinary case in many ways  one where constitutional law interacts with human grief in a way not protected by pleadings. The Court shall listen not only to the argument but to the anguish.

For his parents, it will be another long trip to Delhi, carrying a question that no parent ever should  When does letting go become a demonstration of love?
A major aviation mishap was averted when an Air India Express flight, IX 398, traveling from Jeddah to Kozhikode, was diverted to Kochi due to suspected tyre damage.

The flight, carrying 160 passengers, made a "precautionary landing" at Cochin International Airport at 9:07 AM.

An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed that the damage to the tyre was likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport.

"The aircraft landed safely in Kochi, and all passengers are being transferred to Kozhikode by road. We regret the inconvenience caused and reiterate that safety remains our highest priority in every aspect of our operations," the spokesperson said.

Earlier, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) had issued a statement describing the situation as an "emergency landing" caused by a technical issue involving the right main landing gear and tyre failure.

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) successfully facilitated the safe emergency landing of Air India Express flight IX 398 from Jeddah to Calicut, which diverted to Kochi this morning due to a technical issue involving the right main landing gear and tyre failure. The pic.twitter.com/8DI1SvGovs  IANS (@ians_india) December 18, 2025

However, the airline clarified that the flight was diverted only due to the tyre burst and that there were no issues with the landing gear.

"Additionally, it was not an emergency landing, but rather a precautionary landing in Kochi, as Kozhikode (Karipur) is a tabletop airport," the airline official explained.

A spokesperson from CIAL confirmed that all emergency services were activated in advance, and there were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew members.

"Post-landing inspections confirmed that both right-side tyres had burst," he added.
Congress leader and Legislative Council member Pradnya Satav has resigned from her membership of the Legislative Council in order to join the BJP, according to news reports from Maharashtra. Reports suggest that she had been unhappy within the Congress for some time. The wife of the late leader Rajeev Satav said that she believes her joining the "saffron camp" will help her fulfil the dreams of her husband regarding the development of Hingoli.

The Satav family is known to be very close to the senior Congress leadership. Rajeev Satav was among the trusted confidants of Rahul Gandhi, but Pradnya was feeling uneasy within the party in recent times. When the 2014 "Modi wave" gave the NDA a major boost in Maharashtra, Rajeev was among the two Congressmen who managed to reach the parliament from the state.

Following the demise of her husband in 2021, she was given a seat in the Legislative Council by the Congress. She is currently the Vice President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee and was expected to remain in the Legislative Council until 2030, Lokmat said in a report.

What did Pradnya Sativ say?

My late husband, former MP Rajeev Satav, was a son of Hingoli. He worked tirelessly for the development of Hingoli. Our mother, Rajnitai Satav, devoted her entire life to the development of Hingoli. After Rajeev Satavs death, I got the opportunity to work in the Legislative Council in 2021, and I received cooperation from everyone," Pradnya Satav was quoted as saying by Loksatta.

"To fulfil Rajeev Satavs dreams of development and to contribute to the all-round development of Maharashtra under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, we too want to play our part. That is why I am joining the BJP today along with my supporters.

Satav handed over her resignation to the legislature secretariat on Thursday morning after speaking to Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde, news agency PTI said.
The IndiaOman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has come into force, ensuring duty-free access for Indian products to the Omani market. A wide-range of Indian exportsincluding textiles, leather goods, footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering products, plastics, furniture, agricultural produce, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and automobileswill now enter Oman without customs duties.

Under the agreement, 98.08 per cent of products on which Oman levies customs duties will be eligible for duty-free import from India. As a result, 99.38 per cent of Indias export value to Oman will now be free of tariffs.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

The landmark trade pact was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Omans Sultan Haitham bin Tarik by Indias Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and Omans Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef.

Goyal said the agreement will significantly strengthen Indias micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and support artisans and workers in the handicrafts sector. It is expected to boost employment and expand job opportunities, while also benefiting women-led enterprises.

At the same time, the Ministry of Commerce clarified that the agreement includes special safeguard provisions to ensure that opening up duty-free market access does not adversely affect Indian farmers and small entrepreneurs.

CEPA is also set to expand and accelerate Indias services trade. Key sectors such as information technology, business and professional services, research and development, education, healthcare, and audio-visual services will gain duty-free access to the Omani market.

A major highlight of the agreement is the extension of the stay period for professionals travelling to Oman to provide contractual services. The permissible stay has been increased from the current 90 days to two years, with an option to extend for an additional two years. This will particularly benefit IT professionals, consultants, teachers, doctors and researchers, enabling them to work continuously in Oman for up to four years without repeated short-term exits. Indian companies will also be able to deploy their skilled personnel in Oman for longer durations.

With smoother mobility between the two countries, employment opportunities are expected to expand in sectors such as accountancy, taxation, architecture, medical and allied services. Indian companies will also gain access to 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities in key services sectors.

The agreement further strengthens cooperation in standards and conformity assessment. Both countries will mutually recognise Halal certification, and Oman has accepted Indias National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). Indian organic products certified under NPOP will not require re-inspection or re-certification in Oman, making quality compliance simpler and more efficient.

In the pharmaceutical sector, Indian medicines approved by global regulators such as the US FDA, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the UKs MHRA will be allowed direct market access in Oman, eliminating the need for additional local approvals. This will enable Indian pharmaceutical companies to supply medicines to Oman at lower costs.
Oman on Thursday conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Order of Oman, the highest civilian honour, for his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations.

Other distinguished recepients of the Order of Oman include Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, Queen Maxim of Netherlands, Japanese Emperor Akihito and Jordan King Abdullah. For PM Modi, this is his 29th top civilian award from a foreign nation.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

He was in Oman on a two-day visit, which was part of a wider three-nation tour. The other two countries he visited were Jordan and Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, he received Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia on Tuesday. Earlier in Kuwait, he was awarded the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer.

India and Oman inked a free trade deal on Thursday, providing duty-free access to 98 per cent of India's exports, including textiles, agri and leather goods in the Sultanate. In 2024-25, India-Oman bilateral exports was about $10.5 billion, including $4 billion in exports and $6.54 billion in imports.

"Today, we are making a historic decision whose impact will be felt for decades to come. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, will infuse our partnership with new confidence and energy in the 21st century," he said.

The prime minister invited Omani businesses to explore not just traditional areas of energy, oil and gas, petrochemicals and fertilisers, but also opportunities in the fields of green energy, solar parks, energy storage, smart grids, agri-tech, fintech, AI and cyber security.
A week ago, the UAEs Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced that it was withdrawing the recognition issued for Midocean University in Fujairah. The news will come as a big blow to the students, who will now be unable to apply for jobs.

The Midocean University, which operated an office in Fujairah Free Zone, faced action after the UAE authorities conducted a review of the varisty, which revealed that it violated national standards.

According to authorities, the university failed to stick to approved national standards and violated operational mechanisms and controls for delivering academic programmes. The university had also been offering courses without the necessary accreditation. It had been engaging in activities that do not align with the legislation governing higher education institutions.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

The Midocean University also offered online academic programmes without a proper quality-assurance mechanism. There were also significant discrepancies between student and programme data, it claimed and observed onsite. The mismatch was such that it raised concerns about the reliability and transparency of its academic records, the report said.

This measure reflects [the ministry's] dedication to protecting the interests of students and the academic community, safeguarding the credibility of academic qualifications, and raising the quality of higher education across the UAE, the statement said. The ministry aims to ensure that all educational institutions adhere to the regulatory standards that maintain a trustworthy learning environment while preventing unlicensed or misleading educational activities.

To add to the woes, the government also issued a notification that the degrees issued by the Midocean University are no longer recognised in the country.

The UAEs Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has issued a fresh notification confirming that all qualifications issued by Midocean University are no longer recognised in the country, following a comprehensive compliance review that found fundamental violations of national standards.

The ministry has withdrawn recognition of any and all academic degrees issued by the institution. It said such qualifications will not be accepted for employment or professional purposes within the UAE. It also said students who wish to contest individual cases may file appeals through established appeals and review mechanisms.

However, the university claimed it had never operated under the supervision of the ministry.
Amid the ongoing peace efforts, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow would seek to broaden its territorial control in Ukraine if Kyiv and its allies reject the Kremlin's demands.

Addressing an annual meeting of the senior military commanders, Putin, however, asserted that Russia favours resolving the conflict through negotiations and by working to "eliminate the root causes of the conflict".

"If the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive dialogue, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means," he said.

The President claimed that the Russian army has seized and is firmly holding strategic initiative all along the front line and warned that Moscow will move to expand a buffer security zone alongside the border.

Putin's tough statements came amid a series of talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his Western allies.

US President Donald Trump had on Tuesday said a settlement was "closer than ever" following high-level discussions in Berlin.

What are Russia's demands?

Moscow wants all the areas in the four key regions captured by its forces, as well as Crimea, which was illegally annexed in 2014, to be recognised as Russian territory.

It also demands that Ukraine withdraw from some areas in eastern Ukraine that Moscow's forces have not captured yet.

The Kremlin also insists that Ukraine abandon its bid to join NATO.

Zelenskyy has rejected all these demands, though he expressed readiness to drop Ukraine's bid to join NATO if the US and other Western nations give Kyiv security guarantees.
Russia has been accused of gross human rights violations since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. From targeted missile strikes on civilian settlements and power stations to the execution of Prisoners of War (POWs), the Russian Army has come under heavy criticism for its actions across the frontlines.

WATCH | Viral war video shows Ukrainian interceptor drone killing Russian reconnaissance UAV mid-air

Meanwhile, a video that goes against this general notion has gone viral on the internet, in which a Russian First-Person View (FPV) drone aborts a kamikaze attack at the last second upon realising the target it was about to engage was carrying civilians.

Drone warfare has been an integral part of the ongoing war in Europe, as both sides have effectively used Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to take out enemy assets. With electronic jamming and signal interception, fibre-optic drones started becoming the new normal. Videos of such drone strikes destroying tanks, armoured vehicles, bunkers, and soldiers on the ground are regularly released by propaganda units on either side. The recording stops the moment the drone crashes into the target in such videos, while another drone captures the explosion from afar.

WATCH | Viral war video shows Russian drone operators zoom in, cheer as Ukrainian counterparts are shot on head

In the latest video, the Russian drone is fast approaching a yellow car, similar to a taxi cab, in a swamp-like openness. The driver sees the approaching threat and takes a sharp turn. This gave the drone operator further clarity that the passengers on board were civilians and not Ukrainian military. It stops and backs off as people quickly come out of the vehicle and wave to further confirm that they are no threat.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO HERE:

 Interesting footage from the front.



A Russian FPV drone operator pulls back before striking a Ukranian civilian car. The civilians get out and point the Russian drone towards the Ukranian position down the road.



The drone ends up hitting an excavator, which was digging a pic.twitter.com/nWbOQ07ZVx  Heyman_101 (@SU_57R) December 17, 2025

However, one of the car's occupants then makes a hand gesture at the drone, indicating where to look for the enemy. This helps the operator to take flight again and end up eliminating an enemy excavator that was busy digging a defensive line. Ukrainian personnel on the spot try shooting it down but fail as the fast-approaching UAV crashes into the machine, the viral video showed. THE WEEK could not independently verify the authenticity of the video as all details on the screen were blurred.

It was not mentioned when and where the video was from.

WATCH | Viral CCTV video shows Ukrainian soldiers abducting youth walking his dog 'to fight Russia war'

Meanwhile, Turkiye has warned Russia and Ukraine to exercise greater caution regarding Black Sea security after its air force shot down a drone that entered Turkish airspace, the Ministry of Defence said Thursday. F-16 fighter jets were dispatched on Monday after an out-of-control drone approached Turkish airspace from the Black Sea. The drone was shot down in a safe area to protect civilians and air traffic, officials said.

WATCH | Viral war video shows Russian soldier fleeing tank in minefield killed by Ukrainian drone in Kursk Oblast

The incident followed recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian shadow fleet tankers off the Turkish coast, as well as warnings from Turkish officials about the risk of the war in Ukraine spilling over into the region.

The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russia was preparing for contacts with the United States to get details about US talks with European powers and Ukraine on a possible peace settlement to end the Ukraine conflict.
Key Points

CVS Health is slowly righting the ship after several challenging years.

Abbott Laboratories' strong business should improve thanks to an acquisition.

Both healthcare leaders have attractive long-term prospects and solid dividend programs.

10 stocks we like better than CVS Health 

No one knows how the stock market will unfold in 2026. Perhaps broader equities will experience significant volatility but perform well by the end of the year, just as they seem to be doing in 2025. Or maybe we'll see a bear market. Whatever happens, though, it's important to focus on buying shares of companies that can weather whatever storm is coming sooner or later, and do well over the long run.

Investing in solid dividend stocks is a great choice here. Let's consider two that are worth buying heading into next year: CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) and Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT).

Image source: Getty Images.

1. CVS Health

CVS has had a terrific year on the stock market, with its shares up 80%. That's because it has shown signs of a rebound after a couple of years of terrible financial results.

The healthcare giant could maintain that momentum in the medium term, as it's still in the midst of important initiatives that should have a meaningful impact on its margins and bottom line. For instance, CVS Health plans to streamline its Medicare Advantage business, a unit where it has struggled to control costs, resulting in squeezed operating margins.

The company's insurance arm, Aetna, will also withdraw from some insurance markets for similar reasons: rising costs and underwhelming performance in recent years. These moves should help boost top-line growth and earnings, eventually. That's what we can expect from the company in the next few years.

Over the long term, CVS is positioned to perform relatively well. The company has a deep healthcare ecosystem encompassing pharmacy services, insurance, primary care, and even a subsidiary that manufactures biosimilar drugs.

CVS Health also has a vast, long-standing presence across the U.S. with a brand name that inspires confidence, having been the choice of millions of patients for decades.

The company will likely continue to encounter some headwinds, including increased competition in the pharmacy industry. However, it has proven (and is still proving) that it can navigate challenges and even adapt, notably by embracing new technologies.

CVS offers ExtraCare Plus, a paid membership option that comes with various perks, including fast shipping on many items. And it recently announced the launch of an artificial intelligence (AI) platform to help patients navigate all aspects of its care services through a single app. These efforts can help it stay ahead, continue delivering excellent financial results, and avoid dividend cuts.
Figma, Inc. (NYSE:FIG  Get Free Report) CEO Dylan Field sold 250,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.66, for a total value of $8,665,000.00. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website.

Dylan Field also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, December 15th, Dylan Field sold 62,500 shares of Figma stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.66, for a total transaction of $2,166,250.00.

On Monday, November 24th, Dylan Field sold 62,500 shares of Figma stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.76, for a total value of $2,172,500.00.

On Monday, November 24th, Dylan Field sold 250,000 shares of Figma stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.76, for a total value of $8,690,000.00.

On Monday, November 17th, Dylan Field sold 3,029,063 shares of Figma stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.30, for a total value of $112,984,049.90.

Figma Stock Performance

Shares of Figma stock traded up $1.47 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $37.41. The companys stock had a trading volume of 6,066,814 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,289,170. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $45.51. Figma, Inc. has a one year low of $32.83 and a one year high of $142.92.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Figma

Figma ( NYSE:FIG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($1.56) by $1.66. The business had revenue of $274.17 million during the quarter. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.04 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 38.0% compared to the same quarter last year.

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Figma during the third quarter worth about $26,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Figma during the 3rd quarter worth about $26,000. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB bought a new position in shares of Figma in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new position in Figma during the third quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, US Bancorp DE acquired a new position in shares of Figma during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $31,000.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts recently commented on the company. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on Figma from $70.00 to $52.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. William Blair reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Figma in a research note on Thursday, September 4th. Bank of America cut their price target on shares of Figma from $85.00 to $69.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Figma from $80.00 to $70.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on Figma from $49.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Figma presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $62.86.

View Our Latest Research Report on FIG

About Figma

(Get Free Report)

Figma is where teams come together to turn ideas into the worlds best digital products and experiences. Every day, billions of people around the world use apps, websites, and other digital experiences that are made in Figma. Theyre looking up directions on Google Maps; requesting rides with Uber; checking in for flights on JetBlue; streaming shows on Netflix; learning languages with Duolingo; asking questions of Claude; connecting on LinkedIn; buying goods on Mercado Libre; or booking stays and experiences with Airbnb.

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Biglari Holdings Inc. (NYSE:BH  Get Free Report) CEO Sardar Biglari bought 3,452 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was bought at an average price of $463.34 per share, with a total value of $1,599,449.68. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer owned 1,335,713 shares in the company, valued at $618,889,261.42. This represents a 0.26% increase 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.

Sardar Biglari also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, December 16th, Sardar Biglari acquired 156 shares of Biglari stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of $1,599.87 per share, with a total value of $249,579.72.

On Monday, December 15th, Sardar Biglari purchased 212 shares of Biglari stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $698.01 per share, with a total value of $147,978.12.

On Friday, December 12th, Sardar Biglari bought 449 shares of Biglari stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of $333.14 per share, for a total transaction of $149,579.86.

On Wednesday, December 10th, Sardar Biglari bought 310 shares of Biglari stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $321.94 per share, with a total value of $99,801.40.

On Tuesday, December 9th, Sardar Biglari purchased 938 shares of Biglari stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of $319.08 per share, for a total transaction of $299,297.04.

On Monday, December 8th, Sardar Biglari acquired 973 shares of Biglari stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $315.08 per share, for a total transaction of $306,572.84.

On Friday, December 5th, Sardar Biglari purchased 1,465 shares of Biglari stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of $306.90 per share, with a total value of $449,608.50.

On Thursday, December 4th, Sardar Biglari bought 1,139 shares of Biglari stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $306.05 per share, for a total transaction of $348,590.95.

On Wednesday, December 3rd, Sardar Biglari purchased 2,802 shares of Biglari stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of $303.32 per share, with a total value of $849,902.64.

On Monday, November 24th, Sardar Biglari purchased 2,032 shares of Biglari stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $393.35 per share, for a total transaction of $799,287.20.

Biglari Stock Performance

Shares of Biglari stock traded up $1.51 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $324.20. The companys stock had a trading volume of 64,784 shares, compared to its average volume of 25,429. Biglari Holdings Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $195.05 and a fifty-two week high of $381.83. The firm has a market cap of $739.17 million, a PE ratio of 28.97 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $333.24 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $311.03. The company has a current ratio of 2.83, a quick ratio of 2.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Biglari by 608.3% in the 3rd quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 85 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its stake in Biglari by 128.2% during the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 89 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC grew its stake in Biglari by 148.7% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 97 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares in the last quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Biglari in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Finally, Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey increased its stake in shares of Biglari by 41.3% during the 2nd quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 171 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $50,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.30% of the companys stock.

Separately, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Biglari from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 15th.

Get Our Latest Report on Biglari

Biglari Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Biglari Holdings Inc, through its subsidiaries, primarily operates and franchises restaurants in the United States. It owns, operates, and franchises restaurants under the Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin names. The company also engages in underwriting commercial trucking insurance; selling physical damage and non-trucking liability insurance to truckers; and providing property and casualty insurance.

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Vanquis Banking Group plc (OTCMKTS:FPLPF  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 1.9% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $1.51 and last traded at $1.51. Approximately 8,000 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 7,900% from the average daily volume of 100 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.54.

Vanquis Banking Group Trading Down 1.9%

The firms 50-day moving average is $1.50 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1.24.

About Vanquis Banking Group

(Get Free Report)

Vanquis Banking Group plc engages in the provision of personal credit products to the non-standard lending market in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The company offers credit cards products, and unsecured personal loans products, as well as provides vehicle finance for cars, motorbikes, van, and light commercial vehicles.

Further Reading

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A number of research firms have changed their ratings and price targets for Stryker (NYSE: SYK):

12/15/2025  Stryker had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/13/2025  Stryker was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating.

12/11/2025  Stryker had its price target lowered by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $455.00 to $420.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

12/8/2025  Stryker had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/1/2025  Stryker had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/25/2025  Stryker had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/19/2025  Stryker had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/14/2025  Stryker had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada. They now have a $435.00 price target on the stock.

11/14/2025  Stryker had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Needham & Company LLC. They now have a $448.00 price target on the stock.

11/14/2025  Stryker had its price target raised by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation from $392.00 to $400.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock.

11/14/2025  Stryker had its price target raised by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $452.00 to $456.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

11/14/2025  Stryker had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at BTIG Research. They now have a $410.00 price target on the stock.

11/13/2025  Stryker had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/7/2025  Stryker was downgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating.

11/3/2025  Stryker had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein.

11/3/2025  Stryker had its hold rating reaffirmed by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation. They now have a $392.00 price target on the stock, down previously from $407.00.

10/31/2025  Stryker had its price target lowered by analysts at Evercore ISI from $410.00 to $405.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

10/31/2025  Stryker had its price target raised by analysts at BTIG Research from $408.00 to $410.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

10/22/2025  Stryker had its price target raised by analysts at Barclays PLC from $443.00 to $453.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

10/18/2025  Stryker was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a buy rating.

Stryker Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of $0.88 per share. This is a boost from Strykers previous quarterly dividend of $0.84. This represents a $3.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. Strykers payout ratio is currently 44.15%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Stryker

In related news, CAO William E. Berry, Jr. sold 1,953 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $365.49, for a total value of $713,801.97. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 2,833 shares in the company, valued at $1,035,433.17. This represents a 40.81% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CFO Preston Wendell Wells sold 165 shares of Stryker stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $365.88, for a total value of $60,370.20. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 6,694 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,449,200.72. This trade represents a 2.41% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 522,118 shares of company stock valued at $185,381,932. Corporate insiders own 5.90% of the companys stock.

Stryker Corporation operates as a medical technology company. The company operates through two segments, MedSurg and Neurotechnology, and Orthopaedics and Spine. The Orthopaedics and Spine segment provides implants for use in total joint replacements, such as hip, knee and shoulder, and trauma and extremities surgeries.

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Sprinklr, Inc. (NYSE:CXM  Get Free Report) CTO Amitabh Misra sold 9,099 shares of Sprinklr stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $7.78, for a total transaction of $70,790.22. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief technology officer directly owned 584,627 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,548,398.06. The trade was a 1.53% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink.

Sprinklr Trading Up 0.4%

Shares of CXM stock traded up $0.03 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $7.88. 1,974,637 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,239,689. Sprinklr, Inc. has a 52 week low of $6.75 and a 52 week high of $9.69. The business has a 50 day moving average of $7.55 and a two-hundred day moving average of $8.09. The company has a market capitalization of $1.94 billion, a PE ratio of 18.77 and a beta of 0.78.

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Sprinklr (NYSE:CXM  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The company reported $0.12 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.09 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $219.07 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $209.56 million. Sprinklr had a net margin of 13.42% and a return on equity of 8.03%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.10 EPS. Sprinklr has set its FY 2026 guidance at 0.430-0.440 EPS and its Q4 2026 guidance at 0.090-0.100 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Sprinklr, Inc. will post 0.1 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sprinklr

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Maryland State Retirement & Pension System raised its stake in Sprinklr by 3.8% in the second quarter. Maryland State Retirement & Pension System now owns 33,735 shares of the companys stock valued at $285,000 after buying an additional 1,235 shares during the period. Amalgamated Bank increased its holdings in shares of Sprinklr by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 32,769 shares of the companys stock worth $277,000 after acquiring an additional 1,292 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in Sprinklr by 20.6% in the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 7,871 shares of the companys stock valued at $67,000 after acquiring an additional 1,347 shares during the period. Cresset Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Sprinklr by 7.6% during the 3rd quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 30,736 shares of the companys stock valued at $237,000 after purchasing an additional 2,169 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Louisiana State Employees Retirement System lifted its holdings in Sprinklr by 4.1% during the 3rd quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 55,800 shares of the companys stock valued at $431,000 after purchasing an additional 2,200 shares during the last quarter. 40.19% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on CXM. Citigroup raised their price target on shares of Sprinklr from $8.00 to $9.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, December 8th. DA Davidson reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $9.00 target price on shares of Sprinklr in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Rosenblatt Securities reissued a buy rating and set a $12.00 price target on shares of Sprinklr in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Weiss Ratings downgraded shares of Sprinklr from a hold (c-) rating to a sell (d+) rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald restated a neutral rating and issued a $8.00 price objective on shares of Sprinklr in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $9.89.

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Sprinklr Company Profile

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Sprinklr, Inc provides enterprise cloud software products worldwide. The company operates Unified Customer Experience Management platform, a software that enables customer-facing teams to collaborate across internal silos, communicate across digital channels, and leverage a complete suite of capabilities to deliver customer experiences.

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Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE:NAT  Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $3.15 and traded as high as $3.51. Nordic American Tankers shares last traded at $3.5050, with a volume of 2,958,353 shares changing hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Nordic American Tankers in a research report on Monday. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $3.50 target price on shares of Nordic American Tankers in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Evercore ISI increased their price target on Nordic American Tankers from $2.50 to $3.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Nordic American Tankers from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, December 6th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $3.25.

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Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Nordic American Tankers

Nordic American Tankers Price Performance

The stock has a 50 day moving average of $3.59 and a 200-day moving average of $3.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a current ratio of 1.95. The company has a market cap of $731.60 million, a PE ratio of 172.84 and a beta of -0.45.

Nordic American Tankers (NYSE:NAT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 28th. The shipping company reported ($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate 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 firm had revenue of $40.18 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $52.89 million. Equities analysts predict that Nordic American Tankers Limited will post 0.24 earnings per share for the current year.

Nordic American Tankers Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 22nd. Investors of record on Monday, December 8th will be issued a $0.13 dividend. This is a boost from Nordic American Tankerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 8th. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 15.1%. Nordic American Tankerss dividend payout ratio is currently 2,600.00%.

Institutional Trading of Nordic American Tankers

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Nordic American Tankers by 25.2% during the third quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 5,260,627 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $16,518,000 after purchasing an additional 1,057,232 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its holdings in Nordic American Tankers by 7.8% in the third quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 5,124,150 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $16,090,000 after purchasing an additional 369,462 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in Nordic American Tankers by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,568,766 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $6,756,000 after purchasing an additional 16,535 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Nordic American Tankers by 108.3% during the 3rd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 2,429,423 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $7,628,000 after buying an additional 1,263,228 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG raised its stake in shares of Nordic American Tankers by 83.9% during the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 2,277,830 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $7,152,000 after buying an additional 1,039,353 shares during the last quarter. 44.29% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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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Andatee China Marine Fuel Services Corp. (OTCMKTS:AMCF  Get Free Report) shares passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $0.00 and traded as high as $0.0001. Andatee China Marine Fuel Services shares last traded at $0.0001, with a volume of 600 shares traded.

Andatee China Marine Fuel Services Trading Up 9,900.0%

Andatee China Marine Fuel Services Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Andatee China Marine Fuel Services Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the production, storage, distribution, and trading of blended marine fuel oil for cargo and fishing vessels in the Peoples Republic of China. The company also produces customer specific products using its proprietary blending technology.

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Investec Group (LON:INVP  Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 551.60 and traded as low as GBX 499.36. Investec Group shares last traded at GBX 531.53, with a volume of 122,175,602 shares traded.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 660 price objective on shares of Investec Group in a research note on Tuesday, September 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 660.

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Investec Group Trading Up 0.7%

The companys fifty day simple moving average is GBX 559.29 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 551.52. The stock has a market capitalization of 4.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.27, a P/E/G ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 1.05.

Investec Group (LON:INVP  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 20th. The company reported GBX 40.50 earnings per share for the quarter. Investec Group had a net margin of 43.98% and a return on equity of 11.67%. Equities research analysts predict that Investec Group will post 70.0000031 earnings per share for the current year.

Investec Group Company Profile

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Investec Group engages in the provision of various financial products and services in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company provides private banking services; wealth services, including wealth and portfolio management, stockbroking, and offshore and retirement investment, and intergenerational wealth solutions; savings accounts; personal and property financing, and finance for practice; and insurance solutions covering severe illness, disability, life, mortgage and income protection, and business overloads.

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Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Wednesday after Barclays upgraded the stock from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating. Barclays now has a $56.00 price target on the stock, up from their previous price target of $34.00. Southwest Airlines traded as high as $43.54 and last traded at $42.1680, with a volume of 12550390 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $41.72.

Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on shares of Southwest Airlines from $34.00 to $35.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Susquehanna increased their price objective on Southwest Airlines from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on Southwest Airlines from $33.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on Southwest Airlines from $38.00 to $48.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their price objective on shares of Southwest Airlines from $31.00 to $34.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $38.59.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines Price Performance

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in LUV. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Southwest Airlines in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Corsicana & Co. acquired a new stake in Southwest Airlines in the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Quent Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Southwest Airlines during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new stake in Southwest Airlines in the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its holdings in Southwest Airlines by 81.4% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,056 shares of the airlines stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 474 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.82% of the companys stock.

The company has a quick ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The company has a market capitalization of $21.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 63.19, a PEG ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.17. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $34.09 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $33.13.

Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The airline reported ($0.38) EPS for the quarter. Southwest Airlines had a return on equity of 6.39% and a net margin of 1.38%.The company had revenue of $6.17 billion for the quarter. Equities research analysts predict that Southwest Airlines Co. will post 1.55 earnings per share for the current year.

Southwest Airlines Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th will be issued a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 26th. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.8%. Southwest Airliness dividend payout ratio is presently 110.77%.

Southwest Airlines Company Profile

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Southwest Airlines Co operates as a passenger airline company that provides scheduled air transportation services in the United States and near-international markets. As of December 31, 2023, the company operated a total fleet of 817 Boeing 737 aircraft; and served 121 destinations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as ten near-international countries, including Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.

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Hunting PLC (LON:HTG  Get Free Report) insider Stuart Brightman acquired 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 12th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 388 per share, for a total transaction of 77,600.

Hunting Stock Down 4.2%

Shares of HTG opened at GBX 373.50 on Thursday. Hunting PLC has a 1 year low of GBX 245 and a 1 year high of GBX 400. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.64, a current ratio of 2.69 and a quick ratio of 2.08. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 357.88 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 325.89. The firm has a market cap of 565.97 million, a P/E ratio of -17.62, a P/E/G ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 1.07.

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Hunting announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a share buyback plan on Thursday, August 28th that allows the company to repurchase $40.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the company to reacquire up to 6.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Collins Stewart reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 600 target price on shares of Hunting in a report on Thursday, August 28th. Berenberg Bank reduced their price objective on Hunting from GBX 465 to GBX 450 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Canaccord Genuity Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 600 price objective on shares of Hunting in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on Hunting from GBX 350 to GBX 400 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a GBX 440 price target on shares of Hunting in a research report on Tuesday, September 2nd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Hunting currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 498.

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Hunting Company Profile

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Hunting is a global precision engineering group, which provides quality-assured products and services for the energy, aviation, commercial space, defence, medical, and power generation sectors.

Our strong focus on quality assured products, supported by rigorous health and safety procedures, ensures we assist in the delivery of energy safely and it is also the basis of our standing in this critical, global industry.

Our intellectual property portfolio enables the Hunting Group to maintain a leading technology edge, so that energy projects are delivered quicker and at lower cost with minimal impact on the environment.

Our people are our most important asset.

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Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote says his plan to list his $20 billion oil refinery on the stock exchange is driven by a desire to make everyday Nigerians part-owners of one of the countrys most ambitious industrial projects.



In a recent interview with members of the press, Dangote said the proposed listing of the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery is not about retaining dominance over the asset, but about creating long-term shared value.

At the moment, our main interest is to list on the exchange, so that every living Nigerian can own part of the refinery, he said.



Dangote made clear that he is not concerned about maintaining a controlling stake once shares are offered. When asked how much equity he plans to sell, he said there would be no fixed limit. Somebody asked me a question, is it 5 or 10% you want to sell? Dangote said. And I said that when we are going to sell the shares, we will not put a cap. If they happen to buy 55% and I own 45%, so be it.



The refinery, located outside Lagos, is the largest of its kind in Africa and a cornerstone of Nigerias efforts to reduce fuel imports and strengthen domestic energy production. Dangote described the facility as a legacy project, saying broad ownership would allow citizens to directly benefit from its long-term performance.



The thing is about legacy, he said. I want Nigerians to own this, and I want every single Nigerian, when the refinery does well, for them to always be able to rely on the profit of that refinery.



Dangote emphasized that participation would not be limited to wealthy investors. The main point is for us to sell to every living Nigerian who has something, even if its ten shares you buy or 20, he said.



He also said the opportunity would extend beyond Nigerias borders. When asked whether Nigerians in the diaspora could participate, Dangote responded simply, Yes. To reinforce that commitment, he said dividends would be paid in U.S. dollars. We are going to make sure that we pay the dividend in dollars, because a major chunk of ourselves is in dollars, he said.



Dangote first publicly outlined plans to sell shares in the refinery in July during the Global Commodity Insights Conference on West African Refined Fuel Markets in Abuja. At the event, he said preparations were already underway for a listing that would allow individuals and institutions to invest.



Very soon, the refinery will be listed to give all Nigerians the opportunity to become shareholders, Dangote said at the time, adding that his broader vision is for Africa to refine the petroleum products it consumes right here on the soil of Africa.

RELATED CONTENT: Aliko Dangote First African to Join $30 Billion Club
Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT  Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by Truist Financial from $123.00 to $116.00 in a research report sent to investors on Monday, Marketbeat.com reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on CPT. Stifel Nicolaus raised Camden Property Trust from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $122.75 target price for the company in a report on Tuesday, August 26th. Mizuho cut their target price on Camden Property Trust from $115.00 to $114.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on Camden Property Trust from $111.00 to $110.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on Camden Property Trust from $142.00 to $137.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, Piper Sandler decreased their price target on Camden Property Trust from $117.00 to $111.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 10th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $117.57.

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Camden Property Trust Stock Performance

CPT opened at $107.71 on Monday. Camden Property Trust has a 12-month low of $97.17 and a 12-month high of $126.55. The stock has a market cap of $11.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.61, a PEG ratio of 3.50 and a beta of 0.82. The business has a 50 day moving average of $103.18 and a 200-day moving average of $108.24. The company has a quick ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 0.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81.

Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.70 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.68 by $0.02. Camden Property Trust had a return on equity of 5.75% and a net margin of 17.15%.The business had revenue of $398.24 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $397.89 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.71 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Camden Property Trust has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.710-1.750 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 6.830-6.87 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Camden Property Trust will post 6.76 earnings per share for the current year.

Camden Property Trust Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 17th will be issued a $1.05 dividend. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 17th. Camden Property Trusts payout ratio is 170.04%.

Institutional Trading of Camden Property Trust

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Camden Property Trust in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $160,217,000. Viking Global Investors LP raised its stake in Camden Property Trust by 41.6% in the 3rd quarter. Viking Global Investors LP now owns 3,846,740 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $410,755,000 after acquiring an additional 1,130,718 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC lifted its holdings in Camden Property Trust by 1,669.3% during the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,078,335 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $131,880,000 after purchasing an additional 1,017,388 shares during the last quarter. Long Pond Capital LP lifted its holdings in Camden Property Trust by 209.6% during the second quarter. Long Pond Capital LP now owns 1,022,742 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $115,253,000 after purchasing an additional 692,412 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. boosted its position in Camden Property Trust by 34.5% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 2,375,058 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $267,645,000 after purchasing an additional 609,697 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 97.22% of the companys stock.

Camden Property Trust Company Profile

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Camden Property Trust, an S&P 500 Company, is a real estate company primarily engaged in the ownership, management, development, redevelopment, acquisition, and construction of multifamily apartment communities. Camden owns and operates 172 properties containing 58,250 apartment homes across the United States.

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BMO Capital Markets restated their underperform rating on shares of LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB  Free Report) in a research note published on Monday, MarketBeat.com reports. They currently have a $36.00 target price on the specialty chemicals companys stock, down from their previous target price of $48.00.

LYB has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research raised shares of LyondellBasell Industries from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Evercore ISI cut their target price on shares of LyondellBasell Industries from $65.00 to $57.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of LyondellBasell Industries from $47.00 to $43.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on LyondellBasell Industries from $65.00 to $55.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $54.71.

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LyondellBasell Industries Price Performance

LYB stock opened at $43.78 on Monday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $45.30 and a 200-day moving average of $52.52. The company has a market cap of $14.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -11.67 and a beta of 0.71. The company has a current ratio of 1.57, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00. LyondellBasell Industries has a 12-month low of $41.58 and a 12-month high of $79.39.

LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The specialty chemicals company reported $1.01 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.80 by $0.21. The firm had revenue of $7.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.41 billion. LyondellBasell Industries had a positive return on equity of 7.50% and a negative net margin of 3.70%.LyondellBasell Industriess quarterly revenue was down 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.88 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that LyondellBasell Industries will post 6.31 EPS for the current fiscal year.

LyondellBasell Industries Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 8th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were given a dividend of $1.37 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $5.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 12.5%. LyondellBasell Industriess dividend payout ratio is -146.13%.

Insider Buying and Selling at LyondellBasell Industries

In related news, EVP Kimberly A. Foley acquired 5,661 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $43.56 per share, with a total value of $246,593.16. Following the purchase, the executive vice president directly owned 67,688 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,948,489.28. This represents a 9.13% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.14% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank purchased a new position in LyondellBasell Industries in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $280,000,000. Soundwatch Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of LyondellBasell Industries during the second quarter worth $268,123,000. Capital Research Global Investors boosted its stake in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 470.1% in the third quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 4,389,442 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $215,258,000 after purchasing an additional 3,619,468 shares during the period. Capital World Investors grew its holdings in LyondellBasell Industries by 13.1% during the 3rd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 9,807,743 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $480,972,000 after purchasing an additional 1,135,258 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Alliancebernstein L.P. increased its stake in LyondellBasell Industries by 15.7% during the 1st quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 4,105,317 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $289,014,000 after buying an additional 557,397 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.20% of the companys stock.

LyondellBasell Industries Company Profile

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LyondellBasell Industries N.V. operates as a chemical company in the United States, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Poland, France, Japan, China, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company operates in six segments: Olefins and PolyolefinsAmericas; Olefins and PolyolefinsEurope, Asia, International; Intermediates and Derivatives; Advanced Polymer Solutions; Refining; and Technology.

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Bank of America upgraded shares of Mettler-Toledo International (NYSE:MTD  Free Report) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report published on Monday morning, MarketBeat reports. Bank of America currently has $1,600.00 price objective on the medical instruments suppliers stock.

MTD has been the topic of several other reports. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,450.00 to $1,600.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,200.00 to $1,400.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,275.00 to $1,400.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Mettler-Toledo International in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. They issued an equal weight rating and a $1,550.00 target price for the company. Finally, Barclays upped their price target on Mettler-Toledo International from $1,350.00 to $1,600.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $1,441.67.

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Mettler-Toledo International Stock Performance

MTD opened at $1,384.84 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $28.29 billion, a PE ratio of 34.53, a P/E/G ratio of 4.48 and a beta of 1.40. Mettler-Toledo International has a one year low of $946.69 and a one year high of $1,525.17. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $1,406.27 and its 200 day moving average price is $1,297.87.

Mettler-Toledo International (NYSE:MTD  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The medical instruments supplier reported $11.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $10.62 by $0.53. Mettler-Toledo International had a negative return on equity of 426.96% and a net margin of 21.20%.The company had revenue of $1.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $997.36 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $10.21 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Mettler-Toledo International has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 12.680-12.880 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 42.050-42.250 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Mettler-Toledo International will post 42.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Mettler-Toledo International news, CFO Shawn Vadala sold 1,895 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,455.52, for a total transaction of $2,758,210.40. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 5,288 shares in the company, valued at $7,696,789.76. This represents a 26.38% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, insider Gerry Keller sold 236 shares of Mettler-Toledo International stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,418.58, for a total value of $334,784.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 159 shares of the companys stock, valued at $225,554.22. The trade was a 59.75% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 19,565 shares of company stock valued at $28,683,737. Corporate insiders own 1.94% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Mettler-Toledo International

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 294 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $361,000 after purchasing an additional 7 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 6.1% during the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 121 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $149,000 after purchasing an additional 7 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 1.6% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 510 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $626,000 after purchasing an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc increased its holdings in Mettler-Toledo International by 42.1% in the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 27 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 8 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Valeo Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in Mettler-Toledo International by 4.0% in the third quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 207 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $254,000 after buying an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.07% of the companys stock.

About Mettler-Toledo International

(Get Free Report)

Mettler-Toledo International Inc manufactures and supplies precision instruments and services in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through five segments: U.S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations, and Other. The companys laboratory instruments include laboratory balances, liquid pipetting solutions, automated laboratory reactors, real-time analytics, titrators, pH meters, process analytics sensors and analyzer technologies, physical value analyzers, density and refractometry, thermal analysis systems, and other analytical instruments; and LabX, a laboratory software platform to manage and analyze data generated from its instruments.

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National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Hold from the twelve research firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$165.42.

Several research firms have recently commented on NA. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price target on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$160.00 to C$166.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. CIBC lifted their price target on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$174.00 to C$179.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. TD Securities raised their target price on National Bank of Canada from C$161.00 to C$181.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on National Bank of Canada from C$172.00 to C$177.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Raymond James Financial boosted their price target on National Bank of Canada from C$168.00 to C$173.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th.

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National Bank of Canada Stock Down 1.0%

Shares of TSE NA opened at C$172.32 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of C$67.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.11, a PEG ratio of 7.14 and a beta of 1.13. National Bank of Canada has a twelve month low of C$106.67 and a twelve month high of C$175.99. The company has a 50 day moving average of C$161.43 and a 200 day moving average of C$150.15.

National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 3rd. The financial services provider reported C$2.82 EPS for the quarter. National Bank of Canada had a return on equity of 15.43% and a net margin of 19.69%.The company had revenue of C$3.70 billion during the quarter. As a group, equities analysts expect that National Bank of Canada will post 10.8360791 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

National Bank of Canada Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, February 1st. Shareholders of record on Sunday, February 1st will be issued a dividend of $1.24 per share. This is an increase from National Bank of Canadas previous quarterly dividend of $1.18. This represents a $4.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 29th. National Bank of Canadas payout ratio is presently 46.08%.

National Bank of Canada Company Profile

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National Bank of Canada is the sixth-largest Canadian bank. The bank offers integrated financial services, primarily in the province of Quebec as well as the city of Toronto. Operational segments include personal and commercial banking, wealth management, and a financial markets group.

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Shares of Aviva PLC (OTCMKTS:AVVIY  Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the four research firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating on the company.

AVVIY has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut Aviva from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Wall Street Zen raised Aviva from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, September 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded Aviva to a moderate buy rating in a report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered Aviva from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th.

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Aviva Price Performance

About Aviva

OTCMKTS:AVVIY opened at $18.10 on Thursday. Aviva has a one year low of $11.49 and a one year high of $19.00. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $17.77 and its 200 day simple moving average is $17.74.

(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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Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund (NYSEAMERICAN:EVM  Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $9.48 and traded as low as $9.46. Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund shares last traded at $9.46, with a volume of 368,359 shares trading hands.

Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund Price Performance

The business has a 50-day moving average of $9.48 and a 200 day moving average of $9.18.

Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund is a close-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Eaton Vance Management. The fund invests in the fixed income market of United States. It invests primarily in high grade municipal obligations comprising of various industries, such as general obligations, hospital, electric utilities, transportation, water and sewer, public education, and private education.

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PIMCO Strategic Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE:RCS  Get Free Report) passed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $6.97 and traded as low as $6.66. PIMCO Strategic Income Fund shares last traded at $6.6750, with a volume of 72,516 shares changing hands.

PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Price Performance

The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $6.97 and a 200-day moving average price of $7.09.

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PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 11th will be issued a dividend of $0.04 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 11th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.2%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On PIMCO Strategic Income Fund

PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Company Profile

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Barnes Wealth Management Group Inc grew its stake in PIMCO Strategic Income Fund by 61.9% during the 1st quarter. Barnes Wealth Management Group Inc now owns 16,875 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $105,000 after acquiring an additional 6,450 shares in the last quarter. Comerica Bank boosted its holdings in shares of PIMCO Strategic Income Fund by 959.0% during the 1st quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 5,295 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 4,795 shares during the last quarter. Ieq Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of PIMCO Strategic Income Fund in the first quarter valued at approximately $63,000. Modern Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of PIMCO Strategic Income Fund in the first quarter valued at approximately $191,000. Finally, Straight Path Wealth Management increased its holdings in shares of PIMCO Strategic Income Fund by 6.8% in the second quarter. Straight Path Wealth Management now owns 31,400 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $219,000 after purchasing an additional 2,000 shares during the last quarter. 13.48% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

(Get Free Report)

PIMCO Strategic Global Government Fund, Inc is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC. The fund is co-managed by Pacific Investment Management Company LLC. It invests in fixed income markets across the globe. The fund primarily invests in government securities, including bonds issued or guaranteed by the United States or foreign governments, by their agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, or by supranational entities.

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Osaic Holdings Inc. decreased its stake in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (NYSEARCA:IGM  Free Report) by 21.1% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 186,575 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 49,907 shares during the period. Osaic Holdings Inc.s holdings in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF were worth $20,939,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Blair William & Co. IL raised its holdings in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 117.7% in the second quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 5,387 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $605,000 after purchasing an additional 2,913 shares during the last quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. increased its stake in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 4.5% in the 2nd quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 5,245 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $589,000 after buying an additional 227 shares during the last quarter. MA Private Wealth bought a new position in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $223,000. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,642,000. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $119,000.

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iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Stock Down 2.3%

IGM stock opened at $125.15 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $9.39 billion, a PE ratio of 34.08 and a beta of 1.27. The business has a 50 day moving average of $129.62 and a 200-day moving average of $120.85. iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF has a 12-month low of $76.26 and a 12-month high of $135.81.

iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Company Profile

iShares North American Tech ETF, formerly iShares S&P North American Technology Sector Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, of the United States-traded technology companies, as represented by the S&P North American Technology Sector Index (the Index).

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Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its holdings in SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:SPEU  Free Report) by 16.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 400,941 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 56,113 shares during the quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc.s holdings in SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF were worth $19,181,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in SPEU. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF by 45.8% in the 2nd quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 917 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 288 shares in the last quarter. Garde Capital Inc. boosted its holdings in SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF by 28.8% during the second quarter. Garde Capital Inc. now owns 993 shares of the companys stock worth $48,000 after buying an additional 222 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its position in SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF by 305.2% during the first quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 3,363 shares of the companys stock worth $148,000 after buying an additional 2,533 shares during the period. MGB Wealth Management LLC grew its position in SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF by 80.9% during the second quarter. MGB Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,872 shares of the companys stock worth $188,000 after buying an additional 1,731 shares during the period. Finally, Worth Financial Advisory Group LLC purchased a new position in SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF in the second quarter valued at about $225,000.

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SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF Trading Down 0.5%

SPEU stock opened at $51.51 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $50.46 and a 200-day moving average of $49.41. The company has a market cap of $726.29 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.86 and a beta of 0.94. SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF has a 12-month low of $38.99 and a 12-month high of $52.01.

About SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF

The SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF (SPEU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the STOXX Europe TMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of Western European companies across the market-cap spectrum. SPEU was launched on Oct 15, 2002 and is managed by State Street.

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Texas Permanent School Fund Corp increased its stake in Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:GPI  Free Report) by 17.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 12,062 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,802 shares during the quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corps holdings in Group 1 Automotive were worth $5,268,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. MAI Capital Management boosted its stake in Group 1 Automotive by 131.3% in the 2nd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 74 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the period. Signaturefd LLC boosted its position in shares of Group 1 Automotive by 90.5% in the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 80 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 38 shares during the period. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in Group 1 Automotive during the second quarter valued at approximately $43,000. Assetmark Inc. increased its holdings in Group 1 Automotive by 25.8% during the 2nd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 122 shares of the companys stock worth $53,000 after acquiring an additional 25 shares during the period. Finally, Kestra Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Group 1 Automotive in the 1st quarter worth approximately $64,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.92% of the companys stock.

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Group 1 Automotive Trading Down 0.4%

NYSE GPI opened at $408.03 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $408.21 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $432.08. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. has a twelve month low of $355.91 and a twelve month high of $490.09. The company has a market capitalization of $5.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.28, a PEG ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 0.90.

Group 1 Automotive ( NYSE:GPI Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $10.45 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $10.64 by ($0.19). The firm had revenue of $5.78 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.67 billion. Group 1 Automotive had a net margin of 1.67% and a return on equity of 18.08%. Group 1 Automotives revenue for the quarter was up 10.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $9.90 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Group 1 Automotive, Inc. will post 41 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Group 1 Automotive declared that its board has approved a stock buyback plan on Tuesday, November 11th that allows the company to buyback $500.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the company to reacquire up to 10.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are often an indication that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Group 1 Automotive Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st were paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. Group 1 Automotives dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 7.00%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Group 1 Automotive in a research report on Monday. Bank of America reduced their target price on Group 1 Automotive from $560.00 to $545.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, September 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on Group 1 Automotive from $435.00 to $410.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Morgan Stanley set a $460.00 price objective on Group 1 Automotive in a report on Monday, December 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Group 1 Automotive from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, August 30th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $472.29.

View Our Latest Analysis on Group 1 Automotive

Group 1 Automotive Profile

(Free Report)

Group 1 Automotive, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates in the automotive retail industry in the United States and the United Kingdom. The company sells new and used cars, light trucks, and vehicle parts, as well as service and insurance contracts; arranges related vehicle financing; and offers automotive maintenance and repair services.

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By Phoebe Seers and Kirstin Ridley

LONDON, Dec 17 (Reuters) - A race among banks to adopt agentic AI, which can make decisions and take autonomous action, runs new risks for retail customers, said Britain's financial watchdog, which is pledging to ensure their interests are not sidelined.

AI 'agents' could revolutionise how people budget, save and invest, for example by moving idle cash into higher-yield accounts or adjusting portfolios in response to market swings.

More from Yahoo Scout What risks does agentic AI pose to financial stability? How is the FCA regulating agentic AI in banking? Which UK banks are trialling agentic AI for customers? What is agentic AI and how does it differ from generative AI?

Unlike generative AI, which produces text, code or images based on human prompts, agentic AI is touted as the next big opportunity for companies because it can plan, make decisions, execute tasks, learn and adapt based on set goals.

Britain's NatWest, Lloyds and Starling told Reuters they are working with the FCA as they prepare for retail-customer trials, in a major shift from banks' existing back-office usage.

HITTING THE MARKET IN 2026

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Chief Data Officer Jessica Rusu expects early consumer-facing applications to hit the market "in earnest" early next year.

"Everyone recognises that agentic AI introduces new risks, primarily because of ... the ability for something to be done at pace," Rusu told Reuters.

The autonomy and speed at which the AI acts and interacts with other agents magnify risks relating to financial stability and governance.

The FCA will apply rules such as the senior managers regime and the consumer duty to hold bosses responsible for wrongdoing and ensure customer interests are put first, Rusu said.

BRITISH BANKS LEAD PILOTS

Research firm Gartner predicts that 40% of all financial services firms will be using AI agents by the end of 2026.

However, it also expects that more than 40% of agentic AI projects across industries will be axed by the end of 2027 as a result of escalating costs and unclear business value.

British banks lead European rivals in trialling AI agents for customer-facing tasks, partly because of the FCA's approach which includes an AI sandbox for firms in the experimental phase and a recently announced live testing initiative, for those ready to roll out new AI applications to UK financial markets.

Meanwhile, the European Union's AI Act, which aims to foster responsible development and deployment in the bloc, has created uncertainty about how agentic AI in finance will be treated.

U.S. banks including JP Morgan are using agentic AI for back-office work. JPMorgan declined to comment on plans to deploy virtual banking agents for customer-focused actions.
Shares of Old Mutual Limited (LON:OMU  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as GBX 65.20 and last traded at GBX 65, with a volume of 161961 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 63.80.

Old Mutual Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 46.81, a current ratio of 0.70 and a quick ratio of 0.37. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 60.24 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 55.56. The firm has a market capitalization of 2.73 billion, a PE ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 1.02.

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Insider Transactions at Old Mutual

In other Old Mutual news, insider Jan-Hendrik Erasmus sold 17,205 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 61, for a total value of 10,495.05. 0.21% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

About Old Mutual

Old Mutual Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial services primarily in South Africa and rest of Africa. The company operates through Mass and Foundation Cluster, Personal Finance and Wealth Management, Old Mutual Investments, Old Mutual Corporate, Old Mutual Insure, and Old Mutual Africa Regions segments.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (TSE:CP  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CP) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the fifteen ratings firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and three have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$120.62.

CP has been the subject of several analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$129.00 to C$137.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$137.00 to C$124.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Desjardins lifted their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$120.00 to C$133.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. ATB Capital upped their price target on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$124.00 to C$125.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Scotiabank lowered their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$122.00 to C$119.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 3rd.

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Check Out Our Latest Research Report on CP

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Performance

TSE:CP opened at C$101.40 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day moving average is C$102.10 and its 200-day moving average is C$104.95. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a 1-year low of C$94.60 and a 1-year high of C$118.80. The company has a current ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 49.64. The stock has a market cap of C$91.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 0.93.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (TSE:CP  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CP) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported C$1.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 24.50% and a return on equity of 8.22%. The business had revenue of C$3.66 billion during the quarter. Equities research analysts anticipate that Canadian Pacific Kansas City will post 4.3438583 earnings per share for the current year.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 27th. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 27th were given a dividend of $0.228 per share. This represents a $0.91 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, September 26th. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio is currently 18.17%.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Pacific is a CAD 8 billion Class-1 railroads operating on more than 12,500 miles of track across most of Canada and into parts of the Midwestern and Northeastern United States. It is the second-smallest Class I railroad by revenue and route miles. In 2021, CP hauled shipments of grain (22% of freight revenue), intermodal containers (22%), energy products (like crude and frac sand), chemicals, and plastics (20%) coal (8%), fertilizer and potash (10%), automotive products (5%), and a diverse mix of other merchandise.

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Cresco Labs (OTCMKTS:CRLBF  Get Free Report) and Avivagen (OTCMKTS:VIVXF  Get Free Report) are both medical companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, institutional ownership, risk, analyst recommendations, profitability, valuation and dividends.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Cresco Labs and Avivagens gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Cresco Labs $724.34 million 0.94 -$74.44 million ($0.15) -12.77 Avivagen N/A N/A N/A ($0.04) 0.00

Profitability

Avivagen has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Cresco Labs. Cresco Labs is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Avivagen, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

This table compares Cresco Labs and Avivagens net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Cresco Labs -7.79% -14.25% -3.90% Avivagen N/A N/A N/A

Insider and Institutional Ownership

0.1% of Cresco Labs shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.1% of Avivagen shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Cresco Labs and Avivagen, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Cresco Labs 0 1 1 1 3.00 Avivagen 0 0 0 0 0.00

Summary

Avivagen beats Cresco Labs on 6 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Cresco Labs

(Get Free Report)

Cresco Labs Inc., together with its subsidiaries, cultivates, manufactures, and sells retail and medical cannabis products in the United States. It provides cannabis in flowers, vape pens, live resins, disposable pens, and extracts under the Cresco brand; vape carts, vape pens, flower, popcorn, shake, pre-rolls, shorties, and concentrates under the High Supply brand; vapes and gummies under the Good News brand; vapes and edibles under the Wonder Wellness Co. brand; and tinctures, capsules, salves, and sublingual oils under the Remedi brand. The company also offers cannabis flowers under the FloraCal brand; and chocolate and toffee confections and fruit-forward gummies under the Mindy's Edibles brand, as well as licenses the Kiva brand, which produces cannabis infused edibles, including chocolate confections, gummies, mints, and tarts. In addition, the company offers cannabis-infused edibles under the Sunnyside brand. The company was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

About Avivagen

(Get Free Report)

Avivagen Inc. focuses on developing and commercializing products for livestock feeds that support immune function and help animals to achieve their growth and productivity. The company offers OxC-beta Livestock, a premix for inclusion in livestock feeds; Vivamune health chews for dogs; Dr. Tobias dog chews; and Dr. Tobias Beta blend for the human immune system. It serves in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. Avivagen Inc. was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.

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Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC increased its holdings in shares of NiSource, Inc (NYSE:NI  Free Report) by 168.1% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 81,141 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 50,873 shares during the period. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLCs holdings in NiSource were worth $3,273,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in NiSource during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $296,543,000. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. increased its position in shares of NiSource by 12.4% during the first quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 24,020,859 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $962,997,000 after acquiring an additional 2,650,827 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of NiSource by 88.9% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 5,535,924 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $221,935,000 after acquiring an additional 2,605,923 shares during the period. Alkeon Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in NiSource in the 1st quarter valued at $98,682,000. Finally, Soroban Capital Partners LP boosted its stake in NiSource by 52.0% in the 2nd quarter. Soroban Capital Partners LP now owns 4,434,245 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $178,877,000 after purchasing an additional 1,516,296 shares during the period. 91.64% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have recently commented on NI shares. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on NiSource from $46.00 to $47.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of NiSource in a research report on Monday. Evercore ISI raised their price target on shares of NiSource from $46.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of NiSource from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $46.00 to $50.00 in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of NiSource to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $46.67.

NiSource Trading Down 0.5%

Shares of NiSource stock opened at $41.21 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $19.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.80, a P/E/G ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 0.63. The company has a quick ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29. NiSource, Inc has a 12-month low of $35.36 and a 12-month high of $44.88. The businesss 50 day moving average is $42.83 and its 200-day moving average is $41.72.

NiSource (NYSE:NI  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The utilities provider reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.20 by ($0.01). NiSource had a net margin of 14.15% and a return on equity of 8.09%. The firm had revenue of $1.27 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $983.25 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.20 earnings per share. NiSource has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.020-2.07 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 1.870-1.89 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that NiSource, Inc will post 1.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Kimberly S. Cuccia sold 8,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.13, for a total value of $345,040.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 41,247 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,778,983.11. This represents a 16.24% 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. Insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock.

NiSource Profile

(Free Report)

NiSource Inc, an energy holding company, operates as a regulated natural gas and electric utility company in the United States. It operates in two segments, Gas Distribution Operations and Electric Operations. The company distributes natural gas to approximately 3.3 million customers through approximately 55,000 miles of distribution main pipeline and the associated individual customer service lines; and 1,000 miles of transmission main pipeline in northern Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NiSource, Inc (NYSE:NI  Free Report).

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Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. reduced its stake in Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY  Free Report) by 84.8% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 2,520 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 14,035 shares during the period. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc.s holdings in Occidental Petroleum were worth $119,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in OXY. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Management Co. bought a new stake in Occidental Petroleum in the second quarter worth about $27,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 1,193.9% during the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 854 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 788 shares during the last quarter. MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 371.7% in the 2nd quarter. MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,000 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 788 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in Occidental Petroleum in the second quarter valued at approximately $51,000. Finally, Ransom Advisory Ltd bought a new position in Occidental Petroleum during the first quarter valued at $54,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.70% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

OXY has been the subject of several recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $42.00 to $40.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Scotiabank increased their target price on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $45.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued an underweight rating and issued a $44.00 price target (down previously from $51.00) on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $52.00 to $51.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, HSBC reduced their price objective on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $55.00 to $54.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $49.95.

Occidental Petroleum Price Performance

OXY stock opened at $40.65 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $41.55 and a 200-day moving average of $43.72. The firm has a market capitalization of $40.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.89 and a beta of 0.39. Occidental Petroleum Corporation has a 12 month low of $34.78 and a 12 month high of $53.20. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73.

Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.48 by $0.16. Occidental Petroleum had a net margin of 7.81% and a return on equity of 12.35%. The business had revenue of $6.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.66 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.00 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Occidental Petroleum Corporation will post 3.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Occidental Petroleum Dividend Announcement

The firm 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. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 10th. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. Occidental Petroleums dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 70.59%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Occidental Petroleum news, Director William R. Klesse bought 5,000 shares of Occidental Petroleum stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 16th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $38.98 per share, for a total transaction of $194,900.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 218,913 shares in the company, valued at $8,533,228.74. This represents a 2.34% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.31% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Occidental Petroleum Profile

(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.

Further Reading

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Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. trimmed its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (NYSEARCA:SPHQ  Free Report) by 95.9% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 626 shares of the companys stock after selling 14,670 shares during the period. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc.s holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF were worth $46,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Berkshire Money Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. Independence Bank of Kentucky acquired a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF in the second quarter worth $33,000. Resources Management Corp CT ADV purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF in the first quarter valued at $44,000. Bogart Wealth LLC boosted its stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF by 19.2% during the second quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 964 shares of the companys stock valued at $69,000 after acquiring an additional 155 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF during the second quarter valued at $72,000.

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Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF Trading Down 0.9%

Shares of SPHQ stock opened at $74.83 on Thursday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $74.03 and a 200 day moving average price of $72.65. Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF has a twelve month low of $57.67 and a twelve month high of $76.60. The company has a market capitalization of $15.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.36 and a beta of 0.92.

About Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF

The Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large-cap stocks selected by return on equity, changes in net operating assets and financial leverage. Stocks are weighted by these quality factors, scaled by market cap.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SPHQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (NYSEARCA:SPHQ  Free Report).

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Lbmc Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 1,750 shares of the insurance providers stock, valued at approximately $489,000.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 71,265.9% during the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,616,826 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $967,646,000 after purchasing an additional 3,611,758 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new position in Travelers Companies in the 2nd quarter worth $815,013,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in Travelers Companies by 10.9% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 7,626,750 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $2,040,475,000 after buying an additional 751,715 shares in the last quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 41.2% during the first quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. now owns 1,679,275 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $444,101,000 after acquiring an additional 490,039 shares during the period. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 25.3% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,934,625 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $511,631,000 after acquiring an additional 390,104 shares in the last quarter. 82.45% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Travelers Companies

In other news, CFO Daniel S. Frey sold 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $278.25, for a total value of $6,956,250.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 26,932 shares in the company, valued at $7,493,829. The trade was a 48.14% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Vice Chairman William H. Heyman sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $287.50, for a total transaction of $575,000.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 255,086 shares in the company, valued at $73,337,225. This represents a 0.78% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 46,295 shares of company stock valued at $13,011,918. Corporate insiders own 1.46% of the companys stock.

Travelers Companies Stock Performance

NYSE:TRV opened at $291.19 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 Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $230.23 and a 1 year high of $296.85. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $279.65 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $272.40. The company has a market cap of $64.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.45, a PEG ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 0.53.

Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The insurance provider reported $8.14 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.01 by $2.13. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 20.28% and a net margin of 12.14%.The firm had revenue of $12.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.15 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $5.24 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Travelers Companies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be given a dividend of $1.10 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 10th. This represents a $4.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 17.30%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on TRV. Piper Sandler upped their price objective on Travelers Companies from $320.00 to $322.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Travelers Companies from $289.00 to $297.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Barclays set a $313.00 price objective on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wolfe Research initiated coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Monday, September 15th. They set a peer perform rating for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Travelers Companies currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $294.25.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Travelers Companies

Travelers Companies 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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Lbmc Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares iBonds 2032 Term High Yield and Income ETF (NYSEARCA:IBHL  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 32,167 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $830,000. Lbmc Investment Advisors LLC owned about 0.08% of iShares iBonds 2032 Term High Yield and Income ETF at the end of the most recent reporting period.

iShares iBonds 2032 Term High Yield and Income ETF Price Performance

NYSEARCA IBHL opened at $25.70 on Thursday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $25.65 and a 200 day moving average price of $25.57. iShares iBonds 2032 Term High Yield and Income ETF has a one year low of $23.88 and a one year high of $25.92.

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iShares iBonds 2032 Term High Yield and Income ETF Company Profile

(Free Report)

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iShares Trust  iShares iBonds 2032 Term High Yield and Income ETF is an exchange traded fund launched by BlackRock, Inc The fund is managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors. It invests in fixed income markets of the United States. The fund invests in U.S. dollar-denominated, taxable, fixed-rate, high yield corporate bonds that are rated equal to or below Ba1, BB+, BB+ and above CC by Moodys, S&P and Fitch respectively and BBB or equivalently rated corporate bonds, scheduled to mature between January 1, 2032 and December 15, 2032.

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IBHL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares iBonds 2032 Term High Yield and Income ETF (NYSEARCA:IBHL  Free Report).

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Investment analysts at Barclays began coverage on shares of Grupo Aeromexico (NYSE:AERO  Get Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The firm set an overweight rating and a $27.00 price target on the stock. Barclayss target price indicates a potential upside of 29.00% from the companys current price.

AERO has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Evercore ISI initiated coverage on shares of Grupo Aeromexico in a research report on Wednesday. They set an outperform rating and a $36.00 target price for the company. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of Grupo Aeromexico in a research report on Wednesday. They issued an overweight rating and a $30.00 price objective for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on shares of Grupo Aeromexico in a report on Wednesday. They set a buy rating and a $25.00 target price on the stock. Itau BBA Securities assumed coverage on Grupo Aeromexico in a report on Sunday, November 30th. They issued an outperform rating for the company. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised Grupo Aeromexico to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 15th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Grupo Aeromexico presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $30.00.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on AERO

Grupo Aeromexico Price Performance

About Grupo Aeromexico

Grupo Aeromexico stock opened at $20.93 on Wednesday. Grupo Aeromexico has a 12 month low of $16.00 and a 12 month high of $21.00.

(Get Free Report)

We are uniquely positioned as the only full service carrier, or FSC, based in Mexico and the only airline that provides long-haul, wide-body service connecting Mexico with the rest of the world. We offer a premium experience to both international and domestic destinations. As of June 30, 2025, we served every major city in Mexico and 52 international cities in 22 countries across multiple continents: North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

Further Reading

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Air Lease Corporation (NYSE:AL  Get Free Report) EVP Grant Levy sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.30, for a total value of $64,300.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 137,206 shares in the company, valued at $8,822,345.80. The trade was a 0.72% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink.

Air Lease Trading Up 0.0%

Shares of Air Lease stock opened at $64.20 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.42. Air Lease Corporation has a 12-month low of $38.25 and a 12-month high of $64.40. The company has a market capitalization of $7.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.44 and a beta of 1.19. The firms 50-day moving average price is $63.81 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $60.95.

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Air Lease (NYSE:AL  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The transportation company reported $1.29 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $725.39 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $744.59 million. Air Lease had a net margin of 35.08% and a return on equity of 7.84%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.82 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Air Lease Corporation will post 5.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Air Lease Dividend Announcement

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 4th will be paid a $0.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 4th. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.4%. Air Leases dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 10.20%.

AL has been the subject of a number of research reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Air Lease in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Cowen cut shares of Air Lease from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 3rd. TD Cowen downgraded Air Lease from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, September 3rd. Zacks Research lowered Air Lease from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered shares of Air Lease from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $65.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Wednesday, September 3rd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $59.50.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Air Lease

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Air Lease

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in Air Lease by 0.6% in the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 6,591,387 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $419,540,000 after buying an additional 41,975 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in shares of Air Lease by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,453,859 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $263,476,000 after acquiring an additional 69,629 shares in the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its position in shares of Air Lease by 7.9% during the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 3,619,226 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $211,797,000 after purchasing an additional 265,423 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its stake in Air Lease by 0.8% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,459,048 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $203,084,000 after purchasing an additional 28,227 shares during the period. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Air Lease by 930.1% in the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,283,492 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $145,321,000 after purchasing an additional 2,061,817 shares in the last quarter. 94.59% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Air Lease

(Get Free Report)

Air Lease Corporation, an aircraft leasing company, engages in the purchase and leasing of commercial jet aircraft to airlines worldwide. It sells aircraft from its fleet to third parties, including other leasing companies, financial services companies, airlines, and other investors. The company provides fleet management services to investors and owners of aircraft portfolios.

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In the past two years, shares of Nvidia have increased by more than 250%. Palantir and Seagate have seen big gains as well, causing a growing number of investors to worry that AI is in a bubble akin to the dot-com era. But those gains are small potatoes compared to one Indian company.

The share price of RRP Semiconductor Ltd. has surged by an eye-popping 55,000% in the past 20 months. On Dec. 17, 2023, you could have bought shares for 10 Indian rupees (roughly 11 cents in U.S. dollars). Today, those shares are selling for 11,095 rupees (approximately $123).

That stock surge comes despite a number of things that would cause red flags to shoot up at near terminal velocity normally. The company has just two full-time employees, according to Bloomberg, and it posted negative revenue in the most recent quarter. And until early last year, it was focused on the real estate industry, not semiconductors.

That hasn't mattered to investors, even as regulators have sounded some warnings. (India's Securities and Exchange Board is investigating the company for potential wrongdoing, which has caused the stock price to fall slightly, but nothing compared to its rise.)

RRP began to move into the AI space in 2024, when the company's owner acquired GD Trading and Agencies. That company previously acted as an agent/broker for a wider variety of goods (from chemicals to consumer products), but shifted to semiconductor manufacturing after the acquisition and changed its name to RRP Semiconductor.

That set off an investor firestorm. (India has a limited market for semiconductor companies, which might explain some of the investor fervor.) One reason the share price might have escalated as much as it does? Only 2% of the company is publicly traded. Founder Rajendra Chodankar and a small group of associates hold the other 98%, says Bloomberg.
Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited (LON:BMV  Get Free Report)s share price traded up 10.2% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as GBX 0.27 and last traded at GBX 0.27. 2,102,354 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 83% from the average session volume of 12,421,164 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.25.

Bluebird Merchant Ventures Stock Performance

The firm has a fifty day moving average of GBX 0.40 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 0.83. The company has a quick ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 0.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29. The firm has a market cap of 1.32 million, a P/E ratio of -0.46 and a beta of 0.62.

Bluebird Merchant Ventures Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and developing of mineral properties. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It holds interests in the Gubong project and Kochang project located in South Korea. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Road Town, the British Virgin Islands.

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Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Tuesday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 2.800-3.000 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 3.090. The company issued revenue guidance of $59.5 billion-$62.5 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $61.9 billion.

Pfizer Stock Down 1.9%

PFE stock opened at $25.05 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $142.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.56 and a beta of 0.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.28. The businesss 50-day moving average is $25.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $24.82. Pfizer has a fifty-two week low of $20.92 and a fifty-two week high of $27.69.

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Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate 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 during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.94 billion. Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Pfizer will post 2.95 earnings per share for the current year.

Pfizer Announces Dividend

Analyst Ratings Changes

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Investors of record on Friday, January 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.9%. Pfizers payout ratio is 100.00%.

Several research analysts recently weighed in on PFE shares. Bank of America dropped their target price on shares of Pfizer from $29.00 to $28.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $28.00 target price on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Wall Street Zen downgraded Pfizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, September 28th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $26.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Scotiabank began coverage on shares of Pfizer in a report on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $30.00 target price on the stock. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Pfizer presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $28.06.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Pfizer

Institutional Trading of Pfizer

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. State Street Corp boosted its position in shares of Pfizer by 0.9% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 299,087,408 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $7,620,747,000 after acquiring an additional 2,786,098 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp raised its stake in Pfizer by 1.4% during the third quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 64,019,807 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,631,225,000 after purchasing an additional 869,175 shares in the last quarter. Amundi raised its stake in Pfizer by 10.8% during the third quarter. Amundi now owns 41,490,929 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,096,380,000 after purchasing an additional 4,043,413 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. lifted its position in Pfizer by 3.7% during the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 30,335,842 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $772,957,000 after purchasing an additional 1,085,701 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Unisphere Establishment increased its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 13.8% in the 3rd quarter. Unisphere Establishment now owns 14,400,000 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $366,912,000 after buying an additional 1,750,000 shares during the last quarter. 68.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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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Legacy Private Trust Co. lowered its holdings in shares of Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 56.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,675 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 6,183 shares during the quarter. Legacy Private Trust Co.s holdings in Accenture were worth $1,153,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Sanders Capital LLC bought a new position in Accenture in the 2nd quarter worth about $2,637,640,000. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Accenture during the second quarter valued at approximately $2,216,850,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 63.9% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 8,953,621 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $2,793,889,000 after purchasing an additional 3,490,569 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Accenture by 2.1% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 65,129,782 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $19,466,641,000 after purchasing an additional 1,315,548 shares in the last quarter. Finally, McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Accenture during the 2nd quarter worth $308,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.14% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their target price on Accenture from $372.00 to $285.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 26th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on Accenture from $325.00 to $270.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 26th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Accenture from $302.00 to $290.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 26th. TD Cowen reduced their price target on shares of Accenture from $313.00 to $295.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 26th. Finally, HSBC lowered their price target on shares of Accenture from $240.00 to $215.00 in a research report on Friday, September 26th. 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 given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $294.04.

Insider Transactions at Accenture

In other Accenture news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 5,917 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $246.62, for a total value of $1,459,250.54. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 8,599 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,120,685.38. This trade represents a 40.76% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Manish Sharma sold 6,902 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $250.01, for a total transaction of $1,725,569.02. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 1,860 shares of the companys stock, valued at $465,018.60. The trade was a 78.77% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold 33,319 shares of company stock valued at $8,335,225 in the last quarter. 0.02% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Accenture Stock Performance

Shares of Accenture stock opened at $273.40 on Thursday. Accenture PLC has a one year low of $229.40 and a one year high of $398.35. The company has a market capitalization of $180.03 billion, a PE ratio of 22.50, a P/E/G ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 1.42 and a current ratio of 1.42. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $251.83 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $264.30.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 18th. The information technology services provider reported $3.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.74 by $0.20. Accenture had a net margin of 11.02% and a return on equity of 26.45%. The firm had revenue of $18.74 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.51 billion. Accenture has set its FY 2026 guidance at 13.520-13.900 EPS. Research analysts expect that Accenture PLC will post 12.73 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Accenture Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 10th were issued a dividend of $1.63 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 10th. This represents a $6.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. This is a boost from Accentures previous quarterly dividend of $1.48. Accentures dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 53.66%.

Accenture Profile

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Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN  Free Report).

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Omnitek Engineering (OTCMKTS:OMTK  Get Free Report) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (OTCMKTS:MHVYF  Get Free Report) are both industrials companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, valuation, earnings, institutional ownership and risk.

Profitability

This table compares Omnitek Engineering and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Omnitek Engineering 18.80% -22.26% 28.98% Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 4.63% 10.04% 3.70%

Risk and Volatility

Omnitek Engineering has a beta of -0.22, indicating that its share price is 122% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has a beta of 0.53, indicating that its share price is 47% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Omnitek Engineering 0 0 0 0 0.00 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 0 1 0 1 3.00

Valuation and Earnings

This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Omnitek Engineering and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

This table compares Omnitek Engineering and Mitsubishi Heavy Industriess top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Omnitek Engineering $1.02 million 0.31 -$170,000.00 $0.02 0.73 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries $33.01 billion 2.55 $1.62 billion $0.50 49.98

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has higher revenue and earnings than Omnitek Engineering. Omnitek Engineering is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries beats Omnitek Engineering on 9 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Omnitek Engineering

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Omnitek Engineering Corp. develops and sells technology to convert diesel engines to an alternative fuel, natural gas engines, and complementary products in the United States and internationally. It offers conversion kits for converting diesel engines to run on an alternative fuel, including compressed, liquefied, and renewable natural gas, as well as liquid petroleum gas; natural gas engines and components; and high-pressure natural gas coalescing filters. The company's products are used for stationary applications; and the transportation market, such as light commercial vehicles, minibuses, heavy-duty trucks, and municipal buses, as well as rail and marine applications. It sells and delivers its products through its distributors, system integrators, fleet operators, and engine conversion companies, as well as directly to end-users. The company was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in Vista, California.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. manufactures and sells heavy machinery worldwide. It operates through Energy Systems; Plants & Infrastructure Systems; Logistics, Thermal & Drive Systems; and Aircraft, Defense & Space segments. The company offers thermal, renewable energy, nuclear power generation, and engine power plants; oil and gas production plants; lithium-ion battery products and fuel cells; civil aircrafts and engines, aviation equipment, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircrafts; and launch vehicles and services, rocket engines, reaction control systems, space stations, rocket launchers, rocket engine combustion test facilities, and electronic parts. It also provides passenger and commercial ships, LNG and LPG carriers, special purpose vessels, and IT services and systems; marine machineries, boilers, turbines, engines, and structures; and intelligent transport systems products and solutions, such as electronic toll collection system, road user charging system, highway traffic management system, EV management system, and development system. In addition, the company offers organic solvent exhaust gas treatment system, waste-to-energy system, sludge treatment system, air quality control system, and bio-treatment system; turbochargers, car air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, rubber and tire machinery, and testing equipment; forklift trucks; and printing, paper converting, and metals, and food & packaging machinery, pumps, compressors & mechanical turbines, hydraulic components. Further, it provides gas holders, vibration control systems, water pipes, tunnel excavation machinery, and cybersecurity solutions for industrial control systems; special vehicles, naval ship and maritime systems, defense aircrafts, helicopters, defense aeroengines, and guided weapon systems; CO2 capture plants; and after-sales services. The company was founded in 1884 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

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OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A increased its stake in shares of Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FNDF  Free Report) by 60.3% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 146,730 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 55,170 shares during the period. Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF makes up approximately 2.0% of OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N As holdings, making the stock its 17th biggest holding. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N As holdings in Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF were worth $6,304,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Wedmont Private Capital lifted its position in shares of Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF by 28.9% during the third quarter. Wedmont Private Capital now owns 16,193 shares of the companys stock worth $704,000 after purchasing an additional 3,634 shares in the last quarter. RF&L Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter. RF&L Wealth Management LLC now owns 46,999 shares of the companys stock worth $2,019,000 after buying an additional 325 shares in the last quarter. Channel Wealth LLC boosted its position in Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF by 7.3% in the 3rd quarter. Channel Wealth LLC now owns 5,660 shares of the companys stock valued at $243,000 after buying an additional 386 shares during the last quarter. Canandaigua National Trust Co of Florida grew its stake in shares of Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF by 1.4% during the third quarter. Canandaigua National Trust Co of Florida now owns 147,038 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,317,000 after acquiring an additional 2,079 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. increased its position in shares of Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF by 0.4% during the third quarter. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. now owns 1,051,290 shares of the companys stock worth $45,163,000 after acquiring an additional 4,441 shares during the last quarter.

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Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF Stock Performance

NYSEARCA:FNDF opened at $44.26 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $18.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.54 and a beta of 0.79. Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF has a one year low of $31.92 and a one year high of $45.90. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $44.24 and its 200 day simple moving average is $42.29.

Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF Company Profile

The Schwab Fundamental International Large Company Index ETF (FNDF) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund tracks an index of large firms from developed markets ex-US. The fund selects and weights using fundamental factors. FNDF was launched on Aug 15, 2013 and is managed by Charles Schwab.

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Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 13.520-13.900 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 13.770. The company issued revenue guidance of $71.1 billion-$73.2 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $73.6 billion.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on shares of Accenture from $355.00 to $315.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. HSBC lowered their price target on Accenture from $240.00 to $215.00 in a research note on Friday, September 26th. Dbs Bank raised Accenture from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Mizuho lowered their target price on shares of Accenture from $348.00 to $309.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their target price on shares of Accenture from $372.00 to $285.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 26th. 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 stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $294.04.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on ACN

Accenture Stock Up 0.5%

Shares of ACN opened at $273.40 on Thursday. Accenture has a 52-week low of $229.40 and a 52-week high of $398.35. The company has a quick ratio of 1.42, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $251.83 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $264.30. The company has a market capitalization of $180.03 billion, a PE ratio of 22.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 1.26.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 18th. The information technology services provider reported $3.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.74 by $0.20. Accenture had a net margin of 11.02% and a return on equity of 26.45%. The firm had revenue of $18.74 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.51 billion. Accenture has set its FY 2026 guidance at 13.520-13.900 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Accenture will post 12.73 EPS for the current year.

Accenture Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 10th were issued a dividend of $1.63 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 10th. This represents a $6.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. This is an increase from Accentures previous quarterly dividend of $1.48. Accentures payout ratio is 53.66%.

Insider Activity at Accenture

In related news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 9,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $249.57, for a total value of $2,246,130.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 23,516 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,868,888.12. This represents a 27.68% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Ryoji Sekido sold 2,500 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $249.47, for a total value of $623,675.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 1,390 shares in the company, valued at $346,763.30. This represents a 64.27% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 33,319 shares of company stock worth $8,335,225. Insiders own 0.02% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Voloridge Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Accenture in the third quarter valued at approximately $311,694,000. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its position in Accenture by 268.3% in the 3rd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,252,334 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $308,826,000 after purchasing an additional 912,348 shares during the last quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV boosted its stake in Accenture by 199.0% during the 3rd quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 166,834 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $38,555,000 after purchasing an additional 335,394 shares during the period. Boston Partners purchased a new position in Accenture during the 3rd quarter worth $80,728,000. Finally, Credit Agricole S A acquired a new position in Accenture in the third quarter valued at $62,670,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.14% of the companys stock.

Accenture Company Profile

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Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services.

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Shake Shack (NYSE:SHAK  Get Free Report) was upgraded by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note issued on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a $90.00 price target on the stock, down from their previous price target of $95.00. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price target suggests a potential upside of 9.43% from the stocks previous close.

Several other research analysts have also recently commented on SHAK. Truist Financial lowered their target price on Shake Shack from $162.00 to $156.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, September 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their target price on shares of Shake Shack from $160.00 to $137.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Mizuho upgraded shares of Shake Shack to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Shake Shack from $160.00 to $115.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Raymond James Financial reiterated a strong-buy rating on shares of Shake Shack in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $119.10.

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Shake Shack Trading Up 0.7%

Shares of SHAK stock opened at $82.24 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 80.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 1.67. Shake Shack has a fifty-two week low of $72.93 and a fifty-two week high of $144.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 1.81 and a current ratio of 1.84. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $88.32 and a 200 day moving average price of $107.08.

Shake Shack (NYSE:SHAK  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.36 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.31 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $367.41 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $363.69 million. Shake Shack had a net margin of 3.10% and a return on equity of 10.43%. The firms revenue was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.25 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Shake Shack will post 1.26 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Shake Shack news, insider Stephanie Ann Sentell sold 1,100 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.14, for a total value of $93,654.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 9,907 shares in the company, valued at $843,481.98. This represents a 9.99% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 8.50% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Trading of Shake Shack

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Shake Shack in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $222,000. Fisher Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Shake Shack by 30.4% during the second quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 514,770 shares of the companys stock worth $72,377,000 after purchasing an additional 120,030 shares during the period. Cooper Investors PTY Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Shake Shack by 17,729.9% during the second quarter. Cooper Investors PTY Ltd. now owns 89,506 shares of the companys stock worth $12,585,000 after purchasing an additional 89,004 shares during the period. Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. purchased a new position in Shake Shack in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,552,000. Finally, Divisadero Street Capital Management LP acquired a new position in Shake Shack in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,578,000. 86.07% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Shake Shack

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Shake Shack Inc owns, operates, and licenses Shake Shack restaurants (Shacks) in the United States and internationally. Its Shacks offers hamburgers, chicken, hot dogs, crinkle cut fries, shakes, frozen custard, beer, wine, and other products. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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First American Financial (NYSE:FAF  Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $79.00 to $81.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the insurance providers stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods price target would suggest a potential upside of 27.05% from the companys previous close.

Several other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Barclays raised their price target on First American Financial from $70.00 to $71.00 and gave the company a cautious rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of First American Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday. Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of First American Financial from $73.00 to $76.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Stephens assumed coverage on shares of First American Financial in a report on Friday, November 14th. They issued an equal weight rating on the stock. Finally, Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of First American Financial from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b) rating in a research report on Saturday, October 25th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, First American Financial currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $76.50.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on First American Financial

First American Financial Price Performance

First American Financial stock opened at $63.76 on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average is $62.93 and its 200-day moving average is $62.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.50 billion, a PE ratio of 13.71 and a beta of 1.27. First American Financial has a fifty-two week low of $53.09 and a fifty-two week high of $68.64.

First American Financial (NYSE:FAF  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The insurance provider reported $1.70 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.42 by $0.28. The business had revenue of $1.95 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.87 billion. First American Financial had a return on equity of 11.01% and a net margin of 6.80%.First American Financials quarterly revenue was up 40.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.34 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that First American Financial will post 5.35 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On First American Financial

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Boston Partners increased its position in shares of First American Financial by 8.9% in the third quarter. Boston Partners now owns 6,133,594 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $393,690,000 after purchasing an additional 500,649 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in First American Financial by 4.1% during the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 4,293,573 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $275,816,000 after buying an additional 168,706 shares in the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors increased its holdings in First American Financial by 194.5% in the 3rd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 3,306,583 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $212,415,000 after buying an additional 2,183,960 shares during the period. Reinhart Partners LLC. raised its position in shares of First American Financial by 31.3% in the 3rd quarter. Reinhart Partners LLC. now owns 1,598,007 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $102,657,000 after buying an additional 380,744 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Channing Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of First American Financial by 16.9% during the 3rd quarter. Channing Capital Management LLC now owns 1,547,790 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $99,430,000 after acquiring an additional 224,277 shares during the period. 89.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

First American Financial Company Profile

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First American Financial Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides financial services. It operates through Title Insurance and Services, and Home Warranty segments. The Title Insurance and Services segment issues title insurance policies on residential and commercial property, as well as offers related products and services internationally.

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Herc (NYSE:HRI  Get Free Report) was upgraded by research analysts at KeyCorp from a sector weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, MarketBeat.com reports. The brokerage presently has a $200.00 target price on the transportation companys stock. KeyCorps price target indicates a potential upside of 28.92% from the companys current price. KeyCorp also issued estimates for Hercs Q1 2026 earnings at $1.06 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $1.78 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $8.40 EPS.

A number of other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Herc from $140.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Herc from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, November 2nd. Robert W. Baird set a $200.00 price objective on Herc in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Zacks Research upgraded Herc from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, August 29th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on Herc in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They issued an overweight rating and a $170.00 target price on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Herc has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $170.86.

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Herc Stock Performance

HRI stock opened at $155.14 on Tuesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $135.55 and its 200 day simple moving average is $129.96. Herc has a 12-month low of $96.18 and a 12-month high of $212.19. The firm has a market cap of $5.16 billion, a P/E ratio of -61.56, a P/E/G ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 1.81. The company has a current ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.28.

Herc (NYSE:HRI  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The transportation company reported $3.42 earnings per share for the quarter. Herc had a negative net margin of 1.68% and a positive return on equity of 16.32%. The firm had revenue of $745.00 million during the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Herc will post 12.84 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Herc

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Herc during the 2nd quarter valued at about $242,697,000. Coliseum Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Herc by 213.4% in the first quarter. Coliseum Capital Management LLC now owns 1,309,989 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $175,892,000 after acquiring an additional 891,979 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Herc by 24.2% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 3,709,718 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $488,533,000 after acquiring an additional 723,239 shares during the period. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. raised its holdings in Herc by 362.8% during the second quarter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. now owns 700,402 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $92,236,000 after purchasing an additional 549,072 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Alliancebernstein L.P. raised its holdings in Herc by 135.6% during the first quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 589,817 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $79,195,000 after purchasing an additional 339,519 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.11% of the companys stock.

Herc Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Herc Holdings Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an equipment rental supplier. It rents aerial, earthmoving, material handling, trucks and trailers, air compressors, compaction, and lighting equipment, as well as generators, and safety supplies and expendables; and provides ProSolutions, an industry specific solution based services, such as pumping solutions, power generation, climate control, remediation and restoration, and studio and production equipment.

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Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS  Get Free Report) major shareholder Miriam Adelson sold 77,991 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.56, for a total transaction of $5,269,071.96. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 23,333,441 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,576,407,273.96. This represents a 0.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Large shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC.

Las Vegas Sands Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE LVS opened at $66.44 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $44.92 billion, a PE ratio of 30.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 0.97. Las Vegas Sands Corp. has a 1 year low of $30.18 and a 1 year high of $70.45. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $61.50 and a 200-day moving average price of $54.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.42, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.88.

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Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The casino operator reported $0.78 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.62 by $0.16. The business 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 was up 24.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.44 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Las Vegas Sands Corp. will post 2.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Las Vegas Sands Dividend Announcement

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 12th. Investors 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 dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 45.25%.

Several analysts have commented on LVS shares. Susquehanna boosted their price target on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $62.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Las Vegas Sands from $59.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Las Vegas Sands in a research note on Monday. Zacks Research raised Las Vegas Sands from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on Las Vegas Sands from $60.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $67.52.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Las Vegas Sands

Institutional Trading of Las Vegas Sands

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 69.3% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 567,101 shares of the casino operators stock worth $21,907,000 after purchasing an additional 232,091 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp raised its stake in Las Vegas Sands by 0.4% in the first quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 3,101,190 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $119,799,000 after buying an additional 12,593 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in Las Vegas Sands by 7.1% in the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 644,286 shares of the casino operators stock worth $28,033,000 after acquiring an additional 42,598 shares in the last quarter. Jump Financial LLC grew its stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 560.4% during the first quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 70,685 shares of the casino operators stock worth $2,731,000 after acquiring an additional 59,982 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Las Vegas Sands during the second quarter valued at about $1,254,000. 39.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Las Vegas Sands

(Get Free Report)

Las Vegas Sands Corp., together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. It owns and operates The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, and the Sands Macao in Macao, the Peoples Republic of China; and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

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ServisFirst Bancshares is expanding its service into Texas, making it the latest in a long line of banks that have stampeded into the Lone Star State.

The $18 billion-asset lender, based in Birmingham, Alabama, announced on Monday that it's opening a new office in Houston  its first in the state. The regional bank, which focuses on commercial lending, also has offices in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

ServisFirst said its Texas operations will be led by Christopher Dvorachek, the bank's new regional CEO and executive vice president.

"We are thrilled to officially launch ServisFirst Bank in Texas under Chris's leadership," ServisFirst CEO Tom Broughton said in a prepared statement. "His deep experience, strong business acumen, and proven ability to build successful markets make him the ideal person to establish our footprint in Texas."

Dvorachek has been working at ServisFirst since November. He was previously an executive vice president for close to nine years at Woodforest National Bank in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston.

"It is an honor to lead ServisFirst Bank's Texas expansion," Dvorachek said in a statement. "Texas has a remarkable economy with exceptional opportunity."

By extending its reach into Texas, ServisFirst joins a large group of banks that have recently entered the state or vastly expanded their operations there, lured by Texas' fast-growing economy and business-friendly regulations and tax policies.

In 2024, Ohio's Huntington Bancshares started doing business in Dallas, and this year it reached deals to acquire both Cadence Bank and Veritex Holdings , each of which had a large footprint in Texas. Meanwhile, San Antonio-based Cullen/Frost Bankers has been opening dozens of branches in Dallas, Houston and Austin over the past several years.

On Monday, ServisFirst said it has long been laying the groundwork for its Texas expansion, first by starting correspondent banking services there two years ago, and more recently by building a team of executives to hit the ground running. According to Monday's announcement, that roster includes three new commercial banking officers, two portfolio managers, a sales officer and a commercial account manager.

"We have assembled a highly talented team of commercial bankers, portfolio managers, and treasury professionals who are dedicated to delivering the efficiency, responsiveness, and client-centric approach that ServisFirst Bank is known for," Dvorachek said.
Myers Industries (NYSE:MYE  Get Free Report) was upgraded by research analysts at Zacks Research from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports.

Several other equities analysts also recently commented on the stock. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Myers Industries from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Myers Industries in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $21.00.

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Myers Industries Trading Down 0.5%

MYE stock opened at $19.20 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $17.61 and a 200 day moving average price of $16.30. Myers Industries has a fifty-two week low of $9.06 and a fifty-two week high of $19.87. The firm has a market cap of $718.27 million, a PE ratio of 25.95 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.67.

Myers Industries (NYSE:MYE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The industrial products company reported $0.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.25 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $205.44 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $206.40 million. Myers Industries had a return on equity of 13.15% and a net margin of 3.38%. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Myers Industries will post 0.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Myers Industries

In related news, Director Helmuth Ludwig acquired 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $17.21 per share, for a total transaction of $86,050.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 13,436 shares of the companys stock, valued at $231,233.56. This trade represents a 59.27% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CFO Samantha Rutty bought 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 14th. The stock was bought at an average price of $17.50 per share, for a total transaction of $52,500.00. Following the purchase, the chief financial officer directly owned 3,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $52,500. The trade was a ? increase in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last three months, insiders have purchased 9,000 shares of company stock worth $156,000. 1.85% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Barington Capital Group L.P. increased its holdings in shares of Myers Industries by 3.4% during the second quarter. Barington Capital Group L.P. now owns 770,100 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $11,159,000 after acquiring an additional 25,000 shares in the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd boosted its stake in Myers Industries by 141.0% in the 2nd quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 95,506 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,384,000 after purchasing an additional 55,885 shares in the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its position in Myers Industries by 84.8% during the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 512,201 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $7,422,000 after purchasing an additional 235,030 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its position in Myers Industries by 1,347.8% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 172,183 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,054,000 after purchasing an additional 160,290 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in Myers Industries during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $220,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.82% of the companys stock.

About Myers Industries

(Get Free Report)

Myers Industries, Inc engages in distribution of tire service supplies in Ohio. It operates through two segments, The Material Handling and Distribution. The Material Handling segment offers pallets, small parts bins, bulk shipping containers, and OEM parts, as well as storage and organization, and custom plastic products; and injection molded, rotationally molded or blow molded products, consumer fuel containers and tanks for water, fuel, and waste handling.

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Glaukos (NYSE:GKOS  Get Free Report) had its price target lifted by Truist Financial from $120.00 to $145.00 in a research note issued on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the medical instruments suppliers stock. Truist Financials price target would indicate a potential upside of 24.96% from the stocks current price.

Several other research firms have also issued reports on GKOS. Citigroup lifted their price target on Glaukos from $113.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $115.00 price objective on shares of Glaukos in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $61.00 target price on shares of Glaukos in a research note on Wednesday. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Glaukos in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. They set a buy rating and a $103.00 price target for the company. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on Glaukos from $120.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $116.46.

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Glaukos Stock Up 3.2%

GKOS traded up $3.62 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $116.04. The companys stock had a trading volume of 22,403 shares, compared to its average volume of 981,848. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -75.05 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a current ratio of 5.20, a quick ratio of 4.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. Glaukos has a 1 year low of $73.16 and a 1 year high of $163.71. The stocks 50-day moving average is $93.37 and its 200-day moving average is $93.14.

Glaukos (NYSE:GKOS  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The medical instruments supplier reported ($0.16) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.27) by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $133.54 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $122.55 million. Glaukos had a negative net margin of 18.65% and a negative return on equity of 7.52%. The businesss revenue was up 38.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned ($0.28) earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Glaukos will post -1.08 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity at Glaukos

In other news, COO Joseph E. Gilliam sold 19,340 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $90.00, for a total transaction of $1,740,600.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 92,366 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,312,940. This represents a 17.31% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CFO Alex R. Thurman sold 315 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total value of $33,075.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 50,488 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,301,240. This trade represents a 0.62% 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 24,655 shares of company stock worth $2,310,025 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 5.80% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd bought a new position in shares of Glaukos in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $209,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in Glaukos by 4.3% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 670,083 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $54,645,000 after buying an additional 27,646 shares during the period. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. purchased a new stake in Glaukos during the third quarter valued at approximately $486,000. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co raised its position in Glaukos by 0.8% in the third quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 61,348 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $4,986,000 after acquiring an additional 514 shares during the period. Finally, Verition Fund Management LLC bought a new position in Glaukos in the third quarter worth approximately $579,000. 99.04% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Glaukos Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Glaukos Corporation, an ophthalmic pharmaceutical and medical technology company, focuses on the development of novel therapies for the treatment of glaucoma, corneal disorders, and retinal diseases. It offers iStent and iStent inject W micro-bypass stents that enhance aqueous humor outflow inserted in cataract surgery to treat mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma.

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Kingsway Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:KFS  Get Free Report) (TSE:KFS) Director Joseph Stilwell sold 34,269 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.80, for a total value of $438,643.20. Following the sale, the director owned 545,135 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,977,728. The trade was a 5.91% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website.

Joseph Stilwell also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, December 16th, Joseph Stilwell sold 10,429 shares of Kingsway Financial Services stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.80, for a total transaction of $133,491.20.

On Thursday, December 11th, Joseph Stilwell sold 67,500 shares of Kingsway Financial Services stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.80, for a total value of $864,000.00.

On Tuesday, December 9th, Joseph Stilwell sold 20,000 shares of Kingsway Financial Services stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.80, for a total value of $256,000.00.

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.

Kingsway Financial Services Stock Down 1.8%

Shares of KFS traded down $0.23 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $12.48. 940 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 63,801. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $13.61 and a 200 day simple moving average of $13.98. Kingsway Financial Services, Inc. has a 12-month low of $7.06 and a 12-month high of $16.80. The company has a quick ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. The firm has a market cap of $361.37 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -34.67 and a beta of 0.32.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Kingsway Financial Services ( NYSE:KFS Get Free Report ) (TSE:KFS) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The insurance provider reported ($0.10) earnings per share for the quarter. Kingsway Financial Services had a negative net margin of 8.55% and a negative return on equity of 76.94%.

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Greenhaven Road Investment Management L.P. grew its position in shares of Kingsway Financial Services by 73.4% during the second quarter. Greenhaven Road Investment Management L.P. now owns 1,310,536 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $17,745,000 after acquiring an additional 554,891 shares during the last quarter. Mirabella Financial Services LLP grew its position in Kingsway Financial Services by 13.2% in the 3rd quarter. Mirabella Financial Services LLP now owns 2,189,905 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $32,016,000 after purchasing an additional 255,319 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Kingsway Financial Services by 12.5% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 948,838 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $13,872,000 after purchasing an additional 105,080 shares during the period. 1060 Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Kingsway Financial Services during the second quarter valued at approximately $1,021,000. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Kingsway Financial Services by 20.2% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 426,836 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $5,780,000 after acquiring an additional 71,720 shares in the last quarter. 72.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Kingsway Financial Services in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Sell.

Read Our Latest Report on KFS

Kingsway Financial Services Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

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.

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Shares of Orla Mining Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:ORLA  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $14.59 and last traded at $14.4810, with a volume of 829191 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $13.64.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on ORLA shares. Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Orla Mining in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of Orla Mining in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, CIBC reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Orla Mining in a report on Monday, October 20th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Orla Mining currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $27.00.

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Orla Mining Trading Up 4.4%

Orla Mining Dividend Announcement

The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $11.96 and a two-hundred day moving average of $11.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 110.55 and a beta of 0.30.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 10th. Investors of record on Monday, January 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.015 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 12th. This represents a $0.06 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.4%.

Institutional Trading of Orla Mining

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ORLA. Merrion Investment Management Co LLC acquired a new position in shares of Orla Mining in the second quarter valued at approximately $355,000. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in Orla Mining by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 440,059 shares of the companys stock worth $4,110,000 after acquiring an additional 8,399 shares during the last quarter. Louisbourg Investments Inc. acquired a new position in Orla Mining in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $2,957,000. PCJ Investment Counsel Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Orla Mining by 81.6% during the second quarter. PCJ Investment Counsel Ltd. now owns 266,250 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,676,000 after acquiring an additional 119,620 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Orla Mining by 33.7% during the second quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 5,139,774 shares of the companys stock worth $51,667,000 after purchasing an additional 1,296,774 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 43.04% of the companys stock.

Orla Mining Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Orla Mining Ltd. acquires, explores, develops, and exploits mineral properties. The company explores for gold, silver, zinc, lead, and copper deposits. It owns 100% interests in the Camino Rojo project that consists of seven concessions covering an area of 138,636 hectares located in Zacatecas, Mexico; Cerro Quema project totaling an area of 15,000 hectares located in the Azuero Peninsula, Panama; and the South Railroad project consisting of an area of 21,000 hectares located in Elko, Nevada.

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Dingdong (Cayman) Limited Sponsored ADR (NYSE:DDL  Get Free Report) gapped up before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $2.82, but opened at $2.98. Dingdong (Cayman) shares last traded at $2.6650, with a volume of 1,177,301 shares changing hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have weighed in on DDL shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Dingdong (Cayman) in a research report on Monday. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Dingdong (Cayman) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold.

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Dingdong (Cayman) Stock Performance

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dingdong (Cayman)

The firm has a market cap of $631.92 million, a P/E ratio of 15.74 and a beta of 0.47. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $1.87 and a 200 day simple moving average of $2.04.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in DDL. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 4,511,443 shares of the companys stock worth $9,339,000 after purchasing an additional 48,638 shares in the last quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. lifted its position in Dingdong (Cayman) by 20.1% in the 2nd quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 3,173,186 shares of the companys stock worth $6,410,000 after buying an additional 531,352 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in Dingdong (Cayman) by 66.5% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 968,405 shares of the companys stock worth $1,956,000 after buying an additional 386,795 shares in the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd grew its position in Dingdong (Cayman) by 10.0% during the third quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 540,062 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,118,000 after acquiring an additional 48,947 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Man Group plc raised its stake in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) by 24.0% during the second quarter. Man Group plc now owns 531,235 shares of the companys stock worth $1,073,000 after acquiring an additional 102,830 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 24.66% of the companys stock.

Dingdong (Cayman) Company Profile

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Dingdong (Cayman) Limited operates an e-commerce company in China. The company offers fresh groceries, including vegetables, meat and eggs, fruits, and seafood; prepared food, and other food products, such as baked goods, dairy, seasonings, beverages, instant food, oil, and snacks. It offers its products through traditional offline, as well as online channels through Dingdong Fresh app, mini-programs, and third-party platforms.

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Gray Media Inc. (NYSE:GTN.A  Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $8.80, but opened at $8.06. Gray Media shares last traded at $8.4050, with a volume of 4,964 shares changing hands.

Gray Media Stock Performance

The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $8.92 and a 200-day simple moving average of $9.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.60, a current ratio of 0.93 and a quick ratio of 0.93. The stock has a market cap of $808.55 million, a PE ratio of 19.32 and a beta of 0.96.

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Gray Media (NYSE:GTN.A  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 7th. The company reported ($0.24) EPS for the quarter. Gray Media had a return on equity of 5.50% and a net margin of 2.81%.The firm had revenue of $749.00 million during the quarter.

About Gray Media

Gray Television, Inc, a television broadcast company, owns and operates television stations and digital assets in the United States. As of February 28, 2019, it owned and operated television stations in 91 television markets broadcasting approximately 400 program streams, including approximately 150 channels affiliated with the CBS Network, the NBC Network, the ABC Network, and the FOX Network.

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Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Webster Financial (NYSE: WBS) in the last few weeks:

12/16/2025  Webster Financial had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $70.00 to $75.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

12/16/2025  Webster Financial had its price target raised by analysts at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $70.00 to $75.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

12/15/2025  Webster Financial had its buy (b-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/8/2025  Webster Financial had its buy (b-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/2/2025  Webster Financial was upgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating.

11/11/2025  Webster Financial had its price target raised by analysts at Barclays PLC from $78.00 to $80.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

10/24/2025  Webster Financial was downgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating.

10/20/2025  Webster Financial had its price target lowered by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation from $69.00 to $67.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

10/20/2025  Webster Financial had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Raymond James Financial, Inc.. They now have a $65.00 price target on the stock, down previously from $68.00.

10/20/2025  Webster Financial had its price target lowered by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $75.00 to $70.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

Webster Financial Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 20th. Investors of record on Monday, November 10th were paid a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.5%. Webster Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.80%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO John R. Ciulla sold 8,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.45, for a total value of $443,600.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 231,872 shares in the company, valued at $12,857,302.40. This represents a 3.34% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

Webster Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Webster Bank, National Association that provides a range of financial products and services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Commercial Banking, HSA Bank, and Consumer Banking.

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Canadian National Railway (TSE:CNR  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNI) had its price target dropped by research analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from C$158.00 to C$153.00 in a report issued on Thursday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas target price would suggest a potential upside of 11.71% from the companys previous close.

Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein cut their price target on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$149.00 to C$148.00 in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. ATB Capital increased their target price on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$150.00 to C$151.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Cibc Captl Mkts raised Canadian National Railway from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Citigroup upped their price target on Canadian National Railway from C$119.00 to C$120.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Desjardins raised their price objective on Canadian National Railway from C$151.00 to C$161.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$153.20.

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Canadian National Railway Stock Up 2.0%

CNR traded up C$2.64 during trading on Thursday, reaching C$136.96. 709,620 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,509,784. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is C$133.69 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$134.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 107.59, a current ratio of 0.64 and a quick ratio of 0.58. Canadian National Railway has a fifty-two week low of C$126.11 and a fifty-two week high of C$154.56. The stock has a market cap of C$84.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 0.82.

Canadian National Railway (TSE:CNR  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNI) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported C$1.83 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$4.17 billion during the quarter. Canadian National Railway had a return on equity of 27.10% and a net margin of 31.20%. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Canadian National Railway will post 8.2610275 EPS for the current year.

Canadian National Railway Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S.

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Premium Brands (TSE:PBH  Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at Scotiabank from a hold rating to an outperform rating in a research note issued on Thursday, MarketBeat reports. The brokerage presently has a C$120.00 target price on the stock, up from their prior target price of C$99.00. Scotiabanks price objective suggests a potential upside of 18.23% from the stocks previous close.

Several other equities research analysts also recently commented on the stock. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of Premium Brands from C$109.00 to C$111.00 in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. CIBC raised their target price on Premium Brands from C$108.00 to C$115.00 in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on Premium Brands from C$106.00 to C$111.00 in a research report on Thursday. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price objective on Premium Brands from C$108.00 to C$118.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, TD Securities raised their price objective on Premium Brands from C$145.00 to C$160.00 in a research note on Thursday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of C$120.09.

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Premium Brands Price Performance

Shares of TSE PBH opened at C$101.50 on Thursday. Premium Brands has a fifty-two week low of C$72.57 and a fifty-two week high of C$103.89. The company has a market cap of C$4.53 billion, a PE ratio of 69.05, a P/E/G ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 163.00, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.51. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of C$95.52 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$91.03.

Premium Brands (TSE:PBH  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 10th. The company reported C$1.27 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of C$1.99 billion during the quarter. Premium Brands had a net margin of 1.55% and a return on equity of 5.66%. As a group, equities analysts expect that Premium Brands will post 6.039823 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Premium Brands

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Premium Brands Holdings Corp is engaged in specialty food manufacturing, premium food distribution, and wholesale businesses with operations in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nevada, and Washington State. The companys business segments include Specialty Foods, Premium Food Distribution, and Corporate.

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Shares of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP  Get Free Report) fell 5.8% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $10.51 and last traded at $10.3660. 596,423 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 24% from the average session volume of 781,285 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11.01.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have recently commented on HPP. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties to $14.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Citigroup cut their price target on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from $20.30 to $13.30 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (e+) rating on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in a report on Monday. Cantor Fitzgerald cut their target price on Hudson Pacific Properties from $24.50 to $21.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company set a $2.60 price target on Hudson Pacific Properties in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $19.23.

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Hudson Pacific Properties Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 1.78 and a quick ratio of 1.78. The firm has a market capitalization of $553.42 million, a P/E ratio of -0.60 and a beta of 1.45. The companys 50 day moving average price is $15.22 and its 200 day moving average price is $17.38.

Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE:HPP  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.04 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.02 by $0.02. Hudson Pacific Properties had a negative net margin of 59.61% and a negative return on equity of 16.24%. The firm had revenue of $186.62 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $186.05 million. Hudson Pacific Properties has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.010-0.050 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. will post 0.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hudson Pacific Properties

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties during the second quarter worth about $729,000. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio lifted its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 133.6% in the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 500,928 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,373,000 after purchasing an additional 286,477 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Ieq Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 73.0% during the first quarter. Ieq Capital LLC now owns 33,782 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $100,000 after buying an additional 14,257 shares during the period. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 1,150.4% during the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 260,599 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $769,000 after buying an additional 239,758 shares in the last quarter. 97.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Hudson Pacific Properties

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Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE: HPP) is a real estate investment trust serving dynamic tech and media tenants in global epicenters for these synergistic, converging and secular growth industries. Hudson Pacific's unique and high-barrier tech and media focus leverages a full-service, end-to-end value creation platform forged through deep strategic relationships and niche expertise across identifying, acquiring, transforming and developing properties into world-class amenitized, collaborative and sustainable office and studio space.

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How does this insider buying align with the company's recent performance and valuation context? Mr. Courtis' accumulation follows a year in which Alpha Metallurgical Resources shares declined by 14.57% (as of Dec. 12, 2025), suggesting the Director is increasing exposure at a relative valuation low compared to recent history.

Were there any derivative instruments or indirect holdings involved in this transaction? No; the filing reflects only direct, open-market common stock purchases with no participation from trusts or other entities, and no options or other derivatives exercised.

What impact does this transaction have on Mr. Courtis' direct ownership in Alpha Metallurgical Resources? The purchase lifted Mr. Courtis' direct holdings by 4.80%, bringing his post-transaction direct stake to 807,537 shares and raising his personal position to the highest level observed in the recent period.

How does the scale of this purchase compare to Kenneth S. Courtis' previous buying activity? This transaction of 37,000 shares is more than three times the historical median purchase size for Mr. Courtis, whose median buy over the past three years was 10,621 shares, highlighting an atypically large increase in direct ownership.

Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average purchase price ($180.92); post-transaction value based on Dec. 12, 2025 market close ($180.92).

Kenneth S. Courtis, a member of the Board of Directors at Alpha Metallurgical Resources (NYSE:AMR), acquired 37,000 shares in multiple open-market transactions between Dec. 9 and Dec. 12, 2025, for a total consideration of $6,694,202.54, as disclosed in the SEC Form 4 filing .

This buy is notably larger than Mr. Courtis' historical median purchase size, and follows a period of net accumulation, lifting his direct stake in Alpha Metallurgical Resources to a new high for the period analyzed.

All shares were acquired through direct, open-market purchases with no indirect holdings or derivative activity involved.

The acquisition represented 4.80% of Kenneth S. Courtis' direct holdings, increasing his direct ownership to 807,537 shares post-transaction.

Board member Kenneth S. Courtis purchased 37,000 shares for a total transaction value of approximately $6.7 million at a weighted average price of around $180.92 per share across four days ending Dec. 12, 2025.

Story Continues

Company overview

Metric Value Revenue (TTM) $2,226.36 million Net income (TTM) ($46.55 million) Price (as of market close Dec. 12, 2025) $180.92

*1-year performance is calculated using Dec. 12, 2025 as the reference date.

Company snapshot

Alpha Metallurgical Resources produces, processes, and sells metallurgical and thermal coal, with operations concentrated in Virginia and West Virginia.

It operates a portfolio of active mines and coal preparation facilities, focusing on supplying metallurgical coal to steelmakers and thermal coal to utilities.

The company serves industrial customers in the steelmaking and power generation sectors, emphasizing operational efficiency and market responsiveness.

Alpha Metallurgical Resources is a leading U.S.-based coal producer with integrated mining operations and a focus on high-quality coal products. The companys scale and operational footprint provide a competitive advantage in serving key industrial markets.

What this transaction means for investors

The purchase of nearly $7 million in Alpha Metallurgical Resources stock by Board of Directors member Kenneth Courtis is significant not only because it boosted his holdings, but the buy came at a time when shares were up.

Alpha's stock hit a 52-week low of $97.41 back in June, but now it's approaching the high of $213.96 reached in December of 2024. For Mr. Courtis to grab shares when the price is rising suggests he's bullish on the company's future.

That's saying a lot since Alpha is experiencing a downturn in its business. The company reported a net loss of $5.5 million in the third quarter compared to net income of $3.8 million in the prior year.

Contributing to the loss is a decline in revenue. Through the first three quarters of 2025, sales came in at $1.6 billion, down from $2.3 billion in 2024. Alpha is doing so poorly, CEO Andy Eidson noted, "the highlight of our quarterly results is our cost performance."

Cutting costs when sales are down makes sense, but for that to be the highlight indicates Alpha is going through a rough patch. That's what makes Mr. Courtis' purchase of shares worth noting. Perhaps he anticipates brighter days ahead for the company. But for investors, the prudent approach is to see how Alpha's business performs over the next couple of quarters before deciding to buy.

Glossary

Open-market transaction: A purchase or sale of securities on a public exchange, not through private or pre-arranged deals.

SEC Form 4: A required filing disclosing insider trades by company officers, directors, or significant shareholders.

Insider buying: When a company's executive, director, or major shareholder purchases shares of their own company.

Direct holdings: Shares owned personally by an individual, not through trusts, funds, or other entities.

Indirect holdings: Shares owned through another entity, such as a trust or partnership, rather than held personally.

Derivative activity: Transactions involving financial contracts like options or futures, whose value is based on underlying assets.

Weighted average price: The average price paid per share, weighted by the number of shares bought at each price.

Accumulation: The process of steadily increasing ownership of a security over time.

Median purchase size: The middle value of all purchase sizes in a data set, used to show typical transaction size.

Dividend yield: Annual dividends per share divided by the share price, expressed as a percentage.

Metallurgical coal: Coal used primarily in steelmaking, distinct from thermal coal used for power generation.

TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.

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Is Alpha Metallurgical Resources Stock a Buy After a Director Scoops Up Shares Worth $6.7 Million? was originally published by The Motley Fool
Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (OTCMKTS:IVPAF  Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $9.76, but opened at $9.55. Ivanhoe Mines shares last traded at $9.9220, with a volume of 22,830 shares.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley set a $15.20 price objective on Ivanhoe Mines in a research report on Monday. TD Securities reissued a buy rating on shares of Ivanhoe Mines in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Ivanhoe Mines in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Jefferies Financial Group cut shares of Ivanhoe Mines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, December 7th. Finally, Scotiabank raised Ivanhoe Mines from a hold rating to an outperform rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Ivanhoe Mines currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $15.20.

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Ivanhoe Mines Price Performance

The companys 50 day simple moving average is $9.99 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $9.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 4.23 and a quick ratio of 4.03. The stock has a market capitalization of $14.13 billion and a P/E ratio of 45.14.

Ivanhoe Mines (OTCMKTS:IVPAF  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.02 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.02) by $0.04. The company had revenue of $129.40 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $128.95 million. Ivanhoe Mines had a net margin of 89.02% and a return on equity of 5.99%.

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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Shares of Commerzbank AG (OTCMKTS:CRZBY  Get Free Report) saw unusually-high trading volume on Thursday . Approximately 228,590 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 491% from the previous sessions volume of 38,708 shares.The stock last traded at $41.4550 and had previously closed at $41.03.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have recently commented on CRZBY shares. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Commerzbank from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut Commerzbank from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 9th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Commerzbank from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered shares of Commerzbank from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Commerzbank has a consensus rating of Hold.

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Commerzbank Stock Performance

The businesss fifty day moving average price is $37.82 and its 200-day moving average price is $36.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.82, a current ratio of 0.53 and a quick ratio of 33.14. The stock has a market capitalization of $49.06 billion, a PE ratio of 18.24 and a beta of 0.36.

Commerzbank (OTCMKTS:CRZBY  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The financial services provider reported $0.61 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.62 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $3.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.46 billion. Commerzbank had a return on equity of 7.29% and a net margin of 11.03%. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Commerzbank AG will post 1.96 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Commerzbank

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Rhumbline Advisers increased its position in Commerzbank by 14.5% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 5,140 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $117,000 after buying an additional 650 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in shares of Commerzbank by 18.1% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 4,841 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $183,000 after acquiring an additional 741 shares during the period. Finally, Yousif Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Commerzbank by 8.0% in the 2nd quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 15,644 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $492,000 after buying an additional 1,165 shares during the period.

Commerzbank Company Profile

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Commerzbank AG provides banking and capital market products and services to private and small business customers, corporate, financial service providers, and institutional clients in Germany, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Private and Small-Business Customers, and Corporate Clients.

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Firstgroup PLC Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:FGROY  Get Free Report) shares gapped up prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $2.50, but opened at $2.70. Firstgroup shares last traded at $2.70, with a volume of 200 shares trading hands.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Firstgroup in a research note on Monday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Firstgroup has an average rating of Buy.

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Firstgroup Stock Up 8.0%

Firstgroup Cuts Dividend

The company has a quick ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37. The companys fifty day moving average is $2.84 and its 200 day moving average is $2.93.

The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be issued a $0.0232 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 282.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th.

About Firstgroup

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FirstGroup plc provides public transport services in the United Kingdom. The company operates through First Bus and First Rail segments. The First Bus segment offers local bus services with a fleet of approximately 4,800 buses in the United Kingdom. The First Rail segment operates a passenger rail network that provides long-distance, commuter, regional, and sleeper services through a portfolio of Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, and Avanti West Coast franchises; and hull trains and Lumos.

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Demand for synthetic rubber in Western markets is falling as a result of the slowdown in automotive and tyre manufacture and increased competition globally, among other reasons, a new report indicates.

The December 2025 edition of GlobalDatas Rubber Bulletin also states that, as a result, global butadiene and synthetic rubber prices are declining.

Global butadiene prices have decreased since last April, reflecting subdued demand from downstream industries, the report states. The European butadiene contract price for December fell for a ninth consecutive time to 720 per tonne ($837/t), from 1,050 per tonne in March 2025. In the US, spot butadiene prices plunged to $562/tonne at the end of November. In China, domestic butadiene prices averaged Yuan7,021 per tonne ($988/t) in November, a 16% reduction from October and a 42% decline from January 2025. Global SBR and BR prices have moved lower in tandem with butadiene feedstock prices.

The report notes that the synthetic rubber industry, particularly in the commodity segment, is contending with intense competition from Chinese producers amid persistently weak demand. This combination has eroded profitability and led to the closure of production plants. A consolidation in Western synthetic rubber production markets is outlined, with the closures of Arlanxeos Port Jerome facility in France and Lion Elastomers facility in the US state of Texas. However, demand for synthetic rubber varies by rubber grade.

Demand for advanced rubber grades remains robust supported by the automotive industry (OE tyre demand), while demand for commodity rubber grades continues to be sluggish and this is reflected in the trade flows, the report says.

Rubber imports and exports

In Europe, extra-regional EU27+UK SSBR exports rose by 30% in the first three quarters of 2025 compared to the previous year, led by a 49% increase in shipments to China, mainly from Germany, which points to functionalised SSBR from Synthos (ex-Trinseo). Conversely, extra-regional EU27+UK ESBR exports fell by 10% in Jan to Sep 2025 year-on-year, led by strong losses to India. Lower butadiene prices in Asia, owing to uncertainty linked with the US tariffs combined with soft demand, increased the competitiveness of ESBR production in the region and, in turn, led to lower European exports to Asia. EU27+UK SSBR and ESBR exports to the US declined by 13% and 39%, respectively, partly due to the import tariffs.

Meanwhile, synthetic rubber production in the worlds biggest market  China  is growing to meet relatively higher demand from the automotive and tyre industries in the region. Consequently, Chinese synthetic rubber exports are rising, led by increases to the ASEAN region, which points to Chinese tyre manufacturers with plants overseas choosing to import raw materials from China.
The 24-hour strike action affecting CareDoc services will get underway in six counties across Ireland today.

It is happening due to a dispute in pay, with roughly 270 members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation and SIPTU taking part.

As a result, Caredoc's out-of-hours GP service and treatment centres will not operate from 6pm today.

They will resume at 6pm tomorrow, but CareDoc has warned that "further service interruptions are likely over the Christmas period."

READ NEXT: Two dead on Irish roads in 12 hours and woman charged amid Garda appeals

CareDoc says Tuesday 23 December, Saturday 27 December, Monday 29 December, Tuesday 30 December, and Friday 2 January are most likely to be affected.

The strike action will get underway in Kilkenny, Carlow, South Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, and South Wicklow.

"In the event of an emergency, please call the 999 Ambulance service. Should you have an urgent medical need, please attend your local hospital Emergency Department. Otherwise, contact your own GP surgery number for further advice," a statement from CareDoc said.

READ NEXT: ALERT: Major recall of popular food item issued due to presence of two allergens

"We apologise to the public for the inconvenience and disruption caused by this action, which is outside the control of Caredoc," it added.

The current winter flu epidemic, expected to peak over the Christmas period, is causing hospitals and GP services to struggle to provide adequate cover already.

CareDoc earlier this week called for the two unions involved to suspend the strike action on humanitarian grounds, however, they decided to proceed.
A life lesson this week regarding shrinking budgets and government funding flexes . . . Take a look:

(An) email says that in early December, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) notified all Kansas City charter schools of an unexpected state funding adjustment.



For Academie Lafayette, this means $1.7 million must be repaid over the next four months.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Kansas City Cover: Local Gifts & Warrior Dividend

Right now we notice that meteoric assent of diva, celeb & hottie Tate as we check pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Local Charity Illuminated

This Kansas City Christmas display features more than 150 trees, raises money for Shelter KC Through Jan. 2, visitors are encouraged to walk the display and bring canned food or essential items to donate.

Kansas City Fire Fight Cont'd

Flames & hot spots still a problem at KC lumberyard damaged in massive blaze Firefighters are still spraying water to put out flames and hot spots at a Kansas City lumberyard that was damaged by fire Tuesday.

The Dotte Searches For Supplies

UG negotiating with new grocer as Merc Co+op nears closing The only major grocery store in downtown Kansas City, Kansas will close its doors in less than two weeks.

Meth Town Moving Day

SNEAK PEEK | Independence plans to move into new Municipal Commons, vacate City Hall early next year With renovations nearly done, the Independence Municipal Commons, which is consolidating the city workforce at the former GEHA building, should open to the public no later than early February 2026.

Kegger Works To Finish Strong

Travis Kelce vows to finish season strong amid retirement rumors, postseason elimination Despite Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, which ended a decade-long streak of postseason appearances for the Kansas City Chiefs, tight end Travis Kelce says he wants to finish out th...

Rising Star Exposes Views On Hotness & Equity

Tate McRae Gets Vulnerable About Being 'Scrutinized' and 'Sexualized' for Provocative Outfits That Empower Her Tate McRae opened up to 'Rolling Stone' as the January 2026 cover star about being "scrutinized" and "sexualized" for wearing provocative clothing that empowers her, calling it "annoying" that women continue to experience it heavily in comparison to men.

MAGA Money Speaks Louder Than Critics

Trump gives service members special Christmas gift: 'Warrior Dividend' President Donald Trump said U.S. military troops will get a special Christmas gift during his address to the nation Wednesday night.

Troops Snub Streamers

Netflix Cancels LGBTQ-Themed Military Series 'Boots' After One Season Following Pentagon Calling It 'Woke Garbage' Netflix has canceled the LGBTQ-themed military series "Boots," which the Pentagon had previously called "woke garbage."

Team MAGA Loses Talker

Dan Bongino announces FBI exit "Dan did a great job," Trump said.

Round World Report

The Philippines' long battle against Islamist extremism is back in the spotlight following Bondi attack | CNN As Australian authorities try to retrace the steps and understand the motivations of the Bondi Beach gunmen who killed 15 people on Sunday, one key focus has emerged: their travel to the Philippines last month, shortly before the attack.

Tragic Aftermath Cont'd

Rob Reiner's son Nick makes 1st court appearance after being charged with murder in deaths of his parents: Full coverage Nick Reiner did not enter a plea and is being held without bail on first-degree murder charges in the fatal stabbings of Rob and Michele Reiner.

Stay Safer Amid Season Of HO, HO, HOs!!!

STIs are rife over the holidays. Here's how to keep yourself safe. STI acquisition peaks during Christmas and the holidays. Here's how to have safe sex over the festive period and what to do if you test positive for an STI.

Hipsters Share Local Gamer Gifts

Kansas City gift guide for hygge hosts and foodie fiends Courtesy Unbothered Foods Be honest: How many times have you bought KC BBQ sauce for your foodie friend or relative? Or the same local whiskey? These are great gifts-consumable, local, useful. But if you're anything like me, you're ready to level up your gifting game and introduce your giftees to even more of the goodies that make KC special.

Latest Front Reported . . .

Strong winds, chilly conditions expected around Kansas City metro on Thursday Two fronts are moving through the region quickly, bringing gusty winds and a big drop in temperatures Thursday.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
More than a few worthwhile news items to share as the fight against rising local crime extends into the holidays.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

91 mph: Warrant issued for driver accused of killing Kansas City pedestrian while high An arrest warrant has been issued for a driver accused of killing a Kansas City pedestrian while speeding and high.

Police searching for suspect who shot at car in road rage incident on I-435 The Overland Park Police Department is asking the public for help in finding a suspect vehicle that was involved in a road rage shooting on Interstate 435 on Tuesday.

Former Kansas City-area teacher indicted on additional federal charges A former elementary school teacher who worked in multiple Kansas City-area school districts now faces expanded federal charges after a grand jury returned a new indictment alleging additional child pornography offenses.

Jackson County deputy struck by car south of Grain Valley, MSHP investigating A Jackson County deputy was taken to the hospital Wednesday night following a crash.

Man pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder after shooting at vehicle in failed carjacking A man already serving time in a Missouri prison for an attempted carjacking in Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Johnson County District Court to attempted second-degree murder.

Video shows former Ray Co. Sheriff beating inmate, federal charges filed Allegations laid out in a federal indictment against former Ray County Sheriff Scott Childers are now backed by disturbing video obtained exclusively by FOX4.

Blue Springs becomes Missouri's first 'Flock Safe City' with drone technology Blue Springs approves $4.6M contract to become Missouri's first Flock Safe City, using drones as first responders with 2-minute response times.

Family honors life, legacy of daughter fatally shot in 2019 OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - An Overland Park family is turning heartbreak into good after their 25-year-old daughter was killed in 2019 due to gun violence. On Saturday, the family of Erin Langhofer, a 25-year-old fatally shot in 2019 on a First Friday in the Crossroads, braved chilly temperatures to honor Erin's life and legacy through [...]

Developing . . .
A bit of political gossip from the newspaper that's long-shot or not really that important . . . Actually, they mostly used the report to drudge up old school complaints from the "glory days" of BLM riots. But we'll get back to that in a second . . . For now, here's the basics . . .

"U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitts office reached out to him about whether he was interested in becoming the next U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Missouri, a post largely responsible for locating and arresting federal suspects."

Just for #TBT . . .

Before anybody takes up the cause of the former Chief . . . Let's not forget all of the fun he had in 2020 wherein he was part of the brain trust that organized ABSOLUTELY SILLY skirmish line between police & protesters so they could dance with each other all night like a bunch of Kansas City f . . . friends . . .

And then there was his kneeling . . . Which, in fairness, he later said he was faking.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
A senseless tragedy brought the party to a temporary halt in Kansas City's favorite artsy district . . . Years later, the family moves past their pain to help others in honor of a slain young woman . . .

An Overland Park family is turning heartbreak into good after their 25-year-old daughter was killed in 2019 . . .In honor of Erins Birthday, every year the family hosts a drive collecting items to fill Erins House a place where domestic violence survivors can go to get back on their feet. This years goal is $350,000 to renovate and furnish a second home to continue Erins mission of doing good for others.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Family honors life, legacy of daughter fatally shot in 2019 OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - An Overland Park family is turning heartbreak into good after their 25-year-old daughter was killed in 2019 due to gun violence. On Saturday, the family of Erin Langhofer, a 25-year-old fatally shot in 2019 on a First Friday in the Crossroads, braved chilly temperatures to honor Erin's life and legacy through [...]
With a low forward price-to-earnings multiple and significant hedge fund interest, B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG) secures a spot on our list of the 12 cheap gold stocks to buy now.

B2Gold (BTG) Draws Analyst Interest for High Gold-Price Leverage

Stock market data showing an upward trajectory. Photo by Burak The Weekender on Pexels

As of December 12, 2025, roughly 60% of analysts are bullish on B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG), with a median price target of $6.00. This translates into a potential upside of 30.15%.

Among these analysts, Bank of America (BofA) highlighted B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG) as one of the North American miners with the highest gold-price leverage. The banks analyst, Lawson Winder, believes the stock stands out on an NAV basis for its strong gold price sensitivity, which results in one of the highest EBITDA betas in the region. Therefore, if gold rises in 2026, as most analysts currently predict, the companys earnings will be highly sensitive to the price of gold. BofA, in its December 1 research note, projected gold to reach $5,000 per ounce in 2026, citing BTG as a key beneficiary.

However, investors must focus on the interplay between market optimism and operational realities. This was evident in CIBCs November 21 update, where the bank reduced its price target on B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG) from $6.50 to $6.00, while reiterating a Neutral rating. The firm attributed the target reduction to its Q3 2025 results, which showed lower production and higher costs at B2Golds Goose Mine. However, this target reduction contrasted with the banks target increase in the previous month, when higher gold and silver price forecasts fueled the firms optimism.

After ramping up to 81.2% of mill design capacity in the final two weeks of the third quarter, the Goose Mine achieved commercial production on October 2, 2025. By the end of 2025, B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG)s management expects the mine to reach full capacity of 4,000 tons per day. According to the managements projections, the Canadian gold mine will contribute an average of approximately 300,000 ounces annually from 2026 to 2031.

B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG) is a Canadian gold producer, operating across Canada, Mali, Namibia, and the Philippines.

While we acknowledge the potential of BTG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 10 Best Small-Cap Biotech Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 11 Overlooked Tech Stocks to Invest In.

Disclosure: None.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. Relations between Qatar and Azerbaijan have grown across all political, economic, and cultural fields, as stated in the address of Qatar's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mohammed Hamad Saad Al Fuhaid AlHajri, at the reception in honor of Qatar's National Day in Baku, Trend reports.

The greeting from the Ambassador was delivered by the Charge d'Affaires of Qatar to Azerbaijan, Hamad bin Khalaf Al-Humaidi.

He emphasized Qatar's continued commitment to advancing the Qatar National Vision 2030, a comprehensive strategic framework focused on achieving prosperity, progress, and sustainable development, while also enhancing Qatars relations with its international partners.

"In the Republic of Azerbaijan, a nation with an ancient history and a rich cultural heritage, and under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, we remain steadfast in our efforts to bring this vision to fruition, benefiting both our peoples and our nations," he stated.

The Ambassador further highlighted the growing bilateral relations between Qatar and Azerbaijan, underscoring the expansion of ties across political, economic, and cultural spheres. These relations have been further strengthened through reciprocal visits by officials and business leaders from both countries.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. There are significant opportunities for further strengthening cooperation between Azerbaijan and Qatar, Minister of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan Kamaladdin Heydarov said at the reception in honor of Qatar's National Day in Baku, Trend reports.

"I firmly believe that there are significant opportunities to further elevate Azerbaijan-Qatar cooperation. In particular, fostering joint initiatives in transport and logistics, leveraging Azerbaijans strategic transit capabilities, and strengthening bilateral collaboration across finance, education, culture, and tourism will not only serve the mutual interests of both nations but also inject fresh momentum into our strategic partnership," he emphasized.

Heydarov highlighted that regular high-level exchanges and institutionalized political consultations have been instrumental in fortifying the partnership, contributing to the steady and multifaceted development of relations between the two countries.

He also pointed out that in recent years, Qatar has embarked on a consistent and transformative development trajectory, establishing itself as one of the most dynamically advancing nations in the region.

The implementation of the Qatar National Vision 2030 has unlocked new opportunities for economic diversification, infrastructure modernization, and progress in education, tourism, and innovation. Today, Qatar plays an essential role in strengthening global energy security, promoting humanitarian cooperation, and advancing multilateral dialogue, positioning itself as a key player in international processes, he stressed.

The minister emphasized that Qatars sustained and dynamic growth provides a strong foundation for the continued strengthening of Azerbaijan-Qatar bilateral relations, with ample potential to explore new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation.

In this context, the Joint Economic, Trade, and Technical Commission between the Governments of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State of Qatar serves as a key institutional mechanism for advancing economic collaboration, Heydarov said.

The minister noted that the fourth session of the Commission, convened in November of this year, marked a significant milestone in deepening bilateral economic engagement

At the same time, the existing legal and contractual framework between our countries provides a solid foundation for expanding interactions between our citizens. Thus, the visa-free travel regime, established through high-level agreements, together with regular direct flights between Baku and Doha, has significantly facilitated the growth of tourism, as well as the development of business and humanitarian ties, he said.
Accelerating Azerbaijans digital transformation by launching the first Mastercardfintech collaboration through m10, merging global expertise with local innovation.

by launching the first Mastercardfintech collaboration through m10, merging global expertise with local innovation. Enhancing everyday payment convenience with one-tap activation, compatibility with Apple Pay and Google Pay, NFC transport payments, and upcoming tailored loyalty programs.

Bir ecosystems fintech solution m10 and Mastercard, a global leader in digital payment technology, today announced the launch of the m10 digital card  a fully digital payment solution designed to deliver secure, convenient, and inclusive financial services across Azerbaijan.

As the first collaboration of its kind in Azerbaijan between a fintech brand and Mastercard, this partnership integrates Mastercards global expertise and m10s local innovation to support the countrys acceleration toward a modern, digitally driven economy.

The Mastercard-powered digital card is issued instantly inside the m10 app and offers users a smooth, mobile-first payment experience both domestically and internationally. With seamless integration, practical digital tools, and upcoming personalized loyalty programs, the new solution is globally accepted yet tailored to the needs of Azerbaijans rapidly expanding digital user base.

The digital m10 card operates on the same balance as the m10 wallet, eliminating the need for a separate account. Users can add the card immediately to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and begin paying online, offline, and worldwide within seconds. Verified users activate the card with a single tap and gain access to contactless payments, online checkout, NFC transport payments, offline functionality, and an interactive card interface that responds playfully to user actions.

The collaboration leverages Mastercards advanced security and anti-fraud technologies to ensure safe, reliable transactions. Together, m10 and Mastercard are contributing to long-term digital adoption, financial literacy, and sustainable economic growth in Azerbaijan.

Leyla Mammadova, Area Product Lead at m10, said:

m10 has always focused on delivering a smooth, intuitive, and human-centered financial experience. With the launch of our digital card, we are taking that vision to an entirely new level. The card introduces a unique customer experience, effortless activation, and truly seamless everyday usage  all fully integrated into the m10 app. This is more than a new feature; it marks a significant milestone in our evolution, taking m10 to a more advanced level of digital financial services. Our goal is to ensure that users feel confident, delighted, and fully empowered as they embrace modern digital payment habits.

The launch of the digital m10 card further strengthens the ongoing transformation of the Bir ecosystem, enhancing interoperability, simplicity, and digital convenience. It also aligns with Azerbaijans broader vision for innovation-led, cashless economic development. By combining global payment infrastructure with local digital innovation, m10 and Mastercard are enabling millions of users to access secure, globally accepted payment capabilities directly from their mobile devices.

About m10

m10 is a digital wallet and fintech solution developed by the Bir ecosystem, the first fully integrated digital ecosystem in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus. Since its launch in 2022, m10 has focused on delivering a fast, secure, and intuitive financial experience, supporting the countrys digital transformation through a connected suite of services.

More information: m10.az/en

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, were 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.

More information: www.mastercard.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending a loan of up to US$20 million (17.1 million) to AccessBank, one of the leading Azerbaijani banks focusing on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), Trend reports via the EBRD.

Under the agreement, AccessBank will channel EBRD funds to youth-owned and -led

MSMEs across Azerbaijan, providing much-needed capital to help them grow, innovate and contribute to the countrys economic development.

The loan will also enable AccessBank to reach a strategically important segment of the market, while demonstrating the strong investment case for youth-owned and -led enterprises in Azerbaijan.

The European Union (EU) is supporting the loan through its European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) Financial Inclusion in the Neighbourhood program in the form of first-loss risk cover.

This is the first loan under the EBRDs Youth in Business program in Azerbaijan, marking a significant milestone in supporting the countrys next generation of entrepreneurs. MSMEs are the backbone of strong economies and supporting youth entrepreneurship is critical to Azerbaijans efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen its private sector.

The EBRDs Youth in Business program is already active in Central Asia, Egypt, Morocco, Turkiye and the Western Balkans. It is designed to help MSMEs owned or managed by young entrepreneurs access both financial and non-financial services.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Azerbaijan, having invested 3.7

billion through 200 projects in the country. The Banks strategy for Azerbaijan focuses on supporting the countrys non-oil sector and local lenders, as well as boosting investment in the green economy.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. The private sector accounted for more than 70 percent of Azerbaijan's industrial production from January through November of this year, First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev said at the Dayaq award ceremony in Baku, Trend reports.

"Inclusive entrepreneurship is developing in the country, creating conditions for women's business initiatives. As a result, the number of women entrepreneurs has grown in the first nine months of this year, approaching 339,000," he explained.

According to the official, Azerbaijan is developing positive experience in supporting startups.

"Various incentives are being implemented for this purpose. Incubators and acceleration centers supported by the state and private sector operate, and startup certificates are issued, which provide tax incentives. In recent years, one of the main priorities of our state has been the restoration of liberated territories and the speedy return of our internally displaced persons to their native lands," Aliyev pointed out.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. The Azerbaijan Business Development Fund (ABDF) provided soft loans totaling over 340 million manat ($200 million) for more than 5,800 investment projects from January through November of this year, First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev said at the Dayaq award ceremony in Baku, Trend reports.

"During the first nine months of the current year, 171 business entities were granted resident and non-resident status in our industrial zones, with total investments exceeding 8 billion manat ($4.7 billion)," the official explained.

According to him, during this period, the export volume from industrial zones increased by 17%, accounting for approximately 30% of the country's non-oil exports.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. As part of his working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elchin Amirbayov held talks with Dutch officials and discussed bilateral relations, Trend reports.

The meeting includes key figures such as Aukje de Vries, Minister of Foreign Trade and Development of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Christiaan Rebergen, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Marcel de Vink, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Jost van Doeteveen, Deputy Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands on National Security; Koen Petersen, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Development Committee of the Dutch Senate; as well as other committee members and influential government and political figures.

During the meetings, discussions focused on key dimensions of the bilateral relationship between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands.

At the meeting, it was emphasized that this year has seen positive dynamics in political relations between the two countries. The most significant outcome in this regard was the meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Dick Schoof at the Copenhagen Summit of the European Political Union, where an agreement was reached to strengthen cooperation in several areas. It was also noted that meetings between foreign ministers, consultations between foreign ministries, and mutual visits by deputy foreign ministers and other officials throughout the year had contributed to continuous political dialogue.

During the visit, special attention was paid to organising high-level mutual visits, conducting ongoing political consultations, and identifying new areas of cooperation. The current level of cooperation in various fields was reviewed, and prospects for further development and new priority areas of mutual interest were discussed.

The parties emphasized that not only intergovernmental dialogue but also interparliamentary cooperation can contribute to strengthening trust between countries and deepening mutual understanding. Topics such as steps that can be taken to develop relations between the parliaments of both countries, the organization of mutual visits by parliamentarians, and the activities of friendship groups were discussed.

Amirbayov briefed the parties on Azerbaijan and Armenia's peaceful agenda, the necessary conditions for ensuring sustainable peace in the South Caucasus region, the consistent political line and concrete steps taken by Azerbaijan in this context, large-scale restoration and reconstruction work in the liberated territories, as well as the problems caused by mine contamination of the territories. The Dutch side, in turn, welcomed the progress in normalizing relations and expressed its full support for the peace process.

The meetings also included an exchange of views on the current state and prospects of Azerbaijani-European relations, bilateral documents under discussion, and the formation of regional transport links. It was emphasized that 2025 will be characterized by positive dynamics in relations between the EU and Azerbaijan, and the importance of maintaining and further developing this momentum in the coming months was stressed.

The official emphasized that the document EU-Armenia Strategic Partnership Agenda, adopted in early December this year, does not reflect the current realities in the region, and expressed hope that the European Union's efforts to support the normalization process will contribute to strengthening peace and stability between Azerbaijan and Armenia, will not undermine trust between the parties, and will not complicate relations between Azerbaijan and the EU.

The visit was also important in terms of holding a detailed exchange of views on strengthening the economic partnership between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands. In this regard, at a broad meeting attended by the head of the European Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Erik Weststrate, Special Envoy for Trade, Mark Hasselaar, and the heads of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Confederation of Industry and Entrepreneurs (VNO-NCW), opportunities for cooperation in areas such as agriculture, water management, port infrastructure, transport, logistics, renewable energy, high technology, urban planning, strengthening trade, and taking concrete measures to promote mutual investment were discussed. The Dutch side expressed interest in comprehensive cooperation with Azerbaijan and stated its support for deepening relations in potential areas in the near future.

As part of the visit, the Clingendael Institute of International Relations, the Netherlands' leading think tank, organized a roundtable discussion. Speaking at the round table, which was attended by experts specializing in our region, representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and leading media outlets, the representative of the president spoke about the geopolitical processes taking place in the South Caucasus, the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Azerbaijan's relations with the EU, NATO, and the Netherlands, and answered numerous questions from participants.

Throughout his visit, Amirbayov also gave an interview to the Holland Times newspaper and representatives of think tanks located in The Hague.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the occasion of Qatar's national holiday, Trend reports.

"Your Highness,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to you and, through you, to your brotherly people on the occasion of the national holiday of the State of Qatar.

The level of Azerbaijan-Qatar relations, rooted in common religious and cultural values, brotherhood, and Islamic solidarity, is gratifying.

I am confident that we will continue to make joint efforts to strengthen our interstate relations, built on mutual trust and support, and to fully benefit from the potential of our mutually beneficial cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

On this festive day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your high state activities, and the brotherly people of Qatar everlasting peace and prosperity," the letter reads.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. Member states of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) convened online to discuss key cooperation priorities and confidence-building initiatives for the coming year, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meetings of the Special Working Group and the High-Level Committee, convened under Azerbaijans chairmanship, focused on reviewing plans and concepts for CICAs activities in 2026, as well as discussing the organizations institutional development.

Participants engaged in discussions on CICA's ongoing transformation into an international organization, in accordance with the decisions made during the 6th CICA Summit, and expressed their support for the Chairmanships efforts in this regard.

During the High-Level Committee session, the Secretary-General delivered an annual report outlining CICA's activities under Azerbaijans leadership in 2025. Key decisions were made concerning the implementation plan for confidence-building measures, the budget for the CICA Secretariat in 2026, and other procedural matters.
ANKARA, Turkiye, December 18. The Turkic States Forum on Combating Disinformation is being held in Ankara, Trend's special correspondent reports.

The forum is attended by delegations from Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The main objective of the forum is to establish a sustainable and effective communication environment among Turkic states, as well as to strengthen institutional cooperation in combating disinformation threats.

Representatives of government bodies, leading media organizations, and relevant experts are participating in the event. The Azerbaijani side is represented by Executive Director of the Media Development Agency Ahmad Ismayilov, Head of the Communication Policy Sector of the Department for Cooperation with NGOs and Communications of the Presidential Administration Javid Musayev, Head of the Media Relations Sector of the same department Kamran Hasanov, Chief Advisor of the Media Relations Sector Parvana Ibrahimova, Deputy Executive Director of the Media Development Agency Natig Mammadli, Deputy Director of Trend News Agency and Head of Baku Network Elchin Alioghlu, Board Member of the Center for Analysis of International Relations Javid Valiyev, and the Head of the International Relations and Analytics Department of the APA Information Agency Faig Mahmudov.

The forum will discuss the impact of disinformation on national security, public opinion, and regional stability, as well as practical mechanisms for joint actions in the modern information environment. In line with the Information Action Plan of the Turkic States Organization for 2025, the forum will serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience in the fields of media literacy, information security, countering disinformation, responsible use of digital technologies, international broadcasting, and the development of the next generation of journalism.

Will be updated
By Promit Mukherjee and David Ljunggren

OTTAWA, Dec 16 (Reuters) - The Bank of Canada says regulations on future Canadian stablecoins must ensure they are backed by high-quality liquid assets and be pegged one-to-one to a central bank currency, Governor Tiff Macklem said on Tuesday.

The Liberal government said in November that it would be introducing regulations next year for stablecoins, a form of cryptocurrency which are convertible to a fiat currency at par.

More from Yahoo Scout What requirements will Canada impose on stablecoin backing assets? Why is Canada introducing stablecoin regulations next year? What financial system modernization plans does Canada have for 2026? How will Bank of Canada regulate stablecoin redemption conditions?

"We want stablecoins to be good money, like bank notes or money on deposit at banks," Macklem said.

"A stablecoin must be pegged at a one-to-one ratio to a central bank currency and be backed by high-quality liquid assets so that it can always be converted to cash at par," he told the Montreal Chamber of Commerce said.

High quality liquid assets are usually government-backed securities such as treasury bills and government bonds.

The conditions for redeeming stablecoins must be fully disclosed, including the timing and any fees that need to be paid, Macklem said.

Ottawa wants to bring Canada's financial system up to speed with many other advanced and developing economies - including the United States - which are tapping into the potential of cryptocurrences.

The legislation will help built trust in the system so that fiat-backed stablecoins are safe and secure for consumers and businesses to use, the finance ministry says. The central bank will be the regulator for the asset.

"The goal is to ensure Canadians can leverage the innovation of stablecoins and do so safely," said Macklem, making his final public appearance of the year.

Macklem said 2026 would see more innovation in the financial system as Canada modernizes its financial payments system.

This includes setting up Real-Time Rail, a payments system which will allow instant settlements among consumers and businesses in Canada as well as across borders.

The bank also intends to work on the implementation of an open banking system which will make it easier for consumers to compare and switch banks easily, he said.

((Reuters Ottawa bureau))

Keywords: CANADA CENBANK/
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. Changes have been made to the description of the battle flags of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan, Trend reports

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

Under the provisions of the decree, the battle flags of the military units within the Rapid Action Forces will now bear the inscription: "State Border Service Rapid Action Forces Military Unit No. 0000," where "0000" represents the specific number assigned to each unit.

Additionally, the decree introduces a new design element to the description of the battle flags.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. The first batch of petroleum products from Azerbaijan is being dispatched to Armenia, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told media, Trend reports.

"I know that the first train loaded with petroleum products made in Azerbaijan is already moving towards Armenia. I welcome this development," he noted.

According to him, trade occurs between private enterprises, facilitated by the political conditions established under the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"There have also been agreements at the political level. The first deal has already become a reality," Pashinyan pointed out.

On October 21, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, particularly emphasized in a joint press statement with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, that Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had existed since the time of occupation.

"I should also note that Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had existed since the time of occupation. The first such transit cargo was a shipment of Kazakh grain to Armenia. I believe this is also a clear indication that peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia is no longer merely on paper but has already become a matter of practice," President Ilham Aliyev stressed.

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Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaija

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. The delegation led by the Second Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Turkiye, Army General Levent Ergun, has been visiting Azerbaijan to participate in the 17th Azerbaijan-Turkiye High-Level Military Dialogue Meeting, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense.

On December 18, First Deputy Minister of DefenseChief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, held a meeting with the Turkish delegation.

Valiyev articulated that the bilateral strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye is experiencing consistent and progressive enhancement. He underscored the imperative of amplifying the rigor of collaborative drills executed to augment the competencies and expertise of armed forces personnel.

Ergun spoke about the positive impact of the activities carried out during the 17th Azerbaijan-Turkiye High-Level Military Dialogue Meeting in Baku, which has been ongoing for two days, on creating new opportunities. He also underscored the criticality of mutual engagements in amplifying the defense collaboration.

The meeting conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the prevailing dynamics in Azerbaijan-Turkiye military collaboration, encompassing in-depth deliberations on pertinent matters and forward-looking strategic initiatives.

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ANKARA, Turkiye, December 18. Azerbaijan knows better than anyone what it means to fight disinformation, Javid Musayev, Head of the Communication Policy Sector at the Department for NGO Relations and Communications of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, said at the Turkic States Forum on Combating Disinformation in Ankara, Trend reports.

"Today's forum in Turkiye is not merely an event; it is a declaration, an action imbued with profound significance and symbolic weight," Musayev stated, underscoring the unprecedented challenges and transformations in the global information ecosystem, which are driven by geopolitical upheavals, disinformation campaigns, digital disorder, technological advancements, and the rise of artificial intelligence.

He further emphasized that hybrid threats have become an everyday reality, urging that every nation must develop robust mechanisms to safeguard its informational space.

"This issue transcends national security," he warned. "The security of every individual, every mind, every soul is now at stake."

Musayev elaborated that information security has evolved from being a mere component of national security to its very foundation. "As forum coordinator Burak Ozkemin astutely pointed out, information security is now an inseparable part of genuine sovereignty. He aptly referenced the events in Karabakh as a case in point."

He then highlighted Azerbaijans unique experience in combating disinformation, stating, "No one understands better than Azerbaijan what it means to confront disinformation. We have experienced it firsthand. Five years ago, as our forces began liberating occupied territories, a parallel misinformation campaign was waged against us in global media."

"The onslaught was relentless, spanning Western news outlets, social media platforms, and fabricated narratives. Yet, we did not yield. We stood our ground. And today, we possess the necessary mechanisms and resources to counter these threats. We have learned how to fight back effectively."

"We welcomed international media into our country, offering journalists firsthand accounts of the reality on the grounddevastated cities, ongoing shelling, and the plight of civilians. Regular briefings provided accurate, chronological updates, serving as one of the most potent tools in combating false narratives," he added.

Musayev also highlighted President Ilham Aliyevs proactive role during the 44-day Second Karabakh War: "BBC, CNN, Euronews, Al Arabiya, France 24, TRT, Anadolu Agency, they all heard the truth firsthand. This is how a true Supreme Commander-in-Chief operates in a hybrid war."

He emphasized the solidarity of media in fraternal countries, especially Turkiye.

"We fought back against attacks shoulder to shoulder. And it was then, in the midst of that struggle, that the idea of a joint Azerbaijan-Turkiye information platform was born.

Five years have passed. We have achieved much together. Today, we continue this work, deepening cooperation, strengthening the platform, and developing shared mechanisms to combat disinformation. I am convinced that creating such a platform within the Organization of Turkic States is both timely and essential.

We are one family. We share a common history, culture, values, and legal foundations. This is not merely an alliance; it is a gift from God. And we must nurture it," he added.

Musayev noted that the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has made substantial progress in the media and information sectors. The first media forum for OTS member states was held in Azerbaijan. Today, for the first time, information and media ministers are convening, joined by government officials, media representatives, and experts.

"We must intensify our efforts to counter manipulation and strengthen information resilience. But that alone is not enough. We also need to teach 'media hygiene', the ability to read beyond headlines, understand subtext, and identify sources. Critical thinking is essential. Social media has become a battlefield, a space for manipulation. If our society cannot distinguish truth from falsehood, we risk losing the war for consciousness. And that is why we are here.

Azerbaijan is emerging as a hub for global discourse. We recently held the third global media forum in Shusha, a symbolic city liberated from occupation. The venue itself sends a powerful message. As President Ilham Aliyev said, the Organization of Turkic States is our primary international body because it is our family: 'We have no other family. Our family is the Turkic world.' We are convinced of this. These are not just words. This is a strategic choice. And this choice is forever," he concluded.

Today, the Turkic States Forum on Combating Disinformation in Ankara has started. The forum is attended by delegations from Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The main objective of the forum is to establish a sustainable and effective communication environment among Turkic states, as well as to strengthen institutional cooperation in combating disinformation threats.

Representatives of government bodies, leading media organizations, and relevant experts are participating in the event. The Azerbaijani side is represented by Executive Director of the Media Development Agency Ahmad Ismayilov, Head of the Communication Policy Sector of the Department for Cooperation with NGOs and Communications of the Presidential Administration Javid Musayev, Head of the Media Relations Sector of the same department Kamran Hasanov, Chief Advisor of the Media Relations Sector Parvana Ibrahimova, Deputy Executive Director of the Media Development Agency Natig Mammadli, Deputy Director of Trend News Agency and Head of Baku Network Elchin Alioghlu, Board Member of the Center for Analysis of International Relations Javid Valiyev, and the Head of the International Relations and Analytics Department of the APA Information Agency Faig Mahmudov.

The forum will discuss the impact of disinformation on national security, public opinion, and regional stability, as well as practical mechanisms for joint actions in the modern information environment. In line with the Information Action Plan of the OTS for 2025, the forum will serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience in the fields of media literacy, information security, countering disinformation, responsible use of digital technologies, international broadcasting, and the development of the next generation of journalism.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. The court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other grave crimes, continued on December 18, Trend reports.

The open court hearing held at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samedova), ensured that the accused was provided with an interpreter in the language he knows, namely Russian, as well as a state-appointed lawyer for his defense.

At the beginning of the court session, the accused Ruben Vardanyan stated that he wished to speak with his defense counsel in the courtroom.

The presiding judge granted his motion. After the accused spoke with his defense counsel Emil Babishov, the prosecution delivered its speech.

In his address, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev recalled that the judicial investigation in the criminal case concerning the charges against Vardanyan Ruben Karlenovich had been completed. Over the course of nearly a year, numerous court hearings were held, documents and evidence were examined, and victims and witnesses were questioned. The prosecution believes that, based on the evidence presented, the guilt of the accused in committing numerous criminal acts in the current proceedings has been confirmed.

The prosecution stated that crimes committed both before and after R. Vardanyan joined the criminal organization formed by Armenia in the sovereign territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan it had occupied would be addressed. V. Aliyev said: All this is important because when Ruben Vardanyan joined the said criminal organization, he understood the social danger of his actions, knew what crimes had been committed by this criminal organization against the Azerbaijani state and people, and continued the commission of those crimes at subsequent stages.

It was emphasized that between 1988 and 1994, the Armenian state and the criminal organization it formed occupied the city of Khankendi of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as the districts of Kalbajar, Shusha, Lachin, Khojaly, Khojavend, Zangilan, Jabrayil, Gubadli, the village of Kerki in the Sadarak district of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the villages of Baghanis Ayrum, Ashaghi Askipara, Kheyrimli, Barkhudarly, Sofulu, Gizilhajili, Yukhari Askipara of the Gazakh district, the district centers and a number of villages of the Aghdam and Fuzuli districts, and several villages of the Tartar district. As a result, these territories were destroyed, burned, looted, and damaged in other ways, private property was harmed, and people were forcibly displaced from their homes.

Continuing his speech, the prosecutor referred to the inspection protocol dated October 26, 2023, regarding the inspection of R. Vardanyans office located in the city of Khankendi, as well as to operational information and other documents, stating: These documents confirm that the accused joined the criminal organization in early December 2020.

In his speech, the prosecutor defending the state prosecution also addressed R. Vardanyans links with Vartanov Vladimir (Vova) Levanovich (Levani), the founder of the terrorist organization known as VoMa, which took part in military operations against the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as their communications via the WhatsApp mobile application. It was noted that VoMa was established on January 11, 2013, and operated as an organized armed group as a structural unit of a criminal organization in the Republic of Armenia, as well as in territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan that had previously been under occupation.

It was established during operational measures that Vardanyan, who maintained regular contact with Vartanov, discussed within the framework of the VoMa terrorist organization the training of fighters and instructors, the organization of training sessions, and thus the commission of terrorist acts and participation in combat operations by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups against the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, and that Vardanyan assumed responsibility for financing this terrorist organization and its members.

The prosecutor stated that another charge brought against R. Vardanyan concerns the illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan. According to the indictment, in September 2022, acting in line with the common criminal intent and objectives of the criminal organization, as part of an organized group belonging to the criminal organization, and as a foreign national, he illegally crossed the guarded state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan from the territory of the Republic of Armenia toward the Lachin district, outside official state border checkpoints, entered the territory of Azerbaijan, and settled in the country. The prosecution considers that the commission of this act has also been confirmed by the evidence examined during the judicial investigation. Thus, the protocol dated September 27, 2023, on the inspection of items found on Ruben Vardanyan at the time of his detention shows that among other items and documents in his black bag, an Armenian Republic foreign passport No. AU319012 belonging to the accused and his drivers license were discovered and examined.

In addition, during the ongoing inspection it was established that after illegally arriving in the Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan in early September 2022, Vardanyan left the country several times to travel to various countries and later illegally returned again to the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The document did not reveal any record, stamp, or other indication confirming his lawful entry into the Republic of Azerbaijan.

It was also stated that after Vardanyan arrived in Khankendi, mine-laying operations began within the boundaries of the sovereign territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan liberated from Armenian occupation during the Patriotic War as a result of his financing. Those mines were transported from Armenia to the formerly occupied territories of Azerbaijan via the Lachin road. Armenians living in Khankendi reported that mine-laying activities significantly expanded after R. Vardanyans arrival.

Furthermore, as a result of Vardanyans financing, military depots were established around Khankendi. These depots were operated by servicemen he hired from Armenia and by fighters selected from Karabakh. A large number of weapons and ammunition brought by R. Vardanyan, as well as quadcopter drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles, were placed in the depots.

It was noted that another charge announced against R. Vardanyan and confirmed by the evidence examined at the court hearing concerned his initiative to launch the Nemesis-2 terrorist operation.

In addition, it became known that in September 2023, in line with the common criminal intent and objectives of the criminal organization, and with the support and supervision of Armenias political and military leadership, R. Vardanyan engaged in activities aimed at acquiring Malloy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) manufactured in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with a payload capacity of 180 kg and an operating range of 70 km, for the purpose of equipping armed units belonging to the said criminal organization that were operating illegally and in violation of international law in the formerly occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Continuing his speech, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev voiced the proposals of the prosecutors defending the state prosecution regarding the punishment to be imposed for each criminal act with which the accused is charged.

During his address, Aliyev also proposed to the court the removal of certain clauses from the charges brought against the accused and, in comparison with some of the charges, the reclassification of the accuseds actions under provisions of criminal law providing for a lighter liability.

It was proposed that Vardanyan Ruben Karlenovich be sentenced to life imprisonment by absorbing the lesser punishment into the more severe one for the crimes stipulated by the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, initiating and waging an aggressive war; attacking persons enjoying international protection; forcible transfer of population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; unlawful deprivation of liberty in violation of international law; torture; mercenarism; violations of the laws and customs of war; violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflict; intentional homicide; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of terrorism; creation of a criminal organization; illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosive substances and devices; acts posing a threat to aviation security; violent seizure and retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation; and illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The sentence is to be served in prison.

The start of the term of punishment is to be calculated from the time of his detention, September 27, 2023. The preventive measure of arrest chosen in respect of him is to remain unchanged until the verdict enters into legal force.

The next court hearing has been scheduled for December 26.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. The court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other grave offenses, continued on December 18, Trend reports.

The open court hearing held at the Baku Military Court was presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samedova). The defendant was provided with an interpreter in a language he understandsRussianas well as a defense lawyer appointed at state expense.

Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the judicial panel, prosecutors representing the state prosecution, interpreters, and others to the victims and their legal heirs participating in the proceedings for the first time, and explained their rights and obligations stipulated by law.

The next court hearing has been scheduled for December 26.

Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violations of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border).

To note, the preliminary investigation of the criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan, accused under articles concerning crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other offenses, was conducted by the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. An event marking the 10th anniversary of the ASAN Mektub social program was held on December 18 at the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Association, attended the event.

The event, attended by ASAN volunteers, children in need of social care, and other guests, began with a familiarization tour of the ASAN Service and Bilim Baku centers. Guests were informed about the activities of Baku ASAN Khidmet Center No. 7, as well as innovative solutions applied in ASAN service centers and public services. It was noted that Azerbaijans intellectual products are currently exported to more than 30 countries.

Leyla Aliyeva undertook one of the letters placed on the ASAN Mektub tree.

During the familiarization with the mobile ASAN service bus, it was emphasized that the main goal is to provide public services to everyone in a more convenient, innovative, and accessible manner.

The activities of the Bilim Baku center were also highlighted. It was noted that the center focuses on developing the knowledge and skills of students aged 614 in the fields of technology, innovation, science, and entrepreneurship, aiming to increase interest in these areas and equip students with skills that meet modern requirements.

The official part of the event began with the screening of a video highlighting the 10-year activity of the ASAN Mektub social program. The program, implemented by the ASAN Volunteers Organization since 2015, aims to fulfill the wishes of children aged 314 in need of social care and bring them joy, attention, and care. To date, wishes corresponding to 10,512 letters across 56 regions have been fulfilled.

Guests were also informed about the You Warm a Heart Too project. Within the framework of the project, with the support of citizens, the wishes of children aged 314 in need of social care are fulfilled throughout December. So far, the wishes of more than 2,500 children in various regions of the country have been realized.

This was followed by musical and dance performances presented within the framework of the Cultural Herald program of the ASAN Volunteers Organization.

Leyla Aliyeva also visited the ASAN Mektub, Green ASAN, and ABAD stands.

The event continued with a tree-planting campaign organized in the courtyard of the State Agency.

As part of the event, various gifts were presented to children from Childrens Homes No. 1, 2, and 3 and from Social Service Centers.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. On December 17, 2025, at around 10 p.m., a mine incident occurred in the liberated village of Chamanli in Azerbaijan's Aghdam, Trend reports via the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Prosecutor General's Office, and the Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA).

An explosion of an anti-tank mine occurred while a tractor was plowing land in a mine-contaminated area along the former line of contact. As a result, Gadir Mammadov, a resident of the village of Sarijali, born in 1982, sustained injuries.

The victim was promptly transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

The Aghdam Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation into the incident.

In response, ANAMA, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Prosecutor General's Office reiterate their urgent appeal to the public. Citizens are strongly advised to adhere to safety protocols, remain vigilant about mine danger warnings, avoid unfamiliar or unsafe areas, and refrain from interfering with ongoing demining operations.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. The initial draft of the Strategic Plan of the Chamber of Accounts of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the 2026-2030 period was officially presented, Trend reports via the Accounts Chamber.

The event was attended by the Chair of the Chamber, members of its board, Members of Parliament, experts, heads of structural divisions, and staff members.

In his opening address, Vugar Gulmammadov, Chair of the Accounts Chamber, emphasized the significance of the strategic plan. He highlighted the key objectives outlined to effectively address ongoing reforms in public financial management and the emerging challenges associated with these reforms.

Following this, the Head of the Accounts Chambers apparatus, along with representatives from various structural units, delivered comprehensive presentations. These sessions elaborated on the process of drafting the strategic plan, the methodologies employed to assess the current situation, the outcomes of these assessments, the strategic goals, both final and interim results, as well as the monitoring system. Additionally, they discussed resource and risk evaluations pertinent to the implementation of the plan.

Meanwhile, it was noted that the new plan will serve as a roadmap for activities over the next five-year period and aims to strengthen the role of high-quality public audit in public financial management. Key priorities include the full establishment of the Supreme Audit Information System (SAIS), its integration with the information systems of other state bodies, the application of artificial intelligence where feasible, expanded use of data analytics tools, continuation of high-quality public audit practices, audits of consolidated financial statements, audits of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), broader application of international standards, strengthening public financial management based on audit recommendations, support for global initiatives, and further enhancement of the professional standing of the Accounts Chamber within the international community of supreme audit institutions.

During the presentation, guests also voiced a number of proposals on various issues.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. A seminar on promoting the use of inclusive language in the media was held in Baku, organized by the UN Office in Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population (MLSP), Trend reports.

The seminar was attended by representatives of the media, organizations of persons with disabilities, the UN Communications Group, and the UN Working Group on Inclusion, as well as experts on the rights of persons with disabilities.

The seminar aimed to raise awareness among media professionals about inclusive language and responsible coverage of disability issues, strengthen cooperation between media organizations, organizations of persons with disabilities, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, and the UN system, provide media representatives with practical tools and examples of non-discriminatory and empowering language, create a platform for dialogue between persons with disabilities and the media, and encourage the coverage of stories that reflect dignity, equality, and identity.

Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection Rashad Mustafayev and UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Vladanka Andreeva addressed the seminar.

Rashad Mustafayev noted that five packages of social reforms, implemented consecutively over six years, have covered 4 million citizens.

According to him, the medical and social rehabilitation of people with disabilities and their full integration into society are one of the priorities of Azerbaijan's social policy:

"As a result of the reforms, a total of 7.6 billion manat ($4.4 billion) in additional funds have been allocated to finance social payments. Pensions, benefits, and scholarships for people with disabilities have been significantly increased. At the same time, Azerbaijan has taken important steps to develop a modern rehabilitation system, expanded the network of rehabilitation centers, and introduced new methods based on advanced international experience. These measures contribute to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities and their active participation in public life."

The UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Vladanka Andreeva, stated that Azerbaijan has made significant progress in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

According to her, the Social Development Summit held in Doha a few weeks ago also emphasized that social progress is only possible with the full involvement of all segments of society:

"This year, the UN Secretary-General presented his sixth system-wide report on disability. This report reflects the work we have done together over the past six years, highlights the progress made in 2019-2024, and at the same time sets higher goals for future action.

Azerbaijan has achieved significant progress under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Particular attention is paid to Sustainable Development Goals 10 and 16. The progress achieved is a source of pride, but there are still certain difficulties in covering and presenting disability issues through the media.

The workshop included an interactive stage called Selected Words and an interactive exercise on the use of language in covering and analyzing disability issues in the Azerbaijani media.

The seminar was followed by a presentation on Understanding Disability and Inclusion: Key Concepts and Terminology by Aydin Khalilov, representative of the Independent Living Center for Persons with Disabilities, and Guler Fatali, coordinator of the UN Working Group on Inclusion.
LONDON, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Major banks including JPMorgan, UBS and Citigroup on Thursday won their bid to block a 2.7 billion-pound ($3.6 billion) mass lawsuit over alleged foreign exchange rigging.

Phillip Evans, a former inquiry chair at Britain's Competition Markets Authority, was leading the case on behalf of thousands of asset managers, pension funds and financial institutions.

More from Yahoo Scout What was the outcome of the foreign exchange rigging lawsuit? How did the legal case progress through different courts? What were the original European Commission findings and fines? Which banks were involved in the foreign exchange manipulation?

The lawsuit, which was also brought against Barclays, MUFG and NatWest, was based on findings made by the European Commission, which fined banks more than 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in 2019.

Some of the world's biggest investment banks have paid more than a combined $11 billion in fines to settle U.S., British and European regulatory allegations that traders manipulated currency rates for years.

Evans' case was initially blocked in 2022 by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), which refused to certify it on an opt-out basis, meaning members of the claimant class would be part of the case unless they decided otherwise.

The CAT said the case could be brought on an opt-in basis, though it accepted that would effectively end the litigation.

Evans' case was revived by the Court of Appeal in 2023, but the banks' appeal was upheld by the United Kingdom's Supreme Court on Thursday.

Judge Vivien Rose said the Competition Appeal Tribunal "was right to assess the merits of the claim as weak".

She added that some members of the claimant class may have a viable claim, but they had shown no interest in pursuing it and represented "a tiny fraction" of the case's value.

UBS and MUFG welcomed the ruling. JPMorgan and Barclays declined to comment. Citi and NatWest did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Evans said in a statement that he would consider "what options remain available to pursue justice for those affected".

"The practical reality is that opt-in proceedings are unlikely to deliver meaningful redress for the tens of thousands of ordinary individuals and businesses affected by the banks' unlawful conduct," he said.

($1 = 0.7493 pounds)

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by William James, Kirsten Donovan)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. The variety of rehabilitation aids provided through the state budget in Azerbaijan has increased nearly fourfold, said Rashad Mustafayev, the country's Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Trend reports.

Speaking at a seminar on Promoting the Use of Inclusive Language in Media, organized by the UN Office in Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population in Baku, Mustafayev noted that the annual number of individuals receiving rehabilitation services has grown more than tenfold.

The types of rehabilitation aids provided through the state budget have increased nearly four times, while the annual distribution of these aids has risen almost threefold, he said.

He emphasized that ensuring inclusive development is a core feature of Azerbaijans strategy for building a successful nation. Mustafayev also highlighted the importance of inclusive communication in the media.

The media often uses non-inclusive terminology, which requires legal attention and responsibility. Todays seminar aims to promote inclusive language in media, improve understanding of correct terminology, and clarify recommended and non-recommended expressions, he added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. Media plays a crucial role in shaping an inclusive society, Vladanka Andreeva, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, told Trend on the sidelines of a seminar on Promoting the Use of Inclusive Language in Media in Baku.

The event was organized jointly by the UN Office in Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population.

This is the first initiative we are carrying out together with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population and organizations protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. I hope this will not be the only seminar organized for media professionals and that you will gain valuable knowledge here, Andreyeva said.

She expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to organize seminars and training sessions for media professionals alongside the ministry and disability rights organizations.

We aim to turn words into meaningful action, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to services and the opportunity to reach their full potential. How Azerbaijani society perceives and embraces these individuals is vital, and that is precisely why the media plays such an indispensable role.

The media shapes public attitudes and understanding of inclusivity in profound ways. The words you choose tell the stories of these individuals, highlight their rights and needs, and influence not only policymakers but also everyday people. This helps foster acceptance, supports individuals of all abilities, including children, and encourages society to stand alongside them. It is precisely this impact that makes the organization of this seminar so rewarding, she added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. Following President Ilham Aliyev's decision in October to lift restrictions on the transit of goods from Azerbaijan to Armenia that had been in place since the occupation, freight transport to the neighboring country continues, Trend reports.

On December 18, Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR prepared to dispatch the first batch of locally produced oil to Armenia.

Thus, 1,220 tons of RON95 motor fuel, loaded into 22 railcars, were sent by ADY freight train from the Baku freight station to the Boyuk Kesik station.

Thence, the cargo will be delivered to Armenia via Georgia.
ANKARA. Turkiye. December 18. The information defense architecture of the Turkic world must be strengthened, said Burhanettin Duran, head of the Directorate of Communications of the Turkish Presidential Administration, Trend reports.

Speaking at the Forum on Combating Disinformation among Turkic States, Duran highlighted the critical role of information warfare, noting that the Second Karabakh War extended far beyond the battlefield.

"During and after the war, numerous disinformation campaigns were launched against Azerbaijan, aiming to distort and downplay its victory. By exposing these falsifications, we provided substantial support to Azerbaijans victory in the information space," he said.

He shared a striking example of the power of disinformation: a manipulated video claimed that Azerbaijani soldiers were mistreating an elderly Armenian woman. The footage suggested that one soldier deliberately poured out a glass of water while the woman tried to drink it. In reality, the full video clearly shows the soldier carefully giving her water, completely contradicting the false narrative.

Duran stressed that today, unfortunately, it has become increasingly easy to distort the meaning of visual content. By cutting, editing, and removing frames from their original context, images and videos can be made to convey entirely false messages, creating a warped perception of reality and misleading public opinion.

Moreover, the use of AI technologies has taken the falsification of reality to an entirely new level. In this environment, modern communication tools bring not only opportunities but also significant threats. Countering these threats is possible only through joint, coordinated strategies. Narratives imposed from outside can be dismantled only together, by creating a shared, consistent, and unified story. In practical terms, this means building stronger institutional forms of cooperation. We must establish joint fact-checking mechanisms, implement early warning systems, and ensure timely information exchange, he emphasized.

Duran outlined Turkiyes initiatives, including promoting media literacy, protecting youth from digital threats, strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, developing algorithmic monitoring tools against AI-driven manipulations, and institutionalizing information exchange between government bodies.

We have a strong and unequivocal political will to act. I want to stress that we are ready to share the expertise and experience we have developed with brotherly countries and work together closely. We also see a shared willingness among all parties to cooperate. This approach stands as a clear demonstration of our collective stance against any artificially created attempts to sow division and undermine the integrity of the Turkic world.

Data sharing, experience transfer, joint educational mechanisms, and rapid response capacity will be key elements of the Turkic worlds information defense architecture. We must protect our states, unity, and brotherhood from disinformation campaigns through coordinated national policies reinforced by international institutional mechanisms, the official concluded.

The Forum on Combating Disinformation among Turkic States is underway in Ankara, Turkiye, with participation from representatives of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The goal is to establish an effective communication platform among Turkic nations, enhance cooperation against disinformation, and address media challenges. The event will facilitate experience exchange and joint project implementation and last for two days.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. The court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other grave offenses, continued on December 18, Trend reports.

The prosecutor defending the state prosecution addressed the court hearing held at the Baku Military Court.

In his remarks, the prosecutor called for a life sentence to be handed out to Ruben Vardanyan.

The preliminary investigation into the criminal case against Vardanyan, who faces accusations under several serious charges, including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other offenses, was carried out by the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. As part of the Uzbekistan Culture Days held in Azerbaijan, a delegation from the brotherly country visited the city of Shusha on December 18, Trend reports via the Ministry of Culture.

According to the ministry, the visitors were provided with detailed information about Shushas rich history, its contributions to Azerbaijani culture and literature, and the acts of vandalism committed against the citys historical and cultural heritage during Armenias occupation.

The ministry highlighted that the Azerbaijani Armys unprecedented heroism during the 44-day Patriotic War freed the city from 28 years of occupation. Rapid restoration and reconstruction efforts have since been carried out, with historical and religious monuments rebuilt and the phased return of former internally displaced residents to their native land underway.

The delegation was also informed that Shusha successfully served as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic world in 2023 and of the Islamic world in 2024.

During their visit, the delegation explored notable landmarks, including the statues of Natavan, Bulbul, and Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Natavans House and Spring, Shusha Fortress, Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque; and the Bulbul House Museum. Shushas historical, cultural, religious sites, and natural riches left a lasting impression on the Uzbek guests.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Azerbaijan Amy Carlon announced plans of a number of U.S. public and political figures to visit the country during a meeting with Chairman of the Azerbaijani State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations Ramin Mammadov today, the committee said in a statement, Trend reports.

Mammadov pointed out that following the Memorandum of Understanding signed this year in Washington between the governments of Azerbaijan and the United States, cooperation in all areas, including the religious sphere, has entered a new stage. He noted that by making effective use of the opportunities arising in this new phase, it is possible to develop religious cooperation between Azerbaijan and the U.S.

The committee chairman, speaking about the multicultural environment shaped as a result of the successful state-religion policy implemented in our country, emphasized that the purposeful work carried out in this direction serves to preserve national and moral values in society, strengthen interfaith solidarity, and further consolidate civic unity.

Highlighting that the Color of Diversity festival, organized for the first time in the country, was held at a top level with broad public interest and active participation from representatives of various religious denominations, he noted that this is a real indicator of the tolerant environment in Azerbaijan based on mutual respect, trust, and multicultural values.

Carlon highly appreciated the religious tolerance and multicultural environment observed in the country and noted that the mutual understanding and cooperation among representatives of different religious denominations are exemplary. Emphasizing that multiculturalism is one of Azerbaijans strongest aspects, she said that the main goal of the U.S. is to contribute to strengthening peace, stability, and mutual understanding in the region. She also noted that U.S.-Azerbaijan relations will develop even more dynamically next year, with visits from several public and political figures planned for the country, and she highly valued the opening of the Baku office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Charge dAffaires also stressed the importance of the U.S. International Religious Freedom Commissions report being prepared free from biased approaches and unfounded claims, objectively and fully reflecting Azerbaijans current realities, including the guarantee of freedom of religious belief and the actual state of the tolerant environment in the country.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. Pursuant to the bilateral military cooperation plan for 2025 signed between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland, a meeting between military medical specialists of both countries was held in Baku, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense said in a statement, Trend reports.

During the meeting, which took place at the Medical Department of the Ministry of Defense, the guests were briefed on the successful reforms carried out in the field of military medicine within the Azerbaijan Army. The briefing covered the organization of medical services, newly implemented practical treatment approaches, and the medical care provided to active-duty and reserve military personnel as well as to their family members.

Special emphasis was placed on the comprehensive conditions created at the Main Clinical Hospital for the examination and treatment of military personnel, as well as on the dedicated work of highly qualified medical staff.

Subsequently, an extensive exchange of views was held on the prospects for developing mutual cooperation and on other issues of shared interest.

It was noted that working-level meetings would continue with a view to promoting the exchange of experience in military medicine between Azerbaijan and Poland, expanding cooperation opportunities, and enhancing professional training.

Following the meeting, the Polish delegation visited the Ministry of Defenses Main Clinical Hospital and other military medical institutions, where they got acquainted with the facilities and conditions in place.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. On December 18, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, met with Robb Butler, Special Representative on Climate and Health of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, Trend reports.

At the meeting, Leyla Aliyeva was presented with a special award from the World Health Organization in recognition of her effective services in the field of climate and health, her active participation and awareness-raising activities within the framework of COP29, and her support for the activities of the WHO Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health.

During the meeting, detailed information was provided on the projects implemented by the IDEA Public Union aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. They discussed possible cooperation opportunities between WHO and Azerbaijan in this area.

The parties exchanged views on the potential environmental and human health impacts of the decline in the Caspian Sea level and discussed opportunities for joint initiatives and strengthening international calls in this direction, including the prospects for Azerbaijans accession to the WHO Healthy Cities Network.

Additionally, discussions focused on the impact of clean air on human health, the mitigation of air pollution, and the strengthening of awareness-raising activities in this field.

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Ben & Jerrys has made changes to the corporate governance rules for its board, moves that will lead to the departure of its chair.

The changes are intended to preserve and enhance the brand's historical social mission and safeguard its essential integrity, the US business said.

Ben & Jerry's is now part of the new The Magnum Ice Cream Company, the publicly listed ice-cream business spun off by Unilever earlier this month.

Ben Cohen, one of the co-founders of Ben & Jerry and who sold the business to Unilever in 2000, has reportedly criticised the move.

There has been tension in recent years over issues including the governance of Ben & Jerry's, the independence of its board and the company's activism.

Under the updated rules, directors on Ben & Jerrys independent board will now be subject to a maximum term of nine years.

The changes mean Ben & Jerrys board chair Anuradha Mittal and two other members  Daryn Dodson and Jennifer Henderson  will depart. They will no longer be able to seek re-election when their current terms expire in 2026.

In a statement, Jochanan Senf, the CEO of Ben & Jerry's, said: "These improvements matter because they will support us in our journey to become even more impactful and to drive progressive change for years to come."

In a statement to the BBC, Cohen condemned the move, calling it a blatant power grab designed to strip the board of legal authority and independence.

Cohen was quoted as saying: Anuradha Mittal, Daryn Dodson, and Jennifer Henderson have served this company with integrity and courage. Over many years, they helped the board make bold, often difficult decisions to uphold Ben & Jerry's social mission."

Jerry Greenfield, Cohen's fellow co-founder, had already resigned from Ben & Jerrys in September. Greenfield was said to be disenchanted over a lack of independence from Unilever, particularly around expressing social values.

Last week, The Magnum Ice Cream Company initiated talks with the Ben & Jerrys Foundation to fix governance issues identified in a recent audit.

Earlier this year, Ben & Jerrys filed a case in a New York court accusing the FMCG giant of ousting its then-CEO Dave Stever in what was deemed as an attempt by Unilever to silence the mission agenda.

In another court filing last year, Ben & Jerrys said Unilever had tried to ban it from publicly criticising Trump. The ice-cream maker also filed a lawsuit that same year claiming Unilever had tried to stop it from expressing support for Palestinian refugees.

Unilever had sold its ice-cream operation in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in 2022 in an attempt to draw a line under a diplomatic row stemming from Ben & Jerrys halting sales in the territory the previous year. In retaliation, Israel had threatened a boycott of the companys products.
Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. The production of rich gas from the South Pars gas field (Northern Dome in Qatar), a joint gas field between Iran and Qatar, has increased by six million cubic meters per day since the beginning of the current Iranian year (March 21, 2025) compared to the same period last year, Touraj Dehghani, managing director of Pars Oil and Gas Company (POGC), told local media, Trend reports.

According to Dehghani, during the specified period, daily production from the South Pars gas field reached 722 million cubic meters of rich gas. In comparison, the daily production during the same period last year was 716 million cubic meters.

Dehghani further noted that over the past year, POGC has undertaken a variety of operational activities aimed at boosting production from the South Pars gas field. These efforts include significant repairs, equipment upgrades, and other essential maintenance tasks.

He emphasized that ongoing operational work continues to focus on both sustaining and enhancing production levels from the South Pars gas field.

The South Pars gas field, also known as the North Dome in Qatar, is a joint gas field shared between Iran and Qatar. The field is reported to contain 51 trillion cubic meters of gas reserves, of which 36 trillion cubic meters are deemed producible. Irans share of this field is 14 trillion cubic meters of gas and 18 billion barrels of gas condensate.

The Iranian section of South Pars includes 24 development phases launched since 2002. The country currently produces around 700 million cubic meters of gas per day from the field. Total investment in the project has reached $90 billion, with the Iranian section accounting for roughly 33% of Irans total gas production. On the Iranian side, the gas fields have been built up by Iran, while on the Qatari side, they have been taken over mainly by foreign companies.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 18. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Emperor Naruhito of Japan as part of his official visit to the country, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh President.

The meeting marked the commencement of President Tokayevs inaugural official visit to Japan. The President expressed his deep gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the Japanese hosts.

In his remarks, President Tokayev highlighted that Japan has long been a source of inspiration for the people of Kazakhstan, particularly due to its discipline and resilience. He emphasized that the bilateral relationship between the two nations is rooted in mutual respect and is underpinned by decades of cooperation across a range of sectors.

Emperor Naruhito, for his part, conveyed his belief that the visit would serve as a significant milestone in the history of bilateral ties, with the potential to elevate cooperation between Japan and Kazakhstan to a new and more profound level.

Throughout the meeting, the sides engaged in a productive exchange of views on matters of bilateral importance, as well as key international and regional issues.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. Western countries are imposing harsh conditions for resuming talks with Iran, but the country has made it clear it will not accept such terms, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said, Trend reports.

Speaking at a meeting with party representatives, prominent politicians, and intellectuals in Tehran on December 17, Pezeshkian stated that while Iran had been ready to reach an agreement with the United States (U.S.), Washington disrupted the process through acts of war.

Iran does not intend to wage war and has repeatedly declared that it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons. The country is ready for any inspections related to its nuclear program, but the other side seeks to strip Iran of all its power components and weaken the nation. Iran stands for peace and will not accept the use of force, he added.

Meanwhile, on April 12, 19, and 26, and May 11 and 23, five rounds of indirect talks on Iran's nuclear program were held between Iran and the U.S. The indirect talks were organized through the mediation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, and were led by Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on the Iranian side and Steve Witkoff on the American side. The first, third, and fourth rounds of talks were held in Muscat, the capital of Oman, and the second and fifth rounds were held in Rome, the capital of Italy.

On the morning of June 13, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iran, resulting in the deaths of numerous high-ranking military officials, generals, nuclear scientists, and other senior figures.

That same evening, Iran retaliated with Operation True Promise III, a large-scale missile and drone assault on multiple targets, including Tel Aviv, which caused civilian casualties and extensive damage.

On June 22, the United States conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, with reports indicating the destruction of these sites.

The following evening, June 23, Iran launched airstrikes on a U.S. military base in Qatar, further escalating tensions in the region.

On June 24, the Israeli Prime Ministers Office announced that Israel had agreed to a ceasefire with Iran, facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump. In response, Irans Supreme National Security Council issued a statement confirming the cessation of hostilities.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. A ceremony celebrating the most active entrepreneurs across various sectors of Azerbaijans economy took place in Baku under the motto Business is Power, Trend reports.

The event is organized by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) with support from the Ministry of Economy.

More than 300 business leaders, startups, representatives of business associations, members of parliament, and government officials attended the event. The program included speeches by officials, a panel discussion on The Challenge for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in 2026, and the awarding of the Dayag prize to 17 successful entrepreneurial entities of 2025.

Speaking at the event, Azerbaijani Minister of Labor and Social Protection Anar Aliyev stated that between 2018 and 2025, the wage fund in Azerbaijan increased by 3.2 times, including 3.6 times in the non-governmental sector.

"In 2018-2025, the number of employment contracts increased by 45 percent, or 595,000, with 92% of this growth accounted for by the private sector. During this period, the wage fund in the country grew 3.2 times, including 3.6 times in the non-state sector. To ensure active employment of the population and in response to the challenges of the modern labor market, the Employment Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2030, approved by the relevant decree of the head of state, forms the basis of long-term state policy in the field of employment, aimed at ensuring effective employment of the population," the minister said.

According to Aliyev, since the beginning of the reforms, more than 2.1 million people have been covered by active employment promotion measures.

Of these, 823,000 people were employed, more than 54,000 people in 82 professional fields received vocational training, and 111,000 people were involved in the self-employment program, he noted.

First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Elnur Aliyev, in turn, noted that from January to November of this year, more than 70 percent of Azerbaijan's industrial production came from the private sector.

"In the first eleven months of this year, the private sector accounted for more than 70 percent of our industrial production. Inclusive entrepreneurship is developing in the country, creating conditions for women's business initiatives. As a result, the number of women entrepreneurs has grown over the first nine months of this year, approaching 339,000," he said.

"Various incentives are being implemented for this purpose. Incubators and acceleration centers supported by the state and private sector operate, and startup certificates are issued, which provide tax incentives. In recent years, one of the main priorities of our state has been the restoration of liberated territories and the speedy return of our internally displaced persons to their native lands," Aliyev pointed out.

Established by KOBIA in 2022, the Dayag prize aims to highlight the achievements of entrepreneurs who form the backbone of the economy, promote a business-oriented mindset, and strengthen public-private cooperation. The award recognizes entrepreneurs contributions to sustainable development, innovative approaches, and social responsibility, serving both as a token of appreciation and as encouragement for businesses to pursue new initiatives and greater goals.

The ceremony underscores the governments ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and fostering a dynamic business environment in Azerbaijan.

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ALMATY, Kazakhstan, December 18. A potential portfolio of projects for the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) in Uzbekistan has been formed, EDB Chairman Nikolai Podguzov said at a press conference on the results of 2025 in Almaty, Trend's special correspondent reports.

According to a special correspondent for Trend on Thursday, this was announced by EDB Chairman Nikolay Podguzov at a press conference on the results of 2025 in Almaty.

We have already begun working on projects in Uzbekistan. The potential portfolio has already been formed. We will implement it and continue to carry out our development mission, he said.

Podguzov recalled that on April 10, 2025, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law that enabled Uzbekistan to become the seventh member of the bank:

For the Republic of Uzbekistan itself, this means a new impetus for the modernization of transport, energy, and agriculture. For all EDB member countries, this means increased opportunities for cooperation, trade, and strengthening food security.

The EDB is a multilateral development bank designed to promote economic growth in member states, expand trade and economic ties between them, and develop integration processes in the Eurasian space through investment activities. The EDB has seven member countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. Baku International Sea Trade Port has reached a historic milestone, with its annual container throughput surpassing 100,000 TEU for the first time, Trend reports.

During a media tour of the port, officials highlighted that this achievement reflects the efficiency of the unified transport management system established after the port was merged with Azerbaijan Railways CJSC following a presidential decree on February 25, 2025. The integration of port and railway operations has accelerated cargo handling and optimized logistic routes. The operation of the Unified Transit Center, where multiple agencies and forwarding companies collaborate, has further enhanced the speed and efficiency of port operations, supporting continuous growth in cargo throughput.

Baku Port serves as a key hub for the region and the Middle Corridor (also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route), holding a strategic position on trade and logistics maps. In a period of reshaping global supply chains, the Middle Corridor has become one of the safest, most flexible, and shortest transit routes connecting Asia and Europe. With advanced infrastructure, technical capabilities, and skilled professionals, Baku Port contributes significantly to regional logistics development. It is also the first port in the region to hold the EcoPort certification, ensuring operations meet international environmental standards and promoting sustainable transit along the corridor.

Meanwhile, the port handled over 40,000 TEU containers in 2020, rising to nearly 77,000 TEU in 2024, a growth of approximately 90% or nearly double. Surpassing the 100,000 TEU mark this year underscores the ports operational efficiency and sets the stage for even higher throughput forecasts in the coming year.

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ALMATY, Kazakhstan, December 18. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has outlined three major projects in Uzbekistan for financing in 2026, EDB Deputy Management Board Chairman Yaroslav Mandron said at a press conference in Almaty reviewing the results of 2025, Trend reports.

The first project is the Almalyk plant, where our investments are expected to range from $100 million to $150 million. We have already discussed this with the client and are now awaiting the final package of documents from the government to secure a full mandate for project financing.

Mandron added that the project also includes the construction of a polymer production complex. Another area of interest for the bank is the development of airport infrastructure, particularly the construction of an airport in Bukhara.

Earlier, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law ratifying the countrys accession to the Agreement Establishing the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), making Uzbekistan the Banks seventh member and its third-largest shareholder with a 10% stake.

The EDB, a multilateral development bank, aims to foster economic growth, expand trade and economic ties among member states, and promote regional integration through investment activities. Its seven member countries include Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, December 18. Belarusian logistics operator Beltamozhservice has launched a new express rail route for exporting goods to Iran via Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, Trend reports via the Beltamozhservice.

The new service provides international container shipments along the Belarus-Russia-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran corridor. Delivery time along the route ranges about two weeks, making it one of the fastest and most convenient transport options in the region.

"The introduction of this new route is expected to significantly diversify Belarusian exports, fortify the position of domestic suppliers in international markets, and broaden the geographical reach of Belarusian products," stated Natalya Kananovich, Deputy General Director of Beltamozhservice.

She further emphasized that this innovative logistics solution is poised to enhance trade efficiency and improve connectivity with Middle Eastern markets, particularly Iran. This is particularly pertinent in light of the growing demand for reliable transit corridors.

Earlier, Irans Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, affirmed Iran's readiness to expand freight transport and transit with Belarus under the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor. This declaration was made during a meeting with Belarus Minister of Industry, Andrei Kuznetsov, on December 8.

The International North-South Transport Corridor is a comprehensive multimodal trade route linking Iran with Europe, Russia, and Central Asia through three key routes: the Caucasian, Central Asian, and Caspian corridors.
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, December 18. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) plans to invest between $300 million and $500 million in Uzbekistans economy in 2026, EDB Deputy Management Board Chairman Yaroslav Mandron said at a press conference on the results of 2025 in Almaty, Trend reports.

He added that the pipeline of projects in Uzbekistan through 2028 is valued at $1.5 billion. Mandron noted that the EDB could serve as a conduit for Uzbek exports to Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, offering investors certain guarantees.

Through the EDB, Uzbekistan has the potential to increase exports to CIS countries by 20% or more, he emphasized.

Earlier, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law ratifying the countrys accession to the Agreement Establishing the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), making Uzbekistan the Banks seventh member and its third-largest shareholder with a 10% stake.

The EDB, a multilateral development bank, aims to foster economic growth, expand trade and economic ties among member states, and promote regional integration through investment activities. Its seven member countries include Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 17, 2025) - Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) (Benz or the Company) is pleased to announce that, further to its announcements dated August 12, 2025, August 20, 2025 and October 21, 2025 in relation to the private placement for 30,456,853 new fully paid CHESS Depositary Interests (CDIs) in the Company at an issue price of A$0.985 (C$0.8846) per CDI to raise approximately A$30,000,000 (C$26,943,000) (before costs) (Placement), it has completed the second tranche of the Placement, which was placed to Mr. Jolly, a Director of Benz (Tranche 2 Placement). As previously announced, the Tranche 2 Placement, which consists of 50,762 CDIs at a price of A$0.985 per CDI to raise an additional A$50,000 (C$44,905) (before costs), was approved by the shareholders of the Company at the annual general and special meeting held on December 16, 2025 (Perth, Western Australia time). The participation by Mr. Jolly in Tranche 2 Placement is considered a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") of Canadian securities laws. The Tranche 2 Placement is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of any CDIs issued to or the consideration paid by Mr. Jolly exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

Each CDI represents one underlying common share in the Company on a one for one basis. All CDIs and underlying common shares issued in connection with the Placement are subject to a statutory hold period in Canada of four months and one day from their respective date of issuance. There are no finder's fees payable in connection with the Tranche 2 Placement.

Australian dollar amounts disclosed above were converted into Canadian dollars using the Bank of Canada's exchange rate posted on August 12, 2025 of A$1 = C$0.8981.

The Placement remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

- END -

This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Benz Mining Corp.

For more information, please contact:

Mark Lynch-Staunton

Chief Executive Officer Benz Mining Corp.

E: mstaunton@benzmining.com

T: +61 8 6143 6702

About Benz Mining Corp.

Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) is a pure-play gold exploration company dual-listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and Australian Securities Exchange. The Company owns the Eastmain Gold Project in Quebec, and the recently acquired Glenburgh and Mt Egerton Gold Projects in Western Australia.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. Baku International Sea Trade Port is set to achieve a total cargo handling volume of 8 million tons by the end of the year, the ports director, Eldar Salahov, told reporters, Trend reports.

Salahov noted that the technical capabilities, infrastructure, and professional staff of the port position it to achieve even greater milestones in the coming years.

"By the end of this year, total cargo handling is expected to reach eight million tons. Last year, container throughput was around 76,000 TEU, and this year we anticipate surpassing 100,000 TEU, reaching approximately 104,000-105,000 TEU. This represents nearly a 40% increase compared to last year," Salahov said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. The 2nd phase of Baku International Sea Trade Port will provide us with significantly increased capacity, Eldar Salahov, Director of the port, said at a media tour at the port, Trend reports.

The first phase of Baku Port has been completed, and work is now underway on the master plan and strategic development directions following organizational consolidation and evolving operational realities.

The second phase of the Baku International Sea Trade Port will provide us with significantly increased capacity, including over 25 million tons of cargo and half a million TEU container equivalent. Design work is ongoing, and preliminary results are expected in the coming months, Salahov said.
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, December 18. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is awaiting an official response from the Turkmenistan government to begin work on the bank's entry into the country, EDB Chairman Nikolai Podguzov told Trend.

Podguzov recalled that several contacts had taken place this year at various events, in particular within the framework of the Russian-Turkmen intergovernmental commission between representatives of the EDB and the government of Turkmenistan.

"The question of Turkmenistan's potential entry into the bank was raised as a request from a representative of the bank. I had previously visited Ashgabat and also met with government representatives, where we discussed this issue. Now we would rather wait for an official response from the Turkmenistan government before taking action. Both we and the bank's shareholders fully support Turkmenistan's possible plan to join the bank," the EDB chairman stressed.

The EDB is a multilateral development bank designed to promote economic growth in member states, expand trade and economic ties between them, and develop integration processes in the Eurasian space through investment activities. The EDB has seven member countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, December 18. I hope that Azerbaijan's accession process to the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) will begin in 2026, Chairman of the EDB Management Board Nikolai Podguzov told Trend on the sidelines of a press conference on the results of 2025 in Almaty, Trend reports.

Podguzov emphasized that while there is unanimous support for Azerbaijan's accession to the bank, it is impossible to guarantee a specific timeline for the process. He noted the inherent difficulty in predicting the duration of the process, citing Uzbekistan as an example. Although the final decision on Uzbekistan's accession was reached in 2025, the process itself began at the end of 2021, taking nearly three years to complete.

He further stated that in 2025, a delegation from the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) visited Azerbaijan, where meetings were held with representatives from the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Finance.

"I am confident that the potential plan for Azerbaijan's accession to the bank has been supported. Clearly, this process requires certain bureaucratic decisions within Azerbaijan, and we are patiently awaiting the relevant steps from the appropriate authorities," he stated.

The EDB is a multilateral development bank designed to promote economic growth in member states, expand trade and economic ties between them, and develop integration processes in the Eurasian space through investment activities. The EDB has seven member countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, December 18. The accumulated investment portfolio of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) in Tajikistan has reached $70 million, said Ruslan Dalenov, Deputy Chairman and Chief Economist of the EDB, Trend reports.

Speaking during a press conference summarizing the banks activities in 2025 in Almaty, Dalenov noted that an additional $48 million is currently under consideration, and the list of potential investments is expected to grow further.

Dalenov also stated that the bank has provided $3.4 million in technical assistance to Tajikistan. This support is being used to develop a digital platform for the electronic map of Dushanbe, prepare and launch public-private partnership projects, implement an electronic interaction system within the Ministry of Economy and Trade, prepare project documentation for agro-industrial initiatives, enrich wheat flour to improve public health, and develop project documentation for other initiatives in the country.

The EDB, a multilateral development bank, aims to foster economic growth, expand trade and economic ties among member states, and promote regional integration through investment activities. Its seven member countries include Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

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Iran shares details on its main import sources for 8M2025

Iran imported products primarily from the UAE, China, Turkey, India, and Germany during the first eight months of 2025 (March 21 - November 21). Total imports from these five countries amounted to $31.6 billion. The UAE was the largest source, with $12.2 billion in imports, followed by China with $10.7 billion.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 18. Kyrgyzstan introduces a digital control system for fish products, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry.

Kyrgyzstan is creating favorable conditions for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector, the growth of aquaculture, and the attraction of investment into the industry. The country is gradually introducing a comprehensive system for the identification and traceability of fish and fish products, covering the entire life cyclefrom roe to finished products.

At the current stage, monitoring of fish stocking and the movement of roe, fingerlings, and adult fish has already been organized, traceability of fish products has been ensured, and fish farms have been identified. The relevant data have been entered into the Animal Identification and Traceability Information System.

Kyrgyzstan plans to introduce full control over the movement of fish and fish products through the system in the 2026-2027 period. Each module will be developed in stages, tested, piloted in selected regions, and only then rolled out nationwide.

The work is being carried out by the Veterinary Service for Livestock Development, Pastures, and Feed as part of the project "Enhancing the Safety of Animal-Origin Food Products through the Creation of an Integrated Intelligent Animal Identification and Traceability System in Kyrgyzstan," financed by the Republic of Korea. The project is scheduled for completion in 2026.

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Uzbekistan reveals nation's tax policy for 2026

Photo: Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is set to keep its key tax rates steady in 2026, as the Senate gave the green light during the review of the State Budget law.

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Ray Dalio and his wife are joining the list of billionaires backing the president's Trump Accounts.

Through Dalio Philanthropies, the couple will donate $250 to 300,000 Connecticut children.

BlackRock also announced it would provide a $1,000 match for all eligible US employees.

Hedge fund manager Ray Dalio has joined the list of billionaires backing President Donald Trump's new plan to give $1,000 to every child born in the next three years.

Altro da Yahoo Scout What are Ray Dalio's contributions to Trump Accounts? Which other billionaires are supporting the Trump Accounts program? How do Trump Accounts work for American children? What was Elon Musk's response to Trump Accounts?

Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, and his wife, Barbara, will donate $250 to about 300,000 children in Connecticut who live in zip codes where the median family income is $150,000 or less, Dalio Philanthropies said in a press release.

"Barbara and I believe strongly in the importance of equal opportunity and believe this initiative is an important step in that direction," Ray Dalio said in the release. "I have lived the American dream. At an early age, I was exposed to the stock market, and it changed my life. By providing children with savings accounts that compound over time, we are providing them with early insights into financial literacy and a path towards financial independence."

BlackRock, too, announced on Wednesday that it would "offer an employee match to the US government contribution of $1,000 for all eligible US employees to Trump Accounts ."

Several other business leaders, including Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang , have also committed to contributing funds to the accounts of their employees' children, according to Invest America, the federal program spearheaded by Altimeter Capital CEO Brad Gerstner that is now commonly known as "Trump Accounts." BNY, a financial services company, also announced last week that it would match Trump Account funds for its employees.

Since June, some of the country's wealthiest individuals have been lining up behind Trump's plan to provide a one-time, tax-free federal grant of $1,000 to every American child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. The accounts will be in the child's name, but their parent will remain the sole custodian until the child turns 18. Others can contribute up to an additional $5,000 tax-free to those accounts every year.

The program will officially launch on July 4, 2026.

The Dalios' donation follows a substantial commitment from Michael and Susan Dell, who pledged to deposit $250 into the accounts of 25 million American kids  about $6.25 billion  earlier this month. The payments will be automatically deposited into the account of any child who fits the criteria and opens a Trump Account.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 18. The South Korean side officially confirmed its acceptance of Kyrgyzstan's proposal to develop a fish group identification module, which will also cover the traceability of fish and fishery products, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry.

The initiative is currently being executed within the framework of bilateral collaboration and seeks to integrate cutting-edge digital innovations into the fisheries domain of Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan is gradually creating favorable conditions for the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture, as well as for attracting investment into the sector. The country is introducing a comprehensive system for the identification and traceability of fish and fish products, covering the entire life cyclefrom eggs to finished products.

At the current stage, monitoring of stocking activities and the movement of eggs, fry, and adult fish has been organized; traceability of fishery products has been ensured; and fish farms have been identified with the relevant data entered into the Information System for Animal Identification and Traceability.

The rollout of the group fish identification module will shine a light on the fisheries sector, put a stop to the illegal fish trade, pave the way for a welcoming investment environment, and make sure the public gets their hands on top-notch and safe fish products.

In the fiscal years 20262027, comprehensive governance over the logistics of ichthyic species and aquaculture commodities via the Information System for Animal Identification and Traceability is projected. All system components will undergo a phased development process, followed by rigorous testing, pilot initiatives in designated regions, and subsequent nationwide deployment.

The work is being carried out by the Veterinary Service for Livestock Development, Pastures, and Feed within the framework of the project "Improving the Safety of Food Products of Animal Origin through the Creation of a Comprehensive Intelligent System for Animal Identification and Traceability in the Kyrgyz Republic," financed by the Republic of Korea. The project implementation period is set to run until 2026.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and his Omani counterpart Said bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Saqri discussed strengthening economic cooperation, the Minister's publication on X page said, Trend reports.

"During the meeting, we reviewed opportunities to further strengthen bilateral economic relations. We underscored the importance of enhancing the legal and contractual framework to promote joint activities, discussed prospects for establishing the AzerbaijanOman Joint Business Council, and explored avenues to expand collaboration in trade, renewable and traditional energy, investment, tourism, and other areas," the publication explained.

From January through November of this year, Azerbaijan's total trade volume with foreign countries reached $44.59 billion, reflecting an increase of $1.48 billion or 3.4% compared to the same period in the previous year.

Of this total foreign trade turnover, $23.4 billion was attributed to exports, while imports amounted to $21.19 billion. Notably, exports experienced a decline of $937 million (a 3.8% decrease), whereas imports saw a notable rise of $2.416 billion (a 12.9% increase).

Consequently, Azerbaijan's foreign trade balance yielded a positive surplus of $2.2 billion, though this figure represents a decline of $3.35 billion, or 2.5 times lower than the surplus recorded in the previous year.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. The official visit of President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to Japan and his participation in the first-ever summit of heads of state in the Central Asia + Japan format have become a landmark event not only for TajikJapanese relations, but also for the overall architecture of regional cooperation in Central Asia.

This visit occurs amidst a rapidly evolving international landscape, marked by the restructuring of global economic networks and the increasing prominence of sustainable development, energy security, and climate-related issues. Against this backdrop, Japan and Tajikistan are poised to enhance their collaboration, underscoring a shared vision, mutual benefits, and aligned strategic interests.

The bilateral relations between Tajikistan and Japan have long been characterized by stability and continuity. Since Tajikistan's independence, Japan has been a key partner, providing substantial assistance in socio-economic development, institutional capacity building, and human resource training. Over the years, the nature of this partnership has evolved, shifting from a focus primarily on humanitarian aid and infrastructure rehabilitation to one increasingly centered on sustainable development, technological modernization, and the establishment of robust economic foundations.

A focal point of the partnership is the development of human capital. Japan has played a pivotal role in supporting educational initiatives in Tajikistan, from constructing school buildings in regional areas to facilitating vocational training programs, internships, and professional development opportunities. This educational support holds significant strategic value for Tajikistan, which faces a rapidly growing population and a youthful demographic. The country views investment in education and skill-building not only as a social imperative but also as a crucial factor for enhancing economic resilience and reducing reliance on external resources.

In this context, Tajikistan's partnership with Japan assumes particular significance, given that the Japanese development model is built on a foundation of high educational standards, discipline, engineering expertise, and technological proficiency. The engagement of Tajik specialists and students in educational programs supported by Japan lays the groundwork for cultivating a new generation of professionals adept at working with cutting-edge technologies. This, in turn, opens avenues for more profound industrial collaboration and innovation-driven cooperation in the long term.

Another critical domain of TajikJapanese collaboration lies in energy and water resource management. With some of the worlds largest untapped hydropower potential, Tajikistan is well-positioned to capitalize on its resources. In the context of the global shift towards green energy and the growing demand for environmentally sustainable energy sources, Tajikistans hydropower resources acquire strategic importance, not only for the nation but for Central Asia as a whole. Japan, with its expertise in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water resource management, is viewed by Tajikistan as a vital partner in realizing this potential.

Discussions at the ministry and diplomatic levels highlight a shared interest in expanding cooperation across hydropower, solar energy, energy infrastructure modernization, and the enhancement of professional capacities. Significantly, this partnership extends beyond isolated projects, aiming to establish a comprehensive framework that integrates technological support, investment, and institutional development. For Tajikistan, this collaboration represents a pivotal opportunity to accelerate its energy transition, while bolstering its role as a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions within the region.

The economic dimension of bilateral relations is also gradually coming to the forefront. For Japan, Tajikistan is of interest as a country with a growing market, a strategic geographical location, and significant resource potential. Amid the diversification of global supply chains, Japanese businesses are increasingly exploring new markets. Tajikistan, in turn, seeks to attract high-quality investment focused on the development of local production.

In this regard, Tajikistans participation in the regional Central Asia + Japan format is of particular importance. Elevating this dialogue to the level of a summit of heads of state reflects the parties intention to give cooperation a strategic character. For Tajikistan, this format opens new opportunities to promote its national priorities within a broader regional context. Water security, energy sustainability, climate adaptation, and the development of transport corridors all require coordinated regional efforts, and Japan demonstrates its readiness to act as a constructive partner.

It is also important to note that Japans approach to Central Asia is characterized by an emphasis on the regions autonomous development. Tokyo consistently underscores its respect for the sovereignty of the regions countries and their right to independently determine their development priorities. For Tajikistan, which traditionally pursues a multi-vector foreign policy, such an approach is particularly acceptable. Participation in the C5+1 format allows Dushanbe to further develop bilateral relations with Japan.

The official visit of President Emomali Rahmon to Japan provides additional momentum to these processes. The head of states participation in the summit and the holding of high-level bilateral meetings create conditions for new agreements and the identification of priorities for the medium and long term. For Tajikistan, this is an opportunity not only to reaffirm its interest in expanding cooperation but also to clearly define the areas in which Japanese experience and investment can yield the greatest impact.

Looking forward, TajikJapanese cooperation holds the potential to usher in large-scale investment programs, foster joint scientific and technological initiatives, and expand the involvement of Japanese businesses in pivotal sectors of Tajikistans economy. Within this framework, the development and training of national human resources will be a critical element for ensuring the sustainability and success of these collaborative efforts.

The "Central Asia + Japan" format is emerging as a key platform for harmonizing national strategies and fostering a unified approach to address transboundary challenges. For Tajikistan, a nation that actively champions water and climate issues on the global stage, Japans engagement in these initiatives enhances its impact, while also increasing the prospects of securing vital resources and advanced technologies.

In this light, President Emomali Rahmon's visit to Japan, along with Tajikistan's participation in the inaugural C5+1 summit, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of TajikJapanese relations. These relations are increasingly shifting from traditional aid-based assistance to more dynamic, partnership-oriented collaboration. For Tajikistan, this shift not only provides an opportunity to enhance its international standing but also catalyzes accelerating domestic reforms by leveraging the experience and expertise of one of the worlds foremost nations.
On December 17, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan), with the support of Yelo Bank, successfully hosted the Next-Gen Finance Forum: Innovation, Technology & Inclusion.



The forum aimed to discuss the role of innovation, technology, and inclusion in the financial sector, while providing a platform to exchange views on emerging trends, future challenges, and opportunities. The event brought together industry leaders and international experts to highlight perspectives within a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.



Distinguished speakers addressed the forum:



- Inna Ozhogina, Country Manager for Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Mongolia at Amazon Web Services (AWS);

- Laksh Gangwani, Managing Director for Global Growth & Client Engagement at ViewTrade Holding Corporation;

- Edgar Abdullayev, Managing Director at United Payment Azerbaijan and Chairman of the Executive Board of AzFINA.



They shared insights on the impact of artificial intelligence on financial services, new trends in wealth management, and the role of digital platforms in shaping the future of finance.



The second part of the forum featured a panel discussion moderated by Vugar Namazov, CEO of Unicapital Investment Company and Deputy Chairperson of the AmCham BFI Committee. The panel explored the practical applications of financial technologies and opportunities for inclusive finance. At the end of the session, participants engaged in an open dialogue, posing questions directly to the speakers.



For Yelo Bank, supporting this forum represents an important step in promoting innovative approaches and advancing inclusivity in the financial sector. The Bank remains committed to delivering convenient, modern, and accessible financial solutions to its customers.



Need more information about our banking services? Then call 981 or visit our Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, or yelo.az accounts.



Yelo Bank  Brighter Banking!
Dec 16 (Reuters) - Blackstone is leading a $400 million investment in Cyera that values the Israeli data-security startup at $9 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Cyera, founded in 2021 and backed by venture capital firms Sequoia Capital and Accel, has an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform.

More from Yahoo Scout What makes Cyera worth $9 billion in latest funding? What growth metrics justify Cyera's rapid valuation increase? Who are the key investors backing Cyera's expansion? How has AI adoption driven cybersecurity investment demand?

Existing investors plan to participate in the new investment round, the report said.

Alternative asset manager Blackstone and Cyera did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

Cyera had raised $540 million in a funding round in June this year that doubled its valuation to $6 billion.

The rapid adoption of AI has resulted in companies spending more to protect their systems from hack, leading to higher demand for firms such as Cyera that provide data security using its AI-driven platform.

In June, the company said it posted 353% growth in Fortune 500 companies over the past 18 months, expanded to 10 countries and more than doubled its size to nearly 800 employees globally. In that time, it raised $1.3 billion and its valuation jumped 12 times.

(Reporting by Anusha Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Subhranshu Sahu)
Latvia has announced the allocation of EUR 200,000 to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze announced this on the social media platform X, Ukrinform reports.

"Latvia is contributing EUR 200,000 to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. Russia is weaponizing winter - we must urgently step up support for Ukraine's energy sector. Ukraine's security is our security," Braze said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Luxembourg's government allocated EUR 10 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. Germany will also increase its contribution to the fund by EUR 100 million, bringing the total to EUR 550 million.
The Digital Security Lab (DSL) of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), together with the Eastern European organization RESIDENT.NGO has identified ResidentBat spyware on the smartphone of a journalist who the Belarusian KGB had previously interrogated.

RSF reported this, according to Ukrinform.

As noted, prior to the interrogation at the KGB, the journalist was asked to place their smartphone in a locker. During the interrogation, the individual was required to show a KGB officer the contents of the device and unlock the phone in the officers presence. The device was then returned to the locker. The journalist believes that KGB officers observed the PIN code being entered and, while the interrogation was ongoing, retrieved the smartphone from the locker and installed the spyware.

Several days later, antivirus software on the device detected suspicious components, prompting the journalist to contact RESIDENT.NGO, which conducted a technical analysis.

According to the experts findings, ResidentBat allows access to sensitive data on the phone, including call logs, microphone and screen recordings, SMS messages, locally stored files, and more. The spyware disguises itself as a regular application. Unlike well-known spyware such as Pegasus, this malware is installed after security service officers obtain physical access to the device. Reporters Without Borders advocates for an international ban on such invasive technologies.

This also shows that the Belarusian government will stop at nothing to silence its critics. Thirty-three journalists are imprisoned, hundreds have been forced to leave the country, and those journalists and opposition figures who remain are subjected to years of surveillance, said RSF Executive Director Anja Osterhaus.

According to RSFs assessment, this spyware has likely been used by the Belarusian KGB for at least four years.

At the same time, it remains unclear who developed ResidentBat. There are indications that it may be a product not intended exclusively for use in Belarus or that it originates from a third party. RSF recalled that independent journalism is being suppressed in Belarus. Belarusian media workers face censorship, intimidation, violence, and arbitrary arrests. Currently, 33 journalists are imprisoned, and reports of torture are increasing.

As reported, on December 13, Aleksandr Lukashenko released 123 political prisoners, including journalist Marina Zolotova.

Photo: pixabay.com, illustrative
Lithuania will allocate 3 million over three years to the Create for Ukraine program, under which around 80 young professionals are expected to return to Ukraine.

This was reported by the Lithuania's government, according to Ukrinform.

As noted, the Create for Ukraine program aims to help address the shortage of qualified personnel in the public sector. Young Ukrainians currently living abroad will be able to join state institutions, where over the course of a year they will contribute to European integration, reforms, and the countrys economic recovery. Lithuania will finance their salaries, reducing financial risks both for returning specialists and for Ukrainian institutions.

The declaration on the implementation of the program was signed by Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene. The initiative builds on the experience of the Create for Lithuania program.

Read also: Lithuania to build military training ground in Suwaki Gap area

The pilot phase of the program, launched in 2024, has already enabled ten young professionals to return to Ukraine. The Lithuanian government expects that the three-year program will facilitate the return of about 75-80 specialists. With the support of other partners, the number of participants could increase to 250-300, significantly strengthening Ukraines preparation for membership in the European Union.

The program may also be integrated into a broader international initiative, opening opportunities for additional funding from EU countries and other international partners.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, on December 5, Lithuania, together with Canada and Sweden, joined a joint declaration on the establishment of the Ukraine Transport Support Fund (UTSF).
Agricultural Law Conference Guides Maryland Farmers Through Uncertain Times

Farmers, legal scholars, environmentalists, and state officials gathered in Annapolis on Nov. 10 for the 2025 Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference, where discussions centered on building resilient local food systems.

Left to right, Erin Duru, Del. Lorig Charkoudian, Nancy Nunn, and Megan Todd discussed food security in Maryland at the 2025 ALEI Conference.

During a pre-lunch address at the conference hosted by the University of Maryland Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI), Renee Laurent, JD, dean of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, acknowledged the challenges farmers face as they scramble to keep up with policy shifts affecting everything from global trade to SNAP benefits to climate-smart agriculture grants.

Its dizzying imagining how hard it would be to keep up with changes, Laurent said. That highlights just how really critically important the work of ALEI is.

The conference is an annual highlight for ALEI, a University of Maryland Strategic Partnership: MPowering the State (MPower) initiative that is a collaboration of Maryland Carey Law; the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland, College Park; and the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. Launched in 2013, ALEIs mission is to educate and serve Maryland family farmers by providing expert information and training on complex legal issues such as estates and trusts, regulatory compliance, and farm food safety.

Marylands Agricultural Priorities

In his keynote speech, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks outlined three priorities for Maryland agriculture. Conservation is paramount, he said, adding that the states Department of Agriculture will launch the Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming Program in 2026 to encourage farmers to increase conservation practices.

Agricultural literacy and food system resiliency round out the priorities, particularly relevant given recent SNAP benefit disruptions that caused payment delays and uncertainty for the 42 million Americans relying on nutrition assistance. Atticks pointed to lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, when supply chain failures left grocery stores empty while local farmers had abundant food.

Atticks noted improvements require changing the law. Its changing our food system, little tweaks here and there, like 20 percent buying local here, or one more school system decides to buy local there. Its decoding what they need.

Farmers and Food Security

Megan Todd, JD, senior research associate and managing director of ALEI at Maryland Carey Law, moderated a food security panel that explored the impact of federal policy changes as well as state and local solutions. She noted that over 600,000 Maryland residents who receive SNAP benefits were thrown into a period of nutritional uncertainty when benefits were disrupted during the federal government shutdown.

This is a very timely topic, not just because of the work that weve been doing, but for many other unfortunate reasons, Todd said. This situation that we have is truly unprecedented.

The panel featured Erin Duru, assistant director of Marylands SNAP-Ed program; Nancy Nunn, assistant director of the AGNR Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology; and Del. Lorig Charkoudian, District 20, Montgomery County, a longtime advocate for local food access and farm-to-school programs.

Through a Sustainable Agriculture and Education grant, Todd's team has provided technical assistance to help 26 Maryland farmers navigate the complex process of becoming authorized SNAP vendors. The work addresses both market access for farmers and food security for low-income residents.

Farmers that I work with are truly invested in their communities, Todd said. Theyre truly invested in the idea of helping to make the people in their community healthier, and that also comes with the benefit of supporting their business.

Charkoudian asked attendees how many were familiar with the Certified Local Farm and Fish Program enacted in 2022. A few raised their hands. It seems like such an obvious idea thats taken years and years, she said of the program she described as a work in progress.

The program is designed to increase economic participation of Maryland farms and seafood processors by requiring state agencies to purchase 20 percent of food from farms meeting Maryland nutrient management standards. If they dont use Maryland farmers, agencies must provide justification.

Were forcing the conversation, she said, noting that Maryland farmers have been boxed out of state procurement because they werent part of international distribution chains. Now were able to talk to a farmer who didnt get the contract, and it was because the sizes of the eggs didnt work for the prison system. So now we can start to look at the prison system rules about egg size and say, Do we really need that rule? 

A Farmers Perspective

VK Holtzendorf, owner of Red Top Farm and an 11-year conference attendee, emphasized the connection between food assistance programs and farm viability. Her 13-acre farm in southern Anne Arundel County specializes in winter greens.

During the pandemic, when her restaurant clients were shuttered, Holtzendorf provided produce to a local church food pantry. Police directed traffic as cars lined up for the distribution.

They were gone in an hour, and we just had no idea the demand, she said.

Holtzendorf noted that SNAP program disruptions create a ripple effect throughout the agricultural community.

When you threaten cuts, not only do you hurt the people who are using the SNAP benefits, but the farmers, too, she said.

Other panels addressed pressing farming and environmental issues including transmission line development across agricultural land, riparian buffers, solar energy expansion, Marylands new heat illness prevention standard and federal appropriations for USDA programs.

Paul Goeringer, JD, MS, LLM, AGNR principal faculty specialist and extension specialist, provided a comprehensive 2025 agricultural and environmental law update with an eye on changes coming in 2026. He discussed recent state right-to-farm rulings, evolving PFAS (so-called forever chemicals that build up in the environment and may be linked to certain health issues) litigation and regulation, and key legislative changes impacting agriculture.

MPowering the State

Laurent praised ALEIs ability to support Maryland agriculture through uncertain times.

By working together, our impact is so much larger than any of us working alone, she said. This partnership helps us to do that.

The MPower partnership has enabled the law school to expand clinical programs, host specialized events, and offer courses on agricultural law. Laurent noted particular success with the Brinsfield internship program, now in its seventh year, which assisted the Maryland Farm Bureau with local food procurement research during summer 2025.

It is very important for us that we create that next generation of ag lawyers who will spend their careers helping farmers, she said.\
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Nobel Foundation sued over Peace Prize to Venezuelas Opposition Leader

WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange has filed a criminal complaint against the Nobel Foundation for awarding the 2025 Peace Prize to Venezuelas Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado

Stockholm: WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange has filed a criminal complaint against the Nobel Foundation for awarding the 2025 Peace Prize to Venezuelas Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado.

Assange submitted the complaint at Swedens Economic Crime Authority and War Crimes Unit in Stockholm, where the Nobel Foundation is based.

In his complaint, Assange argued that Alfred Nobels will legally restricts Peace Prize funds to purposes that promote peace and bars their use to advance war or foreign military intervention.

Alfred Nobels endowment for peace cannot be spent on the promotion of war. Nor can it be used as a tool in foreign military intervention. Venezuela, whatever the status of its political system, is no exception, Julian Assange said in the complaint.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee had awarded Maria Corina Machado hailing her as "leader of the democracy movement in Venezuela" and "one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times".

While announcing the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize on October 10, the committee also said that Maria Corina met all three criteria stated in Alfred Nobels will for the selection of a Peace Prize laureate. The decision however had sparked outrage the day the announcement was made.

Assange however said the Nobel Foundation's decision to award Machado the Nobel Peace Prize was against Alfred Nobel's will.

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British energy company bp has appointed Meg ONeill as its next CEO, effective from 1 April 2026.

ONeill is currently serving as CEO of Woodside Energy, an Australia-based independent oil and gas producer.

This announcement from bp follows Murray Auchincloss decision to step down as CEO and director of the board, with his departure effective from 18 December.

BPs supply, trading and shipping executive vice-president Carol Howle will serve as interim CEO until ONeill assumes the position.

Auchincloss will remain with bp in an advisory capacity until December 2026 to support the transition process.

BP chairman Albert Manifold said: We are delighted to welcome Meg ONeill to the bp team. Her proven track record of driving transformation, growth and disciplined capital allocation makes her the right leader for bp.

Her relentless focus on business improvement and financial discipline gives us high confidence in her ability to shape this great company for its next phase of growth and pursue significant strategic and financial opportunities.

Following a comprehensive succession planning process, the board believes this transition creates an opportunity to accelerate our strategic vision to become a simpler, leaner and more profitable company.

Progress has been made in recent years, but increased rigour and diligence are required to make the necessary transformative changes to maximise value for our shareholders.

ONeill has been leading Woodside Energy as CEO since April 2021, after serving as chief operations officer (COO) and executive vice-president for development and marketing.

She joined Woodside Energy in 2018 after 23 years at ExxonMobil, where she held technical, operational and leadership roles.

ONeill is also chair of Australian Energy Producers and serves on the boards of the Business Council of Australia and the American Petroleum Institute.

During her tenure at Woodside, she oversaw the acquisition of BHP Petroleum International, which expanded the companys presence and asset portfolio.

ONeill notified the Woodside Energy Board of her resignation and her acceptance of the CEO role at bp. Woodside has named Liz Westcott as acting CEO, effective 18 December 2025.

Liz Westcott was previously COO at Energy Australia and spent 25 years at ExxonMobil in strategic planning, operations, project management, and technical and commercial leadership roles.

Meg ONeill said: bp plays a critical role in delivering energy to customers around the world. I am honoured to serve as the companys next CEO.

With an extraordinary portfolio of assets, bp has significant potential to reestablish market leadership and grow shareholder value.
A mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on 13 December 2025 left two students dead and nine others wounded, triggering an ongoing search for the person responsible. The attack occurred during final examinations in the Barus & Holley Engineering and Physics Building, and authorities have released images and video of a person of interest. The gunman's identity remains unknown.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Providence Police, have appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the suspect. The FBI has offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to an arrest or conviction. Officials have emphasised that the investigation is ongoing and that no suspect has been named or taken into custody.

Meanwhile, unverified claims have spread online suggesting that the shooter was a student whose social media accounts and university profiles have disappeared. There has been no confirmation of this, and experts have cautioned against drawing conclusions from online speculation in high-profile cases.

The Shooting and Ongoing Investigation

The attack took place at around 4:05pm local time in a crowded classroom, during a review session for final examinations. Two students were killed and nine others injured, according to authorities. The deceased have been identified as 19year-old sophomore Ella Cook, described by friends as a passionate student and community leader, and 18year-old freshman Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, who had aspired to be a doctor, according to CBS News.

Police and federal agents have released images and surveillance footage of a male individual of average height and build, wearing dark clothing and a face covering. Investigators have said the person may be connected to the shooting, but his identity remains unconfirmed. Authorities have urged anyone with video or photographic evidence from the scene to come forward.

FBI agents and analysts are working closely with law enforcement partners to track leads and gather intelligence to identify the person responsible for the mass shooting that occurred at Brown University. Members of the #FBI Evidence Response Team and specialists from the FBI pic.twitter.com/DQw92SRWoS  FBI (@FBI) December 16, 2025

ENHANCED VIDEO: We are releasing an enhanced video of the person of interest in the Brown University incident. Footage was captured on the East Side of Providence on Saturday afternoon before the incident.



Please share widely and contact the official tip line if you have pic.twitter.com/mewBSflOiO  Providence Police (@ProvidenceRIPD) December 16, 2025

Suspect Detained and Released

In the immediate aftermath, a man believed to be a person of interest was detained at a hotel some distance from campus. Authorities later released him after determining there was no evidence linking him to the shooting. Providence's mayor and the state attorney general reiterated that the search for the shooter is ongoing, and that residents should remain vigilant and support investigative efforts, according to ABC11 News.

Despite the absence of an official identification, social media users have circulated speculation about a student's disappearance from university digital platforms. Law enforcement and university officials have not verified these claims. Experts have warned that such narratives can spread quickly in rapidly evolving situations where confirmed information is limited.

 BREAKING: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha asked about Mustapha Kharbouch  the pro-Palestine activist whose Brown University profiles were mysteriously scrubbed today.



AG explodes at reporters asking about him: "You're playing a dangerous game



Why the rage? pic.twitter.com/DfcHs5ZDKn  Alec Lace (@AlecLace) December 16, 2025

Campus and Community Response

Brown University cancelled classes and examinations following the attack, and a memorial has been established for the victims. University president Christina Paxson and other officials expressed profound sorrow at the loss of life and praised the efforts of first responders and community members.

Why don't you release a statement on why Brown University is actively scrubbing all information on student Mustapha Kharbouch? pic.twitter.com/CGZJapzKse  Tony Kinnett (@TheTonus) December 16, 2025

Umm, why did @BrownUniversity just scrub its entire website of Mustapha Kharbouch (Free Palestine, LGBTQ activist)? pic.twitter.com/GjnJ9vxmjS  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) December 16, 2025

Students have described feelings of shock and insecurity, with some recounting experiences of barricading themselves in buildings during the attack. Questions have been raised about campus security and the communication of emergency alerts, and authorities have stated they are reviewing procedures alongside the ongoing investigation.

As the search enters its fourth day, law enforcement continues to pursue credible leads that could identify the person responsible. The focus remains on both supporting the Brown University community and ensuring that accurate information is shared as the investigation progresses.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
The Department of Education released a troubling update this week, revealing significant delays in processing student loan forgiveness applications, with massive backlogs continuing to grow despite court-ordered progress requirements.

The Monday filing, submitted to a federal district court overseeing a settlement with the American Federation of Teachers, shows that over 802,000 income-driven repayment applications remain pending, while the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Buyback backlog has now reached 80,210 requests.

Student Loan Processing

The update marks the first time in months the department has provided detailed statistics on forgiveness processing. In November alone, the department processed 245,441 IDR applications, yet the backlog remains substantial after peaking at nearly two million earlier this year.

More concerning to borrowers and advocates, the department approved loan discharges for only 170 borrowers throughout November, all enrolled in the Income-Based Repayment plan, according to Forbes.

No discharges were granted for loans under the Income-Contingent Repayment or Pay As You Earn plans, despite the department's October commitment to resume processing forgiveness for these programs as part of its settlement agreement with the AFT.

The court filing revealed that department systems are currently configured to verify eligibility exclusively for IBR discharges, with programming for other IDR plans still in development. The National Student Loan Data System will not regularly assess eligibility for these additional plans until February 2026.

The department emphasized that the volume of applications processed monthly may not correspond to the number of discharges issued, as borrowers can opt out of an IDR discharge during a two-month notification period.

Critical information remains missing from the filing. Under the October agreement with the AFT, the department was supposed to provide data on the number of IDR applications received, discharges processed, and specific approval or denial figures for applications.

The absence of this data has raised concerns among advocates who argue that approval and denial information is vital for evaluating the department's progress. Without transparency, the department could deny every incoming application and label them as processed, though there is no evidence that this is happening.

The PSLF Buyback situation presents an even more alarming picture. Despite consistently processing between one and three thousand applications monthly, the backlog surged from approximately 49,000 in April to over 74,000 by September. The department's latest filing shows the backlog has now climbed to 80,210, even after processing 2,960 applications in November.

The rate of incoming applications continues to exceed the processing rate, with nearly 7,000 new PSLF Buyback applications submitted last month alone, CNBC reported. At the current pace, it would take the department 27 months to clear the existing backlog, not accounting for new applications that borrowers submit each month.

Millions of Borrowers at Risk

The processing delays come as approximately seven million borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan face an uncertain future. The Education Department announced a proposed settlement agreement with Missouri on December 9 that would end the program pending court approval.

Under the settlement, the department will not enroll new borrowers in SAVE, will deny pending applications, and will transition all SAVE borrowers into other available repayment plans.

The department has not specified a timeline for this transition, but the situation, combined with the anticipated introduction of a new Repayment Assistance Plan later next year, could significantly exacerbate the application backlog for IDR plans and PSLF Buyback, further complicating circumstances for borrowers seeking lower payments and eventual loan forgiveness, as per the Department of Education.

Originally published on parentherald.com
An MIT professor was shot and killed at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts, on Monday night, prompting a major homicide investigation and shocking a community known for its safety.

Nuno Loureiro, 47, the director of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the foyer of his apartment building on 15 December. He died in the hospital the following morning. Authorities have not yet made any arrests or announced a motive for the killing.

Details of the Attack

Brookline police received calls reporting gunshots at approximately 20:30 on Monday evening. When they arrived at the apartment building on Gibbs Street near Coolidge Corner, they found Loureiro with several gunshot wounds. Paramedics transported him to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on Tuesday morning.

Deputy Superintendent Paul Campbell told reporters that no arrests have been made. The Norfolk District Attorney's office confirmed that it is 'an active and ongoing homicide investigation' but stated that no other details would be released at this time.

A Leading Figure in Fusion Science

Loureiro was a prominent figure in fusion science. He had been appointed director of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Centre in May 2024. The centre is one of the university's largest labs, with over 250 researchers and staff. He also held teaching positions in both the Nuclear Science and Engineering and the Physics departments.

Originally from Viseu, Portugal, Loureiro completed his undergraduate degree in Lisbon before earning his PhD at Imperial College London in 2005. He joined MIT in 2016. His research focused on plasma behaviour and fusion science, intending to develop clean energy from fusion reactors.

MIT confirmed his death Tuesday. 'Sadly, I can confirm that Professor Nuno Loureiro, who died early this morning, was a current MIT faculty member,' said spokesperson Kimberly Allen. 'Our deepest sympathies are with his family, students, colleagues, and all those who are grieving.' The university's providing support for people who knew him.

In January, Loureiro received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from President Joe Biden, one of the highest honours in American science. He was nominated for his work on how magnetic fields are generated in the universe. He had previously won the American Physical Society's Thomas H. Stix Award in 2015 and the NSF CAREER award in 2017.

Community in Shock

Anne Greenwald, a resident of the area for 40 years, told reporters she and her husband heard what sounded like shots on Monday evening. 'He had a young family, they went to school here,' she said. 'It's horrible, very scary.'

Another neighbour said he heard 'three loud bangs' and initially thought someone was kicking a door. 'I called the neighbours and they said no, they thought it was gunshots,' he told CBS News.

County records show Loureiro owned a unit in the building at 9 Gibbs Street. After the shooting, local schools put extra police officers around to reassure parents and kids, though officials said there's no ongoing threat to the community.

BREAKING: MIT professor shot, killed at his Massachusetts home, 'active and ongoing homicide investigation,' prosecutors say pic.twitter.com/BcW075WEnW  Fox News (@FoxNews) December 16, 2025

International Shock and Ongoing Investigation

The US Ambassador to Portugal, John J Arrigo, said in a statement: 'I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Nuno Loureiro, who led MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center,' he wrote. 'We honor his life, his leadership in science, and his enduring contributions.'

Brookline police are working with Massachusetts State Police, MIT police and the Norfolk District Attorney's office on the investigation. They are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
Steven Bialostok, an anthropologist and professor of elementary and early childhood education in the University of Wyoming College of Education, has published a new book that examines community, belonging and cultural continuity through the everyday practice of playing dominoes.





Playing to the End: Elder Black Men, Placemaking, and Dominoes in Denver, published by the University of Nebraska Press, draws on five years of ethnographic fieldwork with a group of Black elders who have gathered, some since the 1960s, to play dominoes five nights a week in a dedicated room inside a small city recreation center in Denver, Colo.





Located in a historically Black neighborhood undergoing rapid gentrification, the recreation center has long served as a social and cultural anchor. Through close attention to the mens nightly games -- marked by competition, storytelling, humor and spirited verbal exchange -- Bialostok shows how these practices extend far beyond leisure.





The room where they play functions as a site of collective placemaking, where Black identity, memory and community are actively sustained and reaffirmed, Bialostok says.





In the face of displacement and the steady erosion of cultural spaces, the dominoes room emerges as a sanctuary of joy and continuity, asserting the mens enduring presence, significance and right to belong in the neighborhood.





More information about Playing to the End is available at www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/9781496244963/playing-to-the-end/.
With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart , which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

Crowdfunding refers to the practice of funding a project by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people. Through a crowdfunding platform, you can buy a percentage of physical real estate  from rental properties to commercial properties.

For those who feel deterred by these risks, you still have options. Thankfully, there are ways to invest in real estate without the trials that can come with property and tenant management.

While the real estate market remains hot across the US, average investors are increasingly worried about the hassles of being a landlord, and the potential for falling victim to scams like these.

Mathis criticized Californias legal system for making evictions difficult and costly, arguing that it unfairly protects squatters while disregarding the struggles of landlords.

Property manager Barry Mathis, hired to assist with the eviction, called the Figueroas professional deadbeat tenants who exploit the system.

The Moriartys were stuck paying the mortgage on their investment property out of their own pockets, so they reached out to their real estate agent, Gary Meek, for help. Meek told ABC10 hes had hours of conversations with Karen  frustrated, upset, crying.

Approaching retirement with no savings? Dont panic, you're not alone. Here are 6 easy ways you can catch up (and fast)

Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake  heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP

Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100  and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how

Karen and Skip Moriarty, landlords from Fair Oaks, rented their home to Ann and Mario Figueroa, who appeared trustworthy and provided necessary documents. They handed over the keys in August 2022, but issues began almost immediately. The Figueroas were late with rent from September to December due to alleged personal tragedies, and then stopped paying altogether.

A Sacramento couple fell victim to serial squatters who left their property in disrepair after months of living rent-free.

Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below.

Story Continues

Simply answer a few questions  including how much you would like to invest  to start browsing their full list of available properties.

Read more: Warren Buffett used 8 solid, repeatable money rules to turn $9,800 into a $150B fortune. Start using them today to get rich (and stay rich)

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In today's dynamic housing market, many regions are experiencing sizable price increases. By investing in home equity, you can capitalize on this upward trend without the massive down payment nor the traditional responsibilities of homeownership. This strategy can be particularly attractive in places with strong economic growth, job markets, and demographic shifts that are driving demand for housing.

But, if buying property is out of reach for you right now, there are still ways to invest in the appreciating value of U.S. homes in some of the countrys biggest markets.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund  without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets. If youre not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allow you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

REITs and ETFs

Investing in a real estate investment trust (REIT) allows you to benefit from the real estate market without the hassles of property ownership, such as tenant management or maintenance issues.

Another easy way to invest in real estate is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which offer a diversified portfolio of stocks. ETFs trade on major exchanges, making them easy to buy and sell, with options ranging from passive index tracking to active management.

Need some guidance before deciding which trades to make?

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With their easy-to-understand formats, you can become a wiser investor in just five minutes, backed by a 30-day money back guarantee.

Become a real estate mogul

Mogul is a real estate investment platform offering fractional ownership in blue-chip rental properties, which gives investors monthly rental income, real-time appreciation and tax benefits  without the need for a hefty down payment or 3 A.M. tenant calls.

Founded by former Goldman Sachs real estate investors, the team hand-picks the top 1% of single-family rental homes nationwide for you. Simply put, you can invest in institutional quality offerings for a fraction of the usual cost.

Each property undergoes a vetting process, requiring a minimum 12% return even in downside scenarios. Across the board, the platform features an average annual IRR of 18.8%. Their cash-on-cash yields, meanwhile, average between 10 to 12% annually. Offerings often sell out in under three hours, with investments typically ranging between $15,000 and $40,000 per property.

Every investment is secured by real assets, not dependent on the platforms viability. Each property is held in a standalone Propco LLC, so investors own the property  not the platform. Blockchain-based fractionalization adds a layer of safety, ensuring a permanent, verifiable record of each stake.

Getting started is a quick and easy process. You can sign up for an account and then browse available properties. Once you verify your information with their team, you can invest like a mogul in just a few clicks.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
We came across a bullish thesis on The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated on Stock Picker's Journeys Substack by Gregg Jahnke. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on CAKE. The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated's share was trading at $49.15 as of December 16th. CAKEs trailing and forward P/E were 14.94 and 12.29 respectively according to Yahoo Finance.

Pixabay/Public Domain

The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated operates and licenses restaurants in the United States and Canada. CAKE, led by founders son David Overton, has navigated a challenging restaurant industry successfully over the past decade, yet its stock has underperformed the S&P 500 by nearly 300%, largely due to excessive valuations a decade ago when it was a favorite among growth investors.

Despite this, CAKE remains an understandable and well-run business, making it appealing in a mid-cap value portfolio where at least one restaurant stock is often warranted. The company is projected to earn $4.00 per share in 2026 and conservatively $5.00 by 2030; applying a 15x multiple suggests a potential target of $75, modestly above its current $50 stock price, with a 2% dividend yield.

While upside may be limited under base assumptions, the story carries low risk: net debt is only around 1x EBITDA, and the stock trades near the midpoint of its $30$70 range. Analyst sentiment is tepid, with 9 buys, 7 holds, and 4 sells, reflecting market caution. A key potential misperception lies in CAKEs incubator brands, North Italia and Flower Child, which have not yet delivered standout performance but could surprise if one gains traction.

Off-premises sales, driven by DoorDash, account for 21% of revenue, and dessert sales remain steady at 17%, while the new Bites and Bowls menu shows promising adoption. Founder Overton retains about 5% ownership, and value investor Ron Baron holds 2.5%, suggesting alignment with long-term shareholders. Overall, CAKE offers a stable, understandable business with modest growth potential, limited downside, and a latent upside catalyst in its incubator concepts, making it a cautious yet intriguing consideration for investors seeking exposure to the casual dining sector.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated (CAKE) by TyNads in May 2025, which highlighted its transformation into a multi-brand platform, stable profitability, and underappreciated growth assets like North Italia and Flower Child. The stock has depreciated approximately by 1% since coverage. The thesis still stands as CAKE maintains strong cash flow and growth potential. Gregg Jahnke shares a similar perspective but emphasizes historical undervaluation and potential upside from off-premises sales and menu innovations.
Ambassador Llewellyn says return of UK to the Erasmus scheme will strengthen ties between Britain and Italy.

The British ambassador to Italy on Thursday welcomed the excellent news that the UK will rejoin the European Unions Erasmus student exchange scheme in 2027.

Ambassador Ed Llewellyn said the return of the UK to Erasmus will open the door to Italian students to study in the UK as well as providing the opportunity for British students to study in Italy.

This programme will strengthen the ties between our young people, our citizens, and the friendship between our countries, Llewellyn said in Italian in a post on X, hailing the news as a Christmas present.

Erasmus - ottima notizia: il Regno-Unito rientrera nel programma  #Erasmus pic.twitter.com/woqorS7Z9u  Ed Llewellyn (@EdLlewellynFCDO) December 18, 2025

The youth exchange programme allows students to attend a foreign university in another European country for up to one year as part of their degree courses without paying extra fees.

The widely welcomed move, which will take effect from 1 January 2027, comes after the UK ended its participation in the EU-wide scheme in 2020 after Brexit.

The British government on Wednesday said that rejoining the scheme was a huge win for young Britons, and will ensure that everyone, from every background, has the opportunity to study and train abroad.

The groundwork for Britains return to Erasmus was laid during a summit between British and EU leaders in May, in which both sides agreed to deepen our people-to-people ties, particularly for the younger generation.

Launched in 1987, Erasmus is now considered the most important educational community experience in the world and has sent millions of young people abroad to study throughout Europe.

Sofia Corradi, the Italian academic who founded the programme and was known as Mamma Erasmus, died in Rome two months ago aged 91.
Consultants have been appointed to take the lead in the design of energy upgrades for one of County Waterford's leading leisure and tourism attractions.

On Wednesday, December 17th, Waterford City and County Council signed contracts with construction consultants, Rogerson and Reddan Ltd., who following a competitive procurement process were appointed as lead design team for energy upgrades at Splashworld, Tramore.

The works, which are due to start in November 2026, will include full decarbonisation of the building with the removal of gas-fire heating, which will be replaced with air-sourced heat pumps.

A spokesperson for the local authority said other upgrade measures will include the installation of new windows and doors, ventilation system upgrades, insulation upgrades, pool pump upgrades and a solar PV installation.

The works wlll be part-funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the Pathfinder program, and by Waterford City and County Council.

The decarbonisation of Splashworld will contribute to meeting Waterford City and County Councils commitment to reducing its CO2 emissions by 51 per cent by 2030.

Speaking at the signing of contracts, Gabriel Hynes, Director of Services with Waterford Council noted that the upgrade works represent an "exemplar project" that will clearly demonstrat how innovative renewable and energy-efficient technologies can be successfully deployed as direct, practical replacements for traditional fossil fuel systems.

He said the scheme highlights what is currently achievable, using proven low-carbon solutions, while also delivering long-term environmental and operational benefits.

Mr. Hynes said: This decarbonisation project also forms a key part of the Councils wider commitment to tackling climate change and supports its strategic ambition to fully decarbonise."

"By transitioning away from fossil fuels for heating and hot water, the project makes a significant contribution towards the Councils target of removing all fossil fuel use from Council-owned, non-domestic buildings by 2028," he said.

Meanwhile, Paul Ennis, Manager of Splashworld added: I am delighted that the SEAI Pathfinder Programme is supporting this major energy upgrade. It will reduce our energy use and emissions while ensuring that local families, schools, clubs, and visitors can continue to enjoy a safe, welcoming, and sustainable facility."

Splashworld is at the heart of our community and a key part of Tramores tourism, so these improvements benefit everyone and help secure the future of a facility were all proud of," he said.
Three people were arrested following a 4 million drugs seizure in the south east.

As part of an intelligence-led operation, over 4 million in suspected cocaine was seized and three people arrested on Wednesday, December 17, in the Eastern Region.

A spokesperson for the Gardai said as part of Operation Tara and ongoing investigations targeting organised crime activity an operation was put in place with personnel attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and the Revenue Customs Service.

"This operation involved searches of a business premises in Co. Kildare and residential addresses in Co. Wexford, supported by personnel from the Eastern Region," said the spokesperson.

The searches resulted in the seizure of a total of 58kg of suspected cocaine, with an estimated value of 4,060,000 (subject to analysis).

Two males, aged in their 30s and 40s, and one female in her 40s, were arrested pursuant to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 in relation to facilitating and enhancing drug trafficking activities for an organised crime group.

The three arrested are currently detained pursuant to the provisions of Section 50 of Criminal Justice Act 2007 at Garda Stations in Kildare and Dublin.

The drugs seized will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

The searches resulted in the seizure of a total of 58kg of suspected cocaine, with an estimated value of 4,060,000 (subject to analysis). Pic: An Garda Siochana

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Cheniere Energy, Inc. (NYSE:LNG) is one of the Undervalued Stocks with Biggest Upside Potential. The share price of Cheniere Energy, Inc. (NYSE:LNG) has decreased by more than 10.4% since the release of its fiscal Q3 2025 results on October 30. However, Wall Street maintains a positive outlook on the stock with analysts 12-month price target reflecting 44.17% upside from the current level. Recently, on December 12, Jean Ann Salisbury reiterated a Buy rating on the stock, but lowered the price target from $274 to $271.

The demand for LNG also remains strong, and exports hit an all-time monthly high in November, marking the second straight month of record exports. According to a report by Reuters released on December 1, the United States shipped around 10.9 million metric tones of LNG in November, up from 10.1 million metric tones in October 2025. Cheniere Energy, Inc. (NYSE:LNG) remained the largest LNG exporter from the US with 4.6 million metric tones of LNG shipments, up from 4.1 million metric tones during the last month.

As per the report, the increase in LNG exports is mainly due to cooler weather and robust output from the United States top producers. Moreover, demand from Europe also remains robust as the continent received 70% of the US LNG in November, translating to 7.5 million metric tones. This figure was up 69% month-over-month.

Cheniere Energy Inc. (NYSE:LNG) is an energy infrastructure company that engages in the liquefied natural gas/LNG related businesses in the US.

While we acknowledge the potential of LNG 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.
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Updated BusinessCompaniesMergers & acquisitions Huge conflict of interest: Trumps $600 million windfall after nuclear deal Matt O'Brien and Jennifer McDermott Updated December 19, 2025  3:21am ,first published 2:40am 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 parent company of US President Donald Trumps Truth Social media platform is merging with a fusion power company, an unusual pairing of the Trump name with a futuristic clean energy venture that aims to power the next wave of artificial intelligence. Trump Media & Technology announced its merger with TAE Technologies in an all-stock deal that the companies said was valued at more than $US6 billion ($9.1 billion). Donald Trump is by far the largest stakeholder in Trump Media, owning 41 per cent of all outstanding shares. AP The combined company says it plans to find a site and begin construction next year on the worlds first utility-scale fusion power plant, with aims to provide the electricity needed for artificial intelligence. Nuclear fusion is seen as a promising solution to climate change caused by burning fossil fuels, but one that is a long way off compared to todays clean technologies like wind and solar. It will need huge investment as well as regulation to advance, which makes Trumps ties a major conflict, said Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer in the George W. Bush administration. Hes jumping into this industry just like he jumped into cryptocurrency a couple of years ago, Painter said. Just as the United States government is gonna get all involved in it. And its so obvious that theres a huge conflict of interest.

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Devin Nunes, the Republican congressman who resigned in 2021 to become the chief executive of Trump Media, will be co-CEO of the new company with TAE CEO Michl Binderbauer. Related Article Analysis

Russia-Ukraine war Putins war chest struck with a double blow Shares of Trump Media & Technology have tumbled 70 per cent this year but jumped 34 per cent in afternoon trading on Thursday. Trump is by far the largest stakeholder in Trump Media, owning 41 per cent of all outstanding shares. The share surge has added about $US400 million ($605 million) to Trumps net worth, according to Forbes. Backed by Google and other investors, TAE is a private company and the merger with Trump Media would create one of the first publicly traded nuclear fusion companies.

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Were taking a big step forward toward a revolutionary technology that will cement Americas global energy dominance for generations, Nunes said in a prepared statement. TAE focuses on nuclear fusion, a technology that combines two light atomic nuclei to form a single heavier one. It releases enormous amount of energy, a process that occurs on the sun and other stars, according to the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency. TAE and Trump Media shareholders will each own approximately 50 per cent of the combined company. Nuclear fusion is seen as a promising solution to climate change caused by burning fossil fuels, but one that is a long way off compared to todays clean technologies like wind and solar. AP In October, the US Department of Energy released what it called a road map for fusion technology, with the aim of fostering a burgeoning fusion private sector industry in the US toward maturity on the most rapid timeline. A number of tech companies, including Google, Microsoft and OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, have shown interest in fusion technology as a way of powering the energy-hungry data centres needed to build and run their AI products.

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Related Article Energy Wind and solar, and not nuclear, the key to cheaper energy: CSIRO Andrew Holland, chief executive of the Fusion Industry Association, said that a new source of funding and the creation of a publicly traded nuclear fusion company can only be positive because any technological breakthrough is a function of time and resources. It allows TAE to move forward and build its pilot plant, at a location still to be announced, as fast as they can, he added. Its exciting when any of our member companies raise new capital and secure their pathway towards building what is our ultimate goal, a fusion-powered future, Holland said. Fusion could meet the vast energy demands of AI, Holland said. He said that was because fusion was clean, safe, sustainable energy that, when commercialised, would be able to scale.

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Before this deal, $US10 billion had been raised globally by private fusion companies racing to make fusion commercially viable for the first time, Holland said. The vast majority of the fundraising and development is happening in the United States. Devin Nunes, the Republican congressman who resigned in 2021 to become the CEO of Trump Media, will be co-CEO of the new company with TAEs Michl Binderbauer. AP Holland said the Trump administration has said it strongly supports fusion, but has yet to make any new financial support available. In the associations surveys of the industry, companies are saying they expect to see fusion energy on the electricity grid in the 2030s, with most saying they expect it in the first half of the 2030s, Holland said. TAE and Trump Media say the transaction values each TAE common stock at $US53.89 per share.

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Alan Fletcher has played Neighbours resident GP Dr Karl Kennedy since 1994. He is the third-longest serving actor, after Home and Aways Ray Meagher and Lynne McGranger, on Australian TV. Before Neighbours aired its final episode last week, Fletcher spoke to National TV editor Louise Rugendyke about the shows end and what he would donate to a Neighbours museum. Hi Alan! How are you feeling about  another  end of Neighbours, only two years after Amazon revived it? Oh, Im very sad for fans and all the people who lost their jobs. Im sad for the industry thats lost the best television and film school we ever had. So yes, its a sad day, but at least when we got to the end of this batch of Neighbours, the extra two years that Amazon gave us, there was a lot to celebrate in that because we had crafted the best possible show we could have crafted. Getting a chance to revitalise the show between seasons was a game-changer. It made the show look better. We had diversity increases. It was fantastic. So, yeah, I feel a bit celebratory as well. Stefan Dennis, Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher in the final episode of Neighbours. I always think that was one of the things people underestimated about Neighbours  it is one of the most diverse shows on television. Im sure it was a conscious decision. The writers and the executive producer, Jason Herbison, were very much driven that way. That only reflects the way the industry is moving, you know? And its very crucial for our industry to reflect the diversity of our society in this television product. Youve been on the show since 1994, when Karl and Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) moved into Ramsay Street with their three children, Malcolm (Benjamin McNair), Libby (Kym Valentine), and Billy (Jesse Spencer). What do you think made the family such a hit with viewers?

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The Kennedy family gelled from the first day. None of us really knew each other, and the whole family became a unit very quickly, which is, I think, why the audience grew to love us and keep us on the show. I was blessed as an actor. Obviously, I was blessed mainly to work with Jackie Woodburne, whos one of my dearest friends. And she and I have a natural affinity when we work together. Related Article Streaming Yes, shes great in Love Actually. But Emma Thompson has only improved What do you think is in Karl and Susans special sauce? Because, honestly, I dont why she didnt kick Dr Karl out years ago after his multiple affairs and love child with Izzy. The one thing Susan knows is that despite his considerable flaws, Karl has a good heart, and he also loves his family dearly, and his family are his main priority in life. I think his inherent weaknesses are one of the things that endeared him to a lot of people. Come on, Alan, just say it  Karls inherent weakness is the ladies. Well, it was a long time ago [laughing]. These days, Karl suffers a lot from hubris. He would go and spontaneously write a cheque for a spectacular amount of money to be part of a fashion business, an investment that went, of course, pear shaped and lost the Kennedys a fortune. He is the sort of person who makes spontaneous and silly decisions a lot of the time because of his own hubris. Knowing what do about Dr Karl, would you pick him out of the phone book as your GP?

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Well, I think I would. Because the one thing about Karl is that he was deeply caring of his patients and his medicine. But, you know, its hard to get away from the reputation that he killed Cheryl Stark [he gave her an overdose of morphine after a car accident]. So that might cause some people, if they were looking at the CV, to question whether he was the best man for the job. Alan Fletcher, playing Dr Karl Kennedy on the set of Neighbours, in 1998. Joe Castro Does part of you wish Neighbours was continuing? If it got picked up, lets say, by another streaming service, would you sign back on again? Im not sure if Id sign back on again. Ive had a good run  31 years  and Ive got a lot that I want to get on with. And Im not a spring chicken any more [Fletcher is 68]. But it would be my greatest hope that some form of Neighbours-ish type show could be re-created to please the audience. Australia has a paucity of work for people, crew and actors and Australians love Australian TV. So the more Australian TV we can create, thats more jobs, more skills. And, to really bawl about this, its great export earnings for the industry. You know, Neighbours made a lot of money for the Australian film and TV industry. Related Article Review What to stream this week: Michelle Pfeiffers festive comedy and five more picks Do you think Neighbours was taken for granted a little bit? I think people in Australia werent quite aware of the impact the show was having around the world. I mean, they vaguely heard about that. But to this day  the day of the show ends on December 11  there will be millions of people watching the program. This is not a program that died a natural death. The cost-benefit analysis of film and TV meant the show finishes. So thats whats sad, I suppose  its not as though the show ran out of an audience. Its just the way the world works.

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If you could donate anything to a museum from Neighbours, what would it be? I could donate Karl Kennedys debut, long-playing album from [his band] The Right Prescription. Fremantle Media were extremely generous to me, and they actually gave me Karl Kennedys guitar when I left. The Kennedy family (clockwise from top left): Malcolm (Benjamin McNair), Susan (Jackie Woodburne), Karl (Alan Fletcher), Billy (Jesse Spencer) and Libby (Kym Valentine). If you could craft a new life for Karl and Susan, where you would like them to end up? They would sail off into the sunset in a caravan, the two of them, and go on to have another rich life of adventures, travelling around Australia and then eventually the world. It would become a serialised television drama which would run for 20 years, and Jackie and I would eventually retire at the age of 95 having made another successful television program. For that to get made, I think youd have to start solving murders as well. Maybe Karl and Susan could make a guest appearance on Return to Paradise? Well, everyone is turning up on that.

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EnvironmentClimate changeClimate policy Interstate refugees: Why more Aussies are moving south Nick O'Malley December 19, 2025  2:45am 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

To Ellen Burbidge, it was as though the whole world was on fire. This was during the terrible summer of 2019. Before Christmas, shed visited a home in Gympie, north of Brisbane, and found herself helping to fill buckets of water in precaution as smoke appeared through the trees. Then she drove home, a thousand kilometres to the far South Coast of NSW. All the way, pyres from conflagrations consuming the eucalypt forests of the Great Dividing Range bled across the sky. Actor Ellen Burbidge, pictured here packing to move between houses in Hobart, sought refuge in Tasmania after surviving the 2019 fires on the NSW South Coast. Matthew Newtown On New Years Eve, she was evacuated from a campground at Mystery Bay near Tilba after her brother shook her awake in the early morning. The sky was pitch black, and only hours later would it penetrate the pall to become a dull red orb. She packed up and moved on to her parents home in Narooma, where the family listened to emergency reports on the ABC until the power failed. She recalls her four-year-old nephews fear and how shed put on a brave face. Dont be scared, shed told him, but stay close.

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Ellen Burbidge in Narooma during the 2019 fires. Ellen Burbidge They gathered her parents valuables and moved on to her grandfathers place further in town. They left her grandmothers ashes. She remembers how they stood in the driveway to say goodbye to her childhood home. Look after the place, Nan, she said. That night she crammed into a single room with her partner and her sister and her young family. They shut the doors and windows against the smoke and Burbidge remembers the air being close and thick. They took turns staying awake that night, patrolling for falling embers and spot fires. Burbidge hunkered down in Melbourne during COVID, and when the lockdowns ended moved to Tasmania with her new partner Edward, seeking refuge from a warming world.

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Hobart is almost famously known for its cooler climate, and we thought that it would be a safe place to go to if climate change gets worse, where we could put down roots and maybe start a family, she says. Burbidge is not alone. New research by Charles Sturt Universitys Professor Clive Hamilton shows that 14 per cent of Australians who have moved over the past six years say climate change influenced their decision. Of those who plan to move home in the coming year, 22 per cent say their decision is influenced by climate factors. When you ask people who have lived through extreme weather events the number rises to a third, according to the research, which is based on a Roy Morgan survey of 2000 respondents. Burbidge at home in Hobart. Matthew Newton Hamilton found that people who live in NSW, Brisbane, and regional Queensland are more likely than others to be driven to leave due to climate, and that 41 per cent named Tasmania as the state they thought would be safest in a warming climate, far ahead of other states.

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Their views are consistent with the federal governments own climate risk assessment of Australia, which finds the nations south-east to be safer as temperatures rise. Hamilton believes his new research highlights a blind spot in the governments response to climate change. When our leaders do address the climate crisis their focus is on mitigation  reducing greenhouse gas emissions to help slow global climate change. This is crucial, says Hamilton, but it ignores the fact that much warming is already locked in, and that Australia cannot protect itself with its own carbon pollution reductions. They are not talking about the change that is already coming down the highway, he says. He believes the government should be making climate adaptation more central to the national debate. Absent government leadership, he says, some people  those with means and climate education  are beginning to adapt their own way.

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Some, Hamiltons research shows, are already on the move, seeking refuge in parts of the country that are cooler, and in which they hope to be safer. (He admits he is among those who have bought land in Tasmania out of concern for the changing climate.) It is a process Hamilton expects will only accelerate, with profound demographic implications for Australia. The data illustrates striking differences in attitudes towards climate change in the community, he says. Related Article Analysis

Climate crisis Horrifying report paints grim picture of Australias future If theres half the population who are very worried about climate change, that is starting to take action in response, then youve got perhaps a quarter of the population who dont think its real and are therefore not going to do anything about it, you start to think about the implications. We might see Australians sorting themselves into different kinds of communities, ones that take climate change much more seriously, that build resilience in how they live in their homes, in their town planning, in their infrastructure, in their communities, and others where climate change is not taken seriously and which are therefore more severely buffeted by the extreme events that will increase in the coming decades.

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We may well see a kind of reshuffling of the Australian population where people who are more alert and more aware move towards climate-safe areas whereas others remain in places that are far more prone to the stress of climate change. When the exodus from the mainland to Tasmania comes, it will be led by people who are most worried about climate change, well-educated and left-wing. Jessie Bodor worked for a big law firm and lived on Sydneys lower north shore in 2019. She didnt feel any immediate threat when she saw singed leaves floating down on her from a sepia sky, but a terrible disquiet. When the following summers grew hotter she decided to move to Tasmania. Jessie Bodor, pictured with her dog George at Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay, in Hobart, moved south as Sydneys summers grew hotter. Matthew Newton. I think [a climate reshuffling] is already happening here. People are building highly connected communities where they share their experiences and their knowledge about climate, says Bodor, who now works for the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, a charity that buys and manages land for environmental protection.

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She says she has no regrets about leaving a lucrative job in a big law firm. In Tasmania, she says, she has not only escaped more intense heat, but with the TLC has found work relevant to climate action. Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood says the phenomenon of climate refugees, from what he cheerfully calls Tasmanias north island, is both well known and welcomed. It started as a movement of grey nomads coming down here for the climate that they felt would be more comfortable than Brisbane or Sydney, but it is now young professionals and families too. Ellen Burbidges nephew during the familys evacuation from Narooma. Ellen Burbidge We find that once people have decided they want to come here they also want to contribute to the community; it is beneficial. They are bringing their skills, bringing their families. Peter George, a former journalist who is now an independent MP in the Tasmanian state parliament, is not surprised by Hamiltons findings. George, who moved to Tasmania from Sydney in 2011 to escape ever-hotter summers, counts among his friends climate refugees from Western Australia and South Australia as well as the east-coast states.

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He says the influx will benefit Tasmania because climate refugees not only bring new wealth and new demand for services, but also new ideas to a political culture he believes has been stunted by closed networks holding power in the states parliament and bureaucracy. But George also sees evidence of tension. Like any change it will be uncomfortable, and at times confrontational. When you have run as far south as you can, you are brought face to face in the end with what is destroying our world. Richard Flanagan Island communities can be resistant to changes driven by outsiders, says George, and like other Australian capitals, Hobart is in the grip of a housing crisis. In Cygnet, the town south-west of Hobart where he lives, he knows families who have cashed in, selling off sections of farmland to mainlanders seeking refuge in cooler air as property prices surge, but who still feel discomfited by the social changes caused by the influx of newcomers.

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Chinese robotics manufacturers are set to cement their dominance in the global smart vacuum market with Picea Robotics' acquisition of Roomba maker iRobot, after the US firm's proposed sale to Amazon.com last year fell through due to regulatory hurdles.

China-based suppliers held the top five spots for worldwide smart robotic vacuum shipments in the first three quarters of 2025, led by Roborock with a 21.7 per cent market share, equal to 3.8 million units, according to data from research firm IDC.

Ecovacs vaulted into second place with a 14.1 per cent overall share, driven by a 27.7 per cent hike in shipments, while Dreame, with 12.4 per cent of the global market, dominated in Europe.

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Adopting a value-for-money strategy, Xiaomi maintained a 10 per cent share to take fourth place while Narwal rounded out the top five with a 7.5 per cent share.

Combined, the five Chinese brands took nearly 70 per cent of the global smart robotic vacuum market. Worldwide shipments rose 18.7 per cent year on year to 17.4 million units in the first three quarters of 2025, according to IDC.

Picea will acquire iRobot, the maker of the Roomba vacuum cleaner. Photo: Handout alt=Picea will acquire iRobot, the maker of the Roomba vacuum cleaner. Photo: Handout>

Picea's acquisition of iRobot comes after the US firm filed for bankruptcy protection on Sunday amid intense competition from Chinese rivals and mounting tariffs.

Shenzhen Picea Robotics and its subsidiary Santrum Hong Kong would take 100 per cent of the equity in iRobot after its ordinary shares were liquidated under a proposed Chapter 11 plan filed in Delaware. Picea was also iRobot's key lender and manufacturer.

iRobot said in a statement that it would continue operating, and that the bankruptcy process was expected to be completed by February 2026.

Last month, Santrum bought about US$191 million of iRobot's outstanding debt from the investment firm Carlyle Group. iRobot already owed Picea about US$161 million at the time.

Founded in 2016, Picea manufactures household appliances and specialised components for companies including GE, Xiaomi, Haier, Philips and Electrolux, at its research and development facilities and manufacturing centres in China and Vietnam. The company also competes directly in the consumer market with its own robotic vacuum brand, 3i, according to its website.
China has slapped import duties on EU pork for five years but at lower rates than the preliminary tariffs announced three months ago.

Effective from today (17 December), Chinas Ministry of Commerce has imposed duties ranging from 4.9% to 19.8% on EU pork and pork by-products in an anti-dumping dispute stretching back to June 2024.

China launched its initial investigation in the summer of 2024 claiming EU member states were exporting pork into the Asian country at prices that put local producers at an unfair advantage.

The probe had widely been seen as tit-for-tat measures by China in retaliation for the European Commission's decision to impose tariffs on imported Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEV).

Preliminary duties on EU pork were then imposed by China in September at rates varying from 15.6% to 62.4% with a final assessment of the investigation's findings due on 16 December.

The ruling report indicates that the relevant pork and pork by-products imported from the EU were being dumped, causing substantial damage to the domestic industry in China, a statement from Chinas Ministry of Commerce read.

Importers will receive refunds where the provisional deposits paid since September exceed the final anti-dumping duty rates.

During the period in which the duties are in force, "interested parties" may submit a written request to the investigating authority for a periodic review, the Ministry added.

In response, the European Commission (EC) accused China of using trade defence instruments.

An EC spokesperson said in a statement that the investigation is based on questionable allegations and insufficient evidence and the authority is now reviewing Chinas assessment against compliance with WTO rules.

It pledged to take all necessary steps to defend the rights of EU producers.

Some of Europe's major pork producers were identified in China's initial probe last year, including Danish Crown, Vion and Litera Meat.

Danish Crown said via a spokesperson at the time: Danish Crown has registered to participate in the investigation and submitted all relevant information to the investigating authority. As a global company with a large export of pork, Danish Crown is a strong supporter of free trade in a rule-based global community."

Following China's imposition of the preliminary duties in September, lobby group Copa and Cogeca said they strongly regret the decision by China as it will undoubtedly cause serious damage to European pig producers.

Copa and Cogeca had not responded to Just Food's request for comment on the final duty ruling at the time of writing today.
By Joe Cash

BEIJING, Dec 18 (Reuters) - China's Commerce Ministry said on Thursday that it had granted several general licenses for rare earth exports, a new category of permit that aims to speed up shipments of the vital elements.

Responding to a question from state media about reports that Beijing had issued some of the licenses for European firms, a ministry spokesperson said applications had been approved but did not specifically mention Europe.

More from Yahoo Scout How do general licenses aim to speed up shipments? What are China's new general licenses for rare earth exports? Which companies received China's rare earth export licenses? What is Europe's response to China's rare earth licensing system?

"Some exporters have already preliminarily met the basic requirements for applying for a general license," the spokesperson said at a regular weekly briefing. "As far as I know, some applications for general licenses submitted by Chinese exporters have already been received and approved."

Reuters has reported that suppliers to U.S. automaker Ford have received the new licenses. However, no European company has yet confirmed that they have received one.

European Commission trade chief Maros Sefcovic told Bloomberg television this week the bloc has heard reports of its companies receiving licenses but there were still few details.

(Reporting by Joe Cash; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Alison O'Riordan

Riad Bouchaker, who is charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin, is suffering from a mental disorder and is unfit to stand trial, his lawyers have argued before the Central Criminal Court.

A consultant forensic psychiatrist also said on Thursday that the accused man, who has a complex medical history, had suffered a brain injury "in the course of members of the public intervening" on the day of the alleged offence and had surgery on his brain some years before.

The defence expert witness said that, should the accused be deemed unfit to stand trial by the court, he would be reviewed on a six-month basis by the mental health criminal law review board.

Mr Bouchaker (51), of no fixed abode, is charged with the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, as well as with assault causing serious harm to a care worker. He is also charged with three counts of assault causing harm to two other young children and a passerby, who had intervened to assist, as well as one count of the production of a knife.

The incident occurred at Parnell Square East on the afternoon of November 23rd, 2023.

At the outset of today's hearing, Karl Finnegan SC with Carol Doherty BL, prosecuting, told Mr Justice Tony Hunt that the defence had brought an application as to the fitness of Mr Bouchaker to stand trial.

Counsel said there was a divergence between two expert witnesses in the case as to whether the accused is fit to stand trial or not.

CCTV footage

Counsel said there was CCTV footage showing what appeared to be an attack on a line of children who were about to progress to their creche. He said when the creche manager became aware of the alleged attack on the children, she had shouted and moved to protect them, but suffered a stab wound.

Mr Finnegan said four children had suffered stab wounds that day, and one of them had life-altering injuries. He said the scene was "one of chaos" at the time, and emergency services were called.

Counsel said the court would hear that Mr Bouchaker had a brain injury from a benign brain tumour some years ago. He said the accused was also found to have suffered a brain injury "in the course of members of the public intervening" on November 23rd.

A knife, the barrister said, was recovered from the scene, and the accused was brought to the Mater Hospital, where he remained for 28 days. Mr Bouchaker was arrested on December 20th, 2023 and interviewed by gardai.

Following this, a senior counsel acting for Mr Bouchaker asked the court to renew the District Court order, where legal representatives for the accused were prohibited from being named.

Mr Justice Hunt made that order and further outlined that the identities of the doctors giving evidence were also not to be named in media reports.

The judge added: "In the circumstances of this case, I don't want to run any risk of anyone coming to misguided harm because they are doing a job that someone has to do."

A lawyer for Mr Bouchaker said it was agreed between the parties that no one is canvassing for the defence of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Forensic psychiatrist

A consultant forensic psychiatrist told Mr Bouchaker's senior counsel that she had interviewed the accused man on five occasions over the last two years in the presence of an Arabic interpreter. She had access to the accused's substantial medical records, including those from the Mater, Beaumont and the National Rehabilitation hospitals.

During their meetings, Mr Bouchaker told the psychiatrist that he was born in Algiers in Algeria and that his father suffered from mental health difficulties.

The doctor said that the accused had a complex medical history including epilepsy, a left temporal lobe brain tumour and total blindness in his right eye.

She said the accused had surgery for a benign brain tumour in 2021 and a bone flap was removed a few months later due to infection. The witness said this meant that a section of his skull is missing, so he doesn't have a layer of protection over his brain, part of which is exposed. She said his seizures were due to non-compliance with medication.

During the interviews, the doctor said it seemed to her that Mr Bouchaker "didn't have the capacity to understand the serious nature of the charges or the matters before the court."

The doctor found that Mr Bouchaker was unable to focus on questions asked of him. His judgment is impaired, and his speech can be erratic, inconsistent and difficult to understand, she said.

The psychiatrist said the accused had moderate dementia due to a combination of a brain injury and a brain tumour. She said the head injury was sustained on November 23rd, 2023 and that surgical treatment had been carried out on his brain some years prior to this.

She said the accused had developed epilepsy, and his left temporal lobe was affected prior to November 2023. She found no evidence for epileptic automatism.

The psychiatrist said the accused suffered a traumatic brain injury from a physical altercation on the day of the alleged offences on November 23rd.

She said the trauma of the head injury was on the site where part of the accused's skull is missing, so he did not have any brain protection from the skull. "The trauma is on the tip of the site where his skull was already removed from previous surgery," she added.

She went on to say that doctors said the accused presented on November 23rd with a sustained head injury from a physical altercation with an associated loss of consciousness.

The psychiatrist noted that at the time of the offence, the accused met the criteria for mild cognitive impairment, but on assessment, he now has a moderate mental disorder as defined in the Criminal Law Insanity Act 2006.

Regarding the accused's fitness to stand trial, the doctor said he is suffering from a mental disorder and is unable by reason of that disorder to plead to the charge, understand the nature and course of the proceedings, instruct legal representatives, mount a defence, understand evidence or to challenge a juror if needed.

The doctor said the accused was unlikely to improve significantly over time and likely to remain highly dependent on doctors, nurses and treatment.

She agreed that Mr Bouchaker's only possible destination in the medium-to-long term would be the Central Mental Hospital (CMH).

The psychiatrist said that if the patient is admitted to the CMH in these circumstances, he would be treated by a multidisciplinary team.

The defence expert witness said if the accused is found unfit to stand trial, he would be reviewed on a six-month basis by the mental health criminal law review board.

The hearing was adjourned until January 19th next year, and the accused was remanded in custody until that date.
The fishing licence lottery system that is being proposed for the River Moy will "kill off angling" within its lengthy catchment and will create "war", according to a Foxford-based councillor.

Cllr Neil Cruise raised the matter at the December meeting of Mayo County Council, telling colleagues that "a dire situation [was] about to unfold in this county" due to a "very dangerous proposal" from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) for the River Moy.

"They are going to introduce a tag system that will be operated on a lottery basis for people to come and fish here from next summer. Only the people lucky enough to get a tag can fish on a catch-and-release system, but all our visitors who travel from all over are not going to come to the Moy for the upcoming season under this system.

"This is going to wipe out angling tourism in our area. The River Moy reaches up into Sligo as well as being so important to Mayo and this change has come about through mismanagement and improper information being supplied to the powers-that-be.

Cllr Cruise said spawning beds on the River Moy have been disappearing but the reason it is happening is because of very little effort from IFI, adding: If we are going to let a statutory body in this country close down our angling industry on one of the most prolific salmon fishing rivers in this country, it will be a terrible case for Mayo. This is very serious. This will wipe out international angling tourism into Mayo. Every predator is protected, from the seal to the cormorant, but nobody is protecting the angler and those the angler supports.

Cllr Chris Maxwell and Cllr Michael Burke supported Cllr Cruise in his criticism of IFI, with Cllr Burke stating: Their accountability in the past has been questioned at senior level. They are closing down the Cong hatchery. Their interest in Mayo fisheries is about as much as mine is in Cork Harbour.

Cllr John OHara said Ballina is known as the salmon capital of Ireland and the proposed tag system will be "the biggest disgrace". He believed the reason behind it was that the River Moy was being over-fished, but that it was the seals in the Moy Estuary that are responsible for this as well as the trawler fishing at sea.

If we get rid of anglers to the River Moy we are finished. It is very important for the whole of our county, he said.

Highlighting that a public consultation process remains open up to December 20 next, Cllr Cruise urged all public representatives and the wider public to make submissions opposing the plan.
A Mayo councillor is calling for a surge plan at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) in Castlebar to deal with the rising flu cases in the county.

Castlebar-based Independent Cllr Harry Barrett said the hospital is "already under severe pressure and the situation is becoming unsafe".

I have been contacted by staff who are deeply concerned about what is happening inside the hospital, he added.

The Independent councillor pointed to worrying trolley numbers and the impact on patients and their families.

These are not numbers on a page. These are mothers, fathers and grandparents left waiting for hours without the care and dignity they deserve.

"Leaving elderly patients on trolleys for more than six hours carries serious risks. Families are reporting confusion, distress and visible deterioration. Long periods on trolleys increase the chances of infection, dehydration and pressure sores. This is a danger to patient safety and it cannot be normalised."

He called on the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to intervene.

Flu season happens every year and this one is going to be particularly bad," said Cllr Barrett. "What people cannot understand is why there is still no clear surge response when the warning signs are obvious. Hospital staff are doing their best, but they are being stretched beyond what is reasonable.

I am also calling on the Minister for Health to use her powers to ensure Mayo University Hospital is made safe over the Christmas period. It's happening on her watch.
Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), the world's largest maker of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, has started deploying humanoid robots at scale within its Zhongzhou production base in Luoyang, a city in central Henan province.

The company on Wednesday described its deployment at scale as a "world's first", as humanoid robots built by start-up Spirit AI performed complex tasks with speeds that matched those of skilled human workers.

Spirit AI's Xiaomo robots have been assigned to plug in high-voltage battery connectors on the assembly line, according to CATL. This traditionally manual part of EV battery production had long been considered a security risk for human workers.

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Powered by CATL batteries, the Xiaomo robots are equipped with a Vision-Language-Action artificial intelligence model that enables them to recognise changes in their environment, such as a different plug-in position, and adjust their grip in real time.

Apart from achieving a 99 per cent success rate at its plug-in task on CATL's factory floor, Xiaomo's daily workload was also triple that of a human worker because these machines work without any breaks, according to the company.

CATL said it would further improve the level of automation and intelligence at its factories, while pushing for broader adoption of embodied AI - AI systems that are integrated into physical bodies, such as robots or autonomous machines.

A Xiaomo humanoid robot plugs in a high-voltage battery connector at a production line of Contemporary Amperex Technology. Photo: CATL alt=A Xiaomo humanoid robot plugs in a high-voltage battery connector at a production line of Contemporary Amperex Technology. Photo: CATL>

CATL's latest factory initiative underscored the growing use of intelligent Chinese-made robots in the country's manufacturing industry, accelerating automation and boosting efficiency in major enterprises.

A number of Chinese carmakers have already made a foray into humanoid robot manufacturing to sharpen their edge in the global EV supply chain.

State-owned Changan Automobile, for example, announced in late November its 225 million yuan (US$31.8 million) acquisition of a 50 per cent stake in Changan Tianshu Intelligent Robotics Technology. The carmaker said it would release its humanoid robot prototypes from 2026, as well as its first in-vehicle robot next quarter.
I was browsing online recently and came across the new National Security Strategy document just published by the Trump administration. To my surprise, I found myself nodding along to some content produced by an administration that I'd ordinarily dismiss without a second thought. It's the intellectual equivalent of discovering that the most insufferable person in the room has made an acute observation you can't rubbish, no matter how much you'd like to. I read it again, looking for the obvious flaw, the lightbulb moment that would allow me to discard the whole thing, but it stubbornly refused to materialise.

Trump's new National Security Strategy, released earlier this month with all the subtlety of a brick through a stained-glass window, has managed to say what much of Europe has been desperately trying not to think about. And that, more than anything else, is why it demands attention from anyone in Ireland or across the continent who cares about what comes next.

Our charming American friends have declared with considerable confidence that Europe faces what they term a civilisational erasure. We are facing not just unprecedented economic decline but something far more immediate and even existential. According to Washington's latest strategic thinking, the very foundations of European civilisation are crumbling: free speech, defined borders, cultural identity, the lot. If present trends continue, they argue, European nations will be unrecognisable within two decades.

Before the usual keyboard warriors start shrieking about racism and xenophobia, let's be clear about something. Trump's public record on truth, political consistency, and basic human decency are inglorious. His administration has its own rather spectacular problems with free speech, press freedom, and democratic norms.

But this scathing diagnosis might actually be accurate, even if it comes from a physician you wouldn't trust with a splinter.

Walk through Dublin, Paris, London, Brussels, or Stockholm today and compare them to what you remember from twenty years ago. The change isn't subtle, and it's not about immigration per se - Europe has always absorbed new people, new ideas, new blood. That's partly what made it European in the first place. What's different now is the scale, the speed, and perhaps most importantly, the total absence of any coherent plan for what comes next.

The starkly worded National Security Strategy document doesn't mince words about European migration policy, claiming it has strained domestic resources leading to increased violence and crime, a weakened social cohesion, distorted labour markets, and an undermining of national security. If you pause and listen, the collective gasp of outrage and faux disbelief from Brussels is almost audible. But is it actually wrong? Or is it simply saying what polling data across Europe has been suggesting for years - that ordinary people are deeply uneasy about the pace of change, while their leaders respond with platitudes and accusations?

Our charming American friends have declared with considerable confidence that Europe is facing not just unprecedented economic decline but something far more immediate and even existential. Illustration: Conor McGuire

What makes this particularly relevant for Ireland is that we've spent decades congratulating ourselves on not being Little England, on being welcoming and cosmopolitan and European with a capital E. And in many ways, we have been. But we've also been remarkably good at avoiding difficult conversations about integration, cultural cohesion, and what it actually means to be Irish in a rapidly changing world.

The birth rates are indeed collapsing across Europe. This isn't speculation or right-wing fantasy - it's demographic fact. Ireland's fertility rate has fallen, while Italy's is catastrophic. Spain's apocalyptic birth rate would make Malthus weep. And when you combine cratering birth rates with mass immigration, you get profound demographic transformation in the space of a generation or two. Whether you think that's wonderful or terrifying probably depends on where you live and what you've experienced, but pretending it's not happening is simply dishonest.

The American strategy points to something that European elites seem pathologically unable or unwilling to discuss. Our individual national identities matter. Our culture matters. The sense of continuity that links past to present to future matters. These aren't fascist sentiments but basic observations about how human societies function. If administrations actively strip away people's sense of cultural rootedness, they don't become enlightened cosmopolitans; they become angry and resentful and start voting for radical alternatives.

Anthony Smith, the eminent scholar of nationalism, argued that nations are rooted in what he called an "ethnie", a historic community with shared myths, memories, symbols, and cultures. He's not referring to the blood-and-soil visceral attachment to place but the emotional and cultural continuity that holds societies together. When that fragile core becomes invisible or is actively dismantled, it doesn't leave a vacuum; it's quickly replaced. Instead, we embrace a bland, corporate multiculturalism that nobody actually believes in or identifies with on any cultural level. It's a European identity that exists mainly in the imaginations of Brussels bureaucrats.

The strategy's critique of European censorship may be rich, coming from an administration that's cracking down on anything remotely critical of Israel, but the point lands. Speech restrictions are proliferating across Europe at an alarming rate. Our recent hate speech legislation, now thankfully shelved, was so broadly drafted that it could criminalise a pub argument. Germany arrests grandmothers for Facebook posts while Britain imprisons people for offensive tweets. This isn't protecting minorities; it's infantilising entire populations.

What's most striking about the American document is its absolute rejection of the post-war consensus that history had a direction, that Europe's social democratic model was the endpoint of human political evolution. Trump's people are basically stating that your model is dying, and you're in denial about it. They may not be wrong.

The Irish response to all this has been typically schizophrenic. We want to be progressive and European while also maintaining some connection to what makes Ireland Irish. We want open borders and cultural preservation. We want rapid population growth and affordable housing. We want diversity and social cohesion, contradictions that are becoming harder to sustain in a fast-moving reality.

Ireland has an unprecedented homelessness crisis married to a chronic housing shortage, not to mention the increased strain on public services. There is a rise in anti-social behaviour and these aren't unrelated phenomena. They're symptoms of a society changing faster than its institutions can adapt. And when you add the international protection system, which now processes thousands of applications in a country with a host of social issues, you get tensions that won't be resolved by calling everyone racist.

The American strategy suggests Europe's economic problems are now "eclipsed by a much bigger existential threat". That's quite a claim. But consider the alternative. What if they're right? What if, in our determination not to sound like Trump, we've made ourselves unable to discuss real problems? What if the price of progressive respectability is societal dissolution?

This doesn't mean embracing unexamined nativism or closing borders or any of the crude solutions the more extreme elements propose. But it does mean having the courage to acknowledge that rapid demographic change has long-term consequences, that our Irish cultural continuity is fragile and matters and that national identity isn't a fascist conspiracy in need of shaming. It means admitting that the European model of the last 30 years might need a fundamental rethink rather than just more of the same with better PR.

There is an uncomfortable truth in Trump's National Security Strategy for all its hypocrisies and crudeness, and it has identified something real. Europe is changing in ways that many Europeans find profoundly unsettling, and their leaders' response, including Ireland's until a recent volte-face, has been to call them bigots and carry on regardless. That's not a sustainable strategy. It's not even a strategy at all.

Every concerned Irish citizen needs to read this document, not because it's right about everything - as it manifestly isn't - but because it asks the questions our establishment has been studiously avoiding. What kind of society are we trying to build? And what does Irish identity mean in the 21st century? How do we balance openness with cohesion? These aren't easy questions, but they're urgently necessary ones.

I can park my reservations about Trump if it takes a document from his administration to force a much-needed conversation. Perhaps that tells you something about how far we've drifted from honest and fearless discourse. Sometimes the truth arrives in the most unpalatable packaging; the trick is recognising it anyway.
Eva Osborne

A Christmas snack sold in Supervalu has been recalled, and consumers have been warned not to eat it.

Batches of Le Paysan Smoked Salmon Pate and Le Paysan Smoked Mackerel Pate have been recalled over the presence of sulphur dioxide, which is not declared in the list of ingredients.

Milk is also not emphasised in the ingredients list.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said this may make the batches unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of sulphur dioxide and/or milk.

The FSAI said consumers should not eat the implicated batches.

Sulphur dioxide and sulphites are considered allergens and can cause reactions in certain people, especially those sensitive to asthma.

Therefore, for prepacked foods, their presence in a food or beverage must be indicated on the label, by its full name, where the level exceeds 10 mg/kg, the FSAI said.
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.
Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:UBER) is one of billionaire David Teppers top stock picks heading into 2026. On December 10, analysts at Citizens reiterated a Market Perform rating on Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:UBER) even as it remains under pressure owing to Waymo and Tesla Competition risks.

Citizens Downplays Waymo and Tesla Competition Pressure on Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER), Asserts Market Perform Stance

Pixabay/Public Domain

According to Citizens, Waymos autonomous vehicle service is not a significant threat to Ubers ride-hailing service. Thats because in its current shape, its not positioned to capture market share due to vehicle supply constraints. Nevertheless, the research firm has warned that Waymos development of driving technology that no longer requires high-definition maps could pose significant competitive pressure.

Likewise, Waymo acquiring Lyft could strengthen its competitive edge, therefore posing significant pressure on Uber. In addition, the research firm is wary of Teslas autonomous technology, which could create a competitor with scaled manufacturing.

Meanwhile, Uber has moved to strengthen its prospects in the ride-hailing services by launching a robotaxi service in Dallas. The new service will allow people in Dallas to be matched with an Avride autonomous vehicle when requesting UberX at no additional cost.

Were excited to launch autonomous rides in Dallas with Avride, as we continue to build towards an increasingly electric and autonomous future, said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber.

Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) is a global technology company that provides a platform connecting people needing rides or deliveries with drivers and couriers, offering services like ride-hailing (UberX, UberXL), food delivery (Uber Eats), freight logistics, and employee travel through a smartphone app, fundamentally changing urban transportation.

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 you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 12 Best Industrial Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street Analysts and 12 Best 52-Week High Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
March ICE NY cocoa (CCH26) on Thursday closed down -44 (-0.74%), and March ICE London cocoa #7 (CAH26) closed down -24 (-0.55%).

Cocoa prices settled lower on Thursday, with NY cocoa falling to a 1-week low. Favorable weather in West Africa is expected to boost yields and supply, which is bearish for prices. Cocoa farmers in the Ivory Coast are reporting that a mix of rain and sunshine is helping cocoa trees bloom, and farmers in Ghana said rains have been regular and helpful to cocoa tree and pod development ahead of the harmattan season.

More News from Barchart

Chocolate maker Mondelez recently said that the latest cocoa pod count in West Africa is 7% above the five-year average and "materially higher" than last year's crop. The harvest of the Ivory Coast's main crop has just begun, and farmers are optimistic about its quality.

Shrinking ICE cocoa inventories are also supportive of cocoa prices. ICE-monitored cocoa inventories held in US ports fell to a 9-month low of 1,642,801 bags on Thursday.

Cocoa prices found some support on Tuesday, when Citigroup cut its 2025/26 global cocoa surplus estimate to 79,000 MT from a September estimate of 134,000 MT.

Cocoa futures also have support, as NY cocoa will be included in the Bloomberg Commodity Index (BCOM) starting in January, which could spark buying by passive commodity funds that track the index. According to Citigroup, the inclusion of NY cocoa futures in the BCOM may lure as much as $2 billion of buying of NY cocoa futures into the first week of January.

Increased cocoa arrivals at ports in the Ivory Coast are bearish for cocoa prices. Monday's government data showed that Ivory Coast farmers shipped 895,544 MT of cocoa to ports this new marketing year, from October 1 through December 14, up +0.2% from 894,009 MT in the same period a year ago. The Ivory Coast is the world's largest cocoa producer.

Cocoa prices have recently rallied sharply, hitting 5-week highs last Thursday, amid a tightening global supply outlook. On November 28, the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) cut its global 2024/25 cocoa surplus estimate to 49,000 MT from a previous estimate of 142,000 MT. It also lowered its global cocoa production estimate for 2024/25 to 4.69 MMT from 4.84 MMT previously. In addition, Rabobank on Tuesday cut its 2025/26 global cocoa surplus estimate to 250,000 MT from a November forecast of 328,000 MT.
Coeur Mining, Inc. (NYSE:CDE) is one of the 12 cheap gold stocks to buy now.

Coeur Mining (CDE) May Be Fully Valued After Strong 2025 Rally

As of December 12, 2025, Coeur Mining, Inc. (NYSE:CDE) boasts over 200% returns in 2025 alone and 87% over the past six months, having reached its 52-week high of $23.62 on October 16. While this reflects strong investor interest in the gold and silver producer, Cantor Fitzgerald holds a contradictory view. The firm downgraded the stock from Overweight to Neutral at the end of October, believing that the shares are fully or fairly valued following the significant price run. Yet the stock has bullish sentiment from 75% of analysts, with a consensus price target implying 24.64% upside as of December 12.

Following its strong momentum, Coeur Mining, Inc. (NYSE:CDE) released an update on December 8, 2025, regarding its exploration program at the Palmarejo gold-silver complex in Chihuahua, Mexico. The update detailed the completion of approximately 68,000 meters of diamond drilling across a 300 km2 land package, with 3% of the package remaining unexplored. The program is the companys largest exploration campaign since 2012.

After allocating 60% of this years exploration budget to Palmarejo, Coeur Mining, Inc. (NYSE:CDE) welcomed the positive results, which highlighted significant growth potential. The growth-potential areas include extensions of the Hidalgo, Libertad, and San Juan veins, confirmation of continuity between Independencia Sur and Independencia Norte, and discoveries at East Palmarejos San Miguel, La Union, and Camuchin trends.

At the end of the third quarter, Coeur Mining, Inc. (NYSE:CDE)s management raised full-year 2025 gold production guidance for the mine from 95,000-105,000 ounces to 96,000-106,000 and silver guidance from 5.4-6.5 million ounces to 6.0-6.8.

Coeur Mining, Inc. (NYSE:CDE) is focused on the production of gold and silver, with its operations spanning the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

While we acknowledge the potential of CDE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 10 Best Small-Cap Biotech Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 11 Overlooked Tech Stocks to Invest In.

Disclosure: None.
Aristotle Capital Management, LLC, an investment management company, released its International Equity Strategy third quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Global equity markets continued their upward journey in the third quarter, with the MSCI ACWI Index surging 7.62%. Global fixed income markets also increased during the same period, with the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index rising 0.60%. The Aristotle International Equity Fund (Class I-2) returned 1.15% in the quarter compared to a 6.89% return for the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index and a 4.77% return for the MSCI EAFE Index. In addition, you can check the funds top 5 holdings to determine its best picks for 2025.

In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, Aristotle International Equity Strategy highlighted stocks such as Credicorp Ltd. (NYSE:BAP). Credicorp Ltd. (NYSE:BAP) is a bank that offers financial, insurance, and health services and products. The one-month return for Credicorp Ltd. (NYSE:BAP) was 10.99%, and its shares gained 52.97% over the last 52 weeks. On December 17, 2025, Credicorp Ltd. (NYSE:BAP) stock closed at $275.60 per share, with a market capitalization of $21.873 billion.

Aristotle International Equity Strategy stated the following regarding Credicorp Ltd. (NYSE:BAP) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter:
From November 37, 2025, the International Programme for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET) delivered its first-ever regional core course on African soil. Hosted in Nairobi through a collaboration between IPDET, the Clear Evaluation Anglophone Africa (CLEAR-AA) and the Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI), the course brought together more than 90 participants from 28 countries. The initiative marks an important step toward more locally accessible, contextually grounded evaluation capacity building across the continent.

The opening ceremony set an inspiring tone. Dr Bonface B. Makokha, Principal Secretary in Kenyas National Treasury and State Department for Economic Planning, officially welcomed participants and affirmed the significance of hosting IPDET in Kenya. He noted that the program marks a significant milestone in the countrys efforts to enhance monitoring and evaluation systems and emphasized that such a program is a first-of-its-kind in Kenya. His remarks highlighted the governments commitment to strengthening evaluation as a foundation for effective planning and evidence-driven development.

The core course was facilitated by Dr. Candice Morkel, Dr. Steven Masvaure, Dr. Taku Chirau, Mr Siyabonga Sibiya, and Ms Matodzi Amisi. Over five intensive days, they guided participants through evaluation design process, theories and evaluation approaches, data collection and analysis methods, evidence use, and evaluation management. In her opening remarks, Dr. Candice Morkel stressed that IPDET Nairobi is about more than transferring skills; it is about equipping evaluators to navigate complexity, influence decisions, and strengthen institutions across the continent. CLEARAAs director, Dr. Taku Chirau, described the Nairobi delivery as a moment of ownership, noting that Africa is no longer merely a recipient of global evaluation knowledge but an active shaper and host of it.

The cohort represented a wide range of institutions, including government ministries, NGOs, private enterprises, UN agencies, research institutes, development organizations, and academic institutions. Participants also brought varied evaluation responsibilitiesfrom designing and conducting evaluations to supervising, managing, and using evaluation results in policy and programming. This diversity created a rich environment for shared learning and cross-country reflection.

Throughout the week, participants reflected on the transformative impact of the course. They emphasized how the training deepened their understanding of robust evaluation frameworks, strengthened their focus on accountability and learning cycles, and reinforced the importance of connecting evidence with planning and decision-making. Many highlighted the value of practical tools and examples that could be directly applied to real-world projects in their institutions.

As participant Daman Bogato noted, This learning journey is giving me deeper insights into developing strong evaluation frameworks, strengthening accountability and learning cycle, connecting evidence with planning and decision-making, and applying practical research and evaluation approaches in real projects.

A strong emphasis was placed on evaluation use. Participants noted how sessions on utilization helped them think more systematically about the factors that influence whether evaluation findings are actually used, and how to design processes that encourage uptake. They pointed to the importance of writing clear and concise executive summaries, formulating actionable recommendations, and actively engaging stakeholders so that they understand, own, and apply the findings.

As participant Ronald Kouago remarked, The last module (utilization) is one of my preferred modules, as it aligns with my interest to support development managers in effectively using evidence for decision-making.

The sense of connection extended beyond the classroom. Informal discussions, group exercises, and peer learning activities allowed participants to share country perspectives and common challenges. As participant Isiyaku Zainab observed, Attending the IPDET Core Course in Nairobi was one of the most refreshing learning experiences Ive had. The sessions strengthened my ability to design evaluations that inform real decisions, not just produce reports. Beyond the technical skills, the honest conversations, teamwork, and shared commitment to improving development programs made the week truly inspiring.

The Nairobi edition also emphasized local ownership, accessibility, and sustainability. Participants appreciated that while the course is grounded in global evaluation standards, it was delivered with African examples, experiences, and debates.

By the end of the week, it was clear that the impact of IPDET Nairobi would extend far beyond the training room. More than 90 professionals returned to their institutions equipped with new skills, networks, and perspectives, ready to strengthen evaluation practice in government, civil society, academia, and the private sector.

The success of the Nairobi delivery affirms the importance of regionalizing evaluation capacity building, and it marks the beginning of a new chapter for IPDET on the continent. With Kenya hosting this first edition and CLEARAA leading efforts to strengthen African evaluation systems, momentum for evidence-driven development in Africa is set to grow. Preparations for the next edition are progressing, and further details will be communicated once confirmed.
By Kane Wu, Scott Murdoch and Donny Kwok

HONG KONG, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Cryptocurrency exchange HashKey Holdings Ltd made a flat debut in Hong Kong on Wednesday amid recent weakness in digital assets, but its management said it remains confident about the sector's long-term prospects.

HashKey shares closed at HK$6.67, down 0.15% from the offer price of HK$6.68. The stock rose as much as 6.6% to HK$7.12 before sliding 8.4% to an intraday low of HK$6.12. That compared with a 0.9% gain in the benchmark Hang Seng Index.

More from Yahoo Scout What are HashKey's plans for IPO proceeds usage? How did HashKey's stock perform on debut day? What services does HashKey offer beyond crypto exchange? Why is Hong Kong embracing cryptocurrency despite China's ban?

That compared to a 0.9% gain in the benchmark Hang Seng Index.

HashKey, founded in 2018, offers a range of services including asset management, brokerage and tokenisation in addition to running the Asian financial hub's largest licensed crypto exchange

Demand for the institutional investor tranche of HashKey's IPO reached 5.5 times the amount of stock on offer, the company's filings showed. The retail tranche was nearly 394 times oversubscribed.

HashKey's IPO, the first by a crypto company in Hong Kong, came as some of the world's major cryptocurrencies have been on a roller-coaster ride in recent months after repeatedly hitting record highs earlier in the year.

Bitcoin, the world's most popular cryptocurrency, plunged as much as 36% in about a month after reaching an all-time peak of more than $126,000 in early October.

On Wednesday, Xiao Feng, HashKey's chairman and chief executive, said he was confident in the long-term prospects of digital assets, despite the short-term volatility.

"My confidence is only growing stronger and I am more optimistic than 10 years ago because there's more regulation and compliance guidelines for us to follow which will allow the industry to grow further," Xiao said.

Beijing banned cryptocurrency trading in 2021 and authorities in China have recently renewed their warnings about virtual assets. But Hong Kong, which operates under a more free economic system, has embraced digital assets as it seeks to promote itself as a leading financial hub.

Xiao said the measures taken by mainland regulators were needed to tackle pyramid schemes and fraud using stablecoins, but that had nothing to do with Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong continues to promote policies regarding digital assets and we have benefited from that," he said.

"We should firmly adhere to 'one country', but wisely take advantage of 'two systems.'"

HashKey, which is loss-making, will focus on cash flow rather than profitability in the near future and keep investing as the industry grows, he said.
In a definitive statement, Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on Financial Markets, maintained a strict ban on payments using crypto within Russia.

Addressing a TASS press conference, he emphasized that payments in Russia must only be conducted in rubles. He dismissed the possibility of cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum becoming legal tender.

We must understand that cryptocurrencies will never become money within our country, he noted. They can only be used as an investment instrument. If payment is required, it will only be in rubles.

Under the Russian Law on Digital Financial Assets, cryptos are defined as property, which can be held and traded. However, their use is strictly limited to investment purposes. Russia has maintained a ban on using cryptocurrencies as a payment method since 2020.

Russia to Regulate Crypto Despite Central Banks Reluctance

Anatoly Aksakovs remarks mirror the Russian Central Banks stance to prohibit the use of crypto assets for payments. The national bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina called for a crypto ban in March, blocking traders from buying and selling coins. The long-serving Governor has previously called for total bans on crypto exchanges and token trading.

Despite continued calls to restrict crypto payments, Russia has topped all European markets in crypto adoption. The nation recorded $376.3 billion in received transactions between July 2024 and June 2025, a recent Chainalysis report said.

Further, lawmakers have also proposed measures to formalize the crypto sector. In September, Yevgeny Masharov of the Russian Public Chamber suggested the creation of a national crypto bank to bring informal crypto transactions into the regulated sector radar.

Additionally, President Putin has acknowledged the growth of the cryptocurrency mining industry. Russia legalized cryptocurrency mining on November 1, 2024.

Besides, Yevgeny Masharov, a member of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federations Commission for Public Review of Bills and Other Regulatory Acts, recently advocated for crypto regulation.

He said that regulating the asset class would solve several problems, including cleansing the Russian economy and increasing budget revenues.

Read original story Crypto Will Never be Recognized as Official Currency in Russia, Lawmaker Says by Sujha Sundararajan at Cryptonews.com
Senior military figures and other sections of the British ruling class are mounting an organised campaign to force Prime Minister Keir Starmers Labour government to move more rapidly and spend far more on the military than Labour has publicly committed.

The campaign moved into overdrive Monday with the lecture given by the Chief of Defence staff Sir Richard Knighton to the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi)the premier security and military think-tank.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton pictured on becoming Chief of the Air Staff, June 2023 [Photo by Andrew Wheeler/Open Government Licence v3.0]

Knighton advanced Russia as an existential threat which needed a whole of nation response to combat. He agreed with his French counterpart, my good friend General Fabien Mandon, who declared last month that the French people must be prepared to sacrifice their children in a war against Russia.

Knighton argued, First, it means more people being ready to fight for their country. Fabien Mandon was right. This meant, Sons and daughters. Colleagues. Veterans. will all have a role to play. To build. To serve. And if necessary, to fight. And more families will know what sacrifice for our nation means.

Knightons call for sacrifice to the nation was made less than a week after the necessity for a continent-wide rearmament for preparation for war with Russia was demanded by NATO head Mark Rutte.

In a speech in Germany, Rutte said the NATO powers had to shift to a wartime mindset, giving the First and Second World Wars as a model. Europes citizens must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents or great-grandparents endured. Imagine it, a conflict reaching every home, every workplace, destruction, mass mobilisation, millions displaced, widespread suffering and extreme losses.

Less than 48 hours before 50,000 National Health Service (NHS) resident doctors were to strike for better pay and secure jobs, Knighton warned that deterrence is also about our resilience to these threats, its about how we harness all our national power, from universities, to industry, the rail network to the NHS. Its about our defence and resilience being a higher national priority for all of us. An all-in mentality.

He was publicly supportive of the Starmer governments decision to increase military spending from 2.5 percent of GDP on defence by 2027 and commitment to spend 5 percent of GDP on defence and security by 2035, which he praised as the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War. But his message was that this was still nowhere near enough when Germany expects to spend 3.5 percent of GDP on Defence by 2029. Poland is already at 4.2 percent. And we have seen just in the past few weeks France and Germany return to a form of national service.

The previous week during a panel discussion at the Royal Navys flagship eventthe International Sea Power Conference--a senior military commander said off the record, as reported by the Financial Times, When I hear senior political leaders, heads of state and government, commit to spend 3.5 percent of GDP by 2035, I want to see it programmed If we do commit, lets bloody commit.

There has been a flood of commentary stating that years of post-Cold War cuts mean the armed forces lack numbers, munitions and the industrial surge capacity to sustain prolonged high-intensity warfare.

The BBC weighed in with a piece by security correspondent Frank Gardner asking, How long Britain could really fight for if war broke out tomorrow? He wrote that while, On paper, the British Army numbers around 74,000 Rusis Ed Arnold points out that once you subtract medically non-deployable soldiers, defence attaches around the world and others not part of formed units, then its actual deployable strength is only 54,000. That is less than the average number of casualties Russia takes in two months in Ukraine.

Gardner cited Rusi specialist Hamish Mundell, who commented, There remains little evidence that the UK has a plan to fight a war lasting more than a few weeks Medical capacity is limited. Reserve regeneration pipelines are slow.

The British plan for mass casualty outcomes appears to be based on not taking casualties, he continued, but modern day warfare demands a second and even third echelon; personnel, platforms and logistics chains that can absorb losses and continue the fight.

This week Armed Forces Minister Al Carns said that societies, industries and economies win wars and that the government is rapidly developing plans to ready the entire country for the outbreak of war. Speaking from a Royal Air Force base, he announced, Theres a whole load of work going on now between us [Ministry of Defence], the Cabinet Office, and the whole of society approach, and what conflict means, and what everybodys role in society means if we were to go to war and the build up to war.

Such talk only fuels criticism of the Starmer government from the most hawkish elements of the ruling class, however, who complain that ministers still balk at allocating the vast upsurge in military spending required.

Airing its concerns last week in UK military figures urge Keir Starmer to commit to higher defence spending the Financial Times complained, Chancellor Rachel Reeves Budget last month mapped out government spending plans to 2030-31, but there was no reference to how defence spending might increase after hitting 2.5 per cent in 2027.

It drew attention to the Office for Budget Responsibilitys assessment that increasing defence spending to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2035 would cost an additional 32bn a year, well above the extra taxes Reeves already raised in her Budget. The newspaper cited a senior military commander who said, It was disappointing not to see anything at all in the recent Budget.

George Robertson, a former NATO secretary-general, just six months after co-authoring the government's Strategic Defence Review, told LBC Radio that the pressure needs to be on the chancellor as she signed up to the Strategic Defence Review the money will have to be made available in some way.

The ruling elite in Britain, as internationally, knows that it cannot impose its agenda of militarism, war and austerity without a frontal assault on workers jobs, wages, conditions and social services built up over decades. To this end, the Starmer government, complicit in Israels genocide in Gaza, has clamped down on the right to protest, including arresting almost 3,000 people who have opposed the banning of the Palestine Action group.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a video call with partners from the Coalition of the Willing alongside Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Defence Secretary John Healey and Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton in the Cabinet Room in 10 Downing Street. November 25, 2025 [Photo by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Another speech Monday confirmed an agenda for even greater repression. Hours before Knighton spoke, Blaise Metreweli, the new Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), gave her first public speech in the job.

She denounced an aggressive, expansionist, and revisionist Russia, saying that as the UK faces a new age of uncertainty, We are now operating in a space between peace and war. The front line is everywhere, she continued. Online, on our streets, in our supply chains, in the minds and on the screens of our citizens.

In plain English, all who oppose war and the corporations reaping billions in war profiteering will be monitored and targeted for repression.
Late Friday night, December 12, a 42-inch high-pressure transmission water main burst with explosive force under a street in Waterbury, Connecticut. Pavement was thrown into the air and windows were shattered. Located about 30 miles southwest of Hartford, the city has a population of 114,000, making it the states fifth largest municipality. The break affected schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities, leading to closures and disruptions for several days.

Aerial view of the water main break in Waterbury, Connecticut on December 12. [Photo: WaterburyCitizen]

Waterburyonce the heart of the Brass Valley from the early 1800s through the early 20th century, with the operation of companies like Scovill Manufacturing, American Brass and Chase Brass & Copperby the 1970s and 1980s was experiencing economic decline with the shuttering of factories and was ranked as having the worst quality of life of 300 US metropolitan areas by Money Magazine by 1992. The catastrophic failure of the citys water system is emblematic of this economic decline.

By Saturday, December 13, the widespread water outage had affected approximately 100,000 people in Waterbury and two suburbs, Wolcott and Watertown. This was one of the citys most significant water emergencies in decades.

The citys fire hydrants were rendered unusable, and a boil water advisory was issued for areas with limited pressure. Waterbury restaurants were ordered closed. By midday Saturday, Governor Ned Lamont and Waterbury Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. held a briefing, confirming a massive, coordinated response effort that included the deployment of the National Guard.

Water Superintendent Brad Malay noted that the fragility and age of these pipes meant it doesnt take a lot for those pipes to ... let go. Water loss continued for over 12 hours after the rupture because the older isolation valves were too fragile to be closed, preventing the break from being localized. Pernerewski explained that the inability to shut these valves meant the affected area had to spread to bigger and bigger areas. Malay noted the reluctance to even touch the ancient valves, stating that the risk of breaking them by exercising them was considered greater than the reward, leaving them alone for decades until a crisis forced the issue.

The multi-day crisis was rooted in long-standing infrastructure problems, beginning with an earlier failure of a 10-inch water line, originally installed in 1901, which undermined the adjacent 42-inch transmission main. This prior failure was the underlying cause that destabilized the larger, 55-year-old high-pressure pipe. Adding to the risk, the citys second high-pressure main was already offline during the critical week of December 13, as it was undergoing reinforcement with a thick plastic liner, eliminating the systems backup capability.

This situation escalated dramatically early Sunday morning, around 3:30 a.m., when an overnight fire broke out at a local business. Due to the unusable fire hydrants, fire crews were compelled to rely on tanker trucks and mutual aid from neighboring towns, an effort severely complicated by a snowstorm that began late Saturday night.

On Sunday, December 14, the National Guard assisted with bottled water distribution, ultimately distributing over 5,000 gallons. Officials reported partial restoration, with water returned to Watertown and areas including much of downtown and other Waterbury neighborhoods. But damage to the transmission main was assessed as more extensive than initially believed.

Both Waterbury Public Schools and Wolcott Public Schools were closed beginning Monday, December 15, through Wednesday. Officials planned to pressure-test and chlorinate the backup high-pressure main the following week, with full service restoration anticipated within 24 to 48 hours of the initial crisis briefings.

The crisis carried deep social implications spanning public health, equitable distribution, and public trust for the entire community. The public health response was immediate, requiring a boil water advisory due to the risk of harmful microorganisms contaminating the system. Residents were explicitly instructed to use boiled or bottled water for drinking, cooking, washing food and brushing teeth.

Officials specifically stressed that infants, the elderly and other vulnerable populations should use boiled or bottled water even for bathing. The loss of pressure also led to immediate hygiene and sanitation concerns, as many residents could not flush toilets and were left confused over how to manage biohazards safely in their homes. The boil water advisory is still in effect until water service is completely restored and the Connecticut Department of Public Health approves water quality test results.

The water main break crisis in Waterbury severely impacted operations at its two hospitals, St. Marys and Waterbury Hospital, forcing emergency measures to ensure continued service. CT Insider, citing Mayor Pernerewski, reported that both hospitals in Waterbury are not performing surgery, and emergencies are not being accepted at St. Marys Hospital. Water trucks and tankers were brought in to supply potable water so essential services could continue.

The sudden need for potable water caused significant availability issues. Panic buying led to stores being quickly emptied of water. Crucially, physically disabled residents and those without vehicles struggled to obtain bottled water, as municipal services, including 311 non-emergency municipal services, confirmed they were not offering delivery. Diabetic residents face the critical health risk of being unable to wash their hands properly for accurate blood sugar testing.

Residents were asked to conserve water for an extended period even after pressure returned to help the system fully recharge.

The water main break highlighted the critical need for infrastructure investment in the city. Waterbury has a pipeline replacement program but faces a massive backlog due to the scale and cost of the work. Citizens pointed out that many of Waterburys mains were installed over a century ago, roughly between 1890 and 1920. The ongoing emergency repairs, estimated at $34 million per year, were criticized as costing more than a proactive replacement plan.

Waterbury is not unique, much of New Englands wastewater infrastructure dates from the late 19th to mid-20th century. In addition to Waterbury, many New England cities, including Boston, Providence, Hartford and Springfield, still rely on cast-iron or ductile-iron pipes that range from 80 to over 150 years old. They are made from cast iron that corrodes, becomes brittle and fails suddenly. Break rates increase sharply after about 75 years of age, resulting in boil-water advisories, health issues and emergency repairs, especially during cold snaps or heat waves.

The situation in Waterbury is only the latest in a series of crises affecting water systems across the country. The most notorious recent example is the ongoing crisis in Flint, Michigan (2014present), in which a stateordered switch to Flint River water without adequate corrosion control led to massive lead poisoning, an outbreak of Legionnaires disease, and continued economic and health costs for residents.

In recent decades, investigations and reporting have identified elevated lead or industrial chemical contamination across the United States, including in Cleveland and Sebring, Ohio; Jackson, Mississippi; Newark, New Jersey; Baltimore, Maryland; Los Angeles and many other cities. These are not isolated incidents but part of a national pattern of decaying infrastructure and regulatory failure.

Lead service lines remained common for decades due to industry lobbying. A federal ban came only in 1986, and millions of miles of legacy lead pipe remain, creating an ongoing publichealth hazard.

Despite water being essential to human life, New Englands water systems fell into disrepair because the political system under capitalism rewards delay until failure. Only under a planned socialist economy can resources be properly allocated to prevent events like what happened in Waterbury, and the threats posed by similar crises across the US.
University and College Union (UCU) members at the University of Sheffield (UoS) held a rally December 12 at the end of their strike over ongoing job losses.

World Socialist Web Site reporters spoke to some of the lecturers and students at the protest about the implications of shutting down entire departments and the continuing financialisation of higher education.

Dr Harsh Trivedi works in the modern languages teaching centre in the School of Languages, Arts and Society, in the French Department.

He said, The targeted job cuts show that its very clear at this point that management does not care about the students, at all. Whilst the staff is being cut, and we have been told that these wont be the only cuts that are happening, teaching hours have actually been increased.

Dr Harsh Trivedi

Management has absolutely no logic on their side. We have been asked to teach 14 more hours from the coming year, whilst theyre reducing staff at a very fast rate. So, we have absolutely no trust in management.

The cuts in the school of East Asian studies and the school of languages are despite the fact that they keep telling us there arent enough students. This was because of bad management, bad recruitment, and a lack of resources, always lacking in language studies.

Theres a general trend to give less and less funding to Arts and Humanities, whilst we all know that funding is going into nuclear research programmes in Sheffield. It is clear discrimination against languages and critical thinking on campus.

The threatening letter from management, effectively demanding unpaid labour to cover strike action, is unprecedented. We have been threatened with a lockdown during which we are expected to replace classes that we have not taught because of strike action. And they dont understand the implications of this, not just for all colleagues, but especially international colleagues who are on visas for whom this could have bad effects on their jobs.

This is brutal and theyre just trying to completely destroy any form of industrial action. If we cave in now this would set a precedent where people will be terrified to take action. These kinds of things shouldnt be happening. But sadly, we have come to a point where it feels scary, to be honest.

If entire disciplines and support roles can be cut for financial targets, how can universities still claim to be centres of free and comprehensive pursuit of knowledge?

They are arbitrarily trying to save money, whilst management keep giving themselves bonuses and take these hefty sums in salaries. And we are simply chosen as the scapegoats of this project.

International colleagues might be deported if they lose their jobs. They [management] have absolutely rejected any kind of constructive solution.

Biomedical science student Aymen is doing a foundation year at the university.

He said, Every student deserves the education that they desire, whether it is a science subject or any sort of subject. The University is cutting funding to those subjects that they deem not favourable to the work or job sectors in the future.

If someone wants to expand their horizons in university they deserve all of the information and support they need to do that. Many of the job cuts are targeting staff who support research and postgraduate studies. I havent experienced it myself directly but have seen how it affects my peers, and the staff. Lecturers are striking because of this, and I fully support them.

The university should be a public institution, not a business. That has effectively ruined the main premises of higher education. When these departments are shut, the staff are lost and the knowledge is lost.

Nels is a former student of languages and culture at Sheffield University who graduated in 2024.

He said, The school where I studied has already been split apart and they are cutting down on courses. Some languages will almost inevitably be cut as we saw at University of Nottingham.

Such cuts will result in the deterioration of academia and that means that therell be a lot of subjects and courses that simply dont get taught anymore, which is a disaster for human knowledge as a whole.

Nels

Theres also going to be the impact on working-class students not being able to study the things that they actually care about and want to get into. And its going to have a big impact on what jobs are available to them as well.

Universities should absolutely not be run as businesses. Tuition fees should be abolished and there should be maintenance grants that dont have to be repaid. Going to university and getting an education is part of how we make humanity better as a whole. And it should not be down to whether its profitable or not.

This rally today was organised in part by students. Students dont want their courses to be cut because they understand how valuable learning about these subjects are. And they understand why the cuts to the staff matter.
Workers and students in Australia are turning to Socialism AI to clarify urgent political questions, deepen their understanding of historical experiences, and orient themselves within the developing struggles of the working class. Grounded in the accumulated analysis of the World Socialist Web Site and the classical foundations of Marxism, the tool helps cut through media distortion, misinformation and the intellectual disarmament.

In the interviews that follow, contacts explain how Socialism AI links individual experiences at work, in study and in political discussion to broader social and historical causes. They describe using it for theoretical clarification and practical organising.

Workers and youth are urged to take up this tool to deepen their political understanding, connect immediate struggles to programmatic strategy, and help build the unified, socialist and internationalist movement required to confront war, austerity, climate collapse and the erosion of democratic rights.

****

Amin, a young Palestinian worker in his 20s employed in a commercial gym, said he was immediately drawn to the tool because it removed barriers that often confront younger workers engaging with Marxist theory. Having recently completed university studies and planning to continue his education, Amin said dense theoretical literature can be difficult to navigate without guidance.

Amin

When I heard about it, I was pretty excited, he said. Because its a very useful tool, or at least for my generation. I feel like its very difficult, you can get stuck when reading a lot of the dense literature of the earlier days.

He explained that Socialism AI allowed him to pose direct political questions without having to first sort through unreliable or unfamiliar sources. If I just have a question and I dont know what sources to go to, or how to particularly find an answer for that question, I could just ask it and have reliable information regarding it, he said. It just takes the stress out of worrying about particular sources, whether theyre reliable or not, whether I can trust them or not.

To test the tool, Amin asked what an individual could do to stop Israels genocide in Gaza. While he did not recall every detail of the response, he said its central conclusion was clear: isolated individual action was insufficient and only mass organisation could bring about change. Individually, you cant do too much, but making a mass movement and organising is really the way to go, he said.

He said the response was accessible, clearly structured and supported by sources from the World Socialist Web Site and Marxists.org. It was fairly simple to understand. It was all broken down with sources, he said. I only asked it one question and it was enough content, in enough detail, for me to go through for a good while.

He said he intended to use Socialism AI to fill gaps in his historical and political knowledge. For example, I dont know anything about Mao, but I keep hearing his name come up, he said. He also cited questions such as how Stalinism should be defined. Beyond study, he said the tool could be used practically in campaigning, leaflet production and discussion with coworkers, friends and family. Nobody knows everything, he said. Lenin didnt know everything. If Lenin had Socialism AI, he would have used it.

David, a retired academic in Brisbane, described Socialism AI as brilliant, emphasising its role in reconnecting contemporary political questions with the foundations of Marxist theory. I knew what the WSWS says because I read it every day, he said, but this gives you reference material back to the classics of Marxism. Its very good. Its a great way of raising consciousness about socialism and capitalism.

David said he asked Socialism AI why the Trump administration was attacking Venezuela. It gave me the answers, about it being an imperialist war, particularly for oil and resources, he said. Thats amazing. You dont get any answers as to why in the capitalist media.

He contrasted this with mainstream coverage, which he said deliberately avoids the underlying causes of war. All they talk about is whether the attacks on the boats are legal or a war crime, not why it is happening, he said. They know why, but they know that wont go down well with the public.

David said a similar clarity was provided when he asked about Gaza. Socialism AI, he said, explained the imperialist roots of the genocide and rejected the false conflation of opposition to the mass killing with antisemitism. Israel has been an attack dog for imperialism for many years, he said. People are horrified but dont really understand why the killing is continuing, so Socialism AI is really useful.

He also queried the Marxist conception of the capitalist state. I asked it about the Marxist view of the state, and it gave me Marxs explanation of it being a committee of business interests, he said. It makes you think about the oligarchs today.

David stressed that the tool did more than provide answers. It gives you sources and suggests follow-up questions, he said. It raises consciousness and prompts you about what you can do. On artificial intelligence more broadly, he said its impact depended entirely on the social system under which it was deployed. Yes, it may mean loss of many jobs under capitalism, he said, but if you can reorganise society on a socialist basis, there will be plenty of work, and we can all work less.

Christopher, a former accountant and mature-aged student at Macquarie University, said the launch of Socialism AI immediately stood out for its professionalism. Having already used mainstream AI tools in political and social media work, he said he was acutely aware of their conservative limitations.

Christopher

What ChatGPT does is it takes all the information published in the whole world and it marshals the answers from all sources, he said, but it always picks the conservative option to be safe. He said such systems do not disclose what information they discard or why. It just presents the conservative viewpoint first up. It was developed by the bourgeoisie and they have a vested interest in making sure things do not change.

While mainstream AI can sometimes be challenged, Christopher said Socialism AI represented a qualitative advance. He cited a demonstration he witnessed at a meeting. The demonstration I was shown where Socialism AI answered the question about Cromwell, that was masterful, he said. It shows to me that Ill be able to put hard questions to it.

Christopher said Socialism AI would be used as a tool to raise political consciousness, which he described as urgently necessary. Reflecting on his own experience coming toward the Socialist Equality Party, he said the depth of historical understanding demanded by the movement was initially a culture shock, but a necessary one. What I want to understand is how the workers revolution is going to take place and my place in it, he said. Theres a need for the consciousness of the working class to be up for it.

He concluded that no solution to the crises facing humanity was possible within capitalism itself. There is something wrong with the system itself, he said. The system has to be reorganised. The workers have to be in charge, not the elite. The drive for profit, he said, made exploitation unavoidable. It cant be resolved within the system, because the reactionary forces are embedded in the system itself.
On December 11, a majority of Republican state senators in Indiana voted with Democrats to defeat a Trump administration-organized scheme to redistrict the state. Republicans control the Indiana Senate with a 40-10 majority.

The state Senate voted 31-19 to reject the middecade congressional redistricting bill, which could have changed Indianas current 72 Republican advantage in the US House of Representatives to 90 by dismantling two Democraticheld districts, based on Indianapolis and the Gary-Hammond area adjacent to Chicago. Similar undemocratic initiatives have been pushed through in the states of Texas, North Carolina and Missouri.

The defeat of the effort to redraw Indianas congressional map has been widely portrayed in the corporate media as a significant stand taken by state Republicans against overreach by President Trump. Headlines have celebrated the courage of senators who defied White House pressure, while editorials frame the vote as a victory for democratic norms and local sovereignty.

Protesters at the "No Kings" rally in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 18, 2025

However, such narratives obscure the real class dynamics at play. The vote in the Indiana legislature was not a moral awakening, but a tactical decision by sections of the ruling class and the Republican establishment to avoid a destabilizing political and legal conflict that could threaten incumbent interests, expose bitter intra-party divisions, and undermine the legitimacy of the 2026 elections and capitalist politics as a whole.

Trumps nationwide campaign to force Republican-controlled states to redraw congressional maps mid-decade is an unprecedented authoritarian intervention into state politics. Having failed to secure decisive congressional majorities in the 2024 elections, and facing the likely loss of the House, at least, in 2026, Trump and his cabal identified redistricting as a mechanism to maintain Republican control. The anti-democratic campaign is designed to engineer partisan outcomes by dismantling competitive districts and disenfranchising Democraticparticularly minorityvoters.

In Indiana, the proposed map aimed to eliminate the states two Democratic-held districts by carving up Indianapolis and northwestern Indiana, scattering urban and minority voters across deeply rural, Republican-dominated districts.

To force compliance, the Trump administration employed a combination of bribery, coercion, and incitement. Trump personally lobbied lawmakers, while Vice President JD Vance made multiple trips to the state. Behind the scenes, operatives like Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair, along with affiliated organizations such as the Heritage Foundation and Turning Point Action, orchestrated a pressure campaign that blurred the lines between political lobbying and outright intimidation.

Most chilling was Trumps explicit threatamplified by Heritage Actionto strip Indiana of all federal funding if the map was not passed. Roads will not be paved. Guard bases will close. Major projects will stop, the group warned on social media.

This declaration confirmed that the White House viewed federal infrastructure and security funds not as public resources, but as leverage to blackmail state legislatures into enacting anti-democratic measures. It is an offer they cant refuse, in the mafia-style thinking of Trumps inner circle.

The pressure campaign in Indiana was accompanied by a wave of violent threats against lawmakers who expressed opposition. At least eight Republican state senators, along with Governor Mike Braun, were targeted with swatting attemptsfalse emergency calls to local law enforcementor bomb threats in the weeks leading up to the vote. One Republican representative, Ed Clere, was subject to a hoax pipe bomb threat outside his home the night before the Senate decision.

While no direct evidence has linked these acts to Trumps statements, the atmosphere of menace was unmistakably fueled by his rhetoric. Trump repeatedly named and threatened holdout senators on Truth Social, promised to support primary challengers against them, and consistently refused to condemn violence. He encouraged violent acts through vague yet targeted incitement.

This climate of intimidation exists within a broader national context of escalating state violence and right-wing mobilization. The Trump administration has dramatically expanded Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, deployed the National Guard to the border and urban centers under the pretext of law and order, and normalized the use of armed force against political opponents and vulnerable populations.

Given the intensity of White House pressure, why did a Republican supermajority in the Indiana Senate ultimately reject the map?

In the first place, the political calculations were shifted by the collapse in Trumps poll numbers, driven by the mounting economic squeeze on working people and mass hostility to Trumps attacks on democratic rights.

Trump won Indiana over Kamala Harris last year by a margin of 59 percent to 40 percent. In the congressional delegation, Republicans control seven of nine seats, or 77 percent, and the redistricting plan would raise that to 100 percent.

Dissolving the two heavily Democratic districts would mean lessening the margins for Republicans in all of the states districts. Given the decline in poll numbers, Democrats might actually make gains under the new district boundaries, defeating Republican incumbents whose majorities would have been undermined.

Secondly, the new map threatened to set off bitter intra-party conflicts. Redistricting is a ruthless process that often pits sitting lawmakers against each other, disrupts local donor networks, and alienates county-level party bosses.

In Indiana, the proposed dismantling of Indianapolis-based districts would have reshuffled political fiefdoms and endangered relationships with key corporate and agricultural interests. Sections of the Republicans aligned with more traditional state-level elitesincluding former Governor Mitch Danielssaw the Trump-backed map as a disruptive force that could weaken their own power base.

Perhaps the overriding concern was that the redistricting conflict, not just in Indiana but nationally, threatens to discredit the US electoral system as a whole. It feeds popular alienation from both parties in the corporate-controlled two-party system, with both the Democrats and Republicans engaged in rival efforts to rig the 2026 electoral boundaries.

Right-wing Kentucky Republican Senator Rand Paul voiced these fears in an interview Sunday about the failed redistricting in neighboring Indiana. Paul was opposed to the measure and celebrated its defeat.

I think that its going to lead to more civil tension and possibly more violence in our country, he said on NBC News Meet the Press, casting blame on both parties for redrawing maps to boost their prospects in next years midterm elections.

Paul pointed to how members of the minority party could feel if politicians redraw districts to increase the majority partys power.

Like in my state, were a very Republican state, but we have one Democrat area in Louisville and we have a Democrat congressman. We could carve up Louisville and get rid of that one congressman, he said. But how does that make Democrats feel? I think it makes them feel like theyre not represented.

Asked again to clarify if he believed redistricting pushes could lead to political violence, Paul told host Kristen Welker, I think there is the potential that when people have no representation, that they feel disenfranchised, that it can lead and might lead to violence in our country.

The Indiana struggle cannot be understood in isolation. It is part of a national redistricting offensive spearheaded by the Trump administration, with similar efforts by Republicans in Texas, North Carolina and Missouri, and retaliatory efforts by Democrats in California, Maryland, New York and Illinois.

It is essential to recognize that beneath the theatrics of Indiana conflict, both major parties remain committed to defending the interests of capital against the working class. Indianas Democratic legislators, while opposing the gerrymander, have no fundamental disagreement with the Republicans on issues of war, social inequality, or corporate domination.

Their victory statements quickly pivoted to calls for focusing on the economy and putting this mess behind uscode for pro-business policies and collaboration with the fascists in the Republican Party that will further intensify soaring costs of housing, healthcare, and utilities for working people.

The working class cannot rely on any faction of the bourgeoisie to defend democratic rights. These rights are being eroded by both parties, through methods ranging from gerrymandering and voter suppression to the militarization of domestic politics and the encouragement of right-wing violence.

In the short term, Indiana will likely face retribution from the Trump White House. Threats to withhold federal funding could materialize in selective ways, targeting transportation projects, National Guard facilities, or grants to universities and hospitals. Such punitive measures will harm not the politicians who defied Trump, but ordinary working peoplefurther illustrating the ruthless and anti-social character of his regime.

For the working class in Indiana and nationally, the defense of democratic rights, including the right to fair representation and freedom from political violence, cannot be entrusted to either capitalist party. It requires the independent mobilization of the working class across state and national lines, in unity with workers internationally, against the entire capitalist system and its descent into dictatorship. The threats, the blackmail and the violence exposed in Indiana are warnings of what is to comeunless met with a socialist and revolutionary response.
Italian artist Costantino Ciervo has made a powerful short video for Instagram and Facebook. In the video, he denounces defamatory accusations of antisemitism that have been used to justify attempts by German politicians and lobby groups to shut down his exhibition COMUNE  The Paradox of Similarity in the Middle East Conflict at the Fluxus+ Museum in Potsdam (near Berlin).

The exhibition proposes a vision of Jews and Palestinians living together in a federation based on equal rights, directly contradicting claims that the work is antisemitic.

In the video Ciervo explains that: After the opening [of the exhibition] a smear campaign was launched in Germany claiming that the exhibition was antisemitic. The smear campaign was initiated by the Commissioner for Antisemitism of the State of Brandenburg, the Israeli Embassy, the Jewish community in Potsdam, and Volker Beck, the president of the German-Israeli Society.

Costantino Ciervo

Readers should note that the two leading politicians behind the smear campaign are members of nominally left organisations. The Brandenburg Commissioner for Antisemitism, Andreas Buttner, is a member of the Left Party. Volker Beck, the president of the German-Israeli Society, is a longstanding member of the Green Party.

One week after he issued his initial threat against Ciervos exhibition, Buttner also exerted pressure on the initiative Potsdam for Palestine and the Thalia cinema in Babelsberg to prevent the showing of a film, the BBC documentary War in Gaza: Images of a Genocide, together with a panel discussion involving a member of Doctors Without Borders.

In his own post against the Fluxus+ Museum exhibition, Beck accused Costantino of trivializing the Holocaust through comparison [to the Gaza genocide] and concluded by threatening legal action. The Potsdam public prosecutors office is now examining this legal question.

In response, Ciervo declared in his video:

I vehemently reject the accusation that I am an antisemite. Throughout my entire life I have always been committed to the struggle against racism and every form of oppression. I have advocated peace and coexistence among peoples. The exhibition is not about confronting one ethnicity against another, but rather a vision that in Palestine Jews and Palestinians could live together with equal rights in peace.

Ciervos video, available in German and Italian, has already been seen hundreds of times, accompanied by overwhelmingly positive reactions.

The renowned South African artist and Jewish activist Candice Breitz, who herself had an exhibition of her work cancelled by the Saarlandmuseum in late 2023, following accusations of hatred of Israel, wrote on Instagram:

Full solidarityIts infuriating to see the same tactics rolled out over and over again against artists (and so many others) who understand speaking out against genocide to be the most basic gesture of human decency. Ive yet to meet a thinking person who takes Volker Beck seriously. He is a Zionist lobbyist who is notand never will bean authority on antisemitism. History will look back on him and his ilk as individuals who built careers out of actively denying and/or whitewashing the violent perpetration of occupation, apartheid and ethnic cleansing.

Other comments on Instagram declare:

Dear Mr Ciervo, as a Jewish artist with German roots, I would like to express my solidarity with your project. Especially in todays world, where this issue is of great importance, it is all the more valuable to make it visible through your art. I wholeheartedly support and share the vision you convey in your work. Best regards from Munich.

And another:

Stay strong. Your criticism of Israeli policy is not automatically anti-Semitism. So many Jews are against Israeli policy, and they are also labelled as self-hating Jews, which is an absurd attempt to erase any form of criticism of Israel. Good luck and stay strong. I am sorry that you have been singled out now.

Readers of the WSWS have also expressed their solidarity with Costantino Ciervo and his exhibition in letters addressed to the Potsdam museum.

Felix Kreisel writes:

I fully support the staging of the art exhibition CommuneThe Paradox of Similarity in the Middle East Conflict and wish to protest your attempts to close it and equate anti-zionism with antisemitism. Semites include both Arabs and Jews, and the atrocity going on in Gaza and Palestine hurts Jews as well as Arabs.

George Gonzalez writes:

Please do not censor the current exhibition CommuneThe Paradox of Similarity in the Middle East Conflict. While I have not seen the exhibition myself, the exhibition (as I understand it) is a thoughtful effort to explore the ethical, political currents underlying the Israel-Gaza War. It would be a clear violation of democracy to censor/suppress critical (artistic) thought  especially in a context of war.

Robert B. Livingston writes:

To whom it may concern at the Potsdam Fluxus Museum, I have been following reports from the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei on the controversies being generated by your museums presentation of art works by Costantino Ciervo. I hope you defend the artist from the prejudiced attacks being directed against him, his art, and your museum  Costantino Ciervo is adamant that the goal of his art is to promote peaceful coexistence, brotherhood, and equality. That such an artist with such a hope can attract so much vituperation and hate is nothing new in this world isnt it? To choose peaceful coexistence, brotherhood, and equality is a revolutionary act on a planet where too many benighted people choose to kill, fight, and die over artificially drawn boundaries  Ciervos art: humanistic and hopeful, encompasses the best artistic instincts that will long outlive the deep ignorance of those who are determined to pressure your museum. You must resist such pressure! Defend your artist Costantino Ciervo!

Other expressions of solidarity are featured in the book at the museum available for comments. One visitor to the exhibition writes:

When the wise person points at the moon, the fool sees only the finger. This saying came to my mind when I read about the polemics surrounding this exhibition. The artists idea and message, which are guided by a thought of peace, are being thoroughly misunderstood and attackedindeed, even fought against. Shame!

Another visitor comments:

It is good and important that the freedom of art is being defended by the museum. It is of great concern that this is being questioned by the state and anti-semitism of the state government.

A third:

With his exhibition, the artist has revealed those really behind the Middle East conflict something that does not sit well with those in power! Behind religious justifications, there are always capitalist interests at play. The two peoples have much more in common than divides them! A very good portrayal revealing the apparent and real lines of conflict.

The comments above are just a small selection of the comments and likes for Ciervos video and make clear the extent of the opposition, including amongst Jews, to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The concerted campaign to close the Potsdam exhibition and suppress criticism of the Israeli governments ongoing genocide against the Palestinians must be fought. We call on our readers to write letters of support for the exhibition and send them to the museum via email: info@fluxusplus.de. Please send copies to the German WSWS editorial board sgp@gleichheit.de.
Why IPO when you can Series L?

Thats the question Databricks is answering this week with the announcement that its raising more than $4 billion in its latest funding round. That puts its valuation at $134 billion  a 34% jump from a previous funding round over the summer. This one was led by Insight Partners, Fidelity Management & Research Company and J.P. Morgan Asset Management, with additional participation from Andreessen Horowitz.

Gone are the days when startups fought for scraps in public markets. Today, many young companies are forgoing the opportunity to ring the stock exchange bell in order to sidestep the regulatory scrutiny that comes with an initial public offering. Research from the University of Florida shows that the median age of companies debuting on the public market was six in 2000, compared with 14 in 2024. In May, OpenAI closed the largest private tech deal on record with a $40 billion funding round.

But Databricks financing may still be somewhat of an anomaly, since Series L funding rounds arent common and arent expected to become common, Kyle Stanford, PitchBooks director of US venture-capital research, told The Wall Street Journal.

SUBSCRIBE: Receive more of our free The Daily Upside newsletter. READ ALSO: Prediction Markets Fuel Gambling Gold Rush and Is the Great Live Sports Bet Paying Off?

All in on AI

The AI boom has been very good to Databricks.

The private tech giant provides a cloud-based platform for companies to store, process and analyze their data, as well as develop custom AI models. In the past year, it began partnering with AI safety and research company Anthropic to help companies make their own AI bots, and with OpenAI to make its models available in Databricks products. With this new funding, its continuing to go all in on AI:

The company said it would use the new capital to grow its AI-driven applications, support future AI acquisitions, deepen AI research and provide liquidity for its employees.

Databricks investors are pricing in a world where every corporation is a data company and needs a unified platform to clean, analyze and operationalize information, Michael Ashley Schulman, partner at Running Point Capital Advisors, told Reuters.

Revving up Revenue: Databricks said it topped $4.8 billion in annualized revenue during its third quarter  up 55% from a year earlier.

This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive delivering razor sharp analysis and perspective on all things finance, economics, and markets, subscribe to our free The Daily Upside newsletter.
Resident doctors in the National Health Service (NHS) spoke with World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) reporters on the picket lines at hospitals around England on Wednesday at the start of their latest strike.

WSWS reporters distributed the article Resident doctors strike goes ahead in England defying Labour Health Secretary ultimatum, describing the governments latest empty offer as a ploy to either secure strikers surrender or brand their action self-indulgent, irresponsible and dangerous, as health secretary Wes Streeting said Monday.

The offers overwhelming rejection was an indictment of the British Medical Association (BMA) Resident Doctors Committee (RDC) decision to even put it to members in the first place.

Bournemouth Hospital

Resident doctors on the picket line at Bournemouth Royal Hospital, December 2025

Ania said, Im an F2 [Foundation Year 2] and theres a real fear about unemployment after F2. Ive applied for training but when I started medical school the competition ratios for what I want to do were probably less than two to one and now its at least eight-and-a-half to one to even get a place. I have a real fear that Im not going to have a job next year.

Most people dont realise that you do this medical degree and you think that youve got good career progression but actually 30,000 people are applying for 10,000 spaces and so 20,000 of those people might not have a job or might not have a job in something that they would like to do and progress in their career.

London St Thomas Hospital

Resident doctors on the picket line at St Thomas Hospital in London

GP trainee Uzayr Undre said the offer from the government wasnt a pay offer. Its a dispute about pay with an offer which had no pay in it. He added, Full pay restoration is not about an increase in pay, its about getting back to how doctors were valued in the past.

A lot of the language Wes Streeting has used over the past couple of days has been very inflammatory. Streeting was trying to claim were both too valued to not go to work, but were not valued enough to pay us fairly.

Uzayr (right) and Nischa

I did my F1, F2 in a small hospital in Scotland where there were about 50 people. About six of us have gone into training posts, including myself. The rest are picking up shifts where they can, and a lot of them have gone to Australia and New Zealand.

Nischa added, If you lose the doctors, you will lose your NHS.

Resident doctor Kruthika opposed how Streeting cynically used understaffing to attack the strike: What hes portraying to the public is that understaffing exists only during strikes, but we are understaffed all the time. That is because theres not enough of us, doing more jobs than were supposed to do.

Manchester Royal Infirmary

Resident doctors outside Manchester Royal Infirmary

Dr. Good, a resident doctor for five years, said We are still paid 20 percent less than people with our jobs were in 2008 and theres still not enough doctors in jobs to see patients.

Streeting offered us nothing on pay. We are not worth less than we were 17 years ago, right?

An F1 doctor, a doctor starting off, is paid less than 19 an hour. We are asking an F1 to be paid about 22, 23 an hour, because thats pay restoration.

Dr Good (left)

Theyre often the first person showing up to a crash call. Theyll be seeing patients directly from A&E. Theyll be dealing with you on the wards, following the consultants plans, making sure that you are looked after on the wards.

All the people who work in the NHSthe porters, the nurses, the radiographerstheyre all on less pay than they should be on given the service they do.

Sheffield Royal Hallamshire Hospital

Chris, a newly qualified resident doctor, said, The governments attacks on the strike are a bit disgusting. Look at Wes Streeting and [Prime Minister] Keir Starmers arguments; they say they want to work with us and then in the same article say youre being reckless and any deaths that occur during the strike are on you.

John, a resident doctor working in psychiatry since 2017, said, All public sector workers, and all workers have noticed a pinch, especially recently. During COVID we had a pay freeze. I have a student loan, which is more than 50,000, which comes out of my pay every month.

Striking resident doctors on the picket line at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, December 18, 2025

On the governments plan to prioritise UK graduates for jobs he answered, There are not enough jobs for resident doctors and theyre facing competition for those jobs. What the right solution is, I dont know, because we must respect the international medical graduates. They are a massive part of why the NHS functions and contribute an awful lot.

Mary, a paediatric doctor said, Pay erosion means people are struggling to afford things like childcare and its hard for single parents. Families are having to make decisions about whether to send their children to childcare or work less than full time.

The government has not taken us seriously. Theyre not listening to what we want, putting half-baked offers on the table. We are so passionate about patients being safe and this is not something that we would do unless we were sure that it was for the long-term benefit of the patients and of the NHS. Theres been a chronic lack of funding for the NHS for years.

Dr. Wilson, who works in paediatrics, said, Weve got a huge unemployment crisis with resident doctors. Doctors are leaving for Australia and some even depend on Universal Credit [welfare benefits].

Mr. Streetings proposals dont address this; they only create 1,000 extra jobs and these are conversions from jobs that already exist. We need thousands more jobs to ensure that doctors arent facing unemployment.

When people talk about the difference in workloads between 20 years ago and now, they dont understand how different the landscape is. Were just facing a totally different landscape of unwell people. People are chronically ill, critically ill, and people are living longer in poor health.

We can work up to 72 hours in a week sometimes where were non-stop on our feet. I worked another 13-hour shift over the weekend, without a single break, looking after unwell children, unwell babies. I dont mind doing that, its what I signed up for, but when the pay that we get is less than 20 pounds an hour for doing it, its just a smack in the face.

Leeds Royal Infirmary

Dr Marie Tolan is a Specialist Trainee in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She said, Over the last five years since I qualified, plus the five years I was in medical school, Ive really seen how things have taken a turn for the worse. Were having to apologise to patients daily.

Successive governments have failed to resolve this issue. Weve been in dispute with both the Labour and the Conservative governments.

Marie Tolan

Things just continue to get worse for our patients. I didnt train to become a doctor to be stood on a picket line. I never thought I would be on a picket line. Unfortunately, for the last three years, Ive been coming out, standing in the cold with my colleagues, because we are the canaries in the coal mine.

The government has been trying to scaremonger to put doctors off taking strike action, but the NHS is lurching from crisis to crisis. We no longer just have a winter crisis, its a crisis all year round.

Striking resident doctors outside Leeds General Infirmary

***

The WSWS urges all resident doctors to contact NHS FightBack, which called for the rejection of Streetings insulting offer and outlined a strategy to end the isolation of their struggle through the formation of rank-and-file committees fighting for unity among the 1.4 million-strong NHS workforce.
The talks on a supposed peace plan for Ukraine, which took place in Berlin over the past few days, have made one thing clear above all else: the leading European powersabove all Germanyare doing everything they can to prolong NATOs war against Russia and escalate it to a new, even more dangerous level.

While German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the German capital a hub of peace efforts, in reality it hosted a war summit. Behind closed doors, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trumps negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and a number of European heads of state and government haggled not over how to end the war, but how to continue it under new conditions.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomes Steve Witkoff, special envoy of the United States, and Jared Kushner, entrepreneur and former chief adviser to President Donald Trump, from right, at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. [AP Photo/Maryam Majd]

The starting point for the Berlin talks is the deep crisis of the NATO war. After four years of bloody fighting, hundreds of thousands of casualties, and millions of refugees, NATOs offensive has reached an impasse. Despite more than 400 billion in Western military and financial aid to Ukraine, Russian troops are advancing slowly but steadily. In Ukraine itself, the regime is crumbling under corruption scandals and the growing war weariness of the population.

The Trump administration is responding to this situation with a change of course. The new National Security Strategy no longer designates Russia as an adversary, but focuses on enforcing naked US interests worldwide and weakening the European Union. Washington is seeking a deal with Moscow that combines territorial concessions from Ukraine with lucrative economic agreements for American corporations.

This is precisely what the European powers are opposed to. They do not accuse the fascist Trump of being too aggressive toward Russia, but rather too lenient. Commentaries in Der Spiegel, FAZ, NZZ, the business press, and social democratic think tanks demand that Europe emancipate itself from the US, become an independent military superpower, and stand up to Russia. This is not a peaceful alternative to American imperialism, but a program of unrestrained European militarism and direct war against nuclear-armed Russia.

The Berlin Declaration adopted by European heads of state and government on Monday evening sums up this course. It provides for maintaining the Ukrainian army at a permanent level of 800,000 soldierseven in peacetime. Ukraine, a country with a population of 30 to 35 million, is to maintain the largest military in Europe, heavily armed, highly equipped, and fully integrated into NATO structures.

At the same time, the European declaration and accompanying documents describe the tasks of a multinational Ukraine force under European leadership, supported by the US. This force is to assist the Ukrainian armed forces in regeneration, securing airspace, and ensuring safe seas, and will operate within Ukraine.

Europe is thus preparing to deploy its own ground troops in the Ukrainian war zonesomething the Kremlin repeatedly describes as a red line, threatening in response military retaliation against NATO countries.

This is already being aggressively propagated in the German media. The chairman of the Defense Committee, Christian Democratic Union member of parliament Rowekamp, has demanded that Germany participate in such a mission with personnel and material. Social Democratic parliamentary group leader Miersch has declared that nothing is being ruled out. The supposed peace negotiations in Berlin have thus served primarily to prepare for the deployment of European troops and a massive, long-term rearmament of Ukraine.

At the heart of Europes push are so-called security guarantees for Ukraine. Now that even Zelensky admits NATO membership is not feasible in the foreseeable future, a de facto substitute is to be created: a treaty that mimics Article 5 of the NATO Treatythe obligation to provide assistance in the event of warwithout explicitly linking it to formal NATO membership.

The Berlin Declaration speaks of a legally binding obligation to take measures to restore peace and security in the event of a future attack. The next sentence states that these measures could include military intervention, but also intelligence, logistical, economic or diplomatic support.

The backdoor is deliberately built in to give governments maximum flexibility. Politically, however, the message is clear: an attack on Ukraineor a provocation that can be interpreted as suchshould be considered an attack on Europe and responded to accordingly. Moscow attacked Ukraine, following constant Western provocations, to prevent a further expansion of NATO up to its borders. Berlin, Paris and London are now not only demanding an 800,000-strong Ukrainian army on Russias doorstep, but also a European force in Ukraine and alliance guarantees comparable to NATO membership.

The European powers are thus preparing something that is completely unacceptable from Russias point of view. The demands are deliberately worded in such a way as to sabotage any peace agreement and create a permanent war front in Eastern Europe.

The aggressiveness and recklessness with which Europes ruling class is pushing for escalation was demonstrated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Berlin over the weekend. In a speech during the Ukraine consultations, he declared that Europe had to prepare for a war like the one fought by our grandfathers and great-grandfathersthat is, a general, protracted and extremely costly continental war that inevitably carries with it the danger of an all-consuming Third World War. Rutte said:

We must be ready, because at the end of this first quarter of the 21st century, conflicts will no longer be fought from afar. The conflict is on our doorstep. Russia has brought war back to Europe, and we must be prepared for a level of war that our grandparents or great-grandparents experienced. Imagine: a conflict that reaches every home, every workplace, destruction, mass mobilisation, millions of displaced people, widespread suffering, and extreme losses.

At the same time, the militarisation of the entire EU is in full swing. Under the title Defense Readiness 2030, the European Council has adopted a five-year plan that is a blueprint for a European war economy and the militarisation of the entire continent.

Germany is at the forefront of this drive. The recently adopted 2026 war budget reached a historic record level of over 108 billion, and is set to rise to over 150 billion by 2029. In fact, German imperialism already spends around five percent of GDP on war-related expenditures. Merz has announced that Germany will build the strongest conventional army in Europe.

In his government statement yesterday, Merz underscored Germanys claim to European supremacy. He declared that the federal government and he personally were firmly determined that Germany must not become a victim, not an object of the epochal change currently taking place.

He continued:

We must not stand by and watch as the world is reorganised. We are not a plaything of the great powers... We want to and must remain an active player that stands up for its interests and values with determination and assertiveness.

In other words, as on the eve of World War II, Germany is preparing to organise Europe in order to assert its economic and geostrategic interests globally against its adversaries. In addition to Russia and China, this includes the United States of America.

The German-European escalation of war is taking place against the backdrop of a deep rift in the transatlantic alliance. Trumps National Security Strategy attacks the European Union head-on, promoting the rise of right-wing extremist parties and announcing that the US will in the future concentrate its resources primarily in Latin America and the Indo-Pacific region. Russia is no longer designated as the main adversary. Instead, Europe should find strategic stability with Moscow while Washington pursues its own interests.

The reaction of the European ruling class is clear and belligerent. The warmongers in politics and the media are calling for a kind of European Rutli Oath, a reference to the supposed beginning of the Swiss rebellion against the Hapsburgs in the 14th century: the establishment of an independent arms industry, the reduction of security dependence on the US, the strengthening of patriotic forces, and the aggressive expansion of European influence in the East.

In other words, the split in NATO is not leading to a departure from militarism, but to a bitter struggle between rival imperialist blocs seeking to secure their global position by military means.

This development finds stark expression in Ukraine. Trump and his emissaries view the country as a commodity, an object for deals with Putin and future special economic zones. The Europeans, in turn, are trying to bring Ukraine under their control as a permanent front line and staging statemilitarily, politically and economically.

The issue of frozen Russian central bank assetsaround 210 billion, most of which is held by Euroclear in Brusselsplays a key role in this. Both the Berlin Declaration and the preparations for the EU summit beginning today aim to convert this money into a reparation loan and use it to finance the war and reconstruction. This is, under international law, an unprecedented act of robbery, and, according to statements by the Kremlin, will meet with far-reaching consequences.

At the same time, German corporations are preparing to reap huge profits from the destruction of Ukraine. The German government is organising investor conferences and delegation trips, while arms and construction companies are planning factories and infrastructure projects in the country. Ukraine is becoming a testing ground for new weapons systems, digital warfare and a hyper-exploited low-wage economy.

This is the real content of the grandiose speeches about reconstruction and European responsibility: it is about raw materials, sales markets, profits, and the imperialist redivision of Eastern Europe. Official propaganda cannot hide the fact that this is a third attempt by German imperialism to seize control of Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

Already in World War I, control over Ukraine, rich in raw materials and geostrategically central, was one of the declared war aims of the German Empire, alongside the establishment of German hegemony over Central Europe. In World War II, Hitler continued this policy. The conquest of Ukraine played a central role in the war of extermination against the Soviet Union, which led to the Holocaust and cost the lives of at least 27 million Soviet citizens.

Today, German imperialism is once again pursuing the goal of removing Ukraine and other states that were once part of the Soviet Union or the Russian Empire from Moscows sphere of influence and bringing them under the control of the German-dominated European Union.

The enormous sums spent on armament, warfare and defence readiness are squeezed directly out of the social gains of the working class. Across Europe, pensions are being cut, health care systems ruined and public services destroyed to finance tanks, fighter jets, missiles and drones. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of industrial jobs are being eliminated, while billions flow into the pockets of arms company shareholders.

As in the 1930s, rearmament goes hand in hand with the systematic destruction of democratic rights. The repression of opponents of war and the Gaza genocide, the incitement against migrants, the expansion of the police state, and the systematic elevation of fascist forces are expressions of the same development: the ruling class is preparing not only for war abroad, but also for civil war against the working class.

The preparation for a third world war, which would be fought with nuclear weapons and destroy civilisation itself, is the ultimate expression of the historical crisis of capitalism. But the same contradictions that are driving imperialism toward war are driving the class struggle forward worldwide. Strikes and mass demonstrations in France, Belgium, Italy, Portugal and other countries against austerity and militarism herald what is to come.

However, spontaneous resistance is not enough. The working class cannot support either American or European imperialism. It must not align itself with any of the rival cliques of great powers, all of which are prepared to plunge millions into ruin to defend their profits and geopolitical influence.

The Putin regime, which emerged from the restoration of capitalism and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, plays a reactionary role. It relies on war, militarism and dictatorship to defend the interests of the Russian oligarchy. Under pressure from imperialism, it vacillates between military threats, including the use of nuclear weapons, and submissive begging for a deal.

What is needed is the building of an international socialist anti-war movement that links the struggle against war and dictatorship with the struggle against the capitalist system. This means:

 The formation of independent rank-and-file committees in workplaces, schools and neighbourhoods.

 The international coordination of the struggle against social cuts, militarism and repression.

 The conscious building of a revolutionary leadership in the working classthe Socialist Equality parties as sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International.

Only when the working class takes power and reorganises the economy on the basis of socialist planning can the enormous resources currently being poured into war and destruction be used to meet human needs and prevent the catastrophe of a third world war.
Elevenlabs AudioNative Player

Workers at the Factory Zero plant in Detroit, Michigan

The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) calls on autoworkers around the world to join a unified counteroffensive against the escalating bloodbath of layoffs sweeping the global auto industry.

The defense of the right to a job requires common action on a world scale against the transnational auto companies. This fight requires the building of new organizational structures: rank-and-file committees, democratically controlled by workers and based on the independent interests of the working class, not on nationalist collaboration with the capitalist elite.

On Friday, over 1,100 workers are expected to have their last day at General Motors Factory Zero in Detroit. The name of the plant (Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion) reflected GMs claim that it was the centerpiece of the companys electric vehicle future. Now the plant is to go down to a single shift and could soon be closed altogether.

Layoffs are spreading throughout the industry. Ford has announced it will end production of the electric F-150 truck, placing the future of the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in doubt. Its battery subsidiary, BlueOval, is firing all 1,800 workers at its plant in Louisville, Kentucky, converting the facility to energy storage production for AI data centers. GMs battery subsidiary, Ultium, is cutting thousands of jobs in Spring Hill, Tennessee and Lordstown, Ohio. The latter plant had been touted as a replacement for the historic Lordstown Assembly Plant, which GM shuttered in 2019.

The United Auto Workers bureaucracy has said nothing about any of these job cuts. This guilty silence reflects its own role in helping to eliminate thousands of jobs since the phony 2023 standup strike. The UAW has also remained silent on dangerous working conditions, including those that led to the death of skilled tradesman Ronald Adams Sr. this past April.

The only sustained and serious coverage of these developments has come from the World Socialist Web Site and from the IWA-RFC, which has exposed conditions that the union bureaucracy seeks to conceal.

What are the basic principles required for a genuine fight?

First, the IWA-RFC calls on workers to reject all layoffs. We reject the right of the auto companies to profit and insist on the principle that every worker has the right to a job. This is literally a life-and-death question. Layoffs mean evictions, bankruptcies, the loss of health coverage, family crises, substance abuse and deaths from despair.

The right to employment must be enforced by workers control. Workers must insist on the final say over all questions relating to employment, safety and production. If production must be reduced, the work week must be reduced with no corresponding decline in paychecks.

To prepare for a fight, workers must demand the immediate publication of all future layoff plans currently being concealed by management and their enablers in the UAW and other unions internationally. These plans affect the welfare of society as a whole and cannot be treated as private corporate information.

Workers are being made to bear the cost of the irrational and socially destructive implementation of the electric vehicle transition. The technology has the potential to lower transportation costs and reduce carbon emissions, but for the automakers, the attraction lies exclusively in the prospect of lower labor costs and higher profit margins.

Second, the fight must be guided by an international strategy that rejects America First, Germany uber alles and similar slogans that serve only corporate interests. Protectionist tariffs have led to chaos by tearing apart a globally integrated productive process. Led by the United States, a struggle is underway over control of lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements essential for battery technology and over access to advanced semiconductor chips. Under US pressure, the Dutch government recently seized control of a Chinese-owned semiconductor firm, prompting retaliatory export bans by China.

This logic leads inexorably toward war. Indeed, the new war in Venezuela is motivated by the fact that some 80 percent of the countrys oil exports go to China.

The struggle of each against all has produced layoffs worldwide. The German auto industry has cut approximately 50,000 jobs amid a sharp fall in exports, particularly to the United States and China. Automakers internationally have been hit by the ending of EV tax credits under the Trump administration, which is openly arguing for a US exit from the EV market altogether due to the commanding lead of Chinese automakers. Meanwhile, so-called reshoring through punitive tariffs has devastated the Canadian auto industry, producing thousands of layoffs.

A central principle in the fight for the international unity of the working class is the defense of immigrant workers, who are the targets of vicious scapegoating by the Trump administration as it oversees massive Gestapo-style raids invading entire communities. Workers must reject the filthy lie promoted by Trump and similar forces internationally that immigrants are to blame for the social crisis produced by the capitalist ruling elites.

Third, the fight against management must be inseparably linked to a fight against the union bureaucracy. In every country, the apparatuses of the unions are closing ranks more tightly with their own oligarchs. In Germany, the IG Metall union promotes social partnership with German automakers; in Canada, Unifor is openly aligning with Canadian capitalists against their American rivals.

Nowhere is the corrupt relationship between union and management more pronounced than in the United States. The United Auto Workers has helped US automakers destroy over 1 million jobs since 1979 and transform Detroit from the city with the highest standard of living to the poorest big city in America. This is the product of its nationalist and corporatist program, claiming that workers must accept sacrifices in order to keep American companies competitive.

UAW President Shawn Fain promoted Trumps tariffs as a supposed boon for jobs. But far from saving American jobs, the UAWs trade war strategy is a major factor in the mass layoffs. Meanwhile, the UAW remains silent on the jobs bloodbath within the US, with 1.2 million layoffs announced by employers and the economy heading toward recession.

The UAW openly supports war. Invoking the mobilization of US industry during World War II, Fain presents a new world war practically as a jobs program, suggesting the conversion of excess industrial capacity to weapons production. His counterparts in Europe support breakneck rearmament programs, the logic of which is direct war between Western Europe and Russia.

The UAW treats the layoffs as inevitable and tries to convince workers that there is nothing they can do. In Europe, IG Metall holds symbolic marches and, at best, negotiates for slightly better severance packageswhile its top officials collect hundreds of thousands of euros sitting on corporate works councils alongside management. In every country, the union bureaucracy acts to suppress resistance and protect the interests of the corporations.

But workers are not powerless! The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) is mobilizing the working class as a class, uniting workers across borders to strengthen their position through international solidarity. The trade union bureaucracies divide and conquerjust as Trump and the far right dowhereas the IWA-RFC builds unity to fight back.

This means developing a global network of rank-and-file committees, affiliated with the IWA-RFC, to organize independent initiatives from below. These committees are based on democratic control by workers themselves, not the diktats of pro-corporate union officials or the parties of the capitalist establishment, whether Democratic, Republican or their counterparts internationally.

Ultimately, the interests of workers are incompatible with the capitalist profit system. The fight must advance toward the expropriation of the auto industry from private hands and its transformation into a public utility under workers democratic control.

This is essential not only to protect jobs, wages and living standards, but also to halt the spiral toward global war between rival capitalist cliques and to place production under rational, social control. Social ownership of the auto industry would also enable new technologiesincluding electric vehiclesto be used for an environmentally sustainable future, not as weapons to bludgeon workers with job cuts and speedup.

The time to act is now! Fill out the form below to contact the IWA-RFC and take the first step in building a unified global movement of the working class in defense of jobs, democratic rights and the future.
Asbury's Tekion implementation is delivering measurable results. During the four-store pilot program, productivity per employee increased across all locations. Training time for service advisors dropped from five days to one day. The platform is eliminating nearly 70% of third-party plug-ins, reducing complexity and costs. The company plans to complete the full transition by 2027.

The three companies show stark differences in operational efficiency and growth trajectories. Asbury posted 13% revenue growth year-over-year in Q3, significantly outpacing AutoNation's 6.9% and Lithia's 4.9%. Asbury's profit margin of 3.15% exceeds AutoNation's 2.38%, despite AutoNation's larger scale.

Lithia Motors is the second-largest automotive retailer with $37.61 billion in revenue. The Medford, Oregon-based company has pursued aggressive acquisitions while building its Driveway digital platform. Lithia averaged 1.3 million unique visitors per month to its platform during Q2 2025.

AutoNation is the largest automotive retailer in the United States, with $27.92 billion in trailing twelve-month revenue. The Fort Lauderdale-based company operates a vast dealership network across various automotive brands. AutoNation has invested heavily in digital retail innovations and omnichannel platforms, enabling customers to complete approximately 80% of the car-buying process online.

Asbury Automotive operates 175 new vehicle dealerships and 39 collision centers, generating $4.80 billion in revenue during Q3 2025. The company is rolling out Tekion's cloud-based dealership management system across its entire network. CEO David Hult emphasized this strategic focus during the recent earnings call, noting the platform expansion to all Baltimore-DC market stores marked an important milestone.

The automotive retail industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with dealership groups racing to modernize operations through cloud-based platforms. Asbury Automotive Group ( NYSE: ABG ), AutoNation ( NYSE: AN ), and Lithia Motors ( NYSE: LAD ) are all betting on technology to drive efficiency, but the data reveals one clear leader.

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Asburys Tekion platform reduced service advisor training time from five days to one day during pilot testing.

Story Continues

AutoNation's digital approach has been more gradual, focusing on incremental improvements to existing systems rather than wholesale platform replacement. While their omnichannel capabilities are robust, the company's declining profitability trend raises questions. Net income fell 32% from $1.02 billion in 2023 to $692 million in 2024.

What Management Is Saying

Asbury CEO David Hult: "Even in the first few months [...] our productivity per employee went up across all stores. From sales to service, this platform has the potential to enhance the guest experience, improve team efficiency, and lower the cost per transaction."

Hult on strategic direction: "This was an important quarter in managing our growth strategy for Asbury, marked by the expansion of Tekion to all our stores in the Baltimore-DC market and integrating the Chambers group."

AutoNation's management has been more cautious in recent earnings calls, with analysts maintaining a Hold rating and lowering price targets. The company's focus has shifted toward cost management rather than aggressive technology transformation.

Lithia's management continues emphasizing acquisition-driven growth, though their Q3 earnings growth was negative at 4.7% year-over-year, contrasting sharply with Asbury's positive momentum.

Who Actually Benefits Most

Based on operational metrics, growth rates, and technology implementation, Asbury Automotive appears best positioned to benefit from the digital transformation trend. The company is growing revenue twice as fast as AutoNation while maintaining superior profit margins. The Tekion platform is already delivering quantifiable productivity gains that translate directly to the bottom line.

Perhaps most telling is the valuation gap. Asbury trades at a P/E ratio of 8x, compared to AutoNation's 12x and Lithia's 10x. Despite faster growth and better margins, the market hasn't fully recognized Asbury's competitive advantages. The company's PEG ratio of 0.515 suggests significant undervaluation relative to its growth rate.

AutoNation and Lithia both have strong market positions and digital capabilities, but neither is executing with the same operational excellence. AutoNation's profitability decline and Lithia's slowing earnings growth indicate they're facing headwinds that Asbury has managed to avoid.

The Bottom Line

The digital transformation of automotive retail is creating winners and losers. Asbury Automotive's aggressive platform modernization, combined with superior operational execution and faster growth, positions it as the primary beneficiary. While all three companies will participate in the industry's evolution, Asbury's measurable productivity gains and attractive valuation make it the standout choice for investors focused on this trend.

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As Bitcoin slid, MicroStrategy shares fell sharply. Over the past five trading days, the stock dropped more than 25%, significantly underperforming Bitcoin itself.

Bitcoins decline came amid a broader macro-driven sell-off, fueled by Bank of Japan rate-hike fears, leverage liquidations, and market-maker de-risking. MicroStrategys purchase landed just ahead of that cascade.

The timing was unfortunate. Only a day after Strategys reported purchase, Bitcoin had dropped toward the $85,000 range, briefly trading even lower. At the time of writing BTC remains below $80,000.

On December 14, MicroStrategy announced it had acquired 10,645 BTC for roughly $980.3 million, paying an average price of $92,098 per coin. At the time, Bitcoin was trading near local highs.

MicroStrategys latest Bitcoin buy has quickly come under scrutiny. Just one day after the firm disclosed a major purchase, Bitcoin fell sharply.

Story Continues

While shares saw a modest rebound today, they remain far below levels seen before the purchase announcement.

MSTR Stock Prices Over The Past Week. Source: Google Finance

The Numbers Behind the Concern

As of now, MicroStrategy holds 671,268 BTC, acquired for approximately $50.33 billion at an average price of $74,972 per coin.

On a long-term basis, the firm remains deeply in profit.

However, short-term optics matter. With Bitcoin near $85,000, the latest tranche is already underwater on paper.

MicroStrategys mNAV currently sits around 1.11, meaning the stock trades only about 11% above the value of its Bitcoin holdings. That premium has compressed rapidly as Bitcoin fell and equity investors reassessed risk.

MicroStrategy mNAV. Source: Saylor Tracker

Why the Market Reacted So Harshly

Investors are not questioning MicroStrategys Bitcoin thesis. They are questioning timing and risk management.

The macro risks that triggered Bitcoins drop were well telegraphed. Markets had been warning about the Bank of Japans potential rate hike and the threat to the yen carry trade for weeks.

Bitcoin has historically sold off aggressively around BOJ tightening cycles. This time was no different.

Critics argue MicroStrategy failed to wait for macro clarity. The firm appeared to buy aggressively near resistance, just as global liquidity conditions tightened.

Was It Actually a Mistake?

That depends on the timeframe.

From a trading perspective, the purchase looks poorly timed. Bitcoin fell immediately, and the stock suffered amplified losses due to leverage, sentiment, and shrinking NAV premium.

From a strategy perspective, MicroStrategy has never aimed to time bottoms. The company continues to frame its purchases around long-term accumulation, not short-term price optimization.

CEO Michael Saylor has repeatedly argued that owning more Bitcoin matters more than entry precision.

The real risk is not the purchase itself. It is what happens next.

If Bitcoin stabilizes and macro pressure eases, MicroStrategys latest buy will fade into its long-term cost basis. If Bitcoin drops further, however, the decision will remain a focal point for critics.

MicroStrategy may not have made the worst Bitcoin purchase of 2025. But it may have made the most uncomfortable one.

Read original story Did MicroStrategy Make Its Worst Bitcoin Purchase of 2025? by Mohammad Shahid at beincrypto.com
Co-CEO Ted Sarandos framed the acquisition as an extension of Netflixs core mission, which is to entertain the world. Netflix believes that merging Warner Bros. extensive catalogue of classics and modern franchises with Netflix originals like Stranger Things , Squid Game , Wednesday , and Bridgerton , will dramatically increase its content richness and worldwide appeal. Management further emphasized that the deal is designed to accelerate Netflixs business for decades. Financially, Netflix expects $2 billion to $3 billion in annual cost savings by year three, with the transaction becoming accretive to GAAP earnings per share by year two.

According to the terms of the agreement, Netflix will purchase Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO, and HBO Max. The transaction values Warner Bros. Discovery at $27.75 per share and includes both cash and Netflix shares. It is expected to close within 12 to 18 months of Discovery Globals planned separation in Q3 2026. This acquisition brings together two entertainment powerhouses. Netflix has vast global reach, a top-tier streaming infrastructure, and a data-driven distribution model. Warner Bros. contributes a century-long legacy of storytelling and some of the most recognizable franchises in entertainment history, including Game of Thrones , The Sopranos , Harry Potter , Friends , The Wizard of Oz , and the DC Universe.

While Netflix management paints the deal as a long-term growth engine, critics warn of regulatory hurdles and industry disruption. Netflix stock is down 15% this month alone and is up just 5.9% year-to-date. For investors, the key question is whether this controversy creates a rare buying opportunity or a reason to stay cautious.

Netflix (NFLX) has Wall Street buzzing with one of the most dramatic media deals in recent memory. The streaming companys decision to acquire Warner Bros. (WBD) following the separation of Discovery Global, in a transaction estimated at $82.7 billion, has inspired excitement, worry, and heated debate within the entertainment industry.

Story Continues

In the third quarter, Netflixs revenue increased by 17.2% to $11.5 billion, while diluted earnings increased by 8.7% to $5.87 per share. Netflix expects revenue of $11.96 billion in Q4, marking a 16.7% year-over-year increase, and an operating margin of 23.9%. Netflix expects $45.1 billion in sales and a 29% operating margin in 2025, highlighting its commitment on profitable, scalable growth.

Excluding the impact of the deal, analysts predict Netflixs earnings to increase by 28% for the full year 2025, before rising another 27.8% in 2026. Financially, Netflix maintains a sturdy balance sheet with $9.3 billion in cash against $14.5 billion in gross debt at the end of Q3. It also generated $2.7 billion in free cash flow and expects to generate around $9 billion for the full year.

What the Deal Means for Netflix Stock

The deal has triggered immediate anxiety across Hollywood, with fears ranging from job cuts to the decline of theatrical releases. In response, Netflix co-CEOs Greg Peters and Ted Sarandos addressed employees directly in an internal memo that later became public. Management emphasized that the merger is about growth, not consolidation-driven cuts. They also stated that Netflix has framed the acquisition as a method to sustain jobs, maintain creative ecosystems, and secure a healthy future for film and television production.

This deal is both bold and risky. On one hand, Netflix is gaining unmatched intellectual property, premium brands such as HBO, and a large content library, all of which have the potential to greatly increase member engagement and retention. The projected cost savings and earnings accretion strengthen the long-term financial case. On the other hand, regulatory uncertainty, political scrutiny, and industry pushback pose significant near-term risks. Any prolonged antitrust battle could weigh on market sentiment and delay the expected benefits of the deal.

Overall, Netflix stock is a Moderate Buy on Wall Street. Of the 45 analysts covering the stock, 26 recommend a Strong Buy, three rate it as a Moderate Buy, 14 suggest holding, and two say it is a Strong Sell. Based on an average price target of $129.83, Wall Street anticipates potential upside of around 39% over the next 12 months. The Street-high estimate of $152.50 indicates the stock could gain as much as 63.3% this year.

For long-term investors who believe in Netflixs ability to integrate iconic studios, navigate regulatory hurdles, and extract value from world-class content, this controversy-driven dip in the stock presents an attractive entry point.

www.barchart.com

On the date of publication, Sushree Mohanty 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
David Harbour has made a lot of headlines this year, but not for the right reasons. First came the bombshell allegations made in Lily Allens West End Girl album. Then came reports that Millie Bobby Brown had filed a bullying claim against him at Netflix. All of this pretty much eclipsed Davids role in the final season of Stranger Things. And now hes caught up in another seemingly sticky situation.

David Harbour is accused of teasing a fellow patron

Photo Credit: Roger Kisby for Netflix via Getty Images

David was reportedly captured on video at a pub in Encinitas, California, acting strangely towards a fellow patron. In the video, reported on by TMZ, David allegedly entered the pub, then ran outside carrying a white cap.

He then looks over his shoulder, yelling, Cmon, dude, f*cking get me, TMZ said of the apparent clip. Per the news outlet, a patron walked after David and put his hands up in exasperation.

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Things allegedly didnt end there, however. A group of pubgoers followed the pair outside, and a woman can apparently be heard pleading with them not to get into a fight.

The man eventually returns to the bar with his hat, TMZ reported, adding nothing got physical between the two and they went their separate ways.

According to a source who spoke to TMZ in light of the alleged incident, David was acting strange and later began to get emotional before kneeling down to pray.

To that, another insider with direct knowledge told TMZ: David has always been honest about managing his bipolar disorder.

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[I] wouldnt be surprised if thats what hes dealing with here after working non-stop all year and having his personal life under public scrutiny, the source claimed. That would be stressful for anyone, but even more so for someone who is bipolar.

TELL US  DO YOU BELIEVE DAVID TRIED TO MAKE OFF WITH SOMEONES HAT AT A PUB?

The post David Harbours Alleged Bar Incident Details Revealed appeared first on Reality Tea.
Kimberly Guilfoyle has responded with skepticism to the news of her ex Donald Trump Jr.s engagement to Bettina Anderson, according to a People exclusive.

Guilfoyle, who has moved to Athens with her son in order to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Greece, dated Trump for six years. The pair were engaged at the time of their breakup in 2024, and Trump, 47, wasted no time in going public with his new girlfriend, Bettina Anderson, 39.

According to People, Guilfoyle, 56, has major concerns about her exs new relationship. A source told the outlet, Kimberly knows Don well and theyre still great friends, but she has major concerns when it comes to his relationship with Bettina.

Trump and Guilfoyle were engaged for several years before breaking up in 2024. / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The engagement was difficult for Kimberly to see and she felt it only added to her doubts about the relationship.

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The source continued, She only wants the best for Don, but she isnt convinced Bettina is well-suited for Don or that what they have is the real deal.

Kimberly has a hard time seeing the headlines about their relationship because she doesnt believe its built to last.

Trump went public with his relationship with Anderson just months after splitting from Guilfoyle. / Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The source also told People that Guilfoyle is concerned that Anderson is more interested in the prestige and attention that comes with being connected to the Trump family and that she would not be in a relationship with Trump without it.

Trump announced his engagement to Anderson at his fathers Christmas reception at the White House on Monday night.

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In a video posted to social media by far-right provocateur Laura Loomer, Trump addressed the crowd, flanked by his fiancee and father.

BREAKING NEWS:



President Trump just announced at the White House that his son @DonaldJTrumpJr and his girlfriend Bettina Anderson are getting married! They just got engaged.



Congratulations to them both. pic.twitter.com/psb38nTGla  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 16, 2025

Its not often that Im at a loss for words cause we usually do the ranting and raving really well, Trump Jr. told guests.

He went on to thank Andersonfor that one word, yesbefore describing his nervousness prior to the proposal.

When you go down there, its like, youre gonna go, and youre trying to ask, and youre not sure what the answers gonna be. Its always a little bit rough. But she said yes, which is a big win for the end of the year, he said.

Trump announced his engagement to Anderson at his father's Christmas reception on Monday. / SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Trump was previously married to Vanessa Kay Haydon for 13 years. The couple had five children together. Guilfoyle and Trump began dating in 2018 and got engaged in 2020 before splitting in 2024 after news of Trumps new relationship broke.

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Guilyole was confirmed as the U.S. ambassador to Greece in September, having been nominated by President Donald Trump to the role in December 2024.

I am profoundly grateful to President Trump and the U.S. Senate for their trust and confidence in me. It is the honor of my life to serve as the first female Ambassador of the United States to Greece, Guilfoyle wrote in a social media post following her successful confirmation.
Seeking Sister Wifes Lorrana Merrifield returned to Instagram after her husband, Garrick, was arrested on a domestic violence charge before Thanksgiving.

Garrick, 42, was booked in Chaffee County, Colorado, on November 24, on charges of misdemeanor domestic violence and obstructing telephone service, TMZ and People reported at the time. He was later released on bail.

Days after his arrest, TMZ reported on November 26 that Garrick allegedly threatened to call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on wife Lorrana  a Brazil native  and have her deported during an argument.

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According to the outlet, citing an affidavit for an arrest warrant, Lorrana told police that Garrick snatched her phone from her amid a dispute and would not allow her to contact her family in Brazil. (Garrick did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Us Weekly last month, nor has he publicly addressed his arrest.)

Seeking Sister Wife Is Back With 5 Polygamist Families Navigating New Romances, Sexual Partners

Lorrana returned to Instagram in late November following Garricks arrest, sharing pictures of the couples newborn daughter, Sarah Mae, on November 29.

Got lost scrolling through photos and came across my doll Sarah.. oh how time needs to slow down! , she wrote in Portuguese, alongside two photos of baby Sarah clad in a white onesie with pink hearts.

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Lorrana and Garrick welcomed their daughter in July, but did not announce the babys arrival until November.

On December 9, Lorrana shared another Instagram post, this time posting a selfie of herself posing in a car while wearing a white sweater. She captioned the post with a purple heart emoji, a cross emoji and a sparkling star emoji.

Courtesy of Lorrana Merrifield/Instagram

Lorranas posts did not address the domestic incident, nor Garricks arrest.

Garrick and Lorrana married in October 2024, after Garrick legally divorced his first wife, Dannielle, in 2020 so he could wed another woman. Garrick and Dannielle, who have three children of their own, remain together, however, and are in a plural marriage with Lorrana, as documented on TLCs Seeking Sister Wife.

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Coparenting as a plural family has been wonderful, to have all the support and be there for each other. Its a blessing to have all of our family involved helping each other. Its definitely allowed us to do different things, Garrick told People of coparenting with his two wives in November.

Lorrana and I have been able to go on trips when Dannielle took the kids, and vice versa Lorrana is taking the kids so Dannielle and I are able to celebrate our anniversary, he added.

Most Tumultuous Relationships in Reality TV History: From Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries to Colton Underwood and Cassie Randolph

It has been nice for Lorrana and I to be able to help each other as mothers and give each other breaks. It has also been equally as special to see Garrick become a father again to two girls which is a whole different ball game, said Dannielle, who has two teenage sons and daughter Leia, 2, with Garrick.

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During the November 30 season 6 finale of Seeking Sister Wife, Garrick expressed his desire to add another wife to their plural family. He surprised Dannielle by saying that she would have to legally marry the new addition if she was from another country, citing Lorranas U.S. citizenship status.

You know, if God had us to meet another woman from another country, truly our best option would be, Dannielle would have to marry to have her come here, Garrick said in a confessional interview alongside Dannielle and Lorrana. Just because we dont know how long it would take before me and Lorrana could get divorced where I could marry another woman.

I wasnt aware of that, a surprised Dannielle responded.

She added, I feel like its more of a discussion I feel like we need to have.
As investigators piece together the final hours of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, insiders are now revealing disturbing details about how the couple died.

The emerging timeline, paired with alarming discoveries elsewhere, has cast a troubling shadow over one of Hollywoods most respected families.

Rob Reiners Final Night After A Hollywood Party

Janet Gough / AFF-USA.com / MEGA

The last public sighting of Rob and his wife Michele placed them at Conan OBriens Christmas party on Saturday night. Witnesses later told investigators that the evening was not as lighthearted as it appeared from the outside.

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TMZ first reported that Reiner, 78, had a very loud argument with his son Nick during the gathering.

According to one partygoer who spoke to PEOPLE Magazine, the situation was unsettling enough to draw attention from other guests. The witness said, Nick was freaking everyone out, acting crazy, kept asking people if they were famous.

After the argument, Rob and Michele reportedly left the party together and returned home. That decision would mark the final known moment they were seen alive.

Inside The Bedroom Where The Reiners Were Found

APEX / MEGA

According to a source close to the investigation, the most horrifying detail emerged when authorities began reconstructing what happened next.

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Rob and Michele were allegedly found in their bed with their throats cut, a discovery that suggests they may have been asleep when they were attacked.

The source explained the suspected sequence of events in stark terms, telling the Daily Mail, He could have done it not long after they all went home, meaning he went there and slit their throats in the middle of the night.

They added, They were in bed when that happened.

While the Los Angeles Police Department has not officially confirmed the exact location within the home where the bodies were discovered, the account has deeply disturbed those familiar with the case.

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The idea that the couple may have been killed in their sleep offers a grim sense of mercy amid the brutality of the crime.

How Rob Reiners Death Timeline Came Into Focus

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

For hours after the alleged attack, no one knew anything was wrong. Concerns were only raised the following afternoon when a masseuse arrived at the Reiners $13.5 million Brentwood mansion around 2 p.m. and received no response at the door.

Their daughter Romy, 27, who lives across the street, reportedly went to check on her parents after the missed appointment. She is said to have discovered the horrific scene and immediately called emergency services.

The LA Fire Department later confirmed that first responders were dispatched to the home around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

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Despite efforts to render aid, Rob and Michele were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators now believe the killings occurred sometime between the late hours of Saturday night and early Sunday morning.

Troubling Warnings About Nicks Behavior Before The Murders

LuMarPHOTO / AFF-USA.COM / MEGA

As attention turned to the Reiners son Nick, insiders began sharing troubling accounts of his behavior in the months leading up to the killings.

The 32-year-old had been living in the guesthouse on his parents property, a situation sources described as increasingly unstable.

One source close to him told the Daily Mail, Nick had been living in their guesthouse, the same one he destroyed more than once, but it had been like a revolving door all his adult life, painting a picture of repeated returns and escalating conflict.

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The same source detailed Nicks alleged drug use and volatility, saying, He would do meth and not sleep for days and then have outbursts, breaking things, punching walls.

According to the insider, the situation had reached a breaking point.

He was a ticking time bomb. His drug use was getting worse and his parents wanted him out, they claimed.

The Motel Room Discovery After Rob Reiners Death

APEX/MEGA

Nick was arrested at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday night, according to booking records, after checking into a motel near Santa Monicas famous pier. What police reportedly found there added another disturbing layer to the case.

Investigators who raided the room allegedly discovered a shower described as full of blood, along with blood on the bed and windows that had been blacked out using bedsheets. The details immediately raised questions about Nicks movements after leaving his parents home.

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Initially, Nicks bail on the murder charges was set at $4 million, but it was later revoked. He is currently being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles.

His first court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, where he is expected to be formally arraigned and advised of the charges against him.

As investigators continue to examine evidence and testimony, the haunting image of Rob and Michele Reiner found in their bed remains at the center of a case that has stunned Hollywood and left a family legacy forever changed.
NEED TO KNOW

In 1999, billionaire Edmond Safra and one of his nurses died after a fire broke out in their Monaco home

In December 2002, Safra's nurse Ted Maher was convicted of arson causing death and sentenced to 10 years in prison

He escaped in 2003 and was released in July 2007, but has since landed back in prison

Ted Maher thought he had landed the career opportunity of a lifetime when he became a private nurse for billionaire Edmond Safra. But that dream job quickly turned into a nightmare when a devastating fire left Safra dead  and Maher as the prime suspect.

Maher, a former Green Beret-turned-neonatal nurse, was hired in 1999 to be one of the personal nurses to Safra, a banking magnate and one of the richest men in the world, per Vanity Fair. The job involved relocating from Mahers modest home in upstate New York to Safras 20-room penthouse apartment in Monaco.

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That all changed on the night of Dec. 3, 1999, however. A fire broke out in Safras two-story penthouse, leaving the billionaire and one of his nurses dead from smoke inhalation. Maher survived the blaze and initially told authorities that two intruders had broken into the apartment with the intent to assassinate Safra, per The New York Times. But within days, Maher admitted that he intentionally set the fatal fire in his boss penthouse, though both he and his wife have since claimed that his confession was coerced.

Maher was ultimately convicted in the death of Safra and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Now, Safras tragic death and the bizarre circumstances around it are the subject of the new Netflix documentary Murder in Monaco, which began streaming on Dec. 17.

So, where is Ted Maher now? Here's everything to know about the convicted arsonist's life today.

Who is Ted Maher?

Lionel Cironneau/AP Photo Ted Maher during his trial on Nov. 28, 2002 at Monaco's courthouse. Ted Maher during his trial on Nov. 28, 2002 at Monaco's courthouse.

Born in Maine and raised in upstate New York, Maher is the oldest of five children. With a father who worked as a telephone repairman and a mother who was a school bus driver, Maher recalled that money was tight growing up in his 2021 book Framed in Monte Carlo: How I Was Wrongfully Convicted for a Billionaires Fiery Death. As a result, he enlisted in the United States Army upon graduating high school in 1976 in order to pay for college, per Dateline. Maher spent three years in the Army, ultimately becoming a member of the Green Berets, an elite division of Special Forces soldiers.

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Following Mahers stint in the Army, his career took several twists and turns. He worked as a Las Vegas policeman, a casino surveillance expert and a pizza delivery man in Alaska before attending Dutchess Community College in upstate New York to become a nurse, according to his book. He married twice, the latter of which resulted in the birth of his first child, a son named Christopher.

Maher was hired by Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York in 1990 as a nurse in the neonatal intensive care. Three years later, he married his third wife, a woman named Heidi whom he had met in nursing school, per 48 Hours. They went on to have two children together, a son named Ian and a daughter named Amber, and the family lived in a house that Maher built himself in Stormville, N.Y.

In 1999, Maher found an expensive camera left behind in the NICU and returned it to its rightful owners, a couple named Harry and Laura Slatkin, per Vanity Fair. The couple was so grateful to Maher that they recommended him for a job as a private nurse to Edmond Safra, a banking billionaire who was diagnosed with advanced Parkinsons disease. With the Slatkins recommendation, Maher was hired for the job  which paid more than $200,000 a year, according to Dateline.

Who is Edmond Safra?

Agence France Presse/Getty Portrait of Lebanese-born Brazilian banker and financier Edmond Safra. Portrait of Lebanese-born Brazilian banker and financier Edmond Safra.

Mahers employer, Safra, was a Lebanese-born banker who, by 1999, was one of the wealthiest men in the world, according to The Independent. The founder of Republic National Bank of New York, Safra had homes in New York, Switzerland, France and Monaco, the latter of which he made his primary residence with his wife, Lily, per The New York Times.

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Safra successfully led the Republic National Bank of New York for more than three decades. But the billionaire had also made some powerful enemies during his career: In 1998, the bank alerted the FBI to an alleged Russian money laundering scheme, according to The Independent.

He turned in the Russian mafia to the FBI, writer Dominick Dunne, who wrote the Vanity Fair story about the case, told 48 Hours. "He became very paranoid about his safety.

In addition to concerns about his safety, Safra was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease and, by 1999, was looking to retire, The New York Times reported. As a result, Safra negotiated the sale of his banking business to HSBC Holdings for $9.9 billion. The deal was set to be finalized on Jan. 3, 2000.

What happened to Edmond Safra?

On Dec. 3, 1999, Safra, then 67 years old, died of smoke inhalation when a fire was intentionally set in his penthouse apartment in Monaco, per The New York Times.

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According to initial reports from Monacos chief prosecutor Daniel Serdet, two intruders broke into the apartment and started the fire. When the blaze began, Safra hid in a bathroom (that doubled as a safe room) from the perpetrators, along with one of his nurses, Viviane Torrente. Torrente, a 52-year-old mother of two, was also killed in the fire. Lily and her granddaughter, who were both in the apartment at the time, escaped the fire unharmed.

Maher, who was also present, suffered two knife wounds from the alleged intruders but survived. He initially told investigators that two hooded men yielding knives broke into the penthouse through an infirmary, according to The New York Times.

What crimes was Ted Maher charged with?

AP Photo The charred penthouse of banker Edmond Safra on Dec. 3, 1999 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The charred penthouse of banker Edmond Safra on Dec. 3, 1999 in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

In the days following the deadly fire, Maher provided vague and conflicting details to authorities about the attack, according to The New York Times. Additionally, police were unable to find any evidence  including surveillance footage  of the masked intruders and their alleged break-in to the highly-secured building, per TIME.

Eventually, Maher confessed to inventing the two hooded assailants, according to The New York Times. He also admitted to intentionally starting the fire himself in a wastepaper basket  not in an effort to kill Safra, but rather to earn his boss approval and a potential promotion. According to investigators, Maher was jealous of Safras seven other nurses and fabricated the attack to impress Safra, even self-inflicting knife wounds to legitimize his claims. The fire, Serdet claimed, was started in order to alert authorities by setting off the smoke alarm.

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He wanted to be a hero, Serdet said following Mahers confession.

As a result, police charged Maher with arson without intent to kill, a charge that carried a potential life sentence if found guilty, according to The New York Times.

However, both Maher and his third wife Heidi have since claimed that Maher's confession was coerced.

What happened at Ted Mahers trial?

Lionel Cironneau/AP Photo Ted Maher leaves Monaco's courthouse Dec. 2, 2002. Ted Maher leaves Monaco's courthouse Dec. 2, 2002.

Maher awaited trial in a Monaco prison for nearly three years. At his trial, which began in late November 2002, Mahers defense attorneys argued that while he did start the fire, he never intended to kill Safra and Torrente. Instead, his defense pointed to missteps by the local police and firefighters (who took more than two hours to locate Safra and Torrente while the fire raged) as contributing to their deaths, per 48 Hours.

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If the police department had acted properly and allowed the fire department to do their job, the deaths never would have occurred, Michael Griffith, one of Mahers attorneys, told The Guardian in March 2002.

However, on Dec. 2, 2002  nearly three years to the date of the deadly fire  Maher was found guilty of arson causing death and sentenced to 10 years in prison, per UPI.

How long was Ted Maher in prison?

Though Maher was sentenced to 10 years in prison, he attempted to cut his jail time short with a daring escape from the 17th century Monaco prison where he was being held.

On the night of Jan. 21, 2003, using hacksaw blades snuck into his cell through the spine of a nursing book, Maher sawed through the bars of his cell with a fellow inmate and used a makeshift rope fashioned out of trashbags to scale down the side of the fortress-style prison, according to The Monegasque.

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Maher made it 15 miles away to Nice, France, where he was caught by French police within seven hours and returned to prison, per 48 Hours. His sentence was extended by 10 months because of the jailbreak, according to Dateline.

But Maher only remained behind bars until August 2007, according to the New York Post, when he was released and flown back to the U.S. after spending a total of eight years incarcerated.

What has Ted Maher said about Edmond Safras death?

Claude Paris/AP Photo Ted Maher at Aix en Provence justice court on June 5, 2003 in southern France. Ted Maher at Aix en Provence justice court on June 5, 2003 in southern France.

In the years leading up to his trial and following his conviction, Maher has recanted his confession and maintained his innocence in the death of his boss, Safra. Additionally, Maher claimed he was coerced by police into admitting to the crime after being led to believe his wife was being detained and tortured, according to both 48 Hours and Dateline. He also alleged that he was forced to sign a confession that was written in French, a language he cannot read. (Monaco authorities have refuted this, stating Maher had access to an English translator at all times.)

In interviews given following his release from prison, Maher has doubled down  and elaborated on  his original story that he was attacked by two assailants the night the fire broke out. He alleged to Dateline in March 2008 that two days prior to the break in, he was abducted at gunpoint off of the street in Nice by the same two men who would later supposedly break into Safras penthouse. Maher claimed the masked men ordered him to leave a window shutter open near the nursing station  and threatened him with photos of his wife and children back home.

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It scared the hell out of me, Maher told Dateline. I wasn't going to put [my family] at risk.

Maher alleged on the night the intruders broke in, he was desperate to save his boss life. He claimed since he did not know the equivalent for 911 in Monaco and the penthouse didnt have a panic alarm, he set a small fire in a trash can in the nursing station to set off the smoke alarms in order to summon help.

I believe that I stopped an assassination attempt on his life that night, Maher told Dateline about his supposed actions on Dec. 3, 1999.

In his 2021 book, Maher re-asserts his innocence in the death of his former boss. The real killer or killers of Edmond Safra have not been brought to justice, and the person still paying for it is me, he wrote.

Where is Ted Maher now?

Netflix Ted Maher in Murder in Monaco. Ted Maher in Murder in Monaco.

Mahers life since being released from prison in 2007 has been filled with turmoil.

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His third wife, Heidi, divorced him in 2006 while he was still incarcerated and obtained full custody of their three children, Dateline reported. Upon returning to the U.S. in 2007, Maher was served with a restraining order that prohibited him from going near his ex-wife and children, per the New York Post.

Professionally, Maher attempted to get back into nursing, but lost several jobs once they discovered his criminal past. In 2013, the Texas Board of Nursing revoked Mahers license after he supposedly lied about his employment history and his Monaco conviction, according to NBC News. Maher went on to lose his nursing privileges in multiple other states, as well.

He had it rough, Griffith told NBC News about Mahers post-prison life. The massive publicity of this case promoted his face and his reputation, and he lost job after job.

In an effort to shed his past, Maher changed his name to Jon Green and began working as a long-haul truck driver. He married for a fourth time, to a New Mexico physician named Dr. Kim Lark, in 2020  but by 2022, their relationship had begun to deteriorate, per NBC News. According to Lark, Mahers behavior became so erratic that she took out a restraining order against her estranged husband.

In May 2022, Maher kidnapped Larks three dogs, stole her car and her checkbook, and attempted to withdraw $50,000 from her bank account. After a few weeks on the run, Maher, under his new identity Green, was captured and arrested in San Antonio in June 2022, according to Monaco Daily News. He pleaded guilty in 2023 to larceny and forgery and was sent to prison once again, per the Artesia Daily Press.

While behind bars, Mahers legal troubles continued. He allegedly paid a fellow cellmates $2,500 bond on the condition that he would murder his estranged wife, Dr. Lark, once released. According to the Artesia Daily Press, the murder-for-hire plot involved the cellmate breaking into Larks home and forcing her to overdose on fentanyl  but instead, the cellmate wrote a letter to Lark warning her of the hit.

Following his March 2025 trial, Maher was convicted on a single charge of solicitation to commit first-degree murder. In June 2025, he was sentenced to nine years behind bars for the crime, according to the Carlsbad Current-Argus. He is currently serving his sentence in the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility, a minimum-security facility for older inmates.

Read the original article on People


EXCLUSIVE: Andrea Iervolino has launched a new federation dedicated to producers and professionals operating within the Italian film and audiovisual industry with a strong focus on international markets.

Bannered Made in Italy Film Export (MIFE), Iervolino said some 50 producers have signed up as members, with companies gathering under the new body including his The Andrea Iervolino Company, TAIC and Tatatu.

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Further companies joining the new organisation include Kalicon, which is co-owned by Warner Bros. Spain and Italy President Stefano Torrisi; Emanuele Morettis L.A. and Rome-based company Motus Studios and Guglielmo Marchettis Notorious Pictures.

The federation is affiliated with Italian business association Confimpreseitalia. The association, which counts some 80,000 members, represents micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and provides services including business development support, legal and tax consultancy, networking activities, and international competitiveness promotion.

Iervolino, who is the president of MIFE, said the federations mission is to enable Italian audiovisual content to compete in a structured, continuous, and organized manner on global markets.

Italian cinema has extraordinary talent, history, and creativity, said Iervolino. However, for too long it has not been treated as a strategic export industry. MIFE was created to fill this gap: our goal is to bring Italian cinema to the world with the same strength with which Italy exports fashion, automobiles, and food.

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My international experience demonstrates that, when properly structured, Italian cinema is competitive, credible, and highly attractive to global markets. MIFE will be the tool that guides Italian producers into a new, modern, and international industrial phase.

MIFEs Secretary General Federico Bettoni added that the new federation would work closely with Confimpreseitalia and as well as public institutions.

MIFE was established as an operational, results-oriented federation. Our mission is to create concrete tools, relationships, and real opportunities for Italian producers who want to approach international markets in a structured way, he said.

We will work closely with Confimpreseitalia and public institutions to turn cinema into a genuine economic and employment engine, capable of generating value, continuity, and international reputation for Italy.

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Predicting who will get nominated in the three short-film categories at the Oscars is a challenge, even for the most seasoned pundits. But fear not, dear reader! Below are all 15 short films that made the Academy Awards shortlist for Best Animated Short along with plot synopses and embedded video and/or links to view them if they are available.

Some of the subjects covered by this year's batch of cartoons are the life of a French-Jewish Olympian competing at 1936 games in Nazi Germany, an orphaned bear cub finding family in the form of an evergreen tree, an alcoholic attempting to save his favorite beer stand, and a group of clay sculptures that come to life.

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Here is your 2026 Oscars Best Animated Short cheat sheet, arranged alphabetically:

"Autokar"

In the 1990s, an 8-year-old girl from Poland named Agata takes a bus to Belgium and writes a letter to her father, who had to stay behind.

"Butterfly (Papillon)"

The project depicts Alfred Nakache, a Jewish French swimmer, who competed at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany. It shows him swimming as memories come to him from his life.

"Cardboard"

A pig thats a single dad moves his piglets into a trailer park. While the father fears that hes failed his family, the piglets create an imaginative game that forces the dad to choose between dwelling on the past or joining them in their adventure.

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"Eiru"

When the water in a well mysteriously vanishes, a bold, young child embarks on a journey to retrieve it.

"Forevergreen"

A bereaved bear cub finds a home in the form of an evergreen tree but his curiosity and hunger soon leads him to danger. The short won the Grand Jury Prize for animated short film at this year's AFI Fest.

"The Girl Who Cried Pearls"

The story of a girl who is overcome by sadness, a boy who is in love with her and how greed can lead good-hearted people to do awful things. Directors Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski were nominated in this category in 2007 for "Madame Tutli-Putli."

"Hurikan"

The title character hopes to save his favorite beer stand from closing by getting a new keg to woo the bartender he has a crush on. He faces the police, criminals, and his own thirst in the process.

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"I Died in Irpin"

At the start of Russias invasion of Ukraine, a woman and her boyfriend leave Kyiv to visit his parents. The city, Irpin, then becomes a combat zone and the danger they face lies both inside and outside the home.

"The Night Boots"

In the middle of a dinner party, a boy sneaks out of his house in the middle of the night and meets a weird, yet charismatic creature that leads him on an incredible adventure.

"Playing God"

A group of sculptures made out of clay come to life but when their sculptor leaves them, they are forced to discover the power of belonging.

"The Quintas Ghost"

At his famous country house, Francisco Goya is battling illness and scary visions. He guides this inner battle into the Black Paintings by conceding his peace and stability in order to commemorate his suffering.

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"Retirement Plan"

In the midst of being middle-aged, Ray imagines all the things hed love to do after he retires  when he finally has the time to do them. Ray is voiced by Domhnall Gleeson. The short can be viewed below and on YouTube through The New Yorker.

"The Shyness of Trees"

A woman travels to the French countryside to visit her mother but finds that her mom has formed a weird bond with the nature that surrounds her. This short can be found below and on YouTube.

"Snow Bear"

When a lonesome polar bear cant find friends in his natural habitat, he creates his own companion. Director Aaron Blaise was nominated for Best Animated Feature back in 2003 for Brother Bear and the short can be viewed below and through his YouTube channel.

"The Three Sisters"

Three sisters who live on a secluded island have to rent out one of their homes.

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Note: AMPAS only listed the titles of the shortlisted short films, and no other distinguishing details (i.e., director or plot description) were provided, so there's a chance that some of these plot synopses may be incorrect. If you're part of a publicity team for one of the shortlisted titles and notice that the film's plot does not match its title, please contact us and we will make the correction.

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The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) described the European Commissions (EC) automotive package as an initial move for creating a flexible approach that supports decarbonisation and resilience goals.

Under the proposal, carmakers must achieve a 90% reduction in tailpipe emissions from 2035 while the emaining 10% can be offset using low-carbon steel produced in the EU or using e-fuels and biofuels.

ACEA stated that, at first assessment, the package requires decisive measures to support the sectors transition over the coming years.

The association added that unless urgent steps are taken to address 2030 flexibilities for cars and vans, a target just four years away, the impact of the 2035 measures may be limited.

ACEA also observed that strict conditionalities such as narrow made in the EU requirements and the planned emission compensation system, may impact openness to technology and competitiveness, signalling that further assessment is needed.

The Automotive Omnibus, included in the package, aims to streamline administrative processes and reduce costs for manufacturers operating in Europe.

ACEA welcomed targeted measures for light commercial vehicles (LCVs), including compliance averaging and a 2030 target reduction.

The Automotive Omnibus introduces several measures specifically aimed at addressing challenges faced by LCVs.

ACEA director general Sigrid de Vries said: Todays proposals rightly recognise the need for more flexibility and technology neutrality to make the green transition a success. This constitutes a major change compared to the current law

However, the devil can be very much in the details. We will now study the package and work with co-legislators to critically strengthen the proposals where needed.

In October 2025, ACEA raised concerns over disruptions in vehicle production linked to a shortage of essential microchips.

This issue is associated with a halt in exports of Nexperia chips from China due to an unresolved political dispute.

"ECs automotive package takes flexible decarbonisation path: ACEA" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand.




The Spanish edition of Vive Latino festival in Zaragoza has announced its program for 2026. The famous Mexican rock fete will mark its fifth anniversary in Spain when it returns to the Expo venue on Sept. 4 and 5, with a lineup headlined by Julieta Venegas, Rawayana, Amaia, Ed Maverick, Guitarricadelafuente, Rigoberta Bandini and Loquillo, announced Mexican promoter Ocesa on Thursday (Dec. 18).

Ultraligera, M-Clan, Buena Vista All Stars, Esteman and Daniella Spalla, Hermanos Martinez, Plastilina Mosh, Sonido Gallo Negro, Siloe, Nina Polaca, Veintiuno and Division Minuscula are also part of the lineup comprised of 33 solo artists and bands participating in the Festival Iberoamericano de Cultura Musical Vive Latino Espana, which, according to the organizers, will feature three stages.

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Overall, the rock fest will bring together artists from six nationalities: Spain, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia and Cuba.

Vive Latino will once again give us an opportunity to discover national and international artists, said Natalia Chueca, mayor of Zaragoza, during the lineup announcement on Thursday. This festival holds a special place and is a hallmark of our musical offerings.

The mayor highlighted the economic impact the festival has brought to the city, stating that since its arrival at the Expo venue in 2019, it has exceeded 25 million euros in revenue, with more than 155,000 attendees.

Since its creation in 1998 in Mexico City, the Festival Iberoamericano de Cultura Musical, better known as Vive Latino, has had a transgressive personality that challenges stigmas. For example, it was the first to incorporate pop, reggaeton, cumbia and Mexican regional music artists into its lineup; it added Anglo bands while being the ultimate celebration of rock en espanol; and it is the first festival in Latin America to have its own edition in Spain.

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El Vive, as its audience lovingly calls Mexicos longest-running music festival, debuted on Nov. 28-29, 1998, at Foro Sol (now Estadio GNP Seguros) in Mexico City, where it has been held every year since, except for 1999, 2002, and 2021  the latter due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2026 edition, its 26th, is set for March 14-15 at the GNP Seguros Stadium.

Check out the official lineup for 2026 Vive Latino Espana below.

Teniais las fechas. Teniais las ganas. Ahora teneis los nombres. 



Este es el cartel oficial de Vive Latino Espana 2026.

Y no es un ano mas, es nuestro 5 aniversario y lo vamos a celebrar por todo lo alto.  pic.twitter.com/ixgaVVfz2v  Vive Latino Espana (@vivelatino_es) December 18, 2025

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Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick will return to the New York stage this spring with a starring role in the American premiere of David Irelands Ulster American. Set for a limited run at Off Broadways Irish Repertory Theatre, the play begins previews Friday March 6, 2026, with opening night set for Sunday March 15.

The engagement runs on the IRTs Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage through Sunday May 10.

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Directed by Ciaran OReilly (The Weir), Ulster American will co-star Geraldine Hughes (Belfast Blues) and Max Baker (Continuity).

The synopsis: On the evening before rehearsals begin for her new work, Ulster-born playwright Ruth Davenport (Hughes) visits the home of English director Leigh Carver (Baker), along with Oscar-winning Hollywood star Jay Conway (Broderick) who has just arrived in London to star in the world premiere. What begins as a cordial gathering to discuss the upcoming production quickly descends into a brutal psychological brawl as egos, ideologies, and historical baggage collide. A theatrical hand grenade disguised as a drawing-room comedy, Ulster American explosively reveals some raw contradictions at the heart of modern storytelling and political posturing.

The play premiered in 2018 at the Traverse Theatre as part of the Edinburgh Fringe. Ulster American was revived by Second Half Productions at the Riverside Studios, London in 2023 featuring Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis and Louisa Harland.

Ulster American will feature set design by Charlie Corcoran, costume design by Orla Long, lighting design by Michael Gottlieb, original music and sound by Ryan Rumery, sound design by Florian Staab and properties by Deirdre Brennan.

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Broderick previously starred in Irish Reps Shining City (2016) and The Seafarer (2018), both by playwright Conor McPherson. The actor has won two Tony Awards for his work on Broadway in Brighton Beach Memoirs (1983) and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (1995).

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Stranger Things may be known for tapping some of the most beloved actors from the '80s  Winona Ryder, Sean Astin, Paul Reiser, Robert Englund, Carey Elwes  but according to longtime casting director Carmen Cuba, none of it was ever about nostalgia bait or headline-grabbing stunt casting.

In a new conversation with Parade, Cuba set the record straight about one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the shows roster of iconic faces. While fans have often assumed Ross and Matt Duffer, the creators of the show, were intentionally stacking each season with 80s legends as a wink to the era, Cuba explains that the process was far more organic than people realize.

RELATED: Where Youve Seen the Stranger Things Cast Before

Happenstance, she tells Parade, dismissing the idea that Stranger Things ever created a wishlist of era favorites. We never wanted a stunt. We didnt set out thinking like, okay, each season were gonna have an icon from the 80s, but there were so many that just naturally fit.

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Instead, Cuba said the casting choices came from genuine admiration.

It really comes from a love, a genuine, organic love of those actors, she explains. We never said, which 80s actors could we use? It was really me sort of pursuing my love of it and curiosity.

And while some of those actors have become unforgettable parts of the Stranger Things universe, Cuba revealed that most of them still went through the traditional audition process.

Everyone that you mentioned auditioned, she continues. Sometimes I had them audition, and they were sort of in a group of auditions that they saw, and then they would be like, Oh my God, that person auditioned.

Netflix (Netflix)

But season 1 changed everything. Once the show became a phenomenon, Cuba found that the doors opened wide.

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After season 1, that was actually a challenge, because everyone famous wanted to be on the show, she says. We had access to everyone, and we had to just really look at it and go, okay. But what is the show? The show isnt stunty.

Even then, Cuba and the Duffers prioritized fit over fame, turning down plenty of big names who didnt align with the tone of the world they were building.

I could say a bunch of names and you would get it, Cuba teases, but all these people really wanted to be on it. We werent trying to make stars. We were trying to make the best show.

That philosophy influenced the younger cast too. Cuba says that what made Stranger Things special was how every character grew because of the actor behind them, not the other way around.

RELATED: Stranger Things Alum Had One Request Before Characters Heartbreaking Death

Its so organic, she explains. We werent trying to make stars. We were trying to make the best show. And the best show came from this collaborative experience of just being excited about all of this stuff.

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Stranger Things Season 5 Volume II premieres on Christmas Day at 8 p.m. ET and the finale drops on New Years Eve.

This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The United States has quite a formidable landmass, with thousands of square miles stretched between two oceans, mountains, deserts, great plains, and everything in between. With such a large area, the U.S. also has an extensive network of inland rivers and waterways cutting through its diverse terrain. The cumulative length of America's collective rivers is almost impossible to calculate, but you don't need an advanced degree in hydrology to see that these waterways are quite often epic and beautiful destinations. Such a diverse expanse of river systems also provides the U.S. with a splendid diversity in riverside experiences. Travelers across the country can find everything from dangerous American rivers to avoid to some of the most scenic and charming river towns in the United States. And yet, while even the shortest U.S. rivers are often worthwhile destinations for scenery and recreation, most of the nation's collective attention goes to its longest river systems.

While the United States doesn't have anything quite as long as the world-famous Amazon or Nile Rivers, the longest rivers that flow (at least partly) through its borders are still no slouches when it comes to length. The longest rivers in the United States exceed 2,000 miles, and often pass through multiple states (and sometimes multiple countries) on an epic tour of the North American landscape. The shores of these extraordinary river systems are usually home to amazing cities, cozy small towns, and magnificent views. According to U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data, the following are the five longest rivers in the United States  and, at times, in Canada and Mexico too. Each river on this list is a breathtaking body of water for reasons other than its sheer length, passing through diverse terrains, top urban destinations, and some of the nation's best riverside parks.

Read more: Think Twice Before Swimming In These Dangerous US Lakes

The Arkansas River

A person fly-fishing in the Arkansas River near Leadville, Colorado - Skibreck/Getty Images

No offense to the great state of Arkansas, but the Arkansas River is so much more epic than its namesake state would suggest. Though the Arkansas River gives its name to a southern state, the river's headwaters actually originate in the monumental Rocky Mountains of Colorado. From its rugged origins in the Colorado Rockies, the Arkansas flows southeast through Kansas and Oklahoma before finally emptying into the Mississippi River in the state to which it lends its name. The river's total length, from the Rockies to the Mississippi, is about 1,469 miles. This is enough to place the mighty Arkansas in the list of the longest rivers in the United States.

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Like other long and prominent rivers, the Arkansas River flows through several distinct ecosystems. In addition to the mountainous terrain of its headwaters, the Arkansas also flows through flat prairies, bluffs, and lovely cottonwood forests in Oklahoma and Kansas, before passing through a ravishing network of cypress swamps and wetlands in Arkansas. The Arkansas River's mountainous origins create plenty of spots for river recreation, especially in its Colorado portion. Here, the river drops around 10,000 feet in only 125 miles as it descends from its high-altitude starting point. This section of the river is rich in thrilling water recreation, particularly epic whitewater rafting routes.

This portion of the river is also home to many of its best parks. For example, the roughly 150-mile stretch of the Arkansas between Leadville and Lake Pueblo in Colorado forms the unforgettable Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, one of Colorado's (and the country's) top spots for camping, fishing, and river paddling. Further downstream, in Kansas, the Big Bend of the Arkansas River forges a particularly scenic area of the much larger Santa Fe National Historic Trail.

The Rio Grande

View of the landscape of the Big Bend Ranch State Park and the Rio Grande River, Texas - Martina Birnbaum/Shutterstock

Regardless of its length, the Rio Grande is one of the most significant rivers in both the United States and Mexico. If you're familiar with American geography, you probably know that the Rio Grande forms the official border between Texas and Mexico (where it goes by the name "Rio Bravo"). This border was quite controversial back in the 19th century, during the Mexican-American War, which was largely fought over the status of Texas and its border with Mexico. Several battles, conflicts, and treaties later, the Rio Grande is one of the most important rivers in American history.

Historical significance aside, the Rio Grande is also a magnificent river system. At around 1,900 miles long, the Rio Grande is the fourth-longest river in the United States. And while the river is best known as the border between Texas and Mexico, it actually extends northward through New Mexico and Colorado. Like the Arkansas River, the Rio Grande actually originates in the Colorado Rockies and flows southeast to the Gulf of Mexico.

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With real estate in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, the Rio Grande also flows through some of America's most breathtaking Southwestern scenery. The Rio's epic beauty hits its crescendo at Texas' magnificent Big Bend National Park, where the "big bend" of the Rio Grande cuts through a spectacular network of canyons, mountains, and picturesque desert landscapes. Nearby, Texas' equally amazing Big Bend Ranch State Park offers additional Rio Grande views in a more low-key state park setting. An additional 196 miles of Texas' Rio Grande comprises the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River. Beyond Texas, the Rio Grande is also featured in Colorado's divine Rio Grande National Forest and New Mexico's Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

The Yukon River

Yukon Crossing, Yukon River, Dalton Highway, Alaska - Fotogro/Shutterstock

Of all the major rivers of the United States, the Yukon River may be the most remote. While the Yukon Territory, with which the river shares its name, is in Canada, much of the river's course flows through the wild northern landscape of Alaska. The Yukon's 1,980-mile length actually begins in northern British Columbia, where it flows into its namesake Yukon, through vast expanses of Alaskan terrain, before finally emptying into the Bering Sea. While this far northerly location means that the Yukon is much "wilder" than other prominent American rivers, the Yukon River Watershed is actually a significant source of water, fishing, and industry for those living in the area, particularly several indigenous communities in Canada and Alaska.

Still, the mighty Yukon does have some of the most rugged river paddling adventures in either country. In Canada, the Yukon offers several unique river routes, with embarking points in both British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. As remote as this area is, you can find plenty of excellent outfitters who offer canoe or kayak rentals for trips along the Yukon, or even a paddling tour with an experienced guide. Many Canadian sections of the river pass through some of the country's national parks, like the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site.

In Alaska, the Yukon River is a major component of the vast and pristine Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. Here, experienced paddlers and outdoorsy types can challenge themselves with the 158-mile Eagle to Circle route along the Yukon River. The Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve also offers several scenic hiking trails and historic sites, all with incredible views of the Yukon River itself. Elsewhere in Alaska, die-hard paddlers can find plenty of other Yukon River access points from the Alaska-Yukon border to the Bering Sea.

The Mississippi River

Reflections of St. Louis and Gateway Arch in Mississippi River - Backyardproduction/Getty Images

Given its prestigious spot in America's popular imagination, many people would be surprised to learn that the iconic Mississippi River is only the second-longest river in the United States. However, the Mississippi's 2,340-mile course is still an impressive aspect of America's landscape. From its origins in Minnesota's lakes to its final terminus in Louisiana's Gulf Coast, the Mississippi serves as a foundation of America's geography  as well as America's culture. The Mississippi's unsurpassed impact on American culture can be seen everywhere from the works of Mark Twain to the foundational Mississippi Delta Blues. The river's impact on American history and culture is so impressive that the river's actual length is somewhat overshadowed.

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Of course, there's no denying its length is formidable. The Mississippi begins at the deceptively modest headwaters of Minnesota's Lake Itasca, and from there flows south through Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The river's entire drainage basin is the largest in North America, measuring a whopping 1,260,000 square miles. During this course, the river's banks serve as home to many of the nation's most vibrant cities, including the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota, the one-of-a-kind city of New Orleans, and acclaimed cities like St. Louis, Memphis, and Natchez in between.

The Mississippi River's banks are also home to numerous parks and public lands, including St. Louis' famous Gateway Arch National Park and Lacede's Landing Riverfront District. Today, the Mississippi offers plenty of terrific recreation, particularly famed New Orleans riverboats like the steamboat Natchez. Unfortunately, the majestic Mississippi River is also one of America's most endangered waterways, due to a combination of artificial dams, pollution, and climate change. This just goes to show that even mighty rivers like the Mississippi require protection.

The Missouri River

The Missouri River at Tower Rock State Park in Montana - Cavan-Images/Shutterstock

The epic Missouri River is technically a tributary of the much more famous Mississippi River. However, through an odd geographical quirk, the Missouri is actually about 200 miles longer, clocking in at an estimated 2,540 miles. This extra 200 miles earns the Missouri River the title of "longest river in the United States." Yet this superlative does not adequately capture the Missouri's extraordinary nature. Unlike the Mississippi River's somewhat humble origins in a small Minnesota Lake, the Missouri River roars to life in the rugged Bitterroot Mountains of southwestern Montana, where the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains tower over the nearby Continental Divide. From there, the Missouri passes through dramatic landscapes in America's Mountain West and Great Plains, with stops in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and finally its namesake state of Missouri. Here, the Missouri River finally ends its 2,540-mile course at St. Louis, where it joins the Mississippi in its southward flow to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Missouri River's importance for transportation, infrastructure, and industry resulted in numerous cities along its banks. In addition to St. Louis, the Missouri's shores are home to places like Kansas City, Omaha, Bismarck, and Montana's gorgeous city of Great Falls. The Missouri's often rugged landscape is perfect for unforgettable national and state parks. Montana's share of the river is particularly notable for its amazing parks, including treasures like the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, Tower Rock State Park, and the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. Downstream of Montana, you can find equally amazing Missouri River parks like South Dakota and Nebraska's Missouri National Recreational River, Missouri's Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park, and much of the multi-state Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail.

Methodology

A view of the Steamboat Natchez on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana - Marianna Massey/Getty Images

At first glance, compiling a list of America's longest rivers seems like a fairly easy task. All you would need is each river's total length in miles, and then rank them based on which numbers are bigger. However, getting accurate data on the exact length of America's rivers is a bit trickier than you may expect. This is due to a phenomenon called the coastline paradox. Essentially, coastlines are notoriously difficult to measure objectively, since they don't form straight lines. The closer you look at a coastline, the more divergent features (like bays, inlets, peninsulas, etc.) you'll find. This means that the exact measurement of a coastline can vary wildly depending on who's doing the measuring.

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The same paradox also applies to rivers. As a result, you can find different "official" lengths of America's longest rivers from different sources. Since many of America's longest rivers have similar lengths, a variation in length measurements can alter the ranking. For example, some rankings have the Colorado River, not the Arkansas River, as the fifth-longest river in the United States.

To get around this conundrum, we based our list of the longest American rivers on official data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Returning to the issue of the Colorado and Arkansas Rivers, the USGS lists the Arkansas at 1,469 miles and the Colorado at 1,450 miles. So the former barely edges out the latter on our list. We also needed to hone in on specific criteria for what constitutes a "river." Some sources list the 1,900-mile St. Lawrence Seaway within the top five longest rivers in the U.S. However, the St. Lawrence Seaway is actually a combination of natural rivers, artificial locks and canals, gulfs, and estuaries. Because of this, we did not include it on our list.

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There are few holiday roasts as beloved as prime rib. Prime rib is hugely popular for us during the holidays, says Josh Turka, owner of 5th Quarter Butcher + Provisions in Waitsfield, Vermont. Its by far our number one seller in the month of December.

Also called a standing rib roast when its bone-in, this large, flavorful, and highly marbled section of beef comes from the cows primal rib, located between the shoulder and loin. A full prime rib contains seven bones and often weighs at least 16 pounds. At the butcher or supermarket you will typically find roasts that include anywhere from two to four ribs.

Prime rib is the top of the line when it comes to beef, says Josh Gadsden, executive chef of High Cotton in Charleston, South Carolina. It has great marbling and a rich flavor.

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That quality comes at a cost: The already-pricey cut will likely be even more expensive this year due to rising costs of beef. But as Turka says, the holidays are a special time when people want to buy the top-quality meat they can afford.

Here are chefs and butchers tips for buying the best prime rib within your budget.

"Prime rib is the top of the line when it comes to beef. It has great marbling and a rich flavor. "

Josh Gadsden, executive chef of High Cotton in Charleston, South Carolina

Grade isnt everything

The name prime rib should not be confused with the Prime label bestowed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which grades beef based on tenderness, juiciness, and flavor.

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Pricing is consistent with the grading and typically increases by $5 to $7 per pound between each level, explains Paul Bartolotta, cofounder and chef-owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants in Wisconsin. Prime rib roast can be a costly cut of meat. When purchasing, plan on spending $15 to $20 per pound depending on quality level.

Cara Cormack Whatever cut you choose, be sure to let your prime rib sit at room temperature at least an hour before cooking. Whatever cut you choose, be sure to let your prime rib sit at room temperature at least an hour before cooking.

The grade of Prime denotes the highest level of marbling, followed by Choice. Select is the lowest on the list, but its still a tender and delicious option if thats what works for your budget.

If you dont want to shell out the money for a Prime-grade roast, several chefs recommended going with a Choice or Select. Choice and Select cuts are the best bang for your buck and are still good cuts of meat. Just season your meat well, says Chris Valencia, executive chef of Paper Plane in San Jose, California.

Related: The 7 Best Seasonings for Prime Rib, According to Professional Chefs

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Choice is a great middle ground where you can find great marbling if you look around, adds Andrew Black, chief culinary officer of Counter Service in New York City.

The meat at your local butcher shop may not have a grade at all. For example, Turka says there is no consistent grading system in place in Vermont, which means the roasts in his butcher case are not Prime, Choice, or Select. But that doesnt mean theyre not high-quality. Dont shy away from local shops or smaller farmers who arent participating in that grading system. Buy with your eyes.

Ask for it rolled and tied

Once you determine the grade, youll want to decide on a bone-in or boneless prime rib, each of which has its strengths.

A bone-in prime rib gives everything more flavor and cooks more evenly, says Gadsden.

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A boneless rib, on the other hand, is easier to work with and will yield more portions than a bone-in roast, says Michael Paley, executive chef of Prime 54 at Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

"You can ask your butcher to cut and tie the roast so the bones are removed, the meat is trimmed, and then the bones are tied back on for a similar effect."

Andrew Black, chief culinary officer of Counter Service in New York City

However, the best option might be to ask your butcher to remove the bones then tie them back on to the roast, as recommended by chef Tyler Florence at the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston. This allows for more even seasoning and easier slicing after roasting, but you still get flavor and moisture retention from the bones. Those bones can make excellent stock, too.

Keeping the bones attached to the roast provides insulation and a more flavorful, tender roast, Black says. Cooking with the bones, however, takes longer and adds complexity when carving. You can ask your butcher to cut and tie the roast so the bones are removed, the meat is trimmed, and then the bones are tied back on for a similar effect.

Buy the right amount

The size of the roast you purchase depends on a few factors. First, count the number of guests you plan to serve. Then determine whether you want to prepare a boneless or bone-in prime rib (if the butcher removed the bones and tied them back on, consider that bone-in too). And, of course, decide if you want leftovers.

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Aim for at least one pound per person for bone-in roasts and about eight to 12 ounces per person for boneless roasts. You can certainly go up to two pounds per person, especially if you want leftovers. For bone-in roasts, you can also get a rough estimate by the number of ribs, figuring two to three portions per rib.

Related: 12 Christmas Prime Rib Recipes for a Showstopping Feast

Pay attention to color

When Im looking inside of the butcher's case, Im looking for marbling, color, and a nice fat cap, says Gadsden. I also usually ask for a center cut  it is the most tender.

Turka says he helps customers shop for a great prime rib by showing off the color of the roast. It should have a nice, deep dark red color or burgundy, but it shouldnt be unnaturally red. The exception is if the rib has been dry-aged, a service many butchers, including Turka, provide leading up to the holidays, in which case the color may dull a bit even as the flavor evolves.

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Try to avoid any roasts that appear to be sitting in a fair amount of liquid, Turka recommends, as that could indicate the beef is losing some of its natural moisture.

Buy it in advance from someone you trust

Trust your butcher and dont wait till the last minute to order, especially during the holidays, says Jason Halverson, executive chef of The Vault Steakhouse in San Francisco.

Ultimately, your best bet for hitting the sweet spot between price and quality might just be shopping locally. The biggest tip I can give for purchasing anything: Create a relationship with the person behind the counter, Abramovitch says. They are part of your community. Shop small businesses, support your community as much as possible during the holidays.



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Were living in an era of the ephemeral, of messages and images designed to evanesce as soon as theyre consumed, of viral recipes made for the eyes and the likes, but not for the soul and the long savor. In this context, it feels almost radical to commit something to print, and perhaps even more so to revisit and honor recipes from decades past. But its tried-and-true culinary wisdom and rigor, published in print, that has made Food & Wine who we are  and earned us a place at peoples holiday celebrations since 1978.

Holiday menus dont generally happen by accident; theyre built and burnished over time, shaped by tradition and trial. A dishs first appearance on the table is an audition, and an invitation to next years celebration is always on the line. For the past near half-century, its been our mission and our joy at Food & Wine to present our readers with rigorously tested new recipes to brighten their holiday tables  recipes we hope will become future heirlooms as they have at ours.

Related: How Chefs Celebrate the Holidays

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We dove deeply into Food & Wines archive to share the brightest gems from our recipe coffers, and with help from longtime (were talking since 1982!) test kitchen assistantturnedcontributor David McCann, lovingly revisited them with the Food & Wine Test Kitchen. We hope these recipes will make you fall back in love with a forgotten favorite or discover a dish that becomes part of your holiday traditions.

01 of 07

November 1980: Mandelbrot

Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

Cookbook author Joan Nathan shared the story behind these buttery, nut-and-dried-fruit-packed Jewish cookies, first published in Food & Wine 45 years ago. The recipe came from a woman named Ada Baum Lipsitz who was in her 80s when Nathan met her, and had debilitating arthritis. Nathan remembers that her hands would spring back to life when she molded mandelbrot or braided challah. I learned a lot from her, Nathan says. Its your attitude about living thats the most important.

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02 of 07

December 1989: Buche de Noel

Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Christina Daley

Though the cover of the December 1989 issue was the essence of late '80s glitz and glam  all square plates, Studio 54 lighting, and caviar  Julia Child's traditional Yule log stole the spotlight in the issue. The frequent F&W contributor wrote at the time that during her first year as an expat in France in 1948, seeing her first Buche de Noel in a "a swish pastry shop on the Rue du Bac" was a revelation to her. Because of the intricacy, she didn't try to craft one herself until Episode 78 of her seriesThe French Chef, live on camera. It went off without a hitch, but when she tried to recreate it for Episode 251, things went so poorly and the frosting was so thick, she had to ice a rolled-up copy of the Boston Globe.

"I never did see that show and have no idea how it came over. In spite of my troubles, we got plenty of requests for the recipe when it ran and still get numerous demands when it goes on repeats, which indicates the show mightnt have been all that bad," Child wrote. "Here is the recipe  in a slightly updated version. If you dont have to do it for television, it should go like a breeze and, I can assure you, will eat like a dream."

And when the F&W Test Kitchen revisited that recipe for the December 2024 / January 2025 issue, developer Gina Hamaday ensured an even smoother result, and delivered a lesson in self-forgiveness.

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03 of 07

December 1994: Poblanos Rellenos de Picadillo Dulce

Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

These festive stuffed peppers from legendary chef Zarela Martinez, combine a lightly spiced ground beef filling with smoky poblanos and tomato sauce. Martinez, an educator and historian at heart, offered what she calls building blocks'' in the form of recipes and techniques that empower people to understand what theyre making, where and who it comes from, and how to make it their own.

These poblano peppers, filled with a Picadillo Dulce of lean ground beef seasoned with briny pimiento-stuffed olives and sweet cinnamon, sitting atop a pool of vibrant red-orange caldillo de tomate (a simple, silky tomato sauce), are a true taste of her culinary legacy, and now can become part of yours. Bonus: You can make and freeze them up to three months in advance, and unwrap them like the gift they are on a laid-back holiday afternoon, like we've been doing since F&W revisited the recipe in the December 2022 / January 2023 issue.

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04 of 07

December 1995: Rack of Pork with Cider-Pepper Glaze

Christopher Testani / Food Styling by Chelsea Zimmer / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

In 1995, writer Ellen Stern documented Patrick Clarks family Christmas celebration. Clark was garnering tremendous acclaim as the executive chef at Tavern on the Green in New York City, and the previous year, he had become the first Black chef to win a James Beard Award. Clark died at the age of 42 just three years later. To honor his memory, in the December 2023 / January 2024 issue, writer Korsha Wilson collaborated with Clark's remaining family  including his son, chef Preston Clark, to revisit their Christmas traditions and recipes, including this centerpiece-worthy pork.

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05 of 07

January 1999: Longevity Noodles

Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

In Chinese culture, the custom of eating longevity noodles during Chinese New Year and celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries dates back to the time of the Han dynasty. These noodles are thought to bring luck, prosperity, and, as their name suggests, a long life. For chef and cookbook author Eileen Yin-Fei Lo, who died in 2022 at the age of 85, this simple noodle dish marked all of her lifes special moments, and in her opinion can  and should  be enjoyed year-round. Theyre incredibly easy to craft, requiring just 20 minutes of active cooking time.

The recipe is so simple to make that its surprising how delicious it is, Lo told writer Alexandra Domrongchi in an interview just months before she passed. Chinese egg noodles deliver a satisfying chew, and theyre packed with umami thanks to the combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and peanut oil. Water chestnuts, fresh snow peas, and sprouts add crunch, and fresh ginger gives the dish a warming kick.

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06 of 07

November 2009: Chile Shrimp

Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

Sommelier Rajat Parrs sweet and spicy shrimp were inspired by Singaporean chile crabs, which he enjoyed many years ago as a culinary school extern in the kitchen at Singapores Raffles hotel. I had no idea Id keep making [the dish], said Parr when he revisited the recipe for the December 2022 / January 2023 issue.

Back in the day, Id get home at 9:30 or 10 p.m. after service, and Id make this chile shrimp as a quick dinner. In his recipe, Parr seared shrimp with aromatics like ginger and lemongrass in a hot wok, then tossed everything in a chile-spiked sauce of ketchup, sherry, lemon juice, soy sauce, and sugar. You can serve it with rice, flatbread, or crostini, plus its easy to adjust the heat level with mild or hot chiles, he said. It's perfectly quick, flavorful, and festive in the midst of holiday bustle and you may find yourself making it all year round.

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07 of 07

December 2015: Buttermilk Eggnog Pie

Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Christina Daley

Revisiting this recipe in the December 2025 / January 2026 issue, TV host and cookbook author Carla Hall wrote, "Re-creating my grandmothers Buttermilk Eggnog Pie, I remembered my mother describing its creaminess, and how it wasnt too sweet, which was why she loved it. I also wanted it to be really approachable sort of like, 'How can my sister mess this one up?'"

She continued, "The final recipe, which ran in a feature called 'A Soulful Southern Christmas' in December 2015, checked all those boxes. Its a pantry pie, and it uses ingredients that most cooks, especially biscuit-makers, usually have on hand."

Moral of the story: Teach your sister to fish, uh, make an heirloom pie filling, and that tradition will live on for generations of holiday revelers to enjoy.

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Read the original article on Food & Wine
A 24-year-old living in a medium-sized U.S. city thought he was doing pretty well. He covers his bills, saves for emergencies, contributes to a Roth IRA, goes out with friends, and says he feels grateful and content. In his own words, Life is good!

That feeling didn't change until he did one simple calculation. When he added up his income over a full year, he realized he was bringing home about $26,000. Suddenly, strangers online were telling him that the number meant poverty. The reaction caught him off guard. He said he had felt comfortable and content until that moment, and only started questioning himself after reading the comments.

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Poor On Paper, But Happy In Real Life

The post, shared on Reddit's r/MiddleClassFinance community recently, sparked a massive debate about what it really means to be poor in America. The man explained that his lifestyle works because his expenses are low and predictable. He rents an apartment with one roommate and pays $705 a month. His car payment is $265, with just seven months left on the loan. Utilities are minimal, groceries run about $250 a month, and he still manages to save roughly $360 every month.

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He openly acknowledged that he has help. His parents paid for his schooling, which cost about $7,000 total. They also cover his phone bill and health insurance until he turns 26. When he first moved out, they helped with furniture and household basics. He said those things made a huge difference and admitted that having that support made his life easier.

Still, the disconnect bothered him. After sharing his income in another post, he said people immediately told him he needed to figure out how to make more money ASAP. That response hit harder than he expected. I honestly feel rich and so so lucky, he wrote, adding that seeing the $26,000 number made him rethink everything.

Trending: Have $100k+ to invest? Charlie Munger says that's the toughest milestone  don't stall now. Get matched with a fiduciary advisor and keep building

Many commenters pointed out that the number itself was misleading. The $26,000 figure is his take-home pay, not his gross salary. Several people noted that when Americans talk about needing $50,000 to be comfortable, they usually mean before taxes. One commenter explained that his income might actually be closer to $35,000 to $40,000 before deductions, which narrows the gap significantly.

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Others focused on how age and life stage shape financial reality. Plenty of people shared stories about living on similar incomes in their early 20s, often with roommates, cheap rent, and few responsibilities. One person said they lived on about $20,000 as a graduate student and felt fine at the time. Another wrote, If you're happy, you're winning. No need to keep up with the Joneses.

See Also: 7 Million Gamers Already Trust Gameflip With Their Digital Assets  Now You Can Own a Stake in the Platform

At the same time, there was no shortage of caution. Some warned that his comfort depends on things that can change quickly. Rent could rise. Health insurance will soon be his responsibility. A major car repair could wipe out months of savings. As one commenter put it, being comfortable today is great, until it isn't.

The original poster didn't push back on those points. He agreed that earning more money will matter in the future and shared that he works as a massage therapist. His employer recently announced plans to offer a 401(k) and is exploring health insurance options. He said he's considering going full-time for the first time in his career and sees a path toward higher income.

Read Next: Earn While You Scroll: The Deloitte-Ranked #1 Software Company Growing 32,481% Is Opening Its $0.50/Share Round to Accredited Investors.

Image: Shutterstock

Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market.

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This article He's 24, Living Comfortably In A Medium-Sized City, And Feeling Content. Then He Found Out He's Considered Poor, But Says, 'Life Is Good!' originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Air France has announced a new lounge at London-Heathrow Airport (LHR), set to open in spring 2026. Located in Terminal 4, the space will be exclusively available to La Premiere, Business and Flying Blue Elite Plus passengers, along with eligible customers traveling with KLM and SkyTeam partner airlines.

The new space will bring French design, comfort, and cuisine to Heathrow travelers

Air France A319 at London Heathrow Wikimedia Commons

Air France has partnered with agency SGK Brandimage to design the lounge, which will encompass approximately 8,000 square feet and feature seating for around 150. Itll be an elevated hospitality experience, including a bar with a selection of French champagnes and wines, and a dining space with fine French cuisine. Not only that, but spaces dedicated to spa, relaxation, and work will also give customers the choice to unwind or stay focused. Either way, passengers have a peaceful getaway in the terminal, before or after a flight.

London-Heathrow is a strategic location on Air Frances medium-haul network, where the airline will fly as many as seven daily trips this winter between London-Heathrow and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG). From there, travelers can venture onward throughout the airlines global network. The carrier will also begin serving London-Gatwick Airport (LGW) from March 29, 2026, with two daily trips to Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

The new lounge at LHR is part of Air Frances strategy to entice affluent leisure and business travelers, as noted by The Points Guy. In 2025, the airline has already opened a new 5,000 sq-ft lounge at Chicago OHare International Airport (ORD), debuted a refreshed lounge at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and renovated and grown its flagship lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY, Financials) said its experimental obesity pill, orforglipron, helped patients sustain most of their weight loss after switching from the company's injection Zepbound and Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in a late-stage study.

The phase three study examined over 300 obese individuals who had GLP-1 injections for 72 weeks before switching to the oral medication or a placebo. The average weight increase after 52 weeks for Wegovy patients was 2 pounds, whereas Zepbound patients gained 11 pounds.

Eli Lilly claimed the findings show orforglipron's potential as a weight reduction maintenance medication without weekly injections. It filed the tablet for FDA clearance, which got priority consideration in November. The tablet mimics gut hormone GLP-1 to reduce hunger and manage blood sugar, making it simpler to absorb and less restrictive than peptide-based medications like Wegovy and Ozempic

Analysts expect the worldwide obesity drug industry to reach $95 billion by 2030, with tablets accounting for 24%. Lilly may control 60% of the oral category, generating $13.6 billion in yearly sales, according to Goldman Sachs. Eli Lilly reported the medication was well tolerated with mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal side effects like previous GLP-1 treatments.
Most people prepare for Christmas by writing lists: Cards to send, gifts to buy, decorations to put up, parties to attend.

Steve Bahmueller uses a spreadsheet to track another holiday chore: The cookies he bakes in his Hilltown home kitchen.

There's Russian tea, Christmas pudding, sprinkle snowball, checkerboard, maraschino cherry almond, turtle-cashew, ginger spice, white chocolate macadamia nut, lemon sugar, oatmeal lace and 25 other kinds  all of them made from scratch.

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As of the first week of December, Bahmueller had baked nearly 2,000 cookies, enough to nearly fill the two regular size freezer compartments and a mini fridge in the basement.

He wasnt done yet. His goal was 40 different cookies, six more than last year. By the second week of December he hit 41.

Its kind of turned into an obsession, he said. There are so many good cookies out there to make.

Americans appear to agree with Bahmueller that Christmas isnt Christmas without cookies.

Baking cookies is a holiday tradition for 81% of Americans and most families make one to four different kinds, according to the US branch of Italian baby product brand Chico.

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There are no reliable numbers on how many cookies the average American eats during the holiday season, but it is estimated 330 million are left for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

The vast majority of those cookies (73%) are homemade, according to Chico.

Lisa Bahmueller Scarborough, left, hands bags of homemade cookies to her dad Steve Bahmueller, right, at their home in Perkasie on Dec. 6, 2025.

Christmas cookies tradition continues in Hilltown home

The 62-year-old Bahmueller, a financial controller for a PBS affiliate, seemingly inherited this annual hobby from his father. Growing up he watched him whip up his favorite Sand Tarts and other traditional German cookies using family recipes.

His father continued making cookies after he retired and moved to Florida, Bahmueller said.

He was still baking as many as 800 cookies at a time for his church bake sales into his early 90s, earning him the nickname, Cookie Man.

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After his father died earlier this year, the family passed out sugar and cranberry oatmeal cookies made using his recipes at the funeral service, Bahmueller said.

When Bahmueller was cleaning out his fathers home, he found so many cookie sheets he didnt know what to do with them. He brought a few of them home.

Gloria Bahmueller, left, decorates cookies with her daughter Lisa Bahmueller Scarborough, right, as Steve Bahmueller, center, rolls the dough at their home in Perkasie on Dec. 6, 2025.

As a child Bahmueller assisted his father with making the trays of Springerles, Spritz and Lebkuchens during the lead up to Christmas.

When he and his wife, Gloria, had their two children, Lisa and Randy, he wanted to revive that tradition.

I wanted to continue the childhood memory of making my dads recipes, he said. And it slowly evolved from there. "

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The day after Thanksgiving, he would bake seven or eight batches of cookies. Lisa and Randy each invited a friend over to help Gloria with decorating them. It was a high honor to be chosen.

When the kids left for college, the family moved cookie baking to the Thanksgiving break. He also upped the batches to nine or 10, about 450 cookies, with one or two new recipes each year.

Then in 2021 Bahmueller was between jobs during the holiday season and looking to keep himself busy.

So he baked two batches of cookies every night, starting before Thanksgiving. That year he made 22 different kinds of cookies.

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After that, there was no going back.

Steve Bahmueller places shaped cookie dough onto a baking sheet at his home in Perkasie on Dec. 6, 2025.

In the kitchen with Christmas Cookie King, Steve Bahmueller

The last two years, Bahmueller has moved the start of cookie baking season up even earlier.

This year the first four batches of almond sandies were finished the second week of October. Before Halloween a dozen batches of toasted coconut chocolate chip, snickerdoodle and German Spritz were tucked in the basement freezers.

Bahmueller estimated he bakes roughly an average of one batch of cookies a night, depending on the night. The first week of December, he spent three nights baking after work.

His accounting experience comes in handy this time of year.

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Bahmueller keeps a spreadsheet with the cookie names, number of batches and dates they were baked. It includes notes about which recipes he liked, the ones he hated and what could be improved.

I know when a batch didnt come out right, he said.

Like the white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies, another new addition this year. The white chips turned a little darker than Bahmueller wanted and stuck to the tray. Next year, hell line the tray with parchment paper.

So far, Bahmueller estimates he has gone through 60 sticks of butter, at least 20 pounds of flour and 30 pounds of sugar, and dozens of eggs. Stacks of empty cookie tins, large and small, and rolls of wax paper wait in the basement.

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He searches websites daily for new recipes like the hot chocolate cookie (with mini marshmallows), Jell-O cookie, and chocolate chip shortbread.

Gloria Bahmueller is happy to let her husband handle the cookie baking, though she'll contribute a batch or two of macaroons made the week before Christmas.

Cookies decorated by Gloria Bahmueller and Lisa Bahmueller Scarborough at their home in Perkasie on Dec. 6, 2025.

Her husband takes great pride in his cookies, she said.

Hes very precise, she said.

Which was clear on the first Saturday in December, when the smells of warm butter, vanilla and sugar wafted through the Bahmueller family kitchen.

The home baker carefully rolled the cold Sand Tart dough into thin sheets, cutting classic shapes: evergreens, trains, gift boxes, stockings, ornaments, bells, mittens and snowmen, and gently transferring each raw cookie onto a baking tray.

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They were were then passed to Gloria and their daughter, Lisa Bahmueller-Scarborough, who brought the pale cream-colored dough to life. They carefully sprinkled designs using 21 different brightly colored sugars, jimmies, nonpareils, sugar pearls, cinnamon, even crushed candy canes.

At 28 years-old Bahmueller-Scarborough still cannot resist the chance to decorate cookies, even if it means driving two hours from central Pennsylvania, where she teaches fifth-grade, to participate.

Get your sprinkle fingers ready, she said. Seriously, it was a way of life.

Steve Bahmueller puts out bags of cookies he baked at his home in Perkasie on Dec. 6, 2025.

Her grandpa may have been the Cookie Man, but dad, he is the Cookie King, she said.

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Its hard to eat other peoples cookies now, Bahmueller-Scarborough said.

So who gets the cookies? Neighbors, coworkers, Gloria's friends who do a cookie exchange, holiday gathering invites for the family guarantee a cookie platter.

Lisa brings tins for the people at her school. Their son Randy, who has lost his taste for cookie-making, takes them to coworkers. One guy ate the whole tin in one night.

This year Bahmueller is even sending a tin to one of his fathers neighbors in Florida who told him that in all the years he knew his father he never shared his cookies.

Once the holidays are over, Bahmueller will break out his baking sheets only occasionally. Not that he needs to replenish his supplies.

I am literally still eating Christmas cookies in June," he said. Of course, that is the benefit.

Gloria and Steve Bahmueller decorate and bake cookies with their daughter Lisa Bahmueller Scarborough, right, at their home in Perkasie on Dec. 6, 2025.

More Holiday Stories for You Holiday lights displays in Bucks County that are worth the drive

Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County dad bakes over 2000 Christmas cookies in Hilltown home
Holiday travel is again expected to hit record levels in 2025, with AAA estimating that more than 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the last few weeks of the year.

Nearly 3 million more people will travel for the holidays this year than did in 2024, according to AAA. Most are expected to travel by car.

If you're one of those people ready to hit the road, AAA also has projections for the best and worst times to drive during the busy holiday season.

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Here's what to know about traveling for the holidays, whether you're staying in Wisconsin or venturing farther.

More: What stores in Wisconsin are open and closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas 2025?

How many people are expected to travel by car and plane for the 2025 holiday season?

More than 109 million Americans, or 89% of holiday travelers, will travel by car between the end of December and New Year's Day, AAA says.

An additional 8 million are expected to fly domestically, and nearly 5 million will use different forms of transportation, including buses, trains and cruises. The number of domestic air travelers could exceed 8 million during the holiday period for the first time in 2025.

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This holiday season is also the second in a row in which travel numbers are expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels. After a record 119.3 million travelers in 2019, travel numbers dipped sharply in 2020 and have been steadily rising since.

It could be a welcome rise in traffic for the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, which has seen a dip in passenger activity this year, as Americans have scaled back travel plans due to rising costs and economic uncertainty.

As of October 2025, the airport had logged just under 5 million passengers for the year, compared to about 5.4 million passengers by the same point in 2024, according to airport passenger data.

Holiday travelers depart from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on Wednesday November 22, 2023, in Milwaukee, Wis.

What are the best times to drive during the 2025 holiday period?

Here are the best times for holiday season road trips, according to AAA:

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Saturday, Dec. 20 : After 9 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 21 : Before 11 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 22 : Before 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 23 : Before 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 24 : Minimal traffic impact expected

Thursday, Dec. 25 : Minimal traffic impact expected

Friday, Dec. 26 : Before 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 27 : Before 11 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 28 : Before 11 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 29 : Before 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 30 : Before 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 : Minimal traffic impact expected

Thursday, Jan. 1: Minimal traffic impact expected

What are the worst times to drive during the 2025 holiday period?

Here are the worst times for holiday season road trips, according to AAA:

Saturday, Dec. 20 : Between noon and 8 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 21 : Between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 22 : Between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 23 : Between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 24 : Minimal traffic impact expected

Thursday, Dec. 25 : Minimal traffic impact expected

Friday, Dec. 26 : Between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 27 : Between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 28 : Between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 29 : Between noon and 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 30 : Between noon and 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 : Minimal traffic impact expected

Thursday, Jan. 1: Minimal traffic impact expected

Will gas prices be high in Wisconsin for 2025 holiday travel?

There is good news for those taking holiday road trips: The national average gas price is expected to be at its lowest since 2020, according to a Dec. 16 report from GasBuddy.

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The average on Christmas Day is projected to be $2.79 per gallon, down from $3 in 2024, the report says.

You can find the most up-to-date gas prices in Wisconsin on Gas Buddy's website.

When is Christmas 2025?

Christmas Eve falls on Wednesday, Dec. 24 and Christmas is on Thursday, Dec. 25.

When is New Year's Eve 2025?

This year, New Year's Eve falls on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about gas prices, traffic for Wisconsin holiday travel
A notorious cybercriminal gang says it has gained access to the names, location and viewing habits of Pornhub customers.

Criminals from the ShinyHunters group claim to have stolen 200 million pieces of personal information, including email addresses, location and the titles and links of videos that users have viewed.

At least three former Pornhub customers  two men in Canada and a man in the US  have confirmed, speaking to the Reuters news agency, that the data pertaining to them was authentic, albeit several years old. They spoke on condition of anonymity.

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Pornhub claims to have more than 100 million daily visits and 36 billion visits per year. It one of the webs most popular purveyors of sexual content, particularly videos, many of which are free to view.

Pornhub said in a statement: "A recent cybersecurity incident involving Mixpanel, a third-party data analytics provider, has impacted some Pornhub Premium users.

"Specifically, this situation affects only select Premium users. It is important to note this was not a breach of Pornhub Premiums systems. Passwords, payment details, and financial information remain secure and were not exposed."

ShinyHunters said in an online chat with Reuters: Were demanding a ransom payment in bitcoin to prevent the publication of data and delete the data.

What data has been stolen?

Canada-based Pornhub has insisted that no passwords, payment details or financial information have been stolen in the attack.

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Pornhub claims that the data was stolen via a data analytics provider Mixpanel, and says it stopped working with the company in 2021.

Mixpanel, which offers its clients detailed visibility into user data and activities, disclosed a cybersecurity incident on 27 November. It has pushed back against the statement, claiming there is no evidence it is behind the leak.

Pornhub has said that the leaked data only affects Premium users, and that it is working to establish the scope of the breach.

The unauthorised party was able to use this unauthorised access to extract a limited set of analytics events for some users," Pornhub said in a statement.

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The analytics events are understood to include video viewing history, including titles and links - including when videos were viewed or downloaded.

Graeme Stewart, head of public sector at cybersecurity company Check Point Software, told Yahoo News: "What the Pornhub breach appears to expose is not passwords or payment details, but behaviour. Search history, viewing patterns, timestamps. The kind of data people assume disappears but often sits quietly in analytics systems for years."

How to check if you have been hacked?

At present, there is no sign that the data has been leaked online, according to cybersecurity firm Sophos.

ShinyHunters has shown off details of what it claims are users of Pornhubs premium service, which offers ad-free viewing and high-definition videos.

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The group claims to have 94GB of data, suggesting that the leak may be substantial.

What should you do if you have been hacked?

There have been high-profile leaks of data from adult sites before, including from infidelity website Ashley Madison in 2015.

Privacy advocates have previously warned that the Online Safety Act, which compels UK users of adult sites to use age-verification systems, could lead to private data leaking online.

Pornhub has said, While our investigation is ongoing, we encourage all users to remain vigilant by monitoring their accounts for any suspicious emails or unusual activity.

Stewart, head of public sector at Check Point Software, says the sensitive nature of the data is what makes it so valuable.

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This is highly emotive content because people reasonably expect their use of adult sites to remain private," he explained to Yahoo News. "Many will not want partners, employers or families knowing they have ever been there.

The UK introduced age verification for websites with pornographic material in July. (Getty) (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

That sensitivity is exactly what makes this kind of data so valuable to bad actors. If this follows established patterns, the next step is attempted extortion of Pornhub and any third-party providers involved. After that, individuals themselves become the target. In many ways, it is surprising this has not already happened. The parallels with the Ashley Madison hack are clear.

This is the risk some of us warned about when age assurance was written into the Online Safety Act. Once identity and behaviour are linked, even indirectly, you are no longer just checking age. You are building a file. And files attract attention.

Users should also be aware that if they receive an email from hackers claiming to have your information as it may not be genuine, warns Brian Higgins, security specialist at Comparitech.

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"The huge numbers quoted in data breaches these days only help to fuel the fear, uncertainty and doubt that criminal organisations rely on to mount successful post-breach extortion campaigns," he said.

"Its worth remembering that, although many millions of files are quoted as compromised, its only pre-2023 PornHub Premium customers who need to be on their guard in this instance and most people are grown-up enough to understand that viewing adult content is a fairly ubiquitous activity these days.

"Its up to the individual how they choose to deal with such attacks but, given the scale of the breach, theres every chance initial contact could be speculative. In any event whether you choose to delete and report or pay and pray, there's no guarantee you will ever secure your leaked information again."

Who are ShinyHunters?

ShinyHunters is a notorious criminal hacker group which specialises in extortion, hacking into data and threatening to leak it online.

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The group has hacked targets including Mashable, LVMH, Google, AT&T Wireless, Santander, Marriott, Cisco, Toyota, Gap, Ticketmaster and the Ministry of Justice's Legal Aid Agency.

The group often pretends to be IT support staff, gaining a toehold in systems before stealing data from the targets Salesforce software, which handles business tasks such as sales and IT.

The group is thought to overlap with a network of hackers known as The Com or The Community which includes the Scattered Spider group, behind this years Marks & Spencer hack, which knocked out the companys online ordering system.

Both groups are believed to be composed of hackers from the UK and the US, and to use social engineering tactics to break into company systems.
The de Havilland Mosquito was the Wooden Wonderoutrageously fast, and formidable.

But it wasnt the only aircraft fashioned from timber. In an age when aluminium promised the future, war forced designers to turn back to wood: abundant, adaptable, yet flawed. Here are 10 Wooden Wonders & Misfits of the Second World War.

10: Messerschmitt Me 321/323 Gigant

Messerschmitt Me 321/323 Gigant

The planned German invasion of Britain required the swift delivery of tanks, guns and men across the English Channel, prompting a call for a massive glider. Built in weeks, the Messerschmitt Me 321 was then the worlds second-largest aircraft. The massive Me 321 used wood to conserve scarce metals, easing production despite shortages.

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It immediately became apparent that it was exceptionally difficult to launch the enormous machine  it had a wingspan as wide as todays B-52. The initial tow aircraft, the Junkers Ju 90, was too weak; using three Messerschmitt Bf 110s at once was attempted, but it proved to be tricky and extremely dangerous.

10: Messerschmitt Me 321/323

Messerschmitt Me 321/323

Although the arrival of the twin Heinkel He 111Z tow aircraft (essentially two He 111s joined at the wing  see previous picture) eased the issue somewhat, a more straightforward solution was to convert the transport glider into a powered aircraft. The Me 323 emerged with six 1140-hp (850kW) Gnome-Rhone 14N 14-cylinder piston engines.

Though slaughtered whenever it met enemy fighters (not unusual for a transport aircraft), the Messerschmitt Me 323 is the father of modern transport aircraft in many ways. The clamshell nose that opened to load or deliver outsize loads easily foreshadowed a new breed of transport aircraft with large nose or rear doors, as did the multi-wheel undercarriage.

9: Supermarine Walrus

Supermarine Walrus

As the Walrus was an amphibious flying boat intended for catapult launch from battleships, designer RJ Mitchell built it like one. The Walrus was astonishingly robust, a fact demonstrated in several wheel-up landings. These incidents were learned from, and the Walrus became one of the first aircraft to have an automatic undercarriage position indicator (a horn would also sound should a pilot fail to notice).

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The Supermarine Walrus had a metal hull to start with, but then Supermarine switched to wood in the Mk.II to free up materials for more essential types. There arent many aircraft types that make that seemingly backwards progression.

9: Supermarine Walrus

Supermarine Walrus

It did vital work in the roles of fleet gunnery spotting and observation. After catapult launch, it was recovered from the water by crane. The small bomb load proved enough to sink a U-boat. But just as the Walrus was not quite a pure aeroplane, it was not quite a warrior. When the better, faster and meaner came along, it was given over to air-sea rescue. It found its true calling in saving, not killing.

For the half-drowned, who know hypothermia isnt far off, a Walrus meant a blanket, a thermos of hot tea laced with rum; it was life. And when the weight of ten Americans from a ditched B-17 couldnt be flown, the pilot just pointed the bow towards England, and taxied home by water. Not bad for an aircraft that can be looped.

8: Caudron C.714 Cyclone

Caudron C.714 Cyclone

The series of Cyclone fighters achieved respectable top speed despite modest engines thanks to their small size and lightweight wooden construction, following the French predilection for petite fighters. The Caudron C.714 Cyclone emerged in 1938; its monocoque fuselage was fashioned from laminated plywood, skinned smooth for aerodynamic efficiency, while its wings combined wooden spars and ply coverings.

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The rather attractive 714 embodied Frances ambition to conserve aluminium without sacrificing modernity. Carpenters and craftsmen played as vital a role as engineers, shaping fuselages in workshops more accustomed to furniture than fighters. Each airframe bore the scent of resin and varnish, a reminder that timber, abundant and familiar, was being pressed into the urgent service of aerial warfare.

8: Caudron C.714

Caudron C.714

Performance on paper suggested promise: a top speed near 300mph and fine handling. Beneath its elegant appearance, the Cyclone suffered from the weediness of its small Renault 12R engine. Pilots quickly discovered that speed alone (it reached 283mph, still slower than the Me 109) could not compensate for underpowered climbs and sluggish acceleration.

Deployed briefly in 1940, the C.714 proved inadequate against German fighters, and production ceased. Yet the wooden fighter remains notable as an experiment born of necessity. A sizable force of 80 was intended for the Finnish Air Force, though only six were delivered. The 714 was armed with four 7.5mm MAC machine guns.

7: Heinkel He 162 Volksjager

Heinkel He 162 Volksjager

Conceived in Nazi Germanys desperate last days, the tiny Heinkel He 162 Volksjager (Peoples fighter) was born of the hope that a mass-produced, cheap yet highly advanced design could defend against the hundreds of Allied bombers pummelling Germany. Cheap manufacture came courtesy of the misery of subterranean forced labour and resulted in appalling build quality.

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Conception to first flight took just three months. It was an extremely innovative design combining the new technologies of jet propulsion and ejection seat that was intended to be flown by young, fanatical men (and boys), minimally trained on gliders. Though an impressive achievement, capable of 550mph, it was difficult to fly.

7: Heinkel He 162 Volksjager

Heinkel He 162 Volksjager

In the final days of the project, it became apparent that jet engines were too costly and used too many valuable materials. A simple solution was considered: the replacement of the jet engine with one or two pulse jets as used on the V-1 cruise missile.

Another proposal was for an He 162 to form the upper component of a Mistel composite, atop a massive air-launched bomb, the Ar 377 or Ju 268, to guide it near its target and then detach. The bomb (or missile or drone, depending on how you wish to define it) was essentially a twin-engine jet bomber in its own right.

6: Bell XP-77

Bell XP-77

The rather tiny and gawky Bell XP-77 took Miles M.20 philosophy even further. Where the M.20 had sought to be an expedient fighter built from non-strategic materials, the Bell XP-77 pursued this notion to its ultimate conclusion. Conceived in 1941, it was imagined as a lightweight interceptor fashioned largely from laminated wood to be manufactured and deployed if the tide of war had gone very badly for the US.

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Americas aircraft industry was straining under demands for aluminium, and the idea of a wooden fighter had great appeal. Bell envisaged a machine that could be quickly built, using techniques familiar to furniture makers and boatyards. The XP-77s structure was accordingly of resin-bonded plywood, a striking departure from mainstream American practice.

6: Bell XP-77

Bell XP-77

The aircraft itself was tiny, elegant in an odd kind of way, and somewhat austere. Powered by a modest 520 horsepower engine, it was intended to rely on high manoeuvrability for survival. Armament was to consist of a pair of machine guns or cannons, housed neatly in the nose, keeping construction simple. It bears interesting comparison with the Italian Ambrosini SAI.207.

In the event, performance, including a top speed of 330mph, disappointed. It was underpowered, with vibration and handling issues. The wooden structure, though ingenious, did not confer the expected advantages. Only two prototypes were completed, and the project was quietly abandoned. Yet it remains a fascinating experiment in wartime improvisation. Had it entered service in 1944, this rather meek aeroplane would have faced fighters with more than a 100mph speed advantage, a daunting prospect.

5: Focke-Wulf Ta 154 Moskito

Focke-Wulf Ta 154 Moskito

The Focke-Wulf Ta 154 was one of Germanys more unusual responses to the pressing demands of the second world war. Conceived as a fast night fighter, it owed much of its inspiration to Britains de Havilland Mosquito, earning the nickname Moskito from the Luftwaffe. Its defining feature was its use of wood, a feature it shared with the Horton Ho 229.

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At a time when aluminium was increasingly scarce, German engineers sought alternatives, and wood offered an attractive solution. The Ta 154s fuselage and wings were built largely from plywood, bonded with synthetic adhesives. This was both pragmatic and ironic, given Germanys own propaganda had previously mocked Britain for using furniture materials in aircraft.

5: Focke-Wulf Ta 154

Focke-Wulf Ta 154

The choice of wood carried both advantages and severe drawbacks. On the one hand, the Ta 154 could be produced with fewer strategic resources, and its light structure promised excellent speed and agility. On the other, quality control was disastrous. A shortage of suitable adhesives led to structural failures, and entire airframes were lost to glue that literally dissolved in rain. A few Ta 154s did see service in January 1945, and 28 were produced in total.

Three bizarre uses of the Ta 154 were considered, all involving it being used as an explosive-filled anti-bomber device: one involved it being taken to battle by a piggy-backing Fw 190; another as a towed bomb; the most alarming involved the bomber being steered on to its target by a pilot in the rear of the aircraft who was then expected to escape via a downward-firing election seat.

4: Hughes H-4 Hercules Spruce Goose

Hughes H-4 Hercules Spruce Goose

Only missing out the top slot as it missed the war it was intended to take part in, no story about wooden aircraft could miss out the incredible H-4. Popularly known by its nickname of the Spruce Goose, the Hughes H-4 Hercules was a colossal wooden flying boat designed by the famously eccentric Howard Hughes.

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Conceived during the Second World War, the intention was to create a vast strategic transport aircraft to move troops and cargo across the Atlantic, bypassing the menace of German U-boats. Its massive size and innovative design captured global attention.

4: Hughes H-4 Hercules Spruce Goose

Hughes H-4 Hercules Spruce Goose

Constructed primarily from birch, not spruce, the plane boasted an unprecedented 320-foot wingspan. With eight powerful engines, it was intended to carry 750 troops or heavy equipment. Wartime restrictions delayed its completion, and the war ended before the H-4 could serve its intended purpose.

On November 2, 1947, Hughes piloted the Spruce Goose for its only flight. Lifting off from Long Beach Harbor in California, it flew for about a mile, reaching a height of only 70 feet. This brief journey proved its airworthiness but also marked its retirement, as critics questioned its practicality and cost. The war had ended, and with it, the need for the Hercules. Though it never saw operational use, its legacy endures as one of the great wonders of aviation. It survives today at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in Oregon, USA.

3: VL Myrsky (Storm)

VL Myrsky (Storm)

The VL Myrsky first took to the air on 23 December 1941, marking Finlands ambitious attempt to design and build its own modern fighter during the Second World War. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp radial engine, licence-built in Sweden, it achieved a decent maximum speed of around 332mph.

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Armed with four 12.7 mm wing-mounted heavy machine guns and the ability to carry small bombs, the Myrsky served in both fighter and ground-attack roles. Its distinctive wooden airframe, built from laminated birch and plywood, reflected Finlands need to conserve scarce metals, balancing resource constraints with performance demands. The two-spar wing was plywood-skinned.

3: VL Myrsky

VL Myrsky

In total, 51 Myrsky aircraft were built, including prototypes and production models. Finland was the sole operator, and although the type never matched the performance of the most advanced German or Soviet fighters, it provided the Finnish Air Force with urgently needed reinforcements at a critical stage of the war.

It was flown operation over Lapland against German forces. Operationally, pilots appreciated the Myrskys handling, but its wooden structure was susceptible to damp weather, resulting in warping and maintenance difficulties. Its durability was always in doubt, and when one broke up during a dive in 1947, the type was retired. Another wooden fighter worthy of attention was the Latvian VEF I-16.

2: Miles M.20

Miles M.20

The Miles M.20 was constructed largely of wood due to wartime necessity. Britain faced shortages of strategic metals like aluminium, prioritised for Spitfires and Hurricanes. Wood allowed rapid, inexpensive production with existing skills and materials. This design aimed to provide an emergency fighter should conventional aircraft production be disrupted.

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To maintain simplicity, the M.20 dispensed with a hydraulic system, and while this meant that the landing gear wasnt retractable, the weight saved allowed for a large internal fuel capacity and the unusually heavy armament of twelve machine guns with twice as much ammunition as either the Hurricane or the Spitfire.

2: Miles M20

Miles M20

Tests revealed that the M.20 was slower than the Spitfire but faster than the Hurricane, and its operating range was roughly double that of either. It also sported one of the first clear-view bubble canopies to be fitted to a military aircraft.

Due to the M.20 being viewed as a panic fighter  an emergency back-up if Hurricanes or Spitfires couldnt be produced in sufficient numbers  production of the M.20 was deemed unnecessary, since no serious shortage occurred of either of the existing fighters.

1: Lavochkin La-5FN/ La-7

Lavochkin La-5FN/ La-7

Lavochkin reinvigorated the lacklustre LaGG-3 fighter, by replacing its inline 1260 horsepower Klimov-M 105PF engine with the Shvetsov M-82 radial engine. The new aircraft, the La-5, was massively improved with this new 1649 horsepower engine. The first La-5 was completed in December 1941, two months after design work began.

It was further improved with the addition of the M-82FN (FN short for fosirovanny meaning boosted). The new fuel-injected engine was a beast, with 1850 horsepower at take-off. Faster than 400mph, the La-5FN proved formidable in combat. It was the mount of the greatest Allied ace, Ivan Kozhedub (1920-1991), for the most of his victories.

1: Lavochkin La-5FN/ La-7

Lavochkin La-5FN/ La-7

With delays in the development of the all-metal La-9, the La-7 was only intended as an interim fighter. However, the relatively low-key refinements and timing of world events meant this interim fighter became the ultimate Lavochkin fighter of World War II, as well as the last new fighter of largely wooden construction. The Lavochkin La-5FN and La-7 fighters extensively used wood in their construction, particularly laminated plywood for fuselages and wings. This reduced reliance on scarce aluminium.

The Soviet Unions vast forests provided abundant timber, ensuring steady aircraft production even during wartime shortages, making wood a strategic resource in aviation. Though formidable in many ways, Lavochkin took the La-5FN and further improved it. They started by removing the supercharger air intake from the top of the engine cowling and repositioning it on the port wing root. This improved the pilots view as well as reducing drag. The oil cooler was also relocated, along with the starter dog. This new, cleaned-up aeroplane was impressive with a top speed greater than 410mph.

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More than a dozen people were arrested in a gang sweep Wednesday in the San Gabriel Valley on suspicion of drug trafficking, kidnapping, selling weapons and more.

A combination of local law enforcement and federal agents arrested 16 members and associates of a local gang linked to the Mexican Mafia.

The charges include two shootings, kidnapping and illegal sales of weapons and drugs.

In addition to the arrests, weapons and narcotics were seized.

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Investigators say the gang, based in La Puente, controls drug dealing in the area and uses violence to maintain control.

Around 4 a.m., multiple federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), joined local law enforcement agencies in executing federal and state warrants on members of the Puente-13 gang and associates.

Warrants were executed at more than 20 locations. Sixteen members and associates of the San Gabriel Valley-based, Mexican Mafia-linked Puente-13 street gang arrested.

During the investigation, the ATF and partners recovered the following:

- 76 firearms - including 14 rifles

- 1 Machinegun Conversion Device

- 4 short-barreled rifles

- 3 firearms with obliterated serial numbers

- 3 pieces of body armor

- Thousands of rounds of ammunition

- Approximately 10 lbs. of methamphetamine

- Thousands of M30 fentanyl & carfentanil pills and fentanyl powder

- $9,500 in cash

- And various stolen goods

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"Today's enforcement operation was the accumulation of an approximately three-year investigation," ATF Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper said.

A federal criminal complaint alleges the gang's involvement in one kidnapping, two shootings, illegal firearms sales, and trafficking of narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than fentanyl.

"The ATF used advanced investigative techniques such as telephonic and social media electronic intercepts, a fancy way of saying we tapped some phones," Cooper added.

Agents say there are 20 total defendants charged with various crimes.

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According to affidavits filed with the complaints, Puente-13 is a street gang based in La Puente, and along with the Mexican Mafia, it controls the distribution of narcotics within its "territory," maintaining and expanding that control through violence and threats of violence and punishing those in its territory who cooperate with law enforcement.

"Because of their extensive work, we took many guns off the street. We've taken a lot more narcotics off the street and ammunition. There are dangerous gang members who will be going to jail," Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

The ATF received assistance from the Covina Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the West Covina Police Department, the California Highway Patrol and the Baldwin Park Police Department.
A woman and her ex-boyfriend are pleading guilty to lying about being victims of the Aug. 8, 2023 and the January Los Angeles firesstealing more than $110, 000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Chelsea Johnson, 32, originally from Tampa, Fla., was originally charged along with Daylyn Harris, 34, with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of disaster fraud from Sept. 6, 2023, through Jan. 23. They were indicted July 17 on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud.

Johnson pleaded guilty Monday and Harris is scheduled to plead guilty in the case on Friday.

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Harris also made claims for medical reimbursements from injuries he said he suffered in the Lahaina fire, which killed 102 people and destroyed thousands of homes.

According to a plea agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, Johnson pleaded guilty in exchange for federal prosecutors dropping the six counts of wire fraud. She will be sentenced March 30. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese is prosecuting the case.

Harris is charged with lying about lost income, lost property, lost housing, medical expenses, and other losses as a result of the Maui wildfires federal disaster, when in fact, the defendant did not reside at the damaged address and did not suffer the stated losses, 

according to an affidavit authored by a special agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Office of the Inspector General.

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The owner of the property in Lahaina was not Johnson or Harris, according to Maui County records.

The actual owners later made FEMA claims themselves for the same property and denied renting it to Harris, Johnson or anyone else.

On Sept. 6, 2023, Harris submitted an application for federal disaster assistance alleging that his rented primary residence in Lahaina had been damaged.

Harris listed Johnson as the landlord and gave an address for Johnson from Tampa.

On Sept. 8, 2023, a FEMA inspector contacted Johnson by telephone to confirm that she was Harris landlord. Johnson panicked during the call and hung up.

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The same day, Harris allegedly provided a pay stub dated Aug. 4, 2023, allegedly from a restaurant in Lahaina that was destroyed in the fires, in support of a claim for lost income. A FEMA investigator contacted the owner who indicated Harris had never worked for the company.

On Oct. 3, 2023, Harris submitted a request to FEMA for medical assistance claiming he did not have medical insurance. He sent in a physician statement letter dated Sept. 28, 2023, purporting to be from a major hospital system in Hawaii listing providers Micah Johnson, M.D. and David Sudderth, M.D. on the letterhead.

The letter alleged that Harris sustained injuries related to the Lahaina fires and had medical bills totaling $55, 760.

On Oct. 6, 2023, a FEMA employee called the Hawaii hospital system Harris named and learned that there was no record of Harris receiving treatment on the dates he reported.

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The agent found a record of Harris arrest in Tampa for domestic violence. In the police report, the victim, Johnson, told Tampa police she and Harris lived together in Florida during the same time that Harris claimed to live in Lahaina.

On Sept. 21, 2023, Harris got $5, 462 in rental assistance. On Oct. 2, 2023, Harris got $13, 625 for lost personal property and 16 days later on Oct. 18, 2023, Harris got $27, 374 in other needs assistance  according to federal court records.

A disaster declaration for the California wildfires was issued on Jan. 8. The fires killed 30 people and burned 37, 000 acres, leveling thousands of structures and homes.

On Jan. 11, 2025, Johnson made a claim to FEMA for damaged dwelling assistance, alleging her property in Pacific Palisades, Calif., was damaged.

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On May 15 the DHS agent interviewed the owner of the Pacific Palisades property Johnson claimed to own and was told that no one else lived there, and that he did not recognize the names of Harris or Johnson.

In the application, Johnson claimed that as a result of the fire she paid for a 29-night stay at a hotel in Los Angeles and submitted a printed booking confirmation page from an online travel website. A DHS agent confirmed with the hotel that the reservation had been canceled because the credit card used to make it was declined.

Johnson also is accused of falsely claiming that she was employed at a pet grooming business in Santa Monica, Calif., and that she lost $3, 768 worth of pet grooming tools in the fire.

On Jan. 23, Johnson got $770 for critical needs assistance. On Jan. 26, she got $9, 404 for personal property and on Jan. 24 she got $3, 822 for displacement assistance.

According to bank rec ords, within a short period Johnson transferred over 70 % of these funds to an account in Harris name.
Authorities investigating the deadly shooting at Brown University over the weekend have identified the suspect, a law enforcement source told 25 Investigates on Thursday.

25 Investigates has learned that investigators learned the identity of the suspected shooter sometime late Wednesday evening and authorities have been looking for him ever since.

The suspect has not been located and Boston 25 News has not been provided a name.

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Sources have told CNN and Boston 25 News that authorities have obtained a signed warrant for the arrest of the suspected shooter.

Breaking: A law enforcement source tells 25 Investigates the suspected Brown University shooter has been identified.



25 Investigates has learned the identification occurred sometime late Wednesday and authorities have been looking for him ever since.



As far as we aware, the  Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) December 18, 2025

Police are investigating possible ties between Saturdays shooting at Brown University and Mondays deadly shooting of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor in Brookline, according to a report.

The manhunt for the gunman who opened fire inside Brown Universitys engineering building continued into its sixth day on Thursday.

The attack, which left two dead and nine others hurt, triggered hours of chaos across campus and surrounding Providence neighborhoods as hundreds of officers searched for the shooter and urged students and staff to shelter in place.

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Thus far, investigators have released a video timeline of a person of interests movement near the scene of the shooting. Authorities are also urging residents who live in a wide swath of the city to double-check their cameras for any trace of clues, no matter how small, including the areas south of Waterman Street between Thayer Street and Gano Street and north of Wickenden Street.

On Wednesday, investigators released an areas of focus map showing three zones. They say the map charts the movements of the person of interest both immediately before and after the shooting that killed two students and wounded nine others.

Blue  Areas where residents are urged to check security cameras.

Green  Where the person of interest was seen before the shooting inside the Barus and Holley engineering building around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Red  Streets that authorities have video footage from that show the person of interest immediately after the shooting.

Investigators also announced on Wednesday that they are looking to speak with an individual who came into close contact with the person of interest before and after the deadly mass shooting.

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Officials on Wednesday also said that of the nine students injured in the attack, one person remains in critical condition.

Five people who had been listed in critical but stable condition are still in the hospital but are making progress in their recovery and are no longer considered to be critically wounded. Three people who were hospitalized in the shooting are at home with their families, officials said.

Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore from Mountain Brook, Alabama, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an 18-year-old freshman from Uzbekistan, were killed when a man walked inside the engineering building and opened fire.

Earlier this week, investigators released a video timeline and a slightly clearer image of the person of interest. The video, from more than an hour before the attack, shows the suspect walking and running at times in a quiet residential area a few blocks from the engineering building, including near Hope, Benevolent, and Manning streets.

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Authorities now say the individual may have been scouting the neighborhood as early as 10:30 a.m. on the day of the attack.

Police are urging anyone with video or photos to upload them to an online folder at ProvidenceRI.gov/tips.

Investigators also warned against sharing AI-generated images of the person of interest circulating online, calling them harmful to the investigation.

The 4 p.m. news conference originally scheduled for Thursday has been canceled, and there is no scheduled time for a new press conference.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
25 Investigates has learned that there is law enforcement activity in New Hampshire related to the manhunt for the Brown University shooter.

LIVE UPDATES ARE BELOW:

9:05 PM: Multiple sources are telling Boston 25 news that the suspect is no longer with us. Authorities will be updating the media at 9:25.

8:50 PM: Over a dozen cruisers pulled up to the storage shortly before 9:00 p.m. Several members appeared to be part of the FBI Evidence Response Team. Boston 25 security analyst Dan Linksey says that they are called in to process a crime scene and collect evidence. According to Linksey, they are only ever called in when the scene is safe and secure.

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8:05 PM: Methuen police sent a message out to residents alerting them to the police presence just over the border in Salem.

Federal authorities, with the assistance of state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Methuen Police Department, are currently mobilizing resources in the area of Rt. 28 near the Methuen, Massachusetts, border with Salem, New Hampshire, the alert of Methuen police read. This activity is connected to an ongoing effort to locate a suspect in an active investigation into a recent death. At this time, there is no information indicating an imminent risk to the public or residents of Methuen.

8:00 PM: A law enforcement source at the scene outside the Salem, NH storage facility tells Boston 25 News that contact with the suspected shooter has not been made yet.

7:00 PM: Several members of the Providence Police Department and at least one FBI Negotiator were among the members of law enforcement at the police scene outside the Extra Space Storage facility on Hampshire Road in Salem, New Hampshire.

Providence PD in NH

6:45 PM: A Boston 25 News photojournalist saw FBI agents, Providence police and members of state police surrounding a location in Salem, NH, shortly before 7:00 p.m. Boston 25 News is choosing not to show images at this time to protect the investigation.

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5:40 PM: Sources tell Boston 25 News Bob Ward that the search in Salem, New Hampshire is centered around a vehicle of a similar make and model that was allegedly seen in the area of the MIT professors murder in Brookline.

Things are rapidly evolving. Law enforcement sources are telling me that the search for a suspect in the Brookline murder of MIT professor & the Brown University mass shooting is centered on Salem, NH @boston25  Bob Ward Boston 25 (@Bward3) December 18, 2025

5:15 PM: Multiple law enforcement sources have told Boston 25 News there is ongoing police activity connected to the search for the suspected shooter in Salem, New Hampshire. A more precise location was not immediately provided.

5:00 PM: 25 Investigates Ted Daniel has learned that police activity began in the Boston area around 2:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

4:40 PM: Sources have told CNN and Boston 25 News that authorities have obtained a signed warrant for the arrest of the suspected shooter.

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4:31 PM: The FBI is involved in the search and the activity is based in or near the Boston area, 25 Investigates Ted Daniel has learned.

Im told the activity involves the FBI and is in the Boston area. Still working to get more info. https://t.co/0hrtKoP3hp  Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) December 18, 2025

25 Investigates also learned that investigators learned the identity of the suspected shooter sometime late Wednesday evening, and authorities have been looking for him ever since.

The suspect has not been located and Boston 25 News has not been provided a name.

Sources have told CNN and Boston 25 News that authorities have obtained a signed warrant for the arrest of the suspected shooter.

Police are investigating possible ties between Saturdays shooting at Brown University and Mondays deadly shooting of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor in Brookline, according to a report.

Advertisement Advertisement

The manhunt for the gunman who opened fire inside Brown Universitys engineering building continued into its sixth day on Thursday.

The attack, which left two dead and nine others hurt, triggered hours of chaos across campus and surrounding Providence neighborhoods as hundreds of officers searched for the shooter and urged students and staff to shelter in place.

Thus far, investigators have released a video timeline of a person of interests movement near the scene of the shooting. Authorities are also urging residents who live in a wide swath of the city to double-check their cameras for any trace of clues, no matter how small, including the areas south of Waterman Street between Thayer Street and Gano Street and north of Wickenden Street.

On Wednesday, investigators released an areas of focus map showing three zones. They say the map charts the movements of the person of interest both immediately before and after the shooting that killed two students and wounded nine others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Investigators also announced on Wednesday that they are looking to speak with an individual who came into close contact with the person of interest before and after the deadly mass shooting.

Officials on Wednesday also said that of the nine students injured in the attack, one person remains in critical condition.

Five people who had been listed in critical but stable condition are still in the hospital but are making progress in their recovery and are no longer considered to be critically wounded. Three people who were hospitalized in the shooting are at home with their families, officials said.

Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore from Mountain Brook, Alabama, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an 18-year-old freshman from Uzbekistan, were killed when a man walked inside the engineering building and opened fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier this week, investigators released a video timeline and a slightly clearer image of the person of interest. The video, from more than an hour before the attack, shows the suspect walking and running at times in a quiet residential area a few blocks from the engineering building, including near Hope, Benevolent, and Manning streets.

Police are urging anyone with video or photos to upload them to an online folder at ProvidenceRI.gov/tips.

The 4 p.m. news conference originally scheduled for Thursday has been canceled, and there is no scheduled time for a new press conference.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
When Kishla Askins talks about why she is running for Congress in Nebraska, she does not begin with polling or party. She begins with the people she could not bring home.

Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.

Askins, a retired U.S. Navy veteran and former senior Pentagon and Veterans Affairs official, spent more than 30 years in uniform, first as an enlisted sailor, then as a Navy corpsman and emergency medicine physician assistant who deployed with the Marine Corps to combat zones. Some of the service members under her care died. That loss, she said, still guides her.

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Related: Illinois Army captain says Dems are rolling over on LGBTQ+ rights. Hes running for Congress to change that



I made a sacred promise, Askins said in an interview with The Advocate. For me, its about giving them a voice, and giving a voice to everyone who needs one in Congress.

kishla askins deployed

Kishla Askins spent 30 years in the U.S. Navy and deployed with a Marine unit where she treated emergencies including trauma. Kishla for Congress

Now Askins is running as a Democrat in Nebraskas Secnd Congressional District, a competitive Omaha-based seat, at a moment when the military  the institution that defined her adult life  is again being reshaped by exclusion. The Pentagon continues to enforce a renewed ban on transgender service members, even as legal challenges work their way through federal courts and critics warn the policy undermines readiness and morale.

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Askins is not transgender. But as a gay woman, she knows what it means to serve under the threat of erasure.

She served before, during, and after dont ask, dont tell, surviving two investigations in the 1990s that nearly ended her career because she was gay. The first began after a command law enforcement officer overheard sailors discussing her relationship. The inquiry escalated to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service without her knowledge.

Related: This bisexual San Diego City Council member is fighting to replace Darrell Issa in Congress



I dont know how many nights I cried, Askins said, as she got choked up retelling the story. The mental health aspect of this was almost unbearable. Here I was, this young sailor who just wanted to serve her country  and to be told you cant because of who you love.

kishla askins

While in the U.S. Navy, Keishla Askins deployed several times. Kishla for Congress

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A commanding officer ultimately shut down the investigation, citing her work ethic and service record. A second investigation followed a year later and was again halted. Each time, Askins said, colleagues quietly risked their own careers to protect her.

Those years coincided with her wifes rise through the ranks of the Marine Corps. Her wife, Alison, was a pioneering aviator and became the first woman selected to command a Marine aviation unit and later the only woman to command a Marine aircraft group, Askins said. Yet under dont ask, dont tell, Askins could not sit beside her at official ceremonies.

Related: Queer ex-Marine Corps drill instructor channels leadership & Netflixs Boots in Arizona congressional run



I had to sit in the back because I was the friend, she said.

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Today, the two live a quieter life between campaign stops. Theyve been together for 16 years and got married in 2015, in Virginia as soon as we could, she said. When Askins is not fundraising or knocking on doors, she spends time with her wife and their four-and-a-half-pound Yorkiepoo, Bentley  the real star of the family, she joked, noting that the dog has his own Instagram account and sometimes gets more engagement than she does. The moments matter, she said, because they are reminders of the life she once had to keep hidden.

Kishla Askins and her wife, Alison

Kishla Askins married her wife, Alison, in 2015, after the Obergefell decision made marriage equality the law of the land. Robert Mang

That experience helps shape Askinss response to todays policies barring transgender people from military service, rules she views as a replay of an era the armed forces have already outgrown.

As a clinician, Askins said the standard for service has never been ideological. It has been medical.

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Related: This gay Navy reservist is running to represent the Virginia Beach area in Congress



Are you worldwide deployable? Thats it, she said. If you are medically ready, then you should be able to serve. This is a medical diagnosis for politicians not to weigh in on.

The renewed ban, she warned, arrives at a time when fewer than 1 percent of Americans serve in uniform, and the military faces deep recruitment and retention challenges. Excluding qualified people, she said, is not just discriminatory  it is dangerous.

We have a huge talent management issue, Askins said. That should be a national security flag.

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On the campaign trail in Nebraska, Askins said voters rarely raise transgender issues at all.

Zero, she said.

Instead, constituents talk about rising costs, housing affordability, health care, and economic instability. Theres an overwhelming, chaotic uncertainty in our nation right now, she said. People wake up and dont know what theyre going to find.

kishla askins and her wife alison

Keishla Askins and her wife, Alison, each had remarkable military careers. Kishla for Congress

As a longtime health care provider, Askins has been particularly alarmed by the rollback of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which she said is already driving up premiums and discouraging preventive care.

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Related: Meet the transgender Marine Corps vet running for Congress in Pennsylvania

Were going to see people not go to primary care until theyre in extremis, she said. And then now they have a chronic disease that costs far more than what we could have prevented.

Even while campaigning, Askins is finishing a doctorate in public health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Her research focuses on biosecurity risks linked to thawing permafrost and a warming Arctic, examining how environmental instability can unleash infectious disease threats and strain already fragile systems.

Representation, Askins said, is not about symbolism. It is about lived experience and about ensuring Congress reflects the people it governs.

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Related: Meet the gay Navy veteran trying to flip a red congressional seat in Virginia



Being investigated twice and almost kicked out of the military because I was gay was a challenge, she said. But it made me more resilient. And I refuse to allow anyone else to be attacked for something that is simply about who they are.

Looking back on her career, from combat zones to the Pentagon to serving as a senior executive at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Askins said the lesson she hopes the country relearns is one the military once modeled at its best.

The military is a family, she said. And families are stronger together. Thats what the United States is about.

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This article originally appeared on Advocate: After 30 years in uniform, a veteran in Nebraska who survived dont ask, dont tell is running for Congress

RELATED
Elon Musk just woke up $168 billion richer. Even as the wealthiest man in the world, he is still setting new records and raising the bar for what ultra-wealthy looks like.

The serial CEOs net worth shot up to $638 billion on Monday, making him the first person estimated to be worth more than $600 billion by Bloombergs wealth index.

The 54-year-old witnessed an unprecedented wealth surge after SpaceX, an aerospace company he founded and leads, hit a $800 billion market cap in an insider share sale. SpaceX subsequently became the most valuable private company in the worldand by holding a 42% stake in the business worth $317 billion, Musks fortune soared.

In fact, his fortune has multiplied so much that fellow billionaires cant keep up; Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison very briefly knocked him from the top spot earlier this year, but swiftly lost $34 billion.

Even the wealth of Google cofounder and ex-CEO Larry Page, who is the second richest person alive, pales in comparison to Musks bank account. Page is worth $265 billion: less than half of what the SpaceX CEO sits atop.

And with Musks $1 trillion Tesla pay package (effective since it was approved in November) trickling into his bank account over the next decade, hes solidified his spot as the richest person in the world by a longshot.

How Musk became the richest person in the world

When Musk was first added to Bloombergs index in 2013, he only held $4.8 billion in wealthstill an eye-watering figure, but a far cry from his 2025 fortune. His next milestone came in 2020, when he was calculated to be worth at least $100 billion thanks to a soaring Tesla valuation. And within the last five years, hes managed to accrue six times as much wealthadding around $100 billion every yearas his businesses thrived.

But Musk was never a stranger to wealth.

The entrepreneur spent his final high school years attending an affluent South African boys schoolsurrounded by peers who later became politicians and award-winning novelistswhile the rest of the country reeled from apartheid. Later, he headed to his mothers country, Canada, before moving to the U.S. in pursuit of success.

Musk experienced his first wealth breakthrough while he was still in his early twenties. In 1995 he co-founded software company Zip2, which helped newspapers bring city guides to the internet. The business sold to Compaq for $307 million just four years later. But his next venture solidified his footing in the corporate world; in 1999 Musk then co-founded X.com, an online payment company which later merged with PayPals parent company Cofinity. By 2002, eBay acquired PayPal for a whopping $1.5 billion.
A third person was arrested Dec. 17 in connection to the February killing of a Louisville Metro Department of Corrections officer, according to a news release from Louisville Metro Police.

Spokesperson Dwight Mitchell said Brian Ramsey, 40, was charged with murder (complicity) and robbery (complicity). He is currently being held at Metro Corrections.

LMPD officers responded to a report of a person down in the 2700 block of Cedar Street around 10:30 a.m. Feb. 16. When officers arrived, they found a man dead with what appeared to be a gunshot wound, spokesperson John Bradley said.

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The Jefferson County Coroner's Office later identified the man as Michael Saye Wehdah, 44. Wehdah, an immigrant from Liberia who obtained U.S. citizenship in 2022, started working for Metro Corrections in August 2024.

Ramsey faces charges alongside Kristy Brumley, 36, and Anthony Trabue, 37. Brumley and Trabue were both charged with murder (complicity) and robbery (complicity). Brumley was also charged with receiving stolen property and tampering with physical evidence.

It is not yet clear when Ramsey will appear in court.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: LMPD: Man arrested in connection to death of LMDC officer
A study ties shortages in agricultural labor to increases in food prices. (Photo by Bob Nichols/USDA)

A study from Michigan State University found that when domestic farm employment declines by 10%, food prices of labor-intensive crops increase by around 3%.

Specialty crop growers with the advocacy campaign Grow it Here said in a webinar Wednesday that wage increases with temporary visa programs and an overall decline in the availability of immigrant labor has impacted their ability to produce food and compete with foreign producers.

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Lisa Tate, a citrus and avocado producer in southern California, said labor shortage problems arent always immediately felt in the food system but have long-term effects on a farmers ability to stay in the industry.

Labor shortages may not cause immediate food shortages or higher prices, but they quietly weaken our resilience of our food system by increasing our reliance on foreign imports, Tate said. Addressing agricultural labor challenges isnt just about getting through one harvest, its about protecting the long-term foundations of Americas food supply.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

According to the study, more than half of surveyed farmers said in 2021 that they were experiencing some sort of labor shortage. On average, farmers reported an inability to hire 21% of the labor they needed for normal operating conditions.

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The Michigan State University study developed an equilibrium displacement model, a formula that is often used for policy analysis, to relate domestic farm labor markets to labor-intensive agricultural output markets. From here, researcher Zach Rutledge said he was able to derive an expression that related changes in food prices to changes in employment.

Rutledge, speaking at the webinar Wednesday, said the findings indicate that moderate reductions in farm employment could raise consumer food costs by billions of dollars.

According to the study, labor-intensive specialty crops generate roughly $115 billion in product value annually, meaning a 2.94% increase due to labor shortages would equate an increase in food prices of nearly $3.4 billion.

The study showed a decline in the Mexican immigrant populations in the U.S., which Rutledge said represents the origin of the majority of foreign-born agricultural workers. He also said agricultural workers are now more likely to settle in one area, rather than migrate to areas where the work is needed, which can add to labor shortages.

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Growers on the call said the result is that they cannot find enough workers to get through harvest season without significant loss, or additional costs to pay for overtime work.

Brandon Raso, a blueberry farmer in New Jersey, said he needs about 600-700 laborers to harvest his 650 acres of blueberries. This past season, he was only able to hire around 200 workers, which led an estimated 2.5 million pounds of blueberries falling to the ground before they could be harvested.

The result of these shortages, according to Raso, is a huge exodus in multi-generational farms and farms that have to downsize as a result of mounting costs and labor shortages.

Brandon Batten, a tobacco and row crop farmer in North Carolina, said when labor isnt there, the quality goes down, yields go down, and costs continue to go up because the work still has to be done.

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Growers on the call noted the climbing costs of the H-2A visa program, which grants temporary visas for agricultural workers. According to data compiled by the National Council of Agricultural Employees, the average national hourly wage for H-2A employees increased from slightly more than $11 in 2011, to more than $18 in 2025, though the rate is different in each state.

In October, the U.S. Department of Labor issued an interim final rule to modify the methodology that determines the hourly wages under the program. Growers on the call said the new rule has helped lower labor costs, but Batten said he and other producers are cautiously optimistic on the long-term effects.

Tate said improvements to the temporary visa program help, but wont be enough to make the U.S. competitive with foreign food producers who have consistently cheaper labor.

The specialty crop farmers also said they have noticed behavioral changes in immigrant labor populations due to immigration policies and enforcement from the Trump administration.

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Tate said enforcement, protests and concerns about safety has led to some culture change in her region.

I think thats really sad, because we should really be valuing the people who are harvesting our crops and taking care of our food and getting it to us, Tate said. They shouldnt be scared to be in their own communities.

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An Israeli man returning from Thailand was caught with contraband of an unusual sort  over 100 exotic reptiles, amphibians, and crustaceans.

What's happening?

The 20-something Israeli citizen had stuffed his suitcases with 186 animals total  and entered the line for travelers with nothing to declare, according to the New York Post, which also reported that the exotic creatures, worth thousands of dollars, were "transported under harsh conditions without food and in extreme heat."

The man may be charged with several crimes, as Israel has clear, strict laws about smuggling protected species.

Why is it important to prevent the trafficking of illegal or exotic animals?

The smuggling of animals from their native habitats to places they don't belong has dire consequences for the animals, who often endure terrible treatment, their home ecosystems, and their foreign destinations.

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The World Wildlife Fund explains that this illicit trade creates "biodiversity loss," and even fosters "conditions ripe for zoonotic disease transmission" to human beings.

When species dwindle, this can throw off an entire ecosystem, which means it can "destabilize food chains and reduce the resilience of habitats to climate change and other stressors," as per the World Wildlife Fund.

New species can become invasive and wreak destruction. Regarding the case of the 186 animals smuggled into Israel, officials said, "These are various species that could become invasive and pose a threat to local wildlife and agriculture," according to the New York Post.

Decreased biodiversity and ecological well-being can kill species necessary to human life, such as pollinators responsible for maintaining people's food supply.

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What's more, the WWF says, these criminal circles often overlap with drug distribution and human trafficking, so preventing animal trafficking can reduce these other threats, too.

What's being done about the illegal animal trade?

Internationally, governments are becoming more stringent even as criminals become more brazen in their methods, including selling animals online or smuggling them in by dropping them via drone.

Two United States Congressmen introduced the Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025. New York, specifically, passed new laws that widen the definition of exotic animals to create more safety for threatened creatures. Nigeria has also created new legislation to help these defenseless beings, as has the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As for how individuals can help, the Zoological Society of London recommends staying aware, purchasing ethical products with clear sources, and not buying products that contain anything taken from these animals, like feathers, shells, or even teeth and fur.

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.




SELMA, Alabama  On a sunny, humid summer afternoon, Willie Palmer Jr. gathered his cows under a tree for feeding time. He watched as they roamed the grounds, passing by a slew of vehicles, a shed, and barn on his 20-acre property.

As the animals feasted, Palmer stood quietly for a moment, taking in the soft buzz of the insects around him. He then walked across the grass, gesturing toward the mullein plant, and old pear, fig, and black walnut trees.

He even paused to inspect a small cactus plant.

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Palmer takes pride in caring for the farm in Selma, Alabama. Its been his life since 2017, the year he says he inherited his familys land, which has been passed down for generations.

For the past year, the 50-year-old has been working overtime to protect it. On most days, Palmer splits his time wrangling his cattle and hauling loads as a truck driver. But deep into the night and well into early morning, he pored over legal documents and the deeds to his property, after he says he found a railroad worker utilizing his property without permission.

Willie Palmer Jr. stands with his cows as they graze on his property in Selma, Alabama. (Aallyah Wright/Capital B)

This encounter prompted the cattle rancher to conduct more thorough research to answer a crucial question: Who has the right to a portion of his acreage that has been in his family since 1945?

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Palmers fight isnt an isolated incident. Across the South, Black landowners are challenging the pressures of private development and asserting their rights to retain their land.

Palmer is ready to prove it as hes suing more than two dozen individuals and entities  banks, attorneys, and railroad companies  for either trespassing or what he calls a conspiracy to assume ownership of his land through fraudulent deeds, transactions or professional misconduct, according to a complaint for declaratory relief, quiet title, trespass, fraud, civil conspiracy, and professional misconduct filed by Palmer in the Dallas County Circuit Court of Alabama on July 16.

Capital B reviewed the case docket and hundreds of pages of documents, including exhibits, amended complaints, answers and counterclaims, affidavits, motions and orders.

One of the claims Palmer asserts in his complaint is that CSX Transportation, a freight railroad company, is occupying his land without legal authority. Railroad tracks intersect his land near the top northwest corner. He also asserts that his neighbor, William Bill Huffman III, allegedly committed fraud with regard to his land.

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Rather than filing his own lawsuit, Palmer brought his claims as an intervenor in an ongoing property sale lawsuit by Rail Connection Inc., against Huffman and his wife, Susan ONeil Huffman. Huffman founded Rail Connection and served as vice president until 2023. So, in his motion to intervene, which was allowed by the judge, he named more than two dozen parties as defendants, including Rail Connection, and is representing himself.

John Q. Somerville, the attorney representing Rail Connection, did not respond to Capital Bs multiple requests for comment. Huffman also did not respond to Capital Bs multiple requests for comment about Palmers claims.

Huffman denied all Palmers allegations and that he suffered any damages, according to a Dec. 1 court filing. Huffman demands a jury trial on all issues.

As of Dec. 17, the case is currently pending in the Dallas County Circuit Court.

Palmer says he has proof that hes the rightful owner of his acres. In court filings, Palmer submitted a title abstract  or comprehensive history of his land  a federal land patent, and a May 2025 land boundary survey. There are also affidavits, probate court filings, and surety bond records. Theres also a 2025 tax assessor record with Palmers name as co-owner.

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He says his ownership of the property, which is protected by a U.S. land patent, should give him a say in what happens on and around his property. The National Archive defines a land patent as land given to U.S. citizens by the government.

The land certificate from the United States of America was given to [last name] Elliot. That name is still on the deed, and that heir sold it down to another family, and that heir sold it on down to another family, and so on, and the patent came all the way down to my family, and I own it now, Palmer said. I got all the documents, everything printed out, downloaded and everything.

A trail of confusing documents

Willie Palmer Jr. goes through his research in the summer of 2025. (Aallyah Wright/Capital B)

Palmers present-day battle started a few weeks before Christmas last year.

He discovered a CSX Transportation railroad worker performing maintenance on the tracks. He claims the employee told him, We are taking back over the tracks from Genesee Wyoming  and refurbishing the short line, according to the complaint he filed.

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This exchange prompted Palmer to call and email CSX for answers.

A property manager for CSX shared the tax assessors map with Palmer, according to an exhibit of emails Palmer filed in his complaint. The tax assessors map doesnt show the railroad tracks on Palmers property.

He sent formal complaints to halt operations and put up No Trespassing signs. Palmer says he does not have any written agreements, leases, or contracts with the railroad.

In an email on Dec. 1, CSX Transportation declined to comment.

This land is highly valuable because its patented by the federal government, Palmer told Capital B. It comes down to my family not selling it, and here it is today, the railroad [CSX] is saying somebody else owns it.

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He set out to find the truth, he said.

Palmer has spent months reading case law and how to format a complaint. He dedicated hours at the Selma Public Library, making copies of documents. He requested his title abstract, a comprehensive document of his land history. In addition, he retained Jarvis & Associates to conduct a new land survey. The boundary survey map shows a railway on Palmers land.

Once he shared his findings with the CSX property manager, she said they would submit a title request and told him to allow 6 weeks for a response, according to emails shared in the lawsuit. A title request, or search, is a process to investigate a property and its owner to confirm ownership.

Palmer said he never received the findings from the CSX property manager.

The photo on the left is the map the CSX Transportation manager sent to Palmer, he says. The map on the right is what Willie Palmer Jr. provided the company. (Aallyah Wright/Capital B)

An assistant general counsel for CSX sent Palmer an email that states the railroad corridor was acquired through acts of the Alabama Legislature at the beginning of the last century and granted an exclusive easement of up to 50 feet on each side of the center line for construction, occupation, and maintenance of a railroad, the court filing said.

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For over 125 years, the railroad corridor has been used for railroad transportation by CSX Transportation, Inc. predecessors railroads and lessees, the counsel wrote. To the extent some portion of your property is within the railroad corridor, which does not appear to be the case as shown on tax maps, your property would be encumbered by the exclusive railroad easement.

The assistant general counsel did not respond to Capital Bs request for comment.

Palmer continued with his research, which led him to a 1987 warranty deed.

Two brothers, Victor Bethune Atkins Jr., and Julien Smith Atkins, both of whom are now deceased, sold all land east of the Cahaba River for $577,600 to a married couple Galbraith McFadden Weaver III and Leah Perdue Weaver. Palmer believes this deed includes his land: the Northwest Quarter of Section 18, Township 16 North, Range 10 East.

A screenshot of the real estate described in the 1987 deed between the Atkins brothers and the Weavers.

The Weavers are named defendants in the lawsuit. Their attorney, James B. McNeill Jr., filed a motion to dismiss Palmers lawsuit as against the Weavers because his complaint fails to state claims upon relief can be granted and because the deeds referenced by Palmer, dont include his land from any sale.

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Neither the Weavers, nor McNeill, responded to Capital Bs multiple requests for comment.

By May 17, 2005, the Weavers sold three parcels of land for $1.75 million to George Ballard and Rail Connection, according to a warranty deed filed as an exhibit by Palmer. The deed includes a less and except clause that explicitly excludes Palmers property from the property transferred on the deed. This language is common in legal descriptions contained in deeds, said Jacy Fisher, an Alabama-based attorney who works in real estate litigation and estate planning.

It just means that the property being conveyed does not include anything described after less and except, she wrote to Capital B.

According to a statutory warranty deed and real estate validation sales form, on Oct. 10, 2020, Ballard sold one-half interest of three parcels of land for more than $3 million to Huffman and ONeil Huffman, that also included the less and except clause.

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Ballard did not respond to Capital Bs request for comment.

Prior to 2003, CSX operated the Meridian & Bigbee Railroad, a 93.68 mile long track that runs through four Alabama counties, including Dallas where Selma is, according to the Federal Register. In 2003, CSX entered into a 23-year land lease agreement and sold the tracks to M&B Railroad, whose name changed to MNBR after Genesee & Wyoming Inc. acquired M&B in 2005. The agreement expired in 2023, the year when CSX filed an application to acquire the railroad again. In October 2024, the federal Surface Transportation Board approved CSXs application to purchase MNBR to create a new interchange connection in Alabama.

Despite Genesee & Wyoming not being sued, Capital B reached out for comment but did not hear back.

Fighting an 80-year legacy alone

Willie Palmer Jr. walks toward the family home that was burned down on the property. (Aallyah Wright/Capital B)

Palmers fight also illustrates the challenges families face when they attempt to push back.

His bid to secure his claim to his land is particularly poignant in the historical backdrop of his surroundings. Less than a mile away from the library where Palmer researches is the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of Bloody Sunday where 600 people were brutally battered and beaten by police officers for marching to secure voting rights.

The American South also shares a history targeting Black communities through enacting legislation  such as vagrancy laws that criminalized unemployment  as well as repealing laws like Shermans Special Field Order No. 15, commonly known as 40 acres and a mule, that provided freedmen land before ripping it away. It resulted in many landowners losing their homes, livelihoods, and lives. While neither of these events are characteristic of any parties in this conflict, the shadow of this ugly history unavoidably falls on this legal saga as it unfolds.

Palmers family also experienced racial violence on the very land he stands on today. In his younger years, he recalls his uncle retelling a story that white people had burned down their house when the family was away.

He knew the sacrifices it took for Black folks to get and keep land, and he didnt want to see their land fall into the wrong hands.

Palmer is hardly alone.

In Center, Texas, a Black family is involved in a legal battle with their local white county constable, who they allege coerced their uncle and took advantage of him to sign away his rights to gain ownership in their property. Capital B reached out to Constable Roy Cheatwood multiple times but did not hear back. Four members of the Williams family were issued arrest warrants for allegedly tampering with the water well on the property they allege they own. They were charged with criminal mischief, except one who had a felony charge tacked on to their arrest.

Meanwhile, in Sparta, Georgia, a Black family is opposing a white-owned railroad companys plans to build a rail spur on their 600 acres, which they allege their family acquired in the 1920s. Benjamin Tarbutton III, president of Sandersville Railroad, previously told Capital B all landowners received market-based offers for their land using an independent appraisal firm that advised the Georgia Department of Transportation on its recent land acquisitions in the area.

He also previously told Capital B the company stands ready to discuss our outstanding offers with all property owners, but several refused to talk with us once they received our initial offers.

His spokesperson did not respond to a recent request for comment.

Earlier this year, a Fulton County Superior Court judge ruled in favor of a previous decision by the Georgia Public Service Commission that Sandersville Railroads project does serve a public purpose. According to a family member, the case is now being heard at an appeals court in Georgia.

The Georgia PSC and Fulton County Superior Court have both found that the project is a necessary accommodation of Sandersvilles business connecting industries to rail, Tarbutton wrote in an email. At this point, three independent rulings have stated that the Hanson Spur is a critical infrastructure project that will open new channels of trade for local businesses and open new channels of trade for the railroad.

In Selma, Palmers battle escalated when he said he found his neighbor, Huffman, entering the area he claims to be within his property, through a pathway to go hunt, according to an audio recording shared with Capital B. In addition to his rail interests, Huffman is an attorney and farmer. He and his wife own 81 acres, which borders the eastern and southern parts of Palmers 20-acre property in section 18 township 16 north range 10 east, according to a Capital B analysis of maps from the Dallas County Alabama Public GIS. The couple also owns more than 1,300 acres that surrounds the northern and western sides of Palmers property. This land, though, is not the center of the dispute between Palmer and Huffman.

The fact weve been using this way after all these years under Alabama law  I feel good about it, Huffman said to Palmer in the audio recording.

Police narratives from the Selma Police Department incident/offense reports. Willie Palmer Jr. provided a copy to Capital B. (Aallyah Wright/Capital B)

Palmer had called the Selma Police Department regarding suspected trespassing on his property. While inspecting the property with the officer, Huffman, his neighbor, and a companion approached Palmer to discuss the trespassing claims, according to a Selma Police Department incident report. The conversation turned into concerns over property ownership. According to audio recordings shared with Capital B, Huffman disputes Palmers claim that he owns all of his property and states hell take Palmer to court over it.

On March 12, Palmer called the Selma Police Department again. While accompanying a surveyor conducting a land survey on his property, Palmer discovered vandalism.

He found his barbed wire fence destroyed and trees uprooted.

I looked, and I was like, Man, I know aint no storm come through here. Im looking at a pile of dirt and trees laid down, Palmer said. He said, Look like somebody came in here with a bulldozer and tore everything up  150 feet worth of fence.

Palmer named Huffman as a potential suspect for third- and second-degree criminal mischief and criminal trespass, according to the Selma Police Department incident/offense reports shared with Capital B.

I have checked with the Records Department, and they confirmed that a report is in the system; however, Mr. Palmer has not come in to press charges at this time, the municipal clerk wrote to Capital B.

Palmer named the Selma Police Department, along with Police Chief Kenta Fulford, as defendants in his case. Neither responded to Capital Bs multiple requests for comment.

After filing two reports with the Selma Police Department, Palmer decided enough was enough and decided to file a lawsuit. He reached out to a few attorneys, but no one would take his case, he said.

One of his family members, who is a lawyer, told him, Pick one [attorney], and dont be surprised, referring to the lack of support he may receive.

When he asked other family members for help, they told him: I just cant get involved.

Palmer then heard of Rail Connections pending division of sale case against Huffman. Rail Connection currently has two active lawsuits against Huffman; a property dispute and a corporate fraud suit.

Huffman counterclaimed in denying the fraud allegations and claiming Rail Connection, through his father in-law Haines A. ONeil, forced him out of the company. He also alleged Rail Connection created a hostile work environment and withheld money from his paycheck.

Rail Connection did not respond to Capital Bs request for comment in reference to Haines ONeil.

On July 16, Palmer joined the case as an intervenor, a mechanism to allow nonparties to join a case whose judgment may affect their rights to effectuate their right to be heard.

Although he doesnt have any legal or familial support, he hopes his case will open conversation to how the use of legal systems can strip Black landowners of generational wealth.

What I hope [Black people] realize is they will go back and look at their family land, Palmer said.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the dimensions of an easement granted in connection with a railroad corridor. It was 50 feet.

The post This Alabama Cattle Rancher Is Ready for a Legal Battle to Protect His Land appeared first on Capital B News.
A former Florida state trooper is now being indicted and arraigned for one of Long Island's most haunting and disturbing cold cases.

Andrew Dykes, 66, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Thursday in Mineola to murdering Tanya Denise Jackson nearly 30 years ago.

He didn't speak further in court before he was ordered held in custody until his next court date on Jan. 16.

Dykes' lawyer, Joseph Lo Piccolo, said after the brief hearing that he expected his client would challenge the DNA evidence prosecutors say link him to the killing. He also described Dykes as a "law-abiding" citizen these past 30 years.

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"He's a father. He led a life that many would respect in law enforcement, in the military," Lo Piccolo said.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder responded, saying Dykes "might have worn that uniform; he may have served, but he was a homicide subject. He's a murderer."

Jackson became known as "Peaches," and her daughter, Tatiana, was called "Baby Doe."

Prosecutors said Dykes had met Jackson while the two had been stationed at a military base in Texas.

The two had a relationship while Dykes was still married and had a child, Jackson's 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana Marie Jackson, who was also found killed on Long Island.

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Prosecutors alleged that Dykes, an anatomy instructor in the Army, had the expertise to cut up Jacksons' body.

Dykes, who was not charged Thursday in the toddler's killing, was arrested earlier this month in Tampa and held in a Florida jail until his extradition to New York.

Tanya Jackson was found in a state park on Long Island in 1997, her body dismembered and long unidentifiable beyond a tattoo of a peach.

Her daughter's body and some more of Jackson's remains were found years later elsewhere on Long Island.

Prosecutors say DNA was found in Jackson's torso, and matched decades later in 2024 to a plastic straw used by Dykes at a Charley's Cheesesteaks Restaurant in Tampa.

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"The technology used to reach a conclusion that he may be involved in this case I believe is the newer technology and it's very subject to scrutiny and challenge in New York State," LoPiccolo said.

Investigators believe Dykes committed both killings, even though he is only charged in Jackson's murder so far.

"He threw a baby out like the trash into the weeds," Ryder said. "He cut the other body up and dumped it in a container and threw it into a sump."

Investigators in 2011 had been combing an ocean parkway near Gilgo Beach as part of a sprawling investigation into mostly female sex workers who had disappeared in the area when they found the Jacksons' remains.

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A total of 10 sets of human remains were found in the sand along the parkway overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Police have long said some of the remains were likely victims of a serial killer but that there was also evidence the remote area had been a dumping ground for more than one murderer.

Rex Heuermann, a married father who lived near Gilgo Beach, was eventually charged in seven of the killings, but not the slayings of the long unidentified mother and her toddler.

The Long Island architect has maintained his innocence as he remains in custody awaiting trial.

In April, Nassau County police revealed they had identified the mother, who investigators had nicknamed "Peaches" for her tattoo, as Jackson through advanced DNA and genealogy research.

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They said the 26-year-old Alabama native and veteran of the Gulf War had been living in Brooklyn with her daughter at the time of her disappearance and was largely estranged from her family.

Police had said the toddler's father, who they did not name at the time, had been cooperating with the investigation and was not considered a suspect.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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By Stephen Nellis

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Apple on Wednesday said it has opened iPhones and other devices to alternative app stores in Japan to comply with new laws aimed at stoking competition in that country's smartphone market.

Under Apple's new rules, Japanese developers can launch their own app marketplaces on iPhones and pay Apple as little as 5% of sales made through those marketplaces and apps.

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Developers will also be able to offer their own in-app payments for apps distributed through Apple's App Store, though Apple said the option will be offered alongside its own in-app payment system and that developers will still pay commissions.

Japan is the latest jurisdiction to pry apart Apple's App Store business model, where developers long paid commissions of up to 30% on in-app purchases of digital goods and services. While Apple is still litigating over what it can charge developers in the United States, in Europe the U.S. technology company has been required to open the iPhone to alternative marketplaces.

Japan's framework is fundamentally different than the European one.

Under it, Apple has the authority to approve alternative app marketplaces. It also requires age ratings, as it does in its own App Store, for apps sold on alternative marketplaces.

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Apple also said it will run a basic security check called a notarization on all apps distributed through alternative marketplaces.

Japanese developers using Apple's App Store can provide links to pay outside their apps, for which Apple will charge a 15% commission. Standard App Store purchases will be charged a 26% fee.

Japan's law also requires Apple to open up its iPhone hardware to third-party device makers, but does so differently than European law. Apple set up a system in Japan for taking interoperability requests but said it can reject them if they would expose sensitive user data.

"Across these changes, Apple has worked to reduce new privacy and security risks the law creates to provide users in Japan the best and safest experience possible," Apple said in a blog.

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. was found not guilty on all counts Friday in a case that accused him of beating and threatening his teenage daughter.

Small became emotional as the verdict was read, shouting, "Thank you Jesus, thank you jury," in the courtroom.

Moments later, he celebrated with supporters outside the Atlantic County courthouse, saying, "Can we say great day?" followed by, "Great day!"

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Small walked out of the courthouse a free man after a 12-person jury acquitted him following more than a week of testimony, including from Small and his daughter.

Prosecutors alleged Small beat his 17-year-old daughter in 2024, knocking her unconscious, and later threatened her. The jury reached its verdict minutes after requesting to listen again to portions of Small's testimony.

"The entire Atlantic City was on trial, and this is a win for everyone," Small said.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small spoke to reporters outside a courthouse in Mays Landing, New Jersey, after he was found not guilty in his child abuse trial.

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He denied the allegations throughout the trial and reiterated that stance after the verdict, saying, "Anybody in that jury box would see this for what it was. I'm not an abusive man, I never have and I never will."

Small, who was reelected in November, would have been required to step down as mayor if convicted of the more serious charges.

He said his family is now focused on moving forward.

"My daughter's lost right now, but like I said, when we win this case, we're gonna get things back on track as the man of the house. If I can be the man of the city, I can be the man of the house, and I'm gonna get my daughter back in check," he said.

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Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds said the verdict was disappointing but respected the judicial process.

"Today's verdict, while disappointing, is what America's all about. When someone is charged with a crime, they have the constitutional right to face their accusers and be judged by a jury of their peers and that happened today," Reynolds said. "We respectfully disagree with the verdict."

Reynolds said the case was brought forward to give the alleged victim a voice, adding, "We acted based upon the complaints of the victim, and the trial in this case was truly to give the victim a voice. This jury chose to not believe that voice."

He also urged compassion for the family, saying, "Everyone please pray for peace for that family, pray for peace for the daughter, I can't imagine what her life is going to be like now this is over."

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Defense attorney Jordan Barbone said the case had enormous personal consequences for Small.

"A lot at stake. Changed this man's life. Could have ruined his life. And he stood through it all," Barbone said, his partner later calling the verdict "absolute proof that honest men like Marty Small are vindicated. It's just a glorious day."

Barbone added, "There's not a person in the world who deserves this more than Marty Small."

Small said he believes political motivations played a role in the case, stating, "There's a lot of political forces out here that are against the leadership of my wife and I. But guess what, the people of Atlantic City want us, the people of AC need us, and the people of AC deserve us."

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He concluded, "Now we can put this chapter behind us in peace, we can move on as a family and as a community because make no mistake about it, the great city of AC had my back."

Small's wife, the superintendent of schools in Atlantic City, is facing separate charges for failing to report the alleged abuse.

Reynolds said prosecutors will discuss the matter internally and decide whether to move forward, adding that no decision has been made.
An Augusta County Sheriff's Office deputy was shot the evening of Dec. 17 while trying to make an arrest, and the suspect is dead, Virginia State Police said.

The shooting took place near the intersection of Parkersburg Turnpike and Miss Phillips Road shortly after 8:30 p.m., and authorities closed part of the turnpike to through traffic while the incident was investigated.

Virginia State Police said that preliminary information shows three deputies assigned to the Sheriffs Office Narcotics Unit were attempting to take a suspect into custody when shots were fired. One deputy was struck in the arm and taken by a medical helicopter to UVA Health in Charlottesville for treatment. The deputys injuries were not life-threatening.

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The suspect died at the scene.

The sheriff's office reported earlier that deputies were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on the suspect in the 800 block of Parkersburg Turnpike. When the deputies arrived, they encountered the wanted suspect and a physical altercation took place.

I can confirm that we have had an officer involved shooting. I have turned the scene and the investigation over to the Virginia State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Appomattox Division, said Sheriff Donald L. Smith in a release.

Note: The headline was changed to reflect new information added to the article.

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More: Door-to-door meat salesman facing numerous charges in Augusta County

More: Deadline approaches for federal farmer assistance program

More: Watch these students rate holiday flavors at Staunton's Crucible Coffee

Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Augusta County Sheriff's Office deputy shot
Austria is buying 12 M-346F Block 20 light combat aircraft from Italian defense contractor Leonardo, as part of an overhaul of its air force, the Luftstreitkrafte. Austria does already operate 15 Eurofighter Typhoons, which were procured under controversial circumstances. Those jets have notably limited capabilities compared to other Typhoons, as well as high operating costs, which have prompted attempts to offload them.

Leonardo announced the Austrian contract today. As well as the dozen M-346s, the deal includes simulation systems for pilots, training for maintenance technicians, spare parts and equipment, plus logistical support for six years. The total cost is around $1.7 billion, and the first aircraft is due to be delivered in 2028.

According to Leonardo, the Austrian Air Force will use the M-346Fs for the defense needs of Austrias national airspace and territory, as well as for training.

The two-seat M-346 was originally developed as an advanced jet trainer, but light combat versions have long been offered for sale. Block 20 standard variants are notably well-equipped for aircraft of their size and weight. They come with a pair of large-area displays (LAD) in each cockpit, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a Link 16 datalink, and electronic countermeasures. The jets are capable of being configured to employ various air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons options, but can also be operated as pure trainers.

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In the trainer role, the M-346Fs will serve as a successor to the Austrian Air Forces Saab 105 jets, which were retired in 2020, and are seen in the video below.

The M-346 has been developed by Leonardo as part of an integrated advanced flight training system. Beyond the jets themselves, this includes a ground-based training system (GBTS), which is based around the live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) concept. In this way, simulated elements and scenarios can be combined with real-life training flights.

Austria is already familiar with the M-346 as its pilots already train on it at the International Flight Training School (IFTS), which Leonardo and the Italian Air Force operate together in Decimomannu, Italy.

According to Leonardo, the complete training system for Austria will include capabilities related to air-to-surface missions. This would be a new development for the Austrian Air Force, which is currently optimized for air defense.

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It will also allow pilots to train for aerial refueling, something else that hasnt previously been featured in the Alpine air arms operations. It is worth noting here that the Luftstreitkrafte does not currently operate any tankers itself.

Most notably, however, as well as advanced training, Austria will fly the M-346 in the dual role of fighter for lower-intensity operations, according to Leonardo.

Imagery related to the M-346F Block 20 released to date includes pictures of a demonstrator aircraft armed with wingtip AIM-9L/M Sidewinder infrared-guided air-to-air missiles. It has also been seen loaded with laser-guided bombs and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM). Reportedly, Austria will integrate the IRIS-T infrared-guided air-to-air missile (already used on its Typhoons), 20mm gun pods, and LAU-32 seven-round rocket launchers for its M-346s, as well as Israeli-made electronic countermeasures pods.

An M-346FA is pictured with MBDA MICA NG IR (center), and MICA NG IR air-to-air missiles outside the Leonardo stand on the second day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP JUSTIN TALLIS

While the now-retired Saab 105s had a limited air-policing role, the M-346Fs capabilities mean that certain, more expansive operational missions could be downloaded from the expensive Typhoon and onto the smaller and more economical jet.

Two Austrian Eurofighters join a Lufthansa Airbus A380 in formation overhead Austria in 2011. Bundesheer/Markus Zinner

Nonetheless, this would still be a significant augmentation for the Typhoon force, not least because Austria is a small country and the M-346F would be capable of responding to most routine threats, especially thanks to its AESA radar.

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Furthermore, the Austrian Typhoons have no beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile armament, so the M-346Fs wouldnt be at a disadvantage in terms of weaponry, either.

In fact, an argument could be made for Austria having ordered the M-346F, or a similar light combat aircraft, rather than the Typhoon in the first place.

The Typhoon acquisition was far from straightforward. Austria selected the Eurofighter design over the Saab JAS 39C/D Gripen in 2002, but only finished paying off the 2 billion ($2.3 billion at the rate of conversion at the time of writing) purchase costs for the 15 single-seat jets (an order that was also reduced from a planned 18 aircraft) in 2014. The deal was also overshadowed by accusations of deception, fraud, and bribery, including a high-level lawsuit filed by the defense ministry against Airbus and Eurofighter.

Overall, the Austrian Ministry of Defense has been far from happy with the Typhoon. It has called into question the jets operating costs and lack of certain critical capabilities  including the PIRATE infrared sensor, a helmet-mounted display, and the EuroDASS self-defense suite. As mentioned above, the Austrian jets have no beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and lack any air-to-ground capability.

As long ago as 2017, Austria outlined plans to phase out the Typhoons by 2023, arguing that it would be cheaper than upgrading them. Since these are the baseline Tranche 1 jets, equipped to the most basic standard, it is far harder to modernize them. At this time, it was envisaged that they would be replaced by 18 new fighters, which would also supersede the Saab 105s.

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More recently, efforts were made to try to sell the Typhoons to Indonesia, as you can read about here.

Somewhat ironically, back in 2020, Austrias Green Party called for the replacement of both the Typhoon and the Saab 105 with the M-346.

As TWZ noted at the time, Austrian Typhoon pilots already train on the M-346 in Italy, and in many ways it would seem to make an ideal replacement for the two-seat Saab. However, it lacks the raw performance and sophisticated avionics of a modern fighter jet, which would render it less suitable for the air policing role now undertaken by the Typhoon.

An Austrian Typhoon pilot prepares for a mission. Bundesheer

However, the M-346F Block 20 is a much more capable proposition in terms of avionics, although it remains subsonic.

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As a non-aligned nation, Austria cant rely on NATO support to defend its airspace, so having additional, more economical light combat aircraft to help do this job will be welcome.

The M-346 also has the benefit of an established user base and supply chains to go along with it. As a trainer, existing M-346 customers include Greece, Italy, Israel, Poland, Qatar, and Singapore. The Italian Air Force has also selected it as the future aircraft for its aerobatic team, the Frecce Tricolori.

An Israeli Air Force M-346 advanced jet trainer. Amit Agronov/Israeli Air Force

Leonardo, as part of a team-up with Textron in the United States, has also been offering a navalized M-346N version to the U.S. Navy as a possible replacement for that services T-45 Goshawk jet trainers. You can read more about the M-346N, which was rebranded as a Beechcraft product earlier this year, here. Beechcraft is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron.

The only country known to have already introduced a light combat aircraft version of the M-346 is Turkmenistan, which reportedly acquired just four M-346FA (Fighter Attack) versions, as well as two trainers. Its unclear exactly what kinds of weapons the countrys jets carry.

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However, Nigeria now looks to be lining up to buy the M-346FA, as well, with a potential deal for as many as 24 of the jets reportedly on the cards.

Buying the M-346 also further cements the Austrian Ministry of Defenses own relationship with Leonardo, from which it previously acquired 36 AW169M Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) under two contracts signed in 2022 and 2023.

An Austrian Armed Forces AW169M. Bundesheer

The Austrian order and the possibility of a larger sale to Nigeria are good news for Leonardo, which is continuing to evolve the M-346 from an advanced jet trainer into an ever more versatile multirole light combat aircraft.

The overall market space for light fighters based on advanced jet trainers is steadily growing globally, too. Korea Aerospace Industries has seen particular success with its FA-50 version of its T-50 trainer. The possibility of Boeing developing a light fighter based on its T-7 Redhawk for the U.S. Air Force has also come up in the past.

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On the other hand, the Austrian Air Force remains stuck with the Typhoon, something of a costly white elephant when its considered that its primary mission is peacetime air policing over neutral airspace. Ultimately, perhaps, the Typhoon might be retired without a direct replacement, leaving the future M-346Fs to take on all frontline fighter roles.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
The New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) recently released guidance that could reshape how financial institutions manage vendor and supply-chain risk. The letter states that third-party service provider (TPSP) risk management should be a central component of every entitys cybersecurity programme.

This sends a very important messagethe old ways that banking and financial institutions treat third-party oversight as a compliance exercise are over.

Thats because todays financial institutions are built on fluid digital supply chains that span cloud, fintech, and AI services and create dynamic, interconnected, and opaque dependencies. With its new guidance, the NYDFS is telling the financial sector that cyber accountability cant be outsourced. That responsibility of seeing into these dependencies and being resilient remains with the institution itself, even when it comes to third and fourth-party providers. This latter point is critical because the next systemic incident will likely not begin with a breach at a global bank, but with an unnoticed failure deep in a shared service provider that hundreds of firms rely on.

The new counterparty risk

Financial firms, today, know where their money sits. What they dont always know is who is holding their data or which vendors are maintaining software updates. Without these answers, they open themselves up to significant risks. The Verizon 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) found that third parties now account for 30% of breaches. Thats double the rate in 2024.

The financial sector is especially exposed. The DBIR reports that roughly 30% of breaches now stem from third parties, and their impact extends far beyond the vendors directly compromised. In 2024, 97% of major US banks were affected by a third- or fourth-party breach, even though only a handful of vendors were actually attacked.

This point is important because today, many institutions assume that spreading workloads across multiple vendors reduces exposure. However, the reality is that this diversification is more of an illusion, with many outsourcing to the same group of sub-service providers operating under different brand names. This illusion of diversity creates concentration risk. Look no further than the 2025 NPM Shai-Hulud malware campaign, which exploited dependencies across hundreds of open-source packages used by financial software vendors. The result was a cascading risk that no single institution directly controlled but nearly all felt.

From compliance to continuous oversight

These factors are whats driving the guidance from the NYDFS, which is not alone. It echoes a broader shift thats underway globally, with regulators demanding that resilience be monitored continuously, not just annually. Some examples include:
By Leo Marchandon

Dec 18 (Reuters) - Austria's Supreme Court has ruled that Meta's personalised advertising model is unlawful, the court said on Thursday, requiring the company to provide EU users full access to their personal data within 14 days of a request, in a decision that sets a legal precedent across the bloc.

The ruling orders Meta to disclose not only raw data but also detailed information on its sources, recipients and purposes. The court found Meta violated the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by collecting user data from third-party apps and websites and processing sensitive information without "specific, informed, unambiguous and freely given" consent for personalised advertising.

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"We acknowledge the Court's decision on this long-running matter and are reviewing the ruling," a Meta spokesperson said.

The case was brought by Austrian privacy activist Max Schrems in 2014 and has taken 11 years to resolve, involving three Austrian Supreme Court decisions and two EU Court of Justice rulings.

"It is enforceable throughout the EU by the plaintiff, meaning that, depending on the country of enforcement, non-compliance could result in daily fines or even a prison sentence for the relevant decision-makers at Meta," privacy advocacy group noyb, founded by Schrems, told Reuters.

The court ordered Meta to cease processing sensitive user data, such as political views or health status, dismissing the company's claims that this was not technically feasible. The ruling reinforced previous ones on the use of personal data without explicit consent.

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"Platforms like Facebook or Instagram have huge influence, for example via pushing political views on users," Schrems said. "The decision makes clear that Meta must not use such user preferences without explicit consent by each user."

The Meta spokesperson said that the case pertains to practices from over a decade ago, noting improvements to the company's privacy measures, including investments exceeding 8 billion euros.

The Austrian Supreme Court said in its statement that its assessment was based on the situation as it stood in 2020.

The spokesperson said Meta no longer uses sensitive data for ad personalisation and disputes the Court's findings on third-party data.

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EU users can now use Facebook and Instagram for free with personalised or less personalised advertising, or subscribe to avoid data usage for ads. In December, EU antitrust regulators approved Meta's proposal to use less personal data in this pay-or-consent model.

The court awarded Schrems 500 euros ($587) in damages. Noyb stated this figure, set in 2014, predates GDPR enforcement and suggested users today might receive higher compensation.

($1 = 0.8519 euros)

(Reporting by Leo Marchandon in Gdansk; Editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak, Kirsten Donovan)
Norfolk Superior Court Judge Diane Freniere blasted Brian Walshe over his criminal actions in the horrific murder of his wife, Ana Walshe, before sentencing him to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Thursday.

Walshe, who was convicted of first-degree murder earlier this week, returned to the Dedham courthouse to learn his fate, nearly three years after Anas disappearance on New Years Day 2023.

The seriousness of your acts cannot be overstated. Your acts in dismembering your wifes body and disposing of her remains in multiple area dumpsters can only be described as barbaric and incomprehensible, Freniere told the court. You had no regard for the lifelong mental harm that your criminal acts inflicted on your then 2, 4, and 6-year-old sons.

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Before Walshe was sentenced, the court heard an emotional victim impact statement from Ana Walshes sister, Aleksandra Dimitrijevic. Freniere shared her thoughts on Dimitrijevics impact statement.

I have carefully listened to the moving victim impact statement, the oral written sentencing arguments made by the Commonwealth and Mr. Walshe. Its clear to me that Ana was a bright light in the lives of many people," Freniere told the court. She lifted people up. I am sure that nothing I say, and no sentence I can impose, even a life sentence, will lessen the grief that Ana Walshes family, her mother, sister, and three boys, extended family, confidants, friends, and others have endured.

Walshes mother, Diana, submitted a letter on behalf of her son to the court, which Freniere read and reacted to.

Watch: Moment Brian Walshe learned fate for murder of his wife

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Although I considered the letter of Diana Walshe, I simply cannot reconcile the person Diana Walshe describes in her letter with the person who stands before me for sentencing, Freniere said.

Freniere then ordered Walshe to stand before her and said, Mr. Walshe, you will live with the guilt and burden of Ana Walshes death for the rest of your life...I sentence you to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

After the court hearing, Walshe was handcuffed and loaded into an awaiting van for transport to begin serving his sentence.

Jurors deliberated for less than six hours before returning the verdict. Walshe showed no emotion as the decision was read.

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Ana Walshe, a mother of three, vanished on New Years Day 2023. Prosecutors argued Walshe killed Ana and then dismembered her remains, discarding them in area dumpsters.

The defense conceded that Walshe disposed of Anas body but claimed she died unexpectedly in bed after a New Years Eve party at their home. Walshe did not testify, and the defense called no witnesses during the trial.

After Mondays verdict, Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey praised the jurys decision, saying, Its not about winning or losing. Its about getting the right answer. And this was the right answer.

Morrissey said Anas mother told him after the verdict that justice had been served.

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Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear on Dec. 18 unveiled his reduction plan to make up for a budget shortfall ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

During his weekly Team Kentucky update, Beshear said the state's Consensus Forecasting Group predicted the state would have a $156 million shortfall, which is around 1% of general fund revenue.

That prediction is less than what the group of economists predicted during their meeting in September when they predicted a $305 million shortfall.

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Republican state Sen. Chris McDaniel, who co-chairs the interim committee on Appropriations and Revenue, said in a statement that legislators "will carefully review the numbers as we continue to evaluate the states revenues and expenditures."

Whats clear is that this forecast appears far less severe than what the governor projected in September," McDaniel said. "His earlier outlook was extremely pessimistic, and todays data suggests a more measured and realistic picture of Kentuckys fiscal position.

Beshear said according to state law, the shortfall still requires a budget reduction plan, and he put forth one that calls for the executive branch to reduce general fund appropriations by $77.7 million. For many state agencies, he's proposed a 3% reduction to their enacted budgets.

Other parts of the plan include the use of an unbudgeted balance of $28.2 million, according to a press release.

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"We'll ultimately balance this budget, and we'll get ready for this next budget session to have a budget that sets up future success," he said.

Beshear also shared there would be no cuts for K-12 education funding, post-secondary education funding, pension funding for educators and state employees, or Medicaid.

"I want to make sure that people know that I am personally taking part in this budget reduction plan," Beshear said. "When I was (attorney general) and there was a needed budget reduction, I always participated."

He was critical of some constitutional officers who he said aren't taking part in the budget reduction, including state Treasurer Mark Metcalf and state Auditor Allison Ball.

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"There is nothing partisan or political about a budget reduction," Beshear said. "It's created through statute. The way we're supposed to go about it is created through statute, and all I was asking is that each office do their part."

When asked if Metcalf and Ball gave reasons as to why they refused, Beshear said Metcalf did not. Ball, he said, pointed out she uncovered "wasteful spending" and said the budget could be balanced that way.

Beshear's reduction comes weeks before lawmakers gavel in for the 2026 legislative session, which starts Jan. 6. During the 2026 session, legislators will be responsible for crafting Kentucky's next biennial state budget while having to grapple with losses of federal funding for several program, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Beshear said he will talk more about the budget during his State of the Commonwealth and Budget Address, which will take place Jan. 7.

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Tell us what you think. Submit your letter to the editor.

Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X at @hannahpinski.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Beshear unveils plan to address $150M shortfall in Kentucky budget
The fighter aircraft was never more important than it was during the global calamity that began in 1939.

However, at this time of need, the fighter types available were pretty limited to say the least. If you were an air force leader choosing a fighter to defend your nation, your choice (if you were lucky and appropriately aligned politically) would be from this pack of misfits and immature thoroughbreds. Here are the ten best fighters operational at start of the biggest war in history.

10: Mitsubishi A5M Claude

Mitsubishi A5M Claude

There may have been a few better land-based fighters in 1939 but if you wanted a carrier fighter then this is it. None of the classics had entered service yet, so no Grumman F4F Wildcat, no Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" - even the Brewster Buffalo didnt appear till December. If you want a monoplane its either this or a Blackburn Skua, and lets face it, no-one wants a Skua (which was an appalling aircraft in many ways).

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Manoeuvrable, fairly fast and long ranged, the A5M was dominant over China and was the first carrier aircraft to demonstrably prove to be as good as its land-based contemporaries.

10: Mitsubishi A5M Claude

Mitsubishi A5M Claude

In the second Sino-Japanese War the A5M had the upper hand (in terms of airframe performance) on almost every foe it faced and importantly established Japanese naval air power as a force to be reckoned with. The Mitsubishi A5M Claudes establishment of air superiority cemented the aircrafts reputation as one of the best of its time, known for its superb manoeuvrability and resilience to battle damage.

Though its top speed of 250-280mph (402-451 km/h) had been pretty impressive when the type had first flown in 1935, the world had moved on and the best fighter-producing nations, Germany and Britain, were now fielding machines demonstrating 350mph. Likewise, two light machine-guns were a weak armament in 1939, with British aircraft boasting four times the firepower.

9: Fokker G.1

Fokker G.1

Fokker was a Dutch aircraft company famous for its World War I fighters that served with Germany. The G.1 caused a sensation when it was first revealed in Paris. The twin-boom (a design with two longitudinal auxiliary booms like the handles of a wheelbarrow) design was radical but effective (and influential), and was dubbed La Faucheur (the Reaper) by the French press due to its unheard of armament of eight nose-mounted machine guns.

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Tasked with policing the Netherlands neutrality, the G.1s first victory was the accidental shooting down of a British RAF Whitley bomber.

9: Fokker G.1

Fokker G.1

When the German forces invaded in May 1940 the Fokker G.1 had only five days of action to prove its worth during which it operated effectively, despite being massively outnumbered, in both the ground attack, and air to air role, scoring at least 14 victories.

In 1941 two Dutch test pilots escaped to the United Kingdom in a Fokker G.1, which, despite its exciting history was left outside to test the effects of the climate on a wooden airframe and then scrapped in 1945.

8: Messerschmitt Bf 110C

Messerschmitt Bf 110C

The best twin-engined fighter of 1939 looked like an invincible force when first committed to action. It was fast, powerful, had a massive range and terrific firepower. Unfortunately, it was very large for a fighter and lacked manoeuvrability. Having said that, the 110 could outclimb any other European fighter in 1940.

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Supremely successful over Poland, France, Norway and the low countries, it's subsequent mauling when faced with modern, well-organised single-engined fighters has diminished its postwar reputation. This is unfair as it was the tactical employment of the aircraft that was at fault rather than the aircraft which was more or less as good as it was possible to be in 1939.

8: Messerschmitt Bf 110C

Messerschmitt Bf 110C

The Bf 110 was ahead of other twin-engined fghters in terms of reaching operational service. Britains tough Bristol Beaufighter and fast Westland Whirlwind were yet to enter service, and Frances fighter versions of the Potez 630 was proving extremely troublesome.

Later attempts to replace the Bf 110 with the Bf 210 would prove to be a nightmare for the Luftwaffe.

7: Bloch MB.152

Bloch MB.152

Despite being the best French fighter available in 1939, the prototype of what would become the MB.152 actually failed to fly as a result the fact that this aircraft makes it onto the list at all is nothing short of amazing. Unlike the British and German aircraft on this list, the 152 featured a radial, as opposed to inline, engine in the form of the Gnome-Rhone 14N.

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No one would call the MB.152 a looker, in fact the whole nose was canted off to one side to counteract propellor torque  an ingenious if mildly hideous solution.

7: Bloch MB.152

Bloch MB.152

It wasnt particularly fast but the MB.152 was amazingly resilient (one once returned to base with over 360 bullet holes), and unusually well-armed for a single-seat fighter of this era with two 20-mm cannon and two light machine-guns. Though tough and manoeuvrable, the Bloch MB.152 was a bit slower than Bf 109s it would face, and only carried 60 rounds of ammunition per cannon.

Better aircraft were in development for France, notably the faster Dewoitine D.520, but its introduction was too late to affect to deter the German invasion.

6: Curtiss P-36/Hawk 75/Mohawk

Curtiss P-36/Hawk 75/Mohawk

By far the best American fighter of 1939, and by far the shiniest aircraft on this list, the Curtiss Hawk 75A scored the first aerial victory on the Western front of the Second World War. The combat victories were claimed by French pilots in Curtiss Hawk 75A-1s of the SPA 160 "Red Devils" squadron of GC II/4 on 8 September 1939.

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Two years later the Curtiss made history again by scoring the first aerial victory for the US over Pearl Harbor.

6: Curtiss P-36/Hawk 75/Mohawk

Curtiss P-36/Hawk 75/Mohawk

Despite seeing very little service with US forces the Hawk 75 flew successfully over France, scoring a third of all French victories though making up only 12 per cent of the fighter force. Survivors were then used to great effect by Finland. In the RAF Mohawks fought the Japanese until the end of 1944 and Argentina only withdrew theirs in 1954.

The Hawk 75 was tough, nimble  it was notably more manoeuvrable than a Spitfire or Hurricane at high speed, well-armed (with one light and one heavy machine-gun) but never quite fast enough.

5: Polikarpov I-16

Polikarpov I-16

Due to its primary mission seemingly being to become the fighter with the greatest number of nicknames in aviation history, by 1939 the Soviet I-16 was no longer at the cutting edge of combat aircraft technology but it was still a force to be reckoned with.

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Despite looking like a barrel it was easily the most advanced fighter in the World when it entered service in 1934, the aesthetically abrupt I-16 cut a dash over Spain and was master of all aircraft that opposed it  except, tellingly, one.

5: Polikarpov I-16

Polikarpov I-16

Faster than nearly all contemporary fighters, it was very manoeuvrable but difficult to fly. Interestingly Mark Hanna, possibly the only Western pilot to fly both the Hurricane and I-16 (though neither in combat) said I had just flown a Hurricane for the first time, a week before the Rata  I felt that youd be better off fighting in a Rata.

At any rate I felt quickly far more comfortable in it. In air combat against early low-powered 109s, I would suspect that the two aircraft were very comparable. Which leads us neatly on to

4: Hawker Hurricane I

Hawker Hurricane I

The famous British Hawker Hurricane fighter first flew in 1935. The Hurricane was available in large numbers in September 1939 which was its principal advantage over its great rival the Spitfire. Later its relative simplicity and great sturdiness would prove invaluable but when war broke out these were not great concerns, and it was simply one of the worlds best fighters.

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Hurricanes saw the most action of any British type over France and it acquitted itself well before historically proving its worth in the Battle of Britain.

4: Hawker Hurricane I

Hawker Hurricane I

Not particularly fast, the Hurricane was very well-armed by the standards of the day, and able to withstand battle damage to a greater degree than any other British fighter, though horrifically prone to catching fire in the vicinity of the pilot. In tests at 15,000 feet the cockpit went from room temperature to 3000 degrees Celsius in ten seconds when the fuel tank caught fire.

It was supremely responsive and easy to fly  a great boon at a time when very few pilots had experienced combat.

3: Macchi MC.200 Saetta

Macchi MC.200 Saetta

Entering service a mere month before the outbreak of World War Two the Macchi MC 200 was for several years Italys premier fighter, despite its slight rotundity and old-fashioned open cockpit. The open cockpit it received was a retrograde step said to be requested by conservative pilots used to the ease of escape and unobstructed view possible without an enclosed canopy (though it was likely influenced by opinions coming from a higher level in the air force). Indeed, some Italian pilots preferred the slower more aerobatic biplanes the 200 replaced.

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The Saetta was an excellent flying machine, being pretty quick with viceless handling and sprightly manoeuvrability. Later it would fly rings around Hurricanes over the Mediterranean.

3: Macchi MC.200 Saetta

Macchi MC.200 Saetta

Sadly for the Italians it never had the sort of engine power that was becoming necessary by 1939 and its armament of only two machine-guns was pitiful, so Hurricanes largely got away. Despite its shortcomings it established a surprisingly good kill ratio against later designs over the Soviet Union, where it operated until early 1943. Fitted with a decent engine (the German Daimler-Benz DB 601) it became later become Italys best all-round fighter of the war, as the Macchi C.202 Folgore).

Thanks to the more powerful engine and streamlined nose, the 202 was an impressive 60mph faster. Of course, all this was academic in 1939 because Italy was neutral - at least for the time being...

2: Supermarine Spitfire I

Supermarine Spitfire I

The British Spitfire first flew in 1936 and entered service in August 1938. What is surprising about the fabulously capable Spitfire is just how early it was available. When most of the world was still operating biplanes that would not have looked out of place in 1918 (including the RAF) the Spitfire looked sensational and pointed the way to the future.

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Despite being the fastest aircraft in service anywhere it was still an underdeveloped aircraft in 1939, the rate of climb particularly suffered due to its being fitted with a fixed-pitch wooden airscrew. Well-armed by contemporary standards, it was considered easy to fly though not as forgiving as the Hurricane. The Spitfire was highly energetic and extremely responsive to pilot controls.

2: Supermarine Spitfire I

Supermarine Spitfire I

On the downside it was woefully short-ranged and the engine was prone to overheating virtually as soon as it was started. In combat the Spitfire of 1939 was not able to withstand the same levels of damage as the Hurricane and it could not perform some of the manoeuvres possible with the 109 because the engine would conk out.

Despite this, the formidable Spitfire was a fine handling aircraft of superlative performance with the devastating armament of eight Browning machine-guns.

1: Messerschmitt Bf 109

Messerschmitt Bf 109

In 1939 the Bf 109E had proved to be the most formidable aircraft of the Spanish Civil War and it was the finest fighter in service at the outbreak of World War II. The best fighter in the world was not without its flaws; Willy Messerschmitt was a noted glider designer before he turned his hand to fighters and aspects of its design were somewhat flimsy for a combat machine, a tail supported by struts was pretty weak by the late thirties and the occasional catastrophic total structural failure kept the Luftwaffe pilot of 1939 on his toes.

Nonetheless in September 1939 it was a more mature combat aircraft than its great opponent and nearest rival, the Spitfire, and at the outbreak of war over 2000 Bf 109s had been built as opposed to barely 300 Spitfires. It had been refined with experience garnered in Spain, it was cannon armed and its fuel injection system was better able to cope with combat manoeuvres than the British aircraft. It was fitted with a variable pitch airscrew from the outset which maximised engine efficiency and speed.

1: Messerschmitt Bf 109

Messerschmitt Bf 109

By contrast, even once the Spitfire got a variable pitch propeller it initially had only two settings; in the 109 airscrew pitch could be set at any angle between fully feathered and coarse at the wish of the pilot. In addition, it had marginally better range which was eventually to be greatly improved by a drop tank, though not until late 1940. Within hours of the outbreak of hostilities, it was sweeping all aerial opposition aside and appeared unstoppable.

It was decidedly more difficult to fly than most of its enemies, but Germany entered the war correctly confident that its premier fighter aircraft was the worlds finest. The full Hush-Kit article this is based on can be viewed here.

Joe Coles is the author of The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes Vol 1, Vol 2 and Vol 3

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Photo Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Kansas wildlife workers are keeping up the pressure on an invasive species that has invaded one of the states most important rivers.

Biologists with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are continuing to campaign against the presence of invasive Asian carp in the Kansas River. The KDWP has, for the past four years, removed tens of thousands of pounds of these pesky intruders from the river in an effort to slow the spread of the invasive fish.

Liam Odell, a KDWP invasive carp biologist, said that biologists have successfully removed around 109,000 pounds of invasive carp from the Kansas River since removal efforts got started in 2022. KDWP staff are capping off 2025 as their most successful year yet with just over 36,000 pounds taken out of the water.

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2022  25,339 pounds.

2023  25,949 pounds.

2024  21,649 pounds.

2025  36,863 pounds.

Exotic pet fish are turning up in Kansas lakes, where do they come from?

Kansas currently has three species of invasive Asian carp: silver, black and bighead. People may be more familiar with the silver variety which is known to leap out of the water if provoked while the bighead carp can grow to very large sizes. An angler in Oklahoma recently broke a record with his 118-pound bighead carp catch in April 2025.

Bryan Baker caught a Bighead carp weighing 118 pounds, 10 ounces. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation) Angler Kevin Zirjacks holds a silver carp in Kansas.

Invasive carp can reach large sizes very quickly and directly compete with native aquatic species for food. Silver carp also pose a health hazard for boaters as they often jump when disturbed, smacking into people who are trying to fish or enjoy recreational activities on the water.

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Carp problems go beyond just Kansas. Federal officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced a nearly $19 million release of funding to support numerous states, including Kansas, with fighting back against invasive carp species. The grant cash is earmarked to support 33 projects across 18 states related to carp removal.

Odell said the KDWPs efforts are resulting in positive change for the states natural aquatic environments. He said that biologists have noticed changes in the invasive carp populations that suggest they are decreasing in number in the places where the KDWP has focused on removing them while also observing a return of native Kansas species.

These removal efforts appear to have produced positive effects in Kansas waterways and for native species, Odell said.

Why are so many strange catfish coming out of this Kansas lake?

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Biologists have relied on methods such as electrofishing and gillnets in the past to catch invasive carp and dispose of them. Odell said the KDWP has adapted to the ongoing threat with the addition of new equipment and removal methods.

We now use some specialized equipment, including an electrified dozer trawl designed specifically for invasive carp removal, Odell said. This system stuns fish using electricity, similar to standard electrofishing, while a push trawl mounted on the bow collects stunned carp as the boat moves forward. Standard electrofishing and gill netting are still used, as each method is more effective at different times of year and under varying conditions.

The KDWP has also expanded the scope of its carp removal efforts. Odell said the KDWP used to focus on 37 miles of the Kansas River from the WaterOne Weir in Edwardsville to the Bowersock Dam in Lawrence. Invasive carp are currently held in check in the lower Kansas River due to Lawrences dam, preventing them from spreading further up the river system.

What are the rarest fish you can catch in Kansas and where can you find them?

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In 2025, removal expanded downstream to include an additional 15 miles from WaterOne Weir to the confluence with the Missouri River at Kaw Point, Odell said.

The KDWP is currently considering adding a larger and more intensive removal effort to further reduce the invasive carp populations. This will build upon the current, year-round removals that are taking place on a smaller scale.

The methods currently deployed are effective and will continue to be used, while ongoing research in invasive carp management may inform future approaches as removal efforts across the US continues to develop, Odell said.

Odell encourages people to pitch in and help stop the spread of invasive species in Kansas. You can learn more about how to help by heading to the KDWPs website. To see a map of the waters that invasive Asian carp currently inhabit in Kansas, click here.

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Conservation group fights to save the Kansas River for the next generation

For more Kansas Outdoors, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

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 KSNT 27 News.
A blizzard warning is in effect this morning for parts of the Cascades in Washington, covering Pierce, Lewis, Snohomish, King, Whatcom and Skagit counties, as well as the Olympics. The warning comes as Western Washington contends with strong winds, heavy mountain snow and the lingering effects of last weeks atmospheric river that flooded some rivers to record level.

Already, nearly half a million people across Washington and Oregon are without power, and restoration may take time due to dangerous conditions. Mountain passes are especially hazardous, with snow totals forecast to reach 1824 inches at Baker and Paradise, and 612 inches at other passes, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.

Forecasters say this blizzard is just one part of a larger pattern of extreme weather for the region. A series of atmospheric rivers is expected to continue through the end of the year, potentially bringing hazardous impacts throughout the holiday week.

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"A mid-level ridge over the Bering Sea and a downstream trough in the northeastern Pacific favors continued atmospheric river events across western (contiguous United States)," the Climate Prediction Center wrote in an advisory.

"Possible impacts during the busy holiday travel period include flooding, landslides and challenging travel conditions across mountain passes. Recently burned areas may face an elevated risk of flash flooding and debris flows. Power outages are possible in some areas due to high winds and heavy precipitation," the advisory added.

When will the blizzard warning expire?

The blizzard warning is set to expire at noon Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Power outage map: See outages in Washington

When is the first average snowfall in Puget Sound? Average snow dates around Washington

Snow is not in the forecast for the immediate Seattle area in the foreseeable future. These are the average snowfall dates across Washington.

Seattle

Earliest: Nov. 7 (1945)

Latest: March 12 (1944)

Average: Dec. 25

Spokane

Earliest: Sept. 28 (2019)

Latest: Dec. 22 (1943)

Average: Nov. 10

Quillayute

Earliest: Nov. 4 (1973)

Latest: April 6 (1992)

Average: Dec. 17

Olympia

Earliest: Nov. 3 (1973)

Latest: March 7 (1958)

Average: Dec. 15

Washington snowfall totals: Search by address

USA TODAYs snowfall map shows accumulation over the past 24, 48, and 72 hours, as well as seasonal totals dating back to Oct. 1. Updated multiple times a day, the map lets you toggle between timeframes to see how snow is adding up in your area.

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According to the map, areas of Washington have seen the greatest snow totals in the U.S., with the Cascades already recording 24 feet since Oct. 1 and nearly 2 feet in the last 24 hours.

What is a blizzard vs winter storm warning?

A winter storm watch means conditions are favorable for a significant winter event  like heavy snow, sleet, ice or blowing snow  that could meet or exceed winter storm warning criteria within the next 12 to 48 hours.

A winter storm warning means a winter weather event is expected to bring more than one hazard  for example, heavy snow with blowing snow, snow and ice, or sleet and ice  that can create dangerous travel conditions or minor power outages.

A blizzard warning is issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts reach 35 mph or higher, combined with falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to less than a quarter mile for at least three hours.

Washington weather watches and warnings

Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text

Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com. Find her on Facebook here.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Blizzard warning in parts of Washington. When will Puget Sound get snow?
Bowditch & Dewey, a Worcester law firm dating to 1914, will merge with Kenney & Sams, a Boston-based firm started 20 years ago.

The merger is slated to take effect Jan. 1, with the combined firms to carry the Bowditch & Dewey name.

This merger with Kenney & Sams will solidify our presence in Central Massachusetts, MetroWest and Boston, and add a significant number of experienced trial attorneys to our firm as we continue our growth, John Shoro, managing partner of Bowditch & Dewey, said in a statement. This talent merger will add new expertise and depth to our firm as we continue to provide valued counsel to our clients.

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Bowditch & Dewey has a staff of about 70 lawyers, with Kenney & Sams having a roster of about 20 lawyers.

The merger was announced by the firms on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Michael Sams, co-founder at Kenney & Sams, said in a statement: The Bowditch brand as a law firm is so highly regarded in this region. The significant high-end practice area depth that Bowditch brings combines so well with our strengths in trial work, litigation, and risk management to make for a true full-service law firm for our clients.

Bowditch & Dewey has long been one of Worcester's biggest firms. The business was founded in Worcester in 1914 as Thayer, Smith & Gaskill. The Bowditch name was added in the 1950s, the Dewey name in 1970.

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The firm has had other mergers, including one with Sheridan, Garrahan & Lander of Framingham in 1991.

Earlier this year, several lawyers from Bowditch & Dewey left the firm for a Worcester office of Boston-based Prince Lobel Tye.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Bowditch & Dewey of Worcester to merge with smaller Boston-based firm
Brian Walshe received the maximum possible sentence for the killing of his wife, Ana, in early 2023, then lying to police investigating her disappearance and disposal of her body, days after he was convicted of first-degree murder.

Judge Diane Freniere handed down the sentences during a brief hearing on Thursday morning, sentencing the 50-year-old man to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the first-degree murder  the mandatory sentence.

She also sentenced Walshe to no less than 19 and no more than 20 years in prison for lying to police and a day shy of three years for disposing of his wifes body. All three sentences for the state charges will run consecutively, or one after the other.

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Walshes 37-month federal sentence for selling forged Andy Warhol paintings will run concurrently to the state sentences. He will serve his time at Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster, the states maximum security prison.

Read more: Defense faced uphill battle against gruesome evidence in Brian Walshe murder trial, experts say

During the hearing, Freniere addressed Walshe directly, telling him his conduct was barbaric and incomprehensible.

Mr. Walshe, you will live with the guilt and burden of Ana Walshes death for the rest of your life, she said. The seriousness of your acts cannot be overstated.

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Walshe stood between his lawyers as Freniere imposed the sentence. As he exited the courtroom, he nodded in the direction of his mother, Diana, who attended the hearing and trial in person. Kelli Porges, one of Walshes defense lawyers, spoke to Diana Walshe after the sentence was imposed.

Before Freniere handed down the sentences, Ana Walshes sister, Aleksandra Dimitrijevic, delivered a victim-impact statement on behalf of herself and her mother.

Addressing Freniere, Dimitrijevic described an unbearable emptiness resulting from her sisters killing.

Losing my sister, Ana, so unexpectedly has altered our world in ways we never imagined, Dimitrijevic said, her voice shaking. The most painful part of this loss is knowing her children must now grow up without their mothers hand to hold.

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The circumstances of her sisters death, and Brian Walshes dismemberment of his wifes body, have made it impossible for her family to observe their traditional customs, Dimitrijevic said.

While no sentence could bring her sister back, Dimitrijevic urged Freniere to impose the maximum sentence for Brian Walshe.

Ana will never be forgotten. We will carry her light and her memory with us forever, she said.

After Dimitrijevic spoke, prosecutors laid out their recommendation, asking Freniere to run Brian Walshes three sentences consecutively, a punishment his defense lawyers decried as inhumane.

But Assistant Norfolk District Attorney Greg Connor said inhumane was a better word to describe Walshes actions than the possible sentence.

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Connor suggested it was a reasonable inference that after Walshe killed his wife, her body sat in the basement of the Cohasset home they shared with their three children for more than 24 hours before he began dismembering her. He pointed to the evolving nature of Walshes internet searches, which began with queries about disposal, then turned to how to dismember a body.

On Jan. 2, the day after his wife died, Walshe went to Home Depot and purchased tools he then used to take apart her body, Connor said. It was in the evening between Jan. 2 and Jan. 3 that the dismemberment took place, he said, while Walshes children were in the home.

Prosecutors recognized their sentencing recommendation was harsh, Connor said, adding, We think its appropriate based on the facts.

Speaking for the defense, Porges called the prospect of consecutive sentences inappropriate.

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Regardless of what anyone believes about this person, he is a human, he is a father, he is a son, she said. Just because you can, doesnt mean you should, Porges urged Freniere.

In addition to the statement from Dimitrijevic, Freniere considered written submissions from the Department of Children and Families on behalf of the Walshes three children and from Alissa Kirby, one of Ana Walshes best friends.

Walshes defense submitted a letter from his mother in support of the lighter sentence they sought.

But Freniere said, I simply cannot reconcile the person Diana Walshe describes in her letter with the person who stands before me for sentencing.

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Instead, she said Brian Walshe had a well-documented history of deceitful and manipulative behavior, dating back to his elaborate scheme to steal Andy Warhol paintings, then sell forgeries.

Freniere described Ana Walshe as an innocent, remarkable woman, and noted the devastating impact of her death on her children.

Its clear to me that Ana was a bright light in the eyes of many people. She lifted people up, Freniere said.

The life sentence required by state law for a first-degree murder conviction was immensely appropriate and just given your murderous acts and the life trauma that youve inflicted upon your own children, the judge told Brian Walshe.

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Brian Walshe was convicted on Monday morning of first-degree murder for the killing of his wife after a two-week trial and about five hours of jury deliberations. His first-degree murder conviction will be appealed to the Supreme Judicial Court, as all such convictions are in Massachusetts.

Read more about the case

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Brian Walshe, the Cohasset man convicted of murdering his wife, Ana Walshe, whose body was never found, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Thursday morning.

Walshe appeared in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court, where Judge Diane Freniere handed him the mandatory sentence for first-degree murder in Massachusetts.

That sentence is immensely appropriate and just, given your murderous acts and the life trauma you inflicted on your own children, Freniere told the court, describing his criminal acts as barbaric and incomprehensible.

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After the court hearing, Walshe was handcuffed and loaded into an awaiting van for transport to begin serving his sentence.

The defense had tried arguing that the sentence was inhuman and demeaning, but prosecutor Gregory Connor was quick to fire back.

They say the Commonwealths recommendation is inhumane. I suggest that it is not the appropriate word choice because if we were to look at that word, I would suggest that it would describe the defendants actions of murdering his wife, dismembering her, and getting rid of her remains by throwing her away like garbage, Connor told the court.

In addition to his life sentence, Freniere ordered Walshe to serve no less than 19 years but no more than 20 years for misleading police and no less than two years but no more than three years for disposing of Anas remains. All of the sentences will be served consecutively.

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On Dec. 1, before the start of his trial, Walshe pleaded guilty to misleading police and dismembering his wifes body.

The court heard an emotional victim impact statement from Ana Walshes sister, Aleksandra Dimitrijevic, before Freniere handed down the sentence.

Ana will never be forgotten. We will carry the light of her life with us forever, Dimitrijevic told the court.

Dimitrijevic added, I struggle with the grief that comes without warning...This is all just a terrible dream."

On Monday, the jury in his high-profile trial found Walshe guilty of first-degree murder.

Jurors deliberated for less than six hours before returning the verdict. Walshe showed no emotion as the decision was read.

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Ana Walshe, a mother of three, vanished on New Years Day 2023. Prosecutors argued Walshe killed Ana and then dismembered her remains, discarding them in area dumpsters.

The defense conceded that Walshe disposed of Anas body but claimed she died unexpectedly in bed after a New Years Eve party at their home. Walshe did not testify, and the defense called no witnesses during the trial.

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)

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

After Mondays verdict, Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey praised the jurys decision, saying, Its not about winning or losing. Its about getting the right answer. And this was the right answer.

Morrissey said Anas mother told him after the verdict that justice had been served.

Sentencing was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed to today.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, arrives to the first working session of the EU summit in Brussels. The main topic is the question of whether assets of the Russian central bank frozen in the EU can be used to support Ukraine in the future. Michael Kappeler/dpa

European Union leaders will meet in Brussels on Thursday aiming to agree on how to fund Ukraine's economic and military needs in the coming years.

The most hotly debated financing model involves making Russian state assets frozen under EU sanctions available to Ukraine as a loan, which Kiev would only have to repay if Russia makes reparations after the war.

The European Commission has proposed to provide Ukraine with 90 billion ($105.4 billion) in tranches to cover financial and military needs in 2026 and 2027 and an additional 45 billion to repay other loans granted to Kiev over past years.

Belgium, where roughly 185 billion of the total 210 billion in Russian assets frozen in the EU are held, opposes the plan, citing legal and financial risks.

The Belgium government fears in particular that Moscow could retaliate against European private individuals and companies, for example through expropriations in Russia, and is calling for safeguards.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has been demanding legally binding and unconditional guarantees from other EU countries covering the entire sum of the loan as well as protection from any potential claims for damages.

A so-called qualified majority - of at least 15 of the EU's 27 states, representing 65% of the bloc's population - is needed to approve the loan but it is considered unlikely that other EU countries would be willing to outvote Belgium.

Negotiations are expected to run into over-time with EU leaders likely staying in the Belgian capital until Friday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to join the summit as a guest.

EU's long-term budget and geo-economic situation also on the agenda

Besides Ukraine, EU leaders will also debate the bloc's next long-term budget for the years 2028 until 2034 and set the direction for the upcoming negotiations.

Following a meeting with Western Balkans nations, EU leaders are to discuss progress in the accession process made by the bloc's aspiring members.

Talks on the geo-economic situation and economic challenges facing the EU, including faltering competition, are also on the agenda.

On the sidelines of the summit, EU countries could reach an agreement to sign the free trade agreement with the four Latin American Mercosur countries Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Polan's Prime Minister Donald Tusk, speaks to the media ahead of the first working session of the EU summit in Brussels. The main topic is the question of whether assets of the Russian central bank frozen in the EU can be used to support Ukraine in the future. Michael Kappeler/dpa

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks to the media ahead of the first working session of the EU summit in Brussels. The main topic is the question of whether assets of the Russian central bank frozen in the EU can be used to support Ukraine in the future. Michael Kappeler/dpa
Mary Ann Magdamit, a former U.S. postal worker in Torrance, California, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. From at least 2022 until July 2025, while working as a letter carrier, she stole mail, including 133 credit and debit cards, 16 U.S. Treasury checks, and even a ghost gun, all of which were found during searches of her apartment. Prosecutors say Magdamit activated many of the stolen cards online to make purchases, sold others to coconspirators, and had others cash the checks using fake IDs. She used the money to buy luxury items, including a Rolex watch, and to fund vacations she flaunted on Instagram. She was ordered to pay back $660,200 to the victims and to forfeit her luxury goods.

The post Brickbat: Return to Sender appeared first on Reason.com.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  A blunt critique of Mexican bread by a British baker sparked a cascade of social media outrage, ultimately leading to a public apology.

In an interview for a food-themed podcast that resurfaced online, Richard Hart, the co-founder of Green Rhino bakery in Mexico City and a well-known figure in international baking circles, said Mexicans dont really have much of a bread culture, adding that They make sandwiches on these white, ugly rolls that are pretty cheap and industrially made.

His comments quickly rippled across Instagram, TikTok and X, with many Mexicans accusing him of being dismissive and insulting of Mexico's traditional breads.

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What began as a dispute over bread soon ignited a national debate over food identity  not only over who defines Mexican culinary traditions, but also over the growing influence of foreigners in a capital already tense from a surge of U.S. expatriates and tourists.

He offended the community of bakers in Mexico and all the people in Mexico who like bread, which is almost everyone," said Daniela Delgado, a university student in Mexico City.

Dont mess with the bolillo

Social media was soon flooded with memes, reaction videos, and passionate defenses of Mexican bread. Users took to social media to praise everyday staples  from the crusty bolillos used for tortas to the iconic conchas found in neighborhood bakeries. In many cases, these simple street foods act as a uniting factor across social groups and classes, and often cut to the core of the country's cultural identity.

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While wheat bread was introduced to Mexico during the colonial period, the classic food staple evolved into a distinct national tradition, blending European techniques with local tastes and ingredients. Today, small neighborhood bakeries remain central to daily life in cities and towns, serving as social hubs as well as food sources.

The incident prompted many to question why a foreign entrepreneur would publicly disparage a staple so deeply embedded in Mexican life. For many, Hart's remarks echoed long-standing frustrations over foreign chefs and restaurateurs receiving disproportionate prestige, as well as concerns over gentrification in the capital.

Don't mess with the bolillo, warned one viral post on X.

An opportunity to learn

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As criticism mounted, Hart issued a public apology on Instagram, saying his comments were poorly phrased and did not show respect for Mexico and its people. He acknowledged the emotional response and said he didn't behave as a guest."

I made a mistake, Hart said in his statement. I regret it deeply.

The Associated Press reached out to Green Rhino, but representatives of the bakery declined to comment.

Hart previously worked at high-profile bakeries in the United States and Europe and has been part of Mexico Citys growing artisanal bread scene. That market caters largely to middle and upper-class customers, many of them foreigners, seeking sourdough loaves and European-style pastries, often at prices far above those of neighborhood bakeries.

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The apology did little to immediately quiet the debate. While some users accepted it, others said it failed to address deeper concerns about cultural authority and who gets to critique Mexican traditions.

If you want to be part of Mexican culture by owning a restaurant or bakery, you have to educate yourself, Delgado said.

Others, like Josue Martinez, a chef at the Mexican Culinary School, said he was happy that the debate was happening because it opened the door for a more robust and nuanced discussion.

Mexican bread has long been criticized domestically for its industrialization and reliance on white flour and sugar. But many like Martinez say those conversations are different and more nuanced when led by Mexicans themselves rather than by a foreign entrepreneur.

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Its an opportunity to learn about the culture of Mexican breadmaking and pastry, to take pride in it, to highlight the richness of our ingredients, and to stop thinking that the so-called first world represents the ultimate standard," Martinez said.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
The manhunt for the gunman who opened fire inside Brown Universitys engineering building continues into its sixth day on Thursday, and investigators say they are now looking to speak with an individual who came into close contact with the person of interest before and after the deadly mass shooting.

Providence police believe this individual could provide critical information about the suspects movements in the hours surrounding the attack. Detectives are still working to determine whether the gunman had any connection to Brown University.

Authorities are urging residents who live in a wide swath of the city to double-check their cameras for any trace of clues, no matter how small, including the areas south of Waterman Street between Thayer Street and Gano Street and north of Wickenden Street.

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On Wednesday, investigators released an areas of focus map showing three zones. They say the map charts the movements of the person of interest both immediately before and after the shooting that killed two students and wounded nine others.

Blue  Areas where residents are urged to check security cameras.

Green  Where the person of interest was seen before the shooting inside the Barus and Holley engineering building around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Red  Streets that authorities have video footage from that show the person of interest immediately after the shooting.

Were looking for a moment that takes almost less than a second, and if you miss it, youre missing something that could be critical and important for us to use, Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said. "I believe that this is probably the most intense investigation going on right now in this nation."

Perez also noted that investigators have collected a lot of crime scene evidence and that student witnesses accounts of the shooter match the person in the video that authorities are seeking.

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Officials say they have recovered evidence but are not confirming whether the weapon used was a long gun. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said conflicting witness accounts have surfaced, but those details do not advance the investigation.

We are not in a position to say whether this was a long gun or not, Neronha said. There are multiple accounts about multiple things.

The shooting happened Saturday inside Browns engineering building. The campus community remains on edge as the search for the shooter drags on.

Authorities on Wednesday afternoon released enhanced, clearer photos of a person they say was spotted near the person of interest in the mass shooting. The new, clearer photo shows the individual wearing glasses walking down the street.

Police didnt share any additional details on the second person whom they are looking to speak with.

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Officials on Wednesday also said that of the nine students injured in the attack, one person remains in critical condition.

Five people who had been listed in critical but stable condition are still in the hospital but are making progress in their recovery and are no longer considered to be critically wounded. Three people who were hospitalized in the shooting are at home with their families, officials said.

Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore from Mountain Brook, Alabama, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an 18-year-old freshman from Uzbekistan, were killed when a man walked inside the engineering building and opened fire.

Earlier this week, investigators released a video timeline and a slightly clearer image of the person of interest. The video, from more than an hour before the attack, shows the suspect walking and running at times in a quiet residential area a few blocks from the engineering building, including near Hope, Benevolent, and Manning streets.

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Some clips show the person walking in front of some properties several times. In one, the person abruptly turns around and runs in the other direction when someone approaches.

In photos and videos previously made public, the person of interests face was masked or turned away, and authorities were only able to describe him as having a stocky build and about 5 feet, 8 inches tall.

Authorities now say the individual may have been scouting the neighborhood as early as 10:30 a.m. on the day of the attack.

Focus on the body movementsthe way the person moves their arms, their posture, how they carry their weight," Perez previously said. This individual was in that neighborhood around 10:30 in the morning. We also know criminals will case the area weeks or days prior.

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Police are urging anyone with video or photos to upload them to an online folder at ProvidenceRI.gov/tips.

Investigators also warned against sharing AI-generated images of the person of interest circulating online, calling them harmful to the investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Brown University Tragedy: Residents in area of focus asked to check cameras for person of interest

Authorities in Providence are asking residents who live in a wide swath of the city to double-check their cameras for any sight of the person of interest in the deadly shooting at Brown University.

During a Wednesday night press conference, officials asked the public to review any security or phone footage from the week before the attack in the hopes it might help investigators identify the person, believing the attacker may have cased the scene ahead of time.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Providence Police Department released a map that charts the movements of the person of interest both immediately before and after the shooting that killed two students and wounded nine others.

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Streets colored green show the person of interests movements leading up to the deadly shooting inside the Barus and Holley engineering building around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Streets colored red are ones that authorities have video footage from that show the person of interest immediately after the shooting. The map shows that after the shooting, the person of interest walked down Hope Street before continuing onto Waterman Street, before allegedly turning onto Ives Street.

Providence Police are releasing a map showing the streets where the person of interest in the Brown University shooting is confirmed to have been present on the day of the incident.



Streets marked in green indicate locations where footage confirms the person of interest was pic.twitter.com/WQf1d72OD9  Providence Police (@ProvidenceRIPD) December 17, 2025

Police are asking residents who live south of Waterman Street between Thayer Street and Gano Street and north of Wickenden Street to check their cameras for any further sighting of the person of interest.

I believe that this is probably the most intense investigation going on right now in this nation Providences Police Chief Oscar Perez, said at a Wednesday news conference, noting that investigators have collected a lot of crime scene evidence and that student witnesses accounts of the shooter match the person in the video that authorities are seeking.

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Authorities on Wednesday afternoon released enhanced, clearer photos of a person they say was spotted near the person of interest in the mass shooting at Brown University in Providence over the weekend. The new, clearer photo shows the individual wearing glasses walking down the street.

Police didnt share any additional details on the second person whom they are looking to speak with.

Officials on Wednesday also said that of the nine students injured in the attack, one person remains in critical condition.

Five people who had been listed in critical but stable condition are still in the hospital but are making progress in their recovery and are no longer considered to be critically wounded. Three people who were hospitalized in the shooting are at home with their families, officials said.

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Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore from Mountain Brook, Alabama, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an 18-year-old freshman from Uzbekistan, were killed when a man walked inside the engineering building and opened fire.

Authorities on Tuesday released a video timeline and a slightly clearer image of a person of interest in the deadly attack.

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The video, from more than an hour before the attack, shows the suspect walking and running at times in a quiet residential area a few blocks from the engineering building, including near Hope, Benevolent, and Manning streets.

Some clips show the person walking in front of some properties several times. In one, the person abruptly turns around and runs in the other direction when someone approaches.

While there has been no indication that investigators were any closer to zeroing in on his identity, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha has called the man their primary person of interest.

While Brown has installed 1,200 cameras on campus, the attack, whichkilled two students and wounded nine others, happened in a first-floor classroom in an older part of the engineering building that has fewer, if any cameras, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha noted.

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Investigators also believe the shooter entered and left the building through a door that faces a residential street bordering campus. The building being right on the edge of campus also might explain why the cameras Brown does have didnt capture footage of the person.

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez urged residents to pay attention to the suspects movement patterns.

Focus on the body movementsthe way the person moves their arms, their posture, how they carry their weight," Perez said Tuesday. This individual was in that neighborhood around 10:30 in the morning. We also know criminals will case the area weeks or days prior.

The shooting happened in an older section of the engineering building with fewer security cameras. Neronha acknowledged frustration over the limited video evidence.

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The only video of the presumed, anticipated, suspectedhowever you want to define itperson, you have it," Neronha said.

In the footage, the person of interest is at times carrying a satchel, something investigators are examining closely.

No weapon has been recovered.

Members of the FBI Evidence Response Team search for evidence near the campus of Brown University, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Members of the FBI Evidence Response Team search for evidence near the campus of Brown University, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Members of the FBI Evidence Response Team search for evidence near the campus of Brown University, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

FBI officials search an area of Providence, R.I., Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham)

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FBI officials search an area of Providence, R.I., Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham)

A member of the FBI Evidence Response Team searches for evidence near an ivy-covered wall following the shooting at Brown University, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

A community member looks at flowers, notes and mementos in a makeshift memorial display sitting in front of Brown University's Van Wickle gates, in Providence, R.I., two days after a shooting took place on the university's campus, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (Lily Speredelozzi/The Sun Chronicle via AP)

The gunman fired more than 40 rounds from a 9 mm handgun, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to discuss the investigation publicly.

Brown University President Christina Paxson remembered the two students killed in the shooting, Ella Cook and Mukhammadaziz Umurzokov, as brilliant and beloved members of the campus community.

Two of the wounded students were released from the hospital on Tuesday. Of the seven others, one remained in critical condition, five were in critical but stable condition, and one was in stable condition, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said.

The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for any information that results in the arrest of the shooter.

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Anyone with information is urged to contact the tip line at 401-272-3121.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
A Brunswick man is in the Glynn County jail facing a murder charge in the stabbing death of a man Monday. John Thomas Howard, 28, is accused of stabbing Ronald Carswell, 57, to death in the 2000 block of Gloucester Street, Brunswick police said.

Officers were called to that location at about 4:46 p.m. Monday in response to a reported stabbing. Officers arrived to find Carswell suffering from a stab wound, police said. He was taken to the hospital where he later died.

There was a manhunt for Howard following the stabbing that included Brunswick and Kingsland police departments and Camden and Glynn County sheriffs offices.

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Howard was arrested at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday following a traffic stop in Camden County, a Brunswick police news release states.

At the time of the arrest, Howard was traveling in the trunk of a vehicle driven by Regina Alvin, 49 of Killeen, Texas, the news release states.

Howard is facing charges of felony murder and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime, the news release states. Alvin was also arrested. Shes facing charges of hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, the news release states.

John Thomas Howard, 28, is accused of stabbing Ronald Carswell, 57, to death Monday in the 2000 block of Gloucester Street, Brunswick police said.

Regina Alvin, 49 of Killeen, Texas.

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ABUJA, Nigeria (AP)  Burkina Faso on Wednesday released 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel who were detained more than a week ago after their aircraft made an emergency landing, Nigeria's foreign minister said.

Through sustained dialogue, we also resolved the matter concerning Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew, reaffirming the effectiveness of diplomacy in addressing sensitive issues, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar said Thursday in a statement on X.

Burkina Fasos military junta, led by Ibrahim Traore, released the personnel after meetings with a Nigerian delegation led by Tuggar, the statement said.

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The personnel detained on Dec. 8 included two flight crew members and nine passengers, officials said.

Matters have been resolved," Alkasim Abdulkadir, a spokesperson for Tuggar, told The Associated Press. "They are no longer detained.

Nigeria and Burkina Faso agreed to hold regular consultations and pursue steps to deepen bilateral cooperation and regional integration, Abdulkadir said.

The Nigerian Air Force said last week that the aircraft was headed to Portugal for scheduled maintenance when it made the emergency landing in western Burkina Faso. The air force said the landing was done in accordance with international guidelines and standard safety procedures.

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But Foreign Minister Tuggar said Wednesday in a televised speech on Burkina Fasos state broadcaster that there were irregularities concerning the overflight authorizations and apologized for the incident.

The emergency landing had prompted the Alliance of Sahel States to place its air and anti-air defenses on maximum alert with authorization to neutralize any aircraft that violates the confederations airspace, according to a statement by Gen. Assimi Goita, leader of Malis military junta. The alliance includes Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

The crew will now fly the aircraft to Portugal for the scheduled maintenance, Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said Thursday.

The emergency landing occurred at a time of fractured relations between the Alliance of Sahel States and Nigeria, which was involved in intervention efforts that helped reverse a short-lived coup earlier this month in Benin, where the Nigerian Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting the coup plotters. Burkina Faso is on the northwest border of Benin, and Nigeria is on Benins eastern border.

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Nigeria is among 15 members of West Africas regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formed the Sahel alliance after withdrawing from ECOWAS, which the alliance accuses of inhumane, coup-related sanctions and working against the interests of citizens in alliance countries.
NEED TO KNOW

Tyler Robinson allegedly sent Discord messages about the shooting roughly 80 minutes after Charlie Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University

The Washington Post reported Robinson wrote, you see this news????? and later added, hes reported dead, and the footage looks BAD

Robinson has been charged with multiple offenses including aggravated murder and has not entered a plea as of Dec. 17. Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty



Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, allegedly sent online messages referencing the shooting roughly 80 minutes after the attack.

Earlier that morning, Robinson had been exchanging routine messages with a friend on Discord, including sharing the results of an online word puzzle game. Authorities allege that Robinson later traveled to the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, where Kirk was scheduled to speak at an outdoor Turning Point USA event.

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Kirk was shot during the appearance and died from his injuries.

About 80 minutes after the shooting, Robinson allegedly messaged the same friend on Discord, writing, you see this news?????

Utah County Sheriff's Office

In subsequent messages, Robinson allegedly wrote, utah gets a national headline for the first time in a while and its someone sliming charlie kirk, followed by, no like an hour ago, and, hes reported dead, and the footage looks BAD, according to the Washington Post, which reviewed digital messages as part of its investigative reporting.

Later that day, Robinson joined a Discord voice chat with two other friends and asked whether they knew about the shooting, the Post reported. One friend recalled that Robinson said, He got hit pretty bad, and added, Im pretty sure hes dead, according to the outlet. The friends spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Rick Egan-Pool/Getty

Authorities allege Robinson fled the scene following the shooting and was later arrested after a family member contacted law enforcement, PEOPLE previously reported. He has been charged with aggravated murder and other offenses and has not yet entered a plea as of Wednesday, Dec. 17.

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He made his first in-person court appearance on Thursday, Dec. 11, where lawyers argued about media potentially filming upcoming court proceedings and public access to case information, PEOPLE previously reported.

Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty in the case.

The Washington Post reported that it later reached Robinson by video call at the Utah County Jail where he is being held. Robinson allegedly declined to answer questions, telling reporters, I cant answer any questions, and later asked that communication be limited to writing. His attorneys declined to comment.



Read the original article on People
Stock market experts predict that coffee prices will keep rising if poor weather continues to affect growing regions like Brazil.

Other goods have seen similar price increases, including beer, orange juice, and seafood.

What's happening?

According to Barchart, arabica and robusta coffee have both seen gains in the stock market. Now, coffee prices have reached new highs, in part due to concerns that adverse weather conditions could derail production.

The article outlined trends in Brazil's largest arabica coffee-growing region. During the week of October 31, 2025, the area received only 75% of its historical average rainfall for that period. That was on top of the previous week, which had only received 1%.

The outlet reported that Brazil might have to contend with a La Nina weather pattern, as forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These conditions could lead to prolonged dry spells, slowing coffee production.

Why are rising coffee prices concerning?

Coffee bean production matters not just for the people who drink the beverage every morning, but for the world, too. A difficult growing season can be a sign that adverse weather conditions and rising temperatures may wreak havoc on your wallet.

According to CNBC, Cornell University professor Mike Hoffmann published a paper about how poor weather affects many of the foods we love.

"Your standard season isn't as it should be," said Hoffmann, per CNBC. "Drought stresses the coffee plants, then you get way too much water, and it affects the quality and quantity of the bean, the berries."

Additionally, many people rely on coffee production as part of their livelihood. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations stated that the coffee industry supports the livelihoods of over 25 million farmers globally and creates jobs across the supply chain.

In countries where bad weather reduces coffee production, workers are at increased risk of losing their jobs or earning less.

What's being done about rising coffee prices?

Although there's only so much we can do about the weather's impact on coffee plants, many people are working to find ways to combat rising coffee prices.

According to NPR, experts have begun looking into coffee species that are drought-resistant or more weather-resilient. These include the stenophylla, excelsa, and liberica plants.
President Donald Trump announced more than 1.4 million members of the military would receive a special check before Christmas.

Trump made the announcement during a nationwide address Wednesday night, Dec. 17.

 Five takeaways from Trumps address to nation

With more than a dozen bases in Florida, that means a lot of soldiers will receive the "warrior dividend" of $1,776.

Almost 1.5 million US soldiers to get 'warrior dividend' checks

Trump said 1.45 million soldiers across the United States will receive "warrior dividend" checks.

How much money will US troops get?

The checks being send to members of the military are for $1,776.

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The amount "is "in honor of our nation's founding in 1776," Trump said.

When will military members get their dividend checks?

The "checks are already on the way," Trump said Wednesday night.

Where is the money coming from for the 'warrior dividend' checks?

"We made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs and the bill helped us along," Trump said.

Will members of National Guard get 'warrior dividend' checks?

That's unclear at this time, although the Pew Research Center said in March there are 1.32 million active-duty members of the military, which doesn't include the National Guard.

Warrior Dividend checks: Who's getting Trump's $1,776 checks in Florida, and when?

What did Trump say about the 'warrior dividend' checks going to US troops?

Here's what Trump had to say last night, Dec. 17:

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"I am proud to announce that ... 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special we call warrior dividend before Christmas.

"In honor of our nation's founding in 1776, we are sending every soldier $1,776. Think of that.

"And the checks are already on the way.

"We made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs and the bill helped us along.

"Nobody deserves it more than our military and I say congratulations to everybody."

Checks show Trump's continued support for US troops

Trumps bonus for servicemembers is one of several actions he's taken to show his support for U.S. troops, including:

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passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes: a 4% pay raise for service members $2.9 billion to fund new barracks and family housing an increased investment in childcare fee assistance

signing the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act creates a partial claim program to help veterans who have fallen behind on their mortgages avoid foreclosure

broad benefits for military in the "Big Beautiful Bill" including $100 million in Department of Defense Impact Aid to support public schools serving large numbers of military children



How many bases, active-duty military are in Florida?

There were 81,955 active-duty service members in Florida, according to the Military State Policy Source. There's also 62,433 National Guard and Reserve members.

There are several military facilities and bases around Florida. According to Military Installations, Florida locations include:

(This story was updated with new information.)

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Military to get 1776 checks, bonus, Trump says
The growth rate of Chinese tourists to Japan significantly slowed in November, according to official data released by Tokyo, as Beijing cut flights and issued travel warnings amid rising tensions with Japan over Taiwan.

According to the latest report released by the Japan National Tourism Organization on Wednesday, although Chinese tourists continued to visit Japan in November and the numbers kept growing, it was at a much slower pace than before, both year on year and month on month.

In November 2025, the number of mainland Chinese visitors to Japan stood at 562,600, just a 3 per cent year-on-year increase compared to November the previous year. This contrasts sharply with the 111 per cent year-on-year growth recorded during the same period the previous year.

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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.

Despite flight cuts caused by political tensions, airline seat capacity remained higher compared to the same period last year, which partly contributed to the increase in visitors, the JNTO said in its monthly report.

Japan also documented a significant decline in mainland tourists in November compared with the preceding two months.

In October, 715,700 mainland Chinese tourists travelled to Japan, marking a 22.8 per cent year-on-year increase; in September, this figure was 775,500, reflecting an 18.9 per cent year-on-year rise.

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October marks China's National Day holiday, or "golden week", when outbound tourist numbers typically peak before declining in November. However, this year's drop has been steeper at 21.4 per cent. In contrast, the month-on-month dip in 2024 was only a marginal 6.3 per cent.

A similar trend was also observed among Hong Kong travellers to Japan. In November, 207,600 people from Hong Kong visited Japan, which represented a remarkable 8.6 per cent decrease year-on-year. By contrast, the number of visitors in November last year increased by 13.3 per cent compared with the same month in 2023.

The decline of Hong Kong visitor numbers was "primarily due to a reduction in available airline seat capacity", the JNTO report said.

Meanwhile, visitors from Taiwan to Japan went up by 11.1 per cent year-on-year in November and hit a record high for the month of November at 542,400, driven by the sustained popularity of travel to Japan and an increase in airline seat capacity, according to the report.

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The diplomatic tensions between China and Japan have been escalating since November 7, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo would be justified in mobilising its military for "collective self-defence" along with other nations if there was a conflict over Taiwan.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including Japan and the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Tokyo and Washington are both opposed to any attempt to take the self-ruled island by force.

Starting from November 14, Beijing has issued several travel warnings urging Chinese tourists to avoid Japan.

On November 27, China's embassy in Japan advised its citizens to put travel plans on hold "in the near term", citing a spike in unprovoked assaults and discrimination.

The Chinese government has advised its citizens to pause planned visits to Japan. Photo: AP alt=The Chinese government has advised its citizens to pause planned visits to Japan. Photo: AP>

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Hong Kong's Security Bureau also urged residents on November 15 to exercise caution and prioritise personal safety in the country, citing a rise in attacks against Chinese citizens.

Following Beijing's warning to Chinese travellers, major airlines offered full refunds for flights to Japan. On November 15, Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and Spring Airlines all issued statements saying they would allow free ticket refunds or itinerary changes for flights booked before December 31.

On December 5, major Chinese airlines announced that they were extending their offer of full refunds for flights to Japan by a further three months.

At the beginning of the month, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that more than 1,900 flights from China to Japan scheduled for December had been cancelled, representing over 40 per cent of flights, citing data from online platforms.

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Together, mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan constitute Japan's largest source of overseas visitors.

An economist at the Tokyo-based Nomura Research Institute estimated that a steep drop in Chinese tourists could cost the Japanese economy about 1.49 trillion yen (US$9.59 billion) over the next year.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
A City Council bill that would allow more New Yorkers to open their homes for short-term rentals appears effectively dead as the chamber is not expected to consider the measure Thursday at its final meeting of the year, sources told the Daily News.

The decision to not move forward with the legislation would come after a grueling  and expensive  lobbying fight. It would also mark the end of a battle that featured outgoing Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, a tacit supporter of the bill, on one side and Julie Menin, the incoming speaker who hasnt supported the legislation, on the other, sources familiar with the matter told The News.

Airbnb, which spent more than $1 million this year on lobbying to get the bill passed, insisted late Wednesday the company will continue to pursue the legislation in 2026, even as its prospects could be dim under Menin.

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We are not giving up the fight on behalf of homeowners and their right to earn supplemental income, an Airbnb spokesman said. We are not giving up the fight for a more affordable New York.

The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, the citys powerful hotel union that played a key role in helping secure enough support for Menin to become speaker, said the apparent death of the bill is good for the city. Its no surprise that a bill that would take union jobs and housing opportunities away from New Yorkers, and that never gained more than a handful of sponsors, is looking unlikely to pass or to even qualify for a vote, said HTC Political Director Bhav Tibrewal.

First introduced in late 2024, the bill would allow some owners of one- and two-family homes to start renting out their residences for stays of 30 days or less without being present. That would have been a step back toward the status quo before 2023, when the city outlawed nearly all forms of short-term rentals, reasoning the five boroughs needed most apartments for permanent housing amid a deepening affordability crisis.

Airbnb, whose business model was hampered by the 2023 reforms, has been arguing the tweaks went too far and that the bill would create a reasonable compromise. On the other side, the HTC has been vocally opposed to the bill due to concerns about it depriving its members of work and jeopardizing permanent housing stocks.

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Ultimately, few Council members have come out publicly in favor of the bill, with just seven co-sponsors signed up as of late Wednesday.

Sources said Council leaders to that end made a preliminary call late Wednesday to not advance the bill for a vote at Thursdays final 2025 meeting, killing the possibility of passage in this session  and meaning it would need to be reintroduced next year for a chance at adoption. The sources cautioned the call to not put the bill up for a vote could be reversed, though it appeared unlikely.

Before Wednesday, the bill earned support from some prominent community leaders, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, who argues the short-term rental market is a key income stream for homeowners in predominantly Black outer-borough neighborhoods.

Speaker Adams, whos leaving office Dec. 31 due to term limits, has also been quietly supportive of the measure, according to sources. One source with direct knowledge said as recently as Wednesday the speaker was making calls to members trying to gauge support for the bill.

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But Council insiders said Menins lack of support, coming as she prepares to take over the speakers gavel next year, has weighed heavily, as has incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdanis likely opposition to it.

In a stinging statement, Sharpton laid blame for the bills apparent failure on Menin, suggesting she undercut Speaker Adams.

The most alarming thing that has unfolded these last several days has been the decision by the presumptive speaker to undercut the first Black woman to lead this body, Sharpton said. If we are to lead with our values, Council member Menin has certainly shown hers this week  If this is what we are to expect from the City Council these next four years, the promise of a more affordable New York they preached about to sway votes will have been nothing more than another empty promise.

Menin didnt deny shes opposed to the bill, but said she hasnt made any calls to other members about it.

Its unfortunate that misleading attacks are being used to try to advance Airbnbs corporate agenda rather than having an honest conversation about protecting housing for New Yorkers, she said.
Hannah Dugan is a judge who took the law into her own hands or she was a hard-working public servant struggling to follow unclear guidance from the chief judge.

Those sharply different views of Dugan emerged in closing arguments delivered Dec. 18 in the high-profile, high-stakes trial of the veteran judge on charges of helping an undocumented immigrant who was in the Milwaukee County Courthouse elude federal authorities.

No judge may deem that her personal beliefs matter more than the law itself, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Brown Watzka said. "We are asking you to draw the line. Why? Because judges should not help defendants evade arrest."

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See our live coverage: Judge Hannah Dugan trial in Milwaukee

In his closing, Dugan attorney Jason Luczak said, "Make no mistake, they are trying to make an example out of Hannah Dugan."

The case thrust the veteran judge into the center of a clash between the judiciary and the Trump administration over its crackdown on illegal immigration.

Twenty-three witnesses took the stand in the four-day trial, which both sides agreed was an unprecedented and important case. It is the first time a judge has gone to trial for official acts.

Dugan, 66, is charged with two counts: obstruction of a federal agency, a felony, and concealing a wanted person, a misdemeanor. She has pleaded not guilty.

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She faces up to six years in prison if convicted, but first-time nonviolent offenders typically get shorter sentences or probation. She has been suspended from the bench with pay during the case. She makes nearly $175,000 a year.

Following the closings, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman instructed the jury, which then began deliberations.

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, left, arrives at the Milwaukee Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse on Dec. 18, 2025, in Milwaukee.

Immigration polarizing, focus on facts

Brown Watzka paused in the beginning of her closing to address a debate that has loomed in the backdrop of the Dugan case since it was charged.

Let me acknowledge something openly and honestly, the veteran prosecutor said. Immigration enforcement policy in this country is a polarizing issue.

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Several jurors mentioned on questionnaires that they knew of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions and had opinions about them, Brown Watzka said.

She urged them to set aside their opinions and focus on the events of Dugan's actions on April 18.

That morning, Dugan learned federal agents were in the public corridor to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a battery defendant appearing before her.

Dugan went and got another judge, Kristela Cervera, off her bench and the pair went into the hallway, both wearing robes, to question the agents.

Cervera, whose testimony was key, said Dugan told her to keep on her robe and drew her into an uncomfortable situation. Cervera said she and other judges dont wear their robes in the hallway as the robe conveys authority.

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In the corridor, Dugan directed the agents to the chief judge's office to show their warrant. Dugan returned to her courtroom, where she called the Flores-Ruiz case.

Dugan is heard whispering on the courtroom's audio, saying Flores-Ruiz and his attorney should leave via a private hallway and go "down the stairs." The defense argued those words are unclear on the audio.

Then Dugan is heard saying, "I'll do it. I'll get the heat."

"Those are words of someone who, in the moment, knew she was crossing the line," Brown Watzka said.

The hallway that Flores-Ruiz and his attorney left through has two ways out, down a closed stairwell and another door into the corridor.

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Flores-Ruiz and his attorney went out into the public corridor, where agents began following them, arresting him after a short foot chase outside the courthouse.

Brown Watzka said Dugan was trying to get the pair away from the agents. The defense argued the agents made the arrest anyway.

"She provided an escape route," Brown Watzka said of Dugan. "It simply does not matter what happened next."

Defense hammers on inconsistencies, Cervera's motive

Luczak reminded jurors of the chaotic time shortly after Trump returned to the White House when immigration arrests stepped up in Milwaukee and beyond.

He said judges were provided unclear guidance on handling immigration enforcement in the courthouse, and Dugan was trying to figure out what to do while federal authorities cast routine things as criminal.

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"Her heart and mind were in the best place," Luczak said.

Luczak lambasted what he said were inconsistencies in Cervera's testimony and highlighted that Cervera called her sister, an attorney, to warn her that ICE was in the courthouse.

"What is her motivation? She is trying to save herself," Luczak said. "You are either a friend or an enemy of the government. She became a friend of the government."

Luczak said a conviction would set a troubling precedent.

"Is that the type of precedent we want to accept?" he said. "Greenlight the prosecution of judges for following a reasonable courthouse policy?"

Former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett leaves the Milwaukee Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse during the fourth day of the trial of Judge Hannah Dugan on Thursday December 18, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Former mayor, judges testify for Dugan

Dugan's defense put on four witnesses: two judges, a public defender and former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Dugan herself did not take the stand.

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Judges Katie Kegel and Laura Gramling Perez testified about the weeks surrounding the incident for which Dugan is charged.

In one email, Judge Christopher Dee said arrests had happened in his courtroom without incident.

Kegel, who testified that she was concerned when she learned federal agents were doing immigration arrests, said arrests had disrupted her courtroom in the past.

People have been snatched out of my gallery," Kegel wrote.

On cross-examination, Kegel said those arrests were in a drug case.

Gramling Perez testified she sent an email to fellow judges in early April, saying that federal agents have the right to arrest suspects in public hallways but there are limits. For instance, ICE shouldn't arrest crime victims, her email said.

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Gramling Perez said she was concerned about ICE arrests and she wanted a policy put in place by Chief Judge Carl Ashley. There is still no policy, she said.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Hannah Dugan painted as rogue judge, public servant in closings
Dec. 17Six organizations joined forces this year in the hopes of transforming downtown Kalispell into a walkable, vibrant community hub.

Kalispell Chamber of Commerce President Lorraine Clarno said the idea to launch the Downtown Forward Coalition emerged after efforts to spruce up downtown failed to gain traction with the city. She hopes the unified front will be more effective in pushing the city to address issues facing the neighborhood.

While the idea for such a group had been discussed for years, the need became clear after Council in June opted against pursuing grant funding to overhaul Main Street despite adopting the Main Street Safety Action Plan the year prior, Clarno said.

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The plan prioritized making an array of traffic safety upgrades to Main Street, First Avenue East and First Avenue West. But plans to slim down Main Street to one lane in either direction  separated by a left-turn lane  sparked a heated debate among residents and business owners. The chamber was among the project's supporters.

"What came out of that was a recognition on all six organizations that we aren't as well connected as we think we are," Clarno said.

The coalition  made up of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, Business Improvement District, Tourism Improvement District, Downtown Association, Flathead Builders Association and the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors  has since mapped out a blueprint to achieve a lasting, vibrant downtown.

"We're going to be speaking in one voice, which is pretty unique and amazing," Clarno said.

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Together, the group represents around 3,000 members, she said.

Many members of the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors work along Main Street and conduct business with properties downtown, so it was important they were part of the conversation, said Erica Wirtala, the group's public affairs director.

"Realtors have just as much at stake," she said.

The coalition's goals include partnering with the city and county to replace aging water and sewer lines, collaborating on a sidewalk and streetscape improvement plan, promoting mixed-use development, launching a targeted business recruitment campaign and embedding public art into redevelopment projects.

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Representatives visited 99 businesses over the course of three hours in November to introduce the coalition and inquire about issues facing downtown.

"What we heard on our business walk is we are on the same page, but awareness, information, education and participation are tough for small business owners because they are so busy," Clarno said.

While past studies determined that Main Street has adequate parking, people still perceive the lack of it as the No. 1 issue facing downtown, according to Wirtala.

The coalition at a Dec. 8 meeting considered building an app to help motorists find spots or increase the two-hour limit for parking spaces, she said.

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Failing infrastructure along Main Street has also hampered businesses, but the Montana Department of Transportation ruled that tearing up the thoroughfare to upgrade water and sewer lines isn't an option until the U.S. 93 Bypass is completed, Wirtala said.

The coalition also plans to meet with state legislators over commercial property tax rates that have increased the burden on local businesses, according to Clarno.

"We're trying to learn and understand how it got where it did," she said.

WITH THE coming turnover on City Council in January, Clarno and Wirtala hope to see more collaboration between downtown leaders and City Hall.

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"It's a new day for Kalispell in many ways, and I think all of us are very optimistic that the city, the county and all of us stakeholders can really now work together to do what we want to do to keep Kalispell vibrant and happening," Clarno said.

Wirtala was optimistic to see an attitude shift once Mayor-elect Ryan Hutner and the incoming councilors take office. She described the current Council dynamic as hostile and immature.

"You are supposed to be leaders, but you are acting like a bunch of third graders," she said.

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and [email protected].

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People cross Main Street during the Kalispell Downtown Association Holiday Stroll and Community Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider

People cross Main Street during the Kalispell Downtown Association Holiday Stroll and Community Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider
US-based ice cream chain Cold Stone Creamery plans to grow its footprint in and around Birmingham in the state of Alabama by working with franchise partners.

The company aims to add three to six outlets to the local market by 2028.

Cold Stone Creamery brand leader Blake Borwick stated: "Cold Stone is a staple in many communities around the nation, and for more than 35 years, we've served premium products and created personalised experiences for our customers that's kept them coming back.

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"We plan to bring the same commitment and support to Birmingham and the entrepreneurs who are inspired to become small business owners who want to spread joy in their community."

The brand entered the Birmingham market in 2024 and currently operates a site in Trussville serving the metropolitan area.

Elsewhere in the state, it runs stores in Huntsville, Dothan and Albertville, and is set to add a further location in Auburn.

To support its latest round of openings in the Birmingham area, the company is looking to recruit franchise partners, targeting both newcomers and operators with experience running multiple units.

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Franchisees receive access to the brands support infrastructure, including operational tools and guidance.

Cold Stone Creamery owner in Albertville Jessica Bearden stated: "My husband and I have owned and operated a trucking business for more than 20 years, growing alongside our community.

"As the area continued to thrive, we saw an opportunity to create a place where families and friends could relax, spend time together and enjoy a great dessert. We've always loved Cold Stone, and with the nearest location more than 60 miles away at the time, we knew the brand would be a perfect fit.

In September 2025, the company set out plans to increase its presence in the Greater Houston area of Texas, identifying the region as a key focus for franchise expansion.

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That strategy includes a target of 10 additional stores in the Houston market by 2030.

"Cold Stone Creamery outlines expansion plans in Alabama" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.




Miguel Aranda speaks with Democratic Party members after a party meeting in Kenosha on Nov. 6, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Aranda congressional campaign)

In Miguel Arandas bid to be the Democratic nominee for Congress in Wisconsins 1st Congressional District, the college administrator says he brings a variety of assets.

One is local political experience. In his second term on the Whitewater School District school board, he serves as vice president. Board elections are nonpartisan.

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Im not in politics because I want to make a career out of it, Aranda said in a recent interview. I can work across the aisle.

Miguel Aranda (Courtesy photo)

Aranda, 35, is one of a growing number of hopefuls aiming for the Democratic nomination to run against Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, now in his fourth term. Other declared Democratic candidates are ironworker Randy Bryce, emergency room nurse Mitchell Berman, Racine community activist Gage Stills and Janesville union leader Enrique Casiano.

Im the only one who has won a political campaign, Aranda said. I know how important it is to bring people together and stay united.

The Cook Political Reports most recent update, Dec. 9, maintained the 1st Districts projected 2026 outcome as likely Republican. Despite such forecasts, in the current cycle the district has drawn a broader array of potential Democratic opponents than it has seen in years.

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The partys last contested primary came in 2020. In 2024, what was expected to be at least a three-way primary race was avoided after Peter Barcas late entry into the contest led the rest of the field to drop out by summer.

Aranda is the associate director of a college readiness program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

A Spanish speaker and an active Democratic party volunteer for the last 15 years, Aranda has organized bilingual workshops at party events. When the Whitewater school district held a referendum to raise property taxes in support of school district operations in 2022, Aranda said, he did presentations directed to the local Spanish-speaking community.

Public education is one of his top campaign priorities, he said. While funding is primarily a state and local function, the federal role in supporting public schools is important, he said, and he opposes the Trump administrations attempts to dismantle the federal Department of Education.

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Theres a lack of public education funding, Aranda said. Local constituents are going to feel it in their pocket. Republicans arent doing much to assist in our investment for the future.

Arandas parents, both Mexican immigrants, settled in Whitewater in the early 1990s, he said, and he grew up in the community, which straddles the line between Walworth and Jefferson counties.

When we came to Whitewater, the only people that helped us were public school teachers, Aranda said of his familys experience.

He said immigration reform is another of his campaigns concerns. On that, theres a lot of things at the local level we cannot do, Aranda said. I truly believe immigration reform that is comprehensive and fair will help not just public education but a lot of the scarcity and pain that people are feeling.

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Aranda has a masters in business administration. Hes also held a variety of other jobs, he said, giving him the sort of direct experience he believes many voters can identify with.

Ive worked in call centers, custodial services and fast food, Aranda said. People want a good, stable job  this message is very simple. Thats what I want to guarantee for others.

He supports a proposal advanced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent, for a federal law setting the minimum pay for public school teachers at $60,000.

Republicans say you cant do that, but now you see ICE [agents] offered more money and debt forgiveness, Aranda said.

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While Aranda is not the only Hispanic entrant in the Democratic contest, he considers an ability to appeal to Hispanic voters to be one of his selling points. The 1st District has a lot of Latino potential voters, Aranda said. Theyve been frustrated with both political parties.

Aranda said hes been traveling throughout the district to meet with Democratic Party groups and solicit their support. He also has been trying to educate and engage casual voters and non-voters, he said.

He described a recent visit to a college organization of Latino students. After introducing himself and his campaign for the 1st District, Nobody knew who their representative was, he said.

Some dont know what a Republican or a Democrat is and what they stand for, he added. Republicans take advantage of that, too.

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Aranda believes motivating more people who have been largely detached from politics to take an interest and go to the polls can help Democrats flip the seat.

I think theres a huge opportunity there, he said. I think theres an opportunity for younger voters, too  for their voice to be heard.

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This year was a building year for Metcalfe Park Community Bridges  literally and figuratively.

In 2025, the neighborhood organization launched its Reclaim and Restore initiative, geared toward increasing homeownership in Metcalfe Park by renovating city-owned foreclosed properties and providing them to Metcalfe Park residents through a lease-to-own model.

Now, Community Bridges has plans to broaden its developmental footprint with a proposal for a $26 million community-led housing development that, if approved, will provide affordable housing to seniors and healthcare workers.

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Community Bridges, in partnership with KG Development, submitted an application to Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority for 4% state low-income housing tax credits.

The adaptive-reuse project, called Metcalfe Lofts, is one of 21 projects submitted for state tax credits, according to an applicant list published by the state housing authority on Dec. 11.

If approved, the project plans to convert a 184,000 square-foot industrial building at 3100 W Meinecke Ave. into an 82-unit apartment complex with green space, a shared community area, and health-supportive design elements that promote wellness, connection and aging in place."

Developers that receive affordable housing tax credits must generally provide at least 85% of a building's apartments at below-market rents to people earning no higher than 60% of the local median income for 30 years.

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The tax credits are sold to raise cash, with the developers then obtaining bank loans and other cash sources to complete their financing packages. The credits are provided through annual competitions overseen by the state housing authority.

Metcalfe Park Community Bridges and KG Development will find out in January if their proposal will move on to the next steps. Final applications will be due in March, and awards will be announced in May.

In an email statement to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Melody McCurtis, deputy director of Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, said the proposed development centers seniors and healthcare workers who are already serving our communities but are increasingly priced out of safe, stable housing.

According to the 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, approximately 728 individuals aged 65 or older live in census tracts that include Metcalfe Park. The same survey estimates that at least 275 individuals work in health care as practitioners, technicians or support staff.

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Anthony Kazee, founder and principal of KG Development, said Community Bridges current and previous work promoting quality of life improvement in Metcalfe Park made them an appealing partner for a project like Metcalfe Lofts.

The firm focuses much of its work on removing barriers to the health and well-being of individuals living in inner-city communities. Their portfolio includes projects like Riverwest Apartments and Food Accelerator, a development that features a demonstration kitchen and nutrition education space, and Five Point Lofts in the Harambee neighborhood.

It was important to collaborate with a nonprofit thats already doing the work in the neighborhood. They know whats needed in the community, Kazee said.

Metcalfe Lofts is just the latest project in Community Bridges' fight to improve housing options in the central city neighborhood.

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In April, the organization led the opposition to Mayor Cavalier Johnsons Growing MKE housing plan, voicing concerns about the plans potential impact on those living in low- and medium-income neighborhoods.

While supporters of the Growing MKE plan said it would prevent rising housing costs by encouraging new construction, critics like McCurtis warned the citys absentee landlord problem would be exacerbated by allowing them to increase their ownership of housing in the city.

A sign at a vacant property illustrates the view that investor-owned properties aren't well cared for during an event celebrating the purchasing and rehabilitation of city-owned homes in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood on North 36th Street in Milwaukee on June 12, 2025.

To combat this, the neighborhood group is advocating for and developing more homeownership opportunities for community members.

In June, Community Bridges unveiled the first of three planned houses for its Reclaim and Restore initiative. A second Reclaim and Restore house was completed in September.

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In October, construction began on the third Reclaim and Restore house, with Community Bridges opening a lottery to select a future homeowner. The house is expected to be completed early next year.

As construction was underway, the neighborhood nonprofit closed on a fourth house, signaling plans to continue the initiative beyond its three-house objective.

April Quevedo covers Metcalfe Park for the Journal Sentinels Neighborhood Dispatch. Contact: aquevedo@usatodayco.com.

Neighborhood Dispatch reporting is supported by Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Journal Foundation, Bader Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and reader contributions to the Journal Sentinel Community-Funded Journalism Project. Journal Sentinel editors maintain full editorial control over all content. To support this work, visit jsonline.com/support. Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation (memo: JS Community Journalism) and mailed to P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689.

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The JS Community-Funded Journalism Project is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #364427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Metcalfe Park Community Bridges proposes 82-unit affordable housing project for state tax credits
LOGAN COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR)  The Logan County and Deer Creek communities woke up with heavy hearts Tuesday, following a tragic car crash involving four Deer Creek students.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said four teenage girls were in a pickup truck going westbound on Charter Oak Road Monday night, when the truck left the roadway, hitting a bridge guardrail, before landing in a creek bed.

Out of that collision, there were two fatalities, one critically injured and one with minor injuries, said Lt. Southall with the OHP.

Logan County Crash Scene. (KFOR)

Two teenage girls dead after crash in Logan County

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A crash report indicates none of the teens were wearing seatbelts.

Since theyre juveniles, their names will not be released. I can tell you their ages. The driver was 17, two passengers were 16, and one passenger was 14, Lt. Southall added.

Stephanie DeMoor knows the victims killed, describing them as sweet and innocent girls.

I mean, they took road trips with us. You know, wherever my granddaughter was, they were her little four sidekicks. You know, they did everything together, DeMoor said.

The Deer Creek School District released a statement about the tragedy.

It is with deep sadness that we share the news that four of our high school students were involved in a significant car accident last night. While we are still learning more about the situation, we can confirm there were fatalities. Our hearts are with the families, friends, and all those affected by these tragic losses.



At this time, we are unable to share additional information. We ask that you respect the privacy of the families during this incredibly difficult period.



Additional counselors and staff will be available at school to provide care and support for students and staff who may need it. Students and staff, if you would like to talk with someone about your concerns or feelings, please reach out to a teacher, counselor or administrator. Families, we encourage you to talk with your child, listen closely to their feelings, and reach out to the school if additional support is needed.



Please keep these families and our school in your thoughts as we navigate this loss together. Our Deer Creek community is known for taking care of one another, and we know this will be especially important in the days ahead. Deer Creek School District

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

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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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
KENTON  Hardin Countys conservation tillage club will host a series of breakfast meetings early next year to discuss agricultural trends:

 Thursday, Jan. 8: Grain market outlook featuring Matt Roberts of Bridgeforth

 Thursday, Jan. 22: Tar spot update with Nic Baumer, agriculture and natural resources educator for the Hardin County OSU-Extension office

 Thursday, Feb. 5: Artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles with Professor John Fulton

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 Thursday, Feb. 19: Agriculture law update with Peggy Kirk Hall, attorney and director of the OSU Extension agriculture and resource law program.

Doors open at 8 a.m. for breakfast, with presentations running from 8:30-9:30 a.m., at the Mid Ohio Energy Cooperative, 1210 W. Lima St., Kenton. Guests should not park in the grass.

There is no cost to attend. Call 937-644-8117 or email Wayne Dellinger at dellinger.6@osu.edu to reserve a seat.
Layoffs across the manufacturing, logistics and transportation sectors continue to mount heading into 2026, affecting more than 4,200 workers nationwide over the last several weeks.

The job losses span food manufacturing, automotive and EV supply chains, trailer production, ports, warehousing and automated fulfillment networks  underscoring continued strain across industrial employment even as some freight indicators stabilize.

The largest mass layoffs included all 1,600 employees at a new Ford Motor Co. electric vehicle battery plant in Glendale, Kentucky. Ford plans to convert it to manufacture batteries for data centers and other utilities, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

South and Southwest: Manufacturing closures, logistics consolidation

Texas

Texas has seen more than 500 manufacturing- and logistics-related job losses in recent weeks, driven by a mix of distribution center closures, electronics manufacturing shutdowns and port-linked logistics cuts.

Key impacts include:

S&S Activewear closing one of its Texas distribution centers, affecting 146 workers.

Yang Ming Corporation , a container shipping company with operations tied to Port Houston, laying off 105 employees.

LeeMAH Electronics shutting down a Richardson manufacturing facility, cutting 84 jobs.

Arizona

In Arizona, Franklin Foods will permanently close its Casa Grande cream cheese manufacturing facility in February, resulting in 83 layoffs, according to WARN filings. The closure is tied to an expected sale of the company.

Midwest: EV retrenchment and freight recession fallout

Kentucky

The single largest layoff in the roundup comes from Kentucky, where Ford will lay off all 1,600 employees at its battery plant in Glendale as it pivots away from EV battery production. The facility is expected to be converted to manufacture battery energy-storage systems, with production anticipated to start in 2027.

Ohio

Michigan Sugar Co. will close a warehouse facility in Findlay, citing the loss of rail service, truck-weight restrictions and obsolete equipment. The closure affects four logistics workers.

Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: Trailer manufacturing, food processing, breweries

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has emerged as a hotspot for industrial layoffs:
Opioid overdose is the leading cause of death for those aged 18 to 44 in Missouri, according to the Health and Human Services website (Drew Angerer/Getty Images).

Contracts are in place for a project that will test the wastewater of public schools in Missouri for signs of fentanyl and other drug use.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety has been negotiating with Mighty Good Solutions DBA Stercus Bioanalytics, and the Missouri-based company is now the contractor on a $7 million statewide project.

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The project is planned to test the wastewater of 12 schools around Missouri for drug use and was touted by Gov. Mike Kehoe in January.

In an effort to identify areas of high fentanyl use in schools across the state, we are including $4 million in investment for fentanyl testing in wastewater systems at schools, Kehoe said during his first State of the State address in January.

An additional $3 million was allocated to the project to fund wastewater testing involving law enforcement efforts. The project was then moved from the Missouri Department of Health and Human services to the Department of Public Safety, Mike OConnell, public safety communications director, said in an email.

I believe that at that point, the decision was made to move the whole program to DPS, OConnell said.

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Last month, Missouri school superintendents received emails asking them to notify the agency if they are interested in enrolling in the wastewater test program, OConnell said.

In the email sent to superintendents and obtained by the Missourian, the program is said to include ongoing weekly testing that will provide insights into short- and long-term trends.

Through the collection of one small wastewater sample per week, schools will receive near real-time insights into local substance misuse trends at no cost and with no additional responsibilities for your staff, said Mark James, director of the Department of Public Safety in the email.

The project dates are not yet set, but the email asks that superintendents request inclusion in the program by this week, adding that the data from the testing may be used to shape initiatives that attempt to counteract drug use.

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Opioid overdose is the leading cause of death for those aged 18 to 44 in Missouri, according to the Health and Human Services website.

The project had received $2 million in funding from former Gov. Mike Parson in his 2025 budget. No wastewater testing in schools has taken place yet.

The company in charge of testing, Mighty Good Solutions, says on their website, By analyzing wastewater for specific biomarkers, we provide governments with powerful tools to detect narcotics prevalence, understand usage patterns, and identify trends  all through anonymous, macro-level data.

Plans for testing dont give specific details on how the Department of Public Safety will use the data to help combat opioid usage. Other states have been in conversations with the same company, and Mississippi lawmakers are currently considering them for wastewater testing.

This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian.
DETROIT (AP)  A federal appeals court on Wednesday blocked Michigan's ban on conversion therapy for minors who are LGBTQ+, declaring it violates the First Amendment rights of therapists and counselors.

In a 2-1 opinion, the court said the law illegally restricts speech that reflects the moral beliefs of therapists. It set aside a lower court's ruling and granted a preliminary injunction sought by Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties.

The Michigan law discriminates based on viewpoint  meaning the law permits speech on a particular topic only if the speech expresses a viewpoint that the government itself approves, Judge Raymond Kethledge wrote, joined by Judge Joan Larsen.

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They noted that the law permits counseling that helps someone undergoing a gender transition.

The court's decision comes more than two months after the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a Colorado case that could resolve the issue nationwide.

In a dissent, Judge Rachel Bloomekatz said the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals should have waited for the Supreme Court to act.

The Michigan bill was passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature and signed into law in 2023 by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who said conversion therapy is a horrific practice. Therapists could lose their license if they violate the law. More than 20 states have a similar law.

LGBTQ+ rights advocates have cited research suggesting conversion therapy can increase the risk of suicide and depression.
Even the U.S. Navy isn't immune to error. Deploying far away from home on both routine and high-risk missions, across hundreds of ships and thousands more aircraft and personnel, there's more than enough room to spare for the inevitable occasional mistake. Two such mistakes occurred on October 26, 2025, in the South China Sea. An MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter, both operating as part of the air wing of the USS Nimitz (the Navy's oldest aircraft carrier), crashed within half an hour of each other while conducting routine missions.

Thankfully, the day recorded no casualties, but millions of dollars' worth of material settled on the sea floor, mere miles from the maritime backyard of one of Washington's chief strategic rivals: China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Moving swiftly to ensure it got to and retrieved the wreckage first before adversaries, the U.S. Navy successfully conducted a joint operation involving Task Force 73, the Naval Sea Systems Command's Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), and a Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

Read more: 11 Of The Most Iconic Ground Attack Military Planes In History

What is sensitive about an F/A-18 Super Hornet and MH-60 Seahawk?

An F/A-18 Super Hornet taking off from an aircraft carrier - U.S. Navy/Wikimedia Commons

The mission to retrieve the crashed aircraft wasn't about restoration or salvage. Rather, it was intended to prevent technology deemed sensitive from falling into the hands of adversaries eager to study what makes the fighterand multi-mission helicopter of choice of the world's most powerful aircraft carrier fleettick.

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That said, in 2025, the systems aboard the Super Hornet and Seahawk can hardly be described as groundbreaking technology. This isn't merely a matter of age (both have been in service for over two decades, and the Super Hornet itself is a heavy upgrade of the much older Hornet) but also because, unlike the F-35 Lightning stealth fighters or B-21 Raider stealth bombers, it's not hard to find closely matching analogs. The French-made Dassault Rafale M and Chinese-built, Soviet-origin J-15 Flying Shark compare well to the Super Hornet. The British-Italian AW101 Merlin, European NH90 NFH, and Russian Kamov Ka-27 and Ka-28 series perform similarly to the Seahawk.

Still, the electronic warfare suites on the F/A-18F, as well as its AN/APG-79 active electronically-scanned (AESA) radar and data-sharing systems, would be a goldmine for any reverse engineer. Also, both aircraft are currently undergoing upgrades, which means any remaining on the seafloor would likely represent a loss of some of the best technology the U.S. Naval Aviation has to offer.

The U.S. Navy has undertaken much more daring recovery operations

The F-35 stealth strike fighter flying over a destroyer - U.S. Navy/Wikimedia Commons

As recently as March 2022, an F-35C Lightning stealth fighter that was lost two months prior during a botched landing atop the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson was successfully recovered in the same South China Sea. Back in 1976, the Navy went to extraordinary lengths to recover a $500,000 AIM-54 Phoenix missile and the crashed F-14 Tomcat it was attached to, near Scottish waters.

Perhaps the boldest ever remains the multi-year, multi-million-dollar top-secret mission to recover a sunk Soviet K-129 ballistic missile submarine in the 1960s and '70s. Code-named "Project Azorian," the mission entailed building an entire new 50,000-ton salvage ship, the Hughes Glomar Explorer, capable of hauling state-of-the-art equipment needed to reach the required depths. To preserve secrecy, it was built under the guise of a deep-sea project funded by billionaire Howard Hughes. Project Azorian wasn't a hundred percent successful: parts of the recovered sub broke off on its return to the surface. But so ambitious was the operation that it cost $800 million (worth billions today) and still remains partially classified.

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Read the original article on SlashGear.
Dan Bongino, deputy director of the FBI, on Wednesday announced plans to leave his post in January, a move that prompted critics to speculate if the decision was fueled by the Trump administrations deadline to drop the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Bongino took to X to confirm his plans after reports on his uncertain future at the agency intensifiedinrecent days.

Before taking the FBI gig, Bongino made a podcasting career out of pushing conspiracy theories, including those tied to Epstein. Within months, Bongino indicated that he wasnt too happy at the new job, telling Fox News in May that he gave up everything for this.

Politics: AOC Answers JD Vance 2028 Matchup Question With 4 Stomping Words

Bongino was reportedly on thin ice at the FBI in August after clashing with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Justice Departments handling of the Epstein files. In an unusual move, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey was tapped to serve as the FBIs co-deputy director alongside Bongino.

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The DOJ must release the Epstein files by Friday, the same day that Bongino tentatively planned to announce his exit from the FBI, according to MS NOW.

Critics on social media weighed in on the news, with one Bluesky user arguing that Bongino could be worried about the fallout from the Epstein files release.

Read that take, and others, below:

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Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
It turns out that Donald Trump went pretty far to try and overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia.

The New York Times, citing a newly discovered recording, reports that Trump tried to persuade the speaker of Georgias House of Representatives to call a special session that would nullify his loss in the state. In a December 7, 2020, phone call, Trump told then-Speaker David Ralston that he could call the session by saying it was for transparency, and to uncover fraud, adding, Whos gonna stop you for that?

Ralston, a Republican attorney, chuckled and said, A federal judge, possibly. Ralston passed away in 2022.

BREAKING: A newly obtained recording from Dec. 7, 2020 exposes Trump pressuring Georgia House Speaker David Ralston to call a special legislative session to OVERTURN the election he lost.



Trump even coached him on the cover story, telling Ralston to claim its for transparency pic.twitter.com/Gujri3bzbs  Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) December 18, 2025

The Times obtained the recording Wednesday, less than a month after the criminal election interference case against Trump and 18 of his allies in Fulton County, Georgia, was dismissed. The audio record is part of several investigative documents from that case.

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Trumps call with Ralston lasted 12.5 minutes, during which Trump cited a series of false conspiracies of fraud in Georgias elections, claiming that he had actually won the state instead of losing by more than 11,000 votes. Trump said on the call that votes were coming out of suitcases, luggage, and it was a lot of votes. It was probably more than 100,000. You know they ran them through three or four times, you know, the same votes.

You know we won this thing by 400,000 or 500,000 votes, Trump told Ralston, making up numbers out of thin air. Just like we did Alabama and every other state in the South. And, uh, we won, we won, we won your state massively. They took votes away.

Ralston didnt keep the call to himself, telling special grand jurors investigating the case about what Trump told him. But the audio, and Trumps exact words, were not public until now. Trumps infamous demand to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in January 2021 to find 11,780 votes to overturn the election is more widely known.

The dismissal of the case, coupled with Trumps election in 2024, means that the president is not likely to face justice over his attempts to overturn the election in Georgia, despite this damning recording. Trump has proven that if one has power, money, and the right political connections, theyre above the law in America.
Dan Bongino is leaving his post at the FBI at the end of January, he announced on social media Wednesday.

The FBI deputy director didnt offer a specific reason for leaving after less than a year on the job, instead preferring to thank President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose, as well as his fellow American citizens for the privilege to serve you.

Politics: CNN Reporter Reveals Awkward Text She Got From Trump Aides About Dan Bonginos Whereabouts

However, Trump told reporters he thought the former podcast host was missing his media platform.

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I think he wants to go back to his show, Trump told reporters outside the White House.

I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January.

I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose.

Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you.

God bless America, and  Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) December 17, 2025

Bonginos departure isnt exactly a surprise. He even admitted on Fox News back in May that he wasnt really happy in the position.

People ask all the time, Do you like it? No. I dont, he said. But the president didnt ask me to do this to like it  nobody likes going into an organization like that and having to make big changes.

Politics: Lawrence O'Donnell Says Trump Was 'Angry' At 1 Irrefutable Thing In Address To Nation

Before he was appointed to the FBI, Bongino was a known conspiracy theorist and election denier who made all sorts of dubious claims, including that footage released by the FBI showing the Jan. 6, 2021, pipe bomb suspect may have been manipulated.

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However, after the FBI arrested a suspect who appeared to have no connection with the agency, Bongino made an awkward admission to Sean Hannity.

Listen, I was paid in the past, Sean, for my opinions, thats clear, and one day, Ill be back in that space, Bongino said. But thats not what Im paid for now. Im paid to be your deputy director, and we base investigations on facts.

Bongino also seemed to clash with Bondi.

Politics: AOC Answers JD Vance 2028 Matchup Question With 4 Stomping Words

A decision by the Department of Justice and the FBI in July to withhold additional records from the Jeffrey Epstein *** trafficking investigation reportedly sparked a heated conversation between the two.

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A month later, Bondi and Patel announced that Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey would be joining the FBI to serve as co-deputy director with Bongino.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino will be leaving his role in January, he announced in a social media post on Wednesday.

"I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose," Bongino wrote in a post on X. "Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you."

President Trump appeared to confirm Bongino's exit earlier Wednesday, telling reporters: "Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show."

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FBI Director Kash Patel called Bongino "the best partner I could've asked for in helping restore this FBI," writing on X that he "not only completed his mission - he far exceeded it."

"We will miss him but I'm thankful he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it," Patel wrote.

Attorney General Pam Bondi also thanked Bongino, writing on social media that "Americans are safer" because of his service.

The former Secret Service agent and conservative pundit's departure from the FBI ends a tumultuous tenure with the Bureau.

Bongino was named to his post in February by Mr. Trump, and helped oversee the firing of hundreds of career FBI personnel alongside FBI Director Patel.

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In May, Bongino gave an interview to "Fox & Friends" where he spoke about the difficulties of adjusting to work at the Bureau.

"The biggest lifestyle change is family-wise," Bongino said. "It was a lot, and it's been tough on the family. People ask all the time, do you like it? No. I don't." At another time during the interview, Bongino said, "I gave up everything for this."

Over the summer, Bongino clashed with other Trump administration staffers over a Justice Department and FBI review of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

As a political pundit, Bongino had pushed the government to release more evidence on Epstein and suggested a cover-up was afoot. But during his time atop the FBI, the agency's review found that Epstein had no "client list" and there was no evidence to support charges against others  findings that frustrated some Trump allies.

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Sources told CBS News at the time that Bongino attended a White House meeting in July with Attorney General Bondi and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles focusing on the fallout of the review. That discussion resulted in a confrontation with Bondi, and at the time, Bongino was weighing whether to resign from his role.

Weeks later, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey was tapped by Mr. Trump to share the role of co-deputy director with Bongino.

Typically, the FBI deputy director role has been a career staffer at the Bureau, but neither of the Trump administration's selections for the role had a history with the FBI before being appointed.

In his role at the FBI, Bongino led a charge to reexamine unsolved high-profile cases, including the 2021 D.C pipe bombings. Earlier this month, the FBI arrested the man suspected of planting pipe bombs outside of the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021. Investigators have not revealed a potential motive yet, and court proceedings in the case have just begun.

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For years, Bongino spread a conspiracy theory that the act may have been an "inside job" and that the bombs were planted by federal law enforcement.

Eye Opener: New video emerges of Nick Reiner moments before arrest

What we know after Rob and Michele Reiner's son Nick arrested in their deaths

What to expect from Trump's address to the nation
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Dan Bongino has announced he will be stepping down as deputy director of the FBI, less than a year after assuming the position.

The former Secret Service agent-turned-right-wing pundit and podcaster announced he would be resigning in January on X, thanking President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel "for the opportunity to serve with purpose."

"God bless America, and all those who defend Her," he said.

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Asked about Bongino's resignation, Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, that he did "a great job."

"I think he wants to go back to his show," he said.

Bongino was the right-wing host of The Dan Bongino Show in late February when Trump tapped him to serve as FBI deputy director, second only to Patel.

The pick continued a trend of Trump picking media personalities and loyalists with limited experience to fill cabinet and federal government positions in his new government.

A 12-year veteran of the Secret Service, Bongino rose in popularity through his show, which he used to spread conspiracy theories and attack Trump's detractors.

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He prompted a conspiracy theory that the FBI was behind the planting of pipe bombs outside the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on Congress.

Bongino had said the lack of arrest suggested the insurrection was an "inside job." After joining the FBI, he assumed a leading role in the case, in which an arrest earlier this month. He has since walked back his previous comments.

His short tenure at the FBI was marked by infighting, notably over the FBI's investigation files on the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

In July, it was reported that Bongino was contemplating resigning following a clash with Bondi after she said there is no so-called client list, a well-trodded conspiracy theory that claims Epstein maintained a list of wealthy and influential people whom he provided sexual services from underage girls.

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In a brief online statement Wednesday, Bondi thanked Bongino.

"Americans are safer because of @FBIDDBongino's service," she said.

Patel also thanked Bongino on Wednesday, calling him "the best partner I could've asked for in helping to restore this FBI."

"He not only completed his mission -- he far exceeded it," Patel said on X.

"We will miss him but I'm thankful he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it."
In less than 48 hours, Donald Trumps justice department must release most of the files related to Jeffrey Epstein in its possession. Last month, Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required the release of those materials by 19 December, except in narrow cases where they would jeopardize current investigations, harm national security or foreign policy goals, or reveal information about Epsteins victims.

Since Trump signed the legislation, his administration has been silent on its progress. Earlier this month, a bipartisan group of lawmakers asked Pam Bondi, the attorney general, for a briefing on the Department of Justices progress, but she did not provide one. Two Democratic senators among that group subsequently pledged to block some civilian nominees, because they were concerned the administration is gearing up to disregard the law we led the fight in the Senate to pass, which overwhelmingly passed both chambers of Congress.

Its not clear what remedy could follow if the justice department does not heed the law mandating disclosure, though such a move would surely provoke a political firestorm. If the files are released, they could contain hundreds of thousands of pages related to investigations into the late sex trafficker, including additional victims claims and the names of his high-profile associates. The documents might also lift the veil on how Epstein  who counted Trump and the former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor among his powerful friends  evaded justice for decades.

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Many of Trumps far-right supporters ascribe to conspiracy theories that Epstein evaded justice because of his connections to influential men they believe participated in a cabal of youth sex-trafficking. On the 2024 campaign trail, Trump vowed to release the government-held Epstein files and doubled down on this promise early in his second term as president.

But in July, Trumps justice department issued a memo claiming there was no Epstein client list and said: While we have labored to provide the public with maximum information regarding Epstein and ensured examination of any evidence in the governments possession, it is the determination of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that Trumps name appeared multiple times in Epstein files held by the justice department.

Since then, the administration has failed to make meaningful disclosures. In response to administration inaction, Congress gave the green light to legislation in late November mandating that Trumps justice department release all Epstein files  with few exceptions  within 30 days. Trump signed this bill into law on 19 November.

Here are some of the key moments from this year that have led to this new release of files.

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Background

Civil litigation and plea deals

Epstein received a sweetheart deal from Florida prosecutors in 2008 that allowed him to plead guilty to two state-level prostitution charges despite credible evidence he had abused multiple teen girls. Although Epstein had to register as a sex offender under this deal, he landed a non-prosecution agreement that shielded him from federal prosecution. Despite being a registered sex offender, Epstein lived a largely unencumbered life until late 2018, when the Miami Herald published Julie K Browns lengthy investigation into his charmed plea agreement.

Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex-trafficking crimes. He died in jail while awaiting his Manhattan federal court trial. The British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested in July 2020 for her role in Epsteins abuse of teen girls. Maxwell was found guilty in December 2021.

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Questions have lingered about why it took so long to pursue justice against Epstein, and about the circumstances of his death in jail, which authorities ruled a suicide. Meanwhile, numerous documents in Epstein-related civil litigation have been unsealed over the years.

February 2025

21 February

Pam Bondi claims to have information on Epsteins clients

Trumps attorney general claimed on Fox News she had Epsteins alleged client list. Its sitting on my desk right now to review, Bondi said. Thats been a directive by President Trump. Bondi had previously voiced support of releasing the purported client list, saying in 2024: It should have come out a long time ago.

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27 February

Bondi releases first phase of Epstein files

Bondi announced that her office had released Epstein-related files. This initial release, Bondis office said, largely contains documents that have been previously leaked but never released in a formal capacity by the US government. Bondi said she received about 200 pages of documents, which were mostly flight logs, contacts and victims names. Bondi also claimed a source told her that the FBIs New York field office had thousands more documents and demanded they be released.

July 2025

17 July

Wall Street Journal reports on Epstein birthday book

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The Journal reported that Trump wrote a saucy note to Epstein, with a sketch of a nude woman, for his 50th birthday album in 2003. According to the newspaper, the drawing included a naked woman with the word Donald signed under her pelvis. There is also dialogue between two men where Trump reportedly says, We have certain things in common, Jeffrey, and closed by saying, May every day be another wonderful secret. The exchange also said: Enigmas never age, have you noticed that? On 18 July, Trump sued the Journal over the article.

17 July

Trump demands release of Epstein grand jury files

While Trump condemned the intense public discourse surrounding Epstein, calling it a ridiculous amount of publicity, he called for the release of grand jury testimony in these cases. I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval, Trump stated on social media. This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!

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Judges ultimately denied the requests.

August 2025

22 August

Ghislaine Maxwell interview transcript released

As calls for releasing the Epstein file persisted, the justice department released transcripts of deputy attorney general Todd Blanches sit-down with Ghislaine Maxwell a month prior. Maxwells statements generally bolstered Trumps efforts to create space between him and Epstein. I think [Trump and Epstein] were friendly like people are in social settings. I dont  I dont think they were close friends or I certainly never witnessed the president in any of  I dont recall ever seeing him in his house, for instance, Maxwell told Blanche.

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I actually never saw the president in any type of massage setting, she also commented, referencing the means through which Epstein abused numerous teen girls.

September 2025

2 September

House oversight committee releases 33,000 pages of files

The House released more than 33,000 pages related to Epstein and Maxwell. There is body-cam footage from law enforcement searches, and police interviews, but most of the release contained information that was already public in court filings and other records. Robert Garcia, the top Democratic representative on the oversight committee, denounced Republicans for disclosing information that was already known. The 33,000 pages of Epstein documents James Comer has decided to release were already mostly public information. To the American people  dont let this fool you, he said.

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8 September

House Democrats release Epstein birthday book

Oversight Democrats made public the book reported by the Journal. The 238-page book contained Trumps alleged birthday missive to Epstein. This collection of celebratory letters also featured a second reference to Trump that was not initially known. There is a photo showing Epstein, standing near palm trees, toting an oversized cheque for $22,500. Trumps signature is on the giant cheque.

November 2025

13 November

Large tranches of Epstein emails released

The House released large tranches of Epstein emails with dueling political implications for Trump. The huge disclosure started when House oversight Democrats released an email which they said spurred questions about Trumps relationship with Epstein. In one email from January 2019, Epstein told columnist Michael Wolff that of course Trump knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop.

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Trump has claimed that Epstein stole young women employees from the presidents Mar-a-Lago club. In another released missive, Epstein told Maxwell in 2011 that Trump had been around one of his victims for hours but did not discuss this. I want you to realize that that dog that hasnt barked is trump, he said.

Republican representatives later released thousands of emails gleaned from Epsteins estate that seemed more politically beneficial to the beleaguered president, as they suggested acrimony. In a 2018 email, Epstein said Trump was borderline insane. Multiple high-profile figures were ensnared in the GOP release, such as the former treasury secretary Larry Summers. He announced he would be stepping back from public life after documents showed him communicating with Epstein, who described himself as Summers wing man. The documents also showed that Epstein communicated with top Maga figure Steve Bannon about the formers legal woes.

December 2025

3 December

House Democrats disclose photos of Epsteins private island

Congressional Democrats released photos and videos from Epsteins US Virgin Islands estate. While these photos did little to provide insight into Epsteins crimes or potential accomplices, they provided a look into his home. These images include pictures of bedrooms and an office, as well as a chalkboard with the words fin, intellectual, deception and power. There are also several snapshots of a dentists chair, with masks mounted to the wall. Per the New York Times, Epsteins last girlfriend was a dentist.

12 December

House Democrats release photos of Epstein and powerful associates

Democrats in the House published photos from Epsteins estate. In addition to Epstein, the images included photos of Trump, Woody Allen, and Bill Gates. Some of these photos have previously been public. These images were disclosed without captions or context. Other photos released in this cache include images of sex toys.

18 December

House Democrats release additional photos from Epstein estate

Democrats on the House oversight committee release another batch of photographs from Epsteins estate, only hours ahead of the administrations deadline to release the full batch of Epstein files. They include images of passages from the book Lolita written on various parts of a womans body, and redacted images of passports and identity documents of women from several different countries. There are also photographs of Epstein with David Brooks, the New York Times columnist; Steve Bannon, a former adviser to Donald Trump; Bill Gates, the Microsoft founder; and Noam Chomsky, the writer.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Bloomberg Intelligence has cautioned that the Trump administration's ambition to return Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FMCC) to public markets may unfold far more slowly than recent trading action suggests, even after retail-driven enthusiasm helped push their shares up roughly threefold. Following its latest assessment, Bloomberg Intelligence said the process could take months if not years, with an estimated one-in-three chance the effort is not completed before President Donald Trump leaves office, a risk it views as increasing. While Trump and senior housing officials have repeatedly reiterated their intention to end the companies' conservatorship nearly two decades after the 2008 bailout, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated the administration is moving very deliberately, pointing to a measured and complex path ahead.

A central issue, according to Bloomberg Intelligence, is capital. The report notes that the two housing giants lack sufficient capital relative to their debt to support any meaningful public offering, even as a roughly $30 billion IPO is being weighed for this year. The largest obstacle remains the $355 billion that the US Treasury continues to claim as compensation for the 2008 rescue, which Bloomberg Intelligence views as incompatible with a successful offering. The firm sees the most straightforward solution as converting that claim into common equity, assigning a 65% probability to such an outcome, while warning that existing common shareholders could face dilution of as much as 90%. An alternative proposal promoted by hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman (Trades, Portfolio), which would involve reclassifying past dividends as debt repayments and forgiving the balance, is considered far less likely, with a probability of about 15%.

Even if the Treasury stake were converted, Bloomberg Intelligence estimates Fannie and Freddie would still be nearly $100 billion short of meeting current capital requirements, making changes to the Enterprise Regulatory Capital Framework unavoidable. Those rules, last adjusted in 2023, would require a lengthy public comment process and navigating significant bureaucratic hurdles, potentially stretching the timeline to 2027 and making them perhaps the single biggest barrier to exiting conservatorship. The report also points to political considerations ahead of next year's midterm elections, suggesting the administration could hesitate if privatization risks higher mortgage rates. Bloomberg Intelligence adds that investors may demand stronger credit protections or wider spreads, costs that could be passed on to borrowers, complicating the case for a near-term offering despite rising investor interest.
Del. Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, calls for support of his legislation, House Bill 4654, in the House Judiciary on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, in Charleston, West Virginia. Steele resigned from the House of Delegates on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (Photo by Perry Bennett/West Virginia Legislative Photography)

Del. Brandon Steele, an attorney by trade who represented the Beckley area in the state House of Delegates and who often gave impassioned speeches during legislative proceedings, resigned from his elected position on Thursday.

He submitted his resignation through a letter sent to the House Clerk before 9 a.m. on Thursday, according to House Communications Director Ann Ali. In the letter, he said the resignation was effective immediately.

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Steele, a Republican, told Lootpress  an online publication he founded in 2020 and continues to own  that his resignation was necessary due to professional opportunities arising that would interfere with his work in the House.

He said he was honored to serve his constituents and will always cherish the time he spent in the body.

Steele has served in the House since 2018 and previously served as chair of the House Committee on Government Organization.

His resignation this week comes nearly a year after he was involved in a domestic disturbance where, according to a police report, his wife called 911 due to Steele drunkenly handling assault rifles and screaming at people in their neighborhood on Dec. 23, 2024.

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In 911 calls, Brianne Steele told police that Brandon Steele was extremely agitated and very, very drunk and that their three children, who were home at the time of the incident, were terrified. No arrests were made.

On Jan. 7, 2025 Brandon Steele was selected to serve as chairman on the House Judiciary Committee. That same day, a copy of the police report and recordings of the 911 calls from the disturbance were sent to members of the media and House leadership. The next day, Brandon Steele skipped his swearing in ceremony and on Jan. 17, he was removed as chairman of House Judiciary after a private conversation with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw.

Brandon Steele told West Virginia Watch in January that the rumors being spread surrounding the domestic disturbance were vicious and disheartening. He denied any wrongdoing.

In August, according to The Real WV, Brianne Steele  who works as the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk  filed an emergency protective order against Brandon Steele. That protective order mandated that Brandon Steele not be within 100 yards of Brianne Steele or her residence.

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Brandon Steele was reelected to his House seat in 2024, meaning a year remains in his term. Following his resignation, the Raleigh County Republican Executive Committee will submit three candidates to Gov. Patrick Morrisey to serve the remainder of the term. Morrisey will then appoint one of those candidates to the seat.

The 2026 regular legislative session is scheduled to start on Jan. 14, 2026.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Two men who had their previous murder-for-hire convictions overturned earlier this year have again been convicted of the same crime, the Delaware Department of Justice said in a statement.

In addition to being convicted in the January 2020 first-degree murder of Shiheem Durham, 24-year-old Jason Calhum and 29-year-old Khalil Dixon were also found guilty of several other crimes including money laundering, gang participation and conspiracy.

Calhum was a member of a MGS gang, who took on Dixon's retaliation bounty, according to state prosecutors.

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More: 96-count indictment accuses 7 men of gang participation, other charges

"MGS and gangs like it have done unspeakable damage to our communities," Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings said in a statement. "Closure is more elusive than justice and we cannot fully heal the harm they have caused, but we can and will hold them accountable."

What happened

Durham, 18, was found dead on Feb. 25, 2020, with a single gunshot to his head in the passenger seat of a Ford Explorer parked in a lot between the McDonald's and the Best Western off Pine Cabin Road in Dover.

Prosecutors have said the plot that led to 18-year-old Durham's murder began with the January 2020 killing of another teen.

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More: Retaliatory killings and a $5K bounty: What to expect at Wilmington murder-for-hire trial

Dixon, of Dover, was friends with Jamil Green, who was shot dead on Jan. 24 in Dover. Prosecutors have said Dixon put a $5,000 bounty on who he felt was responsible.

Deonte Robinson and Tyrie Burton recruited Calhum to do the shooting.

On Feb. 25, 2020, they traveled from Wilmington to Dover. That's where Calhum lured one of the bounty's targets to a supposed drug deal, according to state prosecutors.

When the victim's vehicle arrived, Calhum fired a single shot into the vehicle, missing the driver and striking Durham who was in the front passenger seat.

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Following the killing, Dixon made several payments for the bounty, the state said.

Calhum and Dixon were eventually charged with the urder and convicted in May 2022 of killing Durham. But Calhum asked the court for a retrial, claiming the jury was tainted and in February, their convictions were overturned.

On Dec. 12, Calhum and Dixon were again convicted in the killing.

Robinson and Burton were also convicted for their part in the killing and other crimes.

Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: 2 Delaware men reconvicted in 2020 murder-for-hire case
Jurors in the trial of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small were unable to reach a verdict Wednesday and will resume deliberations at 9 a.m. Thursday.

The jury submitted several questions throughout the day, including a query around 2:40 p.m. asking the judge what would happen if they could not reach a consensus on one of the counts.

The judge responded that they had not been deliberating long and instructed them to continue.

READ MORE | Atlantic City mayor testifies in assault trial, denies abusing daughter

After the jury left the courtroom at the end of the day, the judge told attorneys to prepare for the possibility of a partial verdict.

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Small, who has remained silent in front of cameras throughout the trial, did not comment as he left court Wednesday.

Jurors also asked for definitions of legal terms related to the charges, including the meaning of "a minimum degree of care" in connection with the endangering the welfare of a child charge.

They also sought clarification on the difference between simple assault and aggravated assault.

SEE ALSO | Atlantic City mayor testifies in assault trial, denies abusing daughter

Earlier in the day, the jury re-listened to recordings from an incident inside the Small household about 10 days before the alleged assault. In those recordings, Small allegedly said he was going to "earth slam" his daughter.

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Small is accused of beating his daughter in January 2024.

She testified for the prosecution last week.

Small testified in his own defense, denying the allegations of child abuse. Dozens of character witnesses also testified for the defense.

Small's wife, LaQuetta Small, who is superintendent of Atlantic City schools, is also charged. Her trial is scheduled for January.

If Small is convicted of a third-degree crime or higher - any of the four charges against him - he will be required to step down as mayor.
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino has announced that he will step down from his high-profile role in the New Yearamid claims that he plans to return to Florida, where sources say he is going to resume his job as a pro-Trump broadcaster.

Bongino, 51, shared the news in a post on his X account soon after rumors emerged that he was planning a departure from the intelligence agency.

The father of twowho has been open about the strain the job has placed on his marriagethanked President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel, before voicing his gratitude to the American people for allowing him to "serve."

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"I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January," he wrote. "I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose.

"Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her."

His confirmation of his departure from the FBI was shared within hours of The New York Times reporting that Washington, DC, was abuzz with speculation about Bongino's future in the FBI, with three insiders telling the outlet that he is preparing to quit "as soon as this week or as late as mid-January."

Those same insiders further alleged that the father of two has already begun packing up his office, "sending office knickknacks and other possessions back to Florida," where his wife, Paula, still resides.

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He reportedly told his "associates" at the agency that he was considering making an announcement about his departure at a press conference held earlier this month, when it was revealed that a suspect had been arrested as part of an investigation into pipe bombs that were planted in DC on the eve of the Jan. 6 riots in 2021.

However, no such announcement was madealthough MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC, reports that Bongino, 51, has told his colleagues at the FBI that he will not return to bureau headquarters for the remainder of the month and will officially announce his resignation early in the New Year.

"Bongino told his team and some senior FBI officials that he tentatively planned to announce his departure on Dec. 19, according to four people," the outlet stated. "Several people said some of Bonginos personal effects have been cleared out of his office as of last week."

Bongino was chosen by President Trump to serve under FBI Director Patel in February, when he was described as an "incredible" man by the commander in chief.

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At the time, Trump, 79, gushed about Bongino's commitment to his country, praising him as a man of incredible love and passion for our Country in a post shared on his Truth Social platform. He branded the announcement great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice.

However, the role appears to have taken a toll on Bongino, who quit his popular conservative podcast, "The Dan Bongino Show," to take on the FBI job.

In May, during an appearance on "Fox & Friends," he admitted that he was struggling with living apart from his wife of more than 20 years, with whom he shares two daughters, explaining that the separation felt like a "divorce" in some ways.

"I gave up everything for this. I mean, you know, my wife is struggling," he said. "I'm not a victim, I'm not James Comey, I'm fine. I did this and I'm proud I did it."

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He added: "I stare at these four walls all day in DC, you know, by myself, divorced from my wife. Not divorced, but I mean, separated. And it's hard. We love each other and it's hard to be apart."

Bongino hit back at any suggestion that he and Patel were not giving their all to the job, insisting that the two of them are in their offices from the early hours of the morning until late at night.

In an interview with Fox News hostand fellow Florida residentSean Hannity, Bongino teased a return to his former role in the spotlight, while attempting to reassure his podcast fans that he has not changed his opinions or political stance, but rather backed off from sharing them so publicly.

"I was paid in the past, Sean, for my opinions, thats clear, and one day Ill be back in that space," he said. "But thats not what Im paid for now. Im paid to be your deputy director, and we base investigations on facts."

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Before taking on the role in the FBI, the political commentator had enjoyed a lucrative career as a conservative activist, appearing on several news channels, while also hosting his own podcast, which saw him amass a legion of fans.

However, Trump's decision to appoint Bongino as the deputy director of the agency raised some eyebrowslargely as a result of his national security inexperience when compared with those who had filled the role before him.

Still, Bongino had ample expertise working within political administrations, having previously served as a member of the U.S. Secret Service under Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, before he shifted his views and became a popular Republican figure.

Bongino and his wife were residing in Florida with their two children when he landed the FBI jobwhich required him to relocate to the nation's capital, while his family remained behind in the Sunshine State.

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It appeared as though the father of two might have been ready to commit to a life in DC when he sold his primary Florida residence for $3.65 million in March of this year, having previously listed the property for just under $4 million in October 2024.

Records show Bongino and his spouse purchased the four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom Sewalls Point, FL, home for $1.55 million in 2019.

It is unclear whether they couple has bought a new property in Florida since selling the dwelling.

The commentator also owns a home in Maryland, where it was announced the FBI would move to in 2023, before those plans were scrapped by the Trump administration earlier this year.

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Bongino was based in Maryland for several years before relocating to Florida and even ran for the state Senate in 2012, one year after he quit his position as a Secret Service agent. He had joined the agency in 1999.

His move to Maryland came in 2002, when he left his hometown of New York City to take up a role as an instructor at the Secret Service Training Academy in Beltsville, MD.

Bongino has maintained a Maryland home ever since, most recently snapping up a property for $543,000 in Severna Park in 2020.
The cardiologist for the late Vice President **** Cheney said Wednesday he was seriously concerned because President Donald Trump looked unwell during his speech.

In a series of comments on X, Dr. Jonathan Reiner offered a grim view of the presidents well-being as Trump bitterly defended his administration.

Politics: Trump Makes Wild Best Physical Specimen Claim Amid Swirling Health Rumors

Reiner, now a CNN medical analyst, critiqued the presidents tone and manic pace before zeroing in on Trumps physical state.

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Im seriously concerned about the health of the president, the doctor wrote on X.

No one should be happy to see the president like this, he added. He looks unwell.

The physician, who treated Cheneys severe heart disease when he was vice president and eulogized him after his death last month, did not delve into specifics.

Trump looked "unwell," the doctor asserted. DOUG MILLS via Getty Images

Previously, Reiner aired suspicions over what the Trump White House called his preventative MRI.

Trump faces skepticism over his routine boasts of good health. A New York Times report called out a significant dip in his activity level, prompting him to lash out at the newspaper. He even called the publication seditious, perhaps even treasonous for its coverage of his health.

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Trump has had swollen ankles  or cankles  due to chronic venous insufficiency, according to the White House in July. He also has shown persistent hand-bruising.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
Body camera footage shows the moment police in Florida arrested a woman accused of kidnapping her daughter over 40 years ago.

Officials said the woman lived under an alias.

Neighbor: Theyre coming for you, Sharon!

Debra Newton: They dont want me."

Officer 1: Were here for you maam. We are waiting on the detective to get here, but we have, with all the information that we do have, you have a warrant for your arrest.

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Neighbor: They have to be kidding!

Officer 2: Maam, were not.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The woman known to her neighbors as Sharon Nearly is actually Debra Newton, according to Marion County Sheriffs Office. Investigators said she was wanted for kidnapping her daughter, Michelle, back in 1983.

I have known for a long time that something was not right, but Ive never really had answers to that story, Michelle told ABC News.

WFTV reports that Debra Newton told her then-husband, Joe Newton, that she would head to Georgia with their daughter, Michelle, to start a new job and prepare the new family home.

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But when Joe got there, Debra and Michelle had vanished.

TRENDING STORIES

Over 40 years later, investigators tracked down the mother to the Villages in Marion County, where she had been living under the name Sharon Nealy.

Deputies arrested her last month for a charge of Custodial Interference, a felony offense in Kentucky.

Neighbors told WFTV that Sharon and her new husband were always pleasant and that they believed there was more to the story.

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Unless youre in her shoes, you never know, said one neighbor.

WFTV stopped by the Marion County home where Debra had been living under the name Sharon for years.

Her husband came to the door and said their attorneys had advised them not to comment on the case, but that they would fight this in court.

Michelle meanwhile reunited with her father for Thanksgiving, but said she doesnt hold any resentment toward her mother.

I think theres a lot of healing thats got to happen between my mom and I, and she has an opportunity to connect with family thats missed her more than she realizes, she told ABC News.

ABC News contributed to this report.

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DOVER  Stefany Shaheen, a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in New Hampshire's 1st District in 2026, announced she received endorsements from a group of the current, future and former mayors of Dover.

Mayor Bob Carrier, Mayor-elect Dennis Shanahan, and former mayors Jack Buckley, Karen Weston, Wil Boc and Alex Nossiff all gathered with Shaheen at a local small business Dec. 16.

Stefany Shaheen, left, a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in New Hampshire's 1st District in 2026, greets a group of current, future and former mayors of Dover Dec. 16, 2025.

Everyone who knows Stefany Shaheen knows she stands up for what's right and fights for what she believes in, no matter what, Shanahan said in a prepared statement. Thats half the job of being an effective public servant. The other half is listening, learning and finding common ground that can be the foundation for meaningful change."

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Shaheen formerly served on the Portsmouth City Council and the city's Police Commission. She is the daughter of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire.

When you serve in local government, people come to you directly with their concerns and they expect you to do something about it. Its face to face accountability. Stefany Shaheen knows it from her time on the City Council and as a Police Commissioner and its why she will be an effective member of Congress, Boc said in a prepared statement.

In 1991, a first-time (home) buyer was 28 years old, today, they are 40. Stefany Shaheen understands this is a problem across New Hampshire and the country, and shes going to tackle the housing crisis head on, said Buckley, who also served as executive director of the Dover Housing Authority for more than 30 years.

Tariffs and higher prices are wreaking havoc on local businesses and consumers. Stefany gets it. She built her small business in New Hampshire and she raised her family here so we know shell never stop fighting for us, Weston said in a prepared statement.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Dover mayors group endorses Stefany Shaheen for Congress
Power plant officials blamed the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the strike [Screengrab/Social media]

Major cities across Sudan, including the capital, Khartoum, and coastal city Port Sudan, have been plunged into darkness after drone strikes hit a key power plant in the countrys east.

Flames and smoke rose from the facility in Atbara, River Nile state on Thursday, which is controlled by the government-aligned Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and under attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the ongoing civil war that has ripped the nation apart.

Footage circulating on social media showing the power station ablaze has been verified by Al Jazeera.





Two civil defence members were killed, power plant officials said, while trying to extinguish the fire that erupted after the first strike, adding that rescue workers were injured when a second drone hit as they battled the flames.

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Al Jazeera correspondent Mohamed Vall in Port Sudan reported that residents initially thought a routine power cut had occurred, only to learn it was linked to incidents in Atbara, roughly 320km (about 230 miles) north of Khartoum.

He added that such strikes have become a frequent occurrence in Sudans war.

We have seen this many times during the during this current year and the last year. The RSF drones are going thousands of kilometres across Sudan because they think it is a way to weaken the government and to prove to the population they cant be protected by this military government, Vall said.

The attack marks the latest escalation in a devastating drone campaign that has killed at least 104 civilians across Sudans Kordofan region since early December. The deadliest strike hit a kindergarten and hospital in Kalogi, South Kordofan, where 89 people died, including 43 children and eight women.

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Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed when drones struck their base in Kadugli on December 13, prompting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to warn that targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.

A day later, the Dilling Military Hospital came under fire, killing at least six people and wounding 12, many of them medical staff.

The use of drones has been extensive by both the SAF and RSF in recent months.

According to the US-based think tank Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 484 drone strikes occurred across 13 African countries in 2024, with Sudan accounting for 264 of them, more than half the continental total. By March 2025, the intensity had surged further, with the SAF claiming it shot down more than 100 drones in just 10 days.

Sexual violence escalating alarmingly

Sudan plunged into chaos in April 2023 when a power struggle between the SAF and RSF exploded into open fighting. The war has killed more than 100,000 people, according to some estimates, but the true toll remains unclear.

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The conflict has created what the UN calls the worlds largest humanitarian crisis, with more than 14 million people displaced and at least 30 million needing vital assistance. More than 40,000 people have fled North Kordofan alone, while civilians remain trapped in besieged cities.

For the third consecutive year, Sudan topped the International Rescue Committees Emergency Watchlist released on Tuesday, as global humanitarian funding has shrunk by 50 percent. A Thomson Reuters Foundation poll of 22 aid agencies named Sudan the worlds most neglected crisis of 2025.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus revealed on Wednesday that more than 1,600 people have been killed in 65 attacks on medical facilities across Sudan this year. Every attack deprives more people from health services and medicines, he said.

Seif Magango, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights office, also told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that sexual violence was also escalating alarmingly, with women bearing the conflicts greatest cost. Women face gang rape while simultaneously trying to flee from killing and bombs, he said, describing conditions as particularly horrific in el-Fasher.

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The heaviest fighting has now shifted from Darfur to the countrys central regions where the country is bisected between territory controlled by the RSF and SAF.

A report released on Tuesday by Yale School of Public Healths Humanitarian Research Lab found that RSF forces engaged in a systematic multi-week campaign to destroy evidence of mass killings in el-Fasher through burial, burning and removal of human remains after the city fell in October.




NEW YORK  Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani plans to announce one of the most consequential but least talked about hires in his young government Thursday morning: The democratic socialist is tapping Sherif Soliman, a de Blasio-era official, as his budget director.

The gig is one of the most important in city government. No major policy is enacted without input from the budget director. And Soliman, who served in multiple roles under former Mayor Bill de Blasio before becoming his finance commissioner, will also be the person charged with scrounging up enough cash to pay for the pricey line items in the mayor-elects ambitious affordability and public safety agenda.

A successful administration must have a budget that reflects the needs of working New Yorkers, Mamdani said in a statement to POLITICO ahead of his announcement. Sherif Soliman is a skilled negotiator and dedicated public servant whose leadership of the Office of Management and Budget will ensure our administration fulfills our affordability agenda.

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As POLITICO previously reported, Solimans name was kicking around a shortlist of budget wonks being considered for the job. The Daily News reported Monday that Solimans appointment was likely to come this week.

Solimans role will become even more important as several economic trends threaten the citys purse. The Independent Budget Office found Mamdani will be immediately faced with a $380 million deficit along with multi-billion dollar budget gaps in the years ahead.

And while forecasters at the City Council recently said the city is on track to collect billions of dollars more in the next two fiscal years compared with earlier projections from Mayor Eric Adams administration, the economic outlook is still uncertain.

Mamdani has struck up a chummy relationship with President Donald Trump, but the White House has previously threatened to cut federal funding to New York City, and the state is facing an impending shortfall in federal healthcare funding that will undoubtedly trickle down to the five boroughs.

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How Soliman handles those hurdles will have profound implications for his soon-to-be boss, as evidenced by the tenure of Adams: His budget director, Jacques Jiha, enjoyed tremendous power in City Hall that sometimes came at the expense of the mayors standing with the electorate.

An influx of asylum seekers and a mixed economic picture spurred Jiha to institute several rounds of savings programs over the years that trimmed billions of dollars from the budget, allowing it to be balanced annually as required by law. But the budget department also included politically toxic  and because of their relatively small size, ultimately unnecessary  cuts in their 2024 spending plan that sparked mass outrage from the Council and New Yorkers, who fumed in particular over proposed cuts to libraries.

The austerity measures became an albatross for Adams and ultimately came for naught: the cuts were later restored by city lawmakers who took a victory lap at the expense of the mayors administration. An OMB-instituted hiring freeze, while providing a necessary cash cushion, also eventually strained the governments ability to deliver services.

Soliman will come into the role with a previous working relationship with incoming First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan. During the de Blasio administration, Soliman served as a senior adviser to Fuleihan in the first deputy mayors office. In addition to his commissioner role, Soliman worked in intergovernmental affairs and for the deputy mayor for operations before transitioning into a senior policy adviser role under Adams. He most recently served as a senior vice chancellor and the chief financial officer for the City University of New York.

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Budgets reflect the values of an administration  they are about innovation and excellence in government, Soliman said in a statement. I look forward to the work ahead in building a budget that delivers real wins for working New Yorkers.

He will undoubtedly end up tangling with lawmakers in the Council, who must vote to approve the spending plan.

At an unrelated press briefing Wednesday, Mamdani pledged to avoid some of the back-and-forth with the Council that caused Adams so much agita  though OMB will be loath to give up some of its many informational advantages. With its granular insight into the line items of every corner of government, the agency has a far more thorough understanding of where money is being spent  giving it an upper hand over lawmakers during the budget process.

I'm looking forward to having a budget process that is honest, as opposed to one that is more characterized as if it is a game, Mamdani said.
The controversy that has plagued President Donald Trump's second term for months is coming to a head on Dec. 19.

The deadline to release criminal files on the late sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein is Friday, 30 days after Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Trump had expressed support for releasing the files, casting doubt on Epstein's death as a suicide during both the 2020 presidential campaign and the 2024 presidential campaign. But in July, when his administration's Justice Department announced no more documents needed to be released, it created a rare splinter among Republicans.

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He has repeatedly called the issue a Democrat hoax, but here is some of what else he has said about the issue over the years.

More: How Epstein has dogged Trump's second term unlike anything else

House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released photos on Dec. 12, 2025, from Jeffrey Epsteins email that show Epstein with high-profile figures including Steve Bannon. Some images have had portions redacted by the Committee. House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released photos on Dec. 12, 2025, from Jeffrey Epsteins email that show Epstein with Woody Allen. House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released photos on Dec. 12, 2025, from Jeffrey Epsteins email, including this one showing Richard Branson, on the right. House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released photos on Dec. 12, 2025, from Jeffrey Epsteins email that show Woody Allen with Epstein. This image was redacted by the Committee. House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released photos from Jeffrey Epsteins email on Dec. 12, 2025, that show President Donald Trump with Epstein. House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released photos from Jeffrey Epsteins email on Dec. 12, 2025, show Bill Gates with an unidentified person. House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released photos from Jeffrey Epsteins email on Dec. 12, 2025, that show Steve Bannon with Epstein. House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released photos from Jeffrey Epsteins email on Dec. 12, 2025, that show Epstein with Alan Dershowitz. House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released photos from Jeffrey Epsteins email on Dec. 12, 2025, that show Steve Bannon with Epstein. House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released photos from Jeffrey Epsteins email on Dec. 12, 2025, that show former President Bill Clinton and Ghislaine Maxwell with Epstein on Dec. 12, 2025.

High-profile figures in Epstein's emails: See newly released images 1 of 10 House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released photos on Dec. 12, 2025, from Jeffrey Epsteins email that show Epstein with high-profile figures including Steve Bannon. Some images have had portions redacted by the Committee.

'It'd be interesting to find out what happened there'

When: Interview released June 3, 2024

Where: Fox News

Context: During the presidential campaign, Trump was asked on Fox News if he would declassify a number of things, including the 9/11 files, the JFK files, and the Epstein files. To the last item, he said, "yeah, I would," but appeared less supportive than the other definitive yeses.

Quote: "I don't know about Epstein so much as I do the others. Certainly about the way he died. It'd be interesting to find out what happened there, because that was a weird situation and the cameras didn't happen to be working, etc., etc. But yeah, I'd go a long way toward that one."

'I don't understand why the Jeffrey Epstein case would be of interest to anybody'

When: July 15

Where: Joint Base Andrews tarmac gaggle

Context: The Trump administration was facing backlash after a July 7 Department of Justice and FBI memo on the files said "no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted." A reporter asked Trump why, despite his urgings to move on, his supporters were interested in what happened and upset with how it was handled.

Quote: "I don't understand it, why they would be so interested in...he's dead for a long time," Trump said. "I don't understand why the Jeffrey Epstein case would be of interest to anybody. It's pretty boring stuff. It's sordid, but it's boring."

'False, malicious, and defamatory'

When: July 17

Where: Truth Social

Context: The Wall Street Journal released a report about a birthday letter from Trump to Epstein. The Journal reported about an outline of a hand-drawn naked woman with a note describing an apparently imaginary conversation between the men. Trump sued over the story. A House committee in September released the full birthday book including the note with Trump's name on it, but the White House said he didn't sign it and they would move forward with litigation.

Quote: "The Wall Street Journal, and Rupert Murdoch, personally, were warned directly by President Donald J. Trump that the supposed letter they printed by President Trump to Epstein was a FAKE and, if they print it, they will be sued. Mr. Murdoch stated that he would take care of it but, obviously, did not have the power to do so. The Editor of The Wall Street Journal, Emma Tucker, was told directly by Karoline Leavitt, and by President Trump, that the letter was a FAKE, but Emma Tucker didnt want to hear that. Instead, they are going with a false, malicious, and defamatory story anyway."

'I couldn't care less'

When : Aug. 22

Where : Oval Office

Context : Trump was asked by a reporter if he was in support of releasing the files. At the time, the Justice Department was sending records to the House Oversight Committee after being subpoenaed.

Quote: Innocent people shouldnt be hurt but Im in support of keeping it totally open. I couldn't care less. You got a lot of people that could be mentioned in those files that don't deserve to be ... because he knew everybody in Palm Beach. I don't know anything about that, but I have said to Pam and everybody else give them everything you can give them because it's a, it's a Democrat hoax. Its just a hoax."

'The Democrats are trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax'

When: Nov. 12

Where: Truth Social

Context: House Democrats released a selection of emails from the Epstein estate, including one where Epstein wrote Trump knew about the girls as he asked ghislaine to stop. Congress had just reached a deal to end the longest government shutdown in history, and a bipartisan effort to force a vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act was expected to be successful in the House.

Quote: "The Democrats are trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax again because theyll do anything at all to deflect on how badly theyve done on the Shutdown, and so many other subjects. Only a very bad, or stupid, Republican would fall into that trap. The Democrats cost our Country $1.5 Trillion Dollars with their recent antics of viciously closing our Country, while at the same time putting many at risk  and they should pay a fair price. There should be no deflections to Epstein or anything else, and any Republicans involved should be focused only on opening up our Country, and fixing the massive damage caused by the Democrats!"

'Quiet piggy!'

When: Nov. 14

Where: Air Force One

Context: A reporter asked Trump a follow-up question about the files on Epstein and the recently released emails. Trump scolded her, pointing a finger toward her and leaned in.

Quote: "Quiet, piggy!"

'Sure I would'

When: Nov. 17

Where: Oval Office

Context: The discharge petition days earlier had gained enough signatures to force a vote on the bill to release the files, but its future was uncertain. Then, in a surprising reversal, Trump posted on Truth Social on Nov. 16 Republicans should vote in favor of the bill "because we have nothing to hide." He was asked about the about-face the following day.

Quote: "We have nothing to do with Epstein, the Democrats do...no matter what we give it's never enough," Trump said. The reporter asked if he would sign the bill. "Sure I would. Let the Senate look at it, let anybody look at it, but don't talk about it too much, because honestly, I don't want to take it away from us. It's really a Democrat problem."

'You are a terrible reporter.'

When: Nov. 18

Where: Oval Office

Context: Shortly after the remarkable reversal of his stance on releasing the files, Trump was asked why he would not order the Epstein files to be released instead of waiting for the legislation to move through Congress.

Quote: "You know, it's not the question that I mind. It's your attitude. I think you are a terrible reporter," Trump said. "I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert."

'He has photos with everybody.'

When: Dec. 12

Where: Oval Office

Context: Earlier that day, Congressional Democrats released a batch of photos of Epstein with several high-profile people, including Trump.

Quote: "I haven't seen them, but, I mean, everybody knew this man. He was all over Palm Beach. He has photos with everybody," Trump said. "There are hundreds and hundreds of people that have photos with him. So, that's no big deal. I know nothing about it."

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Contributing: Bart Jansen, Zac Anderson, Joey Garrison, USA TODAY

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 USA TODAY: What Trump's previously said about the Epstein files, controversy
The Federal Reserve has walked back a nearly three-year-old policy that had curtailed the ability for state member banks to engage in crypto-related activities, replacing it with a new framework that encourages responsible innovation.

The new policy is being pegged as a means to "facilitate innovation by state member banks in a manner that is consistent with bank safety and soundness and preserving the stability of the U.S. financial system," the central bank said in a statement.

The reversal is part of a broader policy shift under President Donald Trump: this year, the Fed scrapped two crypto-restrictive supervisory letters and shut down its Novel Activities Supervision Program, folding digital-asset oversight back into the normal supervisory process.

"New technologies offer efficiencies to banks and improved products and services to bank customers, Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle W. Bowman said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Board said the old guidance is "no longer appropriate given its evolving understanding of the risks of the crypto-asset sector.

After Setbacks, Crypto Bank Custodia Keeps Fight Alive to Gain Fed Master Account

Breaking Operation Chokepoint 2.0

Caitlin Long, founder and CEO of Wyoming-based Custodia Bank, celebrated the policy reversal, calling the 2023 guidance "Operation Chokepoint 2.0 at its finest."

Long alleged the Fed broke the law by using the unofficial guidance to deny Custodias application for a master account, and claimed insiders told her that Michael Barr, Fed's Vice Chair for Supervision, who dissented in Wednesday's vote, directed staff to find something to reject the bank shortly after FTXs 2022 collapse.

"But most of that team is now gone or out of power at the Fed. Nature is healing," she wrote on X on Wednesday.

Custodia, which lost its October appeal challenging the Feds denial of its master-account application, has since asked the 10th Circuit for an en banc rehearing, a full-court review the judiciary reserves for truly exceptional cases.

The original 2023 policy statement was Operation Chokepoint 2.0 at its finest and unfairly targeted Wyoming. This is a win for digital assets and State financial innovation, Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis tweeted Wednesday.

Federal Reserve Withdraws Crypto Rules for Banks, Ending 'Choke Point' Practices

Industry response

The policy reversal is both a significant change in regulatory posture, as well as another huge signal regarding the inevitable acceptance of this technology, Ryne Saxe, CEO and co-founder of Eco, told Decrypt.
European Union negotiators agreed on Thursday to speed up deportations of failed asylum seekers by creating a first-ever list of "safe countries of origin."

According to a compromise reached between EU governments and the European Parliament, the following countries are to be put on the list: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Kosovo, Colombia, India and Bangladesh.

Further, as a general principle, countries that are candidates for EU membership will also be considered safe. This could include countries such as Albania, Montenegro and Turkey.

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Exemptions may still apply, for example if the EU has imposed sanctions on a country or if an armed conflict has broken out there.

The list can be expanded further in the future, the European Parliament said in a statement.

The European Commission will be tasked with monitoring conditions in the listed countries and responding if circumstances change. It could temporarily suspend a countrys designation as safe if the situation deteriorates, for instance.

The EU-wide list will be legally binding on all member states. At the same time, individual asylum claims will still have to be examined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants from countries on the list will not be automatically deported, but their asylum applications will be handled under an accelerated procedure.

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Germany already maintains its own list of safe countries of origin, a designation intended to allow faster deportations. Of the countries included in the new EU list, only Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro have so far been classified as safe under German law.

The agreement announced on Thursday still requires formal approval by both the European Parliament and EU member states, a step that is usually procedural once negotiators have reached a compromise.
Italian authorities may not withdraw all support, including accommodation and food, from an asylum seeker merely because the person refuses transfer to another reception centre, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on Thursday.

The case before the Luxembourg-based court concerns a Tunisian man and his underage son who were housed in a centre in Milan in northern Italy.

The man lost all benefits, including accommodation, food, clothing and financial support, after refusing to move to another centre. He was also accused of negatively affecting the operation and security of the centre where he was housed originally.

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An Italian court expressed reservations about the authorities' decision and referred the case to the ECJ on the grounds that it could infringe EU regulations.

The ECJ has now ruled that the complete withdrawal of benefits could not be justified in this case.

But it also ruled that the man's conduct represented a serious violation of the rules and that this behaviour could be subject to proportionate sanction. While the complete withdrawal of all support was not proportionate, Italy had the right to impose a transfer, the ECJ found.
The European Union is postponing the signing of a free trade deal with four Mercosur countries until January, an EU official said on Thursday.

The agreement between the EU and Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, which has been in the making for over 25 years, was scheduled to be signed at a summit in Brazil on Saturday.

The controversial free trade deal is intended to boost trade between the economic blocs, but is viewed critically by some major EU countries including France, Poland and Italy.

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Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, however, said that her government would be ready to back to deal as soon as the European Commission delivers more reassurances to farmers.

Italy's support is required to reach the necessary majority of at least 15 of the EU's 27 states, representing 65% of the bloc's population, backing the deal and to pave the way for its signing.
Belgium was under increasing pressure at a summit of EU leaders in Brussels to back plans to provide Ukraine with billions of euros using frozen Russian assets to cover Kiev's economic and military needs for the coming years.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of serious consequences if no solution can be found before current funding schemes for Ukraine run dry.

"We have a simple choice: Either money today or blood tomorrow," Tusk said as he arrived at the EU summit on Thursday.

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"I am not talking about Ukraine only. I am talking about Europe. This is our decision to make and only ours," he said.

The European Commission has proposed to provide Ukraine with up to 210 billion ($246 billion) in immobilized Russian assets in the EU as a reparations loan, of which 90 billion are meant cover financial and military needs in 2026 and 2027.

Kiev would only have to repay the loan if Russia makes reparations after the war  an outcome few see President Vladimir Putin agreeing to.

Belgium, where the lion's share of the assets are held and roughly 185 billion are held by Brussels-based firm Euroclear, opposes the plan, citing legal and financial risks.

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"I think all European leaders have to finally rise to this occasion," Tusk said.

Addressing the Belgian parliament, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever reiterated his concerns on Thursday morning.

The Belgium government fears that Moscow could retaliate against private European citizens and companies, for example through expropriations in Russia, and has been calling for safeguards.

De Wever has been demanding legally binding and unconditional guarantees from other EU countries covering the entire sum of the loan as well as protection from any potential claims for damages.

The loan could, in theory, be approved without Belgium's backing, as it requires only a qualified majority  at least 15 of the EUs 27 member states representing 65% of the blocs population.

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While it is widely seen as unlikely that other EU countries would move to overrule Belgium, impatience is growing among some leaders.

Belgium is "in a very sensitive place," said Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, "but this is as well a question of political will, not just legal aspects."

"In any political decision, there is always legal aspects. But we are politicians, we are the ones who are making the rules as well."

Joint EU debt as 'PlanB' lacks unanimous support

De Wever has been advocating for the EU to take on joint debt to fund Ukraine  a move which would require unanimous support from all 27 member countries under EU rules.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a vocal proponent of the reparations loan, rejected the idea of joint EU borrowing.

"We are essentially faced with a choice of using European debt or Russian assets for Ukraine. And my opinion is clear: we must use Russian assets," said Merz.

"I see no better option than precisely this. My impression is that we can reach an agreement. I understand the concerns of some member states, especially the Belgian government, but I hope that we can resolve them together."

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that he is opposed to any form of financial aid to Ukraine.

Lengthy negotiations expected

Negotiations on financial support for Ukraine are expected to run into overtime with EU leaders likely staying in the Belgian capital until Friday.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are insisting on finding a solution at the summit in Brussels.

"We have to find a solution," said von der Leyen.

Costa, who chairs the summit, said the meeting will not be over "without a final decision to ensure the financial needs of Ukraine for 2026 and 2027."
(This story was updated with corrected information.)

An ex-Brightline conductor who thought he had landed his dream job is now suing his former employer for $60 million for the trauma and pain he says he endured from train crashes and being repeatedly ordered to examine the bodies of people killed in the collisions.

Amid nightmares and panic attacks from witnessing the body parts, the blood, and in one case, the screams of a man pinned by his wrecked car, West Palm Beach conductor Darren Brown alleges Brightline offered a day of paid medical leave after each crash, and retaliated against him and others who invoked their right to more mental health days.

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In his lawsuit, filed Dec. 16 in federal court in West Palm Beach, Brown accused the private passenger rail company of violating federal law and pressuring train staffs to keep the cars rolling and the South Florida-Orlando service running on time by not asking for time off for mental-health recovery. Brown is representing himself in this lawsuit.

The suit alleges that crashes became so frequent during Brown's time at Brightline, from 2018 to 2023, and the company so unwilling to grant mental health days that employees would joke that Friday wrecks were "golden tickets," because a company-approved mental health day would effectively grant them a three-day weekend to recuperate.

Engineers and conductors warned one another to avoid taking days off for trauma, the lawsuit claims, and that "pushing too hard" for their mental health and safety after a crash would jeopardize their assignments or advancement in the company.

Brightline declined to comment on the lawsuit. The company has never been found legally liable for any of the 151 deaths resulting from crashes since it started rolling in 2018.

2022 Brightline crash in Lake Worth Beach haunted former conductor

One crash that ex-Brightline conductor Darren Brown said has haunted him was this accident Feb. 16, 2022 in Lake Worth Beach, when a Brightline train he was operating at 79 mph crashed into a car that was driving around the rail crossing's lowered gate arms.

One crash that Brown said has haunted him took place on Feb. 16, 2022, in Lake Worth Beach, when a Brightline train he was operating at 79 mph crashed into a car that was driving around the rail crossing's lowered gate arms. The vehicle split in two. It took nearly 30 seconds for the train to stop when Brown hit the brakes.

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Management ordered Brown to run out of the locomotive and back to the wreck, his lawsuit says, where he saw the driver, 55-year-old Luis Manuel Paez, crushed and pinned by his smoldering vehicle, screaming in agony as emergency workers pulled him from his seat.

The lawsuit also alleges that after a Nov. 23, 2018, crash in Hollywood, Brightline sent another train rushing by in the opposite direction as police and paramedics examined the scene. It narrowly missed Brown and first responders and ran over the body parts of the victim hit by the train that Brown was operating, according to the lawsuit.

Lawsuit: Brightline does not do enough to help in mental recovery

Brightline never provided either protective gear or a decontamination kit for Brown after ordering him walk through human remains and wreckage before returning to the train, the lawsuit alleges. The company does not train onboard staff either on forensics or crash-scene investigations.

Brightline requires employees to speak with a company-approved clinician after a deadly collision, but workers do not share symptoms with them out of fear that management will use that information against them when assigning work, Brown's lawsuit claims.

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The company-approved clinician diagnosed Brown with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2023, noting he had watched "trespassers complete suicide, as well as serious collisions with cars." Brightline allegedly refused to approve more days off for mental health recovery when Brown requested them, and told him any absences he took beyond what management allowed would be treated as unexcused.

RELATED: Brightline train deaths: Where and when the fatalities in Palm Beach County happened

Brown had the right, by federal law and company policy, to take those days off even before his doctor completed his trauma assessment, which eventually would recommend therapy and intermittent days off, his lawsuit says.

Brightline train attendants, who serve passengers food and beverage, voted in January to unionize mainly to tackle the lack of mental health support from Brightline following crashes.

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Brown endured seven fatal crashes before leaving Brightline in 2023, he said, for his own sanity and mental health.

Chris Persaud covers transportation in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. Email news tips and ideas to cpersaud@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Ex-Brightline conductor sues for $60 million over trauma, PTSD
A former official in Gov. Bill Lee's office now in the Trump administration just received a pardon from Lee.

Monty Burks, previously deputy director of the Governors Faith-Based and Community Initiative, was one of 33 people to whom Lee granted a pardon on Dec. 18. Burks, 50, is now director of Center for Faith for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Lee called Burks a leader in the recovery and reentry community.

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Burks was convicted of a felony for a marijuana sale in 2001 and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic assault in 2007, Lee said during a call with reporters. In seeking a pardon, Burks told the Tennessee Board of Parole he had turned to addiction and destructive behavior after his father's death.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee introduces Republican nominee Matt Van Epps before he announced his victory in the Tennessee 7th Congressional District special election during his election night event at the Millenium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025.

"After those convictions, he committed to rebuilding his life," Lee said. Burks sought treatment, counseling and recovery programs and has obtained bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice and a doctorate degree in theological studies.

Burks and country music star Jelly Roll highlight the list of Lee's pardons. Lee called the pardon power "a very serious responsibility" and said he and members of his administration have been reviewing pardon applications for months.

"I am genuinely inspired by the broadness of the folks that are getting pardons today," Lee said.

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The full list of those granted a pardon is below.

Janet Babb

Shawn Baker

Shawn Boss

Thomas Braly

Monty Burks

Grant Burnside

Jason DeFord (who performs as Jelly Roll)

Lanisha Edmond

Andy Giron-Freay

Melissa Halpin

Edward Hayes

Willie Horton

Jeffrey Jackson

Joshua Jarvis

Nathan Jones

Jeffrey Kimbel

Jeffrey Kottler

Kristy Locklear

Robert McEwen

Temeka Nixon

William Reed

Alan Roberts

Hector Ruiz

Angela Sellers

Clark Shepherd

Erika Smith

Jessica Stanley

Matthew Wade

Anthony Walton

Kennda Watkins

Clay Watkins

Steven Welch

Tenisha Woods

The list of pardon recipients that was sent to reporters included just the recipients' names. Without other identifying information, The Tennessean could not immediately confirm the recipients' crimes or counties of conviction. Lee's chief legal counsel Erin Merrick said no person was pardoned for a homicide, sex-related offense or crime committed by an adult against a minor. Very few were pardoned for a crime against persons, Merrick said.

A pardon does not wipe someone's record clean but instead is an official statement of forgiveness by the state. A pardon is a prerequisite toward getting your record expunged.

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Lee also has the power to grant exonerations, which expunge a conviction if the governor concludes the person is innocent, and commutations, which reduce a person's sentence. He did not grant any exonerations or commutations.

Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: In Tennessee pardons 2025, Bill Lee grants clemency to 33
A former University of Iowa employee will be placed on probation following a guilty plea on theft and fraud charges after purportedly diverting nearly $1 million in business from the University of Iowa's astronomy and physics workshop to his personal company.

Brian Busch pleaded guilty in October to first-degree theft for deceiving labor, services or property in excess of $10,000 and first-degree fraudulent practice for altering or making a false data entry in excess of $10,000.

The theft and fraudulent practice charges are both Class "C" felonies in Iowa and could have landed Busch in prison for up to 20 years. Two additional charges were dropped because of the guilty plea.

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Iowa District Court Judge Kevin McKeever imposed a three-year probation period for Busch, and he was ordered to repay approximately $173,000 to the university, according to court documents. The payments will be made in increments of at least $50 per month until fully repaid.

More: Iowa Republicans vote for health care bill without ACA subsidy renewal

Prosecutors advocated for a suspended sentence at the sentencing hearing on Dec. 15. Suspended sentences impose similar restrictions, allowing Busch to avoid jail time as long as he follows the court's guidelines, but it does not allow him to avoid a conviction.

McKeever sided with the defense and recommendations from the Department of Correctional Services, which recommended a deferred judgment.

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A deferred judgment means Busch could not only avoid jail time, but he could also completely avoid any criminal conviction as long as he abides by the terms of his probation for the next three years, which includes avoiding further violations of the law and repaying all associated court costs and the full restitution amount.

Crimes stretched more than four years

The UI had requested an audit of the financial management of the school's physics and astronomy workshop, which Busch helped to manage. State Auditor Rob Sand released a 300-page audit in September 2024 outlining the findings of a lengthy investigation. The audit identified $943,635 improperly deposited to Buschs personal bank accounts or to an account he held with the online payment platform Stripe.

JoCo supervisors deny 'due process' resolution despite past support

"...Buschs privately-owned company, D3signtech, was getting paid for completing jobs for an outside company at the UI physics machine shop where Busch worked," the Johnson County Attorney's Office said in a release in October. "The jobs were completed by either Busch or his D3signtech employees while they were getting paid by the University of Iowa machine shop."

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The crimes took place between July 2017 and September 2021, according to the initial criminal complaints. The UI said in a 2024 statement that Busch was placed on paid administrative leave in September 2021 and was fired by the university in August 2024, once the state auditor's review was complete.

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Ex-UI employee avoids jail time after pleading guilty to theft, fraud
By Jody Godoy

Dec 17 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is probing Instacart, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, as the retail platform faces criticism over its artificial intelligence-driven pricing tool.

The agency has sent the company a civil investigative demand, the sources said. The FTC is seeking information about Instacart's Eversight pricing tool, one of the sources said.

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The software, which allows retailers on Instacart to experiment with different prices using AI, drew criticism after a recent study showed different shoppers got different prices for the same groceries on Instacart.

"The Federal Trade Commission has a longstanding policy of not commenting on any potential or ongoing investigations. But, like so many Americans, we are disturbed by what we have read in the press about Instacarts alleged pricing practices," the FTC said in a statement.

(Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York; editing by Chris Sanders and David Gregorio)
Earlier this week, Ford scrapped the fully-electric F-150 Lightning and pivoted away from aggressive EV plans after losing $13 billion on the category since 2023.

As consumer demand wanes and the company plans to take another $19.5 billion hit in Q4, Ford is shifting gears toward extended-range gas-powered vehicles and hybrids.

Most Read on IEN:

The ripple effects throughout the supply chain will be far-reaching, including its $6.5 billion deal with LG Energy Solutions to make some 500,000 batteries per year. According to recent regulatory filings, that deal has been scrapped.

In late 2024, Ford contracted LG to make batteries for about 2.5 million Ford EVs from 2026 through 2030. LG was also going to supply batteries for Ford's commercial vehicle portfolio.

In LG's regulatory filing, Carscoops reported that the company said Ford's decision was the result of "recent policy changes and shifts in EV demand forecasts."

When the federal EV tax credit ended and the current administration eased fuel economy regulations on gas-powered cars, the bottom fell out of the EV market, and automakers are making swift changes.

A previous report on Carscoops says the news comes less than a week after reports that Ford backed out of a massive joint venture with South Korean battery manufacturer SK On to build multiple EV battery factories across the U.S.

In the divorce, SK On gets the BlueOval, the joint ventures factory in Tennessee, and Ford will take over two factories in Kentucky.

SK On formally ended the partnership, though it still expects to do business with Ford at the Tennessee plant.

The joint venture with SK was scheduled to receive a government loan valued at some $9.6 billion, but that deal will be restructured.

Next, Ford plans to rename and retool its Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center. The Tennessee Truck Plant will now make lower-priced gas-powered trucks.
Water officials in Kentucky spotted a worrying increase of one specific chemical in the local drinking water, according to NPR, and their attempts to address it revealed a frustrating level of corporate coddling.

What's happening?

Last December, officials at the Louisville Water Company identified a "sudden spike" in levels of HFPO-DA in drinking water.

More commonly called "GenX," HFPO-DA is one of several synthetic fluorochemicals used to create polymers, and it's classed as a "forever chemical," or PFAS.

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As the name suggests, PFAS are designed to be durable  and they are incredibly slow to break down in the environment and the human body.

The Louisville Water Company draws from the Ohio River, and when levels jumped, they were 15 times higher than the month before. PFAS are measured in parts per trillion, which city water quality director Peter Goodman acknowledged was difficult to conceptualize.

"A part per trillion is like one second in 32,800 years. Put your head around that," Goodman said.

Ultimately, Goodman and other water officials identified the source of the contamination: Chemours, a factory hundreds of miles away in West Virginia.

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As NPR noted, Chemours obtained permission to discharge "some chemicals" into the river, but the Environmental Protection Agency acknowledged the facility "exceeded the legal limits repeatedly over several years."

Why is this concerning?

The outlet spoke with Nick Hart of the Kentucky Waterways Alliance, who argued that the concept of legalized contamination itself was flawed.

"Environmental regulatory permitting is a license to pollute. You're permitting someone to put something into the atmosphere, into water, into soil that would not be there otherwise," Hart began.

Do you feel safe drinking the tap water where you live? Always Most of the time Not usually Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"And so when we talk about the safe  stop using the word safe, right? This is the maximum allowable limit."

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Goodman told NPR that drinking water isn't the only way PFAS enter the human body, citing packaging, "pre-fixed" foods, and other common items as other ways forever chemicals can enter and linger in the human body.

Research has detected PFAS contamination in the blood of a staggering 99% of Americans, even newborns, evidencing how pervasive this form of pollution is.

Forever chemicals are linked to a number of serious adverse health outcomes, including liver damage, thyroid problems, reproductive complications, and cancer.

What's being done about it?

NPR noted that PFAS can be removed from drinking water, but the process is costly.

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Hart pointed out that, instead of externalizing costs to the taxpayer, companies could also refrain from discharging PFAS into public water supplies.

"It's so much easier, so much less costly to prevent something from getting in there than it is going to be from removing it," he remarked.

Hart's observation was similar to that of Judith Enck, a former EPA official and founder of Beyond Plastics. Enck appeared on Adam Conover's Factually! podcast on Dec. 10 to discuss plastic and PFAS, where she touched on who ultimately bears these costs.

"And it's you and I who pay for [water filtration], not the people who create all the waste," Enck said.

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Locally, the West Virginia Rivers Coalition has sued Chemours over an alleged pattern of violations.

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.
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles on Tuesday told the New York Times that she did not say Elon Musk was an avowed ketamine user during a series of interviews with Vanity Fair.

Thats ridiculous, Wiles told the Times. I wouldnt have said it and I wouldnt know.

But Chris Whipple, who conducted the interviews and wrote the two-part profile, provided the Times with a recording in which she could be heard making that statement.

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The challenge with Elon is keeping up with him, Wiles told Whipple. Hes an avowed ketamine [user]. And he sleeps in a sleeping bag in the EOB [Executive Office Building] in the daytime. And hes an odd, odd duck, as I think geniuses are. You know, its not helpful, but he is his own person.

During their interviews, Whipple also asked Wiles for her thoughts on Musk sharing an X post that falsely claimed Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong were not responsible for the deaths of millions of people.

I think thats when hes microdosing, Wiles said, though she added that she did not have first-hand knowledge.

In a separate statement posted Tuesday amid the fallout from the Vanity Fair story, Wiles said that the article published early this morning is a disingenuously framed hit piece on me and the finest President, White House staff, and Cabinet in history.

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Significant context was disregarded and much of what I, and others, said about the team and the President was left out of the story, Wiles said. I assume, after reading it, that this was done to paint an overwhelmingly chaotic and negative narrative about the President and our team.

As Wednesday afternoon, Musk had not commented on Wiles remarks to Vanity Fair.

The powerful tech billionaire and former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has previously refuted reports that he uses ketamine, an anesthetic with approved medical uses that has become a popular recreational drug due to its dissociative effects.

In response to a New York Times story published in May detailing his alleged use of ketamine, Musk said the paper was lying their ass off.

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I tried *prescription* ketamine a few years ago and said so on X, so this not even news, Musk said in a post on X on May 31. It helps for getting out of dark mental holes, but havent taken it since then.

Also, to be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! Musk said.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Does a viral picture of what looks like an Israeli passport confirm that Volodymyr Zelenskyy became an Israeli citizen before he became president of Ukraine? No, that's not true: The image got the spelling of his last name wrong. The machine-readable text on the bottom of the first page didn't fit the internationally standardized form, either.

The claim appeared in a post (archived here) published on X on December 11, 2025. It opened:

Can someone explain this ?

The post showed what looked like an Israeli passport with a photo of Zelenskyy on it. This is what that image looked like on X at the time of writing:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at x.com/JeffreyxEpstein

The account on X that wondered about the explanation was marked as a parody account, but it was not the only one sharing the image.

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On the same day, another account on X (archived here) posted the same image linking it to the purported findings during an earlier search of the apartment of Andriy Yermak, one of Zelenskyy's top advisors (archived here).

NABU, the Ukrainian anti-corruption agency that executed the search, never released the detailed description of the found items. As of this writing, its only comment (archived here) confirmed the fact there was a search, but nothing more.

The first sign of fakery in the image examined in this fact check was an incorrect spelling of the Ukrainian president's last name. On the English version of the official website of the Ukrainian president (archived here), Volodymyr Zelenskyy's last name is written with a double "y" at the end, but the "passport" missed one of them.

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at president.gov.ua

The bottom part of the image shows what is called a machine-readable zone that contains information about the passport and its owner in an internationally recognized standardized form (archived here). This format is described on pages 17 through 20 of the International Civil Aviation Organization document that describes those requirements. Both lines show the nationality of the passport owner. This indicates the citizenship of the issuing country, not other citizenships if the passport's owner has any. The image circulating on social media, however, reads "4UKR" on the second line. An authentic document would have just repeated "ISR".

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy became president in 2019. Ukraine allowed ordinary citizens to have multiple citizenships (archived here) in June 2025. However, neither in 2019 nor in 2025 were judges or public officials (archived here) permitted to have any other passport than a Ukrainian one. Had the media or contenders for a political office learned that a candidate had one or more additional citizenships, that could have cost the candidate a race. Lead Stories did not find credible reports of that being an issue during the 2019 presidential campaign.

The claim reviewed in this article fits the pattern of other false statements linked to Russian actors. In 2022, the social media accounts shared a claim that Zelenskyy was a Russian citizen. In 2023, a similar -- fake -- image was being shared as purported proof that his wife, Olena Zelenska, received an Israeli passport (archived here).
Did Rob Reiner say he wished the would-be Donald Trump assassin "hadn't missed"? No, that's not true: A source close to the family told Lead Stories the claim is "nonsense." Lead Stories found no evidence that Reiner ever said he wished the gunman had killed Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024. Social media posts claiming that "liberals are all butt hurt over what Trump said about Reiner" justified Trump's critical message about Reiner's death by falsely asserting that Reiner had made callous remarks after Trump was wounded.

The claim appeared in a December 16, 2025 post on Facebook account @TreyGowdySupporters (archived here). It opened:

You Liberals are all butt hurt over what Trump said about Reiner but you never said a word when Reiner said he wished that the Assassin hadn't missed, when Trump was shot in Pennsylvania so STFU!

This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:

Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot from facebook.com/TreyGowdySupporters.

A source close to the family told Lead Stories on Dec. 17, 2025, that the claim was "nonsense."

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The Facebook post provides no evidence that Reiner ever said he wished the assassin had not missed when Trump was shot in Pennsylvania. Had Reiner made such a statement, it likely would have drawn widespread attention, given that he is a well-known Hollywood figure involved in Democratic politics and fundraising.

A key word search on Google News (archived here) and Yahoo! News (archived here) did not find any relevant results that Reiner said he wished the assassin had not missed when he shot Trump in 2024.

The Facebook post refers to condemnations of a Truth Social post by Trump in which he insulted Reiner following Reiner's Dec. 14, 2025, murder. This is the message Trump posted (archived here):

Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot from TruthSocial/DonaldTrump.

Reiner had condemned political violence as recently as Sept. 2025, after the murder of Charlie Kirk.

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During an appearance on "Piers Morgan Uncensored", Reiner called the killing of Kirk "an absolute horror", saying, "That should never happen to anybody. I don't care what your political beliefs are -- that's not acceptable, and that's not a solution to solving your problems." In the aftermath of the Reiner murders, Morgan shared a clip from his show on his X.com account.
You might want to check your fridge  hundreds of thousands of cases of shredded cheese sold across the country have been recalled due to contamination concerns.

What's happening?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Great Lakes Cheese Co. recalled more than 260,000 cases of shredded cheese because they may contain metal fragments, according to AP News.

The recall includes various cheese types sold in stores like Target, Aldi, and Walmart.

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Per the FDA website, the recall has a Class II classification, which means the product "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."

Health officials said metal fragments may cause dental damage or other injuries to the mouth or intestines if ingested.

AP News reported that the shredded cheese was sold in 31 states and Puerto Rico.

Why is the link between food recalls and packaging important?

According to Delish, the FDA issued 241 food and beverage recalls in 2024  an 8% increase from the year before. Additionally, the number of people who fell ill or died from food contamination doubled.

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A major concern surrounding food production and packaging is the use of plastic. Per CNN, plastic packaging can shed microplastics and nanoplastics when you unwrap cheese or open the caps on bottles. Microplastics are tiny particles that have a large impact.

According to Stanford researchers, about 10 million to 40 million metric tons of microplastics are released into the environment annually. Studies have linked microplastics exposure to cancer, heart attacks, and a variety of other health issues in humans and animals.

What's being done about food packaging?

Researchers continue to study the damaging impacts of plastic packaging. Moving away from plastic in food production would likely reduce the risk of accidents that lead to food contamination.

While the United Nations failed to solidify a treaty for plastic production and waste in 2025, global leaders in food and packaging later signed the 2030 Plastic Agenda for Business. The companies involved represent 20% of global plastic packaging.

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Meanwhile, you can reduce your exposure to plastic in food by making simple changes at home. Consumer Reports recommended that consumers avoid plastic food containers and replace them with more sustainable options, such as glass or silicone.

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.
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan leaves the Milwaukee Federal Courthouse on May 15, 2025. Judge Dugan appeared in federal court to answer charges that she helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, elude federal arrest while he was making an appearance in her courtroom on April 18. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Updated at 9:14 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18

After six hours of deliberation, a federal jury found Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of felony obstruction but not guilty of misdemeanor concealing a person from federal immigration law enforcement. The high-profile federal trial stemmed from Dugans interaction with federal agents who came to her courtroom to arrest a man who was appearing before her on April 18.

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You dont have to agree with immigration enforcement policy to see this was wrong. You just have to agree the law applies equally to everyone, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Brown Watzka told the jury in closing arguments.

Dugans case gained national attention, with her defense attorneys saying in closing arguments that the federal government was trying to make an example of the 66-year-old judge in an effort to crush those who try to stand up to federal power. Defense attorney Jason Luczak asked the jury to consider whether they were willing to accept the level of government overreach he and other attorneys argued was exemplified in the case.

Dugan invoked her Fifth Amendment rights and didnt testify during the trial.

During their deliberations, the jurors asked multiple questions of the judge. Among them was whether Dugan needed to know exactly who immigration officers had come to the courthouse to arrest. The question went to the obstruction charge Dugan faced, and U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman decided that in fact Dugan would need to have known the federal agents target in order for the obstruction charge to apply. Prosecutors argued vehemently against Adelmans decision.

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Jurors also asked to see the policies of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in regards to serving warrants.

Later, after another jury question, Adelman advised jurors that Dugan needed to have sufficient knowledge of a pending proceeding, as defined in statute, in order to obstruct that proceeding.

Closing arguments

Prosecutors made their closing arguments in the federal trial Thursday, asking jurors to consider what happens when judges decide which laws they want to follow based on their own personal beliefs. Dugan was accused of interfering with federal agents as they tried to make an immigration arrest outside her courtroom, and with helping their target to evade arrest. Jurors, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Brown Watzka said in her closing argument, must draw a line, without which there is only chaos, and that chaos is what the rule of law is intended to prevent.

Calling immigration enforcement a polarizing issue nationwide, prosecutors said that Dugan was not on trial for her personal beliefs, but because she stepped outside of the law. As they flashed slides and footage to the jury, the prosecution heavily featured statements from Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Kristela Cervera, who accompanied Dugan into the hallway at the courthouse to confront the agents. Cervera testified against Dugan saying, judges shouldnt be helping defendants evade arrest, a quote prosecutors highlighted to the jury.

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Dugan knew that the agents had a warrant, prosecutors argued, yet concealed Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, the immigrant they were there to arrest. Dugans obstruction of the agents was completed the moment she led Flores-Ruiz and his attorney, Mercedes de la Rosa, to a non-public door to exit her courtroom, the prosecution asserted. Flores-Ruiz exited into the same hallway where agents were waiting for him, and they arrested him shortly afterwards outside the courthouse. But it simply does not matter what happened next, prosecutors said.

The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation.

Although de la Rosa, whom prosecutors described as naive and inexperienced, took the door to the public hallway where agents were waiting, they told the jury Dugan intended for Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to use a staircase to exit on the fifth floor. To buttress their argument, prosecutors played courtroom audio that captured Dugan talking with court reporter Joan Butz and saying down the stairs as well as Dugan saying, Ill do itIll take the heat, and Butz responding, Id rather get in trouble.

Prosecutors argued that had Flores-Ruiz taken the stairs instead of going out into the hallway, that the agents would have never found the Mexican-born man, who was in the country without legal authorization. Repeatedly, prosecutors said that no one should ever second guess the decisions of ICE agents and law enforcement.

Dugan was described as stern and angrily pointing in the hallway, rounding up nearly the entire arrest team and telling them to go to the chief judges office. Cervera led the agents to the office, testifying that she felt abandoned by Dugan and roped into Dugans plan. No one is above the law, the prosecution stressed.

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Attorney Jason Luczak, delivering the closing for Dugans defense, tried to poke holes in the prosecutions narrative. This is a very important case; this is a very unprecedented trial, Luczak said. Make no mistakethe government is trying to make an example out of Dugan, he said. He added that the jury had the power to check what he described as overreach by the federal government.

Luczak stressed that prior to the second Trump administration, ICE arrests had never occurred at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. When the arrests began in late March, individuals had been reportedly arrested in elevators and before attending family court, actions which should have been reported up the agencys chain of command but werent, he said. Theyre not even following their own policies, Luczak said. This caused concerns, legitimate concerns, among the judges.

The jury was asked to consider whether they really believe that Dugan would put her career at risk for Flores-Ruiz. This case is riddled with doubts, said Luczak, stressing that the jury could only convict if they find Dugan guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. There are consequences on rubber-stamping what the government wants you to rubber-stamp, he said.

Jurors were reminded of the many emails sent by various judges asking for a policy, sharing stories of having people detained during court, and the slew of questions they had about how the county courthouse could respond. Chief Judge Carl Ashley had released a statement saying that ICE presence at the courthouse discouraged participation in the justice process and eroded trust in the courts integrity.

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Luczak also cast doubt on Cerveras testimony. Jurors were played mute security camera video and asked to decide whether they believe Cervera that Dugan told the agents three times that they needed a judicial warrant, something that didnt appear to happen in the video. Judge Cervera is wrong, said Luczak. I dont know if shes lying, but I could think of some reasons why. Cervera, the attorney argued, was trying to save herself by throwing Dugan under the bus. Youre either a friend or an enemy of the government, he said, asking the jury to consider why prosecutors relied on her statements so heavily.

When Dugan spoke with the agents, Luczak said, shes not being confrontational, shes being a judge. He also highlighted that agents contradicted themselves in testimony and in the interviews they gave to FBI agents after the incident. Luczak pointed out that the agents never ran down the hallway to the elevators, as theyd implied. The audio evidence provided by prosecutors had also been taken from multiple microphones and put into one file, and was not audible in many areas, Luczak told the jury, adding, I dont think you can see this as very good evidence at all.

If you dont trust the evidence that the government is putting forward, its just another reasonable doubt, Luczak said. Dugan never concealed Flores-Ruiz from the agents, who never entered her court to keep eyes on him, he said, adding that she never told de la Rosa to take the stairs. Luczak highlighted that prosecutors showed the jury video of the hall, with the filmer going down the stairs and not into the hallway, the opposite of what actually occurred. He called the governments downplaying of concerns around ICE tone deaf, and questioned why Cervera herself texted her sister to warn her about sweeping arrests coming to the courthouse if she, too, didnt have concerns.

Justice is not what the government is seeking today, Luczak. Theyre just wrong. He told the jury to rely on Dugans emails to determine her state of mind, including one where she wrote: We are in some uncharted waters with some very serious and even potential tragic community interests at risk in the balance.

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The jury was given instructions by Adelman, and began deliberations shortly after 2 p.m. At around 3:45 p.m., the jury sent out a question to the judge. Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin Brad Schimel, who lost a bid for the Wisconsin Supreme Court earlier this year, made an appearance in the gallery as Adelman read the question from jurors about whether they were allowed to see ICE policies, which were included among the exhibits.

Defense calls former Mayor Barrett as character witness

As witness testimony in the trial against Dugan concluded Thursday morning, Milwaukee County judges and public defenders spoke about the confusion and questions they faced when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began arresting people at the county courthouse. Former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was also called to the stand as a character witness, testifying that hes known Dugan for over 50 years since they were in high school together.

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judges Katie Kegel and Laura Gramling-Perez testified for the defense about emails local judges sent each other, asking for guidance and sharing stories about having people snatched out of their courtrooms and seeing ICE agents sitting in cars outside the court.

One judge chimed in on the chain, does this mean that Milwaukee County is cooperating with ICE? Milwaukee County does not cooperate with ICE detainer requests in the jail. The Milwaukee Police Department also has its own policies limiting cooperation with ICE.

Judges air concerns about courthouse arrests

In one of her emails, Gramling-Perez strongly urged the creation of a policy on courthouse arrests by ICE. Under such a policy, she testified, ICE agents would be required to check in with the chief judge before conducting any enforcement. When the arrest team arrived the morning of April 18, they checked in with security who notified their supervisors at the Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office. Security initially believed the agents would need to be escorted by the sheriffs office, but a sergeant told them that wouldnt be necessary.

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Gramling-Perez reviewed emails on the stand that said the historic protocols are now shifting quickly, and explaining that although state and local law enforcement have conducted arrests around the court in the past, those activities were always guided by clear policies or practices which were respected by law enforcement. The ICE detentions are a different animal, one email stated.

Prosecutors repeatedly attempted to get Gramling-Perez to say that ICE arrests were allowed in public hallways, per the key takeaways that she outlined in her email to Dugan and other judges. Gramling-Perez, however, didnt budge. When prosecutors showed her images of documents they claimed were part of her presentation, she said shed never seen them before. When they pressed her to say that ICE arrests could happen in public hallways, she countered that her emailed explanations were not all inclusive, that she is not an expert on the matter, but that even public hallway arrests have their limits.

Gramling-Perez testified that although discussion of a policy had begun, no policy had yet been established by the chief judge.

Attorney Maura Gingerich, a public defender, was also called to the stand as a defense witness. Gingerich testified wearing a black suit with a black mask she said she wore for health reasons  attire similar to what she wore on April 18, when security cameras captured her photographing the plain-clothes ICE, FBI, DEA, and Border Patrol task force members in the courthouse hallway. Gingerich testified that she took photographs of the agents to send to her supervisor, so that the chief judge would be notified that the agents had returned and could offer guidance.

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I think that it was very stressful to see what I thought were a number of law enforcement on the sixth floor without uniform, Gingerich testified, noting she had already gone to another courtroom when Dugan approached the agents. One of the prosecutors suggested Gingerich followed the agents to another courtroom and was cooperating with Dugan, saying, I know what you guys were trying to do, but Gingrich denied that characterization. Gingrich said she never saw Dugan that morning.

Barrett calls Dugan extremely honest; Dugan invokes the Fifth Amendment

Former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett testified as a character witness for Dugan, saying he has known her and the Dugan family for half a century. They first met when they attended the same high school.

Barrett described Dugan as very active in the community, an enthusiastic participant in community organizations and in her church. I think that she is extremely honest and I know that she will tell you exactly how she feels, Barrett testified, adding that he feels that Dugan is a good person.

The defense rested its case ahead of a lunch break. Dugan invoked her Fifth Amendment rights not to testify. Defense attorney Steven Biskupic noted on the record that he objected to draft instructions the judge gave the jury, after Adleman chose jury instructions crafted by the prosecution instead of the defense.

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Dugan faces up to five years in prison and a $350,000 fine for the felony conviction, but as a nonviolent offender with a record of service to her community is unlikely to be sentenced to time behind bars. Her sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

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An independent federal office is launching an investigation into the U.S. Department of Energy after it cancel ed $8 billion in funding for clean energy projects in California and other Democratic-leaning states.

The Energy Department Office of the Inspector General agreed to audit the agency after nearly 30 California lawmakers wrote a letter raising concerns about the termination of funding, something they described as unlawful because it was targeted at blue states "for their perceived lack of support for President Trump."

The cancellation, in October, included more than 300 awards in 16 states that did not vote for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Among them were 79 canceled grants for California  more than any other state on the list  totaling $2.1 billion, as well as $1.2 billion in future funding expected for the state's hydrogen hub , the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems, or ARCHES.

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Responding to the lawmakers' letter Monday, Inspector General Sarah B. Nelson said it "highlights important issues regarding the department's administration of financial assistance."

"In response to your letter, the Office of Inspector General recently announced an audit which will review the Department of Energy's processes when cancelling financial assistance and whether those cancellations were in accordance with established criteria," Nelson wrote. "This work will help ensure that these activities are conducted consistently with applicable laws, regulations, and Departmental policies and procedures."

Read more: Trump administration says it will cut $8 billion for climate projects in blue states, including California's hydrogen hub

News of the funding cuts first broke in a post on X from Russell Vought, director of the White Houses Office of Management and Budget.

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"Nearly $8 billion in Green New Scam funding to fuel the Left's climate agenda is being canceled," Vought wrote. "The projects are in the following states: CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, MN, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OR, VT, WA."

The Energy Department later confirmed the plan in a news release, stating that the awards were terminated following a "thorough, individualized financial review" that determined the projects "did not adequately advance the nation's energy needs, were not economically viable, and would not provide a positive return on investment of taxpayer dollars."

The funding losses generated a swift response from California, which has invested heavily in clean energy projects including offshore wind and solar and battery energy storage, as well as the billion-dollar hydrogen hub, which was awarded under President Biden.

The Oct. 20 letter in response led by U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) challenged the administration's decision as politically motivated and suggestive of "unlawful bias." They also said the Energy Department did not have the legal authority to terminate the awards, many of which came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress in 2021.

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Read more: Trump slashed $8 billion for energy projects in blue states. In California, that could be felt in red areas as well

"The cancellation of these funds directly threatens California jobs and will drive up energy bills at a time when costs are already out of control and the demand for energy is going up exponentially," Schiff said in a statement Wednesday. "I look forward to the Office of Inspector General's thorough review of this matter and will continue to urge that these critical, congressionally appropriated grants are reinstated."

Padilla noted that while the cuts appeared to focus on blue states, many of the project terminations in California affected Republican-represented districts.

"After our calls for a watchdog investigation, I am glad to see the Energy Department's inspector general taking action to bring transparency and accountability for the administration's vengeful hit list," Padilla said. "From a backup power generator for a California children's hospital to bipartisan funding for ARCHES Hydrogen Hub, the administration must reverse these harmful cuts and work to prevent Americans' energy costs from skyrocketing even further."

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Representatives for the Energy Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. While this round of funding cuts focused heavily on Democratic-leaning states, the administration has been broadly focused on canceling climate-related projects across the map, such as the Environmental Protection Agency's terminated "Solar for All" program to help low-income households install solar panels on their homes.

It is not the first time California has sparred with the federal government over issues relating to energy and the environment. The state this week filed its 50th lawsuit against the Trump administration this year, this time over funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

California and other states also sued the administration over its ban on federal permits for new wind energy projects. A federal judge sided with the states last week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Bureau of Reclamation's Acting Commissioner Scott Cameron speaks at the annual Colorado River Water Users Associations conference. (Photo: Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current)

In the next few weeks, the public will get their first look at a critical document two and a half years in the making that will define how the Colorado River is managed for the next decade.

The Bureau of Reclamation  which manages water in the West under the Interior Department  is on track to release a draft environmental review by early January with a range of options to replace the rivers operating rules, which are set to expire at the end of 2026.

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Several elements of the draft were shared during the annual Colorado River Water Users Associations conference in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace Wednesday.

Negotiations between federal officials and the seven western states that rely on the Colorado River have largely remained behind closed doors since 2023, but any new operating rules will be required to go through a public environmental review process before a final decision can be made.

Interior Department Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, Andrea Travnicek, said the agency is committed to meeting the self-imposed January deadline in order to finalize new rules before the current ones expire.

The Department of the Interior recognizes a shrinking timeline is in front of us in order to operate under a new potential agreement, Travnicek said.

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In an unusual move, federal water officials said the draft will not identify which set of operating guidelines the federal government would prefer, which is typically included in environmental reviews.

We will not be identifying a preferred alternative, but we anticipate the identification of that between the draft and the final, said Bureau of Reclamations senior water resource program manager, Carly Jerla.

Instead, the draft environmental review will list a broad range of possible alternatives designed to enable states to continue working towards a seven-state consensus agreement on how to share the rivers shrinking water supply.

We want to continue to facilitate, but not dictate these operations. The goal here is to inform decision makers and encourage parties to adopt agreements that put consultation and negotiation first, Jerla continued.

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Lower Basin states  California, Arizona, and Nevada  and Upper Basin states  Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico  have been at an impasse for months over how to manage the Colorado Rivers shrinking water supplies.

Last month, the states missed a federally-imposed deadline to submit a preliminary seven-state consensus plan that could replace the rivers operating guidelines after days of intense closed-door negotiations.

States last chance to share a final consensus-based plan will be mid-February 2026 in order to reach a final agreement in the summer with implementation of the new guidelines beginning in October 2026.

The Bureau of Reclamations Acting Commissioner Scott Cameron said he and other federal officials have intensified efforts to bring states to a consensus, flying out West every other week since early April to meet with the seven states river negotiators.

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There are a number of issues from decades past that some people are having some difficulty getting past, Cameron said, adding that states must be willing to set aside previous perceived inequities and unfairness.

One of the biggest disagreements between the Upper and Lower Basin states is over which faction should have to cut back on their water use, and by how much.

Lower Basin states want all seven Colorado River states to share mandatory water cuts during dry years under the new guidelines. The Upper Basin, which is not subject to mandatory cuts under current guidelines, say they already use much less water than downstream states and should not face additional cuts.

Despite states missing past deadlines, Cameron said he was cautiously optimistic states will reach a consensus deal by the February deadline.

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Its not unusual in the negotiating process that tougher decisions get made the closer you get to the deadline. And frankly, there are tough decisions that have to be made, Cameron said.

On Tuesday, Californias biggest water districts said they were willing to set aside many of their legal positions in order to reach a seven-state agreement.

The Bureau of Reclamation provided a broad overview of the components that will be included in drafts range of options, including guidelines to reduce water deliveries from Lake Mead during shortages, coordinated reservoir operations for Lake Mead and Lake Powell, and storage and delivery mechanisms for conserved water.

Jerla, Reclamations senior water resource program manager, said the draft alternatives will include some components previously proposed by states.

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She said the agency has adopted a number of temporary operational agreements since 2008 to address changing conditions on the river. Those agreements have served as test runs for a long term agreement and emphasized the need for more flexibility when managing the river from year-to-year.

We want to preserve ourselves the flexibility to come back to the table, to do reviews, to make consensus adjustments if needed, Jerla said.

That flexibility to operations will likely be needed again this year due to a less-than-average upcoming snow season, that combined with a dry spring or early summer in 2026, could create conditions for another low runoff year.

Were monitoring the forecast, and were seeing not a great start to water year 2026. Its still early in the year, but the way things are setting up it isnt looking good, Jerla said.

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The two biggest reservoirs in the country, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, are currently at a fraction of their full capacity. Lake Mead is at 32% capacity, while Lake Powell is at 28%.

Additionally, water inflow into the reservoirs in 2026 are projected to most likely be 75% of the average, according to the federal agency. The minimum probable inflow forecast for 2026 is 44% of average, indicating a potentially very dry year.
The steps of the Maryland State House. (Photo by Danielle E. Gaines/Maryland Matters)

A panel appointed by Gov. Wes Moore (D) to make recommendations on midcycle congressional redistricting voted behind closed doors Thursday to move forward with its work and solicit proposals from the public on how the states eight districts could be redrawn.

The 3-2 vote happened in a virtual meeting that was not listed on the Governors Redistricting Advisory Commission website and was not open to the public. There was no agenda posted. It was a meeting, and a vote, that Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) criticized in a blistering statement that called the outcome pre-ordained and lacking in public transparency.

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The commission, led by Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), met at 5 p.m. Just after 6, within minutes of the meetings close, Moores office released a statement in which Alsobrooks announced the commission would solicit maps from the public and hold two more meetings.

Today, the Governors Redistricting Advisory Committee [sic] met to discuss our path forward and decided to continue our work to recommend a congressional map to the Governor and the General Assembly, Alsobrooks said in the statement.

After Christmas, we will make the submitted maps available publicly and hold two additional public meetings to gather feedback on the options before us. This process will remain open, transparent, and focused on ensuring Marylands districts reflect our communities and comply with the law, she said.

Joanne Antoine, executive director of Common Cause Maryland, said the commission suffered from a glaring lack of transparency, highlighted by Thursdays decision to move forward with redistricting after failing to release any proposed maps to the public.

Critics: The entire process is a mess

Thursdays unannounced and unbroadcast meeting of the Governors Redistricting Advisory Commission raised concerns for open-government advocates about transparency and violations of the states Open Meetings Act.

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The commission has convened five times already without publishing a proposed map for public comment or review  a pattern that raises serious concerns about the commissions commitment to public engagement and transparency, said Common Cause Maryland Executive Director Joanne Antoine. Tonights meeting may have also violated Open Meetings Laws for failing to provide adequate public notice.

Previous meetings of the panel were all held in public, and virtually. None featured maps that the public or commission members could look at. Meetings were often added along the way without a clear idea whether the panel would hold in-person meetings, produce maps for comment or even if there was an expected end date to proceedings.

Nikki Tyree, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Maryland, said the commission failed to meet the spirit or intent of state open meetings laws. The panel demonstrated that it is more loyal to a single partys desire to redistrict than to the people of Maryland, she said.

There was no notice of todays meeting; it was not streamed for public viewing, Tyree said in a statement. The Commission has not shared future meeting dates or even an outline of a process or tools for people to contribute to the development of meaningful and fair maps. While it seems like small details, it sends a clear message that says the majority party can jam through what it wants while ignoring the citizens.

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The invitation from Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), the redistricting commission chair, to submit redistricting plans included no details on a format or other requirements for such plans. Those interested were simply directed to submit their map ideas for our consideration over the next two weeks by emailing grac@maryland.gov.

Antoine said she is concerned about the timing for map submissions that leave only a few days to submit map proposals with no date for the next two meetings. The entire process is a mess.

A spokesperson for the governors office did not respond to a request for comment about the private session.

Its unfair to ask voters to comment on what they cant see, Antoine said in a statement. Ultimately, this is about transparency; its about whether redistricting happens in the light of day or behind closed doors. The commission should immediately release any maps under consideration so the public can provide meaningful input, instead of putting the burden on members of the public to draw their own maps during the holidays.

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The League of Women Voters of Maryland also said in a statement that it was disturbed to learn of the commissions meeting and subsequent action Thursday.

Making sure maps are fair

Moore created the five-member panel in early November. He charged it with ensuring the congressional district maps approved by the state in 2022 were fair  a term he has repeatedly declined to define.

While Democrats in Maryland hold a 2-1 advantage over Republicans in voter registration, they hold a 7-1 advantage in the states congressional districts: Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st) is the sole Republican in the congressional delegation, from the 1st District, which covers the Eastern Shore and stretches into eastern Baltimore County.

Alsobrooks, in her statement, said Maryland has a responsibility to redistrict.

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At a moment when other states are moving aggressively to redraw maps  and with some already signaling they want the Supreme Court to weaken or effectively nullify key protections in the Voting Rights Act  Maryland cannot afford to sit on the sidelines, her statement said. We have a responsibility to move forward so the next Congress reflects the will of the people and can serve as a real check on this President. Thats what tonights announcement is about: doing the work, inviting the public in, and getting this right.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Executive Director Julie Merz said the Maryland commission took a critical step in ensuring the voice of Marylanders are heard in the face of national efforts by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans to rig the midterm elections in their favor through unprecedented mid-decade redistricting. We applaud the Commission for their continued work to create a firewall against extremists seeking to silence the voice of Marylanders.

But the commissions decision drew swift rebukes from Republican leaders in the House and Senate, with House Minority Leader Jason C. Buckel (R-Allegany) calling it the most corrupt process possible in an inherently corrupt endeavor.

Ferguson flames commission before meeting

Minutes before the start of the closed-door meeting, Ferguson released a statement charging that the outcome is already known. Clearly, the Commissions work was pre-determined from the moment the GRAC was announced.

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Ferguson, one of the five commission members, is an outspoken opponent of hyper-partisan midcycle redistricting. He pointed to recent polling that he said showed state residents have bigger issues on their minds than redistricting.

Our states residents have been clear, in front of this commission and through polling, his statement said. The overwhelming majority do not want a new congressional map. They want their government focused on fostering growth, affordability, and real protections against this lawless federal Administration. The Senate of Maryland remains focused on this important agenda as we continue to try to tackle a $1.4 billion budget shortfall in Marylands state budget.

Commission members who attended the meeting told Maryland Matters that the bulk of the discussion centered on whether to send a recommendation to the governor to move forward with a redistricting proposal.

Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss, in an interview early Thursday afternoon, said he expected the meeting to be administrative in nature, largely because of the previous lack of maps or anything like that. So, more than anything, I think thats what todays meeting will be  pretty much administrative and sort of figuring out the roadmap going forward.

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Speaking again after the meeting, Morriss said the commission discussed maps but none were shown to members.

There were discussions about about them, about maps, how they would be drawn, who would be drawing them, and whether or not we would have more hearings open public hearings about it, said Morriss, who joined Ferguson to vote against moving forward. I would say that there was a consensus that we would have the public draw maps, and we would have open hearings to just allow to allow the public to voice their opinions about the different maps that theyve seen.

But Morriss noted that part of the discussion included an option to send the issue to Moore and the legislature for public hearings.

That was the discussion, whether we wanted to have the hearings or go directly to the to the General Assembly, he said. We decided that it would probably be best, since we were a commission who would ask for the publics input, to then give them the opportunity to have input on the maps that we were considering.

Others who attended the meeting called it a check-in.

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I didnt see it as any big deal, said Del. C.T. Wilson (D-Charles), a member of the commission who voted with the majority Thursday night. I saw it s a check-in, like, Guys, are we going to keep doing this or what? There was no policy discussed.'

Wilson said he was not privy to how the decision was made to hold the meeting in private. Morriss said after the meeting that he saw no reason why the public could not attend.

There wasnt anything being discussed that the public couldnt have been a part of, Morriss said by phone. To be honest, initially, I thought that it was was open, and there would be people  listening. But then found out that today that it was just us.

Im not a lawyer but to me, there wasnt anything we were discussing that couldnt have been discussed publicly, he said.

A predetermined outcome

Ferguson, in his statement said he agreed to sit on the commission because we were tasked with hearing from Marylanders as to whether to move forward with mid-cycle redistricting. The cumulative oral and written testimony received to date demonstrates by a large margin that Marylanders oppose mid-cycle redistricting. Moreover, we did not engage in a thoughtful, informed conversation that would have included, at the very least, testimony from the Office of the Attorney General, or our State and local boards of elections.

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Pushing forward a pre-ordained recommendation outside the public eye is irresponsible and lacks transparency, his statement said

Morriss agreed that the combination of written and in-person testimony led him to believe that Marylanders were not overwhelmingly in favor of redrawing the congressional maps. He said hes tried to keep an open mind about how the commission might act but said the makeup of the members leans one way.

I wouldnt say that anything is predetermined, but I think when you look at the makeup of the commission, it gives you a general idea of  what their perspective is, he said. I think that perspective could be obviously seen going forward from the very beginning. I havent seen anything to indicate that there was anybody that really changed their  perspective from from what I would have considered it to be .

Morriss said the makeup of the commission, and the timing of the statement from Moores office Thursday so close to the end of the commission meeting, suggests the commission to a great extent was selected for a specific purpose.

Senate Minority Leader Stephen S. Hershey Jr. (R-Upper Shore) applauded Ferguson for issuing a statement in advance of the meeting to speak candidly about what many Marylanders plainly saw from the beginning.

Citizens across Maryland recognized this effort for what it was: a thinly veiled attempt to advance a political outcome that had already been decided behind closed doors, Hershey said. Public hearings and commissions should be vehicles for transparency and trust, not performative exercises designed to legitimize predetermined decisions.

Hershey said the commission should seek real input and not just to rubber-stamp a political strategy already in motion.

I share President Fergusons belief that Marylanders deserve better, Hershey said, adding: When leaders from different parties arrive at the same conclusion, it should serve as a clear signal that this approach missed the mark and that Marylanders were right to be skeptical from the start.

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Ford stock is down today, trading about 2.4% lower near $13.3 at the time of writing. Gains of 28% in the past six months face risk after the company announced on Dec. 15 it is taking a $19.5 billion pre-tax write-down on its electric vehicle division over the next two years and shifting production away from EVs toward hybrid and extended-range vehicles.

While the stock market didnt react negatively to the news, it did so following Fords cancellation of a $6.5 billion battery agreement with LG Energy Solution, as reported by Bloomberg on December 17.

This cancellation poses a significant problem for LG Energy, as the amount is equivalent to more than a third of LGs total revenue last year, and it also sends a clear message that the EV sector is in a challenging position.

Pivoting a business is never easy, but fortunately for Ford, there is a silver lining.

Ford is launching a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Business.Photo by FourFour on Unsplash  Photo by FourFour on Unsplash

Ford is launching a Battery Energy Storage System Business

In its statement about shifting away from EVs, Ford (F) also revealed plans to repurpose existing U.S. battery manufacturing capacity in Glendale, Kentucky, to serve the battery energy storage systems (BESS) market. The company also plans to invest approximately $2 billion over the next two years to scale its business.

By converting the Kentucky site to manufacture 5 MWh+ advanced battery energy storage systems, Ford hopes to capture the growing demand for battery energy storage from data centers, driven by the AI boom. The company intends to bring initial capacity online within 18 months and to deploy at least 20 GWh annually by late 2027.

Why batteries for data centers are such a big business opportunity

The most obvious use case for batteries in data centers is backup power systems. For example, Google has a data center in Belgium, where it installed the first-ever battery-based system, replacing generators at a hyperscale data center. However, as well see, there are other reasons why this presents a significant opportunity for Ford.

Newer and larger data centers are being built at a rate that exceeds the support infrastructure that supports it  notably, the traditional power utilities ability to supply sufficient electricity, Bob Johnson, VP analyst at Gartner, wrote in his research paper, as reported by The Register.

According to the same paper by 2028, only 40 percent of all new data centers will rely solely on power delivered via the electricity grid network.

Related: Ford CEO takes subtle shot at Tesla Cybertruck after $20 billion hit

The faster a data center gets running, the better. Sometimes, due to the constraints mentioned by Gartner, shortcuts are taken.
Today, the friendship between Jews and ordinary Iranians is alive and well, with Iranians taking to social media to express support for Israel after the Bondi attack. We must stand with them in turn.

It was the middle of the night when the regime snuck the statue away. The sculpted figure was of the ancient Sasanian King Shapur I, and the statue, which briefly stood at Tehrans Enghelab Square, depicted the Roman Emperor Valerian kneeling before him. Now it is gone after just a matter of weeks.

The statue was part of a broader attempt by the regime to revive a form of Persian nationalism aimed at soothing public discontent and redirecting attention away from the countrys other internal problems.

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But it was called out by the Iranian people for the propaganda farce that it was. Because the Iranian people are well aware of their own history.

Iranian history with the Jews

It is a history that dates back over 2,500 years, and, for the majority of that time, the Iranians have enjoyed a special friendship with the Jews. Indeed, it is unlikely there is any other example of two civilizations enjoying such a long and prosperous relationship.

Jews have lived in the region since the Assyrian conquest of the northern Kingdom of Exile, but the friendship was founded two centuries later.

The statue of Sasanian King Shapur I, which briefly stood at Tehrans Enghelab Square, and was removed recently in the quiet of night. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X)

After the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem and the Babylonian Exile, it was the Persian King Cyrus the Great who, in 537 BCE, permitted the Jews to return to their ancestral homeland. Additionally, Cyrus granted the Jewish community freedom of worship, a policy shown in the Cyrus Cylinder, in contrast to the religious restrictions imposed by the earlier Assyrian and Babylonian empires. Cyrus is the only non-Jewish monarch in the Jewish Tanakh (scriptures) to be named Gods anointed one (mashiach).

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Since then, over the course of 2,500 years, there has been a continual Jewish presence in Iran.

Of course, there have been bad times, too. The story of Purim took place entirely in the Persian Empire, and there was also the case of the Mashhad Jews. The Allahdad, literally meaning Gods Justice, was a violent anti-Jewish outbreak in 1839 in Mashhad, in Irans northeast, then under Qajar rule.

Muslim mobs targeted the citys Jewish population, killing many and coercing others into conversion to Islam. In the aftermath, most Mashhadi Jews were forced into a life of secrecy, outwardly conforming to Islamic practices while privately maintaining Jewish observance.

Iran is more than the regime that rules it

It is essential to distinguish between Iran and the regime that has ruled it since 1979. The Islamic Republic is not the inheritor of Persian civilization; it is merely a brief interruption in a long chain of comradeship. Its hostility toward Jews and toward Israel is not rooted in Irans ancient history, culture, or collective memory. Rather, it stems from an Islamist extremist ideology enforced on the people.

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Today, in 2025, the friendship between Jews and ordinary Iranians is alive and well.

It was telling that at the Bondi Beach vigil and hanukkiah lighting in London, one of the most prominent flags seen in the crowd was the Lion and Sun flag, the symbol of imperial Iran. It is a flag that has appeared time and time again at marches or gatherings showing support for Israel or Jewish communities post-October 7.

Many Iranians took to social media after the Bondi attack to express their support with the hashtag #IraniansStandWithIsrael following the terror attack in Australia, which left 15 people murdered.

Light triumphs over darkness, and the hearts of we Iranians across the world are with you, my Jewish friend, one social media user wrote, with similar messages of support coming from around the world.

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This regime is the root cause of global terror and instability, one user wrote on X, as others called for the implementation of the Cyrus Accords and for Israel to destroy the regime.

One Iranian within the country reached out to this writer with the message, As Iranians, we understand the meaning and cost of terrorism all too well.

For that reason, many of us feel a genuine sense of closeness and solidarity with Jewish communities around the world, and especially with the people and state of Israel. Today has been a difficult day for us as well, much like it has been for you.

The mullahs who rule Iran seem to be under the impression that 46 years of Islamic rule can wipe out the memories of two millennia of endearment. They seem to think they can sweep away a special bond, the like of which has not been seen anywhere else in the world. But they are mistaken. Iranians know full well their own history. Even if they cant show it publicly for fear of the Islamic Republic, they live it and breathe it every day.

And in the spirit of that friendship, as Iranians continue to suffer under the regime  and as they continue to be locked away for the smallest of infractions, such as calling for basic freedoms  we must stand with them.

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We must call for the release of Bita Shafiei and her mother, Maryam, who have been in the hands of the security apparatus for over a month, and are reportedly being held in solitary confinement and under torture.

We must call for the release of the 40 innocent people who turned out last week for the memorial ceremony of human rights lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, who died under suspicious circumstances just hours after a visit from security forces.

We must call for the release from incarceration of:

Abolfazl Abri; Ali Adinehzadeh; Hasti Amiri; Javad Alikordi; Akbar Amini; Mohammadreza Babaei; Heydar Chahchamandi; Mohammadali Dehestani; Milad Fattah; Noura Haghi (Vahideh Haghparast); Hamed Hosseini; Javad Jalali; Mahmoud Khanali; Amir Khavari; Narges Mohammadi; Aliyeh Motalebzadeh; Tayyebeh Nazari; Pouran Nazemi; Sepideh Gholian; Hamed Rasoulkhani; Mehdi Rasoulkhani; Amin Vosoughinia; Hamed Zareh; Mohammad Zanganeh; Zahra (Raha) Sharifi

Regimes rise and fall. Statues are erected in the night and quietly removed by morning. But civilizations endure. The bond between Jews and Iranians was forged long before the Islamic Republic and will outlive it as well.
No one was hurt in a restaurant fire in Allegheny County on Wednesday night.

Allegheny County 911 officials tell Channel 11 that firefighters were called to the Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant on Rochester Road in Franklin Park before 8 p.m.

When our crew got on scene, they saw light smoke coming from the roof.

Fire officials on scene tell us the fire started in the kitchen.

On Thursday, the restaurant posted on social media, thanking the first responders who saved our restaurant last night.

We are grateful that no one was hurt, the post reads. The Inn will be temporarily closed for repairs. Not sure of the timeline yet. It looks like at least a couple of months. I will let you know when we get a better handle on it. We will miss celebrating the holidays together with you. Thank you for the well wishes, prayers and kind comments.

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Restoration crews were busy working throughout much of the day Thursday.

Donna Siegrist and her husband stopped by the restaurant a little after 1 p.m., hoping to get lunch.

We were coming here for lunch. I just finished up physical therapy, I just had my knee done, I had total knee replacement, Siegrist said.

She said they enjoy a meal here a few times a month.

I love the fact that the food is always fresh, their chimichangas are delicious, their salads are delicious too, and their margaritas are really good, she told Channel 11s Andrew Havranek.

They didnt realize the restaurant was closed following the fire.

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Were very sad to see this happen, Siegrist said. I feel sorry for John. He took over the business from his mom and dad. It was a mom and dad business. I feel real sorry for John. Im sorry this happened to you, John.

The Allegheny County Fire Marshal is working to find out just how the fire started.

Its devastating whenever something like that happens, like, gee whiz, said Bill Howrilla, who used to live down the road from the restaurant.

Customers we talked to are just hopeful theyll be back in business soon.

I certainly am, Siegrist said.

And youll keep coming back, right? Havranek asked.

I sure will. We only live 10 minutes down the road, Siegrist said.

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Firefighters rescued an arborist who was stuck in a tree in Riverside on Wednesday, according to a social media post by the Riverside Fire Department.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Someone walked into the Riverside Fire Department Station 6, reporting that an arborist was stuck in a tree 35 feet off the ground late Wednesday afternoon.

The arborist was on a property adjacent to the station, which is located on Spinning Road.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The victim had a significant leg injury and couldnt get down with their rigging, according to the post.

Upon arrival, the Battalion Chief immediately requested the appropriate resources to help rescue the arborist.

Several Dayton fire crews also responded to the scene to help.

Firefighters were able to safely remove the arborist from the tree, who was then transported to a nearby hospital.

This is yet another incident where the collaboration between the RFD and our mutual aid partners ensure(s) the best possible outcome for the residents, business, and visitors (of) our great city, the post said.

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Utahs top lawmakers confirmed on Tuesday that, at the suggestion of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, the Legislature will consider increasing the number of justices on the state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals by two members.

The proposal coincides with an increase in workload for Utahs highest courts, and intends to speed up decisions, according to legislative leadership. It also comes amid Republican frustration over recent rulings that have stalled legislation and scrapped legal precedent.

In interviews with the Deseret News, Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, and House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, framed the bill as an effort to strengthen the judicial branch by increasing resources, aligning Utah with national norms and expanding perspectives on the bench.

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I hope this helps to balance, both in workload and in judicial philosophy, and we believe it probably has a dual effect, Adams said. But its needed.

Unlike two-thirds of other states, the Utah Supreme Court has only five members. The Court of Appeals, which filters cases to the Supreme Court, has seven members. Meanwhile, both bodies have received a record number of legal filings, leading to case backlogs and delayed decisions.

Is Utah an outlier?

The Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

A majority of states, totaling 28, have seven-member supreme courts. Another seven state courts, including Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, have nine justices. And 17 mostly smaller states, and the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, have five justices.

Utahs an outlier, Schultz said. I dont think any rational person would look at it and not say that five sets of eyes is better than seven sets of eyes.

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The size of Utahs Supreme Court has not changed since 1917, despite the states population growing by more than 3 million people. Likewise, the size of the Court of Appeals has not changed since it was created in 1987, when the state was half the size.

Court expansions are not unusual. One analysis found states have expanded supreme courts on 120 different occasions. Only one state, Hawaii, has kept the same size. The 10 states closest to Utah in terms of population have all established supreme courts with seven or nine justices.

Will more justices help?

Data provided by the Utah court system suggests that top appellate courts are overwhelmed by case loads and may benefit from added justices.

In fiscal year 2025, the Utah Supreme Court received 270 legal filings, and the Court of Appeals received 1,143  both setting new records, and contributing to a 34% increase in legal filings received by both courts combined since fiscal year 2017.

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An annual report by the Utah Judicial Council found the Supreme Court was deciding fewer cases than historically, and the Court of Appeals was taking longer to rule, resulting in the number of requests for deadline extensions to double between 2017 and 2024.

Where Utahs seven Court of Appeals judges were once responsible for approximately 700 cases each year, they are now handling nearly 1,000 cases annually. This leads to otherwise avoidable delay in the appellate process, the report stated.

Other Western states, including Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and New Mexico, each added a judge to their court of appeals before the population ratio reached 350,000 per judge, the report found. Utahs current ratio exceeds 488,000 per Court of Appeals judge.

The report requested lawmakers to provide funding for an additional Court of Appeals judge. However, Chief Justice Matthew Durrant, and Justice Paige Petersen, have said the same is not true of the Utah Supreme Court, arguing that adding more judges could actually slow deliberation.

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In a statement to the Deseret News, the Utah State Bar said expanding the Supreme Court will be costly for taxpayers and is one of the least effective ways to address the delays in Utahs judicial system because staffing shortages, not the number of justices, are the primary cause of delays.

Judicial leaders have also cautioned that expansion of the Utah Supreme Court may actually complicate and slow decision-making, reinforcing the need to prioritize investments where they will have the greatest impact, the statement said.

The Utah State Bar urges policymakers to rely on judicial data and expertise when considering structural changes to the court system so that tax dollars are directed first to fixing the proven bottlenecks.

The entrance to the Utah Supreme Court at the Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City is pictured on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Is this political retribution?

Critics of expanding the court have criticized the proposal as GOP backlash in response to a series of unfavorable Supreme Court opinions, including a pause on Utahs elective abortion ban and a decision making certain ballot initiatives immune from legislative changes.

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The proposal also comes as Republican lawmakers vow to appeal the states redistricting case to the Utah Supreme Court after it resulted in a district judge choosing new congressional boundaries which were submitted by nonprofit groups instead of being approved by the Legislature.

The urgency with which my colleagues suddenly feel we need to expand the Supreme Court has very little to do with these pretextual reasons about caseload, and everything to do with the fact that my colleagues are getting rulings theyre not happy with, Sen. Stephanie Pitcher told the Deseret News.

Pitcher, D-Millcreek, called the proposed court expansion a very thinly veiled attempt to influence the courts ideology by creating two new seats Cox can fill with judges who will rule favorably on conservative priorities like abortion, redistricting and transgender access to bathrooms.

This is not a typical check on one branch of government by another, according to Pitcher, it is retribution. While she is not opposed to the basic principle, Pitcher said she believes court expansion should not proceed unless supreme court justices tell the Legislature they think it will help them.

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But legislative leadership does not expect the expansion of Utahs highest courts to be a tough lift in the upcoming legislative session.

The focus of the policy change is doing whats best for the judicial system, for the citizens of the state, Schultz said. If lawmakers were really trying to pressure the court to change its philosophy, they would be pushing for four more justices, not two, according to Schultz.

Cox dismissed arguments that he was calling for court packing during his monthly news broadcast in November. For decades, it has been Republican governors and senators selecting who will sit on the Utah Supreme Court, and that hasnt changed, he said.
A US Navy warship in the Middle East just launched a one-way attack drone for the first time.

A commander described it as a milestone in the effort to deploy cheap drones.

The launch comes as the Pentagon tries to keep pace with new technology in modern warfare.

A US Navy warship operating in the Middle East launched a one-way attack drone at sea this week, marking a first for the American military as it pushes to deploy this new technology.

The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara launched the drone, a Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System, or LUCAS, in the Arabian Gulf on Tuesday, 5th Fleet said in a statement on Wednesday.

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Vice Adm. Curt Renshaw, the head of US Naval Forces Central Command, said the "first successful launch of LUCAS from a naval vessel marks a significant milestone in rapidly delivering affordable and effective" drones to American military personnel.

The drone launched from the Santa Barbara belonged to a new squadron based in the Middle East that operates the LUCAS systems, one-way attack drones that resemble the Iranian-designed Shahed-136 widely used by Russia in attacks against Ukraine.

LUCAS, developed by the American engineering firm SpektreWorks, has an "extensive" range, can be launched by catapults and from vehicles and mobile ground stations, and has rocket-assisted takeoff capabilities, the Navy said.

"Bravo Zulu. U.S. Navy forces in the Middle East are advancing warfighting capability in new ways, bringing more striking power from the sea and setting conditions for using innovation as a deterrent." - Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander https://t.co/TgQ4WLbph3 pic.twitter.com/WUiAVojTht  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 18, 2025

The system's classification as a one-way attack drone, also known as a loitering munition, indicates that LUCAS can remain airborne in a target area for a period before diving down at its target and detonating.

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"This platform will undoubtedly enhance regional maritime security and deterrence," said Renshaw, who oversees the American naval presence in the Middle East.

Littoral combat ships, such as the Santa Barbara, are equipped with naval cannons, machine guns, and missiles. The ability to launch attack drones from the flight deck would give the vessels more firepower, though it's unclear whether the LUCAS systems would be used this way during combat operations.

The launch this week, which took place in waters near Iran, comes as the US seeks to rapidly produce and deploy inexpensive drones amid a rise in robotic and autonomous systems in modern warfare.

The Trump administration has made it a priority to boost the production of drones to keep pace with Russia and China. Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a plan envisioning a substantial $1 billion investment over two years to make and field hundreds of thousands of cheap attack drones.

The US is pushing cheap drones into the Middle East. US Army photo by Spc. Kayla McGuire

US Central Command, which oversees US operations in the Middle East, announced on December 3 the establishment of a new task force for the military's first one-way attack drone squadron  using LUCAS drones  in the region.

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The delta-wing shape is a popular design for one-way attack drones. Some models, like the LUCAS or Russia's Geran-2, appear to have derived their profiles from the notorious Iranian Shahed.

Russia used Iranian-made Shaheds against Ukraine early in the war, but it has since started manufacturing its own versions. The Gerans carry small warheads and travel much slower than cruise and ballistic missiles, but they are significantly cheaper, allowing Moscow to launch dozens or hundreds in a single night. These weapons augment strike packages and make defense more difficult.

In May, President Donald Trump praised the Shahed for its low cost  estimated to be roughly $35,000 to $40,000  and speed. He said the drone has proven extremely deadly in Ukraine.

One-way attack drones, like the Shahed, have been used in recent years by Iran-backed militants, who have launched them at American forces in the Middle East, as well as Israel and ships sailing off the coast of Yemen.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Floridas Chief Financial Officer is set to hold a news conference in Winter Park on Thursday.

Blaise Ingoglia is planning to hold a press briefing at 10:30 a.m. to unveil a new legislative proposal.

This event follows his earlier accusations that Orange County mismanaged $200 million.

Earlier this year, he stated that an audit would be conducted within 60 days, but details about that audit have not yet been released.

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The press briefing is expected to clarify Ingoglias proposal and may touch on the outcomes related to his previous claims against Orange County.

Residents and local officials have expressed interest in the audits findings as government oversight becomes a key issue in state governance.

Ingoglia has been vocal about fiscal responsibility across Florida, particularly in local government spending.

His previous tenure as chair of the states Republican Party highlights his focus on accountability in financial matters.

Channel 9 will have a crew at the event and provide updates on Eyewitness News.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
A condemned man on Floridas death row is awaiting to hear his fate from the U.S. Supreme Court.

Frank Athen Walls was convicted of killing a couple during a home invasion in Okaloosa in 1987.

The Florida Supreme Court and a federal appeals court have both refused to halt the execution, which, if carried out, would become the 19th execution in Florida this year.

If the U.S. Supreme Court does not intervene, Walls execution could take place Thursday evening.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Following the Brown University shooting where a gunman  who is still at large  killed two students and injured nine others, videos of FBI agents conducting searches are going viral.

You can watch the first clip here:

Try spreading out guys https://t.co/hKeSKw5Sl3  Delicious Tacos (@Delicious_Tacos) December 16, 2025

Corey Welch / x.com / Via Twitter: @Delicious_Tacos

In the video, a group of FBI agents walked down one side of the road.

Some of them crossed the street...

Related: Sorry, But If You Can't Get At Least 5/10 On This Weekly News Quiz, You've Officially Been Living Under A Rock

...and huddled pretty close together.

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The other half of the group stood on the edge of some snow.

And here's the second video that keeps popping up in my feed:

In case youre wondering how the FBI search at Brown University is going. This is not a serious agency. pic.twitter.com/NFXCcFUZo4  Jack (@jackunheard) December 17, 2025

Fox News / Via Twitter: @jackunheard

It features FBI agents dragging their shoes across the snow.

You can see their hard work here.

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Related: If You're Wondering What Charlie Kirk Believed In, Here Are 14 Real Quotes

The public is growing increasingly frustrated with the FBI's lack of progress in finding the gunman and especially with Kash Patel . Amid the ongoing manhunt, the Director of the FBI has faced backlash for a podcast episode about his relationship with girlfriend Alexis Wilkins that dropped on Tuesday. (Bad timing, according to the internet.)

Katie Miller Pod / youtube.com

The podcast host, Katie Miller, is the wife of Stephen Miller, Trump's White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy.

So, unsurprisingly, people had a lot to say about these FBI videos.

One person wrote, "If that [alleged] Charlie Kirk shooter didnt snitch on himself to his dad, I dont think they wouldve caught him, cause what the fuck is this?"

If that Charlie Kirk shooter didnt snitch on himself to his dad, I dont think they wouldve caught him, cause what the fuck is this? https://t.co/9GA1GAbReV  (No) Signal (@NopeSignal) December 16, 2025

Corey Welch / Via Twitter: @NopeSignal

According to ABC, Tyler Robinson has been charged with "aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child." The case is ongoing.

"Agent 1: Alright I'm going to head to my section of the grid search Agents 2-10: Without me?"

Related: "Put This On A T-Shirt"  People Are Praising This Anti-ICE Protestor's 3-Word Response To Getting Tear-Gassed At The LA Protests

"fbi geolocating powers."

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Note: The image in the original tweet was replaced here due to photo rights.

"'Maybe hes behind this tree.'"

"Why do they actually walk like npcs LMAO."

"This how dudes help you look for your shit after they stole it."

"It would take a group of ten high schoolers less than a week to overthrow the US government."

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"they look like a bunch of pre-school kids on a school field trip."

Related: Mike Pence Revealed Dick Cheney's Reaction To January 6, And It Says A Lot

"Me and my coworkers when the manager walks in, looking busy by staring intensely at a random object."

"I've seen girl scouts more serious."

"You DO realize its Kash and Alexis 17 month anniversary, right? Sorry if NOT EVERYTHING IS GOING ACCORDING TO YOUR PRECIOUS SCHEDULE! Last I checked, the crime scene will still BE THERE once Director Patel returns from the Five Finger Death Punch Couples Cruise next month."

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And finally, "This looks like someone took the cast of The Office out on a 'be an FBI agent for a day' field trip."

What do you think about all this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Want to know if Trump's economy is actually doing as well as he promised? Subscribe to the Economy Hate Watch newsletter and never miss our monthly update.

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Also in In the News: Top Democrats Just Dropped A Bombshell Accusation About Trump's Mental State, But The White House Has Consistently Denied It

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Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School is no longer considered underperforming, according to a community announcement.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education made the decision official Dec. 16 at the Board of Elementary and Secondary Educations meeting. The exit is pending approval of the schools Exit Assurances and Sustainability Application.

DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez highlighted the school's progress, particularly in improving academic outcomes for multilingual learners.

Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School in Fall River. [Herald News File Photo}

The Fonseca School in Fall River is making significant progress in improving academic outcomes for multilingual learnersthrough strong collaboration and shared leadership among educators to fulfill the schools instructional priorities, Martinez said.

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Fonseca was one of two schools in the state to be removed from underperforming status this year, reflecting exceptional academic growth, particularly among English Language Learners.

Under Principal Kate Cobb's leadership, the school has undergone a transformation over the past two years, focusing on strengthening school culture, improving instructional practices and deepening family and community partnerships.

Superintendent Tracy Curley said the achievement is a testament to the dedication of Fonsecas educators, students and families.

This progress demonstrates what is possible when a school community is united around high expectations and meaningful support for all learners, Curley said. While this achievement validates the work that has been happening at Fonseca, it also fuels our continued commitment to sustained improvement.

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Cobb expressed pride in the staff, students and families of the Fonseca community.

We have shown a strong commitment to the learning, achievement and well-being of our students, Cobb said. The work has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I want to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work of everyone involved.

Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School was designated as underperforming in 2016. With Fonsecas exit from underperforming status, Fall River Public Schools now has no schools designated as underperforming, according to the announcement.

This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@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 The Herald News: DESE removes underperforming tag from Fall Rivers Fonseca Elementary
The retired Tennessee police officer who was arrested in September on charges of mass violence after posting a picture on Facebook of a quote from President Donald Trump has filed a federal First Amendment lawsuit.

Larry Bushart, a 61 year old Lexington resident and retired police officer and National Guardsman, was arrested on Sept. 22 after police said he posted a picture in a Perry County community group page planning a vigil for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, following Kirks Sept. 10 killing.

The picture depicted President Donald Trump saying, We have to get over it, a direct quote from the president after a January 2024 school shooting in Perry, Iowa, that left one dead and seven wounded.

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The photo is topped with the phrase, "This seems relevant today.

Bushart was arrested hours later by Lexington Police at the direction of Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems, who told The Tennessean that Bushart posted the picture to indicate or make the audience think it was referencing our Perry High School.

He was held on a $2 million dollar bond for over a month, causing him to lose his job in medical transportation due to his incarceration.

Larry Bushart, the 61 year old Lexington man arrested after posting a picture on Facebook, with his wife.

After significant pushback from community members and state officials, Bushart was released on Oct. 29 and the district attorney dropped all charges.

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Now, he has filed a lawsuit against the county, Weems, and Perry County Sheriffs Investigator Jason Morrow for violating his First Amendment and Fourth Amendment rights.

I spent over three decades in law enforcement, and have the utmost respect for the law, Bushart said in a statement announcing the lawsuit. But I also know my rights, and I was arrested for nothing more than refusing to be bullied into censorship.

Weems declined to comment on the lawsuit.

The Perry County Mayor's Office, along with the Sheriff's Office on behalf of Morrow, have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Lawsuit asserts use of state law to violate First Amendment

An exchange via body camera showing officers arriving at Busharts home just past 11 p.m. on Sept. 22 encapsulates the confusion this case created, even among law enforcement.

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In footage obtained by online news outlet The Intercept, an officer booking Bushart into jail told him he was charged with threatening mass violence at a school.

At a school? Bushart responded.

I aint got a clue, the officer said. I just gotta do what I have to do.

Bushart laughed. Ive been in Facebook jail but now Im really in it, he said.

Thats not illegal, the officer said.

Larry Bushart, the 61 year old Lexington man arrested after posting a picture on Facebook, has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against Perry County, and law enforcement involved in his arrest.

What was being alleged as Busharts illegal activity, according to his charges, was a violation of a recent state law regarding threats of mass violence.

The law was enacted to crack down on school threats, leading to the arrests of dozens of students since its inception. Critics say it has also led to the punishment of some students for speech that is largely protected by the First Amendment.

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More: Zero-tolerance laws on Tennessee school shooting threats raise First Amendment worries

The lawsuit alleges that Weems was aware that Bushart was not referring to a Tennessee school, but rather referencing the school by a nearly identical name in Iowa, 695 miles away.

Weems told The Tennessean in a previous statement that Busharts post led teachers, parents and students to conclude he was talking about a hypothetical shooting at our school.

Numerous reached out in concern, he said.

Adam Steinbaugh, an attorney at FIRE involved in the case, previously told The Tennessean that he filed a series of open records requests with Perry County Schools asking for any communications that would paint a better picture of the alleged hysteria that Weems claims Busharts post caused.

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According to Steinbaugh, they had none. The school said "the sheriff handled that case and there are no records."

In addition, according to the lawsuit, Perry County and Weems refused to respond to multiple public records requests seeking any information that would show the public reaction to Busharts statements.

The lawsuit states that Weems and Morrow understood Mr. Busharts post as political commentary on the debate about guns in America, but orchestrated his arrest anyway, flouting the long-entrenched First Amendment protection for even the most provocative, hyperbolic political speech.

If police can come to your door in the middle of the night and put you behind bars based on nothing more than an entirely false and contrived interpretation of a Facebook post, no ones First Amendment rights are safe, said Steinbaugh, in his announcement of the lawsuit.

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The lawsuit is asserting two claims of First Amendment violations, as well as two claims of Fourth Amendment violations, and is seeking monetary and punitive relief for Bushart as well as a jury trial.

This lawsuit goes beyond Larry, said David Rubin, another FIRE attorney on the case. Its about making sure police everywhere understand that they cannot punish or intimidate people for sharing controversial opinions online. Law enforcement across the country should be on notice: Respect the First Amendment, or prepare to face the consequences.

The USA TODAY Network - The South region's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Ex cop arrested over Charlie Kirk social media post sues
Sweden's Greenfood is selling its fresh produce business to the Nordic division of Dole, which also operates in fruit and vegetables.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to clearance from competition authorities and is expected to complete at an unspecified point in 2026.

Greenfood said in a statement yesterday (17 December) that the divestment covers its fruit and vegetable wholesale operations, while its remaining businesses will be unaffected.

Its other business units are salad-bar concept Picadeli and food solutions, or foodservice.

David von Laskowski, CEO of Greenfood, said: "This agreement represents an important strategic step. It enables us to focus even more on our rapidly-growing business areas, Picadeli and Food Solutions, where we see significant long-term potential across Europe and the US.

The company added it expects the transaction to strengthen its strong liquidity position, leverage ratio, as well as growth and profitability profile.

In July, Swedish investment firm Fidelio acquired Nordic Capitals majority stake in Greenfood. Fidelio had already held a minority share for almost 15 years.

Greenfood operates in Europe and the US.

Dole declined to comment on the transaction when contacted by Just Food.

Greenfood as a group delivered third-quarter sales of Skr1.45bn ($156m), up 2.9% on the corresponding 12 months, figures issued in October showed.

The Fresh Produce business reported net sales of Skr650.2m, down 2.7% year-on-year.

Operating profit jumped 162.5% to Skr8.4m, while adjusted EBITDA rose 18.5% to Skr23.7m.

For the first nine months, fresh produce sales were relatively flat at Skr2.25bn versus Skr2.26bn.

Operating profit more than doubled to Skr36.1m from Skr14.6m, while adjusted EBITDA improved to Skr78.5m from Skr68m.

"Greenfood sells fresh produce business to Dole" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




Colorado passed first-in-the-nation legislation requiring warning labels on gas stoves in June 2025. These warnings are similar to what is required by cigarette labeling laws.

The required labels urge consumers to educate themselves about the air quality implications of indoor gas stoves and direct consumers to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for information on the health impacts. This could have a substantial impact, as government agencies estimate that about one-third of Colorados households use gas as their primary cooking source.

The law went into effect on Aug. 6. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers is now suing Colorado and is asking a federal court to temporarily block the law from being enforced while the case proceeds. The parties are awaiting a hearing on this request.

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Im a legal scholar with expertise in First Amendment law. I research and publish papers focusing on laws, such as the new Colorado statute, that compel businesses to disclose information to consumers.

In my opinion, in opposing warning labels, the gas industry and its trade association are weaponizing the First Amendment to undermine a commonsense regulation that aims to keep residents safe and informed.

Warning labels in the US

Walk down an aisle in any toy store and youll see tags alerting parents to the risk of choking. Flip over your prescription medication and you can read its side effects and interactions with other drugs. In the grocery store, food products have labels bearing information about calorie and sugar content to help consumers make healthier decisions.

Warning labels on cigarettes have been required in the U.S. since 1965. MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images

Often taken for granted, these warning labels provide critical information to protect Americans health and safety. Perhaps the most recognizable warning labels can be found on cigarette packages, required in the U.S. since 1965, to inform customers about the health harms of smoking. Despite the fact that warning labels on cigarettes have saved millions of lives, the tobacco industry fought tooth and nail against them to keep consumers in the dark. Since that time, federal, state and local laws requiring businesses to make truthful factual disclosures about their products have become commonplace.

Colorado lawsuit

In its lawsuit, the gas industry invokes the First Amendments compelled speech doctrine. This doctrine prohibits the government from forcing people to make ideological statements they dont actually believe, such as reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

In 2018, in National Institute of Family and Life Advocates v. Becerra, the U.S. Supreme Court greatly expanded this rule and opened the door for challenges to government efforts to require businesses to disclose truthful statements of fact. The court held that the government cannot compel businesses to disclose factual information if it is controversial.

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Of course, it would be hard to find a manufacturer who does not think such disclosures are controversial, given that businesses are likely to disagree that their products are dangerous. If a subjective claim that a disclosure is controversial is all it takes to strike a law down, many such laws are vulnerable to legal attacks.

Interest groups representing the tobacco industry, the gas industry and others have seized on this opportunity to dismantle what most people understand to be routine labeling requirements. For example, companies have filed lawsuits challenging federal laws requiring companies to disclose that they use conflict minerals and local laws requiring beverage manufacturers to disclose that drinking sugar-sweetened drinks contributes to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.

In its lawsuit, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, a trade association that lobbies on behalf of the home appliance industry, argues that Colorados law compels gas stove manufacturers to place warning labels on their products that it believes contain scientifically controversial and factually misleading information around gas stoves.

However, abundant evidence shows that cooking with a gas stove releases pollutants that harm human health. Multiple studies have shown that burning methane gas produces nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene that can worsen respiratory illnesses such as asthma and increase the risk of cancer.

Cooking with gas stoves indoors has been linked to human health harms such as asthma. Michael Robinson Chavez/GettyImages

Furthermore, in 2022, the American Medical Association recognized that gas stove use can increase household air pollution, the risk of childhood asthma and asthma severity. The same year, the American Public Health Association recommended putting warning labels on gas stoves as an official policy position.

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Public health advocates contend that the gas industry has known about the health harms of gas stoves for decades, but that the industry has repeatedly attempted to paint its products in a better light.

A 2023 expose by The New York Times, for example, revealed that the gas industry paid toxicologist Julie Goodman to downplay the health impacts of gas stoves. Just eight years earlier, Goodman provided testimony on behalf of tobacco companies. A judge described her testimony on tobacco as contrary to consensus of the scientific community.

Risk to consumers

If the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers claim succeeds in court, it could, in my analysis, make it much easier for companies to fund biased research or bring in experts to argue that something is not well-established science.

For example, a drug manufacturer could hire an expert to dispute the side effects of a drug. Food producers might claim their experts disagree with the science underlying nutrition and calorie information required by government regulation. Even manufacturers of everyday items such as lawnmowers or toasters could hire experts and proclaim that their products pose no safety harms.

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Everyday people would bear the brunt of harm from the invalidation of warning label laws. These people currently have the right to know critical health and safety information before buying any product. If we let corporate interests undermine regulations such as warning labels, I believe we will no longer be able to inform the public about commonsense steps they can take to protect their health.

Read more of our stories about Colorado.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Alan K. Chen, University of Denver

Read more:



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Alan K. Chen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Donald Trump drew rare bipartisan agreement with his address to the nation on Wednesday, with people across the political spectrum asking on social media just what was the point of the speech.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) led the mockery of the presidents comments  which were heavy on baseless boasts and light on much else  in a series of posts.

In one, the potential Democratic 2028 presidential candidate summed up Trump tonight with one word, Me, which he repeated many times.

Trump tonight:



Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me  Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) December 18, 2025

Newson, whos said his online trolling of Trump in recent months is intended to shine a light on the presidents most ridiculous and divisive antics, also suggested the whole speech could have been an email.

This could have been an email.  Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) December 18, 2025

His press office also sarcastically chimed in:

Many are saying that was a better speech than the Gettysburg Address.  Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) December 18, 2025

As did lawmakers, media commentators from both sides of the aisle, and others:

For someone whos winning so much, why is Trump so mad? https://t.co/thog1hFmMV  Rep. Rob Menendez (@RepMenendez) December 18, 2025

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Well at least @potus didnt announce we are going to war in Venezuela, no clue what was the purpose of the speech.   Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) December 18, 2025

That was perhaps the most pointless primetime presidential address ever delivered in American history  Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) December 18, 2025

This is embarrassing mostly for him but honestly for all of us.  Tim Miller (@Timodc) December 18, 2025

What the hell did we just watch? I'm flummoxed.  Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) December 18, 2025

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This is a presidential address that could have been a late-night Truth Social post.  Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) December 18, 2025

That was some weird ****  MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) December 18, 2025

My fellow Americans, tonight I am here to say the same things I've been saying every day, except faster and louder  Jonathan Chait (@jonathanchait) December 18, 2025

As a "performance" -- which is what Trump often cares about most -- this is notably poor.  Niall Stanage (@NiallStanage) December 18, 2025

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This speech isawkward. It wont move the needle at all.



The yelling and sniffing and projection is a lot.  Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) December 18, 2025

Everybody thought we were going to war and Trump is like the price of gas is under two bucks youre welcome oh and the troops get a Christmas bonus   Swig  (@OldRowSwig) December 18, 2025

Why is he screaming?  Andrew Feinberg (@AndrewFeinberg) December 18, 2025

Donald Trump sounds like total **** during this pointless speech. He's lying, stumbling over his words, and rambling incoherently. Total disaster.  Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) December 18, 2025

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Im watching this and just thinking, "Are there people who believe this stuff?" Shouldn't take too long to fact check since he's repeated all these claims over and over again. https://t.co/yNpFk1Co7V  Seth Stohs (@SethTweets) December 18, 2025

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
A Hall County woman was charged with aggravated assault under a family violence law and several other crimes after a domestic dispute and drunk driving incident.

According to the Hall County Sheriffs Office, Cansey Ann Contreras, 50 of Flowery Branch, intentionally hit a mans car multiple times after getting into an argument with him.

The incident happened on Dec. 11. Deputies said they were called to a home on Strickland Road around 11:30 p.m.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

When they got to the scene, deputies found tire marks in the yard and a car bumper cover in the grass.

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The male victim was at a gas station near the house with his car, HCSO said.

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A preliminary investigation revealed that Contreras and the victim had argued over the phone during the day and he returned to the house around 10 p.m. to pick up some of his things.

Thats when Contreras is accused of headbutting him, bruising one of his eyes. Then, deputies said Contreras got in her car and drove it into the mans car several times.

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When she started having difficulty getting traction in the wet grass, the victim got into his vehicle to leave. Contreras managed to ram his car several more times with him inside of it before he drove away and called 911, HCSO said.

The sheriffs office said Contreras briefly followed her victim in her car before going back to the house.

Deputies charged Contreras with second-degree criminal damage to property and battery under the Family Violence Act, as well hit and run and driving under the influence.

The sheriffs office said Contreras was awarded a $19,700 bond and posted it, being released from the jail early on Tuesday morning.

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BERLIN  Germanys parliamentary budget committee approved 30 major defense procurement projects worth nearly 50 billion ($59 billion) on Wednesday, bringing the countrys 2025 total to a record 103 major procurement projects for 83 billion ($97.5 billion).

The approvals cap three years of unprecedented defense spending that outpace the previous eight years combined.

We are serious when we say that we are equipping our Bundeswehr to be powerful and resilient, and doing so as quickly as possible, said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in remarks following the committee meeting. All of this shows impressively that we are pulling together.

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Among the most significant projects approved is the SPOCK tactical radar satellite system, a key procurement designed to strengthen the Bundeswehrs reconnaissance capabilities. The system, developed through a joint venture between Rheinmetall and Finnish specialist Iceye, will provide the militarys new 45th Armored Brigade in Lithuania with all-weather, day-and-night radar imagery analyzed through artificial intelligence to detect hostile military activity.

In a press release, the Bundeswehr called it a key project to strengthen the military reconnaissance capabilities of the German Armed Forces.

The contract is valued at approximately 1.76 billion, with options that could bring the total above 2.7 billion through 2030, according to German media reports.

The committee also approved additional procurement for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, Germanys main armored personnel carrier for mechanized infantry, including increased unit numbers, multi-purpose ammunition for engaging ground and air targets, provisions for future modernization, and combat training simulators.

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Other major approvals include modernization and expansion of the Patriot air defense system, with increased missile stocks and conversion kits for launch systems, as well as transport vehicles, trailers, and trucks. The committee greenlit procurement of protected medical vehicles and reconnaissance, combat and support vehicles, including artillery and mortar systems and the protected EAGLE command vehicles.

Munitions featured prominently in the session, with approvals for additional IRIS-T SLM surface-to-air missiles, serial production preparation for the TAURUS NEO modular standoff weapon for Eurofighter jets, Meteor air-to-air missiles, and torpedoes for the new U 212 CD submarine class.

Germany is also buying additional launchers and missiles for its Israeli-made Arrow exoatmospheric interceptor system.

The approvals come despite Germany operating under provisional budget rules, a testament to streamlined procurement processes introduced in recent years, Pistorius said.

Between 2023 and 2025, Germany approved 255 major procurement projects worth 188.4 billion, compared to 215 projects totaling 109 billion between 2015 and 2022. The rapid pace of procurements is a direct consequence of Berlins hasty pursuit of rearmament since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
A woman who used a German surname to secure apartment viewings after repeated rejections using her Pakistani name is seeking compensation from an estate agent for discrimination before Germany's top court.

The Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe heard the case brought by Humaira Waseem on Thursday.

When searching for a new apartment for herself, her husband and her child in the German state of Hesse in November 2022, Waseem said she applied to an advertisement from an estate agent's office via an online form and received a prompt rejection. Enquiries from her sister and her husband were also unsuccessful.

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Finally, the 30-year-old tried resubmitting the application using the same income and employment details under the typical German surnames "Schmidt," "Schneider" and "Spie," and each time received a viewing appointment for the flat in Hesse.

Waseem is demanding compensation from the estate agent on the basis of Germany's General Equal Treatment Act. A district court in Hesse initially dismissed her claim, but Waseem's appeal proved successful, with the Darmstadt Regional Court ruling in her favour and ordering the estate agent to pay compensation of 3,000 ($3,500) and reimburse her legal costs.

However, after an appeal by the estate agent, the case was transferred to Germany's highest civil court in Karlsruhe.

The case centres on the question of whether an estate agent is liable for such a violation of the equal treatment act, or only the landlord as the direct contractual partner.

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The plaintiff's lawyer, Ines Bodenstein, emphasized in court that there would be a major gap in protection if discriminatory behaviour by estate agents - usually the first point of contact for prospective tenants - went unpunished.

A decision in the case is not expected until next year.
The U.S. government admitted fault today in the deadly mid-air collision that killed 67 people, including a flight crew based in Charlotte.

This incident occurred on Jan. 29 between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a military Blackhawk helicopter over the Potomac River.

The admission comes following a lawsuit filed by attorney Robert Clifford in September on behalf of Casey Crafton, one of the victims. Government officials have acknowledged that both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Army played significant roles in the causes of the accident, breaching their duty of care and thereby proximately causing the tragic incident.

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ALSO READ >> What we know about Charlotte-area victims who died in the DC mid-air collision

The collision resulted in the deaths of all individuals aboard both aircraft.

Clifford, who filed the lawsuit, stated at a September news conference, The crash of American Eagle 5342 was predictable, it was preventable and it caused the needless loss of 67 lives.

Clifford emphasized accountability, stating, Had the Army done what its supposed to do, had the FAA done what its supposed to do, none of this would have happened.

The lawsuit suggests that the pilots of PSA Flight 5342 may also have contributed to the tragedy, although the details regarding their involvement remain unspecified as investigations continue.

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Following the accident, the FAA imposed restrictions prohibiting military helicopters from flying in the congested airspace around Reagan National Airport where the collision occurred. These new regulations were part of the findings cited in the lawsuit.

Additionally, on the day of the governments admission, the Senate voted on two bills concerning military flight operations. One of the bills allows military aircraft to operate without broadcasting their locations, a practice that was identified as contributing to the collision. A separate bill aimed at closing that loophole was also passed.

SEE MORE >> Left so young: Flight 5342 pilot remembered as leader in the cockpit, character outside of it

The final report regarding the crash is expected to be released next year. Meanwhile, it is not clear when the House will consider the legislation passed by the Senate.

PHOTOS: Crews continue salvage efforts of Flight 5342, Army Black Hawk helicopter

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: A flight takes off from Ronald Reagan National Airport as a wing from American Airlines flight 5342 is lowered onto a barge in the Potomac River during recovery work on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. The commercial flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: A crane lifts a piece of American Airlines flight 5342 from the Potomac River during recovery efforts on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: A salvage worker guides a wing of American Airlines flight 5342 as a crane lowers it onto a barge in the Potomac River during recovery work on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. The commercial flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: A large portion of the destroyed fuselage of American Airlines flight 5342 is lifted from the Potomac River during recovery efforts on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: A wing of American Airlines flight 5342 is lifted from the Potomac River during recovery efforts on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: A crane is visible on the Potomac River for recovery efforts after the American Airlines crash on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, VA. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: Cranes are visible on the Potomac River for recovery efforts after the American Airlines crash on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, VA. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: A excavator is visible on the Potomac River for recovery efforts after the American Airlines crash on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, VA. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: Cranes are visible on the Potomac River for recovery efforts after the American Airlines crash on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, VA. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: A excavator is visible on the Potomac River for recovery efforts after the American Airlines crash on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, VA. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: Cranes are visible on the Potomac River for recovery efforts after the American Airlines crash on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, VA. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: A excavator is visible on the Potomac River for recovery efforts after the American Airlines crash on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, VA. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

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ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: A crane is visible on the Potomac River for recovery efforts after the American Airlines crash on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, VA. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: A excavator is visible on the Potomac River for recovery efforts after the American Airlines crash on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, VA. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: A crane is visible on the Potomac River for recovery efforts after the American Airlines crash on February 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 02: Wreckage is seen as a crane moves in to place on the Potomac River for recovery efforts on February 02, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 2: A crane moves in to place on the Potomac River for recovery efforts after the American Airlines crash on February 02, 2025 in Washington, DC. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 2: In this handout provided by the National Transporation Safety Board (NTSB) NTSB investigators prepare a combination flight data and cockpit voice recorder from the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk involved in midair collision with a Bombardier CRJ700 for transport to NTSB laboratory on February 2, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by NTSB via Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 2: In this handout provided by the National Transporation Safety Board (NTSB) NTSB investigators along with members of the salvage crew recover wreckage from the Bombardier CRJ700 and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk mid-air collision in the Potomac River on February 2, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by NTSB via Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 2: In this handout provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) NTSB investigators along with members of the salvage crew recover wreckage from the Bombardier CRJ700 and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk mid-air collision in the Potomac River on February 2, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by NTSB via Getty Images)
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Government officials admitted errors by pilots flying a U.S. Army helicopter caused a deadly collision with an airliner near the capital, and an airline seeks dismissal from a lawsuit.

The Jan. 29 collision killed all 67 passengers and crew aboard both aircraft when American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army helicopter collided over the Potomac River.

The Department of Justice on Wednesday submitted a 209-page filing in which it says the "United States admits that it owed a duty of care to plaintiffs, which it breached," CNN reported.

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"The United States admits pilots flying [the U.S. Army helicopter] failed to maintain proper and safe visual separation from [American Eagle Flight 5342]" as the airliner's pilots were attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., the DOJ says in the filing.

The DOJ also says the choices made by the Black Hawk helicopter's crew were a "proximate cause of the accident and death."

The estates of many of the deceased sued American Airlines, subsidiary PSA Airlines and the federal government in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The federal government's admission that it breached a duty of care, coupled with no such claims against PSA Airlines, should cause the court to dismiss the airline from the federal lawsuit, PSA Airlines argues in another filing made on Wednesday.

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Plaintiffs argue that PSA Airlines should have done more to enable its crew to react to and avoid the deadly collision, but they have not stated any federal standard of care violated by the airline, according to PSA Airlines.

Lacking any accusation of wrongdoing and given the federal government's admission of negligence due to a breach of duty, PSA Airlines says the court must dismiss all related claims against the airline.

"Because federal law governs aviation safety completely and exclusively -- leaving no room for state regulation, including through state tort standards -- the claims against PSA are pre-empted and must be dismissed," airline officials say.
Georgia is seemingly gearing up to press Virginia for the unofficial title of Data Center Alley. However, analysts with the state's Public Service Commission warn that residential customers would likely pay the price on their electricity bills.

What's happening?

As detailed by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, PSC analysts say that Georgia Power's unprecedented proposal to add 10,000 megawatts of power by 2030 could cause residential customers' electricity bills to increase by at least $20 per month.

They advised the commission to greenlight only a third of the new power plants and batteries requested by Georgia Power. In their testimony, PSC electric section director Robert Trokey and outside consultants wrote that a speculative expansion "exposes customers to the risk of stranded costs if the anticipated load does not materialize."

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For its part, Georgia Power disagreed with that assessment. A spokesperson told the AJC that the utility provider has a "committed" collection of large customers that require 11,000 megawatts for electricity service. As AJC noted to highlight this massive energy demand, Plant Vogtle's four nuclear reactors near Augusta produce around 1,100 megawatts.

Why is this important?

The Peach State has become yet another flashpoint in the debate over whether the AI and cryptocurrency boom is adding more to our lives than it is taking.

For one, with power-hungry data centers driving energy demand and spiking utility rates higher, residential customers are increasingly seeking ways to take back their power  literally. Case in point: solar installations surged over the first half of 2025. The Cool Down's Solar Explorer can help you navigate the ins and outs of going solar and save you money on installation costs.

Burdensome utility rates aren't the only matter of concern. Communities report experiencing contaminated drinking water and constant noise. In Georgia and elsewhere, environmental and consumer advocates have also raised the alarm over data centers' frequent reliance on gas-fired power plants. Air pollution is associated with millions of annual premature deaths.

What's being done about this?

The PSC may look for assurances to protect non-data center customers beyond 2028, when existing base-rate agreements expire, when it votes on whether to approve part or all of Georgia Power's request on Dec. 19. Even though Georgia Power expects substantial growth, it signed contracts with data centers before "large load" billing rules went into effect, per the AJC, potentially leaving residential customers on the hook.

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"Without executed contracts under the new large load framework, there is no guarantee those costs will not be passed on to existing customers," Trokey and the consultants wrote.

In the meantime, TCD's Solar Explorer will empower you to make the best solar decision with concierge-level service.

You can discover $0 down subscription plans, such as Palmetto's LightReach leasing program, which can cut your utility rate by 20%. EnergySage, another Solar Explorer partner, can save you up to $10,000 off installation costs with competitive bids from vetted providers.

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According to the report, Greece is analysing implementing Israeli measures, as well as offering a coordinated response mechanism to possible threats by enemy states.

Israel and Greece are working on a fast response mechanism with 2,500 soldiers to act as a counter to the growth of Turkeys forces, Greek newspaper TA NEA reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, Greece is considering implementing Israeli measures and offering a coordinated response mechanism to protect against potential threats from enemy states, top defense officials cited by the newspaper said.

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The report explains that Israel, Greece, and Cyprus will have access to this force, which will have air and sea capabilities.

"A Greek-Israeli rapid reaction force is not an alliance against anyone. It fills a strategic void. From Rhodes to Cyprus and Israel, platforms, pipelines, and electricity cables are exposed, said an official to TA NEA.

The official also emphasized the importance of this infrastructure not only for Greece but for Europe as a whole, as a key asset for delivering natural gas, oil, and electricity to the continent.

An Israeli Navy vessel patrols by Zikim beach, near the border with Gaza, as seen from Israel, March 24, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Mediterranean Rapid Response Force

This force, responsible for defending assets in the Mediterranean Sea, would comprise 1,000 soldiers from Greece, 1,000 from Israel, and 500 from Cyprus.

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The Israeli and Greek air forces would also participate, each providing one squadron, according to the report.

The report also cited the recent incidents in the Baltic Sea, where cables and pipelines were destroyed by Russian and Chinese ships in alleged sabotage operations.

The seabed, not the surface map, is now the front line, said the official cited by TA NEA.

The Eastern Mediterranean cannot wait for its own wake-up call. A common force would give the region what it still lacks, a unified architecture for detection, deterrence, and rapid response against coercion and sabotage. Maximalist maps will not rule this sea. Shared awareness and interoperability and the rule of law will, he added.
Sara Friedman, program director of the Justice Center at the Council of State Governments, presents to the South Dakota Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force in Pierre on Dec. 17, 2025. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight)

Half the people released from prison in South Dakota return within three years, according to the state Department of Corrections newly released 2025 annual report  the highest recidivism rate in at least the last eight years.

Among Native Americans released from prison, 59% return within three years  the highest of any race. Native Americans comprise 39% of inmates in the state prison system  35% among men and 61% among women. The recidivism rate among Native American women is 66%.

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Department officials shared the statistics and annual report with members of the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force at its Wednesday meeting in Pierre. The recidivism rate is seven points higher than last year.

The task force, made up of lawmakers, government officials and nonprofit leaders, is considering ways to reduce the states recidivism rate by expanding prison-based rehabilitation and helping released inmates transition back into their communities. The group was created earlier this year as lawmakers approved construction of a $650 million mens prison in Sioux Falls, and its focusing on behavioral health, educational, faith-based and Native American-themed programs.

The group approved several recommendations at its meeting, including an endorsement of a faith-based seminary program.

Task force member Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, said he hopes for transformational offerings to inmates.

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If we dont see lives changed, then I dont know what were doing here, Hughes said. Were just managing statistics and personal failures.

Were not appropriately supporting the Indigenous population

Task force member Rep. Kadyn Wittman, D-Sioux Falls, told South Dakota Searchlight the increase in recidivism, especially among Native Americans, will further strain an already strained system.

Its indicative of the fact that were not appropriately supporting the Indigenous population, Wittman said. Were already overincarcerating Indigenous people in South Dakota, and then were seeing them return at a much higher rate.

The task force approved 11 immediate recommendations for the Department of Corrections. The list includes bringing back evening volunteers in prisons, designating the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate parole program as a flagship model in the state, and establishing volunteer roundtables to give feedback on department policy and programs.

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The recommendations are small wins or barriers that can be removed, Wittman said, while the task force continues to work on more complex issues.

Wittman is most excited about a recommendation that the department hire a tribal cultural liaison to coordinate ceremonies, tribal contacts and volunteer access to the states prisons. The position should be piloted for six months, the task force recommended.

The fact that the DOC is willing to establish an individual whose sole focus is going to be better programming for its Indigenous population is huge, Wittman said. Theyll hopefully identify where Indigenous programming will be most effective.

Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, the task force chairman, confirmed with recently appointed Corrections Secretary Nick Lamb that the department would look into the recommendations and report back which could be viable options.

New corrections secretary lauds faith-based program

The prison seminary program endorsed by the task force was created by Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain while he served as warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Cain resigned from his role in Louisiana in 2015 amid investigations of his business dealings.

Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain speaks during a meeting with South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden (not pictured) in October 2025. (Photo courtesy of the South Dakota Governors Office)

The program operates in 26 states and partners with accredited, four-year Christian seminary programs to teach inmates. They can earn a seminary degree through the program, often with graduates serving as ministers in prison systems.

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Lamb helped implement the program in the Illinois prison system. Within months of its launch, Lamb said, he saw fewer assaults between inmates and against staff.

Whatever your religious beliefs are, whatever you think, this program works, Lamb said. It worked everywhere they tried.

Cain spoke to lawmakers in October about the program, ahead of the task forces first meeting in Sioux Falls. He said the state would need a nonprofit to run it. The task force voted on Wednesday to encourage South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhodens administration to authorize the program.

Rhoden said in a Wednesday news release that he accepted the recommendation. The news release did not say who would operate the program, but said it would be privately supported, requiring neither Department of Corrections nor inmate funding.

From left, Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain, South Dakota state Sen. Sue Peterson, R-Sioux Falls, and South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden speak at a meeting in Sioux Falls in October 2025. (Photo courtesy of the South Dakota Governors Office)

Bringing this seminary program to our state will restore hope, build character, and strengthen our correctional system from the inside out, Rhoden said in the news release.

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Jon Ozmint, the former director of South Carolina prisons, also presented to the task force in October. He said the recidivism rate for state inmates in the faith-based seminary Cain created is around 2% in South Carolina.

Wittman said after Wednesdays meeting that she has reservations about the seminary program.

I dont necessarily support Burl Cain-style programming in South Dakota prisons because rehabilitation needs to be voluntary, secular and grounded in evidence, Wittman said.

Despite those concerns, she voted in favor of implementing the program.

I voted yes because, despite my reservations, I know how limited current programs are, Wittman said, and something is better than nothing.

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Parnassus Investments, an investment management firm, released its Parnassus Value Equity Fund third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The fund focuses on owning a concentrated portfolio of U.S. large-cap stocks. For the third quarter of 2025, the fund reported a net return of 7.46% outperforming its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index, which returned 5.33% for the same period. During the quarter, the portfolio reduced its weight in the IT sector to increase holdings in the Health Care sector. The funds top 5 holdings are also listed in the letter, showing the firms main investment positions heading into 2025.

In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, Parnassus Value Equity Fund highlighted stocks such as The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD). The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) is a home improvement retailer. The one-month return of The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) was 3.91%, and its shares lost 9.13% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On December 17, 2025, The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) stock closed at $356.75 per share, with a market capitalization of $355.149 billion.

Parnassus Value Equity Fund stated the following regarding The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter:

"The Home Depot, Inc.'s (NYSE:HD) strong brand equity, scale-driven cost advantages and deep vendor relationships create a formidable barrier to entry in the fragmented home improvement market. The management teams strategic investments, particularly in the professional customer segment, are expected to further broaden the companys addressable market, which is already supported by the structural demand for renovation and repair."

Telsey Advisory Lowers Home Depot (HD) Price Target to $430, Maintains Outperform Rating

The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 104 hedge fund portfolios held The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) at the end of the third quarter, which was 93 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) 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.

In another article, we covered The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) and shared the list of stocks Jim Cramer discussed recently. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q3 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors.
For years, a team of experts has traveled from tiny town to tiny town in New Hampshire, helping the communities plan and execute clean energy strategies. Now the idea has secured federal funding to expand nationwide  a notable win as the Trump administration claws back billions of dollars for decarbonization policy.

The $3 million in funding was included in the fiscal 2026 agriculture spending package that President Donald Trump signed into law last month as part of the bill that reopened the government after the shutdown this fall. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from the Granite State, led the push for the pilots, which could help municipalities not only cut greenhouse gas emissions but save money as energy costs rise nationwide.

Its very exciting to us that Sen. Shaheen saw what we were doing and saw the potential, said Sarah Brock, director of the New Hampshire program, dubbed Energy Circuit Rider. It would be amazing to have versions of this program scattered across the country to help communities understand and find solutions to whatever their energy challenges are.

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Shaheens office hopes to get the program  which will be administered by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Rural Utilities Service  up and running within the next year. Because it is a pilot, it does not have to go through the same extensive regulatory processes as other programs, which should allow a relatively timely implementation, a Senate aide said.

Shaheen originally proposed a national version of the program with an annual budget of $25 million in standalone legislation in 2023, and again in June 2025, before pushing to include the smaller pilot in Novembers spending bill.

The commonsense energy circuit riders pilot is an important and effective way for communities to get the tools they need to take on clean energy and energy efficiency projects that lower costs, Shaheen said in a statement to Canary Media.

The seeds of New Hampshires program were planted roughly a decade ago, as towns and cities across the state formed energy committees tasked with lowering power bills and emissions, Brock said. Clean energy advocates began talking about how to support these groups, which were made up of volunteers with widely varying levels of expertise, and which often served small towns without the resources to hire staff focused on energy issues.

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The conversation turned to the idea of hiring a circuit rider, a position modeled on the traveling preachers, judges, and doctors of centuries past, who provided their services to communities along their route. In 2018, the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund, a foundation that supports causes in New Hampshires rural north, funded a position for a full-time clean energy expert who would provide knowledge and support to any town in the region at no cost. Nonprofit Clean Energy New Hampshire agreed to host the new hire.

The first energy circuit rider, Melissa Elander, had a mission statement but no real guidance on how to do her new job. She spent her first year introducing herself to towns throughout the region, offering her services as a researcher, consultant, and grant writer, and she slowly began to rack up some wins, Brock said. The first initiative she supported was an energy-efficient lighting project for the town of Whitefield, population 2,500.

As word of those successes spread, more and more communities were interested, Brock said. It was clear to us there was something here.

Today, the program has six energy circuit riders on staff, including Elander. It has expanded to cover all of the states 234 municipalities  138 of which the program has provided support for  as well as small businesses. The team has helped towns navigate a wide range of projects, including weatherization of public buildings, solar installations, and planning for fleet electrification. Clean Energy New Hampshire does not have complete data, but estimates that just 41% of completed projects have yielded $4.26 million in total savings for municipalities.

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The program was vital to the successful completion of an all-electric, solar-powered library in the community of Barrington, said Cynthia Hoisington, chair of the towns energy committee. The municipality worked with an energy circuit rider to manage the process of accepting bids and choosing a vendor for the solar installation.

You need a trusted expert in these special-knowledge situations when you want to make sure youre doing whats right for your town, Hoisington said. The bottom line is a lot of this never wouldve gotten done without their help.

Thank you for reading Canary Media. If our coverage matters to you, we hope youll consider a tax-deductible donation to power our nonprofit newsroom.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Clark County Aviation leaders laid out an ambitious plan to modernize Harry Reid International Airport while also moving forward with plans for a possible second commercial airport in Southern Nevada.

>Download the 8 News Now Vegas streaming app

Officials said the upgrades are critical as Las Vegas prepares for major events and continued growth.

The infrastructure itself needs to be updated; A and B gates are nearing or just eclipsed 50 years old, Director of Aviation James Chrisley said.

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Tuesdays presentation at the Clark County Commission outlined a modernization plan designed to maximize capacity and efficiency at Harry Reid Airport.

Chrisley said the plan also aims to improve reliable connections between terminals and the Las Vegas business core.

One of the largest projects centers on Terminal 3. Chrisley said the ticketing level would be reconfigured to better support airline operations, allowing the airport to add about 30 new ticket counters without expanding the buildings footprint.

Really trying to separate the inner airport traffic from the commuter traffic that goes through that very busy Paradise University Center route, Chrisley said.

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Terminal 1 is also slated for a major redevelopment. Plans include world-class concessions, additional restrooms, larger passenger hold rooms, and advanced baggage and security systems, all wrapped in a Las Vegas-themed design meant to reflect the citys identity.

Transportation improvements are another key piece of the plan. New terminal-to-terminal flyovers would separate commuter traffic from airport circulation, while a single-point urban interchange is designed to simplify traffic flow and improve safety around the airport.

Clark County officials said one of the biggest challenges at Harry Reid Airport is congestion caused by single-ride Uber and Lyft trips, especially during peak travel hours.

Their goal is to give travelers more options.

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Last thing they want to do with is delays, so they have tricks in their bag to be able to reconfigure operations to minimize those impacts, Chrisley said.

According to aviation officials, Harry Reid Airport could face severe capacity constraints by 2033 if long-term solutions arent in place.

That concern comes as Las Vegas prepares to host more major events in the future.

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.
Street arrests conducted by federal immigration authorities spiked in Utah during the month of September to five times the level of President Donald Trumps first six months in office  and 50 times the average under President Joe Biden.

Newly released U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement data, running through mid-October, confirms a reported shift in tactics that have escalated in the 11 months since the Trump administration asked ICE field offices to each conduct 75 arrests per day of immigrants suspected to be in the country illegally.

Utah immigration attorneys said they have identified another change in removal operations in recent weeks that includes a pattern of ICE officials  and increasingly Customs and Border Patrol agents  pulling over suspected illegal immigrants on their morning commute, or pulling them into an unmarked van in the middle of the night.

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Former New York City ICE field office director Scott Mechkowski said these strategies are not unusual for Border Patrol, and that ICE has always pursued noncustodial arrests. These street arrests, including of individuals with no criminal record, are necessary, he said, following the largest surge in illegal immigration in U.S. history.

It was never illegal, or never frowned upon, if we picked somebody up regardless if they were a criminal or not, said Mechkowski, who worked in immigration law enforcement for 24 years before his retirement in 2025. This is a national security priority. We dont know who these people are.

ICE arrests by the numbers

Monthly ICE arrests have risen steadily in Utah and surrounding states since Trump returned to the White House, according to a Deseret News analysis of government data provided by ICE in response to a FOIA request for the Deportation Data Project.

In Utah, total ICE arrests increased from an average of 115 per month before Trump entered office, to more than 290 during his first six months. Arrests rose again to around 380 per month from July to mid-October, driven by an increase in street arrests and arrests of those with no criminal record but who have violated federal immigration law by overstaying a visa or otherwise being in the country illegally.

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September saw a dramatic jump in noncustodial arrests  which are those that occur outside of the criminal justice pipeline which ICE traditionally relied on for the vast majority of enforcement actions. In custodial cases, ICE picks up detainees from local jails where they have been kept for breaking the law.

Street arrests, which can take place almost anywhere, have increased in Utah from less than three per month under Biden, to around two dozen per month during Trumps first six months, before jumping to 118 in the month of September, contributing to an average of 72 per month between July and mid-October.

Deportation officers with Enforcement and Removal Operations in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's New York City field office arrest a man during an early morning operation, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, in the Bronx borough of New York. | Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Associated Press

The monthly average of arrests of those with no pending charges or convictions likewise increased in Utah  from an average of seven per month under Biden, to more than 40 per month between January and June, and surpassing 70 per month from July to October.

Once arrested, individuals are typically taken to county jails in Tooele County, Salt Lake County or Uinta County, Wyoming, until space opens up at the official ICE detention center in Pahrump, Nevada, according to Christopher Vizcardo, an immigration attorney at Trujillo Acosta Law in South Jordan.

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Arrested individuals are nearly always given the right to see a judge in order to request asylum, agree to voluntary departure or sign a deportation order, Vizcardo said. But in cases when individuals are unable to secure legal representation, they often choose deportation over remaining detained during a process that can take anywhere from one month to one year.

Not everything is doom and gloom, Vizcardo told the Deseret News. That piece of the system is still working. There are still cases being reviewed by immigration judges. Thats not a line the administration has dared to cross, but they have made it harder.

Vizcardo echoed complaints made by Murray-based immigration attorney Nicholle Pitt White, that since Trump entered office, ICE operations have become less transparent, the ICE Online Detainee Locator System has become less accurate and arrests appear to have become more indiscriminate.

A similar trend has played out in Arizona, where total average arrests have tripled from 300 a month under Biden, to more than 950 during the late summer and early fall. During that time, average monthly noncustodial arrests increased tenfold from around 30 to 325, and arrests without a criminal record increased from around 55 to over 280 per month.

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Nevada has seen total average monthly arrests quadruple from 65 to more than 270, with noncustodial arrests and arrests of those without criminal records multiplying by at least that much. Idaho has not seen the same level of ICE enforcement action, with total average monthly arrests increasing from around 30 to 80.

Change in tactics?

Protesters gather in front of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field office in Salt Lake City on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

While ICE arrests appeared to slow down in Utah during the November federal government shutdown, they have multiplied in recent weeks, according to Tiffany Young, a local activist who has built an online community of around 20,000 residents who report and verify ICE activity in the state.

There has been a notable increase in enforcement efforts that take the form of early morning traffic stops targeting work trucks along roads like Bangerter Highway in west Salt Lake County, Young said. Several photos and videos obtained by the Deseret News appear to show such interactions with immigration authorities.

A new emphasis on traffic stops has coincided with a change of leadership over the ICE Salt Lake City Field Office located in West Valley City, with the new director coming from Customs and Border Patrol, according to Young and Pitt White. Deseret News confirmed this change with local law enforcement, and the name of the new director, Brian Henke.

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Before the past few months, Pitt White, who specializes in immigrant removal defense at Contigo.Law, said her clients never reported being stopped and arrested while in their vehicles. Now it has become commonplace, often leaving family members at home with no idea of what has happened, Pitt White said.

Customs and Border Patrol agents question occupants of a vehicle they pulled over, during an immigration crackdown in Kenner, La., Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. | Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

Ive seen them break windows in Utah and pull people out of their cars, even while children are inside  kind of the worst bits of humanity is what were seeing, Pitt White told the Deseret News. Any empathy or sympathy that did exist in this system is basically gone now.

Pitt White said these instances were relayed to her directly by individuals seeking legal consultation, and in one case included personal dashcam footage of the interaction, which the Deseret News could not independently verify.

In another video taken in Taylorsville on July 9, which the Deseret News independently verified through video metadata information, a man in a Border Patrol vest can be seen questioning Hispanic workers in a truck, which the immigration authorities said they had followed from a nearby 7-11.

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Border Patrol are known for using this approach as part of their area control enforcement, typically done within 100 miles of the southern border, according to former ICE field office director Mechkowski.

Salt Lake is more than 800 miles from the border but it appears that the Trump administration is using Border Patrol as a force multiplier for ICE, Mechkowski said.

I dont see any cons in using any law enforcement agency, Mechkowski said. I say its all hands on deck, and I dont see anything negative about it. ... I dont think theyre arresting people fast enough.

From January to June, the ICE Salt Lake City area of responsibility, which covers Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Montana, conducted an average of 21 arrests per day  less than one-third of the quota established by the administration early on. This average increased to 25 from July to October.

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During his time leading ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in New York City during the first Trump administration, Mechkowski said arrests typically targeted convicted criminals with easily accessible case files. But ICE also regularly conducted raids looking for those with deportation orders and no criminal record.

Mechkowski believes the public is being lied to by the mainstream media when they are told ICE has changed its tactics. It hasnt, according to Mechkowski  it has only expanded its focus to target more heavily those who are in the country illegally without criminal charges: everybody is fair game.

Whats behind public perception?

Federal immigration enforcement agents keep watch as they detain a man who took off running as they were walking on North Clark Street near West Superior Street in the River North neighborhood, Sept. 28, 2025, in Chicago. | Ashlee Rezin, Chicago Sun-Times via the Associated Press

But the tactics that are increasingly impacting the clients of Vizcardo appear far outside the realm of typical immigration law enforcement efforts, he said.

Just in the past month, Vizcardo said the number of people seeking help for themselves or a loved one who was arrested by immigration authorities has more than doubled, with many reporting that arrests took place while they were going about their normal days.

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In one such instance, a client, who is currently detained in the Nevada detention center, was heading home from work, and was surrounded by unmarked SUVs while leaving a fast food restaurant in Kearns during the early morning hours of Dec. 6, Vizcardo said.

The client was then allegedly put inside a van which drove around for the rest of the night picking up other suspected illegal immigrants.

And in that time they would stop the vehicle for 20 minutes, half an hour, and then drive somewhere real fast, and then another person would be chucked in the back of the van, Vizcardo told the Deseret News. By the time they headed to the office, some four hours later, the van was full of people that had been detained during that night.

Vizcardo said he has no idea whatsoever why ICE chose to target his client. He said he does not know whether ICE works from a list of suspected illegal immigrants that it uses to identify individuals to arrest, or whether the arrests are based on other factors.

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ICE did not respond to a request for comment on these changing tactics.

The types of immigration enforcement actions appear to be continually changing. Mirroring trends from around the country, last week multiple immigrants were arrested while attending appointments at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Salt Lake City, according to Young, Pitt White and multiple media reports.

Manhattan Institute fellow Rafael Mangual expects one reason why federal agencies have focused more on noncustodial arrests is because it has become harder to work with some so-called sanctuary city municipalities to transition detained immigrants into ICE custody.

Pulling in Border Patrol to help expand deportation efforts beyond convicted criminals also aligns with what Trump has long campaigned on, which Mangual said is at least partially in response to the largest immigration wave in U.S. history, with at least 10 million immigrants entering the country from 2021 to 2024, according to census data.

Customs and Border Patrol agents question occupants of a vehicle they pulled over, during an immigration crackdown in Kenner, La., Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. | Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

To the extent its a problem, its one that was invited by the Biden administrations malfeasance on the border, Mangual told the Deseret News. That creates a mess, and cleaning up that mess is not always going to be efficient. It wont always look great on camera.

But Mangual suspects the uproar over Trumps immigration policies has more to do with ideological opposition to the president than with ICE tactics. Many of Trumps detractors would be displeased with any level of enforcement of immigration law, Mangual said.

Critics of the administration have also gone out of their way to interfere with ICE activities, whether that be following agents around with cameras, or blocking the streets, Mangual said.

At the end of November, the Department of Homeland Security, reported a more than 1,000% increase in assaults against ICE officers compared to 2024.

In Salt Lake City and West Valley City, anti-ICE organizations have reportedly placed around 400 signs at businesses that read Immigrants are welcome here, No I.C.E. allowed, I.C.E. cannot enter private areas of this business without a judicial warrant signed by a judge and I.C.E. out of Utah.

I dont think that that reaction is a byproduct of the style of the Trump administrations immigration enforcement efforts, Mangual said. I think its just a backlash to the fact that any immigration enforcement is being done at all.
Entering the 2026 election year, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) maintains a 19-point lead over her likeliest GOP challenger: Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), according to a new survey.

The Siena College poll, released Tuesday, shows the incumbent defeating Stefanik 49 percent to 30 percent in a hypothetical 2026 general election matchup as New Yorkers signaled a rare burst of optimism about the states direction.

The poll represents a snapshot of the political landscape six months before primaries and 11 months before the general election. Republicans hope to capitalize on economic anxieties in the deep blue state, and the latest survey paints a brighter picture for Hochul.

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The Democrat had an even wider advantage  50 percent to 25 percent  over Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the other Republican contender. Over three-fourths of Democrats polled by Siena preferred the governor over either GOP prospect.

In a potential Democratic primary, Hochul dominates Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado by 56 percent to 13 percent. On the Republican side, Stefanik leads Blakeman 48 percent to 17 percent, according to the poll.

Respondents also had an overall more positive impression of Hochul now than in previous months. They rated her in positive territory, at 43 percent favorable to 41 percent unfavorable. A slim majority  52 percent  approved of the job she does as governor, also representing an uptick from previous poor showings. Just under 40 percent disapproved, the results show.

But Stefaniks dropped to 22 percent favorable and 33 percent unfavorable, down from November. Between she and Hochul, 20 percent were undecided. Over 40 percent of respondents said they didnt know enough about the North Country lawmaker to have an opinion.

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Indeed, Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg noted that, while Hochul remains well-known, her potential rivals struggle with name recognition. For Blakeman and Delgado, the need to become more known to voters becomes a pressing issue, he said.

About one in five voters polled were undecided between candidates in the hypothetical matchups.

Going by the poll, New Yorkers are skeptical about the ability of either candidate to lower costs. A plurality of voters said that neither Hochul nor Stefanik would make New York more affordable.

And while voters still worry about affordability, their outlook on the state was positive for only the second time this year. Around 44 percent of respondents said the Empire State is on the right track, compared to 41 percent who say New York is going the wrong way, according to the survey.

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Still, 45 percent said the state is falling behind others, compared to 19 percent who think its doing better. Democrats were likelier to agree with Republicans and independents than not that the state is losing ground, the poll found.

Meanwhile, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, with a laser-focus on affordability, also rose in popularity. Statewide, his favorability rose to 46 percent, and 66 percent of New York City voters believe hell be good for the city.

In November, 67 percent of voters believed Mamdani wouldnt work well with President Trump. But that number dropped to 47 percent in Decembers poll. A recent high profile White House meeting between the democratic socialist and Trump softened public skepticism about them governing together, as Greenberg explained.

The poll also showed support for taxing the wealthy to fund social services. A proposal to provide free universal childcare for infants through pre-kindergarten through higher taxes on those making over $1 million got 65 percent support and 27 percent opposition.

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Greenberg said the proposal gets support from majorities across every demographic group but conservatives. Only 27 percent opposed taxing the rich to pay for childcare.

New York City voters also backed plans to get rid of bus fares by hiking taxes on affluent citizens, though by a narrower 50 percent to 41 percent margin. Those under 35 supported the measure 61 percent to 26 percent, while those over 55 opposed 49 percent to 42 percent.

And New Yorkers tended to reject recent moves by the Trump administration. Majorities said the administration went too far on four major issues:

Deploying immigration enforcement officials to U.S. cities (65 percent)

Increasing tariffs on imports (62 percent)

Prosecuting political critics (61 percent)

Boat strikes off Venezuela (58 percent)

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Democrats and independents had strong opposition, a majority of Republicans said the presidents actions on tariffs, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Venezuela were about right. And 31 percent of Republicans said the Trump administration should go further to prosecute critics.

The poll also found that, regardless of whether they agree with specific decisions, 57 percent including 79 percent of Democrats and 53 percent of independents  do not think Trump has a real plan to Make America Great Again. But 84 percent of Republicans disagreed.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) saw his favorability rebound to 36 percent favorable and 49 percent unfavorable, improving from his all-time low in November. Looking toward the 2026 midterm elections for Congress, Democrats lead on the generic ballot, with 55 percent saying they prefer Democratic candidates and 31 percent preferring the GOP, the poll shows.

The Siena College poll was conducted Dec. 8-12 among 801 registered New York voters. The margin of error is plus or minus 4.1 percentage points.

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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 The Hill.
WASHINGTON  Democrats on the House Oversight Committee on Thursday released a new batch of photos from the thousands of documents obtained from the late *** predator Jeffrey Epsteins estate.

Some of the photos are disturbing, showing womens bodies with lines from the novel Lolita written on their skin. Other images appear to show Epstein socializing with the likes of Noam Chomsky, Sergey Brin, Bill Gates and David Brooks.

Politics: Transportation Secretary's Daughter Claims He Would Lobby To Abolish TSA

Oversight Democrats will continue to release photographs and documents from the Epstein estate to provide transparency for the American people, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the top Democrat on the committee, said in a press release.

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Some pictures show passports, which have been redacted, and a text message seemingly describes efforts to recruit girls, presumably for ***.

I have a friend scourt she sent me some girls today, the unknown sender says in the undated message. But she asks 1000$ per girl.

Its the third photo dump from the Epstein estate, which the Republican-led House Committee subpoenaed earlier this year after the Wall Street Journal reported on a birthday book featuring a creepy message to Epstein from President Donald Trump. Trump denied having written the birthday note, claiming in court that the paper made it up. The subpoena proved it was real.

Politics: Erika Kirk Makes Her 2028 Presidential Endorsement  And It's Raising Eyebrows

The new images dropped a day before a legal deadline for the Justice Department to make public almost everything it has on the late financier, who died while awaiting trial for *** trafficking crimes in 2019. Congress passed a law last month requiring the material to be placed in a public, searchable database within 30 days. The Trump administration previously refused to release the documents.

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As we approach the deadline for the Epstein Files Transparency Act, these new images raise more questions about what exactly the Department of Justice has in its possession, Garcia said. We must end this White House cover-up, and the DOJ must release the Epstein files now.

House Oversight Committee chair James Comer (R-Ky.) has previously criticized Democrats for releasing small batches of photos from the thousands received. The estate handed over 95,000 images last week, including several that showed Trump and former President Bill Clinton.

We just take a little more responsibility and try to redact what needs to be redacted, and we dont try to create a false narrative, Comer told HuffPost on Thursday. The Democrats try to spoon-feed the media into thinking theres something wrong with Trump or whatever.

News: 19 More Photos From Jeffrey Epsteins Estate Released, With Many More To Come

The images from Epsteins estate are separate from the files at the Justice Department. Some of the 70 pictures Democrats released Thursday show Google co-founder Sergey Brin talking with New York Times columnist David Brooks, apparently at an event in 2011.

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As a journalist, David Brooks regularly attends events to speak with noted and important business leaders to inform his columns, which is exactly what happened at this 2011 event, Danielle Rhoades Ha, senior vice president of communications at The New York Times, told HuffPost in a statement. Mr. Brooks had no contact with him before or after this single attendance at a widely-attended dinner.

Epstein was first convicted of *** crimes in 2008, though the Justice Department declined to press federal charges at the time as part of a controversial agreement with Epsteins lawyers. He had a falling out with Trump sometime around 2004.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Political Updates

Read the original on HuffPost
A Pennsylvania woman supervising a group home for troubled teens allegedly sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy while holding a gun to his head.

Us Weekly confirmed with Buck County court officials that Cristal Betancourt, 30, was charged with institutional sexual assault of a minor, possession of a firearm by a minor, corruption of minors, and endangering the welfare of children.

The alleged sexual abuse started at a home in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, during the summer of 2024, according to the allegations.

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The alleged abuse occurred over several months, according to investigators, who further allege Betancourt even bought the boy a gun of his own.

The teen kept notes about the alleged abuse in his iPhone. He told prosecutors he was "terrified" of Betancourt. He thought that she would "get him in trouble" if he did not comply, according to court documents.

Community Service Foundation runs the home where the alleged abuse unfolded. The foundation offers housing and mental health services to juvenile offenders arrested for criminal offenses.

Betancourt was hired as a full-time "house parent" to watch over the teens. She lived in the home, as well, cops said.

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Married Former Kansas Teacher Accused of Grooming and Having Unlawful Sexual Relations With Student, 17

It was unclear what offense the teen victim was on probation for. But a photo the teen posted on social media, with him next to Betancourt, holding the gun she allegedly gifted him, was reported to authorities, and the boy was charged with violating his parole.

Betancourt allegedly admitted to police she kept two handguns inside the group home, according to the allegations.

Police only found one of the guns, though. Betancourt allegedly told cops the other one was stolen.

The missing gun is the one featured in the teen's social media post, according to the allegations.

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When questioned by police, the boy opened up about Betancourt's abuse and told them she had bribed him with money and drugs in exchange for sex.

The boy also allegedly wrote in his notes that he believed Betancourt was "crazy" and detailed how she once pointed a gun at him while demanding sex from him.

Police discovered a text message Betancourt allegedly sent the boy claiming she was pregnant. She also allegedly asked him to buy her emergency contraception, police said.

The alleged abuse was discovered six months after the teen was ordered to live at the home by court order, according to the allegations.

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Investigators alleged Betancourt brought the boy to a gun store to pick out the pistol. She said she bought it for herself, according to court filings, but that she let the boy hold onto it.

Authorities said Betancourt also sent the boy $600 through CashApp, which violated the terms of her employment.

Betancourt was fired from her job, cops added.

Betancourt has not yet been taken into custody, as police continue to look for her.

A warrant has been issued for her arrest, according to Bucks County prosecutors.

It is unclear where police believe Betancourt could be.

Community Service Foundation did not respond to requests for comment.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
According to the UAE-based Al-Ain media, the Houthis may be preparing an offensive now that the STC has gained some ground in recent weeks.

The Iranian-backed Houthis may be preparing for an offensive against the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen.

The STC is generally viewed as being backed by the UAE and controls part of southern Yemen. The Houthis control the mountainous region of Yemen.

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Now that the STC has gained some ground in recent weeks, the Houthis might be planning a counterattack, according to UAE-based news site Al-Ain News.

Al-Ain News learned from Yemeni security and military sources that the Houthi militias have deployed unprecedented military reinforcements to the southern internal fronts in the country, the report said. The sources explained that the Houthi militias mobilization comes as part of preparations for a major military offensive towards southern Yemen in response to the southern forces cutting off the militias supply lines in Al-Mahra Governorate.

Yemen is believed to be entering a new phase of conflict.

Protesters, predominantly Houthi supporters, rally to celebrate the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on the day it went into effect, in Sanaa, Yemen, October 10, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/KHALED ABDULLAH)

The latest developments come as the Southern Transitional Council (STC) has intensified and consolidated its campaign in southern and eastern Yemen, and launched a new military operation in Abyan province this week, Turkeys Anadolu Agency, a state-run news agency, reported.

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Yemen was unified in 1990, but political disputes in the south later fueled renewed secessionist calls, particularly after the outbreak of the current civil war in 2014, the report said. It is currently under the effective control of multiple administrations, including the Houthis, the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), and the STC.

The STC currently controls around 52% of Yemens territory, Anadolu Agency reported. The Houthis hold approximately 33%, while about 10% remains under the control of Yemens internationally recognized government and its allied forces. The remaining 5% is controlled by forces loyal to Tareq Saleh, a nephew of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Houthis reportedly mobilizing ground forces, deploying missile platforms

Al-Ain News said sources told it the Houthi militias have mobilized their groups to the fronts of Al-Dhali, Lahj, and Shabwa, coinciding with the digging of trench networks, the reinforcement of military sites, and the deployment of missile platforms and drones.

The Houthis are moving artillery from the Taiz front toward the south, the report said, adding that the artillery is traversing the mountain roads to the heights of Al-Ahkum in the same governorate, [as well as] on the outskirts of the Tur Al-Bahah front, north of the southern Lahj governorate.

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The Houthis are also moving units into line on other fronts adjacent to Al-Musaymir district, which is also part of Lahj governorate, starting from Mawiyah district, located east of Taiz governorate, Al-Ain News reported.

A number of units have been brought into the sector, and some were moving through various localities in Yemen, the report said.

These kinds of reports are usually based on intelligence sources, but why now?

The Houthi movements towards southern Yemen come at a sensitive time, coinciding with the repositioning of southern forces in eastern Yemen, which the Houthis considered a threat to their interests, especially with the loss of vital smuggling routes, Al-Ain News reported.

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The goal, apparently, is to create pressure on the STC after its recent successes in Mahra province. As the STC expanded control, it cut off smuggling routes that the Houthis use.

The UAE-backed STC has had success over the past month, unlike forces backed by Saudi Arabia. Although Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have shared interests in the region, they do not always see eye to eye on Yemen, Sudan, or other issues, Al-Ain News reported.

These developments on the ground come after the Transitional Council forces launched Operation Decisive to pursue remnants of al-Qaeda in Abyan and deter the plans of the Houthi militias and the Muslim Brotherhood in the coastal province, the report said.

The Houthis may feel less pressure these days due to the Gaza ceasefire. They are no longer attacking Israel and can concentrate on fighting the STC.
Ten Cincinnati developments received $15.7 million in the latest round of Ohio's historic preservation tax credit program this week.

Among them were a handful of buildings slated to bring hundreds of apartments to city's Over-the-Rhine Historic District and downtown Cincinnati.

Here are a few of the projects underway:

More apartments, a hotel coming to downtown Cincinnati

Court Street is home to a slew of historic buildings, including the Alkemeyer Building at 23 W. Court Street, that have been renovated into apartments.

Downtown Cincinnati's George F. Otte Carpet Company building at 33 W. Fourth St. is undergoing a conversion from a long-vacant factory to a boutique hotel. New York-based Blue Suede Hospitality Group aims to revive the property with 44 guest rooms, retail and cafe space.

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The Alkemeyer Building at 23 W. Court Street  once a former clothing and dry goods store  will become 12 residential units and a ground-floor restaurant and bar.

The Citadel Building, a small castle-looking structure at 114 E. 8th St., will be converted into eight new apartments on the upper floors.

Downtown's Cincinnati Club at 30 Garfield Place was originally built in 1924 as an annex to the now-shuttered Phoenix Club. It will be renovated and converted into 99 market-rate apartments and an events space.

100 apartments for Over-the-Rhine, some Downtown

Model Group's Reid Flats on West Fourth Street will revive two vacant buildings in the neighborhood's historic district.

Over-the-Rhine developer Model Group is turning a host of historic properties into a mixed-income apartment complex called Reid Flats. The $38 million, 90-unit project is scattered across a total of 10 buildings in the urban core.

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The majority of the structures are located in Over-the-Rhine, some on Republic Street and one on Vine Street. Some of the other buildings are situated above Liberty Street.

Model Group is also renovating a five-story commercial building at 211 W. Fourth St. (originally a saddlery business) into Reid Flats West Fourth Street.

A Middletown-based hotel project rejected for state credits

Among the local projects snubbed in this round of Ohio's tax credits was the 194-year-old U.S. Hotel in downtown Middletown, which suffered from fire damage in 2020. A developer plans to turn the Main Street property into an $8.5 million mixed-use hub with 43 upper-floor offices, ground-floor retail, community conference rooms and a public courtyard by mid-2027.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati adding hundreds of apartments with Ohio historic tax credits
The Nahala group said in a statement that "the Israeli flag was raised for the first time since the October 7 massacre in Gaza," and demanded that it must only be controlled by Israeli forces.

A group of civilians from the Nahala movement crossed into Gaza on Thursday as part of a protest demanding the Israeli resettlement of the area, the military confirmed.

"Several Israeli civilians crossed the border from Israeli territory into the Gaza Strip. The civilians were under constant observation by the IDF. IDF troops present in the area were dispatched to the scene and returned them to Israeli territory," said the IDF.

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The military also added that a second crossing attempt was made at a different point of the security fence between Gaza and Israel. "IDF and Israel Police forces were dispatched to the scene and prevented their crossing into the Gaza Strip," read the statement.

The Nahala group said in a statement that "the Israeli flag was raised for the first time since the October 7 massacre in Gaza," and demanded that it must only be controlled by Israeli forces. "It will not be handed over to the Americans or any other foreign entity," they said.

Daniella Weiss, chairwoman of the Nahala group, commented: "It is precisely in these days that we need to say in a clear voice what is obvious: Gaza belongs to the people of Israel. And we must start settling in Gaza now. This is a just and correct demand that has significant support from a large majority of the public in the State of Israel."

Israeli settlers from the Nahala movement. (credit: The Nahala Movement)

The Nahal movement assured on Thursday that the second attempt to raise a flag in southern Gaza was "successful."

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"The families of the Nahla movement's settlement cores, along with other activists, raised a flag near the ruins of the Morag settlement in the southern Gaza Strip," read a statement.

IDF reservist lightly wounded by stray bullet

In a separate incident on Thursday, an IDF reservist was lightly wounded after being hit by a stray bullet in the northern Gaza Strip.

The soldier was evacuated, and his family was notified, the Israeli military confirmed.
Hut 8 (HUT) shares are up 20% in pre-market trading after the company announced a landmark long term AI data center lease with Fluidstack.



The bitcoin and AI miner announced it has signed a 15 year, $7 billion lease with AI infrastructure firm Fluidstack for 245 megawatts (MW) of IT capacity at its River Bend campus in Louisiana. It also grants Fluidstack a Right of First Offer (ROFO) for up to an additional 1,000 megawatts of IT capacity as the campus expands.



The agreement includes three 5 year renewal options, increasing the potential total contract value to approximately $17.7 billion.



Google is providing a financial backstop for the base lease term, significantly reducing counterparty risk. Hut 8 expects the deal to deliver $6.9 billion of cumulative net operating income over 15 years, or around $454 million per year.



The River Bend facility is scheduled to begin commissioning in the second quarter of 2027, with project level debt financing expected to cover up to 85% of total development costs. JPMorgan is acting as lead left underwriter, alongside Goldman Sachs.



The announcement follows Cipher Minings (CIFR) recent 10-year high performance computing deal with Fluidstack, which also included Google backing.
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer's badge is seen as federal agents patrol the halls of immigration court in New York City on June 10, 2025. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

The Trump administrations immigration crackdown intensified across Washington in the late summer and early fall, new data indicates.

Between July 29 and Oct. 15, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested more than 950 people in Washington. The pace of arrests during those two-and-a-half months far surpasses increases earlier in the year. From Inauguration Day in January to the end of July, arrests totaled just over 1,000.

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And as detainments have increased, the share of those with criminal records has dropped. This despite federal authorities claiming that theyre targeting immigrants with violent criminal histories.

Just over 31% of those arrested in Washington between the end of July and mid-October had criminal convictions. Roughly another 17% had pending criminal charges. Thats compared to about 40% and 18%, respectively, in the rest of the year.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat, this month cited the case of a Clark County man who was mauled by a dog during his arrest by ICE as an example of how federal immigration authorities are terrorizing everyone, whether they have a criminal record or not.

This should shock the conscience of every one of us, she said in a statement. I do not want to live in an America where federal agents can sic attack dogs on peaceful residents with impunity and face no consequences.

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But even having a criminal history still doesnt justify allegedly abusing peoples rights, said Vanessa Torres Hernandez, the integrated policy director at the American Civil Liberties Unions Washington chapter.

President Donald Trumps campaign has more than doubled deportation arrests compared to last year under President Joe Biden. Nearly 2,000 people in Washington have been arrested since Trump retook office, compared to about 800 over the same period last year. In September alone, federal immigration authorities arrested over 350 in Washington.

Brenda Rodriguez Lopez, executive director of the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, said the data affirms what our communities have experienced for months.

This represents nearly 2,000 families who have had a loved one taken away from them; 2,000 communities who have suddenly lost a neighbor, a coworker, a friend; 2,000 people who have had to face brutal conditions while in detention and the possibility of permanent separation due to deportation, she said in a statement.

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The spike in arrests in Washington mirrors national trends. The Trump administration has ramped up its immigration enforcement efforts in major American cities, but has yet to specifically target Seattle, despite officials frequently mentioning Washingtons biggest city as on their radar.

The arrest figures come from the Deportation Data Project out of the University of California, Berkeley, where researchers received the information via Freedom of Information Act requests.

It provides a rare statistical look into the Trump administrations deportation program here and across the nation.

But its not comprehensive. For one, it only includes ICE administrative arrests, excluding Customs and Border Protection. And, in some cases, no state is listed for individual arrest records. So the arrest figures for Washington are likely an undercount. They also dont account for the rest of October and November.

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While previous datasets have included more complete information on each arrestees country of origin, the latest stats are lacking on that front.

The jump in enforcement followed Congress earmarking $170 billion to carry out Trumps immigration agenda in the Republican-backed big, beautiful bill in July. Federal officials are now using some of the money to buy a half-dozen Boeing planes for deportation flights, instead of relying on chartered jets, according to The Washington Post.

Local advocacy group La Resistencia has seen the increase in arrests as it monitors deportation flights in and out of Boeing Field in Seattle, to either be deported, transferred or held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma. This month, the organization is seeing three or four flights per week, compared to one a week last year, said Josefina Mora-Cheung, organizing director.

The movement of people and the targeting of people is at an unprecedented level that La Resistencia has not seen since we were founded 11 years ago, Mora-Cheung said.

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The increased arrests have stirred worries of overcrowding at the Tacoma detention center. As of Nov. 28, the 1,575-bed facility was holding just over 1,300 people, according to Detention Reports.

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In a letter Tuesday, many of the Democrats in Washingtons congressional delegation urged the acting ICE director to release those held at the detention center who dont pose a public safety threat due to concerns over deteriorating conditions from crowding there.

The state fought for years in court with the facilitys operator, The GEO Group, to inspect it. Despite a recent appeals court ruling in the states favor, inspectors still havent been able to get in, according to the state Department of Health.

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The detention center has a history of allegations of mistreatment, abuse and neglect of detainees. A green card holder from the Philippines, Greggy Sorio, had to have a toe amputated due to medical issues he experienced while being held there.

The question of how to further protect immigrants in Washington is expected to be a major topic of discussion when the Legislature meets starting next month for a 60-day legislative session.
Multiple bills filed by Republican legislators seek to expand Indiana's execution options beyond lethal injection, which is currently the only method authorized under state law. (Getty Images)

As Indiana lawmakers prepare to reconvene in January for a shortened 2026 legislative session, multiple Republican legislators have filed bills to expand how the state carries out death sentences  reopening a debate over capital punishment that stalled in the Statehouse earlier this year.

At the heart of two bills  one in the House and another in the Senate  are additional execution options beyond lethal injection, which is currently the only method authorized under Indiana law.

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Senate Bill 11, authored by Indianapolis Republican Sen. Mike Young, would allow Indiana to use a firing squad to carry out executions under certain circumstances.

Under Youngs proposal, the death penalty could be inflicted by firing squad if the Department of Correction determines  at least 30 days before a scheduled execution  that it is unable to conduct an execution by lethal injection due to the unavailability of required drugs.

The bill would also allow a condemned person to request execution by firing squad at least 30 days before the scheduled date.

Separately a House bill authored by Republican Reps. Jim Lucas of Seymour and Andrew Ireland of Indianapolis, would allow executions to be carried out by either firing squad or nitrogen hypoxia. Lucas said lethal injection would remain the default method, but condemned individuals could request an alternative.

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Story continues below.

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The Indiana Capital Chronicle obtained a copy of the bill which was filed this week but as of late Wednesday had not yet been published on the General Assemblys website where all filed bills are publicly accessible.

Its a simple bill, Lucas told the Capital Chronicle. Were going to go with drugs as the first option, Lucas said. But if (the condemned) want to choose one of these other options, they can.

Lucas said the measure was drafted in collaboration with DOC officials and is driven largely by the states difficulty securing lethal injection drugs and the cost associated with executions. In the last year, Indiana officials paid up to $300,000 for a single dose of pentobarbital.

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He said the goal is to align Indianas exertion protocols with other states and the federal government, and that his bill was an ask from the White House.

Could legislation pass  or stalemate?

Youngs legislation additionally details procedures for firing squad executions, requiring a five-member team made up of DOC officers selected by the prison warden.

Four officers would fire weapons containing live ammunition, while one would fire a weapon containing a blank round, with firearms loaded in a way that prevents squad members from knowing which ammunition they are firing. The bill would also shield the identities of firing squad members from public disclosure and legal discovery.

Currently, five states authorize the use of firing squads under certain circumstances: Idaho, Utah, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and South Carolina.

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Nine states permit executions by lethal gas, but only five  Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma  specifically authorize death by nitrogen hypoxia, a process that deprives inmates of oxygen using nitrogen gas.

Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, listens to a bill on March 31, 2025. (Photo by Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

So far, Alabama and Louisiana are the only states that have performed executions by nitrogen gas, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

Lawmakers are set to reconvene Jan. 5.

Republican leadership has not yet said where the supermajority caucuses in either chamber stand on new legislation, or if the bills will get committee hearings during the short session, which is scheduled to conclude by the end of February following redistricting debates in December.

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The proposed bills follow more than a year of concerns over the states ongoing difficulty obtaining lethal injection drugs. The problem that has delayed executions nationwide and prompted states to revisit alternative methods.

Indiana has spent more than $1 million over the last year to procure pentobarbital, and Gov. Mike Braun said previously that the state has faced difficulties accessing the lethal injection drug.

But when asked earlier this week about pending death penalty legislation, the Republican governor struck a cautious tone.

Even though Im anticipating that there might be some stuff there  Ill look at that, Braun said, referring to death penalty bills. But he added that such measures dont rise to the level of other issues, such as lowering health care costs and passing reforms related to education and utilities.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun sits for an end-of-year interview with the Indiana Capital Chronicle in his Statehouse office on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

If it comes up, he continued, then Ill view it on the merits at the time.

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Hoosier prosecutors, meanwhile, have urged lawmakers to preserve the death penalty as an option.

Vicki Becker, the Elkhart County prosecutor speaking on behalf of the Association of Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys, said prosecutors oppose removing capital punishment as a tool  regardless of how the legislature ultimately structures it.

State of Indiana, prosecutors dont want to lose tools. They dont want to lose tools, Becker said. And in the grand scheme of things, when we have cases that truly are the worst of the worst, we need to have those tools.

Becker said prosecutors will serve as subject-matter experts as lawmakers debate the issue but emphasized that the final decision rests with the General Assembly.

Opposition mounts, too

Opposition to the death penalty has also intensified.

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On Tuesday, more than 70 handwritten letters from pastors and members of Indianapolis First Friends and Shalom Zone, a self-described interfaith group, were delivered to the governors office calling for abolition. Braun briefly met with the group and promised a more formal conversation would follow.

Like so many Hoosiers, 23 other states, and the entire European Union, we believe the death penalty should be abolished, said Jodie English, a Quaker who helped organize the letter drive.

Braun  whose administration oversaw two executions in 2025  has called on lawmakers to take up the issue but has stopped short of endorsing any specific execution methods.

The governor has pointed to South Carolina, however, which recently reinstated the firing squad as an option after years of delays due to its inability to obtain lethal injection drugs.

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In June, Braun disclosed that Indiana officials spent $1.175 million on lethal injection doses over the past year  $600,000 of which was spent on drugs that expired before use. The cost has been between $275,000 and $300,000 per dose.

But Brauns office has since refused to disclose how much the state paid for the latest three sets of lethal injection drugs purchased by the DOC in recent months. At least one of those doses was used for Roy Wards execution in October.

Braun has maintained, too, that the high cost and short shelf life of the drug should prompt new discussions on how the state approaches capital punishment moving forward.

Lawmakers failed to advance several death-penalty-related proposals during the 2025 session, including a Republican-backed bill to abolish the death penalty altogether.

That proposal drew some bipartisan support in both chambers but never received a committee hearing. At the time, House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray said the issue lacked sufficient consensus to move forward during an already hectic session.

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Lucas said hes confident that his bill will receive a hearing in the House and advance out of the chamber, but he was less certain about its prospects in the Senate.

I absolutely refuse to predict what the Senate is going to do on anything, he said. Im over in the House. Im working the House side. Thats my focus right now.

Five men remain on Indianas death row at the state prison in Michigan City. Since December 2024, the state has carried out death sentences for three inmates: Joseph Corcoran, Benjamin Ritchie and Ward. Corcorans marked Indianas first executions in more than a decade.

The state has not requested execution dates for any of the remaining death row inmates.

Were not relitigating the death penalty or anything like that, Lucas said. And we want to keep this as humane and efficient as possible, for all parties involved.

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Dec. 17Damaging winds blasted Northwest Montana beginning Wednesday morning, cutting power to thousands of homes from Libby to the Flathead Valley.

At its peak, the outage affected more than 30,000 Flathead Electric Cooperative customers, including large portions of Libby, Kalispell, Whitefish, Coram and Bigfork.

All Flathead Electric line crews and tree crews were working on outages Wednesday and restoration work will continue into the night. Due to the extent of the damage, estimated restoration times remained unknown, but the Co-op said some locations could be without power into Friday.

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"During major storms we typically request assistance from neighboring utilities, but because this wind event affected much of the western U.S., many crews are responding to similar impacts in their own service areas, which limits the availability of additional help," said Jason Williams, the co-op's chief operating officer.

A wind gust of 67 mph was reported in Kalispell, while Mount Aeneas in the Swan Range clocked a gust at 96 mph.

Numerous trees were toppled across roads in the Flathead Valley, and U.S. 93 South near Somers was closed after a semi-truck tipped over.

Flathead County Sheriff Brian Henio issued a temporary shelter in place and advised residents to stay at home or work, as emergency responders were working to clear roads. Heino said people should not call 911 to report a downed tree unless there is an immediate threat to life.

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In response to the widespread damage, Flathead County Commissioners on Wednesday approved an emergency declaration, which authorizes the sheriff to order evacuations and control access to certain locations to protect public safety.

Montana 35 near Woods Bay was closed to north and southbound traffic for several hours after a tree fell and knocked down powerlines over the highway, according to Bigfork Fire Department Public Information Officer Al Benitez.

Benitez said Bigfork Fire crews stayed on site until Montana Department of Transportation vehicles arrived. The highway reopened around 2 p.m.

Bigfork's position on the lakeshore makes the town vulnerable to high winds, particularly when they are coming from the south, Benitez said. However, the fire department received only six calls as of mid-afternoon on Wednesday.

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"Some of the other areas have been hit much harder than we have," Benitez said. "Unfortunately, the large cross that's just off Montana 82 as you come into Bigfork got knocked to the ground. It's been up there for many, many years, and has survived many windstorms. But apparently this one was more severe, it took that whole cross down."

Fire officials warned people to not approach or get near downed powerlines, as the wet ground surrounding it could also be a hazard.

"Call 911, and we'll get people out there as quickly as we can. We understand the inconvenience of blocked roads and power outages, but our biggest concern is that no one gets hurt," Benitez said.

Flathead Electric reported that main transmission lines in the Lakeside area were affected by the windstorm. Crews from Bonneville Power Administration were called to help make repairs.

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Flathead Electric crews worked through the night on Tuesday to finish restoring a few outages in the Flathead Valley after Monday's windstorm.

"Crews had just cleared the final outages when the winds arrived in Libby this morning, and continued down the U.S. 2 corridor, sending unstable trees into power lines and immediately taking out electricity to about 3,500 of about 6,000 meters in the greater Libby area," said Williams.

Many Kalispell schools were without power Wednesday morning, including, Elrod Elementary, Hedges Elementary, Rankin Elementary, Flathead High School, Linderman Education Center, Ag. Ed. Center and the central office and district facilities building.

A high wind warning was issued through Wednesday evening for the Flathead and Mission valleys. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph were expected, with gusts of 65 mph possible.

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The National Weather Service warned that winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages were expected.

People were advised to stay in the lower level of a home during a windstorm and to avoid windows.

Rain was expected to transition to snow as the intense cold front passes across the area. Snow accumulation will favor Northwest Montana, the Weather Service said, especially eastern Flathead County.

Marias Pass on U.S. 2 south of Glacier National Park could see about 6 to 12 inches of snow by Wednesday night. A winter storm warning was issued for the Glacier Park region due to the combination of high winds and snow.

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Firefighters from Somers-Lakeside Fire Department work at the scene of an overturned semi-truck blocking U.S. 93 southbound near Somers on Wednesday, Dec. 17. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider

City crews clear downed tree limbs in the 600 block of Fifth Avenue East in Kalispell after high winds uprooted two blue spruce trees on Wednesday, Dec. 17. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider

An uprooted tree at Depot Park in Kalispell that fell during a windstorm on Wednesday, Dec. 17. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider

An overturned semi-truck blocks U.S. 93 southbound near Somers on Wednesday, Dec. 17. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

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Casey Kreider

Officials check around the scene of an overturned semi-truck blocking U.S. 93 southbound near Somers on Wednesday, Dec. 17. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider

Firefighters from Somers-Lakeside Fire Department work at the scene of an overturned semi-truck blocking U.S. 93 southbound near Somers on Wednesday, Dec. 17. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider

Fallen trees cross Elk Street in Coram on Dec. 17, 2025. (Flathead Electric Co-op photo)

Flathead Electric Cooperative crews work to restore power in Bigfork on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Flathead Electric photo)

A tree hangs in a powerline near Blacktail Road on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Flathead Electric Co-op photo)

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The top of a downed tree rests on the roof of a garage at a residence at the corner of West Lincoln Boulevard and Idaho Avenue in Libby Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)

A partially uprooted tree remains in the front yard of a home at the corner of East Lincoln Boulevard and Mineral Avenue in Libby Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.(Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)

A sheared off tree rests in the yard of a home at the corner of West Lincoln Boulevard and Idaho Avenue in Libby Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. The tree landed on the roof of a garage on the property as well as some telephone lines. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Israeli authorities are expected to advance plans to build 9,000 new housing units in an illegal settlement on the site of the abandoned Qalandiya airport in occupied East Jerusalem, in another attempt to cut off Palestinian lands from each other and block any possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state ever emerging.

The so-called Atarot neighbourhood in northern East Jerusalem, reminiscent of the E1 plan to undermine Palestinian statehood, is to be discussed and have its outlines approved on Wednesday by the District Planning and Building Committee, according to Israeli group Peace Now.

The advocacy group said the new settlement is envisioned to be built within a densely populated Palestinian urban area, stretching from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank and Kafr Aqab in the north through the Qalandiya refugee camp, ar-Ram, Beit Hanina and Bir Nabala.

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It would build an Israeli enclave in an area where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians live in close proximity, with the aim of blocking development in a key area and further damaging the likelihood of a sovereign Palestinian state being established.

This is a destructive plan that, if implemented, would prevent any possibility of connecting East Jerusalem with the surrounding Palestinian area and would, in practice, prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, Peace Now said.

    -       .

    ""         .

 -9000 "   .

 ? pic.twitter.com/68RdI7aque    (@PeaceNowIL) December 16, 2025

Translation: The massacre government is working to establish a new ultra-Orthodox mega-settlement across the Green Line north of Jerusalem. The new political attack called Atarot is planned to be built in the heart of the Palestinian state that will be established alongside Israel. This involves 9,000 housing units that Israel will have to evacuate. Isnt it a shame?

The organisation said the far-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seizing every moment to bury chances for a future of peace and compromise.

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Especially now, when it is clear to everyone that the ideas of managing the conflict and decisive victory have led to a security disaster for Israel, we must act to resolve the conflict.

The plans advancements date back to early 2020, when Israels Housing Ministry sent it to the Jerusalem municipality to prepare it for approval. It completed the bureaucratic preparation process within months, but faced objections from the Environmental Protection and Health ministries, according to Peace Now, which said the administration of United States President Barack Obama had also opposed it.

It would need further government consideration and approval before being given legal effect and moving towards tender processes to select construction contractors.

Most of the plan area is designated as state land by Israeli authorities, meaning they would not have to seek permission from Palestinian landowners.

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Israel has been quickly advancing with several major projects to build illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian territory and pursuing annexation of the occupied West Bank, alongside its genocidal war on Gaza that started in October 2023 and has now killed more than 70,000 people.





The E1 plan, which would see the construction of thousands of illegal Israeli homes in the occupied West Bank, is hailed by Israeli officials despite international condemnation.

Israels security cabinet last week signed off on plans to formalise 19 illegal settlements across the West Bank.

Demolitions and widespread arrests

Israeli forces continue to launch raids across the occupied West Bank and support violent settlers in attacking Palestinian lands while issuing permits to demolish Palestinian homes.

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Israeli authorities began carrying out demolition operations Wednesday morning in the town of Biddu, located northwest of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext that the Palestinian buildings lacked permits.

In the central part of the West Bank, settlers, who have been rampaging with impunity often backed by the Israeli military, burned Palestinian vehicles and wrote racist slogans in the village of Ein Yabrud in Ramallah on Wednesday.

Several Palestinians were also arrested during raids across the West Bank, including in Nablus.

Local authorities said the Israeli military plans to demolish 25 residential buildings in the Nur Shams refugee camp this week.




The initiative is part of a broader effort to deter Turkeys military and strategic activities in the eastern Mediterranean.

Senior officials from Israel, Greece, and Cyprus are discussing the possibility of establishing a rapid-response force composed of units from the armed forces of the three countries, three people familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to deter Turkeys military and strategic activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, they said.

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According to the sources, the security initiative is currently in the preliminary review and planning stages.

It is intended to strengthen strategic military cooperation among the three countries amid rising regional tensions. The force would not be a permanent standing unit but one that could be deployed quickly in times of crisis on land, at sea, or in the air.

There is significant involvement from the IAF, the IDF Foreign Relations Department, and the Israel Navy, coordinated through inter-service and government channels, an informed source told the Post.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan walks after speaking to the media, at the end of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, November 23, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/THOMAS MUKOYA)

Next week, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides are due to arrive in Israel for a summit with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In recent weeks, there have been numerous meetings on the subject.

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In November, the Prime Ministers Office said Military Secretary Major-General Roman Gofman and Acting National Security Council Adviser Gil Reich held meetings on political and regional issues with their Greek counterparts in Greece.

IAF Commander Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar reportedly met with senior air force officials from Cyprus and Greece in a strategic session to strengthen cooperation.

On Monday, Defense Minister Israel Katz met with his Cypriot counterpart in Israel.

The concept they discussed envisions a unit of about 2,500 personnel, some 1,000 soldiers each from Greece and Israel, and 500 from Cyprus, Greek news site Tanea reported.

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Discussions on the proposal are ongoing, two sources told the Post.

The establishment of such a force, and even discussions about its establishment, is intended to send a message to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

If you take this and you add it to the deepened military cooperation of the last 15 years, to me this could be a natural extension of this cooperation, Angelos Athanasopoulos, a Greek geopolitics and security expert, told the Post. And the main country from which it will receive a backlash will be Turkey. Following recent comments in both Greek and Israeli press, this really raises some eyebrows in Turkey.

Ankara is seeking to turn Syria into a Turkish satellite state, including the deployment of air-defense systems aimed at aircraft and missiles in Syrian territory.

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At the same time, Turkey is pursuing involvement in the multinational force in the Gaza Strip and is holding talks with both rival governments in Libya in an attempt to negotiate a new maritime agreement. Such a move could allow it to become a dominant player in the maritime space of the Northern and Eastern Mediterranean.

In recent years, Israel has conducted several exercises with the navies and air forces of Greece and Cyprus, including trilateral drills. According to reports in Greece, the Israeli Spike NLOS missile system, known as the Long Lance, is transitioning in the Hellenic Army from procurement to operational integration.

Publications indicate the goal is to achieve full operational capability by next summer, with a focus on deployment around the eastern Aegean islands and the Evros River region.

The reports say this is not just about acquiring long-range missiles but about embedding a full networked system of sensors, command, and control, giving smaller units a significant and accurate fire capability.

If there is a force, a standing force probably, I think we will see more trilateral exercises of this kind, Athanasopoulos said. And who knows if other countries will also participate. So, indeed, a new course creates a denser network of synergies.
Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the administrative detention despite having ended the practice for Jewish-Israelis, even for violent offenses.

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the Israel Police on Thursday announced that for the first time, they have placed an Israeli citizen from the Bedouin village of Bir Hadaj in the South in administrative detention for an offense traditionally viewed as typical criminal organizational activity, not a national security issue.

The suspect has allegedly played a central role in a droneweapons-smuggling network operating across Israels borders, especially the Egyptian-Israeli border.

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Defense Minister Israel Katz signed an order approving the use of administrative detention against the suspect despite the fact that not only did he refuse to sign a single administrative detention of a Jewish Israeli, something overwhelmingly supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for 16 of his 17 years in office, but also issued a blanket release of all existing Jewish administrative detainees on January 17 of this year.

Many Israeli defense officials blame part of the escalation of Jewish-Israeli extremist attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank on Katzs preventing the Shin Bet from using the tool.

There were two main rationales for Katzs order.

Weapons and a drone that were intercepted by the IDF. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

First, legal authorities did not have sufficient evidence that would be usable in court to indict the individual suspect, so, absent administrative detention, he would have been freed.

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In national security cases, sometimes the evidence that proves a suspects involvement in terror is based on classified technological or human spying, and exposing the evidence in court would cut off future use of the surveillance or endanger the life of the spy.

Second, the drone weapons-smuggling trade, which originated as a mere criminal enterprise, is now sometimes being used by terror groups to increase their weapons supply, including sometimes getting weapons to Hamas.

Additionally, according to the statement, the rise in smuggled weapons into Israel has allowed for a drop in weapons prices, making it easier forterror networks throughout Israel and the Palestinian areas to obtain weapons.

It was unclear how long the suspect would be held for.

A typical minimal administrative detention period would be three to six months, but some more dangerous suspects had been held for two to three years before the Israel-Hamas War.

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Since the war, these time periods may have gotten even longer.

IDF stops 130 smuggling drones from Egypt in a month

The IDF managed to stop 130 drone incursions into Israel from Egypt that aimed at smuggling weapons across the border, the military said in November.

Overall, IDF sources said at the time that the army had improved its interception of smuggling efforts by around 50%, which means it is possible that the 130 drones stopped last month were half of 260 or more that made it into Israel, since the 50% is a best guess.

Most of the munitions are produced in Iran or Yemen, according to IDF sources.

IDF sources had expressed hope that more aggressive measures would be taken against Israelis involved with the smuggling, and not only against those trying to smuggle into Israel from Egypt.
Washington  Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his prosecutions of President Trump in a closed-door deposition with lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, saying "the basis for those charges rests entirely with President Trump and his actions."

Smith was subpoenaed to testify earlier this month by the Republican chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which is probing Smith's actions during his time as special counsel during the Biden administration. The committee is investigating what it claims were the "politically motivated" prosecutions of Mr. Trump led by Smith.

"Any objective person who listened today to the deposition would know without any doubt that Jack Smith's investigation is based purely on the facts and the law and the evidence, nothing more and nothing less, and that's what you would expect of Jack, a career public servant who has served this nation for over 30 years as a public servant committed to the rule of law," Lanny Breuer, a lawyer for Smith, told reporters after the deposition.

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Following the question-and-answer session, Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Panel, said Smith answered every question to "the satisfaction of any reasonable minded person in that room."

Smith "spent several hours schooling the Judiciary Committee on the professional responsibilities of a prosecutor and the ethical duties of a prosecutor," Raskin said. "And he's a sensational and honorable public servant, and we are lucky to have him in the bar in the United States."

Rep. Daniel Goldman, a Democrat from New York, criticized Judiciary Committee chairman Rep. Jim Jordan for having Smith testify behind closed doors first. Previous special counsels, including Robert Mueller and Robert Hur, have appeared before lawmakers for public hearings. Mueller investigated Russian interference in the 2016 election, and Hur probed former President Joe Biden's handling of sensitive government documents.

"The accusations against him are complete bogus, and the American people should hear that for themselves," he said.

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The president was indicted on more than 40 federal charges in two separate cases. The first alleged he unlawfully held onto government documents marked classified after leaving the White House in 2021, and the second stemmed from his alleged efforts to subvert the transfer of power after the 2020 election.

The president has denied wrongdoing and claimed Smith's investigations were politically motivated "witch hunts" that intended to harm his candidacy for the White House.

Both cases were brought to an end after Mr. Trump won a second term in November 2024.

In portions of Smith's opening statement to the committee obtained by CBS News, the former special counsel defended his prosecutorial record and told lawmakers that he made decisions in the investigations "without regard to President Trump's political association, activities, beliefs, or candidacy in the 2024 presidential election."

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"The decision to bring charges against President Trump was mine, but the basis for those charges rests entirely with President Trump and his actions, as alleged in the indictments returned by grand juries in two different districts," Smith told lawmakers.

Former special counsel Jack Smith arrives for a closed-door deposition with the House Judiciary Committee at the Rayburn Building in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 17, 2025. / Credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

He continued: "Our investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and to prevent the lawful transfer of power."

Smith said the documents investigation "developed powerful evidence that showed President Trump willfully retained highly classified documents after he left office in January 2021, storing them at his social club, including in a bathroom and a ballroom where events and gatherings took place."

Mr. Trump, Smith said, "then repeatedly tried to obstruct justice to conceal his continued retention of those documents."

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In other portions of his opening statement, Smith defended investigative steps taken by his team, including obtaining phone records of sitting Republican lawmakers as part of the 2020 election probe. Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, who leads the Senate Judiciary Committee, published a document in October alleging that the FBI obtained phone data from eight GOP senators and one Republican House member as part of the probe.

The records, Smith said, "were lawfully subpoenaed and were relevant to complete a comprehensive investigation."

"January 6 was an attack on the structure of our democracy in which over 100 heroic law enforcement officers were assaulted. Over 160 individuals later pled guilty to assaulting police officers that day," Smith said. "Exploiting that violence, President Trump and his associates tried to call Members of Congress in furtherance of their criminal scheme, urging them to further delay certification of the 2020 election. I didn't choose those Members; President Trump did."

Breuer, one of the attorneys who represents the former special counsel, told reporters before the deposition that Smith "is showing tremendous courage in light of the remarkable and unprecedented retribution campaign against him by this administration and this White House."

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Smith is also under investigation by the Office of Special Counsel, an agency that is unrelated to Smith's former position as special counsel. His lawyers called the ethics probe by the Office of the Special Counsel "imaginary and unfounded."

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A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a Trump administration policy that sought to require members of Congress to submit requests a week before visiting and inspecting Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities.

U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb ruled that the policy likely violated an appropriations law passed by Congress saying that the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, cannot use funds to require lawmakers in Congress to "provide prior notice of the intent to enter a facility" to conduct oversight.

That DHS policy, announced in June, said members of Congress should file requests to inspect ICE facilities a minimum of seven days before making the visit, and that only Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem could waive that requirement. Before that policy, ICE had historically allowed members of Congress to visit ICE facilities, without prior notice.

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"Contrary to Defendants' suggestion, then, (appropriations law) does entitle Members of Congress to access ICE facilities without being subject to a notice requirement," Cobb wrote in her ruling Wednesday.

The D.C.-based judge's order stemmed from a lawsuit filed by the groups Democracy Forward Foundation and American Oversight on behalf of a dozen Democratic lawmakers in Congress who attempted to inspect ICE detention centers.

In a statement, New York Rep. Dan Goldman, a Democrat and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said Wednesday's order vindicated lawmakers' "statutory right to conduct oversight."

"For months, masked, unidentified ICE agents have detained law-abiding immigrants in inhumane and unconstitutional conditions, while DHS has repeatedly and unlawfully blocked me and other Members of Congress from inspecting these facilities," Goldman said.

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The Trump administration has argued ICE detention site visits by members of Congress should not interfere with President Trump's constitutional powers. It has also accused Democratic lawmakers of going to ICE facilities for political purposes.

DHS said in a Thursday statement: "In Fiscal Year 2025, we supported more facility visits than any year under the Biden-Harris administration. These requests must be part of legitimate congressional oversight activities, and far too often they are just for a media act. Without proper support, such visits threaten the safety of ICE personnel, the detainees, and Members of Congress alike."

The Justice Department charged Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey with assaulting law enforcement during a clash at an ICE detention facility in Newark. McIver has called the charges politically motivated.

Wednesday's order also suspended a Trump administration policy that argued ICE field offices were not detention centers and thus not subject to unfettered congressional oversight. Democratic lawmakers have argued those facilities, even though they're not long-term detention centers, should be subject to inspections since they have been used to hold detainees for days in some cities, including in New York.

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The ruling comes amid a historic expansion of ICE's detention system under the second Trump administration.

As of Nov. 30, ICE was holding roughly 66,000 individuals facing deportation in detention centers across the U.S., an all-time high, according to agency figures. Roughly 47% of those detainees lacked criminal records and were being held solely due to civil violations of immigration law. Some 26% of the detainees had criminal convictions and the other 26% had pending charges, the statistics show.

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Mature chips are used in most consumer and power electronics, while the smaller chips are in high demand for AI data centres and high-performance computing. Globally, the technology for mature chips is more widely available and distributed. Taiwan leads production of these chips, with China fast catching up, though Taiwans TSMC dominates production for cutting-edge nodes below 7nm.

The foundry will focus on fabricating chips ranging from 28 nanometres (nm) to 110nm, typically referred to as mature chips because they are comparatively easier to produce than smaller 7nm or 3nm chips.

Even if delayed, the project marks a pivotal moment for India, which has seen multiple attempts to build a commercial fab stall in the past.

Last year, Tata was approved for a 50 percent subsidy from the Modi government for the foundry, along with additional state-level incentives, and could come online as early as December 2026.

On December 8, Tata Electronics also signed an agreement with Intel to explore the manufacturing and packaging of its products in Tatas upcoming facilities, including the foundry. The partnership will address the growing domestic demand.

The upcoming foundry in Gujarat is a collaboration between Indias Tata Group, one of the largest conglomerates in the country, and Taiwans Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC), which is assisting with the plants construction and technology transfer.

Semiconductor chips are designed, fabricated in foundries, and then assembled and packaged for commercial use. The US leads in chip design, Taiwan in fabrication, and China, increasingly, in packaging.

With companies the world over hungering for chips, Indias entry into that business could boost its role in global supply chains. But experts caution that India still has a long way to go in attracting more foreign investment and catching up in cutting-edge technology.

One sign of that is Indias first commercial foundry for mature chips that is currently under construction, also in Gujarat. The $11bn project is supported by technology transfer from a Taiwanese chipmaker and has onboarded the United States chip giant Intel as a potential customer.

Modi has been trying to position India as an additional manufacturing hub for global companies that may be looking to expand their production beyond China, with limited success.

Kaynes Semicon, together with Japanese and Malaysian technology partners, assembled the chips in a new factory funded with incentives under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis $10bn semiconductor push announced in 2021.

In October, a small electronics manufacturer in the western Indian state of Gujarat shipped its first batch of chip modules to a client in California.

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India has long been strong in chip design, but the challenge has been converting that strength into semiconductor manufacturing, said Stephen Ezell, vice president for global innovation policy at the Washington, DC-based Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF).

In the past two to three years, theres been more progress on that front than in the previous decade  driven by stronger political will at both the central and state levels, and a more coordinated push from the private sector to commit to these investments, Ezell told Al Jazeera.

Easy entry point

More than half of the Modi governments $10bn in semiconductor incentives is earmarked for the Tata-PSMC venture, with the remainder supporting nine other projects focused mainly on the assembly, testing and packaging (ATP) stage of the supply chain.

These are Indias first such projects  one by Idaho-based Micron Technology, also in Gujarat, and another by the Tata Group in the northeastern Assam state. Both will use in-house technologies and have drawn investments of $2.7bn and $3.3bn, respectively.

The remaining projects are smaller, with cumulative investments of about $2bn, and are backed by technology partners such as Taiwans Foxconn, Japans Renesas Electronics, and Thailands Stars Microelectronics.

ATP units offer a lower path of resistance compared to a large foundry, requiring smaller investments  typically between $50m and $1bn. They also carry less risk, and the necessary technology know-how is widely available globally, Ashok Chandak, president of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), told Al Jazeera.

Still, most of the projects are behind schedule.

Microns facility, approved for incentives in June 2023, was initially expected to begin production by late 2024. However, the company noted in its fiscal 2025 report that the Gujarat facility will address demand in the latter half of this decade.

Approved in February 2024, the Tata facility was initially slated to be operational by mid-2025, but the timeline has now been pushed to April 2026.

When asked for reasons behind the delays, both Micron and Tata declined to comment.





One exception is a smaller ATP unit by Kaynes Semicon, which in October exported a consignment of sample chip modules to an anchor client in California  a first for India.

Another project by CG Semi, part of Indias Murugappa Group, is in trial runs, with commercial production expected in the coming months.

The semiconductor projects under the Tata Group and the Murugappa Group have drawn public scrutiny after Indian online news outlet Scroll.in reported that both companies made massive political donations after they were picked for the projects.

As per Scroll.in, the Tata Group donated 7.5 billion rupees ($91m) and 1.25 billion rupees ($15m), respectively, to Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just weeks after securing government subsidies in February 2024 and ahead of national elections. Neither group had made such large donations to the party before. Such donations are not prohibited by law. Both the Tata Group and the Murugappa Group declined to comment to Al Jazeera regarding the reports.

Meeting domestic demand a key priority

The upcoming projects in India  both the foundry and the ATP units  will primarily focus on legacy, or mature, chips sized between 28nm and 110nm. While these chips are not at the cutting-edge of semiconductor technology, they account for the bulk of global demand, with applications across cars, industrial equipment and consumer electronics.

China dominates the ATP segment globally with a 30 percent share and accounted for 42 percent of semiconductor equipment spending in 2024, according to DBS Group Research.

India has long positioned itself as a China Plus One destination amid global supply chain diversification, with some progress evident in Apples expansion of its manufacturing base in the country. The company assembles all its latest iPhone models in India, in partnership with Foxconn and Tata Electronics, and has emerged as a key supplier to the US market this year following tariff-related uncertainties over Chinese shipments.

Its push in the ATP segment, however, is driven largely by the need to meet the growing domestic demand for chips, anticipated to surge from $50bn today to $100bn by 2030.

Globally, too, the market will expand from around $650bn to $1 trillion. So, were not looking at shifting manufacturing from China to elsewhere. Were looking at capturing the incremental demand emerging both in India and abroad, Chandak said.

Indias import of chips  both integrated circuits and microassemblies  has jumped in recent years, rising 36 percent in 2024 to nearly $24bn from the previous year. An integrated circuit (IC) is a chip serving logic, memory or processing functions, whereas a microassembly is a broader package of multiple chips performing combined functions.

The momentum has continued this year, with imports up 20 percent year-on-year, accounting for about 3 percent of Indias total import bill, according to official trade data. China remains the leading supplier with a 30 percent share, followed by Hong Kong (19 percent), South Korea (11 percent), Taiwan (10 percent), and Singapore (10 percent).

Even if its a 28 nm chip, from a trade balance perspective, India would rather produce and package it domestically than import it, Ezell of ITIF said, adding that domestic capability would enhance the competitiveness of chip-dependent industries.





Better incentives needed

The Modi governments support for the chip sector, while unprecedented for India, is still dwarfed by the $48bn committed by China and the $53bn provisioned under the USs CHIPS Act.

To achieve scale in the ATP segment for meaningful import substitution  and to advance towards producing chips smaller than 28nm  India will need continued government support, and there is a second round of incentives already in the works.

The reality is, if India wants to compete at the leading edge of semiconductors, it will need to attract a foreign partner  American or Asian  since only a handful of companies globally operate at that level. Its highly unlikely that a domestic firm will be competitive at 7nm or 3nm anytime soon, Ezell said.

According to him, India needs to continue focusing on improving its overall business environment  from ensuring reliable power and infrastructure to streamlining regulations, customs and tariff policies.

Indias engineers make up about a fifth of the global chip design workforce, but rising competition from China and Malaysia to attract multinational design firms could erode that edge.

In its latest incentive round, the Indian government limited benefits to domestic firms to promote local intellectual property  a move that, according to Alpa Sood, legal director at the India operations of California-based Marvell Technology, risks driving multinational design work elsewhere.

India already has a thriving chip design ecosystem strengthened by early-stage incentives from the government. What we need, to further accelerate and build stronger R&D muscle  is incentives that mirror competing countries like China [220 percent tax incentives] and Malaysia [200 percent tax incentives]. This will ensure we dont lose the advantage weve built over the years, Sood told Al Jazeera.

Marvells India operations are its largest outside the US.

The Trump effect

Indias upcoming chip facilities, while aimed at meeting domestic demand, will also export to clients in the US, Japan, and Taiwan. Though US President Donald Trump has threatened 100 percent tariffs on semiconductors made outside the US, none have yet been imposed.

A bigger concern for India-US engagement  so far limited to education and training  is Washingtons 50 percent tariff on India over its Russian crude imports. Semiconductors remain exempt, but the broader trade climate has turned uncertain.

Over half the global semiconductor market is controlled by US-headquartered firms, making engagement with them crucial, Chandak said. Any alignment with these firms, either through joint ventures or technology partnerships  is a preferred option.

The global chip race is accelerating, and Indias policies will need to keep pace to become a serious player amid growing geo-economic fragmentation.

These new 1.7nm fabs are so advanced they even factor in the moons gravitational pull  its literally a moonshot, Ezell said. Semiconductor manufacturing is the most complex engineering task humanity undertakes  and the policymaking behind it must be just as precise.
A trio of federal judges questioned attorneys for Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Republican Party on Wednesday in a legal case that will decide the fate of Californias new voter-approved congressional districts for the 2026 midterm elections.

Attorneys for the California Republican Party and the Trump administration's Department of Justice during the hearing recapped the argument they made in their legal complaint, accusing Democratic legislators and redistricting experts of racial gerrymandering that illegally favored Latinos.

The state's legal representatives, meanwhile, argued their primary goal was not racial but political  they worked to weaken Republicans' voting power in California to offset similar gerrymandering in Texas and other GOP-led states.

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But Wednesday was the first time the public got to hear the three federal judges of the Central District of California challenge those narratives as they weigh whether to grant the GOPs request for a temporary injunction blocking the reconfigured congressional districts approved by voters in November under Proposition 50.

The GOP has repeatedly seized on public comments from Paul Mitchell, a redistricting expert for California's Democratic-led Legislature who designed the Proposition 50 congressional districts, that the No. 1 thing he started thinking about was drawing a replacement Latino majority/minority district in the middle of Los Angeles.

On Wednesday, District Court Judge Josephine Staton suggested that GOP attorneys focused too much on the intent of Mitchell and Democratic legislators and not enough on the voters who ultimately approved Proposition 50.

Why would we not be looking at their intent? Staton asked Michael Columbo, an attorney for California Republicans. If the relative intent is the voters, you have nothing.

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Nearly two-thirds of California voters approved the new Proposition 50 congressional district map in a Nov. 4 special election after Newsom pitched the idea as a way to counter partisan gerrymandering after President Trump pressed Texas to redraw maps to shore up the GOPs narrow House majority.

The stakes for California and the nation are high.

If the new map is used for the 2026 midterms, it could give California Democrats up to five additional U.S. House seats. That could allow them to push back against the gains Republicans make due to redistricting in staunchly GOP states and increase Democrats' chance of seizing the House and shifting the balance of power in Congress.

A win for Democrats could also boost Newsoms national clout and help him pitch himself as the nation's strongest and most effective Trump critic as he enters his final year as California governor and weighs a White House bid.

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Read more: Gavin Newsoms gamble on Prop. 50 may be his most calculated yet

During closing arguments Wednesday, an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice argued that the race-based aspect of the redrawn districts started with the drafting of the Assembly bill that led to Proposition 50 being placed on the ballot.

Staton, however, seemed unconvinced.

These maps have no effect," she said, "until the voters give them effect."

The GOP cannot challenge the map on grounds of political gerrymandering: The Supreme Court decided in 2019 that such complaints have no path in federal court. That leaves them focusing on race.

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But proving that race predominated over partisanship is a challenge, legal scholars say, and paying attention to race is not, in itself, prohibited under current law. To prove that race was the key motivation, plaintiffs have to show there is another way for map makers to achieve their desired political result without a racial impact.

During the hearing, Staton stressed that the burden was on the challengers of Proposition 50 to prove racial intent.

To that end, the GOP brought to the stand RealClearPolitics elections analyst Sean Trende, who said the new 13th Congressional District in the San Joaquin Valley had an "appendage" that snaked northward into Stockton. Such contorted offshoots, he said, are "usually indicative of racial gerrymandering." Trende produced an alternative map of the district that he said retained Democratic representation without being driven by race.

But Staton questioned whether Trende's map was substantially different from Mitchell's, noting they both seemed to fall within a similar range of Latino representation.

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U.S. District Judge Wesley Hsu lambasted Columbo over what he called the strawman attempt to pick out one district, the 13th Congressional District, to make the case that there was a race-conscious effort in the attempt to flip five seats in the Democrats' favor.

Jennifer Rosenberg, an attorney for the state, also argued that Trende's analysis was too narrow.

Dr. Trende failed to conduct a district by district analysis," Rosenberg said. "And as we can see, he only addressed two tiny portions of District 13 and really only focused on one of the subparts."

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Lee questioned Rosenberg on how much she believed Mitchells public statements about wanting to create a Latino district in Los Angeles influenced his redrawing.

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He was talking to interested groups, Rosenberg said. He did not communicate that intent to legislators.

However, Lee said that Mitchells closeness to Democratic interest groups was an important factor. Mitchell delivered on the wants of the Latino interest groups he interacted with, Lee said, based on his public statements and lack of testimony.

Lee also took issue with Mitchell not testifying at the hearing and the dozens of times he invoked legislative privilege during a deposition ahead of the hearing.

Abha Khanna, who represented the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, argued there was no racial predominance in Mitchell's statements.

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She showed judges the text of Proposition 50, an official voter guide and statements from Newsom, arguing they were overt declarations of partisan intent. She also pointed out instances in which Republican plaintiffs discussed Proposition 50 in exclusively partisan terms.

Read more: Proposition 50 could disenfranchise Republican California voters. Will it survive a legal challenge?

If the federal judges grant a preliminary injunction, California would be temporarily blocked from using the newly drawn map in the 2026 election. Attorneys for the state would probably appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Just two weeks ago, the nation's highest court allowed Texas to temporarily keep its newly drawn congressional districts  which also faced complaints of racial gerrymandering  after a federal court blocked the Texas map, finding racial considerations probably made it unconstitutional.

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The U.S. Supreme Court indicated it viewed the Texas redistricting as motivated primarily by partisan politics. In its ruling, it explicitly drew a connection between Texas and California, noting that several states, including California, have redrawn their congressional map "in ways that are predicted to favor the States dominant political party."

Get the L.A. Times California Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In the 1993 blockbuster film Jurassic Park, scientists brought dinosaurs back into existence by extracting their DNA from blood sucked by mosquitoes that had been frozen in amber.

A hundred million years ago, there were mosquitoes, just like today, said a narrating John Hammond, the parks owner, who actor Richard Attenborough played. And, just like today, they fed on the blood of animals - even dinosaurs.

Now, researchers in Florida say theyve done something similar.

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Over the course of eight months, the University of Florida team identified the DNA of 86 different species of animals from blood sucked by tens of thousands of Florida mosquitoes.

Using mosquitoes, we captured vertebrates that ranged from the smallest frogs to the largest animals like deer and cows, Dr. Lawrence Reeves, an entomologist at the school, explained in a statement. And animals with very diverse life histories: arboreal, migratory, resident, amphibious, and those that are native, invasive or endangered.

University of Florida researchers have analyzed the blood of tens of thousands of Florida mosquitoes, finding the DNA of a lot of the areas biodiversity (University of Florida)

The idea was not to bring back extinct species, but to capture a snapshot of all of the animals living in and around the universitys watery DeLuca Preserve.

The preserve is a protected area located 80 miles south of Orlando that is managed by the university.

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To do this, the scientists needed to catch mosquitoes that were well-fed. Fortunately, these mosquitoes are often at rest until they lay their eggs, and were handily caught by the researchers vacuum trap.

Female mosquitoes are the only biters because they use the protein from blood to reproduce. The blood they suck is stored in their abdomens and later used to grow their eggs, sometimes laying 200 at a time.

The researchers worked to trap mosquitoes at the DeLuca Preserve, a conservation habitat 80 miles south of Orlando (UF/IFAS, Tyler Jones)

Over the course of eight months, Reeves and other researchers were able to collect more than 2,000 blood meals from 21 species of female mosquitoes.

An analysis of the blood found that the mosquitoes were feeding fairly indiscriminately.

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Bald eagles, coyotes, rattlesnakes, otters, toads, tortoises, alligators - it didnt matter. No species was safe.

The blood included nearly all of the biodiversity with spines in the area, the researchers said.

Only one of the large mammals eluded the mosquitoes suck.

The endangered Florida panther is seen in this 2006 photo. There are only just under 230 left in the wild (NPS / Rodney Cammauf)

The endangered Florida panther - one of the states two big cats, alongside the bobcat - escaped detection using the mosquito blood.

But that might actually be a win on a technicality, the researchers noted.

There are only around 120 to 230 adult panthers left in the wild, south of southeastern Floridas Lake Okeechobee, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The panthers may be so rare that its hard to even find the mosquitoes that feed on them.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said in a new interview that members of her party are very much stuck in the past and suggested Democrats give a lot of lip service to listening to people but dont actually engage.

In some ways, we are very much stuck in the past, and so were not speaking in a way that sounds authentic or relatable or just relevant, Harris told former Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Jaime Harrison on his podcast, At Our Table with Jaime Harrison, released Wednesday.

We got to speak to this moment, she added.

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Harris, widely seen as a likely 2028 presidential candidate, has stepped back into the spotlight in recent months, first with her memoir 107 Days. The book detailed her short presidential bid last year and offered candid takes on several Democrats she weighed as her running mate.

She made a surprise appearance to campaign for Democrat Aftyn Behn ahead of a Tennessee special election for a vacant House seat earlier this month. Behn later lost to Rep. Matt Van Epps (R-Tenn.), but she notably overperformed in the district by 13 points.

Harris also spoke at the DNCs winter meeting last week, another sign that the former 2024 Democratic nominee isnt going anywhere.

Harris signaled in the podcast interview she would be out on the campaign trail more ahead of the 2026 midterms.

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I am hoping and praying we do, Harris said, when asked if Democrats would retake the House and Senate back in 2026, and I intend to campaign and help do everything I can to make it a reality.

Harris also had some advice for her party, saying Democrats needed to listen better and be more inclusive.

We have to be able to accept that there are voices that are maybe new to the room, but have something important to say, and lets not discount it, because its not the way we talk traditionally, Harris told Harrison. I think that there is a lot that we need to do that is about recognizing we give a lot of lip service to listening to the people, but are we really listening to the people?

Harris has been ranked as one of the top Democratic candidates for 2028 in polling, contending with a handful of popular governors, particularly California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), and several senators.

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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 The Hill.
Matt Crocker, a member of the Kansas Board of Regents, says faculty tenure and workforce policies under consideration for the state's six public universities must take into account the necessity of guaranteeing the public receives proper return on investments in higher education. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  The Kansas Board of Regents agreed to weigh feedback from professors, administrators and legislators before voting on systemwide faculty tenure and workload policies designed to bring accountability and transparency to academic personnel decisions at the states six public universities.

Since the Board of Regents released drafts of the policies in November, complaints surfaced that allowing the firing of university professors after two consecutive unsatisfactory annual evaluations was overly rigid and didnt take into account extenuating circumstances, such as an employees personal crisis.

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In addition, concern was expressed the workload policy conflicted with standards of the American Association of University Professors or with academic program accreditation guidelines.

Objections were raised about membership of post-tenure review committees and whether the university committee deciding to place a faculty member on a one-year improvement plan would be the same group that performed the follow-up evaluation. Another issue was that one year could be an unrealistic period of time for a faculty member to correct deficiencies in research productivity, officials said.

Were appreciative of that input because it is beneficial and helpful as we look at trying to stand up this policy, said Board of Regents member Alysia Johnston, who has a background in community college administration.

She said the goal was implementation of umbrella policies applicable to the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and Emporia State University.

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The Board of Regents engaged in general discussion of the draft policies Wednesday and could take formal action on both in January.

During the past few years, members of the Legislature have taken greater interest in university workload and tenure decisions. In 2024, a Kansas House committee welcomed to the Capitol a tenured faculty member at Emporia State who recommended retroactive elimination of tenure at state universities. The idea was opposed by K-State president Richard Linton and KU chancellor Doug Girod.

Return on investment

Rusty Monhollon, vice president of academic affairs for the Board of Regents, said the systemwide tenure and workload policies were the result of persistent calls for greater transparency and accountability regarding faculty appointments.

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Its my own sense that very few faculty would be opposed to greater accountability because the work they do is good. They are very productive and they would stand up under scrutiny, he said.

Monhollon, a former executive director of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, said tenure was awarded to faculty following extensive vetting of each persons teaching, research and service performance over a period of years. Tenure was mistakenly viewed by the public as a lifetime appointment, he said.

Academic freedom, a pivotal component of faculty tenure across the United States, was essential to success of colleges or universities, he said.

Tenure is there to protect faculty to pursue research or to take on topics that are controversial, Monhollon said. If those protections arent in place for faculty, I think we lose that ability of faculty to take on difficult challenges, maybe pursue paths that are a bit unconventional, that many times bear the kind of results that really advance society and benefit all of us.

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Matt Crocker, a Manhattan businessman appointed to the Board of Regents in October, said changes to workload and tenure expectations at state universities should recognize the value in making certain taxpayers received proper return on public investments in higher education. He serves as CEO of SPS Companies, which includes Steel and Pipe Supply Co.

He said Monhollons comments about protecting academic freedom raised the question: Protect them from whom?

If an individuals not working in line with the mission of the university, Im not sure thats really something we want to protect, Crocker said. I dont think we want to mix a lot of concepts together inadvertently as we look through these policies.

Revised expectations

Under the proposed reforms, the Board of Regents would adopt academic workload expectations and require post-tenure review of faculty at research-centered KU, WSU and K-State and the regional universities in Pittsburg, Emporia and Hays. The core obligation of all faculty in the system would be teaching, research and service, but instruction of students would be the most significant factor in assessments.

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Faculty at K-State, WSU and KU would be expected to have teaching loads ranging from 40% to 55%. The three regional universities would have teaching loads of 60% to 75%. Research expectations for tenured professors would be specific to each discipline.

The faculty would have personalized work plans that were revised annually. Tenured faculty would be reviewed by a university committee every five years. Proponents of reform say collection of data on faculty would serve to better identify professors who excelled and those who fell short. The process could replace subjective elements of faculty evaluations with tangible evidence of research, teaching and service.

Each university would retain control of post-tenure faculty reviews and the provisions of self-improvement programs for faculty. Individuals could be placed in one-year remediation programs. The policy would enable universities to dismiss faculty who failed the follow-up review.

The universities would submit to the Board of Regents annual reports on tenure that included information on tenure awards and denials, the number of faculty placed on improvement plans as well as faculty resignations and dismissals. Biennial reports prepared for the Board of Regents would document faculty credit hour production, graduation rates, publications and research funding.

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Johnston, who chairs the Board of Regents academic affairs committee, said she anticipated reports on tenure and workload to prove state universities in Kansas maintained high expectations of tenured faculty.

I hope, with greater transparency, the data will prove just that, she said. I believe it will show that this is a rigorous process.
A Kansas tribe said it has walked away from a nearly $30 million federal contract to come up with preliminary designs for immigrant detention centers after facing a wave of online criticism.

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation 's announcement Wednesday night came just over a week after the economic development leaders who brokered the deal with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were fired.

With some Native Americans swept up and detained in recent ICE raids, the deal was derided online as disgusting and cruel." Many in Indian Country also questioned how a tribe whose own ancestors were uprooted two centuries ago from the Great Lakes region and corralled on a reservation south of Topeka could participate in the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts.

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Tribal Chairman Joseph Zeke Rupnick nodded to the historic issues last week in a video address that called reservations "the governments first attempts at detention centers. In an update Wednesday, he announced that he was happy to share that our Nation has successfully exited all third-party related interests affiliated with ICE.

The Prairie Band Potawatomi has a range of businesses that provide health care management staffing, general contracting and even interior design. And Rupnick said in his latest address that tribal officials plan to meet in January about how to ensure economic interests do not come into conflict with our values in the future.

A tribal offshoot hired by ICE  KPB Services LLC  was established in April in Holton, Kansas, by Ernest C. Woodward Jr., a former naval officer who markets himself as a go-to adviser for tribes and affiliated companies seeking to land federal contracts.

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation said in 2017 that Woodwards firm advised it on its acquisition of another government contractor, Mill Creek LLC, which specializes in outfitting federal buildings and the military with office furniture and medical equipment.

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Woodward also is listed as the chief operating officer of the Florida branch of Prairie Band Construction Inc., which was registered in September.

Attempts to locate Woodward were unsuccessful. A spokesperson for KPB said Woodward is no longer with the LLC but she declined to say whether he was terminated. Woodward did not respond to an email sent to another consulting firm hes affiliated with, Virginia-based Chinkapin Partners LLC.

A spokesperson for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation said the tribe divested from KPB. While that company still has the contract, Prairie Band no longer has a stake, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said Woodward is no longer with the tribe's limited liability corporation, but she declined to say whether he was terminated.

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The ICE contract initially was awarded in October for $19 million for unspecified due diligence and concept designs for processing centers and detention centers throughout the U.S., according to a one-sentence description of the work on the federal governments real-time contracting database. It was modified a month later to increase the payout ceiling to $29.9 million.

Sole-source contracts above $30 million require additional justification under federal contracting rules.

Tribal leaders and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security havent responded to detailed questions about why the firm was selected for such a big contract without having to compete for the work as federal contracting normally requires. Its also unclear what the Tribal Council knew about the contract.

That process of internal auditing is really just beginning, the tribal spokesperson said.

-

Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas, and Goodman from Miami.
Washington  The Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees voted to rename the performing arts institution the Trump-Kennedy Center, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday.

"I have just been informed that the highly respected Board of the Kennedy Center, some of the most successful people from all parts of the world, have just voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building. Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation," Leavitt wrote on X.

Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center's vice president of public relations, confirmed the vote by the board to name the performing arts institution The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.

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"The unanimous vote recognizes that the current Chairman saved the institution from financial ruin and physical destruction," Daravi said in a statement. "The new Trump Kennedy Center reflects the unequivocal bipartisan support for America's cultural center for generations to come."

By Thursday afternoon, the Kennedy Center website had updated its logo to read "The Trump Kennedy Center."

Mr. Trump moved to put his stamp on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts soon after he returned to the White House for his second term. He removed Democratic-appointed members of its board and installed his allies and administration officials to the panel. The board also consists of local and federal officials, as well as members of the House and Senate from both parties. Trustees serve six-year terms.

Richard Grenell, who worked in the first Trump administration, serves as the Kennedy Center's president. The board in February selected Mr. Trump to serve as its chairman.

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Among the members appointed by the president are White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi and second lady Usha Vance.

Mr. Trump told reporters at the White House that he was "honored" and "surprised" by the vote, and praised the board as "very distinguished."

"We're saving the building. We saved the building," he said. "Now it's very solid, very strong."

Rep. Joyce Beatty, an Ohio Democrat who serves on the Board of Trustees, disputed that the vote to rename the Kennedy Center was unanimous, as Leavitt said. She wrote on X that she "was muted on the call and not allowed to speak or voice my opposition to this move. Also for the record, this was not on the agenda."

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"Clearly the Congress has a say in this," she said in a video shared to X. "This center, The Kennedy Center, was created by the Congress. I think it's important for us to know that this is just another attempt to evade the law and not let the people have a say."

Kennedy's niece, Maria Shriver, blasted the move in a lengthy social media post, writing that it was "beyond comprehension that this sitting president has sought to rename this great memorial dedicated to President Kennedy. It is beyond wild that he would think adding his name in front of President Kennedy's name is acceptable. It is not."

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the move.

"Beyond using the Kennedy Center to reward his friends and political allies, President Trump is now attempting to affix his name to yet another public institution without legal authority," Schumer and several other Democrats who serve as ex officio board members said in a statement. "This whole process displays the corruption that permeates the entire Trump Administration."

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Mr. Trump had pledged to make "a lot of changes" to the Kennedy Center, "including the seats, the decor, pretty much everything."

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was established by Congress as the national center for performing arts and a living memorial to the late President John F. Kennedy and opened its doors in 1971. It recognizes achievements in music, theater and dance each year with its honors ceremony. The Kennedy Center Honors, which Mr. Trump hosted, will air on CBS television stations and Paramount+ on Tuesday.

The law establishing the Kennedy Center restricts "additional memorials or plaques in the nature of memorials" to be designated or installed.

Because the Kennedy Center was created by Congress, any change to its name would appear to require approval from lawmakers. Still, Mr. Trump from sought to unilaterally make sweeping changes to other federal entities that would require congressional action.

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The president in September signed an executive order to begin the process of renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War. The directive allowed the Pentagon to start using Department of War as a "secondary title" and let Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth use the title of secretary of war.

Mr. Trump also signed an executive order in March that sought to dismantle the Department of Education. Fully eliminating the agency would require an act of Congress.

House Republicans have already proposed renaming the Kennedy Center's opera house after first lady Melania Trump.

Trump administration official says only part of the Epstein files will be released today

Suspect in Brown University shooting, MIT professor's murder found dead after massive manhunt

Brown University shooting suspect found dead in New Hampshire | Special Report
The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. may be undergoing a name change.

In a post on X Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the centers board of trustees have just voted unanimously to change the name of the historic arts and cultural institution to the Trump-Kennedy Center. The board members were appointed by President Trump in February, after he named himself chairman and fired some board members, with others resigning.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

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The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to name the institution The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The unanimous vote recognizes that the current Chairman saved the institution from financial ruin and physical destruction. The new Trump Kennedy Center reflects the unequivocal bipartisan support for Americas cultural center for generations to come, Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Centers vice president of public relations, said in a statement.

Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur, Leavitt wrote.

However, in a statement after the board vote several Democratic senators, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said the move to rename the insitution cannot be done without Congressional action. they added that a member of Congress was muted when they tried to speak during the meeting.

Beyond using the Kennedy Center to reward his friends and political allies, President Trump is now attempting to affix his name to yet another public institution without legal authority. Federal law established the Center as a memorial to President Kennedy and prohibits changing its name without Congressional action. At todays meeting, a sitting Member of Congress was muted, and participants were prevented from speakingactions that reflect a troubling lack of transparency and respect for the rule of law. This whole process displays the corruption that permeates the entire Trump Administration, and as ex-officio members of the Kennedy Center Board, we will be unwavering in our commitment to holding this Administration accountable, the statement reads.



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The national cultural center was designated a living memorial in 1964 in memory of the slain President John F. Kennedy. The center, which hosts the Kennedy Center Awards, Broadway shows, concerts operas and more, first opened in 1971.

The cultural institution has been a touchpoint for Trump since he took office, as he often railed against its woke programming before taking over as chair, handpicking the board and laying out guidelines for programming.

Trump hosted the annual Kennedy Center honors in January, where he had helped pick honorees Sylvester Stallone, Kiss, Gloria Gaynor, Michael Crawford and George Strait.

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NAROK, Kenya (AP)  Kenya's environment court said Thursday it will consider a case challenging the operations of a luxury safari camp in the Maasai Mara reserve amid claims it was infringing on the annual wildebeest migration corridor.

The decision came after a local conservationist, who had initially filed the suit, moved to withdraw it. The court dismissed the motion for withdrawal said it would take up the case again on Feb. 10 and decide how to proceed.

The case was filed in August following local and international condemnation over claims the location of the Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Camp was blocking the annual wildebeest migration, which draws thousands of tourists from around the world.

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The luxury camp, operated by Marriott International, is expected to be among Kenyas most expensive destinations, charging guests up to $3,500 per night.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to several other luxury camps that provide tourists with an opportunity to be up close with wildebeests during their annual migration to the neighboring Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

Judge Lucy Gacheru of the Environment and Land Court said that although the law allows a petitioner to withdraw a case, it is at the judiciarys discretion whether the case should be thrown out and that, in this instance, the serious environmental impact issues raised were of significant public interest.

The Kenyan conservationist, Joel Meitamei Olol Dapash, filed the withdrawal motion on Wednesday, stating that his concerns had been addressed after consultation with the parties involved.

However, the project developers, Lazizi Mara Limited, asked the court to reject the withdrawal, stating that despite their compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements, the developer had been portrayed negatively and should be allowed a fair hearing in a court of law.
The suspect in the Brown University shooting that killed two students and injured nine others remains at large on Dec. 18 as authorities pleaded for the public's help in the investigation.

Authorities have released security camera images and footage of a masked man they believe to be a person of interest, based on witness accounts from survivors. But investigators have not been able to name a suspect or determine a motive in the Dec. 13 campus shooting.

"He could be anywhere," Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said of the gunman at a news conference on Dec. 17. "We still don't know who the person is or where he is."

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Providence police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation hope the new photos and videos will generate tips from the public that could help them identify the suspect. Authorities have been canvassing nearby neighborhoods and have received hundreds of tips in the days since the brazen attack.

The shooting is the latest incident of gun violence that has rocked the nation, as the manhunt for the suspect entered its sixth day on Dec. 18. The lack of information and identification on the shooter has left residents of Providence and the community at Brown University on edge.

Heres what we know about the shooting and ongoing investigation:

Deadly shooting occurred during final examinations

The shooting occurred shortly after 4 p.m. local time on Dec. 13 in an engineering building with unlocked doors as students were studying or taking final exams. Authorities said the suspect opened fire with a 9mm gun inside a classroom and then fled.

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The attack prompted a campus lockdown that left students barricaded in rooms or hiding for hours. Investigators later recovered 9mm shell casings from the scene.

Brown University, which has nearly 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students, is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in the country. Brown was founded in 1764 and is located in Providence, Rhode Island.

Who were the victims?

Two students were killed, and nine others were injured in the attack. The two students killed were identified as Ella Cook, a sophomore from Mountain Brook, Alabama, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a freshman from Virginia who immigrated from Uzbekistan.

As of Dec. 17, the Rhode Island Hospital said six patients wounded in the shooting were in stable condition, one is in critical but stable condition, and two have been discharged.

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They witnessed shootings firsthand. Then it happened again at Brown.

Why was Brown University attacked?

Though Perez previously said investigators believe the suspect "definitely targeted Brown University," they still have not identified a suspect. The shooter's motive remains unclear.

Authorities have warned the public to refrain from speculation and spreading misinformation.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha has said there is "nothing to indicate motive at all related to ethnicity or political outlook." "That is a dangerous road to go down," said the attorney general, adding that while one or two witnesses heard the shooter "shout something," others did not.

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On Dec. 16, Brown University released a statement dispelling rumors about a potential suspect, urging the public not to target individuals. The university had removed a webpage featuring a community member and said there was "harmful doxxing activity."

Investigators release images, video of person of interest

The Providence Police Department released new images on Dec. 17 of a person they seek to identify and speak with, saying they are "close enough" to the person of interest. The grainy photos showed a man wearing a jacket over a hooded sweatshirt, his face visible, walking along a street.

"This is a person we would like to speak with," Perez said, describing the person as someone "who may have information relevant to the investigation."

The new photos came a day after local police and the FBI provided enhanced images and video of the masked man walking through neighborhoods near the Ivy League university. The footage, which was mostly taken from residential doorbell cameras, showed the potential suspect in the area before and immediately after the shooting.

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In one video, the suspected shooter can be seen leaving the scene of the shooting as a police car with flashing emergency lights arrives. Another video shows the suspect walking along that street just minutes after the attack.

Investigators believe it was likely the person was "casing" the scene, according to Perez, who has noted that the person was more than likely the suspected shooter and not just a person of interest.

Public's help in identifying the person of interest

While the man in the video is masked, authorities hope the images and video will help someone recognize the person's body, gait, movements, or posture. Perez has also called on residents who live in the area to check their security cameras for any possible sightings of the suspect.

The police chief said about 200 tips arrive each day, and as of Dec. 16, they had 200 "actionable" tips.

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The FBI is also offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the identification, arrest, and prosecution of the shooter, whom law enforcement described as "armed and dangerous."

Perez called the manhunt "probably the most intense investigation that we have in this nation." Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said he shared the feelings of the city's residents and Brown students who were "restless and eager" for an arrest.

Investigation hampered by lack of security cameras in area

Authorities have said the investigation has been hampered by a lack of security cameras in the university's engineering building and in the nearby area.

Early on Dec. 14, the FBI and local police announced they had detained a person of interest in the shooting. But authorities released the unnamed man, who was in his 20s, that evening because evidence "now points in a different direction."

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Brown University shooting: Why was a 'person of interest' released in the attack?

Days-long manhunt for suspect in high-profile attack

Though it is rare for a perpetrator in a high-profile attack to evade capture for multiple days, it is not unprecedented.

"This is outside of the norm," Felipe Rodriguez, a former New York Police detective who now teaches at the City University of New York's John Jay College of Criminal Justice, told Reuters. "Mass shooters, by large, are usually killed at the scene or quickly captured."

Recent incidents include the search for Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. Mangione had eluded authorities for five days before he was captured in Pennsylvania after he was spotted eating at a McDonald's by a customer and an employee who believed he resembled the gunman.

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In September, the suspect in the shooting of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk was taken into custody after a 33-hour manhunt. The suspect, who was identified as Tyler Robinson, was arrested after a relative and a family friend alerted local law enforcement that he had made comments suggesting he had committed the murder, authorities said at the time.

Contributing: Michael Loria and Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY; Providence Journal staff; Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brown University shooting. What we know about the deadly attack
Indias Parliament heard an unusually crypto-native pitch on Tuesday, as a Member of Parliament urged the government to bring a Tokenization Bill, he says, that could turn office towers, highways, and intellectual property into investable slices for Indias middle class.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, MP Raghav Chadha pushed for a tokenization bill that would enable fractional ownership of real estate, infrastructure projects, and other traditionally expensive assets through digital tokens.

"Just as UPI (Unified Payments Interface) made digital payments inclusive in a way, similarly, to make investment and asset ownership inclusive, we will have to bring a law on tokenization in this country, Chadha said.

He noted that Indias middle class is largely confined to bank savings, mutual funds, and fixed deposits, and that tokenization could open high-return assets to them while providing instant, broker-free liquidity.

Chadha said the nation now needs its own bespoke legislation for asset tokenization along with a dedicated regulatory sandbox to safely test new models.

Such a framework, he argued, would make investment and ownership truly inclusive for the common man, while giving India the clarity required to attract global capital flows from hubs like Singapore, the UAE, and Hong Kong.

Indias defining juncture

Raj Kapoor, founder and CEO of the India Blockchain Alliance, told Decrypt that India stands at a decisive inflection point in the evolution of global finance, calling a dedicated tokenization bill no longer optional a strategic necessity to anchor India in the next financial architecture.

Such a law could unlock India-native tokenization of infrastructure, MSMEs, real estate, carbon credits, gold, and receivables, he noted, aligning tokenized instruments with existing securities and contract law.

"Jurisdictions that provide legal clarity are rapidly becoming magnets for global capital," Kapoor said, noting that India remains, "constrained by regulatory ambiguity around tokenized assets" despite its leadership in the field of digital public infrastructure.

India needs a tokenization bill to retain economic sovereignty, ensuring Indian assets, capital formation, and innovation are tokenized onshore under Indian law, not exported to foreign jurisdictions, he said.

India to Roll Out RBI-Linked Digital Currency Amid Dismissal of Crypto With 'No Backing'

Without a clear statutory framework, Kapoor warned, India risks its assets, startups, and capital formation migrating offshore into friendlier jurisdictions, "often through complex SPVs that strip domestic value creation."
Police were still searching Thursday for the gunman responsible for the deadly mass shooting at Brown University over the weekend.

On Saturday, Dec. 13, at around 4:05 p.m., a gunman opened fire inside the Barus and Holley engineering building, killing two students and injuring nine others, police said. Students across the Ivy League campus were ordered to shelter in place until 5:42 a.m. the following day.

While police initially detained a "person of interest," that individual was later released, and the search for the shooter continued. Police have since publicized several surveillance videos and pictures from Dec. 13 depicting a masked man they believe could be the suspect. They've also asked the public to help them identify a second man that was "in close proximity" to the shooter that they would like to speak to.

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The shooter "could be anywhere," Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said at a news conference on Dec. 17. "We dont know where the person is or who he is."

Amid the search, Brown University canceled all remaining final exams. Some other schools in the Providence, Rhode Island area followed suit.

Here's what we know and what remains unclear about the Brown University shooting.

A community member kneels before a makeshift memorial outside the Barus & Holley building as the manhunt continues for the gunman, following a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. December 17, 2025.

Who were the victims?

Two Brown University students, Ella Cook and MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, were killed in the shooting on Saturday.

Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore from Mountain Brook, Alabama, was the vice president of the Brown University College Republicans. She was described as "incredibly grounded and faithful" by her home church.

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Umurzokov, an 18-year-old Uzbek American student who attended high school in Chesterfield, Virginia, was an aspiring neurosurgeon in his first semester at Brown. The freshman was described by his family as "incredibly kind, funny, and smart."

Nine people were injured in the shooting. As of Wednesday, Dec. 17, three of the nine victims had been discharged from the hospital.

Of the remaining six at the hospital, five are in stable condition, and one is in critical stable condition, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said. All of them are improving, he said.

What do we know about the suspect?

Police are still searching for the gunman who killed two and injured nine at the Ivy League university. He has not yet been identified.

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Perez said the suspect was seen on video casing out the neighborhood hours before the attack on Saturday, Dec. 13. However, authorities have said they have no way of knowing if the shooter is still in Providence or even Rhode Island.

Police said they are searching for a male who was dressed in dark clothes on Saturday, Dec. 13. According to the FBI, the suspect is approximately 5'8" with a stocky build.

Although officials originally said he could be in his 30s, Perez said in a news conference on Dec. 16 that authorities were not sure of his age.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks said that the suspect should be considered "armed and dangerous," and he is asking "everyone in Rhode Island and beyond" to review the images of the suspect.

Providence Police released a new photo depicting the suspect in the Brown University shooting

Police are also seeking to speak with an individual "who was in proximity of the person of interest."

The Providence police are hoping to speak to this individual, who they say was in close proximity to a person of interest in the Brown University mass shooting.

The Providence police are hoping to speak to this individual, who they say was in close proximity to a person of interest in the Brown University mass shooting.

Docks said that tips can be reported to the Providence Police at 401-272-3121, to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.

What kind of weapon was used in the Brown University shooting?

The Brown University shooter used a 9mm firearm, Perez said, and fired multiple rounds. No further details have been released.

Why was Brown University attacked?

While Perez said he believes this was a targeted shooting, he did not elaborate. Law enforcement officers have not yet given a motive.

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"There's nothing about what we know was perhaps said that indicates any kind of motive that is related at all to ethnicity or political outlook or culture. There's nothing at all that we know right now about that, and I think that that is a dangerous road to go down, particularly in today's environment," Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said on Dec. 16.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What we know as manhunt for Brown University shooter enters its 6th day
A Kremlin envoy will travel to Florida to discuss a U.S.-proposed plan to end the war in Ukraine, a U.S. official said Thursday, part of the back-and-forth diplomacy as the Trump administration pushes for a potential deal.

Kirill Dmitriev, who heads Russias sovereign wealth fund, is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner in Miami on Saturday, according to an American official who spoke on condition of anonymity to preview a meeting that hasn't yet been publicly announced.

The official said Witkoff and Kushner will sit down with Dmitriev, after meetings with Ukrainian and European officials in Berlin earlier this week, in which they discussed U.S. security guarantees for Kyiv, territorial concessions and other aspects of the American-authored plan aimed at ending the war.

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Asked about the meeting in Miami, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Moscow was preparing for contacts with the U.S. to learn about the results of the meetings in Berlin, but he didn't give further details.

Trump has unleashed an extensive diplomatic push to end nearly four years of fighting following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began on Feb. 24, 2022, but Washingtons efforts have run into sharply conflicting demands by Moscow and Kyiv.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Wednesday that Moscow would seek to extend its gains in Ukraine if Kyiv and its Western allies reject the Kremlins demands in peace talks.

Putin wants all the areas in four key regions captured by his forces, as well as the Crimean Peninsula, which was illegally annexed in 2014, to be recognized as Russian territory. He also has demanded that Ukraine withdraw from some areas in eastern Ukraine that Moscows forces haven't captured yet, which Ukraine has rejected.

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The Kremlin also insists that Ukraine abandon its bid to join NATO and warns that Moscow wont accept the deployment of any troops from NATO members and will view them as a legitimate target.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, asked Thursday about his comments last week that were interpreted as him renouncing Ukraines NATO bid, and if he was willing to change Ukraine's constitution to remove the reference to joining NATO, said he saw no reason to do that.

My words cannot be interpreted in any other way, Zelenskyy said. Our position remains unchanged. While the United States doesn't see Ukraine in NATO for now, he said. Politicians change.

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian officials were expected to hold negotiations in the U.S. on Friday or Saturday.

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We have progress in our dialogue with the American side regarding some of our points, they also speak with Russian side, Zelenskyy said during a visit to Brussels where EU leaders were set to decide whether to use tens of billions of euros in frozen Russian assets to underwrite a loan to meet Ukraines military and financial needs over the next two years.

We are in the war and United States are decision-makers, who can really stop Putin and I count on this," Zelenskyy said. I really count on pressure from United States. Putin does not want to stop this war, but he can if United States will pressure more.

As European allies gathered for the high-stakes summit, Russia and Ukraine exchanged more aerial attacks.

Ukraines air force said Russia fired 82 drones of various types at Ukraine overnight, 63 of which were intercepted or jammed.

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In Cherkasy, Russian drones that targeted critical infrastructure wounded six people and left parts of the city without electricity, regional administration head Ihor Taburets said. Russian drones also wounded four people in Kryvyi Rih and seven near Odesa, according to local officials.

In Russia's Rostov region, three people were killed by Ukrainian drones overnight, including two crew members of a cargo ship that was hit in Rostov-on-Don and a man who died in Bataysk. At least 10 others were wounded, according to local officials.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its air defenses intercepted 47 Ukrainian drones overnight.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
A 2022 law focused on who should hold the most power within Jefferson County Public Schools has again been ruled unconstitutional, reversing a 2024 decision and restoring authority over certain matters to school board members rather than the superintendent.

The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled Dec. 18 that Senate Bill 1 is unconstitutional because it "deprives the Jefferson County Board of Education of powers available to all other public school districts in the Commonwealth," while also depriving "all other Kentucky public school superintendents of powers granted to the Jefferson County superintendent."

This is the second time the state's highest court made a ruling on the law, with a legal fight surrounding the bill ensuing shortly after it was signed into law more than three years ago.

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State lawmakers made the legislation a priority in the 2022 session, giving JCPS's superintendent control over "day-to-day operations and implementation of the board-approved strategic plan" along with the power to approve any contract under $250,000 without board approval. The law also limited the board to meeting once monthly.

Two months later, board members filed a lawsuit against the state education commission to block pieces of the law. In July 2022, a Louisville judge sided with the board, and that ruling was upheld in 2023 by the Court of Appeals. Then-Attorney General Daniel Cameron appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court, and in December 2024, justices narrowly ruled the bill did not violate clauses in the Kentucky constitution that stop the legislature from passing laws aimed at particular local governments or organizations.

Attorneys for the school board requested a rehearing at the start of 2025, two months after then-Court of Appeals Judge Pamela Goodwine was elected to the Kentucky Supreme Court. During her run for the seat, Goodwine's campaign received a $200,000 contribution from the Jefferson County teachers' union's PAC.

"We are grateful that the Court has affirmed lower court rulings that JCPS voters and taxpayers should have the same voice in their local operations that other Kentuckians do, through their elected school board members," board co-chair James Craig said. "We look forward to working collaboratively with the legislature and all stakeholders to focus on policy solutions that work, so that all Kentucky schoolchildren will benefit."

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Russell Coleman, Kentucky's current attorney general, said he was "stunned" by the latest ruling that he argued came solely because of Goodwine's addition to the court.

This decision is devastating for JCPS students and leaves them trapped in a failing system while sabotaging the General Assemblys rescue mission," Coleman wrote in a release.

Tell us what you think. Submit your letter to the editor.

Krista Johnson covers education and children. Have story ideas or questions? Contact her at kjohnson3@gannett.com and subscribe to her newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KY Supreme Court reverses decision, giving power back to JCPS board
Colorado officials on Tuesday were proud to announce the completion of the I-25 Greenland wildlife overpass in Douglas County. Spanning six lanes of busy interstate, the bridge structure is 209 feet long by 200 feet wide, with a surface area of nearly an acre, making it the largest wildlife crossing ever built in North America and one of the largest in the world.

After nine years of planning and construction, crews put the finishing touches on the structure earlier this month by covering the surface with dirt and planting seeds. Douglas County Commissioner George Teal called its completion a tremendous milestone in safeguarding wildlife habitat and protecting public safety.

A worker scatters seeds over the dirt covered bridge structure. Photo by CDOT

The bridge structure lies in a heavily trafficked stretch of road near Larkspur, which is around the midway point between Denver and Colorado Springs, the two most populous cities in the state. (Around 100,000 vehicles travel the stretch on a daily basis.) This part of the Front Range is also an important migration corridor for big game.

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In other words, a recipe for roadkill. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, there has been an average of one wildlife-vehicle collision per day in the area during the spring and fall seasons. CDOT now expects the new crossing to reduce those crashes by around 90 percent. This aligns with past research in Banff National Park, where a series of wildlife crossings have helped reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by 80 percent  or 96 percent for just elk and deer.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is excited for Colorados wildlife to utilize this overpass, CPW area wildlife manager Matt Martinez said in a news release Tuesday. We look forward to deer, elk, bears, mountain lions and many other species safely crossing I-25, once a major barrier to migration and wildlife movements.

Read Next: The Unexpected Bright Side of Roadkill (and What It Means for Big Game)

CDOT says the crossing was designed with elk and pronghorn in mind. These and other species (like mule deer) prefer wide open overpasses  as opposed to the long and narrow underpasses preferred by mountain lions and black bears.

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Because of the unseasonably warm weather that the Front Range has experienced so far this winter, CPW officials say big-game animals havent started using the crossing yet. But they expect that to change when snow starts pushing critters down from the high country.

Officials say the roughly $15-million project was completed ahead of schedule and on budget. Most of this funding came from a federal grant through the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program that was established during the Biden Administration.
This article was published in partnership with Bloomberg Law.

Lawmakers around the country, moved by harrowing stories of pregnancies in jail, are calling for new measures that make sure women and babies get the medical help they need.

Officials in Congress and in states from Pennsylvania to California said they were alarmed by a Bloomberg Law/NBC News investigation detailing systemic failures that allow vulnerable women to give birth in jail cells  sometimes with deadly results.

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The proposals aim to keep pregnant women out of jail, monitor the cases of those who do get locked up, and get them proper health care.

The allegations are really, truly, gutting, said Pennsylvania state Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, a Democrat, who is proposing legislation in her state after reading the investigation.

Bloomberg Law and NBC News found more than 50 women across the U.S. who said they endured horrific endings to their pregnancies while in jail. The accounts included miscarriages, stillbirths and delivering babies who lived only days. Most of the women were locked up for petty crimes and held because they could not pay bail fees as low as $125. Some gave birth alone on jail cell toilets or bled for days before they received proper health care. Two pregnant women died in their cells.

In three cases in Pennsylvania, women said they endured dangerous pregnancy complications without adequate medical care.

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Cappelletti said the issue is very personal. She has suffered three miscarriages and is expecting her second child in the spring.

You think about what those poor individuals went through and the state of mind that they must be in even today, she said.

She is writing a bill that would allow pregnant women accused of nonviolent offenses to stay out of jail while they await trial.

Keeping pregnant women out of jail is what womens health advocates and some law enforcement officials say is the clearest solution to the problem. While some states have taken steps in this direction, such reforms remain rare. How often pregnant women are jailed is unknown because the government does not comprehensively track pregnancies in local jails. There is no nationwide requirement that jails track when detainees are pregnant  or report when a baby dies after being born behind bars. At least 22 states dont track pregnancy outcomes in jail, the investigation found.

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We need to encourage life and help promote life, so this is a good reminder for all of us that even for women who are incarcerated we should make sure the circumstances they find themselves in are positive, said Kentucky state Sen. Julie Raque Adams, a Republican who has sponsored measures that sought to improve the treatment of incarcerated pregnant women.

An attempt to close the gap is underway in Congress, where Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Calif., has been trying since 2023 to pass a bill to improve health care for incarcerated women. She plans to introduce a new version of her Pregnant Women in Custody Act next month.

The bill would require the federal government to collect data on pregnancies in jails, evaluate local and state policies and teach corrections staff about the risks faced by pregnant detainees and prisoners. It would also require the federal Bureau of Prisons to provide special care to pregnant inmates and curtail the use of restrictive housing at federal facilities and immigration detention centers.

Theyre in the custody of the government, and we have a responsibility to make sure people arent leaving our care in worse shape than when they came in, Kamlager-Dove said. There is no reason I should ever read a story about a baby who was born in a toilet of a jail cell.

Nobody knows how many pregnant women get locked up in America, and there is no comprehensive data on how those pregnancies turn out. (Annie Flanagan for NBC News) (Annie Flanagan for NBC News)

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., introduced similar legislation alongside Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., in February that would require states to report pregnancy data to the attorney general, including whether births took place in a facility or at a hospital. Ossoff, in a statement, called the crisis one of the most extreme civil rights problems happening in the country today.

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RestoreHER, a Georgia-based organization that helps incarcerated women, is using the investigations findings to advocate for bills across the country that would require alternative or deferred sentencing for pregnant detainees and related data collection.

This story will be our bible and our why for change, said Pamela Winn, the organizations founder. No woman should have to give birth in jail or prison.

Lawmakers in several states have shown interest in proposing legislation, she said. Winn was imprisoned while pregnant more than a decade ago, when she said she suffered a miscarriage after falling while shackled.

Separately in Virginia, state Del. Rae Cousins, a Democrat, is working on a measure that would require jails and prisons to report the number of pregnant people in custody, along with the number of emergencies and deaths. Cousins, who called the findings gut wrenching, also wants to expand on a law passed in May that requires judges to consider a womans pregnancy when deciding whether to release them before trial. She wants the state to set higher standards of care for incarcerated pregnant women and require that they be given home electronic monitoring if convicted.

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Next year, Texas jails will be required to release a first-of-its-kind report on maternal health, pregnancy complications and mortality rates  a template advocates hope will be used in other states. State Rep. Mary Gonzalez said she expects the data to confirm that women have inadequate access to prenatal care behind bars, information she hopes will help make the issue a priority among policymakers.

There is still a lot of work to do, and Im ashamed its taking so long, Gonzalez, a Democrat, said.

Dr. Carolyn Sufrin, an OB-GYN at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a leading researcher on reproductive health care for incarcerated women, said she was encouraged by lawmakers plans but said oversight and enforcement are key.

If we have decided that we are going to lock up pregnant individuals, then we have to make sure those places arent doing them harm, Sufrin said.

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That can include local efforts such as training sessions for jail staff and doula programs.

The Arlington County Detention Facility in Virginia, for example, has a doula program tailored to the needs of pregnant detainees.

Kenda Denia, founder and executive director of Birth in Color, the nonprofit that helps run the program, said Arlington County Sheriff Jose Quiroz was the only jailer in the state who responded to her offer of doula services for jailed mothers-to-be, reflecting a broader lack of interest and resources.

Denia has been a doula for four women at the jail since early 2024, helping them not only navigate pregnancy and birth but their lives as mothers after they leave custody.

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When you are helping people who others have given up on, it gives you a sense of satisfaction because youre fighting to give them a better life, Denia said.

Women who suffered stillbirths in jail said they wonder if things would have gone differently if they'd received better care. (Annie Flanagan for NBC News) (Annie Flanagan for NBC News)

In California, reporters found seven cases of pregnant women and their families alleging mistreatment in jail, including Elisa Serna, a pregnant 24-year-old woman who died in a San Diego County jail in 2019 after her drug withdrawal symptoms allegedly went untreated. A Bloomberg Law/NBC News documentary explored how her death haunts Sernas mother and daughter, even after a multimillion-dollar settlement and promises of reform.

State Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, a Democrat who represents parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties, has tried and failed to keep pregnant women out of jail. She introduced a bill this year that would have required counties to collect pregnancy data and delayed sentencing for women during their pregnancies, but the measure stalled amid cost concerns and opposition from district attorneys who said the proposal restricted judges discretion. She said she plans to reintroduce the bill.

Its unconscionable, Quirk-Silva said of Bloomberg Law and NBC News findings. We need to do better by women.

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In Wisconsin, a bill that would restrict shackling inmates while in labor  something most states already ban  has repeatedly failed to pass the state Legislature. State Rep. Lisa Subeck, a Democrat, said she hopes the investigation will help build more support.

Its very easy to shove it aside when it doesnt seem real, Subeck said. This is a real issue affecting moms and babies. Thats something where we should be able to overcome our partisan divide.

Michelle Rick, who sits on the Michigan Court of Appeals and is immediate past president of the National Association of Women Judges, is pressing her organization to establish a program to teach members about the risks of sending pregnant women to jail.

Everyone who has a touch point with the justice system should be entitled to respect, dignity and family preservation in some fashion or another, Rick said.

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In Texas, Gonzalez said she also wants to explore ways to steer nonviolent pregnant women away from jail. The accounts uncovered by Bloomberg Law and NBC News show there is a dehumanizing system in our jails for women who are pregnant and their babies, Gonzalez said.

Adams, the Kentucky Republican, said the investigation was part of an awakening that we should do things better.

She thinks state corrections contracts should be examined to see if medical providers live up to what she called Kentuckys pro-life standard for helping women who are planning to give birth.

Kelsey Love delivered her son, Xayden, in a jail cell hours after pleading for help. (Annie Flanagan for NBC News) (Annie Flanagan for NBC News)

Kelsey Love, who gave birth alone in a Kentucky jail cell in 2017 after pleading for help, said she was grateful for the lawmakers efforts and the growing public awareness about the dangers pregnant women face while locked up.

She said shed also like lawmakers to require jails to provide medical treatment for pregnant women who are withdrawing from drugs.

Give us a chance, Love said. Give the baby a chance. Give the mom a chance. We deserve a chance to live.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
DENVER (KDVR)  The Trump administration is making another move impacting Colorado.

Tuesday night, the White Houses Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) took to X to say the administration is breaking up the National Center on Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder.

Boulder is once again in the bullseye of the federal government. This time, NCAR is at the center of the conversation, and local leaders worry it could be bad for the economy and research.

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On a day where wind gust are were 78 miles per hour in Boulder, scientists are being alerted that the Trump administration wants to dismantle NCAR. The White Houses Budget Director is saying NCAR will be broken up and moved to another location. Russ Vought wrote on X: The facility is one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country.

This facility, as you know, performs cutting-edge research each and every day on behalf of American citizens, and I think that is outrageous that OMB and the Trump administration is pursuing what I think is a very reckless action. And by the way, a blatantly political action, said Congressman Joe Neguse of Colorado.

Congressman Neguse warns that the dismantling could make the nation more vulnerable. The congressman who represents Boulder said a coalition of state leaders is working to respond.

Utilizing procedural tools that might be available here in Washington, it means working to try to secure appropriations in the upcoming funding bill, as you know, theres a critical funding deadline facing the federal government, and were going to have an opportunity to hopefully push a rider to preclude or prohibit the OMB from taking this step. I also think there are potential legal grounds, said Congressman Neguse. It is very vital to our own national security, the forecasting that they do. The folks at NCAR with respect to weather and natural disasters, different weather events in the like. Its critically important. If Russell Vought and the Trump administrations plan were to ultimately come to fruition, it would put the United States in a deep disadvantage globally, including with some of our geopolitical enemies.

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NCAR employs more than 800 people. Local leaders say it adds a $97 million-dollar impact to Boulders economy every year.

Its very impactful for us to see a major industry sector, if you will, of the climate science being threatened, said John Tayer, the President and CEO of Boulders Chamber of Commerce. He said innovation and work from federal labs in the area is the foundation of the citys economy. When you think about Boulder, science and research are focal to the fabric of the community and opportunities here. The University of Colorado trains the next generation of scientists, NOAAs research institute withstood threats of layoffs earlier this year from DOGE. Now, news from the White House has Tayer concerned, not only for Boulder but for the nations economy.

It is science that helps us to understand, for the entire nations economy, how to respond to the changes in our climate. It impacts agriculture, it impacts all sorts of conditions for aerospace, these are things that we need to understand as a society to make sure our economy is strong for the future, Tayer said. Its absolutely tragic when you think about the individuals who have committed themselves to this work. Now they have to consider what is their future, what is their work opportunity? Were going to have to, as a community, as a state, think about how to support them, help them find new opportunities. Hopefully, here in our state, because we want to hold on to the great scientific understanding that they have and the contributions that they make.

Both Tayer and Neguse said they worry about other research facilities in Boulder following the decision.

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There is clearly a war on science by the Trump administration, that is by design. That was part in parcel to Project 25, which they heavily advertised in the last presidential election, which you will well remember. So this is them now attempting to ultimately accomplish what they had made very clear to the American public they would do: which is dismantle scientific agencies that have been crown jewels in the United States, Congressman Neguse said.

It seems that this administration is targeting much of the kinds of research and work that we do in our community. That is very characteristic of the values of our community. When we think about our concerns that we have as a community around climate change and what that means for the long-term future of our planet, I know our citizens want to support that kind of scientific research, said Tayer.

As of now, the governors office said they still have not received any information from the Trump admin about the potential dismantling.

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 FOX31 Denver.
LIMA  The Lima Police Department promoted three officers to new ranks.

Shane Huber now holds the rank of major, Lt. Bryce Garman now holds the rank of lieutenant and Cory Noftz holds the rank of sergeant following their promotions on Dec. 6.

These promotions reflect the commitment to professional development and leadership within the Lima Police Department, Chief Curtis Hile said. Each of these officers brings experience, dedication and integrity to their new roles, strengthening our department and our service to the community.

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Huber earned an associates degree from Sandhills Community College in North Carolina and served seven years on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining the Lima Police Department in 2010.

The department promoted Huber to sergeant in 2015 and to lieutenant in 2024 in recognition of his leadership during critical incidents, including an entrapment-vehicle fire in 2021.

Huber will oversee administrative services in his new role.

Garman, a fellow Marine, came to the Lima Police Department in 2012 following service with the Rockford Police Department and Auglaize County Sheriffs Office. He earned an associates degree from Wright State University.

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The department promoted Garman, a member of the SWAT and bike teams, to sergeant in 2020. Garman is a second-shift supervisor following his latest promotion.

Noftz also came to the Lima Police Department in 2012 from the Hancock County Sheriffs Office and Allen County Sheriffs Office. He earned a bachelors degree in criminal justice from the University of Findlay and is a member of the K-9 unit and bike team.
(WKBN)  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the regional winners of its Paint the Plow contest.

Paint the Plow is a statewide initiative that highlights safe winter driving while showcasing the artistic talents of students across Pennsylvania.

This years theme was Dont race. Allow some space, and a few local school districts participated by painting snowplow blades with original artwork reflecting that theme.

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This year, Mercer Area Middle-High School won the Fan Favorite award, determined by online voting.

An honorable mention was given to Commodore Perry High School, which finished in a close second place.

The Judges Pick award was presented to East Forest High School of Forest County, selected by a panel of PennDOT representatives.

The student-painted plow blades will be put into service on state-owned roadways throughout the winter.

Statewide, a total of 78 schools participated in this years Paint the Plow, with more than 22,000 votes cast in the online Fan Favorite competition. Photos of all the plows can be viewed on PennDOTs Paint the Plow website.

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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 WKBN.com.
Restoration on the 4,400-year-old Pyramid of Sahura led researchers to create a more comprehensive blueprint of the structure.

Using LiDAR imaging, the team confirmed the presence of previously unknown chambers that were likely used as storage rooms.

The next step will be entering the rooms that likely held royal burial objects.

Storage rooms arent always the most enthralling places to discover or investigate. But when those storage rooms are 4,400 years old and were previously a complete mystery, things get a little more interesting.

Plus, any chance to uncover ancient royal burial objects is an exciting one.

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Researchers surveying the Pyramid of Sahuraa 4,400-year-old Egyptian ruin built as the first burial site for a king at Abusirdiscovered multiple storage rooms, the existence of which was previously entirely unknown.

Conservation and restoration work has been ongoing at the 155-foot-tall site since 2019, but a research team only recently discovered the original dimensions of the pyramid and realized the initial floor plan of the antechamber had deteriorated over time. When this structural decline occurred, old walls gave way to new retaining walls, changing some of the interior makeup. While researchers working in the pyramid in 1836 had believed that passages found full of debris and rubbish could have led to storage rooms, others later disagreed, and the passageways werent fully explored.

But that has all changed. An Egyptian-German team discovered both the passagesproving the 1836 discovery correctand eight storerooms in the ancient pyramid.

Although the northern and southern parts of these magazines, especially the ceiling and the original floor, are badly damaged, remnants of the original walls and parts of the floor can still be seen, the team wrote in a news release from the University of Wurzburg.

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To get a full view of the chambers, the team employed 3D laser scanning with a portable LiDAR scanner. This provided detailed surveys of the inside of the pyramid. This advanced technology enabled comprehensive mapping of both the extensive external areas and the narrow corridors and chambers inside, the team wrote. The frequent scans provide real-time updates of progress and create a permanent record of exploration efforts.

Sahura sits amongst the Abusir complex, a popular burial site near the Nile River for pharaohs of the Fifth Dynasty of ancient Egypt. While not as illustrious as other ancient pyramid complexes, the necropolis contains 13 key structures.

Finding and mapping the unknown storerooms is just one step in the process for exploring Sahura. Next comes the actual restoration of the chambers, a process which the team says they expect to revolutionize the view of historical development of pyramid structures and challenge existing paradigms in the field.

Lofty goals for a suite of storage areas.

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Donald Trumps biggest cheerleaders in the media suspect that the presidents mysterious national address is a late bid at damage control.

Hosts David Brody and Dr. Gina Loudon of the MAGA-friendly Real Americas Voice network theorized on Wednesday mornings American Sunrise that Trumps primetime CBS address to the nation will focus on affordability.

Dr. Gina Loudon admitted Trump's mysterious national address is a

Clearly, this is to regain the narrative and explain more about the affordability issue in America and what this administration is doing, said Brody. I think theyre trying to seize this right off the top and make sure that it doesnt get away from them.

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Yeah, because it almost did, said Loudon. There were a lot of people saying, Hey, why is President Trump so focused on all the foreign policy and not as focused on the domestic policy? Because as for my house and me, were not feeling economically what we thought wed be feeling in the quote-unquote golden age.

Its a PR thing, right? she added. I mean, hes got a captive audience. You can do it from the White House, and you can say what you want to say, uninterrupted, and its a big deal.

One of the people who asked why Trump was so focused on foreign policy and not domestic policy was Loudon herself.

After Republicans were shellacked in November gubernatorial races, Loudon, 57, said, I think it is time to come home and to focus on our countryespecially our economy.

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In the weeks since the Nov. 4 elections, Trump, 79, has begrudgingly attempted to address fears about affordability while simultaneously calling the issue a Democratic hoax and con job. His go-to line has been that things are more affordable under his administration than under Joe Bidens, despite data to the contrary.

For the GOPs sake, Trump desperately needs to flip Americans opinion on his economy. Hes racking up record-low approval numbers on the economy, and his name is becoming an albatross for Republicans clinging to a slim majority in the House of Representatives.

Trump has raged against

At a Pennsylvania rally on Dec. 9, a stop on what has been informally dubbed an affordability tour, Trump tried to convince Pennsylvania voters that his economy is booming, but digressed to chastise the audience for buying too many dolls and pencils for their children.

You can give up certain products, Trump told the crowd. You dont need 37 dolls for your daughter. Two or three is nice, but you dont need 37 dolls.

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So far, Americans havent been buying Trumps spin. Polls show that nearly half of Americans think the affordability crisis is worse than its ever been, and voters are laying the blame firmly at the feet of Trump and his signature tariffs.

Polls show Americans believe Trump is responsible for the economy, despite Trump's excuses. / CNN

Trump has tried to convince Americans that the tariffs will cause short-term harm but boost the American economy in the long run, but with every months poor economic report, Trump and his officials keep pushing the start date of their promised golden age further and further back.
Dec 18 (Reuters) - Italian fintech company Nexi said on Thursday it will not proceed with U.S. private equity fund TPG's offer to buy its digital banking unit.

"Following the analysis carried out and after careful consideration, the board resolved not to proceed with the proposed transaction," Nexi said in a statement, without giving any more details.

Nexi's second largest shareholder, Italy's Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, had opposed the sale of a majority stake in the unit to TPG, sources had told Reuters in November.

The digital banking unit provides technology solutions for open banking, corporate banking services and interbank clearing systems. It generated core earnings of 155 million euros for Nexi in 2025.

(Reporting by Rajveer Singh Pardesi and Ananya Palyekar in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
President Donald Trump was showered with praise by GOP lawmakers and MAGA allies as he insisted that the economy is stronger than how most Americans feel in a primetime speech from the White House.

During an 18-minute address, Trump attacked his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, and touted his record on immigration, tariffs and culture issues, arguing that the Golden Age he proposed on the campaign trail is building momentum. He also announced his administration will be sending $1,776 bonuses, which he called warrior dividends, to nearly 1.5 million U.S. service members before Christmas.

I inherited a mess, and Im fixing it, Trump said Wednesday night.

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The speech came as Trump has oscillated on his messaging on the economy, boasting it as the best to repeatedly labeling affordability as a hoax  all while polls show that voters need convincing.

An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll released hours before he spoke found that the presidents economic approval hit a new low at 36%. A new Fox News poll revealed similar, with most voters believing the economy is in bad shape.

But while his address was ruthlessly ripped by Democrats, his supporters were singing an entirely different tune.

He very clearly said to the American people, I see you, and look at the things weve done, Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) said on Fox News. What he has accomplished in just these first 10, 11 months is remarkable, but I think more is yet to come.

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Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich dubbed Trumps address as worthy of Ronald Reagan.

That was a good speech. It was an important speech, Gingrich said on Fox News. Someday, people will say it was one of the most important speeches of his career because it set the table for the entire debate over the next year.

In a post on X, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) supported the presidents attacks against the Affordable Care Act, as subsidies are set to expire by the end of the month.

Republicans will fix what Democrats broke! he wrote.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) also weighed in on X: High energy, great delivery, grand slam, home run on making the case that the best is yet to come.

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A popular MAGA account posted that Trump just shows up and performs under pressure.

Weve never seen anything like this in our lifetimes, the user wrote. I couldnt feel more secure with him steering the ship.

In the background, the economy remains one of the top concerns of voters heading into the 2026 midterm elections, which could be seen as a litmus test for Trump and the GOP as they look to maintain control of the House and Senate.

After Democrats scored sweeping victories in November, Trump has since increased his focus on the key issue.

I have no higher priority than making America affordable again, Trump said during a campaign-style rally in Pennsylvania last week. They caused the high prices and were bringing them down.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The trial of a man who drove his car into a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg last year will proceed without the suspect, who has been deemed unfit to attend due to a hunger strike, the court said on Thursday.

Presiding judge Dirk Sternberg at the Magdeburg Regional Court said the 51-year-old had deliberately brought about his condition and that the legal requirements for proceeding without him have been met.

The defence said it would appeal this decision, which would mean a higher regional court would need to weigh in.

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Sternberg said the suspect, Saudi national Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, had said in the main hearing that he intended to use his hunger strike to pressure the court. The judge said the chamber and a pschiatric expert had been given sufficient opportunity since the start of the trial to form an impression of the defendant.

Earlier on Thursday, Sternberg said a prison doctor had deemed al-Abdulmohsen unfit to stand trial.

According to the doctor, al-Abdulmohsen's weight had fallen to 47.6 kilograms and his vital signs were deteriorating by the day, the judge said. Doctors see a risk of acute kidney failure and said the defendant had rejused the recommended infusion therapy.

Al-Abdulmohsen's refusal to eat has been an issue since the start of the trial on November 10. On the second day of the trial, he said: "I started the hunger strike yesterday. I intend to do it for three weeks. No physical harm is expected."

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Sternberg responded at the time: "You do not have the power to delay or torpedo the trial by going on hunger or thirst strike." As the charges had been read out in court and the accused had been allowed the opportunity to respond, proceedings could continue without him, Sternberg ruled.

On December 20, 2024, al-Abdulmohsen drove a 2-ton hired vehicle at up to 48 kilometres an hour into the Magdeburg Christmas market. Six people died, and more than 300 were injured.

Al-Abdulmohsen has admitted responsibility for the car-ramming. He cited his disputes with the German authorities and their lack of support for Saudi women as the trigger for the attack, saying he wanted to raise awareness and warn people.
A court in southern Germany on Thursday jailed a 23-year-old man for three years for causing the death of another driver while filming himself for social media as he was speeding on a highway with no licence.

The man, who was also found to have been under the influence of narcotics at the time, was found guilty of illegal car racing, according to the Bruchsal District Court in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg.

The defendant was driving far too fast  and not for the first time, said the judge in his reasoning for the verdict. A 46-year-old father of three lost his life in the resultant collision. The 23-year-old's passenger was seriously injured.

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The deceased man's ex-wife, who also represented the three children as a joint plaintiff, broke down in tears during her testimony, saying her family's life had been ruined.

The defendant had also previously been convicted of drug possession and driving without a licence. However, his confession was taken into account during sentencing.

If I could undo what happened, I would do so immediately, the man said in his final statement, apologizing to the relatives of the accident victim.

The man had lost control of his car in a curve while under the influence of cocaine, the court found. He filmed the speedometer and himself with his cell phone before veering into the opposite lane and crashing head-on into an oncoming vehicle.

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Earlier, a patrol car noticed his reckless driving and pursued the car in order to check on the driver. It remained unclear whether the young man had even noticed the police car despite its flashing lights.

According to experts, he was driving at least 154 kilometres per hour  more than twice the speed limit.

Konrad King, presiding judge at Bruchsal District Court, opens the trial over a fatal speeding accident. Uli Deck/dpa
Deputies in Georgia are asking for the publics help in locating a 36-year-old man wanted for financial crimes.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to investigators, Daeshaun Gregory Boyd, 36, is wanted in Monroe County on multiple charges, including first-degree forgery, identity fraud, financial transaction card fraud and theft by deception.

Authorities say Boyd is also wanted in Roswell on separate financial crime warrants.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Anyone who has had contact with Boyd or knows his whereabouts is asked to contact the Monroe County Sheriffs Office at 478-994-7010 or Inv. M. Posey at 478-994-7710, ext 231 or via email at mposey@monroecosheriffga.us.

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A Manchester doctor was arrested in connection with a sexual assault of a patient, according to Manchester, New Hampshire Police.

Dr. David Vargas Lowy, a pediatric neurologist, was arrested on Wednesday, Dec. 17 after a months-long investigation.

Police say in September, it was reported that Vargas Lowry had allegedly assaulted a female juvenile during his visit.

Manchester Police immediately began an investigation and determined that Lowy had changed medical records pertaining to the victim.

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A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was charged with felonious sexual assault and falsifying physical evidence.

Lowy is being held at Valley St Jail pending his arraignment.

Anyone who has information pertaining to Dr. Vargas Lowy is encouraged to give Manchester Police Detective Adrianne Davenport a call at 603-792-5549.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
There's enough evidence against a Detroit man accused of gunning down his ex-wife, Latricia Green, at her place of work  close range and to the head  to go to trial for the killing, a 36th District Court judge ruled on Thursday, Dec. 18.

In the months before her death, Latricia Green warned the court that her ex-husband, Mario Green, was stalking her and the incidents were escalating. She sought a personal protection order twice, saying he showed up at her job at Henry Ford Hospital, tried to grab her, threatened her co-workers, and broke into her car, destroying clothes and stealing belongings. I am asking for help before this goes too far, she wrote in a July 20 petition. A judge granted the PPO the next day, after denying an earlier request  but it was never served.

About a month later, police say Mario Green shot his 40-year-old ex-wife in the hospitals basement, where she worked in an office. After a brief manhunt, he was arrested on Aug. 23 and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated stalking, and other crimes. The 53-year-old had a long history of violence allegations, including a 2001 aggravated stalking conviction and seven PPOs filed against him over the years, most recently by Latricia Green.

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"There's enough circumstantial evidence" against Mario Green, ruled Judge Shawn Jacque in court on Thursday during Green's preliminary examination.

In the prosecution's effort to justify the charges, they showed in court video surveillance footage of a man who appears to be suspected gunman Mario Green in Henry Ford Hospital on Aug. 22 the day Latricia Green was killed. One video showed him allegedly heading toward her basement office, and another fleeing the area of the office holding in his right hand what police testified was a gun.

A co-worker of Latricia Green's testified that the slain woman's ex-husband routinely called their place of work dozens of times per day. On the day Green was killed, she said he showed up. Then, she said she heard a gunshot, and saw Latricia Green lying in a pool of blood.

And the prosecution also showed body camera footage of an encounter a few months before the killing, where a man, allegedly Mario Green, was arguing with a woman identified as Latricia Green through the office window. A security guard testified that Latricia Green signaled a silent alarm, and video shows him being escorted out of the hospital  but not before yelling expletives at the guards and saying I choose to come see her if I choose to come see her," and "that's my wife," according to the video.

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We know that she did not want him there," said Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Larry King in court, and Mario Green allegedly knew, too. And still, King said Mario Green brought a gun into the hospital where his ex-wife worked, pursued her, "and he shot her dead."

Mario Green's attorney, Brian Berry, argued that all counts against his client should be dismissed.

What we haven't heard is that he wasnt invited there," he said of his client in court. Not a single witness observed Mr. Green commit a crime in there.

More, he said, the firearm identified by police in the video was "speculation," the picture unclear.

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Latricia Green's family was in the courtroom, wearing purple memorial hoodies honoring their slain loved one. They've advocated for change and more protection for victims of domestic violence after she was killed.

Advocates say her killing exposes systemic failures in Michigans domestic violence protections. Unlike most states, Michigan places the burden on victims to serve PPOs, and enforcement is often weak. Latricia Green's killing prompted the Michigan Senate to recently pass bipartisan legislation that could require law enforcement to serve PPOs as quickly as possible and prohibit courts or police from charging victims service fees, as long as state funding for a proposed PPO service fund is available.Firearm restrictions are also not guaranteed. Green warned the court she was scared, traumatized, and felt abandoned by the system. The danger she described, advocates say, was clear long before it turned fatal.

Andrea Sahouri covers criminal justice for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at asahouri@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mario Green to stand trial in ex-wife's killing at Henry Ford Hospital
A Massachusetts State Police trooper has been hospitalized after being involved in a hit-and-run crash on Wednesday, police say.

Local and state police responded to a reported hit-and-run crash around 4:00 p.m. on Allen Road, a spokesperson with Bellerica police told Boston 25 News.

The state police vehicle, as well as two private vehicles, were hit in the crash, according to Billerica police.

The state trooper was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

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Authorities have located the suspected vehicle but no one has been charged at this point.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
The Memphis Zoo announced the death of its female grizzly bear, Else, on Dec. 18.

Else experienced a sudden and rapid decline in her health over the course of several days, according to a statement by the zoo to social media, and the grizzly died despite intensive, round-the-clock care from zoo staff.

Else was born in Wyoming in January 2009 alongside her brothers Yukon and Cochise, according to the statement. The three cubs were orphaned after their mother was killed during a conflict with a hiker, and the three came to live at the Memphis Zoo in July 2009.

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Else is fondly remembered as smart, sassy, and sweet, the statement read. Her gentle side often showed in the mornings, when keepers arrived to find Else still cuddled up with her brothers, especially Cochise.

Elses presence will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, the statement read.

Grizzly bears generally live to be around 25 years old, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Zoo announces death of 16-year-old female grizzly bear, Else
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz intends to comply with Belgium's demands and make Russian central bank assets held in Germany available to support Ukraine, diplomatic sources told dpa.

European Union leaders are gathered in Brussels aiming to find a solution to cover Ukraine's economic and military needs for the coming years.

The European Commission has proposed providing Ukraine with up to 210 billion ($246 billion) in immobilized Russian assets in the EU as a reparations loan, of which 90 billion is meant cover financial and military needs in 2026 and 2027.

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Germany had long argued in Brussels that first the roughly 185 billion in Russian central bank funds managed by the Belgian company Euroclear should be used for loan.

One reason for Berlin's hesitation given was that only a small three-figure million-euro sum was held in Germany. The exact amount is however kept secret by the German government.

The Belgian government has been demanding that all EU countries holding frozen Russian assets have to participate in the funding scheme to mitigate the risk of Belgium becoming the sole target of potential retaliatory measures.

Brussels fears in particular that Moscow could retaliate against private European individuals and companies, for example through expropriations in Russia, and has been calling for safeguards.

Next to Belgium, Russian assets are held in Germany, France, Sweden, Cyprus and Luxembourg, although the majority of the usable funds are tied up in France, according to the commission.
LANSING  Michigan utility regulators signed off on DTE Energys agreement to power a hyperscale data center planned for Saline Township, despite at-times heated opposition calling for greater scrutiny of the project and the electric companys plan to provide the massive amount of energy needed for it without straining the states electric grid or raising rates for customers.

The Michigan Public Service Commission voted 3-0 on Thursday, Dec. 18 to approve DTEs ex parte motion formalizing its contract to provide an initial 1.4 gigawatts of computing power, or the amount of energy the planned data center will pull from the grid, with the backers of the Saline Township project. Developer Related Digital, software company Oracle and generative artificial intelligence company OpenAI are behind the data center, which is part of OpenAIs Stargate project to power AI development. OpenAI runs the ChatGPT program, which has become synonymous with generative AI globally.

Developers announced the multibillion-dollar project in October after Related Digital settled a lawsuit with the Saline Township board, which initially denied rezoning a parcel of farmland for the data center. The planned campus will consist of three single-story buildings, each 550,000 square feet, on a 250-acre site north of U.S.-12. Construction is slated to begin early next year.

Land where a hyperscale data center campus is planned is pictured Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Saline Township, Mich.

In public statements and regulatory filings, the Detroit-based utility argued a contested case was not needed because its agreement to supply energy for the planned campus wouldnt lead to higher residential energy costs or place a strain on current energy demands. The company has pointed to a 2024 state law that bars data center developments from passing energy costs onto residents in order to qualify for tax breaks.

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By granting DTEs ex parte request, commissioners approved the contract without a contested case process where intervening groups could file expert witness testimony and seek evidence through discovery over the course of the proceeding, which typically takes about a year.

When Commissioner Katherine Peretick moved to approve the ex parte motion, several members of the crowd expressed dismay at the decision, shouting at commissioners to let them make public comments before the vote.

Im not going to allow you to disrupt this meeting, MPSC Chair Dan Scripps said. Scripps later said he understood the frustration from members of the public, although some in attendance continued to shout during his remarks. At one point, Scripps asked a woman to leave the meeting after she continued to deride the data center contract.

Michigan Public Service Commission Chair Dan Scripps speaks Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, during a MPSC meeting in Delta Township.

Green Chile Ventures, an Oracle subsidiary, is covering energy costs for the Stargate facility, under the contract approved Dec. 18, regulators said. Peretick said the order also calls for DTE to bear responsibility to cover costs in the event developers cannot.

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Several environmental groups, a coalition of major businesses in Michigan and Attorney General Dana Nessel's Office had all argued against the motion, asserting DTE should have to prove its claims about the data centers potential impact on the electric grid and current residential rates.

Ultimately, commissioners sided with DTE. Scripps said after review by the MPSC staff, the commission judged the power supply agreement between DTE and developers was in the public interest.

While I recognize the concerns about the process in this case, the reality is the commission used a very similar process in a number of cases in recent years, he said, of the ex parte proceedings.

After the vote, commenters said they felt misrepresented by the commission and the process in which the power agreement was approved.

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I, along with everyone here ... probably dont feel like theyve been publicly served today, said Wendy Albers, of Augusta Township. When you make these decisions, youre eliminating the very necessity of what public service bodies are all about.

I appreciate the protections you put in place, but I just dont trust them, Albers added.

Another commenter who said she lived a few hundred yards from the planned Stargate site said the MPSC let down the public with its vote.

Kathryn Haushalter, of Saline, speaks Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, during the public comment portion of the Michigan Public Service Commission meeting in Delta Township where commissioners signed off on DTE Energys agreement to power a hyperscale data center planned for Saline Township.

I know you look at the facts, but this is affecting real people, said Kathryn Haushalter. I wonder in five years, would you come over to my house and get a drink of water?

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What you did is hurting real families. You can say and justify it however you want, but I want you to remember my kids, and remember me. Youre hurting us. You do not serve me.

DTE officials commended the MPSC vote. Ryan Lowry, a DTE spokesperson, said in a statement the company remains committed to protecting its residential ratepayers.

"We acknowledge theres a range of viewpoints and emotions about this decision. We remain deeply committed to supporting our customers and the communities we serve by delivering the safe, reliable energy they depend on each day," Lowry said.

A Related Digital representative also lauded the MPSC vote.

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Michigan is truly leading the way in terms of creating a framework for responsible digital infrastructure development, and we are pleased this important project meets that test by being developed with respect for Michigans water and natural resources while providing substantial long-term economic benefits, spokesperson Natalie Ravitz said in a statement.

One provision in the contracts between DTE and the data center developers calls for a minimum billing demand of 80% of the contracted energy capacity. Through this provision, DTE will charge developers for the costs of a minimum of 80% of the energy it has agreed to provide, regardless of whether the data center uses it. This is sometimes referred to as a ready to serve stipulation. An MPSC order in a case with Michigans other large utility, Consumers Energy, established the provision earlier this year.

The minimum contract duration for the power agreement between DTE and Green Chile Ventures is for 19 years.

Supporters of the data center in Saline Township have pointed to job creation and a boost in the local tax base as benefits the facility would provide. When the project was announced in October, developers said it would create 2,500 union construction jobs and 450 on-site jobs once the facility is built. At a Dec. 3 public comment hearing, several labor union representatives and area chamber of commerce representatives voiced support for the data center campus.

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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is also a supporter of the Saline Township facility, calling it a vital component of Michigans economic transition and a key asset in the national effort to remain globally competitive for similar projects.

But opponents of the Stargate plans, and hyperscale data centers in general, say theyre not worth the environmental and energy concerns.

Because generative AI, like what the Stargate project is intended to support, takes a lot of energy to power, hyperscale data centers pull significant amounts of electricity from the grid. The initial 1.4 gigawatts of energy planned for the Saline Township campus is more energy than DTE produces at its Fermi 2 nuclear power plant in Newport. And there are plans for a potential further 3 gigawatts of computing power at the campus, according to regulatory filings.

In many large data centers, a great amount of water is needed to cool the air that gets heated by constantly running servers and other computer equipment. Developers behind the Stargate proposal say the facility will use a closed-loop water system and won't tap into the Great Lakes, although skeptics say closed-loop water systems are less energy efficient than direct water cooling or liquid emersion cooling systems.

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There are also those wary of the increased demand on Michigans energy grid presented by large data centers, and how greater power needs could slow the states clean energy transition. Under state law approved in 2023, 100% of its energy needs to be generated from sources defined as clean by 2040. But that law does allow energy providers to seek good cause exemptions if they dont believe they can meet energy demands through clean sources. This, proponents argue, opens the door for continued reliance on fossil fuels like coal-fired plants to meet energy demand.

As part of the order approved Dec. 18, DTE must inform the MPSC in a yearly report how the data centers operation affects its overall energy portfolio.

There are also concerns about job forecasts at large data center developments, since the facilities serve more of an infrastructural purpose than a typical business once built.

New data centers are being planned around Michigan. In some cases, like in Saline Township or a recently approved project in Southfield, developers are able to overcome local opposition, but in others, public opinion has played a major role in defeating projects. Developers pulled plans for a hyperscale data center in Howell Township in December after residents voiced opposition. In Kalkaska, near Traverse City, developers similarly abandoned plans for a data center, with the president of the company hoping to build the data center directly crediting local opposition to the project.

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The MPSC is a three-member body tasked with overseeing utility companies in Michigan. The governor is tasked with appointing all three members, although state law mandates that no more than two commissioners are from the same political party. Whitmer appointed all three current commissioners.

You can reach Arpan at alobo@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan regulators approve DTE Energy plan for massive data center
Jared Kushner, the founder of Affinity Partners, was seen as a pivotal figure in helping Paramount clinch the takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery - Fabian Sommer/dpa via AP

Jared Kushner has withdrawn from the $100bn (75bn) bid battle to buy Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

Mr Kushners private equity firm, Affinity Partners, on Tuesday said it would no longer be backing a hostile takeover offer for Warner Bros by Paramount, the Hollywood studio owned by the billionaire Ellison family.

Miami-headquartered Affinity was one of several backers behind Paramounts $108bn move for the group, which is seeking to upend an agreed $83bn bid from rival Netflix.

A spokesman for Mr Kushners firm said: With two strong competitors vying to secure the future of this unique American asset, Affinity has decided no longer to pursue the opportunity.

The dynamics of the investment have changed significantly since we initially became involved in October.

The spokesman added: We continue to believe there is a strong strategic rationale for Paramounts offer.

As son-in-law of the US president Donald Trump, Mr Kushner was seen as a pivotal figure in helping Paramount clinch the takeover.

Paramount, led by David Ellison, who is the son of billionaire tech founder Larry Ellison, has also secured backing from three Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds  Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

Mr Kushner has significant connections to all three of the wealth funds helping to bankroll Paramounts offer.

Since founding Affinity in 2021, they have invested billions of dollars to support the expansion of the company.

His exit may raise questions over whether Paramount can still mount a challenge to the competing Netflix agreement.

WBD is expected to urge investors to reject the Paramount bid as soon as Wednesday.

According to Bloomberg, executives are concerned about whether Paramount can secure the funding required to get the deal done.

Paramounts Warner Bros bid has also been backed by its second-largest shareholder RedBird Capital, the US equity fund that pulled out of its bid to buy The Telegraph last month.

The company has also received $54bn worth of debt commitments from the Bank of America, Citi and Apollo Global Management.

Mr Trump has said he will be personally involved in the approval process of WBDs sale.

On Tuesday, he issued a shot across the bows of Paramount, criticising its CBS network for poor treatment.

Speaking of the Ellison family, the US president said: If they are friends, Id hate to see my enemies.

If Netflix emerges victorious, the streaming giant would gain access to franchises like Harry Potter and the HBO Max streaming platform.
A recent court ruling blocks a state law supported by Michigan Democrats banning conversion therapy targeting LGBTQ+ youths to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The law that took effect in 2024 prohibits mental health professionals from practicing conversion therapy with minors, subjecting violators to disciplinary action. It prompted a lawsuit alleging Michigan's conversion therapy ban violates free speech that was brought by Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties and Emily McJones, a Lansing-based therapist.

A federal judge in January denied their request for a preliminary injunction against the law. But in a 2-1 opinion Dec. 17, a U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit panel reversed the lower court's decision denying the preliminary injunction.

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Writing for the majority, Judge Raymond Kethledge found that "the Michigan law discriminates based on viewpoint  meaning the law permits speech on a particular topic only if the speech expresses a viewpoint that the government itself approves." Michigan's conversion therapy law amounts to a free speech ban that could result in the revocation of a professional therapist's license and a fine of up to $250,000, Kethledge wrote. "Those facts are enough to show that the law 'chills' the plaintiffs' speech," he wrote. Judge Joan Larsen concurred.

In a dissent, Judge Rachel Bloomekatz wrote: "Scientific evidence now demonstrates that conversion therapy is ineffective and harmful." Psychotherapy amounts to more than speech, she wrote, characterizing it as a kind of medical treatment that the state has the power to regulate. As such, the court's majority opinion "ties states' hands as to medically-repudiated practices like conversion therapy," she added.

Bloomekatz also noted that the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to weigh in on conversion therapy and indicated that the appeals court should not have issued an opinion on the Michigan law before then.

More: Dad of Monroe athlete files complaint with feds over trans competitor

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Becket Religious Liberty for All  a nonprofit legal group that aims to defend religious expression and represents the plaintiffs  celebrated the outcome. "This is a victory for children nationwide," said Luke Goodrich, senior counsel at Becket and lead attorney for the counselors, in a statement. "This ruling ensures that children who want it can receive compassionate, evidence-based counseling that alleviates their distress and helps them embrace their bodies without resorting to irreversible, life-altering medical interventions."

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's Office, which represents the state in litigation challenging its laws, did not immediately provide a comment.

The Michigan law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2023 was among those crafted by Democratic legislative majorities and celebrated by LGBTQ+ advocates. That year, the governor and Democrats also expanded the state's civil rights law to explicitly bar discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Staff writer Arpan Lobo contributed with prior reporting

Contact Clara Hendrickson: chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Court stops conversion therapy ban in Michigan
A key Russian airbase in occupied Crimea has been targeted by a Ukrainian drone strike, according to Ukraine. Authorities in Kyiv claim that drones hit a MiG-31BM Foxhound interceptor, as well as elements of an S-400 air defense system, at Belbek Air Base, near Sevastopol.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the governments main internal security agency, reported that a successful drone strike operation was carried out overnight by forces from its Special Group Alpha. Russian officials, including the governor of Sevastopol, claim that the attack was repelled with 11 drones downed and resulted in no damage.

Minus russian MiG-31 jet 

Last night, the warriors from the @ServiceSsu Alpha Special Operations Center struck a russian MiG-31 fighter jet with a full combat load at the Belbek military airfield in temporarily occupied Crimea.

An S-2 Pantsir air defense system, an S-400 air pic.twitter.com/qEsjJwrd0o  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) December 18, 2025

The SBU has published a series of video stills showing the attack, with footage taken from the perspective of the long-range one-way attack drones heading toward their targets. Based on the imagery, the drones could well be the same fiber-optic types that have been launched from Ukrainian drone boats.

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Further videos were posted to social media by residents of Crimea, showing explosions and attempts by Russian troops to shoot down the drones. At this point, it should be noted that, without the full videos of the strikes, we cannot be sure whether the drones detonated or the degree of damage they might have caused.

According to the SBU, damage was recorded to a MiG-31, a 92N6 (NATO reporting name Grave Stone) long-range multifunction radar that is part of the S-400 system, two Nebo-SVU long-range surveillance radars, and a Pantsir-S2 surface-to-air missile system.

Nebo-SVU long-range surveillance radar. SBU

Pantsir-S2. SBU

Ukraine claims that the targeted MiG-31 was carrying a full combat load, although the available video reveals that it carries no armament under its wings. Potentially, it carries air-to-air missiles below the fuselage, but the forward-mounted examples are also not visible. While it looks like a real aircraft rather than a decoy, it remains possible that it may have been a non-operational example. However, recent satellite imagery assessed by TWZ shows a MiG-31 sporadically at the base in recent weeks, sometimes sitting out in the open.

MiG-31. SBU

Its worth noting, too, that the reported 92N6 system (seen below) was covered with camouflage and/or anti-drone netting, making its positive identification harder. It could also have been a 96L6 (Cheese Board) all-altitude detection radar, also associated with the S-400 air defense system.

SBU

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It's a cheeseboard, its been axtive at Belbek for a long time, you made a good id, you can recognise it because the radar array has a round base and on the gravestone its rectangular pic.twitter.com/f4RDqfaoYY  NLwartracker (@NLwartracker) December 18, 2025

As to the estimated value of these items of equipment, the SBU put a figure of $30-50 million on the MiG-31, depending on configuration and armament, $30 million on the 92N6, $60-100 million for each of the Nebo-SVUs, and $12 million for the Pantsir-S2.

The SBU continues its effective work to destroy air defense systems in Crimea that cover important military and logistical facilities of the occupiers, the agency said in a statement on its Telegram channel. The elimination of components of this echeloned system significantly weakens the enemys defense and military capabilities in the Crimean direction.

Belbek plays a key role in Russias war in Ukraine and, as such, has been targeted by Ukraine in the past.

The significance of the airbase, in particular, lies in the fact that its aircraft and air defenses help extend coverage deeper into Ukraine, as well as providing critical screening for the nearby Russian naval base at Sevastopol, and also extend this coverage far out into the Black Sea.

Several photos recently posted on the "warhistoryalconafter" TG channel showing a VKS Su-27P/S. Visible AAMs include an R-73, R-27ET & R-27ER. Photos appear to be from Belbek (thanks to @StefanB2023 for IDing the base)  the jet is presumably assigned to the 38th IAP based there. pic.twitter.com/e6Dm4fGjfX  Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) July 28, 2024

Belbek Air Base was used by Ukraine before Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Today, it is home to the 38th Fighter Aviation Regiment (38 IAP, in Russian nomenclature), a unit that you can read more about here. When Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Belbek received an influx of additional combat aircraft deployed from units in Russia. These have included examples of the Su-30SM and Su-35S, as well as Su-34 Fullback strike fighters, and MiG-31s.

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MiG-31s, together with the very long-range air-to-air missiles they carry, have been a particular threat to the Ukrainian Air Force.

In October 2022, during take-off from Belbek, a MiG-31BM departed the runway, crashed, and was completely burned out. The navigator/weapons system officer ejected successfully from the rear cockpit, while the pilot was killed.

The airbases value means that it has received new hardened aircraft shelters and additional construction to help shield aircraft from drone attacks and other indirect fire. This is part of a broader push by the Russian military to improve physical defenses at multiple airfields following the launch of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

A view of the central section of Belbek, showing hardened aircraft shelters. Google Earth

Notably, the MiG-31 was targeted while standing in the open, unprotected. Its twin cockpit canopies were open, suggesting it was being prepared for a sortie or had recently returned from one.

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As well as previous drone attacks, Ukrainian forces have employed U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) short-range ballistic missiles with cluster munition warheads against the base, with a notably destructive ATACMS barrage in May of last year. That attack resulted in two MiG-31s being burnt out, confirmed in post-strike satellite imagery. Since then, however, the use of hardened aircraft shelters at Belbek will have made the resident aircraft less vulnerable to the effects of ATACMS armed with cluster munitions, in particular.

Clearly visible damage to a portion of Belbeks flightline and adjacent areas can be seen in this satellite image taken on May 16, 2024. PHOTO  2024 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION

The Russian Aerospace Forces began the current conflict with around 130 MiG-31s in active service, a small number of them adapted to carry Kinzhal aero-ballistic missiles. The two aircraft destroyed previously at Belbek are the only confirmed combat losses, though that might change when more details of the latest drone strike become available.

The same attack on Belbek in May 2024 saw the Russians lose elements of an S-300 or S-400 air defense system, including what looked to be another 92N6 radar.

And here are the first photos from the ground showing the aftermath of Ukrainian strikes with ATACMS missiles on Russia's Belbek Air Base in the Crimea last night.



That appears to be a destroyed 92N6E Grave Stone multi-function engagement radar from the S-400 surface-to-air https://t.co/anrjNVYdfm pic.twitter.com/fclOaYBnVQ  Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) May 15, 2024

The targeting of Belbek again overnight, which Ukraine claims caused significant damage to prized air defense assets, shows that Ukraine is continuing to apply pressure on Russian forces in Crimea and is using a variety of weapons to achieve this.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Milford Police, in coordination with the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force, have arrested a man wanted on several charges.

Bernaddy Mondesir, 27, was taken into custody on Tuesday morning.

Mondesirs charges include assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, multiple drug offenses and fraud.

Authorities arrived about 8:13 a.m. on Highland Street to execute the warrants.

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Mondesir attempted to flee but was later taken into custody without incident.

He was transported to Milford District Court for arraignment.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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First responders in Milwaukee County hope to reach even more patients in the second year of a program designed to prevent severely injured trauma patients from bleeding out and dying before they reach a hospital.

The program, which was launched late last year, equips ambulances at local fire departments with units of whole blood and trains paramedics to perform transfusions on trauma patients to replace lost blood on the way to the hospital.

"In that year, patients who otherwise may not have survived the trip to the hospital are arriving alive and stable," said Dr. Ben Weston, chief health policy advisor for Milwaukee County, who helped spearhead the program, in a press release. "When someone is suffering a traumatic injury with severe blood loss, every minute counts."

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The county's fire departments became the first in Wisconsin  and among a growing but small number nationally  to deliver blood to patients in the field, which if implemented by first responders across the United States, has the potential to save thousands of lives per year.

In the Milwaukee program's first year, 38 patients, including four children, received a blood transfusion before reaching a hospital. Most were trauma patients injured from car crashes, gun violence or other causes. But some were medical patients, including a woman suffering from postpartum hemorrhage, a potentially life-threatening condition, who survived after receiving a whole blood transfusion, local officials said.

"When you have somebody that is pulseless and non-breathing from trauma, ... you just didnt get your hopes up," Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski said at a Dec. 15 press conference. "The ability to deliver that whole blood is completely changing that game.

"We're fundamentally changing the chance of survival," Weston added.

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Officials did not provide an estimate for how many of the 38 patients ultimately survived, saying they hoped to provide more data soon.

Traditionally, victims of gunshot wounds, car crashes and other traumatic injuries would wait until arriving at a hospital to receive a transfusion to replace lost blood. Severely injured patients risked bleeding out in the time it took to get to a hospital.

In those cases, paramedics would administer saline through an IV to help stabilize patients' blood pressure while on the way to the hospital.

"But (saline) doesn't carry oxygen. It doesn't help with clotting, and in large amounts, it can actually dilute the body's ability to stop bleeding," Weston said.

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Now, seven ambulances and three other EMS vehicles in the county carry whole blood, which has been broken down into components like plasma, and can be deployed county-wide.

While not every fire department in the county has an ambulance with blood, all 14 departments have access to it, through the program's regional approach, Weston said.

For example, the South Milwaukee Fire Department carries blood for the southeastern part of the county, and its response vehicle may also carry blood to Cudahy, Oak Creek and St. Francis, he said.

EMS officials estimate they now are able to reach at least half of patients who would benefit from receiving a transfusion in the field, said Dan Pojar, director of the county Office of Emergency Management's EMS division.

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They hope to build on lessons learned in the program's first year to reach as many patients as possible. They're still figuring out how best to prioritize which scenes to send blood to.

"If you look at Milwaukee  there's a lot of scenes that potentially could need blood," Weston said. "How do you know  whether that patient's going to need blood?"

When the program launched last year, Pojar estimated that as many as 350 patients per year could benefit from blood transfusions before reaching a hospital.

The blood is stored in specialized coolers outfitted with monitors to ensure it is maintained at safe temperatures.

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The blood is supplied by Versiti Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratory Blood Bank. Any blood that goes unused within a certain timeline is returned to the Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratory Blood Bank to be used in hospitals before expiration.

Reporter Sarah Volpenhein can be reached at svolpenhei@gannett.com or at 414-607-2159.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee-area effort to supply ambulances with blood helped 38 people
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan leaves the Milwaukee Federal Courthouse. Judge Dugan is on trial on charges that she helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, elude federal arrest while he was making an appearance in her courtroom on April 18. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Milwaukee County Chief Judge Carl Ashley took the stand on the third day of the high profile trial of Judge Hannah Dugan, who is accused of obstructing federal immigration agents and hiding the man they came to the Milwaukee County Courthouse to arrest.

Ashley was asked about an email he wrote on April 4 to his fellow judges, following a string of courthouse arrests by immigration officers. The chief judge, like many of his colleagues, was disturbed by the arrests, and feared that they would disrupt the courthouses business and erode the publics trust that the courthouse was a safe place.

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Ashley wrote that ICE arrests could likely be prohibited inside courtrooms but that Im not sure we have the authority to intervene with what happens in the public hallway.

The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation.

As the judges were discussing a plan for responding to the ICE presence at the courthouse, Ashley offered a training presentation  which Dugan was unable to attend  that highlighted in part that immigration enforcement could happen in the public hallways, but not against certain groups of people such as victims of crimes.

While questioning Ashley, prosecutors showed the jury an email Dugan sent in response to the training which said that optimally a policy guiding how court staff should respond to the presence of immigration officers would be desirable. Less than an hour later, Ashley attached a draft policy to an email, and sent it off to Dugan and other judges. Ashley testified that he wanted as much feedback on the policy as possible, including from the sheriffs office, the district attorney and other system partners. He also reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to get their input, agreeing with prosecutors who said Ashley wanted to get it right.

Although the policy had been drafted, it had not been officially instituted. The policy was non-binding on April 18 when agents arrived outside Dugans courtroom, and did not explicitly state that ICE could not make arrests in the public hallway, Ashley acknowledged on the stand.

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Part of the draft policy advised court staff to contact their immediate supervisors about the presence of ICE, and said Ashley should be among those notified. Dugans defense attorneys argued in prior days of testimony that Dugan was following the draft policy when she went into the hallway outside her courtroom to confirm that the plain-clothes agents there had a non-judicial, administrative warrant and to tell them to go check in with the chief judge. The draft policy stated that all court staff were expected to comply with its guidance, and advised staff that administrative warrants do not compel staff to comply with requests from ICE agents.

Ashley testified that he was at home when the agents were sent to his office by Dugan. He recalled getting a call from Brian Barkow, chief deputy of the Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office, advising him that ICE was in the building to arrest someone. After calling the deputy administrator, Ashley confirmed that agents were there. However, Ashley did not direct them to be brought to his office, the chief judge testified. Texts Ashley sent to Dugan telling her to call him went unanswered. She later replied that she had left the court to attend Good Friday church services.

I was concerned about what mightve happened, said Ashley, who then sent out another email notifying the judges about the ICE activity at the courthouse. He mentioned in the email that all the agents actions were consistent with the draft policy.

Judges, courthouse staff upset by ICE presence

Prosecutors have accused Dugan of having strongly held views about ICE arrests at the courthouse. Wednesdays testimony demonstrated that judges and courthouse staff were struggling with the arrival of ICE at the courthouse and trying to formulate a response.

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On April 6, in the wake of the first arrests, Ashley issued a press release stating that ICE operating around the courthouse can deter individuals, particularly immigrants and marginalized communities, from attending court hearings, seeking legal assistance, or reporting crimes, and that this undermines the fundamental right to access the courts and seek legal remedies. This could lead to a lack of trust in the judicial system which could foster a reluctance to engage with law enforcement, legal representation, and the courts, ultimately hindering the administration of justice.

Protesters gather to support Judge Hannah Dugan in May 2025. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

Ashley read the press release on the stand, his voice booming through the federal courtroom. It stated that allowing ICE agents to operate within courthouse complexes has the potential to significantly damage the integrity of the court system, and that it undermines the principles of justice, fairness, and equality before the law, and ultimately jeopardizes the rights of individuals seeking to navigate the legal process. Courts remain safe havens for all individuals, free from the threats of immigration enforcement.

The chief judge confirmed on the stand that he continued to hold these beliefs. During cross examination, defense attorneys showed a version of the draft policy, highlighting that it was based on a policy created by San Francisco, California. Ashley testified to editing the draft policy by removing a sentence stating that ICE agents are allowed to arrest people in the public areas of a courthouse, which appeared in the original policy from California.

Melissa Buss, a Milwaukee County assistant district attorney who was assigned to Dugans court, testified Wednesday that she saw Dugan motion to attorney Mercedes de la Rosa  who was representing Flores-Ruiz  to come here as she stood by the jury door leading to the non-public hallway. Buss said it was unusual that Dugan appeared to be directing de la Rosa, and that the judge seemed frustrated whereas de la Rosa seemed frazzled or confused. Buss said that she wasnt aware that Dugan had called Flores-Ruizs case early, despite audio recordings showing that Dugan spoke into a microphone and called the mans case loudly, and set a date for him to re-appear via Zoom.

Clerk calls ICE agent fascist

Prosecutors also called Alan Freed Jr., a deputy clerk in Dugans court. Freed recalled hearing from public defenders that ICE was in the hallways, saying that he was upset and a little outraged. Freed walked back into the courtroom to tell Dugan that there were ICE guys in the hallway, which was captured on courtroom audio. Freed also said that Dugan told him not to call the chief judge. Later, when Freed checked back in the hall, he saw agents walking towards the chief judges office after being directed there by Dugan. As one of the agents walked past Freed testified that he called the agent a fascist.

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Freed was grilled by prosecutors about who said what in the audio recordings, but he testified that he couldnt recall some of the events of April 18. Hed sat through thousands of cases, including many in Dugans court, and had never seen a similar chain of events play out. Freed said it is not unusual for cases to be called off the record as Flores-Ruizs was, echoing Buss who said judges can call cases at random and that this was not unusual as prosecutors argued.

Hasty exit out a side door

De la Rosa also testified that she was concerned about the news that ICE was in the building when she arrived at the courthouse. Shed only been a public defender in Milwaukee since March 2025, not long before ICE began arresting people inside the building. When Flores-Ruiz arrived, she was nervous to get him in and out of the building as quickly as possible to avoid contact with ICE. She asked for the pretrial hearing to be called off the record, and described herself as visibly anxious and even obnoxious.

After Dugan was finished calling her case, de la Rosa recalled Dugan motioning for her and Flores-Ruiz to come by the jury door. Shed had judges lead her and clients out of side doors before, but only in particular circumstances, such as to avoid emotional victims, she said. I kind of remember being scared or freaked out, she testified, adding that she was stressed about the agents, and was bouncing back and forth between two languages to translate what was happening to Flores-Ruiz. My brain was spinning, she said. When the jury door opened into the hallway, de la Rosa testified, Dugan took a couple of steps in and directed her and her client straight down the hall towards the door that led to the public hallway.

FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Baker (right), a member of the immigration ERO arrest team, leaves court alongside ICE supervisor Anthony Nimtz (left). Both testified during Judge Hannah Dugans trial. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

De la Rosa testified that she was never directed to go to the staircase in that hall, which led to a different floor, and didnt even know that it existed. Her case had been called before attorney Walter Piel, who arrived early to court with his client. I was a little frustrated that I wasnt called first, Piel testified, but added that he didnt think that was unusual. When de la Rosa got outside, after unknowingly riding the elevator down with a plain-clothes ICE agent, she heard someone call Flores-Ruizs name. Flores-Ruiz ran, and agents arrested him down the street after a brief foot pursuit.

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The young defense attorney recalled being grilled about the incident by the FBI multiple times in interviews which stretched four to six hours in total. De la Rosa testified Wednesday that when Dugan allowed her to use the non-public hallway, she interpreted it as a mentoring moment because she was a new attorney unsure how to handle this unique situation.

Joan Butz, a court reporter in Dugans courtroom, testified that she was irritated when she heard that ICE had returned. That pisses me off, she remembered telling one of the other staff. Butz was captured on audio talking with Dugan about down the stairs, in a conversation that wasnt cleanly recorded. Butz testified that she offered to show de la Rosa the exit near the jury box, saying she just wanted to be helpful. Butz admitted, however, that she believed the correct exit would have been the staircase, and that the wrong exit would have been into the hallway where the agents were waiting.

Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday, allowing the court day to conclude almost two hours earlier than usual. On Thursday, defense attorneys are expected to call several more witnesses.

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Update: Law enforcement officials say the suspect in the Brown University shooting also shot and killed MIT professor Nuno Loureiro. The suspect was found dead Thursday night. Read the latest here.

The shooting death of an acclaimed Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor this week has sent shockwaves through the campus and the broader fusion energy research community in which he was prominent.

Nuno Loureiro taught plasma physics at the elite university and led its Plasma Science and Fusion Center. The 47-year-old was shot at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts, Monday and died at a nearby hospital the next day. His death is being investigated as a homicide.

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Police have not identified a suspect in the homicide, which occurred two days after a shooting at another elite college, Brown University, in neighboring Rhode Island, left two dead and nine injured. Law enforcement is investigating possible connections between the Brown University shooting and Loureiro's homicide, sources tell CBS News.

"Nuno was not only a brilliant scientist, he was a brilliant person," colleague Dennis Whyte said in an obituary published Tuesday by MIT. "He shone a bright light as a mentor, friend, teacher, colleague and leader and was universally admired for his articulate, compassionate manner. His loss is immeasurable to our community at the PSFC, NSE and MIT, and around the entire fusion and plasma research world."

The obituary described Loureiro as "a lauded theoretical physicist and fusion scientist," whose "research addressed complex problems lurking at the center of fusion vacuum chambers and at the edges of the universe."

Sources tell CBS News that Loureiro wasn't working on anything classified, as there's no classified work being performed on campus.

MIT professor Nuno Loureiro. / Credit: Jake Belcher (Jake Belcher)

MIT President Sally Kornbluth wrote in a letter to students and faculty that "in the face of this shocking loss, our hearts go out to his wife and their family and to his many devoted students, friends and colleagues."

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A native of Portugal, whose resume included stints at the Imperial College London and Princeton, Loureir "used a combination of analytical theory and state-of-the art simulations to investigate several topics in nonlinear plasma dynamics, particularly magnetic reconnection, turbulence and instabilities," according to his university biography.

His research led to widespread acclaim and prestigious awards that included the American Physical Society Thomas H. Stix Award for Outstanding Early Career Contributions to Plasma Physics Research and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

Person of interest identified in deadly Brown University shooting

What to expect from Trump's address to the nation

New surveillance video shows Nick Reiner before his arrest
British military portraits have been removed from Indias presidential palace in an anti-colonial purge by Narendra Modi.

Indias populist government swapped 96 pictures of colonial-era British Aides-de-Camp officers for images of Indian wartime heroes, to showcase the countrys unconquerable spirit.

Mr Modi, who has been Indias prime minister since 2014, hailed the decision as a move away from the mentality of slavery and an example of Indias new consciousness.

British military portraits have been removed from the presidential palace in New Delhi, India - Harald Sund/Getty Images

Those whose portraits have been taken down at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi include Captain Peter Bacon, a British naval officer who served on the personal staff of Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, during the final months of British rule in 1947.

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India was ruled by the British Raj from 1858 until 1947 when it was given independence by Britains post-war Labour government. Between 1600 and 1858, it was governed by the East India Company.

India has removed portraits of all 96 British officers once displayed at the presidential palace

The decision to remove portraits from New Delhis presidential palace was part of Mr Modis campaign to eradicate Indias colonial legacy and replace it with Indian heritage, the government said.

The move will assist in educating visitors about our national heroes who displayed dauntless resolve and unconquerable spirit in defending our nation, a government spokesman said.

Major General Sir Frank Messervy, who commanded forces in East Africa, North Africa and Burma, earning multiple honours, had his portrait taken down  as did Captain R.T. Lawrence, who assisted in state occasions, official tours and high-level engagements.

Major General Sir Frank Messervy had his portrait taken down - piemags/archive/military/Alamy

The Telegraph revealed this week that the British Museum has also sent 80 artefacts to Mumbais leading Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya museum in an effort to undo colonial misinterpretation.

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In the largest ever loan of ancient material to India, the transfer was supposed to demonstrate how India was a cradle of civilisation before it was colonised by Britain.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee, director of the museum, said the deal was a revolt against decades of suffering under British colonialism.

In 2022, Mr Modi removed the St Georges Cross from the Indian Navys warships, as well as vowing to decolonise much of New Delhi, which was designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

He also renamed one of the Andaman Islands  formerly known as Ross Island after a British colonial ruler  after Indian war hero Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

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Earlier this month, Mr Modi rolled out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, for a two-day state visit and agreed to expand trade and defence ties with Moscow.

It was widely seen as a rebuff to Western pressure on New Delhi to stop importing Russian oil, a key revenue stream for Mr Putins war effort in Ukraine.

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.
Tenants in a historic North End apartment building in Tacoma launched a supermajority tenant union this month. More than 65% of renters at the New York Apartments (322 N. G St.) are publicly advocating for their buildings owners to make needed repairs, standardize rents and improve the quality of life for about 30 residents.

At a news conference outside the yellow castle-like building earlier this month, about 70 people (including tenants, neighbors and activists) gathered on the sidewalk despite the rain to listen to tenant horror stories and demand accountability for mold and pest issues, neglect and what was described as apathy from management. New York Apartments, which tax records indicate was built in 1900, has 30 units, a mix of studio and one- to two-bedroom apartments. The rent ranges from $1,100 to $1,500 a month.

Building owners Rob and Candace Hoover, who are based in California, did not respond to multiple requests for comment from The News Tribune. An email to the Elev8 Residential property manager was forwarded to the Hoovers and received no response.

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The Hoovers own nearly $22 million in rental properties in Pierce County, including 301 N. I Street Apartments, Newcastle Apartments (1303 Division Ave.), 523 N. I Street Apartments, 611 N. J Street Apartments, Marguerite Apartments (3104 N. 8th St.) and American Lake Townhomes in Lakewood, according to a list compiled by the tenants. Per tax records, the three-story 15,585-square-foot New York Apartments building had an assessed value of $4.3 million this year.

During a tour of three tenants apartment units on Dec. 11, The News Tribune observed what appeared to be black mold growing in tenants bathrooms, none of which had fans. Long brown stains from water damage traced from ceiling to floor. Some of the units had cracked flooring, slanted floors and broken and dirty blinds that were not replaced. Faucets drip and sputter irregularly, toilets run and tubs are ringed with rust. Some tenants told The News Tribune they had been without working heat for months, or even years. Although the city of Tacoma hasnt received reports of the lack of heat, tenants said theyve begged the owners to make repairs but were often ignored. Some have bought their own heaters or have just made do.

The city of Tacoma received one complaint from tenants at New York Apartments on Monday, said city spokesperson Maria Lee. In the complaint, a resident asked to learn more about their rights in Tacoma, saying they had received a 4.9% rent increase, but management had ignored needed repairs and had not responded to their calls or emails. According to the intake form, city staff told the tenant they would have to pursue civil remedies as the city lacks an enforcement mechanism to hold the landlord accountable. The tenant was advised to keep a record of needed repairs and maintenance and provide written notice to their landlord.

Francis Faye Oak speaks at a rally outside the New York Apartments in Tacoma during an announcement of the launch of the New York Apartments Tenant Union on Dec. 6, 2025. (Becca Most)

Among the New York Apartments Tenant Unions demands are for the owners to ensure all units have working radiator heating systems, ensure all building locks properly function at all times, freeze rent increases for two years, replace faulty plumbing, electrical wiring and rotted walls/floors, respond to emergency maintenance requests within eight hours and non-emergency requests in two business days, do not enter units without a minimum 48-hour notice, provide pest control in all affected units and cease all threats, harassment and intimidation of tenants.

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The tenant union doesnt have additional legal power, but in coming together to push for change it has garnered some attention from local politicians and the Tacoma community at-large, said Francis Faye Oak, who moved into the apartment building about a year ago. At a news conference outside the building on Dec. 6, newly-elected Tacoma mayor Anders Ibsen (who couldnt be there in person) sent a staffer to show support and state Sen. Yasmin Trudeau and new City Council member Latasha Palmer gave speeches calling for stronger tenant protections in Tacoma and Washington as a whole.

Apartments advertise vintage charm

Many tenants were drawn to the New York Apartments because of its character, Oak said. The apartments have hardwood floors and bay windows. A sign outside the building advertises vintage charm and historic personality, and its within walking distance from Wright Park and other Stadium District shops and restaurants.

Oak said the catalyst for unionizing came in June when there was a very abrupt and non-communicated transfer of management.

Despite promises that problems would be fixed, tenants were ignored by management, Oak said. Despite signing leases that allowed pets and paying pet deposits, tenants also were told they no longer could have pets, she said.

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In July, Oak said a pipe in her small kitchen sink rusted through, sending water gushing into her downstairs neighbors apartment. At the news conference on Dec. 6, other tenants described issues with mold, broken appliances, vermin, squirrel infestations, faulty deadbolts and rot. Tenants said management taped their personal and financial information facing out on all their doors, and employees entered their homes without proper notice or respect.

Tenant rights in Tacoma

Tenants have rights in Tacoma and Washington, and the city requires that landlords provide a printed guide of those rights to tenants when signing an initial rental agreement. In 2023, Tacoma residents voted to approve a ballot measure led by activists with Tacoma For All to give renters additional rights, including relocation assistance in cases of 5% or more rent increases, the creation of a tenant and landlord code of conduct and a defense against evictions from November through April. On Dec. 9 the Tacoma City Council voted to amend those rental protections after hours-long meetings and an unprecedented turnout of public commenters.

Tacoma requires landlords to maintain their properties and complete needed repairs within a reasonable time frame, (hazardous to life repairs like no heat, hot or cold water or electricity must be done within 24 hours). Oak said the city lacks proper enforcement mechanisms to hold property owners accountable. The Tenant Bill of Rights approved via ballot initiative, for instance, could only be enforced by civil lawsuit.

A sign advertises apartments for lease outside of New York Apartments in Tacoma on Dec. 11, 2025. (Becca Most)

Many poor and working class people cannot afford to hire an attorney to sue their landlord for repairs and often dont know where to start, Oak said.

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I think a lot of times youre forced into a situation where you just cave, and you move out of your home, which keeps you in a cycle of housing insecurity. You never get settled in. Youre moving year to year to year to year, because you get to the end of your one lease, and they raise your rent a certain amount, and you cant afford that, she said. Theres not an enforcement mechanism to go after those landlords who still continue to flaunt the law. And we have many, including our own.

The New York Apartments Tenant Union gave the Hoovers until Dec. 19 to respond to its demands but hadnt heard from them as of Wednesday, Oak said. She noted that residents have noticed more maintenance requests were responded to since the tenant union launched and The News Tribune reached out to the owners for comment.

Our goal is that Robert and Candace Hoover come to the negotiating table. Its their decision, whether theyre going to or not. We believe its common sense that they would. We believe its decent humanity that you would, that you wouldnt want your tenants living among mold and rot and safety concerns and health concerns, Oak said. We think it makes sense that you would want to invest in your property and make it a place where people can live stable, healthy, safe lives. If the landlords have a different belief, then were going to find that out through this process.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  An investigation into a man charged with raping a woman during a massage at a spa in Belle Meade is ongoing as more women have come forward with complaints.

PREVIOUS | Massage therapist charged with rape at Nashville spa

Two more women have come forward with complaints against Julius Hamilton, 37, in an investigation being conducted by the Metro Nashville Police Departments Special Victims Division. The women reportedly contacted detectives to report they were inappropriately touched during massages with Hamilton last month at another spa on Highway 100.

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As of publication, Hamilton remains in custody on a $75,000 bond. His license was revoked by the Tennessee Department of Health.

2 arrested amid unlicensed massage parlor investigation in Wilson County

Anyone who may have had interactions with Hamilton has been asked to call the MNPDs Special Victims Division at (615) 862-7452.

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 WKRN News 2.
Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski says AI has the power to take over all jobs, including his. Siemiatkowskis company has already taken steps to replace human jobs with AI.

Among the top concerns as artificial intelligence becomes more advanced is whether the technology has the power to take over jobs. One CEO firmly believes AI not only has the power to do menial or repetitive tasks, but also has the intelligence and reasoning to take over his own job as chief executive of a multibillion-dollar company.

Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO of buy-now, pay-later platform Klarna, said AIs reasoning capabilities make that possible.

To me, AI is capable of doing all our jobs, my own included, Siemiatkowski said in a post on X earlier this year. Because our work is simply reasoning combined with knowledge/experience. And the most critical breakthrough, reasoning, is behind us.

While Siemiatkowski said AI is capable of performing his duties as CEO, hes not super excited about the prospect of his job becoming obsolete.

My work to me is a super important part of who I am, and realizing it might become unnecessary is gloomy, Siemiatkowski said in the X post. But I also believe we need to be honest with what we think will happen. And I [would] rather learn and explore than pretend it does not exist.

Klarna declined Fortunes request for further comment.

A 2023 survey by online education company EdX affirms some CEOs believe AI could take over their jobs. Nearly half of CEOs who responded said they believe most or all of their job should be completely automated or replaced by AI.

Siemiatkowski is so confident in AIs capabilities his company stopped hiring more than a year ago. Now AI is doing the work of hundreds of staff across the company. The Stockholm-based Klarnas headcount fell 22% to 3,500 during the past year, mostly because of attrition, Siemiatkowski told Bloomberg last December. The BNPL company as of earlier this year had about 200 people using AI to do their core work, he told Bloomberg. Klarna is currently valued at around $14 billion.

Siemiatkowski said, however, some Klarna employees are rallying to deploy as much AI as they canmostly to make some extra money in their paychecks.
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife and two children were among six people killed in a small plane crash Thursday at a regional airport north of Charlotte, N.C., authorities said.

The Cessna C550, a light corporate jet, had six people on board when it crashed at Statesville Regional Airport in Iredell County around 10:15 a.m. EST, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Racer Garrett Mitchell, known professionally as a YouTuber by the name Cleetus McFarland, confirmed the news of the Biffles' deaths in a Facebook post.

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"Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma and son Ryder were on that plane," he wrote, "because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I'm so sorry to share this."

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., said he was "devastated" by the deaths in a post on the social media platform X.

Greg Biffle celebrates winning the NASCAR Nextel Cup Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla., on November 19, 2006. File Photo by Martin Fried/UPI

"They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others," he wrote. "Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track."

Iredell County Chief Deputy Bill Hanby said there were multiple deaths, though the official number was unclear.

Greg Biffle sprays a soft drink as he celebrates winning the NASCAR Dodge Charger 500 at the Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C., on May 13, 2006. File Photo by Nell Redmond/UPI

"I can confirm there were fatalities," he said, CBS News reported.

WBTV-TV in Charlotte reported the plane was owned by a private company associated with Greg Biffle.

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The FAA said it along with the National Transportation Safety Board would investigate the crash and provide updates.

Airport manager John Ferguson said authorities have "no information on any cause." He said the airport was closed following the crash.

One witness who works at the airport told CNN she saw the plane catch on fire after the crash.

"My desk faces where it happened. I was just sitting here, and then I heard a loud boom, and our hangar shook a little," said the woman, who identified herself only as Victoria out of privacy concerns.

"I got up to look and that's when I saw the flames and fire everywhere."

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Statesville Regional Airport doesn't have a control tower and pilots are required to report their location near or on the site via a shared radio frequency.

FlightAware tracking data indicated the aircraft left the airport at 10:06 a.m., traveled about 5 miles, then made a turn back toward the airport. The Cessna never gained more than 2,000 feet.

Biffle won 19 NASCAR races over 14 seasons as a member of the Roush Racing team, was named one of NASCAR's 75 greatest drivers and is a 2026 nominee for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Over the last few decades, a new invasive species has moved into the U.S., the Wall Street Journal reported.

Populations of nutria are spreading across a growing portion of the U.S. Many states are taking steps to eliminate the animal before it destroys local wetlands, but some, like Louisiana, are already overrun.

What are nutria?

The nutria is a large, semi-aquatic rodent with orange teeth native to South America that was brought to the United States in 1889 for its fur, according to the National Invasive Species Information Center. It is also referred to as a coypu, coypu rat, nutria rat, or swamp beaver.

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While nutria may look cuddly from a distance, they usually weigh in at around 11-22 pounds (and are often more than 20 pounds), making most heavier than the average healthy housecat  and nutria can eat a quarter of their body weight in a day.

Since nutria have few natural predators in the U.S. and can reproduce year-round, nutria populations can multiply quickly. Though most live less than three years in the wild, some live longer, and a female nutria can birth up to 200 babies during a short lifespan.

Why are nutria a problem?

Since nutria are partly aquatic, they like to live in marshes, swamps, and bayous, according to the Wall Street Journal and the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management. When allowed to breed and become established in these areas, nutria can strip the environment bare of marsh plants, leaving only water and wreaking havoc on the larger ecosystem.

As the United States Geological Survey explains, wetlands are vital for many reasons. They help purify our water, contributing to the water sources humans rely on, while also providing natural flood protection, keeping our communities safe during extreme weather events.

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The plants in wetland areas help prevent large areas of coastline from eroding, not to mention providing food and shelter for many species of animals. When nutria disrupt these natural systems, they damage water sources, property, and the environment all at once.

What's being done about the nutria explosion?

In 2015, Maryland trapped its last known nutria, the Wall Street Journal reported. It spent 20 years and $30 million to capture 14,000 nutria in hundreds of thousands of acres of territory. While the state continued looking for the invasive rodents for several years afterward, experts finally declared the state nutria-free last year.

Maryland's methods  which included a systematic grid search and radio tagging a few nutria to help researchers find more  are being adopted by other states with a nutria problem, such as California.

California representative Josh Harder even brought a taxidermied nutria to a recent committee hearing while questioning U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services about their proposed funding cuts for controlling the rodent population.

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"When I came to Congress, I didn't think I would be leading the charge to eradicate swamp rats, but this is a real issue, and we have to act quickly before they fully invade our waterways," Rep. Harder said.

"I understand they're not in everyone's backyard, but they're in mine," he added. "And a lot of folks in my area would rather not have to wake up to these 'nacho cheese' teeth every morning."

Louisiana, which has been devastated by the rodents, offers a $6 bounty per nutria. It also encourages residents to kill and even eat the animals, which reportedly taste like wild rabbit.

Some local chefs have shown interest in incorporating nutria into their cuisine in an effort to bring population numbers down. A similar strategy has recently been adopted with invasive lionfish and bullfrogs.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Non-profit human rights organisation the Business and Human Rights Centre claimed in its research that it has tracked 665 cases of alleged abuse against Myanmar garment workers from March 2021 to October 2024, highlighting a pattern of systemic and interconnected violations.

Reports indicate that forced overtime, unsafe working conditions, wage deductions, gender-based harassment, and retaliation against union activity have become widespread.

The organisation said the collapse of freedom of association is evident, with union leaders subject to criminal charges and workplace committees used to suppress worker voices.

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The majority female workforce continues to face regular gender-based violence and harassment used as tools for discipline and control.

Factory collaboration with the military has reportedly increased since the coup, further restricting the ability of workers to organise.

In February 2021, employees were allegedly locked inside a factory to stop them from joining Civil Disobedience Movement protests.

The implementation of the Peoples Military Service Law in 2024 has also raised concerns among workers about forced conscription after late shifts, adding to the dangers associated with compulsory overtime.

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The Business and Human Rights Centre found that forced labour indicators are present throughout the industrys production systems. Mandatory overtime and escalating production quotas were identified in 349 cases, accounting for more than half of all reported incidents.

Denial of leave was recorded in 233 cases, contributing to coercive conditions. Workers reported being refused maternity leave, medical leave, and national holidays, with some facing wage deductions or dismissal when requesting time off.

Job insecurity has also increased since the military takeover. There is an increasing use of day labour contracts, documented in 95 cases, which allows employers to avoid providing the legal benefits required for permanent staff.

Day labourers reported lower wages, higher targets, and routine verbal abuse. Workers also described unfair dismissals for refusing overtime, pregnancy or missing workdays. Compensation owed under the law was often withheld, claimed the organisation.

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Monitoring showed child labour cases have risen post-coup. Underage workers described constant work with no breaks or adequate pay, denial of leave and bathroom access, and pressure to meet adult-level production targets.

Deteriorating health and safety conditions were reported in 297 cases, representing 45% of incidents. Workers described issues such as unsafe drinking water, insufficient and unclean toilets, poor food, inadequate ventilation, leaking roofs, and blocked emergency exits.

Gender-based violence was reported in 242 cases, accounting for 36% of incidents, with female workers experiencing verbal abuse, harassment, and retaliation for declining overtime or not meeting production targets.

Recommendation by Business and Human Rights Centre

The organisation urged companies sourcing from Myanmar not to treat responsible sourcing merely as a compliance requirement, but as a necessary measure in an industry where labour violations are common.

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The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights require companies operating in conflict-affected settings to provide independent and verifiable evidence that enhanced, conflict-sensitive due diligence is both feasible and effective. This means companies must be able to implement measures that ensure the safety and well-being of workers.

For brands unable to fulfil these responsibilities, a responsible exit is required. This should involve a transparent and structured process developed in consultation with workers and their representatives, with a focus on minimising further harm and instability during withdrawal.

In June this year, the International Labour Conference (ILC) implemented Article 33 of the ILO Constitution, intensifying efforts against forced labour in Myanmar and holding the military junta accountable for human rights violations.

"Myanmar garment industry accused of operating with near-total impunity" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand.




North Carolina Republicans redrew the state's congressional maps this fall, in the hopes of improving their chances at ousting a Democrat in one of the country's most competitive districts.

In doing so, they may have created a window for a Democrat to make what has been a reliably Republican neighboring seat more competitive.

CBS News has learned that Allison Jaslow, an Iraq War veteran, plans to file Thursday for North Carolina's third congressional district seat. The race in the South could become a key contest in Democrats' quest to win back a majority next fall in the U.S. House.

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"I'm running for Congress because the people of North Carolina's 3rd congressional district deserve someone who will show up and fight for them," Jaslow said in a campaign statement.

GOP Rep. Greg Murphy has held the seat since a summer 2019 special election, and won another term in the 2024 election with more than 77% of the vote.

But the physician's political future became a bit more muddled this fall, after Republican legislators in Raleigh changed the boundaries of his seat in an attempt to make the Democratic-held 1st Congressional District more favorable to Republicans. In part, the new map transferred a large swath of the eastern portion of Murphy's 3rd Congressional District to the 1st District, which is held by Democratic Rep. Don Davis.

GOP leaders made the move as similar efforts played out around the country to try to protect the party's narrow majority in the U.S. House.

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Murphy announced afterwards that he would run for another term in Congress and was soon endorsed by President Trump.

"I am very excited about serving my old friends again in Greene, Lenoir and eastern Wayne while looking forward to new friendships in western Wayne and Wilson County," Murphy said in a statement at the time. "These new counties will further strengthen my commitment to our beloved veterans and active-duty military, local manufacturing interests as well as North Carolina's cherished and vital agricultural economy."

While the 1st and 3rd Districts are both still viewed as Republican-leaning areas, the impact brought about by redistricting isn't without political risk for conservatives.

Murphy's district is now 43% Democratic, up from 39% Democratic before it was redrawn, whereas Davis' seat went from being 48% to 44% Democratic, according to a CBS News analysis of 2024 presidential election data.

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Mr. Trump has won North Carolina in the last three presidential elections, though each of the races in the state has been close. He has offered his support to Murphy.

"Greg knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our Brave Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH," Trump said in an October social media post.

Hefty political spending is already expected to head to the state for next year's midterms, where former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper represents his party's best chance at winning back a GOP-held seat in the Senate. To have a reasonable shot at defeating Murphy, Democrats will likely need plenty to break their way, along with the typical political gravity of an incumbent president's party struggling in the midterms.

Jaslow also brings a notable biography to the contest. After the 2018 midterms, Jaslow worked as the executive director of House Democrats' campaign arm, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, according to her Linkedin page. Her departure, along with several other staffers, became public in July 2019 during concerns over a lack of diversity at the party organization, according to earlier CBS News reporting.

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Until earlier this year, she had worked as the CEO of The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. In announcing her departure, a news release described her as having "made history in 2023 as the first woman and first openly gay veteran to lead a major veterans service organization."

As of Thursday, she does not live in the district, but is expected to soon.

And in opening her campaign, Jaslow made clear what kind of focus she plans to take against the Republican incumbent within this newly shaped North Carolina district.

"As an American who has dedicated my life to serving my country, first in uniform and with the responsibility of leading soldiers in wartime, I'm furious that Greg Murphy seems to believe that public service is about serving himself and his friends and not his constituents," Jaslow said in a statement.

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Once ousted from contention to run NASA, Jared Isaacman will officially take over the world's largest space agency.

Don't call it a comeback.

Isaacman, a billionaire who has funded two private missions to space with SpaceX that he also led, had initially seemed like a shoo-in to become the next administrator of NASA. But once President Donald Trump reversed course on his decision to nominate Isaacman, the entrepreneur's road to the leadership position seemed a long shot  if not impossible.

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Then, reports slowly began surfacing that Isaacman was back in the running. And in November, Trump announced that he had decided after all that Isaacman was the best candidate for the job.

Trump's move to renominate Isaacman set the 42-year-old on an accelerated path to a Senate confirmation vote, which came Dec. 17. In confirming Isaacman as NASA's next chief, the Senate has significantly paved the way for a private spacefarer to take the helm of a powerful government space agency.

NASAs Psyche mission acquired four observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS over the course of eight hours on Sept. 8 and 9, 2025, when the comet was about 33 million miles from the spacecraft. The data, captured by Psyches multispectral imager, is helping astronomers both refine the trajectory of 3I/ATLAS and learn more about the faint coma, or cloud of gas, surrounding its nucleus. This image shows the observation of comet 3I/ATLAS when it was discovered on July 1, 2025. The NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Chile first reported that the comet originated from interstellar space. A faint image of comet 3I/ATLAS as observed by ESA/NASAs SOHO mission between Oct. 15-26, 2025. The comet appears as a slight brightening in the center of the image. This image shows the halo of gas and dust, or coma, surrounding comet 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar object ever detected by astronomers as it passes through our solar system. The image was taken on Oct. 9, 2025, by an instrument onboard NASA's MAVEN spacecraft, which has been studying Mars from its orbit since 2014. The instrument, the Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph, takes pictures in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum to reveal the chemical composition of objects. The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard NASAs Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured this image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on Oct. 2, 2025. At the time it was imaged, the comet was about 19 million miles from the spacecraft. An ultraviolet image composite of the hydrogen atoms surrounding comet 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar object ever detected by astronomers, as it passes through our solar system. This image was taken on Sept. 28, just days before the comets closest approach to Mars - by an instrument on NASA's MAVEN spacecraft, which has been studying Mars from orbit since 2014. Comet 3I/ATLAS appears as a bright object near the center of this image, made from combining observations from NASAs PUNCH mission taken from Sept. 20 to Oct. 3, 2025, when the comet was about 231 million to 235 million miles from Earth. Its tail appears as a short elongation to the right. Stars appear as streaks in the background. The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, circled in the center, as seen by the LLORRI panchromatic, or black-and-white, imager on NASAs Lucy spacecraft. This image was made by stacking a series of images taken on Sept. 16, as the comet was zooming toward Mars. Lucy was 240 million miles away from 3I/ATLAS at the time making its way to explore eight asteroids that share an orbit with Jupiter. This image shows the 3I/ATLAS interstellar comet as a bright, fuzzy orb in the center. Traveling through our solar system at 130,000 miles (209,000 kilometers) per hour, 3I/ATLAS was made visible by using a series of colorized stacked images from Sept. 11-25, using the Heliocentric Imager-1 (H1) instrument, a visible-light imager on the STEREO-A (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory) spacecraft. The colorization was applied to differentiate the image from other observing spacecraft images. NASAs SPHEREx space telescope observed interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15. Hubble captured this image of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on July 21, 2025, when the comet was 277 million miles from Earth. Hubble shows that the comet has a teardrop-shaped cocoon of dust coming off its solid, icy nucleus. NASAs James Webb Space Telescope observed interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS Aug. 6, with its Near-Infrared Spectrograph instrument NASAs Hubble Space Telescope observed 3I/ATLAS Nov. 30, with its Wide Field Camera 3 instrument. The image was taken about four months after Hubble's first look at the interstellar comet. NASA's fleet of telescopes, spacecraft glimpse 3I/ATLAS. See photos of interstellar comet 1 of 13 NASAs Psyche mission acquired four observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS over the course of eight hours on Sept. 8 and 9, 2025, when the comet was about 33 million miles from the spacecraft. The data, captured by Psyches multispectral imager, is helping astronomers both refine the trajectory of 3I/ATLAS and learn more about the faint coma, or cloud of gas, surrounding its nucleus.

Here's everything to know about Isaacman, his commercial missions to space and his long road to becoming NASA administrator.

Who is Jared Isaacman? Billionaire has been to space twice

Jared Isaacman is pictured after returning to Earth following the five-day Polaris Dawn mission in space in September 2024.

Isaacman famously dropped out of school at 16 to start his internet payment processing company Shift4 Payments, which is how he amassed his fortune.

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An experienced aviator, Isaacman has also been to space twice  both private missions that he helped fund that launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

His first journey came in 2021, when he was commander of a first-of-its-kind mission known as Inspiration4.

Isaacman then returned to space in September 2024 with an all-civilian crew of amateur spacefarers on a mission known as Polaris Dawn that he jointly funded with SpaceX. During the five-day spaceflight, Isaacman and his crew of three reached a historically high altitude on a SpaceX Dragon capsule and also performed the first-ever commercial spacewalk.

Isaacman confirmed as NASA administrator

Isaacman was confirmed Dec. 17 by the U.S. Senate by a vote of 67-30.

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While some senators expressed concerns in hearing about Isaacman's close ties to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, he ultimately received sizable bipartisan support, with 16 Democrats joining 51 Republicans in approving his bid. All 30 votes against his confirmation were from Democrats. Reuters reported.

How long has it been since NASA had a fulltime administrator?

Jared Isaacman, U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee to be administrator of NASA, testifies Dec. 3 during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

NASA has lacked a fulltime administrator since January. Now that he is confirmed, Isaacman will officially succeed Bill Nelson, former President Joe Bidens pick for NASA administrator and a former astronaut and Democratic U.S. senator from Florida.

What are people saying about Isaacman?

The Planetary Society, a nonprofit organization that advocates for space exploration, congratulated Isaacman in a press release, saying he "has the opportunity to stabilize and reinvigorate the U.S. space program." With Bill Nye as its chief executive, the organization has long back Isaacman's bid.

Sean Duffy, who has been serving as NASA's acting administrator since July, said in a post on X that "I wish Jared success as he begins his tenure and leads NASA as we go back to the Moon in 2028 and beat China."

Congratulations to Jared Isaacman on his confirmation as NASA Administrator. 



Its been an honor to help drive @POTUS vision for American leadership in space.



I wish Jared success as he begins his tenure and leads NASA as we go back to the Moon in 2028 and beat China.  NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy (@SecDuffyNASA) December 17, 2025

Trump 1st nominated Isaacman 1 year ago

Trump first announced Isaacmans nomination in a December 2024 post on Truth Social, saying, Jared will drive NASAs mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in Space science, technology, and exploration.

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Isaacman responded in a post on social media site X saying he was honored.

Having been fortunate to see our amazing planet from space, I am passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history, Isaacman said in the post. I can confidently say this second space age has only just begun.

The nomination was well-received by most of the space community and members of Congress, who appeared poised to officially confirm Isaacman to the post.

Why did Trump change his mind on Isaacman nomination?

Trump suddenly pulled the nomination at the end of May during a tense public feud with SpaceX's Musk, the world's richest man and a strong supporter of Isaacman's bid.

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Though Trump never offered a concrete reason for the about-face, Isaacman faced some pushback in the Senate for his close ties to Musk at a time when the SpaceX founder was on his way out of the White House. Other reports have suggested Isaacman's past donations to Democrats may have influenced Trump's decision, who said in a statement in May that it is "essential that the next leader of NASA is in complete alignment with President Trumps America First agenda."

Trump then appointed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in July to perform double duty by also leading NASA as the acting administrator. Duffy in October then drew Musk's Ire when he indicated that NASA would consider lunar lander options from the company's rivals other than SpaceX's Starship for the upcoming Artemis 3 mission.

It will now be up to Isaacman, a close ally of Musk's, to consider whether to re-award a contract first given to SpaceX in 2021.

Trump renominates Isaacman in November

In renominating Isaacman on Nov. 4, Trump said he is "ideally suited to lead NASA into a bold new Era.

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Praising his "passion for space," Trump said in a post on Truth Social that I am pleased to nominate Jared Isaacman, an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, pilot, and astronaut, as Administrator of NASA."

Isaacman thanked Trump on social media and vowed that NASA, under his leadership, will inspire the world once again.

Thank you, Mr. President @POTUS, for this opportunity. It will be an honor to serve my country under your leadership. I am also very grateful to @SecDuffy, who skillfully oversees @NASA alongside his many other responsibilities.



The support from the space-loving community has pic.twitter.com/CUpyTXfB14  Jared Isaacman (@rookisaacman) November 4, 2025

"I truly believe the future we have all been waiting for will soon become reality," Isaacman said on social media site X.

What's ahead of Isaacman? Artemis moon missions, budget cuts

Isaacman is poised to take over an agency that is facing looming historic budget cuts as it prepares for its first human moon missions in more than 50 years under the Artemis program.

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As NASA's top leader, Isaacman will oversee the world's largest space agency as it prepares to return humans to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. The United States is locked in a heated space race with adversary China to get boots on the lunar surface, and Trump has signaled that he wants to see a moon landing before his second term comes to an end.

Under NASA's Artemis campaign, which has already sent an uncrewed Orion capsule on a moon-orbiting mission in 2022, four astronauts on its Artemis 2 mission are next due in 2026 to embark on a 10-day mission circling the moon. The moon landing itself would then be attempted no earlier than 2027 during the Artemis 3 mission.

NASA astronauts would help establish a permanent lunar settlement that would empower future human missions from the moon to Mars  a planet that has also long been a target destination of Musk and SpaceX.

Contributing: Reuters

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Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jared Isaacman will be NASA's next head. His long road to confirmation
Retired NASCAR star Greg Biffle alongside wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, daughter Emma, son Ryder and three others were killed in an aviation crash on Thursday morning at Statesville Regional Airport north of Charlotte, North Carolina.

First Sergeant Chris Knox of the North Carolina Highway Patrol first confirmed the death of the Biffle family and added it was 'one of the worst crashes' he had ever seen.

"We can tell you at this point that seven confirmed occupants on the aircraft are deceased," Knox said "... The only person we can confirm is a Mr. Greg Biffle was one of those seven deceased occupants."

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However, he also later said the victims 'include Mr. Greg Biffle and his immediate family,' which would be confirmed shortly thereafter.

Garrett Mitchell, better known as YouTuber Cleetus McFarland, first stated on his social media channels that the Biffle family was on board the plane and died in the incident.

Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. Im so sorry to share this.

Biffle and Mitchell had become close friends over the past five years, bonding over natural disaster relief efforts, and the latter's efforts to become a NASCAR driver himself with sporadic ARCA starts at Daytona, Talladega and Bristol.

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A joint statement was issued by the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton and Lunders families confirming those lost in the incident:

"We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all our families heartbroken beyond words. Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg's daughter Emma (mother - Nicole Lunders). Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.

"Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him. Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.

"We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are gratefyl or the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another."

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NASCAR also released a statement on Thursday.

NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash.

"Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.

"On the track, Gregs talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series. Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Gregs entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life."

Craig Wadsworth drove of our motorhome for six years. Our family is heart broke right now  He died on the airplane.

I will be giving my thoughts at a later date pic.twitter.com/2bvswPJx01  Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) December 18, 2025

Biffle spent the entirety of his full-time NASCAR career with Roush Racing, now known as RFK Racing, which also issued a statement mourning the loss.

Statement from Jack Roush on todays tragedy. pic.twitter.com/DpuCgGr70N  RFK Racing (@RFKracing) December 18, 2025

The incident occurred at 10:15 a.m. at the airport located 45 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the regional facilities used by a plurality of organizations and individuals within the industry.

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Flight tracking data shows the jet departed Statesville at approximately 10:06 a.m. and reached a maximum altitude of 4,300 feet by 10:08 a.m. but began to descend a mile from where it departed.

By time it reached 11 miles from the airport, the plane turned around and made an attempt to return to Statesville Regional. The final data point, which came at 10:15 showed the plane less than a half mile from the airport, in line with its runway and near the Lakewood Golf Club at arout 800 feet and 95 knots (109 mph).

It crashed at the east end of the runway.

Immediately overseeing the incident was the Iredell County Sheriffs Office but in the hours since the crash, they have been joined on-site by the Federal Aviation Administration and the North Carolina State Patrol. A brief press conference was held shortly after noon with airport manager John Ferguson sharing what little he could at the time.

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Like we said, at approximately 10:15 a.m., we got a report of a jet that crashed off the end of the runway on the east end. By time I came out, it was fully engulfed. Weve had multiple agencies that have come. The FAA arrived at about 12 oclock today.

They are taking over the scene and the investigation. We have no information on the cause. The airport is closed until further notice. It will take time to get the debris off the runway.

Dan DePodwin, AccuWeather Vice President of Forecasting Operations issued a statement about weather conditions at the time of the incident.

"Adverse weather conditions were reported in the vicinity of Statesville Regional Airport around the time of the plane crash," DePodwin said. "Heavy drizzle and a cloud ceiling near 1,200 feet were reported at 10:15 a.m. The cloud ceiling had reportedly lowered to around 400 feet, with heavy rain reducing visibility to less than 2 miles at 10:30 a.m. Weather conditions are often a critical factor that investigators carefully review after a plane crash. It may take months to a year or longer for investigators to determine if the weather conditions contributed to the crash.

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The plane was quickly identified in the moments after the crash as a Cessna C550 with the tail number N257BW, which is owned by Biffles GB Aviation Leasing, LLC.

Biffle was the 2002 NASCAR Busch Series champion, the 2000 Craftsman Truck Series champion and was named as one of the sport's 75 greatest drivers in 2023 due to his 19 wins at the highest level from 2002 through sporadic starts this decade.

In recent years, Biffle became known for philanthropy centering on animal welfare through his Greg Biffle Foundation and his relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024. Biffle is a registered pilot and used his helicopter to take supplies to Western North Carolina in the aftermath of the devastating storm.

Read Also:

NASCAR world pays tribute to Greg Biffle after tragic plane crash

Remembering Greg Biffle: NASCAR champion and Hurricane Helene hero

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To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.
Joran Van der Sloot, the man who murdered Natalee Holloway, reportedly attempted suicide in prison on Saturday, December 13.

The convicted killer  who is currently serving his 28-year prison sentence in Peru for the 2010 murder of 21-year-old Stephany Flores Ramirez  was reportedly found hanging from a strip of blanket in his cell as guards were distributing breakfast to the inmates, Peruvian news outlet La Republica reported on Monday, December 15.

The incident occurred a few days after the convicted man sent a message of apology to the victims family, which revived media interest in his prison situation and emotional state, the outlet reported.

Van der Sloot is reportedly in stable condition but remains under observation.

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Holloway was vacationing in Aruba when she met Van der Sloot and a group of his friends. She was last seen in May 2005. Van der Sloot was the prime suspect for years, though he was never charged with a crime.

Five years after Holloways disappearance, Van der Sloot struck again, murdering Flores Ramirez in Lima, Peru. In June 2010, he confessed to Flores Ramirezs murder before later trying to retract his confession, claiming intimidation by the Peruvian Police.

He was serving his 28-year prison sentence for Flores Ramirezs murder when he was extradited to the United States on charges of extortion and wire fraud connected to Holloways murder.

Van der Sloot would confess to killing Holloway as part of a plea deal and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

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Joran van der Sloot is no longer the suspect in my daughters murder, Holloways mother Beth told reporters in October 2023, following his confession. He is the killer.

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This story Natalee Holloways Killer Joran Van der Sloot Harms Himself in Prison: Report first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
From beginning to end, 2025 was a year of devastation for scientists in the United States.

January saw the abrupt suspension of key operations across the National Institutes of Health, not only disrupting clinical trials and other in-progress studies but stalling grant reviews and other activities necessary to conduct research. Around the same time, the Trump administration issued executive orders declaring there are only two sexes and ending DEI programs. The Trump administration also removed public data and analysis tools related to health disparties, climate change and environmental justice, among other databases.

February and March saw a steep undercutting of federal support for the infrastructure crucial to conducting research as well as the withholding of federal funding from several universities.

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And over the course of the following months, billions of dollars of grants supporting research projects across disciplines, institutions and states were terminated. These include funding already spent on in-progress studies that have been forced to end before completion. Federal agencies, including NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Agency for International Development have been downsized or dismantled altogether.

The Conversation asked researchers from a range of fields to share how the Trump administrations science funding cuts have affected them. All describe the significant losses they and their communities have experienced. But many also voice their determination to continue doing work they believe is crucial to a healthier, safer and more fair society.

Pipeline of new scientists cut off

Carrie McDonough, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University

People are exposed to thousands of synthetic chemicals every day, but the health risks those chemicals pose are poorly understood. I was a co-investigator on a US$1.5 million grant from the EPA to develop machine-learning techniques for rapid chemical safety assessment. My lab was two months into our project when it was terminated in May because it no longer aligned with agency priorities, despite the administrations Make America Healthy Again report specifically highlighting using AI to rapidly assess childhood chemical exposures as a focus area.

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Labs like mine are usually pipelines for early-career scientists to enter federal research labs, but the uncertain future of federal research agencies has disrupted this process. Im seeing recent graduates lose federal jobs, and countless opportunities disappear. Students who would have been the next generation of scientists helping to shape environmental regulations to protect Americans have had their careers altered forever.

Many researchers are working to advocate for science in the public sphere. John McDonnell/AP Photo

Ive been splitting my time between research, teaching and advocating for academic freedom and the economic importance of science funding because I care deeply about the scientific and academic excellence of this country and its effects on the world. I owe it to my students and the next generation to make sure people know whats at stake.

Fewer people trained to treat addiction

Cara Poland, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University

I run a program that has trained 20,000 health care practitioners across the U.S. on how to effectively and compassionately treat addiction in their communities. Most doctors arent trained to treat addiction, leaving patients without lifesaving care and leading to preventable deaths.

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This work is personal: My brother died from substance use disorder. Behind every statistic is a family like mine, hoping for care that could save their loved ones life.

With our federal funding cut by 60%, my team and I are unable to continue developing our addiction medicine curriculum and enrolling medical schools and clinicians into our program.

Meanwhile, addiction-related deaths continue to rise as the U.S. health system loses its capacity to deliver effective treatment. These setbacks ripple through hospitals and communities, perpetuating treatment gaps and deepening the addiction crisis.

Communities left to brave extreme weather alone

Brian G. Henning, Professor of Philosophy and Environmental Studies and Sciences, Gonzaga University

In 2021, a heat dome settled over the Northwest, shattering temperature records and claiming lives. Since that devastating summer, my team and I have been working with the City of Spokane to prepare for the climate challenges ahead.

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We and the city were awarded a $19.9 million grant from the EPA to support projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience and build capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges.

Cooling centers are becoming more critical as extreme heat becomes more common. Nathan Howard/Getty Images

As our work was about to begin, the Trump administration rescinded our funding in May. As a result, the five public facilities that were set to serve as hubs for community members to gather during extreme weather will be less equipped to handle power failures. Around 300 low-income households will miss out on efficient HVAC system updates. And our local economy will lose the jobs and investments these projects would have generated.

Despite this setback, the work will continue. My team and I care about our neighbors, and we remain focused on helping our community become more resilient to extreme heat and wildfires. This includes pursuing new funding to support this work. It will be smaller, slower and with fewer resources than planned, but we are not deterred.

LGBTQ+ people made invisible

Nathaniel M. Tran, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Administration, University of Illinois Chicago

This year nearly broke me as a scientist.

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Shortly after coming into office, the Trump administration began targeting research projects focusing on LGBTQ+ health for early termination. I felt demoralized after receiving termination letters from the NIH for my own project examining access to preventive services and home-based care among LGBTQ+ older adults. The disruption of publicly funded research projects wastes millions of dollars from existing contracts.

Then, news broke that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would no longer process or make publicly available the LGBTQ+ demographic data that public health researchers like me rely on.

But instead of becoming demoralized, I grew emboldened: I will not be erased, and I will not let the LGBTQ+ community be erased. These setbacks renewed my commitment to advancing the publics health, guided by rigorous science, collaboration and equity.

Research on LGBTQ+ health informs the kind of care patients receive. Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Pediatric brain cancer research squelched

Rachael Sirianni, Professor of Neurological Surgery, UMass Chan Medical School

My lab designs new cancer treatments. We are one of only a few groups in the nation focused on treating pediatric cancer that has spread across the brain and spinal cord. This research is being crushed by the broad, destabilizing impacts of federal cuts to the NIH.

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Compared to last year, I am working with around 25% of our funding and less than 50% of our staff. We cannot finish our studies, publish results or pursue new ideas. We have lost technology in development. Students and colleagues are leaving as training opportunities and hope for the future of science dries up.

Im faced with impossible questions about what to do next. Do I use my dwindling research funds to maintain personnel who took years to train? Keep equipment running? Bet it all on one final, risky study? There are simply no good choices remaining.

Inequality in science festers

Stephanie Nawyn, Associate Professor of Sociology, Michigan State University

Many people have asked me how the termination of my National Science Foundation grant to improve work cultures in university departments has affected me, but I believe that is the wrong question. Certainly it has meant the loss of publications, summer funding for faculty and graduate students, and opportunities to make working conditions at my and my colleagues institutions more equitable and inclusive.

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But the greatest effects will come from the widespread terminations across science as a whole, including the elimination of NSF programs dedicated to improving gender equity in science and technology. These terminations are part of a broader dismantling of science and higher education that will have cascading negative effects lasting decades.

Infrastructure for knowledge production that took years to build cannot be rebuilt overnight.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Carrie McDonough, Carnegie Mellon University; Brian G. Henning, Gonzaga University; Cara Poland, Michigan State University; Nathaniel M. Tran, Uni

Read more:



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Carrie McDonough receives funding from the U.S. EPA. She previously led the Pittsburgh chapter of Stand Up for Science and volunteers with Indivisible Pittsburgh, Casa San Jose and Pittsburgh Healthcare Workers and Scientists.

Brian G. Henning received funding from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Cara Poland receives funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the State of Michigan, and SAMHSA. She previously received funding from NIDA, Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Michigan, and Michigan Opioid Partnership. She is the vice president and legislative and public policy chair of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and opioid task force chair of the Michigan State Medical Society.

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Nathaniel M. Tran receives funding from the National Institute on Aging, RRF Foundation on Aging, and the University of Illinois Chicago.

Rachael Sirianni receives funding from the National Institutes of Health and Ian's Friends Foundation. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the nonprofit fundraising group Cofund Connect, Inc. She previously received funding from the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation, the Morgan Adams Foundation, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Foundation, and the Matthew Larson Foundation.

Stephanie J. Nawyn received funding from the National Science Foundation.
Netanyahu assured that these attacks are part of the lax policies of the local authorities and the Australian government," and that "Israel stands with the Australian Jews."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke over the phone with Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, father-in-law of the late Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was murdered in the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, and with The Jerusalem Post contributor and pro-Israel human rights lawyer Arsen Ostrovsky, who was wounded in the attack, his office said on Wednesday.

Netanyahu told the pair that this attack was a part of the lax policies of the local authorities and the Australian government, which is obligated to act immediately with all available tools to eradicate terrorism and restore security to the Jewish communities.

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He also assured the Jewish community of Australia that Israel stands with them, expressing solidarity with the Chabad emissaries and Australian Jews.

Australian Jews stand firm and hold fast to great faith and a formidable spirit against those who seek to harm us, said the statement shared by Netanyahu's office.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a 40 signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, on December 8, 2025 (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)

Netanyahu links Bondi Beach attack to Australia's leaders

Netanyahu addressed the Bondi Beach attack on Sunday during a press conference where he blamed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the attack.

"Antisemitism spreads when leaders stay silent. I call upon you to replace weakness with action, appeasement with resolve. Instead, prime minister, you replaced weakness with weakness and appeasement with more appeasement," Netanyahu said.

"Your government did nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia. You did nothing to curb the cancer cells that were growing inside your country."

Shir Perets contributed to this report.
Kraft Heinz announced on Tuesday that new CEO Steve Cahillane will join the food giant to help steer its split into two companies. The former head of Kellanova joins the ailing food giant after years of declining sales and slow growth, and as shares are down 75% since 2017.

Most Read from Fast Company



In 2026, the company will split into two independent, publicly traded companiesGlobal Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co.with the first one focused on condiments and the Heinz ketchup brand, and the second on Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, and Lunchables brands.

Cahillane comes on board January 1 and will serve as chief executive officer of Global Taste Elevation Co., which will continue to house the Philadelphia and Kraft Mac & Cheese brands, along with Heinz.

Im confident the planned separation will accelerate the Companys ability to compete and win in todays environment, Cahillane said in a statement.

Cahillane brings a wealth of industry experience to Kraft Heinz, having most recently served as chief executive of Kellanova, where he oversaw the recent acquisition by Mars and the expansion of household brands including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, and Kelloggs.

More notably, he led the Kellogg Co. through the successful separation of its North American cereal business and the launch of Kellanova, a global snacking powerhouse. That experience should come in handy in the coming months.

Steve is uniquely qualified to lead this organization into the future, and we are delighted he will be taking on the role of CEO, Kraft Heinzs chair Miguel Patricio said in a statement.

Kraft Heinz financials

In its third-quarter earnings, the food giant reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.61, beating analyst estimates. However, revenue fell short of expectations, with the company reporting a year-over-year net sales decline of 2.3%.

This post originally appeared at fastcompany.com

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The bill, known as the Incarcerated Womens Protection Act, would enact gender-responsive policies from entry through release and reentry, among other things. (Photo by Dana DiFilippo/New Jersey Monitor)

An Assembly panel advanced legislation Thursday to expand protections for imprisoned women in New Jersey, after brutality and sex abuse scandals drove Gov. Phil Murphy to order the troubled Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women closed and replaced.

The bill, known as the Incarcerated Womens Protection Act, would enact gender-responsive policies from entry through release and reentry, and require the state Department of Corrections to mandate annual gender-specialized training for all correctional officers who supervise imprisoned women.

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Bill sponsor Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex) is vice chair of the Assemblys community development and womens affairs committee, which heard the bill Thursday.

The bill would codify protections adopted since sexual misconduct problems drove federal authorities to intervene in 2021 and declare oversight, Lopez said. It also builds on a 2020 law she also sponsored, known as the Dignity Act, that set new protections for incarcerated parents and pregnant women, she added.

Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (Photo by Dana DiFilippo/New Jersey Monitor)

The time spent inside of prison informs life after prison, and if we truly want individuals to return and succeed in society, we need to ensure their experience while incarcerated is free from abuse and marked by support from the very beginning, Lopez said.

The bill also would establish a special victims unit to investigate allegations of sexual assault or misconduct and require investigators to get gender-informed and victim-centered training on how to best investigate such cases.

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A division of womens services would be created to develop policies, programs, and services addressing treatment for physical or sexual abuse, parenting, and child reunification. The bill also would require the department to offer parenting classes, doula services, and family reunification programs for pregnant inmates and counseling and reentry services for women scheduled for release within six months.

Edwin Chino Ortiz, who heads a returning citizens support group of Essex and Union counties, called the measure overdue and urged legislators to pass it.

Because someone commits a crime does not mean that they lose their rights to be treated as a human being, Ortiz said. We have a moral obligation as citizens of this state, of this country, to protect those who are most vulnerable and who are supposed to be protected.

Groups supporting the legislation included the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, Salvation and Social Justice, and the state Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson.

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The panel advanced the bill along party lines, with Assemblyman Al Barlas (R-Essex) voting no.

The bill, which has been stalled in the Assembly since it was introduced in September 2024, has a narrow window to make it to the governors desk, with the current legislative session set to end in less than a month. The bills Senate companion passed in committee but still awaits a full Senate vote.

Murphy in 2021 ordered that Edna Mahan be closed after more than a dozen correctional officers were arrested for brutally assaulting incarcerated women during a violent night of forced cell extractions.

While more than a dozen officers were arrested, a state judge dismissed their criminal indictment in October, citing deficiencies in the indictment and the states four-year delay in preparing the case for trial.

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Construction on a new 420-bed, $310 million state prison for women began in October in Chesterfield, where the prison will relocate from Clinton.

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A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography after instructing a woman to send him photos of herself molesting kids, which he then posted on the internet, Ocean County prosecutors said Wednesday.

Logan Oliveira, 23, of Toms River, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.

Oliveira first drew state authorities attention when the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children passed a cyber-tip to the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force earlier this year that an individual was uploading and distributing images of child pornography to the internet across various internet platforms, the county prosecutor said.

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The Ocean County Prosecutors Office High Tech Crime Squad homed in on Oliveiras cellphone as the source of the uploaded images.

Investigators soon learned the photos came from 20-year-old Julianna Goldstein of Berkeley Township, who was sending Oliveira nude photos of juveniles on his orders. Her electronic devices also held several items of child pornography, leading to their arrests on April 29.

Police charged Goldstein with the possession, manufacturing and distribution of child pornography, conspiracy to manufacture child pornography, and criminal sexual contact. Both were held briefly then released, prosecutors said, but Oliveira violated the terms of his release and was hauled back to jail on June 12. Goldsteins charges are still pending.

Prosecutors will seek one five-year, parole-ineligible but concurrent prison sentence for each charge when Oliveira is sentenced on Feb. 20. After that, hell be subject to supervised parole for life and must register as a Megans Law Offender, the prosecutors statement said.

Oliveiras guilty plea landed on the same day that a Jersey City man was arrested for allegedly sending racy photos to a juvenile outside the U.S. Experts have been warning of a sharp escalation in online child exploitation, with cases nearly doubling between the first six months of last year and the same period this year, according to statistics compiled by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
The State Employees' Credit Union Foundation donated $500,000 to Feeding the Carolinas to address the growing issue of food insecurity in North Carolina.

Feeding the Carolinas, the state's association of hunger relief organizations, will distribute funds across the state by seven major food banks, providing over 2 million meals to those facing hunger this holiday season.

"With the increasing demand for food assistance across the state, we are pleased to offer support to ensure continued access to resources for North Carolinians," Mona Moon, the chair of the SECU Foundation Board of Directors, said.

Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina

SEE ALSO | Where to find food help, get a hot meal or donate to pantry or food bank in central NC | List

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Over 1.6 million North Carolinians are experiencing food insecurity, the highest number in a generation, according to Feeding America, the nation's leading hunger relief organization. 1 in 7 people do not know where their next meal might come from.

"This moment brings me back to growing up in rural North Carolina with two parents who worked very hard to put food on the table," David Griffin, the food bank director of the Second Harvest Food bank of Southeast North Carolina, said. "This grant goes a long way to provide hope to people like my parents in rural North Carolina, that one day their son or daughter can grow up to become anything that they can be. So we thank you for providing not only assistance, but hope. Because hope really matters."

Be sure to download ABC 11 mobile app ABC11 North Carolina Apps for Connected TV, Mobile News, Echo


Come February, more than 1,500 workers at the BlueOval SK Battery Park in Glendale, Kentucky, will be out of a job.

The timeline for those 1,514 terminations was outlined in a Dec. 15 letter from company leadership, as required by the U.S. Department of Labors Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, which requires advance notice of certain plant closures and mass layoffs.

The layoffs are expected to start on or around Feb. 14 and conclude "at that time or shortly thereafter," reads the notice. Workers may be expected to work some or all of the days between now and the mid-February termination date, it noted.

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Terminated employees will be paid and receive benefits for at least 60 days from when they were officially notified they'd be let go, according to the letter. Employees will also have access to their employee assistance program during that 60-day period.

More BlueOval news: Ford to repurpose BlueOval SK Battery Park; 1,500 to lose jobs

In a Dec. 15 letter sent to plant workers, obtained by The Courier Journal, BlueOval SK CEO Michael Adams thanked employees for their "contributions and service to the KY 1 plant."

"Production operations are expected to cease before Feb. 14, but regardless of whether you are required to come in to work, you will continue to be paid and receive your benefits through your Termination Date," the employee letter reads.

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In its Dec. 15 announcement, Ford shared that BlueOval SK Battery Park will pivot from making electric vehicle batteries to producing battery energy storage systems, a change it billed as a "customer-driven shift to create a stronger, more resilient and more profitable Ford."

The move effectively launches a new business segment for the U.S. automaker.

The news comes as the Trump administration has reversed federal support for the electric vehicle sector and days after a Dec. 11 announcement that Ford and South Korean conglomerate SK On parted ways on their joint electric vehicle battery endeavors, with the Glendale BlueOval SK Battery Park being turned over to Ford.

BlueOval SK is a $5.6 billion vehicle battery manufacturing campus in Glendale, Kentucky. March 25, 2025

More BlueOval, Ford news: Ford to convert BlueOval SK plant in Kentucky. Here's what we know

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Of the 1,514 positions eliminated, about 80% are hourly workers. About half of the terminated employees held the title of production operator, according to the plant closure notice.

First announced in 2021, the $5.8 billion plan to build two electric battery plants about 50 miles south of Louisville was hailed at the time as the single largest economic development project in the state's history. State and company leaders projected the site would employ 5,000 full-time workers once completed.

Since then, it has faced worker safety concerns, union organizing and most recently, lawsuits.

Production at one of the two plants, Kentucky 1, started in late summer 2025, though hiring began in 2023. While the current version of the plant is shuttering, Ford has said it will hire 2,100 workers when it repurposes the plant, which is expected to come online within 18 months.

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Kentucky has been a manufacturing powerhouse for Ford for more than 110 years. Were looking forward to expanding our presence in the state," Ford spokesperson Jess Enoch said on Dec. 15. "Battery energy storage is an exciting new market segment for us, and we cant wait to get started."

The site's second plant, Kentucky 2, will remain idle, a Ford spokesperson told The Courier Journal.

Reporters Olivia Evans and Connor Giffin contributed to this story. Reach growth and development reporter Matthew Glowicki at mglowicki@courier-journal.com or 502-582-4000.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: WARN notice outlines 1,500 layoffs at BlueOval SK Battery Park in Ky
ZURICH, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Swiss pharma giants Novartis and Roche on Thursday backed U.S. efforts to lower the cost of drugs and are working with the Trump administration towards that goal following a report they are close to a pricing deal.

U.S. President Donald Trump in July sent letters to 17 drugmakers urging them to slash prices. Pfizer and AstraZeneca first reached deals, agreeing to lower prescription drug prices in return for relief from tariffs.

Last month, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk agreed a deal to slash prices of popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs and for cash payers.

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Novartis said it is in discussions with the Trump administration and is committed to finding solutions that lower costs for Americans and address price disparities between the United States and other high-income countries.

"We believe all countries should appropriately value and contribute fairly to the cost of innovation so that patients everywhere can benefit without delay," Novartis said.

In a statement, Roche said it supported Trump's goal of reducing the cost of drugs and encouraged other countries to reward biopharmaceutical innovation.

"We are committed to working with the administration and policymakers to craft sustainable solutions that preserve innovation and protect patient care," the company said.

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A person familiar with discussions over trade said a drug pricing deal involving the two pharma companies could be getting closer but declined to say how imminent it was.

(Reporting by Oliver HirtEditing by Dave Graham and Miranda Murray)
NPS board discusses plan to tackle scheduled school consolidations

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) The Norfolk Public School Board discussed an updated long-term school consolidation and equity transition plan, presented during Wednesdays meeting.

School division officials say the presentation was to show how Norfolk Public Schools plans to ensure that staff, students and community members get the needed support before, during and after the scheduled consolidation.

At the center of Wednesdays presentation: ensuring equity remains a priority. Back in October, the board officially voted to approve the closure and consolidation plan, which calls for closing two schools beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

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The timeline for implementing the closures and consolidations is below:

2026-2027 school year : Close Willoughby Early Childhood Center and Norview Elementary School. Pre-K at Willoughby will move to Oceanair Elementary School.

2027-2028 school year : Close Tarrallton, P.B. Young, Granby elementary schools, and Ghent School

2028-2029 school year : Close Chesterfield/SECEP, begin building plans for new Jacox Elementary, begin rebuilding plans for Surburban Park/St. Helena, or wherever there is a need

2029-2030 school year : Close Berkley Early Childhood Center

2030-2033: Rebuild CTE comprehensive high school (Lake Taylor High School), close Norfolk Technical Center, rebuild Jacox Elementary, and possibly Suburban Park, St. Helena or where there is a need.

The school division plans to move through the consolidation in phases and create transition committees to ensure things go smoothly.

The presentation was sound, said community advocate Liz Albert. It needs to be a little more detailed. There needs to be a detailed communication plan.

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Norfolk Public Schools officials say staffing will be top priority, as well as more community listening sessions in the future.

I know a lot of this is being worked out and worked through so Im going to reserve my other questions to another time, said school board member Tanya Bhasin.

The board also announced Wednesday night that their search for a superintendent is still ongoing. The Virginia Department of Education granted the board a 60-day extension for its search. That extension ends Feb. 7. The board hopes to have a candidate announced in February.

The board also voted to approve the resolution to increase salaries for school board members. The chairpersons salary will increase from $5,100 to $27,000 per year, and the other board members salaries will increase from $3,060 to $25,000 per year.

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For a full look at the the update that was presented Wednesday click here. You can watch the board meeting in full here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
If federal subsidies for marketplace health insurance plans expire at the end of the year, Idahoans on the most vulnerable fringes will feel the effects first, Rep. Ilana Rubel, a Boise Democrat, said Tuesday.

But it wont be long until the loss of those subsidies, which keep insurance premiums low for people on Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance plans, hits every single person in the state, she said at a protest organized by Ada County Democrats.

Ada County Democrats organized a protest outside U.S. Sen. Jim Rischs office in Boise on Tuesday. Protesters warned Idaho would be ground zero for a health care crisis if federal lawmakers do not renew Affordable Care Act subsidies by the end of the year. (Sarah Cutler)

Without the subsidies, monthly premiums are expected to more than double for many plans, the Kaiser Family Foundation found. If marketplace premiums dramatically increase without federal subsidies, more people will likely choose to go uninsured  a serious problem for hospitals, which rely on people with private insurance plans to pay the bills, Rubel said.

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When you pull out peoples private insurance, you make it impossible for hospitals and providers to operate profitably, Rubel said. You can be the richest person in the state with fabulous insurance, but if a hospital in your area has gone out of business, and you have a heart attack, you are out of luck.

Idahos open enrollment period closed Monday  the first marketplace in the country to do so. At Tuesdays protest, held outside the Boise office of U.S. Sen. Jim Risch in protest of Congressional Republicans inaction on reinstating the subsidies, Ada County Democrats Chair Jared DeLoof said Idaho would be ground zero for a national health care affordability crisis.

Madison Hardy, a spokesperson for Risch, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

People do die from a lack of health care. People do die from a lack of health insurance, Rubel said. Unfortunately, we are going to be Exhibit A for that shortly.

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Her predictions were echoed by leaders of Your Health Idaho, the states official health insurance marketplace. Of the 115,000 Idaho residents who rely on marketplace plans, the marketplace expects 25,000 to cancel their coverage as plans become more expensive, said Nichol Lapierre, its chief marketing officer.

But initial data from Your Health Idaho painted a more murky picture of residents decisions. Twice as many Idaho residents canceled their existing marketplace coverage as during open enrollment last year, Lapierre said  but there were also more people who enrolled in new plans, leading to a 4% increase in the number of people enrolled overall.

Boise resident Kris Hooker joins a protest outside U.S. Sen. Jim Rischs office in Boise on Tuesday. Ada County Democrats, who organized the protest, warned Idaho would be ground zero for a health care crisis if federal lawmakers do not renew Affordable Care Act subsidies by the end of the year. (Sarah Cutler)

Though Your Health Idaho is encouraged by the overall increase in enrollment, Executive Director Pat Kelly said, he highlighted a nearly 10% shift from gold and silver plans that cover almost all health care costs to bronze plans that have lower premiums but much higher deductibles and other costs.

Around 5,000 customers have canceled plans for the upcoming year because of concerns about affordability, according to Your Health Idaho, and the marketplace anticipates more cancellations in the coming months. If premiums spike in early 2026, Your Health Idaho expects another 20,000 Idaho residents to cancel their coverage or be terminated by their insurance carriers for nonpayment.

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The final enrollment numbers wont settle until April, Lapierre said.

DeLoof emphasized that these marketplace plans are not handouts, but rather the plans used by small business owners, self-employed workers and farmers.

Though those people make too much to qualify for Medicaid, they cannot absorb the massive premium hikes that are coming their way, he said Tuesday. Working families are being squeezed from every direction.

Becca Savransky contributed reporting.

People are going to die: Idahoans fear spike in insurance costs

More Idaho children are losing health insurance. Heres what we know
Bangladesh has taken a big step forward toward preserving and protecting its national fish.

Last month, the South Asian country announced an eight-month nationwide ban on catching juvenile hilsa. As reported by New Age, the ban lasts until the end of June 2026, and officials hope it will help boost the population of this popular fish.

In October, Bangladesh implemented a three-week ban on fishing for female hilsa, as a way to protect mothers during the animal's breeding season. Now that the eggs laid by those mothers have hatched, officials say this latest ban will allow newly born hilsa to grow safely, which should rapidly increase their population numbers within the country.

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The ban also comes with severe penalties. Anyone convicted of catching, buying, selling, or transporting hilsa smaller than 10 inches could face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.

Also known as ilish and jatka, hilsa are a vitally important fish in Bangladesh and are a staple in Bangladeshi cuisine. But that also makes them prone to overfishing.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists hilsa in its least concern category globally, but notes that its population is decreasing. And in the Persian Gulf, it has been reclassified as near threatened.

Fishing bans are an effective way to ensure species' populations don't become dangerously low, and to protect an area's biodiversity.

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Earlier this year, eastern Indian officials introduced a ban on all fishing along a 12-mile stretch of three rivers that empty into the Bay of Bengal, as a way of protecting the olive ridley turtle's natural habitat. The U.S. Virgin Islands have enacted an annual fishing ban from October through December to protect several important snapper species.

Overfishing isn't the only threat facing hilsa. The fish have been found to contain microplastics  tiny plastic fragments of less than five millimeters  and metals such as lead and mercury, posing health risks not just to the fish, but also to the people who consume them.

Do you think the government should ban gas-powered lawn tools? No way Definitely Only certain tools I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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PECOS  For Joe Keese, nothing had been out of the ordinary about that Wednesday last December. A teacher from the nearby elementary school had stopped by the Chamber of Commerce to pick up some stickers for her classroom, which Keese, then the chambers president, helped with. As the clock neared 5 oclock, the chambers administrator tidied up for the day in the neighboring office  then she looked out the window.

Is that a rocket? she asked.

Keese, looking more closely, realized the massive object his administrator had mistaken for a rocket was a demethanizer tower, used for processing natural gas, on the bed of a motionless truck at a railroad crossing. And just beyond it, a freight train rode full-speed in its direction.

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The train struck the lowboy tractor-trailer just seconds later, sending the giant container rolling through a parking lot before it slammed against the chambers building and obliterated its brick walls. Keese crawled through the debris amid a plume of smoke and dust, yelling out the names of his coworkers, Marina and Lorena. Once all three found each other, they walked out of the building, covered in debris.

I was convinced I was dead, Keese said. As each of those rail cars were banging in, I said, The next ones coming in to get me. Were dead. Were all dead.

By the time the three came to, the frenzy of the aftermath had begun to set in. People in nearby downtown trickled out of stores. First responders, police officers, the sheriff and his deputies swarmed the scene. Two train workers were dead. And the busy oil field traffic, unable to drive through the crossing, turned to their only alternative: residential neighborhoods. Within minutes, Pecos had been engulfed in crisis.

A year after the collision, resident and local government officials said they remain vulnerable to more crashes and deaths.

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Whats worse, these same West Texans spent nearly two decades warning state officials that such incidents were bound to occur  a premonition that became true last year.

Left: A mural on the side of the destroyed Pecos Chamber of Commerce building on March 21. Right: Frank Carrasco, a maintenance worker for the West of the Pecos Museum, hangs tarp on chainlink fence to block the view of the destroyed commerce building from plain view. Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune

To be sure, this is only the second train derailment in Pecos since 1973. But the oil business in Pecos has boomed since then. The amount of traffic has ballooned. The local officials whove spent the last two decades trying to avoid a major accident like the one on Dec. 18, 2024, said the state should provide them with more support and equip Pecos. They argue the town is a key to the industry that contributes to the states wealth through oil and gas production taxes.

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The Yall is a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies that define the state of Texas. Produced by Texas Tribune journalists embedded in communities across the state.

More specifically, county and city government officials had been campaigning for an alternative bypass, called a relief route, to redirect the spiking industrial traffic. They also appealed to Union Pacific, a railroad company operating roughly 7,700 locomotives across 32,000 miles in the U.S., to consider lowering speed limits and spending less time stopped at the towns railroad crossing.

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The town hasnt gotten either concession. Union Pacific maintains that its speed limits adhere to federal regulations. And Texas Department of Transportation officials said the agency is still scouring its $146 billion budget within its 10-year plan to pay for an alternative bypass to alleviate the industrial traffic congestion in town. TxDOT estimates the project to cost $194 million.

Weve been frustrated for a long time because this should have been handled a long time ago, said Venetta Seals, a City Council member who served as mayor from 2010 to 2019. Sometimes we feel like were the redheaded stepchild west of I-35.

Oilfield traffic crosses over the U.S. Highway 285 railroad crossing, bottom, on March 21 in Pecos. Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune

A blessing, curse

Pecos is an oilfield town of 12,000 people, about 100 miles southwest of Midland. At least 15,000 trucks drive through there daily, City Manager Charles Lino said. That places a tremendous strain on its roads.

Truckers plow along Interstate 20, which runs east and west, and Highway 285  also known as death highway by locals for its high number of vehicle accidents  which goes north and south.

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Local officials have for years attempted to rein in the frenzied, industrial traffic by passing more than 100 ordinances and codes, including those that govern where truckers can park and on which roads they can drive, Lino said. But the truckers dont always follow the rules, and the citys law enforcement isnt nearly staffed enough to keep up with the traffic.

The oil and gas industry is a blessing to our economy and a curse to our infrastructure, Lino said. Our roads are not built for those types of vehicles, and its one of the reasons why we try to police as much as we can and keep them off of our residential streets, because they just tear them up.

They tried to regulate the train industry as well  with no luck. In 2017, the city council passed an ordinance reducing the amount of time a train could stop at a railroad crossing to avoid traffic jams. A violation incurs up to $2,000 in fines. Union Pacific, which the city fined four times, did not pay the fees. And although local officials have floated the idea of imposing speed limits, they have no authority to do so.

A relief route could alleviate much of that pressure, Lino said.

Left: Oilfield traffic drives through downtown Pecos along U.S. Highway 285. Right: Charles Lino, Pecos city manager, poses for a photo in his office on March 21. Lino took over as the point of contact for response and recovery efforts the night of the Dec. 18, 2024, train derailment and believes that oil and gas companies need to do more to hold their drivers to account. Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune

Its unclear when local officials first asked about a relief route, though some officials point to as far as twenty years ago. A Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson said the agency held the first virtual public hearing in 2021. Increased traffic, the presence of hazardous materials transiting through town and issues with the railroad crossing prompted the discussions, the spokesperson said.

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It is unclear why the project stalled.

The agency held two additional public hearings in 2025  but only after the crash.

It will take the agency at least another six years before it can start building the road, TxDOT said. And even then, the new road would likely have to cross the train tracks farther east of town.

The agency, which held a round of public hearings in April, must first find the money, then map out the private property the relief route will pass through and work with landowners to secure that needed land. The agency must also work with utility companies in the area to make adjustments to other infrastructure to accommodate the road.

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The two companies involved in the crash  Union Pacific and Boss Heavy Haul  said they were compliant with rules meant to keep residents safe while disputing each others account of the collision.

The speed of our train, along with the timing of the crossing signal, was in full compliance with federal regulations, a Union Pacific spokesperson said. The crossing, which handles a high volume of truck traffic daily without incident, was also safe.

Boss Heavy Haul pointed to a counterclaim the company filed earlier this month. It said Union Pacific had a history of incidents across Texas.

Litigation between the two is ongoing.

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The Federal Railroad Administration, which regulates railroads and train companies, did not comment.

TxDOT is considering eight bypasses

Pecos and Reeves County are not the first localities to request a relief route.

Several cities across the state have requested roadway alternatives to alleviate traffic congestion. These proposals, which involve lengthy environmental studies, mapping and land acquisition, can take years to come to fruition  and on occasion, a town may decide to drop the discussion altogether. There are at least eight relief routes under consideration in TxDOTs most recent 10-year plan.

A lowboy truck hauling a piece of heavy machinery crosses over the U.S. Highway 285 railroad crossing on March 21. Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune

In Fredericksburg, for instance, plans for a relief route had begun in the 1980s. According to local media coverage, the Central Texas project was started and stopped due to financial reasons. TxDOT officials began a formal study in 2017, followed by public engagement. In a 2019 report, city and state officials said the city had been plagued by congestion. Discussions about the $40 million ceased in 2022, as the city focuses on other transportation projects, a city spokesperson told The Texas Tribune.

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In the Rio Grande Valley, officials said construction for a $240 million relief route would begin this month to alleviate traffic congestion, a project they said had been in the works for at least two decades.

And in Rogers, north of Austin, officials began discussions for a relief route in 2017. The new road, built to improve traffic mobility and safety, opened on Dec. 3.

State and local officials agreed that the town desperately needs a relief route. And theyre hoping they dont have to wait longer than the current six-year timeline.

National attention in a disaster situation is not anything that a community ever wants, said Jerry Bullard, emergency management coordinator for Reeves County, referring to the derailment. But it shed light on what weve been trying to emphasize for a long time.

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State Rep. Eddie Morales, D-Eagle Pass, represents the city and county, and said the traffic congestion in town poses significant safety concerns.

Providing this relief route is essential on numerous fronts to improve the conditions in the city limits and improve safety across the board, Morales said. This has been an issue discussed for well over a decade, its past time to make it a reality.

When that reality will come to fruition remains unclear.
Kraft Heinz has appointed former Kellanova chief Steve Cahillane as group CEO ahead of next years targeted business split.

Cahillane will take up the position, and a seat on the board, on 1 January. When Kraft Heinz divides in two, a move scheduled for the first half of next year, he will then become CEO of the new Global Taste Elevation Co., one of the pair of companies to be formed.

A search for a CEO to head up the other half of the new business  North American Grocery Co.  is due to start, the Kraft mac & cheese and Maxwell House coffee brand owner said in a statement.

Meanwhile, current group CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera, who took the hot seat on 1 January 2023, will relinquish his position at the start of the new year but will remain as an adviser until 6 March. He had been due to take the CEO position at Kraft Heinzs new grocery unit.

As part of the shake-up, Miguel Patricio, who was CEO from mid-2019 until being succeeded by Abrams-Rivera, will be replaced as board chair by John Cahill.

Cahillane has been freed up since Mars takeover of Kellanova was cleared by European competition authorities last week, the final hurdle following previous clearance in the US. He held the president and CEO roles at Kellanova, which itself was the subject of a business split in 2022-23 from what was the breakfast cereal and snacks giant Kellogg Co.

I am honoured to be joining Kraft Heinz as CEO at such a pivotal and exciting time, Cahillane said. Im confident the planned separation will accelerate the companys ability to compete and win in todays environment and unlock the immense opportunity in front of us.

Kraft Heinz said it reached a severance separation agreement with Abrams-Rivera today (16 December), whereby he will no longer serve as CEO or a member of the board.

From 1 January, Patricio will resign from the company and step down as executive board chair but will remain as a non-employee director.

Current vice chairman Cahill will assume the board leadership role from the same date.

Cahill said: I want to express the boards deep gratitude to Miguel for stepping in to help prepare the company and leadership team for the proposed separation.

I look forward to taking on the role of chair as we usher in an exciting new era for the company, with Steve Cahillane at the helm.

Before Kellanova, Cahillane was CEO of Kellogg prior to the business separation. He also previously headed up The Natures Bounty Co. and has also served as an executive at The Coca-Cola Co. and AB lnBev during his career.

Steve is uniquely qualified to lead this organisation into the future and we are delighted he will be taking on the role of CEO, Patricio said.
A former Clovis school counselor who abused a student is now heading to prison for two years.

"This was an incredibly vulnerable victim," Fresno County Superior Court Commissioner Daniel Brickey said.

The victim, a 13-year-old girl, attended Clark Intermediate in Clovis when prosecutors say Estevan Reyes violated his position of trust.

"To put it quite simply and bluntly, he was a school counselor who had sex at least seven times with an eighth-grade student that he was mentoring," prosecutor Adam Christopherson.

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The relationship continued from middle school to Clovis High. Christopherson says Reyes would even pick up the girl during summer break.

"They had sex in his living room, on his bed, in his car," the prosecutor said.

Defense attorney Eric Schweitzer argued the victim initiated the relationship, saying it started with a kiss.

"Nobody's blaming anyone, but the circumstances of the case are the circumstances of the case," Schweitzer said.

Reyes pleaded no contest to a lewd act upon a child.

He nearly avoided prison time after a previous judge indicated she would grant probation. That deal fell apart on Wednesday.

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"The prior judge, when she took the plea, didn't have the probation report," Action News Legal Analyst Tony Capozzi said. "So there was something in that report that this judge thought elevated the sentence in this case from probation to a two-year sentence."

His sentence could be even less.

"Once the defendant gets in prison, starts taking classes and taking different activities within the prison, that will reduce his time substantially," Capozzi said.

Reyes is now ordered to stay away from the victim.

"This is not double-digits in prison. This is a two-year term," Commissioner Brickey said. "You will move forward with your life. It will look differently, but this is not the end of your life."

Reyes is ordered to report to prison on Friday after he asked to spend the holidays with his family.

For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Palm Coast City Council on Tuesday, Dec. 16, unanimously adopted an ordinance to comply with a new state law establishing rules and streamlining the certification process for recovery residences.

Providing a favorable, peer-supported environment for those recovering from addiction and substance abuse has been the goal of most recovery residences, commonly known as sober living homes.

But these homes previously lacked regulatory requirements for the entities that maintain them, including local governments and private organizations.

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A new Florida state law is seeking to change the situation.

Senate Bill 954, signed into law in June by Gov. Ron DeSantis, requires local governments to establish streamlined procedures for review and approval of certified recovery residences, including a process for requesting reasonable accommodations from land use regulations that would prohibit them.

Animal cruelty, insurance: New Florida laws taking effect on Jan. 1

Heres what that means for Palm Coast.

How many recovery residences are there in Palm Coast and how do they work?

According to Jacqueline Gonzalez, a member of the citys Community Development Department, there are currently 18 recovery residences in Palm Coast.

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But only nine of those are registered with the Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR), which evaluates and monitors living standards for the homes. The other nine are Oxford Houses, described as "self-run, self-supported homes for individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder," according to the Maryland-based organization's website.

FARR was created right after the National Association of Recovery Residences was established in 2017.

Previously, entities running recovery homes were not required to be certified by FARR, but that changed when SB 954 became law this year. Previously, city code prohibited recovery homes in Palm Coast at all.

But as of January 2026, the certification will no longer be voluntary. It will be mandatory, Gonzalez told the board.

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Recovery houses have four different certification levels under FARR, ranging from peer-run facilities where those recovering help support each other, to more complex, medically assisted operations.

According to Gonzalez, recovery residents in Palm Coast are housed through reasonable accommodation requests under the Fair Housing Act, which qualifies substance use disorders as a disability.

What are the new rules for recovery residences in Palm Coast?

The first change is that recovery houses are now legal in Palm Coast  a requirement of the new state law.

The number of residences per home is now limited to 10  the minimum required by SB 954.

The city will also require that a recovery home be located less than 1,000 linear feet from the closest existing recovering home. In addition, the homes can only occupy one side of a duplex.

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The largest number of residents at a Palm Coast recovery home is currently 14, according to Gonzalez. Every uncertified facility will have 60 days from Jan. 1 to come into compliance with the new rules.

If the recovery home is denied a license or certification by the state or has had their license suspended, the responsible entity must cease operation and vacate the premises within 60 days.

Gonzalez also clarified that the city cannot restrict recovery residences proximity to schools and daycares.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Sober living homes under new rules after Palm Coast adopts ordinance
PARSIPPANY  Two years ago, more than 800 angry residents packed an afternoon special council meeting just three days after Christmas, determined to stop the passage of four more PILOT tax deals for builders willing to redevelop a glut of vacant properties in a town that once boasted of more office space than Newark.

Two more PILOTs  short for tax breaks known as payment in lieu of taxes  were passed during the lame-duck council's final meeting on Dec. 16.

"We didn't want this," Council President Paul Carifi Jr. said. "This is the state cramming this down our throat. If we don't approve this, Dec. 31, it's over. It's going back to the courts."

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Carifi was referring to a Dec. 31 deadline for all towns in New Jersey to complete an affordable housing construction plan that will satisfy their "present" and "prospective" needs over a fourth round of building directed by the state Department of Community Affairs. Following negotiations with the DCA, Parsippany must meet a present need of 138 units and 496 prospective units. Those must be built over the next 10 years, when a fifth round will begin.

The Parsippany Council meets for the last time in 2025 on Dec. 16: from left, Justin Musella, Matt McGrath, Paul Carifi Jr., Frank Neglia and Judy Hernandez.

The mandate has set off a building boom across the state, as developers agree to build massive mutli-unit dwellings with the majority to be sold at market rate while reserving a 15-20% of the inventory to qualify as affordable under a state formula.

The additional immediate needs in Parsippany, as they were in 2023, remain constant: the need to replace the tax ratables lost by shuttered office buildings, and the opportunity they present for properties that can be converted into residential units to satisfy the town's urgent need to meet its court-mandated obligations to build more affordable housing.

Failure to meet the Dec. 31 deadline would open the township up to "builder's remedy lawsuits," in which the courts can approve larger developments with affordable housing without the town's approval, "and instead of 500 units or 1,000 units, you're building 1,500," Carifi said.

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Town officials said there are at least eight developers ready to file builder's remedy lawsuits in Parsippany on Jan. 1. Meeting the deadline, they said, allows them to control the best of a bad situation and, in this case, direct its remaining affordable housing quota to one location.

1,100 units, warehouse across the street

That location is the PARQ development already in progress off Parsippany Road, but cut off from the rest of the town by interstates 287 and 80. Town officials see it as an isolated location where the added traffic will make the "least impact" on overall traffic in an already congested municipality.

The PARQ PILOT passed by a 5-1 vote, with Democrat Judy Hernandez siding with the GOP majority and Republican Matt McGrath voting against it. Justin Musella, who led the community battle against PILOTs and made it a centerpiece of his unsuccessful mayoral campaign, also voted for the ordinance.

Parsippany Board of Education president Alison Cogan speaks during a Parsippany Council meeting on Dec. 16, 2025.

Replacing seven vacant buildings in the Lanidex office park, the PARQ project broke ground in 2022 with plans to build a first phase of 275 units and a second phase of 250 units. Another builder is constructing 75 townhomes on the site. The first phase opened in June 2024.

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The new plan  incentivized by a PILOT for the developers, who said they needed one to obtain funding  calls for a total of 1,100 units. Of those, 120 units would be classified as affordable housing while the others would be sold or rented at market rate. Those units, and 80 credit points for building on redeveloped property, complete the town's fourth-round obligations.

Musella noted the irony of his voting in favor of the PARQ PILOT, but singled it out as "much different, unlike the ones I opposed, which were discretionary."

"This is an instance of trying to meet our housing obligation that would be least-disruptive for our residents," he said. "We all came to the same conclusion that there was no other possible way to do this without the common demotivator being a PILOT. If there was a better path to pursue, I would be the first one to go down that path."

Directly across the PARQ entrance on Parsippany Road is a 140,000 square-foot warehouse currently under construction. Saying the builders needed to make their project more financially feasible  and agreeing to a PILOT where the payments would offer no discount off conventional property taxes  the council approved the ordinance by a 3-2 vote, with Musella joining McGrath in opposition.

Residents pack a Parsippany Council meeting on Dec. 16, 2025.

New mayor, council in January

The mayor's office will switch sides in January as well after Democrat Pulkit Desai won a narrow, 80-vote victory over incumbent Republican Barberio in the general election. Denied two court requests for a recount, Barberio filed an election court challenge to be heard on Jan. 5. Desai and the new council are scheduled to be sworn into office on Jan. 6.

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Carifi will remain on the 2026 council, which after the November election will have a Democratic council majority for the first time in four decades. Two other Republicans are departing the council. Musella, who lost his mayoral primary run against Barberio, and Frank Neglia, who lost his bid for re-election in November  said their good-byes at the end of the meeting.

About 100 people attended the meeting. Most who spoke opposed the PILOTs, some referring to them as sweetheart deals for developers and unnecessary given Parsippany strategic location in North Jersey.

"What if they are bluffing?" one resident said about the prospect of developers abandoning projects that are already well under construction.

School board opposition

Desai attended the council meeting but did not speak. But Parsippany Board of Education President Alison Cogan came to push back on the PILOT deals during the public comment section. Several board members have been vocal in the protracted PILOT debate, claiming they are cut off from the direct PILOT payments, 95% of which is paid to the town, and 5% to the county.

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"The ordinance you are voting on tonight could produce over 400 students into the schools, over 400 students that would not be accounted for in our revenue budget since the 2% cap will be the same," Cogan told the council. "This is on top on the incredible burden on the board caused by past PILOT agreements, which is why we we have been trying to work on a revenue-sharing remedy with the township for the part two years. Unfortunately, those efforts so far have been unsuccessful."

Carifi blamed the school board for that impasse.

"Well over a year ago, the developer was going to give land to the board of ed in this location, free land, and town would contribute PILOT money to build a brand-new school down in that location. They said no," he said. "The administration recently made an offer of $10,000 and they said no. Then they made an offer of $12,000 for any student from this location. They still said no. They wanted more and more and more money."

Carifi and Barberio both stressed that while the school district does not directly receive the PILOT funds as it would through conventional property taxes, "the board submits a bill every year in January and it is paid in full, immediately."

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After the meeting, Cogan told the Daily Record "We never got any kind of offer or written agreement or anything for a school, or land," she said. "There was never an offer of that to the board of education. So, that was interesting."

Cogan added the board will meet on Thursday "and we will definitely respond to several of the things they said."

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Parsippany council approves two more PILOT deals in lame-duck session
A pair of blue and yellow earplugs dangle on Joses neck while he waits for work as a day laborer outside the Home Depot in Cypress Park.

They've been a necessity for laborers in the area since late November, when Home Depot installed three machines in the parking lot that emit a high-pitched tone. The noise, typically kept on all day, is a piercing sound that penetrates your bones, he said.

The Instituto de Educacion Popular del Sur de California, or IDEPSCA, a nonprofit that supports day laborers, held a news conference at Home Depot on Wednesday, calling for the company to remove the machines and vocalize opposition to the ICE raids taking place in its parking lots, part of a growing number of protests targeting corporate cooperation with immigration enforcement.

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Home Depot locations nationwide have been a prime target for Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids under President Trumps immigration crackdown. In early November, ICE agents detained a man at the Cypress Park location and then drove off with his toddler in the back of the vehicle.

About 50 people have been detained at the Cypress Park location this year, said Maegan Ortiz, IDEPSCAs executive director. The machines are an attempt to push day laborers off its lots, she said.

The machines were turned off by the company during the news conference but were turned back on about an hour after it ended, according to workers. The noise is in earshot of IDEPSCAs day laborer center, one of five operated by the organization that have supported workers for more than two decades.

We have been here and remain open through global pandemics, providing services and creating community, Ortiz said. We're not going to let sound machines, gates and intimidation get rid of us. Day laborers are here to stay. IDEPSCA is here to stay. The immigrant community is here to stay.

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Home Depot issued a press release Friday stating that the technology isnt intended to deter day laborers or assist in immigration enforcement.

The noise devices were installed in response to sanitation and safety concerns at the location and to deter and prevent illegal overnight parking and related issues. The noise devices are not in constant use  they are available to be deployed as needed, according to the release.

Joses earplugs, which IDEPSCA provided to workers, help muffle the sound, but arent enough to completely mask it, he said. The noise causes workers headaches, nausea and dizziness, said Jose and Andres Salazar, the center's site coordinator.

Salazar said the noise often follows him home, still ringing in his ears long after hes left the parking lot.

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The machines were installed only days after the latest raid at the location in late November, during which day laborers were taken and IDEPSCA staff members were harmed, Ortiz said.

The machines were installed on light posts in the parking lot situated directly under the 5 Freeway overpass. Hernandez and Ortiz said that portion of the parking lot is California Department of Transportation property and not owned by Home Depot. They urged the city to look into the machine installations.

Home Depot also installed yellow barriers that close off access to the parking lot near IDEPSCAs day labor center, located at the corner of the Cypress Park location.

The machines and barriers were implemented at the Cypress Park location to address the unique safety hazards at this specific site due to its proximity to the CalTrans facility, and is not used in any other Los Angeles locations, the company said in its release.

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The measures taken at Cypress Park are standard property management tools used to maintain site safety and comply with local infrastructure requirements, the release stated.

The machines are a deliberate choice by a multibillion-dollar corporation that absolutely knew what it was doing and chose to weaponize sound literally, said Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez, who represents L.A. Council District 1. Devices like these are used as torture against our people.

Home Depot relies on immigrant and Latino communities, Hernandez said, including customers who shop inside, and day laborers, who seek work outside their storefronts.

The day laborer center is more than just a workplace, said Jose, who asked to withhold his last name for fear of retaliation by immigration agents. For many day laborers, its a second home, and for some, their only one. The center is bursting with greenery  plants that are cared for by the workers themselves.

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This space is something truly beautiful, Jose said. But, everything theyre doing with the noise and the barriers, it is affecting us. ... Were here to help serve the community, not steal from the company.

The noise is an added another layer of stress to day laborers, who are already struggling with less work opportunities and navigating lingering trauma from ICE raids. Jose was at the Home Depot when the last raid took place, only days before the company implemented the noise machines.

He watched in horror as co-workers were taken and volunteers were beaten.

It made me angry, but I felt so impotent because, well, what do I do? Jose said. If I start fighting them, they're going to knock me down, they're going to take me.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Update: Police said the suspect in the Brown University shooting was found dead in Salem, New Hampshire, Thursday night. Follow the latest updates here. Our earlier story is below.

Law enforcement are investigating possible connections between the mass shooting at Brown University and the targeted killing of an MIT professor two days later, sources told CBS News.

Investigators are searching for a suspect in the mass shooting and a car that the person is believed to have rented, multiple law enforcement sources said. Authorities believe the rented vehicle is the same make and model of a car that was also detected in the vicinity of the MIT professor's apartment.

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Meanwhile, two law enforcement sources also told CBS News that an arrest warrant has been issued for a suspect in the Brown shooting.

Here's what we know:

Nuno Loureiro, who taught plasma physics at MIT and led its Plasma Science and Fusion Center, was shot Monday at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts. He died at a nearby hospital the next day. Police are investigating his death as a homicide.

Two days earlier, two students were killed and nine more were wounded when a gunman opened fire Saturday afternoon inside a classroom on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island, authorities said. The shooting occurred in the school's Barus & Holley engineering building during final exams.

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In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, police said a male suspect had managed to escape from the building. In the hours and days that followed, police and the FBI released images and videos of the man they described as a person of interest walking around a nearby neighborhood several hours before the first 911 calls reporting the shooting came in.

The person in the images wore black clothing and a face mask. None of the footage pictured him clearly.

A video released on Tuesday, though blurry, was the clearest picture of the person of interest released so far. The image appeared to be digitally enhanced.

John Mulvaney, an FBI veteran of 26 years and the managing director of CBIZ Forensix Consulting Group, told CBS News Boston the footage appeared to show the person of interest "casing the neighborhood."

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The FBI is offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the shooting.

The two students killed in the shooting were identified as Ella Cook, a sophomore from Alabama, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an Uzbek American freshman student.

"Both were brilliant and beloved  as members of our campus community, but even more by their friends and families," Brown's president, Christina H. Paxson, wrote in a letter Tuesday to the university community. "Our hearts continue to be with them in their profound sorrow."

Person of interest identified in deadly Brown University shooting

What to expect from Trump's address to the nation

New surveillance video shows Nick Reiner before his arrest
Danielle Jensen, communications director and senior policy adviser to U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., will be the next election commissioner for Douglas County, the states most populous county that is home to more than 360,000 registered voters. (Photo courtesy of Danielle Jensen)

LINCOLN  Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen appointed a communications director and senior policy adviser to U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., on Wednesday to oversee elections in the states most populous county.

Danielle Jensen of the Elkhorn area will succeed Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse, effective Jan. 10. Jensen has been with Bacon since he first joined Congress in 2017.

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She previously served as a public and legislative affairs officer for the former Nebraska Energy Office. Jensen will hold the role through at least the end of 2027, the end of Kruses four-year term.

Jensen said Wednesday she was grateful to Pillen and his team for their trust. She thanked Bacon and Bacons chief of staff, Mark Dreiling, for their endorsements of her and their work together serving Nebraskas Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District.

I am truly honored and look forward to serving the voters of Douglas County, Jensen said in a statement. I would like to thank Brian Kruse for his years of service and will continue his work of integrity and transparency.

Jensen earned a bachelors degree in broadcasting from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon speaks about his decision to retire from Congress and not run again in 2026 at Omahas Eppley Airfield. June 30, 2025. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

Per Nebraska law, the governor must appoint election commissioners for counties with populations greater than 100,000 people, currently Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy Counties. The person must be someone of good moral character and integrity and capacity, per state law. The commissioner then appoints a chief deputy commissioner of a different political party.

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Then-Gov. Pete Ricketts first appointed Kruse to the post in 2016. Kruse is returning to be the general manager of a funeral home. His last day is Jan. 9.

In the 2024 presidential election, 75% of the 368,000 registered voters in Douglas County participated.

Pillen, in a statement, said Jensens varied background, which includes more than 20 years of experience in government affairs and political fundraising, will serve her well.

She is a hard worker and has garnered the admiration of those with whom she has worked, Pillen said. Danielle will lead the election office with integrity and will make sure all elections in Douglas County are conducted with transparency and accuracy.

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Bacon, who has said he will not seek reelection in 2026, said Jensen has played a major role in his offices success through her leadership, professionalism and dedication to Nebraska. He said Pillen made an excellent choice and thanked Kruse for his service.

I am confident she will continue serving Nebraskans with integrity while protecting our fair, accurate and impartial elections, Bacon said in a statement.

Dreiling, Bacons chief of staff, said hes known Jensen for more than 20 years and has appreciated her long record of dedicated service.

Danielle has been a trusted colleague, close friend and mentor to many members of our staff, past and present, and our team is stronger because of her dedication, Dreiling said in a statement.

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By Svea Herbst-Bayliss, Nate Raymond and Brad Brooks

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Law enforcement officers are investigating a link between a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence that killed two people last weekend and the shooting death of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor two days later near Boston, a person familiar with the matter said.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the matter, did not provide more details on why investigators think the two cases may be linked.

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The new twist comes five days after the shooting at Brown University and during a manhunt for the shooter. The violence shook Rhode Island's capital city of Providence, and brought pressure on investigators to crack open the case.

The Brown shooting occurred on December 13 inside a classroom building, killing two students and wounding at least eight others.

Two days later, MIT professor Nuno Loureiro, 47, was fatally shot in his home in Brookline, Massachusetts on Monday evening. Brookline is 49 miles north of Brown's campus.

Earlier this week, an FBI official said authorities did not believe there was any link between Saturday's shooting at Brown and the MIT's professor's murder. Loureiro was a member of the departments of nuclear science and engineering and physics as well as MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center.

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SEEKING THE PUBLIC'S HELP

Investigators in Providence said the suspect in the Brown University shooting escaped on foot into nearby streets, prompting a search that relied heavily on residential security footage because of a lack of surveillance cameras in the classroom building and surrounding area.

Police released images and video of a masked man believed to be the shooter, based on survivor accounts, and have repeatedly asked for the public's help in identifying that man. The footage showed the suspect walking in a nearby neighborhood both before and immediately after the attack, including moments when police vehicles arrived with flashing lights.

He could be anywhere, Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said on Wednesday, adding that authorities did not initially know the suspects identity or motive.

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Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said residents and students had grown restless and eager for an arrest as the search stretched into several days.

Police also circulated photos of another unidentified man seen near the area, saying they wanted to speak with him as a potential witness who may have relevant information.

Authorities initially announced a person was in custody a day after the shooting, but later released that individual after determining he was not involved.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond and Brad Brooks; additional reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss in Providence; editing by Donna Bryson and David Gregorio)
Providence police on Wednesday afternoon released an enhanced image of a person seen near the man identified as a person of interest in the shooting at Brown University on Saturday that killed two students and injured nine.

To date, it is the clearest image released by police in the ongoing manhunt for the person responsible for the mass shooting at the Ivy League university in Providence, Rhode Island.

In the photo, the unidentified person is seen wearing a black jat, a hooded sweatshirt, a black hat and glasses. Police say the person in the photo was "in proximity of the person of interest."

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Anyone who recognizes the person, or with information about the shooting, is urged to call the tip line at 401-272-3121.

As the manhunt for the gunman who took the lives of two students stretches into Wednesday, investigators say their highest priority is identifying a person of interest theyve released numerous photos and videos of. Officials said during a Tuesday evening press conference that they believe this is the critical next step in charging someone in the shooting.

Once we identify who this person is, I believe well be able to locate them, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said.

Gunfire erupted on the first floor of Browns Barus and Holley engineering and physics building around 4 p.m. on Dec. 13 during an economics class. The shooting left sophomore Ella Cook and first-year student Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov dead and nine other students injured.

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As of Tuesday evening, one of the injured students was in critical condition, five more were in critical but stable condition, and one was in stable condition, according to law enforcement and Brown University. Two have been released from Rhode Island Hospital.

Law enforcement officials have described the person of interest as being approximately 5-foot-8 inches tall with a stocky build. Photos and videos shared by police show what appears to be man dressed in dark clothing, including a beanie and face mask, walking down the street near Brown University approximately two hours before the shooting.

Officials have asked anyone associated with Brown or who lives or spends time around Providence to review the photos and videos of the person of interest. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual.

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar L. Perez, Jr. advised the public to focus on the body movements of the person of interest shown in the videos during the press conference Tuesday evening.

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You wanna focus on the body movements, the way the person moved their arms, the body posture, the way they carry their weight, he said.

Investigators said they are hoping to receive more footage of the person of interest from the public, as they speculate that he may have walked around the area surrounding Brown University as much as a week prior to the shooting.

We also know in this profession that many criminals will pace out an area weeks and days prior, Perez explained.

Brown University Shooting, Dec. 13, 2025

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A police officer rushed to save two children who fell through the ice on Woolman Lake on Wednesday afternoon, pulling them to safety as they cried and shivered in the frigid water.

According to video captured during the rescue, an officer can be heard shouting, "They are in the water! They are in the water!" before running toward the girls.

"Hold on! I got rope," the officer says as he throws a line to them. A third child, a boy, had already made it out of the water before first responders arrived.

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Westampton Township Fire Chief Craig Farnsworth said the children were fortunate.

"They're very lucky," he said.

He added that "hypothermia will kick in pretty quickly. Your body starts to shut off blood to the core to try to protect the vital organs."

As Mount Holly police pulled the girls to shore, one could be heard crying, "Thank you! Thank you!"

Officials said the rescue reflects the type of emergency first responders regularly prepare for.

"They want to save people and help people and it's something that they practice and really work hard on," Westampton Township Mayor Sandy Henley said.

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Drone footage showed the Westampton Fire Department conducting ice rescue training, which Farnsworth described as essential during colder months. He warned that "even when it's cold, over time the ice will also start to get thin over time. All ice is dangerous ice."

Farnsworth urged people never to walk on frozen bodies of water. If someone falls in, he said, they should "try to spread your weight out across the ice that hasn't fallen, kick as hard as you can, get yourself off and slowly crawl your way off the ice."

For bystanders, he advised, "call 911 as quickly as possible" and "get a stick or a long branch, try to throw it or get to them as quickly as possible."

The rope technique used by police mirrored the safety guidance, helping bring the girls out of the water.

All three children were taken to Virtua Hospital as a precaution and are expected to be OK. Westampton Firefighters later retrieved their backpacks from the lakeside.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of serious consequences if European Union leaders fail to find a solution for continued financial support for Ukraine.

"We have a simple choice: Either money today or blood tomorrow," Tusk said as he arrived at an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday.

"I am not talking about Ukraine only. I am talking about Europe. This is our decision to make and only ours," he said.

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The EU is under pressure to find a way to cover Kiev's financial and military needs as current funding schemes run out in the coming months.

The most hotly debated financing model involves making Russian state assets frozen under EU sanctions available to Ukraine as a loan, which Kiev would only have to repay if Russia makes reparations after the war.

But Belgium, where roughly 185 billion ($217 billion) of the total 210 billion in Russian assets frozen in the EU are held, opposes the plan, citing legal and financial risks.

"I think all European leaders have to finally rise to this occasion," Tusk said.

Addressing the Belgian parliament, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever reiterated his concerns on Thursday morning and advocated for the EU to take on joint debt to fund Ukraine, news agency Belga reports.
L Catterton has invested in Indian snacks business Haldiram's under what the private-equity firm described as a strategic partnership.

"The collaboration aims to fortify Haldiram's market leadership in the country and accelerate its international expansion on the back of its robust fundamentals, brand equity, and growth potential," the US-based investor said in a statement.

L Catterton said Haldiram's will be able to tap into the expertise of the investor's executive chairman in India, Sanjiv Mehta, who is the former chairman, CEO and managing director of consumer goods giant Hindustan Unilever.

The aim, L Catterton said, is to "foster a global 'India for the world' brand" by way of "brand building, new product development, supply chain and distribution optimisation, geographic expansion, as well as talent development".

Mehta added: Haldirams is an iconic Indian brand that resonates across the country as the undisputed leader in the ethnic snacks category and has significant potential to become a global brand in the packaged snacks space.

We are delighted to back Haldirams and drive further growth in Indias evolving and flourishing consumer market, as well as galvanise its internationalisation.

L Catterton also recently invested in another India snacks business, leading a $42m funding round in Farmley in May.

It also acquired a minority stake in Indian pet-food business Drools Pet Food Private in 2023.

Outside of India, L Catterton's investments include the Mexican hot-sauce brand Cholula, Ferrara Candy Company, Goodles and Little Moons.

"PE firm L Catterton invests in Indian snacks major Haldirams" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




Pope Leo XIV has named a fellow Chicagoan as the next archbishop of New York, one of the biggest US archdioceses, in a signal that the church will continue its stance against the Trump administration on immigration.

The US-born pope chose 58-year-old Ronald Hicks, the current bishop of Joliet, Illinois, to lead the church in New York, replacing retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan who has served for 16 years after being selected by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.

Dolan is regarded as a conservative figure in the US Catholic church hierarchy. Hicks takes on the role from Cardinal Dolan last week finalized a plan to establish a $300m fund to compensate victims of sexual abuse who had brought legal action against the archdiocese.

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Hicks addressed the issue at news conference on Thursday.

As a church, we can never rest in our efforts to prevent abuse, to protect children and to care for survivors, he said. While this work is challenging, its difficult, its painful, I hope it will continue to help in the areas of accountability, transparency and healing.

Notably, Leo and the US hierarchy have shown willingness to challenge the administration on its immigration policies. In October, Leo questioned whether the policies were in line with the Catholic churchs pro-life teachings and described them as inhuman.

Hicks, 58, grew up in South Holland, Illinois, close to the Chicago childhood home of Leo, the former Robert Prevost. Both men served the church abroad: Leo spending 20 years as a missionary in Peru; Hicks spent five years in El Salvador heading a church-run orphanage.

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Last month, Hicks endorsed a special message from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops condemning the Trump administrations immigration raids. The bishops said they are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement. We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants.

Hicks said the message expressed our solidarity with all our brothers and sisters and underlined their concerns, opposition, and hopes with clarity and conviction.

Related: Pope Leo urges Trump not to try to overthrow Venezuelan president with military force

Leo and Hicks only met last year, when the provost and bishop visited one of Hickss parishes, according to CNN. Hicks told local Chicago WGN-TV after Leo was elected pope that he recognized their shared backgrounds and priorities.

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We grew up literally in the same radius, in the same neighborhood together. We played in the same parks, went swimming in the same pools, like the same pizza places, he said.

Hicks was born on 4 August 1967, in Harvey, Illinois, and received degrees in philosophy, divinity and ministry. He was ordained to the priesthood for the archdiocese of Chicago in 1994, according to the New York archdiocese.

In 2005, he moved from Chicago to El Salvador to begin his five-year term as regional director of Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH) in Central America. NPH is a home dedicated to caring for more than 3,400 orphaned and abandoned children in nine Latin American and Caribbean countries.

He returned to Chicago and in 2020 Pope Francis named him Bishop Hicks as the sixth bishop of the Catholic diocese of Joliet, Illinois, serving about 520,000 Catholics in seven counties. Hicks will now serve roughly 2.5 million Catholics in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island in New York City (Brooklyn and Queens are part of the Brooklyn archdiocese).

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I accept this appointment with humility and an open heart, Hicks said at the news conference. I ask for your support and your prayers, and I ask God to support us as always. Dolan said his successor was an early Christmas gift for the Archdiocese.



 This article was amended on 19 December 2025. An earlier version incorrectly suggested that Ronald Hicks would pick up the title of cardinal from Cardinal Dolan.
"Bottom line is this. More people coming and less resources to serve them," Poverello House CEO Zack Darrah said.

2025 has been a difficult year for local organizations, including the Central California Food Bank and Poverello House.

Both received less money and, at the same time, had more people asking for help than ever before.

"One kind of temperature check for us is certainly our Thanksgiving meal, which this year we see a more than 20% increase in people coming," Darrah said.

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For the first time, the Lifelong Learning Administration Corporation donated a $15,000 check to each.

The LLAC bridges the gap for students in need. Co-founder Skip Hansen says their mission to serve those in need aligns with both organizations.

"Many of our kids are struggling with homelessness and hunger. We are seeing it at an epidemic level these last few years, and as a nonprofit and knowing that we can't do it all, we are looking for other nonprofits that are helping solve those problems," Hansen said.

At the Poverello House, this check will serve about 3,000 meals, while for the Central California Food Bank, it will provide about 60,000 meals.

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It's the kind of support that is always welcomed with open arms.

"This allows us to make additional investments in programming in our organization," Central California Food Bank Co-CEO Natalie Caples said.

Darrah and Caples expect 2026 to be even more challenging and hope local partners will continue showing up.

"We know we are going to see more people coming through these doors, and we need the community's support," Darrah said.

If you would like to help, the Central California Food Bank and Poverello House welcome volunteers and donations year-round.

For news updates, follow Elisa Navarro on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
CHICAGO  The 300 Illinois National Guard troops under Republican President Donald Trumps control since early October  despite Democratic Gov. JB Pritzkers objections  will remain federalized until mid-April, even though the Guard members have carried out no significant operational missions and have spent most of their time stationed at a northern Illinois base.

A spokesperson for the Pritzker administration and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth each told the Tribune that the Trump administration plans to keep the Illinois National Guard members federalized until April 15, and a Pentagon official said the troops would remain under federal control until that month. They were deployed to support the Trump administrations immigration enforcement personnel participating in the Republican presidents deportation efforts in the Chicago area.

The revelation comes as the Oct. 4 order by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth federalizing Guard troops to support the Department of Homeland Securitys Operation Midway Blitz has long passed the initial 60-day deadline. It also comes as a wave of additional Border Patrol agents arrived in Chicago this week and began detaining and arresting people.

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Last week, Pritzkers office said the 60-day deployment had been amended and extended an additional 32 days. But since then, Duckworth, a Democratic member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said she learned of the extended federal activation to April 15, with her staff saying the information came from the U.S. Department of Defense. A Pritzker spokesperson this week said the Illinois Guard has been told the extension is expected to last until April 15 but has not yet received the official orders with that date.

And on Wednesday, a Pentagon official told the Tribune, Consistent with the direction of the president, the Secretary of War has extended the federal protection mission into April 2026, using Hegseths preferred title.

This basically only continues to undermine the readiness of our nations military, of the Illinois National Guard, and it weakens our national security, Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, told the Tribune during a brief interview last week. Servicemembers signed up to defend the Constitution and our rights, not to be used as political props.

The Trump administrations decision will likely exacerbate tensions over his unprecedented move to oversee a group of state troops despite opposition from the governor. It also could signal the Trump administrations desire to continue immigration enforcement actions well into 2026 and through the March 17 primary election.

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I just want to assure people that Im going to do everything I can alongside state and local officials to make sure that were doing everything we can to stop Donald Trump and his administrations assault on Chicago and their abuse of our servicemembers, Duckworth said in the Tribune interview last week after questioning Defense Department officials about the recent military deployments in big U.S. cities at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.

The Illinois Guard members in question have been staying at an Illinois Army National Guard training site in Marseilles, a state-owned military base about 75 miles southwest of Chicago, and have never deployed for the Trump administrations stated purpose of protecting federal officers and assets.

The ongoing federalization also drew heightened scrutiny after a federal judge in California last week 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. An appeals court said the Trump administration must end its federal deployment of Guard troops in L.A. by next week. On Wednesday, a federal appeals court ruled that National Guard troops federalized to serve in Washington, D.C., could remain there while judges considered if the deployment was legal.

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In Illinois, state officials have scored some lower court victories barring the states National Guard contingent that was federalized from being deployed onto Chicago-area streets, although the case is now before the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court, which likely wont issue a ruling until next year. Pritzker has often condemned Trumps move as an abuse of power and unnecessary, noting that Illinois troops have neither patrolled streets nor guarded federal buildings, and pointing out that the president said he originally intended to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago to curb crime.

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, left the area about a month ago. That was until Tuesday, when at least 100 immigration enforcement agents were actively participating in deportation missions in parts of the city and suburbs, led by Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino.

Officers under Bovinos leadership have come under scrutiny in federal court for their use of tear gas and other controversial tactics on people protesting their actions in the streets.

Unlike the Illinois National Guard troops who have yet to be deployed to protect federal agents, about 200 Texas National Guard troops were sent to a U.S. Army Reserve training center in the Chicago area for that purpose in early October. But during their 41-day deployment, which ended in mid-November, the Texas troops spent less than 24 hours outside an ICE facility in near west suburban Broadview, which had been the site of tense demonstrations, as part of Midway Blitz.

_____
As 2025 reaches its end, President Donald Trump is approaching the conclusion of the first year of his second term in office.

This comes as Trump made headlines with his response to the death of famous Hollywood director Rob Reiner. He and his wife, Michele Reiner, were killed Dec. 14, prompting Trumps post on Truth Social the following day.

A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood, Trumps post read. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS."

Rob Reiner attends the Los Angeles Premiere of ''Spinal Tap II: The End Continues'' at The Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles on Sept. 9, 2025. Rob Reiner, the celebrated actor, director and producer whose work shaped American television and cinema for decades, has died at 78, police confirmed on Dec. 14, 2025. His death, alongside that of his wife, Michele Singer, 68, is under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Trumps post sparked backlash from citizens and lawmakers alike who called it distasteful.

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Here's what recent polling reveals about Trump's popularity at this point.

South Jersey headlines: Why U.S. Sen. Andy Kim has soured on a fellow South Jersey Democrat

Donald Trump current approval rating in New Jersey: Civiqs

Here is Trump's approval rating in New Jersey, according to data from online survey platform Civiqs.

On job approval (as of Dec. 16):

Approve  34%.

Disapprove  63%.

Neither  3%.

On general opinion (as of Dec. 12):

Favorable  41%.

Unfavorable  56%.

Unsure  3%.

Donald Trump current national approval rating: Civiqs

Here's Trump's national approval rating as of Dec. 12, according to data from online survey platform Civiqs.

Favorable  41%.

Unfavorable  56%.

Unsure  3%.

President Donald Trump speaks from the Oval Office at the White House in Washington on Dec. 15, 2025.

Donald Trump current national approval rating: Reuters/Ipsos

Here's Trump's national approval rating as of Dec. 15, according to data from Reuters/Ipsos.

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Reuters/Ipsos noted that their polls are conducted online with responses from American adults nationwide. Data dashboards include margins for error.

On job performance:

Approve  39%.

Disapprove  59%.

On handling the economy:

Approve  33%.

Disapprove  58%.

On immigration policies:

Approve  41%.

Disapprove  52%.

New Jersey politics: Why New Jersey has joined in a lawsuit against Uber

Donald Trump current national approval rating: The Economist

Here is Trump's approval rating as of Dec. 17, according to data from The Economist:

Approve  42%.

Disapprove  54%.

Don't know  4%.

The Economist shows that Trump has a national net approval rating of -13% and a New Jersey net approval rating of -19%.

How do Donald Trumps current ratings compare to Novembers?

When comparing Trumps approval ratings from November and December, Civiqs showed a slight increase in his disapprovals. For both New Jersey and the nation as a whole, more people held an unfavorable opinion of him and his work.

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The Economist, however, showed the opposite of Civiqs: Trumps disapproval ratings for both New Jersey and the nation dropped in comparison to last months.

Note: The polls and data shown in this article are compiled from a variety of sources, platforms and sample sizes. This page reflects the most updated data available as of Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m.

Risha Inaganti writes about trending topics across South Jersey for the Courier-Post. If you have a story she should tell, email her at rinaganti@usatodayco.com. Subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Where do Trump's approvals stand after Rob Reiner comment?
Federal prosecutors attempted to get a grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, to add a third felony charge to a failed indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James last week, while omitting earlier claims that she fraudulently converted a second home into a rental property.

The third proposed charge, which hasnt been previously reported, was an additional count of making a false statement to a financial institution. The earlier indictment against James consisted of one such false statement count and one count of bank fraud.

The additional charge in the failed indictment attempt could have exposed James, 67, to more prison time because each count carries a potential penalty of 30 years in prison, and a fine up to $1 million. However, defendants are typically sentenced under federal guidelines that result in sentences well below the maximum, especially for those without prior criminal records.

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Prosecutors also asked a magistrate judge to keep records of the proposed indictment sealed after grand jurors rejected all three alleged charges, but the judge declined the request, according to court records.

U.S. Magistrate Judge William Porter wrote in an order Monday that the Alexandria grand jury presented the rejected indictment, known as a no true bill, in open court. He added that facts about the proceeding also leaked to news outlets, and that Justice Department lawyers failed to move to seal the documents until the day after they were filed in the courts public docket.

The Court will not speculate why the grand jury disclosed the no bill in open court, Porter wrote, saying public disclosure serves the interest of transparency given that the criminal allegations against James are already well publicized and the decision not to indict was publicly reported even before the foreperson appeared before the judge.

Prosecutors had argued that sealing the court records, including the proposed indictment, would further the policies behind grand jury secrecy, i.e., protecting the grand jurors identity and the individual accused of a crime from the expense of standing trial where there was no probability of guilt.

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Porter did grant prosecutors request to pause his Monday ruling unsealing the documents so that the government would have time to appeal to a district court, but theres no indication in the case records that prosecutors have done so.

A James spokesperson pointed to a statement last week from James lead attorney, Abbe Lowell, decrying prosecutors actions.

"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, Lowell said. Any further attempt to revive these discredited charges would be a mockery of our system of justice.

Spokespeople for the Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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A grand jury in Alexandria approved a two-count indictment against James in October, but a judge dismissed that case last month after concluding that the lawyer President Donald Trump handpicked to serve as U.S. attorney in the district, Lindsey Halligan, was illegally appointed.

Soon after the case was tossed, prosecutors unsuccessfully sought a new indictment of James from a grand jury in Norfolk. A magistrate judge there publicly recorded that the grand jury had declined to charge, but did not identify James as the target nor disclose the proposed indictment.

The initial criminal case against James consisted of one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a financial institution. The crux of those charges was an allegation that James repeatedly misrepresented her intentions to use a second home she purchased as a rental property  a point experts described as a serious flaw because her mortgage contractdidnt prohibit renting the home. The latest failed proposed indictment focused instead on allegations that James did not personally occupy the home or use the property as a true second residence.

That failed indictment against the New York Democrat would have also added an additional false statement charge, stemming from the same purchase of a single-family home in Norfolk in 2020. The new count was added by filing a charge for James statements on a contract known as a second home rider, and a separate charge for statements on an affidavit of occupancy.

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James pleaded not guilty to the initial indictment and decried the prosecution as the product of Trumps political vendetta against her.

The revised indictment would have also deleted references in the initial indictment to First Savings Bank, which bought James loan from OVM in 2021. And the indictment prosecutors proposed last week omitted a claim that James should have to forfeit $18,933 because she obtained the money by declaring the property as a second home rather than a rental. The revised indictment also sought a forfeiture but referenced no specific amount.

The proposed indictment bore the names of four prosecutors: Lindsey Halligan, who was identified as a United States Attorney and Special Attorney, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McBride and Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Keller Jr.

Keller, who signed the indictment that was voted down, was not present when the grand jury foreperson delivered that decision to the court, Porter wrote in his order.
(Corrects paragraph 12 to state that all five of the candidates, not all except for Winder, worked for the government during Trump's first term; clarifies training program Evans attended in paragraph 21)

By Joseph Ax

CAPE MAY, New Jersey, Dec 18 (Reuters) - It was Megan O'Rourke's dream job. As a top climate scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, she oversaw grants for research projects aimed at making food production healthier and more sustainable.

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But when President Donald Trump's administration began targeting funding programs associated with climate change, O'Rourke decided she could no longer work for the government and remain true to her moral compass  or the oath she swore to serve the country, not just the president.

A few months after quitting her job, she's fighting back against Trump by running for Congress as a Democrat in New Jersey's 7th district, one of the few competitive U.S. House races likely to determine control of the chamber in 2026.

"I literally sat down a year ago with my husband, and we were plotting out our retirement in 12 years," said O'Rourke, 46. "Then one day, I went to him early this spring: 'Honey, what if I blow up our life and quit my job?'"

More than a half-dozen federal employees from departments including Justice, Veterans Affairs, State and Agriculture who quit or lost their jobs after the Trump administration swung a wrecking ball through their agencies are running for Congress as Democrats. Each has put their record of public service, and their experience during the opening months of Trump's second term, at the center of their campaign.

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Democrats need to flip three Republican seats in next year's midterm elections to win a House majority. That would enable them to stymie much of Trump's legislative agenda and investigate his administration.

FROM FEDERAL SERVICE TO POLITICAL BATTLEGROUND

Ryan Crosswell, a 45-year-old former prosecutor, resigned over the Justice Department's controversial dismissal of corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. John Sullivan, 41, ended his nearly 17-year FBI career in protest of what he viewed as the weaponization of the bureau. And Zach Dembo, 40, quit his job as an assistant U.S. attorney out of fear he might be forced to violate his oath to uphold the law.

Other candidates who left the government just before Trump took office have also used their campaigns to argue that the president's assault on the federal bureaucracy is hurting America at home and abroad.

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Bayly Winder, 34, a former official at the U.S. Agency for International Development, carries his old business card on the campaign trail as a reminder of the damage he says Trump caused by bulldozing the agency.

None of the five candidates Reuters interviewed is a sure bet. While O'Rourke, Sullivan and Crosswell are running against vulnerable Republicans in swing districts, each must first outlast a field of Democrats seeking the party's nomination. Dembo and Winder, meanwhile, are campaigning in Republican-leaning districts that have proven elusive for Democrats in past cycles.

In a statement, Mike Marinella, a spokesman for the national Republican party's congressional campaign arm, sought to tie the candidates to former Democratic President Joe Biden's administration, even though all five also worked for the government during Trump's first term.

"We will ensure voters see them for exactly what they are: willing accomplices to a failed presidency," Marinella said.

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The House candidates are among a larger cohort of former government workers running for everything from state legislature to city council. Many resigned or were fired under pressure from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, part of a broader downsizing that has reduced the government's 2.4-million-strong workforce by 317,000 jobs, according to Trump officials.

Some have already been elected, like Erika Evans, a federal prosecutor who resigned in protest of Trump's attempt to end birthright citizenship and won Seattle's city attorney election in November.

Trump has defended the reductions as necessary for a bloated bureaucracy, while Democrats have decried the layoffs as haphazard and chaotic.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

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DEMOCRATS SEE RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITY

Democratic activists say former civil servants possess natural advantages as candidates.

"They understand what works and what doesn't work," said A'shanti Gholar, the president and chief executive officer of Emerge, which recruits Democratic women to run for office.

Her organization has held two dozen training sessions designed for former federal workers, drawing hundreds of signups. Evans, the Seattle city attorney-elect, was a 2025 graduate of Emerge's standard six-month training program.

Run for Something, another Democratic training group, had more than 600 former government workers attend an open call this spring, according to founder Amanda Litman.

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"If you're the kind of person who went to work for the federal government, you did it out of a love of service, or love for your community, or patriotism  you didn't do it for the money," she said. "That is a really compelling starting point for a campaign."

AN ABRUPT END

O'Rourke, Crosswell, Sullivan and Dembo said that while they disagreed with some of Trump's policies during his first administration, they viewed that as an inescapable part of the job.

But they said it soon became clear to them that Trump's second term would be very different, with an unconstrained president showing scant deference to traditional political norms.

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For Sullivan, the realization began hours after Trump's inauguration, when the president granted clemency to more than 1,500 defendants convicted or charged in the January 6, 2021, storming of the U.S. Capitol.

Sullivan, whose FBI team had analyzed video footage to identify participants in the attack, was worried he might be targeted, as Trump officials began purging the Justice Department of people who investigated January 6.

One of the highest-ranking openly gay officials at the FBI, Sullivan was also involved with the bureau's LGBTQ employee resource group, FBI Pride, which was disbanded under Trump. And he grew increasingly concerned that Trump was transforming the FBI into a nakedly political entity.

"I just knew I couldn't stay there and be a part of that," Sullivan said.

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The Trump administration has asserted that it is restoring integrity to the FBI after the Biden administration "weaponized" it against Trump.

Crosswell's career came to an abrupt end in the span of a workweek.

On Monday, February 10, news broke that the Justice Department intended to dismiss corruption charges against Mayor Adams. The decision was widely understood to be a quid pro quo in exchange for Adams' cooperation on immigration, and the federal judge who would eventually grant the motion said it "smacks of a bargain."

Both Adams, who maintained his innocence, and Trump officials denied any deal, saying instead that they were rectifying a miscarriage of justice.

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Over the ensuing week, the department suffered a cascade of resignations from prosecutors, including Crosswell.

He interviewed at law firms but decided to run for Congress after concluding that he could not sit back while Trump ran roughshod over the government.

"You're either fighting for what you know is right, or you are enabling what you know is wrong," said Crosswell, a former Marine.

Watching from Kentucky, where he was working as a prosecutor, Dembo - also a veteran - came to a similar decision.

"I never questioned that the oath that I swore to the Constitution was still being honored  up until the second Trump administration," said Dembo, who served in the Navy.

The former workers have touted their outsider status  and their experience in government  while campaigning.

"I've never been in politics before, but I have been in public service," Winder told attendees during a recent campaign stop.

The novice candidates also face a steep electoral learning curve. As federal employees, they were legally barred from most overt political activity.

Dembo has compared notes in a group chat with other former workers who are running for office.

"So many of these people I've talked to never once thought about running," he said. "But either because they've been fired or forced out, these folks who have been non-political their entire lives...are now running to oppose the administration."

(Reporting by Joseph Ax; editing by Paul Thomasch and Suzanne Goldenberg)
Augusta law enforcement agencies recently partnered to raid multiple locations allegedly connected to the Youngins With Money street gang to seize drugs and more than $200,000 in cash.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office, on Tuesday, coordinated with the Grovetown Police Department to search, with warrants, locations on Henry Circle and Feldspar Court, both in Augusta, as well as Candleberry Drive in Grovetown, according to a news release from the sheriff's office issued on Wednesday.

The agencies altogether seized 30 pounds of marijuana, an undisclosed amount of meth, $211,166, and more, noted the news release.

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The sheriff's office said it arrested the alleged leader of Youngins With Money, De'Ante Cannon, and two others. He was charged with trafficking in marijuana, unlawful participation in street gang activity, and obstruction of law enforcement.

Cannon's alleged associate, Mikael Javaro Williams, was arrested on charges of trafficking in marijuana and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, noted the sheriff's office. Another alleged associate, Kareem Levon Butler, was arrested on charges of trafficking in marijuana.

More: Augusta man killed in moped crash into vacant building as he fled police

Last nights arrests were another step in the right direction for Augusta and the entire CSRA," said Richmond County sheriff's Chief Lewis Blanchard. "These results reflect the tireless work of our investigators and the strength of our partnerships. We greatly appreciate the assistance and coordination with the Grovetown Police Department and Chief Jamey Kitchens.

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The focus of an investigation that started in February, the sheriff's office said Youngins With Money is linked to illegal possession of firearms, and large-scale narcotics trafficking and distribution throughout Richmond County.

In March, two members of Y.W.M. were arrested after investigators located a large quantity of marijuana inside their vehicle on Tubman Home Road in Augusta. Two incidents in September included the arrests of two Y.W.M. members on firearms and drug charges, and a grand jury indicting 11 members of the gang on multiple charges.

This year, the sheriff's office has seized 20 firearms, about 41 pounds of marijuana, methamphetamine, oxycodone pills, and cash used to fund the gang's criminal activity, noted the news release.

I want to thank the dedicated men and women of the Richmond County Sheriffs Office, along with our partners at the Grovetown Police Department and Georgia's Attorney General Chris Carr, along with his statewide Gang Prosecution Unit, for their outstanding work and professionalism," noted Sheriff Eugene Brantley. "These cases require patience, coordination, and commitment. Our partnerships are making Augusta safer for everyone."

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Raids in Augusta, Grovetown target Youngins With Money street gang
A Georgia woman who targeted a 74-year-old widower living in a nursing home and took control of his finances was sentenced Tuesday, the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Eastern District of Missouri announced.

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Shanita Gray, 52, of Georgia, was sentenced to 100 months behind bars after a judge found she exploited the mans vulnerability, forged legal documents, and stole $453,000 meant to support him and his family. She was also ordered to repay the stolen money and was taken into custody immediately.

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U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp compared Gray to a shark that sensed a vulnerable victim and took full advantage with the relentless desire to fulfill your greed. He said she continued to lie even after pleading guilty to her crime by falsely claiming that a bogus power of attorney was legitimate. She has also filed complaints and lawsuits against those who tried to stop the fraud. Youll say and do whatever it takes to benefit yourself, he told Gray.

Court records show Gray created a fake financial power of attorney by altering notarized documents to make it appear the widower had granted her authority over his finances.

Authorities said she presented the documents to a licensed notary public in Georgia.

Prosecutors said she used the forged paperwork to access his medical records and bank accounts, causing what they described as substantial financial hardship.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Authorities said Gray moved quickly after learning the victims eldest son had died. Within 48 hours, she traveled from Georgia to St. Louis and began going through the mans home, gathering personal and financial information belonging to him, his late wife, and his mother.

That information was then used to drain money from accounts, fund luxury purchases, and finance first-class trips to Hawaii and the Dominican Republic, according to prosecutors. Court filings say Gray spent the stolen money on high-end brands including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, and Queens Jewelry, while also transferring cash directly to herself and relatives.

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Testimony from the nursing homes former director undercut Grays claims of authority. The director told the court the widower did not want Gray in his home, did not want contact with her, and did not want her managing his money. His intent, the director said, was to preserve his remaining assets for his youngest son.

Prosecutors said Grays actions left the elderly man financially and emotionally vulnerable, the very outcome, the judge said, she was willing to cause in order to benefit herself.
BALTIMORE  A final report produced by a commission established to investigate the history of lynchings in Maryland urges the state and several local jurisdictions to acknowledge their parts in the acts of racial terror committed during the 19th and 20th centuries  and calls for payments of up to $100,000 for every descendant of a known lynching victim, among dozens of other recommendations.

The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established by the House of Delegates in 2019, has spent six years working to investigate, document, and reckon with the history of racial terror lynching that resulted in the murders of at least 38 Black men in the state.

This work represents an opportunity to investigate and address 38 open murder cases  crimes against humanity for which no one was ever held accountable, said David O. Fakunle, chair of the commission. There is no statute of limitations on murder, and the systems that enabled racial terror lynching did not disappear in 1933.

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That was the year of the last known lynching in the state, that of an African American laborer named George Armwood, by a white mob in Princess Anne.

According to the 630-page work, the commissions goal has been to bear witness to a chapter of Maryland history too long denied ... when Black Marylanders ... were terrorized, brutalized and murdered by White mobs, often with at best the negligence and at worst complicity of local and state institutions.

The report includes 84 recommendations, among them that Maryland and an array of local governments issue a written apology for the past crimes; create an interagency task force to identify relevant descendants of victims and offer them the monetary compensation; establish law-school scholarships to law school for descendants of Black residents from counties where lynchings took place; fund grants to support education on the history of lynching in the state, and support efforts to create a permanent and public Maryland Lynching Memorial.

The recommendations include dozens designed to address the entrenched racial disparities the authors say racial terror lynching was designed to enforce, including todays racial wealth gap, disproportionate incarceration rates, maternal mortality disparities, and land loss among Black families, in the authors words.

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The report offers no total cost estimate for the recommendations, but it argues that whatever expense is incurred will pay ample dividends in the long run. The commission presented it to the Maryland General Assembly for consideration on Dec. 9.

Gov. Wes Moore expressed appreciation to the commission for delivering a final report with recommendations aimed at confronting this painful chapter of our history and advancing accountability and healing, Ammar Moussa, a spokesman, said.

"Given the scope of the report, it would be premature to commit to specific proposals, but the administration takes the commissions work seriously and is committed to engaging in that process with the Commission members and the General Assembly, Moussa continued. The Governor and his team will review and evaluate the report in full and work in partnership with the General Assembly to determine the best path forward.

In May, Moore vetoed a bill that would have launched a two-year study into whether the state should provide reparations to Marylanders impacted by the states history of slavery and inequality. The legislature overrode that veto Tuesday, during a special session held to elect a new House speaker.

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The 17-member group that looked into lynching  the first state-sponsored commission of its kind in the United States  confirmed and documented 38 of the murders of Black people by white mobs in Maryland, all committed between 1854 and 1933; held 14 hearings in 10 counties to educate members of the public about the subject and seek input from community members, and produced the report, which was finalized Dec. 9.

The work cites historic legislation, such as the federal Civil Liberties Act of 1988, as precedent for its proposed acts of reparation. That act granted redress of $20,000 and a formal presidential apology to Americans of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated in internment camps during World War II.

But because lynchings had even worse consequences for its victims, as well as for their descendants, the commission calls for Maryland to be more proactive than the federal government was with internment victims 37 years ago.

Unlike the Japanese-Americans who were wrongfully interned, the Black victims of racial terror lynchings were murdered, and thus the State of Maryland will bear the onus to identify, locate, and compensate direct lineal and collateral descendants.

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Proposals for rectifying the ongoing racial disparities that commission members believe lynching helped bring about include ending qualified immunity for police officers who have violated training or policy; requiring law enforcement officers, government attorneys and judges to undergo implicit bias training every year, and providing free job training and career counseling for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Lynching was never solely about the individuals killed; it was a system of terror designed to subjugate an entire community and to enforce racial hierarchy that harmed  and continues to harm  Black Marylanders, the authors write. To limit repair to direct descendants would be to fundamentally misunderstand the nature and scope of racial terrorism.

_____
Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill have long come together around supporting Afghans who worked with U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan. Not anymore.

The November shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan whod been granted asylum in the U.S. has rendered the once-popular cause a taboo topic in Republican circles.

This month, House Republican leadership cut language to reestablish a State Department office that supported the relocation and resettlement of Afghan allies from this years National Defense Authorization Act. And a loud group of Republican immigration hard-liners is now pushing the Trump administration to re-vet thousands of Afghan refugees admitted under President Joe Biden and deport those the administration deems to have been granted improper entry to the United States.

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Until the shooting, GOP lawmakers had mostly worked to protect programs to aid Afghans seeking asylum from the larger Trump administration crackdown on foreign nationals in the United States. Now once-stalwart backers of programs for these Afghans are hedging their support and calling for changes to the vetting process. Some of those making the biggest reversals face voters in 2026.

Im sympathetic, obviously, to people who have helped America in the war effort, but all that support was predicated upon a rigorous vetting process, which I dont have confidence in, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). Cornyn, who faces two formidable primary challengers this year, helped write a 2021 law that updated the Special Immigrant Visa category for Afghans who helped the United States during the two decades America spent fighting Taliban insurgents in the country.

Asked his current stance on the SIV program, Cornyn said, I dont have any confidence in it in light of the vetting issues.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), who has previously backed the resettlement of Afghan allies and condemned the Biden administration for inaction in helping Afghans, is also focusing on the need for reforms.

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We can be grateful President Trump is taking decisive action to strengthen vetting and prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again, said Blackburn, who is retiring from the Senate and running for Tennessee governor, in a speech on the Senate floor.

Its a stunning reversal of fortunes for the effort to help Afghans who aided the U.S., coming just weeks ahead of the end-of-year deadline for Congress to extend the deadline for Afghans to apply for Special Immigrant Visas. And it comes as advocates warn that there is an insufficient number of visas for the number of applicants waiting to enter the United States.

The U.S. admitted nearly 200,000 Afghan nationals in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Officials who served in the Biden administration have maintained that the U.S. did adequately vet and screen those who were admitted and that only a small number have encountered legal trouble since then.

Thousands of Afghans who worked with the U.S. military and their families still wait at military bases and refugee camps around the world for a small number of SIVs. Military personnel at U.S. bases overseas typically conducted initial vetting of Afghans.

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Republican leaders, said one congressional staffer, have poisoned the Afghan allies conversation even as a small bipartisan group of lawmakers tries to keep the efforts to help Afghans alive.

Republicans want this debate to die, the staffer added. The individual, like others, was granted anonymity to discuss internal conversations about the legislation.

Shawn VanDiver, head of a nonprofit called AfghanEvac that advocates for programs to help Afghans who aided the U.S., said he was shocked by House Speaker Mike Johnsons decision to ax the provision reestablishing States Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts from the NDAA.

Speaker Johnson has been good on this previously, VanDiver said. We expected the president to turn this into a circus  This is the president using a terrible tragedy to turn prejudice into policy.

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The plight of Afghans who helped U.S. forces has been one of few issues to unite Democrats and Republicans in Washington, even as Congress became more polarized. Congressional Democrats and Republicans joined forces during the Biden administration to increase the number of Special Immigrant Visas available to Afghans following the Talibans 2021 takeover of the country. Legislation to provide Afghans with a path to U.S. citizenship or permanent residency has also enjoyed bipartisan co-sponsorships, though it has not become law.

Since the Nov. 26 shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members, which killed one service member and critically injured another, theres been little appetite in Congress to increase the number of visas  let alone increase the legal pathways to citizenship  for Afghans.

The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, served in an Afghan military unit with ties to the CIA. Lakanwal was admitted to the United States under Biden, and the Trump administration approved his asylum claim in April. While investigators have not disclosed any motive for the attack, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said he was radicalized in the United States. Republicans have seized on the issue to renew their attacks on the resettlement of Afghan refugees and the security screening process.

It has also become politically dangerous for Republicans up for reelection in the midterms to voice any support for the Afghan visa programs.

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One of Cornyns primary challengers, Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), has seized on his past support of the visa programs to portray his opponent as out of touch with voters. Hunt himself previously backed efforts to support Afghans who helped the U.S. in Afghanistan.

When a senator from Texas takes 11 votes to support mass amnesty and then votes to accelerate Afghan SIV pathways, it doesnt signal America First. It signals a bid for clout among Washington insiders, Hunts campaign said in a statement.

Democrats and some Republicans have asked for caution. While the Biden administrations process was criticized in a 2022 Department of Homeland Security inspector generals report, which found that federal officials did not always have critical data to properly vet Afghan refugees, they argue that thorough vetting still occurs.

Individuals are already vetted through numerous interagency databases including through the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Counterterrorism Center, a group of House Democrats led by Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) wrote in a Thursday letter to Trump and Noem.

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Democrats are particularly incensed about the removal of the CARE office provision from the NDAA. That office, eliminated during a July overhaul of the State Department, was a hub across the U.S. government to process visas for, and manage the relocation and integration of, Afghans allowed into the United States.

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), who co-sponsored the original legislation to reauthorize States CARE office, said her Republican colleagues are turning their backs on Afghans.

My colleagues need to grow a spine and stop letting Stephen Miller do their jobs, or else they will go down in history as betraying the very Afghans we promised we would never leave behind, she said, referring to the Trump adviser who is seen as the main architect of the presidents immigration policy.

Johnsons move dashed hopes that any legislation to help Afghans who supported the U.S. war effort could advance in this Congress.

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That was everyones hopes and dreams on this issue, said a second congressional staffer. It was literally authorizing the CARE office at State. If thats dead, you can extrapolate that nothing more substantive on this is ever going to pass.

Lawmakers have until Dec. 31 to decide whether to extend the SIV program. About 35,000 Afghans are approved to enter the United States, but fewer than 7,000 SIVs remain to be allocated, based on the numbers Congress authorized in previous years.

In the past, when the number of visas has come close to running out, Congress has increased the cap.

Another bipartisan bill, the Afghan Adjustment Act, would create a pathway for Afghans to obtain permanent residency and eventually U.S. citizenship. That bill already faced headwinds during both the Trump and Biden administrations given political opposition to immigration.

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VanDiver said he wants lawmakers to use a discharge petition to bring the CARE office legislation and other bills to help Afghans to a vote in the House without Johnsons approval. It is unclear whether such a petition will materialize before Congress adjourns for the holidays.

The Republican co-sponsors of the legislation to reestablish the CARE office have not commented on its removal from the NDAA. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.)s office did not respond to a request for comment about whether the New York Republican still supported the Enduring Welcome Act.

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) still backs the legislation  but hes not running for reelection.

The creed of the military is no man left behind, McCaul said in an AfghanEvac video. And we promised them that we would protect them and yet we failed in that duty, in my judgment.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article mischaracterized the 2021 legislation Cornyn backed regarding Afghan Special Immigrant Visas.
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Sunday that the Trump administration expects the US Supreme Court to rule in its favor in a case that challenges the legality of President Trump's tariffs.

The court's decision could not only invalidate most of the tariffs but possibly force the government to issue refunds of up to $100 billion, which Hassett told Face the Nation would create major administrative problems.

Hassett also said he thinks the $2,000 tariff rebate checks President Trump has floated seem much more likely to happen. "In the summer, I wasnt so sure that there was space for a check like that, but now Im pretty sure that there is," he said, adding he expects the president to bring a formal proposal to Congress in the new year.

Meanwhile, Trump announced a $1,776 "warrior dividend" payment to nearly 1.5 million US service members in an address last week.

Trump did not say how the program would be enacted or funded. But even before the "warrior dividend," Trump had floated at least nine different plans for how revenue from his tariffs could be spent, according to an analysis from Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul.

In addition to the $2,000 tariff dividend checks, the promises included paying for the tax cuts that Republicans instituted over the summer.

But after lifting some tariffs on items like coffee, oranges, and cocoa, monthly tariff revenues dropped, from $31.35 billion received in October to $30.76 billion last month. That marks the first decrease since Trump began implementing the duties.

Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet

What else to know about Trump's tariffs:

The US government announced on Tuesday that it plans to put tariffs on China's semiconductor industry, placing new duties on chips from Beijing from June 2027, though that delay is considered a signal that the Trump administration is looking to continue rebuilding ties with Beijing amid a broader trade truce.

US companies looking to increase cash flow are hedging their bets on the Supreme Court case against President Trump's tariffs by selling their rights to collect government refunds of taxes to outside investors.

Several US companies, such as Costco (COST), have filed lawsuits and claims to the US government for tariff refunds in the belief that Trump's tariffs will be struck down by the US Supreme Court. If the courts rule against Trump's tariffs, the president may be forced to repay billions of dollars in collected revenue from imports.

The office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that Canada and the US will launch formal discussions to review their free trade agreement in mid-January. But discussions on key sectors were unlikely, with Carney saying the issue would be covered in a planned review of the United States-Canada-Mexico (USMCA) trade pact next year.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER

183 updates
Republicans are making mail-in voting a core part of their midterm battle plans  a sharp contrast with President Donald Trumps efforts to abolish the practice as they scramble to turn out his base.

In Wisconsin, the state party is preparing a full-court press of mailers, emails, phone banks, door knocks and digital ads to get voters to sign up for mail ballots.

In Michigan, the Monroe County GOP ran a social media campaign ahead of the fall election urging voters to utilize permanent absentee ballots and is planning an even bigger push next year.

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In Pennsylvania, where Republicans poured $16 million into boosting the number of GOP voters using mail ballots in 2024, the state party chair called it a priority for 2026. The nonprofit Citizens Alliance, which aided efforts to get Republicans to return their mail ballots in Pennsylvania last year, is planning to knock 750,000 doors ahead of the midterms to encourage infrequent voters to embrace the practice.

And the Republican National Committee intends to build on the aggressive early mail and in-person voting campaign it ran successfully in 2024, after shying away from the practice in 2020, while also supporting election security efforts including stopping ballots from being counted after Election Day, according to a person granted anonymity to describe the committees plans.

Democrats have built a pretty massive structural advantage in early voting for a long, long time. And we just cant keep going into election night 100,000 votes down and expect to make it up in 12 hours, Wisconsin GOP Chair Brian Schimming said in an interview. Treating early voting as optional, or something Democrats do, is a losing gamble.

Trump has long falsely decried mail voting as rife with fraud. Over the summer, he vowed that Republicans are going to do everything possible [to] get rid of mail-in ballots. In November, and again this week, he called on Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster and pass a law to ban mail-in voting.

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But, as has been the case for several years, he and his party are out of sync.

Rattled by electoral losses across the country this year and fearing a turnout slump in 2026 when control of Congress is on the line, Republican party chairs and operatives in battleground states Trump flipped by razor-thin margins in 2024 are turning to mail-in voting to keep lower-propensity voters engaged when hes not on the ballot. Theyre redoubling the 2024 efforts they ran successfully despite Trump alternating between promoting and railing against the practice  a turnabout after his vilification of mail ballots contributed to GOP losses in 2020.

Now, back in office, Trump is escalating his war against mail ballots. He signed an executive order in March that attempted to bar states from counting ballots that arrive after Election Day, along with other election-system overhauls. Judges have blocked most of the order, and the Supreme Court is set to decide whether federal law prohibits states from counting late-arriving ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Despite pledging to lead a movement to eliminate corrupt voting by mail ahead of the midterms, Trump has yet to issue another executive order on it. State courts have upheld vote-by-mail programs expanded during the pandemic. And presidents have little authority over state-run elections, whose rules are guided by federal and state law rather than presidential decree.

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State and local Republicans, seeing few paths to overturning mail voting programs, are forging ahead  swallowing their own misgivings about ballot security in an effort to cut into a Democratic advantage as early voting options turn Election Day into election season.

Pressed about their mission appearing antithetical to Trumps rhetoric, Republican operatives uniformly insisted theyre simply trying to play by the rules theyve been given and that they support the president trying to change them  even if theyre unsure hell succeed.

In Michigan, thats the law of the land unless we can find a U.S. constitutional override, which I doubt thats going to happen, said Jim Runestad, a state senator who chairs the Michigan Republican Party. So, he said, well be fully engaged in early and absentee voting  we have to be.

Still, the renewed dispute between Trump and his party over mail-in voting is the latest evidence of cracks forming in the ordinarily unified Republican Party. GOP lawmakers throughout the country, from New Hampshire to Indiana, have been rebuffing the presidents push for an aggressive redistricting effort to shore up his partys chances of keeping its slim House advantage next year. Democrats need to net just three seats in order to seize control over the lower chamber. And several members of Trumps base, namely departing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, bucked him on the yet-to-be-released Jeffrey Epstein files.

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The White House did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

Republicans have already shown some success in convincing their voters to embrace mail voting. In Pennsylvania  where now-Sen. Dave McCormicks campaign, party committees and outside groups spent millions promoting the practice  GOP voters cast 32.4 percent of mail ballots in 2024, up from 23.7 percent four years earlier, helping Trump narrowly flip the state. Roughly one in five Republican voters who cast ballots in the state that year had not participated in any elections since 2020, suggesting the method worked for some low-propensity voters who the party has to work harder to turn out.

Nationally, roughly three in 10 ballots in the 2024 general election were cast by mail, according to a U.S. Election Assistance Commission report from June. That was down from 43 percent in 2020, at the pandemics peak, but higher than pre-Covid, according to the report.

We have to encourage people to embrace mail-in voting and early voting, Pennsylvania GOP Chair Greg Rothman said in an interview. That has to be a priority for us in 2026.

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Rothman wont be alone in that fight. Citizens Alliance, the nonprofit founded by Pennsylvania-based conservative activist Cliff Maloney that hired over 100 people to chase ballots across roughly 500,000 doors in 2024, is gearing up to knock 750,000 in 2026. The Republican State Leadership Committee, which helped fund mail-ballot programs in Pennsylvania last year, put more than $2 million behind turnout efforts in New Jersey and Virginia this year and said its doubling down on the program in 2026 .

Without Trump on the ballot, the low-propensity problem is an epidemic and Republicans have to adapt or die, Maloney said. The blessing here is that theres a solution  and the solution is to actually put dollars, cents, time and energy into the same tactics that the left uses to target low-propensity voters.

State and county parties in Wisconsin and Michigan are planning similarly aggressive efforts, though they, like other Republican officials interviewed for this story, declined to share details or put price tags on strategies still taking shape. In Michigan, where voters can sign up for a permanent mail ballot list, Monroe County GOP Chair Todd Gillman sees it as a way to get more people engaged in more under-the-radar local elections.

But even as they try to make inroads with mail voting, Republicans in other states are attempting to follow Trump in restricting the practice. Ohios GOP-controlled Legislature last month passed a bill that would invalidate nearly all ballots received after Election Day that were postmarked prior to the deadline. The states Republican governor, Mike DeWine, is now weighing whether to sign it . Utah GOP Gov. Spencer Cox signed a similar bill earlier this year. Republican-led Kansas Legislature overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys veto of another bill eliminating the grace period, which is being challenged in court.

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And Republicans pushing mail-in voting remain somewhat hamstrung by their standard bearers scaremongering, which has sown a deep distrust among GOP voters that party officials and activists say theyre still working to reverse.

Trump made baseless claims of mail-voting fraud the basis for his constellation of stolen-election conspiracy theories in 2020. He piled on in 2024, suggesting scores of Pennsylvania ballots were fraudulent and accusing postal workers of purposefully losing some mail ballots  even as his campaign, the RNC and GOP-aligned groups prioritized early voting initiatives. Last month, as Californians voted to approve mid-decade redistricting in response to a GOP-led redraw in Texas, Trump threatened legal action that never materialized over ballots cast by mail in a state that sends one to every voter.

GOP operatives have a script for that, insisting to wary Republicans that theyve made voting by mail more secure and informing them of the various options they have to ensure their ballots reach election offices, including hand delivery.

We dont necessarily like early voting or absentee ballots, Gillman said. But those are the rules we have to play by.

Jessica Piper contributed to this report.
NEED TO KNOW

Residents in South Memphis say they worry about long-term health effects following the speedy construction of Elon Musk's data center last year

Its God's given air, and man shouldnt take it away from us, one 76-year-old woman said

As various organizations, advocates and watchdog groups sound the alarm, city officials have argued that the companys presence in the area will support the local economy

Some Memphis residents say they're already grappling for clean air after Elon Musks AI company began pumping out plumes of pollution to power its gargantuan data center.

Its God's given air, and man shouldnt take it away from us, Easter Knox, a 76-year-old woman who lives in Boxtown, just three miles from the xAI data center, told Time earlier this year. I dont care how much money you got.

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The woman  who was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in 2024 and has lost three loved ones to cancer  began to smell gas in the air last year and no longer opens her windows because of the rotten cabbage odor.

Boxtown has a majority Black population with a median household income of $36,000, Time and Politico previously reported. For generations, residents have battled pollution-related health issues.

The area includes 17 industrial facilities and the air quality was deemed unhealthy due to smog even before the construction of the billionaires supercomputer, according to Politico. The emergence of the data facility has only exacerbated the residents predicament.

Imagine the outcry if these facilities had been placed next to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, no one would allow it, Austin Dalgo, an academic primary care physician in South Memphis, told TIME. Instead, they were placed in the backyard of a historically Black, underserved neighborhood, reinforcing a long legacy of environmental racism in Memphisand our country.

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Musk and xAI did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment.

On xAIs website, the company describes their supercomputer, dubbed Colossus, as the worlds biggest." The AI training system, with a staggering output of 200k GPUs (Graphics Processing Unit), helps power the companys chatbot, Grok, according to the website.

We were told it would take 24 months to build, read a message on the website. So we took the project into our own hands, questioned everything, removed whatever was unnecessary, and accomplished our goal in four months.

In order to power the massive machine, the company has used gas turbines, according to the reports.

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The turbines were meant to be a temporary solution as proper infrastructure was built to support Colossus, but residents said they fear the dangerous precedent such moves are setting for other AI data centers, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported.

In June, the NAACP filed an intent-to-sue notice to xAI, claiming that the company was violating the Clean Air Act, though a lawsuit has not yet been filed, according to the outlet.

None of those turbines had pollution controls that are normally mandated by federal law or a permit until this summer, Politico previously reported, noting that by that time, they'd already been in operation for six months.

Following months of debate, the Shelby County Health Department approved a permit in July.

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In a statement shared with the Memphis Commercial Appeal in July, xAI said it followed all federal, state and local laws. The company said that all temporary turbines were decommissioned, with only 15 permitted turbines in use, according to the report. (The company is also constructing a second Colossus campus at 5420 Tulane Road, with plans of building an even larger data center in nearby Whitehaven, the outlets reported.)

On Monday, Dec. 15, an appeal to revoke xAI's air permit was dismissed following a seven-hour hearing involving community members, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

A central point in the appeal was that the original ruling was "unlawful" and that the current situation allows companies to put up gas turbines without permits, the local community's input or preliminary environmental reports, according to the outlet.

AUSTIN JOHNSON/AFP via Getty People march in protest against the arrival of xAI and the National Guard in Memphis, Tenn. People march in protest against the arrival of xAI and the National Guard in Memphis, Tenn.

As various organizations, advocates and watchdog groups sound the alarm, city officials have argued that the companys presence in the area will support the local economy through new jobs and property tax revenue that will go towards public projects, according to Time.

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That hasn't swayed some residents concerns. In April, hundreds of people turned up at a public hearing regarding xAIs air permit for permanent turbines and shared their fears.

Why cant we breathe at home? said 28-year-old Alexis Humphrey, who had her first major asthma attack in 15 years not long after the supercomputer was built, according to Time.

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.

After the Trump administration shut down the Environmental Protection Agencys scientific research arm, concern has grown as data centers owned by major companies have raced to expand. Residents have raised fears about increased electricity costs, while people in other states have worried about the quality of their drinking water.

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As the worry about the long-term health effects of the nearby data center grows in South Memphis, more people are speaking out.

At a protest earlier this year, according to Politico, state representative Justin Pearson said, "They put our lungs and our air on the auction block and sold us to the richest man in the world."



Read the original article on People
Dec. 17A Rock Falls man whose plea agreement on home invasion and sex assault charges was turned down last week in Whiteside County Circuit Court is asking a judge to dismiss the case, claiming his right to a speedy trial has been violated.

Daniel J. Yanes, 48, is charged with home invasion, criminal sexual assault, aggravated battery and aggravated domestic battery in connection with an Illinois State Police investigation that began in February 2022. He was charged April 6, 2022, with home invasion and criminal sexual assault in connection with an incident that is alleged to have happened Oct. 1, 2021. He was taken into custody on April 11, 2022.

Since that time, the charges have been amended twice, once on Oct. 28 when the aggravated battery charge was added, and then again two days later, when the aggravated domestic battery charge was added.

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Yanes was in court Dec. 11 for a negotiated plea hearing when Judge James Heuerman refused to accept the plea deal. The case was then scheduled for a pretrial conference set for 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15. About two hours before that conference was set to begin, defense attorney Jim Mertes filed a motion to dismiss, claiming Yanes's right to a speedy trial had been violated by six days.

He said Yanes's written demand for a speedy trial was filed on April 12, 2022. Under Illinois law, every person on pretrial release or recognizance is to be tried within 160 days from the date a defendant demands trial, unless "the delay is occasioned by the defendant," according to the motion.

Mertes included a breakdown of dates and the number of days that have elapsed since Yanes demanded the speedy trial, exclusive of delays occasioned by Yanes. That list accounts for 166 days that have elapsed, and includes the four days that passed from when the plea agreement was turned down on Dec. 11 through Dec. 15, when Mertes filed the motion to dismiss.

"The defendant has therefore not been tried by the court having jurisdiction within 160 days from the date defendant demanded trial, exclusive of delays occasioned by the defendant," the motion states.

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In response, Heuerman said he wanted to give Whiteside County State's Attorney Colleen Buckwalter time to review the motion to dismiss, with Buckwalter agreeing that she wanted to take a closer look at the timeline.

Over Mertes's objection, Heuerman set a hearing for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 26 to address the motion to dismiss. The jury trial is still set to begin at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 13.

Home invasion carries a sentence of 6 to 30 years in prison. Criminal sexual assault carries a 4- to 15-year prison sentence.
The City of Clarion is one of several communities that received USDA Rural Development grants to improve public safety. (Photo by Cecilia Lynch/USDA)

Rural Iowa communities have received more than $8 million in grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development for the improvement of water and safety systems.

The grants and loans will be used to purchase firetrucks, warning sirens and to upgrade wastewater and water distribution systems in 20 Iowa counties, according to a news release Thursday from the department.

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More than $7 million of the total announced awards went to water improvement projects in Russell, Ricketts, Pisgah and the unincorporated community of Green Mountain in Marshall County.

The City of Russell received a more than $2 million loan and a $1.3 million grant to update old water pipes to meet modern standards and reduce water loss.

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The City of Pisgah was awarded a nearly $1.4 million loan and a $1.1 million grant for the construction of a new piping, electrical gear, pumps and controls at its wells and ground storage sites. The funding will also go toward emergency standby systems, replacing lead elements in service lines, building hydrants and main lines through parts of the city.

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The City of Ricketts received smaller grants and loans through the same Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program to line its sewers, seal manholes and build a new discharge lagoon for its wastewater treatment system. The city received a $200,000 loan and a $900,000 grant for the improvements.

Iowa Regional Utilities received $650,000 total in grants and loans to build the first-ever centralized sewer system in the unincorporated community of Green Mountain.

North Iowa Area Council of Governments and the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity received grants of slightly less than $65,000 each to assist with improvements to low-income housing.

Communities received a cumulative total of $192,400 in grants to upgrade public safety equipment.

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The cities of Ashton and Miles will use the funding to purchase new siren and warning system. Waukon, Albia and Clarion received higher grant amounts to purchase a K9 law-enforcement vehicle, a fire rescue truck and a law enforcement patrol vehicle.

The cities of Epworth and Sabula will use their grants, to obtain firefighting equipment.

Michael Sexton, the states rural development director, said the administration is championing infrastructure projects that give rural and agricultural communities more solid footing for the future.

USDA recognizes the unique challenges faced by smaller Iowa communities as the need for clean water and emergency response grows in places that support our nations essential food supply chains, Sexton said in the news release.

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In November, a train carrying almost 500 people came to a sudden halt in eastern Poland. A broken overhead line had smashed several windows, and the track ahead was damaged. Elsewhere on the line, explosives detonated under a passing freight train.

No one was hurt in either case and the damage was limited, but Poland, which blamed the attack on Russias intelligence services, responded forcefully: It deployed 10,000 troops to protect critical infrastructure.

The sabotage in Poland is one of 145 incidents in an Associated Press database that Western officials say are part of a campaign of disruption across Europe masterminded by Russia. Officials say the campaign  waged since President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine in 2022  aims to deprive Kyiv of support, create divisions among Europeans and identify the continent's security weak spots.

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So far in this hybrid war, most known acts of sabotage have resulted in minimal damage  nothing compared to the tens of thousands of lives lost and cities decimated across Ukraine.

But officials say each act  from vandalism of monuments to cyberattacks to warehouse fires  sucks up valuable security resources. The head of one large European intelligence service said investigations into Russian interference now swallow up as much of the agencys time as terrorism.

While the campaign places a heavy burden on European security services, it costs Russia next to nothing, officials say. Thats because Moscow is carrying out cross-border operations that require European countries to cooperate extensively on investigations  while often using foreigners with criminal backgrounds as cheap proxies for Russian intelligence operatives. That means Moscow notches up a win just by tying up resources  even when plots arent successful.

Its a 24/7 operation between all the services to stop it, said a senior European intelligence official, who like the head of the European intelligence service and other officials who spoke to AP insisted on anonymity to discuss sensitive security matters.

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Over the course of the year, AP spoke to more than 40 European and NATO officials from 13 countries to document the scope of this hybrid war, including incidents on its map only when linked by Western officials to Russia, its proxies or its ally Belarus.

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told AP that Russia doesn't have any connection with the campaign.

APs map tracking Russian sabotage and disruption

APs database shows a spike in arson and explosives plots from one in 2023 to 26 in 2024. Six have been documented so far in 2025. Three vandalism cases were recorded last year, meanwhile, and one this year.

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The data is incomplete since not all incidents are made public, and it can take officials months to establish a link to Moscow. But the spike matches what officials have warned: The campaign is growing more dangerous.

The countries most frequently targeted, according to the map, border Russia: Poland and Estonia. Several incidents have also occurred in Latvia, the U.K., Germany and France. All are major supporters of Ukraine.

The European official, a senior Baltic intelligence official and another intelligence official said the campaign noticeably calmed in late 2024 and early this year. Their analysis showed Moscow likely paused the campaign to curry favor with U.S. President Donald Trump's new administration. It has since resumed at full pace.

They are back to business, the European official said.

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Multicountry plots drain resources

The man officials say was behind the attack on the Polish railway that carries supplies to Ukraine is Yevgeny Ivanov  a Ukrainian convicted of working with Russian military intelligence to plot arson attacks at home improvement stores, a cafe and a drone factory in Ukraine, according to court documents.

Ivanov, who left Poland after the attack there, worked for Yury Sizov, an officer from Russia's GRU military intelligence service, according to Ukraines security service.

Ivanov was convicted in absentia in Ukraine but managed to enter Poland because Ukraine did not inform Polish officials of his conviction, Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said. Ukraines security service said it closely cooperates with allies.

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Staging plots that involve perpetrators from several countries or who have crossed borders drains investigatory resources from multiple authorities across Europe  one of Moscows key goals, according to Estonian State Prosecutor Triinu Olev-Aas.

Over the last year, she said the profile of attackers in Estonia has changed from locals largely known to law enforcement to unknown foreigners. That requires increased cooperation among countries to disrupt plots or detain perpetrators.

For two attacks in January  fires set at a supermarket and a Ukrainian restaurant  the people hired had never been to Estonia before, Olev-Aas said.

At the restaurant, a Moldovan man smashed a window, threw in a can of gasoline and set it alight. Video showed his arm on fire as he ran away.

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The man and his accomplice fled through Latvia, Lithuania and Poland before being caught in Italy.

Turning to criminals

While Russian intelligence officers might be the masterminds of such operations, they frequently rely on recruiters  often with convictions or criminal connections  who assign tasks to saboteurs on the ground, the Baltic official said.

Outsourcing to people with criminal backgrounds, like Ivanov, means Russia doesnt have to risk highly trained intelligence operatives  agents Moscow often doesnt have recourse to anyway since European countries kicked out scores of spies as relations nosedived in recent years.

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Russian criminal networks offer a ready-made alternative, the Baltic official said.

The European official said the man accused of coordinating a plot to put explosives in packages on cargo planes, for example, was recruited by Russian intelligence after involvement with smuggling guns and explosives. The man is linked to at leastfour other plots.

Other people are recruited from European prisons or soon after they're released, the Baltic official said.

In one case, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, dedicated to the Soviet Unions occupation of the country, was set on fire by someone released from prison the previous month.

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Greater strain, greater cooperation

Even plots that are foiled are a win for Moscow because they test defenses and waste resources.

In 2024, a Ukrainian man, working on the orders of Russian military intelligence, dug up a cache of items buried in a cemetery in Lithuania, including drone parts and cans of corn filled with explosives.

Officials believe the plan was to rig the drones with the explosives. The plot was eventually foiled  but not before considerable resources were used to track down everyone involved, said Jacek Dobrzynski, the spokesperson for Polands security minister.

The sheer number of plots is overstretching some law enforcement agencies, but Moscows campaign has also fostered greater cooperation, the European official said.

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Prosecutors in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have created joint investigation teams for attacks organized by foreign intelligence services, said Martins Jansons, a special prosecutor in Latvia.

In the U.K., front-line police officers are being trained to spot suspicious incidents that may be state-backed, said Cmdr. Dominic Murphy, head of the counterterrorism squad at the Metropolitan Police.

He noted a trainee detective flagged an arson attack at a warehouse in London after realizing the business was owned by Ukrainians and contained communications devices used by the military. Police determined the attack was organized by Russian intelligence.

But officials warn Russia is continually testing new methods.

Smugglers in Russias ally Belarus have sent hundreds of weather balloons carrying cigarettes into Lithuania and Poland, repeatedly forcing the Lithuanian capitals airport to shut in what authorities called a hybrid attack.

Nowadays they only carry cigarettes," Dobrzynski warned, "but in future they could carry other things."

___

Associated Press writers John Leicester in Paris, Claudia Ciobanu in Warsaw, Poland, and Volodymyr Yurchuk in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed.
TREMONTON, Utah (ABC4)  A sacred rock with petroglyphs important to the Northwestern Band (NWB) of the Shoshone Nation has been restored and returned to its original location after it spent decades at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse.

The petroglyphs are around 1,200 years old, and they were created by the Fremont people, who were ancestors of the NWB of the Shoshone Nation. The effort to restore the petroglyphs and return them took over a decade, and it involved the NWB of the Shoshone Nation, the state of Utah, and conservators working with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Grand Canyon trail closures announced for 2026 construction

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According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the rock was removed from its original location in the northern Utah mountains about 80 years ago, and it spent the majority of that time outside of the Tremonton meetinghouse.

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Photos courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Ryan Saltzgiver, history sites curator for the Church History Department, said that its unknown exactly why the 2,500-pound rock was brought to the church, but in 2011, it was discovered by amateur archeologists.

Saltzgiver said that theyve spent the time since that discovery working with the NWB of the Shoshone Nation and the Utah State Historic Preservation Office to bring everyone together and create a plan for preservation and repatriation.

BYU students book supporting mental health nonprofits

Brad Parry, vice chair of the NWB of the Shoshone Nation, said, Putting it back for us is putting a puzzle piece back into place. Our history is so fractured with a lot of things that happened to us. To have these positive things now that are coming out  its rebuilding our history. And I cant overstate that.

The stone is returned to its original location near the Utah-Idaho border, and Rios Pachero, a tribal spiritual leader, performs a blessing. (Courtesy: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

We do have a moral and ethical obligation to care for things like this that are in our possession  and in particular to return those things that are, in this case, very sacred objects to those rightful owners, Saltzgiver said.

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The restoration process was very involved, as conservators chosen by Church historians cleaned years of lichen growth from the rock. They had to clean it without damaging the surface or the petroglyphs, and conservators wound up using soap and water, nontoxic biocide, and steam.

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Photos courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Megan Randall, an objects conservator with the Midwest Art Conservation Center, said, Even if its not the cleanest, in a couple months or a year, it will continue to sort of clean itself with the application of the biocide. Theres not that many people out there who do this, which makes our work very interesting and varied.

Randall also highlighted the spiritual importance of the petroglyphs to the tribe. We want to make those visible and appreciable by the people who find value in this, which is also us, she said.

The rock was returned to its original location near the Utah-Idaho border, joining its companion petroglyphs. A ceremony was held, including a blessing from a Shoshone tribal spiritual leader.

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This rock was meant to be here. Its like this rock knows its home, Parry said.

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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 ABC4 Utah.
Sailors at 56 U.S. Navy installations will be the beneficiaries of about $375 million in barracks improvements projects to address critical living conditions, Navy officials announced Thursday.

About $300 million will go into major projects to benefit around 2,000 sailors and Marines at six bases with larger, more urgent needs.

The remaining $75 million has been identified for 95 smaller projects at 50 installations, including some overseas. They include projects such as kitchen modernizations; heating, ventilation and air conditioning system upgrades; flooring replacements and new furniture.

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Officials said they received about $375 million in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for Navy unaccompanied housing work. The effort is driven by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths Barracks Task Force initiative and the Navys Sailors First principle, officials said.

Providing safe, comfortable and clean housing is not optional. It is a responsibility we owe to every sailor who volunteers to serve, Vice Adm. Scott Gray, commander of Navy Installations Command, said in the announcement.

This is not a one-time fix, but a sustained commitment, Gray said.

We are dedicated to continuous improvement and ensuring our sailors have the quality housing they deserve throughout their careers, he added.

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The six larger projects will focus on longer-term maintenance, restoration and modernization projects ranging from improving energy efficiency and renovating bathrooms to replacing HVAC, plumbing and electrical distribution systems.

Those six projects were prioritized based on executability and impact for our sailors, Destiny Sibert, a spokeswoman for the Navy Installations Command, said.

She said these improvements were largely identified after Gray ordered his regional commanders to personally inspect all unaccompanied housing facilities where sailors were living in their areas of responsibility last spring.

The six larger projects are:

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Naval Base Kitsap, Washington: Major repairs to Keppler Hall, which housed 304 sailors but is now uninhabitable after a fire and water damage in August. A contract has been awarded and is on a fast track to start, Sibert said.

Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Maryland: Modification of a barracks occupied by an unknown number of Marines in the Joint Chemical Biological Incident Response Force. The project includes structural, mechanical and electrical upgrades and modernization of the fire suppression system.

Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia: Complete renovation of student housing for 336 residents at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training. The project will include a new roof, as well as HVAC and plumbing work, mold remediation and flooring replacement, among other things.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii: Full modernization of Building 1489, including HVAC, roofing, plumbing and electrical upgrades, renovation of shower areas, upgrading kitchens and other interior improvements and providing storage areas for the 96 residents.

Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck, Virginia: Renovation of Building 550, which houses about 338 students in the Marine Corps Intelligence School. The project will include structural repairs, heating repairs, a new sewer system, new flooring, bathroom improvements, in-room refrigerators and microwaves.

Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia: Improvements at Shields Hall for the 638 residents, to include replacing the HVAC system and suspended ceilings, as well as other repairs.

A schedule for completion of the projects is not available because of the contracting process.

For years, troops across the services have complained about conditions in barracks, and the Government Accountability Office has reported on the poor conditions, lack of oversight and deferred maintenance that reached critical stages.

For too long this department has neglected its responsibilities to set and maintain the appropriate standards for barracks, and that ends now, Hegseth said in an Oct. 6 memo directing the formation of the Barracks Task Force.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested a 24-year-old woman on the morning of Dec. 17, moments after she dropped off her child at Salisbury's Pinehurst Elementary School.

The arrest of Vanessa Parrazal occurred outside the school in the 400 block of Pinehurst Avenue.

Wicomico County Public Schools released the following statement about the incident:

"Wicomico County Public Schools is aware of an incident involving the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency that occurred in a neighborhood near Pinehurst Elementary School. This incident did not take place on school property, and there was no disruption to school operations."

Elizabeth Watkins, a neighbor and friend of Vanessa Parrazal, shared these photos she said were of the vehicle Parrazal was driving when she was arrested by ICE agents on Dec. 17, 2025, outside Pinehurst Elementary School in Salisbury, Maryland.

Delmarva Now reached out to ICE for information about Parrazal's arrest, but has not received a response.

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OCEANS CALLING RETURN DATE: When will Oceans Calling return to Ocean City in 2026? Save these dates

Neighbor shares reaction to ICE arrest of Salisbury's Vanessa Parrazal

Salisbury residents gather to protest the arrest of Vanessa Parrazal on Dec. 17, 2025. Parrazal was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents outside Salisbury's Pinehurst Elementary School.

Parrazal's neighbor, Elizabeth Watkins, who was behind Parrazal in the dropoff line at Pinehurst when the incident occurred, shared her reaction on Facebook, plus photos from the scene.

"this morning I dropped my daughter off in the drop off line like many other days behind our neighbor whos become like family to us. our daughters got out and held hands as they walked up, and we exited the drop off line and sat and watched from our car for an extra minute as they walked in. at the stop sign we smiled and waved to each other, and we headed home the way we always do. I then had to witness ICE violently take her away. I had to be pushed back, as I was stepping away already, watching my friend being treated unjustly and inhumanly knowing there was no reason for it to be happening. I felt powerless."

More of Watkins' reaction to witnessing the scene is embedded below.

A BIG BOOST FOR ARTS CENTER PLAN: Salisbury University downtown arts center plan gets $1 million from MD

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: ICE officers arrest Salisbury woman outside Pinehurst Elementary School
Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

Researchers discovered a fingerprint on Scandinavias oldest plank boat, used by seaborne raiders over 2,000 years ago.

The print was left in the caulking tar by one of the boats makers.

Experts still hope the fingerprint can point to clues about who the raiders were and why they attacked the island of Als.

The mystery of why a group of seaborne raiders attacked the Danish island of Als over 2,000 years ago just got one step closer to being solved. Researchers scoured Scandinavias oldest plank boat (likely used by the raiders), and discovered a fingerprint pressed into the tar caulking material. While this is an admittedly small piece of evidence, archaeologists still hope it can move them closer to figuring out just where the attackers came from.

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The attack on the island of Als happened in the fourth century B.C.E., when an armada descended. Even with up to four boats in the attack, the island-dwellers were able to defend their home, sinking one of the boats in a bog (likely as an offering of thankfulness for victory) in the process. The boatwhich was was first discovered in the 1880s and excavated in the 1920sis now known as the Hjortspring boat, and is the only example of a prehistoric plank boat ever found in Scandinavia.

Where these sea raiders might have come from, and why they attacked the island of Als has long been a mystery, Mikael Fauvelle, an archaeologist from Lund University, said in a statement.

With the Hjortspring boat on display at the National Museum of Denmark, the university research team still unexpectedly found parts of the boat that hadnt been chemically preserved, and studied them with modern tools. The boat was waterproofed with pine pitch, which was surprising, Fauvelle said. This suggests the boat was built somewhere with abundant pine forests.

Previously, scholars thought that the raiders must haveoriginated from modern-day Hamburg, Germany. But the researchers, who published their findings on the investigation into the lost pieces of the Hjortspring boat in the journal PLOS One, now say that the clues point to the Baltic Sea region as the origin point of the attack. The authors wrote that the use of pine pitch means the boats must have been made in a region abundant with pine forests, like the Baltic Sea region east of Rugen and Scania.

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If the boat came from the pine forest-rich coastal regions of the Baltic Sea, it means that the warriors who attacked the island of Als chose to launch a maritime raid over hundreds of kilometers of open sea, Fauvelle said.

The researchers used all the tools at their disposal to investigate the find, including carbon dating the lime bast cordage, which confirmed its pre-Roman Iron Age dating. They also used X-ray tomography for high-resolution scans, created a 3D model of the fingerprint, and employed chromatography and mass spectrometry to help see how the caulking tar was produced.

We are also hoping to be able to extract ancient DNA from the caulking tar on the boat, which could give us more detailed information on the ancient people who used this boat, Fauvelle said.

Analyzing intact cordage fragments and imprints of cordage on caulking material helped experts divine the sewing and rope-making techniques originally used in the construction, and the partial human fingerprint provides a direct link to the ancient seafarers. Together, these results shed new light on the methods and materials used to build Scandinavias first plank boats, the authors wrote, and raise new questions regarding our understating of early maritime societies in Northern Europe.

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The Livekindly Collective (LKC) has inked a co-manufacturing and distribution deal in Europe with Tindle Foods for plant-based meats.

LKC will produce Tindles products for the US, German and UK markets for supply to foodservice and online customers, according to a statement.

Germany and the UK are two of LKCs largest markets for its own branded meat-alternative products, but the US-headquartered business also manufactures for private-label customers.

Commenting on the tie-up, LKC CEO David Suarez said: Until recently, we have been focused on growing organically by utilising our assets, with brands and B2B production leading the charge, but being financially secure allowed us to explore inorganic growth opportunities, too.

This move represents a considerable opportunity, and we are ready to tap into it and bring tasty plant-based protein to people on a bigger scale, through food service and emerging channels.

LKC operates three manufacturing plants in the Netherlands, Sweden and South Africa.

South Africa is another key market for the business for the companys Frys brand, which is also available in Australia. It also owns the Oumph!, NoMeat and Like plant-based meat lines distributed in select countries such as the DACH region, Germany and the UK.

With the backing of our network, production capabilities, and operational know-how, we will continue to expand our plant-based food portfolios and advance our mission to transform the food system, Suarez added.

Just Food has asked LKC to clarify what Tindle products the agreement covers and whether it entails both branded and private-label items.

Singapore-headquartered Tindle announced in November it was moving away from branded alternatives to own label, along with a plan to exit the US and focus on Europe.

Co-founder and CEO Timo Recker said at the time: This strategic pivot follows a clear logic. The plant-based category has become increasingly price-driven, and were seeing that private-label products are capturing a growing share.

Reckers other co-founder Andre Menezes stepped down as CEO two years ago. The pair originally set up the business as Next Gen Foods in 2020 before taking on the name of its Tindle brand.

The portfolio includes wings, nuggets, tenders and stuffed chicken.

Just Food has contacted Singapore-based Recker for a statement on the agreement with LKC, while asking both companies if any investment monies are changing hands.

On LKCs part, the business turned a profit in September for the first time since it was founded in 2020 by Roger Lienhards Blue Horizon Corp. Backers also include Germanys PHW Gruppe and South Africas RCL Foods.
WASHINGTON  The small ski town of Brian Head, Utah, could get a tiny bit bigger after the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced a bill transferring two dozen acres of federal land to be used for public purposes.

The bill was approved in a unanimous voice vote on Wednesday after days of back-and-forth between Chairman Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. Martin Heinrich, the top Democrat on the committee, to include language restricting what the land could be used for. The proposal will now go to the full Senate for a vote, although timing on that is not yet clear.

Lee described Brian Head as a mostly sleepy ski town, but one that pulls above its weight during the busy ski season. The town is home to only 151 permanent residents but can see more than 300,000 visitors each year, putting what Lee calls an enormous strain on the local infrastructure.

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As of now, the town stores essential equipment outside, which has resulted in wear and tear over the years, according to Lee. The bill would aim to remedy that by transferring 24 acres of Forest Service land to expand and modernize the public works facility.

Its a targeted solution to a well-documented, undisputed problem, a problem that the Forest Service agrees exists, and a solution that the Forest Service supports, Lee said on Wednesday.

But Heinrich raised concerns about the proposal after the initial draft failed to include what is known as a reversionary clause, which would mandate the public land be returned to the federal government if it is used for a purpose other than what was originally stated. Those clauses are standard for these kinds of land transfers.

Without that language, the top Democrat worried the land could be transferred for commercial or private use but without any payment. Heinrich entered into negotiations with Lee, resulting in an amendment to insert the reversionary language in exchange for the Democrats support.

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I would support the Brian Head Town Land Conveyance Act on Wednesday if it ensured that the public land would be used for a public purpose, Heinrich said ahead of the vote. My view is pretty straightforward here: public lands belong in public hands.

However, conservation groups are ringing alarm bells that the bill still contains vague standards for how the land can be used with no effective mechanism to enforce the restrictions. Groups have also raised concerns the proposal does not require any financial compensation or land exchange to pay for the transfer.

Sen. Lee failed this summer with his large-scale efforts to sell off public lands, so now hes trying to give them away parcel by parcel, Travis Hammill, D.C. director for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, said in a statement. This legislation would set a precedent for future attempts to give away public lands without public input, appropriate compensation, environmental review, or other important legislative components. Public lands are an invaluable part of our nations shared heritage  not an item to be given away piecemeal by Senators.

The bill was co-sponsored by Utah Sen. John Curtis who, in a May press release first announcing the bill, said it gives local officials the tools they need  to meet their communitys growing needs.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Two U.S senators on Thursday asked several U.S. construction companies to detail the use of Chinese-made DJI drones in government contracts and at sensitive national security facilities, saying the issue raised national security concerns.

Democratic senators Maggie Hassan and Gary Peters in letters to Hensel Phelps, Brasfield & Gorrie, and the Bechtel Corporation sought answers on the companies' relationships with DJI, citing reports about DJI drone use by the government contractors.

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The U.S. government considers the use of Chinese-made drones generally  and DJI drones specifically  a threat to national security and prohibits their use by federal agencies or contractors," the letters said.

The use of these types of drones at sensitive and secure facilities creates the potential to provide a pathway for the transfer of important national security-related information to the Chinese government.

DJI said in a statement its "products have been reviewed by government agencies and independent third parties in past audits and consistently found to be safe and secure."

Hensel Phelps said in a statement it takes "security of government data seriously and implements robust protection of all drone data to ensure that no data leaves Hensel Phelps' secure systems."

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The other two companies did not immediately comment.

The letters noted construction companies routinely use drones at work sites for a number of reasons.

DJI sells more than half of U.S. commercial drones. In September, a U.S. judge rejected a bid by DJI, to be removed from the U.S. Defense Departments list of companies allegedly working with Beijings military. The company faces further restriction as soon as later this month from the Federal Communications Commission.

The senators said earlier this year in a report the General Services Administration Office of the Inspector General found multiple cases of construction contractors using prohibited DJI drones, including a major contractor that frequently used a DJI drone to take aerial photographs to document construction at an Arizona port of entry.

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The senators want the CEOs of the three companies to disclose by Jan. 15 how many DJI drones they own, whether they have received waivers for use of the drones at government facilities and details on drone data.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Nick Zieminski and Stephen Coates)
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Six sexual assault survivors have filed a lawsuit against Match Group, the parent company of Hinge and Tinder

The lawsuit alleges that the apps continued to permit and promote the dating profile of Stephen Matthews, a former cardiologist who was convicted of rape, even after he was reported

Matthews was sentenced to 158 years in prison after being found guilty of drugging 11 women he met on the dating apps and sexually assaulting eight of them, prosecutors said in October 2024

Six sexual assault survivors have filed a lawsuit against Match Group, the parent company of dating apps Hinge and Tinder, alleging that the company allowed convicted rapist Stephen Matthews to remain on their platforms despite reports about his behavior.

The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, Dec. 17, in Denver County District Court by six anonymous plaintiffs named as Jane Doe 1-6, alleges that Hinge permitted Matthews to remain on the dating platform after a pattern of predatory behaviors emerged, according to the court filing viewed by PEOPLE.

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Five of the survivors met Matthews on Hinge, while another matched with him on Tinder, also owned by Match Group, the suit alleges.

Matthews, a former cardiologist based in Denver, was sentenced to 158 years in prison  the maximum sentence  after being found guilty of drugging 11 women he met on the dating apps and sexually assaulting eight of them, prosecutors said in October 2024.

"This is a lawsuit against the worlds largest online dating monopoly for knowingly recommending serial rapist Dr. Stephen Matthews to women on its platforms, who he then drugged and raped," the first sentence of the lawsuit reads.



Denver District Attorney Colorado cardiologist accused of drugging and raping 13 women Colorado cardiologist accused of drugging and raping 13 women

The suit alleges that Matthews began drugging and raping women in September of 2020, and that Hinge ignored complaints received about him, per the filing.

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It further alleges that even after one woman had reported Matthews to the app for sexual assault, Hinge recommended Matthews' profile to her again.



"For too long Match Group has nearly monopolized online dating and created an industry-wide disregard for the rape of its women members. The serial predation by Stephen Matthews is an extreme example, but our clients bring this lawsuit to demonstrate that every day apps like Hinge and Tinder are used as a hunting ground for violent men," Carrie Goldberg, an attorney representing five of the anonymous plaintiffs, said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

Alan Shafner of Shafner Injury Law tells PEOPLE in a statement, "This is a very sad and unfortunate situation that occurred at the hands of the worlds largest dating application. Innocent women looking to meet a nice person were matched with a sexual predator on their sites even though they had knowledge that Matthews was drugging and raping women. Instead of permanently banning Matthews they did the opposite. They continued to recommend him to other innocent women who he later sexually assaulted and raped."

Shafner continued, "Match and Tinder had the technology and expertise to stop Matthews. Yet, they did the opposite and acted as an accomplice by allowing Matthews to continue meeting women and remain visible to other victims. Bank robbers rob banks because thats where the money is. Sexual predators and rapists use dating sites because thats where their prey is. Hopefully, this lawsuit will give the many victims a voice to bring about real change."



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Any report of sexual assault or violence is heartbreaking and deeply concerning," a spokesperson for Match Group tells PEOPLE in a statement. "Safety is foundational to the trust our users place in us and is critical to the success of our business, which is why we have a comprehensive suite of safety tools in place and continue to invest heavily in this area. We are committed to strengthening our safety efforts, building innovative new technology, and working closely with industry partners to help protect our users. We will always look for ways to improve our systems and help our community stay safe both online and when they connect in real life.

I matched with Stephen Matthews on Hinge. I thought I was safe. I thought he was who he said he was. I woke up in a nightmare. I woke up with injuries I will never forget, one survivor said in a press release, per the outlet. I learned later that other women had lived the same horror."

Matthews "incapacitated his victims and then sexually assaulted eight of them, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said in a news release on Oct. 25.

This guy is one of the most prolific serial rapists in the history of the state of Colorado, former Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said, KDVR reported.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Matthews' sentence was met in court with cheers and applause by victims who detailed the impact of their assaults during sentencing.

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Calling him a "narcissistic monster" and a "serial rapist, one of the victims who spoke during the sentencing said, "We are now a powerful army of survivors," adding, "and you are nothing, CBS News reported.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.



Read the original article on People
A local sheriffs office is warning people about several attempted scams.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Logan County Sheriffs Office wrote in a social media post that scammers are trying to deceive citizens into providing personal information or money.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The Sheriffs Office highlighted several common warning signs of scams, including unsolicited calls, texts, or emails that demand immediate payment, threats of arrest or legal action, and requests for personal banking information.

Additionally, messages may falsely claim to be from law enforcement or government agencies.

Law enforcement agencies will never solicit payment or personal information through phone calls, emails, or texts, as emphasized by the Sheriffs Office.

Public awareness is crucial in recognizing the signs of scams.

Common tactics used by scammers involve requesting payments via unconventional methods such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, the sheriffs office said.

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These methods are designed to avoid traceability, as law enforcement warns that legitimate agencies do not use these channels for transactions.

Victims are urged to act promptly if they believe they have been targeted or victimized by a scam.

They should report the incident to their local law enforcement agency, documenting any messages, phone numbers, and transaction details for investigation.

Staying alert and informed is essential for the public.

The Sheriffs Office encourages individuals to hang up immediately if they feel pressured or threatened by a caller and to refrain from clicking on suspicious links or opening unknown attachments.

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Police are searching for a shopper who threw an epic, fist-pounding tantrum and stole items after becoming aggravated over a New Jersey supermarkets self-checkout.

The incident happened at Acme grocery store on Valley Road in Montclair on Dec. 9, township police said.

After becoming increasingly frustrated at the self-checkout, the man punched a computer monitor at the customer service desk, knocked over a display of gift cards and Red Bull cans and shoved a beverage refrigerator, police said.

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He also stomped on a Red Bull can, causing it to explode, officials said.

After the tantrum, the shopper left the store with the items he had been previously trying to scan at the self-checkout, authorities said.

Police are still trying to identify the man. He is described as being over 50 years old, about 5-foot, 8-inches tall and is balding with grey hair.

At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black jacket and his eyes were bloodshot and yellow tinted, police said.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The apparent immigration detention of Jose Gonzalez, the longtime manager of BiCE Ristorante on Worth Avenue, has sparked outrage among residents of the ultra-wealthy town of Palm Beach, home to President Donald Trump and his Mar-a-Lago estate.

"This is sickening," said Denise McGowan, a Palm Beach resident who has known Gonzalez for over 20 years. "We need to get him out of Alligator Alcatraz."

Gonzalez, a 53-year-old native of Mexico living near West Palm Beach, was detained on Dec. 10 alongside his 22-year-old nephew, Jove Javier Loza Gonzalez, while on a supply run for their food truck, Tacos Agave. He has since been kept in custody at the state-run immigration tent camp in the Everglades.

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The detention comes amid increasing pushback, from vigils to protests to the active thwarting enforcement actions, across Palm Beach County and the country to the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies.

With Gonzalez's detainment, that wave of discontent with what the president has promised to be the biggest mass deportation in U.S. history has now reached "Billionaire's Row" and beyond in posh Palm Beach.

As they wait to learn Gonzalez's fate, Palm Beach residents and business people say they miss a man they said always remembered their names, accommodated charities, helped search for lost keys in the sand and placed a special chair outside for one patron to sit with her dog.

The plight of the restaurant manager is also ringing too familiar to those in the town's enclaves. Just seven years ago, during Trump's first term, Jose's younger brother, Javier Gonzalez, landed under the scrutiny of immigration officials.

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A communitywide petition calling for Javier Gonzalez, also a valued hand at a Palm Beach restaurant, to be allowed to remain in the United States collected 140,000 signatures. The younger sibling is still in Palm Beach, and residents hope their efforts on behalf of Jose Gonzalez are equally successful.

"Jose is like family, McGowan said. "He is like a brother to so many people on the island.

BiCE manager a friendly face in Palm Beach, Worth Avenue

Those who dine at BiCE say they have always been greeted with Gonzalez's warm smile. But over the last week, that familiar smile has been sorely missed, they said.

"Palm Beach over the last 20 years has been through so many changes, but Jose was always there, said Alexis Posada, who grew up in in the barrier island town. "BiCE has always been a place that's home because of Jose.

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Posada said Jose Gonzalez was especially attentive to guests. He called cabs for the young adults dining the restaurant who had one too many drinks.

"This is what you want in your community. This is what you want your kids to see. This is who represents, 'I work hard, I get far, ' Posada said. "He contributed to the community with the warmest smile and by making BiCE the (toast) of Palm Beach."

Sandy Pallot Klein, 83, a Palm Beach resident since 1966, said he has known both Jose and Javier Gonzalez since they were busboys at a restaurant on the beach. Klein said he was proud when the two brothers earned management positions at upscale eateries along Worth Avenue.

"The Gonzalez family, they're part of the backbone of Palm Beach, Klein said.

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Klein said Jose Gonzalez is a caring gentleman and a quintessential host who made everyone feel important. He added Jose made a priority of accommodating charities to host their events at BiCE.

"Jose opened BiCE up, Klein said. "Jose, not only for me, but for many people, is our favorite person on Palm Beach island.

Restaurant manager's detention leaves Palm Beach in 'shock'

Palm Beach real estate broker Jennifer McHenry said she grew up eating lunch at BiCE with her grandmother and still dines there at least once a week. Gonzalez was the only manager on Worth Avenue who accommodated a special chair for McHenry to sit outside with her dog.

Years ago, McHenry said she lost her keys on the beach and the Gonzalez brothers were the only servers who helped her find them in the sand.

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"Everybody knows Jose, McHenry said. "We are all in shock. It's very sad."

McHenry said she met Jose Gonzalez 20 years ago and that his warm service is the reason she has kept returning to BiCE.

"Jose greets you with a smile and he is always impeccably dressed, McHenry said. He is always polite and courteous, and he really remembers almost everybody, and their names."

Eddie Schmidt and his husband, the owners of the Table 26 restaurant on Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, said he saw Gonzalez the night before he was detained when the couple had dinner at Cafe Med, which Gonzalez co-owns.

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The next morning, Schmidt received a call from Gonzalezs family saying he had been pulled over and taken into custody.

"He gave us a hug goodbye, Schmidt said of their last meeting with Gonzalez. And then, to hear of his situation was just devastating.

Schmidt said Jose Gonzalezs detention has affected the Gonzalez family and the Palm Beach community that is used to seeing him by the door at BiCE.

"I see the sadness and the heartache the family is going through, Schmidt said. And their pain and fear are so solid that it's now extended outside so the community feels it."

Rallying for Jose Gonzalez's release

The next day, Schmidt turned his shock into action. He called every Mar-a-Lago member and influential person he knows in Palm Beach to raise awareness about Gonzalez's detention.

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Schmidt said Gonzalezs arrest is an example of how the Trump administration has misled the American people in saying its immigration crackdown and deportation program would only target violent criminals.

We are talking about a man that has worked for over 30 years in this community as a front-door person, treating every single person like family, always there for everyone's needs." Schmidt said. "This is a time we need to come together and support him and his needs.

Schmidt said many of his employees at Table 26 are now living in fear, too.

"When they come to work, they feel safe, Schmidt said. "But they're terrified to get back in their car and drive home because they don't know what's going to happen.

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Schmidt said the immigration detentions are already affecting small businesses in West Palm Beach, costing them employees.

"This is going to devastate our economy long-term, Schmidt said. "It infuriates me, because that is not what America is about.

Valentina Palm covers immigration and the western communities of Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at vpalm@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump's Palm Beach reacts to BiCE manager Alligator Alcatraz detention
A man was taken into custody Thursday morning after a small plane that was stolen from a flight school slammed into an exterior wall of a hangar at Van Nuys Airport, authorities said.

The white Cessna 172, which never got airborne, was apparently taxiing on the tarmac when the collision occurred around 5 a.m. Whether anyone was seriously injured was unclear.

Video from AIR7 showed a hole in the single-story hangar's wall where it was struck by the plane's nose. The owner of the flight school, L.A. Flight Academy, said the aircraft's nose and wing were damaged in the incident.

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Los Angeles Airport Police told Eyewitness News that the suspect -- identified as 37-year-old Ceffareno Michael Logan -- trespassed onto airport property and gained access to the aircraft.

"LAXPD immediately responded and took subject into custody," read a statement provided to ABC7.

Logan appeared to have gained entry to the L.A. Flight Academy by breaking the front door.

"The gentleman broke in and stole one of the planes, started the engine, was about to taxi out, and the wing hit one of the hangars and the plane just flipped and went inside a neighbor's hangar," said Anthony Nercessian, who runs L.A. Flight Academy.

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When asked how Logan was able to start the plane without a key, Nercessian explained that the aircraft doesn't necessarily require a specific key to start.

Logan was arrested and booked for burglary and theft of an aircraft. His bail was set at $150,000.

Both the FBI and LAXPD are investigating.

Van Nuys Airport is a general aviation facility operated by Los Angeles World Airports.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A Smithfield man was sentenced Thursday to eight years in federal prison for possessing more than 150 improvised explosive devices  the largest number of finished explosives in FBI history  and for having an unregistered short-barrel rifle, according to court records.

We should blow up Congress: New details in Smithfield explosives, firearms case

Brad Kenneth Spafford, 36, had pleaded guilty to the charges in federal court in Norfolk back in July. Each charge carried a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. His sentencing comes a year after he was first taken into custody at his Isle of Wight County home. It followed a two-year investigation.

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Spafford was admitted to an emergency room on July 31, 2021, with an amputated right thumb, partially amputated right middle and index fingers, hearing loss, and scalp lacerations, according to court documents. He falsely stated to the hospital that his injuries were caused by fireworks but investigators later determined that the injuries resulted from his misfire of a launcher at a family members rural property, where Spafford routinely detonated explosives that he had made.

Man accused of stockpiling bombs, using Biden photo for target practice, pleads guilty

Law enforcements arrested Spafford Dec. 17, 2024 for possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle.

Authorities searched his Smithfield property and vehicles, recovering an unregistered short barrel rifle and ammunition compatible with the rifle.

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Agents also found approximately 155 improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, that appeared to be homemade pipe bombs. Some of the IEDs had handwritten identification on them, including lethal and concussion.

Brad Spaffords manufacture and stockpiling of explosive devices posed a serious danger to himself and to others, said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, in a statement. This sentence, along with Mr. Spaffords own injuries, should serve as a deterrent to anyone considering the manufacture of homemade explosives.

Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the FBIs Norfolk Field Office, said the case reflects the serious consequences of illegally possessing dangerous weapons and explosive devices that threaten public safety.

Investigators said some of the devices were analyzed with propellant capabilities of causing property damage, personal injury or death. Authorities also recovered bomb-making equipment, along with riot gear, Tannerite, two empty grenade canisters, an improvised mine, precursor chemicals for explosive materials and numerous rounds of homemade ammunition.

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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 WAVY.com.
In early 2023, Luminar was riding high. After going public during the pandemic and scoring a key deal with Volvo, the company had added Mercedes-Benz and Polestar as customers of its lifesaving lidar sensors. Founder and CEO Austin Russell called it an inflection point, as Luminar prepped to have those sensors integrated into the first production vehicles.

Volvo in particular was all in on the technology. The Swedish automaker, which spent decades building a brand around the idea of making the safest cars, was the first to jump at integrating the laser-based sensors in its vehicles. Volvo initially tapped Luminar to provide 39,500 lidar sensors over the life of a deal signed in 2020. In 2021, Volvo upped that to 673,000. And in 2022, Volvo upped it again, this time to 1.1 million sensors.

Three years later, Luminar is now in bankruptcy. The company has already made a deal to sell off one subsidiary centered around semiconductors and is looking to sell its lidar business during the Chapter 11 process, which began on Monday.

The first batch of filings in the bankruptcy case shed new light on how Luminars cornerstone deal with Volvo came apart  and how its undoing helped push the once-promising startup over the edge.

Big promises, then big revisions

Luminar made substantial up-front investments in equipment, facilities, and workforce to meet the demand from Volvo back in 2022, according to a declaration written by Luminars newly hired chief restructuring officer Robin Chiu. It built out a manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, and spent nearly $200 million to prepare to make its Iris lidar sensors for Volvos EX90 SUV.

Volvo was going to be a marquee customer, the stepping stone to introducing the companys Iris product to the broader automotive industry, one of Luminars lawyers said during the first hearing in the bankruptcy case on Tuesday.

But, according to Chiu, problems were already brewing with Volvo. The automaker delayed the EX90 SUV because it needed to do more software testing and development, the automaker said in 2023. And in early 2024, Luminar says Volvo reduced its expected volume for Iris sensors by 75%.

Luminars other deals started to sour, too. Polestar (a subsidiary of Volvo) quietly gave up on integrating Luminars lidar sensors because the vehicles software ultimately could not use the features, according to Chiu. Mercedes-Benz terminated its agreement to buy Luminars Iris sensors in November 2024 because the lidar-maker failed to meet ambitious requirements, according to Chiu.
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger speaks at a news conference at the state Capitol in Richmond on Thursday, where she unveiled her Affordable Virginia Agenda, a package of legislative proposals focused on lowering health care, energy and housing costs. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury)

Less than a month before she takes the oath of office, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Thursday rolled out a comprehensive legislative blueprint she said will lower costs for Virginia families  from prescription drugs to utility bills to housing  in a session she framed as a turning point for the commonwealths economic health.

Spanbergers Affordable Virginia Agenda, announced one day after outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin introduced his final biennial budget proposal to the General Assembly, outlines a suite of legislative proposals aimed at reducing consumer costs across three major categories: health care, energy and housing.

The plan comes against a backdrop of rising living expenses that many voters cited as their top concern during the 2025 elections, when Democrats swept all statewide races and increased their majority in the House of Delegates by 13 seats.

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Today, I am proud to unveil the beginning, the first step of these efforts, our agenda, to build a more affordable Virginia, Spanberger said at a news conference in the state Capitol. We cannot accept the status quo when it comes to the high cost of living. It is hurting the financial security of our economy, our communities, and our neighbors.

Spanberger  the first woman to be elected governor in Virginia  rallied Democratic leaders behind her push but emphasized her willingness to work with Republicans where possible.

She said affordability is not merely a household concern but essential to Virginias economic competitiveness, a message she says resonated with voters from the Eastern Shore to Southwest Virginia.

Health care: scrubbing costs, curbing middlemen

At the heart of Spanbergers agenda is a multifaceted health care package designed to tackle out-of-pocket costs and limit insurance practices she says have siphoned money from patients and providers. Much of her plan echoes the health care priorities she outlined on the campaign trail earlier this year.

A centerpiece of the plan would restrict the role of pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, which Spanbergers plan describes as predatory middlemen that can inflate drug prices. A bill that created a sole PBM for the states Medicaid program was signed into law by Youngkin in May, setting the stage for further reforms in the coming legislative session.

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The proposed 2026 bill would prevent PBMs from steering patients to affiliated pharmacies, require that drug rebates be passed through to health plans or patients, ban misleading statements, prohibit retroactive payment clawbacks and establish reimbursement standards for independent and community pharmacies.

No Virginian should have to choose between paying their healthcare and putting food on the table, Spanberger said, emphasizing the need to hold PBMs accountable for driving up drug costs.

Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas (left) and House Speaker Don Scott attend a news conference at the state Capitol in Richmond on Thursday. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury)

Another proposal would limit prior authorization requirements, which often require insurer approval before patients receive medications or treatments. Spanberger argued that excessive prior authorizations delay care, can lead to complications and ultimately raise costs for patients and the system alike.

House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria, said Spanbergers health care proposals address real problems that families hear about every day.

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We need common sense answers to real issues of affordability that these families hear in the commonwealth, Herring said. She cited lowering prescription drug costs, reforming prior authorization processes and expanding access to health care as critical steps forward. Its a brand new day for the commonwealth, she added.

Spanbergers agenda also calls for investing in the health care workforce, including a proposal to transfer management of health incentive programs from the Virginia Department of Health to the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority, which she says will help ensure patients have access to both routine and complex care.

In addition, her plan would stabilize the Affordable Care Act marketplace through targeted premium assistance, establishing a pilot program for individuals most likely to drop coverage due to federal premium increases  a concern echoed by health policy analysts across the country.

Another measure, House Bill 1639, sponsored by Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, earlier this year but vetoed by Youngkin, would remove the sunset on a law banning extra insurance premium charges for tobacco users.

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Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, said rising costs have forced difficult decisions for many families this holiday season, including choosing between heat and housing or prescriptions and groceries.

Locke said the time for posturing is over. Gov.-elect Spanberger is ready to govern, and so are we, she said. The people are watching, and they are counting on us to deliver.

Energy: efficiency, forecasting and storage

Spanberger also made stabilizing energy costs a priority, highlighting widespread concerns about utility bills in the midst of growing peak demand driven in part by data centers and other high-load infrastructure across the state.

Starting in January, she said, lawmakers will pursue expanded energy storage to help lower peak power prices by allowing stored energy to be used during periods of high demand. A revived 2025 proposal would raise energy storage capacity targets for Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power subject to approval by the State Corporation Commission.

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We will make expanded energy storage a top priority, Spanberger said, and we will improve energy efficiency across our commonwealth.

The agenda also calls for expanding programs to reduce heating and energy costs for low-income Virginians and establishing a weatherization and energy efficiency task force within the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Small solar systems, such as balcony-mounted panels, would be exempted from typical utility approval requirements under her plan, facilitating wider adoption.

The agenda further advocates for improving utility demand forecasting to avoid overestimations that can lead to unnecessary infrastructure investments and higher rates for consumers.

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Herring praised the plans emphasis on solar and renewable energy, saying it reflects a commitment to using technology to reduce costs and ensure a strong, resilient grid.

Housing: boosting supply, strengthening protections

Addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis, Spanberger further seeks a combination of tenant protections and measures to expand the supply of affordable housing across the commonwealth.

Her proposals include extending the grace period before landlords can file eviction proceedings, authorizing localities to adopt affordable housing dwelling unit programs and giving local governments a right of first refusal to preserve existing affordable housing stock.

Spanbergers plan also calls for creating a revolving loan fund for mixed-income developments, expanding the Virginia Eviction Reduction Program, and using the commonwealths bonding authority to support affordable housing projects.

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It doesnt matter, either in Northern Virginia or Southside Virginia, Spanberger said, starting in January, we will give every locality the option to increase the supply of affordable housing in their community.

Balancing affordability and fiscal stability

When Youngkin delivered his budget proposal Wednesday, he stressed a thriving economy and cautioned against policies he said could jeopardize Virginias business environment. The outgoing governors plan continues tax cuts and boosts spending on education, public safety, and Medicaid, though analysts have noted potential strains ahead due to federal shifts and slower revenue growth.

While Youngkins budget warns of anti-business policies, Spanberger underscored concerns about rising costs for families and the need to safeguard Virginias fiscal health.

She reiterated her support for maintaining the states AAA bond rating and fulfilling the constitutional requirement to balance the budget. Spanberger acknowledged that growth projections for the coming years are weaker than in the recent past and that lawmakers must navigate real fiscal challenges in crafting the next biennial budget.

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That is why many of these efforts to lower costs for Virginians either dont utilize general fund dollars or are cost-neutral, she said, noting that her team hopes to plan for worse economic scenarios than might materialize.

Spanbergers pitch drew broad support from Democratic legislative leaders, who characterized the agenda as a direct response to voter concerns about everyday costs  and a mandate to act.

House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, said voters didnt send Democrats to Richmond to admire architecture but to deliver results.

They sent us here to do a job, they want us to lower costs, Scott said, taking aim at federal economic policies and asserting that Spanbergers focus aligns with constituent priorities.

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Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, emphasized fiscal responsibility and stability, noting that Senate budget negotiators strive to protect taxpayers while investing in communities and ensuring prosperity.

Spanberger said her agenda represents a starting point from which lawmakers and stakeholders will build over the coming legislative session. She also expressed optimism about bipartisan cooperation, saying conversations with House and Senate leaders indicate a shared willingness to act on affordability.

We will work to make everyday life more affordable for Virginians, she said.

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President Donald Trump is spending the waning moments of 2025 defending the first year of his second term, as polls show deep voter dissatisfaction with the economy.

He used a Wednesday address to the nation to blame Joe Biden for a host of issues while casting his own policies  from tariffs to immigration crackdowns  as wins.

Trump highlighted his big, beautiful bill, promising that voters will feel its effects soon, and pledged aggressive housing reform plans in the new year.

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The White House is making a concerted push to more directly address the economy, but data suggests voters arent quite buying it: A Marist poll put Trumps approval rating as his lowest ever.

Trump will again focus on the economy on Friday in North Carolina  a senior White House official told Semafor it would be his last trip before the holidays.
The average price of gasoline in New York is $3.08 per gallon, down 1.8 cents from last week. The national average is down 4.5 cents at $2.85 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy data, the national average is 22.0 cents lower compared to a month ago and is 12.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Prices in New York state are down 3.7 cents from a month ago, and 1.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

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For the third straight week, the national average price of gasoline has fallen, once again setting a new multi-year low, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in a press release Monday.

Just ahead of Christmas, the national average stands at its lowest level since March 12, 2021, delivering weekly savings of nearly $400 million compared to this time last year. Gas prices are now lower in a majority of states, and the good news is that the downward trend may continue into the closing innings of 2025, with further declines likely across much of the country. Thats being driven by refineries wrapping up maintenance and boosting output to near summer highs, increasing fuel supply while additional oil production from OPEC has pressured crude prices lower as well.

GasBuddy data reports the top 10% of gas stations average $4.15 per gallon and the bottom average $2.21.

Hawaii reported the highest average price per gallon at $4.36, followed by California at $4.31 and Washington at $3.95.

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The state with the lowest average price is Oklahoma at $2.22, followed by Colorado at $2.39 and Texas at $2.41.

The most common price per gallon decreased 10 cents in the last week and stands at $2.69.

As of Monday, these are the prices per regular gallon reported around the North Country.

Plattsburgh:

Sams Club (membership required)  $2.68

Sunoco (Margaret Street)  $2.71

Champys Gas n Go  $2.71

Maplefields (US Avenue)  $2.73

Stewarts Shops (S Catherine Stree)  $2.73

Stewarts Shops (Rugar Street)  $2.73

Stewarts Shops (7137 US9)  $2.73

Mountain Mart #109  $2.73

Maplefields (NY3)  $2.73

Stewarts Shops (4717 US9)  $2.73

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Stewarts Shops (NY3)  $2.73

Luckys (NY3)  $2.75

Luckys (Irish Settlement Road)  $2.79

St Armands  $2.89

Mannys Sunoco (cash only)  $3.07

Sunoco (NY3)  $3.79

Champlain:

Irving  $3.15

Sunoco (cash only)  $3.15

Valero  $3.15

Mobil  $3.15

Saranac Lake:

Mobil (Lake Flower Avenue)  $3.39

Stewarts Shops  $3.39

Mobil (Broadway)  $3.39

Keeseville:

Mobil  $3.09

Stewarts Shops  $3.09

Dannemora:

Stewarts Shops  $2.98

Rouses Point:

Mirabito  $3.15

Chazy:

Stewarts Shops  $2.99

West Chazy:

Mobil (Military Turnpike)  $2.99

Redford:

Mobil  $2.99

Lake Placid:

Mobil  $3.63

Ticonderoga:

Mobil  $3.39

Ray Brook:

Sunoco (cash only)  $3.39
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden speaks to reporters from a podium on July 28, 2025, at the Public Safety Administration Building in Sioux Falls. Also visible are, from left, Dan Satterlee, director of the state Division of Criminal Investigation, and Sam Olson, Minneapolis field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Photo by John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety says a saturation patrol initiative has had a minimal impact on the Highway Patrols budget.

Operation Prairie Thunder, announced in July by Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden, has put additional state troopers in cities across South Dakota on eight occasions.

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Last week, the state said it had jailed 75 people on drug charges during two sets of patrols in the cities of Yankton, Huron and Belle Fourche. Earlier patrols had focused on the city of Sioux Falls.

Brad Reiners, spokesman for the Highway Patrol, told South Dakota Searchlight the state logged $43,000 worth of overtime hours for troopers during the days the patrols took place.

There are minimal lodging, travel, and fuel costs as well, Reiners wrote in an email, adding that those expenses were covered by the Highway Patrols operational budget.

He also said troopers would have logged some overtime hours during the saturation patrol time frames even if those patrols had not taken place.

More Operation Prairie Thunder coverage

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He declined to say how many additional troopers were involved in each patrol, or to offer the total annual overtime budget for the agency. He wrote that the overtime budget is complex, because there are several accounts from which overtime may be drawn. The Highway Patrols total budget for the current fiscal year is about $45 million.

The budget impact of saturation patrols extends beyond the Highway Patrol.

Minnehaha County Public Defender Traci Smith told South Dakota Searchlight she has not broken down the exact number of additional cases her office now has as a result of the patrols, but that the increase we felt was anecdotally due to the higher number of arrests during those times.

Smith also wrote that she had recently asked the Minnehaha County Commission for a $190,000 budget supplement. The commission approved her request on Tuesday.

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The Nov. 21 letter requesting that money did not mention Operation Prairie Thunder, but pointed more generally to unanticipated operational needs and workload-driven expenses and a sustained increase in felony, drug, and violent-offense cases.

Immigration connection

During the saturation patrols, state troopers are questioning people they suspect of being in the U.S. without documentation, facilitated in part by a cooperation agreement inked between the agency and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement this year.

Such questioning, some of which results in detainment for ICE, takes place during regular traffic stops.

The mayor and a state representative from Huron, one of South Dakotas most diverse cities per capita, told Searchlight that the troopers presence in town sparked fears of ICE immigration crackdowns.

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The state does not publicly announce the dates for its patrols in advance, but the city of Brookings posted a press release late last week announcing that Operation Prairie Thunder patrols would take place in the city from Wednesday through Friday, and that the city of Brookings will not be participating in these operations.

Brookings Mayor Ope Neimeyer told The Dakota Scout newspaper that the release was meant to inform our citizens.

Josie Harms, a spokeswoman for Rhoden, declined to say on Tuesday if anything had changed in terms of the Highway Patrols plans for Brookings. She supplied a statement from the governor.

For security reasons, we are not going to comment on operational specifics, the governor said. Its unfortunate that the city of Brookings would jeopardize an anti-crime operation and put the safety of our officers at risk by publishing this information. In South Dakota, we enforce the rule of law.
Of the wide swath of business the Indiana legislature tackles each session, only a small percentage is controversial. An even smaller slice will sow divisions in the Republican party, like over abortion or gaming. But the lifecycles of these rifts are short; the institution moves on.

Mid-decade redistricting, however, may prove a stubborn issue that will continue to hang over the heads of lawmakers as they head into the rest of their regular session in January.

That's not because the bill could be brought back again this session. House Bill 1032, which fulfilled President Donald Trump's request of drawing a congressional map giving Republicans the advantage in all nine districts, was defeated decisively and is therefore dead.

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But it's because the divide among Republicans got extraordinarily personal. President Donald Trump himself name-called hesitant senators in public social media posts; more than a dozen lawmakers fielded violent threats against them and their families from unknown actors; Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, officially the president of the Senate, is declaring war against some of the chambers' members; Gov. Mike Braun said outright he would work with Trump to support primary challengers against those who voted against the bill.

That's all after Braun initially said he would listen to the will of the legislature before asking them to convene to redistrict, but then went ahead and called a special session anyway.

"There's a lot of hurt feelings," said Sen. Greg Walker, a Republican from Columbus. "If anyone says to you this is all going to be smoothed over, they just told you a lie. There's no way."

Indiana state Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, listens as the Senate gathers during mid-cycle session to vote on redistricting Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in the Senate Chambers of the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.

He and his colleagues had been at the center of national attention for months as the pressure campaign for Indiana to redistrict ensued from all fronts. The Senate's leaders had insisted they didn't have the votes for it, and ultimately convened in early December to prove their point: A majority of Republicans joined Democrats to vote down the map 31-19.

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The consequences of this will likely carry forward: There's been damage done to Braun's already tenuous relationship with the General Assembly, and if the promise of primary challenges is delivered, there will be the potential for deeper rifts among Republican lawmakers.

Walker made headlines for giving emotional testimony on the matter during the Senate elections committee hearing, in which he expressed his fears for the institution should a vote for redistricting serve to normalize the violent behavior and the influence of Washington, D.C., politics on the Indiana Statehouse.

The level of outside influence and personal threats is unlike anything he'd ever seen in his 20 years at the Statehouse  "not even close," he said recently.

"If you don't toe the party line, that vitriol has crept itself into the Statehouse in a new and ugly way that I've never seen before," he said.

Braun's political capital tested

Even before the redistricting session began, lawmakers proved they were willing to ignore Braun's call for a special session. Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray at first said that his caucus would not convene.

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Then by voting against the proposed map, the Senate made itself the ultimate power broker.

I think the governor has less leverage than he may have assumed that he had," said Elizabeth Bennion, a political science professor at IU South Bend, "and probably less now than he did before this battle."

Bray could be a key player in shaping Braun's agenda, Bennion said. Afterall, lawmakers are the ones with the power to actually turn Braun's ideas into legislation.

It's not the first time the chamber has altered Braun's initiatives. His first signature piece of legislation, a property tax overhaul in the form of Senate Enrolled Act 1, was dramatically different than what Braun had wanted by the time it reached his desk. And at a Turning Point Action rally in the midst of Indiana's redistricting battle on Dec. 5, Braun accused the Senate of being the "biggest impediment" to his property tax reform efforts.

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To prevent a repeat of last legislative session, Bennion said, Braun will have to take a more conciliatory tone. But the governor has so far refused to temper his stance on redistricting's outcome.

It's learning the system, knowing that you're going to always have people, they're going to go against you," he told IndyStar. "In this case, I thought (redistricting) was kind of a silly risk or hill to die on."

Braun disputed the idea that his differences with the General Assembly over redistricting  and how it turned out  has any impact on his clout with the legislature or ability to carry forward a legislative agenda. He points to his spearheading of the property tax legislation that the legislature took up, as well as the various health care bills the legislature passed last session that he supported, though many of these bills were watered down through the process.

"Good ideas will make it to the surface," he said.

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This nationalized approach of late differs from his predecessors, said Michael Wolf, political science chair at Purdue Fort Wayne. While former governors like Eric Holcomb and Mitch Daniels focused on consensus building on state-level issues within the GOP, Wolf said, Braun has been willing to dive into national battles  even if they drive a wedge in the party as a consequence.

Lingering tensions in the caucus

That wedge is present both in Indiana and nationwide: a rift in the party over those who value loyalty to Trump's agenda above all else, and those who insist that listening to their local constituents takes precedent.

Beckwith, in a post on X the morning after the pivotal vote that featured the headshots of every senator who voted no, referred to this as "war."

"One of the traits I have the least tolerance for is disloyalty," he wrote. "The war didnt start today. But today made it unmistakably clear whos willing to stand  and who isnt."

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Indiana lawmakers who supported the map spoke of Indiana being part of a bigger picture, part of a need to "balance" representation in Congress and ensure Democrats don't derail the efforts of the Trump administration to, for example, reel in the crisis at the border.

"Its not just about lines on a map," said Chris Garten, R-Charlestown and a member of Senate leadership. "Its a vote of critical epic proportion. ... When your house is on fire, youre not worried about whether youre holding the hose the right way. You do whatever it takes to put out the fire."

And they've demonstrated that they won't easily forget this defeat, as illustrated by Fort Wayne Sen. Liz Browns protest-resignation as assistant majority leader on Dec. 5.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers who voted down the map spoke at length of the resoundingly negative feedback they received from constituents.

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The threats by state executives to support primary challengers only adds to this rift, both within the state party and nationally, Walker said.

"I don't know what it's going to take to right the ship, but the Republican Party needs to understand that we don't walk lock-step, and we do walk in favor of a variety of voices that we hear with the state of Indiana," he said. "Are we not worthy of the offices that we hold? Go ahead and primary us. Go ahead and run us out."

There are practical implications, too, he said: Does this mean state party resources could be used to support challengers to incumbents?

Plus, these tit-for-tats would start to unfold in the thick of session, as candidate filing deadlines approach in February.

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Members of the House of Representatives likely wont escape unscathed, either. If a senator a House member partners with on a bill gets a primary challenge, Wolf said, they may be asked to share who they support.

That's a distraction for sitting legislators who you know will be in Indianapolis while potentially there are primary challenges being backed by outside groups from Washington, he said.

House Speaker Todd Huston told IndyStar in a statement that he expected session to be "productive." Bray was skeptical any fallout from the vote would amount to much more than a typical legislative squabble.

"Policy disagreements among the 150 members of the General Assembly are not new," Bray said, "and in fact, our system was designed to withstand those tensions."

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Walker is also concerned the entry of more Washington-style politics could muck up the processes within the Statehouse. Due to personal grudges, for example, a committee chair in one chamber could decide to not give a bill the light of day even if it passed swimmingly in the other chamber.

But not everyone has a dreary outlook on relations. Sen. Mike Gaskill, R-Pendleton, the senate sponsor of the redistricting bill, hugged Walker after his impassioned speech during committee, and said that the two have remained friends after this and would continue to remain friends.

Multiple senators professed their love for their colleagues even while delivering a dose of tough love.

Even so, Walker said he's never wanted to leave more badly than he does now. He at first announced he wouldn't seek reelection in 2026. The nature of this debate, however, is leading him to rethink that decision.

"You get tired of it," he said. "But I have been motivated to return to the fight because we do need people that know that Indiana is first."

Contact IndyStar Statehouse reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X @kayla_dwyer17.

Contact breaking politics reporter Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or find her on X @marissa_meador.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Why Indiana's redistricting battle still lingers as session nears
The frozen Potomac River. (Photo by Sarah Vogelsong/Virginia Mercury)

For residents of the Washington metro area including Virginias Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties, the majority of their water supply comes from one place  the Potomac River. A recent study by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin found that climate change and data centers could create major challenges down the road for the water source.

Were 100% dependent on the Potomac River, and only have a one day backup water supply thats close at hand, and those are two conditions that are not found in any other major city in the United States, said Michael Nardolilli, executive director of the commission.

A map of WMA water supply service areas. The system serves over five million residents, with suppliers withdrawing and treating water from the Potomac River and off-Potomac reservoirs before distributing it to retail and wholesale customers, according to a report by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin released in December 2025. (Photo courtesy Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin)

The report, which is conducted by the commission every five years, found that the region will have more than enough water most years in the future. But there is a growing chance that there may not be enough water to meet user demand or manage the aquatic habitats downstream in future decades. The study indicated a 1% increase in that risk in 2030 and a 5% increase in 2050.

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The population in the Washington metropolitan area has steadily been growing for years but water use has stayed relatively stable. But now researchers expect a 17% water use increase by 2050. With potential droughts in the future due to a changing climate, the rivers flow could be impacted and create a major challenge for the area. Man-made environmental disasters could also occur that affect water supply, a possibility researchers are preparing for.

As the seat of the federal government, we could have a contamination event thats deliberate, and we could also have a contamination event thats accidental, say, a trail derailment at Harpers Ferry, Nardolilli said. So we are working with the Army Corps of Engineers to try to look at these different options for making the water supply more resilient.

There are some backup options to help meet demand if the Potomac gets too low to pull water from upstream reservoirs  Jennings Randolph and Little Seneca in Maryland.

But it takes multiple days to get the water delivered. Other options for additional help could come from Fairfax Waters Occoquan reservoir and WSSC Waters Patuxent reservoir. There is only enough back up water available in the Washington area to last for one day, the research showed.

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With these increased risks projected, the commission is urging local, state and regional governments to plan for more back up water sources. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has launched a feasibility study to look at water resiliency options. But with federal funding in limbo, it could delay the findings. There are multiple bills moving through Congress that, Nardolilli said, would contain funds for the feasibility study.

There are two drinking water reservoirs in the planning stages in Loudoun and Fairfax that should be operational in 2028 and 2040, respectively.

A different study found that should there be a significant disruption to the water supply, it could lead to an estimated $15 billion in gross regional product and tax loss within a month.

The growth of data centers in the area has also raised concerns about how much water from the river is being used to cool the centers. The exact amount of water that is used for individual data centers is often shrouded in secrecy  which Nardolilli said creates a challenge of trying to accurately project the water needs of the region.

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When the rivers have the lowest flow, the data centers would have the highest demand for water, Nardolilli said. That combination gives us some pause. You know, looking at the numbers right now, its a very manageable situation, but if the data centers continue to grow, that puts an additional strain on the system.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
The GoFundMe for the family of one victim of the deadly shooting at Brown University has raised significant funds for funeral expenses and to donate to charity.

The Providence shooting on Dec. 13 saw two people die at the hands of the shooter and nine others injured. The two students who died have been identified as 18-year-old Brown student MukhammadAziz Umurzokov and sophomore Ella Cook.

Wondering if there are other places you can donate to help with the fallout of this crisis? Here's what you need to know.

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More: Brown University identifies two students killed in mass shooting

Are there GoFundMe pages for victims of Brown University shooting

A GoFundMe for Umurzokov has raised significant donations.

Umurzokov's sister set up a GoFundMe fundraiser online to help the family with funeral expenses with a goal of $460,000. After the goal was met, it was increased to $550,000, and as of the afternoon of Dec. 18, it had raised about $505,000. You can help reach their goal at gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-mukhammadaziz-umurzokov.

"Our family is incredibly devastated by this loss," the page said. "Any donations will help significantly with any expenses my family will have to face, and the rest of the funds will be donated to charity in his name."

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Umurzokov is a graduate of Midlothian High School in Chesterfield, Virginia.

Photos of the two victims Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook rest among flowers and candles in front of the Van Wickle Gates as the manhunt continues for the gunman, following a shooting at Brown University in Providence, RI on Dec. 17, 2025.

Friends of Jacob Spears, a Brown University freshman injured in the shooting, have created a GoFundMe and are seeking to raise $90,000 to help him and his family with expenses related to his hospitalization.

"The shock and pain of this tragedy have deeply affected his family, who have traveled from Georgia to Rhode Island to be by his side," the fundraiser page says. "The expenses of travel, lodging, and supporting Jacobs recovery are significant, and his family did not ask for assistance. Instead, Jacobs high school best friends have come together to help ease the financial burden and support Jacobs healing journey."

Spears told CBS News that he was one of the students attending the economics review session where the shooter opened fire. After being shot, he ran out of the building, fueled by adrenaline.

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Spears is 18 and from Evans, Georgia. According to the fundraiser page, he is a graduate of Evans High School and the only student from his class to attend an Ivy League school. He plans to major in computer science and minor in economics.

Spears' family's church, Christ the King, announced on Sunday that he had undergone surgery and was expected to make a full recovery.

GoFundMe has verified the fundraiser, which has raised nearly $65,000 so far.

Another GoFundMe page is "Support for Brown University Shooting Victims" GoFundMe page, but they chose to pause to donations.

Contribute to Brown University Undergraduate Council of Students

The Brown University Undergraduate Council of Students (UCS), Browns undergraduate student government, compiled a mutual aid form on Dec. 14 asking the Providence community for any help they can provide.

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Following the events of the mass shooting that took place at Brown University on December 13, many in the Brown and Providence communities are experiencing shock, anxiety, and grief, the form reads. Some are unable to access food, mental care, transportation, and other resources.

UCS is asking for donated items, funds, professional skills or anything else the community can provide. The form also allows students to request help.

You can offer or sign up for assistance here.

UCS also provided other resources for finding community following the tragedy over break, including a Brown community message board, reading communities and interfaith community prayers.

Can you donate blood to help Brown University

You can also go and donate blood at the Rhode Island Blood Center; however, you should check if you are eligible or need the blood, as donations skyrocketed by over 200% on Dec. 14, 2025, according to their Instagram account.

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Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@usatodayco.com.

This story has been updated to reflect the latest information about fundraisers.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Brown University shooting GoFundMe page for MukhammadAziz Umurzokov
The Sutherland Institute, a Utah-based conservative think tank, filed a friend-of-the-court brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in a case debating religious education institutions and Colorados state rights.

The case, St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Lisa Roy, centers on Colorados universal preschool program. The state program offers universal education to every Colorado child in the year before kindergarten and provides funding for preschool providers, but has threatened to exclude Catholic preschools for failing to comply with nondiscrimination clauses.

The Supreme Court has a significant opportunity to make clear that states cannot avoid the constitutional protection of religious exercise by imposing regulations on public spending programs that burden parents as they seek to exercise their responsibility to direct the education of their children, William C. Duncan, Constitutional Law and Religious Freedom Fellow at Sutherland, said in a statement via email.

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He added, Parents have a right to bring their children up in their faith and moral convictions. Governments cannot foreclose educational choices of parents for religious reasons by attaching variable strings to the programs they create.

Case background

In 2023, the Archdiocese of Denver advised its educational institutions not to enroll in the state preschool program so that they would not have to agree to the nondiscrimination requirement, but did advise several preschools affiliated with Catholic Charities and aimed at low-income families to participate in the program.

When the archdiocese and other faith groups requested an exemption from enforcement of certain anti-discrimination requirements in the state program that go against the Catholic faith, regarding gender identity and sexuality, Lisa Roy, executive director of the Department of Early Childhood, informed the archdiocese that one could not be granted, and that the program is set in law.

Thus, a lawsuit ensued.

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The United States District Court for the District of Colorado found that the nondiscrimination requirements were constitutional, essentially siding with Colorado, and upheld the nondiscrimination rule. It kicked the archdiocese out of the case for lack of standing, and granted only a small unchallenged religious-affiliation exception.

The plaintiffs appealed the decision, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit affirmed the district courts decision.

In its amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to take up the case, the Sutherland Institute contended that most private schools in Colorado are religious and align their curriculum with their faith.

The policy enforces, they argue, preference for secular private schools and schools whose missions and practices align with the States preferred beliefs about gender and sexuality. It also interferes with the ability of parents and families to exercise their responsibility, motivated by their faith, to direct their childrens education by removing from them an opportunity to receive otherwise publicly available financial assistance necessary for many to access private schooling consistent with their religious beliefs about gender and sexuality.
The Swedish public prosecutor said on Thursday that the investigation into the murder of former prime minister Olof Palme, who was killed nearly 40 years ago, will not be reopened, but cast doubt over the evidence provided for naming the chief suspect.

Palme, a Social Democrat, was fatally shot on a Stockholm street shortly before midnight on February 28, 1986, while on his way home from the cinema with his wife, who suffered a graze wound.

In 2020, investigators were finally certain they could name the alleged perpetrator: a man who had long since died, named Stig Engstrom, often referred to in Sweden as the "Skandia man."

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However, because Engstrom had been dead since 2000, no charges could be brought against him.

In late September, prosecutors received a request to reopen the investigation given the possibility of new DNA technology that could be used to analyse samples from Palme's coat.

On Thursday, Director of Prosecution Lennart Gune said in a statement that "there are currently no circumstances known to me that have the potential to lead a reopened investigation to prosecution and conviction."

"I have found that I do not have grounds to reopen the investigation in order to conduct renewed analyses and samples of Olof Palme's coat," Gune said in the statement.

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Nonetheless, he said that after reviewing the evidence against the deceased suspect, it is "not sufficient to form the basis for identifying him as the designated perpetrator."

Gune said that while the case would not be reopened, the reason for closing the inquiry would be changed: "Based on the investigation material that is now available, it is not possible to prove who the perpetrator is and further investigation cannot be assumed to change the evidence in a decisive way."

An afternoon press conference on Thursday could reveal more details.
US-based fast-casual restaurant chain Sweetgreen has announced that co-founder Nathaniel Ru will retire from his position as chief brand officer on 1 January 2026, after two decades at the company.

Ru will remain a member of the board of directors.

He said: Its hard to put into words the emotions I feel looking back on how far weve come since those early days in Georgetown. What started as a simple yet powerful idea-to create a place where healthy, sustainable food was accessible to all-has grown into something far beyond what I ever imagined.

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Zipporah Allen, who became Sweetgreen's chief commercial officer in September, has taken on Rus responsibilities.

Allen previously worked at fitness platform Strava, where she was chief business officer and chief marketing officer.

He has also worked in marketing at Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and McDonalds.

Sweetgreen CEO and co-founder Jonathan Neman said: Since writing our first business plan in 2006 while in college, to now over 280 locations around the country, Nate has been there every step, shaping Sweetgreen into the national brand it is today. I have immense gratitude for Nates tireless work, support, and friendship.

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Rus remit has included overseeing cultural and food partnerships, national campaigns, locally targeted marketing, the Sweetgreen in Schools education programmes, and the Sweetlife music and food festival.

Ru said: We've partnered with hundreds of farmers across the US to source some of the most delicious ingredients. Weve collaborated with the world's best chefs, athletes, and musicians.

Weve helped underserved communities and classrooms gain access to healthy food. Weve had the opportunity to serve over 300 million healthy meals across 280 restaurants in over 150 cities.

In May, Jason Cochran assumed the role of Sweetgreen's chief operating officer, with responsibilities involving field operations, operations services and innovation.

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"Sweetgreen chief brand officer Nathaniel Ru to step down in 2026" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.




Parnassus Investments, an investment management firm, released its Parnassus Value Equity Fund third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The fund focuses on owning a concentrated portfolio of U.S. large-cap stocks. For the third quarter of 2025, the fund reported a net return of 7.46% outperforming its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index, which returned 5.33% for the same period. During the quarter, the portfolio reduced its weight in the IT sector to increase holdings in the Health Care sector. The funds top 5 holdings are also listed in the letter, showing the firms main investment positions heading into 2025.

In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, Parnassus Value Equity Fund highlighted stocks such as Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) in the Q3 2024 investor letter. Headquartered in Portage, Michigan, Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) is a medical technology company. The one-month return for Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) was -2.19%, and its shares lost 1.28% over the last 52 weeks. On December 17, 2025, Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) stock closed at $352.58 per share, with a market capitalization of $134.835 billion.

Parnassus Value Equity Fund stated the following regarding Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter:

"Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) offers exposure to a high-quality, defensive compounder. While shares have underperformed recently, the company's durable growth runway is supported by a slate of new launches in its MedSurg business segment and expanding adoption of its robotics surgery platform in orthopedic procedures. We also expect continued progress on profitability under current CEO Kevin Lobo, who has a strong track record of leading successful innovations."

Stryker (SYK) Shows Muscle at Investor Day, but Truist Stays Neutral

Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 72 hedge fund portfolios held Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) at the end of the third quarter, which was 59 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) 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.

In another article, we covered Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) and shared the list of best blue-chip dividend stocks to build a passive income portfolio. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q3 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors.
While there is no confirmation of any deal, reports are increasing that the Syrian government and the SDF are inching towards progress.

There are increasing reports from Syria that the Syrian government in Damascus and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in eastern Syria are inching toward progress in integrating their security forces. However, as of noon on December 18, there was still no clear confirmation of any deal. This follows a year of talks.

SDF leader Mazloum Abdi met with Syrias new transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in March, 2025. The meeting was in coordination with US Central Command and is part of a process that is supposed to lead to integrating the SDF into the new Syrian security forces.

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There have been many hurdles since the March meeting. Every month, there are rumors of progress, and then setbacks always appear.

For instance, in recent clashes between Damascus-backed armed groups near the Euphrates and the SDF, the attacks on the SDF included a drone strike, according to Syrian Democratic Forces reports.

Meanwhile, ISIS continues to threaten Syria. Two US soldiers and a translator were killed on December 13 near Palmyra. This was supposed to be a nascent cooperation between the United States and the new Syrian security forces. However, the attack has now led to questions about whether this partnership will continue to grow quickly. Meanwhile, the US continues its close to a decade-long partnership with the SDF.

Armed members of the Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) military police take part in a demonstration under the banner With our will, we will protect our revolution, in Qamishli, Syria, September 17, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Orhan Qereman)

On social media, an account named North and East Syria Communications, which follows developments in the SDF-run eastern Syria areas, announced on December 18 that there are now developments between the SDF and Damascus.

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There had been rumors for days of an announcement. The report says, A preliminary agreement has been reached to keep three divisions affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) within the military structure of the Syrian army. It goes on to add that technical discussions are ongoing through specialized committees from both sides, to discuss details related to roles and organizational structure, within a process expected to witness practical steps in the coming period.

This is important. For months, there have been rumors that the integration will include several divisions of SDF fighters. The SDF has up to 80,000 trained fighters, both men and women. Some of them were trained and equipped by the US. This track has clear international support, pushing toward a political solution based on dialogue, as it is considered the most realistic option to ensure stability, the report says. In conclusion, any tangible progress requires avoiding media escalation and hate speech, and focusing on understanding and partnership as the only path to building a sustainable solution in Syria.

As of noon on December 18, there had been no official statements from the SDF or the Syrian Democratic Civilians (SDC), the civilian side of the SDF. On December 17, Joshua Landis  an expert on Syria who is the University of Oklahomas Sandra Mackey chair and director of the Center for Middle East Studies  posted about a breakthrough in Damascus-SDF talks, in which he quoted from an account called Syria in Transition.

SDF would continue to operate as a unified force structured into three distinct divisions, he noted. The first would serve as a Border Guard Division, responsible for securing Syrias northeastern frontiers. 2. The second would be a Womens Division, preserving the SDFs existing female combat formations. 3. The third, a Counter-Terrorism Division, would coordinate directly with the Syrian government on operations against extremist groups, he continued. Notably, the agreement stipulates that no units from the Damascus governments army or security services would be permitted to enter northeastern Syria, effectively preserving the SDFs autonomous control over the region (sic).

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On December 17, the Syria in Transition account had shared a long post, noting that Syrias defence minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, has formally notified the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that Damascus has accepted the terms of a previously verbal agreement approved by President Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his most recent visit to the United States in November, according to sources familiar with the correspondence.

Meanwhile, US Central Command noted on December 17 that US and partner forces in Syria have conducted nearly 80 operations since July to eliminate terrorist operatives, including ISIS remnants, that posed a direct threat to the United States and interests abroad (sic).
By Trevor Hunnicutt and Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump used a pre-holiday address from the White House on Wednesday to portray his first year in office as a success story, even as Americans worry about the economy and Republicans face tough midterm elections in 2026.

Here are four takeaways from the speech:

BIDEN, BIDEN, BIDEN

Trump began his remarks with 14 words that captured the central theme of the night: "Good evening, America. Eleven months ago, I inherited a mess, and I'm fixing it."

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In other words: It's not my fault.

The president, responding to voters' anxiety over the cost of living, laid blame at the feet of former President Joe Biden in the nearly 20 minutes that followed, mentioning his name seven times. The economy? Biden's fault. Crime? Biden. Healthcare? Biden. Bad immigration policy? You guessed it.

Trump has often blamed Biden for problems that have festered during his first year back in office, from Russia's war in Ukraine to the eyesore of offshore wind farms. He followed that playbook again on Wednesday, particularly when it came to the high cost of living, which he sought to cast as fleeting - just as Biden once did when prices rose.

"What a difference a year makes," Trump said, dismissing the mood of consumers, adding that the U.S. is "poised for an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen."

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FESTIVE SETTING, LITTLE CHEER

Trump chose to give the address from the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House, rather than the Oval Office, and the setting allowed him to speak like he does at his signature rallies: behind a podium, standing up.

The president gripped that podium and delivered his talking points at a blistering pace, standing between two flags and against a backdrop of green garland.

Trump did not offer either good cheer or empathy to Americans struggling with high costs for food, housing and holiday gifts, however. And his only holiday-themed greeting at all came at the end with a brief "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year" wish to viewers.

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NO MAJOR NEW POLICIES

Though White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt had told reporters Trump might tease new policy in his speech, the president offered little hint of his forthcoming plans.

He said his administration would pursue aggressive new housing policies next year, promised to name a new Federal Reserve chair soon and unveiled a plan to send checks for $1,776 to U.S. troops.

Otherwise, the topics of his speech largely reflected a greatest hits version of his political rallies. He railed against Somalis in Minnesota, whom he accused of stealing from the United States; talked about men playing in women's sports; and reiterated his often-used remark that the country a year ago was "dead."

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GUNS AND BUTTER

Notably absent from the speech was a major focus on foreign policy issues that have captured a significant share of Trumps second term in office.

Heading into the remarks, Trump allies speculated about how prominently the speech would focus on an escalating confrontation with Venezuela.

Trump has ramped up pressure on the South American nations leadership in recent weeks, and on Tuesday he ordered a "blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving the country. Its not clear whether Trump intends to try to force out the countrys president, Nicolas Maduro.

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That question wasnt answered on Wednesday. Instead, Trump focused largely on the economy, allowing himself only a short victory lap for his work on the Middle East and peacemaking generally.

Trumps allies have warned his aides in recent weeks that he needs to shift focus from international conflicts to kitchen-table issues, according to a person familiar with the matter. Whether he was effective or not, for at least 18 minutes on a Wednesday night, he seemed to heed the advice.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Jeff Mason; Additional reporting by Steve Holland, Editing by Colleen Jenkins, Paul Thomasch and Deepa Babington)
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY)  Talks of the potential for a data center to come to Newport News already have some residents speaking out in opposition.

Although the potential project is in a very early stage with nothing set in stone, one Newport News woman wants it stopped before it starts.

Anyone that Ive spoken to doesnt know about it, which is unfortunate, because its going to have such a massive impact upon the community, said Newport News resident Amanda Doughty.

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Doughty said she heard the news about the talks for a possible data center project to come to Newport News, and knew she had to do something.

She created a flier and started a Change.org petition labeled raise awareness about the potential data center in our city.

The petition garnered more than 100 signatures within 24 hours of being created.

Its not OK for our citizens to not know whats going on within their community, especially if its going to impact the environment, their health, [and] their cost of living, so thats why I started it, Doughty said. Based off my knowledge of data centers, their environmental impact, their health impact and their economic impact upon citizens, Im greatly opposed to data centers being built.

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When asked about the potential project, its possible location and timeline a city spokesperson sent 10 On Your Side the following statement:

During the recent EDGE Summit, one of the sites highlighted was identified as having potential to support a data center, among other possible uses. However, data centers are just one part of a much larger vision. Newport News is advancing a comprehensive Digital Infrastructure Readiness Initiative that includes fiber networks, smart-city technologies, and a culture of innovationall designed to strengthen the citys technology foundation and future competitiveness.

This work is being approached strategically and collaboratively, with cross-departmental leadership and alignment with regional efforts. As we move forward, community engagement will be central to shaping the plan. Residents will have opportunities to provide input on how digital infrastructure can benefit neighborhoods, schools, jobs, and quality of life. Any future land use decisions will be made transparently and with public participation.

Doughty shared that one of the main reasons she is against data centers is because of the impact they can have on the environment.

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Itll have such a huge impact, especially on the bay, the groundwater, and thats something thats important to me, Doughty said. I want our kids to have clean water, clean air and a bright future.

Doughty shared that one of the main reasons she is against data centers is because of the impact they can have on the environment.

Itll have such a huge impact, especially on the bay, the groundwater, and thats something thats important to me. I want our kids to have clean water, clean air, and a bright future, Doughty said.

Talks of a potential data center in Newport News come on the heels of a city on the Southside shooting a similar project down. Earlier this year, multiple Chesapeake residents successfully pushed back against a potential data center in the city.

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It would have been the first data center in Hampton Roads, even though Virginia has been labelled as the data center capital of the world.

Im very proud of the Chesapeake community coming together and standing up and saying, no, this is something that we dont want. Im also very proud of the Chesapeake government for actually listening to their people, Doughty said.

Doughty is hoping for the same outcome on the Peninsula and plans to speak out about it to city leadership when the time comes.

Its not just us that will be impacted, Doughty said. Its our children and our childrens children, and the environment and nature around us.

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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 WAVY.com.
Oral arguments in a case challenging the deployment of Tennessee National Guard to Memphis are set for March 5. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

The Tennessee Court of Appeals has agreed to hear the states appeal of a Nashville judges decision to temporarily block the Tennessee National Guards deployment to Memphis.

The appeals court, setting an expedited timeline, has set a March 5 oral arguments date.

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The appellate court will review a Nov. 21 ruling by Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal to grant a temporary injunction barring the Guard from patrolling the streets of Memphis. The Guard was deployed to Memphis by Gov. Bill Lee as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force convened in September by President Donald Trump.

Moskals order never took effect; anticipating the state would appeal, her ruling was conditioned on an appeal being filed. The case is now on hold pending a ruling from the higher court.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and six other Democratic officials filed suit in October against Gov. Bill Lee, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Major General Warner Ross III of the Tennessee National Guard, challenging the deployment as contrary to Tennessee law and the state constitution.

The suit cited a 2021 opinion by former Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery III that concluded, under the Tennessee Constitution, only circumstances amounting to a rebellion or invasion permit the governor to call out the militia, and even then, the legislature must declare, by law, that the public safety requires it.

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Skrmetti revised the decision in April 2024, writing that the Tennessee National Guard is only a militia for the purposes of a federal deployment. It was Lee who deployed the guard to Memphis, unlike other cities across the country that currently have a National Guard presence, ordered by the federal government.

The lawsuit also cited state law that entrusts local officials with determining whether there has been a breakdown in law and order requiring the presence of the guard.

State lawyers have argued the Tennessee National Guard is an army and not a militia constrained by Tennessee law and the constitution.

The Governor, the sole State official elected by the entire voting population of Tennessee, is established as commander-in-chief by both Constitution and statute, they wrote. Fettering the Governors authority to identify those rare occasions when the Guard is necessary and mobilize the Guard accordingly will put future Tennesseans at grave risk.

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Members of the Guard have been patrolling the streets of Memphis since October as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force convened by Trump to restore law and order to Memphis, whose violent crime rates have risen in recent years. Local officials have noted the rates had begun to fall before the Task Force was created.

The number of National Guard in Memphis has fluctuated, but court filings last month said more than 700 are currently in the city.

The appeals court asked both sides to weigh in on one additional question, beyond the arguments heard in Nashville: whether the case should have come before a three-judge panel instead of a single Chancery Court judge. Tennessee law requires certain challenges to state actions be heard in front of a panel of judges, one representing each geographic division of the state.

Court of Appeals Order - Harris v. Bill Lee

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With the next Texas flood season just months away, Kerr County officials say theyre in a race to build a long-planned flood warning system estimated to cost up to $5 million  and theyre depending on the state to contribute a large share of the cost.

Last week Kerr officials said the system will be made up of sirens, rain gauges, a website to track flood conditions and signs with lights that flash during dangerous flooding. The website is already in the works, but the county says it needs help to fund the rest.

Once the county has the money it needs and chooses a contractor, the system could be built in four to six months, said a former county commissioner leading the project team.

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Earlier this week, the Texas Water Development Board took a step to help flood-prone counties get state money faster. Each of the 30 counties included in the governors disaster declaration after the July floods could receive grants of up to $1 million and may request up to $250,000 more without requiring the boards approval. Requests above that amount will need to go through the slower board approval process.

The move is intended to speed up access to $50 million that state lawmakers approved earlier this year for flood warning sirens and rain gauges in Texas counties hit by the devastating floods, which killed more than 100 people over the July 4 weekend  most of them in Kerr County. Selected counties received paperwork for the $1 million grants on Thursday so they can move forward.

Senate Bill 3, which passed during a special session this summer, directed the water development board to identify which areas within the 30 counties struck by the July floods should be required to install flood warning sirens, based on whether they have consistently flooded in the past and other factors such as whether people have died in floods or homes are in areas at risk for flash flooding. The bill also asked the board to develop best practices for such systems and how to operate them.

That process is ongoing. The guidance for the warning systems is expected to be announced in January and the public will have 30 days to give the state feedback.

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Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows all supported the idea of requiring alert systems and getting them in place by next summer.

I think its very important as a board, as an agency, that we quickly make funds available  as quickly as we can, so the communities can have access to the funds, LOreal Stepney, the water development boards chair, said during Wednesdays meeting.

But its unclear whether the fast-tracked state funding will be enough to make the Kerr County flood warning system happen before next spring, when Texas typically sees its heaviest rains.

The General Manager Tara Bushnoe of the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, which is working with Kerr County to plan and build the system, has said the TWDB funding is expected to be a large funding mechanism for the project.

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In the wake of the catastrophic floods and passage of the new law, Kerr County officials created a project team with representatives from the county, the river authority, and the cities of Kerrville and Ingram to plan a warning system.

Tom Moser, a former Kerr County commissioner, presented the teams plan to county commissioners on Dec. 8.

The system would combine National Weather Service forecasts with data from more than 100 rain and stream gauges across the Guadalupe River watershed. When the river reaches a certain level, the system would publish alerts on a public website, trigger outdoor sirens along the river as well as flashing flood signs.

Kerr County Commissioner Rich Paces said the website would allow residents, summer camps, volunteer fire departments and first responders to monitor conditions in real time. Moser said the county has not yet committed any money for the system.

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Moser estimates the system could cost about $5 million and will be designed to give residents and visitors enough time  the goal is at least 15 minutes  to move to safety.

Were ready to move forward, Moser said. The bottom line is, lets get it done.

Bushnoe said the river authority is paying for the initial phase of the system, including the website, to compile weather forecasts and rain gauge data and make it available to emergency officials. That phase is currently in development and expected to go live early next year, Bushnoe said in an email.

Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican and the lead author of the flood siren bill, said his office had been receiving monthly updates from the water development board about steps they are taking to get siren systems installed and paid for ahead of the next flash flood season, which peaks during spring and summer in Texas.

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As best I can tell, theyre doing everything possible to deploy the flash flood siren warning systems by the next flash flood season, Bettencourt said.

Emergency response experts have said there is no single fix to preventing a disaster like the July 4 weekend floods from happening again. But researchers said a siren system could be useful for a remote place such as the Hill Country, where cell service is spotty, especially if people are told what to do when the sirens go off.
An electric bike rebate program in Tacoma, Washington, is a success story that delivered up to $1,200 to hundreds of residents interested in buying healthier rides.

The initiative helped 401 people  over half of them with low incomes  during spring. The city program coincided with a state one to maximize the benefits. Nearly 2,000 Tacomans applied.

"I am so grateful for my e-bike. I would have never been able to afford any kind of bike without this rebate," one program participant commented on a Reddit post in r/Tacoma.

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E-bikes are a great way to get some exercise with a quiet ride that doesn't add to neighborhood air pollution. Clearing the Tacoma air was part of the reason officials there launched the incentive, which was funded by a state grant, according to the program website.

The initiative is one way the state Department of Ecology is working to lower air pollution for a large portion of the city's more than 217,000 residents. But pollution is a problem for nearly everyone on Earth, as the World Health Organization said about 99% of people breathe air that doesn't meet its quality standards, leading to a swath of health risks that include lung, heart, and asthma concerns.

E-bikes are also a money-saving conveyance. Riders can bank about $800 a year by parking their car and riding to work five times a week. Cargo e-bikes are an option, too, making grocery trips and other treks possible. It's a good idea to check to see if your state or city offers incentives for buying one of the clean rides, as many opportunities exist around the country.

Upway is a great place to find a deal, with e-bikes available for up to 60% off the sticker price, which can range from hundreds of dollars to $7,000, according to Consumer Reports. That makes Upway well worth it. The site also has a great selection of rides to match your needs, including foldables and mountain bikes. Upway will even buy your used e-bike if you are looking to upgrade.

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Adding home solar is another way to increase the savings  and air pollution reductions  by leveraging the sun's energy to charge your e-bike. The Cool Down's Solar Explorer is a valuable resource with insight from trusted partners that can help you find the right system and a vetted installer. You can save up to $10,000 by using the tool to curate competitive bids. There are also $0 down subscription options available for homeowners who want to avoid large upfront payments.

In Tacoma, 95% of program participants were low-income residents who were given $1,200 instant rebates. Higher earners received $300, according to the city. The voucher arrived by email and could be redeemed at participating shops. It's a unique success story that made the two-wheelers accessible to mostly everyone.

Cyclists in other communities have said the rides helped with mental health struggles, too, suggesting that the benefits could go well beyond saving money and offering a fun way to travel.

"I got one! Very happy with my e-bike. I use it every day," a Redditor said.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices  and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
A storm fueled by an atmospheric river is pounding the Pacific Northwest, bringing flooding rain, heavy snow at high elevations, and hurricane-strength winds. The storm's strong winds left more than half a million without power early Wednesday.

KPTV Chief Meteorologist Mark Nelsen warned his Facebook followers of the strong winds expected to slam the Portland area early Wednesday morning. "Power outages rapidly climbing in metro, valley, and SW Washington," he cautioned. "Expect an hour or so of strong gusts, then calming."

His followers responded quickly. "Just lost power 20 minutes ago here by uptown," one Facebook user commented. "Seems to go on for blocks and blocks!"

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Another follower reported that a transformer blew in Fern Prairie: "Caught tree on fire. Lines in road. Road is a mess with big branches down. Be careful if you drive out there! Fire Department puts cones in road around lines."

The storm produced hurricane-strength winds in some Washington mountain passes, including gusts of 112 mph at Alpental, 99 mph at White Pass, and 82 mph at Snoqualmie Pass, according to the Seattle National Weather Service Office.

High wind warnings continued early Wednesday for more than 12 million people across portions of at least 16 states from the West Coast to as far east as Minnesota and Iowa. Much of Washington was still bracing for wind gusts of up to 75 mph.

A high wind warning issued by the Spokane National Weather Service Office said: "Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."

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Flash flood watches continued early Wednesday for nearly 10 million people in the U.S., with the vast majority in Washington and Oregon. Flood alerts extended as far south as Northern California. Some of the heavier 24-hour rainfall totals ending early Wednesday in California included 5.87 inches in Whitethorn, 4.8 inches in Honeydew, and 4.55 inches in Westport.

Swollen rivers have spilled their banks near Seattle. Two levees were breached in King County, Washington, just east of the city, according to AccuWeather, per USA Today. A flood watch for western Washington cautioned that another 1 to 2 inches of rain could fall Wednesday raising the risk of landslides and debris flows.

Scientists say our warming world is supercharging atmospheric rivers. "Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are narrow, elongated regions of intense atmospheric moisture transport that are responsible for a large proportion of midlatitude extreme precipitation," the authors of a study published in March said. "Projections show that ARs will intensify due to warmer air's ability to hold more moisture. We find that ARs have already become more frequent, larger, and moister during the 1980-2023 time frame."

More power outages are possible on Thursday as another round of windy, wet weather is expected to hit. Over 5 million people across portions of Washington, Oregon, and California face marginal to slight risk  levels 1 and 2 out of 4, respectively  for excessive rainfall capable of producing flash flooding tomorrow, according to the Weather Prediction Center. A high wind watch has been issued for several western states through Friday morning.

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Adding solar with battery backup can strengthen your home's energy resilience, save you money on electricity, and help protect you against increasing utility rates. EnergySage offers a free service that can help you easily connect with vetted local installers and 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.
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

NASA JPL pinpoints the moment the interstellar visitor passes closest to our planet. . | Credit: Comet: NASA, ESA, STScI, D. Jewitt (UCLA). Image Processing: J. DePasquale (STScI)). Graphic created in Canva Pro.

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS made its closest approach to Earth early on Friday, Dec. 19. While it didn't come close enough to pose any risk to our planet, astronomers have calculated the precise moment when the comet reached its minimum distance to us.

According to the orbital calculations from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Horizons system , comet 3I/ATLAS was closest to Earth at 1 a.m. EST (0600 GMT) on Dec. 19. At that time, the comet was about 1.8 astronomical units away  roughly 168 million miles (270 million kilometers  or nearly twice the average distance between Earth and the sun .

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Discovered on July 1 , by NASA-funded ATLAS telescopes in Chile, 3I/ATLAS is only the third known interstellar object ever detected passing through our solar system, following ' Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019.

While comet 3I/ATLAS will remain far too distant and faint to become a naked-eye spectacle as it passes Earth, its flyby is scientifically valuable because interstellar objects are so rare. Studying 3I/ATLAS near its closest approach provides astronomers with their best opportunity to examine material formed around another star, offering a fleeting glimpse into planetary systems beyond our own.

Skywatchers can also follow along with the flyby live online Dec.19-20 on Space.com courtesy of the Virtual Telescope Project. The livestream will begin at 11 p.m. EST on Dec. 19 (0400 GMT on Dec. 20), offering viewers a chance to see the interstellar visitor as it makes its closest approach to Earth, weather permitting.

Follow along with the latest 3I/ATLAS news with our live blog .

Editor's note: This article was updated at 1:30 a.m. EST (0630 GMT) to reflect the close approach that occurred as expected at 1:00 a.m. (0600 GMT) Dec. 19, 2025.
LAS VEGAS  The Trump administration is turning up the pressure on Western states to cut a deal to shrink their water use as the drought-stricken Colorado River careens towards crisis.

The Interior Department's top water official on Wednesday urged the seven states that share the Colorado River to move off their hard negotiating positions and begin serious talks  or face a federal intervention that would almost certainly trigger a Supreme Court fight.

Give your commissioners room to negotiate and room to compromise  and if you cant do that, send us representatives that have the authority to best serve your interests, but are willing to break through the barriers to get to a consensus deal, assistant Interior Secretary Andrea Travnicek said at the waterway's annual conference taking place at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

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The time for serious negotiations is now, she said.

Travnicek's warning marks an escalation in the Trump administrations involvement in the states brawl over the Wests most important river . Even as the White House has taken a bare-knuckled approach in other policy areas, it has so far steered clear of the Colorado River fight, which includes two key political swing states and one of Trumps favorite Democratic foes  California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The seven states that share the river's flows have been deadlocked for nearly two years over how to reduce their offtake  even as water levels at the two biggest reservoirs dive towards precarious lows and forecasts for the coming years show little hope for a reprieve.

Travnicek's suggestion that states consider switching out their negotiators underscores the administrations frustration with the sorry state of the talks.

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Rules parceling out the river's supplies are set to expire at the end of next year and the Trump administration has said that new ones must be in place by the end of next summer to keep the water flowing to 40 million people across the West, including the cities of Denver, Phoenix and Los Angeles.

Projections released by Interiors Bureau of Reclamation Monday accentuate the danger: Without a blockbuster winter snowpack, water levels behind Glen Canyon Dam, along the border of Arizona and Utah, could fall below the hydropower turbines next October  a scenario that threatens both the power that helps stabilize the Western grid, and Reclamations ability to send water downstream to Arizona, California and Nevada.

The Trump administration has elevated the discussions in recent weeks, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum inviting the seven governors to Washington, D.C., last week for river talks. While the meeting did not take place then, efforts to convene the group remain underway.

The Secretary has a continuing interest in engaging with the seven governors, Acting Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Scott Cameron said in an interview with POLITICO on the sidelines of the conference.

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He realizes that, as a former governor himself, ultimately, this responsibility for success or failure of a seven state deal rests with those seven individuals, he continued.

The window for an agreement is fast closing. Interior has given the states until Feb. 14 to cut a final deal  just 60 days from now, Travnicek noted from the stage.

That timeline is designed to allow time for new rules to go through an environmental review process, as well as get a vote from the Arizona state legislature and local water boards in multiple states. Congress may also need to pass legislation  and associated funding  if an agreement emerges.

Although the federal government has called for new rules that would govern the waterway through the coming decades, state negotiators have been focusing on a short-term, phase 1 deal that would cover only five years, in order to give states more time to adjust to a first round of water cuts.

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That plan would require the lower river states of Arizona, California and Nevada to make good on their offer to reduce their water use by 1.5 million acre-feet. Meanwhile, the upstream states of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming would launch a water conservation program, said three people close to the talks who requested anonymity to discuss negotiations that remain fluid.

There is no agreement yet on even that tentative first step, though, which is broadly understood to be insufficient for dealing with the rivers dwindling flows.

At the same time, Mother Nature is making things worse.

Water flows into Lake Powell  which account for the lions share of the rivers inflows  were just 56 percent of average this year, according to a Bureau of Reclamation presentation Wednesday.

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Talks are underway among the states to move water down from upstream reservoirs to bolster water levels at Lake Powell, said Carly Jerla, senior water resource program manager with the Bureau of Reclamation.

Thats a move that the federal government made back in 2022, the last time that water levels behind Glen Canyon Dam were plummeting towards crisis levels. But its a politically contentious proposition for the upstream states of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming, who jealously guard those smaller, upstream reservoirs to feed their own farmers and cities.

Meanwhile, as the winter snowpack season begins, early indications for 2026 arent promising.

Its early, but things arent setting up well, Jerla said.


Adam, a caller from Toronto, said his marriage has reached a breaking point as his wife spends about 2,000 Canadian dollars ($1,450) more than their household earns each month and recently demanded a CA$10,000 ($7,250) elective surgery.

He told "The Ramsey Show," the overspending has nearly wiped out their emergency fund and intensified after his wife said she would put the surgery on a credit card if he refused to help pay for it.

Overspending After A Financial Turnaround

Adam said he and his wife had previously worked their way out of serious debt, paying off about CA$65,000 in roughly 11 months. However, progress stalled after a sharp downturn in his aviation career, which was hit hard by the pandemic.

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As income fluctuated, his wife resumed spending freely, insisting they earned enough to avoid restraint. Over time, this drained most of their emergency savings, and repeated attempts to discuss budgeting, retirement planning, and saving for their four children were dismissed as an unhealthy obsession with money.

A CA$10,000 Ultimatum

The dispute escalated when Adam said his wife signed up for the procedure. When he questioned the timing, she insisted it would proceed whether funded jointly or independently.

At that point, personal finance expert Dave Ramsey told Adam flatly, "This is not a marriage. The marriage is over." He said the ultimatum removed Adam from shared decision-making and demonstrated a refusal to work as a partner. "This is not someone that is in a marriage anymore," Ramsey added, noting that people who want a marriage to work do not behave that way.

Adam said he felt trapped, comparing his silence to enabling destructive behavior like "giving the drunk a drink." Ramsey rejected that approach, warning that avoiding conflict would not save the marriage.

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Counseling Or Closure

Ramsey urged Adam to stop negotiating around finances and confront the underlying issue. He said the next step should be immediate marriage counseling, framed as a clear choice: attend together to rebuild the marriage or alone to learn how to end it.

He said that continued overspending, threats, and refusal to engage showed a lack of commitment to partnership. Co-host George Kamel reinforced the point, saying actions matter more than words and reassurance without change leaves families stuck in the same cycle.
The European Court of Justice ruled on Thursday that Poland's Constitutional Court infringed European Union law by not recognizing ECJ decisions under the previous government in Warsaw.

By disregarding decisions of the EU's highest court, Polands court violated fundamental principles such as the primacy, autonomy and uniform application of EU law, the judges in Luxembourg ruled.

The European Commission had brought the case against Poland before the ECJ.

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The case is linked to two 2021 rulings by the Polish Constitutional Court, in which it refused to recognize decisions of the ECJ as binding, arguing that they violated the Polish constitution.

The Polish court ruled that the ECJ was exceeding its powers by interfering in the Polish judiciary.

At the time, the right-wing populist Law and Justice (PiS) party was in power in Warsaw.

The government had overhauled the judicial system in reforms seen as undermining the separation of powers and judicial independence. The ECJ had ordered parts of those reforms to be suspended, citing concerns over a deterioration in the rule of law.

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In Thursday's ruling, the EU top court said that Poland cannot evade common EU values, saying they are legally binding for all countries joining the EU and member states cannot opt out of them.

After the pro-EU centrist Donald Tusk took office as prime minister in late 2023, Poland fully acknowledged the violations and worked to roll back the changes. Nevertheless, the ECJ was required to rule in the case.
Nebraska State Auditor's Office in the Nebraska Capitol. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  A Nebraska state official responsible for overseeing state data security and privacy allegedly submitted duplicate travel reimbursement claims on two occasions for his own financial benefit, according to a new report from the state auditor.

Auditor Mike Foley this week made public his offices review of reimbursements sought by the states chief information security and privacy officer, a man whose state employment has since ended.

Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

Identified as Patrick Wright, he worked under the Department of Administrative Services Office of the Chief Information Officer. The state information office said it alerted Foleys office and the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office in December, when it found alleged improprieties.

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The Auditors Office issued a 24-page report, largely copies of reimbursement forms, and recommendations for improvement to Wrights supervisors, who said Wright at first was placed on administrative leave and then resigned during the investigation.

Contacted by the Nebraska Examiner, Wright and his lawyer said they were reviewing the auditors report and would make a statement at a later date.

Foley said his team did not reach out to Wright for comment or explanation, given that the Attorney Generals Office already was involved. A spokesperson for the AG said the office had no comment on the matter.

The auditing team noted that Wright was employed by the state from July 2020 through this February, and was paid about $120,000 when he left.

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Foley called the situation concerning.

That these allegations of financial impropriety are leveled at someone to whom the states data security and privacy was entrusted should give everyone pause, Foley said.

Misunderstanding

According to the auditors report, Wright during his tenure and on two separate occasions submitted reimbursement requests to both the state and third-party organizations for the same expenses, using identical documentation.

Wright allegedly received about $500 of undue duplicative payments, Foley said. Those were related to an August 2024 work-related trip to Milwaukee.

Foley said the overall amount of alleged undue reimbursements might have been higher, but that it appears Wright sought to rectify a double payment situation a few months later related to a Washington D.C. trip, after officials questioned suspicious reimbursement requests.

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Wright in January returned a $2,266 check to a third-party organization, explaining in an accompanying letter that there was a misunderstanding and the check related to the D.C. trip should be issued to the State of Nebraska rather than to him personally. The letter was included in the auditors report.

In addition to giving rise to concerns regarding possible theft, forgery and even abuse of public records, the putative double-dealing by the former Security and Privacy Officer could implicate him in having violated Nebraska law forbidding use of public office or resources for unauthorized personal gain, Foley said in a news release.

He said the auditing teams findings were turned over to the Attorney Generals Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission and the Lancaster County Attorneys Office for review.

While employed by the state, Wright also served on the executive committee of the Center for Internet Securitys Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center. The auditors report notes that he currently directs Cyber Strong Nebraska, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity awareness, education and resources within the state.

Recoup funds

Foley said the state information office, directed by Chief Information Officer Matthew McCarville under Administrative Services, cooperated and pledged to take safeguards against similar situations.

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The information offices response included in the auditors letter said the agency would try to recoup any funds determined to have been improperly paid and said it would cooperate with any further investigations.

McCarville, in a statement to the Examiner, said his office is dedicated to being a good steward of taxpayer dollars and that prevention of fraud and misuse of public funds remains a top priority.

He said the review led the information office to amend internal policies and to enhance procedures for approving travel expense reimbursement forms.

Our agency acted quickly to ensure that proper and immediate reporting occurred to the State Auditor and the Attorney Generals Office when this situation came to light, said McCarville.

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It seems that Bradley Elementary School in East Boston has just received the equivalent of an A.

The K-6 school recently won the School on the Move competition, which is awarded to a Boston public school that continuously improves its learning environment.

It comes with a $100,000 prize.

The School on the Move is sponsored by EdVestor, a Boston non-profit committed to improving the quality of education.

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Claire Carney has been the schools principal for the last 10 years.

She says getting the award felt validating, like were on the right track, and were doing the right work.

What we realized when we dug into the data was that we were actually in the 33rd percentile because we werent doing well for all students. . . what were proud to say is that now were in the 84th percentile in Massachusetts.

Carney says when she first arrived, the school had a good track record serving high-achievement students, but didnt do as well with those facing additional learning challenges.

Her mission was to change that.

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Our job is to make sure that every child gets the best education here and that we have a plan for every child, and I can truly say that when we look at the data and think about who is struggling, we dig down into what are the barriers, and how can we put together a plan to see success over the course of their time here.

Aimee Galego, a learning specialist, added, We want all students to have access to high-quality instruction thats happening in the classroom.

She said students at all levels are often blended together today, and thats helping everyone.

Doing something separate, removing students from the classroom, asking them to do something separate is not giving them that access, and not providing them those experiences.

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As a parent, Ghizlane Elabar is happy to have a school of this caliber just blocks from her home.

The teachers love to educate. They love the students. It doesnt matter what your background is, where you come from, they treat everybody with respect and dignity and fairness throughout the school.

Winning a prestigious award like this made an impression on 6th grader Miranda Ramos.

Everybody was very, very happy, and the community of the school was just very thankful.

Standing on the stage in front of Bostons educational community after the award was announced was an indescribable moment for Carney, one confirming the power of change.

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Ive said this is a number of times that every kid has one shot at an education. If you have one shot at an education, you need to make sure that what youre putting in front of kids and the kind of conversations and tasks that they have in classrooms that are really strong.

As for the prize money, Carney would like to bolster the schools STEM curriculum.

She says there might also be a party for the entire school community to celebrate their achievement.,

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Renewable energy is an internal Tribal matter and an exercise of sovereigntynot something that requires approval from rural electric cooperatives.

Guest Opinion. In May, at a Tribal clean energy conference, I listened as a member of the Upper Sioux Indian Community described their frustration with their rural electric cooperative. The Tribe had invested in a 2.5-megawatt solar project to offset the energy demand of their casinoyet the panels sat idle, waiting for permission to turn on. When the Tribe moved to energize the system without the blessing of Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light & Power, they received notice that power to the casino would be shut off. This story is not unique. Across Indian Country, Tribes building behind-the-meter solar or other distributed energy resources consistently encounter outdated cooperative policies that discourage or block Tribal ownership of renewable energy. These policies effectively determine who can and cannot build solar, maintaining a status quo that keeps local energy ownership stagnant in rural and Tribal communities.

This dynamic was challenged by Upper Sioux earlier this year in a complaint filed at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC). By asserting their right to energize their own behind-the-meter project, the Tribe reminded both the state and their service provider that renewable energy development on Tribal lands is fundamentally an internal matter of Tribal sovereignty. As pressure grows nationwide to expand clean energy, this case makes clear that PUCs and cooperatives must reform policies that impose control over Tribal decisions. Their job is not to grant permission, but to ensure they do not stand in the way.

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Understanding this moment starts with understanding the role of PUCs. Public Utilities Commissions oversee the regulatory system governing electricity. They set rates, approve increases, protect customers from monopoly behavior, and approve long-term energy plans. Commissioners juggle competing interests from utilities, cooperatives, consumer advocates, and environmental justice organizations. Their core mandate is to keep energy affordable and reliable.

But one group consistently remains outside that balancing act: Tribal Nations. Despite state energy decisions affecting Tribes daily, they are rarely included meaningfully in PUC processes. Minnesota's Tribal relations statute encourages engagement, but it is not enforceable and lacks remedies when state agencies fall short. Expressions of values are not enough.

The deeper issue is structural. PUCs favor traditional decision-making grounded in quantifiable financial impacts. Commissioners often struggle to fully weigh environmental harm or equity considerations. Few commissions have policy mandates on climate change, let alone Tribal engagement or sovereignty. I have been in hearings where Tribal members describe long-term harm from utility actions, only to be asked, "How would you calculate the cost?" These limitations block meaningful participation and perpetuate inequities.

There must be a fundamental shift toward a PUC culture that upholds Tribal sovereignty and includes enforceable protections.

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The Upper Sioux case offered a glimpse of what that could look like. Commissioners unanimously agreed that the cooperative acted in a discriminatory manner toward the Tribe recognizing that the co-op had no exclusive right to control the Tribe's use of electricity. For other Tribes, this should be a signal: there is room to assert rights even in a system that historically overlooks Tribal concerns.

Another encouraging sign was the coalition supporting Upper Sioux. Organizations such as the Midwest Tribal Energy Resource Association (MTERA), Tribal Energy Alternatives (TEA), CURE, and the Tribal Advocacy Council on Energy (TACE) submitted arguments urging the Commission to recognize Tribal sovereignty. These groups continue to push for Tribal-driven energy development and for government agencies that center Tribal leadership.

However, the case is far from resolved. After the initial complaint, a new docket was opened to consider transferring the Tribe's casino load from the cooperative to Xcel Energy per the Tribe's request. This jurisdictional maze forces Tribes back into state systems that grant utilities enormous control over distributed energy resources while offering Tribes little procedural power. The potential economic loss for the cooperative in this case should serve as a lesson: when utilities create barriers to Tribal energy development, Tribes will pursue alternatives.

The broader lesson is clear that case-by-case fights are not sustainable. Without meaningful policy reform, Tribes will remain entangled in processes that limit their autonomy over energy on their own lands. Commissioners, policymakers, and Tribal leaders should consider establishing a formal rule granting Tribes cooperating-agency status within PUC proceedings. This status would allow Tribes to insert their own analysis into regulatory decisions carrying the weight of government-to-government engagement. Such a reform would strengthen Tribal procedural authority and help prevent future conflicts like the one involving Upper Sioux.

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Change is the only constant in the energy industry. If Minnesota and other states are serious about renewable energy transitions, then Tribal Nations must not be required to wait for permission from rural electric cooperatives to build the clean energy projects their communities need. The authority to make those decisions belongs to Tribes. It is time to make that clear.

Catherine Zingg (Ho-Chunk Nation) is the policy director at Tribal Energy Alternatives.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
President Donald Trump said he is set to give a live, primetime address to the nation on the evening of Dec. 17 as the end of the year draws to a close.

Trump announced the plans on the social media platform Truth Social on Tuesday, Dec. 16, without indicating what he would be speaking about.

"I look forward to 'seeing' you then," reads the Dec. 16 post. "It has been a great year for our Country, and THE BEST IS YET TO COME!"

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Trump recently kicked off a speaking tour focused on the economy, ruffling some feathers last week when he mocked what he called the "affordability hoax" while speaking in a swing congressional district in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. The cost of living has been a hot-button issue of late, with democrats blaming Trump's policies for a worsening "affordability crisis," contrary to campaign promises he made to reduce the cost of living from "day one" of his presidency.

Here's what to know about watching the Wednesday, Dec. 17, address live.

What time is Trump's address?

Trump will address the nation from the White House on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 9 p.m. ET.

How to watch Trump's address live

You can watch Trump's address via the video embed at the top of this page, or tune into The Palm Beach Post's YouTube channel.

Contributing: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump address time, how to watch White House speech live
WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) - The Trump administration intends to increase its efforts to strip some naturalized Americans of their U.S. citizenship, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing internal guidance.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services guidance, which was issued on Tuesday, asks its field offices to "supply Office of Immigration Litigation with 100-200 denaturalization cases per month" in the upcoming 2026 fiscal year, according to the newspaper.

That would mark a dramatic increase in denaturalization cases, which, according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, stood at about 11 per year between 1990 and 2017.

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Under U.S. law, a person can be denaturalized for several reasons, including illegally gaining U.S. citizenship and misrepresenting a material fact during the naturalization process.

The timeline for denaturalization cases varies, but they can take years to resolve.

A USCIS spokesperson said it was not a secret that the agency's "war on fraud" prioritized people who unlawfully obtained U.S. citizenship, particularly under the previous administration.

"We will pursue denaturalization proceedings for those individuals lying or misrepresenting themselves during the naturalization process," the spokesperson said.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has carried out an aggressive immigration agenda, including imposing travel bans and an attempt to end birthright citizenship, since January.

His administration most recently paused immigration applications, including green card and U.S. citizenship processing, filed by immigrants from 19 non-European countries.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward in WashingtonEditing by Rod Nickel)
MADISON - The Trump administration is suing Wisconsin after the state's top election officials voted to reject a request from the U.S. Department of Justice for personal information of voters.

The U.S. Department of Justice on Dec. 18 filed lawsuits against Wisconsin, Illinois, Georgia and the District of Columbia in federal courts for failing to hand over voter information.

DOJ officials on Dec. 2 sent a letter to Wisconsin Elections Commission officials demanding within seven days the state's list of voters, including names, date of birth, residential address, driver's license numbers and the last four digits of Social Security numbers.

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Last week, the commission voted 5-1 to send a response to U.S. DOJ officials explaining why the commission will not send such data, arguing state law prohibits them from doing so.

The new round of lawsuits brings the total to 22 states that have been sued by the Trump administration over such requests.

"The law is clear: states need to give us this information, so we can do our duty to protect American citizens from vote dilution," Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the U.S. DOJ Civil Rights Division said in a statement.

"Todays filings show that regardless of which party is in charge of a particular state, the Department of Justice will firmly stand on the side of election integrity and transparency."

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But state elections commissioners say state law prohibits them from releasing voters' personal information. Federal officials could purchase voter lists from the state for $12,500.

"As has been demonstrated over and over and over again, Wisconsin's elections are fair and conducted with integrity," Attorney General Josh Kaul, who represents the elections commission, said in a statement.

"The United States Department of Justice should be serving the interests of the American people, not chasing conspiracy theories."

Just two states, Indiana and Wyoming, have supplied the data sought by the Trump administration, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

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DOJ prosecutors argue in the federal lawsuit against Wisconsin election officials that Attorney General Pam Bondi "may request a federal court to issue an order directing the officer of election to produce the demanded records," similar to orders made to administrative agencies.

In a proposed memorandum of understanding, federal justice officials said the agency wanted the information "to test, analyze, and assess states (voter roll lists) for proper list maintenance and compliance with federal law."

"In the event the Justice Departments analysis of a (voter roll list) results in list maintenance issues, insufficiency, inadequacy, anomalies, or concerns, the Justice Department will notify your states point of contact of the issues to assist your state with curing," the proposed agreement says.

The demand came after DOJ officials earlier this year threatened to withhold funding for the state elections commission over alleged violations of federal law even though agency leaders said there is no funding to cut.

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The federal authorities in July also asked for information on incidents of election fraud from Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, who does not oversee elections like her counterparts in other states.

"I don't look at the action that we're taking today to be a commentary on the motives or the appropriateness of the Department of Justice's request. The U.S. DOJ is simply asking the commission to do something that the commission is explicitly forbidden by Wisconsin law to do," Republican commissioner Don Millis said in the Dec. 11 special meeting.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin against Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator Meagan Wolfe and the bipartisan group of six state elections commissioners.

A spokeswoman for WEC declined to comment.

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(This story was updated to add new information.)

Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump administration sues Wisconsin over denial of voter data
The FBI deputy director, Dan Bongino, confirmed on Wednesday that he is stepping down in January.

In a statement posted on social media, Bongino thanked Donald Trump, Kash Patel, the FBI director, and Pam Bondi, the attorney general he reportedly clashed with over her decision not to release files from the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the late sex offender who socialized with Trump for more than a decade.

Dan did a great job, Trump told reporters earlier, when asked about reports that Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned podcaster, planned to resign.

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I think he wants to go back to his show, the president said.

Earlier on Wednesday, MS Now reported Bongino quietly told confidants he plans to formally leave his job early in the new year. Citing eight people briefed on his account, the outlet said Bongino would not be returning to the bureaus headquarters this month.

Those individuals also told MS Now that Bongino, the No 2 official at the FBI under Patel, considered announcing his departure on Friday. Bongino did not confirm his plans to the outlet, but said: Print whatever youd like. No one believes you anyway. Thanks.

Bongino, also a former NYPD officer, has hosted several shows in his career, including guest-host stints on The Sean Hannity Show and The Mark Levin Show. He later launched the Bongino Report and The Dan Bongino Show.

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In May, Bongino cried during an appearance on Fox News where he complained about the sacrifices he made to take up his role as FBI deputy director.

I gave up everything for this. I mean, you know, my wife is struggling  I stare at these four walls all day in DC, you know, by myself, divorced from my wife. Not divorced, but I mean, separated. And its hard, he said.

In 2018, Bongino, who has frequently perpetuated conspiracy theories of a so-called deep-state plot against Trump, said: My entire life right now is about owning the libs.

He has also called for Barack Obama to be locked up; Hillary Clinton a freaking criminal; and argued that California senator Adam Schiff should be in prsion.

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Earlier this month, Bongino tried to walk back from conspiracy theories of the FBI being allegedly complicit in planting pipe bombs near the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee prior to the January 6 riots in 2021.

Before becoming FBI deputy director, Bongino had claimed, without evidence, that the FBI knew the identity of the bomber and that the bombs were planted to create narrative that crazy Maga people are trying to assassinate Kamala Harris.

However, upon being asked about his previous claims by Fox News host Sean Hannity, Bongino said: I was paid in the past for my opinions, thats clear, and one day Ill be back in that space, but thats not what Im paid for now. Im paid to be your deputy director, and we base investigations on facts.

He went on to say: Were going to be guided by the facts as this thing goes forward.

The FBI declined to comment.
WASHINGTON, Dec 18 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, the deputy commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, as director of the National Security Agency and head of the U.S. Cyber Command, the Pentagon said Thursday in a statement.

A former Special Forces officer from South Carolina, Rudd would be elevated to general. He currently serves as the No. 2 at the U.S. military's Indo-Pacific Command, which is responsible for U.S. forces in the greater Pacific region.

The NSA, which focuses on signals intelligence and cyberespionage, is one of the world's most powerful surveillance agencies and absorbs gargantuan quantities of data through electronic intercepts and spyware. Cyber Command is the Pentagon's top cyberwarfare unit and focuses both on hacking and defending military networks against foreign spies and saboteurs.

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In a "dual hat" arrangement that dates back to 2010, the NSA director also oversees Cyber Command.

Rudd did not return messages seeking comment. The NSA referred questions to the White House, which did not return a message seeking comment. Cyber Command did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

The NSA and Cyber Command have been without Senate-confirmed leaders since Trump sacked General Timothy Haugh as part of a wider purge of national security officials in April. In June, Politico reported that the Pentagon's pick for Haugh's replacement, Army Lieutenant General Richard Angle, was vetoed by the White House.

(Reporting by Bhargav Acharya and Raphael Satter, writing by Christian Martinez, Editing by Franklin Paul, Chizu Nomiyama and Nick Zieminski)
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump demanded Wednesday that Venezuela return assets that it seized from U.S. oil companies years ago, justifying anew his announcement of a blockade against oil tankers traveling to or from the South American country that face American sanctions.

Trump cited the lost U.S. investments in Venezuela when asked about his newest tactic in a pressure campaign against leader Nicolas Maduro, suggesting his administration's moves are at least somewhat motivated by disputes over oil investments, along with accusations of drug trafficking. Some sanctioned tankers already are diverting away from Venezuela.

"Were not going to be letting anybody going through who shouldnt be going through, Trump told reporters. You remember they took all of our energy rights. They took all of our oil not that long ago. And we want it back. They took it  they illegally took it.

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U.S. oil companies dominated Venezuela's petroleum industry until the country's leaders moved to nationalize the sector, first in the 1970s and again in the 21st century under Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez. Compensation offered by Venezuela was deemed insufficient, and in 2014 an international arbitration panel ordered the country's socialist government to pay $1.6 billion to ExxonMobil.

While Venezuelas oil has long dominated relations with the U.S., the Trump administration has focused on Maduros links to drug traffickers, accusing his government of facilitating the shipment of dangerous drugs into the U.S. In his social media post Tuesday night, Trump said Venezuela was using using oil to fund drug trafficking and other crimes.

U.S. forces last week seized an oil tanker off Venezuelas coast amid a massive military buildup that includes the Navy's most advanced aircraft carrier.

The military also has carried out a series of strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean that have killed a total of at least 99 people, including four in a strike Wednesday. Those attacks have prompted questions from lawmakers and legal experts about their legal justification. Trump also has said he is considering strikes on land.

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Trump's talk of stolen assets

Stephen Miller, Trump's deputy chief of staff, likened Venezuela's move to nationalize its oil industry to a heist.

American sweat, ingenuity and toil created the oil industry in Venezuela," Miller wrote on social media Wednesday. Its tyrannical expropriation was the largest recorded theft of American wealth and property. These pillaged assets were then used to fund terrorism and flood our streets with killers, mercenaries and drugs."

Venezuela first moved to nationalize its oil industry in the 1970s, a process that expanded under Chavez, who nationalized hundreds of private businesses and foreign-owned assets, including oil projects run by ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips. That led to the arbitration panel's 2014 order.

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There is a case that can be made that Venezuela owes this money to Exxon. I dont think its ever been paid, economist Philip Verleger said.

Trump blamed his predecessors for not taking a harder line against Venezuela over the asset seizures.

They took it away because we had a president that maybe wasnt watching, Trump said Wednesday. "But theyre not going to do that again. We want it back. They took our oil rights  we had a lot of oil there. As you know they threw our companies out, and we want it back.

Chevron has a waiver from the U.S. government for oil production in Venezuela, and the Texas-based oil giant says its operations have not been disrupted.

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Venezuelas debt to Chevron has decreased substantially since the companys license to resume exporting Venezuelan oil to the U.S. was first granted in 2022, said Francisco Monaldi, a Venezuelan oil expert at Rice University in Houston. He said the amount is not public.

A new designation for Maduro's government?

There was no change Wednesday to the list of foreign terrorist organizations after Trump said in his post that the Venezuelan Regime has been designated as one.

Officials at several national security agencies were told not to take Trumps remarks about the designation literally and they should be treated as a figure of speech, according to a U.S. official involved in the discussions.

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That official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal interagency communications, also stressed that the blockade Trump announced applies only to previously sanctioned vessels against which certain actions are already authorized, such as the seizure last week.

The State Department, which oversees the list, didnt respond to requests for clarification.

Trumps Justice Department in 2020 indicted Maduro on narcoterrorism charges and U.S. authorities have alleged that Venezuelas leaders have profited from drug trafficking. Last month, the Trump administration designated a group linked to Maduro  the Cartel de los Soles  as a terrorist organization.

Venezuela decries American piracy

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Maduro called United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday for a conversation regarding the current tensions in the region, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said.

During the call, the secretary-general reaffirmed the United Nations position on the need for member states to respect international law, particularly the United Nations Charter, exert restraint and de-escalate tensions to preserve regional stability, Haq said.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil demanded in a letter to the U.N. Security Council, which was obtained by The Associated Press, that the U.S. immediately release the kidnapped crew and return the oil illegally confiscated on the high seas.

In a second letter Wednesday, Venezuelas U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada called for an emergency meeting of the U.N.s most powerful body to discuss the ongoing U.S. aggression.

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Citing Trump's social media post, Moncada said, this means that the U.S. government is claiming the worlds largest oil reserves as its own, in what would be one of the greatest acts of plunder in human history.

In addition to urging the Security Council to condemn the taking of the tanker, Gil urged the U.N.s most powerful body for a written statement stating that it hasnt authorized actions against Venezuela or against the international commercialization of its oil.

While the strikes on alleged drug boats have raised questions about the use of military force, Trump's seizure of the tanker and other actions against sanctioned entities are consistent with past American policy, said retired U.S. Vice Admiral Robert Murrett, now a professor at Syracuse University.

He also noted that from a military standpoint, seizing sanctioned oil tankers and imposing a blockade are far less risky than direct military confrontation.

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U.S. policy supports peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela, Murrett said. If Maduro agrees tomorrow to step down and have a free and open election, I think wed be delighted, Democrats and Republicans alike.

___

Associated Press writers Matthew Lee in Washington, Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, Cathy Bussewitz in New York and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.
With a market capitalization of $13.5 billion, Masco Corporation (MAS) is an industrial company and a leading manufacturer of branded home improvement and building products. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Masco operates globally with a substantial manufacturing and distribution footprint.

Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally described as "large-cap stocks," and MAS fits the criterion. Masco is recognized for its strong brand portfolio and market share in plumbing and decorative products, supported by strategic partnerships with major retail outlets. The company leverages a decentralized operating model focused on continuous improvement and customer-centric innovation to drive long-term value.

More News from Barchart

MAS touched its 52-week high of $82.18 on Jan. 27, but has since retreated, now trading 21.2% below that peak. Over the past three months, the stock has plunged 11.6%, underperfoming the SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETFs (XHB) 7.3% dip over the same period.

www.barchart.com

The weakness is also evident over longer time frames. MAS is down 16.7% over the past 52 weeks and has declined 10.8% year to date, in contrast to XHBs 5.8% gain over the past year and 2.1% year-to-date gain.

Additionally, stock has remained below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since late September and early October, respectively, signaling a sustained downtrend.

www.barchart.com

Mascos underperformance relative to the broader market has been driven by soft end-market demand and macro headwinds. Weaker housing activity and muted renovation spending have weighed on sales volumes, particularly in decorative architectural products. At the same time, tariff exposure and higher input costs have raised concerns about margin pressure, prompting analyst downgrades and price-target cuts.

On Oct. 29, MAS shares dwindled 4.7% after reporting its Q3 results, which reflected a challenging operating environment. The company reported net sales of $1.92 billion, down 3% year over year, missing analyst expectations. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.97, below consensus forecasts and down from the prior year, while gross and operating margins contracted due to higher costs, including tariffs and commodity pressures.
A Tennessee voter casts his ballot in Nashville during a special election this month. The U.S. Department of Justice has sent confidential draft agreements on voter data sharing to more than a dozen states, including Tennessee  part of the Trump administrations effort to obtain unredacted voter rolls from states. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)

The U.S. Department of Justice has sent a confidential draft agreement to more than a dozen states that would require election officials to remove any alleged ineligible voters identified during a federal review of their voter rolls.

The agreement  called a memorandum of understanding, or MOU  would hand the federal government a major role in election administration, a responsibility that belongs to the states under the U.S. Constitution.

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A Justice Department official identified 11 states that have expressed an interest in the agreement during a federal court hearing in December, according to a transcript reviewed by Stateline. Two additional states, Colorado and Wisconsin, have publicly rejected the memorandum of understanding and released copies of the proposal.

The 11 states all fall into the list of, they have expressed with us a willingness to comply based on the represented MOU that we have sent them, Eric Neff, the acting chief of the Justice Departments Voting Section, said at the hearing. He spoke at a Dec. 4 hearing in a federal lawsuit brought by the Justice Department against California, which has refused a demand for the states voter data.

Neffs courtroom disclosure, which Stateline is the first to report, comes as the Justice Department has sued 21 states and the District of Columbia for unredacted copies of their voter rolls after demanding the data from most states in recent months. The unredacted lists include sensitive personal information, such as drivers license and partial Social Security numbers.

The states Neff identified are led by Republicans  Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia.

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The draft memorandum of understanding represents a new effort by the Trump administration to gain access to some states voter data without litigation.

The administrations lawsuits mostly target Democratic states, where election officials refused initial requests for voter data and allege the demand is unlawful and risks the privacy of millions of voters. They have also voiced fears that the Trump administration could use the information to target its political enemies.

Neff said four states with Republican secretaries of state  Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas and Wyoming  have complied voluntarily with the Justice Departments demand without memoranda of understanding.

What the DOJ is trying to do is something that should frighten everybody across the political spectrum.

 David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research

The Justice Department says it needs voters detailed information to ensure ineligible people are kept off state voter rolls and that only citizens are voting.

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Federal officials say they will follow federal privacy laws, but critics fear voter data is being shared with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which operates a powerful citizenship verification tool known as SAVE. The Trump administration has previously confirmed the Justice Department plans to share voter data with Homeland Security.

What the DOJ is trying to do is something that should frighten everybody across the political spectrum, said David Becker, executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research. Theyre trying to use the power of the executive branch to bully states into turning over highly sensitive data: date of birth, Social Security number, drivers license  the holy trinity of identity theft.

Becker, who worked as a senior trial attorney in the Justice Departments Voting Section during the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, told reporters on Dec. 8 that several states received the memorandum. But Neffs identification of 11 states wasnt widely available until the judge in the California lawsuit on Tuesday ordered the transcript of the Dec. 4 hearing immediately posted to the lawsuits public docket, where Stateline accessed it.

A transcript of a Dec. 4 federal court hearing showing Eric Neff, acting chief of the Justice Departments Voting Section, listing states that he says are willing to comply with a request for voter data based on a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU). (Screenshot by Jonathan Shorman)

The draft memorandum of understanding, which is labeled confidential, outlines the terms of the proposed agreement between each state and the Justice Department. After a state provides its voter roll, the federal department would agree to test, analyze and assess the information. The department would then notify states of any voter list maintenance issues, insufficiencies, inadequacies, deficiencies, anomalies, or concerns found.

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Each state would agree to clean its voter roll within 45 days by removing any ineligible voters, according to the memorandum. States would then resubmit their voter data to the Justice Department for verification.

While the Justice Department has demanded states voter rolls since this summer, the memorandum of understanding offers the most detailed picture to date of how the Trump administration plans to use the data.

It lays out in a way that we havent seen in any other context their plan for one of the things, I will say, that they plan to do, which is disturbing, said Eileen OConnor, a senior counsel and manager in the voting rights and election program at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, a progressive think tank.

OConnor was a trial attorney in the Justice Departments Voting Section during the Obama, first Trump and Biden administrations. I think with each passing lawsuit, they are clearly trying to create a national database of every voter in the country, she said.

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The Justice Department didnt answer questions from Stateline about how many states had been sent the memorandum and whether any had signed it.

Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who leads the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, wrote in a statement to Stateline that the department has a statutory mandate to enforce federal voting rights laws. Ensuring the voting publics confidence in election integrity is a top priority of the Trump administration, she wrote.

Clean voter rolls and basic election safeguards are requisites for free, fair, and transparent elections, Dhillon wrote.

Federal involvement in elections

The Justice Department memorandum, if implemented, would mark a significant departure from how election officials typically maintain voter rolls.

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States, often in coordination with local election officials, check lists for changes in address, deaths and other reasons for ineligibility, such as a felony conviction. States typically perform this task with little to no federal involvement.

Some states participate in voluntary programs that allow election officials to share voter information with other states for the purposes of looking for voters who may have moved or who are registered in multiple locations. But those dont include the federal government, which plays a limited role in election administration under the United States decentralized approach to elections.

Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, said clerks continually look at death records and other sources of data to update voter lists. He said the United States localized election system is a strength that guards against election interference.

The federal government has no role in list maintenance, Crane said.

But that has begun to change under the Trump administration, as President Donald Trump has made removing noncitizen voters a priority.

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Earlier this year, Homeland Security overhauled the SAVE program into a tool that can scan millions of voter records against government databases for evidence of citizenship. The program was previously used for one-off searches to check whether noncitizens were eligible for government benefits.

Some Republican secretaries of state have agreed to upload their voter rolls into SAVE. Democratic secretaries of state object to using the program and say they are wary of what will happen to the voter information once its provided to the Trump administration, including its potential use by the Department of Homeland Security.

While SAVE can flag voters with potential eligibility issues, the onus now is still on state officials to investigate whether those voters are actually ineligible and decide whether to initiate a process to remove them from the rolls.

By contrast, the Justice Department memorandum would empower federal officials to take a more active role, allowing them to check the work of state election officials as they remove  or dont remove  voters.

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We have a system that allows Americans to voice their opinions and to hold government accountable, and that is so fundamentally central to the way our system works, Oregon Democratic Secretary of State Tobias Read, who has been sued by the Justice Department, said in an interview. We should be focused on how to make that better, not on erecting artificial barriers and putting peoples privacy and confidence at risk for no reason.

Republican interest

Some GOP election officials have welcomed the Trump administrations interest and have accused the Biden administration of not doing enough to help states vet their voter rolls. In particular, they praise the overhaul of SAVE, which some GOP secretaries of state had requested before Trump took office.

Some secretaries have touted the removal of noncitizen voters after using SAVE. Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray, a Republican, in November announced three voters identified as noncitizens had been removed from his states voter rolls. Gray has also provided the Justice Department with full access to Wyomings voter roll.

The voter list maintenance that we have been conducting is extremely important for election integrity, Gray said in a news release.

But as of early December, nearly all states hadnt provided the Justice Department access to their unredacted voter rolls, with Neff identifying only four that had shared their lists. It also remains unclear whether any state has signed the memorandum of understanding. No state has told Stateline it signed the document.

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Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen, a Republican, has received a memorandum of understanding and plans to comply with the Justice Department request, pending the outcome of an ongoing lawsuit, Evnen spokesperson Rani Taborek-Potter wrote in an email to Stateline. A voting advocacy group has sued to block the release of the data.

In an interview with Kentucky Lantern, Kentucky Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams said that his office was going back and forth a little bit with the Justice Department over what federal law requires.

Weve not really figured out exactly where that line is of what-all theyre entitled to, Adams said. Whats not in dispute is theyre entitled to the vast majority of information  peoples names, addresses, birthdays  and weve given them all of that.

Adams added that many state officials are in the same boat of trying to figure out what exactly they need to do their job and what our obligations are legally.

Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, a Republican, confirmed in a statement to Stateline that her office received a proposed memorandum of understanding from the Justice Department. We are in the process of reviewing the document with our attorneys and carefully considering our options, Henderson wrote.

Rachael Dunn, a spokesperson for Missouri Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, wrote in an email that the state hadnt entered into an agreement with the Justice Department at this time.

DOJ contractor could get voter data

The draft agreement would give the Justice Department wide authority to share the voter data of states that sign on.

The department would be authorized to share the data with a contractor who needs access to perform duties related to voter list maintenance verification, according to the draft agreement. The agreement doesnt name any contractors or specify whether they would be inside or outside of government.

Two states have publicly rejected the draft agreement. Colorado Democratic Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced Dec. 3 she would refuse to sign the memorandum. The Justice Department later sued Colorado.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission also rejected the draft agreement that week. In a Dec. 11 letter to Neff, the Justice Department official, the commissioners wrote that state law prohibits them from releasing certain personally identifiable information, such as date of birth, Social Security numbers and drivers license numbers.

I dont look at the action that were taking today to be commentary on the motive of the appropriateness of the Department of Justices request, Commissioner Don Millis, a Republican appointee, said at a virtual commission meeting the same day. The U.S. DOJ is simply asking the commission to do something that the commission is explicitly forbidden by Wisconsin law to do.

The Justice Department on Thursday sued Wisconsin for its voter data.

Justin Levitt, who served as senior policy adviser for democracy and voting rights in the Biden White House and is now a law professor at Loyola Marymount University, told Stateline in an email that he expects no states to sign the agreement.

Its no surprise that both Colorado and Wisconsin said no  and I dont think thats a question of political leadership, Levitt wrote. Its hard for me to imagine any Republican state with faith in its own list maintenance capacity agreeing to outsource that decision to the DOJ.

VRLData Sharing Agreement DOJ-WI (2)

Editors note: This story has been updated to correct when Colorado refused to sign the memorandum and when the suit was brought against the state. Colorado Newslines Lindsey Toomer contributed reporting. Stateline reporter Jonathan Shorman can be reached at jshorman@stateline.org.
Washington  A walkway in the White House's West Wing that President Trump has dubbed the "Presidential Walk of Fame" now features partisan plaques installed under the portraits of his predecessors.

From "Sleepy Joe" Biden references to painting Republican icon Ronald Reagan as a fan of a young Mr. Trump, the plaques include language written in Trumpian style. The installation is the president's latest move to shape the White House in his image, an effort that has spanned from adding gilded decor in the Oval Office to razing the East Wing in preparation for a massive ballroom addition.

An introductory plaque tells passersby that the Presidential Walk of Fame was "conceived, built, and dedicated by President Donald J. Trump as a tribute to past Presidents, good, bad, and somewhere in the middle."

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Biden's plaque repeats a false claim that the 46th president, a Democrat, took office "as a result of the most corrupt election ever," when, in fact, he defeated Mr. Trump in 2020 in both the popular vote and the Electoral College. Biden is also described as "by far, the worst president in American history."

Another Democrat, Barack Obama, the nation's first Black president and Mr. Trump's first presidential predecessor, is labeled "one of the most divisive political figures in American history."

New plaques have been placed underneath presidential portraits on the

The plaque below former President George W. Bush's portrait appears to approve of the Republican's creation of the Department of Homeland Security but decries that he "started wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, both of which should not have happened."

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the texts are "eloquently written descriptions of each president" and that "many were written directly by the president himself."

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Biden had no comment on his plaque. There were no immediate responses to emails sent to aides for Obama and several other former presidents.

Mr. Trump in September refashioned the colonnade that runs from the West Wing to the White House residence with gilded portraits of all former presidents, except for Biden. For him, Mr. Trump instead chose a picture of an autopen, reflecting his contention that Biden was not up to the job.

New plaques have been placed underneath presidential portraits on the White House's (Alex Brandon / AP)

The walkway is the president's usual entrance to the Oval Office, meaning Mr. Trump can easily take his guests  foreign dignitaries included  past the exhibit with his framing of his predecessors.

"The Presidential Walk of Fame will long live as a testament and tribute to the Greatness of America," the introductory plaque declares.

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As Mr. Trump makes his mark on the White House grounds, the Trump administration is facing a lawsuit from the National Trust for Historic Preservation over the demolition of the East Wing and plans for the new ballroom. The Trump administration insists it didn't need approvals for the demolition.

U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon on Tuesday denied a motion by the preservation group that would have temporarily blocked construction of the new ballroom, but he set out some requirements for the Trump administration moving forward.

The president also undertook a major overhaul of the South Lawn, paving over a former grassy area with concrete to easier facilitate tables and chairs.

The plaques of past presidents were revealed to the press as the president prepared to give a year-end address Wednesday to tout his accomplishments in his first 11 months in office and lay out plans for the next three years.

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The latest CBS News/YouGov poll from November shows Mr. Trump has a 40% approval rating overall, while 36% of adults surveyed approved of his handling of the economy.

What to expect from Trump's address to the nation

New surveillance video shows Nick Reiner before his arrest

Early analysis, key takeaways from Trump's year-end address to nation
Credit: X/@AGPamBondi

The footage was grainy but unmistakable: US marines fast-roping from a black hawk helicopter onto the deck of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.

Seizing the vessel, one of Caracas sanctioned ghost ships illegally shipping crude oil, was the prelude to the second act of Donald Trumps campaign to topple Nicolas Maduro.

Within days, the US president announced a full naval blockade designed to sever the Venezuelan presidents economic lifeline and compel his loyal inner circle to oust him.

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Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the history of South America. It will only get bigger, and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before, Mr Trump declared on Tuesday.

Insiders see the move as a creative new calculus aimed at starving Mr Maduros government, whose survival depends on selling crude oil abroad, while simultaneously forcing his allies in Moscow and Beijing to abandon him.

The White House is committed to the effort against the regime and seeing Maduro ousted, a source close to the administration said.

Two US Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys conduct exercises in Puerto Rico - AFP

This is the plan behind Mr Trumps unprecedented blockade and the campaign the White House hopes rids Venezuela of its global influence.

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Perched in his presidential office in Miraflores Palace, Mr Maduro has relied on the export of Venezuelas vast oil reserves to prop up his country.

Beneath him lies more crude oil than Saudi Arabia, Russia or the United States and the mineral, dubbed liquid gold, accounts for about 88 per cent of Venezuelas $24bn in exports.

Since 2019, Mr Trump has sought to stop that.

In his first term, the US Treasury sanctioned Venezuelas state oil company, PDVSA, and threatened secondary sanctions on any entity doing business with it.

To get around this, Mr Maduros government has turned to a clandestine dark fleet of tankers to evade sanctions and keep oil flowing to buyers in China, Russia and Cuba.

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Hundreds of ageing tankers now smuggle sanctioned oil, acting as a financial lifeline to Caracas. As of late November, more than 30 of the 80 ships in Venezuelan waters or approaching the country were under US sanctions.

It is a growing phenomenon. Financial intelligence firm S&P Global estimates that one in five oil tankers worldwide are used to smuggle oil from sanctioned countries.

The tactic appears to be working. Despite international pressure, oil exports rose to some 921,000 barrels per day in November, the third-highest monthly average so far this year.

By seizing the vessels, the Trump administration is attempting to sever Mr Maduros main source of revenue that keeps his regime afloat while tightening the economic noose.

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What theyre doing is essentially trying to cut off any remaining source of revenue for the government, to try to rattle the government into changing the regime, said Christopher Sabatini, a senior research fellow for Latin America at Chatham House.

By choking oil revenue, the White House aims to isolate Mr Maduros government to the point where he is forced to resign or to spark an uprising from his disgruntled allies.

Indeed, oil tanker seizures are viewed by experts as the final act in Mr Trumps chapter of maximum pressure that began with sanctions years before.

The revenue that is coming in from oil is something that the regime has long since used as a tool to buy influence within the military and maintain what little the government still is able to produce in the form of oil, Andres Martinez-Fernandez, senior policy analyst for Latin America at the Allison Centre for National Security, explained.

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Its very quickly going to create instability to a new level within Venezuela and the regime.

Turning allies

Relations between Washington and Caracas are at a nadir. The US and many of its allies consider Mr Maduro, who is currently serving his disputed third term, as a dictator.

Yet thanks to the export of Venezuelas oil, Mr Maduro has formed a network of loyal military commanders and international allies who keep his reign afloat.

None have become more important than China, which is the biggest buyer of Venezuelan oil, taking roughly 80 per cent of its exports. Every day it imports around 746,000 barrels of oil.

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Beijing has taken the oil not as a commercial import but as debt repayment towards an estimated $60bn in loans it has poured into Venezuelan oil projects.

The repayment deal suited both sides. Beijing secured oil while Maduro gained time and a friend on the international stage.

The blockade now threatens to derail the relationship and turn China against Mr Maduro as the ghost fleet of tankers stop arriving in Beijings ports.

If Venezuelan oil can no longer be delivered reliably, then Mr Maduro ceases to be an asset to China and becomes a legal liability as it chases repayment.

Once shipments stop arriving at foreign ports, the debts start getting called in. And thats going to have an immediate impact. Things are going to start breaking down quickly, physical infrastructure, if these payments dont start to come in, Mr Martinez-Fernandez explained.

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It could get to a point where China says, we would be better off being rid of this headache and being rid of Maduro, then by continuing any kind of active support.

Venezuelas president Nicolas Maduro could become a liability for Beijing - AFP

Beijing has shown little sympathy to similar situations in the past. In Africa and Central Asia, the state has repeatedly distanced itself from leaders it no longer sees as reliable partners.

For Mr Trump, the blockade is another step in his plan dubbed the Donroe Doctrine by insiders, which aims to rid Americas backyard of Chinese influence.

Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation doctrine long believed to be a blueprint for his second term, calls it re-hemisphering. It calls for the capture of supply chains in the region as a requirement of US economic security.

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In that sense, the blockade is not aimed at confronting China head on but at making Mr Maduro persona non grata. If the oil-for-debt deal collapses, Beijing may consider switching horses and abandoning him.

Also in the crosshairs is Havana, which has long relied on subsidised Venezuelan oil.

Cuba, which has been the subject of its own US blockade, has been receiving some 24,000 barrels of crude, gasoline and jet fuel per day from the regime.

Donald Trumps blockade is part of a plan dubbed the Donroe Doctrine by insiders - Reuters

Mr Sabatini said the blockade will be catastrophic for Cuba, a historic enemy of the US, and estimates that exports will drop dramatically.

This is the moment that people like Marco Rubio [the secretary of state] and Cuban-American hardliners living in Florida have been waiting for, he said.

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Theyre trying to starve the government. By doing that, then they actually starve the people too.

While China has poured millions into Venezuelan oil projects, Russia has been a key enabler in the shadows.

A Russian-linked dark fleet of tankers have also helped Mr Maduro avoid sanctions by shipping his oil around the globe. However, Putin, who has sought to curry favour with Mr Trump since his return to the Oval Office, may redirect the vessels, further isolating Mr Maduro.

Indeed, signs of Moscows shift in position are already there. Reports from late November suggested that Russia had initiated the evacuation of its citizens from the region.

Experts agree that Mr Trump is attempting to squeeze Mr Maduro economically while testing the resolve of his few remaining allies in the hope they turn against him.

It does seem to be another way for the administration to ratchet up the pressure against the Maduro government, said Brian Finucane, a former state department lawyer who is now senior adviser at the International Crisis Group.

Warfare

The formation of the armada, the largest US military presence in the region in decades, began with a series of strikes on boats the Trump administration claimed were ferrying illegal narcotics to the US.

For months, American forces have launched lethal strikes on small vessels skimming through international waters under the banner of anti-drug operations.

US navy and coastguard units have destroyed around 20 boats since early September, killing over 90 people.

Credit: US Army

Eight warships, including three destroyers, three amphibious assault ships, a cruiser and a smaller littoral combat ship now make up the largest US military presence in the region in decades.

They are joined by a squadron of F-35B Lightning II jets and a handful of Reaper drones, which are capable of flying long distances and carrying up to eight laser-guided missiles. B-2 bombers have also been spotted flying off the coast.

It has led many Venezuelans, and many Americans, to believe that Mr Trump is preparing for war.

The blockade, insiders suggest, is one of the lesser military escalations the president had been weighing with his cabinet in recent weeks.

Instead, they hope to turn the very cartels that military officials say are complicit in the smuggling of fentanyl to the US, against their leader by choking their cash flow, which is used to finance them.

For the armed forces, oil revenue is the glue that keeps the system intact. Generals control ports, customs and fuel distribution, making the military a pillar of Mr Maduros power.

As long as Mr Maduro can afford to pay his generals, their unfettered loyalty and in turn, his regime, will continue.

US Navy Boeing EA-18G Growlers in Puerto Rico on Wednesday - AFP

The same logic applies to Mr Maduros alleged relationship with organised crime. These groups rely on access to ports and laundering routes, all of which are sustained by the cash generated by oil sales.

It doesnt take us yet to the place where were going into Venezuelan territory and conducting military strikes. Were still talking about operations in international waters, Mr Martinez-Fernandez said.

The formation of the armada, coupled with Mr Trumps continued threat of land strikes, have led experts to believe that the blockade is part of a slide towards conflict.

Top military officials are said to have presented the US president with options for military intervention in the region which include land strikes. Other options reported to have been drawn up by the Pentagon include direct attacks on Mr Maduros security detail or operations to seize the countrys oil fields.

In each, Mr Trump is said to be against ideas that may place American troops at risk or could turn into an embarrassing failure.

Mr Trump and his cabinet have begun framing the blockade as a necessary intervention to reclaim American oil.

So what is stopping him? Perhaps his thirst for the Nobel Peace Prize and the potential blowback amongst his America First base if he started a war.

What happens next will be determined by Mr Trumps blockade. If oil flow continues, Mr Maduro survives.

But if it is stopped, China may decide the debt is not worth collecting and his cash-poor lieutenants may turn against him.

The gamble in Washington is simple; regimes do not fall when they are attacked but when they are abandoned.

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.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday called on Kiev to be more reactive in efforts to conclude a peace agreement to end the war with Russia.

When asked about talks set to continue this weekend in the city of Miami in the US state of Florida, Trump said negotiations were nearing a solution, "but I hope Ukraine moves quickly."

"And you know, every time they take too much time and Russia changes their mind," he added, claiming that "27,000 soldiers were killed last month."

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In addition to the US-Russian talks, there are to be further meetings between the US and Ukrainian sides over the weekend.

Ukrainian negotiators are already on their way to the US, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, according to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency. "Our team will be in the US on Friday and Saturday."

US media reported that a meeting between representatives of Moscow and the US government is planned in Miami.

The peace plan, which was recently developed further in Berlin by Ukraine, European countries and the US, will also be discussed, the news websites Politico and Axios reported, citing informed sources and an unnamed White House official.

A meeting between representatives of the US, Russia and Ukraine is not currently expected.
President Donald Trump addressed the nation on Dec. 17, giving a fierce defense of his administration's first 11 months in office.

In his speech, Trump frequently blamed former President Joe Biden, announced "warrior dividends" from tariff revenue for military members and said his efforts to lower prices were not yet over.

"Over the past 11 months, we have brought more positive change to Washington than any administration in American history," he said in his 19-minute speech. "There has never been anything like it, and I think most would agree."

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But what do voters think of the job he has done as president? Here is what to know about his approval rating:

Analysis: A triumphant Trump today but troubles ahead. Happy new year?

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 appears to have rebounded slightly and begun stabilizing after a sharp drop last month.

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. 18, RealClearPolitics found 43.4% approve and 53.5% disapprove.

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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. 18, 42% approve and 54% disapprove, per the Times.

What is Trump's approval rating in Florida?

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.

In Florida, 50% approve of Trump's job performance, compared to 46% who disapprove.

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.

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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:

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

NBC News: Trump approval dropping among MAGA

In the latest NBC News Decision Desk poll, enthusiasm for the president among Republicans and those who identify as members of the MAGA movement has dropped since April.

Overall approval of the president has also dropped in that time frame. The latest poll, released Dec. 14, places Trumps approval rating at 42% and disapproval at 58%. It marks a 3-point drop over the course of four approval rating polls from NBC News since April, the first time the survey was conducted.

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The 18-day poll surveyed 20,252 adults online from Nov. 20 to Dec. 8, and has a margin of error of 1.9 percentage points in either direction.

Among the president's base, approval of his job performance has also taken a hit. While the NBC News poll found 7 in 10 MAGA supporters still say they strongly approve of the presidents job performance, the outlet reported fewer Republicans no longer claim to be part of the MAGA movement compared to earlier this year.

Among those who are still MAGA, Trump's popularity is still high at 70%. But it is a drop of 8 points, from 78%, since April.

For Republicans at-large, support has also dropped. Among those polled who consider themselves more supporters of the Republican Party than the MAGA movement, the share of those who strongly approve of Trump now stands at 35%, compared with 38% in April.

Reuters/Ipsos: Lowest approval on economy

In a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted Dec. 12-14, 39% approve of Trump's job performance. The poll surveyed 1,016 people nationwide with a margin of error of three percentage points. The approval is a point higher than his term low, per this pollster.

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But where he has hit a low is in approval on how he is handling the economy. Just 33% said they approved of how he is handling the issue, according to Reuters. Approval on how he is handling the cost of living is also down to 27% from 31% earlier this month.

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: Trump's approval rating in Florida after speech last night
When Donald Trump speaks to the nation in a televised address, I often come away with questions.

The same was true Wednesday, Dec. 17, when Trump spoke to the country about ... Trump. And his many, many brilliant accomplishments in his first year back in office, practically superhuman accomplishments, repeatedly reminding us that no one else could have done this but him, him, glorious him. He could have saved everyone time and trouble by just declaring at the outset, "I am the greatest human who has ever lived or will ever live." That was certainly the gist of it.

And the speech, crammed into about 15 or 20 minutes, did inspire one question.

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Why on earth did any network broadcast this?

From the start, when Trump, sounding rushed and angry, said, "I inherited a mess, and I'm fixing it," it was nonstop bragging and blame, bragging and blame, bragging on himself, blaming Democrats, former President Joe Biden in particular. It was every campaign boast, lie and threat delivered as fast as he could fit them in (he only had so much time allotted on broadcast TV). It was like listening to a MAGA conspiracy podcast at 1.5 X speed.

It had no business being on television.

Yet there it was, on every broadcast and cable-news network, inescapable. He mentioned affordability, a word he had avoided and a concept he decided was a hoax. He played the same old songs, he inherited the worst economy, "some would say" in history (he didn't). "Our country was laughed at all over the world. But they're not laughing anymore."

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I certainly was.

Facts were sparse in his brag-a-thon

Of course he trotted out this old standard: "One year ago our country was dead  now were the hottest country anywhere in the world." And this: "Tariffs, my favorite word." He made the ludicrous claim that he cut drug prices by 400, 500, 600%. This is, of course, a mathematical impossibility. But never let facts get in the way of a good story. Like, never, ever, apparently.

Standing between flags in front of Christmas garland, he sounded rushed (again, that deadline) but also angry for someone so proud of his accomplishments. "No one can believe what's going on." He's not wrong there. "There frankly has never been anything like it." Ditto, just not in the way he thinks. "I'm doing what no politician for either party has ever done." You are correct, sir.

He added, "There has never been anything like this in the history of our country" and "no president has ever had the courage or the ability to get this done," for good measure. And no Trump speech would be complete without the ever-popular, "Its not the Republicans fault. Its the Democrats fault."

Fox News gushed over the performance

Afteward, the cable-news networks reacted pretty much exactly how you would expect them to  so much so that they have lost all value. Although it was pretty funny to see Fox News commentators fall all over themselves to praise Trump.

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"What a difference a year makes," Sean Hannity said. "A guy by the name of Joe Biden could not give that speech."

Why on earth would he want to?

He had Sen. Katie Britt on-set. Her first reaction? "Look at the contrast. I mean, that was outstanding.  President autopen that just left office could have never done that."

Truly, there is a way to say that without sounding like a jerk.

CNN just sounded tired and ... optimistic?

Daniel Dale, fact-checker extraordinaire on CNN, said, "That was a fact-check, half-asleep kind of presidential speech. So many of these claims have been debunked so many times."

Van Jones, also on CNN, was pretty insightful with his reaction.

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"I am not scared of that guy," he said. "Im not. This is the first time Ive seen a Donald Trump Im not afraid of. He is exaggerating how bad things were. Thats OK. He is exaggerating how good things are. That is great for us (meaning the opposition). That is fantastic.  This is not how everyday people experience this economy, or the country. People are scared. They are worried."

Trump's speech was what it always is  all about him

On the news front, Trump promised a "warrior dividend" of $1,776 to "every soldier."

"The checks are already on the way," he said.

But mostly he talked about himself, in a speech that was pure politics. I mention this because in 2014, then-President Barack Obama announced that he would address the nation about immigration. Broadcast networks wouldn't air it. It was during November sweeps, when advertising rates are set based on ratings, but the networks claimed the speech would be too overtly political. Yes, believe it or not, there was a time when that mattered.

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Quaint, isn't it? TV has changed a lot since then. The world has changed a lot since then. But one thing that hasn't changed is Trump's insistence that he is the center of the universe. We've seen it before. There was no reason to show it again Wednesday night.

Trump's Rob Reiner reaction is sick: Even for him

Reach Goodykoontz at bill.goodykoontz@arizonarepublic.com. Facebook: facebook.com/GoodyOnFilm. Media commentary with a side of snark? Sign up for The Watchlist newsletter with Bill Goodykoontz.

(This story was updated to add a gallery.)

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump announces he is the GOAT. How's that newsworthy? | Opinion
Tyler Robinsons defense team wants the Utah County Attorneys Office disqualified from prosecuting the capital murder case because of an alleged conflict of interest involving one of the prosecuting attorneys.

Robinson, 22, of Washington, Washington County, is accused of shooting and killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10 while Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University. Robinson is charged with aggravated murder, a capital offense, and faces a potential death sentence if convicted

On Dec. 10, Robinsons defense team filed a motion under seal to have the Utah County Attorneys Office disqualified from the case. On Wednesday, a public version of that motion was released.

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The public motion claims one of the attorneys currently prosecuting the case has a conflict of interest based on personal connections to a witness. The name of that attorney, a public employee, is redacted in the motion, though it is unclear why its redacted. The motion alludes to the witness being a family member.

Further, Mr. Robinson seeks findings from this court that: 1) Upon learning of the conflict, the Utah County Attorneys Office did not employ any screening protocol and, 2) Information pertaining to the personal involvement of Mr. (name redacted) was shared among the assigned prosecutorial team, including the county attorney. Based upon these findings and in the interest of protecting Mr. Robinsons federal and state rights to due process, Mr. Robinson requests that this court order that the Utah County Attorneys Office is disqualified from representing the state in this matter, the motion states.

Robinsons attorneys say the unidentified attorney was with Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray at a presentation in Davis County when Kirk was shot and began receiving text messages from his (family member) and shared those with Mr. Gray in real time, according to the motion. He then called another attorney in the office almost immediately, told him about the shooting, and shared his (texts).

The motion states that the attorney did tell others in his office about his family members being a witness. He disclosed the same information to the defense on Oct. 1, and added that the family member who texted him from UVU will not be a witness for the state and that he does not believe that this circumstance presents a conflict precluding him from participating in the prosecution of Mr. Robinson, according to the motion.

The crowd reacts after Charlie Kirk is shot during Turning Point USAs visit to Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

The defense, however, disagrees, and believes the attorney should be disqualified for a conflict of interest for having a familial relationship with a witness, thus violating Robinsons right to due process.

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In this case, the personal relationship between (the attorney and his family member), a potential witness and victim, raises serious concerns about past and future prosecutorial decision-making in this case. Mr. (redacted) cannot serve two masters and should not be permitted to do so, the motion argues. Mr. (redacted)s integrity is not the question, and his opinion that there is no conflict is not dispositive. Rather, his (family members) experience raises an objective question as to whether or not the circumstance presents a significant risk that Mr. (redacted)s personal family interests may materially limit his ability to represent the state of Utah in these proceedings in the manner that is ethically required.

In their motion, Robinsons defense team has included several witness statements filled out for police on the day of the shooting. The statements, the motion contends, show how traumatic the Kirk shooting was, particularly for those who were at the event.

Those traumatic feelings were being conveyed to a prosecuting attorney in real time, the motion argues.

As described by witnesses on campus at the time of the shooting, the event and the aftermath were harrowing, even for those that did not see the shooting as it happened. Mr. (redacted) and his (family member) are not immune to this trauma. There must have been fear, anxiety, anger, and a host of other emotions as the events unfolded that day and throughout the investigation culminating in the arrest of Mr. Robinson. These feelings and impressions do not simply resolve because a criminal case has been filed, according to the motion.

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Furthermore, the defense argues the prosecutor has had significant communication with the entire prosecution team. They believe the rush to seek death in this case evidences strong emotional reactions by Mr. (redacted), the county attorney, and the entire prosecution team, all of whom were informed of his and his (family members) personal experiences.

The supervisory nature of Mr. (redacted)s position with the Utah County Attorneys Office also contributes to the need for disqualification of the entire Utah County Attorneys Office from the prosecution of this death penalty case. The perception of a fair trial is critical in any case and nowhere more than here, where Mr. Robinsons life is in the balance, the motion concludes.

The next court hearing for the Robinson case will be a virtual hearing on Dec. 29. At that time, 4th District Judge Tony Graf is expected to announce his rulings on whether audio and transcripts of a closed-door hearing on Oct. 24 should be released to the public, and whether attorneys representing the media should be recognized as limited party status interveners so they will automatically be notified of proposals to close any future court hearings from the public or classify any documents as private.

The next in-person hearing is set for Jan. 16. During that hearing, the judge will consider Robinsons motion to have the Utah County Attorneys Office disqualified. Another hearing scheduled for Feb. 3 for a yet-to-be-filed motion seeking to keep cameras out of the courtroom.

Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was sitting under a tent of an outdoor amphitheater-courtyard area at UVU on Sept. 10, speaking in front of approximately 3,000 people, when he was shot in the neck by a gunman on the roof of the nearby Losee Center building.
A school superintendent from Vermont said he was detained at Bush Airport for almost five hours.

Wilmer Chavarria said he is a naturalized U.S. citizen and claimed his constitutional rights were violated when he was forced to give his laptop and cell phone to officers when he landed at Bush after visiting family in Nicaragua.

"It is very ironic that in the land of the free, it is where I am being victimized in that way," Chavarria said.

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Chavarria said he has been a US citizen since 2018.

He said on July 21st, he was waiting in line at Global Entry when an officer took him aside.

That's when he said he was detained for nearly five hours, with officers demanding he give them not only his cell phone and laptop but also the passwords associated with them.

He said he has flown through Bush Airport several times and has no problem going through body scanners or having his bags searched.

He's a school superintendent, and claimed his devices have personal student information that he didn't want to release.

Chavarria said he wasn't allowed to call his attorney or talk to his family while he waited in a cold, dark part of the airport.

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He said he eventually complied with the officers.

"They threatened me with extended detention, with a referral to the FBI," he said. "They threatened me with discrediting me in the public eye and getting me to lose my job."

"The Fourth Amendment is a source of never-ending confusion for the courts and America," said Tom Hogan with South Texas College of Law.

The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.

U.S. Border Patrol policy states that agents can, however, conduct warrantless searches of Americans' personal devices within a so-called "border zone."

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"The fact that he's at an airport, you have a very lessened expectation of privacy under the Fourth Amendment," Hogan said. "You've been through an airport, you've got to go through a body scan, and they can search your bag."

"The only thing we can do until the Supreme Court does weigh in on this issue is tell people, 'hey, if you travel, you should probably travel light, you should probably take a burner phone.' They cannot access data that is on a cloud. U.S citizens can not be not allowed into this country based on denying a search, but what can happen is their phones, laptops, tablets, whatever can be seized," said Immigration Attorney Rebekah Rodriguez.

Chavarria said officials still haven't told him why his belongings were taken.

"If this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone," he said. "I don't think any American should be comfortable with the unchecked power that an officer should have in simply demanding that level of intrusion into your personal life."

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ABC13 reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security to confirm these details and to get any explanation. Homeland Security has not responded.

ABC13 got back a statement from CBPl, not confirming or denying this story or answering our question, but explaining that searches are critical in combating crime.

For more on this story, follow Pooja Lodhia on Facebook,X and Instagram.
This story was originally published by Inside Climate News and has been republished here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

One of the worlds leading climate, weather, and wildfire science research institutions is being targeted for elimination in what many of those affected see as President Donald Trumps political vendetta against Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.

Word that the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder would be broken up, with some of its functions moved elsewhere, came hours after the cancellation of $109 million in federal environmental and safety grants for Colorado, and one day after Trump took time during an Oval Office ceremony to excoriate Polis as a weak and pathetic man. Russell Vought, the director of the White House budget office, announced that the center would be eliminated in a post on the social media site X on Tuesday evening. His office did not respond to a request for further comment Wednesday.

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Trumps beef with Polis stems from the jailing of a former county election official in Colorado, Tina Peters, who was convicted of giving Trump allies unauthorized access to a voting machine in the aftermath of the 2020 election. An anonymous White House official told the Washington Post: The Colorado governor obviously isnt willing to work with the president.

Scientists affiliated with NCAR expressed shock that the centera linchpin in climate and weather research globallyis at risk of becoming collateral damage in one of Trumps feuds.

One theory is that this is designed to put pressure on the Governor of Colorado to allow the pardon Trump attempted to go through???!!! wrote NCAR distinguished scholar Kevin Trenberth in an email. Shutting NCAR would be a major setback for the entire community and would have impact for decades to come.

NCAR, founded in 1960 and administered by the National Science Foundation, provides state-of-the-art data and technology resources for 129 North American university partners. Partners rely on NCAR supercomputers, heavily instrumented aircraft, and Earth-systems modeling. NCAR developed the Dropsonde, the equipment that hurricane-hunter aircraft use to measure temperature, pressure, and humidity of tropical storms. The center does real-time operational forecasting for the military, for example, at the antiballistic missile systems site at Fort Greely, Alaska, and has done the computer modeling that has helped improve forecasting of wildfire behavior.

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NCAR is is quite literally our global mothership, said climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe in a post on X. Nearly everyone who researches climate and weathernot only in the US, but around the worldhas passed through its doors and benefited from its incredible resources.

NCAR is truly an international treasure, not just a national treasure, said Antonio Busalacchi, president of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, which manages NCAR for the National Science Foundation. UCAR has 1,450 employees, 830 of them at NCAR.

As of Wednesday midday, Busalacchi said he had received no word from Washington about the dismantling plan aside from Voughts announcement Tuesday night, linking to an exclusive USA Today story that quoted him.

Aside from meeting any political aims, the elimination of NCAR would fulfill Voughts goals of shrinking the size of government and rooting out climate science. This facility is one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country, Vought said in his post on X, quoting verbatim the controversial conservative blueprint for the Trump administration, Project 2025, which he helped author.

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He said that critical weather work would be moved to another location, but gave no details. Daniel Swain, an expert on extreme weather at University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources and an NCAR research partner, disputed the idea that the study of climate and weather can be separated.

Increasingly, the science has demonstrated that there is no clean separation between weather and climate, Swain said in a YouTube livestream Wednesday. Its the same atmosphere. Its just different timescales.

Swain said he is only able to do his work at the University of California because all of his computing needs are met by NCAR. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of scientists all around the country that use those NCAR resources day-to-day to do their science, to conduct their visualizations, he said. Its actually a very efficient process, in the sense that it centralizes what otherwise would be distributed, more expensive, complicated, and in many cases, therefore just wouldnt happen at all.

He noted the irony that the NCAR community was grappling with the news at the same time that Boulder has been under an extreme wildfire risk warningthe kind of warning that NCARs research has enabled. The local utility, Xcel Energy, preemptively cut power in the region as a result.

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If there are no major fires in the Boulder area, it is possibly at least going to be in part because these excellent weather forecasts regarding the upcoming event allowed the utilities to take preemptive action and prevent those branches and trees that might fall on power lines from igniting the fires, Swain said.

NCAR received $123 million in funding from the National Science Foundation in the last fiscal year, accounting for one half of its budget, according to Science magazine. NCAR receives other funding from the Pentagon and other federal agencies as well as from states and private sources. NCAR and UCAR are part of a complex of more than 30 federally funded laboratories and institutions in Colorado that have a $2.6 billion annual impact on the states economy, according to research by the University of Colorados Leeds School of Business.

Polis said in a statement that Colorado has not received information directly from the Trump administration about the NCAR plan or the cancellation of a wide array of transportation grants that was reported by the Colorado Sun. The cuts include a $66 million grant set to pay for a critical rail-safety mechanism in the northern part of the state, $11.7 million to electrify the Fort Collins vehicle fleet, and $11.7 million to Colorado State University Pueblo to study how to power rail vehicles with hydrogen and natural gas.

If the reports are true, Polis said, public safety is at risk and science is being attacked.

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Climate change is real, he said. But the work of NCAR goes far beyond climate science. NCAR delivers data around severe weather events like fires and floods that help our country save lives and property, and prevent devastation for families. If these cuts move forward we will lose our competitive advantage against foreign powers and adversaries in the pursuit of scientific discovery.

In a post on X, Colorado Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse, who represents the district that includes Boulder, called the plan to dismantle NCAR a deeply dangerous & blatantly retaliatory action by the Trump administration.

NCAR is one of the most renowned scientific facilities in the WORLDwhere scientists perform cutting-edge research everyday, Neguse wrote. We will fight this reckless directive with every legal tool we have.
Dec 18 (Reuters) - Meta's (META) outgoing chief artificial intelligence scientist Yann LeCun is holding early talks to raise 500 million euros ($586.00 million) for a new startup that would value the AI firm at about 3 billion euros ahead of its official launch, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

The report said LeCun has tapped Alexandre LeBrun, the founder of French health tech startup Nabla, as chief executive, citing people familiar with the matter.

LeCun played a key role in developing Meta's AI ambitions, and said last month that he will leave the social media giant at the end of the year to focus on a new startup that aims to build a new generation of superintelligent AI systems.

Strong funding commitments and a high valuation before launch could fuel fears of an AI bubble after industry leaders warned that enthusiasm for AI may have outstripped business fundamentals.

The startup plans to build AI systems using so-called world models that can understand the physical world. The systems could support applications including robotics and transport.

LeCun did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

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He is widely regarded as one of the "godfathers" of deep learning, alongside Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio  a trio that won the 2018 Turing Award, often called the Nobel Prize of computing.

($1 = 0.8532 euros)

(Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid)
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. military killed four people Wednesday in its latest strike targeting boats in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean Sea as questions continue to swirl around the legality of the attacks.

U.S. Southern Command announced the "lethal kinetic strike" on the vessel on X, saying the boat was operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. The alleged terrorist organization piloting the boat was not mentioned, nor was proof provided confirming the vessel was transporting narcotics.

The strike was at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the command said.

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"Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations," SOUTHCOM said.

On Dec. 17, at the direction of @SecWar Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was transiting along a known... pic.twitter.com/Yhu3LSOyea U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) December 18, 2025

It is the second strike this week and at least the 26th since Sept. 2. The United States has killed at least 99 people in the attacks, which have drawn accusations of extrajudicial killings and war crimes by human rights advocates and U.N. experts, and of murder by Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

SOUTHCOM published a 15-second, black-and-white video clip of the strike, showing a boat speeding across the water before it erupts in flames.

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The Trump administration has argued the strikes are legal because they target one of 10 gangs or drug cartels the president has designated as terrorist organizations since February, and has said it is at war with the groups and acting in accordance with the rules of armed conflict.

Domestically, Democrats and other critics argue the president lacks congressional authorization to wage such a campaign.

The strike also comes amid a U.S. military buildup near Venezuela and a day after Trump ordered a naval blockade of oil tankers to and from the authoritarian-led country, further raising fears of potential war in the Caribbean.

On Tuesday, Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a classified meeting on the strikes with U.S. lawmakers, some of whom are amplifying their calls that the attacks are illegal.

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Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said the lawmakers were informed that the boats were not transporting fentanyl, which Trump this week designated as a weapon of mass destruction, but cocaine, and were not heading to the United States but Europe.

"The administration had no legal justification for these strikes, and no national justification for these strikes," he said.
Ukraine said that one of its interceptor drones just reached 400 kmph, making it faster than F1 cars.

Mykhailo Fedorov said the speed was achieved with a motor, meaning it uses propellers to fly.

Kyiv has been pushing its interceptors to go faster as Russia develops more advanced Shahed drones.

A small Ukrainian drone built to chase down and intercept other aerial systems has recently achieved a speed of 400 kmph, or 248.5 mph, Kyiv's digital transformation minister said on Tuesday.

"400 km/h  that's the speed reached by an interceptor drone powered by a motor from Motor-G, a member of Brave1UA," Mykhailo Fedorov wrote in a social media post. Brave1 is Ukraine's defense innovation platform.

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Such a velocity means that the interceptor can beat the official speed record for Formula 1 racing, achieved by Valtteri Bottas in 2016 at 231.46 mph.

A speed of 248.5 mph also allows the drone to nearly match the fastest high-speed trains in the world. The Shanghai Maglev, for example, reached speeds of 280 mph during tests in October, but is commercially operated at 186 mph.

And a motor-powered interceptor would be doing so with propellers, rather than the jet engines or high-thrust combustion systems that propel other vehicles to extreme speeds. Because interceptor drones are designed to destroy other drones at a low cost, Ukraine's manufacturers typically price them below $6,000 each.

It's another sign of how quickly the war is transforming the local weapons industry, which has turned hobbyist drones into some of the fastest yet cheapest aircraft on the battlefield. Four months ago, another Ukrainian interceptor drew widespread attention for reaching 195 mph in flight.

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Ukraine is now ramping up ambitions to export such war technology, saying that its locally built missiles, drones, and anti-air systems have been tried and tested against Russia.

A video posted by Fedorov on Tuesday said that producing drone motors in Ukraine "seemed impossible" just two years ago, but that Motor-G is now making 100,000 motors a month.

"Today, more and more drones are flying on motors made in Ukraine," the minister wrote.

Kyiv has been particularly focused on increasing the speed of its interceptors because Russia has been developing its own versions of the Iranian Shahed, which are long-range attack drones.

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The most commonly used models of these loitering munitions fly at roughly 115 to 180 mph, and are often released in large numbers to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses. The Russian tactic created the urgent need for Ukraine to develop cheap ways to destroy the Shaheds, which led to the rise of interceptor drones.

However, Moscow has been repeatedly reported to be experimenting with smaller waves of new jet-powered Shaheds, which are believed to reach speeds of 230 mph.

Their emergence at the start of the year initially sparked fears in Ukraine that they would be too fast for interceptors to catch, though recent reports and war footage indicate that Ukrainian manufacturers have managed to close the gap.

One jet-powered Shahed, for example, was filmed being approached by a Ukrainian interceptor from behind in late November.

Read the original article on Business Insider
In the 1997 film Tomorrow Never Dies, legendary secret agent James Bond drives an E38-generation BMW 750iL equipped with machine guns, rockets, and other spy-worthy goodies. 28 years later, news comes to us via a report from CarScoops that the 7th Battalion 114th Separate Brigade of Ukrainian Armed Forces have built a weapon-equipped E38 of their own for combat against the Russian invasion forces. And theirs is definitely not firing blanks on a Hollywood set.

Videos of the Ukrainian/Bavarian war machine have been making the rounds on social media over the last few days; BFBS Forces News posted a reel to their Instagram page showing this BMW in action, for example.

The BMW has been equipped with a portion of a Soviet Union-designed BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) that is capable of firing three 122-mm rockets. As it's mounted to a 7-Series BMW, that the vehicle seemingly lacks any of the typical armor of a MLRS launching vehiclebut what it lacks in armor it makes up for in maneuverability versus the 14-ton truck it is typically mounted to. The camouflaged BMW can race into position, fire its weapons, and be gone in a matter of moments.





Still, the fact that this is on a BMW sedan could indicate that more typical launch platform vehicles are not easy to come by in Ukraine right now. The military had to be creativeand from what can be seen in the videos of this MLRS in action, the E38 BMW fulfills its duties quite well. It would seem this 7-Series has been transformed from an ultimate driving machine into an ultimate fighting machine.

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Graduate workers gathered in Orono on August 13, 2025 to ask the University of Maine administration to agree to a fair union contract. (Photo courtesy of Maine AFL-CIO)

After more than two years of negotiations, graduate student workers reached an agreement with the University of Maine to secure their first union contract.

The three-year contract was ratified by an overwhelming vote of 483-3, according to a news release from the university system Wednesday. It comes after roughly 900 part-time graduate student workers began bargaining with the university in 2023. The contract includes pay increases, tuition discounts and insurance benefits for the students, most of whom are research and teaching assistants at UMaine.

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When weeks dragged into months and then into years, there were those who doubted they could do it, but they proved that workers can wield tremendous power when they band together in a union and refuse to give up the fight for fair wages, quality health care and a collective voice in the workplace, said Maine AFL-CIO President Cynthia Phinney, in a statement.

Workers from several industries have rallied around the student union, which is affiliated with the United Auto Workers. In August, a paper worker, an ironworker and a nurse spoke out in support of finalizing a contract for the graduate workers at a rally in Orono.

The systems board of trustees is expected to give final approval of the contact at its Jan. 26 meeting in Orono. It would take effect immediately after that vote; however, pay and benefit provisions would start July 1, with the start of the next fiscal year.

This agreement achieves the right balance  recognizing that graduate student workers deserve fair compensation and working conditions that reflect their essential role in our education and research mission, while also upholding our responsibility to keep Maines public universities affordable for students and taxpayers, said university Chancellor Dannel Malloy and President Joan Ferrini-Mundy in a joint statement.

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The new union contract provides a one-time $750 ratification bonus, as well as stipend increases of $3,000 to $5,000, along with guaranteed annual stipend increases.

For example, masters students covered by the union who work 20 hours per week will see their nine-month stipend increase from $17,000 to $21,000. Doctoral students will jump from $20,000 to $23,500.

Students will also be eligible for university-funded health insurance under the new agreement. UMaine will pay 65% of premium costs in the first two years of the contract and 85% in the third year. It will also pay 50% of the premium cost for dental insurance plans.

The university system will also waive nine credit hours of tuition per fall and spring semester  which comes to more than $10,000 annually  for most graduate student-workers.
BRUSSELS (AP)  For decades, Belgium has been at the beating heart of the European Union. The headquarters of the 27-nation blocs main institutions and NATO are based there. EU leaders meet in the capital Brussels at least four times a year.

But at Thursdays EU summit of presidents and government leaders, Belgium and its prime minister were at the heart of political tensions that could send ripples across the worlds biggest trading bloc for years to come.

The tensions arise from a plan to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraines military and economic needs for the next two years. Most of that money is blocked at Euroclear, a Brussels-based financial clearinghouse.

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Belgium fears that Russia will strike back; in the courts or perhaps by other means.

Prime Minister Bart De Wever  whose political ambition before taking office in February was to break up Belgium, gut its state structures and grant more autonomy to his northern Flanders region  wants Europe to unite around his concerns.

The reparations loan plan, De Wever told Belgian lawmakers on Thursday, drastically increases the risk of Russian retaliation. Its not acceptable that this happens to Belgium alone. If we jump, we jump together.

The money blocked at Euroclear  193 billion euros ($226 billion) as of September  equals almost a third of the kingdoms gross domestic product. Belgium is mired in debt, among the worst financial performers in the EU.

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For months, De Wever struggled to chaperone his five-party coalition into agreeing on a budget. Those torturous negotiations only ended recently, making it tricky for him to agree on a loan to Ukraine that might hurt Belgiums finances.

As the reparations loan plan was being devised, his government regularly highlighted its vulnerability to retaliation.

After EU leaders last debated the assets in October, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said that a series of drone incidents at Belgium's airports and military bases appeared to be a spying operation aimed at destabilizing people. The culprits were never identified.

Ahead of Thursdays summit, Belgian officials underlined how the Russian Central Bank last Friday had sued Euroclear for more money than the clearinghouse is actually holding, and warned that more could come.

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Some EU nations believe that De Wever has been too vocal about his opposition to the loans and backed himself into a corner that he will struggle to escape from without embarrassment at home.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he understands the risks that he is talking about, but I think that we face bigger risks. He added that Ukraine has the right to this money because Russia is destroying us.

With Belgium standing firm, the question for its EU partners is whether to simply forge ahead without De Wevers consent. Ukraine needs the money early next year, and even Belgium agrees that the EU must find the funds soon.

At least nine countries would have to object to prevent the loans and no blocking minority has yet emerged.

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But running roughshod over Belgium, particularly over a founding EU member country with much at stake, could undermine EU decision-making. Majorities would surely be harder to form in the future and other countries might be more inclined to use their vetoes.

Let us not deceive ourselves. If we do not succeed in this, the European Unions ability to act will be severely damaged for years, if not for a longer period, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said of the loan plan on Monday.

The question for De Wever is whether the legal and financial costs Belgium could suffer would outweigh the costs of undermining his countrys credibility with his European partners, and with Ukraine.

Whatever path is taken, summit chairman EU Council President Antonio Costa has vowed to keep leaders negotiating until a funding deal is clinched, even if it takes days. It seems within De Wevers power to achieve that before he turns 55 on Sunday.
By James Oliphant and Tim Reid

WASHINGTON, Dec 18 (Reuters) - The Democratic Party said on Thursday it would not release an internal review of its loss to Republican President Donald Trump in 2024, saying that a public airing of its failures would distract from focusing on winning future elections.

The party has been embroiled in finger-pointing over who was to blame for Vice President Kamala Harris' defeat. Harris became the Democratic presidential candidate just weeks before the election after President Joe Biden abruptly quit the race.

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The so-called autopsy report, which involved hundreds of interviews with party officials across the country, was an attempt to arrive at some consensus.

Instead, after Democrats won governor races in New Jersey and Virginia last month and showed strength in other contests, the much-anticipated report will now be put aside as the party looks ahead to next years midterm elections, when it will try to retake control of Congress from Republicans.

In our conversations with stakeholders from across the Democratic ecosystem, we are aligned on whats important, and thats learning from the past and winning the future, Ken Martin, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, said in a statement on Thursday.

Heres our North Star: does this help us win? If the answer is no, its a distraction from the core mission.

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Harris defeat laid bare a rupture in the party between its liberal and more centrist wings, with each faction claiming that it held the blueprint for the path forward.

But the report was not expected to touch upon that ideological divide, nor was it expected to place blame on either Harris or Biden.

The reports findings centered on process  voter contacts, fundraising and media messaging, according to a DNC official who spoke on condition of anonymity. It touched upon Trumps success at reaching younger voters and his ability to exploit nontraditional media, such as podcasts.

The report also contended that Democrats failed to adequately address voters concerns on issues such as the economy, public safety and immigration, issues on which Trump was able to make gains, the official said.

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Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist who was communications director at the DNC between 2005 and 2009, said the decision not to release the report was not "surprising, particularly given that Democrats seem to have some political momentum."

But Finney said the move was disappointing, because there were valuable lessons to be drawn from Trumps victory last year as the party prepares for the 2028 presidential election.

After Democratic President Barack Obama won his second term in 2012, the Republican Party commissioned its own autopsy report, which, among other things, called for the party to make a greater effort to attract voters of color and women. But those recommendations went by the wayside once Trump won the Republican nomination and then the presidency in 2016.

(Reporting by James Oliphant and Tim Reid in Washington; Editing by Ross Colvin and Matthew Lewis)
U.S. Energy Secretary Christopher Wright poses for photos with executives from Constellation Energy and Microsoft after speaking to workers at the Crane Clean Energy Center on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Photo by Peter Hall/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

Microsoft and Constellation Energys effort to restart the nuclear power plant at Three Mile Island to power artificial intelligence is a poster child for the Trump administrations agenda, U.S. Energy Secretary Christopher Wright said Wednesday.

Its delivering on two of our large promises, he said after touring the 50-year-old power station in Dauphin County.

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One, Wright said, is to reduce the cost of electricity as energy-intensive data centers drive up demand and prices.

The other is to win the race in AI, an endeavor with far-reaching economic, scientific and national security implications, he told workers readying the plant  rebranded as the Crane Clean Energy Center. Its slated to begin generating power again in 2027.

Since his inauguration in January, President Donald Trump has issued executive orders directing the Energy Department to end support for wind and solar generation and clear the way for new nuclear development.

We want to keep existing plants open. We want to open  plants that were prematurely closed. We are expediting the building of new plants, Wright said.

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But environmentalists warn that energy prices will continue to increase as renewable energy projects in the pipeline face delays to connect to the regions electricity grid or are canceled outright.

PJM Interconnection, which manages the wholesale electricity market and grid in Pennsylvania and 12 other states, announced Wednesday that its most recent capacity auction fell short of securing enough generating capacity to meet its 20% reserve for peak demands in 2027-2028.

U.S. Energy Secretary Christopher Wright speaks Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025 at the Crane Clean Energy Center, which Constellation Energy is restarting in a deal with Microsoft to power its artificial intelligence data centers. (Photo by Peter Hall/Capital-Star)

That was despite prices maxing out at a cap established in a settlement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania after an auction last year resulted in record capacity prices.

PJM said in a statement the auction result doesnt mean that it will be unable to meet peak demands. The grid will have a 15% reserve and other factors could result in the margin being larger.

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But this auction leaves no doubt that data centers demand for electricity continues to far outstrip new supply, and the solution will require concerted action involving PJM, its stakeholders, state and federal partners, and the data center industry itself, the agencys incoming CEO Stu Bresler said.

Environmentalists, consumer advocates and state regulators have called on PJM to adopt new market rules that insulate consumers from costs driven by the needs of data centers, such as building new power plants and transmission lines.

As we approach the holiday season, families should be spending their hard-earned dollars on family meals and presents for each other, not forking more money over to the utility companies and Big Techs power needs, Sierra Club Senior Advisor Jessi Eidbo said.

She noted that the most recent residual capacity auction is the last covered by the Shapiro administrations price cap settlement.

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PJMs independent market monitor, which serves as a watchdog for PJM consumers, has also asked federal regulators to adopt rules to prevent data centers and other large electricity users from connecting to the grid without an established capacity to meet their needs. To allow otherwise would put retail ratepayers on the hook for new power plants and transmission lines, the monitor argued in a filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

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Three Mile Island was mothballed in a move that Constellation CEO Joe Dominguez said was a mistake.

The plant was the site of a partial nuclear meltdown in 1979  among the nations worst nuclear energy disasters  that permanently disabled one of its two reactors. The remaining unit restarted several years after the accident and remained in operation until Constellation decided it was no longer profitable in 2019.

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Last year, the Baltimore-headquartered company announced it would restart the Unit 1 reactor in a $1.6 billion deal with Microsoft, which agreed to purchase the plants entire 835 megawatt output to power its data centers.

The Department of Energy last month announced it had closed a $1 billion loan for Constellation, which Dominguez said would reduce the cost of borrowing for the project. He said the company would reinvest the savings in upgrades for the plant.

What were seeing right now is a renewed interest across the country in nuclear, understanding that the first and most important thing we need to do is bring back to life assets that we mistakenly closed, Dominguez said.

Microsofts Vice President of Energy Bobby Hollis said Three Mile Island was a unique opportunity for the company as it positioned itself as a leader in AI.

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Were seeing lots within the energy sector recognize what needs to be happening now, which is add energy capacity to the grid, find the opportunities that are not the typical opportunities, Hollis said, adding that Three Mile Island and other recently closed nuclear plants will bring carbon-free electricity to market faster than technology still under development.

The Palisades nuclear reactor in Covert Twp. is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. | Lucy Valeski

This year, Palisades Nuclear Generating Station in Michigan became the first in the nation to be restarted. The owner of the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plant in Iowa is also exploring potential deals with tech companies to restart that plant.

Asked about the proposed rules for new data center and large load connections in PJM, Wright said the Department of Energy is working to respond to the dynamics of the new energy economy.

Sadly, weve had three decades of very little demand growth for electricity. Its been a world more of stasis, and now were in a world of rapid growth, Wright said, noting that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and FERC are implementing reforms to speed the addition of new sources.

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The use of AI and automation will also help regulators and operators like PJM optimize resources to best meet demand, he said. But the federal government is also pushing PJM and other operators to prioritize projects that are most likely to come to fruition.

Dominguez said the rules proposed by the independent market monitor are unworkable. To build a nuclear power plant or a natural gas-fired plant from scratch would take the best part of a decade.

So if you want to tell the folks in our data economy that they cant put AI to work until we get new power plants operating  and wait five, six, seven years  the AI race is going to be over, he added.
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly defeated two resolutions on Wednesday seeking to rein in President Donald Trump's aggression toward Venezuela, amid widespread speculation that the Republican will launch an attack on the South American oil state's territory.

Wednesday's votes took place hours before Trump was due to address the country from the White House. The rare evening speech was expected to focus on what he sees as big victories but could also address his foreign policy priorities a day after he ordered a "blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers leaving and entering Venezuela.

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The Republican-majority House voted 216 to 210 against a resolution sponsored by Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, that would remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities with "any presidentially designated terrorist organization in the Western Hemisphere" unless authorized by Congress.

It also voted 213 to 211 to defeat a resolution sponsored by Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee, directing the president to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with or against Venezuela without congressional authorization.

PARTY LINES

Both votes were almost exclusively along party lines. Two Republicans voted with Democrats for the first resolution, and three backed the second. Two Democrats opposed the first resolution and one voted no on the second.

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U.S. troops have carried out more than 20 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific since early September, killing more than 80 people as Trump escalates a military buildup against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government.

The Trump administration has been weighing options to combat what it says is Maduro's role in the supply of illegal drugs that have killed Americans. The socialist Venezuelan president has denied having any links to the illegal drug trade.

U.S. lawmakers have long accused presidents from both parties of seeking to sidestep the U.S. Constitution's requirement that Congress, not the president, approve anything other than brief military action.

Members of Congress have tried repeatedly to force Trump to obtain congressional authorization for the Venezuela campaign since it began in early September. But every effort has been defeated due to opposition from Trump's fellow Republicans, who hold slim majorities in both the House and Senate.

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Speaking in opposition, Representative Brian Mast of Florida, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called the resolutions a Democratic ploy "to block President Trump from defending the U.S. from designated cartel terrorists."

Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, one of the few Republicans who voted in favor, said the power to declare war should not be in the hands of one man.

"If the president believes military action against Venezuela is justified and needed, he should make the case and Congress should vote," Massie said in a House speech.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Hungarian oil and gas company MOL Group and Azerbaijan's state-owned energy company SOCAR have signed a production sharing agreement (PSA) for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in the Shamakhi-Gobustan area of Azerbaijan.

This move follows a heads of terms agreement signed on 3 June 2025 during Baku Energy Week, which outlined the key terms for joint exploration in the region.

Under the PSA, MOL will serve as operator with a 65% interest in the project, while SOCAR will hold the remaining 35%.

The two companies plan to commence seismic surveys in the Shamakhi-Gobustan area in early 2026, with drilling activities expected to follow at a later stage.

This development is part of the ongoing cooperation between MOL Group and SOCAR, building on previous collaborations in Azerbaijans energy sector.

MOL Group chairman and CEO Zsolt Hernadi said: The Shamakhi-Gobustan joint exploration project adds a great opportunity to our international upstream portfolio, and as the operator, we are proud to build on MOL Groups extensive experience in exploration and production.

Strong foundations have already been laid through the offshore ACG project in Azerbaijan, which is an important pillar of our international operations, playing a vital role in central Europes energy security and providing us flexibility in crude oil sourcing and refining.

I am very much looking forward to the next chapter of our cooperation in Azerbaijan with our esteemed partner SOCAR, which will further strengthen our regions energy supply security.

MOL entered the Azerbaijani market in 2020 after acquiring a 9.57% stake in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) oilfield.

It also acquired an effective 8.9% interest in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, which transports crude oil to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan.

MOL said it has contributed to the development of the ACG field, building on its experience in reservoir management and production optimisation.

ACG accounted for 14% of MOLs total production and 25% of its total reserves as of 2024.

The BTC pipeline has facilitated the transport of nearly 18 million barrels of MOLs crude oil from the ACG field to its refineries in central and eastern Europe.

In September, MOL and its partner O&GD discovered a new oilfield near the village of Galgaheviz, close to Budapest in Hungary.

"MOL, SOCAR sign upstream deal in Azerbaijans Shamakhi-Gobustan area " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Some of the 24 million Americans who buy their health insurance through the ACA program, nicknamed Obamacare, could face sharply higher costs beginning on January 1 without action by Congress.

An expanded US federal healthcare subsidy that grew out of the pandemic is all but certain to expire at the year's end as the House of Representatives advanced a Republican healthcare bill on Wednesday that would not renew the tax credit.

The 216-211 vote, likely Congress's last vote on healthcare policy this year, came hours after Republican leaders faced a rebellion within their ranks in support of a Democratic-backed extension of the Obamacare benefit.

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Earlier, the House voted 204-203 to stop the last-minute move by Democrats, aided by four Republicans, to force quick votes on a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act subsidy. Democrats loudly protested, accusing Republican leadership of gaveling an end to the vote prematurely while some members were still trying to vote.

"That's outrageous," Democratic Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts yelled at Republican leadership.

Some of the 24 million Americans who buy their health insurance through the ACA program, nicknamed Obamacare, could face sharply higher costs beginning on January 1 without action by Congress.

US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks at a press conference following the weekly policy luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, November 19, 2025; illustrative. (credit: REUTERS/TOM BRENNER)

"Millions will be without healthcare" if that happens, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters. "Tens of millions more will have since changed (to) policies that are much worse for them: higher deductibles, higher copays."

The Republican bill

The Republican bill aims to lower premiums for some people while reducing overall subsidies and raising premiums for others, starting January 2027. It would also expand access to association health plans, which allow small businesses, freelancers, and self-employed individuals to pool resources and purchase group health insurance at potentially lower costs.

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Republicans largely attacked the ACA subsidy over its provision that sends federal dollars to insurance companies to help reduce premium costs. "Throwing more money at the insurance companies is not the answer," Representative Morgan Griffith of Virginia said during the House debate.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office on Tuesday said the legislation would decrease the number of people with health insurance by an average of 100,000 per year through 2035. Its money-saving provisions would reduce federal deficits by $35.6 billion, the CBO said.

Republican Representative Kevin Kiley of California said in a floor speech that he would support the Republicans targeted healthcare bill despite reservations. The bill does not address the immediate, urgent problem in front of us, which is that 22 million people are about to pay a lot more for health insurance, Kiley said.

The Senate, also controlled by President Donald Trump's Republicans, last week rejected dueling Republican and Democratic plans to address the subsidies.

Subsidies were the cause of the government shutdown

Tensions are high over the expiring healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which were the cause of the record-breaking government shutdown earlier this fall. Democrats withheld their support of a temporary government funding bill unless the subsidy was extended. Republicans refused that demand.

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The debate over healthcare  one that has pitted Republicans against Democrats for decades  is more than a policy matter. The November 2026 congressional elections hang heavy over lawmakers at a time when Republican President Donald Trump's public approval rating is weak.

The four Republicans who joined forces with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries in trying to advance a three-year ACA subsidy extension represent districts that could see competitive re-election races next year. Three of them come from the swing state of Pennsylvania, with the fourth from New York.

Even though the Republican-controlled House passedthe healthcare bill, it is unlikely to be taken up by the Senate before Congress begins a looming end-of-year recess that would stop legislative action until January 5. By then, millions of Americans will be looking at significantly more expensive health insurance premiums that could prompt some to go without coverage.

Wednesday's House floor battle could embolden Democrats and some Republicans to revisit the issue in January, even though higher premiums will already be in the pipeline.

Referring to the House debate, moderate Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski told reporters: "I think that that will help prompt a response here in the Senate after the first of the new year, and I'm looking forward to that.
By Daniel Wiessner

Dec 17 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Wednesday said she would block President Donald Trump's administration from laying off hundreds of federal employees, the latest legal setback for Trump's efforts to downsize the U.S. government workforce.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston during a hearing in San Francisco said hundreds of layoffs at four agencies were likely not allowed under a law Congress passed last month to end a 43-day government shutdown.

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"The chaotic nature of these [layoffs] has been continuing and has affected employees of the government in many ways, including loss of potential alternative jobs and loss of healthcare coverage," Illston said.

Illston, an appointee of Democratic former President Bill Clinton, said she would block the U.S. State Department and Education Department from laying off about 250 and 150 employees respectively, pending the outcome of a lawsuit by unions.

She also said she intended to order State, the Defense Department, the General Services Administration, and the Small Business Administration to reinstate roughly 300 people who lost their jobs during the shutdown.

Illston said she would issue a written order later on Wednesday detailing her decision.

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The judge said she would likely pause all or part of her ruling until next week to give the government time to appeal. Illston said she did not want to worsen the whiplash for federal workers, some of whom have been laid off and reinstated numerous times this year.

The unions involved in the case praised Illston's decision in a statement.

No one should be surprised when President Trump breaks his word, but to directly contradict a law he just signed himself is an unfortunate reminder that we cannot trust a single thing this president and his administration says or does," said Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward, a legal group representing the unions.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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The law ending the shutdown, known as a continuing resolution, prohibits agencies from implementing layoffs through January 30. The Trump administration has argued that the law does not apply to job cuts announced before the shutdown began on October 1, such as the layoffs at the State and Education departments.

Illston during Wednesday's hearing disagreed, siding with the American Federation of Government Employees and other unions. The lawsuit was originally filed in October to block more than 4,000 layoffs at several agencies, including the State Department during the government shutdown.

Illston had ruled for the unions, saying that implementing layoffs was not an essential government service that could continue during a shutdown.

(Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Aurora Ellis)
WASHINGTON, Dec 18 (Reuters) - The U.S. International Trade Commission is launching an investigation into certain wearable devices after Ouraring Inc filed a complaint, it said in a statement on Thursday.

The companies the USITC identified as part of its probe include Samsung Electronics, Reebok and Zepp Health Corp, among others.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey, Editing by Bhargav Acharya)
The follow-up story: Soon after pressuring the Hillsborough County school district in August to remove library books he deemed inappropriate, Florida education commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas announced a new service aimed at making it easier for parents to identify acceptable material.

The Parent Plus Portal would offer families free centralized platform designed to provide Florida families with clear, consistent access to the instructional and library materials used in their childrens school, Kamoutsas wrote in a letter also posted to X.

The state is paying about $15 million for the searchable database.

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School choice advocate Erika Donalds, the wife of Republican candidate for governor U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, followed with an op-ed column touting the portal as a way to instill more transparency and trust in the K-12 system.

Florida has given us a useful tool. Now, it is up to local leaders  and engaged parents  to ensure it is implemented, Donalds wrote in September with Ryan Owens, an FSU political science professor.

At the time, only Franklin County schools appeared in the portal as the pilot district. But on its website, provider Trinity Education Group stated that more were pending: More than 60 districts are on track to launch by Fall 2025.

That goal has not materialized as the first semester winds to a close. Currently, the portal includes just one additional district, Sumter County. And three of its seven listed schools indicate there are no materials available matching your search.

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School districts continue to post library book information on their own websites, as required in law.

Hot topics

Absenteeism: The Pasco County school district is asking for the creation of a new truancy court to help deal with its most chronically absent students.

Campus merger: USF Sarasota-Manatee backers raised red flags over Gov. Ron DeSantiss latest proposal to let New College of Florida take over the USF regional campus.

Charter schools: Red Apple has proposed a 91,000-square-foot charter school for a growing Orange County community, the Apopka Chief reports.

Construction projects: The Broward County school board is taking emergency action in reaction to an audit that criticized its construction manager selection process, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

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Funding: A state lawmaker has proposed increasing Floridas sales tax by 3%, with one third of the revenue going to the Florida Education Funding Program, WCTV reports. The proposal is one of several aimed at reallocating Floridians tax burden.

Higher education: Many members of Generation Z are choosing to attend trade school instead of college, WTVJ reports.

New schools: The Lee and Collier county school districts are going through building and renovation programs as they prepare for more growth, the Naples Daily News reports.

School closures: The Indian River County school board approved the administrations plan to convert some under-used middle schools into K-8 campuses and close others, TC Palm reports.

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Schools of Hope: The Miami-Dade County school board is asking state lawmakers to require charter schools to pay for rent and services if they are to occupy unused space on their campuses, WTVJ reports.  Some parents in northeast Florida are protesting the provision in law that would give school district student data to Schools of Hope charter school providers, WJAX reports.

School zones: The city of Tampa has postponed implementation of its school speed zone camera program, saying it wants a new vendor, WUSF reports.

Start times: The Flagler County school district is seeking an exemption from the state law calling for later high school start times, Flagler Live reports. Districts may seek an exception by submitting a report showing they have explored the possibilities of shifting their schedules.

Superintendents: Alachua County interim superintendent Kamela Patton earned a satisfactory evaluation from her board, which extended her contract through June 2027 last month, MainStreet Daily News reports.

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UF president search: University of Florida trustees named a 15-person advisory committee to lead the schools renewed effort to find its next permanent president, the Gainesville Sun reports.

Vaping: Incidents of student vaping in schools are on the rise across Florida, the Palm Beach Post reports.

Vouchers: Bay County school district officials expressed support for legislation that would change the way education vouchers are funded, WMBB reports.

Dont miss a story. Yesterdays roundup is just a click away.

Before you go ... Shakiras still got it, here with Ed Sheeran! She plays the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood on Dec. 27-29, if you can still get tix.

Jeffrey S. Solochek is a reporter covering education as a member of the Tampa Bay Times Education Hub. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund by clicking here.
A Republican-led committee is investigating Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her prosecution of Donald Trump and other defendants involved in alleged election interference, sparking a contentious exchange during a recent committee hearing.

Channel 2s Richard Elliot was there as Willis testified before the Senate Special Investigative Committee on Wednesday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The committee questioned Willis regarding her approach to the now-dismissed election interference case.

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During her testimony, she expressed concerns about the motives behind the investigation, questioning its legitimacy and relevance.

You want something to investigate as the legislature? Investigate how many times they called me the N-word. Why dont you investigate that? Why dont you investigate the writing on my house? Why dont you investigate how many times my house has been swatted? If you want to do something with your time. That makes sense, she said.

Willis also accused Republican Sen. Greg Dolezal, the acting committee chair, of politicizing the hearing for his campaign.

You can use this in your campaign ad. You attacked Fani Willis. What have you done, sir? Nothing! she said.

RELATED STORIES:

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Meanwhile, Roy Barnes, Willis attorney and former Georgia Governor, pointed out that the committees actions seem to be aimed at fundraising.

Its very apparent all that they are trying to do is raise money. Hit on Fani and send me a hundred dollars, Barnes remarked.

Dolezal cited the financial burden faced by his associates involved in the case.

I think about my friends who spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to defend themselves against these politically motivated charges and thats the witch hunt, he said.

Under a newly enacted state law related to the prosecution, election interference defendants can now seek reimbursement for their legal expenses. These reimbursements could accumulate to possibly tens of millions of dollars as numerous defendants navigate the financial impacts of their legal battles.

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President Donald Trump announced Dec. 17 that nearly 1.5 million U.S. military servicemembers would receive a $1,776 "warrior dividend" check this Christmas season.

"Military service members will receive a special we call 'warrior dividend' before Christmas, a warrior dividend in honor of our nation's founding in 1776," Trump said in a 9 p.m. broadcast from the White House. "The checks are already on the way Nobody deserves it more than our military."

Trump signaled that the money for the dividends would come from tariffs: "We made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs."

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The presidents announcement of the upcoming bonus for military members came during a 20-minute speech where in addition to wishing the nation a Merry Christmas, Trump touted the achievements of his administration so far: "Seven months ago I inherited a mess and Im fixing it."

More: From hoecake to squirrel stew, meet the Americans cooking like its 1776

His announcement comes as he faces faltering approval ratings, largely over his handling of the economy. Unemployment across the country hit a four-year high, according to the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many Americans remain on edge that the presidents high tariffs will drive up prices.

Trumps bonus for servicemembers is the latest of several steps the president has taken to offer support for U.S. troops. Among them, the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed by Congress and sent to President Trump's desk in December 2025, includes a 4% pay raise for service members. The law also includes $2.9 billion to fund new barracks and family housing, as well as to increase investment in childcare fee assistance.

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The president also previously signed the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act into law, which creates a partial claim program to help veterans who have fallen behind on their mortgages avoid foreclosure.

Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" additionally provides broad benefits for service members and their families, including $100 million in Department of Defense Impact Aid to support public schools serving large numbers of military children.

President Donald Trump salutes as members of the military carry a transfer case, during a dignified transfer of the remains of two Iowa National Guard members killed in Syria, Sgt. Edgar Torres Tovar and Sgt. William Howard, and Ayad Mansoor Sakat, of Macomb, Michigan, who was working as an interpreter in Syria, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, on Dec. 17, 2025.

In both his presidential terms, Trump has drawn favorability from the military and their families. A 2019 Pew Research Center report found that U.S. military veterans were largely supportive of the way Trump led the nations armed forces.

Pew's survey of veterans found that a majority (57%) approved of the way Trump handled his duties as commander in chief, with about half (48%) saying his administrations policies made the military stronger. Veterans assessments of the president on these and other military-related issues are more positive than those of the general public, Pew found.

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In his latest run for office, most veterans voted for Trump. About six-in-ten registered voters who said they served in the U.S. military or military reserves (61%) supported former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. About 37% backed Vice President Kamala Harris, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in September 2024.

Not all of the Trump administration's financial moves have benefited the military. At a series of town halls in March, veterans angrily confronted Republican members of Congress as they defended the cuts made under Trump adviser Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency.

Two National Guard soldiers stands next to a US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agent after a shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26, 2025. Two National Guard soldiers were shot a few blocks from the White House, according to law enforcement. Members of the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies respond to a shooting near the White House on Nov. 26, 2025 in Washington, D.C. At least two uniformed military personnel, appearing to be National Guardsmen, have been shot blocks from the White House. A member of the U.S. Secret Service secures the area near a shooting near the White House on Nov. 26, 2025 in Washington, D.C. At least two uniformed military personnel, appearing to be National Guardsmen, have been shot blocks from the White House. National Guard soldiers huddle around law enforcement officers while receiving information after a shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26, 2025. Two National Guard soldiers were shot a few blocks from the White House, according to law enforcement. 2 National Guard troops shot near White House in Washington, D.C. 1 of 4 Two National Guard soldiers stands next to a US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agent after a shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26, 2025. Two National Guard soldiers were shot a few blocks from the White House, according to law enforcement.

Trump has made broad use of the military during his second term, deploying armed forces off the coast of Venezuela and to American cities. The moves have prompted some servicemembers to call on others to resist "illegal orders."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump promises $1,776 checks for U.S. service members this Christmas
Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., is seen at the U.S. Capitol Feb. 25, 2025. (Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images)

For a while, Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse says hes been hearing a little voice in the back of his head telling him it might be time to step aside.

On Wednesday, he announced hed decided to follow that impulse and would not run for reelection next year in the 4th Congressional District in central Washington.

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I came into Congress thinking that Id probably spend 10 years. I just came to the conclusion and made the decision, he said. Its not been an overnight decision.

I just want to make clear that Ive got a year to go on my term, and Im going to work very hard to fulfill my responsibilities and serve my constituents, he added.

It has been a rough and tumble year for Congress, marked by a record-long government shutdown during which the House never met. And for Newhouse, its not been easy navigating the turbulence created when he voted to impeach Donald Trump in 2021.

But the 70-year-old congressman insisted Wednesday that those factors didnt drive his decision.

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Absolutely not, he said. A lot of people may disagree with some of the positions, some of the votes Ive taken, but most people respect others who stand for something and who vote their conscience and can justify the positions they take. Its not been a detriment or a negative thing.

Newhouse, of Sunnyside, has held the seat since 2015. Before that, he served in the Washington House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009. Then, for four years, he was director of the state Department of Agriculture under then-Gov. Christine Gregoire, a Democrat. Newhouses family operates an 850-acre farm.

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He has balanced his conservative politics with pragmatism, making him accessible to Democratic House members especially on agriculture, farm labor and immigration policies, all critical to his district.

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Dan has always brought a principled commitment to public service. Im grateful to call him a colleague and friend all these years, U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Medina, posted on X. DelBene served with Newhouse in the Gregoire administration when she led the state Department of Revenue.

U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Seattle, a leading voice for House progressives, said Newhouse showed courage in voting to impeach Trump. She said she greatly appreciated his leadership to provide a roadmap to citizenship for farmworkers and his assistance in getting Seattles Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, national recognition.

He will be missed in Congress, and I wish him and his family the best in retirement, she said.

Trump-aligned challengers

In 2021, Newhouse became a target of the MAGA movement when he joined nine other House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He is one of two among that group who is still serving in Congress.

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Since then, Trump has fought to get him out of office. Newhouse fended off six Republican challengers in the 2022 primary en route to winning a fifth term in the solidly Republican district. That same year, Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, another Washington Republican who voted for impeachment, was unseated after losing in the primary to Joe Kent.

Things got tougher for Newhouse in 2024. He faced two Trump-backed opponents in the primary and squared off with one of them, Jerrod Sessler, in the general election. Trump, in a social media post backing Sessler, called Newhouse a weak and pathetic Republican who voted to, for no reason, Impeach me.

Newhouse overcame the attacks and narrowly won reelection. His victory was likely owed to support from Democratic voters.

In 2026, he was facing a rematch with Sessler, and potentially Tiffany Smiley, the other GOP candidate in 2024. Smiley, who lost a run against Patty Murray for her U.S. Senate seat in 2022, is known for her work as a veterans advocate.

Potential for a packed primary

Sessler, of Prosser, a Navy veteran and businessman, confirmed Wednesday he is running next year and said he again enjoys the support of President Trump, along with members of the House Freedom Caucus. The state Republican Party endorsed him in 2024 as well.

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Newhouses early notice that hes not running sets the stage for a wide-open primary next August.

Republican state Sen. Matt Boehnke of Kennewick said Wednesday hes seriously exploring a run. Boehnke is in his first term in the Senate after serving four years in the House and three years on the Kennewick City Council. He is up for reelection in 2026.

Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney, a Republican, is eyeing the seat. Im humbled by the encouragement Ive received since Rep. Newhouses announcement and look forward to sharing news with you all in the coming days, she said in a statement.

Republican Wesley Meier, of Richland, has registered his campaign with the Federal Election Commission.

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At least one Democrat is mounting a bid for the 4th District seat next year: John Duresky, a retired Air Force officer who also worked at the Hanford nuclear cleanup site.

Washingtons 4th Congressional District stretches through the middle of the state from the Canadian border to Oregon. It includes the agriculture-heavy Yakima Valley, the Yakama Indian Reservation, and the Tri-Cities.

The last Democrat to win a U.S. House seat in the district was former Gov. Jay Inslee. He won in 1992, but lost reelection after one term to Doc Hastings, a Republican, who held the seat until retiring in 2015.

Newhouse doesnt have a favorite yet for his successor.

I havent made any decisions about who I may or may not be supporting in the race, he told reporters. Lets see who expresses interest, who gets in the race, and well just play it from there.
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A New Jersey police officer donned specialized rescue gear and plunged into frigid water to rescue a dog that fell through the ice covering a frozen lake.

The Sparta Police Department said Patrolman Michael Poon used ice rescue gear to venture out onto Lake Mohawk, near Rainbow Trail in Sparta, when a dog was spotted struggling in the freezing water.

Poon crawled out onto the ice and plunged into the water to lift the wet and cold canine back onto the ice.

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Poon was able to reunite the dog, as well as a second canine that managed to avoid falling through the ice, with their owner, Chance Dobbs.

Dobbs said he was at home at the time and did not realize his dogs, Sunkiss, 10, and Bruno, 4, had gotten out.

"There is an electric fence around the property, but the dogs found a weak spot and escaped," Dobbs told WABC-TV.

He said Sunkiss, who fell through the ice, has a history of mischief.

"Not entirely unusual but she took it a little far this time. This is not the first, second or third time in the last month that she's taken off," he said.

He said Sunkiss is a bit of a bad influence on Bruno.

"She taught him to take off. He never used to. But, she's a big time instigator," he said.
A Miami resident captured a real-life Grand Theft Auto scene when the driver of a stolen Ferrari smashed into a utility pole causing an explosion and knocking out power to the neighborhood, authorities said.

In the video, you can see the driver fleeing from police and clipping one of the police cruisers before speeding up. Almost instantly the driver seems to lose control of the powerful vehicle and smashes into the pole, snapping it in half. Seconds later, an explosion lights up the street.

Deshawn Prendergast, 28, of the Bronx in New York was arrested in the Dec. 11 crash and explosion after surrendering to police. According to the arrest affidavit, he had three cellphones in his pocket and $582 on him. Prendergast was taken to a local hospital to be treated for a minor cut, police said, before being taken to jail where he was held on a $5,650 bond.

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Prendergast made his first court appearance Dec. 17, court records show. He has been charged with grand theft of a vehicle, fleeing and eluding police, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, and reckless driving with damage to property or person, court records show. An arraignment hearing has been set for Feb. 13, 2026.

Here's what to know.

What model of Ferrari was involved in the Miami crash?

Ferrari Purosangue

Miami Beach Police told WPLG it was a 2024 Ferrari Purosangue, one of two sportscars that had been reported stolen.

Road & Track says the four-seat high-performance SUV has a 6.5-liter V-12 engine with a listed 062-mph time of 3.3 seconds. The starting price in 2023, before options, was $398,350.

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Sportscar shopping? V-12-powered cars you can still buy brand new

Was the Ferrari in the Miami crash stolen?

Miami Police told NBC6 that they responded Monday afternoon to a report of two stolen luxury vehicles, the Ferrari and a 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The cars had been given to a third-party transportation company to deliver to another business to get wrapped, but that business owner contacted the vehicle owner several hours later to say they never arrived.

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan was recovered in Miami-Dade County, NBC6 reported.

Police said the owner pinged the Ferrari near Southwest Second Avenue and 17th Street and they found it in a parking spot but the driver fled, avoiding a traffic stop, according to the arrest affidavit, making an illegal turn and colliding with a police cruiser before speeding off.

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The video shows what happened next.

After the crash, the suspect fled on foot but was tracked down at a nearby ap[artment building, where he surrended voluntarily, police said.

Was anyone injured in the Miami Ferrari crash?

When Prendergast was arrested, he had "a visible bump and gash on his forehead above the bridge of his nose," the arrest affidavit said. He told police his girlfriend had caught him cheating and him in the face with an iPhone, twice, before he could get outside.

He was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital for treatment before being arrested and taken into custody, police said.

Where did the Ferrari crash in Miami?

The crash occurred near Southwest 12th Street and Second Avenue in the Brickell neighborhood of Miami, police said. That area has also been called Southside.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Ferrari crash video shows police chase take down Miami power pole
North Korean hackers had their biggest year yet for stealing cryptocurrencies in 2025.

Cyber attackers sponsored by the rogue regime have swiped over $2.02 billion in crypto since January, according to the latest findings from blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis.

Through early December, the Chainalysis report shows thieves supported by North Korea have stolen over 50% more in crypto this year than in 2024, bringing their total identified haul from crypto theft since 2016 to $6.75 billion.

The findings are just the latest example of how the heavily sanctioned nation has exploited security vulnerabilities in the crypto world to create a significant revenue source. As far back as 2019, national security officials for the US and UN have stated that funds stolen from these affiliated hacker groups support North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles programs.

"The reality is that cryptocurrency, because of its global 24/7 access, creates a unique value proposition for the regime to target," Chainalysis head of national security intelligence Andrew Fierman said.

The crypto industry saw $3.4 billion in theft in 2025 through early December, according to Chainalysis. The bulk came from a single breach in late February, when Dubai-based exchange Bybit suffered a $1.5 billion theft at the hands of North Korea-affiliated hackers. In terms of stolen funds, it was the industry's largest ever.

Crypto heists have become "the easiest way for DPRK cyber actors to fund their regime," said Eun Young Choi, an attorney at Arnold & Porter and a former federal prosecutor with experience investigating cyberattacks.

Relay teams who will present letters of loyalty to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea arrive at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on Oct. 7, 2025. (Kim Won Jin/AFP via Getty Images)  KIM WON JIN via Getty Images

Read more: How to navigate a crypto meltdown

Hackers have not only become more sophisticated in how they steal and launder proceeds, according to Choi, but also benefited from the crypto industry's growth in value and adoption, which has created more opportunities and reasons to exploit potential cyber vulnerabilities.

Following this year's Bybit robbery, hackers laundered stolen funds using a complex web of maneuvers, including moving the assets across multiple digital wallets and blockchains, sending some of the funds through decentralized finance (DeFi) apps.

Earlier this week, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, sent a letter to the US Treasury and Justice Department calling for an investigation into how North Korean hackers and other illicit actors are using decentralized finance protocols to fund the regime.

And while digital asset prices have soured in recent weeks, the industry has realized a number of wins on the policy front this year as the Trump administration pushed to make the US the "crypto capital of the world."
Brian Walshe, the Cohasset man convicted of murdering his wife, Ana Walshe, whose body was never found, is due back in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court for a sentencing hearing on Thursday morning.

Watch live: Sentencing hearing for Brian Walshe

Walshe is expected to receive life in prison without the possibility of parole, the mandatory sentence for first-degree murder in Massachusetts.

Before sentencing, the court is expected to hear victim impact statements, including one from Ana Walshes sister.

I am in Dedham Superior Court for #BrianWalshe sentencing. I am told, among those who are giving Victim Impact statements will be Ana Walshe's sister.@boston25 #brianwalshetrial #brianwalshe #anawalshe #truecrime  Bob Ward Boston 25 (@Bward3) December 18, 2025

Follow Boston 25s Bob Ward on X for live updates from court

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On Monday, the jury in his high-profile trial found Walshe guilty of first-degree murder. Before the start of the trial on Dec. 1, Walshe pleaded guilty to misleading police and dismembering his wifes body.

Jurors deliberated for less than six hours before returning the verdict. Walshe showed no emotion as the decision was read.

Ana Walshe, a mother of three, vanished on New Years Day 2023. Prosecutors argued Walshe killed Ana and then dismembered her remains, discarding them in area dumpsters.

The defense conceded that Walshe disposed of Anas body but claimed she died unexpectedly in bed after a New Years Eve party at their home. Walshe did not testify, and the defense called no witnesses during the trial.

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

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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

After Mondays verdict, Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey praised the jurys decision, saying, Its not about winning or losing. Its about getting the right answer. And this was the right answer.

Morrissey said Anas mother told him after the verdict that justice had been served.

Sentencing was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed to today.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
By Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON, Dec 18 (Reuters) - White South Africans coming to the U.S. as refugees could get a biography of President Donald Trump for children as part of a welcome packet proposed last week by an administration official, emails reviewed by Reuters showed.

The book - Donald Trump Biography for Kids: An Inspirational Story of One of Americas Most Famous Presidents - was suggested by Fred Cooper, a Trump appointee serving as deputy assistant secretary in a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, according to a December 8 internal email reviewed by Reuters.

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The 89-page biography, designed for children ages 8 to 12, portrays the Republican president as an inspirational figure whose life is a masterclass in determination, resilience, confidence, and dreaming big.

Cooper also suggested the welcome packet include a biography of Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president. Trump has praised Jackson, a fellow populist, although Jackson has faced historical criticism for owning slaves and driving Native Americans from their lands.

I imagine these books wouldnt be an issue? Cooper said in the email, linking to the Trump and Jackson biographies. The email did not say what the U.S. government might pay for the biographies.

HHS and Cooper did not respond to requests for comment.

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The planned welcome packet, if finalized, would support Trumps effort to bring thousands of white South Africans to the U.S. as refugees. The program has provoked backlash from the South African government and refugee groups.

Trump froze refugee admissions from around the world after taking office in January but weeks later launched an effort to bring in European-descended Afrikaners from majority-Black South Africa. Trump has said these people were victims of race-based violence and discrimination, claims the South African government strongly denies.

On Wednesday, South African authorities said they would deport Kenyans who were contracted to work on the U.S. refugee program, saying they were using improper visas.

Refugees in the past have received materials explaining U.S. history and culture, but they do not normally promote specific presidents or ideologies, three veteran refugee workers said.

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The Trump biography recounts his childhood in New York City and successes and failures as a businessman, including the bankruptcy of his lavish Taj Mahal casino and hotel in Atlantic City.

The book includes prominent moments from Trumps 2017-2021 presidency, from construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to efforts to combat COVID-19.

In a chapter entitled Challenges and Controversies, it broaches Trumps two impeachments by the U.S. House of Representatives, including his message to supporters to fight like hell before they stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

The events of January 6 and the subsequent impeachment trial were among the most contentious moments of Donalds presidency, sparking debates about accountability, free speech, and the future of American democracy, it reads.

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The book is published by EverNest Press, whose only online presence Reuters could find was on Amazon, with no available contact information. EverNest Press is also listed as the author. Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cooper also proposed the welcome packet include The 1776 Report, published in January 2021 as Trump ended his first term in office. The report, the product of a presidential commission convened by Trump, criticizes policies that promote diversity.

The HHS official also recommended including a report on religious freedom by the Family Research Council, a conservative group. That report highlights legal battles by American business people who refused to serve same-sex couples, including a Colorado baker who won a case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018.

(Reporting by Ted Hesson; Additional reporting by Kristina Cooke in San Francisco; Editing by David Gregorio)
When Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee opened an investigation into the Justice Departments criminal inquiries of Donald Trump, the question wasnt whether members would hear from former special counsel Jack Smith, but rather, how.

The prosecutor wanted the hearing to be public so that everyone could see and hear his answers. Chairman Jim Jordan refused, preferring secrecy to sunlight.

There was no great mystery as to why. The New York Times reported a couple of weeks ago that House Republicans were reluctant to give [Smith] a prime public platform out of concern that he could embarrass Trump by making a compelling case for the indictments over the presidents attempt to overturn the 2020 election and his retention of classified documents.

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That is, the point of the GOP hearing was to try to trip up the former special counsel, not offer him an opportunity to present compelling evidence and tell inconvenient truths the party prefers to keep from the public.

So although we dont yet know exactly what the prosecutor said in his closed-door testimony on Wednesday, it quickly became obvious that Jordans motivation for secrecy was well grounded. NBC News reported:

Former special counsel Jack Smith told a congressional committee Wednesday that his team found proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Donald Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 election, according to parts of his opening statement obtained by NBC News. Trump also repeatedly tried to obstruct justice to keep secret his retention of classified documents found during an FBI search of his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Smith told members of the House Judiciary Committee at a closed-door hearing.

Smith added that he and his team turned up powerful evidence that showed Trump willfully retained highly classified documents after he left office in Jan. 2021, storing them at his social club, including in a bathroom and a ballroom where events and gatherings took place.

After the hearing, Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, joked that Jordan made an excellent decision in not allowing Jack Smith to testify publicly, because had he done so, it would have been absolutely devastating to the president and all the presidents men involved in the insurrectionary activities of Jan. 6.

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Whether a transcript of the testimony ever reaches the public remains to be seen.

Watch this space.

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

The post Why Jim Jordan wanted to keep Jack Smiths testimony hidden from the public appeared first on MS NOW.

This article was originally published on ms.now
Adelanto residents are tired of contaminated drinking water and demand action from their city council. They packed the council chambers with "clean water now" posters and bilingual comments on the importance of clean drinking water at the Dec. 10 meeting.

The synthetic chemical Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) was detected in Adelanto water in 2023. PFOS is known as a "forever chemical," which studies have shown can cause cancer, according to the National Library of Medicine.

That year, the Adelanto City Council approved a resident-led water ad hoc committee, however, it has yet to be established nearly three years later.

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Countless Adelanto residents addressed the council at the December meeting, pleading that they fulfill that loose commitment.

One resident was Eddie Torres, Policy Director for Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice. He presented a petition to the council with more than 600 Adelanto resident signatures in support of a clean water committee. Torres says the residents are advocating for the same things they were three years ago.

All who signed the petition want this from the council: for the officials to provide a concrete timeline of when the committee will be formed, to adjust the committee application to include immigrant residents, and to give updates on when the city applies for the Waters of the U.S. grant.

Residents said they don't want to be kept in the dark on the urgent issue of fixing the unclean water situation.

Traffic drives by the City of Adelanto's welcome sign on Highway 395 on Thursday. For the first time in six years, Adelanto's City Council passed a budget surplus. [James Quigg, Daily Press]

At the beginning of the meeting, City Manager Jessie Flores delivered a lengthy presentation on Adelanto's financial prosperity and incoming revenue for this year.

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Instead of focusing on incoming housing developments and new businesses, which will further impact the water quality for current residents, individuals like Gustavo Zamora urge the council to finally address the issues currently facing Adelanto.

Veronica Manzo says her hair is falling out and her children's skin is dry as a result of the contaminated water in Adelanto. "Without water, we can't live," she says. Her sentiments echo those of the 600 who signed the petition, if not more Adelanto residents.

Read More: I wish we could have had you longer. Adelanto bids farewell to police captain

What is wrong with Adelanto's water?

PFOS contamination was detected at 4.3 parts per trillion (ppt) in an Adelanto water sample in early 2023. According to Marin & Murphy Law Firm, who are "closely following" the case, that is a concerning amount of contamination.

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PFOS is a specific type of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are a group of artificial chemicals that have been widely used in various industries since the 1940s. Theyre found in consumer products, like non-stick cookware, food packaging, and stain-resistant fabrics.

Adelanto isn't the first High Desert locality exposed to water contaminants. Similarly, PFAS toxins were detected at high levels in the groundwater at Edwards Air Force Base in 2018.

These contaminants pose serious health risks to those exposed to them, including testicular and kidney cancer and ulcerative colitis, according to health experts.

Resident Magda Torrellis stated that the water situation in Adelanto is "horrible" at the council meeting, and shared a lighthearted anecdote with the council about getting "Montezuma's revenge" the first time she drank Adelanto water.

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"You go in to take a shower, and you come out smelling like Charlie the Tuna," she continued.

She wonders if the bout with cancer she had last year was directly linked to the poor quality of water in Adelanto. She's also tired of changing out water filters. What should be every four or five months is an every-month procedure in Adelanto, costing residents hundreds of dollars a year on top of a water bill.

Read More: Check out photos of Adelantos 19th Annual Christmas Parade

What are some solutions?

According to resident Alexis de Jesus, Adelanto tap water comes out brown, cloudy, foul-smelling, and leaves a residue behind. "Our community should not have to think twice before grabbing a glass of water, showering, cooking, or doing laundry."

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Good drinking water filters start at about $75. Good ones can run more than $200. Shower filters also average about $200.

Veronica Manzo says the city should offer its residents options. She suggests offering low-cost or zero financing for household water filters.

Flores also mentioned that the city hoped to apply to the Waters of the U.S. Grant, but has not yet. The grant addresses lead, copper, and PFAS in drinking water to "hopefully" deliver cleaner water to grant recipient communities, Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Ramos said.

McKenna is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Adelanto residents demand resolution, answers for contaminated water
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY)  A woman was arrested after an animal cruelty incident involving a French bulldog on Narrow Street in Chesapeake, according to the Chesapeake Police Department.

On Nov. 17, Chesapeake Animal Control investigated a reported animal cruelty incident involving a French bulldog in the 2500 block of Narrow Street. The dog was found in critical condition after undergoing a surgical procedure performed by an unlicensed individual.

Due to the dogs severe condition, it was transported for emergency veterinary care and later humanely euthanized.

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Tiesha Lisa Zaragoza, 47, was arrested in connection to the incident. Zaragoza now has charges related to animal cruelty.

The incident is still under investigation, and additional charges are pending.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
The Port Angeles Police Department (PAPD) says that a woman was sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of George David.

A judge in Clallam County Superior Court sentenced Tina Marie Alcorn after pleading guilty to a second-degree murder charge with an enhanced deadly weapon for Davids murder.

David was on his way to see family in British Columbia when he was found dead in a friends Port Angeles apartment that he was visiting in March 2016.

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A 65-year-old artist and woodcarver from Neah Bay, David was a member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation of Vancouver Island.

The case went cold until PAPD reached out for assistance from the Attorney Generals Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) Cold Case Investigations Unit in 2024.

Alcorn was flagged as a suspect in Davids murder in April 2016.

However, there was insufficient evidence to charge her with any crime.

Alcon was later extradited to Arkansas on a felony warrant.

MMIWP Investigators eventually found probable cause to arrest Alcon for Davids murder after conducting an investigation.

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Davids granddaughter spoke during the sentencing, along with other family members who were there.

My dad was a master carver, Maria David said. There are two half-finished puppets my dad was carving, that were to be used as a means of Indian Storytelling. But that never got to happen. I just have half-finished carvings that never got to become puppets and tell their stories. Indian artwork is a way for us to tell our stories. And his stories can no longer be told, and we will never be able to see any of my dads artwork again. Silver engraving, masks, totem poles, rattles, prints. Its all silent now.
When Alyssa Burkett arrived at her Texas workplace one fall morning in 2020, the 24-year-old mother of one didn't know a deadly plan against her was already unfolding.

On the morning of Oct. 2 that year, Burkett pulled into the parking lot of the Greentree Apartments in Carrollton, where she worked as an assistant office manager, right before tragedy struck.

A new "20/20" episode, "Ride or Die," airing Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC and streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu, examines the case.

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You can also get more behind-the-scenes of each week's episode by listening to "20/20: The After Show" weekly series right on your 20/20 podcast feed on Mondays, hosted by "20/20" co-anchor Deborah Roberts.

Teresa Collard - PHOTO: Alyssa Burkett, 24, was the mother to one-year-old Willow.

According to authorities, a black Ford Expedition pulled up next to her, and the darkly dressed driver shot her through her car window. Miraculously, Burkett managed to get out of the vehicle, but as she tried to escape into her office, the assailant stabbed and slashed her 44 times.

Carrollton Police Detective Jeremy Chevallier, who responded to the crime, told "20/20" that the scene was extremely disturbing.

"I've been in law enforcement for 33 years," he said. "When I arrived, it was the most brutal scene I think I'd ever been to."

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Given the violent nature of the crime, investigators believed it could have been a crime of passion.

Lizette Bowers - PHOTO: Andrew Beard, right, poses for a photo with his mother. Beard is the father of Alyssas daughter.

Burkett had been engaged in a custody battle with Andrew Beard over their 1-year-old daughter Willow. Beard, who was 10 years older than Burkett and worked as a power tools salesman, had initially met her online, according to investigators.

The day after the killing, while canvassing a neighborhood near Beard's home, police noticed a vehicle consistent with the one driven by Burkett's assailant. Upon searching the car, they found a hole drilled into the side of the car that could have been a gun port alongside dark colored makeup and a fake beard, officials said.

Beard soon surrendered himself to the Carrollton Police Department, and he eventually faced federal charges and pleaded guilty to cyberstalking, using a dangerous weapon resulting in death and discharging a firearm in Burkett's death. He was sentenced to 43 years in prison in May 2023.

Lizette Bowers - PHOTO: Andrew Beard, left, is pictured with his new girlfriend Holly Elkins and baby Willow, right.

However, Beard claimed to authorities that his fiancee Holly Elkins, whom he started dating in 2020, was actually the one who masterminded Burkett's killing.

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Beard pointed authorities to texts between him and Elkins where she said "I need to know you're my ride or die" and "I'm not coming home unless I know you did this."

In July 2023, investigators believed that they had collected enough evidence to charge Elkins. She was coming back from a trip in the Dominican Republic when police arrested her at the airport in Miami.

READ MORE: How a Florida mom's disappearance led to arrest of woman with 18 aliases

At her trial, Elkins pleaded not guilty and argued that it wasn't her who committed the crime or installed trackers on Burkett's vehicle as authorities alleged. Her attorneys also rejected the notion that she was the "mastermind" behind the killing.

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She was convicted of conspiracy to stalk, stalking using a dangerous weapon resulting in death, and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence and given two consecutive life sentences.

In December 2025, Elkins had her conviction on the firearm charge overturned on appeal, reducing her sentence to life without parole.

READ MORE: DNA breakthrough solves 1996 murder of California woman, revealing serial predator

In an exclusive new interview with "20/20," Beard said that his biggest regret was letting down his daughter.

"My message to my daughter is simply this: Willow, my sweet baby girl. You instantly became our world. I'm sorry for letting you down the way I did, honey," he said. "Maybe one day you can forgive me for that ... I love you with every inch of my heart. I truly do."

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Beard has not seen or had any contact with his daughter since he was arrested. Teresa Collard, Burkett's mother, adopted Willow, whom she told "20/20" reminds her of her late daughter.

"They are a spitting image of each other. I mean, even the way Willow walks ... Willow turns around and walks off and I see Alyssa walking off," Collard said.
Former NASCAR star Greg Biffle was among multiple people killed in a plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in rural North Carolina, Gov. Josh Stein confirmed on Thursday.

The official social media account for NASCAR wrote in an online post that Biffles wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder were also killed in the crash. Three others  Dennis and Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth  died as well, according to NASCAR.

"We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones," the families of the deceased said in a joint statement obtained by Yahoo Sports. "This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words."

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The airport said Thursday afternoon that names of the deceased cannot be released due to the post-crash fire and their identification was pending confirmation from the medical examiner.

The airport reported that there had been an aircraft incident at around 10 a.m. local time and local authorities had confirmed that there were several fatalities.

Concerns that Biffle may have been involved in the crash began to surface shortly after it became clear that the plane was owned by a company called GB Aviation Leasing, which is headquartered at an address that matches an address for Biffle in Mooresville, N.C.

According to tracking data from the website FlightAware, the plane took off from Statesville Airport at 10:06 a.m. before abruptly looping back toward the airport. The plane was scheduled to fly from Sarasota, Fla., to the Bahamas later on Thursday, according to FlightAwares log of its upcoming flights.

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Biffle was a licensed pilot who used his helicopter skills to help people in remote areas of the state who were affected by the severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene last year.

Beyond his success as a NASCAR driver, Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion and stepped up for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, Stein wrote on social media. My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one in this tragic crash.

Earlier on Thursday, YouTube star and part-time NASCAR racer Garrett Mitchell, known as Cleetus McFarland, wrote in a Facebook post that Biffle and his family had died while they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us.

Created with Datawrapper

Biffle, 55, won 19 Cup Series races over his NASCAR career. His best season finish came in 2005, when he finished second in points behind Tony Stewart. He finished in the top-10 in the standings in six separate seasons.

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Biffle finished in the top 10 in the Cup Series points standings in six different seasons. He was third in 2008 and finished fifth in 2012. He was a nominee for the NASCAR Hall of Fame and was named one of NASCARs 75 Greatest Drivers.

Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many, NASCAR wrote. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.








Norways Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) has endorsed Metaplanet's (3350) bitcoin (BTC) focused strategy, voting in favour of all five management proposals ahead of the companys Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Dec. 22, according to a Bloomberg screenshot shared by Dylan LeClair, Metaplanets director of bitcoin strategy.

NBIM, which is one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, managing about $1.7 trillion in assets, reported that it held approximately 0.3% of Metaplanet as of June 30.

The five proposals approved by the fund are as follows:

A reduction of capital stock and capital reserves, allowing funds to be transferred to surplus for dividends, share buybacks, or bitcoin acquisitions without changing the number of outstanding shares.

An increase in authorized shares, including new preferred classes, to enable future capital raises to support bitcoin accumulation.

The introduction of perpetual preferred Class A shares, known as MARS, which offer variable monthly dividends and ranks senior in the capital structure.

The creation of perpetual preferred Class B shares, called MERCURY, featuring fixed quarterly dividends, conversion options, and cash redemption features. MetaPlanet are raising $150 million for third party allotment to institutional investors.

Authorization to issue MERCURY shares to institutional investors to fund bitcoin purchases.

Metaplanets common shares have risen about 8% year-to-date and are trading just over 400 yen ($2.60).
By Arathy Somasekhar

HOUSTON, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Oil prices settled marginally higher on Thursday as investors assessed the likelihood of further U.S. sanctions against Russia and the supply risks posed by a blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers.

Brent crude closed 14 cents, or 0.2%, higher at $59.82 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 21 cents, or 0.4%, at $56.15 per barrel.

"Crude futures are trying to find support from the Venezuelan oil export blockade, which if it continues will likely cause production in the area to be shut in with no destinations to ship out to," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said he believes talks toward ending the war in Ukraine are "getting close to something" ahead of a U.S. meeting with Russian officials this weekend.

The U.S. is preparing another round of sanctions on Russia's energy sector in the event Moscow does not agree to a peace deal with Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. A White House official told Reuters that Trump had not made any decisions on Russian sanctions.

"If no Russia/Ukraine peace deal is reached, the attacks on Russia could escalate, quickly tightening supplies, and if you add in the blockade on Venezuelan oil, crude prices may very well be a bit underpriced here," Kissler said.

RISKS TO SUPPLY MOUNT

Further measures targeting Russian oil could pose a greater supply risk to the market than Trump's announcement on Tuesday that the U.S. would blockade tankers under sanctions entering and leaving Venezuela, ING analysts said in a note.

Britain imposed sanctions on 24 individuals and entities as part of its Russia sanctions regime, including on Russian oil companies Tatneft and Russneft, a government notice showed on Thursday.

The Venezuela blockade could affect 600,000 barrels per day of Venezuelan oil exports, mostly to China, but 160,000 bpd of exports to the U.S. would likely continue, ING said.

Chevron vessels were continuing to depart for the U.S. under a previous authorization from the U.S. government.

Venezuela on Thursday authorized two unsanctioned very large crude carriers to set sail for China, according to two sources familiar with Venezuela's oil export operations.

It was not clear how a U.S. blockade would be enforced. The U.S. Coast Guard last week took the unprecedented step of seizing a Venezuelan oil tanker, and sources said the U.S. was preparing for more such interdictions.
By BRIANNE COOK

[email protected]

Hurley  The Hurley City Council on Tuesday approved plans to form a Tourism Committee.

The vote was unanimous with all members present.

Councilwoman Rita Franzoi made the motion to create the committee, which is expected to oversee the use of room tax revenues designated for tourism promotion and tourism development.

Franzoi specified that the new committee would be composed of two City Council members, two community industry members, and one lodging representative from the city.

Melissa Teeple, executive director of the Hurley Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern about the councils decision on the grounds that some room tax funding goes to fund the chamber, which traditionally has driven tourism, as well as support from chamber members and the wider Hurley community.

Franzoi said that the new committee would not be a tourism entity, in and of itself.

A related Wisconsin statute defines a tourism entity as a non-profit organization that spends at least 51% of its revenues on tourism promotion and tourism development, and is also, specifically, not a part of government.

The Chamber of Commerce currently acts as that entity for the city of Hurley, and  according to Franzoi  the creation of a Tourism Committee would not necessarily change that.

According to her, the creation of the committee simply would add a layer of control for the city.

Ray ODea, the citys attorney, said that members of a Tourism Committee would decide where and how money is going to be used. But he added, It doesnt necessarily change what youre going to do with the chamber.

Teeple also expressed concern at not having been informed in advance regarding plans to create such a committee, but councilman Jamey Francis and Mayor Joanne Bruneau both said that the topic had been discussed at earlier meetings.

ODea will draft an ordinance to create the Tourism Committee, which the City Council will need to approve at a later meeting.

The precise name of the new group is not yet clear, as members variously referred to it as a committee, a council or a commission.

Council members also heard public comment from Julie Morello about the growth of the Hurley Public Library, as well as a request for support, including funding, sponsorship of events, providing refreshments for events, and approving expanded hours for the library. City employees were encouraged to use the library.

They also received an update on the recent success of the Hurley Chamber of Commerce. Teeple reported expanded event participation and chamber membership and growing community participation. The chamber also has secured $300,000 in grants in that time frame with potentially more to come.

another $200,000 in review for the spring of 2026.
By MEGAN HUGHES

[email protected]

Bessemer - With the help of several donations, the Iron Belle Trail now will benefit from a brand new snow groomer to maintain the trail system.

Paul Anderson, chairperson of the Michigan's Western Gateway Trail Authority, reported the news during a Dec. 5 interview with The Globe.

"The Trail Authority did fundraising this past year to purchase a new groomer, with tracks and heat," said Anderson, "so that our volunteers do not need to use their own personal equipment, which they have been doing for over eight years, grooming the Iron Belle Trail during the wintertime."

A number of organizations contributed to the cause.

Donations included $2,000 from the Gogebic Range Health Foundation as part of the trail authority's summer fundraiser raffle, which raised a grand total of $21,880 toward trail maintenance and the purchase of the groomer.

The Ironwood Tourism Council made a $15,000 donation toward the trail system to help fund the groomer project. Republic Services donated $500, and the Bessemer Wakefield Rotary donated $300 toward the efforts as well.

As a result, said Anderson, "Volunteers can use the heated groomer to groom the trail each year."

He added that grooming will extend "all the way to Ramsay" on the Iron Belle Trail.

In addition, because the Iron Belle Trail and Ironwood's Miner's Memorial Memorial Park already had a summertime trail connection, that link now also can be used in winter, thanks to the new groomer.

That will allow cross country skiers, if they so wish, to enjoy both trail systems at the same time.
By MEGAN HUGHES

[email protected]

IRONWOOD  The Board of Education for Ironwood Area Schools has approved the purchase of two used buses for a total cost of $206,000 from Nelson Bus Service Inc., based in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

The unanimous action took place at the boards regular monthly meeting on Monday.

The 3-year-old buses will replace two of the schools oldest buses, according to superintendent Dan Martinson.

The nice thing here is they are used, in the 30-35,000 mile range, said Martinson, We wont need any new bodies or engines on these things.

Some of the oldest buses in...
HURLEY, Wis. - Gene Jaster, 85, of Hurley, flew away with the angels on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, at his home, with his family by his side.

Gene was born the son of Raymond and Sylvia (Hill) Jaster on March 18, 1940, in Kenosha. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1963. Gene was known to run a tight ship. His dedication and orderly ways led him to a long career as a supervisor at American Motors, where he worked for 30 years and met the love of his life, Myrna Rappley.

Gene dearly loved his cats and wildlife, and they became part of the family for which he faithfully fulfilled his role as a caregiver, animal lover, husband, father, son, brother and uncle.

Gene is survived by his brother, Kevin Jaster; his daughter, Jennifer Jaster; many nieces and nephews; caregiver Sarina Kent and her two children; and other relatives and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his soulmate, Myrna "Tina" Jaster; his brother, Gary Jaster; and his nephew, Jerry Jaster.

Gene cherished his interactions at the grocery store, Super One deli, and Meals on Wheels. Thank you to his caregiver, Sarina Kent, for bringing food, laughter and love to Gene. And to the many friends who brought Gene food, took him places and just visited: Thank you.

A Celebration of Gene's Life will be held at a later date.

The family has chosen the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood to honor Gene's legacy of life. To make an online condolence or for more information, visit McKevittPatrickFuneralHome.com.
With a market cap of $9.4 billion, Paycom Software, Inc. (PAYC) is a U.S.-based provider of cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions delivered through a software-as-a-service model for small to mid-sized businesses. The company offers an integrated platform that manages the entire employee life cycle, from recruitment and onboarding to payroll, benefits, and retirement.

Companies valued less than $10 billion are generally described as mid-cap stocks, and Paycom Software fits right into that category. Its comprehensive suite of applications includes talent acquisition, time and labor management, payroll, talent management, compliance, analytics, and employee self-service tools.

More News from Barchart

Shares of the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma-based company have fallen 37.6% from its 52-week high of $267.76. Paycom Softwares shares have decreased 22.2% over the past three months, lagging behind the broader S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 1.8% gain over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

In the longer term, PAYC stock is down 18.5% on a YTD basis, underperforming SPXs 14.3% rise. Moreover, shares of the human-resources and payroll software maker have dropped 28.3% over the past 52 weeks, compared to the 11.1% return of the SPX over the same time frame.

The stock has been trading below its 50-day moving average since late June.

www.barchart.com

Despite reporting better-than-expected Q3 2025 revenue of $493.3 million on Nov. 5, Paycoms shares tumbled 10.7% the next day as adjusted EPS of $1.94 missed the estimate. Investors were also unsettled by a sharp decline in cash and cash equivalents to $375 million from $532.2 million in the prior quarter.

In comparison, rival Shopify Inc. (SHOP) has outperformed PAYC stock. SHOP stock has surged 52.1% on a YTD basis and 35.4% over the past 52 weeks.

Despite the stocks weak performance over the past year, analysts remain moderately optimistic on PAYC. It has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the 21 analysts in coverage, and the mean price target of $209.12 is a premium of 25.2% to current levels.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Railway infrastructure upgrades with a value of around HUF 800bn could start in 2026, the Construction and Transportation Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said the suspension of Hungary's European Union funding would "slow but not stop" its railway development strategy. It added that the country would draw down EUR 1bn in credit from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and match that with EUR 1bn in national funding for railway upgrades.



Negotiations with suppliers will take place in the interest of bringing down prices, and used rolling stock could be purchased or leased, if necessary, it said.





Source: MTI  Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.



Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.



XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com

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The festive season is traditionally the time for exceptional flavors and remarkable drinks. This is when noble wines, rich sweetness and celebratory aromas take center stage. Few wine regions embody these qualities as perfectly as Tokaj.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Tokaj has for centuries been synonymous with luxury, outstanding quality, and the unparalleled richness that makes Tokaji Aszu one of the worlds most highly regarded sweet wines.



During the holiday season, more than ever, we long to greet our friends, our guests  or even ourselves  with something truly memorable. At such moments, Tokaji Aszu is more than just a beverage; it becomes a symbol of the cultural and gastronomic heritage that Hungary offers to the world.



It is no coincidence that the Michelin Guide pays special attention not only to Tokaj as a wine region, but also as a creative source of inspiration for modern gastronomy.



The New Face of Festive Drinks: Tokaj and the World of Cocktails



In recent years, a global trend has emerged: premium wines and sweet wines are increasingly appearing in cocktails. Although Tokaji Aszu is still primarily enjoyed as wine, contemporary mixology is becoming ever more adventurous with this exceptional ingredient.



Mixologists believe that using Aszu in cocktails does not diminish its value  instead, it reveals a new dimension of it, elevating the holiday experience to an even more exciting level.



Bartenders today seek not only wine, but experience, texture and story in the glass. Tokaji Aszu is perfect for this purpose: complex, elegant and iconic, yet able to blend harmoniously and effortlessly with festive ingredients such as quince, honey or even the silky softness of milk.



The Duchess Bar  An Iconic Tokaj-Inspired Cocktail



Standing at the forefront of Hungarian mixology, The Duchess Rooftop Bar  located atop the historic Matild Palace  offers a perfect example of how Tokaji Aszu can be reimagined in the art of cocktails. One of the highlights of their holiday selection is the Golden Peacock, a creation also featured in the Michelin Guides recent selection celebrating the Tokaj wine region.



The cocktail combines the elegance of the South American Pisco Capel Reservado with the richness of Sauska 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszu, enhanced with quince puree, linden honey, lime, and a silky milk texture. The result is a festive, sophisticated creation that demonstrates: Tokajs heritage lives not only in the wine glass  but in modern cocktail culture as well.



Golden Peacock



Ingredients:

45 ml Pisco Capel Reservado

30 ml quince puree

20 ml Sauska 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszu

25 ml fresh lime juice

15 ml linden honey

20 ml lactose-free milk

30 ml water



Preparation



The base of the cocktail is quince puree or 100% quince juice. Mix it in a mixing glass or small bowl according to the proportions of the recipe. Finely chop the shiso leaf and add it to the mixture along with all ingredients except the milk and the Aszu.



The next step is clarification. Slowly pour the prepared mixture onto the measured amount of milk. The milk proteins (casein) react with the citric acid in the mixture, causing them to curdle and separate the cloudy particles  this creates a clearer cocktail base.



Then, strain the mixture slowly through a coffee filter (at least 1530 microns). By the end of the process, you will have a translucent liquid, free of color pigments yet still carrying the creamy flavor profile of the milk.



Before serving, add the Tokaji Aszu to the clarified cocktail. This gives the drink a subtle amber hue and a rich, layered flavor profile.



For garnish, thread grapes onto a cocktail pick and freeze them. Dip the frozen grapes into hot chocolate syrup, then sprinkle them with popping candy. This adds a playful and textural finishing touch to the cocktail.



More:

The Duchess Rooftop Bar
Russias largest lender, Sberbank, is expanding its push into digital finance as it tests decentralized finance (DeFi) tools and rolls out investment products linked to cryptocurrencies.

Key Takeaways:

Sberbank is testing DeFi tools and offering regulated crypto-linked investments.

The bank is working with regulators to integrate crypto into banking infrastructure.

Issuance of crypto-linked products has reached 1.5 billion rubles.

Speaking at the FI Day. AI & Blockchain conference in Moscow, senior Sberbank executives outlined a strategy focused on digital financial assets, blockchain infrastructure, and regulated access to crypto-linked investments.

The bank is also working on integrating with public blockchains, a notable step for a systemically important institution in Russias tightly controlled financial system.

Sberbank in Talks With Russian Regulators on Regulated Crypto Access

Anatoly Popov, deputy chairman of Sberbanks management board, said the lender is already in active dialogue with the Bank of Russia and Rosfinmonitoring on how crypto-related services could fit within a regulated framework.

The goal, he said, is to allow qualified investors to access digital assets using familiar banking infrastructure, while ensuring investor protection and financial stability.

Sberbank has already begun testing DeFi instruments and expects traditional banking and decentralized finance to converge over time.

Within current regulations, the bank offers structured bonds and digital financial assets (DFAs) whose returns are tied to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether, as well as baskets of multiple digital assets.

These products allow clients to gain exposure to crypto markets without holding tokens directly.

The bank has also issued digital asset funds tracking indices linked to Bitcoin and Ether, along with a broader crypto infrastructure portfolio that includes assets such as Solana, Tron, Avalanche, and BNB.

In addition, Sberbank has launched several structured bonds, both on exchanges and over the counter, with yields linked to Bitcoin and Ether indices.

The total volume of these crypto-linked instruments has reached about 1.5 billion rubles, which Popov described as a strong result for a nascent market.

While Sberbank does not view cryptocurrencies as a speculative investment for its own balance sheet, it has signaled readiness to act as a liquidity provider and market maker on regulated platforms once clear rules are in place.

The bank estimates that crypto adoption among Russians remains high, with the central bank projecting digital asset holdings in domestic wallets could reach hundreds of billions of rubles by early 2025.
Flexible packaging producer Sacchital is adding a new flexographic printing facility in Pregnana, Italy.

Sacchital is adding the 2,200m site with a BOBST VISION CI press, operating alongside its existing rotogravure and digital printing.

The site has been developed by Sacchitals management team with support from Emilio Alliegro, sales manager of flexible packaging at Bobst Italia.

Sacchital Group executive board member Alberto Palaveri stated: This new site is designed to accommodate four flexo machines and related technologies and is at the centre of Sacchitals growth plans. It represents an ambitious flexo enhancement programme aimed at serving an increasingly differentiated and fragmented market more effectively and at a lower cost.

The new press is designed to respond to growing requirements for speed, flexibility and sustainability across different substrates, ink systems and finishing processes.

The VISION CI is configured to handle both short and long production runs and includes automated functions aimed at reducing setup times, improving repeatability and limiting waste

The press is fitted with BOBSTs smartGPS (Graphic Positioning System), which is intended to cut setup times and reduce material and ink waste during job changes.

The press can operate with both solvent-based and water-based inks through separate washing circuits.

Sacchital is also working with BOBST specialists to refine production workflows and plans to introduce seven-colour extended colour gamut (ECG) printing.

ECG is expected to contribute to gains in productivity, cost efficiency, colour consistency and sustainability, while also supporting downstream processes including finishing, varnishing and heat sealing.

BOBST flexible packaging marketing and communication manager Sara Alexander added: Everything is moving fast: processes, innovation, people, communication. People no longer have time, and customers want quick answers in every sector.

Sacchital Group specialises in paper-based flexible packaging and has been active in the sector for more than eight decades.

The group reports annual revenue of 140m ($164.4m), with around half generated from exports to markets including Europe, the US and North Africa.

It employs 400 staff across five production sites, with the Sacchital operation in Pregnana Milanese described as the original and core plant.

Total group output capacity is 600 million square metres, produced across facilities covering 350,000m.

"Sacchital to open flexographic printing plant in Pregnana, Italy " was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand.
After losing a key court battle in its bid to force the Federal Reserve to grant it a coveted master account, crypto bank Custodia is now urging a federal appeals court to revisit the rulingvia an extraordinary, rarely granted procedure.

Custodia has asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, based in Denver, to rehear its case en bancmeaning all 19 judges on the court would review the case, as opposed to the panel of three judges that ruled 2-1 against Custodia in October.

A rehearing en banc is an "extraordinary procedure only granted in cases of exceptional public importance, or when a ruling directly contradicts another ruling by the same circuit or the Supreme Court. Statistically, the odds of receiving such a rehearing are extremely low.

Custodia maintains, though, that such a revision is required in its case. In a Monday filing, the bank argued its predicament is a matter of national importance, which erodes states rights when it comes to control over banking, and poses constitutional questions about the authority granted to the mid-level Fed officials who denied Custodias application for a master account.

Master accounts, possessed by all federally chartered banks, allow such institutions to directly access the Feds payment services, and thus move money across the country. They are needed to operate a bank nationally, and thus are extremely valuable.

For years, Custodia has triedand failedto secure such an account from the Fed. The crypto bank currently operates under a special purpose depository institution (SPDI) charter granted by the state of Wyoming.

To date, and even as it has become more crypto-friendly under the second Trump administration, the Fed has yet to grant any crypto-focused bank a master account.

Bitcoin and Ethereum Wobble as US Reports Highest Unemployment Rate Since 2021

Custodia told the court Monday that the act of denying a bank a master account all but sentences the bank to death.

In October, two 10th circuit judgesone Republican-appointed, and one Democratupheld a 2024 ruling affirming the Feds discretion to reject master account applications from institutions it determines could pose a threat to the stability of the American banking system.

We reject Custodias attempt to impair the Feds ability to safeguard our nations financial system through the exercise of discretion to reject master account access, Judge David Ebel wrote. He was appointed to the court in 1988 by former president Ronald Reagan.
Sibanye Stillwater Limited (NYSE:SBSW) is one of the 12 cheap gold stocks to buy now.

Sibanye Stillwater (SBSW) Builds Momentum as Debt Declines and Palladium Outlook Improves

On November 17, 2025, The Fly reported that Sibanye Stillwater Limiteds (NYSE:SBSW) price target was raised by RBC Capital from $10.50 to $12, while it reiterating an Outperform rating. While the firms near-term price target remains below the current price level, it expects the companys valuation gap with peers to narrow due to its de-leveraging efforts, a more defined strategic direction under its new CEO, and a continued commitment to capital returns. Furthermore, RBC Capital sees the company benefiting most if the U.S. imposes tariffs on palladium imports, building the case for the stocks long-term upside.

While Sibanye Stillwater Limited (NYSE:SBSW) will report the most recent debt levels in its full-year 2025 results in 2026, the company saw a sustained decline in net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA to 0.89x, well below its target. During its Q2 2025 earnings call, management emphasized its focus on reducing gross debt, including plans to refinance its $675 million 2026 notes through a small issuance next year. As major projects near completion and cash conversion is expected to improve, management expressed confidence in successfully executing its debt-reduction plans. The de-risking trajectory is further supported by a strong liquidity position and expected future inflows, including U.S. Section 45X tax credits. The quarter also marked managements reaffirmation of its dividend policy, with payouts expected to resume at year-end.

Meanwhile, on the palladium front, Sibanye Stillwater Limited (NYSE:SBSW) sees the outlook improving, as the company, alongside the United Steelworkers union, filed antidumping and countervailing duty petitions against Russian palladium imports. This move holds significance, as U.S. palladium imports from Russia have seen a sharp rise. The imports are up 34% from 2021 to 2024, and 2025 imports are up another 30% year-to-date as of October 17, 2025, according to the World Platinum Investment Council.

Looking ahead, Sibanye Stillwater Limited (NYSE:SBSW) appears well-positioned to benefit if tariffs are imposed, with investigations underway and the potential for duties to restrict imports.

Sibanye Stillwater Limited (NYSE:SBSW), a global precious metals producer, operates across South Africa, the U.S., Europe, and Australia. The company mines gold, PGMs, battery metals, and other resources.

While we acknowledge the potential of SBSW 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.
Somerset Indus Capital Partners, a healthcare-focused private equity (PE) company, has announced an investment in NU Hospitals, an India-based speciality hospital chain that provides nephrology and urology care.

The amount of investment has not been divulged by either party

This transaction represents Somerset Indus Capital Partners third investment from its third fund.

Established in 1999, NU Hospitals specialises in nephrology, urology, fertility, and renal transplant services.

The investment from Somerset Indus Capital Partners will be utilised to support the next phase of NU Hospitals' growth, including expansion into new markets and bolstering its operational capabilities to cater to a larger patient base both in India and abroad.

NU Hospitals is claimed to have seen steady organic growth over the years, underpinned by robotics-enabled surgical capabilities and advanced infrastructure.

The hospital chain is also focused on medical education and research, operating DNB (Diplomate National Board) programmes and publishing research annually.

Its facilities have garnered multiple accreditations, including NABH, NABL, FEQH, and ISAR.

Commenting on the investment, NU Hospitals managing director Dr Prasanna Venkatesh stated that the partnership would enable the organisation to broaden access to specialised kidney and urology care, while upholding rigorous standards of clinical governance.

Ramesh Kannan, partner at Somerset Indus Capital Partners, noted that the company was attracted to NU Hospitals due to its doctor-led approach and expertise in tackling the increasing incidence of chronic kidney disease in India.

In October, NU Hospitals announced a strategic partnership with MedLern, a healthcare training platform that supports the people strategy of more than 350 hospitals.

Under this collaboration, the hospital chain integrated Laerdal Medicals Modular Skills Trainer (MST) into its core training programmes run on MedLern.

NU Hospitals has already deployed its training on MedLerns digital platform and provides hands-on clinical skills practice and assessment on the MST.

"Somerset Indus Capital Partners invests in NU Hospitals" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.




South Dakota's State Economist Derek Johnson shares an economic update with the state Banking Commission in Sioux Falls on Dec. 17, 2025. (Photo by Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

South Dakota's State Economist Derek Johnson shares an economic update with the state Banking Commission in Sioux Falls on Dec. 17, 2025. (Photo by Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

SIOUX FALLS  South Dakotas State Economist Derek Johnson told the state Banking Commission on Wednesday that a sluggish farm economy, driven by lower soybean, corn and wheat prices, has been a major factor holding down recent state sales tax collections.

Johnson, with the Bureau of Finance and Management, said sales tax collections tied to farm equipment fell more than 20% in fiscal year 2025 compared with the prior year. He said collections on farm equipment have continued to slide in the current 2026 fiscal year, down year-to-date by about 16%.

Johnson framed the impact of falling crop prices as outsized for an agriculture-dependent state.

We know that in an ag-state like South Dakota, it bleeds into so many parts of the economy, he said.

Johnson shared the news two weeks after Gov. Larry Rhoden said in his budget address that overall sales tax revenue declined in fiscal year 2025 for only the third time in 30 years, by 0.6%. Sales tax revenues for fiscal year 2026, which ends June 30, are up over 4% so far.

Johnson said the most recent months tax collections on farm equipment were higher than the same month a year earlier. Thats the first year-over-year improvement in roughly two years.

Beyond agriculture, Johnson told the commission South Dakotas labor market remains tight, with the nations lowest unemployment rate of 2% and roughly three job openings for every unemployed person. He said the state is seeing a cooling housing market compared with the pandemic-era surge.
Assyrian MP Accuses Turkey of Systematic Discrimination Against Minorities

George Aryo, Assyrian Member of Turkish Parliament from the Peoples' Equality and Democratic Party (Halklarn Esitlik ve Demokrasi Partisi, DEM Party). Ankara -- The Turkish government under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to pursue policies of marginalization, exclusion, and neglect toward non-Turkish peoples in the country, as well as their institutions and places of worship, despite repeated appeals from representatives of these communities through official statements and direct engagement with state bodies.

Assyrian Member of Parliament from the Peoples' Equality and Democratic Party (Halklarin Esitlik ve Demokrasi Partisi, DEM Party) George Aryo (state-imposed Turkish surname Aslan) renewed these demands in a statement delivered before the Parliament, addressing fellow MPs and Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy. Speaking not only on behalf of the Assyrian people but also for all non-Turkish communities, Aryo stressed that the Ministry of Culture "is a key institution responsible for protecting Turkey's historical heritage." Under the law, he said, the ministry is obligated to identify, protect, restore, and make historical buildings accessible to the public regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation.

Aryo argued that the reality on the ground stands in stark contrast to these legal obligations, pointing to what he described as a discriminatory approach based on "who is like us and who is not." He said this was not simply a matter of neglect, but a conscious and systematic policy. "Throughout the history of the Republic, cultural policy has been administered with a single, exclusionary mindset," he said, adding that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has been among the institutions implementing this approach.

While restoration work has been carried out on many historical buildings certain communities have been consistently excluded from these efforts, Aryo stated. He called on the minister to take responsibility for protecting all places of worship, including mosques, churches, cemeteries, and synagogues, as well as all historical sites, without discrimination.

Aryo noted that Turkey currently has 167 institutions belonging to non-Turkish communities: 77 affiliated with the Greek (Rum) Orthodox Church, 54 with the Armenian Church, 19 with the Jewish community, 10 with the Syriac Church, 3 with the Chaldean Church, 2 with the Bulgarian Church, 1 with the Georgian Church, and 1 with the Syriac Maronite Church. These institutions, he said, have existed from the Ottoman era to the present and play a vital role in preserving language, religion, education, health services, and social solidarity among Christian and Jewish communities in Turkey.

He also referred to the Treaty of Lausanne, which explicitly recognized Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians as minorities in Turkey and guaranteed their religious, educational, cultural, and property rights. Aslan criticized the fact that more than a century later, "many of these rights remain ink on paper," while the property rights of minority institutions have been severely restricted. He explained that various legal regulations and administrative decisions led to the confiscation of institutional properties and the annulment of title deeds, causing not only economic losses but also serving as a tool of pressure against minority communities. Although the 1936 Declaration was intended to register minority-owned properties, its later interpretation allowed for the confiscation of properties acquired after that date, resulting in the transfer of residences, schools, and churches to the public treasury or third parties.

Addressing the neglect of historic Syriac religious centers, Aryo recalled that for centuries the seats of the Syriac Orthodox and Syriac Catholic patriarchates were located in the city of Merde (Mardin). Due to the failure to protect and maintain these sites, he said, the patriarchates were forced to relocate to Syria and Lebanon about a century ago. He noted that the building of the Syriac Catholic Patriarchate, now known as the Mardin Museum, belonged to the Syriac Catholic foundation until 1989, when it was converted into a museum. According to information received from foundation officials, Aryo said there is a possibility the building may be returned to its original owners, calling such a move an important step and urging that it be completed as soon as possible.

Aryo also raised concerns over foundation elections, noting that while elections are normally held every five years, some institutions have not conducted them for decades. He cited the Balikli Greek Hospital Foundation in Istanbul, where elections have not been held for 35 years due to the absence of regulations governing minority charitable foundation hospitals. With some board members now between 85 and 90 years old, Aslan stressed the urgency of drafting and issuing the necessary legal regulations without further delay.
Its hard at first to grasp why Musk has suddenly become convinced that taking SpaceX public is worth the scrutiny, criticism, and regulatory burden he has long said he wanted to avoid. He was the leader who took Twitter private, after all, so he could instill sweeping layoffs and changes without the criticisms of the public markets. And, in earlier business history lore, he famously tweeted he was considering taking Tesla private in 2018a tweet that prompted an SEC investigation and litigation with shareholders. Keeping his other companies privateincluding Neuralink, xAI, and the Boring Companyhas allowed Musk to run his businesses the way he likes without much public scrutiny.

Early shareholders who have had to wait for their turn to sell shares in SpaceXs liquidity events will finally get all the liquidity their hearts desire. And journalists like myself will finally have real visibility into the companys business and profit breakdowns, and an explanation of what SpaceX has determined are key risks to the business.

Reporting has, thus far, pegged a potential market capitalization at $1.5 trillion , meaning that a public debut would immediately catapult SpaceX into the ranks of the 10 most valuable public companies in the world. Payload Space, which publishes detailed annual revenue research and estimates on SpaceX, forecasted that SpaceX will generate around $15 billion in revenue this year, and between $22 billion to $24 billion in 2026. Musk said earlier this month that SpaceX has been cash flow positive for many years. The SpaceX IPO will be the most anticipated and successful IPO ever, in my opinion, says Andrew Rocco, a stock strategist at Zacks Investment Research.

Since reports of the potential IPO emerged, would-be buyers have been acting like Christmas came early. Investorsfrom Wall Street mainstay institutions to the Elon fanboys who trade Shiba Inu meme coins in their basementswill clamor to purchase shares in SpaceX on the public markets. The company, which Musk founded in 2002 with a large portion of the money he had made off PayPal, has quite literally built the foundation of Americas private space ecosystem. It is the leading space company in the world and is one of the U.S. governments most importantand well-paidprivate contractors.

The SpaceX public offering could very well be the largest public offering of all timebringing in even more money than Saudi Aramcos cosmic $29 billion public listing in 2019. And with the rocketing costs (pun intended) that SpaceX would rack up as it paves the way for more test flights for the mega-rocket Starship it wants to send to Mars, the thousands of additional satellites it intends to send to orbit, and the artificial intelligence data centers it may decide to construct in outer space, some extra billions in cash sure wouldnt hurt. But the multibillion-dollar question is, Does Elon Musk really want the headaches that would come with all that money?

Story Continues

Teslathe only one of Musks six companies that is publicly tradedhas, on several occasions, attracted more short-sellers than any other stock in the last several years; Musks pay package has been ridiculed and challenged; his tweets have been investigated; and his improbable timelines for product delivery have been picked apart by analysts. Investors punished Tesla stock when Musk stepped away to work in the White House earlier this year, even as SpaceX, thanks to being private, was able to avoid much of the fallout. Indeed, quite the opposite: A share sale this summer pegged SpaceXs value at $400 billion, while an impending tender offer will double that valuation, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The fickle tendencies and demands of public investors havent only been inconvenient for Musk at Tesla; hes sometimes taken them as a personal affront. In a 2017 interview, Musk described a heaping $9 billion short position into Tesla as hurtful. In March, during the heat of Musks episode running President Trumps Department of Government Efficiency, Musk admitted on Fox News the personal toll the vandalism to Tesla vehicles and showrooms and Teslas plummeting stock price had taken on him.

If SpaceX goes public next year, it will be immediately thrown into the frenzy of Wall Street scrutiny over short-term financials, product delays, and costs. Few analysts will be asking Musk about his long-term plans for colonizing Mars. Surely Musk would never subject SpaceXthe beating heart of his broader cosmic ambitionsto the scrutiny that Tesla endures. That is: unless he felt it was the only option.

Hitting the ceiling of private markets

Its hard to imagine that Musk would ever take SpaceX public unless the math depended on it. And, to be sure, the math may not, at least in the short term. SpaceXs CFO has reportedly told employees that whether and when an IPO would take place was highly uncertain.

To date, SpaceX has managed to reel in more capital than most other private companies in history. The company has raised more than $10 billion, according to PitchBook, a figure that, just a decade ago, would have sounded absurd.

Of course, this is 2025, andas the private markets have exploded as institutional investors like endowments, pension funds, mutual funds, and sovereign wealth funds have sought outsize returns in venture capital fundscompanies like the AI juggernaut Musk cofounded, OpenAI, and TikTok owner ByteDance have reached valuations in the hundreds of billions that are well above those of most public companies. An $800 billion tender offer would put SpaceX among the 20 most valuable public companies in the U.S., right alongside JPMorgan Chase, which has an $880 billion market cap, and Walmart, which was worth $931 billion at market close on Monday.

But the private markets have their limits. While there may be some $2 trillion to $3 trillion in capital sitting on the sidelines, available to deploy into private companieswhich is nothing to sneeze atthere is somewhere around $100 trillion to $150 trillion that has been invested in global equities, according to PitchBook emerging technology analyst Ali Javaheri.

SpaceX has effectively hit the ceiling of what private markets can support, Javaheri says. Financing a multi-decade, industrial-scale road map simply doesnt map cleanly onto private fund structures.

In pure numbers, reports peg discussions for a more than $30 billion raise for SpaceX, which would bein a single listingabout three times the capital the company has raised since its inception in 2002. To be clear, not all that money would go to fund future SpaceX operations. In an IPO, it all comes down to which shareholders choose to float shares, and it remains to be seen how many sharesif anySpaceX would list itself.

But its hard to imagine a scenario where SpaceX didnt raise any money at all, or was simply under pressure from shareholders to give them an opportunity to cash out. The company does regular liquidity events, and there is never a shortage of demand. SpaceXs board includes personal confidants as well as investors who have already made a fortune off Musks various companies, and it would seem unlikely theyd be putting any kind of pressure on Musk to take the company public.

Given that SpaceX is already profitable, and therefore likely doesnt need immediate cash to continue operation, SpaceX must need capital for some of its impending priorities.

If you follow Musks X account and public comments closely, he has suggested a series of places that money might go: the rollout of Starlink for mobile devices, data centers in space, Starlink factories on the moon, and a Starlink-esque satellite network around Mars. Theres the whole defense business, Star Shield, which we know so little about. SpaceX is also working on new Starship launch pads.

All of this will cost moneyand a lot of it.

More scrutiny going public

Preparing SpaceX for an IPO would be a headache for Musk. For one, SpaceX would probably need to make some adjustments to its board. As we learned with Tesla early last year, there will be skepticism over whether its members are adequately independentor if their ties are too close to the founder.

In the heat of the litigation over Musks compensation package agreement with Tesla, a judge determined that the process for approval for Musks compensation was deeply flawed, because of Musks close personal and financial ties with the members of the compensation committee, which included SpaceX board member Antonio Gracias.

Based on Fortunes reporting, SpaceXs board currently has six members. In addition to Musk and Tesla board member Gracias, who is an investor at Valor Equity Partners and a close friend of Musks, there are Luke Nosek, who was also a PayPal cofounder; Steve Jurvetson, one of the original SpaceX investors and a longtime friend of Musks; and Gwynne Shotwell, who is an insider as president and COO of SpaceX. The only truly independent board member seems to be Donald Harrison, who is president of global partnerships and corporate development at Google. That board composition could expose SpaceX to pressure from investors and potential litigation if it went public.

Its heavily weighted toward insiders and Musk loyalists, PitchBooks Javaheri says. I would expect a meaningful expansion of truly independent board members ahead of any listing.

Theres also ongoing litigation that would draw scrutiny should SpaceX start having to explain it in annual reports. The company is currently fighting a case with the National Labor Relations Board, over allegations from eight engineers who say they were fired for contributing to and signing an open letter that criticized Musk. In March 2025, an appeals court determined that the case could proceed, after SpaceX had attempted to block the board from pursuing its claims.

Musks compensation plan at SpaceXalong with the compensation of all the other top executives, like Shotwellwill become public, too. And, depending on what those plans look like, they could end up provoking more public, and legal, attention.

To infinity and beyond

In 2018, Musk had the phrase DONT PANIC written on the touch screen of a Tesla Roadster that SpaceX launched into space on board the Falcon Heavy it was testing. It was in homage to one of his favorite books, A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, in which that message was written on the cover of a guidebook meant to reassure confused space travelers who might be frightened by the chaotic universe they suddenly found themselves in.

As companies graduate from the private markets to the public, executives must start spending as much time reassuring their shareholders as they do running their businesses. There is a slowdown that happens when you have to explain and answer for the decisions you make, versus just looping in a few people on your board. For people like Musksomeone who will sometimes demand that engineers figure out how to catch a rocket with chopstick armsthere is a constant tension between the predetermined rules and bureaucracy of regulation and the desire to move faster, dream bigger.

At Tesla, Musk must balance his ultimate vision for humanoid robots and self-driving vehicles with quarterly metrics and manufacturing costs. A SpaceX IPO will almost certainly hinder the speed at which his plans for Mars become a reality. At the same time, it may be the money and financing generated via that IPO that is the only means to make it possible.

But, for Musk, it will be a sacrifice. He will have to spend an increasing amount of his time saying the same thing to his investors, over and over: DONT PANIC.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Ethereal Exploration Guild, an Indian space tech startup better known as EtherealX  developing a fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicle  is close to securing about $21 million in a new funding round co-led by TDK Ventures, with Accel among the participants, TechCrunch has learned.

Initially planned as a $15 million Series A, the round has drawn strong investor demand and is now expected to reach about $20.5 million, three people familiar with the matter told TechCrunch. The funding comes more than a year after the startup raised a $5 million seed round in August 2024.

TDK Ventures is co-leading the round with Vietnam-based venture capital firm BIG Capital, with Accel also participating, the sources said.

The funding talks follow EtherealX securing $130 million worth of contracts from six customers, the sources told TechCrunch, underscoring early commercial demand for its launch services.

Founded in 2022 by Manu J. Nair alongside former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist Shubhayu Sardar, who serves as chief operating officer, and aerospace engineer Prashant Sharma, the chief technology officer, EtherealX is aiming to take on SpaceX with a medium-lift launch vehicle called Razor Crest Mk-1. The rocket, designed to be fully reusable, is expected to place up to eight tonnes into low Earth orbit and will also be capable of delivering payloads to geostationary transfer and trans-lunar injection orbits.

The Bengaluru-based startup says its launch system will offer cost efficiencies to customers while helping to address a global shortage of launch capacity, with a first launch targeted for early 2027.

In an interview with TechCrunch last year, Nair said EtherealXs rocket could offer launch prices ranging from about $350 to $2,000 per kilogram. By comparison, SpaceXs Falcon 9 typically charges between $1,600 and $2,000 per kilogram.

At the price point at which we will enter the market, well comfortably capture 30% to 40% of it, Nair said at the time.

India has emerged as one of the few countries globally with a geographic and regulatory advantage for space launches, offering access to multiple orbital inclinations from a single launch site. Its growing space tech ecosystem is also attracting global investors seeking markets that can complement space development in the United States, Europe, and other key regions.

EtherealX has secured 16 acres of land in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which it plans to make operational early next year. The startup has also been developing key components, including a liquid oxygen (LOX) turbopump assembly for its upper-stage engine, known as Pegasus 2.0, according to a recent LinkedIn post by Nair.
This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Tuesday gave conditional approval for Erebor Bank, backed by billionaire investor Peter Thiel, to receive deposit insurance coverage.

The green light marks another hurdle crossed on the crypto-focused lenders journey to opening. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency conditionally approved the Columbus, Ohio-based companys de novo charter application in October.

As part of Erebors agreement with the FDIC, it must have initial paid-in capital totaling at least $276 million and maintain a tier 1 leverage ratio of no less than 12% for its first three years.

Also during its first three years, Erebor must give its primary federal regulator written notice  and obtain non-objection  before making any proposed major deviation or material change from its submitted business plan.

The company must also obtain the FDICs written approval for any changes in proposed management or control of 10% or more of the banks stock, and it must submit to the FDICs Chicago office final employment agreements and compensation arrangements for any of the banks directors or senior executive officers.

The deposit insurance approval will expire if the bank does not open within a year, the FDIC said.

The FDICs nod for Erebor is one of several advancements regulators have signaled this past week toward the opening of new banks. The OCC conditionally approved five digital asset firms, including Circle, Ripple and Paxos, for de novo national trust bank charters, the regulator announced Friday.

Additionally, the FDIC received an application from payments giant PayPal, which is seeking the agencys approval to establish a Utah-chartered industrial loan company.

Recommended Reading
Key Takeaways

Tesla's stock climbed to an all-time high Tuesday, setting its first record in a year, as investors buy into the electric vehicle maker's plans for autonomous driving, robotics, and AI.

Tesla launched a pilot of its robotaxi program in Austin earlier this year, and analysts say improvements to its self-driving software could allow the program to expand quickly.

Tesla's (TSLA) stock is powering up, notching its first record high in a year.

The shares added about 3% Tuesday to finish near $490, their highest level since last December's close at $479.86.

The electric vehicle maker's stock has been on a strong upward run in recent months, more than doubling from their lows in March as enthusiasm for CEO Elon Musk's renewed commitment to the company and plans for autonomous driving, robotics, and AI have driven a comeback.

Over the weekend, Musk posted on social media that Tesla is testing fully autonomous robotaxis, which could be a sign that safety monitors are on their way out. Tesla launched a pilot program of its self-driving robotaxis in Austin, Texas earlier this year, but still had a Tesla employee in the driver's or passenger's seat for rides until recently.

Bullish analysts at Mizuho on Monday hiked their price target for the stock to $530 from $475, writing their research indicates the effectiveness of Tesla's self-driving software continues to improve, and has reached the ability to operate over 99% of the time without a driver having to intervene. The analysts said that the software's improvement could lead to faster expansion of the robotaxi program, and remove the need for a safety monitor.

Why This Matters to Investors

It's been a challenging year for Tesla's electric vehicle sales. However, the company's developments in self-driving software, robotaxis, humanoid robots, and AI have helped boost enthusiasm for its stock.

Wedbush analysts, with a Street-high target of $600, said this week that they "believe Tesla is taking major steps in advancing its AI Revolution path with autonomous and robotics front and center heading into 2026."

Other analysts on Wall Street aren't as convinced, however. Of the 12 analysts with current ratings tracked by Visible Alpha, just six or about half consider the stock a "buy," compared to three "hold," and three "sell" ratings. Their average target around $400 would suggest an 18% decline from Tuesday's close.

This article has been updated since it was first published to reflect more recent stock prices.

Read the original article on Investopedia
While some airports see tens of thousands of passenger flights take off per year, others serve only a few charter carriers or exist exclusively for regional flight training, medical and agricultural services.

At the end of September, Safford Regional Airport (SAD) in Arizona's Graham County lost its last commercial flight after a government contract to operate an Essential Air Service route to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) ran out of funding.

Over the next three months, Safford Regional has been running only certain select charter and air ambulance flights.

New United Express flight to connect rural Mississippi to Houston hub

While such rural airports usually struggle with understaffing due to a lack of traffic numbers that would make them interesting to commercial airlines without government subsidies, one such regional airport can report good news as its prepares to start a new flight for United Express.

Operated by Utah-based SkyWest Airlines for United Express service, the flight will go from Natchez-Adams County Airport (HEZ) in southwestern Mississippi to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston as a way to connect the rural community to a major United Airlines hub.

Related: 90-year-old airport to close down forever amid low traveler numbers

The flight will launch on July 1 and run daily between the two cities. It will run on a CRJ200 jet with room for 50 passengers and take just under 45 minutes in a drive that would otherwise take almost six hours.

The last commercial flights out of Natchez by Gulfstream International and Comair for Delta Air Lines was phased out by 1997 due to high costs unjustified by traveler demand at the time. By July, the airport at Natchez will be fitted with TSA screening facilities so that travelers can pass security directly. While this signals a potentially larger expansion, no other flights out of Natchez-Adams County have been announced at this time.

The flight connecting Natchez with Houston International will be operated by SkyWest for United Express.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

"It's going to be quite the celebration": SkyWest Manager

With SkyWest also running flights to Mississippi cities of Meridian (MEI) and Hattiesburg (PIB) for United Express, the new Natchez route adds a third destination in the state for the regional carrier operating flights to various remote and rural communities.

As Natchez has largely been cut off from commercial air service since the 1990s, the new route has been very warmly received by local politicians, authorities and residents.

"It will be just like you're flying out of Jackson or Baton Rouge," Kevin Wilson, who heads the local Adams County Board of Supervisors, said to local media. "You'll park in Natchez, check in with TSA, and fly anywhere in the world on a single United ticket."
The cannabis sector as a whole is seeing strong upside today, with investors in a broad range of stocks hitting the bid. That's because a very critical piece of news came across the tape last week: that President Trump is reportedly looking to reclassify marijuana.

Doing so would allow for greater medical research and expand the use cases currently provided for by law. With many marijuana experts cheering this news, as it would be a first step toward legalization (as other major developed countries have done), opening up the medical cannabis sector for business could have big impacts on companies that are already operating in this space. It would also allow new entrants to join the party, with IRS rules tied to business deductions and various loan products leading to a surge of activity in this sector that's simmered down of late.

More News from Barchart

www.barchart.com

One of the biggest movers in the cannabis sector riding this news is WM Technology (MAPS). Looking at the stock chart above and Friday's impressive 17% move higher, this news is clearly being cheered by investors in this particular stock (in contrast to the rather steep downturn this stock has seen in recent quarters).

Here's why.

Technology Meets the Cannabis Sector

I've long thought WM Technology is among the more intriguing companies in the cannabis sector. That's because, unlike multi-state operators and other companies in the distribution or retail business, WM Technology operates an online cannabis marketplace with a number of key offerings. Providing users with e-commerce capabilities to purchase cannabis in states where it is legal, WM Technology has a very scalable business model that could take off if marijuana is eventually decriminalized or legalized at the federal level (we're not there yet).

The company's offerings also include a Weedmaps marketplace, which allows cannabis consumers to peruse the available retailers and brands in their area. This one-stop shopping and educational experience could be a key driver of growth in this sector moving forward, leading to higher multiples over time.

www.barchart.com

Looking at WM Technology's fundamentals above, it does appear that there's something to like about this company's underlying strength. With positive earnings over the past year (though negative earnings are expected over the next year) driven by a slim profit margin, at least investors have some multiples to work with. Many other companies in the cannabis sector are unprofitable, and that's one of the key reasons why many investors have looked to other sectors for growth.
A TAE Technologies worker is inside the Norm nuclear fusion device in Foothills Ranch, Calif. The company announced a merger with Trump Media Thursday. Image courtesy of TAE Technologies.

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Trump Media announced Thursday that it's merging with TAE Technologies, a nuclear fusion company, in a $6 billion agreement.

TAE is a privately held company based in California, and Trump Media is a publicly traded one based in Florida. The all-stock merger will create the first publicly traded fusion power company. The deal is expected to close in mid-2026.

Upon closing, shareholders of each company will own about 50% of the combined company on a fully diluted equity basis, a press release said.

As part of the transaction, Trump Media has agreed to give up to $200 million in cash to TAE at signing and another $100 million is available upon initial filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Trump Media shares rose 25% in premarket trading on the merger news after dipping 75% from January highs, CNBC reported. The company operates the social media platform Truth Social.

President Donald Trump owns more than 114 million shares of Trump media, which are now in a revocable trust held by Donald Trump Jr.

Devin Nunes, Trump Media chair and CEO, and Dr. Michl Binderbauer, TAE CEO and director, will serve as co-CEOs of the combined company. Michael B. Schwab, founder and managing director of Big Sky Partners, is expected to be chair of a nine-member board of directors.

"Trump Media & Technology Group built uncancellable infrastructure to secure free expression online for Americans, and now we're taking a big step forward toward a revolutionary technology that will cement America's global energy dominance for generations," Nunes said in a statement. "Fusion power will be the most dramatic energy breakthrough since the onset of commercial nuclear energy in the 1950s -- an innovation that will lower energy prices, boost supply, ensure America's A.I.-supremacy, revive our manufacturing base and bolster national defense."

Binderbauer said the company is excited to create its first fusion site.

"Our talented team, through its commitment and dedication to science, is poised to solve the immense global challenge of energy scarcity. At TAE, recent breakthroughs have prepared us to accelerate capital deployment to commercialize our fusion technology. We're excited to identify our first site and begin deploying this revolutionary technology that we expect to fundamentally transform America's energy supply," Binderbauer said.
Key Takeaways

Trump Media and Technology Group and TAE Technologies have announced plans to merge.

The combined entity is valued at more than $8 billion.

Meanwhile, Trump Medias partnership with Crypto.com is old news.

The announcement of a business merger between Trump Media and Technology Group and TAE Technologies raises many questions.

What do a holding company for the U.S. presidents media ventures and a nuclear fusion company have to gain from joining forces?

Does the deal create conflicts of interest?

And what does it mean for Trump Medias digital asset treasury partnership with Crypto.com?

Trump Media To Merge With TAE Technologies

TAE Technologies is a privately held fusion energy company based in California.

The firms main focus is on developing nuclear fusion systems, a technology that has not yet achieved commercial viability.

In the meantime, TAE operates other business lines selling power management systems for electric vehicles and particle accelerators for the medical sector.

The merger with Trump Media will give TAE Technologies a foothold in the public market, with the combined entity valued at more than $8 billion in an all-stock deal that grants an equal stake to shareholders of both companies.

Statements issued by TAE and Trump Media suggest the latters access to significant capital is the primary motivation for teaming up.

As TAE prepares to start construction on the worlds first utility-scale fusion power plant, what better way to attract investors than working with the President of the United States in the pursuit of American energy dominance?

But TAE is hardly the first company to use proximity to Trump for financial gain.

Implications for Crypto.com

Beyond building power stations, the deal with TAE Technologies could have implications for Trump Medias various crypto ventures.

The pivot to energy suggests crypto has fallen down the groups list of priorities.

After all, the $300 million Trump Media will inject into TAE is money it wont be able to spend on initiatives like the CRO treasury company it set up with Crypto.com.

When that partnership was announced in August, media coverage focused on the headline figure of $6.4 billion.

But in reality, most of that value is attributed to a $5 billion line of credit that neither company is obliged to utilize.

The rest of it largely consists of Crypto.coms existing CRO holdings.

Now, with Trump Medias money and attention focused elsewhere, it seems even less likely the company would want to take on additional debt at a time when the digital asset treasury trend has lost much of its lustre.

The post Trump Media Merger Raises Questions About Crypto.com DAT Partnership appeared first on ccn.com.
For instance, Apple has announced a sweeping $600 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and workforce training (4). Johnson & Johnson plans to put $55 billion into U.S. manufacturing, research and development and new technologies (5). Hyundai, meanwhile, is investing $26 billion in the U.S. to boost automotive production capacity, localize key components and accelerate work on future industries (6).

While Trumps tariff policies have drawn criticism, major companies continue to view the U.S. as one of the most dependable places to build and grow. That confidence is showing up in the scale of capital theyre committing  across multiple industries.

Youre going to see results in six months to a year. I think youll see results  weve never had anything like it, he said.

To be sure, that manufacturing boom has yet to materialize. According to the Institute for Supply Management, U.S. manufacturing activity contracted for the ninth consecutive month in November (3).

We have a country that potentially is geared to have the most incredible golden years ever, he said, adding that when factories open up by the thousands, it would mark the golden age of America.

So theyre coming from Germany, theyre coming from Japan, theyre coming from Canada. Many factories are coming in because they dont want to pay tariffs  very simple. Theyre coming in and theyre spending hundreds of billions of dollars, he said.

Trump pointed to Toyota, which recently announced plans to invest up to $10 billion in its U.S. operations over the next five years (2). According to Trump, companies are increasingly choosing to build in the U.S. to avoid tariffs.

Our car industry  went to Europe, they went to Mexico, Japan  they went all over. They went to South Korea, Trump said. And now its just the opposite. Theyre all coming back. We have an age thats coming up, the likes of which this country has never seen.

Approaching retirement with no savings? Dont panic, you're not alone. Here are 6 easy ways you can catch up (and fast)

Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake  heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP

Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100  and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how

Speaking at a White House Christmas reception, Trump argued that tariffs are driving a manufacturing revival, pointing to the auto industry as a prime example (1).

President Donald Trump says the U.S. is on the cusp of something this country has never seen  and hes crediting his much-discussed tariff policy.

Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below.

Story Continues

Legendary investor Warren Buffett has long pointed to America as a prime destination for building long-term wealth.

America has been a terrific country for investors. All they have needed to do is sit quietly, listening to no one, Buffett wrote in his 2023 letter to shareholders (7).

One of the simplest and most accessible ways to invest in America is through the stock market. Buffett has argued that doing so doesnt require picking individual winners.

In my view, for most people, the best thing to do is own the S&P 500 index fund, Buffett has famously stated (8). This approach gives investors exposure to 500 of Americas largest companies across a wide range of industries, providing instant diversification without the need for constant monitoring or active trading.

If you want to capitalize on this consistency, you could work with SoFi to invest in ETFs like an S&P 500 index fund. You can also pick out individual stocks yourself if you feel confident in making market moves.

The platform is designed to help you learn investing as you go, with real-time investing news, curated content and the data you need to make smart decisions about the stocks that matter most to you. You can even create a personal watch list based on your interests.

This DIY approach allows you to invest with no commission fees in the stocks, index funds or ETFs you believe in. Plus, for a limited time, you can get up to $3,000 in stock when you fund a new account.

Read more: Warren Buffett used 8 solid, repeatable money rules to turn $9,800 into a $150B fortune. Start using them today to get rich (and stay rich)

Invest in US real estate

Beyond stocks, real estate has long been another cornerstone of wealth-building in America  one that Trump himself knows well.

Before politics, Trump made his fortune in real estate  and the asset class remains a powerful tool for building and preserving wealth. High-quality properties can generate rental income, offering a dependable stream of passive cash flow. Real estate can also serve as an inflation hedge, as property values and rents tend to rise alongside the cost of living.

As Trump told Steve Forbes back in 2011, I just notice that when you have that right piece of property, whatever it might be, including location, it tends to work well in good times and in bad times (9).

Buffett has also pointed to real estate as an example of a productive, income-generating asset. In 2022, Buffett stated that if you offered him 1% of all the apartment houses in the country for $25 billion, he would write you a check (10).

Of course, you dont need $25 billion  or even to buy a single property outright  to invest in real estate. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

The process is simple: Browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares youd like to purchase and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment.

Another option is Lightstone DIRECT, which offers accredited investors access to institutional-quality multifamily and industrial real estate  with a minimum investment of $100,000.

Founded in 1986 by David Lichtenstein, Lightstone Group is one of the largest privately held real estate investment firms in the U.S., with more than $12 billion in assets under management.

Over nearly-four decades, their team has delivered strong, risk-adjusted performance across multiple market cycles  including a 27.5% historical net IRR and a 2.49x historical net equity multiple on realized investments since 2004.

With Lightstone DIRECT, you gain access to that proprietary deal flow.

Heres the kicker: Lightstone invests at least 20% of its own capital in every deal  roughly four times the industry average. With its skin in the game, the firm ensures its interests are directly aligned with those of its investors.

You May Also Like

Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

@WhiteHouse (1); Toyota (2); ISM World (3); Apple (4); Johnson & Johnson (5); Hyundai (6); Berkshire Hathaway (7); CNBC (8; 10); @Forbes (9)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) is one of the Undervalued Stocks with Biggest Upside Potential. On December 12, Peyton Dorne from UBS reiterated a Hold rating on the stock but raised the price target from $46 to $50. Earlier on December 8, Zach Parham from J.P. Morgan also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock but lowered the price target from $57 to $52.

Zach Parham of J.P. Morgan noted that the reduced price target reflects the firms updated 2026 outlook on the exploration and production space. He added that 2026 is characterized by supply-side risks for oil and liquids as the long-awaited demand inflection for natural gas. Moreover, Parham believes that the crude oil sector faces challenges from a significant oversupply and a potential end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2026, both pressuring prices lower.

That said, the company made two positive financing announcements on December 11. Firstly, the company announced the successful unanimous redetermination by its 19-bank group at $3.25 billion, under Matadors reserves-based loan credit facility. Secondly, management also announced that 16 lenders under San Mateo Midstream, LLCs revolving credit facility also unanimously agreed to increase their commitments by $1.10 billion, reflecting an increase of $250 million from the previous commitment of $850 million. 

Notably, management noted paying off $311 million in RBL debt during the first 9-months of 2025, bringing its balance to $285 million as of September 30. As a result, the company lowered its Debt-to-EBITDA to under 1.0x. 

Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) is an energy firm focused on oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production in the U.S. with an emphasis on oil and natural gas shale and other unconventional plays. 

While we acknowledge the potential of MTDR 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.
China issues yellow alert for heavy fog

Xinhua) 09:52, December 18, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's national observatory on Wednesday issued a yellow alert for heavy fog in some parts of the country.

From Wednesday evening to Thursday morning, thick fog is expected to shroud parts of Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, the Sichuan Basin and Chongqing, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC).

In some regions of Hebei, Henan, the Sichuan Basin and Chongqing, visibility may be reduced to below 200 meters, the NMC said.

Drivers have been asked to maintain safe speeds, and airports, freeways and ports have been instructed to take appropriate safety measures.

China has a three-tier, color-coded warning system for thick fog, with red being the most serious warning, followed by orange and yellow.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Assyrian Interpreter Killed in Attack on US Forces in Syria

Assyrian Ayad Mansour Kyriakos Sakkat, 54, was killed in Syria. Ayad Mansour Kyriakos Sakkat, an Assyrian, was killed in the terrorist attack against US forces in Palmyra on 13 December, The Detroit News has reported. Two US soldiers were also killed in the attack and a number were left injured.

Sakkat, 54, was working as an interpreter for the US armed forces in Syria through an employment as an independent contractor for Virginia-based Valiant Integrated Services.

His origins are from the town of Baghdede in the Nineveh Plain Region of Northern Iraq. Dina Qiryaqoz, the daughter of Sakkat, said Wednesday in a statement that her father worked for the U.S. Army during the invasion of Iraq from 2003 to 2007.

He brought his family to the United States through the Special Immigrant Visa program, where they made their home in Michigan.

"Ayad will be remembered for his generosity, integrity, sense of humor, and the deep pride he carried for his family," his family has written in his obituary. "He found joy in simple moments, listening to Fairouz in the mornings, sharing food, walking with friends, and offering kindness to everyone around him. His life was shaped by service, his heart by love, and his legacy by the strength of the family he cherished."

Chairwoman Lisa McClain, representing Michigan's 9th District, commented his death on her Facebook page: "I'm devastated to learn that Ayad Mansoor Sakat, the interpreter killed in the ISIS attack on our National Guardsmen in Syria, was from Macomb Township in my district," McClain posted.

President Donald Trump paid his respects Wednesday to the two Iowa National Guard members and Sakkat, joining their grieving families at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware as their remains were brought back.

Sakat is survived by his wife and four adult children.
This story was originally published on CIO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CIO Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Mike Dargan, group chief operations and technology officer at UBS, will step down at the end of December after nearly a decade at the Swiss bank, according to a Monday statement. The executive will join Berlin-based digital bank N26 as its CEO in April, Dargan said in a LinkedIn post.

The bank's technology team will report to incoming Group COO Beatriz Martin effective Jan. 1, 2026. Chris Gelvin will serve as interim head of group technology until a permanent successor is appointed, in addition to his current role of COO of Group Technology.

The addition of technology to the Group COO remit will help the bank "prioritize initiatives related to technology and artificial intelligence," the bank said, while noting changes to the executive board were subject to regulatory sign off.

Dive Insight:

UBS has been revamping its leadership team as it works to complete its integration with Credit Suisse, which it bought in 2023. The bank said the process is expected to take all of next year.

In October, UBS announced several changes to its executive board, including the appointment of Michelle Bereaux, group integration officer, as group head compliance and operational risk control. As part of the changes, the bank said Dargan would "direct even more of his efforts" to priority areas such as AI and digital assets.

It also appointed Daniele Magazzeni as its first chief AI officer, effective Jan 1. 2026. Magazzeni, a former analytics chief for J.P. Morgan, was originally slated to report into Dargan and will head up the bank's AI office, overseeing AI tools deployment.

The company has been working to roll out AI across operations this year, with some 340 live use cases across different business units, CEO Sergio Ermotti said during a Q3 earnings call in October.

As it continues its integration of Credit Suisse, the company has also worked to consolidate its IT estate, with simplification and cost-cutting in mind, he added.

"We are nearly halfway through our application decommissioning road map," Ermotti said. "We have shut down 60% of legacy servers  and processed around 40 petabytes of data."

UBS isnt alone in its decision to place a sharper focus on AI this year  and the appointment of C-suite leaders to guide those efforts.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia recently announced it nabbed Lloyd's Chief Data and Analytics Officer Ranil Boteju to serve as its chief AI officer. In November, Wells Fargo expanded the purview of Saul Van Beurden, chief executive of the bank's consumer and small business banking, to include the role of head of AI.
Food and drink exports from the UK to the EU have dropped by almost a quarter in the past five years compared to the corresponding period before Brexit.

The findings were revealed in a trade report from the UK's Food & Drink Federation (FDF), which suggests exports have declined 23.4% in the last five years.

Exports to some key EU markets have dropped sharply, according to the latest Trade Snapshot figures.

Food and drink shipments to Germany fell 59.1% between 2021 and 2025 compared to the five years to 2020, the report showed. Exports to Poland dropped 51.9% and those to Belgium decreased 39.9%.

Karen Betts, CEO of the FDF, said: At a time when food and drink businesses are facing rising production costs, regulatory pressures, and weak consumer confidence at home, easing barriers to trade and growing our exports could not be more important.

Weve seen exports to the rest of the world outpace the EU in the last year, and theres much more government can do to work with exporters, particularly SMEs, to ensure we maintain that momentum."

Global food and drink exports have increased by 5.8% in the first three quarters of 2025, led by growth in non-EU exports, which have risen 6.2% year-on-year in value terms, the FDF said.

A new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU will be a positive step in cutting cost and complexity in the post-Brexit environment, it added.

In November, the European Council authorised negotiations with the UK for a deal to create a common SPS zone and link their so-called Emissions Trading Systems (ETS) for greenhouse gas emissions.

The aim of the SPS zone is to reduce checks on agri-food products moving between the EU and UK.

The two sides agreed to work towards simplifying the cross-border trade of food and drinks during a summit held in May.

At the time, the UK government said: Some routine checks on animal and plant products will be removed completely, allowing goods to flow freely again, including between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Ultimately this could lower food prices and increase choice on supermarket shelves.

However, the FDF warned in its report that such measures will not remove all barriers and will require renewed support for businesses as they adjust.

The trade body is calling for clear transition periods and timelines so firms can adapt and to ensure the deal delivers on its potential.

It also stressed the SPS agreement is just one part of the puzzle, urging complementary policies on packaging and labelling and continued help with customs procedures.
The UKs consolidation wave is primarily rooted in a fiscal regime that has steadily hardened since the introduction of the Energy Profits Levy (EPL) in May 2022. Triggered by the surge in oil and gas prices following the pandemic and start of the war in Ukraine, the levy was initially presented as a temporary windfall tax aimed at capturing extraordinary profits while British households faced soaring energy bills. However, what followed was a series of extensions by both the conservative and labour governments that pushed the levys expiry first to March 2029, then to March 2030 and lifted the combined marginal tax rate on UK upstream revenues to 78%. If the EPL expires (either with time, or if average prices for both oil and gas remain below trigger levels  $71.4/b for oil and 0.54/MMBtu for gas  for two consecutive quarters), it will be replaced by the Oil and Gas Price Mechanism (OGPM), under which revenues generated at oil prices above $90/b will face an additional 35% charge, with the trigger indexed annually to UK consumer inflation. Crucially, the mechanism is revenue-based rather than profit-based  a design choice the industry had strongly opposed. For many operators, the unpredictability of repeated temporary measures has already undermined confidence, making future clarity less valuable than it might have been a few years earlier.

Over the past year, mergers and acquisitions have become the defining feature of the UK offshore sector. On December 12, Harbour Energy announced its plans to acquire Waldorf Petroleum by the second quarter of 2026. The deal will add about 20,000 boe/d and 35 million barrels of reserves, raising Harbours interest in the Catcher field to 90%. Earlier that same week, TotalEnergies said it would merge its British North Sea oil and gas assets with Neo Next, the RepsolRepsol-HitecVision-backed producer that has already grown into the countrys second-largest operator. The enlarged entity, to be branded Neo Next Energy+, will be 47.5% owned by TotalEnergies, with Repsol holding 23.6% and HitecVision 28.8%. Once finalised in the first half of 2026, the combined portfolio is expected to produce around 250,000 boe/d. These deals follow Decembers formalization of Adura, the 5050 joint venture between Shell and Equinor, which consolidated a broad set of mature assets, including Buzzard, Mariner, Shearwater, Penguins, Clair, and Schiehallion. Adura is expected to produce roughly 140,000 boe/d in 2026. Earlier, Ithaca Energy absorbed Enis UK portfolio, becoming the third-largest producer in the basin. At the same time, US majors Apache and Chevron have formally announced their intention to exit the UK Continental Shelf, whilst Chinas CNOOC is still struggling to find a suitable buyer for its offshore assets

The UK North Sea is being reshaped by consolidation at a pace not seen since the aftermath of the 2014 oil price crash. In the past twelve months alone, a series of mergers has concentrated more than 500,000 boe/d of production into a handful of operators, as companies respond to a 78% marginal tax rate, falling output and an investment environment that has effectively closed to new developments. Deals involving Harbour Energy , TotalEnergies , Shell, Equinor and Ithaca Energy have created fewer but larger players managing a basin where production has fallen from 1.1 million b/d in 2020 to about 474,000 b/d by September 2025, and where no new field approvals have been granted for two consecutive years.

Story Continues

The UKs fiscal revenues reflect that retreat. While immediately after being put in effect, the EPL raised roughly 7 billion in the 202223 fiscal year, the states revenues from these measures have since fallen sharply as activity slowed. By fiscal year 202425, revenues had dropped to an estimated 22.5 billion. As a result, consolidation of oil companies operating in the area has become one of the few tools left for operators to offset the 78% tax burden against accumulated losses and allowances  a dynamic that has attracted political scrutiny. In November 2025, campaign groups including Global Witness, Stop Rosebank and Tax Justice UK warned the Treasury that the ShellEquinor merger into Adura could allow significant tax liabilities to be neutralised, particularly benefiting Equinor as development delays continue at Rosebank.

At the same time, investment in new supply has all but stalled. The UK North Seas production is declining faster than previously forecast, and no new field developments were approved in either 2024 or 2025, marking the second straight year without new projects. The governments North Sea Future Plan, published in November, formalised a policy of managing existing fields through their remaining lifespans while ending the issuance of new exploration licences. As major producers elsewhere  from the United States to China and Norway  continue to encourage upstream investment, the UK has opted to extract what value it can from a shrinking asset base.

The consequences extend well beyond barrels and budgets. Employment is emerging as one of the most politically sensitive consequences of decline. Some estimates suggest job losses in the oil and gas sector could reach a 1,000/month rate by 2030 as production slows down. Government data show that since 2014, the offshore workforce has already contracted by about one third to 120,000 for direct and indirect employees. Without new developments to anchor long-term activity, industry consolidation risks accelerating the erosion of skills and supply-chain capacity.

The comparison with Norways strategy in their North Sea territories highlights how policy choices shape outcomes. On the Norwegian continental shelf, production is set to rise, with around 500,000 boe/d of additional output expected in 2026 alone from six new start-ups led by Equinor, including but not limited to the Irpa gas field with recoverable resources of around 136 million boe. Stable fiscal terms and long-term regulatory certainty have sustained investment in the Norwegian segment of the same geological basin.

The decline is no longer theoretical. The UK crude production has more than halved in five years, sliding from about 1.1 million barrels a day in early 2020 to an all-time low of roughly 474,000 b/d by September 2025. Britain has crossed the threshold into net-importer status (both in case of crude oil and oil products), leaving its energy balance increasingly vulnerable to international market volatility and geopolitical disruption.

Consolidation of oil majors may stretch the final years of ageing fields, but without a return of investment, it amounts to little more than a managed retreat from the UK North Sea. The very logic of the recent M&A wave in the UK predetermines the future shape of the North Sea industry. Consolidation in itself is not an inherently negative move and is in fact, a common feature of oil and gas markets. For instance, US shale mergers have been turbocharged in recent years by higher oil prices: ExxonMobil announced its acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources in October 2023, Chevron agreed to buy Hess the same month, and Occidental Petroleum announced its takeover of CrownRock in December 2023. As the case of CrownRock would attest, many relatively smaller shale-focused companies were often built with the explicit strategy of being sold, while large majors used these acquisitions as an efficient way to absorb already well-formed but affordable tight oil-oriented drillers.

The strategy underlying consolidation in the UK, however, is fundamentally different. Rather than growth-driven aggregation, the UK North Sea M&A strategy is primarily defensive. In some cases, large international majors are pooling their assets together to mitigate regulatory risks and manage tax liabilities, such as in the mergers involving Shell and Equinor or TotalEnergies integration with Neo Next Energy. In other cases, majors are exiting altogether, selling their portfolios to smaller domestic players (such as Enis UK assets being absorbed by Ithaca Energy.)

Both ways lead to the same outcome. Asset pooling reduces the number of field operators, while selling to smaller players limits the scale of the projects that can realistically be developed. Even if projects win regulatory approval  a growing challenge in light of government reluctance to greenlight new developments  smaller operators rarely have the financial capabilities needed for large and expensive offshore projects. The result is consolidation that manages decline rather than enabling potential growth.

Paradoxically, lower oil and gas prices  typically bad news for producers  could offer the UK a narrow window of relief. Under the Energy Profits Levys design, if average oil and gas prices remain below trigger levels for two consecutive quarters, the levy can be removed early, accelerating the shift to the OGPM instead of the wearisome EPL. In practice, that condition has proven difficult to meet. While oil prices have spent extended periods below the threshold in recent months, gas prices have recently been 20% above the 0.54/MMBtu trigger, keeping the levy firmly in place. Even if prices soften in the coming months, the requirement for sustained sub-threshold levels across both commodities means the EPL is unlikely to be replaced by the OGPM before Q3 2026, if not in 2027. That, however, might already be too late for the UK North Sea.

By Natalia Katona for Oilprice.com

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Startup Natilus is building a "blended-wing body" aircraft that fits the cabin into one giant wing.

Natilus' first announced airline customer is the Indian carrier SpiceJet.

The up to 240-passenger plane may have less natural light but could offer lounges or kids' zones.

Another airline is placing bets on the radical "flying wing" plane that industry professionals foresee as the future of commercial aviation.

California startup Natilus announced Wednesday that Indian carrier SpiceJet will order up to 100 of its new airliner called Horizon. The triangle-shaped "blended-wing body" (BWB) aircraft ditches the traditional tube-and-wing design for one giant, sweeping wing with the cabin built inside.

It's a more efficient aircraft that allows for more space and fewer emissions. Natilus hopes to launch Horizon in the early 2030s.

Company CEO Aleksey Matyushev said in a press release that India's growing aviation sector will be short about 2,200 aircraft by 2040 and believes his next-generation BWB could help fill that demand.

India is the world's fifth-largest aviation market with about 211 million passengers in 2024  an increase of about 11% year-over-year, according to the global airline trade association IATA.

SpiceJet said it will help Natilus navigate India's regulatory process, with the order contingent on the Horizon ultimately being certified in the country. Natilus also plans to source manufactured parts from India and has established a subsidiary called Natilus India, headquartered in Mumbai, to support its operations.

This is the first publicly announced international airline order for Horizon, but Natilus told Business Insider that its commercial order book  which also includes its BWB cargo version, Kona  stands at more than 570 orders valued at $25 billion following SpiceJet's order.

A rendering of the proposed business class cabin on Horizon. Natilus

Kona has purchase agreements with carriers like US operator Ameriflight, a partner of FedEx, DHL, and UPS, as well as Canadian airline Norlinor. However, it's unclear if Horizon has other buyers besides SpiceJet.

Horizon could host unique cabin configurations

Horizon would bring a new type of aircraft to India's skies that promises better operating economics than those offered by the reigning Boeing-Airbus duopoly.

Matyushev previously told Business Insider that Horizon will offer improved efficiency because its wing design generates lift across a much larger surface area, cutting fuel burn by roughly 30% and operating costs by about 50% compared with similarly sized aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320.
A cow is pictured at Chugg Jersey Farm in Farr West on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Utahs farm operations generated $2.3 billion in animal products and crop sales in 2022, according to a new Portrait of Agriculture report released Thursday by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

The report, based on the U.S. Department of Agricultures 2022 Census of Agriculture, paints a picture of a sector that remains a financial anchor in many rural communities  while facing mounting pressures tied to labor, land and changing market conditions.

Utahs agriculture sector is a dynamic part of our states economy, particularly in rural areas, generating over $2 billion in sales annually, said Eric Albers, a senior natural resources analyst at the institute and the reports lead author.

Albers said the analysis also reflects significant changes being felt by Utah farmers, including shifting market dynamics and rising input costs as well as an aging workforce.

Sales are concentrated in a handful of counties

While agriculture touches every region of the state, the report found that production  at least measured by sales  is heavily clustered.

Seven counties  Beaver, Millard, Utah, Iron, Sanpete, Box Elder and Cache  accounted for 70% of all agricultural product sales in 2022.

The release also notes that agricultural activity employed over 16,000 people and used nearly one-fifth of Utahs land  10.5 million acres of Utahs 54.3 million acres.

Many Utah operations are small, and most producers work other jobs

The report also shows how diverse Utahs farm economy is  from large, commercial producers to smaller operations that may sell limited product.

Nearly one-third of Utah farms (32.8%) operated on less than 10 acres in 2022, and over half (51.7%) sold less than $5,000, but more than $1,000 worth of agricultural products.

Only 7% of Utah farms covered 1,000 acres or more.

Additionally, farming was not the primary job for 69% of producers, suggesting many farm operators balance agriculture with other, higher-paying work.

An older producer base raises questions about what comes next

Utahs producer population is also aging, the report found.

The average age of a Utah producer was 56.6 in 2022, and 35% were 65 or older.

That demographic reality is one of the significant changes highlighted by the institute.

Agriculture covers nearly one-fifth of Utahs land  but farmland has shrunk over time

The longer trend of land use is also down. The report found Utah lost 1.2 million acres of farmland between 2002 and 2022, with declines split between cropland and dedicated pastureland.

Five counties  Duchesne, Box Elder, Rich, Washington and Tooele  each lost more than 100,000 acres of farmland over that period, and Duchesne County alone lost 249,000 acres.
Commodity trading major Vitol will provide $2 billion in loans for the Ugandan government, to be used for energy infrastructure projects, including a refinery, Reuters has reported, citing a Ugandan government official.

The 60,000-barrel-daily facility is one of the key infrastructure projects related to the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline that will carry Ugandan crude to the East African coast in Tanzania. Initially, the Ugandan government tried to secure funding for the $4-billion project on international financial markets, but failing that, it turned to individual investors, including Emirati Alpha MBM Investments, which became its partner in the refinery project.

The refinery projects funding will consist of debt and equity at a ratio of 60:40, implying that 60% of the funding will be debt, while 40% will be equity, Uganda has previously estimated. The Emirati firm will hold a 60% stake in the facility, with the other 40% held by the countrys state oil company, Uganda National Oil Company.

The loan to be provided by Vitol will have a term of seven years and carry an interest of 4.92%, said junior finance minister Henry Musasizi, as quoted by Reuters. It presents an opportunity to access non-traditional financing to implement projects and support the government in developing national infrastructure, Musasizi also said.

The money from Vitol will not only be used for the refinery. Per the official, some of the funding would go towards building roads and a fuel storage terminal, plus an extension to an oil pipeline to carry crude from western Kenya to the capital of Uganda, Kampala.

The EACOP project is for a 1,443-kilometer-long (897 miles) pipeline to be built from landlocked Uganda to the Tanga port in Tanzania. The oil pipeline is expected to bring crude from the Lake Albert project in Uganda to the international oil market. It is designed to transport 216,000 barrels of crude oil per day, with a ramp-up of up to 246,000 bpd, Uganda says.

EACOP shareholders are Frances supermajor TotalEnergies with a 62% stake, Uganda National Oil Company with 15%, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation holding another 15%, and CNOOC, the state oil giant of China, with an 8% interest.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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BERLIN, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Volkswagen is making progress with its cost-cutting drive, the head of the German carmaker's core brands said in a media interview on Thursday, pointing to headcount reductions and savings at the group's plants in Germany.

The company has reduced costs at its factories in Wolfsburg, Emden and Zwickau by 30% on average, brand CEO Thomas Schaefer told the Auto Motor Sport industry magazine.

On top of this, some 25,000 workers have signed partial retirement or severance agreements, he added.

"We still have a way to go, but together we want to prove that it is possible to develop and build competitive cars in Germany," Schaefer said.

In December 2024, Volkswagen struck an agreement with unions to drastically restructure its German operations, including 35,000 jobs cuts by 2030, as it faces off with cheaper Chinese rivals and navigates a slower-than-expected shift to electric.

On Tuesday, the European Commission dropped its hard cut-off for new combustion-engine cars from 2035, bowing to calls from Volkswagen and other carmakers for greater flexibility.

Schaefer ruled out offering combustion engines in the core brands' new small-car family, whose first model - the ID.Polo - is to be launched next year at a starting price of around 25,000 euros ($29,307.50).

This wouldn't make sense due to emissions regulations and would be too expensive for consumers, according to the executive.

"The future in this segment is electric," he said.

($1 = 0.8530 euros)

(Reporting by Rachel More and Christina Amann, Editing by Madeline Chambers)
BERLIN, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Volkswagen's Chief Executive Oliver Blume pledged continued cost cutting at Europe's largest carmaker on Thursday, as the company seeks to remain competitive amid industry-wide challenges.

Speaking at the group's two-day management meeting in Berlin, Blume identified leadership, focus and finances as three central priorities for the new year, a company spokesman said.

"The task now is to continue to consistently reduce our costs in order to remain competitive in the long term," Blume said, adding that the company has the keys to a bright future through its brands and products.

Chief Financial Officer Arno Antlitz said the German carmaker must generate more revenue with fewer resources to succeed going forward.

"This requires even stricter cost management and investment discipline," Antlitz said, outlining plans for improved electric vehicle margins, significantly reduced fixed and factory costs, and focused investment in future technologies.

"We need more Group synergies, less complexity and a strengthening of our market position in the USA and other regions outside Europe," he added.

In December 2024, Volkswagen struck an agreement with unions to drastically restructure its German operations, including 35,000 jobs cuts by 2030, as it faces off with cheaper Chinese rivals and navigates a slower-than-expected shift to electric vehicles.

Antlitz said overheads this year fell below the previous year's level for the first time in a long time.

(Reporting by Christina Amann, writing by Maria Martinez, editing by Susan Fenton)
Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM) is among the best holding company stocks to buy according to analysts. According to TheFly, UBS initiated coverage of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM) on December 11, with a Neutral rating and a price target of $59, which suggests an upside potential of about 10% from the current level. Although views on valuations and consensus expectations are mixed, the firm noted that sector fundamentals across 20 U.S. asset managers and brokers appear solid.

On December 9, Reuters reported that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM) and Qai, an AI company owned by Qatars sovereign wealth fund, had formed a $20 billion joint venture. This partnership aims to develop artificial intelligence infrastructure in Qatar, positioning it as a top AI hub in the Middle East and select international markets.

Salesforce, Inc. (CRM) Is Getting Killed By AI, Says JIm Cramer

Adam Gregor/Shutterstock.com

Additionally, the venture will establish an integrated computing center that enhances regional access to high-performance computing capabilities and facilitates the deployment of AI technology across key sectors. Through its recently disclosed Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Fund, which aims to invest $100 billion globally, Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM) will invest alongside Qai.

As expressed by Bruce Flatt, CEO of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM),

We are thrilled to assist Qatar in establishing this investment in next-generation AI and digital infrastructure alongside Qai. As our inaugural AI infrastructure investment in the Middle East, this partnership combines Qatars strategic vision with Brookfields global expertise.

TheFly reports that both entities will inject capital and operating expertise to support the countrys acceleration of the digital and AI ecosystem. Whats even more interesting is that the Government of Qatar will assist in providing skills and supply chain support, which are needed to drive the adoption of AI throughout Qatar.

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM) is a New York-based private equity firm that engages in acquisitions and growth capital investments. Founded in 2022, the company focuses on renewable power and transition, as well as infrastructure sectors.

While we acknowledge the potential of BAM 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.
PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) is one of the Undervalued Stocks with Biggest Upside Potential. On December 12, Aidan Kelly from J.P. Morgan reiterated a Buy rating on PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), but lowered the firms price target from $22 to $21. Earlier on December 4, TD Cowen also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $21 price target.

Kelly from J.P. Morgan noted the slight price reduction to be based on the firms updated model for the North American utilities group. Analysts at TD Cowen find PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) to be a compelling recovery story considering the wildfires that happened earlier this year. The firm noted the company has outperformed its peers, and the performance is expected to be boosted further, driven by electrification trends and wildfire mitigation opportunities. TD Cowen also likes the companys cheap valuation and anticipates 3% revenue growth for fiscal 2025, along with an EPS of $1.50.

That said, PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) on December 11 announced the successful launch of a technology demonstration project using Dynamic Line Rating and Asset Health Monitoring tools. Management noted that these tools combine sensors, real-time data analytics, and partner software to boost the capacity of existing power lines and monitor equipment health. The project has reached the trial deployment phase and aligns with the companys plan to expand transmission capacity amid Californias extreme weather and rising demand.

PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) generates, transmits, and distributes natural gas and electricity to customers. The company specializes in utility, electricity, energy, power, solar, gas, and sustainability.

While we acknowledge the potential of PCG 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 Undervalued Stocks with Biggest Upside Potential. Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) has been expanding its autonomous vehicle footprint with strategic partnerships and launches around the world. As a result, Wall Street maintains a Bullish sentiment on the stock.

Recently, on December 12, Brad Erickson from RBC Capital reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $110 price target. Earlier on December 10, Lloyd Walmsley from Mizuho Securities reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $130 price target.

Analyst Erickson of RBC Capital noted that they maintained their bullish sentiment following a meeting with the companys CFO. The analyst noted that Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) remains committed to its autonomous vehicle by maintaining its competitive edge through its partnership and financing strategy. Moreover, the firm also indicated increased market expansion for Uber through partnerships in 2026.

Similarly, Lloyd Walmsley of Mizuho also noted the autonomous vehicle strategy of the company as one of the key reasons behind his Buy rating. The analyst noted that Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) continues to believe that autonomous driving will eventually come up as a safer and cheaper mode of communication, particularly in labor-expensive markets including the United States and the United Kingdom. Moreover, the analyst also likes the companys expanded partnerships with key players including Waymo, WeRide, and PonyAI. He believes that these collaborations position the company in an emerging market.

That said, Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) on December 12, launched autonomous robotaxi rides in Dubai. The service was launched in collaboration with WeRide and aligns with Dubais Self-Driving Transport Strategy to achieve 25% autonomous journeys by 2030.

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.
Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:VG) is one of the Undervalued Stocks with Biggest Upside Potential. On December 10, Jean Ann Salisbury from the Bank of America Securities reiterated a Buy rating on Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:VG), but lowered the firms price target from $15 to $11.

The analyst noted that the valuations of the refiners surprised him in 2025, mainly due to temporary drivers including Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian infrastructure and tighter sanctions reducing Russian fuel exports, higher prices of European gas, and slower than expected rampup of new global refining capacity. Salisbury noted that these factors took the valuations of refiners higher than expected. However, the analyst notes these factors to be cyclical rather than structural, Salisbury expects the valuations to return to normal.

In addition, the analyst also highlighted that a Russia-Ukraine resolution is probable in 2026. This scenario will result in Russian pipeline gas returning to Europe, thereby lowering pressure on European gas and related LNG pricing. Salisbury highlights that if a resolution is reached, it would weaken Venture Global, Inc.s (NYSE:VG) key support for high transAtlantic LNG arbitrage, thereby directly impacting the companys long-term margins.

That said, earlier on November 25, Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:VG) announced signing a major 20-year deal with Tokyo Gas, which is Japans leading natural gas supplier. As per the agreement, Tokyo Gas has agreed to buy 1 million tones per annum of liquefied natural gas starting in 2030.

Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:VG) produces and exports US liquefied natural gas (LNG) sourced from North American basins, operating facilities primarily in Louisiana.

While we acknowledge the potential of VG 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 AI talent wars show no signs of slowing, with companies making headlines weekly for their latest high-profile hires. This includes engineers they are poaching from each other or acqui-hiring but also, increasingly, senior executives that can support them as they scale up.

Less than 10 days after Slack CEO Denise Dresser became OpenAIs chief revenue officer, former British finance minister George Osborne announced he was joining Sam Altmans company. Shortly thereafter, the crypto exchange Coinbase separately appointed Osborne to lead its internal advisory council.

The announcements drew particular attention in the U.K., where commenters noted that Osborne joins a growing list of former British politicians now working for major U.S. tech companies.

If youre not familiar with him or this trend, heres what you need to know.

What has Osbornes career looked like?

A former conservative Member of Parliament, George Osborne served as chancellor of the Exchequer from 2010 to 2016  a role equivalent to that of a finance minister or treasury secretary in other countries, and currently held by Rachel Reeves.

After Prime Minister David Cameron resigned following the 2016 Brexit vote, Osborne eventually left public office in 2017. Alongside multiple other engagements, including a part-time advisory role for the investment firm BlackRock, he served as editor of the Evening Standard from 2017 to 2020.

During that period, he also co-founded a VC firm, 9yards Capital, with his brother Theo and Theos brother-in-law David Fisher as co-founders and managing partners. Several companies in 9yards portfolio have gone public since then  including Robinhood, Toast, and Coinbase.

Whats his new role at OpenAI?

Osborne announced on X that he was joining OpenAI as managing director and head of OpenAI for [C]ountries, based here in London. He will help expand existing partnerships and build new ones, OpenAI chief global affairs officer Chris Lehane wrote on LinkedIn.

Introduced in May 2025, OpenAI for Countries is an initiative through which the AI company partners with governments looking to build in-country data center capacity and localize ChatGPT for their language and culture.

OpenAI for Countries is an extension of the Stargate project, a $500 billion initiative through which OpenAI is currently building five new data centers across the U.S. with Oracle and SoftBank. But beyond infrastructure, its stated goal is to support countries around the world that would prefer to build on democratic AI rails.

As OpenAI turns 10, it is only natural that it starts hiring the kind of talent that wont get turned down at the Ritz for wearing sport shoes. An Oxford graduate and the son of a baronet, Osborne fits the bill  but his network and reach are even more valuable, and his podcast with former Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls, called Political Currency, underscores his extensive political connections.
Key Points

Chevron can produce a growing stream of free cash flow if crude prices remain in the $60s through 2030.

It can fund its capital program and dividend payment even if they fall below $50 a barrel.

The oil company is in a strong position to continue returning cash to investors via higher dividends and meaningful repurchases.

10 stocks we like better than Chevron 

Chevron (NYSE: CVX) is one of the world's biggest oil and gas producers. As a result, energy prices have a big impact on the company's earnings and cash flow. It can make a lot more money when prices are higher.

While Chevron can weather lower prices better than most of its rivals, it could really thrive if they stay elevated through 2030.

Image source: Getty Images.

Built for lower oil prices

Chevron has built one of the most resilient upstream oil and gas portfolios in the energy sector. It has the lowest projected breakeven level this year at $30 a barrel. This enables the company to generate substantial free cash flow at the current price point of around $60 per barrel.

The company also has one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry. Its net debt ratio was 15.1% at the end of the third quarter, well below its 20%-25% target range. That low leverage ratio provides Chevron with the flexibility to borrow money during periods of lower oil prices to fund its capital allocation strategy.

With a low breakeven level and fortress balance sheet, Chevron is returning a substantial amount of cash to investors each quarter. It sent them $6 billion in the third quarter, paying $3.4 billion of dividends and repurchasing $2.6 billion of its shares. It has now returned over $78 billion in cash to investors over the last three years.

Positioned to thrive through 2030

Chevron expects to keep its annual capital spending between $18 billion and $21 billion over the next several years to maintain and grow its global energy operations. It plans to stay disciplined next year, keeping spending within the lower end of the target range, at $18 billion to $19 billion. It's investing capital in its highest-return opportunities, positioning it to produce growing free cash flow in the future.

The company believes its disciplined strategy of investing in its highest return opportunities will pay off over the next several years. It's on track to generate an additional $12.5 billion in free cash flow next year, assuming oil averages $70 a barrel. It can still produce a significant amount of incremental free cash flow even if oil prices are in the $60s. The company expects to benefit from recently completed expansion projects in Kazakhstan and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as its cost-savings initiatives and the recently closed merger with Hess.
Coca-Cola's plan to sell Costa Coffee is turning into a big test of how much investors really think the beverage giant is worth. The Financial Times says the soft-drinks behemoth is now in "last-ditch" talks with private equity firm TDR Capital after price talks broke down.

The Coca-Cola board in New York chose TDR as the preferred bidder earlier this week. TDR is a co-owner of EG Group and owns the UK grocery store brand Asda.

The Financial Times, on the other hand, heard from people familiar with the process that conversations had stopped about the deal's value, which means it could fall through.

The Costa Coffee sale outcome could shape Coca-Colas approach to future acquisitions.Photo by NurPhoto on Getty Images  Photo by NurPhoto on Getty Images

Costa Coffee has struggled

Coca-Cola wants about 2 billion for Costa Coffee, which is a lot less than the 3.9 billion it agreed to pay Whitbread in 2018. However, it's still a significant sum for a company that lost money last year.

The business at the heart of this issue has had problems. According to the Times, Costa lost 13.8 million on 1.2 billion in sales in 2023. Based on today's exchange rate, the number means almost $18 million in losses on $1.6 billion in sales.

The drop occurred because costs rose and competition got tougher, which narrowed margins.

More Retail:

Reports say Coca-Cola's plan is to sell Costa's UK business and most of its international operations to TDR while keeping a small interest in the company.

If the turnaround works, this would be good for Coca-Cola and free up funding for its main drinks company. Costa's business in China is not part of the talks.

Coca-Cola is changing its leaders at the same time as all this unfolds. Henrique Braun, who is now the company's chief operations officer, will become its next CEO on March 31, 2026. The current chief, James Quincey, will take over as executive chair.

That means Braun might start his tenure in office with a new war chest of more than $2 billion from the sale of Costa, or with a coffee firm that is still having troubles. Regardless, exciting times are ahead.

What Coca-Cola paid for Costa and what it might get now

Seven years ago, Coca-Cola purchased Costa as a way of quickly entering the worldwide coffee business. Whitbread agreed to sell the business for 3.9 billion, which was around $5.1 billion in 2018 and nearly $5.2 billion at the current exchange rate of $1.34 per pound.

The Financial Times says that Coca-Cola is seeking to sell Costa for roughly 2 billion (about $2.7 billion). TDR is the preferred bidder, but it is pushing back on the price.
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, speaks after the first working session at the EU summit. The main topic is the question of whether assets of the Russian central bank frozen in the EU can be used to support Ukraine in future. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged European Union leaders to swiftly agree on new funding for Kiev after attending an crunch-time summit in Brussels as a guest.

Without new funding, Ukraine was at risk of running a deficit of 45 billion-50 billion ($52.8 billion-$58.7 billion) next year and of having to scale back its military production, he told journalists in Brussels on Thursday.

European Union leaders gathered in Brussels are discussing whether to make Russian assets frozen under EU sanctions available to Ukraine as a loan.

The European Commission has proposed to provide Ukraine with up to 210 billion in immobilized Russian assets in the EU as a reparations loan, of which 90 billion is meant cover financial and military needs in 2026 and 2027.

Belgium, where the lion's share of the assets is held, opposes the plan, citing legal and financial risks.

Zelensky met Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever for a private discussion on the sidelines of the summit.

"I understand the risks he's talking about," Zelensky said after the exchange, "but we are at war, and I think that we face bigger risks."

The Ukrainian president said it was a "positive signal" that De Wever was now signalling that a solution for the issue needs to be found in the coming days.

Zelensky also said that an agreement on the reparations loan was needed to avoid the assets being used against Ukraine in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war.

Having its financial needs covered for the coming year would strengthen Ukraine's position at the negotiating table, he said.
Recently, I came across two posts on the popular Ask Reddit page that turned out to be intriguing, weird, and, honestly, pretty informative. In it, users Mindless_Reality_14 and alwaysclimbing5 asked, what are some lesser-known facts about the human body that would surprise the average person? And I thought that if I didn't know all these, surely many other people didn't, either! So, I decided to share. Here are some of the most interesting and best answers:

Tatiana Maksimova / Getty Images

1. "Humans can be divided by how their body reacts to exercise. Your gut either moves (pooping from exercise) or shuts down, and your stomach refuses to empty, and exertion can make you throw up."

Andrii Medvediuk / Getty Images

u/vrosej10

2. "The bone that supports your eyeball, called the orbital floor, is paper-thin and has a large empty cavity, called the maxillary sinus, on the opposite side. When you get hit hard in the eye, instead of your eyeball itself rupturing, the bone underneath your eye breaks, which is called an orbital floor fracture. This releases the pressure from the impact and saves your eyeball. If you crush a beachball against a concrete wall, you can pop it, but if you try to crush it against a styrofoam wall, the wall breaks, but the beachball is fine. An amazing evolutionary adaptation to protect your eyesight."

Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

u/ddsmd

3. "The reason the navel and the area around it is an erogenous zone is because [they share] nerve pathways with the genitals."

Bymuratdeniz / Getty Images

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

u/SabrinaDelgado

Related: Medical Professionals Are Calling Out The Biggest "Health Misconceptions" People Still Believe (But Really Shouldn't)

4. "The diver reflex. When your face is submerged in chilled water and you hold your breath it causes your heart rate to lower and blood supply to be increased to vital organs such as the heart and brain. This is useful to help increase the amount of time you can hold your breath, but is also useful in helping to manage PSVT (paroxysmal super ventricular tachycardia) which is characterized by occasional bouts of high heart rate."

Ippei Naoi / Getty Images

u/UCantHearAnEnzyme

5. Your brain is basically the main 'sex organ.' Stress, lack of sleep, anxiety, [and] feeling unsafe or judged can tank arousal way faster than anything physically 'wrong' with you, which is why feeling relaxed and emotionally okay makes such a huge difference."

Paul Biris / Getty Images

u/RipBackground204

6. "Fallopian tubes aren't attached to the ovaries ; they have little tendrils at the end and can kind of flop around towards the ovary that's releasing an egg."

Mohammed Haneefa Nizamudeen / Getty Images

"I had my tubes removed two years ago and asked my doctor what would happen during ovulation; apparently, my eggs are just kind of shot into my abdominal cavity and eventually reabsorbed by my body."

u/annekecaramin

7. Natural redheads require increased doses of anesthesia , due to some connection with the mutated melanocortin-1 receptor. Im a natural redhead myself, and developed a fear of dentists because Id always feel what they were doing! Eventually, I had an issue that couldnt be ignored, and I had to find a new dentist. At my first visit, he took one look at me and said, 'Youre a real redhead, huh?' 'Yup.' '(Hygienist), get me 4x the novocaine!' I knew Id found my man, and hes been treating me ever since... also shed my fears, since dental work is much less unpleasant when youre actually numb before they start."

Guido Mieth / Getty Images

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

u/LollyHutzenKlutz

8. "Message from your middle-aged Auntie: In perimenopause and menopause , women produce less hormones like estrogen/estradiol and testosterone. This can cause the labia minora to fuse with the labia majora and is considered vaginal atrophy. This can lead to increased UTIs or PH imbalances that can cause 'yeast' infections."

Warner Bros.

"It also causes the mucus tissues throughout the body to shrink and dry out. This can lead to vaginal dryness/irritation/itching, fine lines on the skin, and bad breath, surprisingly. A lack of testosterone can also cause the clitoris to recede, and in some women, completely disappear.

As many as 70-80% of menopausal women will have vaginal atrophy. This can ALL be prevented or reversed with proper hormone management and replacement. Its best to start at the earliest signs of perimenopause, but vaginal tissues can be rejuvenated with proper hormone management even after menopause."

u/mariahmce

9. "You know the smell of rain, or disturbed soil? It's a compound produced by bacteria called Geosmin , and the human nose is extremely sensitive to it. We can smell it at as low a concentration as 5 parts per trillion."

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

u/nonions

Related: "There Is An Epidemic": Medical Professionals Are Revealing The "Bad" Everyday Habits That Are Slowly Ruining Your Health Over Time

10. Testicles move on autopilot . The cremaster muscle constantly adjusts their height like a built-in thermostat  rising when you're cold, stressed, or about to sneeze (yes, that last one is real)."

Intek1 / Getty Images

u/saadaintsalad

Prostock-Studio / Getty Images

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

u/thecuriousdigest

Fiordaliso / Getty Images

u/gianthooverpig

13. "Vaginal lubricant is mostly blood plasma ."

Nadya Tkach / Getty Images

u/Commercial-Yak-2964

"All bodily fluids are derived from blood, including breast milk."

u/Damn_Dog_Inappropes

Walt Disney Productions / RKO Radio Pictures / Via giphy.com

u/Whoosier

Related: If You've Ever Been Called An Introvert, This Quiz Will Reveal Which Of The Four Types You Actually Are

15. "Your heart rate increases about a minute before partaking in exercise. It is known as the anticipatory rise and happens involuntarily."

Maskot / Getty Images/Maskot

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

u/wizzkidjay

16. "A small percentage of people are 'super sleepers' and are fully recharged after 2 to 4 hours of sleep each night. They get to burn the candle at both ends!"

Roos Koole / Getty Images

u/lokensnarm

17. "There's zero proof of pheromones in humans despite all the talk around it."

Flavia Morlachetti / Getty Images

u/atalantafugiens

Hannatverdokhlib / Getty Images

"As a dumb college kid, I wasn't aware my gf had one (I choose to believe she didn't know, either). We went to the ER because my dick wouldn't stop flaking skin, almost like a croissant or something. Simple meds and an ointment did the trick, but FYI. "

u/DruAL

"This is a good PSA. I too have panicked over an unexpected case of French dick. The treatment, per the urgent care, was just OTC athletes foot cream."

u/AcuteMtnSalsa

19. Orgasms burn calories (but not that many). Technically, you're burning some energy, but don't quit the gym just yet. Think a few jumping jacks, not a full workout."

Nick David / Getty Images

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u/Massive_Debt_6102

20. "Some people will cough if they put something in one ear, a very small percentage will cough if something is in either ear. It is called Arnolds ear-cough reflex.

PonyWang / Getty Images

u/ArtEclectic

21. "Out of curiosity, I [looked up] why males have a 'head' on their penis. It's because it acts exactly like the rubber tip on the plunger of a syringe. In the same way you can draw out a fluid with a syringe, during sex, the penis has the ability to draw out ... semen in the vagina that was deposited by a different male, increasing the chances of its deposit being the one to impregnate the female."

The CW

u/One-Ball-78

Related: "He Was Dead Before He Even Hit The Ground": Nurses Are Revealing The Most Unbelievable Patient Death Stories That Haunt Them To This Day

Herstockart / Getty Images

u/Xadith

23. "Some people are born with extra ribs called cervical ribs which grow from the C7 vertebrae in the neck. It's a weird and rare mutation that a lot of people don't even know they have, although it is also a cause of thoracic outlet syndrome, which is where pressure is applied to the nerves, veins and arteries running into the arms. It can be really painful, and in some rare cases can cause gangrene in the arms. If left untreated it can kill you if you're really unlucky."

Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

u/winterf19

24. "Some people sneeze as a reflex when aroused . It doesnt happen every time but if it happens to you or you learn to identify it in your partner, then youll know. Achoo."

Milorad Kravic / Getty Images

Advertisement Advertisement

u/ViceNSpice

25. And finally: " Eye immune privilege : Your immune system doesn't know your eyes exist. There's a chance that if you get an eye injury or an infection near your eyes, the immune system will think your eyes are a foreign body, and you'll go blind."

George Pachantouris / Getty Images

u/kubrickfan

Is there a body-related tidbit of information that you love to share with people to shock them? Let us know in the comments below.

Please note that some responses may have been edited for length/clarity.

Also in Goodful: People Are Revealing 30 Moments When They Couldn't Control Their Bodily Functions, And It's Eye-Opening

Also in Goodful: Im Not Saying You Hate Christmas, But If You Cant Fill In The Blanks To Even 75% Of These Christmas Lyrics Well, It's Not Looking Good

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AICPL stands a cut above the rest of the consultancies through its world class consulting services devised for the biomedical, healthcare, & hospital domains

Today, AICPL is not just a name but has been a pillar of strength for more than 150 clients. The company started its journey by servicing the government sector and catering biomedical maintenance services to the defense force. The service portfolio slowly grew to include the sale of medical equipment and healthcare consultancy.As a consultant, the company guides the owners and doctors to build and design the hospitals, right from floors to an ICU or OT room as per JCI, NABH, and NABL accreditations, with each accreditation handled by a separate dedicated team of highly qualified personnel. The adept team also helps cut construction costs strategically by offering various cost-effective options to choose from.Claimed to be the largest and fastest-growing biomedical service provider, AICPL hosts end-to end equipment and capital asset management programs aimed at streamlining operations. The team also provides multiple products for ICU, OPD, OT, and radiology, including refurbished devices. Additionally, the company ensures proper installation and timely maintenance of equipment.In fact, it holds a distinct recognition of repairing equipment that was previously declared dead by an engineer, and the repair was done at an economical price. Understanding the rising demand for healthcare professionals AICPL assists hospitals in recruiting the best suited experts, irrespective of the department. In addition, the agency also dons the cap of a marketer to empower their customers to achieve a competitive advantage through advertising and other value-based marketing strategies.Apart from its innovative solutions, AICPL is also widely acknowledged for its team of 28 best minds, with each of them specializing in a different service category. Due to such excellence, the firm has been recognized with an ISO certificate and several accolades in the state of Gujarat.Enroute to a brighter future, the company is currently engaged in the projects of a 1080-bed medical college and a 300-bed hospital in Gujarat and intends to build projects in different states in the next five years. With a firm foothold in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Nehru Nagar and Patel Nagar of Delhi, the firm looks forward to expanding its geographical presence in the upcoming years.
AMD has driven its major competitor Intel MAD with a constant stream of advanced CPU, GPU and NPU tech that has outclassed Intel's offerings, while offering NVIDIA a massive challenge with its MI-300X and better, with its upcoming MI-400 chip arriving in 2026, with OpenAI set to use them as part of a multi-billion dollar, multi-year deal. So, AMD's CES 2026 keynote, helmed by Dr Lisa Su, will definitely be one to watch! Details below.

If AMD's Dr Lisa Su isn't the Queen of modern day computing, then I don't know who is. Dr Su joined AMD in 2012, and since 2014 has been at the helm of AMD as President and CEO, and what an incredible decade-plus of achievement she has overseen.

From 2017's launch of AMD Ryzen's chips, through to AMD's epic Epyc range of server and data centre processors, through to its Radeon GPUs, and then its MI chips for AI training and inferencing, AMD has been on a tear, tearing Intel several new ones, while AMD's Ryzen Threadripper, Ryzen 9 and Ryzen AI Max+ 395 all beating Apple's M4 Pro and Max in various benchmarks and scenarios.

That said, Apple's silicon did shake up the industry, and competition is fantastic, pushing AMD to even greater heights, and doing double duty to shock Intel into action, while Qualcomm's Oryon chips have also added to the competitive landscape.

So, with so much competition for AI "TOPS" or "trillions of operations per second", while using low amounts of power for long battery life on mobile devices - something less of an issue for desktop devices but still an issue for smarter and lower energy usage nevertheless, seeing what AMD and Dr Lisa Su will announce at CES 2026 will be massively important for the industry as a whole - especially with many major vendors such as Lenovo, HP, Dell and various others all offering consumer, business, server and data centre tech with ever more power and power efficiencies.

And so AMD Chair and CEO Dr. Lisa Su will officially open CES 2026 by providing the industry with a look at how innovation across the compute stack is driving unprecedented possibilities and delivering AI benefits globally.

With AI transforming every aspect of our lives, AMD naturally states it is "uniquely positioned to deliver the performance and flexibility required to drive this transformation", and given the significant interest in AI by everyone interested in the latest tech, this is one keynote you wont want to miss!

The livestream details for Dr. Sus keynote are as follows:

When: Monday, January 5 at 6:30 p.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. ET - live times for the US





How to watch: Live stream the keynote on AMDs YouTube Channel or https://amd.com/ces





For those in Australia, this is January 6 at 1:30 p.m. AEDT.





Other parts of the world can check with the Time Zone Coverter, here.

Here is the YouTube embed for the live stream, but obviously it won't go live until it starts on Jan 5, 2026 US time.

You can also click the image below to be taken to the live AMD stream on YouTube:
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On December 18, 2025, Prime Minister Takaichi held a summit meeting at the Prime Ministers Office with H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart TOKAYEV, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who was visiting Japan to attend The Summit of the Central Asia plus Japan Dialogue (CA+JAD).Following a salute and guard of honor ceremony, the two leaders held a meeting followed by a document signing ceremony. The meeting concluded with a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister.
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Gavin Newsom is off and running, eyeing the White House as he enters the far turn and his final year as California governor.

The track record for California Democrats and the presidency is not a good one. In the nearly 250 years of these United States, not one Left Coast Democrat has ever been elected president. Kamala Harris is just the latest to fail. (Twice.)

Can Newsom break that losing streak and make history in 2028?

Faithful readers of this column  both of you  certainly know how I feel.

Garry South disagrees.

The veteran Democratic campaign strategist, who has been described as possessing "a pile-driving personality and blast furnace of a mouth"  by me, actually  has never lacked for strong and colorful opinions. Here, in an email exchange, we hash out our differences.

Barabak: You once worked for Newsom, did you not?

South: Indeed I did. I was a senior strategist in his first campaign for governor. It lasted 15 months in 2008 and 2009. He exited the race when we couldn't figure out how to beat Jerry Brown in a closed Democratic primary.

I happen to be the one who wrote the catchy punch line for Newsom's speech to the state Democratic convention in 2009, that the race was a choice between "a stroll down memory lane vs. a sprint into the future."

We ended up on memory lane.

Barabak: Do you still advise Newsom, or members of his political team?

South: No, though he and I are in regular contact and have been since his days as lieutenant governor. I know many of his staff and consultants, but don't work with them in any paid capacity. Also, the governor's sister and I are friends.

Barabak: You observed Newsom up close in that 2010 race. What are his strengths as a campaigner?

South: Newsom is a masterful communicator, has great stage presence, cuts a commanding figure and can hold an audience in the palm of his hand when he's really on. He has a mind like a steel trap and never forgets anything he is told or reads.

I've always attributed his amazing recall to the struggle he has reading, due to his lifelong struggle with severe dyslexia. Because it's such an arduous effort for Newsom to read, what he does read is emblazoned on his mind in seeming perpetuity.

Barabak: Demerits, or weaknesses?

South: Given his remarkable command of facts and data and mastery of the English language, he can sometimes run on too long. During that first gubernatorial campaign, when he was still mayor of San Francisco, he once gave a seven-hour State of the City address.

Barabak: Fidel Castro must have been impressed!

South: It wasn't as bad as sounds: It was broken into 10 "Webisodes" on his YouTube channel. But still 

Barabak: So let's get to it. I think Newsom's chances of being elected president are somewhere between slim and none  and slim was last seen alongside I-5, in San Ysidro, thumbing a ride to Mexico.

You don't agree.

South: I don't agree at all. I think you're underestimating the Trumpian changes wrought (rot?) upon our political system over the past 10 years.

The election of Trump, a convicted felon, not once but twice, has really blown to hell the conventional paradigms we've had for decades in terms of how we assess the viability of presidential candidates  what state they're from, their age, if they have glitches in their personal or professional life.

Not to mention, oh, their criminal record, if they have one.

The American people actually elected for a second term a guy who fomented a rebellion against his own country when he was president the first time, including an armed assault on our own national capitol in which a woman was killed and for which he was rightly impeached. It's foolish not to conclude that the old rules, the old conventional wisdom about what voters will accept and what they will not, are out the window for good.

It also doesn't surprise me that you pooh-pooh Newsom's prospects. It's typical of the home-state reporting corps to guffaw when their own governor is touted as a presidential candidate.

One, familiarity breeds contempt. Two, a prophet is without honor in his own country.

Barabak: I'll grant you a couple of points.

I'm old enough to remember when friends in the Arkansas political press corps scoffed at the notion their governor, the phenomenally gifted but wildly undisciplined Bill Clinton, could ever be elected president.

I also remember those old Clairol hair-color ads: "The closer he gets ... the better you look!" (Google it, kids). It's precisely the opposite when it comes to presidential hopefuls and the reporters who cover them day-in, day-out.

And you're certainly correct, the nature of what constitutes scandal, or disqualifies a presidential candidate, has drastically changed in the Trump era.

All of that said, certain fundamentals remain the same. Harking back to that 1992 Clinton campaign, it's still the economy, stupid. Or, put another way, it's about folks' lived experience, their economic security, or lack thereof, and personal well-being.

Newsom is, for the moment, a favorite among the chattering political class and online activists because a) those are the folks who are already engaged in the 2028 race and b) many of them thrill to his Trumpian takedowns of the president on social media.

When the focus turns to matters affecting voters' ability to pay for housing, healthcare, groceries, utility bills and to just get by, Newsom's opponents will have a heyday trashing him and California's steep prices, homelessness and shrinking middle class.

South: It's not just the chattering class.

Newsom's now the leading candidate among rank-and-file Democrats. They had been pleading  begging  for years that some Democratic leader step out of the box, step up to the plate, and fight back, giving Trump a dose of his own medicine. Newsom has been meeting that demand with wit, skill and doggedness  not just on social media, but through passage of Proposition 50, the Democratic gerrymandering measure.

And Democrats recognize and appreciate it

Barabak: Hmmm. Perhaps I'm somewhat lacking in imagination, but I just can't picture a world where Democrats say, "Hey, the solution to our soul-crushing defeat in 2024 is to nominate another well-coiffed, left-leaning product of that bastion of homespun Americana, San Francisco."

South: Uh, Americans twice now have elected a president not just from New York City, but who lived in an ivory tower in Manhattan, in a penthouse with a 24-carat-gold front door (and, allegedly, gold-plated toilet seats). You think Manhattan is a soupcon more representative of middle America than San Francisco?

Like I said, state of origin is less important now after the Trump precedent.

Barabak: Trump was a larger-than-life  or at least larger-than-Manhattan  celebrity. Geography wasn't an impediment because he had  and has  a remarkable ability, far beyond my reckoning, to present himself as a tribune of the working class, the downtrodden and economically struggling Americans, even as he spreads gold leaf around himself like a kid with a can of Silly String.

Speaking of Kamala Harris, she hasn't ruled out a third try at the White House in 2028. Where would you place your money in a Newsom-Harris throwdown for the Democratic nomination? How about Harris in the general election, against whomever Republicans choose?

South: Harris running again in 2028 would be like Michael Dukakis making a second try for president in 1992. My G od, she not only lost every swing state, and the electoral college by nearly 100 votes, Harris also lost the popular vote  the first Democrat to do so in 20 years.

If she doesn't want to embarrass herself, she should listen to her home-state voters, who in the latest CBS News/YouGov poll said she shouldn't run again  by a margin of 69-31. (Even 52% of Democrats said no). She's yesterday's news.

Barabak: Seems as though you feel one walk down memory lane was quite enough. We'll see if Harris  and, more pertinently, Democratic primary voters  agree.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Mark Z. Barabak

Los Angeles Times/(TNS)

Mark Z. Barabak is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, focusing on politics in California and the West.
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This is true whether you have a traditional defined benefit plan or a defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k). And yet, the few people running pension funds, savers and much of the financial industry seem unable to accept this hard truth.

Defined benefit pensions are much less common in the private sector, having been largely replaced by defined contribution plans. But the delusion you can get something for nothing makes the traditional pensions much riskier than they appear. Making promises far into the future enables pension fund managers to fully embrace this fallacy as their investment strategy. Sure, defined contribution plans have their own risks, but those are transparent and there are no incentives to ignore risk. People worry defined contribution pensions made the world riskier, but many savers should be grateful they have control over their savings.

The latest example is the insurance industry, which has taken on the obligations of some large defined benefit pensions. The insurers are funding benefits by investing in private assets with dubious value, have taken on reinsurance to justify holding less capital even though those reinsurance companies are their own affiliates and located off-shore where they are under-regulated. Private credit now accounts for about 35% of the investment portfolios of North American insurance companies, Institutional Investor reports, citing International Monetary Fund research. A decade ago, it was around 31%.

On paper, it looked like a reasonable idea because the strategy promises high returns, which allows insurers to set aside less money to pay out on things like life insurance and annuities. It's tempting to believe you can get something for nothing, and no one falls for that more than those who should know better, meaning institutional investors such as pension fund managers and insurers. This is why public pensions are chronically underfunded and why many private sector plans went bankrupt before they were better regulated in the 1970s. (And many of those plans closed after being forced to properly account for risk.)

The latest iteration of the good-idea-ending-badly story is funds investing in private markets, whose promise of high returns comes at the expense of liquidity and transparency. It also means no one really knows what the investments are truly worth. So as pensions need their money to fund payouts, many are finding these investments weren't so great.

Of course, if insurers invest wisely and undertake good risk management, there is nothing wrong with this arrangement. But if an insurer's investments falter, pension beneficiaries could have few protections given that, depending on the state where they are located, insurers can be less well-regulated than private-sector pensions. It should be noted that the Bank for International Settlements said last month that insurers tend to rely on smaller ratings firms when determining the safety of their private investments, raising the risk of "inflated assessments of creditworthiness." Insurers often seek higher ratings because of their lower capital requirements, while smaller agencies "may face commercial incentives" to provide better grades, the BIS said.

In principle, traditional defined-benefit pensions seem better than, say, 401(k) plans because the risk is pooled among many beneficiaries and the assets are professionally managed. But history shows the power of managing large pools of assets combined with the temptation to believe you can consistently beat the broad market often leads to underfunded liabilities that need to be paid long into the future. Defined benefit pensions are not, and have never been, risk-free because it is very hard to get the incentives right even with the best intended regulations.

The advantage of defined contribution pensions is they are more transparent and, more recently due to good regulations, invested in low-cost funds. A proposal by the US government to let them invest in private and even more exotic assets is a mistake, But as long as private assets are not included as a default investment (what you automatically get invested in when you sign up for a 401(k) with your employer), they probably won't cause the same problems that we have seen with traditional pensions.

Defined contribution plans do have one big weakness: They are effective at helping people accumulate assets, but less good at helping people manage the risk around spending in retirement. Neither the retirement industry nor regulators have figured out a solution.

But whatever they come up with, here's hoping it includes options that are well-regulated, transparent and don't promise something for nothing.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Allison Schrager, a Bloomberg columnist, is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal.
The nurse adjusted my fathers blanket for the third time that hour, her voice soft as velvet. We just hate to see him suffer like this, she whispered. My mom and I watched her check his IV with the tenderness reserved for wounded pups.

Three floors down, four years earlier, this same hospital discharged me mid-vomit with a gastric outlet obstruction and a white blood cell count that screamed infection. Go home and be grateful its not a real obstruction, they said as I doubled over in the hallway.

When my father died, I finally understood what Id been witnessing my entire life. I saw firsthand that the medical system doesnt just treat men and women unequally; it operates on a fundamentally different set of assumptions about who deserves to be saved.

The invisible bias that decides who deserves to be saved

For months, my father had been vocal about his readiness to die. Hed spent years ignoring medications, skipping follow-ups, and refusing physical therapy. When diagnosed with diverticulitis in the hospital, he refused a colonoscopy until I begged him to consider it. When his autoimmune condition flared, he wouldnt ask questions or participate in his recovery.

He hurt everyone around him through his refusal to act, and made it clear he didnt want to fight for a future with us. It felt like the ultimate betrayal, especially to a disabled person like myself whod spent years fighting to get treatment, to stay out of the hospital, to get on with life.

Im done, hed say. I just want it to be over.

I realized that he didnt care. That no amount of talking, believing, or wishing would change it.

But when he finally collapsed and we rushed him to the hospital, the system saw only one thing: a poor, sad man in distress. They didnt see the years of refusal, the pain hed caused, or the wreckage hed left behind.

They saw someone to save.

Every measure imaginable was deployed. Staff checked on him constantly, changed his equipment with care, and spoke in gentle whispers. He was wrapped in warmth, empathy, and unwavering medical attention. Even when his condition was terminal, they kept trying, kept fighting. Only one doctor gently broached the subject of letting go, but the system itself never did. We, his family, knew what he would have wanted.

We asked for it to be over. We said it clearly. But no one was willing to hear us.

The cruel irony became apparent as I recounted my hospitalization from one year ago. When I was hospitalized for a bowel obstruction and a UTI (a real obstruction this time) I still slipped through the cracks, just like before.

The on-call surgeon ordered IV antibiotics, but they were never administered. I spent my entire stay without one of the essential medications I needed, and as a result, suffered through one of the most severe UTIs Ive had to endure. When the oversight was finally caught, the doctors casually dismissed it, saying the antibiotics probably werent necessary after all. My primary care was forced to send in antibiotics after Id been discharged.

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Here was my father, noncompliant, harmful, ready to die, receiving tender, fierce, complete care. And here was I, young, trying to survive, asking for help, walking out the door in pain, untreated.

This isnt anecdotal. The data is overwhelming. Women are significantly more likely to be misdiagnosed during heart attacks because their symptoms dont match male-centered textbook descriptions. They wait longer in emergency rooms, receive less pain medication, and are routinely dismissed as hysterical or overly emotional.

A 2022 review published in Biology of Sex Differences confirms that women experience widespread disparities in health care across multiple specialties, ranging from cardiology and neurology to pain management and autoimmune care. These disparities are compounded by implicit bias, underrepresentation in research, and diagnostic systems built around male physiology.

Women with chronic illnesses are often told to reduce stress or get more sleep rather than being given real diagnostics or appropriate treatment. This isnt some one-off issue; its a systemic, destructive passion by an industry to destroy half the population.

Women have historically been excluded from clinical trials, especially in pharmacology, meaning dosages, side effects, and drug efficacy are often tested on male bodies and then assumed to apply universally. The result? Medications that work differently, or dangerously, on women, and doctors who are never taught how to recognize those differences.

I could reference numerous articles about how women are receiving subpar care. Still, the end result is that despite knowing these are objective, measurable problems, it feels like nothing has changed. The disparity continues to the devastation of women everywhere.

In 2025, Adriana Smith, a pregnant nurse in Atlanta, entered the hospital in extreme pain. Her symptoms were dismissed. By the time doctors realized the severity of her condition, she was declared brain-dead. But instead of acknowledging their mistake, the system kept her on life support for months to carry out her pregnancy, citing Georgias restrictive heartbeat law.

On June 13, her baby was delivered by emergency C-section. Four days later, her ventilator was removed. Adriana was laid to rest on June 28, 2025.

I dont think I can say it any more clearly than this: If Adriana had been a man, her symptoms would have been addressed immediately. She would still be alive. The system didnt just fail Adriana. It killed her.

The system operates this way because men are seen as stoic victims. We infantilize their decisions and overcompensate in their treatment, even when theyve caused harm, even when they dont want help.

We instinctively feel compassion for an elderly man struggling to rise from a chair, but suspicion when a young woman cries in a hospital bed. We say poor guy, he didnt know better while thinking, Shes just being dramatic.

This is exactly what happened with my father and me.

I know most people who read this story will think Im selfish. Theyll ask, Isnt it good that your father received amazing treatment?

But reading this story and asking that question means theyve missed the point. He occupied an ICU bed he didnt even want; women with serious symptoms were being sent home. While he received every intervention despite years of non-compliance, women like me were told our pain wasnt real.

This isnt about hating my father. Its not about wanting men to receive less care. Its about demanding that women receive equal care.

Im not angry that my father was treated with dignity. Im angry that I never was. That women like me still arent. And Im angry that were dying because of it.

Everything must change. We need more women in clinical research. We need to address gender bias in how treatments work, how scans are read, and how cases are reviewed. We need to train health care workers to recognize their assumptions about who deserves belief, urgency, and care.

Men need to recognize how easily the system makes space for their weaknesses, and how little space is left for ours.

The medical system isnt failing men; its designed around them. Men present to hospitals in worse conditions because they expect massive interventions when they finally seek care. Women, meanwhile, are kicked out and dismissed, forced into that same desperate position.

Before we rush to help the next man in crisis, lets stop and ask: Would I extend the same urgency, grace, and belief to a woman in pain?

If not, thats a bias worth examining, urgently.

If youve ever dismissed a woman in pain, or watched it happen and stayed silent, dont look away now. Start advocating. Demand better care for all of us.

Because my story isnt just mine, its every womans story. And women are dying because of it, and even one loss is too many.

So, if you read this and think my story is about hating men, you havent been listening.

The author is an anonymous patient advocate.
You are the expert of your body. You know when something isnt right.

Yet many patients leave an exam room feeling worse than when they came in, not because of their illness, but because they were told, directly or indirectly, that nothing is wrong. Their symptoms are minimized, reframed, dismissed, or worse, attributed to anxiety, stress, age, or weight. They are left questioning their own experience and perception of reality.

This is what we know as medical gaslighting, and it has become a troubling problem for both patients and health care professionals. Its the number one safety concern of 2025 according to ECRI (Emergency Care Research Institute).

The scope of the problem

Medical gaslighting isnt rare. A 2023 BMJ Quality & Safety report estimated that diagnostic errors lead to nearly 800,000 Americans each year who die or suffer permanent disability. Women, people of color, older adults, and individuals in larger bodies are more likely to have their symptoms dismissed or attributed to psychological causes. Vague symptoms in addition to pain, like chronic fatigue, are often minimized by treating doctors. A 2015 Journal of Pain study found that 77 percent of both men and women felt their clinicians discounted or dismissed their pain, and women were twice as likely to report this.

These numbers reflect a growing reality: patients are feeling unheard, unseen, and sometimes even blamed in the very places they turn for help.

But to truly solve this problem, we still need to understand both sides of the stethoscope.

The patients view: I wasnt believed

Gaslighting from a patients perspective often begins subtly: a raised eyebrow, a quick interruption, or a shrug that signals, Its nothing. Are you sure its that severe?

Patients describe coming in with real symptoms (pain, weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath) only to leave with no explanation and the sense that their concerns were not taken seriously. For some, delayed diagnosis carries life-changing consequences: worsening disease, unnecessary suffering, or, in extreme cases, loss of life.

And yet, this is only half the story.

The doctors view: I want to help, but Im drowning

Most physicians do not intend to gaslight. The term implies manipulation, yet in medicine, the issue is usually far more complex.

Todays health care environment places clinicians under unprecedented pressure. The average primary care visit lasts 15 minutes or less, during which the physician must:

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Review a chart

Listen to the patient

Document extensively

Communicate risks and next steps

Navigate insurance and administrative requirements

A time-motion study shows physicians spend nearly a third of their office day on electronic records and desk work, almost double the time spent face-to-face with patients. Administrative burdens account for nearly nine hours of a physicians work week.

On top of this are productivity quotas, limited appointment slots, and rising patient expectations fueled by the internet and supercharged now by AI. Many physicians feel they are working on an assembly line that was designed for throughput rather than thoughtful care.

Add diagnostic uncertainty (conditions and symptoms that are not revealed on labs or imaging) and it becomes clear how communication breakdowns occur.

None of this excuses dismissal. But without understanding the system clinicians operate in, we cannot meaningfully address the problem.

Where communication goes wrong

Three common breakdowns contribute to the feeling of gaslighting:

Interruptions: Studies show physicians interrupt patients within 11-18 seconds. Patients feel unheard; physicians feel theyre being efficient.

Studies show physicians interrupt patients within 11-18 seconds. Patients feel unheard; physicians feel theyre being efficient. Reassurance given too early: When doctors say Everything looks fine, patients may hear, Theres nothing wrong; its all in your head. Most clinicians mean, The tests dont show immediate danger, but without explanation, the reassurance might be experienced as dismissal.

When doctors say Everything looks fine, patients may hear, Theres nothing wrong; its all in your head. Most clinicians mean, The tests dont show immediate danger, but without explanation, the reassurance might be experienced as dismissal. Implicit bias: Unconscious assumptions (about pain tolerance, emotional stability, weight, gender, race, or mental health) shape how symptoms are interpreted. These biases are real, measurable, and correctable, but only if we acknowledge them.

When gaslighting happens: what patients can do

Patients often ask me, What do I do now? The key is to remain organized, clear, and collaborative while firmly advocating for yourself. In all cases, be respectful.

Prepare before the visit: Bring a concise, written list of your symptoms, when they began, what makes them better or worse, and what worries you most. Start the appointment by handing this list to your clinician.

Bring a concise, written list of your symptoms, when they began, what makes them better or worse, and what worries you most. Start the appointment by handing this list to your clinician. Use calm, assertive language (I sentences): A few phrases can shift the tone immediately: I understand anxiety could play a role, but Id also like to explore other possible causes. Before we move on, Id like to finish explaining what Im experiencing. Could we review what has been ruled out and what remains to evaluate?

A few phrases can shift the tone immediately: Redirect if youre interrupted: If youre cut off, say, Ill get to that point, but Id like to finish this thought first.

If youre cut off, say, Ill get to that point, but Id like to finish this thought first. Ask clarifying questions: These prompt partnership: What serious conditions have we ruled in or out? What test or exam would help clarify this diagnosis? If my tests are normal but I still have symptoms, whats the next step?

These prompt partnership: Bring an advocate: A family member or friend can help keep the conversation balanced. While not an advocate per se, use your cellphone to record the encounter so you and a family member or friend can review together at a later time.

A family member or friend can help keep the conversation balanced. While not an advocate per se, use your cellphone to record the encounter so you and a family member or friend can review together at a later time. Seek a second opinion if needed: This is your right. A clinician who is secure in their work will not be threatened by it.

A simple letter patients can use

Sometimes putting concerns in writing can redirect the entire dynamic. Here is a concise, patient-friendly template suitable for a portal message or printed note:

Subject: Clarifying my symptoms and next steps Dear Dr. [Last Name],

Thank you for your care so far. Im writing to clarify my concerns and ensure were aligned.

I understand that [working diagnosis] has been considered, but based on [brief symptom description], I would like to explore additional possible causes as well.

At our next visit, could we review:

1. What findings support the current working diagnosis

2. What other explanations we should consider

3. What steps (tests, referrals, follow-up) might help clarify the picture

I value your expertise and want to work together as partners in my care. I will bring notes about my symptoms so we can review them together. Thank you for your time. Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Moving forward: a true partnership, not a power struggle

Medical gaslighting is not simply a matter of individual behavior; it is a systemic and cultural issue that impacts both sides of the exam table. Patients need to feel heard. Physicians need the space and support to listen. Empathy should not be luxury.

When we begin with empathy and understanding, when clinicians slow down just enough to listen, and patients come prepared to participate, the partnership grows stronger.

Ultimately, both patients and physicians want the same thing: to be seen, heard, and taken seriously, and for you to have the best clinical outcome.

Thats the way medicine was always intended to be: a true partnership.

Alan P. Feren is an otolaryngologist.
More than one in five young adults are turning to cannabis or alcohol to help them fall asleep.

More than one in five young adults are turning to cannabis or alcohol to help them fall asleep

New data from the University of Michigans long-running Monitoring the Future Panel Study found that 22 per cent of Americans aged 19 to 30 reported using cannabis, alcohol, or both as a sleep aid.

Cannabis was by far the most common choice, as 18 per cent said they used it to get to sleep, compared with seven per cent who relied on alcohol.

Among those who had used cannabis in the past year, 41 per cent said helping themselves fall asleep was one reason for their use.

Researchers warned that while substances may feel helpful in the short term, they can undermine sleep in the long run.

Megan Patrick, research professor at the Institute for Social Research and the studys principal investigator, said: Using these substances to get to sleep can backfire because they can interfere with the ability to stay asleep and with the quality of sleep.

They appear to actually disrupt sleep in the long term. The fact that so many young adults reported that they use cannabis to sleep is alarming.

The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analysed responses from 1,473 young adults across the U.S. and found striking differences between groups.

Women were almost twice as likely as men to use cannabis for sleep, while participants identifying as another gender were more than four times as likely.

Black young adults were three times more likely than white participants to say they used alcohol as a sleep aid.

Patrick said repeated reliance on substances can make sleep problems worse rather than better.

She said: Long-term, regular use of these substances to get to sleep may lead to worse sleep problems and increased risk for substance use disorder.

For example, frequently using a substance to get to sleep may lead to tolerance, or needing more of it to get the same effect.

She added that the belief substances improve sleep is deeply misleading.

Patrick said: Unfortunately, there is a misconception that substance use can be helpful for sleep problems, but it can make things worse.

High-quality sleep is critical for mental health and regulating mood.

The findings are among the first to examine, at a national level, why young adults use substances to manage sleep as they transition into adulthood.

Researchers said the overlap between sleep problems and substance use means clinicians need to pay closer attention.

Patrick said: Health care providers should understand how common both sleep problems and substance use are during young adulthood.

And that many young adults are using cannabis specifically to get to sleep. People who are trying to manage sleep problems should talk to their doctors or other providers.

Experts warned using substances as a sleep shortcut may offer short-term relief, but the long-term costs could be far higher.
A bill giving Scotland its own parliament for the first time in three centuries has been unveiled in Glasgow today.

Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar revealed his blueprint for the future of Scottish politics and called on the House of Lords not to delay or disrupt its passage into law.

In well under 300 days we have set in train the biggest change in 300 years of Scottish history, he said.

The bill outlines the parliament described in the white paper, Scotlands Parliament, published in July.

It outlines a 129-member Scots parliament to be set up by the year 2000 with powers to legislate on all mainstream issues of national importance, including health and education.

Following elections in 1999 the majority party will form an Executive to act as government of the country.

The parliament, to be based in Edinburgh, will have the power to vary income tax by 3p in the pound.

Mr Dewar added: This bill will give Scotland the power to boost its self-confidence, economically, culturally and political.

He said the Bill had clear backing from Scots, who overwhelmingly voted in favour of devolution in a referendum in September.

The Conservative party, which campaigned for a no vote at the referendum, now accepts a majority of Scots want devolution.

But Tory constitutional affairs spokesman, Michael Ancram, said: That does not mean that we have to accept the Bill as it stands.

There are areas of major concern such as the effect on the constitution of the UK as a whole.

Inter-party talks are already under way on how the bill will be handled.

All UK citizens aged 20 or over will be eligible to stand for election to the Scottish Parliament but only those living in Scotland, or with a main residence in the country, can vote at the 1999 election.

The bill will get its second reading during the first two days of Parliaments return in the New Year.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

The Scotland Act 1998 was introduced in 1997 and elections to the Scottish Assemblies were held in May 1999.

Donald Dewar became Scotlands First Minister and later the same month the Scottish parliament met for the first time.

Devolution Day on 1 July 1999 saw the Scottish parliament assume its full powers in the presence of the Queen  to cheers and applause.

But the parliament was plunged into mourning when Mr Dewar, a much loved politician described as the father of the Scottish nation, died in October 2000 aged 63.

He had suffered bleeding on the brain following a fall.

His death was marked by warm tributes from around the world and Scotland.

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China is exploiting partnerships with U.S. researchers funded by the Department of Energy to provide the Chinese military with access to sensitive nuclear technology and other innovations with economic and national security applications, according to a congressional report published yesterday.

The authors of the report say the U.S. must do more to protect high-tech research and ensure that the results of taxpayer-funded work dont end up benefiting Beijing. They recommended several changes to better protect scientific research in the U.S., including new policies for the Department of Energy to use when deciding whether to fund work that involves Chinese partnerships.

The investigation is part of a congressional push to raise a firewall blocking U.S. research from boosting Chinas military buildup when the two countries are locked in a tech and arms rivalry that will shape the future global order.

Investigators from the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce identified more than 4,300 academic papers published between June 2023 and June of this year that involved collaborations between DOE-funded scientists and Chinese researchers. About half of the papers involved Chinese researchers affiliated with Chinas military or industrial base.

Investigators found that federal funds went to research collaborations with Chinese state-owned laboratories and universities that work directly for Chinas military, including some listed in a Pentagon database of Chinese military companies with operations in the U.S. The report also detailed collaborations between U.S. researchers and groups blamed for cyberattacks as well as human rights abuses in China.

The Energy Department routinely funds advanced research into nuclear energy and the development and disposal of nuclear weaponry, along with a long list of other high-tech fields like quantum computing, materials science and physics. It doles out hundreds of millions of dollars each year for research. The department oversees 17 national laboratories that have led the development in many technologies.

The report followed a number of congressional investigations into federally funded research involving Chinese scientists and researchers. Last year, a report released by Republicans found that partnerships between U.S. and Chinese universities over the past decade had allowed hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to help Beijing develop critical technology that could help strengthen its military. Another investigation this year revealed that the Pentagon in a recent two-year period funded hundreds of projects in collaboration with Chinese entities linked to Chinas defense industry.

The Energy Department has failed for decades to take steps to ensure the research it funds doesnt benefit China, the reports authors found. They made several recommendations to tighten the rules, including a new standardized approach to assessing the national security risks of research, as well as requirements that the department share information about research ties with China with other U.S. government agencies to make it easier to spot problems.

These longstanding policy failures and inaction have left taxpayer-funded research vulnerable to exploitation by Chinas defense research and industrial base and state-directed technology transfer activities, the authors concluded.

The Department of Energy did not immediately respond to questions about the report and its recommendations. A message seeking comment was left with the Chinese Embassy in Washington.

Rep. John Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican who chairs the select committee, said in a statement that the investigation reveals a deeply alarming problem: The Department of Energy failed to ensure the security of its research and it put American taxpayers on the hook for funding the military rise of our nations foremost adversary.

Moolenaar this year introduced legislation aimed at preventing research funding in science and technology and defense from going to collaborations or partnerships with foreign adversary-controlled entities that pose a national security risk.

The legislation cleared the House but failed to advance to become part of the annual sweeping defense policy bill. It was met with strong opposition from scientists and researchers, who argued that the measures were too broad and could chill collaboration and undermine Americas competitive edge in science and technology.

In an October letter, a group of more than 750 faculty members and senior staffers from American universities told congressional leaders overseeing the armed services that the U.S. is in a global competition for talent. They called for very careful and targeted measures for risk management to address security concerns. DAVID KLEPPER & DIDI TANG, WASHINGTON, MDT/AP

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Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said yesterday that the closure of satellite casinos is part of the governments efforts to ensure the gaming industry develops in a healthy and orderly manner in accordance with the law.

Upon returning yesterday from reporting to President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Macaus current situation, its development, and the work undertaken by his government, the Chief Executive briefed the media at the local airport yesterday afternoon.

Among the six aspects he presented to Beijing, he stressed the need to ensure the healthy and orderly development of the gaming industry in accordance with the law.

Reading from a prepared statement, he said, Specifically, all satellite casinos will be closed by December 31 in accordance with legal provisions. Currently, among the 13 satellite casinos, only the Landmark Casino remains operational, with plans to close it by year-end. He further underscored the governments objective to maintain a structurally sound and appropriately scaled framework for the gaming industry.

Also related to the gaming industry, Sam noted his governments efforts to urge the citys six gaming concessionaires to further expand their overseas customer base and to implement non-gaming investment projects.

According to Sam, during his report to Xi, he also stressed the importance of prioritizing national security above all else. He specifically pointed out the recent arrest of a former member of the Legislative Assembly suspected of engaging in activities that threaten national security.

Sams year-long performance

With his governments work approaching its first anniversary and his inauguration scheduled for just two days away, media outlets turned their attention to how Sam would evaluate his nearly year-long performance.

He remarked, The most authoritative voice belongs to our 680,000 Macau residents  they are the supporters and contributors to the special administrative regions (SAR) development.

Reflecting on his first Policy Address released on April 14, he noted that Xi had fully affirmed the political, economic, and social security of the SAR, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the central government and various sectors of society.

During yesterdays interview, Sam emphasized several livelihood development and economic measures, including the consumption incentive campaign for the northern district.

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the central government and all relevant departments for their unwavering support, particularly President of the Peoples Republic of China Xi Jinping and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HMO).

He stated, I am deeply thankful to the people of Macau, especially the patriotic organizations, for joining hands with the Macau SAR government to advance the implementation of major policies. He added that together, they have overcome challenges posed by natural disasters, ensuring social stability and harmony.

We are well aware that individual capabilities are limited, but the power of unity is boundless, he remarked, emphasizing that his government would adhere to Xis instructions and spare no effort in pursuing economic diversification and enhancing governance through concrete actions.

In light of Xis series of important instructions for Macaus development, Sam announced that a meeting will be convened promptly for principal and bureau-level officials.

According to Sam, guided by the Presidents speeches and instructions, the meeting will review the accomplishments and lessons learned over the past year, address shortcomings, and strengthen weak areas. It will also clarify objectives and set directions, as well as deploy key tasks for the next phase, including proactive alignment with the national 15th Five-Year Plan.

Meanwhile, prior to the Chief Executives media briefing, several top officials in Macau issued statements in response to Xis full affirmation of Sams work and his governments efforts, as well as his important instructions on the future direction of their initiatives.

Their statements collectively emphasized a commitment to actively align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan in order to better integrate and serve the broader national development landscape.

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The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has warned that it may fully or partially revoke work permits for companies that unfairly dismiss local employees or compromise their rights while hiring non-local workers, according to a written response to a legislators inquiry.

This commitment follows a written inquiry by lawmaker Leong Hong Sai regarding how the authorities will comprehensively monitor and prevent companies from unfairly dismissing local employees or undermining their employment rights due to the hiring of non-local workers.

According to the DSAL statement, the bureau addressed Leongs concerns regarding local residents employment rights, wage levels, and job stability, affirming its zero-tolerance policy for such violations.

In his inquiry, Leong said that the employment of non-local workers by enterprises not only impacts the healthy functioning of the labor market but also raises issues of social justice and the transparency of policy implementation.

In response, the bureau reiterated its commitment to the principle that non-local workers are to supplement local labor shortages only. It emphasized that, when processing non-local worker applications, it will first refer suitable candidates to enterprises while giving priority to qualified local residents.

Additionally, the bureau will monitor job matching outcomes, stating that if suitable positions for local employees are available, it will adjust the non-local worker quota for the relevant enterprise.

The bureau again proposed the dynamic adjustment of the number of non-local employees; however, the statement did not specify the exact methods for implementing this adjustment.

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The increase in cases related to Illegal Gambling reported late last week by the Secretary for Security, Chan Tsz King, is not directly associated with illegal betting or any gaming activity inside or outside the casinos, the Judiciary Police (PJ) clarified in response to an inquiry from the Times.

In the report on crime in Macau between January and September this year, the number of cases under the Illegal Gaming category increased by 985%, rising from 40 in the same period in 2024 to 434 this year.

The PJ clarified in a written response to the Times that the rise is related to cases of illicit currency exchange, meaning instances where individuals were found offering currency exchange to casino patrons, both inside and outside casino venues.

The PJ further explained that these cases are counted under this category because the Law on Illegal Gambling Activities, which came into effect in October 2024, added the crime of illegal currency exchange for gambling.

According to the same response, The police have initiated 361 related cases in the first three quarters of 2025, which is the primary reason for the significant rise in the figure.

The force further explained that the Illegal Gambling category refers to crimes regulated under Law No. 20/2024, the Law on Illegal Gambling Activities.

However, for statistical purposes, the crime of illegal money lending for gambling purposes under Article 10 of the same law is not included, as it falls under Article 219, Usury, of the Penal Code.

They also remarked that, according to Article 7 of the Law on Illegal Gambling Activities, The operation of online games of chance or mutual betting is expressly and autonomously stipulated as a criminal offense for the act of operating, promoting, or organizing, without authorization, online games of chance or online betting in Macau.

The Secretary for Security also noted that, in relation to illegal currency exchange, there were 136 fraud cases attributable to this practice, a figure that has fallen significantly compared with 2024, when 363 cases of scams related to illicit currency exchange were detected during the same period.

In the past, this practice was considered one of the main challenges for police forces, as there was no clear legal framework to address it effectively, and it was reportedly a leading cause of homicides in Macau in previous years due to disputes arising from these transactions.

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British Foreign Secretary Yvette Coopers remarks on the conviction of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, echoed by some Western politicians and media outlets, once again reveal a familiar pattern  selective outrage, willful ignorance of facts and an attempt to politicize a judicial case handled strictly in accordance with the law. Such reactions are irresponsible and disrespectful to Hong Kongs judicial independence and the rule-of-law principles these critics claim to defend.

Lais verdict was the outcome of a meticulous judicial process that lasted 156 days, examined extensive evidence and culminated in an 855-page judgment. The ruling was issued by a panel of three designated judges who analyzed Lais communications, meetings with foreign officials and content published by Apple Daily and related entities. Every major defense argument was examined and rejected with detailed reasoning. Condemnations issued on the very day the verdict was announced suggest these critics had no intention of engaging with the judgment itself.

The substance of the case has also been deliberately distorted. The ruling is not an attack on journalism or press freedom, but a judgment on proven criminal conduct. The court made clear that Lai was convicted not for expressing opinions, but for conspiring to collude with external forces, calling for foreign sanctions and publishing seditious materials with the intent of undermining national governance. Judges identified him as the mastermind behind these activities, noting that his actions went well beyond legitimate journalistic practice.

Attempts by foreign politicians to cast Lai as a defender of press freedom ring hollow. Hong Kong continues to host a diverse and active media environment, with international outlets operating freely. The Law of the Peoples Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region does not target lawful reporting or commentary; it establishes legal boundaries against acts that endanger national security. Comparable limits exist in many jurisdictions, including those now criticizing Hong Kong. To suggest otherwise is disingenuous or hypocritical.

Claims that the trial lacked due process or humane treatment are equally misleading. Proceedings were open and transparent, with foreign diplomats attending as observers. Lai was represented by legal counsel, exercised his right to defense and denied all charges. The court repeatedly confirmed that he received appropriate medical care during detention and that procedural safeguards were respected. Characterizations of the trial as unfair ignore these documented facts.

Critics have also questioned the absence of a jury, overlooking that this arrangement is explicitly provided for under the law. The designated-judge mechanism ensures professionalism and consistency in complex national-security cases  a practice not unique internationally.

What is particularly troubling about remarks from the UK foreign secretary and others is their overt interference in Hong Kongs judicial affairs. The case falls within the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong SAR, which bears a constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security under the one country, two systems framework. External forces should stop interfering in Hong Kongs judicial processes and Chinas internal affairs.

Lai is not a democracy fighter, but an individual who incited turmoil, glorified street violence and openly lobbied foreign governments to sanction his own country. His publications thrived on sensationalism, misinformation and social division.

Hong Kongs handling of the Lai case demonstrates its zero-tolerance stance toward acts that endanger national security while reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law. Attempts to exploit the case for political theater should give way to respect for facts, law and Hong Kongs judicial autonomy. [Abridged]

Editorial, China Daily

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Macau restaurants will soon be able to apply for subsidies to install smart kitchen equipment under the 2026 Macau Catering Industry Smart Upgrade Plan, which opens for applications next month.

The scheme will cover items such as automated woks, drink dispensers, and other devices designed to help local small- and medium-sized eateries, new restaurants, and their central kitchens upgrade equipment, streamline management, and raise operational efficiency.

Attendees of yesterdays press conference included Lei U Weng, chairman of the United Association of Food and Beverage Merchants of Macau; Iong Nin Fai, director of DSEDTs Technology Department; and Kuan Chan Victoria Alexa, deputy director-general of the Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre (CPTTM).

As part of Macaus 1+4 economic diversification strategy, Iong said the initiative is designed to better match policy support with business realities. The goal is to ensure these support measures are more aligned with the actual needs and circumstances of enterprises, truly helping SMEs solve their operational pain points, he stated.

In her address, Kuan noted that in recent years, CPTTM has already helped nearly 600 businesses with digital upgrades. She said the new plan also aims to promote more standardized management and services across the catering sector, such as automating routine tasks and streamlining workflows.

Subsidies and Eligibility

The new phase increases the number of supported restaurants from 50 to 70. Subsidies will cover 80% of equipment costs, capped at MOP50,000 per business.

Unlike the 2021 pilot, it will no longer subsidize central kitchens and will target dine-in venues only, said the Food and Beverage Merchants of Macau chairman.

Lei said, This phase of our Smart Upgrade Plan will increase the number of slots and will no longer subsidize central kitchens. Instead, the number of subsidized restaurants will be increased to 70. The subsidy will cover 80% of the cost of purchasing smart equipment, up to a maximum of MOP50,000.

Lei added, We hope the catering industry will continue to actively participate and jointly promote the upgrading of food processing equipment. Improving the efficiency and quality of food processing will undoubtedly enhance the overall competitiveness of the catering industry.

Results from 2021 Pilot

The upgrade builds on an earlier 2021 pilot scheme, which drew 66 applications and led 54 restaurants to install devices, such as automated woks. Officials said participating venues reported service speeds up to 30% faster, more consistent food quality, and reduced staff workload.

Highlighting the operational benefits already observed, Lei told attendees, One automated wok can cook six portions simultaneously. When another customer orders noodles three minutes later, both get fresh meals at an optimal temperature.

Lei also suggested that artificial intelligence could play a growing role in local kitchens.

AI can design new dishes and name them; this keeps pace with the times, he said, encouraging more restaurants and businesses to explore opportunities brought about by new technologies.

Application Process

Applications will run from Jan. 5 to Jan. 23, 2026.

Restaurants must first submit equipment proposals. After approval, businesses will receive permits for installation, followed by delivery and setup by local suppliers. The entire process is expected to take about 45 days.

Once equipment is installed, restaurant staff must complete mandatory training. Authorities will then conduct on-site inspections before releasing subsidy funds to each participating restaurant, according to the CPTTM.

Officials also warned that violations, like reselling devices or closure without notification, require the refunding of all subsidies.

Approved applicants will be selected by lottery, with results to be published on the CPTTM website in February 2026.

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Amanda Seyfried thinks Sydney Sweeney is a "sweetheart".

Amanda Seyfriend has praised Sydney Sweeney

The 40-year-old actress stars alongside Sydney, 28, in The Housemaid, the new psychological thriller film, which is based on the 2022 novel of the same name by Freida McFadden, and Amanda has praised her co-star for how she's coped with the pressures of fame and success.

The Hollywood star told Vanity Fair: "I dont envy anything shes going through.

"Ive spent a lot of time with her; we just hit it off immediately. Shes a sweetheart. Shes a very generous, kind person at her core. I have to be honest: I did not have a moment like shes having ever.

"[My Mean Girls costar] Lindsay Lohan, were buddies, and its really, really, really harmful to people to have that kind of overnight spotlight. Because any press, good or bad, is still a blinding spotlight, and you have to maneuver and negotiate your way around it and outside of it. Its acrobatics that I dont think most people are capable of figuring it out at that age."

Amanda thinks a sudden rise to stardom can actually be "dangerous". However, the actress has praised Sydney for how she's coped with the extra attention.

She said: "Its just dangerous, because when you have people s******* on youor idolising you and following you aroundit cant be good for your psyche. It cant make you feel safe in the world.

"But I actually admire the way Syd shows up for work. She always has a smile on her face, even if shes miserable. I hope it doesnt change. I hope she doesnt harden. I just want to keep watching her work. I have really great women in my life, great actors that Ive gotten to work with and who have championed me."

Meanwhile, Sydney recently confessed that she loved working with Amanda.

The blonde beauty told Extra: "It's so much fun.

"It's been such a delight being able to just even promote it with Amanda. We have such a great time together, and being able to share this love for this film with all of the book lovers and people who are excited to see this has been just incredibly unique, and I'm really excited for people to see it."
A research team from the University of Macau (UM), led by Professor He Chengwei from the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences and the State Key Laboratory of Mechanism and Quality of Chinese Medicine (SKL-MQCM), has launched the Macao Yat-Tiu-Gan herbal patch, now available in pharmacies across Macau.

Developed in collaboration with Macaufacture Medical Supplies Limited, the patch contains extracts of Glycine tabacina, a folk medicinal herb native to Fujian and Taiwan. Its development was guided by the teams research into the herbs active components, pharmacological effects, and mechanisms.

The patch targets joint and muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and legs caused by prolonged sitting or physical activity. It provides a safe, effective, and convenient topical Chinese medicine solution.

As cited in a statement, Professor He described the project as a strong example of industry-academia collaboration, combining UMs research capabilities with the companys manufacturing expertise. He added that the team plans to develop more health products based on unique medicinal herbs to expand the global reach of Macau-made Chinese medicine brands.

The project received funding from the Industrial Transformation Special Project of SKL-MQCM and the Industry-University-Research Partnership Scheme of the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund. Ricaela Diputado

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For the first time in Chile, a self-declared Pinochet supporter has been elected to La Moneda. This signifies the restoration of the conservative bourgeois order six years after the October 2019 uprising. And he will come to power with an overwhelming majority.

Part of the explanation for this result lies in Chiles electoral mechanics and the recent introduction of compulsory voting. This added millions of new votes from those who are usually apathetic, and tend to vote against the government in power or for the most anti-establishment option. But for the rest, this result can be explained politically by the role of the outgoing government and the recent dynamics of the class struggle.

The total number of votes cast in this election rose from 7 million in 2021 to 13.5 million in the first round. In 2021, Gabriel Boric took 4.6 million (55 percent) against 3.6 million (44 percent) for the right-winger Kast. This year, Jara (Communist Party of Chile) took 5.2 million votes in the second round. In other words, the electoral base of the left remained firm. There was even a slight increase. However, this time Kast took 7.2 million votes.

Clearly the flow of new voters with compulsory voting overwhelmingly benefited Kast.

Let us move on to the underlying political causes. In the early 2000s, a series of protests and mass mobilisations began in Chile, culminating in the popular rebellion of October 2019. This movement put the regime on the ropes, only to be channeled into a constitutional process that was ultimately rejected.

From the agreement for social peace and the new constitution on 15 November 2019 to the present, through the election of Gabriel Boric in 2021 and the rejection of the first constitutional draft in 2022, the masses have been systematically demobilised. Meanwhile, the weakened bourgeois institutions and the repressive apparatus of the state were restored in agreement with all the parties of the regime in Congress.

Due to the enormous discredit accumulated by the traditional parties, both on the right and in the former left-wing coalition, Concertacion, this process had to be led by someone like Boric. He appeared to be someone new and young and, to a certain extent, unconnected to the discredited two-party system.

The incoming Kast government arrives amidst two contradictory processes. On the one hand, we have seen the decomposition of the regime, and a crisis of bourgeois democracy and of the traditional parties. On the other hand, we have seen measures taken to rebuild the regime under Boric. Kast will now attempt to make use of the repressive state apparatus, restored and revitalised under Boric, in order to assert the ruling class interests in an authoritarian manner.

Borics government of the Frente Amplio (FA) and the Communist Party (PC), later underpinned by the old Concertacion, sought to reform the bourgeois state. Under its political leadership, these parties initially sought to lay the foundations for a new historical period that they imagined would bear the ideological stamp of their liberal, postmodern, petty-bourgeois outlook. Instead, they fully adopted the historical programme of the right wing, of public order and militarisation of the Araucania region. This has added fuel to the fire of the far right and has legitimised its reactionary discourse.

In terms of foreign policy, Boric aligned himself with the United States in relation to the war in Ukraine and has attacked Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba. On the economic front, Boric ingratiated himself with business leaders.

Beyond a few minor reforms, his government's policy was one of managing the crisis of the capitalist system / Image: Fotografoencampana, Wikimedia Commons

Beyond a few minor reforms, his government's policy was one of managing the crisis of the capitalist system. It was therefore unable to resolve any of the fundamental and pressing problems of the masses that were at the root of the 2019 rebellion: health, education, employment, housing, and pensions.

In this regard, the communist candidate in the recent presidential election, a former labour minister, led a pension reform that deepened the hated private pension system, placing herself at odds with the needs of workers, and distancing herself from the so-called octubrismo [a term associated with the 2019 rebellion].

During the presidential campaign, we saw that, deep down, Jara was in complete agreement with Kast on the policy of public order and border control. The tone and form of her approach were different, but the content was the same. And, as we have seen in Congress, all parties seem to agree on this.

We must therefore understand that the repression and political persecution that will be carried out under the emergency government announced by Kast will be the result of the work already advanced by the previous government, in terms of repression of the student movement, eviction of occupations, militarisation of the Araucania region, and impunity for the Carabineros (gendarmerie). The newly established Ministry of Public Security, which was formed last year, will continue to expand and will probably take on a more prominent role during Kast's government.

It is important, therefore, to look at the entire arc of recent history of the class struggle in order to clearly discern the limits and significance of the period we are living in. The rise of the far right did not come out of nowhere, but is the product of the political bankruptcy of reformism and liberal ideology that shaped the PC-FA coalition.

What does Kast's victory represent?

Almost inevitably, a government that presents itself as left-wing and carries out policies that serve the ruling class paves the way for the right to come to power. The victory of Kast, who shamelessly claims to be the heir to Pinochet-ism, has understandably set off alarm bells among many militants and activists on the left and in the labour movement. But it is important to ask ourselves, are we on the eve of the restoration of dictatorship? Is Pinochet coming back?

Pinochet's dictatorship established itself in power on the basis of a widespread and brutal campaign of extermination and systematic terror against the most advanced sections of the working class and youth that almost led to the total physical destruction of their organisations. It must be said that this is not what is on the Kast governments agenda.

Some have spoken about fascism in Chile. But there is a clear difference with the fascism of Hitler and Mussolini. In Chile today, the far right has not won by using clubs, pistols, or rifles. They have not dealt a crushing and historic defeat to the workers by exterminating their leaders, closing down and banning their organisations, or taking to the streets with fascist gangs made up of crazed young people from the middle class.

Kast's government arose from the demoralisation produced by the programme of class conciliation  which did not provide real solutions to the needs of the masses  and the demobilisation that the constitutional process entailed. Although there are emboldened radical right-wing groups, Kast's government will rely more on the finely-tuned repressive apparatus of the state that is already in place.

Kast threatens the working and living conditions of the working class, which sooner or later will be felt / Image: Jose Antonio Kast Rist, Twitter

Yesterday's abstainers, who today have given Kast the victory, could only have been won over by the left with a programme of radical transformation of society, to abolish capitalism and bring the interests of the exploited to a workers' government. Having managed the crisis of Chilean capitalism for years now, the left was fully associated with the system, and was unable to inspire those who were already rejecting everything.

Of course, it is clear that Kast will not deliver substantive solutions either. In reality, he threatens the working and living conditions of the working class, which sooner or later will be felt, and his promises will go up in smoke in front of the masses.

Some offer more sophisticated explanations for the rise of the far right, based on the role of the media and disinformation. These factors do exist and are important in the so-called digital age. But this idea leads to the conclusion that the defeat was simply because workers are stupid and ignorant, have no memory, do not understand what they read, and have failed to recognise the message of salvation. It is clear that Chile, despite all the talk of being a modern country, still has millions of people who are marginalised and left behind, many of whom may fall prey to demagogic lies propagated on social media.

It is true that the right has skilfully used digital communities, and that at the same time other traditional forms of political association among workers  such as trade unions and reformist parties  have declined in their influence. Yet the latter is mainly the result of the political bankruptcy of left-wing organisations and not of specific forms of communication. The main issue is the political failure of the reformist leaders, rather than a technical issue.

Confronting reaction with a revolutionary programme

The important lesson we want to highlight is the capacity of a bold revolutionary policy to mobilise thousands and even millions of people to become a key factor in the class struggle, not on social media, but effectively in reality and on the streets.

The key to revolutionary politics is class struggle and a radical programme to abolish capitalism and establish a workers' government.

For this, the fundamental tool is the revolutionary party of the working class, whose leadership must be in the hands of advanced workers and the best class fighters. Kast represents Pinochet-ism and the corporate interests of Chile's ruling class. Nevertheless, he has come to the presidency through his demagogic agitation around real problems affecting the most marginalised sectors of the working class.

His government will be markedly authoritarian and conservative. But let us not forget that both Pinochet's legacy and the power of Chile's ruling class were existentially threatened by the last wave of mass mobilisations and the politicisation of the youth.

For the moment, the ruling class has exorcised its demons. But it is also important to note that it rests on an unstable foundation and faces a working class that has not really been defeated and whose organisations have not been destroyed.

In Argentina, Milei's government has faced massive mobilisations of the working class, pensioners and youth. It has managed to stay in power due to a combination of economic and political factors, but the central factor has been the disastrous role played by the trade union leadership and Kirchnerism, which has at all times tried to contain the struggle of the masses and prevent its spread and generalisation.

Furthermore, Kast and his team are closely linked to notoriously corrupt business sectors, and their reactionary, far-right rhetoric will result in constant provocations against the working class. It is very likely that in Araucania, the repression of Mapuche activism by the armed forces, the police, and/or right-wing armed groups will have scandalous and even fatal results that will provoke protests, in circumstances where the official channels for the Mapuche people will be blocked during the next government.

The same applies to student, trade union, women's, and LGBT struggles, which will not have it easy and will be harshly attacked and repressed. The resurgence of the banners of the most reactionary right wing portends a climate of growing radicalisation and politicisation among the working class and youth.

The resurgence of the banners of the most reactionary right wing portends a climate of growing radicalisation and politicisation / Image: Natalia Reyes Escobar, Wikimedia Commons

Left-wing and workers organisations are in a state of weakness and dispersion. The Communist Party has been greatly discredited after the last government and Jara's election campaign, where she renounced her principles. The same can be said of the CUT (Workers' United Center of Chile) and other trade union organisations that played a progressive role in the past. It is likely that the scenario will begin to change under the effect of current events, with advanced layers joining other left-wing organisations that are at hand.

That is why all doors must be opened to the new layers that want to fight and learn, that are not demoralised. They must not be allowed to become contaminated with the disease of sectarianism, but instead, we must promote the mobilisation of the working class under the greatest possible unity, so that new elements of the vanguard can join the historic struggle for the emancipation of our class, and learn from its revolutionary traditions.

In these mobilisations, we must raise a radical programme of breaking with the capitalist regime, not silly discourses in defence of bourgeois democracy and its rotten institutions. Nor can we repeat the same mistake of placing our hopes in yet another constituent assembly, but this time a true or sovereign one.

The problem in Chile is not that we need more democracy or a better and cleaner democracy. What is needed is to expropriate the ruling class and put the country's resources at the service of the needs of the vast working majority. We must defend democratic rights, yes, but it is not a question of improving bourgeois democracy, but of fighting for genuine democracy, in which we, the exploited, have the means of production in our hands.

The reformist leaderships of the Communist Party or the Frente Amplio (Borics party) will probably focus their resistance in the parliamentary trenches and simply use the struggle in the streets in accordance with their parliamentarian and careerist politics. There are questions on which they can easily attack the Kast government, for example, human rights issues, as well as other so-called values issues, such as the right to abortion and other rights that the right wing has always opposed.

Meanwhile, the presidential race for 2030 has already begun, with the demagogue Parisi projected to be the best-placed contender, while the liberal centre-left finds itself in a tough battle to decide who will lead the opposition. It is therefore important that when the masses mobilise, they do so with political independence, and that they aim to raise their own revolutionary programme, in coordination with all other layers engaged in struggle, and not with opportunistic parliamentarians and politicians.

What is needed is a programme of breaking with capitalism and of profoundly transforming society, based on the revolutionary organisation of the working class for the seizure of power. The only realistic response to the global situation is revolution; any other alternative is evading the reality of our era of imperialist wars, environmental disaster, and economic crisis.

Long live the working class!

Long live the October rebellion!

Organise the resistance with all layers in struggle!

Build the revolutionary party! For a workers' government!
On 16 December, US president Trump took to social media to announce A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela. The day after, the world was awash with rumours that he was going to announce war on the South American nation. This represents yet another escalation in the five-month old campaign of imperialist bullying against the oil-rich country. If truth is to be told, the US regime is already at war with Venezuela.

Since the end of August, there has been an aggressive military escalation against Venezuela, with the deployment of an ever-growing number of military assets in the Caribbean, including frigates, fighter jets, bomber planes, aircraft carriers, assault ships, a nuclear submarine and a total of 15,000 troops. About 20 percent of the US Navy is currently in the Caribbean, threatening Venezuela.

This is not just an aggressive deployment. These military assets have already been used. US strikes on what Washington describes as narco-boats have already killed over 90 people. No proof or evidence has been provided to back up the claims that these small boats were involved in narcotrafficking.

There have been constant and repeated flights by US fighter jets and bomber planes along the Venezuelan coast and in some cases violations of Venezuelan airspace.

On 29 November, Trump unilaterally declared the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be closed in its entirety. The US has no authority over Venezuelan airspace, but the threat was enough to prompt the overwhelming majority of foreign airlines to suspend flights to Venezuela, leading to a de facto air blockade.

On 10 December, the US seized an oil supertanker leaving Venezuela with two million barrels of crude oil on board, in what can only be described as an act of piracy. This action of military aggression immediately had the impact of scaring off a number of other tankers from loading in Venezuela. A de facto oil blockade of Venezuela was being prepared.

An oil blockade, which is what Trump announced on 16 December, is considered an act of war in international law. The air blockade is also unlawful. None of this bothers the president of the worlds most powerful nation. While previous occupants of the White House seemed preoccupied with giving their imperialist actions a semblance of legality and cynically talked about a rules-based world order, Trump is tearing up the rule book of diplomacy and revealing for all to see that the only law that really matters is the law of the strongest.

In his declaration on social media, Trump talked about a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers, in an attempt to give the unilateral act of aggression some semblance of legality. But in reality, it is the United States itself that has imposed these sanctions. About 45 percent of all tankers used by Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA are sanctioned by the US and many more can be added to the list at will, as the tankers are affected by secondary sanctions derived from US sanctions on PDVSA. In fact, six more tankers have been added by the US to the sanctions list in the last week.

Incidentally, these sanctions, which have been in place since 2017-19 are based on an Executive Order issued by Obama in 2015 declaring Venezuela to be an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States(!!), revealing the bipartisan nature of US imperialism.

Washington has already, for all intents and purposes, declared war on Venezuela / Image: Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons

So, let us be clear, this is not a targeted action against a few oil tankers, but a wholesale oil blockade of Venezuela, with the only exception being US multinational Chevron, which continues to operate under a special licence and is now enjoying the benefit of lower prices. This criminal blockade is designed to completely cripple the countrys economy, which depends to an extraordinary degree on its oil exports. Oil represents about 50 percent of government revenue, 20 percent of GDP and 90 percent of the country's export earnings. Very quickly, it will have a practical impact on the lives of ordinary people in Venezuela.

Trumps threats have already led to a fall in the price of Venezuelan oil as buyers and shippers seek to protect themselves from risk.

So, even without a formal declaration of war, and without actual US strikes on Venezuelan soil, which Trump has threatened to carry out, Washington has already, for all intents and purposes, declared war on Venezuela.

Trumps statement is written in his usual bombastic and hyperbolic style. He declares that Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America and promises that it will only get bigger and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before.

We hate to break it to the US president, but his knowledge of History, with a capital H, is deficient to say the least. When the British imperialists carried out a naval blockade of Cartagena de Indias in 1741, they assembled a substantially larger force in terms of number of vessels (over 180, including over 50 warships compared to Trumps 12) and military personnel (about 30,000 sailors to Trumps 15,000). Of course, from a technological and fire-power point of view, todays deployment is stronger, but certainly not larger. The British at the time were defeated.

The problem for Trump is that this massive deployment of military power is costly, with a total bill so far running into the hundreds of millions of dollars. The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which includes an aircraft carrier and several escort destroyers, has an estimated daily operating cost of between $6 million and $8 million. Operating an E-3 AWACS plane costs nearly $40,000 per hour. The deployment also includes F-35 fighter jets, B-52 bombers, AC-130 gunships, and MQ-9 Reaper drones.

The announcement of an oil blockade seems to be a way of escalating the aggression short of actual military operations on Venezuelan soil, which would be risky and would have an uncertain outcome.

The real reasons for US aggression against Venezuela

As we have already explained, the aim of this imperialist assault on Venezuela (and also on Colombia and Latin America in general) has nothing to do with human rights or democracy. Insofar as he doesnt use liberal fig leaves to hide his naked aggression, Trump is at least less hypocritical than his predecessors.

It also has little to do with drugs. Fentanyl is not produced in Venezuela, nor trafficked through it. Cocaine is not produced in Venezuela, and only a negligible amount is trafficked through its territory. Trump has just pardoned former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was serving a 45 year jail sentenced in the US for drug trafficking.

It has little to do with Venezuelan migration to the US or Venezuelan crime in the US. There is already an agreement (which continues to operate to this very day) through which Venezuela is accepting deportation flights from the US. War against Venezuela would lead to increased migration pressure from people fleeing the conflict.

Many have argued that this imperialist escalation is related to oil and natural resources. That is certainly an important factor. Venezuela has the worlds largest proven reserves of oil, and Venezuelan extra heavy crude is particularly suited for the US Gulf of Mexico refineries.

Oil has been mentioned in the latest tirade by Trump, who has charged Venezuela with stealing oil, land and assets from US companies. In a post on social media, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller added: American sweat, ingenuity and toil created the oil industry in Venezuela. Its tyrannical expropriation was the largest recorded theft of American wealth and property. These pillaged assets were then used to fund terrorism and flood our streets with killers, mercenaries and drugs.

The aim of this imperialist assault on Venezuela has nothing to do with human rights or democracy / Image: own work

This is deranged and has no connection with reality. Venezuelan oil belongs to Venezuela, just as all countries own their own natural resources. When he talks about tyrannical expropriation Miller shows the same ignorance as his boss when it comes to history.

The oil industry was nationalised in Venezuela by the US-friendly Carlos Andres Perez government in 1976. This nationalisation was carried out on terms beneficial to US multinationals which were paid generous indemnities for contracts which were about to run out in 1983, at which point they would have expired without any compensation.

That was followed in the 1990s by the so-called opening up of the oil industry, in which US-aligned Venezuelan governments allowed US multinational companies to operate in Venezuelan oil fields on extremely lucrative contracts.

Trump and Miller may be referring to 2007, when president Chavez renegotiated these contracts and established that there had to be majority-Venezuelan ownership in all joint ventures, particularly in the Orinoco Belt. The majority of US multinational oil companies agreed to the new terms and remained as minority partners. Only two US giants, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, refused and were then kicked out. For years, they have been litigating in international courts and they have been awarded billions of dollars in compensation.

The truth is, Venezuela was just taking back control over resources which are rightfully hers and in no way belong to the US! Oil, land and assets belong to Venezuela, not the US, and therefore were not and could not have been stolen, as Trump claims.

This is just being used as a convenient excuse for the build up against Venezuela, now that the drug motive has largely been debunked by Trumps own actions. But if oil were the real reason, then there would be no need for such a demonstrative military build up. Maduro has shown to be amenable to negotiating oil contracts with US companies, and the main reason only one of them is operating in the country currently (under a special licence) is as a result of US sanctions!

Hands off Venezuela!

The real underlying reason is the new US National Security Strategy, which strives to reassert US imperialist domination over the whole continent (OUR hemisphere). The US considers the Americas to be its backyard, and wants to ensure free and unfettered access by US companies to its natural resources. US imperialism wants to remove non-hemispheric actors from Latin America (read: China) and it openly declares its intention to do so by using economic pressure, diplomatic bullying and also by military means when necessary.

All the other reasons (currying favour with the reactionary gusanos in Miami, dealing a blow to the Cuban Revolution, etc.) are an added bonus.

So far, US imperialism has not achieved its aims. That is why it is looking for ways to increase the pressure by any means necessary. For now they have settled on an oil blockade. But a direct military intervention on Venezuelan soil is not ruled out.

Let us be clear, military aggression by the most powerful and reactionary imperialist power on Earth against a sovereign nation in Latin America is already underway and must be opposed with all forces at our disposal.
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On Tuesday, 16 December, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels announced plans to withdraw from Uvira, a strategic city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo seized last week, describing the move as a unilateral confidence-building gesture requested by the United States to support the peace process.

The rebels called for Uviras demilitarisation, civilian protection and neutral monitoring of the ceasefire, though they did not clarify whether their withdrawal depends on these conditions being met.

Residents reported on Tuesday that M23 fighters remained in the city, taken during a rapid offensive launched at the start of the month that has killed more than 400 people and displaced about 200,000.

The escalation has unfolded despite a U.S.-mediated peace agreement signed earlier this month by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington. Last week, the United States accused Rwanda of violating the accord by backing the rebel advance and warned of action against those undermining the deal. The agreement excludes M23 but obliges Rwanda to halt support for armed groups and work towards ending hostilities.

The capture of Uvira has heightened fears of regional spillover, particularly into Burundi, which has troops in eastern Congo. Since the start of the month, around 64,000 Congolese refugees have fled to Burundi, with reports of cross-border shelling. The conflict, involving more than 100 armed groups in mineral-rich eastern Congo, continues to fuel one of the worlds gravest humanitarian crises, with over seven million people displaced.

Source :

https://apnews.com/article/congo-m23-withdrawal-uvira-83da1ecce41d3b3c32d26410d8d77189

Bamburi Cement Signs $250m Deal to Build Low-Emission Clinker Plant in Kenyas Kwale County

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On Tuesday, 16 December, Kenyas Bamburi Cement signed a 250-million-U.S.-dollar engineering, procurement and construction contract with Chinas CBMI Construction Co., Ltd. to develop a new clinker grinding plant in Kwale County.

The agreement was formalised at a ceremony in Nairobi attended by President William Ruto. President Ruto described the project as a catalytic investment aligned with Kenyas national development agenda, noting its importance in strengthening industrial capacity and supporting key infrastructure programmes, including the Affordable Housing Programme. He added that the plant would generate employment for young people, boost local supply chains and promote balanced regional industrialisation, particularly along the coast.

The facility will incorporate a six-stage precalciner system and emissions-reduction technologies, including the use of alternative fuels such as coconut husks, cashew shells and municipal solid waste.

Bamburi Cement Chief Executive Officer Mohit Kapoor said the 1.6-million-tonne-per-year clinkerisation plant would significantly cut Kenyas dependence on imported clinker, enhance production consistency and secure domestic supply, while leveraging advanced, carbon-neutral technologies to support sustainable economic transformation.

Source :

https://english.news.cn/africa/20251217/9258d2ca8b57483a803533eed05c870e/c.html

Modi Makes First-Ever Ethiopia Visit to Deepen IndiaAfrica Strategic Partnership

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, December 16 for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and advancing Indias strategic engagement with Africa.

The visit, Modis first to Ethiopia, includes high-level talks with Ethiopian leaders and an address to a joint session of Parliament, reflecting a shared intent to elevate political dialogue and institutional cooperation.

Ethiopias Government Communications Office said the engagement is expected to take AfricaIndia relations to a higher level, while reaffirming Ethiopias role as a major diplomatic hub on the continent. Talks are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation and jointly amplifying the voice of the Global South.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed Modis visit, describing it as a demonstration of the growing ties between the two countries and expressing optimism for meaningful engagements across shared priorities. Modi, highlighting long-standing historical links, said in a post on X, written in Ethiopias local language, that EthiopiaIndia relations are deep and poised for further strengthening.

The Addis Ababa visit is Modis fifth stop in Africa this year, following trips to Mauritius, Ghana, Namibia and South Africa. It aligns with the Ten Principles of IndiaAfrica Cooperation outlined during his 2018 visit to Uganda, which underpin Indias expanding economic and strategic partnership with the continent.

Source :

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/modi-arrives-in-addis-ababa-for-first-ever-visit-to-ethiopia-signaling-deeper-ties/3773144

Wife of Guinea-Bissaus Ousted President Charged in Portugal Amid Smuggling Investigation

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Portuguese authorities have charged Dinisia Reis Embalo, wife of Guinea-Bissaus ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, in connection with an investigation into suspected smuggling and money laundering, the judicial Police said on Tuesday, 16 December.

Dinisia Reis Embalo arrived in Lisbon on the same flight from Guinea-Bissau as another passenger, arrested on Sunday after an anonymous tip-off while carrying nearly five million euros ($5.9 million) in cash. Portuguese police said her charge is linked to that investigation, though no further details were provided.

The flight, initially classified as military and scheduled to continue to Beja in southern Portugal, was later confirmed to have a different nature and destination.

Portuguese media reported that the arrested passenger is Tito Gomes Fernandes, a businessman close to the overthrown president, who fled after the November 26 coup. Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel stated he is in contact with Guinea-Bissau authorities to support efforts toward restoring constitutional order.

Source :

https://www.trtafrika.com/english/article/55a74f401023

Nigerias House of Representatives Launches Probe into Dangote Refinery Fuel Dispute

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On Tuesday, 16 December, Nigerias House of Representatives voted to investigate a dispute between the downstream oil regulator, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Dangote Refinery over allegations of arbitrary fuel-import licences and petrol pricing benchmarks.

Aliko Dangote, Nigerias wealthiest individual, has criticised NMDPRA for allowing low-cost fuel imports that undermine domestic refineries, including his 650,000-barrel-per-day Lagos plant, Africas largest. He has called for a formal probe into NMDPRA chief Farouk Ahmed, citing governance concerns and claims of spending beyond declared income.

Lawmakers stressed that the dispute could disrupt fuel supply during the holiday season, posing risks to energy security and investor confidence.

House member Francis Waives motion mandates the petroleum committees to investigate and report back within four weeks, highlighting Dangote Refinery as a strategic national investment capable of reducing Nigerias reliance on fuel imports and generating foreign exchange. Hearing dates for the probe have not yet been announced.

Source :

https://www.trtafrika.com/english/article/67cdff694552
Gold mining companies in Cote dIvoire have started paying a new 8% revenue royalty, retroactive to January, following months of disagreement over its legality, three industry sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

The West African nation, seeking to diversify its economy, replaced the previous contract-linked rate of 3% to 6% with a flat 8% levy. Miners initially resisted, arguing that their contracts protected them from fiscal changes, and engaged in negotiations to have the royalty scrapped.

Sources said companies ultimately began payments after the government maintained its position. One executive noted, Everyone has now agreed to pay  the question is whether penalties apply, adding that firms were settling quickly to avoid fines. Fortuna Mining confirmed compliance. As gold and commodity prices rise, West African countries, including Guinea, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Cote dIvoire, are increasing fiscal pressure on mining operators, either through new levies or, in some cases, licence revocations and asset seizures.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Tuesday, 16 December, called on South Africans to renew their commitment to reconciliation, unity, and nation-building during the national commemoration of the Day of Reconciliation at the Ncome Museum in Nquthu.

Delivering the keynote address, he emphasised that the countrys democratic foundation rests on choosing healing over vengeance. Speaking under the theme Reaffirming Reconciliation for Future Generations, President Ramaphosa reflected on the Battle of Ncome in 1838 and other historical events of repression, including Sharpeville, Langa, Boipatong, and the political violence in KwaZulu-Natal during the 1980s and 1990s.

He highlighted that despite centuries of dispossession and oppression, South Africans embraced reconciliation at the dawn of democracy, quoting Nelson Mandela on the importance of respecting and enhancing others freedom.

The President stressed that reconciliation remains an ongoing process, noting that poverty, inequality, crime, corruption, and gender-based violence continue to undermine social cohesion. He called for inclusive economic growth, job creation, and efforts to reduce poverty and the cost of living as essential components of achieving true reconciliation.

President Ramaphosa also urged men to protect women and children, saying, Real men do not abuse women and children. Real men protect women and children. He concluded by encouraging citizens to use the festive season to foster reconciliation within families and communities, reinforcing that strong families are the foundation of a healthy nation.
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:

C. elegans roundworms engineered with fluorescent proteins to visualize neurons. Credit: Noma lab, Nagoya University

When roundworms stop reproducing, they can still move and function normally but lose their ability to detect certain food odors that once led them to their meals.

Researchers at Nagoya University have found the gene that causes this sensory decline. Published in Aging Cell, this is believed to be the first time scientists have identified a gene that actively shuts down food-odor detection in aging animals.

For decades, scientists believed that aging happened mainly through accumulated damage. The idea that genes actively program specific decline rather than gradual deterioration is relatively new and controversial. Since similar genes exist in mammals, scientists can now study if they cause age-related decline in other animals, including humans.

Tiny C. elegans worms show scientists how aging is programmed into their DNA. Scientists can observe their entire lifespan for a few weeks to study how genes control behavior at different ages. Credit: Noma Lab, Nagoya University

What happens on day five?

Caenorhabditis elegans is a microscopic roundworm about one millimeter long that lives for only two to three weeks. These transparent worms reach adulthood in three days, reproduce for several days, and then age and die naturally. Their short lifespan allows scientists to study aging processes in weeks rather than years.

"Day five is right after roundworms finish reproducing and have already passed their genes to the next generation. At this time, these worms normally experience a sharp decline in their ability to sense diacetyl, an odor released by their bacterial food source," Kentaro Noma, senior author and associate professor at Nagoya University Graduate School of Science, said.

The researchers created worms with random genetic mutations. When they tested them on day five, most had lost their ability to smell food, just like normal worms. However, some mutants kept this ability. These worms had a mutation in the nhr-76 gene which showed that this gene causes the decline in smell.

"nhr-76 produces a protein that switches off the genes responsible for detecting food odors. It works directly in the sensory neurons responsible for smell," lead author and graduate student Rikuou Yokosawa explained. "The protein may receive a chemical signal to work, which suggests something in the aging body activates it."

Why would an animal's genes work against it?

Why does this harmful gene exist? There are two possibilities. Either natural selection simply cannot remove it because it acts after reproduction, or it actively evolved because the decline benefits the population by reducing competition for resources.

C. elegans roundworms on an agar plate under magnification. Each adult worm is approximately one millimeter in length. Credit: Noma Lab, Nagoya University

Young worms (left) show bright green fluorescence in odor-detecting neurons, while aged worms (right) show significantly reduced fluorescence. The nhr-76 gene is involved in shutting down odor detection over time. Credit: Noma Lab, Nagoya University

Evolution works by getting rid of genes that prevent organisms from reproducing. But once reproduction happens, any genes, even harmful ones, have already been passed to the next generation. This is why genes that cause decline after reproduction can persist; their negative effects appear too late for evolution to remove them.

However, the researchers propose a different explanation. The decline in food-seeking behavior after reproduction ends could benefit the population by reducing competition between older and younger animals for resources. If true, this active genetic program may have evolved to help offspring survive in a competitive environment.

While most aging research has focused on how damage accumulates over time, this study identifies a gene that actively causes a specific behavioral decline in roundworms. Whether similar programmed mechanisms contribute to human aging remains an open question.

"Similar genes (nuclear hormone receptors) exist in mammals, and there are hints they might play related roles in aging, but no clear parallel finding has been established in humans or other mammals yet. This is why this study is important; it provides a model that could guide future research in other species," Professor Noma notes.

Publication details Rikuou Yokosawa et al, A Nuclear Hormone Receptor nhr76 Induces AgeDependent Chemotaxis Decline in C. elegans, Aging Cell (2025). DOI: 10.1111/acel.70277 Journal information: Aging Cell

Clinical categories Healthy agingNeurology
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A blood flow restriction cuff. Credit: Murdoch University

New research from Murdoch University's School of Allied Health and Health Futures Institute has found that wearing blood flow restriction cuffs can change the way older people walk, potentially making them more unsteady during exercise.

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is gaining popularity globally as a way to boost strength using light exercise, by placing inflated cuffs on the arms or legs to limit blood flow.

By partially blocking blood going in and out of the limb, BFR creates a low-oxygen environment which makes the muscles work harder, even under lighter loads.

Associate Professor Brendan Scott, from the Center for Healthy Aging at Murdoch University, said restricting blood flow to the legs while walking has been shown to increase muscle strength and size, but some caution is required with its use.

"Blood flow restriction training can be a powerful tool for improving strength and functional abilities in older adults, but our research shows that wearing these cuffs while walking changes how older adults walk, so exercise needs to be done in a safe environment," he said.

Ten healthy adults with an average age of 73 participated in the study by walking on a treadmill for 10 minutes at different speeds, with no cuffs, and then cuffs inflated to 40% and 60% of the pressure required to completely stop blood flow. A small motion sensor was taped to their lower backs to measure their balance as they walked.

The study, "Bilateral blood flow restriction of the legs worsens acute walking balance of older adultsa full factorial randomized experiment," was published in Gait & Posture.

Associate Professor Brook Galna, another author on the paper, explained the results: "We found that regardless of how fast people walked, wearing inflated BFR cuffs worsened their balance, and the more we inflated the cuffs, the worse their balance became."

Despite this, Associate Professor Scott said training with BFR could help improve elderly people's balance in the long term. "Blood flow restriction training can deliver real benefits, and it's possible that by challenging balance with BFR walking in a safe environment, older adults may adapt to actually enhance their balance," he said. "We've overseen hundreds of BFR walking sessions and have not had any trips or falls caused by the cuffs.

"It is important that if you're considering BFR, do it under professional supervision and start with low pressures in a safe environment."

More information Brook Galna et al, Bilateral blood flow restriction of the legs worsens acute walking balance of older adults  a full factorial randomised experiment, Gait & Posture (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110022
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:

Light-sheet microscopy image showing the expression of the ion channel TRPM8 in the sensory ganglia of a mouse during embryonic development, following tissue clearing using the iDISCO technique. Credit: Pablo Hernandez-Ortego

A research team led by Felix Viana, co-director of the Sensory Transduction and Nociception laboratory at the Institute for Neurosciences (IN), a joint research center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Miguel Hernandez University of Elche (UMH), has demonstrated that the body uses different molecular mechanisms to detect cold in the skin and in internal organs. These findings represent a significant advance in understanding thermal homeostasis and certain pathologies associated with cold sensitivity.

Key findings on cold detection mechanisms

The study, recently published in the journal Acta Physiologica, shows that cold perception is not a homogeneous process throughout the organism. In the skin, cold is mainly detected through the ion channel TRPM8, which is specialized in sensing low temperatures and cooling sensations from the environment. In contrast, internal organs such as the lungs or the stomach primarily rely on a different sensor, known as TRPA1, to perceive temperature decreases.

This difference in molecular mechanisms explains why the sensation of cold on the body's surface can be very different from that experienced when breathing cold air or ingesting very cold food or drinks, as each type of tissue activates and uses distinct pathways to detect thermal changes.

Research methods and experimental approach

"The skin is equipped with specific sensors that allow us to detect environmental cold and adapt to defensive behaviors," explains Felix Viana, principal investigator of the study.

"In contrast, cold detection inside the body appears to depend on different sensory circuits and molecular receptors, reflecting its deeper physiological role in internal regulation and responses to environmental stimuli."

The study was carried out using animal models that allowed direct analysis of the activity of sensory neurons involved in cold detection. Specifically, the team compared neurons from the trigeminal nerve, which transmits information from the skin and the surface of the head, with neurons from the vagus nerve, the main sensory pathway connecting the brain with internal organs such as the lungs and the digestive tract.

To examine how these neurons respond to temperature changes, the researchers used calcium imaging techniques and electrophysiological recordings, allowing real-time monitoring of neuronal activation. These approaches were combined with the use of specific pharmacological agents capable of blocking particular molecular sensors, helping to identify which ion channels are involved in cold detection in each type of neuron.

In addition, the team used genetically modified mice lacking the TRPM8 or TRPA1 sensors, together with gene expression analyses, to confirm the differential role of these channels in cold perception. This multidisciplinary approach demonstrated that cold detection is finely tuned to the physiological functions of each tissue and that internal organs employ molecular mechanisms distinct from those used by the skin.

Implications for future research and medicine

"Our findings reveal a more complex and nuanced view of how sensory systems in different tissues encode thermal information. This opens new avenues to study how these signals are integrated and how they may be altered in pathological conditions, such as certain neuropathies in which cold sensitivity is disrupted," highlights Katharina Gers-Barlag, first author of the article.

More information Katharina GersBarlag et al, Transduction Mechanisms for Cold Temperature in Mouse Trigeminal and Vagal Ganglion Neurons Innervating Different Peripheral Organs, Acta Physiologica (2025). DOI: 10.1111/apha.70111

Clinical categories Neurology
Lily Collins admits the future of Emily On Paris wasn't guaranteed after season one.

Lily Collins has reflected on Emily In Paris' success

The 36-year-old actress - who is returning as Emily Cooper in the upcoming fifth season of the Netflix hit - has reflected on the uncertainty in the world when the show first launched in October 2020.

She told Extra: "The show was delayed. It came out in COVID, we werent really sure what the future in filming TV or film would be. Would we get to come back together?

"And so, I think, like Ashley said, to even be saying five feels insane

"Were so incredibly grateful to get to all be together and revisit these characters and work with this crew and Netflix.

Her co-star Ashley Park - who plays Mindy Chen - admitted she "can't believe" the juggernaut the show has become.

She added: "The fact that Netflix is global and the fact that truly people from maybe every country now has come up to us and felt very connected to these stories and characters, and it feels universal in that way is really special.

Ashley, 34, also pointed to the enduring appeal of the show, which focuses on cities like Paris and Rome, where people discover themselves.

She said: "We associate romance with a partner or something like that, but I realise how many people I've met in both Paris and Rome, where people go there similar to Emily to kinda find themselves.

"I felt that in season one, and that's why it's a city that a lot of ex-pats go, both of them.

"It's that city that because of that historical nature and that romance of just the city itself, you kinda figure out how to fall in love with yourself as well."

Ashley recently revealed she is looking forward to watching the new season of the show for herself.

She told PEOPLE magazine: "It's definitely not goodbye because I don't think I've watched the full season yet. So I'm going to have to say hello to her again."
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Dr. Huang Zhongwei and Professor Yong Eu Leong, from the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, NUS Medicine and NUH. Credit: NUS Medicine

Globally, around 11% to 13% of women live with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that affects the function of the ovaries, which may cause irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, fertility issues, and higher risk for certain health conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure.

However, Singaporean women with PCOS are likely to have more favorable outcomes compared to women in Western populations, according to an international study involving researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), and National University Hospital (NUH).

Study identifies four PCOS subtypes

Published in Nature Medicine, the study identified four distinct subtypes of PCOS from a discovery cohort of over 11,900 women in China who were diagnosed with PCOS between December 2013 and June 2020. The researchers then confirmed these same subtypes in five separate validation cohorts from China, Singapore, the United States, Europe and Brazil. All women in the discovery and validation cohorts were between 20 and 45 years old. The subtypes are namely the following:

Hyper-androgenic phenotype (HA-PCOS): Characterized by elevated levels of male sex hormones, which can result in increased abnormal hair growth, or hirsutism.

Overweight-obesity phenotype (OB-PCOS): Characterized by higher body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance, with the highest prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidemia and hypertension.

High level of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG-PCOS): Characterized by the highest SHBG levels and lowest BMI, with lower luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels. SHBG refers to a protein made mostly in the liver that binds to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, while LH is a chemical that regulates reproductive functions.

Elevated LH and anti-Mullerian hormone (LH-PCOS): Characterized by elevated levels of LH, as well as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), both of which assess a woman's ovarian reserve, estimating the number of eggs in the ovaries.

Among Singapore's validation cohort of 127 women who were diagnosed with PCOS from 2011 to 2019, over half (53%) were observed to be of the SHBG-PCOS subtype, followed by the OB-PCOS subtype (27%), HA-PCOS subtype (15%) and LH-PCOS subtype (5%).

Differences in outcomes among subtypes

Based on the discovery cohort from China, the research team followed up with 4,542 women from March 2021 to August 2024 to examine the association between reproductive and metabolic variables, as well as 5,418 women who were receiving in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment to investigate reproductive outcomes and pregnancy complications. The results showed clear differences in pregnancy rates, live births, and complications among the subtypes:

HA-PCOS subtype: This group had the highest risk of miscarriage in the second trimester and is linked to metabolic diseases including obesity, T2DM, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

OB-PCOS subtype: This group exhibited the most pronounced association with metabolic diseases, the lowest proportion of live births, but also the highest proportion who recovered from PCOS over time. Women in this group were also more prone to pregnancy complications, including hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, preterm birth and cesarean delivery

SHBG-PCOS subtype: This group represents the mildest form of PCOS and has the best IVF outcomes, although it often presents with irregular menstrual cycles. Women in this group also exhibited the lowest risk of diabetes and hypertension, relatively mild androgenic features, with primary abnormalities related to ovulatory dysfunction.

LH-PCOS subtype: This group had the highest risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during IVF and the lowest rate of recovery from PCOS over time.

Given that Singapore has the highest proportion of the SHBG-PCOS subtype compared to the other validation cohorts (27% in China, 24% in U.S., 34% in Europe, and 26% in Brazil), the findings shed light on why some of them may have better reproductive outcomes compared to women in other countries, especially the Western populations.

Expert perspectives and implications

Prof Yong Eu Leong from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NUS Medicine and NUH, who is one of the study's corresponding authors, said, "Much of what we know about PCOS comes from studies in Western populations, which do not fully explain why Asian women with PCOS often experience different outcomes. Our new study plugs this gap by demonstrating that PCOS is not a single condition, but comprises diverse subtypeseach with clear, distinct clinical features as well as differing reproductive and health outcomes.

"Importantly, the study debunks the long-held belief that PCOS is inherently a worrying diagnosis. In fact, we now know that majority of Singaporean women with PCOS are of the subtype associated with the most favorable outcomes."

With the identification of the four PCOS subtypes, the study provides important insights into the heterogeneity of PCOS and highlights the potential for more personalized treatment approaches in clinical practice. In fact, women with PCOS may experience an extended reproductive lifespan and achieve successful pregnancy outcomes through assisted reproductive technologies, even at an older age, as demonstrated in another study led by Adjunct Assistant Professor Huang Zhongwei from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NUS Medicine and NUH.

IVF outcomes and ovarian reserve in PCOS

Published in Human Reproduction Open, the study involved 1,249 Asian women aged 22 to 42 years, who underwent IVF at NUH between 2016 and 2022. Of these participants, 212 had PCOS and 1,037 did not. The research team found that women with PCOS demonstrated better reproductive outcomes overall, including higher pregnancy rates and a greater number of oocytes retrieved per IVF cycle.

Cumulative pregnancy rates were significantly higher among women with PCOS compared to those without PCOS (52.8% versus 38.7%). On average, women with PCOS had nearly twice as many oocytes retrieved per cycle compared to women without PCOS. Notably, even at advanced maternal ages of 36 years and above, women with PCOS exhibited higher pregnancy rates (70% versus 27.6%).

The findings also suggest that women with PCOS tend to maintain a higher ovarian reserve as they age. Significantly higher levels of AMH were observed in women with PCOS compared to women without PCOS of the same age. Higher AMH is typically associated with a greater number of ovarian follicles and a larger pool of eggs, which can translate to more robust responses to fertility treatment.

Personalized care and future outlook

Adj Asst. Prof Huang, who is also the Deputy Director of the Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (ACRLE) at NUS Medicine, said, "Our study shows that women with PCOS may retain a higher ovarian reserve for longer and can achieve positive reproductive outcomes, even at an older age. This underscores the importance of personalized fertility counseling and timely access to fertility treatments, especially for women with PCOS. While individual outcomes may still vary, our findings support a more optimistic outlook for women with PCOS who are considering pregnancy at older maternal age."

Professor Mahesh Choolani, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NUS Medicine and NUH, and one of the authors of the study with Adj Asst Prof Huang, added, "Recognizing that PCOS comprises distinct subtypes allows us to care for women in a more personalized way. In Singapore, many women have a milder subtype of PCOS, which helps explain why their outcomes are often better.

"Combined with new evidence that women with PCOS can still do well with fertility treatment even at an older age, these findings should offer real reassurance. Our focus is to translate these insights into clear guidance and tailored care, so women can plan their families with confidence while safeguarding their long-term health."

Publication details Xueying Gao et al, Data-driven subtypes of polycystic ovary syndrome and their association with clinical outcomes, Nature Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-025-03984-1 Qian Yang et al, Asian women with PCOS have enhanced ovarian reserve and ART outcomes, even at an advanced maternal age: a model for reproductive longevity?, Human Reproduction Open (2025). DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaf062 Journal information: Nature Medicine

Key medical concepts Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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Tuning properties of LGN neurons in Patient #2. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65383-x

Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience have become the first to fully characterize cell activity from a little relay station in the center of the human brain. This aids our understanding of how the brain processes visual information and could help with developing a visual prosthesis for blind people in the future.

The brain's ability to process visual input may seem like a simple two-step process: your eye receives input from your external environment and the visual cortex in your brain decodes that information.

But neuroscientists are becoming increasingly certain that a little relay station, known as the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), is a surprisingly big player in this process. Its role is simple: transferring almost all visual information from the eye to the visual cortex. But as it turns out, this structure does much more than transferring. It actually changes and modulates the signal in the process as well.

"The difficult thing about the LGN is that it has almost always been studied in animals. It is very small, so brain scans can't give you much information about its structure and workings. Non-invasive measurements also aren't possible because it's tucked away so deep in our brain and is therefore impossible to access without invasive procedures," Matthew Self, first author, explains.

Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65383-x

A serendipitous opportunity

At a colleague's retirement party, senior author Pieter Roelfsema was presented with a unique opportunity by his ex-colleague, Sergio Neuenschwander. "He just said, Oh Pieter, this is great. There's a neurosurgeon in Brazil who's going to put an electrode in the LGN. You should come and check it out," Self explains.

Receiving a brain implant is still quite unusual but can be used to limit seizures in drug-resistant epileptic patients. In this case, two patients were experiencing seizures that originated in their visual cortex. Targeting the LGN for these seizures is still very new and has likely never been done before.

Not being able to miss this opportunity, Self and Roelfsema flew to Brazil and set up a visual laboratory in the operating room. While the operations were done, they were given 30 minutes to conduct some experiments. The patients were awake and responsive throughout, offering Self and Roelfsema a first glance into the human LGN.

On the right track

The good news is that their observations largely matched those made in earlier animal studies. Each cell responds to a specific, small circular area of your vision. They're also often color tuned (preferring green on red or red on green), and they appear to follow a layered structure that has also been found in animals.

The researchers did, however, make one striking observation when patients voluntarily closed one eye. "You can't really ask an animal to do that," Self adds. Self already knew that LGN cells only respond to vision in one dominant eye. But when the patients closed that eye, some of the cells surprisingly became more active and others less active.

Self thinks this is happening because these cells in the LGN silence the activity of other cells that would otherwise respond to the closed eye. "If you close one eye, you're blocking half of your visual input. It's amazing that your perception is pretty much the same. It's a little flatter, but the colors, luminance, and contrast all remain unchanged," Self adds.

Perhaps counter-intuitively, observing an increase in activity in the cells that inhibit other cells in the LGN means that there is less overall activity. That way, there is never any signal competition when one of the eyes is closed, and the other eye can just take over.

Restoring partial vision in blind people

Researchers in the Roelfsema group are currently working towards a visual prosthesis that could help blind people regain partial vision. This prosthesis would also include an electrode implanted directly into the LGN.

"It's very validating to know that our findings in animals align with our findings in humans. This was only one small experiment of half an hour but we have a huge amount of information from monkeys and from cats. This just shows us that this body of information is correct, that we can use that information to design this prosthesis," Self explains.

Publication details Matthew W. Self et al, Effects of eye closure on the spiking activity of human lateral geniculate neurons, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65383-x Journal information: Nature Communications

Clinical categories NeurologyOphthalmology
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

For the fifth year in a row, use of most substances among teenagers in the United States has continued to hover around the low-water mark reached in 2021. The findings come from the latest report of the Monitoring the Future Survey, an annual survey of drug use behaviors and attitudes among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders that has been supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for 51 years.

Researchers, based at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, detected a sharp decline in reported use of most drugs from 2020 to 2021. This substantial falloff was largely attributed to disruptions in drug availability and in the social lives of teens during the pandemic, when many were isolated at home with parents or other caregivers and spending less time with friends. The researchers also found that the percentage of teens currently abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine use held steady at historically high levels.

"We are encouraged that adolescent drug use remains relatively low and that so many teens choose not to use drugs at all," said Nora D. Volkow, M.D., director of NIH's National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). "It is critical to continue to monitor these trends closely to understand how we can continue to support teens in making healthy choices and target interventions where and when they are needed."

For the survey, 8th, 10th, and 12th graders self-report their substance-use behaviors over various time periods, including past 30 days, past 12 months, and their lifetime. The survey also documents students' perceptions of harm, disapproval of use, and perceived availability of drugs.

The data indicates that, compared to 2024, reported use of most drugs in most grades held steady in 2025. These are some of the key findings:

Abstaining from, or not using, marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine remained stable for all grades, with 91% of 8th graders 82% of 10th graders, and 66% of 12th graders reporting abstaining in the past 30 days.

Alcohol use remained stable among all three grade levels, with 11% of 8th graders, 24% of 10th graders, and 41% of 12th graders reporting use in the past 12 months.

Cannabis use remained stable among all grades, with 8% of 8th graders, 16% of 10th graders, and 26% of 12th graders reporting use in the past 12 months. Of note, 2% of 8th graders, 6% of 10th graders, and 9% of 12th graders reported use of cannabis products made from hemp, which include intoxicating products such as delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, in the past 12 months.

Nicotine vaping remained stable among all grades, with 9% of 8th graders, 14% of 10th graders, and 20% of 12th graders reporting use in the past 12 months.

Nicotine pouch use remained stable among all grades, with 1% of 8th graders, 3% of 10th graders, and 7% of 12th graders reporting use in the past 12 months.

Nicotine pouch use remained stable among all grades, with 1% of 8th graders, 3% of 10th graders, and 7% of 12th graders reporting use in the past 12 months.

Heroin use among all three grades remains low, though values increased significantly from 2024, with 0.5% of 8th graders (compared to 0.2% in 2024), 0.5% of 10th graders (compared to 0.1% in 2024), and 0.9% of 12th graders (compared to 0.2% in 2024) reporting use in the past 12 months.

Cocaine use also remained low and stable for 10th graders, with 0.7% reporting use in the past 12 months; though values increased significantly among the other grades surveyed, with 0.6% of 8th graders (compared to 0.2% in 2024) and 1.4% of 12th graders (compared to 0.9% in 2024) reporting use in the past 12 months.

"The slight but significant increase we see in heroin and cocaine use warrants close monitoring. However, to put these current levels of use in context, they are leagues below what they were decades ago," said Richard A. Miech, Ph.D., team lead of the Monitoring the Future survey at the University of Michigan.

The results were gathered from a nationally representative sample, and the data were statistically weighted to provide national numbers. The investigators collected 23,726 surveys from students enrolled across 270 public and private schools nationwide from February through June 2025. Students took the in-school survey via the webeither on tablets or on a computer.

Key medical concepts Alcohol Drinking
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Credit: Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

Researchers at University of Tsukuba examined the association between sleep characteristics and workplace productivity using real-world sleep data from approximately 80,000 users (spanning more than 2 million nights) of sleep-tracking smartphone applications. Their findings suggest that individuals classified as "social jet lag" and "insomnia-prone" types experience significantly reduced productivity.

Most studies investigating the impact of sleep deprivation and circadian rhythm disruption on concentration and work performance have relied on self-reported questionnaires or small-scale surveys. To achieve an objective and large-scale assessment of habitual sleep behavior, this study analyzed data from about 80,000 Japanese workers using smartphone-based sleep applications.

Parameters such as total sleep time, sleep latency, percentage of wake after sleep onset, chronotype, and discrepancies between weekday and weekend sleep timing (social jetlag) were examined. These metrics were linked to presenteeism scores (a validated measure of productivity loss) obtained using questionnaires. The study is published in the journal npj Digital Medicine.

Sleep duration demonstrated a U-shaped association with productivity, with short and long sleep duration linked to higher presenteeism. Additionally, individuals with longer sleep latency, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and greater social jetlag exhibited lower performance. Furthermore, unsupervised clustering using artificial intelligence techniques identified five distinct sleep phenotypes: healthy sleepers, long sleepers, fragmented sleepers, insomnia-prone, and social jetlaggers. Productivity loss was the greatest in the social jetlagger and insomnia-prone groups, consistent across both sexes.

Therefore, apart from sleep duration, factors such as sleep timing, quality, and regularity are critical for maintaining work productivity. Moreover, smartphone-based sleep tracking can help identify at-risk individuals and guide personalized interventions to improve sleep health and occupational performance.

Publication details Jaehoon Seol et al, Association of sleep patterns assessed by a smartphone application with work productivity loss among Japanese employees, npj Digital Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41746-025-02155-3 Journal information: npj Digital Medicine

Key medical concepts InsomniaSleep Duration
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new safety warning for Depo-Provera, a widely used birth control shot made by Pfizer, alerting patients to a possible risk for a type of brain tumor called meningioma.

The agency signed off last week on a label update for two versions of the Depo-Provera injection, requiring new language about the tumor risk.

The decision comes as Pfizer faces lawsuits from more than 1,000 women who say the company knew about the risks and didn't warn them.

Depo-Provera is a hormone-based birth control shot given once every three months. It contains progestin, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone.

About 1 in 4 sexually active women in the United States has used the shot at some point, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Use is especially common among Black women, who receive it at nearly twice the national rate.

Meningiomas are usually not cancerous, but, depending on their size and location, they can cause serious health problems.

Each year, about 39,000 meningiomas are diagnosed in the U.S., data shows.

In court filings, Pfizer said it first became aware of a possible link between Depo-Provera and meningioma in 2023. The company asked the FDA in early 2024 to add a warning to the drug's label.

That request was initially denied, with the FDA saying existing studies did not clearly support a warning for all products containing medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), the drug used in the shot.

Pfizer later revised its request and resubmitted it in June 2025. This time, the FDA agreed.

In a letter approving the change, the agency said the update "provides for the addition of information related to meningioma risk" on the labels for Depo-Provera CI and Depo-Subq Provera 104.

In a statement, Pfizer said the "label update reflects a recent decision by the FDA to approve the warning, which the agency had earlier denied."

The statement also said, "Pfizer stands behind the safety and efficacy of Depo-Provera, which has been used by millions of women worldwide and remains an important treatment option for women seeking to manage their reproductive health."

Attorneys representing women suing Pfizer welcomed the move, saying the new warning will help patients make better-informed choices.

Regulators in other countries had already acted. In 2024, European and Canadian health agencies added meningioma warnings to high-dose hormone products like Depo-Provera.

South Africa followed with similar guidance earlier this year.

A U.S. judge has not yet ruled on whether the lawsuit against Pfizer will move forward.

More information The Mayo Clinic has more on meningioma.

Key medical concepts MeningiomaMedroxyprogesterone Acetate

 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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The number of concierge and direct primary care practices are rapidly rising across the United States, highlighting a fundamental shift in how Americans are receiving primary medical care, a new study finds.

These emerging models, which charge patients annual or monthly fees for enhanced services, have grown in popularity over the last five years, potentially improving care for those who can afford it but raising broader concerns about access to care for the general public.

Between 2018 and 2023, the number of concierge and direct primary care practices nationwide surged by 83.1%, and the number of clinicians working in them increased by 78.4%, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, and Harvard Medical School. The findings are published online in Health Affairs.

Both models offer more personalized care, greater availability, and smaller numbers of patients per provider. Concierge practices, however, charge an annual retainer fee, which can range from a few thousand dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars, all while continuing to bill existing health insurance for office visits and procedures. Direct primary care, or DPC, practices typically charge a smaller monthly or annual fee but operate entirely outside of the insurance system.

"The growth of these models may benefit participating patients and clinicians, but it's important everyone understands the potential impact these practices have on the health care system at large," says Dan Polsky, co-author of the study and a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor with joint appointments at the Carey Business School and the Bloomberg School. "We have to consider how the growth of these models may affect access to primary care for the vast majority who can only afford the care covered by their insurance plan."

The study analyzed a substantial national sample of more than 6,000 concierge and DPC models over a six-year period. During this time, the number of practice sites grew significantly, from 1,658 practices in 2018 to 3,036 practices in 2023. The number of individual clinicians working in these practices expanded from 3,935 clinicians in 2018 to 7,021 clinicians in 2023.

The widespread adoption of these membership-based models, which frequently target higher-income patients seeking enhanced services, like shorter wait times and longer visits, creates concerns about a growing general primary care shortage.

The rapid growth is fueled in part by primary care clinicians who are moving away from traditional settings, where health care workers often experience challenging workloads and increased risk of burnout. Clinicians report that these new models offer smaller patient loads and less administrative burden associated with insurance paperwork, which can lead to improved job satisfaction, prior research suggests.

However, as doctors move into fee-based practices, the researchers warn it could exacerbate the existing shortage of primary care physicians in traditional health care settings.

"Concierge and direct primary care models, in comparison to traditional primary care settings, offer clinicians smaller patient panels and increased clinical autonomy, which may improve job satisfaction and extend career longevity," Polsky says. "The increasing interest clinicians are showing in fee-based practices may be telling of certain pain points clinicians face in traditional primary care settings."

While concierge and DPC models were traditionally run independently, the researchers also observed a substantial shift in ownership: corporate-affiliated practices grew by 576% during the study period.

This trend suggests that large for-profit companies are increasingly investing in these personalized care models, a development that will be important to monitor, according to the researchers, as corporate ownership may change the nature of care delivered even within these individualized settings.

In other words, benefits that attract clinicians and patients to these models, like less administrative burden, shorter wait times, smaller patient loads, and longer visits, may be altered by corporate influence. For example, corporate-affiliated models might charge lower membership fees and bill insurance while operating "at scale," potentially changing the individualized nature of care that these practices have been traditionally known for.

"Our research draws attention to the rapid expansion of these models," Polsky adds. "It's our hope that by increasing awareness of the rise in fee-based practices, we're raising the necessary questions for policymakers to ensure that high-quality primary care remains available for all Americans."

Publication details Jane M. Zhu et al, Growth In Number Of Practices And Clinicians Participating In Concierge And Direct Primary Care, 201823, Health Affairs (2025). DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2025.00656 Journal information: Health Affairs

Key medical concepts Burnout, Professional

Clinical categories Family medicine
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Real estate investment trust (REIT)-acquired U.S. hospitals were associated with a greater risk of bankruptcy or closure than non-REIT-acquired hospitals, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The findings also showed that REIT acquisition of hospitals had no significant impact on quality of care or clinical outcomes.

The study is published in The BMJ

How REIT acquisitions work in health care

When a hospital sells its real estate to a REIT, the REIT then functions as a landlord with the hospital as a tenant. This practice has become increasingly common among private equity- and corporate-owned hospitals in the U.S. Proponents argue that the profits from a hospital's sale of its real estate to a REIT can be used to improve clinical care. But concern has grown that for-profit hospital owners are using REITs as a strategy to strip assets from hospitals to generate returns to investors.

While prior studies have examined the consequences of private equity and corporate ownership of hospitals, none have evaluated the consequences specifically of REIT acquisition of hospitals.

Study design and key findings

For this study, the researchers compared the clinical and financial outcomes of 87 hospitals that had been acquired by REITs from 20052019 with 337 non-REIT acquired hospitals. They assessed a variety of data, including Medicare claims, financial performance, patients' experiences at hospitals, hospital staffing levels, and clinical outcomes and quality, indicated by 30-day mortality and readmission rates for patients with heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and pneumonia.

The findings showed that REIT acquisition had no significant impacts on quality of clinical care or patient outcomesbut had a significant negative impact on a hospital's finances. REIT-acquired hospitals had a 5.7-fold higher risk of closure or bankruptcy compared with non-REIT acquired hospitals.

Expert perspectives and policy implications

"In REIT-acquired hospitals, there don't seem to be any systematic reinvestments into clinical services, which is one of the arguments employed by private equity or corporate owners of hospitals as to why a REIT transaction may be beneficial," said corresponding author Thomas Tsai, associate professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management, co-director of the Health care Quality and Outcomes Lab, and a surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital. "What we see instead is that these hospitals are less likely to survive. As more and more financial resources are stripped away, it's death by a thousand cuts."

The researchers say the findings highlight the need for greater oversight over REIT acquisitions of hospital real estate.

"REIT acquisition of hospitals has the potential to help hospitals and the communities they serve, or to seriously damage them," Tsai said. "The real-world evidence generated by our study can inform federal and state regulatory efforts to more closely monitor hospital ownership and transactions, to ensure that patients and communities are not being harmed."

Publication details Changes in hospital finance performance and quality of care after real estate investment trust acquisition; quasi-experimental difference-in-differences study, The BMJ (2025). DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2025-086226 Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ)

Clinical categories Hospital medicine
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Illinois should continue to recommend that nearly all newborns be vaccinated against hepatitis B, a state advisory committee decided Tuesday, in a move that could represent another break with federal vaccine guidance.

The Illinois Department of Public Health Immunization Advisory Committee voted unanimously Tuesday that Illinois "reaffirm and maintain" the recommendation that nearly all babies be given the vaccine within 24 hours of birth. The committee's recommendations aren't final, but will be considered by the director of the state health department, who can issue official guidelines for the state.

The committee's vote Tuesday followed a decision by a federal vaccine advisory committee earlier this month to no longer recommend hepatitis B vaccines for all newborns. That federal committee voted 8-3 to recommend that it be left up to parents and doctors to decide whether to vaccinate newborns if the infants' mothers test negative for hepatitis B. Infants of mothers who test positive for hepatitis B or who aren't tested would continue to receive the vaccine shortly after birth.

The federal committee also voted to suggest that when a family decides not to vaccinate their newborn against hepatitis B, that the first dose of the vaccine be given at no earlier than 2 months old. The federal committee's recommendations will become official once they're approved by the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For years, the federal government had recommended all newborns receive the shot to prevent serious liver damage that can be caused by the infection. Most adults who contract hepatitis B make a full recovery, but newborns and babies infected with the virus during the first year of life have a 90% chance of developing chronic hepatitis B, and chronic hepatitis B can lead to liver damage, liver failure, liver cancer or death, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Members of Illinois' Immunization Advisory Committee said during their meeting Tuesday that they did not think changes were needed to previous federal hepatitis B vaccine recommendations for newborns.

"I have trouble seeing that this is a public health problem," said committee chair Dr. Marielle Fricchione, of vaccinating newborns against hepatitis B. "To me, it looked like a successful public health policy and appropriate for our country and the health care system that we have."

Though pregnant women are typically tested for hepatitis B as part of their prenatal care, doctors warn that the illness, which is typically spread through bodily fluids, can be spread by others as well. Dr. Brian Borah, with the Chicago Department of Public Health, also noted that there can be gaps when it comes to catching all cases of hepatitis B among pregnant women.

The Chicago Department of Public Health identified 808 infants who were exposed to the illness from 2015 to 2024, Borah said. Over that time, the number of babies identified as exposed each year decreased significantly, dropping from 114 in 2015 to 40 in 2024.

Only one newborn in Chicago during that time was identified as actually having caught the illness from their mother. When babies are exposed to the illness at birth, they're typically given antibodies as well as the vaccine.

"There are people who may become infected and will not trigger a positive test because of the timing of when the tests were done," said committee member Dr. Edward Linn.

"We've seen a diminishing number of cases, but it's a devastating disease and leads to very significant long-term problems and risks for those individuals that slip through."

Illinois is not the only state to part ways with the federal government when it comes to vaccine recommendations after Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and a longtime vaccine skepticfired and replaced all the members of the federal vaccine advisory committee earlier this year.

Illinois also previously broke with the federal committee's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines. After that, the committee voted to no longer recommend the shots and instead leave it up to individuals whether to get them.

Earlier this month, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law formally establishing the process for the state to issue its own vaccine guidelines.

Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the state health department, also reaffirmed at the vaccine advisory committee's meeting Tuesday that, for other routine vaccinations, Illinois will continue to recommend CDC immunization schedules for children and adults issued as of Aug. 7, 2025, before the federal vaccine advisory committee began making controversial changes.

2025 Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: Karola G from Pexels

A recent study found one in four teens in British Columbia reported disordered eating or significant anxiety about eating and body image; rates were even higher among transgender and sexual minority teens. These overall risks were associated with social media use and exposure to influencer-driven misinformation, researchers say.

"Social media can amplify existing insecurities and intensify image-based comparisons for all teens, and transgender and gender-expansive youth in particular might use caloric restrictions as a way to avoid developing sexual characteristics," says Hasina Samji, health sciences professor and senior author of the study.

"Without counterbalancing voices in these spaces, harmful messages about body image and eating habits can spread unchecked and perhaps help fuel this shadow pandemic of disordered eating that some physicians in B.C. are noticing."

The cross-sectional study, published in The Journal of Adolescent Health, used 20222024 data from an annual youth well-being survey conducted in B.C schools, primarily Grade 11 students.

The survey found disordered eating was highest among girls identifying as lesbian, bisexual, or queer (43%) and transgender and gender-expansive youth (40%). More than 32% of cis-hetero girls and nine percent of cis-hetero boys also reported disordered eating.

Relationship between social media use and disordered eating by number of PCEs. Credit: Journal of Adolescent Health (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.08.022

Cis-sexual minority girls and transgender and gender-expansive youth had increased odds of exhibiting disordered eating with only one to two hours of social media use per day.

"The challenges and pressures of parenting are immense, but not every child is developmentally ready for access to social media at age 13, 14, 15, or even 16," says Samji, a senior scientist in Population Mental Wellbeing at the British Columbia Center for Disease Control.

"It depends on each teen's level of digital literacy, and how well they regulate when they're having challenges with friends as they use social media together, or phones to connect with each other," she adds.

The study found positive childhood experienceslike strong family bonds, supportive adults, and peer and community belongingbuffered the risk of disordered eating, as did reduced time on social media.

Not a problem parents or teens can solve alone

Managing teens' access to and time on social media platforms "requires coordinated action from schools and public health authorities, as well as holding tech companies accountable for their algorithms," says Andres Delgado-Ron, public health researcher and lead author of the study.

While Australia has opted for an outright ban on social media for teens under 16, Samji suggests "we'd be better off working alongside youth to co-develop healthy approaches to screentime and social media usage, which they will ultimately eventually be exposed to anyway."

She says tailored interventions could address the specific needs of those at greater risk while preserving the benefits and social connection that teens may get from social media platforms.

The study calls for more digital literacy education, around intentional social media use, more community spaces for in-person connections among youth, and public health guidelines and school policies to reduce reliance on social media for essential communication.

Publication details Jorge Andres Delgado-Ron et al, Gender and Sexual Orientation Differences in the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Disordered Eating: Results From a Serial Cross-Sectional Youth Survey From 2022 to 2024, Journal of Adolescent Health (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.08.022 Journal information: Journal of Adolescent Health
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An example usage of General Colorectal Cancer Signature (GCS). Credit: KyotoU / Makoto Taketo

Colorectal cancer, or CRC, is the world's second most lethal cancer based on the number of deaths, and is the third most prevalent malignant tumor. Doctors and patients have long been hoping for better diagnostics for prognosis, such as molecular subtyping, which uses data collected from cancer stem cells, or tumor-initiating cells, to further divide one type of cancer into subgroups. It may correlate with patient outcomes and enable better prognoses.

Though many CRC tissue samples have been analyzed and classified based on mRNA gene expression, currently the practical application of these studies in patient prognosis is limited for colorectal cancer. This motivated a team of researchers from Kyoto University to examine cancer stem cells for the molecular subtyping of CRC. The paper is published in the journal Cancer Science.

Developing new prognostic markers

"We need more comprehensive and clinically useful markers and their signatures to help predict the outcome of each patient," says first author Fumihiko Kakizaki.

To start, the team carefully selected markers from large public databases in both the United States and Europe that showed statistically significant differences between low- and high-risk populations. From this, the team established a library of CRC stem cells and normal colonic epithelial stem cells derived from more than 200 patients, and analyzed them in a culture as well as embedded in xenografts. They predicted this would allow them to identify dysregulated genes, which could indicate authentic changes in the cancer stem cell-specific gene expression levels that are potentially predictive of patient outcomes.

Identifying and validating new signatures

Based on their results, the team was able to identify five molecular subtypes of CRC stem cells. They then integrated these signatures to produce a practical prognostic indicator, designated as the general colorectal cancer signature, or GCS, and were then able to provide individualized predictive signatures for each patient. The team further validated the clinical significance of GCS with a novel orthotopic xenograft mouse model, which summarized patient outcomes.

"We empirically know that every study population is different and that regional demographics affect statistical data in various ways," says team leader Makoto "Mark" Taketo. "However, our analysis was very close to the normal distribution with similar cut-off parameters for public databases in quartile analyses, showing that our novel system is statistically ideal for clinical use."

Clinical implications and future potential

These findings provide a comprehensive overview of clinically relevant molecular subtypes of CRC stem cells, enabling the team to define new expression signatures that rapidly predict the prognosis of CRC.

The prognostic markers and signatures that the team managed to obtain in this study are clinically useful in that they can help every patient with their prognostic outcomes, and they also work well with expression data from tumor tissues. This method is also less costly and much more efficient than other systems currently used in clinical practice because of the team's careful selection of markers.

More information Fumihiko Kakizaki et al, Comprehensive Colorectal Cancer Stem Cell Transcriptomic Signatures That Can Predict Patient Prognostic Outcomes, Cancer Science (2025). DOI: 10.1111/cas.70235

Clinical categories OncologyGastroenterology
Behind the property empire and the online presence, Samuel Leeds describes himself first as a husband, father, and man of faith.

Samuel & Amanda Leeds

He speaks openly about his Christian beliefs, crediting them with transforming his life after he was stabbed at fourteen. That was when I realised that forgiveness is power, he says.

His faith is visible in his actions. Leeds has funded schools and hospitals in Uganda, built housing for vulnerable adults in the UK, and uses his academy to teach ethical investing.

His wife, Amanda, manages their family portfolio, allowing Leeds to focus on mentoring and expansion. Amanda runs the show, he laughs. I find the deals; she makes sure everything runs perfectly.

They have four children and home-educate them with a focus on financial literacy and personal responsibility. Legacy isnt about how much money you make, he says. Its about how many people you impact.

Leeds believes his business success is inseparable from his family life. Everything I do is for them and through them, he explains.

Faith-based press and community leaders have praised Leeds for speaking about God in an industry not known for humility. Im not ashamed of my faith, he says. Its what keeps me grounded.

For Leeds, property is a tool. The purpose is impact. Money is temporary, he says. People last.
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Credit: Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing

A research team supported by the University of NebraskaLincoln's Grand Challenges initiative has published a new policy paper that calls for innovative, place-based solutions to advance health equity in Nebraska and beyond.

Led by Changmin Yan, associate professor of advertising and public relations in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, in collaboration with co-authors across UNL and partner health agencies, the paper, "Health equity in Nebraska: Addressing disparities through place-based policy innovation" was published in Frontiers in Public Health.

The paper brings together findings and policy recommendations from a statewide symposium of more than 180 public health leaders and community stakeholders. The work reflects one of the core outcomes of the Grand Challenges project: "Improving Healthcare Access for Underserved Populations."

The authors highlight Nebraska's "dual burden" of rural provider shortages and urban socioeconomic inequities, calling for policies tailored to each region's unique drivers of health inequity. Their recommendations include:

Expanding pediatric mental health services;

Embedding social determinants of health interventions such as housing, nutrition and education supports;

Strengthening healthcare access via telehealth, mobile clinics, transportation assistance and culturally appropriate services;

Enhancing policy coordination across state, community and local levels.

This work offers Nebraska-tailored strategies that may also serve as models for other states facing similar ruralurban health divides. The publication underscores the research team's commitment to advancing research that informs policy, strengthens communities and drives equitable health outcomes across the state.

Publication details Changmin Yan et al, Health equity in Nebraska: addressing disparities through place-based policy innovation, Frontiers in Public Health (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1651092 Journal information: Frontiers in Public Health
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Credit: Kampus Production from Pexels

As child care costs outpace wages, more families are facing difficult decisions about whether to scale back work in order to care for loved ones. Caregiving remains the top reason women ages 2554 leave the workforce.

And it's not just parents who struggle. Nearly 60 million Americans provide care for an adult family member, and two-thirds say they have trouble balancing their jobs with their caregiving responsibilities. Nearly 1 in 4 working caregivers reported either missing work or being less productive because of their care duties.

When the demands become too much to juggle, some people quit their jobs, cut back on their hours or turn down promotions in order to provide unpaid care. For many households, that's a financial strain; others save money that way. But even so, the decision can feel heavylike leaving behind a sense of purpose that extends beyond the family.

These choices force deeper questions: What counts as meaningful work? What do we owe to others, and what's reasonable to expect of any one person?

For many people, work and family are central to identity and how they hope to make a difference in the world. Men and women struggling with whether to step back from a career may wonder whether doing so is the best use of skills or training. Do we owe the world something "bigger?" As much as we care about loved ones, caregiving can feel too small and personal to matter.

As someone who writes and teaches about ethics and social policy, I believe philosophy can help people see these decisions more clearly. Ethics doesn't give tidy answers or eliminate the tension between work and care, but it can help us understand their moral value.

'Too small'?

Today, American culture often measures moral worth in terms of results and impactwhere doing good means doing more. In this context, stepping back from a professional career to care for a loved one can feel like a failure of ambition or responsibility.

If ambition is measured by observable progress, caregiving is especially vulnerable to being misread as "leaning out." Many of the daily tasks of caregivingfeeding, bathing, dressing and driving to appointmentscan seem inconsequential. The end result of much of this work is invisible: You wind up in the same place you were before. For all the work that goes into sustaining life, there aren't many "impressive outcomes" to point to.

In fact, one of care's most important benefits lies in preventing outcomes: avoiding injuries, medication errors, hospital admissions, developmental delays, cognitive decline, loneliness, depression and so on. These "nonevents" are easy to overlook. In public health, this is sometimes referred to as the "preparedness paradox": The better prevention works, the less visible its effects.

Appreciating the full value of care means considering what would happen without it. If the answer is that there would be more risk, more crises or more downstream costs, then care is making a difference. Health care ethicists, for example, use this kind of counterfactual reasoning to evaluate harm and benefit, asking how a patient would have fared without an intervention. Caregiving that reduces vulnerability and prevents suffering is a genuine moral achievement.

Still, helping a handful of people can look minor compared to careers measured by reach or scale. Good care requires a level of presence and attentiveness that just can't be scaled.

But that isn't a failure. "Smallness" is actually part of the point: Care is personaland "personal" doesn't mean morally trivial.

In fact, there's a rich philosophical tradition that puts meeting the needs of the people we're responsible for at the very heart of moral life. Relationships are core to who we are. In care ethicists' view, attachments to other people are not distractions from morality but expressions of what it means to live a good human life.

Close relationships make special claims on us. Ties with particular people carry moral weight, not just emotionsthey give genuine reasons to act. As philosopher Samuel Scheffler notes, it makes little sense to say we value a relationship if we don't think it places any demands on us. Caring about another person's needs is part of what it means to care about them.

Attending to a loved one's needs and interests honors those special claims and imbues care tasks with extra meaningshowing someone that we believe they're worth our time and attention. Caring for loved ones might be modest in reach, but making another person feel truly seen and valued can make a deep impact.

'Too personal'?

Even if care isn't "too small" to matter, it might still seem too personal to matter much to the wider world. But while care is certainly personal, it's also socially significant.

As care ethicists like Joan Tronto and Eva Kittay argue, caring for particular people reveals something universal about the human condition: Everyone is dependent and sustained by care at different points in our lives. Former first lady Rosalynn Carter captured it simply: "There are only four kinds of people in the worldthose who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers."

Understanding dependency as a shared human condition helps explain why care is foundational to collective well-being. Unpaid caregiving in the U.S. is worth an estimated US$1.1 trillion annually, making it one of the largest sources of social support.

However, care has value beyond its economic impact. Care makes family, community and civic life possible, with benefits that reach well beyond the household. As economist Nancy Folbre writes in "The Invisible Heart": "Parents who raise happy, healthy, and successful children create an especially important public good"one that will benefit employers, neighbors and fellow citizens.

Treating care as a private matter rather than a shared social good has consequences. It places the moral and practical weight of caregiving on individual familiesmost often on women. I believe this narrow view unfairly shifts responsibility and also distorts value, limiting society's sense of what matters.

Policy changes could ease the strain on caregivers but wouldn't remove the personal choices families face every day. Even in a more supportive system, I believe Americans would need ways of thinking about work and care that give a fuller account of their value. Caregiving's broader public benefits are diffuse and hard to measure. But recognizing that care sustains not only families but communities too is a reminder that paid work and unpaid care are not opposites. They are both ways to contribute to the common good.

Of course, loved ones' needs can often be met without career changes. But when families need to make tough choices, it helps to have a fuller picture. Care ethics is not a demand for perfect caregiving or self-sacrifice; it's an argument that care matters and that people deserve support as they respond to real limits. Stepping back from work to care doesn't have to mean stepping back from contributing to the worldit changes where contribution happens.

Clinical categories Healthy aging

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
While scanning tens of thousands of James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) images, astronomers Rashi Jain and Yogesh Wadadekar stumbled on a galaxy that looked uncannily familiar. Two elegant spiral arms wrapped around a bright central core  a structure strikingly reminiscent of our own Milky Way.

The galaxy lies 12 billion light years away, meaning its light began travelling when the universe was just 1.5 billion years old. The researchers named it Alaknanda, after the Himalayan river in Uttarakhand.

In cosmic terms, Alaknanda is a baby. Structurally, it behaves like a fully grown adult. And that contradiction is what has unsettled astronomers.

Chaos was expected, but

Galaxies that formed so soon after the Big Bang  barely a tenth into the universes current age  are expected to be irregular, clumpy and chaotic. Grand-design spirals, with their graceful symmetry, are believed to take several billion years to settle into shape.

But Alaknanda has the textbook grand spiral design, two clear spiral arms wrapped around a bright centre, said Jain, a PhD researcher.

About 30,000 light years across, roughly a third the size of the Milky Way, Alaknanda already shows a defined disc and coherent spiral structure. Its very existence challenges the assumption that cosmic order emerges slowly out of disorder.

Whats even more startling than its shape is how quickly Alaknanda appears to have assembled itself.

Observations suggest that the galaxy contains around 10 billion times the mass of the Sun in stars. Building that much stellar mass  along with a rotating disc and stable spiral arms  typically takes billions of years. Alaknanda seems to have managed it in just a few hundred million.

The galaxy is also forming stars at a blistering pace, nearly 30 times faster than the Milky Way today. Its spiral arms show a beads-on-a-string pattern that signals active star formation, Jain explained.

A smooth operation

A key clue to its growth lies at its centre. Unlike many large spirals, Alaknandas central bulge contributes relatively little to its overall light  a sign it may not have undergone the violent collisions with other galaxies that typically bulk up galactic centres.

The low contribution of light from its central bulge suggests Alaknanda grew mainly through smooth gas accretion rather than through major collisions, Wadadekar said.

But that raises a fresh puzzle. Even steady gas inflow is thought to require around a billion years to form stable spiral arms. Yet most of Alaknandas stars appear to have formed within roughly 600 million years. That mismatch, he added, points to gaps in our understanding of spiral galaxy formation.

An exception  or the first of many?

I had been looking at details of 70,000 objects and there was only one there that was a grand design spiral galaxy, Jain told the BBC. That rarity matters  but so does its existence.

Scientists arent claiming early spirals were common. Alaknanda may well be an outlier. But in science, even outliers push theory to adapt.

Wadadekar goes one step further: Alaknanda is the clearest such example so far that suggests the universe matured faster than expected.

So far, the discovery rests mainly on imaging across 21 different JWST filters, which allowed researchers to measure its size, structure, star formation rate and stellar mass. What images cannot reveal is the galaxys internal motion.

The teams next goal is to map the velocities of stars and gas within Alaknanda.

If we can measure their velocities using JWSTs spectroscopic instruments, we will be able to understand how this galaxy assembled so fast, said Wadadekar. We have one remarkable example today. Now we need to find more such galaxies to understand the bigger picture.

Follow-up observations are also planned with ALMA, the powerful radio observatory in Chile, which can probe cold gas  the fuel for star formation  and trace the galaxys rotation in detail.

A message from 12 billion years ago

There is, too, a humbling perspective to the discovery: Everything we know about Alaknanda is already 12 billion years out of date. The light reaching us today left the galaxy long before Earth existed.

We can see into the past because the light has reached us, Jain told the BBC. A galaxys lifetime is so big that we cant see it from start to finish, so we do statistical studies.

So where is Alaknanda now? Wait for 12 billion years to see where it is now, Wadadekar said with a smile.

For the moment, Alaknanda stands as a cosmic contradiction. But as JWST continues to peer deeper into the early universe, astronomers suspect it may not be alone for long.


Thane Polices repeated assertions of cracking down on gundaraj in Ambernath and Ulhasnagars Zone 4 are once again under scrutiny, as a fresh shooting targeting a BJP leader highlights a persistent breakdown of law and order.

Despite years of assurances, patrol drives and preventive measures, shootings, stabbings and political violence continue with disturbing regularity. The latest incident has also raised serious concerns about police responsiveness, after the complainant alleged reluctance in registering a proper report.

The story unfolding across Ambernath and Ulhasnagar is not of an isolated crime spree, but of a pattern. Armed attacks, public assaults and intimidation have continued across residential, commercial and political spaces, often in broad daylight and frequently captured on CCTV. While arrests are occasionally made after the fact, residents and traders say the police response remains reactive, allowing organised violence to persist unchecked.

A brazen attack ahead of elections

The latest flashpoint occurred late on Tuesday night in Ambernath West, when BJP candidate Pawan Walekars office in the Naven Bhendi Pada area was fired upon.

Two men on a motorcycle allegedly rode up to the office and opened fire, discharging four rounds that shattered the glass windows before fleeing. The incident, clearly captured on CCTV, sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood.

Police sources indicated that the firing was intended as an act of intimidation ahead of the municipal elections, just two days away, and coinciding with a visit by the Chief Minister to the region.

Crime branch teams from Ambernath and Badlapur were deployed, but the ease with which armed assailants struck and escaped once again exposed gaps in surveillance and deterrence.

This was not an isolated case. In April, two unidentified men on a motorcycle opened fire at the residence and office of builder Vishwanath Panvelkar in Ambernath East. The attack took place at around 2:03 pm in a crowded market area near Hutatma Chowk. Two rounds were fired at the gate of the five-storey building, triggering panic among residents and traders. Although no one was injured and two accused were later arrested, the daylight shooting was widely seen as an attempt to spread fear rather than settle a personal dispute. The region has witnessed far graver violence in recent years. In 2022, a deadly daylight attack near a Shiv Sena shakha in Ambernaths Shivaji Nagar claimed the life of 32-year-old Tushar Gunjal. Four men arrived in a car and assaulted Tushar and his brother Ganesh with bamboo sticks.

During the assault, one attacker shot Tushar in the chest, killing him on the spot. When Ganesh tried to intervene, the shooter attempted to fire again, but the weapon jammed. Another assailant then stabbed Ganesh repeatedly, leaving him critically injured.

Ulhasnagar has seen a similar slide into lawlessness. On March 15 this year, Ranjit Gaikwad was brutally attacked in front of his wife and minor children at Sambhaji Chowk in Camp No 4. Following an argument, Gaikwad was struck on the head with a sharp weapon and left critically injured. He died 10 days later at JJ Hospital in Mumbai. Although the main accused was later arrested, the incident reignited fears over public safety.

Days later, on March 24, two intoxicated youths attacked sari shop owners Deepak and Govind Behrani in Camp No 3 near Hira Marriage Hall. A trivial dispute over an unavailable black sari escalated into abuse and a knife attack, leaving both traders seriously injured. The incident fuelled anger among the business community, which has repeatedly complained of inadequate police presence. Adding a political dimension to the deteriorating situation, the public assault of an auto-rickshaw driver by alleged political goons further damaged confidence in the rule of law. The attack, recorded on camera, appeared to be carried out without fear of consequences, reinforcing perceptions of political protection.

A senior zone officer said several accused had been banished and daily vigilance was being maintained, adding that arrests in the latest case would be made soon.

Residents, however, remain under threat and scepticism.


Australia is quickly moving to tighten its already-strict gun laws in the wake of Sundays mass shooting targeting a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, one of Sydneys most famous destinations, that killed 15 and injured dozens of others. Its National Cabinet, consisting of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the leaders of Australias eight states and territories, agreed that strong, decisive and focused action was needed on gun law reform as an immediate action, according to a readout of their Monday meeting.

Im determined to bring in the toughest gun laws in Australia and they will be significantly tightened in New South Wales, Chris Minns, the premier of the state that includes Sydney, said Tuesday.

What are the proposals to restrict gun ownership?

The cabinet will commission officials to develop options to tighten gun ownership, including potentially restricting gun licences to Australian citizens, it said. Authorities have said the alleged gunmen who carried out Sundays attack were a father and son. The older man, an immigrant who arrived in Australia in 1998, owned six firearms and had a licence through his membership in a local gun club. That man, identified by police as Sajid Akram, 50, was killed. Australian media named the son as Naveed Akram, 24, who was taken to the hospital in custody.

The father arrived in Australia on a student visa but converted it to a partner visa in 2001. At the time of the attack, he was living in Australia on a resident return visa, available to current and some former permanent residents, Australias Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told reporters.

Sajid Akram was issued a firearms licence in 2023, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said at a news conference Tuesday. The licence permitted him to use category A and B firearms, a basic licence that includes the firearms seized by police, Lanyon said. Lanyon previously said there were six firearms registered to the older alleged gunman and that six firearms had been seized from the scene.

The gunmen used at least three weapons  two sporting-style shotguns and one rifle  according to N.R. Jenzen-Jones, director of Armament Research Services. The younger alleged gunman was born in Australia and is a citizen, Burke said. Australia will also consider limiting open-ended firearms licensing, the number of firearms that can be held by any one individual and the types of guns that are legal, including modifications.

Australia will look to accelerate the development of a National Firearms Registry, which the cabinet committed to in 2023 but has not been launched. Some states and territories, they still have paper records, Albanese said at a news conference Tuesday. That obviously makes it impossible to check across boundaries in a quick and efficient manner, and the digitisation that is required, weve agreed to accelerate. Another proposal is to include additional intelligence from law enforcement agencies when making firearm licence assessments. This could empower the police commissioner to recommend against a persons suitability for a licence even if the person did not have a criminal record, Minns said Tuesday.

The National Cabinet will also examine the possibility of further restricting at border entry points firearms and other weapons-type importations, including 3D-printed, novel technology and firearms equipment that can hold large amounts of ammunition, it said, though it did not say if those restrictions related to Sundays attack.

The countrys National Firearms Agreement (NFA) between federal, state and territory governments was implemented in the mid-1990s after a mass shooting at Port Arthur in Tasmania state, in which 35 people were killed.

At that time, hundreds of thousands of guns were surrendered to authorities in exchange for compensation and destroyed as part of a massive buyback scheme.

The National Cabinet said Monday that it would renegotiate the agreement to ensure it remains as robust as possible in todays changing security environment.

Laws on gun ownership differ state by state, but within the limits set down by the national agreement. The agreement banned automatic and semi-automatic firearms, and ruled that applicants for gun licences need a genuine reason to use a firearm other than personal protection to be approved. It also set rules for legal firearm storage, licensing requirements and other measures. Genuine reasons can include sport shooting with a membership in an approved club, recreational shooting and hunting, for farmers and other occupations in which a firearm is required, and for licensed collectors and possessors of heirlooms, according to the most recent agreement, updated in 2017.

There are some exceptions to the semi-automatic firearm ban, such as licences for exterminating animals.

How common is gun ownership in Australia?

Some experts had called for reform to Australias gun laws before Sundays attack. An analysis by the Australia Institute found in January that the number of privately owned firearms had increased by about 25 per cent since the Port Arthur massacre, though the population has also increased by almost 10 million over that time.

The analysis found that the average number of guns owned by someone with a licence was more than four and that there were more than 4 million guns owned by civilians across the country, which has about 27 million residents.

When it was established, the NFA marked a significant step forward in Australian gun control policy, the authors of the report wrote.

In subsequent years, however, the various resolutions contained within the NFA have been inconsistently implemented across state and territories and no jurisdiction has fully complied with the NFAs resolutions.

But mass shootings in Australia are rare. The Bondi Beach attack was Australias third mass killing by gunfire in three decades, defined as a public attack where at least some of the victims were killed at random, resulting in four or more deaths not including the shooter.


Mumbais retired urban planner, VK Phatak, once joked that Mumbai may have smart people, but it has a smarter government. The government has devised a magical formula to create housing and social infrastructure for all - without spending from the budget. The formula is to keep FSI low and then give landowners and developers more FSI to solve all manner of problems.

In 1991, the government gave landowners incentive FSI to acquire their land for open spaces. In 1995, they awarded it to rehouse slum dwellers. In 1999, to rebuild chawls. Later, it became the means to create jobs in the IT sector. In 2004, it was granted to build amenities and star hotels. In 2010, for building public parking lots. It got so absurd that Phatak envisioned FSI as an award for meritorious students, or paid as salary to government officials (10 sqm to the Chief Secretary and 1 sq cm for a peon). And why stop there? It is quite likely, he quipped, that Mumbais fabled FSI will someday replace the Indian Rupee.

With the BMC elections looming, the bonanza of additional FSI has begun. Last week, the government handed out extra FSI for redevelopment of pagdi buildings, incentive FSI for redevelopment of chawls on mill lands, and additional incentives for redevelopment of buildings on defence land or affected areas.

The goal, we are told, is to provide relief to Mumbaikars dreaming to live in an affordable home. The question is: how did this humble built-up area-to-land ratio assume the magical power to solve the citys most intractable problems?

To understand this, we must go back to the origins of this concept. The idea of Floor Space Index (FSI) was introduced in Bombays first Development Plan of 1964, as a device to regulate land development. Before that, regulations were based on volume controls like setbacks and height restrictions to regulate light, air, open space, and tenement sizes. With FSI, planners found a simple numerical ratio to control development intensity  to limit concentration of people and their activities, thereby limiting the loads on traffic, utility and social services. The 1964 plan had variable zonal FSI, and planners assumed that by setting limits on FSI they could control population densities.

The problem was that in many cases, the plans zonal FSI was lower than the existing built-up area. Therefore, soon after the first plan was sanctioned, an exception was allowed for one class of buildings (rent-controlled) which could be reconstructed with additional FSI - exceeding the zonal limits. Later, in the 1970s, FSI was given as a compensation to landowners who surrendered land for road widening.

By the time the 1991 development plan was sanctioned, the idea of granting developers additional FSI as compensation and incentive for public purposes had become deeply entrenched. Curiously, the FSI in the 1991 plan was set lower than the 1964 plan; but at the same time, it allowed the FSI limits to be breached for a range of categories of buildings. All of these categories were listed under one section of the development regulations, called DCR-33.

The DCR-33 section granted special exceptions to categories such as institutional buildings, MHADA schemes, rent-controlled structures, slums, etc. In 1991, the DCR-33 consisted of 12 crisp sub-sections, and was two pages long. Since then, it has ballooned with innumerable periodic amendments and modifications - at the behest of the builder lobby - to become what it is today: a sprawling regulation with 26 sub-sections exceeding 130 pages.

Notably, while the original DCR-33 allowed more FSI primarily for reconstruction of existing units, the expanded DCPR-33 has morphed into a section that facilitates redevelopment by offering additional FSI as an incentive. Today, it is probably impossible to find a single category of building in Mumbai that is not allowed extra FSI for redevelopment.

In effect, a system that permitted some deviations from the norm became the norm of deviations. The exceptions enlarged to become the rule. All the standard planning concerns - population density, traffic loads, utilities, social infrastructure, services, evaluation of local or cumulative impacts - quickly vanished. Today, there is no planning in Mumbai; there are only exemptions from planning.

Why has this happened? Because there is now a close entanglement of the goals of government with the interests of the developers. When citizens demand something, the government waves the magic wand of extra FSI to make schemes more profitable for developers. Some of the benefits fall as crumbs in the public plate as amenities, built-up area or revenue. The aggregate outcomes are ruinous for the city  but who cares?

Property prices will continue to rise, so forget about affordable housing. Selective and unplanned FSI incentives create what are called collective action problems  so forget about clean air, green cover, light and ventilation, decongestion, affordable mobility, or access to basic services. If more FSI for developers cant solve your problems, youre asking the wrong questions.

Hussain Indorewala is a teacher and urban researcher at KRVIA, Mumbai. Views are personal


China launches island-wide special customs operations in Hainan FTP

Xinhua) 10:30, December 18, 2025

An aerial drone photo shows a foreign vessel carrying petrochemical raw materials berthing at Yangpu Port in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 18, 2025. China on Thursday launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

HAIKOU, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the world's largest FTP by area, allowing freer entry of overseas goods, expanded zero-tariff coverage and more business-friendly measures.

The move is widely seen as a landmark step in China's ongoing efforts to promote free trade and expand high-standard opening-up at a time of rising protectionism worldwide.

Under the new arrangements, the tropical island of more than 30,000 square km has been designated as a special customs supervision zone. This marks a new stage in the development of the Hainan FTP, which enables freer flows of goods, capital, personnel and data, supported by zero tariffs, low tax rates and a simplified tax system.

A meeting to launch island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is held in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 18, 2025. China on Thursday launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan FTP. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

A billboard for the launch of island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is seen in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 17, 2025. China on Thursday launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Rupert Grint and Daisy Ridley have joined the cast of Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol.

Rupert Grint will star in Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol

The Harry Potter actor and the Star Wars actress are among the names to have signed up to join Johnny Depp in Ty West's upcoming take on Charles Dickens' festive classic, with Sam Claflin, Charlie Murphy, Arthur Conti and Ellie Bamber also added to the cast, Deadline reports.

The film - which will also star Andrea Riseborough, Sir Ian McKellen and Tramell Tillman opposite the Pirates of the Caribbean actor in the title role - will be released by Paramount Pictures on 13 November 2026.

While Rupert is believed to be playing Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's employee, it is unknown what roles will be taken by the others.

Nathaniel Halpern has written the scrips for Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, which has been described as "a thrilling ghost story set in Dickens London, following one mans supernatural journey to face his past, present and future and fight for a second chance."

The classic story sees an elderly miser visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his former business partner and the spirits of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come, who urge him to change his ways.

It's the second big screen project based on the book heading into production with Willem Dafoe set to play Scrooge in another movie for Warner Bros. being directed by Robert Eggers.

There have been countless adaptations of the book over the years, with Alastair Sim's 1951 turn as Scrooge regarded as one of the best.

In 1970, Albert Finney played the title role in Scrooge, with Alec Guinness playing Marley, while 1992's The Muppet Christmas Carol saw Michael Caine take on the lead.

Disney has had a number of adaptations, including 1983's Mickey's Christmas Carol featurette, and 2009's performance capture film from Robert Zemeckis, which starred Jim Carrey as Scrooge and the three spirits.

Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds starred in Spirited, a modern comedy musical take on the story in 2022, while Bill Murray's 1988 comedy Scrooged was also inspired by the tale.

Depp has started getting back to acting following his widely publicised legal battles with his ex-wife Amber Heard. He returned to the big screen in 2023 French language film Jeanne du Barry, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, and he's also going to be seen in new movie Day Drinker, which is due for release next year.

In Day Drinker, Depp was paired with director Marc Webb and co-star Penelope Cruz for a shoot in Spain which is believed to have wrapped this month.

In a statement announcing the project, filmmaker Marc said: "Were in a beautiful location with a fantastic crew and a thrilling, ferocious story to tell.

"This is gonna be fun."

The film marks Penelope's fourth collaboration with Johnny after Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Murder on the Orient Express.

Day Drinker follows the story of a private-yacht bartender, played by Madelyn Cline, who becomes entangled with a mysterious guest onboard, portrayed by Johnny.
Update: On Thursday, December 18, 2025, President Donald Trump signed into law S. 356, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, which reauthorizes the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 through fiscal year 2026 as detailed below.

Original Post Wednesday, Dec 17 at 5:13 p.m. Sonora, CA  Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools Zack Abernathy expressed appreciation that Tuolumne County may receive about $1.2-million from the Secure Rural Schools Act. In California, 39 counties could be sharing about $40 million, bringing in about $1.2 million a year split between Tuolumne County roads and schools.

Abernathy stated, We are very appreciative of Congress, for the reauthorizing of the Act for 2025, and are looking forward to the president signing the bill. For us, it cant happen soon enough.

The bill provides payments to counties for Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 and reauthorizes the Secure Rural Schools program through the end of Fiscal Year 2026. Abarnathy estimates roughly $500,000 will go to schools with the Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools passing the money through to Tuolumne Schools based on school size. About $70,000 could go to the largest school and $500 to the smallest, and about $10,000 of Tuolumne Countys money would go to Columbia College. Abarnathy estimated half of $1.5 million that Tuolumne County receiveshas to be allocated to the county budget and is usually used to fund county roads.

The Secure Rural Schools Act was first signed into law in 2000 to provide financial stability for rural counties with large acreages of federal lands, as a way to offset revenue declines related to a shrinking timber industry. Congress let the funding lapse in 2023. In August the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors voted this week to send a letter to the US House of Representatives in support of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act as detailed here. The US House of Representatives passed the Act last week on Friday, December 9, 2025. Since it passed, it has been waiting for President Donald Trumps Signature.
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiangi held a strategic meeting with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Wednesday, December 17, reinforcing their partnership within the United Opposition.

In a subsequent press statement after the talks, Matiangi indicated that the two leaders had reaffirmed their friendship and their good working relations, citing their joint quest for accountable leadership in Kenya.

We reaffirmed our friendship and strong working relationship within the United Opposition as we continue to pursue our vision to restore good leadership and fix the problems facing our country, Matiangi stated.

The former Interior Cabinet Secretary said other issues that were under consideration included those facing the Kenya Kwanza administration and the need for governance and accountability.

We also reflected on the challenges facing the Kenya Kwanza regime and emphasized the need for accountable leadership and effective management of our country, he added.

Matiangi stressed the importance of a united opposition in addressing Kenyas economic difficulties.

We further reiterated the need to work together as Opposition leaders to save our country from the economic mess it currently faces, he said.

The meeting drew other key figures, including United Opposition head of secretariat Mukhisa Kituyi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Trans Nzoia MCAs, and county officials, underlining the collaborative nature of the discussions.

This engagement follows Matiangis recent meetings with other opposition leaders, including PLP party leader Martha Karua, PNU leader Peter Munya, UPIA leader Ukur Yattani, and Lenny Kuvuti, where they explored strategies to strengthen the opposition and restore good governance.

Our deliberations focused on the modalities of strengthening the Opposition in line with our steadfast mission to restore good leadership in our country, Matiangi said after those talks.

As he positions himself for the 2027 presidential race, Matiangi has been actively hosting delegations at his Nyansiongo home in Nyamira County, further consolidating his political base and forging alliances across opposition ranks.
The Ministry of Interior has urged motorists to plan their travel carefully as traffic volumes surge during the festive season, particularly on major highways connecting Nairobi to the Central, Western, and Nyanza regions.

In a statement released on Wednesday, December 17, the ministry advised travelers to prepare in advance, remain flexible with travel schedules, and consider alternative routes to avoid congestion.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance, adjust travel schedules while en route, and make use of alternative routes where necessary to avoid congestion, the statement read.

The ministry highlighted specific alternative routes to facilitate safer and smoother travel. Travelers from Nairobi heading to Western and Nyanza regions are encouraged to use the NairobiSuswaNarok route instead of the Mai Mahiu escarpment. For those traveling to the Central region, the NairobiNyeriNyahururuNakuru route offers a more efficient and secure option.

In addition to traffic guidance, the ministry announced a range of security measures aimed at protecting Kenyans and visitors during the festive season. While the overall security situation remains stable, the ministry cautioned that this period has historically seen isolated security incidents and traffic violations.

As the country enters the festive season, we recognize this period as one marked by increased travel, heightened activity in various social places, and a surge in both domestic and international tourism, the statement said.

The overall security situation across the country remains calm and stable, but based on past trends, we are aware that this period may see isolated increases in security incidents, traffic violations, and other opportunistic criminal activities.

The ministrys guidance aims to ensure safe, smooth, and secure travel for all during one of Kenyas busiest times of the year. Motorists are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow traffic rules, and cooperate with security officers to enjoy a safe festive season.
Learners transitioning to Senior Secondary Schools will be able to access their Grade 10 placements by Friday, December 19 following the release of the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) results.

Speaking on Wednesday, December 17, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced the placements apply to learners transitioning to Grade 10 in 2026 under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.

According to the PS, candidates will be able to check the senior schools where they have been placed by sending an SMS with their KNEC assessment number to 22263.

During the release of the KJSEA results last week, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said authorities will place learners transitioning to senior school based on their performance and selected learning pathways.

In line with recommendations by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform, CS Ogamba explained that the Grade 9 assessment comprises 20 per cent from the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), 20 per cent from School-Based Assessments in Grades 7 and 8, and 60 per cent from a summative evaluation at Grade 9.

Individual 2025 KJSEA Assessment results can be accessed online through the link https://kjsea.knec.ac.ke. Learners are required to enter their assessment number and any one of the name(s) as per the registration data for the 2025 KJSEA Assessment.

The CS added that authorities have already clustered secondary schools based on the pathways they will offer, forming the basis for school selection that learners and parents undertook earlier in the year.

He further noted that Kenya currently has 9,540 senior schools with a total capacity of 2.2 million learners. With 929,262 candidates exiting secondary school after KCSE this year, senior schools will have additional classroom space, as only three classes will be hosted at this level.

The extra capacity, he said, will help avoid overcrowding and ensure all eligible learners are accommodated.

When the placement exercise concludes this week, Grade 10 learners are expected to report to their respective senior schools on January 12, 2026.

Fees payable in senior schools will vary depending on the new institutional classification framework, which groups schools into C1 to C4 clusters, replacing the former national, extra-county, county and sub-county categories.

Under the revised structure, former national schools, now designated as C1 institutions, will charge Ksh53,554 per year. Authorities have reclassified extra-county schools as C2, which will have an annual fee of Ksh45,054, while county schools, now referred to as C3 institutions, will charge Ksh40,035 annually.

Learners admitted to C4 schools, previously known as sub-county schools, will continue to benefit from free secondary education, with no tuition fees payable.

How learning in Grade 10 will take place

Following the transition to senior school in January 2026, learners will undertake a three-year cycle covering Grades 10, 11 and 12. Each learner will study seven subjects, including four compulsory core areas  English, Kiswahili, Core or Essential Mathematics, and Community Service Learning- alongside three elective subjects aligned to individual career pathways.

Senior school learners will attend 40 lessons per week, with each lesson lasting 40 minutes. Reporting time will be 8:00 a.m., with formal lessons running from 8:20 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Schools are to schedule non-formal programmes after the final lesson at 3:20 p.m.

Authorities have structured break periods to support learner well-being, including a 10-minute break after the first two lessons, a 30-minute break after the next two lessons, and a one-hour lunch break.

Additionally, a teacher in a senior school will be allocated a minimum of 27 lessons per week within their areas of specialization and is expected to teach at least two subjects under the senior school curriculum.

Schools are required to issue fee structures at the start of the academic year, clearly outlining vote heads such as tuition, boarding, meals and activity fees. Parents must receive advance notice of fee collection deadlines, and institutions are required to designate official payment channels.
The government has successfully rescued and repatriated 18 citizens who were stranded in the Russian Federation after recruiters illegally enlisted them to fight in the ongoing RussiaUkraine war, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has announced.

In an official update, Mudavadi said the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs secured the safe return of the Kenyans through swift diplomatic and consular interventions coordinated by Kenyas mission in Moscow. The operation targeted Kenyans who had fallen victim to recruitment networks linked to the Russian military.

The Government affirms that through these interventions, 18 Kenyan citizens have been successfully rescued, issued with Emergency Travel Documents, and safely repatriated to Kenya, Mudavadi said.

He added that authorities have fully documented the cases of all the rescued individuals, including their travel records, dates of departure, and the airlines they used, as part of ongoing investigations into the illegal recruitment networks.

Following their return, the government will offer the rescued Kenyans comprehensive psycho-social support to help them recover and reintegrate into society.

The Government has a fully-fledged counselling unit that offers psycho-social support to returnees, their families and other Kenyans in distress, Mudavadi said.

He further noted that the State Department for Diaspora Affairs will guide the returnees through a structured reintegration programme designed to support their physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

According to the government, credible intelligence suggests that recruiters may have enlisted more than 200 Kenyans, with active recruitment networks believed to operate both in Kenya and within the Russian Federation.

The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has confirmed that some Kenyan nationals sustained injuries, while others became stranded after recruiters attempted to enlist them into military service.

Mudavadi revealed that the government continues to receive urgent distress calls from Kenyans trapped in various military camps across Russia.

Further, the Government has received multiple emails and urgent communications from Kenyans in distress in various military camps in the Russian Federation, he said.

Several of them have reported injuries among our nationals and others stranded following attempted recruitment into the violent conflict.

After confirming that the Russian military was drafting Kenyan nationals, the Kenyan Mission in Moscow issued public alerts urging Kenyans travelling to or living in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to register with the embassy to enable prompt assistance.

The Mission advised all Kenyans travelling to or residing in the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus and Kazakhstan to register with the Embassy upon arrival, enabling timely monitoring, consular assistance and protection, Mudavadi said.

The government is now engaging Russian authorities to facilitate the movement of Kenyans currently held in military camps to Kenyas mission in Moscow for onward repatriation.

Despite this crisis, Mudavadi stated that Kenya is still committed to improving bilateral ties with Russia and even signed a Bilateral Labour Agreement to provide genuine and safe job opportunities for Kenyan citizens abroad.

He also revealed that the government is engaging the Ukrainian government to ensure the release and safe return of any reported Kenyan nationals allegedly held by the government of Ukraine as prisoners of war.

At the same time, Mudavadi warned young Kenyans against falling victim to fraudulent overseas job offers, urging them to verify opportunities through official government channels before travelling.

The Government continues to urge young Kenyans who get job offers abroad to liaise with the Ministries of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and Labour and Social Protection to verify the authenticity of opportunities, he said.

This will ensure that no Kenyan is lured by these corrupt and ruthless agents to travel and get trapped in such dangerous situations.
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has pledged to support Morris Ogeta, a longtime aide and former bodyguard to the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, in setting up a professional VIP protection and training company.

Speaking at Ogetas home in Uyoma, Siaya County, Kuria said the initiative aims to help Ogeta transition into entrepreneurship while creating a platform for him to pass on his extensive security experience to others.

Kuria described Ogeta as a highly skilled and disciplined professional whose expertise should be institutionalised through a formal business, rather than remaining limited to individual assignments.

I think Morris should impact other people. That is what Baba would have wanted, Kuria said.

If Baba would come back to find Morris serving as bodyguard to a small person like Moses Kuria, Baba would be upset. Nobody that I know deserves Morris Ogeta, not one person.

Kuria argued that returning Ogeta to personal bodyguard roles would undermine the depth of his training and experience, insisting that his skills should instead benefit a wider group through structured VIP protection and training services.

He explained that the idea to establish a VIP security and training firm emerged from mutual discussions, not external pressure.

I didnt tell him what to do, I asked him what he wants to do and he told me, Kuria said.

The former Cabinet secretary revealed that friends and associates are ready to rally behind Ogeta to help set up the company, including supporting training programmes and building operational capacity.

He framed the move as a collective effort to professionalise VIP protection in Kenya while opening opportunities for others to benefit from Ogetas expertise.

Kuria also reflected on Ogetas years working closely with Raila Odinga, describing him as far more than a security aide.

He is loving and loyal. He was everything, Kuria said. Has Baba taken medicine? has he done this? He was also Babas physiotherapist. His confidant, Personal Assistant, he was many things.

Kuria said such experience uniquely positions Ogeta to mentor young professionals and help raise standards within the VIP protection and security training sector.

He added that supporting Ogetas next chapter aligns with what he believes Raila would have wanted for a trusted aide whose contribution went far beyond conventional security duties.
Those bearing the name Aeson typically exhibit a blend of intellectual depth and emotional resilience that reflects their mythological namesake's journey. They often demonstrate remarkable patience and strategic thinking, capable of waiting for the right moment to achieve their goals rather than acting impulsively. This calculated approach to life challenges stems from the original Aeson's experience of biding his time while his son Jason prepared to reclaim their family's rightful position. Aesons tend to be deeply connected to their heritage and family history, often serving as keepers of family traditions and stories.



In social settings, individuals named Aeson frequently emerge as natural counselors and peacemakers, possessing an innate ability to understand multiple perspectives and mediate conflicts. Their wisdom is typically tempered by humility, and they approach problems with a holistic understanding of cause and effect. While they may appear reserved initially, Aesons form deep, lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect. They embody the idea that true strength comes not from aggression but from enduring challenges with grace and maintaining one's principles through adversity, making them admired figures in their communities.
With the Prince and Princess of Wales releasing a new family photograph for their Christmas card, here are some tips on how to capture the perfect festive portrait by the photographer who captured it. Josh Shinner

Royal Christmas Cards

1. Choose your moment!

Dont try and take the picture when one of the family is juggling 14 different pans and preparing Christmas dinner. Give people some warning and dont just spring it on them.

2. Take multiple frames.

In a group shot, therell always be someone blinking or saying something, so take more than you need can sometimes be a numbers game, and the best shot often comes when everyone thinks youve finished shooting and you take just one more.

3. Avoid having ceiling lights directly above the group.

Dont do it under the kitchen spotlights. Try and position the camera just inside a big window (one ideally facing north or east if possible) so theres natural and even light on everyones faces.

4. Break up the composition.

Instead of everyone just being in a single line, try to have some height variation so the faces are more grouped together. Granny in her favourite chair, others stood behind and sat on the arm of the chair, grandchildren on the floor in front or on knees perhaps.

5. Make it personal.

Getting to know your subjects in portraiture is absolutely key. Thankfully you know this group of people better than anyone. Use in-jokes or old stories to bring out a natural and genuine reaction rather than just telling everyone to say cheese on cue.

6. Get in the picture.

Most phones and cameras now enable you to trigger the shutter and take the photo from a nearby device. Set the shot up, hold the second device behind someones back and snap away. Or if all else fails use self-timer.

O2 Priority recently teamed up with Josh Shinner to offer families across the country a free once-in-a-lifetime family portrait experience.

by Natalie key for www.femalefirst.co.uk


Cultural & Historical Significance

Aideen is an ancient Irish name with deep roots in Celtic mythology and literature. The name appears prominently in the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology, where Aideen was the wife of Oscar, grandson of the legendary warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill. Her story is particularly tragic as she died of grief after Oscar's death in the Battle of Gabhra, and was buried in a massive tomb at Howth that remains a significant archaeological site today.



The name carries the weight of Ireland's mythological heritage while also representing the strength and passion of Irish women throughout history. In modern times, Aideen has become a symbol of cultural preservation and Irish identity, particularly among those seeking to reconnect with Gaelic traditions. The name's association with fire reflects the Celtic reverence for elemental forces and the belief in inner spiritual energy that characterizes much of Irish cultural symbolism.
Women named Alberteen are often perceived as possessing a natural dignity and grace that reflects the name's noble meaning. They tend to be thoughtful, principled individuals who value integrity and demonstrate strong moral character in their personal and professional lives. The 'bright' aspect of the name's meaning often manifests as intellectual curiosity, with Alberteens typically showing interest in learning, arts, and cultural pursuits. They are frequently described as having a quiet strength and resilience, able to navigate challenges with poise and determination.



Many Alberteens develop leadership qualities, though they often lead through example and inspiration rather than authority. Their noble nature makes them natural advocates for justice and fairness, while their brightness enables them to approach problems with creativity and insight. These women often become pillars of their communities, known for their wisdom, reliability, and ability to bring people together through shared values and common goals. The combination of noble character and intellectual capability makes Alberteens particularly effective in roles that require both compassion and critical thinking, whether in education, community service, or professional settings where ethical leadership is valued.
Individuals named Aliyn are often characterized by their artistic sensibility and emotional depth. They tend to possess a natural grace and intuitive understanding of others, making them excellent communicators and empathetic friends. Their creative nature often manifests in various forms of artistic expression, from visual arts to music and writing. Aliyns typically have a strong sense of aesthetics and appreciate beauty in all its forms, which influences their choices in both personal and professional spheres.



In social settings, Aliyns are known for their diplomatic nature and ability to bring harmony to group dynamics. They often serve as peacemakers and mediators, using their emotional intelligence to navigate complex situations. While they may appear reserved initially, they form deep, meaningful connections with those they trust. Their combination of creativity and practicality allows them to pursue ambitious goals while maintaining strong personal relationships and community ties.



Professionally, Aliyns often excel in fields that require both analytical thinking and creative problem-solving. They bring a unique perspective to their work, combining traditional wisdom with innovative approaches. Their natural leadership style tends to be collaborative rather than authoritarian, and they often inspire loyalty and dedication in their colleagues and team members.
Men named Anastasio are typically characterized by their resilience and strong moral compass, often displaying leadership qualities and a protective nature toward family and community. They tend to be deeply principled individuals who value tradition and stability, yet possess the inner strength to navigate significant challenges and transformations. Their personality often combines practical wisdom with spiritual depth, making them both grounded and introspective. Anastasios are frequently seen as pillars of strength in their social circles, offering guidance and support during difficult times. While they may appear serious or reserved initially, they typically reveal warmth and loyalty to those they trust. Their ability to 'rise again' from adversity is not just symbolic but often manifests in their real-life capacity to reinvent themselves and overcome obstacles through determination and faith.
Individuals named Askuwheteau typically exhibit strong observational skills, patience, and a deep sense of responsibility toward others. They are often perceived as reliable, vigilant, and thoughtful individuals who prefer to assess situations thoroughly before acting. Their natural inclination toward protection and guardianship makes them excellent caretakers, whether of people, projects, or principles. They tend to be methodical in their approach to challenges and demonstrate remarkable persistence in seeing tasks through to completion.



These individuals often possess a quiet strength that others find reassuring and trustworthy. While they may not be the most vocal in group settings, their insights are typically well-considered and valuable when shared. Their protective nature extends beyond physical safety to emotional and spiritual well-being, making them excellent confidants and supporters. The combination of watchfulness and loyalty inherent in the name often results in individuals who form deep, lasting relationships built on mutual trust and respect.
Women named Barran typically exhibit a unique blend of grounded practicality and visionary thinking, reflecting their name's meaning of being both rooted in reality while reaching for heights. They often possess natural leadership qualities combined with a thoughtful, observant natureable to see the broader picture while attending to important details. Their connection to the 'little top' symbolism gives them a perspective that balances ambition with humility, making them effective in roles that require both strategic thinking and personal connection.



Barrans are frequently described as resilient and adaptable, much like the Irish landscapes that inspired their name. They tend to be deeply intuitive with a strong sense of place and heritage, often serving as keepers of family traditions or community knowledge. Their strength lies in their ability to navigate challenges with grace and determination, while maintaining a warm, approachable demeanor that draws others to them for guidance and support. This combination of steadfast reliability and inspirational vision makes Barrans natural pillars in their communities and families.
Individuals named Batool are typically characterized by their strong moral compass and deep sense of integrity. They often possess a quiet strength that enables them to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. Batools tend to be reflective and thoughtful, approaching decisions with careful consideration rather than impulsivity. Their purity of heart often manifests as genuine compassion for others and a willingness to help those in need without seeking recognition. Many exhibit a natural inclination toward spiritual or philosophical contemplation, combined with practical wisdom in daily affairs. While they may appear reserved in social settings, this often stems from their thoughtful nature rather than shyness. Batools typically value deep, meaningful relationships over superficial connections and are known for their loyalty and reliability. Their combination of inner strength and moral clarity often positions them as natural leaders or advisors within their communities, though they typically lead through example rather than seeking authority.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Belden has roots in English and Scottish heritage, originally used as a surname derived from place names meaning 'beautiful valley' or 'lovely glen.' In Christian contexts, the name carries subtle spiritual symbolism, representing the peace and beauty of God's creation. The imagery of a glen or valley often appears in biblical poetry and hymns as places of refuge, spiritual renewal, and divine encounter. Throughout history, the name has been associated with families living in picturesque rural areas, particularly in the British Isles, and has transitioned to given name usage while maintaining its connection to natural beauty and tranquility.



The name gained some prominence during the 19th century as surnames became fashionable as first names, particularly among families with English or Scottish ancestry. In Christian communities, the name's association with natural beauty resonates with biblical themes of creation care and the idea of finding God in peaceful, natural settings. The transition from surname to given name reflects broader cultural trends while maintaining the name's original geographical and descriptive significance. Today, Belden continues to be chosen by parents who value its historical roots, natural imagery, and connection to Christian themes of creation and sanctuary.
Women named Berdina are often perceived as possessing a radiant and dignified presence, living up to the name's meaning of 'glorious.' They typically exhibit strong moral character, reliability, and a quiet confidence that draws respect from others. Berdinas are known for their practical wisdom and ability to handle challenging situations with grace and composure, making them natural leaders in family and community settings.



These individuals often demonstrate a blend of traditional values with independent thinking, showing loyalty to their roots while embracing progressive ideas. They tend to be meticulous, organized, and detail-oriented, with a strong sense of responsibility toward their commitments. The combination of inner strength and outward gentleness makes Berdinas particularly effective in roles requiring both compassion and firm decision-making.



In social contexts, Berdinas are often the stabilizing force in their circles, offering thoughtful advice and maintaining harmony. Their glorious nature manifests not through flashy displays but through consistent, principled actions that earn them deep respect. They approach life with a seriousness of purpose balanced by genuine warmth, creating lasting impressions on those fortunate enough to know them well.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Brodrig has roots in early Christian naming traditions, particularly in regions where Celtic and Latin influences merged. The name emerged during the medieval period when descriptive names based on geographical features were common among Christian communities. It was particularly popular in border regions and coastal areas where the imagery of 'broad ridges' held practical significance for navigation and settlement. Throughout Christian history, the name has been associated with missionaries and explorers who traveled across varied terrain, symbolizing the spiritual journey across life's challenges.



In many Christian communities, the name carried connotations of stability and guidance, much like a ridge provides orientation in physical landscapes. The name saw periodic revivals during times of religious renewal and exploration, often chosen for sons expected to become leaders or spiritual guides in their communities. Its usage reflects the Christian tradition of naming children after virtues or natural features that symbolize spiritual qualities, with 'broad ridge' representing both physical and moral steadfastness in the faith journey.
A new Doctor Who animated series is coming to CBeebies from Blue Zoo

A new Doctor Who show will go into production in 2026

The BBC has confirmed that the animation studio has secured the contract for a brand new pre-school show inspired by the Whoniverse.

The series will be made up of 52 11-minute episodes over two series, with production set to get underway in 2026 before airing on CBeebies and iPlayer.

The show marks the first time the Doctor Who franchise has been expanded into an animated series for pre-school audiences.

Back in June this year, BBC Children's and Education had invited UK producers to pitch their ideas for the opportunity to take on the project "for fair and open selection".

Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Childrens Education, said: "We can't wait to welcome the Doctor to CBeebies, introducing this beloved family favourite to our youngest audience for the very first time.

"This new series further strengthens our commitment to the British animation industry by championing homegrown productions with the potential to travel the world and, perhaps even through time and space.

"The bidding process for this project was exceptionally competitive, and we would like to commend all the shortlisted producers for the outstanding quality and depth of their proposals."

Meanwhile, Blue Zoo insisted they aren't underestimating the significance of the opportunity they're being given.

Adam Shaw, co-founder of Blue Zoo Animation Studio, added: This year, we celebrated 25 years of Blue Zoo so it's an extra special honour to be given the chance to bring such a much-loved classic and a true British icon to a whole new generation of young viewers. "Doctor Who means so much to so many people, and we dont take that lightly at all. "Reimagining something this legendary for a preschool audience is a brilliant creative challenge, and one were incredibly excited to dive into.

The main series of Doctor Who is set to return with a Christmas special in December 2026, while spin-off series The War Between The Land And The Sea is currently airing on BBC One and iPlayer.
Individuals named Cong are typically perceived as intellectually gifted, quick-thinking, and mentally agile. They often demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities and can grasp complex concepts with remarkable speed and accuracy. This intellectual prowess is usually complemented by strong analytical skills, allowing them to break down complicated situations into manageable components and devise effective solutions. Their cleverness extends beyond academic pursuits to practical life situations, making them adept at navigating social and professional challenges.



Beyond raw intelligence, those named Cong often exhibit emotional intelligence and perceptiveness. They tend to be observant, noticing details that others might miss, and possess good intuition about people and situations. While they may be reserved in unfamiliar settings, they typically display warmth and wit among trusted companions. Their mental sharpness can sometimes manifest as impatience with slower thinkers, but they generally learn to temper this with understanding and empathy as they mature. The combination of intellectual depth and practical wisdom makes them valued advisors and reliable problem-solvers in both personal and professional contexts.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Cormic is an ancient Irish name with deep roots in Celtic warrior culture and mythology. The name derives from the Old Irish 'Corbmac,' meaning 'charioteer' or 'son of the chariot,' reflecting the importance of chariot warfare in early Irish society. Charioteers held prestigious positions in ancient Celtic armies, often serving as the personal drivers for kings and chieftains in battle. This connection to nobility and warfare made the name popular among ruling families throughout Irish history.



The name appears frequently in Irish mythology and historical records, most notably through the legendary High King Cormac mac Airt, who ruled during Ireland's Golden Age and was celebrated for his wisdom, justice, and prosperity. Throughout the medieval period, the name remained associated with leadership and martial prowess, appearing in various clan lineages and historical chronicles. The name's endurance through centuries of Irish history demonstrates its cultural resilience and continued relevance in Celtic identity.
Individuals named Derica are often perceived as natural leaders with a balanced combination of strength and compassion. They typically exhibit the 'gifted ruler' qualities suggested by the name's meaningdemonstrating organizational skills, clear decision-making abilities, and a natural authority that others respect. These women tend to be articulate communicators who can inspire and motivate those around them while maintaining a approachable demeanor. Their leadership style often emphasizes collaboration and empowerment rather than authoritarian control.



Dericas are frequently described as having strong intuition and emotional intelligence, allowing them to navigate complex social situations with grace. They possess a creative problem-solving approach and are often drawn to roles where they can make meaningful contributions to their communities or organizations. While confident and determined, they typically balance these qualities with warmth and genuine concern for others' wellbeing. This combination of strength and sensitivity makes them effective in both professional and personal relationships, often serving as pillars of support and guidance within their social circles.
Elpida symbolizes far more than simple optimismit represents the fundamental human capacity to envision and work toward a better future. Metaphorically, it embodies the light that persists in darkness, the seed that contains the promise of growth, and the anchor that keeps humanity steady during storms of adversity. In psychological terms, Elpida represents the cognitive process of future-oriented thinking and the emotional resilience that enables people to endure present difficulties. The name carries the symbolic weight of Pandora's box, where hope remained as humanity's saving grace after all evils were released into the world. It signifies the philosophical concept that hope is not passive waiting but active anticipationa virtue that drives progress, innovation, and survival. In this sense, Elpida represents the very engine of human advancement and the spiritual resource that enables transcendence over circumstance.



Beyond individual symbolism, Elpida carries collective meaning as a cultural touchstone for Greek identity and historical perseverance. It represents the enduring human spirit that has allowed civilizations to rebuild after wars, natural disasters, and personal tragedies. The name serves as a reminder that hope is both a personal virtue and a social necessitythe glue that binds communities and the fuel that drives social progress. In literary and artistic contexts, Elpida often appears as a motif representing the intersection between human agency and divine grace, suggesting that while hope is a gift, it must be actively cultivated and protected. This rich symbolic tapestry makes the name Elpida not just a personal identifier but a carrier of profound human wisdom about resilience, vision, and the transformative power of positive expectation.
Individuals named Fariq are typically perceived as possessing strong analytical abilities and a natural inclination toward justice and fairness. They often exhibit leadership qualities combined with a thoughtful, discerning nature that allows them to assess situations objectively. Their name's meaning tends to manifest in personality traits such as decisiveness, moral clarity, and the ability to see through complexity to identify core truths. Fariqs are often respected for their balanced judgment and capacity to mediate conflicts, as they can typically understand multiple perspectives while maintaining their principles.



These individuals tend to be methodical in their approach to problems, preferring careful analysis over impulsive decisions. While they can be perceived as serious or reserved, this often stems from their contemplative nature rather than aloofness. Their inherent sense of justice makes them reliable friends and colleagues who will stand up for what they believe is right, even in challenging circumstances. The name's association with distinction and separation also manifests in their ability to set healthy boundaries and maintain clarity in personal and professional relationships, though they may sometimes struggle with being overly critical or perfectionistic in their expectations.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Fitzjames holds significant cultural importance as a Norman-French patronymic surname that evolved into a given name. The 'Fitz' prefix, derived from the Old French 'fils' meaning 'son of', was introduced to England following the Norman Conquest of 1066 and became a marker of aristocratic lineage. As a name meaning 'son of James', it carries strong Christian associations through its connection to Saint James, one of Jesus's apostles, making it particularly meaningful in Christian naming traditions.



Throughout British history, the name has been associated with military leadership, naval exploration, and aristocratic families, particularly during the Tudor and Victorian eras when several prominent Fitzjames figures served in high-ranking positions in the military, church, and government. The name's evolution from surname to given name reflects the English tradition of using family names as first names to honor ancestral lines and maintain connection to one's heritage across generations.
Women named Gaspara typically exhibit a personality marked by depth, wisdom, and natural elegance. They often possess a quiet confidence that comes from self-awareness and strong values. Gasparas tend to be reflective individuals who think deeply before speaking or acting, giving them a reputation for wisdom beyond their years. Their intuitive nature allows them to understand people and situations with remarkable insight, making them excellent advisors and confidantes.



In social settings, Gasparas often carry themselves with a dignified grace that draws respect without demanding it. They value meaningful connections over superficial relationships and tend to form deep, lasting bonds with those they trust. While they may appear reserved at first, they reveal warmth, loyalty, and strong protective instincts toward loved ones. Their combination of traditional values and progressive thinking makes them adaptable yet grounded individuals who honor heritage while embracing positive change. Gasparas often excel in creative or intellectual pursuits, bringing both passion and discipline to their endeavors.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Grantham has deep roots in English history, originating as a locational surname from the market town in Lincolnshire, England. The name gained prominence during the medieval period when surnames became necessary for taxation purposes, and it was carried by families who either lived in or originated from the Grantham area. As England's class system developed, the name became associated with landownership and agricultural prosperity, reflecting the importance of meadows and farmland in medieval economy.



In Christian tradition, the name carries additional significance through its natural imagery. The 'great meadow' concept aligns with biblical themes of God's provision and the peaceful pastures described in Psalms. Many Christian families have adopted Grantham as a first name to honor both English heritage and spiritual values, seeing the meadow as symbolic of God's abundant creation. The town of Grantham's historical connections to education and politics, through figures like Isaac Newton and Margaret Thatcher, have further enriched the name's cultural resonance, making it a choice that embodies both historical depth and aspirational qualities.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Haraford has deep roots in English Christian tradition, originating as a surname that later transitioned to a given name. The name's connection to nature (hares) and practical geography (fords) reflects the medieval Christian worldview that saw God's creation in everyday landscapes. Throughout English Christian history, the name has been associated with rural clergy and landowners who maintained local parishes, embodying the connection between faith, community, and the natural world.



The hare, often depicted in Christian art as a symbol of vigilance and resurrection, adds spiritual depth to this already meaningful name. In medieval Christian symbolism, the hare was sometimes used to represent the believer who must be constantly vigilant against sin, while the ford represented baptism and spiritual crossing into new life. This dual symbolism made Haraford particularly meaningful in communities where nature and faith were deeply intertwined, creating a name that bridges the practical and spiritual dimensions of Christian life.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Hosea occupies a unique position in religious and cultural history as one of the twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible. The prophet Hosea's life story, particularly his marriage to Gomer, became a powerful allegory for God's relationship with Israela narrative of unconditional love and redemption despite betrayal. This established the name as synonymous with faithfulness and spiritual restoration. In Jewish tradition, Hosea's prophecies during the tumultuous 8th century BCE addressed the Northern Kingdom's moral and spiritual decay while offering hope for repentance and divine compassion.



The name gained particular resonance in African American communities during and after slavery, where biblical names with meanings related to liberation and salvation held special significance. The theme of deliverance embedded in the name's meaning made it appealing to families seeking to express both religious devotion and hope for freedom. In Christian contexts, Hosea is often cited as a precursor to New Testament themes of grace and redemption, with the prophet's experiences seen as foreshadowing Christ's relationship with the church. The name continues to carry these deep cultural and spiritual associations across multiple faith traditions.
China's rapid AI adoption has found another compelling case study in the health sector. Earlier this week, Ant Group announced major upgrades to its AI health app AQ, now with a new Chinese name, "Ant A-Fu." The update signals not just a product iteration, but a broader shift in how AI is being woven into everyday life across the country.

The upgraded app is built around three core capabilities: health Q&A, AI health companion, and integrated health services. Rather than replacing hospitals or doctors, AQ is positioned to bridge the gap between daily wellness and professional medical care, handling routine inquiries and lifestyle habits before they escalate.

"AQ is designed to help users address common, daily health questions and support healthy habit formation," said Zhang Junjie, Vice President of Ant Group and Head of its Health Business. "It focuses on health needs that don't yet require going to a hospital."

AQ's successful positioning has led to rapid market adoption. Since its launch in June 2025, AQ has grown to 15 million monthly active users, up from 10 million just a month ago. The app now answers more than 5 million health-related questions every day, establishing itself as a trusted AI health companion for users across China.

This momentum reflects a broader reality: China's AI adoption is accelerating at scale. While the United States ignited the global AI boom with ChatGPT in 2022, China is today the only country able to truly rival it, though the two systems are advancing along very different paths.

While the American model privileges frontier research, cinematic AI, and financial trading, the Chinese approach prioritizes making services accessible to the widest demographic. China emphasizes rapid, large-scale deployment, judging success by how quickly AI can be rolled out across factories, cities, and public services. Practical impact matters more than theoretical benchmarks.

At its core, this divergence reflects two philosophies: China prioritizes system-wide functionality, while the U.S. prioritizes technological ambition. As Jeffrey Ding notes, history shows that economic advantage often shifts not to the pioneers of a technology, but to the best diffusers of it. Thus, global AI leadership will not be determined solely by who invents first, but by who integrates AI most effectively across the widest expanse of society.

The "Two-Giants" Dynamic

Within China, the AI application market is increasingly crystallizing into a "two-giants" dynamic, with Alibaba and ByteDance emerging as the dominant rivals. Their competition is no longer centered on any single model or product, but has evolved into a comprehensive, ecosystem-level battle encompassing infrastructure, platforms, and end-user applications.

Alibaba's advantage lies in its full-stack capabilities, tightly integrated commercial ecosystem, and long-standing presence in enterprise services. The company plans to invest RMB 380 billion in cloud and AI infrastructure over the next three years. Its Qwen model family has grown into one of the world's largest open-source AI ecosystems, surpassing 600 million downloads and spawning more than 170,000 derivative models.

At the application level, Alibaba has assembled a strong portfolio that includes the Qwen app, Quark. Its affiliate Ant Group also launched the AI health app AQ and the LingGuang AI assistant. According to QuestMobile, AQ has already entered the top five AI-native apps in China, with the highest compound monthly growth rate at 83.4%, far outpacing the industry average of 13.5%. LingGuang similarly attracted millions of downloads within days of its launch in November 2025.

ByteDance, by contrast, is advancing through an aggressive, consumer-first strategy powered by strong product design and unparalleled traffic scale. Drawing on platforms such as Douyin and its AI assistant Doubao, the company benefits from a content-driven distribution advantage. Its Doubao large language model now handles more than 16.4 trillion tokens daily. With tools like Coze, an AI application development platform, and a deliberate push to continuously lower model usage costs, ByteDance is actively courting developers and enterprise customers alike.

Put simply, ByteDance prioritizes user engagement and emotional resonance, while Alibaba's AI ecosystem is built around functionality, efficiency, and real-world application.

Ant Group's AQ is also about practical impact for the widest user base. It may not grab headlines for pushing the limits of model size or abstract capability, but it demonstrates something equally important: how AI, when deployed at scale and embedded into daily routines, can quietly reshape how people live, work, and take care of their health.

A Shift in the West

Interestingly, while AQ is making headlines with its rapid adoption, the AI industry in the US is also seeing a directional shift towards practicality, driven by intensifying competition. Just recently, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly declared an internal "Code Red" following the launch of Google's Gemini 3 Pro. Google's new model has claimed the "benchmark crown" in key areas of reasoning and agentic workflow, prompting OpenAI to pause peripheral projects and aggressively accelerate the release of GPT-5.2. This reactionary move underscores a new phase in the Western market where maintaining theoretical dominance is no longer enoughcompanies must now prove their models can deliver superior, practical utility in real-time.
Women named Jolene are often perceived as possessing a unique blend of magnetic charisma and grounded authenticity. The name suggests someone with strong emotional intelligence and the ability to connect deeply with others while maintaining a sense of mystery. Jolene's typically exhibit a natural confidence that isn't aggressive but rather quietly compellingthey draw people in through their genuine presence rather than overt showmanship. This creates an interesting dynamic where they can be both approachable and intriguing, warm yet maintaining healthy boundaries. Their strength often lies in emotional resilience and the ability to navigate complex social situations with grace and intuition.



In terms of character, Jolene's are frequently described as creative, expressive individuals with a strong sense of self. They tend to be independent thinkers who value authenticity in themselves and others. While they may possess the traditional nurturing qualities associated with 'Jo' names, they combine this with modern assertiveness and self-determination. The name carries connotations of someone who is both reliable and surprisingcapable of providing steady support while also bringing fresh perspectives and creative energy to any situation. This balance makes Jolene's often successful in roles requiring both emotional intelligence and innovative thinking, whether in personal relationships or professional environments.
Individuals named Kojo are traditionally associated with calm, diplomatic, and peaceful personalities. In Akan culture, Monday-born people are believed to possess a natural ability to mediate conflicts and bring harmony to challenging situations. They are often described as thoughtful, patient, and possessing excellent listening skills, making them well-suited for leadership roles that require consensus-building and careful decision-making.



These individuals are typically seen as reliable and trustworthy, with a strong sense of responsibility toward their community and family. Their peaceful nature doesn't indicate weakness but rather a strategic approach to life's challenges. Kojo's are often admired for their ability to maintain composure under pressure and their talent for finding middle ground in disputes. This personality profile, deeply embedded in Akan cultural wisdom, suggests that those named Kojo naturally embody the qualities of diplomacy, patience, and thoughtful action that their birth day represents.



Beyond the traditional associations, modern observations suggest that people named Kojo often develop a strong sense of cultural identity and pride. They tend to be bridge-builders between generations and cultures, valuing tradition while embracing progress. Their inherent calmness often makes them excellent in crisis situations, and they frequently become the stabilizing force in their social and professional circles. The name seems to carry an expectation of wisdom and level-headedness that many who bear it grow into throughout their lives.
Individuals named Krystalynn are often perceived as having a luminous, transparent quality in their character - they tend to be genuine, honest, and clear in their intentions. Their personality typically combines creativity with practicality, much like the crystal that is both beautiful and structured. They often possess strong intuitive abilities and emotional intelligence, able to 'see through' situations with clarity and offer wise counsel to others.



Krystalynns are frequently described as having inner strength and resilience, able to withstand pressure while maintaining their essential character, similar to how crystals form under pressure. They tend to be nurturing yet independent, with a natural grace that draws others to them while maintaining clear personal boundaries. Their combination of sensitivity and strength makes them excellent mediators and peacemakers, often serving as the 'clear voice' in confusing or emotional situations. Many Krystalynns develop strong spiritual lives, finding meaning in transparency, purity, and serving as conduits of light and truth in their communities.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Lacee carries significant cultural weight as a modern feminine adaptation of the Norman French surname de Laci, which arrived in England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The de Laci family were prominent Norman nobles who established themselves as powerful landowners in England, with their name deriving from Lassy in Normandy. This aristocratic connection gives the name an air of nobility and historical depth.



In Christian contexts, the name's delicate sound and elegant connotations have made it popular among families seeking names that reflect both faith and refinement. The transformation from surname to given name reflects broader naming trends in English-speaking countries, where occupational and locational surnames often evolve into first names. The spelling variation 'Lacee' represents a modern phonetic interpretation that maintains the name's graceful qualities while offering a distinctive spelling option, particularly appealing to parents who want a name that feels both traditional and contemporary.
Symbolically, Laomedon represents the profound Greek concept of the flawed leader whose grand visions are ultimately compromised by moral weakness. The name serves as a metaphor for the tension between human achievement and ethical integrity, where even the most impressive accomplishmentslike building Troy's legendary wallscan be nullified by character defects. It embodies the idea that foundations, whether of cities or personal legacies, require not just physical strength but moral fortitude to endure. The symbolic meaning extends to warnings about the consequences of broken trust and the inevitable reckoning that follows deception, particularly toward those in positions of power. As such, Laomedon stands as a powerful symbol of the classical understanding that human greatness and human failing are often two sides of the same coin, with destiny shaped as much by character as by capability.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Leeann represents a fascinating blend of cultural influences that reflect modern naming practices. The name combines the English element 'Lee,' derived from Old English meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing,' with 'Ann,' which has Hebrew origins through Christian tradition meaning 'grace.' This synthesis mirrors the multicultural nature of contemporary society, where parents often seek names that honor multiple heritages. The Christian significance comes primarily from the 'Ann' component, referencing Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, making it particularly meaningful in Catholic and Protestant traditions. Throughout the 20th century, Leeann and its variations gained popularity as compound names became fashionable, representing a departure from single-element names while maintaining traditional roots. The name's appeal crosses socioeconomic boundaries and has been embraced by diverse communities, though it remains most popular in English-speaking countries. Its melodic quality and balanced syllables contribute to its enduring appeal, making it a choice that feels both classic and contemporary.



The name's cultural journey reflects broader trends in naming conventions, where the mid-20th century saw a rise in creative name combinations that allowed parents to express individuality while maintaining connections to tradition. Leeann specifically gained traction during the 1950s through 1970s, a period when many parents sought names that sounded modern yet carried historical weight. The name's flexibilitywith multiple accepted spellingsallowed families to personalize it while keeping its essential character. In Christian communities, the name often serves as a way to honor Saint Anne while incorporating other family names or preferences through the 'Lee' component. This dual heritage makes Leeann particularly significant in families with mixed cultural backgrounds or those seeking to honor multiple relatives through a single name.
The personality traits associated with Llamrei draw heavily from her mythological role as a legendary war horse of exceptional quality. Individuals with this name are often imagined to possess a combination of strength and graceable to bear heavy burdens while moving with elegance and purpose. There's an inherent nobility suggested, not of arrogance but of dignified service and reliability. Like the original Llamrei who carried Arthur through countless dangers, those bearing the name might be seen as people others can depend on in difficult circumstances. The name also implies a certain wildness or untamed spiritthe capacity for great speed and power when needed, balanced with disciplined loyalty. This creates a personality profile of someone who is both grounded and capable of extraordinary effort when called upon. The association with an animal companion rather than a human character adds layers of intuition, physical presence, and non-verbal understanding to the perceived personalityqualities of sensing what needs to be done without excessive discussion or deliberation.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Lyman has deep roots in English and American Christian traditions, originally emerging as a surname before transitioning to a given name. The name gained prominence during the Puritan migration to America, where it became associated with religious leaders and early American patriots. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Lyman was particularly favored among New England Protestant families, often given to sons expected to carry on religious or civic leadership roles. The name's connection to valleys ('from the valley') carries biblical significance, evoking imagery of spiritual journeys and protection, much like the 'valley of the shadow of death' in Psalm 23. This Christian symbolism made it appealing to families seeking names with both English heritage and spiritual depth.



In American history, the name Lyman became associated with intellectual and reform movements, particularly through figures like Lyman Beecher, who represented the evangelical tradition that shaped much of 19th-century American culture. The name's usage among signers of the Declaration of Independence and constitutional framers cemented its place in American patriotic tradition. This dual association with both religious devotion and civic duty made Lyman a name that conveyed seriousness of purpose and moral integrity, qualities highly valued in early American society.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Makin holds significant cultural importance in Muslim communities, particularly in Arabic-speaking regions. It derives from the Arabic root 'm-k-n' meaning strength and establishment, reflecting values highly regarded in Islamic tradition. Historically, the name has been associated with individuals of authority, stability, and reliability, often given to children with the hope they would grow to be pillars of their communities.



In Islamic culture, names carrying meanings of strength and firmness are considered auspicious as they align with qualities praised in religious texts. The name appears in various historical records, particularly during the Golden Age of Islam, where several scholars and administrators bore this name, contributing to its enduring legacy. Throughout Muslim history, the name Makin has been particularly popular among families seeking to instill values of resilience, dependability, and moral fortitude in their sons.
The name Melania has experienced significant fluctuations in modern usage, with notable peaks corresponding to cultural and political events. Prior to the 21st century, it remained relatively uncommon outside Italian, Spanish, and Eastern European communities. The marriage of Melania Trump to Donald Trump in 2005 brought international attention to the name, leading to a brief surge in popularity, particularly in 2016-2017 during the presidential campaign. However, the strong political associations have since made some parents hesitant to choose the name. Current usage trends show it maintaining steady but modest popularity in Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, where it has traditional roots. In English-speaking countries, the simplified spelling 'Melanie' remains significantly more popular, while 'Melania' retains an exotic, sophisticated appeal for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name with European flair. Social Security Administration data shows the name peaked at #927 in US popularity in 2017 but has since declined, reflecting how political associations can dramatically impact naming trends. Despite this, the name continues to be chosen by parents attracted to its melodic sound and historical depth.
New Delhi, India (PANA) - More than 100 countries have gathered for the second World Summit on Traditional Medicine, co-organized by the UN's global health agency (WHO) and India
Individuals named Mukarramma are typically characterized by their strong sense of dignity, moral integrity, and natural authority. They often possess a calm, composed demeanor that inspires confidence and respect in others, combined with a deep sense of responsibility toward their family and community. These women tend to be traditional in their values yet practical in their approach to modern challenges, creating a balance between honoring cultural heritage and adapting to contemporary realities. Their decision-making is typically thoughtful and principled, reflecting the weight they give to maintaining honor and fulfilling obligations. In social settings, Mukarrammas are often the stabilizing forcethe person others turn to for wise counsel or to mediate conflicts. They may appear reserved initially but reveal warmth and generosity to those they trust. Professionally, they excel in roles requiring reliability, ethical judgment, and leadership, though they typically lead through example rather than assertion. Their strength lies in their consistency and the genuine respect they earn through their actions rather than any demand for deference.
Symbolically, Nerine represents the profound connection between humanity and the natural world, specifically our relationship with water as both life-giving and transformative. The name embodies the concept of 'depth' in multiple sensesemotional depth, intellectual depth, and spiritual depth. Like the ocean that covers most of our planet, Nerine symbolizes both the known and unknown, the conscious and subconscious. The mythological Nereids were bridges between the human and divine realms, making the name symbolic of mediation, understanding, and connection across different spheres of existence.



In psychological symbolism, water represents emotion, intuition, and the flow of life, all qualities strongly associated with the name Nerine. The floral connection adds layers of meaning related to beauty, growth, and seasonal cycles. The Nerine flower's late blooming period (autumn) symbolizes patience and the beauty of things that develop in their own time. Together, these symbolic elements create a rich tapestry of meaning that positions Nerine as a name representing natural wisdom, emotional intelligence, graceful strength, and the beauty of unique timing in personal development.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Oved holds profound cultural significance in Jewish tradition as a name deeply rooted in biblical heritage. As the son of Ruth and Boaz, and grandfather of King David, Oved represents a crucial link in the messianic lineage that forms the foundation of Jewish royal tradition. This connection gives the name eschatological importance, as Jewish tradition holds that the Messiah will descend from the House of David. The name embodies the transition from Ruth's story of loyalty and conversion to the establishment of Israel's greatest royal dynasty.



Throughout Jewish history, the name Oved has served as a reminder of the importance of humble beginnings and the potential for greatness to emerge from faithful service. The narrative surrounding Oved's birth represents the fulfillment of divine promises and the reward for righteousness. In contemporary Jewish culture, the name continues to honor this ancestral connection while symbolizing the values of dedication, continuity, and the belief that ordinary work, when performed with integrity, can lead to extraordinary outcomes in the grand scheme of history.
Individuals named Peigi are typically characterized by their strong connection to tradition and community. They often exhibit a nurturing personality with deep roots in family and cultural heritage. Many Peigis demonstrate remarkable resilience, reflecting the historical perseverance of the Gaelic communities from which the name originates. There's frequently a creative dimension to their personality, whether expressed through music, storytelling, crafts, or other forms of cultural expression.



Peigis are often described as dependable and steadfast, with a quiet strength that others find comforting. They tend to be excellent listeners and natural peacemakers within their social circles. Their connection to cultural traditions often makes them repositories of family history and local knowledge. Many develop strong communication skills, whether in multiple languages or through artistic expression. The 'pearl' symbolism of their name often manifests as individuals who value quality over quantity in relationships and pursuits, preferring deep, meaningful connections to superficial interactions. They typically approach challenges with patience and determination, understanding that valuable outcomes often require sustained effort over time.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Quenton carries significant cultural weight through its Christian origins and European heritage. Derived from the Latin Quintinus, meaning 'fifth,' it originally denoted fifth-born sons in Roman families but gained religious importance through Saint Quentin, a 3rd-century Roman missionary martyred in Gaul. His cult spread throughout medieval Europe, with the French city of Saint-Quentin becoming a major pilgrimage destination. During the Middle Ages, the name symbolized Christian martyrdom and missionary zeal, particularly in France where numerous churches and towns were dedicated to the saint. The Norman Conquest brought the name to England, where it evolved into various spellings including Quenton. In the 19th century, Victorian naming trends revived classical and saintly names, leading to Quenton's popularity among English-speaking Christians seeking names with both religious significance and aristocratic flair. The name's persistence reflects the enduring appeal of saintly names in Christian communities and the romanticization of medieval history during the Gothic Revival period.



The 20th century saw Quenton maintain its status as a distinguished, if uncommon, choice particularly among Catholic families and those of French descent. The fame of individuals like Quentin Roosevelt, son of President Theodore Roosevelt, gave the name patriotic connotations in America during the World War I era. In contemporary culture, while the spelling 'Quentin' has become more mainstream through figures like filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, the 'Quenton' variation preserves a sense of tradition and distinctiveness. The name continues to represent a bridge between ancient Christian traditions and modern individuality, appealing to parents who value historical depth but seek unique spellings for their children.
Individuals named Radu are often perceived as possessing a balanced combination of traditional values and modern adaptability. They typically demonstrate strong diplomatic skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate complex social situations with grace. This aligns with the historical Radu cel Frumos, who was known for his political acumen and ability to maintain relationships across conflicting factions.



Radus are frequently described as charismatic yet grounded, with a natural authority that doesn't rely on aggression. They tend to be family-oriented, loyal to their roots while being open to new experiences. Their personality often includes a creative streak, whether expressed through arts, problem-solving, or social innovation. This combination of traditional reliability and contemporary flexibility makes them effective leaders and trusted friends in diverse settings.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Shipley originated as a locational surname in England, primarily from places called Shipley in Derbyshire, West Yorkshire, and Sussex. The name's Christian significance stems from its adoption by prominent church figures throughout English history, particularly within the Anglican tradition. During the medieval period, families bearing the Shipley name often held positions of authority in local parishes and contributed to the establishment of Christian communities across rural England.



The name's pastoral meaning ('from the sheep meadow') resonates with Christian symbolism of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the flock as his followers, creating a natural theological connection that made it appealing to Christian families seeking names with spiritual undertones. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, several Shipleys rose to prominence within the Church of England, using their influence to shape religious education and church governance while maintaining the name's association with humble, rural Christian values that emphasized care, community, and spiritual guidance.
Individuals named Taite are often perceived as cheerful, optimistic, and intellectually curious. They typically possess a natural brightness that draws others to them, combined with a pleasant demeanor that makes them approachable and well-liked. Their optimistic outlook often translates into resilience and the ability to find silver linings in challenging situations, making them valuable friends and colleagues during difficult times.



Taite's tend to be creative thinkers with a keen interest in learning and exploration, often excelling in fields that allow for self-expression and innovation. They balance their intellectual pursuits with strong social intelligence, making them effective communicators who can adapt to various social situations while maintaining their authentic, cheerful nature. This combination of intellectual brightness and emotional warmth creates individuals who are both insightful and comforting to be around.
In contemporary naming practices, Victoriano has evolved from its peak popularity in the early 20th century to become a more traditional choice that conveys heritage and strength. Current usage patterns show it's most commonly selected by Spanish-speaking families seeking to honor ancestors or maintain family naming traditions. While not among the most popular baby names in Spain or Latin America today, it maintains a steady presence in countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. The name has seen a modest revival among parents interested in classic names with powerful meanings, particularly those looking for alternatives to more common Spanish names like Santiago or Alejandro. Digital name databases show Victoriano ranking outside the top 300 names in most Spanish-speaking countries, indicating its status as a distinctive rather than trendy choice. Modern bearers of the name often appreciate its historical depth and the positive attributes of victory and resilience it represents in an era where these qualities remain highly valued.
Symbolically, Waldo represents the eternal human quest for truth, meaning, and authentic existence. The name embodies the journey of self-discovery and intellectual exploration, heavily influenced by Ralph Waldo Emerson's transcendentalist ideals of self-reliance and spiritual connection with nature. It symbolizes the courage to maintain one's convictions in the face of opposition, as demonstrated by Peter Waldo's religious reforms that challenged established authority. The modern 'Where's Waldo?' association adds layers of symbolism related to observation, discovery, and finding significance in crowded or complex environments. Metaphorically, Waldo suggests someone who may not always be immediately visible but whose presence and contributions are valuable when discovered. The name also carries connotations of bridging worldsbetween the spiritual and practical, the historical and contemporary, the individual and communitymaking it symbolic of integration and holistic understanding.
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - Norway, the UK and US, which constitute the Troika on South Sudan, have expressed concern about the return to widespread conflict across the country, warning that it would be tragic for the people if there is a return to the levels of violence of 2013 and 2016
Individuals named Yates often exhibit traits of reliability, protection, and boundary-setting, reflecting the name's original meaning of living by the gates. They tend to be natural guardians who value security and structure, often taking on roles where they can oversee transitions or protect others. This protective nature combines with a strong sense of responsibility, making Yates individuals dependable friends and family members who others turn to in times of need.



Beyond their protective qualities, those named Yates frequently demonstrate excellent judgment and decision-making abilities, particularly in situations requiring them to determine what should be allowed entry or kept outwhether literally or metaphorically. They often possess a balanced perspective that allows them to see both sides of situations, making them effective mediators. Their connection to 'gates' also suggests an ability to facilitate transitions and help others navigate important life changes, while maintaining a stable, grounded presence that provides comfort and security to those around them.
Individuals named Yazhi are often perceived as nurturing, compassionate, and deeply connected to family traditions. They typically exhibit a gentle strength and emotional intelligence that allows them to understand and care for others effectively. While the name meaning 'little one' might suggest fragility, those bearing this name often demonstrate remarkable resilience and inner fortitude. They tend to be observant and intuitive, picking up on subtle emotional cues and family dynamics.



Many Yazhis develop strong caretaking instincts and often become the emotional anchors within their social circles. Their connection to the name's cultural roots frequently translates into a strong sense of identity and commitment to preserving family heritage. Despite their gentle nature, they often possess quiet determination and the ability to overcome challenges through persistence rather than force. The name's cultural background often instills values of community responsibility, respect for elders, and the importance of maintaining cultural traditions while adapting to modern life.
Individuals named Zakiy are often perceived as having a calm and composed demeanor, with a strong moral compass guiding their decisions. They tend to be thoughtful and introspective, valuing honesty and transparency in their relationships. Their purity of intention often makes them trustworthy and reliable companions who others naturally confide in. Zakiy's typically possess a quiet strength and resilience, approaching challenges with clarity and principle rather than emotion.



These individuals are often drawn to meaningful pursuits and may exhibit patience and perseverance in achieving their goals. While sometimes reserved, they form deep, lasting connections with those who share their values of integrity and authenticity. Their name's meaning often influences their self-perception, leading them to strive for moral excellence in both personal and professional spheres. Zakiy's are frequently seen as peacemakers who avoid conflict and seek harmonious solutions, embodying the purity their name represents through their actions and interactions.
U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten and John James announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation designed to create a cost-sharing pilot program that would significantly reduce childcare expenses for working families nationwide.

The proposed Tri-Share Child Care program represents a collaborative approach to tackling what both lawmakers describe as a national childcare affordability crisis.

Cutting the Costs of Childcare

Under the proposed framework, childcare costs would be divided equally among three parties: the federal government, employers, and parents themselves. This structure means participating families would be responsible for paying only one-third of their childcare costs, with the government and their employer each covering an additional third.

Families earning up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level and whose employers participate in the program would be eligible to benefit from the initiative, according to MLive.

The legislation would allocate $250 million annually for three years to support the pilot program across multiple states. Scholten, who drew on personal experience as a working mother with two children in daycare, emphasized the urgency of addressing what she called the "crushing costs of childcare" affecting American families.

She stated that the program aims to reduce financial pressure on working parents and strengthen the broader economy by helping families pursue their careers.

The Tri-Share model builds on a successful pilot program that has been operating in Michigan. Results from the state initiative demonstrated that 82 percent of participating families were able to maintain their workforce participation, while four out of five participating businesses reported using the program as a recruiting and retention tool, Fox17 reported. Additionally, more than half of childcare providers serving program participants reported improved financial stability.

A New Bipartisan Program

James highlighted that Michigan families currently face annual childcare costs exceeding $12,000, making affordable childcare access a critical issue for the state's workforce and economy. Both representatives characterized the legislation as a necessary step to help families manage expenses while boosting workforce engagement and economic growth.

Support for the initiative extends beyond the sponsoring representatives. The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, which played a leading role in developing Michigan's Tri-Share program, has endorsed the effort to expand the model nationally. Chamber officials called it a meaningful step forward, noting that the program demonstrates what is possible when business, government, and community collaborate to address pressing family needs.

Early childhood advocates have similarly praised the initiative as an innovative solution that prioritizes children's development while easing financial burdens on families and supporting employers who invest in their workforce, as per the Michigan Independent.
PRNewswire Kaohsiung [Taiwan], December 18: SynbioTech INC., ranked among the top 20 global probiotic suppliers, proudly announced a significant triumph at the 2025 AII DaVinci International Innovation and Invention Expo. The company won five Gold Medals for its pioneering probiotic and postbiotic solutions. SynbioTech's scientifically validated breakthroughs in precision health earned high acclaim from the international panel of judges. The award-winning innovations include: - ABKEFIR : Developed using a proprietary "symbiotic fermentation" process, the innovative technology is verified to enhance antioxidant capacity, modulate immune response, and demonstrates a potent inhibitory effect against the common foodborne pathogen Salmonella typhimurium. - LDL557 Postbiotic: A novel solution proven to mitigate joint swelling, prevent cartilage matrix damage, and alleviate inflammatory responses. - SynForU-ReMain: An advanced formula that utilizes the gut-kidney axis mechanism to provide adjunctive support for managing chronic kidney disease. The 6th Annual AII DaVinci International Innovation and Invention Expo, co-hosted by the American Innovation & Invention Institute and Southern Utah University in 2025, is a prestigious platform for global innovation, attracting participants from over ten countries, including the United States, Taiwan, China, Thailand, and Canada. SynbioTech Innovations in Precision Health for an Aging Population SynbioTech possesses one of Asia's largest commercial lactic acid bacteria strain banks, with a collection exceeding 2,000 strains. "We are honored by this recognition from the Da Vinci Expo. As we believe that better probiotics make our lives better, the R&D team at SynbioTech has grown swiftly and focused on cutting-edge developments in functional probiotics." Said Mr. Yang Lian-Chuan, President of SynbioTech. " Those award-winning health products are scientifically proven to help boost immunity, protect joints, and support kidney health for the aging population." SYNTEK Thorough Enhances Probiotic Potency by Over 50% Mr. Sean Yang, COO of SynbioTech, highlighted a key innovation: "SynbioTech's ABKEFIR, developed by our proprietary SYNTEK thorough procedure, combines five selected lactic acid strains from traditional kefir with two dominant gut bacteria. The breakthrough technology of 'Symbiotic Fermentation' increases the stability and concentration of probiotics by over 50%. Furthermore, human clinical trials have confirmed its effectiveness in regulating gut microbiota and alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort." Another gold-medal highlight was the formula's proven ability to inhibit harmful bacteria like Salmonella, a leading cause of fatal food poisoning worldwide according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This innovation is protected by patents in Taiwan (I854384) and the United States (US11839635B1). SynbioTech's Global Strategy for Acclaimed Products ABKEFIR, SynForU-ReMain, and LDL557 are award-winning probiotics with significant global appeal, expanding their market presence across Greater China, North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region to serve aging populations. SynForU-ReMain, in particular, addresses the unique nutritional needs of dialysis patients and seniors, with demand for renal health supplements rapidly rising in both the US and South Korea. COO Sean Yang said, "The company plans to accelerate its expansion into the Pacific Rim, focusing on active aging demographics in Southeast Asia, Australia, and South Asia." Established in 2000, SynbioTech INC. excels in microbial technology and probiotic research. Based in Taiwan, SynbioTech supplies over half of the local health food brands and collaborates with major international partners in the US, Germany, Korea, and Australia. The company holds 60 patents and has published over 100 scientific papers, nearly half of which appeared in peer-reviewed journals. Please check SynbioTech official website. SynbioTech participated in the US Da Vinci International Invention Exhibition. Studies show that ABKEFIR, using 'symbiotic fermentation' technology, offers superior antibacterial effects compared to single strains, enhancing its gut health benefits. (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)
PNN Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 18: Miles Education recently launched CAIRA (Certified AI-Ready Accountant), India's first AI credential built specifically for accounting and finance professionals. Designed in close collaboration with global accounting innovators, CAIRA sets a new benchmark for what it means to be future-ready in an AI-driven profession. As accounting rapidly evolves from compliance-focused execution to strategic value creation, CAIRA addresses a growing industry gap. While technology adoption accelerates across audit, tax, controllership, advisory, and FP&A, clarity around the skills accountants need to lead in this new environment has remained fragmented. CAIRA brings that clarity. "AI is not replacing accountants. Accountants who know how to use AI are replacing those who don't," said Varun Jain, CEO of Miles Education. "CAIRA is beyond AI tools. With CAIRA we are shaping judgement, and leadership for the Future CPA. The goal is simple. Automate the routine and enable accountants to become strategic pilots of the business." From Number Crunchers to Strategic Leaders CAiRA is structured to help professionals move beyond manual processes and spreadsheet-driven workflows into higher-impact decision-making roles. The curriculum combines foundational AI understanding with hands-on application across accounting functions, while also addressing governance, ethics, and leadership in an AI-enabled world. CAIRA Level 1 offers over 30 hours of NASBA-approved CPE, delivered through expert-led masterclasses, practical demonstrations, and live discussions. The program is designed for CPAs, CMAs, and finance professionals working across public accounting, Global Capability Centers (GCCs), and multinational finance teams. Industry-Led, Ecosystem-Driven The launch of CAIRA was anchored by three major industry conclaves hosted by Miles Education in Bengaluru and shaped by real conversations with the people building the future of the profession. These forums brought together senior leaders from Deloitte, KPMG, EY, BDO Rise, Cognizant, and other leading firms, along with national academic leaders. The conversations were practical and grounded, led by people actively redefining how accounting and finance teams are built, trained, and led in an AI-first world. * M-FIN 2025 (November 22), the Miles Finance GCC Conclave, focused on AI for CFO Teams and how AI is changing forecasting and decision-making. * Miles Conclave 2025 (December 5) brought together academic leaders to discuss AI-integrated business education. * M-PACT 2025 (December 6), the Miles Public Accounting GCC Conclave, focused on The Future CPA and how public accounting is evolving with AI. The CAIRA curriculum reflects these discussions, with learning tracks that include AI Foundations for Accountants, Applied AI Across Accounting Functions, and AI Leadership and Strategy, along with a strong emphasis on professional judgement and ethical responsibility. Global Recognition and Career Mobility Candidates who complete CAIRA receive a digital Certified AI-Ready Accountant badge, shareable on LinkedIn and professional platforms, signaling readiness for Big 4 firms, top public accounting firms, and multinational employers. Integrated into the Miles One App, CAIRA is accessible anytime, anywhere for Miles CPA and CMA candidates. The credential also complements the Miles US Pathway, supporting career mobility into high-impact roles across U.S. firms and India-based GCCs. About Miles Education Miles Education is a global accounting and finance education company built around one clear belief: the future of the profession depends on how well talent is prepared for real industry demands. Miles works backwards from workforce shortages, regulatory requirements, and firm-level capability gaps to design pathways that produce job-ready, globally competitive accountants. Today, Miles is best known for building large-scale CPA and CMA pathways, enabling talent mobility across the U.S., India, and Global Capability Centers. Through its integrated ecosystem, including CPA, CMA, CAIRA, Miles Masterclass, and the U.S. Pathway, Miles equips candidates with not just credentials, but the skills, judgement, and confidence required to succeed in modern accounting roles. With partnerships across public accounting firms, GCCs, universities, and industry leaders, Miles continues to shape how the next generation of accountants is trained, certified, and deployed. As the profession evolves in the age of AI, Miles remains focused on one outcome above all else: creating accountants who are ready to lead what comes next. Website: www.mileseducation.com/caira (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.)
The proposed India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is expected to significantly boost India's industrial exports, as import duties in Oman currently range from zero to as high as 100 per cent on select products, according to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The report noted that at present, over 80 per cent of Indian goods enter Oman at an average tariff of around 5 per cent. However, duties vary widely across products, with very high tariffs imposed on items such as certain meats, alcohol and tobacco. GTRI said that the elimination or reduction of these tariffs under the CEPA is likely to improve the competitiveness of Indian industrial exports in the Omani market. It stated, "Tariff elimination under the CEPA is expected to improve competitiveness for Indian industrial exports, though sustained growth will depend on quality upgrades and product differentiation in Oman's relatively small market." India and Oman are set to sign the CEPA on Thursday, covering goods, services and investment. While the agreement may be implemented after a few months, it is expected to play a key role in strengthening bilateral economic ties. The pact aims to cut tariffs across a wide range of products, helping boost India's exports to Oman, which currently stand at USD 4.1 billion. For India, the main gains lie in merchandise exports. India's exports to Oman stood at USD 4.1 billion in FY2025, led by naphtha (USD 747.6 million) and petrol (USD 561 million), alongside calcined alumina (USD 313 million), machinery (USD 231 million), aircraft (USD 165 million), rice (USD 182 million), iron and steel articles (USD 120 million), beauty and personal care products (USD 128.6 million) and ceramic products (USD 79.9 million). The agreement will also reinforce Oman's position as a key energy supplier to India. Energy and fertiliser imports worth USD 6.6 billion, including crude oil, LNG and chemicals, are expected to benefit from India's tariff commitments under the CEPA. According to the report, the India-Oman CEPA broadly follows the template of India's UAE Free Trade Agreement, with a focus on reducing regulatory barriers. This includes the possibility of fast-track approvals for Indian pharmaceutical products, which could help Indian companies expand their presence in Oman. While Oman's relatively small domestic market may limit the scale of trade expansion, the CEPA is expected to strengthen India's strategic and investment footprint in the Gulf region. The two countries already have more than 6,000 joint ventures in place. The agreement aims to substantially reduce or eliminate tariffs on a wide range of goods, liberalise services trade and facilitate investment flows. Bilateral trade between India and Oman stood at about USD 10.5 billion in 2024-25. The report highlighted that beyond trade, the CEPA carries strong strategic importance. With Indian investments exceeding USD 7.5 billion, especially in Oman's Sohar and Salalah free zones, the agreement represents a significant step in strengthening India's long-term economic and strategic presence in the Middle East. (ANI)
VMPL New Delhi [India], December 18: In today's image-conscious world, hair transplants have become one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures among men and women alike. Yet, despite its popularity and proven success, hair transplantation remains surrounded by myths, fears, and misinformation. To address these concerns, Dr. Shalini Malhotra, an internationally acclaimed hair transplant surgeon and a board-certified dermatologist, sheds light on what really makes modern hair restoration both safe and transformative when done under expert supervision. The Fear Factor: Why People Still Hesitate Many individuals struggling with baldness or thinning hair hesitate to take the next step because of outdated fears--such as "It looks fake," "It's painful," or "It's unsafe." Dr Malhotra notes, "Most of these fears stem from how hair transplants used to be done decades ago. Techniques have evolved dramatically. Today's procedures are minimally invasive, virtually painless, and produce completely natural results when performed by skilled hands." According to her, understanding the science and safety behind the procedure is the first step in breaking these myths. Myth 1: Hair Transplants Are Painful and Risky This is one of the most common misconceptions. Modern hair restoration especially advanced FUE (Follicular Unit Excision) is performed under local anaesthesia, meaning the patient feels little to no pain during the process. The techniques involve extracting hair follicles from donor areas (usually the back of the scalp) and implanting them into thinning regions, one by one. There is no longitudinal incision, resulting in minimal bleeding and a quick recovery period. "Patients often return to work within 2-3 days," says Dr Malhotra. "We use single-use, sterile instruments and internationally approved protocols that make the entire procedure as safe as any minor dermatological surgery." Myth 2: The Results Look Artificial The era of "pluggy," doll-like hairlines is long gone. With precision-based design, artistic planning, and advanced implanter devices, surgeons like Dr Malhotra now recreate hairlines that perfectly complement the patient's facial aesthetics, age, and natural growth pattern. Her clinic uses magnified digital imaging and meticulous follicle placement to ensure every graft blends seamlessly with the patient's existing hair. "The key is not just technical skill but artistic sense," she explains. "Every person's hair density, curl pattern, and hairline geometry are unique. When these are respected, the results are indistinguishable from natural hair." Myth 3: Hair Transplants Don't Work for Women While hair loss has traditionally been seen as a "male problem," the truth is that over 40% of women experience noticeable hair thinning at some point in their lives. Modern hair transplant techniques have been refined for female pattern baldness, hairline lowering, and post-pregnancy or hormonal hair loss. Dr Malhotra emphasises, "Women often respond beautifully to a combination of medical treatment and surgical restoration. With careful evaluation and planning, they can achieve fuller, denser hair without compromising their natural look." Myth 4: Hair Transplants Can Cause Permanent Damage When performed by unqualified practitioners or in unhygienic settings, complications can occur--just as with any medical procedure. But in certified clinics that follow international standards, the risks are extremely minimal. Dr Malhotra's clinic adheres to American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS) guidelines and uses advanced safety measures including: * Single-use sterilised instruments * Controlled room temperature and airflow during surgery * Real-time graft hydration and storage systems * Post-operative monitoring for infection prevention "Patient safety is our top priority," she explains. "Every transplant is done under controlled conditions with a team trained in international best practices. That's why we have a 98% graft survival rate and a high patient satisfaction score." Myth 5: Hair Transplants Are Only for Complete Baldness Contrary to popular belief, hair transplants aren't reserved for those who have lost all their hair. In fact, early-stage thinning can be the best time to consider the procedure. By addressing receding hairlines or thinning crowns early, surgeons can use fewer grafts, preserve natural density, and achieve more natural long-term results. Dr. Malhotra adds, The earlier we intervene, the better we can preserve existing hair and prevent progression. Hair transplants can also be combined with PRP or GFC therapy for enhanced results. The Science of Safety and Success What makes today's hair transplant procedures safe isn't just advanced technology--it's the combination of science, artistry, and patient-centric care. At Dr Malhotra's Delhi clinic, each patient undergoes a detailed consultation, trichoscopy (microscopic scalp analysis), and customised treatment planning. The surgery is done in a sterile environment, and the aftercare protocol includes antibiotics, mild painkillers, and growth boosters to promote graft survival. Most importantly, patients are educated on post-care routines, including gentle cleansing, sun protection, and avoiding strenuous activity for a few days. Myth 6: The Results Don't Last A properly done hair transplant offers permanent results, as the transplanted follicles are taken from the "safe donor zone"--the back and sides of the scalp that are genetically resistant to hair loss. "These follicles retain their natural resistance even after transplantation," explains Dr Malhotra. "Once they grow in, they continue to behave like your original hair--you can cut, colour, and style them as you wish." The Verdict: Safe, Proven, and Life-Changing Hair transplantation today is not only medically safe but also emotionally empowering. It can restore self-confidence, improve one's public image, and even help individuals overcome long-standing insecurities. Dr Malhotra concludes, "Hair restoration is about more than looks--it's about restoring identity. When performed safely and artistically, it changes lives." For men and women considering the procedure, expert consultation is the best first step. With the right medical team and realistic expectations, modern hair transplantation can be one of the safest and most satisfying aesthetic investments you'll ever make. Contact: Dr Shalini MalhotraBoard-Certified Hair Transplant & Cosmetic Dermatology ExpertSouth Delhi, Indiawww.shalinimalhotradr.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
'The Traitors' presenter will preside over the British awards ceremony, which takes place at London's Royal Festival Hall on February 22, 2026

Cumming, who won an Olivier award for his performance in 'Cabaret', is being welcomed back into the BAFTA fold after hosting the organisation's TV awards last year.

'The Good Wife' star replaces fellow Scottish actor David Tennant, who has hosted the BAFTA Film Awards for the past two years, reported Deadline.

Cumming said he was looking forward to bringing some 'mischief' to the event. Emma Baehr, BAFTA's executive director of awards and content, hailed his "sharp wit, warmth and vibrant energy."

According to the outlet, round one of voting for the Film Awards opened on December 5. Longlists will be unveiled on January 9, with nominations to follow on January 27.

Meanwhile, actor Alan Cumming will be reprising his role of Nightcrawler from X Men 2 in the upcoming Marvel film 'Avengers: Doomsday'.

Cumming played the comic book role in 2003's X2: X-Men United and had not played it since.

The actor will also reunite in the new Avengers movie with his co-stars, including Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier / Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), and James Marsden (Cyclops).

Marvel Studios recently revealed the cast for its upcoming film 'Avengers: Doomsday', featuring a mix of familiar Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) faces and newcomers from the 'X-Men' and 'Fantastic Four' franchises.

The star-studded cast includes Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Letitia Wright (Black Panther), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), and Winston Duke (M'Baku), as per a social media post shared by Marvel Studios.

The cast also features actors from the upcoming 'Thunderbolts' film, including Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), and Wyatt Russell (US Agent).

Channing Tatum, who was previously attached to a 'Gambit' movie, will also appear in the film.'The Fantastic Four' will also be represented in the film, with Pedro Pascal (Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (The Invisible Woman), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Thing), and Joseph Quinn (The Human Torch) joining the cast.

Avengers: Doomsday' is set to release on May 1, 2026, with a follow-up film, 'Avengers: Secret Wars,' scheduled for May 7, 2027. (ANI)
A spouse needs to earn at least $97,656 annually in California for one parent to stay at home with a young child, according to a recent study by financial technology company SmartAsset.

The research examined the income requirements across all 50 states, revealing significant variations based on location and cost of living.

Cost of Being a Stay-at-Home Parent

The study analyzed essential family expenses, including housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and other necessary costs for a household with two adults and one young child. Hawaii topped the list with the highest income requirement, where a single earner must make $102,773 annually to afford having one parent stay home, according to The Hill. When both Hawaiian parents work, the combined income needed rises to $119,226 due to childcare expenses, which average approximately $33,363 per year in the state.

California ranked second, requiring $97,656 for a single-income household. If both parents work in California, the family needs at least $115,814 combined, with childcare and related expenses for two working parents totaling $35,651 annually. Massachusetts followed closely at $97,261 for a single income, though dual-income families there need the highest combined earnings at $124,842, with childcare costs reaching $44,221, SmartAsset reported.

States in the Northeast and West Coast generally required higher incomes. New York families need $92,290 for one parent to stay home, while Connecticut requires $90,542, Washington $90,459, and New Jersey $89,918. The financial burden reflects higher housing costs and living expenses in these regions.

Southern and Midwestern states showed more affordable thresholds. West Virginia had the lowest requirement at $68,099, followed by Arkansas at $68,141 and Mississippi at $70,242. Kentucky and North Dakota rounded out the five most affordable states at $70,408 and $70,949, respectively.

Financial Benefits of Stay-at-Home Parenting

The study's findings highlight one of the primary financial benefits of having a stay-at-home parent: eliminating childcare costs, which can significantly strain family budgets when both parents work. However, financial considerations extend beyond basic expenses. Experts note that single-income arrangements require careful planning around insurance, emergency funds, and retirement savings for the non-working spouse.

Cassidy DeJohn from SmartAsset emphasized the importance of communication between partners about their financial arrangement, noting that stress can build when one person bears sole responsibility for either earning income or managing childcare. The decision ultimately depends on each family's specific circumstances, location, and financial priorities, as per Live Now Fox.
The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine kicked off on Wednesday, with a focus on "Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-Being," at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, according to AYUSH press release. Union Health Minister JP Nadda and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasised the importance of traditional medicine in global healthcare. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda, in the presence of Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav inaugurated the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO, also shared a special video message that was played during the inaugural session. The session marks the start of the three-day global scientific gathering, held from December 17th to 19th, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to grace the closing ceremony of the Summit on December 19th, 2025. Centered on the theme "Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-Being," the summit is being jointly organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. The event brings together policymakers, scientists, practitioners, Indigenous knowledge holders, and civil society leaders from around the world to advance a shared vision of balanced, inclusive, and sustainable health systems, the release added. The summit brought together policymakers, scientists, and practitioners to advance a shared vision of balanced, inclusive, and sustainable health systems. Key discussions centered on integrating traditional medicine into national health systems, ensuring safety and quality, and promoting biodiversity conservation. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, in a video message, appreciated India''s partnership and leadership in traditional medicine. Emphasising that health is not only about technology and treatment but also about balance, dignity and the shared wisdom of humanity, he noted that the World Health Assembly earlier this year adopted the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034. The strategy focuses on strengthening the evidence base to guide decisions through science and data, ensuring safety and quality through effective regulation, integrating traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) into national health systems beginning with primary health care, and unlocking its broader value for biodiversity, sustainability and community well-being. He further highlighted that to translate this strategy into action, WHO has established the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India. India''s efforts to promote traditional medicine were highlighted, including the launch of the ICD-11 Module 2 and the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar. The summit also featured a session on Ashwagandha, showcasing its therapeutic benefits and the need for rigorous research and standardization. In his inaugural address, Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav said, "India''s collaboration with the World Health Organization reflects a shared commitment to bring traditional medicine into the mainstream of global healthcare through science, standards, and evidence. Since the partnership began in 2016, significant milestones have been achieved, including the launch of ICD-11 Module 2 in 2024, integrating Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani morbidity codes into international health classification. Ongoing work on the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI) and the upcoming WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, scheduled for completion in October 2025, underscore a decisive shift towards global acceptance, harmonization, and institutional strengthening of traditional medicine." Jadhav also said "India continues to expand international cooperation in the field of traditional medicine through education, research, and capacity building. The country offers 104 scholarships annually to foreign nationals, has signed 26 country-level MoUs, collaborates with over 50 institutions worldwide, and has established Ayush Chairs in 15 universities and Ayush Information Cells in 43 countries. Collaborative research initiatives, including Ashwagandha trials in the United Kingdom, Guduchi studies in Germany, and Ayurveda-based diabetes research in Latvia, are generating a growing body of evidence. Leveraging digital platforms such as the Ayush Grid and advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, India is systematically documenting and validating traditional knowledge to address contemporary global health challenges." Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Ayush Ministry''s Secretary, highlighted that the Summit builds on the momentum of the first WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine and the Gujarat Declaration, reaffirming a shared global commitment to science-based, sustainable, and equitable Traditional Medicine. He emphasized India''s role as a committed partner to WHO and Member States, underscored the significance of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre at Jamnagar as a global hub for policy, research, and innovation, and noted that the Summit--guided by the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034--aims to strengthen regulation and integration of Traditional Medicine into health systems, safeguard biodiversity and traditional knowledge, and harness frontier technologies, all anchored in the theme of "Restoring Balance" for people and the planet. The ceremony was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Goh Cheng Soon (Malaysia) and Prof. Motlalepula Matsabisa (South Africa), Co-chairs of the Steering Committee of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.The sessions collectively reinforced the understanding that health is deeply rooted in balance--between individuals, their communities and the environment. Amid environmental pressures, structural inequities, and governance gaps increasingly disrupting this equilibrium, speakers called for holistic approaches that uphold Indigenous rights, safeguard knowledge systems, strengthen evidence structures, and ensure fair benefit-sharing. The insights emerging from these deliberations position Traditional Medicine as a vital catalyst for restoring harmony between people and ecosystems, setting the conceptual foundation for the Summit''s forthcoming technical discussions and policy dialogues. (ANI)
Condemning the alleged violence against the Adivasi community in BJP-ruled Gujarat's Banaskantha, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said the incident was a "disgrace" and demanded a time-bound, impartial investigation to ensure the harshest punishment for those responsible. The AAP Chief stated that "Decades of injustice, exploitation and repression under BJP rule have pushed Adivasi communities to the brink. It asserted that what they seek today is not sympathy, but long-denied justice." Retweeting videos and photographs shared on X by AAP MLA and tribal leader Chaitar Vasava showing a public gathering with Adivasi communities in Gujarat, Arvind Kejriwal said, "Over the last 30 years, the BJP has subjected Gujarat's Adivasi society only to injustice, exploitation and repression, systematically snatching away their rights and silencing their voices." https://x.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/2001299953092813270 The leader further stated, "The violence against Adivasis in Paldiya village of Banaskantha district was deeply shameful and must be investigated in a fair and time-bound manner, with strict punishment for those responsible. Adivasi brothers and sisters have been demanding their rightful claims over water, forests and land for years, but the BJP has betrayed them every time in the name of promises. He asserted that the Adivasi community now demands justice." Meanwhile, AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava stated on X: "A land-related dispute was underway in Paldiya village near Ambaji in Banaskantha district, during which a violent incident took place involving local Adivasis, the Forest Department and the police. To ascertain the truth of the incident, a team comprising AAP office-bearers, the party's legal team and representatives of Adivasi community organisations visited Paldiya village." https://x.com/Chaitar_Vasava/status/2001263019758653628 "Under the pretext of development and in the interest of capitalists, the BJP government, at the behest of its Forest Minister, is using senior police officials and forest personnel to forcibly displace Adivasis from their land, which the party strongly condemns," he stated. Chaitar Vasava further said, "During the incident, police carried out a lathi charge on Adivasis as part of a deliberate conspiracy, fired tear gas shells and discharged around 50 rounds." The AAP MLA demanded an impartial inquiry into the incident and strict action against police officials and the Forest Department for violations of the Wildlife Protection Act and the Forest Rights Act. (ANI)
A Jhajjar Court in Haryana refused to grant custody of Olympic wrestler Sushil Kumar to the State Police in an Arms Act case. The Haryana Police were seeking his custody in connection with an FIR lodged at the Sadar Police Station in Jhajjar, Haryana. Sushil Kumar was produced before the Jhajjar Court on a production warrant. He was lodged in Delhi prison in a murder case. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Meenu rejected the Haryana police's application seeking five days' custody. Police had sought the custody of Sushil Kumar to interrogate him thoroughly and to arrest the boy through whom he allegedly got the pistol and cartridges delivered to one Vishal. Police said that Sushil Kumar was to be taken to Delhi and Punjab. While rejecting the application, the court said no case of custodial remand is made out because the police have not specified any place, city, or district in Delhi or Punjab in the application. The court remanded the accused, Sushil Kumar, to judicial custody until December 29 and directed that he be produced via video conferencing. Advocate Rohit Dalal appeared for Sushil Kumar and submitted that the application deserves to be dismissed as there is no connection the accused had with the co-accused. The accused has already been interrogated at Tihar Jail in Delhi. Haryana Police interrogated Sushil Kumar in Jhajjar court premises for two hours after his production from Tihar jail on December 16. (ANI)
The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in the national capital on Thursday morning issued a passenger advisory amid dense fog conditions, warning that Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) were in force even as flight operations continued normally. In a travel advisory issued at 4.30 am, Delhi Airport authorities informed passengers that foggy conditions had reduced visibility levels, prompting the implementation of LVP to ensure safe aircraft operations. However, officials clarified that there was no major disruption to flight services at the airport at the time of the advisory. "Low-visibility procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are presently normal. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information," the advisory posted on X. https://x.com/DelhiAirport/status/2001428398045040877 Airport authorities urged travellers to remain in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates on departures and arrivals. The advisory comes as Delhi continues to experience dense fog and poor air quality, which have reduced visibility in the early morning hours and disrupted air traffic at the airport. Meanwhile, large parts of the capital were blanketed by a dense layer of toxic smog, significantly reducing visibility and causing discomfort for residents. RK Puram was shrouded in thick smog, with an AQI of 374, placing it in the ''very poor'' category, according to CPCB. The Anand Vihar area is engulfed in a thick layer of toxic smog, with an AQI (Air Quality Index) of 415, classified as ''severe''. CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) had invoked all actions under GRAP Stage-IV in Delhi-NCR. A thick layer of smog also engulfed areas around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with an AQI reported to be 349, placing the area in the ''very poor'' category. The AQI around the Najafgarh area was a bit low, and reported to be 284, though it was surrounded by a toxic smog as well. The Dhaula Kuan area this morning was blanketed by a layer of toxic smog, with the AQI in the area at 266, categorised as ''Poor''. A thick layer of toxic smog enveloped the area outside ISBT Kashmere Gate, with the Air Quality Index recorded at 384. According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is ''good'', 51-100 ''satisfactory'', 101-200 ''moderate'', 201-300 ''poor'', 301-400 ''very poor'', and 401-500 ''severe''. (ANI)
An 11-year-old student has approached the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court challenging the Delhi government's policy of conducting an entrance test for admission to Class VI in CM SHRI Schools, alleging that the process is illegal and violative of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. A fresh appeal has been filed through senior advocate Ashok Agarwal against a recent judgment of a Single Bench of the High Court, which upheld the validity of the Class VI admission test at CM SHRI Schools. The appellant student, through a lawyer, has contended that the Single Judge erred in law by failing to appreciate that subjecting a child to an admission or selection test at the elementary level is expressly prohibited under Section 13 of the RTE Act. It has been argued that Section 13 of the RTE Act was enacted to safeguard the fundamental right of every child to free, fair and non-discriminatory access to education, as guaranteed under Article 21-A of the Constitution. The provision, the appeal states, clearly prohibits exploitative practices, including the collection of capitation fees and the conduct of screening procedures during the admission process. These statutory safeguards, the appellant contends, are aimed at ensuring transparency, equity and inclusiveness in school admissions, which the impugned entrance test undermines. The appeal follows the dismissal of a writ petition filed by Master Janmesh Sagar, an 11-year-old student, challenging the Delhi government's circular dated July 23, 2025, which laid down the admission guidelines for Classes VI to VIII in CM SHRI Schools for the 2025-26 academic session. The Single Bench of Justice Jyoti Singh had held that the admission test did not violate the RTE Act and dismissed the plea as being without merit. In its judgment, the Single Bench relied on a 2012 Division Bench ruling in Social Jurist v. GNCTD, which upheld selection-based admissions to Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalayas (RPVVs) at the Class VI level. The court held that CM SHRI Schools fall under the category of "specified category schools" and that the prohibition on screening under Section 13 of the RTE Act applies only to entry-level admissions, such as Nursery or Class I, and not to Class VI, which was treated as a stage of transfer rather than initial entry. The court had further observed that the RTE Act does not confer a statutory right on students to seek admission or transfer to specified category schools offering enhanced educational facilities, particularly when demand far exceeds the number of available seats. Challenging this reasoning before the Division Bench, the appellant has asserted that the interpretation adopted by the Single Judge dilutes the protective intent of the RTE Act and legitimises screening procedures at the elementary level, contrary to the express legislative mandate. The appeal seeks the setting aside of the Single Bench judgment and a declaration that the entrance test for Class VI admissions in CM SHRI Schools is unlawful. The matter is now expected to come up before the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court later this week. (ANI)
Residents of Sahara City in Indore slept soundly on Wednesday after the forest department successfully captured a five- to six-year-old male leopard that had been frequently sighted in the residential area for several days near the Devguradia forest area. Officials confirmed that the leopard's presence set the trap, and, after meticulous monitoring in the residential area, captured it by installing a cage. Villagers told the officials that the leopard had been hunting local dogs and had not shown aggression toward any humans. Indore DFO Pradeep Mishra said that, with the growing frequency of man-animal encounters in Madhya Pradesh, the state has earned a reputation as a "leopard state," and to manage these interactions, regular surveillance using thermal drones and patrolling in the Sahara City area will continue to ensure public safety. Currently, the rescued animal has undergone a medical examination and was found to be in good health. Officials are preparing to release the animal back into a deep forest area, well away from human settlements. Earlier on November 24, Panic and concern spread across residents of Aundh in Pune after a fully grown leopard was sighted inside the premises of Sindh Society. The animal, captured on CCTV footage around 4 a.m., triggered an immediate response from the Forest Department, Pune Police, and the wildlife rescue NGO RESQ, who jointly launched a large-scale search operation in the locality. Authorities deployed thermal drones, tracking devices, and experienced field personnel to scan the residential complex and surrounding green patches, but the leopard has yet to be traced. The incident came amid a spate of leopard sightings and encounters in Pune's outskirts in recent months. Another leopard was also spotted in Manjri, a rapidly developing industrial and residential hub on the city's eastern side. Manjri is closer to forested buffer zones, where leopard activity has been more frequent. In response to increasing wildlife movement, particularly in Manjri Wadi village and surrounding areas, the Forest Department has recently installed AI-enabled surveillance systems to reduce human-wildlife conflict. (ANI)
A massive deployment of security personnel was reported at the Telangana Congress headquarters, Gandhi Bhavan, and at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Bhavan in Nampally, Hyderabad, ahead of a planned protest march. The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) had announced a protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging political vendetta against senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in connection with the National Herald case. TPCC President and MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud, along with other senior Congress leaders, are scheduled to participate in a protest march from Gandhi Bhavan to the Telangana BJP headquarters at Nampally today. Authorities have deployed a substantial number of police personnel at both locations to ensure law and order and prevent any untoward incidents during the march. Meanwhile, several Opposition MPs on Wednesday protested in Parliament premises over the National Herald case. The Congress MPs held posters bearing the slogan "Satyamev Jayate; Truth prevails!". Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also took part in a protest against the goverment doing vendetta Politics in the National Herald. On Wednesday, Karnataka Congress leaders also staged protests near the Gandhi statue at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi against the Central government over the National Herald case and the decision to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as VB-G Ram G. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also joined the Congress protest. Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the National Herald case was being pursued with "political vendetta" by the ruling government, asserting that the matter was aimed solely at harassing the Gandhi family. Addressing the media on the issue, Kharge said there was no basis to the allegations and claimed that no First Information Report (FIR) had been registered in the case. "They are doing this for a political vendetta. This case is only to trouble the Gandhi family. There is no FIR in this case...Our slogan is 'Satyamev Jayate', and we welcome the judgment in the case," Kharge said. On Tuesday, the Delhi court declined to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's prosecution complaint in the National Herald money-laundering case, holding that proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) are not maintainable in the absence of an FIR for the scheduled (predicate) offence. The court stated that the ED's complaint against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd and others was based on a private complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and the summoning order passed on it in 2014, and not on any FIR. It held that such a complaint cannot substitute the statutory requirement of an FIR under the PMLA framework. (ANI)
Congress leaders and several Opposition MPs on Thursday held a protest from the Gandhi statue to the Makkar Dawar in the Parliament prenises over renaming of the MNREGA to the VB G RAM G. The MPs conducted a march holding posters bearing the slogan "Will not tolerate the disrespect of Mahatma Gandhi" (Mahatma Gandhi ka apman nahi sahenge nahi sahenge). Opposition MPs also raised the issue of atrocities against minorities and protested on the Parliament premises. Yesterday, the Lok Sabha saw a nearly 14-hour debate over the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G (Gramin Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission) Amendment Bill, with the opposition demanding that the proposed legislation be referred to the Standing Committee, even as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly defended the Bill, terming it a decisive step towards achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Several Congress MPs strongly objected to the renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and changes in the funding pattern. Congress MP K Suresh urged the House to send the Bill to the Standing Committee, describing it as "important" and warranting deeper scrutiny. He said the length and intensity of the debate itself underlined the significance of the legislation. "This is an important bill, which is why the House has discussed it for so long. More than 98 members from both sides participated in this debate. The opposition party strongly opposes this bill. The INDIA bloc demanded that this bill be sent to the Standing Committee," Suresh said, adding that the House would take up a discussion on air pollution today. Congress MP Vamsi Krishna Gaddam said the government''s intentions were becoming clear through what he termed "unnecessary decisions." "All of us in the country love Mahatma Gandhi, except the BJP. It is sad to know that the name of Mahatma Gandhi is being removed from this scheme, and 40 per cent of the funding will now be done by the state government, as against 100 per cent central funding earlier," he said, alleging that the BJP and RSS ideology was against the interests of the people. Congress MP Praniti Shinde accused the government of rushing the legislation. "The discussion is still going on, and the discussion time has also been extended. They are probably in a hurry to pass this bill. Congress is firmly opposed to the name change. They want to erase Mahatma Gandhi''s name and rewrite the country''s history. This bill has been weakened," she said. Meanwhile, the 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha will convene at 11 am on Thursday to discuss a range of legislative, policy, and committee matters, with a special focus on air pollution in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) under Rule 193.MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, and Bansuri Swaraj will raise concerns over the deteriorating air pollution and its impact on public health in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). The House will begin proceedings with obituary references to the passing of former MPs Darur Pullaiah, Prof. Mahadeorao Shiwankar, Kusuma Krishna Murthy, and Shamanur Shivashankarappa. Following this, members will submit questions scheduled for discussion, and relevant ministers will provide answers. (ANI)
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma launched the City Beautification Drive under the My City Campaign in Mawlai, marking a significant step towards strengthening community-led urban development. The initiative aims to work closely with Dorbar Shnong institutions to create clean, litter-free, and more liveable neighbourhoods, reinforcing the government's focus on participatory governance and grassroots engagement. As part of the programme, on Wednesday, the Chief Minister distributed beautification grants ranging from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1,00,000 to 60 localities, supporting community-driven efforts to improve public spaces. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the CCTV surveillance system at Mawlai Mawroh and launched the beautification drive through symbolic painting at Mawlai Bridge, Iewrynghep, covering areas under Mawlai Mawroh and Mawlai Iewrynghep. Addressing the gathering, Conrad K. Sangma highlighted the administration's shift towards participatory democracy, describing the programme as a unique "CM Connect Event" that encourages two-way communication between the government and citizens. Emphasising community-driven development, he said, "Real governance and grassroots governance happen when there is interaction, when there is communication, and when there are suggestions and actions being taken on the suggestions." Stressing the importance of collective responsibility in civic transformation, he remarked, "Until and unless the society and the government work together, we will not be able to achieve the kind of reformation and the change that we would like to see." Following the inauguration of the CCTV network at Mawroh, the Chief Minister informed that work at another 25 locations is nearing completion, with the remaining sites expected to be completed by January, paving the way for the immediate rollout of the second phase. Speaking on the 'Paint My City' campaign, he announced the transfer of funds and led the ceremonial handover of cheques to community stakeholders. Highlighting the importance of incremental development, he said, "There is nothing called small or big development work." He added, "Even the smallest change that we make can have a very big difference in the overall process and the development that we are targeting." Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed, sharing his views, said, "We have the cleanest village, the cleanest River. Now, I'm sure, under the leadership and guidance of our Chief Minister, with active support of our Rangbah Shnong, and the entire community, we will be able to fulfil our dream of making Shillong the cleanest city in the country. I would urge upon the community that whatever the Government undertakes once, a community is part and parcel of it, the outcome and output become multi-fold and manifold." In line with the CM Connect approach, the Chief Minister interacted with residents of Mawlai Mawroh. Arjun Dkhar, Secretary of Dorbar Shnong, Lummawbah, requested the Chief Minister to visit the old British Bridge at Umshyrpi, which requires restoration, along with the Umshyrpi stream. Responding to the request, the Chief Minister assured that he and his team would visit the site, and in the meantime, instructed officials from the Urban Affairs Department to conduct a recce. (ANI)
Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday accused the Centre of undermining the right to work by attempting to tinker with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), asserting that the party would fight on the streets across the nation. The senior Congress leader highlighted that the issue "goes beyond a mere renaming" exercise and there "will be a movement" against it. Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, "This is not about renaming MGNREGA, this is about the right to work. They are snatching away the right that was given by us. They are snatching away the rights of people. This is a big issue, and it is very difficult for the poor." The Congress President said the party would launch a nationwide agitation against what he termed as an attack on the rights of the poor. "So, we will fight for this till the end. We will fight on the streets and in every district of every state there will be a movement," he added. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said, "This is a decision taken out of an inferiority complex. This is an insult to Mahatma Gandhi." Congress leaders and several Opposition MPs on Thursday held a protest from the Gandhi statue to the Makkar Dawar in the Parliament premises over the renaming of the MNREGA to the VB G RAM G.The MPs conducted a march holding posters bearing the slogan "Will not tolerate the disrespect of Mahatma Gandhi" (Mahatma Gandhi ka apman nahi sahenge nahi sahenge). Opposition MPs also raised the issue of atrocities against minorities and protested on the Parliament premises. On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha saw a nearly 14-hour debate over the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G (Gramin Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission) Amendment Bill, with the opposition demanding that the proposed legislation be referred to the Standing Committee, even as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly defended the Bill, terming it a decisive step towards achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Several Congress MPs strongly objected to the renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and changes in the funding pattern. Congress MP K Suresh urged the House to send the Bill to the Standing Committee, describing it as "important" and warranting deeper scrutiny. He said the length and intensity of the debate itself underlined the significance of the legislation."This is an important bill, which is why the House has discussed it for so long. More than 98 members from both sides participated in this debate. The opposition party strongly opposes this bill. The INDIA bloc demanded that this bill be sent to the Standing Committee," Suresh said, adding that the House would take up a discussion on air pollution today. Congress MP Vamsi Krishna Gaddam said the government's intentions were becoming clear through what he termed "unnecessary decisions." "All of us in the country love Mahatma Gandhi, except the BJP. It is sad to know that the name of Mahatma Gandhi is being removed from this scheme, and 40 per cent of the funding will now be done by the state government, as against 100 per cent central funding earlier," he said, alleging that the BJP and RSS ideology was against the interests of the people. Congress MP Praniti Shinde accused the government of rushing the legislation. "The discussion is still going on, and the discussion time has also been extended. They are probably in a hurry to pass this bill. Congress is firmly opposed to the name change. They want to erase Mahatma Gandhi's name and rewrite the country's history. This bill has been weakened," she said.(ANI)
Wisconsin lawmakers have passed a new law that requires schools to promptly inform parents if their child is the victim of sexual misconduct on school grounds.

State Gov. Tony Evers signed the bill into law on Wednesday after it received bipartisan support in both chambers of the state legislature earlier this month. The measure, known as Act 112, takes effect in January 2026 and aims to strengthen communication between schools and families when serious incidents occur.

New Wisconsin Law

Under the new law, school administrators must notify a student's parents or guardians within 24 hours after learning the student may have been subjected to sexual misconduct by another student, a school employee, or a volunteer. The law applies to all public school districts, charter schools, and private institutions participating in state voucher programs, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Supporters of the measure say it closes a gap in school reporting requirements that previously left some parents unaware of incidents involving their children. Lawmakers cited several recent cases in Wisconsin in which parents discovered alleged misconduct only after students reported it weeks later or police became involved.

Representative Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton), who co-authored the bill, said in a statement that parents "deserve to know immediately when their child's safety has been compromised." She added that the measure would help ensure transparency and accountability across school systems.

Critics, however, expressed concern that the law could create conflicts with ongoing investigations or youth privacy laws if details are released too soon. Some school officials also warned that additional staffing or training may be needed to comply with the 24-hour reporting window. The Wisconsin Association of School Boards said it will work with the Department of Public Instruction to help schools implement the new guidelines.

Notifying Parents of Sexual Misconduct Issues

Governor Evers, a former educator and superintendent, said he supports the law's goal of improving parent-school communication but emphasized that implementation must protect the privacy and emotional well-being of students involved.

Similar legislation has emerged in several other states following high-profile misconduct cases that raised questions about schools' handling of sensitive incidents. States such as Texas and Florida have recently adopted comparable laws that require parental notification within strict time limits. Education policy experts say the trend reflects growing public pressure for transparency and accountability in schools nationwide, Kherkher Garcia reported.

Schools across Wisconsin are expected to receive official guidance from the Department of Public Instruction in the coming weeks detailing the new notification procedures, including how to document reports and share information with law enforcement when necessary. Training sessions for administrators and counselors are also expected before the law takes effect.

The law's sponsors say the policy sends a clear message: students' safety and parents' right to know are top priorities in Wisconsin classrooms, as per JSOnline.
Eminent sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, the hands behind the world's tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, passed away at his residence in Noida on Thursday, said Noida Police. He was 100 and had been ailing with age-related illnesses. https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2001524637096902996?s=20 The passing away of the legendary artist has drawn tributes from across the nation. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his grief on X: "The demise of the great sculptor, the artisan of the world's tallest statue 'Statue of Unity', 'Padma Bhushan' Shri Ram V. Sutar Ji, is extremely sorrowful and an irreplaceable loss to the art world. A humble tribute to him! I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed noble soul attains eternal peace and grants strength to the grieving family to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!" Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid tribute to the centenarian artist. https://x.com/CMOMaharashtra/status/2001528628153323877?s=20 In a post on X, Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office wrote, "Chief sculptor and Maharashtra Bhushan Shri Ram Sutar's mortal remains should be accorded full state honours for the funeral rites; for this, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had telephoned and made a request to Union Home Minister Hon. Amitbhai Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Hon. Yogi Adityanathji. The Uttar Pradesh government has immediately accepted that request. Shri Ram Sutar's mortal remains will be given full state honours for the funeral rites in Noida." Sutar is famous for designing the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue that stands 182 metres. Ram V. Sutar was gold medalist from J.J. School of Art, Bombay. Celebrated for his mastery of bronze and realistic sculptures, Sutar is recognised globally for his work. His bust of Mahatma Gandhi has been installed in over 450 cities worldwide. Sutar's creations have garnered international acclaim, drawing artists to his studio. He's often compared to masters like Rodin and Michelangelo. The 522-foot Statue of Unity honours Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Sutar was also involved in other notable projects, including the 600-foot Lord Ram Statue in Ayodhya and the 400-foot Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue in Mumbai. Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, presented the Maharashtra Bhushan Award to sculptor Ram V Sutar in Noida. (ANI)
The Indian Army organised a photography cadre at Government Degree College, Banihal, Ramban on Thursday to promote creative & technical skills among youth. At the inaugural-cum-induction session at GDC, professional photographers briefed students on camera operations and the scope of photography and videography. The course aims to impart photography and videography knowledge to young adults and prepare them for a career that the army believes offers strong prospects. The course structure involves lessons on: fundamental and practical photography, composition, lenses, aperture, depth of field, ISO, lighting, and other camera operations etc. At the end of the course, the students will be allowed to operate a camera themselves. Mohd Rafiq highlighted the path to becoming a wildlife photographer, like himself. Speaking to ANI, he said, "... It is a course for beginners that will be conducted here over 8 days. The Rashtriya Rifles have organised this. It is a good initiative to help people learn new skills and become self-dependent..." The Army officials also highlighted the prospects of photography as a career and the importance of training youth in this field. They asserted their confidence in the youth of the valley to become financially independent through this course. "It is an interesting opportunity provided by the Indian army to teach us photography. I am intrigued to see what lies ahead. I am also thankful to the Indian army for starting this course for us," a student who attended the session told ANI. The course venue, GDC Banihal, was donned with various types of cameras, lens, tripods and other necessary equipments that the students will have access to. The event saw a large footfall, showcasing engagement and enthusiasm of the youth in the valley. (ANI)
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh on Thursday backed the central government's decision to rename the MGNREGA scheme to VB-G Ram G, stating that the renaming of schemes took place as per the requirements and changes made to it. "The Planning Commission was also replaced. But what's in a name? Renamings keep happening. Several cities and places in the country have been renamed. Schemes are also renamed as per the requirement. But they (Opposition) are opposing the several changes that have been made to the scheme..." he said Ghosh further slammed the opposition, saying that the state government is opposing the renaming because it will be bound to give 40% of the funds for the process. "They are speaking against the renaming, but it is of no use. 40% funding will have to be provided by the State Government. Workers will have to be given their money...All of these are issues for them, so they are opposing. Only such changes are being made that will benefit society and the country." He targeted the TMC and said, "What has TMC done for Mahatma Gandhi? Whatever had to be done has been done by PM Modi, by the NDA Govt. Not just Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi has worked for Ambedkar ji, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra, Netaji Subhas Bose and all great personalities of the country." Earlier, on Wednesday, the Lok Sabha saw a nearly 14-hour debate over the VB-G RAM G Bill, with the Opposition demanding that the proposed legislation be referred to the Standing Committee, even as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly defended the Bill, terming it a decisive step towards achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Opposing the Bill, Congress announced a series of nationwide protests on December 17, accusing the BJP and RSS of attempting to "dismantle rights-based welfare" and replace it with charity controlled from the Centre. The party has directed its state units (Pradesh Congress Committees) to organise protests at all district headquarters. The demonstrations featured portraits of Mahatma Gandhi to symbolise resistance against the "erasure of his name and values." Meanwhile, the Bill introduced by the Agriculture Minister in the Lok Sabha guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household, up from the existing 100 days, for adult members willing to undertake unskilled manual work. (ANI)
Earlier today, Congress leaders and several Opposition MPs held a protest from the Gandhi statue to the Makkar Dawar in the Parliament premises over the renaming of the MNREGA to the VB G RAM G.

The MPs conducted a march holding posters bearing the slogan "Will not tolerate the disrespect of Mahatma Gandhi" (Mahatma Gandhi ka apman nahi sahenge nahi sahenge).

Opposition MPs also raised the issue of atrocities against minorities and protested on the Parliament premises.

On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha saw a nearly 14-hour debate over the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G (Gramin Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission) Amendment Bill, with the opposition demanding that the proposed legislation be referred to the Standing Committee, even as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly defended the Bill, terming it a decisive step towards achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Several Congress MPs strongly objected to the renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and changes in the funding pattern.

Meanwhile, the 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha discusses a range of legislative, policy, and committee matters, with a special focus on air pollution in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) under Rule 193.MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, and Bansuri Swaraj will raise concerns over the deteriorating air pollution and its impact on public health in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR).

The House began proceedings with obituary references to the passing of former MPs Darur Pullaiah, Prof. Mahadeorao Shiwankar, Kusuma Krishna Murthy, and Shamanur Shivashankarappa. Following this, members will submit questions scheduled for discussion, and relevant ministers will provide answers. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the 54th Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Nephrology on Thursday. He said that today UP is a revenue-surplus state and among the top three states in the country. Addressing the conference, CM Yogi Adityanath said, "I have been told that more than 1700 delegates have registered for the event. This is one of the biggest conferences organised by SGPGI on Nephrology. UP has a population of 25 crores. Earlier this year, we organised the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj. More than 66 crore devotees attended it. Kashi is also in UP, which is the spiritual capital of the country. After 500 years, a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Ram has been built in Ayodhya. Ayodhya has become the world's first solar city. You will find a wide range of facilities there today. Ayodhya has emerged as a very beautiful city." He further said that Lord Buddha's kingdom, Kapilavastu, is in UP. Lord Buddha delivered his teachings in Sarnath, in UP. He noted that many pilgrimage centres are also present in UP. He said that 4 Tirthankaras were born in Ayodhya and 4 in Varanasi. "Rani of Jhansi was from UP. The Kakori train incident and the Chauri Chaura incident both took place in Gorakhpur. UP is the state where many historical incidents have occurred. For the state's development, such conferences are crucial. Earlier governments viewed such conferences as a waste of money. Till 2017, there were only 17 government medical colleges in the state, which has 75 districts. The conditions of district hospitals were very bad. Today, UP has 80 medical colleges. Every district has a medical college. We have 5.5 crore Ayushman Bharat golden cards given to the poor. Over the past 1 year, through the CM Relief Fund, I have provided Rs 1300 crores to the poor. Earlier, UP was known as the Bimaru state. Today, UP is a revenue surplus state among the top three in the country," he said. He further said that earlier, UP was known for 'One District One Mafia'; today, it is 'One District One Medical College'. (ANI)
BJP MP Ravi Kishan on Thursday slammed Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who criticised the Election Commission and the ruling party in Uttar Pradesh, alleging vote theft and threatening to remove opposition votes. Ravi Kishan responded, saying Akhilesh Yadav should focus on his own performance and worry about being left behind in the 2027 elections. He claimed the BJP will break the 2017 record and won't repeat the 2024 mistake. "...Akhilesh Yadav has to say something about the Chief Minister every day. He should be worried that he will be left far behind in 2027; we will break the 2017 record... this time, the 2024 mistake will not be repeated," Ravi Kishan said. This comes after Yadav expressed concern over a BLO (Booth Level Officer) committing suicide and demanded aid for the family. "...The CM himself has accepted (vote theft)... We are getting threats that they will remove our votes. The Election Commission should take action on people like that...," said SP Chief. On a BLO committing suicide, he said, "We are giving an aid of Rs 2 Lakh. We have demanded that the Election Commission help his family." Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Uttar Pradesh government over the illegal trade of banned codeine-based cough syrup, alleging large-scale irregularities, selective action and administrative failure. While addressing a press conference at the party office in Lucknow, Yadav said the issue related to the alleged codeine-based cough syrup case would be raised in the Legislative Assembly, calling it a matter of serious public concern. This comes after Varanasi Police on December 10 conducted a major crackdown on the illegal trade of banned codeine-based cough syrup, seizing around 30,000 bottles from a godown in the city, with an estimated value of approximately Rs 60 lakh. On the investigation into the cough syrup case, Yadav alleged complicity within the system. "The STF (Special Task Force) constables who were given the responsibility of investigating the coding cough syrup case are all involved. In such a situation, what kind of justice will this government deliver? It seems the government is in cahoots with those involved in the cough syrup case," he said. "This time, the issue of coding is to be raised in the Legislative Assembly, which is a very important issue. This issue, which started with a few crores, has grown significantly. Important connections are linked to the district next to the Prime Minister's constituency," Yadav said. Expressing concern for journalists, he added, "Our journalist colleagues are also worried, although the journalists are very brave. There are 700 companies, and those doing valuations are unable to complete them. The journalists who made the video viral are also being searched for; the government should help them." Taking a swipe at the state government's use of bulldozers, the SP chief said, "I have observed that whenever an incident occurs, a bulldozer is deployed, but this time, the Chief Minister's toy bulldozer driver has run away, the bulldozer's key is lost, and there is no fuel to operate it. Where is that bulldozer?"Referring to demolition drives, Yadav said, "In Ambedkar Nagar, one person's house was demolished. The Chief Justice of India said that compensation should be provided for the damage caused by actions against others, but here, it's a matter of thousands of crores, and the government is silent." He further claimed, "Bulldozers have been used in 22 to 24 places in Uttar Pradesh, and 22 people are associated with the PDA (Prayagraj Development Authority)." On BJP leadership choices, Yadav said, "5 is bigger than 7. A five-time MP was appointed president, and a seven-time MP was appointed state president. "Raising the issue of illegal immigrants, Yadav alleged administrative failure, stating, "Firstly, it was wrong that the Bharatiya Janata Party couldn't determine who were citizens and who weren't. They were going around conducting surveys." He added, "They were calling Assamese people Rohingyas... BJP people were collecting rent. BJP people were collecting money to prevent Assamese people from staying there." Hitting out at the BJP and the Delhi Chief Minister over air pollution in the state and its adjoining area, he said, "The Chief Minister doesn't know about the AQI. Who are the people cutting down trees? Wherever you go, you'll see purple flowers, but the BJP government has cleared large forests."Reacting to Giriraj Singh's remark, Yadav said, "You cannot hurt anyone's emotions. You cannot offend anyone's religion." On Nitish Kumar, he said, "This is a very sad incident. It has been condemned not only in India but also worldwide. No one should behave like this."In his statement, Sanjay Nishad alleged, "The Chief Minister must have told the person you're naming to give such a statement." (ANI)
Congress MLA Jassi Petwar on Thursday criticised the Haryana government's short assembly session, alleging it's a deliberate attempt to avoid answering opposition questions. Speaking to ANI on the first day of the Assembly session, Petwar claimed the government is afraid of the Congress party and has failed on various fronts, including unemployment, farmer welfare, and law and order. "The government deliberately keeps the session short so that it doesn't have to answer the opposition's questions. The government is already afraid of the Congress party," he said. He highlighted Haryana's high unemployment rate and the presence of over 80 gangs in the state, attributing these issues to the government's failure. Petwar also mentioned the paddy scam and the suspension of several officers, emphasising the need for accountability. "The government has failed on every front. Today, Haryana is number one in unemployment. The government itself is saying that more than 80 gangs are operating in Haryana. So there are many such issues," said the Congress MLA. Petwar further highlighted farmers' issues, stating that they did not receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP), and referred to the paddy scam. "There are many issues. Farmers did not get MSP, then the paddy scam happened, and several officers have been suspended," he said. Accusing the government of diverting attention from real issues, Petwar alleged that the BJP focuses on caste and religion to waste time. "This government only wants to waste time by talking about caste and religion," he added. Emphasising the Congress's role as the main opposition, Petwar said the party has consistently raised issues both inside and outside the Assembly. "The Congress has fought strongly on the streets, and today, on the first day of the Assembly, we will strongly demand answers from the BJP in the House," he said. Haryana's 3-day winter session of the assembly commenced on Thursday. On the first day of the Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, a total of eight bills were tabled. These include, The Haryana Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Haryana Shri Mata Sheetla Devi Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Haryana Shree Mata Bhimeshwari Devi Mandir (Ashram), Beri Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Haryana Antrarashtriya Gita Jyanti Mela Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Haryana Shri Kapal Mochan, Shri Badri Narain, Shri Mantra Devi and Shri Kedar Nath Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Haryana Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Haryana Panchayati Raj (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025 and The Haryana Municipalities Bill, 2025. (ANI)
Members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) are staging a 12-hour dharna (sit-in protest) against the passing of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, also known as the VB-G RAM G Bill. The dharna is taking place outside Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament complex against the Bill. This bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 18, 2025, and subsequently cleared by the Rajya Sabha early on December 19, amid significant opposition. With the passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill in both Houses and the Upper House adjourning until Friday afternoon, the passage was marked by protests from the Opposition benches, with members objecting to the manner in which the government pushed it through. TMC MPs Sagarika Ghose, Derek O'Brien, Sushmita Dev, Dola Sen, Ritabrata Banerjee, Mausam Noor, Prakash Chik Baraik, and other party MPs, along with the INDIA bloc MPs, were present at the protest site. TMC MP Sagarika Ghose, present at the protest site, claimed the passing of the bill as "the second assassination of Mahatma Gandhi" and a disrespect to Rabindranath Tagore, who bestowed the honorific 'Mahatma' on Gandhi. Speaking to the media, TMC MP Sagarika Ghose said, "The manner in which the Modi government has brought in this completely anti-poor, anti-people, anti-farmer, anti-rural bill, and has done away with the MNREGA, is an insult to India's poor, to Mahatma Gandhi, and also to Rabindranath Tagore. With just five hours' notice, this bill was presented to us, and we were not afforded a proper debate. We demanded that the bill be sent to a select committee so that opposition parties can examine and discuss it. In a display of tyranny, in a murder of democracy, today this government has bulldozed this bill... We are now going to sit on a 12-hour dharna against the manner in which this passed... This is the second assassination of Mahatma Gandhi." Her X handle stated, "12-hour dharna by @AITCofficial begins on the steps of Parliament to protest at the @narendramodi government's destruction of the MNREGA. It's a grave insult to the Mahatma, to Rabindranath Tagore and to the rural workforce which depends on MNREGA." https://x.com/sagarikaghose/status/2001740184384360705 TMC MP Sushmita Dev was also present at the protest and posted about it on her official X handle. She posted, "Twelve hours dharna at parliament against a law that amends MNREGS to dilute 100 days Job guarantee. NDA reduces its responsibility to pay from 90% to 60%. No committee scrutiny, just bulldozed. @BJP4India stands exposed as they remove the name of Mahatma Gandhi from the Act." https://x.com/SushmitaDevAITC/status/2001752300176707813 With several slogans raised among the opposition protests, there were also banners held by the opposition members with a statement, "Don't Kill MGNREGA, Like you killed Gandhi", as a sign of protest. The bill has sparked controversy, with opposition parties alleging that it disrespects Mahatma Gandhi and weakens rural employment guarantees. The bill increases guaranteed rural employment from 100 to 125 days but shifts 40% of the funding burden to states, unlike MGNREGA, which was fully Centre-funded. The opposition, including TMC, Congress, and other parties, demands the bill's withdrawal, citing concerns over the removal of Gandhi's name and potential dilution of workers' rights. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defends the bill, calling it a welfare reform rooted in "Ram Rajya" values. The Lok Sabha passed the bill amid protests, with opposition MPs tearing copies and throwing them in the air. The government maintains the bill will strengthen rural employment and livelihoods. Parliament on Friday passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB--G RAM G) Bill, with Rajya Sabha approving the legislation after it got the nod of the Lok Sabha. Opposition members staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha before the bill seeking to replace MGNREGA was passed. They pressed that the bill should be sent to a Select Committee. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the bill will play an essential role in the welfare of the poor. He accused Congress of disrespecting Mahatma Gandhi's ideals. Participating in the debate, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari said the party will restore the MGNREGA legislation when it comes to power. "The day we return to power, Gandhi's name will be there, and MNREGA will be restored in its original form. That is our promise. We will bring back Gandhi's name. We will put an end to your Godse-like tendencies," he said, targeting the BJP.Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took several jibes at the BJP government and said that the time will come when they will take back the legislation. "A person, a minister, who shows compassion towards the poor, is now ending the MNREGA. There is some compulsion you are not disclosing to others... In the coming days, a time will come when you will take back this law, just like the three farm laws. Do you want an agitation where people block roads, protest, sustain bullet injuries, and die? Only then will you regain control of the law? People will come out on the streets, face bullets, but never support this law. We will continue fighting... 'Gareeb logon ko jo ye sapna dikha rahe hain, wo kabhi poora nahi hoga'," he said. Congress MP Digvijaya Singh said he doesn't understand the justification for changing the name of the MGNEGA. "I did not understand the justification given for changing the name of the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, but if you try to understand it, the ideology behind it becomes clear. This ideology is completely contrary to Mahatma Gandhi's idea of Gram Swaraj," he said. The discussion in the Rajya Sabha went beyond midnight. The Bill guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household, up from the existing 100 days, for adult members willing to undertake unskilled manual work. As per Section 22 of the Bill, the fund-sharing pattern between the Central Government and the State Governments will be 60:40, while for the North Eastern States, Himalayan States, and Union Territories (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir), it will be 90:10. Section 6 of the Bill allows the state governments to notify in advance, a period aggregating to sixty days in a financial year, covering the peak agricultural seasons of sowing and harvesting. Opposing the Bill, Congress announced a series of nationwide protests on December 17, accusing the BJP and RSS of attempting to "dismantle rights-based welfare". The Lok Sabha passed the bill on Thursday amid protests and sloganeering by opposition members. (ANI)
Union Health Minister JP Nadda held talks with his Nepal counterpart and affirmed partnership in the healthcare sector. The talks emphasised on strengthening capacity building, supply of healthcare drugs, among others. In a post on X, Nadda said, "Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda held a productive and forward-looking meeting with H.E. Dr. Union Health Minister JP NaddaUnion Health Minister JP Nadda, Hon'ble Minister of Health and Population of Nepal. The meeting reaffirmed the deep-rooted India-Nepal partnership in healthcare." https://x.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/2001318804165730709?s=20 "Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in public health and health infrastructure. Emphasis was placed on capacity building, supply of essential medicines and vaccines, disease surveillance, digital health initiatives and regulatory collaboration. These efforts reflect the shared commitment to resilient and people-centric health systems under India's Neighbourhood First Policy," he added. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a roundtable discussion on "India-Nepal Cooperation in New Technology & Startups" was organised in Janakpur by the PHDCCI India-Nepal Centre in association with the Consulate General of India. The programme was also co-organised by the Nepal Young Entrepreneurs' Forum (NYEF: Birgunj and Janakpur Chapters) and hosted a meaningful dialogue focused on startups and young entrepreneurs. According to the organisers, the discussion aimed to further accelerate bilateral cooperation between India and Nepal in priority sectors influenced by new technology. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, Devi Sahai Meena, Consul General of India in Birgunj, Nepal, said, "Today's Roundtable Discussion on India-Nepal Cooperation in New Technology & Startups shall support the convergence of new-age businesses in Nepal with their counterparts in India, besides ideating on various aspects of new technology and how India's edge in this segment can be beneficial for Nepalese businesses." "India is progressing rapidly. Among countries with excellent economic growth, India ranks at the top. India has made significant improvements across sectors, particularly in technology and startups, with remarkable progress. At present, India is recognised as the world's IT hub. If we talk about startups, then India stands in the third position among countries encouraging startups," Devi Sahai Meena of the Consulate General of India in Nepal told ANI. (ANI)
The move aims to facilitate the movement under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia stated, "Enhancing the Strategic Partnership! Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and H.E. Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari, Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed the bilateral Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports, today in Riyadh. The agreement will facilitate official travels and boost bilateral exchanges under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council."

https://x.com/IndianEmbRiyadh/status/2001276580237050359?s=20

Earlier on December 5, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that the Parliament of India will soon constitute the India-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group.

The announcement came during a meeting with a high-level delegation led by Major General Abdul Rahman bin Sanhat Al-Harbi, Chairman of the Saudi-India Parliamentary Friendship Committee from the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who called on the Speaker in Parliament House.

Welcoming the delegation, Birla emphasised that parliamentary diplomacy is a critical bridge between nations, enabling deeper understanding, the exchange of best practices, and stronger institutional collaboration. He called for regular engagement between parliamentary committees of both countries.

The Speaker highlighted the centuries-old religious, cultural, and economic connections between India and Saudi Arabia, observing that sustained high-level exchanges over the last decade have elevated the partnership across defence, energy, capacity building, and emerging strategic sectors.

Birla expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's continued support of the large Indian community in the Kingdom. He noted that the Indian diaspora has earned global respect for its hard work, discipline, and contributions to the local economy. (ANI)
A Decade of Capital, Exits, and Ecosystem Leadership  and a Stronger Value Proposition Ahead

NORFOLK, Va., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 757 Angels, Hampton Roads' leading angel investment network, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of early-stage investing that helped shape the region's modern entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Founded in 2015, 757 Angels has become one of the most active and influential angel networks in Virginia and the nation, helping deploy more than $130 million into high-growth startups, supporting multiple portfolio company exits, and establishing Hampton Roads as a credible home for venture-backed innovation.

The network also served as a catalyst for the region's startup infrastructure. Early efforts by 757 Angels helped launch 757 Accelerate, Hampton Roads' first accelerator program, which later evolved into 757 Collab, now the region's central high-growth venture hub supporting founders, investors, and innovation-driven companies.

"Ten plus years ago, angel investing in Hampton Roads was fragmented and underdeveloped," said Paul Nolde, Executive Director of 757 Angels. "757 Angels helped professionalize early-stage capital here and prove that scalable companies can be builtand exitedfrom this region. This anniversary is both a celebration of that progress and a signal that we're doubling down on what comes next."

Over the past decade, 757 Angels has built a reputation for rigorous diligence, hands-on investor engagement, and close alignment with regional economic priorities across defense, energy, maritime, healthcare, and emerging technologies.

"757 Angels has played a foundational role in our region's growth," said Jennifer Vaziralli, Chair of the 757 Angels Board of Directors. "This milestone reflects the commitment of our members and the ambition of the founders we've backed over the past ten years."

Looking Ahead

To commemorate the anniversary and unveil an enhanced value proposition for both investors and founders, 757 Angels will host a signature 10-year celebration event on January 21, 2026, at 757 Collab's redesigned founder space at the Assembly innovation campus in downtown Norfolk. The event will honor the network's legacy  and those who were instrumental in its founding and decade of growth - while highlighting its expanded focus on member engagement, high-quality deal flow, and founder support heading into the next decade.

About 757 Angels

Founded in 2015, 757 Angels is a membership-based angel investment network dedicated to identifying, evaluating, and funding promising early-stage companies in Hampton Roads and across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Through disciplined diligence and close alignment with 757 Collab, the network helps founders access growth capital, expertise, and long-term strategic support.

Learn more at 757angelsgroup.com or contact Paul Nolde at [email protected]

SOURCE 757 Angels
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that they received signals that Russia was preparing for a war in the next year. Zelenskyy went on to call for help from its allies, especially the US which maintains that Russia intends to stop the conflict. In a post on X, he said, "Today, we again heard signals from Moscow that they are preparing to make next year a year of war. These signals are not only for us. It is crucial that our partners see them, and not only see them but also respond - especially partners in the United States, who often say that Russia wants to end the war." https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2001350813747175766?s=20 "Yet the signals coming from Russia are the exact opposite, taking the form of official orders to their army. This Russian mindset must be recognized - and acted upon. When Russia is in this mindset, it will also undermine diplomacy - seeking, through diplomatic language and pressure over specific points in documents - to merely mask its desire to destroy Ukraine and Ukrainians, and the desire to legitimize Russia's theft of our land. And then come other countries in Europe, which someone in Russia might one day label their so-called "historical lands," he added. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2001359550859948378?s=20 Zelenskyy further asked for protection from Russia, including security and financial aid. "Real protection is needed against this Russian case history of madness, and we will continue working with all partners to ensure that protection is in place. Security measures are needed, financial measures are needed - including actions on Russian assets - political measures are needed. And the courage of all partners is required: to see the truth, acknowledge the truth, and act accordingly. I want to thank everyone who supports Ukraine," he added. Earlier on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow will achieve its objectives and rejected war with the West as the European Union considers seizing Russian monies to fund Ukraine, as the war is now in its fourth punishing winter, Al Jazeera reported. During a high-level meeting on Wednesday with Ministry of Defence officials, Putin was quoted by state media as describing calls in the West to prepare for war with Russia as "hysteria and a lie". However, he emphasised that the Kremlin's war goals will "undoubtedly" be achieved, adding that 300 territories were "liberated" over the past year, as per Al Jazeera. Russia and Ukraine have escalated targeting of each other's energy sites and oil refineries in recent weeks. (ANI)
Estonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, has said that India-Estonia relations are steadily improving, with strong prospects for enhanced cooperation in business, information technology, AI, cybersecurity, and the defence industry. Speaking in Tallinn, Tsahkna said political engagement between the two countries is set to intensify, with Estonia's president expected to visit India early next year. He emphasised Estonia's role in the European Union, noting that the country can serve as a gateway to European markets for Indian companies. At the same time, India offers significant opportunities for Estonian firms seeking to expand into a large, rapidly growing market. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, the Estonian Foreign Minister said it presents a significant opportunity for Estonian companies to form partnerships in India, introduce technologies and ideas, and scale up operations. He noted that Estonia's domestic market is limited, with a population of around 1.3 million, making international partnerships--notably with India--crucial to growth. Tsahkna also highlighted Estonia's global leadership in digital governance, underscoring the potential for cooperation with India in e-governance, IT, and artificial intelligence. He said, "We have 100% of all public sector services online. We have developed all of these in collaboration with our private-sector companies. All this experience can also be brought to India, and AI is something we can explore together as a future solution. We already have AI projects in education, and many of our public-sector services use AI solutions. I see this as a very fruitful collaboration in the future." In addition, he noted that Estonia is already deploying AI solutions in education and various public services, and sees artificial intelligence as a key area for future collaboration with India. Describing the potential partnership as "very fruitful," Tsahkna said deeper cooperation in digitalisation and advanced technologies could significantly strengthen bilateral ties in the years ahead. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 40 sorties of Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels around its territorial waters as of 6am (local time) on Thursday. As per the MND, of the 40, 26 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "40 sorties of PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 26 out of 40 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2001457384565203424?s=20 Earlier on Wednesday, Taiwan detected overall 23 sorties of PLA aircraft as of 8:30am (local time). Of the 23, 14 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. The MND said, "Overall 23 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-10, H-6K, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 0830hr today. 14 out of 23 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ in conducting air-sea joint training along with other PLAN vessels. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2001143845111914680?s=20 Taiwan had also detected seven Naval vessels operating around its territorial waters. In a post on X, the MND said, "9 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 5 out of 9 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. The PLA Navy's Fujian aircraft carrier (CV-18) transited the Taiwan Strait yesterday. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2001095818976403624?s=20 Meanwhile, the US Senate has passed the Porcupine Act to speed up US defence sales and make it easier for American allies to transfer military equipment to Taiwan, reported Focus Taiwan. The bill, formally called the Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments Act, was cleared by the Senate by unanimous consent last week. The US House of Representatives will now take it up. If approved in identical form, it will be sent to the president for signature before becoming law. (ANI)
Estonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, has said that India can play a meaningful role in influencing Russia over its war against Ukraine, citing Delhi's strong economic ties with Moscow and its shared commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter. Speaking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Tsahkna described India as a "huge country" with long-standing and active economic relations with Russia. He said these ties enable India to exert pressure and make clear to Moscow that its actions in Ukraine violate European security and international norms. "India can put some pressure on Russia and explain that to be an aggressive country against Ukraine is to be against Europe and mainly against United Nations Charter values that Prime Minister Modi and the Indian people share with the whole world," Tsahkna said. "India has lots of leverage to explain that Russia is on the wrong way." His remarks come as the war in Ukraine, now well into its third year, continues to strain global diplomacy. European countries, including Estonia, have remained firm supporters of Ukraine, backing sanctions against Russia and increased military and humanitarian assistance to Kyiv. Estonia, a member of both the European Union and NATO, has been particularly vocal in calling for accountability for Russia's actions. India, meanwhile, has maintained strategic and economic ties with Russia--especially in the energy sector and has consistently called for dialogue, diplomacy and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Prime Minister Modi has publicly stated that "this is not an era of war" and has conveyed the message to both the Russian and Ukrainian leadership. Tsahkna's comments reflect growing expectations in Europe that India, as a rising global power, can act as a bridge in efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that they received signals that Russia was preparing for a war in the next year. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2001350813747175766?s=20 Russia and Ukraine have escalated targeting of each other's energy sites and oil refineries in recent weeks. (ANI)
United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres called for US and Venezuela to respect international law amid rising tensions. Guterres on Thursday received a phone call from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Moros wherein the former called for restraint. A statement from Guterres' office stated, "The Secretary-General has received a phone call from H.E. Nicolas Maduro Moros, the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, regarding the current tensions in the region." "During the call, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations' position on the need for Member States to respect international law, particularly the United Nations Charter, exert restraint and de-escalate tensions to preserve regional stability," the statement added. Maduro said today that US President Donald Trump revealed his true motives toward the South American country with his claim that it had stolen US "oil, land and other assets," as per CNN. Maduro said Trump's claim showed the US was really seeking regime change along with ownership of Venezuela's territory and resources. Previously, the US has characterized its build-up of naval forces near the country as aimed at combating drug-trafficking. "It is simply a warmongering and colonialist pretense, and we have said so many times, and now everyone sees the truth. The truth has been revealed," Maduro said. "The aim in Venezuela is a regime change to impose a puppet government that wouldn't last 47 hours, that would hand over the Constitution, sovereignty, and all the wealth, turning Venezuela into a colony. It will simply never happen," he continued, CNN reported. On Tuesday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the military buildup around Venezuela would get bigger until the country returned to the US "the oil, land, and other assets that they previously stole from us." Trump told reporters today that Venezuela had illegally taken away "energy rights" and that the US wanted them back. "We're getting land, oil rights, whatever we had. They took it away because we had a president that maybe wasn't watching. But they're not going to do that. We want it back. They took our oil rights. We had a lot of oil there. As you know, they threw our companies out and we want it back." Venezuela brought its oil sector under state control in the 1970s. Previously, American companies had a much larger presence in its oil fields, as per CNN. (ANI)
Polling in the ongoing general convention of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) general convention is now complete, with turnout recorded at 98.40 per cent. The voting, which commenced on Wednesday morning at around 9:15 AM (local time) continued till 6 AM (local time) on Thursday, as per the party's central election commission. As per the commission a total of 2,227 convention delegates cast their ballots with 36 absentees. "The vote count is expected to start late morning at around 10 AM if there are no complications," a central election commission member told ANI. With the completion of the voting, the electronic voting machines (EVMs) has been locked and checked before sealing and certification. Vote counting will begin after a consensus among all stakeholders. Polling began at 9:12 AM on Wednesday and continued overnight. Despite the use of electronic voting machines, the process took longer than expected, extending the convention by two days beyond the original three-day schedule. As many as 11 candidates have been elected unopposed while the candidacies of two were scrapped for having violated party norms. Their nomination was unanimous. The UML delegates will elect 301 central committee members from different groups, geographies and clusters. Former Nepali Prime Minister and incumbent party chair, KP Sharma Oli, who is seeking a third constitutive term, is challenged by Ishwar Pokhrel. Oli's loyalist Shankar Pokharel is contesting the post of general secretary for a second term and is challenged by Surendra Pandey. Both Oli and Pokhrel have their respective panels of candidates for all posts. Oli's rival, Ishwar, is backed by former President Bidya Devi Bhandari who is very influential in the party, with strongholds in Koshi, Bagmati and Sudurpaschim provinces, according to UML leaders. In the post of general secretary too, Pandey is a strong contender. Some senior leaders close to Oli revolted and later moved to the Pokhrel camp. That is why we expect a mixed result in office bearer positions as well as in the central committee. Oli's popularity took a hit after he led the UML-Congress government for more than a year since July last year. The September Gen Z movement ousted him from state power three months ago. The way he sought to squeeze his rivals in the UML, including Bhandari, Ishwar Pokhrel and their supporters while electing convention delegates from across the country, caused him more damage in the lead up to the ongoing 11th general convention, party insiders say. Now, even leaders from his own faction have defied the list he prepared. Some have contested as independent candidates, while others have left his faction and aligned with Ishwar Pokhrel's group instead. Though Oli is in a comfortable position, according to many UML leaders, there will be a tough contest for the post of general secretary between Shankar Pokhrel and Pandey. The reasons given are that Shankar had an "average" performance as general secretary. Besides, he is unlikely to get the full support of the Oli camp, an Oli supporter said. Vice-chair Bishnu Paudel and deputy general secretary Pradeep Gyawali wanted to replace him but Oli did not agree. On Monday and Tuesday, thousands of UML leaders and cadres were assembled around the Bhrikutimandap area for the publicity of candidates. The streets leading to Bhrikutimandap were littered with pamphlets, posters, visiting cards, banners and other publicity materials. Candidates are also appealing for votes on social media and sending text messages on mobile phones. (ANI)
Bangladeshi authorities must immediately drop terrorism charges against veteran journalist Anis Alamgir, release him unconditionally, and stop targeting the press with national security offenses, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said Wednesday. On December 15, police opened an investigation against Alamgir and three other individuals under Bangladesh's Anti Terrorism Act accusing the suspects of spreading propaganda in talk shows and social media posts, and conspiring to rehabilitate the banned Awami League party, according to multiple news reports. "Using a counterterrorism law to detain a journalist months before a landmark election raises serious concerns about the interim government's commitment to press freedom, a pillar of democracy," said CPJ Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator Kunal Majumder. "Authorities in Bangladesh must immediately release senior journalist Anis Alamgir and stop targeting members of the press for reporting views that are critical of the government." Alamgir, a former war correspondent who covered conflicts in Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003, was arrested by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police at a gym in the capital on December 14. The arrest followed a complaint from an individual who identified himself as an organizer of a protest movement that began in July last year and led to the resignation of long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the banishment of the Awami League. The interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has governed the country since August 2024. Bangladesh's next national elections will be held on February 12. Alamgir could face a maximum punishment of life imprisonment and a substantial fine if convicted under Bangladesh's Anti-Terrorism Act. CPJ was unable to determine which provisions of the Act he was charged under because it could not obtain a copy of the First Information Report, which formally opens an investigation. A Dhaka magistrate on December 15 granted police a five-day remand to question Alamgir in connection with the case. Alamgir has decades of experience in print and broadcast media. More recently, he has used social media and regular television appearances to comment on national politics, security issues, and media freedom in Bangladesh. CPJ has documented sharp rise in attacks against journalists in Bangladesh, including at least 17 journalists assaulted in February 2025 alone. It has also reported multiple arrests and detentions under security-related laws. Dhaka Metropolitan Police did not immediately respond to CPJ's emailed request for comment. (ANI)
Sharing the details in a series of posts on X on Thursday, the Ministry of Ayush said that the meeting took place on the sidelines of the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional medicine.

The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in Traditional Systems of Medicine, including Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy.

Ministry of Ayush highlighted that the interaction reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Afghanistan to promote traditional medicine as an important pillar of holistic and people-centric healthcare.

https://x.com/moayush/status/2001470516000108701?s=20

https://x.com/moayush/status/2001470518986445004?s=20

https://x.com/moayush/status/2001470522299945090?s=20

https://x.com/moayush/status/2001470525496049925?s=20

Earlier, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday held a productive meeting with Afghan Minister Jalali, focusing on humanitarian and healthcare assistance to the landlocked nation.

During the meeting, India reaffirmed its commitment to continued humanitarian support for Afghanistan, with emphasis on the long-term supply of medicines and health assistance as a key pillar of bilateral engagement.

As part of this engagement, a symbolic handover of cancer medicines and vaccines was carried out, reflecting India's commitment to supporting the medical needs of the Afghan people.

Extending this support beyond the symbolic gesture, a larger consignment of medicines and vaccines, along with a 128-slice CT scanner, is also being dispatched to Afghanistan to strengthen healthcare services in the country.

This engagement followed the Ministry of External Affairs of India welcoming the Afghan Minister of Public Health, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, on his first official visit to the country a day earlier, providing the diplomatic backdrop for the health-focused discussions.

The visit reflects India's enduring support for Afghanistan's healthcare system, underscoring continuity in humanitarian outreach despite evolving regional dynamics.

Jalali's visit is part of a broader pattern of official exchanges between the two countries. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump's administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than USD 10 billion, including medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones, according to the State Department. The potential sale of eight arms packages to Taiwan, include HIMARS rocket systems, anti-tank missiles, and drones, at an estimated total cost of US$11.1 billion, Focus Taiwan news outlet said. Five of the eight arms packages -- the M109A7 howitzers, HIMARS rocket systems, TOW 2B anti-tank missiles, anti-armor drones, and FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles -- are covered in an NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.85 billion) special defence budget put forth last month by the Taiwan government, pending lawmakers' review, the Taiwanese news outlet said quoting the country's Defence Ministry. The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Wednesday (local time) made the announcement and said it has delivered the required certifications notifying Congress of the sales, following approval by the US State Department. In a statement issued on Thursday, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung thanked Washington for the proposed arms sale, saying that it demonstrates the US' commitment to enhancing Taiwan's self-defence capabilities, as highlighted in the National Security Strategy Washington released earlier this month. "The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $4.05 billion," the DSCA said in a statement. It further added, "The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region." TECRO has requested to buy 82 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); 420 M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS); 756 M31A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Unitary pods (GMLRS-U); 447 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Alternative Warhead pods (GMLRS-AW); 39 M1152A1 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV); 45 International Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems (IFATDS). Apart from the non-MDE items that will be part of the sale will be: M28A2 Low Cost Reduced Range Practice Rocket pods (LCRRPR); M249 machine gun; 5.56mm; M2A1 machine gun .50 CAL; M1084A2 truck, cargo, Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV); Resupply Vehicles (RSV); M1089A2 truck, wrecker, FMTV, cargo, FMTV, RSV; M1095 Trailer, cargo, FMTV 5 Ton; Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGRAS) Core Communication Management System (CCMS) in support of AN/VRC-90E and AN/VRC-92E; frequency-hopping radios; tool kits; test equipment; support equipment; technical documentation; spare parts; training; US Government and contractor technical support; engineering and logistics support services; field office support; and elements of logistics/program support. The estimated total cost is USD 4.05 billion. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te had in November this year announced a USD 40 billion supplementary defence budget to run from 2026 to 2033. Meanwhile, the US Senate had on Wednesday (local US time) passed the National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes authorisation of up to USD 1 billion in funds for Taiwan-related security cooperation in 2026. The legislation had been previously approved by the US House of Representatives after the two chambers agreed on a compromise version of the bill, which covers more than USD 900 billion in US national defence spending and related issues. The bipartisan act reflects an "evolving security landscape and ensures the US remains prepared to deter adversaries like China and Russia while reinforcing vital partnerships with allies, including Taiwan," US Senator John Curtis said in a statement on Wednesday. The NDAA also incorporates the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act, which supports Taiwan's participation in the International Monetary Fund as per a Focus Taiwan report. (ANI)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday underscored the importance of resilience in weakening Russia's ability to prolong the ongoing war, directly linking sustained pressure on Moscow to the prospects for peace in Europe. Highlighting endurance as a strategic factor, Zelenskyy said in a post on X, "If we know - and if Putin knows - that we can stay resilient, then his reason to drag-out this war becomes much weaker," framing resilience as a tool that alters the aggressor's calculations and affects the overall trajectory of the conflict. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2001651217928536076?s=20 Building on this, the Ukrainian President described resilience as a form of pressure intended to change Russia's approach to the war. "This is how pressure on the aggressor should work - pressure that brings peace," he said, situating Ukraine's resolve within a broader strategy to deter further escalation. In a broader European context, Zelenskyy acknowledged the role of continental leadership in sustaining such pressure. "Thank you to everyone leading Europe in this direction," he said, underlining the importance of coordinated political and strategic backing in maintaining a united stance. Reiterating the theme of unity, Zelenskyy emphasised the need for a firm European posture amid the prolonged conflict. "Europe must be strong," he said, reinforcing his message that collective resolve remains central to countering Russian aggression. Linking this call for European strength to developments on the ground, Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine has received indications suggesting Russia is preparing to continue the war into the coming year, raising concerns about Moscow's long-term intentions. Elaborating on this assessment in another post on X, Zelenskyy said, "Today, we again heard signals from Moscow that they are preparing to make next year a year of war. These signals are not only for us." He stressed that it is crucial for Ukraine's partners to recognise and respond to these signals, "especially partners in the United States, who often say that Russia wants to end the war." Drawing attention to what he described as a contradiction between Russia's public messaging and its actions, Zelenskyy said "the signals coming from Russia are the exact opposite, taking the form of official orders to their army," warning that such an approach could be used to undermine diplomacy. "When Russia is in this mindset, it will also undermine diplomacy - seeking, through diplomatic language and pressure over specific points in documents - to merely mask its desire to destroy Ukraine and Ukrainians, and the desire to legitimise Russia's theft of our land," he said. Extending this warning beyond Ukraine, Zelenskyy cautioned that such thinking could threaten other parts of Europe as well. "And then come other countries in Europe, which someone in Russia might one day label their so-called 'historical lands'," he added. In this context, Zelenskyy called for continued protection and assistance from Ukraine's partners, including security and financial support. "Real protection is needed against this Russian case history of madness, and we will continue working with all partners to ensure that protection is in place," he said. Detailing the support required, he added, "Security measures are needed, financial measures are needed - including actions on Russian assets - political measures are needed. And the courage of all partners is required: to see the truth, acknowledge the truth, and act accordingly." Zelenskyy also expressed appreciation for international backing, saying, "I want to thank everyone who supports Ukraine." Earlier on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would achieve its objectives and rejected the idea of war with the West, as the European Union considers seizing Russian funds to support Ukraine, with the conflict now entering its fourth winter, Al Jazeera reported. During a high-level meeting with Ministry of Defence officials, Putin was quoted by state media as describing calls in the West to prepare for war with Russia as "hysteria and a lie," while asserting that the Kremlin's war goals will "undoubtedly" be achieved, according to Al Jazeera. Putin also claimed that 300 territories were "liberated" over the past year, as per the report, even as Russia and Ukraine have escalated strikes on each other's energy infrastructure and oil refineries in recent weeks. (ANI)
Chinese FM holds phone talks with Venezuelan counterpart

Xinhua) 10:40, December 18, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held a phone call with Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Yvan Gil at the latter's request.

During the phone conversation, Gil briefed Wang on the current situation in Venezuela, stressing that the Venezuelan government and people will firmly defend the country's sovereignty and independence, resolutely safeguard their legitimate rights, and not accept threats from any hegemonic forces.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that China and Venezuela are strategic partners, and mutual trust and support are the tradition of China-Venezuela relations.

China opposes all unilateral bullying and supports all countries in defending their sovereignty and national dignity, Wang said.

Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries, and it is believed that the international community understands and supports Venezuela's position of safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
BCG's global survey finds 60% of companies may have faced AI-enabled attacks in the past year, but only 7% are using AI in defense

53% of executives now rank AI cyber threats among their top three organizational risks

Only 5% of companies report a significant increase in cybersecurity budget due to AI attacks while 69% report difficulty in hiring AI-cybersecurity talent

BOSTON, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) reveals that artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the cybersecurity landscape and exposing major gaps in corporate defenses. Despite growing awareness of the risks, the pace of cyber defense adoption is failing to keep up with the speed and sophistication of AI-driven attacks.

The report, AI Is Raising the Stakes in Cybersecurity, is based on a global survey of 500 senior leaders across industries and geographies and finds that 60% of companies believe they experienced an AI-powered cyberattack in the past year. Only 7% have so far deployed AI-enabled defense tools, though 88% plan to do so.

"AI is enabling a new era of cyber threats that are faster, more deceptive, and more scalable," said Shoaib Yousuf, a BCG managing director and partner, and coauthor of the report. "But most companies are still stuck with outdated tools and underfunded strategies, leaving them highly exposed."

AI Is Accelerating Offense Faster Than Defense

The report outlines how AI is enhancing attackers' capabilities across a range of tactics, from ransomware and phishing to voice cloning and deepfake video fraud. Among the case studies:

A $25 million fraud incident at a multinational engineering firm triggered by a deepfake video call impersonating the CFO.

incident at a multinational engineering firm triggered by a deepfake video call impersonating the CFO. An AI-generated robocall campaign spoofing voter communications, leading to a $1 million regulatory fine.

A ransomware attack on a healthcare provider that encrypted hospital systems and delayed surgeries.

Yet organizational response has been sluggish:

Just 5% of companies have significantly increased cybersecurity budgets due to AI.

69% report difficulty hiring AI-cybersecurity talent.

Only 25% of existing AI-enabled defense tools are considered advanced; a growing concern as agentic AI accelerates threat evolution.

Threats Will Evolve and Defenses Must Keep Pace

Executives foresee that the nature of AI-powered cyberattacks will continue to evolve rapidly, requiring a constant recalibration of defenses. They consider the most critical AI-cyber threats to their organization over the next two years as:

AI-enabled financial fraud (43%)

(43%) AI-powered social engineering (39%)

Attackers using AI to accelerate vulnerability discovery (28%)

AI-powered malware that learns and adapts to bypass defenses (26%)

The report finds high risk exposure across all industries, with healthcare and government among the most vulnerable.

Urgent Need for CEO and CISO Alignment

The report calls for a dual leadership model to close the defense gap. CEOs must prioritize cybersecurity and AI at the board level, while CISOs should accelerate deployment of high-impact, AI-enabled use cases.

Recommendations include:

Set a Board-backed AI-Cyber mandate and fund it accordingly

Deploy AI in defenses where it changes the risk curve fastest

Secure the AI systems the organization is building

Build cyber agility with multi-vendor architecture

"The era of passive cyber defense is over," said Vanessa Lyon, global director of BCG's Center for Leadership in Cyber Strategy, and coauthor of the report. "Attackers are moving at machine speed. The only winning strategy is to meet autonomy with autonomy, through intelligence, leadership, and commitment. This is the moment when organizations decide whether they will shape the AI-cyber landscape or be shaped by it."

Download the full publication here:

https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/ai-raising-stakes-in-cybersecurity

Media Contact:

Eric Gregoire

+1 617 850 3783

[email protected]

BCG's Center for Leadership in Cyber Strategy

As digital transformation accelerates, it opens new frontiers for innovation, growth, and competitive advantagebut also heightened vulnerabilities. Cyber is no longer just a technical concern; it's a strategic imperative. Organizations must evolve their cyber posture in tandem with digital progress to safeguard trust and enable resilience.

BCG's Center for Leadership in Cyber Strategy applies bold, business-first thinking to reframe cybersecurity as integral to business strategynot an afterthought. We embed "security by design" into how leaders shape, evaluate, and execute priorities from the outset. Drawing on BCG's global network of cybersecurity, risk, and strategy experts, we help executives cut through technical complexity and fear-driven narratives. By reframing digital risk in business and economic terms, we empower confident decision-making that turns resilience into a source of lasting competitive edgeenabling organizations to innovate, adapt, and emerge stronger through disruption. More information on BCG's Center for Leadership in Cyber Strategy can be found here.

About Boston Consulting Group

Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholdersempowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.

Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.

SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10km, making it susceptible to aftershocks.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.1, On: 19/12/2025 00:14:48 IST, Lat: 36.76 N, Long: 72.08 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

https://x.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/2001728904504156241?s=20

Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and potentially more damage to structures and greater casualties.

Earlier on December 15, another earthquake of magnitude 4.0 struck the region at a depth of 22km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.0, On: 15/12/2025 06:10:58 IST, Lat: 36.71 N, Long: 71.58 E, Depth: 22 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

https://x.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/2000369263492866514?s=20

Afghanistan frequently experiences earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush region, which lies in a highly active seismic zone, according to the Red Cross.

The recent tremors follow a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan on November 4. According to Afghan authorities, at least 27 people were killed and hundreds were injured in that quake. CNN reported that the tremor also damaged one of the country's most iconic mosques. The United States Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at a shallow depth, which increases its impact.

Afghanistan's vulnerability to earthquakes is linked to its location along the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. A major fault line also passes through parts of the country, including the Herat region.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) notes that Afghanistan remains extremely vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes, landslides and seasonal flooding. Repeated tremors worsen the situation for communities already struggling with decades of conflict and limited development, leaving them with minimal resilience to withstand multiple shocks. (ANI)
Morocco is a key geopolitical player in the Euro-Mediterranean region, said Spanish geopolitical analyst Francisco Lazaro, in a column published Wednesday in El Correo daily, describing the Kingdom as an emerging regional power, equipped with advanced industrial infrastructure and a diversified economy.

Lazaro noted that the Kingdoms notable economic and military progress, including its attractiveness to foreign investment, the development of industrial zones, and sectoral diversification, has created favorable conditions for international companies to establish operations, particularly in the automotive, aeronautics, and renewable energy sectors.

Lazaro also emphasized the strategic importance of the Tanger Med port, describing it as one of the Mediterraneans most significant trade hubs, linking flows between Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia.

This infrastructure has enabled Morocco to significantly boost its export capacity and fully integrate into global supply chains, the analyst added.

On the industrial front, the geopolitical expert notes that international groups such as Renault and Stellantis produce vehicles in Morocco for global markets, making the Kingdom the leading automotive exporter on the African continent.

Addressing the security dimension, the author of the column highlights Moroccos strengthened capabilities in safety and stability, through the adoption of advanced technologies and a proactive approach to risk management.

This dynamic aims to consolidate national security while enhancing the Kingdoms contribution to regional stability, particularly in the face of terrorist threats and the persistent instability in the Sahel region, he points out.

In an international context marked by the reshaping of alliances and the emergence of a multipolar world order, Francisco Lazaro emphasizes the importance of the strategic partnership between Morocco and the European Union, especially in the areas of regional security and migration management, while highlighting the Kingdoms ability to maintain a balance in its relations with major international powers.
The airline Ryanair, in partnership with the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT), announced on Wednesday at Rabat-Sale Airport the opening of a new base in Rabat from April 2026, its fifth in Morocco, with two aircraft based there, 20 routes operated, and an investment of $200 million.

Seven new international routes will connect Rabat to Milan Bergamo, Baden-Baden, Frankfurt Hahn, Nuremberg, Porto, Pisa, and Valencia starting in summer 2026. The overall offering will thus reach more than 18 weekly flights from Rabat in the first season of operation, representing 79,000 additional seats on the international market and growth of more than 49% in Ryanairs operations from Rabat airport.

The announcement was made during a ceremony attended by Minister of Tourism, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, who emphasized that the opening of this new base in Rabat is part of the exceptional tourism momentum that Morocco is experiencing under the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

This major investment is a concrete reflection of the tourism roadmap, which places great importance on air connectivity. It also demonstrates the confidence of our international partners, who support our ambition to position Morocco as a world-class tourist destination, while generating a tangible economic impact at the regional level, the official said.

Eddie Wilson, CEO of Ryanair, said: This new base brings our total investment in Morocco to over $1.6 billion and provides more than 8,500 direct and indirect jobs.

The opening of this base will increase Rabats capacity by 45% and will be part of Ryanairs most ambitious summer deployment in Morocco, with over 10.7 million passengers expected at thirteen airports across the Kingdom.

It will also generate more than 800 local jobs, including 60 highly skilled positions for pilots and cabin crew.
Tunisias opposition has condemned what it calls blatant Algerian interference after thousands of Algerians converged on Tunis on Wednesday to bolster a rally in support of President Kais Saied, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the Tunisian revolution.

The move has reignited accusations that Tunisia is being vassalized by Algiers through its gas wealth and political backing.

The demonstration, staged on Avenue Bourguiba, came as Saied faces mounting domestic pressure over his increasingly authoritarian rule, marked by mass arrests of political opponents and the concentration of power in his hands.

Videos circulating online showed Algerian participants openly admitting they traveled to Tunisia to support Saied, some carrying banners denouncing Tunisian opposition figures as traitors.

Opposition leaders blasted the rally as a flagrant act of interference, accusing Algeria of propping up Saied to abort any democratic experiment at its borders. Former Tunisian president Moncef Marzouki went further, claiming Saied is backed by Algeria, which wants to kill democracy at its gates.

Saieds reliance on Algerian support underscores Tunisias growing dependence on its neighbor, fueled by gas deals and financial lifelines.

Besides authoritarian rule, Saied has been following Algerias economic playbook, a mix of failed policies and populist rhetoric that has deepened poverty and isolation in both countries.

The backlash comes after a weekend of massive anti-Saied protests across Tunisia, demanding an end to what activists call an authoritarian escalation.

The regimes in Tunis and Algiers now show blatant parallels. Both face widespread public discontent, reflected in record-low voter turnouts, just 8% in Tunisias last presidential election and 10% in Algerias.

Algerias involvement in Tunisias domestic politics risks further destabilizing a country already grappling with a severe socio-economic crisis.
Chinas dominance in the global electric vehicle market looks set to deepen as policy reversals in Europe and strategic pullbacks by U.S. automakers reduce competitive pressure just as Chinese EV makers push aggressively into overseas markets.

Chinas booming EV market has its own set of issues to address, especially the battery and manufacturing overcapacity denting the profits of the EV makers. However, the race to the bottom and the price wars in Chinas electric vehicle market have sunk costs so much that China has a competitive advantage in foreign markets with its affordable vehicles.

Facing tariffs in the U.S. and the EU, China is taking over the booming emerging markets in Latin America and Southeast Asia, and still has competitive advantage in Europe.

For China, the export market has shrunk over the past two years amid hefty tariffs in the United States, where vehicles face 100% tariffs, and levies in the European Union of between 17% and 38%, depending on the manufacturer.

EU Retreats from Gasoline Car Ban in 2035

Europe was losing the race with China, but even with tariffs, Chinese EVs are competitive in the EU as legacy European carmakers have faced soaring energy costs, supply chain delays, and slower EV adoption than previously thought.

Even with tariffs, Chinese carmakers have enough edge to compete in Europe, Yale Zhang, managing director of Shanghai-based consultancy Automotive Foresight, told Bloomberg.

This week, the EU took another step back in the competition for EV supremacy. Under pressure from Germany, Italy, and the auto industry, the European Commission proposed easing of the de facto ban on new sales of combustion-engine cars from 2035.

The new regulations will allow for plug-in hybrids (PHEV), range extenders, mild hybrids, and internal combustion engine vehicles to still play a role beyond 2035, in addition to full EVs and hydrogen vehicles.

The EUs motivation is to keep the industry competitive. But the industry is anything but.

The EU auto industry has suffered in recent months from the U.S. tariffs, the Chinese curbs on rare earth exports, falling EU demand, and competition from the cheaper vehicles made in China despite tariffs on China-made electric vehicles.

The easing of the 2035 ban was met with mixed reactions in European industry. Volvo, for example, said that Weakening long-term commitments for short-term gain risks undermining Europe's competitiveness for years to come.

Germanys Volkswagen praised the move, saying that Opening up the market to vehicles with combustion engines while compensating for emissions is pragmatic and in line with market conditions.

Market conditions forced Volkswagen to shut down its first production site in Germany in its 88-year history. The Transparent Factory in Dresden, where the electric ID.3 was manufactured, stopped vehicle production this month, for good.

While the decision was difficult, it was absolutely necessary from an economic perspective, Thomas Schaefer, chief operating officer of the Volkswagen brand, has said.

The German auto industry association, VDA, slammed the EUs proposal to ease the ban as a disastrous package of measures in What appears to be greater openness is fraught with so many obstacles that it risks remaining ineffective in practice.

T&E, a European advocate group for clean transport and energy, said extending the sales of combustion engines would divert investment from EVs while China races further ahead.

Top U.S. Carmaker Backs Off EVs

The U.S. is also falling behind in this race. Ford Motor Company this week announced a major overhaul of its strategy, taking a $19.5-billion charge, as it no longer plans to produce select larger electric vehicles where the business case has eroded due to lower-than-expected demand, high costs and regulatory changes.

The reset prioritizes affordability, choice, and profits amid the Trump Administrations withdrawal of subsidies and a regulatory shift that could ease fuel-economy requirements for automakers.

EV sales in the U.S. are slowing and face uncertainty due to policy changes, while China dominates the global EV market, with over half of vehicles sold there now electric, BloombergNEF says in its global EV outlook.

China Takes Over Emerging EV Markets

Meanwhile, some emerging economies are experiencing record sales as more low-cost electric models arrive targeting local buyers, BloombergNEFs research found.

Vietnam and Thailand in Southeast Asia, as well as Brazil have seen EV sales surge over the last two years, with EV penetration now at a higher rate than in wealthier countries.

Emerging markets outside China are driving global EV sales growth, clean energy think tank Ember said in a report this week.

For example, Indonesia has reached a 15% EV share this year, surpassing the United States for the first time, according to Embers analysis. Thailand has reached 20% and has sold more EVs in the first three quarters of 2025 than Denmark. Singapore and Vietnam have reached EV sales shares of around 40% each, overtaking levels seen in the UK and the EU. In Latin America, Uruguay, Mexico, and Brazil are seeing booming EV sales, too.

And all these emerging markets are driving the growth in Chinese EV exports, Ember says.

Since mid-2023, almost all the growth in Chinese EV exports has come from non-OECD markets, the analysis has found. Brazil, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Indonesia are among the ten largest destinations for Chinese EV exports as their governments have introduced policies to support EV adoption.

Emerging markets will shape the future of the global car market, said Euan Graham, Global Electricity and Data Analyst at Ember.

With Europe and the U.S. backing off EV pledges and production plans, China is well-positioned to extend its lead in the race to conquer the global EV market.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Intimate Portrait Explores Jorge Mario Bergoglio's Buenos Aires Roots, Spiritual Formation, and the Unanswered Question of Why He Never Returned Home

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EWTN Global Catholic Network will premiere a powerful new one-hour feature documentary that explores the early life of the late Pope Francis, offering an intimate look at the man behind the papacy and the Argentine roots that shaped his vocation, theology, and global leadership.

Before Francis, Who Was Bergoglio? an EWTN News documentary

Originally conceived as a biopic of Pope Francis' early life, the documentary "Before Francis, who was Bergoglio?" has taken on deeper meaning following his death on April 21, 2025. The film now stands as a moving tribute to his enduring impact as the first pope from Latin America, and to the experiences and relationships that formed Jorge Mario Bergoglio long before he stepped onto the world stage.

Produced by EWTN News, the documentary traces Bergoglio's journey through the vibrant neighborhoods of Buenos Aires  where childhood friends, family members, priests, seminarians, and local religious women recall the early signs of his calling. Through deeply personal interviews and evocative visuals, the film captures the profound emotional connection Argentinians felt when their native son was elected pope.

The documentary features rare interviews with those closest to Bergoglio, including his nephew, his confessor, and nuns with whom he shared a close spiritual bond. Viewers are taken inside historic cathedrals and seminaries where priests and scholars reflect on Bergoglio's evolving theology and deepening spirituality. Nationally acclaimed authors and journalists provide context on his life story, including the complex political controversies he navigated during Argentina's turbulent years.

The film also explores Bergoglio's lesser-known period of reflection in Cordoba, following his resignation as head of the Jesuit order in Argentina  years that would profoundly shape his pastoral approach and leadership style.

At the heart of the documentary lies a lingering and compelling question: Why did Pope Francis never return home to Argentina after his election?

"This documentary goes beyond headlines to present a deeply human portrait of Pope Francis," said Michael P. Warsaw, Board Chairman and CEO of EWTN. "By returning to the streets, parishes, and people of Buenos Aires, EWTN News tells the story of how Jorge Mario Bergoglio was formed  spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. Considering his passing, this film now serves as a tribute to a pontiff whose legacy will endure for generations."

"This is journalism at its best  faithful, thoughtful, and deeply immersive," said Montse Alvarado, President and COO of EWTN News. "Our reporters spent time listening to the people who knew him before the world did. Their testimonies reveal the complexity, compassion, and inner struggles of a man whose papacy transformed the global Church."

The English-language version is reported by Colm Flynn, EWTN News foreign correspondent. The Spanish-language edition is reported by Paola Arriaza-Flynn, Vatican reporter for EWTN Noticias. The documentary reflects EWTN News' global reporting mission, delivering original journalism in seven languages to audiences around the world.

The documentary will be made available digitally on Dec. 17, in celebration of Pope Francis' birthday, on EWTN News and EWTN Espanol platforms. It will make its broadcast debut on Friday, Dec. 19 at 8:00 PM ET on EWTN (English) and at 9:00 PM ET on El Canal Catolico (Spanish).

The documentary will be available for viewing on EWTN and EWTN News YouTube channels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqswrA_DRyg.

ABOUT EWTN and EWTN NEWS

In its 45th year, EWTN is the largest Catholic media organization in the world. EWTN's 11 global television channels and numerous regional channels are broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 435 million television households in more than 160 countries and territories. EWTN platforms also include radio services transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 600 domestic and international AM & FM radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; one of the most visited Catholic websites in the U.S.; as well as EWTN Publishing, its book publishing division.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., EWTN News operates multiple global news services, including Catholic News Agency, the National Catholic Register newspaper and digital platform, ACI Prensa in Spanish, ACI Digital in Portuguese, ACI Stampa in Italian, ACI Africa in English, French and Portuguese, ACI MENA in Arabic, CNA Deutsch in German and ChurchPop, a digital platform that creates content in several languages. It also produces numerous television news programs including EWTN News Nightly, EWTN Noticias, EWTN News In Depth, EWTN Pro-Life Weekly, The World Over, and Vaticano.

SOURCE EWTN Global Catholic Network
After 15 years of delay, redesign, and skepticism, the Sea Lion oil project has finally crossed the line from ambition to execution. On December 10, partners Navitas Petroleum (Israel) and Rockhopper Exploration (UK) took a long-awaited final investment decision (FID) on what will become the largest deepwater oil development in the South Atlantic outside Brazil. Few projects of comparable scale have taken so long to move from discovery to sanction, and fewer still have done so under such persistent political, legal and financial headwinds. With FID now secured, Sea Lion formally enters the development phase, planned to last 35 years or longer, with first oil targeted for 2028.

Discovered in 2010 by Rockhopper Exploration, Sea Lion was the Falkland Islands first commercial oil find, but its remote location and legal difficulties made it vulnerable to shifts in capital investment. Premier Oils $1 billion entry in 2012 was meant to accelerate development, yet the post-2014 oil price slump and the retreat of listed companies from capital-intensive frontier projects left Sea Lion effectively frozen until the end of the decade. That changed with the arrival of Israels Navitas Petroleum in 2020. Initially a minority investor, Navitas became the projects operator and majority owner in 2021 after Harbour Energy exited, restructuring both ownership and financing. The shift replaced public-market caution with private capital willing to absorb long-cycle risk  a change that ultimately unlocked the project and led to the FID.

Related: Top Exporters Boosted Natural Gas Supply in October

Sea Lion contains approximately 315 million barrels of recoverable crude oil, producing a sweet, low-sulphur grade with 2829 degrees API and just 0.2% sulphur. Development has been designed in phases to manage capital intensity and reservoir performance. The sanctioned Phase 1 targets 170 million barrels of oil, with peak production of 50,000 b/d and 11 wells planned, while first oil is expected in 2028. Phase 2 is planned to recover a further 144 million barrels, with 12 additional wells to be drilled roughly three years after first oil to extend the production plateau. The entire field will be developed around a single redeployed Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

Navitas role has been central to unlocking the project. By the time it entered, the project had become too capital-intensive and politically exposed for publicly listed companies constrained by balance-sheet discipline and shareholder scrutiny. Navitas Petroleum, by contrast, has built its strategy around long-cycle offshore developments, particularly FPSO-based projects, where bespoke financing, patience and tolerance for high geopolitical risk are essential. That approach was proven in Israels Leviathan gas field, where Navitas held a 7.5% stake through construction, saw first gas in 2019, and exited in 2021 via a sale to Mubadala Petroleum once the project had been de-risked. A similar pattern played out at the Shenandoah deepwater project in the Gulf of Mexico. There, Navitas acquired 49% and operatorship of a stalled development, restructured legacy debt and helped secure a $1 billion financing package in 2021 backed by Israeli banks and institutional investors. Shenandoah came onstream in early 2025 and is now generating cash flow, reinforcing Navitas ability to revive projects others could not advance.

Sea Lion now follows Navitas established strategy. After the Israeli company joined the project, a funding agreement was put in place under which it covered 100% of Rockhoppers project costs prior to sanction, effectively reviving an asset that had been financially frozen for years. Phase 1 is expected to cost around $1.8 billion to first oil and roughly $2.1 billion through completion once contingencies and financing costs are included. In contrast to Leviathan, however, Sea Lion represents a deeper commitment: with a 65% stake and operatorship, Navitas appears positioned not only to carry the project through de-risking, but to remain at the centre of the development well into its producing life.

The project has been facing a series of impediments, and only time will show if the owners will be able to navigate through them. Firstly, the legal framework underpinning Sea Lion projects exploration and production is one of its most notable peculiarities. Following the UKs de facto military victory in the 1982 Falklands War over Argentina as well as the 2013 referendum in which 99.8% of the Falkland Islands population voted to remain a British Overseas Territory, the islands are administered de facto and de jure under UK law, with sovereignty recognised in practice by most countries.

At the same time, the United Nations does not recognise sovereignty claims by either the UK or Argentina, lists the Falklands as a non-self-governing territory and continues to call on the two nations to negotiate. That unresolved status creates enduring political risk but has not prevented the Falkland Islands Government from issuing licences, regulating petroleum activity, and levying fiscal terms. Under the local framework, Sea Lion is subject to a royalty rate of 9% and corporate income tax of 26%, in line with the Falklands Islands Upstream Summary. Ironically, the UK is strangling its domestic oil and gas industry with a 78% profit tax rate, but entertains such a lenient tax regime in its overseas territories.

This way, politically, the project remains contentious. Buenos Aires has consistently opposed Sea Lion from the earliest exploration phase through to the FID announcement, describing the licences under which drilling and development are conducted as unlawful, branding the project unilateral and illegitimate, and citing the UN resolutions related to the sovereignty dispute. Argentinas reaction to FID followed this well-established pattern. However, Buenos Aires has limited ability to intervene in the project from either a military or legal standpoint. Vessels en route to the Falklands do not need to pass through Argentine territorial waters, meaning Argentina's only recourse is to withhold logistical support, hoping that the difficulties of transporting necessary equipment and workforce from the UK to the Falklands via air or sea would make the project as financially unpleasant as it can be. The second major hurdle lay in a series of engineering and permitting bottlenecks that only began to clear this year. Located more than 220 kilometres offshore and entirely without supporting infrastructure, Sea Lion can only be developed via an FPSO  a solution that is both capital-intensive and constrained by limited vessel availability. However, early 2025 saw a long-anticipated breakthrough, when a front-end engineering design contract was awarded for a redeployed FPSO, marking a clear shift from conceptual work to execution planning. Environmental permitting, long a chronic obstacle, also moved forward. An Environmental Impact Assessment submitted in 2024 progressed through review, and in November 2025, the Falkland Islands Department of Mineral Resources concluded that the Environmental Impact Statement submitted by Navitas in July 2025  the third version since the first proposal  satisfied local legislation and required only minor amendments. With engineering, permitting, and financing aligned, the case for an FID finally became robust.

With regulatory sanction secured and an FID in place, attention is already turning to what Sea Lion could unlock next. The most obvious candidate is the Darwin deepwater gas-condensate discovery offshore the Falkland Islands, drilled by Borders & Southern Petroleum in 2021 in around 2,000 metres of water and estimated to contain 460 million barrels of recoverable liquids. Darwin has so far remained stranded by depth, cost and lack of infrastructure, but Sea Lions success could alter the economics of further developments in the basin.

Argentina, meanwhile, has been testing its own offshore potential. Buenos Aires granted exploration permits to YPF, Equinor and TGS, and Equinor drilled the ultra-deepwater Argerich-1 pilot well, which was ultimately declared dry. For now, most upstream investment in Argentina continues to flow from the Vaca Muerta shale rather than frontier offshore plays.

Sea Lion does not resolve the sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, nor does it eliminate political risk in the South Atlantic. What it does demonstrate is that with the right capital structure, operator profile and timing, even projects long dismissed as commercially unviable can be brought to sanction. If the development performs as planned, Sea Lion may not only anchor Falklands offshore production for decades but also reshape investor perceptions of one of the industrys last major frontier basins.

By Natalia Katona for Oilprice.com

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Even with the Trump White House offering a $50 million bounty and ratcheting up sanctions, Maduro thus far has maintained his grip on power. In response the White House, since August

An autocratic Maduro not only survived Trumps strict sanctions but treated them as an opportunity to consolidate his grip on power. Even civil dissent manifesting in the form of violent protests and the threat of a coup from within Venezuelas military failed to topple the authoritarian Maduro regime. By 2021, Venezuelas economy had returned to growth, thanks to growing oil exports in defiance of U.S. sanctions and the regular flow of condensate from Iran. Tehran even provided the expertise and parts to refit Venezuelas ailing refineries to boost fuel production, at a time when an energy crisis engulfed the country.

President Trumps massive naval build-up off the coast of Venezuela and the threat of invasion was labelled by the countrys illegitimate President Nicolas Maduro as a bloody grab for oil. Other Latin American leaders, notably Colombias leftist President Gustavo Petro, are making similar assertions. A long history of U.S. intervention to secure vital fossil fuel resources, coupled with Venezuela controlling the worlds largest proven crude oil reserves totaling 303 billion barrels, supports this rationale. There are, however, many reasons indicating that Washingtons military campaign is not a thinly veiled attempt to seize control of Venezuelas vast petroleum reserves.

President Trumps massive naval build-up off the coast of Venezuela and the threat of invasion was labelled by the countrys illegitimate President Nicolas Maduro as a bloody grab for oil. Other Latin American leaders, notably Colombias leftist President Gustavo Petro, are making similar assertions. A long history of U.S. intervention to secure vital fossil fuel resources, coupled with Venezuela controlling the worlds largest proven crude oil reserves totaling 303 billion barrels, supports this rationale. There are, however, many reasons indicating that Washingtons military campaign is not a thinly veiled attempt to seize control of Venezuelas vast petroleum reserves.

An autocratic Maduro not only survived Trumps strict sanctions but treated them as an opportunity to consolidate his grip on power. Even civil dissent manifesting in the form of violent protests and the threat of a coup from within Venezuelas military failed to topple the authoritarian Maduro regime. By 2021, Venezuelas economy had returned to growth, thanks to growing oil exports in defiance of U.S. sanctions and the regular flow of condensate from Iran. Tehran even provided the expertise and parts to refit Venezuelas ailing refineries to boost fuel production, at a time when an energy crisis engulfed the country.

Even with the Trump White House offering a $50 million bounty and ratcheting up sanctions, Maduro thus far has maintained his grip on power. In response the White House, since August 2025, has amassed a large naval armada in the southern Caribbean, ostensibly to stop the flow of cocaine to the United States. Although Trump's goal is unclear, many analysts claim his aggressive gunboat diplomacy is designed to topple Maduro. Venezuelas illegitimate president and some regional leaders argued publicly that the White House campaign is a violent grab for Venezuelas vast oil reserves, which at 303 billion barrels are the worlds largest.

Maduro, less than a month ago, accused Washington of seeking to use military force to appropriate the countrys vast petroleum resources illegally. President Petro of neighboring Colombia, at around the same time, asserted in a CNN interview that (Oil) is at the heart of the matter,. He went on to declare, So, thats a negotiation about oil. I believe that is (US President Donald) Trumps logic. Hes not thinking about the democratization of Venezuela, let alone the narco-trafficking.

After the U.S. Coast Guard seized a sanctioned tanker, the M/T Skipper, off the coast of the pariah South American state carrying 1.9 million barrels of Venezuelan heavy crude last week, the rhetoric intensified. Venezuela and Colombias presidents both strongly accused Washington of piracy and theft. Maduro called it an act of international piracy after earlier declaring that Venezuela would not become a U.S. oil colony. Petro stated, "They have just seized a ship, it is piracy, oil, oil, that is, they are demonstrating why they are doing what they do. Oil, oil and oil,".

Both Latin American leaders ramped up their rhetoric despite the tanker operating in defiance of U.S. sanctions. The tanker was transporting 1.9 million barrels of Merey, Venezuelas main export-grade heavy oil, with an API gravity of 15 degrees and 2.15% sulfur content, to Cuba, then to Asia, with China and India key buyers of U.S.-sanctioned oil. The Skippers repeated transportation of sanctioned Venezuelan crude oil led the U.S. Coast Guard to receive a court-issued warrant for the tanker, which expired only days after the seizure. This is the first tanker seized by the U.S. since strict sanctions on Venezuelan crude oil were imposed in 2019.

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The White House and State Department have consistently denied accusations that the military action against Venezuela is motivated by securing control of the countrys crude oil. U.S. government representatives have repeatedly reaffirmed that the mission called Southern Spear is about preventing the flow of drugs and illegal migrants to the United States. While those goals are part of the military operation, there are signs the U.S. mission aims to pressure a highly unpopular Maduro into stepping down so Venezuela can return to democracy. Indeed, there is very little rationale for the claims that Washington needs control of Venezuelas vast oil reserves.

The U.S., as the worlds leading petroleum producer, does not need to forcibly obtain Venezuelas vast oil reserves. Over the last 20 years, U.S. production has grown at a stunning clip. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data show it more than tripled, from 4.2 million barrels per day in September 2005 to 13.8 million barrels per day in September 2025. Importantly, it is anticipated that U.S. oil production will continue to climb, with the EIA predicting it could reach 18 million barrels per day by the early 2030s. This tremendous expansion is supported by the solid growth of U.S. proved oil reserves, which between 2003 and 2023 doubled from 23 billion to 46 billion barrels.

The stunning growth of U.S. petroleum reserves and production over the last two decades, because of the shale oil boom, is so significant that by 2019, the worlds second-largest consumer of fossil fuels emerged as a net energy exporter. In fact, by September 2025, the U.S. EIA reported oil imports of just under 250 million barrels, which was more than a third less than the 397 million barrels imported for that month 20 years earlier. This point is important because, unlike the period from 1958 to 201,8 when the U.S. imported more oil than it produced, the country is now no longer economically reliant on foreign petroleum imports.

Some analysts argue that even with U.S. oil reserves and production expanding at such an impressive clip, demand for Venezuela's low-cost heavy crude remains strong. You see, during the 1980s, Venezuelas heavy crude emerged as an attractive feedstock for U.S. Gulf Coast refineries. This was due to lower prices than the WTI and Brent benchmarks, copious production volumes of around 2 to 3 million barrels per day and the close vicinity of those oilfields to the United States. Venezuelas stable democracy, with Caracas sharing close ties with Washington as a staunch ally against communism in Latin America, enhanced the attractiveness of the countrys crude oil.

At that time, many Gulf Coast refineries were built or retrofitted with the equipment needed to process the heavy sour crude oil produced in Venezuela. This left them unable to refine lighter, sweeter petroleum grades cost-effectively, making those facilities dependent on Merey as well as other Venezuelan heavy oil grades like Hamaca and Boscan. For these reasons, some analysts claim Venezuelas heavy oil is essential for the profitable operation of a swathe of Gulf Coast refineries and bolstering U.S. energy security. This, they assert, is the reason for Trumps aggressive gunboat diplomacy and the planned seizure of Venezuelas vast heavy oil reserves.

While this was true three or four decades ago, it is far from reality today. You see, plummeting refining margins and soaring operating costs led the U.S. refining industry to contract sharply from the mid to late 1990s. This forced the closure of a swathe of higher-cost Gulf Coast refineries, particularly those processing heavy sour crude oil grades, to shutter or be converted to more profitable uses over that period. EIA data shows 27 Gulf Coast refineries with a combined distillation capacity of 832,426 barrels per day were permanently shut down from January 1, 1990, and January 1, 2025. Many others were converted to refine lighter, sweeter grades of crude oil or to process biofuels.

Since the early 2000s, Gulf Coast refineries still dependent on heavy sour crude oil have been forced to find alternative supplies. It was Canada, the worlds largest producer of heavy crude, followed by Colombia and Mexico, which filled the gap. A combination of sharply weaker oil prices, malfeasance and tighter U.S. sanctions weighed heavily on Venezuelas oil production. Between 1997, 2 years before Hugo Chavezs revolutionary presidency, and 2015, petroleum output plummeted from 3.5 million to 2.7 million barrels per day. During 2020, it plunged further, hitting an all-time low of 570,000 barrels per day.

While Venezuelas petroleum production has recovered, particularly after U.S. energy supermajor Chevron was granted a restricted license to lift oil in the pariah state, shipments to the U.S are at all-time lows. For September 2025, the U.S. imported 3 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil, which is less than 1/13 of the 41 million barrels received in that month 20 years earlier. Those numbers underscore just how irrelevant Venezuelan petroleum is to a significantly diminished U.S. refining industry, particularly given that domestic production is still growing at a healthy clip. Indeed, over that period, the number of operable U.S. refineries has fallen from 148 in 2005 to 132 at the start of 2025.

Even if the U.S. seized Venezuelas vast petroleum resources it would take at least a decade and tens of billions of dollars to rebuild shattered industry infrastructure. Venezuelas current oil production today, which OPEC data shows to be 934,000 barrels per day, is a far cry from the nearly 3 million barrels per day lifted 30 years earlier. An investment of $58 billion is needed to lift production to a modest 1 to 2 million barrels per day, which is insufficient to return Venezuela to a major petroleum exporter. For that to occur, an investment of $10 to $12 billion annually for at least a decade, likely far longer, is required to rebuild heavily corroded wellheads, pipelines, processing plants and storage facilities.

By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com

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Recent moves by Washington and Brussels show diplomatic tracks heading in opposite directions with regard to Belarus, highlighting a growing divide between the allies on how to deal with Europe's security.

On one side of the Atlantic Ocean, the United States is engaging Minsk and its authoritarian ruler, Aleksandr Lukashenko, by easing sanctions in exchange for the release of political prisoners, including 123 last weekend.

That contrasts starkly with what's happening in Brussels, where European Union officials are still adding to their restrictive measures targeting Lukashenko, a steadfast ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

New Line Of Communication

Supporters of the moves by US President Donald Trump's administration to open up dialogue with Minsk say it's a clear strategy to open another line of communication with the Kremlin, which has relied on Belarus's support in the war against Ukraine.

"Your president [Lukashenko] has a long history with President Putin and has the ability to advise him. This is very useful in this situation," Trump's envoy to Belarus, John Coale, said after holding talks with Lukashenko that led to the prisoner release, noting the Belarus leader might be able to change Putin's mind in the context of the ongoing talks to end the war in Ukraine.

"Naturally, President Putin may accept some advice and not others. This is a way to facilitate the process," he added.

But critics fear the dismantling of years of coordinated pressure against a country that has witnessed a brutal, sometimes deadly, crackdown on civil society. Even limited diplomatic contact, they say, could give legitimacy to Lukashenko's regime.

"For the EU, copying Washingtons approach would be strategically misguided: unlike the US, the EU shares a border with Belarus, faces immediate security risks from Russias military presence there, and has already invested significantly in supporting Belarusian democratic forces," said Giselle Bosse, a professor and Jean Monnet chair at Maastricht University.

"What might serve short-term US diplomatic goals would therefore undermine the EUs long-term security and values-based strategy," she wrote recently.

Lifting Of US Sanctions

Trump surprised many by speaking to Lukashenko by phone in August, just ahead of a summit with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska.

That was followed by the lifting of sanctions on Belarus' national air carrier Belavia, meaning the US government was allowing all US entities and individuals to do business with the airline. At the same time, Minsk announced the release and pardon of 31 Ukrainian citizens who had been held in Belarus, one of a series of prisoner releases over the past year.

The most recent prisoner release was preceded by an announcement that Washington was lifting sanctions on Belaruss lucrative fertilizer exports - including its biggest company, Belaruskali - which provide major source of income to Lukashenkos regime.

For Lukashenko, long criticized and isolated by the West as a dictator and staunch Putin ally, Trump's call represented a diplomatic breakthrough.

Some criticized the call, fearing it gave Lukashenko his first step back toward the international diplomatic stage.

But Trump supporters and some analysts applauded the move, saying engagement was needed after years of trying to isolate Belarus.

Mark Episkopos, a research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft and adjunct professor of history at Marymount University in Virginia, lauded the December 13 release of prisoners and overall engagement with Minsk, calling it "necessary work in driving US-Belarus normalization forward step by step."

"The best and only viable way to address these challenges is through sustained dialogue with Belarus, not by pushing for a change in government or punishing Minsk until it cuts ties with Moscow," he wrote recently.

'Europe's Last Dictator'

Long considered a pariah and dubbed "Europe's last dictator," Lukashenko has walked a tightrope between Russia -- which is Belarus's largest trading partner -- and the West.

After the 2020 presidential election, in which Lukashenko claimed victory, opposition groups declared the results a sham and sparked weeks of massive protests. Lukashenko's security forces responded with a brutal crackdown, arresting over 30,000 people, many of whom reported torture and ill-treatment in custody.

The crackdown pushed most opposition politicians to leave Belarus, fearing for their safety and freedom. Meanwhile, many Western governments have refused to recognize the results of the 2020 election and do not consider Lukashenko to be the country's legitimate leader.

While Brussels has targeted the country and its leadership both for human rights abuses, siding with Russia in the war against Ukraine, and for pushing migrants from Asia and Africa onto EU borders, the EU, via unanimity on December 15, added three more criteria for targeting the Lukashenko regime.

Belarusians can now be sanctioned if they are deemed to have planned or been engaged in foreign information manipulation and interference in the EU.

They can also be sanctioned for actions targeted at the functioning of democratic institutions, economic activities or services of public interest of the EU and finally, it will be a sanctionable offense to enter EU territory unauthorized.

The last criteria is the most crucial one as it is a direct EU response to the weather balloons normally used by Belarus for counterfeit cigarette smuggling that entered Lithuania and interfered with its air traffic in recent months.

Lithuanian officials recently told RFE/RL that a total of 315 unauthorized balloons have entered the country from Belarus since June, peaking in October with 71 airspace incursions. The incursions have forced the two biggest Lithuanian airports in Kaunas and Vilnius to temporarily shut down 15 times this year alone, affecting over 320 flights and 45,000 passengers.

According to several EU officials that RFE/RL has been in contact with, the bloc will renew all its Belarus sanctions in the coming weeks as all 27 EU member states agree that the sanctions should be maintained.

Vilnius is also expected to suggest more sanctions in early January on those responsible for the balloon incursions, while more economic sanctions on Minsk are expected to be included in the EUs 20th sanctions package on Russia, which is set to be approved around the fourth anniversary of Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine in late February.

When asked after a foreign affairs meeting in Brussels this week whether the EU would consider following the US example and ease sanctions, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas rejected the suggestion.

As long as this war is going on and Belarus is clearly helping Russia in its war efforts and also hybrid attacks against European member states, our position has been very clear. We are putting more sanctions on Belarus and to pressure them into not using these tactics against us. So, raising the cost for them to change the calculus, Kallas said.

Several EU diplomats speaking on the condition of anonymity were also adamant that the US moves didnt affect Brussels thinking at all, with one adding that the US can give whatever sanctions relief they want, [but] without the EU playing ball, nothing will happen for a landlocked country like Belarus.

Another argued that because the US doesnt border Belarus, it does not sense the same threat perception as Europe, while conceding that Washington likely sees Lukashenko as a useful conduit to influence Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the US quest to broker peace between Moscow and Kyiv.

By RFE/RL

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Chinas efforts to reduce overcapacity in the solar manufacturing sector looks to have yielded the first results as domestic firms narrowed their losses in the third quarter.

The solar manufacturing industry in China slashed total losses by 46.7% in the third quarter from a quarter earlier, according to the China Photovoltaic Industry Association.

The industry still booked a total loss of $912 million (6.422 billion Chinese yuan), per a presentation by the Wang Bohua, honorary chairman of the association, as carried by Reuters.

Chinese manufacturers slashed polysilicon production by 29.6% and cut silicon wafer output by 6.7% between January and October, Wang said, although production of solar cells and finished solar modules still rose year-over-year.

Reduced losses could be the first sign that the government policy to address bloated capacity is working.

To compare, all top Chinese solar equipment producers booked losses for the first quarter of 2025, blaming the continued losses on low product prices and the trade and tariff turbulence under U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Chinese solar wafers, panels, switchers, and other equipment producers have been struggling on the domestic market amid overcapacity that Chinas authorities moved to address only in late 2024.

Earlier in 2024, the China Photovoltaic Industry Association said that China urgently needs consolidation in the solar manufacturing industry as overcapacity and price wars are leading local companies to a race to the bottom.

This summer, Chinas authorities stepped up efforts to address the overcapacity in Chinas clean technology industries, which undermines the profitability of solar equipment manufacturers.

In July, executives from 14 leading Chinese solar firms were summoned by Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), where Industry Minister Li Lecheng called on the manufacturers to end price wars, phase out outdated and severely underutilized capacity, and shift toward innovation and value-based competition.

The minister stressed that the next phase will prioritize product quality, stronger regulations, and sustainable development with ongoing government support, solar panel manufacturer Huasun said, commenting on the meeting.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Japans JAPEX has struck a deal to buy shale oil and gas asset owner Verdad Resources Intermediate Holdings for $1.3 billion, Reuters has reported, adding the company will finance the deal with a combination of cash and debt.

Verdad Resources Intermediate Holdings has assets in Wyoming and Colorado, which currently produce at a rate of 35,000 barrels of oil equivalent daily. JAPEX plans to ramp this up to 50,000 barrels daily by 2030, the report said.

The news follows an earlier report about JERA boosting its exposure to U.S. shale oil and gas with a deal to buy $1.5 billion worth of acreage in the Haynesville basin. The Japanese company will buy the assets from Williams and GEP Haynesville II, JERA said in October, adding that the assets currently produce some 500 million cu ft of natural gas daily and feature 200 undeveloped locations. The deal includes a provision to boost output from the assets to 1 billion cu ft daily, JERA also said.

Japanese companies have been stepping up their presence in the U.S. oil and gas space since President Trump took office. Earlier in the year, reports emerged that Japanese companies were considering investments in the $44-billion Alaska LNG project, but so far they have appeared to be concerned that the costs may be too high, considering the cold weather in Alaska and the scale of the pipelines needed to bring the project on stream.

Meanwhile, Japanese energy players have also been closing offtake deals for U.S. liquefied natural gas to boost the supply security of the resource-scarce island nation, which is almost entirely dependent on imports of hydrocarbons. Since the start of the year, LNG purchase commitments have reached a total of 8.5 million tons. Last year, Reuters reported, Japan imported some 66 million tons of liquefied gas in total.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Oil tankers carrying Russian oil appear to be avoiding the fastest Black Sea route to the Turkish straits and travel along the Georgian and Turkish coasts to avoid drone attacks from Ukraine, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

In recent weeks, several ships linked to Russia have been hit by Ukrainian drones in the Black Sea. All targeted vessels were empty at the time of the strikes.

At least two tankers that have loaded oil from Novorossiysk, the Russian port on the Black Sea, have recently traveled along the Georgian and Turkish coasts instead of taking the shortest route to the Bosphorus Strait, according to the data compiled by Bloomberg.

The detour along the Georgian and Turkish coasts would add about 350 miles, or 70%, to the journey of an oil tanker from the port of Novorossiysk to the Turkish straits.

Crude oil exports from the Russian terminals on the Black Sea were much lower in November than originally planned as bad weather and Ukrainian attacks on infrastructure have delayed loadings and departures.

Ukrainian attacks have also crippled Russias fuel exports from the Black Sea ports in recent weeks.

Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries in southern Russia and the Black Sea oil port of Tuapse crippled exports of fuels from the Black Sea export terminals in November.

The port of Tuapse suspended fuel exports for half of the month of November, due to the drone attack at the port infrastructure in early November.

An attack on another Black Sea port, Novorossiysk, also led to a slump in crude and fuel shipments.

Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted Russian oil-refining, storage, and export infrastructure using drones and missiles. The campaign has gained intensity in recent months, with the Center for European Policy Analysis noting a shift in strategy from smaller-scale strikes on storage tanks to targeting hard-to-replace refinery equipment, like cracking units, much of it western-made and subject to sanctions.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Falling U.S. energy sales in China and India failed to offset increases elsewhere in Asia as the Trump Administrations trade policies have upended Asias energy imports.

While Japan and South Korea have increased their imports of American crude oil, China has slashed U.S. crude and LNG imports, after halting purchases of LNG in February in response to the trade frictions with the United States, according to data from Kpler cited by Reuters columnist Clyde Russell.

India has also reduced LNG imports from America this year as the two countries have yet to reach a trade deal amid difficult negotiations and U.S. accusations that Indias imports of Russian crude are propping up the Kremlins war chest to continue the war in Ukraine.

Several major Asian economies have reached trade deals with the United States this year, pledging to buy higher volumes of American energy products in exchange for lower tariffs.

For example, Indonesia, Southeast Asias biggest economy, has signaled it could buy an additional $10 billion worth of American oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Indonesia also plans to slash its fuel imports from Singapore and source more refined products from the United States. Argus reported in May that state energy firm Pertamina is considering importing oil products from the United States.

South Korea and Japan have also pledged higher imports of U.S. energy as part of their respective trade deals with the Trump Administration.

Japan has more than doubled its U.S. crude oil purchases to 84,500 barrels per day (bpd) arriving in 2025, from just 34,000 bpd last year, per the Kpler data.

South Korea, the top importer of U.S. crude in Asia, only saw a minor increase to 470,000 bpd from 465,000 bpd in 2024.

But Chinas withdrawal from U.S. crude purchases weighs significantly on overall Asian crude imports from America. China slashed its purchases by 84% from 2024 to just 38,350 bpd in 2025, according to Kpler.

As a result, overall Asian crude imports from the U.S. are on track to average 1.43 million bpd this year, down from 1.56 million bpd in 2024 and the record 1.65 million bpd imported in 2023, the Kpler data showed.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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U.S. natural gas futures have reversed their recent decline, climbing more than 3% on Thursday to trade above $4 per MMBtu thanks to near-record flows of natural gas to LNG export plants. Gas deliveries to the eight major U.S. LNG facilities have averaged 18.6 Bcf/d so far this month, above Novembers average at 18.2 Bcf/d. Meanwhile, one of its three liquefaction trains at Freeport LNGs export terminal in Texas has returned to service, with the terminal increasing its volumes.

However, the rebound might be short-lived, with predictions of above-average temperatures across much of the United States ahead of the Christmas holiday, portending weaker heating demand. Ample inventories coupled with record-high production are also likely to pressure prices, with LSEG estimating December gas output at around 109.7 Bcf/d so far in the month, in-line with record levels seen in November.

The U.S. is expected to retain its position as the world's largest natural gas producer in the coming year, with dry gas production projected to average around 107.4 to 109 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d). The most significant growth driver is the expansion of LNG export capacity, with new facilities like Plaquemines LNG and Golden Pass LNG ramping up operations.

Total export capacity is set to reach roughly 16.3 Bcf/d by 2026, reinforcing the U.S. as a major "swing exporter" in the global market. This surge in global supply may put downward pressure on international LNG prices, which could impact the profitability of U.S. exporters if the spread between domestic and international prices shrinks.

Natural gas prices are anticipated to be firmer than in 2025, with robust production and high storage levels expected to prevent runaway price increases. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts the Henry Hub spot price to average around $4.00 to $4.01 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) for the year 2026.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Millions of barrels of Nigerian and Angolan crude remain unsold in the December and January loading programs, as they struggle to compete with ample supply and cheaper cargoes, traders and analysts have told Reuters.

Nigeria alone had about 20 million unsold cargoes as of December 17, two traders told the publication. In addition, there are a lot of Angolan cargoes still waiting for buyers for the December and January loadings.

As many as 26 cargoes remain unsold, signaling that there is a lot of supply from other producers and much of this supply is cheaper than West Africas.

China, for example, has accelerated purchases of Saudi crude oil for January to the highest volumes in five months, after the worlds top crude exporter slashed its official selling prices for Asia to the lowest premium over benchmarks in five years.

Chinese refiners have nominated almost 50 million barrels in total of Saudi crude volumes for January loading, about 10 million barrels higher compared to the December volumes and the highest level Chinese refiners have booked for one month since August this year.

Oversupplied markets will keep oil prices under pressure next year, and the U.S. benchmark will average below $60 per barrel, the monthly Reuters poll of analysts and economists showed at the end of November.

The U.S. benchmark, WTI Crude, is expected to average $59 per barrel in 2026, according to the poll of 35 analysts and economists. Thats lower compared to the $60.23 per barrel forecast in the previous months survey.

Despite geopolitical flare-ups in recent days, Brent Crude prices slipped to the lowest level since May below $60 per barrel amid persistent concerns about a large oil glut in early 2026. Even a blockade on sanctioned tankers carrying Venezuelan crude ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump did not move prices for more than a day.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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This separation strategy is a potential game-changer because it eliminates water-intensive steps, making lithium extraction cleaner, more sustainable, and less dependent on the few nations that currently dominate the global supply.

The conventional method for extracting lithium from these common brines is often financially non-viable due to the presence of magnesium, leaving more than half the world's lithium untapped.

A new, accidental discovery by University of Michigan scientists allows for the cost-effective extraction of lithium from magnesium-rich brines by using charged membranes without electricity.

Lithium-ion batteries dominate the tech world. You probably have at least one within reach right this moment, considering that lithium-ion batteries now power a whopping 70 percent of all rechargeable devices, from your smartphone to electric vehicles, and even power utility-scale energy storage. And while the tech industry is eager to diversify battery design to relieve its dependency on this white gold, lithium continues to dominate the sector  and will likely remain essential for a long time to come.

While lithium is extremely useful and abundant for all kinds of tech sector applications, there are some serious downsides to its extraction and sourcing. Firstly, lithium mining and extraction involves a lot of toxic substances, and has seriously negative impacts on ecosystems, water resources, and the health of nearby communities. Second, lithium supply chains are currently dominated by just a few markets, creating critical geopolitical vulnerabilities. At present, the International Energy Agency (IEA) ranks lithiums geopolitical risk as a 3 out of 5, as 85% of global lithium production comes from just three nations  Australia, Chile, and China. Third, there are serious concerns about whether supply can stand up to demand. The IEA says that lithium has a high degree of supply risk, characterized by extreme price volatility.

Demand for lithium is expected to skyrocket in coming years as renewable energy and electrification continue to grow on a global scale, and battery energy storage becomes an ever-greater market sector. A scientific paper published in Communications Earth & Environment late last year reported that lithium demand is poised to sustain an annual growth of 18% over the next three decades and that supply and demand trends indicate a projected global lithium demand of 1.93 million metric tons in 2050, a significant increase of 26.2 times compared to 2023.

Considering these multiple concerns over the sustainability and financial stability of lithium supplies and supply chains, there is considerable uncertainty and concern about the future of the sector. But a new breakthrough from scientists at the University of Michigan may seriously disrupt lithium supply chains, making the white gold cleaner and more sustainable to extract and more financially viable to produce in a greater number of locations.

More than half of the worlds lithium is found in naturally occurring brines, but most of that remains untapped because the presence of magnesium complicates the lithium extraction process and makes it financially non-viable. However, the Michigan researchers found that when they use charged membranes and remove electricity from the equation, they can extract lithium from magnesium brines in a much more cost-effective way.

In some natural brines, the conventional approach isnt economical, so people arent utilizing the resource, Jovan Kamcev, associate professor of chemical engineering and one of the scientists behind the discovery, recently told Interesting Engineering.

The discovery happened by accident, in a simple laboratory experiment. The scientists were testing membranes that were designed for electrodialysis when they discovered that lithium behaved differently than expected in the process. They discovered that without the presence of electricity, lithium passed through the membrane while magnesium stayed behind. This simple feat could be a total gamechanger for extracting one of the most demanded materials in the clean energy transition.

This separation strategy can recover lithium without the water-intensive steps that pose sustainability concerns in current technologies, said Lisby Santiago-Pagan, a doctoral student and co-first author of the study, which was recently published in the scientific journal Nature Chemical Engineering.

There is still a lot more work to be done to see whether this method will work in practical applications, but it could potentially be a major disruptor for a critical sector of the energy industry.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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The new capital, following a 250% YoY growth, will strengthen Humanz's AI infrastructure and support its next wave of global acquisitions

TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Humanz, the AI-Platform for the creator economy, today announced a $15 million funding round alongside the strategic acquisitions of Ubiquitous and Bambassadors. The investment was backed by previous high profile investors and new institutional funds, and will help to accelerate AI product investments, support at least three additional acquisitions already planned for early 2026, bringing the funds raised to date to $32 million.

First post-acquisition gathering of Ubiquitous and Humanz at the NYC offices (Credit: Ohad Kab)

The creator economy is consolidating fast. AI is transforming how platforms operate, and influencer marketing - now valued at $250 billion - is entering a clear phase of M&A activity as agencies, platforms, holding companies, and private equity firms race to acquire capability and market share. Humanz is one of the leading companies driving this trend, and since launching in 2017, has expanded across Europe, Latin America, South Africa, the Middle East, and the United States - where its rapid expansion has solidified this market as its primary growth engine.

Humanz is an all-in-one operating system that powers the entire creator economy lifecycle, consolidating what typically requires multiple disconnected tools into a single, scalable infrastructure layer. The platform enables brands to discover and vet creators using AI-driven intelligence, manage campaigns from brief to execution, coordinate content approvals and workflows, process payments and contracts, and tracks performance with real-time analytics. It also measures attributable sales and ROI, all while maintaining ethical AI practices and supporting creator rights through transparent compensation and data ownership.

"The creator economy isn't broken. It's just been built on the wrong foundation," said Liran Liberman, CEO of Humanz. "With the acquisition of Ubiquitous and Bambassadors we will be able to double-down on our position in the U.S. and amplify our capabilities globally, giving creators and brands a unified experience from discovery to collaboration to measurable results. Backed by this new funding, we're accelerating our AI roadmap and pursuing additional acquisitions, paving the way toward category leadership."

The acquisitions of Ubiquitous and Bambassadors create powerful synergies that broaden Humanz's capabilities across the creator economy. Ubiquitous strengthens Humanz's U.S. footprint with established brand equity, enterprise budgets, and a deep influencer network - enabling greater operational efficiency and stronger product stickiness. With specialized tech in User-Generated Content (UGC) and performance marketing, Bambassadors delivers a critical infrastructure layer - powered by unique APIs and AI - that enables performance-oriented marketers and brands to achieve stronger, more efficient results across paid social media at scale. Together, these acquisitions enable Humanz to deliver a more seamless experience for the entire creator economy, extending product offerings while creating business opportunities for a broader spectrum of creators.

"We built Bambassadors for brands that prioritize performance and expect clear results, not promises. Global brands today want measurable impact, not noise, and that has guided everything we docreating authentic, creative content and building a system that can test, analyze, and optimize it at speed" said Oded Farkash, CEO and co-founder of Bambassadors. "Now, with Humanz's AI engine and global infrastructure behind us, we've created a truly end-to-end performance stack that moves creators from content to conversion with full visibility. This is how modern marketing should work."

"Ubiquitous was founded on the simple belief that creators are unmatched storytellers, and brands deserve a transparent, results-driven way to collaborate with them," said Jess Flack Wilson, CEO and co-founder of Ubiquitous. "By joining forces with Humanz we can advance that vision globally. By combining our creator network, enterprise relationships, and executional expertise with Humanz's AI-driven infrastructure, we're creating a unified platform that brings discovery, creation, and results into one seamless, scalable experience. It's a huge step forward for the industry, and we're thrilled to help shape the next chapter of the creator economy."

The company has grown 250% year over year, supporting over 1 million creators and facilitating millions of collaborations that have generated hundreds of millions in attributable sales. Humanz works with leading global brands and agencies including Google, GroupM, L'Oreal, McDonald's, Nestle, Omnicom, P&G, Unilever, and Zara, providing them with data-driven creator intelligence and scalable campaign infrastructure.

About Humanz

Humanz is an all-in-one operating system that powers the entire creator economy lifecycle, enabling fast, transparent, ethical, and impactful collaboration between brands and creators. Powered by proprietary AI, real-time data, and globally scalable infrastructure, Humanz supports over 1 million creators and works with leading brands including Google, GroupM, L'Oreal, McDonald's, Nestle, Omnicom, P&G, Unilever, and Zara. With $32 million raised to date and expansion through strategic acquisitions, Humanz is redefining how creators and brands search, engage, and drive real business impact. Learn more at https://humanz.ai

Media Contact

Gabi Benedyk

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+972 58 484 7380

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SOURCE Humanz


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation,

New state data shows that 98% of food stamp fraud in Oregon occurs out of state. This is because Oregon safeguards are low, and our leaders, Governor Kotek and agency heads, have not shown concern.

Here are some safety failures of our food stamp system:

 The media has faulted our Department of Human services for not responding to victims of food stamp fraud. When victims call to report criminal activity, the state has often just ignored them, saying there is nothing they can do about it. That is unacceptable.

 Governor Kotek has blocked federal auditors from obtaining the names and addresses of Oregonians on federal food stamps. This hinders the Federal Government from investigating waste, fraud and abuse of a program that federal tax dollars pay for.

 Oregon does not include chip security protections in its food stamp debit cards.

 One of the biggest problems with food stamp theft is card skimming. Yet, Kotek and her Democrat majority lawmakers in 2017 voted to reduce penalties for theft. Now include the public defender crisis in Oregon where thousands of criminal cases have been dropped over lack of funding, and on top of that, then-Governor Kate Browns releasing 1,000 criminals early. The end result is that Oregon is like a theft sanctuary state where you can commit crimes and be less likely to be discovered, less likely to be prosecuted, and if prosecuted, less likely to serve much time.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A large pike is carefully released by an angler. Credit: Boddenhecht, IGB

Whether a caught fish is released back into the water or removed for consumption depends on more than just the fish species and size. Researchers from the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) have analyzed the role of anglers' personal characteristics and the influence of the fishing context in a diary study.

Anglers in Germany are more likely to keep saltwater fish and trout than carp and other freshwater fish. However, large pike and carp in particular are often voluntarily released. The federal state, age and type of angler also have an influence: all else being equal, anglers in eastern Germany (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) are more likely to remove fish than those in western Germany (Lower Saxony). Older people and those who fish little and not very effectively take more fish instead of releasing them voluntarily after the catch.

The research team, led by Prof. Robert Arlinghaus from IGB and Humboldt Universitat zu Berlin analyzed around 19,800 catch records from anglers in Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which were collected as part of two one-year diary studies. The study examined the voluntary release of fish that are otherwise legally permitted to be taken. Species or sizes that are protected by fisheries law must always be released.

"Anglers carefully consider whether or not to actually remove a fish that they are legally permitted to take. Among anglers, and sometimes beyond, the practice of voluntary releasecatch & release fishingis controversial. Our findings help to assess the impact of angling on fish stocks and to place the controversial debate in a social context," said Arlinghaus.

The findings are published in the journal Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries.

Sea fish, trout and salmon species are preferred, carp species less so

The researchers found that saltwater fish such as cod and herring, as well as salmon and trout (both salmonids), were kept significantly more often after being caught than common freshwater fish such as carp, pike or roach. The reason for this is that cod, trout and salmon are culturally perceived as being of higher culinary value in Germany than carp-like fish species (cyprinids) such as bream, tench and carp. These are significantly more bony.

However, anglers from the east of Germany (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) took home significantly more cyprinids than anglers from the west (Lower Saxony). This finding points to a culturally based preference for the consumption of certain fish species. In Eastern Europe in particular, the consumption of cyprinids has a very long tradition that continues to this day.

Surprising and good for fish stocks: the largest fish are left to swim away

For most species, the likelihood of fish being taken after being caught was greatest for medium-sized fish. Large carp and pike, in particular, were voluntarily released much more frequently. This is good news for fisheries management and conservation, as it shows that many anglers voluntarily support the protection of particularly large adults, even though they could and, according to some authorities and angling associations, should take these megaspawners home.

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The happiness factor

Anglers who were satisfied with their previous fishing experiences were more likely to release fish on future trips.

"Past successes help determine future catch and release decisions: those who have caught well voluntarily release more fish on subsequent days. And in general, particularly successful anglers take fewer fish home after the catch," explained study leader Arlinghaus.

Angler type, fishing ability and age are decisive as well

Those who catch a lot of fish take smaller numbers. The type of angler also played a role, in particular the degree of angling involvement, the harvest orientation and the importance of angling in an angler's life. Older people and anglers who fish irregularly and not very successfully kept more fish. A young person who fishes a lot and has a high level of fishing skill, on the other hand, voluntarily returns more fish to the water after the catch.

In contrast to earlier studies from the U.S., it was not the case that people who were psychologically strongly connected to fishing also released more fish. In general, German anglers are much more consumption-oriented than anglers in the Anglo-Saxon world, which is reflected in the fact that even highly specialized anglers in this country take many fish home, e.g. when fishing for eel or cod.

The situation is different when fishing for carp, pike or perch. Even in Germany, anglers who specialize in these species release more fish than those who are less specialized.

Culture has an impact: More fish are caught in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania than in Lower Saxony

According to the study, cultural differences between eastern and western Germany play an important role in the decision to release fish. For example, anglers in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania were more inclined to remove fish for consumption, while in Lower Saxony releasing fish was practiced more frequently.

"The finding can be explained by different values and norms in western and eastern Germany, in particular a stronger subsistence orientation, which according to previous studies is more pronounced in eastern Germany.

"However, the result could also be due to the fact that fishing conditions in most waters in Lower Saxony are worse than in the less densely populated and water-rich areas of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Anglers in Lower Saxony may see the release of fish as an opportunity to conserve the low fish stocks," said Arlinghaus.

Conclusions for the management of angling

The study shows that the decision in favor of or against taking fish that can be taken for consumption depends on many factors. For some species groups, such as carp-like fish, voluntary release after capture is common practice and affects more than half of all fish caught. The situation is different for trout, cod, pikeperch or eel, more than 90% of which are removed after capture if the animal exceeds the legal minimum size.

Irrespective of this, the voluntary release of harvestable fish is widespread for almost all species and many anglers. This can contribute to the protection of endangered fish populations. It is important that anglers handle the fish carefully to maximize the likelihood of survival.

According to previous studies, 90 to 100% of released fish survive in the vast majority of species, especially if equipment and handling methods are used that cause minimal injury.

More information Max Birdsong et al, Culture, context, and fish length drives voluntary catch-and-release behaviour of recreational anglers, Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s11160-025-09971-6

Provided by Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries
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

In a move that reverses nearly a decade of practice, California wildlife officials have quietly begun to allow killing mountain lions in order to protect another iconic nativebighorn sheep.

Though limited to the Eastern Sierrathe steep, rugged home of a rare type of the wild sheepit marks a sea change for California, where legislators and voters have heaped protections on the big, charismatic cats that suffered decades of persecution.

It's a complex storya lesson in ecosystems that involves three linked species and efforts to do right by all of them.

While some are thrilled, many are dismayed. Some think it's the wrong tack while others say it doesn't go far enough to safeguard yet another beloved animal: deer.

The policy change came into relief recently. In the craggy Sierra Nevada mountains, late last year, a male lion hunted down several bighorn. They GPS-collared him and he killed another sheep.

He was young enough that he hadn't started breeding or fully established a home range, so wildlife officials caught him and hauled him to what was supposed to be his new home.

But about six months later, he wandered back to sheep country and killed again.

So this summer they put him down by lethal injection, according to Tom Stephenson, who leads the Sierra Nevada bighorn recovery program for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

How we got here

The moment lies at the intersection of politics and biology. And it wouldn't have happened without an important Eastern Sierra contingenthunters.

In February of last year, Brian Tillemans submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission spotlighting concerns about dwindling numbers of Eastern Sierra mule deer, as well as bighorn sheep.

The local hunter, who is also a former watershed resource manager for the L.A. Department of Water and Power told commissioners the mountain lion population had "exploded" in the region. Hundreds of area residents signed the petition.

"The emotional biopolitics of protecting mountain lions is leading to the demise of two iconic species," Tillemans told commissioners. His plea hit a nerve. It sparked a series of discussions that led the state to revise its approach to managing lions.

Mountain lions in California are a "specially protected species" and it's illegal to hunt them for sport. But they can be lawfully killed in limited situations. One is when the hefty cats are threatening the Sierra Nevada bighorn, one of two subspecies of sheep that live in the Golden State. (The other type, desert bighorn, prefer the arid Mojave Desert and mountains of Southern California over snowy Sierra peaks.)

California lawmakers gave that right to state wildlife officials in 1999, the same year the Sierra Nevada bighorn landed on the federal endangered species list.

In 2017 though, wildlife officials stopped killing lions preying on sheep and began relocating them instead, Stephenson said.

That has turned out to be successful for female lions and young ones. But males that have already established a home range proved tougher. They try their darndest to return to their mates.

In what would become a highly publicized failure, two male lions from the Eastern Sierra died after being trucked more than 200 miles to a remote area of the desert.

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Bighorn, it seemed, were left vulnerable.

By the time bighorn sheep were listed under the Endangered Species Act, they had been driven to the brink of extinction by decades of hunting and diseases spread by domestic sheep. Once protected, they began to make gains. But several severe winters starting in 2016 knocked the fragile population down. At such low numbers, hungry lions can devastate herds. Their total population was about 400 last year.

The lions in the Eastern Sierra area, meanwhile, are doing well for themselves. There are about 70 to 80 roaming the craggy mountains, which Stephenson described as a "relatively large" number. They feed on wild horses that roam the region, which may boost their ranks.

Moving lions will still be the primary protection tool when feasible. But with bighorn in a precarious way, "we just recognize that we need to do everything we can to try to get this animal recovered," Stephenson said. So lethal removal was put back on the table.

John Wehausen, an applied population ecologist who has studied bighorn for more than half a century, is thrilled by the recent policy changes. He expects the bighorn to start to bounce back. Data support the effectiveness of removing lions to help the sheep, he said.

He said it's key for the agency to act quickly to move or euthanize a lion that's feeding on sheep, to prevent it from harming more. He believes the agency was previously sluggish, but is now moving efficiently.

"I've as much as said to them, 'I don't really care how you get [the lions] out of there. You just need to get them out of there in a timely way to protect these sheep because that's what your job is,'" he said.

But Beth Pratt, California regional executive director for the National Wildlife Federation, questions whether killing lions to protect sheep makes sense.

"Do you keep blowing away an animal for being an animal, when it's clearly just not working?" she said. Many people "understand that predators have a place in healthy ecosystems."

Pratt wonders if there are creative solutions, such as bolstering the sheep population by bringing in animals raised elsewhere or stationing guard dogs around the herds.

Disappearing deer

For Eastern Sierra natives such as Danny McIntosh, of Bishop, a small community about a four-hour drive north of Los Angeles beloved by hunters, climbers and hikers, deer represent a way of life.

McIntosh has watched mule deer since he was a kid. He's "infatuated" with bucks, which battle each other during mating season. Around his teen years, he started photographing the animals, named for their large, mule-like ears. He's an avid hunter and also enjoys collecting "sheds," antlers dropped annually by deer and elk.

After the severe winter of 2018, he noticed a marked decline in the deer population that he said has only worsened.

That observation largely tracks with state Department of Fish and Wildlife findings. According to a 2023 paper, what's known as the Round Valley herd dropped 33% from 2016 to 2022.

"What disheartens me the most is that my children will never get to experience, on the same level as I did, flourishing deer herds and the numerous traditional activities that surround them," McIntosh told state wildlife commissioners during a meeting in June 2024.

He largely blames lions and black bears, and isn't satisfied with the state's willingness to kill the big cats on behalf of bighorn. Though he acknowledged it will help the sheep, it's not expected to have a meaningful impact on deer.

"It's still not enough," McIntosh said. "Our deer were the healthiest and the herds were the strongest when there was trapping going on and there were no restrictions."

State wildlife officials don't have the authority to control lions for the benefit of deer.

Hunters want more deer, "and if someone can't snap their fingers and make that happen, it's frustrating" for them, said Stephenson, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife bighorn recovery leader. "There's a limit to how many knobs we can turn to effect any sort of rapid change. It's a long, slow process."

According to Stephenson, it's complicated. Yes, bears and lions snack on deer. But fires can wipe out vegetation they rely on for food, too. Harsh winters, punctuated by drought, also take a toll.

When there are so many factors, it's hard to know which are most important in influencing the population, he said.

Mule deer are dwindling not just here but across the West.

"We're not concerned that the deer population is going to disappear over here," Stephenson said. "I think it's a concern from the perspective of a hunter who wants hunting opportunities, and who has seen that hunting opportunity change over the decades."

The promise of crossings

There may be one solution everyone can get behindsomething that could offer a lifeline to mule deer without the need to knock out lions.

Hunters and conservationists alike support building a wildlife crossing in the top roadkill hot spot in the Eastern Sierraa deadly stretch of Highway 395 that runs past the Mammoth Yosemite Airport. Car collisions are the second highest cause of death for deer, not counting unknown causes.

On a sunny morning in September, a dead doe lay on the side of a small road just off 395, as cars whizzed by on the artery that connects communities along the Eastern Sierra.

Scavengers had so far only ripped into her backside. Tillemans, the hunter from Bishop, who provided a tour of the area, said it meant she hadn't been dead long.

From 2002 to 2018, about 675 vehicles collided with deer in less than nine miles of roadway. It's smack dab in the middle of the migration routes for the Round Valley and Casa Diablo herds, according to a recent study.

A project is underway to build safe passage for fauna here. As envisioned, two overcrossings and two undercrossings would function as bridges across four lanes of traffic. But its future depends on lining up moneya lot of it. Additional planning and construction is estimated to cost more than $65 million, according to the California Department of Transportation, which is leading the effort.

It could save the lives of untold deer. And it may be more plausible than allowing a lion hunting season, as some would like. That would require a change in state law.

"If there's ever a spot for a deer crossing, it's up here," Tillemans said while driving to the proposed project area.

A recently completed crossing about 70 miles to the north may offer an example of what the other one could provide.

In early fall, Ben Carter checked a camera positioned to capture the goings-on in a corrugated metal tunnel installed beneath a breathtaking stretch of the 395 north of the town of Bridgeport.

Carter, a senior environmental scientist with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, had pulled the SD card for the first time to see what critters might have been early adopters of the new wildlife undercrossing one of two constructed as part of a shoulder-widening project.

Tracks told their own tale. Cloven hooves had pressed into the soft mud. Deer had been there.

2025 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Excavation site Gird-i Kazhaw in the foreground; the modern village of Bestansur in the background. Credit: DFG project Rural Settlements of the Sasanian Period, Tamm/Wicke

The team of archaeologists led by Dr. Alexander Tamm (FAU, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg) and Prof. Dirk Wicke (Institute of Archaeological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt) has returned from its field research in northern Iraq without artifacts, but with many new insights. Over the past months, the ten-strong team has examined a building complex at the Gird-i Kazhaw site in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The structure, which was first discovered in 2015, was probably built around 500 AD. Its purpose had, however, so far been unclear.

Five square pillars made of quarry stone, partly plastered with white gypsum, had suggested that it might be a church. Geophysical investigations have revealed more walls underground, so that this "church" was initially believed to be part of a larger monastery. In particular, its relationship to a settlement mound directly adjacent to a small Sasanian fortification dating from the 5th to 6th century AD, is still unexplained. This fortification is overlaid by an Islamic cemetery.

Excavation areas and architectural findings

This year, the team from Frankfurt began its excavations in late summer in two areas: a surface excavation around the pillars (Area A) and an exploration of the Islamic cemetery (Area B), with a focus on anthropological documentation. They uncovered brick walls and floors made of rammed earth and later also of stones and broken bricks relatively close to the surface in Area A.

Brick pillars in Area A. Credit: DFG project Rural Settlements of the Sasanian Period, Tamm/Wicke

The discovery of further stone pillars, which point to the existence of perhaps a three-nave structure with a central nave running in a north-west to south-east direction, as already evidenced in early Christian religious architecture in this region, was a huge surprise. The size of the central nave, presumably 25 by 5 meters, is unusual. Whether the adjacent rooms indeed form monastery buildings will, however, call for further research in coming years.

The discovery, also in Area A, of a room with a floor made of neatly laid, fired bricks, with the outline of a semicircle at its north-western end was equally surprising. Apart from the architecture, the main indication that the buildings were used as a Christian meeting place is the discovery of decorated pottery depicting a Maltese cross. The early dating of a church building from the fifth to sixth century AD is not unusual in the region, as there are comparable structures in northern Syria and northern Mesopotamia.

Particularly relevant to research on religious neighborhoods, such as will be conducted in the future as part of the LOEWE Center "Dynamics of Religion" approved from 2026 onward, is the proximity to the Sasanian fortification described above.

Room with brick floor in Area A. Credit: DFG project Rural Settlements of the Sasanian Period, Tamm/Wicke

Pottery fragment with carved, cross-shaped decoration. Credit: DFG project Rural Settlements of the Sasanian Period, Tamm/Wick

Excavation of a grave in Area B. Credit: DFG project Rural Settlements of the Sasanian Period, Tamm/Wick

Religious coexistence and future research

Should the two buildings indeed date from the same period, this would suggest that Zoroastrians, followers of the religious founder Zarathustra, and Christians lived side by side at that time. Establishing when exactly the people in Kazhaw converted to Islam, as evidenced by the Islamic graves, is also part of the research agenda.

The excavations in Kazhaw are part of a larger research project by Dr. Tamm and Prof. Wicke on rural communities and settlements in the Shahrizor Plain in northern Iraq. To date, archaeological research has paid little attention to rural and small towns; it has mostly focused on the capital cities of ancient empires. The latter were undoubtedly the engine of cultural development in antiquity, but it was the rural regions that created the economic basis for the supply of goods.

Without this basis, cultural life in the cities would have been impossible. Work in Kazhaw will continue next year and focus more on the economic infrastructure, this time using archaeometric methods, in particular archaeobotany, zoology and forensic anthropology. The aim is to study what life was like within the excavated walls.

More information Sasaniden im Nordirak. Vorlaufiger Bericht zu den Ausgrabungen in Gird-i Qalrakh 20232024,
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Researchers conducted fieldwork near the Kuskokwim River in Alaska to develop new Earth system models. Credit: Keith Musselman

Earth system models offer insight into how climate change will affect communities. But residents of those communities are rarely consulted on the design and deployment of these models, which can lead to the models being misused in local decision-making. To bridge this divide, Cheng et al. collaborated with Indigenous communities in two regions to model the effects climate change will have on their land.

In the Arctic Rivers project, the researchers worked with Indigenous communities across Alaska to model how climate change will alter rivers and streams. In the Mid-Klamath project, the researchers worked with the Karuk Tribe in Northern California to study how different wildfire management strategies would affect local hydrology.

In both cases, mismatches existed between the methodology available to the researchers and the needs of the end users, and the collaborators mitigated these mismatches to varying extents. In the Arctic Rivers project, for example, constraints on computational resources limited the number of future scenarios the researchers could model.

Thanks to involvement from the project's own Indigenous Advisory Council and the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, the researchers were able to prioritize the scenarios most relevant to the communities.

In the Mid-Klamath project, on the other hand, misunderstandings at the start of the project led the researchers to choose a modeling tool that didn't fully meet the expectations of the tribe. More extensive discussions during early stages of the project could have avoided this issue, the researchers noted, and the National Science Foundation has recently begun to change its granting system to allow for these early discussions.

Accurately communicating the limits of the available technology is crucial, the researchers wrote. For example, one member of an Alaskan community stated that conditions in the region were changing so quickly that they needed subseasonal projections in addition to decade-scale projections.

Unfortunately, the former were beyond the technical expertise of the scientists involved in the project. But scientists were careful not to mislead the community into thinking such a thing was possible in that project.

Cultural humility and spending ample time with Indigenous communities are both cornerstones of successful collaborations, the researchers wrote. At the same time, it's important to acknowledge the capacity constraints that many scientists face. In addition, it is valuable to offer roles involving reasonable time commitments to scientists with fewer resources, so as not to exclude them from the co-design process.

The findings are published in the journal AGU Advances.

Publication details Yifan Cheng et al, Toward CoDesigned Earth System Models: Reflecting EndUser Priorities in Local Applications From a Modeler's Perspective, AGU Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1029/2025av001921 Journal information: AGU Advances

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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The Oct. 27, 2025, interview between former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and political streamer Nick Fuentes created a rare public divide inside the MAGA movement.

Critics say Carlson gave Fuentes a national platform to advance his antisemitic and white nationalist views. Some conservatives, including President Donald Trump and Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts, defended the conversation as necessary to understand a growing segment of the movement.

These reactions may seem incompatible, but both contain slices of the truth. Public debates about extreme views often pull us toward simple binariesplatform or censor, engage or avoidwhen the real issue is how the engagement is structured and the purpose it serves.

The current tension raises a broader question that extends beyond any single interview: When does a conversation with someone who holds extreme views illuminate their beliefs, which could serve the public interest, and when might it risk being interpreted as validation?

As a communication scholar who studies how people engage across deep divides, I see this as a question not about whether to interact with individuals who espouse extremist views, but how to structure that engagement and to what end.

Engaging ideas does not mean endorsing

When public figures say they are "just asking questions" or having a "respectful debate," it's easy to assume they believe that all conversation is valuable. Indeed, Carlson opened his interview by claiming he is simply "trying to understand" what Fuentes "affirmatively believes."

In practice, however, the format and tone of an interview do much of the ethical work. Some conversations interrogate ideas. Others normalize them, meaning they make extreme claims sound ordinary or socially acceptablein other words, treating them as just another position in public debate rather than as views outside widely shared norms. A conversation that presents all viewpoints as morally equivalent risks signaling that even extreme positions belong within normal political discourse.

This is the concern raised by Carlson's interview. Fuentes has made a series of claims about Jewish people that mainstream conservatives have rejected for decades. Although Carlson pushed back at one point, saying Fuentes's views are "against my Christian faith," the overall tone of polite exchange allowed some listeners to interpret the discussion as a meeting of two legitimate positions rather than as a critical examination of ideas widely understood as bigoted.

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Listening is not neutrality

One explanation for these differing interpretations comes from a recent series of experiments showing speakers often confuse "active listening" with agreement. Even when they had maintained eye contact and signaled attention using short phrases like "I see," listeners who disagreed were consistently judged as worse listeners. Because people tend to assume their own views are correct, they often infer that anyone who disagrees must not have listened well.

This psychological tendency complicates how the public interprets interviews like Carlson's. Conversations can sound civil while failing to challenge harmful claims, leaving listeners with the mistaken belief that those claims are widely held.

Listeners operating from a humanizing mode attempt to understand the person behind the belief, asking questions such as "When did you first encounter this idea?" or "What was happening in your life at the time?" or "What concerns does this belief address for you?" A decade ago, a Dutch study found that extremist views often grow from fear, misinformation, isolation and a desire for belonging, along with other demographic, personality and social factors. Understanding those roots helps explain how individuals arrive at certain worldviews.

But understanding is not the same as acceptance. Good listening does not have to signal agreement.

Examples of this kind of engagement exist outside politics. Former extremists such as Christian Picciolini, who founded the Free Radicals Project, and musician Daryl Davis, known for building relationships with members of the Ku Klux Klan, have shown that humanizing conversations can help people leave hate groups without normalizing the ideas those groups promote. Their work illustrates that it is possible to confront harmful beliefs while still recognizing the humanity of the people who hold them.

Moving beyond just calling out

The ongoing debate about Carlson and Fuentes also reflects a broader tension in terms of how society responds to harmful speech.

Calling someone out, usually in public, focuses on blame. "Calling someone in," a term developed by scholar and activist Loretta Ross, emphasizes private accountability and the possibility of correction. In a media setting, this might look like an interviewer saying, "I want to understand what you mean by that claim, because some viewers may hear it as targeting an entire group. Can you clarify how you see the people affected by this?" This approach challenges the idea while signaling curiosity about the speaker's reasoning.

A similar approach, described by authors Justin Michael Williams and Shelly Tygielski, is known as "calling forward." This framework focuses less on correcting a single remark, less on past mistakes and more on future growth by inviting reflection about how a belief fits within a person's broader values. In practical terms, calling forward means setting clear boundaries around unacceptable beliefs while still recognizing an individual's potential to change.

Using a "calling forward" approach, Carlson might have followed his mild pushback that Fuentes's ideas are against his "Christian faith" by exploring how Fuentes understands the tension between his political claims and widely held moral or religious principles.

By stating directly when a claim is false or discriminatory but still allowing the conversation to explore how someone came to that belief, the interview places the idea in a fuller social and psychological context. The emphasis shifts to curiosity paired with accountability, and it can encourage someone to examine the roots and consequences of their beliefs without framing the exchange as a clash between equal positions.

Most people will never interview a national figure or decide whether to put an extremist on camera. Ideally, most of us won't be faced with the burden of listening to views that question our or others' humanity.

Even so, each of us likely has a relationship with someone who holds a belief we find troubling. More broadly, families, classrooms and community groups all face moments when someone introduces an idea that others find threatening.

The CarlsonFuentes interview has become a flash point partly because it forces a public reckoning with a private question: What is the cost of engagement, and what is the cost of refusing it? Understanding that distinction requires paying attention not only to who is invited to speak, but also to how the ways in which we listen fundamentally shape the conversation.

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Per Stenberg at the site of the air-filter station outside Kiruna. Credit: Edvin Karlsson

DNA captured on air filters and stored since the 1960s acts as an ecological time capsule, according to a recent publication in Nature Communications. The findings show that tiny fragments of genetic material can paint a detailed picture of life across the landscape. They also reveal a distinct decline in biodiversity over three decades.

All organisms shed cell fragments with DNA to the environment. Now, researchers have performed the largest and most detailed analysis to date of airborne DNA using filters originally used to monitor radioactive fallout.

Air monitoring filters are found at hundreds of sites worldwide. These particular filters come from a station outside Kiruna, in northern Sweden, and have been archived in a basement at the Swedish Defense Research Agency, FOI, since the 1960s. When researcher Per Stenberg learned about the archive about a decade ago, he and his colleague Mats Forsman realized what a goldmine it was.

Shows ecosystems week by week

Week after week, the filters collected DNA from all living things: plants, fungi, insects, microbes, birds, fish, and even large mammals like moose and reindeer. By sequencing the DNA, the research team was, on a weekly basis, able to identify the presence of 2,700 organism groups within several miles of the station, and track how their populations increased or decreased over 34 years.

"It was a stroke of luck that the filters had been keptand that they were made of a material that preserves DNA. The archive turned out to be a time machine, allowing us to revisit the past and watch an ecosystem changing in almost real time," says Stenberg, lead author of the study conducted by researchers from Umea University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and the Swedish Defense Research Agency.

When the researchers looked at long-term patterns, they saw a clear decline in biodiversity in the area, from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Examples of declining organisms include birch together with wood-associated lichens and fungi. The overall decline cannot be explained by changes in the climate, but rather seems to be linked to human activities such as forest management.

Daniel Svensson and Anna-Mia Johansson take a break from DNA extractions to discuss new results. Both are research engineers at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Geoscience and co-authors of the study. Credit: Bea Andersson

Entirely new method for airborne DNA

Analyses of airborne DNA have been done before, but this is an entirely new and far more comprehensive approach that spans several decades. The research team used extensive DNA sequencing, machine-learning-based identification of organisms, and air-flow modeling to track the sources of the DNA. Comparisons with traditional field surveys show that the method is reliable both for identifying organisms and for detecting changes in their abundance.

"This work is the result of nine years of intense research and development. I look forward to applying these data, together with ongoing sequencing of additional filters, to a wide range of questions," says Daniel Svensson, a co-author of the study.

The study shows that existing networks of air-filter stations can be used to monitor biodiversity trends and reconstruct ecosystems in places where baseline data are missing. This is essential for predicting future changes and adapting management and restoration strategies.

"The method can also detect and track genetic variation as well as the presence of invasive species and pathogens," says Stenberg.

Publication details Alexis R. Sullivan et al, Airborne eDNA captures three decades of ecosystem biodiversity, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-67676-7 Journal information: Nature Communications
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Most people recognize that we shouldn't actively harm others at work. Yet people tend to assume that failing to act is relatively benign or inconsequential.

Imagine witnessing an employee being belittled by a coworker. As a manager, should you step in or could staying on the sidelines give employees room to resolve conflict themselves?

Our new research demonstrates that "perceived managerial inaction"the belief that a manager has failed to act in response to a negative experiencecan have devastating consequences in the workplace. We examined how employees react when they believe their manager has failed to respond to a harmful or disrespectful incident.

Across an experiment and surveys involving hundreds of employees, we measured whether people felt their manager had a duty to intervene, whether they believed that duty was violated and how this shaped their trust, well-being and behavior.

What is perceived managerial inaction?

Because of their formal position of authority, managers have the obligation to protect their employees from harm and maintain a safe and ethical work environment.

We use the term perceived employee-directed managerial inaction to describe situations in which employees believe their managers have not acted to prevent or address potential harm to them. Three conditions need to be present for employees to perceive managerial inaction:

There was a potential for harm to the employee; The manager was aware of this potential for harm, and The manager violated perceived managerial responsibilities or obligations by failing to act in response to this potential for harm.

When these conditions are met, employees interpret the absence of a response as a meaningful choice.

Why it matters for individuals and organizations

Perceived managerial inaction has real, measurable effects on employees' well-being and their relationship with the manager.

Our research reveals that even a single instance of perceived managerial inaction can result in profound consequences. Employees can lose trust in their manager, even if there was a pre-existing positive relationship and their manager had demonstrated positive leadership behaviors.

Perceived managerial inaction can also undermine managers' effectiveness. Our studies indicated that it can motivate employees to protect themselves from the manager by withdrawing support, engaging in negative gossiping and resisting work-related requests.

Organizations also face risks, as there is increasing momentum to hold them accountable for managers' inaction. As high-profile cases showsuch as the California lawsuit alleging that Activision Blizzard managers failed to "take reasonable steps" to protect employees from discriminationinaction can escalate from an interpersonal issue to a legal and reputational one.

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Addressing common misconceptions

Many managers underestimate the impact of doing nothing. Our research highlights four misconceptions that often keep leaders from acting and the reality behind them.

Misconception #1: Inaction is benign, and employees won't notice or negatively react to managerial inaction.

Reality: Employees can be highly attuned to inaction because it has significant implications for how they perceive their manager and navigate their work environment.

Misconception #2: Inaction can empower employees or help them grow.

Reality: Even if managers withheld action with positive intentions, employees experience inaction as a violation of managerial responsibilities.

Misconception #3: The negative effect of managerial inaction is short-lived.

Reality: Managerial inaction can cause short- and long-term damage to employees' well-being, managerial effectiveness and organizations at large.

Misconception #4: The negative effect is limited to the employee who perceived that the manager failed to act.

Reality: By failing to address harmful experiences, managers may inadvertently signal that mistreatment will be tolerated, which can normalize mistreatment within the workplace and increase its frequency.

Practical recommendations for managers

Managers are not only responsible for their actions, but also for failing to act to protect employees from harm. If inaction occurs or is perceived to have occurred, managers can take steps to repair trust and prevent harm:

1. Talk to the affected employee about inaction and address the source of the harm.

Listen to and support employees, including acknowledging their experience and any harm that occurred. Provide a clear explanation for why you did not act, without being defensive. Be honest if you were not sure what was happening at the time or if you did not know how to act. Take appropriate steps to remedy the situation: apologize, acknowledge responsibility and clearly communicate the steps you will take to repair harm and prevent future occurrences.

2. Recognize that the impact of the situation may include coworkers and the team.

Those who witnessed or heard about the incident may need support or benefit from debriefing the incident. If the negative experience involved employee mistreatment, reinforce that any mistreatment is against organizational norms will not be tolerated and consistently apply negative consequences.

3. Set an appropriate tone for the team to mitigate the negative impact of inaction.

Set clear expectations for appropriate organizational conduct and encourage employees to voice unpleasant work experiences while also addressing employees' concerns.

Managers must recognize that "with great power comes great responsibility." Fulfilling managerial obligations is critical to support employees as well as avoid negative implications for managers and organizations. Action, even if it is not perfect, can enable managers to fulfill their responsibilities and help create workplaces where people feel safe and valued.

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The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) Credit: Sarita Jnawali of NTNCCentral Zoo The United States, CC BY 2.0

Overexploitation (harvesting at a rate that exceeds the ability of populations to recover) is a major driver of biodiversity loss. Globally, tens of thousands of animal, plant and fungi species are used and traded at different scales for purposes including food, fashion, medicine, pets, and building materials, among many others. Some of this use and trade is legal and sustainable and some not. Research I have led demonstrates that thousands of species are likely threatened by exploitation for international trade and preventing overexploitation of such species is therefore key to conserving life on Earth.

Recently, the world's governments convened in Samarkand, Uzbekistan for the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. CITES is the primary multilateral environmental agreement through which international trade in nearly 41,000 species is regulated.

CITES was established in 1975 and is considered by some to be one of the most successful international environmental agreements. Participating countries must enact legislation to implement the Convention and the harvest and international trade in species covered by CITES is regulated using a system of permits and certificates.

We know from the last 50 years of regulating international wildlife trade that CITES trade controls may be positive or negative for species and change over time. Decisions to apply these controls really ought to consider outcomes for both wildlife and people in much more realistic terms.

At CoP20, Parties to the Convention took decisions to apply new, or revising existing, international trade controls for species ranging from manta and devil rays to seed finches and Indian bdellium plants. Thirty-eight of 51 proposals were adopted, meaning that for some species international trade will now be closely regulated and for others, commercial international trade in specimens taken from the wild will be prohibited. Seventy-eight species were newly added to CITES. These measures are designed to protect species, so surely this is a cause for celebration. Well, no, not necessarily.

Myself and colleagues at Oxford recently evaluated the effectiveness of CITES by asking the question, is the Convention preventing the overexploitation of species for international tradethe very problem it was designed to address? Worryingly, our research indicates that CITES is not as effective as it could be for several reasons:

Around one-third of participating countries, mainly in the Global South, have not set up legislation to adequately implement and enforce CITES;

Relevant actors (e.g., hunters and exporters) may not be aware of applicable laws or are not motivated to comply with them;

Law enforcement agencies are often not adequately resourced to deter illegal harvest and trade of species;

Regulating or prohibiting commercial international trade in species does not necessarily lead to compliance by actors.

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The final point is critical because while in some cases actors may comply, in others they will not. Actors may be unaware of relevant laws, live in poverty, or be enticed into illegal trade because of high financial rewards and a low probability of being apprehended. Moreover, tighter regulations can result in adverse impacts, including exacerbating the overexploitation of species by signaling to markets that species are scarce and thus increasing incentives to harvest and trade them. Regulations can also cause harvesting pressure to shift to other locations and species.

Evaluating the likely impact of CITES trade controls on wildlife and people before these measures are established is therefore essential, but this rarely receives the attention it deserves both prior to, and during, CoP meetings. For many proposals to apply these trade controls, potential risks are simply not considered. For others, Parties make decisions despite the identification of major risks and without considering mitigation measures.

For instance, at CoP20 the Parties agreed to introduce a ban on commercial international trade in wild great-billed seed-finches (Sporophila maximiliani). This was despite captive breeding organizations highlighting that this may increase pressure on wild populations and hasten their extinction. This is plausible because in the time it takes to register 37,000 captive breeding organizations under CITES (which is necessary when an international trade ban is in place), the most likely source of birds for the market is those caught from the wild.

Ideally, decisions on international trade controls for species would be based on an analysis of the human-environment systems in which the harvest, use, and trade of species occur and how these systems function.

CITES has been successful and played a positive role in the conservation of certain species by verifiably helping to prevent overexploitation for international trade. A good example is the vicuna (Vicugna vicugna), a small camelid in South America, whose status has improved over time. This was possible because CITES trade controls were situated within broader institutional arrangements that considered not only the species' life history but also socio-cultural factors, land tenure, resource access, benefits to local communities and indigenous peoples, and economic factors, among others.

In our study, we argue that the CITES Parties should reform how they make decisions on establishing international trade controls for species. Ideally, this would be based on an analysis of the human-environment systems in which the harvest, use and trade of species occur and how these systems function. The insights generated could be used to (re-)form institutional arrangements along supply chains. This would involve assessing formal institutions such as laws and property rights, including how CITES trade controls fit in, and informal institutions such as social norms and codes of conduct.

Consultative governance processes could be used to ensure that new or revised laws and regulations are legitimate to key actors, including resource users. Like for the vicuna, key to this approach will be situating CITES trade controls within these broader institutional arrangements. The evidence is clear that interventions tailored to the social-ecological context are most effective at preventing overexploitation of species in use and trade. If Parties use this approach and can generate support from others while doing so, this could also depoliticize decision-making at CoPs.

It may not be possible to apply this approach to all species that may benefit from international trade controls under CITES, particularly those that are globally distributed (e.g., some sharks). At the very least, Parties proposing trade controls should explicitly identify potential risks to species and outline how they will be monitored and mitigated.

Since CoP20 concluded, many organizations have been celebrating increased 'protections' for wildlife, including major conservation NGOs. Whether decisions taken in Samarkand will help or hinder species conservation will depend on the extent to which trade controls are implemented, how trade dynamics may change over time, and whether there are any adverse impacts. To reduce the uncertainty of these decisions in the future, CITES Parties ought to evaluate potential impacts of international trade controls in much more realistic terms, including appropriate mitigation measures.
All-new Hyundai Palisade powers past the three-row competition with compelling gas and hybrid powertrain options

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new Hyundai Palisade has been named Best Midsize SUV in Good Housekeeping's 2026 Family Car Awards. The winners were selected based on input from the Good Housekeeping Institute experts, Car and Driver editors, and real-world families.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is photographed in Bodega Bay, Calif., on April 16, 2025.

"The 2026 Palisade is ready to meet the needs of today's modern families better than ever before," said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. "The Palisade's larger interior can accommodate seven or eight passengers in connected comfort for the perfect road trip. Add advanced safety system upgrades including ten airbags, new third-row seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters, and an available built-in dual-camera dash cam, and you've got true piece of mind for your family. We are honored that Good Housekeeping is recognizing Palisade as its Best Midsize SUV for 2026."

The next-generation Palisade has launched to record response and sales, posting double-digit growth in November. The recent addition of a hybrid variant, complemented by an internal combustion V6 model and the adventure-ready XRT PRO off-road trim, provides a comprehensive range of options to meet the diverse needs and wants of today's families.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

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Plinian column of the eruption of Sarychev (Russia) on 12 June 2009. Credit: NASA

An international assessment report has been released to provide definitive statements on the atmospheric impacts from a huge volcanic eruption in 2022.

The assessment was unprecedented for a specific geophysical event and involved more than 100 scientists from around the world, including four academics from the University of Leeds. The work is published in Forschungzentrum Julich.

The Hunga volcano in the tropical Pacific erupted in January 2022, sending a plume of vaporized seawater deep into the stratosphere in an explosion that equaled the size of Krakatoa's in 1883.

Based entirely on peer-reviewed research, the report brings together monitoring information from satellite measurements, field campaigns and ground-based observatories, to document the eruption's far-reaching effects on the ozone layer and climate.

The Hunga assessment report's main findings include:

The eruption increased global stratospheric water vapor by about 10%, much of which remains in the atmosphere in 2025.

Very large eruptions usually cause a stratospheric warming effect, but Hunga did the opposite, cooling the stratosphere, the layer of air approximately 1050 km above the ground.

While Hunga did affect stratospheric ozone in the Southern Hemisphere, its effects on the Antarctic ozone hole and surface climate were minor.

Dr. Yunqian Zhu, senior research scientist at the University of Colorado, Boulder and overall lead author for the report, said, "The Hunga eruption was unlike anything our satellites have observed before. The eruption has shown how water-rich volcanic eruptions can affect the stratosphere and how essential global cooperation is in monitoring and understanding such rare events."

Dr. Graham Mann from the University of Leeds co-led the coordination of the report with Dr. Zhu. He added, "The reason for the report is that large volcanic eruptions can have substantial impacts on climate and the ozone layer; the 1991 Pinatubo eruption, for example, causing a two-year global cooling effect, of a quarter to half a degree Celsius."

Dr. Mann is a lecturer in atmospheric science at the School of Earth and Environment and was researching Pinatubo's impacts with colleague Dr. Sandip Dhomse for the UK National Centre for Atmospheric Science when Hunga erupted.

Dr. Mann explained, "Although Hunga's surface climate impacts were only minor, the eruption caused a strong cooling of the stratosphere, and a future eruption more similar to Pinatubo would be highly relevant for the 1.5o C Paris climate target. The Hunga report is an amazing community effort, and brings together the exciting science on the eruption's impacts for a definitive assessment for how this unusual water-rich eruption perturbed the stratosphere."

Professor Martyn Chipperfield from the School of Earth and Environment at Leeds and Professor Amanda Maycock from the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures also contributed to the report.

Professor Maycock was a lead author of the Future Climate projections chapter of the 2021 IPCC climate assessment report and was review editor for the Hunga assessment report climate impacts chapter.

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Professor Maycock said, "The Report shows that although water vapor is a greenhouse gas, Hunga had a net cooling effect overall and did not cause the record level of global warming observed in 2023 and 2024. This is a very important finding as understanding what caused the recent surge in global warming is a priority for the climate science community."

Dr. Mann added, "The key metric for volcano-climate impacts is the amount of sulfur an eruption releases into the stratosphere, this determining how much sunlight the subsequent layer of volcanic sulfate aerosol reflects back out to space.

"The Hunga volcano actually released a similar amount of sulfur to Pinatubo, but the shallow underwater setting meant 95% of sulfur emitted from the volcano was returned to the earth's surface. The highly abundant water vapor from the seawater made the eruption more explosive, and meant both sulfur and water vapor were released deep into the stratosphere."

About the water vapor surface warming effect, Dr. Mann commented, "Ironically, it is because Hunga emitted the water vapor so deep into the stratosphere that surface climate impacts were only small. Had this huge amount of water vapor been emitted near the tropopause, there would have been a larger surface warming effect, adding to the 202324 global warmth."

Dr. Dhomse and Professor Chipperfield have contributed to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)/World Meteorological Organization (WMO) ozone assessment reports for over 20 years and also contribute to the UK National Centre for Earth Observation.

Dr. Dhomse commented, "Hunga's volcanic water vapor emission also means the memory of the eruption will remain for much longer than a typical sulfur-rich eruption. The extra stratospheric water vapor will continue to influence both stratospheric chemistry and dynamics for several more years, within the slow circulation of air in the middle atmosphere."

Professor Chipperfield concluded, "From running models, we are able to isolate Hunga's impacts on the ozone layer, distinguish from year-to-year variability and from human-caused impacts. Our modeling work feeds into international assessments, which are a key part of ensuring that the Montreal Protocol is on track to secure the ozone layer's recovery."

More information Yunqian Zhu et al, The Hunga Volcanic Eruption Atmospheric Impacts Report, Forschungzentrum Julich (2025). DOI: 10.34734/fzj-2025-05237
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Phylogenetic placement of Methanonezhaarchaeia based on single copy marker genes and McrA. Credit: Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aea093

It's been known for nearly a century that swarms of single-celled organisms thrive by consuming chemicals from their environments and expelling methane gas as a byproduct. In 2024, researchers in the laboratory of Roland Hatzenpichler, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in Montana State University's College of Letters and Science, published the first-ever descriptions of methane-producing microbes outside the lineage Euryarchaeota, whichin a study published on the bioRxiv preprint serverthey have confirmed to be ubiquitous in the environment.

These methanogens are members of the lineage Thermoproteota within a part of the tree of life called Archaea. Until the journal Nature published the findings from Hatzenpichler's group last year, scientists believed all methanogens existed in the Euryarchaeota.

New discoveries challenge existing models

Hatzenpichler said scientists are eager to know how much methane thermoproteotal microbes produce because methanogens produce approximately 60% of the world's methanea gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. After the thermoproteotal group was discovered, scientists began preparing genomic models to predict the organisms' environmental impact.

But new evidence from Hatzenpichler's lab, published Dec. 12 in the journal Science Advances, indicates that another newly identified methanogen in the Thermoproteota defies the predictions of those models. MSU researchers hypothesized that the new microbe, a member of the group Methanonezhaarchaeia, would convert carbon dioxide to methane.

However, through experimentation on cultures of samples harvested from a Yellowstone National Park hot spring, Hatzenpichler's former graduate student Anthony Kohtz and current graduate student Sylvia Nupp discovered that the organism grows and produces methane not by feeding on carbon dioxide but on methylated compounds, which are omnipresent in the environment. Both Thermoproteota previously identified at MSU also use compounds such as methanol for growth and survival.

Implications for methane research

Hatzenpichler said the results of the research cast doubt on the validity of the genomic models and demonstrate the necessity of further experimental study to validate or disprove modeling predictions.

"Our genome predictions say a huge chunk of CO 2 is converted to methane, based on a few experiments and the assumption that the results are representative of all of those genomes," Hatzenpichler said. "But we have historically ignored one group of organisms (Thermoproteota), so we're ignorant about what is making methane and about the substrates that are converted in the first place. And most researchers don't actually measure which compounds are converted to methane in the environment. A lot is simply based on assumptions."

To further bolster foundational knowledge, Hatzenpichler's group is continuing its research into thermoproteotal methanogens. In collaboration with researchers at the DOE's Joint Genome Institute and Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, the goal is to determine how much methane is generated by a widely distributed group of methanogens within the Thermoproteotathe Methanosuratincolaand to better understand their physiology and biological processes.

Another paper from Hatzenpichler's lab, recently accepted for publication by the journal Current Opinion in Microbiology, reveals that methanogens belonging to the Thermoproteota live in any environment devoid of oxygen, including landfills, oil reservoirs, rice paddies, wastewater treatment plants and wetlandsnot to mention in Yellowstone's hot springs, where the three lineages identified at MSU were found.

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Expanding research to new environments

"Experimentally, it's very demanding, and we probably can't do it for all the environments we want to study," said Hatzenpichler, who is also director of MSU's Thermal Biology Institute. "On a global level, hot springs are completely irrelevant to methane emissions, so now we need to go to ecosystems that are more important than hot springs for methane production."

He said graduate student Nicole Matos Vega has collected and cultured microbes from mangrove swamps in Puerto Rico. She discovered, for still poorly understood reasons, that they are "making a lot of methane." Hatzenpichler said Matos Vega also will study the methanogens in their native swamps to ensure that they react the same way in the lab as they do in their natural habitat.

Another target ecosystem is wastewater, studies of which have already begun on samples provided by collaborators in Illinois. Graduate student Joelie Van Beek found thermoproteotal organisms living in Bozeman's wastewater treatment plant, and those may be brought into culture, as well. Hatzenpichler said having the plant nearby will make it easier for his lab to test a number of variables in that ecosystem.

Limitations of current genomic modeling

One problem with genomic modeling is it relies on measured levels of compounds found in various environments to predict whether methanogenesis is taking place, Hatzenpichler said. However, he noted that just because the level of a compound is low in a particular environment doesn't mean that it isn't important there. Instead, it may be low because the methanogens there are consuming it.

"Genome analysis is very, very powerful, though limited, and experimentation is very demanding," he said. "The idea with our research is that we will try to understand these ecosystems from all different kinds of angles."

Key concepts archaeabiochemistry
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A colorized scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of a two-dimensional material called a MXene. This particular MXene, a combination of niobium, carbon and chlorine, was synthesized using a new "bottom-up" method pioneered by researchers from the University of Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago and Vanderbilt University through the NSF Center for Chemical Innovation on MXenes Synthesis, Tunability and Reactivity (M-STAR). Credit: UChicago Talapin Lab

MXenes (pronounced like the name "Maxine") are a class of two-dimensional materials, first identified just 14 years ago, with remarkable potential for energy storage, catalysts, ultrastrong lightweight composites, and a variety of other purposes ranging from electromagnetic shielding to ink that can carry a current.

But manufacturing MXenes has been expensive, difficult and crude.

"MXenes have been made by a very elaborate, multi-step process that involved days of high-temperature work, followed by using dangerous chemicals like hydrofluoric acid and creating a lot of waste," said Prof. Dmitri Talapin of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) and Department of Chemistry. "That may have been okay for early-stage research and lab exploration, but became a big roadblock for taking the next step to large-scale applications."

Talapin led a team of researchers from UChicago, University of Illinois Chicago and Vanderbilt University who developed a new technique for synthesizing the two-dimensional MXenes, atom by atom, from the bottom up.

The work, recently published in Nature Synthesis, used chemical vapor deposition to create MXenes that are "at least two orders of magnitude" less expensive than MXenes synthesized by traditional methods, said Talapin, the UChicago Ernest DeWitt Burton Distinguished Service Professor.

A colorized SEM image of a MXene the team synthesized from a combination of zirconium, carbon and bromine. Because MXenes can store ions between their atomically thin layers and control the flow of those ions through the layers, MXenes are being studied for energy storage, industrial catalysts, electromagnetic interference shielding and numerous other cutting-edge technologies. Credit: UChicago Talapin Lab

"What's exciting about this paper is it's a new way of doing chemical synthesis, using a new set of organic precursors, that allows us to achieve these 2D materials more efficiently," said co-author Prof. De-en Jiang, the H. Eugene McBrayer Professor of Chemical Engineering at Vanderbilt University.

The new method of making this futuristic material was inspired by an obscure paper from a chemistry legend, published in 1986.

"We came across a forgotten paper by the great John Corbett at Iowa State University that very few people knew about and that showed the chemistry that we found inspirational for the development of our ideas," Talapin said.

Corbett's paper described a method of synthesizing layered zirconium chloride carbide, which is structurally similar to a different material first described 25 years laterMXene.

'Carving a book'

Created by Drexel University researchers in 2011, MXenes are layers of transition metals carved so atomically thin they're best described as two-dimensional. Researchers around the world are turning to them for energy storage, industrial catalysts, electromagnetic interference shielding, optoelectronics and other new frontiers.

"MXenes are widely explored, particularly for energy-storage applications, because they consist of conductive two-dimensional layers that can host ions between them," said co-author Noah Mason, a Ph.D. student and NSF Graduate Research Fellow in Talapin's lab. "They also have tunable surface groups, which can be chemically tailored to control which ions are stored, how favorable that storage is, and how efficiently ions flow into and out of the layers."

The materials are remarkable, but the current method for manufacturing them is expensive and difficult. Researchers take powders or other materials and etch out their innards with hydrogen fluoride, molten salts or other caustic chemicals and rearrange what's left into a 2D layer of atoms.

"It's like trying to carve a book out of a block of wood," said co-author Prof. Robert Klie, the head of the University of Illinois Chicago Physics Department. "Our new method builds that book the way it should be madepage by page."

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'The secret behind the synthesis'

Adapting the synthesis techniques outlined in Corbett's paper from metals like zirconium to the titanium found in the most common MXenes led to a paper in Science in 2023, but there were still several hurdles before the technique was ready for wide adoption.

"In the 2023 paper, we didn't show a very high yield or purity of the MXenes in our final product," said Di Wang, the first author of both the 2023 and 2025 papers. "We could not make it higher than 60 weight percent. In this paper, we achieved 90 weight percent. We not only discovered a new reaction, but started to learn about the secret behind the synthesis."

Safety and cost were also concerns, said Wang, who was a UChicago Ph.D. student in Talapin's lab during the research and is now a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University. For one example, the precursor chemical used in that earlier worktitanium tetrachlorideis so reactive that researcher Wang remembers it etching the plastic pipette syringes as he tried to use them. The new work uses tetrachloroethylene, a chemical so inexpensive and stable it's commonly used to extract caffeine from the coffee beans for decaf drinks.

Talapin said research adapting Corbett's work four decades later shows the value of pure exploratory researchscience for science's sake, leaving the results for future scientists to find practical applications.

The M-STAR team is well-positioned to help, said Jiang. The consortium lets chemists use traditional inorganic chemistry, nanosynthesis, catalysis, or other novel, interdisciplinary approaches, coupled with computational modeling and simulations, to "attack problems from different angles," he said.

"The M-STAR CCI is pioneering an approach where the chemist is front and center," Jiang said. "They're going to be using MXenes as a platform to drive innovation in chemistry by working together with materials scientists, physicists, and chemical engineers in the team."

Publication details Di Wang et al, Molecular organohalides as general precursors for direct synthesis of two-dimensional transition metal carbide MXenes, Nature Synthesis (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s44160-025-00946-w Journal information: Science , Nature Synthesis
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

As climate change becomes a major driver of migration, EU researchers are listening to affected communities to help support fairer policies for those most at risk.

Climate change is already reshaping where and how people live, from farming villages to coastal towns. Professor Francois Gemenne, one of Europe's foremost specialists on climate migration, has spent the past 20 years studying how environmental changes are influencing people's decisions to change where they live.

When he began this work, climate-induced migration was still a niche topic. "People would often ask me about bird or salmon migration. I had to explain that I was focusing on people," he said.

Gemenne, a professor at the University of Liege in Belgium, was among the first to link human migration to rising temperatures and sea levels. Two decades on, the issue has moved into the mainstream.

He now co-directs the university's Hugo Observatory, a research center dedicated to understanding how environmental change affects population movementsand how societies can respond.

Going beyond the climate model

With support from the EU, Gemenne led a four-year international research initiative called HABITABLE that examined the realities of climate migration today.

The project, which concluded at the end of 2024, brought together leading climate migration researchers from across Europe, Africa and Thailand. They combined household surveys, interviews and focus groups with expert discussions to understand how people perceive and respond to climate risks.

Their findings show that awareness of climaterelated migration is growingand that many Europeans now see it as a problem they could face themselves.

"Whereas climate migration was seen as an issue affecting small islands or Alaska, many Europeans now consider themselves at risk, too," said Gemenne.

The Obs'COP surveyan annual international climate opinion survey conducted by EDF, France's national energy company, and Ipsosreflects this shift. Covering 30 countries across the globe, it tracks how public concern, perceptions and attitudes toward climate change are evolving worldwide.

The survey found that more than 1 in 5 people in France think they may have to leave home in the next decade because of climate change. Yet decisions to move or remain are often more complex than climate models alone suggest.

Social tipping points

Most climate-migration models focus on physical thresholds such as temperature or sea-level rises to predict displacement. The HABITABLE researchers introduced a new concept called social tipping pointsmoments when decisions by some households trigger wider community movements.

When repeated crop failures or floods hit, for example, several families may decide to leave. Their departure could prompt neighbors to follow, potentially tipping an entire village toward higher levels of migration.

"There are real discrepancies between public debate and empirical realities for climate refugees," Gemenne said.

He emphasized that people respond very differently to climate pressures depending on their economic, social, or even psychological resilience.

"Understanding those factors can explain why similar events produce different migration outcomes in different places," he said.

Local voices from Ghana and the Mekong

In Ghana, the project examined climate-migration decisions in the country's northern savannah regions. Led by Professor Mumuni Abu of the University of Ghana, the team examined how environmental stressors push people to migrateand how migration reshapes local communities.

"We examined how climate impacts and migration decisions vary by gender, age and social class," Abu said. His team's findings helped local authorities and NGOs design more inclusive policies, particularly for women and young people. They also raised public awareness of the challenges through theater and storytelling projects in schools.

In southeast Asia, the HABITABLE team studied communities along the Mekong River in Thailand, on the border with Laos. Sara Vigil, senior research fellow at the Stockholm Environment Institute in Bangkok, led the work on gender and social equity.

Research with communities along the border showed how climate stressors and declining natural resources are reshaping livelihoods and mobility. It also highlighted local responses, including community-led water monitoring and grassroots mobilization.

Vigil's team found that broader pressures, such as debt, declining fish stocks and limited livelihoods, especially for women, often influenced migration decisions more strongly than climate factors alone.

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Shifting the conversation on climate migration

Overall, Vigil said, the HABITABLE work helped broaden the conversation from simply identifying who is vulnerable to asking why certain people and places are becoming more vulnerable.

"The impacts of climate change on migration are shaped by deeper structural inequalities, including gender roles, uneven access to resources and entrenched social hierarchies," she said.

Drawing on these findings, Gemenne urges caution when discussing the future of places increasingly described as "uninhabitable" due to climate change.

"While the impacts of climate change are increasingly real, I've seen places where people consider their home uninhabitable, not because of direct experience, but because they've been told so. We need a more nuanced conversation," he said.

For Gemenne, the HABITABLE research highlights three key lessons for thinking about future climate-migration dynamics and ways to respond.

"First, people's perceptions matter. Second, social tipping points provide a much richer framework than traditional models. And third, equitable research partnerships between Europe, Africa and Asia ensure local knowledge informs global decisions."

From research to policy impact

The findings of the HABITABLE team are now featured in a global exhibition on Migrations and Climate, hosted until 5 April 2026 at the National Museum for the History of Immigration in Paris, France. The exhibition brings the research to a wider audience and highlights its relevance for real-world decisions.

Gemenne expressed hope that this more nuanced approach to climate migration will have a lasting impact and support local authorities as they design adaptation and migration policies.

"I hope HABITABLE can become a living study, carried forward by many local partners, shaping decisions long into the future," he said.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Spanish police searched a laboratory near Barcelona on Thursday in an investigation into the source of an African swine fever outbreak that has sparked jitters for Europe's top pork producer.

A leak of the viruswhich is harmless for humans but devastating for pigsis one of the theories for the origin of Spain's first such outbreak since 1994.

All 26 cases detected so far have been among wild boars in the same radius of a wooded area northwest of Barcelona.

The Civil Guard and the northeastern Catalonia region's police force said in separate statements that they were entering and searching the premises of the IRTA-CReSA animal laboratory, close to where the first contaminated dead boars were found in November.

The proceedings had been ordered by a court that had declared them "secret," the forces added.

The center belongs to a public company attached to the Catalan regional government and has biosecurity facilities at levels two and three on a scale of four.

The outbreak's cause remains unclear. Catalan leader Salvador Illa told the regional parliament on Wednesday that no information was "conclusive," including theories of a laboratory leak.

Although the disease has not spread to domestic pig farms, with hundreds of officials working to contain it, the cases have disrupted exports from Spain, the world's third-largest producer of pork and its derivatives.

 2025 AFP
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Credit: Sabel Blanco from Pexels

All over Australia, Songlines, or Dreaming tracks, connected First Nations people in one place with those in another through ritual, song and storytelling, which told of their shared beliefs.

In our newly published research, we have used material evidence to establish such links where they were disrupted by the violent past.

Isabel's mother, Mrs. Hansen, told stories from the traditional knowledge of her tribe, the Wangkamadla people, that Isabel passed on to her daughter Avelina.

We have combined these with the archaeological work of Iain in different parts of Australia, to extend the connectivity of those songs and tracks from one region to another.

Rock art images in one region show Songlines reached from Murujuga beside the Indian Ocean to the eastern Simpson Desert 2,300 kilometers away.

Maintaining sacred sites

Mrs. Hansen (first name, Annie) and her husband Jack (also known as Snapshot) were born about 125 years ago and brought up on their own First Nations Country on the edge of the Simpson Desert of far western Queensland.

The Hansens were employed at Glenormiston Station in the Channel Country, and from time to time would visit sacred sites in the region to maintain them and retell their songs and stories.

The people of the station referred to this as "going walkabout" as if it was trivial, but it was an important part of maintaining their connection to Country. Isabel was brought up on that Country.

In 1982, Mrs. Hansen led a party of people on a tour of such sites. The group included Iain, and Isabel and her husband Ramon Tarrago. Some were ceremonial sites, such as the nest of cobbles, others were art sites.

At these, Mrs. Hansen would tell us stories associated with the sites.

During that trip, Mrs. Hansen sang songs for Isabel in the language she learned with her tribe and accompanied the songs with sand drawings.

Her stories told of connections to the west through the Songlines or Dreaming tracks associated with the travels of Dingoes from the West and Emus from the Southwest, and she talked to us about connections to Western Australia.

Our studies of the images in the art show the same images can be found right across Australia from the Simpson Desert to the Indian Ocean.

Finding connections

The map of sites with related imagery was made up of smaller regions with interconnected networks of relationships and stories.

Often, these regions had a different range of motifs, but the geometric signs with coded meanings were present among them.

We show in the map of the Boulia region, that, according to stories told us by First Nations Yulluna man Tom Sullivan, there were more local Dreaming tracks or Songlines (in these cases of the Yellow Belly fish from Wonomo Waterhole and the Rainbow Serpent from Woodul Rockhole both further north).

These stories aligned with the mythology along the trading routes moving north for the narcotic drug Pituri for which the ceremonies were owned by Mrs. Hansen and related women.

We have also traced archaeological evidence of axes from the quarries around Cloncurry and Mount Isa moving south along these same routes, and there are other links through message sticks collected in the 19th century.

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Mrs. Hansen said: "On rock faces and in caves are paintings and carvings that white men have never seen. In that Country lie the bones of my people."

All over Australia, there are sites with paintings or carvings which have been damaged by weathering during the passage of time. The repeated use of the rock at different times, and the different weathering of the art over time, shows the places were likely to have been part of a long tradition of ceremony and ritual.

The repeated marking of the rocks with similar signs suggests the stories, such as those told by Mrs. Hansen, provided coded meanings.

We can compare some of the images on the edge of the Simpson with those as far west as Murujuga in Western Australia, as well as in between. This allows us to see meanings were encoded in similar ways and the connections gave meaning to the rituals that accompanied the stories.

Similar signs are found in the rock art right across Australia from the Indian Ocean to the Simpson Desert, and stretching to the north around Cloncurry and to the south at Mutawinji. These likely provide the common coded meanings in ceremonies.

When Mrs. Hansen and Jack Hansen "went walkabout," it was not a trivial matter, as people on the station thought. Rather it was an important part of maintaining their ritual relationships with Country, long after pastoralism had destroyed much of the context.

Through such relationships we can identify the reach of the Songlines Mrs. Hansen spoke about.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

In a video address to the nation, timed with Australia's world-first teen social media ban, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese encouraged under-16-year-olds newly unable to access social media to "read that book."

The ban excludes anyone under 16 from a range of social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

But social media communities like #BookTok and #Bookstagram, led by teen literary influencers on TikTok and Instagram respectively, significantly influence what and how much teens read. #BookTok in particular is credited with "driving sales and launching authors' careers," as one report in The Guardian put it. Women and girls aged 1225 are BookTok's most enthusiastic users.

At the same time, Australians are reportedly reading less than ever before: one in three Australian children are unable to read proficiently. There's a national conversation about how to get kids and teens reading morebut it seems to be missing something important.

If social media led to a teen reading boom, what impact might the new social media ban have on teen reading?

Teen reading communities

Social media platforms generate enthusiasm not only about what to read, but the act of reading itself.

Arielle was 15 when she credited BookTube (YouTube's reading community) with turning her into a reader. "If you are a young person like I am, and you enjoy reading, and you don't have access to a book club, like I don't have, BookTubers can feed that sense of community," she told the ABC last year.

Many teen accounts have now been deactivated. The remaining ones no longer signal their age. In the first days of the ban, my attempts to find active BookTok accounts led by Australian teens found traces of conversations about where these communities will reconnect, or videos no longer clickable. One read: "ok bye guys #seeyouwhenim16." I'd tell you about them, but they're no longer there.

Angela Crocombe, senior buyer for Melbourne bookshop Readings runs the Teen Advisory Board, a group of volunteer teenagers who meet to learn more about the book industry. She tells me many teens have moved from platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram to Goodreads, which has many active teen book clubs. "Many of them use it to keep track of all the books they've read, as well as to find recommendations for other books they want to read."

Other teens have found a workaround on BookTube, where under 16s can watch videos, provided they don't log into an account. This means teens on BookTube can consume content, but not create itand they're cut off from their community.

Engaging with and creating for a community is the point for most teen users of book-related social media. Numbers of views are not. For example, though BookTok has popular creators, like Australian @londonapples (109.6K followers) and the UK's BookTok duo, @alifeofliterature (over 259,000 followers), sisters who began creating content aged 13 and 15, specific posts are more important than individuals.

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It's complicated

A 2023 UK report showed BookTok or book influencers had helped around two-thirds of 16- to 25-year-olds to discover a passion for reading. Over half of them get reading recommendations from BookTok.

A post by a Queensland school in 2022 shows this happens in Australia too. "We now have students sharing with us that they do not identify as readers but have seen #BookTok on TikTok and want to start reading again," it reads. "Or, they ask for the books they have seen recommended or reviewed in the videos."

A 2024 Australian report shows only 15% of teen readers read daily. Gender plays a part. Older male teens are more likely to not read books at all, with neutral to negative feelings about reading. Younger female teens described more regular and positive reading habits.

More than 50% of Australian teens chose books based on peer recommendations. (The definition of "peer" may be complicated: 16% of BookTok users aged 1625 reported making new friends through it.) And 28% of Australia teens discovered titles through browsing book social media, according to the 2024 report, with 27% following "bookfluencer" recommendations.

Camryn, age 16, is one of the teens on Readings' 2025 Teen Advisory Board. Does she believe Australia's social media ban will affect online book communities? "Certainly," she said.

Camryn uses Instagram, though is not an avid follower of any particular online book community. However, she appreciates "the overarching feeling of connection that stems from these platforms." She told me, "There's something comforting about knowing that someone out there, in that big, wide world, shares the same love of literature as me."

Reading is no longer just about sitting down with a physical book.

For young people and some adult readers, particularly fans of genre fiction, the worlds in their favorite books are extended into play. This might look like creating fan-fiction or socializing with fellow fans, often in online social media spaces like BookTok, Bookstagram and BookTube (and sometimes in person). Publishing researchers Kim Wilkins, Beth Driscoll and Lisa Fletcher call these spaces "genre worlds."

If we imply reading still happens within the pages of a book, are we closing a significant pathway to reading for young people who find it through these kinds of play?

"Teens who see their peers reading around them are more likely to do it themselves," says Anna Burkey, head of Australia Reads. "Encouraging activities like book clubs, shared reading, or informal book chats make reading seem visible and easy to take part in."

When we exclude younger teens from these online literary communities, we are taking some of them out of the social spaces that made them want to read in the first place.

What now?

It's hard to say what impact the social media ban will have on reading habits. But we do know the behaviors and attitudes shaping the reading habits of young people are complex.

A recent report shows 45% of people aged 1525 feel lonely. Michelle Lamblin, from youth mental health organization Orygen, told SBS social media opens up a "broader social horizon" for young people, enabling them to connect based on shared interests and beyond geographical borders.

Many leading bookfluencers began their journey as teens looking to connect during the 2020 COVID lockdowns.

In Australia, this extended period of isolation followed the 2019 closure of the Center for Youth Literature, Australia's national hub for teen readers. Its activities included peer-voted literary awards (with teen judges) and a lively online discussion platform, Inside a Dog: the kind of teen-led space social media has since providedand that teens need.

"So many young people turn to social media to feel connected to others, and online book communities are important places where teenagers can feel like they belong," Camryn told me. However, while "stripping this away will take time to get used to," she believes young people can make these connections in places like school, book clubs or library programs.

Erin Wamala, a secondary-school librarian who has judged some of Australia's leading literary awards for children, owns The Kids' Bookshop. She believes now is the time for librarians and specialist booksellers to shine. "We can spend time with young people, finding out about what they are interested in, what they like and don't like, and help them to find the perfect book," she told me. "We can also create spaces for them to socialize with like-minded readers."

If we expect young people to "pick up that book" in a world without access to social media, we need to let them lead the way. This means actively funding and creating alternative spaces (including online) where teens are able to celebrate and socialize around reading.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Plaques formed by phage lambda on an E. coli culture are being counted by Adi Levkowitz. Credit: Yosef Adest

As antibiotic-resistant infections rise and are projected to cause up to 10 million deaths per year by 2050, scientists are looking to bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, as an alternative.

A new study shows how these phages use a tiny RNA molecule, called PreS, to hijack bacterial cells and boost their own replication. By acting as a hidden genetic "switch" that rewires key bacterial genes, PreS helps the virus copy its DNA more efficiently, offering important insights that could guide the design of smarter phage-based therapies.

The study is published in the journal Molecular Cell.

The new research from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals how viruses that infect bacteria, called bacteriophages or "phages," use a tiny piece of genetic material to hijack bacterial cells and make more copies of themselves.

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest global health threats of our time. It is currently estimated that by 2050, infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria could kill up to 10 million people every year worldwide. One promising alternative being developed is phage therapy, using viruses that specifically attack bacteria instead of relying only on antibiotics.

By uncovering how phages use tools like PreS to take control of bacterial cells, this study provides important basic knowledge that could help scientists design smarter, more effective phage treatments in the future.

Bacteria expressing the viral small RNA PreS (top) show stronger fluorescence, indicating increased activity of a bacterial gene regulated by PreS, compared with bacteria that do not express the RNA (bottom). Credit: Aviezer Silverman

A viral micro manager

The research team at the Hebrew University, led by Dr. Sahar Melamed, Ph.D. student Aviezer Silverman, MSc student Raneem Nashef, and computational biologist Reut Wasserman, in collaboration with Prof. Ido Golding from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign discovered that the phage makes a small RNA molecule called PreS that acts as a molecular switch.

Until now, most phage research has focused on viral proteins. This study shows that phages also use RNA molecules to quickly reprogram the host cell after the bacterial genes have already been read and bacterial messages (mRNAs) were made, adding an extra layer of control during infection.

PreS attaches to these important bacterial messages and tweaks them in a way that helps the virus copy its DNA and move more efficiently toward the stage where new viruses are produced and burst out of the cell, killing the bacterium.

Using advanced methods to map RNARNA interactions (termed RIL-seq), the researchers found that one of PreS's key targets is a bacterial message that makes DnaN, a protein that plays a central role in copying DNA. By helping the cell make more DnaN, PreS gives the virus a strong head start in the infection process.

Cutting through the cell's defenses

Interestingly, PreS works by changing the shape of the bacterial dnaN message.

Normally, part of this message is tightly folded, which makes it hard for the cell's protein-making machines (ribosomes) to access. PreS binds to this folded region, opens it up, and allows ribosomes to read and translate the message more efficiently.

The result: more DnaN protein, faster viral DNA copying, and a stronger infection. When the researchers removed PreS or disrupted the spot where it binds, the phage became weaker, multiplied more slowly, and its destructive phase was delayed.

A window into a new class of viral tools

This discovery is particularly striking because small RNAs have not traditionally been seen as major players in phage biology. Yet PreS is highly conserved in many related viruses, suggesting that phages may share a common "toolkit" of small RNAs that scientists are only beginning to uncover.

"This small RNA gives the phage another layer of control," says Dr. Sahar Melamed. "By regulating essential bacterial genes at exactly the right moment, the virus improves its chances of successful replication. What astonished us most is that phage lambda, one of the most intensively studied viruses for more than 75 years, still hides secrets.

"Discovering an unexpected RNA regulator in such a classic system suggests we have only grasped a single thread of what may be an entirely richer, more intricate tapestry of RNA-mediated control in phages."

Looking ahead: Toward better phage therapies

Understanding how phages control bacterial cells is crucial for both basic science and future medical applications. As the world searches for solutions to antibiotic-resistant infections, phages are drawing growing interest as a targeted, flexible therapy.

Discoveries like PreS show that even the smallest viral molecules can have a big impact on whether an infection succeeds. In the long term, this knowledge could help researchers engineer phages that are safer, more predictable, and more powerful in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria.

Key concepts bacteriaviruses
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

This photo provided by the Anguilla National Trust shows a Lesser Antillean iguana from Dominica undergoing a health screening in Dominica in 2021, before being translocated to Prickly Pear East, an islet off mainland Anguilla, as part of a species reintroduction program. Credit: Anguilla National Trust photo/Farah Mukhida via AP

Silence used to prevail in the forest of a private Caribbean islet until environmentalists transformed it into a love nest for the critically endangered Lesser Antillean iguana.

Now, the sounds of iguanas plopping on the ground and scurrying about as they multiply are making scientists smile.

"It's something that's ours," said Devon Carter, a research officer with the nonprofit Anguilla National Trust. "We don't have lions, we don't have elephants, but what we do have, we need to appreciate."

The population of the Lesser Antillean iguana, also known as Iguana delicatissima, was zero on Prickly Pear East Cay nearly a decade ago.

But scientists in nearby Anguilla who were determined to save the species from extinction tucked 10 iguanas into small, breathable cotton bags and ferried them by boat to the cay with no predators in hopes they would breed.

And breed they did. The population has surged to 300 and counting, converting the cay into one of five sites worldwide where the iguana is trying to make a comeback. It is estimated that there are fewer than 20,000 species remaining, according to conservation groups.

"Prickly Pear East has become a beacon of hope for these gorgeous lizards and proves that when we give native wildlife the chance, they know what to do," said Jenny Daltry, Caribbean alliance director for the conservation groups Fauna & Flora and Re:wild.

A lover and foe

Indigenous people are estimated to have arrived in the eastern Caribbean roughly 7,000 years ago.

The Lesser Antillean iguanas were already there, likely having reached the islands by floating atop debris spewed by rivers that had burst their banks in South America, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

At the time, the iguanas inhabited some 10 islands, but they are now extinct on Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis and St. Martin, and have largely vanished from Guadeloupe, St. Barts and Martinique, according to the Re:wild conservation group.

Its biggest threat? The green, or stripe-tailed, iguana. Originally from Central and South America, it was introduced to Guadeloupe in the 1800s and then spread to other islands thanks to Hurricane Luis, which pummeled the northeast Caribbean in 1995.

The green iguanas have more offspring, they are more territorial and they eat more food than the Lesser Antillean iguanas.

But the biggest issue is that both species mate with each other.

"It really jeopardizes the genetic viability," said Isabel Curtis, a conservation officer with Anguilla National Trust. "If your genetics are diluted, your species as a whole can't continue."

So in 2015, scientists in Anguilla armed themselves with long poles with a noose at the end to lasso Lesser Antillean iguanas and transport them to Prickly Pear East, where there are no dogs, cats, traffic, green iguanas or other deadly threats.

Residents would call in sightings or take pictures to help with the search.

"We spent a good year looking for iguanas," recalled Farah Mukhida, executive director of Anguilla National Trust. "It's all done by hand."

Life on a new island

After one year, scientists captured 23 Lesser Antillean iguanas in Anguilla, a number believed to be almost the island's entire population of that species.

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The iguanas were genetically tested to ensure they were full breeds and then the first 10 were tagged and released on nearby Prickly Pear East, Mukhida said.

Once that population seemed to adapt well to its new home, scientists released the remaining 13 iguanas.

"We were seeing babies, we were seeing their burrows where they were nesting," Mukhida recalled. "It was really encouraging that they were breeding."

Lesser Antillean iguanas are bright green when young but morph into a slate gray or dusty black as adults, with a lifespan of more than 20 years in the wild.

But concerns remained despite the successful breeding.

Scientists reached out to officials in the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica to obtain more female iguanas in a bid to boost the genetic diversity of the lizards procreating in Prickly Pear East. Dominica has the region's largest population of Lesser Antillean iguanas, but they too are now threatened by green iguanas that arrived after Hurricane Maria hit the region in 2017.

The petition was sent during the pandemic, so Carter and other scientists had to quarantine first before traveling to Dominica. Once there, they built homes for the captured iguanas, monitored their health and ran DNA tests to make sure they weren't hybrid iguanas.

They fed the iguanas flowers, pumpkins and carrots, although some had to be hand-fed with a syringe, Carter recalled with a laugh.

"Those are the ones you remember the most," he said, adding that he nicknamed one of them "Green."

The captured iguanas were then flown out of Dominica in a special type of pillowcase and boxes with lots of breathing holes and landed in Anguilla, where they were then whisked by boat to Prickly Pear East.

Curtis said saving the Lesser Antillean iguanas is important to maintain biodiversity: "Each species has a specific function."

They are now breeding across Prickly Pear East. It remains uninhabited but welcomes boaters to the cay's only two restaurants, which sell barbecued chicken, ribs and lobster. Iguanas are not on the menu.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
HELSINKI, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rheinmetall and ICEYE have received a major order from the German Armed Forces for the space sector. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has commissioned Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions to supply the German armed forces with space-based reconnaissance data via exclusive access to a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation.

ICEYE and Rheinmetall win major contract worth billions for space reconnaissance.

To deliver this capability, Rheinmetall has partnered with ICEYE  the world's leading manufacturer and operator of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites  to establish Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions. Based in Neuss, the joint venture will provide a high volume of SAR images via its exclusive constellation, offering a comprehensive service solution that includes full operations, ground station management, and AI-driven image evaluation. The satellite constellation remains the property of Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions.

The current contract is valued at approximately 1.7 billion gross. Furthermore, an extension option is part of the contract. The space-based reconnaissance data will be used, primarily, to protect the 'Lithuania Brigade' and secure NATO's eastern flank.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, said: "We are grateful for the great trust that the Bundeswehr has placed in us in the field of space technology. Modern armed forces depend on access to and control of space-based reconnaissance, communications, and mission control. As a provider of digital systems, we are working with our European partners to achieve this."

Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and co-founder of ICEYE: "ICEYE is proud to support Germany and, by extension, the security of Europe through this landmark program. Space-based intelligence is the foundational layer of modern defense, but it is no longer just a strategic backdrop  it is a tactical instrument. We are driving a necessary evolution where single, vulnerable systems are replaced by resilient constellations that deliver timely, actionable insights directly to decision-makers when they're needed most. This historic agreement demonstrates ICEYE's evolution from a New Space pioneer to a premier provider of mission-critical capabilities. By uniting rapid satellite production with advanced analytics, we are creating a new model for how nations secure strategic and tactical advantage from space."

The contract runs from the end of 2025 to the end of 2030 with options to extend. The scope of delivery includes a very high number of images per day, a service that will be provided by Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions from its own sovereign constellation. Production of the first joint venture SAR satellites is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026 at the company's site in Neuss.

Within the Bundeswehr, the project is entitled 'SAR Space System for Persistent Operational Tracking Stage 1', (and referred to as 'SPOCK 1'). SAR satellites project a powerful radar beam off the Earth's surface from an orbit of 500 to 600 kilometers. The beam returns to the satellite in a series of pulses, which are processed to build a detailed picture of the ground below. Because SAR technology uses radar to illuminate the Earth instead of sunlight, it can see through clouds, smoke, ash, rain, and sandstorms to capture imagery day and night in any weather. This capability allows SAR satellites to collect images far more frequently than traditional optical systems, providing persistent coverage of fast-changing events. The technology also detects subtle changes invisible to the human eye, delivering up to 16 cm resolution.

About ICEYE

ICEYE delivers unparalleled persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth, faster and more accurately than ever before.

Owning the world's largest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, ICEYE provides objective, near real-time insights, ensuring that customers have unmatched access to actionable data, day or night, even in challenging environmental conditions. As a trusted partner to governments and commercial industries, ICEYE delivers intelligence in sectors such as defense and intelligence, insurance, natural catastrophe response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring, and finance, enabling decision-making that contributes to community resilience and sustainable development.

ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, the UK, Australia, Japan, UAE, Greece, and the US. We have more than 900 employees, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation.

Media contact: [email protected]

Visit www.iceye.com and follow ICEYE on LinkedIn and X for the latest updates and insights.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2848125/ICEYE_and_Rheinmetall_win_major_contract.jpg
Cartel members clash with police leaving one dead in Felipe Carrillo Puerto

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q.R.  A clash between authorities and an armed group left one man dead, one woman injured and one person in custody. Police and military personnel were involved in the deadly shooting Wednesday in the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

National Guard were patrolling the area when they came upon what has been referred to as suspicious vehicles. Upon seeing the patrol, the drivers of those vehicles reacted by fleeing which led to a chase.

The vehicles were spotted in the Cecilio Chi neighborhood Wednesday afternoon where the pursuit began. The brief chase ended when the vehicles were cornered on 50th Street and Lazaro Cardenas Avenue.

At that point, the occupants from inside the vehicles drew their weapons and opened fire against authorities who returned fire. As a result, one man was killed at the scene and a woman wounded. Police were able to arrest one person while a second managed an escape.

After the shooting, several of the towns blocks were cordoned off. Authorities created a wide perimeter for the collection of evidences, including the body of the man who was killed.

Those involved in the exchange of gunfire with police are reported to have been connected to the Caborca Cartel.

The man killed, la Casilda, is said to have been a hitman for the cartel. The injured woman, Maria M is reported to be connected to the local government and the girlfriend of la Casilda. One suspect, identified as Vladimir M, managed to escape being captured.

Following the shooting, Felipe Carrillo Puerto Mayor Mary Hernandez issued a statement. She commented briefly on the operation noting that positive results were obtained but did not provide details.

Riviera Maya News serving Quintana Roo Mexico since 2014

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Government continues Visitax talks with states tourism sector

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  The Quintana Roo government continues talks with the tourism sector for the collection of its Visitax. Talks were held Wednesday between both sides who expressed their opinions about the ongoing collection of the tourist tax.

The Government of the State of Quintana Roo reaffirms its commitment to permanent and constructive dialogue with the hotel and tourism sector by reformulating the collection scheme for the Visitax tax, they said Wednesday.

The tax, which has been in place since 2021, is applied without creating a burden on the sector and guaranteeing at all times the competitiveness of the destination, legal certainty and a positive experience for those who visit the Mexican Caribbean, the State Government said in a statement.

That is why the fee will not be retained at the lodging, however its application remains firm and has the support of the sector so that these resources are applied for the benefit and well-being of the people of Quintana Roo.

Both sides continue talks on the collection of the tourist tax. December 17, 2025.

The proposal remains firm that 100 percent of the resources derived from Visitax will be strategically invested in improving tourism infrastructure, the competitiveness of destinations and the protection of the states natural assets, key elements to maintain Quintana Roos leadership as one of the most important tourist destinations in the world, the Wednesday statement read.

The bill passed by the State Congress aims to establish a legal framework that allows for adaptation, technical analysis and evaluation of new ways to collect the fee that can be supported by the various actors in the tourism sector, prioritizing operationally viable schemes aligned with international best practices.

The State Government reaffirms that any adjustment or implementation of the law will be carried out through dialogue and consensus, always prioritizing competitiveness, certainty for investment and shared prosperity for the benefit of the people of Quintana Roo as well as the tourism industry that generates employment and development for the state.

Earlier this month, the state government confirmed that there would not be an increase in the tax that is collected from each tourist who visits the state of Quintana Roo.

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Mexico signs inspection agreement with Latin American Confederation of Customs Agents

Mexico City, Mexico  Profepa and the Latin American Confederation of Customs Agents have agreed to strengthen environmental oversight of foreign trade. The agreement was made during the signing of a collaboration agreement Tuesday.

Federal Attorney Generals Office for Environmental Protection said Wednesday that the aim is to strengthen environmental verification and inspection at ports, airports and borders of Mexico.

It also hopes to prevent the irregular entry and exit of goods subject to environmental regulation. The agreement was signed between Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente (Profepa) and the Confederacion Latinoamericana de Agentes Aduanales (CLAA) on December 16, 2025.

Through this agreement, both institutions establish the collaboration mechanisms to design, promote and execute joint actions in the area of training, dissemination of regulatory improvements, updating of the legal framework, exchange of information, experiences and best practices.

It also establishes strengthening the points of verification and environmental inspection, in accordance with the applicable legal framework.

The signing was led by Mariana Boy Tamborrell, Attorney for Profepa, and AA John Michael Willy Kolter, President of the CLAA.

The CLAA, founded in 2005, brings together 66 customs agents and aims to facilitate foreign trade operations, contributing to the transparency of the customs sector and the protection of the environment.

The agreement was signed December 16, 2025.

The agreement includes training for Profepa staff on foreign trade of goods regulated by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) and the Agreement on Control of the Process and Use of Pesticides and Toxic Substances (CICOPLAFEST), and holding forums aimed at customs agents, industrialists and other actors in foreign trade on cross-border movements of import, export and re-export of regulated goods.

It was also agreed to exchange information and best practices to facilitate compliance with non-tariff regulations and restrictions on environmental matters, streamline verification and inspection processes, and strengthen environmental verification points on the main foreign trade routes.

As part of the commitments undertaken, both parties will develop an annual work program aimed at preventing, detecting and inhibiting the alleged irregular introduction or extraction of goods regulated by Semarnat and the CICOPLAFEST Agreement.

With this agreement, Profepa reaffirms its commitment to work in a coordinated manner to promote environmental compliance in the transboundary movements of flora, fauna, forest products and by-products, and hazardous materials and waste.

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Police say they shot dead cartel boss and arrested another member in Felipe Carrillo Puerto operation

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q.R.  A suspect considered a most wanted in the state of Quintana Roo has been reportedly killed. Police say Miguel C, alias Casilda, alleged plaza boss of a gang, was shot dead by them Wednesday.

The State Attorney General (FGE) reported Thursday that during an operation resulting from an armed confrontation, members of the Interinstitutional Group killed Miguel C, alias Casilda.

Police said Miguel C was the alleged plaza boss of a gang dedicated to drug dealing and extortion in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

The operation, in which they arrested a male member of the same criminal group, involved elements of the Investigative Police, the Secretariat of National Defense, the Secretariat of the Navy and National Guard, as well as state and municipal police.

Weapons, tactical gear and tire spikes were some of the items seized during the Wednesday operation.

During the operation and subsequent arrest of one male gang member, officers seized seven long firearms, six caliber 0.223 mm and one caliber 7.62 mm known as cuerno de chivo (goats horn), four short firearms caliber 0.9 mm, fragmentation grenades, loaded magazines, tire spikes, vests and tactical accessories.

They also seized two vehicles. A black Jetta and a white Virtus which is allegedly related to various reportes of local kidnappings.

Police confirmed that the deceased man was considered a priority target on the State Crime Atlas (most wanted list), and that a reward of 700,000 pesos had been offered since September 19th of this year for anyone providing effective and reliable information leading to his capture.

Police say Miguel N is a suspect in several homicides and disappearances and had an outstanding arrest warrant for those crimes.

In a statement, the FGE said this Public Prosecutors Office will continue to report on the progress of the operation, while reinforcing its commitment to zero impunity and pursuing lawbreakers to bring them to justice.

Riviera Maya News serving Quintana Roo Mexico since 2014

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In the tensions between calls for a for of Christian nationalism and an even stricter separation of church and state, it is easy to forget that another civil arrangement is possible, one that worked well for most of the Republics history.

The organization Americans United for Separation of Church and State, founded in 1947, declares that the U.S. Constitution is a wholly secular document in making the case that America is and always has been a secular nation. The authors of a new book not only refute this theory but set out to make the case that the religious character of the country is a feature, not a bug. Civil Religion and the Renewal of American Politics by two political science professors is a welcome entry into the ongoing debate about the nations religious character.

To be sure, Amy E. Black, who teaches at Wheaton, and Douglas Koopman, who teaches at Calvin College, also dont believe America is a distinctly Christian nation, but they do acknowledge and commend the uniquely religious shape of our democracy.

While the Founding Fathers did not seek to create a national government that distinctly favored Christianity and codified its beliefs in law, Christian practices and ideals distinctly shaped ideas inherent in the Constitution and aspects of the government they designed. The Founders believed in the foundation of rule of law and the connection between law and morality. They expected that generally shared religious principles were essential to unify society and provide the underpinning for moral order and mutual accountability.

The book, a comprehensive historical and empirical analysis, is divided into three sections. The first covers religion in colonial America, the forming of the Constitution, and the outworking of religious freedom as the states began to move past established churches. This section isnt intended to be a thorough analysis of these developments as compared to more book-length treatments by scholars such as Thomas Kidd, Mark David Hall, John Fea, and Gordon Wood. Still, the authors draw upon voices such as these to build their case for the unique tensions between what Tocqueville called The spirit of liberty and the spirit of religion. For example: Although the Framers believed virtue was a necessary foundation for society, they did not trust humanity to always do what was right. They created governing institutions with the capacity for human sinfulness. I believe Black and Koopman are correct in this assertion, as the Founders both desired the promotion of virtue and lauded the presence of religion, but it was the influence of Christianity that motivated them to separate powers and restrain the national government from violating the conscience.

The second and biggest section explores the ways religious expression has changed and grown throughout American history, beginning first with a detailed analysis of Protestantism and then working its way through the fits and starts of Catholicisms place in our public life. Black and Koopman then analyze the emergence of minority religions, including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and more niche or sectarian religions, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is even a chapter on the rise of nonreligious cohorts and the difference between the so-called nones and the aggressively secular. These chapters might be the most valuable part of the book just for the thorough historical analysis. Readers will learn quite a bit about the emergence of a more religiously pluralistic America and the expansion of religious liberty that followed in its wake.

It is in the third section of Civil Religion and American Politics that the authors drill down on the specifics of what theyre advocating for. They begin first with an examination of divisions in America, pointing the finger at the loss of trust in institutions, declining religious fervor, the politicization of religion, and the way religious and social institutions have broken down along racial lines. Even here, they rely on empirical analysis and are open-handed toward disagreements about the best way to address these modern maladies. This sets readers up for a robust chapter on the manifold ways in which religion helps hold American society together and serves as a healing agent. Religious engagement not only helps build social capital, but helps maintain it, they write. Social capital is not static. The authors cite numerous studies that affirm this conclusion, including the billions of dollars spent in providing such social services as healthcare, poverty alleviation, addiction recovery, and education. The book distinguishes between more insular religious communities and those whose adherents do the work of social bridge-building. Some of the anecdotes and studies may provoke disagreement, including the so-called Utah compromise on religious liberty and gay marriage. To their credit, the authors also cite the critics of this arrangement in a fair way.

In bringing the book to a conclusion, it is made clear that Black and Koopman oppose both Christian nationalism and strict secularism in favor of a civil religion. What is enormously helpful and, one might add, courageous in the academic context in which they write is their substantive criticism of much of the discourse on Christian nationalism. The current literature has weaknesses that complicate attempts to understand contemporary political dynamics. The widespread adoption of the label  is problematic. For a book published by Cambridge University Press to express this is no small thing. Yet the authors do, rightly in my view, oppose the small but loud cohort of thinkers who advocate for an explicitly Christian state church to replace the current constitutional order.

The book also sees no place for the strict secularism, particularly in mid 20th century jurisprudence, that pushed religion, and Id argue primarily Christianity, out of the public square. The book itself is an argument against the media cultural status quo that often sees religion as a strange curiosity at best or a danger to democracy at worst.

They argue instead for a broad public pluralism that sees religion as a necessary component for American democracy and a legal and social arrangement that allows Americans to continue to worship and practice their faith freely.

This they label civil religion. I would probably define the social arrangement differently. I see civil religion as the generic theism that nods to a transcendent deity in the Declaration of Independence, in the many statements of our civil and religious leaders (past and present), and in the under God terminology in our pledge and on our coins. The authors actually oppose the latter, believing it to be an imposition on nonreligious citizens, but I disagree and see these expressions as humble acknowledgments of history and reality. Moreover, the phrase serves as a warning to politicians who wish to see themselves as godlike. The Founders understood that our God-give rights come from somewhere. I would have liked a bit more exploration of the Richad John Neuhaus thesis that the public square isnt ever neutral. There is a nod to this in the final chapter as they applaud a society where Americans bring their deeply held beliefs to the voting booth, to our social debates, and to the practice of making public policy.

These semantic differences notwithstanding, I commend this work not only for its thorough analysis of religion in America but also for its robust defense of both religious liberty and the social necessity of religion, recapturing what was undoubtedly a priority of the Founders.
More venues, new neighborhoods, expanded community impact

DALLAS FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JAMBALOO announced details for its 2026 festival, returning February 7 to February 15 for its second year with a significantly expanded footprint across Dallas and Fort Worth. This year's festival will activate 14 venues, present nearly 30 free shows, debut new late-night events, and broaden its civic and community programming. Early confirmed performers include Tripping Daisy, Low Cut Connie, and Catie Adams, with the full lineup to be announced in January.

The 2026 festival builds on JAMBALOO's foundation of free, accessible live music while expanding its role as a cultural and community platform. This year's growth reflects a deeper commitment to creative infrastructure, mental health support, arts education, and the independent music scene of North Texas. The initiative continues with support from Mullen and Mullen Injury Law , whose long-standing investment in local music has helped JAMBALOO grow into one of the region's most visible cultural efforts.

Joe Morrison, JAMBALOO co-founder and Attorney at Mullen and Mullen, said, "Last year's debut showed us two things at once: how hungry the community was for a festival like JAMBALOO, and how many areas still need support behind the scenes. Our 2026 festival is a direct response to both. We're scaling up the celebration while expanding the ways we give back."

JAMBALOO Symposium

The festival will expand its civic programming with the return of The JAMBALOO Symposium, kicking off the festival on Saturday, February 7 at Tulips in Fort Worth. The Symposium will feature discussions on current music trends, challenges facing independent venues, and strategies for strengthening the DFW music ecosystem. The evening will conclude with a special event featuring Dissect podcast host Cole Cuchna, who will break down the music and meaning of select Radiohead songs, followed by live performances from Paranoid Androids, an Austin-based Radiohead tribute band. The Symposium will be recorded and live-streamed.

JAMBALOO After Hours

Debuting this year, JAMBALOO After Hours introduces late-night events focused on vinyl culture and DJ-driven performances. Programming includes three stacked nights at LadyLove Lounge, a Josey Records takeover featuring Mark Farina and his Mushroom Jazz Experience, and a Valentine's Night appearance by Kenny Dope at Deep Ellum Art Co.

Partnering for Mental Health in the Arts

A key development for 2026 is JAMBALOO's expanded and ongoing partnership with Amplified Minds, a North Texas nonprofit that has provided free mental health support to more than 4,000 individuals in the creative community over the past decade. As demand for accessible mental health care grows, Amplified Minds will play a larger role in the festival through a dedicated panel featuring musicians and mental health leaders, as well as year-round workshops and community programs supporting artists, gig workers, and local audiences.

Student Showcase

On Sunday, February 15, JAMBALOO will conclude with BOOKER T. LIVE x JAMBALOO at the Granada Theater, a special collaboration with Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. The event will feature performances by current students and alumni from the renowned Dallas arts institution, celebrating the next generation of artists alongside a legacy that includes Norah Jones, Erykah Badu, Roy Hargrove, and Shaun Martin. The showcase serves as both a capstone to the weeklong festival and a celebration of the creative pipeline that continues to shape the North Texas music scene.

How to Attend

RSVPs open on January 14, 2026 at noon CST at JAMBALOO.live. A full schedule, lineup updates and how to secure your spot will be released then as well.

About JAMBALOO

JAMBALOO began as a festival in 2025 and has since evolved into a year-round initiative supporting the North Texas music ecosystem. In 2025, JAMBALOO launched the $20,000 dollar Venue Prize to support independent stages and introduced the $20,000 dollar JAMBALOO Music Prize, now one of the largest local album awards in the country. Submissions for the 2026 Music Prize are open through January 4 at jambaloo.live/music-prize. Additional community programs will be announced throughout the year.

JAMBALOO 2026 is produced with support from Mullen and Mullen Injury Law, Amplified Minds, the Dallas Music Office, the Fort Worth Music Office, KXT, WFAA, Do214, Josey Records, Prekindle, Luminous Sound and numerous regional cultural partners.

SOURCE Mullen & Mullen Law Firm
SINGAPORE  Parliament will discuss an appropriate response to Workers Party chief Pritam Singhs conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee when the House meets in January, said Leader of the House Indranee Rajah.

In a statement on Dec 17, Ms Indranee said whatever course the WP may take on its own, it is necessary for Parliament to take notice of the Leader of the Oppositions actions and convictions for lying under oath.

She added that lying under oath is a serious matter.

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In some countries, leaders who have lied, cheated or flagrantly broken the law still escape any legal or political consequences. We cannot accept such standards in Singapore.

She noted that Mr Singh was convicted of two charges of lying under oath on Feb 17  a decision that was upheld by the High Court on Dec 4 after an appeal. He was fined $14,000.

The facts of his case are disturbing, said Ms Indranee, who is Minister in the Prime Ministers Office and Second Minister for Finance.

She added that the courts findings and Mr Singhs convictions are a solemn reminder to all MPs that they have a sacred duty to uphold the rule of law and maintain honesty and integrity in their conduct.

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We cannot talk about having a First World Parliament or providing robust checks and balances unless MPs on both sides of the aisle hold themselves to high standards of conduct.

In a statement posted to Facebook later on Dec 17, the WP confirmed it has started the partys internal processes in the light of the Dec 4 High Court judgment.

It added that it will give further updates on the matter in due course.

In her statement, Ms Indranee said the WP has its own processes to deal with members who are untruthful, referencing two cases of former WP MPs who had resigned after misconduct.

She noted that in both instances, Mr Singh had said the former MPs would have been expelled from the party had they not resigned.

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Former Sengkang GRC MP Raeesah Khan, who had lied repeatedly in Parliament, was put through a disciplinary panel where WP leadership eventually voted overwhelmingly to ask her to resign, Ms Indranee said.

Mr Singh had said that Ms Khan would have been expelled from the WP had she not resigned, she added.

In the case of former Aljunied GRC MP Leon Perera  who resigned from the party after a past extramarital affair  Ms Indranee cited how Mr Singh had said: The constitution of the Workers Party requires candidates to be honest and frank in their dealings with the party and the people of Singapore Leons conduct and not being truthful when asked by the party leadership about the allegations fell short of the standards expected of WP MPs.

This is unacceptable. Had he not offered his resignation, I would have recommended to the CEC (central executive committee) that he be expelled from the party.

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Ms Khan and Mr Perera were backbench MPs, while Mr Singh is the secretary-general of the WP and the Leader of the Opposition, Ms Indranee said.

She noted that the WP has said it will study the High Couts judgment in Mr Singhs case.

It is up to the Workers Party to decide what it intends to do in light of the court judgment (that he had lied under oath), and Mr Singhs acceptance of the judgment, fully and without reservation.

She reiterated some findings from the court proceedings, including that the decision to come clean was made only when former WP chief Low Thia Khiang advised Mr Singh and WP chair Sylvia Lim on Oct 11, 2021, that the truth should be clarified in Parliament.

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She also noted that when Mr Singh testified to the Committee of Privileges (COP), he falsely stated on oath that on both occasions when Ms Khan had lied in Parliament, he had wanted her to clarify the matter and tell the truth.

After Ms Khan confessed in the House to lying, Mr Singh formed a disciplinary committee comprising himself, Ms Lim and WP vice-chair Faisal Manap, to find out why Ms Khan had lied.

This was a travesty, given that the three of them already knew about the lie months earlier, and it was in fact Mr Singh who guided Ms Khan to continue with the lie, Ms Indranee said.

None of these facts were disclosed when the disciplinary panel was formed, she added.

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Mr Singhs trial began in October 2024, nearly three years after the COP was convened to investigate Ms Khans lies in Parliament before her November 2021 resignation.

The COP had in February 2022 released a report which said the appropriate sanctions for Mr Singh and other WP leaders  Ms Lim and Mr Manap  for their roles in Ms Khans untruths to the House and to the COP would be deferred until the end of investigations or criminal proceedings against him.

It also recommended that Ms Khan be fined and Mr Singh be referred to the Public Prosecutor. Ms Khan was eventually fined $35,000.

She had told and repeated a false anecdote to the House.

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In subsequent court proceedings, judges ruled that Mr Singh had lied to the COP on two key issues: on whether he had told Ms Khan to take her lie to the grave, and what he meant when he told Ms Khan that he would not judge her.

The courts found that Mr Singh, contrary to his own account, had told Ms Khan to take her lie to the grave. They also found that when he told Ms Khan he would not judge her, he meant that he would not judge her for maintaining her lie. Mr Singh said that he meant instead that he would not judge her for taking ownership and responsibility for her untruth.

In his final appeal, Mr Singhs lawyers contended that the trial judge ignored crucial pieces of evidence in finding him guilty. The defence also said Ms Khans testimony was the sole foundation of both charges, even though she had been evasive under cross-examination and had fabricated completely fantastical evidence.

Justice of the Court of Appeal Steven Chong said in his dismissal of the appeal that the trial judge had carefully evaluated an entire body of evidence in addition to Ms Khans testimony, and it was that which persuaded him to convict Mr Singh.

Source: The Straits Times  SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction

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Maybe you weren't lucky enough to inherit your grandma's elegant bone china that's seen decades of use. No matter, because Costco offers a stunning dinnerware set that rivals what you might look for when thrifting china dishes, and it's shockingly well priced. The Mikasa Trellis Gold 12-piece Bone China Dinnerware Set features dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls in a cross-hatch design with a delicate gold border. It's rare to find bone china at a budget-friendly price tag of $79.99 for a 12-piece set. For comparison, a 16-piece set of the fine bone china Wedgwood Nantucket Basket, which has a similar pattern as Costco's but not the gold edging, sells for $432.

Costco reviewers who bought the set generally praise its beauty. However, buyers noted a few problems. For one, take note: These dishes cannot go in the microwave, and are recommended to be hand washed. After one reviewer accidentally put their dishes in the microwave, they discovered the gold edge had melted. If you're looking for something for elevating your daily dining, this may not be the set. However, the dishes may be a budget-friendly option to break out for special occasions and fancy holiday meals.

Read more: 7 Must-Have Canned Foods And 7 To Avoid In Your Pantry

Fine china vs. bone china

White china set with floral detail - JJ_Awesome/Shutterstock

What is the difference in types of china, and why would you want it over regular dishes? Bone china is made with clay, china stone, and typically about 50% bone ash, a white powder made from calcined, or heated, animal bones. It's the bone content that gives this type of china its warm, creamy color, and is one of the ways to tell if your vintage china is actually valuable. Bone china is considered luxurious while also being very durable, which is why you'll often see sets that have lasted for decades or longer. It doesn't chip easily, and is safe in the oven, microwave, or dishwasher as long as there isn't a gold or metal trim. But for some people, there may be ethical concerns since animal parts are used in their manufacturing.

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Fine china is composed of porcelain. You can visibly see the difference between bone and fine china. Hold bone china up to the light, and it will let light through, looking almost translucent. Fine china, on the other hand, looks starkly white, and lets no light through. Fine china also feels heavier than bone china, and while it's quite durable, it's not as chip-resistant as bone china. However, it's the less expensive option of the two types. If you're not sure what to buy, think about needs. If you want to creatively display your fine china in your kitchen or dining room, that's probably different from what you'd use daily.

Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google.

Read the original article on Chowhound.
In an August 2025 survey by Clever, a nationwide real estate services company, 78% of respondents said their dream home would be near water.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, living near a lake, river, or ocean offers easy access to recreation such as swimming and boating, and research around the world shows perceived health- and well-being-related benefits from living near water or being exposed to blue spaces.

Though Kentucky is landlocked, life on the water isnt out of reach. J.D. Hamilton, Bardstown native and founder of Floathouzz, explains how his spacious floating houses can enhance life on Lake Cumberland and beyond.

Lake life to legal launch

Hamilton's journey to founding Floathouzz began in 2002, when he bought his first houseboat. He enjoyed the boating experience with his kids for a couple of years before fully immersing himself in lake life by purchasing a marina.

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Thats when I realized nobody was manufacturing the product people want, he recalled. They just started building houseboats, and everybody just started copying each other. They had no engineering department (and) no real market research.

It didnt take long for Hamilton to come up with a new floating home concept. But getting his ducks in a row to bring that concept to the public was much more time-consuming.

I thought of this in 2004, put in the proposal in 2005, and it took years of fighting just to make it legal, he said.

Home of the Week: Peek inside this 1860s Christmas wonderland Italianate home decked out for the holidays

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Now fully up and running, Floathouzz will be making its Louisville Boat, RV, & Sportshow debut at the Kentucky Exposition Center in downtown Louisville in January.

Functional floating

Unlike traditional houseboats, Floathouzz units are literally floating homes. They do not have a motor and are built like a house.

The units are stable, with minimal rocking due to their flat, square construction. Windows and living spaces face open water rather than neighboring boats or docks for the ultimate view. The interior features residential materials and layouts, with taller ceilings and open floor plans.

The exterior is built with ease and privacy in mind. Wide walkways and perpendicular docking allow the home to side up to the dock; large decks are at the same level as living spaces, eliminating constant stair use; and privacy fencing, direct water entry via ladders, and space to tie up other boats provide easy, private access to water recreation.

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They have (slightly) different wiring (and) switches, Hamilton said, but essentially, we made it like a home.

Home of the Week: Check out 3 basement remodels to inspire your next home renovation

At about 37 feet by 15 feet, the On-Water 20 model sleeps up to 20 people. Sleeping space includes an upstairs loft with five beds that sleep 10 people in an area that is about 30 inches high, a lower state room, a pull-out couch in the living room, and a king size bed in the primary bedroom.

The house also features spacious living and dining areas, a kitchen with premium appliances, and an extended private outdoor patio space for social gatherings and relaxation.

Residential reality

Anyone looking to dip their toes into Floathouzz ownership can purchase a unit and rent it out on Airbnb. The Floathouzz team will add the unit to its Airbnb fleet on Lake Cumberland Marina, managing bookings for a percentage.

The whole thing  pays for itself, Hamilton exclaimed. Under this new tax law, you can write the whole thing off, 100%, the first year.

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Floathouzz units can also be purchased and transported across the country, and those looking to live out their lake-life dreams in Kentucky can make the move to the marina.

It took me forever to get the infrastructure, Hamilton said, but now I have a 16-foot walkway, and it will be 1.6 miles long.

Home of the Week: One room, three ways: Check out 3 kitchen remodels in Louisville

He adds that the current space can hold up to 300 units, but theres room to grow  and he wants to create a true Floathouzz community. Plans include a lighthouse pavilion with a bar and restaurant, as well as an in-water swimming pool.

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(People) will get to know each other and hang out together, Hamilton said, adding that Floathouzz owners can be part-time or permanent residents. You can live there  it can be your permanent residence. Its like a residential community on the water.

This story has been updated to reflect the number of beds and bathrooms.

Know a house that would make a great Home of the Week? Email writer Lennie Omalza at aloha@lennieomalza.com or Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory at kgregory@gannett.com.

nuts & bolts

Home: This is a four-bedroom, two-bath, floating house that sleeps 20 people.

Distinctive elements: Expanded bedroom layout; spacious living and dining areas; kitchen with premium appliances; unobstructed lake view; extended private outdoor patio space; lake access and an overnight slip.

Louisville Boat, RV, & Sportshow

WHAT: This five-day event provides attendees with the opportunity to browse, board, order, and purchase from among the newest-model RVs, boats, and on-water and sporting accessories while enjoying family-friendly activities and jumpstarting outdoor summer adventures.

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WHERE: Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane

WHEN: 5-9 p.m., Jan. 28; noon to 9 p.m., Jan. 29-30; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Jan. 31; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 1

TICKETS: Tickets are $14 for adults and children ages 13 and older; children ages 12 and younger are free when accompanied by a paying adult. A $2 discount on full-price admission is available when tickets are purchased online. All active military and veterans can take advantage of free admission on Thursday, Jan. 28, with a valid ID.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Floathouzz floating house community Lake Cumberland Kentucky
Shenzhen TV: Its reported that amid Chinas military activities, a land lease deal was signed on December 15 by Japans Defense Ministry on the easternmost island of Okinawa for the deployment of a mobile surveillance radar unit to monitor Chinese aircraft carriers and airplanes in waters between Okinawas main island and the Miyako Island, the sources said. Construction work is expected to begin next year, where around 30 people are expected to be stationed for the mission. Whats Chinas comment?



Guo Jiakun: We noted the reports. It needs to be stressed that countries enjoy freedom of navigation and overflight in relevant waters and airspace in accordance with the international law.

Due to Japanese militarists history of aggression and other reasons, Japans moves in military and security areas have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. The Japanese side kept strengthening targeted military deployment near Chinas Taiwan region and even claimed it will deploy mid-range missiles. This time, it went even further by deploying radar unit and troops to secretly monitor its neighbor. Given the erroneous and dangerous remarks made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan, we must question: Is the Japanese side making trouble and provocations at ones doorstep to find a pretext for its military buildup and missions overseas? Is the Japanese side once again going down the wrong path of militarism to a dead end laid out by the right-wing forces? We urge the Japanese side to learn from history.

Bloomberg: The U.S. has announced a package of arms sales to Taiwan worth up to US$11 billion, making it one of the largest sales. I wonder if the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this?



Guo Jiakun: The U.S. blatantly announced its plan to sell massive advanced weapons to Chinas Taiwan region. This move grossly violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, infringes on Chinas sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and sends a gravely wrong signal to Taiwan independence separatist forces. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it.

The Taiwan independence separatist forces on the island attempt to advance their independence agenda and resist reunification through military buildup, squander the taxpayers money to purchase weapons, and even risk turning Taiwan into a powder keg. Such moves will not reverse the inevitable failure of Taiwan independence, and will only push the Taiwan Strait into the danger of military conflict at a faster pace. For the U.S., assisting the independence agenda by arming Taiwan will only backfire, and using Taiwan to contain China will never succeed.

The Taiwan question is at the core of Chinas core interests, and is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations. No one shall underestimate the firm will and strong capability of the Chinese government and the Chinese people in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China urges the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, act on its leaders serious commitments, and immediately stop the dangerous act of arming Taiwan. China will take resolute and strong measures to defend its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

NHK: Facing more pressure from the U.S., Venezuela has requested an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council. Given the ongoing tensions, how does China view and assess the current developments? What role will China play? (Similar question from Reuters)



Guo Jiakun: China opposes all acts of unilateralism and bullying, and supports countries in defending their sovereignty and national dignity. Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries. We believe the international community can understand and support Venezuelas stance of protecting its own legitimate rights and interests. China supports Venezuelas request for holding an emergency session of the UN Security Council.
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On Sunday, father-and-son gunmen armed with shotguns killed 15 people and injured 40 more at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Their target was Chanukah by the Sea, an annual event run by the Chabad of Bondi. The dead include a Holocaust survivor, a rabbi, and a 10-year-old girl. It is the deadliest mass shooting to occur in Australia since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, a tragedy that reshaped the nation and led to the creation of gun laws that have, until now, prevented such violence from being a regular occurrence.

It is hard to parse this violence as a person from a country where it is abnormal. It is impossible not to personalize the grief, shock, and confusion. I was scrolling Instagram Stories on a sleepy Sunday arvo when I saw a friend post just heard what I think are gunshots at Bondi - whats going on? The events unfolded so rapidly and brutally that it has shocked Australia into a whiplash of the soul that we will be grappling with for years to come.

We are in shock. This does not happen here. And yet, it has. It is difficult to reconcile that reality with who we are and who we imagine ourselves to be as a nation.

In the worst ways possible, the early response to the attack has taken on contours that would be familiar to Americans. Thats partly because authorities have said the shooters were motivated by Islamic State ideology, and because Israels genocide in Gazaand the Australian complicity in it, mostly at the hands of Americanshas been a roiling issue here.

In the immediate aftermath of this attack, Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the tragedy on Australias prime minister, Anthony Albanese of the Australian Labor Party, for recognizing an independent state of Palestine back in September. In his early career, Albanese was an ally of Palestine, co-founding the Parliamentary Friends of Palestine in 1999, but as prime minister he has tacitly supported Israel, Netanyahu, and the genocide in every material sense beyond a few empty gestures and hollow statements. This has divided Labors moderate base and beyond, and the governments unwillingness to criticize Israel, let alone stop selling them arms, has been a major reason for the mass protests that have had hundreds of thousands of Australians marching through the streets of our major cities every weekend since Oct. 7, 2023.

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Earlier this year, Albanese controversially appointed an Antisemitism envoy to appease Zionist interest groups. Jillian Segal, whose husband had donated to the Nazi-adjacent far-right group Advance Australia, used this position to put forth a highly censorious and constitutionally dubious list of proposed reforms framed as a plan to combat antisemitism that would all but outlaw criticism of Israel in Australia if adopted (which they werent, but likely will be in the wake of this weekends events). Segal has done little else in this perfunctory role other than push the narrative that the boom in antisemitism stems from the peaceful pro-Palestine movementa falsehood she was quick to repeat in immediate response to the attacks. She has ignored the many neo-Nazi and white nationalist marches that have taken place in Australia this year, and many have concluded that she perceives more antisemitic hatred in a keffiyeh than a literal swastika.

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Despite neither of the shooters being at all linked as of this writing with the pro-Palestine movement, Australias conservative politicians, its conservative media (which is most of it), and its right, far right, and alt right have all been quick to link the attack to the pro-Palestine crowd, particularly the campus protests, where some claim the shooter was radicalized. Which is odd, as the young shooter appears to be a brickie (Australian for bricklayer) who never attended university. In fact, the shooters have been found to have affiliations with the Islamic State, which is a known enemy of the Palestinian people, the pro-Palestine movement, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

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Still, Australias right, like Americas, do not turn their nose up at an opportunity. They have had a rough time of it of late. Our conservative party, the Coalition (a combination of the Liberals and the Nationals), now headed by placeholder leader Sussan Ley, was annihilated in one of the most resounding electoral defeats in Australias history in May 2025. So disastrous is Ley, the Coalitions polling, and the Coalitions electoral prospects both on the state and federal level, that our major conservative party is essentially on the point of extinction.

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Unable to find a weak spot in Albaneses radically Zen centrism, the Coalition cynically exploited Sundays bloodbath almost immediately. Ley laid the blame at Albaneses feet, and Josh Frydenberg, a major figure of the partys hard right, demanded Albanese take personal responsibility for the attack. Former Prime Minister John Howardimagine Ronald Reagan crossed with Dick Cheney crossed with Gollum, or imagine if Richard Nixon was your longest-serving presidentemerged from his lair to point fingers at Albanese, his government, and Howards oldest, most loathed enemy, the amorphous left. (Howard looms over the Coalition like Darth Sidious, and as prime minister, he was the architect of Australias involvement in the illegal Iraq war.)

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These are the mainstream of Australian conservatism and the Australian right. Behind them are a cavalcade of bloodthirsty grifters, knuckle-draggers, and hatemongers whose immediate response to the news was to lick their lips. They have been waiting for an event like this their entire lives. Pauline Hanson, founder and head of One Nation, a party that has been the fetishized mascot of white nationalism and paranoiac race hatred in Australia for 30 years, arrived with her newly anointed goon Barnaby Joyce to fire off a hateful screed before the freshly laid memorial flowers. She condemned the prime minister, Muslims, and antisemitismsomewhat of an irony, as she was recently the headline speaker at one of the many neo-Nazi marches that have recurred in Melbourne and Sydney this past year.

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Other prominent bigots preferred the safety of the internet. Western civilisation enjoyer Drew Pavlou, a basement-dwelling influencer known best for taking a decade to complete an undergrad degree, immediately began livestreaming the shootings on his monetized YouTube channel. He took to X and began firing out dangerous misinformation, egging on racial violence with the rabid Islamophobia that has become his bread and butter. As people still lay dying, he falsely claimed that a preplanned Christmas firework event taking place in Sydney was in fact the citys Muslim community taking to the streets in celebration. As I write, he is livestreaming himself at the public memorial, where his excitement at the prospect of inciting a race war is palpable.

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I focus on Drew as a particularly grotesque case study of the breed of professional hate-peddlers that America is all too aware and fond of. The deluge of misinformation that promulgated in the immediate wake of the attacks was fueled by American social media platforms that have prioritized and monetized bigotry and psychosis. X, Meta, and YouTube were flooded with A.I. fakes, the most darkly comical of which was a reimagining of the great hero of the day, Ahmed al-Ahmed, the Syrian Muslim fruit-shop owner who bravely wrestled a gun from one of the shooters, as a white man with a comfortably white name.

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Australian racism is not too dissimilar from Americasindeed, it is largely informed by it these daysbut of course it is different by the very nature of our unique histories and cultures. Like America, Australias Islamophobia has been violent, demented, and frothing since 9/11, and, like America, our domestic and foreign policies have unfairly targeted Muslims and the Muslim worldIraq, Palestine, Indonesia, and beyond. Our media, much of which is owned by Rupert Murdoch and other billionaires who sometimes outpace even him in their hatreds, regularly runs extremely Islamophobic content, occasionally resulting in real violence (such as the notorious Cronulla riots, which occurred nearly 20 years ago to the day of the Bondi shootings). This reached its nightmarish apex in the 2019 Christchurch shootings, where an Australian white nationalist terrorist flew to New Zealand and murdered 51 people at a mosque. This took place in New Zealand, but it was very much an Australian shooting.

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Hatred breeds hatred, and the surge of antisemitism, neo-Nazi groups like the NSN, and white nationalists like Pauline Hanson and Drew Pavlou, exists within, and is inflamed by, the malformed hatreds that are tragically intrinsic to the Australian identity. Antisemitic attacks were on the rise far before this month, raising alarm. I cannot sum up 250 years of Australian history in this articleit is hard enough to contextualize the last weekbut it is important for you to do that most un-American of things and recognize that these events do not take place in a void, but rather within the specific context of a long and complicated history.

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But the rights narrative may not win out in the end, especially with the deeply unpopular and off-putting American right weighing in loudly and regularly on their behalf, laying the blame on Australias infamously strict gun laws. It might sound alien to even moderate Americans, but the immediate consensus here after the shooting has been that our gun laws are not strict enoughan observation many experts have been making for years as private gun ownership has bloomed exponentially, especially in the past decade. Both our prime minister and the premier of New South Wales, Chris Minnswho was an ally of the pro-gun Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Partyhave vowed gun law reform. How a person like the alleged shooter who the ASIO (our FBI) had been tracking for ties to the Islamic State associations as early as 2019 was able to acquire a gun license, let alone six shotguns, will no doubt be the subject of a lengthy parliamentary inquiry in the months to come.

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In truth, if Sunday holds any lessons for Americans, its that Australias gun laws, though flawed, work. How many would have been killed if the terrorists were able to buy a couple of AR-15s from their local Coles? How many mass shootings would we have had since Port Arthur if John Howard (yes, the same man I described above) had not brought in such strict and transformative gun laws in the immediate aftermath? All I know is this is the first mass shooting on Australian soil since 1995. America has had 468 this year.

Related From Slate The Reason ISIS Is Suddenly Back in the News Read More

Still, American discourse, and American policy, regularly leads us about by the nose. We are The Kid to your Judge Holden, and we will ride with you to our doom. Our role as loyal foot soldiers in every American war since Korea, but especially in Iraq, and again with our support of Israel (which is largely to placate the United States), has a hand here. Our insidiously growing gun culture and broken discourse and outpourings of online-hatred blueprints imported from America have again brought the violence home to us. We of all people should know the boomerang swings back, but we got too dependent on you to truly acknowledge that. As I write, Australias mainstream journalistsmany of whom rank among the dumbest on Earthare riling up great dramas and screeds in a tone and style that is distinctly American, which is to say, worrying.

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And yet, it is useful to see these people as a loud minority.

A contradiction Im sure you understand is that Australia is a country of many hatreds, but also a country of great love. That love for one another is what we aspire toward as Australians; those who act on this love are the greatest Australians there are. Ahmed al-Ahmed, the Syrian refugee who confronted the shooter head-on, saving countless lives, is what wed call the light on the hilla kind of goodness and courage we, as Australians, must collectively strive for. Boris and Sofia Gurman, two Bondi locals who were killed in their attempts to stop one of the shooters, reflexively moved to save lives at the cost of their own. The community that has come forward to grieve and lay flowers, the swimmers who have insisted on keeping this beloved beach a place of mateship and joy, the imams and rabbis who hug and shake hands and hold each other in mourning, understanding, and support, the millions of Are you OK? How are you feeling? and Ill ride with you if youre feeling unsafe texts sent between friends, neighbors, and comrades, the record-breaking amount of blood donations given these past few days, and the rejection of violent hatred as abject, alien, and fundamentally un-Australianthis is what it has always meant, and will continue to mean, to be what we call True Blue. This is the Australia as it should and must be.
NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX) between May 20, 2025 through August 18, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important December 23, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

So what: If you purchased James Hardie common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the James Hardie class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=46976 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 23, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, James Hardie Industries plc misled investors about the strength of its key North America Fiber Cement segment between May 20 and August 18, 2025. Despite knowing by April and early May that distributors were destocking inventory, James Hardie falsely claimed demand remained strong and that stock levels were "normal." When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the James Hardie class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=46976 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

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Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

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The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

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New York, NY 10016

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SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
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Last weekend brought an awful series of tragedies: a mass shooting at Brown University that left two promising young students dead; a mass shooting targeting Jews at a Hanukkah event in Australia that left 15 people dead; and the murder of Rob and Michele Reiner, allegedly by their troubled son.

But some American conservatives who werent directly affected by the violence have regardless found a way to frame themselves as the real victims amid all this tragedyeven if they have to invent facts to get there.

Donald Trump descended to new lows with his tweet about the Reiners deaths, writing:

A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS.

This was a bizarre takepolice have arrested the Reiners son Nick, who has struggled for years with drug addiction and homelessness, and he has been charged with killing the coupleand while many conservatives did criticize the president, others, including Fox News columnist David Marcus, defended him for saying what a lot of people are really thinking but wont say. (Were a lot of people actually thinking: Rob Reiner was probably murdered because of his anti-Trump views?)

College Republicans founder and chairman William Branson Donahue wrote that Ella Cook, one of the Brown murder victims, was allegedly targeted for her conservative beliefs, hunted, and killed in cold blood. Elon Musk reposted a now-deleted tweet blaming the left for Cooks murder. Conspiracy theorist and Trump whisperer Laura Loomer tweeted, Jewish and Christian conservative students and faculty targeted at Brown University and they want you to think western civilization isnt under attack. New York City Council member Vickie Paladino, who has also called to expel Muslims from Western nations, claimed that it is very clear now that the attack at Brown was perpetrated by a leftist activist and targeted Republicans. Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York state tweeted about Cooks killing, noting that conservatives have been targeted again and again. Other conservative influencers asserted that the police explicitly claimed it was likely a targeted attack to [Cooks] family and that when [the shooter] came in the room he looked specifically for her first before he fired; they also stated, Young men and women like Ella know they can be killed for their political beliefs on a college campus.

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Except the Brown shooter had not yet been apprehended, there was no word on his motive, and officials had not stated that Cook was singled out. He shot up not a College Republicans meeting but a voluntary economics study session. And he killed a second student, Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, and injured nine more. Despite wholly uncorroborated claims of sources and police statements, those spreading the rumor that Cook had been murdered for her politics have provided no actual evidence.

That didnt stop Vice President J.D. Vance from highlighting Cook and Cook alone in his initial post about the Brown shooting, in which he also emphasized her political beliefs; it took him until the next day to recognize Umurzokov. He described Cook as a beautiful young girl; Umurzokov, he wrote, was a brilliant young man. (Cook was, in fact, a year ahead of Umurzokov.)

The claim that conservatives are the primary victims of political violence as opposed to the primary perpetrators of it has been invented and disseminated by powerful right-wing figures. And it is peak hypocrisy in about a dozen different directions. Conservatives have for years chastised liberals to not politicize gun deaths, only to use the shooting in Sydney to argue in favor of expelling Muslims from America. (Statistically, both guns and men are involved in many more shootings than Muslims are.)

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After anti-cancel-culture hero Charlie Kirk was killed, conservatives not only claimed they were being systematically hunted downthey became the cancellation squad, demanded the firing of anyone who so much as quoted Kirk in a way that made him sound bad (something, it turns out, that isnt hard to do). Even Vance joined the mob. Some 600 people, nearly all of them average Americans and not elected officials or people otherwise in power, were punished for their social media posts about Kirk. So far, there is no right-wing demand to penalize the president for his ugly comments about Reiner.

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For decades, feminists have asserted that calling abortion providers baby killers and sharing their names, photos, and addresses was putting a target on their backs; conservatives disagreed, claiming that the many, many, many pro-life advocates who harassed women, set clinics on fire, stalked clinic staff, and shot doctors were simply hundreds upon hundreds of lone wolves. After Kirk was killed, conservatives began to argue that using terms like fascist or authoritarian was tantamount to inciting violence, and that Kirks death was not the result of one extremist making an evil choice but the fault of progressive groups and funders.

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Related From Slate One Senate Primary Just Got a Lot More Interestingand Poses Big Questions for Democrats Future Read More

And for many years, as liberals have pointed out right-wing violenceincluding the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021MAGA acolytes have mocked us, ignored us, or flat-out denied reality. Trump, after all, encouraged his followers to descend on Washington based on the lie that the election had been stolen from him, and it was that lie that fueled the Jan. 6 rioters rage. Trump then pardoned nearly all of them, including those who behaved violentlyand several have gone on to commit other serious crimes. Now, without evidence, conservatives claim that theyre the real victims of political violence.

This right-wing victim mentality has been building for years. Trump twice careered into the White House on the fumes of largely white and largely male resentment, after telling his voters that, yes, they were oppressed and mistreated and stolen from and put upon, and their attackers were immigrants, liberals, feminists, the media, and the deep state. Now that hes in office and grabbing unprecedented levels of power, his followers remain convinced of their own victimization, this time around by leftists, who they insist are attacking them and even threatening their lives. Left-wing violence is indeed a problem, as Kirks murder demonstratedbut in truth, right-wing violence remains significantly more common; 75 percent to 80 percent of people who have died at the hands of domestic terrorists in the U.S. since 2001 were killed by right-wing extremists.

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Facts, as some conservatives like to say, dont care about your feelings. But MAGA supporters are a deeply feeling bunch, and they definitely care about their feelings over the facts. Fear is a conservatizing force, and conservatives tend to be more fearful than liberals. I dont doubt that conservatives genuinely fear violence being carried out against them, just as I dont doubt that they genuinely fear immigrants the same way they genuinely fear new experiences. Studies have found that conservatives brains are more reactive to fear than liberals brains, which can cause them to overreact and let emotion override reality. The wealth of evidence demonstrating that its conservatives, not liberals, who are more prone to behaving violently for political ends cant penetrate a strongly held belief based on a primordial panic.

Moving through life this wayfearful, angry, and convinced one is being perpetually victimizedis no doubt exhausting. It also explains the genius of Trump and his MAGA movement. While many Republicans before him espoused a kind of pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps rugged individualism, the president did away with all of that, simply telling his followers that they had been wronged and identifying familiar groups upon whom to heap blame. And, of course, Trump had been wronged worst of all (is still, perpetually, being wronged). No president in American history has portrayed himself as nearly as much of a victim as Trump, a man who holds unimaginable power in his hands but yet is never at fault, a person who has had every advantage in life but still speaks of himself as the most persecuted man in history. His followers make blasphemous imagery of him as Jesus: a perfect, abused man who would give his very life for their sins (of which, naturally, Trump has none).

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One can see the appeal of the conservative victim mentality. Victims are innocent: Their dream jobs arent materializing because of immigrants, not because they dropped out of college. Its liberals calling people fascists that fuels violence, not the Republican-enabled lack of gun laws that make the U.S. a radical outlier on both gun safety and gun deaths. It can feel safer, for a while, to not take responsibility for ones own life. And feeling embattled can convince a person that theyre courageous, their cause noble, and their efforts to vanquish their enemies virtuouseven if, in reality, theyre simply a frightened hypocrite, terrorizing others so that they might feel less afraid.
Research collected by University of Guelph post doctoral scholar Megan Ross as part of her recent PhD work from the Atlantic Veterinary College and in collaboration with Dr. Katrina Merkies shines a light on the complex decisions horse owners face when managing equine weight.

Previous research shows that nearly 29 per cent of Canadian horses are overweight or obese (Kosolofski et al., 2017; Mills et al. 2025), making this a significant welfare concern. This study set out to explore the attitudes, beliefs and barriers owners encounter when their horses are obese.

The Battle of the Bulge is Real

Excess weight in horses isnt just a cosmetic issue  it can lead to serious health problems such as laminitis, osteoarthritis and metabolic disorders. The study found that weight management is far from straightforward. Owners often feel torn between protecting their horses physical health and preserving their mental well-being.

One of the biggest challenges is that horses thrive on social turnout and grazing, but lush pastures can lead to obesity, said Ross. Owners may struggle with the trade-off between keeping horses happy and keeping them healthy.

The "Thelwell Factor" and Social Norms

I think that is a great way to phrase it, replied Ross when asked about the Thelwell Factor. Overweight horses have been normalized within certain equestrian disciplines and in the media. When looking at racehorses or eventing horses or horses that are lean, some tend to think that they're underweight even when they're within a healthy weight range.

The study revealed that cultural norms and even show-ring standards often favour horses that look pleasantly plump. This societal pressure can make leaner horses appear underfed, discouraging owners from aiming for an ideal weight. Traditional practices and resistance to change also play a role, with many owners relying on inherited knowledge rather than evidence-based strategies.

Ross shared some of the insights from the equine weight study in the video below.

Barriers to Change

Owners cited time constraints, cost and facility limitations as major hurdles. Boarding managers, for example, noted the difficulty of tailoring feed for individual horses in large groups. Emotional factors were equally influential  many owners equated a heavier horse with better care, even when they knew a leaner body was healthier.

Ross elaborated on the emotional findings in the study: Owners often felt torn  knowing a leaner horse is healthier, yet struggling with the discomfort of seeing their horse look thin. Many keep horses on the heavier side as a sign of good care, and media images that reward overweight horses only reinforce this perception.

Many horse owners were candid about their preference to have their horses slightly overweight going into winter, with the expectation they will lose weight in harsher conditions and emerge leaner come spring. This belief poses yet another potential risk by owners who underestimate the health risks in overweight horses. These miscalculations can easily lead to chronic health issues like laminitis and metabolic complications.

Horse owners in the study acknowledged that traditional knowledge dominates the equine industry, making systemic change difficult. Fear of judgement reinforcing the need for effective dissemination of evidence-based education.





Figure 1. The relationships between the four themes representing the perspectives of the 24 participating horse owners. Themes represent owner attitudes, beliefs and perceptions of horse weight and horse weight management strategies. The small hearts represent owners emotions that were embedded into the themes and affected their general understanding and decision-making regarding their horses weight. (Diagram excerpted from the research paper.)

Strategies and Struggles

Owners reported exploring a range of weight management strategies, including grazing muzzles and dry lots, but cited concerns about boredom, frustration and overall welfare. Some participants worried about incorrect use of grazing muzzles or the lack of enrichment in dry lots, which can lead to stress.

Frustrated by strategies that werent working, one participant reported turning to UK resources and ultimately implementing a track system. Track systems are an innovative approach designed to encourage horses to move more by mimicking how they would travel for resources in natural environments thereby providing both exercise and enrichment. This system has proven successful and is more broadly utilized in the UK, among other countries, while it is lesser known in Canada.

Interestingly, slow-feeding systems  which research shows can reduce stress and overeating  were rarely mentioned by interview participants, even though studies suggest horses prefer them over scheduled feeding.

Ross emphasizes that practical, welfare-friendly solutions are essential: strategies must balance physical health with mental well-being, and owners need support in finding approaches that fit their facilities, budgets and values.

Next Steps: Collaboration for Change

Ross advocates for collaboration between equine science and social science to shift societal norms and improve knowledge transfer.

We need to make healthy weight the new normal, she said. That means supporting owners through the discomfort of seeing horses that look leaner than theyre used to and helping them shift their paradigm. It starts with us  working with owners, industry and researchers to create practical tools and supportive environments.

Body Condition Scoring



While body condition scoring (BCS) wasnt part of the survey questions for this study, it played a key role in selecting participants. As part of a separate study, a veterinarian assessed horses using the Henneke BCS system (Mills et al. 2025). Horse owners with horses classified as overweight or obese were purposively invited to take part in the interviews.

Literature cited in the final paper mention owners often misinterpret fat vs. muscle and struggle with BCS accuracy. Possible future directions for BCS tools include creating a database of real horse images across breeds to improve scoring tools. More awareness of the body condition scoring systems and their practical implementation will support societal shifts toward recognizing, accepting and reducing judgement around horses within a healthy weight range.

Body condition scoring is an activity which requires much practice. Thehorseportal.ca offers online courses in Body Condition Scoring as one method to help owners gain confidence in regularly assessing their horses condition so they can be proactive in weight management strategies. There is also a free interactive Body Condition Scoring tool.

References:

Mills M., Proudfoot K., Elsohaby I., Burns J., Ross M., McKenna S., Ritter C. and MacMillan K. (2025). The Effect of Benchmarking on Equine Management Practices and Horse Welfare on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Animal  Open Space. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100093

Ross, M., Proudfoot, K., Campbell Nishimura, E., Morabito, E., Merkies, K., Mitchell, J., & Ritter, C. (2024). Its more emotionally based: Prince Edward Island horse owner perspectives of horse weight management. Animal Welfare , 33, e14, 111. https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2024.9

Kosolofski, H. R., Gow, S. P., & Robinson, K. A. (2017). Brief communication: Communication breve. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 58

(Equine Guelph)
Recent Morocco Lecture Addresses Viral Pop-Culture Phrase Referencing PRP Vaginal Injections

FAIRHOPE, Ala., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Charles Runels, MD, founder of the Cellular Medicine Association (CMA), recently delivered an international medical lecture in Morocco addressing the science behind a viral pop-culture phrase  "Revenge Vagina"  and its connection to a real, peer-reviewed medical procedure known as the O-Shot.

Charles Runels, MD Science of the Revenge Vagina Speed Speed

Dr. Runels' lecture examined the biological and clinical evidence behind platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections into the female genitalia, a topic that has drawn heightened public attention following dialogue in the Hulu series All's Fair. In the show, a character describes undergoing PRP injections as part of a post-divorce self-reinvention, prompting the now-viral phrase. Coverage of the scene by The Hollywood Reporter documents the rapid cultural adoption of the term.

According to Dr. Runels, the fictional reference reflects a medical procedure that has existed for more than a decade and continues to be actively researched, taught, and refined.

"When a pop-culture phrase suddenly captures public attention, it creates an opportunity  and a responsibility  for physicians to explain what the real medicine is and what is fiction," said Dr. Runels. "That was the focus of my lecture in Morocco: the actual science behind what people are now calling Revenge Vagina."

Dr. Runels first published data on the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma injections into the vagina and clitoris for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction in 2014, marking the first peer-reviewed publication describing this approach. Since that time, scientific interest has expanded substantially. A 2025 scoping review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine identified thousands of scientific papers evaluating PRP in gynecologic and female genital applications, including sexual function, vaginal atrophy, and urinary incontinence.

The procedure discussed in Dr. Runels' lecture is formally known as the O-Shot, a trademarked medical protocol (USPTO Serial No. 90975954). Use of the name is restricted to physicians and physician extenders who have completed specific training and agreed to follow the documented protocol through licensure with the Cellular Medicine Association.

"PRP is not a drug and not a cosmetic filler," Dr. Runels said. "How it is prepared, where it is injected, and why it is used matter. The O-Shot is a defined medical protocol with more than a decade of published research and real-world clinical experience behind it."

During the Morocco conference, Dr. Runels also presented outcomes from a large clinical cohort demonstrating sustained benefit from the O-Shot at one year, as well as ongoing research exploring synergistic approaches that combine PRP with other therapies affecting genital blood flow and neural signaling.

To address growing public interest, the Cellular Medicine Association has published a detailed explainer summarizing the medical science discussed in the lecture and clarifying how the viral phrase relates to established clinical practice.

Dr. Runels is available for media interviews to discuss the medical science behind PRP genital injections, the distinction between licensed protocols and unregulated imitations, and how fictional portrayals intersect with evidence-based medicine.

About the Cellular Medicine Association

The Cellular Medicine Association is a nonprofit physician organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and clinical standards in regenerative medicine, including platelet-rich plasma therapies and related cellular treatments.

Contact:

Charles Runels, MD

Founder, Cellular Medicine Association

Phone: 888-920-5311

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.cellularmedicineassociation.org

O-Shot Information: https://www.oshot.info

SOURCE Cellular Medicine Association
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A Rocket Lab Electron rocket launches the "Don't Be Such a Square" mission for the U.S. Space Force on Dec. 18, 2025. | Credit: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab launched a new type of satellite for the U.S. Space Force early Thursday morning (Dec. 18).

An Electron rocket carrying four "DiskSats" lifted off from Rocket Lab 's pad on Wallops Island, Virginia on Thursday at 12:03 a.m. EST (0503 GMT).

The launch, which Rocket Lab called "Don't Be Such a Square," kicked off the Space Test Program (STP)-S30 mission for the U.S. Space Force 's Space Systems Command.

An illustration of DiskSats being deployed from a small launch vehicle fairing. | Credit: The Aerospace Corporation

STP-30 will operate the first-ever DiskSats, a new type of spacecraft developed by The Aerospace Corporation with funding help from NASA. At 40 inches wide by just 1 inch thick (102 by 2.5 centimeters), each DiskSat has the approximate dimensions of a manhole cover.

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That odd shape could lead to greater performance in the final frontier for small satellites, which have traditionally employed the boxy " cubesat " form factor.

DiskSats "could offer more power and surface area for instruments, providing more opportunities for NASA to expand upon target mission objectives for small spacecraft," agency officials wrote in a description of the new tech .

"With its ability to fly continuously with one face pointing at the Earth , the DiskSat can also have a very low drag, making them capable of very-low-altitude missions (less than 300 kilometers or 185 miles) such as those necessary for some Earth-observation missions," NASA added.

The DiskSats won't be flying so low on their inaugural mission, however. The Electron deployed the quartet at an altitude of 342 miles (550 km) about 55.5 minutes after launch as planned, according to Rocket Lab .

Rocket Lab technicians prep for the "Don't Be Such a Square" mission, which will launch four "DiskSats" for the U.S. Space Force. | Credit: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab initially planned to launch "Don't Be Such a Square" in April 2026 but expedited it at the Space Force's request, the company said in an emailed statement.

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The mission was Rocket Lab's 20th of 2025, extending the company's single-year launch record. The previous high was 16, set in 2024. Most of these have been orbital flights of the 59-foot-tall (18 meters) Electron, which gives small satellites dedicated rides to Earth orbit. But three were suborbital missions conducted by HASTE, a modified version of Electron that lets customers test hypersonic technologies in the space environment.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 2:18 a.m. ET on Dec. 18 with news of successful launch and satellite deployment.
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

Imagine a future where you board an American Airlines flight without a gate agent scanning a boarding pass.

That could be a reality during your next trip at DFW International Airport, where the Fort Worth-based carrier is testing electronic boarding gates. The gates are being piloted on certain mainline domestic flights departing from gate A13 at DFW Airport, the airline's central hub.

Video footage provided by American showed how the electronic gates work. Customers approach the gates and scan their boarding pass for their assigned flight and the gates open, allowing them to proceed to the jet bridge. The gates are designed to pace the boarding process for better flow on the jet bridge and streamline tasks for airline employees, the airline said.

The gates, American said, are the latest in a series of investments the airline has made to streamline its boarding procedures. In May, American added five additional minutes to boarding time and rolled out updated boarding groups. The airline said the changes improved on-time departures and reduced gate-checked bags by 25%.

E-gates are becoming increasingly common at major airports. The Transportation Security Administration and CLEAR continue to expand their technology at security checkpoints. CLEAR's biometric gates were recently rolled out at Dallas Love Field, the headquarters of Southwest Airlines.

"We know the boarding process has a meaningful impact on our customers' overall experience with us and we're excited for our DFW team and customers to be the first in our system to test the efficiency of the new technology," Jim Moses, American's senior vice president of DFW operations, said in a statement.

"While we are always looking for innovative tools to improve the customer experience, our team members are the driving force behind our customer-first culture in every interaction along the travel journey."

2025 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Apple's data protection measure "App Tracking Transparency" (ATT) strengthens user privacy, but causes significant revenue losses in e-commerce, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The reason for this is the mandatory opt-in for users introduced by ATT. This is shown by a study co-authored by Maximilian Kaiser from the University of Hamburg Business School. It will be published in Management Science in the coming weeks and is already available ahead of print online.

Since the introduction of ATT in April 2021, app providers in the iOS App Store have had to obtain additional consent from users before they can use tracking and advertising data. It was determined Apple was systematically disadvantaging other market participants, and the company was fined 150 million in France in the spring, and the German Federal Cartel Office is also investigating the case. However, it is not only advertisers who are affected, but also e-commerce companies that rely on them.

"The results show that Meta campaigns optimized for external conversions, i.e., purchases, achieved an average of 36.6% fewer clicks after the introduction of ATT," said Maximilian Kaiser, co-author of the study and doctoral candidate at Prof. Michel Clement's Professorship of Marketing and Media at the University of Hamburg Business School. "This is directly attributable to the new opt-in rules."

Small providers in particular, who rely heavily on Meta data, saw up to 37.1% less revenue growth after the introduction of ATT compared to less dependent competitors. For Apple users, this could mean that offers will be less personalized in the future and online prices may be higher in order to offset the increased advertising costs.

For the empirical analysis, the research team drew on an extensive data set: An anonymized panel of 1,221 e-commerce companies provided weekly performance metrics on advertising campaigns on platforms such as Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Google, and TikTok, supplemented by device-specific sales data from 773 online retailers from the portfolio of Grips Intelligence, an e-commerce analytics platform of which Kaiser is the Director of Data Science.

"Well-intentioned data protection regulations can have unintended economic side effects, especially for data-intensive business models of small and medium-sized enterprises," Kaiser sums up. His study shows that future measures must take greater account of the balance between privacy and fair competition in order not to disproportionately harm small players. The French competition authority has already used the findings to refute Apple's arguments that the introduction of ATT had no negative effect on advertisers.

More information: Guy Aridor et al, Evaluating the Impact of Privacy Regulation on E-Commerce Firms: Evidence from Apple's App Tracking Transparency, Management Science (2025). DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.2024.06600 Journal information: Management Science
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Tesla vehicles line a parking lot at the company's Fremont, Calif., factory on Aug. 5, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Noah Berger, File

California regulators are threatening to suspend Tesla's license to sell its electric cars in the state early next year unless the automaker tones down its marketing tactics for its self-driving features after a judge concluded the Elon Musk-led company has been misleading consumers about the technology's capabilities.

The potential 30-day blackout of Tesla's California sales is the primary punishment being recommended to the state's Department of Motor Vehicles in a decision released late Tuesday. The ruling by Administrative Law Judge Juliet Cox determined that Tesla had for years engaged in deceptive marketing practices by using the terms "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving" to promote the autonomous technology available in many of its cars.

After presiding over five days of hearings held in Oakland, California in July, Cox also recommended suspending Tesla's license to manufacture cars at its plant in Fremont, California. But California regulators aren't going to impose that part of the judge's proposed penalty.

Tesla will have a 90-day window to make changes that more clearly convey the limits of its self-driving technology to avoid having its California sales license suspended. After California regulators filed its action against Tesla in 2023, the Austin, Texas, company already made one significant change by putting in wording that made it clear its Full Self-Driving package still required supervision by a human driver while it's deployed.

"Tesla can take simple steps to pause this decision and permanently resolve this issuesteps autonomous vehicle companies and other automakers have been able to achieve," said Steve Gordon, the director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

In a post on Musk's X service, Tesla brushed off the decision as regulatory overkill. "This was a 'consumer protection' order about the use of the term 'Autopilot' in a case where not one single customer came forward to say there's a problem. Sales in California will continue uninterrupted," the company said.

The automaker has already been plagued by a global downturn in demand that began during a backlash to Musk's high-profile role overseeing cuts in the U.S. government budget overseeing the Department of Government that President Donald Trump created in his administration. Increased competition and an older lineup of vehicles also weighed on Tesla sales, although the company did revamp its Model Y, the world's bestselling vehicle, and unveil less-expensive versions of the Model Y and Model X.

Although Musk left Washington after a falling out with Trump, the fallout has continued to weigh on Tesla's auto sales, which had decreased by 9% from 2024 through the first nine months of this year.

Despite the slump and the threatened sales suspension in California, Tesla's stock price touched an all-time high $495.28 during Wednesday's early trading before backtracking later to fall below $470. Despite that reversal, Tesla's shares are still worth slightly more than they were before Musk's ill-fated stint in the Trump administrationa "somewhat successful" assignment he recently said he wouldn't take on again.

The performance of Tesla's stock against the backdrop of eroding auto sales reflects the increasing emphasis that investors are placing on Musk's efforts to develop artificial intelligence technology to implant into humanoid robots and a fleet of self-driving Teslas that will operate as robotaxis across the U.S.

Musk has been promising Tesla's self-driving technology would fulfill his robotaxi vision for years without delivering on the promise, but the company finally began testing the concept in Austin earlier this year, albeit with a human supervisor in the car to take over if something went awry. Just a few days ago, Musk disclosed Tesla had started tests of its robotaxis without a safety monitor in the vehicle.

California regulators are far from the first critic to accuse Tesla of exaggerating the capabilities of its self-driving technology in a potentially dangerous manner. The company has steadfastly insisted that information contained in its vehicle's owner's manual on its website have made it clear that its self-driving technology still requires human supervision, even while releasing a 2020 video depicting one of its cars purportedly driving on its own. The video, cited as evidence against Tesla in the decision recommending a suspension of the company's California sales license, remained on its website for nearly four years.

Tesla has been targeted in a variety of lawsuits alleging its mischaracterizations about self-driving technology have lulled humans into a false of security that have resulted in lethal accidents. The company has settled or prevailed in several cases, but earlier this year a Miami jury held Tesla partly responsible for a lethal crash in Florida that occurred while Autopilot was deployed and ordered the automaker to pay more than $240 million in damages.

 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: CC0 Public Domain

Nuclear power is among the cleanest energy sources on Earth, but the materials that fuel it can degrade during operation. A new international study may unlock safer, longer-lasting fuel for the next generation of reactors.

Samrat Choudhury, University of Mississippi associate professor of mechanical engineering, is a part of a team of researchers looking for ways to make nuclear reactors more stable for long-term use.

In a study published in Advanced Materials Interfaces, they found that embedding uranium nitride nanoparticles in a metallic fuel may help it better withstand the extreme environment of irradiation within fission reactors.

Challenges with current nuclear fuel

"One of the major problems with current nuclear fuel, especially metallic fuel, is that during irradiation, the material swells and it touches the surrounding cladding material," he said.

The cladding is the protective shell that keeps radioactive fuel and its byproducts sealed off from the reactor. Over time, the interaction of those fission byproducts causes the cladding to degrade and become brittle, potentially shortening the reactor's life.

"The idea is, can we trap the fission products within the metallic matrix itself before they reach the cladding?" Choudhury said. "If we can, we are talking about fuels for the next generation of nuclear reactors."

Potential impact on nuclear energy adoption

Nuclear energy is a near zero-emission clean energy source, uses far less land than other green energy sources and produces less pollution than nonrenewable resources such as fossil fuels. Yet, nuclear energy provides only about 20% of electricity in the United States.

Making nuclear energy more efficient and less prone to degradation could help it become more prevalent, said Indrajit Charit, chair of the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Industrial Management at the University of Idaho.

"If you can leave the fuel longer in the reactor and get all the energy that can be extracted from it, then the rate at which you are accumulating spent fuel will slow down," he said. "Fuel burnup is also dependent on the cladding performance.

"If the cladding is breaking, you cannot just leave the fuel inside. So, this research also helps us improve both fuel burnup and efficiency."

Pictogram summarizing the working hypothesis of integrated UN nanoparticles within a UMo matrix acting as a defect sink for solid fission products in addition to the interface's potential to annihilate interstitial and vacancy (annotated as U-Va) defects as seen in oxide-dispersion strengthened steels. Credit: Advanced Materials Interfaces (2025). DOI: 10.1002/admi.202500592

Nanoparticles and reducing nuclear waste

In a study published in 2024, the researchers found that forming tiny uranium-nitride particles inside the fuel can capture and hold fission gases and other byproducts. The 2025 follow-up study tested those nanoparticles and found that the interface between uranium-nitride nanoparticles and metallic fuel could capture the fission products that cause nuclear fuel to fail.

"If we can use the fuel for a longer period of time, there is a potential to decrease the amount of waste we generate," Choudhury said. "One of the major obstacles for nuclear energy is that it generates a lot of nuclear waste.

"If we can reduce the waste substantially, adopting nuclear energy is going to get a lot easier."

Concerns over radioactive waste are one of the biggest hurdles to widespread use of nuclear energy. But by increasing the lifespan of both the fuel and reactors, the amount of waste generated will decrease, the researchers said.

Next steps for real-world application

Before that can happen, however, researchers must test the nanoparticle-laced fuel in real-world conditions to ensure its safety.

"The next stage would be to get funding and try to perfect this and then collaborate with industries to see whether they would be interested in implementing it," Charit said. "It takes a long time to mature these technologies and get to a level where companies would adopt them, but this is the first step."

More information: James Zillinger et al, Entrapment Behavior of Solid Surrogate Fission Products at Engineered UN NanoHeteroInterfaces Within Metallic Nuclear Fuels, Advanced Materials Interfaces (2025). DOI: 10.1002/admi.202500592
Threat actors with ties to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) have been instrumental in driving a surge in global cryptocurrency theft in 2025, accounting for at least $2.02 billion out of more than $3.4 billion stolen from January through early December.

The figure represents a 51% increase year-over-year and $681 million more than 2024, when the threat actors stole $1.3 billion, according to Chainalysis' Crypto Crime Report shared with The Hacker News.

"This marks the most severe year on record for DPRK crypto theft in terms of value stolen, with DPRK attacks also accounting for a record 76% of all service compromises," the blockchain intelligence company said. "Overall, 2025s numbers bring the lower-bound cumulative estimate for cryptocurrency funds stolen by the DPRK to $6.75 billion."

The February compromise of cryptocurrency exchange Bybit alone is responsible for $1.5 billion of the $2.02 billion plundered by North Korea. The attack was attributed to a threat cluster known as TraderTraitor (aka Jade Sleet and Slow Pisces). An analysis published by Hudson Rock earlier this month linked a machine infected with Lumma Stealer to infrastructure associated with the Bybit hack based on the presence of the email address "trevorgreer9312@gmail[.]com."

The cryptocurrency thefts are part of a broader series of attacks conducted by the North Korea-backed hacking group called Lazarus Group over the past decade. The adversary is also believed to be involved in the theft of $36 million worth of cryptocurrency from South Korea's largest cryptocurrency exchange, Upbit, last month.

Lazarus Group is affiliated with Pyongyang's Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB). It's estimated to have siphoned no less than $200 million from over 25 cryptocurrency heists between 2020 and 2023.

The nation-state adversary is one of the most prolific hacking groups that also has a track record of orchestrating a long-running campaign referred to as Operation Dream Job, in which prospective employees working in defense, manufacturing, chemical, aerospace, and technology sectors are approached via LinkedIn or WhatsApp with lucrative job opportunities to trick them into downloading and running malware such as BURNBOOK, MISTPEN, and BADCALL, the last of which also comes in a Linux version.

The end goal of these efforts is two-pronged: to collect sensitive data and generate illicit revenue for the regime in violation of international sanctions imposed on the country.

A second approach adopted by North Korean threat actors is to embed information technology (IT) workers inside companies across the world under false pretenses, either in an individual capacity or through front companies like DredSoftLabs and Metamint Studio that are set up for this purpose. This also includes gaining privileged access to crypto services and enabling highimpact compromises. The fraudulent operation has been nicknamed Wagemole.

"Part of this record year likely reflects an expanded reliance on IT worker infiltration at exchanges, custodians, and Web3 firms, which can accelerate initial access and lateral movement ahead of largescale theft," Chainalysis said.

Regardless of the method used, the stolen funds are routed through Chinese-language money movement and guarantee services, as well as cross-chain bridges, mixers, and specialized marketplaces like Huione to launder the proceeds. What's more, the pilfered assets follow a structured, multi-wave laundering pathway that unfolds over approximately 45 days following the hacks -

Wave 1: Immediate Layering (Days 0-5) , which involves immediate distancing of funds from the theft source using DeFi protocols and mixing services

, which involves immediate distancing of funds from the theft source using DeFi protocols and mixing services Wave 2: Initial Integration (Days 6-10) , which involves shifting the funds to cryptocurrency exchanges, second-tier mixing services, and cross-chain bridges like XMRt

, which involves shifting the funds to cryptocurrency exchanges, second-tier mixing services, and cross-chain bridges like XMRt Wave 3: Final Integration (Days 20-45), which involves using services that facilitate ultimate conversion to fiat currency or other assets

"Their heavy use of professional Chinese-language money laundering services and over-the-counter (OTC) traders suggests that DPRK threat actors are tightly integrated with illicit actors across the Asia-Pacific region, and is consistent with Pyongyang's historical use of China-based networks to gain access to the international financial system," the company said.

The disclosure comes as Minh Phuong Ngoc Vong, a 40-year-old Maryland man, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for his role in the IT worker scheme by allowing North Korean nationals based in Shenyang, China, to use his identity to land jobs at several U.S. government agencies, per the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ).

Between 2021 and 2024, Vong used fraudulent misrepresentations to obtain employment with at least 13 different U.S. companies, including landing a contract at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In all, Vong was paid more than $970,000 in salary for software development services that were carried out by overseas conspirators.

"Vong conspired with others, including John Doe, aka William James, a foreign national living in Shenyang, China, to defraud U.S. companies into hiring Vong as a remote software developer," the DoJ said. "After securing these jobs through materially false statements about his education, training, and experience, Vong allowed Doe and others to use his computer access credentials to perform the remote software development work and receive payment for that work."

The IT worker scheme appears to be undergoing a shift in strategy, with DPRK-linked actors increasingly acting as recruiters to enlist collaborators through platforms like Upwork and Freelancer to further scale the operations.

"These recruiters approach targets with a scripted pitch, requesting 'collaborators' to help bid on and deliver projects. They provide step-by-step instructions for account registration, identity verification, and credential sharing," Security Alliance said in a report published last month.

"In many cases, victims ultimately surrender full access to their freelance accounts or install remote-access tools such as AnyDesk or Chrome Remote Desktop. This enables the threat actor to operate under the victim's verified identity and IP address, allowing them to bypass platform verification controls and conduct illicit activity undetected."
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NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosalind Franklin University neuroscientist Joanna Dabrowska , PhD, PharmD, has been granted $1,733,330 as the university's subaward under a five-year National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grant to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), New York City.

In collaboration with ISMMS, Dr. Dabrowska will investigate neural mechanisms underlying social recognition memory  a core challenge in disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The research could uncover novel targets for therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Dabrowska, associate professor in RFU's Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders and the discipline of cellular and molecular pharmacology, is collaborating with ISMMS Associate Professor Hala Harony-Nicolas , PhD.

"Our project directly addresses critical gaps in our understanding of a neural circuit that supports social recognition," Dr. Dabrowska said. "By defining how oxytocin modulates activity in the supramammillary nucleus of the hypothalamus, we hope to reveal mechanisms that could be harnessed to develop treatments for social deficits in psychiatric disorders."

Dr. Dabrowska's distinguished work on the role of oxytocin in neuropsychiatry earned her recognition as an Illinois Researcher to Know by the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition.

The NIH-funded study, "The Role of Oxytocin in Modulating Activity of the Supramammillary Nucleus (SuM) And Social Recognition Memory," focuses on the hormone/neuromodulator oxytocin  long known for its role in social bonding  and its effect on brain hubs essential for recognizing and remembering social cues."

Schizophrenia, a chronic psychiatric disorder marked by disruptions in thought, perception and social functioning, affects approximately 0.9% of U.S. adults, or roughly 2.5 million people, with onset typically occurring in late adolescence or early adulthood. ASD, a neurodevelopmental condition defined by persistent social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors, now affects about 1 in 36 children in the U.S., with millions of adults also living with the condition. Deficits in social recognition represent a profound barrier to quality of life and independence across both populations.

"Dr. Dabrowska's leadership and this partnership with Mount Sinai in New York City represents an exciting opportunity for Rosalind Franklin University and the broader scientific community," said RFU Executive Vice President for Research Joseph DiMario, PhD. "We hope this research helps pave the way toward new therapeutic strategies for brain disorders with profound social deficits."

About Rosalind Franklin University

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu .

Office of Marketing and Communications

[email protected]

Correction: An earlier version of this release has an incorrect hyperlink to Joanna Dabrowska.

SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Onsite construction underway at RWE's Prairie Creek project, with operations scheduled to begin in 2028





Once operational, Prairie Creek will power Indiana's industrial growth, supply affordable, reliable electricity for I&M customers and help advance the state's all-of-the-above energy strategy





Prairie Creek will serve as a crucial economic driver for Blackford County during construction and throughout its operational lifetime, while also supporting new investment and job creation in Northeast Indiana

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RWE and Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M), an American Electric Power (AEP) company, are partnering to bring new power generation online to meet Indiana's growing electricity demand. The companies signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) for the total output from RWE's 200 MW Prairie Creek project in Blackford County, Indiana. Under the 15-year contract, I&M will purchase electricity from Prairie Creek as part of an all-of-the-above strategy to secure generation in response to surging power demand.

The contracted power from Prairie Creek supports I&M's efforts to meet the growing energy needs of its customers by diversifying and expanding its generation resources. Once operational, Prairie Creek will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 42,000 homes in Indiana and help ensure I&M customers continue to have access to affordable and reliable energy into the future.

Ingmar Ritzenhofen, Chief Commercial Officer, RWE Clean Energy: "RWE is proud to support Indiana's all-of-the-above energy strategy with our portfolio of generation assets. Projects like Prairie Creek help bring needed power to the grid while also supporting new investment and job creation in the Hoosier State. Our investment in Prairie Creek will deliver lasting benefits to Blackford County through economic development payments and long-term tax revenue funding for schools, roads, first responders and other essential services, while providing a stable source of income for local multigenerational farming families."

Steve Baker, president and chief operating officer, I&M: "By diversifying our generation mix, I&M is able to provide safe and reliable service to our customers and continue making a significant impact on the communities we serve. The addition of diverse, affordable energy resources is an important step in being Future Ready to serve customers' homes, businesses and factories now and the years to come."

Onsite construction is underway at Prairie Creek, with operations scheduled to begin in 2028. The project's construction phase is expected to deliver substantial direct and indirect economic benefits to Blackford County, including the employment of approximately 240 workers onsite at peak construction. Notably, Prairie Creek supports local multigenerational farming families by offering a stable source of income for the project's participating farmer-landowners. The additional income from property lease payments allows landowners to support their agricultural operations, maintain their properties and save for retirement, as well as use their increased purchasing power to fuel the local economy in Blackford County.

Prairie Creek will continue to deliver lasting benefits throughout its operating lifetime, including $60 million in property tax payments over 30 years to help fund Blackford County schools, libraries, roads, first responders and other essential services. The project will also contribute approximately $10 million in economic development payments to support local businesses in Blackford County.

For more information, visit americas.rwe.com.

For further inquiries:

Patricia Kakridas

Sr. Manager, Media & Public Relations

Corporate Communications

RWE Clean Energy

M + 619-753-5206

E [email protected]

RWE in the US

Through its subsidiary RWE Clean Energy, RWE is the third largest renewable energy company in the United States, with a presence in most U.S. states from coast to coast. RWE's team of about 2,000 employees in the U.S. stands ready to help meet the nation's growing energy needs. With its homegrown and fastest-to-market product, RWE supports the goal of American Energy dominance and independence. To that end, RWE Clean Energy is committed to increasing its already strong asset base of over 10 gigawatts of operating wind, solar and battery projects, focusing on providing high-quality jobs. RWE invests in local and rural communities while strengthening domestic manufacturing supporting the renaissance of American industry. This is complemented by RWE's energy trading business. RWE is also a major offtaker of American liquified natural gas (LNG).

As an energy company with a successful history spanning more than 125 years, RWE has an extensive knowledge of the energy markets and an excellent expertise in all major power generation and storage technologies, from nuclear, coal and gas to hydro, batteries, wind and solar.

SOURCE RWE
In case your shopping isn't done, here's a foodie gift guide that features all local vendors so you can give your loved ones a little taste of Tucson.

(FYI: most of these items are $25 and under.)

Stock up their pantry

Looking for the perfect gift for the chef in your life, or for someone whos looking to improve their culinary skills? These talented Tucsonans have got your back. So many local vendors have their own hot sauces, spice mixes, and homemade jams, that are sure to add some flair to your meals.

Jabari Sauce: This hot sauce is made by three best friends who grew up in Tucson. Their hot sauce, which is made with Fresno, serrano and habanero peppers, is described as a marriage between Mexican and Louisiana hot sauces.

Id Smoke That BBQ: Here, youll be able to find all kinds of sweet and savory spices that are sure to add some fun flavor to any dish. Smoked spices, BBQ rubs, sugars, and honey are just a few of the goodies Id Smoke That BBQ makes.

Mouth of the South Salsa: Add some spice to your giftees life with this local salsa. They have all kinds of heat levels, and salsa verdes for those who prefer green over red.

Birria bombs from Wild West Carniceria: These pre-made bombs are perfect for those who are want to level up their kitchen game. Just pop one of these in a pot with some meat, and soon youll have a delicious bowl of birria in front of you. They also have a birria bomb kit that comes with one bomb, a pack of flour tortillas and a chiltepin salsa seca.

Bring their favorite cafe to their home

2025 was the year of fun drinks. From crazy lattes to the matcha take-over, it seems like many people spent a lot of this year at their favorite cafe. Thankfully, many local coffee/tea spots sell their own blends, making the perfect gifts for your caffeine-addicted friends.

Loose-leaf tea and mugs from Scented Leaf: Scented Leaf is always packed for a reason: Its tea is just too good. On their website, you can buy all kinds of loose-leaf tea that includes flavors like prickly pear and pomegranate raspberry. They also have a 15 oz mug for $15 if your giftee is looking for a new coffee cup. Scented Leaf Tea House has multiple locations, including 308 E. Congress, 943 E. University and 2627 E. Broadway.

Carino blend from Carino Coffee: This coffee cart has some of the best drinks in town, so you just know their own blend is delicious. For the serious coffee drinkers, you can pick up the Carino blend, which has notes of caramel, citrus and chocolate. Main location, 901 S. Sixth Ave.

Coffee from Presta: You cant think of coffee without thinking of Presta. This cafe also sells all its own blends, so you can have its amazing coffee in the comfort of your own home. Presta Coffee Roasters cafes are at 2502 N. First Ave., 100 S. Avenida del Conventol and 501 E. 9th St.

Cafecito candle from Di Luna: Theres nothing like the hypnotizing smell of freshly brewed coffee. For those who want to transform their house into a cozy cafe, Di Luna has a Cafecito candle that smells like a creamy vanilla latte. Delicious.

Everyone deserves a sweet treat

Candy and rim dip from Dirty T Tamarindo: Dirty T Tamarindo is a candy-lover's dream. It has all kinds of chamoy-covered candy, combining both sweet and spicy flavors. It also has homemade rim dip, chamoy pickle kits and rim dip keychains so you can take your chamoy on the go.

Chocolate bars and bonbons from Tucson Chocolate Factory: Move over Willy Wonka, the Tucson Chocolate Factory is here. This local chocolatier makes the yummiest chocolate with all kinds of desert flavors. Prickly pear caramel, ancho mesquite honey, and lemon agave caramel are a few of the flavors they offer. Yes, they have Dubai chocolate bars, too.

Chocolate from Monsoon Chocolate: Monsoon Chocolate is another fan-favorite. Not only does it make the prettiest chocolate, but it has so many options like malt balls, dark chocolate bars and chiltepin chocolate bars.

Food can be fun, too

Have a foodie friend with quirky taste? No problem. You can find lots of foodie-themed trinkets and merch from local stores.

Tote bag from Holy Focaccia: Not only does Holy Focaccia make amazing bread, it also makes super cute merch. If your friend is a tote-bag lover, Holy Focaccia sells a candy-apple red bag at all their markets.

Food-themed earrings from Las Changuis Tianguis: Las Changuis Tianguis makes all kinds of quirky jewelry like molacajete dangly earrings, concho studs, and fruit studs. (It also has super cute drinkware and tote bags that have foodie designs on them.)

Food-themed hair clips from Pink Moon Mercantile: Ditch the scrunchies and give your friends another cool way to keep their hair out of their face while cooking. Pink Moon Mercantile has various food-themed hair accessories like pasta hair clips and cherry tomato claw clips.
PHOENIX  Two Republican lawmakers convinced Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs earlier this year to sign legislation to allow some outside oversight of the state's prison system.

Now they want to see if the governor is willing to fund it so the oversight can actually begin operations.

Rep. Walt Blackman of Snowflake and Sen. Shawnna Bolick of Phoenix have introduced proposals to provide $1.5 million to the newly created  but so far not functional  state Independent Correctional Oversight Office. The bills, House Bill 2063 and Senate Bill 1032, are identical, allowing them to advance in parallel, expediting how quickly they can reach the governor's desk.

They believe they already have the support of a majority of their colleagues.

In fact, the original plan to create the office  complete with money to fund it  was approved earlier this year by the Senate on a 23-5 margin. It also unanimously cleared the House Government Committee that Blackman chairs.

But both Blackman and Bolick told Capitol Media Services at the time that the message from Hobbs was that the idea was dead on arrival if it included the funding. So when the measure came to the House floor, Blackman agreed to strip out the funding, which is how the bill cleared the chamber 46-10 and got the governor's blessing.

But Blackman said the office serves no purpose without any cash. So he said he's reaching out to the governor's staff in hopes of convincing her that the funding in the new proposals is a good investment.

He said it's not just that the state already is spending more than $1.5 billion a year on what is known as the Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry. There's also the millions of dollars in fines imposed on the state by a federal judge who previously found that medical care in the prison system was "plainly grossly inadequate.''

And Hobbs?

"We will have those conversations when it comes to the budget negotiations,'' she told Capitol Media Services. "Any money bill is put in the budget pile. And that's when it's appropriate to have that conversation.''

Asked why she signed legislation to create an office to provide independent oversight of the prison system if she's not going to fund it, Hobbs said the bill she finally signed  establishing the office but with no money  was the result of "a lot of compromise.''

"I'm certainly willing to continue those conversations to make sure that we can make sure that that office is as effective as possible,'' the governor said.

But Hobbs sidestepped the question of whether the prison system needs outside oversight, instead launching into a defense of Ryan Thornell, whom she picked, after taking office in 2023, to run the system that houses more than 35,000 inmates.

"Director Thornell is doing a great job. He inherited a mess, a system that was on the brink of receivership,'' Hobbs said, referring to efforts by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Prison Law Office and other groups to get U.S. District Court Judge Roslyn Silver to appoint an outsider to run the prison's health-care system. Such an order "would cost taxpayers a lot more money than the system is costing now," Hobbs acknowledged.

But she also said this is not a problem of her making, nor of Thornell's.

"Our prison system has been neglected for a long time,'' Hobbs said.

Indeed, the current federal court lawsuit goes back to 2012. Blackman agreed that the problems are not the fault of the current director.

"He was put in a position that was already to hit the iceberg,'' he said, comparing it to the Titanic. "The ship was going, you are already close to hitting the iceberg, and then you change out the captain. Is it the current captain's fault that you've hit an iceberg?''

Blackman said the oversight office is designed to provide an outsider's perspective of the problems and find ways to avoid future problems.

But he said it can't do that without money.

If nothing else, he said the $1.5 million should be seen as a matter of fiscal responsibility  and not just to avoid the possibility of an appointed receiver dictating to the state the kind of care that must be provided, including the number of doctors, nurses, aides and even equipment.

Consider, he said, the millions of dollars in fines that Silver already imposed.

In the judge's 200-page order in 2022  the one when she said the care was "plainly grossly inadequate"  Silver laid out facts she said show top prison officials were aware of conditions that resulted in serious and unnecessary physical harm and death to inmates, and actively ignored the problems. State officials were acting "with deliberate indifference'' to the substantial risk of harm to inmates, the judge said.

None of that was news to prison or state officials  nor to then-Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican.

In 2015, three years after the lawsuit was signed, the state agreed to a settlement promising to do better.

Yet in 2018, the state was fined $1.4 million for failing to live up to the performance measures to which it had agreed. Silver imposed another $1.1 million penalty in 2021.

Seeking more progress, the judge in 2023 issued a comprehensive injunction laying out what the prison system must do to improve care.

That injunction required the state to overhaul how it provided care to inmates, vastly increase the number of doctors and nurses to set levels, and provide better access to specialists. Other parts of the injunction included limits on putting inmates in isolation and requirements to treat opioid addiction and hepatitis infections among the inmate population.

Yet earlier this year, a court-appointed monitor told the judge the state "remains non-compliant with the vast majority, with slow (or little) progress toward achieving substantial compliance.'' And an attorney for the Prison Law Office, Sophie Hart, told Silver it was clear the state lacked the capacity or the will to fix the system, and the time had come for Silver to appoint a receiver to do the job.

But attorneys for the state went back to Silver three months ago, again arguing for more time to fix the problems before Silver appoints a receiver.

Blackman said that lack of progress underlines the need for what he and Bolick are seeking.

"The oversight committee will help our state lawmakers, the governor's office, and those folks that have to manage internally the Department of Corrections on how we can come up with ways to fix that,'' he said. Blackman said outside oversight and recommendations even could get the issue out of federal court and provide "a chance to move past this.''

"I mean, we can't keep doing the same thing and expecting a better outcome,'' he said. "It's not working right now, and it has to be checked. And it cannot be checked internally, from inside the department, because it's easier, it's better to have a second set of eyes looking at it.''

He acknowledged it isn't just Hobbs who needs to be convinced to support the funding.
Scene of the fatal accident on the Da NangQuang Ngai expressway that left four people dead. Photo: N.X

After a particularly serious accident on the Da NangQuang Ngai expressway that claimed four lives, the Ministry of Construction has directed a comprehensive review and immediate remediation of safety issues across Vietnams expressway and national highway systems.

The move follows Official Telegram No. 238/CD-TTg issued by the Prime Minister.

The Ministry has sent formal requests to provincial and municipal People's Committees, as well as to the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam, to begin implementing enhanced measures to ensure traffic order and safety.

The Directorate has been tasked with reviewing the traffic organization of all expressways - including those developed through public-private partnerships (PPP) - as well as all national highways.

The review will focus on road signage, lane markings, reflective devices, entry/exit points, and emergency stop zones.

Authorities have been instructed to increase warnings at locations with limited visibility or high accident risk, especially in nighttime conditions. A list of problematic points, along with prioritized repair proposals, must be submitted to the Ministry of Construction by December 31, 2025.

Regarding local roads, provincial governments are expected to reevaluate their traffic flow plans, add safety warnings, and promptly fix any high-risk areas.

In parallel, the Ministry has directed all provinces and cities to tighten control over commercial transport activities, particularly for nighttime buses, cargo trucks, and high-capacity passenger vehicles.

Use of vehicle tracking data and surveillance cameras must be intensified to detect and handle violations. All results must be reported by March 31, 2026.

In the case of the Da NangQuang Ngai expressway specifically, the Directorate for Roads has instructed the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) to urgently address infrastructure deficiencies.

VEC is required to transfer signal light operations at the Tuy Loan interchange to the traffic police, while coordinating with Road Management Zone III and the Da Nang Department of Construction to re-evaluate the signaling system.

VEC must also completely fix subsidence at culvert entries and repair damaged road sections.

To deal with glare caused by oncoming vehicle lights, the agency must work with traffic police to inspect the site and apply technical solutions if needed.

At the Ha Lam interchange, VEC must reassess and adjust maximum speed limits on the ramp sections.

Vu Diep
Police in Khanh Hoa province have uncovered a high-value smuggling case involving 24 gold bars and 32 iPhones concealed in the checked luggage of two female passengers who failed to declare them upon entering Vietnam.

The contraband gold and iPhones were discovered at Cam Ranh International Airport. Photo: CACC

On December 17, the Economic Police Department of Khanh Hoa Provincial Police confirmed the incident and stated that it is completing the case file for legal proceedings against the two women involved.

The suspects have been identified as N.T.N.N, 65, and L.T.T.A, 37, both residents of Phong Thanh commune in Ca Mau province.

Undeclared goods valued at over $100,000

The discovery took place on the afternoon of December 9 at Cam Ranh International Airport. Police from the economic unit, in coordination with airport security and border police, inspected the checked luggage of the two women.

Inside, they found 24 gold bars stamped 9999 - equivalent to 24 taels (approximately 900 grams) - and 32 iPhones.

During questioning, the women admitted they had purchased the gold and smartphones in South Korea for a total of about 2.5 billion VND (approximately $102,000). Their intention was to transport the goods to Hanoi for resale at a profit.

However, they failed to declare the goods as required by customs law upon re-entering Vietnam.

Authorities have temporarily seized all the items as evidence. The case is under further investigation, with legal action pending based on Vietnamese customs and criminal laws related to smuggling and undeclared imports.

Xuan Ngoc
With Christmas around the corner, the usually tranquil workshops of Xuan Hung commune in Ninh Binh have turned into bustling hubs of activity. Orders for Catholic ceremonial garments have surged, prompting workers to operate in day-and-night shifts to meet seasonal demand.

A tradition of craftsmanship and faith

Long known as a center of Catholic tradition in Vietnam - with hundreds of churches dotting the former Nam Dinh province - this area is also renowned for its specialized craft: producing religious garments and ceremonial items.

Each year during the Christmas season, activity in vestment-making workshops in Tra Lu village (now part of Xuan Hung commune) reaches a fever pitch. Orders rise steeply, requiring maximum output from local artisans to meet deadlines.

At the workshop of Nguyen Thi Liens family, over 20 skilled workers are working tirelessly in shifts to complete the flood of Christmas orders.

Lien shared that vestment making has been a traditional craft in the commune for generations. She represents the fourth generation in her family to carry on the trade.

Her workshop produces a variety of items, including ceremonial robes and liturgical attire for priests, deacons, and monks, as well as choir and Catholic society garments. Most items are crafted from brocade or silk, with prices ranging from 500,000 to 5 million VND (approximately 20 to 205 USD) depending on fabric and complexity.

On average, the workshop ships about 3,000 products per month throughout the year. During the Christmas season, production increases by around 30%, requiring workers to rotate through three shifts covering both day and night.

Precision in every stitch

Skilled seamstresses prepare ceremonial garments for the Christmas season.

According to Lien, crafting a Catholic vestment starts with understanding customer needs to select appropriate materials and colors.

After that, workers cut the fabric, shape the garments, embroider sacred symbols and decorative patterns, and finally assemble the pieces. Every stage requires high skill, meticulous attention to detail, and deep familiarity with religious customs.

Thanks to a focus on quality and technique, her workshop not only supplies the domestic market but also exports to countries like South Korea, the Philippines, and the United States.

Even with a flood of orders, we never chase quantity over quality. We put our hearts into each piece, Lien said.

Artisan pride and generational skill

Final touches are added to a priests vestment before packaging.

Nearby, the workshop of Dinh Minh Long is just as busy. Each worker specializes in a specific task - cutting, sewing, embroidering, ironing, or packing - ensuring a smooth production line that maintains both pace and quality.

Longs workshop employs over 10 highly skilled workers focused on robes, flags, religious artwork, and uniforms for Catholic associations. Since September, orders have surged, leading to frequent overtime and extra shifts to keep up.

Dinh Thi Thuy, born in 1968, has worked in the craft since she was 10. She shared that making Catholic vestments requires harmony in every detail, demanding perseverance and careful needlework from the artisans.

A single hand-embroidered religious scene can take dozens of continuous hours to finish. During peak season, we often work 12-hour days. Its exhausting but fulfilling - this craft has given my family a stable livelihood, she said.

Preserving tradition, creating opportunity

A hand-embroidered religious image may take dozens of hours to complete.

Vu Truong Khanh, Chairman of the Peoples Committee of Xuan Hung commune, noted that the area is home to several long-standing traditional crafts, especially carpentry and lace embroidery.

To preserve and expand these trades while boosting the local economy, the commune has implemented initiatives encouraging residents to maintain their heritage. These include support for product marketing and expanding into markets beyond the province.

In addition, the commune is working to help local lace and embroidery products meet OCOP (One Commune One Product) standards, aiming to increase product value and secure stable employment and income for local residents.

Trong Tung
Mai Hoa graduates as university valedictorian at 38

Among the excellent valedictorians honored by Hanoi in 2025, Mai Hoa (born 1987), valedictorian of Vietnam University of Fine Arts, is a special case. She graduated from university at the age of 38, after 10 years of working without finding her true passion.

In 2005, Hoa studied English Language at Hanoi University. However, she admitted that she chose the major just because she had a slight aptitude for English but had no idea about a career after graduation.

After graduating, she worked as an office employee for seven years, but she said the longer she worked, the more incomplete she felt.

"Honestly, I always longed to work in the field I was best at. I felt I had a slight artistic inclination but wasn't sure what my strength was in," she said.

In 2016, she made a decision to quit her office job, simultaneously trying her hand at business and taking short courses in makeup, photography, and fashion illustration, among others.

During this process, she realized that the core feature of these subjects originated from painting or fine arts. So she decided return to the root - painting and drawing.

Her decision was supported by her husband, who had worked with her for years and understood her strengths, personality, and aspirations.

In 2020, Mai Hoa prepared for the entrance exam to Vietnam University of Fine Arts. She had to study figure drawing, composition, and review literature. Throughout this period, her husband was her emotional support, often cooking her favorite dishes so she could stay healthy and focus on studying.

Thanks to her determination, she was admitted to her dream major. Becoming a student again, surrounded by classmates 15 years younger, did not pressure her. With a mindset of someone who had worked and experienced lifes ups and downs, she found ways to adapt and devoted herself fully to learning.

I studied with a different mindset, knowing what I needed and aiming for a bigger purpose, she said.

The first two years were the hardest because she learned a lot but didnt see immediate results. Sometimes she felt discouraged and wanted to quit. But looking back, she now believes this is a phase everyone in fine arts must go through to find their own path and creative voice.

At the end of her second year, her grades qualified her for the talent class, where she received full tuition and art supplies.

A determined pursuit

During her studies, Hoa worried about her future and whether art could provide a stable living.

Fine arts is a long internal struggle. When painting, you have to set aside financial worries to keep your mind clear, even though life is always full of them. At the same time, you must overcome your own limits and habits. You need strong fundamentals, but in the end, you must go beyond form to create freely, she said.

By her third and fourth years, she gradually adapted to the workload and learning approach, becoming more confident.

But a year later, tragedy struck. Her father passed away just as she was on a four-week field trip in Hue. The shock devastated her, leaving her lost and questioning the meaning of life.

Returning to Hue after three days in Hanoi for the funeral, she stood one morning at Thuan An Port, watching the sunrise and the bustling life around her. At that moment, she felt that the life was truly precious.

From those deep emotions, she created a painting about life at Thuan An Port. Surprisingly, the work was highly praised. It was then she realized the power of ones inner state in artistic creation: when she let go of expectations and worked with a calm, pure mind, the artwork naturally became beautiful without force. This remains her most cherished piece.

After five years of study, Mai Hoa was surprised to learn she had become the schools valedictorian. On the day she was honored at the Temple of Literature, she was overwhelmed with emotion, knowing her efforts were recognized.

But being valedictorian is not the destination. Its just the end of one chapter. Now Im thinking about my next journey, she said.

Hoa is currently seeking a masters scholarship in Europe to deepen her expertise and explore new artistic trends.

Thuy Nga
Chinese dance drama "Wing Chun" kicks off commercial run in Canada

Xinhua) 10:43, December 18, 2025

TORONTO, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- The original Chinese dance drama "Wing Chun" made its debut here on Tuesday evening, launching a commercial run that marks another highlight in cultural exchanges between China and Canada.

Chinese Consul General in Toronto Luo Weidong noted in his opening remarks that "over the 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, cultural exchanges have always been a vital link in bilateral relations."

He expressed hope that the performance would allow Toronto audiences to experience the essence of Chinese culture and inject new vitality into Canada's multicultural landscape.

Clyde Wagner, president and CEO of TO Live, the organization managing the venue, said he was inspired to bring the show to Canada after enjoying it in China.

"I happen to be invited to see this work in China and when I sat there, I was just blown away," Wagner told Xinhua. Describing it as a "spectacular piece of work" with "great heart," he said: "I really wanted other people to see it."

Frank Scarpitti, mayor of Markham, Ontario, praised the production's quality and way of storytelling.

"It tells the history and the incredible impact that (martial arts) had, not only in moviemaking, but obviously in Chinese culture," Scarpitti said. "It's very moving. I am really honored to be here to be celebrating such an iconic production."

Toronto and Shenzhen established friendly exchange city relations in 2016. However, the connection via Wing Chun dates back further, with the martial art gaining popularity in Canada through the disciples of Yip Man, a former Chinese Wing Chun master, as early as the 1970s.

The Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theater, Wing Chun's producer, is scheduled to stage 20 performances from Dec. 16, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026.

Since its premiere in Shenzhen in Southern China in 2022, the "Wing Chun" cast has presented nearly 300 performances globally, including stops in Beijing, Singapore, London, Paris and Moscow, earning international acclaim for its artistic innovation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Dr. Kim Shaffer Kirkman is honored as an Inner Circle Lifetime for her contributions to Leadership in Hospice and Community Care.

Dr. Kim Shaffer Kirkman

Dr. Kim Shaffer Kirkman is celebrated for her exemplary leadership in hospice care and her commitment to serving rural communities across Arkansas. As an executive leader within the largest nonprofit hospice organization in the state, she oversees key programs that support palliative care patients, guides fundraising initiatives, directs staff, and produces a weekly newsletter that keeps her teams connected and informed. Her work aligns deeply with the mission of compassionate care, ensuring patients and families receive comfort, dignity, and support during life's most challenging moments.

Dr. Kirkman earned an EdD in Higher Education from Harding University in 2022. Her academic achievements and passion for mentorship have played a central role in her professional journey. She is an active member of AFP and volunteers regularly through her church. She also serves as an officer in Rotary, reflecting her unwavering dedication to service and community engagement.

Her career accomplishments are numerous, yet Dr. Kirkman considers her greatest personal achievements to be her family,

including her four children and seven grandchildren. She is also a published author, having completed a dissertation on mentorship and written a book titled The Simple Secret. Additionally, she has been featured in Arkansas Business for her contributions to the field.

Dr. Kirkman has been honored with selection into the Alpha Kai Honor Society as a doctoral student and recognized by the ODK Leadership Society for her outstanding leadership. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys spending quality time with her grandchildren, the two oldest of whom are three years old. She also finds joy in bike riding, hiking, and outdoor activities with her husband.

Looking ahead, Dr. Kirkman has set her sights on continued growth in volunteerism, mentorship, and community involvement. Her goals include expanding her work with the ASU College of Business, Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, and developing 100 Apps. She attributes her success to embracing opportunities that allowed her to grow her career in a relatively short period, and she remains committed to fostering meaningful impact through both professional and civic service.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
On the morning of December 18, the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) held a briefing to update on the Ben ThanhSuoi Tien metro lines performance after its first year of operation and to share plans for upcoming urban railway projects.

Phan Cong Bang, Head of HCMC Urban Railways Management Board, provides an update on the Ben ThanhTham Luong metro line.

According to Phan Cong Bang, Head of MAUR, all land clearance, compensation, and support work for Metro Line 2 has now been completed. The relocation of technical infrastructure is expected to wrap up by early 2026, paving the way for groundbreaking on January 15.

The Ben ThanhTham Luong line will span 11.269 km, with 9.255 km underground and 0.846 km elevated. The line will include 10 underground stations, one elevated station, and a depot, funded by the citys budget.

This is the citys first key project to apply special mechanisms and policies under Resolution No. 188. With a large-scale, technically complex design running through high-density urban areas, the project has received technology plan approval from the municipal government, and the Ministry of Construction has been asked to review and standardize technical regulations, Bang noted.

The project will feature full automation at Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) - meaning trains will operate entirely without drivers or onboard staff. The chosen technology will comply with European standards, incorporate advanced solutions, and align with Vietnams applicable norms.

Once completed, Metro Line 2 will serve as a backbone connecting downtown HCMC with the citys northwest. It will meet passenger transport demands along the eastwest corridor spanning Ben Thanh, Cach Mang Thang Tam, Truong Chinh, and Tham Luong.

The project is also expected to enhance integration with the citys broader urban rail network, reduce traffic congestion, improve environmental conditions, and raise the quality of urban life.

Metro Line 1 reaches nearly 19 million passengers in one year

Nearly 19 million passengers rode the Ben ThanhSuoi Tien metro line in its first year.

According to HCMC Urban Railway Company (HURC), from December 22, 2024, to December 15, 2025, the Ben ThanhSuoi Tien metro line ran over 78,000 trains and served nearly 19 million passengers. On average, the line handled over 1.5 million riders monthly and 52,000 daily - spiking to 110,000 during holidays.

To accommodate rising demand during Christmas and New Years, HURC will increase service frequency and extend operating hours. On December 24 and 31, trains will run from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., increasing from 243 to 264 daily trips.

On January 1, 2026, 276 trips are scheduled. Additionally, to support travel after the fireworks display, 20 late-night trains will run from 12:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., followed by 256 more trips from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Tuan Kiet
Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung reaffirmed the vital role of religious communities in Vietnams development during his visits to the Archdiocese of Hanoi and the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) on December 17 to extend Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 greetings.

Joining him were Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung, leaders from the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, various departments under the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, and representatives of the Hanoi Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

At both locations, the Minister conveyed his warm Christmas wishes to bishops, pastors, clergy, deacons, followers, and religious communities. He expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of the Hanoi Archdiocese and the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) to the countrys development.

Faith communities standing beside national progress

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung and the Ministry delegation visit and extend Christmas and New Year wishes 2026 to the Archdiocese of Hanoi.

At the Archdiocese of Hanoi, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung extended his greetings to Archbishop Vu Van Thien and the broader Catholic community. He also briefed the religious leaders on the nations socioeconomic achievements in 2025 and throughout the 20212025 period.

He noted that the country had overcome unprecedented challenges at the start of the term - such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and global trade tensions - thanks to strong leadership from the Party, decisive governance, and unity among the people.

Sharing his experiences at global conferences like the G7 and G20, the Minister acknowledged the growing hardship worldwide, including a sharp increase in extreme poverty compared to pre-2019. In this context, Vietnams progress is especially commendable.

GDP growth in 2025 reached around 8%, with an average of 6.3% over five years. Per capita income hit 5,000 USD. Our happiness index rose by 37 ranks globally, and the Vietnamese economy is now the 32nd largest in the world. These are solid foundations to aim for double-digit growth in the near future, he stated.

The Minister emphasized that religious groups significantly contributed to these achievements, particularly through poverty alleviation and social welfare initiatives. Thanks to improved cooperation between authorities and religious institutions, believers now enjoy better living conditions and increased opportunities to support community work.

Archbishop Vu Van Thien, on behalf of clergy and followers, thanked the government for its ongoing care and support, especially during the Christmas and New Year seasons.

He shared updates on the Hanoi Archdioceses activities over the past year, including priestly ordinations, infrastructure development, and church construction - all of which were supported by local authorities. Priests and religious workers are fulfilling their responsibilities in alignment with Church doctrine while contributing to national development.

Evangelical Churchs role praised in charity and national efforts

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung and the delegation visit and extend holiday wishes to the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North).

On the same day, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung also visited the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North), where he extended heartfelt holiday wishes to Pastor Bui Van San, Head of the Church, and to pastors, deacons, evangelists, and faithful followers.

He acknowledged the Churchs consistent efforts over the years and praised its leaders for encouraging believers to live the gospel in the heart of the nation, blending spiritual service with civic duty.

In humanitarian fields - from blood and tissue donation to disaster relief - your support has been outstanding. During the recent Yagi typhoon that struck many northern provinces, your community raised nearly 11 billion VND (around 451,000 USD) through the Vietnam Fatherland Front to support affected residents. This reflects your deep compassion and civic spirit, the Minister emphasized.

He noted the growing legal awareness among Evangelical believers and their active engagement in improving both material and spiritual life, not only for their families but also for society.

Religious institutions like the Evangelical Church have supported national policies, particularly poverty reduction, rural development, and programs aimed at ethnic minorities and remote regions, he added.

Pastor Bui Van San expressed sincere gratitude for the governments support, especially from Minister Dao Ngoc Dung. He highlighted the Churchs century-long presence in Vietnam and its official legal recognition since 1958. Throughout its history, the Evangelical Church has consistently walked alongside the nation and its people.

Proud of the countrys recent economic, social, and diplomatic achievements, Pastor Bui Van San pledged to continue guiding believers to embrace national solidarity and contribute more actively to Vietnams development.

Ongoing efforts to improve religious policy and legal framework

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung shares national socioeconomic achievements from 20212025 with Archbishop Vu Van Thien.

During the visits, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung also listened to and acknowledged feedback from religious organizations, reaffirming the governments commitment to ensuring stable, lawful, and effective religious activities under national laws and religious charters.

Pastor Bui Van San noted that while the Church still faces challenges, it continues to receive significant support from central and local authorities. This has allowed religious practices to remain largely stable, especially in Hanoi.

He shared that the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) now comprises about 1,400 congregations and gatherings, 900 clergy members, and around 240,000 followers. More than 90% of these are ethnic minorities, particularly Hmong, followed by Dao, Kinh, and others - many living in geographically remote and difficult-to-access areas.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung reaffirmed the consistent policy of the Party and State to respect religious freedom and belief. He noted improved awareness among authorities and society about religious rights, especially since the passage of the Law on Belief and Religion. Under Party leadership and government management, legal enforcement has become more effective and uniform.

He added that the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs is working with relevant agencies to revise the Law on Belief and Religion, aiming to create the most favorable legal environment for religious organizations to operate lawfully and in harmony with their respective charters.

In drafting and revising religious policies, input from religious leaders and organizations is crucial. We value the voices of priests, pastors, and religious dignitaries in helping to refine institutional frameworks and build a legal corridor that supports faith-based activities, he concluded.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung in discussion with Pastor Bui Van San, Head of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North).

Some photos of Minister Dao Ngoc Dung and the delegation during their Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 visits:

The delegation presents flowers and takes commemorative photos with the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North).

The delegation presents flowers and takes photos with representatives of the Archdiocese of Hanoi.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung offers gifts to Archbishop Vu Van Thien for Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung warmly greets representatives of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North).

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung sends Christmas and New Year wishes to Evangelical clergy and followers.

Director of Hanois Ethnic and Religious Affairs Office, Nguyen Sy Truong, presents gifts to Pastor Bui Van San.
As Christmas 2025 approaches, Catholic communities in Ninh Binh province - once part of old Nam Dinh - are busy finalizing their vibrant and elaborate decorations, from Christmas trees to nativity grottoes and miniature displays.

Formerly part of Nam Dinh province, Ninh Binh is home to hundreds of churches, large and small, with distinctive architecture. Each Christmas season, these churches are lit up in full splendor, drawing crowds of worshippers and visitors alike.

At Xuong Dien Parish in Hai Tien commune, the festive atmosphere has already spread far and wide. All roads leading to the church and its courtyard have been cleaned and beautifully decorated.

Vu Duc Tiem, a former lay leader of the Saint Peter congregation under Xuong Dien Parish, shared that the parish consists of three congregations and four religious communities, with around 800 households.

Each year, when Christmas comes, parishioners set aside daily concerns to adorn their homes, alleys, and church with meticulous care - crafting detailed nativity scenes in celebration of Christs birth.

According to Mr. Tiem, constructing a nativity grotto requires significant time and effort. Preparations for this years Christmas began two months ago. Parishioners collected tens of thousands of used sacks, along with bamboo, luong (a local type of grass), and colorful lights to build the grotto.

Today, most of the decoration at Xuong Dien Parish has been completed, with final touches underway.

Starting early allowed parishioners and visitors more time to enjoy the festive displays and immerse themselves in the joyful atmosphere.

The nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem has been vividly recreated, surrounded by carefully crafted details that create a warm, vibrant space ready for Christmas Eve.

At Dong Cat Parish in Hai Quang commune - formerly part of Nam Dinh - the celebration holds even greater significance this year. This marks the first Christmas since the congregation was officially elevated to a full parish.

Vu Van Duong, chief lay leader of Dong Cat Parish, said that becoming a parish has energized the local Catholic community. Religious and community activities have become more vibrant. When the call went out to begin work on the nativity grotto, many parishioners eagerly joined in.

The highlight of Dong Cats church courtyard is a 15-meter-high, 30-meter-wide nativity grotto made entirely from recycled sacks, bamboo, and luong.

The construction process begins with building a framework from bamboo and luong. The rocky surface is created by flattening and stitching together used sacks into large sheets, then lightly burning them to create a rough texture. These are then sewn into shapes resembling stone slabs.

These "stones" are attached to the framework, sprayed with paint to mimic natural rock, and fitted with decorative lighting systems to complete the structure.

Dinh Xuan Thanh, a former lay leader of the Saint Peter congregation under Dong Cat Parish, said parishioners began preparing materials over a month ago.

Once everything was ready, about 3040 people worked daily over the past four days to build the display.

According to Mr. Thanh, constructing the grotto required approximately 3,500 sacks, over 100 bamboo and luong poles, and various supporting materials such as steel wire and ropes. Once assembled, the grotto is adorned with multicolored LED lights to enhance its visual appeal.

At the Phu Nhai Basilica in Xuan Hung commune, Ninh Binh, Christmas preparations are also in full swing, with large-scale decorations and carefully designed elements throughout the church grounds.

Le Minh Duc, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in Xuan Hung, said that each year, during the Christmas season, the committee works with local authorities to organize visits to the parish priest, church council, and local Catholic families.

Additionally, the commune provides support and gifts to Catholic families in difficult circumstances. To ensure a safe and peaceful holiday, the Fatherland Front also collaborates with the local police to maintain public order and security during the festive period.

The old Nam Dinh region (now part of Ninh Binh) is home to hundreds of churches, each uniquely decorated for Christmas.

At Xuong Dien Parish, the festive atmosphere has already taken over roads and church grounds.

A vivid recreation of the Nativity scene at the Bethlehem grotto.

Each display is carefully detailed to create a warm, joyful Christmas setting.

Dong Cat Parish features a 15-meter-high, 30-meter-wide grotto made from recycled sacks and bamboo.

The rock-like surfaces are crafted from flattened, burnt sacks stitched together and painted.

Each step, from framework to lighting, is executed by parishioners working together.

Christmas preparations at Phu Nhai Basilica in Xuan Hung commune are elaborate and large-scale.

Trong Tung
The new investment is valued at approximately 28.5 billion KRW (19.2 million USD), part of which will be funded through the sale of treasury shares. LS Eco Energy plans to raise around 10.7 billion KRW by selling 297,303 treasury shares to its largest shareholder, LS Cable & System. The company aims to create an integrated value chain, including raw materials, rare earth oxides, and refined metals.



According to the plan, rare earth oxides supplied by global mining companies will be processed into metals at LS Eco Energys facilities in Vietnam, with downstream applications such as permanent magnets being produced through LS Cable & System's overseas operations.



LS Eco Energy intends to establish a rare earth metal refinery at LS Cable & System's branch in Ho Chi Minh City (LSCV), where it will refine rare earth oxides sourced from mining companies to produce rare earth metals. The company is currently in negotiations with several global mining firms to supply rare earths and establish a joint venture (JV). The final investment amount may be adjusted based on the JV's equity ratio and the progress of the business.



Rare earth metals are crucial for manufacturing permanent magnets used in the motors of robots, wind turbines, and electric vehicles.



According to LS Eco Energy CEO Lee Sang Ho, the decision to expand investment in Vietnam represents an opportunity to transition the rare earth project into the investment and construction phase. The company will officially expand its business from the current focus on cables to the core strategic materials sector./. VNA
While strolling the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Canadian traveler Chase Matheson unexpectedly came across a dessert that both surprised and delighted him with its flavor and price - just 15,000 VND (around 0.60 USD) per cup.

Chase recently traveled to Vietnam, choosing Ho Chi Minh City as a major stop on his journey. There, he immersed himself in the rich world of Vietnamese street food.

Chase enjoys tao pho - a classic Vietnamese street food dessert.

Among the many dishes he sampled, one left a particularly deep impression: tao pho - also known regionally as tau pha, dau hu, or tau hu tau pho.

Tao pho is made from finely ground soybeans, filtered more thoroughly than regular tofu, then boiled. After cooling, a setting agent such as glucono delta-lactone or gelatin is added to form the smooth curd.

Depending on the region, tao pho can be served with jasmine-infused sugar syrup or topped with thin slices of ginger. In Ho Chi Minh City, the dessert is often made thicker and creamier and is usually enjoyed with coconut milk.

It can be served hot or cold and is most commonly sold by street vendors. Using a spoon, a seashell, or even the edge of a cut beer can, the vendor skillfully scoops silky layers of the tofu into a cup or bowl before pouring sweet syrup on top.

Chase discovered this dessert while exploring a small alley in Thanh My Tay Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

Drawn by its appearance, he decided to try a cup. After taking his first spoonful, he described the taste as warm, sweet, and pleasantly soothing.

It tastes like its made from soybeans, he said. He kept eating, surprised by how the tofu melted in his mouth and harmonized perfectly with the gentle sweetness of the syrup and the slight heat of ginger.

This is amazing. It feels so comforting - its warming my throat, Chase exclaimed.

He added that the appearance of the dessert was just as appealing as the flavor. The amber-colored syrup and golden ginger slices added to its visual allure.

This isnt something you wake up thinking youll eat, Chase reflected. But if you happen to find it and give it a try, youll be stunned to realize its absolutely perfect.

He went on to say that tao pho is not only delicious but also filling, despite its light appearance.

In a video shared on his personal YouTube channel, Chase described the dessert as a must-try street food experience when visiting Ho Chi Minh City.

During his time in Vietnam, Chase also explored various other street foods including mixed pho, grass jelly dessert, coconut cakes, avocado smoothies, pork rib congee, and salted coffee.

He noted that all the dishes had distinctive flavors and were reasonably priced - from just a few thousand VND up to several tens of thousands (roughly between $0.20 and $2.00 per dish).

Tao pho is commonly sold by street vendors and tastes great whether hot or cold.

The Canadian tourist praises the silky texture of tao pho and says the ginger makes it perfect when you have a sore throat.

Chase calls tao pho one of the must-try street foods in Ho Chi Minh City.

Photo: Chase Matheson

Thao Trinh
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Construction on December 15 noon issued an official dispatch to the three domestic airlines, requesting them to operate official flights to this mega project, currently in the final stretches to the finishing line.



The national carrier Vietnam Airlines will operate a Boeing 787 flight departing from Hanoi at 6:15am, carrying delegates and senior Party and State leaders, and landing at Long Thanh at 8:00am.



Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways will use A320/A321 aircraft on flights departing Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City at 8:00am and landing at Long Thanh at 8:40 am, carrying flight crews and technical staff.



The aviation administration also requested the airlines to proactively coordinate with Long Thanh International Airport to prepare operating conditions for the airside system in line with airline requirements. At the same time, they are to prepare aircraft, flight crews and necessary technical personnel as required.



Previously, during an inspection of Long Thanh Airport on December 14, leaders of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) reported to the Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh that Vietnam Airlines would operate the first technical flight at Long Thanh International Airport on December 15.



Regarding the projects progress, sub-project 1 (headquarters of management agencies) is under construction and on track to be completed before December 19. For sub-project 2 (air traffic management facilities), the air traffic control tower is being completed and equipment installed to serve technical flights, in line with the overall project schedule.



Sub-project 3 (construction of essential airport facilities) comprises 15 contract packages, of which three have been completed, while 12 are currently under construction.



In addition to runway No. 1 and two connecting transport routes, other components, including the passenger terminal, taxiways, aprons and runway No. 2, are being implemented in parallel and are expected to be basically completed before December 19. This will ensure conditions for technical flights and enable commercial operations to begin in the first half of 2026.



For sub-project 4 (construction of other supporting facilities), priority projects serving phase 1 operations are being actively implemented by investors, with efforts to basically complete construction before December 19, ensuring synchronised operations in line with the overall project schedule./.VNA
Vietnam Airlines on December 16 officially launched its first direct flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen, marking the first-ever nonstop air link between Vietnam and Northern Europe.



The new route represents a significant step in the national flag carriers European network expansion strategy for the 20252030 period, responding to rising demand for travel, business, trade and family visits between Vietnam and the Nordic region.



The inaugural flight, VN39, departed Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 22.45 on December 15 and landed safely at Copenhagen Airport after more than 12 hours of flight time, carrying over 200 passengers aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. On the return leg, flight VN38 departed Copenhagen at 22.50 local time on December 16 and arrived in HCM City later the same day, serving more than 300 passengers.



The HCM CityCopenhagen service will operate three times a week. Flights depart HCM City on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, while return flights leave Copenhagen on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings.



The new route is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Vietnam and Denmark, while better serving the Vietnamese community in Northern Europe, estimated at around 70,000 people. It is also anticipated to support the continued growth of Nordic visitors to Vietnam, which has increased steadily in recent years.



Dang Anh Tuan, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, said Copenhagen is a key market in the airlines European expansion strategy.



The direct service substantially shortens travel time between Vietnam and Denmark, enhances Vietnam Airlines competitiveness, and opens up new opportunities for tourism, trade and people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and Northern Europe, Tuan said.



This direct connectivity brings tangible benefits to passengers, businesses and the Vietnamese community in the region.



Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is consistently ranked among the worlds most liveable cities and serves as a major transport hub for Scandinavia. From Copenhagen Airport, passengers can easily connect to destinations across Sweden, Norway and Finland through a modern transport infrastructure and extensive regional network.



As a result, the new route not only meets travel demand to Denmark but also provides faster and more convenient access to the wider Nordic region, compared to previous itineraries requiring transit through other hubs.



The Nordic market is regarded as particularly promising, especially during the winter season, when travellers from Northern Europe seek warmer destinations such as Vietnam. With the launch of the Copenhagen route, Vietnam Airlines becomes one of the few Southeast Asian carriers offering direct services to Northern Europe.



The new service further strengthens the airlines European network, which already includes Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, London, Milan and Moscow.



The HCM CityCopenhagen route also marks a notable milestone in Vietnam Airlines 30-year development journey, underscoring its commitment to expanding intercontinental connectivity, reinforcing the role of the national flag carrier, and promoting Vietnams image, culture and people to the world./. VNA
Despite navigating major challenges - from pandemics and climate disruptions to institutional reforms - Vietnam has officially reached 3,000 kilometers of expressways, marking an unprecedented leap in national infrastructure after more than 20 years of development.

On December 17, during the forum Momentum from 3,000km of expressways, Deputy Minister of Construction Le Anh Tuan reflected on Vietnams journey in transportation infrastructure. He cited the Phap Van  Cau Gie route as the cornerstone that laid the foundation for modern expressway thinking.

From a single route to a mindset revolution

The Quang Ngai  Hoai Nhon expressway will open to traffic on December 19. Photo: Bao Kien

Opened in 2002 with just over 30 kilometers in length, the Phap Van  Cau Gie expressway came into existence at a time when Vietnam had little experience with expressway construction or management. At the time, technical standards and investment models were still under debate, and the concept of a highway was relatively unfamiliar.

According to Deputy Minister Tuan, while the route did not fully meet todays standards, its most valuable contribution was in changing the mindset around infrastructure. It proved the effectiveness of traffic separation, reduced travel time, and helped ease the load on National Highway 1A.

The experience of Phap Van  Cau Gie provided critical lessons for later projects, from technical criteria and investment models to mobilizing social capital.

Over the next two decades, progress remained slow. By early 2021, Vietnam had only about 1,200km of expressways, with limited connectivity. The turning point came when infrastructure was identified as one of three national strategic breakthroughs.

The National Assembly and Government launched a series of special mechanisms, streamlined investment procedures, delegated authority, and addressed bottlenecks in capital, materials, and land clearance.

The biggest hurdle wasnt capital or engineering - it was mindset and policy, Tuan emphasized. Once those were resolved, project implementation speeds changed dramatically.

Overcoming unprecedented challenges

The period from 2021 to 2023 proved to be the toughest test. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and forced many construction sites into on-site quarantine operations. Prolonged storms caused delays, while material shortages and price fluctuations complicated logistics.

Despite this, decisive government leadership and public cooperation in land clearance created a powerful push. Numerous projects had to be built around the clock, enduring five to six rainy seasons to meet schedule targets.

By the end of 2025, over 3,000km of expressways will be operational. A wave of major projects - ring roads around Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Trung Luong  My Thuan  Can Tho, Khanh Hoa  Buon Ma Thuot, Tuyen Quang  Ha Giang - have formed an interconnected national network.

According to Deputy Minister Tuan, the value of reaching 3,000km lies not just in the distance, but in a revolution in infrastructure thinking - where speed, discipline, and efficiency have become the new national standards.

Despite the achievement, the road ahead remains demanding. Vietnam aims to complete 5,000km of expressways by 2030. That means the workload over the next five years will be nearly equal to everything done in the last two decades combined.

Vu Diep
According to the General Department of Customs, Vietnams produce exports to China experienced five consecutive months of negative growth compared to the same period in 2024. Specifically, January saw a 43.1% drop, February fell 32.1%, and March, April, and May declined by 16.7%, 35.5%, and 39.7% respectively.

By the end of May 2025, total fruit and vegetable exports to China amounted to just $1.1 billion, a sharp 35.3% decline year-on-year. At that point, China accounted for only 47.8% of Vietnams total fruit and vegetable export turnover.

Earlier in the year, several Vietnamese exporters temporarily halted durian shipments to China to rework supply chains and meet stricter requirements around cadmium and yellow O contamination.

However, starting in June, exports to China began to rebound as Vietnamese authorities resolved several technical trade barriers. The signing of new export protocols also facilitated increased shipments of bananas, coconuts, passion fruit, and other produce to China.

Still, the growth from June through August could not fully offset losses from the years first five months.

September marked a turning point. Fruit and vegetable exports to China surged to nearly $1.07 billion that month alone, sparking a strong recovery industry-wide. Thanks to this momentum, cumulative export growth for the first nine months of 2025 shifted from negative to positive, posting a 1.6% increase.

Exports continued to accelerate in October and November. In October, shipments to China reached $665.6 million - double the figure from October 2024. November also posted a nearly 93% increase, totaling $455 million.

By the end of November, produce exports to China had hit $4.98 billion, already exceeding 2024s full-year record. This performance significantly contributed to Vietnams all-time high of $7.8 billion in total produce exports - with December still to be counted.

Industry forecasts suggest that total fruit and vegetable exports to China may reach $5.5 billion for the year.

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), China remains a highly promising market due to Vietnams geographic proximity and integrated logistics network via land, rail, and sea - helping reduce both costs and delivery times.

In recent years, multiple official export protocols for Vietnamese produce to China have been signed, opening new market opportunities for local businesses.

If these opportunities are fully leveraged, Vietnam could realistically target $8 to $10 billion in annual produce exports to China in the coming years. However, Vinafruit leaders warn that China maintains strict standards on traceability, quality control, and packaging - forcing Vietnamese enterprises to continuously improve operations to maintain their competitive edge.

Tam An
The strategy aims to build a high-quality Vietnamese intellectual workforce with a rational structure, identified as a core driving force for the rapid development of modern productive forces, as well as a leading force in digital transformation, innovation and international integration. The workforce plays a pivotal role in helping Vietnam achieve the goal of becoming a developing country with a modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed, high-income nation by 2045, while contributing to the settlement of regional and global challenges.

By 2030, the strategy should serve to develop the intellectual workforce in both scale and quality, with priority given to highly qualified experts in key and strategic fields. Balanced development across sectors and regions, including remote and disadvantaged areas, is emphasised, in close alignment with the 20212030 Socio-Economic Development Strategy and relevant sectoral and local strategies.

Key targets for 2030 include increasing the number of full-time personnel engaged in scientific research, technological development and innovation to 12 per 10,000 people, establishing this group as an important and productive force. At least 35% of learners are expected to pursue basic sciences, engineering and technology, while intellectual labour in high-tech and strategic industries is projected to account for 25% of the workforce. The strategy also sets a minimum target of 40% participation by women and people from minority groups in research, teaching, leadership and management positions in science, technology and innovation.

The strategy also seeks to attract 1,000 outstanding overseas Vietnamese intellectuals to engage in academic exchange, research cooperation, training and technology transfer through flexible working arrangements, while building specialised expert networks by priority fields. In the public sector, at least half of intellectuals under 45 years old are to receive advanced training in professional, managerial and leadership capacities.

By 2045, Vietnam aims to develop a strong, high-quality, and well-structured intellectual workforce that ranks among the leading groups in the region and approaches the level of developed countries. This workforce is expected to pioneer in digital transformation, innovation and international integration, serving as a decisive driver of Vietnams development into a high-income country and contributing to global progress and civilisation. A national intellectual ecosystem is envisioned, closely linking the public and private sectors, as well as the domestic and overseas Vietnamese intellectual communities.

The strategy identifies major solutions, including institutional reform and governance, human resource development and ecosystem building, policies to attract, utilise, reward and honour intellectuals, globalisation of intellectual resources, and mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of intellectual workforce development.

The decision also assigns specific responsibilities to ministries, sectors, localities and relevant agencies to ensure effective implementation of the strategy./. VNA
New Agreements Ensure Stability and Fair Compensation for Dairy Workers

BLAINE, Minn., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 100 Teamsters at Foremost Farms' Richland Center and Lancaster facilities in Wisconsin have overwhelmingly voted to ratify strong four-year agreements. The workers, represented by Teamsters Local 120, perform essential roles in production, sanitation, warehousing, maintenance, and logistics at two facilities critical to Wisconsin's dairy supply chain.

Under the new contracts, workers will receive wage increases of more than 20 percent over four years, higher night shift premiums and boot allowances, improved health care, expanded benefits, and a new pay structure that recognizes maintenance skills and certifications.

"I want to thank our bargaining team and the members at Richland Center and Lancaster for standing together and fighting for what they deserve," said Shaun Mullikin, Business Agent with Local 120. "We made it clear we were prepared to strike if the company didn't step up. That unity and determination delivered contracts that will strengthen jobs, benefits, and families."

Workers pushed for strong protections amid ongoing uncertainty around plant ownership and long-term job security. As part of the agreements, members secured strong successor language to ensure jobs, wages, and benefits are protected if the facilities are sold to another company.

"These contracts aren't just pieces of paper, they give our families real security," said Andrew Radtke, a Local 120 member at Foremost Farms. "They protect our jobs, our health care, and our livelihoods for years to come. After months of uncertainty, it feels good to know our hard work is finally recognized and valued."

Teamsters Local 120 proudly represents over 15,000 workers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. For more information, go to local120.org.

Contact:

Lena Melentijevic, (347) 208-2279

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 120
Vietnams commitment to fostering ethical, transparent, and human-centered artificial intelligence was reinforced with the introduction of its AI Law, a move that balances bold innovation with thoughtful regulation.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Duc Long and delegates explore solutions for a trusted digital space at Vietnam Internet Day 2025.

At the 13th annual Vietnam Internet Day held on December 17 in Hanoi, the events theme Building a trusted digital space reflected the countrys growing emphasis on digital responsibility. Co-organized by the Vietnam Internet Association (VIA), the Vietnam Internet Center (VNNIC) under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), and various tech enterprises, the event served as a trusted and evolving platform to shape Vietnams internet development.

In his opening remarks, VIA President Vu Hoang Lien explained the rationale behind this years theme. While the digital revolution offers unprecedented opportunities, he warned of its darker sides.

The line between real and fake has never been thinner, he said. AI and deepfake technologies - despite being technological milestones - are increasingly exploited for psychological manipulation and profit.

When users hesitate to click out of fear of deception, or when businesses hold back on digital transformation for fear of data breaches, the goal of a digital economy contributing 30% of GDP by 2030, along with double-digit growth, becomes distant, he warned.

Making the internet safer, he continued, must become a shared pledge by the entire Vietnamese digital community - to build an online space that is not only smarter but also kinder, more humane, and more trustworthy.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Duc Long echoed these concerns, noting that the internet has become inseparable from Vietnams socio-economic fabric. The future development path must prioritize safety, humanity, and reliability, he said, with trust as the foundation, innovation as the driving force, and digital infrastructure as the backbone.

According to him, the internet is now the hub where science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation converge and create real value.

A sustainably developed internet must first and foremost be an internet of trust, Deputy Minister Long emphasized. That trust must exist between individuals in the digital environment, and also toward the broader digital ecosystem, where platforms, technologies, data, and communities operate together and generate shared value.

He stressed that such trust is not formed naturally. It must be cultivated through institutional frameworks, social norms, and collective responsibility, led by both the State and the private sector.

Vietnams internet is now evolving from a space previously driven by self-regulation to one governed by clear laws and standards, fitting its growing role in the national economy and society. This approach is already embedded in the Digital Transformation Law, which recognizes the internet as a platform to reorganize government, business, and society toward greater efficiency, safety, and transparency.

According to MoST representatives, the AI Law is a vital foundation for building trust in the next generation of internet technologies.

The internet is also transitioning from a space mainly for information sharing to one that shapes social behavior and decisions. Algorithms, platforms, and AI are now deeply influencing consumption, public opinion, and personal choices.

In this context, Long added, Vietnams AI Law represents our strategic approach: to vigorously promote innovation while managing risks, developing AI that is ethical, transparent, and human-centered. This lays the foundation for building trust in the next generation of internet technologies.

During the plenary session, Nguyen Truong Giang, acting director of VNNIC, reported that Vietnam leads Southeast Asia in IPv6 adoption, with a conversion rate of 67.68%. This paves the way for a new phase in Vietnams digital society and economy, while also creating a safer and more trustworthy online environment.

The year 2025 also marks a breakthrough as VNNIC applies AI to expand its DNS Abuse Mitigation program. This initiative aims to combat domain name abuse and cross-border violations, especially with international domains. It leverages automation for network monitoring and management, while reinforcing the protection of Vietnams internet resources through advanced verification and security technologies.

The internet is a multi-layered ecosystem, VNNIC emphasized. Sustainable safety and trust require synchronized and efficient operation from infrastructure to digital content. This means core infrastructure must be strong, resources must be clean, services must be stable, and content must be credible. Achieving this requires the collective strength of Vietnams entire internet community.

PV
The Ministry of Industry and Trade proposes launching a competitive retail electricity market by 2027. Photo: Hoang Giam

Under a new proposal by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, eligible electricity users in Vietnam will be allowed to select their electricity providers starting in 2027. Prices will be negotiated directly between the customer and the retail electricity unit.

This plan is part of a draft decision by the Prime Minister that outlines the roadmap, principles, and structural reforms needed to develop a competitive electricity market in Vietnam. The draft has been completed by the ministry and is currently under review by the Ministry of Justice.

Three phases of market development

The roadmap identifies three distinct phases of competition:

Phase 1: Competitive power generation market  operational since 2012.

Phase 2: Competitive wholesale electricity market  officially launched in 2019, allowing broader transactions among generators, wholesalers, retailers, and large electricity users.

Phase 3: Competitive retail electricity market  planned to launch in 2027. This phase will operate alongside the wholesale market and expand retail-level competition between electricity users and retail suppliers.

Retail market competition will be introduced progressively, aligning with the country's development stage and electricity trading mechanisms.

Structural and pricing reforms

The proposed model separates state management and commercial operations. Natural monopolies like electricity transmission and distribution will be kept distinct from competitive activities like generation and retail sales.

Electricity transactions in the competitive market will occur via a spot market and bilateral contracts. Spot prices will be announced for each trading cycle by the market operator.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will oversee and regulate the entire market operation.

Details of the retail market model

Retail electricity units - either reorganized from existing power corporations or newly formed - will buy electricity from producers and wholesalers through bilateral contracts or spot markets.

Customers will then have the right to choose a retail supplier. Prices will be agreed upon between the customer and the retail unit, in line with the competitive retail market framework.

If a customer is ineligible or chooses not to participate, they will continue purchasing electricity from the current provider at regulated state-set rates.

Electricity distributors must ensure fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory access to the grid for all retailers and wholesale buyers under their jurisdiction.

Conditions for customer participation in the retail market will be defined by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in accordance with the phased development.

International experience and consumer benefits

The ministry emphasized that successfully restructuring the electricity sector, completing the wholesale market, and reforming retail pricing are key to launching an effective retail electricity market.

Global experiences show that separating natural monopoly segments (transmission, distribution) from competitive segments (buying, selling) reduces monopoly barriers. It enhances competition, transparency, and fairness - laying a foundation for a thriving retail market.

Retail pricing reforms will also eliminate cross-subsidies and introduce regional pricing, allowing retailers to compete and adjust prices based on actual costs. This not only fosters market efficiency but also protects consumers and promotes the power sectors long-term sustainability.

Tam An
Located in the Little Saigon area of San Jose, the restaurant - aptly named Nem Nuong Nha Trang - was recently featured by the San Francisco Chronicle, which described it as a rare find in the Bay Area food scene. The shops signature attraction: house-grilled nem nuong over real charcoal, prepared fresh for every order.

Since opening in April, the restaurants popularity has soared. By November, weekend sales reached more than 1,400 rolls per day, with customers sometimes waiting over an hour to be served.

Each portion, priced at approximately 260,000 VND (about 10.50 USD for three rolls), features thick, juicy pork patties grilled to a golden char, infused with garlic and smokiness.

Wrapped inside are crispy fried rolls and cucumber slices, all bundled in soft rice paper. Its served with a rich orange dipping sauce made from ground pork and annatto seeds, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

A classic recipe with a homemade touch

True to the original Nha Trang recipe, each dish includes grilled pork skewers, fresh herbs, rice paper, and a traditional dipping sauce.

The sauce is what defines the experience. To reach the right harmony of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet, it combines glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, tomatoes, shrimp, lean pork, pureed pork liver, sugar, garlic, and chili.

Charcoal-grilled and hand-rolled, just like home

Nem is grilled directly over charcoal at the restaurants entrance, as captured in San Francisco Chronicle photos. The experience evokes not only authentic flavor but also the street food spirit of Vietnam.

The restaurant was founded by Molly Tran and her son Jack Lam. Jack previously worked with his father at Bo Ne Phu Yen, another Vietnamese restaurant once ranked among the Top 100 restaurants in America.

In 2024, when Molly purchased the building, her original plan was to open another beef-focused eatery. However, she faced difficulties getting permits for a gas kitchen. So, she pivoted - choosing instead to build a menu around charcoal-grilled nem nuong, a dish close to her heart.

For Molly, nem nuong is tied to childhood memories. On visits back to Vietnam, she always sought out this dish at local street vendors. One vendor even shared her recipe, which Molly later refined and introduced to friends and family in the U.S.

From street stall memories to viral restaurant

The restaurants cozy interior features a modern yet inviting dining area with just 16 seats, plus a VIP room.

While several Vietnamese restaurants in San Jose serve nem nuong, very few grill the pork on-site and roll it fresh for each diner. Molly was surprised by the overwhelming customer response - especially from non-Vietnamese patrons, who now make up about 60% of the crowd. Her restaurant has even become a favorite among food content creators on social media.

In addition to nem nuong, the menu includes Laotian-style grilled beef skewers and green papaya salad - dishes Molly also learned from beloved street vendors.

The beef skewers, made from marinated shoulder cuts, are praised for their rich lemongrass aroma, smoky flavor, and tender bite. They sell out nearly every day.

The papaya salad is a flavorful mix built on a trio of fermented sauces: crab paste, fish sauce, and shrimp paste. Guests can choose from three spice levels - mild, medium, and very hot.

The restaurant currently maintains a streamlined menu to ensure quality. Future plans include adding Vietnamese favorites like bo ne (sizzling beef steak), banh mi with xiu mai (meatballs), banh hoi with grilled pork, and various DIY-style rolls.

The star of the menu: Nha Trang-style grilled pork rolls. Photo: San Francisco Chronicle

Grilled pork skewers are cooked over charcoal at the restaurant entrance. Photo: San Francisco Chronicle

The restaurants interior blends modern design with a homey atmosphere. Photo: San Francisco Chronicle

The papaya salad features three fermented sauces for a bold, tangy kick. Photo: Nem Nuong Nha Trang

Khanh Linh
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Launched under the tagline 'Weave a New Year', the campaign presents Tet as more than a series of traditional rituals, framing it as a time for people to come together and create a vibrant holiday atmosphere. Drawing on Vietnams ethnic weaving traditions, Coca-Cola positions each individuals personality and joy as distinct 'threads' that collectively form a colourful and complete Tet tapestry, with co-creation across generations at the core of the campaign.

Coca-Cola believes the magic of Lunar New Year lies in harmony, where the timeless traditions of grandparents and parents blend seamlessly with the energy and creativity of younger generations.

This spirit is brought to life in an upcoming Tet short film created with innovative AI technology, offering a fresh retelling of the traditional family reunion story by weaving shared memories of togetherness and laughter.

This Tet campaign demonstrates how creativity and modern technology can sit side-by-side to honour authentic cultural values, said a representative of CocaCola Vietnam. As a bridge between tradition and innovation, we aim to inspire people to reimagine familiar customs with creativity  building a refreshing, more connected Lunar New Year.

To help bring generations closer together, Coca-Cola will roll out a series of engaging digital activities during the festive season, offering exclusive gifts, including stylised firecracker strings, lucky money envelopes, and bespoke tablecloths inspired by traditional cuisine, allowing consumers to weave their own Lunar New Year celebrations with fresh experiences.

Adding to the festive appeal, Coca-Cola is launching the 'Unpack TetHunt for Top Prizes' promotion, offering 10 chances each day to win an iPhone 17, alongside thousands of other prizes. The promotion runs from December 1 to February 22, bringing surprises to consumers throughout the Lunar New Year period.

At the same time, Coca-Cola Vietnam continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and community support.

This year, The Coca-Cola Foundation will provide $300,000 in grants through the Vietnam Red Cross and CARE Vietnam, alongside $45,000 in in-kind donations from Coca-Cola Vietnam, to support storm-affected communities in their recovery efforts.

The humanitarian project, 'Zero-VND Tet Market', now in its fourth year, will continue to provide practical support to thousands of disadvantaged households, helping ensure every family can enjoy a warm and plentiful Lunar New Year.

Closing a year marked by challenges, Coca-Colas Tet 2026 campaign serves both as a festive greeting for the year ahead and a call to strengthen family bonds. By blending traditional culture with modern creativity, the brand aims to join millions of Vietnamese families in weaving a festive season filled with laughter, understanding, and shared moments.

Celebrating 30 years of Coca-Cola in Vietnam Coca-Cola is celebrating 30 years in Vietnam with the launch of its "Our Bottles Can Live Many Lives" initiative.

Coca-Cola inaugurates $136 million plant in Tay Ninh Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam inaugurated a $136 million manufacturing plant at Phu An Thanh Industrial Park (Ben Luc, Tay Ninh province) on July 11, its largest factory so far in Vietnam.
Juhern Kim, country representative to Vietnam Global Green Growth Institute

Let me begin by recalling an encounter that took place in October in Seoul - my hometown. Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of Open AI, met with President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea. During that meeting, the South Korean president remarked that AI has opened up a whole new world - one that could lead humanity towards a happier life, or one fraught with danger - and urged Altman to help guide us towards the happier world.

If I may humbly add, a happier world must also be a greener world. This conviction echoes the message of Vietnams Party General Secretary To Lam, who emphasised the importance of linking innovation directly with sustainable development and emission reduction at National Innovation Day 2025 ceremony in Hanoi, where he showcased the countrys growing ambition in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Vietnams Resolution No.57-NQ/TW, issued at the end of 2024, is a landmark reflection of this vision. It identifies science, technology, and innovation, together with digital transformation - as strategic breakthroughs for realising the nations aspiration to become a high-income country by 2045. The global digital revolution unfolding today brings extraordinary opportunities but also formidable challenges.

AI and related technologies are expanding at unprecedented speed. According to the International Energy Agency, data centres already consume roughly 1.5 per cent of global electricity demand in 2024 and this could rise to nearly 3 per cent of projected global electricity use. These facilities, which power AI and cloud computing, now sit at the heart of both digital progress and climate responsibility.

At the same time, these technologies can themselves become powerful drivers of decarbonisation. The International Energy Agency estimates that renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydro already supply roughly 27 per cent of total data centre electricity consumption worldwide, and that share is growing rapidly. If countries accelerate policies enabling direct renewable sourcing, the digital economy could become a catalyst - not a burden - for climate action.

Across the economy, AI-driven technologies are reshaping the pathways to net-zero. In transport, AI-based route optimisation and autonomous logistics - such as drone delivery systems - help reduce unnecessary mileage, fuel use, and emissions. In agriculture, robotics and precision equipment can boost productivity while minimising environmental footprints.

One can imagine a near future where unmanned tractors in the Mekong Delta collect rice straw and residues - currently a major source of methane - for reuse in biochar or circular-economy applications. In the waste sector, beyond satellite-based detection of methane leaks from liquefied natural gas pipelines, AI-powered sorting and robotics are now transforming municipal solid waste management, with some startup companies now achieving recovery rates of up to 90 per cent.

Even in the energy-intensive data centre industry, innovation is advancing rapidly: liquid-immersion cooling, reflective surface coatings, and closed-loop water systems are improving efficiency. Yet the decisive factor remains the carbon intensity of the electricity grid.

Hence, rapid expansion of renewable energy and implementation of direct power purchase agreements under Decree 57 will be critical to ensure that Vietnams next generation of digital infrastructure is both competitive and low-carbon.

SCALING IMPACT

Still, these advances represent only the tip of the iceberg. The international scientific community has long recognised that mature technologies can deliver only part of the emission reductions needed for global net-zero. The rest must come from solutions that are still in early adoption, demonstration, or prototype stages.

For that reason, entrepreneurs - those who connect scientific breakthroughs with commercial applications - will be essential. They are the bridge between innovation and impact, between ideas and implementation.

In this context, strengthened by Resolution No.68-NQ/TW, a landmark policy elevating the private sector as a core driver of national growth, Vietnam is uniquely positioned to lead among emerging economies in connecting science and technology with the net-zero goal.

Anchored by the National Innovation Centre (NIC), the country can become a test bed for climate tech deployment and digital sustainability. In August, during Party General Secretary Lams state visit to South Korea, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) director-general Dr. Sang Hyup Kim and the NIC signed an MoU in Seoul, aimed at strengthening Vietnams capacity to link innovation and green growth.

The GGGI has been working globally, and here in Vietnam, to accelerate climate-tech startups and small businesses through catalytic grant financing and investment facilitation. This year, together with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the European Union, we supported early-stage startups developing energy-efficiency solutions and successfully matched several with investors and commercial clients.

These firms are not merely small enterprises - they are scalable, system-shifting medium businesses capable of transforming entire sectors. Energy efficiency is only the beginning. Our upcoming climate-tech acceleration programmes will expand into agriculture, circular economy, and transport, focusing on ventures that link technology innovation directly to measurable climate impact.

Beyond startups, the GGGI has helped Vietnams financial sector to both green the finance and finance the green. On one side, we provided technical assistance for Vietcombanks first green-bond issuance, worth approximately $80 million in 2024, and for Techcombanks Green Bond Framework. A few additional deals totaling about $180 million have been concluded in 2025 as well.

On the other side, we have supported infrastructure, agriculture, and waste-management projects to make them investment-ready. Collectively, our facilitation track record exceeds $300 million, and we aim to mobilise up to $1 billion in green investments for Vietnam by 2028.

To unlock the full potential of climate technology, technological readiness and financial innovation must go hand in hand. Given the urgency of the climate challenge, Vietnam needs faster technology transfer and more innovative financing instruments. The countrys emerging international finance centre initiatives in Danang and Ho Chi Minh City could serve as regional gateways for channelling global capital into domestic green innovation, provided there is a strong pipeline of investable projects and transparent verification standards.

Vietnam holds a strategic advantage among fast-growing economies: it can align its AI and digitalisation boom with its climate ambitions, embedding sustainability within the very foundation of its innovation agenda.

Ultimately, the green transformation is not only about codes, chips, or algorithms - it is about a new model of growth. As former Unilever CEO Paul Polman said, Business cannot succeed in societies that fail. I would extend that logic: businesses and societies, even driven by AI and high-tech innovation, cannot succeed on a planet that fails. Linking science with sustainability, innovation with inclusion, and digitalisation with decarbonisation is a vital national priority that the GGGI is honoured to help advance.

Together, the aforementioned resolutions provide the policy compass for Vietnams innovation-led, market-powered growth. Entrepreneurs, financiers, and innovators supply the engine. The GGGI stands ready to help connect them - turning scientific breakthroughs into climate solutions, and climate solutions into green growth, which is the future we all aspire to build.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasised that protecting human health is now integral to climate action, as rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns fuel the spread of infectious diseases, with dengue fever becoming one of the most pressing concerns.

Once considered a seasonal illness, dengue is now a year-round public health threat, infecting more than 14 million people and caused 12,000 deaths globally in 2024.

Fuelled by climate change, growing urbanisation and increased travel, dengue is one of the fastest-growing mosquito-borne diseases, threatening nearly half the global population. Vietnam is among the most affected countries. Rising temperatures, off-season rains, and frequent natural disasters also enable Aedes mosquitoes to breed year-round. These factors are straining Vietnams healthcare system and reshaping disease patterns nationwide.

In response to this growing threat, Takeda, a global biopharmaceutical company with a 244-year history, has made dengue prevention a priority. It has actively supported the development and implementation of the Roadmap to Advance Dengue Prevention & Control in APEC Economies 2026-2030. This initiative aims to accelerate progress in dengue prevention, empowering member economies to adopt a proactive, coordinated, and context-specific approach.

The roadmap also emphasises the importance of long-term planning, risk reduction, and health system strengthening, while promoting regional collaboration to achieve the global goal of zero preventable dengue deaths by 2030.

Takeda supports health resilience amid climate change challenges

After more than four decades of research and development, Takedas dengue vaccine has now been approved in over 40 countries, including Vietnam, where the Ministry of Health granted approval in 2024. With over 18 million doses distributed globally, the vaccine is being rolled out in public programmes in Brazil, Argentina, and Indonesia, with five public programmes targeting school children. This reflects the growing role of the vaccine in efforts to prevent dengue, a disease for which no specific treatment is currently available.

Takedas approach goes beyond vaccine development. The company is actively working to ensure that vaccines reach the people who need them the most through health system strengthening, public-private partnerships, supply reliability and access strategies.

The company also supports local capacity-building by training healthcare professionals and raising public awareness in collaboration with medical societies and hospitals.

Benjamin Ping, general manager of Takeda Vietnam, said, We are working closely with governments and partners to achieve the WHOs goal of zero preventable dengue deaths by 2030. Addressing climate-driven health challenges requires shared responsibility, long-term commitment, and innovation that truly benefits people and the planet.

With the view that human health and planetary health are inseparable, Takeda is integrating climate risk management into its global business strategy. The company is driving towards net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2040, including plans to use 100 per cent renewable electricity in the manufacturing of its dengue vaccine by the end of 2025.

At Takedas dengue vaccine site in Singen, Germany, the company partnered with Schott Pharma and Corplex to recycle plastic transportation trays, creating a closed-loop system that reduced emissions by up to 50 per cent per tray, while using 70 per cent recycled content.

In Vietnam, Takeda is aligning its local operations with these global goals by assessing options to reduce its environmental footprint across the countrys value chain. Takedas Vietnam office was selected for meeting both LEED and WELL certifications, demonstrating how workplace design can support both environmental performance and employee wellbeing.

Tackling dengue effectively requires cross-sector partnership. Governments provide direction and policy frameworks, non-governmental organisations bring deep community engagement, and companies like Takeda contribute scientific expertise to develop innovative vaccines that address major public health needs safely, swiftly, and at scale.

All sectors work together to share knowledge, resources, and common goals to build stronger, more resilient health systems. This integrated approach, combining vaccination, vector control, and health-system strengthening, reduces hospitalisation and saves lives and enhances preparedness for future climate-sensitive diseases.

Takeda dedicated to advanced healthcare Global biopharmaceutical company Takeda is committed to supporting Vietnams healthcare advancement by bringing life-transforming medicine and vaccines to the population. Benjamin Ping, the new general manager of Takeda Vietnam, talked to VIRs Tung Anh about his leadership approach to foster innovation and collaboration, ensuring Takedas positive and impactful presence in local healthcare.

Experts warn of unpredictable severity of dengue fever Dengue fever is becoming increasingly difficult to predict in terms of timing and outbreak scale. If people are negligent or mismanage the illness, it can quickly worsen and lead to death.
On December 17, based on the orientation and direction of the Hanoi People's Committee regarding the completion of the Tien Xuan urban area project towards a smart city model, integrated with and supporting the Hoa Lac High-Tech Park, SJ Group announced the implementation of Tien Xuan Smart City with a workshop themed "Creating a smart city vision".

Hoa Lac - strategic satellite city

According to the adjusted master plan for Hanoi and the approved Hoa Lac urban zoning plan, Hoa Lac is positioned as a leading national centre for science, technology, education, and innovation. It is the largest satellite city of the capital, playing a catalytic role where research, training, and high-tech production converge.

As Vietnam accelerates development based on science, technology, and innovation, a series of foundational policy decisions has been introduced. Notably, Conclusion Notice No.45-TB/TGV dated September 30 of the Central Steering Committee emphasised the triple helix cooperation model between the state, scientists, and enterprises, linking high-tech parks with smart urban development. On that basis, Hanoi Peoples Committee was tasked, with Hoa Lac High-Tech Park as the nucleus, to improve smart transport connectivity and to study the establishment of a Hanoi Smart City Laboratory.

Hoa Lac is therefore no longer viewed as a stand-alone high-tech park, but as an integrated urban ecosystem where research and production spaces must be matched by environments for living, learning, and creativity. This is precisely where smart urban areas are expected to play a decisive role.

Global experience from high-tech hubs shows that advanced technical infrastructure and policy incentives alone are insufficient. A sustainable innovation centre also requires an attractive living environment in which people are willing to settle long term.

Speaking at the workshop Building the Tien Xuan Smart City Master Plan - Shaping the Smart Urban Vision, Tran Nhu Trung, CEO of SJ Group, said, If the high-tech park represents the hardware of research and production, then Tien Xuan must be the software, the urban core providing services, social infrastructure, and a high-quality living environment. These two components cannot be separated; they must function as an integrated whole.

This observation reflects Hoa Lacs current challenge: a vibrant daytime economy but limited activity after working hours, as many experts, lecturers and students still commute back to central Hanoi. Smart, multifunctional urban development is expected to retain talent and create a continuous, dynamic urban rhythm.

The signing ceremony between SJ Group and Perkins Eastman

Based on SJ Groups proposal and feasibility assessment, Hanoi Peoples Committee has acknowledged and endorsed the orientation to develop Tien Xuan as a smart urban area closely integrated with Hoa Lac High-Tech Park. Covering more than 1,200 hectares, Tien Xuan is planned to perform several strategic functions.

First, it is envisaged as the central business and service district of Hoa Lacs science and technology city, providing housing, education, healthcare, commercial facilities, and modern urban amenities. Second, it will offer high-quality living space for experts, scientists, engineers, and students working and studying at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park and Vietnam National University.

More importantly, Tien Xuan is positioned as essential soft infrastructure, complementing research and development facilities, data centres, and high-tech production zones. Trung said that the investors guiding principle is long-term and responsible planning.

A successful master plan is not defined by attractive drawings alone. What matters most is the participation and voice of all stakeholders. Planning is not about land subdivision; it is about creating a vision that future generations can inherit and develop, he said.

From an academic and professional perspective, Dinh Van Binh, a lecturer at Hanoi Architectural University, said that Tien Xuan occupies a particularly strategic position within the Hoa Lac urban complex. The project lies within sub-zones HL4 and HL5, planned as a smart eco-urban area closely connected to the high-tech park and Vietnam National University.

The area benefits from a comprehensive transport network, including Thang Long Boulevard, National Highway 21, Ring Road 5 and, Metro Line 5 (Van Cao - Hoa Lac), with Tien Xuan Station serving the project. In addition, the semi-mountainous terrain, lakes, and forests give the area an exceptionally high proportion of green and water surfaces, estimated at 70 per cent.

Tien Xuan has ideal conditions for developing a smart eco-city based on its unique natural landscape and local cultural context. With well-considered planning, it can become a distinctive urban area with international appeal, Binh said.

To realise this vision, SJ Group has appointed Perkins Eastman, one of the worlds leading planning and architectural consultancies, as its strategic partner. With extensive experience in large-scale urban projects across the United States, Europe, and Asia, Perkins Eastman is particularly recognised for integrating urban planning with healthcare, education, and science and technology hubs.

The workshop series organised by SJ Group has established a three-step planning methodology: contextual analysis, scenario development, and optimal option selection, benchmarked against proven global models of university-linked, high-tech and walkable urban districts. Key principles include transit-oriented development along Metro Line 5, preservation of green belts, underground technical infrastructure, and the application of international green building standards.

Troy Griffiths, deputy managing director of Savills Vietnam

From a market standpoint, Troy Griffiths, deputy managing director of Savills Vietnam, highlighted that macroeconomic trends and infrastructure investment are creating significant opportunities for western Hanois satellite cities.

By 2035, Vietnams average income per capita could reach around $7,500, leading to a substantial expansion of the middle class. This will fundamentally reshape demand for housing, consumption, and living environments, he said.

Griffiths said that transport infrastructure, particularly the metro network, will restructure land values and residential behaviour. With Tien Xuan located around 30 minutes from central Hanoi, the area is well positioned to attract both end-users and high-skilled professionals working in Hoa Lac.

Tien Xuan has a strong location and a positive long-term outlook, but competition will be intense. Product strategy, partnerships, and capital structuring therefore need to be carefully planned from the outset, he added.

In the wider context of Hanois development, Tien Xuan is more than a real estate project. It represents a key component in the capitals ambition to become a regional innovation hub. The creation of a smart, eco-oriented urban area linked to science and technology in Hoa Lac will help ease pressure on the inner city while opening up a new, high-quality growth space.

Over the long term, Tien Xuan is expected to serve as a testing ground for smart urban governance, digital technologies, and data-driven solutions. It will also support Hanois objectives for green growth, sustainable development, and the national commitment to net-zero emissions.
NCDs  including cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes  are the leading cause of death in Vietnam, accounting for about 80 per cent of deaths, many of them premature.

Minister of Health Dr. Dao Hong Lan said that Vietnam has shown strong political commitment to prioritising NCDs as part of broader health sector reform.

The meeting. Photo: WHO

Politburo Resolution No.72 dated September 9 calls for a fundamental shift in mindset, from a treatment-centred approach to proactive disease prevention and comprehensive health promotion for the population, particularly in the prevention and control of NCDs. This shift contributes to realising the goal of building a healthy society and improving both life expectancy and quality of life for all people, she said.

On December 10, the National Assembly adopted the Law on Disease Prevention. This represents a milestone of particular significance, providing a strong legal foundation for a decisive transition towards prevention, strengthening the disease prevention system, and enabling the coordinated implementation of solutions for the prevention and control of NCDs, the minister added.

WHO representative in Vietnam Dr Angela Pratt said, Imagine a new epidemic sweeping the globe, killing 45 million people this year, including half a million people in Vietnam. This is actually happening now, and the situation will get worse unless we act.

Minister of Health Dr. Dao Hong Lan. Photo: WHO

NCDs are the world's biggest killers  claiming more lives than HIV, TB, and malaria combined. This is an expanding crisis we cannot ignore, Pratt added.

The meeting highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action across sectors such as health, education, finance, environment, agriculture, and transport.

Tackling NCDs is something the health sector cannot do alone, Pratt said, This is why the theme of the meeting, focusing on multisectoral collaboration, is so important. The most effective way to reduce smoking, for example, is through taxation. Or air pollution  the health sector bears the consequences of this problem, but the solutions mostly belong in industry, agriculture, transport, and energy, she said.

WHO representative in Vietnam Dr. Angela Pratt. Photo: WHO

Participants reviewed best practices and discussed strengthened collaboration, including leveraging new technologies and integrating health in all policies.

Dr Pratt praised the government's leadership on NCD prevention and management.

"We have seen exciting progress in Vietnam recently. Changes to tobacco taxation will result in 2.1 million fewer smokers in the next five years and avert 700,000 premature deaths. Vietnam is also making big gains in hypertension management. Health sector reforms under Resolution 72 present a historic opportunity to prioritise disease prevention and strengthen primary healthcare," she shared.

WHO is proud to accompany Vietnam in these efforts, and I am confident that with continued support from international and national partners, we can scale up action against NCDs and build a healthier Vietnam, she noted.

AI and 5G harnessed to revolutionize healthcare The convergence of AI and 5G is transforming healthcare, enabling innovations that enhance connectivity, efficiency, and patient-centered care, as heard at a VIR conference in Hanoi on November 25.

Expansions in healthcare more likely Vietnam's healthcare sector closes 2025 with robust merger and acquisition (M&A) momentum. Major transactions from institutional investors demonstrate the market's depth, while established platforms backed by private equity (PE) pursue strategic add-ons and infrastructure expansion. The year demonstrated that Vietnam's healthcare M&A market operates on multiple growth vectors simultaneously.

Takeda continues health equity efforts across Asia-Pacific With the mission of creating better health for a brighter future, Takeda has advanced continuous efforts to deliver equitable healthcare for diverse needs.
Nguyen Khang, Regulatory reform attache British Embassy to Vietnam

This transformation is not only unlocking new opportunities for growth but also redefining how citizens interact with the state, how businesses manage operations, and how society functions in an increasingly connected world.

But as Vietnam races ahead, one reality has become clear: digital transformation cannot succeed without trust. Users must trust the systems they rely on. Investors must trust the market environment. And governments must trust that their digital infrastructure is safe, interoperable, and resilient. This trust relies on more than the adoption of new technologies  it depends on the policies, standards, and governance frameworks that underpin them.

The UK, as one of the worlds most advanced digital economies, is proud to partner with Vietnam in strengthening these foundations. Our cooperation is built on a shared commitment to creating an open, innovative, and secure digital future  one that delivers opportunities for citizens and supports long-term economic resilience.

In recent years, the UK and Vietnam have deepened collaboration across key pillars of digital transformation, from cybersecurity and data protection to digital trade and standards development. This partnership recognises a common challenge faced by all countries: how to scale digital innovation while managing the risks that accompany it.

A UK-supported programme, held in Hanoi recently, delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security and the British Standards Institution, illustrated how our two countries are translating this shared vision into practical cooperation. The initiative brought together policymakers, regulators, and industry specialists to explore how international standards can help Vietnam strengthen cyber resilience, enhance data governance, and build more interoperable and reliable digital systems.

The event itself was not the headline - it was simply one milestone along a wider path of UKVietnam digital cooperation. What matters is the underlying message: as technologies evolve, countries must evolve their governance frameworks alongside them. And international standards offer a powerful, flexible toolkit for doing so.

If digital transformation is the engine of modern growth, international standards are the architecture that makes that engine run safely and efficiently.

Standards such as those on for information security, privacy management, and globally recognised frameworks for cloud services or supply-chain security provide the tools countries need to protect personal data and reduce cyber vulnerabilities; ensure different digital systems can operate securely together; build confidence for domestic and foreign investors; support cross-border digital trade; and strengthen cooperation between government, industry, and international partners.

In other words, standards create a common language for trust. They help ensure that digital products and services are reliable, that data is handled responsibly, and that institutions can respond effectively when disruptions occur.

For Vietnam  where digital services, digital finance, and e-government platforms are expanding quickly  the value of such standards cannot be overstated. They form the invisible infrastructure of a digital economy: not always visible to the public, but essential to protecting users and enabling businesses to thrive.

Crucially, standards are not about imposing foreign models. They are adaptable tools that Vietnam can tailor to its own needs, ensuring alignment with both national priorities and global best practice. In this way, adopting international standards accelerates  not constrains  Vietnams innovation.

Digital transformation is not just about deploying technology; it is about building capability. That means investing in people, systems, and policies that can support a digital-first economy.

Throughout recent UK-Vietnam cooperation activities, several priorities consistently emerged: clear, consistent rules aligned with international norms to help reduce risks, encourage investment, and build user confidence; a digitally skilled workforce to manage emerging technologies and respond to cyber threats; enhanced infrastructure resilience to withstand attacks or disruptions, essential for national security and economic continuity; and publicprivate collaborations, as effective partnerships are necessary to protect supply chains and critical services.

The UK is committed to supporting Vietnam across these areas through continued technical assistance, policy dialogue, and knowledge-sharing programmes.

The digital economy is now the backbone of modern development. Vietnam recognises this, and its digital transformation strategy reflects strong national ambition. But ambition must be matched with governance structures capable of securing the digital environment while enabling innovation to flourish.

This is where international partnerships matter. The UK remains committed to supporting Vietnam as a trusted partner  helping build resilient digital systems, promote interoperable standards, and strengthen the capabilities needed for sustainable digital growth.

Ultimately, digital transformation is not simply a technological journey, but a societal one. It succeeds when citizens feel safe online, when services are reliable and accessible, and when economies are prepared to absorb technological shocks.
Government branded cruel and callous for scrapping police commissioners

The UK Government has been branded cruel and callous for the manner in which it announced police and crime commissioners being scrapped.

The abolition of police and crime commissioners in England and Wales was announced last month by the UK Government, following the elected officials being introduced in 2012.

Police and crime commissioners responsibilities include setting budgets for their police forces and appointing the most senior officer  the chief constable  for their area.

Its expected that council leaders will take up the responsibilities once the commissioners and their offices are abolished.

The Government plans to end the role in 2028 when the next elections are set to be held to save 100m to help boost funding for neighbourhood policing.

Labours Andy Dunbobbin has held the role of North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner since 2021.

At a North Wales Police and Crime Panel on Monday (15 December), the meetings chairwoman called the UK Government cruel and callous and questioned the manner in which the announcement was made.

Speaking at Conwy County Councils Coed Pella HQ, chair Pat Astbury said: It was a very cruel and callous way that the government announced (the decision).

Ms Astbury indicated the crime commissioner was given just half an hours notice before the announcement was made public. I think you, Andy (Mr Dunbobbin), had half an hour, didnt you?

And it came as a surprise. It was not how I would expect a government to behave, but there we are. She said she would be writing to the government as a panel member to say how she feels.

Mr Dunbobbin said: It was a bit of a shock, to say the least, to have the announcement made by the policing minister.

But he paid tribute to his team, who would all be affected, and said the response had been a testament to their professionalism.

He added: There is a job to do. I am dedicated in serving the public in North Wales, just as I have been since 2021.

I will not be wavering from my responsibilities and look forward to working with the panel.

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman also called the decision a shock and said it had been challenging for the commissioners team.

By Richard Evans  BBC Local Democracy Reporter
Equifax affirms General Finance Limiteds BB Financial Strength Rating with improved outlook

General Capital Limited is pleased to announce that global credit rating agency Equifax Australasia Credit Rating Pty Ltd (Equifax) has affirmed the financial strength rating of General Capitals 100% owned subsidiary, General Finance Limited, at BB. This follows a review of its six-monthly audited accounts to 30 September 2025.

The outlook for the credit rating has been revised upwards from Stable to Positive, based on Equifaxs expectation of continued improvement in General Finances operating performance, supported by loan book and deposits growth, and maintenance of healthy profitability.

Mr. Brent King, Managing Director, said, We welcome the affirmation of the General Finance credit rating. We are especially pleased with the revision of the outlook from stable to positive. General Finance has benefited from the introduction of the DCS on 1 July 2025 which has driven strong deposit growth. This, supported by strong lending growth, prudent credit control and a focus on costs, has resulted in strong profitability despite the ongoing economic challenges being faced by the New Zealand economy.

Mr. King went on to say General Finance has its accounts audited every 6 months and our credit rating is reviewed shortly thereafter by Equifax. This gives our investors increased confidence.

ENDS

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1

La ruptura con Caixa llevo a Sanchez a crear su falso fondo soberano para invertir en empresas estrategicas
December 18, 2025: In late November U.S. Africom/Africa Command carried out its hundredth airstrike against Somali ISIL/Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Islamic terrorists based in the Golis mountains up north. Airstrikes in Somalia this year far exceeds that of all previous years including the previous one-year high of 63 in 2019. AFRICOM has long conducted operations against al-Shabab, an Islamic militant group associated with al-Qaida that has been fighting in Somalia for decades. While al-Shabab remains the largest terrorist group in Somalia, strikes against ISIS/Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in Somalia, formed in 2015 by a group of defectors from al-Shabab. U.S. military personnel in Somalia provide various forms of support to the countrys unstable central government as it attempts to keep al-Shabab and ISIS at bay. AFRICOMs missions in the country involve training and advising local ground forces, as well as carrying out airstrikes coordinated with the Somali government. U.S. Africa Command carried out its 100th airstrike of the year in Somalia in its campaign against Islamic militants in east Africa.

On New Years day the UN authorized a new peacekeeping force of 11,900 troops. In February the U.S. carried out airstrikes against Islamic terrorists in Puntland, which is in northern Somalia. Soldiers and militiamen killed over 120 Al Shabaab attackers.

Last year piracy returned to Somalia. This time the pirates had a difficult time of it because of all the foreign warships in the area dealing with Shia rebels in nearby Yemen who are attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea with drones and missiles provided by the rebels Iranian patrons. The Shia rebels use Iranian drones equipped with reconnaissance capability to locate targets off the coast and accurately fire missiles at ships passing through the narrow, 26 kilometers wide, Bab-el-Mandeb straits off southwestern Yemen. This forces ships, almost all of which are trying to use the Mediterranean Sea and Suez Canal, to take the longer and more expensive and time consuming route around the southern tip of Africa.

Some ships avoid or ignore the missiles and continue north to the Suez Canal. These ships discovered they faced another threat in that the Yemen rebels sent armed men in small boats to board these large cargo ships and force the crews to take them to towns on the nearby Somali coast known to be pirate friendly in the past. The warships off the Yemen coast have been more aggressive in dealing with this, often launching a helicopter with armed men to land on the captured ship and deal with the pirates. Sometimes the pirates are warned and leave the hijacked ship before the helicopter arrives.

Worldwide, attacks on cargo ships, and an occasional tanker, are still a problem. In 2023 there were 120 attacks on ships compared to 115 in 2022. In 2023 105 ships were boarded, four ships were hijacked and two were fired on. When ships are boarded, there are attempts to kidnap crew members and hold them for ransom. In 2022 two crewmen were taken hostage while 14 were kidnapped. In 2023 there were 41 hostages and 73 kidnapped.

The hostages are used for taking control of the ship and moving it to a different location. Pirates rarely have any knowledge or experience operating these ships. Kidnapped crew are taken ashore and held until a ransom is paid. In December 2023 a large cargo ship was hijacked and taken to Somalia. This was the first hijacking since 2017.

Normally, none of the boardings and hijackings take place off the west coast of Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. There were also incidents or threats of attempts in the Singapore Straits, the Malacca Straits, and the Indonesian archipelago.

As recently as 2018 piracy was still a problem off the Somali coast, just not the kind that creates headlines in the international mass media. The pirates adapted and in 2017 there were nine pirate attacks off the Somali coast, up from two in 2016. This was notable because worldwide pirate activity hit a 22 year low with 188 attacks in 2017, and most of it was far away from Somalia in places like the west coast of Africa and Southeast Asia. Those 188 attacks created damage worth $7 billion, with 80 percent of it absorbed by the ships and their owners. Higher insurance rates and operating costs were the major additional costs. That is an issue off Somalia where higher insurance costs are still a problem and getting worse because of the ineffectiveness of defending warships this time.

Back in 2011 there were 327 attacks off the Somali coast. The solution was an international anti-piracy effort that continues. But shipping companies still have to pay higher insurance rates for their ships that operate in the danger zone extending far out into the Indian Ocean. At the end of 2017 the maritime insurance companies had real reason to be worried. In November 2017, for the first time since 2014, the international anti-piracy patrol arrested six Somali pirates who were caught firing on and trying to board ships off the Somali coast.

Violence in Somalia has targeted United Arab Emirates/UAE military training activities in the capital of Mogadishu. Several foreign military trainers were killed. Al Shabab continues to carry out terror attacks in and around Mogadishu. Al Shabab has been trying, without much success, to reverse progress over the last few years to bring peace and prosperity to Somalia. For example, in 2022 Somalia finally got a new government after several years of efforts to overcome clan and warlord objections to democracy in general. The elections were held, and results certified. This made possible the formation of a parliament and new president. The parliament met and approved the presidents selection of a new prime minister. The prime minister then formed a government by filling dozens of key jobs with candidates that did not cause disputes in parliament over who got what.

Somalia is still dominated by the power of the clans and the blind loyalty to clan even when it harms national unity. Overcoming this factionalism in a democracy is often very difficult. So far it appears that a majority of Somali leaders were willing to give a clean government a chance to work in Somalia. The key test is to form the new government successfully.

Major suppliers of foreign aid restored suspended aid programs. The United States ordered several hundred special operations and other troops to return to Somalia. In late 2020 the previous U.S. government ordered 700 U.S. troops out of Somalia. The departing American troops who were missed the most were Special Forces and SEAL operators training and advising their Somali counterparts. The American troops in Somalia also handled intelligence collection and monitoring things in general.

This continued from a major American special operations base in neighboring Djibouti as well as the use of American drones, also based in Djibouti, to search for Islamic terrorists and carry out airstrikes when the opportunity presents itself. After a year or so of indecision by the Americans, the U.S. resumed regular air strikes against Al Shabab and other groups interfering with aid shipments or the new Somali government. This led to over 200 drone airstrikes that killed nearly a thousand al Shabaab and other Islamic terrorist group members.

All this positive activity by the new government convinced foreign donors to continue and increase economic and military aid. Foreign money as well as peacekeepers were already being withdrawn before the new government was established. The UN had already started the process of pulling out its 20,000 peacekeepers. Foreign aid donors then adopted a policy of sending the aid to where it will do the best good. That policy put Somalia at a disadvantage because much, if not most, of its aid was stolen and never reached those who needed it.

If the new government can demonstrate an ability to change the wicked ways of its predecessors, the aid may resume and increase. Somalia and other nations in the region need this because the region is suffering from one of its periodic droughts, and a major one at that. In the past these major droughts would cause visible declines in the population. After World War II foreign aid by a growing number of countries and Non-government Organizations or NGOs made it possible to prevent these starvation deaths, at least in countries that could distribute the aid effectively. Somali was one of the nations that had trouble doing that, mainly because Somalia was still a deeply divided region because of the persistence of many powerful clans that looked after their own even if it meant other Somalis suffered. The clan loyalties are still a problem and a major factor in delaying fair election of a national parliament.

The new government also restored good relations with Kenya. This includes cooperation with Kenya in dealing with al Shabaab activity in northeast Kenya, where Mandera county has long suffered from Somali violence. This includes al Shabaab roadblocks to check vehicles for non-Moslems, who are often kidnapped or killed. Counter-terror efforts have largely kept al Shabaab terrorists out of the capital Nairobi, which is a thousand kilometers from Mandera, and that is what national politicians focus on. There have been two al Shabaab attacks in Nairobi since 2013. The latest one was in 2019. Politicians have priorities and problems get more attention the closer they are.

Al Shabaab has long sought to drive all non-Moslems out of northeastern Kenya because a lot of ethnic Somalis and Moslems live there. Over 80 percent of Kenyans are Christian and only twelve percent Moslem, most of them ethnic Somalis. There are also tribal problems in Mandera. One area along the Somali border has long been the scene of fighting between the Kenyan Murule ethnic Somali Moslems and the Marhan clan from across the border in Somalia. In 2015 about a hundred Marhan warriors crossed the border and raided Murule territory. Despite Kenya sending more soldiers and police to Mandera, the violence continued. The Marhan have long been accused of supporting al Shabaab while the Murule oppose Islamic terrorism and al Shabaab efforts to chase Christians from the Mandera region.

Somali refugees and ethnic Somali Kenyans living in Kenya near the Somali border have been a major source of al Shabaab recruits for raiding and terrorism in Somalia as well as Kenya. Somali violence, both from al Shabaab and clan disputes, is less frequent throughout Somalia but persists on both sides of the Kenya border. On the Somali side is the autonomous Somali region of Jubaland. Across the border are the Kenyan counties/provinces of Mandera, Garissa, Isiolo, Wajir and Marsabit. Occasionally the violence extends to cities elsewhere in Kenya. What is keeping al Shabaab active here and not elsewhere in Somalia are lucrative smuggling operations the Islamic terrorists dominate along the border.

In addition to bordering Somalia, there are several other reasons for all the Somali violence in this part of Kenya. First there is the usual pervasive corruption in Kenya and Africa in general. In addition, Somalia is recognized as the most corrupt nation in the world. Al Shabaab takes advantage of police corruption in Kenya, where the largely Christian police are particularly brutal towards ethnic Somali Kenyans. Similar attitudes are directed at the Somali refugees. That brutality and discrimination makes Kenyan Somalis reluctant to cooperate with police in finding al Shabaab terrorists or smugglers. About 76 percent of the four million Kenyan Moslems are ethnic Somalis who are citizens. Kenyas Moslem minority has been known to harbor Islamic terrorists. Most Kenyan Moslems live in coastal cities like Mombasa, where about a third of the 1.1 million population is Moslem. A lot of ethnic Somalis and Moslems live in northeastern Kenya and that is a problem when most of the soldiers and police are Christians

Since early 2017 to 2020, when Africom increased its use of armed drones over Somalia, there have been nearly 120 drone airstrikes that have killed over 800 al Shabaab and ISIL members. In the previous six months, there were 42 of these drone attack missions and 235 total in Somalia in the last decade. Striking back at those air operations has long been an al Shabaab goal but the Islamic terrorists have had little success at that. So far this year there have been about 40 drone attacks. Most of those attacks were against al Shabaab targets with a few directed at ISIL forces in the north. In 2019 there were 63 drone attacks in Somalia for the entire year. The 2020 attacks have killed several senior leaders although most of the drone attack missions are in support of Somali Army operations, especially in southern Somalia where the remaining al Shabaab strongholds are.

Al Shabaab has been trying to solve its lack of access to technical experts, especially medical ones, by kidnapping and enslaving Kenyans who have the needed skills. In the last year at least eleven such kidnappings have occurred in Kenya, mostly in Mandera Country just across the border. The tech experts are taken to al Shabaab controlled areas of Somalia and provided good treatment as long as they cooperate. This sort of thing is nothing new as Somalis have been raiding areas to the south for centuries. The objective has usually been loot of any sort and for a long time slaves were a valuable commodity as they could be sold to traders in Somali coastal towns who would take the slaves to Arabia or Iran where there was always a market for these captives. Western nations outlawed slavery during the 19th century and that included parts of Africa controlled by European countries. The Middle East resisted this ban into the late 20th century. Some nations in Africa and Arabia still tolerate slavery.

Slavery survives in Somalia not just because of corruption or local custom, but also because it is an important aspect of the financial support system al Shabaab has always maintained to finance its terrorist operations. For many al Shabaab members, what they do is their profession and it pays for their living expenses. This is particularly important for older members who have wives and children. For a fifteen year old organization like al Shabaab the financial overhead is quite large. Most fundraising efforts are illegal which means that al Shabaab members spend much of their time operating like gangsters. This is one reason why radical groups like al Shabaab often evolve into criminal gang operations that have abandoned the Islamic terrorist, nationalist or whatever angle got them started. That process may be underway with al Shabaab as there is currently a feud within the organization over financial strategy and accusations of corruption.
by Austin Bay December 17, 2025

On Dec. 6, Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein announced that, sometime in 2028, the U.S. Space Force intends to deliver a Golden Dome "operational capability" to defend America against advanced enemy air and space threats.

Guetlein manages the complex "Golden Dome for America" program. The name Golden Dome derives from Israel's successful Iron Dome air and space (air-space in the jargon) defense system, which has played a major role in successfully defeating short- and long-range air-space attacks on Israel by Iran and Iranian proxies.

I think Guetlein speaking on the day before Pearl Harbor Day (Dec. 7) was a coincidence. But it's an auspicious coincidence. On Dec. 7, 1941, an advanced enemy air threat of the era (Japanese aircraft carrier planes) conducted a surprise attack that savaged the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet.

So preventing a Pearl Harbor circa 2031 rates as a very good idea. In January 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that included this hard truth about 21st-century air and space weapons and our enemies who possess them: "Over the past 40 years, rather than lessening, the threat from next-generation strategic weapons has become more intense and complex with the development by peer and near-peer adversaries of next-generation delivery systems and their own homeland integrated air and missile defense capabilities."

The delivery systems Trump referenced include offensive hypersonic missiles, ICBMs, cruise missiles, manned aircraft and drones (long-range, but short-range can have strategic effects). These weapons can carry conventional explosives, nuclear weapons or chemical and biological weapons.

Iron Dome specifically refers to a sophisticated tactical (short-range) anti-missile and anti-artillery projectile defense system. Iron Dome's "sensor-shooter" system is a drastically scaled-down strategic anti-missile defense system, a mini-antiballistic missile (ABM) system in the mold of the Reagan administration's Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).

In fact, Iron Dome is an SDI descendant. The Israelis add David's Sling long-range interceptor ABMs. The result is a "layered" air-space defense system. Iron Dome's combat success demonstrates the concept works.

Golden Dome is SDI writ humongous. In 1987, it was theory. Today, the Pentagon has the technology to field it. Guetlein says Golden Dome's "ultimate scope" is continental. "We are focused on the entire homeland, to include Hawaii, Alaska and Guam," he said. "We're looking at all of the homeland, not just a subset."

That sounds super continental. "More" includes Guam (a special case). Protect Alaska means covering Canada. Protecting Maine from 21st-century threats means Golden Dome protects Greenland. Protecting Texas, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico means the Golden Dome would defend Mexico.

The whole of North America plus U.S. Pacific states and territories. Protecting the Aleutians takes you to Siberia ...

Very humongous.

Guetlein acknowledged huge requires a step-by-step plan. Deploy mini-Domes. Many mini-Golden Domes.

Bad pun but accurate. Space Force will deploy "patches" of "mini domes." Eventually, the patches will expand, interlace and then connect to protect all U.S. territory. Lily pads ultimately covering a pond?

In some respects, a limited mini-Golden Dome already protects Guam. The Army has a medium-range ABM battery on Guam. Navy-guided missile destroyers with longer-range ABM systems protect Guam. Just add lasers.

Perhaps that's getting ahead of the Space Force Golden Dome plan, but it isn't fantasy. The Army and Navy are developing short-range lasers to destroy "cheap" drone threats. Air-space defense lasers (powered by micro-nuclear reactors) will ultimately serve as the "low tier" of a multi-layered defense against all air and space threats, from ICBMs to artillery projectiles.

Defending American citizens on U.S. territory is the Golden Dome defense system's first priority. However, the ability to protect allies and neutrals by providing or sharing air-space defense capabilities creates diplomatic power. The system's very existence serves as a psychological counter to thug intimidation and creates political space for other diplomatic endeavors to counter the threats posed by rogue states (Iran) and global imperialists (China).










English News China emerges as a global leader in seed industry innovation

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 16 Decembre 2025



Breeding innovation is now entering a new phase characterized by the integration of biotechnology and artificial intelligence, fundamentally reshaping breeding paradigms. Moving forward, China should strengthen the protection and utilization of germplasm resources, accelerate innovation breakthroughs, and focus innovative capacity within leading seed enterprises to ensure the continued emergence of high-yielding, high-quality, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and specialty crop varieties.

By Deng Jianyang, People's Daily At the Guanshan rice research and development base of Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Co., Ltd. (LPHT) in Changsha, central China's Hunan province, newly bred rice varieties at the heading and flowering stage are neatly arranged in rows. Inside a smart greenhouse, 12 temperature gradients are maintained daily to conduct low-temperature tolerance tests on rice.



"Temperature is a critical factor influencing both yield and quality," said Yang Yuanzhu, the company's chief rice expert. "By simulating natural environments in smart greenhouses, we can accurately assess the tolerance of new varieties to temperature extremes, eliminate underperformers, and ensure safe, large-scale cultivation."



The company has also established AI-driven platforms for speeding up rice reproduction and breeding through whole-genome selection, boosting breeding efficiency by more than 60 percent and yielding a number of high-yield rice varieties.



Since the launch of its seed industry vitalization initiative in 2021, China has made significant investments in breeding innovation. Henan province in central China has allocated 240 million yuan ($34 million) toward joint breeding research on 16 varieties across three major categories, including crops, edible fungi, and livestock and poultry. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), 25 wheat varieties from the province were recognized as nationally recommended leading varieties.



In south China's Hainan province, 20 major research platforms and pilot projects have been established, including the Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, the National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, and a national technology innovation center for salt- and alkali-tolerant rice. Four local enterprises have been approved to host key laboratories under China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, further bolstering the foundation for breeding innovation.



Over the past five years, China has achieved substantial progress in seed industry development. The share of self-developed crop varieties now exceeds 95 percent of total planted area, while domestically developed livestock and poultry, and aquatic species account for more than 80 percent and 85 percent of their respective markets. National seed industry bases now provide 80 percent of the country's seed supply.



The structure of China's seed industry resembles an "olive-shape," with notable strengths at the top: yields and quality of staple crops such as rice and wheat continue to improve, reinforcing China's global leadership. Mid-tier gaps are narrowing, with self-developed maize varieties increasing their shares from 91 percent in 2020 to 94 percent today, and vegetables from 87 percent to 91 percent. At the lower end, breakthroughs in varieties such as spinach, broccoli, and onions have significantly reduced import dependence.



"China is among the global leaders in terms of sci-tech innovation in the seed industry, meeting the goal of growing Chinese grain with Chinese seeds," said an official with China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.



In Yingchun village, Qinggang county, northeast China's Heilongjiang province, farmer Kou Jiuchun was loading golden ears of corn onto trucks bound for a grain purchasing station. This year's harvest was particularly strong, with yields reaching 1,050 kilograms per mu (approximately 667 square meters), and all the grain from his 100 mu was sold out.



This marked the second year Kou has cultivated the new maize variety "Bixiang 2158." Initially trialed on just over 40 mu, the variety delivered results that surpassed expectations. "It offers strong resistance, high yields, and better purchase prices, generating an additional 240 yuan ($33.98) per mu," he noted. Encouraged by the strong returns, he expanded his planting to 100 mu this year.



China has effectively established a tiered cultivation system for seed enterprises, fostering the broad adoption of new and improved varieties.



For instance, China National Seed Group currently offers more than 300 maize varieties; Guangdong Haid Group, a world-leading agricultural enterprise, ranks first worldwide in annual sales of aquatic seedlings; Xuerong Biotechnology based in Shanghai and Wanchen Biotechnology in Fujian province have developed multiple white enoki mushroom varieties, now accounting for nearly 30 percent of the domestic market; and Fujian Sunner Development Corporation has independently bred three new varieties of white-feather broiler chickens.



To accelerate the large-scale application of scientific and technological advances in agriculture, China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has released a national catalog of quality farm produce and recommended technologies for leading crop varieties.



By promoting the integrated use of high-quality farmland, improved seeds, advanced machinery, and modern farming practices, China is driving broad-based yield improvements in grain and oil crop production. An increasing number of superior new varieties are being rapidly transformed into productive capacity.



Experts said, however, that despite significant progress, gaps remain in China's seed industry when measured against the standards of high-quality development.



For example, although China possesses the world's largest collection of agricultural germplasm resources, the proportion of readily usable, high-quality genetic materials remains limited. Moreover, while China leads the world in academic publications in top-tier journals, the conversion of research into industrial applications remains insufficient.



Breeding innovation is now entering a new phase characterized by the integration of biotechnology and artificial intelligence, fundamentally reshaping breeding paradigms. Moving forward, China should strengthen the protection and utilization of germplasm resources, accelerate innovation breakthroughs, and focus innovative capacity within leading seed enterprises to ensure the continued emergence of high-yielding, high-quality, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and specialty crop varieties.



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)
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From Wikimedia Commons: Rear view of the Houses at Schlofreiheit (Eduard Gaertner, 1855)

In the annals of urban history, few cities embody the tragic interplay of aesthetic aspiration, ideological fanaticism, and moral decay as fully as Berlin. Hailed as the pulsating heart of European cosmopolitanism in the 1920sa metropolis where artists, intellectuals, and bohemians converged in a symphony of experimentationit now awaits the course of history, evidently broken. Its trajectory through the twentieth century reads as a somber elegy for lost grandeur. Gone is the magic. The echo of the interwar Berlin that Christopher Isherwood (author of the 1939 novel Goodbye to Berlin) conveyed so elegantly has long since fallen silent.

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Berlins accumulated destruction under Nazism, Allied bombings, and Soviet communism has eradicated the physical reflections of a rich Judeo-Christian heritage and paved the way for an era of historical amnesia and cultural dissolution. Far from a phoenix rising from ashes, modern Berlin stands as a hollow simulacrum, a patchwork of architectural facadesor stage backdrops as in the case of the Berlin Palacemasking profound grief.

Arguably, Berlins reconstruction represents the denial of an irreversible loss, compounded by a nihilistic present that severs ties to lineage and invites cultural conquest. Like people in the 1930s, modern-day Berliners live in a time marked by ideological confrontation, intimidated by violent revolutionaries who collaborate to dismantle the supporting institutions of civilization and harass the Jews.

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Understanding the depth of Berlins tragedy requires insight into its prelapsarian splendor. In the 1920s, during the Weimar Republic, Berlin was Europes unrivaled cultural capital, a vortex of creativity surpassing both Paris and Vienna. Cabarets throbbed with jazz and satire, theaters premiered Brechts revolutionary dramas, and the Bauhaus movement redefined modernism in architecture and design. This era, often romanticized as the Golden Twenties, fostered a cosmopolitan ethos where Jewish academics, later to be persecuted, mingled with avant-garde artists, and the citys streets buzzed with intellectual ferment. Yet, this vibrancy was fragile, rooted in a precarious democracy that masked underlying social fractures.

The ascent of the Nazis in 1933 heralded the vengeful destruction of Berlin. Adolf Hitlers regime, with its virulent antisemitism and imperial delusions, targeted the citys cosmopolitan soul as anathema to Aryan purity. As a show of force, Nazis set fire to the Reichstag in 1933, synagogues were razed during Kristallnacht in 1938, and Jewish cultural institutions were dissolved. Berlins built environment, once a tapestry of eclectic styles from neoclassical to art nouveau, began to warp under Nazi aesthetics. Megalomaniac projects like Albert Speers Germania envisioned a monolithic capital of the Thousand-Year Reich. However, these were but preludes to destruction.

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Like unruly warlords, the Nazis invaded the sophisticated, Judeo-Cristian metropolis of Berlin, purging its freethinkers and setting the stage for wartime apocalypse. Whether Nazism is interpreted as a socialist-revolutionary aberration or the logical culmination of nationalist-authoritarian impulses, it stained forever the citys lineage and rendered any return to innocence impossible.

WWII unleashed hell upon Berlin, transforming it from a cultural beacon into a rubble-strewn graveyard. Allied bombings, commencing in earnest from 1940, reduced vast swathes of the city to smoldering ruins. By 1945, over 70% of Berlins buildings lay in pieces, with iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate scarred by artillery. The human toll was staggering: hundreds of thousands perished, their lives extinguished in the inferno of total war. As opposed to collateral damage, the bombardment looked like a deliberate erasure, as if the victors sought to exorcise the Nazi specter through fire.

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Postwar cleanup commenced amid the ashes, but victory birthed new divisions. The Potsdam Conference of 1945 divided Berlin into four sectorsAmerican, British, French, and Sovietmirroring the broader Cold War schism. In the Soviet zone, communists supplanted Nazis, installing the German Democratic Republic in 1949. Rather than liberation, the communist regime signaled substitution of one tyranny for another. Stalinist puppets like Walter Ulbricht imposed a Marxist-Leninist orthodoxy, nationalizing industries and suppressing dissent.

Berlins political division culminated in the erection of the Wall in 1961, cynically dubbed the anti-fascist protective wall by communist propagandists. In reality, this concrete barrier, fortified with watchtowers, barbed wire, and minefields, functioned as a prison enclosure, trapping East Germans within the Soviet empire as perpetual state captives. Over 140 persons died attempting escape, their blood staining the Wall as a testament to communist barbarism.

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The Wall, which separated freedom from totalitarianism, prosperity and dynamism from poverty and stagnation, had great symbolic value until 1989, the object of cult worship. In fact, however, the postwar era completed a tragedy: where Hitler demolished cosmopolitanism, the communists entombed its remnants in ideological concrete. The fall of the Wall in 1989, precipitated by Gorbachevs perestroika and mass protests, ostensibly ended the lingering shadow of WWII in the Soviet sphere. Yet, this final end was pyrrhic; the euphoria of reunification masked the profundity of what had been irrevocably lost.

The post-1989 reconstruction of Berlin aimed to suture its wounds, transforming the former death strip into a vibrant core. Projects like the Potsdamer Platz redevelopment, with its gleaming skyscrapers by architects like Renzo Piano, symbolized capitalist triumph. The Reichstags glass dome, designed by Norman Foster, evoked transparency and democracy. A capital with numerous construction sites, Berlin presents the aesthetic conflict between old and new, where remnants of Prussian grandeur coexist with brutalist bunkers and postmodern pranks. This amalgamation ostensibly fosters a sense of freedomstreet art in Kreuzberg, techno raves in abandoned bunkersyet it is a freedom steeped in grief.

The lives destroyed are incalculable: Holocaust victims, bombing casualties, Wall escapeesall haunt Berlin like spectral accusations. Likewise, the lost beauty of the built environment is lamentable; the bygone elegance of ornate facades and boulevards has yielded to functionalist sterility. Obviously, the Berlin of the Weimar Republic will never be restored. The explanation is partly the extent of physical destruction and partly a spiritual rupture. Contemporary inhabitants, raised in an era of secularism, nihilism, and anti-Westernism, exhibit scant loyalty to lineage. Postmodern education prioritizes deconstruction over heritage, fostering a generational disconnect. In this void, Berlins historical spirit evaporates, replaced by transient consumerism and digital distraction.

As interpreted by cultural pessimists, nihilism invites a more insidious transformation: Germanys, and Western Europes, inexorable death march towards ideological submission. Demographic shifts, driven by low native birthrates and mass immigration from Muslim-majority countries, portend a societal collapse. Since the 1960s Gastarbeiter program (and accelerated by Angela Merkels 2015 refugee policy), millions have arrived, altering urban demographics. In Berlin neighborhoods like Neukolln, Arabic signage proliferates, and sharia-influenced norms challenge secular traditions. Far beyond harmonious multiculturalism, as critics like Thilo Sarrazin argue, this is a demographic conquest eroding Judeo-Christian foundations.

Berlins reconstructed facade conceals this erosion. The citys freedom becomes ironic: amid memorials to Nazi and communist atrocities, imported ideologies gain ground, advocating religious absolutism and anti-Semitism. Honor killings, no-go zones, and Islamist radicalizationevidenced in incidents like the 2016 Christmas market attacksignal a brewing storm. Western Europes aging populations, coupled with migrants higher fertility, spells civilizational erasure, not through military conquest but Islamist entryism. By mid-century, projections suggest that Muslims could comprise 2030% of Germanys populace, tipping cultural balances. Berlin, once a bulwark of Enlightenment, risks becoming an outpost in a global ummah, its history diluted into irrelevance.

This transformation is abetted by elite complacency, conceitedly viewing heritage as insignificant. Nihilism begets surrender; without loyalty to lineage, societies forfeit their souls. Berlin exemplifies this: its haphazard mix of old and new is not renewal but requiem, a prelude to oblivion.

Berlins odyssey from cultural zenith to bombed husk, divided prison, and reconstructed simulacrum underscores a pessimistic truth: destruction is irreversible, reconstruction illusory. Nazism initiated the ruin, war amplified it, communism consummated it, and contemporary nihilism seals it. The citys grief-laden freedombetter characterized as detachmentmasks a premonition of dystopian labor before the birth of the caliphate. Unfortunately, this is no alarmist fantasy but a substantiated trajectory, rooted in historical patterns of ideological overreach and cultural suicide.

Berlin teaches that civilizations, once fractured, seldom mend; they morph into shadows of former selves, awaiting the next eclipse. In this light, the citys story is one of melancholic resignationa cautionary lesson for a West teetering on the brink.
Josh Shapiro is routinely described as a popular and formidable political figure -- a rising star within the Democratic Party whose appeal is said to extend well beyond Pennsylvania. The claim is repeated so often that it has hardened into assumed fact.

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Yet when examined closely, it does not hold.

What Pennsylvania and the nation are being shown is not a strong candidate buoyed by organic support, but a carefully engineered projection -- a political hologram sustained by money, messaging, and controlled conditions.

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Like all holograms, the image appears solid from a distance. It occupies space, commands attention, and seems persuasive until tested. But it has no independent existence. Turn off the power -- the capital, the narrative reinforcement, the constant image maintenance -- and it fades.

This is not an argument about ideology. It is an argument about political substance.

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What Popularity Really Measures

Modern political popularity is a blunt and misleading instrument. Job-approval polls do not measure depth of support, loyalty, or enthusiasm. They measure visibility, tone, and the absence of a defined alternative.

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Voters are asked whether they approve of an officeholders performance, rarely what they approve of, whether conditions are improving, or whether they would actively support that individual in a contested environment.

Shapiro benefits enormously from this structure. He presents well on camera, speaks fluently in press settings, and projects competence in brief, discrete moments. Stage-managed appearances during emergencies or infrastructure incidents create an impression of leadership that polls readily capture -- but rarely interrogate.

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Impressions, however, are not coalitions. Optics are not strength.

When approval numbers are examined beyond headlines, the image softens. Support varies sharply by region, age, and voter type. Outside metropolitan centers, among independents, and among voters most sensitive to economic pressure, support thins considerably.

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These are not the contours of broad popularity. They are the contours of a profile dependent on presentation.

The Illusion of Strength

True political strength produces noise -- advocates, critics, internal debate, and organic enthusiasm.

What surrounds Shapiro instead is insulation.

His public presence is dominated by controlled press settings and discrete, stage-managed events designed to preserve image rather than invite examination. He thrives within curated environments and struggles when scrutiny extends beyond the prepared frame.

This fragility is not incidental. On multiple occasions, Shapiro has reacted defensively to sustained or substantive questioning, challenging the framing or motives of critics rather than engaging underlying issues. Candidates with real political mass absorb pressure. Projections cannot.

The same pattern appears within his own party. Rather than welcoming intraparty competition that might test the depth of his appeal, the narrative of inevitability is deployed early and often.

Potential challengers are discouraged not by grassroots demand, but by repetition of the claim that resistance is futile.

That is not confidence. It is image protection.

Capital Dependence and Image Maintenance

The most revealing aspect of Josh Shapiros political operation is not early fundraising, but the purpose of the spending. Enormous sums are being expended by a non-candidate not to compete in an election, but to manufacture the illusion of a candidate itself.

This is not the cost of campaigning. It is the cost of fabricating the illusion of political strength from political weakness.

A real candidate precedes the money. Capital amplifies what already exists. Here, the money must come first -- and continue indefinitely. The spending is persistent, multi-year, and not confined to election cycles. That pattern does not suggest momentum. It suggests maintenance.

There is an old political rule: never provide your opponent with earned media. Exposure tests reality. For a projection dependent on controlled conditions, that test is one it cannot afford to fail.

Why the Hologram Was Necessary

Holograms exist because reality does not. If a compelling, self-sustaining political figure existed, it would be far easier to present that reality than to construct an image around it.

The Shapiro hologram was not a spur-of-the-moment creation. It has been under construction for years -- carefully assembled, steadily reinforced, and protected from distortion -- precisely because there was no independent political mass to rely upon.

In such environments, politics shifts from leadership development to image maintenance, and from persuasion to projection.

Viewed through a national lens, the scale and persistence of the investment surrounding Shapiro make sense. This is not the profile of a party rallying around a governor to govern Pennsylvania more effectively. It is the profile of a long-term asset being positioned for future use.

Cracks in the Projection

Even within Democratic ranks, discomfort with this manufactured persona has begun to surface. In a notable public exchange, former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Shapiros ambition and fixation on higher office -- remarks he later dismissed sharply.

Whatever one makes of the personalities involved, the significance lies elsewhere: the projection has outpaced the substance beneath it.

Such fractures do not emerge in moments of confidence. They emerge when insiders recognize that the image requires constant protection and cannot safely be exposed to sustained scrutiny.

A Final Reality Check

Josh Shapiro is not popular in any meaningful sense. He is not strong. And he is not inevitable.

What is presented as popularity is, in reality, a carefully manufactured illusion -- purpose-built for power, sustained by continuous capital infusion, and protected from examination. His political profile is not self-sustaining. It exists only so long as money, message discipline, and controlled conditions keep the hologram illuminated. Remove that power source, and the image loses coherence. Shine sustained light on it -- real scrutiny, real comparison, real exposure -- and the projection fades.

What disappears is not a formidable candidate, but the illusion of one.

Dave Ball is a retired engineer, international business executive, elected public official and political strategist who writes on politics, technology and regional issues.

Image: Gov. Tom Wolf
This week, Rob and Michele Reiner were found murdered, and their son Nick has reportedly been arrested on murder charges in connection with the killings. Nick Reiner is a screenwriter who is said to have had a long history of drug addiction.

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Regardless of who is ultimately convicted, this is a horrific crime  but, it turns out, not that unusual in that the person charged is said to be a drug addict. A large percentage of serious crimes in America can be linked to addiction.

I believe I have a right to live in a country with no illegal drugs. That right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is written into our nations founding documents. And government has the obligation to protect those rights by all appropriate means, including the interdiction of drugs coming to this country and the punishment of drug-suppliers and users.

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In fact, one third of all major crime in the U.S. is drug related. This includes murders, home invasions, carjackings, robberies, theft, and assault. One NIH-sponsored study found that 85% of prisoners were drug addicts or alcoholics at the time of their arrest, while a separate study showed that 60% of all federal prisoners were serving for drug-related offenses.

In addition, a large number of traffic accidents are caused by drivers under the influence of illegal drugs. In one recent year, nearly 14 million Americans drove under the influence of drugs. Different drugs, including marijuana, cause different symptoms while driving, from drowsiness to slowed reaction times to weaving to aggressive driving. In 2016, almost 44% of drivers killed in crashes tested positive for drugs.

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Drug-related crime in this country threatens my life directly, since a large percentage of murders are drug-related. Drug addicts will stop at nothing to raise money to support their habit, and this includes murder, even for a few dollars. Obviously, this drug-related crime also threatens my liberty. There are sections of every American city where it is not safe to enter, and even in the safer areas, there is a chance of crime. Indeed, citizens in affluent areas are targeted by thieves seeking money to support their addictions.

Not least of all, the lives of drug addicts themselves, some 20 million Americans, are put at risk. One can debate the matter of blame or insist that addiction is an illness, but the fact remains that once one has become addicted, there is little hope of an easy cure. Addicts live out their lives with the single goal of supporting their addiction, and they are the prey of their traffickers. One example is the songwriter Townes Van Zandt, who came from a prominent Texas household and who earned substantial royalties from songs like If I Needed You and Pancho and Lefty, but who died penniless at age 53 after having sold his entire book of songs in exchange for a quick fix. This kind of misery is repeated millions of times each year but might be prevented or lessened with stricter drug enforcement.

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As for my pursuit of happiness, that right is hindered by the fact that I must live amid a population of addicts carrying guns and threatening me even in my own home. In one horrific incident, two of my neighbors returned to their home and found thieves inside. Both my neighbor and his wife were murdered by this group of thieves, who probably realized no more than a few hundred dollars from the theft. Statistically, there is a good chance that the thieves were addicts.

My pursuit of happiness is diminished in other ways as well. A portion of my tax payments goes toward fighting drug-related crime. Those who work at retail businesses live with the constant threat of robbery and violence, and even when I visit the local grocery, I must watch my back. I, personally, have been the victim of a home break-in and robbery, and I was forced to purchase an expensive home security system afterward in order to feel safe. Going out at night is especially dangerous. In all of these ways, my pursuit of happiness is undermined.

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My rights are also undercut by the costs of living in a country made less productive by drug-users who may not work and who prey on the rest of us. Much of the cost of policing involves illegal drug use, with the federal government alone spending some $25 billion on drug control. Much of our welfare, including aid to dependent children and health care for a dependent population, is paid to families with no father to support them, or a father who is often involved in using or selling drugs. Again, the burden falls on law-abiding citizens. Also, the expense of drug rehab programs (which may not be particularly effective, with relapse rates of 40% to 60% in the first year alone) falls on the taxpayer. Society is less productive and taxpayer costs are greater as a result of illegal drug use. One study shows that drug-related crime costs the U.S. economy $193 billion annually.

President Trump is attempting to cut the supply of drugs entering the U.S. He has largely closed the southern border, which was the main corridor of drugs entering the country, and now he is blocking drugs coming from Venezuela and Colombia. These actions are common sense and should be applauded by everyone, but we must go farther.

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Few countries have been as successful at eliminating illegal drugs as has Singapore, and it has done so by imposing capital punishment, or at least the threat of capital punishment  not just on those selling drugs, but on users as well. If such laws were passed and enforced in this country, there would likely be a dramatic reduction in the use of illegal drugs. At the beginning, a certain number of users would face the death sentence, but literally hundreds of millions of Americans would have their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness restored. Only by eliminating the demand will we be successful in ending the use of illegal drugs.

I have made this argument at academic conferences and found almost no support for use of the Singapore plan in this country. It seems that our nations leaders, especially in academe and in the media, would rather accept the diseased condition we are in than impose serious solutions. Liberals even object to the presidents blockage of drugs from Latin America. A full-scale elimination of illegal drugs would be met with much greater opposition, but it is the only way to restore our rights and freedom.

I have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but this right has been undermined by the drug problem in this country. In the late 1990s and early 2000s I spent several weeks in Singapore and experienced the sense of freedom that comes with a safe, secure environment. I rode the metro and walked in every part of the city with no fear. The same could be true in the U.S. if we had the determination to eliminate illegal drugs.

Jeffrey Folks is the author of many books and articles on American culture, most recently Heartland of the Imagination (2011).

Image: JSMed via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
In recent years, the Democrat party has steadily shifted left, embracing ideas once considered fringe, including open borders, transgenderism, and the Green New Deal.

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In abandoning the political center to Trump and his MAGA base, Democrats effectively cost themselves the House in 2022  and the presidency and Senate in 2024.

With the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race approaching, analysts expected a centrist correction. Instead, Democrats have doubled down, integrating a Marxist-oriented doctrine labeled democratic socialism into their public identity.

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To traditional observers, this defies political logic. Historically, parties seeking national victory have moderated to appeal to the center, the so-called broad middle.

After three straight landslide presidential losses in the 1980s, Democrats did exactly that. Sensing that voters perceived Democrats as big-government liberals detached from middle America, Arkansas governor Bill Clinton and the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC), an organization composed of moderates like Al Gore and Al From, pushed the party to reject high spending and divisive culture wars in favor of pragmatic centrism aimed at middle-class and swing voters.

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As DLC chairman in 1990, Clinton branded himself a New Democrat, advocating welfare reform, free trade, and fiscal responsibility. His centrist strategy rebuilt the Democrat coalition and returned the party to the White House in 1992.

That Democrat party no longer exists. Rather than recalibrating in anticipation of the looming 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race, todays Democrats have accelerated their embrace of far-left ideology, blending with socialist movements  particularly the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

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Founded in 1982, the DSA has grown from fringe movement to Democrat party power broker. Its formula for pushing its socialist agenda deep into the party mainstream is quite simple: Run DSA-supported socialist-leaning candidates in Democrat party primaries and appeal to Democrat primary voters by having those candidates champion Democrat pet progressive issues, such as affordability, government-run health care, and climate change.

Once these candidates achieve positions of real power, with the support of the DSA, they then begin to pursue measures to achieve the DSAs central mission to dismantle and move beyond capitalism through a wholesale socialist transformation of our economy. The organization envisions a society where the people own the means of production  either through nationalization of key industries or indirect control via regulation, taxation, and boardroom influence. The result is the same: government dominance over what Americans produce, earn, and keep.

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The DSAs Marxist Caucus calls for the state to take over industries such as finance, energy, and banking. Its militant wing, Reform and Revolution, seeks to build a mass socialist party to overthrow the capitalist state  democratically. It promotes public ownership of the energy, auto, and defense sectors and state control of broadband, utilities, and even technology firms.

A turning point for socialisms march through the Democrat party came with Bernie Sanderss 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns. Sanders championed DSA-style proposals  Medicare for All, tuition-free college, and the Green New Deal. His campaigns inspired new socialist-leaning politicians such as representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Jamaal Bowman, all backed by the DSA.

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Over the last decade, the DSA has helped elect candidates nationwide. In Massachusetts, its endorsements flipped city council seats in Somerville, Cambridge, and Medford. In Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Los Angeles, DSA-backed officials now hold city and school board positions. Similar victories have occurred in Milwaukee, Detroit, Colorado Springs, and Jersey City. DSA legislators serve in New York, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

This is no longer protest politics  its a strategy to transform the Democrat party from within, and eventually control the presidency, House, and Senate. The shock 2025 elections of Democrats Zohran Mamdani, a DSA member and self-avowed socialist, as mayor of New York City and Katie Wilson as Seattles mayor were watershed moments in that transformation.

The DSAs influence in the party will only grow as it endorses socialist-oriented candidates in the 2026 primaries and midterms to challenge centrist Democrat incumbents. The DSA is promoting various candidates for the city council in Seattle, Illinoiss 9th Congressional District, the Michigan and Maine senates, and the Georgia and Wisconsin governorships.

Mamdani, a DSA member, will govern Americas largest city and financial capital. To fund his campaign promises  city-run grocery stores, free public transit, and taxpayer-funded gender transitions  Mamdani has already mobilized his allies throughout New York to pressure a reluctant Governor Hochul to support legislation imposing a 2% surcharge on millionaires in the state. Such a bill could include provisions to tax Wall Street transactions or impose wealth taxes on hedge funds. And if millionaires and billionaires flee, expect Mamdani to turn to middle-class earners and small businesses to fund his costly plans.

The DSA also supports expanding sanctuary policies and granting illegal aliens local citizenship  measures critics say are designed to secure Democrats permanent electoral majorities.

The recent vote on a House resolution condemning socialism highlights the growing influence of socialist ideas within the Democrat party. Whereas all Republicans supported the resolution, only a minority of Democrats joined them. A majority of House Democrats refused to condemn socialism, suggesting either sympathy toward socialist policies or concern about provoking the partys rising socialist wing. Their reluctance to back the resolution underscores the movements expanding power.

A Patient and Strategic Movement

One of the DSAs greatest strengths is patience. Rather than forming a separate party, it strategically penetrated the Democrat party, letting the party label carry its candidates to victory. This approach is succeeding because the DSAs ideology, though Marxist, overlaps with elements of Democrat policy that expands government control over economic life, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the Green New Deal, and soon a universal basic income program to address the affordability crisis.

The DSAs long-term strategy is clear. Make sure that the next time the Democrat party takes over the House, Senate, and White House, it will be a party led by true believers like Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and Tlaib, Senators Sanders and Warren, and Mayor Mamdani. That new Democrat party can then impose from above socialist policies that will radically transform our social and political institutions.

The DSA, of course, must first gain control of the party, and it will seize any opportunity to do so. Trumps DOJ is threatening subpoenas for dozens  perhaps hundreds  of establishment Democrats and allies allegedly tied to the Crossfire Hurricane and Arctic Frost efforts to block Trumps 2016 victory, undermine his presidency, and later prosecute him after 2020.

Normally, Democrats would rally as one to defend Obama- and Biden-era officials. But this time, it would not be surprising for the partys socialist wing  figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib  to offer only lukewarm support for their beleaguered colleagues. They view establishment Democrats as obstacles to a socialist takeover and might secretly welcome their purge. Many DSA leaders have been captured on video openly stating that they hate the Democrat party, which they see as a neoliberal tool of the capitalist class. Socialists play hardball.

Conservatives Must Respond to the Socialist Threat

A recent Wall Street Journal op-ed warned that although America needs a sane and centrist Democratic Party to counter this movement, a Mamdani victory will likely accelerate the leftward shift as more progressives win primaries and pull the party further left.

After the November 2025 election, Senator Bernie Sanders told a national audience that a national movement is being formed and will use primaries and upcoming midterm House and Senate races to further extend the socialists power.

If conservatives, centrists, and traditional liberals hope to halt socialisms advance, they must educate the public on its economic consequences  not merely debate cultural issues like gender-neutral bathrooms or cashless bail.

They must clarify that socialism entails government confiscation of private profits, wages, and property  redistributed according to state priorities. Such a system, critics argue, erodes personal freedom, private enterprise, and the foundations of a market-based democracy.

The Mamdani victory offers conservatives an opening: to label future Democratic tax and regulatory initiatives not merely liberal, but socialist and Marxist, forcing Democrats on the political defensive.

Socialist office-holders offer Republicans real-time examples of socialism in action to showcase to the American public, such as Mamdanis plans to seize properties from landlords who neglect repairs and transfer them to government ownership. Newly elected Seattle mayor Katie Wilson said she would force grocery chains to make food affordable and voiced her support for a government-run grocery store system. She even stated that she will not permit giant grocery chains to close stores that will leave behind food deserts. Thats socialism in action.

The Democrat partys ideological transition from center-left to socialist demands that major news outlets begin to interview new party leaders like Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Mamdani, rather than Chuck Shumer and Hakeem Jeffries, when trying to take the pulse of the Democrat party on issues such as affordability and immigration.

The stakes could not be higher. If the socialist faction within the Democrat party prevails, the nations transformation will be not merely political, but structural, profoundly threatening to the American way of life.

Sociologist Michael G. Zey, Ph.D. is the author of Ageless Nation, Seizing the Future, and The Future Factor. Professor, Montclair State University (retired). www.zey.com. twitter.com/futurist3000. Facebook.

Image: Zohran Mamdani. Credit: Bingjiefu He via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Strengthening and intensifying gun control seems to be the go-to response all over the world when there is a mass shooting; this pattern continues following the terrorist act that occurred on December 14, 2025 at Sydney, Australias Bondi Beach. (Australia hasnt been through this kind of terrorist act since 1996, when 35 people were killed by a gunman in Port Orange.) In the shootings wake, Prime Minister Albanese declared an increase in restrictive measures:

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Albanese has said that he will put tougher new gun laws on the agenda for a national cabinet meeting. These will include proposals to limit the number of guns that can be used or licensed by individuals, and introducing regular reviews of licences. Advertisement Australia has some of the worlds most stringent gun laws. Permits and licenses are required to own guns while all people who own firearms also have to be registered.

Other recommendations were also made:

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The National Firearms Agreement established after the Port Arthur massacre will be renegotiated, and NSW parliament may be recalled to pass urgent legislation. All states and territories have agreed to look at options to cap the maximum number of guns owned by one person, limit the types of guns deemed legal and make Australian citizenship a condition of holding a gun licence. Advertisement

But these types of laws would not stop the violence, and would lead the population into a false sense of security. Guns are not the only means for wreaking havoc, and as were now learning, the Bondi Beach gunmen had a stockpile of homemade explosives:

Police said they found a range of IEDs and explosive devices in a car purportedly belonging to the suspects, adding that the suspects planned to use the explosives to inflict further damage, according to Sky News. In other words, even if firearms had been unavailable, mass casualties were still the objective. The method may be interchangeable, but the intent was not. Advertisement

Next, take a look at England, another nation with strict gun control lawsbut sky-high stabbings. A 2019 BBC article revealed that fatal stabbings were the highest theyd ever been since records began in 1946, and that number has only increased since then. The vast majority of the perpetrators? Identical to the Bondi Beach gunmen: foreigners with Islamist ideologies.

Now, Australia has seen an uptick of violence against Jews since October 7:

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There also have been arson attacks at synagogues, the homes of Jewish leaders have been targeted, Jewish people have been doxxed, businesses have been boycotted, and Jewish schools and property have been targeted by vandals. The antisemitism envoy has pointed to a protest at the Sydney Opera House on October 9, 2023, in the aftermath of the Hamas terror attack, and a mass demonstration across the Sydney Harbour Bridge against the war in Gaza earlier this year, as high-profile moments where government messaging was insufficient.

In response to these attacks, PM Albanese selected a member of the Jewish community to develop a report to address the antisemitic activities that had occurred. The report was completed and submitted, but Albanese couldnt be bothered to get to it:

A report that has sat on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's desk for months is being raised by critics as key evidence that the federal government has done too little, too late to respond to the rising tide of antisemitism since the October 7 terror attack in Israel. Mr Albanese hand-picked Jillian Segal in 2024 to develop a plan to combat antisemitism, and she delivered the plan standing alongside the prime minister and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke in July. The review, which makes sweeping recommendations that would have consequences for police, universities, media outlets, arts institutions and the wider Australian culture, has not been formally responded to. Jewish leaders say that plan could have helped put a stop to a permissive culture of antisemitism.

Although some minor changes have reportedly now been made in response to the report, neither the report or changes have been made public.

The duo that perpetrated the shooting were Muslims: the father was an immigrant from Pakistan, the son, Australian-born. But little has been said about focusing on immigration as a viable solution:

Andrew Hastie, who was shadow immigration minister until quitting in protest to his partys approach to the issue, posted on social media overnight that he would be fighting for tougher migration laws. What we really need to talk about is immigration, is citizenship, is education. We need to talk about Australian values and what we want our country to look like, Mr Hastie said. This is a really clear time where we need to differentiate between those who love Australia, our people, our values and those who hate us. The time is right now.

Whether Mr. Hasties approach to immigration reform will be effective is difficult to tell.

But stricter gun control will be a waste of time, only putting citizens more at risk.

Image: Public domain.
Is Brown University actually going to catch its mass shooter, who shot up a study session ahead of finals at the Ivy League institution over the weekend? I don't think they even want to.

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Odds are growing that it was someone with ties to the Middle East, either Iran, or Hamas -- who may have been behind this. The shooter reportedly bellowed 'allahu akbar' before shooting at least a dozen students studying, including the young conservative vice president of the College Republicans, and an innocent Uzbek exchange student.

They probably didn't like her, and the wokesterism of that place was deeply ingrained:

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 This is what Ella Cook was up against at Brown University.



Professors and students wildly chant for the destruction of the West. They scream in Arabic for violent uprisings.



There are 2,735 foreign students on visas at Brown in 2025. Your tax dollars are funding this filth. https://t.co/LaZx6v5mR1 pic.twitter.com/H7gQREtxCh  NizNellie3 (@NizNellie3) December 17, 2025

Brown University did not simply mishandle an incident.

It engineered silence so complete that not a single student dared to break it.



A conservative student leader was assassinated on Browns campus.

The attacker shouted Allahu Akbar.



And yet there is nothing.



Not one video. pic.twitter.com/y2ZDzqK4Cb  Jews Fight Back  (@JewsFightBack) December 18, 2025

With no free exchange of ideas, no criticism of the status quo was tolerated. As a result, incompetence is all over the place:

 U.S taxpayers deserve answers from our Secretary of Education.



Brown University President Christina Paxson has a salary of $3.1 MILLION. She will make $12,000 today.



$510 MILLION was given to Brown this year. No cameras worked. No sirens. She thinks everything went well. pic.twitter.com/dyS2ggswTs  NizNellie3 (@NizNellie3) December 17, 2025

 BREAKING: POLICE STOOD OUTSIDE WHILE BROWN UNIVERSITY SHOOTER ESCAPED



While students screamed and victims lay shot, Providence cops stood outside deciding where to park.



Their radio chatter sounds like a bad improv skit.



One officer talked about needing a day off. pic.twitter.com/6OYC0eM3yJ  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 18, 2025

BREAKING: DEI Providence Police Chief reveals that 5-days after the Brown University mass shooting with a killer on the loose and they have not interviewed the student eye-witnesses for a description of the shooter.



Just a spectacular display of incompetence. pic.twitter.com/CTRuuA5jL4  Dapper Detective (@Dapper_Det) December 17, 2025

 A conservative Christian student leader was assassinated on Browns campus.

He yelled allahu Akbar.



Five days later, police admit they STILL have not asked eyewitnesses what the shooter looked like.



They are not even PRETENDING to care.



SHAMEFUL.pic.twitter.com/PAtfge2FBL  Jews Fight Back  (@JewsFightBack) December 18, 2025

It's like the Palisades fire, done in a mass shooting format. Here is another problem:

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BREAKING: Far-left groups reportedly pressured Brown University and other colleges to disable CCTV camerasso violent pro-Palestinian activists wouldnt be held accountable.



Now theres a killer on the loose, and Brown has little to no footage to identify the shooter. pic.twitter.com/W4WlFTr850  Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) December 18, 2025

Others said the pressure came from anti-ICE groups, who often overlap with the Hamas boosters:

BREAKING - A newly revealed letter points to confirmation of journalists accusations that Brown University disabled its campus CCTV cameras in August at the request of antiICE groups to protect leftist protesters and illegals pic.twitter.com/B8MzibRpjI Advertisement December 18, 2025

BROWN SHOOTING: Months before the Brown mass shooting, 34 human rights NGOs demanded CCTV be dismantled to protect Islamic protesters. Brown says the building where 2 students were killed had no cameras. Did pressure from NGOs slow the rollout of surveillance in the building pic.twitter.com/y39O7bMdzl  @amuse (@amuse) December 18, 2025

So was there a camera or wasn't there? And if there was, was it working? If it was working, where is the tape?

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BUSTED!

Looks like there was a camera in the room after all.



Officials state there are no cameras in the older portion of the Barus and Holley building where the shooting occurred at Brown University.



Google images shows several photos that appear to be from the same https://t.co/xcDh2oa39D pic.twitter.com/8wguXGIsb3  Matt Tardio (@angertab) December 18, 2025

Maybe there was. And again, did it work, and was there a tape?

Oh, it's not like they haven't been busy -- in various coverups:

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BREAKING:  investigator @0hour1 pointed out irregularities last night with Brown University student Mustapha Kharbouch.



Since then, Kharbouch's  account has been suspended, and Brown University has removed his profile from its site.



All suspicion points to Kharbouch. pic.twitter.com/aCxC4ZmNmH  The Patriot Oasis (@ThePatriotOasis) December 16, 2025

 WTF - Did FBI Boston delete the video they posted showing the Brown University shooter walking right by Police? pic.twitter.com/PZKKfG1BvI  Alec Lace (@AlecLace) December 16, 2025

Since Brown University has spent the past 24 hours scrubbing its websites of some of the pro Palestinian extremism that fester on campus, I recommend people go to the Brown University Palestine solidarity caucus Instagram page and see for themselves the extremism on campus. pic.twitter.com/guW8enDZEC  Rabbi Poupko (@RabbiPoupko) December 17, 2025

... while this idiot -- I'm not sure if it's a trans person or a guy, so let's go with 'idiot' -- is concerned about symbols:

Assemblyman Lyle Culpepper addresses the Brown Shooter situation pic.twitter.com/PvXDBOH21O  Lyle Culpepper (@ShutupLyle) December 17, 2025

The university's campus police chief doesn't inspire confidence:

 BREAKING: Brown University Police Chiefs past Ties link campus de-policing, University of Utah activism, and Emirya Fanaeian 



Brown University Police Chief Rodney Chatman, who oversees campus safety, previously worked at the University of Utah, where Emirya Fanaeian was a pic.twitter.com/tEVoHgjGNT  DataRepublican (small r) (@DataRepublican) December 18, 2025

Neither does the Providence police chief:

This is INSANE: The Colombia-born Providence police chief leading the investigation into the Brown shooting has a nephew who was recently sentenced to 22 years in prison for running a fentanyl ring in Rhode Island as his uncle was rising through the ranks of the police pic.twitter.com/hJs67sakIY  Greg Price (@greg_price11) December 18, 2025

It's hard to say which one is more disgusting.

A good rundown is here:

 MUST WATCH: You could not have found a more incompetent group of corrupt morons who are leading the investigation into the shooting at Brown University:



- Brown's head of campus security was fired from his last job for not having the proper credentials.

- Brown's President pic.twitter.com/1Hl4IpHBSP  CJ Pearson (@Cjpearson) December 18, 2025

The hypocrisy of the university president stands out:

 You know whos got security cameras all around her house?



Brown Universitys president, Christina Paxson.



Funny how that works, isnt it? pic.twitter.com/rLjZucXLW6  Gina Milan (@ginamilan_) December 18, 2025

All of this adds up to a very slow start to a very critical investigation, one in which they have yet to put out a good photo of the shooter or tell us anything about what he said, release footage or come anywhere near to catching him, all because their little woke keisters might not come out smelling like a rose, having coddled radical wokester-types and terrorist-types for years. It's time for the feds to step in if there's any connection to global terrorism, and every last one of these clowns to be out on their ears.

Image: X video screen shot
President Donald Trump has rightly put his finger on several countries with poor leadership, especially in the E.U. with its failures controlling illegal immigration, managing its own national defenses, and maintaining a robust domestic economy.

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On our border to the north, Canada is an important trading partner, but it has been politically unstable and unreliable, adopting far left social policies, and asserting an antagonistic ideological posture toward the United States.

To the south, Mexico has such a complex mixture of government and cartels, along with porous borders of its own, that it represents a constant risk to its own people, and to U.S. interests and security.

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But some good news has emerged in a critical Latin American country that has listened to its voters, and taken back the kind of fundamentally conservative, national priority policies that President Trump stands for.

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The U.S. needs smarter partners in the world economy, and Chile has just become one of them: a new potential ally in reasserting a stable international order, based on fundamental principles of national sovereignty and independent strength. Chiles election also gives confidence to the rest of Latin America that destructive socialist ideology can be successfully defeated.

Jose Antonio Kast has a strong pragmatic background.

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Even the New York Times couldnt overlook his prospects (Conservative Wins Resoundingly in Chiles Presidential Election, December 14th), and that Chile is thereby creating a larger conservative realignment among other neighboring countries including Argentina and Bolivia.

Kast ran on reversing violent crime, and deporting undocumented migrants that, like the U.S., have flooded his country. He remains unapologetic about his larger Catholic values, and has focused on social order and economic development. Chile has a strong pedigree in economic innovation, and those prospects have been reignited.

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Chile is an overlooked power player in the world economy. A stronger north-south alignment with the United States has tremendous possibilities, as a U.S.-Chile conservative political axis draws in the rest of South America, the Caribbean and eventually Cuba, into a new economic order that advantages U.S. interests and security, vis-a-vis China and Russia, and makes old Europe even more irrelevant.

This can also have some impact on U.S. elections, as voters see other countries successfully follow President Trumps lead, and demonstrate further why radical left political policy offers zero prospects for growth and stability.

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Indeed, socialists like Chile Communist Party member Jeannette Jara who was just roundly defeated, have always falsely claimed to represent a world of the people, but do not understand what happens when those same people become empowered by rational self-interest, and the prospects of real economic growth with less government.

Matthew G. Andersson is a former CEO and has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, the Washington Post, and received the Silver Anvil award from the Public Relations Society of America. He has testified before the US Senate and is a graduate of the University of Chicago and the University of Texas at Austin.

Image: Screen shot from X
How do you reconcile fighting for rights for dogs and then, the same day, against rights for the unborn? Easy  you think like a European leftist.

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The Polish Left (Lewica)  a constituent of Prime Minister Donald Tusks ruling coalition with roughly the same political pull as the progressives on American Democrats  had planned Wednesday, December 17 as their save the dog day. Parliament was supposed to vote on overriding President Karol Nawrockis veto of a bill banning the chaining up of dogs. The left organized protests. It assembled demonstrators in front of Parliament. It took to the public media airwaves. It was supposed to be a slam dunk, since the bill initially passed with a veto-proof majority. But a few members of Parliament changed their votes, and the override failed.

Now, Im not for animal cruelty. But this debate was also not merely about parliamentary friends of puppies versus the rabid inhabitant of the Presidential Palace. The Tusk government has chosen the path of confrontation over coexistence with newly elected President Karol Nawrocki, who comes from the opposition Law and Justice party. Since taking office in August, Nawrocki has endured the Polish equivalent of Trump Derangement Syndrome. Hes primitive! Hes a Russian agent! Hes undermining Polish democracy! Hes a veto machine!

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They tried out the veto machine caricature on Nawrocki over a bill he vetoed extending universal coverage under the Polish health care system to Ukrainians now living in Poland, even if they were not working. Unfortunately (for the Tusk parties), the average Polish taxpayer was unsympathetic to handing prime health care benefits over to Ukrainians who are supposed to be in Poland only temporarily and not paying into the system.

They calculated that a fight over a dog rights veto might be easier to win.

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For most of Wednesday, I watched leftist members of Parliament take to mass and social media, urging a veto override. One way the Polish language expresses affection is to use diminutives, like calling something in a tender voice my little X. The Left was full of diminutives most of Wednesday.

...until late afternoon, when two things happened.

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First, the veto override failed. Second, news came from Brussels that the European Parliament had voted, 358-202 (with 79 abstentions), to endorse the My Voice, My Choice initiative petition, calling for promoting abortion rights across the European Union. The initiative also urges the E.U. to establish a public fund so that women in benighted countries that protect the unborn  like Poland and Malta  can travel elsewhere in the Union to procure abortions.

Suddenly, all the ladies of the left in the Polish Parliament squeaking in diminutives soundly found their big girl voices to applaud the European Parliament vote. Save the dogs. Just dont save the babies.

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Just as female Democrats now show up at State of the Union messages in white dresses  suffragette suits (as if anybody were threatening repeal of the 19th Amendment)  so European parliamentarian from Poland Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus took to social media in her pink Reproductive Rights Fairy sweatshirt to tell us all that supporters of the My Voice, My Choice initiative were so attired in Strasbourg Wednesday.

The European Parliaments resolution now goes to the European Commission  the real power brokers of the Union  to come up with proposals, preferably to implement it. Since almost all E.U. states but Poland and Malta have permissive abortion laws, this is clearly another attempt by the Union and its European values to violate national sovereignty and competence over issues never within Brusselss remit. We cant do it in Poland, but were doing it in Europe, Scheuring-Wielgus assures us. If your country protects the unborn, we have a way around that! Her sentiments were echoed by several leftist members of the Polish Parliament in Warsaw.

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Meanwhile, Polish parliamentary speaker Wodzimierz Czarzasty reacted to the failed dog veto override by putting on some theater of his own. During a press conference, he pulled out a heavy chain and wrapped it around his neck, rhetorically taunting President Nawrocki about how he would feel if he were bound to such a chain.

Those who know something of history saw something else.

Czarzasty, who became speaker on November 18 only as part of a Faustian coalition bargain with Prime Minister Tusk, is an ex-communist. He joined the party in the early 1980s  its dying days  during the martial law regime of Wojciech Jaruzelski. He was later accused of being part of an early 2000s scandal soliciting bribes for media licenses, in which a fixer claimed to represent a mysterious group in power that critics said included Czarzasty.

The paradox of a man demonstrating how to chain up somebody, as well as memories of Polish opposition members literally chained up in prisons during 40 years of Communist Party rule, was not perhaps the best image for a man associated in many peoples minds with both phenomena. As for his claims that Nawrocki is abusing his power, well, the reason Poland has a strong presidency despite being a parliamentary democracy was the demand of Czarzastys fellow communists at the 1989 Roundtable, where they wanted to ensure a mechanism to protect their power under General Jaruzelski.

Karl Marx  one of the lefts godfathers  once wrote that history repeats itself, the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce. You would have never guessed the guy must have been loitering in the Polish Parliament on December 17.

Image via Picryl.
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.
The left picks the weirdest individuals to be their poster children, and heres the umpteenth example, from Anna Slatzs latest item at Reduxx News:

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Pedophile, Baby Killer Highlighted In Sympathetic Profile On Trans Inmates A trans-identified male currently incarcerated for raping two children and torturing an intellectually disabled man to death was among those highlighted in a sympathetic profile on the plight of transgender inmates under the Trump administration. Advertisement On December 5, Uncloseted Media published an article titled Trans Women in State Prisons on Being Targeted by Trump, which profiles several trans-identified males incarcerated across the United States and documents their perspectives in the wake of new federal policies and the broader political climate under President Donald Trump.

If theyre going to wage a war for a group of people they believe are being victimized because of their identity (valid or in this case, most certainly not), why do they always support the most evil, debauched, and corrupt individuals?

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When Kyle Rittenhouse became a household name after the Black Lives Matter riots in Kenosha in August of 2020, a joke was made shortly after about the prevalence of really sick people and hardened criminals any time a bunch of Democrats gather en masse (birds of a feather apparently). When Rittenhouse neutralized three threats, the first man he took out was a serial child molester (Joseph Rosenbaum), the second was a domestic abuser (Anthony Huber), and the third had a ten-year criminal record with drunk driving arrests, gun charges, burglary, and a domestic incident on his rap sheet (Gaige Grosskreutz). Of course, the left became the greatest champion for Rosenbaum, Huber, and Grosskreutz.

And, that BLM riot was in support of another one of the lefts icons: George Floyd. A drug addict absent father also with a long criminal record, including holding a gun to a pregnant mothers stomach while he robbed her.

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With all the attention on repatriations and ICE operations, the lefts poster boy became Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal alien who, beyond all reasonable doubt, is a gang member with the notorious MS-13, alleged human smuggler, and whose own wife swore he violently assaulted her (she was granted a restraining order based on the evidence of the case).

And, heres how the Uncloseted Media describe a poor trans woman being targeted by Trumps bigoted policies of making sure males go to mens facilities, and females go to womens facilities:

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66-year-old trans woman [Patrick Patricia Trimble], writer and advocate, has been incarcerated in mens facilities in Missouri since 1979.

Trimble is a feminist, activist, and advocate for the incarcerated LGBTQ+ community who has been the victim of anti-trans propaganda from the Trump administration, and conservatives everywhere.

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Now, Trimble raped two young girlsfirst of all, someone who does that should not be permitted to livebut unfortunately, hes still in the land of the living, so he obviously cant be trusted around any female.

Secondly, Trimble turned his mentally retarded cellmate into a sex slave, subjecting him to horrific and degrading treatment, before eventually murdering himmaking the case that he just cant be trusted at all, period. And my calls for a swift death penalty stand.

Why cant the left stand for people who are actually targeted because of their identities? Why cant they stand for the babies in the womb who are targeted because theyre labeled inconvenient to their parents shallow lifestyles? Why cant they stand for the conservatives being hunted and killed by political opponents? Charlie Kirk and Ella Cook come to immediate mind. Why cant they stand for the blacks called racial slurs and viciously denigrated because they left the Democrat slave trade?

Why are they always, always fighting for the bad guy?

Oh thats right, because they are the bad guy.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
Back in August 2022, I watched the Biden administration send agents to former President Trump's home. I told my wife that it was crazy overreach and would backfire, along with all the other lawfare. The explanation was that they were searching for documents that the former President was not releasing. The whole thing just looked like a banana republic operation.

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Well, a new article by Byron York provides some new information that may confirm that my "banana republic" reaction may have been on target. This is the story:

As the FBI raised doubts that a search warrant for Donald Trumps Florida estate met probable cause standards, the Justice Department under President Joe Biden pushed to expand the searchs scope, refused cooperation with Trumps attorney, and discounted the agents concerns about the optics of the raid, according to newly declassified emails turned over to Congress. Advertisement The new evidence that surfaced Tuesday may have more than political impact, as a top congressman warns it may give Trump cause to sue for civil liberty violations or prompt prosecutors to pursue a criminal investigation. "This is going to go down as a very dark chapter in American history, and President Trump may have recourse now to be able to seek damages at some point in time," Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., told Just the News. Advertisement The new emails were turned over to Congress after Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel declassified them. They show the FBI in summer 2022 raised repeated objections to raiding Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Florida, expressing doubt that there was sufficient probable cause to believe the then-former president had broken the law in handling classified documents. The memos also show that the bureau's Washington Field Office and its agents repeatedly tried to find alternative solutions to a contentious raid of the property, including having a reasonable conversation with Trumps lawyers and limiting the search warrant to avoid private areas of the estate. Advertisement

Repeated objections? So why did they approve the operation when there were repeated objections?

My answer is that they knew that it was "a banana republic" operation by people who thought that a Democrat would be elected in 2024 and the whole thing would be pushed under the rug. It reminds me of Director James Comey protecting Hillary Clinton on the assumption that he'd be given a nice job when she was in the White House. Maybe I'm too cynical, but we are talking about very calculating and ruthless people.

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So it's up to Congress to pick up this ball and move forward. A former President's house was raided, and now we learn that there were doubts about the whole thing. It smells bad and should smell bad, even if you hate Trump.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

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Image: AT via Magic Studio
The government of the United Kingdom has essentially made telling the truth illegal  at least if that truth does not comport with official government and leftist dogma.

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Dare to go on X and state something like, A large percentage of Somali/Pakistani/etc. immigrants are on welfare or some illegal immigrants commit serious crimes and you might be whisked away to the U.K. version of the Lubyanka prison.

Britain has hidden innumerable real and serious crimes committed by undocumented migrants while inventing many crimes committed by its own citizens. (The U.S.does not have a clean record in this regard, either, particularly under the Obama-Biden regime.)

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Excusing rapes, gang or otherwise, while jailing people for stating their legitimately held opinions, even those decrying said rapes, is hypocritical, immoral, and an assault on rationality and freedom. It is also Satanic.

But the U.K., not satisfied with potentially imprisoning people for social media posts, is now proposing to eliminate the right to a trial by jury for the majority of cases. In formerly Jolly Olde England, the gang rape of a 14-year-old lass is considered a less serious offense than silently praying outside of an abortion mill. (And the rest of the erstwhile British Empire seems to be following in its footsteps. How about a little independence here?)

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Well, this all royally p***es me off, so Im going to state some immutable truths here, British wanker officials be damned. Memo to the Starmer government: read these and do what you will to me. (The same goes for Minnesotas governor Tim Walz.)

All cultures are not the same, nor are they equivalent. Some things are good, and others are bad. Period. Men cannot become women by wishing it so. And vice versa. Diversity is not necessarily a virtue. (Diversity of crime, pain, immorality, etc.) Tolerance is not necessarily a virtue. In fact, it can be a deadly vice. Islam is not a Religion of Peace. It is wreaking death, destruction, and havoc all over the world. As it always has. If you are okay with that because you think Muslims constitute a solid voting bloc for you, you are a monster. Monster. England was once great. It most certainly is not now. (Same for Minnesota.) England, the United States defeated you twice  and yet later saved you twice. Maybe show it a little bleeping respect and admiration rather than mocking it pathetically. England should have followed through on Brexit, not wavered. Dont go to war with Russia. In your present state, you couldnt defeat Madagascar, Albania, Lichtenstein, or Rhode Island. Disraeli, Churchill, Thatcher  Starmer? Really?! Actually, diversity is where countries go to die. Truth is knowable and absolute. There is no my truth or your truth. Just as there is no my math and your math. God is truth. Good luck trying to prove otherwise. If you become any more feminine and emotion-driven, your whole country might start having hot flashes. And that wont be proof of global warming, poofters. And yet you are welcoming in hordes of unvetted Muslim men who think women are lesserand ownablebeings. WTH?! RIP England/Britain/U.K.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
A 14-year-old girl has plunged to her death from an elite New York City private school building, according to the cops.

Authorities rushed to The Chapin School on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at around 5:30 p.m. ET Wednesday to find the girl with injuries indicative of falling from an elevated position, The New York City Police Department told The Independent.

First responders took the girl to a nearby hospital in critical condition but she later died from her injuries. Its unclear whether the incident was an accident.

Her exact cause of death is yet to be determined. The Independent has reached out to New York Citys Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for comment.

A 14-year-old girl plunged to her death from an elite New York City private school building, according to the cops (Getty/iStock)

No arrests have been made in the investigation into the girls death as of late Thursday afternoon.

Police say the girls identity is being withheld until the family is notified of her death.

The Chapin School is a K-12 all girls school established in 1901. There are more than 800 students currently enrolled. This years tuition cost more than $68,000.

Students from Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens attend The Chapin School. The school also has students from New Yorks Long Island and Westchester County as well as Connecticut and New Jersey.

No arrests have been made and an exact cause of death has yet to be revealed following the incident at The Chaplin School (Google Earth)

Prominent alumni of the school include former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and President Donald Trumps eldest daughter Ivanka Trump.

The Independent has reached out to The Chapin School for comment.

Wednesdays incident comes just weeks after a 16-year-old boy plunged to his death from a Catholic all-boys school on the Upper East Side, according to police.

A representative from Regis High School called the incident an unimaginable tragedy.

It is with heavy hearts that we write that one of our students tragically lost his life," the representative told PEOPLE.
Alan Dershowitz tells Trump the Constitution wasnt clear on his serving a third term as president continues to joke about running again

Alan Dershowitz has told Donald Trump that the Constitution wasnt clear on serving a third term in office, according to a new report, as the president continues to joke about running again.

Dershowitz, Trumps former lawyer, met with the president in the Oval Office and says that he delivered the GOP leader a draft of his new book. The document reportedly details how a president can run for a third term, and Dershowitz says that Trump plans to read it.

I said its not clear if a president can become a third-term president and its not clear if its permissible, Dershowitz told the Wall Street Journal.

In his book titled Could President Trump Constitutionally Serve a Third Term?, Dershowitz lays out several scenarios he believes could allow Trump to run again.

Alan Dershowitz, Donal Trumps former lawyer, says that the current president should run for an unprecedented third term in 2028 (Getty Images)

One of those scenarios would involve members of the Electoral College abstaining from their vote if Trump won another election. That would allow Congress to select and elect the president.

However, the National Constitution Center told the WSJ that the scenario Dershowitz describes has occurred only twice in history. Neither event led Congress to decide on a president.

James Sample, a professor at Hofstra Universitys law school, also described the idea as absurd in an interview with the WSJ.

The one scenario about which I think there is quasi-credible concern is a scenario in which two alliesperhaps JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr. or whomever, run with a plan not to serve; resign upon taking office; and because the speaker of the House is not required to be a Member of Congress, Trump is elected Speaker, with the aim of succession, Sample added.

Trump has often teased a third run for the presidency (AFP/Getty)

Meanwhile, Trumps own chief of staff shut down rumors that he could run for office once more. Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair that her boss knows he cant run again.

Even Trump himself admitted that the Constitution was pretty clear that he was not allowed to run.

Despite that, his supporters have continued to push the idea that he could win an unprecedented third term in 2028. Also, Trump has continued to sell hats reading TRUMP 2028 for $50.

Dershowitz told the WSJ that he handed billionaire Trump supporter Miriam Adelson a copy of his book. While glancing at the book, he claims that she said, Is this real? Oh my god, I hope this can happen.

Trump claims that Miriam Adelson offered him $250 million to run again (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)

Later, during a Hanukkah celebration at the White House, Adelson recalled the conversation and said, "Alan, I agree with you."

"So we can do it," she added.

Shortly after, the crowd started chanting four more years as Trump grinned.

Taking the mic, he claimed that Adelson had said, Think about it, and Ill give you another $250 million.

Federal Election Commission records, seen by the WSJ, suggest that Adelson donated $100 million to a pro-Trump political action committee and $145 million to other Republicans during the 2024 presidential election.
Purdue University has become the first institution in the United States to require that every undergraduate studentregardless of majordemonstrate basic competency in artificial intelligence before graduation, marking a watershed moment in how universities prepare students for an increasingly AI-driven economy.

The Board of Trustees approved the groundbreaking "AI working competency" graduation requirement on December 12, 2025, as part of a comprehensive AI@Purdue strategy spanning five functional areas across the university. The requirement takes effect for freshmen entering in Fall 2026 at Purdue's West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses.

"The reach and pace of AI's impact to society, including many dimensions of higher education, means that we at Purdue must lean in and lean forward and do so across different functions at the university," Purdue President Mung Chiang said. "AI@Purdue strategic actions are part of the Purdue Computes strategic initiative, and will continue to be refreshed to advance the missions and impact of our university."

The decision positions Purdue at the vanguard of a broader debate about AI literacy in higher education, potentially setting a precedent that other universities may follow as artificial intelligence reshapes virtually every professional field.

What Students Must Demonstrate

Under the new requirement, Purdue undergraduates will need to prove they possess "job-ready skills and critical thinking competencies" in three core areas:

1. Understanding and Using AI Tools Effectively

Identify key capabilities, strengths and limits of AI technologies

Recognize ways AI can transform existing methods, processes and tools in their chosen field

Apply AI tools appropriately to discipline-specific problems

2. Recognizing and Communicating About AI

Develop and defend decisions informed by AI-driven insights

Recognize the presence, influence and consequences of AI in decision-making

Communicate clearly about AI use, decisions and limitations

3. Adapting to Future AI Developments

Work effectively with AI technologies as they continue evolving

Understand ongoing AI advancements relevant to their profession

Maintain adaptability as AI capabilities expand

The requirement emphasizes practical application over theoretical knowledge. Students will demonstrate competency through hands-on, often team-based projects where they interact with and utilize AI toolsnot through traditional examinations.

Embedded, Not Added

Crucially, Purdue Provost Patrick Wolfe emphasized that the AI competency will be embedded into existing programs rather than imposed as additional coursework that could delay graduation.

"We have to do it in a way that won't constrain people's schedules or add time to graduation," Wolfe told the Purdue Exponent. "We can't just keep adding requirements. Eventually you have to take something out. We're looking at some of the older requirements, maybe information literacy, and considering morphing it into something with a more modern twist."

The approach reflects pragmatic recognition that students already face packed curricula and mounting degree costs. Rather than creating a standalone "AI 101" course that every student must squeeze into their schedule, Purdue plans to integrate AI competency demonstrations into discipline-specific coursework that students are already taking.

This means an English major might demonstrate AI competency by using natural language processing tools to analyze literature, while an engineering student might apply machine learning to design optimization problems, and a business student might use AI for market analysiseach developing AI skills directly relevant to their future careers.

Discipline-Specific Implementation

The Board of Trustees delegated authority to the provost to work with deans of all academic colleges to develop discipline-specific criteria and proficiency standards. This acknowledges that AI applications differ dramatically across fields and that one-size-fits-all requirements would poorly serve students in diverse majors.

"Can we get 2,500 faculty to agree on one piece of guidance? We'll start looking into it during the spring, and we're going to make sure that we also take some student feedback," Wolfe said, noting the implementation challenges ahead.

The Office of the Provost and University Senate are partnering to update guidance on AI competency expectations, with final details expected by the end of the current academic year.

This collaborative approach aims to ensure buy-in from faculty who will ultimately design and assess the AI competency demonstrations within their courses. Without faculty support, even well-intentioned graduation requirements can become hollow checkbox exercises rather than meaningful learning experiences.

The AI@Purdue Strategic Framework

The graduation requirement represents just one component of a broader AI@Purdue strategy encompassing five functional areas:

1. Learning with AI

Implementing AI tools to enhance teaching effectiveness

Using AI-powered academic advising (Listening Companions, Chatbots, Major Change AI Support)

Leveraging AI to improve student learning outcomes

2. Learning about AI

Offering AI majors through College of Liberal Arts and College of Science

Providing AI minors and certificates across multiple colleges

Delivering online master's degree in AI and microcredentials for working professionals

3. Research AI

Establishing Purdue Institute for Physical AI (IPAI)

Advancing precision agriculture through Institute for Digital and Advanced Agricultural Systems

Researching virtual therapy, autonomous vehicles, and rescue robotics

Pursuing manufacturing innovations through Birck Nanotechnology Center

4. Using AI

Rolling out GenAI Studio for researchers to access open-source models

Bolstering cybersecurity through partnership with Rapid7

Implementing AI tools for administrative efficiency and productivity

5. Partnering in AI

Developing public-private partnerships

Collaborating with industry on AI applications

Creating pathways for AI research commercialization

This comprehensive approach positions Purdue not just as an institution teaching about AI but as one deeply integrating AI throughout its operations, research enterprise, and academic mission.

Building on Purdue Computes

The AI graduation requirement builds on Purdue's ambitious "Purdue Computes" initiative launched in 2023, which includes:

Hiring 50 new AI faculty members across multiple departments

Establishing a new AI institute

Creating infrastructure for AI research and education

Developing AI majors, minors, and certificate programs

This substantial investmentrepresenting tens of millions in new faculty lines and facilitiesdemonstrates Purdue's commitment extends beyond rhetoric to meaningful resource allocation.

Critics have questioned whether the graduation requirement primarily serves to justify these faculty hires and investments by creating demand for AI courses. However, defenders argue that given AI's transformative impact across industries, ensuring all graduates possess baseline AI literacy represents sound educational policy regardless of institutional motivations.

The Ohio State Comparison

Purdue's requirement follows Ohio State University's AI Fluency initiative launched earlier in 2025, which infuses basic AI education into core undergraduate requirements and majors.

However, Purdue's approach appears more comprehensive and formalized. While Ohio State's initiative encourages AI integration, Purdue has established an explicit graduation requirement with Board of Trustees approvalcreating accountability and ensuring universal implementation rather than leaving AI education to individual faculty or departmental discretion.

The distinction matters because graduation requirements carry enforcement mechanisms. Students cannot graduate without meeting them, creating strong incentives for academic units to develop meaningful AI competency assessments rather than treating AI education as optional or supplementary.

No States Require AI for High School Graduation

Purdue's move comes as nonprofit Code.org released its 2025 State of AI & Computer Science Education report showing that "0 out of 50 states require AI+CS for graduation" at the K-12 level.

This creates a pipeline challenge: Purdue will require AI competency for graduation while most incoming freshmen will have received no formal AI education in high school. The university will need to provide foundational AI literacy instruction before students can meaningfully demonstrate competency in discipline-specific applications.

This may be why the requirement doesn't take effect until Fall 2026allowing time for curriculum development, faculty training, and creation of support resources for students entering with varying levels of AI exposure.

Mixed Reactions

Initial responses to Purdue's requirement reveal divided opinions:

Supporters laud Purdue's foresight in preparing students for workplace realities where AI tools are rapidly becoming ubiquitous. They argue that just as computer literacy became essential in previous decades, AI literacy is now foundational for virtually any professional career.

Skeptics raise several concerns:

Environmental Impact: AI technologies, particularly large language models, consume enormous computational resources and energy. Requiring all students to use AI tools could substantially increase Purdue's carbon footprint.

Redundancy: Many students, particularly in computer science and engineering, already develop sophisticated AI skills through their major coursework. For them, a baseline competency requirement may seem unnecessarily simplistic.

Administrative Motivation: Some question whether the requirement genuinely serves student needs or primarily justifies recent faculty hiring and administrative initiativeswhat one Hacker News commenter described as a "CEO edict" where departments pivot to include AI "whether or not it makes sense."

Educational Value: Critics worry about top-down mandates that may result in superficial checkbox compliance rather than meaningful learning.

A Hacker News commenter questioned whether this represents "gimmicks" typical of "low-tier universities trying to get attention," suggesting the requirement might damage Purdue's reputation rather than enhance it.

The Cheating Conundrum

Part of Purdue's motivation appears to address the reality that AI is already transforming how students learnand cheat. By teaching students to use AI tools effectively and ethically within academic contexts, the university aims to shape responsible AI use rather than futilely attempting to ban tools that students will use regardless.

This pragmatic approach acknowledges that AI genies cannot be put back in bottles. The question isn't whether students will use ChatGPT and similar tools, but whether universities will teach them to use these tools in ways that enhance rather than replace learning.

What It Means for Other Universities

Purdue's decision will face scrutiny from peer institutions considering similar requirements. If the implementation succeedsproducing graduates who genuinely possess useful AI skills without adding time or cost to degreesother universities may follow.

However, if execution proves problematicfaculty resistance, superficial compliance, student complaints about busyworkthe experiment could serve as a cautionary tale.

The stakes extend beyond Purdue. Higher education faces mounting pressure to demonstrate value and relevance as costs rise and public confidence declines. Innovative approaches like AI literacy requirements represent attempts to prove universities are preparing students for future economies rather than past ones.

Implications for Employers

Corporate recruiters and HR departments are watching closely. Purdue's requirement creates a cohort of graduates who, in theory, all possess baseline AI capabilitiespotentially making them more attractive hires than graduates from institutions without such requirements.

Technology companies like Alphabet and Microsoft stand to benefit from a broader talent pool of AI-literate professionals across disciplines. Instead of finding only specialized AI engineers, they'll encounter marketing, finance, and operations candidates who understand AI principles and applications.

This could accelerate AI adoption across business functions as companies find employees prepared to integrate AI tools rather than requiring extensive training or struggling with AI-resistant workforces.

The Long View

Whether Purdue's AI competency requirement represents visionary leadership or administrative overreach will become clear over the next decade as graduates enter the workforce.

If Purdue alumni consistently demonstrate superior ability to leverage AI tools in their careers, other universities will rush to implement similar requirements. If the requirement proves superficial or irrelevant to actual job performance, it will quietly fade or transform into something else.

For now, Purdue has claimed first-mover advantage in mandating AI literacy for all undergraduates. President Chiang's assertion that the university must "lean in and lean forward" on AI reflects conviction that future-oriented universities must actively shape how students interact with artificial intelligence rather than passively watching AI reshape professions without preparing students adequately.

The class of 2030freshmen entering Purdue in Fall 2026 who will be the first required to demonstrate AI competencywill ultimately judge whether this bold experiment enhances or burdens their education and careers.
Anthony Albanese has announced a significant expansion of Australias hate speech laws following the deadly terrorist attack on Sydneys Jewish community at Bondi Beach on Sunday.

Speaking after a meeting of the National Security Committee, the Australian prime minister outlined a suite of legislative and policy changes aimed at lowering the threshold for prosecuting hate speech, particularly targeting religious preachers and organisational leaders who incite violence or racial hatred.

The reforms come amid mounting criticism that the government failed to act decisively as antisemitism surged in Australia after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, and Israels subsequent ground invasion of Gaza.

Governments arent perfect. Im not perfect, Mr Albanese said when a reporter asked why his government didnt do more to combat antisemitism. Look, of course more could have always been done, he added.

I have done my best to respond... Anyone in this position would regret not doing more, and any inadequacies which are there.

But what we need to do is to move forward.

The proposed changes would introduce new federal offences for aggravated hate speech, increase penalties for speech that promotes violence, and make hatred an aggravating factor in sentencing for crimes involving online threats or harassment.

The federal government had already tightened its hate speech laws in February to address rising antisemitic and Islamophobic sentiment, but stopped short of criminalising vilification.

A separate framework would allow authorities to formally list organisations whose leaders promote violence or racial supremacy, expanding the governments ability to disrupt extremist networks operating at the margins of the law, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on Thursday.

Floral tributes left for victims of the Bondi Beach shooting on Sunday (AFP/Getty)

The countrys home affairs minister Tony Burke said existing legislation had allowed individuals and groups to skirt legal consequences while spreading dehumanising rhetoric.

There have been individuals who have managed to exploit a nation that had different principles of freedom of speech and have gone right to the limits of language that is clearly dehumanising, unacceptable, having no place in Australia, but have not quite crossed the threshold to violence, he said.

Today, were announcing that were shifting the threshold. We have no time for organisations where their mission is to hate Australia and to hate fellow Australians.

The reforms also include expanded powers to cancel or deny visas to non-citizens who spread hate and division, alongside enhanced online safety measures to address antisemitic content.

And they will create a task force to ensure the countrys education system prevents, tackles and properly responds to antisemitism.

Children arent born antisemitic. Children arent born racist. Children arent born with hate in their hearts. This is something thats taught. This is something thats learned, education minister Jason Clare said.

The eSafety commissioner and the communications department will develop new guidance to tackle digital abuse and extremist messaging.

Announcing the reforms, Mr Albanese added: It was an attack on our Jewish community  but it was also an attack on the Australian way of life. It is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge, much more.
Ms Ocasio-Cortez is seen as one of the frontrunners in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028 - Jordan Vonderhaar/Reuters

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has claimed she would stomp JD Vance in a presidential election.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez, the Left-wing congresswoman, made the claim hours after sharing a poll on social media showing her leading the vice president 51pc to 49pc in a hypothetical match-up.

When asked about the poll as she left the US Capitol on Wednesday evening, she initially downplayed its significance.

These polls like three years out they are what they are, she told a reporter, who filmed the encounter.

But let the record show I would stomp him  I would stomp him! she added, laughing as she walked off and entered a waiting car.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez, often known by her initials AOC, is seen as one of the frontrunners in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

Polling averages put Kamala Harris, the former vice president who lost the 2024 election to Donald Trump, in pole position, slightly ahead of Gavin Newsom, the California governor. Some polls have Mr Newsom in the lead.

This is followed by Pete Buttigieg, the former US transportation secretary, and Ms Ocasio-Cortez.

AOC is likely to draw support from the wing of the party that voted for Bernie Sanders - AP

The New York congresswoman is the most prominent member of the progressive squad of Democrats in Congress and is likely to draw support from the wing of the party that voted for Bernie Sanders in the 2016 and 2020 primaries.

The rapid rise of Zohran Mamdani to become mayor-elect of New York also hints at the opportunities for a young, Left-wing Democrat with a large social media following like Ms Ocasio-Cortez.

Some have suggested she could swerve a presidential campaign and instead take on Chuck Schumer, the Democrat leader in the Senate, in a primary fight for his seat.

Mr Vance is seen as a heavy favourite to become the next Republican presidential candidate, although Mr Trump has so far declined to name a successor.

Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, who so far appears the only credible challenger to the vice president, this week ruled out a presidential run in 2028 if Mr Vance decided to seek the nomination.

Mr Vance has previously declared that president AOC was the stuff of nightmares.

He told an interviewer who raised the prospect of him facing off against the congresswoman in a presidential election in May: Youve ruined my sleep for the evening.
AOC pulls ahead of JD Vance for first time in 2028 election head-to-head, poll finds

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has come out ahead of JD Vance for the first time in a 2028 presidential election head-to-head, according to a new poll.

A poll from The Argument magazine and Verasight showed that the self-described democratic socialist, a Democrat from New York, would beat the vice president 51 percent to 49 percent.

Ocasio-Cortez later quote-tweeted the post on X, saying simply Bloop!

When The Independent asked her about why she posted about the poll, Ocasio-Cortez offered a simple response as she walked to the House floor.

Because JD Vance is a goober, man, she said.

After spending much of her career as a backbencher and insurgent ever since she came to Washington, Ocasio-Cortez has become an increasingly influential voice in the Democratic Party.

Her endorsement of Zohran Mamdani helped her fellow socialist win the Democratic nomination to become mayor of New York City. She also sent out a fundraiser for Abigail Spanberger, who criticized progressives like Ocasio-Cortez while in Congress, to support her successful run for governor of Virginia.

At the same time, she has withheld her endorsement of progressive challengers running against incumbent Democratic members of Congress in her home state.

While some have speculated she would run for president, many more want her to challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in 2028.

Lakshya Jain, who runs The Arguments polling and is a more mainstream Democrat, broke down on X why Ocasio-Cortez leads Vance.

We polled this at The Argument, and I'm the pollster, so here are the crosstabs. AOC/Vance is 1 point more Democratic than the generic ballot is.

OK, lot of questions about subgroup breakdowns. We polled this at The Argument, and I'm the pollster, so here here are the crosstabs. AOC/Vance is 1 point more Democratic than the generic ballot is. https://t.co/vJaIMuIoZL pic.twitter.com/vsHLIowd06  Lakshya Jain (@lxeagle17) December 17, 2025

The poll surveyed 1,521 registered voters between December 5 and December 11.

Jain said the poll revealed some truths about the coming 2028 election, specifically regarding Ocasio-Cortez and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, another potential 2028 presidential candidate.

 1) Vance is weak, he tweeted. 2) AOC/Newsom are very similar electorally but with slightly different coalitions. Newsom's better with whites, AOC with Latinos.

Ocasio-Cortez also cut an ad during the Proposition 50 campaign in California in both English and Spanish to support the initiative that would allow for a one-time redraw of Californias congressional districts.

So far, Ocasio-Cortez has not indicated what she will do in 2028. Despite not earning the top spot on the House Oversight Committee, Ocasio-Cortez earned a position on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which handles energy as well as health care.
Apple Martin paid homage to her mother, Gwyneth Paltrow, by wearing her iconic slip dress the Shakespeare in Love actor first donned in the 1990s.

The 21-year-old wore a black Calvin Klein slip dress with a scooped neckline  the same dress her mother wore to the 1996 premiere of her film Emma.

Apple, wearing her hair in an up-do similarly to Paltrow's 90s style, accompanied her mother to the Marty Supreme premiere in New York on Tuesday, 16 December.
The Bondi terror attack suspects spent their entire four-week visit to the Philippines in Davao City and rarely left their hotel for more than about an hour at a time, according to a member of staff.

Hotel worker Jenelyn Sayson told Sky News she was on duty at GV Hotel when Naveed and Sajid Akram checked in on 1 November.

Ms Sayson said they initially booked a seven-night stay online, but on 8 November, the pair told hotel staff they would extend their stay for another week and paid in cash.

The father and son continued to extend their stay before finally checking out on 28 November.

The mass shooting at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach happened just over two weeks later, on 14 December.

Sajid, 50, entered the country on an Indian passport and his son, 24, on an Australian passport.

During their stay, Ms Sayson noted the two mostly remained inside their room - a small, sparse space, with two single beds and a TV.

"Their daily routine consisted of in and out of the hotel, with the longest time spent outside being about one hour," she said.

"Based on our observations, they did not travel outside Davao and were seen here in the hotel every day."

Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 counts, including 15 of murder and one of terror, in Australia. His father was shot dead by police during the attack.

The receptionist said Philippine police from Task Force Davao visited the hotel on Wednesday afternoon and asked about an Indian national who may have stayed there.

They showed her a photo, which she immediately identified as one of the two guests.

The authorities also requested CCTV footage, she said, but the recordings from November had already been automatically deleted.

What are police investigating?

Police Major Catherine Dela Rey, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO-11), confirmed a multi-agency investigation is ongoing to verify the movements of the two suspects.

"The investigation will determine whether they indeed arrived in Davao, where they stayed, and who they may have met, or whether they only passed through the city or stayed elsewhere," she said.

Despite the link to an overseas terror-related incident, the police major assured the public the Davao region remains peaceful.

"We have maintained this status throughout the year," she added.

What is the Philippines' link to terrorism?

Terrorism in the Philippines has declined in recent years.

But many Islamic militant groups remain active and armed in more remote regions, with some willing to train foreign fighters who have long flocked to the Southeast Asian nation.

Davao City sits in Mindanao, an island which has historically been fertile ground for Islamic jihadists.

More from Sky News:

Reaction to Trump's angry speech

Teachers to be trained to spot misogyny

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the alleged Bondi gunmen travelled outside of Davao City.

A military source previously told Sky News the men may have visited Marawi, Lanao del Sur.

Exactly what they did and who they met in the Philippines is now the focus of an expanding police investigation in the Philippines and Australia.

Funeral held for 10-year-old victim

It comes as funerals for the 15 victims continue to take place, including for a 10-year-old girl named Matilda.

The youngest person to be killed in the shooting, yellow toy bees topped her coffin as mourners remembered a "ray of sunshine" who loved animals and dancing.

Her middle name was Bee, which inspired attendees to wear bee stickers, and bee-themed toys and balloons, while some mourners wore yellow.

Rabbi Yehoram Ulman said: "The tragic, so totally cruel, unfathomable murder of young Matilda is something to all of us as if our own daughter was taken from us."
Why BP felt the need to rush out an announcement about the chief executives exit at 10pm is a mystery - Shutterstock

From net zero to potential hero to plain old zero.

Welcome to another day at the BP circus, where its chief executive has gone from the man who helped engineer its green transformation to the person tasked with reversing it, to being fired through the roof of the big top covered in custard pie in lightning-quick fashion.

Youve got to feel for Murray Auchincloss. It was obvious from the get-go to pretty much everyone  except somehow the desperately insular folk at BP  that he was the wrong man to drag the company out of the woke hole that it had dug itself into.

After all, he was part of the old regime that had insisted a whole-hearted embrace of all things green was the right strategy for an organisation that had spent the last 100 years furiously extracting oil and gas from every corner of the globe.

So having helped march the BP faithful reluctantly to the top of the renewables hill, the idea that Auchincloss was the man to march them back down again five minutes later was preposterous thinking. It smacked of an organisation that had completely run out of ideas.

Still, the manner of his exit is no less chaotic  everything about it is absurd.

Youve got to feel for Murray Auchincloss - Walaa Alshaer/Bloomberg

The Canadian is out with immediate effect, less than two years into the job. His replacement  American executive Meg ONeill, who currently runs Australian oil and gas firm Woodside Energy  wont take the reins until April next year.

Until then Carol Howle, BPs head of supply, trading and shipping, will run the show. As for Auchincloss, he gets to hang around in an advisory role for another year.

Albert Manifold, the new chairman, deserves credit for acting decisively  particularly since hes only been in the role officially since the beginning of October. Yet why BP felt the need to rush out an announcement at 10pm is a mystery.

Perhaps the thinking was that shareholders would need to stay up all night just to get their heads around yet another convoluted mess that the board has contrived to create.

Amid this utter shambles, ONeill has to be the one that finally gets things right  because through nothing other than acute self-harm, BP is now well and truly drinking in the last chance saloon.

Get this wrong and BP will surely find itself on the receiving end of a takeover bid from a bigger, better-run competitor.

It has been reported that Greg Gut, Shells chief dealmaker, quit the oil and gas giant in September after Wael Sawan, the chief executive, and other top bosses blocked an internal proposal to buy its fallen arch-rival. Surely though, if BPs troubles persist, there comes a point at which a bid becomes impossible to resist?

A devastating break-up of BP cant be ruled out either. According to reports, United Arab Emiratess state-owned oil company ADNOC is keen to get its hands on BPs gas fields.

With Auchinclosss hapless predecessor, Bernard Looney, now a senior ADNOC executive, it is hard to think of a more humiliating end for one of Britains most illustrious institutions.

Its hard to know what would represent the more ignominious conclusion: dismemberment at the hands of others or shareholders giving up altogether and instructing a company that has nowhere left to go to run itself down and hand the cash back to investors. Neither can be ruled out at this stage.

ONeill is joining an organisation whose turmoil has become truly existential.

American executive Meg ONeill currently runs Australian oil and gas firm Woodside Energy - Samsul Said/Bloomberg

Her priority will be to speed up BPs retreat from renewables  which wont be too taxing, given that it was in danger of looking positively pedestrian and half-hearted under Auchincloss.

Ashley Kelty, analyst at Panmure Gordon, said his uninspired leadership has seen BP underperform peers for a number of years.

We would imagine that investors will be thrilled to see the end of the woke management ethos that has prevailed under Auchincloss. We hope that BP will now return to focusing on its core oil and gas business and could see a return to growth, he added.

Biraj Borkhataria, an RBC analyst, described Auchinclosss departure as a case of when, not if.

Murray has tried to right the ship following the strategic errors in 2020-21, however it is clear that the business has been impaired by divesting the wrong assets at the wrong time (oil at the bottom of the cycle) and buying the wrong ones at the wrong time (renewables at the top), he said.

Even Auchincloss had little faith in himself, it seems. When Manifold became chair, Auchincloss expressed his openness to stepping down if BP could find someone to accelerate delivery of BPs strategy, he said.

One imagines the board began their search for a successor right away after that bombshell.

The other big task for ONeill will be to put the rocket-boosters under debt reduction  but to do that, she must first confront the true scale of BPs financial strain.

The companys reported net debt figure is $26bn (19.4bn) but analysts point out that it ignores a series of large liabilities lurking on its books. BPs debt load jumps to nearly $64bn if you include $17.1bn of hybrid bonds, $13.6bn of lease obligations and $7bn of outstanding liabilities relating to the catastrophic Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

ONeill needs to consider whether BPs reporting is up to scratch. Yet even then, BPs fate is not entirely in its own hands.

Not only is it at the mercy of an oil price that is going in the wrong direction but it has made debt reduction contingent on the sale of several assets that some in the City think BP has overvalued. Kelty recently described a pledge to slash BPs net debt to between $14bn and $18bn by 2027 as fanciful.

Borkhataria thinks the oil giant needs to abandon its share buyback programme entirely so that it can repair the balance sheet further. However, BP bosses will be loath to risk the wrath of investors whose shares are worth a third of what they were at the turn of the century.

BP says that ONeills proven track record of driving transformation, growth and disciplined capital allocation makes her the right leader.

No doubt her dismissal of zealous young people, for taking an ideological stance against fossil fuels, added to her appeal.

However, Borkhataria points out that Woodsides share price has materially lagged peers over the last five years  including BP.

It would be unfair to write off the American before shes even through the door  but only BP could decide the answer to its crisis lies at one of the few companies whose performance has been worse than its own.
BP has hired Meg ONeill as its new chief executive in a surprise change at the top marking the first time a woman has been appointed at the helm of one of the worlds top five oil firms.

The FTSE 100 oil giant said current boss Murray Auchincloss had stepped down after less than two years in the role and will be replaced by Woodside Energy chief executive Ms ONeill on April 1.

Mr Auchincloss will remain with the group in an advisory role until December next year to help with a smooth handover, while Carol Howle, current executive vice president of supply, trading and shipping at BP, will act as chief executive on an interim basis until Ms ONeill joins.

The abrupt departure of Mr Auchincloss follows the appointment of Albert Manifold as BPs new chairman in July.

Murray Auchincloss leaves after less than two years as chief executive of BP (BP/PA) (BP)

Mr Auchincloss took over at the top when former boss Bernard Looney quit in September 2023 after failing to disclose his past relationships with company colleagues.

When Albert became chair, I expressed my openness to step down were an appropriate leader identified who could accelerate delivery of BPs strategy, Mr Auchincloss said.

Ms ONeills appointment makes history as she becomes the first woman to run BP and the first ever outsider to take on the post, and also the first woman to head up a top five global oil company.

The American oil executive has headed up Australian oil and gas firm Woodside Energy since April 2021, having been promoted after taking on a number of senior roles at the firm since joining in 2018.

Before that, she worked at ExxonMobil for 23 years in a raft of executive roles, having started her career with the firm in Houston, Texas.

At Woodside, she oversaw the takeover of BHP Petroleum International in 2022 and has grown the firm into the largest energy company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, according to BP.

Mr Manifold said her appointment will help ramp up plans to become more profitable.

Shareholders in the firm have become increasingly frustrated over the pace of its turnaround as its shares and earnings have lagged behind rivals.

Mr Manifold said: Following a comprehensive succession planning process, the board believes this transition creates an opportunity to accelerate our strategic vision to become a simpler, leaner, and more profitable company.

Progress has been made in recent years, but increased rigor and diligence are required to make the necessary transformative changes to maximise value for our shareholders.

He added that Ms ONeills proven track record of driving transformation, growth, and disciplined capital allocation makes her the right leader for BP.

Her relentless focus on business improvement and financial discipline gives us high confidence in her ability to shape this great company for its next phase of growth and pursue significant strategic and financial opportunities, he added.

Ms ONeill said: With an extraordinary portfolio of assets, BP has significant potential to re-establish market leadership and grow shareholder value.

BP shares remained largely flat after initially edging higher after market opening on Thursday.

Analyst Ashley Kelty, at Panmure Liberum, said: This is a really positive update, as Murray Auchincloss was one of the chief architects of the disastrous pivot towards low margin renewables that BP undertook under disgraced former chief executive Bernard Looney.

His uninspired leadership has seen BP underperform peers for a number of years.

Ms ONeill does have a job on her hands as the balance sheet is in poor shape and the bloated cost base needs to be addressed.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva: I have the right to veto, and then they have the right to overturn my veto or not. Thats the game. Photograph: Adriano Machado/Reuters (Photograph: Adriano Machado/Reuters)

Brazils president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has promised to veto a bill passed by congress to reduce the prison term of Jair Bolsonaro, the former president who was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for masterminding an attempted coup to overturn the 2022 elections.

Lawmakers passed the bill late on Wednesday after it was approved last week by the lower house. On Thursday, Brazils leftist president  who, investigations showed, was the target of an assassination plan as part of the coup plot  acknowledged his veto could be overridden by the largely conservative congress.

With all due respect to the congress, when it reaches my desk, I will veto it, Lula told journalists on Thursday, adding that those who committed crimes against Brazilian democracy will have to pay for their acts.

I have the right to veto, and then they have the right to overturn my veto or not. Thats the game.

Legal experts estimate the bill will reduce Bolsonaros time in a closed regime, currently a minimum of six years, to just over two, depending on sentence reduction mechanisms such as good behaviour or reading books.

The far-right leader is already serving his sentence in a special cell at the federal police headquarters in Brasilia, and his lawyers are seeking supreme court authorisation for him to undergo hernia surgery.

Although the legislation falls far short of the full amnesty Bolsonaro and his sons had been demanding, its approval is being celebrated by the former presidents family.

It wasnt exactly what we wanted  but its what was possible, posted the senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the former presidents son and, for now, the familys choice to take on Lula in the 2026 election.

The bill reduces time in prison by combining the sentences for two different crimes  such as attempted coup and violent abolition of the democratic rule of law  but counting only the offence with the higher sentence.

It benefits not only Bolsonaro but all of his aides, including high-ranking military officers who, for the first time, were also convicted of attempting a coup in Brazil, as well as hundreds of people who ransacked the capital, Brasilia, on 8 January 2023.

For that reason, the approval is being seen as a significant setback for those who had widely celebrated the convictions as a sign of democratic progress in Brazil. A recent opinion poll showed that most Brazilians opposed reducing the sentences.

The journalist and writer Miriam Leitao, a prominent political analyst, described the bills passage as the reopening of Brazils historic cycle of impunity: 2025 was set to go down in history as the year in which Brazil punished coup plotters for the first time, but the bill  threatens to make the country repeat the past, she wrote in her column for O Globo newspaper.
Labour dont care about sovereignty - Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images

Bringing his Erasmus deal to the Commons on Wednesday, Labours EU minister Nick Thomas-Symonds was welcomed as Santa Claus come early by both Labours narcissist-in-chief Stella Creasy and by the oleaginous Conservative MP Simon Hoare. That tells you all you need to know about the agreement. Still, they are right in that its good children who get gifts from Santa  and no-one can say the Government has not been well-behaved in Brussels this year.

The Erasmus deal is just the icing on the Brussels Christmas cake. This year, Labour gave away 12 years of fishing rights in British waters just to be allowed to apply to the EUs flimsy military procurement scheme. When the EU then set a price which even Thomas-Symonds had to reject, did we take our fishing rights back? We did not  for they had already been signed away. British negotiators rest on fine words, but the EU insists its gains are written into law.

Then they agreed to make the country part of the EUs single market in food. Thomas-Symonds persistently misrepresents this as just another trade deal like those with the US or India, but of course it is nothing like them: it is an agreement to accept European laws and European courts with no say in setting them, an arrangement which favours expensive European food producers and squeezes out everyone else.

Thats partly why our technology trade deal with the US collapsed this week. The Government did the same again with the EUs costly carbon pricing arrangements. Now they have agreed to join the EUs single market for electricity too, as Thomas-Symonds admitted. Slowly, slowly, the line is being reeled in and Britain is on the hook.

What have we got back? Drum roll  the right to attend some EU foreign affairs meetings. Even the much-vaunted access to the EUs airport e-gates is not being delivered. As former Tory minister Greg Hands has been persistently pointing out, Germany lets Australians, New Zealanders, Brazilians, Americans, Israelis, Chileans and many more use their e-gates  but restricts use for Britons.

Thats the context for this weeks Erasmus deal. I dont have an ideological difficulty with us rejoining Erasmus. It all depends on the terms. And the problem with Erasmus is that countries which receive more students than they send, like the UK, always pay more in than they get out.

In 2020 Boris Johnson and I tried to negotiate a financing deal that would sort out this structural problem, but the EU would not concede sufficiently tailored terms. We debated the issue almost to the end, but obviously paying 200m plus every year was never going to be good value.

Then prime minister Boris Johnson declared that the annual cost of Erasmus would have been too great a price to pay - Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images

We even thought it might be worth joining just to help limit middle-class wailing about Brexit, but couldnt honestly convince ourselves that was a good enough reason. Still, it seems to have been good enough for the Government, for thats about the only reason they can give in its favour.

Labours deal will cost 570m up front in 2027  and thats at a 30 per cent discount. What the eventual net contribution is will depend on how many students come to Britain. Now many might think the current Government has done so much damage to this country that it will no longer be as attractive to students as it once was. I wouldnt bank on it. There is going to be a net cost, a substantial one, and one that will only grow as the scheme grows too.

Erasmus asks British taxpayers to pay for EU students to come to Britain. That is always going to be a hard sell. Thats why our replacement scheme, the Turing scheme, only finances British students going abroad  including to Europe, by the way, contrary to popular belief on the Government backbenches. Erasmus financed 17,000 British students in its final year. Turing funds over 40,000. Yet Thomas-Symonds signalled in Parliament that Turing is going to be wound up after this year. What a pity.

All this is part of a pattern. The direction of travel is clear. But where is the opposition? The Government are making the running with their arguments, however feeble and ideological they are, and there is very little pushback. Bit by bit the EU tractor beam is pulling us back. Labour dont care about sovereignty and will happily see us as de facto part of the EUs high-spend, high-tax corporatist bloc once again. It wont bother them if Britain doesnt get any say in the rules: they think EU laws are always better anyway.

So those in Britain who want to see a change of direction, a return to growth, to free markets and deregulation, within a free and independent country, need to sharpen up if they are to win this fight. Its not only about killing off socialism in Westminster. Its about making sure liberalising successors arent hamstrung, with their hands tied in Brussels, every time they want to change anything here.

A much stronger effort  organisationally, financially, politically  is needed in 2026 if the arguments are to be won. Lets hope we see it. Meanwhile, Merry Christmas.
A British man has been jailed for 13 years in a Russian maximum security prison camp after being convicted for fighting with the Ukrainian army, Russian prosecutors said.

Hayden Davies, 30 was accused by Moscow of being a paid mercenary who fought in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region, where fierce fighting continues.

The office of Russia's Prosecutor General said he had been tried by a court in a part of Russian-controlled Donetsk, one of four Ukrainian regions which Moscow illegally claimed as its own in 2022. It did not say how Davies had pleaded.

Hayden Davies, a British citizen accused of participating as a mercenary in an armed conflict, attends his verdict hearing at the supreme court in Donetsk (Russian Prosecutor General 's of)

Davies had arrived in western Ukraine in August 2024, signed a contract to fight for the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine, underwent military training, and then fought against the Russian army in Donetsk, the statement claimed.

He had been captured by Russia in winter 2024 carrying a US-made assault rifle and ammunition, it added.

State prosecutors released a video of Davies being questioned as he stood behind bars, dressed in a black coat and with a shaven head. He says in the video that he had travelled to Ukraine to join the International Legion which paid him $400-500 per month.

Davies said he fought in the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine, a unit of the Ukrainian military made up of foreign volunteers.

Asked if he pleaded guilty to the charge against him, Davies says "yeah" and nods his head.

It was not clear whether Davies was speaking under duress and there was no immediate comment from the British Foreign Office.

London in February said Davies was not a mercenary but a Prisoner of War entitled to protection under the Geneva Conventions. It also condemned what it called Moscow's exploitation of prisoners of war "for political and propaganda purposes."

Davies was seen in a Russian propaganda video earlier this year (AFP/Getty)

Mr Davies first went missing in January, and was feared dead until Russia released a propaganda video of him speaking after his capture.

In the video, he says he is from Southampton, was removed from the British Army in 2023 for smoking marijuana, and struggled to find work afterwards.

He said he chose to fight in Ukraine after he was kicked out of the British Army. He is critical of Ukrainian commanders, and said the chain of command dont care about you and would use you as meat.

Davies added in the video that every single country youd find in Nato, has people in the International Legion.

Most of these, he says, are Colombians, of whom he says there are hundreds.

He said he did not receive proper training and that there were no heavy guns to use for drills.

Davies said he hid in a bunker for two months alone on the battlefield, and claimed that he was rescued by a Russian who offered him a cigarette.

The Independent has contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for comment.
Chinese special envoy to travel to Cambodia, Thailand for shuttle diplomacy

Xinhua) 10:44, December 18, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry's Special Envoy for Asian Affairs will again make a shuttle-diplomacy trip to Cambodia and Thailand on Thursday in an effort to bridge the two sides to rebuild peace at an early date, a foreign ministry spokesperson said late Wednesday.

As a close neighbor and friend of Cambodia and Thailand, China closely follows the ongoing border conflict between the two countries and has shuttled between the two sides to promote peace, the spokesperson said.

"Through its own way, China has been working actively for deescalation," the spokesperson added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Authorities in Providence are intensifying their search for the suspect behind the deadly Brown University shooting, releasing newly enhanced image on Tuesday, 16 December. The attack, which took place during final exam week, has left the community reeling as investigators urge the public to help identify the man seen in CCTV footage.

On X (formerly Twitter), the Providence Police Department posted the latest image of the person of interest from 13 December, the same day students were on the second day of their final exam week for the fall semester.

Clues in the Suspect's Movements

Investigators are appealing for assistance in identifying the suspect through his body language, gait and posture. The image was captured from CCTV footage recorded in the vicinity of the shooting.

The footage shows a man dressed in dark clothing, wearing a black mask that covered his nose and mouth, along with a black hat. He was seen walking calmly around the campus before the shooting unfolded.

ENHANCED VIDEO: We are releasing an enhanced video of the person of interest in the Brown University incident. Footage was captured on the East Side of Providence on Saturday afternoon before the incident.



Please share widely and contact the official tip line if you have pic.twitter.com/mewBSflOiO  Providence Police (@ProvidenceRIPD) December 16, 2025

As reported by the BBC, Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez described the suspect's behaviour as 'casing' or a form of detailed surveillance that he said is 'something criminals do.'

The investigators also noted that the person of interest was not recorded by any of the campus's CCTV cameras inside the lecture hall where the attack occurred.

Shooting Victims Identified

The gunman killed two students during the attack.

One of the victims was Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore student from Alabama and the vice president of the university's College Republicans. CBS News confirmed that Cook was a member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham.

Official Statement on the loss of Brown University College Republicans Vice President, Ella Cook. pic.twitter.com/IJoQsvyOsI  College Republicans of America (@uscollegegop) December 15, 2025

Rhode Island's Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth paid tribute on X, saying, 'Ella was a devoted Christian and a committed conservative who represented the very best of Alabama.' He added that her bright future ended way too soon.

In a statement shared via X, the College Republicans of America said, 'Ella was known for her bold, brave and kind heart as she served her chapter and her fellow classmates.'

The second victim was Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an 18-year-old biochemistry and neuroscience freshman.

According to a PBS report, the victim's sister, Samira Umurzokova, told The Associated Press through a phone interview that her brother dealt with numerous hardships, including a neurological condition that required him to undergo surgery. He also needed to wear a back brace for his scoliosis.

'He had so many hardships in his life, and he got into this amazing school and tried so hard to follow through with the promise he made when he was 7 years old,' Umurzokova said.

The American Uzbekistan Association issued a statement in their official social media account: 'More than a gifted student, Aziz was a beloved son, brother, and friend. He had a future filled with promise, and his life was cut short far too soon. His passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, classmates, and the broader Uzbek American community.'

'On behalf of the American Uzbekistan Association, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Mukhammad Aziz's family during this time of unimaginable grief. We stand with them in mourning and are grateful to all who have offered prayers, messages of support, and solidarity,' the association said.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
Images of the suspect, Claudio Neves Valente, were displayed during a press conference - Brian Snyder/Reuters

The suspect in the mass shooting at Brown University that killed two students and the separate killing of Nuno Loureiro, an MIT professor, has been found dead after a six-day manhunt.

The body of Claudio Neves Valente, 48, was found alongside two guns in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire.

The unit is 75 miles north of Brown, the private Ivy League research university in the College Hill neighbourhood of Providence, Rhode Island.

Valente, who was a physics PHD student at Brown 25 years ago, died from a self-inflicted wound, said Oscar Perez, the chief of Providence police.

Prof Nuno Loureiro, 47, was found dead on Monday - Jake Belcher

Valente re-entered the country from his native Portugal and was granted a green card under the diversity lottery immigrant visa programme in 2017.

The scheme has since been suspended by Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, who said Valente should never have been allowed in our country.

Student Ella Cook died in the mass shooting at Brown University

Police believe he opened fire during a Saturday afternoon economics class, killing Ella Cook, 19, a student from Alabama, the vice-president of the universitys Republican club, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an 18-year-old first-year student from Uzbekistan.

At a Sunday morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama, Rev Craig Smalley, the parishs priest, described Ella as a bright light, engaged in both her faith community and at Brown.

A custodian at Brown University told investigators that Valente staked out the campus weeks before the shooting.

Uzbekistani Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, was also killed

In a 35-page affidavit, the custodian stated that he had seen a man, who was later identified as the suspect, wearing a surgical mask and limping around the schools engineering building between Nov 28 and Dec 1.

Two days later, Valente allegedly shot Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor Nuno Loureiro, a Portuguese 47-year-old theoretical physicist, at his home in Brookline on the outskirts of Boston, 50 miles away from Brown.

According to police, Valente and Prof Loureiro studied together in Portugal between 1995 and 2000.

But they have been unable to find a motive for Valente making the 1,200-mile journey from his home in Miami to New England to kill his former classmate and unleash a volley of bullets in a classroom at his alma mater.

Within minutes of the Brown shooting, a person of interest was caught on video, wearing a woollen hat, mask and dark clothing. He is seen walking on a street just outside the campus.

Credit: Providence Public Information Officer

A suspect was arrested at 3.45am after the shooting at a Hampton Inn, but was released a few hours later.

On Monday, fresh images were released, and the FBI offered a $50,000 (38,000) reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer.

On the same day, police responded to reports of a man being shot at his home in Brookline  Prof Loureiro, an acclaimed fusion scientist working in the nuclear science department at MIT.

Police on Thursday said they were investigating the possibility that the murders of the students and a professor at the two elite New England universities were connected.

The link was a rented grey Nissan Sentra, with Florida number plates. It was spotted by a tipster calling himself John, who shared his suspicions on the social media channel Reddit.

A candlight vigil is held after the mass shooting of students at Brown University - Steven Senne/AP

John believed he had seen the suspect, whose picture had been circulated by the police in the street near the block where Valente had unleashed a volley of bullets.

He had seen the suspect in a lavatory inside the Barus Holley building at Brown and, puzzled by the clothing he was wearing, followed him outside.

He saw a man approach the Nissan, unlock it and walk away, relocking the car.

I found that odd, so when he circled the block, I approached the car and that is when I saw the Florida plates.

The plates raised the possibility that the car had been rented and John suggested the police make further inquiries.

Thanks to traffic cameras, police were able to follow its progress and found it had also been near Prof Loureiros home at the time of the murder.

The rental company told who rented the car, providing investigators with a crucial breakthrough in cracking the case. He blew this case right open, said Peter Neronha, Rhode Island attorney general.

Pictures of the two killed at Brown are laid among tributes of flowers and candles - Taylor Coester/Reuters

John J Arrigo, the US ambassador to Portugal, expressed his condolences in an online post that honoured Prof Loureiro for his leadership and contributions to science.

Its not hyperbole to say MIT is where you go to find solutions to humanitys biggest problems, Prof Loureiro is reported to have said when he was named to lead the plasma science lab last year. Fusion energy will change the course of human history.

In January, he was one of about 400 scientists who had been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers by Joe Biden.

Although the authorities have apparently solved the case, FBI director Kash Patel has faced criticism in his premature announcement of the arrest of a Brown University suspect, who was later released without charge.

It was the second time in a matter of months that he had wrongly announced that the suspected culprit was in custody, having done the same thing following the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
Following the Bari Weiss-moderated sitdown with Erika Kirk that was a massive ratings flop, CBS News has doubled down on the format and is launching a new town hall series in partnership with Weiss anti-woke digital media outlet that the networks parent company recently purchased.

According to the networks press release, the series of town halls and debates will be called Things That Matter, and the first participant will be Vice President JD Vance. According to a network source, the Vance interview will air in early 2026, with the venue and date to be determined.

We live in a divided country. A country where many cannot talk to those with whom they disagree. Where people cant speak across the political divide  or even sometimes across the kitchen table, the network said Thursday. THINGS THAT MATTER aims to change that.

Sponsored by Bank of America and presented by both CBS News and The Free Press, the series will also feature OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. The network stated that the events will be held across the country, in front of audiences who have a stake in the topics under discussion.

The Independent has learned that other CBS News moderators will also host the town halls, meaning it will not just be limited to Weiss.

Vice President JD Vance will be the first participant in a new CBS News town hall series, which comes in the wake of Bari Weiss underwhelming sitdown with Erika Kirk. (Getty)

Based on the press release, the town halls will focus on religion, feminism, capitalism, artificial intelligence and the state of politics. The debates echo the countrys 250th anniversary, showing how the power of Americas earliest principles  civil, substantive discussion, free of rancor  have immense value today, CBS News declared.

Weiss, who was named CBS News editor-in-chief in October by Paramount chair David Ellison, teased at the end of her town hall with Kirk that CBS News would be airing similar specials in the near future. So stay tuned. More town halls, more debates, more talking about the things that matter, she remarked.

Even before to the much-hyped Kirk broadcast, which was touted by the network as an opportunity to explore life, loss, and the state of political discourse with the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Weiss had publicly expressed a desire to use on-air debates to speak for the 75 percent for the people that are on the center left and the center right.The example she used at that time to make her point, a Free Press debate between former Jeffrey Epstein lawyer Alan Dershowitz and ex-NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch, sparked mockery after she claimed it showed that centrist news could be explicitly charismatic.

Weiss, whom staffers called shallow and desperate to be on TV for booking herself as the moderator of the Kirk town hall, insisted that Things That Matter will appeal to the bulk of Americans in a Thursday statement.

We believe that the vast majority of Americans crave honest conversation and civil, passionate debate, she said. This series is for them. In a moment in which people believe that truth is whatever they are served on their social media feed, we can think of nothing more important than insisting that the only way to get to the truth is by speaking to one another.

The relative lack of interest in Saturdays heavily promoted Kirk town hall, however, would indicate that the vast majority of Americans may actually not be craving what Weiss is selling.

Despite following an Army-Navy game that pulled in 7.3 million viewers, the Weiss-Kirk special averaged 1.867 million total viewers and 265,000 in the coveted advertising demographic of adults aged 25 to 54.

While CBS News has spun the town hall as a successful ratings win, noting that it drove double-digit ratings increases in its time slot compared to recent weeks and was its most-watched interview ever on social media, those numbers dont tell the whole story.

Though Saturday nights at 8 p.m. ET are typically among the lowest-rated primetime hours on broadcast television, CBS has generally drawn more than 2 million viewers in that time slot this year. In fact, according to Nielsen, the network has averaged 2.109 million viewers and 449,000 in the 25-54 demographic in that hour throughout 2025, representing a 41 percent drop in the key demo and an 11 percent decline in total viewership for the Kirk town hall.

Weiss speaks with TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk about her husband's assassination during a primetime town hall event. (YouTube)

On top of that, though CBS News has nearly 7 million subscribers to its YouTube channel, the streamed version of the event and an extended episode have barely attracted a combined 200,000 views over the past few days.

Its pretty rich theyre calling this THINGS THAT MATTER. To whom exactly? It should really be called, things Bari Weiss wants to lecture America about, one CBS News staffer told The Independent. And after the first so-called Town Hall, its pretty clear America doesnt want to be lectured at by Bari Weiss.

Though the town hall series is the brainchild of Weiss and is co-presented by The Free Press, she will not be the only moderator of the events, as other CBS News on-air personalities will also host the specials.

Meanwhile, in recent days, Weiss and CBS News president Tom Cibrowski havent really spoken to network employees about the Kirk town hall. Sources told The Independent that the pair didnt address the event during Monday mornings editorial meeting.

Clearly not a chest-thumping victory, one staffer noted, while Pucks Dylan Byers reported that Weiss had even told her fellow executives that there was no need to linger on it. At the same time, based on Thursdays announcement, Weiss and the network are clearly committed to the format.

Amid the teeth-gnashing over the soft reception for Weiss on-air CBS debut, the top editor has also delayed a loosely planned internal town hall until January. As Status News noted, that decision came just as the network was grappling with underwhelming ratings for a broadcast it had heavily promoted as a signal of its new editorial direction.

Elsewhere this week, Weiss also announced members of her new executive team, which will include Sam Siegel as chief operating officer and Sophia Efthimiatou as senior vice president of talent and brand strategy.

She also revealed that she had created an editorial masthead, making it official that former Wall Street Journal editor Charles Forelle is now managing editor, while her close pal Adam Rubenstein will serve as CBS News deputy editor  the same role he holds at The Free Press.

Additionally, according to Byers, Weiss is also planning to sign a bevy of new on-air contributors, which will include former national security advisor H.R. McMaster, ex-Marine Elliot Ackerman, cultural analyst Casey Lewis, chef and food writer Clare de Boer, and Pucks own Lauren Sherman.
Katy Perry upon return to Earth after a flight on Blue Origin New Shepard NS-31 (BLUE ORIGIN/AFP via Getty Images)

It has been a year in which technological progress posed existential questions to our species previously reserved for sci-fi, as machine learning was on everyones lips, bleeding into geopolitics with the race for AI supremacy.

Meanwhile, a certain pop star (now dating a former world leader) put the ass in astronaut, her words, and found herself in orbit. Its safe to say 2025 was a year like no other.

AIs Sputnik moment

Chinese tech upstarts DeepSeek flipped the script on US AI dominance in January when they launched their reasoning model R1. It was cheaper, more efficient and faster than ChatGPT, calling into question the huge amount of funding poured into the US tech sector. Global markets acted accordingly. Nvidia, the key player in the USs AI strategy, lost $600bn in value in a single day. The moment proved far from fatal though; 11 months later the US tech sector is now richer than ever.

Colossals mammoth achievement

(Colossal Biosciences)

Colossal Biosciences shocked the world last year when they brought dire wolves back from extinction  sort of: they gave regular wolves certain characteristics of their ancient ancestors through gene editing. This year, the Austin-based company decided to focus on the woolly mammoth. In March, they created long fur, woolly mice through the same gene editing process, something they want to try on elephant DNA next.

Groundbreaking fertility treatment

September saw a landmark achievement from researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University that experts predict will transform fertility treatments forever. In a world first, scientists created functioning human eggs from reprogrammed skin cells capable of being fertilised with sperm. The approach could offer new options for people unable to produce eggs.

Perry in space

Katy Perry kisses the ground after the all-female space mission (BLUE ORIGIN/AFP via Getty Images)

It was a bit blink and youll miss it, but Katy Perrys 11-minute journey to the final frontier in April still counts. The pop star was part of the first all-female space mission since 1963, courtesy of Amazon founder Jeff Bezoss company Blue Origin. Acting as a trial run for Blue Origins commercial space travel service, NS-31, Perry was in esteemed company, with former Nasa space engineer Aisha Bowe among the crew. Upon landing back on Earth, Perry fell to her knees and kissed the Texan soil.

Pig lung transplant

In October, Chinese surgeons carried out the worlds first pig-to-human lung transplant, marking a cautious step forward for xenotransplantation. The operation involved replacing the lung of a 39-year-old brain-dead man with one from a genetically engineered pig. The organ survived for nine days before the bodys immune system started attacking it. Even standard lung transplants between humans often fail quickly, so this gives hope for more animal-human organ transplants.

Goodbye Dr Goodall

Jane Goodall plays with Bahati, a female chimpanzee, at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary near Nanyuki (AP)

This year saw the passing of beloved British primatologist Dr Jane Goodall aged 91. Goodall was the worlds most celebrated chimpanzee expert who over a 65-year career revealed their rich social lives and tool use, dismantling notions that human beings are entirely unique. Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the world of science and beyond, with Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio calling her a true hero for the planet, an inspiration for millions, and a dear friend.

CRISPR breakthrough

Perhaps the biggest advances in medicine this year were made through CRISPR technology  a type of targeted gene therapy that can alter the DNA of living beings. In May, scientists at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia performed a world first when they cured a baby of a disease that previously could only be treated by a liver transplant later in life. Experts hailed the breakthrough as totally extraordinary, with the disease killing half of its sufferers in infancy.

Cyborg manifesting

Neuralink implant (Neuralink)

In many ways, 2025 has been a year of human optimisation, with Elon Musks brain chip venture Neuralink rising to prominence. One of the biggest breakthroughs came from a European study though, which demonstrated the effectiveness of a tiny microchip to fight the effects of an untreatable eye condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The ultra-thin chip was inserted into the back of the eye and connected to a pair of glasses containing a video camera. The results were astonishing, allowing sufferers of AMD to read.

No more Nobel?

The prestigious Scandinavian awards delivered success for the Brits once again. Professor Richard Robson, right, won with his work on a magic material that acts in a similar manner to Hermiones bag in Harry Potter. In the books, the young witchs clutch looks normal from the outside, but is bottomless inside. Professor Robson discovered that, through connecting carbon based atoms with metal atoms, you could create metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with incredibly large internal surface area.

Rumble in the jungle

The King and the Prince of Wales attended the Countdown to Cop30 together in October (Henry Nicholls/PA) (PA Wire)

The yearly global climate conference has rarely been as controversial and dramatic as 2025s Cop30 in Brazil. Taking place on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, senior US officials were a notable omission from proceedings. In the end, an agreement of sorts was cobbled together, including a confirmation of the need to come off fossil fuels, a push to help developing countries to adapt to greener measures and a roadmap to counter deforestation. For many, it left a lot to be desired.
Many who work in the boxing industry will surely tell you similar stories about the weeks since Jake Pauls bewildering fight with Anthony Joshua was announced. It has been a frequent occurrence, getting peppered with questions like probing punches on a boxer against the ropes; you barely get through answering one  or giving your best effort at answering it  before the same voice or another interrupts with a fresh query. One of the most commonly-recurring questions in all this, of course, is the following: can Paul actually beat Joshua? Can this YouTuber-turned-boxer actually knock out a former two-time world heavyweight champion?

There is an argument for simply saying no  for simply writing no and hitting publish. But the reality is that the questions and debates around Paul vs Joshua may end up being the funnest part of the fight. And there are certain factors that arguably make this particular debate one worth having. So, lets get into it.

Firstly: Paul believes he can knock out Joshua, and the rules allow a KO in Miami on Friday. That does not mean Paul can or will do it, but anyone who believes Paul is here to collect a rumoured 70m and accept his fate as a meme, well, theyre mistaken.

If you have followed Pauls 12-1 boxing venture closely, you will know this, but it was a sentiment echoed to The Independent by the 28-year-olds business partner at Most Valuable Promotions, Nakisa Bidarian. The promoter cited the delusional confidence of Paul as one of the Americans greatest assets (love or loathe Paul, it is undeniable that his audacity has carried him a long way) and a deciding factor in taking this fight with AJ.

We then get into why Paul believes he can win. It not only relates to the former Disney Channel actors belief in his own power, which has seen him knock out and drop the likes of former UFC champions Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva respectively, but also his belief in a supposed vulnerability in Joshua.

Joshua, 36, has four professional defeats to his name, two of which came via knockout, and Paul has referenced the first more than once. This is Andy Ruiz 2.0, he has said. In 2019, Ruiz Jr was a late replacement against Joshua and stunned him at Madison Square Garden, flooring him thrice en route to an upset title win.

Anthony Joshua's first defeat, a stoppage by Andy Ruiz Jr, was a major upset (Getty Images)

On that occasion, Joshuas problem was overeagerness; he dropped Ruiz in the third round but was reckless in his pursuit of a finish, and it was in the exchanges immediately after his knockdown of the underdog that he was felled by a left hook. Ruizs speed aided him in securing that close-range knockdown, and his next came later in the round, as Joshua slithered down the ropes under a sustained barrage. Joshua recovered over the course of the next few rounds, but not enough, and he was susceptible to another left hook in the seventh frame  a punch that froze the Olympic gold medalist, setting up an overhand right and another prolonged combination that dropped him. With that, Joshuas American dream was made a nightmare.

His only other stoppage loss was much more recent. In his last outing, in September 2024, the Briton was put down four times by compatriot Daniel Dubois en route to a fifth-round defeat. It might have been this showing that, rightly or wrongly, emboldened Paul.

The first knockdown came very late in the first round, and it could be attributed to complacency; upon hearing the 10-second clapper, Joshua stepped back towards the ropes with his guard alarmingly low, allowing Dubois to land a naked overhand right  no set-up, no feint, AJ simply judged the distance and danger completely wrong.

The second knockdown came at the same time in the third round. Joshua, seemingly still dazed, was tagged by a familiar weapon: a left hook, putting him on concerningly unstable ankles. Just as with the first knockdown, it followed Joshua exiting a clinch then missing with a right hand and ducking off to his left, although this time Dubois capitalised immediately (his first-round knockdown came after the same movement from AJ, but there were admittedly a couple of dead seconds before Dubois attacked).

Joshua has not fought since his one-sided loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 (PA Archive)

The third knockdown, occurring in round four, seemed to be more of a slip in fairness, and there was a similar incident later in the round that was ruled a slip. But the final true knockdown came in round five, as Joshua exhibited the same overeagerness that cost him against Ruiz.

After feinting to the body, Joshua caught Dubois unaware with a piston right cross, sending the younger man skipping away to the ropes in retreat. There, Joshua landed two more right hands, but Dubois took them well, even landing a counter right after the second shot. Joshua tried to mix it up with an uppercut as his third attack, but it was a rear-hand shot thrown nakedly  from too far away, and with AJs left hand too low to protect him. This time, Duboiss right hand did not land after Joshuas but rather before. Joshua collapsed to the canvas in a heap and, despite his admirable efforts to get up yet again, this particular punishment proved too much.

The only other knockdown of Joshuas career came against the legendary Wladimir Klitschko in 2017, after the Ukrainian rocked him with the same technique that AJ used to trouble Dubois in the throes of their bout; Klitschko looked low but threw high, a clean right cross spearing through Joshuas guard as the Briton raced, in vain, to raise it in time.

There will, of course, be readers who see the 900-odd words above as futile analysis, wasted time, pointless effort. It would be silly not to acknowledge that all of these fighters who troubled Joshua were elite heavyweights, and that Paul needs to tag AJ clean to hurt him  a plain mission, but perhaps an impossible one in its own right.

Jake Paul at an open workout for his fight with Joshua (Getty)

Paul, more of a cruiserweight than a heavyweight, believes he has the speed to emulate Ruiz against Joshua. But speed, without adequate skill, only counts for so much.

So, does Paul know something we dont? Had he heard sparring stories of Joshuas chin having gone, prior to trying to make this fight? That is pure speculation; given Joshuas training this year was largely inhibited by an elbow injury, which required surgery in spring, there might have been little sparring and next-to-no stories to hear anyway. For what its worth, Pauls own sparring stories include accounts of a black eye dealt by Lawrence Okolie and a broken nose made worse by Frank Sanchez.

Whatever stories and questions there have been, Friday will provide the answers  and yes, those answers could come very, very quickly after the first bell, and they may not be the ones Paul wants.
Torsten Schack Pedersen, the minister for resilience and preparedness, said Denmark is not sufficiently equipped to withstand such attacks from Russia. Photograph: Nils Meilvang/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Nils Meilvang/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP/Getty Images)

The Danish government has accused Russia of being behind two destructive and disruptive cyber-attacks in what it describes as very clear evidence of a hybrid war.

The Danish Defence Intelligence Service (DDIS) announced on Thursday that Moscow was behind a cyber-attack on a Danish water utility in 2024 and a series of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on Danish websites in the lead-up to the municipal and regional council elections in November.

The first, it said, was carried out by the pro-Russian group known as Z-Pentest and the second by NoName057(16), which has links to the Russian state.

The Russian state uses both groups as instruments of its hybrid war against the west, DDIS said in a statement. The aim is to create insecurity in the targeted countries and to punish those that support Ukraine. Russias cyber operations form part of a broader influence campaign intended to undermine western support for Ukraine.

It added: The DDIS assesses that the Danish elections were used as a platform to attract public attention  a pattern that has been observed in several other European elections.

The director of the DDIS, Thomas Ahrenkiel, said they were very certain that these are pro-Russian groups that have connections to the Russian state.

Denmarks defence minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, said the attacks were completely unacceptable and he was taking the incidents very seriously. In an attack on a water utility in Kge in December 2024, a hacker took control of a waterworks and changed the pressure in the pumps, resulting in three burst pipes.

This is very clear evidence that we are now where the hybrid war we have been talking about is unfortunately taking place. It once again puts the spotlight on the situation we find ourselves in in Europe, Lund Poulsen said.

The Danish foreign office would summon the Russian ambassador for a meeting, he said. It is completely unacceptable that hybrid attacks are carried out in Denmark by the Russian side,.

Related: Britain caught in space between peace and war, says new head of MI6

Although the attacks caused limited damage, the minister for resilience and preparedness, Torsten Schack Pedersen, said they showed that there are forces capable of closing down important parts of our society.

Denmark, he added, was not sufficiently equipped to withstand such attacks from Russia. I think you have to be incredibly naive if you think we are at the top of cybersecurity.

Copenhagen described a series of drone incursions on Danish airports and areas of military significance in September as a hybrid attack. The incidents, which exposed gaps in its defence capabilities, contributed to plans to establish a European drone wall.

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The Duke of Marlborough, Jamie Spencer-Churchill, was due to appear at Oxford Magistrates Court on Thursday (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Archive)

The Duke of Marlborough is accused of strangling his estranged wife, it has emerged.

Charles James Spencer-Churchill, a relative of Sir Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales, is accused of three intentional strangulation offences against Edla Marlborough between November 2022 and May 2024.

The 70-year-old was summonsed to appear at Oxford Magistrates' Court on Thursday following his arrest in May last year but the court heard he was "unable to attend".

District Judge Kamlesh Rana said the case will be listed for a plea hearing in front of the Chief Magistrate at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on January 5.

Court documents say the three charges of non-fatal intentional strangulation against his estranged wife are alleged to have taken place in in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.

Spencer-Churchill, known to his family as Jamie, is the 12th Duke of Marlborough and a member of one of Britain's most aristocratic families.

He is well known to have had a long battle with drug addiction in the past.

Related to wartime prime minister Sir Winston - a first cousin, three times removed - and also distantly to Diana through the Spencer line, Spencer-Churchill inherited his dukedom in 2014, following the death of his father, the 11th Duke of Marlborough.

Prior to this, the twice-married Spencer-Churchill was the Marquess of Blandford, and also known as Jamie Blandford.

The duke married his second wife, Welsh ceramicist Edla Griffiths, in 2002 but they separated in 2024.

They are said to have met while she was living in Chelsea and working on her art, and they wed after dating for seven years.

They had a daughter, the equestrian Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill in 2007, and a son Lord Caspar Spencer-Churchill in 2008.

Edla, 57, became the Duchess of Marlborough when Spencer-Churchill inherited his dukedom following the death of his father, the 11th duke, in 2014.

The duke was previously married to Becky Few-Brown, the mother of his eldest son and heir George, a polo player and the current Marquess of Blandford.

His ancestral family home is the 300-year-old Blenheim Palace - Sir Winston's birthplace - in Woodstock.

But the duke does not own the 18th-century baroque palace - and has no role in the running of the residence and vast estate, which is a Unesco world heritagesite and a popular visitor attraction with parklands designed by "Capability" Brown.

In 1994, the late duke brought legal action to ensure his son and heir would not be able to take control of the family seat.

The King hosted a reception at Blenheim Palace for European leaders in July 2024, and the Queen, then the Duchess of Cornwall, joined Spencer-Churchill for the unveiling of a bust of Sir Winston in the grounds of Blenheim in 2015.

The palace was also the scene of the theft of a 4.75 million golden toilet in 2019 after a gang of thieves smashed their way in and ripped out the fully functioning 18-carat lavatory.
Nigel Farage on the campaign trail in Clacton last summer - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Nigel Farage will not face a police investigation over claims that Reform UK overspent on his campaign at the last general election.

Essex Police has announced that it will not investigate Mr Farage, the Reform leader, because the statute of limitation on any alleged offence has passed.

A whistleblower has claimed that the party spent around 9,000 more than permitted on the campaign to get Mr Farage elected in Clacton.

Richard Everett alleged that Reform wrongly reported spending in the constituency as national expenditure, and reported the issue to the police.

The claims were initially received by the Metropolitan Police and then passed on to the Essex force, which had been assessing whether to launch an investigation.

In a statement, Essex Police told The Telegraph: We have assessed a report relating to an allegation around misreported expenditure by a political candidate in connection with the general election in July 2024.

This report was first formally made to police on Dec 5 2025 and subsequently transferred to Essex Police by the Metropolitan Police Service.

Having regard to the Representation of the People Act 1983, which states that any prosecution for such an offence must commence within one year, it has been concluded that this report falls outside of the stated statutory time limit and no investigation can take place.

A whistleblower claimed that Reform spent around 9,000 more than permitted on the campaign to get Nigel Farage elected in Clacton - Jason Bye

Reform still faces a potential investigation into the claims by the Electoral Commission, which is assessing a complaint made by Labour.

The party has categorically denied the allegations, saying they came from a disgruntled former councillor and that it looks forward to clearing our name.

Mr Everetts claims included that Reform did not report around 9,000 of spending on leaflets, banners, rosettes and the refurbishment of an office bar, which would have taken Mr Farage over the 20,660 spending limit in Clacton last year.

The whistleblower has given documents, including the spending return and photographs of items he said were not reported, to Essex Police. He was part of Mr Farages campaign team in Clacton during last years election.

The announcement by Essex Police means any investigation into the claims would now have to be led by the Electoral Commission.

Labour wrote to the watchdog last week, urging it to open an inquiry and saying there was a a real risk that Reforms party spending return is inaccurate or incomplete.

Labours letter to the Electoral Commission

In a response to Anna Turley, the Labour chairman, Vijay Rangarajan, the commissions chief executive, said it was looking into the claims.

The commission is  considering your letter and assessing other information in accordance with our enforcement policy to determine if there are any potential failures to comply with the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, he wrote.

The result of the initial assessment will determine whether or not the watchdog decides to launch a full investigation into Reform.

It only regulates the finances of political parties and campaigners, with the police responsible for overseeing spending by individual candidates.

A spokesman for the commission said: We are currently considering the letter and assessing other information, but we have not opened an investigation.
The Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, in a pub in Clacton-on-Sea on the day of the general election in July 2024. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images)

Nigel Farage has avoided investigation over claims his general election campaign breached electoral law last year  in part because too much time has passed since the alleged offences.

The Reform UK leader was told on Thursday that Essex police could not open an investigation because it was now time-barred, more than a year having passed since any alleged offence. The Electoral Commission, which had been asked to open a separate inquiry into other elements, said it had not identified any undeclared spending that should have been reported.

We have assessed a report relating to an allegation around misreported expenditure by a political candidate in connection with the general election in July 2024, Essex police said.

It said the report had been made on 5 December. Having regard to the Representation of the People Act 1983, which states any prosecution for such an offence must commence within one year, it has been concluded that this report falls outside of the stated statutory time limit, and no investigation can take place.

The Electoral Commission said: We have responded to Anna Turley MPs correspondence, which raised questions about Reform UKs spending at the 2024 general election. After carefully considering the information presented in the letter, we did not identify any expenditure relating to Mr Farages election campaign in Clacton that should have been declared in Reform UKs national expenditure.

On Wednesday, Turley, the Labour party chair, had called on Farage to urgently come out of hiding and explain whether his party had spent more than the 20,660 limit for campaigning, in a letter to the Electoral Commission.

If expenditure that ought to have been declared in Mr Farages return in Clacton has been included in Reforms national spending return, or elements of national party expenditure have not been declared at all, there is a real risk that Reforms party spending return is inaccurate or incomplete, which is a matter for the Electoral Commission, Turley wrote.

That followed the news that a whistleblower had told the Daily Telegraph Reform had failed to declare spending on leaflets, banners, utility bills and refurbishment of a bar in its Clacton campaign office.

Sam Power, an academic at the University of Bristol and an expert in political financing, said the police, not the Electoral Commission, had the power to investigate the main allegation against Farage.

The commission have purview over party spending, not campaign spending. So they would have to be misreporting in these returns. Turley asked them to look at whether party spending had not been declared, and [whether] Clacton spending had been reported as national spending. Given that the main allegations related to potential campaign overspend  a matter for the police  [Turleys request] was a bit of a square peg in a round hole.

A Reform spokesperson previously denied the allegations, saying: The party denies breaking electoral law. We look forward to clearing our name.

Farage has been facing multiple troubles  chief among them allegations of overt racism during his schooldays, as well as by party colleagues more recently.

On Wednesday, 26 of his peers at Dulwich college condemned him for what they described as his refusal to acknowledge his behaviour at Dulwich college and criticised him for saying their allegations about his past behaviour were politically motivated.

Reform described the allegations as a witch-hunt and an attempt to discredit Reform and Nigel Farage. Instead of debating Reform on the substance of our ideas and policies, the leftwing media and deeply unpopular Labour party are now using 50-year-old smears in a last act of desperation. The British public see right through it, a spokesperson said.

Farage has also been urged to sack one of his partys mayoral candidates after it emerged he said the deputy prime minister, David Lammy, should go home to the Caribbean. Lammy is British.

Reform UK has been approached for comment.
The former Secret Service agent has been in the role for less than 10 months - AP

Dan Bongino has announced he will resign as deputy director of the FBI in January.

Mr Bongino, a former podcaster appointed to Donald Trump in February, endured a tumultuous period at the bureau over his handling of the Epstein files in addition to questions about his qualifications for the vital national security role.

I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January, Mr Bongino wrote on social media on Wednesday evening.

He went on to thank Mr Trump and his boss Kash Patel, in addition to Pam Bondi, the US attorney general, with whom he reportedly clashed over releasing government documents on Jeffrey Epstein, the paedophile financier.

Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you, he continued.

God bless America, and all those who defend Her.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews that Mr Bongino had done a great job but he wants to go back to his show.

He appointed Mr Bongino, a former Secret Service agent who protected Barack Obama, the former president, as deputy FBI director under 10 months ago.

Pam Bondi, Kash Patel and Dan Bongino. Mr Bongino had reportedly clashed with Ms Bondi over releasing the Epstein files - Bloomberg

During his tenure, the 51-year-old reportedly considered resigning when the FBI and justice department issued a joint memo in July declining to prosecute more people in the Epstein case or release more documents.

Mr Bongino had repeatedly claimed the government had engaged in a massive cover-up of the Epstein files on his podcast, and faced a furious backlash from his former supporters.

Sources told NBC News he clashed with Ms Bondi over the memo, and threatened to resign if she remained in position.

Andrew Bailey was appointed deputy FBI director alongside Mr Bongino in August, raising questions about his future in the job.

CNN reported Mr Bailey had taken over several meetings that Mr Bongino was meant to handle in recent days, and that it had been widely expected he would leave after a year.

Some FBI figures also expected he would depart after the arrest of a suspect who allegedly planted pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Democrat and Republican national committees in 2021, having taken a leading role in the case.

Footage previously released by the FBI shows a suspect planting bombs at the scene - FBI/Reuters

He was grilled by Fox News Sean Hannity following the arrest, who noted he had previously claimed the bomber was connected anti-Trump insider or an inside job by the FBI.

I was paid in the past, Sean, for my opinions, Mr Bongino replied.

One day I will be back in that space, but thats not what Im paid for now. Im paid to be your deputy director, and we base investigations on facts.

Mr Bongino and his boss, Mr Patel, have also been under pressure as the gunman who killed two people at Brown University on Saturday remains at large.

Mr Patel paid tribute to his deputy as the best partner I couldve asked for in helping restore this FBI, saying he brought critical reforms to make the organisation more efficient.

He not only completed his mission  he far exceeded it, he continued, praising Mr Bongino for delivering major breakthroughs in long unsolved cases like the pipe bomb investigation.

We will miss him but Im thankful he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it.
The popular fitness tracking app Strava has fired an employee who was arrested after being filmed drunkenly attacking staff in a San Francisco restaurant when they reportedly refused to serve her.

The woman, named by the San Francisco Police Department as Shireen Afkari, worked as a senior manager of growth marketing and retention at Strava, according to her now-deleted LinkedIn page.

In a video posted to TikTok by staff at Hazies  an upmarket restaurant in San Franciscos Hayes Valley  Afkari is seen verbally and physically assaulting restaurant staff before she was eventually ejected along with a man also involved in the altercation.

In a statement on Instagram on Wednesday, Strava said: We are aware of an employee who exhibited extremely concerning off-hours behavior. We dont condone violence of any kind and this does not reflect the standards we expect of our team.

This past Monday, we made the decision to end the individuals employment.

A woman, identified by police as Shireen Afkari, was arrested after an altercation at Hazie's restaurant in San Francisco (Tiktok/Miss_little_ranter)

Speaking to San Franciscos KRON4, Miguel Marchese, a bartender at Hazies, who was at the centre of the ordeal, said the couple came in at around 9 pm and staff rapidly raised concerns about their level of intoxication.

The night was quite chaotic, the couple came in, they were requesting dinner service, Marchese said.

Initially, the server verbalized to me that she could tell that her table was not only intoxicated, but perhaps on some other substances and they were giving her quite a rough time and being quite verbally abrasive with her and then I do believe after that [the server] asked for the manager to intervene.

Marchese said the manager then removed cocktails from the couples table and asked them to leave.

He retracts her cocktails from the table, because I just made them, he brings them back and he simply tells me, theyve had enough to drink, we shouldnt serve them anymore. And then later, it just kind of spiraled into chaos, he said.

The woman in the video is seen seconds before lunging at the camera and assaulting a staff member at Hazie's restaurant in San Francisco (Tiktok/Miss_little_ranter)

The video, which has gone viral worldwide, initially shows Afkari at the restaurants bar, holding her phone aloft and yelling, swearing, and slurring at employees, who plead with her to leave.

She taunts the staff, saying ooooh, and accuses one of being a liar and a motherf*****.

At this point, she spots the camera filming her and lunges towards it, hitting it.

The point of view  in the uploaded video  then shifts to another camera, and viewers can see this part of the altercation from another perspective in which Afkari appears to attack the man  identified by KRON4 as an employee, suddenly drawing even more attention from stunned diners around the room.

The woman, identified as Shireen Afkari, is removed from the premises by bartender Miguel Marchese (Tiktok/Miss_little_ranter)

As the man she is with appears to direct her toward the door, a staff member pushes Afkari to the floor with a thud.

Afkari then gets back up and starts flailing towards other members of the restaurants staff, crashing into a woman and charging back toward the dining area, where a large table of people, apparently having a Christmas dinner, is seated.

Several people first grab the man, who is also resisting, then Afkari, and bundle them out through the doors and into the night, to whoops and cheers from the other diners.

But the fresh air does little to halt the chaos, as the video shows Afkari bucking and kicking at Marchese and eventually grabbing onto his hair and refusing to let go as the group moves down the street away from the restaurants entrance. Meanwhile, the man is being held in a headlock.

She wraps my hair around her hand and just pulls on it for dear life. It was quite painful, Marchese explained, adding that she only let go when he took her phone out of her hands.

After throwing her phone to distract her and get her away from the restaurant, like throwing a bone at a dog thats attacking you, the woman then runs back towards Marchese and the restaurant entrance.

The extraordinary scene reaches its climax as a man sticks his foot out, tripping the woman, who falls heavily to the ground, and then gets up while appearing to berate her partner.

The couple at the centre of a violent fracas at a restaurant just before Christmas (Tiktok/Miss_little_ranter)

She gets back up [and] she yells at her boyfriend that hes not man enough, Marchese said, with the video showing the man half-heartedly begin to start shoving more staff members.

Finally, the police arrived. She was taken to the San Francisco County Jail and detained for public intoxication.

People who work in hospitality go through a lot, Marchese said. I've been spat on, I've been slapped at a bar before, homophobic slurs, been sexualized by guests. It just happens and, you know, you gotta move on.
Connecticut observed a sombre event on Sunday, 14 December, as flags across the state were lowered to halfstaff in remembrance of the 20 children and six educators killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting 13 years ago.

Governor Ned Lamont issued the directive that all United States and Connecticut flags fly at halfmast from sunrise to sunset on this date to pay tribute to the victims and reinforce a united stance against gun violence. Individuals, schools, municipalities and private organisations were urged to take similar actions.

In a statement marking the anniversary, Lamont described the tragedy as 'one of the worst to ever occur in Connecticut,' emphasising the lasting grief within the community and the courageous actions of those who lost their lives protecting children that day. 'Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of ... our collective responsibility to work toward a more peaceful, kind, and hopeful world.'

Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz expressed similar feelings, highlighting the shared heartbreak that persists even after more than ten years. 'To their friends, family, and survivors, I keep you in my prayers and wish you comfort,' she added.

A Tragedy That Shook the Nation

On 14 December 2012, a tragic event unfolded as 20 first-graders, primarily aged six or seven, along with six educators, lost their lives in the deadliest mass shooting at an elementary, middle, or high school in the history of the United States. The gunman, 20yearold Adam Lanza, also killed his mother before driving to Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. The incident occurred rapidly, creating a lasting impact on both the state and the country.

The victims' names have since been etched into public memory, and their individual stories continue to resonate. Among the teachers killed was Victoria Leigh Soto, who has since become a powerful emblem of bravery for her actions in redirecting the shooter's focus away from her students, ultimately sacrificing her own life.

In the subsequent years, the original Sandy Hook Elementary School was torn down and a new facility was constructed in its place. A permanent memorial has been established near the site, offering a place for reflection and remembrance for families, residents and visitors alike.

Gun Safety Reforms After Sandy Hook

In the wake of the massacre, advocacy initiatives connected to Sandy Hook have aimed to transform sorrow into concrete reforms focused on decreasing gun violence.

Organisations such as Sandy Hook Promise, cofounded by families directly affected by the shooting, have taken a leading role in prevention efforts across the country. Their work focuses on programmes such as Know the Signs and Start with Hello, aimed at educating individuals on recognising warning signs and promoting inclusive environments within schools.

Sandy Hook Promise reports that its programmes have played a role in averting more than a thousand youth suicides and almost two dozen intended school shootings. It is also generating hundreds of thousands of anonymous tips to a national reporting system.

Beyond grassroots work, legislative reforms have also taken shape. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 stands out as a landmark piece of legislation in the subject of gun safety, marking a significant shift in federal policy. It introduced expanded background checks for younger buyers, imposed restrictions on firearm access for individuals with a history of domestic abuse, allocated funding for violence prevention initiatives, and encouraged states to implement red flag laws.

At the state level, Connecticut enacted comprehensive gun control measures shortly after the shooting and has continued to strengthen them, including expanded bans on assault weapons and enhanced safety protocols.

Continuing Efforts Against Gun Violence

As Connecticut and the nation mark the 13th anniversary of Sandy Hook tragedy, communities continue to grieve and remember while pressing for a future where schools are safe sanctuaries of learning rather than sites of loss. The remembrance of those whose lives were abruptly taken at Sandy Hook fuels the determination of advocates and policymakers in tackling the wider crisis of gun violence across the US.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
A former top judge has said a ban on antisemitic chants at pro-Palestine marches would be exceptionally difficult to prosecute.

The Met Police and Manchester Police announced on Wednesday that anyone chanting controversial slogans such as globalise the intifada would face arrest, in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack and the terror attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester on 2 October.

But asked whether the law allows people using those slogans to be prosecuted in court, former Supreme Court justice Lord Sumption said there are obvious difficulties, because in normal circumstances it is necessary to prove the intention of provoking violence against particular groups.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, he said: What the law says is that if you hold up placards with threatening, abusive or insulting words with the intention, and this is the important thing, of provoking violence against particular groups or people, that is an offence.

Its also an offence to use language which stirs up racial hatred. But the mere holding up of a political slogan, which is essentially what this is, wouldnt be good enough in normal circumstances.

Former Supreme Court judge Lord Sumption says prosecution over slogans and signs will face obvious difficulties (PA)

I say in normal circumstances because the current circumstances are not normal ... there is an electric atmosphere about Gaza and things that would normally be acceptable may be less acceptable in current circumstances.

He added: I think a prosecution based on nothing more than holding up this placard would be exceptionally difficult to justify. But Im not saying that its impossible.

A former chief constable in Greater Manchester, Sir Peter Fahy, said this ambiguity makes it extremely difficult for police chiefs.

He explained: A lot of this is very nuanced. Its an intersection of public order law, the law on protest, hate crime law, sometimes even counterterrorism law. So its extremely complex.

The government has made various announcements about changing some of those rules, but I dont think theyve been enacted. So for the officers on the front line, it is very confusing.

It comes after two people were arrested on Wednesday after shouting slogans calling for intifada, the Metropolitan Police said.

The arrests were made during a protest by pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the Ministry of Justice in Westminster, London.

A third person was arrested for obstructing police as they made the first two arrests for the chanting.

Police officers watch on as pro-Palestine protesters march down Oxford Street earlier this week (PA)

The Met later confirmed two further arrests for public order offences, one of which was racially aggravated, bringing the total arrested to five.

The prime ministers official spokesperson earlier this week said that while free speech is an important right in this country, that cant extend to inciting hatred or harassing others, saying the police will use their powers more robustly to tackle the proliferation of antisemitism.

The arrests mark a change in approach from both the Met Police and Greater Manchester Police, who announced earlier on Wednesday that anyone chanting the controversial slogans, such as globalise the intifada, would face arrest.

While the move was welcomed by Jewish groups, Ben Jamal from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign said it infringes on the right to protest, describing it as another low in the political repression of protest for Palestinian rights.

He said the word intifada means shaking off or uprising against injustice and said the implication that slogans used to support the liberation of the Palestinian people are only open to interpretation by groups who have maintained complicit support for Israels oppression of the Palestinian people and denial of their rights is deeply problematic.

The American Jewish Committee describes the phrase as being used by pro-Palestinian activists that calls for aggressive resistance against Israel and those who support Israel.

But its meaning is contested, and protesters claim it is a call to shake off colonialism and for a peaceful resistance to Israels occupation of the West Bank and actions in Gaza.

The UKs Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis welcomed the decision as an important step towards challenging the hateful rhetoric seen on Britains streets.

But the move has also been decried as political repression by campaigners.

During the pro-Palestine protest outside the Ministry of Justice building, police officers walked into the crowd of around 100 people and took individuals away to police vans.

It came after Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and GMP chief constable Sir Stephen Watson said circumstances have changed in the wake of the Bondi Beach mass shooting.

In a rare joint statement, they said: We know communities are concerned about placards and chants such as globalise the intifada, and those using it at future protests or in a targeted way should expect the Met and GMP to take action.

Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed  words have meaning and consequence.

We will act decisively and make arrests.
People are being urged to be wary of any texts and calls claiming to be about the warm home discount this Christmas.

Fraudsters may ask people for their bank details to provide them with the 150 rebate off their energy bills.

Bill-payers can beat scams by avoiding clicking any links or providing any financial information, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said.

It said they should instead look out for an official letter confirming their eligibility for the warm home discount.

For the vast majority of recipients, 150 will be automatically deducted from their energy bill, the department said.

Some households may need to provide extra information to ensure they get the discount, and will receive a letter advising them to call the helpline provided.

Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey said: We know how difficult the festive season can be for those struggling with their bills.

Around six million households will benefit from 150 off their energy bills this winter and, for many, help is just around the corner.

But fraudsters are well aware of the pressures facing families too. Dont let scammers steal Christmas, and make sure you know how to spot warm home discount scams.

If youre eligible for the 150 rebate, the Government will not text or call you  we will send you an official letter instead.

Dont get caught out  if it seems too good to be true, check for a letter, too.
Frederic Pechier was described by prosecutors as one of the worst criminals in history - Arnaud Finistre/AFP via Getty

A French doctor branded one of the worst criminals in history has been sentenced to life in prison for poisoning 30 patients in an attempt to feed his thirst for power.

Frederic Pechier, 53, worked as an anaesthetist in two clinics in the eastern city of Besancon, when patients went into cardiac arrest in suspicious circumstances between 2008 and 2017. Twelve of the victims died.

Prosecutors described Pechier as one of the worst criminals in history who used medicine to kill.

His youngest victim, a four-year-old boy called Teddy, survived two cardiac arrests during a routine tonsil surgery in 2016. His oldest victim was 89.

You are Doctor Death, a poisoner, a murderer, said prosecutors at an earlier hearing. You bring shame on all doctors. You have turned this clinic into a graveyard.

An investigation was launched in 2017 after suspicious cardiac arrests during operations on patients otherwise considered low-risk.

At the end of a three-month trial, the Doubs assize court handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years, as well as a permanent ban on practising medicine.

Pechier arrives at court in Besancon where he was sentenced - Arnaud Finistre/AFP via Getty

The medic, who denied wrongdoing and had not been detained since the start of the investigation, appeared impassive as the verdict was read out. You will be incarcerated immediately, said Delphine Thibierge, the presiding judge.

The judges and jury found that Pechier had deliberately contaminated intravenous fluid bags and syringes with potassium, lidocaine, adrenaline and heparin, triggering sudden heart attacks or haemorrhages during routine procedures.

Its a relief, a liberation, because shame has changed sides, said Stephane Giuranna, lawyer for several civil parties.

He added: He has been found guilty of all the charges, making him the biggest criminal in French legal history. I have no doubt that there will be a retrial, and we are ready to face it.

Prosecutors argued that Pechiers motive was not mercy but power; he aimed to psychologically damage colleagues with whom he was in conflict by engineering medical disasters under their watch.

They painted a picture of a man obsessed with control, who derived satisfaction from watching others panic or fail, and then intervening to save the day to feed his thirst for power.

Pechier, seen arriving at court on Thursday, used medicine to kill, the prosecution said - Romeo Boetzle/AFP via Getty

Long seen as the star anaesthesiologist of Besancon, prosecutors said his uncanny ability to administer a life-saving injection, sometimes outside of recommended best practices, eventually became suspect.

His too-good clinical intuition was tied to his knowledge of the true problem facing the patient, said the investigating judges.

Several doctors testified to careers ruined by unexplained collapses on operating tables, while families described loved ones who had entered clinics for minor surgery and never came home.

One lawyer for the civil parties said Pechier had turned hospitals into cemeteries, adding that patients were drawn at random to serve a private vendetta.

He wanted hearts to stop, one investigator said during the trial. The life of the patient did not matter.

While he eventually accepted that an unidentified individual must have contaminated perfusions in at least one of the clinics, he insisted that he was not responsible. I am not a poisoner, he repeated in court.

Randall Schwerdorffer, his defence lawyer, pleaded judicial error, accusing investigators of building a theory around the doctor as a common denominator rather than proving guilt beyond doubt.

He likened his clients plight to that of Patrick Dils, the Frenchman wrongly convicted as a teenager of murdering two children. Coincidences exist, Mr Schwerdorffer told jurors.

He argued that no one had seen Pechier poison a patient, that some incidents occurred when he was not present, and that his reserved, taciturn manner had been wrongly construed as a lack of empathy.

Is there an instrument that measures empathy? he asked.

After the verdict, the lawyer said he would appeal.

Im not at all convinced by the prosecutions case and remain convinced of Frederic Pechiers innocence, he said. He is facing this new ordeal with his head held high.
Maxwell is serving out her term at a minimum-security prison in Texas

Ghislaine Maxwell has launched a last-ditch legal bid to be released from prison, claiming substantial new evidence proves she did not receive a fair trial.

Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for trafficking teenage girls to Jeffrey Epstein, made the application at a court in Manhattan on Wednesday.

In a lengthy court filing, the 63-year-old claimed juror misconduct and government suppression of evidence meant she did not receive a fair trial by independent jurors coming to court with an open mind.

Maxwell, who is serving out her term at a minimum-security prison in Texas, has exhausted all her appeal options after the Supreme Court declined to hear her case in October.

Maxwell has filed a habeas corpus petition  a legal request to review the legality of an individuals detention. They are often filed as a last resort and are routinely denied by judges.

No reasonable juror would have convicted her, the filing reads, arguing that constitutional violations that undermined the fairness of the proceedings resulted in a complete miscarriage of justice.

Since the conclusion of her trial, substantial new evidence has emerged from related civil actions, government disclosures, investigative reports, and documents demonstrating constitutional violations that undermined the fairness of her proceeding, it continued.

Maxwell filed her petition under her own name, without a lawyer representing her in the proceeding.

Maxwells application comes two days before the US justice department is legally required to release the Epstein files

She made the application two days before the US justice department is legally required to release the documents it holds on Epstein, the result of months of public and political pressure piled on the Trump administration.

Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act on Nov 19, which requires the release of all documents related to the convicted paedophile within 30 days.

Earlier this month, Maxwell complained that publishing the files would jeopardise her chances of being freed.

Releasing the grand jury materials from her case, which contain untested and unproven allegations, would create undue prejudice so severe that it would foreclose the possibility of a fair retrial should Maxwells habeas petition succeed, lawyers for Maxwell said in a court filing on Wednesday.

However, she did not specifically ask to block the publication of the documents. The filing states she did not take a position on the request by prosecutors to unseal material.

Mr Trump had previously refused to release the remaining documents held on Epstein, describing the effort as a Democrat hoax, before changing course in the face of a mounting Republican rebellion.
TV host David Bromstad has opened up about using substances after a storm destroyed his Florida home, forcing him to renovate from scratch.

In a clip from My Lottery Dream Home: Davids Happy Ending shared with People, the HGTV star explained how much his house meant to him, and the toll of having to tear the property down to the studs.

He said in the video how he was emotionally attached to the house and how he felt destroying it was a reflection of what was happening to him internally.

Whatever happens to the house feels like it's happening to you deep within, Bromstad said.

With all of the drama, the house, the stress, insurance claims, needing money  I just had to keep busy. My vision for the house was no longer clear. Everything was in chaos.

The HGTV star speaks about the toll of his Florida home being destroyed in an upcoming special, My Lottery Dream Home: Davids Happy Ending (Getty)

As Bromstad waited on some aspects of the home, he prepared other items off-site.

I called it art in the moment, but it wasn't. It was a cover-up to what was really happening. I was losing control, he said.

However, the process became increasingly stressful, as he said his mind was going crazy. I was starting to spiral. I got into some unhealthy behaviors and it's really easy to go there when you're under distress, he added.

Using substances has been...it's a real easy escape to take yourself out of a stressful situation. I knew I was in trouble.

In the upcoming one-hour special, My Lottery Dream Home: Davids Happy Ending, viewers will see the four-year process  including a year-long break to take a trip to Norway  of Bromstad fixing up his destroyed Florida house into his dream home.

Bromstad has previously discussed his substance abuse issues in an interview published with TV Insider on Wednesday. This isnt the first time art has saved my life, he told the publication. Through substance abuse and not being kind to myself, the one thing thats always remained secure and steady has been my creative talent.

He also explained why it was important for him to use the upcoming television special to talk about his mental health during that period of his life.

I think its important for people to understand that Im human, that I struggle, that I am innately a bright and shiny person, Bromstad said. You cant have the bright and shining times without the darkness. I dont push away the darkness. I bring it in because I know the darkness only makes my bright and shiny parts shine that much bigger.

My Lottery Dream Home: Davids Happy Ending will be available to watch on HGTV on December 19 at 9 p.m. ET.

In the U.S., the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP.
Madrid offers global tourism body WTTC immediate access to a significantly broader and more diverse talent pool (Stockbym - stock.adobe.com)

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced it will move its HQ from London to Madrid because of Brexit.

The organisation represents the global private sector in the travel industry, from hotel groups and Airbnb to travel tech companies and international tour operators. It has been based in the UK since its foundation in 1990. But in October the chair, Manfredi Lefebvre, said the WTTC would relocate to mainland Europe to benefit from lower operational costs and EU single market access.

While moves to France, Italy and Switzerland  as well as Dubai  were considered, the 17-member operating committee unanimously approved Madrid as its new location.

Gloria Guevara, the organisations interim president and chief executive, said: Spain has prioritised travel and tourism and clearly understands the enormous contribution the sector makes to global growth.

Being based in a competitive city like Madrid will help WTTC go from strength to strength, offer closer engagement with our members worldwide and enable us to play a major role advising on good policy development, investments that help tourism growth and job creation from our members which have global impact.

In a statement about leaving London, the organisation said: Challenges linked to Brexit, such as constraints on talent mobility, made the UK less attractive as WTTC wishes to further build its leadership position and become even more agile in the sector.

Ahead of the Brexit referendum, the travel association Abta warned: Any changes limiting the sectors ability to recruit or employ foreign nationals, including those from the EU, could challenge many travel and hospitality businesses in filling a number of roles.

The UK travelling consumer could be faced with increased costs if an exit vote led to a sustained deterioration in the value of sterling, making foreign currency destinations more expensive in sterling.

In the wake of the vote to leave the European Union, easyJet lost the right to operate British planes within the EU. Britain's biggest budget airline moved 100 aircraft to an Austrian subsidiary, easyJet Europe.

The Independent has asked the government to comment on the WTTC move.

Read more: The five Christmas goodies you should never fly with
A plane crash at a North Carolina airport has left seven people dead, including a former NASCAR driver and his family.

NASCAR star Greg Biffle and his family were on board a Cessna C550 jet that crashed around 10:15 a.m. Thursday, while landing at the Statesville Regional Airport, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol told The Independent. Flight records indicate the plane was operated by a company Biffle owned, the Associated Press reports.

State police confirmed that it is believed Mr Gregory Biffle and members of his immediate family were occupants of the airplane, but said a full list of occupants will be released upon confirmation by the medical examiners office.

Meanwhile, NASCAR released a statement indicating Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their children, Emma and Ryder, died in the crash. The association identified the other victims as Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton and Jack Dutton.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Gregs entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life, NASCARs statement reads.

The families of the victims have also released a statement.

Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Gregs daughter Emma (mother  Nicole Lunders). Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child, the statement reads.

Greg Biffle poses with a trophy and cash prize in 2019 (Getty)

The statement continues: Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him.

Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.

Biffle, who was 55 and retired, was named one of NASCARs 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. Last year, he also accepted NASCARs Myers Brothers Award, which recognized his efforts to provide aid in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. The award-winning driver was affectionately nicknamed The Biff.

Richard Hudson, a North Carolina Representative, paid tribute to the Biffles in a social media post.

I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them, Hudson wrote.

The plane burst into flames after it crashed at the Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday morning (AP)

The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. Thats who the Biffles were, he added.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein called the crash heartbreaking.

Beyond his success as a NASCAR driver, Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion and stepped up for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one in this tragic crash, he wrote on X.

The plane was scheduled to later fly from Sarasota, Florida, to Treasure Cay International Airport in the Bahamas, according to the AP. It was then set to return to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Statesville Regional Airport, which is located about 50 miles north of Charlotte, provides corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams, according to its website.

Seven people were on board the Cessna C550 jet, officials said (AP)

Photos from the scene showed the plane engulfed in flames near the airports runway. The plane took off from the airport before immediately turning back around and attempting to land, WCNC reports.

William Hamby, chief deputy for the Iredell County Sheriffs Office, told The Independent his agency sent a Mobile Command Unit to the scene to help with the investigation shortly after the crash.

The investigation will be conducted by the North Carolina Highway Patrol and the FAA. Our agency was first on scene and reported back the initial information, he said.

About 80 minutes after the crash, the airports weather station recorded light rain and visibility of less than three miles, though its unclear if these conditions were present during the crash, CNN reports.

The National Transportation Safety Board plans to provide further updates at press conference scheduled for Friday.
Three peole have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was found dead near a canal path in west London.

His body was found in Ealing, at a property in Horsenden Lane North, on Tuesday evening (December 16).

The death is being treated as unexpected and it is not clear at this stage how the man died.

Police and ambulances rushed to the home in the Greenford area of the borough at around 11:15pm after a welfare report was made.

He had already passed away by the time paramedics attended.

Two men aged 36 and 43, and a 39-year-old woman were arrested at the scene and are in custody.

A Met Police spokesperson said: At around 23:15hrs on Tuesday, 16 December police were called to reports of a concern for welfare at an address in Horsenden Lane North, Greenford.

Officers, along with the London Ambulance Service, attended and sadly discovered the body of a man. He was pronounced dead.

Two men, aged 43 and 36, and a 39-year-old woman were arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. They have since been bailed pending further enquiries.

At this stage, the death is being treated as unexpected and enquiries are ongoing. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

A crime scene remains in place.
Myrtle Beach pastor indicted for cyberstalking estranged wife Mica Miller in years before her suicide

John Paul JP Miller, a Myrtle Beach pastor and the estranged husband of Mica Miller, whose 2024 death by suicide drew attention due to their troubled relationship, was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury on charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators.

According to the indictment obtained by The Independent, JP Miller, the 46-year-old former pastor of Solid Rock Church, allegedly engaged in a pattern of unwanted and harassing communications directed at his estranged wife beginning in November 2022 and continuing through her death on April 27, 2024.

Although Mica Millers death was officially ruled a suicide by the Robeson County Sheriffs Office and the North Carolina Medical Examiners Office in May 2024, her familys allegations of abuse prompted further investigation, culminating in the federal indictment of JP Miller.

Prosecutors allege the behavior included posting a nude photo of Mica Miller online without her consent, repeatedly contacting her  in one instance, more than 50 times in a single day  and causing tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle.

Investigators also say JP Miller interfered with Mica Millers finances, her daily activities, and damaged her vehicles tires.

Former pastor of Solid Rock Church, John Paul JP Miller, was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury on charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators (Facebook)

In interviews with federal agents, JP Miller is accused of lying about key aspects of his actions.

While he claimed to have hired a private investigator to protect Mica Miller from purchasing firearms due to her alleged mental health issues, prosecutors allege the investigator was in fact employed to cyberstalk her over alleged adultery.

The indictment also states JP Miller denied damaging Mica Millers tires, despite evidence that he purchased a tire deflation device online and sent messages regarding the victims vehicle.

JP Miller now faces a maximum fiveyear prison term on the cyberstalking charge and up to two years for the false statements count, as well as fines potentially totaling $250,000.

His arraignment is scheduled for January 12, 2026, in federal court in Florence, South Carolina.

The Independent has contacted Millers lawyer, Russell Long, for comment.

Mica Millers case captured national media attention since she was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina.

Mica Millers death was officially ruled a suicide by medical examiners, though family and friends publicly expressed concern that it was a staged death by suicide, citing alleged domestic abuse and coercive control by JP Miller, which she had spoken about in social media posts.

Mica Miller filed for divorce from JP Miller twice: first in October 2023, which was dismissed in February 2024, and again on April 15, 2024, just days before her death.

Mica Millers body was found about 131 feet from where her purse, phone, and shell casings were located, leading her family to argue it could not have floated there naturally and may have been moved.

Her body was released to JP Miller and cremated without an autopsy, toxicology report, or gunpowder residue testing, which her family said destroyed critical evidence.

Two of Mica Millers siblings claimed in court documents that she feared for her life during divorce proceedings, with her sister Sierra Francis stating that Mica often said, If I end up with a bullet in my head, it was JP.

Mica Millers family has accused JP Miller, her estranged husband, of playing a part in her death, which was ruled a suicide (Facebook)

In May 2024, a month after Mica Millers death, the Robeson County Sheriffs Office released footage showing her purchasing a gun and driving to the park, where she called 911, saying she planned to take her own life.

JP Miller has denied any abuse or involvement in his wifes death. Despite ongoing concerns from her family and the attention of social media campaigns using #JusticeForMica, he was never considered a suspect in her death investigation.

In November 2024, the FBI searched JP Millers Myrtle Beach home, though the reasons for the raid remain undisclosed.

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.
Estonia has accused three Russian border guards of illegally crossing into Nato territory on a hovercraft without permission.

The countrys interior minister, Igor Taro, said the border guards had entered Estonia after crossing the Narva River on the vessel at around 10am on Wednesday.

The Estonian foreign ministry will summon the Russian charge daffaires after the alleged intrusion.

Today, the Estonian Police and Border Guard detected an illegal crossing of a temporary control line between Estonia and Russia on the Narva River breakwater by three border guards of the Russian Federation, the ministry said in a statement.

The Estonian border guard patrols responded to the border incident. After a short time, the Russian border guards returned to Russian territory.

Mr Taro said that authorities were working to establish the motivation behind the incident. Moscow has not issued an explanation.

Mr Taro told Estonian World that the country was becoming concerned about the state of Russias border guards.

The alleged incursion of Russian border guards into Estonia took place overnight (Estonian Border Guards)

The quality of Russian border guard personnel has become extremely uneven in recent years, Mr Taro said. For understandable reasons, they are suffering from a lack of staff, with personnel brought in from other regions. This has been a recurring problem.

The border guards returned to Russian territory before authorities were able to intervene, he said.

We are not able to go deep into Russian territory to apprehend them, he added.

Estonia, a member of Nato and the EU, shares a 294km border with Russia. It has a small Russian-speaking minority.

For months, Russian drones and planes have been entering Nato airspace in what appears to be a deliberate campaign of provocation against the alliance, which is supporting Ukraines war effort.

This has included fighter jet incursions into Poland and Romania, weather balloons being sent over the Lithuanian border from Belarus and sightings of drones near airports in Denmark.

The three border guards crossed into Estonian territory overnight (Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

In September, three Russian military jets violated Estonias airspace for 12 minutes in an unprecedentedly brazen incursion, according to the government. Estonian foreign minister Margus Tsahkna said it was the fourth time that Russia had violated Estonian airspace in 2025.

The foreign ministry said that the incursion involved three Russian MIG-31 fighters and took place over the Gulf of Finland. The Russian charge daffaires was summoned and given a protest note, a ministry statement said.

The latest incursion came hours before the Estonian prime minister, Kristen Michal, visited Brussels for a summit with EU leaders over whether to approve a 90bn (79bn) loan to fund Ukraines war effort using frozen Russian assets.

During a press conference at the summit, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said that all the signals showed that Moscow was not seriously interested in peace with Europe.

Soldiers ride a quad bike near Kostyantynivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine (Ukrainian 93rd Mechanised Brigade)

Warnings are growing across the continent that Europe must be ready for further Russian aggression.

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said last week that Russia has brought war back to Europe, and we must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great grandparents endured.

On Tuesday, the head of the UKs armed forces said Russia is a growing threat to the UK and the nations sons and daughters must be ready to fight in the event of an attack.

Chief of defence staff Sir Richard Knighton said: Sons and daughters. Colleagues. Veterans. will all have a role to play. To build. To serve. And if necessary, to fight. And more families will know what sacrifice for our nation means.

That is why its so important we do explain the changing threat and the need to stay ahead of it.
Nigel Farage will avoid a probe into his election spending after police revealed that an investigation cannot take place.

It was claimed that Reform UK had overspent on Farages general election campaign last year in Clacton, Essex.

The claims, reportedly submitted to the Metropolitan Police by former Reform councillor Richard Everett, alleged the party exceeded the 20,660 spending limit in the Essex constituency.

However, Essex Police confirmed its assessment found the report falls outside the one-year statutory time limit, meaning "no investigation can take place".

In a statement to The Guardian, Essex Police said: We have assessed a report relating to an allegation around misreported expenditure by a political candidate in connection with the general election in July 2024.

It said the report had been made on December 5, the newspaper adds.

The force said: Having regard to the Representation of the People Act 1983, which states any prosecution for such an offence must commence within one year, it has been concluded that this report falls outside of the stated statutory time limit, and no investigation can take place.

Reform previously strongly denied breaking the law on election spending, and accused Mr Everett of being a disgruntled former councillor who was expelled from the party several months ago.

The claims, reportedly submitted to the Metropolitan Police by former Reform councillor Richard Everett, alleged the party exceeded the 20,660 spending limit in the Essex constituency (Jane Barlow/PA)

According to previous reports in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Everett claims Reform failed to declare spending on leaflets, banners, utility bills and the refurbishment of a bar in its Clacton campaign office.

He alleges that the partys official returns report that it came just 400 under the spending limit set by electoral law, and the undeclared spending would have put it above the cap.

But he also said he thought Mr Farage himself had been blissfully unaware.

Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley previously said: Nigel Farage needs to reassure the public that he and his party will co-operate fully with the police and put all the evidence they need on the table.

Electoral fraud is a very serious crime which fundamentally undermines our democracy.

All parliamentarians, including party leaders, must play by the rules so all candidates have a fair hearing with the public.

Nigel Farage needs to break his silence on this issue and demonstrate that he and Reform UK have followed the law at all times. Failure to do so will raise even more questions about what he has to hide.

An Electoral Commission spokesperson said on Thursday: We have responded to Anna Turley MPs correspondence which raised questions about Reform UKs spending at the 2024 general election.

After carefully considering the information presented in the letter, we did not identify any expenditure relating to Mr Farages election campaign in Clacton that should have been declared in Reform UKs national expenditure.

Mr Everett, who defected from the Conservatives to Reform last year, has since left the party and now sits as an Independent councillor.

A Reform spokesman previously said: These inaccurate claims come from a disgruntled former councillor. The party denies breaking electoral law. We look forward to clearing our name.
Limericks Guinness 00 Faugheen Novice Steeplechase may deliver the ideal Christmas gift for Patrick Mullins, as the Grand National-winning jockey looks to further strengthen his impressive record in the Grade One contest.

It is sure to be a busy period for the decorated amateur with his father Willie sending his array of stars not only to Leopardstown for their bumper festive meeting but also to England where top-class chasers Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior share top billing in Kemptons King George VI Chase.

However, the Closutton team will also make their presence felt at Limerick where the hugely exciting Final Demand is just one of the names amongst a five-strong Mullins contingent in a race the stable have won a record nine times.

The race has also been lucky for Mullins the jockey, who has taken advantage of a calendar clash with the feature Savills Chase back in the Irish capital to successfully partner the likes of Faugheen (2019) and Gaelic Warrior (2023) in recent years.

With a busy spell on the horizon Mullins said: I should be in Leopardstown every day baring Limerick for the Faugheen on December 28, but you never know.

Theres Final Demand, Jimmy Du Seuil and a few others in the race so a few nice rides up for grabs in it. Its Savills day as well and Ive picked up some good ones in that race because of that over the years.

It used to always be Emmet (Mullins) and he would go down and win on a few like Sir Des Champs and its been a lucky race for us.

He went on: I dont think Ill be at Kempton and Id be surprised if Paul (Townend) didnt ride Gaelic Warrior. Im looking forward to a good Christmas but Im not sure Santa is that good though.

Along with Final Demand and Jimmy Du Seuil, the Mullins team could be represented by Kitzbuhel, Gold Dancer and Predators Gold with Connor Kings Oscars Brother and the Henry de Bromhead-trained The Big Westerner also engaged in the Limerick feature.
New photos from Epstein estate published by Democrats ahead of deadline for files release

Members of Congress have published more photographs and documents from Jeffrey Epsteins estate, including text messages, passports and several images that show handwriting on a womans body.

The writing appears to quote Vladimir Nabokovs Lolita, a copy of which can be seen in one of the photographs.

One message written on a persons foot reads she was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock.

Another says she was Lola in slacks and another reads she was Polly at school.

The latest tranche of 68 documents from Democrats on the House Oversight Committee comes as the Department of Justice faces a Friday deadline to publicly release all investigative files in its possession after a pressure campaign urging President Donald Trump to release the so-called Epstein files.

Images from Epsteins estate shared with the House Oversight Committee appear to show a womans body with messages referencing Vladimir Nabokovs Lolita. A new batch of photos was released by House Democrats on Thursday. (House Oversight Committee)

The new photos come a day before the deadline for the government to release the full Epstein files. (House Oversight Committee)

Another image appears to be a screenshot of a text message thread telling the recipient that I have a friend scout she sent me some girls today and she asks 1000$ per girl.

I will send u girls now, the sender wrote, according to the message shared to the committee. Maybe someone will be good for J?

A redacted message then appears to list the height, measurements and other details of an 18-year-old girl from Russia.

A photograph of a Russian womans passport is also included in the latest batch of documents from the committee.

There also are photographs of passports and other identifying documents for women from the Czech Republic, South Africa and Lithuania, as well as three women from Ukraine.

A redacted text message shared by Epsteins estate appears to list the height, measurements and other details of an 18-year-old girl from Russia after the sender says I will send u girls now. (House Oversight Committee)

Several images released by House Democrats depict Epstein accompanied by unidentified young women whose faces have been blocked out, including a photograph showing a seated Epstein with one woman wrapping her arms around his shoulders while two others sit closely beside him.

Other images depict Epstein in social settings with other high-profile figures, including author Noam Chomsky, New York Times opinion columnist David Brooks, Microsofts Bill Gates, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, filmmaker Woody Allen, and far-right media personality Steve Bannon.

The tranche of documents also includes blueprints that appear to show the layouts of Epsteins properties, including on Little St. James, Epsteins private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he and his associates were accused of sexually abusing and trafficking underage girls.

An undated image from Epstein's estate appears to show him three young girls whose identities have been concealed. (House Oversight Committee)

An undated image from Epstein's estate appears to show him with with writer Noam Chomsky. (House Oversight Committee)

Over the last several months, Democrats on the committee have released several batches of previously unpublished images and documents from Epsteins estate as members of Congress lead their own investigations into the convicted sex offender and his alleged ties to a wider network of powerful figures.

A persons appearance in the files or in images alongside Epstein do not allege wrongdoing.

Oversight Democrats will continue to release photographs and documents from the Epstein estate to provide transparency for the American people, Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the committee, said in a statement Thursday. As we approach the deadline for the Epstein Files Transparency Act, these new images raise more questions about what exactly the Department of Justice has in its possession. We must end this White House cover-up, and the DOJ must release the Epstein files now.

Republicans on the committee have previously accused Democrats of cherry-picking photos and making targeted redactions to create a false narrative about Trump.

Epstein was accused of sexually abusing young women and girls before he was found dead in his jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on trafficking charges, and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for crimes associated with Epsteins alleged abuse.

The government is preparing to release potentially tens of thousands of pages of documents, including FBI notes throughout the investigations, transcripts of witness interviews, videos and photographs, and Epsteins autopsy report, among other documents.

Questions about the fate of those documents have dominated the presidents second term after he pledged during his campaign to release them.

In July, the Justice Department determined no further disclosure in the Epstein case would be appropriate or warranted, which only fueled scrutiny into the presidents years-long relationship with Epstein.

Last month, after a mounting pressure campaign among members of Congress, including his one-time Republican allies, Trump reluctantly agreed to sign a measure that compels the Justice Department to release all materials from Epstein cases in its possession.
Pope Leo XIV has made a key US appointment, naming Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new archbishop of New York. The fellow Chicagoan will lead one of the nation's largest archdioceses, which faces the challenge of navigating relations with the Trump administration and its immigration crackdown.

Bishop Hicks, currently the bishop of Joliet, Illinois, replaces Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a prominent conservative figure in the US Catholic hierarchy. Cardinal Dolan recently finalised a plan to establish a $300 million fund to compensate victims of sexual abuse who had sued the archdiocese.

Cardinal Dolan had submitted his resignation in February, as is required upon turning 75. However, the Vatican often delays major leadership changes in dioceses if lingering abuse litigation or other governance issues need resolution by the outgoing bishop, implying his recent action cleared the path.

The handover, though, represents a significant new chapter for the U.S. Catholic Church, which is forging a new era with the Chicago-born Leo as the first American pope. Leo and the U.S. hierarchy have already shown willingness to challenge the Trump administration on immigration and other issues, and Hicks is seen as very much a Leo-style bishop.

A call for solidarity with immigrants

Hicks, 58, grew up in South Holland, Illinois, a short distance from the suburban Chicago childhood home of Leo, the former Robert Prevost.

Like Prevost, who spent 20 years as a missionary in Peru, Hicks worked for five years in El Salvador heading a church-run orphanage program that operated in nine Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Taking a new position as archbishop of New York is an enormous responsibility, but I can honestly say that Bishop Hicks is up to the task, said the Rev. Eusebius Martis, who has known Hicks since the mid-1980s and worked with him at Mundelein Seminary, the Chicago archdiocesan seminary.

He said New York was lucky to have him.

Bishop Ronald Aldon Hicks has appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the new archbishop of New York. (Archdiocese of New York)

He is a wonderful man, always thoughtful and attentive to the needs of seminarians, Martis, professor of sacramental theology at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of SantAnselmo, the Benedictine University in Rome, said in an email.

In November, Hicks endorsed a special message from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemning the Trump administrations immigration raids, which have targeted Chicago in particular.

In a statement then urging Catholics to share the message, Hicks said it affirms our solidarity with all our brothers and sisters as it expresses our concerns, opposition, and hopes with clarity and conviction. It is grounded in the churchs enduring commitment to the Catholic social teaching of human dignity and a call for meaningful immigration reform.

A similar hometown

Though they both hail from Chicago, Hicks only met the future pope in 2024, when then-Cardinal Prevost visited one of Hicks parishes and took part in a question and answer conversation for the public.

Hicks, who sat in the front pew, said he learned that day what sort of future pope Leo would be and said he liked what he saw both in his public remarks and then in their private conversation. Five minutes turned into 10 minutes and the 10 minutes turned into 15 and the 15 turned into 20, Hicks told local Chicago WGN-TV news after Leos May election.

He said he recognized their shared backgrounds and priorities to build bridges. We grew up literally in the same radius, in the same neighborhood together. We played in the same parks, went swimming in the same pools, like the same pizza places.

Pope Leo XIV wearing a Chicago Cubs hat in the Vatican City (Getty Images)

Hicks served as a parish priest in Chicago and dean of training at Mundelein Seminary before Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich made him vicar general of the archdiocese in 2015. Three years later, Hicks was made an auxiliary bishop, and in 2020 Pope Francis named him bishop of Joliet, serving around 520,000 Catholics in seven counties.

Cupich, seen as a progressive in the U.S. church, has been a close adviser to both Francis and Leo, and Hicks appointment to such a prominent job likely could not have come without Cupichs endorsement.

A pastor for New York

The New York archdiocese is among the largest in the nation, serving roughly 2.5 million Catholics in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island in New York City, as well as seven counties to the north.

The gregarious Dolan is one of the most high-profile Catholic leaders in the United States and a prominent voice in the city.

Dolan is widely viewed as conservative, writing a 2018 Wall Street Journal column headlined The Democrats Abandon Catholics. Yet in 2023, he also wrote a letter of welcome to a conference at Fordham University celebrating outreach programs aimed at LGBTQ+ Catholics, and he welcomed LGBTQ+ participation in the citys annual St. Patricks Day parade.

Dolan has ties to the current Republican administration. As archbishop of New York, Dolan hosted the annual Al Smith white-tie dinner that raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities. It has traditionally offered candidates from both parties the chance to trade lighthearted barbs ahead of Election Day, though in 2024 only Donald Trump participated since Democratic nominee Kamala Harris declined the invitation.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan sits next to Donald Trump at the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Trump, who has long-standing connections to his native New York City, later had the cardinal pray at his inauguration and appointed Dolan to his new Religious Liberty Commission.

Dolan was Trumps pick to succeed Pope Francis, though Dolan did criticize the president for sharing an AI-generated image of Trump, who is not a Catholic, dressed up as a pope before the May conclave that ultimately elected Leo.

Dolan was named archbishop of New York by Pope Benedict XVI in February 2009 after serving as archbishop of Milwaukee. He was made cardinal in 2012 and headed the U.S. bishops conference from 2010-2013.

A first task to oversee abuse settlements

In one of his biggest first tasks, Hicks will have to oversee the implementation of the abuse settlement fund that Dolan finalized, which is to be paid for by reducing the archdiocesan budget and selling off assets. The aim is to cover settlements for most, if not all of the roughly 1,300 outstanding abuse claims against the archdiocese.

Hicks is no stranger to managing the fallout of the abuse scandal, after the Joliet diocese under his predecessors and the rest of the Illinois church came under scathing criticism by the states attorney general in 2023.

A five-year investigation found that 451 Catholic clergy abused 1,997 children in Illinois between 1950 and 2019. Hicks had been appointed to lead the Joliet church in 2020. The attorney generals report was generally positive in recognizing the dioceses current child protection policies, but documented several cases where previous Joliet bishops moved known abusers around, disparaged victims and refused to accept responsibility for their role in enabling the abuse.
Ronald Hicks and Timothy Dolan, outgoing archbishop of New York, at St Patricks Cathedral in New York City on 18 December. Photograph: Brendan McDermid/Reuters (Photograph: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

Pope Leo XIV has named a fellow Chicagoan as the next archbishop of New York, one of the biggest US archdioceses, in a signal that the church will continue its stance against the Trump administration on immigration.

The US-born pope chose 58-year-old Ronald Hicks, the current bishop of Joliet, Illinois, to lead the church in New York, replacing retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan who has served for 16 years after being selected by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.

Dolan is regarded as a conservative figure in the US Catholic church hierarchy. Hicks takes on the role from Cardinal Dolan last week finalized a plan to establish a $300m fund to compensate victims of sexual abuse who had brought legal action against the archdiocese.

Hicks addressed the issue at news conference on Thursday.

As a church, we can never rest in our efforts to prevent abuse, to protect children and to care for survivors, he said. While this work is challenging, its difficult, its painful, I hope it will continue to help in the areas of accountability, transparency and healing.

Notably, Leo and the US hierarchy have shown willingness to challenge the administration on its immigration policies. In October, Leo questioned whether the policies were in line with the Catholic churchs pro-life teachings and described them as inhuman.

Hicks, 58, grew up in South Holland, Illinois, close to the Chicago childhood home of Leo, the former Robert Prevost. Both men served the church abroad: Leo spending 20 years as a missionary in Peru; Hicks spent five years in El Salvador heading a church-run orphanage.

Last month, Hicks endorsed a special message from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops condemning the Trump administrations immigration raids. The bishops said they are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement. We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants.

Hicks said the message expressed our solidarity with all our brothers and sisters and underlined their concerns, opposition, and hopes with clarity and conviction.

Related: Pope Leo urges Trump not to try to overthrow Venezuelan president with military force

Leo and Hicks only met last year, when the provost and bishop visited one of Hickss parishes, according to CNN. Hicks told local Chicago WGN-TV after Leo was elected pope that he recognized their shared backgrounds and priorities.

We grew up literally in the same radius, in the same neighborhood together. We played in the same parks, went swimming in the same pools, like the same pizza places, he said.

Hicks was born on 4 August 1967, in Harvey, Illinois, and received degrees in philosophy, divinity and ministry. He was ordained to the priesthood for the archdiocese of Chicago in 1994, according to the New York archdiocese.

In 2005, he moved from Chicago to El Salvador to begin his five-year term as regional director of Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH) in Central America. NPH is a home dedicated to caring for more than 3,400 orphaned and abandoned children in nine Latin American and Caribbean countries.

He returned to Chicago and in 2020 Pope Francis named him Bishop Hicks as the sixth bishop of the Catholic diocese of Joliet, Illinois, serving about 520,000 Catholics in seven counties. Hicks will now serve roughly 2.5 million Catholics in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island in New York City (Brooklyn and Queens are part of the Brooklyn archdiocese).

I accept this appointment with humility and an open heart, Hicks said at the news conference. I ask for your support and your prayers, and I ask God to support us as always. Dolan said his successor was an early Christmas gift for the Archdiocese.



 This article was amended on 19 December 2025. An earlier version incorrectly suggested that Ronald Hicks would pick up the title of cardinal from Cardinal Dolan.
Reform UK councils budget reveals gaping 60 million deficit  and it could get worse

Reform UKs flagship local authority, Kent County Council (KCC), faces a projected debt increase of tens of millions of pounds, even with maximum council tax hikes, a leaked forecast for next year reveals.

After success in May's local elections, Reform UK promised to cut spending in Kent and keep taxes low.

Despite establishing an 'Elon Musk-style' Department of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) soon after taking power, a confidential slideshow for opposition councillors, seen by the Press Association, shows a 60 million financial gap for 2026-27.

Under the plans for next year set out by the previous Tory administration, that unresolved gap was 20.1 million.

That plan, shown to a councillor in mid-November, also currently includes a full 5 per cent increase in council tax, to keep the gap at 60 million.

For a band D property in Kent, this would mean an increase of 84.56 per year from 1,691.19 in 2025-26 to 1775.75.

In a full council meeting at Sessions House, in Maidstone, on Thursday, former Reform councillor Bill Barrett said he had been told the gap may increase further, up to 100 million, in the new year.

The current plan does not factor in money KCC will receive from the UK Government thanks to the fair funding review which KCC leader Linden Kemkaran has said will provide them with an 8 per cent increase in overall funding.

However, even if that significant increase in funding plugs the gap, Reforms new plan for 2026-27 will still see council expenditure increase by 31 million from what the previous Tory administration had planned.

It is understood that the majority of that excess spending is on the increased price of adult social care.

In KCCs search for savings, providers of some elements of adult social care have been told their funding will be hugely cut in three months.

Head of Kent County Council, Linden Kemkaran (PA Wire)

Jim Dickson, Labour MP for Dartford, said he had spoken to navigation and wellbeing services providers which expect to be affected.

Such services help old and vulnerable adults on the edge of care with contact and support, without a full care package, and a study by Involve, an organisation providing that type of care, found that it led to significant reductions in A&E attendance and need for acute care.

Kent are obviously claiming that this is an efficiency and something that they can do without huge service effect but thats quite clearly wrong, Mr Dickson said.

At Sessions House on Thursday, leader of the opposition Antony Hook said the fair funding review was a sticking plaster on a gaping wound.

The Liberal Democrat councillor added: In the absence of a budget, everything is in danger.

Everything is in danger from a Reform administration that doesnt value our public services, doesnt value the people we work for and certainly doesnt value residents independently.

There was clear frustration among all the opposition groups, that a draft of KCCs budget is yet to be provided.

The leaked briefing is one option for the Reform administration, who are now expected to present their draft budget at the start of January.

It will then be discussed through various meetings before the council determines the budget on February 12 2026.

Mr Barrett said: I have extreme concern about the way the budget process is unfolding, and the likelihood of severe cuts to public services because of the budget gap KCC is now faced with.

KCC and the Reform group have been contacted for comment.
George Scott believes a return to Dubai could be the perfect stage for West Acre to showcase his sprinting talent again this winter.

The three-year-old son of Mehmas was twice a winner in the Middle East earlier this year, breaking the Meydan track record when landing the Group Two Blue Point Sprint last January.

He failed to replicate those exploits back on home soil but a pair of encouraging runs on the all-weather of late have the Eve Lodge handler optimistic the good times could be about to return for the exciting speedball, who lines up in Fridays Listed Ertijaal Dubai Dash.

Scott said: The horse is giving the impression he knows hes back there and hes very comfortable on that track.

He has been a bit out of sorts since last winter out in Dubai but he ran very well at Dundalk on his penultimate start and if the gaps had opened up for him last time, I think he would have won at Southwell under a big weight so hes not totally out of form and it would be great to see him back to his best.

Were on weather watch and they are due a lot of rain out there which can have a significant impact on the ground. So well be just watching that as he wants fast ground but if its good ground he will run.

Hes still a baby as a sprinter, hes a three-year-old turning four. Hes already the track record holder and were pretty relaxed that I will get him back to his best for sure.

West Acre is due to be partnered by Billy Loughnane who will be sporting the royal blue of Godolphin throughout the evening as he continues his burgeoning association with Charlie Appleby.

All eyes will be on the Moulton Paddocks handler in the Group Two Al Rashidiya where Loughnane will be aboard First Conquest, but stronger claims are held by stablemates Opera Ballo and experienced traveller Nations Pride.

Dual Listed winner Opera Ballo is the pick of Godolphin number one William Buick and Appleby is relishing getting the talented son of Ghaiyyath back on a turning track.

He told www.godolphin.com: We have taken Opera Ballo to the Rowley Mile twice and been beaten on both occasions, so I think we can say its not his course.

We were keen to get him back on a turning track and the style of racing at Meydan will hopefully suit. We feel he is a nice colt and are hoping to get him back to winning ways here.
For decades, Sarah Beeny was terrified of getting breast cancer. Then, she received the diagnosis. (Photo illustration: Yahoo Life UK; photo: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

Sarah Beeny spent years living with a persistent fear that the cancer she'd watched her mother die from would one day become her own reality. In 2022, that fear materialised when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which her mum died from when Beeny was aged 10.

However, when it came to coping with the disease, Beeny's approach wasn't quite what she expected. "I realised my fear was irrational, and life goes on. It put things into perspective," she tells me for Yahoo's Unapologetically series.

Despite this, the 53-year-old broadcaster doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the past few years: the whirlwind diagnosis and the intensity of treatment, all while raising four children.

In April 2023, she announced that she had been given the all-clear. "It's like a roller coaster: you come out with no hair and fake boobs and think, 'Well, that was a ride.' And then your hair grows back," she says.

Beeny has been a staple of British television for years, fronting hit shows such as Sarah Beeny's New Life in the Country, Property Ladder and Little House Big Plans. Now, she has rereleased her 2014 book, Sarah Beeny's 100 DIY Jobs.

During our chat, she also reflects on how surviving the unthinkable has reshaped her relationship with fear  but she's clear that she never wanted the disease to define her.

"We expected it to be significantly life-changing, and maybe it is for many people, but I decided I didn't want that to be the catalyst for major change in my life," she explains. "I'd rather change come from something amazing, like having a child. I didn't want something negative to be the turning point. I didn't want to give it that much power."

For decades, Sarah Beeny was terrified of getting breast cancer. Then, she got it. (Photo illustration: Yahoo Life UK; photo: Ken McKay)

You've been public about your breast cancer journey. What did you learn about yourself that surprised you?

Well, lots of things, I guess, and also nothing in equal measures. I used to be very scared of getting cancer, and the best thing about getting cancer is, it stopped me being so scared of getting cancer. The fear was based on historic outcomes.

I'm not saying all cancer is curable  it's not  and some cancers are absolutely horrendous, with terribly sad stories. But treatment has moved on so much in 40 to 50 years that I now think there are far worse things to be diagnosed with, like dementia.

I feel very privileged  my diagnosis, my treatment, the NHS  I was extremely fortunate, and my journey isn't the same as other people's.

During her cancer battle, Beeny filmed the documentary Sarah Beeny Vs Cancer. (Channel 4) (Nicky Johnston)

You've spoken before about fearing cancer because of your mum's experience, and then you received that diagnosis yourself. What was it like confronting something you'd worried about for so long?

Well, you only have one choice, and that's to suck it up and move on. You could pretend it's not happening, but that didn't seem like a good idea to me. You just cope with it however you cope, and for me, that meant asking, "What's the plan?", then doing the plan and moving on.

I did all the treatment, and that was fine. Once you're in the system in the UK, you get carried through it, step by step, and I was really lucky with the NHS and the people where I lived. They move you through efficiently, then they spit you out the other end. It's very efficient, and they were amazing

It's like a roller coaster: you come out with no hair and fake boobs and think, "Well, that was a ride," and then your hair grows back. Years later, people ask if you're OK, and you think, "Why? Oh, of course, I had cancer."

You do still check things; I've gone back a few times thinking I'd found a lump, and so far it hasn't been [cancer]. But what can you do? Live in fear every day? I'm no more likely to get cancer than anyone else now. We all have cancer cells in our bodies; most of them just don't grow.

Sarah Beeny attended the King's Foundation Awards ceremony alongside King Charles and other celebrities. (Getty Images) (WPA Pool via Getty Images)

You mention you lost your hair during treatment, which can be a really tough part of cancer for some women. How did that impact you and your femininity?

I'd always wanted to have no hair but was too chicken to shave it off, so in a strange way I thought, "Finally, I'll know what it's like." Boys are lucky because they can shave their heads and have hair back in three months; for girls, it's years of growth, so it feels like a much bigger deal. I mean, it definitely was a big deal.

The main thing is that you can't get away from the outcome, however good a wig is. They're amazing wigs, but everyone still knows you've got no hair, and everyone knows you've got cancer. It's very real and very public in a way most illnesses aren't.

Everybody knows, apart from one person. I went into one shop, and there was this guy from another country, and he just went, "Why have you shaved your hair off?" I said, "Because I've got cancer and it fell out," and he just went, "Oh." He genuinely thought I'd chosen the look, which was oddly refreshing.

But overall, it's a very public display of illness. With men, you see a bald man and don't think twice  you assume he's just bald. With a woman, people jump straight to cancer treatment.

Beeny competed on The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer in March 2025. (Channel 4) (Mark Bourdillon Love Productions)

With your husband, Graham Swift, 52, and sons Billy, 21, Charlie, 19, Rafferty, 17, and Laurie Swift, 15,alongside you through everything, how did that experience shift or deepen your relationship with them?

They were exactly as I thought they'd be, which was great. If they hadn't been, I'd have been shocked. Ive been with my husband since I was 19, so if hed suddenly had a character change, I'd have been stunned. They were sympathetic when I needed it, but mostly just got on with things, which is what I wanted.

And I was lucky because they were all at home, and they have a band [The Entitled Sons] so even when I went to bed early, I could hear them downstairs playing. If you're a mum with four sons and a husband and you can hear them writing music together, thats pretty good. They even wrote a song, released it, and it did really well in the charts. They did it for Cancer Research and raised loads of money.

Theyre not perfect  they're really annoying sometimes  but at that time, they were pretty perfect.

Swift and Beeny with their oldest sons, Billy and Charlie. (Getty Images) (Joseph Okpako via Getty Images)

Parenting, while wonderful, often comes with feelings of guilt and regret. What regrets do you have?

I realised years ago, when I first had children, that the day you give birth, you embrace guilt like you invented guilt. You give birth to guilt as much as you give birth to a baby.

Youre not feeling guilty because youve done something wrong; you feel it because you want the very best for your children, and anything that goes wrong makes you think you should have done something differently.

Once you understand that, then you see it's nothing to do with what you actually do  that's just being a parent. And once you know that, you can stop the guilt nonsense and go, "I'm going to feel guilty anyway, so I might as well accept it and stop beating myself up."

People often have unrealistic expectations regarding age and beauty...

Now everyone is self-reflexive, so you reflect on yourself more than is healthy. If your self-worth is based on what others think, you're stuffed, because you can't change their opinions. But if you dont care whether someone thinks you look 30 or 50, then it doesn't matter.

You can't base your self-worth on other people's opinions. It's easy to say, but if you strive for it, you'll be happier.

How do you navigate those expectations?

I'm torn. I've learned that I feel better when I get up, do my hair, put on makeup and nice clothes, and go out to attack the day. I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to look your best  there's no shame in it  and it's also fine if you don't want to. It just makes me feel better.

I also don't want to look 21. When you're 21, you're full of insecurities, and it's a totally different stage of life. And where I am now, I have more surety, but Im still learning, and thats exciting.

I'm 53, and I'm fine with looking 53. I dont want to look 20. I made a flippant comment to a young lad about him being young and handsome, and I suddenly saw fear in his eyes, like he thought I was a predatory old woman. [If I was 20 years younger], it wouldve been taken as the compliment I meant. I realised I need to stick to grandma comments now  things like "My niece would love you"  because anything else can look weird.

What no one tells you is that you get older, but you feel the same as you did at 21. Young people now are so clever and brilliant that I feel hope for the future. The planet is in good hands. My generation has a lot of sorries to say  we weren't as great as we thought. For a while, I thought young people were stupid, and we were clever, but actually, we were a bit rubbish.

You've recently released Sarah Beeny's 100 DIY Jobs. What made you want to rerelease it now, and what's your ultimate home hack?

It feels so relevant. We have so little confidence now. The internet and modern tech mean we're no longer in control of anything and if the Wi-Fi goes down, we're stuffed. We dont know how to fix things, and were more and more disempowered, which makes us less confident.

We've lost the ability to control the world we live in. We can't regain all of it  I still can't fix my iPhone  but we can try things instead of assuming we can't do anything.

During our conversation, Beeny said she's "fine with looking 53." (Getty Images) (Kate Green via Getty Images)

DIY is often seen as a male-dominated space. How have you challenged that over the years?

It used to be a male-dominated space, but I don't think it is anymore. Men don't feel any more confident about DIY than women do. We've come a very long way when I think about sexism and gender inequality compared to when I was a child, and we should celebrate that progress while still looking forward to making the future better. Change is possible, and seeing it happen is exciting.

I'm not really a feminist at all. I'm very grateful to feminists, but I don't really want to see women-only spaces. I'm not talking about loos by the way. I don't think jobs should be open only to women, and other jobs should be open only to men.

True equality is when the right person gets the right job and does the right thing because they're best at it and they've had equal opportunity to achieve that in the first place. That's what I think equality is not, not crediting one person more than someone else for something.

Sarah Beenys 100 DIY Jobs is available to purchase in stores and online.

This has been edited for length and clarity.

The two products Sarah Beeny swears by:
Ian McKellen sits at a trestle table in a London East End church and begins to peel his third apple of the day. Looking dashing in his colourful scarf, he flashes his trademark devilish grin and chats to the other volunteers about the art of peeling as they prepare a hot roast with apple crumble to feed around 130 of the most vulnerable people in Tower Hamlets.

On his left is Phil, 52, a chartered accountant whose story of dramatic downward mobility is a salutary reminder of how poverty can happen to any of us  even middle-class people with white-collar professions. Phil earned a hefty 250,000 a year before the wheels fell off in 2022 due to severe mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, and he now has to feed himself on just 1.25 a day. On Sir Ians right sits Ausra, 48, a single mother who suffers from depression and must also get by on an impossible food and utilities budget of 10 a day for her and her two children, aged five and ten.

Both Phil and Ausra, and many of the dozen or so volunteers who have come along, say they would not survive were it not for the weekly food provided by this resilient little charity, Neighbours in Poplar  which in turn is supplied by one of the funded partners of our winter appeal, The Felix Project.

Our Winter Appeal

Our winter campaign  Whos at Your Table?  in partnership with Comic Relief, is raising money to fund organisations in London and across the country helping people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, and people who have been forced to flee their homes.

Sir Ian has come down to this uncelebrated corner of the East End to show his support for our joint campaign with Comic Relief, accompanied by his friend Evgeny Lebedev, proprietor of the London Standard. Their friendship goes back over 15 years to when Sir Ian was playing Estragon in Waiting for Godot and Evgeny met him to propose the idea of taking the play to the Moscow Art Theatre. Although the transfer never materialised, it led to them becoming friends and business partners, buying a historic Limehouse pub together  The Grapes  where Charles Dickens used to drink with his godfather.

Their visit comes as we publish our final campaign piece before Christmas with the news that the total raised has passed 2.6 million  thanks to donations of over 75,000 from members of the public, and a 50,000 boost from the Standards Dispossessed Fund. Other major donors so far include This Day Foundation, Sainsburys, the Julia Rausing Trust, Comic Relief, Lush co-founder Mark Constantine and The Ethos Foundation.

The money is going to charities in London and across the country helping the most disadvantaged groups, including refugees forced to flee their homes and people experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.

Ian McKellen and Evgeny Lebedev peel fruit and vegetables at Neighbours in Poplar with Phil and Ausra and several other volunteers (ES)

Neighbours in Poplar (NiP) is one of over 1,200 charities supplied by The Felix Project, but it is Sir Ians favourite. Ever since he was introduced to their charismatic founder, Sister Christine, by another of his friends, Michael Cashman  a fellow actor and now a Labour peer in the House of Lords  he has found time to occasionally join them for a spell of peeling and schmoozing.

I first came down during Covid when they had just started preparing meals for local people in need," he says. "Christine's spirit is infectious and she is a bit bossy, insisting you come back the next week to peel again because there's a job to be done. It isn't a game, it's serious  lives are at stake."

We were taught  or rather it was simply expected  to think beyond our family to the wider needs of the community

Sir Ian

For Sir Ian, who lives locally, NiP epitomises the spirit of Christmas and good neighbourliness. What struck me when I started coming down is that although I've lived in this area 46 years, I am a visitor, an immigrant from up north, and some of the people sitting around the table today are immigrants from other countries  but all feel like they belong. I recognise that spirit from my childhood in Bolton where my father, a civil engineer, was a lay preacher in his spare time. We were taught  or rather it was simply expected  to think beyond our family to the wider needs of the community. That's why, when I come down here, I feel like I belong."

How you can help

10 could contribute towards an emergency grant or food voucher for a young person in need

10 could help provide a child forced to leave their home with a gift to open on Christmas

45 could provide a refugee with two hours specialist career advice, supporting them to get employment

150 could provide five families forced to leave their homes with food vouchers to enjoy a festive meal with loved ones and community

For Lord Lebedev, the physical location of NiP  with gleaming Canary Wharf skyscrapers dominating the immediate skyline  offers pause for thought. We are literally standing here on the divide between rich and poor London, he says. Since The Standard launched the Dispossessed Fund 15 years ago, and despite the papers success in raising money and awareness, inequality seems to have got worse. As we can see standing here right now, surplus food is being brought in by The Felix Project and local volunteers are helping to prepare it for local people who would otherwise be unable to afford to eat. And then right there on the other side of Poplar station is the wealth of Canary Wharf. Its a sad story and it makes the work of Sister Christine and Felix  and indeed of our campaigns  all the more important.

The star of Lord of the Rings, famous for his depiction of Gandalf, added that our campaign's support of refugees was particularly timely. "The number of people having to leave their homes because of natural disasters or cruel governments or cruel policies against individuals is huge, said Sir Ian. We should all bear in mind  what would it be like if we were in that situation? What would we feel if we risked our lives travelling across the world, only to land somewhere and be made to feel unwelcome? The natural human response to someone in that situation is not to say 'go away, you're not my problem', but rather, 'how can I help?'"

Thats certainly the spirit of NiP, which supports around 600 people a year and has provided over 60,000 meals in the last five years, aided by weekly deliveries of fresh produce from The Felix Project. For Sir Ian, its the combination of Felix and organisations like NiP working in tandem that is especially impressive. "When individuals respond to needs of people in their area and are helped by a larger organisation operating at scale, thats a formula for success that can be replicated."

(ES)

The Felix Project, which got off the ground in 2016 thanks in part to The Standard's 2016 Food for London campaign, is now the largest surplus food redistribution charity in the capital, distributing 42 million meals a year.

Charlotte Hill, CEO of The Felix Project says: "Around 39 per cent of working parents struggled to afford to feed their children in the last year. The Felix Project wants to be there  but we need support  and that is why we are so thankful to The Standard and Comic Relief for their winter appeal."

Felix are certainly there for Neighbours in Poplar, delivering 120kg of food a week to their base in St. Matthias Community Centre, a former church with stained-glass windows and high wooden pillars  built in 1654 by the East India Company. Christine, aged 88 but still full of beans, says: What makes our charity different is the special relationship between the food deliverer and receiver. We call our deliverers Deliveroo angels. One woman we support told me: When I hear that knock on the door, I know somebody cares.

Of Sir Ian, Christine says: The people here love him. The first time he came down, they couldnt believe Gandalf was here. Hes come many times since. As for The Felix Project, she adds, their produce saves us thousands and allows us to run a foodbank every Thursday and deliver a hot roast with dessert every Sunday.

Without this place, I would be screwed. I would literally be starving

Phil

In happier times, Phil recalls how he used to drink in Evgenys and Sir Ians pub. They were very nice to my dog, he muses. Ours is a very dog friendly pub, agrees Sir Ian.

Phil describes how for over a decade he held down well-paid, responsible jobs, but his marriage and then his career collapsed due to anxiety and severe depression. I was quite good at coping and suppressing, but you can only do so for so long before everything falls over, he says. I can get very, very depressed and struggle to get out of bed, and my behaviour can become quite erratic. Luckily my ex-wife is still my best friend and I am very close to my two children, who I see all the time. But I am difficult to live with, he laughs ruefully, so its best I am on my own.

Today, Phil gets Universal Credit of 1,383, he says, of which 1,200 goes on rent and 145 on credit cards and utilities, leaving 10 a week for groceries. I went from splurging 10,000 on family holidays to living on just over 1 a day.

How does he manage? I have learned to live very cheaply, he says. You can buy a pizza from Iceland for 1. And I come here and frequent other foodbanks as well. If you should end up like me  he stretches out his arms  at places like this, believe me, theyre a godsend. Without this place, I would be screwed. I would literally be starving.
Sir Keir Starmer has chosen veteran diplomat Christian Turner as Peter Mandelsons successor as Britains ambassador to the US.

The prime minister has chosen one of the most respected officials in the Foreign Office to pick up the vital US ambassador role after the chaos surrounding Lord Mandelsons sacking.

Lord Mandelson was withdrawn as US ambassador after it emerged he had withheld details of his close relationship with the convicted paedophile and former financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Christian Turner is the new ambassador to the US (Reuters)

In his place is Mr Turner, who was political director at the FCDO for both the Labour government and the previous Tory administration before being appointed as the UKs representative at the UN in May.

Mr Turner had been the ambassador in Pakistan and had been a key and reliable adviser to a series of foreign secretaries.

Now he moves from New York to Washington DC to pick up the brief of dealing with Donald Trumps White House, with continuing problems regarding sealing a tech deal with the US, getting a fair peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, and resolving the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

After picking a politician for the role in Lord Mandelson, Sir Keir had been under pressure to return to selecting a career diplomat with a wealth of experience.

Another source of tension in UK-US relations is the White Houses national security strategy, which claims Europe faces civilisational erasure and questions whether the continents economies and militaries were strong enough for countries to remain reliable allies.

It is possible he may also be asked to intervene behind the scenes over the president suing the BBC for $10bn over a misportrayal of his January 6 speech in a Panorama documentary.

Mr Trump also recently renewed his attacks on London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, whom he branded a disaster and disgusting.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the US had halted talks on a technology prosperity deal struck during Mr Trumps state visit to the UK.

Sir Keir will be hoping that the transition will be easier than when he appointed Lord Mandelson to replace the highly respected Dame Karen Pierce.

The Independent revealed that Mr Trump initially considered rejecting Lord Mandelsons credentials in an unprecedented move because of his business links with China.

Starmer and Trump have so far had a strong special relationship (PA)

Only last-minute diplomacy saved the situation, allowing Lord Mandelson to take up residence before he was forced out over the Epstein scandal in just seven months. He was temporarily replaced by James Roscoe, the number two at the embassy.

Mr Turner said he was honoured to be nominated for the role.

At a pivotal time for the transatlantic relationship, I look forward to working with President Trumps administration, and leaders in Congress, business and society to strengthen that bond in the years ahead, he added.

In a statement released by the Foreign Office, Sir Keir said: The United Kingdom and United States have a very special relationship, and Christians extensive experience as an outstanding diplomat will support this uniquely close bond and ensure it continues to flourish.
Christian Turner has previously been a political director at the Foreign Office. Photograph: Remo Casilli/Reuters (Photograph: Remo Casilli/Reuters)

Keir Starmer has appointed the career diplomat Christian Turner as the UKs ambassador to Washington, replacing Peter Mandelson who was sacked over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

Turner, who was appointed ambassador to the UN in May, had previously been political director at the Foreign Office and had brokered a close relationship with the new Labour administration before taking up his UN role in New York.

The Foreign Office is said to have pushed hard for an experienced diplomat to take the Washington job, as well as someone experienced enough to handle the turmoil of Donald Trumps administration.

Relations with the US have been strained in recent months by Trumps apparent willingness to side with Vladimir Putin over Ukraine and his criticism of Europe, which he said was facing civilisational erasure.

Some inside Downing Street felt Mandelson had done a decent job in Washington, including helping to foster relations between Trump and Starmer, but his scandalous departure ended up being damaging politically for the prime minister at home.

Turner was chosen over Starmers business adviser, Varun Chandra, who will take on an expanded role in Downing Street, and Nigel Casey, the ambassador to Russia.

Chandra was initially considered favourite for the high-profile post, but Olly Robbins, the most senior civil servant at the Foreign Office, is understood to have lobbied against another political appointment.

Starmer has managed to build an effective working relationship with Trump, and some government figures were concerned that a diplomatic ingenue could put that at risk, preferring to appoint an experienced diplomat instead.

Confirming the appointment, the prime minister said: Im delighted that Christian Turner has been appointed to be British ambassador to the United States of America. The United Kingdom and United States have a very special relationship, and Christians extensive experience as an outstanding diplomat will support this uniquely close bond and ensure it continues to flourish.

I warmly congratulate him as he starts his work to further build our strong economic and security ties and deliver for the British people.

Turner, who had not yet taken up the UN role, said: I am honoured to be nominated to serve as the UKs ambassador to the USA. Our two countries share an historic partnership rooted in common values, shared security and deep economic ties.

At a pivotal time for the transatlantic relationship, I look forward to working with President Trumps administration, and leaders in Congress, business and society to strengthen that bond in the years ahead.

Turner previously served as the UKs high commissioner to Pakistan and was first secretary in the British embassy under Tony Blair. He is understood to have been in the running for the role of Foreign Office permanent secretary but lost out to Robbins in January.

The US ambassador role has been vacant since Mandelson was sacked in September for failing to disclose the extent of his ties with the child sex offender Epstein.

Mandelson was found to have urged the financier to fight for early release from jail in 2008 as he faced an 18-month sentence for procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute.
Egan will not be a supporter of Starmer - Carlos Jasso/Reuters

When it rains, it pours  especially if you happen to be Keir Starmer.

As if the run-up to next Mays local and devolved elections wasnt already going to be an unpleasant experience, the Prime Minister will see the departure in January of one of his closest trade union allies. Christina McAnea was challenged and defeated in her re-election bid as Unisons general secretary by Andrea Egan, who hails from the hard Left.

There is hard Left, and then there is hard Left. Egan does not belong to Labours in-house Marxists, such as those who are members of the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs.

In fact Egan is a bona fide heretic, having been expelled from the Labour Party for sharing articles from the Marxist group, Social Appeal. But that didnt stop John McDonnell, Labour MP and former shadow chancellor, from endorsing her, because of course it didnt.

Having swapped one powerful ally for an equally powerful opponent, one who controls the purse strings of the countrys largest union and Labour affiliate, Starmer must be racking his brain to recall when it was he drove a lorry through a mirror factory.

It will come as little consolation that Egan was elected on a miserly 7 per cent turnout of members, which begs the question of exactly how badly organised the moderate wing of the party is when it comes to shoring up essential support. A half-decent, half-competent campaign by McAnea could have avoided this humiliation and left Starmer in a slightly more secure position at the end of a tumultuous year.

The hard-Left Andrea Egan is the new leader of Unison - Mark Kerrison/Getty Images

Union reformers have long blamed the legacy of Margaret Thatchers original trade union legislation for the current situation where activists, who are often far more radical and Left-wing than ordinary members, have achieved the upper hand in so many ballots for union general secretaries.

Such votes can only be conducted by postal ballot; attempts at reform to allow e-balloting, seen as much more convenient for members and therefore likely to encourage higher turnouts and, it is hoped, more representative outcomes, have fallen foul of various procedural obstacles.

The mammoth (some might say unwieldy) Employment Bill currently making its way through Parliament will make a step towards e-balloting for general secretary posts a mere matter of an Order in Council (secondary legislation) so there are grounds for optimism in at least this one respect.

In the meantime, Starmer must deal with the situation as it is, not how he might wish it to be. As with every such development, Egans victory is being seen in terms of the impact it could have on Starmers leadership and its chances of survival beyond May. She is a supporter of Andy Burnham, the Manchester Mayor who is not known for hiding his leadership ambitions behind a modest exterior. Egan is also known to be sympathetic to Angela Rayner.

And as The New Statesman has reported, Egans elevation to the top spot in her union might even ease Burnhams journey back to Westminster, since the NEC official with the authority to decide whether he would be endorsed as a candidate in any by-election is also a Unison official who could easily come under pressure from Egan.

But with her hard-Left views, it is extremely unlikely that Egan and her union could remain a close ally of any of the candidates currently being talked of as alternatives to Starmer for very long.

Any new leader will want to continue Starmers strategy of shifting to the Right  at least in terms of immigration and asylum policy  in order to blunt the appeal of Reform UK. And ministers continue to insist that they respect and want to enforce the judgment by the Supreme Court in April on the definition of woman in the Equality Act, and its consequences for single-sex spaces. This raises another point of conflict between Egan and the Government, since the former considers herself an ally of the trans community and is only too happy to invoke the Stonewall catechism that trans women are women.

Last month Egan appeared at a LGBT+ fringe meeting at which every speaker, including Egan herself, was prominently announced by their preferred pronouns.

Although as a non-party member, Egan cannot attend the NEC herself, she will nevertheless have significant influence over its policy process and organisation.

She will not be a supporter of Starmers, and if events in the first half of the year play out as expected, that crucial support from the countrys largest trade union could make itself sorely felt by its absence.

Egan, elected by barely 4 per cent of those eligible to vote, puts into perspective the criticisms that Labour itself was elected on barely a third of the vote and by just a fifth of eligible voters.

But if union members continue to sit out major elections, they will continue to see unrepresentative candidates elected to powerful and well-paid office. As we are about to see in Labours inner counsels, such electoral apathy has its consequences.
Tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) will be treated as seriously as crackdowns on terror and organised crime, Labour has vowed, as the party unveiled its long-delayed strategy on the issue.

Promising to make women and girls safe at last, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips vowed that change is coming.

She said it will take all of society to step up and end the epidemic of abuse and violence that shames our country, adding: The challenge is great, but I have never felt more confident that we can rise to it than I do today.

But campaigners say the strategy does not go far enough, with childrens commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza saying she is deeply concerned the strategy does not do enough to protect girls under-16, while Refuge said the funding contained in the strategy is just a drop in the ocean.

Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch faced criticism after saying the strategy was too focused on young boys and too influenced by the Netflix drama Adolescence, instead calling for people from cultures that dont respect women to be removed from the UK.

Jess Phillips: All of society to step up and end the epidemic of abuse and violence that shames our country (House of Commons/PA)

Ms Phillips said the strategy is backed by 1bn over the next three years, which includes 480m already confirmed in local government budgets and 550m across the Ministry of Justice budget. An extra 19m will be invested for support in safe accommodation, the Home Office minister announced on Thursday  a figure that Refuge said is simply not enough.

The key measures unveiled in the VAWG plan include:

Every police force in England and Wales will have a specialist rape and sexual offences team by 2029

New forensic technology will be used to track down rapists and sex offenders

A crackdown on deepfake abuse online, including the banning of nudification tools

All secondary schools in England will teach students about healthy relationships

A 19m funding boost will be handed to councils to provide safe housing for domestic abuse survivors

Ms Phillips also said that new forensic technology will be used to track down rapists and sex offenders, with police forces using the same data-driven approach to tracking offenders that we apply to terrorists and serious organised criminals.

Giving a statement to the Commons, the safeguarding minister pledged to make the UK one of the hardest places for children to access harmful content and misogynistic influences online, saying that so-called nudification tools, which allow users to strip clothes from those in photographs, will be banned.

The government will also work with tech companies to make it impossible for children to take, view or share nude images through nudity detection filters.

The safeguarding minister says the government is really, really focused on prevention (PA)

Other measures include new interventions in schools when pupils display harmful behaviour, changes to the curriculum and new training for staff.

However, campaigners said more needs to be done and called for more funding to be poured into the issue.

Childrens commissioner Dame Rachel said she is deeply concerned that the strategy does not do enough to protect girls under 16.

She said the strategy is an important step in our shared ambition to end violence against women and girls, praising the plan to ban nudification tools and the focus on education.

But she added: I remain deeply concerned that too much of this strategy will only protect girls who are 16 or over.

We need robust data measures to see if the strategy is working, but this cannot be at the expense of listening and responding to the risks facing every girl from a young age.

Meanwhile, Refuge welcomed a number of the measures unveiled, saying that with sustained accountability, this approach has potential to deliver the lasting, systemic change that women and girls deserve. However, the charity also warned that the strategy fails to address the deep and ongoing underfunding of specialist support services.

Gemma Sherrington, CEO of Refuge, added: Without this vital investment, it risks directing survivors towards a system that is already stretched beyond capacity.

Unless these foundations are urgently fixed, the strategys ability to deliver real change will be severely constrained.

She continued: While the governments commitment of an additional 19m for safe accommodation over the next three years is welcome, it represents only a drop in the ocean compared to the number of survivors for whom safe housing could be the difference between life and death.

Womens Aid said while additional funding for safe accommodation and other specialist services is welcome, they argued the government needs to go much further, including through ring-fenced investment in services run by and for Black and minoritised women, and dedicated support for child victims.

But the organisation praised the governments ambitious commitment to halving violence against women and girls in the next decade, saying it was pleased to see the emphasis the strategy places on long-term prevention.

Under Labours latest initiative, all secondary schools in England will teach students about healthy relationships, following concerns about the impact of self-described misogynistic influencers who appeal to young men by pushing an agenda characterised by toxic masculinity.

A new helpline will also be set up for teenagers to get help with concerns about their own behaviour in relationships.

Ms Phillips said: This strategy does something that none before it ever has. Until now, responsibility for tackling violence against women and girls has been left to only the crime-fighting departments, working so often in isolated ways.

Providing support that is vital, but often too late to truly change the story. This strategy is different.

But Ms Badenoch posted to social media: Its not 11-year-old boys who are committing violence against women and girls. We need to get people who have come from cultures that dont respect women out of our country! Not all cultures are equally valid.

She also called for more police on the streets and the deportation of all foreign criminals, saying: Pretending a few extra lessons in school will fix this is complete nonsense. Labour need to stop watching Adolescence and get real.

But Ghadah Alnasseri, the co-executive director at Imkaan, a charity that tackles violence against women from ethnic minority backgrounds, accused the Tory leader of dangerous rhetoric, telling The Guardian: Its deeply inaccurate, its misinformation and its spreading racism.

We know of charities which have had to remove their signs so they are not attacked, where women have to seek help through back doors. This kind of language is really problematic.

Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women coalition, added that gender based violence was not an imported problem.
Terror arrests have surged by a staggering 660 per cent year-on-year because of support for Palestine Action, official figures reveal.

The pro-Palestine protest group was proscribed under terror laws in July this year. Hundreds of people have protested their terror ban by holding up signs saying I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action  an act that is now an offence under terrorism legislation.

Government figures published on Thursday show that of the 1,886 arrests in the year up to September for terrorism-related activity  1,630 or 86 per cent are linked to supporting Palestine Action.

The total number of terrorism-related arrests in the previous year was 248. Those arrested for support for Palestine Action were 4.4 times more likely to be female, and were considerably older than those normally arrested for terror offences.

The average age for arrests linked to supporting Palestine Action was 57, compared to 30 for non-Palestine Action-linked arrests.

In the months before the proscription of Palestine Action, between April and June 2025, there were 63 arrests for terror-related activity. This then increased by 2,608 per cent after Palestine Actions ban, with 1,706 arrests recorded from July to September.

Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori has challenged the groups proscription in the High Court, with her barristers arguing that the impact of the ban was dramatic, severe, widespread and potentially lifelong.

Raza Husain KC told judges that the decision by then-home secretary Yvette Cooper to proscribe the organisation in June 2025 was novel and unprecedented. He told the court: This is the first direct action civil disobedience organisation that does not advocate for violence ever to be proscribed as terrorism.

Campaigners outside the Royal Courts of Justice, London, in November (PA)

He said that the decision, which Ms Cooper faltered over, was so extreme as to render the UK an international outlier.

The court heard that the Foreign Office had advised the Home Office that, while Palestine Action was active in other countries, its activity is largely viewed by international partners as activism and not extremism or terrorism.

Sir James Eadie KC, for the government, argued that it was for parliament to decide what acts constituted terrorism. He said that the home secretary had been advised by a group of security experts that certain actions of Palestine Action did qualify as terrorist acts.

The data comes after two police forces confirmed that they would arrest people for chanting globalise the intifada, saying that the context has changed following a targeted attack on Australias Jewish community in Sydney.

Two people have now been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences after shouting slogans involving calls for intifada, the Metropolitan Police said.
Tents outside a hotel in Manchester. Campaigners say 28 days is not long enough for people to sort their lives out and find accommodation, a job, benefits or study opportunities. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian (Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian)

The UK high court has halted evictions of thousands of new refugees who were at risk of spending Christmas on the streets.

Concern had been mounting among lawyers and human rights campaigners that within days of celebrating being granted refugee status the group could find themselves rough sleeping.

Asylum seekers had their move-on period from government accommodation extended from 28 days to 56 days after being granted refugee status, thanks to a pilot scheme the Home Office launched a year ago. Campaigners say 28 days is not long enough for people to sort out their lives and find accommodation, a job, benefits or study opportunities.

Many, including the British Red Cross, reported a significant fall in the numbers of street homeless people when the move-on period was doubled.

But at the end of August, the government decided to revert to giving 28 days of notice before evictions, leading to protests from more than 60 non-governmental organisations.

On Wednesday, a high court order was agreed that requires the Home Office to issue instructions to its caseworkers to extend move-on periods from 28 to 56 days when the person satisfies the caseworker they are facing the imminent prospect of street homelessness. This order will prevent an estimated 3,000 new refugees from ending up on the streets in the next few weeks.

However, the court order does not apply to those who have already been evicted and who are rough sleeping.

One 19-year-old Eritrean refugee has been sleeping under a bush close to a station in north London for more than two months after he was evicted from a Home Office hotel. He approached his local council for help with finding new accommodation but was rejected because officials said he was not in priority need.

I had a very difficult journey to safety after I fled my country. I was enslaved in Libya and made the dangerous journey across the Channel, he said. I am happy I have been granted refugee status but did not expect I would end up sleeping under a bush in the middle of London after everything I have been through.

Ahmed Aydeed, of Deighton Pierce Glynn solicitors, who challenged the 28-day period in the high court, welcomed the order.

He said: Were grateful that, subsequent to court intervention, the home secretary has agreed to disapply 28-day evictions in circumstances where an individual is at imminent risk of street homelessness. Over 3,000 people can now use this process if theyre at risk, until 16 January.

This order will help save lives. No one should be forced into destitution and street homelessness, especially during this extreme winter weather.

Bridget Young, the director of the No Accommodation Network, said: This is welcome news, which for many newly granted refugees will mean the difference between spending Christmas safely housed or on the streets.

All the evidence shows that 28 days is not enough time for people to find alternative accommodation. It is unconscionable that we could have seen a surge of people made street homeless in the lead-up to Christmas, with fewer services available to support them and crisis services already stretched or full.

We urge the government to do the right thing and make the 56-day move-on period permanent and give everyone who is provided sanctuary here the chance to find a safe and secure home.

A government spokesperson said: We are committed to supporting individuals granted leave to remain to successfully transition from asylum accommodation to mitigate the risk of homelessness.

We are also working to move asylum seekers into more suitable accommodation such as military bases, to ease pressure on communities across the country.
TikTok finally signs deal to sell its US entity to joint venture controlled by American investors

TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. entity in a joint venture majority-controlled by American investors Oracle and Silver Lake, along with Abu Dhabi-based MGX.

Those firms are set to own 45 percent of the U.S. company, at 15 percent each, while roughly one-third will be held by affiliates of existing ByteDance investors. Nearly 20 percent will be retained by ByteDance.

The closing date for the new entity, USDS Joint Venture LLC, is January 22, according to an internal memo. The joint venture will be majority owned by American investors  including tech giant Oracle and private equity firm Silver Lake  and governed by a new seven-member majority-American board of directors, and subject to terms that protect Americans data and U.S. national security, according to CEO Shou Zi Chew.

The deal ends a long-running effort to force TikToks Chinese parent ByteDance to sell off the companys U.S. operations to American entities or lose the ability to run the popular video-based social media app in the country.

President Donald Trump extended the deadline for TikTok to find a U.S. buyer by an additional 75 days in April to ensure all necessary approvals are signed while preventing the app from going dark in the United States.

TikToks US operations will be owned by a joint venture from US firms Oracle and Silver Lake along with Abu Dhabi-based MGX, with ByteDance investors and Bytedance holding minority shares (REUTERS)

The joint venture will be responsible for user data, content moderation and software assurance, according to the memo.

Chew added that the venture will also have the exclusive right and authority to provide assurances that content, software, and data for American users is secure.

Oracle  whose founder Larry Ellison is a Trump ally  will be the companys trusted security partner against national security concerns.

The deal cements a major victory for the president, with one of the worlds most popular social media apps and a key messaging platform now in the hands of a key billionaire ally. Trump is also allied with Elon Musk, who owns X, formerly Twitter, while Mark Zuckerberg  whose Meta operates Facebook and Instagram  has dropped his adversarial relationship with the president and courted his administration.

TikToks prized algorithm will be free from outside manipulation, according to the memo.

Trump signed an executive order on a deal that would divest TikToks US operations from its Chinese owner ByteDance in September (REUTERS)

The Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by Joe Biden in 2024 with bipartisan support.

Members of Congress and federal law enforcement agencies at the time argued that the app presents a national security threat that could allow the Chinese government to mine data from its millions of users and show manipulative content.

TikTok said in a statement at the time that the ban was jammed through Congress using flawed and hypothetical information, resulting in outright censorship of the American people.

A federal appeals court turned down TikToks lawsuit seeking to block a deadline for the sale, teeing up a Supreme Court challenge.

In an unsigned opinion in January, hours before Trump entered office, justices upheld the law that forced TikTok to divest, arguing that Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns.

Trump  who appeared to change his tune around the app, which he had previously supported banning  later issued an executive order to approve a deal to transfer control of the app to a U.S. business group. In his first term in office, Trump issued an executive order banning the platform altogether, which the company successfully challenged in court.

At a signing ceremony in the Oval Office in September, Trump announced Chinese President Xi Jinping had approved a proposed deal that met American national security concerns and would be valued at around $14 billion.

Asked whether the platform would now recommend more MAGA-related content, Trump replied: I always like MAGA-related. If I could, Id make it a hundred percent MAGA-related.

But its not going to work out that way, unfortunately, he said. No, everyones going to be treated fairly.
Time Out is targeting new openings for its worldwide food markets as its media business grapples with tumbling sales amid a social media shift.

Shares in the company plunged by around a quarter on Thursday morning following the update.

The boss of the firm said it had taken decisive action to improve profits as a result of the media industry experiencing a number of challenges.

It is planning to open four new food markets in the current financial year to the end of June 2026, rising to six by 2028.

These will be in Budapest, Manhattan, Vancouver and Abu Dhabi, as well as two under development in Prague and Riyadh.

It follows the opening of markets in Barcelona, Bahrain and Osaka during the latest financial year.

Revenues grew by nearly a 10th for the markets division to 46.7 million for the year to the end of June, compared with the prior year.

But Time Out said this growth was offset by media revenues tumbling by 26% to 26.6 million, resulting in group sales declining by 7% year-on-year.

Adjusted earnings for the group dropped sharply by 43% to 7.1 million  well below its original forecast of between 11 million and 13 million.

Time Out said its media sales were impacted by an ongoing shift in consumer behaviour away from text-based websites and towards video, particularly on social media, as well as AI searches impacting traffic to its website.

This has resulted in rapid growth for its social media audience, but a sharp drop in monthly website visits.

The company said it had completed a strategic review of the division and it was now leaning more into the shift by producing more videos and finding new ways to cash in on social media.

It told investors it was now expecting the media business to return to profitability for the first half of the new financial year.

Chris Ohlund, chief executive of Time Out Group, said: We have taken decisive action and as a result have seen a material improvement in performance since the financial year end.

The changes will result in a stronger and more focused business, positioning Time Out for a return to profitable growth.

Whilst our financial performance was below our internal targets, Time Out continues to be trusted and relevant as we inspire and enable growing numbers of people every month to experience the best of the city.

Time Out shares were down by around 25% in early trading.
Oil giant BP (BP.L) swapped out its CEO for the second time in two years, confirming its first female boss Meg O'Neill as its new leader on Wednesday evening.

The company announced the move to switch O'Neill for incumbent Murray Auchincloss after markets closed in the US last night.

O'Neill had been head of Australia's Woodside Energy since 2021  her appointment marks the first major move by BP's chairman Albert Manifold, who took over in October.

The top-level change is meant to target investor frustration at the slow pace of BP's (BP.L) turnaround.

Read more: Stocks lacklustre as traders await Bank of England and European Central Bank rate decisions

Manifold praised O'Neill's "proven track record of driving transformation, growth, and disciplined capital allocation."

"Her relentless focus on business improvement and financial discipline gives us high confidence in her ability to shape this great company for its next phase of growth and pursue significant strategic and financial opportunities," he said in a company statement.

It's also the latest move in BP's (BP.L) strategy shift, which it announced earlier this year. The shift was intended to cut billions of planned renewable energy initiatives in favour of its bread and butter business model of oil and gas.

BP's (BP.L) share price fell about 0.3% in early trade following the news.

Micron (MU)

The stock price for computer chip supplier Micron Technology (MU) jumped nearly 10% in premarket trade on Thursday following a forecast for Q2 adjusted profit which hit nearly double Wall Street analysts expectations.

The company is riding a wave of demand from the AI industry, as demand for data centres ramps up.

Micron (MU) expects adjusted profit of $8.42 per share, plus or minus 20 cents, versus analyst estimates of $4.78 per share, according to LSEG data.

Company CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said he expects the chipmaker will only meet half to two-thirds of demand from several of its key customers as supply chains and demand remains tight.

Oracle (ORCL)

Cloud and database software provider Oracle (ORCL) lost 5.4% of its value on Wednesday, as stalled negotiations for new data centres ratcheted up anxiety on Wall Street about the company's future.

Oracle's (ORCL) biggest backer for its data centre projects has declined to stump up the $10bn for a 1-gigawatt facility in Michigan, according to a Financial Times report. Concerns have been raised around the company's debt as well as its AI spending.

The company's share price is still 7.1% higher for the year-to-date.

Lululemon (LULU)

Athleisure company Lululemon's stock jumped more than 4% in premarket on Thursday following reports by the Wall Street Journal and Reuters that activist investor Elliott Investment Management has built a stake of over $1bn in the brand.

The reports said that the company is preparing to line up a new CEO candidate, citing sources. Elliott has been working closely with Jane Nielsen, former CFO and COO at Ralph Lauren and sees her as a potential CEO, they said.

As of the close on Wednesday, the company's stock was 45% lower for the year-to-date following a period of slowing sales.

Growth in North America has been a particular sticking point for the brand, which has felt the pressure of tariffs as well as hot competition from the likes of Nike (NKE) and others.

Read more:

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
Two young friends in central India found a diamond valued at about 50,000, a rare windfall in one of the countrys most deprived districts.

Satish Khatik, 24, and Sajid Mohammed, 23, found the 15.3-carat stone while working a small plot of land they had leased only weeks earlier in Panna, a diamond-bearing district in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The discovery was confirmed after the pair took the stone to the Panna Diamond Office for evaluation.

The estimated market price of the stone is Rs 5m to Rs 6m, Anupam Singh, Pannas official diamond evaluator, told BBC Hindi. Thats between 41,400 and 49,700. It will be auctioned soon.

Diamond auctions overseen by the government are held every three months in Panna, attracting traders from across India and overseas.

Final prices are influenced by global benchmarks, including the Rapaport report, a widely used reference for diamond pricing, as well as currency fluctuations. Under Indian rules, 12 per cent of the auction value is deducted by the state as royalty and tax, with the remainder paid to the finder.

For Mr Khatik and Mr Mohammed, who earn their living running a meat shop and a fruit stall respectively, the find could transform their prospects. They are both the youngest sons in low-income households.

Their families, like so many in Panna, have searched for diamonds for generations. Mr Mohammed said his father and grandfather spent decades digging in the same fields, finding little more than dust and slivers of quartz.

His father told the BBC that providence had finally rewarded their hard work and patience.

Panna, part of the Bundelkhand region, faces chronic poverty, water shortages, and unemployment, yet holds most of Indias known diamond reserves.

Although Indias reserves are small compared with those of major global producers, they are historically significant.

Most large mines are run by the federal government, but each year local authorities lease out small plots, typically eight metres across, to residents for a nominal annual fee of about 1.6.

In the absence of steady jobs, many locals turn to diamond hunting despite the long odds. Miners typically work by hand, digging shallow pits, hauling out soil, washing it through sieves and painstakingly sorting dried stones after work or on their days off. Most never strike anything of value.

Ravi Patel, Pannas mining officer, said the success of Mr Khatik and Mr Mohammed was exceptional. The two mined a precious diamond in Krishna Kalyanpur just 20 days ago and deposited it at the Panna Diamond Office today," he was quoted as saying by the news agency PTI.

More than 60 diamonds have been deposited at the Panna Diamond Office this year, most of them small or flawed, the Indian Express reported.

Last month, six farmers jointly discovered five stones, three of gem quality, together valued at about 10,000.

In spite of their find, Mr Khatik and Mr Mohammed said they werent making big plans yet.

We are not thinking of buying land, expanding our businesses or moving to a bigger city, not yet, the friends said. For now, were focused on getting our sisters married.
Napier barracks, where men slept in dormitories, and some slept outside in sub-zero temperatures due to fears of catching Covid. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA (Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA)

The UKs first and most longstanding military barracks used to accommodate asylum seekers is closing its doors on Thursday after more than five years.

The closure of the controversial Napier barracks in Folkestone comes at a time when the government has pledged to expand its use of this form of accommodation as an alternative to expensive hotels, which anti-migrant and far-right protesters have criticised for being luxurious, but which asylum seekers and those who work with them say are often rundown and unsuitable.

Napier opened in September 2020, around the same time as Penally, a barracks in Pembrokeshire. The latter closed a few months later, but Napier, accommodating about 400 people, weathered multiple storms. Approximately 200 men, half of those accommodated on the site at the time, were infected in a mass Covid outbreak. Then there were far-right protests, fires, hunger strikes and a damning high court ruling that found it failed to meet minimum standards. At one point Kent county council was so concerned about conditions for the men accommodated there it launched a safeguarding inquiry.

Initially, asylum seekers were accommodated there for an indefinite period but the Home Office subsequently introduced a 90-day limit, which the men held there said made their time there more bearable.

Sally Hough, who ran the Napier drop-in centre, which provided advice and support for asylum seekers at Napier, said: The closure of the camp is a day of very mixed emotions for everyone who has been involved in supporting the residents. For all of us, it has been completely life-changing in a positive way. However, the camp itself, the buildings, the shambolic management, have left their mark on those that stayed there.

She said things were particularly chaotic in the early months with no drinking water and furniture salvaged from old stable blocks. The men slept in dormitories and some slept outside the barracks in sub-zero temperatures due to fears of becoming infected with Covid if they slept inside close to others. After the high court ruling there was a brief emptying of the barracks while the walls were repainted. But it reopened within days.

Folkestone is a special place and the fact that former residents return to visit us from far flung places of the UK is testament to that. It became a vital safe space for the men to go outside of the camp, seek advice and see a friendly face in the community, Hough said. Just the other day some of the men were volunteering with clearing and controlled burning of scrubland so that the flowers will come back in spring. What a wonderful thing to leave behind for the community.

Charlotte Khan, the head of advocacy and public affairs at the charity Care4Calais, said: Weve supported people at Napier barracks since it opened and we cant shy away from the trauma it has inflicted upon many, particularly in its early days.

Our volunteers have done an incredible job supporting the people in the barracks, but we are pleased to see it closing. Frankly, former military sites are not suitable accommodation for refugees who have fled war, torture and persecution. They are retraumatising, and harm peoples health and wellbeing.

People want, and should, be accommodated in communities, not camps. That should be the final lesson the government takes from Napier.

A Home Office spokesperson said: We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels. This government will close every asylum hotel. Work is well under way, with more suitable sites being brought forward to ease pressure on communities and cut asylum costs. We are working closely with local authorities, property partners and across government so that we can accelerate delivery.

The site will be handed back to the Ministry of Defence by the Home Office in January 2026 and will be redeveloped by Taylor Wimpey as houses and flats.

 This article and its headline were amended on 22 December 2025. Earlier versions said that Napier barracks was closing after six years, when it should have said five.
The U.S. military announced on Wednesday it attacked a boat accused of drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing four people. This occurred the same day the House rejected efforts to limit Donald Trumps power to use military force against drug cartels.

U.S. Southern Command stated on social media that the vessel was operated by narco-terrorists along a known trafficking route. The military didn't provide evidence behind the allegations, but posted a video of a boat moving through water before there was an explosion.

The attack brought the total number of known boat strikes to 26 while at least 99 people have been killed, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration. Donald Trump has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and asserted the U.S. is engaged in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels.

The administration is facing increasing scrutiny from lawmakers over the boat strike campaign. The first attack in early September involved a follow-up strike that killed two survivors clinging to the wreckage of a boat after the first hit.

The administration has been facing increasing scrutiny from lawmakers over the boat strike campaign. (X/US Southern Command)

House Republicans rejected a pair of Democratic-backed resolutions Wednesday that would have forced the Trump administration to seek authorization from Congress before continuing attacks against cartels. They were the first votes in the House on Trumps military campaign in Central and South America. A majority of Republicans in the Senate had previously voted against similar resolutions, and Trump would almost certainly veto them if they were to pass Congress.
Water cannons fired during major clash between ultra-Orthodox and police in Jerusalem

Israeli authorities were met with protests after trying to write a parking ticket in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem that turned violent.

Members of the community quickly gathered and the violence left 13 police officers injured, authorities said.

One arrest was made when the clashes first broke out after an inspector tried to issue a parking ticket and was met with violence and threats, which led to hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters arriving, police said.

The protesters tried to free the suspect, damaging police cars and throwing stones and eggs at the police, they said.

In response, police threw stun grenades, fired water cannons and beat protesters with batons, according to videos circulating on Israeli social media.

Roughly 1.3 million ultra-Orthodox Jews make up about 13% of Israels population (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The violence reflected growing tensions between the Israeli authorities and the ultra-Orthodox, known as Haredim, as the government mulls plans to draft them into the military.

Residents accused the police of trying to arrest the man for failing to register for the draft  an accusation police denied.

Five policemen were brought to the hospital and several others were lightly injured. As of Thursday afternoon, police said they had arrested four people and an were investigating several others.

Photos circulating on Israeli social media showed an overturned car and vehicles with broken windshields.

When Israel was founded in 1948, a small number of gifted ultra-Orthodox scholars were granted exemptions from the draft, which is compulsory for most Jews. But with a push from politically powerful religious parties, those numbers have swelled over the decades.

Many secular Israelis  especially those who have served multiple rounds of duty in the latest war between Israel and the Palestinian militant Hamas group in Gaza  now support rolling back that exemption and drafting the ultra-Orthodox.

However, measures to draft the ultra-Orthodox have been met with staunch opposition and at times violence from religious protesters, who claim that serving in the military will destroy their way of life.

Roughly 1.3 million ultra-Orthodox Jews make up about 13% of Israels population and oppose enlistment because they believe studying full time in religious seminaries is their most important duty.
A board handpicked by President Donald Trump has voted to rename Washingtons prominent performing arts venue as the Trump-Kennedy Center, but critics say the move isnt legal.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the decision on Thursday on X, attributing the change to the "unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building. Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation."

The president, who has previously jokingly referred to the venue as the Trump Kennedy Center, said he was surprised by the vote.

I was surprised by it. I was honored by it, Trump said at an executive-order signing on Thursday. You know, were saving the building. We saved the building.

Can the Kennedy Center rename itself for Trump?

The Kennedy Centers board has voted to rename the flagship arts complex and memorial the The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, even though critics say it lacks the legal authority under federal law to do so (Getty Images)

Only Congress can legally change the name of the Kennedy Center, according to legal observers.

Under current law, there I think is very little question that the Kennedy Center board cannot rename the Opera House after Melania Trump or pretty much anybody else and would need Congresss permission for anything like that, David Super, a Georgetown law professor, told The Washington Post earlier this year, as Congress was mulling renaming the center for the president or the first lady.  That statute is pretty unequivocal, and I cant really find any loopholes in it.

Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex officio member of the centers board, said the name change vote was not on the agenda and that she was muted on the call where it was discussed and not allowed to voice her opposition.

This was not consensus, she wrote on X. This is censorship.

How are Kennedy family members reacting to the change?

Maria Shriver, the late Kennedy niece, said the name change left her speechless, and enraged, and in a state of disbelief (Getty Images for Visionary Women)

Relatives of the late President Kennedy sharply criticized the decision to rename the center.

Maria Shriver, Kennedys niece, wrote on X that the decision left her speechless, and enraged, and in a state of disbelief.

Jack Schlossberg, the late presidents grandson, claimed the decision to rename the center was motivated by his ongoing campaign for Congress in New York.

Our campaign represents everything Trump cant stand or defeat, Schlossberg wrote on X.

The Independent has contacted the White House and the Kennedy Center for comment.

Trump has repeatedly floated a name change for the Kennedy Center

Trump, who chairs the board, has frequently referred to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, named after a Democratic predecessor, as the "Trump Kennedy Center."

When questioned on December 7 about renaming the venue after himself as he walked the red carpet for the Kennedy Center Honors program, Trump stated such a decision would rest with the board.

Earlier this month, he spoke of a "big event on Friday at the Trump Kennedy Center before quickly correcting himself to "excuse me, at the Kennedy Center," prompting laughter from his audience.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, walk the red carpet before the 48th Kennedy Center Honors, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

He was referencing the FIFA World Cup soccer draw for 2026, in which he participated.

Name change is the latest in a controversial Kennedy Center takeover by Trump

While Trump showed little interest in the Kennedy Center during his first term, his return to office in January saw him replace board members appointed by Democratic presidents with his staunch supporters, who subsequently elected him as board chairman. He has also criticized the centers programming and physical state, vowing to overhaul both.

Ticket sales have reportedly declined at the Kennedy Center since Trump took over earlier this year (Getty Images)

Trump secured over $250 million from the Republican-controlled Congress for renovations to the building, attended the opening night of the musical "Les Miserables," and last week hosted the Kennedy Center Honors program, an event he did not attend during his first term. The awards program is scheduled for broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ on December 23.

The newly installed leadership at the center has praised Trumps leadership.

The unanimous vote recognizes that the current Chairman saved the institution from financial ruin and physical destruction, Roma Daravi, the centers vice president of public relations, told the Post on Thursday. The new Trump Kennedy Center reflects the unequivocal bipartisan support for Americas cultural center for generations to come.

Since the Trump takeover, artists have boycotted the center and ticket sales have fallen sharply at its three largest venues, according to an analysis from the paper.

The shake-up at the Kennedy Center follows Trumps earlier decision to convert the Kennedy-era Rose Garden at the White House into a patio by replacing the lawn with paving stones. Another Kennedy family member, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., currently serves in Trumps Cabinet as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Trumps first-term renaming spree

The Trump administration has renamed the Department of Defense the Department of War, though it takes an act of Congress to officially do so (U.S. Southern Command)

The Trump administration has shown a zeal for renaming things according to the wishes of the president and his allies, even if they lack clear authority to do so.

The White House now insists on referring to the Pentagon as the Department of War, and has signed an executive order to that effect, even though an act of Congress is required to officially rename a federal department. So far, that hasnt happened.

The president has also introduced a Trump gold card immigration program, granting permanent residency to individuals who pay the government $1 million, though critics say he lacks the authority to carry out what amounts to a unilateral change in immigration law.
White House says US would be lucky to have Trump serve third term as it adds more fuel to the unconstitutional fire

The White House has said that the United States would be lucky to have President Donald Trump in office for even longer, despite the Constitution limiting him to two terms.

Over the last year, the president has floated the idea of running for a third term, riling up the media and opponents  though both he and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles have also publicly acknowledged that legally he cannot.

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Trumps former lawyer, Alan Dershowitz, gave the president a draft copy of a book that explored the constitutionality of a third-term president.

Dershowitzs upcoming book, Could President Trump Constitutionally Serve a Third Term? studies potential legal routes that the president could attempt if he wished to run again. The former Harvard law professor, who represented Trump during his first impeachment trial, told the WSJ that he spoke with Trump about those scenarios in the Oval Office.

When asked if Trump would run a third term, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Axios: There has never been an Administration that has accomplished as much in less than one year than the Trump Administration. The American people would be lucky to have President Trump in office for even longer."

On Truth Social, Trump has said a lot of people want him to run for a third term  leading some to believe he is considering the idea (Getty Images)

Jackson did not outright say whether or not Trump would run again, but the president has said himself he is not allowed to do so. Wiles also said in her recent interview with Vanity Fair the president would not run again.

Yet, Dershowitz told the WSJ that he offered his conclusions to the president, adding that it's not clear if a president can become a third-term president and its not clear if its permissible.

Section one of the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states: No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice. It also says any person who has served as president, or acting president, for more than two years of a term shall not be elected to the office more than once.

Dershowitz said Trump found it interesting as an intellectual issue, but he felt the president would not run again.

Do I think hes going to run for a third term? No, I dont think he will run for a third term, the lawyer told the WSJ.

Despite these assurances, Trump continues to raise the idea. Wiles told Vanity Fair that the president is having fun with floating the idea because he knows its driving people crazy.
A businesswoman who was on the run after it was alleged she killed two girls has been pulled from the River Thames.

On Tuesday morning Zulma Guzman Castro was found alive but injured in the river next to Battersea Bridge. Emergency services thought she was drowning and pulled the woman from the water.

It has been claimed Ms Castro, who appeared on Shark Tank, the Colombian version of Dragons' Den, killed two teenage girls in Colombia with poisoned raspberries. Ines de Bedout, 14, and her friend Emilia Forero, 13, died in April days after eating the fruit which was poisoned with thallium, a colourless metal.

Ms Castro is accused of the killings in an act of vengeance after an alleged affair with Juan de Bedout, the father of one of the victims.

Ms Castro denies the crime.

Another teenager who ate the poisoned berries as well as a 21-year-old brother of one of the victims were taken to hospital. They survived but the girl is thought to have longterm health problems.

A Met Police spokesperson told LBC: Police were called at 06:45hrs on Tuesday, 16 December to reports of a woman in distress on Battersea Bridge.

The Mets Marine Policing Unit recovered a woman in her 50s from the water at 07.14hrs and she was taken to hospital, where her injuries have since been deemed not life-threatening or life-changing.

Castro was found in The Thames (PA Archive)

An international search warrant was issued by Interpol Red Notice that Ms Castro could be in Spain, Brazil or the UK since leaving Colombia.

She reportedly gave away her location that she was in the UK after being spotted drinking Buxton water during a TV interview.

The accused killer was spotted drinking from the British water brand during an exclusive interview with Colombian channel Focus Noticias, the Sun reported.

A source told the newspaper: The bottle of water she drank from was Buxton Natural Mineral Water, a product mainly commercialised in the UK.

The size of the bottle she was drinking are sold in street shops, which would indicate Guzman is in an apartment or house and not in a hotel.

The Daily Mail said an arrest warrant for the woman was issued by Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this week and she will be taken to custody to appear in court when she is well enough.

The girls father Pedro Forero said after the deaths, according to the Mail: Fourteen years ago, a life of hopes, joys and dreams began; a life that filled a family, a father and a mother.

But it wasn't just the joy of someone else's life; it was the beginning of the life of an excellent human being who had dreams, hopes and goals.

As a father, it is incomprehensible to think that someone was capable of taking this away.
David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst and Buster Merryfield in the 1987 Christmas Special of Only Fools and Horses

Sir David Jason loves to tell the anecdote of when he and Nicholas Lyndhurst faked an argument on the set of Only Fools and Horses. In 1991, at the height of the shows popularity, a bored Del Boy and Rodney decided it was time to shake things up.

Nick and I were in a caravan, Jason, 85, has said. We were twiddling our thumbs and I went, I know  why dont we pretend to have a row? You can storm out and say youre leaving and I can shout at you saying, Dont you ever come back again. I never want to work with you.

So the door sprang open and Nick stormed off and I threw something after him. But then we thought maybe weve gone too far, so we said to everyone It was just a joke.

When David and I read for the first time, this chemistry happened: Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney and David Jason as Del Boy in series one of Only Fools and Horses - BBC

Rumours of a strained or even a problematic relationship between the shows two biggest stars persist to this day  despite all evidence to the contrary  and its likely the prank row anecdote is a way of addressing this mischief-making. What is true is that Jason and Lyndhurst were very different actors from different generations with different attitudes to fame. The dynamic of their on-screen partnership depended on these differences as much as their similarly brilliant acting abilities that made them, in many ways, TVs most beloved odd couple.

The news that there is to be a new Only Fools and Horses documentary in 2026 without the 64-year-old Lyndhursts involvement raised fresh questions about his relationship to the shows legacy. But those doubts make more sense in the context of his lifelong aversion to publicity, let alone the personal tragedy that led him to protect his privacy even more fiercely. In 2020, his only son, Archie, an actor, died from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of 19.

In 2020, Lyndhursts only son Archie, an actor, died from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of 19. (The pair are pictured in 2015) - David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage

Lyndhursts absence from the new documentary isnt anything personal or unpleasant in terms of the rest of the cast, says Graham McCann, author of Only Fools and Horses: The Story of Britains Favourite Comedy. Privately, I think hes on good terms with them. Hes someone who sees a clear gap between himself and the characters he plays and he wants to concentrate on the here and now. When he finishes [a job] he finishes.

He really finds it uncomfortable being wheeled out to celebrate a character hes played in the past. He prefers to stay private. Im not aware of any actor whos as extreme as he is in that regard. Thats how he feels he needs to be to work as an actor.

Only Fools and Horses ran for seven series with 19 specials from 1981 to 2003. Marking the sitcoms 45th anniversary, U&Golds Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive will feature archive footage of the Trotter family never broadcast before and was greeted with delight by fans of a show regularly voted Britains favourite sitcom (the Time On Our Hands episode in 1996 had more than 24 million viewers).

Jason and Lyndhurst came to the show from very contrasting paths. Jason was more old school in that hed had to do anything and everything to go through rep theatre, which required adaptability and doing things you didnt want to do, says McCann. It looked at times like he was never going to be a star and he really had to graft and be patient. Whereas, Lyndhurst made a kind of logical progression towards a big role at a younger age.

Jason had become a well-known TV actor before 1981, but wasnt a household name. He was most associated with Ronnie Barker, appearing in three episodes of Porridge and as Barkers assistant Granville in the sitcom Open All Hours. Lyndhurst attended Corona Theatre School in west London and appeared in a variety of TV dramas and childrens shows. He became best known as one of Wendy Craigs sons in the sitcom Butterflies, which began in 1978 when he was 17.

When David and Nicholas arrived for the first time, they were great actors but they were picking up a brilliant script that was written for them, says Tony Dow, director of Only Fools And Horses between 1988 and 2003, including several Christmas specials. Dow was a close friend of the shows creator John Sullivan, who died in 2011. It didnt take long for the two of them to recognise each others talent and rely on each other.

The relationship with David was totally instantaneous: Lyndhurst and Jason at the National Film Awards in London in 2017 - Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images

The relationship with David was totally instantaneous, said Lyndhurst. When David and I and Lennard Pearce [Granddad] read for the first time this chemistry happened.

David and I got a reputation for being gigglers [on set]. There is a love at the heart of their relationship that we always thought was the most important thing to portray. It wasnt hard to act affection because we all felt it for each other anyway.

Speculation that the two lead actors did not always get along stems from the natural fascination of fans with a relationship on-screen that becomes so familiar and loved that its inevitable people start to wonder what that relationship is like off-screen.

A lot of people imagine there is real tension, such as that between Rodney Bewes and James Bolam in The Likely Lads or among some of the cast of Dads Army. People feel they know these characters and get curious if they hear they arent socialising with each other all the time, says McCann. For the hardcore fans, its like seeing your parents not getting on.

Lyndhurst had success with other sitcoms such as Goodnight Sweetheart. Pictured here with Emma Amos in 1997 - PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

I can categorically tell you there was never a row of any form between the two of them, says Dow. There was no conflict because we all knew we were blessed to be in this fantastic show, even though Nick found his high profile pretty frightening at the time. He would walk around with a big hat over his head and an overcoat because he couldnt handle the reaction of people on the street.

Lyndhurst was less suited to public life and it irked him much more and he found that more of a struggle, says McCann.

The reach of the show became so overwhelming that even Jason, who has been much more involved than Lyndhurst in the Only Fools and Horses universe since filming ended in 2003, has expressed his disappointment that his other work (Porterhouse Blue, A Touch of Frost, The Darling Buds of May) has often been lost amid the publics obsession with Del Boy.

Lyndhurst had success with theatre roles and other sitcoms such as Goodnight Sweetheart and The Two of Us, as well as winning critical acclaim playing an English professor in the Frasier revival in 2023. But if he wasnt cautious enough already about appearing in public outside his acting, the tragic death of his son may well have convinced him to back away from prying eyes with even more determination after 2020.

Lyndhurst (left) won critical acclaim playing an English professor in the Frasier revival in 2023

I have been there for him and his wife but they sort of said that theyre going through this really, really tough time and a lot of people are wanting interviews and press, admitted Jason in 2022. He said Dont worry if we dont get in contact with you. We just want to get on with life and grieve quietly on our own.

Hes much more, how can I say, self-contained, than he used to be. So, unfortunately, we dont see each other as much as Id like to. But thats how things work out sometimes.

So the two-part Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive will feature new interviews with surviving cast and crew, with archival material from classic episodes. They will all pay tribute to Sullivan, who died in 2011 and was a man both Jason and Lyndhurst referred to as a genius. But Lyndhurst, who lives with his wife in West Wittering, near Chichester, West Sussex, will not be there with them.

When David and I do conventions, we say Nick is around and hes OK, but this is a part of his life hes moved on from, explains Dow. Even if he hadnt experienced personal tragedy he would have hated all that anyway.
The suspicious package was found outside the Houses of Parliament - fotoVoyager/iStock

A suspicious package outside the Houses of Parliament, which caused a bomb squad to be deployed, turned out to be a box of unsent Christmas cards bearing the name of a Labour minister.

Metropolitan Police officers were alerted to the package at around 7.30am on Thursday.

Members of the public were evacuated from College Green, and the area from Jewel Tower to Millbank House was cordoned off as a remote-controlled bomb disposal vehicle was deployed.

But further inspection revealed the package to be a box of cards bearing the name of Miatta Fahnbulleh, the Governments communities minister.

According to Sky News, the cards featured coloured drawings of gingerbread and candy canes. The box was marked most urgent, with Parliament rising for recess on Thursday afternoon.

Tourists and members of the public on College Green were initially told to move to surrounding roads, before being asked to evacuate further from the site. They were allowed back onto the green at around 8.15am.

The witness said: It didnt look particularly threatening and, once the robot had gone in, we were back on the green after about 45 minutes. We were told at first that we could go round the corner, but after a while we were asked to move further away.

Ms Fahnbulleh and parliamentary security were contacted for comment.
The Finnish prime minister has apologised to Asian nations amid a growing controversy over the "slanted eyes" scandal which saw members of parliament post derogatory images.

The controversy started earlier this month when the Miss Finland title holder, Sarah Dzafce, was pictured pulling back her eyes in her friend's social media post captioned: "Eating with a Chinese person".

Dzafce, who is not of Asian origin, said she did not intend to offend anyone and apologised.

But the 22-year-old was nonetheless stripped of the title she had only won in September.

Finns Party MPs Kaisa Garedew and Juho Eerola reacted by posting similar pictures of themselves, Finland's public broadcaster, Yle, reported, as did Finns Party MEP Sebastian Tynkkynen.

Mr Eerola has since apologised for his post.

Dubbed the "slanted eyes" scandal by Finnish media, the incident is the latest in a series of cases in which members of

the Finns Party, a junior partner in the governing coalition, have been accused of posting or making racist remarks.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo of the pro-business National Coalition Party, who leads a four-party coalition that includes

the Finns, issued a statement offering his sincere apologies on Wednesday.

"These posts do not reflect Finland's values of equality and inclusion," Mr Orpo said in statements released by Finnish

embassies in China, Japan and South Korea.

"Our message in Finland and to all our friends abroad is that the government takes racism seriously and is committed to

combating the issue," he said.

Read more from Sky News:

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The Miss Finland organisation, in a statement to Reuters, said it was apolitical but had acted in accordance with its values and principles.

Already shortly after taking office in 2023, Mr Orpo's government faced a no-confidence vote over racist online posts and statements made by several cabinet members from the Finns Party.
Credit: Estonian Ministry of Defence

Deep in the Estonian forest, a concrete bunker designed to withstand a direct hit by Russian artillery is being installed.

It is the first of a network of 600 fortified structures to be built in peacetime as a tripwire defence strategy to protect the most exposed part of Natos eastern flank from a possible invasion.

The Telegraph obtained footage of the first of five bunkers to be installed this week at an undisclosed location in southeastern Estonia, close to the Russian border.

The bunker line represents one part of a layered defence system that will stretch 600 miles from Estonias northern edge down to Poland, intended to defend the Baltic states from the first inch against a Russian attack.

Earlier in 2025, defence officials in the region told The Telegraph that the 10-year project, started in 2024, might not be ready in time.

In response to the Kremlins plans to increase military production and redeploy troops to Natos northeastern frontier alongside escalated hybrid attacks, they fear a peace deal in Ukraine could mean Moscows attention turns to the Baltics next.

Dragons teeth or anti-tank traps wait under the snow on the Estonian side of the border with Russia - David Rose, for the Telegraph

Our objective is to be as well prepared as possible to defend our nation against an aggressive neighbour, Kristjan Halg, a spokesman for the Estonian defence forces, told The Telegraph.

All three of the small Baltic states  which also include Latvia and Lithuania  are keenly aware of their lack of strategic depth. Put simply, they cannot afford to lose any land.

Denying enemy mobility from the first metre is needed to deny their operational freedom, and to allow Allied forces to be more effective in a defensive stance, Mr Halg said.

The Telegraph understands another 23 bunkers will be built in the next few months, alongside 40km of anti-tank ditches, which are already being dug. The bunker line is due to be completed by 2027 at the latest.

b'

1812 Estonia\'s bunker line to keep Russia out

'

The bunkers, each approximately 35 square metres, are primarily designed to withstand direct hits by 152mm artillery shells, which are most commonly used by the Russian armed forces, Mr Halg said.

Asked about Russias deadly Shahed-variant drones, which are used in air attacks against Ukrainian cities, he said that it would depend on the angle of impact.

The bunkers, however, are also unlikely to withstand glide bombs, highly destructive free-fall bombs that Russia has used to pummel Ukrainian defences and front-line cities.

Credit: Estonian Ministry of Defence

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will each spend 60m on the Baltic Defensive Line, a huge chunk of their defence budgets which, relative to GDP, are the highest in Europe after Poland.

However, Estonia is ahead of its neighbours in the physical implementation of the plan.

Kadi-Kai Kollo, head of the infrastructure department at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments, said that the country was comparatively lucky as a large section of its border was covered by Lake Peipus as well as boggy terrain that acted as natural barriers.

Then, along its land border with Russia, there will be 40 defensive strongholds, which will include 14 concrete bunkers, equipment containers, supply shelters, 1.5-tonne dragons teeth, barbed wire and tripwire, she told The Telegraph.

The bunkers are primarily designed to withstand direct hits by 152mm artillery shells - Estonian MoD

The material used to construct dragons teeth - Estonian MoD

Yet plans are still a year behind schedule.

At the end of 2024, during the testing process, a direct artillery strike heavily damaged the structure of a prototype bunker.

We got valuable feedback and corrected our designs, Ms Kollo said, noting how the process was also delayed by deciding exactly where each bunker should be positioned to best defend against an attack.

Other preparations are in the works. The Estonian Border Guard has already deployed a separate drone wall detection system along portions of the border.

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0304 Baltic defence line

'

The military is also focused on procuring radars and air defence systems, which could take years as Europe is facing a critical shortage.

Raimond Kaljulaid, the head of Estonias delegation to Nato, said the installation of the first bunker represented a significant milestone.

It is just one example of the resolve of these states to protect our freedom and sovereignty against Russian imperialism, he told The Telegraph.

Unfortunately, not everyone in Europe understands how serious this situation is. Some leaders understand but are like rabbits in the headlights of a car unable to act on it and actually step up instead of just talking about it.
Secondary school children will be sent on courses to combat misogyny as part of government efforts to tackle the issue. (Getty) (DGLimages via Getty Images)

Secondary schools in England will have to teach students about healthy relationships to tackle misogyny as part of government efforts to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

Children as young as 11, mainly boys, could be sent on what are being dubbed 'anti-misogyny training courses' if they exhibit concerning behaviour, The Times reported ahead of an announcement by ministers on plans to intervene if young people display worrying behaviour.

Teachers will be given specialist training to talk to pupils about issues such as consent, while those who show harm towards parents, siblings or in relationships will be signed up to the behaviour change programmes.

According to The Times, the pilot  which it is hoped will help tackle the influence of people like influencer Andrew Tate  could also be extended to primary schools.

A new helpline will also be set up for teenagers to get help over concerns for their own behaviour in relationships.

Sir Keir Starmer said: "Every parent should be able to trust that their daughter is safe at school, online and in her relationships. But too often toxic ideas are taking hold early and going unchallenged.

"This government is stepping in sooner  backing teachers, calling out misogyny, and intervening when warning signs appear  to stop harm before it starts.

"This is about protecting girls and driving forward education and conversation with boys and young men, which is a responsibility we owe to the next generation, and one this government will deliver."

The government is hoping to tackle the influence of people like Andrew Tate on young boys. (Getty) (Alon Skuy via Getty Images)

What does misogyny mean?

Misogyny is defined as the hatred, dislike, contempt or prejudice against women or girls, treating them as inferior or of less valuable.

It can be overt or subtle and can take various forms, from derogatory language to violence, and according to many definitions is often rooted in cultural and societal norms that perpetuate gender stereotypes and inequality.

The Greater London Authority sets out various examples of misogyny, which include:

Objectifying women

Belittling women or girls in conversation, such as using sexist nicknames or using derogatory remarks

Seeking to control womens behaviour

Using intimidating or humiliating behaviour to destroy a womans self-confidence and undermine her

Discriminating against women, for example a woman not being offered a job that she is qualified for because she is a woman, or assuming that a woman cant do something because she is a woman

Having double standards where men are viewed in a lenient way and women tend to be criticised

Treating women differently from men in social and professional settings

Threatening, aggressive, intimidating, or violent behaviour

Pursuing unwanted sexual comments or advances, including catcalling, stalking, staring, touching, taking pictures without consent, exposure to sexual assault and rape

Controlling behaviour

The government is keen to fight misogyny because it can have severe consequences for women, including limiting their opportunities and experiences, perpetuating gender-based violence, and contributing to a culture of sexism and discrimination.

Is misogyny a hate crime?

Misogyny is not currently a hate crime, though some MPs and parties want to make it one.

The term hate crime is used to describe a range of criminal behaviour that is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a persons disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity - aspects referred to as protected characteristics.

There have been calls to extend protected characteristics to cover sex and gender, which would see . misogyny become a hate crime.

However, in December 2021 the Law Commission concluded that making misogyny a hate crime may be: "more harmful than helpful, both to victims of violence against women and girls, and also to efforts to tackle hate crime more broadly" and said giving it hate crime recognition would not be an effective solution to the issue of violence, abuse and harassment of women and girls in England and Wales, and could in fact be counter-productive.

Following that report, MPs rejected a House of Lords amendment that would have made misogyny a hate crime in February 2022.

The government has previously said that while it did not believe misogyny should be a hate crime, it is taking active steps to tackle violence against women and girls.

Why is it considered a growing problem?

In October, a YouGov poll of more than 1,000 teachers found that many believe misogyny is an issue at their schools.

Almost half of teachers described misogynistic attitudes and behaviours among boys at their school as being a problem (45%), including 9% who said it was a "very big" problem. Slightly more (50%) described the problem as being minor or non-existent.

However, among those teaching in a secondary school, fully two-thirds (67%) saw it as a problem, with 16% seeing it as a very big problem.

A YouGov poll in October showed teachers' concerns about misogyny in schools. (YouGov)

In March, polling commissioned by Amnesty International UK, revealed the issue of online misogyny and the impact it is having on young people.

The polling, Toxic Tech: How Misogyny is Shaping Gen Zs Online Experience, was conducted by Savanta and used the testimony of 3,024 Gen Z respondents from a nationally representative sample of the UK population.

It found that 73% of Gen Z social media users had witnessed misogynistic content online with half encountering it on a weekly basis.

Some 55% expressed concerns about seeing misogynistic content, and less than half (49%) felt that social media is a safe space.

The polling also uncovered online harassment faced by Gen Z women, with findings including:

More than half (53%) received inappropriate emojis on their posts and photos

44% received unsolicited explicit images

43% were body-shamed

40% were subjected to unwanted sexually suggestive comments

32% experienced hate speech

27% reported online stalking

Among social media platforms, TikTok was seen as the worst offender. Specifically, 70% of respondents reported encountering misogynistic content on TikTok, rising to 80% for women, followed by Instagram (61%), Twitter/X (37%), YouTube (31%), and Facebook (30%).
A 14-year-old boy posing at his home near Gosford, United Kingdom, as he looks at social media on his mobile phone

A record number of children have been arrested for terror-related offences in the past year, official figures show.

Amid fears that children are being radicalised online, the number of 17-year-olds arrested over potential involvement in terrorism increased from 32 in the year to September 2024 to 53, the highest total on record, according to Home Office data. The youngest was 13.

It means children now account for one in five of all terror arrests annually in the UK, compared with fewer than five a year just over a decade ago.

Jonathan Hall, KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said the startling figure was the tip of the iceberg as counter-terror police often do not immediately arrest children.

He said it demonstrated the growing risk of the online radicalisation of children and young people, which prompted an unprecedented warning on the threat last year from the Five Eyes alliance of security chiefs.

Mr Hall said the motivations of the children varied, including far-Right influences, high-profile mass shootings at schools, fixations with violence and unclear ideologies.

However, he believed online activity was a common underlying factor.

I have yet to come across a case involving a child that didnt involve the internet, he said.

Drive to combat misogyny

The figures come as Labour on Thursday unveiled its strategy to combat the rise in misogyny among schoolboys, often fuelled by online influencers such as Andrew Tate, as part of its ambition to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

Counter-terrorism police say even primary schoolchildren under the age of 10 are being reported to officers by parents, relatives, teachers and other adults amid fears they are being radicalised online.

Matt Jukes, who was head of counter-terror policing until his promotion to deputy commissioner, revealed last year that around 7,000 people had been referred to counter-terrorism police, of which half are young people.

Now, were not suggesting those kids are terrorists but what it means is that people know theyre being exposed to that content, he said.

Home Office data shows that people under the age of 18 accounted for only 2.4 per cent of arrests a decade ago. Yet they represented 20.3 per cent in the year to September 2025, excluding the mass arrests of people supporting the proscribed group Palestine Action.

In December last year and for the first time since its inception during the Second World War, the Five Eyes alliance of Britain, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, published a public-facing paper calling for a whole society response to the threat of the radicalisation of children towards violent extremism.

Security and intelligence chiefs appealed for parents to be more alert to the risks, governments to strengthen legislation for law enforcement agencies to combat the threat and social media firms to do more to remove extremist content from their platforms.

Surge in Palestine Action arrests

The Home Office data separately showed that terrorism arrests jumped by 660 per cent, driven by the surge in arrests related to Palestine Action.

Of 1,886 arrests in 12 months to end of Sept, 1,630 (86 per cent) were linked to support for Palestine Action after it was proscribed on 5 July.

Of the remaining 256 arrests, a rise of three per cent when compared with the previous year, 76 occurred in the most recent quarter from July to September 2025, a rise of 21 per cent compared with April to June 2025

Of those in custody, 60 per cent were categorised as holding Islamist-extremist views; a further 30 per cent were deemed to hold extreme Right-wing ideologies and 10 per cent judged as holding other ideologies.
The concrete arch of an old culvert is covered in quaggas in Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Photograph: Stephan Jacquet/INRAE (Photograph: Stephan Jacquet/INRAE)

Like cholesterol clogging up an artery, it took just a couple of years for the quagga mussels to infiltrate the 5km (3-mile) highway of pipes under the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne (EPFL). By the time anyone realised what was going on, it was too late. The power of some heat exchangers had dropped by a third, blocked with ground-up shells.

The air conditioning faltered, and buildings that should have been less than 24C in the summer heat couldnt get below 26 to 27C. The invasive mollusc had infiltrated pipes that suck cold water from a depth of 75 metres (250ft) in Lake Geneva to cool buildings. Its an open invasion, says Mathurin Dupanier, utilities operations manager at EPFL.

But the damage went far beyond keeping classrooms cool. The universitys datacentres need to be chilled, and long-running experiments cannot tolerate temperature fluctuations. Research is one of the things we do; if it stops, then the school closes, says Dupanier. The institute is also home to Tokamak  an experimental nuclear fusion facility that looks to create clean energy from the same process that powers the sun. That, too, needs to be cooled  otherwise it will melt.

We were in denial

Quagga mussels are among the planets most potent invasive species. They reproduce at astonishing speed: one female quagga produces up to a million egg cells. Some are known to survive for 30 years in the deepest parts of American lakes. They can breed all year round, and spawn in temperatures as low as 5C.

Dupaniers team were shocked when they discovered the extent of the invasion in 2022. We had this denial about what was happening, he says. The quaggas had only been detected in Lake Geneva six years previously and already they had spread like wildfire.

Mathurin Dupanier indicates the water cooling systems that were blocked by the invasive quagga mussels. Photographs: Phoebe Weston/the Guardian; Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne

The threats to pieces of infrastructure such as Tokamak illustrate the possible scope of their impact. Losing air cooling there will not result in a nuclear explosion, but equipment will go into shutdown. Now, any activity that uses cold water from the depths of the lake is at risk. Drinking water in Geneva and Lausanne is potentially threatened because the pumping and filtration systems are in the quagga zone. The airport  which uses the same water cooling system as the university  has also been hit. All of them have this issue around the lake; there is no exception, says Dupanier.

Every spot is taken. Instead of seeing sand you see quagga mussels Bastiaan Ibelings

The only way for EPFL and the University of Lausanne to protect their pipes is to build a new closed-loop, quagga-free cooling system. Construction will start in 2027 and should take five years. Dupanier says it will be a race against time to keep precious research going before the quaggas choke their systems any further.

Its a meadow of quaggas

From a floating research station on Lake Geneva, the lake looks as it always has, with snow-capped mountains tumbling into its dark waters. Over the past decade, however, ecologists know this lake has changed profoundly. The surface is just a tiny part of the 300 metres below us, says Bastiaan Ibelings, a professor in ecology at the University of Geneva.

Bastiaan Ibelings, professor of microbial ecology at the University of Geneva

A chain hauled from beneath Lake Geneva is covered in invasive quagga mussels. Photographs: Jordi Ruiz Cirera/the Guardian

To illustrate the extent of the changes, technicians pull a chain up from the depths. It is encrusted in quagga mussels, like diamonds on gaudy costume jewellery. The base of the food chain that feeds this entire ecosystem has completely changed: snails, shrimps and native mussels that you might have found previously are nowhere to be seen. Even after 100 metres of chain, quaggas are still being hauled out of the water.

It is too late for this lake, says Ibelings. Its like a meadow of quaggas down there. Every spot is taken. Instead of seeing sand you see quagga mussels.

In Lake Geneva the molluscs have reached a record-breaking depth of 250 metres  a pitch-dark environment where there is almost no oxygen, home to scant life other than microbes. Their ability to survive where other species cant means they grow uncontrollably in Alpine lakes.

Related: From sewage and scum to swimming in blue gold: how Switzerland transformed its rivers

For a long time, the invasion was not very visible to the public, says Ibelings, but now people are noticing something is not right. Dead mussels wash up on beaches, and people cant walk barefoot because they cut themselves. Recreational boaters have to scrape them off their craft every few months. Crayfish are covered in mussels and dying because they cant move.

100% of samples

Quaggas originate from the Ponto-Caspian region of the Black Sea and were spread around the world via shipping routes. They invaded North Americas Great Lakes in 1989 and are now the dominant life form, making up more than 99% of all invertebrate biomass in some lakes.

In the US, they have driven a collapse in the regions fish populations, with lawmakers warning they will need $500m (375m) in federal funding to address the issue. Great Lake shipwrecks  preserved in pristine condition for more than 100 years  are now coated in quaggas.

This week, they were detected in Northern Ireland for the first time, with the countrys environment minister, Andrew Muir, warning that increased vigilance and surveillance was critical.

Quagga mussels cover the wreck of Kyle Spangler in Thunder Bay national marine sanctuary on Lake Huron in Michigan, US. Photograph: Joseph Hoyt/NOAA

The mussels were first detected in Switzerland in 2014. The highest density was found in Lake Geneva, with an average of 4,000 quagga mussels a square metre across the whole lake. In some places there were more than 35,000 a square metre. In 2022, researchers found 98.9% of samples were quagga mussels, and in a 2024 survey, they exclusively scooped up quagga mussels  nothing else. Quaggas were 100% of samples, says Salome Boudet, a PhD student at the University of Geneva, who led the study. Mussel biomass in Lake Geneva is now comparable to what has been found in the Great Lakes, researchers say.

Globally, invasive species such as these are one of the five main drivers of biodiversity decline. The ecological knock-on effects in Swiss lakes will play out in the coming years.

Going back is a fairytale

Each mussel can filter up to two litres of water a day, feeding primarily on phytoplankton, which forms the basis of the lake food chain. Tiny creatures such as water flea feed on phytoplankton, and then fish feed on the water flea. When the base of the chain disappears, it has cascading impacts on the entire food web, and potentially severe impacts on the livelihood of the 120 professional fishers working on Lake Geneva.

Data is gathered from a floating research laboratory on Lake Geneva

Scientists are working to track changes in the lake and model ecological processes. Photographs: Jordi Ruiz Cirera/the Guardian

The filtering activity of quaggas also results in the water being clearer, which means light penetrates deeper. Like climate breakdown, this can lead to warmer water reaching deeper, with knock-on effects including an increase in toxic blue-green algal blooms. Previously, cold air from the atmosphere created lake currents, resulting in the mixing of water, but this hasnt happened since 2012.

Once quagga mussels are in a lake there is nothing you can do, other than stop them colonising other lakes by cleaning boats and fishing equipment.

After thousands of years of stability, Lake Geneva is undergoing a period of huge and irreversible change in the space of just a decade. In the American and Canadian lakes, there are no signs of quagga populations falling after 30 years of colonisation.

Ibelings says: Going back is a fairytale, because of quagga mussels and climate change. We cannot control either, and I dont think they will go away. We need to understand what they are doing to the lake.

In the future it is possible that nature will evolve, and some fish may adapt to eat quagga mussels, but ecologists say Lake Geneva will never be the same. We need to accept at some point, whatever is there  this is a different lake, now, says Ibelings.

Find more age of extinction coverage here, and follow the biodiversity reporters Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield in the Guardian app for more nature coverage

 The subheading and text of this article were amended on 18 December 2025. An earlier version said the Great Lakes were in the US; however, they are in both the US and Canada.
Ros and Mark Dowey say the lawsuit is a way to get a wee bit of justice for their son Murray. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian (Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian)

The parents of a 16-year-old who took his own life after he fell victim to a sextortion gang on Instagram are suing Meta for the alleged wrongful death of their son, in the first UK case of its kind.

Murray Dowey died in December 2023 at his family home in Dunblane, after being tricked into sending intimate pictures to an Instagram contact. He thought it was a girl his own age, but it turned out to be overseas criminals involved in financially motivated sexual extortion.

Related: Our teenage son was targeted by a sextortionist online  heres what we did

Speaking as the lawsuit was filed in Delaware, where Meta Platforms is incorporated, Murrays parents Ros and Mark said: We know what were up against. But its time social media companies took accountability for what theyve done to our young people.

Its not just sextortion, theyre causing multiple harms, and theyve been allowed to get away with it.

The lawsuit was filed in Delaware superior court by the US-based Social Media Victims Law Center on behalf of the Doweys, as well as the family of Levi Maciejewski, a 13-year-old from Pennsylvania who was also a victim of sextortion.

It states that the boys deaths were the foreseeable result of Metas design decisions and repeated refusals to implement affordable, available and identified safety features due to Metas prioritisation of engagement over user safety.

Related: How can parents protect their children from sextortion?

According to the complaint, these design flaws include collection of personal data without informed consent, and use of that data to program recommendation products it knew [were] operating in a manner that recommended teen Instagram users to sextortionists who Meta itself already had identified as predators.

The suit alleges Metas failure to safeguard user privacy, including through its continued sharing of Follower and Following data  even after Meta knew that this engagement-focused product feature was resulting in sextortion-related deaths of teen users across the world.

It also contends that Meta made false and misleading statements designed to convince children and parents that Instagram was safe for teens at the same time that internal testing showed that Instagram was matchmaking children to adult predators.

While four British parents are suing TikTok for the alleged wrongful deaths of their children as a result of attempting the viral blackout challenge in 2021, this is the first UK case to centre on the crime of sextortion.

Cases have risen sharply in recent years across the UK, US and Australia, with teenage boys and young men typically the victims of loosely organised cybercriminal gangs often based in south-east Asia and west Africa.

Earlier this year, the Guardian reported that children as young as 11 to 13 were being targeted for the first time, as criminals behind extortion attempts cast their nets wider in an attempt to trap victims.

The Doweys lawyer, Matthew Bergman, who set up the Social Media Victims Law Center in 2021, said Meta was involved in all the US-based sextortion cases that he had filed to date.

There are reasons for that. It is a product defect issue and Meta knows it. This complaint cites Meta records only recently made known to the public through [previous joint civil proceedings] and those documents make the deliberateness of these design defects, lack of safeguards, and failures to warn clear, he said.

Reflecting on the two years since his sons passing, Mark Dowey said: Nothings really changed since Murray died. These predators can still get at our children.

As well as their battle to hold Meta to account, Ros and Mark have regularly spoken out about the dangers of sextortion in the hope of raising awareness among parents and young people.

Ros said: As a parent who has first-hand experience of how devastating the flaws can be, you have a duty to warn other parents. You think your kids are safe looking at pictures on Instagram and theyre not.

Mark said that the lawsuit was a way to get a wee bit of justice for Murray: There has to be accountability here because those statements are absolutely damning. [Meta] have known that their products are killing children by their unsafe design and they havent done anything about it. They chose to put profit before our young people.

Instagram, which has previously condemned sextortion as a horrific crime, rolled out new safety features  which included preventing screenshots or screen recordings of disappearing images and videos  specifically to protect children from scammers in October 2024.

Meta announced last October that accounts it detects as showing signals of suspicious behaviour would not be able to see peoples follower or following lists, removing their ability to exploit this feature, and would be blocked from being able to request to follow teens.

In June alone, accounts were blocked one million times. This July, it introduced new block and report features for direct messages.

A spokesperson for Meta said: Sextortion is a horrific crime. We support law enforcement to prosecute the criminals behind it and we continue to fight them on our apps on multiple fronts.

Since 2021, weve placed teens under 16 into private accounts when they sign up for Instagram, which means they have to approve any new followers.

We work to prevent accounts showing suspicious behaviour from following teens and avoid recommending teens to them.

We also take other precautionary steps, like blurring potentially sensitive images sent in DMs and reminding teens of the risks of sharing them, and letting people know when theyre chatting to someone who may be in a different country.

 In the UK, the youth suicide charity Papyrus can be contacted on 0800 068 4141 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org, and in the UK and Ireland Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is at 988 or chat for support. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org
Vladimir Putin takes a moment of silence on Wednesday to remember Russian soldiers killed in the war - Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool/EPA/Shutterstock

Vladimir Putin said European pigs supporting Ukraine would lose power as he vowed to continue waging war in spite of Donald Trumps peace efforts.

The Russian president said his armed forces would liberate its historical lands by military means at a meeting of defence officials on Wednesday.

He showed no sign of being willing to compromise on his maximalist goals for the invasion of Ukraine, which sought to end the neighbouring countrys status as an independent state.

Despite this, Putin claimed he was prepared to negotiate a diplomatic end to the war with Mr Trump, but only if it satisfied his core demands to resolve the root causes of the conflict.

US and Russian officials are set to hold talks this weekend in Miami, Florida, according to Politico.

US envoy Steve Witkoff and Mr Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to meet Russias sovereign wealth fund chief Kirill Dmitriev.

Everyone thought they would quickly destroy Russia, Putin said in his vitriolic speech, accusing Mr Trumps predecessor, Joe Biden, of starting the war.

And the European swine immediately jumped into this effortin the hope of profiting from the collapse of our country.

Vladimir Putin meets servicemen at a ceremony to award military personnel on Wednesday - ALEXANDER KAZAKOV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL/EPA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Putin added that promises made to us that the Nato military alliance would not expand eastwards had been ignored.

The Russian president also claimed that he would be prepared to enter negotiations with Europe if not with the current politicians, then when the political elites in Europe are replaced.

He has repeatedly made demands for the root causes of the full-scale invasion to be addressed, which effectively end Kyiv statehood and see Nato roll back its eastwards expansion.

If these demands arent met, Putin warned: The goals of the special military operation will be achieved unconditionally.

If the adversary and its foreign patrons dont want to have a substantive discussion, then Russia will liberate its historic lands on the battlefield, the Russian added, referring to the four Ukrainian states on the frontline he illegally annexed in 2022.

Residents walk in front of an apartment building hit by a Russian air strike on Wednesday - REUTERS

He made no reference to the new security guarantees to prevent a future Russian invasion offered by Mr Trump to Ukraine earlier this week in the hope of breaking the deadlock in peace negotiations.

American officials are confident the US president will be able to convince his Russian counterpart that the measures are an acceptable part of a potential ceasefire agreement.

The Kremlin has said it would reject any Ukrainian or European changes made to a previously-leaked 28-point agreed between Russian and American officials.

The proposal would have forced Ukraine to surrender its eastern Donbas regions, including land not militarily conquered by Moscows forces, as the price of peace.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, has refused to withdraw his troops ahead of a ceasefire, arguing this would give up well-defended cities to Russia.

Responding to Putins comments, Mr Zelensky wrote on social media: Today, we again heard signals from Moscow that they are preparing to make next year a year of war. These signals are not only for us. It is crucial that our partners see them, and not only see them but also respond  especially partners in the United States, who often say that Russia wants to end the war.

American officials continue to insist that Kyiv agrees to withdraw from the provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk, but have now offered Nato-like security guarantees they say will stop Putin from mounting another invasion.

Mr Trump said a peace deal was closer than ever after Ukrainian and American negotiators agreed to the measures at talks in Berlin earlier this week.

However, an agreement over territorial concessions still eludes both sides  as does Russias agreement for the deal.

Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, this week told EU officials that Washington could impose further sanctions on Russias energy industry if Putin does not engage in peace talks, the Bloomberg news agency reported.

Putin on Wednesday said his forces would continue to create buffer zones inside Ukraine to protect Russian territory from attacks by Kyivs troops.

Andrei Belousov, Russias defence minister, told Putin that his key task for the coming year is to maintain and increase the current pace of advance.

He also claimed Ukraine was unsuccessfully attempting to retake Kupiansk, a Kharkiv region town which Mr Zelensky visited last week to prove his forces had control over it.
Kemi Badenoch said 11-year-old boys in school were not perpetrating violence against women and girls - Jordan Pettitt/PA

Labours plan to teach schoolboys to respect women and girls is a complete distraction from the real issues, Kemi Badenoch has said.

The Conservative leader said that if the Government was to halt the surge in misogyny in the UK, it must focus on immigration from cultures that dont respect women.

Sir Keir Starmer announced on Wednesday night that all schoolboys would be taught how to respect women and girls to stem the rise in misogyny and reduce sexual violence by half within a decade.

Mrs Badenoch said: They need to do the right thing  put police officers on the street, stop people who come from cultures that dont respect women coming into our country, foreign criminals removed as soon as they commit crimes.

Those are the sorts of things that will make a difference. What theyve announced today is just a big mess, Im afraid.

She added: The fact is, its not 11-year-old boys in school who are perpetrating violence against women and girls. This is happening because some people in Labour watched Adolescence and thats what they want to focus on. Its a complete distraction.

Earlier this year, Mrs Badenoch clashed with the BBC over the Netflix drama Adolescence, which told the story of a 13-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of murdering a female classmate.

Credit: BBC Breakfast

On BBC Breakfast, the presenter Naga Munchetty told the Tory leader the drama series had prompted national conversations about toxic masculinity and smartphone use and asked why she would not want to know what people are talking about.

Mrs Badenoch responded: All important issues. But in the same way I dont need to watch Casualty to know whats going on in the NHS, I dont need to watch a specific Netflix drama to understand whats going on.

Writing in The Telegraph, Mrs Badenoch said Labours approach risks demonising boys before theyve even started their lives.

She said: If you tell boys that they are the problem, you dont create respect, you create resentment, you create backlash, and you risk radicalising the very people you claim to be helping.

If we are to halt the surge in misogyny in the UK, we must get serious and start enforcing the law and get more police officers on our streets.

Under the Labour plans, teachers will be given specialist training so they can give lessons about consent, the dangers of sharing intimate images and the need to challenge misogynistic behaviour.

Schools will also receive guidance to help teachers and parents to identify boys at high risk of being influenced by misogynists such as Andrew Tate so they can put them on courses to deradicalise them.

Ministers have also told Apple, Google and other tech companies to bar children from being able to take, share or view nude images using their iPhones to prevent sexual extortion and abuse.

The Government said it wanted to join forces with tech companies and persuade them to use algorithms that can detect and automatically block explicit images.

Ministers will also introduce a new criminal offence that will ban people from creating or sharing nudification apps that can turn pictures of real people into fake nude pictures and video without their consent.

Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, said: We must stop these images being created and shared while tackling the root causes of negative influences on young men in their schools, homes and online.

Nudification apps are not used for harmless pranks. They devastate young peoples lives and we will ensure those who create or supply them face real consequences.

However, the Molly Rose Foundation  set up by Ian Russell in memory of his daughter Molly, 14, who took her life after being bombarded with harmful content on social media  said the companies should be required to bar the sharing of explicit images.

Self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate has gained popularity among young boys - Vadim Ghirda

Andy Burrows, the chief executive of the charity, said that the Governments ambition would be wholly undermined by it being voluntary and relying on the goodwill of tech companies who had consistently failed on the safety of women and girls.

In the Commons, Conservative frontbencher Katie Lam urged Labour to publish data on the nationality and immigration status of convicted offenders so that the scale of crime by migrants could be revealed. She called for an informed and honest debate about whether mass migration was making violence against women and girls worse.

Not every country and culture in the world believes, as we do, that women are equal to men with personal, bodily and sexual autonomy, said Ms Lam. And where people from those countries and cultures come here, this can be dangerous...

If we cannot be honest about this, we will fail to achieve the first of this strategys goals, preventing men and boys from becoming abusers.

In response, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said she was yet to [find] any community where violence against women and girls does not happen.

Ms Phillips said: If the only crime that I had to concern myself with halving was that that was committed by people who arrive in our country, my job would be considerably easier, because the vast majority of the data that I am talking about is around people who were born in our country abusing other people who were born in our country, from every culture, from every creed.

The Governments violence against women and girls strategy also confirmed plans to ban migrants who commit notifiable sex offences from claiming asylum, reform human rights laws to make it easier to deport foreign criminals and increase the number of countries under the Deport Now Appeal Later policy from eight to 23.
Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmers tech partnership drastically collapsed on Tuesday - Leon Neal

Donald Trump is demanding American chlorinated chicken be sold in British supermarkets.

The White House is pushing Sir Keir Starmer to make concessions on food standards in order to revive a transatlantic tech partnership that drastically collapsed on Tuesday.

Jamieson Greer, the US trade envoy, wants Britain to accept hormone-treated chicken and beef, a term he was not able to achieve when the wider US-UK trade deal was first signed in May.

He is seeking to use the tech partnership as leverage on trade deal concessions he still wants but that didnt get the first round, a source close to the negotiations told The Telegraph.

The US pulled the tech prosperity agreement over complaints Britains Online Safety Act would police American AI companies. Washington is using this complaint in order to secure fresh compromises in its trade deal with London, The Telegraph understands.

Insiders say the tech agreement collapsed in part because of the absence of an ambassador to Washington, a post which has remained vacant since Lord Mandelson was fired in September over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Varun Chandra, the prime ministers business adviser, had been considered to be the frontrunner for the post. Mr Chandra helped secure the UK-US trade accords and a landmark pharmaceutical deal signed in December.

He was viewed by diplomats as being best placed to rescue talks. However, on Wednesday the Financial Times reported that he had not been picked for the role and instead been given an expanded brief in Downing Street.

Nigel Casey, Britains ambassador to Moscow, and Christian Turner, the UKs representative to the United Nations, are undertood to be the final two candidates being considered.

Since then there has been no ambassador, no laser focus on the tech deal and the US trade hawks have been allowed to come at us again over further trade concessions, a senior diplomatic source said.

Actions have consequences. Diplomacy including trade negotiation requires a constant professional, personal and granular approach, they added.

Concession on food standards is a red line for Sir Keir, who rebuffed Mr Trumps demands to accept chlorinated chicken in return for lower tariffs earlier.

After announcing a barrage of sweeping global tariffs in April, the White House said the UK had non-science-based standards that severely restrict US exports of safe, high-quality beef and poultry products.

At the time, it listed Britains ban on chlorinated chicken among a range of non-tariff barriers that limit Americas ability to trade.

Jonathan Reynolds, then the business secretary, vowed not to change the rules on meat.

Standards can never be conceded because of the European market. It would be too damaging. This has always been made clear but the Taliban in the United States Trade Representative keep coming back to it, the senior diplomatic source added.

The debate over Americas chlorinated chicken has been a consistent point of tension for British governments.

Farmers protest against American chlorinated chicken and the hormone fed beef during Mr Trumps state visit - SOPA Images

Rishi Sunak, the former prime minister, promised farmers in 2023 that there would be no chlorine-washed chicken and no hormone-treated beef on the UK market. Not now, not ever.

The US argues that washing meat in chemicals reduces the risk from pathogens such as salmonella, while Europeans more typically say maintaining higher hygiene standards throughout the meat processing industry is preferable to cleaning up cuts with a chlorine rinse.

Some of those anxieties are shared by the British public; there were protests against American chlorine chicken during the trade talks.

Under the Brexit agreement Sir Keir signed with Brussels in May, Britain is beholden to EU regulations on food standards.



The agreement would make it difficult for chlorinated chicken to be sold in British supermarkets.
Zulma Guzman Castro is expected to be deported to face charges in Colombia when she is fit to travel - Pixel8000

A businesswoman accused of killing two teenage girls with poisoned chocolate raspberries has been rescued from the Thames.

Zulma Guzman Castro was pulled from the river near Battersea Bridge in central London shortly after 7am on Tuesday.

She is wanted by Colombian police in connection with the deaths of Ines de Bedout, 14, and Emilia Forero, 13. The girls died in April after consuming a gift of chocolate-covered raspberries injected with thallium.

Interpol issued a red notice for her arrest. She is expected to be deported to Colombia when she is fit to travel.

The Metropolitan Police said: Police were called at 06:45hrs on Dec 16 to reports of a woman in distress on Battersea Bridge.

The Mets Marine Policing Unit recovered a woman in her 50s from the water at 07.14hrs and she was taken to hospital, where her injuries have since been deemed not life-threatening or life-changing.

Ms Castro, who ran an electrical car rental company, is accused of killing the schoolgirls in a possible act of vengeance after a failed affair she allegedly had with the father of one of them, according to local reports.

Emilia Forero with her father Pedro, who has said it is unbelievable that someone could have taken her life - Pixel8000

Prosecutors in Colombia have alleged she used a courier to deliver the chocolate-covered fruit to an apartment belonging to Juan de Bedout, Iness father, in Bogota, the capital city, on April 3.

The raspberries were laced with thallium, a highly toxic, tasteless and odourless heavy metal, and the girls collapsed soon after eating them. They were taken to hospital, but died four days later.

Another girl suffered life-changing injuries from the poison, and the 21-year-old brother of one of the victims was also taken to hospital.

Ms Castro, who denies the allegations against her, left Colombia on April 13 and flew to Argentina, Brazil, and Spain before arriving in Britain.

In August, in a social media post to mark what would have been Emilias fourteenth birthday, Pedro Forero, her father, wrote: Fourteen years ago, a life of hopes, joys and dreams began; a life that filled a family, a father and a mother.

But it wasnt just the joy of someone elses life; it was the beginning of the life of an excellent human being who had dreams, hopes and goals. As a father, it is incomprehensible to think that someone was capable of taking this away.
Steve Schmidt, the chief security officer at Amazon, says his team has identified and blocked more than 1,800 attempts by North Korea to secure IT roles at the tech giant. He warns that this scheme is becoming more prevalent across the technology industry as the nation-state actor targets the lucrative salaries of generative artificial intelligence and machine learning jobs, and the troves of valuable data such workers have access to.

A lot of people dont think about organized efforts by other parties to get people hired into organizations who have interesting data, says Schmidt, speaking at an event held by Amazon this week. Its actually pretty prolific.

Schmidt says that in 2025, Amazon has seen a 27% increase in the number of North Korean applications on a quarter-over-quarter basis.

Notable cases throughout the year that point to the growing issue include four North Korean nationals being charged for allegedly scheming to get hired as remote IT workers and then steal nearly $1 million in cryptocurrency; a campaign to create a fake job-application platform to get hired at major AI companies; and a woman in Arizona who was sentenced to eight years in prison for her role in a $17 million scam to help North Koreans steal U.S. identities to secure remote IT roles.

These identity theft schemes represent an ever-escalating confrontation between nation-state actors like North Korea and major Fortune 500 companies, as bad actors develop new deception techniques and businesses respond by bolstering their defenses. The cycle continues and escalates because, for countries like North Korea, these schemes can generate big financial windfalls and access to proprietary data.

AI is increasingly being used as a tool to monitor and identify these criminals, but also by the criminals themselves for attacks. Last month, Anthropic generated headlines when it disclosed that purported Chinese operators used that AI startups coding tool to target about 30 organizations.

Schmidt says the North Korean approach has changed over time, evolving from creating entirely fabricated profiles online to purchasing identities from Americans with legitimate backgrounds. The hackers will then aim to use these credentials to infiltrate an employer.

He says that Amazon has bolstered defenses through a mix of AI-enabled tools and human prevention efforts, a process he says the company has refined over the past two years. AI models have been trained to look for suspicious activity, including how North Korean operatives may list their contact information. They tend to use a plus symbol at the front of a phone number, which most Americans dont do, and Amazon has identified around 200 different academic institutions that these IT workers use in their resumes.

These fake IT workers will also list nonexistent companies in their employment history. Some of these fake companies may actually have a registered business presence in a given state with a human who works for them to verify past employment, but they have no real operations.

Amazon now conducts more interviews in person and Schmidt says that the companys mandate to bring workers fully back in the office also has some security benefits. It is very, very hard to hide behind somebody elses identity when you have to be in the office, Schmidt tells Fortune.

Identity verification is now required at multiple stages throughout the interview process. And once someone is hired, Amazon keeps an eye on suspicious patterns of computer usage and the quality of work thats being produced. Schmidt says the bad actors produce software code that is markedly lower in quality when working in the office versus when they are remote.

He calls for IT and human resources departments to more closely coordinate on hiring. At Amazon, the security team has access to the resumes, LinkedIn feeds, and other data that recruiters use to lure talent, and AI models are used to flag accounts that look suspicious. Its actually a lot cheaper for the HR organization if we discover the problem up front, says Schmidt.

Amazons internally developed authentication system is called Midway; it both verifies an employees identity and controls access to their systems. The company relies on whats known as Universal 2nd Factor, which uses physical security keys, rather than one-time passwords. Authentication requires a device that Amazon trusts, with the physical token and a pin thats associated with that token.

Schmidt says Amazons security team is leveraging AI in quite a few ways, including speeding up security analysis (reviews that traditionally took hours and can now be completed in about 10 minutes); detecting and removing fake AI-written reviews on the companys retail page; and identifying potential flaws in AI-written software code. The latter effort is called autonomous threat analysis, in which two sets of AI agents compete with each other to look for problems in the code and mitigate them before a product is launched.

As Amazon has embraced agentic AI capabilities, Schmidt says the company made an investment in Midway to build software that would allow it to securely identify the agent itself, as well as the action it has been authorized to take on behalf of a person. AI agents are like humans in that they need boundaries: An AI agent in robotics shouldnt have access to the retail division, while a customer service agent shouldnt touch Amazon Web Services.

That agent thats in the middle is not a service, which is the underlying layers of software talking to each other, and its not a human, its both together says Schmidt. We had to make that investment to ensure that we put the right boundaries around the agent.

John Kell

Send thoughts or suggestions to CIO Intelligence here.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
A parade of Pacific storms accompanied by atmospheric rivers will continue to march into the West Coast through Christmas, spreading the threat of heavy rain from already flooded areas of western Washington and Oregon to California.

For the very latest forecast on this West Coast siege of storms, click here.

Below, we have a recap of recent storms, including flooding rain and damaging winds, that raked the Northwest.

Storm Recaps

To say it's been a terrible stretch of weather in parts of the West has been an understatement.

First, record flooding hit parts of western Washington. Then, as flood-ravaged areas were recovering, a powerhouse windstorm blasted much of the Northwest and Rockies on Wednesday, with winds clocked up to 144 mph and over 160 reports of wind damage in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.

Spokane, Washington, recorded a wind gust of 75 mph on Wednesday afternoon. That is the second-highest known wind gust for the city. The Spokane River is also raging much higher than normal due to all the recent precipitation.

In nearby Pullman, Washington, widespread damage to trees, power lines, and traffic signals was reported along with a wind gust up to 81 mph. At least one house reported significant damage due to a downed tree.

In Idaho, two kids were seriously injured Wednesday morning by falling trees while waiting for the bus in Twin Falls. Local media is also reporting that one man was killed in northern Idaho when a tree crashed into his home.

An atmospheric river earlier this week dumped 2 to 5 inches of rain in the Cascades and Olympics of Washington state, with an additional 2 to 5 inches on Tuesday. These are the same areas that are still recovering from 10 to 18 inches of rain during last week's procession of atmospheric rivers.

This led to a pair of levee breaches in King County, one along the Green River in Tukwila, just east of SeaTac Airport, Monday, then early Tuesday morning in the town of Pacific, east of Tacoma.

(MORE: Evacuations Prompted From Washington Levee Breaches)

Jonathan Belles has been a digital meteorologist for weather.com for 9 years. His favorite weather is tropical weather, but also enjoys covering high-impact weather and news stories and winter storms. He's a two-time graduate of Florida State University and a proud graduate of St. Petersburg College.
DCNF - Miller Molan Bondi Terrorism - Featured Screenshot/YouTube/Erin Molan

A woman who survived the Hanukkah terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Australia said on Monday that police officers seemed less concerned about stopping the attack than they were about keeping her from fighting back.

A father and son of Pakistani descent opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration Sunday, killing at least 15 people and wounding 40, with one being slain on the scene by police and the other wounded and taken into custody. Vanessa Miller told Erin Molan about being separated from her three-year-old daughter during Mondays episode of the Erin Molan Show. (RELATED: Watch As Unarmed Hero Tackles, Wrestles Gun Away From Suspected Terrorist Shooter)

I tried to grab one of their guns, Miller said. Another one grabbed me and said no. These men, these police officers, they know who I am. I hope they are hearing this. You are weak. You could have saved so many more peoples lives. They were just standing there, listening and watching this all happen, holding me back.

WATCH:

Two police officers, Miller continued. Where were the others? Not there. Nobody was there.

New South Wales Minister of Police Yasmin Catley did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation about Millers comments.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed to enact further restrictions on guns in response to the attack at Bondi Beach, according to the Associated Press. The new restrictions would include a limit on how many firearms a person could own, more review of gun licenses, limiting the licenses to Australian citizens and additional use of criminal intelligence to determine if a license to own a firearm should be granted.

Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, reportedly went to the Philippines, where they received training prior to carrying out the Sunday attack, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Naveed Akrams vehicle reportedly had homemade ISIS flags inside it.

Australia passed legislation that required owners of semi-automatic firearms and certain pump-action firearms to surrender them in a mandatory buyback following a 1996 mass shooting in Port Arthur, Tasmania, that killed 35 people and wounded 23 others. Despite the legislation, one of the gunmen who carried out the attack appeared to use a pump-action shotgun with an extended magazine.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
US-ATTACKS-GAY-OBAMA SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

An illegal migrant obtained a commercial license in the sanctuary state of New York before allegedly causing a deadly highway accident in Tennessee earlier this month.

Yisong Huang, a 54-year-old Chinese national involved in a horrific multi-car pile-up in Tennessee on Dec. 9, entered the U.S. unlawfully in 2023 and was released by the Biden administration, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Despite having obtained a commercial drivers license (CDL) by New York State officials, Huang failed an English language proficiency test following the crash. (RELATED: Illegal Slapped With 20 Years In Prison After Strangling ICE Agent)

Far too many innocent Americans have been killed by illegal aliens driving semi-trucks and big rigs, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement provided to the Daily Caller News Foundation. And yet, sanctuary states around the country have been issuing illegal aliens commercial drivers licenses.

The Trump Administration is ending the chaos, Noem continued. The brave men and women of ICE are working nonstop to get criminal illegal aliens out of our communities and off our roads.

Yisong Huang. DHS image.

The Chinese national allegedly rear-ended a tractor-trailer while traveling westbound on I-40, causing a multi-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of Kerry Smith, an American citizen, according to DHS. Huang  who was not transporting any passengers in his bus at the time of the accident  was allegedly distracted by a video on his phone.

Border Patrol encountered Huang sometime in 2023 along the U.S.-Mexico border, where he admitted to federal agents that he entered the country unlawfully, the agency reported. The Biden administration not only released him into the country but also provided him with work authorization and a social security card, allowing him to later obtain a Class B CDL, according to the New York Post.

The incident makes Huang just the latest illegal migrant commercial driver to be accused of causing a deadly traffic accident.

Harjinder Singh, an Indian national who illegally entered the U.S., is accused of taking an unlawful U-turn off a Florida turnpike in August, blocking all lanes and instantly killing three people in a vehicle that smashed into his tractor-trailer. Jashanpreet Singh, another Indian national in the U.S. illegally, allegedly rammed into multiple vehicles off a California highway in October, killing three individuals in the process.

Rajinder Kumar, an Indian national arrested in late November for allegedly causing a fatal accident along an Oregon highway, is currently wanted by DHS for being in the country unlawfully. Kamalpreet Singh, yet another illegal migrant from India, is accused of causing a deadly accident in Washington State earlier this month while driving a semi-truck.

In response to the slate of horrific semi-truck accidents, the Trump administration issued emergency rules mandating non-citizens undergo a federal immigration status check and carry an employment-based visa if they wish to earn a non-domiciled CDL. White House officials also threatened non-compliant states with millions in federal funding cuts if they dont take immediate action to fix their CDL programs.

Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Friday threatened to withhold tens of millions in federal taxpayer highway funds from New York and other sanctuary states that are issuing CDLs to illegal migrants. Duffy has already pulled millions from California for similar issues.

Its not just that Joe Biden let millions of migrants flood into our country illegally, Duffy said in a prepared statement Wednesday. His administration doled out the documentation these unqualified foreigner drivers needed to obtain trucking licenses and operate 40-ton missiles on the highway.

The fact that this individual [Huang] failed a basic English test also calls into question how he even got the license in the first place, Duffy continued. Working with Secretary Noem, we will continue to fight to keep you and your family safe on Americas roadways.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A map shows Californias newly redrawn congressional districts approved by voters during a special election on Nov. 4, 2025. Graphic: Assembly Elections Committee / California State Assembly / Used with Permission.

(The Center Square) - Lawyers supporting and opposing Californias congressional redistricting maps made their closing arguments in the lawsuit Wednesday in federal court in Los Angeles.

The case is now in the hands of a three-judge panel, led by U.S. District Judge Josephine L. Staton. Judges will decide whether to grant plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction that would keep the Proposition 50 maps from taking effect. Voters approved Proposition 50, which redrew congressional districts to pick up five Democratic House seats in the 2026 midterm election, by nearly 65% during a special election Nov. 4.

Lawyers representing the California Republican Party and the U.S. Department of Justice argued in front of the judges in favor of the preliminary injunction. The lawsuit cited race as the motivation in drawing new district boundaries.

Representing defendants, lawyers for the Democrat-led Proposition 50 said during closing arguments that, while they concede that the maps constitute a gerrymander, it is not a racial gerrymander. They said it's a politically-partisan gerrymander.

There is no direct evidence in this case that racial gerrymandering occurred, said Jennifer Rosenberg, deputy attorney general for the California Department of Justice, during her closing arguments Wednesday. Where the number of Democrats in a district decreased, the number of Hispanics also decreased. Where the number of Democrats increased, there was no pattern with respect to race, nor should there have been because this was a partisan gerrymander.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs, which include Assemblymember David Tangipa, R-Fresno, and the U.S. Department of Justice, argued for three days in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles that the main person who drew the congressional district maps did racial gerrymandering to give Hispanic voters an advantage in certain right-leaning districts. The attorneys said that ran afoul of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In particular, the crux of the plaintiffs' argument was whether racial gerrymandering was the motivation behind redrawing congressional districts such as the 13th, which includes Modesto, and the 9th, which includes Stockton. Both districts are near each other in Central California.

The question is, was this particular district done with race as a predominant factor? asked David Goldman, an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice and one of the lawyers arguing for the plaintiffs.

Our position here is that we believe that there is evidence that there is a racial gerrymander," Goldman argued Wednesday in court.

Tangipa told The Center Square on Wednesday in a phone interview that he was optimistic about the outcome of the case.

I am hopeful, and I put a lot of trust in the Department of Justice and the Dhillon Law Firm, Tangipa said about the lawyers who represented the plaintiffs.

Tangipa also told The Center Square he expects the court will make a decision by Friday.

Rosenberg and other lawyers involved in the case declined to be interviewed after court adjourned on Wednesday.

In previous comments about the lawsuit, officials from California Gov. Gavin Newsoms office called the case a loser lawsuit designed to silence California voters.

We are confident that the court will see what every voter knew when Prop. 50 overwhelmingly passed last month, Newsoms office previously wrote to The Center Square via email.

Notably absent during the three days in the courtroom was Paul Mitchell, who drew the Prop. 50 maps. According to one of the judges, Kenneth Kiyul Lee, Mitchell could have appeared in court to defend the way the maps were drawn.

Paul Mitchell didnt show up, Lee said in court Wednesday. He asserted privilege over 100 times. You cant have it both ways and say hes not a state actor and hes asserting legislative privilege.

The biggest thing that I think everybody should be asking is, if we all know that Paul Mitchell drew these maps, why is Paul Mitchell claiming legislative privilege when hes not a legislator? Tangipa told The Center Square Tuesday. He can run around on podcasts and brag about drawing these maps, how he created more Latino districts, but he cant get on the stand right now, put his hand up and swear that hes telling the truth.

The temporary U.S. House of Representatives district lines, which will be effect for 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections, were drawn in response to Texas own mid-decade redistricting effort earlier this year. The U.S. Supreme Court recently reversed a lower courts decision to ban use of the Texas maps, which gave Republicans a five-seat advantage in the midterm elections. The Prop. 50 election in California was meant to give Democrats a five-seat advantage in Congress to offset Texas Republican influence in Washington, D.C., where the GOP currently holds a narrow majority in the U.S. House.

Other legislators have taken positions on the Prop. 50 lawsuit being heard in Los Angeles this week.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court issued a ruling allowing Texas to use new congressional districts that were enacted without voter approval, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, D-Santa Cruz and chair of the Assembly Elections Committee, told The Center Square via email during the first day of the case on Monday. By contrast, Californias process empowered voters. I am confident that the court will rule in favor of the congressional maps that California voters overwhelmingly approved.

In November, a federal court blocked Texas redistricting campaign, stating that the Republican majority there violated voting rights laws by redrawing districts that discriminated against voters of color, as reported previously by The Center Square.

If the new California maps are allowed to go into effect, five Republican lawmakers from the state stand to lose their seats in the House: Kevin Kiley of Rocklin, Doug LaMalfa of Yuba City, Darrell Issa of San Diego County, Ken Calvert of Riverside County and David Valadao of Bakersfield.
A person walking through the parking lot in the foreground with entrance to Traeger Grills Headquarters in behind, in Salt Lake City. - Bethany Baker // The Salt Lake Tribune

Dozens of workers join lawsuit against Traeger Grills as the Utah company makes a major pivot

Kevin Quinn went to London expecting to do what he did best  pitch Traeger Grills wood-fired flavor to shoppers the way he had countless times at American Costco stores, drawing people in with the welcoming smell of wood pellets and the promise of backyard grill mastery.

Instead, he said, he found himself in a taxing routine: twelve-hour days at a Costco, an hour-long commute each way to his hotel and three days of travel that were unpaid.

After three weeks of pitching Traeger grills  demonstrating how to use their pellets, rubs and sauces and sharing the cooking camaraderie the company celebrates as the Traegerhood  he sold just six grills, he said, and went home with $963 for 252 hours of work.

I nearly went broke, said Quinn, of Kansas City, Missouri, who worked for Traeger for three years. He was excited to go to England, he said, but then learned its typically small back yards made premium grills a tough sell. It was the best of my trips and the worst of my trips.

That 2022 experience prompted him to become one of 70 former and current Traeger brand ambassadors who have joined a proposed class-action lawsuit against the company, according to court records reviewed by The Salt Lake Tribune.

The lawsuit lands at a pivotal moment for Traeger, which is shutting down the very sales channels those ambassadors helped build as it looks to transform into a leaner business so that we can really do the right thing for the brand long term, CEO Jeremy Andrus said in a November conference call for investors.

The price of Traegers stock  traded as COOK  has plummeted since Andrus took the company public in 2021, falling from more than $31 per share to about 78 cents per share as of late November.

Chart showing the price of Traeger Grill stock falling since their IPO in 2021. - Christopher Cherrington // The Salt Lake Tribune



As part of a sweeping restructuring, Traeger is ending the once-signature Costco roadshows by years end and also will stop selling directly to consumers on its website. It will send shoppers to retail channels  as it currently does with Amazon and The Home Depot, according to a November filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Its a dramatic shift for the brand that began as a regional grill business out of Oregon before being purchased, relocated to Utah and reinvented by Andrus into a social media-savvy company with a national following.

Jeremy Andrus, Traeger Grills CEO, speaks on a panel at the Silicon Slopes Summit. - Rick Egan // The Salt Lake Tribune



Andrus, above, is celebrated in Utahs Silicon Slopes tech community for driving Traegers transformation and, before that, helping to take Park Citys Skullcandy from a tiny headphones startup to a publicly traded company with millions in revenue from its lifestyle brand.

On Nov. 20, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox appointed Andrus to the Governors Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) board, which, among other roles, votes on tax break incentives for Utah companies.

Both Skullcandy and Traeger have received such deals. In 2014, GOEO said it would allow Traeger to claim up to $503,537 in tax rebates in installments if it provided 164 jobs over seven years. Another incentive extended in 2020 is worth up to $882,430 in rebates for 120 jobs over seven years.

But Traeger has earned between zero and 25% of each potential rebate, according to the state. In 2022, it laid off at least 14% of its global workforce and shut down Traeger Provisions, its meal kit business.

The ambassadors claim Traeger has misclassified them as exempt employees  typically salaried workers not eligible for overtime. Arizona-based worker Aaron Cicero, who filed the lawsuit in October, said Traeger pays him using a formula tied to the amount of sales during road shows, which he argues violates federal law by failing to ensure minimum wage and denying overtime pay.

Aaron Vance, who worked as a brand ambassador from Tennessee for about seven years and has joined the lawsuit, said Traeger wasnt open about how that formula was calculated. Sales goals were set differently for each employee before each roadshow, he said, and those benchmarks determined how much they earned in commission.

If [adding] my name helps correct for other people and give other people compensation  then I feel like its the right thing to do, Vance said. I think people are owed money, and I think its time that Traeger owned up to that.

Traeger has not yet responded to the complaint and was granted an extension until Dec. 17, court records show. The Salt Lake City attorneys representing Traeger did not respond to requests for comment from The Salt Lake Tribune. Traeger and Andrus did not respond to emails seeking comment.

Sacred road shows

Andrus acquired Traeger in 2014 with private equity partner Trilantic Capital Partners while looking for what might be next after growing Skullcandy, he told Forbes in 2021.

I recognized very quickly there was something special to Traeger, Andrus told Forbes. Without a marketing department, there was this small, self-organized community of passionate Traeger owners who really identified themselves with Traeger.

Once he took over, the new Costco roadshows were a powerful driver for national brand recognition, he said during the November call.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, money just fell out of the sky for the ambassadors, said Quinn, who started at Traeger in 2020. With people spending more time at home, grill sales were booming, he said, and the excitement around the product was contagious.

But more recently, Andrus said on the November call, Its been a challenging few years coming out of the pandemic.

He described Traegers two paths to change: reducing its exposure to tariffs and a cost-cutting plan called Project Gravity.

Their strategies include diversifying production away from China; using distributors for sales in Europe; using the company website for storytelling rather than as a sales channel and various cost-cutting measures to create a smaller but more profitable business, Andrus said on the call.

Traeger has spent $9.7 million on restructuring so far, mostly on professional fees, with $3.3 million going to severance and other staffing costs, according to the quarterly SEC filing that covered the period ending on Sept. 30.

Andrus told brand ambassadors on an October company call that the roadshows had become increasingly unprofitable in recent years, a trend that accelerated after international tariffs were announced in April by President Donald Trump.

Tariffs sort of were the last piece that really, really changed the financial profile of the program, Andrus said in a recording of the meeting, which Quinn shared with The Salt Lake Tribune.

The economic pressures have forced Traeger to revisit even the roadshows, which Andrus has considered sacred, he said on the November investor call, requiring the company to ask, What is the better way to drive the business going forward?

Cole VandenAkker, Traegers chief sales officer, said on the staff call that the company is offering retention and separation packages to encourage some employees to continue with the program through the end of the year.

The incentives, outlined in an October retention agreement shared with The Tribune by a brand ambassador who requested anonymity due to ongoing employment, are contingent on workers waiving any claims they may have against the Company, the agreement states.

Ending the road shows was not an easy decision, especially given the blood, sweat and tears from this team and what this program has meant to the organization, VandenAkker said on the call.

Phase 1 of Project Gravity is expected to save $30 million, mainly from layoffs and consolidating operations, according to a November news release. An additional $20 million in Phase 2 savings will come from ending the roadshows  though grills will be still available through Costco  and halting direct to consumer sales.

I made great money

Traegers brand ambassadors shared techniques like slow smoking and using the companys signature pellets through their demonstrations. The workplace culture was great, with camaraderie and friendships among coworkers that were infectious, Vance said.

Each year, management sent gifts around Christmas, Vance said, and he recalled a time after the pandemic when the business was struggling and Andrus sent cash to each ambassador.

It was just because he wanted to say, hey, thank you. I think it was three or 400 bucks per person, Vance said. So, he had to pull out a lot to pay us, because there were 140 of us at the time.

But some ambassadors got lower sales goals  sometimes at the same stores  while others received higher benchmarks that made it harder to reach better commission tiers, ambassadors said.

I really was good at my job, and I made great money, Vance said, but there was plenty of times that I made a lot less than I should have because Id break a record and make 10% (commission) and the next person that went to that store would do half the amount of what (sales) I did and make 18%.

Marco Lopez, a former brand ambassador from Oregon who joined the lawsuit, said goals could be adjusted after an event, leaving workers waiting days to know what theyd earned.

I feel like I have other people that are controlling my income, Lopez said, and it was causing a lot of stress and my anxiety for myself, and I know very many others.

For Quinn, a longtime Traeger fan, leaving wasnt easy. He had marked the company going public by getting his first-ever tattoo  a hog thats a nod to a pink neon sign sometimes used by Traeger that plays on the phrase when pigs can fly, he said.

The company also formerly sold a Lil Pig grill, marketed with the tagline: This little piggy sure can carry its weight.

The product, the brand. I love it, he said. I would have never left Traeger, but Im glad I did.

Vance felt the same way. Even when I was off the clock and at home, I loved telling people about the product and what I did, Vance said. ... Sometimes just a hard situation, like this, is what it takes to change something.

This story was produced by The Salt Lake Tribune and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
dehoy! Agency / MEGA

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Meghan Markle often copies her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana's iconic outfits.

Keep reading to learn why..

MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more top news

Gavin Kent / Mirrorpix/Newscom/The Mega Agency

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According to internet fashion expert Rebecca Uesugi, Meghan Markle purposely evokes Princess Diana. "I do believe this is intentional as Meghan wants these comparisons to be made," she told Daily Express. "Meghan seems to take it to a much different level. From her mirrored body language to certain color combinations or choice in accessories."

James Whatling / MEGA TheMegaAgency.com

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Rebecca Uesugi highlighted Meghan Markle's 2019 visit to Birkenhead, during which she wore Princess Diana's signature purple and red combination. The former Princess of Wales wore the same palette on trips to Hong Kong, Nigeria, India and on numerous other occasions.

Kent Gavin/Mirrorpix/Newscom/The Mega Agency

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Despite the flattering gesture toward Princess Diana, Rebecca Uesugi thinks Meghan Markle takes it to a new level. "Her [Meghan]'s purple and red outfit worn in Birkenhead back in 2019, the deliberate sunglasses placement in Rwanda or the entire outfit, right down to the shoes worn in Nigeria during the last morning and flight home," she said, citing the attention to detail.

MEGA TheMegaAgency.com

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Though Meghan Markle gets criticized for dressing like Princess Diana, people are also intrigued by her. "This is one hundred percent for public impact. Let's not forget the old adage 'bad press is still press' and moves like these keep her in the press and a hot topic on social media," Rebecca Uesugi said.

Dennis Brack/Newscom/The Mega Agency

_

If Meghan Markle continues to follow in Princess Diana's footsteps, she'll never create her own fashion legacy. "This completely undermines any credibility," Rebecca Uesugi said. "I have read that Meghan wants to establish herself as a prominent figure in the fashion world, but to do so she really needs to figure out who she is first and foremost."

JAKE ROSENBERG/NETFLIX

_

"I think her style should reflect who she is. A mother of two, a businesswoman and whether people like it or not, a celebrity," she continued. "She should lean into the California designers that she enjoys and sometimes showcases, but she does need to introduce a little more color into her wardrobe."
A man was killed and children waiting for a bus were critically injured in extreme winds in the Northwest that forecasters warn will travel eastward across the country, knocking out power and damaging buildings through the end of the week.

The winds hit parts of the rain-battered Pacific Northwest and Idaho the morning of Dec. 17 with gusts over 100 mph in some places, leaving hundreds of thousands without power, AccuWeather reported. The death and injuries were reported in Idaho on Dec. 17.

More than 78 million Americans were under wind advisories across parts of the Midwest and Northeast on Dec. 18. Millions more were under high wind watches and warnings in the central part of the country.

The National Weather Service said winds on Dec. 18 will bring gusts of 50 to 80 mph across the Northern and Central Plains and Central Rockies. At the same time, a "powerful" low pressure system will bring light to moderate snowfall that will combine with winds to create whiteout conditions in the Northern Plains, the weather service said.

The storm system will push east, bringing wind gusts up to 60 mph, heavy rain and lake effect snow to the Northeast by Dec. 19, the weather service said.

From floods to fires: See FEMA respond to disasters across the US Swannanoa resident Lucy Bickers, who received assistance from FEMA after Hurricane Helene damaged her property, holds a sign in support of the government agency in Swannanoa, North Carolina, U.S., January 24, 2025.

"This may lead to scattered power outages, tree damage, and delayed travel times," the weather service said.

The winds could also bring an elevated fire risk to the eastern Plains and Rockies, where low humidity and dry brush abound, AccuWeather meteorologists said.

1 dead, 2 critically injured as Idaho battered by winds

A man was killed in Fernan Lake Village, Idaho, a small town of about 160 people just outside Coeur d'Alene, the morning of Dec. 17 when a tree fell onto a home, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office said. The 55-year-old man was sleeping when the tree fell onto the home and struck the bed, the sheriff's office said. Others in the house were trapped and able to be rescued.

In Twin Falls County, over 500 miles away in the southern part of the state, two children were critically injured while waiting for a bus when winds caused "several old, internally rotten trees to fall, knocking down power lines," the sheriff's office there said.

Photos shared in Twin Falls showed trees fallen over atop a fence and emergency crews including a helicopter responding to the scene. Deputies also responded to 22 weather-related traffic incidents and hazards including downed power lines and trees.

A tree lies in a road, as extreme weather batters the Pacific Northwest, in Tacoma, Washington, on Dec. 17, 2025.

Winds could cause widespread power outages, heighten fire weather

Forecasters said winds are expected to knock down trees and power lines as they spread eastward over the next couple days. Travel conditions will be hazardous, particularly for large vehicles like trucks, the weather service said.

The weather service in Norman, Oklahoma, said the morning of Dec. 18 that wind speeds up to 50 mph were already clocked in northern Oklahoma. A wind advisory will be in place from 9 a.m. to evening local time.

Red flag warnings were in place in parts of Colorado and Missouri and much of Kansas. In Boulder, Colorado, the weather service urged residents to avoid burning as winds with gusts up to 65 mph would make conditions favorable for "rapid fire spread."

As far east as the Massachusetts Cape, the wind gusts are expected to reach 65 mph by the end of the week, the weather service in Boston said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dangerous winds spread across US; 1 dead in Idaho
Soldiers unload new vaccine doses from a A400M military aircraft aimed at containing an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD or DNC in French) affecting cattle, as part of a vaccination campaign, at a military airport in Toulouse, France, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Soldiers unload new vaccine doses from a A400M military aircraft aimed at containing an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD or DNC in French) affecting cattle, as part of a vaccination campaign, at a military airport in Toulouse, France, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

PARIS, Dec 18 (Reuters) - France deployed its army to accelerate the vaccination of cattle against lumpy skin disease on Thursday, seeking to contain an outbreak that has fuelled a new wave of farmers' protests in southern France.

The army flew in hundreds of thousands of livestock vaccines to southwestern France, and will assist in delivering shots to some 750,000 cows.

The spread of lumpy skin disease, a virus affecting cattle, has rekindled discontent among farmers over what they see as a long-term decline in French agriculture due to foreign competition and excessive regulation.

As farmers block highways, furious at a policy of slaughtering whole herds when the virus is detected, the government is accelerating vaccinations to quell the crisis, wary of disruption to year-end holidays.

President Emmanuel Macron has also responded by doubling down on a promise he will not endorse a European Union trade deal with the Latin American Mercosur bloc unless safeguards to protect Europe's farmers are toughened.

France procured 400,000 vaccine doses from the Netherlands to add to its stock of 500,000 vaccines. An A400M military transport plane delivered the extra shots to an army base in the city of Toulouse, army spokesman Colonel Guillaume Verne told reporters.

The government is also drafting in several dozen veterinary doctors from the army to help with the vaccination programme in southern areas, including the remote Ariege region where few civilian vets are available.

The government aims to complete the vaccination programme within a month.

The authorities say the policy of culling herds is necessary to stop the disease spreading across France, which has the largest cattle herd in the European Union.

Some farmers' unions say the policy destroys livelihoods, adding to deep-seated grievances that include the planned Mercosur trade deal.

French farmers joined European peers at a protest in Brussels on Thursday calling for an EU leaders' summit not to approve the trade deal.

(Reporting by John Irish and Gus Trompiz in Paris and Benoit Tessier in Toulouse; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Australian national Lamar Ahchee, left, who is on trial on accusation of attempting to smuggle cocaine into Indonesia, talks to his lawyer during his sentencing hearing at the district court in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP)  An Indonesian court on Thursday sentenced an Australian citizen to 12 years in prison after finding him guilty of smuggling cocaine to the tourist island of Bali.

Lamar Aaron Ahchee, 43, from Cairns in north Queensland, was arrested in May when police raided his rented house near Kuta beach, a popular tourist spot on the island. They seized 1.7 kilograms (3.7 pounds) of cocaine in 206 clip plastic bags, along with a digital scale and cellular phone.

The arrest followed an investigation conducted by Bali police anti-drug surveillance teams who reported the man had received two suspicious packages sent by mail from England. He was suspected of importing or distributing narcotics, according to Indonesian police.

Judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima, who presided over a three-judge panel, announced a sentence of 12 years imprisonment and a fine of 2 billion rupiah ($119,583).

The verdict was harsher than the prosecutors demand for a nine-year prison sentence.

During the hearing, Ahchee denied that he knew the package he received was cocaine.

The judges considered several factors that aggravated the sentence, including the fact that Ahchee had received a large amount of cocaine, which could harm many people and damage the quality and safety of tourism in Bali, Pastima said. The judge also said that the defendant was evasive and tried to obscure the facts.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says Indonesia is a major drug-smuggling hub despite having some of the strictest drug laws in the world, in part because international drug syndicates target its young population.

About 530 people, including 96 foreigners, are on death row in Indonesia, mostly for drug-related crimes, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections data showed. Indonesias last executions, of an Indonesian and three foreigners, were carried out in July 2016.

___

Tarigan reported from Jakarta, Indonesia.
New York Attorney General Letitia James during a press conference at the office of the Attorney General in New York on December 15. - Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images/File

The Justice Department tried to add a third felony charge related to mortgage fraud against Letitia James when attempting to reindict the New York attorney general last week, according to court documents.

The attempted third criminal count, which was first reported by Politico, would have added to the allegations against James of making false statements to a financial institution. A grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, declined to bring the new indictment that would have included the additional charge on December 11, as CNN previously reported.

James currently faces no criminal charges in the mortgage fraud probe, and prosecutors inability of securing a grand jury indictment  a rarity  against Trumps political opponent has been an embarrassment for the Department of Justice, which is increasingly being accused of pursuing cases to satisfy the president rather than on sound legal reasoning.

The Justice Department, a day after the grand jury declined to bring an indictment, also attempted to seal the failed indictment, calling for the tradition of grand jury secrecy to be protected, including the jurors identities. However, a magistrate judge declined to do so, pointing to the fact that the grand jurys decision was already reported by news outlets.

James, a Democrat, was indicted in October on one count of making false statements to a financial institution and one count of bank fraud. She pleaded not guilty to the two charges before the case was dismissed last month.

The Justice Departments attempt to revive  and add  charges against James comes as President Donald Trump has used the department to target his political opponents.

Trumps chief of staff Susie Wiles said in an interview with Vanity Fair that the presidents efforts to do so may look like retribution, adding, there may be an element of that from time to time. She said of the alleged prosecution of James: Well, that might be the one retribution.

New York Attorney General Letitia James sits in the courtroom during Donald Trump's civil fraud trial, at New York Supreme Court on January 11, 2024. - Seth Wenig/Pool/Getty Images/File

When bringing the initial charges in October, prosecutors alleged that James had claimed on mortgage paperwork that a home she purchased in Norfolk, Virginia, would be her second residence, allowing her to get a favorable mortgage rate. Prosecutors said that James didnt use the house and rented it out instead.

James indictment was dismissed in November after a federal judge found that Trumps appointment of interim US Attorney Lindsey Halligan to the district which prosecuted the case was invalid. Since then, the Justice Department tried and failed to reindict James twice.

Prosecutors could go back to a grand jury again and continue their efforts to reindict James over the same allegations in the hopes that it will approve charges.

Slight changes to planned James case

The new court filings in the Eastern District of Virginia capture the latest iteration of a US attorneys office scrambling to place James under indictment, and a judge and jury unwilling to sign off on the approach.

One of the documents, reporting the grand jurys decision not to indict James, says the US attorneys office was unable to convince the necessary 12 grand jurors out of a possible 23 that there was probable cause to indict James on mortgage fraud.

Typically, it is notoriously easy for prosecutors to secure indictments for multiple reasons: because they have to meet a lower standard of evidence than in a full criminal trial; the jurors vote only needs to be a majority and not in unanimity; and there is no defense-side pushback available for grand jurors to hear before they vote in the secret proceedings.

The statue titled "Justice Delayed, Justice Denied" stands on the front of the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, on November 13. - Alex Wong/Getty Images

A grand jurys approval is a necessary step in the federal justice system for approving felony charges against a criminal defendant.

While a grand jury in Alexandria had approved a now-dismissed mortgage fraud indictment of James earlier this fall, grand juries in two different Virginia federal courthouses declined to charge her twice in December, in whats called in court a no true bill.

James had pleaded not guilty to the first round of charges, and her attorney Abbe Lowell has repeatedly said the Justice Departments investigation of her is borne from unfair political animus.

Attorney Abbe Lowell accompanies New York Attorney General Letitia James as they exist the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Norfolk, Virginia, on October 24. - Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

The failed December 11 indictment isnt fundamentally different from the allegations in the original case against James, despite the additional criminal count prosecutors wanted to add.

But it does tweak the false statements charges prosecutors sought, according to the court records. In the original indictment, prosecutors sought to charge one count of false statements regarding representations she made to the mortgage lender OVM Financial. In the December 11 version of the indictment, there are two separate false statement charges, each regarding two different documents James sent to OVM Financial in which she allegedly listed her Norfolk, Virginia, property as a second home, according to the court record.

The Justice Department did remove from the latest version of a possible indictment, however, any mention that James had rented the home out to a family, which was included in the first version of the case, and instead asserted she stayed in hotel rooms when visiting Norfolk instead of staying at the house.

The latest version of the proposed indictment also omits exact figures for the loan amount and James alleged unfair financial gain.

The judge in Alexandria, William Porter, who received the grand jurys no true bill on December 11, noted the history and public interest of the James investigation in deciding to make the full proposed, failed indictment public this week, after the grand jury presented it to him in open court.

The grand jurys decision to make this no bill public serves the interest of transparency when an individual has already suffered the stigma of public criminal charges, Porter wrote.

The Justice Department and a spokesperson for James legal defense declined to comment on this story.

Prosecutor in case decamps to Missouri

Its not clear if the Justice Department will attempt to indict James again by asking another grand jury to approve charges against her.

A prosecutor who had been brought in specifically to the Eastern District of Virginia US attorneys office to handle the case at the trial level has left the office since the December 11 grand jury rejection.

Roger Keller on Wednesday told a federal court in Missouri, where he is based for the Justice Department, that he just recently returned from a six-week detail on the governments behalf in Virginia.

Legal experts said Kellers departure from the Alexandria office could be a sign that its efforts to criminally pursue James are coming to a close or, at the very least, will be significantly slowed down by the development.

Its incredibly rare for a grand jury to refuse to indict, and for it to refuse to indict repeated times should be sending DOJ a strong signal about the weakness of the case, said Randall Eliason, a former federal prosecutor in Washington, DC. This prosecutor now departing back for his own office is a sign that they have finally gotten the message and theyre going to fold up their tents and go home.

CNNs Hannah Rabinowitz, Casey Gannon and Kaitlan Collins contributed to this report.

This story has been updated with additional information.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Kylie Kelces podcast teaser for Not Gonna Lie sparked excitement after announcing upcoming guest Robert Irwin.

The newly minted Dancing With the Stars winner brings his infectious charm as he discusses his experience on the reality dance competition and his passion for wildlife conservation.

But before the duos in-depth conversation begins, Jason Kelces wife surprised him with a special gift she received, an unexpected moment that has fans talking.

The teaser featured the host flaunting her very own Australia Zoo shirt, which was sent by Bindi Irwin.

Bindi told me that we should always wear khakis, she said after revealing that its not only her who received the shirt but her whole family.

Im just gonna make sure that this is represented here, she added while flaunting the custom-made uniform, making her guest speechless with surprise.

Kylie Kelce on TODAY show April 1, 2024

Im so ready to come to Australia, Kylie Kelce mentioned while repping the uniform.

As for the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist and photographer, he admitted feeling bare without his khakis, especially when the podcast host wore a pair.

You look more like an Irwin than I do at this point, he joked, adding, You could be an honorary Irwin family member anytime. Im sure Bindi told you that its not just the color, its an attitude. And you are repping it very well.

With the latest podcast teaser, the comments section was buzzing with excitement over the unexpected duo.

Apart from that, fans were also chiming in about one thing: how much theyre looking forward to seeing Kylie Kelce and her family in Australia.

Yasss, zoo shirts we need a Kelce family trip to Australia lol, one wrote.

So, were all in agreement that the soon-to-be-manifested FAFO episode where @kykelce goes to Australia Zoo in her khaki uniform will be unmatched, right?!? SHOW US ALL THE ANIMALS, a fan echoed.

2026 should be the year FAFO goes to Australia, a commenter added.

The Kelces take Australia is an episode Im ready for, another user said.

Followers are giving the Kelce family a warm welcome as early as now.

We are so ready for you to come to Australia! a commenter remarked.

The same goes for another who said, The Kelce family are very much welcome in Australia! Time for an Aussie holiday!

Robert Irwins appearance on the Not Gonna Lie podcast will air on Thursday at 9am ET on YouTube.

As mentioned, back in June, his sisterBindi Irwin appeared as a guest and discussed life at the Australia Zoo, motherhood, her decade-long struggle with endometriosis and her preference for wearing khaki over formal attire.

Related: Robert Irwins Mom Calls This Surprise Birthday Party The Best Ever

This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
An ICE officer detains a handcuffed man in Los Angeles on June 12, 2025. Photo: Tia Dufour / U.S. Department of Homeland Security / Public Domain

(The Center Square)  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and law enforcement partners continue to arrest MS-13 Salvatrucha Salvadoran transnational gang members and violent illegal foreign nationals in Nebraska.

The latest MS-13 arrest this month was of a man known internationally as Fantasma" (ghost), an alleged member of an MS-13 assassination squad in Honduras. He was wanted by Honduran authorities for a quadruple homicide after he escaped from prison and illegally entered the U.S. through the southwest border during the Biden administration.

He evaded capture in Honduras and in the U.S. until a multiagency investigation located him and ICE arrested him in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Honduran national Gerson Emir Cuadra Soto illegally entered the U.S. in 2022 at the southwest border and obtained a Californias drivers license, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said. This was after he was arrested, charged and detained on firearms offenses and a quadruple homicide. He allegedly bribed his way out of a Honduran jail and was wanted by authorities, DHS said.

MS-13 was designated as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year. It originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s to protect Salvadoran illegal foreign nationals but later expanded its criminal enterprise. Its members engage in campaigns of violence and terror in the United States and internationally and present an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, President Donald Trump said in a June MS-13 FTO order.

Trump issued the order to expand border crime enforcement after more than 300,000 Salvadorans illegally entered the U.S. during the Biden administration, The Center Square reported. MS-13 members are being prosecuted nationwide for on charges of murder, fentanyl trafficking and violent crimes, The Center Square reported.

In July, ICE arrested a Salvadoran national and MS-13 kingpin on El Salvadors top 100 most wanted list and an MS-13 associate who were both living illegally in the Omaha area.

The MS-13 leader was wanted for aggravated homicide of five victims; attempted aggravated homicide; deprivation of liberty; and terrorist organization affiliation. His associate was also wanted in El Salvador, accused of ordering fellow gang members to commit multiple homicides, extortion, imprisonment and drug trafficking, ICE said.

The MS-13 leaders were arrested without incident in targeted enforcement actions. They had embedded themselves in the Omaha area, where they posed severe threats to the local communitys safety, ICE said.

These illegal aliens didnt just sneak into our country; they brought with them a legacy of violence, terror and death, HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito said. They thought they could hide in Americas heartland, but they were sadly mistaken. Not on our watch.

Also this month, a Salvadoran illegally in the country was involved in an officer-involved shooting. Although not an MS-13 member, Juan Melgar-Ayala randomly targeted and shot an elderly man multiple times in an Omaha grocery store parking lot, Omaha police said. He fled the scene and barricaded himself inside a nearby gas station bathroom where Omaha Police detectives tracked him down, authorities said. He fired at least 16 rounds at six officers, hitting four. Officers returned fire and shot and killed him, the OPD said. The OPD later learned he was in the country illegally and a convicted felon.

Despite multiple previous criminal arrests, he remained at large in American communities, DHS said. His criminal history included charges for assault by strangulation in 2019 and arrests for burglary and possession of a stolen firearm in 2021.

He illegally entered the U.S. in June 2007 as an unaccompanied minor, according to ICE records. Law enforcement authorities are continuing to arrest violent men in major cities years after they illegally entered the country as unaccompanied minors, The Center Square reported.

Illegal foreign nationals have also been arrested in Omaha for assaulting ICE officers during targeted enforcement operations, including at Glenn Valley Foods, where an alleged large-scale identity theft scheme was uncovered. More than 70 were arrested in the largest worksite enforcement action in Nebraska. Several were charged with assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with a federal officer while engaged in the performance of their official duties and damaging government property.

Nebraska has been grappling with illegal border crosser crime stemming from a surge of foreign nationals working primarily in meat processing plants and agricultural communities. Authorities have found many are involved in identity theft rings, using fraudulent Social Security cards, state drivers licenses, and lawful permanent resident cards to unlawfully obtain employment and steal from Americans, The Center Square reported.

A Homeland Security Task Force is also targeting transnational crime in Nebraska including violent Tren de Aragua terrorist members, The Center Square reported. In one case, a TdA member was charged with attempted murder after throwing an ICE agent to the ground, slamming her head on the pavement, ripping off her body armor, and making repeated and physical violent contact, in Bellevue, Nebraska, The Center Square reported.
New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Meets With President Trump At The White House  (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

A paid protestor employed by a Chinese Communist Party-linked activist group heckled Treasury Scott Bessent during a night out in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.

Bessent was dining at the wine bar Revelers Hour when a Code Pink organizer sarcastically toasted him in front of other guests and railed against the administrations sanctions on American adversaries. The secretary departed the upscale establishment after the restaurant owner allegedly declined to remove the paid agitator. (RELATED: Trump Unfazed As Free Palestine Protestors Call Him Hitler At Restaurant)

The woman who disrupted Bessents dinner was identified as Code Pink organizer Olivia DiNucci. She was among Code Pink activists who crashed a dinner attended by President Donald Trump and other top administration officials at Joes Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in September. DiNucci and other protestors got within feet of the president where they called him the Hitler of our time.

Code Pink is a far-left activist group that pushes pro-Palestinian and anti-foreign intervention advocacy. The group has received more than $1.4 million from a donor with deep ties to the CCP and has also collaborated with a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.

Lets give it up for the man who is eating in peace as people starve across the world based on his sanctions, which are economic warfare DiNucci said after introducing Bessent as a special guest to the restaurants patrons.

DiNuccis interruption was largely met with audible groans by other guests and a long Boooooo by a smiling Bessent.

You are ignorant, and you have no idea how ignorant you are, Bessent told DiNucci as she accused him of murdering 600,000 people annually through economic sanctions. Countries that are subject to comprehensive sanctions by the United States include North Korea, Iran and Cuba.

WASHINGTON, DC  DECEMBER 08: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attends a roundtable discussion with farmers hosted by President Donald Trump in the Cabinet Room of the White House on December 08, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Bessent asked Revelers Hour staff to remove the agitator, according to a NOTUS reporter, who was dining at the restaurant during the altercation. Code Pink took a victory lap on social media after Bessent departed the restaurant with DiNucci still at her table.

A source close to Bessent told NOTUS that the secretary left the restaurant mid-meal precisely because the restaurant owner refused to respect other diners and remove the heckler in question. Also, the food sucked.

Revelers Hour did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Code Pink referred the Daily Caller News Foundation to a press release taking credit for the protest.

Hes eating in this nice restaurant in Washington, D.C., when sanctions cause starvation across the world, DiNucci told NOTUS following the incident. We should be confronting them with our voice as much as we can because people across the world are affected by this.

DiNucci previously worked for independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders 2020 presidential campaign, according to a short biography featured on Code Pinks website.

Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene embraced the radical group in a social media post on Dec. 10. The outgoing representative was seen sporting a keffiyeh with CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin in her Capitol Hill office.

Greene defended her friendship with Benjamin, who regularly heckles Republican lawmakers in the halls of Congress and denounced Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as a Christian extremist.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
Protesters shout slogans in front of the premises of the Prothom Alo daily newspaper after news reached the country from Singapore of the death of a prominent activist Sharif Osman Hadi, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP)  Angry protesters stormed the offices of Bangladeshs two leading newspapers late Thursday after the death of a prominent activist in last years political uprising in Bangladesh. The crowds set fire to the buildings of the dailies, trapping journalists and other staff inside.

Hours later, the journalists and other staff were evacuated, and the fires were brought under control early Friday.

It was not clear why the protesters attacked the newspapers whose editors are known to be closely connected with the countrys interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. Protests were organized in recent months outside the offices of the dailies by Islamists who blamed the newspapers for their alleged link with India.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho culture group, died in hospital in Singapore early Thursday evening after a weeklong battle for his life.

He was shot on the streets of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, last Friday while riding on a rickshaw. Two men on a motorbike followed Hadi and one shot him before they fled the scene. After days of treatment in Dhaka, Hadi was flown to Singapore in critical condition.

Authorities have said they identified the suspects and that the shooter had most probably fled to India  remarks that sparked a new diplomatic squabble with India and prompted New Delhi this week to summon Bangladesh's envoy to express its condemnation. Bangladesh also summoned the Indian envoy to Dhaka and sought clarification.

Hadi was a fierce critic of both neighboring India and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose 15-year rule of Bangladesh ended in last year's uprising.

The Inqilab Moncho group, formed after the ouster of Hasina last year, has been organizing street protests and campaigns denouncing Hasina and India. The country's Islamists and other Hasina opponents have blamed her government for being subservient to India during her rule.

Hadi had planned to run as an independent candidate in a major constituency in Dhaka in the next national elections which the country's interim government has announced for February.

Since Hasina's ouster, the Inqilab Moncho group has promoted anti-Indian sentiment in the Muslim-majority country. Hasina now lives in self-imposed exile in India.

Witnesses and media reports said hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Dhaka immediately after the news of Hadi's death, rallying on Shahbagh Square near the Dhaka University campus where many chanted slogans such as Allahu Akbar, or God is great in Arabic. There were also similar protests elsewhere in the country.

Later, a group of protesters gathered outside the head office of the countrys leading Bengali-language Prothom Alo daily in Dhakas Karwan Bazar area. They then surged into the building, vandalized it and set fire to it, according to online portals of various leading media outlets.

A few hundred yards away, another group of protesters pushed into the premises of the countrys leading English-language Daily Star and set fire to the building, according to footage from Kaler Kantha, another mainstream newspaper.

Soldiers and paramilitary border guards deployed outside the two buildings but did not take any action to disperse the protesters. Security officials tried to convince them to leave peacefully as firefighters arrived at the scene outside the Daily Star building.

The blaze trapped the newspaper's staff working inside the building late Thursday. One of the Daily Star's journalists, Zyma Islam, wrote on Facebook that she was inside the building.

I can't breathe anymore. There's too much smoke," she said.

By early Friday, the fire was brought under control.

Both dailies stopped updating their online editions after the attacks and they did not publish broadsheets on Friday.

The protesters Thursday night also targeted Chhayanaut, a leading cultural institution widely respected by liberals, in Dhakas Dhanmondi neighborhood.

Dozens of protesters were still at Shahbagh Friday morning and vowed to continue the protests.

Hadi's body would be brought to Dhaka from Singapore on Friday evening, authorities said.

The attack on Hadi is still being investigated, but the shooting has set off tensions. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have recently expressed concerns over violations of human rights in Bangladesh.

Yunus, who took over three days after Hasinas ouster in August 2024, promised in a televised address to the nation late Thursday to punish Hadi's killers.

He announced that Saturday would be a day of mourning and urged the citizens to stay calm.

Yunus' critics and Hasina's former Awami League party have blamed the interim government for the rise of Islamists in Bangladesh, a parliamentary democracy with a history of political violence.

The interim government has banned all activities by Hasina's party, including its running in the February election. Last month, a Bangladesh court sentenced Hasina to death on charges of crimes against humanity involving the uprising.

On Wednesday, anti-India protesters attempted to march toward the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, prompting it to close its visa section. After Hasina's ouster India stopped issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshis, citing security concerns, but continued giving visas for medical treatment in India.

On Thursday, protesters in the southwestern city of Rajshahi tried to march toward the office of a regional Indian diplomat. Police stopped both marches.
FILE - In this Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 file photo, refugees and migrants arrive in a dinghy accompanied by Frontex vessels at the village of Skala Sikaminias, on the Greek island of Lesbos, after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey. AP Photo/Michael Varaklas, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP)  In a rare judgment, the European Union's highest court sided with a Syrian refugee's appeal in a landmark case that sought damages against the European border and coast guard agency, Frontex, opening the way for other victims to do the same.

The Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union sent the case of Alaa Hamoudi v. Frontex back to the General Court for re-examination after finding that it failed to properly examine his alleged expulsion alongside 21 other migrants from Greece to Turkey in 2020.

The court considered that the evidence presented by Hamoudi had been sufficiently detailed, specific and consistent," Judge Ben Smulders said in a video released Thursday.

While the general court will now reassess the case and issue a new verdict, Hamoudi's lawyers celebrated Thursday's ruling as historic."

Iftach Cohen, who leads Hamoudis legal team alongside Francesco Gatta, said Hamoudi's courage and audacity could potentially benefit tens of thousands of other migrants pushed back from Greece to Turkey.

"Hopefully this will bring an end to the de-facto legal impunity of Frontex, Cohen told The Associated Press.

In a statement, Hamoudi said the ruling was not only a personal victory but an important step toward justice for the men, women, and children who went through the same experience as I did ... and could not fight back."

While Frontex was not accused of physically carrying out the collective expulsions themselves, Hamoudis lawyers, experts and migrants say the role of the EUs border agency is key.

In comments sent to AP in writing, Frontex said that Thursday's rulings, including a separate case looking at the allegedly unlawful deportation of a Syrian family in 2016, does not decide who is at fault.

However, they make clear that courts expect close scrutiny where Frontex is involved and that fundamental rights must be taken seriously, Frontex said.

Hamoudis case

According to Hamoudis testimony, he was among 22 people, including children, to land on the Greek island of Samos on April 28, 2020. Moments later, police arrived and confiscated their phones before forcing them onto a life raft, Hamoudi said. They were towed overnight into Turkish territorial waters and left adrift for 17 hours until they were rescued by the Turkish coast guard. Hamoudi claims a Frontex surveillance plane flew over the scene twice.

I was struggling between death and life, Hamoudi told AP in an interview ahead of the judgment from his home in Mannheim, Germany. This is the reason that made me sue Frontex.

Turkish authorities detained Hamoudi for 10 days and confiscated his passport. Fearing he would be forcibly sent back to Syria, a country he left when he was around 12 years old due to the devastating civil war, Hamoudi attempted again to cross the border in Greece until he succeeded and reunited with his family in Germany.

As evidence, Hamoudis lawyers shared video allegedly showing him and other migrants on Greek soil before being dragged back into the Aegean Sea. The German weekly Der Spiegel found evidence of Frontexs alleged presence during that time. A damning EU anti-fraud agency report also found Frontex had covered up pushbacks in Greece.

They treated us in a way that was inhuman, Hamoudi said.

A new precedent

The Court of Justice of the EU acknowledged the power imbalance between migrants and Frontex, setting a new precedent on the amount of evidence that asylum-seekers like Hamoudi are expected to present in court to have their claims considered.

"These victims are in a situation that makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for them to gather such evidence, which could effectively grant Frontex immunity and compromise the effective protection of the fundamental rights of these victims, the judge, Smulders, said.

The illegal practice of summary expulsions, or pushbacks, have largely become normalized across Europe as anti-migrant sentiment runs high and the right to seek asylum is increasingly under threat.

We have reached a historic result, but many others are still being stripped of their rights every day at the borders of Europe, Hamoudi said in a statement issued following the ruling.

Niamh Keady-Tabbal, a researcher at Maynooth University, who has litigated pushback cases against Greece but is not involved in Hamoudis case, said the ruling could challenge the way Frontex has been structured to evade accountability."

Allegations against Frontex

Frontex has been really instrumental in enabling (the expulsions) by systematically detecting vessels, handing over responsibilities to the Greeks and contributing to covering up these pushbacks, Keady-Tabbal said.

During collective expulsions, migrants can be stripped of their phones, arbitrarily detained, beaten and expelled in the dead of night with few or no witnesses. These are victims of a policy that is carried out to deliberately destroy, conceal and hide evidence, said Keady-Tabbal.

Legal experts and human rights advocates have for years called on Frontex to withdraw from Greece based on its own regulation, which states that the agency should suspend or terminate its activity in a country if it sees violations.

Despite years of well-documented pushbacks and calls for accountability, Frontex has said it will continue its operations in Greece.

Frontex chose engagement over withdrawal because oversight, monitoring and pressure for change only exist if we are present, the agency said in a written statement ahead of Thursday's ruling. We do not ignore concerns and we do not look away."

Many experts contest that, arguing Frontex has deliberately left scenes of violations, like those claimed by Hamoudi, to avoid liability.

On Thursday, the agency vowed to improve its work and become more transparent. Our focus remains on ensuring that every person affected by our operations is treated with dignity and fairness.

___

Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office

Imagine this: You're driving down a quiet road in Oklahoma. You're probably aware of the possibility that you might need to break for a local animal like a deer or maybe even an armadillo, but the last thing on your mind is coming to a screeching halt due to a kangaroo hopping down the road. But that's what happened Monday in Tulsa County after a pet kangaroo named Martha escaped from her home.

Sheriff's deputies responded to the unusual call, according to a department social media post, explaining that Martha had made a break for freedom from a nearby property. Fortunately, her owner caught wind of the escape and rushed to the scene to help deputies corral the wayward marsupial.

"She escaped from a property not far from where she was captured," officials said. "She's now safe and is headed home with her owner."

While Oklahoma is known for its unpredictable weather patterns, a loose kangaroo certainly wasn't on anyone's radar  until now.
French police on Thursday caught a second inmate who had escaped from prison in late November by sawing through cell bars and using bedsheets, sources close to the case told AFP.

The 19-year-old escapee, suspected in a drug-linked attempted murder case, was found in the southern port city of Marseille after Interpol issued a red notice for him, two sources close to the case told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He and another detainee had fled an overcrowded jail in the eastern city of Dijon after sawing through their cell bars with blades that investigators suspect were delivered by drone.

Police tracked down the Marseille native some 310 miles south of the prison to a run-down apartment complex in the north of the city, known to be a drug-dealing hotspot.

His fellow fugitive, a 32-year-old man accused of violence against a partner, was arrested a day after their escape, when police officers swooped down on a village bar where he was sipping coffee.

The Dijon public prosecutor's office confirmed Thursday's arrest to AFP, without offering further details.

France has some of the worst prison overcrowding in Europe, ranking third worst after Slovenia and Cyprus, according to a Council of Europe report published in July. In early October, the national average was 135 inmates per 100 places available. Dijon prison, built in 1853, is in poor condition, with 311 inmates for 180 places, according to the justice ministry.

"Old-fashioned" blades

Guards noticed the two men had fled from the Dijon prison before dawn.

The 32-year-old man had left a message in his cell, saying he had been held for "too long," according to Dijon's public prosecutor, Olivier Caracotch. It was not immediately clear for how long he had been held.

Union official Ahmed Saih, who represents prison officers at the jail, told AFP shortly after the breakout that the inmates used "old-fashioned, manual saw blades," and that several such blades had been found previously.

The saws were likely delivered by drones, Caracotch said following the escape, with several individuals already sentenced over drone deliveries to the same jail.

This photograph taken in Dijon, eastern France, Nov. 27, 2025, shows the back of the Dijon Prison. / Credit: ARNAUD FINISTRE/AFP/Getty (ARNAUD FINISTRE/AFP/Getty)

In early October, French prisons hosted 135 inmates per 100 places available.

The Dijon prison, built in 1853, is in poor condition, with 311 inmates for 180 places, according to the justice ministry.

In the week before the breakout, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin announced the Dijon facility was scheduled to receive $7.3 million as part of a program to eradicate mobile phones from six French prisons.

The prison break came less than two weeks after another escape in the northwestern city of Rennes. A 37-year-old convict, who had more than a year left to serve for theft, fled on Nov. 14 during an outing with fellow prisoners to the city's planetarium. He was later caught in the nearby city of Nantes.

Last year, a boss from one of Italy's most violent mafias who escaped from a maximum security prison last year by using bedsheets was captured in France, authorities in both countries said Friday. Marco Raduano, described as "dangerous" on Europol's list of Europe's most wanted criminals, was detained in Bastia on the French island of Corsica.

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Nineteen-year-old Tommie Lou Whiddon was sunbathing on a bright March day in Florida when a fledgling serial killer pounced on her.

As the junior college student lay helpless and alone in her bikini, 17-year-old Frank Athen Walls slit Whiddon's throat on Okaloosa Island on March 26, 1985. He left her to bleed to death and disappeared without anyone having witnessed the murder.

During the following two years, Walls would go on to kill at least four more people  all before he turned 20. Two of the other victims were mothers, one was a new grandma, and one was an Air Force Airman who died trying to protect his young girlfriend. Because all of them were killed either on a Tuesday or before dawn on a Wednesday, police dubbed the case "the Tuesday murders."

Now 40 years later, Florida is set to execute Walls by lethal injection on Thursday, Dec. 18. That will make him a record 19th inmate executed in the state this year and the 47th in the nation, a number not seen since 2009.

Though many family members of the victims have died waiting for justice, those who are living hope that Walls' death will bring some relief.

"I'm going to have a drink and toast to my grandma and close that chapter," said 40-year-old Jessica Gygi Hickingbottom, who was 2 when Walls murdered her 47-year-old grandmother, Audrey Gygi.

"I don't think it's ever going to be healed," Hickingbottom told USA TODAY this week. "But I'll feel relief knowing that all the other families will sleep better, knowing it's done and over with and there's no way for him to fight it anymore."

Here's what you need to know about the execution, the crimes and the lives that were stolen.

Frank Athen Walls is pictured.

Who were Frank Athen Walls' victims?

The following crimes in Florida's panhandle have been attributed by police to Frank Athen Walls:

March 26, 1985: A man walking his dog finds the body of 19-year-old Tommie Lou Whiddon on Okaloosa Island. Her throat had been slit in the middle of the day as she sunbathed. Walls had been on the beach doing court-ordered community service after committing cruelty to animals and peeping into windows. Walls later told police he raped Whiddon, the Associated Press reported.

Sept. 16, 1986: The body of 24-year-old Cynthia Sue Condra, a mother of three, is found along a Fort Walton Beach road. She had been stabbed 21 times. Walls later told police that he attacked her after they had sex and got into a fight, saying, "everything just snapped, just went wild crazy," the Associated Press reported.

May 20, 1987: A concerned co-worker discovers the body of 47-year-old Audrey Gygi, a mother of four who had two granddaughters at the time. Gygi was stabbed to death in her Fort Walton Beach home.

July 22, 1987: Edward Alger, a 22-year-old Airman who worked at Eglin Air Force Base, and his 20-year-old girlfriend Ann Louise Peterson are ambushed around 2 a.m. as they slept in their Fort Walton Beach home just one block away from Gygi's home. Alger's throat was slashed and he was shot three times, and Peterson was shot twice. Both were found naked. Walls took money he stole from Alger and spent it on drinks and dancers at a strip bar an hour after the crime, court records say.

Frank Walls sits in an Okaloosa County courtroom during his trial for the 1987 murders of Edward Alger and Ann Peterson, who died of gunshot wounds after Walls broke into their Okaloosa County home.

"This town was terrorized," Don Vinson, a former Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office chief investigator, said in 2018.

It was Walls' own roommate who finally helped stop the killing spree, telling investigators about his suspicions and that Walls was "always talking about raping and killing people."

Police initially arrested Walls only in the murders of Alger and Peterson. After Walls was convicted and sentenced to death, he confessed to the other murders. Investigators told the Northwest Florida Daily News  part of the USA TODAY Network  that all the attacks were in some way sexually motivated.

Walls wrote an apology letter to Gygi's family, which was given to them in court in 1994 as he pleaded no contest to her killing.

"Throughout my whole life I've had totally unexplained episodes of uncontrollable rages in which I lose contact with reality," he wrote to them, according to an archived Associated Press story. "However, I do want you to know with all honesty that I'm truly sorry for your loss of a very loved one."

Granddaughter shares more about family matriarch

Audrey Gygi, a 47-year-old mother of four, became a grandmother two years before her murder on May 20, 1987.

Audrey Gygi was a loving mother who enjoyed throwing huge family get-togethers. The Christmas gatherings and pool parties she hosted with her Air Force husband were legendary, said Gygi's granddaughter, Jessica Gygi Hickingbottom.

"From what they tell me she was the life of the party," Hickingbottom told USA TODAY this week. "She was the most amazing outgoing woman you could meet and I just wish I had memories of her."

Jessica was 2 years old, and her sister Erin 4 months old, when Audrey was murdered. Not only did Audrey miss out on Jessica's and Erin's lives but she would have been a grandmother to two more girls and 15 great-grandchildren had she lived, Hickingbottom said.

As Walls sat on death row, two of Audrey's children died, as did her husband, Hickingbottom said.

"They didnt get to see justice," she said. "It's frustrating how long he was on death row and knowing whenever I got paid and taxes got taken out it went to feed him and his medical bills. I was just paying for him to live in prison. Everybody was."

She said she's thought of her grandmother's murder for decades but that the execution being scheduled brought up a lot of emotions and long-unanswered questions.

"Why her?" she said. "Why did he target her? What happened? Unfortunately we will never know that."

Hickingbottom said she decided not to witness the execution and instead will honor her grandmother's memory by cracking open Audrey's favorite beer, a Busch, and dedicating it to her.

Audrey Gygi, a 47-year-old mother of four, became a grandmother two years before her murder on May 20, 1987.

Attorneys say Walls is too intellectually disabled for execution

Walls' attorneys have been arguing for years that he's too intellectually disabled to be executed under the U.S. Constitution.

In their most recent attempt at stopping the execution, they said in a Dec. 15 filing with the U.S. Supreme Court that "Florida runs the imminent risk of executing an intellectually disabled person."

The Florida Attorney General's Office has dismissed that argument, saying that Walls never was intellectually disabled and isn't now.

"The people of Florida, as well as surviving victims and their families, deserve better than the excessive delays that now typically occur in capital cases," the state said, adding that courts need to carefully police last-minute claims that amount to delay tactics.

At his sentencing for Alger's and Peterson's murders, the judge in the case said he found the couple's killing particularly heinous and cruel, describing how Walls taunted Peterson about killing her boyfriend before he took her life.

"We will never know the full extent of the taunting, cruel teasing, and mental suffering inflicted upon and suffered by Ann Peterson," Okaloosa County Circuit Court Judge G. Robert Barron said. "The knowledge of her own certain impending death, at the hands of this wicked intruder into the night, knowing that he had already taken the life of Edward Alger, must have brought a level of terror, panic, and utter hopelessness beyond comprehension."

Contributing: Tom McClaughlin, Northwest Florida Daily News

Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter who covers cold case investigations and the death penalty for USA TODAY. Follow her on X at @amandaleeusat.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teen serial killer who committed 'the Tuesday murders' to be executed
U.S. President Donald Trump salutes, as members of the military carry a transfer case, during a dignified transfer of the remains of two Iowa National Guard members killed in Syria, Sgt. Edgar Torres Tovar and Sgt. William Howard, and Ayad Mansoor Sakat, of Macomb, Michigan, who was working as an interpreter in Syria, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, U.S., December. 17, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

U.S. President Donald Trump salutes, as members of the military carry a transfer case, during a dignified transfer of the remains of two Iowa National Guard members killed in Syria, Sgt. Edgar Torres Tovar and Sgt. William Howard, and Ayad Mansoor Sakat, of Macomb, Michigan, who was working as an interpreter in Syria, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, U.S., December. 17, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

By Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump attended a ceremony on Wednesday for three U.S. personnel killed in Syria by a suspected Islamic State attacker as they were returned to American soil in flag-draped caskets.

Trump, accompanied by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, traveled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for the "dignified transfer" of the bodies in the presence of their families.

Standing at the foot of an Air Force transport plane on a cold and blustery day, Trump, Hegseth and others saluted as one by one the caskets were carried off by white-gloved soldiers and loaded onto a waiting vehicle.

The two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed on Saturday in the central Syrian town of Palmyra by an attacker who targeted a convoy of American and Syrian forces before being shot dead, according to the U.S. military.

The two Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in Syria were Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, 29, and Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, the Guard said in a statement on Monday. The interpreter was named as Ayad Mansoor Sakat, from Michigan.

Trump on Saturday called the incident terrible, vowed retaliation and referred to the three that were slain as "great patriots."

Three U.S. soldiers were also wounded in the attack.

A U.S.-led coalition has carried out air strikes and ground operations in Syria targeting Islamic State suspects in recent months, often with the involvement of Syria's security forces.

U.S. presidents, vice presidents and dignitaries regularly attend the solemn transfer ceremonies at Dover - home of the largest U.S. military mortuary - during times of war or conflict that result in the deaths of U.S. troops.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason. Additional reporting by Tim Reid. Editing by Colleen Jenkins, Ross Colvin and Deepa Babington)
JERUSALEM (AP)  An attempt by Israeli authorities to write a routine parking ticket in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem turned violent on Thursday as members of the community quickly gathered to protest, attacking and injuring 13 police officers, authorities said.

The violence reflected growing tensions between the Israeli authorities and the ultra-Orthodox, known as Haredim, as the government mulls plans to draft them into the military. Clashes have often broken out recently when Israeli authorities have entered the crowded and insular ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods.

Police said the clashes first broke out after an inspector tried to issue a parking ticket and was met with violence and threats. The police made one arrest. Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters soon arrived, trying to free the suspect, damaging police cars and throwing stones and eggs at the police, they said.

In response, police threw stun grenades, fired water cannons and beat protesters with batons, according to videos circulating on Israeli social media.

Residents accused the police of trying to arrest the man for failing to register for the draft  an accusation police denied.

Five policemen were brought to the hospital and several others were lightly injured. As of Thursday afternoon, police said they had arrested four people and an were investigating several others.

Photos circulating on Israeli social media showed an overturned car and vehicles with broken windshields.

Later on Thursday, ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked a major highway along Israels coast, police said. No violence was immediately reported.

When Israel was founded in 1948, a small number of gifted ultra-Orthodox scholars were granted exemptions from the draft, which is compulsory for most Jews. But with a push from politically powerful religious parties, those numbers have swelled over the decades.

Many secular Israelis  especially those who have served multiple rounds of duty in the latest war between Israel and the Palestinian militant Hamas group in Gaza  now support rolling back that exemption and drafting the ultra-Orthodox.

However, measures to draft the ultra-Orthodox have been met with staunch opposition and at times violence from religious protesters, who claim that serving in the military will destroy their way of life.

Roughly 1.3 million ultra-Orthodox Jews make up about 13% of Israels population and oppose enlistment because they believe studying full time in religious seminaries is their most important duty.
Maps are seen during a U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on the midair collision involving American Airlines 5342 and a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on January 29, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 27, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department said late on Wednesday the federal government was liable in the fatal January 29 collision of an Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines regional jet that killed 67 people near Reagan Washington National Airport.

The government admitted it "owed a duty of care to plaintiffs, which it breached, thereby proximately causing the tragic accident" and that the pilots of the Army helicopter and regional jet "failed to maintain vigilance so as to see and avoid each other."

The Justice Department said a Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controller also did not comply with an FAA order and as a result of both agencies conduct the United States was liable for damages.

The FAA declined to comment.

Robert Clifford, an attorney for the family of one of the victims of the crash that filed the suit, said the filing showed "the United States admits the Armys responsibility for the needless loss of life in the crash ... as well as the FAAs failure to follow air traffic control procedure."

Clifford added the "government, however, rightfully acknowledges that it is not the only entity responsible for this deadly crash, and, indeed, it asserts that its conduct is but one of several causes of the loss of life that January evening."

American Airlines filed a separate motion to dismiss the lawsuit Wednesday, saying it was sympathetic to the families' "desire to obtain redress for this tragedy" but the "proper legal recourse is not against American. It is against the United States government ... The court should therefore dismiss American from this lawsuit."

The FAA restricted helicopter flights in March after the National Transportation Safety Board said their presence posed an "intolerable risk" to civilian aircraft near Reagan National. In May, the FAA barred the Army from helicopter flights around the Pentagon after a close call that forced two civilian planes to abort landings.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation to tighten military helicopter safety rules.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chris Reese and Kate Mayberry)
A Westerville police officer is recovering from gunshot injuries at a local hospital after being shot by another officer who unintentionally discharged their gun, according to Westerville police.

The incident happened midday on Dec. 17 at the Defense Supply Center in Whitehall, Westerville police said. The officers were taking a break from a Delaware Tactical Unit exercise when another officer "accidentally" fired their gun one time, police said.

The wounded officer was struck in his hand and thigh, according to Westerville police.

The officer was transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital, police said, where he is currently recovering.

"Our thoughts are with the injured officer and his family as he recovers," police said.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office is reviewing the incident, and Westerville police said they are conducting their own internal review.

Westerville police said they would share a report once it is available, but they did not identify the officer who was wounded or the officer whose gun discharged.

In April 2024, Randy Osborne, a lieutenant with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, was shot and killed during a training exercise at a firing range in Orient after a firearms instructor's gun unintentionally discharged.

The instructor, David Pearson, pleaded guilty to negligent homicide in Pickaway County Common Pleas Court and was sentenced to six months in jail.

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: Westerville cop injured in unintentional shooting, police say
WFAA; GoFundMe Stephany Gauffeny; Miguel Angel Garcia-Hernandez

NEED TO KNOW

A North Texas widow is speaking out after she received her husband's immigration approval letter more than two months after he died following a shooting at a Dallas ICE facility

Miguel Angel Garcia-Hernandez was shot at least eight times in a sniper-style shooting on Sept. 24

His wife, Stephany Gauffeny received a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on Monday, Dec. 15. It was reportedly dated Dec. 9, meaning it was sent over two months after his death



A North Texas widow is speaking out after being sent an immigration approval letter from officials over two months after her husband died following a shooting at a Dallas ICE facility.

Miguel Angel Garcia-Hernandez became the second victim to die after he was shot at least eight times in a sniper-style shooting on Sept. 24, CBS News previously reported.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) confirmed Garcia-Hernandez's death in an earlier post, and wrote that he'd been taken to Parkland Hospital in a critical condition after the attack, but had later succumbed to his injuries after being removed from life support.

Speaking to NBC 5 DFW, Garcia-Hernandez's wife, Stephany Gauffeny, who lives in Arlington, has now said that she received a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on Monday, Dec. 15, which confirmed her late husband's request to move forward with obtaining legal status in the U.S.

The letter was reportedly dated Dec. 9, meaning it was sent over two months after his death.

GoFundMe Miguel Angel Garcia-Hernandez

At the time of the shooting, Garcia-Hernandez, 31, a Mexican national, was being held in federal custody after being arrested for a DWI in Arlington back in August, NBC 5 DFW reported.

Gauffeny told the outlet of receiving the letter, It was under his name, and I had no idea what it was, opened it and instantly started crying because the first thing you see is, 'Youve been approved. 

She added to the station that Garcia-Hernandez had been working for years to obtain legal status in the U.S., insisting, Its something we were waiting for, for two years.

The approval meant Garcia-Hernandez would have been able to start applying for a visa or green card. Its right before Christmas time, and its hurtful because if he would have been here, it would have been the total opposite. It would have been a moment of happiness, Gauffeny told NBC 5 DFW.

I know he would have been really happy, she added to the outlet. The grief is always going to be there. Its never going to be the same as it was.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment.

Garcia-Hernandez and Gauffeny married in 2016, nearly 10 years before he was fatally shot, The Guardian previously reported.

Gauffeny told the outlet in October in her first interview after Garcia-Hernandez's death, I am trying to cope because thats what I am supposed to do, but what hurts me the most is to hear my kids ask where daddy is.

My [8-year-old] daughter with autism waited for him until the last minute. They would talk over the phone while he was detained, but one day before the funeral, I had to tell her that daddy was in heaven and that he would be watching her and that she wouldnt see him, she added.

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.

Gauffeny, who was pregnant at the time of her husband's death, recalled of the shooting, I was coming back from a doctors appointment for my pregnancy and I was so excited to tell him about our son, but I got a call saying that my husband was in the hospital," The Guardian reported, adding, I walked into the [hospital] room and I just started crying. His arms were restrained to the bed and he had handcuffs on his feet.

Garcia-Hernandez died five days after the attack, on Sept. 29, the paper noted. His third child with Gauffeny was born three days later.

Gauffeny also spoke to WFAA before her husband's death, sharing, "He [is] just a great father, great husband, friend, brother, son... really funny personality," calling him "a goofball" who was always "making jokes, making everyone laugh."

"Always helping people," she added.

Gauffeny said after her husband's death, "My husband Miguel was a good man, a loving father, and the provider for our family," per the LULAC post.

"We had just bought our first home together, and he worked hard every single day to make sure our children had what they needed. His death is a senseless tragedy that has left our family shattered. I do not know how to explain to our children that their father is gone, she added.

A GoFundMe page previously set up to raise money for the family had raised over $87,000 as of Thursday, Dec. 18.

Read the original article on People
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis testifies before the Georgia Senate Special Committee of Investigations on Dec. 17, 2025. Photo: Georgia State Senate / Screenshot via YouTube / Free for Public Use

(The Center Square)  The Senate Special Committee on Investigations questioned Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis about money spent prosecuting President Donald Trump and others in an election interference case while her attorney called the hearing a "witch hunt."

Willis and her attorney, former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, clashed with Vicechairman Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, during Wednesday's hearing over why the committee is investigating. Dolezal and Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II, D-Augusta, were the only two who could question Willis during the hearing per the committee's rules.

The committee, created in 2024, is tasked with inquiring about Willis' case against Trump and 18 other defendants to see if "these allegations may show that existing state laws, including those establishing processes for selecting, hiring, and compensating special assistant district attorneys, are inadequate to address various legal and fiscal issues raised by District Attorney Willis' alleged conduct," according to the bill that created the study committee.

The first skirmish between Dolezal and Willis came when he asked her if she had begun interviewing people to lead an investigation into the 2020 election before she took office. Willis answered the questions against Barnes' advice.

"That's really an ignorant question," Willis said. "And if you understand what the word ignorant means, it means the lack of knowledge. If you recall the facts, I was already district attorney when this all came to light so it's factually impossible."

Dolezal continued to press Willis, asking her if she had discussed the 2020 election investigation with Nathan Wade before taking office in 2021. Wade served as the lead prosecutor of the case. Willis was disqualified from prosecuting the case after it was revealed that she and Wade had a romantic relationship.

"Prior to you being sworn in as district attorney, is it your testimony that you did not have any conversation with Mr. Wade about investigating the 2020 election?" Dolezal asked.

"It's a d-----s question," Willis said to Barnes.

"I know it is but go and ahead and tell it because it occured after she took office," Barnes said to Willis.

"I didn't know he was going to commit a crime prior to me taking office," Willis said. "Like factually, it's impossible."

Willis was referring to a phone call between Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Trump about the results of the presidential election in Georgia. President Joe Biden won Georgia narrowly.

Jones asked Willis why she took on the case.

"Because people came into my jurisdiction and they broke the law," Willis said.

When asked about the cost of the election interference case or how much her budget is, Willis said she didn't know. She then told the committee that district attorney's offices were underfunded, as well as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. When Dolezal stopped her, Barnes said Willis had the right to finish her answer.

"If you want to cite her for contempt, she is entitled to a jury trial and I can examine you on your actions and I can examine you on your motives and it would be glad to take that as Clint Eastwood would say, 'Make my day,'" Barnes said. "This is a witch hunt, it's always been a witch hunt."

Willis also accused Dolezal of conducting the hearing for political gain. Dolezal and committee members Blake Tiller, R-Vidalia, and Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, are running for lieutenant governor. Committee Chairman Bill Cowsert, R-Athens, who did not attend the meeting, is running for state attorney general.

Peter Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorney's Council of Georgia, appointed himself to the case after Willis was disqualified and no other prosecutor would take the case.

Skandalakis announced on Nov. 26 that he was filing a motion to dismiss the case. Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee signed the motion later that day.

Jones asked Willis if the case's dismissal changed with what the coconspirators were doing, "based on the indictment" that said it was to "overthrow the 2020 election.

"That was the ultimate goal," Willis said. "And we've had people that are supposed to be leaders instead of being leaders are just cowering down. This country needs leaders, not cowards."
Chairman Jim Jordan a hearing with the House Judiciary Committee.

Bombshell, or bust? Thats the question hanging over a recent preliminary report from the Government Accountability Office about Affordable Care Act subsidy fraud.

The nonpartisan watchdogs report (1), which dropped in early December, is based in part on findings from 2024 and 2025 during which time the Government Accountability Office (GAO) employed fictitious applicants to apply for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) advance premium tax credit (APTC)  a federal subsidy program that pays directly to insurance companies to help lower individual premiums on Marketplace plans.

They found that, in 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) paid subsidies for all four of their fake applicants, totaling roughly $2,350 a month  despite some of those applicants failing to provide citizenship documentation or Social Security numbers (SSNs). In 2025 the GAO enrolled 20 fake applicants with the CMS  18 of which still receive APTCs that combine for more than $10,000 a month.

In addition, the report found that a total of 29,000 SSNs received more than one year's worth of insurance coverage with APTC in a single plan year in 2023, with another roughly 66,000 doing the same in 2024, meaning the same SSNs were used multiple times to receive benefits.

Must Read

The findings also showed that brokers or insurance agents likely changed, without authorization, 30,000 or more coverage applications in 2023 and 160,000 in 2024, which can result in consumer harm, including loss of access to medications.

The GAO report was requested by three Congressional Republicans who released a statement (2) saying that it demonstrates rampant waste, fraud, and abuse, with Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan stating, that, under Obamacare, hardworking Americans saw their premiums skyrocket and their health care choices shrink, all while fraud benefitted insurance companies.

However, critics, as well as one of the reports own authors, pushed back on that assertion, saying this preliminary report does not indicate rampant fraud  especially when viewed in the context of the wider health care system.

Taking the pulse of health care fraud in the U.S.

In an interview with KFF Health News (3), Seto J. Bagdoyan, one of the GAO reports authors, cautioned that the findings only focus on indicators of potential fraud rather than conclusive evidence. And the report itself offers some important context to the big numbers that made headlines.

For example, the full 26-page preliminary report (4) specifies that the 30,000 applications affected by unauthorized changes in 2023, and the 160,000 in 2024, represent only 0.4% and 1.5% of all applications in those respective years.

And as for the duplicate SSNs, the roughly 29,000 from 2023 account for only 0.21% of all SSNs that received subsidies that year. The 66,000 duplicate SSNs in 2024 only accounted for 0.37%. Beyond representing less than 1% of all SSNs inputted, the report notes that the duplicates could also be a result of data entry errors and that further investigation is required.

It really is trivial, the scope of fraud, Lehigh University professor of health policy Michael Gusmano told CNBC about the report (5). Its just a scare tactic to justify the reduction of the federal governments role in subsidizing health insurance.

And Kaye Pestaina, director of KFFs program on patient and consumer protection, noted in an email to CNBC that the GAO report does not indicate that this is an outlier when compared to fraud in other federal programs.

The report also says that the fraud risks it investigated were first examined between 2014 and 2016, with further assessments in 2018. Which means that this is an issue thats potentially been known by multiple administrations, including President Barack Obamas last term, President Donald Trumps first term and President Joe Bidens single term.

To that end, Bagdoyan told KFF (3) that the evidence shows any anti-fraud measures taken in the interim havent worked, because we encountered the same issues as 12 years ago, having to do with identity verification.

And one Democrat  Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas  responded to the report with a letter (6) that noted CMS suspended 850 agents and brokers for suspected fraudulent or abusive conduct related to unauthorized enrollments or plan switches last year. In May of this year, however, under President Trump, CMS reinstated the suspended agents, with Doggett adding that, Yelling fraud while empowering criminals solves nothing and will harm many.

Overall, its believed that health care spending will total more than $5 trillion in 2025 (7), while the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA) estimates that fraud costs taxpayers between 3% and 10% of the health care budget in any given year (8). As such, even though many experts feel that the GAO report isnt the fraud smoking gun some politicians made it out to be, they agree that changes to the system are necessary.

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health professor Gerard Anderson told CNBC that while fraud attempts are inevitable, you should always tweak the parameters of the system to try and prevent it. Health policy expert Nick Fabrizio told the news outlet that extending ACA subsidies while implementing tools to prevent fraud is the best way forward.

Were in one of those situations where we have to extend the subsidies, Fabrizio said. But we have to stabilize the system. ... We have to meet somewhere in the middle.

Read More: Many Americans overpay for these 5 must-have items  how many are on your list?

How to protect yourself from health care fraud

Even though the scale of health care fraud in the GAO report is comparatively minimal, it wont feel so insignificant if you fall victim to unscrupulous actors who steal your personal information. There are simple ways, however, to protect yourself.

To start, never share your SSN or any medical health account or password information with anyone unless you are certain they are your provider. Healthcare.gov (9) specifically recommends only getting your health coverage information from official government sources or websites, remaining vigilant for red flags, like health care contest giveaways, that could be scams, and always verifying the identity of anyone who claims to be a health coverage rep.

The NHCAA, meanwhile, urges people to remain informed about their policies and entitlements, while also regularly reviewing statements from their provider to ensure that they, in fact, did receive the benefits theyre billed for (and question those that look suspicious!).

And insurance provider Network Health (10) warns that you should never sign any blank insurance forms, and that you should always monitor financial statements for any improper billing activity or fraudulent withdrawals. As well, they recommend keeping your own records of all your appointments and services received in the event that any discrepancies arise.

If you do suspect that youve been a victim of health care fraud, reach out to your provider, the Federal Trade Commissions fraud reporting portal, local authorities or, for Medicare-related matters, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

What To Read Next

Join 200,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first  clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.

Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

Government Accountability Office (1), (4); United States House Committee on Ways and Means (2); KFF Health News (3), (7); CNBC (5); Doggett.gov (6); National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association (8); Healthcare.gov (9); Network Health (10)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
The Justice Department on Tuesday released thousands of new documents related to the investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after acknowledging that its initial release of heavily redacted material last week was incomplete.

The latest batch contains numerous references to Donald Trump, the current president, who was friends with Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s. Trump has said he had a falling out with Epstein, and authorities have not accused Trump of any criminal wrongdoing in the case.

Documents posted by the DOJ on Tuesday include an email from a federal prosecutor in New York who states that Trump was listed as a passenger on Epsteins private plane at least eight times between 1993 and 1996.

In a statement posted to X, the Justice Department said that some of the documents posted Tuesday contain untrue and sensationalist claims against Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election.

To be clear: the claims are unfounded and false, and if they had a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already, the DOJ said. Nevertheless, out of our commitment to the law and transparency, the DOJ is releasing these documents with the legally required protections for Epsteins victims.

How we got here

After months of opposing it, Trump on Nov. 19 reluctantly signed into law a bill that required the DOJ to release all of its Epstein files within 30 days.

On Dec. 19, an Epstein Library containing publicly downloadable files sorted into multiple categories appeared on the DOJs website. Visitors initially encountered a waiting-room-type queue akin to what concertgoers see when they attempt to purchase tickets online.

In a statement, the White House said that the release shows how the current administration is the most transparent in history.

But many of the files  which included photos, call logs, grand jury testimony and interview transcripts  were heavily redacted. And according to the Associated Press, at least some have already been in the public domain.

In a letter to Congress, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the DOJ had identified 1,200 Epstein victims or relatives of victims and that it had redacted or withheld any materials that could reveal their identities. Blanche added that the departments privacy review would continue and that the process would be complete by the end of this year  at which time the rest of the files would be released.

They promised to release the files. They havent done it, Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California argued in a television interview. They could have been completely ready for this moment, and theyre not, or theyre just simply willfully withholding the materials.

Epstein has long been the focus of unfounded conspiracy theories that claim the disgraced financier  who was found dead in his jail cell in Manhattan in August 2019 after his indictment on federal sex trafficking charges  was actually murdered to conceal the names of powerful people on a secret client list.

Now that at least some of DOJs investigative documents have been released, reporters, operatives and internet sleuths will start digging for dramatic revelations.

But we already know plenty about Epsteins sordid past and high-profile connections. Plus the new law has some important loopholes that could limit what comes out.

Speaking to Fox News on Dec. 19, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said to expect several hundred thousand documents by the end of the day, followed by several hundred thousand more over the next couple weeks.

What were doing is we are looking at every single piece of paper that we are going to produce, making sure that every victim, their name, their identity, their story, to the extent it needs to be protected, is completely protected, Blanche explained.

So will the release of the so-called Epstein files actually reveal anything new? Heres what you need to know to make sense of this long-awaited moment.

Why is this happening now?

Trump had long opposed efforts to release the full Epstein files, lashing out at supporters for their interest in what he repeatedly referred to as a Democrat hoax.

But when four House Republicans  Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado  signaled last month that they would join with House Democrats to force a floor vote, the president suddenly reversed course, writing on his Truth Social network that House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide.

I DONT CARE! Trump added.

On Nov. 18, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan measure known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The vote was near-unanimous: 427 to 1. A few hours later, the Senate agreed to pass the bill by unanimous consent, a procedure that allows legislation to proceed to the presidents desk without a formal vote as long as no senator objects on the floor.

The text of the law is clear: Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall  make publicly available in a searchable and downloadable format all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in the possession of the Department of Justice  that relate to Jeffrey Epstein, including all investigations, prosecutions, or custodial matters.

So Attorney General Pam Bondi had until Dec. 19 to comply.

What do the Epstein files actually consist of?

Blanche said to expect documents to come in in all different forms: photographs and other materials associated with all of the investigations into Mr. Epstein.

Beyond the investigative, prosecutorial and custodial documents referenced above, the law specifies eight additional categories of material that the DOJ had to release by Friday. To quote the law itself, that means anything in the departments possession that relates to:

Ghislaine Maxwell [the Epstein partner and accomplice who was convicted of related crimes and is serving a 20-year prison sentence]

Flight logs or travel records, including but not limited to manifests, itineraries, pilot records, and customs or immigration documentation, for any aircraft, vessel, or vehicle owned, operated, or used by Jeffrey Epstein or any related entity.

Individuals, including government officials, named or referenced in connection with Epsteins criminal activities, civil settlements, immunity or plea agreements, or investigatory proceedings.

Entities (corporate, nonprofit, academic, or governmental) with known or alleged ties to Epsteins trafficking or financial networks.

Any immunity deals, non-prosecution agreements, plea bargains, or sealed settlements involving Epstein or his associates.

Internal DOJ communications, including emails, memos, meeting notes, concerning decisions to charge, not charge, investigate, or decline to investigate Epstein or his associates.

All communications, memoranda, directives, logs, or metadata concerning the destruction, deletion, alteration, misplacement, or concealment of documents, recordings, or electronic data related to Epstein, his associates, his detention and death, or any investigative files.

Documentation of Epsteins detention or death, including incident reports, witness interviews, medical examiner files, autopsy reports, and written records detailing the circumstances and cause of death.

The FBI conducted two probes into Epstein: one that began in 2006 and ended in a controversial nonprosecution deal, then another that led to his 2019 indictment. According to CNN, those investigations generated more than 300 gigabytes of [Epstein] data that lives within the FBIs primary electronic case management system, called Sentinel, and includes videos, photographs, audio recordings and written records.

In recent court filings, the DOJ has indicated that it possesses  and expects to release  materials obtained from FBI raids on Epsteins homes in Florida, New York and Little Saint James, his private Caribbean island; hundreds of pages of memos from FBI interviews with witnesses; and financial records, bank records, travel logs from commercial and private flights, materials subpoenaed from internet providers like Google, whats referred to as school records, information from law firms representing victims, arrest reports, depositions from related civil lawsuits, immigration records, documents from the Palm Beach Police Department and forensic reports from seized dozens of Epsteins electronic devices, according to CNN.

Federal judges have also paved the way for the DOJ to release grand jury materials from the Epstein indictment, the Maxwell trial and the related probe in Florida.

What materials might be withheld?

The law states that no record shall be withheld, delayed, or redacted on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary.

But it also gives Bondi permission to withhold or redact portions of records that fall under five categories, as long as she publicly explains every redaction within 15 days.

The exceptions, according to the text of the law, are documents that:

contain personally identifiable information of victims or victims personal and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

depict or contain child sexual abuse materials

would jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution, provided that such withholding is narrowly tailored and temporary;

depict or contain images of death, physical abuse, or injury of any person

contain information specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy

The attorney general could use these loopholes to limit what the DOJ releases.

Bondi has already cited concerns about identifying victims or disseminating images of child sexual abuse to explain why the Trump administration did not release more files earlier this year  concerns Blanche echoed on Friday.

Massie warned in an online video that there will be penalties if Bondi does not comply with the law.

This is a case where the president who appointed the attorney general and for whom the attorney general works has signed the law and the ink is not even dry yet on his signature, Massie said. Theres nothing subject to interpretation.

Investigative conflicts create another possible rationale for redactions. Last month, Bondi followed orders from Trump and immediately opened a probe into several Democrats who were mentioned in Epsteins emails  even though the DOJ and FBI had previously declared that nothing in the Epstein files warranted further scrutiny.

Speaking at DOJ headquarters on Nov. 19  the day Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law  Bondi said new information obtained by investigators had prompted her to reverse her decision to close the case. She declined to say what that information was.

Bondi also sidestepped questions about when or how much material would be released, insisting she would "continue to follow the law  while protecting victims but also providing maximum transparency."

What materials have already been released?

Over the last month or so, Republican and Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee have released multiple batches of files and photographs from Epsteins estate. Last Friday, Democrats released roughly 90 images, including some of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and the former Prince Andrew; another tranche followed, showing billionaire Bill Gates along with other wealthy philanthropists. One photo captures handwriting on a womans body that appears to quote from Vladimir Nabokovs novel Lolita.

The committee did not accuse the men in the photos of wrongdoing.

As for the DOJ, it has released its findings from an internal investigation into Epsteins 2008 nonprosecution, its inspector generals report on Epsteins death and hundreds of pages from its controversial interview with Maxwell earlier this year.

In February, the department dropped what it described as the "first phase of the declassified Epstein files  341 pages of material that was mostly available already, including flight logs from Epsteins plane and a redacted version of his contacts book.


Illustration: Adani Samat Photo: guanguanofficial/Youtube

Guan Heng is a former resident of China who did something amazing: He defied the country's authoritarian government and documented the abuses of Uyghur Muslims.

The 37-year-old citizen-journalist entered Xinjiang after downloading the satellite coordinates of alleged Uyghur detention facilities. He took pictures of the campscamps that the Chinese Communist Party has claimed do not exist. He shared these images with BuzzFeed News, which then published an eye-opening series of articles about the internment of ethnic and religious minorities in China.

It was incredibly brave of Guan Heng to do this. Documenting the atrocities of tyrants is important workand extremely dangerous. Heng knew that if the Chinese authorities got a chance, they would arrest him, question him, and possibly torture and even kill him. And so he fled China in 2021, traveling to Ecuador and eventually by boat to the U.S. He applied for asylum and obtained a work permit. He has been living quietly in New York ever since, working as an Uber driver and food deliverer.

A few months ago, in August, ICE detained him after he admitted he had initially entered the country illegally. Immigration authorities would now like to deport him, either to Ugandawhere he would likely be taken back to Chinaor to China directly.

That would be a travesty. The feds should certainly not deport Guan Heng, no matter how he came to this country. On the contrary, he should be commended and welcomed. As The Wall Street Journal says:"It's hard to imagine a stronger case for asylum." There is no good reason for ICE to work as a communist government's enforcer.

It's true that many Americans want the federal government to vet asylum claims with greater care. But Guan Heng should easily pass any such test. If anything, the government should incentivize anti-communist whistleblowers and citizen-journalists to cooperate with the U.S. We want Chinese scientists, for instance, who have information about the possible lab origins of COVID-19 to document and disseminate any such evidence, and to seek refuge as far from Beijing's reach as possible.

Democrats on the U.S. House of Representative's Foreign Affairs committee appear to be taking up Guan Heng's case. That's good, but there is absolutely no reason for this to become a partisan issue. Any Republicans who care about China's authoritarian ways should concede that this is obviously a case where other considerations should overrule the Trump administration's deportation agenda.

The post Guan Heng Exposed China's Uyghur Camps. ICE Wants To Deport Him. appeared first on Reason.com.
BOISE  United States Attorney Bart M. Davis announced that Tochukwu Nwaneri, 51, of Nigeria, made his initial appearance Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Raymond E. Patricco.

Co-defendant Vickie Smith, 66, of Peoria, Arizona, previously made her initial appearance on Oct. 22, 2025.

Nwaneri and Smith face prosecution in an indictment for their role in an advance-fee loan scheme in which they fraudulently obtained more than $20 million from an Idaho business owner (Victim-1).

Vickie Smith and Tochukwu Nwaneri are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering.

As alleged in the indictment, Smith, using the alias Nina Cheliyan, and Nwaneri, using the alias Dr. Simon Godwin, enriched themselves by falsely promising to provide Victim-1 with a financing opportunity of a $140 million business loan through a purported Singapore-based lender in exchange for significant advance fees.

The indictment alleges that Smith and Nwaneri used the fees paid by Victim-1 for various personal expenses and wired the funds to family members and offshore bank accounts.

If convicted, Smith and Nwaneri each face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy and wire fraud counts and up to 10 years for each count of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The United States Secret Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittney Campbell and Darci Crane for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.

The post Two indicted for $20 million fraud and money laundering scheme in Idaho appeared first on East Idaho News.
Illustration: Eddie Marshall | Nano Banana

The First Amendment says that "Congress shall make no lawabridging the freedom of speech." But one prominent conservative judge, whose name has been mentioned as a possible U.S. Supreme Court nominee by President Donald Trump, thinks that protection against government censorship may not apply to non-citizens who are present in the United States.

Is the judge right?

Writing for himself in the recent case of United States v. Escobar-Temal, Judge Amul Thapar of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit asserted that "neither history nor precedent indicates that the First Amendment definitively applies to aliens."

Yet in Bridges v. Wilson (1945), the Supreme Court unambiguously stated that "freedom of speech and of press is accorded aliens residing in this country." That case centered on an Australian immigrant and labor union activist named Harry Bridges. He faced deportation because of his alleged "affiliation" with the Communist Party. "It is clear that Congress desired to have the country rid of those aliens who embraced the political faith of force and violence," the Court said. But "the literature published by" Bridges and "the utterances made by him," the ruling noted, revealed only "a militant advocacy of the cause of trade-unionism" and "did not teach or advocate or advise the subversive conduct condemned by the statute." The otherwise lawful speech of this non-citizen was thus "entitled to that [First Amendment] protection."

Thapar's appeal to history is also suspect. "The application of the Alien and Sedition Acts to resident foreigners," Thapar claimed, "suggests that the founders did not understand the First Amendment to extend to aliens."

The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 are not normally cited favorably when freedom of speech is being discussed. And with good reason. The Sedition Act notoriously made it a crime, punishable "by imprisonment not exceeding two years," to write, print, utter, or publish "false, scandalous and malicious" statements with the intention of bringing the federal government, members of Congress, or the president, "into contempt or disrepute." This censorial statute applied equally to citizen and non-citizen.

The Federalist administration of President John Adams promptly used the Alien and Sedition Acts to punish its political enemies, including by securing the imprisonment of several journalists. A number of American citizens were thus locked behind bars for the supposed crime of criticizing their own government.

James Madison detailed the many constitutional defects of the Alien and Sedition Acts in his "Report of 1800." As Madison pointed out, "the power over the press exercised by the sedition act, is positively forbidden by one of the amendments to the constitution." Madison was of course referring to the First Amendment.

In other words, if Thapar is correct that the mere existence of the Alien and Sedition Acts provides evidence of what the founders thought the First Amendment allowed the government to do, then it would follow that the founders thought the First Amendment allowed the government to criminalize the political speech of citizens who criticized the U.S. government.

Yet Madison, a principal architect of the Constitution and rather prominent founder himself, denounced the Alien and Sedition Acts as a constitutional monstrosity. To say the least, Madison did not think that such hated laws offered any reliable guidance as to what the Constitution meant or should mean.

One last point about Thapar's misguided opinion: He failed to grapple with the fact that eliminating freedom of speech for non-citizens necessarily means that citizens will suffer free speech harms, too. As Frederick Douglass put it, "to suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker." If a green card holder stands on a soapbox in a public park in a U.S. city and criticizes the actions of the federal government, American citizens who wish to hear that person speak have a right to do so without government infringement.

Contra Thapar, the First Amendment protects both sides of what Douglass memorably called the "right to speak and hear."

The post Yes, the First Amendment Applies to Non-Citizens Present in the United States appeared first on Reason.com.
A conference organised with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime saw the launch of a global partnership against scam centres. Meta and TikTok have joined the initiative. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is working to mediate between Thailand and Cambodia.

Bangkok (AsiaNews)  With so-called scam centres as one of the factors of renewed border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia, Bangkok today launched an initiative called the "Global Partnership Against Online Scams."

The announcement came at the end of an international conference held yesterday and today in the Thai capital in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The partnership agreement  signed so far by Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates  seeks to fight criminal organisations based largely in Southeast Asia and estimated to swindle billions of dollars out of victims worldwide each year.

The deal calls for political commitment, law enforcement cooperation, victim protection, public awareness, and cross-border collaboration.

The conference received support from the private sector, including Internet giants Meta and TikTok.

Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, also released a threat report highlighting the growing use of artificial intelligence by scam networks and the protocols the company is adopting in an effort to stop scams on its social media platforms.

According to UNODC estimates, scam victims lost between US$ 18 and US$ 37 billion in 2023.

The importance of private partnerships in anti-fraud initiatives was emphasised during the two-day conference in the Thai capital, attended by more than 300 delegates from nearly 60 countries.

Recent raids on scam centres in Myanmar, issues related to the repatriation of victims to Thailand, and the death of a South Korean student forced to work in a scam centre in Cambodia have fuelled calls for regional action.

Cambodia is known as a hub for scam centres, a fact that Thailand is exploiting in the ongoing conflict.

Even today, the Thai air force bombed the Cambodian city of Poipet, a bustling casino hub popular with Thai gamblers. The attack damaged a warehouse and other property, leaving two civilians wounded.

Fighting between the two Southeast Asian countries, which resumed on 7 December, has already resulted in the deaths of dozens of people on both sides of the border and has displaced more than 800,000.

Meanwhile, China is playing a role in the crisis. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate telephone conversations today with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

According to official Chinese media reports, both the Cambodian and Thai sides briefed Wang on the latest developments in their border war and expressed their willingness to reduce tensions and implement a ceasefire.
Today's headlines: Netanyahu announces agreement on gas supply to Egypt; UN and NGOs in Gaza oppose arbitrary Israeli registration procedure; In South Korea, with mothers giving birth at an increasingly advanced age, multiple pregnancies are on the rise, raising concerns for the health of mothers and newborns; Four Indonesian activists charged for late summer riots. Nepal launches five-year plan against waste in the Himalayas.

TAIWAN - UNITED STATES

The United States has approved the sale of .1 billion worth of arms to Taiwan: the largest arms package ever sold by the United States to the island, which is under increasing military pressure from China. The announcement of the arms sale to Taiwan is the second under the current Trump administration and comes as Beijing intensifies military and diplomatic pressure against Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing's claims of sovereignty.

ISRAEL-EGYPT

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a billion gas deal with Egypt, as the United States pushes for a summit between the leaders of the two countries. In a televised statement, Netanyahu called the deal the largest in Israel's history. He said the agreement is worth 112 billion shekels (about .6 billion). The agreement involves the American energy company Chevron and provides for the supply of gas to Egypt.

GAZA

The UN and NGOs have warned that humanitarian operations in the Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, are in danger of failing if Israel does not remove obstacles that include a vague, arbitrary and highly politicised registration procedure. Dozens of international NGOs risk being removed from the register by 31 December. Meanwhile, the IDF has launched a mortar strike on a Palestinian residential area in the Gaza Strip, causing at least 10 injuries; this is the latest act to shake the fragile ceasefire with Hamas. Palestinian health officials report more than 370 deaths from Israeli fire since the truce began.

SOUTH KOREA

With the increase in the number of twin births and multiple pregnancies in South Korea, a study calls for government measures to protect the health of mothers and newborns. Multifetal pregnancies increase the risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. The report by the South Korean Institute for Health and Social Affairs says that the rate of multiple births in Korea is second only to Greece. The increase is due to delayed childbirth, with the average age of 33.7 in 2024.

INDONESIA

Prosecutors from the Attorney General's Office (AGO) have charged four activists arrested after the August riots, accusing them of spreading content on social media deemed to incite hostility towards the government and encourage students to participate in the riots. The four are Delpedro Marhaen, director of the Lokataru human rights foundation, Muzaffar Salim, a staff member of the same foundation, Syahdan Husein, an online activist with the Gejayan Memanggil student movement, and Khariq Anhar, a student at the University of Riau.

NEPAL

Nepal has launched a five-year plan to tackle the problem of waste in the Himalayas, including the Mount Everest area. The main components of the new plan are stricter waste management, the elimination of the deposit system and the use of new technologies, including drones, to extract waste. Among the measures proposed is a cap on the number of climbers allowed each season, a proposal strongly contested by local tour operators.

GEORGIA

A senior prelate of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Archimandrite Dorofej (Kurasvili), serving at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in the capital Tbilisi, has been suspended a divinis by Patriarch Ilja II for supporting and participating in street protests against the government, repeatedly violating ecclesiastical rules of canonical ethics, despite repeated warnings, based on apostolic rules prohibiting offence to the authorities.

RUSSIA

Following Vladimir Putin's promises to extend human life to 150 years, scholars from three specialised centres in Russia have committed themselves to finding solutions to extend old age by measuring the biological age of people and their internal organs, at the Pirogov Medical Research Institute for brain ageing, at the Petrovsky Surgery Institute for biological growth hours and at the Belozersky Physical-Chemical Institute for autophagy mechanisms.